Amazing speech. Amazing man. The two best lines for me were "Don't boo. Vote" and the phrase "home-grown demagogues." There is o better description of Trump.
5
Even after living as a naturalized citizen in the U.S. for almost 30 years, I don't often refer to myself as an American. Part of me still feels very much like the 12 year old boy who finally got to see what New York looks like outside television and the movies. But during and after President Obama's masterful oration lauding the virtues of the American audacity to hope and extolling the benefits of diversity and inclusion, I did feel that I am an American and that I do belong. Watching the DNC this past week has served to strengthen that feeling and belief and I am thankful. I am thankful for feeling hope and optimism again because I felt beaten and run down after witnessing the xenophobic and hateful horror show in Cleveland that was the RNC. President Barack Obama lifted me up with his words and many of his actions during his presidency, and I hope and expect President Hillary Clinton to do the same.
19
I think many will agree with me- at least I hope so- that tonight Hillary Clinton must be herself. If you have paid close attention to her long career that pre dates Bill Clinton, that will be more than enough. She is way too good to be anything less than who she is.
14
Conventions are stage shows like any other stage show. Endorsements and star power mean little. Ours is a free country and everyone thinks for himself. There is plenty of time before deciding to vote. Right now it is a tie.
8
The thought of Hillary in any position of power is depressing. As Secretary of State she showed she had neither the temperament nor the judgement to lead in times of crisis.
18
Nonsense!
13
Makes for interesting reading:
See: http://www.newsmax.com/Politics/Gallup-Clinton-Unfavorable-All-Time/2016...
Gallup Poll.
Just 38 percent view Clinton favorably, compared to 55 percent in 2014, Gallup reported. Further, Clinton's image took a 3-point dive in just one month, down from 41 percent favorable in June. Clinton's highest favorable rating was at 67 percent in late 1998.
Other results:
Donald Trump's image is at 36 percent favorable, 59 percent unfavorable the past seven days;
71 percent of Democrats and left-leaning independents view Clinton favorably; Trump's favorability among Republicans improved to 72 percent during convention week.
Gallup reported that the only comparable election between two highly unpopular candidates was 1992 (Ross Perot, George H.W. Bush).
See: http://www.newsmax.com/Politics/Gallup-Clinton-Unfavorable-All-Time/2016...
Gallup Poll.
Just 38 percent view Clinton favorably, compared to 55 percent in 2014, Gallup reported. Further, Clinton's image took a 3-point dive in just one month, down from 41 percent favorable in June. Clinton's highest favorable rating was at 67 percent in late 1998.
Other results:
Donald Trump's image is at 36 percent favorable, 59 percent unfavorable the past seven days;
71 percent of Democrats and left-leaning independents view Clinton favorably; Trump's favorability among Republicans improved to 72 percent during convention week.
Gallup reported that the only comparable election between two highly unpopular candidates was 1992 (Ross Perot, George H.W. Bush).
5
Monday night, I was with Bernie
Last night, I was with Barack
They will remain close to my heart, but
Going forward, I'm with Her!
Last night, I was with Barack
They will remain close to my heart, but
Going forward, I'm with Her!
21
Will Clinton rebut "what aides called the caricature of her that came out of the Republican convention" with facts or with general platitudes? Will be interesting to see.
4
Yes, I'm sure she will. Bear in mind the facts that came out of the republican convention are mostly misinformation if not outright lies.
12
Why does Obama live in a make-believe world in which Americans coexist in harmony and with camaraderie? Even within his party, such "kumbhayaness" does not exist. Half the country hates him and will hate whoever gets elected.
There is no use pretending all is fine and hunky-dory. We may not be a divided crime scene but we surely are divided bunch. The comments in this forum will bear testimony to that fact.
There is no use pretending all is fine and hunky-dory. We may not be a divided crime scene but we surely are divided bunch. The comments in this forum will bear testimony to that fact.
7
When Obama visited Flint, Michigan a couple months ago he should have driven the Cadillac Beast. En route he would have seen that *every* town from just outside the Beltway to Michigan has abandoned downtowns, streets are full of potholes, everyone is in credit card debt, half of them are being choked by student loans, large % of folks have given up on finding a job or are severely under-employed, most have little if any equity in their house, and they send their children to mediocre public schools.
This optimistic 'America Is Already Great' narrative is incredibly out of touch and will turn out to be a colossal miscalculation.
This optimistic 'America Is Already Great' narrative is incredibly out of touch and will turn out to be a colossal miscalculation.
15
I'm worried about that too.
2
I'm not a bernie bro or bernbot or any other name the center right to right wings of the democratic party wish to denigrate democratic supporters with. I will not be voting for clinton in this election. Neither will my son and daughters. We supported Sanders, and will probably vote for Stein. Here is the rub. This twisted election process which exposed whom I consider to be a ruthless, conniving political hack in Wasserman Schultz, has exposed the dark underbelly of politics. While I am seriously disappointed that the dnc had to resort to those tactics to insure Clinton's election, I am still a democrat and I will be voting the democratic ticket all the way down to the school board. Because the election process, in both the general and primary is in vast need of reform, I can vote for any candidate other than Clinton with a clear conscience because and only because I live in California The early results from the east, and electoral process dictum makes my family's votes in our state pretty much a moot point. Hillary Clinton, has shown me an awful lot of good stuff at the convention. After seeing Kaine, I am very pleased with her pick. California will go blue for at least the next few decades. Clinton will most assuredly grab this state. In fact, neither Trump nor Clinton bother to advertise in this state much at all, which is a true blessing. So while we live in California, I can vote conscience and not hold my nose. If I lived in a swing state, Clinton gets my vote.
7
Funny, how Democrats blame all the ills on this country on the GOP.. Not the GOP is any bargain, but see this chart.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Presidents_and_control_of_Co...
Democrats blame Reagan for cutting taxes starting income inequity. But, as this chart clearly shows, the Democrats controlled the House, from 1958 to 1998. And the Senate, all of the same time period, except 1985 - 1990.
What have the Democrats done since 1958?
Escalation of the Cold War. The Reagan Tax Cuts passed in 1984. Laws reducing government oversight of S&L's passed during the 1980s. The Social Security payroll tax and raising the retirement age, passed under Democrat control of Congress. Escalation of the Vietnam War. Two Arab Oil embargoes. The Iran Hostage Crisis. Passage of NAFTA in 1993. Obamacare in 2010. Let's not forget so called "welfare reform" and "criminal sentencing reform". baling out "Too big to fail"
They did pass the Civil Rights Act, under pressure.
Since 1958, the GOP controlled Congress for a limited time.
For the GOP, repeal of Glass-Steagall, so called "bankruptcy reform"., shutting down the government, so called "Contract with America", numerous tax cuts. The Iraq and Afghanistan wars, passage of the Patriot Act. A number of these things ether Bill or Hillary Clinton supported.
In simple terms, the Democratic Party has lied to working class Americans fro decades. In their actions. Now, they tossed the working class, because they caught on.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Presidents_and_control_of_Co...
Democrats blame Reagan for cutting taxes starting income inequity. But, as this chart clearly shows, the Democrats controlled the House, from 1958 to 1998. And the Senate, all of the same time period, except 1985 - 1990.
What have the Democrats done since 1958?
Escalation of the Cold War. The Reagan Tax Cuts passed in 1984. Laws reducing government oversight of S&L's passed during the 1980s. The Social Security payroll tax and raising the retirement age, passed under Democrat control of Congress. Escalation of the Vietnam War. Two Arab Oil embargoes. The Iran Hostage Crisis. Passage of NAFTA in 1993. Obamacare in 2010. Let's not forget so called "welfare reform" and "criminal sentencing reform". baling out "Too big to fail"
They did pass the Civil Rights Act, under pressure.
Since 1958, the GOP controlled Congress for a limited time.
For the GOP, repeal of Glass-Steagall, so called "bankruptcy reform"., shutting down the government, so called "Contract with America", numerous tax cuts. The Iraq and Afghanistan wars, passage of the Patriot Act. A number of these things ether Bill or Hillary Clinton supported.
In simple terms, the Democratic Party has lied to working class Americans fro decades. In their actions. Now, they tossed the working class, because they caught on.
11
Fabulous speeches at the DNC last night. As a Canadian, it made me proud of the USA again. THAT's the America I grew up respecting and admiring. Obama nailed it. He's your national treasure, along with Biden, Sanders and Clinton (BOTH of them)! Trump is the aspect of America the rest of the free world could do without. Dump Trump!
29
"Compromise" an agreement or a settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions. When it is used, it works!
The only thing I will be dreading after Hillary becomes the next President Of The United States is the the GOP's obstructism and contention for the next 4 years...
The only thing I will be dreading after Hillary becomes the next President Of The United States is the the GOP's obstructism and contention for the next 4 years...
13
Remarkably, President Obama delivered his truly inspired address to the DNC last night on the same day that Donald took to a podium to call him "the most ignorant President in our history". I hope that Trumpian belch becomes a requisite footnote to a speech that, should we manage to somehow support human life on Earth long enough, will likely still be being read (or streamed) hundreds of years from now.
And that brief historical footnote, the very distillation of the clueless buffoon, should represent the entirety of Donald's historical legacy.
And that brief historical footnote, the very distillation of the clueless buffoon, should represent the entirety of Donald's historical legacy.
21
After a wave of “Putin is a better leader than Obama” and “Bernie or bust” and such, finally a truly eloquent speech is given by President Obama. After recently taking a public speaking course, and even without needing the course, I could see the quality in Obama’s speech. Not only hopefully bringing together the Democratic Party, he showed calm and the quality of his presidency. Obama continued his reputation as a quality speaker, and in the midst of the division in the Democratic Party, and by calling Hillary his heir, helps in bringing voters together against Trump. All in all, a strong and wonderful speech as Obama passes on the baton to Clinton.
20
"Heir"?
More like a field promotion for leadership under fire.
More like a field promotion for leadership under fire.
13
President Obama delivered not simply a home run - but a 430 foot blast that bounced off the top of the stadium plaster and caroomed off at a weird angle, that sends everyone in the stadium into flat shock. The man simply has no equal in terms of public oratory. He could make us all believe in the Best of America, even in this moment of anxiety.
God Bless You, Mr. President...
God Bless You, Mr. President...
30
I have been watching conventions since 1952 (Eisenhower v. Taft, MacArthur; Stevenson v. Kefauver, Harriman, etc.). The president gave one of the best political speeches I have ever heard given at a convention. If Clinton give a decent speech tonight, she will get a big bounce in the polls.
25
I just want to take the opportunity to say how much I love and admire President Obama. If he had done nothing beyond having the courage to run for and win the highest office in the land, that pride for African Americans—boys in particular—in itself would have been one of the highlights of my 70 years. But he has done so much more. Such an elegant, thoughtful, brilliant, charming, fine man! I hope he stays in the public eye, doing more amazing things. In any case I will miss him so! It's good to know Hillary will always have his ear and his support!
31
Our next president will be one of two people. Your vote in this election has one and only one possible concrete effect - it will move the outcome toward one of those two, or it will fail to do either. I cannot imagine why you would choose the latter. Make your personal statements through your speech and activism where they can have a positive effect, but don't misunderstand your options or shirk your duty to move this election toward one of the two possible winners.
10
I am a gay, disabled, triple amputee Vietnam Veteran. In the intervening 47 years I have struggled with any sense of patriotism, questioning whether my sacrifice was worth it under the values that our constitution should be about: equal treatment and justice for all. Only within the last few years has the LGBT community been included in that understanding. For most of those years I felt a 2nd class veteran at best.
The Vietnam War was very controversial and that was reflected in how I was viewed as a victim of that war. At best I was met with indifference. I only rarely, with much discomfort and reluctance, would even tell the barebone facts of how my injury occurred.
I have been a strong supporter and defender of Obama from the beginning of his run for the 2008 presidency. The values that he stood for of justice and equal treatment for all have been my values. With the repeal of the DADT, soon followed by acceptance of Marriage Equality as a Constitutional right, all enacted under Obama’s presidency, only now could I begin to challenge my cynical feelings of what patriotism should mean to me. Unfortunately there is not the space here to go into the details but it was a milestone for me.
I honestly believe that this newly found appreciation of myself would not have been possible without the evolutionary changes that were brought about by the Obama Administration. I believe it would not have happened under a prejudicial, sclerotic Republican Administration.
The Vietnam War was very controversial and that was reflected in how I was viewed as a victim of that war. At best I was met with indifference. I only rarely, with much discomfort and reluctance, would even tell the barebone facts of how my injury occurred.
I have been a strong supporter and defender of Obama from the beginning of his run for the 2008 presidency. The values that he stood for of justice and equal treatment for all have been my values. With the repeal of the DADT, soon followed by acceptance of Marriage Equality as a Constitutional right, all enacted under Obama’s presidency, only now could I begin to challenge my cynical feelings of what patriotism should mean to me. Unfortunately there is not the space here to go into the details but it was a milestone for me.
I honestly believe that this newly found appreciation of myself would not have been possible without the evolutionary changes that were brought about by the Obama Administration. I believe it would not have happened under a prejudicial, sclerotic Republican Administration.
91
God bless you for your service
22
Hillary Clinton is the clear choice for the Democratic Nomination. Not only is she a woman, in an age where demographics are of utmost importance rather than actual policy positions. Hillary showed a compelling vision of America's image abroad in her unwavering support for AIPAC, her Iraq war vote, her support of the Libyan War, pushing for military engagement with the Syrian government, and being a naysayer in initiating the Iranian Nuclear Deal (see connections to AIPAC). Hillary knows when the status quo is right for America, for example her hesitancy to legalize and regulate marijuana and to let the Drug War continue unabashed. Her connections and policy positions can also integrate the financial sector into the broader American economy and she has also made many great contacts at Goldman Sachs with her one hour long speeches and from rich donors to Super Pacs she can use later. Don't worry about Hillary faltering either, she is such a strong candidate against Trump that the news media and DNC supported her way before the primaries even started in secret ways so we didn't have to hear about. Probably the best part about Mrs. Clinton is she knows America is great, so great in fact that we shouldn't adopt the practices of a country that has the highest objective measures of happiness and lowest levels of income inequality in the developed world; Denmark. Gosh, I am sure glad we have best qualified candidate in a country of 320 million in 2016 to fight Mr. Trump.
18
I agree with President Obama that we should not stay at home just because Mrs. Clinton doesn't align with us on all the Issues. I'm certainly disgusted to read about donors lightning up at the Ritz Carlton peddling their influences while Bernie's supporters were still protesting near by. Dark money in politics will not go away overnight. I have no choice but to support Hillary Clinton despite her alliance with the lobbyists. The alternative is far worse.
Maybe we can get Citizen United repealed in the near future. I know Bernie will continue to push this issue and public opinion is on the rise.
Maybe we can get Citizen United repealed in the near future. I know Bernie will continue to push this issue and public opinion is on the rise.
18
The only hope to rid our system of Citizens United is to elect a president who will nominate Supreme Court justices who might overturn it. I believe that though Clinton takes political contributions, she alone of all people on the ballot will be able to win this election AND make that happen.
I feel on that basis alone it is imperative to vote for her.
I feel on that basis alone it is imperative to vote for her.
26
I get tired of reminding people that Citizens United was *about* an *attack movied* about Clinton. How people can think she is complicity in it is baffling.
5
Hello. I hope all you good people realize what is happening with this election. What we, the people really want, peace, security, prosperity, was driven out of the race by the DNC. Oligarchy is rule by wealth, and especially since Citizens United, that's our system in the US. Former President Jimmy Carter has pointed this out repeatedly. The wealthy ruling class still tries to get us to believe we have democracy, but we don't. The conventions look all patriotic and democratic, but look just a bit deeper and you'll see, if we elect either Trump or Clinton, we get continuing war, continuing fossil fuel use, continuing growth in wealth and income inequality, continuing ever less affordable healthcare, less secure retirement and more. Perhaps we can save ourselves from this, but if we do, it will be by refusing to elect Democrats and Republicans any more. We can vote third party now, for Jill Stein of the Green party, and we can donate to and support a BrandNewCongress.org for 2018. Or we can believe the fairy tales they tell us on the news and sink ever deeper into repression and powerlessness.
13
beautifully said, Concerned Citizen. I'll be voting for Jill Stein.
9
"A new low for Jill Stein"
www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/07/27/new-low-for-jill-stein/R2JBeiiBuyrW...
"In their view, Clinton is just as bad as Donald Trump — as bad as a man who daily sinks to levels one would have thought impossible, a narcissistic demagogue who invites an unfriendly nation to spy on a former secretary of state (He can always, always go lower, folks!). Some of them hate Clinton as much as some Republicans do, a few of them even taking up the shameful “lock her up” chant."
"making the Democrat’s shortcomings in those areas equivalent to those of a guy who wants to build a wall, expel millions, intimidate the press, revive torture, and have the military commit war crimes, is so ridiculous I feel stupid just typing it."
"But apparently, that doesn’t matter. Not to Stein, who made a triumphant appearance inside the convention hall Tuesday to stir things up, an appearance encouraged by a Fox Business personality who seemed to be running the disruption."
"The rise of right-wing extremism in this country, Stein said, is being driven by NAFTA, globalization, and the big banks, all promoted by “the Clintons,” she said.
"“Putting another Clinton in the White House will fan the flames of this right-wing extremism,” she said. “We have known that for a long time, ever since Nazi Germany.”
"Hey, you’re off the hook, Adolf. Neoliberalism, not your unhinged demagoguery, brought us the Third Reich."
www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/07/27/new-low-for-jill-stein/R2JBeiiBuyrW...
"In their view, Clinton is just as bad as Donald Trump — as bad as a man who daily sinks to levels one would have thought impossible, a narcissistic demagogue who invites an unfriendly nation to spy on a former secretary of state (He can always, always go lower, folks!). Some of them hate Clinton as much as some Republicans do, a few of them even taking up the shameful “lock her up” chant."
"making the Democrat’s shortcomings in those areas equivalent to those of a guy who wants to build a wall, expel millions, intimidate the press, revive torture, and have the military commit war crimes, is so ridiculous I feel stupid just typing it."
"But apparently, that doesn’t matter. Not to Stein, who made a triumphant appearance inside the convention hall Tuesday to stir things up, an appearance encouraged by a Fox Business personality who seemed to be running the disruption."
"The rise of right-wing extremism in this country, Stein said, is being driven by NAFTA, globalization, and the big banks, all promoted by “the Clintons,” she said.
"“Putting another Clinton in the White House will fan the flames of this right-wing extremism,” she said. “We have known that for a long time, ever since Nazi Germany.”
"Hey, you’re off the hook, Adolf. Neoliberalism, not your unhinged demagoguery, brought us the Third Reich."
5
The people who've spoken at the Democratic Convention? We need to start cloning them, pronto.
18
We need to put them on reality TV and watch them act. (aka lie)
8
I'm dubious about cloning. Independent thought is better.
But this is indeed what real Democrats look like.
But this is indeed what real Democrats look like.
4
I see that Republicans are claiming exclusive ownership of optimism. "We were the ones who were optimist, so you can't be one". Republicans are in profound denial about the mess in which hey left the country, so they don't understand why Obama is optimistic over the great progress that the country has made during his tenure. They diminish the importance of getting unemployment to less than half than when he took over, by saying, yes, but wages are stagnant. They will not accept the optimism of 20 million more people with health insurance, the tripling of the Dow by share holders, the reduction in crime, the steady increase in GDP, the stabilizing of the house market, So, they point out that there are poor people. Indeed, there are, but name one thing that they have done to help them, other than projecting tax cuts for the wealthy in the hope that some of that money will trickle down. Meanwhile, they plan to pay for the cuts by reducing SS and Medicare payments and take away their medical insurance. Optimism means that you look toward the future expecting better days. It does not mean that you think you have arrived. Obama is more than right in thinking that conditions will continue to improve.
25
Denigrating Trump on national security would have been more effective if the Obama/Clinton foreign policy were not considered such an object failure by so many people - including the many State Department employees who recently rebelled against Obama's failed policy in Syria. Criticizing Trump for approving torture is particularly rich from a President who has killed so m any civilians waging war by drones and has executed American citizens without due process. And when it comes to Russia, Obama's pivot on Russia has become a dangerous proxy war in Syria. Trump could hardly do worse than Obama/Clinton
18
Collateral damage in war is very unfortunate, but it is a far cry from condoning torture, which is a war crime under the Geneva convention.
17
The Fourth Geneva Convention, requires that civilians be protected during wartime. Ooops I just wrongly killed a wedding party by remote control doesn't work if you do it enough times.
I'd be obliged if any one of her supporters could point out where in the US constitution it says that progressives should sacrifice their values and ideals and sell out by voting for someone that does not represent them or their worldview.
16
Of course it doesn't say that in the Constitution. I was an ardent Bernie supporter, and I lean towards the Green party; but I will vote for Hillary Clinton and I do not consider it a sacrifice or a sell-out.
I think people need to look long-term here: we need to vote in a Democratic president and Congress, help overturn Citizens United, work to create publicly funded elections. Then third parties will be much more feasible and have much more visibility and press coverage, as well as being on equal footing financially while campaigning.
It's a process. To me, it's a sell-out to refuse to vote or to vote Trump just because you're disappointed Bernie isn't the candidate. Bernie himself urges people to support her, and to continue working to make elections more truly democratic.
I think people need to look long-term here: we need to vote in a Democratic president and Congress, help overturn Citizens United, work to create publicly funded elections. Then third parties will be much more feasible and have much more visibility and press coverage, as well as being on equal footing financially while campaigning.
It's a process. To me, it's a sell-out to refuse to vote or to vote Trump just because you're disappointed Bernie isn't the candidate. Bernie himself urges people to support her, and to continue working to make elections more truly democratic.
10
Our next president will be one of two people. Your vote in this election has one and only one concrete effect - it will move the outcome toward one of those two, or it will fail to do either. I cannot imagine why you would choose the latter. Make your personal statements through your speech and activism where they can have a positive effect, but don't misunderstand or shirk your duty to move this election toward one of the two possible winners.
16
Oh my the drama of it. The constitution only says that you have to accept that your party loses when it does. That's it.
10
Obama said that his Administration rebuilt world confidence in America and its government. I'd urge Americans to go check the Pew and Gallup worldwide polls on this. Obama is too modest, he understates the massive gains in pro-Americanism under his leadership, France's confidence in the US president, for example, went from 23% under Bush to 83% when last polled in 2015.
Barack Obama could run my country Britain tomorrow. We would jump at the chance. He towers above our politicians. Biden, Kerry too, men of vast integrity.
The Nobel Committee knew exactly what they were doing. When Obama breezed in the whole world relaxed, and felt better. He has been a fixed point of calm, and the entire world subconsciously draws reassurance every day from his mature, responsible and thoughtful presence. It will feel, for all of us, a little wilder, a little less wise, on the day he leaves. Or a lot, if Trump wins.
Obama has to tell Americans that certain things unique to Americans bind them together, make them who they are. But we foreigners know better. We know he's really talking about humanity. Whatever the birth certificate may say, however patriotic he may be, Obama is a child of the world. He can't kid us, we know he counts us in his vision. We can tell that he is our true friend.
Barack Obama could run my country Britain tomorrow. We would jump at the chance. He towers above our politicians. Biden, Kerry too, men of vast integrity.
The Nobel Committee knew exactly what they were doing. When Obama breezed in the whole world relaxed, and felt better. He has been a fixed point of calm, and the entire world subconsciously draws reassurance every day from his mature, responsible and thoughtful presence. It will feel, for all of us, a little wilder, a little less wise, on the day he leaves. Or a lot, if Trump wins.
Obama has to tell Americans that certain things unique to Americans bind them together, make them who they are. But we foreigners know better. We know he's really talking about humanity. Whatever the birth certificate may say, however patriotic he may be, Obama is a child of the world. He can't kid us, we know he counts us in his vision. We can tell that he is our true friend.
25
Please tell this nonsense to the millions flooding Europe from the Middle East.
The largest humanitarian crisis this planet has seen since WW2 has occurred on president Obama's watch, thanks to his, and sec Clinton's, feckless geo policies.
The largest humanitarian crisis this planet has seen since WW2 has occurred on president Obama's watch, thanks to his, and sec Clinton's, feckless geo policies.
9
Pretty much every political historian agrees that the crisis began during Bush's tenure, with the invasion of Iraq and the consequent domino-effect destabilization and refugee flood.
13
SURFCITY64, the humanitarian crisis you refer to was initiated by the Bush/Cheney invasion of Iraq, and the entire mess was inherited by Obama. It did not start with Obama.
17
Deep-Pocketed Clinton Donors Return to the Fore- Clinton brought and owned by the rich...
Trump owned by Putin.
What bad choices does regular Americans has?
Trump owned by Putin.
What bad choices does regular Americans has?
11
There is simply no comparison, Will. BIG money runs America -and the world - right now. Our best chance of reining the democracy-destroying money masters in is through Rodham-Clinton/Kaine 2016. They have my vote.
20
When President Obama quoted, and cited, Ronald Reagan's "shining city on the hill" he pretty much picked the pockets of the GOP, stole their girl, and let the air out their tires. How on earth can they reclaim the optimism? Hah, they can't.
11
Do you even know what your talking about?
10
It's the story that follows this one on the website that should be commented on. It shows clearly exactly what Bernie Sanders was talking about and how nothing will change. There no longer is a political party that represents the everyday interests of 99 percent of the American people.
20
I chose this article "Championing Optimism, Obama Hails Clinton as his Political Heir" because it caught my attention. People are focusing on Clinton mistakes but in reality everyone makes mistakes , were not perfect. I am pretty sure Trump made a couple of mistakes . They are running for president and i am pretty sure their intentions aren't to put us in our misery and make this world a bad place. For Clinton to stay calm, staying strong and kind and how to react in front of audience shows good leadership that we all want in a president. People may hold a grudge against her but they don't know why they dont want her to become president. Well its most likely they say " Shes a woman , she cant take this role" "Shes going to be a weak leader" but all that is false,they are just stereotypes that keeps going and going about woman not being able to do something that are meant for mens.Everyone is equal and has the capability to do what they want to achieve if they set their mind to it, and that is what Hilary is doing.Working so hard and she has my respect.For Obama to say positive things about Clinton shows that she has what it takes to become president. Like what was mention is the article of Obama saying "If you're serious about our democracy, you cant afford to stay home just because she might not align with you on every issue."Thats true maybe she has some ideas that you don't agree on but you have to be serious about our democracy.Choose who you think is right for president.
9
I expect many people in our country and across the world will miss Obama no matter who is elected president this November. Mr. Obama has been a center of calm, intelligence and decency within the political whirlwind of near madness swirling around him. I shudder to think though in contrast how insecure and confused the mood will suddenly become in the improbable event of a Trump presidency.
18
Republicans try to sell themselves as the "family values party" but have you ever seen more unity by highly accomplished political couples on one stage? Have you ever seen so many accomplished women on one stage? Have you, in recent years, seen such harmony and mutual respect as we have seen during the democratic convention? Have you ever seen so many politicians come together in unity to fight to improve democracy in America? I have not.
Many readers and people I communicate with say they were moved to tears watching events during the Democratic convention. I was, too, because it's so gratifying to see and hear that hope is alive and well in America.
President Obama's message of hope and change was ridiculed by many when he ran for President. BIG democracy-destroying money masters do not want us to be hopeful and fight for change. They've got it too good.
Well that's tough. As Senator Elizabeth Warren said, "Watch out. America is coming for you!" Yes, WE can!
Many readers and people I communicate with say they were moved to tears watching events during the Democratic convention. I was, too, because it's so gratifying to see and hear that hope is alive and well in America.
President Obama's message of hope and change was ridiculed by many when he ran for President. BIG democracy-destroying money masters do not want us to be hopeful and fight for change. They've got it too good.
Well that's tough. As Senator Elizabeth Warren said, "Watch out. America is coming for you!" Yes, WE can!
25
I was moved to near tears thinking about the sad state our country has suffered under the Obama administration. The thought about it even getting worse did move me to tears until I realized I would never be voting for her. We need a positive change and not four more years of lies and half truths. She would be a diaster for our country and world. Hopefully she will not be elected.
2
Hillary and Bill are modern day Bonnie and Clyde. It is all about the cash. Trump already has the cash so there goes that theory where he is concerned. This election cycle more than any other in my forty plus years of voting in national elections is about who do you fear less or who do you dislike least. What a choice.
35
Oh for heaven's sake, Mark. Life is all about the cash. Get real.
5
In the first place, I'd like to know how you know that Trump has the cash. What with his record on telling the truth being, shall we say, simewhat less good than truly awful.
16
I think there were younger candidates that were interested in running but were intimidated by a Clinton machine that has been successful for so long. Booker, Castro, Warren, Perez are all next in line. I am excited for the next Gen.
2
Perhaps our smartest, polished and most articulate leader since JFK. Why, then, does he indulge in two crass exercises of willful ignorance? The first, Islamic terrorism, surely is a remnant of the muslim experience he lived during his formative years in Indonesia, nurtured by many fellow travelers he brought into the Whitehouse and government, broadly.
The second is the 2 billion dollat private slushfund blatantly masquerading as the Clinton " foundation".
He can't possibly go onto their payroll, but is this his stalking horse for a similar retirement syrategy
Unfortunately he had too much to learn in his first job!
The second is the 2 billion dollat private slushfund blatantly masquerading as the Clinton " foundation".
He can't possibly go onto their payroll, but is this his stalking horse for a similar retirement syrategy
Unfortunately he had too much to learn in his first job!
13
President Obama did give an inspiring speech, but, as reported in another NY Times article, the big money donors are out in force, hoping for special favors from a President Clinton. Hardly the "change" the convention speakers promise.
22
There is, I think, a fundamental disconnect between the way her supporters and those who view her as a flawed candidate. Yes, you can hold your nose, vote for the lesser evil and hope we will eventually get better. Or, you can push back against the rigging of the DNC and the corruption of the democratic elite, and let the chips falls where they may. Short term pain, no doubt, but this will help pave the way for a better more progressive long term path in four years.
Moreover, it is not like things will be rosy under her as her endorsers would have you believe. After she gets elected, you the voter have no control over how she leads and where she takes the country: just look at W's history. She can do a lot of damage in eight years. Even a cursory look at her past history reveals that she will yield more power to the 1%, roll back more regulations, give more free rein to Wall Street and major corporations, most of whom are her donors. Her reelection plans will begin November 9th. She will need even more donors for that. They don't come free or cheap. More wars, more body bags and more exporting of jobs are inevitable. She is more concerned about being elected than about doing anything for the people except in the words of her many speechwriters. There is nothing heartfelt or real about her claim to stand for the people. The TPP back and forth is just an example of the coming reversals. She will be our Marie Antoinette, telling us sans culottes to take a hike.
Moreover, it is not like things will be rosy under her as her endorsers would have you believe. After she gets elected, you the voter have no control over how she leads and where she takes the country: just look at W's history. She can do a lot of damage in eight years. Even a cursory look at her past history reveals that she will yield more power to the 1%, roll back more regulations, give more free rein to Wall Street and major corporations, most of whom are her donors. Her reelection plans will begin November 9th. She will need even more donors for that. They don't come free or cheap. More wars, more body bags and more exporting of jobs are inevitable. She is more concerned about being elected than about doing anything for the people except in the words of her many speechwriters. There is nothing heartfelt or real about her claim to stand for the people. The TPP back and forth is just an example of the coming reversals. She will be our Marie Antoinette, telling us sans culottes to take a hike.
14
"Short-term pain"? We're talking about an ultra-Conservative Supreme Court -- possibly three places to be filled over the next several years -- with consequences lasting for decades. We're talking about the horrifying possibility of nuclear war; the ghost writer behind "The Art of the Deal" says that after following Trump for 18 months working on the book, he is terrified that Trump could make this happen due to his impetuosity, lack of focus, and lack of thinking through consequences. We're talking about millions of people losing health insurance and many actually DYING as a result. Lack of action on global climate change at a critical moment. An increased poverty rate. Lack of action on gun violence. Stirring up ethnic violence. "Short-term pain" disguises the fact that many of these aspects of a Trump presidency would cause people to DIE.
15
The undoing of the peace in Europe and an expansionist Russia is not "short term pain". The registry of Muslims is not "short term pain". The complete incompetence and ignorance of Trump upon the world stage is not short term pain. Anyone who could classify the damage he could do, has already suggested doing as short term pain can not be trusted to analyse let alone solve any problem facing us.
11
@Annie P
re "You cannot argue with dignity, intelligence, vision and strong leadership"
You also cannot argue with gerrymandered voting districts, voting restriction laws (ie voting ID laws), and a fickle low information electorate that incredibly put a bunch of gleeful stalwart GOP obstructionists in power not once but twice since 2010,
re "You cannot argue with dignity, intelligence, vision and strong leadership"
You also cannot argue with gerrymandered voting districts, voting restriction laws (ie voting ID laws), and a fickle low information electorate that incredibly put a bunch of gleeful stalwart GOP obstructionists in power not once but twice since 2010,
15
Thrilling, brilliant and spot on, Mr. President. As usual I got a little emotional towards the end. I can't tell you how much I will miss your presence, compassion, steadiness and loving personality. I will miss your wonderfully gifted Michelle too.
I hope the Bernie supporters get over it. This is politics and there are winners and losers. Hillary made a lot of allowances she didn't need to and as usual she has been diss'd for doing what others always get away with and aren't slammed about. She did not cheat. She respected Sanders, his movement and his supporters. She acknowledged your cause and your pain.
Obama has more class in his little finger than most of the total of the GOP right now. If he can give a speech like last night in support of Hillary then we should vote for our country's future and not our disappointment.
Trump is this country's worst nightmare. He does not have the 'stuff' to be President. His business acumen is severely overblown. Stein is not the answer, our issues for the middle class are too great. We need someone who can govern and work across the aisle.
If Obama could run a third term I'd vote for him. Instead I'm happy to vote for Hillary. She is not the wicked witch as portrayed. She is not a 'character'. She's added value to this country, mostly quietly, for decades.
So, if Obama can stand up for her, stand up for him and vote.
I hope the Bernie supporters get over it. This is politics and there are winners and losers. Hillary made a lot of allowances she didn't need to and as usual she has been diss'd for doing what others always get away with and aren't slammed about. She did not cheat. She respected Sanders, his movement and his supporters. She acknowledged your cause and your pain.
Obama has more class in his little finger than most of the total of the GOP right now. If he can give a speech like last night in support of Hillary then we should vote for our country's future and not our disappointment.
Trump is this country's worst nightmare. He does not have the 'stuff' to be President. His business acumen is severely overblown. Stein is not the answer, our issues for the middle class are too great. We need someone who can govern and work across the aisle.
If Obama could run a third term I'd vote for him. Instead I'm happy to vote for Hillary. She is not the wicked witch as portrayed. She is not a 'character'. She's added value to this country, mostly quietly, for decades.
So, if Obama can stand up for her, stand up for him and vote.
23
AND NW Gal's grandchildren will get all misty-eyed when they realize how much her voting habit cost them in interest payments on the national debt. They'll be denied the life they were promised.
7
Well, perhaps by the time we're all in the Siberian salt mines, you'll have looked up all the estimates of just how much Trumpy plans to balloon the debt on behalf of the wealthy.
9
Trump plans on adding billions to the national debt, mostly on behalf of the very wealthy.
8
I really don't get this ... first we have the GOP blasting away at Clinton for Benghazi even after nine investigations going nowhere shamefully using the anguish of a mother who had lost her son to further Trump's ravenous political ambitions. When do we hear from the families whose kids in military service were killed in Bush/Cheney misadventures in the ME? There are thousands to choose from.
Then we have Clinton's emails undergoing an FBI administrative investigation of the State Department's email systems, prompted by a GOP request that appears to have been a deliberate effort to perpetuate the email issue that emerged from the Benghazi investigation. But this investigation did not cover the emails of previous GOP secretaries (Powel, Rice) did they?
Then we have DNC emails exposed through Russian hackers and released just as the Democratic convention is starting to deliberately stoke the fires of internal Democratic party squabbles while undoubtedly there is an evidentiary treasure trove of intrigue and corruption galore to be found in RNC emails which remain under wraps.
There's something terribly one sided about all this stuff.
Then we have Clinton's emails undergoing an FBI administrative investigation of the State Department's email systems, prompted by a GOP request that appears to have been a deliberate effort to perpetuate the email issue that emerged from the Benghazi investigation. But this investigation did not cover the emails of previous GOP secretaries (Powel, Rice) did they?
Then we have DNC emails exposed through Russian hackers and released just as the Democratic convention is starting to deliberately stoke the fires of internal Democratic party squabbles while undoubtedly there is an evidentiary treasure trove of intrigue and corruption galore to be found in RNC emails which remain under wraps.
There's something terribly one sided about all this stuff.
17
Hillary has been a first lady, a Senator, and twice a presidential candidate. But the most important office she has ever held was Secretary of State. It was striking that Obama failed to speak much of her accomplishments in that capacity. He talked about what she believes and what she will do, but very little about what she has done. And that's Hillary's Achilles heel. Her record is unimpressive. Women looking at her as the first female President seldom talk about her accomplishments. Instead, they talk about what she will accomplish. In my opinion, there are countless women out there who are better qualified.
Obama's speech pretty much ignored Hillary's public service presumably because she was something of a disappointment as Secretary of State (compare Kerry). She did little as Senator. And, after the failure of her health care plan, she was a lame duck first lady. Those who are sure that Hillary can beat Trump need to focus on the debates where Trump will claim to be a successful businessman and Hillary will claim to have great ideas. A signal accomplishment in all of Hillary's years would make a huge difference. But there are none. Being a woman, a liberal, and having held high offices without distinction is not enough. So Hillary's route to the Presidency is promises and personal attacks on Trump. I hope she succeeds. I am far from certain.
Obama's speech pretty much ignored Hillary's public service presumably because she was something of a disappointment as Secretary of State (compare Kerry). She did little as Senator. And, after the failure of her health care plan, she was a lame duck first lady. Those who are sure that Hillary can beat Trump need to focus on the debates where Trump will claim to be a successful businessman and Hillary will claim to have great ideas. A signal accomplishment in all of Hillary's years would make a huge difference. But there are none. Being a woman, a liberal, and having held high offices without distinction is not enough. So Hillary's route to the Presidency is promises and personal attacks on Trump. I hope she succeeds. I am far from certain.
21
Very well said.
Wouldn't it be nice if Nancy Pelosi - a woman with a real history of real accomplishment - were the candidate?
Wouldn't it be nice if Nancy Pelosi - a woman with a real history of real accomplishment - were the candidate?
2
Do traditional Democratic voters really have grounds for optimism?
Not that leap out at one. Take the TPP, for example. Clinton's and Kaine's current position is that they're against it unless certain changes are made. Yet -- setting aside Hillary's 180-degree flip-flop on the TPP – Kaine was strongly in favor of "fast-tracking" the TPP. Fast-tracking means an up-or-down vote on the TPP as tentatively approved by the negotiators from many nations. No amendments.
So if Kaine favored "fast-tracking," it follows that Kaine does NOT favor amending the TPP (or at least that's how he felt when he championed "fast-tracking").
I'm not seeing consistency on this issue, and when I don't see consistency I don't see grounds for optimism. Personally, I think the TPP is just fine, because I'm a consumer but not a worker whose job might get replaced. But if I were one of those workers, I'd wonder exactly what the Clinton/Kaine position on the TPP really is.
Not that leap out at one. Take the TPP, for example. Clinton's and Kaine's current position is that they're against it unless certain changes are made. Yet -- setting aside Hillary's 180-degree flip-flop on the TPP – Kaine was strongly in favor of "fast-tracking" the TPP. Fast-tracking means an up-or-down vote on the TPP as tentatively approved by the negotiators from many nations. No amendments.
So if Kaine favored "fast-tracking," it follows that Kaine does NOT favor amending the TPP (or at least that's how he felt when he championed "fast-tracking").
I'm not seeing consistency on this issue, and when I don't see consistency I don't see grounds for optimism. Personally, I think the TPP is just fine, because I'm a consumer but not a worker whose job might get replaced. But if I were one of those workers, I'd wonder exactly what the Clinton/Kaine position on the TPP really is.
8
You should be happy if you are a minimum wage hamburger flipper at a fast food restaurant. Your minimum wage may go up, and you will be able to continue to buy foreign junk at Walmart.
However, if you aspire to much more, you will be disappointed.
However, if you aspire to much more, you will be disappointed.
9
The US will implement TPP. I do not believe that you know much about TPP. We should not be fighting the old wars that scapegoated NAFTA for the lost jobs here.
We lost jobs because our political leaders did nothing to transfer the true costs of the lost jobs to the corporations that stripped them from our communities. Our political leaders let the corporations walk away from their responsibilities to make right the workers they abandoned.
There was nothing in NAFTA to prevent laws to be passed that would have not put the entire cost of that lost job on the worker, as was the case.
Scapegoating NAFTA, or anything for that matter, is a lazy man's way to deflect and stop real analysis of what really happened.
It wasn't NAFTA, and it won't be TPP that strips meaningful jobs in America. Leave that up to our political leaders, especially the GOP.
We lost jobs because our political leaders did nothing to transfer the true costs of the lost jobs to the corporations that stripped them from our communities. Our political leaders let the corporations walk away from their responsibilities to make right the workers they abandoned.
There was nothing in NAFTA to prevent laws to be passed that would have not put the entire cost of that lost job on the worker, as was the case.
Scapegoating NAFTA, or anything for that matter, is a lazy man's way to deflect and stop real analysis of what really happened.
It wasn't NAFTA, and it won't be TPP that strips meaningful jobs in America. Leave that up to our political leaders, especially the GOP.
7
I think its great that Barack Obama is protecting and hailing for Hillary Clinton because Clinton will be a good president as Obama. Clinton will be an intelligent, strong and a powerful president. Clinton has served as an elected official for about what 8 years and now she's running for president and i think its brave of her. I think its about time we had a women as a president. She would gain experience as a president because of Bill Clinton and she's the first women to run as president. I think Hillary clinton will make a difference in this world.
17
Peruz is right. Ms. Clinton's achievements as president will perfectly match Obama's.
6
The snake oil salesman worked the fawning crowd with self-aggrandizing claims, while torturing and twisting the truth about his record and Hillary's record. But the eyes of the faithful were glazed-over, intoxicated with the grand platitudes, flattery and smooth talk.
19
Yep, you're right, that describes Trump perfectly!
23
To all those that have been paying attention and whose brain was not made numb by the inane DNC propaganda. We have just had a DNC party that has suppressed our right to vote, and given the speeches of their leaders are turning this country into a corporate Monarchy. Delegates for Sanders are not immature or crybabies for not wanting to unify. You can not unify with a syndicate that doesn't ascribe to democratic principles and committs massive fraud. To be able to unify and respect the democracy our forefathers died for you would need to redo the primary election. Americans need to wake up and see where the real danger to our democracy lies, It is not with the outsider that has won the RNC primary and is demonized by DNC propaganda. The danger to our democracy lies with the Clintons and their DNC syndicate (which includes our president). The Clintons and thier syndicate have shown that they are willing to destroy our beloved America and the greatest freedom it endows us with, self-determination
21
"We have just had a DNC party that has suppressed our right to vote" is a clear challenge to provide evidence. Of course you CAN'T, but at least you should try to back up your rant.
"you can not unify with a syndicate that doesn't ascribe to democratic principles and committs massive fraud." is again a clear challenge to provide evidence. Of course you CAN'T, but at least you should try to back up your rant.
"they are willing to destroy our beloved America and the greatest freedom it endows us with, self-determination" is yet again a clear challenge to provide evidence. Of course you CAN'T, but at least you should try to back up your rant.
"you can not unify with a syndicate that doesn't ascribe to democratic principles and committs massive fraud." is again a clear challenge to provide evidence. Of course you CAN'T, but at least you should try to back up your rant.
"they are willing to destroy our beloved America and the greatest freedom it endows us with, self-determination" is yet again a clear challenge to provide evidence. Of course you CAN'T, but at least you should try to back up your rant.
4
Every closed primary is voter suppression. You cannot win a general election without independent voters. So they should have some say on who is nominated.
This year, the Sanders campaign attracted many younger people early in their voting careers. Thus, they were unlikely registered with a party affiliation. They were effectively told to stay away, their votes were not wanted and did not count.
Have a small tent, you will get a small vote. Which favors the entrenched.
This year, the Sanders campaign attracted many younger people early in their voting careers. Thus, they were unlikely registered with a party affiliation. They were effectively told to stay away, their votes were not wanted and did not count.
Have a small tent, you will get a small vote. Which favors the entrenched.
9
RM: they CAN have a say: they can join a political party with candidates on the ballot. To that point, Sanders COULD have run as an Independent. People seem to have a very difficult problem with understanding the political parties are private organizations that have an interest in their perpetuation and also have an interest in some mechanism to prevent opposing parties from trying to sabotage their chances.
In terms of registering to vote, students should educate themselves on how to get registered, No one at the DNC told them to stay away, but it is true that republican state governments HAVE attempted to make it more onerous on students to register and vote. No democratic state governments have done ANYTHING along these lines. I think you are conflating the issues here and assigning blame to the DNC inappropriately as they have NO policies in place targeting students and are clearly ALWAYS attempting to get ALL folks registered to vote. In the face of this blatant, appalling republican voter suppression, ALL students should be as proactive as possible to see that they DO successfully make it to the polls. And that goes for everyone else too.
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/03/15/3760266/north-carolina-vote...
In terms of registering to vote, students should educate themselves on how to get registered, No one at the DNC told them to stay away, but it is true that republican state governments HAVE attempted to make it more onerous on students to register and vote. No democratic state governments have done ANYTHING along these lines. I think you are conflating the issues here and assigning blame to the DNC inappropriately as they have NO policies in place targeting students and are clearly ALWAYS attempting to get ALL folks registered to vote. In the face of this blatant, appalling republican voter suppression, ALL students should be as proactive as possible to see that they DO successfully make it to the polls. And that goes for everyone else too.
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/03/15/3760266/north-carolina-vote...
5
Many commenters have noted with dismay the content of the article "Deep-Pocketed Clinton Donors Return to the Fore." (I held off for several hours on reading it myself, because I knew I'd be disgusted after finally reading it, and I was right.) Since that article doesn't allow comments, I'll put my thoughts on it here.
It is possible that Clinton will suffer a 2000-style loss this November, with Sanders supporters staying home, voting for Trump or voting third-party in sufficient numbers to cost her key battleground states because they feel like the two main parties both favor the wealthy over the less fortunate and are thus indistinguishable. The article about Clinton's deep-pocketed donors is a prime example of why this sentiment persists. What the Democratic Party establishment doesn't seem to understand is that by chasing big-money donors and in effect selling influence to them the same way that Republicans do, they alienate a big part of their base and leave themselves vulnerable to a 2000-style loss.
It is possible that Clinton will suffer a 2000-style loss this November, with Sanders supporters staying home, voting for Trump or voting third-party in sufficient numbers to cost her key battleground states because they feel like the two main parties both favor the wealthy over the less fortunate and are thus indistinguishable. The article about Clinton's deep-pocketed donors is a prime example of why this sentiment persists. What the Democratic Party establishment doesn't seem to understand is that by chasing big-money donors and in effect selling influence to them the same way that Republicans do, they alienate a big part of their base and leave themselves vulnerable to a 2000-style loss.
23
Rick, prepare to be attacked. I submitted a similar comment and, boy, did the Hillary supporters let me have it.
11
They should have.
Ever occur to you guys that when a candidate brags about how much he's got from small donors, he's also indebting hisself to those small donors?
Ever occur to you guys that when a candidate brags about how much he's got from small donors, he's also indebting hisself to those small donors?
OK Robert, I'll bite. Being "indebted," as you put it, to a multitude of small donors, who generally have lower incomes and in many cases are simply trying to stay afloat, is much more conducive to policymaking for the benefit of the many than is being indebted to a few large donors who, on account of their wealth and corresponding political power, are thus well-positioned to push for policies which benefit only them while harming the less fortunate.
If you're going to seriously dispute this, then I don't know what to say to you.
If you're going to seriously dispute this, then I don't know what to say to you.
4
They rigged the primary! I will NOT reward that corrupt crook by putting her in the White House. 4 years of Trump will send a message to the two major parties.
28
Might be the end of the US, too, as a functioning country. That would surely send an important message to the two parties, eh?
11
@Ann-I do not understand those who think voting for Trump the will teach the parties a lesson. You are cutting off your nose to spite your face.
11
How did they "rig" the primary? Do you fave facts and evidence that no one else does? Would you care to share that? Or are you just having fun shouting "rigged!!"?
4 years of Trump will result in the Supreme Court becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of the extreme conservative wing of the republican party for a(nother) generation. That will truly send a message, alright, it's likely after that we will be a autocratically-ruled theocracy.
4 years of Trump will result in the Supreme Court becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of the extreme conservative wing of the republican party for a(nother) generation. That will truly send a message, alright, it's likely after that we will be a autocratically-ruled theocracy.
7
My take away was the speech primarily as a strong get out the vote effort and to stay engaged, because every Democratic politician must from now on be held accountable to do right by the people, not just the 1% and the military/industrial/national security complex. Legal political corruption must finally end.
6
The testimony that is conspicuous by its 'missingness' is that of Al Gore who served as Veep under Bill Clinton. He stayed far away from Clintons when he ran for president and narrowly won the popular vote and the presidency, and he is staying away now.
Politics make strange bedfellows, and this new hugathon between Clintons and Obamas is nothing more than or short of political expediency.
If Climate change is a serious matter and an issue on your platform, what are you doing by not having climate change guru - Albert Gore?
Politics make strange bedfellows, and this new hugathon between Clintons and Obamas is nothing more than or short of political expediency.
If Climate change is a serious matter and an issue on your platform, what are you doing by not having climate change guru - Albert Gore?
12
It was a terrific speech by Obama. Not only is he a great orator but he has this ability to touch on deeply relevant and salient points without being petulant as his opponents often are. He made a great case for Hillary and against Trump.
I especially liked his sentence linking "fascists or communists or jihadists or homegrown demagogues" as groups that are anti-American and will ultimately fail.
On the flip side, although Obama is popular especially among Democrats, 70% of the country feels that we are not headed in the right direction. I have not seen much at the Democratic convention that explicitly reaches out to many of those disaffected, who WILL vote R in November. Trump could win, and there aren't enough college educated men/women, latinos, blacks and LGBTs to ensure a win for Hillary.
Is the Democratic party really inclusive enough to bring many of those souls back into the party? There are many, many open-minded white working class men who want a job and a chance at a better, more secure life. Much of the country has fallen behind economically in a long 40-year trend. I think this huge block of voters will make the difference between a Trump or a Clinton Presidency. Not the small fraction of die-hard Bernie supporters, most of whom who will come around soon enough anyway.
Anybody listening?
I especially liked his sentence linking "fascists or communists or jihadists or homegrown demagogues" as groups that are anti-American and will ultimately fail.
On the flip side, although Obama is popular especially among Democrats, 70% of the country feels that we are not headed in the right direction. I have not seen much at the Democratic convention that explicitly reaches out to many of those disaffected, who WILL vote R in November. Trump could win, and there aren't enough college educated men/women, latinos, blacks and LGBTs to ensure a win for Hillary.
Is the Democratic party really inclusive enough to bring many of those souls back into the party? There are many, many open-minded white working class men who want a job and a chance at a better, more secure life. Much of the country has fallen behind economically in a long 40-year trend. I think this huge block of voters will make the difference between a Trump or a Clinton Presidency. Not the small fraction of die-hard Bernie supporters, most of whom who will come around soon enough anyway.
Anybody listening?
2
He speaks perfectly well! And never had the first clue about leadership.
7
Reagan rolling over in grave. Trump and Putin want the wall back. Ukraine will be asking for return of Crimea.
There are other Times articles today that have no provision for comments. One involves the business as usual orgy of big donors and moneyed interests partying in the Sky Boxes and the Ritz Carlton Hotel. And the other is about how Chelsea will continue the Clinton family business as a part time White House hostess. I assume her husband's hedge fund friends will be welcome.
Excuse me, folks, while I upchuck my lunch.
How anyone can twist Mrs. Clinton's image into that of an agent of change, and have anyone believe it, is beyond me.
But the Clintonistas out there says you have to vote for her to avoid the horrors of a Trump Administration. It reminds me of the Japanese civilians in Saipan in 1944, who, by the thousands, jumped off of cliffs to avoid the horrors of being captured by the American armed forces.
This is no longer my Democratic party, which I have supported for almost 50 years. This will be my year of Demexit.
Excuse me, folks, while I upchuck my lunch.
How anyone can twist Mrs. Clinton's image into that of an agent of change, and have anyone believe it, is beyond me.
But the Clintonistas out there says you have to vote for her to avoid the horrors of a Trump Administration. It reminds me of the Japanese civilians in Saipan in 1944, who, by the thousands, jumped off of cliffs to avoid the horrors of being captured by the American armed forces.
This is no longer my Democratic party, which I have supported for almost 50 years. This will be my year of Demexit.
24
Uh...we've kinda caught on that when guys spout the Trump line and then swear they're lifelong Democrats, they're kind of, well, lying.
3
Enjoy the Kool-Aid.
3
Thank you Donald Trump, Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan for handing Democrats the most compelling portion of the Republican ethos and theme. You can keep your shrill screeching of conspiracy theories and nativism -- we'll take America.
Real America just slipped through your thinning hands.
Real America just slipped through your thinning hands.
6
In recent years, and perhaps due to the news reporting that favors conflict over agreement as newsworthy, we have become a nation of single issue voters. Anyone who has served in office and who has been willing to compromise believing that even imperfect solutions are better than no solution at all has made plenty of single issue enemies. This makes electing experienced candidates to office difficult.
Hillary has been in the forefront of change nationally since her days as first lady where she attempted to find a workable solution to our healthcare problems. That experience taught her that compromise is an essential part of good government. Her actions in elected office and as Secretary of State underscore how well she learned that lesson. The lesson here is that agreement on the goals is more important than the details of the solution. Letting perfection be the enemy of the good is not the smart criteria for deciding who to vote for for President.
Hillary has been in the forefront of change nationally since her days as first lady where she attempted to find a workable solution to our healthcare problems. That experience taught her that compromise is an essential part of good government. Her actions in elected office and as Secretary of State underscore how well she learned that lesson. The lesson here is that agreement on the goals is more important than the details of the solution. Letting perfection be the enemy of the good is not the smart criteria for deciding who to vote for for President.
14
Yes, the public servant....people called to try to help us along....
1
I have lived in Vermont since 1986 and have seen the rise of Bernie Sanders from Mayor of Burlington to Congressman, Senator and finally Presidential candidate. I have voted for him many times including in this year’s primaries.
When Bernie began his Presidential campaign I believed that the best possible outcome was that he might impact the conversation and some of his issues would be discussed more openly. Bernie did much better than that, He has made a real and lasting difference by starting to pull the Democratic Party back to its roots after a multi-decade long drift to the right.
In November, we will be faced with a choice, Trump, Clinton, or a third-party candidate. As a long-time Bernie voter, it’s simple; only one of the candidates will have any chance of advancing Senator Sanders’ vision and that is Hillary Clinton. I cannot tell you how to vote, but vote. Dropping out of the process is the surest way to allow an angry minority to dictate the future of America.
I had the pleasure of sharing a seat with Senator Sanders on a flight back to Vermont in 2014 and told him that while I might not agree with him all of the time it was vital that he, Senator Warren of Massachusetts, and our own Robert Reich continue to speak out. Two-and-a-half years later I believe their voices, and ours, are being heard and that to paraphrase Abraham Lincoln, we are at the beginning of the process to reinstate a government of the people, by the people, for the people.
When Bernie began his Presidential campaign I believed that the best possible outcome was that he might impact the conversation and some of his issues would be discussed more openly. Bernie did much better than that, He has made a real and lasting difference by starting to pull the Democratic Party back to its roots after a multi-decade long drift to the right.
In November, we will be faced with a choice, Trump, Clinton, or a third-party candidate. As a long-time Bernie voter, it’s simple; only one of the candidates will have any chance of advancing Senator Sanders’ vision and that is Hillary Clinton. I cannot tell you how to vote, but vote. Dropping out of the process is the surest way to allow an angry minority to dictate the future of America.
I had the pleasure of sharing a seat with Senator Sanders on a flight back to Vermont in 2014 and told him that while I might not agree with him all of the time it was vital that he, Senator Warren of Massachusetts, and our own Robert Reich continue to speak out. Two-and-a-half years later I believe their voices, and ours, are being heard and that to paraphrase Abraham Lincoln, we are at the beginning of the process to reinstate a government of the people, by the people, for the people.
51
And what a great slogan, too. ''Vote for a guy who got his first full-time job at age 40!''
4
I think Hillary Clinton deserved to be our next president but I do not like to see a third term Obama in the White House. I hope Hillary would modify her domestic and foreign policies when she becomes our 46th president. She Has learned the mistakes made by Obama during the past 8 years and she should avoid those mistakes. Hillary should build a acceptable racial relationships among all Americans, not just black live matters policy. She should try to avoid regime change policies for dealing with foreign countries. Good luck Secretary Clinton. I supported you in 2008 but regret you did not make it to be the first female president of our country. I am confident that you will make it in 2016.
15
Barack Obama's valedictory speech yesterday evening was a force of nature, a strong wind that blew away the clutter and confusion generated by the innumerable partisan battles that have occurred over the years, not simply between Democrats and their conservative opponents, but also within the party itself between those firm in their resolve to hold onto the hard-won gains achieved by previous generations of Democratic voters and officeholders, and today's 'new voters', inpatient to attack intractable problems, but of whom many have never participated in electoral politics until now.
In a sense, the president was our 'paterfamilias' the head of a family that was far-flung both geographically and philosophically. Few of them knew each other very well, and most who were far more comfortable interacting within their own social circles, rather than bestirring themselves to introduce themselves to others in the room who they might know only slightly, if at all.
The 'Bernie or bust' delegates were the newcomers, the outsiders who responded to Bernie Sanders' call for change, and who responded with their hearts and their souls. But in politics, that is never enough. Like young recruits enlisting in a battle hardened army, they needed to learn patience and perseverance, but also how to persuade others, and perhaps most importantly, how to negotiate out their differences with potential allies, and to work with them for the long haul.
In a sense, the president was our 'paterfamilias' the head of a family that was far-flung both geographically and philosophically. Few of them knew each other very well, and most who were far more comfortable interacting within their own social circles, rather than bestirring themselves to introduce themselves to others in the room who they might know only slightly, if at all.
The 'Bernie or bust' delegates were the newcomers, the outsiders who responded to Bernie Sanders' call for change, and who responded with their hearts and their souls. But in politics, that is never enough. Like young recruits enlisting in a battle hardened army, they needed to learn patience and perseverance, but also how to persuade others, and perhaps most importantly, how to negotiate out their differences with potential allies, and to work with them for the long haul.
15
Unfortunately, polls are clear that most Americans do not agree with the president's rosy assessment of where our country is today. A sure way to get Trump elected is a Clinton campaign that promises the next eight years will be like the past eight. Her challenge will be to run as the candidate of both continuity and change.
As for the president's comment that "...you can’t afford to stay home just because she might not align with you on every issue.” Good news. There are alternatives for voters who disagree with Clinton on important issues.
As for the president's comment that "...you can’t afford to stay home just because she might not align with you on every issue.” Good news. There are alternatives for voters who disagree with Clinton on important issues.
17
Do you honestly believe that Trump will advance where you would like to see the country go in the near future? With his supreme court nominees, republican platform agenda, his tax cuts on billionaires like himself?
Do you honestly believe that this is a 4 person race, Clinton, Trump, Stein and Johnson? Or are you sufficiently sophisticated to know that this is a two person election, either Trump or Clinton will be President come January 2017. Which of the two will move the country in the direction you would like to see -- even though apparently neither is a good match for your views?
Do you honestly believe that this is a 4 person race, Clinton, Trump, Stein and Johnson? Or are you sufficiently sophisticated to know that this is a two person election, either Trump or Clinton will be President come January 2017. Which of the two will move the country in the direction you would like to see -- even though apparently neither is a good match for your views?
12
Bj,
If you really think of Trump as like the Republicans you have been trained for years to hate and fear, you are admitting you have no clue about his past.
He has been friends with the Clintons, promoted all the politically correct things like abortion-on-demand, and helped get liberals elected.
Just knowing who you are supposed to hate & fear is no way to go through life.
If you really think of Trump as like the Republicans you have been trained for years to hate and fear, you are admitting you have no clue about his past.
He has been friends with the Clintons, promoted all the politically correct things like abortion-on-demand, and helped get liberals elected.
Just knowing who you are supposed to hate & fear is no way to go through life.
4
Answer is no. Hugh is dilusional. Hope he has a plan B when boots start marching through the streets of his town.
President Obama is a brilliant, shining, heart filled beacon in this troubled world. The standing ovations and love chants he received last night in Philadelphia included those of many other world citizens, myself included.
Thank you President Obama.
Thank you President Obama.
31
Hmm.. I thought American Values included competing fairly, being honest, and sticking to your word. By these values, Hillary is a threat too.
29
Please provide some EVIDENCE that she didn't "compete fairly," was more dishonest than most candidates (you should look at her accounting on Politifact), and stuck to her word less than Bernie.
Evidence, mind. Not your opinion; evidence.
I'll wait.
Evidence, mind. Not your opinion; evidence.
I'll wait.
27
Here's the evidence: Hillary is receiving millions of dollars of funding from special interests. How is that competing fairly? In a democracy, should wealthy people and large corporations have more of a say than the average voter? Why does Clinton not distance herself from big-money support?
6
A long article, mostly focused on Montana, but applicable to 32 other states as well:
http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/04/01/how-hillary-clinton-bought-the-lo...
http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/04/01/how-hillary-clinton-bought-the-lo...
3
So, lets get down to the bottom of it all, after the fanfare. We have a governmental system that does not work. It would take a miracle, for the stars to align, for there ever to occur change in this America, given the branches of government as they have been formed and as they have been selected by the electorate and as regulated by themselves. Nothing will change. Ms. Hilary has no real base to change anything, and Trump would be soundly defeated at every moronic turn. Four years will pass and nothing will have changed for the better, but after only two years, though, it will have gotten worse. This is progress.
9
Well Ruben, I for one have seen a big change in the US since Obama took over, I have health care and I didn't before this. You have no idea what that means to me and 20 million other Americans.
President Obama did not start any wars, and did what he could with a congress who said NO at every turn. I have never heard of Cornwall except in the UK. Unless you live here daily, it is much better for me. The economy where I live is vibrant. Yes, I made the same amount last year that I made in 2000, but here is the thing.
Under W. 80% of the wealth of our nation was redistributed to the top 1% through manipulating derivatives. People have voted against their best interests in this country for 40 years believing in trickle down economics and tax breaks to the wealthiest. It hasn't worked and won't work. Reagan's main objective was to break the back of the unions and the strong middle class, he started it, and was good at it. He is beloved for some reason in this country, though not by me.
There has never been a time when the economy has thrived unless a dem. was in office, and I do not care what party you belong, but if you vote in this country, please do not vote for the questionably sane Trump. He is like your old uncle at thanksgiving, speaking gibberish, insulting everyone then your stuck wiping his chin. Stop being so glum, Obama has protected us so far, I am forever grateful to him.
President Obama did not start any wars, and did what he could with a congress who said NO at every turn. I have never heard of Cornwall except in the UK. Unless you live here daily, it is much better for me. The economy where I live is vibrant. Yes, I made the same amount last year that I made in 2000, but here is the thing.
Under W. 80% of the wealth of our nation was redistributed to the top 1% through manipulating derivatives. People have voted against their best interests in this country for 40 years believing in trickle down economics and tax breaks to the wealthiest. It hasn't worked and won't work. Reagan's main objective was to break the back of the unions and the strong middle class, he started it, and was good at it. He is beloved for some reason in this country, though not by me.
There has never been a time when the economy has thrived unless a dem. was in office, and I do not care what party you belong, but if you vote in this country, please do not vote for the questionably sane Trump. He is like your old uncle at thanksgiving, speaking gibberish, insulting everyone then your stuck wiping his chin. Stop being so glum, Obama has protected us so far, I am forever grateful to him.
24
You are just as negative as Trump. I see my country different. I happily support Hillary. I can't ever imagine Trump with the nuclear codes.
12
Differently* and good for you. Too bad a Majority of citizens don't see it your way
1
Several of the speeches that preceded President Obama's were so powerful that I wondered if what he had to say might be overshadowed. Silly of me. He gave a most passionate and moving addresses that was pitch perfect. I love this man, respect him immensely and feel very lucky to have been alive during his presidency, which will become one of our defining presidencies as our nation goes forward. Nonetheless, I would not wish him four more years of an additional term if it were even possible. He deserves to go back into civilian life and get a bit of a break from the pressure of governing a fractured country in a difficult time. And though I supported Sanders in the Primary, Hilary Clinton is the best person to take up his mantle and lead the country forward. I expect that she will be very effective and look forward to the coming years with a Madam President.
29
“There has never been a man or a woman more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as president of the United States of America."
That's patronizing towards Hillary Clinton considering he won the primary election.
That's patronizing towards Hillary Clinton considering he won the primary election.
6
No, he won because he was more popular and charismatic and instilled hope in the electorate, but he definitely did not have the work experience credentials in 2008 that Hillary possesses in 2016. I think that was his point.
7
What else Hilary shouldn't ????
Ah! I see... A woman has to be a: Good girl, good daughter, good sister, good friend, good worker, good wife, good mother, good samaritan, good....
For goodness sake!
That "marianism" has to go!... Stop elongating this myth! Why so much tolerance for men mistakes but ours?
Ah! I see... A woman has to be a: Good girl, good daughter, good sister, good friend, good worker, good wife, good mother, good samaritan, good....
For goodness sake!
That "marianism" has to go!... Stop elongating this myth! Why so much tolerance for men mistakes but ours?
16
"It's tough being a woman. If I were a man, life would be a cakewalk."
2
I must be getting too old. To elderly. Both last night's Democratic and last week's Republican conventions were utter bull. Hope & Change mixed with jingoism.
26
spot on
8
I'm 70 and watched two very different conventions. The GOP's was pitiful and full of hate. The Democrats was like a shining beacon.
Love PBO and our next president, Hillary Clinton.
Great speeches and lots of love.
Love PBO and our next president, Hillary Clinton.
Great speeches and lots of love.
10
More like watching them recycle old clothes that should have been thrown away.
5
Hillary's future policies holds a lot of promise, her actions are reasonable and thought out, she got the support of a intelligent president and his first lady. If anyone sees reason they will support for her, therefore I have no doubt that Sanders supporter will join her against pompous Trump. As Bloomberg said, "we need a person who would find solutions, not drop bombs"
24
The film before President Obama was a tear-jerker for me but I cannot remember when I have ever admired one person as much as I have this president. Obama's speech was moving, flawless and brilliant. I will miss him greatly.
I was so impressed with Kaine and the one comment that stands out is "I trust Hillary with our son's life" which of course is in reference to their son who is in Iraq. As a mother, I cannot think of a high-level endorsement and support than trusting your child's life.
I am so proud of Bernie and his wife for standing tall and supporting Hillary. His endorsement and support of HRC is humbling, genuine and an exemplary example of the true American spirit personified.
What a team!! Go Dems
I was so impressed with Kaine and the one comment that stands out is "I trust Hillary with our son's life" which of course is in reference to their son who is in Iraq. As a mother, I cannot think of a high-level endorsement and support than trusting your child's life.
I am so proud of Bernie and his wife for standing tall and supporting Hillary. His endorsement and support of HRC is humbling, genuine and an exemplary example of the true American spirit personified.
What a team!! Go Dems
31
The president’s contempt for Mr. Trump took on a personal dimension as well when he recalled his grandparents from Kansas and said, “I don’t know if they had their birth certificates”
They were probably born on the Kenyan side of Kansas . . yeah, that's it.
They were probably born on the Kenyan side of Kansas . . yeah, that's it.
4
I just figured it out. Donald Trump is the modern day Manchurian Candidate and he's been sent here by Russia and Putin to destroy America.
12
Hillary's choice of Tim Kaine for VP reveals any progressive talk in Hillary's campaigning to be just pandering to progressives for their vote.
Hillary’s choice of Kaine indicates total indifference not just to the progressives who supported Bernie's presidential bid but also to the problems lurking at the core of the current banking system. Worse, it is a wink to JP Morgan Chase, Citigroup and Goldman Sachs to continue with business as usual.
Kaine’s real job is being the anti-progressive, pro-corporations. Hillary needs Wall Street bucks and support and can’t afford to tick off any big bank by running with someone opposed to their current composition. Ticking off the progressives, she thinks, is not important.
Tim Kaine it is. The Bernie progressives can gag and like it or lump it.
Vote Jill Stein 2016
Hillary’s choice of Kaine indicates total indifference not just to the progressives who supported Bernie's presidential bid but also to the problems lurking at the core of the current banking system. Worse, it is a wink to JP Morgan Chase, Citigroup and Goldman Sachs to continue with business as usual.
Kaine’s real job is being the anti-progressive, pro-corporations. Hillary needs Wall Street bucks and support and can’t afford to tick off any big bank by running with someone opposed to their current composition. Ticking off the progressives, she thinks, is not important.
Tim Kaine it is. The Bernie progressives can gag and like it or lump it.
Vote Jill Stein 2016
15
Vote Jill Stein, elect Trump. Ready for that, progressives?
27
Yeah, Tim Kaine's only a spanish-speaking civil rights lawyer who spent a year helping the poor in Central America, has a 100% rating from Planned Parenthood, stuff like that.
Nothing "progressive," about that.
As for Jill Stein, good grief.
http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox/2016/07/27/jill_stein_is_not_the_sav...
I'd literally rather vote for Kasich, and Kasich's ideas make me want to throw up.
Nothing "progressive," about that.
As for Jill Stein, good grief.
http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox/2016/07/27/jill_stein_is_not_the_sav...
I'd literally rather vote for Kasich, and Kasich's ideas make me want to throw up.
18
Dear BeSquare, Voting Jill Stein is not electing Trump
We should vote based on our conscience, not based on fear or doomsday.
Voting Jill Stein is to reform campaign finance, improve our unaffordable healthcare and to fix our crumbling infrastructure.
Once we have Green Party, Libertarian, DNC, RNC in CNN, CBS, Fox debates the voters can decide which is the best party.
We should vote based on our conscience, not based on fear or doomsday.
Voting Jill Stein is to reform campaign finance, improve our unaffordable healthcare and to fix our crumbling infrastructure.
Once we have Green Party, Libertarian, DNC, RNC in CNN, CBS, Fox debates the voters can decide which is the best party.
5
The problem with many of these speeches is that they sound the same vague generalities and positive reminiscences that would be employed by people eulogizing Hillary Clinton at her funeral—and make Trump sound like a live one.
10
A Donald Trump presidency would be reminiscent of Groucho Marx' portrayal of the foreign minister of Freedonia in the classic comedy film, "Duck Soup."
8
Except nobody would be laughing except Trump
11
In 8 years, Obama will still be younger than Hillary Clinton is today. Should we pass a law that after a period of being out of office for at least 8 years, the US President can again run for two terms?
I hate the thought that we will never again be led by a man of Barack Obama's intelligence, humor, and stature. He is grace under fire, a better comedian than the professional comedian at the Washing Press Corp Dinner, and a respected, populat head of state in many nations around the world. He truly is a beacon of hope in a time of great conflicts, the emormous challenge of global warming, and the return of governments based on fundamentalist religions. He's a one of a kind. I hate to see him go off staage permanently. He will not waste his time out of office, but he has been an invaluable leader at a time of enormous hazards - economic failure, destruction of nature by burning fossil fuels, and ethnic and religious tensions due to over population. He's singularly cool under fire. We will miss him.
I hate the thought that we will never again be led by a man of Barack Obama's intelligence, humor, and stature. He is grace under fire, a better comedian than the professional comedian at the Washing Press Corp Dinner, and a respected, populat head of state in many nations around the world. He truly is a beacon of hope in a time of great conflicts, the emormous challenge of global warming, and the return of governments based on fundamentalist religions. He's a one of a kind. I hate to see him go off staage permanently. He will not waste his time out of office, but he has been an invaluable leader at a time of enormous hazards - economic failure, destruction of nature by burning fossil fuels, and ethnic and religious tensions due to over population. He's singularly cool under fire. We will miss him.
23
Trump is 2 years older than HRC
3
Susan will you marry me.
2
LOVED the speech, and love the man. Absolutely pitch perfect. I found myself wondering if this was like hearing MLK live (or FDR, Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela etc).
18
I've finally lost respect for Obama. If you have to ask why, you wouldn't understand even if I spent the time to type it out.
19
"I've finally lost respect for Obama. If you have to ask why, you wouldn't understand even if I spent the time to type it out."
This is the same predicament for all they Republicans I meet. They cannot articulate why they hate Obama. In fact they don't even know why.
This is the same predicament for all they Republicans I meet. They cannot articulate why they hate Obama. In fact they don't even know why.
23
Personally I don't think I care. What I do care about is handing over this country to a man like Trump who offers nothing but a way for angry people to stay angry. I know why Republicans hate Obama. They can't get him on anything and most of this country loves him. More importantly, most of us respect him. Troll on and enjoy yourself...
2
Too bad Obama's charisma doesn't seem to rub off on Hillary.
11
The problem with the Democrat Convention is what David Brooks said last night on TV. The Speakers talked about Morals and Social issues not about the real feeling of many Americans. That is ISIS and Terror in the US.
People are afraid for themselves and families.
Trump is talking to the real concerns and fears of Americans
Unfortunately the Democratic campaign does not get it.
If Trump wins ( and hope not) it is because he is understanding that that
that is where majority of Americans are now.
WAKE UP DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES
People are afraid for themselves and families.
Trump is talking to the real concerns and fears of Americans
Unfortunately the Democratic campaign does not get it.
If Trump wins ( and hope not) it is because he is understanding that that
that is where majority of Americans are now.
WAKE UP DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES
10
If Trump win (hope not) we'll have the biggest red problem of all. Russia.
5
Russian certainly not the biggest US problem, at worst it is a pain in the neck. The only thing Russia cares is for us not to meddle in their borders, but they would never go on a full rampage terrorizing and killing Europeans and Americans in their countries. ISIS is.
Nobody in Russia seriously think about invading Poland or Baltics, this is ridiculous. Putin is not saint, but he certainly not stupid.
Nobody in Russia seriously think about invading Poland or Baltics, this is ridiculous. Putin is not saint, but he certainly not stupid.
1
Trump makes empty promises galore. Good luck with that.
2
If you're so sure that Hillary's A Monster and The Black Man Disappointed Me that you plan to vote Elsewhere, I have some questions.
On Bernie:
1. Where are his tax returns?
2. What was the deal with his wife and that college?
3. How do you plan to get tens of millions of Americans to give up their employer health insurance, in exchange for weaker plans and higher taxes
4. What, SPECIFICALLY, is wrong with TPP?
On Jill Stein:
1. What about this?
http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox/2016/07/27/jill_stein_is_not_the_sav...
2. Why are her claims about vaccines so loopy?
3. What's the plan on getting North Korea to just give up its weapons and army?
On Gary Johnson:
1. What is a laissez-faire capitalist, and why would leftists support one?
2. What do you think will happen, when he cuts the Budget by 43%?
3. What do you think will happen, when he closes EPA?
4. What do you think will happen, when he cuts Planned Parenthood funding?
5. What happens when he cuts all foreign aid, except "what helps America?" (HInt: look up PEPFAR.)
You'll notice that I asked no question of Trump supporters. This is because, as Freud pointed out long ago, it is impossible to engage in therapeutic dialogue with the psychotic.
On Bernie:
1. Where are his tax returns?
2. What was the deal with his wife and that college?
3. How do you plan to get tens of millions of Americans to give up their employer health insurance, in exchange for weaker plans and higher taxes
4. What, SPECIFICALLY, is wrong with TPP?
On Jill Stein:
1. What about this?
http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox/2016/07/27/jill_stein_is_not_the_sav...
2. Why are her claims about vaccines so loopy?
3. What's the plan on getting North Korea to just give up its weapons and army?
On Gary Johnson:
1. What is a laissez-faire capitalist, and why would leftists support one?
2. What do you think will happen, when he cuts the Budget by 43%?
3. What do you think will happen, when he closes EPA?
4. What do you think will happen, when he cuts Planned Parenthood funding?
5. What happens when he cuts all foreign aid, except "what helps America?" (HInt: look up PEPFAR.)
You'll notice that I asked no question of Trump supporters. This is because, as Freud pointed out long ago, it is impossible to engage in therapeutic dialogue with the psychotic.
37
Brilliant. Spot on!
5
Seems like the 'berned' people need to do some research.
1
Not gonna bother with a point by point reply since I'm not crazy about any of those candidates but I do have a question of my own for you, Robert: What do YOU think is specifically wrong with TPP? Or is HRC's current position on this critical issue pure pandering (ie, a lie) and you trust that she'll rescind her opposition to it the first chance she gets?
2
For all of his supposed prodigiousness, self-importance and imagined brilliance, Barack Obama torpedoed his own speech, and in the process, Hillary's chances in November.
The applause line the DNC poll tested with Hillary months ago and has tried to bury as quickly as possible is the retort that America is already "great."
America isn't great for the nearly 120 million Americans victimized by the Obama presidency, whether it be the Black community in shambles with a middle class facing extinction, or the 94 million Americans who gave up on finding work during the Obama presidency, or the families of Americans beheaded, tortured and killed in the Middle East because Obama mocked ISIS as a JV team and drew red lines he never had the guts to back up.
People are suffering in this country and around the world because of Obama's "greatness"...putting on Joe Cool shades, strutting around in front of the liberal elite and pretending all is well is a recipe for November defeat.
And personally? I think Obama wants Hillary to lose so his precious legacy can remain intact as far as 2 term Democratic presidents. Neither Hillary nor Trump will keep Obamacare in place or any of Obama's other foolish dealings.
The applause line the DNC poll tested with Hillary months ago and has tried to bury as quickly as possible is the retort that America is already "great."
America isn't great for the nearly 120 million Americans victimized by the Obama presidency, whether it be the Black community in shambles with a middle class facing extinction, or the 94 million Americans who gave up on finding work during the Obama presidency, or the families of Americans beheaded, tortured and killed in the Middle East because Obama mocked ISIS as a JV team and drew red lines he never had the guts to back up.
People are suffering in this country and around the world because of Obama's "greatness"...putting on Joe Cool shades, strutting around in front of the liberal elite and pretending all is well is a recipe for November defeat.
And personally? I think Obama wants Hillary to lose so his precious legacy can remain intact as far as 2 term Democratic presidents. Neither Hillary nor Trump will keep Obamacare in place or any of Obama's other foolish dealings.
16
Imagine what you might learn if you were able listen.
21
I am just trying to recall when I last saw a pic of the President (odd how much it irks these clowns to use the courtesy of the title, isn't it?) wearing shades.
3
It would help to graduate high school too.
6
Donald Trump is not qualified to carry the briefcase of anyone who took the stage last night - not one.
31
"He [Barack Obama] isn't qualified to serve coffee in the Oval Office, let alone be President." - Bill Clinton, 2008.
13
OK. Let's have Trump serve coffee.
2
The President is like a guiding star whose words illuminate the path that future generations must travel. It is difficult to believe that we deserve him. But like Lincoln, he continues to insist that we called him forth to remind us of what someday we might achieve.
16
A rigged and stolen Democratic primary is a threat to our democracy. The people wanted Bernie with his agenda for re-strengthening the middle class----which democracy needs to keep it from morphing into oligarchy with corporations, the military and the super wealthy holding all the power.
13
No, not all the people wanted Bernie. There were many Democrats who did not want to vote in the primary for an outsider using the Democratic party umbrella to advance his causes (even though he had many good agenda items). It isn't surprising that Bernie did not win within the confines of a Democratic Party election. Perhaps he should have run as an independent?
4
No, Christie. Most of us voted for Clinton. Please stop it with the hissy fit because your guy didn't win.
4
Hillary got over 3 million votes in the primaries...You all are just stuck in some far left grove...
2
To our friends in OH, PA, MI and FL. Please pay attention. Carefully consider the consequences of voting for Trump or not voting which yields the same outcome. Your votes will determine this election. The good news is that he is making no attempt to mask what he is. Crude, vulgar, opportunistic, cynical, wicked. We get it. I'm not a Bernie guy (although I appreciate his message and fighting the good fight). I'm also not inspired by Hillary or the constant chaos the Clintons seem to somehow always create. But I think that she is as qualified as anyone else. Was Bush senior any more qualified? No need to mention jr. HRC is an imperfect candidate but all candidates are flawed. Trump is a despicable man. This is a game for him nothing more. He has given us all the information we need about him. No need to wonder. Let's all please pay attention.
19
The President had to know Hillary kept a secret home email server because she communicated with him on it. The FBI and State Department have reported she made and communicated all her e-mails through it.
Some of the communications found on her home server by the FBI, some classified above "top secret", were likely with the Oval Office.
Members of the President's staff, not to mention some State Department employees, had to know the secret server, and it's use, violated portions of Title 18 of the Federal criminal code. After all, one can't communicate by e-mail with the Oval Office from the Secretary of State without a precise header on the communication.
And the violations went on for 4 years.
Tens of thousands of communications contained on Hillary's server were deleted, and lost forever.
Hillary's logs and calendars for her first three months as Secretary of State areincomplete, and some portions are blank.
The FBI doesn't know who she met with, or what the meetings were about at those times. We don't have thousands of e-mails that might explain it. Hillary's lawyers, under FBI interrogation, admitted they didn't read all her e-mails before deleting them permanently.
If the President had any involvement in that deliberate subterfuge, the records are gone.
The official, public endorsement of the candidate by the sitting Chief Executive at the Democratic National Convention might make that possibility a secret from everyone everywhere forever.
Some of the communications found on her home server by the FBI, some classified above "top secret", were likely with the Oval Office.
Members of the President's staff, not to mention some State Department employees, had to know the secret server, and it's use, violated portions of Title 18 of the Federal criminal code. After all, one can't communicate by e-mail with the Oval Office from the Secretary of State without a precise header on the communication.
And the violations went on for 4 years.
Tens of thousands of communications contained on Hillary's server were deleted, and lost forever.
Hillary's logs and calendars for her first three months as Secretary of State areincomplete, and some portions are blank.
The FBI doesn't know who she met with, or what the meetings were about at those times. We don't have thousands of e-mails that might explain it. Hillary's lawyers, under FBI interrogation, admitted they didn't read all her e-mails before deleting them permanently.
If the President had any involvement in that deliberate subterfuge, the records are gone.
The official, public endorsement of the candidate by the sitting Chief Executive at the Democratic National Convention might make that possibility a secret from everyone everywhere forever.
12
Actually, there were no top secret e mails at the time, though some may have been recategorized later. There is a strict hierarchy on document classification and who can do it, the FBI is never consulted on it for anything except their own products.
6
Let's talk about the 22,000 e-mails that were deleted when Bush was in office....funny how not one Republican or conservative mentions that. Guess they all came out of their collective comas when Bush left office.
13
You have an IP address on your computer - I bet you don't know what it is. People communicating with you also have IP addresses - I bet you have not memorized them either. It is sexist to castigate a woman for the mechanics of doing a job, when no one in history in that job has had to memorize the mechanics of doing that job. Her actual job performance as Sec of State cannot be assailed - so the trolls are going after what they see as "woman's work" - the assistant's role in figuring out the logistics. Enough with the sexism. If the State Department, the CIA and the White House do not have good IT people working on the security of the servers, then the GOP needs to vote for funds to fix the problem. Seeing as the GOP refused funding for improved security for CIA posts around the world, including the one in Benghazi, then they had better make sure to get their security priorities straight in the future because yes, we the people are watching and do know who is really responsible for the garbage they are flinging at Hillary Clinton. Time to wise up, GOP.
12
President Obama is the best thing that has happened to the US in 8 years. A true statesman and gentleman. Such dignity and presence. His speech was spine chilling. Hopefully those sitting "on the fence" will gain a little insight and give Hillary their vote. A man to be very proud of.
13
As a Black lawyer in Washington DC, who joined the Republican Party after meeting Barack Obama in 2004 at the DNC in Boston, I am just an observer. But it looks like the 2016 DNC was a failure. Let's examine the facts:
Biggest and costliest blunder? How to "play" the message of the DNC after overplaying the message from the RNC. The Obama/Hillary/DNC news media narrative was that the Republicans engaged in fearmongering, doom and gloom and prophecy. Playing a "don't worry, be happy" tune at the DNC was a risky play and it is clear that Mr. Obama and the speakers so far have been in no hurry to address the failings of the Obama presidency, even as Bernie supporters shouted them on the convention floor.
It was EXTREMELY telling when Obama fished for his biggest applause line with a nod to Obamacare and HALF the audience remained seated instead of roaring to their feet. And the ACA is supposed to be Obama's "New Deal" moment.
Hypocrisy abounds. After savaging the RNC for being too negative, dark and foreboding, the mixed message of the DNC is "things aren't bad, the GOP is exaggerating, but if you vote Trump the sky will fall..."
Which is it?
Is everything perfect? Has Obama kept his word? Or are there tens of millions of Americans suffering (especially in Black communities) as the nation is more divided and distrustful than before Obama took office?
Hillary has to answer that. I'm betting she's 110% on the "history" I am a woman track tonight and little else.
Biggest and costliest blunder? How to "play" the message of the DNC after overplaying the message from the RNC. The Obama/Hillary/DNC news media narrative was that the Republicans engaged in fearmongering, doom and gloom and prophecy. Playing a "don't worry, be happy" tune at the DNC was a risky play and it is clear that Mr. Obama and the speakers so far have been in no hurry to address the failings of the Obama presidency, even as Bernie supporters shouted them on the convention floor.
It was EXTREMELY telling when Obama fished for his biggest applause line with a nod to Obamacare and HALF the audience remained seated instead of roaring to their feet. And the ACA is supposed to be Obama's "New Deal" moment.
Hypocrisy abounds. After savaging the RNC for being too negative, dark and foreboding, the mixed message of the DNC is "things aren't bad, the GOP is exaggerating, but if you vote Trump the sky will fall..."
Which is it?
Is everything perfect? Has Obama kept his word? Or are there tens of millions of Americans suffering (especially in Black communities) as the nation is more divided and distrustful than before Obama took office?
Hillary has to answer that. I'm betting she's 110% on the "history" I am a woman track tonight and little else.
15
DC BArrister, I lied, this really is my last response. Please my response to you when published above. Now that I know more about you, I was totally correct. I am even more uncomfortable with your outright jealousy of this President.
3
Inspiring speeches and beautifully crafted statements don't reflect the American reality.
As I watched our President speak, I felt a sense of frustration and anger. Is this man, the man who ran on a progressive platform in 2008, trying to rally the troops again for 2016?
We now have Clinton who has decided to run on a progressive platform as well, and I honestly don't think we have any more "Hope" or a "Yes, we can" attitude to follow blindly again. All we can do is vote for Clinton and fiercely and aggressively hold her accountable over and over again.
As I watched our President speak, I felt a sense of frustration and anger. Is this man, the man who ran on a progressive platform in 2008, trying to rally the troops again for 2016?
We now have Clinton who has decided to run on a progressive platform as well, and I honestly don't think we have any more "Hope" or a "Yes, we can" attitude to follow blindly again. All we can do is vote for Clinton and fiercely and aggressively hold her accountable over and over again.
11
Great - let's start with the war crimes tribunals for the Bush/Cheney administration. The fake war in Iraq led to the rise of ISIS, and destroyed credibility for the US globally - something that Pres. Obama has worked to rebuild, along with Sec Clinton and Sec Kerry. We need to start the accountability parade with the war criminals who killed hundreds of thousands, destroyed lives and hurt the US with their treason. We are SO READY for accountability - let's go!
5
Obama's emotions weren't frustration or anger.
They were shame as he stood there knowingly having to fish for rhetorical tricks to explain away a failed presidency.
America hasn't been able to hold the Clintons accountable for nearly 40 years. And your plan is to do the same thing again expecting a different outcome?
Yikes.
They were shame as he stood there knowingly having to fish for rhetorical tricks to explain away a failed presidency.
America hasn't been able to hold the Clintons accountable for nearly 40 years. And your plan is to do the same thing again expecting a different outcome?
Yikes.
10
You may want to direct some of that frustration toward the Republican-led congress that vowed to obstruct every bit of progress he'd hoped and intended to make. Put a Democratic president in the White House with this progressive agenda and remove the obstructionists and we can make some real change.
12
If President Obama has not been to make us save and improve the lives for so many in the almost eight years he has been in office, how will Hillary Clinton achieve the task? He is pulling the wool over his supporters eyes and deceiving them. They are so naive if they think Mrs. Clinton will look out for them. Her first priority is Hillary and will always be. She is an opportunist who will not change. She wants the power and prestige that comes from the highest office in the world. She is only fooling herself. I feel sorry for her supporters who will be bitterly disappointed when things remain the same if she is elected. Heaven forbid that happens.
11
If you cannot see the improvements, you haven't been paying attention. When Obama took office our economy had not been as bad since the great depression. Unemployment was spiraling out of control. Since he took office, the economy has improved drastically, unemployment is down. Gas prices are down. Millions of people once denied healthcare now have access. It would have been wonderful if he had a democratic congress that would have allowed him to even the playing field on taxes, so the 1% would pay the same percentage as the middle class...but that is why we need to keep moving forward, not backward. We are far, far better off now than when Obama took office. But there is clearly more to be done. And Trump's plan to give tax breaks to the wealthy is not going to do one single thing for our middle class. The middle class actually ends up paying more (in state and local taxes to make up for the short falls) when the wealthy get more tax breaks....and we all know, with republicans, this is their one and only plan. They are a one trick pony.
Stop watching fox, because you are clearly getting a very poor representation of reality.
Stop watching fox, because you are clearly getting a very poor representation of reality.
5
Are we living in the same country? The almost depression????? You were too rich to be affected I bet.
2
Not entirely off topic. But I have plenty of Mexican friends that show me some of the Donald Drumpf Piñatas that are now available. They are Boootiful! Get one now! They will Collectibles in the future! He is the best model!
Gringos can Google Piñata to see what they are, if you don't know.
Gringos can Google Piñata to see what they are, if you don't know.
9
Lemme guess what falls out when you hit it. Bet it ain't candy.
4
WHEN..... Trump wins.... history will show the GOP was foolish for letting him join their ranks, the media was foolish for granting him an audience, and the Dem's were foolish for choosing the wrong candidate to run against him.
8
The only way Trump will win is for the GOP to silence him completely. Nothing out of his mouth is truthful, helpful or lately, short of treason. But keep dreaming your dreams of hate and anger - we'll just keep going rebuilding this country from the destruction of the Bush years.
6
LuckyDog ~ There's no hate or anger involved. These are simple facts. Hillary is a weak candidate against Trump. And Trump is loathsome in quite a few ways. Dem's chose the poorest candidate they had to run against a demagogue. And she's likely to lose. Big mistake.
2
RE post by Annie P, Washington, DC
"You cannot argue with dignity, intelligence, vision and strong leadership. The Bernie supporters will come around."
Some will, some won't. Nader voters gave us 8 years of George Bush.
I'm more worried about Trump supporters, who seem consumed by mass delusion, blindness, and hate -- voters who call anything Dems say a lie or refuse to tune in at all. They are not weighing dignity and intelligence, they want a strong man/demagogue/superhero who will wave away all problems with his magic wand and make their lives perfect. It's infantile, regressive, terrifying -- and it may in fact win Trump the presidency.
"You cannot argue with dignity, intelligence, vision and strong leadership. The Bernie supporters will come around."
Some will, some won't. Nader voters gave us 8 years of George Bush.
I'm more worried about Trump supporters, who seem consumed by mass delusion, blindness, and hate -- voters who call anything Dems say a lie or refuse to tune in at all. They are not weighing dignity and intelligence, they want a strong man/demagogue/superhero who will wave away all problems with his magic wand and make their lives perfect. It's infantile, regressive, terrifying -- and it may in fact win Trump the presidency.
12
Dear Norburt, thanks for the comment and it relates to me so adding my comment
If the primaries were fair and not stolen from Bernie (reference: DNC email wikileaks), a non-millenial Bernie supporter voter like me would have come around for sure.
Also, I am a Nader voter. Quarter million democrats voted for George Bush in Florida. Also Jeb Bush appointed DBT Online Inc , now RELX group which purged more than 50,000 African American voters. How about all of us try to positively give felons who complete their sentencing a change to vote and come back to society? Nader votes didn't lead to Bush.
If the primaries were fair and not stolen from Bernie (reference: DNC email wikileaks), a non-millenial Bernie supporter voter like me would have come around for sure.
Also, I am a Nader voter. Quarter million democrats voted for George Bush in Florida. Also Jeb Bush appointed DBT Online Inc , now RELX group which purged more than 50,000 African American voters. How about all of us try to positively give felons who complete their sentencing a change to vote and come back to society? Nader votes didn't lead to Bush.
4
Mr. Obama is an exemplary human being, smart, inspiring, everything you would want in a parent, neighbor, friend, and statesman.
His message, though, that your burden will be eased in the by and by, is cold comfort to the hundreds of millions of people on this planet suffering the abuses of unbridled predatory capitalism, racism, greed, war, and environmental destruction.
Please don't take this as a rejection of the truly admirable personal qualities of a wonderful man anyone would be honored to know personally. It is the difference between MLK and Malcolm X, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. While you wait for pie in the sky, tears flow, blood flows, and champagne flows.
Job number one for the American people is to keep Trump out of the White House. Job number two will be to keep Hillary's feet to the fire. Whether anyone can get anything humane and reasonable out of a Republican House and Senate is questionable. And two thirds of U.S. state governments are Republican hands.
His message, though, that your burden will be eased in the by and by, is cold comfort to the hundreds of millions of people on this planet suffering the abuses of unbridled predatory capitalism, racism, greed, war, and environmental destruction.
Please don't take this as a rejection of the truly admirable personal qualities of a wonderful man anyone would be honored to know personally. It is the difference between MLK and Malcolm X, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. While you wait for pie in the sky, tears flow, blood flows, and champagne flows.
Job number one for the American people is to keep Trump out of the White House. Job number two will be to keep Hillary's feet to the fire. Whether anyone can get anything humane and reasonable out of a Republican House and Senate is questionable. And two thirds of U.S. state governments are Republican hands.
9
Something very interesting happened last night at the 2016 Democratic National Convention that nobody is talking about.
Barack Obama put Hillary Clinton in a box that will likely cause her defeat in November.
Every word Mr. Obama spoke about Hillary was put in terms of Barack Obama. His aspirations. His optimism. His vision. His "accomplishments." By grabbing the prime time spotlight away from Bill Clinton, Obama created a rhetorical Hobson's choice for Secretary of State Clinton in her speech tonight.
She either has to slam the door shut on the Obama presidency and solidify the liberal progressive Bernie base of the Democratic Party, or Hillary has to distance herself from the Obama presidency and risk alienating the establishment DNC corporate liberals who apparently are descending on Philadelphia like buzzards to hold secret cash grab meetings with Bill Clinton and the DNC higher ups.
Either way, Hillary will not do what the DNC supposedly set out to do--lure disaffected Conservatives and GOP moderates to her side. Despite 8 years of news media lipstick, the Obama presidency has been a failure for too many Americans to ignore. Running on the Obama legacy will cost Hillary big time. Running away from it will too.
So far she's opted to avoid this choice and engage in namecalling with Trump. It's getting late in the election process for that. Hillary has to come up with a new message, a new vision and a new direction away from the status quo. Or she's done.
Barack Obama put Hillary Clinton in a box that will likely cause her defeat in November.
Every word Mr. Obama spoke about Hillary was put in terms of Barack Obama. His aspirations. His optimism. His vision. His "accomplishments." By grabbing the prime time spotlight away from Bill Clinton, Obama created a rhetorical Hobson's choice for Secretary of State Clinton in her speech tonight.
She either has to slam the door shut on the Obama presidency and solidify the liberal progressive Bernie base of the Democratic Party, or Hillary has to distance herself from the Obama presidency and risk alienating the establishment DNC corporate liberals who apparently are descending on Philadelphia like buzzards to hold secret cash grab meetings with Bill Clinton and the DNC higher ups.
Either way, Hillary will not do what the DNC supposedly set out to do--lure disaffected Conservatives and GOP moderates to her side. Despite 8 years of news media lipstick, the Obama presidency has been a failure for too many Americans to ignore. Running on the Obama legacy will cost Hillary big time. Running away from it will too.
So far she's opted to avoid this choice and engage in namecalling with Trump. It's getting late in the election process for that. Hillary has to come up with a new message, a new vision and a new direction away from the status quo. Or she's done.
13
"Obama Hails Clinton as His Political Heir"
Of course he does. Both Obama and the Clintons are, essentially, Rockefeller Republicans adrift in a Reagan Republican sea looking for a safe harbor.
In 1985 the Democratic Leadership Council was formed after the “liberal” candidacy of Walter Mondale lost 49 states to President Ronald Reagan.
Blue Dog and moderate Democrats like then Gov. Bill Clinton of Arkansas and Rep. Dick Gephardt of Missouri founded a group whose purpose was to reduce the party's reliance on unions, urban voters and left-leaning theorists and form an alliance with Wall Street, corporations and “Reagan Democrat” cultural conservatives who favored "welfare reform".
Today's Democratic Party is the result: neither liberal nor progressive, but still a far better alternative than today's Republican Party...
Of course he does. Both Obama and the Clintons are, essentially, Rockefeller Republicans adrift in a Reagan Republican sea looking for a safe harbor.
In 1985 the Democratic Leadership Council was formed after the “liberal” candidacy of Walter Mondale lost 49 states to President Ronald Reagan.
Blue Dog and moderate Democrats like then Gov. Bill Clinton of Arkansas and Rep. Dick Gephardt of Missouri founded a group whose purpose was to reduce the party's reliance on unions, urban voters and left-leaning theorists and form an alliance with Wall Street, corporations and “Reagan Democrat” cultural conservatives who favored "welfare reform".
Today's Democratic Party is the result: neither liberal nor progressive, but still a far better alternative than today's Republican Party...
6
A true Statesman. A fine orator. A wise man.
"He's the man! What he got others have not".
(Mark Knopfler Lyrics)
"He's the man! What he got others have not".
(Mark Knopfler Lyrics)
6
The Bernie or Bust people think that “DNC” stands for “Definitely Not Clinton”.
4
Dear Former Commuter, Bernie or Jill people want to know 1) Detailed explanation of the DNC email leak, not just diverting the topic to blame the Russians 2) Also to explain how Debbie was appointed honorary chair in Clinton campaign, which proves that there is collusion between them in the primaries itself
6
Hillary's campaign had better get on Twitter and YouTube and Instagram and Facebook and run the most negative campaign she can possibly muster. And have Elizabeth Warren and whoever else is up to the job - including Clinton herself - go after every insane, dangerous, wrong and stupid thing that comes out of Trump's mouth -- in other words, everything he says, all the time.
Trump admires Putin's leadership style? Stalin and Hitler -- supposed enemies -- had a lot in common too.
Bernie-Bots, it's time to wake up and smell the stench of Donald Trump.
Trump admires Putin's leadership style? Stalin and Hitler -- supposed enemies -- had a lot in common too.
Bernie-Bots, it's time to wake up and smell the stench of Donald Trump.
9
I know this will be anathema to The Times's readership and yield few "recommends" if any, but I think President Obama is a boring speaker. He's relied on the same tropes since 2007.
Yesterday, invoking Trope #26, he said: "Our power doesn’t come from some self-declared savior promising that he alone can restore order. We don’t look to be ruled. . . . That’s who we are."
If you Google "that's who we are" or "that's not who we are," you'll be amazed at how often he's trotted out this tedious, condescending cliché. Zzzzz . . . .
I wish I were a TV comedian and could parody the president for a vast audience:
"Our values don't come from staring at a smartphone. We're not a nation of Pokémon Go players. That's not who we are." There could be infinite variations on the president's hackneyed themes. I'd say let's start a website to play with them! But that's not who we are.
Yesterday, invoking Trope #26, he said: "Our power doesn’t come from some self-declared savior promising that he alone can restore order. We don’t look to be ruled. . . . That’s who we are."
If you Google "that's who we are" or "that's not who we are," you'll be amazed at how often he's trotted out this tedious, condescending cliché. Zzzzz . . . .
I wish I were a TV comedian and could parody the president for a vast audience:
"Our values don't come from staring at a smartphone. We're not a nation of Pokémon Go players. That's not who we are." There could be infinite variations on the president's hackneyed themes. I'd say let's start a website to play with them! But that's not who we are.
8
De gustibus non disputandum est.
However, we can discuss blind stupidity. Here's a thought: it's quite possible to admire the President's skill as a public speaker and as a writer without agreeing with his principles or claims. Just separate the rhetoric from the reality, if you wish.
But the claim that he's a poor speaker and writer is just silly. And believe me, I know a YUGE amount more than you do about this.
Just say you disagree, okay?
However, we can discuss blind stupidity. Here's a thought: it's quite possible to admire the President's skill as a public speaker and as a writer without agreeing with his principles or claims. Just separate the rhetoric from the reality, if you wish.
But the claim that he's a poor speaker and writer is just silly. And believe me, I know a YUGE amount more than you do about this.
Just say you disagree, okay?
Robert Out West — I can't say that, and indeed you have it backward. I don't think President Obama is a bad president. I don't think he's among the greats either, but he's middling, which is better than George Bush was. No, I think he's a generally a plodding, boring speaker! The exception is when he addresses the nation to calm people down after a mass shooting. There he does very well. Otherwise, he generally trots out the same soporific themes he's been rehearsing since 2007, themes that are generally superficial with touches of psychobabble.
I do acknowledge that political rhetoric is generally abysmal. If you want first-rate prose, read good literature.
I do acknowledge that political rhetoric is generally abysmal. If you want first-rate prose, read good literature.
5
The hecklers at the DNC, the Sandernista dead-enders, are not "liberals." They are movement activists who do not have any connection with the Democratic Party. They will be more at home at the Green Party convention, which I hear will be held in a phone booth in Berkeley.
6
Hmm, that phone booth was supposedly large enough to cost Gore the presidency in 2000. Stein is no Nader so Dems might be off the hook this time.
But you're right, they do belong in the Green Party. Hopefully it sees its party member ranks swell going into the election.
But you're right, they do belong in the Green Party. Hopefully it sees its party member ranks swell going into the election.
3
Absurd notion. HRC is not Obamas political heir, any more than Trump is. Her politics and power network are very different from his.
Obama was originally an honest man who would abhor everything HRC stands for. These people are drunk on their own power and vainglory.
Obama was originally an honest man who would abhor everything HRC stands for. These people are drunk on their own power and vainglory.
8
I was blown away. Inspired as always by President Obama's rhetorical genius. His ability to look into the hearts and minds of average Americans and nurture a patriotic spirit.
WoW .. are we going to miss him!
A soothing salve for an irritable generation.
WoW .. are we going to miss him!
A soothing salve for an irritable generation.
11
Hillary is just a coifed and law school polished version of Trump. Both are greedy and power-mad narcissists. Anyone 'inspired' by either of these people needs to get a life.
16
President Obama did the best "explaining" as to why HRC is perceived as a flawed candidate weighed down by all her baggage - she has been in the arena for essentially all her adult life, from her college days at Wesley to the present time, as a Gladiator fighting for all the causes she believed in! A gladiator so battered, bruised and trodden by her opponents and their agitprop machine but one who has the grit and perseverance not to quit.
For someone like me who found her uninspiring, I found the President's words compelling and relatable.
For someone like me who found her uninspiring, I found the President's words compelling and relatable.
7
So true. It's just that the only cause she believes in is "what's in it for me?"
5
Proof, Margaret, or please stop smearing someone who has dedicated her life to serving the public.
2
I take issue with the feminist tone Obama, et al. are trying to push. None of us would know Hillary Rodham if she didn't marry Bill. She's a Yale Law gunner who lacks political 'it' factor, so she married and stayed with the philandering Rhodes Scholar to garner power and a public career off his coattails.
13
She is Heir to Gryffindor
Her opponent, the Hair of Slytherin
Her opponent, the Hair of Slytherin
7
We should be truthful: Obama is the best speaker in History, best speechwriter
{unless you full Reality-Check: and look at whose speeches actually moved public opinion, and changed history, sadly THAT (dis)honor goes to Der-Fuhrer}
While Obama gave an INCREDIBLE speech, it was largely a huge dose of delusional Happy-Talk
* He never addressed runaway crime/murder rate from last 1-3 years
* Never honestly addressed Islamic Terror that is getting worse & worse week-by-week, year-by-year
* Never addressed the harmful effects of runaway illegal immigration, which he seems to claim is a benefit { Every baby born of an Illegal alien female in the US, *STARTS OFF* by costing the Taxpayers $5-10,000 -> then leads to a long stream of welfare payments, and their kids "In-General" have higher dropout rates, and really high out-of-wedlock children(again for the Taxpayers to pay for)}
{unless you full Reality-Check: and look at whose speeches actually moved public opinion, and changed history, sadly THAT (dis)honor goes to Der-Fuhrer}
While Obama gave an INCREDIBLE speech, it was largely a huge dose of delusional Happy-Talk
* He never addressed runaway crime/murder rate from last 1-3 years
* Never honestly addressed Islamic Terror that is getting worse & worse week-by-week, year-by-year
* Never addressed the harmful effects of runaway illegal immigration, which he seems to claim is a benefit { Every baby born of an Illegal alien female in the US, *STARTS OFF* by costing the Taxpayers $5-10,000 -> then leads to a long stream of welfare payments, and their kids "In-General" have higher dropout rates, and really high out-of-wedlock children(again for the Taxpayers to pay for)}
7
Obama does not hold a candle to Bill Clinton. Obamas speeches seldom have any meat to them. Bill gauges his audience, calls upon vast policy knowledge, and delivers targeted, relevant information, with style and passion. Obama has always been supposedly talented at speaking, as some sort of heir to MLK. I don't see it. He is a politician, and he is of mixed race. All very nice. But it doesn't mean he has been influential or succinct with his words.
1
One of you is advancing the deeply-silly idea that the President's a poor speaker and writer; the other concedes that he's excellent at both, and loathes his ideas, claims and actions.
The guy recognizing the rhetoric and attacking the substance is a lot closer to reality.
Of course, it's simply untrue that the murder rate has been generally rising these last three years. You want to point out that it's been generally dropping, but that there are cities such as Chicago where we've seen significant increases.
And the President did indeed cite "Islamic terror." A number of times, as did others. What's he spozed to do--scream and scare everybody?
And net immigration, especially from Mexico, is at zero. We are just not seeing any "flood," and you have no facts at all to support such a claim.
Still, at least you didn't tey the deeply-stupid argument that the man can't write or speechify.
The guy recognizing the rhetoric and attacking the substance is a lot closer to reality.
Of course, it's simply untrue that the murder rate has been generally rising these last three years. You want to point out that it's been generally dropping, but that there are cities such as Chicago where we've seen significant increases.
And the President did indeed cite "Islamic terror." A number of times, as did others. What's he spozed to do--scream and scare everybody?
And net immigration, especially from Mexico, is at zero. We are just not seeing any "flood," and you have no facts at all to support such a claim.
Still, at least you didn't tey the deeply-stupid argument that the man can't write or speechify.
3
I think the electorate is done with these "experiments" of first -times for the presidency. It's not a game of who can elect someone with the same skin color or gender as theirs.
If that's you're hot button on whom you'll vote for you shouldn't have the right to cast it.
If that's you're hot button on whom you'll vote for you shouldn't have the right to cast it.
4
America is great!
68% of voters think a candidate from a major party is a liar and 54% think she committed crime - and we are still hear a praise from the President that she's the most qualified person to run for the office.
America is already great!
68% of voters think a candidate from a major party is a liar and 54% think she committed crime - and we are still hear a praise from the President that she's the most qualified person to run for the office.
America is already great!
7
areader - just because most of the electorate is ill informed doesn't make them right.
2
The Republicans made very clear they would thwart Obama's agenda if Obama became POTUS. I'm pretty sure the Democrats will reciprocate if Trump becomes POTUS. It should finally put away the fantasy that the two wings of the duopoly are dissimilar.
3
I voted for Bernie in the primary and my state did too. I'm 62 yrs old now so I have heard about Hillary for over 30 years, none of it good. I always thought that if the Republicans had that much 'bad' to say about her they must be scared of something.
They have always hated her from the oment she tried to get us universal health care (like Nixon tried) and said to the country 'what would you like me to do, stay home and bake cookies"? That did it, they went after her and have never, ever let up. If there is a Satan, to the Republicans it's Hillary.
Whitewater ($70 million dollars from the taxpayers for nothing, good to see Kenneth Starr fired from Baylor, karma), Vince Foster, what else, Benghazi? These are the same Republicans that said NOTHING when Reagan allowed over 240 Marines to be murdered in their barracks in Beirut. Benghazi, it was up to the Ambassador to take precautions for his staff and himself.
Emails, ok, but WHERE ARE BUSH'S 5 MILLION EMAILS?
Now you have the Republican candidate asking his friend Putin to commit espionage on an American citizen? Where will it stop?
What if you do something Trump doesn't like, what would happen then?
I truly, literally, unequivocally believe that Mr. Trump is not sane.
I don't know if he has a slight dementia problem, or a personality disorder. Tomorrow he will begin getting intelligence briefings including information about his friend Vladimir. I hope you too are terrified.
They have always hated her from the oment she tried to get us universal health care (like Nixon tried) and said to the country 'what would you like me to do, stay home and bake cookies"? That did it, they went after her and have never, ever let up. If there is a Satan, to the Republicans it's Hillary.
Whitewater ($70 million dollars from the taxpayers for nothing, good to see Kenneth Starr fired from Baylor, karma), Vince Foster, what else, Benghazi? These are the same Republicans that said NOTHING when Reagan allowed over 240 Marines to be murdered in their barracks in Beirut. Benghazi, it was up to the Ambassador to take precautions for his staff and himself.
Emails, ok, but WHERE ARE BUSH'S 5 MILLION EMAILS?
Now you have the Republican candidate asking his friend Putin to commit espionage on an American citizen? Where will it stop?
What if you do something Trump doesn't like, what would happen then?
I truly, literally, unequivocally believe that Mr. Trump is not sane.
I don't know if he has a slight dementia problem, or a personality disorder. Tomorrow he will begin getting intelligence briefings including information about his friend Vladimir. I hope you too are terrified.
8
Time to get over Bush. He's not running and neither is his brother.
4
Will she be heir to unlimited secret drone strikes in countries where there's no war declaration? Heir to signature strikes? Heir to large numbers of noncombatants killed in countries where no war declaration exists? Or even where it does? Heir to the failure to close Guantanamo?
Heir to the targeted killings of Americans abroad absent any judicial review or transparency?
Such a bequest to leave your successor!
Heir to the targeted killings of Americans abroad absent any judicial review or transparency?
Such a bequest to leave your successor!
5
This was one of Obama's strongest, most passionate speeches till date. I was glad that someone — finally! — attacked Trump directly. That needs to be done, and it needs to be done right. His endorsement for Clinton came from the heart, even though she will never be able to fill the hole he will leave. In the years to come, America will sorely miss this man.
9
In support of Barbara from DC:
Yes! As you, my most powerful takeaway from President Obama's speech was his exhortation that for our representative democracy to flourish, ordinary Americans need to sign into the political process. "WE THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES, IN ORDER TO FORM A MORE PERFECT UNION..." need to get out and start working in the trenches for candidates at all levels. Beyond this critical election, we need to keep our focus on the equally important NEXT MID-TERM ELECTIONS. All encompassing Democratic reforms and governance may be instated at the top, but they begin--and end--at the bottom.
Yes! As you, my most powerful takeaway from President Obama's speech was his exhortation that for our representative democracy to flourish, ordinary Americans need to sign into the political process. "WE THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES, IN ORDER TO FORM A MORE PERFECT UNION..." need to get out and start working in the trenches for candidates at all levels. Beyond this critical election, we need to keep our focus on the equally important NEXT MID-TERM ELECTIONS. All encompassing Democratic reforms and governance may be instated at the top, but they begin--and end--at the bottom.
6
Reality check most which is said BY democrat is directed at republicans . Dont beleive everything you hear only what you see an little to show for on democrat side. People finally woke up to facts system is rigged all along.
5
Obama's shaky legacy will be tarnished if Hillary wins and the problems persist or are further exacerbated. He will then have to accept responsibility for dumping Hillary in the white house after defeating her in the primary in 2008 for good reason. He is now asking for Americans to support his former secretary of state who was extremely careless on the job to be promoted to the highest office of the land. Only in America will someone in their ri9ght mind allow to happen. Obama's optimism demonstrates his lack of touch in identifying appropriately the grave domestic and International problems and the serious problems within the democratic party. Sanders may have been gracious in defeat but many who think his defeat was a result of a rigged system will not be mesmerized by the president and the first family who have had a time of their lives and have a lot to be grateful for including the luxurious life style and the great secret service which has kept them safe at a time when the world and the law enforcement live in dangerous times.
7
Just say that you hated the welfare moms on that show "The Jeffersons," and get it over with, willya?
1
Obama may think Trump is a threat to American values but the protesters believe Obama, Hillary and the D.N.C. are a threat to our democracy.
Why isn't the liberal media covering or showing any of the protests?
Why isn't the liberal media covering or showing any of the protests?
8
Because the NYT endorsed the failed president twice and has already gone all in with Hillary.
6
Because any sane person in the United States and Europe is scared to death of a Trump presidency - and rightly so.
4
I know. What does it tell you when you have to go to Fox News to find out what's really going on? (I had no clue till I happened upon a TV set tuned to Fox during my lunch break.)
5
"Obama hails Clinton as his political heir", says the NY Times.
Sounds like she's still riding on a man's coattails. This time, it's Obama's coattails. She just can't make it on her own, can she?
Sounds like she's still riding on a man's coattails. This time, it's Obama's coattails. She just can't make it on her own, can she?
6
America is already great!
70% of voters think a candidate from a major party is a liar - and we are still hear a praise for her as the most qualified person to run for the office.
America is already great!
70% of voters think a candidate from a major party is a liar - and we are still hear a praise for her as the most qualified person to run for the office.
America is already great!
7
To anyone not willing to vote for Hillary - Think who will get nominated to the supreme court if she doesn't win the election. We need a liberal president to pick the supreme court nominees if we want citizens united overturned.
Even if you despise her - the supreme court is in the balance.
Are you so frustrated, are you so dense that you may risk all the hard won civil rights of the last 40 years just to snub her?
Even if you despise her - the supreme court is in the balance.
Are you so frustrated, are you so dense that you may risk all the hard won civil rights of the last 40 years just to snub her?
5
Four more years of Barack OBama's failed policies under Hillary Clinton. I can hardly wait.
This is going to work against Hillary Clinton big time. No one wants another Bush or another Clnton in the White House. And, if things are so great why does Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump draw the crowds they do?
Trump might not be perfect, but there is no way I'm going to vote for a third term for Barack Obama.
If Hillary needs all this help from these people she's not much of a candidate on her own. Further, this is proof positive that Barack Obama, Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton are all running scared that Donald Trump is going to win.
This is going to work against Hillary Clinton big time. No one wants another Bush or another Clnton in the White House. And, if things are so great why does Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump draw the crowds they do?
Trump might not be perfect, but there is no way I'm going to vote for a third term for Barack Obama.
If Hillary needs all this help from these people she's not much of a candidate on her own. Further, this is proof positive that Barack Obama, Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton are all running scared that Donald Trump is going to win.
8
Actually, the failures are Republican failures. They've done their best to blame Democrats for what they've done.
9
democratic didn't fight and nor were their polices that different when they had control of congress. But you keep telling yourself that.
3
What a night! Thank you Mr. Obama and Mr. Biden for two intelligent and well delivered speeches! I am so grateful for your leadership, dignity and maturity and will miss you both greatly. Such a class act! VOTE for HRC in November!
9
American values are two centuries old and severely outdated. Is it not time to embrace revolutionary change?
Nationalism offers a much better alternative than liberal democracy, and should not be dismissed simply because it offends the sensibilities of some.
Nationalism offers a much better alternative than liberal democracy, and should not be dismissed simply because it offends the sensibilities of some.
2
It is sinply that us crazy libbers recall what "National Socialism," was.
3
We should vote for Hillary for the fear of a Trump presidency so we are told over and over. This is a different kind of fearmongering. If Elizabeth Warren were the nominee, I would jump for joy because she is no first lady and she is not the entitled kind. Now with the DNC's anti-Bernie email scandal, women across the country couldn't be proud of having this first woman nominee. That honor for all women is stolen from all American women. This is a very sad election for American democracy.
4
Just a note,
Si se peude is the rallying call of Cesar Chavez's United Farm Workers movement in the 70's. Which is distinct from the English idiomatic "Yes you (we) can" from Obama's political movement.
I believe Tim Kaine was referring to the former, not the latter, as the article indicates.
Just a note.
Si se peude is the rallying call of Cesar Chavez's United Farm Workers movement in the 70's. Which is distinct from the English idiomatic "Yes you (we) can" from Obama's political movement.
I believe Tim Kaine was referring to the former, not the latter, as the article indicates.
Just a note.
3
If you want to vote for a woman for president, vote Jill Stein.
She does not have the Email scandal following her, and does not have the GS transcript or Foundation issues.
Bloomberg endorsed Hillary because he knows she will carry water for his business interests and interests of all billionaires in NYC.
Shameful.
She does not have the Email scandal following her, and does not have the GS transcript or Foundation issues.
Bloomberg endorsed Hillary because he knows she will carry water for his business interests and interests of all billionaires in NYC.
Shameful.
9
Before you vote for Jill Stein--well, if you thought BERNIE'S plans were a little fuzzy around the edges, wait'll you get a load of hers.
http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox/2016/07/27/jill_stein_is_not_the_sav...
The one I really like best is the world peace plan: seems North Korea will jist surrender its weapons, and it'll be a plastic rocket and a Buddha for all...
http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox/2016/07/27/jill_stein_is_not_the_sav...
The one I really like best is the world peace plan: seems North Korea will jist surrender its weapons, and it'll be a plastic rocket and a Buddha for all...
5
I am--yes--shocked and appalled--that the break-in and theft by the Russian government intelligence services of tens of thousands of documents from the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington is NOT the raging, top, front-page, block-letter headline of the day. Over forty years ago, a similar event, conducted not by Russians but by American intelligence operatives, erupted and dominated the American news media for years; it was called WATERGATE. A President was forced from office and his most senior advisers, including the nation's top law enforcement officer, jailed. Documentaries continue to be made on the existential threat that the event posed to our constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
Fast forward over forty years. Instead of John Mitchell, we have Guccifer 2.0. Instead of Haldeman, we have Cozy Bear. Instead of Erlichman, we have Fancy Bear. Instead of officials of the competing political party, we have the military and quasi-military intelligence services of America's sworn enemy.
Why is the media today giving Vladimir Putin and his henchmen--and Trump--a pass?
Fast forward over forty years. Instead of John Mitchell, we have Guccifer 2.0. Instead of Haldeman, we have Cozy Bear. Instead of Erlichman, we have Fancy Bear. Instead of officials of the competing political party, we have the military and quasi-military intelligence services of America's sworn enemy.
Why is the media today giving Vladimir Putin and his henchmen--and Trump--a pass?
3
a. they have no direct proof russia was involved.
b. doesnt matter who did it, you have a major political party who conspired with the media to rig an election. the fact that you don't care about that is eyepopping
b. doesnt matter who did it, you have a major political party who conspired with the media to rig an election. the fact that you don't care about that is eyepopping
4
While Obama gave an exceptional speech in praise of an unworthy person, Kaine carries on in Spanish as if we are bilingual country, Bill Clinton was wearing a lapel pin written in Hebrew, the filthy rich who have looted the country celebrating with their checkbooks in hand as per NYT.
Sorry Obama, you are a gracious man, but I cannot bring myself to vote for a sellout who is more likely to undo what you have fought so hard for.
"While she supports the Iran deal, she also gave a warmly-received speech at this year’s AIPAC convention and vowed to meet with Benjamin Netanyahu soon after her potential inauguration. Wendy Sherman, who negotiated the Iran deal, told a panel Wednesday that Clinton instructed her personally to keep the occupation and settlements language out of the platform."
Sorry Obama, you are a gracious man, but I cannot bring myself to vote for a sellout who is more likely to undo what you have fought so hard for.
"While she supports the Iran deal, she also gave a warmly-received speech at this year’s AIPAC convention and vowed to meet with Benjamin Netanyahu soon after her potential inauguration. Wendy Sherman, who negotiated the Iran deal, told a panel Wednesday that Clinton instructed her personally to keep the occupation and settlements language out of the platform."
7
With regards to Bloomberg's remark "I know a con when I see one", I say as a New Yorker that "it takes one to know one".
5
But apparently he doesn't, since he was up there shilling for the premier con artist of our lifetime.
6
very pithy from someone who probably doesn't have two dimes to rub together.
Trump is popular because Obama is black and Hilary is a woman.
White males, especially working class white males who've seen their economic opportunities shrink in the last decade, want to feel powerful again. And they will do anything to regain that sense of self, that sense of superiority, which they feel is so under assault.
Putin is the ultimate alpha-male: when you're losing your place in the world, why not call all hands on deck, even past enemies?
Trumps campaign is the embodiment of a life or death fight for traditional white male supremacy, and many people support the status quo, including women and minorities.
We need the white male establishment (ref: Bushes) to repudiate Trump as a danger to the country and to assure white men in economic decline - and the families that depend on them - that they will be looked after, even with a woman, endorsed by a black, in the White House.
White males, especially working class white males who've seen their economic opportunities shrink in the last decade, want to feel powerful again. And they will do anything to regain that sense of self, that sense of superiority, which they feel is so under assault.
Putin is the ultimate alpha-male: when you're losing your place in the world, why not call all hands on deck, even past enemies?
Trumps campaign is the embodiment of a life or death fight for traditional white male supremacy, and many people support the status quo, including women and minorities.
We need the white male establishment (ref: Bushes) to repudiate Trump as a danger to the country and to assure white men in economic decline - and the families that depend on them - that they will be looked after, even with a woman, endorsed by a black, in the White House.
3
So far they have not been looked after. What about looking after all the people who are in decline. Hillary will be our savior, what took her so long?
1
If this is the best candidate the Dems can come up with, the party is in deep trouble.
7
unfortuantely only sane people see that
4
We love you, President Obama, and we thank-you for all your incredible hard and great work on behalf of our country. You will be greatly missed!
7
Is it within our law that the United States Attorney at the request of a citizen would promptly present to a grand jury the issue of an dictment of Donald Trump for his felonious or otherwise criminal incitement of the Russian government to breach the records of the United States
2
President Obama is a once-in-a-lifetime? once-in-a-century? president. His grace, his intelligence, his nuanced understanding of the world, his wit, his humanity, his ability to connect with others has been unmatched by anyone I can think of. Years from now, we will look back on him with even more awe and wonder. I consider myself lucky that such a president served our country in my lifetime.
5
What an invented tradition...lovely!
1
I have always liked President Obama, but found last night‘s speech uninspiring. Ditto for the rest of the speakers in this convention. To me, Michelle Obama‘s widely-lauded speech felt like she was fulfilling an obligation to the Clintons, and frankly I sensed the same thing in Obama.
So many speakers with boring platitudes, talking about their hard-working parents and grandparents, give me a break. Most of us have the same ancestor stories.
I really hoped for something more bold and truth-telling, something different, something........I don't know. From the look on Sanders‘ face every time the camera cut to him, I think he was hoping for the same thing.
So many speakers with boring platitudes, talking about their hard-working parents and grandparents, give me a break. Most of us have the same ancestor stories.
I really hoped for something more bold and truth-telling, something different, something........I don't know. From the look on Sanders‘ face every time the camera cut to him, I think he was hoping for the same thing.
9
The speeches were powerful. Obama may have replaced Bill Clinton as the master of oration.
The convention has been a nice boost for Hillary’s popularity numbers, but the real test begins after the convention when Hillary faces off, toe to toe with Trump in a debate. Enough of the talk - let’s get it on face to face. Maybe Hillary issues the first challenge tonight when she closes the evening.
The convention has been a nice boost for Hillary’s popularity numbers, but the real test begins after the convention when Hillary faces off, toe to toe with Trump in a debate. Enough of the talk - let’s get it on face to face. Maybe Hillary issues the first challenge tonight when she closes the evening.
1
I have not been proud or enthusiastic for any President until now and I'm 64. It has been an unusual privilege to have Barack Obama as our president. What if I can say something similar at the end of the next eight years?
In spite of Trump and his cadre of naysayers, for the first time since Viet Nam I feel like ours is a country of hope and positive momentum. We can do it, we can contribute to making space for positive action. We have to. There is no place else we can go.
In spite of Trump and his cadre of naysayers, for the first time since Viet Nam I feel like ours is a country of hope and positive momentum. We can do it, we can contribute to making space for positive action. We have to. There is no place else we can go.
5
Trump is indeed a threat to American values, especially now that Trump is siding with Vladimir Putin and urging the Russians to commit espionage against the U.S. government, which is treason. Who's side is Trump on, anyway?
Not to mention Trump's New York apartment, which is done up in Russian Mafia Style.
Not to mention Trump's New York apartment, which is done up in Russian Mafia Style.
3
I was all in for Sanders, but simply put he lost. For those of you who are mad at the DNC, consider that the RNC also interfered, but Trump still won. What does that say? Don't be mad at the establishment, be mad with your fellow voters. Clearly the majority does not agree with us.
HRC may not be Bernie, but she is more than 80% Bernie while Trump is zero. Which would you rather have in the white house?
For me, it's no contest. I'm now 100% with HRC. The alternative is simply to horrific to imagine.
HRC may not be Bernie, but she is more than 80% Bernie while Trump is zero. Which would you rather have in the white house?
For me, it's no contest. I'm now 100% with HRC. The alternative is simply to horrific to imagine.
9
horrific for what, have seen hillarys record? all the negatives match up with all the negative things trump says.
3
HRC cannot afford any more controversies until November. She has all the strong endorsements she needs. This election is hers to lose. There have been just too many distractions which led us to not recognize the truly historic moment it has been: Possibly the first woman ever to be the president of the most powerful country on the planet. That will be inspiring to so many children in the future for generations to come. But somehow the controversies have so much overshadowed this epic moment.
One of the bigger problems is also with the over-zealous democratic supporters who just analyze every single word and every statement that is uttered to death and draw own conclusions. In the comments, the word heir is being so much discussed that it is just becoming difficult to just utter a statement without fearing much about the unintended consequences their over-analysis might have.
Yes you have to be perfect in speech but at times it must be taken in the context.
One of the bigger problems is also with the over-zealous democratic supporters who just analyze every single word and every statement that is uttered to death and draw own conclusions. In the comments, the word heir is being so much discussed that it is just becoming difficult to just utter a statement without fearing much about the unintended consequences their over-analysis might have.
Yes you have to be perfect in speech but at times it must be taken in the context.
2
Ignoring our country’s problems is not optimism, it’s deceit. The president can play the fiddle all day but Rome is still burning.
In stark contrast, Donald Trump’s speech, while not as polished, was honest, which has the virtue of having never been tried in modern politics.
Trump’s speech was not dismal, the world is dismal. The state of our government is dismal. The job market is dismal. Trump’s speech was a reflection of reality, President Obama’s was a denial of it.
Just two weeks ago he bemoaned the remnants of racism in our country’s DNA. Refugees in Europe are hacking pregnant women to death, beheading priests and running down revelers with a truck. Erdogan is using a dubious failed coup to marginalize or liquidate Turkey’s few remaining vestiges of democracy and secularism. Iran is well on the way to becoming a regional nuclear superpower thanks to a lousy loophole-laden deal signed by Obama and championed by Clinton.
We can’t afford four more years of this optimism.
In stark contrast, Donald Trump’s speech, while not as polished, was honest, which has the virtue of having never been tried in modern politics.
Trump’s speech was not dismal, the world is dismal. The state of our government is dismal. The job market is dismal. Trump’s speech was a reflection of reality, President Obama’s was a denial of it.
Just two weeks ago he bemoaned the remnants of racism in our country’s DNA. Refugees in Europe are hacking pregnant women to death, beheading priests and running down revelers with a truck. Erdogan is using a dubious failed coup to marginalize or liquidate Turkey’s few remaining vestiges of democracy and secularism. Iran is well on the way to becoming a regional nuclear superpower thanks to a lousy loophole-laden deal signed by Obama and championed by Clinton.
We can’t afford four more years of this optimism.
8
Trump and his mouthpieces spent last week trying to frighten our country, telling us what terrible shape we are in.
This week, democrats are simply trying to say: No, we are a pretty great country.
They are not glossing over what ails us. Although since they haven't been talking about ISIL 98% of the time Fox news is telling their viewers it is not being brought up...which isn't true.
Just because the democrats refuse to let fear overtake them, doesn't mean they aren't aware of the threats that face us. Don't forget...Obama is the one that got Bin Laden when his predecessor sent us on a wild goose chase in Iraq (which, ironically, is what created ISIL). So just stop giving in to the fear mongering.
This week, democrats are simply trying to say: No, we are a pretty great country.
They are not glossing over what ails us. Although since they haven't been talking about ISIL 98% of the time Fox news is telling their viewers it is not being brought up...which isn't true.
Just because the democrats refuse to let fear overtake them, doesn't mean they aren't aware of the threats that face us. Don't forget...Obama is the one that got Bin Laden when his predecessor sent us on a wild goose chase in Iraq (which, ironically, is what created ISIL). So just stop giving in to the fear mongering.
1
I wish Obama could stay on for a third term, but he is no Putin nor Trump.
2
How about staying on for good!
1
When Clinton and Obama ran against each other in 2008, you may remember a blip in time where they met privately. It was thought that the purpose was to speak about her dropping out and throwing support his way. I felt it was to hammer him mercilessly about what she'd get in return and I knew it would be big, because she's a tooth-and-nails fighter. Boom! After he is elected, he appoints her Secretary of State. She does a horrible job, so second time around, he abandons her and makes another poor choice. It is said that neither President nor Mrs. Obama like Hillary Clinton. If you want a refresher of what she and former President Clinton (Bill) thought of Obama's politics, research the 2008 election.
What's going to happen if Clinton is President is the same sort of dealing for Power and Control. It will be retrograde, such as the Secretary of State deal, and it will be with foreign governments. The press will be kept busy investigating networks of pre-agreements made with foreign governments based on donations and support they have given the Clinton Foundation. After she becomes President, many of you will not care, because you have elevated her well-being to goddess stature. I expect you to blame the press for hurting your idol and develop a sudden disinterest in the news.
What's going to happen if Clinton is President is the same sort of dealing for Power and Control. It will be retrograde, such as the Secretary of State deal, and it will be with foreign governments. The press will be kept busy investigating networks of pre-agreements made with foreign governments based on donations and support they have given the Clinton Foundation. After she becomes President, many of you will not care, because you have elevated her well-being to goddess stature. I expect you to blame the press for hurting your idol and develop a sudden disinterest in the news.
8
Do you mean that the press will investigate her deals after she becomes president like they did during the primary season?
Obama reminded me of Burt Lancaster as Elmer Gantry.
POTUS next career should be a televangelist. Coming Sunday mornings
in 2017 to a TV screen near you.
POTUS next career should be a televangelist. Coming Sunday mornings
in 2017 to a TV screen near you.
3
I hope the Dems will reach out to Americans who feel let down and left behind. I don't understand why federal transfer payments were not set up to make sure every state could afford to take part in Obamacare (formerly Hillary Clinton's invention.)
The simple act of converting all contributions made by employers to medical insurance into a business tax would allow all states to reap a 24-26% savings by going single payor and moving to a single schedule covering all proper, needed treatments. This savings would cover the cost of insuring those who have no insurance right now. Patients would be free to choose their doctors and hospitals.
The simple act of converting all contributions made by employers to medical insurance into a business tax would allow all states to reap a 24-26% savings by going single payor and moving to a single schedule covering all proper, needed treatments. This savings would cover the cost of insuring those who have no insurance right now. Patients would be free to choose their doctors and hospitals.
EM - I don't understand why federal transfer payments were not set up to make sure every state could afford to take part in Obamacare (formerly Hillary Clinton's invention.)
REPUBLICAN GOVERNORS REFUSED the money from the federal government that is why. They do not care about Americans, only blocking everything Obama did. I got insurance because I live in a state where the governor actually cares about me, she is a Dem of course. It actually stinks, anything a Dem does to try and make a change, the Republicans stop, even if it were to help Americans.
REPUBLICAN GOVERNORS REFUSED the money from the federal government that is why. They do not care about Americans, only blocking everything Obama did. I got insurance because I live in a state where the governor actually cares about me, she is a Dem of course. It actually stinks, anything a Dem does to try and make a change, the Republicans stop, even if it were to help Americans.
4
Useful facts from DNC convention:
-a president may need to spend long hard nights studying briefing reports to be a competent & wise leader of the free world. watching FOX news won't do it.
- having demonstrated a capacity to work hard for meaningful causes that serve the public good over many decades (HRC & Kaine) = important evidence of presidential attention span & commitment. Trump has never done anything that indicates his ability or inclination to serve others. tweeting is not thoughtful.
-Trump hasn't actually built anything since the 1980's, but has marketed his name for gilded pomposity and concocted a pseudo-reality show where he got to impersonate an omnipotent Boss. this isn't what POTUS does.
-Trump promised a Great RNC show- delivering a shrill, dismal chalk-on-blackboard event with no stars of showbiz or sport (which he assured us he'd provide). compared to the DNC convention, Trump was a real dud. Don the Con ? are all his promises (Trump U. Trump get-rich-quick institute, Trump airline, trump condos in Cabo, etc.) suckerball
-a president may need to spend long hard nights studying briefing reports to be a competent & wise leader of the free world. watching FOX news won't do it.
- having demonstrated a capacity to work hard for meaningful causes that serve the public good over many decades (HRC & Kaine) = important evidence of presidential attention span & commitment. Trump has never done anything that indicates his ability or inclination to serve others. tweeting is not thoughtful.
-Trump hasn't actually built anything since the 1980's, but has marketed his name for gilded pomposity and concocted a pseudo-reality show where he got to impersonate an omnipotent Boss. this isn't what POTUS does.
-Trump promised a Great RNC show- delivering a shrill, dismal chalk-on-blackboard event with no stars of showbiz or sport (which he assured us he'd provide). compared to the DNC convention, Trump was a real dud. Don the Con ? are all his promises (Trump U. Trump get-rich-quick institute, Trump airline, trump condos in Cabo, etc.) suckerball
4
All of the prime time speeches at the DNC have been awesome. President Obama's speech was magnificent on many levels. He explained, in concrete terms, what electoral democracy is about. I'm not sure many Americans really understood and many seem to expect magical solutions and reality defying miracles. Mr. Obama contrasted true American values to the horrible alternative that is Donald Trump. We will miss you President Obama but hopefully not too much because Hillary will be another great if different President. Mr. Obama, you and other speakers at the convention restored my optimism in the US and its future.
I supported Sen Sanders and he was the first viable candidate in my lifetime to set out an appealing agenda for our country. I was one to doubt Secretary Clinton but now believe she may accomplish more than President Obama because of her energy, toughness, and persistence. If I am wrong about that, the alternative is beyond comprehension. Please, my fellow Sanders supporters, save our country from the lunacy of that other guy who belongs in the dustbin of history.
The embrace between Clinton and Obama at the end was classic: two former rivals showing their unity, affection and mutual respect for each other. That was worth at least a 1,000 great words.
I supported Sen Sanders and he was the first viable candidate in my lifetime to set out an appealing agenda for our country. I was one to doubt Secretary Clinton but now believe she may accomplish more than President Obama because of her energy, toughness, and persistence. If I am wrong about that, the alternative is beyond comprehension. Please, my fellow Sanders supporters, save our country from the lunacy of that other guy who belongs in the dustbin of history.
The embrace between Clinton and Obama at the end was classic: two former rivals showing their unity, affection and mutual respect for each other. That was worth at least a 1,000 great words.
4
I liked the President's comment when he was talking about (his words) the Donald: "Don't boo, vote." He also emphasized that we need to change the Congress and the Senate so we can enact some of the polices that Bernie Sanders has put forth. As it stands now we still only have 8 Supreme Court Justices because the GOP has blocked the 9th because they want Trump to appoint that one. That cannot happen. #NeverTrump
3
I question the mental capacity of anyone who's "inspired" by modern day politicians. They are narcissistic crooks.
8
Americans love all things shiny and new, like kids in a toy store. I readily admit the mystery of who Barack Obama might become as a "pragmatic idealist" (an oxymoron for sure) after his groundbreaking speech in 2004 hooked me then and I could not wait to vote for him just to see how his inspiring rhetoric would translate into action. Did we get everything we wanted from him as the sparkle wore off and reality set in? Of course not, we never do. But his speech last night reminded me that what was there behind the packaging was in some respects much more than we expected. We got to know a man apparently made of steel, able to withstand and persevere through thick and thin, never losing his character or optimism or faith in America meanwhile. Absolutely amazing, no buyer's remorse whatsoever.
I will take that any day over a man whose only agenda is to scare us to death and to use the Presidency solely to stroke his gigantic ego. No mystery there.
What I see in Hilary is someone with no shiny, as it wore off long ago. On view for all to see however despite some dents, is reassuring steady persistence, nose to the grindstone work ethic, and resiliency that we still need. Are her words inspiring? Maybe not, as 44 is in a class by himself in that regard. But does her history demonstrate innate idealism driving her every day to keep pushing the rock up the hill? Absolutely. Is that preferable to the Darth Vader toy that is DT and has no soul? You bet.
I will take that any day over a man whose only agenda is to scare us to death and to use the Presidency solely to stroke his gigantic ego. No mystery there.
What I see in Hilary is someone with no shiny, as it wore off long ago. On view for all to see however despite some dents, is reassuring steady persistence, nose to the grindstone work ethic, and resiliency that we still need. Are her words inspiring? Maybe not, as 44 is in a class by himself in that regard. But does her history demonstrate innate idealism driving her every day to keep pushing the rock up the hill? Absolutely. Is that preferable to the Darth Vader toy that is DT and has no soul? You bet.
4
"Its' the Donald, Stupid" - Can First Lady Clinton launch this slogan tonight, please!!!! "Its' the Donald, Stupid!!!"
1
Trolls, don't forget to change your user ID's to English .......
Yes, "don't Boo, vote" - and volunteer! See y'all after the election!
Go Hillary!!
Yes, "don't Boo, vote" - and volunteer! See y'all after the election!
Go Hillary!!
6
"a vivid illustration of how dependent the two former rivals are on each other now."
Perhaps the core message of Obama--the community organizer--locally, nationally and internationally. Rivals (races, religions, politicians) can learn to cooperate to create a better world.
Civilization depends on it. It will be destroyed by small minds--homegrown or not.
Perhaps the core message of Obama--the community organizer--locally, nationally and internationally. Rivals (races, religions, politicians) can learn to cooperate to create a better world.
Civilization depends on it. It will be destroyed by small minds--homegrown or not.
3
Hillary touted as a role model for little girls - someone who cheats, steals, and lies? Not for my daughter. We will not have to wait very long for another woman who has integrity to lead us.
I would rather have my daughter see "a bully" president who stands up for what is right, even if it is not PC, rather than a president who is a liar and a cheater.
I would rather have my daughter see "a bully" president who stands up for what is right, even if it is not PC, rather than a president who is a liar and a cheater.
8
Hopefully you are not teaching your girls that lying and smearing people based on no evidence - by way of your example - is any way to behave.
ps: look up what Trump has said about women. Despicable.
ps: look up what Trump has said about women. Despicable.
4
"Homegrown demagogue" was perfect. Trump echoes Republicans of the 1930s who preferred Hitler to FDR because Hitler was a 'strong leader.' I could never understand a candidate who prefers a dictator hostile to the U.S. over the American opposition candidate. And then that candidate leads chants of "USA!" Trump makes no sense.
4
Clintons showed the Obamas how it's done. Look for them to start an Obama Foundation as they private jet around the world playing golf, lounging on yachts, and collecting a billion bucks in "donations".
8
At least he won't be sitting at home painting pictures and doing the crazy dance at funeral dedications for fallen police officers.
4
I read Obama's speech and was unimpressed. It was typical vague references to topics everyone knows, i.e. referring to Trump as a demogogue, referring to his racial division as healing, grandiosity upon grandiosity.
I can't fathom intelligent people who do not see Obama as a person who moves on the in-between, cynically letting others take heat for things, then making sure he is the one to claim glory. He simply thinks of nothing but himself, and his actions are unexplainable until you apply that theory to him. Then, it all fits.
Good riddance, Obama. I voted for you in 08, passionately, then you revealed yourself. Will not miss you at all.
I can't fathom intelligent people who do not see Obama as a person who moves on the in-between, cynically letting others take heat for things, then making sure he is the one to claim glory. He simply thinks of nothing but himself, and his actions are unexplainable until you apply that theory to him. Then, it all fits.
Good riddance, Obama. I voted for you in 08, passionately, then you revealed yourself. Will not miss you at all.
5
Maybe if you actually bothered to see him give his speech live - and heard the emotion in his voice - you would realize how wrong you are.
5
The "smartest candidate ever" ... yet she pretends to have no grasp of email.
9
Plenty of smart people hire other people to handle their IT setup. She's a busy woman.
6
Millions spent investigating Clinton (more time than Republicans spent investigating Bush's pointless & immoral war that killed 650,000 civilians) and that's all they came up with?--sloppy email? Please have some perspective.
7
President Obama is a great man, a great human being, and a great leader who has been laser focused on helping all Americans. He has seldom received support from the Republicans, so it seems that he has almost performed miracles when we examine all that he has achieved.
Hopefully, a majority of Americans will use their own intelligence to guide them to choose another worthy candidate for president rather than a con-man for president.
Hopefully, a majority of Americans will use their own intelligence to guide them to choose another worthy candidate for president rather than a con-man for president.
6
Let's all take a breath here, Obama was not what as advertised. Not only didn't he rein in Wall Street, he put Wall Street in high positions. He did continued Bush's (spying on the US) policies. He did not go after the Bush Administration for war crimes. Instead of protecting whistle-blowers he goes after them. His drone program is evil. Come on now. He was OK at best.
It's a shame the DNC is so corrupted. It's a shame that Henry Kissinger inspired Hillary unapologetically leads the way. It's a shame so many put up with this mediocre leadership and throw it up as shining beacons of the best - and throw the progressive word around no less.
Platitudes for the credulous my friends, just platitudes for the credulous.
It's a shame the DNC is so corrupted. It's a shame that Henry Kissinger inspired Hillary unapologetically leads the way. It's a shame so many put up with this mediocre leadership and throw it up as shining beacons of the best - and throw the progressive word around no less.
Platitudes for the credulous my friends, just platitudes for the credulous.
6
We cannot let another election be stolen from us
4
I don't like name-calling. It serves no useful purpose. I just can't understand how or why so many Americans have no problem supporting Donald Trump. OK, everyone is allowed an opinion. But honestly, where are their brains? Don't they even listen to the nonsense and frankly insulting comments that come out of Trump? Or are they equally, bigoted, racist, xenophobic, homophobic and sexist as their candidate? Frankly, that scares me more than ISIS or any terror group. Mr. Obama, I hope your message comes across.
7
Trump has come out with the most substantive foreign policy platform in 25 years. What we've heard these last few days is the standard bag of platitudes and pap. Nothing substantive, nothing out of the ordinary. Oligarchy pseudo speech. The real discussions occur in private, with the billionaires.
4
And exactly what is that substantive policy platform?
4
We have no choice but to vote democrat. Period that's it. I am not voting for the one of the two corrupt political parties that I've known, all my life. After Kennedy the only President I had any respect for, it has been a a snow ball of moral bankruptcy till we hit rock bottom, oligarchy. I thought George Bush was the absolute bottom, then I was surprised that Our Prince of Platitudes can keep, vacuous thinking, alive and well. Why should anyone not understand the wave of support for the only person who has said, the "Emperor" has no clothes. I live with the hope that the fire that Sanders has lit will burn the trash that we have lived with for so long.
2
What I hope the Bernie holdouts heard this week were:
1. Bernie was not the first person pushing universal health care. HILLARY was and has the scars to prove it.
2. Fighting for children, families and women was and is PROGRESSIVE
3. As the President said last night democracy is hard and even though you may be 100% right in order to govern you must be able to compromise.
4. Get in the arena instead of shouting at the sidelines
5. Gun violence is a health issue. I was struck by the fact the Sanders voted to not renew the assault ban and became a reluctant warrior for gun control and wondered if he felt some discomfort listening to those speakers on gun control.
6. The auto industry was saved by the bill Sanders refused to vote for because it was not pure.
Underneath the emotion and soaring rhetoric I hope those messages got through - but probably not since we are so bad at recognizing our deeply held biases.
It's disturbing and sad that you heard one young Sanders supporters say that she is confused. What are you confused about? Who is closest to Sanders vision? Hillary or Dumpf?
I really really need for us to teach more reasoning and critical thinking in schools. Sigh!
1. Bernie was not the first person pushing universal health care. HILLARY was and has the scars to prove it.
2. Fighting for children, families and women was and is PROGRESSIVE
3. As the President said last night democracy is hard and even though you may be 100% right in order to govern you must be able to compromise.
4. Get in the arena instead of shouting at the sidelines
5. Gun violence is a health issue. I was struck by the fact the Sanders voted to not renew the assault ban and became a reluctant warrior for gun control and wondered if he felt some discomfort listening to those speakers on gun control.
6. The auto industry was saved by the bill Sanders refused to vote for because it was not pure.
Underneath the emotion and soaring rhetoric I hope those messages got through - but probably not since we are so bad at recognizing our deeply held biases.
It's disturbing and sad that you heard one young Sanders supporters say that she is confused. What are you confused about? Who is closest to Sanders vision? Hillary or Dumpf?
I really really need for us to teach more reasoning and critical thinking in schools. Sigh!
6
I am not confused at all about the Clintons. Your condescension will not win you any converts.
Then again, maybe HRC can get that reasoning and critical thinking of yours taught to a fraction of our students for ten times the price in the charter schools she supports. Sigh!
Then again, maybe HRC can get that reasoning and critical thinking of yours taught to a fraction of our students for ten times the price in the charter schools she supports. Sigh!
5
Oh please there are those who will never be converts and as far as I am concerned good riddance. You all have bought into the demonizing of Hillary as if she is responsible for everything that is going on. This is persecution by any other name and even when there is another picture presented of her the hate is still there so - choke on the hate and see how far it gets you. She is accused of being inauthentic when she talks about being a mother and grandmother - she is not even afforded that natural right as a mother and grandmother since everything about her is suspicious. Good grief. Well I listened this week. I listened to individuals who came to share with us a side of this woman that is NEVER portrayed by the media. A woman who met a 3rd grader suffering from cerebral palsy and stayed connected with her into adulthood mentoring her, encouraging her. I listened to the 9/11 survivor who was so burnt whom Hillary met in hospital and stayed in her life encouraging her and being there for her. Oh I listened. Did you?
The laughable thing is with the agenda Bernie was putting forward how was he going to achieve it? Ha! The hard, slogging way the same way Hillary will achieve those changes and the same way Barack Obama did.
But hey - your insistence on purity will keep you warm at night.
The laughable thing is with the agenda Bernie was putting forward how was he going to achieve it? Ha! The hard, slogging way the same way Hillary will achieve those changes and the same way Barack Obama did.
But hey - your insistence on purity will keep you warm at night.
4
I don't care about HRC's authenticity as a mother or grandmother. Children are irrelevant in politics. Heck, I'd probably like her more if she was unmarried with no kids. And I certainly don't care about anecdotal evidence of her supposed 'warmth'. My problem with the Clintons is policy, plain and simple.
And I'm no purist btw. I tend towards pragmatism when necessary and was never a committed Sanders supporter. The Clintons are a special case because they've been working undermine the Democrats' old New Deal liberalism ever since they entered the national spotlight. They are a virus in the party and I'll be glad when they're gone for good. I just hope Chelsea doesn't have any political aspirations.
And I'm no purist btw. I tend towards pragmatism when necessary and was never a committed Sanders supporter. The Clintons are a special case because they've been working undermine the Democrats' old New Deal liberalism ever since they entered the national spotlight. They are a virus in the party and I'll be glad when they're gone for good. I just hope Chelsea doesn't have any political aspirations.
3
How vapid these candidates are, proffering insults each to the other while offering nothing of substance. Neither impresses. There are some things money cannot buy.
3
So funny and sad to watch. Is the Times and it's readers as blind as they lecture us we are? Obama hates the Clinton's but needs her for his so called legacy. The Clinton's hate Obama for 2008 among many things but need him to help her get elected. The Clinton's are a business, not a marriage and they go their own way and are no role models for anyone with character, ethics, integrity and a moral fabric, things they lack in their makeup. They do not deserve to be anywhere need the White House.
Yet, the Times and readers love these people and never seem to care how dishonest or un-american they act. The Obama's hate America but love the perks and money they get and the chance they have been given to hurt the country through regulations, executive orders, standing by and not acknowledging Isis, higher crime rates, rising poverty, rising black crime, destruction of the middle class, anti-Israel and in some cases anti-semitic remarks (DNC, run by Obama), the bowing down to Iran and Cuba with nothing in return, the insensitivity and dislike of the police and military and of course embracing the rise of the HATE group Black Lives Matter. Plenty more on this list.
Very scary legacy for this president, I don't know why he wants one except his ego is the size of Pluto!
Yet, the Times and readers love these people and never seem to care how dishonest or un-american they act. The Obama's hate America but love the perks and money they get and the chance they have been given to hurt the country through regulations, executive orders, standing by and not acknowledging Isis, higher crime rates, rising poverty, rising black crime, destruction of the middle class, anti-Israel and in some cases anti-semitic remarks (DNC, run by Obama), the bowing down to Iran and Cuba with nothing in return, the insensitivity and dislike of the police and military and of course embracing the rise of the HATE group Black Lives Matter. Plenty more on this list.
Very scary legacy for this president, I don't know why he wants one except his ego is the size of Pluto!
2
Good afternoon from Capitol Hill!
I moved here after law school in 2008 and I have had a front row seat to the Obama-Clinton wars as the primaries unfolded during my 3rd year of law school.
Valerie Jarrett - the actual POTUS
Lawyers never forget the person that gave us our first job or big break. VJ hired Michelle Obama, and brought Obama into the Chicago law firm where she was a partner. They owe her. For life.
In the 1990s, when Bill Clinton swept through Chicago, snapping up Richard Daley, Rahm Emanuel and other Chicago heavies, VJ was snubbed and left behind in Chicago by Team Clinton. Hillary knew VJ from her pre-Arkansas days and did not trust her. Valerie Jarrett never forgot that.
It was VJ who went after the Clintons in 2008 with the race card. It was VJ who vetoed HRC as VP, and in 2014, it was VJ who attempted to force Elizabeth Warren to primary Hillary, and when Warren refused, VJ leaked the email scandal info to the FBI.
Three Washington DC insiders have written about Obama's hatred of the Clintons, two of those books are bestsellers. Nonfiction best sellers.
It is no secret that Barack Obama went on an infamous golf outing with Bill Clinton resulting in a shouting match where Obama was forced to agree to endorse HRC in exchange for Bill Clinton rescuing the Obama presidency at the 2012 DNC.
And in a final twist of hate, Obama tied Hillary to his legacy as POTUS forcing her to defend him and run on his record in November. For better or worse.
I moved here after law school in 2008 and I have had a front row seat to the Obama-Clinton wars as the primaries unfolded during my 3rd year of law school.
Valerie Jarrett - the actual POTUS
Lawyers never forget the person that gave us our first job or big break. VJ hired Michelle Obama, and brought Obama into the Chicago law firm where she was a partner. They owe her. For life.
In the 1990s, when Bill Clinton swept through Chicago, snapping up Richard Daley, Rahm Emanuel and other Chicago heavies, VJ was snubbed and left behind in Chicago by Team Clinton. Hillary knew VJ from her pre-Arkansas days and did not trust her. Valerie Jarrett never forgot that.
It was VJ who went after the Clintons in 2008 with the race card. It was VJ who vetoed HRC as VP, and in 2014, it was VJ who attempted to force Elizabeth Warren to primary Hillary, and when Warren refused, VJ leaked the email scandal info to the FBI.
Three Washington DC insiders have written about Obama's hatred of the Clintons, two of those books are bestsellers. Nonfiction best sellers.
It is no secret that Barack Obama went on an infamous golf outing with Bill Clinton resulting in a shouting match where Obama was forced to agree to endorse HRC in exchange for Bill Clinton rescuing the Obama presidency at the 2012 DNC.
And in a final twist of hate, Obama tied Hillary to his legacy as POTUS forcing her to defend him and run on his record in November. For better or worse.
5
When I was in Rome last year I took out the Pope for lunch. He asked me why Americans could support Trump. I told Father that I didn't know. I asked him what should we do? He said that we must pray for them. I told His Holiness that we should. We did right after our aperitifs.
4
I know. The breathless, gushing syncophancy on display here is amazing. It would be comic, if it weren't so scary. My takeaway is that the convention has risen to the level of a Hallmark Channel made-for-TV movie. Or the last days of the Roman Empire.
3
"The American Dream is something no wall will ever contain."
Thank you, Mr. President, thank you.
Thank you, Mr. President, thank you.
6
It seems most people, especially those in public positions or in the media, find it difficult to grasp the idea that many, many voters are not fervent Clinton or Trump supporters. Many voters are caught in a choice between two candidates they find seriously difficult to support or help elect. Many people are offended and scared to such a degree by Trump makes about race, gender and many other topics, they cannot understand how anyone could even contemplate supporting him. Many other people feel the same about Clinton's actions, decisions and dishonesty related to her use of a private email server (in addition to other political and character issues). If anyone in the country believes this election offers a truly clear choice for any voter, they are wrong and misguided. In my social circles, conservatives and liberals strongly agree that it will be difficult or impossible to support either candidate.
3
Well--sorry. Beautifully-delivered lies are still, you know, lies...
Yes--I'm one of those people some of you claim are imaginary--those of us who voted for Obama twice and absolutely cannot swallow one-half of the most venal couple in politics. We*ve already had terms three and four of the Bush Presidency now and I'm not voting for a fifth one.
I cannot forget that the previously-sterling John Lewis said so contemptuously--and contemptibly--this past primary season that he never saw Bernie during all those civil rights marches.
If Trump wins this fall, it*s because the DNC insisted one more time in forcing the worst possible candidate on us because she was next in the queue. It was Donna Brazile advising Gore not to waste time and money campaigning in his own home state that cost him the election. The Nader-in-Florida canard has been eviscerated by serious political scientists.
I supported Bernie because he best represented my values. I will be honoring Hillary*s request to follow my conscience and shall vote for Johnson or Stein in November.
Yes--I'm one of those people some of you claim are imaginary--those of us who voted for Obama twice and absolutely cannot swallow one-half of the most venal couple in politics. We*ve already had terms three and four of the Bush Presidency now and I'm not voting for a fifth one.
I cannot forget that the previously-sterling John Lewis said so contemptuously--and contemptibly--this past primary season that he never saw Bernie during all those civil rights marches.
If Trump wins this fall, it*s because the DNC insisted one more time in forcing the worst possible candidate on us because she was next in the queue. It was Donna Brazile advising Gore not to waste time and money campaigning in his own home state that cost him the election. The Nader-in-Florida canard has been eviscerated by serious political scientists.
I supported Bernie because he best represented my values. I will be honoring Hillary*s request to follow my conscience and shall vote for Johnson or Stein in November.
6
I hope you investigate Jill Stein. She's not that great.
4
Susan Anderson: *Not great* is better than awful.
5
Yes, Susan, aren't we supposed to be settling for flawed candidates now? I'll take "flawed" over "rotten to the core" any day.
2
Great line from the president about Trump being a "ruler", after all he does have a gold throne.
3
More platitude-filled speechifying from the pencil-necked Community Organizer in Chief. For almost 40 years, the Democratic party has aggressively pursued an agenda of identity politics that ignores and alienates the white working class that once constituted its base.
If you want to understand why someone like Trump resonates with a big swath of the electorate, look in the mirror.
If you want to understand why someone like Trump resonates with a big swath of the electorate, look in the mirror.
6
That was a phenomenal, moving and important speech, marked by enormous intelligence, eloquence, inclusivity, history and grace. To all the snarling dogs, do you have any idea how hard it is to write and deliver a speech like that? And how lucky you've been to have this president and this family for eight years? I lived through Nixon, Reagan, and two Bushes, and we have been extremely fortunate to have someone willing to devote his great gifts to public service at the highest and most difficult level.
8
There are things that Berinie supporters refuse to accept but know are true. Among them: global trade is necessary; socialism is dead; inequality can be mitigated but it will never disappear; manufacturing jobs are not coming back; Daesh is a cancer that will have to be dealt with by force; there will be a war somewhere in the world in the next 4 years; and the US cannot disengage from the rest of the planet. Their rage at Hillary is the rage at reality that won't conform to their ideology.
5
a. not arguing against free trade, arguing against corporate managed trade since that we these trade deals are.
b. he was democratic socialist, not a socialist
.c socialism, in its true form, has never existed in any government of a modern society, but has existed and thrived in more traditional cultures.
b. he was democratic socialist, not a socialist
.c socialism, in its true form, has never existed in any government of a modern society, but has existed and thrived in more traditional cultures.
A. If trade is not managed by governments and corporations, who is it managed by? I am not saying all trade deals are perfect but I have never heard any specific critiques or suggestions from Sanders and his supporters.B. There is a thing called Social Democracy but what is democratic socialism? Sounds like an oxymoron to me. C. Socialism absolutely existed in the USSR and Eastern Europe and we know how it ended. Tribal societies are no more egalitarian than ours but even if they were, so what? You cannot turn back history.
Obama articulated a wonderful vision of liberal, progressive patriotism. American exceptionalism is best founded by a democracy whose backbone is a strong, politically active middle class.
The most important imperative in politics, indeed in all human activities, is to maintain the means of facilitating participation and of correcting mistakes. Progress can then be achieved by activism and dialogue. Clinton understands this. Onward with her!
The most important imperative in politics, indeed in all human activities, is to maintain the means of facilitating participation and of correcting mistakes. Progress can then be achieved by activism and dialogue. Clinton understands this. Onward with her!
5
I am sorry but MSM, DNC and the NYT just can not pull the wool over the majority of voters any longer. We will not vote Hillary into office as we the people see her as the corrupt, inept, elitist and dishonest individual that she is and has been since she got into the addiction of political power.
5
Great job repeating Republican platitudes, they've bought and paid for you. You don't listen to any facts that don't fit your narrative, do you?
5
To die-hard Bernie-or-Bust supporters:
Please don't be your own worst enemy. I firmly believe that in this country, there are more people who lean Democratic than there are people who lean Republican. Yet both houses in Congress have a Republican majority and their nominee, that treasonous fraud of a buffoon, is perilously close to becoming POTUS.
Democrats are fighting among themselves while Republicans take the prize. Rome burns while we bicker. I am saddened to see that despite Ted Cruz's speech, the Republican convention was far more united behind Donald Trump than the Democratic convention seems to be behind Hillary Clinton. People, she won more votes and % of the votes than DT did. She won more votes than Bernie Sanders. Sanders lost, and it wasn't close, at all. The voters have chosen her. If you are a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, it is your duty to support the Democratic nominee.
There is a time to protest and a time to unite. Listen to Bernie Sanders, listen to President Obama. Please think of your country and unite.
Please don't be your own worst enemy. I firmly believe that in this country, there are more people who lean Democratic than there are people who lean Republican. Yet both houses in Congress have a Republican majority and their nominee, that treasonous fraud of a buffoon, is perilously close to becoming POTUS.
Democrats are fighting among themselves while Republicans take the prize. Rome burns while we bicker. I am saddened to see that despite Ted Cruz's speech, the Republican convention was far more united behind Donald Trump than the Democratic convention seems to be behind Hillary Clinton. People, she won more votes and % of the votes than DT did. She won more votes than Bernie Sanders. Sanders lost, and it wasn't close, at all. The voters have chosen her. If you are a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, it is your duty to support the Democratic nominee.
There is a time to protest and a time to unite. Listen to Bernie Sanders, listen to President Obama. Please think of your country and unite.
7
It's semi-hilarious to watch the BernieBots (who are not the same as Sanders' supporters) get together with the Trumploons (those, however, are all pretty much the same) and chortle about how the NYT, that hotbed of Clinton Cheering and Lying and Suppression of the TRUTH, published the front-page article about how wealthy Denocratic donors are treated.
Cognitive dissonance much, guys?
Cognitive dissonance much, guys?
4
I voted for Obama in the first presidential election in which I could vote in 2008, passionately running down to the White House as a young college student to take part in the festivities that night. I voted for him again in 2012, largely out of loyalty and respect for leading us out of the worst recession in 70 years. But honestly if he was running for a third term in 2016, I wouldn't vote for him again, and I won't be voting for his anointed successor Hillary Clinton. Maybe I've become older and more cynical, maybe it's the tearing of the social fabric that's become evident in the last four years, and maybe I've just stopped caring about Presidents and party leaders and the theater of American democracy. It just doesn't matter as much to me as much as it did, to the point where I didn't even watch the Convention last night or the Republican convention last week.
There's really no good choices in this election. You either get a raving demagogue with no plans or solutions or a continuation of the globalist, elitist regime that has resulted in the displacement of American workers, destruction of trust in government, unchecked immigration, and wasteful destructive wars in the Middle East. Count me out of this one.
There's really no good choices in this election. You either get a raving demagogue with no plans or solutions or a continuation of the globalist, elitist regime that has resulted in the displacement of American workers, destruction of trust in government, unchecked immigration, and wasteful destructive wars in the Middle East. Count me out of this one.
4
you should still vote for down ballot candidates, particually wons that fit your values.
Wednesday night, Bernie Sanders was invoked over and over by all the speakers at the convention, just not lip service but feeling the Bern. Bernie Sanders has delivered what he set out to do - his agenda be acknowledged and included in the Party agenda. Sanders himself could not complain as being the decent man he is he has put Country above Party, addressing the real and present danger - Donald Trump. I wish his recalcitrant supporters get this message, grow up and realize that their revolution of ideas has already been acknowledged. They should not become like Ralph Nader's supporters who gave us Bush, not Gore. This time around the stakes are way higher. Stop the demagogue, Donald Trump.
8
We identify (or start vilifying) our political candidates before they utter their first word. I imagine there are even people reading this column today, who get all emotional and teary eyed before such oration and rhetorical mouthwash even begins. We support what makes us feel good, what brings us a warm and fuzzy feeling at night. We want, in other words, what we’re already carrying around inside our skulls; a person we feel is just like us. We’re not thinking, “Oh, this person is so intelligent, so good for our country, so...” We later overlay that logic and our own rhetorical icing to seal the cake and the deal, so to speak. Sure, we want to believe this is not the case. That we’re somehow different; that “something,” is on OUR side. In other words, something that moves the tide of history in our favor; that keeps our country great or makes our country great again. Really, it’s simply our wiring. We go along, play up to standard, or play the game, if you will. It’s what we’re designed to do. So, if you think you’re choosing Clinton or Trump because you want to; think again; it’s really, because you need to or must. Face it, you’re obliged where you know it or not.
Hillary is a weak candidate who embodies everything most Americans are repelled by: elitism, neoliberalism, corruption, and special interests.
Everything about this convention is over-the-top phony. The DNC will regret forcing her down our throat.
Everything about this convention is over-the-top phony. The DNC will regret forcing her down our throat.
8
I voted for Bernie and gave money to his campaign.
Not to vote for Hillary Clinton in the general would be irresponsible and dangerous for our nation.
Moreover, there is nothing that would be more counterproductive to implementing the core ideas that Bernie espoused than to encourage Trump's success in November. I can make only one conclusion about Bernie supporters who would refuse to support Hillary: They are unwilling to consider the long term consequences of short term truculence; simply put, they would be shooting themselves in the foot.
Not to vote for Hillary Clinton in the general would be irresponsible and dangerous for our nation.
Moreover, there is nothing that would be more counterproductive to implementing the core ideas that Bernie espoused than to encourage Trump's success in November. I can make only one conclusion about Bernie supporters who would refuse to support Hillary: They are unwilling to consider the long term consequences of short term truculence; simply put, they would be shooting themselves in the foot.
6
Beautiful, inspiring Obama speech.
But there was something most-important missing.
It is reflected in this fatally deceptive phrase in this writeup from our Royal New York Times:
"Bernie Sanders, whom Mrs. Clinton defeated for the nomination"
No, it was the Money-Insider Establishment Royalty that defeated Bernie.
And it has been the great failure of the otherwise great Obama that he did not confront that Royalty as FDR would have. That Royalty is our greatest danger.
Much worse, Hillary is part of, the Queen of, that Money-Insider Establishment Royalty that is our greatest danger.
No doubt, Queen Hillary will fight-fight-fight to make the crumbs thrown out to The People more equitably thrown.
But they still will be crumbs, thrown out to The People by Queen Hillary from the balcony of the Money-Insider Establishment's Royal Castle.
But there was something most-important missing.
It is reflected in this fatally deceptive phrase in this writeup from our Royal New York Times:
"Bernie Sanders, whom Mrs. Clinton defeated for the nomination"
No, it was the Money-Insider Establishment Royalty that defeated Bernie.
And it has been the great failure of the otherwise great Obama that he did not confront that Royalty as FDR would have. That Royalty is our greatest danger.
Much worse, Hillary is part of, the Queen of, that Money-Insider Establishment Royalty that is our greatest danger.
No doubt, Queen Hillary will fight-fight-fight to make the crumbs thrown out to The People more equitably thrown.
But they still will be crumbs, thrown out to The People by Queen Hillary from the balcony of the Money-Insider Establishment's Royal Castle.
7
Obama has shattered the dark mirror of the GOP's alternative universe while Clinton shattered the glass ceiling for women in US politics.
Trump's perception? That this much loved POTUS is not nearly the leader Putin is. Donald's devotees are happy to have the Russian government hack a US election, why? Because their "leader" tells them that is now OK.
This is a Lonnngngggggg way from your dad's GOP.
Trump's perception? That this much loved POTUS is not nearly the leader Putin is. Donald's devotees are happy to have the Russian government hack a US election, why? Because their "leader" tells them that is now OK.
This is a Lonnngngggggg way from your dad's GOP.
7
Calm down people. We are not electing a Queen. We are electing a representative who should work to further our collective interests, not her personal interests. We are electing a President who is answerable to the people, to the Constitution, to the congress, to the courts, to the fourth estate. She has flouted rules, norms and ethics so often that it is doubtful she can govern within the limits of power set forth by the constitution. When was the last time she allowed herself to be open to scrutiny, to be transparent, to have a long, open, no holds barred press conference?
5
If your first choice is Conservative principles.
If your first choice is Republican principles.
If your first choice is Independent principals.
If your first choice was Bush, Ted, or Kasich
If your first choice is for small business
If your first choice is for big business
If your first choice is for stable markets
If your first choice is security
If your first choice is to lead the world by example
If your first choice is to support our military
If your first choice is to freedom
If your first choice is to America
Then after what has been said, even if sarcastic, your first choice cannot be for the despot megalomaniac with no principles who wants to be king. Even if we need to grin and bare four years without our first choice.
If your first choice is Republican principles.
If your first choice is Independent principals.
If your first choice was Bush, Ted, or Kasich
If your first choice is for small business
If your first choice is for big business
If your first choice is for stable markets
If your first choice is security
If your first choice is to lead the world by example
If your first choice is to support our military
If your first choice is to freedom
If your first choice is to America
Then after what has been said, even if sarcastic, your first choice cannot be for the despot megalomaniac with no principles who wants to be king. Even if we need to grin and bare four years without our first choice.
9
My first choice is America First.
I'm voting for Donald Trump.
I'm voting for Donald Trump.
4
Ironic how you think The Donald will put America first when the only thing The Donald has ever put first is himself! Even most of the Republican party realizes this. You must be the reason that the airlines still have to demonstrate how to put on a seat belt.
6
If someone took your house which you borrowed and sweated to pay for and wrecked it, you'd want it restored and returned to you and the matter of who returned it to you would be important but secondary. The emails Hillary destroyed belonged to us according to the Freedom of Information Act. We borrowed to pay her salary and the salary of everyone else in the State Department and we worked like dogs to pay the nation's bills. I want what is rightfully ours back.
I don't want our security compromised by foreign governments. But, we're talking about what has already been hacked and unfortunately that ship has sailed thanks to Hillary's poor judgment (FBI's words-not mine). If the FBI can't, won't, or has no interest in providing them to me than who provides them to me is secondary.
My only question is why the deliberate destruction of emails done on the same server government work was done, and therefore likely government emails, isn't obstruction of justice?
I don't want our security compromised by foreign governments. But, we're talking about what has already been hacked and unfortunately that ship has sailed thanks to Hillary's poor judgment (FBI's words-not mine). If the FBI can't, won't, or has no interest in providing them to me than who provides them to me is secondary.
My only question is why the deliberate destruction of emails done on the same server government work was done, and therefore likely government emails, isn't obstruction of justice?
6
Easy to feel soft when the emotional strings are being tugged, and you feel yourself going all soppy because "All You Need Is Love". Great words and promises need to be fulfilled by the intent to make things better, and those "make things better" solutions, need to be approved. So really, while I, too, if American, would be voting for a Democratic president, the schmooze of politics is transparent. President Obama was right, there is a lot of work to do and within a background of social insecurity, injustice, terrorism and climate change it won't be easy. The President said, "Don't Boo, vote". But really it needs to go further. Vote - then continue to make your voice heard by being involved in making your own neighbourhood and community safer, more prosperous, more proud.
47
Bloomberg did the most effective job on Trump. They belong to the same billionaire class, but Bloomberg is way ahead in wealth, status, achievement, and experience as Mayor of the wealthiest and most complex city in the world.
This is the reason Trump has not been able to respond to Bloomberg with insults; he's met more than his match.
This is the reason Trump has not been able to respond to Bloomberg with insults; he's met more than his match.
8
Bloomberg came off small, white knuckled and personally angered. He wasn't there speaking to the nation or imploring us to do what was best. Bloomberg was there to air personal grievances with Trump, likely out of jealousy over Trump's towering celebrity in NYC. Bloomberg may have more cash on hand, but he is never going to be as symbolic as Trump.
That was so clearly on Bloomberg's mind last night.
That was so clearly on Bloomberg's mind last night.
4
@DCBarrister
Who in their right mind would think that Bloomberg is jealous of a buffoon, scam artist like Trump, just because he featured in reality TV? Are you serious?
Look, no major banker or investor would lend a dime to Donald Trump for the reasons Bloomberg talked about. Bloomberg very publicly called him a con artist. Trump would never sue for libel because: (1) it's true, and (2) Bloomberg is more than his match.
Who in their right mind would think that Bloomberg is jealous of a buffoon, scam artist like Trump, just because he featured in reality TV? Are you serious?
Look, no major banker or investor would lend a dime to Donald Trump for the reasons Bloomberg talked about. Bloomberg very publicly called him a con artist. Trump would never sue for libel because: (1) it's true, and (2) Bloomberg is more than his match.
3
Merlin, anyone who has not yet purchased their first shaving razor must be given a wide berth.
2
If one were King, they would have an heir.
7
Obama said America is ALREADY great. Well, if he thinks that it is great to have 38% unemployment rate among blacks, and if he thinks that it is great that blacks still feel disengaged from economic and political gains, then this guy can sell a bridge to you.
Kennedy gave us moon-landing; Hillary gave us Benghazi. Obama, lousy hope. It is sort of like the T-shirts you but at Times Square that read: My boyfriend went to New York and All he got me was lousy T-Shirt.
All we got in these 7 years is lousy hope.
Hope against hope, if you will.
Kennedy gave us moon-landing; Hillary gave us Benghazi. Obama, lousy hope. It is sort of like the T-shirts you but at Times Square that read: My boyfriend went to New York and All he got me was lousy T-Shirt.
All we got in these 7 years is lousy hope.
Hope against hope, if you will.
9
Health Care reform, nominating two female SCOTUS Justices and marriage equality may mean nothing to you, but these actions mean the *world* to me.
Love wins.
Thank you, President Obama.
Love wins.
Thank you, President Obama.
4
Exactly!
I remember Hillary Clinton's campaign tried that retort "America is already great" after Trump clinched the nomination. And they buried it because it makes the Democrats look aloof and out of touch.
In classic Obama arrogance, he used the line anyway. Because it's no problem for him if it costs Hillary the election.
I remember Hillary Clinton's campaign tried that retort "America is already great" after Trump clinched the nomination. And they buried it because it makes the Democrats look aloof and out of touch.
In classic Obama arrogance, he used the line anyway. Because it's no problem for him if it costs Hillary the election.
5
his healthcare reform was forcing people to buy health insurance. It didn't keep cost down, didn't cover everyone and it didn't improve outcomes. it did not accomplish anything it set out to do. such a waste of a democratic control congress
2
Donnie Donnie pudding and pie, betrayed his country to spread a lie. When the truth came out to pay, Donnie Donnie backed away.
5
And this relates to the article... how?
1
What an unworthy heir to this intelligent, principled, graceful President! Clinton may be better than Trump, but that's a pretty low bar.
4
As a Republican who has come around to Clinton, I plead with those still on the fence to not fall for Trump's paranoid fear-mongering. And if you have any question that he's not a narcissistic, immature bully, watch the clip from yesterday where he promotes espionage to get attention. Or how about the one of him making fun of the disabled reporter from the New York Times. That should do it.
Stronger together.
Stronger together.
11
If you like rhetoric, then Mr. Obama is your man. He reiterates in soaring cadences the empty platitudes that make Americans feel warm and fuzzy. It was ever thus, since 2007 he's been lecturing us about racial harmony, equal economic opportunity, world peace, and domestic justice. But has he had the courage of his convictions? The willingness to fight for what he purports to believe?
His legacy? The rich are far richer, we're still at war--though now we use drones--the government spies on all of us, corporate bandits laugh at the law, the police behave like occupying forces. Mr. Obama and his heir apparent preside over a party that has done its part to shred democratic principles (one person, one vote), and, lest we forget as we bask in the spectacle, our country is full of men and women who have given up hope for a better life for their children, for health care, for affordable education, for decent jobs--two standards, two Americas.
But we do have promises and optimism, the ideological equivalent of the GOP's fear and loathing, just a bit more palatable to liberals (the new conservatives).
Why do we keep swooning over these empty suits, these Wizards of Oz?
A great president? Mentioned in the same breath as FDR? I think not.
His legacy? The rich are far richer, we're still at war--though now we use drones--the government spies on all of us, corporate bandits laugh at the law, the police behave like occupying forces. Mr. Obama and his heir apparent preside over a party that has done its part to shred democratic principles (one person, one vote), and, lest we forget as we bask in the spectacle, our country is full of men and women who have given up hope for a better life for their children, for health care, for affordable education, for decent jobs--two standards, two Americas.
But we do have promises and optimism, the ideological equivalent of the GOP's fear and loathing, just a bit more palatable to liberals (the new conservatives).
Why do we keep swooning over these empty suits, these Wizards of Oz?
A great president? Mentioned in the same breath as FDR? I think not.
7
I have a degree in American History.
Equating Barack Obama with FDR is lunacy. The ignorance of Obama liberals is outstripped only by their ignorance.
Equating Barack Obama with FDR is lunacy. The ignorance of Obama liberals is outstripped only by their ignorance.
5
George, I have 3 PhD degrees in Human Science and I believe that I think that there is a slight note of fear of the unknown in your sentiment. Well understood in these trying times but I believe that it should not give you pause to move ahead. Good luck, from a really smart guy. Don't worry, I know what I'm talking about.
1
America does not need another 4 or 8 years of Obama style politics. We do not need more federal debt, which has doubled to nearly $20 trillion in less than 8 years due to Obama's reckless spending. We do not need more class warfare which Obama has created by blaming corporate America for his own failure to keep corporations from relocating overseas in the face of onerous federal taxes and regulations. We do not need more racial division, which Obama has fueled by blaming the police falsely in cases from Boston to Ferguson. We do not need more Islamic terrorism which Obama has failed to control and refuses to even recognize for what it is. We do not need Obamacare, which Obama promised would reduce family medical costs by $2500 a year, but which has increased health care costs dramatically while restricting consumers choice of doctors. And we certainly do not need a congenital liar and self serving lifelong politician as the next president in the form of Hillary Clinton to double down on the failures of the Obama administration.
6
The only other time the US debt, as a percentage of GDP, was this high? During the Great Depression.
We just suffered the Great Recession thanks to George W and crew (plz lay the blame squarely where it should be). The only reason it was another Great Depression in 2008 (George's reign)? Barrack Obama & Co.
Nice try on rewriting history...
We just suffered the Great Recession thanks to George W and crew (plz lay the blame squarely where it should be). The only reason it was another Great Depression in 2008 (George's reign)? Barrack Obama & Co.
Nice try on rewriting history...
2
A brilliant speech by a brilliant public orator, President Obama. Yes his argument was persuasive and passionate. President Obama has commandeered our one time troubled ship to calmer waters from where we were 8 years ago..... However, his oratory skills could not convince me to vote for Hillary. Her history of consistently lying, her all too cozy relationship with Wall Street and her alliance with Debbie Wasserman, whose impartiality while DNC chair, made it practically impossible for an outsider to have fair chance to run., make it unpalatable for me to vote for a flawed candidate There is a reason why Hillary has a historically low likability and trustworthy ratings..... It has nothing to do with right wing propaganda but everything to do with Hillary, she is a damaged candidate who has trust issues. The final straw for me was during the NY primary... During a conference with mothers who have lost love ones to gun violence..... Secretary Clinton in a low dramatic voice stated that a majority of illegal guns and used in committing violent crimes into NY comes from Vermont! LIE!!!!!
3
We will miss you Barack Obama.
7
Dignity, class, passion, love of country, intelligent, cool, empathetic, humble, visionary, inclusive, a uniter, unafraid to own his failures, give all credit to to us, the people for his successes, if these are not signs of a great Leader, then what is? History is going to be very kind to him. He will go down as one of the best Presidents we've ever had
8
The President's true heir spoke earlier, Joe Biden. Joe would be 20 points up on Donald and not looking back. Joe is progressive, clean and decent. Joe Biden, your country needed you this cycle, and you stepped aside, for personal reasons and because like most others, you feared the Clinton Machine and the money and the power they represent. I wish that you had fought for us, instead, one more time.
2
Championing Optimism, Obama Hails Clinton as His Political Heir. - NYT. The Clinton campaign talks about how bad it is for the Middle Class. The economy is rigged. The economy only benefits the rich. The student loans are too much of a burden, after 8 years of the Obama Adminstration. Sec. Clinton's plan is more of the same will fix the problems and make the economy work for everybody. (ABC, NBC and CBS).
3
No the Bernie supporters will not come around. I am one and my protest vote will go to Donald Trump. Hillary and dignity is enough for me to stop right here.
6
A Trump voter claiming dignity...this is rich.
So you're not actually a Bernie supporter, at least according to Bernie.
2
There's sticking to your principles!!! LOL
Trump clearly reflects BS ideas and principles!!!
And you would deny BS a Senate chair?
Back to the sand box...
Trump clearly reflects BS ideas and principles!!!
And you would deny BS a Senate chair?
Back to the sand box...
1
If Clinton is Obama's heir, it's not the good parts. It's the interventionist, neocon, corporatist, opaque, whistler blower persecutor, war monger, drone bomber. So, he's not lying. And I won't be voting for that.
6
Been watching all of the prime time speeches on Fox aired uninterrupted and commercial free. The speeches would resonate and persuade more if they would venture out of Legoland where "everything is awesome, everything is cool if you're part of the team." There are real reasons why Trumpers and Sandernistas have become force majeure. Ignore them at our own peril - look how Brexit turned out.
3
I like President Obama's acknowledgement of Senator Sanders.
I, too, hope that more people will "feel the Bern" and get out and elect progressive Democrats and Independents from the local to the national levels.
I'm hopeful, too, that President Rodham Clinton will ignore the neo-Cons and truly represent the people.
I, too, hope that more people will "feel the Bern" and get out and elect progressive Democrats and Independents from the local to the national levels.
I'm hopeful, too, that President Rodham Clinton will ignore the neo-Cons and truly represent the people.
5
Seriously?
You like the crumbs Barack Obama threw at Bernie Sanders, his political nemesis?
"Hey all you liberal progressives, you're not good or cool enough to be Barack Obama, but you can always run for city council..."
Sickening.
Bernie Sanders is the antiwar liberal progressive Obama pretended to be in 2008. The sooner Obama can erase Bernie from the American consciousness the better Obama's chances are to sell his con to the history books.
You like the crumbs Barack Obama threw at Bernie Sanders, his political nemesis?
"Hey all you liberal progressives, you're not good or cool enough to be Barack Obama, but you can always run for city council..."
Sickening.
Bernie Sanders is the antiwar liberal progressive Obama pretended to be in 2008. The sooner Obama can erase Bernie from the American consciousness the better Obama's chances are to sell his con to the history books.
2
The republicans punished America for President Obama's color and I worry that they will try to punish America for her gender. But I am hopeful that America's voters won't let this happen. Let's all work together and get out the vote - even if it rains. Let's break this illegitimate, do-nothing, republican congressional hegemony and elect a woman with ideals, hope and a vision for a prosperous future.
8
What is Barack Obama's color?
I ask that as a Black lawyer in Washington DC and a 13th generation descendant of slaves and sharecroppers. Both of my parents are Black.
Obama is a biracial con artist the White liberal establishment foisted upon this country as a "Black" president in 2008.
Speaking of illegitimate.
I ask that as a Black lawyer in Washington DC and a 13th generation descendant of slaves and sharecroppers. Both of my parents are Black.
Obama is a biracial con artist the White liberal establishment foisted upon this country as a "Black" president in 2008.
Speaking of illegitimate.
4
OBAMA'S Optimism is a great gift to the nation. We have depended on his positive leadership and encouragement as he worked to bring us out of the Great Recession and the mess left by Chainy Dubya. Obama has been has unfailingly exhorted us to bring out the best within ourselves, to join together to solve the problems we face as a nation and to move forward while embracing positive changes that will leave the world a better place after his second term has ended. The writer mentions that Hillary is "deeply unpopular" without providing proof of his statement. Since her days as First Lady of Arkansas till now, she has been unfairly, inaccurately criticized. The GOP has seen how much mud they can throw against the wall to see if any accusations will stick. The disgraceful inquiries into Benghazi and the failure of the GOP to offer support to Hillary's IT staff to see that she transitioned to the government server in a timely manner have been a huge waste of taxpayer's money. I see a great positive energy generated by Hillary as the first woman to be the presidential candidate. Her status will attract many women and men from all across the political spectrum, who wish to be a part of the historical opportunity to have such a gifted, devoted and superbly qualified candidate to vote for in the presidential elections this November. Now the work is to start challenging illegal laws that interfere with access to the ballot box by seeking immediate court injunctions. YES WE CAN!
4
Wasn't "yes we can" the 2008 slogan? So apparently we can't.
1
Here's the reality: Hillary Clinton is a weak candidate which the majority of Americans don't trust. But Trump is worse. This is the biggest case of the lesser of two evils EVER in American politics in my lifetime. Still, with a choice between hepatitis or AIDS, I'll take hepatitis.
Trump is using fear to sway voters to his side. Democrats are using fear to sway voters to their side, fear of a Donald Trump presidency. People should fear a Donald Trump presidency. But they should also fear the TPP, fracking and many other policies supported by Hillary Clinton. Is Hillary so concerned about a Trump presidency that she would renounce fracking? Pick a progressive VP? Apparently not. She's not doing everything she can so don't expect support from progressive democrats. Maybe if her poll numbers tank further she'll consider making some changes.
Trump is using fear to sway voters to his side. Democrats are using fear to sway voters to their side, fear of a Donald Trump presidency. People should fear a Donald Trump presidency. But they should also fear the TPP, fracking and many other policies supported by Hillary Clinton. Is Hillary so concerned about a Trump presidency that she would renounce fracking? Pick a progressive VP? Apparently not. She's not doing everything she can so don't expect support from progressive democrats. Maybe if her poll numbers tank further she'll consider making some changes.
2
Or, rather than your pushing "fear," in a fashion not to different from that of Trump, try reasoned discourse.
Explain exactly what's wrong with fracking, and how we get by without it. Be specific; show that you know some of the technology. No, "renewables are good!" Stuff.
Or pick A provision--just one--of TPP. Explain it, and show what's wrong with it. Be specific.
Otherwise, you're just a leftish type who's "arguing," the same way right-wingers "argue," about the Iran Accords.
Explain exactly what's wrong with fracking, and how we get by without it. Be specific; show that you know some of the technology. No, "renewables are good!" Stuff.
Or pick A provision--just one--of TPP. Explain it, and show what's wrong with it. Be specific.
Otherwise, you're just a leftish type who's "arguing," the same way right-wingers "argue," about the Iran Accords.
1
Robert: Fracking has caused the pollution of several municipal water supplies. Of course, in areas that are economically/politically underrepresented- so you prob don't care about that. The TPP has cost America hundreds of thousands of jobs offshored, and has NOT netted larger markets for US goods ~ witness our trade deficit with China. That's a problem when you want taxpayers to finance your feel good health care act. But we can go on.... HRC was outrageously careless with national security when she chose to use a private email server. Nor did she adequately protect Benghazi. She cost the life of an American ambassador. Commander In Chief ??? NO thank you.
1
The President gave a powerful and persuasive speech. One thought: Trump's "Make American Great Again!" does not have to be reflexively answered with "America IS Great!" This push/pull between the parties (now having exchanged traditional positions) does little service to the truth that lies somewhere between. "Greatness" is a false and dangerous standard, whether for an individual or a nation. Obama might have said, "Our challenge is not to be great but to be good, to be kind, to be fair; to care for each other and be good stewards of this planet. Achieve that and history will bestow on us the title of greatness and the honor we have earned."
1
Still not voting for her, Obama cannot erase the stain.
3
Hillary means more war in the middle east for reasons manifestly other than American national security. She risks war with Russia. She will appoint warmongering neocons like Victoria Nuland and the Kagans - a war that could involve nuclear exchange to some extent.
But hey, at least she won't try to enforce the immigration law that the majority of US citizens, in poll after poll want, right?
But hey, at least she won't try to enforce the immigration law that the majority of US citizens, in poll after poll want, right?
7
This is in the RNC platform, not that the DNC version is much better. The only question, is Donald just paying lip service? We already know Hillary is neocon pocket and so is her VP pick who joined the group of Senators pressuring Obama to cough up another $320 billion this year for Israel.
"“We reject the false notion that Israel is an occupier,” the platform’s language on Israel, introduced by GOP delegate Alan Clemmons, reads. “Support for Israel is an expression of Americanism, and it is the responsibility of our government to advance policies that reflect Americans’ strong desire for a relationship with no daylight between America and Israel.”"
"“We reject the false notion that Israel is an occupier,” the platform’s language on Israel, introduced by GOP delegate Alan Clemmons, reads. “Support for Israel is an expression of Americanism, and it is the responsibility of our government to advance policies that reflect Americans’ strong desire for a relationship with no daylight between America and Israel.”"
When Hillary showed up in surprising manner after Barack finished speechifying, she looked him in his eyes and rested her head on his chest.
Meaningless lovefest.
Meaningless lovefest.
5
Well we generally find what we are looking for.
1
On the other hand, Trump and Pence looked like a gay couple trying to paper over the fact that they's been up all night fighting before they went into th tea shoppe to meet their friends for lunch.
2
Remember,
Democrats disappointed with their party in 1968, withdrew their support and we got Nixon, followed by the bombing of Cambodia, students killed at Kent State U., Watergate, etc.
Liberals supporting Nader in 2000, helped give us G W Bush, followed by ignored warnings of 9/11, the unnecessary invasion of Iraq, New Orleans drowned, economic collapse, etc.
Don't do it again. I was a Bernie supporter, but I'm voting for Hillary. We'll put the pressure on her when she gets elected, but let's get her elected!
Democrats disappointed with their party in 1968, withdrew their support and we got Nixon, followed by the bombing of Cambodia, students killed at Kent State U., Watergate, etc.
Liberals supporting Nader in 2000, helped give us G W Bush, followed by ignored warnings of 9/11, the unnecessary invasion of Iraq, New Orleans drowned, economic collapse, etc.
Don't do it again. I was a Bernie supporter, but I'm voting for Hillary. We'll put the pressure on her when she gets elected, but let's get her elected!
21
When I watched Trump's "hacking" speech yesterday, he seemed unusually cranky and prickly, and I knew why. The man doesn't understand much, but he does understand a good show, and his was an embarrassing, paltry, low-wattage, low-energy sideshow next to the glorious, throbbing, thrilling spectacle of the democrats, with full-throated, deep-felt testimonials and brilliant speeches by the greatest of speakers and political stars. He was a man who knew he had been outshined, outclassed, and out-loved in every way.
15
You can slam Trump all you want, call him insane and dangerous and invoke Hillary's youthful work among children, but the fact remains that huge numbers of voters dislike her and think she is dishonest. Huge numbers of voters are also fed up with professional politicians and the Democratic Party and its brand of identity politics and failure to address the social and economic distress in the country. I think the commentarium places too much stress on the efficacy of speeches.
10
The efficacy of reality and reason too, it would seem.
"You can slam Trump all you want, call him insane and dangerous and invoke Hillary's youthful work among children, but the fact remains that huge numbers of voters dislike her and think she is dishonest."
Indeed, Michael. Deny and ignore the obvious about Trump. Because HRC is so much worse. Trump may be an awful, repugnant choice (only if you believe that crazy liberal media) but HRC is always worse. Because fox and hate radio say so. So there.
Indeed, Michael. Deny and ignore the obvious about Trump. Because HRC is so much worse. Trump may be an awful, repugnant choice (only if you believe that crazy liberal media) but HRC is always worse. Because fox and hate radio say so. So there.
1
Donoclue is going to be a catchy name.
"In the most unmistakable declaration yet by Mrs. Clinton that she is effectively seeking Mr. Obama’s third term..."
Will you PLEASE stop? Who are you to say something like that? The Times's reporters and editors have been having a field day with this election, blatantly editorializing and labeling and denouncing and boosting candidates as if they know what's best for the country.
Well you know what? You don't. Your job is to report the news, not to spin it to reflect your own in-the-loop views and your own around-the-water-cooler New York-provincial values. Yes, provincial - as great and sophisticated and talented a city as New York is, its media are incredibly solipsistic, ignorant and dismissive of the intelligence of rest of the country - the very definition of provincialism.
So just grant that Hillary Clinton is seeking her own presidency, that she's not Obama, she's not going to serve his third term or any other false characterization you want to put on it. Her presidency will be the Hillary Clinton presidency, and you could at least show her - and especially your readers - enough respect to acknowledge that.
Stop with the spinning!
Will you PLEASE stop? Who are you to say something like that? The Times's reporters and editors have been having a field day with this election, blatantly editorializing and labeling and denouncing and boosting candidates as if they know what's best for the country.
Well you know what? You don't. Your job is to report the news, not to spin it to reflect your own in-the-loop views and your own around-the-water-cooler New York-provincial values. Yes, provincial - as great and sophisticated and talented a city as New York is, its media are incredibly solipsistic, ignorant and dismissive of the intelligence of rest of the country - the very definition of provincialism.
So just grant that Hillary Clinton is seeking her own presidency, that she's not Obama, she's not going to serve his third term or any other false characterization you want to put on it. Her presidency will be the Hillary Clinton presidency, and you could at least show her - and especially your readers - enough respect to acknowledge that.
Stop with the spinning!
27
President Obama laid out exactly why Donald Trump is unqualified and unfit to be President of the United States and why Hillary Clinton is the most qualified person in my lifetime to be nominated for President! I know we are the greatest country in the world when I see the departing President and the potential President united as a team to move our Country forward. This is called peaceful transition of government. Like Bloomberg said Donald Trump is not sane or qualified to be the President of the United States. Donald Trump does not put America first! He would lead this country to ruin. My vote is for Hillary Clinton to be our next President. I trust her and you should too!
12
If anybody knows about being unqualified and unfit to be President, it's Barack Obama.
"He [Barack Obama] isn't qualified to serve coffee in the Oval Office, let alone be President." - President Bill Clinton on Barack Obama, circa 2008.
"He [Barack Obama] isn't qualified to serve coffee in the Oval Office, let alone be President." - President Bill Clinton on Barack Obama, circa 2008.
3
Obama called her the embodiment of everything wrong with politics in Washington in 2008. So tell me was he lying then, or is he lying now?
3
Trump is undoubtedly a psychopath. Why are so few people and news outlets calling him what even he has no compunction to hide as evidenced by his continuing psychopathic behaviors? Why are people so afraid to speak the truth???
The truth is that Trump exhibits almost all of the 20 items in the Hare Psychopathy Checklist (Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders) which makes him a cold, calculating psychopath: http://www.minddisorders.com/Flu-Inv/Hare-Psychopathy-Checklist.html
The truth is that Trump exhibits almost all of the 20 items in the Hare Psychopathy Checklist (Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders) which makes him a cold, calculating psychopath: http://www.minddisorders.com/Flu-Inv/Hare-Psychopathy-Checklist.html
14
There is a tendency to get carried away in the spectacle, god knows, that is Trump's claim to fame. Never mind the details when you have a new distraction.
I am fully aware of the debacle and menace that Trump represents. That should not delude people about the danger a Clinton presidency will represent. Yes, I get the historical symbolism of it all. Wonderful that a woman is the candidate of a major political party.
However, there are real problems with a Clinton candidacy and there should be no illusions the danger she represents. We need to remember that this is a candidate who in the past was opposed to gay marriage and favored war with Iraq because it was politically expedient. Her support for the Iraq War helped legitimize the lies of the Bush Administration. Her failure to come out for gay marriage for a decade cause real pain of people suffering from discrimination.
She is very willing to throw her base under the bus to get what she wants. Her reputation as a untrustworthy person is not solely a product of Republican propaganda.
People who dismiss this in the name of UNITY do no one any favors. Vote for her to avoid the apocalypse if you will, but know full well that she is capable of her own disasters. We have a major refugee crisis because of her critical mistakes on Libya, Syria and Iraq. Her hawkish disposition will lead to more military misadventures. Blaming Russia to divert people on an embarrassing email leak is indicative. Beware.
I am fully aware of the debacle and menace that Trump represents. That should not delude people about the danger a Clinton presidency will represent. Yes, I get the historical symbolism of it all. Wonderful that a woman is the candidate of a major political party.
However, there are real problems with a Clinton candidacy and there should be no illusions the danger she represents. We need to remember that this is a candidate who in the past was opposed to gay marriage and favored war with Iraq because it was politically expedient. Her support for the Iraq War helped legitimize the lies of the Bush Administration. Her failure to come out for gay marriage for a decade cause real pain of people suffering from discrimination.
She is very willing to throw her base under the bus to get what she wants. Her reputation as a untrustworthy person is not solely a product of Republican propaganda.
People who dismiss this in the name of UNITY do no one any favors. Vote for her to avoid the apocalypse if you will, but know full well that she is capable of her own disasters. We have a major refugee crisis because of her critical mistakes on Libya, Syria and Iraq. Her hawkish disposition will lead to more military misadventures. Blaming Russia to divert people on an embarrassing email leak is indicative. Beware.
4
Here's our problem: we've got a lot of people who won't listen, won't think, and who absolutely, and very loudly, absolutely refuse to find out what they're talking about.
Any sane American should have looked and listened--to those two conventions; to what Trump said yesterday--and rcornized who was sane and who wasn't. There should be no question at all about electing Hillary Clinton. None.
Not because she's far left. Not because she's perfect, and has no flaws. But simply because she's obviously our best choice. Sorry about that, and let's do better next time.
Instead, the last of the Berniacs are running sround, screaming, because they've discovered that hey, money matters in politics. Much easier than sucking it up and making an adult decision, let alone gritting your teeth and starting to do the long, slow, boring--and compromising--work of building for better.
And the Trump Nuts. It isn't that you disagree, or even loather the President. It's not that you don't know anything. It's not that you're concerned about your future.
It's that you won't learn: you think learning is elitist. It's that you won't try to look honestly at your own life: you REALLY that bad off? Any chance you been sitting on your duff, and that's the problem? And it certainly is the ugly,nugly racist streak that you keep showing, and denying.
Above all, it's this: your hatred of America. Whatever you think you think, hatred is what you're showing.
Not good, guys.
Any sane American should have looked and listened--to those two conventions; to what Trump said yesterday--and rcornized who was sane and who wasn't. There should be no question at all about electing Hillary Clinton. None.
Not because she's far left. Not because she's perfect, and has no flaws. But simply because she's obviously our best choice. Sorry about that, and let's do better next time.
Instead, the last of the Berniacs are running sround, screaming, because they've discovered that hey, money matters in politics. Much easier than sucking it up and making an adult decision, let alone gritting your teeth and starting to do the long, slow, boring--and compromising--work of building for better.
And the Trump Nuts. It isn't that you disagree, or even loather the President. It's not that you don't know anything. It's not that you're concerned about your future.
It's that you won't learn: you think learning is elitist. It's that you won't try to look honestly at your own life: you REALLY that bad off? Any chance you been sitting on your duff, and that's the problem? And it certainly is the ugly,nugly racist streak that you keep showing, and denying.
Above all, it's this: your hatred of America. Whatever you think you think, hatred is what you're showing.
Not good, guys.
14
"...we've got a lot of people who won't listen, won't think, and who absolutely, and very loudly, absolutely refuse to find out what they're talking about."
But this isn't about Obama liberals.
:-)
But this isn't about Obama liberals.
:-)
3
It simply dumbfounds me that you don't recognize how arrogant, condescending, and just plain stupid your derogatory labeling of those with whom you disagree is. Really, it's frightening.
5
Don't you love it! If you don't vote for Clinton you're a hater! What an elegant and cogent argument to win my vote.
5
Four more years! Four more years! Four more years!
7
There were some great optics last night; the speakers and the Democrats did a great job of showing what leadership sounds like. But as a lifelong Dem (and a supporter of Bernie Sanders this time around) there are still a few question marks:
1) Bill Clinton again; I cringe whenever the camera focuses on him, which it did many many times last night; he and his predilections (I won't go into the scandals, impeachment, etc.) Bill is going to help revitalize our economy? No thanks. We have plenty of talented people who don't bring that type of baggage along with their accomplishments.
2) According to the NY Times today, big donors were lining up in Philly hoping to buy their ambassadorships and exchange money for influence. Can anyone get through to Hillary and tell her that most Democrats and independents outside her bubble are sick of this continued corruptness... and of the influence of Wall Street, Big Pharma, Big Unions on all politicians decisions, Dem and Republican alike.
3) The election is really about the electoral college. Right now I am hoping that the polls out here in Oregon show Hillary by a reasonable margin so that I can vote the Democratic ticket and leave the presidential part blank. If it is tight I will throw my vote her way...
Every election that I have been through I have seen the myth of history being written but this one is more of a soap opera than most others, but a soap opera on the stage of a world that has grown dangerous again...
God help us...
1) Bill Clinton again; I cringe whenever the camera focuses on him, which it did many many times last night; he and his predilections (I won't go into the scandals, impeachment, etc.) Bill is going to help revitalize our economy? No thanks. We have plenty of talented people who don't bring that type of baggage along with their accomplishments.
2) According to the NY Times today, big donors were lining up in Philly hoping to buy their ambassadorships and exchange money for influence. Can anyone get through to Hillary and tell her that most Democrats and independents outside her bubble are sick of this continued corruptness... and of the influence of Wall Street, Big Pharma, Big Unions on all politicians decisions, Dem and Republican alike.
3) The election is really about the electoral college. Right now I am hoping that the polls out here in Oregon show Hillary by a reasonable margin so that I can vote the Democratic ticket and leave the presidential part blank. If it is tight I will throw my vote her way...
Every election that I have been through I have seen the myth of history being written but this one is more of a soap opera than most others, but a soap opera on the stage of a world that has grown dangerous again...
God help us...
4
It's hard to be optimistic when one is out of work, has applied for hundreds upon hundreds of jobs, and is not able to afford a livelihood. This is something those who can afford to go to Philadelphia and Cleveland cannot understand. There is no reason to cheer.
These days "human resources" people discriminate against older people who want to work, people who've been unemployed, and anyone who can't check any in the series of out screening boxes that pump up their minority or veterans preference numbers. There are a lot of us out here, but no one can see or hear us.
The politicians put on great shows and fanfare but the reality is, they've not done anything to help Americans on the edge. There are a lot of us. Yet, there are no prospects of new jobs for us. What do we do? How can we be generous when we have nothing left to give?
It's not about more social welfare programs or tax supported relief programs. When people want to work, those suggestions are discouraging and drive down confidence and hope..
Likewise employers should be given as many "kudos" for hiring the unemployed and older workers as they are for minorities. That way the social welfare systems won't have to pay for them.
There are a lot of dismal things in America these days. Clearly the Democrats have been hanging around on Wall Street so long, they don't know where Main Street is anymore.
These days "human resources" people discriminate against older people who want to work, people who've been unemployed, and anyone who can't check any in the series of out screening boxes that pump up their minority or veterans preference numbers. There are a lot of us out here, but no one can see or hear us.
The politicians put on great shows and fanfare but the reality is, they've not done anything to help Americans on the edge. There are a lot of us. Yet, there are no prospects of new jobs for us. What do we do? How can we be generous when we have nothing left to give?
It's not about more social welfare programs or tax supported relief programs. When people want to work, those suggestions are discouraging and drive down confidence and hope..
Likewise employers should be given as many "kudos" for hiring the unemployed and older workers as they are for minorities. That way the social welfare systems won't have to pay for them.
There are a lot of dismal things in America these days. Clearly the Democrats have been hanging around on Wall Street so long, they don't know where Main Street is anymore.
65
Is it that, or is it people who bought into the great lie that just by going to college, going to the name colleges, you deserve and are entitled to your dream job?
1
Agreed - but don't be duped into thinking that Donald Trump gives a hoot about folks in your shoes. He doesn't - he's been routinely ripping off the common man for decades. A Clinton Administration would be much more hospitable to solutions that improve, for example, the plight of those who will need to train up for new kinds of work as a consequence of the inevitable creative destruction that is capitalism. So it's a no-brainer for any 99%-er. Vote Democratic!!!
5
I truly sympathize--no, empathize-- with this perspective, but cannot understand why so few of us who have suffered setbacks are only looking at the Presidential race. The best way to change the political system now is to CHANGE CONGRESS. Friends, please focus your anger on the "down ballot" candidates.
5
As someone who grew up poor and fought to pull myself up into the middle class (mostly by helping others), I had grown disillusioned over the years. It was way too hard for me. I didn’t experience a lot of appreciation for the difficulties I faced, the sacrifices I made or the good I accomplished. Last night my party gave me a big pat on the back and told me I did good! In America we need to make sure people feel like they are part of a successful, cohesive community, no matter what they do or who they are.
16
I had a similar experience. There generally aren't a lot of accolades. For every one of us who had it hard, thousands or even millions of people had it even harder. The reward is knowing that we did the right thing and managed to survive and thrive. Be proud of who you are and what you've done.
Class, breeding, and quality will win out, in the end. Don the Con has none of that. Nor do any of his slimey entourage, or global "circle."
13
Breeding....are you kidding me? And you are voting for Clinton. That sort of says it all doesn't it!
3
Yes, stealing White House furnishings is just so-o-o classy. As is renting out nights in the Lincoln Bedroom. (Imagine what they'll cost in 2017 dollars.)
3
While I understand the impulse to anoint, that's a bit much. Mrs. Clinton simply isn't in the same class as the president.
6
Low energy! NO, I do not FEEL anything about Hillary Clinton except that I wish she and Bill would just go away. And I will vote for her in November only because there is no choice.
But what I feel from all these speeches is that these people, Obama, Biden, Bloomberg, Kaine, even Bill Clinton, would rather have someone else be the Democrat nominee. The lack of real energy in their voices is stunning.
Say whatever you want about Trump but he does have the mojo working.
Hillary makes me feel like I'm being forced to study for a math test.
But what I feel from all these speeches is that these people, Obama, Biden, Bloomberg, Kaine, even Bill Clinton, would rather have someone else be the Democrat nominee. The lack of real energy in their voices is stunning.
Say whatever you want about Trump but he does have the mojo working.
Hillary makes me feel like I'm being forced to study for a math test.
9
Someone pointed out "Heir" was not in the speech or the article, just the boneheaded attention grabbing headline. I wish this would stop, but it ain't gonna.
Hillary is the "workaholic dogooder check", continuing the metaphor, Obama as Harry Potter and Hillary as Hermione. Hope that makes you laugh!
And, VOTE, people, VOTE! Don't forget to vote in MIDTERMS! Part of the reason we're in a fix is because of 2010 and 2014, not to mention Bill Clinton forced to compromise by his midterms. Stop with the hero worship and get to work!
Hillary is the "workaholic dogooder check", continuing the metaphor, Obama as Harry Potter and Hillary as Hermione. Hope that makes you laugh!
And, VOTE, people, VOTE! Don't forget to vote in MIDTERMS! Part of the reason we're in a fix is because of 2010 and 2014, not to mention Bill Clinton forced to compromise by his midterms. Stop with the hero worship and get to work!
13
chick, not check. And no, it's not meant to be degrading. It was a comment by Van Jones, I think, but I really liked the simplification.
1
And now the misogynist question of the day.
If Hillary Clinton, were a male, would she be treated, in such high regard, by her supporters, benefactors, the media and the DNC?
I ask in light of the various controversies which Ms. Clinton has been caught up with, over the years, That is, because of powerful benefactors, and the fact she is a woman, is she is getting a "free pass"?
For a less connected person, some of the things, Ms. Clinton has been accused of, would have landed a person in the unemployment line, at best, and in jail, at worse.
I expect a great deal of heat for posting this, but why has Ms. Clinton been elevated to almost God like status, among her supporters, her benefactors the media and the DNC?
I ask, because at the same time, almost 60% of Americans do not see her in any form of a positive light. A majority do not truth her. A majority call her a "liar". A majority see her as a person who will say and doing anything to get elected. And, a majority feels she lacks experience.
Once someone can explain the why, then your healing and unity can begin. If not, then you have to do some soul searching.
If Hillary Clinton, were a male, would she be treated, in such high regard, by her supporters, benefactors, the media and the DNC?
I ask in light of the various controversies which Ms. Clinton has been caught up with, over the years, That is, because of powerful benefactors, and the fact she is a woman, is she is getting a "free pass"?
For a less connected person, some of the things, Ms. Clinton has been accused of, would have landed a person in the unemployment line, at best, and in jail, at worse.
I expect a great deal of heat for posting this, but why has Ms. Clinton been elevated to almost God like status, among her supporters, her benefactors the media and the DNC?
I ask, because at the same time, almost 60% of Americans do not see her in any form of a positive light. A majority do not truth her. A majority call her a "liar". A majority see her as a person who will say and doing anything to get elected. And, a majority feels she lacks experience.
Once someone can explain the why, then your healing and unity can begin. If not, then you have to do some soul searching.
12
Quite the reverse. Would she be treated so badly, and put under such scrutiny, if she were a man.
Your "majority" is manufactured by a quarter century of Republican opposition work.
Your "majority" is manufactured by a quarter century of Republican opposition work.
21
Aren't those things true for Trump as well. His business practices and continuous spouting of untruths. He doesn't seem to get nearly as much flack as Clinton from Republicans as vice-versa. So maybe that's where your gender-based question can begin to be answered.
1
"For a less connected person, some of the things, Ms. Clinton has been accused of, would have landed a person in the unemployment line, at best, and in jail, at worse."
___________________________________________
Read this paragraph again...you posted it........"accused of" - just because someone is accused of something, does not mean they are guilty and deserve to go to jail - apparently you forgot the part of our legal system that states a person is considered innocent until proven guilty. Nice try but you lose on that point. And I would like to know where you get the statistic where you say "the majority feels she lacks experience." Have a source for that?
___________________________________________
Read this paragraph again...you posted it........"accused of" - just because someone is accused of something, does not mean they are guilty and deserve to go to jail - apparently you forgot the part of our legal system that states a person is considered innocent until proven guilty. Nice try but you lose on that point. And I would like to know where you get the statistic where you say "the majority feels she lacks experience." Have a source for that?
1
Now that the nomination process is done, it seems pretty evident to me that, before the 2008 Convention, a deal was struck. That deal was, Clinton would concede and heartily back Obama. In return, she would get a high profile appointment in his Administration, and she would be put on an Expressway to the nomination in 2016. And that Expressway would have no on ramps for anyone else. She would get the overwhelming support of Super Delegates before the primaries even started, to give her a big head start, and discourage others from entering the race.
Only problem was, this guy Sanders, who was not a party member at the time, never got the message. And once he got in, not only did his message sound pretty good, but he was also the only serious alternative for those who did not want to vote for Hillary.
Hillary seems more and more like her Saturday Night Live parody.
Only problem was, this guy Sanders, who was not a party member at the time, never got the message. And once he got in, not only did his message sound pretty good, but he was also the only serious alternative for those who did not want to vote for Hillary.
Hillary seems more and more like her Saturday Night Live parody.
21
"....it seems pretty evident to me that, before the 2008 Convention, a deal was struck."
Any evidence for this - other than your feverous imagination?
Any evidence for this - other than your feverous imagination?
@RM: The rigging/preparation of the DNC for a Hillary nomination in 2016 started right after Obama won in 2012. By agreement, Obama and the democratic elite put DWS, her 2008 campaign co-chair, and her close buddies in charge of the DNC. This despite repeated pushback from the democratic sans culottes who repeatedly called for DWS to be removed.
Her supporters say that the DNC can do whatever it wants with their primary because they are a private party. These are the same people who say they stand for democracy, freedom, openness, transparency and accountability. I suppose this only works for others. But then they complain when the hacked emails of the the democratic party elite are outed which reveal that they are nothing the party claims to be. Some party this is.
I'd never vote for Trump but at least he did not steal the RNC nomination and the RNC did not hijack the nomination from him as the DNC did to Sanders.
If she is so overwhelmingly qualified as her supporters delusionally believe and as the democratic elite badly want others to believe, why did she have such a hard time winning the nomination over a virtually unknown newly minted democrat like Sanders? Why is she having such a hard time separating herself from Trump? Why is she unable to win the trust of an overwhelming majority of Americans who cannot stand Trump?
Long story short, these convention speeches are just myths and embellished storytelling. The reality is that she is a dystopian candidate.
Her supporters say that the DNC can do whatever it wants with their primary because they are a private party. These are the same people who say they stand for democracy, freedom, openness, transparency and accountability. I suppose this only works for others. But then they complain when the hacked emails of the the democratic party elite are outed which reveal that they are nothing the party claims to be. Some party this is.
I'd never vote for Trump but at least he did not steal the RNC nomination and the RNC did not hijack the nomination from him as the DNC did to Sanders.
If she is so overwhelmingly qualified as her supporters delusionally believe and as the democratic elite badly want others to believe, why did she have such a hard time winning the nomination over a virtually unknown newly minted democrat like Sanders? Why is she having such a hard time separating herself from Trump? Why is she unable to win the trust of an overwhelming majority of Americans who cannot stand Trump?
Long story short, these convention speeches are just myths and embellished storytelling. The reality is that she is a dystopian candidate.
3
Sanders should have run as an Independent and then he would still be in the race. And no, to this Democrat, his message did not sound good.
It's been an amazing convention. Well planned, well thought out, well delivered. In contrast to the Republicans, who couldn't deliver a convention or a single piece of legislation that improves the lives of Americans. People should take note, and see the convention delivery differences as a harbinger of how both will handle their job as president. One will be in control and organized, and one will be a chaotic mess.
21
Legacy, what legacy? Perhaps you all have forgotten about the Hope and Change promises have just failed to materialize. This president will only be remembered for a lack of style and ability to "work across the aisle".
The number of visits to the White House of the esteemed race baiter Reverend Al Sharpton compared to visits of the opposing political party are the stark reminder of his efforts to deliver.
The number of visits to the White House of the esteemed race baiter Reverend Al Sharpton compared to visits of the opposing political party are the stark reminder of his efforts to deliver.
11
LOL! Invent your own history when the real one doesn't suit your purposes.
Here is a fair and balanced accounting of the President's--he is, you know--campaign promises.
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/obameter/
I'd suggest that you read it, but the only way I can explain most of Trump's suckers is that either, a) they can't read, or b) they won't read.
If you're offended by that, lemme know; I'll hook you up with Paul Manafort, and he can explain why I didn't say what I clearly said.
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/obameter/
I'd suggest that you read it, but the only way I can explain most of Trump's suckers is that either, a) they can't read, or b) they won't read.
If you're offended by that, lemme know; I'll hook you up with Paul Manafort, and he can explain why I didn't say what I clearly said.
Nice try...and your shot missed the mark by more than a mile!
We watched Obama's amazing speech, got all emotional knowing what an amazing man we have at the helm. If Hillary manages to win, it will be because of that speech.
Then we read this article right here "After Lying Low, Deep-Pocketed Clinton Donors Return to the Fore", and all the emotion went poof, and we are once again reminded why we don't like Hillary and her coattails.
Then we read this article right here "After Lying Low, Deep-Pocketed Clinton Donors Return to the Fore", and all the emotion went poof, and we are once again reminded why we don't like Hillary and her coattails.
9
People want a system that isn't rigged. THAT'S why Trump is resonating to so many people-he's our version of Brexit, but I'm still writing in my man BERNIE!
6
Good for you! Your vote will be about as valuable as a vote for Trump in an overwhelmingly Democratic state that overwhelmingly carried Clinton in the primary.
Well, then--I'll get going on your "Helped Abort Roe," t-shirts.
Even Bernie himself would agree with Sarah Silverman at this point - "you're being ridiculous".
You have a few months still to get perspective on the utility of your self-righteousness and perhaps learn to exercise your enthusiasms more effectively than your complaints. Writing in for Bernie, despite his pleas otherwise, is a charade - and assuredly will tangibly support nothing and no one.
You're shadowboxing.
The pursuit of the perfect is oftentimes the enemy of accomplishing the good - and nobody's perfect, not even your beloved Bernie. Please consider contributing to the actualization of the greater good.
You have a few months still to get perspective on the utility of your self-righteousness and perhaps learn to exercise your enthusiasms more effectively than your complaints. Writing in for Bernie, despite his pleas otherwise, is a charade - and assuredly will tangibly support nothing and no one.
You're shadowboxing.
The pursuit of the perfect is oftentimes the enemy of accomplishing the good - and nobody's perfect, not even your beloved Bernie. Please consider contributing to the actualization of the greater good.
1
Demagogues are what people in power call people who are a major threat to take power from them.
9
Not really.
Demagogues, like Trump, use prejudice and hate to appeal to the worst in people.
Love wins in the end.
Demagogues, like Trump, use prejudice and hate to appeal to the worst in people.
Love wins in the end.
You are underrating DT. He is a genuine demogogue, and everyday he continues to provide proof that he owns "demogogue" as his well-deserved epithet.
First of all, I hope the first woman candidate gets to chart her own course a bit more than we're hearing right now; too much emphasis on being Obama II. That felt a bit insincere considering eight years ago ("You're likable enough").
Also hope the Clinton campaign isn't as indifferent towards working class white Americans as it seems right now. There is clearly an embrace of/appeal to urban/race issues but not sure other Americans get equal time. I work part time in a Republican town, and there is common anger against the Obama administration; speaking in Spanish, not giving police respect - these don't fly. Neither does the talk about moving forward because it gets translated to "shut up, move over, pay". Likewise, dismissing them as just a bunch of racists misses the mark. They will repay being pushed aside with votes for Trump; there is 100% no doubt about that.
Obama gave a brilliant speech last night (and smiling helped) and more about his Kansas grandparents over the past eight years might have helped heal some of the above. He had unique position/chance to bridge things but when conflicts arose, he sometimes took sides and people witnessed that (remember the cop/professor). Just saying that Obama set a tone, sometimes imperfectly, and Hillary needs to set her own authentic one, too. It might be wise to understand those working class Americans instead of scolding them or rolling ones eyes. It will matter.
Also hope the Clinton campaign isn't as indifferent towards working class white Americans as it seems right now. There is clearly an embrace of/appeal to urban/race issues but not sure other Americans get equal time. I work part time in a Republican town, and there is common anger against the Obama administration; speaking in Spanish, not giving police respect - these don't fly. Neither does the talk about moving forward because it gets translated to "shut up, move over, pay". Likewise, dismissing them as just a bunch of racists misses the mark. They will repay being pushed aside with votes for Trump; there is 100% no doubt about that.
Obama gave a brilliant speech last night (and smiling helped) and more about his Kansas grandparents over the past eight years might have helped heal some of the above. He had unique position/chance to bridge things but when conflicts arose, he sometimes took sides and people witnessed that (remember the cop/professor). Just saying that Obama set a tone, sometimes imperfectly, and Hillary needs to set her own authentic one, too. It might be wise to understand those working class Americans instead of scolding them or rolling ones eyes. It will matter.
7
Trump is gaining significant support from white Mass. males (disambiguation =XY)
2
I was disappointed that the NYTimes did not mention Bloomberg's speech in any of their articles today. I was no fan of his and never voted for him in his 3 terms as mayor, however, last night he aced it. With his business credibility, he put Trump in his proper place as a crook, conman and lier. He was blunt and forceful, and non partisan. He did the Dems and the country a great favor and my hope is he changed some Republican minds. He put the needs of the country ahead of his own and the narcisstic Donald Trump.
31
The problem with the Clinton candidacy is that each time they get past a mistake they stumble into another one. These mistakes are clumsy careless and preventable. Now the talk of the convention is the alleged alliance between Trump and Vladimir Putin. The most dangerous course which is the one Clinton and Obama less vociferously is to confront Putin with the phony story cooked up that Ukraine had a lawful claim to Crimea following the illegal coup against Yanucovich. Putin was protecting vital Russian interests.
Democratic PACs need to start releasing wave after wave of attack ads against Trump touting his admiration of Vlad Putin, Putin's many crimes (the illegal seizure of Crimea, the civil war in Ukraine, the murders of hundreds of airline passengers over Ukraine by Russian-supported forces, Putin's support for Syria's al-Assad, etc) and Trump's strong desire to have Vlad Putin help select OUR next American president (perhaps this is a quid pro quo since Trump has threatened to abandon our NATO allies, the same allies who came to our assistance after 9-11, to Putin).
And JOURNALISTS need to start asking Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell and every other prominent Republican in Congress every time these men and women appear in public why both either openly or tacitly are supporting the Trump-Putin 2016 ticket.
And JOURNALISTS need to start asking Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell and every other prominent Republican in Congress every time these men and women appear in public why both either openly or tacitly are supporting the Trump-Putin 2016 ticket.
8
Bloomberg seemed uneasy as he cast his vote for Hillary, suggesting there was no other choice. But he would have done better to have used his wealth and influence to seek another term for Obama. After all, he successfully did that for himself to get reelected for an extended term as mayor of New York.
"Four More Years" will ring down the corridors of time as we see the upcoming years ahead. This Democratic Convention will be remembered for its "Let's Feel Good" theme, lack of meaningful substance, avoidance of Q&A press conferences, and endless ad hominem attacks on the opposition. At least Trump answers questions.
"Four More Years" will ring down the corridors of time as we see the upcoming years ahead. This Democratic Convention will be remembered for its "Let's Feel Good" theme, lack of meaningful substance, avoidance of Q&A press conferences, and endless ad hominem attacks on the opposition. At least Trump answers questions.
5
Doubling down 16 ozs of something or other. That is my best assumption.
Does anyone now doubt why Obama won the first time? What a pitful candidate - all the hagiograpy of MSM, all the glowing praise from trusted people, all the money, all the ads, and in the end no one believes a word. Because it's just too unbelievable. Yes the GOPs have smeared the Clintons - but it is also true they have committed numerous sleazy acts on their own that no GOP could have dreamed up (emails, Clinton foundation pay-for-play, supporting idiotic wars).
5
I'm so proud to have had Barack Obama as my president these past eight years. I miss him already, but I will miss him so much more if his successor is the man who is his polar opposite in every way. Character. Temperament. Values.
23
More of the same? I think not. This country has been going in the wrong direction under President Obama, and the Democrats in Congress. We have a real chance to change the direction of this country in this election cycle. Vote Trump, or one of the third party candidates. Teh country does not need Clinton as the "heir" to Obama...
10
if you lose move to moscow
I'll bite. Provide some specifics on what constitutes the wrong direction. If you read any economic news, you will see that we have been going in the right direction.
The democratic party is the party of hypocrites and when the curtain closes and the lever is pressed we shall see what is truly in the hearts of voters, if the democrats don't "steal" the election. As for me, make mine Trump.
6
If only most Hillary supporters addressed Bernie supporters the way Obama did in his speech. Recognize their worries. Insist they hold Dems accountable. Admit that the way Bernie supporters get riled up on issues (instead of blindly falling in line) is actually something to admire and emulate. Instead we have this worrying trend:
Bernie voter: "I'm not sure I should vote for Hillary. The way the DNC behaves themselves makes me feel like my vote is guaranteed, but it isn't. And did you think we wouldn't notice the shell game with DWS?"
Hillary voter: "You're not sure you want to vote for her? Stop being a petulant crybaby, the proven bias against Bernie didn't matter at all, and you should have to personally tell every minority why you want them to die a slow painful death via Trump!!"
Trump voter: "Hello Bernie voter friend. I understand your frustration. Do you want to come in and talk about it? Have some muffins."
This pattern is what should scare Democrat voters the most.
Bernie voter: "I'm not sure I should vote for Hillary. The way the DNC behaves themselves makes me feel like my vote is guaranteed, but it isn't. And did you think we wouldn't notice the shell game with DWS?"
Hillary voter: "You're not sure you want to vote for her? Stop being a petulant crybaby, the proven bias against Bernie didn't matter at all, and you should have to personally tell every minority why you want them to die a slow painful death via Trump!!"
Trump voter: "Hello Bernie voter friend. I understand your frustration. Do you want to come in and talk about it? Have some muffins."
This pattern is what should scare Democrat voters the most.
60
So in other words, treat Sanders' supporters like children, to be manipulated and lied to? I have too much respect for Sanders than to pander to a small segment of voters who seem to be more concerned about their feelings than what could happen to this country if Trump was elected!
3
The mainstream establishment democratic party that continually tries to marginilize Sanders supporters, yet, through conventional wisdom demands that they go in lockstep in standing behind Hillary Clinton, continue this attitude at their peril.
2
Trump voter: "Hello Bernie voter friend. I understand your frustration. Do you want to come in and talk about it? Have some muffins."
...please ignore the fact that the man I support blames your problems on undocumented immigrants even as he hires them on his job sites, and calls your candidate "crazy Bernie" and "Bernie the communist."
...please ignore the fact that the man I support blames your problems on undocumented immigrants even as he hires them on his job sites, and calls your candidate "crazy Bernie" and "Bernie the communist."
1
"The most qualified candidate in the history of America" - ?? No, that has to be Lyndon Johnson whose experience of the institutions of American government had vastly more mileage. Hilary is a quick study but she was an onlooker, a carpetbagger, and a wannabe before leveraging her way into a role with some meat on it; it would be hard for Robert Caro to write a full five volumes on her actual participation in American government and American leadership. One, maybe.
I felt sorry for the vice president nominee: his role was to be the court jester, to work the crowd and parody Chris Christie's technique of repetition and sarcasm. I felt sorry for Joe Biden, sinking to a word like malarkey instead of rising up as a statesman to help educate America. I feel sorry for America, that to catch the popular ear we need to dumb it down to a comedy routine, that our choices are being reduced to gut-level slogans: "is she guilty" (anti-Hilary) or "you're being ridiculous" (end of Bernie) or "that's malarkey" (anti-Trump). Is that the best our leadership can give us, as a reason to vote? -- Sigh: There went the neighborhood.
I felt sorry for the vice president nominee: his role was to be the court jester, to work the crowd and parody Chris Christie's technique of repetition and sarcasm. I felt sorry for Joe Biden, sinking to a word like malarkey instead of rising up as a statesman to help educate America. I feel sorry for America, that to catch the popular ear we need to dumb it down to a comedy routine, that our choices are being reduced to gut-level slogans: "is she guilty" (anti-Hilary) or "you're being ridiculous" (end of Bernie) or "that's malarkey" (anti-Trump). Is that the best our leadership can give us, as a reason to vote? -- Sigh: There went the neighborhood.
8
You may want to read a biography of Johnson.
The man was a wealthy Texas pol whose career was, shall we say, refreshingly free of certain moral scruples concerning pay-for-play, women, and toilet habits.
He also spent his extensive career in the House, before VP, and never had Clinton's experience at State. Which might have helped, given Vietnam.
So, your claim is at least arguable.
The man was a wealthy Texas pol whose career was, shall we say, refreshingly free of certain moral scruples concerning pay-for-play, women, and toilet habits.
He also spent his extensive career in the House, before VP, and never had Clinton's experience at State. Which might have helped, given Vietnam.
So, your claim is at least arguable.
To all that have negative thoughts and/or comments about the Clintons: I ask, have you really been paying attention? Despite all the attempts over many years to cast the Clintons and now particularly Hillary as evil incarnate, the Clintons have provided admirable leadership in service to this nation.
Trying to listen to Mr. Trump speak and understand his appeal is a painful exercise. I find the man inarticulate, his arguments incoherent and his general presentation embarrassing. Even if I didn't consider him as President dangerous, which btw I do, the way he has conducted himself so far in this campaign has been an embarrassment to himself, his party and this nation.
Trying to listen to Mr. Trump speak and understand his appeal is a painful exercise. I find the man inarticulate, his arguments incoherent and his general presentation embarrassing. Even if I didn't consider him as President dangerous, which btw I do, the way he has conducted himself so far in this campaign has been an embarrassment to himself, his party and this nation.
22
No, sorry, I was in my 40s in the 1990s. Had there been any "admirable leadership in service to this nation," I would have known about it. What I did know about were sleazy sexual antics in the Oval Office with interns, various extramarital sexcapades (enabled by the complaisant spouse), theft, perjury, as well as lots and lots of lesser lies, pardoning of criminial cronies (google Marc Rich). and endless examples of tawdry behavior (renting out the Lincoln Bedroom). Sadly, I wasn't born yesterday, which I would have had to have been, in order to buy that premise.
1
I am going to wear my Obama hat today. Love that man and how he leads.
And I will vote so proudly, so joyously, for Hillary.
And I will vote so proudly, so joyously, for Hillary.
21
Sarcasm at it's finest.
2
The only thing worse than this hot and humid weather is hot and humid weather and the Democratic National Weather. Never have so many been offered so little by so few.
6
Biblical flash flooding forecasted for DnC today, dems, Hit the Streets!
1
I think we need the mental health people called in --- look at the smile, absolutely no remorse for having stole the election. Are we ever on a race to the bottom --- and Bernie tells us it won't be easy to take them on and then folds? We are doomed --- give it to her on a silver platter, I think I have one more day left with this newspaper!
9
you are, indeed, being ridiculous.
1
You've been saying that you're flouncing out for at least two months.
for you there's always PRAVDA
Fair and balanced, I think not. While the Republicans have outright revolt with speakers at their convention not endorsing the candidate and many of their top leaders including former Presidents not attending, the authors continue to harp on "supporter of Senato Bernie Sanders who continue to resist Mrs. Clinton"..."while many Republicans appear ready to fall in line behind Trump". This is not journalism, but false equivalency and maybe outright deception.
4
And no mention of what was going on outside the arena...
The Dems have made the RNC look like amateur hour. Their vision, maturity, and leadership are a welcome relief to the GOPs constant stream of lies, vitriol, and childish antics. It amazes me there are still people who think Trump is the answer. To the Bernie or Bust folks, it's time to get on board. Bernie ran an admirable campaign and his impact will be felt going forward. You heard Tim Kaine talk about many signature Bernie issues and policies during his speech. Last, the booing during Leon Panetta's speech was ill timed and just embarrassing. It's time to support HRC with everything we've got or risk losing all the progress that's been made under Pres Obama. There's so much on the line in this election. Dems, independents, moderates, and thinking GOPers, let's unite and send HRC to the White House!
20
Of course this is all hypocrisy since the Democrats are just as much corporatists as the Republicans, and are NOT supporting policies that are beneficial for the everyday American citizen voter. Bill approved NAFTA, the elimination of Glass-Steagal, the deregulation of the Telecom industry and made Wall St. a close friend of the Democrats.
Hillary and the Democrats (including Obama - the "hope and change" candidate) are the same old tired politicians who think that identity politics and telling people that Bernie and Trump are crazy isn't enough. The Democrats and Hillary have no real POLICY solutions for the immigration, bad trade, security, and VA backlog problems, among others.
She's going to lose in November, and deservedly so.
Hillary and the Democrats (including Obama - the "hope and change" candidate) are the same old tired politicians who think that identity politics and telling people that Bernie and Trump are crazy isn't enough. The Democrats and Hillary have no real POLICY solutions for the immigration, bad trade, security, and VA backlog problems, among others.
She's going to lose in November, and deservedly so.
11
Good bye to garbage! obama worries about his legacy - what legacy, he split this country in half, brought us to bankruptcy with his failed SOCIALIST programs, and made a mockery of THE UNITED STATES all over the world.
All obama wants now is to have clinton put him on the supreme court -- what a joke. Other than that, he can't stand her guts -- her disgraceful performance made a mockery of him! Another example of paying back political favors -- he needed the clinton's to win. She got the job -- payback from one crooked politician to another.
All obama wants now is to have clinton put him on the supreme court -- what a joke. Other than that, he can't stand her guts -- her disgraceful performance made a mockery of him! Another example of paying back political favors -- he needed the clinton's to win. She got the job -- payback from one crooked politician to another.
7
It is actually illiteracy and ignorance that is the enemy.
Socialist? Like Medicaid? Or Social Security? Or unlimited government funding of the defense industry? Which one of these is hurting our country?
1
Effective governance and the ability to make a persuasive speech are not the same thing. Too bad the Democrats don't understand that.
14
Considering over the past 8 years we were taken out of the worst recession since the depression, unemployment has been reduced, our GDP has improved, and millions of people who were uninsured now have healthcare...all of this in spite of a very uncooperative and at times hostile congress, I'd say the dems know darn well how to govern. And they know a heck of a lot more than the entertainment/reality star Donald Trump.
1
We actually kinda know that rhetoric and truth are different, and that politics is the art of the possible, thanks.
However.
Insane governance and the inability to run for President without constant hate-mongering and lunatic kissing-up to a KGB major are pretty much exactly the same thing. Too bad the Trumploons are too in love with their Anointed One to understand that.
However.
Insane governance and the inability to run for President without constant hate-mongering and lunatic kissing-up to a KGB major are pretty much exactly the same thing. Too bad the Trumploons are too in love with their Anointed One to understand that.
1
Effective government? Like Mitch McConnell, et al? You're a funny guy, Larry!
1
The President made a soaring speech. He so well encapsulates what I value in a leader, and he will be greatly missed.
21
President Obama, in his speech last night, said Secretary Clinton had made mistakes, he also said he made mistakes. It was a brilliant, memorable speech filled with passion and hope. Here, in Clinton, is a candidate he respects, one he appears to genuinely like. That should be good enough for all the naysayers who bought into the lies perpetrated by the right.
16
Clinton's noteworthy endorsements include Obama, Biden, and Bloomberg.
Trump's include Baio and Sabato, Jr.
Trump's include Baio and Sabato, Jr.
17
That is because he is changing the party. Hillary wants to continue Obama's disastrous policies.
2
I have to laugh at those commentators who took offence at the word "heir" to describe the relationship between Hillary and Obama, conveniently forgetting the little fiefdom of Papa Bush, Brother Bush and Baby Bush that rose out of the GOP.
But regardless, we all know who is King, in this era of Citizen United.
But regardless, we all know who is King, in this era of Citizen United.
4
Obama and Hillary won't even mention terrorism at their convention but instead are trying to turn it into a gun control issue. Worse yet they won't even admit we are at war against or even use the term radical Islamist terrorists.
France and Germany have some of the world's strictest gun control laws and it hasn't prevented terrorist attacks.
Perhaps both Obama and Hillary would be more concerned if like the average American they didn't have secret service protection.
France and Germany have some of the world's strictest gun control laws and it hasn't prevented terrorist attacks.
Perhaps both Obama and Hillary would be more concerned if like the average American they didn't have secret service protection.
10
Seriously get real please, Every body knew , aware of Radical Islamic terrorism, If obama is bot calling with this name the Terrorism. I am calling, I am still supporting and trusting more Obama and Hillary than the all Republican ilk.
Yes terrorism is Radical Islamic Terrorism, how doe sit helps us calling in different terms, nothing.
What does it make sense how you are handling, so far Obama administration is handling good this issue.
If you only listen Lunatics their solutions is Glassily the Middle east with daisy cutters. War crimes is the solution. since When , since Cambodia and Nixon.
We were assaulted in Republican President term by the most dangerous Radical Islamic terror organization in 9/11 , 3000 people died in one single day in a couple hours. The perpetrator and master mind let go by Republican administration. I do not give a rats a.s if Bush or Cheney calls Al Qaeda a radical Islamic terrorists, if they let go the person and hide in front of our eyes by our allies.
Obama administration found him and delivered the American justice. I care that one.
Not slogans action, not words policies are important.
Yes terrorism is Radical Islamic Terrorism, how doe sit helps us calling in different terms, nothing.
What does it make sense how you are handling, so far Obama administration is handling good this issue.
If you only listen Lunatics their solutions is Glassily the Middle east with daisy cutters. War crimes is the solution. since When , since Cambodia and Nixon.
We were assaulted in Republican President term by the most dangerous Radical Islamic terror organization in 9/11 , 3000 people died in one single day in a couple hours. The perpetrator and master mind let go by Republican administration. I do not give a rats a.s if Bush or Cheney calls Al Qaeda a radical Islamic terrorists, if they let go the person and hide in front of our eyes by our allies.
Obama administration found him and delivered the American justice. I care that one.
Not slogans action, not words policies are important.
Did you not even listen to Obama's speech? Obama distinctly mentioned ISIL. I forget it it was before or after he reminded us that he was in fact the commander in chief in charge of getting Bin Laden. Interesting the republicans certainly never acknowledge that accomplishment...
9/11 was the worst terrorist attack on American soil in our history, Obama finds justice for us against the perpetrator, yet folks on the right are wringing their hands about the number of flags on the stage, or that he's not encouraging Americans to shake in their shoes enough about ISIL.
It is not the presidents job to make us afraid, Don. It's not his job to instill fear and hatred of 'other'...although it appears that is what Trump thinks. It is his job to be a leader. To remind us what makes us the best country on earth, and to help us be the best version of ourselves.
All last week I listened to republicans painting a horrible picture of America. Trying to create fear and terror in the hearts of Americans. It was downright unpatriotic, in my eyes. And, there are a lot of under informed folks out there who watch fox and have very little world experience and they are eating it up. The GOP should be ashamed of themselves for taken advantage of them like this. That's not how you lead...that's how you create a demagogue.
9/11 was the worst terrorist attack on American soil in our history, Obama finds justice for us against the perpetrator, yet folks on the right are wringing their hands about the number of flags on the stage, or that he's not encouraging Americans to shake in their shoes enough about ISIL.
It is not the presidents job to make us afraid, Don. It's not his job to instill fear and hatred of 'other'...although it appears that is what Trump thinks. It is his job to be a leader. To remind us what makes us the best country on earth, and to help us be the best version of ourselves.
All last week I listened to republicans painting a horrible picture of America. Trying to create fear and terror in the hearts of Americans. It was downright unpatriotic, in my eyes. And, there are a lot of under informed folks out there who watch fox and have very little world experience and they are eating it up. The GOP should be ashamed of themselves for taken advantage of them like this. That's not how you lead...that's how you create a demagogue.
The fact that you did not pay the slightest attention does not prove that terrorism never got mentioned. It was mentioned quite a lot, actually: look it up.
The convention in the City of Light has been a revelation, of how good Democrats can be, and how much they hope to help all of us, and focus on humanity. Hatred solves nothing, and makes everything worse.
Just for fun, in the midst of hoards of commenters who have said everything that needs saying, I had a thought last night.
Hillary is a bit like Hermione Gingrich in Harry Potter. The annoying hardworking ethical chick at the front of the class!
(Meanwhile, I'm reading about Jill Stein, and she's not the heroine of this epic. Time to put a little light on her behavior. Hard work, patience, and putting up with opposition, is not a disqualification. Taking advantage of untethered optimism to instill hate is.)
Just for fun, in the midst of hoards of commenters who have said everything that needs saying, I had a thought last night.
Hillary is a bit like Hermione Gingrich in Harry Potter. The annoying hardworking ethical chick at the front of the class!
(Meanwhile, I'm reading about Jill Stein, and she's not the heroine of this epic. Time to put a little light on her behavior. Hard work, patience, and putting up with opposition, is not a disqualification. Taking advantage of untethered optimism to instill hate is.)
15
my bad, Hermione Grainger, not that is matters much. Dogooder workaholic!
1
You've got your Harry Potter all wrong. Elizabeth Warren is Hermione. The Clintons are the Malfoys.
And really, HRC is ethical? This is just too much.
And really, HRC is ethical? This is just too much.
1
Nope. I'll stick with Hillary the workaholic dogooder chick. Even if Republican oppo work and Bernie's echo chamber keeps on insisting, the facts support this statement. And please stop blaming Democrats for Republican obstruction. Just because neither Bernie nor Democrats nor the rest of us have got the action we want is no reason to start blaming victims for what perps do.
1
"dignity, intelligence, vision" is why I voted for Bernie and why I'll vote for Stein. I see none of that in our anointed one. We saw the disaster which was passing the crown from one Bush to another.
18
hmmm. Wonder what Jill Stein would look like if we shone the light on her the way we have on Hillary. Not so good.
"Hoping to draw the Bernie-or-bust folks to her cause, Stein has been in the thick of their protests ... her pox-on-both-their houses rhetoric a natural fit for heartbroken Sanders devotees disinclined to support Hillary Clinton.
"In their view, Clinton is just as bad as Donald Trump — as bad as a man who daily sinks to levels one would have thought impossible, a narcissistic demagogue who invites an unfriendly nation to spy on a former secretary of state (He can always, always go lower, folks!). Some of them hate Clinton as much as some Republicans do, a few of them even taking up the shameful “lock her up” chant.""
Stein, seeing her opening, is right in there with them — and anybody else who can advance her candidacy, no matter how hostile they are to the causes for which she has fought her whole life."
www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/07/27/new-low-for-jill-stein/R2JBeiiBuyrW...
"Hoping to draw the Bernie-or-bust folks to her cause, Stein has been in the thick of their protests ... her pox-on-both-their houses rhetoric a natural fit for heartbroken Sanders devotees disinclined to support Hillary Clinton.
"In their view, Clinton is just as bad as Donald Trump — as bad as a man who daily sinks to levels one would have thought impossible, a narcissistic demagogue who invites an unfriendly nation to spy on a former secretary of state (He can always, always go lower, folks!). Some of them hate Clinton as much as some Republicans do, a few of them even taking up the shameful “lock her up” chant.""
Stein, seeing her opening, is right in there with them — and anybody else who can advance her candidacy, no matter how hostile they are to the causes for which she has fought her whole life."
www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/07/27/new-low-for-jill-stein/R2JBeiiBuyrW...
14
Why do you compare the two Bushes to Obama and Clinton? Please don't tell me you see no difference? Bush Jr crashed the economy and ran for the exits as Obama inherited the steaming bag of flaming you-know-what left on the White House porch. Yet Obama created 7 million more jobs than Bush had done before the crash. No difference?
3
Bernie bot logic: Three million more votes for Hillary than Bernie equals "anointed one."
Silly.
Silly.
1
In conclusion: "Don't boo, vote... democracy is not a spectator sport"
41
When Trump told a foreign enemy (Russia) to hack American emails, he essentially committed treason. It is a felony and he should be jailed.
Trump also profited from 9/11 by claiming he was a "small business" and received 150,000 dollars.
The only reason this man is still a candidate is because the media is afraid of him.
Only MSNBC revealed how Trump profited from 9/11
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/trump-ripped-at-dnc-over-9-11-f...
Will Trump be locked up for telling the Russians to hack American emails?
Unfortunately we don't have real news people anymore who would have broken this story all over the world. A Pulitzer prize is waiting for a real journalist who would pursue Trump and his shady dealings.
Trump also profited from 9/11 by claiming he was a "small business" and received 150,000 dollars.
The only reason this man is still a candidate is because the media is afraid of him.
Only MSNBC revealed how Trump profited from 9/11
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/trump-ripped-at-dnc-over-9-11-f...
Will Trump be locked up for telling the Russians to hack American emails?
Unfortunately we don't have real news people anymore who would have broken this story all over the world. A Pulitzer prize is waiting for a real journalist who would pursue Trump and his shady dealings.
10
Yes, and only ABC News has the terrorist videos online featuring Trump as a recruitment tool. The media are strangely silent about that damning fact. Trump's rhetoric CREATES more terrorists.
1
No no. The emails are deleted.
2
I thought Timmy Caine did a superb job. His method of re-enforcing a slogan by saying it twice is really effective oration. The "Believe Me" bit was also highly effective as it gives Donald a taste of his own medicine. The highlight of the Jesuit's speech was when he recognized the great people in the Party: His list included Jill/Joe, Barack/Michelle, and Hillary- and he left of President Clinton. That was terrific. He did not put 150 Million Bill with the rest of the group; and that was what I have been waiting to hear. He is not drinking the same Cool Aid as everyone else. That was Jesuit Morality 101. Great Job Timmy Caine!!
8
I voted for Candidate Obama because he was less like Shrub than McCain [who seems to actually be a crazy person] and watched him turn in Bush's 3rd and 4th terms... as to wall street, assault on privacy/civil liberties, the wars, and slavish obedience to Israel's racist, fascist government.
Trump is a poor choice, at best. But to libertarians, and perhaps greens, Hillary is worse, and we will not be convinced.
http://reason.com/blog/2016/07/25/x-reasons-why-hillary-clinton-is-unaccep
Now, you may not like libertarian thinking [or know much about it beyond a simplistic version touted by Ayn Rand fan boys] but whether you like it or not - it is not Dems who will decide who wins this thing, but libertarians, greens, and other non Red/Blue Team believers.
http://reason.com/reasontv/2016/07/28/can-democrats-convince-a-libertari...
Even if you, incorrectly, believe that Trump is more dangerous than Clinton, surely, if of above average intelligence, you appreciate that, in any case, we have two atrocious choices.
After Obama and Bush, we, the American people, should have been able to foster a moderate, non-interventionist 3rd party.
Since we can't seem to manage that, I beg you to please at least look at Jill Stein and Gary Johnson's platform and 'vote your conscience.'
Do not choose the lesser of 2 evils, as you see it. You don't have to, and doing so perpetuates this 2 party Potemkin democracy - a Welfare/Warfare Empire.
Trump is a poor choice, at best. But to libertarians, and perhaps greens, Hillary is worse, and we will not be convinced.
http://reason.com/blog/2016/07/25/x-reasons-why-hillary-clinton-is-unaccep
Now, you may not like libertarian thinking [or know much about it beyond a simplistic version touted by Ayn Rand fan boys] but whether you like it or not - it is not Dems who will decide who wins this thing, but libertarians, greens, and other non Red/Blue Team believers.
http://reason.com/reasontv/2016/07/28/can-democrats-convince-a-libertari...
Even if you, incorrectly, believe that Trump is more dangerous than Clinton, surely, if of above average intelligence, you appreciate that, in any case, we have two atrocious choices.
After Obama and Bush, we, the American people, should have been able to foster a moderate, non-interventionist 3rd party.
Since we can't seem to manage that, I beg you to please at least look at Jill Stein and Gary Johnson's platform and 'vote your conscience.'
Do not choose the lesser of 2 evils, as you see it. You don't have to, and doing so perpetuates this 2 party Potemkin democracy - a Welfare/Warfare Empire.
8
Yes, do have a look at Jill Stein, not a pretty picture:
www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/07/27/new-low-for-jill-stein/R2JBeiiBuyrW...
www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/07/27/new-low-for-jill-stein/R2JBeiiBuyrW...
10
Jill Stein is an anti-vaxxer, and her "platform," is filled with ridiculousnesses like "achieve world peace by encouraging North Korea to give up its weapons."
Not a chance.
Gary Johnson's approach to civil rights is fine by me. Then we get to the deregulated markets--you lot are laissez-faire capitalists who want the Holy Market to settle eveything in its own sweet time--the "cut the budget 43% to bring it into balance," and the "close the EPA," crud.
Not a chance. And yes, I know what "TAANSTAFL," means, okay? i'm not voting for Jill Stein because she's an idjit who has never held any elected office; not voting for Johnson because it is not 1783 any more.
Not a chance.
Gary Johnson's approach to civil rights is fine by me. Then we get to the deregulated markets--you lot are laissez-faire capitalists who want the Holy Market to settle eveything in its own sweet time--the "cut the budget 43% to bring it into balance," and the "close the EPA," crud.
Not a chance. And yes, I know what "TAANSTAFL," means, okay? i'm not voting for Jill Stein because she's an idjit who has never held any elected office; not voting for Johnson because it is not 1783 any more.
2
Funny for us pro Hillary liberals libertarians are in the same bucket as the Rethugs so no thanks.
Barack gave great speech tonight and passed the baton--but it will be all for naught if Police do not back Hillary. I have not heard one Police Association or Firefighters Association supporting Hillary. First of all she may not even win without their backing---Trump is their guy...and second if she does win what kind of country will that be......
5
Not sure what you're saying here. Are you saying police and fire fighters will not do their jobs if Clinton wins?
Having had my doubts .....I no longer am without Doubt. Clinnton all the way. Just the whole convention was awe=inspiring. Joe Bidens speech could not have been any clearer nor more eloquent. A true gentleman and advocate for democracy.Now then POTUS...always a great orator ...now there is no one better than he and Michele. Mike Bloomberg clearly an independent and by far wealthier by billions than Trump....but he is self-made.So Pro Hillary. If u have any doubts check out Donald's' tweets during the convention. The man needs some more class and less crass. Oh let me digress .....no experience either. A true loose canon without any boundaries or filters. Blue collar men.,..time to wake up from your long nap.Ofcourse the money will come rolling in again for Hillary she dserves her place in the sun.
38
I didn't listen to the speeches last night, but would be interested to learn if the President also supported Ms. Clinton's hawkish neo-con approach to wars in the Middle East. I've listened to all the Democratic debates , and the speeches Mrs. Clinton gave to AIPAC and CFR. The commander in chief role of the president is arguably THE most important of all presidential duties. Will Ms. Clinton follow President Obama's cautious approach to Syria and Iran? It will do little good to have a liberal Supreme Court and a $15 an hour minimum wage if we are engaged in WW III.
10
So how's about you check out the speeches at the convention then. Appears too many people have made up their minds without the evidence. Form an opinion, ignore anything that disagrees, slot in and distort what does fit, and hey presto an expert.
As for the middle east, I am in despair, a bit, but not because of poor leadership. There is no good solution, though if we had left Mossadegh in instead of supporting BP and installing the Shah, we could have avoided a passel of trouble. Here's the short version (by the way, going in and destroying the neighborhood, as in Iraq, is bound to make enemies; ISIS would *love* to have a racist demagogue in the white house):
We went in boots and all, Iraq: result, costly deadly mess
We tried to help, Libya: result, costly deadly mess
We stayed out, mostly, Syria: result, costly deadly mess
The biggest culprit in Benghazi was Republican budget cutting.
As for the middle east, I am in despair, a bit, but not because of poor leadership. There is no good solution, though if we had left Mossadegh in instead of supporting BP and installing the Shah, we could have avoided a passel of trouble. Here's the short version (by the way, going in and destroying the neighborhood, as in Iraq, is bound to make enemies; ISIS would *love* to have a racist demagogue in the white house):
We went in boots and all, Iraq: result, costly deadly mess
We tried to help, Libya: result, costly deadly mess
We stayed out, mostly, Syria: result, costly deadly mess
The biggest culprit in Benghazi was Republican budget cutting.
20
Well said, agree 100% .. hawkish pro-war pro-American interests have destabilized the world and created more war refugees than ever before
2
@Susan Anderson: The budget cutting had nothing to do with the response which was bungled and delayed. Read the history if you're going to comment on it. It was a disgusting mess and people died and Hillary lied about the reason for it. And continues to disrespect the dead and their families.
4
Hillary Clinton is the best qualified candidate. She was two terms ago also. Now Obama gets it?
3
He did fine. She will, too. Move on.
2
You can thank Obama for giving HRC a chance at two terms. She'd have been fustigated in '12. It took all of Obama's political skill and natural talents to pull that off and HRC is lacking in both of those departments.
And if we're gonna play the 'qualified' game, McCain was undoubtedly more qualified than both Obama and HRC in '08. Qualifications ain't everything.
And if we're gonna play the 'qualified' game, McCain was undoubtedly more qualified than both Obama and HRC in '08. Qualifications ain't everything.
1
The best president of my lifetime--intelligent, educated, dignified, caring, genuinely kind. A truly good man and a leader we will miss. Thank you, Mr. Obama, for all you have done for this country and the world.
53
Yes, thanks. Especially for running the debt up by 10 trillion dollars. We'll be thanking him for that for generations.
2
A magnificent man who always brings down the house.
I was proud to see Senator Obama on the stage with Ted and Caroline Kennedy, Chris Murphy, John Larson and Rosa DeLauro in Hartford back in 2008. We knew then how special you are, Mr. President. And we look forward to seeing the Obamas campaign for Hillary soon. A special gift to all Americans.
As for the die hard Bernie supporters, perhaps you have second thoughts of Julian Assange and Edward Snowden now? They are not the heroes they were meant out to be. Those two have disgraced our great nation.
I was proud to see Senator Obama on the stage with Ted and Caroline Kennedy, Chris Murphy, John Larson and Rosa DeLauro in Hartford back in 2008. We knew then how special you are, Mr. President. And we look forward to seeing the Obamas campaign for Hillary soon. A special gift to all Americans.
As for the die hard Bernie supporters, perhaps you have second thoughts of Julian Assange and Edward Snowden now? They are not the heroes they were meant out to be. Those two have disgraced our great nation.
20
Obama brought America's White House down, that's for sure!
1
Assange, maybe, but Snowdon?
President Obama is a class act.
Trump is a classless act.
Trump is a classless act.
43
It's not acting I'm worrying about. It's the reality of this poor economy, illegal immigration, the endlessly unsolved VA backlog, bad trade deals and security issues, especially as it refers to Muslim extremism.
And there's only one candidate that even brings those things up - Trump. Hillary and the Democratic party - according to a recent quote from Nancy Pelosi - is losing votes of white males due to "guns, gays and God." She's delusional.
It's an election about change - the change we didn't get and the hope that went down the drain with Obama. Hillary will lose in November, as a result, and deservedly so.
And there's only one candidate that even brings those things up - Trump. Hillary and the Democratic party - according to a recent quote from Nancy Pelosi - is losing votes of white males due to "guns, gays and God." She's delusional.
It's an election about change - the change we didn't get and the hope that went down the drain with Obama. Hillary will lose in November, as a result, and deservedly so.
3
We are all judged by the company we keep. I'd rather be in the company of all those on Hillary's side: Biden, Kaine, the Obamas, Sanders, Warren, etc. than Trump and his ilk. The Trump family is nothing more than a cartel that will run this country for their own gains and pleasure.
17
The Republican message for American: America as a place of exceptional DECEPTIONALISM.
9
Do people realize that it wasn't Obama or the NY Times writer of the article who picked the word "heir"? Talk about overreacting to a headline!
7
Do we believe that President Obama believes what he is saying regarding First Lady Clinton? In my living room, we don't believe him. We think he believes in the Democratic Party and the USA as we do; but his words about the Clinton Family are blowing smoke. And he needs to get out on the trail and somehow convince the doubters that Hillary can be trusted. He has to look past the 150 Million in their bank account; and sell Hillary Clinton? Its' a tough sale to anyone that values integrity and disdains horrific greed. Because Bill lost the respect of the American people with the 150 Million; so I don't see how Barack can wordsmith integrity and good values into his assessment of the Clinton's.
9
Some people just refuse to pay attention and learn the truth, Sampson. It's hard and you'll never get it if you listen to hate radio and/or watch fox so-called news.
10
hmmm. Trump is not rich? (Maybe not as rich as he says he is, one reason to not produce his tax returns, that and all the cheating and lying over the years)
Word is, he's beholden to Russian money as well ... sound OK to you?
Ex presidents do tend to get rich. Clinton formed a foundation, and has done a passel of good with it. Those speeches are, I hear, available, for example, on Goldman Sachs web site. There is no evidence at all that it has influenced Hillary's policies or votes. Quite the reverse, she has taken every opportunity to advocate for the rest of us.
But don't let the facts ruin a good story line!
Word is, he's beholden to Russian money as well ... sound OK to you?
Ex presidents do tend to get rich. Clinton formed a foundation, and has done a passel of good with it. Those speeches are, I hear, available, for example, on Goldman Sachs web site. There is no evidence at all that it has influenced Hillary's policies or votes. Quite the reverse, she has taken every opportunity to advocate for the rest of us.
But don't let the facts ruin a good story line!
6
Obama knows Clinton a lot better than you do, Sampson, and I trust him a lot more than I trust you. Sanders is for her. Bloomberg is for her. People who care about their country from left to right are for her. Aside from that, one thing I don't hear in your comment is the word "Trump". And you should. Because in real life, it's Clinton or him. Do what's right for your country.
1
Such a pity no one took to point out our candidate's solid chops on Regime Change:
Ukraine, Honduras, Libya... so much solid experience.
Our USA!-USA! chanters did lessen my disappointment, though.
I wonder just how many of them tried to stop our Iraq Fiasco in 2003.
On the president's mention of "a sturdier ladder" for children to escape poverty: Was he referring to Hill's good friend, Rahm, and his fine works for the poor in Chicago?
Ukraine, Honduras, Libya... so much solid experience.
Our USA!-USA! chanters did lessen my disappointment, though.
I wonder just how many of them tried to stop our Iraq Fiasco in 2003.
On the president's mention of "a sturdier ladder" for children to escape poverty: Was he referring to Hill's good friend, Rahm, and his fine works for the poor in Chicago?
13
Donald Trump tried to stop the Iraq Invasion. Oh, yes, he did! He spoke out again and again. He tried his best. He worked day and night to try to stop it. Oh, yes, he did.
Beth,
I never mentioned Donald and I would never vote for him.
So, I really don't know how to respond..
I can tell you that I wrote Sen Durban 9/20/01; warning him that Dubya meant to invade Iraq.
I also marched twice in Chicago and once in Oak Park before the invasion started.
You can find online the speeches made by the 23 senators that voted against authorization.
And try this on Hill's wiki-leaks/ Honduras.
http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/09/24/hillary-clinton-emails-and-...
I never mentioned Donald and I would never vote for him.
So, I really don't know how to respond..
I can tell you that I wrote Sen Durban 9/20/01; warning him that Dubya meant to invade Iraq.
I also marched twice in Chicago and once in Oak Park before the invasion started.
You can find online the speeches made by the 23 senators that voted against authorization.
And try this on Hill's wiki-leaks/ Honduras.
http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/09/24/hillary-clinton-emails-and-...
2
Well, he ain't Ted Cruz......
3
Thank God for that.
History has shown that disputes between families have always brought about the destruction of both sides.
A house divided against itself cannot stand.
For the Democratic Party now, especially those who oppose Clinton, that is a battle to be fought at another time.
Right now, the most pressing thing is the defeat of Donald J Trump and with it the Republican Congress.
We always pay more attention to the presidency. But we must always remember that our government is not a monarchy.
When we continue to elect Congress persons that care more about party loyalty than pragmatic common sense laws for the benefit of all of the people they are supposed to represent, then we end up fighting the same battle over and over again.
Mr. Obama brought tears to my eyes when he cautioned folks not to boo, but to vote, and not just in the national elections but local and statewide ones.
VOTE even when you don't feel like it or a person is not your ideal.
Only when POLS understand that people will indeed take advantage of our Constitutional Rights will THEY do the jobs that they are hired to do..
A house divided against itself cannot stand.
For the Democratic Party now, especially those who oppose Clinton, that is a battle to be fought at another time.
Right now, the most pressing thing is the defeat of Donald J Trump and with it the Republican Congress.
We always pay more attention to the presidency. But we must always remember that our government is not a monarchy.
When we continue to elect Congress persons that care more about party loyalty than pragmatic common sense laws for the benefit of all of the people they are supposed to represent, then we end up fighting the same battle over and over again.
Mr. Obama brought tears to my eyes when he cautioned folks not to boo, but to vote, and not just in the national elections but local and statewide ones.
VOTE even when you don't feel like it or a person is not your ideal.
Only when POLS understand that people will indeed take advantage of our Constitutional Rights will THEY do the jobs that they are hired to do..
16
One of the things I keep noticing in too many comments is how angry and sometimes downright hatefull some are of Clinton. With some, nothing she, nor what Trump can do, will ever change their minds. Reason has been thrown out the window. The emails are merely a mask for expressing hatreds of other ideas and policies
17
As your neighbor peering over the fence- 49th paralell- I shudder the thought of having a man as contemptible as Donald Trump at the helm of a great nation, but after listening to Barack Obama and Bloomberg, I have confidence that sanity shall prevail, and Mr. Trump the con artist can get back to peddle steaks, water and cheap suits.
35
@ Carlos Molins " I have confidence that sanity shall prevail," Alas, many, many Germans, including many German Jews, had that same confidence in the 1930s.
But that didn't work out, did it.
But that didn't work out, did it.
Mary, make sure YOU and everyone else vote to keep the con sociopath out of office. If everything fails, you are most welcome to Canada, but come here before we build the wall and ask DT to pay for.
This article would have been more inspiring if it were not accompanied by a report on the "return of the donor class" to the Democratic convention. (However, kudos to the New York Times for trying to be objective.) There is at least one thing about which Trump is correct: Hillary Clinton and the team that she would appoint to run the country would be totally beholden to special interests. I am not sure that the country can take another four or even eight years of policy-making for the donor class. The people's patience is running out.
14
Let's put out a sign: No contributions from wealthy people. Leave the money to the republicans, we don't need it. No advertisements, no publicity. No paid workers in campaigns, no press representatives, no advisors. No travel, nothing like that. We don't need money! Send the rich to the republicans! We don't need a financial market anyway! Send Wall Street to the republicans, the bums! Kick Bloomberg out in the street, the bum, although he's willing to fight his own party for the good of his country. After all, rich people don't ever care about the good of their country, do they? Or is it just possible some of them do? But no.
We can win on our pure ideals! As happens so often in politics.
We can win on our pure ideals! As happens so often in politics.
1
So you prefer Trump whose only written plan concerns tax cuts for the wealthy?
1
NEVER trust anybody who yaps about "the people's patience," with power.
1
The president actually meant to say “fascists and homegrown demagogues” supported and pampered by a den of moral deviants and right-wing propagandists. No need to mention FOK News by name.
8
To anyone, including some apparently unimpressed commenters here, who thinks that the succession of speeches by Bloomberg, Biden, Kaine and Obama were not absolutely phenomenal, you do not know the difference between good and bad. That was the most incredible group of speeches given at any political convention in the history of the United States. And, I say this with complete objectivity. Seriously, I'm not kidding!
17
And Seriously, I'm not Kidding, Lewis, I know the difference between beautiful speeches and hard reality.
Please read the same page NYT article titled
"After Lying Low, Deep-Pocketed Clinton Donors Return to the Fore" for some hard reality.
You will undoubtedly prefer the speeches.
Please read the same page NYT article titled
"After Lying Low, Deep-Pocketed Clinton Donors Return to the Fore" for some hard reality.
You will undoubtedly prefer the speeches.
3
Alas, tin ears have become common in these dark days.
Anyone, of any political stripe, has to be blind or deliberately lying to themselves, to not see the GREATNESS of our extraordinary President Obama.
Last night, President Obama once again delivered a speech for the ages, lifting the spirits of a nation embattled with small minded zealots. I still find it shocking that Mitch McConnell stated his intention to block anything Obama tries to put forward to help this country.
President Obama has always risen above the fray, an intelligent leader, a noble man. He has made this country great in the eyes of rational thinking people the world over.
Thank you President Obama - you have saved our nation from the shambles left by Bush and his Republican cohorts. And last night you helped set the path for continued steady leadership from HRC.
Last night, President Obama once again delivered a speech for the ages, lifting the spirits of a nation embattled with small minded zealots. I still find it shocking that Mitch McConnell stated his intention to block anything Obama tries to put forward to help this country.
President Obama has always risen above the fray, an intelligent leader, a noble man. He has made this country great in the eyes of rational thinking people the world over.
Thank you President Obama - you have saved our nation from the shambles left by Bush and his Republican cohorts. And last night you helped set the path for continued steady leadership from HRC.
21
I don't think there is anything more corrupt than reducing the voice of the people by stacking your own deck during a political race. That is Third World puppet government activity happening in plain sight without significant consequences.
12
You should have the privilege of living in a real tinpot dictatorship. Then you might stop blaming victims of Republican opposition work, while quoting that bought and paid for opposition work yourself.
3
Muito obrigada, Senhor Presidente! (“Thank very much Mr. President” from this Portuguese immigrant).
Thank you, Mr. Bloomberg. You could have remained silent but you have the courage to put our country first!
Thank you, Mr. Bloomberg. You could have remained silent but you have the courage to put our country first!
7
This is like pronouncing a living person a saint already. Since when is Obama such a great a leader that he deserves a fitting heir? Is Hillary like a Solomon succeeding to David's throne? Nonsense. Hillary is running out of campaign strategy so that she decides to appeal to the supporters of Obama.
9
It is not President Obama who needs an heir. It is his policies that need to be continued such as not starting any more stupid wars, reducing unemployment, opening relations with former enemies, stimulating the economy, and not looking down on people because of race or religion. He is a hard act to follow and we should pray that Hillary Clinton is up to the job.
You mean, like, humans?
1
Why so nasty? Have you any real data? Let's hear it.
1
Watching President Obama was beautiful. I don't know if Americans realize what a great man they had serving them for eight years. Sadly, Americans are so easily distracted by cheap flash and hatefulness instead of true substance. President Obama made the case for Hilary Clinton. Not just because he's concerned for his legacy even though he probably is but because Hilary Clinton is clearly the superior leader and PERSON. Donald Trump proved that very day that he should never be allowed to do anything but dupe poor people and harass young women in bathing suits.
Last night was amazing to watch. It was a relief to watch the gloves FINALLY come off and see person after person tell the truth about Donald Trump. Joe Biden, who has fought for working class men and women his entire life couldn't hide his disgust and outrage over Donald Trump's claim that he cares about anyone but himself.
I have to admit there was a nano-second during Mike Bloomberg's speech where I almost felt pity for Trump. ALMOST. Mike Bloomberg read Donald Trump for FILTH.
What was really tiresome was watching Bernie Sanders sit and sulk and wait for someone to kiss his behind. I was never a fan but I didn't realize what a graceless egomaniac the man was until last night. His poor wife (who seems like a lovely woman) had to poke him in the arm on several occasions to remind him that people were watching. It seems like his supporters are just like him.
Last night was amazing to watch. It was a relief to watch the gloves FINALLY come off and see person after person tell the truth about Donald Trump. Joe Biden, who has fought for working class men and women his entire life couldn't hide his disgust and outrage over Donald Trump's claim that he cares about anyone but himself.
I have to admit there was a nano-second during Mike Bloomberg's speech where I almost felt pity for Trump. ALMOST. Mike Bloomberg read Donald Trump for FILTH.
What was really tiresome was watching Bernie Sanders sit and sulk and wait for someone to kiss his behind. I was never a fan but I didn't realize what a graceless egomaniac the man was until last night. His poor wife (who seems like a lovely woman) had to poke him in the arm on several occasions to remind him that people were watching. It seems like his supporters are just like him.
9
I thought Bernie was quite dignified every time I saw him. He is a wonderful guy. I'm for Hillary, but let's be real about human beings and their thoughts and feelings, and not require them to fit our preconceptions.
7
Funny--I'm a Hilary person but I thought Bernie was exhausted and though watching the disasterous collapse of his beloved plans, he was gracious to Hilary. A true gentleman, I have to say.
3
You should be thanking your lucky stars that Bernie has acted with such grace in the face of the DNC bias. Imagine if Bernie had chosen to make a big deal out of the DNC farce or run Independent? She'd lose, bottom line. Everyone in this country who wants to see Hillary elected owes Bernie a debt of gratitude.
3
Years ago, when cassettes tapes were the way to record and listen to music, the slogan for one of the companies was: "Is it real, or is it Memorex?", which was the brand name. The commercial showed a recording of a female voice hitting the high notes and, wouldn't you know: the wine glass in the middle of your screen shattered.
Wigthn Trump; however, it IS Memorex. Whatever he says or does might seem to make sense; however, when you look behind the veil, The Donald is still just a silly man, pu;lying people's fear-strings.
When you vote, GWT REAL!
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
Wigthn Trump; however, it IS Memorex. Whatever he says or does might seem to make sense; however, when you look behind the veil, The Donald is still just a silly man, pu;lying people's fear-strings.
When you vote, GWT REAL!
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
2
Excellent speech; reasoned, calm (when not?), and accurate, in these difficult times, where demagogues abound, fanning fear and resentment, while at the same time utterly ignorant about the facts. Trump is a vulgar bully looking for relevance "in all the wrong places". Crooked lying Trump, the narcissist-in-chief, so irresponsible in his falsehoods, so unpredictable where what is needed is a steady hand. He is so arrogant, it is a wonder his family can stand him...unless they try to emulate his 'bull'. Voting for him remains, for many, incomprehensible...if not stupid.
6
Watching the Democratic Convention has been a wonderful experience. As President Obama says, democracy is messy. It's about disagreeing about some things but coming together for the greater good.
Life is not a reality show. Everything doesn't just magically turn out all right - we have to work for it everyday. It's good to see America coming alive again and good to know that there are so many capable, socially conscious people to help lead our country.
Life is not a reality show. Everything doesn't just magically turn out all right - we have to work for it everyday. It's good to see America coming alive again and good to know that there are so many capable, socially conscious people to help lead our country.
7
The Obama legacy:
-A country more racially divided than 8 years ago.
-Islamic terrorists attacking our allies in Europe on an almost weekly basis.
-The Middle East on fire.
-China being more aggressive in its territory grabs than ever before.
-For the first time in US history, a President who did not deliver one year of 3%+ economic growth.
-Continued immigration policies that drive down Americans' wages and access to social services - this is a Democratic legacy, as much as a Republican one.
-75% of Americans thinking the country is going in the wrong direction.
Does any of this matter? Or is it just about pretty speeches?
-A country more racially divided than 8 years ago.
-Islamic terrorists attacking our allies in Europe on an almost weekly basis.
-The Middle East on fire.
-China being more aggressive in its territory grabs than ever before.
-For the first time in US history, a President who did not deliver one year of 3%+ economic growth.
-Continued immigration policies that drive down Americans' wages and access to social services - this is a Democratic legacy, as much as a Republican one.
-75% of Americans thinking the country is going in the wrong direction.
Does any of this matter? Or is it just about pretty speeches?
15
More racially divided - you mean to say that some people will never get over the fact that a black man is president.
Middle East on fire - you're right - when Obama invaded that country, based on a blatant lie, he blew up the world. Oh, wait a minute, was that someone else?
China - aggressive? Yup. Maybe he should have invaded. That will solve everything, and then you could charge *him* with blowing up the world.
Didn't deliver one of year of 3% growth. Yup, I guess having more growth than any country in Europe since the 2008 crisis ain't enuff for you.
Please, show me your numbers which prove that Americans' wages have been driven down by immigration. NET immigration from Mexico is NEGATIVE.
Please take time to read a little bit, and I don't mean FOX news.
Middle East on fire - you're right - when Obama invaded that country, based on a blatant lie, he blew up the world. Oh, wait a minute, was that someone else?
China - aggressive? Yup. Maybe he should have invaded. That will solve everything, and then you could charge *him* with blowing up the world.
Didn't deliver one of year of 3% growth. Yup, I guess having more growth than any country in Europe since the 2008 crisis ain't enuff for you.
Please, show me your numbers which prove that Americans' wages have been driven down by immigration. NET immigration from Mexico is NEGATIVE.
Please take time to read a little bit, and I don't mean FOX news.
Emmanuel you are wrong and 75% is not thinking like that.
cherry picking data?
answers to your questions.
1- Did you know doing nothing congress of Truman time, country divided??
2- Europe must muster the intelligence and security, see not here everywhere we need to adapt new tactics of terrorists, this is not one shot issue, it is a continuing issue. will continue, no illusions, Turning middle east one time a glass or glowing seen from space with Daisy cutters is not the solution.
3- Middle east is on fire, match found in Dick Cheney's pocket, he burned the forest.
4-China never give rats a.s the rest of the world, world can barely caching up with their policy. wake up and read after Mao , how china advanced and why Nixon started the engagement.
5- 3% growth, We were bleeding 800.000 jobs per month in 2008 and 2009, Auto industry was almost going down the drain. Housing was collapsed. You are referring the 3% growth, as if You republicans did nothing between 2000-2008. 2 war 1 economic recession and trillions of dollars lost. yes Obama couldn't deliver the 3% growth ,ohhh very big deal.
6-write letter to Romney and Trump they can really afford to hire Americans for their gardening needs and hotels etc. they are rich , If they can't afford don't expect your corner deli afford to hire Americans.
7- 75% American doesn't think that Country in wrong direction, that is old white male's idea. 75% of American think that today we have more problems.
cherry picking data?
answers to your questions.
1- Did you know doing nothing congress of Truman time, country divided??
2- Europe must muster the intelligence and security, see not here everywhere we need to adapt new tactics of terrorists, this is not one shot issue, it is a continuing issue. will continue, no illusions, Turning middle east one time a glass or glowing seen from space with Daisy cutters is not the solution.
3- Middle east is on fire, match found in Dick Cheney's pocket, he burned the forest.
4-China never give rats a.s the rest of the world, world can barely caching up with their policy. wake up and read after Mao , how china advanced and why Nixon started the engagement.
5- 3% growth, We were bleeding 800.000 jobs per month in 2008 and 2009, Auto industry was almost going down the drain. Housing was collapsed. You are referring the 3% growth, as if You republicans did nothing between 2000-2008. 2 war 1 economic recession and trillions of dollars lost. yes Obama couldn't deliver the 3% growth ,ohhh very big deal.
6-write letter to Romney and Trump they can really afford to hire Americans for their gardening needs and hotels etc. they are rich , If they can't afford don't expect your corner deli afford to hire Americans.
7- 75% American doesn't think that Country in wrong direction, that is old white male's idea. 75% of American think that today we have more problems.
In response, Emmanuel
-A country more racially divided than 8 years ago.
-Islamic terrorists attacking our allies in Europe on an almost weekly basis.
-The Middle East on fire.
---- We had a MAJOR hand in creating the mess when, after 9/11, Bush took lied to the American public to justify a war in Iraq, instead of going after the real culprit (Bin Laden). Our mess in Iraq created ISIL.
-China being more aggressive in its territory grabs than ever before.
----- Not even close to being Obama's fault
-For the first time in US history, a President who did not deliver one year of 3%+ economic growth.
----- Our economy was in the worst recession since the great depression when he took office; we were losing hundreds of thousands of jobs per month. Yet he managed to turn it around. Are republicans seriously upset the democrats didn't clean up their mess good enough?!
-Continued immigration policies that drive down Americans' wages and access to social services - this is a Democratic legacy, as much as a Republican one.
-------Republicans blocked each and every meaningful effort at immigration reform
-75% of Americans thinking the country is going in the wrong direction
-------- They need to stop watching Fox.
-A country more racially divided than 8 years ago.
-Islamic terrorists attacking our allies in Europe on an almost weekly basis.
-The Middle East on fire.
---- We had a MAJOR hand in creating the mess when, after 9/11, Bush took lied to the American public to justify a war in Iraq, instead of going after the real culprit (Bin Laden). Our mess in Iraq created ISIL.
-China being more aggressive in its territory grabs than ever before.
----- Not even close to being Obama's fault
-For the first time in US history, a President who did not deliver one year of 3%+ economic growth.
----- Our economy was in the worst recession since the great depression when he took office; we were losing hundreds of thousands of jobs per month. Yet he managed to turn it around. Are republicans seriously upset the democrats didn't clean up their mess good enough?!
-Continued immigration policies that drive down Americans' wages and access to social services - this is a Democratic legacy, as much as a Republican one.
-------Republicans blocked each and every meaningful effort at immigration reform
-75% of Americans thinking the country is going in the wrong direction
-------- They need to stop watching Fox.
A truly great speaker. However, you can't bring a nation together when their incomes are so far apart. It's what's at the root of the madness, and it has to be addressed, not just in speeches, but in actions.
10
America is very proud of the honor and dignity that Barack Obama restored to the office of the Presidency. His terms have not been plagued with corruption, legal accusations and the undignified attempts by rivals to tar him with legal misdoings. He has been a moral and highly ethical leader of the finest kind. Tonight when Hillary accepts her nomination I look forward to her upholding and even raising those standards. During her speech I hope she takes responsibility for the election flaws that occurred between her, Debbie Schultz and the DNC which lead to the allegations of election fraud from the Sanders Camp. Taking responsibility, offering an apology and promising an administration with higher standards than Barack's is what the unified party needs to hear. A lot of Bernie's donors got those donations from lunch money. That apology would be wise. Turning her back now on all her high dollar donors and promising an administration that will not favor corporations like Goldman Sacks, Monsanto and the fracking industry would go a long way towards reversing her poll numbers. Many are waiting to see her embrace the high ethical standards set by Obama by rejecting corruption, large campaign donors, and the lobbying industry. The best time to make the Change America Wants is tonight in her speech. If she delivers the standard stump speech and pivots to the right next week, well, that pretty much guarantees Trump is going to win. So President Clinton- please UNITE THE PARTY!
2
More qualified than Washington, Lincoln, FDR or even the Democrats god JFK ? Since Obama says she is more qualified than him or Bill, I guess he will resign so she can finish his term. Bill and Obama's praise reminds me of what the husband of our condo Treasurer said when we found she had embezzled $14,000 "...she was the most honest wonderful person ever." Or when someone is shot committing a robbery with a gun [and video taped] "he was the most wonderful person, attended church each Sunday and helped the elderly---the video must have been altered." Hillary covered for all of Bill's escapades, now he covers for her. If she could not tell he was lying, will she know world leaders are lying to her or just accepted it. If she knew and was "standing by her man" is that who we want as a President ?
11
She was "standing by her man" because if she hadn't stood by him, she wouldn't be where she is today.
Let's say she divorced him while he was Governor of Arkansas. Would anyone have ever heard of Hillary Rodham?
Let's say she divorced him while he was Governor of Arkansas. Would anyone have ever heard of Hillary Rodham?
1
One of the main reasons I've never had any respect for her.
Thank you, Mr. President! Thank you from the bottom of a very, very loving heart! Wonderful speech last night! Your example and steadfastness and love will long endure.
Thank you, Michael Bloomberg! Your presence in this battle for the SOUL of America is greatly, greatly appreciated. I hope it moves many Independents, who, if they missed it, can find a version in print at your business website.
Thank you, Tim Kaine! Your "comman man" touch was pitch perfect last night! Glad to have you aboard! You are a great addition to the ticket.
Thank you, Jose Biden. I suspect you riffed a lot last night, went a bit off the reservation. But fine elevating speech.speech
Thank you, Delegates of every color, culture, gender, background. I love the diversity! (If only those darn signs didn't block out your faces, tears, joy in our party's enthusiasm for a united and diverse America.)
I'm proud to be on the side of Values and Positive Role Models - rather than nastiness, greediness, and mendacity - which are wrong for America and her children.
Let's get this job done! And put a Woman in the Oval Office!
Thank you, Michael Bloomberg! Your presence in this battle for the SOUL of America is greatly, greatly appreciated. I hope it moves many Independents, who, if they missed it, can find a version in print at your business website.
Thank you, Tim Kaine! Your "comman man" touch was pitch perfect last night! Glad to have you aboard! You are a great addition to the ticket.
Thank you, Jose Biden. I suspect you riffed a lot last night, went a bit off the reservation. But fine elevating speech.speech
Thank you, Delegates of every color, culture, gender, background. I love the diversity! (If only those darn signs didn't block out your faces, tears, joy in our party's enthusiasm for a united and diverse America.)
I'm proud to be on the side of Values and Positive Role Models - rather than nastiness, greediness, and mendacity - which are wrong for America and her children.
Let's get this job done! And put a Woman in the Oval Office!
11
If a good speech means empty platitudes and deft glossing over of growing rifts then Barack Obama did a heckuva job. I would expect nothing short of a forceful rebuke of anyone or anything representing a perceived threat to Neoliberalism. With the Republican power structure in shambles, a lot of money is riding on the Democrats winning this election.
9
I listened carefully to every word President Obama spoke last night and was looking forward to reading what NYT reporters would write about the speech. I was shocked when I pulled up the NYT on my desktop this morning )as I do every day) and saw the headline to the article by NYT reporters Patrick Healy and Jonathan Martin. The headline was perfect ("Championing Optimism, Obama Hails Clinton.." until it got to the words "... as His Political Heir". I saw nothing about that speech that would warrant such a "loaded" headline "opinion" comment the type of which you might expect to see by GOP types. The gist of almost every speech last night was about how intelligent, qualified, experienced, independent, etc. Hillary Clinton is and that she has never been a "lackey" type buy instead he own person. Obama haters and many independent voters might instantly not want to read this article since the "as His Political Heir" words would say all they needed to see to not vote for Hillary.
2
To Cark
Hillary said in 3 different speeches in April and May of this year that she wanted to continue Obama's policies....failures that they are.
Hillary said in 3 different speeches in April and May of this year that she wanted to continue Obama's policies....failures that they are.
2
After watching the convention I believe the democrats under the leadership of Obama and Hillary have become like a cult.
Democrats display an excessively zealous and unquestioning commitment to their leaders. They regard their belief system, ideology, and practices as the truth despite evidence to the contrary.
Questioning or doubting the leadership or any dissent are discouraged or even punished.
Obama, Hillary and the democrats dictate how members should think, act, and feel.
Obama and Hillary are elitist, claiming a special, exalted status for themselves
and are not accountable to any authorities. (Hillary Above The Law)
They believe that their supposedly exalted status and superior intelligence justifies whatever means it deems necessary.
Shame, guilt, deception and the media are used to influence and control members. Read the D.N.C. emails.
The group is preoccupied with making money legally or illegally.
Democrats display an excessively zealous and unquestioning commitment to their leaders. They regard their belief system, ideology, and practices as the truth despite evidence to the contrary.
Questioning or doubting the leadership or any dissent are discouraged or even punished.
Obama, Hillary and the democrats dictate how members should think, act, and feel.
Obama and Hillary are elitist, claiming a special, exalted status for themselves
and are not accountable to any authorities. (Hillary Above The Law)
They believe that their supposedly exalted status and superior intelligence justifies whatever means it deems necessary.
Shame, guilt, deception and the media are used to influence and control members. Read the D.N.C. emails.
The group is preoccupied with making money legally or illegally.
13
And if that were true--which it is not--they would still be miles above the republican bunch, whose antics, bizarre ideation, and even more bizarre leader are the wonder of the world.
1
Lol. This from a follower of Fox News, the barely disguised propaganda arm for what used to be the GOP.
Extra points for looking up "Projection".
Extra points for looking up "Projection".
1
My, my, my. You, Don, just described Trump, W, and the GOP beautifully.
1
I'm a die hard Bernie supporter, who contributed to his campaign, volunteered for him, knocked on door to share his ideas and values, worked around the clock to spread his progressive views, worked tirelessly on 15 cups of coffee and 4 hours of sleep for months - yes i'm a millennial - who poured her heart, blood, sweat out for Bernie - and yes, I'll vote for Hillary! Like President Obama said "it's not even a choice"
I was with Obama, then Bernie and now I"M WITH HER!
I was with Obama, then Bernie and now I"M WITH HER!
11
President Obama: Don't boo, VOTE!
10
How about I boo and then vote against the person I booed? It's surprisingly easy to do both.
1
It is unfortunate the " Cult of Personality " we've become with all the attention in the media being paid to Obama's speech and the celebrities in attendance . Certainly Obama's speech was well written and and very well executed but it was Bloomberg's that had the most meat to it and the one anyone considering voting for Trump needs to hear . Obama may of delivered a few jabs at Trump but is was NYC's former mayor who knows more about Trump than anyone that laid out the reality of who and what Donald Trump really is beyond his " Cult of Personality ' persona . And anyone even so much as considering voting for Trump or just as bad not voting at all needs to heed the words of Micheal Bloomberg ' when he said .. and I paraphrase .. 'Hillary may not be your first choice **but this November she is our only choice ' ** Full discloser She certainly was and is not mine but given the choice between her and Trump .. there is no choice .
4
Watching Prez Obama valedictory addresd at DNC is truly a life time experience. ..much like an "amazing grace"...perhaps most powerful man on the earth made of grit and steel but still holds a heart glissened with gold and an aura of radiance. .....surely America is gonna miss him...someone who cried when innocent kids were killed at the school shoot out, someone who sang the glory of amazing grace at Methodist conf...yet someone who was ruthless in extracting and destroying Osama from his hideout in Pakistan....had his ups and downs ...peaks and valleys at capitol hill....saw a sudden surge and intolerance in hate crimes on the streets of America. ..a visible split and schism amongst blacks and whites but still holding the reins in tough times........ that's the Obama we know !!!
8
President Obama said in his speech: “[I]f you’re serious about our democracy, you can’t afford to stay home just because she might not align with you on every issue. You’ve got to get in the arena with her, because democracy isn’t a spectator sport.”
Ordinary people can only “afford” to vote; rich people can “afford” to do much more to benefit Hillary Clinton in her campaign to be President. The New York Times reported today in another story, “After Lying Low, Deep-Pocketed Clinton Donors Return to the Fore,” that the Democratic Party’s moneyed elite have also gathered in Philadelphia to support Hillary Clinton’s campaign.
The New York Times reports that among those moneyed supporters “returning to the fore” is Rajiv K. Fernando, the Chicago securities trader and Clinton donor, who resigned his appointment made by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to a sensitive intelligence advisory board after questions were raised recently by ABC News about his qualifications.
I wonder who is serious about democracy, Mr. President.
I think that Bernie Sanders is serious about democracy and he has adequately expressed those concerns.
Ordinary people can only “afford” to vote; rich people can “afford” to do much more to benefit Hillary Clinton in her campaign to be President. The New York Times reported today in another story, “After Lying Low, Deep-Pocketed Clinton Donors Return to the Fore,” that the Democratic Party’s moneyed elite have also gathered in Philadelphia to support Hillary Clinton’s campaign.
The New York Times reports that among those moneyed supporters “returning to the fore” is Rajiv K. Fernando, the Chicago securities trader and Clinton donor, who resigned his appointment made by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to a sensitive intelligence advisory board after questions were raised recently by ABC News about his qualifications.
I wonder who is serious about democracy, Mr. President.
I think that Bernie Sanders is serious about democracy and he has adequately expressed those concerns.
8
And then, endorsed Hillary Clinton and given an equally-strong support speech.
During which he got booed by loons.
During which he got booed by loons.
1
David--Difference between you and me? I'll settle for a fair slice of the pie, while sharing it with others. Apparently, you want the whole thing or it goes into the dumpster. Sounds kind of Repuglican. Very intelligent.
1
I can accept that our country (and world) is divided by different ideals and ideologies. But I don't understand how anyone can watch the speeches made by Michelle and Barack and not feel the heart, conviction, and truth in their words.
12
Hollow, cliche-filled rhetoric from Ivy League lawyers doesn't put food on the table, cover $30k-60k a year for college, or build retirement savings of average Americans.
5
I've made a number of responses to other comments. I'd like to add one more for Bernie supporters. My wife and I voted for Bernie. I know that younger Bernie supporters are disappointed with the outcome, as are we. But none of us can possibly be as disappointed as Bernie himself - and yet, Bernie will support Clinton. His thinking is similar to ours - we always support the left-most candidate who has a chance to win. So we may not have won this battle, but we may still win the war.
11
J-Dog--We won 80% of the battle, and Bernie (and we) have had historic influence on the most progressive political platform in history. We should all be very proud, never complacent.
1
Bernie excelled at naming the problems, but never presented a plan for moving the needle. And he should be ashamed that he never took a strong stand against the hateful, vicious misogyny spewed by the BernieBros at anyone who even suggested that a vote for Clinton was not the most awful thing on Earth. I agreed 100% with his checklist of causes and positions but never felt that he sincerely was on the side of women.
1
Mr. Bloomberg's appeal to defeat Mr. Donald Trump is reverberating among independents and moderate Republicans. A quasi-unanimous negative reaction is emerging across the political establishment against Trump's unconscionable cyber-crime invitation to Russia to help tilt the campaign in his favor. Add the unprecedented factual attacks by Joe Biden, President Obama and others leading Democrats featuring the GOP candidate's flawed character and dismal business record; and we may think the tipping point for Mrs. Clinton's journey to the presidency is around the corner!
Yet, even if Mrs. Clinton gains the upper hand, let us keep in mind that in this murky and uncertain world, anything can happen to propel the worst candidate to the White House. That is why Democrats must relentlessly reach out to moderate Republicans and Independents to save the Nation and the world from Dr. Strangelove's ascension to the levers of the ultimate power.
Yet, even if Mrs. Clinton gains the upper hand, let us keep in mind that in this murky and uncertain world, anything can happen to propel the worst candidate to the White House. That is why Democrats must relentlessly reach out to moderate Republicans and Independents to save the Nation and the world from Dr. Strangelove's ascension to the levers of the ultimate power.
7
A wonderful speech from a great president. I will miss him.
9
I have been so proud to have President Obama as the leader of our country and will miss him greatly. We should take a moment to appreciate that this is the best president that we will have in our lifetimes.
11
Optimism, indeed.
Sounds like a lot of people are voting for Hillary only to keep Trump out. Is your hate for Trump stronger than your love for Hillary? If so, maybe reconsideration is in order, and the other two candidates deserve your attention.
2
Why is reconsideration in order? Go with your stronger motivation.
"Deep Pocketed Clinton Donors Return to the Fore." NYT's Headline
Thank God. Finally. So sad that Bernie prevented Clinton from being able to cozy up to the Donor Class for so many months during the primary. All of that talk about her transcripts to Goldman. So much talk about special interest money.
If Clinton loses, it's all on Bernie!!!! But I am Optimistic the Donor class will pull us through. "I'm with THEM!"
Thank God. Finally. So sad that Bernie prevented Clinton from being able to cozy up to the Donor Class for so many months during the primary. All of that talk about her transcripts to Goldman. So much talk about special interest money.
If Clinton loses, it's all on Bernie!!!! But I am Optimistic the Donor class will pull us through. "I'm with THEM!"
5
Bernie supporters, now Hillary supporters, are looking for a way to get the big money out of elections. The first step will be to kill Citizens United, with a moderate/progressive Supreme Court appointment. You should probably try to hide your ignorance, in public.
1
The United States of America CANNOT elect a fascist demagogue, with a history of destructive corruption, and no interest in the welfare of his country, or that of our friends and allies. NEVER TRUMP. Vote Democratic, all the way down the ticket, and let's get back to the serious business of running our great country.
8
...and then, working for better, starting with the midterm elections in 2018.
Remember, sane folks, half the reason that the President missed out on getting things like closing Guantanamo done is that WE didn't show for midterms in 2010 and 2014, sticking us with a lunatic House and an obstructionist Senate.
Remember, sane folks, half the reason that the President missed out on getting things like closing Guantanamo done is that WE didn't show for midterms in 2010 and 2014, sticking us with a lunatic House and an obstructionist Senate.
The NYT should have disclaimer at the end of every article that says "this article was approved by the DNC.". The bias in coverage between the two conventions could not be more obvious.
18
It's so blatant it makes me chuckle. Bright side is it's so obvious that there's no way it's effective in persuading anyone new to join their ranks. Thanks to social media and smart phones the public is becoming wiser than the media thinks.
1
Astounding speech. One for the history books.
5
Sure, Trump is a threat to American values... but isn't Hillary, as well? The Iraq War, the Patriot Act, the '94 Crime Bill, NAFTA & the TPP, DOMA, her collusion with the very people who brought our economy to its knees, her disappearing emails?
Is Trump worse than Hillary? Yes. But we need to stop pretending that she is anything but (A) the lesser of two evils and (B) the first "X" presidential candidate. I think Sanders and Stein folk would be a lot more willing to back HRC if people owned up to the fact that she's an awful politician and public servant who just happens to be running against someone even worse.
Is Trump worse than Hillary? Yes. But we need to stop pretending that she is anything but (A) the lesser of two evils and (B) the first "X" presidential candidate. I think Sanders and Stein folk would be a lot more willing to back HRC if people owned up to the fact that she's an awful politician and public servant who just happens to be running against someone even worse.
7
Well, I'd sort of note that a) Hillary Clinton herself famously noted that she wasn't a great politican, and b) that she screwed up with the e-mails.
Myself, I won't vote for Stein until she gives up the anti-vaxx nonsense, and explains how the heck she plans to get North Korea to "just give up," its weapons and nukes.
Myself, I won't vote for Stein until she gives up the anti-vaxx nonsense, and explains how the heck she plans to get North Korea to "just give up," its weapons and nukes.
Donald Trump’s Appeal to Russia Shocks Foreign Policy Experts
The Interpreter
By MAX FISHER JULY 28, 2016
House Speaker Paul Ryan's open and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's tacit support of the Trump-Putin 2016 ticket is even more disturbing.
The Interpreter
By MAX FISHER JULY 28, 2016
House Speaker Paul Ryan's open and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's tacit support of the Trump-Putin 2016 ticket is even more disturbing.
4
I have found the speeches - from Obama's to Biden's through to Bloomberg's and many others' - to be unifying for the Democrat family rallying around Hilary Clinton. Obama's warm embrace of Hilary at the end of his speech was moving, symbolising, amid the irrational criticisms of her, duly deserved recognition of her steadfast public service throughout her entire life.
178
SUMMARY: the pathetic glossing over, in last night's jingo-jangle, of real problems facing us demonstrated the same deep denial that keeps us immune from the clues of street/gun violence and terror, (and still unable to come to terms with what all those so-highly praised forefolks did to the native tribes - still called "native americans" by our president - despite the reminders of their lives on reservations today).
the best example of the disconnect snuck in over the back fence, past the cable hordes on patrol, when joe biden, vice president of the most powerful nation on earth complimented teachers who used their own money to buy notebooks and pencils for their students, as if this were a reality that was none of his doing and for which he had no concern much less inclination to help...no responsibility whatsoever...(sound familiar?)
after eight years of this administration and decades more of others, no one has stepped up to address this glaring slight to those kids whose futures were so much a part of the "philadephia" on view last night, (bloomberg excepted)...a president who can order a drone strike, and a candidate praised to the skies for her compassion for kids, still can't manage to put notebooks and pencils on their desks, (never mind reimburse the teachers).
alas, quoth the bard's perplexed danish prince, "we eat the air, promise crammed."
the best example of the disconnect snuck in over the back fence, past the cable hordes on patrol, when joe biden, vice president of the most powerful nation on earth complimented teachers who used their own money to buy notebooks and pencils for their students, as if this were a reality that was none of his doing and for which he had no concern much less inclination to help...no responsibility whatsoever...(sound familiar?)
after eight years of this administration and decades more of others, no one has stepped up to address this glaring slight to those kids whose futures were so much a part of the "philadephia" on view last night, (bloomberg excepted)...a president who can order a drone strike, and a candidate praised to the skies for her compassion for kids, still can't manage to put notebooks and pencils on their desks, (never mind reimburse the teachers).
alas, quoth the bard's perplexed danish prince, "we eat the air, promise crammed."
8
You have quite a ways to go both in thought and in oratory to hold a tiny match to the fire of last night's speakers. Get in the arena, friend, rather than sneering from the stands, as the President put it last night. And see what you yourself can do or become. Let that be your challenge. You see ills, we all do; it takes nothing to do that. Go forth to effect change, and see how fast we applaud.
1
With less than 6 months remaining in the Obama Presidency, it's not too soon to comment on his legacy. I think that he achieved some good things but wasn't bold enough in trying to help the less fortunate. Two things in particular hurt:
1. Cronyism. During the first two years, when he had Democratic majorities in the House and Senate, he should have pushed bigger measures to help those who were losing their jobs and homes. Instead, he devoted the stimulus to donor-friendly projects instead of large-scale infrastructure projects which would have led to greater hiring. He also sided with Wall Street in reneging on meaningful mortgage relief to struggling homeowners, thus exacerbating the housing crisis. Obamacare itself has been attacked by many as a giveaway to major insurers and to Big Pharma.
2. Political opportunism. What do the 2011 jobs bill proposal, his repeated calls for infrastructure improvements, his push for immigration reform, and his support for a minimum wage hike and expanded Social Security benefits have in common? These all took place AFTER the Democrats lost their House majority following the 2010 elections, which everyone knew meant that each would be a non-starter. It means that he pushed these measures simply to score political points and was not really interested in seeing them through. Otherwise, he would have pushed them during his first two years in office.
The bottom line is that in the end, his heart was with the 1% and not with the rest of us.
1. Cronyism. During the first two years, when he had Democratic majorities in the House and Senate, he should have pushed bigger measures to help those who were losing their jobs and homes. Instead, he devoted the stimulus to donor-friendly projects instead of large-scale infrastructure projects which would have led to greater hiring. He also sided with Wall Street in reneging on meaningful mortgage relief to struggling homeowners, thus exacerbating the housing crisis. Obamacare itself has been attacked by many as a giveaway to major insurers and to Big Pharma.
2. Political opportunism. What do the 2011 jobs bill proposal, his repeated calls for infrastructure improvements, his push for immigration reform, and his support for a minimum wage hike and expanded Social Security benefits have in common? These all took place AFTER the Democrats lost their House majority following the 2010 elections, which everyone knew meant that each would be a non-starter. It means that he pushed these measures simply to score political points and was not really interested in seeing them through. Otherwise, he would have pushed them during his first two years in office.
The bottom line is that in the end, his heart was with the 1% and not with the rest of us.
11
President Obama did not have a Democratic majority in the Senate for two years; try 8 months. Ted Kennedy died in August, and Scott Brown, a Republican, was appointed in January of the following year. This tilted the balance of the Senate to the Republicans. So the President had a Democratic majority for only 8 months. He did pass a stimulus. He did get Dodd-Frank passed. Yes, Obamacare has problems - I agree with your statements. Yet presidents since Nixon have tried to get national healthcare passed to no avail. It's not perfect, but it's something. I know we all wanted a lot more, but I think ignoring what progress was made leads only to despair.
Way to recite Trump and the right-wing party line. Well done, sir.
Robert, I am a left-of-center populist who is disappointed with the Obama Presidency for not doing more to help the 99%, and I'm sure I'm not alone on that front. Would any right-winger ever express the view that President Obama didn't do enough? Come on. It's the attitude of "you'll take the crumbs from our half-measure, big donor-friendly approach to policy and like it!" from "New Democrats" like you that makes progressives mad enough to defect like they did in 1968, 1980 and 2000. You can't blame liberals for rebelling like that if their party gives them no palatable choice.
Obama can read a good speech. Whether he wrote it or not who knows. But he certainly puts a lot of effort and pride into delivering a well paced monologue.
I like to call a spade and spade and look at the world outside the rah rah conventions and determine what is real. I see a world in chaos with Obama's and HRC's policy decisions all over it. The ME is a disaster. Libya is now a disaster. Europe has constant terrorism going on and the trend is intensifying as it is here. China is running amok and Obama doesn't know what to do. Apparently he just wants to get out before something big happens. He has no strategy except platitudes and speeches.
We now have $20 Trillion in debt which none of the rich and corporations are interested in paying off. Race relations are at an all time low and most baffling is that Obama had a unique qualification to make it better. Uneducated people in the US of all genders, races and ages are slipping ever more towards poverty as high paying jobs are gone and political parties have no answers while they take their huge paychecks and speaking fees and head home to million plus dollar homes and private jet service.
The Democrats will not be able to address the above list and more because they first have to acknowledge they exist which is an indictment on Obama's presidency. Running against Trump by just calling him names is not going to cut it.
I like to call a spade and spade and look at the world outside the rah rah conventions and determine what is real. I see a world in chaos with Obama's and HRC's policy decisions all over it. The ME is a disaster. Libya is now a disaster. Europe has constant terrorism going on and the trend is intensifying as it is here. China is running amok and Obama doesn't know what to do. Apparently he just wants to get out before something big happens. He has no strategy except platitudes and speeches.
We now have $20 Trillion in debt which none of the rich and corporations are interested in paying off. Race relations are at an all time low and most baffling is that Obama had a unique qualification to make it better. Uneducated people in the US of all genders, races and ages are slipping ever more towards poverty as high paying jobs are gone and political parties have no answers while they take their huge paychecks and speaking fees and head home to million plus dollar homes and private jet service.
The Democrats will not be able to address the above list and more because they first have to acknowledge they exist which is an indictment on Obama's presidency. Running against Trump by just calling him names is not going to cut it.
13
Lemme guess: being a black man, Obama also didn't write those two books, and is really from Kenya.
There ought to be two things that everybody can agree on about this President: that he's been a decent man and an excellent father; that he can write his proverbial off and deliver a speech.
But nope. Because some of us are so far gone in hatred that they can't even admit that the criticism of Trump for his wacko statements about Russian spies and yeah, take the Crimea was a little more than name-calling.
No doubt if you read this, among your defenses will be that I am playing the race card, being politically correct.
Beyind asking when the last time YOU disagreed with Das Trump about anything, here's a tip: if you don't wish to be told that your hate is rooted in race, don't intro your rant on how Obama was "uniquely qualified," to address the issue by saying, "I like to call a spade a spade."
There ought to be two things that everybody can agree on about this President: that he's been a decent man and an excellent father; that he can write his proverbial off and deliver a speech.
But nope. Because some of us are so far gone in hatred that they can't even admit that the criticism of Trump for his wacko statements about Russian spies and yeah, take the Crimea was a little more than name-calling.
No doubt if you read this, among your defenses will be that I am playing the race card, being politically correct.
Beyind asking when the last time YOU disagreed with Das Trump about anything, here's a tip: if you don't wish to be told that your hate is rooted in race, don't intro your rant on how Obama was "uniquely qualified," to address the issue by saying, "I like to call a spade a spade."
1
Actually, stressed race relations are not a rupudiation of president Obama's qualifications to make it better. The Republicans have spent eight years using subtle and not so subtle racism to undermine the legitimacy of his presidency. They set their goal to make him, and by extension the country, fail. Is it any wonder race relations haven't improved? But he didn't fail, did he? He dragged the country back from the precipice of economic collapse, all the while carrying the hostile Republican congress on his back. Still more distance to go? Yes. And it'll work better if we go together. Just "calling a spade a spade".
1
@Robert
Why are you so prejudice in your views? You have no idea what I think beyond what I have written. You don't even know my race.
I agree Obama is a decent man and excellent father. And yes he can write and deliver a speech. He is a master at communication IMO. I like his style and his easy manner but I can separate my like for him personally with what has been going on while he is President.
If communication and style is all that it takes to be a great Prez then he is one of the best of all time and all this chaos and problems were unavoidable. But that's not the way it works or if it does then all we can do from here is to descend deeper into more debt, more terrorism and more chaos. I hope not because the next Prez is likely not to be as strong as Obama in these areas. That is an unacceptable outcome.
Trump is a combination of craziness and truth. He is right on a number of issues but as a messenger he is flawed. Unfortunately the parties are so corrupt they are not interested in the truth only power for the sake of power. So now we are left with Trump and a Dem candidate that has a resume of failure.
My loyalty is not to one person or a party but to this country and the people in it. There are millions like me out here outside the echo chamber of party politics.
Why are you so prejudice in your views? You have no idea what I think beyond what I have written. You don't even know my race.
I agree Obama is a decent man and excellent father. And yes he can write and deliver a speech. He is a master at communication IMO. I like his style and his easy manner but I can separate my like for him personally with what has been going on while he is President.
If communication and style is all that it takes to be a great Prez then he is one of the best of all time and all this chaos and problems were unavoidable. But that's not the way it works or if it does then all we can do from here is to descend deeper into more debt, more terrorism and more chaos. I hope not because the next Prez is likely not to be as strong as Obama in these areas. That is an unacceptable outcome.
Trump is a combination of craziness and truth. He is right on a number of issues but as a messenger he is flawed. Unfortunately the parties are so corrupt they are not interested in the truth only power for the sake of power. So now we are left with Trump and a Dem candidate that has a resume of failure.
My loyalty is not to one person or a party but to this country and the people in it. There are millions like me out here outside the echo chamber of party politics.
1
I think that the best strategy for dealing with Trump is now clear. Forget about criticising his "ideas" and "proposals". The Trumchumps don't care about any of that. Focus on the fact that he's a liar and a cheat in his dealings with working people. The creepiness he can supply himself. All together now..."PAY YOUR BILLS" "LOCK HIM UP."
6
All the Republican party repeated drummed up hearings are based on the hopes that America cannot put Hillary back together again.
1
Obama was once considered a once in generation President, along the lines of JFK, "yes we can", was this generations "ask what you can do for your country" - and we were all proven right, he was and still is, until February, 2017. However, America is on the verge of electing a twice in a generation president. I am so sick of people apologizing for Hillary, it is the ridiculous issue of gender discrimination writ large, why? Because in order for a woman to get to be President she has to be more qualified than all other male presidents. I think Hillary is inspiring and steady, she is what we need, I suspect she will do a better job than Bill Clinton, and we will all feel it - the US Economy by 2025? I can picture that shining city now they all talked about now.
9
In order for a woman to get to be President she doesn't need to "be more qualified than all other male Presidents", she just needs to win more electoral college votes.
Obama said that the families of police officers feel the same fear, when the officers are on duty, as the families of Black men do when the men are out on the street.
Really? This is equivalent?
Police officers expect to encounter danger because they have chosen the occupation of crime fighting. Why should Black men expect to encounter danger and fear for their lives when they go outside?
That this President has not done more to change that calculus is a disappointment.
Really? This is equivalent?
Police officers expect to encounter danger because they have chosen the occupation of crime fighting. Why should Black men expect to encounter danger and fear for their lives when they go outside?
That this President has not done more to change that calculus is a disappointment.
3
Logically, your first point is well-taken; African-American men who are not crime-figheters or military should not have to experience this fear at all. Emotionally, yes, the fear is the same - fearing for our loved ones is something we share. However, maybe the fact more Americans have not done more to change this calculus is disappointing. That very same racism affected President Obama too - he had 3 times as many threats on his life as any other President. Why is it incumbent on him alone to fix this very ancient, complex, vicious problem? He provided grants for police training. He sent the Justice Dept. to investigate police departments. He did what he could. While some criticize him from the left, in the meantime, on the right, he is viciously attacked for siding with BLM and not caring about police even though he has repeatedly supported them. He moved the needle - and that is all any of us can do - our part to make things a little better than they were when we found them. Sure, we still have a lot further to go. But as he pointed out, it is all of our responsibility to leave our world a little better than we found it..
When the Republican blocked his every move since 2009, it's amazing that this good man has done as much as he has. Blame the Republicans on this one, pal.
I am thankful there are individuals who choose to use their intelligence and character to serve in our government at all levels, particularly the highest ones. Are some of them "career politicians"? Sure. Do all of them have flaws? Absolutely. They're human.
The all-or-nothing, black and white thinking that runs rampant through this election is exhausting. Obama touched upon this in his stellar speech last night. Of course Hillary has made many mistakes through the years. Are elected officials exempt from being human? The incessant drum of Benghazi, emails, etc., on and on and on--there apparently is no level of scrutiny that will satisfy. What about the many positive things she's done? And where is the outrage, the blistering spotlight on the mistakes of someone deemed worthy of the presidency simply because he's not considered to be a career politician? Where's the endless rage over the failure to reveal his taxes? Where's the outrage over emails that disappeared during the Bush/Cheney regime, and the aftermath of their actions in the Middle East that we're still very much dealing with today? Where's the outrage over Russia? Where's the outrage over the blatant lying and twisting of facts?
I want someone I'd consider smarter than I am when it comes to politics to be in there working on behalf of all Americans. I want them to listen. I want them to have a solid understanding of ALL of it. If this means they can be considered an "insider," then so be it.
The all-or-nothing, black and white thinking that runs rampant through this election is exhausting. Obama touched upon this in his stellar speech last night. Of course Hillary has made many mistakes through the years. Are elected officials exempt from being human? The incessant drum of Benghazi, emails, etc., on and on and on--there apparently is no level of scrutiny that will satisfy. What about the many positive things she's done? And where is the outrage, the blistering spotlight on the mistakes of someone deemed worthy of the presidency simply because he's not considered to be a career politician? Where's the endless rage over the failure to reveal his taxes? Where's the outrage over emails that disappeared during the Bush/Cheney regime, and the aftermath of their actions in the Middle East that we're still very much dealing with today? Where's the outrage over Russia? Where's the outrage over the blatant lying and twisting of facts?
I want someone I'd consider smarter than I am when it comes to politics to be in there working on behalf of all Americans. I want them to listen. I want them to have a solid understanding of ALL of it. If this means they can be considered an "insider," then so be it.
7
This week's convention shows class and dignity, and quiet strength.
For crass fear mongering and all what is wrong, check out last week's.
Despite all the bumps and warts, it really is as simple as that. And the two choices come election day are equally simple
And when will everyone start asking, every day, for the Trump tax returns? Methinks that unlike Romney, the Trump tax returns don't hide much, because he does not have much, or even little, to hide in there...
For crass fear mongering and all what is wrong, check out last week's.
Despite all the bumps and warts, it really is as simple as that. And the two choices come election day are equally simple
And when will everyone start asking, every day, for the Trump tax returns? Methinks that unlike Romney, the Trump tax returns don't hide much, because he does not have much, or even little, to hide in there...
7
So the Dems, the party of inclusiveness, has over the past 8yrs increased racial tensions, fostered hatred of police, and last night turned the lights out on their own people at the convention to try to silence them!
You can't make this up.
Trump '16
You can't make this up.
Trump '16
13
Well, you just did. Look at the Republican goals and actions in the last 8 years and you will, if the least bit honest, have to acknowledge that it has been Republican attitudes and actions that have caused all the things you blame on Democrats.
2
Turn back the clock to 2008 to see what disaster looks like, pal. You not only have trouble accepting reality, you can't remember the past--the perfect Trump dupe.
2
Soberly, Obama has been a great president -- just how great will wait for future historians to assess, many of the issues are still playing out.
By "great," i acknowledge right off the bat that Washington and Lincoln are in a tier of their own. You cannot get to that level unless our nation is truly facing defeat and dissolution, and you shepherd us through with the grace and strength and tenacity of these men.
FDR stands alone in the next rank -- the US was not in danger of falling apart or being destroyed, but getting the US out of the Depression and almost through WWII is an achievement, and circumstances, that we hope will never recur.
Below that, I think the ranking of presidents is debatable, but Obama will stand high, and how high will depend on what happens to several of Obama's big initiatives, and how well America can recover from this current madness.
By "great," i acknowledge right off the bat that Washington and Lincoln are in a tier of their own. You cannot get to that level unless our nation is truly facing defeat and dissolution, and you shepherd us through with the grace and strength and tenacity of these men.
FDR stands alone in the next rank -- the US was not in danger of falling apart or being destroyed, but getting the US out of the Depression and almost through WWII is an achievement, and circumstances, that we hope will never recur.
Below that, I think the ranking of presidents is debatable, but Obama will stand high, and how high will depend on what happens to several of Obama's big initiatives, and how well America can recover from this current madness.
7
We must wait another 3 months to see Hillary win the presidency. But there's no more waiting to see how the smart, mature Democratic conventioneers size up against their fickle-brat Republican counterparts. This week, the Democrats won in a landslide.
If there's even half a gram of perception in Donald Trump, he's shaking like a leaf.
If there's even half a gram of perception in Donald Trump, he's shaking like a leaf.
8
Shaking like a leaf? Are you kidding?
This is, and has been, Hillary's election to lose. She has spent all these years tolerating her husbands dalliances just to win this election. Well, the idea was to win the 2008 election but Obama got in the way. She needs to win. If she doesn't all of this time she has spent as a cuckquean and the butt of jokes will be for naught.
Trump will go back to being a billionaire.
This is, and has been, Hillary's election to lose. She has spent all these years tolerating her husbands dalliances just to win this election. Well, the idea was to win the 2008 election but Obama got in the way. She needs to win. If she doesn't all of this time she has spent as a cuckquean and the butt of jokes will be for naught.
Trump will go back to being a billionaire.
As a former Bernie supporter who will hold my nose to vote against Trump, I have to say that beyond the euphoria, eloquence, and "goes without saying" content of the speeches being delivered at the DNC, many strategic questions have to be addressed by HRC.
First, I think that many of the Bernie or Bust supporters can be brought into the HRC fold if she and her campaign make clear statements against TPP and the anti-war sentiments. Give these to the Bernie supporters for it will not only bring you closer to them, but it will also deepen your position against Trump.
Second, address the Debbie Wasserman-Schultz/DNC leak debacle in a straightforward manner. Exhibit some critical reflection that distances you from the questionable actions of the DNC in the past. You can do this Hillary, and it will go a long way in making a structural change.
Third, as I watch the convention parade its celebrities and icons, I keep asking myself: "why can't they get a white male who didn't attend college to speak ?" Get a HRC voter/supporter who fits the Trump voter profile at least as a gesture of inclusion.
It is counterproductive to demean and ignore the Bernie or Bust voter and the Trump voter. Reiterating an echo chamber of liberal values is not the need of the hour. You can't get the entire Bernie or Bust contingent, but you can definitely get most if you also BEND or APPEAR TO BEND TO THE PROGRESSIVE AGENDA.
Wake up HRC!
First, I think that many of the Bernie or Bust supporters can be brought into the HRC fold if she and her campaign make clear statements against TPP and the anti-war sentiments. Give these to the Bernie supporters for it will not only bring you closer to them, but it will also deepen your position against Trump.
Second, address the Debbie Wasserman-Schultz/DNC leak debacle in a straightforward manner. Exhibit some critical reflection that distances you from the questionable actions of the DNC in the past. You can do this Hillary, and it will go a long way in making a structural change.
Third, as I watch the convention parade its celebrities and icons, I keep asking myself: "why can't they get a white male who didn't attend college to speak ?" Get a HRC voter/supporter who fits the Trump voter profile at least as a gesture of inclusion.
It is counterproductive to demean and ignore the Bernie or Bust voter and the Trump voter. Reiterating an echo chamber of liberal values is not the need of the hour. You can't get the entire Bernie or Bust contingent, but you can definitely get most if you also BEND or APPEAR TO BEND TO THE PROGRESSIVE AGENDA.
Wake up HRC!
67
She got Mr. Sanders out of the way, by making "promises" about adding planks, to the platform. While, at the same time courting high level donors at the Ritz-Carlton. She got what she wanted, the 20 million people who donated to Mr. Sanders. Now, it is back to "business as usual". And, you can forget about everything Bernie Sanders stood for.
6
The DNC HAS bent to the progressive agenda, adopting many of Senator Sanders' positions into the party platform.
"Appear to bend" will be the best Hillary Clinton will do.
3
I kept flipping between PBS and Fox News. I was shocked (but not surprised?) to see that while Michael Bloomberg spoke of why he was voting for Clinton, even though he was an independent/Republican, Fox News was either totally in advertisements or interviewing others. Then, Fox News did the same for Tim Kaine when he talked about his life's experiences.
How can those listening to Fox News get to hear those speaking at the Democrat convention?
How can those listening to Fox News get to hear those speaking at the Democrat convention?
23
Change the channel. Unfortunately, most won't.
It's a psych 101 term called "belief perseverance".
It was at first tedious, and ultimately revolting to listen to Obama's speech last night with his trademark clever, smug happy face lies, distortions and red herrings. He is a fantastic actor though because the liberal elites and uninformed masses buy most of it.
But if his policies are so marvelous, why is half the country ready to elect a mean spirited, narcissistic billionaire? Because Americans feel desperate and fearful that Hillary will bring us 4-8 more years of Obama ruin and humiliation. Democratic denial is a powerful force, but if the electorate actually bothers to look at his policy results, they will send his replacement to the locker room.
But if his policies are so marvelous, why is half the country ready to elect a mean spirited, narcissistic billionaire? Because Americans feel desperate and fearful that Hillary will bring us 4-8 more years of Obama ruin and humiliation. Democratic denial is a powerful force, but if the electorate actually bothers to look at his policy results, they will send his replacement to the locker room.
14
Or because they are racist and sexist.
The ruin and humiliation you claim we have experiences was brought to us by the Republicans who, as soon as Obama was elected started a campaign to make sure that Congress, controlled by Republicans, would do absolutely nothing but fight Obama for the last 8 years. Look it up. The Republican leadership publicly stated their goal of making preventing Obama from getting any meaningful legislation passed.
"Why is half the country ready to elect a mean spirited, narcissistic billionaire?"
Because 60% of the population have a high school education or less.
Because 60% of the population have a high school education or less.
When Hilary lost in 2008 she did not pack her bags and leave town, but rolled up her sleeves and contributed by agreeing to take the thankless position of secretary of State. She had a large target on her back probably knowing that her every move would be criticized by the Republican members of Congress. The Republicans spent the next eight years being the "Party of No" and acting like a bunch of spoiled four year old children.
For 2016, the Republican Party has im-matured into a bunch of ten year old name calling bullies that can only point and laugh at others. It's so sad! The good news is they broke up the Koch Brothers plans and left Fox News totally bewildered.
Unfortunately there is still an overwhelming task ahead for this nation as it adjusts to the remarkable technological advances in labor saving devices and communications. Also getting Wall Street under control. Both parties have bring back the Glass-Stegall Act in their Platform. I do not believe that either one is serious about acting on that Plank.
For 2016, the Republican Party has im-matured into a bunch of ten year old name calling bullies that can only point and laugh at others. It's so sad! The good news is they broke up the Koch Brothers plans and left Fox News totally bewildered.
Unfortunately there is still an overwhelming task ahead for this nation as it adjusts to the remarkable technological advances in labor saving devices and communications. Also getting Wall Street under control. Both parties have bring back the Glass-Stegall Act in their Platform. I do not believe that either one is serious about acting on that Plank.
7
I stopped reading at "thankless position of Secretary of State".
It's only one of the highest profile cabinet positions and sought after by just about everyone who has ever been elected to office.
Thankless. That's rich.
It's only one of the highest profile cabinet positions and sought after by just about everyone who has ever been elected to office.
Thankless. That's rich.
1
Many of the comments I have read so far are those of people who were taken at a moment of inspiration which happens each time similar speeches are made. However in the same newspaper this morning, another article is describing how lobbyists, political opportunists and special interests groups were escorted in limousines to greet Hillary Clinton in exclusive restaurants and bars with loads of money ready to hand out for fundraising.
I am afraid that the diehard Bernie Sanders supporters will come to roost in the next election. The next chapter of the realization of the social revolution is being written right now. Not much is going to change when the dust settles.
I am afraid that the diehard Bernie Sanders supporters will come to roost in the next election. The next chapter of the realization of the social revolution is being written right now. Not much is going to change when the dust settles.
7
Dear JG yes and true. We Berniecrats will wait and come alive in 2020 with Jill or other true progressive candidates
We had presidents who were smart, statesman, graceful, caring, patriots, family men, visionary, orators, or leaders. Barack Obama is unique because he posses all of these qualities and uses them for the country he loves.
America is exceptional not only because of its founding fathers, constitution, and many other things, but also because it makes a great man like Barack Obama possible.
America is exceptional not only because of its founding fathers, constitution, and many other things, but also because it makes a great man like Barack Obama possible.
8
The article should have mentioned that Obama spoke positively about feeling the Burn. Tim Kaine did, and there were several other positive Sanders references during the night. The Times unending false drama re Sanders supporters not supporting Clinton is hopefully near its end. While a few supporters are still trying to milk Sanders amazing campaign for all its worth the idea that there are significant numbers who will not vote for Hillary is preposterous. And don't give us the Nader trope, fifteen percent of Florida Democrats voted for Bush. Just realize the Jill Stein people were never going to change their vote anyway. They do have a valid statement that the rest of the country needs to hear.
Rank and file registered Democrats who feel it relevant to call out Sanders for "not even a Democrat" or "socialist" in an attempt to invalidate him and his supporters need to learn how to make finer distinctions and look deeper before they get over riled. Sanders brought far more voters to the Democrats than will be lost to recalcitrant diehards. Then there is the fact that he brought the democratic wing of the Democrats party back to life. Those whose blood pressure rise every time they see Sanders name should be sure to read the article; Deep-Pocketed Clinton Donors Return to the Fore
By NICHOLAS CONFESSORE and AMY CHOZICK .
What the worriers need to worry about are all the Democrats who could not be bothered to show up for the last two midterms. That is worth your caterwauling.
Rank and file registered Democrats who feel it relevant to call out Sanders for "not even a Democrat" or "socialist" in an attempt to invalidate him and his supporters need to learn how to make finer distinctions and look deeper before they get over riled. Sanders brought far more voters to the Democrats than will be lost to recalcitrant diehards. Then there is the fact that he brought the democratic wing of the Democrats party back to life. Those whose blood pressure rise every time they see Sanders name should be sure to read the article; Deep-Pocketed Clinton Donors Return to the Fore
By NICHOLAS CONFESSORE and AMY CHOZICK .
What the worriers need to worry about are all the Democrats who could not be bothered to show up for the last two midterms. That is worth your caterwauling.
5
I think Obama, Hillary and Biden came across very mean spirited,negative, dark and grim.
Notice that they dimmed the lights on protesters at the convention and the liberal media failed to show or even mention the demonstrations and flag burnings outside.
Notice that they dimmed the lights on protesters at the convention and the liberal media failed to show or even mention the demonstrations and flag burnings outside.
8
Stop just stop. You thought President Obama, Hillary and Biden were mean? In what world do you live in? And what's with all the Republicans posters saying that the lights were dimmed on protesters. You guys must get talking points every day because you all repeat the same things.
Hillary didnt say anything. How did she come across as mean spirited and negative??
Mr. Trump has provided a lifestyle with plenty of situations which leads rational people not to trust him. That leaves the question; can we trust the people who would vote for him?
4
Sanders has helped bring a new generation into politics and he, Obama, Hillary and Kaine have powerfully illustrated what lives of true public service look like. I'm more optimistic for the future generation than I was 3 nights ago.
8
More like his political mother, unfortunately.
1
Hollow words for the plebs, all the riches of the land for his puppet masters. Americans are so gullible.
12
I have never in my life seen such nonsense posted by conservatives on this site. They really live in some alternate universe. Maybe it's time for them to stop listening to the right wing talking heads and step into the real world.
11
The far left and libertarians are just as cuckoo. But then notice, we're both New York, NY. Where I suggest we both stay!
Double down Susa, you made Donald Trump.
Can you imagine any one of those guys on the other side bringing up the terrible murder of Harvey Milk? I will always be on this side. I'm with her (and him.)
2
The boos were from the aptly named "Ridiculous Party."
Thank you Sarah.
Thank you Sarah.
4
In the last two weeks, Trump has:
a) abandoned 70 years of U.S. post-war foreign policy and declared the NATO mutual-defense pact null and void;
b) ceded Crimea to Russia, which they invaded in violation of both treaties they are a party to and international law; and
c) invited a foreign adversary to conduct espionage on his political opponent.
You tell me who should be the next President of the United States.
a) abandoned 70 years of U.S. post-war foreign policy and declared the NATO mutual-defense pact null and void;
b) ceded Crimea to Russia, which they invaded in violation of both treaties they are a party to and international law; and
c) invited a foreign adversary to conduct espionage on his political opponent.
You tell me who should be the next President of the United States.
14
Hillary Clinton supporters rejected an effort to add a call for "an end to occupations and illegal settlements" in Palestinian territories into the Democratic platform.
That the settlements are illegal is clear under international law, and also was US policy for all presidents preceding Obama; he cast some doubt on that by vetoing a UNSC resolution that would have confirmed their illegality.
So on the continuing foreign policy front it is not at all clear Hillary is the candidate you want.
Try Jill Stein
That the settlements are illegal is clear under international law, and also was US policy for all presidents preceding Obama; he cast some doubt on that by vetoing a UNSC resolution that would have confirmed their illegality.
So on the continuing foreign policy front it is not at all clear Hillary is the candidate you want.
Try Jill Stein
1
Dear Mike, your point a) is valid, we need to continue NATO support in our limited capacity subject to congressional approvals for yearly funding
about point b) well we need to take care of our middle class first before thinking of Crimea
about point c) unfortunately we cant really blame Trump. The DNC, instead of admitting that their emails were anti-Semitic and apologizing to Bernie are blaming the Russians instead plus making Debbie as honorary chairman.
about point b) well we need to take care of our middle class first before thinking of Crimea
about point c) unfortunately we cant really blame Trump. The DNC, instead of admitting that their emails were anti-Semitic and apologizing to Bernie are blaming the Russians instead plus making Debbie as honorary chairman.
As to a) and b), I had no idea a private citizen had the authority to do those things. Now i do. Thanks.
Do I have the power to cede regions to other countries as well?
Do I have the power to cede regions to other countries as well?
Oh politics. A scheming SOS who flouts rules set by the president, sure, now a trusted ally.
There is a huge anticipated income stream with TTP and TTIP and it sure would be nice to get that locked down with a candidate who would gladly promote those policies and ensure the future wealth of so many fellow 1% and ensure a presidential "legacy" for Obama.
Still not voting for her. Follow the money - it won't lead to the likes of you and me.
There is a huge anticipated income stream with TTP and TTIP and it sure would be nice to get that locked down with a candidate who would gladly promote those policies and ensure the future wealth of so many fellow 1% and ensure a presidential "legacy" for Obama.
Still not voting for her. Follow the money - it won't lead to the likes of you and me.
9
Obama repeatedly stated that Clinton had no qualifications for president. Now he claims that failed leadership as Secretary of State makes her qualified. And do democrats think so little of voters and the nation as a whole that they can name an heir to the White House? And exactly what good things has Clinton accomplished while she was there for us? And how about her mistakes anybody want to touch on them? Empty words for the gullible and highly educated gullible people. And can Obama or anybody give examples of Trump spewing hate rather than reporting on what they think Trump said instead of what he really said? Not that Trump is a beacon of any sort, rather he is just a Political outsider that causes fear in the old guard establishment that has been pounding the average citizen for decades now. Freedom of the press is being severely abused here and needs to be addressed by constitutional correction. The media is poisoning the minds of people and pose the greatest danger to the nation, greater than any other modern issue or falsely created perceived and promoted threat. Nice propaganda from a disciple of Pravda School of Journalism and Social Control.
8
This is no longer about Trump vs. Clinton, it's about the security of this country and its allies in Europe. Based on his latest remarks inviting Russia to hack American servers, it is clear the man has not a clue about the responsibility of being the leader of the free world. Hillary may have an honesty deficit, but Trump has an even bigger competency deficit. That's the choice. Of the two, I would much prefer someone who has character flaws than someone who is completely incompetent and in no way prepared to do the job,
7
Her supporters keep saying she is the most qualified but are unable to list her bonafide accomplishments. Not titles she has held or credits she has taken for the work of others, but things *she* has achieved to validate her claim that she has worked for the people her entire adult life.
In contrast, there is plenty she has done to further the interests of the oligarchy, the 1%, the rich, powerful and well-connected and in the process further her own narrow self-serving interests often to the detriment of the people.
Hillary is quoted as saying:
"Corruption and the lack of transparency eats away like a cancer at the trust people should have in their government."
Yet, she has refused to release her speeches to Wall Street, divulge details about access she has provided to get money for their foundation, for her election bids, her handling of DOS emails, or her role and that of her campaign in colluding with the DNC to suppress Bernie's run. Not to mention her role in the Iraq war and other ME wars. The suffering of others because of her actions is hardly a concern for her. Yet her supporters make her out to be a martyr. Or an energizer bunny. Why not when so much power and money is at stake? The Clintons will likely be the first billionaires to accumulate their wealth through political office. Mea culpa is an idea that is entirely foreign to her. She is the most qualified person at faking it, be it competence, remorse, empathy, anything that the moment demands.
In contrast, there is plenty she has done to further the interests of the oligarchy, the 1%, the rich, powerful and well-connected and in the process further her own narrow self-serving interests often to the detriment of the people.
Hillary is quoted as saying:
"Corruption and the lack of transparency eats away like a cancer at the trust people should have in their government."
Yet, she has refused to release her speeches to Wall Street, divulge details about access she has provided to get money for their foundation, for her election bids, her handling of DOS emails, or her role and that of her campaign in colluding with the DNC to suppress Bernie's run. Not to mention her role in the Iraq war and other ME wars. The suffering of others because of her actions is hardly a concern for her. Yet her supporters make her out to be a martyr. Or an energizer bunny. Why not when so much power and money is at stake? The Clintons will likely be the first billionaires to accumulate their wealth through political office. Mea culpa is an idea that is entirely foreign to her. She is the most qualified person at faking it, be it competence, remorse, empathy, anything that the moment demands.
9
The succession of speaker at last night's Democratic convention made it very clear that no lover of Liberty or the USA could possibly vote for Trump.
Moving on from Trump - they implicitly called for holding Republican elected officials accountable.
In the NY 24th district, I will vote against John Katko, our incumbent not because I disagree with his policies or performance but because he failed to act to protect his district and our nation from Trump. He sat out the Republican nomination process and then the Republican convention like many did. But not to act, is the very definition of complicity. Katko and The Republican Party are complicit with Trump.
His latest mind-boggling public pronouncement calling for Russian intervention in our election - has not be met with unambiguous repudiation by the rest of the Republican leadership. They all need to be thrown out.
Moving on from Trump - they implicitly called for holding Republican elected officials accountable.
In the NY 24th district, I will vote against John Katko, our incumbent not because I disagree with his policies or performance but because he failed to act to protect his district and our nation from Trump. He sat out the Republican nomination process and then the Republican convention like many did. But not to act, is the very definition of complicity. Katko and The Republican Party are complicit with Trump.
His latest mind-boggling public pronouncement calling for Russian intervention in our election - has not be met with unambiguous repudiation by the rest of the Republican leadership. They all need to be thrown out.
6
Hillary is no doubt the "Heir" to Obama. So lets review. 1. Is the African American community better off? A resounding NO. Recent polls and employment reports show that no progress has been made with youth unemployment and murder rates in major cities between Black gangs are up. Other polls show race relations are much lower under Obama. 2. Foreign policy is a disaster under Hillary and Obama with the Middle East in chaos and the resultant refugee problem has fractured Europe. 3. The economy after adding more debt than any other President in history and therefore putting a burden on future generations the result has been stagnation. 4. Terrorism: by failing to eliminate ISIS Obama provided a platform for radicalization and he has failed to keep America safe from attacks in Boston, San Bernadino etc. 5. Trade deals and the open border: Both Obama and Hillary favor huge increases in recently announced policy changes to increase Central American hordes of children and laborers that bring drugs and unfair competiton mad worse by one sided trade deals. In conclusion since when does failure rank as "qualification" to be President.
13
I forgot when Obama broke the Middle East by invading Iraq, and the part where he is actually dictator of the entire region and must be the only person that can control millions of individuals... Do you have a suggestion to make? More air strikes against ISIS (again created by the dismantling of the fragile order by Bush), which have already proven to only be a mixed success? Or how about a full blown invasion again cause that has worked so well? Maybe it's time to recognize, as he clearly has, that the Middle East has to get its stuff together, in case the past 30 years haven't shown you yet, we cannot do that.
Thanks for the info TheeSeer! I guess you can't see that it's nearly impossible to pass any kind of legislation to improve anyone's lives when both houses of congress have been controlled by an opposition party that has vowed to do everything in their power to dis-empower the president. I guess you also can't see that the vacuum left by the total collapse of the Iraqi state after that country was wrongly invaded by the previous administration is the true cause of ISIS. What is your solution to that problem TheSeer? Should we have maintained a permanent occupation force in a country/region that absolutely hates our guts? Then you would have blamed Obama for the never ending war, the associated spending, and the inevitable loss of lives, associated with it, right? I live in New York, and my work often takes me into areas that some call "the projects" and I have not noticed any uptick in murders or "gang activity". Do you have access to some kind of information from Medellin Colombia that I can't personally experience here in NYC? Please share! As to the debt: you spend government money when in a recession to get out of it and scale back spending and save when the economy is good. Economics 101.
If Trump voters have a bone to pick with intelligent people - and especially diplomatic graceful witty presidents - then they'll have to search their own chaotic minds and blocked up hearts for why that should be so.
What was on display last night in the person of Barack Hussein Obama is what thinking caring people really do hope for in their leaders. The oratory, the rhythm and rhyme of it, as natural, open and honest as one can imagine.
Donald Trump is a fraud, playing the populist card, in effect the ludicrous image of a man born on third base trying to steal second.
The differences between these two couldn't be more real and forceful in the face of sick delusion.
One who bears the gift of eloquence; the other, a lifetime speaker of the English language, after 69 years of practice still incapable of expressing a coherent complex thought.
One who has a profound grasp of universal truths and aspirations; the other frozen and stunted in that closed off world of privilege.
One who rose from a humble start to accomplish good things, reaping affection and admiration at home and more so abroad; the other the classic rich draft evader who's stupidly pounding the drums of war.
One who has given of himself at community, state and national levels; the other who bilked business partners, cheated on wives, buried the idea of respect beneath a scurrilous pervading sense of gluttonous self-entitlement.
Obama is the great man Trump thinks he is but never was; never will be.
What was on display last night in the person of Barack Hussein Obama is what thinking caring people really do hope for in their leaders. The oratory, the rhythm and rhyme of it, as natural, open and honest as one can imagine.
Donald Trump is a fraud, playing the populist card, in effect the ludicrous image of a man born on third base trying to steal second.
The differences between these two couldn't be more real and forceful in the face of sick delusion.
One who bears the gift of eloquence; the other, a lifetime speaker of the English language, after 69 years of practice still incapable of expressing a coherent complex thought.
One who has a profound grasp of universal truths and aspirations; the other frozen and stunted in that closed off world of privilege.
One who rose from a humble start to accomplish good things, reaping affection and admiration at home and more so abroad; the other the classic rich draft evader who's stupidly pounding the drums of war.
One who has given of himself at community, state and national levels; the other who bilked business partners, cheated on wives, buried the idea of respect beneath a scurrilous pervading sense of gluttonous self-entitlement.
Obama is the great man Trump thinks he is but never was; never will be.
13
Wow, "graceful and witty," who would have thought those to be the characteristics of a president who would endorse the likes of HRC.
1
Trump-Putin 2016!
Make Russia great again!
America, you can do it!
Make Russia great again!
America, you can do it!
1
Obama--the hope and change president--has taken the United States in the wrong direction. Therefore, he is highly unqualified to critique Trump about anything. Trump is 'yugely' successful at his job. Obama has failed at his job. He has certainly made changes--terrible changes. Had he actually performed well as a POTUS, his empty words might carry some weight. With his racial and religious demagoguery, horrendous war records, inability to keep America safe and mediocre job and economic growth, I don't think he is worthy to speak about the next president. As the most warmonger warlord POTUS in American history, it is surprising to see all the bleed-heart liberals drooling over his underwhelming speech. Pick your tongues up off the floor before you trip!
10
Yuge success, why won't he show us his tax returns? Maybe because his hands really do tell the story about what's below the belt, a wallet that isn't quite as endowed as he would have you believe, and is much less than it should be for someone investing 400 million from daddy in the easiest money game there is, real estate. Wonder how much genius it takes to realize land values will go up... Clearly the work of a business genius
Yes, be careful of voting for a demagogue. You don't want people thinking he's the savior of the world and awarding him the Nobel Peace prize before he's launched his first drone strike on civilians.
10
Which candidate do you mean?
1
We can't pay our bills with speeches! Frankly, I am tired of the biased press gushing over speeches. Look at the records of these people. Please! Look where the wealth has gone and continues to go during both Obama's and Clinton's presidencies. We want change. We do not want a continuation of Obama. We do not want Clinton.
12
so tell us marie....where did the wealth go during awol bushes 2 terms? how many americans and others are dead because of awol bushs lies?
The Clinton campaign must do everything possible to persuade independent and swing voters that only the Democratic Party is "serious about our democracy" in this election cycle. The Republican Party has capitulated to Trumpism when an American presidential candidate can invite cyber-terrorism by the Russians without being deplored by the party's leaders, let alone the its members of Congress. This is frightening and an insult to love of country.
2
But here's the thing. The democratic party is no longer serious about democracy. They've followed the Republican's playbook in order to win. The American voters have been extremely clear about what they want. They want someone who's not a party flunky. The Republicans huffed and puffed and then shut up and color. "My" party betrayed us and crushed the outsider. I'm disappointed, and I'm voting green, because we need real change, not career politicians buying votes.
1
America has nothing to fear but Donald Trump himself!
7
President Barack Obama gave the speech of his life last night!
4
If Obama had passed the baton of reality to Clinton, it would make sense. The liberals speak in optimistic terms, but they must realize reality and act accordingly. They are cock-eyed optimists.
4
Sander's is the second coming of Eugene McCarthy 48 years later. That means that the young mostly are still very liberal and the older voters are reminiscing. McCarthy did not do well either fortunately.
Clinton is a moderation and solid. Obama supports her and in history, he will be remembered as one of the best Presidents we have had.
Clinton is a moderation and solid. Obama supports her and in history, he will be remembered as one of the best Presidents we have had.
3
it is a travesty for obama to 'have to' endorse clinton. what a lie. a pity we couldn't have him as president for a longer time. i certainly will not vote for clinton, even facing the alternative.
8
Obama is a brilliant speaker but it shows how out of touch the left is. This country is so divided. Betting that people want more of the same is a very risky bet and the dems just went all in.
10
Poignant, sir.
His approval rating suggests otherwise. The 'wrong direction' poll answer is clearly directed at Republicans in the universally loathed Congress under their control. Betting on Obama is their only chance since HRC is such a weak candidate.
1. Excuses aren't change.
2. The low approval ratings for Congress are a direct result of a 5 year media campaign led by the Obama WH to deflect blame for Obama's failures onto Congress in response to the two midterm election drubbings the Democrats took because of Obama.
3. The CNN/CBS approval rating poll questions include questions about how people like Obama as a PERSON, not a president. And those polls undersample Republicans.
2. The low approval ratings for Congress are a direct result of a 5 year media campaign led by the Obama WH to deflect blame for Obama's failures onto Congress in response to the two midterm election drubbings the Democrats took because of Obama.
3. The CNN/CBS approval rating poll questions include questions about how people like Obama as a PERSON, not a president. And those polls undersample Republicans.
I want to know what Obama was smoking just before he hailed Hillary as his political heir.
9
Does anyone doubt that if Obama could legally run for a 3rd term he would win one of the largest victories of all time?
10
I do, and more.
No. I doubt if even this one word comment will be posted by the Times. It seems my comments are not good enough to be posted. I'm not sure what the criteria is to have a comment accepted by the moderators because I've seen some pretty terrible comments allowed.
Trump's nomination merited only a meager acknowledgment from Republican senators and representatives. Why don't they want to work with him to get him elected? I believe it is because many if not most of the Republican leadership are in Republican-created "safe" districts and, consequently, we are in an era where Congress is in ascendancy. Republican members of Congress during Obama's Presidency made obstructing the President their Job #1. If Mr. Trump is elected it will be more of the same from Republicans in Congress, only by additional means.
If we have a term limit for Presidents, shouldn't we have term limits for members of Congress? That might cause some Members to focus more on their real responsibilities--representing all of their constituents--not just on getting re-elected.
If we have a term limit for Presidents, shouldn't we have term limits for members of Congress? That might cause some Members to focus more on their real responsibilities--representing all of their constituents--not just on getting re-elected.
3
Why don't they want to work with him to get him elected?
------------------------
Because they are professional politicians, and Trump is not.
------------------------
Because they are professional politicians, and Trump is not.
1
I don't think Tim Kaine has realized yet that even with title of VP, he will not be #2 in "effect" in the White House.
#2 [if not #1.5] will be Bill; but there may even be a #3 in Elizabeth Warren and maybe #4 in Bernie Sanders leaving Kaine as #5. Warren may be given a title like Secretary of the Treasury or Labor. Bernie may not have an official title, but Hillary will certainly give them her ear over Kaine, if for nothing else to satisfy the Progressives and Warren/Sanders supporters---whether to please them or because once elected she can admit that she agrees with most everything they say and want.
Kaine may be the first VP to be reduced to a place holder not seen in many years. Whether he stays even four years will be a big question. If it is legal for a former President [Bill] to become VP may decide that. At least G.H.W. Bush went the other way---VP, then President, then apparently legal try for second full term.
#2 [if not #1.5] will be Bill; but there may even be a #3 in Elizabeth Warren and maybe #4 in Bernie Sanders leaving Kaine as #5. Warren may be given a title like Secretary of the Treasury or Labor. Bernie may not have an official title, but Hillary will certainly give them her ear over Kaine, if for nothing else to satisfy the Progressives and Warren/Sanders supporters---whether to please them or because once elected she can admit that she agrees with most everything they say and want.
Kaine may be the first VP to be reduced to a place holder not seen in many years. Whether he stays even four years will be a big question. If it is legal for a former President [Bill] to become VP may decide that. At least G.H.W. Bush went the other way---VP, then President, then apparently legal try for second full term.
You're missing the people who bought Hilary. They'll be way ahead on the pecking order.
"How many angels can dance on the head of a pin?
"It depends what 'pin' is," Bill Clinton would say. Equivocate! It's easier to answer that conundrum than to find a role for Big Bill Clinton in the White House. "The thought of Bill Clinton roaming the corridors of power unsupervised must give one pause." -- George Will. One way or another he will keep his oft-betrayed wife lying awake at night. He's her greatest liability.
"It depends what 'pin' is," Bill Clinton would say. Equivocate! It's easier to answer that conundrum than to find a role for Big Bill Clinton in the White House. "The thought of Bill Clinton roaming the corridors of power unsupervised must give one pause." -- George Will. One way or another he will keep his oft-betrayed wife lying awake at night. He's her greatest liability.
1
I doubt few notice societal norm shifts more than Americans residing abroad. As an expat based in Sweden, I’m most blown away these days at how befuddled Americans are with the phenomenon Donald Trump. Now that he’s officially the Republican party's nominee, the level of either benumbing bewilderment or hypnotic intoxication seem to have reached planetary proportions. The situation is arguably self-inflicted, but tragic nonetheless.
Entertaining as it may be at a safe distance, make no mistake, this seismic norm shift is being broadcast in real-time everywhere. Friends and colleagues here in Sweden just don't get it. They ask me how someone that embodies every unflattering American cliché can put roughly half the nation in such a deep trance, that they're actually considering voting him into the Oval Office.
Seriously folks, how is it possible for us to not see past Mr. Trump’s populist, simplistic buffoonery and realize his reality distortion field is dividing the land further apart. That his ongoing polarizing campaign will likely cause even more damage to the already extraordinarily sedated political process?
Donald Trump is a chimaera, a PR savvy fake with values that are shifting the norm of what is reasonable behavior when aspiring to shepherd the executive branch. It’s time to wake up, smell the giant, oozing turd we’re all about to step in and instead focus on a long-term strategy to mend the faults, bridge the gaps and brighten the future.
Entertaining as it may be at a safe distance, make no mistake, this seismic norm shift is being broadcast in real-time everywhere. Friends and colleagues here in Sweden just don't get it. They ask me how someone that embodies every unflattering American cliché can put roughly half the nation in such a deep trance, that they're actually considering voting him into the Oval Office.
Seriously folks, how is it possible for us to not see past Mr. Trump’s populist, simplistic buffoonery and realize his reality distortion field is dividing the land further apart. That his ongoing polarizing campaign will likely cause even more damage to the already extraordinarily sedated political process?
Donald Trump is a chimaera, a PR savvy fake with values that are shifting the norm of what is reasonable behavior when aspiring to shepherd the executive branch. It’s time to wake up, smell the giant, oozing turd we’re all about to step in and instead focus on a long-term strategy to mend the faults, bridge the gaps and brighten the future.
15
And yet some of us view Clinton as a PR savvy with values that shift the norm of reasonable behavior, too.
It's come to the point where we need to have a real change.
It's come to the point where we need to have a real change.
1
The point being that even if Trump had a clue about managing more than (barely) his brand, I would be less concerned. But he doesn't. He's just on a huge ego trip that just might make the lives of millions of Americans irreparably worse. Which I doubt the second member of the Clinton dynasty will do. That said, I don't think she is or has the answer to solving some of the fundamental issues that need immediate attention. No, Hillary's just a safer bet. And hopefully, Mrs. Clinton will eventually win over the troubled souls currently partaking in what I see as a political chicken race.
1
The democratic party and its leadership, especially Barack Obama, should have thought long and hard about the political conscience of the people who are fed up with social, economic and environmental injustice — and make amends.
Instead, the party from top to bottom, with rare exceptions, caved in to the excessive interests of capitalism and turned the government into a for profit instrument of the powerful, forsaking its social purpose — business as usual.
The party selected a candidate who is intensely distrusted by the electorate based on her own track record and personal choices, not on propaganda, and pitted her against a mindless buffoon who stirs the lowest instincts of a mob.
The party and its leaders are now stoking fear in the heart of the people. Forget their conscience and discontent, they cannot afford the risk of electing a barbaric clown who will bring the nation back to the chaos of the middle ages.
Too little, too late. It should have been an easy choice of social, economic and environmental progress. Instead, many of us are faced with a natural fight-or-flight dilemma: clear our minds, tense our hearts and vote our conscience.
http://www.democracynow.org/2016/7/26/who_should_bernie_voters_support_now
Instead, the party from top to bottom, with rare exceptions, caved in to the excessive interests of capitalism and turned the government into a for profit instrument of the powerful, forsaking its social purpose — business as usual.
The party selected a candidate who is intensely distrusted by the electorate based on her own track record and personal choices, not on propaganda, and pitted her against a mindless buffoon who stirs the lowest instincts of a mob.
The party and its leaders are now stoking fear in the heart of the people. Forget their conscience and discontent, they cannot afford the risk of electing a barbaric clown who will bring the nation back to the chaos of the middle ages.
Too little, too late. It should have been an easy choice of social, economic and environmental progress. Instead, many of us are faced with a natural fight-or-flight dilemma: clear our minds, tense our hearts and vote our conscience.
http://www.democracynow.org/2016/7/26/who_should_bernie_voters_support_now
7
The respective Conventions are nearly over. Grand theatrics, the outcomes of which were entirely foregone. This grandiose, pre-scripted, tele-prompted spectacle seems intensely narcissistic and acutely anachronistic in the age of ubiquitous electronic media and 24-7 instant communications.
For all of this Trump and Clinton are much the same as they were before these assemblies; the same constituencies the same glaring negatives the same messages. In both cases the candidates themselves spent most of these events in absent from their respective arenas.
The telling take away for Trump was his abysmally negative address and Messianic assertion that only he can (by means never specified) save America from his assertion of our impending doom.
In the same general sense the telling take away for Hillary Clinton will be her long moment in the spotlight. The stakes are impossibly high. The outcome is yet to be revealed. However well she does, and I hope she is grandly successful, the profound divide in America will remain essentially unchanged.
This is America’s greatest threat, its greatest challenge.
For all of this Trump and Clinton are much the same as they were before these assemblies; the same constituencies the same glaring negatives the same messages. In both cases the candidates themselves spent most of these events in absent from their respective arenas.
The telling take away for Trump was his abysmally negative address and Messianic assertion that only he can (by means never specified) save America from his assertion of our impending doom.
In the same general sense the telling take away for Hillary Clinton will be her long moment in the spotlight. The stakes are impossibly high. The outcome is yet to be revealed. However well she does, and I hope she is grandly successful, the profound divide in America will remain essentially unchanged.
This is America’s greatest threat, its greatest challenge.
4
To some, distrust of Hillary Clinton has caused them to overlook the very real threat that Donald Trump causes. There is deep truth in President Obama's statement that "he's (Trump) selling the American people short. We are not a fragile people, we're not a frightful people. Our power doesn't come from some self-declared savior promising that he alone can restore order as long as we do things his way. We don't look to be ruled".
WE DON'T LOOK TO BE RULED!
WE DON'T LOOK TO BE RULED!
8
Trump's job is to make you vote for Clinton. How's he doing?
2
The Convention isn't even over and this:
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/29/us/politics/hillary-clinton-donors.html?
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/29/us/politics/hillary-clinton-donors.html?
6
How feeble memory is...
I vividly remember the vitriol with which Barack ("HUSSEIN") Obama was 'welcomed'; his constant depiction, as a lowly, inexperienced 'community organiser'; I recall the constant sniping, the demands to see his birth certificate, the not-so masked racist references to his father (and mother), his lack of 'connection' to the USA (after all, he was born in Hawaii, which at the time wasn't a state yet), the relentless questioning of his patriotism, especially by that sore loser McCain.
Yes, I remember it all quite well.
As an outsider, I do not want to delve into his record - history will judge him.
I vividly remember the vitriol with which Barack ("HUSSEIN") Obama was 'welcomed'; his constant depiction, as a lowly, inexperienced 'community organiser'; I recall the constant sniping, the demands to see his birth certificate, the not-so masked racist references to his father (and mother), his lack of 'connection' to the USA (after all, he was born in Hawaii, which at the time wasn't a state yet), the relentless questioning of his patriotism, especially by that sore loser McCain.
Yes, I remember it all quite well.
As an outsider, I do not want to delve into his record - history will judge him.
1
Testament to just who gave the best speech in DNC so far.
We heard great speeches from different spectrum of people which is 180 contrast to Republican or in deed Trump circus.
Michel Obama, to Barack Obama, Leon Panetta to Bloomberg, Sanders to Meryl Streep.
But For me most influential speech about the current race, come from Joe Biden, God how honest and straight talker this man. His speech put every single stone in its right place. His epic speech about the reality of current situation cannot expressed better.
I choose Biden speech is the #1 in entire DNC, speeches.
But don't get upset, this 3 days I felt healed, recovered and filled with optimism after a traumatic RNC experience.
I watch every minute of both convention. God how dark the Trumps view of America, depressive, ill-painted, sneaky and dishonest.
If RNC convention after the DNC , I will be seriously downed.
But that wise guy Biden, clearly framed the Trump candidacy , "not a clue".
no more word needed.
We have a guy called Trump utterly clueless what he is doing.
We heard great speeches from different spectrum of people which is 180 contrast to Republican or in deed Trump circus.
Michel Obama, to Barack Obama, Leon Panetta to Bloomberg, Sanders to Meryl Streep.
But For me most influential speech about the current race, come from Joe Biden, God how honest and straight talker this man. His speech put every single stone in its right place. His epic speech about the reality of current situation cannot expressed better.
I choose Biden speech is the #1 in entire DNC, speeches.
But don't get upset, this 3 days I felt healed, recovered and filled with optimism after a traumatic RNC experience.
I watch every minute of both convention. God how dark the Trumps view of America, depressive, ill-painted, sneaky and dishonest.
If RNC convention after the DNC , I will be seriously downed.
But that wise guy Biden, clearly framed the Trump candidacy , "not a clue".
no more word needed.
We have a guy called Trump utterly clueless what he is doing.
8
You're kidding me! Joe Biden (D-MBNA)? The man owned by the banks? The man who pushed through anything he was told to in congress?
1
I fear this election.
13
Don't live in fear, vote!
3
Six or seven years ago, I predicted that America would one day look back and remember this great President that we had. I hadn't even realized all of the positive changes that he would make for America. We were still mired at the time in the Republican crises such as "the fiscal cliff" or whatnot. Gay people were still fighting for marriage equality. Bin Laden was still alive. Cuba was still physically close but vividly distant. Yet I knew that the spectre of President Jeb Bush (before he even became just Jeb!) would make us look back at the wonder that was Barack Obama.
I hadn't imagined Donald Trump. So now even more than ever, we are missing Barack Obama.
He gave the speech of his life last night. I never bought the Kool Aid of him being an incredible speaker because I've heard recordings of Martin Luther King, Jr and Malcolm X, speaking at a time when much more was at stake. However, now WE have a lot at stake too, with the possibility of a President Trump. Suddenly Obama had to hit it WAYYY out of the park. And he did.
We are going to miss President Obama but I look forward to Citizen Obama.
His parents and grandparents would be so proud of him!!!!
I hadn't imagined Donald Trump. So now even more than ever, we are missing Barack Obama.
He gave the speech of his life last night. I never bought the Kool Aid of him being an incredible speaker because I've heard recordings of Martin Luther King, Jr and Malcolm X, speaking at a time when much more was at stake. However, now WE have a lot at stake too, with the possibility of a President Trump. Suddenly Obama had to hit it WAYYY out of the park. And he did.
We are going to miss President Obama but I look forward to Citizen Obama.
His parents and grandparents would be so proud of him!!!!
29
I too will miss our President greatly.
I do like the sound of SCOTUS Justice Obama though...
I do like the sound of SCOTUS Justice Obama though...
Trump is a threat to the status quo.
8
And that is not a bad thing.
2
@Jimmy—Trump is the epitome of the status quo. He is a threat to sanity and a strong democracy. But he will only reinforce the status quo for the 1%.
1
No, he's a threat to national security.
2
What a night for Democrats! But not a good night for poor old Trump who took a beating from Kaine, Biden ("Not a clue!") and even fellow NYC businessman Bloomberg who killed it with his speech. Obama was spectacular and I am so grateful for his leadership, integrity and voice of reason. "...and if you’re serious about our democracy, you can’t afford to stay home just because she might not align with you on every issue,” is exactly right. As a Sanders supporter I am fully behind Clinton and voting down the whole ballot is essential. We cannot afford to stay home in November.
39
As an American citizen who voted for Obama twice I feel blessed to have seen his presidency in my lifetime. I lived through the horrors of the Newark Race riots and the entire Civil Rights Movement. The horror of it all has never left me. I have never been more inspired, had more moments of soul- soaring flight and Amazing Grace as with our president. Thank you, President Obama, for all these life-afirming lessons in humanity and from a true Poet, an Artist, a thoroughly HUMANE human being who is both great and humble at once. It makes me so proud to be an American!
There is still time, there is still a place, on the Black Hills of Mount Rushmore! I think there is no more illuminating face that radiates enough love with his smile to light up the entire sky (and the stars at night) than Obama and its time for the 4 presidents enshrined to become 5. The Nobel Prize committee was not wrong; YES, YES, YES!, they knew even then they were bestowing such an honor on a truly unique and NOBLE man.
I'm grateful to all you have given the American people and the entire world.
There is still time, there is still a place, on the Black Hills of Mount Rushmore! I think there is no more illuminating face that radiates enough love with his smile to light up the entire sky (and the stars at night) than Obama and its time for the 4 presidents enshrined to become 5. The Nobel Prize committee was not wrong; YES, YES, YES!, they knew even then they were bestowing such an honor on a truly unique and NOBLE man.
I'm grateful to all you have given the American people and the entire world.
21
If voters are satisfied with the status quo, they'll vote HRC. If dissatisfied, they won't vote for her. She's being presented as Obama's heir, so those who have not done well under Obama have no incentive to vote for her., In 2008, 18% of children were living in poverty ... today, almost 23%, an indicator of the growing numbers of voters who haven't done well at all under Obama.
19
Let's say someone wasn't doing well under Obama. That doesn't mean that this person wouldn't do far worse under Trump. In fact, most indications are that Trump would make things worse for middle-class and working class people based on the way he conducted his business career.
4
The Republicans in Congress have blocked Obama at every turn, starting with their inauguration night (2009) plans to "deny Obama any victories" at all and as one former Republican Senator said, "If he was for it, we had to be against it."
2
For those concerned about poverty, the question is which candidate will do the best job in correcting poverty and providing assistance to those in need. Neither of the candidates is proposing that we "hold the line". Consideration of the status quo is a generalized thought at best and a lame buzzword at worst. Recovery from severe economic recessions is at least a decade long proposition.
1
The Dems trotted out the same old ambulance-chaser/grievance lawyers turned career politicians pouring a honey potion down the ears of the American people. Reality is so far from what the Democrats were selling. If we collectively believe an increasingly divided, dishonest, and lawless society with rigged economic numbers and 20 Trillion in debt and untold trillions in new liabilities, is a better America - well my moniker is once again empirically verified.
25
So, what, you are all in for the traitorous cyber espionage-promoting, lunatic psychopath, fascist? Will it really take him going down 5th Avenue shooting people to convince you how dangerous he is? Why??
5
It is perplexing that you seem to lay the blame for a divided society on the Democrats. Have you not been paying attention the past eight years?
Democrats did not kick and scream and cry, "NO!" each time the President proposed something. Democrats did not portray the President as a foreign boogeyman out to take away guns and exponentially increase the power of the "nanny state." Democrats have not repeatedly told the gullible populace that minorities are something to be feared. Democrats have not called for a ban on immigration by adherents to Islam, nor have they called for the construction of a wall on our southern border.
The past two weeks have been a tale of two conventions: The first filled with fearmongering and a pervasive "us vs. them" milieu; the second has delivered a message of unity--of "stronger together," not apart.
And yet Democrats are somehow the party of dividers? They're ones whose vision for a better America is supposedly a divided society? How one could, after objective examination of the facts and rhetoric, believe such an absurdity is beyond comprehension.
Democrats did not kick and scream and cry, "NO!" each time the President proposed something. Democrats did not portray the President as a foreign boogeyman out to take away guns and exponentially increase the power of the "nanny state." Democrats have not repeatedly told the gullible populace that minorities are something to be feared. Democrats have not called for a ban on immigration by adherents to Islam, nor have they called for the construction of a wall on our southern border.
The past two weeks have been a tale of two conventions: The first filled with fearmongering and a pervasive "us vs. them" milieu; the second has delivered a message of unity--of "stronger together," not apart.
And yet Democrats are somehow the party of dividers? They're ones whose vision for a better America is supposedly a divided society? How one could, after objective examination of the facts and rhetoric, believe such an absurdity is beyond comprehension.
5
How long have you hated America? Seriously: these guys come onna TV, given speeches that say variations of a) we've come a long way towards the more perfect union that our Founders clearly wanted; b) we've come a long way since the economic disasters of 2007; c) we have a long way yet to go on both; d) let's work together to do better, and skip the ignorance and fear and hatred of one another.
Sure, there was a fair amount of "Trump's nuts," mainly because, well, at BEST Donald Trump is decently nuts. Sure, there was some tub-thumping: gosh, in a political event? Who knew?
But your response is simply: "NOOOOO!!! Everything's horrible!!!! ZOmbies!!! RUNNNNN!!"
Sorry that you disapprove of America.
Sure, there was a fair amount of "Trump's nuts," mainly because, well, at BEST Donald Trump is decently nuts. Sure, there was some tub-thumping: gosh, in a political event? Who knew?
But your response is simply: "NOOOOO!!! Everything's horrible!!!! ZOmbies!!! RUNNNNN!!"
Sorry that you disapprove of America.
2
There is no question that Obama is an intelligent man and a powerful speaker. His obvious intellect and great oratory persuaded me to vote for him the first time. His policies and executive orders then convinced me to make a persaonal pledge. I will never vote for a Democrat again.
The Iran deal, ObamaCare, and his settled belief that we should have open borders, and financially support anyone who wants to move here, prove that his agenda is mortally dangerous to the country.
He is a cultured, humorous well-educated man, and I like him personally. But if he says "vote for "Hillary," I am doing the opposite.
The Iran deal, ObamaCare, and his settled belief that we should have open borders, and financially support anyone who wants to move here, prove that his agenda is mortally dangerous to the country.
He is a cultured, humorous well-educated man, and I like him personally. But if he says "vote for "Hillary," I am doing the opposite.
24
I'm undecided, but generally lean Democrat. But I want to recognize Kathleen880 for the thoughtfulness of her comment. See folks, this is how you can express your political opinion without questioning a candidate's (or his/her supporter's) patriotism or humanity. Sadly this type of discourse is rare these days.
2
Kathleen, I hope that you are not representative of the voters in Ohio. If you're going to believe a lot of half-truths and lies about the President, then I'm afraid you have fallen victim to the right-wing smear tactics that permeate our political and media atmospheres. The Iran deal? What exactly is the problem with the deal? Executive orders? Do some research. Bush governed using far more than Obama. ACA? Imperfect, yes, but it is a concept invented by conservatives in the 90's. Open borders? Check his deportation record. As for the support of anyone who wants to live here, I have no idea what you're talking about.
Please, you seem intelligent but your thinking has obviously been coopted by years of listening to the wrong news sources. Please educate yourself before you give up on the better of two imperfect political parties.
Please, you seem intelligent but your thinking has obviously been coopted by years of listening to the wrong news sources. Please educate yourself before you give up on the better of two imperfect political parties.
4
Obvious intellect is clearly not YOUR strong suit.
1
The speech was great, but then we have the reality, as reported in NYT today:
"After a wrenching yearlong nominating battle with searing debates over the influence of Wall Street and the ability of ordinary citizens to be heard over the din of dollars changing hands, the party’s moneyed elite returned to the fore this week, undeterred and mostly unabashed.
“The Clinton people would always argue, ‘Well, there’s no connection between the money and the actions that we take,’ ” said Jonathan Tasini, a liberal organizer and Sanders delegate from New York. “That’s what these cocktail parties and receptions are all about. It’s about access and whose phone calls get answered.”
In Philadelphia, donors were handed preferred suites at the Ritz-Carlton and “Friends and Family” packages created for longtime Clinton hands — some of them also longtime benefactors. Some were granted time backstage or in the Clinton family box with former President Bill Clinton and Chelsea Clinton. Blackstone, the private equity giant, scheduled a reception at the Barnes Foundation on Thursday with its president, Hamilton E. James, one of the leading Wall Street contenders for an economic policy post in a future Clinton administration."
"After a wrenching yearlong nominating battle with searing debates over the influence of Wall Street and the ability of ordinary citizens to be heard over the din of dollars changing hands, the party’s moneyed elite returned to the fore this week, undeterred and mostly unabashed.
“The Clinton people would always argue, ‘Well, there’s no connection between the money and the actions that we take,’ ” said Jonathan Tasini, a liberal organizer and Sanders delegate from New York. “That’s what these cocktail parties and receptions are all about. It’s about access and whose phone calls get answered.”
In Philadelphia, donors were handed preferred suites at the Ritz-Carlton and “Friends and Family” packages created for longtime Clinton hands — some of them also longtime benefactors. Some were granted time backstage or in the Clinton family box with former President Bill Clinton and Chelsea Clinton. Blackstone, the private equity giant, scheduled a reception at the Barnes Foundation on Thursday with its president, Hamilton E. James, one of the leading Wall Street contenders for an economic policy post in a future Clinton administration."
30
It's amazing to me that people are still amazed to find out that a) wealthy people get the perqs, b) politics runs on money, c) like it or not, you gots to suck up a bit to get elected.
And yes, Bernie Sanders does this too. He's not wealthy, but his income--and bennies--are far above what most of us will ever see. For example, I'm far more educated than he is; I've worked at least as hard; I flatter myself that I'm in some ways as worthwhile--and he makes three times what I make, and with a far-richer oension to boot. Then there's the wife, who recently got $200 grand after being booted out as a college Prez.
It's not that Bernie's a bad guy; obviously not. But he's not an average American either...and by the way, if you look his income's pretty much what Joe Biden's is, and the main reason the Obamas have more is income from writing books.
So let's stop faking, okay?
And yes, Bernie Sanders does this too. He's not wealthy, but his income--and bennies--are far above what most of us will ever see. For example, I'm far more educated than he is; I've worked at least as hard; I flatter myself that I'm in some ways as worthwhile--and he makes three times what I make, and with a far-richer oension to boot. Then there's the wife, who recently got $200 grand after being booted out as a college Prez.
It's not that Bernie's a bad guy; obviously not. But he's not an average American either...and by the way, if you look his income's pretty much what Joe Biden's is, and the main reason the Obamas have more is income from writing books.
So let's stop faking, okay?
1
Wah, wah, wah. In the Citizens United case, a Republican Supreme Court deemed corporations to have the same rights as humans, and uncapped what they could give to political campaigns.
The people who support Democratic ideals against that onslaught should be rewarded.
The people who support Democratic ideals against that onslaught should be rewarded.
What'd Jill Sanders get as a golden parachute from that fancy college, again?
I actually think a seating president, the highest civil service job of the land, should not make partisan statements.
First is the Hatch Act of 1939 that bars federal civil service employees from participating in political activities within official capacity. For example, your mailman cannot ask you to sign a petition while delivering mail and a police officer cannot make you promise to vote for a certain candidate in order to get out of a ticket. The Act excludes the president and vice president but there is no reason it should. The presidency is still a civil service job no matter how much it doesn't feel like one.
Second is the fact the president gets a lot of airtime all the time. He should not use his free airtime as president to campaign for a candidate. The airtime is for him to carry out his duty, not partisan politics. For example, the president is visiting a kindergarten and he told the kids, in front of dozens of reporters, their future is secured if their parents vote for a certain candidate. As you can see this is highly inappropriate as his airtime is for official presidential duty, not campaigning.
I know other presidents have done it and Obama isn't the first one but maybe he should be the first one to do something about it (by not doing it). It has to start somewhere and why not the seating president? Partisan politics shouldn't have any place in the government outside of congress.
First is the Hatch Act of 1939 that bars federal civil service employees from participating in political activities within official capacity. For example, your mailman cannot ask you to sign a petition while delivering mail and a police officer cannot make you promise to vote for a certain candidate in order to get out of a ticket. The Act excludes the president and vice president but there is no reason it should. The presidency is still a civil service job no matter how much it doesn't feel like one.
Second is the fact the president gets a lot of airtime all the time. He should not use his free airtime as president to campaign for a candidate. The airtime is for him to carry out his duty, not partisan politics. For example, the president is visiting a kindergarten and he told the kids, in front of dozens of reporters, their future is secured if their parents vote for a certain candidate. As you can see this is highly inappropriate as his airtime is for official presidential duty, not campaigning.
I know other presidents have done it and Obama isn't the first one but maybe he should be the first one to do something about it (by not doing it). It has to start somewhere and why not the seating president? Partisan politics shouldn't have any place in the government outside of congress.
15
Um, the President is not a civil service employee. He is an elected official and the leader of his party. Are you really saying the President shouldn't be involved in politics???
2
Thank you for pointing this out. The entrenched, entitled Washington has become far too political. The Bader-Ginsberg opinions were shocking to me - not the content so much as her opinions being aired in public in the media.
3
Sigh. The Presidency isn't a civil service job, it's a job seving the public, and yes, they are different: civil service jobs are meant to be non-partisan, held by government employees who serve the lublic and politicians impartially.
And every single President we have ever had has been partisan, and said so.
And every single President we have ever had has been partisan, and said so.
3
There was a clear distinction between what President Obama represented last night and what the Republicans have tried to portray him as. He recognized what the American people banded together to get through at the beginning of his first term, when the economy was in pieces, jobs were being lost, families driven from their homes and jobs hemorrhaging as businesses failed. He showed us that together we can and have get great things done.
We have a lot to be proud about with our President and with the Democrat's nominee for President. We can continue to work for Human Rights, children's rights and the creation of an economy that sustains and lifts up its workers.
Today there are still children who rely on school meal programs and the Children's Health Insurance Program, there are people who are no longer denied insurance because of preconditions, and there is a movement of job creation and a hope for better wages. To protect this, voters need to vote for Hillary Clinton, a third party protest vote will put all these people and ourselves at risk.
We have a lot to be proud about with our President and with the Democrat's nominee for President. We can continue to work for Human Rights, children's rights and the creation of an economy that sustains and lifts up its workers.
Today there are still children who rely on school meal programs and the Children's Health Insurance Program, there are people who are no longer denied insurance because of preconditions, and there is a movement of job creation and a hope for better wages. To protect this, voters need to vote for Hillary Clinton, a third party protest vote will put all these people and ourselves at risk.
71
"Today there are still children who rely on school meal programs and the Children's Health Insurance Program, there are people who are no longer denied insurance because of preconditions, and there is a movement of job creation and a hope for better wages."
There are also 4,000+ American soldiers who are still dead because of Hillary's political calculation as senator.
There are also 4,000+ American soldiers who are still dead because of Hillary's political calculation as senator.
3
After Bill Clinton's thoroughly contrived "tribute" to the "real" Hillary two nights ago , and Prez Obama's eloquently delivered but platitudinous speech last night, it's good to see the truth about this Democratic campaign resurface in the following excerpts from a front-page story in The Times today. Maybe the "real" Hillary is lurking somewhere there. The worms are safely crawling out and dancing in the sun now because they know DT is utterly unacceptable to most voters. What a glorious choice!
"And in the vaulted marble bar of the Ritz-Carlton downtown, wealthy givers congregated in force for cocktails and glad-handing, as protesters thronged just outside to voice their unhappiness with Wall Street, big money in politics and Mrs. Clinton herself.
After a wrenching yearlong nominating battle with searing debates over the influence of Wall Street and the ability of ordinary citizens to be heard over the din of dollars changing hands, the party’s moneyed elite returned to the fore this week, undeterred and mostly unabashed.
While protesters marched in the streets and blocked traffic, Democratic donors congregated in a few reserved hotels and shuttled between private receptions with A-list elected officials. If the talk onstage at the Wells Fargo Center was about reducing inequality and breaking down barriers, downtown Philadelphia evoked the world as it still often is: a stratified society with privilege and access determined by wealth."
"And in the vaulted marble bar of the Ritz-Carlton downtown, wealthy givers congregated in force for cocktails and glad-handing, as protesters thronged just outside to voice their unhappiness with Wall Street, big money in politics and Mrs. Clinton herself.
After a wrenching yearlong nominating battle with searing debates over the influence of Wall Street and the ability of ordinary citizens to be heard over the din of dollars changing hands, the party’s moneyed elite returned to the fore this week, undeterred and mostly unabashed.
While protesters marched in the streets and blocked traffic, Democratic donors congregated in a few reserved hotels and shuttled between private receptions with A-list elected officials. If the talk onstage at the Wells Fargo Center was about reducing inequality and breaking down barriers, downtown Philadelphia evoked the world as it still often is: a stratified society with privilege and access determined by wealth."
30
Face it, YOU could have written every speech in earnest and you would STILL not like anything they said.
7
And Bernie would have dismantled a moneyed system of campaign finance in one election cycle - is that the fairy tale we're meant to carry away from his campaign? Because he sure wasn't able to do it after decades in congress. Make no mistake, that same moneyed elite would have been courting him too, had he won, as they did Obama, and he probably would have found himself in the same awkward position of needing their money in order to win, because yes, the campaign finance system is broken. But from your comments, it seems that the complexity of making change in a deeply flawed system without burning it down doesn't suit you. And that's what politics is - one step forward, two steps back, filled with compromises, and over time, hopeful movement in the right direction. You have clearly made up your mind long ago about Hilary, but your "opinion" is not the same as the truth. The two are not interchangeable.
94
But, but...I thought Hillary Clinton was going to overturn Citizens United!
3
President is truly a great orator.
33
Thats about where it ends.
3
actor*
3
He's also a good president...something we will be sorely missing for - at least - the next four years.
Not at all sure what President Obama was talking about last night. Does he have a clue as to what's going on? As far as Hillary, untrustworthy, deceitful, and corrupt. Her lack of action in Benghazi makes her unfit to be president.
21
Responding in Benghazi was the duty of the Defense, not State Department. The SecDef reports directly to the President not through the SecState, who commands no military forces.
2
We lost more Americans in New Orleans during hurricane Katrina than we did in Benghazi due to inaction by the Federal government. I assume the sitting President at the time was also unfit
2
Well said Don
1
The takeaway point from President Obama yesterday: "Don't boo, vote!" The enthusiasm for his and Mrs. Clinton's platform, and the repudiation of Trump's cynicism, must be channeled into voting!
58
I'm definitely voting. Whether I go for Stein or surrender to the gun to my head and vote HRC is another matter.
I would happily vote for the platform if I had any confidence that it would actually be pursued.
1
Votes for Hillary are really votes for Obama. Remember Reagan Third Term (Bush Senior). Still better than Putin #3 (The Donald).
5
"Votes for Hillary are really votes for Obama. Remember Reagan Third Term (Bush Senior)."
And yet, GHWB campaigned for a "kinder and gentler" nation in 1988 (ironically, while flashing images of Willie Horton for all to see). Would that have been kinder and gentler than the Reagan presidency?
And yet, GHWB campaigned for a "kinder and gentler" nation in 1988 (ironically, while flashing images of Willie Horton for all to see). Would that have been kinder and gentler than the Reagan presidency?
Pretty sad when you have to say, "No, you're not really voting for this unlikable candidate...you're voting for the likable person who preceded her!"
The media often talks about the "optics" of an event, what the text and subtext of the image conveys. I am trying to figure out a President Trump speaking from the Oval Room, a press conference, or an international meeting. All I can see is the smugness when he makes a self-satisfying remark or when he wants to project toughness through the emphatic spreading of his arms. And then I think of people all over the world looking at him in stupor at what appears to be the personification of the most negative cliché of American behavior in the world, aggressive, self-important, domineering. That he should be nominated is astonishing, that he should be considered seriously is incomprehensible, that he should win is dismaying, that he should be President is frightening.
69
"All I can see is the smugness when he makes a self-satisfying remark or when he wants to project toughness through the emphatic spreading of his arms."
Yeah, but...I can also see him tearing up NAFTA. And, that's not such a bad image.
Remember, Donald Trump might bluster...Hillary Clinton will actually send the troops in, as she proved with her Iraq War vote.
Yeah, but...I can also see him tearing up NAFTA. And, that's not such a bad image.
Remember, Donald Trump might bluster...Hillary Clinton will actually send the troops in, as she proved with her Iraq War vote.
Excellent speeches last night - from the heart and for love of country. The contrast with the Republicans' hostile, hate-filled convention last week is jaw-dropping.
55
The President showed how deeply he understands what 'America' means and how detached Mr. Trump's rhetoric is from that notion.
You may disagree on policy or ideals, but this election truly boils down to electing someone who knows what it means to be an American and someone who simply does not - this is the most existential election we have ever had.
You may disagree on policy or ideals, but this election truly boils down to electing someone who knows what it means to be an American and someone who simply does not - this is the most existential election we have ever had.
20
Most existential? Tell that to the Vietnam war dead and those who in '64 voted for LBJ, who lied us into that war.
2
Obama was never so stupid as to be a pathological liar like Hillary - he is so much more trustworthy than Hillary. Hillary is so fortunate to have a great man like Obama speaking for her, trying to carry her, with all her and Bill's ugly baggage, as best he can to the next presidency. Obama is self made - Hillary is not. Obama is/was fresh and new - Hillary is more of the same establishment rigged mess. Hillary is no Obama and never will be, she will simply be a pathetic shadow of one of the greatest presidents ever, Obama. I don't support Hillary or Trump (or Bernie). We need more Obama's, and it is depressing to think one of these candidates is going to be the next president of the greatest country in the world. The system is broken.
14
Nice try to divide Dems. Obama was great, Hillary will be great. They trust each other, and anyone with a brain trusts both.
2
I'd ask you to look up Hillary Clinton's biography before the next tirade about being self-made, but you won't.
3
"Obama is self made - Hillary is not"
Um, you do know that that is provably untrue, right? You do know she comes from a completely modest economic background, correct? You do recall her giving the commencement address at Wellesley, yes?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CAUOa5m5nY
It's time for folks to stop just making stuff up because it strokes their ego.
Um, you do know that that is provably untrue, right? You do know she comes from a completely modest economic background, correct? You do recall her giving the commencement address at Wellesley, yes?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CAUOa5m5nY
It's time for folks to stop just making stuff up because it strokes their ego.
2
The speech was great. I think Michelle Obama still wins but you can't knock the President's oratory skills. However, I'm not sure it quite achieves the goal. Sure, Clinton will get a bounce. When the lights fade and all the balloons deflate though, you're still left with the reality of Clinton.
Part of the appeal of President Obama was his relative lack of political experience. Opportunities were lost as he learned on the job. However, he spent most of his formative career shaping the White House around his character rather than presidential ambitions shaping him around the White House.
The same can not be said for Hillary Clinton. She might as well be crew on the Democrats' Flying Dutchman. Worse, Clinton plays the game like it's still the 17th Century. Smart individual but not particularly nimble or adaptive. People tend to notice things like emails and moneyed interests now.
I think the race is going to be uncomfortably tight.
Part of the appeal of President Obama was his relative lack of political experience. Opportunities were lost as he learned on the job. However, he spent most of his formative career shaping the White House around his character rather than presidential ambitions shaping him around the White House.
The same can not be said for Hillary Clinton. She might as well be crew on the Democrats' Flying Dutchman. Worse, Clinton plays the game like it's still the 17th Century. Smart individual but not particularly nimble or adaptive. People tend to notice things like emails and moneyed interests now.
I think the race is going to be uncomfortably tight.
12
I hope Hillary's strategy is similar to the Convention strategy.
"Bad Hillary" is met with, "That has been vetted and is history. The history of Hillary is as well known as any in modern politics. And history shows Hillary has always worked to improve our country so that if we all work together, every citizen can have a part of that Shining City on the Hill."
I can see that working.
"Bad Hillary" is met with, "That has been vetted and is history. The history of Hillary is as well known as any in modern politics. And history shows Hillary has always worked to improve our country so that if we all work together, every citizen can have a part of that Shining City on the Hill."
I can see that working.
1
I wonder whose idea it was to have Bloomberg speak.
Here's a man who switched parties not out of belief but out of personal ambition. He gave money to keep alive a political party that was co-founded by a vicious anti-semite. He also funded the campaigns of Republicans at the local and national levels who opposed what he said were his basic beliefs like gun control
And finally he overturned the will of the people of NYC who twice voted for term limits so he could have a third term. And during that final campaign he gave hidden money to challenge black and Latino voters at the polls.
In my mind he's no better than Donald Trump: a similar egotist who places his wants and desires first and believes he's entitled to them due to his wealth.
Here's a man who switched parties not out of belief but out of personal ambition. He gave money to keep alive a political party that was co-founded by a vicious anti-semite. He also funded the campaigns of Republicans at the local and national levels who opposed what he said were his basic beliefs like gun control
And finally he overturned the will of the people of NYC who twice voted for term limits so he could have a third term. And during that final campaign he gave hidden money to challenge black and Latino voters at the polls.
In my mind he's no better than Donald Trump: a similar egotist who places his wants and desires first and believes he's entitled to them due to his wealth.
11
Agreed. Not sure who thought he could sway anyone. I tuned him out entirely. A short, arrogant man.
3
And he's vindictive. He stuck in bike lanes and Citibike to screw Manhattan and car drivers for the city not approving his congestion pricing, among other nasty moves. He was notorious for being vindictive against former employees and others at Bloomberg, the company.
3
One big difference - Bloomberg earned his wealth. Trump inherited his.
1
As someone raised in the Deep South during the 1960s, I had tears rolling down my face while listening to President Obama, someone who would have been denied the right to vote in the days of my youth based only on the color of his skin.
He hasn't always made the decisions I wished he'd made, but he will certainly be missed as someone who represented the U.S. with intelligence, class and calm.
He hasn't always made the decisions I wished he'd made, but he will certainly be missed as someone who represented the U.S. with intelligence, class and calm.
72
I'll put my money where my mouth is. As a Democrat, it was an incredible night last night, in a convention that has done masterfully bringing together the best politicians this country has and the speeches they gave, explaining how great this country can be. Very proud to see the party rise to the challenge and make a Trump and the GOP look like cretins.
Obama gave one of the greatest speeches in the history of our country.
Kaine showed that he is an excellent VP choice, calling him boring pick is absurd and shows the whole problem with our hyperbolic media. His story as a public servant is powerful stuff.
Bloomberg shows what a true centrist is and how important that is in politics.
Biden gave an impassioned speech that show the true patriotism and dedication to our country he and the Democrats have been for the good of the people.
Pinetta's speech was critical for the defense creds the party needs to show to win the independent voters and counter Trumps horrible foreign policy, or lack thereof.
This is a zero sum game, and the DNC is sparing no quarter on the threat of Trump and the fascists in this country. Insane to think that's prior sentence is related to our country, but it is.
Obama gave one of the greatest speeches in the history of our country.
Kaine showed that he is an excellent VP choice, calling him boring pick is absurd and shows the whole problem with our hyperbolic media. His story as a public servant is powerful stuff.
Bloomberg shows what a true centrist is and how important that is in politics.
Biden gave an impassioned speech that show the true patriotism and dedication to our country he and the Democrats have been for the good of the people.
Pinetta's speech was critical for the defense creds the party needs to show to win the independent voters and counter Trumps horrible foreign policy, or lack thereof.
This is a zero sum game, and the DNC is sparing no quarter on the threat of Trump and the fascists in this country. Insane to think that's prior sentence is related to our country, but it is.
40
"Kaine showed that he is an excellent VP choice, calling him boring pick is absurd and shows the whole problem with our hyperbolic media."
He's not "boring"...he's a Hillary clone that speaks Spanish.
He's not "boring"...he's a Hillary clone that speaks Spanish.
1
This is not a reality show, this is reality. I need an Uber qualified individual in the Oval Office. I also need someone who has walked the walk. I want someone who has dedicated their life to public service. I do not want someone who is an Apprentice to this job and who has served themselves while literally robbing others in the process.
If you feel differently, at least explicate with details where he stands on the issues facing our country. These details cannot come from twitter feeds. We deserve more than that. My children deserve more than that. The homeless individual I see daily deserves more.
One of the many things my President said which resonates, is the implicit understanding that his position is bigger than himself. He is inherently a servant to the nation. He is not our savior. We the people all have a part in this country's future. it is not some baseless optimism. it is our Constitutional premise.
Was anything like this said last week? Or maybe it was lost in the moving words of Mr. Baio.
There is only choice, the path of We not Me.
If you feel differently, at least explicate with details where he stands on the issues facing our country. These details cannot come from twitter feeds. We deserve more than that. My children deserve more than that. The homeless individual I see daily deserves more.
One of the many things my President said which resonates, is the implicit understanding that his position is bigger than himself. He is inherently a servant to the nation. He is not our savior. We the people all have a part in this country's future. it is not some baseless optimism. it is our Constitutional premise.
Was anything like this said last week? Or maybe it was lost in the moving words of Mr. Baio.
There is only choice, the path of We not Me.
63
"I need an Uber qualified individual in the Oval Office."
Why do we need a president that can drive a private taxi?
Why do we need a president that can drive a private taxi?
We are, and have been, so fortunate to have President Obama and Vice President Biden leading our nation for these past years. Their speeches last night remind us of their passion, commitment, intelligence, integrity, and tireless work and advocacy on behalf of the American people. They will certainly rank among our greatest Presidential teams.
We are equally fortunate to have a candidate in Hillary Clinton, who has a lifelong commitment to public service, and an unprecedented knowledge and experience with the inner-workings of our government at every level. I can think of no candidate in our history who is better prepared to understand and manage the Presidency from the moment she walks into the Oval Office.
The leadership of the Democratic party is an embarrassment of riches.
The GOP and it's nominee are just an embarrassment.
Don't forget to vote.
We are equally fortunate to have a candidate in Hillary Clinton, who has a lifelong commitment to public service, and an unprecedented knowledge and experience with the inner-workings of our government at every level. I can think of no candidate in our history who is better prepared to understand and manage the Presidency from the moment she walks into the Oval Office.
The leadership of the Democratic party is an embarrassment of riches.
The GOP and it's nominee are just an embarrassment.
Don't forget to vote.
36
The Message of the sober, grounded Democratic Convention is ringing clear:
Center-Left -- which makes the same sound as Sensible Leaning -- steers fair policy for All.
Right-Wing -- which makes the same sound as Wrong, Wrong -- steers selfish, self-righteous policy for few.
Center-Left -- which makes the same sound as Sensible Leaning -- steers fair policy for All.
Right-Wing -- which makes the same sound as Wrong, Wrong -- steers selfish, self-righteous policy for few.
11
If only we had a center-left candidate...
"Yet some Sanders supporters were not willing to fall behind the new vice-presidential nominee. As Mr. Kaine spoke, jeers broke out from the Utah delegation attacking the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal that the senator has supported and Mr. Sanders is against — and Mrs. Clinton has shifted to oppose. Placards denouncing the trade deal quickly spread through the hall, including a couple of dozen in the California delegation."
I think that President Obama and Hillary Clinton are lining up to betray the American people on the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement.
I think that President Obama and Hillary Clinton are lining up to betray the American people on the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement.
18
Like almost all problems, the trade problem also belies a simple solution. One cannot just say we are not going to have trade agreements with other countries. Guess what, then they are not going to import your products either.
I think people want to hear that there is a simple solution to problems. Unfortunately, most of the time there is not. If there was a simple solution, the problem would not exist, since it would have been solved.
I think people want to hear that there is a simple solution to problems. Unfortunately, most of the time there is not. If there was a simple solution, the problem would not exist, since it would have been solved.
1
What is this betrayal nonsense? Where is the actual betrayal? Outline it! So should TPP go thru as it is now, or gets amended later - its still a hard negotiated, and decent trade deal. Have you even read any of the actual document contents, or are you running off with selected bullet points of anti-TPP'ists?
Even if TPP was rescinded it will not bring thousands upon thousands of manufacturing jobs to the US. Not ever! They are gone! Whoosh - gone like the wind. And the reasons are many and complex and not solved by the reversal of one trade deal.
This notion of some dark TPP conspiracy between Hillary and the Oval is exactly what makes so many independent, logic-driven voters, like me, shake our heads in consternation not just this election season, but so many others. Voters like you hold tight, like a child to a blanket, some little meme and it becomes the whole world, and the whole of the election.
The sky will not fall over TPP. And there would not be a sudden flood of jobs back into the US should it be reversed. Stop falling for specious claims that one deal will fix all ills.
Stop it already. Look across the aisle at whats being offered. Look at it, and tell me/us not voting for Hillary, or not voting at all is worth all this nonsensical bickering over TPP...?
Take off the tin-hat and put down the conspiracy kool-aid.
Even if TPP was rescinded it will not bring thousands upon thousands of manufacturing jobs to the US. Not ever! They are gone! Whoosh - gone like the wind. And the reasons are many and complex and not solved by the reversal of one trade deal.
This notion of some dark TPP conspiracy between Hillary and the Oval is exactly what makes so many independent, logic-driven voters, like me, shake our heads in consternation not just this election season, but so many others. Voters like you hold tight, like a child to a blanket, some little meme and it becomes the whole world, and the whole of the election.
The sky will not fall over TPP. And there would not be a sudden flood of jobs back into the US should it be reversed. Stop falling for specious claims that one deal will fix all ills.
Stop it already. Look across the aisle at whats being offered. Look at it, and tell me/us not voting for Hillary, or not voting at all is worth all this nonsensical bickering over TPP...?
Take off the tin-hat and put down the conspiracy kool-aid.
1
"I think that President Obama and Hillary Clinton are lining up to betray the American people on the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement."
There's no doubt in my mind.
There's no doubt in my mind.
1
Last night and tonight are just the beginning of making the case for the truly historic moment of electing our first woman president, who is, as President Obama so clearly stated, the most prepared and ABLE person ever to run for POTUS. There is a fire burning inside the President, Vice President Biden, Tim Kaine, and Hillarry that will fuel them relentlessly over the campaign and beyond to continue the positive work they've been doing throughout their adult lives and save us from making the dangerous mistake of electing Donald Trump. Down-ticket Republicans who are complicit with Donald beware, they're coming after you as well.
17
Let Hillary take the high road in the campaign and put forth values and ideas. But the democrats MUST direct a constant barrage of smashing attacks on the maniac, and direct them to places where his supporters might see or read (if they can read) them. Perhaps the National Enquirer, or some newspaper rags. Maybe the Cartoon Network on TV, or the Kardashians, or some redneck channels.
They should not waste their time denouncing Trump as a racist and bigot, which of course he is. But so are his supporters, and they feel that Trump's attitude is just fine and dandy. But they should put across to his supporters that he is a tax cheat (or he would have released his returns), a swindler, a wanna-be despot and dictator.
They must demonstrate that he is a criminal in business (small example - the $150,000 awarded to him for Hurricane Sandy and then he brags his businesses were not affected - that is criminal.) If anyone else had done that they would be arrested. But Trump feels he is above the law - he believes he IS the law.
The democrats must demonstrate the horrors of this country under a Trump dictatorship.
And they had better get started NOW and keep it up through election day.
They should not waste their time denouncing Trump as a racist and bigot, which of course he is. But so are his supporters, and they feel that Trump's attitude is just fine and dandy. But they should put across to his supporters that he is a tax cheat (or he would have released his returns), a swindler, a wanna-be despot and dictator.
They must demonstrate that he is a criminal in business (small example - the $150,000 awarded to him for Hurricane Sandy and then he brags his businesses were not affected - that is criminal.) If anyone else had done that they would be arrested. But Trump feels he is above the law - he believes he IS the law.
The democrats must demonstrate the horrors of this country under a Trump dictatorship.
And they had better get started NOW and keep it up through election day.
21
They need to consult with psychologist and psychiatrist and learn how to hit Trump where he lives - his narcissism.
Don't talk about his ridiculous policies. He just throws that stuff off back on them, but hit him through his enormous ego and low self-esteem. Make him go on the attack that will escalate and show us the complete crazy that is Trump. He's already gotten started with comments about Russia hacking US security that would have Hillary accused of treason.
The man-boy has no self-control.
They have to make it personal.
Don't talk about his ridiculous policies. He just throws that stuff off back on them, but hit him through his enormous ego and low self-esteem. Make him go on the attack that will escalate and show us the complete crazy that is Trump. He's already gotten started with comments about Russia hacking US security that would have Hillary accused of treason.
The man-boy has no self-control.
They have to make it personal.
2
Exactly - he has no self-control of what spews out of his stupid mouth.
If they make it personal enough and make the criticisms really tough, Trump may have such a conniption fit, throw such a five-year-old-child's tantrum, that he could melt down in the eyes of his supporters.
Wouldn't that be nice!
If they make it personal enough and make the criticisms really tough, Trump may have such a conniption fit, throw such a five-year-old-child's tantrum, that he could melt down in the eyes of his supporters.
Wouldn't that be nice!
1
I love Obama. I love Hillary. I am proud to be a Democrat. This country needs her.
It is strange that the anti-establishment people on the left have swallowed all the garbage about Hillary that the media has jammed down their throats for 40 years. They are like sheep.
Hillary Clinton has the plans that will make things work. Trump is a dangerous, lying man who has cheated everyone, rich or poor and longs to become a dictator because he loves that style of leadership in Putin and Sadaam Husein. He fits right into the demagogue profile. Gary Johnson is the same old small government, no tax for the rich, no help for the poor, let corporations run amuck guy that Republicans have handed down forever. Jill Stein hasn't got a workable plan about anything. Hillary is the clear choice for me.
It is strange that the anti-establishment people on the left have swallowed all the garbage about Hillary that the media has jammed down their throats for 40 years. They are like sheep.
Hillary Clinton has the plans that will make things work. Trump is a dangerous, lying man who has cheated everyone, rich or poor and longs to become a dictator because he loves that style of leadership in Putin and Sadaam Husein. He fits right into the demagogue profile. Gary Johnson is the same old small government, no tax for the rich, no help for the poor, let corporations run amuck guy that Republicans have handed down forever. Jill Stein hasn't got a workable plan about anything. Hillary is the clear choice for me.
38
I am not supporting Trump, but you do know HRC made her own trash when she accepted giving confidential hour long speeches to Goldman Sachs for over six figures. How this is ignored by her supporters, even in spite of Trump, is beyond me.
"Jill Stein hasn't got a workable plan about anything."
Please explain.
Please explain.
Ryan, Google Jill Stein and slate. All you need to know about why she's not perfect
I'm so proud that Barack Obama—temperamental, poised and wise—was my President. History will judge him very well.
62
Trump is temperamental. President Obama is serene.
1
The president has officially worn out the straw-man fallacy. Trump is not a professional politician. He is actually a very successful regular guy, and he doesn't possess the motives and beliefs that the dems attribute to him. He is motivated by a love of country and a desire to push out of power the feckless, the inept and the hopelessly illogical -- of which Obama, the Clintons, Bloomberg, Biden, Warren --and all the rest-- belong.
If Obama had been a republican the agitprop media would have done their jobs and lead the charge to disqualify him as nowhere near ready for the job he now holds. The record of his failures--from losing geopolitical momentum in the middleast to Benghazi to the truly awful "Affordable" Care Act--is a long and infamous one. But it gets worse when you look at Bill and Hill as those who would "take up" where O left off.
If the Clintons had been a republican power couple the news would only be a continual litany of their publicly told lies and the crimes they lawyered their way out of or are currently under investigation for!! The supreme irony of this election cycle is NOT that an guy with nothing to gain decided to run for President but that a democrat couple, covered for by the agitprop media-academia complex, have BY FAR out-Nixoned Nixon.
Trump will win in a landslide in large propelled by the cynicism and collusion of democrat politics and the agitprop media and academia.
If Obama had been a republican the agitprop media would have done their jobs and lead the charge to disqualify him as nowhere near ready for the job he now holds. The record of his failures--from losing geopolitical momentum in the middleast to Benghazi to the truly awful "Affordable" Care Act--is a long and infamous one. But it gets worse when you look at Bill and Hill as those who would "take up" where O left off.
If the Clintons had been a republican power couple the news would only be a continual litany of their publicly told lies and the crimes they lawyered their way out of or are currently under investigation for!! The supreme irony of this election cycle is NOT that an guy with nothing to gain decided to run for President but that a democrat couple, covered for by the agitprop media-academia complex, have BY FAR out-Nixoned Nixon.
Trump will win in a landslide in large propelled by the cynicism and collusion of democrat politics and the agitprop media and academia.
12
Good morning from Capitol Hill @beside.
This Black lawyer agrees with you 100%
It was offensive to me as an educated American for Obama to strut around on that stage, bragging that he'd failed to do what he promised over the last 8 years but please give Hillary 4 more years to do the same.
Who on Earth does that clown think he is?
If three of the tires on your car are flat, you don't get out of your car and punch a hole in the fourth one.
This Black lawyer agrees with you 100%
It was offensive to me as an educated American for Obama to strut around on that stage, bragging that he'd failed to do what he promised over the last 8 years but please give Hillary 4 more years to do the same.
Who on Earth does that clown think he is?
If three of the tires on your car are flat, you don't get out of your car and punch a hole in the fourth one.
2
I'm in finance, and I know many "successful regular guys," none of whom consider Trump to be anything other than a blight on the reputation of honest business people.
2
Clarence, go back to whatever you do now since you don't have Scalia to tell you what to do.
1
I am so gonna miss that man. A class act we haven't seen since FDR. If only the self serving GOP had not had their hate on in full mode the last eight years, America could have rocketted into a new, sublime era.
35
Mitch McConnell is one of the dreariest people ever to snuffle through a Senate career.
2
Four more years!
1
Can anyone please to explain to me why if Clinton is such a great candidate, the DNC felt it had to try to fix the nominating process because it feared that if it didn't she might lose.
No one ever felt they had to fix a race Secretariat was running in.
No one ever felt they had to fix a race Secretariat was running in.
19
What was fixed? She won because more people voted for her. He lost because fewer people voted for him.
And is it really a surprise that the DNC would support her over him given that he chose not to be a member of the party until he wanted to run for president (he could have run as an independent) whereas she has been a major member of the party for most of her political life?
And is it really a surprise that the DNC would support her over him given that he chose not to be a member of the party until he wanted to run for president (he could have run as an independent) whereas she has been a major member of the party for most of her political life?
3
There was no fix. I voted for, donated to and joined Bernie's rally in my state. We lost. It is sad, but more people actually voted for HRC. Now we need to make sure she goes to the White House to keep hateful trump out.
4
Ya gotta understand: The convention is NOT a time for reality. It is the time when the party tries to promote a fiction. Just bear it out. After O's speech, one half expected unicorns to gallop up to the stage and nuzzle the Great Orator. Listening to Bill Clinton talk about his wife, one might have thought that he actually loved her. It's all grandstanding. It's all fiction. I'd turn off the tube, radio, and internet until after election day. I feel fortunate: I dumped my cable and internet two months ago.
1
He forgot a few things: Russia and China are ascendant, the Middle East is a mess, Europe is shaky, and terrorists are free to create havoc across the globe, even on U.S. soil. We're paying a steep price for Obama's pacifism.
10
Both Russia and China face severe near term economic problems. You really need to stop being such a scaredeycat.
1
That's your answer to the growing militancy of Russia and China et al... stop being a scaredeycat? Wow. And the Dems like to think they're the "adults" in the room...
1
I'm 57 years old, and this is the first time in my life I've ever felt genuine affection for a president. I surprised myself with how moved I was watching the introductory video and seeing President Obama walk out onto the stage.
Just writing this makes my eyes well up. We are unlikely to see his like again.
Just writing this makes my eyes well up. We are unlikely to see his like again.
53
I had the same feeling watching Les Misérables... well choreographed and acted. As for the real president, he is the one that approved NSA's domestic spying and CIA's drone program.
3
could be hormones
2
The Dems are putting on a great show. Joe and the President were just as great as Michelle, which I was not sure was possible.
But I am biased. I wonder how this is playing out in the living rooms of America. I usually are not interest in poll results, but I can't wait for them next week.
But I am biased. I wonder how this is playing out in the living rooms of America. I usually are not interest in poll results, but I can't wait for them next week.
6
The real question is how is this playing out for Bernie or Bust progressive liberals who weren't in that convention hall and are openly walking away from HRC.
I'm a Black lawyer in Washington DC with a degree in American History who actually tries and wins cases. Obama's act never fooled me, I've seen better con artists than Obama riding the Metro trying to sell me incense.
I'm a Black lawyer in Washington DC with a degree in American History who actually tries and wins cases. Obama's act never fooled me, I've seen better con artists than Obama riding the Metro trying to sell me incense.
2
So weary of the hate.
Many of the commenters here say that they are Democrats but will never vote for Clinton because she is such a crook. So Democrats spouting the 25-year Republican meme based on nothing substantial or solid. I can't help but wonder why if she is such a crook and has been investigated over numerous "crimes," why is it she has never, ever been convicted of, let alone charged with, anything. With the latest email episode, again, no crime, but it did not stop the Repubs from shouting "Lock her up!"
Can any of you who are shouting the same and calling yourselves Democrats, please explain just what it is that she has done that warrants this degree of hate?
Many of the commenters here say that they are Democrats but will never vote for Clinton because she is such a crook. So Democrats spouting the 25-year Republican meme based on nothing substantial or solid. I can't help but wonder why if she is such a crook and has been investigated over numerous "crimes," why is it she has never, ever been convicted of, let alone charged with, anything. With the latest email episode, again, no crime, but it did not stop the Repubs from shouting "Lock her up!"
Can any of you who are shouting the same and calling yourselves Democrats, please explain just what it is that she has done that warrants this degree of hate?
55
You should be aware that republicans are writing in these guises in some cases, stirring up trouble where they can. It's part of their desperation in the effort to sell a crazy con man as president, harder even than boy Bush was. And there is nothing in their ethics to prevent such tricks, you may be sure.
3
Success.
3
It isn't that she had to do anything. She just had to be a woman, for starters. What did President Obama do? Well, he had the chutzpah to be a black man in a country whites think belong only to them. Make no mistake. If you aren't part of *that* particular group of white people, like myself, then you don't belong either. If the NYT didn't read these posts first, I think I would see the same antisemitic diatribes being spewed here as they are on other websites. It doesn't matter one iota that President Obama had ancestors in the US going back 200 years. Just like Hitler's math formulas of who was and wasn't Aryan, he will always be "tainted" by his father's ancestry. Through tears, I shake my head. and fear.
4
FDR was so secretive that Truman knew absolutely nothing about the Manhattan Project when Roosevelt dropped dead. His deal with Ho Chi Minh to support Vietnam's independence from France after WW II also got lost in the fog.
1
True, although i'm not sure how apposite it is here?
If Hillary gets elected are we really ok with Bill heading the UN to form the most powerful political couple in history Really?
6
This has been an incredible week for the Democrats! I couldn't be prouder and am grateful to Bernie and his supporters for igniting a fire within the party.
These quotes from the convention capture Trump's inadequacies so well:
http://www.politico.com/story/2016/07/democratic-convention-donald-trump...
These quotes from the convention capture Trump's inadequacies so well:
http://www.politico.com/story/2016/07/democratic-convention-donald-trump...
6
This Bernie supporter is glad that you feel good about Bernie and his supporters, even if it is only temporary and ultimately forgotten in days. Don't be mad at us, though, for failing to go away, and continually agitating for the defeat of Clinton in 4 years.
I'm sick of the fact-free rants GOP types post over and over, I suspect there is a copy and paste template on the Fox website. If they did even a little homework, they would learn the facts deny their constant complaining. This constant refusal to face reality--like the fact the country is vastly better off than it was eight years ago--is tiresome in the extreme.
20
And we're sick of the "Fox" accusation. It demonstrates that the reader has a completely closed mind.
2
You are absolutely correct. Wealthy people are much better off than they were 8 years ago, more Americans are living below the poverty line, income inequality has increased, and the national debt has doubled. If you consider those 4 metrics successes, then you're correct.
2
The economy has added more than 9 million jobs, and the jobless rate has dropped to below the historical median.
There are 15 million fewer people who lack health insurance.
The long term unemployed number went down to less than 2.1 million in December, which is 614,000 fewer than when the president first took office.
Depends on your perspective, doesn't it.
There are 15 million fewer people who lack health insurance.
The long term unemployed number went down to less than 2.1 million in December, which is 614,000 fewer than when the president first took office.
Depends on your perspective, doesn't it.
The Bernie people are really a lost losing lot. They don't really stand for anything except disunity. The way they booed a great former Secretary of Defense was shameful. A group if malcontents that have menu don't anything oppose a woman whose life's work is filled wit public service especially for woman and children. Bernie and 12 million of his supporters all together haven't done as much. Their contemptuous behavior is an embarrassment to the left wing.
9
Are you one of the RNC plants? You can't possibly think that a post like this is going to get HRC more votes.
1
I'm already starting to miss him. Despite his opponents incessant attempts to tear him down, he has presided over a period of relative peace, economic growth, and stability in the country while representing us well across the world.
His line "don't boo, vote" is one for the ages. We have to work together - by voting, being involved in politics, and debating these issues - to build the type of country we want. Tearing people down and idly complaining will never get us there.
His line "don't boo, vote" is one for the ages. We have to work together - by voting, being involved in politics, and debating these issues - to build the type of country we want. Tearing people down and idly complaining will never get us there.
13
For all of Hillary's critics who can't see the forest for the trees-- read this famous T. Roosevelt quote that we all should memorize and recite every morning:
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat".
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat".
583
TR quotation is more than apt. And someone (I guess it's me) should note that Hillary and TR were both born on October 27th. She's going to be a strong and effective president, "believe me!"
2
TR was an imperialist through and through. Fitting that a quote of his would be invoked to support HRC. Also fitting that the NYT would endorse said quote.
2
Too bad Obama didn't dare to stand up to the Bush administration & the military overreach that now embodies our foreign policy.
Too bad he didn't stand up to the bankers who panicked the government into saving them without provisions for small investors & mortgage holders left dangling.
Too bad that somehow not one single individual was ever prosecuted for bank fraud, & now the former US Attorney General is back working at the same bank he came from.
Prosecuting those guys would have demonstrated some courage.
Too bad he didn't stand up to the insurance industry, & Big Pharma, & write in some cost protections for the public as he handed over our national healthcare budget.
Too bad he wasn't courageous enough to do battle directly with extremist Republicans, but rather propped up the Catfood Commission, offered to put Social Security on the chopping block, & lectured low-income city dwellers to 'take responsibility'.
Too bad he never did march with teachers' unions like he promised to do.
Too bad he was the most secretive President in history, who only acknowledged police-state eavesdropping after it was leaked.
Too bad for the record numbers of deportations, back to third world battle zones.
Too bad he waffled on the Keystone XL, & coal & oil development, & encouraged new drilling in Alaska & the US E Coast (& THEN backtracked, to boost the 'legacy'??).
Timidity & appeasement.
We DO need some valiant striving, for a change.
Too bad he didn't stand up to the bankers who panicked the government into saving them without provisions for small investors & mortgage holders left dangling.
Too bad that somehow not one single individual was ever prosecuted for bank fraud, & now the former US Attorney General is back working at the same bank he came from.
Prosecuting those guys would have demonstrated some courage.
Too bad he didn't stand up to the insurance industry, & Big Pharma, & write in some cost protections for the public as he handed over our national healthcare budget.
Too bad he wasn't courageous enough to do battle directly with extremist Republicans, but rather propped up the Catfood Commission, offered to put Social Security on the chopping block, & lectured low-income city dwellers to 'take responsibility'.
Too bad he never did march with teachers' unions like he promised to do.
Too bad he was the most secretive President in history, who only acknowledged police-state eavesdropping after it was leaked.
Too bad for the record numbers of deportations, back to third world battle zones.
Too bad he waffled on the Keystone XL, & coal & oil development, & encouraged new drilling in Alaska & the US E Coast (& THEN backtracked, to boost the 'legacy'??).
Timidity & appeasement.
We DO need some valiant striving, for a change.
1
In the midst of all the great speeches, including Bloomberg, I personally thought Kaine was a dud. I know I will be chided for not being nice, but my sense was that there was an understandable lack of enthusiasm in the audience, and shots of Bill Clinton, Biden, and Bernie showed them all looking uncomfortable (as I interpreted it, unless perhaps I am projecting). When Kaine gets uncomfortable, he breaks into Spanish, which I read partially as a defense mechanism. For Hillary's first major choice, this does not bode well. Look, I get the big picture--we have to vote against Trump--but that doesn't mean we have to suspend all of our critical faculties. I realize as I write that at this point, my imagined audience are diehard supporters of HRC who become enraged at any comment that does not 100% praise their candidate.
5
Kaine is not the most eloquent speaker, but he's respected on both sides of the aisle in the Senate and is quite intelligent.
Despite Trump's best efforts, governance is not a reality show, and I have no problem with a quieter personality backing up Hillary.
Still waters run deep.
Despite Trump's best efforts, governance is not a reality show, and I have no problem with a quieter personality backing up Hillary.
Still waters run deep.
1
Not every politician is a great speaker. One of HRC's problems is that she isn't.
You need to think about the person and the message they are trying to get across.
In this era of speechwriters and teleprompters ... the sad fact of the matter is that a "great speech" could come from any accomplished actor.
You need to think about the person and the message they are trying to get across.
In this era of speechwriters and teleprompters ... the sad fact of the matter is that a "great speech" could come from any accomplished actor.
1
Our great country had a chance to be seen last night, actually for the last two nights, in Philadelphia at the Democratic Convention. Vice President Biden and President Obama reminded us of our strengths, that kindness, compassion, and service to community and country are our shared responsibilities. The power of the words and ideas I've heard from them and so many others this week renewed me after a period of such turmoil, and deep darkness. Thank you to all for sharing your stories, it has inspired and renewed me. I look forward to hearing Hillary Clinton speak tonight, to hear her vision of how we can continue the journey. I've been a supporter of Secretary Clinton's since I meet her at the Democratic Convention in 1992 so this is really exciting to me, seeing a woman in this role for the first time, yes, but seeing this woman, so strong, so smart, so right for us at this time.
16
Several months ago, I had my first opportunity to see President Obama speak. And after the speech, I was fortunate to briefly shake his hand.
After listening to President Obama and our First Lady this week, I was filled with immense pride. Proud to be living at a time when we elected our first black President who led this country with dignity, intelligence, and a calm certainty, while faced with relentless hate, accusations that couldn't stand to reality, and obstructionism.
And I was proud, as a white man, to have the utmost respect for this President and knowing that I have values, similar to so many other Americans, that places us on the right side of history.
After listening to President Obama and our First Lady this week, I was filled with immense pride. Proud to be living at a time when we elected our first black President who led this country with dignity, intelligence, and a calm certainty, while faced with relentless hate, accusations that couldn't stand to reality, and obstructionism.
And I was proud, as a white man, to have the utmost respect for this President and knowing that I have values, similar to so many other Americans, that places us on the right side of history.
18
Obama's speech singularly delineated a plain fact. Republicans have chosen a thug to rule them. They think that he will succeed when their party failed (to rule absolutely). The frustrated, angry, hateful, people who have lost their currency for multiple reasons - want a thug in charge to finally screw everyone they don't like. As if it will make them current and vibrant again.
Hence, they plain want their property back. Like they owned this place fully; like the rest of us are illegitimate.
Well, they found their prince.
To find this large a group (nearly 50%) in this great a country that I passionately love, to find a major party embrace the Klan and bikers, to find a major candidate encouraging violence, to find a right wing media cheering for a thug, has been the most saddening development in a country that I love. I am not fooled by the republican platform; I know a Sharia when I see one.
Those who don't look like me will never know this, but in the previous six weeks, what used to be furtive looks toward my family and I have become hostile. Random people have asked me to go back to Iraq.
If anyone thinks that Hispanics, Muslims, minorities; or my own kindred spirits who work in corner stores, gas station, Silicon Valley, high tech, medicine, and education - who pay taxes and live responsible lives are going to shrink, or simply go away because their thug, their huckster, is poised to rule the country, I have only one message. Go to Hades.
Kalidan
Hence, they plain want their property back. Like they owned this place fully; like the rest of us are illegitimate.
Well, they found their prince.
To find this large a group (nearly 50%) in this great a country that I passionately love, to find a major party embrace the Klan and bikers, to find a major candidate encouraging violence, to find a right wing media cheering for a thug, has been the most saddening development in a country that I love. I am not fooled by the republican platform; I know a Sharia when I see one.
Those who don't look like me will never know this, but in the previous six weeks, what used to be furtive looks toward my family and I have become hostile. Random people have asked me to go back to Iraq.
If anyone thinks that Hispanics, Muslims, minorities; or my own kindred spirits who work in corner stores, gas station, Silicon Valley, high tech, medicine, and education - who pay taxes and live responsible lives are going to shrink, or simply go away because their thug, their huckster, is poised to rule the country, I have only one message. Go to Hades.
Kalidan
17
...Exactly....The description of Trump as a thug is quite apt.
2
The President knocked one out of the park last night. I had been pretty depressed by the whole scene and only caught his speech because I tuned in for the evening news and the convention had run long. That was a stroke of great luck. I felt better about the future than I had in months! Whatever you think of his politics, the man can give a speech! The fact that I agree with him more or less right down the line just makes it better. Hillary Clinton will have to bring her "A" game tonight. Break a leg, Hillary!
As he spoke, the thought came to me that maybe we could see if there wasn't some sort of work-around for that two-term limit thing. Four more years of Barack Obama has a sort of nice sound to it.
As he spoke, the thought came to me that maybe we could see if there wasn't some sort of work-around for that two-term limit thing. Four more years of Barack Obama has a sort of nice sound to it.
8
I think you mistyped the headline. You MUST have meant the "baton of anti-American corruption". I now await the inevitable yet idiotic chants of "racist", "hate", "fox news" and "bush".
6
Please feel free to back this up with facts, actual facts, not just a trumped up (pun intended) list of things that has been either debunked, or isn't even corruption. I look forward to your chants of Benghazi (how many hearings that nothing came of, but please continue to politicize a tragedy), or emails (quite obviously she isn't in jail or indicted). I'm sure that your conspiracist mind though will just say it goes even higher and more secret than that, heck it's probably the illuminati pulling the strings and Obama and Clinton are just their pawns, must be nice to be in on such a huge secret. But then maybe that means you are one of them...
1
I truly find your attempt at a reply pathetically inept, J. Yet that is THOROUGHLY understandable, given your love of two known criminals and pathological liars. I will back it up with facts just as soon as you show where I support danny chump. Ooops, you can't even read, yet alone think clearly. Get back to me on that, mental midget.
1
The New York Times reported in a separate story on the speech made the same night by Tim Kaine, the Democratic Party's nominee for Vice-President. In that speech, "he stirred the delegates by asking pointedly what Mr. Trump was hiding in his tax returns."
Senator Sanders pointedly asked several times in his campaign against Hillary Clinton what she was hiding in her speech transcripts she had made to record her 51 speeches to Wall Street banks and other major business interests in 2014 and 2015 in exchange for $11 million added to her personal wealth. Bernie Sanders, the New York Times Editorial Board, and the American voters never got an answer.
Perhaps Tim Kaine will be asking his running mate what she was hiding from Bernie Sanders and the American voters in her speech transcripts. Or, maybe not. Calls for truth do not appear to run on a two-way street in American politics anymore.
Senator Sanders pointedly asked several times in his campaign against Hillary Clinton what she was hiding in her speech transcripts she had made to record her 51 speeches to Wall Street banks and other major business interests in 2014 and 2015 in exchange for $11 million added to her personal wealth. Bernie Sanders, the New York Times Editorial Board, and the American voters never got an answer.
Perhaps Tim Kaine will be asking his running mate what she was hiding from Bernie Sanders and the American voters in her speech transcripts. Or, maybe not. Calls for truth do not appear to run on a two-way street in American politics anymore.
9
No, they don't. And what is customary for presidential candidates is to disclose their tax returns, not their private correspondence.
Give this tired canard a rest.
Give this tired canard a rest.
1
I just love President Obama. His grace, charm, sharp intelligence, compassion, humor, depth, composure and that big, warm smile will be sorely missed. America, never again will you see such a great leader like him.
Thank you, Mr. Obama for everything you've done and have aspired to do. You are my Hero!
Thank you, Mr. Obama for everything you've done and have aspired to do. You are my Hero!
23
I cannot believe it myself, but I am sitting here tearing up. I have had my issues with Mr. Obama over the last 8 years, but I am going to miss his quiet dignity, his refusal to engage in nastiness and hate-mongering, his deep empathy for people, and his desire to actually work with everyone and find solutions to our problems -- not that the Republicans let that desire come true very often. He knows how to be *Presidential*. Sigh.
14
Obama and Clinton fail to recognize the depth of the problems we have. Terrorism and police shootings are out of control. Our borders are a sieve. Europe has been ripping us off for years by not honoring the terms of NATO membership. NAFTA is a terrible deal. China continues to ignore intellectual property laws and for years has manipulated its currency to beat us on trade. They parade around the South China sea like they own it. Trump may not have all the solutions, but at least he had identified the problems.
13
Jack -- you and I will grow old and die. There! I have identified the biggest problem there is! I have no solution for this. You do not either. Bringing stuff up with idiot ideas "of what to do about it" is just grifting ... selling suckers something that is worthless.
1
Trump has no solutions other than fascism. He would throw out law and run this country like a dictatorship. Are you up for that?
1
What a fabulous convention the Democrats are having. Our strong, dignified first lady, a previous President who knows the nominee best of all, a former Republican mayor putting country before party, our Vice President with his 'only in America' biography, our devoted, history-making President, and our capable, forward-looking nominee...What do the Republicans offer? Threats to imprison and shoot an opponent, blame, division and fear. Only the Democrats show that they even know America and are right to lead it.
587
@NM. What a lovely and true comment.! Thank you.
I offer two small amendments, though:
1)" a previous President who knows the nominee best of all.' I beg to differ. I bet her daughter knows the nominee best of all. Notice the strength of that daughter. She gets it from her mother.
2)".What do the Republicans offer? Threats to imprison and shoot an opponent, blame, division and fear." I would like to add "and the subordination of women by preventing them from controlling their own bodies and by denying them equal pay for equal work.'
I offer two small amendments, though:
1)" a previous President who knows the nominee best of all.' I beg to differ. I bet her daughter knows the nominee best of all. Notice the strength of that daughter. She gets it from her mother.
2)".What do the Republicans offer? Threats to imprison and shoot an opponent, blame, division and fear." I would like to add "and the subordination of women by preventing them from controlling their own bodies and by denying them equal pay for equal work.'
2
Hillary Democrats appear to care so little about our national deficit; not caring one whit that that's the history Obama made.
More bread and circuses for the people means more power and money for the elite. I'm carefully watching it and it makes me afraid.
16
Political Heir ?
For a second I believed it, until my eyes fell on the header on the article below:
Deep-Pocketed Clinton Donors Return to the Fore
As protesters bashed Wall Street, the Democratic Party’s moneyed elite gathered in Philadelphia, undeterred and mostly unabashed.
The heir is the moneyed elite that paid millions to the candidate.
For a second I believed it, until my eyes fell on the header on the article below:
Deep-Pocketed Clinton Donors Return to the Fore
As protesters bashed Wall Street, the Democratic Party’s moneyed elite gathered in Philadelphia, undeterred and mostly unabashed.
The heir is the moneyed elite that paid millions to the candidate.
21
Yeah. After all, it's not like the republicans have deep pockets or fortunes being spent to get their ways. We have no need of such mundane things as money to counter them. Ideals alone will triumph in politics, as they so often have before.
2
Change the system and change it now. Candidates in both parties will continue to use the current campaign finance system -- legally -- until it is changed.
Change it now.
Change it now.
I see in an LA Times poll Trump has a 47-40% lead over Hillary. While I try and dismiss these polls the fact that somewhere 47% of somebody finds this man's ideas attractive. If people aren't aware of the foolishness and fallacies of his arguments (read this as rants) then nothing short of drilling holes in the heads of the republican base and pouring the truth in will ever, ever change their minds.
9
Perhaps it isn't that they find Trump's ideas attractive at all. Perhaps it is, as with me, disgust with the Democrats. When Hillary put Michael Brown's mother on the stage to talk about police shootings, I withdrew my support from her. Other cases may be less clear but Michael Brown was a thug reaching into a police car to try and get the cop's gun. This is an example of out-of-control police?
2
My father was a policeman and I can tell you up front that racism is a problem on police departments because my father was both a policeman and a cop. I'm more appalled by the last 240 years of this country's history which had as an underlying theme that All lives matter except black lives. If you can't see that then you can't see anything.
I agree with a half a dozen Republican strategists who weighed in after Obama's speech last night.
Incredibly well done. Historic. One of the best of all time.
I'm going to miss this gentleman very much. He has carried himself with class, dignity and civility. His family has made us all proud. Really wonderful Americans.
What Trump offers is...actually I have no idea. But it isn't good.
Incredibly well done. Historic. One of the best of all time.
I'm going to miss this gentleman very much. He has carried himself with class, dignity and civility. His family has made us all proud. Really wonderful Americans.
What Trump offers is...actually I have no idea. But it isn't good.
17
President Obama is the embodiment of all the great humanists that came before him, & his speech last night left me with an ache in my heart, that next year we will not be warmed by his smile.
Hillary may never be able to walk in his shoes, but hopefully some of his stature may have rubbed off on her.
As I looked upon the Democrats at the convention, & it’s diversity it was the map of what America is. In comparison the Republican convention resembled a good old boys exclusive club.
Hillary must be elected & carry the Obama baton to the finishing line.
Hillary may never be able to walk in his shoes, but hopefully some of his stature may have rubbed off on her.
As I looked upon the Democrats at the convention, & it’s diversity it was the map of what America is. In comparison the Republican convention resembled a good old boys exclusive club.
Hillary must be elected & carry the Obama baton to the finishing line.
439
Do not forget the fact that he never walked in her shoes. BOTH of them have walked straight into the destructive forces of racism and the "Glass Ceiling". Do not believe that either one of them and countless other Americans have not paid a very big internal price to do so!
1
Yes fab speech.....it occured to me he will be nearby in DC if she is the Pres and may well be one of her unofficial advisors....hope so...hope she's elected
Looks to me that the Dems best strategy is to sell the American Dream, sell the Shining City on the Hill. For every attack say something like, "That is vetted and history. Hillary's record is well known. And her record is always striving for her vision of building a stronger America together." or some vague message all politicians use.
I can see that message working.
I can see that message working.
3
How about "Billary's record is well known. And her record is always striving for her vision of building an ever-increasing family fortune by asking 'what's in it for me?'
1
What a beautiful speech by our beloved President Obama. As always he eloquently exuded the optimism he brought to the nation eight years earlier and continues to hold till today despite the slings and arrows of obstructionism which have been slung his way since Day One.
Though not a great orator like President Obama and her husband, Hillary Clinton brings far more gravitas to the job of the presidency than Barack and Bill combined. This just goes to show us how much more a woman has to work to be considered "qualified" for the job.
I can't wait till November arrives so once again I can make history by voting for a woman, a woman far more qualified than any man running, as our 45th president.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
Though not a great orator like President Obama and her husband, Hillary Clinton brings far more gravitas to the job of the presidency than Barack and Bill combined. This just goes to show us how much more a woman has to work to be considered "qualified" for the job.
I can't wait till November arrives so once again I can make history by voting for a woman, a woman far more qualified than any man running, as our 45th president.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
9
Since the literal meaning of 'gravitas' is 'weight or heaviness', I agree with you if you're talking about her baggage.
1
Yes, HRC's faults are all because of prejudice against women. Let's not dwell on the fact that Elizabeth Warren would have likely won the general with none of the considerable baggage weighing down Ms. Clinton.
HRC's faults are thanks to character and ideology, not a life of fighting in a man's world.
HRC's faults are thanks to character and ideology, not a life of fighting in a man's world.
Dear Margaret:
The weight of all the bad baggage has been supplied by the Republicans. If you think otherwise you have a lot to learn about the blood sport of politics in today's America.
DD
Manhattan
The weight of all the bad baggage has been supplied by the Republicans. If you think otherwise you have a lot to learn about the blood sport of politics in today's America.
DD
Manhattan
Profound and moving speech. I will miss President Obama, but I know if Hillary wins he will be behind her 100 percent!
The convention has such a positive tone. Very uplifting after all the fear mongering we are hearing.
This is a fight for our DEMOCRACY. It's also a binary choice. Voting for a third party candidate is the same as not voting. And these candidates have not been subject to the same scrutiny that the major party candidates have.
Vote for Hillary. Give her a chance. She has the experience, knowledge, and intelligence to be President. If you are not happy there will be another election in four years, but the republic will survive. The alternative is unthinkable.
The convention has such a positive tone. Very uplifting after all the fear mongering we are hearing.
This is a fight for our DEMOCRACY. It's also a binary choice. Voting for a third party candidate is the same as not voting. And these candidates have not been subject to the same scrutiny that the major party candidates have.
Vote for Hillary. Give her a chance. She has the experience, knowledge, and intelligence to be President. If you are not happy there will be another election in four years, but the republic will survive. The alternative is unthinkable.
6
Just as Obama rode a huge wave of Wall Street money into the White House, I expect Hillary to do much the same. It's like Charlie Brown and Lucy holding the football. The public will fall for the same old promises only to see Wall Street rewarded in the end. When will the public learn? This isn't democracy. It's a dog and pony show, just like they have in third world countries. I'd rather put my faith in a benevolent dictator. I got no skin in the current "status quo".
9
Tell me, in what way is Trump "benevolent?"
1
As the most divisive president in U.S. history, Obama has no right -- nor any invitation -- to define American values.
11
Sven, son of Sven: You are aware that we actually once had a president go to war with half the country, right?
1
Sven -- are you an American citizen? Stop the dog-whistle, we all get it. Obama is "divisive" because he is black.
2
History will write that Obama was one of the greats. Yes he made mistakes - like all Presidents and all humans do. But if there are failures they are to be found, primarily, at the feet of those who would be guided solely in their decisions by their deep hatred for people whose skin color was different. Pray for America without the steady hand of Obama at the helm.
6
I'm sad that Obama's leaving. He was a good person, humble and worked diligently for the US without creating any drama in the Oval Office. His only fault is his foreign policy, where he let a terrorist group morph into an entire state.
But I can't vote for Hillary. She's crooked and a criminal - I have no doubt that Russia hacked the top-secret emails stored in her home-brew server. She supports NAFTA and the TPP. And she wants to admit tens of thousands more Syrian refugees when it's been proven in Europe that at least some of them will be terrorists. She also wants to give amnesty to the millions of illegals here. It's simple supply and demand, and the millions of illegals are an (over)supply, preventing lower-skill American workers from earning a livable wage.
But I can't vote for Hillary. She's crooked and a criminal - I have no doubt that Russia hacked the top-secret emails stored in her home-brew server. She supports NAFTA and the TPP. And she wants to admit tens of thousands more Syrian refugees when it's been proven in Europe that at least some of them will be terrorists. She also wants to give amnesty to the millions of illegals here. It's simple supply and demand, and the millions of illegals are an (over)supply, preventing lower-skill American workers from earning a livable wage.
7
There is something shocking emerging America.
Barack Obama and the intellectually superior, "we-are-smarter-than-you" liberal elite have perhaps cost themselves the November election. Last night's speakers and the adoring, fawning audience were enraptured. But what do we know about that mental state? That it is romanticized and not reality based.
This fan club "news" article has the same fatal flaw as last night's DNC--it romanticizes the Obama presidency and that era in some sort of misty eyed 80s music video way.
Of course Obama & Co attacked Trump, which as a Black lawyer in Washington DC who became a registered Republican after meeting Obama in 2004, I find hilarious because Obama, Biden and all of last night's speakers talked themselves into a paradox.
The entire book on the GOP are accusations of fear mongering and division. Yet the Obama presidency thrived on the divisions he created, and the doom and gloom warnings about Trump lacked specifics--something Dems accuse Trump of regularly.
In other words, the Democrats did to the letter, everything they vilify Trump for doing. What does that mean America? It means we are heading for a namecalling contest, not a general election. I said this 15 months ago, if the 2016 election is about namecalling and not a clear plan of what we need to do as a nation to fix things, Donald Trump is going to win.
Oddly the Democrats walked into their own trap.
Barack Obama and the intellectually superior, "we-are-smarter-than-you" liberal elite have perhaps cost themselves the November election. Last night's speakers and the adoring, fawning audience were enraptured. But what do we know about that mental state? That it is romanticized and not reality based.
This fan club "news" article has the same fatal flaw as last night's DNC--it romanticizes the Obama presidency and that era in some sort of misty eyed 80s music video way.
Of course Obama & Co attacked Trump, which as a Black lawyer in Washington DC who became a registered Republican after meeting Obama in 2004, I find hilarious because Obama, Biden and all of last night's speakers talked themselves into a paradox.
The entire book on the GOP are accusations of fear mongering and division. Yet the Obama presidency thrived on the divisions he created, and the doom and gloom warnings about Trump lacked specifics--something Dems accuse Trump of regularly.
In other words, the Democrats did to the letter, everything they vilify Trump for doing. What does that mean America? It means we are heading for a namecalling contest, not a general election. I said this 15 months ago, if the 2016 election is about namecalling and not a clear plan of what we need to do as a nation to fix things, Donald Trump is going to win.
Oddly the Democrats walked into their own trap.
18
I'm sorry, pal. But we've watched two terms under Boy George and his neo-Christian faux-sane pals, and now the huckster Trump; we've heard of wars against Christmas and the horrors of gay wedding cakes--and so very much more== and yes, we are smarter than that. We are saner than that. And if you are a black person voting for Trump, well, that speaks for itself, if only you could see it.
2
And YOU, you alone, saw this trap and could have saved the poor Democrats from their own inevitable demise if they had only called on YOU.
You are detached from reality, Sir. Which is why Trump makes you feel so comfortable. HE alone can solve your problems. HE alone will save us all from the worlds nasty pitfalls. The Dems can not navigate the global landmine. Oh no....
No one fell into a trap, Sir. It was a beautiful night laden with some amazing speeches and really helped changed the horrible and nasty dynamic that YOU and your friends have brought to the political table.
The Dems are showing us what civility, common decency and respect look like when 20,000 people get together. Even the protestors are allowed their voice. We are a party of ideas. A party of common goals. A thinking party filled with some idealists certainly but far more problem solvers.
You are detached from reality, Sir. Which is why Trump makes you feel so comfortable. HE alone can solve your problems. HE alone will save us all from the worlds nasty pitfalls. The Dems can not navigate the global landmine. Oh no....
No one fell into a trap, Sir. It was a beautiful night laden with some amazing speeches and really helped changed the horrible and nasty dynamic that YOU and your friends have brought to the political table.
The Dems are showing us what civility, common decency and respect look like when 20,000 people get together. Even the protestors are allowed their voice. We are a party of ideas. A party of common goals. A thinking party filled with some idealists certainly but far more problem solvers.
I was a Bernie supporter and follower long before he ran for the presidency. I also voted for President Obama twice and remember his 2004 DNC speech when I turned to my wife and predicted he would be president one day. President Obama's speech last night was one of the greatest speeches ever by one of the greatest presidents ever. And, BTW, I will vote for HRC.
15
What a wonderfully inspiring speech President Obama gave last night. And what a contrast it was to the feculent emesis Trump spewed in Cleveland. Where Trump offered dystopia, the President offered promise. Where Trump offered division and hate, the President offered unity and mutual respect. How could anyone not be shaken by the comparison? The whole thing makes me wish that we could make the 22'nd amendment disappear and reelect the President for a third term. He is clearly more qualified than either of the two major party candidates.
6
I love the President and Joe. They are America.
5
The headline capping this story is just wrong on many levels.
4
I still have an old VHS tape of Barack Obama in Boston, 2004.
We were in awe then.
Now, these 12 years later, we've gone on this journey with him. Not only are we in awe, we have learned and live one very important thing about Barack Obama: his steadfastness. We could every single day depend on this man to keep his cool, use his intelligence, and sort of parent this country. We never have had to worry about him leading us astray, into harm's way, but just the opposite - he has led us through some dark days, only to get us into light whenever we've had to be there. How we will miss him. And how we are thankful to all the people in his life who have taught him, nurtured him, supported him. He learned from them and we have learned from him.
Hillary Clinton has worked alongside of him. If his calm, and his pragmatism has worn off on her, and that leadership style will lead our nation, let it be, let it be.
We were in awe then.
Now, these 12 years later, we've gone on this journey with him. Not only are we in awe, we have learned and live one very important thing about Barack Obama: his steadfastness. We could every single day depend on this man to keep his cool, use his intelligence, and sort of parent this country. We never have had to worry about him leading us astray, into harm's way, but just the opposite - he has led us through some dark days, only to get us into light whenever we've had to be there. How we will miss him. And how we are thankful to all the people in his life who have taught him, nurtured him, supported him. He learned from them and we have learned from him.
Hillary Clinton has worked alongside of him. If his calm, and his pragmatism has worn off on her, and that leadership style will lead our nation, let it be, let it be.
8
How do you know which delegations were shouting and that it was Bernie-backing delegations who shouted that?!
How do you it was Clinton supporters who shouted the blind, chilling refrain "USA, USA"?!
How many times was he interrupted?
Note: Panetta was a chief architect and defender of the war efforts, so it's understandable he might get pushback. But for others to act like juvenile Republicans or nationalist Olympic boosters is dismaying. It makes it sound as if favoring war is being USA!
How much better "Let him speak; let him speak" would have been!
The real patriots are those who decry the militarism and war adventures of the U.S., whether it's been for bananas, oil, or lithium! And those who opposed the U.S.'s wars of choice and misguided assaults on the wrong countries, which weren't behind 9/11!
"Leon E. Panetta, the former defense secretary and C.I.A. chief, spoke early in the evening and was repeatedly interrupted with shouts of “No more war!” from several state delegations that favored the candidacy of Mr. Sanders during the presidential race.
As the heckling persisted, Mrs. Clinton’s supporters took up a counter-chant heard more often at the Republican convention to drown out the jeers: “U.S.A., U.S.A.!”"
How do you it was Clinton supporters who shouted the blind, chilling refrain "USA, USA"?!
How many times was he interrupted?
Note: Panetta was a chief architect and defender of the war efforts, so it's understandable he might get pushback. But for others to act like juvenile Republicans or nationalist Olympic boosters is dismaying. It makes it sound as if favoring war is being USA!
How much better "Let him speak; let him speak" would have been!
The real patriots are those who decry the militarism and war adventures of the U.S., whether it's been for bananas, oil, or lithium! And those who opposed the U.S.'s wars of choice and misguided assaults on the wrong countries, which weren't behind 9/11!
"Leon E. Panetta, the former defense secretary and C.I.A. chief, spoke early in the evening and was repeatedly interrupted with shouts of “No more war!” from several state delegations that favored the candidacy of Mr. Sanders during the presidential race.
As the heckling persisted, Mrs. Clinton’s supporters took up a counter-chant heard more often at the Republican convention to drown out the jeers: “U.S.A., U.S.A.!”"
5
Likewise it has been pointed out that our Stars and Stripes were not on staff at the DnC until the second day, poor planning?
Hillary went from placards which went from "I'm with Her" to "She is with Me" after Donald Trump's pro America speech.
Hillary went from placards which went from "I'm with Her" to "She is with Me" after Donald Trump's pro America speech.
Leon who?
How lucky we have been to have a president with such class, warmth, smarts and integrity these eight years. My favorite thing about the speech was the humility that he brings to his work: he seems himself as running a leg in a relay race for the American people. What great perspective.
Obama obviously believes Hillary will do a great job, and who would know better?
Obama obviously believes Hillary will do a great job, and who would know better?
6
Obama's speech, once again, reminded me how much I will miss this man with so much courage, intelligence, wisdom and grace.
12
Trump can speculate all he wants about President Obama's birth certificate, but it is Barack Obama who is the authentic American.
25
One of the greatest endorsement speeches in American history. Between Obama, Biden, Michelle Obama and the rest, anyone watching the DNC realizes the lies they've been fed about Hillary by the other side. Now it's up to the American people to show us if they have the spine to admit their gullibility and make amends.
13
Love him or hate him, you have to admit the man knows how to give a speech. It has always been his greatest political capability and he'll be unleashing his oratorical skills throughout this campaign not just to advocate for Hillary Clinton but to also try to take back the Senate (the House is probably still out of reach). I wish him well, for the sake of all of us.
4
Last night the bases were loaded with the superb speakers from the previous 2 nights and from last night. Then Obama stepped up to the plate and hit a grand slam!
Every speaker made an important contribution and for sure, the whole was even greater than the sum of the parts.
Of course, the very Americans who most needed to see and hear what was said at the Democratic convention probably did not watch or listen. Or they did what one commenter said: put their hands over their ears while singing la-la-la.
But I hope lots of the 39-42% of those who consider themselves Independents watched--what Bloomberg said to them was very effective, and it was very smart to give specific attention to independent voters.
I grew up in a very politicized family (dad was a principled conservative from Maine, and mom was an avid FDR Democrat). They agreed to disagree and had fun arguing politics with each other. Imagine that! Civilized discourse about politics. Politics was a hobby and of keen interest to the extended family as well.
I am no spring chicken and have watched many a political convention from childhood on. But to me this 2016 Democratic convention won the World Series of political conventions!
Every speaker made an important contribution and for sure, the whole was even greater than the sum of the parts.
Of course, the very Americans who most needed to see and hear what was said at the Democratic convention probably did not watch or listen. Or they did what one commenter said: put their hands over their ears while singing la-la-la.
But I hope lots of the 39-42% of those who consider themselves Independents watched--what Bloomberg said to them was very effective, and it was very smart to give specific attention to independent voters.
I grew up in a very politicized family (dad was a principled conservative from Maine, and mom was an avid FDR Democrat). They agreed to disagree and had fun arguing politics with each other. Imagine that! Civilized discourse about politics. Politics was a hobby and of keen interest to the extended family as well.
I am no spring chicken and have watched many a political convention from childhood on. But to me this 2016 Democratic convention won the World Series of political conventions!
6
In calling Secretary Clinton the most qualified nominee for president in history based on her experience, President Obama overlooked someone with similar experience.
He had been both a Senator and Secretary of State and also had served in the House of Representatives and had been ambassador. He also was a veteran.
His name was James Buchanan and he is generally rated as one of our worst presidents for his failure to do anything as the country slipped into civil war.
His successor was man whose total federal government experience consisted of one term in the House 12 years before. His name was Abraham Lincoln and he saved the nation.
I guess experience only goes so far. It depends upon the person who has the experience.
He had been both a Senator and Secretary of State and also had served in the House of Representatives and had been ambassador. He also was a veteran.
His name was James Buchanan and he is generally rated as one of our worst presidents for his failure to do anything as the country slipped into civil war.
His successor was man whose total federal government experience consisted of one term in the House 12 years before. His name was Abraham Lincoln and he saved the nation.
I guess experience only goes so far. It depends upon the person who has the experience.
2
If Hilary Clinton wins the election, the US will knowlingly have elected the first woman to the highest office in the land. If Donald Trump wins, the US will knowingly have elected a man with a highly questionable personality makeup to the highest office in the land. As Psycologist Dan P. McAdams writes in The Atlantic (http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2016/06/the-mind-of-donald-t...
"In sum, Donald Trump’s basic personality traits suggest a presidency that could be highly combustible. One possible yield is an energetic, activist president who has a less than cordial relationship with the truth. He could be a daring and ruthlessly aggressive decision maker who desperately desires to create the strongest, tallest, shiniest, and most awesome result—and who never thinks twice about the collateral damage he will leave behind. Tough. Bellicose. Threatening. Explosive."
Is that what US voters really want to see in a president? I would think not. A high roller as a national and international decision maker whose only focus is on himself with a total disregard for the consequences of his decisions is the last thing a country could want as head of state and commander in chief.
"In sum, Donald Trump’s basic personality traits suggest a presidency that could be highly combustible. One possible yield is an energetic, activist president who has a less than cordial relationship with the truth. He could be a daring and ruthlessly aggressive decision maker who desperately desires to create the strongest, tallest, shiniest, and most awesome result—and who never thinks twice about the collateral damage he will leave behind. Tough. Bellicose. Threatening. Explosive."
Is that what US voters really want to see in a president? I would think not. A high roller as a national and international decision maker whose only focus is on himself with a total disregard for the consequences of his decisions is the last thing a country could want as head of state and commander in chief.
3
President Obama gave a magnificent speech that will be remembered well by history.
The strength of America comes from its people, not a tin cup dictator.
The Founders of our nation gave each American a Constitution that empowers the individual with Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
We have inalienable Rights detailed in the Bill of Rights.
The American people do not need a strong man with a loud mouth and a history of broken promises and wrecked dreams to give the American people power or to make America great again.
Donald "I and I alone" Trump is a con man and a huckster who has duped so much out of so many that he decided to bring his fraud global.
He openly courts an unfriendly foreign dictator to break American law to help him win an election with the promise of ending the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
Remember, he is the guy who said he could shoot someone on 5th Avenue and his supporters wouldn't care.
In contrast, Hillary Clinton has worked to advance children's health, she worked on health care reform, she helped rebuild New York after 9/11, she assumed a pivotal role in geopolitics and diplomacy, and she has taken the insults of her lessers to lead the country she loves.
She has never received a salary from working at the Clinton Institute, which has 2% overhead, receives an A rating from Charity Watch, and has helped millions.
Hillary Clinton is the constructive change maker for this great nation, while Trump is an agent of chaos.
The strength of America comes from its people, not a tin cup dictator.
The Founders of our nation gave each American a Constitution that empowers the individual with Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
We have inalienable Rights detailed in the Bill of Rights.
The American people do not need a strong man with a loud mouth and a history of broken promises and wrecked dreams to give the American people power or to make America great again.
Donald "I and I alone" Trump is a con man and a huckster who has duped so much out of so many that he decided to bring his fraud global.
He openly courts an unfriendly foreign dictator to break American law to help him win an election with the promise of ending the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
Remember, he is the guy who said he could shoot someone on 5th Avenue and his supporters wouldn't care.
In contrast, Hillary Clinton has worked to advance children's health, she worked on health care reform, she helped rebuild New York after 9/11, she assumed a pivotal role in geopolitics and diplomacy, and she has taken the insults of her lessers to lead the country she loves.
She has never received a salary from working at the Clinton Institute, which has 2% overhead, receives an A rating from Charity Watch, and has helped millions.
Hillary Clinton is the constructive change maker for this great nation, while Trump is an agent of chaos.
10
Mr. Obama's Democratic Party is falling apart at the seams as was evidenced by all the booing during the speeches last night. Many are not happy with Hillary Clinton and do not trust this dishonest woman. There is even doubt if all will support her at the polls.
Contrary to what the liberal progressives are saying, Donald Trump is making gains in the polls and winning support from those who are upset at the way the country has gone in a downward spiral. His popularity is due to the failed policies of Mr. Obama and do not want more of the same from Hillary Clinton. We are less safe now due to ISIS and the attacks on our police force. He invited Black lives matter to the White House which caused even greater divide among the races. He was supposed to bring about hope and change which never happened. The only change that occurred was a negative one and Mr. Donald Trump will have to clean up the mess. He wants to make our nation great again and right now he seems to be only one up to this very important task.
I was not impressed with the Democratic convention which had nothing but a very liberal agenda. The Republicans are looking out for all Americans not just a select few.
Contrary to what the liberal progressives are saying, Donald Trump is making gains in the polls and winning support from those who are upset at the way the country has gone in a downward spiral. His popularity is due to the failed policies of Mr. Obama and do not want more of the same from Hillary Clinton. We are less safe now due to ISIS and the attacks on our police force. He invited Black lives matter to the White House which caused even greater divide among the races. He was supposed to bring about hope and change which never happened. The only change that occurred was a negative one and Mr. Donald Trump will have to clean up the mess. He wants to make our nation great again and right now he seems to be only one up to this very important task.
I was not impressed with the Democratic convention which had nothing but a very liberal agenda. The Republicans are looking out for all Americans not just a select few.
5
Well, they were sure looking out for us when they tried to get rid of the ACA which provided insurance for millions of Americans. They were definitely looking out for us when they tabled the Jobs Bill which included infrastructure maintenance, repair; new grids and jobs. They were looking out for students when they de-funded Pell Grants for needy students. They were looking out for poor children when they took funding away from school lunch programs in inner city neighborhoods. They were looking out for voters in rural areas when they put polling places in a few places miles apart; of course, who needs those old people out there who can't drive. And Florida? Hard to believe working people with manual labor jobs could stand in line waiting for polls to open at 9:00 a.m., or get off work early enough to stand in line before the polls closed at 5:00 p.m. I think there is a saying: With friends like this, who needs enemies?
1
The Republican party is the epitome of "looking out for a select few."
They worship the flag and say over and over again how much they love America but hate the government of America and have no use for about half the population of America.
They worship the flag and say over and over again how much they love America but hate the government of America and have no use for about half the population of America.
2
Watching Obama speak it was apparent that Obama and his democratic supporters believe their own lies much like a cult.
In an environment where the truth and honesty doesn't matter Hillary is the perfect democratic candidate for president.
In an environment where the truth and honesty doesn't matter Hillary is the perfect democratic candidate for president.
10
What lies? Specifics please?
I am so proud to be a Democrat and an American after listening to the leaders of our country last night. Yes, I support the direction that President Obama and VP Joe Biden has taken our country, and I am totally comfortable with the with the proven leadership and dedication of Hillary Clinton as our next commander in chief!
4
The comments prove that the haters will still hate regardless of the truth. The convention was about the women of this country - the ones that work to make it a better place. The haters just parrot the media "experts" trying to increase viewership. Even PBS has stopped to populist tactics. Everyone is too busy tweeting to listen. The Democratic convention is well orchestrated with speakers from across America - Bernie brought about change and will finish his tenure as an Independent. Would he have been as successful as an outsider? But one thing is clear - the women of this country will vote Democratic - they are not fooled by the Republican candidate who represents the party's divisive policies of the past eight years. None of its members have the courage to speak out against their delusional candidate. What next? Allowing Russia access to American security protocols? As the President reminded us - it's we the people not I Trump. The media from FOX to PBS promote Trump. Would they do so if the Democrats had a male candidate?
7
Hillary could have been a teacher... Oh, wait a minute...never mind. "Class, today we will learn how to tell fibs, so take that flag down and let's get started."
I fundamentally do not understand the Sanders supporters. Why engage in heckling the President of the United States on a trade deal that is essentially dead? Thanks to Republicans and the work of Bernie Sanders, the TPP has no chance of passing through Congress, so why the heckling? Why the fury? Why not engage in the democratic process and make sure it does not pass? Why not work on electing Congresspeople who agree with your agenda? The agitation simply appears to be narcissistic grand standing.
5
Loved all those taped up mouths. What a bunch of drama queens. Good for the person who finally shut the lights off in that upper section. These people are in the dark emotionally, so it was a perfect response.
You democrats don't recognize hate anymore. You think it is people with morals which exhibit that level of dislike. When you lose this election then you will understand, maybe.
I wish I could be excited about the prospect of a Hillary presidency, but given the background I don't see why I should be.
Her husband as president pretty much completely turned his back on the blue collar working class of this country. Between NAFTA, his crime bill, welfare reform, and bank deregulation, he did incredible damage to our country and set the stage for what followed.
Obama, for all his superficial differences, was cut from the same cloth as Clinton. He paid virtually no attention to America's working class, which was decimated by globalism. He is still trying to ram TPP down our throats, and just imagine how much worse off we would be if he'd ever managed to arrive at his "Grand Bargain" with the Republicans.
Both Bill Clinton and Barack Obama were turncoats to the old Democratic Party that created our middle class after the Second World War. Why should Hillary be any different?
Her husband as president pretty much completely turned his back on the blue collar working class of this country. Between NAFTA, his crime bill, welfare reform, and bank deregulation, he did incredible damage to our country and set the stage for what followed.
Obama, for all his superficial differences, was cut from the same cloth as Clinton. He paid virtually no attention to America's working class, which was decimated by globalism. He is still trying to ram TPP down our throats, and just imagine how much worse off we would be if he'd ever managed to arrive at his "Grand Bargain" with the Republicans.
Both Bill Clinton and Barack Obama were turncoats to the old Democratic Party that created our middle class after the Second World War. Why should Hillary be any different?
8
Talk to "W" and Cheney about those working people jobs. They shipped factories overseas. If the current Congress funds infrastructure, there will be working people jobs. Write your Congressman; don't blame Obama for a Jobs Bill Congress tabled.
1
Hi, Chris -
Obama tried repeatedly to make a Grand Bargain with Republicans that among other things would have cut Social Security benefits.
Don't you use Republican idiocy as camouflage for a president who was a Democrat in Name Only. Even a casual look at Obama's governance shows hime to be what used to be called a moderate Republican. That's not my opinion - that's his record.
How did he use the presidential bully pulpit? What did he fight for before he became a lame duck? How is the working class doing after eight years of his administration? What did he get through when he had a Democratic majority in Congress for two years?
I stand by my original post.
Obama tried repeatedly to make a Grand Bargain with Republicans that among other things would have cut Social Security benefits.
Don't you use Republican idiocy as camouflage for a president who was a Democrat in Name Only. Even a casual look at Obama's governance shows hime to be what used to be called a moderate Republican. That's not my opinion - that's his record.
How did he use the presidential bully pulpit? What did he fight for before he became a lame duck? How is the working class doing after eight years of his administration? What did he get through when he had a Democratic majority in Congress for two years?
I stand by my original post.
What a beautiful passing of the torch last night. President Obama embodies what selfless, dedicated leadership is - taking heat and fighting obstacles to do what's right for the citizens who voted him in. And endorsing and embracing Hillary Clinton, who has taken and will take considerable heat and fight political obstructionism to make our lives better. History will be made again this November and the legacy will live on.
6
President Obama and his family have been a blessing to our country. We will miss you deeply.
3
I don't know which was worse: Bill Clinton's fantasy version of his wife's career or Barack Obama's hallucinogenic exhortation to vote for Hillary so she can continue his work. I don't think the Middle East, the economy or America's social construct can stand another four years of that kind of progress.
7
Obama creates absolute doom and gloom and blames the truth on the guy running against Hillary. Thats about right.
4
Doom and gloom????!! What in the world were you watching last night?????????!!
2
Obama wants Clinton to continue his legacy of trying to end freedom, democracy and capitalism in the United States.
Crooked Hillary is perfectly qualified to finish the Job.
Crooked Hillary is perfectly qualified to finish the Job.
4
What a legacy Mr Peace Nobel Prize-winner!
I agree.
Barack Obama will go down in history as the only Nobel Peace Prize winner who was authorizing the slaughter of women and children in drone strikes just days before accepting the prize in Oslo.
Bombing hospitals.
Leading 250,000 Syrians to slaughter by refusing to intervene in Syria as he promised. Sitting idly by as 4,000 Black youth were slaughtered on the streets of his "hometown" Chicago.
Yeah, what a guy.
Barack Obama will go down in history as the only Nobel Peace Prize winner who was authorizing the slaughter of women and children in drone strikes just days before accepting the prize in Oslo.
Bombing hospitals.
Leading 250,000 Syrians to slaughter by refusing to intervene in Syria as he promised. Sitting idly by as 4,000 Black youth were slaughtered on the streets of his "hometown" Chicago.
Yeah, what a guy.
2
Yeah, dc barrister, he forgot his magic wand when he entered office. Should've been able to wipe out violence everywhere, even as congress refuses the simplest common sense gun laws. Internationally, where he intervenes he's condemned as war mongering, where he doesn't he's responsible for deaths by his inaction. Weird double standard.
With the rise of Johnson and the spoiled brats voting for Stein, people need to understand that if no candidate receives the required majority of the electoral vote, the HOUSE OF TEA PARTY gets to choose the President. These are the rules as stated in the 12th Amendment! Stein voters, don't you dare tell me you have a "clear conscience"!
5
Well you certainly convinced me after calling me a spoiled brat. The Clinton campaign needs you on the payroll doing outreach ASAP.
Thanks for the free civics lesson btw.
Thanks for the free civics lesson btw.
Hillary has made mistakes. But she is smart, knowledgeable, and I do think she cares about America. And I think she will bring a woman's sensibility to the office, which I think is much needed. Women do get things done, and tend to put people before profits (unlike DT) ,3
6
Obama is wrong. Trump is certainly an American value: hucksterism; snake oil salesman, the big con ; money matters; bad faith.
How else explain Nixon, Reagan, and the Bush crime family, or the GOP roster of wannabees from Palin, Romney, McCain, and Ryan?
How else explain Nixon, Reagan, and the Bush crime family, or the GOP roster of wannabees from Palin, Romney, McCain, and Ryan?
4
Absolutely correct that Trump is a very American take on the populist right wing demagogue concept. Mainstream politicians like Obama aren't allowed to speak ill of the country however. He even took flak for choosing not to wear a stupid American flag pin for chrissakes.
And you can add the Clintons to your list btw. Heck, no one has a better huckster delivery than WJC.
And you can add the Clintons to your list btw. Heck, no one has a better huckster delivery than WJC.
They've done a terrific job making a well rounded portrait, as compared to the unceasing gloom and doom from RNC. Kaine seems to be lacking somewhat in smooth television mojo, but he was quite hard hitting and entertaining with his Donald impression. Obama deftly weaved between utopian visions, and hard realism. I also liked the reminders from Mr. Clinton of his wife's early advocacy.
I'm getting a little more comfortable with the morally ambiguous nominee.
I'm getting a little more comfortable with the morally ambiguous nominee.
3
Obama was always a good "talker."
Which is appropriate given that positive oratorical spin is about the only thing Democrats can produce.
But beyond all that disingenuous make-believe looms a corrupt and dangerous political organization committed to endless war and chaos abroad; inequality, injustice and curtailment of personal liberties at home.
Which is appropriate given that positive oratorical spin is about the only thing Democrats can produce.
But beyond all that disingenuous make-believe looms a corrupt and dangerous political organization committed to endless war and chaos abroad; inequality, injustice and curtailment of personal liberties at home.
3
Very accurate headline. However, most voters in this country realize America doesn't have an heirship to the throne.
While running as the ultimate insider in her own party, the presumptive heir lost something like 8 of the last 10 state primaries to a socialist from Vermont. Just think about that for a minute.
It's going to be an interesting race this fall.
While running as the ultimate insider in her own party, the presumptive heir lost something like 8 of the last 10 state primaries to a socialist from Vermont. Just think about that for a minute.
It's going to be an interesting race this fall.
3
If you ever had any doubt about what the nation is losing in this time of social and economic unrest, Barack Obama brilliantly reminded us of that in his powerful endorsement of "American values" last night. Like the President, this disappointed Bernie backer joins him in saying, "I'm with her." But, I'm also concerned that in seeking "Mr. Obama's third term," Sec. Clinton has to show the courage to break with her friend, mentor and now supporter to join the forces that have created a national anti-establishment tide in opposing the TPP trade agreement that both Bernie Sanders, his passionate supporters, and most frighteningly Donald Trump all oppose. This is THE major economic issue of the campaigns to date and the fate of crucial battleground states like Pennsylvania and Ohio and the election itself may very well hinge on this issue. Yes, I join President Obama in saying, "I'm with her" and I hope she will join us, as difficult as it may be, in embracing new pro-American worker, fair trade policy.
3
I regret that I haven't been more publicly supportive of President Obama. He has been an exceptional cultural and political leader, on a global scale. He's an exceptional statesman.
5
Question: is there any mechanism for calling for psychological testing for presidential candidates? Those ruled by a lust for personal power and moment by moment attention on as grand scale as they can muster, are usually considered to be psychologically unbalanced. In this risk-averse era, do we have no protection from the 'home grown demagogue'? The Germans did not in 1936 and look at the crop which was reaped from letting his 'appeal to the people' run free. Hillary should win, but I think Trump should be stopped for the sake of all.
2
Scandal is the only thing the NYTs is interested in when it comes to the campaign for the President of the USA. Obama has no business and is not vindicated by his paltry speech on Hillary's qualifications. Why? Because he has done more to destroy America than we know. He has brokered a horrible deal with Iran. He has bolstered racial tensions. He has borrowed more money that any other president. He continually shows cowardice and passivity. He has single & highhandedly worsened health care in the US. So why would any, other then the legions of liberal leftists who were already going to vote for the Hillary, be convinced by this silly speech of accommodations?
2
He brokered the best deal possible with Iran under the conditions. He has demonstrated calm and compassion under all of our nations trauma. CONGRESS borrowed money (as they always do under all administrations) to get the economy stimulated and out of the recession. It worked. Deficit has been lowering ever since. We are the strongest economy in the world. Millions have health care that they never could get before, though I regret a Public Option never made it through. It will under Hillary. Gas is dirt cheap; we are on our way towards sustainable energy; employment participation is up; wages are slowly rising; there are Help Wanted signs all over the place and not enough people to fill the best jobs.
Call people like me who recognize these points any epithet you want. You can't argue that things are worse than they were at the end of president Bush's term. They are FAR better. And you want to vote in someone to tear all this up?
Call people like me who recognize these points any epithet you want. You can't argue that things are worse than they were at the end of president Bush's term. They are FAR better. And you want to vote in someone to tear all this up?
3
Shades of 1968, when the democrats repressed those seeking reforms, painted themselves as responsive to the needs of the people, and promised a continuation of the status quo.
Cheer all you want for Obama, democrats, but he is an utter failure. You cannot blame the republicans for his failure to prosecute the criminals on Wall Street who brought on the 2008 financial meltdown, nor for his great expansion of the wars, assassinations, escalation of tensions internationally, and a deeply flawed health system. Yet the enduring image from last night is Obama and Clinton embracing. Obama is one of the least popular presidents in US history, and you hitch your wagon to his star? Certainly you deserve to lose in November.
Cheer all you want for Obama, democrats, but he is an utter failure. You cannot blame the republicans for his failure to prosecute the criminals on Wall Street who brought on the 2008 financial meltdown, nor for his great expansion of the wars, assassinations, escalation of tensions internationally, and a deeply flawed health system. Yet the enduring image from last night is Obama and Clinton embracing. Obama is one of the least popular presidents in US history, and you hitch your wagon to his star? Certainly you deserve to lose in November.
5
Some of what you say here is true but then you close with the claim that Obama is one of the least popular presidents in history? He's leaving office with Reagan and WJC level approval ratings. Like it or not, Obama will almost certainly be remembered fondly by the American people. And the comparison with his successor will almost surely boost rather than hurt his legacy.
This was an odd, asymmetrical, and biased characterization!
"As she prepares to give her nomination acceptance speech on Thursday night, the left wing of the party still remains divided, while many Republicans appear ready to fall in line behind Mr. Trump."
It makes it sound as if the Democrats were fracturing and the Republicans uniting.
The reality is the opposite!
"As she prepares to give her nomination acceptance speech on Thursday night, the left wing of the party still remains divided, while many Republicans appear ready to fall in line behind Mr. Trump."
It makes it sound as if the Democrats were fracturing and the Republicans uniting.
The reality is the opposite!
6
Thank You President Obama - you will be one impossible act to follow... What a great human being he is. And what a great family.
And can you imagine just how clean he must really be? The disgraceful witch hunting Republicans and their propaganda machine had to make crazy stuff up for seven years because there was no real dirt on this guy - not a speck.
Something tells me he will continue to make a difference for his country and planet for as long as he lives... And who knows? We may see this wonderful family back in the White House someday.
We can hope.
And can you imagine just how clean he must really be? The disgraceful witch hunting Republicans and their propaganda machine had to make crazy stuff up for seven years because there was no real dirt on this guy - not a speck.
Something tells me he will continue to make a difference for his country and planet for as long as he lives... And who knows? We may see this wonderful family back in the White House someday.
We can hope.
11
I think President Obama will come to be viewed as one of the best presidents in our history. Not based on accomplishments, but character. Hopefully history will reflect how much more he could have done for us if he had not come up against such a divisive Republican Congress. I'm going to miss him.
6
If Trump had continued in the Democratic Party and was nominated this week by them the President and Democrats would be supporting him. I am reminded of Truman's failed effort to get Ike to take the Democratic nomination in 1952. Ike preferred to win on his own, beat Taft for the GOP nomination but Democrats, as always, voted for Democratic for Adlai, a fine orator with a failed record as governor (look it up). This year, finally, Democrats aligned with Bernie will not fall in line.
2
That is quite a leap. This Donald Trump could never be elected as Democratic dog catcher, must less a presidential candidate.
1
Christopher: Don't be so sure.
"This Donald Trump could never be elected as Democratic dog catcher, must less a presidential candidate."
Unfortunately, that's what the GOP thought 12 months ago too
Unfortunately, that's what the GOP thought 12 months ago too
That "Obama hails Clinton as his political heir" not because he does it to satisfy his own ego, but for the sake of the common good. The choice between her and Trump can't leave any sensible American indifferent.
That "the left wing of the party still remains divided, while many Republicans appear ready to fall in line behind Mr. Trump," is counter-productive. If they want to carry on fighting for their cause, they can't let Trump win. They just have to remember what a mess GW Bush left behind when he left in January 2009. I have faith in Hillary that she would behave herself.
That "the left wing of the party still remains divided, while many Republicans appear ready to fall in line behind Mr. Trump," is counter-productive. If they want to carry on fighting for their cause, they can't let Trump win. They just have to remember what a mess GW Bush left behind when he left in January 2009. I have faith in Hillary that she would behave herself.
6
Well, it's to cement his legacy too, which has been widely reported.
1
I stayed up late to watch President Obama's speech and he did not disappoint. It brought tears to my eyes. His intelligence, his compassion and his empathy was on full display. His "glass half full" attitude as opposed to the doom and gloom and scaremongering on the right. If only he could run for a third term. I believe he will go down in history as one of the greatest presidents this nation has ever had. I will miss him.
7
Yesterday, President Obama reminded us how very good and promising America is. Trump can warn "this country is going to hell" all he wants, but that would only be true if he wins. Our President reminded us this is a nation in which barriers are broken, change comes slowly but surely, diversity is embraced, and we don't leave each other behind. Barack Obama is an ideal representative of the United States' promise, and Hillary Clinton is his ideal successor.
5
The most poignant part of President Obama’s speech was when he referred to a picture he keeps which was painted by a child killed in Newtown, given by the grieving parents, so that this young life would not be forgotten. We must never forget, either, all the promise lost to gun violence. And do not let their deaths have been in vain. We must join President Obama in his quest to fight the killings and vote at every level for leaders who will work against the carnage. As President, Hillary Clinton will be right there, too.
8
I am going to miss President Obama's amazing oratory skills. It's been nice having someone so evidently thoughtful in the White House (despite his missteps, of which there have been quite a few). But the part about democracy not being a spectator sport? That's irrelevant. If this election has illuminated anything, it's that we are not the "democracy" we think we are. in Jan/Feb, the RNC was openly discussing ways to get to a brokered convention so that Rubio could be the nominee, in spite of his lack of votes. This past weekend, the leaked emails from the DNC show outright favoritism toward Clinton and even sabotage. People who are rightfully outraged at both sides seem to have no seat at the table, with the status quo telling us, more or less, to get in line because the other side is so "scary." An Obama speech, however masterful, can't change this appalling state of affairs.
3
The California ballot has a very illuminating categorization of political offices. Some, like US Senator, are labeled "voter nominated," but President is labeled "party nominated."
It's just not correct or helpful to think of presidential primaries in terms of pure democracy. They are instead the (yes, very flawed) mechanisms that *parties* use to nominate candidates.
Over the course of a long career, Bernie Sanders never deigned to join the Democratic Party, until he decided he needed its organization (built through years of hard work of party members) to run his presidential campaign, and then he and his followers proceeded to complain about rules that had been in place for decades--including some, like superdelegates, that had originally been championed by his own advisers. (And the elections where he did best--caucuses--are arguably the most idiosyncratic and "rigged" contests of all.)
I keep hearing charges of "sabotage" regarding the DNC emails, but all I see there is exasperation at a candidate who thought he could win a nomination without sufficient organization or knowledge of the rules of the game, and who chose to hack data, file lawsuits, and generally kvetch instead.
In California, voter registration couldn't be simpler or clearer, and Bernie's name was at the very top of my ballot. Bernie lost here, and nationwide, because he couldn't energize enough supporters to register on time, and to vote. If he had, he may have won.
It's really as simple as that.
It's just not correct or helpful to think of presidential primaries in terms of pure democracy. They are instead the (yes, very flawed) mechanisms that *parties* use to nominate candidates.
Over the course of a long career, Bernie Sanders never deigned to join the Democratic Party, until he decided he needed its organization (built through years of hard work of party members) to run his presidential campaign, and then he and his followers proceeded to complain about rules that had been in place for decades--including some, like superdelegates, that had originally been championed by his own advisers. (And the elections where he did best--caucuses--are arguably the most idiosyncratic and "rigged" contests of all.)
I keep hearing charges of "sabotage" regarding the DNC emails, but all I see there is exasperation at a candidate who thought he could win a nomination without sufficient organization or knowledge of the rules of the game, and who chose to hack data, file lawsuits, and generally kvetch instead.
In California, voter registration couldn't be simpler or clearer, and Bernie's name was at the very top of my ballot. Bernie lost here, and nationwide, because he couldn't energize enough supporters to register on time, and to vote. If he had, he may have won.
It's really as simple as that.
2
That was a most eloquent rebuttal to the arguments of the "Bernie-got-screwed" faction.
I agree that is an eloquent response to the "Bernie got screwed" faction. But I am not of that faction. My point was that the DNC's behavior is reprehensible--as reprehensible as the RNC's--and has resulted in an utter loss of faith in our political system.
What an amazing difference between the two conventions. The Trump show was merely a succession of insults and mindless attacks. Obama topped off a display of eloquence and passion by Biden, Bloomberg, and Kaine with a rousing endorsement of Hillary to continue the work he has done, with just enough reminding that her opponent falls short on facts and a plan.
4
And yet Trump and Clinton are in a virtual tie...mainly because Clinton is such a weak candidate who lacks the charisma of Obama, Sanders, Kaine or Warren or even Biden.
We've all heard of the "Death and Resurrection" show, but Cleveland was just a "Death" show.
I voted for Sen. Sanders in our primary back in March, and also donated time and money to his campaign. Much to my chagrin, he lost. I will now be throwing full support behind Mrs. Clinton, and here is why:
Now is the not the time to take the ball and go home and have the White House to Donald Trump. We simply cannot afford a Trump presidency--it will be far too damaging, especially to minorities and women. If you think the system is broken, corrupted, in need of repair now, just wait until that orange menace gets his grubby hands on the political institutions we take for granted. You ain't seen nothing yet.
None--not a single one--of Sen. Sanders' policy proposals like universal healthcare or tuition-free public college are going to even be considered under a Trump administration. If these are issues you care so passionately about, why would you risk electing someone who is the antithesis of every value and position Sanders stands for?
Our next president will either be Mrs. Clinton or Mr. Trump. That is the nature of first-past-the-post and the two-party system it creates. Playing spoiler and voting Green, Libertarian, or simply staying home isn't going to teach anyone a lesson, but it might actively contribute to the election of a demagogue and the marginalization of hordes of your fellow countrymen.
For the sake of us all, Bernie holdouts, please come to your senses and help us keep Trump out of office.
Now is the not the time to take the ball and go home and have the White House to Donald Trump. We simply cannot afford a Trump presidency--it will be far too damaging, especially to minorities and women. If you think the system is broken, corrupted, in need of repair now, just wait until that orange menace gets his grubby hands on the political institutions we take for granted. You ain't seen nothing yet.
None--not a single one--of Sen. Sanders' policy proposals like universal healthcare or tuition-free public college are going to even be considered under a Trump administration. If these are issues you care so passionately about, why would you risk electing someone who is the antithesis of every value and position Sanders stands for?
Our next president will either be Mrs. Clinton or Mr. Trump. That is the nature of first-past-the-post and the two-party system it creates. Playing spoiler and voting Green, Libertarian, or simply staying home isn't going to teach anyone a lesson, but it might actively contribute to the election of a demagogue and the marginalization of hordes of your fellow countrymen.
For the sake of us all, Bernie holdouts, please come to your senses and help us keep Trump out of office.
1206
The Bernie or bust people want to be coddled and caressed and adored for their beliefs - they want to be praised and adored and begged, yes begged for their vote. So I guess Hillary should make more of an effort to woo them, because they will continue to act like 4 year olds if she doesn't. They want to be acknowledged as needed for the win. They think they are being marginalized and they will let Trump win just to prove it.
4
Well said sir. I'd like to add, as I am also one that believes we should break the "two party system", for those of us who feels this way, the time and the way to do this is day in, day out struggle up through local and state politics (as with most things we want to change). Not DURING a presidential election. I know its more exciting, and it creates all sorts of drama we all love and eat up. I'm here to remind you all that these conversations are had during EVERY presidential election, but then we go away and don't talk about it again until the next one.
We have a large and diverse country, and changing its direction is much like turning an aircraft carrier, its not going to turn on a dime. We have to work hard all the time to affect change, but we also have the responsibility to think of other Americans and their needs, that's what sets us apart as progressives.
We have a large and diverse country, and changing its direction is much like turning an aircraft carrier, its not going to turn on a dime. We have to work hard all the time to affect change, but we also have the responsibility to think of other Americans and their needs, that's what sets us apart as progressives.
1
in the same boat as you, David.
1
I love Obama as a person, parent, and public servant, but simply will not and cannot vote for Hillary, who sadly is not the person he and so many others who've spoken at the DNC are portraying. Instead I will cast my vote either for the Green or Libertarian candidate (which I could vote for both), because I feel this is my best way of advancing his legacy and, even more importantly, the legacy of creating a truly engaged and participatory society.
7
Are you saying Obama is lying about her. He knows her far better than you and he couldn't disagree more. As Sarah said
"your ridiculous."
"your ridiculous."
1
After watching the Republican convention last week, and then speech after speech from the Democrats over the last few days, I am reminded of a scene from the movie "American Hustle". The novice con man asks the experienced con man how in the world can people believe this stuff. The experienced con man tells him that people believe what they want to believe. My elderly mother recently got a phone call from a man posing as my son saying he was in jail and needed bail money. She proceeded to drive to a local drug store where she purchased $2,000.00 worth of ITunes gift cards, called the number the man had given her, and as instructed, read off the card numbers to an accomplice. I was critical of her until I went to the FTC fraud website where I read scores of postings from people who had done the same thing. We humans are so easily swayed by either dire warnings or soaring rhetoric. Come November, please go to the polls and pick your poison.
5