This is not a debate. It will not resemble a debate. This will be another sideshow in our declining democracy.
33
Maisha Z Johnson captured the mood of this election in her rant of overwhelm earlier this month. As we approach the day to vote, on some level, I wish Clinton were able to cleanly decline to debate with someone who does not debate by the rules. On another level, I wish simply that all viewers were able to see through the cruel lies in Trump's blather and brag. At still another level, I do trust God, I do trust God, to choreograph history but confess I am presently at sea -- prone to begging for mercy on us and trying hard to be grateful for every role being played. I know we each need to be the peace we want in this world, eh?
6
The silliest woman can manage a clever man; but it needs a very clever woman to manage a fool. [R. Kipling]
78
Great piece David.
I dearly hope Hillary shines like the Hope diamond from start to finish.
I dearly hope Hillary shines like the Hope diamond from start to finish.
42
After Hillary extirpates Trump tomorrow night, his team will need to call 911 to revive him. She will expose him for what he is - a mountebank. Trump will try and bean her with a couple of fastballs. But she will hit it out of the park. Trump will strike out.
18
Since the day Bill Clinton announced he was going to run for President in the early nineties, the good old boy's and their crowd decided to go after Hillary also. They feared her intelligence and ambitions to help the country, mainly woman and children and the poor. Fast forward thirty plus years. She still drives them mad. She made them look like the sore sports they are during the Benghazi hearings that went on for 11 hours. Fox news who started the whole thing changed their programming because she so great up against the Republican thugery they couldn't bear it any more. Ahhh Karma. As for Trump supporters, be very careful what you wish for.
40
Clinton needs to be dismissive of Trump, but not of the people who support him. She needs to acknowledge and address their needs for safety, security, economic well-being and dignity, humbly reaffirming the kind of person she has striven to become all her life and the world she has been trying to create. All this can come across as genuine, because it is, and the contrasts with Trump can naturally fall into this framework.
38
Mr. Axelrod:
as we move closer to Monday night's first-debate-round at Hofstra University,
it is becoming clearer that HRC's fundamental issue is the incredible
amount of front-loading that the media is placing on her...
the level of expectations of her performance makes it nearly impossible
for anyone to succeed.
on the reverse:
DJT has such an incredibly low set of expectations,
that merely showing up and not blowing himself up,
will be deemed as a complete success by the media.
DJT will directly reenforce the given - - - that he is not a politician,
and that participating in a political event is not what he is about,
his adoring acolytes will not be deterred from continuing to support him.
it will be extremely difficult,
even for him,
to land below the level expected of him.
HRC,
by contrast,
is being portrayed as being nothing short of
a 21st century reincarnation of Joan of Arc ...
one small slip, and the torch lights will arise and renew their relentless attacks.
in any event,
even after the $$$$ have been added up from this spectacle,
getting-out the vote will be the final, decisive factor in November.
stay the course, HRC.
inject some humor, show modest respect,
speak first clearly from your heart,
tell the voters how you expect to lead,
and use the knowledge and experience that you have earned as your base.
18
"Trump’s ...self-cultivated image as a business titan."
His supporters infer that his making money for Trump will mean making money for them. Hilarious!
Just consider how he made his money.
His will use POTUS to cover Trump Enterprises--continuing to lie cheat dodge and bamboozle--as long as the greedy get sucked into complicity and collusion.
His daughter practically confessed she will be the real Commander in Chief--he will be her frontman--since doesn't know very much and can't learn.
His supporters infer that his making money for Trump will mean making money for them. Hilarious!
Just consider how he made his money.
His will use POTUS to cover Trump Enterprises--continuing to lie cheat dodge and bamboozle--as long as the greedy get sucked into complicity and collusion.
His daughter practically confessed she will be the real Commander in Chief--he will be her frontman--since doesn't know very much and can't learn.
5
Why aren't Jill Stein and Gary Johnson in this debate?
Because the debate rules are made by the Democratic and Republican parties.
Just like Hillary tried to secretly stop Bernie, the two major parties try to lock out all competitors.
This election has been fixed!
Because the debate rules are made by the Democratic and Republican parties.
Just like Hillary tried to secretly stop Bernie, the two major parties try to lock out all competitors.
This election has been fixed!
6
Axelrod is right that Hillary needs to be selective in her responses to Trump. I would suggest attacking him on four issues. First, attack him on continual acceptance of the Birther issue about President Obama ("Donald, you accepted that for five years and only gave it up last week because you didn't want to appear to be paranoid. You own that. You can't talk your way out of that"). He will appear as a nut case if she can paint him into that corner.
Second, attack him on bad business experience, his 6 bankruptcies and Trump University, for example "How many students paid your institution good money only to be let down by inadequate teachers and poor follow-up? Is that how you are going to manage the economy?".
Third, attack him for the "Wall", in fact mock him for that ("Donald, are you suggesting building another Chinese wall? Look at the good it did them. There are cheaper ways of bringing tourists to this country than another wall".
Finally, go after him for his attack on the Khan family ("Donald, you attacked a Gold Star family because they were Muslims. Their son was killed defending our country and yet you questioned their motives. What kind of a person are you to attack grieving parents? Only a monster would do something like that").
Second, attack him on bad business experience, his 6 bankruptcies and Trump University, for example "How many students paid your institution good money only to be let down by inadequate teachers and poor follow-up? Is that how you are going to manage the economy?".
Third, attack him for the "Wall", in fact mock him for that ("Donald, are you suggesting building another Chinese wall? Look at the good it did them. There are cheaper ways of bringing tourists to this country than another wall".
Finally, go after him for his attack on the Khan family ("Donald, you attacked a Gold Star family because they were Muslims. Their son was killed defending our country and yet you questioned their motives. What kind of a person are you to attack grieving parents? Only a monster would do something like that").
7
This debate, and maybe the election, will go to Trump.
6
Human beings can be very complex creatures. Trump is an egomaniac and loves the adulation of his believers at his rallies/revivals. He loves winning. But I do wonder if deep-down inside at a subconscious level he truly wants the most difficult job in the world that is deadly serious. If he truly does not want to put on the yoke of the presidency, the 90 minute debate will become a moment of truth for him and eventually his deeper side will get the upper hand. He will flub the debate. Just a bit of speculation on my part, but I will be watching if Trump's id trumps his ego.
5
One mistake the media and HRC have made is to define Trump by many of his followers - you know, the deplorables.
That has backfired, as evident in the polls. No one thinks Trump as he is made out to be, and his immigration ideas, while over the top and seemingly racist, resonate with a large part of America. That part of America that would like some attention, and some help, from those who govern.
The government hasn't delivered. Change is wanted, and needed. Trump represents change, as reprehensible as he may be.
We better start getting used to it, which won't be hard, as most of us want it (change from past policies, and non-policies).
That has backfired, as evident in the polls. No one thinks Trump as he is made out to be, and his immigration ideas, while over the top and seemingly racist, resonate with a large part of America. That part of America that would like some attention, and some help, from those who govern.
The government hasn't delivered. Change is wanted, and needed. Trump represents change, as reprehensible as he may be.
We better start getting used to it, which won't be hard, as most of us want it (change from past policies, and non-policies).
12
Well, she IS presidential material and he is NOT so it would be unusual for that not to naturally come through. Secondly, she seems to be feeling better physically and she needs that to do her best, particularly since he is so bombastic. I agree with David Axelrod and I hope she remains calm, generally non-responsive to Trump's attacks and boorishness. My mother used to say the worst thing you can do to anyone is ignore them. He deserves to be ignored but she also needs come equipped with a couple of softball ziggers in case he goes over the line too far or too often. She also needs to show her humanity which she has been much better able to do in recent years. Somehow she needs to borrow from the Bern and the Donald in order to make insecure white males and young people feel that she truly cares about them and understands their distress. I think she does. And I think this could be a rout particularly is Trump has nothing to say about substance and resorts to rants, insults, aggression, unseemly behavior or withdrawal, as he often does. Good luck, Hillary!
10
This isn't Hillary Clinton's final exam, this is Trump's final exam. Unfortunately he skipped all the classes, never bothered to crack the book or study. Some conjecture that he has never read a book. He was accidently "educated" by a rich bigoted father who handed him the keys to the golden kingdom of American vulture capitalism. He was made rich by the labor of the American worker, and protected by the American soldier and sailor, while he was a gold-brick, avoiding military service, and denigrating the actual soldiers and sailors who defended his ill-gotten "kingdom". His "studies" were bubbled up in the cauldron of his own "very good brain", conjuring up delusions of grandeur, racial biases, and narcissistic greedy endeavors. Monday night, the teacher Hillary will administer Donald's final exam and stamp his report card with a big fat "F".
30
I would make him address two things that will nail him.
"Mr. Trump, you are a billionaire as everyone knows. So, why is it you will going on trial on November 28 (true) for your scheme to put together a phony school called Trump University, where thousands of Americans across the country were defrauded of their savings. They paid money for something you advertised and you gave them nothing. Why would you do that?"
(Asking him directly will put the burden directly on him and will, no doubt, raise Trump University to national conversation the next day. It is his Achilles heal. The common man's champion callously ripping them off.)
Second.
"Mr. Trump, you said, quote, 'I lost hundreds of friends on 9/11.' If so, that would make you the only person in the country to claim he lost so many friends on that one day. Most people don't have hundreds of friends at all. But you say you did and, amazingly, they were all in the towers that day. Amazing! So, I guess you must have attended at least a hundred of their funerals.
Did you? Can you tell us about some of them… these friends of yours?
(Reports are that Trump attended no funerals. With his big mouth you'd think he would have a heartwarming story or two about the "friends" he claims he lost. I've never heard him tell one this entire campaign. He's been to the Trade Center memorial but witnesses say he didn't stop to look at any of the carved names that are there. Not one of his alleged "hundreds of friends.")
Lying phony.
"Mr. Trump, you are a billionaire as everyone knows. So, why is it you will going on trial on November 28 (true) for your scheme to put together a phony school called Trump University, where thousands of Americans across the country were defrauded of their savings. They paid money for something you advertised and you gave them nothing. Why would you do that?"
(Asking him directly will put the burden directly on him and will, no doubt, raise Trump University to national conversation the next day. It is his Achilles heal. The common man's champion callously ripping them off.)
Second.
"Mr. Trump, you said, quote, 'I lost hundreds of friends on 9/11.' If so, that would make you the only person in the country to claim he lost so many friends on that one day. Most people don't have hundreds of friends at all. But you say you did and, amazingly, they were all in the towers that day. Amazing! So, I guess you must have attended at least a hundred of their funerals.
Did you? Can you tell us about some of them… these friends of yours?
(Reports are that Trump attended no funerals. With his big mouth you'd think he would have a heartwarming story or two about the "friends" he claims he lost. I've never heard him tell one this entire campaign. He's been to the Trade Center memorial but witnesses say he didn't stop to look at any of the carved names that are there. Not one of his alleged "hundreds of friends.")
Lying phony.
33
I think Putin is scared of Hillary being President. He would rather have Trump to fool into doing Putin's bidding.
28
About as new and insightful as anything else he's said since he left the Obama White House. Most of this we've heard before, endlessly, though without the imprimatur of "senior White House advisor." We know she's smarter, better-prepared and more informed on issues than Trump. We know Trump might be this, or on the other hand that, on Monday night. We know she has to earn people's trust without being the angry fifth-grade teacher. We know all that. I guess that we - with or without Axelrod's help - will have to wait until Monday night.
4
Another name for political correctness is ethics. Trump thinks there is too much equanimity, probity, fairness, engagement, consideration and inclusion -- the man who wants to represent the American People around the world.
14
Ironically, debates between/among presidential candidates are reality TV.
So "reality TV" needs subcategories.
These all include many competitions (mostly zero-sum games and gaming): 1. Conjugal preludes 2. Frantic traveling 3. Desert island atavism; but also 4. Civil law suits 4. Conjugal aspersion and therapy and alas 5. Job application and rejection--where rejection is the denouement--displaying the power and superiority (as if by natural right) of the monied employer and the inferiority of the grovelling applicants submitting to the autocrat.
Presidential debates should be none of the above; rather competitions of knowledge, competence and charisma--leadership--especially leading those not prone to brand loyalty, whose repertoire of competitions is not limited to the varieties of reality TV mentioned above--maybe also Olympics, NFL and MLB.
As McLuhan realized during the Kennedy-Nixon debates, "the medium is the message"--referring the TV with its "news anchor" ideals.
But TV now has Fox "news"; comedy has Comedy Central and SNL. The medium is not just TV vs Print; the kind of TV sets up expectations and standards of success.
You can bet Trump will try to reprise his role as autocrat employer with natural rights of the monied Aristocracy--to hire, fire, lie and cheat at will--right to treat HRC as a grovelling apprentice-- subject to personal humiliation. Debate as circus.
But measure the "debate" by academic standards--see who grovels when F means ignorant.
So "reality TV" needs subcategories.
These all include many competitions (mostly zero-sum games and gaming): 1. Conjugal preludes 2. Frantic traveling 3. Desert island atavism; but also 4. Civil law suits 4. Conjugal aspersion and therapy and alas 5. Job application and rejection--where rejection is the denouement--displaying the power and superiority (as if by natural right) of the monied employer and the inferiority of the grovelling applicants submitting to the autocrat.
Presidential debates should be none of the above; rather competitions of knowledge, competence and charisma--leadership--especially leading those not prone to brand loyalty, whose repertoire of competitions is not limited to the varieties of reality TV mentioned above--maybe also Olympics, NFL and MLB.
As McLuhan realized during the Kennedy-Nixon debates, "the medium is the message"--referring the TV with its "news anchor" ideals.
But TV now has Fox "news"; comedy has Comedy Central and SNL. The medium is not just TV vs Print; the kind of TV sets up expectations and standards of success.
You can bet Trump will try to reprise his role as autocrat employer with natural rights of the monied Aristocracy--to hire, fire, lie and cheat at will--right to treat HRC as a grovelling apprentice-- subject to personal humiliation. Debate as circus.
But measure the "debate" by academic standards--see who grovels when F means ignorant.
3
Sadly, all Trump needs to do to exceed expectations and “win” the debate is to refrain from drooling on his Chinese made tie.
5
Trump has consistently painted a picture of America being a disaster because you can't buy socks made in America anymore. She needs to stress the jobs created in the new economy. Some of the worst disasters are environmental...raging forest fires, floods, algae blooms choking Florida rivers, people who light their tap water with a lighter. Nothing Trump has said deals with this except that he said there wasn't a water shortage in California. Millenials might rally to vote if they thought they could really save their country. Most of all she has to convey that she will help everyone...she will look after the hard stuff so he can play monopoly.
7
Hillary Clinton should appreciate all the advice she has been given and be herself. It likely that as a woman tactics that would be acceptable for a many won't be for her. She should not apologize and her smarts and toughness alone will likely unnerve Trump. If possible she should go for a bit long bathroom break.
4
I think the best tactic to deal with the Donald is going to be to dismiss him with humor. Humor can undercut him without dropping to his level and making Clinton look unattractive. Maggie Thatcher had a tough wit about her which could work for Clinton, too. It's a socially acceptable way for women to puncture male bravado...
Mr. Trump's plans are so secret on how to deal with ISIS, I am wondering if he even knows what they are.
If the country's problems were simple to fix, we could let Mr. Trump fix them.
I don't know what he just said, but I'm sure his campaign will clarify that for us in the morning.
Mr. Trump sends out so many tweets, even the birds are impressed.
"Trust me" is what a salesman says to you when their product doesn't sell itself.
Mr. Trump's plans are so secret on how to deal with ISIS, I am wondering if he even knows what they are.
If the country's problems were simple to fix, we could let Mr. Trump fix them.
I don't know what he just said, but I'm sure his campaign will clarify that for us in the morning.
Mr. Trump sends out so many tweets, even the birds are impressed.
"Trust me" is what a salesman says to you when their product doesn't sell itself.
9
I believe Mrs. Clinton will try hard to rise well in the debate. She has been one of the finest debaters in the US political arena over a long period of time.
The real problem for her would be (as indicated by Mr. Axelrod in this great article) how to respond to unpredictable Donald Trump.
No standard set of political formula has worked so far against him.
This is a very unique candidate and very smart one too. He understands the pulse of general public and can manipulate any environment in his favor in an unorthodox way never seen before from a presidential candidate.
The real problem for her would be (as indicated by Mr. Axelrod in this great article) how to respond to unpredictable Donald Trump.
No standard set of political formula has worked so far against him.
This is a very unique candidate and very smart one too. He understands the pulse of general public and can manipulate any environment in his favor in an unorthodox way never seen before from a presidential candidate.
5
The Benghazi committee hearings showed us the kind of timber Clinton is made of. Like her or not, she manages such challenges with distinction, if not grace.
Under pressure is when she's at her best. How's that for "presidential" ?
Under pressure is when she's at her best. How's that for "presidential" ?
17
Here's my take on how she should deal with Trump:
When discussing her emails - Dismiss the question. She's been vindicated by the Feds.
When discussing ties with Wall Street - Tell the truth about your role. Also highlight you were paid by Goldman and reported that income on your taxes... Where's your opponents returns?
When discussing ISIS - Tell the truth again. Obama inherited this problem from the Republicans but took out Osama Bin Laden. Yes we have tough problems ahead and Military Strategy will defeat ISIS not Military Strength through increased Defense Spending.
When discussing Tax Reform - Focus on higher taxes on the Rich to support the rest of the Nation! The top 1% pay next to nothing and Corporate Welfare subsidies will be stopped.
Should she attack Trump?
No. Politely Deflect and stick to the issues - If he calls you a liar and a crook, mention: His Trump U, Trump Foundation, Trump Ties made in China, Trump Business(es) failings and Bankruptcies.
In the end, Be Yourself!
When discussing her emails - Dismiss the question. She's been vindicated by the Feds.
When discussing ties with Wall Street - Tell the truth about your role. Also highlight you were paid by Goldman and reported that income on your taxes... Where's your opponents returns?
When discussing ISIS - Tell the truth again. Obama inherited this problem from the Republicans but took out Osama Bin Laden. Yes we have tough problems ahead and Military Strategy will defeat ISIS not Military Strength through increased Defense Spending.
When discussing Tax Reform - Focus on higher taxes on the Rich to support the rest of the Nation! The top 1% pay next to nothing and Corporate Welfare subsidies will be stopped.
Should she attack Trump?
No. Politely Deflect and stick to the issues - If he calls you a liar and a crook, mention: His Trump U, Trump Foundation, Trump Ties made in China, Trump Business(es) failings and Bankruptcies.
In the end, Be Yourself!
14
The scandal of this campaign so far is the blatant double standard that has been applied to Clinton (a female) and Trump (a male).
On the one hand we have a candidate who has savaged whole ethnicities in the US, given us dog-whistle suggestions about assassinating Clinton, kept his secret plan to destroy ISIS secret, proposed a tax plan that would wreck the economy, has unwholesome ties to Russia, treats women as toys, has a deplorable record as a businessman, and so on and so on, and yet he is within a hair of becoming a president.
Clinton, who has served her country in a role of governance for over 30 years, had one major gaffe in her "deplorables" remark, and she is regarded as unfit for the office.
Do I see here the fact she is a woman to be the real difference between how the two are treated by the media?
On the one hand we have a candidate who has savaged whole ethnicities in the US, given us dog-whistle suggestions about assassinating Clinton, kept his secret plan to destroy ISIS secret, proposed a tax plan that would wreck the economy, has unwholesome ties to Russia, treats women as toys, has a deplorable record as a businessman, and so on and so on, and yet he is within a hair of becoming a president.
Clinton, who has served her country in a role of governance for over 30 years, had one major gaffe in her "deplorables" remark, and she is regarded as unfit for the office.
Do I see here the fact she is a woman to be the real difference between how the two are treated by the media?
16
"...woo swing voters who dislike Mrs. Clinton but doubt Mr. Trump’s fitness for the job."
But he's a Russian agent! Why would any American want an enemy of the state to be our president? Why??
But he's a Russian agent! Why would any American want an enemy of the state to be our president? Why??
4
The bar is set too high for Democrats:
Hillary coughs.
Kerry is verbose.
Gore sighs.
The bar is set too low for Republicans:
Trump
W. Bush
Reagan
Hillary coughs.
Kerry is verbose.
Gore sighs.
The bar is set too low for Republicans:
Trump
W. Bush
Reagan
17
The humorous put-down is the best way to debate Trump. His assertions are mostly ridiculous...so ridicule them. But do it with humor; it's taking this baloney seriously that gets you mired down in the mud with him. The chumps running against him in the Republican primaries lacked humor. Treat him as an object of humor. Go all Jimmy Fallon on him. Be JFK, or (hate to say it, but you gotta give the devil his due) Ronald Reagan.
4
One key point that Secretary Clinton must make is about the pathetic state of the GoP. Not only has it overseen one of the most inept Congress epochs ever, but it is now a fragmented and divided party scarred by the recent primary battles. Cruz, Ryan, McConnell and Boehner are all to blame for this but it is Trump who has happily fed fuel to the internal fires of the GoP. Is this a suitable candidate for President? Heck no! He shouldn't even be allowed near a PTA leadership meeting.
13
Trump's self-obsessive, nationalistic and bigoted attitudes worked great in the primaries, playing largely to people who watch FOX, read Breitbart, and bellyache about how their lives are so terrible. He could crow about the size of his genitals and get rousing yelps and applause from the audience of what's left of the GOP.
Here's hoping he continues that course and raises the flag of white supremacism on Monday night. I don't think he can help himself.
Here's hoping he continues that course and raises the flag of white supremacism on Monday night. I don't think he can help himself.
6
Hillary Clinton should be asked about her disgraceful conduct as SOS. She raked Matt Lauer over the coals for his chutzpah for daring to ask the well known FACT to "Ms. Rules Don't Apply Me." Let's see her squirm under some questions.
Her despicable abuse of that office should have disqualified her at the outset. But because we have a national party who refuses to apply the Rule of Law to her, treating her as if she were a demi-god, and because we have a compliant and biased media, her crimes are shoved under the rug.
Say what you want about Trump. Her behavior in the email scandal and her Deplorable statement smearing half of America as racists just serves to show how utterly corrupt and unaware she really is.
Her despicable abuse of that office should have disqualified her at the outset. But because we have a national party who refuses to apply the Rule of Law to her, treating her as if she were a demi-god, and because we have a compliant and biased media, her crimes are shoved under the rug.
Say what you want about Trump. Her behavior in the email scandal and her Deplorable statement smearing half of America as racists just serves to show how utterly corrupt and unaware she really is.
7
These need to actually be a "Debate"--three of them. Every question should expect a completely comprehensive response. Not just the WHAT--the false promise, like: "...check's in the mail!" The response should also include: WHY they will take that particular action, HOW they will carry through on the proposed solution and, lastly, What will be the expected Long-Term Expectations? How they will PAY for it would be just added gravy.
Candidates should be forewarned that, if their response is not fact-based, and comprehensive, that, following a non-response, or an incomplete one, their answer will be characterized by the moderator, in some way as" "Is that ball you have?"; "Is that your complete response?" or, for truly evasive answers, "So, that's all you would do, huh?"
If the moderators continue to bill the so-called Presidential Debates "The Greatest Show on Earth", that's all that we will get--a "Side Show". So, if that's what its truly will be, let's bill Monday Night as the "the Beared Lady meets the Rubber Man!"
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
Candidates should be forewarned that, if their response is not fact-based, and comprehensive, that, following a non-response, or an incomplete one, their answer will be characterized by the moderator, in some way as" "Is that ball you have?"; "Is that your complete response?" or, for truly evasive answers, "So, that's all you would do, huh?"
If the moderators continue to bill the so-called Presidential Debates "The Greatest Show on Earth", that's all that we will get--a "Side Show". So, if that's what its truly will be, let's bill Monday Night as the "the Beared Lady meets the Rubber Man!"
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
1
Aside from the obvious points on Trump's foundation and his corrupt business practices. I would defuse his secret war plan on ISIS by opining that surely the terrorist group could do little to prepare for an overwhelming application of U.S. power even if they were aware in advance that an attack was imminent. Surely we are not so weak that the outlines of our policy would make any difference in the outcome. Confront him with the need for a detailed statement on the nature of the force and the strategy to be used to defeat the Caliphate.
2
Class clown vs valedictorian
18
Is it not that the winners are declared in the spin rooms and by the talking heads? What matters is the social network ground game so all the pundits can coalesce around some safe statements about the performances of the two debaters.
The side that can generate some sticking points that permeate through the social media will win.
So be prepared for the onslaught of hashtags and one line tweets that solidifies the results of the debate in the collective mindset of the Nation.
The side that can generate some sticking points that permeate through the social media will win.
So be prepared for the onslaught of hashtags and one line tweets that solidifies the results of the debate in the collective mindset of the Nation.
2
Expectations for Donald Trump are not that he suddenly exposes an understanding of any foreign or domestic or economic policy, but only that he doesn't rant on stage like a raving, screeching loon.
Hillary Clinton is a great debater. But... so was Ted Cruz. If Donald is smart, he'll just shut up.
Hillary Clinton is a great debater. But... so was Ted Cruz. If Donald is smart, he'll just shut up.
3
Ted Cruz a debater? He's an idiot, makes no sense, and resembles a rat. Seriously?
5
If Trump reacts with anger his supporters will love him.
If Clinton does the same she will lose.
If Trump seems smart (highly unlikely) he wins.
If Clinton appears to be highly intellectual (which she actually is) she comes off as arrogant, and she loses.
Asymetic "debate" indeed.
If Clinton does the same she will lose.
If Trump seems smart (highly unlikely) he wins.
If Clinton appears to be highly intellectual (which she actually is) she comes off as arrogant, and she loses.
Asymetic "debate" indeed.
17
Aside from the fact that Clinton has a superior knowledge of the job, and the experience that comes from rising through the ranks American government; lies the fact that she has the proven ability to remain composed and circumspect under pressure, as was evidenced during the farce of those Benghazi hearings, where her inquisitors revealed themselves for the fools that they were.
Trump will bluster himself away.
Clinton has this one in the bag.
Trump will bluster himself away.
Clinton has this one in the bag.
15
That a political thug could out debate a political pro is unimaginable. Hillary will have her Benghazi Congressional hearing face on, scaring The Donald, backing him to the ropes. Trump has met his match.
9
Ever notice, it's always the ones embedded in government or holding powerful private positions who don't want anyone to rock the boat? Things have been pretty good for the rich and powerful the last few decades. Calling all the shots, while meantime the voters, who not only fund all their underhanded plans and programs end up getting the shaft once again. From here down on main st. things really don't look that great. Friends losing good jobs to lower paid workers, some of which are illegal. The cost of living and things like healthcare become harder and harder to dive up. While not the perfect answer, this time it might be the voters who have the last laugh.
3
One candidate is overqualified for the job and one candidate is supremely unqualified for the job. Yet, it is a close race because the unqualified candidate is a White man and race and gender trump everything else in this country. How sad!
19
"...or coming off as the obnoxious smartest kid in the class." -
This one minor, throwaway sentence basically sums up why we're in this mess with Trump. When did we decide we don't want our president to be the smartest kid in class, obnoxious or not?
This one minor, throwaway sentence basically sums up why we're in this mess with Trump. When did we decide we don't want our president to be the smartest kid in class, obnoxious or not?
24
Mrs. Clinton has no defense against her terrible track record on every issue including national security, education, trade deals and women's rights. One question - What steps would Hillary take as president to increase GDP and reduce our national debt? Sad answer: nothing.
6
Britain has had two female Prime Ministers so far, neither of whom rode their husband's coattails to every position they held or whose primary message was that it was time for a woman.
8
If you think that after Wellesley and Yale Law School that Hillary Clinton was destined for small things you really cannot appreciate her position before marrying Bill Clinton. You also dramatically understate her role in his success.
As for Ms. May of the United Kingdom, you might want to contemplate exactly how she supplanted David Cameron; triangulating on the Brexit vote, which has led to the thorny issue of extracting the U.K. from the E.U., and may very well lead to the dissolution of the 300 year-old U.K. itself.
As for Ms. May of the United Kingdom, you might want to contemplate exactly how she supplanted David Cameron; triangulating on the Brexit vote, which has led to the thorny issue of extracting the U.K. from the E.U., and may very well lead to the dissolution of the 300 year-old U.K. itself.
6
"To JAW-JAW is always better than to WAR-WAR." (Att. Churchill)
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1) I suggest that Clinton use this saying to contrast herself with Trump. Trump is a warrior, who will stop at nothing to win. He will lie, cheat, attack, trick, destroy, hate and do whatever it takes to take his enemies down. He has a lifetime of WAR work.
2) Clinton, on the other hand, is an experienced diplomat who focuses on using reasoning and compromise to achieve progress and peace. She has a lifetime of dedication to JAW work.
Which TREND do we want? WAR and conflict at home and abroad, or JAW and peace at home and abroad?
I hope that Clinton will stop rambling on and on and use catchwords like WAR and JAW, in order to win this election...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1) I suggest that Clinton use this saying to contrast herself with Trump. Trump is a warrior, who will stop at nothing to win. He will lie, cheat, attack, trick, destroy, hate and do whatever it takes to take his enemies down. He has a lifetime of WAR work.
2) Clinton, on the other hand, is an experienced diplomat who focuses on using reasoning and compromise to achieve progress and peace. She has a lifetime of dedication to JAW work.
Which TREND do we want? WAR and conflict at home and abroad, or JAW and peace at home and abroad?
I hope that Clinton will stop rambling on and on and use catchwords like WAR and JAW, in order to win this election...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5
She should take a leaf out of Reagan's debate book and say something like "there you go again" when Trump inevitably wheels out one of his ridiculous claims. Just have something simple that let's people know she's not buying it (and we shouldn't either) and let him pout and steam while she actually tackles the issue with clarity and depth.
4
I hate to say it, but I almost think Hillary would benefit the most by making this the Jerry Springer Show. I'd like to see her respond to one of his disgusting insults with a glass of water to the face. I think something like that would actually ingratiate her more to the average person than any amount of logical words and explanations. Let's face it, every Democrat in every debate during the past 20 years has sounded more reasonable than any Republican and yet we have had GWB and a right wing Congress for much of it. So logic won't win it and we have to go deeper into the primate mind which is somewhere that Donald Trump and his supporters are very comfortable dwelling.
5
"[O]thers will tune in to discover if Mrs. Clinton, who has struggled with questions of trustworthiness, can speak in an open and authentic way that connects with them."
I keep wondering what anyone could _possibly_ mean by the phrase "can speak in an authentic way that connects with them". What that usually translates as to me, is "I am looking for a comforter who will say to me whatever I want to hear to make me feel good about myself, no matter how meaningless it is". That didn't work while you were a teenager on the make, nor does it work when you're a major with a mortgage and a family to feed. You will never get what you need that way. The people who say that, need to sit down to clarify and make precise what they are asking for.
"They will be looking for what, beyond personal ambition, motivates her"
So more than forty years of work (since at least 1968) doesn't show that? I dare say that anyone still looking for "what, beyond personal ambition, motivates her" just hasn't been paying attention, and no amount of additional information will convince them.
I look forward to real debate Jiu Jitsu from Mrs. Clinton. I think she could take on either incarnation of Mr. Trump and defeat him (possibly humiliatingly, but perhaps she should have mercy on him).
I keep wondering what anyone could _possibly_ mean by the phrase "can speak in an authentic way that connects with them". What that usually translates as to me, is "I am looking for a comforter who will say to me whatever I want to hear to make me feel good about myself, no matter how meaningless it is". That didn't work while you were a teenager on the make, nor does it work when you're a major with a mortgage and a family to feed. You will never get what you need that way. The people who say that, need to sit down to clarify and make precise what they are asking for.
"They will be looking for what, beyond personal ambition, motivates her"
So more than forty years of work (since at least 1968) doesn't show that? I dare say that anyone still looking for "what, beyond personal ambition, motivates her" just hasn't been paying attention, and no amount of additional information will convince them.
I look forward to real debate Jiu Jitsu from Mrs. Clinton. I think she could take on either incarnation of Mr. Trump and defeat him (possibly humiliatingly, but perhaps she should have mercy on him).
6
Of course Hillary can look good at a Benghazi hearing because there was nothing to it to begin with. However, her lame excuses about the email server and her continued reliance on emails being marked as classified are nonsense. She was Secretary of State, not some low level functionary who just follows instructions. Her statements and testimony betrays a profound ignorance of her responsibilities. She missed the lecture and no one gave her the notes.
What? How? You say. Read the complete Executive Order 13526-Classified National Security Information. It's quite obvious that she didn't.
What? How? You say. Read the complete Executive Order 13526-Classified National Security Information. It's quite obvious that she didn't.
My husband (cancer patient) lost his health care because of the Obama plan!!
2
Details please.
Are you trying to imply that Donald would be better than Hillary for your husband?
Obamacare mandated coverage of pre-existing conditions. So if your husband were to find new coverage even in the private sector his cancer will be covered because of Obamacare rules.
Obamacare however is not free care, which is why I want to country to go to universal single payer health care such as medicare for all.
I am sorry your husband is no longer insured but if you think anyone including Trump on the Republican side (a) cares or (b) has a plan better than Hillary's , then you are mistaken.
Are you trying to imply that Donald would be better than Hillary for your husband?
Obamacare mandated coverage of pre-existing conditions. So if your husband were to find new coverage even in the private sector his cancer will be covered because of Obamacare rules.
Obamacare however is not free care, which is why I want to country to go to universal single payer health care such as medicare for all.
I am sorry your husband is no longer insured but if you think anyone including Trump on the Republican side (a) cares or (b) has a plan better than Hillary's , then you are mistaken.
4
Hillary is her own worst enemy, not Trump.:
First HRC is not spontaneous, although she is well rehearsed, and it is obvious that she reverts to canned answers.
Second, HRC lies. It's a compulsion by now. The first sentence she uttered at the Matt Lauder debate was a lie: she said she owned a private email account, when the entire country knows she had a private server.
Third, she avoids answering questions in a forthright manner and speaks like a lawyer who wants to get away of murder, parsing words and their meaning, like Bill who debated the meaning of "is", and giving a an avalanche of competent sounding "bend "facts" For a viewer, this is atrocious.
Fourth, she stands for nothing. She just wants to become president as a personal goal she feels people owe her.
Fifth, she has no fire in her belly she speaks like a tired, remote Queen, annoyed that her subjects dare interrupt her sleep with pesky questions.
This is why she lost against Obama and why she'll lose against Trump. She's born like this.
First HRC is not spontaneous, although she is well rehearsed, and it is obvious that she reverts to canned answers.
Second, HRC lies. It's a compulsion by now. The first sentence she uttered at the Matt Lauder debate was a lie: she said she owned a private email account, when the entire country knows she had a private server.
Third, she avoids answering questions in a forthright manner and speaks like a lawyer who wants to get away of murder, parsing words and their meaning, like Bill who debated the meaning of "is", and giving a an avalanche of competent sounding "bend "facts" For a viewer, this is atrocious.
Fourth, she stands for nothing. She just wants to become president as a personal goal she feels people owe her.
Fifth, she has no fire in her belly she speaks like a tired, remote Queen, annoyed that her subjects dare interrupt her sleep with pesky questions.
This is why she lost against Obama and why she'll lose against Trump. She's born like this.
5
"In past debates and interviews, Mr. Trump has demonstrated an appalling, almost defiant, lack of knowledge, and these debates, with long segments devoted to specific topics, will demand depth beyond oversimplified answers. Secret plans to defeat the Islamic State, for example, will not pass muster."
Really? Pass muster with whom? So far, it has passed muster with a large enough sector of the voting public to have the "substantial" candidate fighting for her life. No... what this is all about is simply: Is Hillary ready for her closeup? The camera and its attendant media claws is going to devour one of these candidates and make love to the other. Trump has so far proved to be the more seductive. The big question is, what does Hillary have in the way of such wiles, if anything, to trump that?
Really? Pass muster with whom? So far, it has passed muster with a large enough sector of the voting public to have the "substantial" candidate fighting for her life. No... what this is all about is simply: Is Hillary ready for her closeup? The camera and its attendant media claws is going to devour one of these candidates and make love to the other. Trump has so far proved to be the more seductive. The big question is, what does Hillary have in the way of such wiles, if anything, to trump that?
2
Final exam? Yeah, HRC has studied and labored for decades. The "man" Trump has cheated and lied and bribed and performed slights of hand on his way to his final exam. He doesn't even belong on the same stage.
12
Mr. Axelrod left out one glaring possibility: That Donald Trump walks off the stage, mid-debate, citing bias and refuses to attend future debates. He may, in fact, have already decided that this would be his best course of action.
Does such a gambit hurt or help him? To his supporters, it will be more reason to vote for him. Plus it gives him control of the news cycle, going forward, and feeds right into his accusations that the system is rigged against him.
Does such a gambit hurt or help him? To his supporters, it will be more reason to vote for him. Plus it gives him control of the news cycle, going forward, and feeds right into his accusations that the system is rigged against him.
10
I love the unbiased photo chosen for this article. A nice picture of Hillary looking cool, calm and collected, instead of one of the hundreds of photos circulating that show her as tired, haggard and desperate. Opposing her is a photo of a mean-spirited Trump, screaming, as if directly at the tranquil Clinton, instead of the hundreds of pictures that show Trump as a calm, confident candidate. This is why the NY Times is in financial trouble. They have gone from a reliable source of objective journalism to a liberal rag, run by radical marxist types who will go to any length to push liberalism and protect those that carry its torch, while attacking conservatism, and any person that dares to embrace it.
3
It is important to point out the confusing standards some appear to apply to the candidates. Sec. Clinton is apparently "untrustworthy" for appearing to be secretive, for appearing to dodge questions, for appearing to not give straight answers, but her opponent lies 80% of the time on a daily basis and is considered trustworthy.
We have some people not hearing anything that would satisfy them and others hearing only what they want to hear.
[A few hours of reading transcripts of testimony and investigative summaries, reviewing videos, could make a world of difference in discriminating between what media speculation is, casting unfounded doubts, and what reality is.]
I would ask voters to dig a bit deeper beyond superficial appearances and to analyze the words coming out of the candidates' mouths.
In watching speeches and reading policies of both candidates, I have no doubt what ship I am on, where it is going, and with confidence in the experienced leadership of Sec. Clinton. I cannot say the same for Donald Trump.
We have some people not hearing anything that would satisfy them and others hearing only what they want to hear.
[A few hours of reading transcripts of testimony and investigative summaries, reviewing videos, could make a world of difference in discriminating between what media speculation is, casting unfounded doubts, and what reality is.]
I would ask voters to dig a bit deeper beyond superficial appearances and to analyze the words coming out of the candidates' mouths.
In watching speeches and reading policies of both candidates, I have no doubt what ship I am on, where it is going, and with confidence in the experienced leadership of Sec. Clinton. I cannot say the same for Donald Trump.
6
Donald the Liar King whips a froth of lies and innuendo into a fabulous fabulist frappe to delude voters he wants to capture. Donald the Coward villainously assasinates John McCain's heroism and failure to capitulate under extended enemy torture, traits totally missing in Trump's DNA. Trump the Fraudulent bilks students of money and education at Trump U. Hillary has released her tax returns but Trump refuses to assure us by releasing his returns that he is not a tax dodger, or overindebted to foreign powers, lobbyists or banks. Hillary provided her returns and we demand that Trump does the same. Now just think, who is the crooked one here.
6
OK Hillary -
Its time to start your POSITIVE, “Morning in America” Ads!!
Preferably before the debates start – or DT will berate you for being “negative” all the time.
Mid Western Dads LOVE their kids and lots of them love their women for being good Moms.
THAT is why they are upset about losing jobs. Not because they “wanna get ahead” or display their testosterone levels but because they wanna be good to their kids!
That is your STRONG POINT – make the most of it!!!
Its time to start your POSITIVE, “Morning in America” Ads!!
Preferably before the debates start – or DT will berate you for being “negative” all the time.
Mid Western Dads LOVE their kids and lots of them love their women for being good Moms.
THAT is why they are upset about losing jobs. Not because they “wanna get ahead” or display their testosterone levels but because they wanna be good to their kids!
That is your STRONG POINT – make the most of it!!!
3
I may have struck upon a way for HRC to beat Trump --- just before the debate begins.
http://www.nationalmemo.com/how-hillary-clinton-can-win-the-first-debate...
http://www.nationalmemo.com/how-hillary-clinton-can-win-the-first-debate...
1
Who am I to advise the smartest woman in the room. Still, if I was in her shoes I'd say the following to her opponent: "You're an ignorant narcissist with a terrible combover, but I won't go there because it isn't dignified. I heard people talking that you haven't really paid taxes for several years, but I won't say it, because it's a low blow and it isn't right for me to do so. Based on your previous statements, I could call you a dangerous xenophobic, an unabashed misogynist, but I can't do that because I have standards."
12
"A Lifetime Of Public Service"
A lifetime of public service
He says leaves her out of touch
A lifetime of public service
He claims is not worth all that much
A lifetime of public service
He says is useless and should not please us
A lifetime of public service
Would he also say the same about Jesus?
A lifetime of public service
He says leaves her out of touch
A lifetime of public service
He claims is not worth all that much
A lifetime of public service
He says is useless and should not please us
A lifetime of public service
Would he also say the same about Jesus?
8
Absolutely!
What "Public Service" has he ever done -
Any volunteer work -
Housing for the poor -
U.S. Employment for Trump ties -
Paying his Casino Employees a fair equitable wage?
None.
What "Public Service" has he ever done -
Any volunteer work -
Housing for the poor -
U.S. Employment for Trump ties -
Paying his Casino Employees a fair equitable wage?
None.
3
I feel that we worry for naught. It will be what it will be and the Trumpolini voters will not change. Those sitting on the fence will simply have to make a choice. I doubt these debates actually change any minds. It has become simply a "reality tv show". We have moved to a level way below the "normal" level.
2
She should make it clear that the issues are important and she is not going to play games with him, games in which he engages to hide his lack of any substantive knowledge (about anything, apparently). She should let him hurl the insults (let the audience at home and the moderator deal with those). She should return to questions of substance and hammer him on them. My bet is that he'll self-destruct because he is the most undisciplined person that I have ever seen contending for any job at this high level. Good thing Daddy left him a boatload of money. He should stick to dating models and ripping people off.
6
No, Mr. Axelrod, the power structure will ensure that this is not Clinton's make or break event. Since it's become clear that the DOJ/FBI never intended to conduct a real investigation into her malfeasance or asked a question that might lead to an incriminating answer and that even President Obama would issue a blatant lie to cover for her, the public should know by now that Bernie was right --> the system is rigged to elect Hillary Clinton. Sadly, even Bernie is willing to put a knife in the back of Truth to cover for her.
Goodbye America. Hello Obamica.
Goodbye America. Hello Obamica.
4
Everybody says Trump needs to act "Presidential".
Well, to all you baffled pundits out there, he already is acting Presidential for tens of millions of Americans who define the term in a new way...shallow, uninformed, crude and always entertaining.
That's what the American electorate has become and, therefore, it wants a President to reflect their new definition.
And it all started with the do-nothing Congresses of the last 20 years and has trickled up to the office of the President.
Well, to all you baffled pundits out there, he already is acting Presidential for tens of millions of Americans who define the term in a new way...shallow, uninformed, crude and always entertaining.
That's what the American electorate has become and, therefore, it wants a President to reflect their new definition.
And it all started with the do-nothing Congresses of the last 20 years and has trickled up to the office of the President.
6
If she can handle a single unhinged man, she can probably handle a mostly unhinged world. I certainly hope that this is how it turns out because I shudder to think of that unhinged man being let loose on our unhinged world. There would be no where near enough exits or life boats to accommodate those of us just wanting to live in peace.
4
Hillary gave Obama a real run for his money in 2008 did she?
Clinton is such an unbelievably bad politician it's amazing. No wonder Obama and Axelrod are panic stricken. If Donald Trump can beat Hillary Clinton for President of the United States, then Obama beating Clinton in the 2008 primaries is suddenly no feat at all. They both lose all their bragging rights.
Talk about the emperor having no clothes. Axelrod the Director of the Institute of Politics at the University of Chicago? If Trump can beat Clinton, then taking Obama through Clinton, Axelrod's claim to fame, will be meaningless.
Sure Obama and Axelrod beat McCain/Palin in 2008, but after 8 years of Bush, the Iraq war, and the Global Financial Crisis/Great Recession, no Republican in the country was going to win the general election in 2008, and nearly none wanted to run. McCain was a sacrificial lamb, the McCain/Palin ticket was a joke.
No, Team Obama/Axlerod's real bone fides were awarded to them for knocking out the Clintons, vis a vis Hillary in the 2008 primaries. Now it's obvious that their 2008 Democratic primary "victory" wasn't all it was cracked up to be.
Some of the damage is already done with him making it this competitive against her, but if Trump actually wins, the Obama/Axelrod legacy is toast! They know it, and you can sense their desperation.
Clinton is such an unbelievably bad politician it's amazing. No wonder Obama and Axelrod are panic stricken. If Donald Trump can beat Hillary Clinton for President of the United States, then Obama beating Clinton in the 2008 primaries is suddenly no feat at all. They both lose all their bragging rights.
Talk about the emperor having no clothes. Axelrod the Director of the Institute of Politics at the University of Chicago? If Trump can beat Clinton, then taking Obama through Clinton, Axelrod's claim to fame, will be meaningless.
Sure Obama and Axelrod beat McCain/Palin in 2008, but after 8 years of Bush, the Iraq war, and the Global Financial Crisis/Great Recession, no Republican in the country was going to win the general election in 2008, and nearly none wanted to run. McCain was a sacrificial lamb, the McCain/Palin ticket was a joke.
No, Team Obama/Axlerod's real bone fides were awarded to them for knocking out the Clintons, vis a vis Hillary in the 2008 primaries. Now it's obvious that their 2008 Democratic primary "victory" wasn't all it was cracked up to be.
Some of the damage is already done with him making it this competitive against her, but if Trump actually wins, the Obama/Axelrod legacy is toast! They know it, and you can sense their desperation.
The NBC that hosted the Comnander in Chief forum proved the corporate media has a stake in Trump. Jeff Zucker built the network by promoting the Apprentice and now uses CNN to pump cash to the double dealing campaign manager. There is no Fourth Estate. There is only Trump.
3
So many columns about the upcoming debate today. This one by David Axelrod, despite its partisan nature, is a surprisingly good read.
There is no question "Mrs. Clinton is an accomplished debater", even though she couldn't beat a renegade 73-year-old, self-described socialist in the primary debates, but "the key reason Monday’s audience is expected to be one of the largest for any show in television history" is not because the audience is eager to watch Mrs.Clinton's debating skills, they are tuning in to watch The Donald.
And that doesn't bode well for her.
Mrs.Clinton and her campaign have boxed themselves in a corner by - understandably - running away from her record and focusing rather exclusively on discrediting "Mr. Trump’s fitness for the job". A terrible strategy.
His mere presence on the debate stage next to her already serves "to rehabilitate himself with voters who doubt his fitness for the office", leaving very little wiggle room for her, yet also tremendous pressure.
All the demonizing of Donald Trump by Mrs.Clinton and her loyal pundits and "what elite commentators have dismissed as boorishness" is now playing to his advantage. Expectations towards Trump are so low that basically, if he can keep from talking about the size of his genitals, he is likely to come out of this debate unscathed or at least 'better than expected'.
And if he's really clever he'll highlight her colossal failures in foreign policy and utter lack of judgement.
Then its's Game Over.
There is no question "Mrs. Clinton is an accomplished debater", even though she couldn't beat a renegade 73-year-old, self-described socialist in the primary debates, but "the key reason Monday’s audience is expected to be one of the largest for any show in television history" is not because the audience is eager to watch Mrs.Clinton's debating skills, they are tuning in to watch The Donald.
And that doesn't bode well for her.
Mrs.Clinton and her campaign have boxed themselves in a corner by - understandably - running away from her record and focusing rather exclusively on discrediting "Mr. Trump’s fitness for the job". A terrible strategy.
His mere presence on the debate stage next to her already serves "to rehabilitate himself with voters who doubt his fitness for the office", leaving very little wiggle room for her, yet also tremendous pressure.
All the demonizing of Donald Trump by Mrs.Clinton and her loyal pundits and "what elite commentators have dismissed as boorishness" is now playing to his advantage. Expectations towards Trump are so low that basically, if he can keep from talking about the size of his genitals, he is likely to come out of this debate unscathed or at least 'better than expected'.
And if he's really clever he'll highlight her colossal failures in foreign policy and utter lack of judgement.
Then its's Game Over.
9
"To JAW-JAW is always better than to WAR-WAR." (Att. Churchill)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1) I suggest that Clinton use this saying to contrast herself with Trump. Trump is a warrior, who will stop at nothing to win. He will lie, cheat, attack, trick, destroy, hate and do whatever it takes to take his enemies down. He has a lifetime of WAR work.
2) Clinton, on the other hand, is an experienced diplomat who focuses on using reasoning and compromise to achieve progress and peace. She has a lifetime of dedication to JAW work.
Which TREND do we want? WAR and conflict at home and abroad, or JAW and peace at home and abroad?
I hope that Clinton will stop rambling on and on and use catchwords like WAR and JAW, in order to win this election...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1) I suggest that Clinton use this saying to contrast herself with Trump. Trump is a warrior, who will stop at nothing to win. He will lie, cheat, attack, trick, destroy, hate and do whatever it takes to take his enemies down. He has a lifetime of WAR work.
2) Clinton, on the other hand, is an experienced diplomat who focuses on using reasoning and compromise to achieve progress and peace. She has a lifetime of dedication to JAW work.
Which TREND do we want? WAR and conflict at home and abroad, or JAW and peace at home and abroad?
I hope that Clinton will stop rambling on and on and use catchwords like WAR and JAW, in order to win this election...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1
She must prepare for his greatest insult, "You are fired, dismissed, vamoose!" or something like, "If I were Obama in 2010, you'd have been fired," because being inadequate or somehow incompetent is a button he can push and will push. When he dares to say that (a man who himself has never had to work for anyone else but his daddy and himself) people will watch how she handles this. It is his signature insult, abuse, and oppression. And people who have experienced, "You are fired," for some reason obsess about others experiencing the same. She must prepare her face for such an insult.
2
She should simply pretend she is on the stage with a normal, decent, human being, say, the Ghost of FDR, and carry on.
I don't expect her to correct in 90 minutes the failures of the American Press who have done nothing for the last year and a half.
She will be dignified and prepared.
And, no matter what she says or does, tomorrow the Press will crow about "his win" because he spoke in a complete sentence.
Duh.
The only winners in this election are the bundle of neo-thugs who have now gotten full legitimacy through Trump.
The rest of us have already lost.
I don't expect her to correct in 90 minutes the failures of the American Press who have done nothing for the last year and a half.
She will be dignified and prepared.
And, no matter what she says or does, tomorrow the Press will crow about "his win" because he spoke in a complete sentence.
Duh.
The only winners in this election are the bundle of neo-thugs who have now gotten full legitimacy through Trump.
The rest of us have already lost.
2
Mr. Axelrod if there are two Democrats not in the MSM or running for office I have lost so much respect for so far in this election it is you and Robert Reich. Mr Reich for abandoning solid economic policy in championing the Socialist, posing as Progressive. Bernie Sanders. Not a word from Mr. Reich on Bernie, the night Hillary was nominated, of having used the Democratic Party for his own ends, quit the Party. What a Man. What a Leader. And you on Twitter with your constant seeking of revenge on Hillary for inconsequentially perceived pit downs of Candidate Obama. Now you pose the question "make strategic sense for him to try and strike a reassuringly thoughtful and temperate pose." Oh yea like we are supposed to forget 16 months of hate. lies and misogyny? I understand you are posing this as an analysis but you leave out the fact Donald Trump is branded and even a Gettysburg Address caliber performance can change that. Debates, except in rare occasions, do not change people perceptions that much.
My fear is that Trump and his supporters in the live audience will NOT play by the rules of the debate. Trump will interrupt Clinton. He will do much more than emit audible sighs. His supporters will yelp and clap. And the moderator will be completely unable to control the situation. The 42% will then claim Trump's boorish behavior was "strong" and "decisive."
My hope is that Clinton overcomes the above with just the right admonishments. I've tried to think of some. Perhaps 'sush!' or 'Are you done?' Hard to imagine how to intimidate him effectively because when he is intimidated (and he often is, contrary to his claims), he becomes even more bellicose and aggressive.
My hope is that Clinton overcomes the above with just the right admonishments. I've tried to think of some. Perhaps 'sush!' or 'Are you done?' Hard to imagine how to intimidate him effectively because when he is intimidated (and he often is, contrary to his claims), he becomes even more bellicose and aggressive.
1
There is a "third way". Ignore him...no matter which Trump shows up. You simply ignore him. It's the "long game". You take your poise, your experience and your candor directly to the people watching. These really aren't debates as much as they are soap boxes anyway...so just ignore him. Speak to your base, reassure them, and move forward. "Next question Lester"?
3
I'll tell you what is asymmetrical,
I have been annoyed at the low standard for proving the competency and sanity of Donald Trump the press has set and my thought for the upcoming debate is this:
We are electing a President for at least a four year term which works out to 2,102,400 minutes total. The President needs to be ready to handle problems for ANY of those minutes and competent, mature, and intelligent judgement is a MUST.
The press and the Trump campaign are judging the fitness to serve on whether Trump can be "nice" for 90 minutes. Those 90 minutes represent 90/2,102,400=.0000428 as a fraction of the total minutes in four years.
Can anyone point to a consecutive period of four years in Donald Trump's entire life where he has exhibited sanity, competence, and intelligence? Anyone?
Thanks and please forward this far and wide,
Mark Schaffer
I have been annoyed at the low standard for proving the competency and sanity of Donald Trump the press has set and my thought for the upcoming debate is this:
We are electing a President for at least a four year term which works out to 2,102,400 minutes total. The President needs to be ready to handle problems for ANY of those minutes and competent, mature, and intelligent judgement is a MUST.
The press and the Trump campaign are judging the fitness to serve on whether Trump can be "nice" for 90 minutes. Those 90 minutes represent 90/2,102,400=.0000428 as a fraction of the total minutes in four years.
Can anyone point to a consecutive period of four years in Donald Trump's entire life where he has exhibited sanity, competence, and intelligence? Anyone?
Thanks and please forward this far and wide,
Mark Schaffer
2
Blah blah blah. Here are four simple pieces of advice for Clinton.
1) Cut out the long-winded, meandering replies, and keep your answers short.
2) Enough already with "umm"..."umm"..."umm". Speak in fully crafted sentences.
3) If emails are brought up by either Trump or the moderator, ask whether they they have something that actually matters that they want to talk about.
4) Don't be afraid to hit back, and paint Trump as a phony, a bully, a liar, and a loser. Follow up on the messaging in your ads.
1) Cut out the long-winded, meandering replies, and keep your answers short.
2) Enough already with "umm"..."umm"..."umm". Speak in fully crafted sentences.
3) If emails are brought up by either Trump or the moderator, ask whether they they have something that actually matters that they want to talk about.
4) Don't be afraid to hit back, and paint Trump as a phony, a bully, a liar, and a loser. Follow up on the messaging in your ads.
Hillary is an unlikeable liar and a failed Secretary of State. Her experience is what the American people reject. Donald Trump understands this and that is why he will be president.
3
Hillary has already proven that she can handle anything. Just look at the criticism and abuse that has been hurled at her since her husband first ran for Governor. She has been wearing her own version of a bullet-proof vest for decades.
2
Hillary has some clear weaknesses. One is her and her husband's (and it is hard to separate the two) business dealings, such as the piece today in the Times about his multi-million dollar pay for "work" at a for-profit college and her dealings with Goldman Sachs. Another is the difficulty of explaining the mixed record of poverty programs and Obamacare. Trump will say they have not worked to solve all the problems they address. Explaining these requires details that will bore an audience and give room for Trump's nasty comments -- she cannot go there. She also cannot allow her dealings to look like an equivalence with Trump's -- he is tied to sleazy business deals, she and Bill are too. She has to explain in a crisp and effective way how her dealings were different from Trump's. Once she does that, her knowledge and ability to think will serve her well.
This is my grandson's take on Monday's debate:
"Bart Simpson vs. Lisa Simpson. And Bart is way cooler."
"Bart Simpson vs. Lisa Simpson. And Bart is way cooler."
18
David Axelrod's on-the nose road maps for Clinton's trip to Looneyville tomorrow night lay out her challenges in a logical, daunting manner. He should know. But in a face-off where a 68 year-old political veteran goes head to head with a 70 year-old man child -- who treats debates like Comedy Central Roasts -- is it possible for Hillary to defend against his "I know you are but what am I?" responses? Good luck Lester Holt. I hope you somehow let the political acumen shine through for both, whether the Donald shows up studied and presidential or reverts to his Restless Mouth Syndrome.
23
She also needs to do what other candidates have done - turn vulnerabilities into strengths. Candidate Obama did not have much relevant experience. He turned that into a strength by embodying hope and change.
Clinton could do something similar by apologizing sincerely and by saying that anyone with a long record of public service will have made mistakes but will also have learned from them.
Clinton could do something similar by apologizing sincerely and by saying that anyone with a long record of public service will have made mistakes but will also have learned from them.
2
Final exam for Hillary? Why is everything she does the last act? Why is every event, every debate, every appearance, every whatever, some last shot for redemption? (why does she even need redemption?) The event on the Intrepid, was her shot at getting more vets on her side. (but she already has them in droves!) Her first appearance after the phony pneumonia scandal was her best shot at calming nerves about her secrecy issues. (being ill and not saying anything is not scandalous, its SOP at work for most people) Now this first debate is her final exam. Last shot, last gasp. Phooey!
Why is the press always inventing these false finish lines ONLY for Hillary? Its gotten absurd at this stage, and should cease.
Trumps style of panel-banter, not debate - he doesn't debate,please stop calling it that - will be on display. Even if he tones it down and can control most of his facial jerky-boy ticks, it will bleed thru. The attempt to restrain his natural proclivities will come thru. More likely he will be what we expect, because while he's been using the teleprompter of late, it won't be there for them, and when he's off that leash, he's...well he's The Donald. He's the character, the performer, the make-stuff-up guy.
This is not Hllary's final exam, but it could prove to be Trumps most important exam to date. With more then a month left, there will be plenty of news events that will give them both more tests as to who is the best candidate. (which IMO, is long settled, HRC!)
Why is the press always inventing these false finish lines ONLY for Hillary? Its gotten absurd at this stage, and should cease.
Trumps style of panel-banter, not debate - he doesn't debate,please stop calling it that - will be on display. Even if he tones it down and can control most of his facial jerky-boy ticks, it will bleed thru. The attempt to restrain his natural proclivities will come thru. More likely he will be what we expect, because while he's been using the teleprompter of late, it won't be there for them, and when he's off that leash, he's...well he's The Donald. He's the character, the performer, the make-stuff-up guy.
This is not Hllary's final exam, but it could prove to be Trumps most important exam to date. With more then a month left, there will be plenty of news events that will give them both more tests as to who is the best candidate. (which IMO, is long settled, HRC!)
7
Personally, I think Trump has shown himself to be way, way beneath contempt in inviting Gennifer Flowers to the debate. TV coverage is his oxygen, and we would all do ourselves and the country by refusing to watch t his charade.
1
I'm hoping that Hillary's campaign team reads todays article on Al Gore's first debate with George W. Bush. There are alot of good points to keep in mind for tomorrow's debate.
2
It's too bad there isn't a better title for these things than "debate", as they are clearly not a formal debates, but mere formated for TV verbal slugfests. The developer will have that advantage going in.
Hillary is standing up to the bully in the room. It is a challenge of eic proportions with such serious consequences over the outcome. Trumps main press release is that he has invited Jennifer Flowers. At least he is consistant in his "anything but the issues" strategies to win. I am so grateful HRC has volunteered for the job. Despite the endless onslaught of conspiricies theories and accusations thruought her long involvement in politics i believe that she is up for the task.
2
If the debate is about substance, it will be very interesting. However, if it becomes about character, get ready to say President Trump for at least 4 years. This will be the "got milk" "got emails" debate, and the clock is ticking! I think Jennifer Flowers will be a nice addition to Cuban.
Hillary should invite some of the small business contractors that Trump stiffed , some of whom were featured in articles in the NYT.
1
David Axelrod makes a fundamental mistake in his analysis: that Hillary Clinton can be both authentic and true to herself, while not appearing to be the "smartest kid in the class." With respect, that is a nonsensical position. Hillary Clinton is the smartest candidate in the race, and arguably the most intellectually gifted presidential candidate in the post-war era.
Hillary Clinton will never be perceived as being likable in the way that certain of our past presidents enjoyed public affection, but she is an intellectual and policy heavyweight. Clinton should embrace that part of herself, and remember that neither Donald Trump, the moderators, the press, or the pundits can match her. And if the public isn't going to love you, you might as well throw your weight around and knock a few bodies down.
Hillary Clinton will never be perceived as being likable in the way that certain of our past presidents enjoyed public affection, but she is an intellectual and policy heavyweight. Clinton should embrace that part of herself, and remember that neither Donald Trump, the moderators, the press, or the pundits can match her. And if the public isn't going to love you, you might as well throw your weight around and knock a few bodies down.
6
To those Republicans who bristle at HRC's reference to the basket of deplorables supporting Trump, and who hang their vote on this flimsy insult as an excuse to vote for the singularly unqualified candidate, I say quit your crying. Your outrage over Sec'y Clinton's over-inclusiveness lumping you in with the most disagreeable, un-American segments of our society pales to the fact that Trump HAS appealed to these most extreme elements in our society. To those same Republicans (you know who you are), if you don't think the KKK and neonazis are deplorable, then I have to question your civic morality. So quit trying to find an excuse to absolve yourself, in advance, for the responsibility of voting for a con man.
As to HRC's ability to defend America, my advice to her would be to approach the debates with the mindset of defending America from the perils that would follow the election of Trump. She is, after all, speaking for most people in this country who do not want an unfit president in the White House. I hope that she will be a fierce, protective mother who approaches the debates as a challenge to defend the American people from a perilous future.
As to HRC's ability to defend America, my advice to her would be to approach the debates with the mindset of defending America from the perils that would follow the election of Trump. She is, after all, speaking for most people in this country who do not want an unfit president in the White House. I hope that she will be a fierce, protective mother who approaches the debates as a challenge to defend the American people from a perilous future.
1
Hmmmm. I have an Ancient Crystal Ball I'm only allowed to use for Special Occasions. Let me see.
Ahh. Hillary will do great. She is humane. She is sane. She walks the talk. No matter the storm, she perseveres.
Hmmm. What else do I see? Ahh. The Listening Force is With Her. Her Genius for Listening over the decades means she has the real wealth, the interaction with real human immediate particular experience which has led Karla and Anastasia and Noah and the Mothers of the Movement to be such central figures on her Compañeros De Alma SoulFriends Team! There is no "I alone can fix it" with Hillary. Instead she empowers us, yes, us! You too! Being on a team, being a member of a Beloved Family, Beloved Community, that's what inspires us. My elation sparkles like sunlight off the shining sea.
Hmmm. Delight and hard work are in our future. Delight in the hard teamwork is in our future. Feather by feather we mend, defend, and tend our better angels. Hillary will do great. She is our champion. She fights for us. We fight for her.
Ahh. Hillary will do great. She is humane. She is sane. She walks the talk. No matter the storm, she perseveres.
Hmmm. What else do I see? Ahh. The Listening Force is With Her. Her Genius for Listening over the decades means she has the real wealth, the interaction with real human immediate particular experience which has led Karla and Anastasia and Noah and the Mothers of the Movement to be such central figures on her Compañeros De Alma SoulFriends Team! There is no "I alone can fix it" with Hillary. Instead she empowers us, yes, us! You too! Being on a team, being a member of a Beloved Family, Beloved Community, that's what inspires us. My elation sparkles like sunlight off the shining sea.
Hmmm. Delight and hard work are in our future. Delight in the hard teamwork is in our future. Feather by feather we mend, defend, and tend our better angels. Hillary will do great. She is our champion. She fights for us. We fight for her.
4
Good essay. I agree with the notion that HRC has to address the camera more than Trump. The only thing I would add is the fatigue factor. She MUST appear to be energetic and stable on her feet. The fainting video is still on people's minds.
Crazy campaign for sure. Glad the end is nigh.
Crazy campaign for sure. Glad the end is nigh.
Right on, Mr. Axlelrid! I trust/hope that candidate Ckinton will heed your sage advice.
Thanks for everything.
Thanks for everything.
I hope the first time Trump uses the term "political correctness," Ms. Clinton responds, "With you, Donald, we'd all settle for correctness."
3
"Throughout the campaign, Mr. Trump has rewritten the rules and played a game that’s entirely his own." Indeed. But he couldn't have gotten this far without the YUGE assistance he got from the mainstream media, who incessantly and obsessively covered his every offensive word and every ridiculously juvenile antic, all without challenging any of it along the way.
6
Hillary's at a real disadvantage here. No matter what she does, says, or how she does it, Trump will counter with "You lied about the video. You set up a private server to violate the FIOA. If you thought a "C" meant it was the third in a series of emails, you're too stupid to be Commander in Chief."
It's a lose-lose for Hillary. Especially if she coughs. Even once.
It's a lose-lose for Hillary. Especially if she coughs. Even once.
Donald Trump is a 70-year-old 6th-grade bully, and he should be treated like a 6th-grade bully. As long as Hillary doesn't get dragged down into the mud as Jeb and others had and talks to "Donny" from her level, not Donny's level, she will be fine.
2
This isn't a final exam for Hillary Clinton: that sort of issue was done long ago, and she passed.
This is one more exam for American voters: are we mostly grown-ups with a brain, or not?
If enough voters are so whipped into a frenzy, or so afraid and hate-filled, or so stupid, or so lazy, that they can get together with the idots who thinks that their "progressivism," and moral purity matters more than Roe v. Wade, health care for 20 million, the Paris climate accords, the Iran deal on nukes, any regulation of Wall Street, and handing the wealthiest yet another massive, really yuge tax cut--there's not much the best debate performance of all time could do for Hillary Clinton.
It's our exam, not hers.
This is one more exam for American voters: are we mostly grown-ups with a brain, or not?
If enough voters are so whipped into a frenzy, or so afraid and hate-filled, or so stupid, or so lazy, that they can get together with the idots who thinks that their "progressivism," and moral purity matters more than Roe v. Wade, health care for 20 million, the Paris climate accords, the Iran deal on nukes, any regulation of Wall Street, and handing the wealthiest yet another massive, really yuge tax cut--there's not much the best debate performance of all time could do for Hillary Clinton.
It's our exam, not hers.
7
We keep hearing about "likability" - which is another of the false equivalences. It seems, from polling information and comments, that people dislike Trump because of his narcissism, bigotry and small-mindedness. Good. That shows discernment on our part as citizens of this great nation.
But when it comes to Clinton, a waft of sexism wanders in. We need to help people see that this dislike of strong females is another false equivalence. Let the true Hilary - strong, intelligent, committed and driven - be seen as the candidate. Have discussions with friends and families to open up this area of uncomfortable self-awareness. If she were not female, and being judged by outdated standards, there would be no "likability" issue.
But when it comes to Clinton, a waft of sexism wanders in. We need to help people see that this dislike of strong females is another false equivalence. Let the true Hilary - strong, intelligent, committed and driven - be seen as the candidate. Have discussions with friends and families to open up this area of uncomfortable self-awareness. If she were not female, and being judged by outdated standards, there would be no "likability" issue.
1
It's not about policy; it's about CHARACTER. Hillary needs to wedge her high-heeled foot in the door of doubt and leave it there for the entire time she's up there. Forget about policies or experience or ideas on Monday night. Don't waste valuable minutes with facts and figures. It's obvious the electorate is not making its decision on that basis. The Trump fans love his bluster and his stick-it-to-the-man pose. But they will waver. Goad him. Taunt him. Test him. Frustrate him. Expose him. Weaken him. Tire him. Tease him. Confuse him. It's his character, stupid. Go out and win this thing.
1
It's a sad commentary on our priorities as a nation that handling Donald Trump is a bellwether for handling "anything".
Competence vs Chaos is the real choice of voters.
Third party voters, consider this: your candidate will not be elected. Which of the two who WILL be in the White House will be open to your ideas, your needs and your voices?
Third party voters, consider this: your candidate will not be elected. Which of the two who WILL be in the White House will be open to your ideas, your needs and your voices?
2
I'm sure Secretary Clinton has a fine team of coaches for the debate. But David Axlerod has done a public service in offering up his analysis and insights. Let's hope this isn't the first communciation between Axlerod and the Clinton debate team.
'Mr. Trump has demonstrated an appalling, almost defiant, lack of knowledge' - D. Axelrod. What does it say about our electorate and the cynical Republican establishment (yes, I'm talking about you Ted Cruz), that Hillary Clinton, a most knowledgable public servant, will have to be on her best behavior to defeat a know-nothing like DJT? In a 'normal' country, this contest would be a no-brainer. In one corner - because this contest has been promoted like a boxing match - we have a seasoned leader whose every action has been scrutinized to the nth degree. In the other, there is a someone who has never done a day's worth of public service. In fact, with his personal creed of tax-avoidance, has done all in his power to avoid even funding public service. Someone who 'loves and embraces' our military and its soldiers, yet avoided the draft. Someone who boasts about his wealth, not to mention his virility, yet refuses outrageously, to provide his tax returns. A self-proclaimed billionaire who doesn't seem to put aside anything for charity, while claiming to be most munificent. Someone who, running for the most powerful position on earth, when asked about his ever-shifting positions, has the chutzpah to say: I don't talk about that anymore. Someone whose badge of honor appears to be the claim that he is not a politician. Yet, the fact of the matter is that DJT is the worst kind of politician: featuring a history of graft without even a gesture of good towards his fellow human beings.
3
My main concern for the debate is the moderator holding Trump accountable for specifics. It's long over due for the GOP candidate to define in more detail his policy proposals. To date, I have no idea what Mr. Trumps intentions are since he routinely contradicts himself, and softens or hardens his controversial stances to suit the particular audience.
"Trump’s bludgeoning style and boundless bluster have frustrated opponents, moderators and media analysts all season. But what elite commentators have dismissed as boorishness has, to many alienated voters, signified strength, authenticity and, crucially, a willingness to defy “political correctness.”
And Hillary's excellent debate skills are viewed by those voters as unattractive, because it means she's smart, a thinker, a gatherer of information. Which the Trumplodites hate in a person, as being truly intelligent, informed and eloquent are characteristics they lack. Characteristics that over the last few decades have been reviled by the GOP and Fox News as marks of the elite, the intelligentsia, academics. The enemy.
The Trumplodites are not a basket of deplorables (not all of them) but rather its more a basket of people who are still thinking and viewing the world from the POV of a high school student. They argue like HS kids, rely on their emotions as indicators of truth and value, and think that a few facts make them fully informed. Plus, they love it when the bully, the bombastic kid taunts and teases the nerds. And Hillary with her debate skills and general eloquence reminds the Trumplodites of those kids. The ones who after HS succeeded on their grades and brain power over their brawn, quick to fade good-looks, or popularity.
Most adults have not grown out of their high school persona, and the Trumplodites clearly reflect that in their adoration of Trump's style.
And Hillary's excellent debate skills are viewed by those voters as unattractive, because it means she's smart, a thinker, a gatherer of information. Which the Trumplodites hate in a person, as being truly intelligent, informed and eloquent are characteristics they lack. Characteristics that over the last few decades have been reviled by the GOP and Fox News as marks of the elite, the intelligentsia, academics. The enemy.
The Trumplodites are not a basket of deplorables (not all of them) but rather its more a basket of people who are still thinking and viewing the world from the POV of a high school student. They argue like HS kids, rely on their emotions as indicators of truth and value, and think that a few facts make them fully informed. Plus, they love it when the bully, the bombastic kid taunts and teases the nerds. And Hillary with her debate skills and general eloquence reminds the Trumplodites of those kids. The ones who after HS succeeded on their grades and brain power over their brawn, quick to fade good-looks, or popularity.
Most adults have not grown out of their high school persona, and the Trumplodites clearly reflect that in their adoration of Trump's style.
4
I will miss President O and his family and I hope that HRC is our next present.
2
These debates will be a window into the developmental stage of collective America: how near (or far) we are from seeing others as fearful, or as ourselves. Collective maturity is inevitable if life continues. It's a good bet that it will.
1
Great article by Mr. Axelrod. I'll admit a bias. Among all the CNN talking heads, he always seems the most composed, and the one with the most substantive responses.
And he is a man of honor, and so it must have been hard for him to write this piece. HRC is every bit the arrogant policy wonk Al Gore was. And that, more than anything, may spell her defeat - in the debates, and in the election.
If she were wise, she would pay heed to this article. I'm not convinced it will help her against Trump. She continues to make fatal, authoritarian errors, the most recent being the pneumonia cover up, which even exasperated Mr. Axelrod.
Trump is a wild card, and as reprehensible as he is, espouses on position that many Americans, in their heart of hearts, believe - notably, banning Muslim immigration, and a strong stance on law and order to protect the citizenry. It's a pure emotional appeal, and therefore the most likely to resonate with the audience.
HRC has no similar emotional appeal. She will fail on Monday because she is too arrogant to change. She will come across, as Gore did, inherently superior to her opponent in her own mind and in her on-stage actions and body language.
With poll numbers narrowing, it's a mistake she can't afford to make, but one she will be incapable of overcoming. This debate, and maybe the election, will go to Trump.
And he is a man of honor, and so it must have been hard for him to write this piece. HRC is every bit the arrogant policy wonk Al Gore was. And that, more than anything, may spell her defeat - in the debates, and in the election.
If she were wise, she would pay heed to this article. I'm not convinced it will help her against Trump. She continues to make fatal, authoritarian errors, the most recent being the pneumonia cover up, which even exasperated Mr. Axelrod.
Trump is a wild card, and as reprehensible as he is, espouses on position that many Americans, in their heart of hearts, believe - notably, banning Muslim immigration, and a strong stance on law and order to protect the citizenry. It's a pure emotional appeal, and therefore the most likely to resonate with the audience.
HRC has no similar emotional appeal. She will fail on Monday because she is too arrogant to change. She will come across, as Gore did, inherently superior to her opponent in her own mind and in her on-stage actions and body language.
With poll numbers narrowing, it's a mistake she can't afford to make, but one she will be incapable of overcoming. This debate, and maybe the election, will go to Trump.
1
The exact advice given to HRC here is her greatest threat. Stated time and again, she has to decide what, when and where to attack. While she may have vast knowledge, what she lacks is the politician's uncanny ability to know what, when and where to attack. She is her own clumsy self....unbending, shouting, and scowling all the way.
When Trump's showbiz prattle leaves Hillary sounding like a dial tone, she needs to start quoting Bernie Sanders.
At some point, I expect Trump to just lose it. It's in his make-up. The man is incapable of moderating his behavior. Even when reading from a telepromter we see glimpses of the true Trump with his parenthetical, off-the-cuff gibes at his opponant. Moreover, Trump believes in his (considerable) gut that what got him to the dance will also get into the White House. Roger Ailes will supply him with some zingers but Trump will not deliver them effectively, mostly because he has zero sense of humor and irony. They will seem, as they actually are, canned.
If this "debate" goes as I suspect it will, we will see Trump do a national melt-down gently precipitated, aided and abetted by Clinton. It is obviously in her interest to expose Trump for the screwball—the psychopath—he is and to carefully juxtapose herself as the obvious choice, if only because the woman is sane.
If this "debate" goes as I suspect it will, we will see Trump do a national melt-down gently precipitated, aided and abetted by Clinton. It is obviously in her interest to expose Trump for the screwball—the psychopath—he is and to carefully juxtapose herself as the obvious choice, if only because the woman is sane.
My hope is that the questions asked are substance-based and that to answer them requires knowledge of some facts. The President should have a basic knowledge of geography, politics, foreign relations, major economic issues, major scientific controversies, the structure of government and history. While Mr. Trump may know about these things, he has not revealed it in public yet; if he is stumped by a few basic questions, especially if follow-up questions make it clear that he has little depth to his knowledge in these areas, he may be exposed as too ignorant to lead the country. If he does know about these things, it would be quite interesting to hear his opinions. The worst case scenario for Mrs. Clinton is if a moderator keep everything vague.
I have just heard that Trump has invited Gennifer Flowers to the debate to unnerve Clinton. He is hardly an icon of marital fidelity. She was the one cheated on. He should be careful. Clinton is clearly more qualified than Trump. We can only hope that he will be his true self: bombastic, belligerent, dishonest, and a bully who caves when he is confronted on his opinions .He will display his willful ignorance and lack of any competence in governance and policy foreign and domestic. She will display the polar opposite with clear knowledge and capability to be POTUS. She has to be authentic, display some humour and warmth, pick her moments to challenge him, and most of all be less lawyerly and eschew her usual parsing of words. She has to honestly address her mistakes and apologize for them. We need to see the Hillary that we are told she is in private.
This is not a reality show contest. The American electorate should come to understand that Trump is utterly unqualified for the presidency and that Hillary Clinton is. This is an age of celebrity rather than substance, hence the Kardashians. But winning the presidency is not winning "Survivor". Voters should finally understand that as they watch this debate. There is too much at stake not to take this seriously. The very idea of Trump as President would be to use one of his favourite words, a disaster.
This is not a reality show contest. The American electorate should come to understand that Trump is utterly unqualified for the presidency and that Hillary Clinton is. This is an age of celebrity rather than substance, hence the Kardashians. But winning the presidency is not winning "Survivor". Voters should finally understand that as they watch this debate. There is too much at stake not to take this seriously. The very idea of Trump as President would be to use one of his favourite words, a disaster.
I refer people to another article in the Times titled Hillary Clinton's Angry Face. It's in a section called Gray Matter. I wish that article had been highlighted on the front page or linked to this article.
That other article is about the research on psychological differences in response to emotions or the perception of emotion in women vs. men. For example, Hillary perceived as angry when she's just looking serious vs. Donald perceived as serious when he's actually expressing anger. The debate is going to be a psych test on that kind of distortion.
If the bar is set so low for Donald and so high for Hillary, there's no fair competition.
That other article is about the research on psychological differences in response to emotions or the perception of emotion in women vs. men. For example, Hillary perceived as angry when she's just looking serious vs. Donald perceived as serious when he's actually expressing anger. The debate is going to be a psych test on that kind of distortion.
If the bar is set so low for Donald and so high for Hillary, there's no fair competition.
12
Hillary Clinton has to bear in mind that the debate on Monday evening is all about convincing the American public - not Donald Trump - that she is qualified for presidency and a better choice too. But Trump would see it as another Super Bowl event, and so would his supporters. But other Americans seek to learn more about their candidates and their agendas.
As a public person for over 40 years, we know much about Hillary Clinton - her ups and downs, achievements and failures, strengths and weakness etc. But we don't know much about Trump's success other than his self-proclaimed triumph. Much has been written about his bankruptcies, which is hardly an evidence for being a good businessman, let alone a politician, as he has never been one. He has ruthlessly refused to disclose his tax returns. It is imperative that he releases them before the election, if he has nothing to hide. We want to see whether he is more honest than his "crooked Hillary."
As a public person for over 40 years, we know much about Hillary Clinton - her ups and downs, achievements and failures, strengths and weakness etc. But we don't know much about Trump's success other than his self-proclaimed triumph. Much has been written about his bankruptcies, which is hardly an evidence for being a good businessman, let alone a politician, as he has never been one. He has ruthlessly refused to disclose his tax returns. It is imperative that he releases them before the election, if he has nothing to hide. We want to see whether he is more honest than his "crooked Hillary."
6
Gennifer Flowers will be sitting in the front row as Donald Trump's invited guest and so it goes. So much for decorum. Trump is again managing to turn what should be a serious discussion of political policy into just another vehicle for entertainment. I have had enough of it all. It is time for someone to turn the tables on this man who would be king and find something, anything that will be so odious, so awful that even his most ardent supporters will turn away from him.
I have no idea which Trump we will see on Monday evening - the bully or the man trying to appear Presidential. Trump will be singing to the choir when it comes to his supporters no matter what comes out of his mouth, and they will be itching to see him take Hillary Clinton down, however because he is confident that he will have their support, no matter what he says, Trump may become reserved in his rhetoric. Having Gennifer Flowers sitting in the front row as an affront to Clinton is his wink and nod to his supporters. The man is disgusting.
I am certain Clinton will bring her A game to the debate. I hope it is enough to persuade the fence sitters that she is without a doubt the person who should be our next President. If they remain unconvinced, then all bets are off. Never has I been so frightened for this country.
I have no idea which Trump we will see on Monday evening - the bully or the man trying to appear Presidential. Trump will be singing to the choir when it comes to his supporters no matter what comes out of his mouth, and they will be itching to see him take Hillary Clinton down, however because he is confident that he will have their support, no matter what he says, Trump may become reserved in his rhetoric. Having Gennifer Flowers sitting in the front row as an affront to Clinton is his wink and nod to his supporters. The man is disgusting.
I am certain Clinton will bring her A game to the debate. I hope it is enough to persuade the fence sitters that she is without a doubt the person who should be our next President. If they remain unconvinced, then all bets are off. Never has I been so frightened for this country.
3
How much more odious than the ties to Russia, the admiration for Putin, Hussein, the constant lying about anything, the bankruptcies, the stiffed vendors? It's music to his supporters ears and entertainment to most of the rest of the electorate who could care less about substance and what the POTUS really does on the job. Had Obama or HRC expressed such affinity for Putin and Russia I'm sure the CIA would have been in their faces within a week and Limbaugh and Fox Views would have been calling for their executions for treason. With Trump, well, it's just Donald being sarcastic, don't you get sarcastic?
The elephant in the room that nobody mentions is that the American people are STUPID.
The elephant in the room that nobody mentions is that the American people are STUPID.
1
All Mr. Trump has to do to win the debate is hit Mrs. Clinton with his own version of Regan's lethal "There you go again" that demolished Jimmy Carter during the 1980 presidential campaign.
1
Trump is a schoolyard bully, a species with which I have had some experience. He lies. He exploits the fears and insecurities –as well as the positive intentions and good values –of his listeners to turn those listeners against his adversary. He pretends to be the highroad good guy, when in fact he is using every trick in the book to undermine anyone who questions his preeminence or seeks to take something he wants. He attacks or undermines those who threaten his preeminence.
Trump is gratuitously cruel, particularly to those who see through him. He fears those who are smart or experienced enough to understand him.These are his true enemies because, like all infantile narcissists, the person he loathes most is himself. He cannot afford to be seen. He misdirects his inner rage unto innocent victims who are not likely, for one reason or another, to be sucked in to his bubble.That is why he is so vicious to anyone who criticizes him. Trump is not tough. He is an empty vessel.
Like all bullies, Trump seeks allies among those who are angry and sad, attempting to form armies from the disaffected and injured. He cares nothing for these people, but exploits them to achieve power and status–because power and status are what his fragile ego requires and will do anything to obtain. Nothing satisfies him, however, and nothing ever will. The emptiness is within.
All of his relationships are vertical ones. He has no real friends.
This is the schoolyard bully, and this is Donald Trump.
Trump is gratuitously cruel, particularly to those who see through him. He fears those who are smart or experienced enough to understand him.These are his true enemies because, like all infantile narcissists, the person he loathes most is himself. He cannot afford to be seen. He misdirects his inner rage unto innocent victims who are not likely, for one reason or another, to be sucked in to his bubble.That is why he is so vicious to anyone who criticizes him. Trump is not tough. He is an empty vessel.
Like all bullies, Trump seeks allies among those who are angry and sad, attempting to form armies from the disaffected and injured. He cares nothing for these people, but exploits them to achieve power and status–because power and status are what his fragile ego requires and will do anything to obtain. Nothing satisfies him, however, and nothing ever will. The emptiness is within.
All of his relationships are vertical ones. He has no real friends.
This is the schoolyard bully, and this is Donald Trump.
17
It is all becoming such a game of shadows that it takes diligence to separate fact from fiction. But, people don't want to do the work. If they like a meme, they share it. Only about 5% actually check it. In this environment, the situation for the country is dire. Can the public actually become informed in tomorrow's debate? Not unless they do their own work, and they seem disinclined to do so.
We have a lying candidate and a lying medium. Fox news lies so often its viewers are less than informed. They are misinformed. They know less than those who watch no news. And, they have the most cable news viewers. http://publicmind.fdu.edu/2011/knowless/
We have a lying candidate. He is wholly honest only 4% of the time. Ninety-six percent of the time, he's lying to a degree. http://www.politifact.com/personalities/donald-trump/
It's no wonder Trump doesn't want the moderator to fact-check the debates. Lester Holt would have little time available for the actual debate if he countered every Trump lie, since there are so many of them. Fox News said Candy Crowley's fact check of Romney's lie was a lie, but the truth is both Fox and Romney were lying, and Crowley telling the truth. http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/18/politics/fact-check-crowley-critics-debate/
We have a lying candidate and a lying medium. Fox news lies so often its viewers are less than informed. They are misinformed. They know less than those who watch no news. And, they have the most cable news viewers. http://publicmind.fdu.edu/2011/knowless/
We have a lying candidate. He is wholly honest only 4% of the time. Ninety-six percent of the time, he's lying to a degree. http://www.politifact.com/personalities/donald-trump/
It's no wonder Trump doesn't want the moderator to fact-check the debates. Lester Holt would have little time available for the actual debate if he countered every Trump lie, since there are so many of them. Fox News said Candy Crowley's fact check of Romney's lie was a lie, but the truth is both Fox and Romney were lying, and Crowley telling the truth. http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/18/politics/fact-check-crowley-critics-debate/
7
Of the 100 million viewers who will be watching only about 20% are truly informed voters. The Washington-NYC-Boston-Chocago-LA-SF punditry axis has the luxury and time to parse every word of these two candidates. About 50-60% have already made up their minds. That leaves learners and undecideds at about 20%. Trump has already won the debate in a way. He and his extremely weak opponent have made the debate hers to lose. If undecides and leaners are looking to Trump to disqualify himself they will be sorely disappointed. All Trump needs to do is coast and let his opponent talk and talk and talk. She's terrible TV. From the weird smiles, to the odd misplaced cackles, to the droning soporific attempts at conveying her policies to her inability to really frame her successes she will be fighting off of her back. Trump will know when he has to strategically send off a zinger to wake up the audience from the Clinton snoozefest. He's already broken the ice by inviting Gennifer Flowers to the table. Her 35 years of 'service' are so plagued by scandal and overrated successes that he will have a choice of targets to strategically carpet bomb her positions. In this age of insurgency Trump has already one over the 'deplorables'. He will start off the debate by "sincerely" addressing Hillary's health. 'Madame Secretary, I'm glad you're feeling much better from your pneumonia and on your road to recovery.' That's where the debate starts and ends.
2
talking points are your thing, eh? She's the next POTUS.
This is a contest between a successful happy businessman who has made it by playing by existing rules and laws Happy and very successful family and bright and accomplished children.
Versus a very contrived person , that has succeeded materially by using the power of government to further her portfolio, including giving and dispensing favors and gifts ,all at taxpayer expense and ignoring the rules and regulations applicable to the rest of us. A very dysfunctional and unhappy marriage of convenience only.
Policies positions are just crafted words with no real substance. If they were, she would have accomplished something positive for the electorate in her 30 some years living off the taxpayer.
This is an election of who we would prefer to sit down and have a coffee or a beer with, including their family members.
Two people, one a bit of a rogue but fun, the other a very haughty self serving and ambitious person with no other goal than to be anointed.
Versus a very contrived person , that has succeeded materially by using the power of government to further her portfolio, including giving and dispensing favors and gifts ,all at taxpayer expense and ignoring the rules and regulations applicable to the rest of us. A very dysfunctional and unhappy marriage of convenience only.
Policies positions are just crafted words with no real substance. If they were, she would have accomplished something positive for the electorate in her 30 some years living off the taxpayer.
This is an election of who we would prefer to sit down and have a coffee or a beer with, including their family members.
Two people, one a bit of a rogue but fun, the other a very haughty self serving and ambitious person with no other goal than to be anointed.
4
Trump's son wouldn't see him for a year after he dumped their mother. Marla Maple's marriage was legally designed to only last 5 years and she can't say a word against him. His oldest children only have financial success because of him. Ivanka is being sued for stealing shoe designs from an Italian shoe designer. He doesn't drink beer or coffee so I guess you think it'd be fun to drink in front of him while he describes what a looser you are.
You need to read up on the facts about Trump. He has failed to pay debts, he bribed the woman in FL, he broke many rules along the way.
He also has failed to abide by the unwritten rule of releasing tax returns.He lies all the time. You really think he would be a good president? Do you really think he would ever condescend to have a beer with you?
He also has failed to abide by the unwritten rule of releasing tax returns.He lies all the time. You really think he would be a good president? Do you really think he would ever condescend to have a beer with you?
Through in the towel Hillary. It's got nothing to do with policy.
1
Did you mean "throw."
On stage, whatever the format, Mr. Trump has acted much like a demented drama coach, interrupting and commenting on statements as they're uttered. This has left opponents unsettled, unable to complete their thought without launching into point-by-point rebuttal. By the twisted logic of creating disarray, he has thereby co-opted the argument in the minds of many.
You mean those other clown-car Republican candidates?? -- they were nowhere near the caliber of Clinton.
Ms Clinton composed herself professionally, honestly, and in a kind manner during the last, grueling Benghazi hearings...I'm sure she'll strike a home run during tomorrow's debate, too.
3
Hillary needs to harness her responses around one theme: inequality. She needs to remind everyone that her policies and her leadership will be devoted to ensuring equality for all the people in the country. Equality of opportunity and equality of treatment. It's the uplifting theme that, without saying anything more, contrasts her favorably with her opponent. It's that simple. It's what the American people want to hear, and she can back it up with facts vs. her opponent who has campaigned with divisiveness.
6
Talk about overthinking! She should be herself. Tough, smart. She should tell us what she will do and trump can't. Save Social Security, health care, and higher education. Keep us out of stupid wars. Deal with climate change. Knit our allies together to solve terrorism. Take on racism. Restore optimism.
12
facts might matter in other countries. americans seem to choose based on whom they're rather have a beer with.....
10
Mrs Clinton should read Malcolm Gladwell's "David and Goliath" It contains some ideas as to how to handle her opponent so that she does not end up as Goliath .
3
It is well known that a very large number of Americans own guns, enjoy going to beauty contests, wrestling matches and auto races, subscribe to the theory that the moon landings were faked and sleep in their underwear.
This will be a very tough audience for Mrs. Clinton to impress.
This will be a very tough audience for Mrs. Clinton to impress.
6
And fortunately, Clinton has at least half of the American electorate that has been slammed or ignored by Donald Trump, and who will make sure he doesn't get their vote.
The others are beyond impression.
The others are beyond impression.
Best of luck and skill to Hillary Clinton. 100's of millions of Americans, and world citizens, are rooting for you. Most of us are praying that Donald Trump will fall into a bottomless hole, never to be seen again.
20
Hillary Clinton's got this..I am certain that she will hit and maintain the note of sanity and Presidential Material leading her to the White House..No one is more qualified...
6
Trump should never have been the Republican representitive for President of the United States -- he is an exaggeration artist, and we now have proof.
Hillary: invite Mr Trump to weigh himself on the portable scale you brought onstage. He claims 236 and we all know he's at least 270. If you are not honest about that....
1
Axelrod can boast of helping win two presidential elections, but the communications effort from his White House was when he was there and remains today an unmitigated disaster. An amazing president has been poorly served by Axelrod and others who have not been able to sustain a critical message for more than one news cycle. ACA is the perfect example of great legislation that passed and was then (and is now today) totally unsupported by the bully pulpit. The GOP has had a field day lying about ACA, and the insurance industry that initially reveled in the anticipated financial windfall from million of more insureds is now running from the baby it helped birth.
1
I think it's all missing the point. With Trump, everything is personal. Someone who goes after him on policy is going to get static. His supporters just want him because it's him. The only philosophically cogent reason I've ever heard for voting for Trump is actual destruction. Actual "Political Nihilism". One votes for Trump precisely because you want Rome to burn. Any defense of the status quo, or any attempt to use the existing system to help people is immediately looked at with at minimum suspicion, and usually with aggressive antipathy.
So, how does Hillary attack someone whose core support comes truly from the desire to bring down everything? Get personal.
"Donald, we came to your wedding. We liked each other before all this started. We were friends. Our daughters are friends, and are working to keep it that way. You contributed to my Senate campaign and helped me out. You chose to do all these things to help me out, help our families out, and help our mutual business interests out, as well as our mutual desire to see the nation do great things. What went wrong? Where did everything turn so bad? Why is our friendship on the rocks?"
The Christian principle of loving your enemy, and I mean actually loving, and trying to understand and help them, is the way to win.
She can dance circles of policy around him and on the ceiling. That's irrelevant. That he lies and knows nothing is irrelevant. It's all about his ability to shatter everything.
So, how does Hillary attack someone whose core support comes truly from the desire to bring down everything? Get personal.
"Donald, we came to your wedding. We liked each other before all this started. We were friends. Our daughters are friends, and are working to keep it that way. You contributed to my Senate campaign and helped me out. You chose to do all these things to help me out, help our families out, and help our mutual business interests out, as well as our mutual desire to see the nation do great things. What went wrong? Where did everything turn so bad? Why is our friendship on the rocks?"
The Christian principle of loving your enemy, and I mean actually loving, and trying to understand and help them, is the way to win.
She can dance circles of policy around him and on the ceiling. That's irrelevant. That he lies and knows nothing is irrelevant. It's all about his ability to shatter everything.
The overriding consideration that undecided Americans eligible to vote need to think about is that to elect Donald Trump to the Presidency is to play dice with the future of the United States of America.
Suggested responses for Hillary:
He sounds good, but he's wrong. Here's the truth/here are the facts. (for each point, begin "he's wrong...."
Fortunately, I don't care what he thinks about me, I care what you (voters) think. Here is who I am .... public spirited, work to help the disadvantaged, have put in the time and effort to understand how to keep America strong in the international arena ....
As to what he says he can do, he's wrong. He simply has no idea of how to get there. It's all just pie in the sky. Here is what I will and can do as President ...
He wants to make you angry, in fact he wants to divide you, and to make you fight against each other. He respects no one, instead he insults everyone. If we are to be stronger as a country it must be based on respect for differences and accepting that there are different strengths. I respect people with different views and will listen. Together we are stronger and build a better world for each of us.
Remember, he is two-faced. (insert point at issue ...He says there should be a wall against illegal immigrants, but he built his riches on them. He is two-faced. He says he wants to lower taxes, but he will reap billions from tax cuts, you will be left to eat cold cuts. He is two faced. He wants to stop exporting jobs, but virtually all of his "brand" products are made overseas. etc.) Don't be fooled...
And I'm sure there are many many more good responses.
He sounds good, but he's wrong. Here's the truth/here are the facts. (for each point, begin "he's wrong...."
Fortunately, I don't care what he thinks about me, I care what you (voters) think. Here is who I am .... public spirited, work to help the disadvantaged, have put in the time and effort to understand how to keep America strong in the international arena ....
As to what he says he can do, he's wrong. He simply has no idea of how to get there. It's all just pie in the sky. Here is what I will and can do as President ...
He wants to make you angry, in fact he wants to divide you, and to make you fight against each other. He respects no one, instead he insults everyone. If we are to be stronger as a country it must be based on respect for differences and accepting that there are different strengths. I respect people with different views and will listen. Together we are stronger and build a better world for each of us.
Remember, he is two-faced. (insert point at issue ...He says there should be a wall against illegal immigrants, but he built his riches on them. He is two-faced. He says he wants to lower taxes, but he will reap billions from tax cuts, you will be left to eat cold cuts. He is two faced. He wants to stop exporting jobs, but virtually all of his "brand" products are made overseas. etc.) Don't be fooled...
And I'm sure there are many many more good responses.
4
In my opinion the way to win this and to rattle Trump is to show him as weak and afraid. He and his followers greatest valuation is on strength. Make America Great Again (because we're weak now). "Little" Marcio Rubio is not big and strong. "Lying" Ted Cruz was called out for being the bully that he is by the big strong confronted. Make America Safe Again! Donald Trump the tough guy will do it.
But....only a weakling is afraid to show his tax returns now that the IRS commissioner has stated publicly that Trump's claim of an audit prevents him from disclosing his finances Is totally incorrect. Only someone that is scared would hide what a failure he is. "A lot of people are saying" Donald Trump is weak. "I don't know, but I"m just saying", if you're weak, you hide. Poor little scared Donnie.
Show him as weak, and you beat him. Period.
But....only a weakling is afraid to show his tax returns now that the IRS commissioner has stated publicly that Trump's claim of an audit prevents him from disclosing his finances Is totally incorrect. Only someone that is scared would hide what a failure he is. "A lot of people are saying" Donald Trump is weak. "I don't know, but I"m just saying", if you're weak, you hide. Poor little scared Donnie.
Show him as weak, and you beat him. Period.
3
That is 100% correct! And as a psychologist I would like to mention that if she can subtly, without looking like a jerk, mention repeatedly that his views and statements reflect weakness and vulnerability, he will not be able to contain a need to obnoxiously retaliate, which of course will reveal his weakness even more.
I very much like this Opinion piece, because it shows the type of cold, clear restraint that is very difficult to find...however, my gut tells me she ought to get personal with him.
Ask about why he would leave U.S. allies twisting in the wind in their hour of need, breaking trust and treaties alike.
Ask about those comments "let's see what happens to her" after taking away her security detail's guns.
Ask about his foreign business interests, and how his Presidency would deal with this - he's already making millions from his very own campaign!
Ask about using nukes, and how he would deal with the aftermath of such a treacherous decision.
Ask about his own infidelities, multiple marriages, child rape charges...for goodness sake, those things do say something about a person.
Ask how a single person can have been involved in thousands of lawsuits, and multiple bankruptcies, and how that can possibly result in trust for the American people.
Ask about his discriminatory business practices, about how he shafts his employees and contractors by not paying them, how his projects have employed undocumented workers, how his products are made overseas.
These do not have to be presented in the style of Mr. Trump - she doesn't necessarily have to yell - but Mrs. Clinton is so often seen as "weak" compared to him, and I'd love to see her ramrod some of these personal, business, and potentially public problems down his ignorant, hate-filled throat.
Ask about why he would leave U.S. allies twisting in the wind in their hour of need, breaking trust and treaties alike.
Ask about those comments "let's see what happens to her" after taking away her security detail's guns.
Ask about his foreign business interests, and how his Presidency would deal with this - he's already making millions from his very own campaign!
Ask about using nukes, and how he would deal with the aftermath of such a treacherous decision.
Ask about his own infidelities, multiple marriages, child rape charges...for goodness sake, those things do say something about a person.
Ask how a single person can have been involved in thousands of lawsuits, and multiple bankruptcies, and how that can possibly result in trust for the American people.
Ask about his discriminatory business practices, about how he shafts his employees and contractors by not paying them, how his projects have employed undocumented workers, how his products are made overseas.
These do not have to be presented in the style of Mr. Trump - she doesn't necessarily have to yell - but Mrs. Clinton is so often seen as "weak" compared to him, and I'd love to see her ramrod some of these personal, business, and potentially public problems down his ignorant, hate-filled throat.
5
I would say Trump is the one in a must win situation. True, the bar is lower for him ( all he has to do is show up and offer a watered down version of himself) but he still needs to do more than just LOOK presidential. He will have to explain his policy proposals and he is at a disadvantage in that arena. He needs to win this debate.
Of course, she needs that gotcha moment. Since one of her biggest problems is how dry she comes across, how about this, delivered at a moment when Donald has issued forth in a particularly ridiculous, uninformed, truthless rant, and looking him boldly in the eyes: "Donald, it is perfectly fine to have any opinion in our great country, and even to entertain with those opinions as a game show host, but as president of the United States you actually have to know what you're talking about!"
5
Another way to get at the heart of the issue, although probably only one gotcha is aloud: "Donald, every time you fear the country will see what you're really about, you say it about me. The facts are, you are the crook who has cheated more than can be counted, you are the supporter of those who put us at risk like Putin, you are the one who holds most Americans in contempt with your policies to help the rich, and you are the most untrustworthy candidate to run for the presidency in history with your constant lying. Those are the facts about Donald Trump!
1
I wonder if this debate might be the political equivalent of the Giants - Saints game last weekend. Everyone was expecting the game to be high scoring with each side slicing through the other. In the end, it was a pretty modest game.
Hillary's response to her latest decline in polls has been to go positive. Sounds like she thinks that venturing into the mud with Trump just gets both of them dirty. Though it's not fair, a woman fighting back can seem shrill.
On the other hand, Trump has got to moderate himself a little bit while still seeming authentic (which is what got him here). I think a little humor will go a long way here (for both candidates). In addition, Trump may be best served early on by finding his own way to emulate Reagan or George W Bush's acknowledgment of the limits of policy details. He's not going to beat Hillary for the country's biggest policy nerd. However, the country's need for a strong leader may overcome that. Reagan sold himself as a kind of good-natured grand-father. "There you go again." Bush was the folksy southerner who people wanted to have a beer with. Trump needs to find his own voice - but he should make Hillary's love for details into a weakness - e.g. saying she'd be great if the country needs someone to stay home on a Saturday night reading old tax manuals for grammatical errors.
Hillary's response to her latest decline in polls has been to go positive. Sounds like she thinks that venturing into the mud with Trump just gets both of them dirty. Though it's not fair, a woman fighting back can seem shrill.
On the other hand, Trump has got to moderate himself a little bit while still seeming authentic (which is what got him here). I think a little humor will go a long way here (for both candidates). In addition, Trump may be best served early on by finding his own way to emulate Reagan or George W Bush's acknowledgment of the limits of policy details. He's not going to beat Hillary for the country's biggest policy nerd. However, the country's need for a strong leader may overcome that. Reagan sold himself as a kind of good-natured grand-father. "There you go again." Bush was the folksy southerner who people wanted to have a beer with. Trump needs to find his own voice - but he should make Hillary's love for details into a weakness - e.g. saying she'd be great if the country needs someone to stay home on a Saturday night reading old tax manuals for grammatical errors.
Trump plays the victim's victim in his confidence scam. That is how he appeals to the disaffected who want revenge for whatever has them feeling left out.
2
But nothing can disguise a lack of knowledge.
This is when having skin thicker than a rhino's will truly pay off.
52
I think that whatever pundits may say about who lost or won, Hillary's only chance of picking up votes is by showing the deplorables that there is something for them in her presidency. I'm not holding my breath.
19
Here, your comment is a misinterpretation of what Hillary said. The “deplorables” are the half of Trump’s supporters who are aligned with the alt.right. They are neo-nazis, racists, and other haters who will NEVER support Hillary. OTOH the other half of his supporters, the folks she said were struggling and deserved serious attention, may be convinced to switch.
Please do, I hope you do hold your breath, long and hard.
Unwittingly, you may be right. Those people in Hillary's basket known for their racist, bigoted and misogynistic views are also not known for their discernment of truth and honesty, perfect foils for Trump.
Can we dispense with this "everybody hates the smartest kid in the class" nonsense? Nobody hated the three smartest kids in my class, and I graduated from high school 40 years ago. Nobody hated, disliked, or derided the smartest kids in the graduating class of my daughter a couple of years ago. Listen to how kids use "skills" as slang: "she got skills". Competence—whether it's STEM, music, art, sex or athletics—is admired. In the tech age, only losers think a lack of skills or competence is "cool".
Of course that's part of Trump's appeal: by rudely referring to people as "losers," he makes his supporters feel that they must not be the losers—he's talking to somebody else. But as we know, Trump's most enthusiastic supporters are people with fears and anxieties about losing, often justifiable. I think of people who try to make something of themselves and fail as unlucky in their opportunities, not as losers. But plainly, if we want to call people "losers," they swell the ranks of Trump supporters.
If the choice in this election is between Hermione Granger or Draco Malfoy, really, what does it say about you if you pick Malfoy?
Of course that's part of Trump's appeal: by rudely referring to people as "losers," he makes his supporters feel that they must not be the losers—he's talking to somebody else. But as we know, Trump's most enthusiastic supporters are people with fears and anxieties about losing, often justifiable. I think of people who try to make something of themselves and fail as unlucky in their opportunities, not as losers. But plainly, if we want to call people "losers," they swell the ranks of Trump supporters.
If the choice in this election is between Hermione Granger or Draco Malfoy, really, what does it say about you if you pick Malfoy?
5
Dear Secretary Clinton,
Do Not Take The Bait! Do Not Be Baited!! Do Not Stoop To Conquer!!!
And Most Of All . . .
DO NOT DIGNIFY ANY DER STRUMPET COMMENTS WITH A RESPONSE!
Just Stick To The Facts and Tell All and Everyone . . .
The two or three great things we can all look forward to in your presidency !!!
That alone should bury Der Strumpet once and for all . . .
Please, Please, Please Secretary Hilton Heed This Advice and Wise Council!
Do Not Take The Bait! Do Not Be Baited!! Do Not Stoop To Conquer!!!
And Most Of All . . .
DO NOT DIGNIFY ANY DER STRUMPET COMMENTS WITH A RESPONSE!
Just Stick To The Facts and Tell All and Everyone . . .
The two or three great things we can all look forward to in your presidency !!!
That alone should bury Der Strumpet once and for all . . .
Please, Please, Please Secretary Hilton Heed This Advice and Wise Council!
2
Her final exam? For the sake of humanity, I hope not.
Recall FDR at Yalta. He was suffering from undisclosed cognitive problems that cost the world Eastern Europe. JFK's undisclosed Addison's disease almost cost us the whole shebang. He was in a pharmaceutical stupor when he met w/ Khrushchev in Vienna, having been pumped silly w/ corticosteroids/painkillers/amphetamines. Result—the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Clinton has been captured on video "short-circuiting"—as she put it—medical lingo that describes brain freezes & electrical-transmission disruptions, suggesting familiarity/possible nexus
Her CVST can explain her symptoms. Dr. GJ Gianoli—who collaborated w/ NASA to identify increased intracranial pressure—explains:
"The clot does not dissolve or disappear as Clinton camp has inferred. About 1/2 of patients will continue to have a blocked vein & 1/2 will have partial reopening of vein, but either way, there will always be some insufficiency in drainage… It is not a question of whether the intracranial pressure increases. It is a question of how severe & how bad are the symptoms that follow. I have treated numerous patients for this very issue & the consequences can lead to significant disability. It deeply concerns me that [HC] may have such serious health issues…
Hillary [must release] her full & unaltered medical records" —forbes.com
If HC's cognitive-impairment defense was compelling enough to keep her out of jail, it is compelling enough to keep her out of the WH
4
For anybody who's interested, here's a good explanation of why this sort of "analysis" (which comes from a far-right group, the AAPS, which gins up papers on stuff like how abortion causes breast cancer) is beyond idiotic.
http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2016/08/19/hillary-clinton-is-medicall...
http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2016/08/19/hillary-clinton-is-medicall...
1
@Marian. Newsmax is not a reputable source for medical information or fair assessments of mainstream politicians. They're probably more useful as a place for schemes selling gold futures, miracle prostate cures, and fat busting foods. Oh, and for peddling conspiracy theories 24/7.
Dr Gianoli may be a perfectly fine physician but I wouldn't trust anything filtered thru an organ of right wing media distortion. Personally, I think it's highly unethical to posit health issues about a presidential candidate without detailed knowledge gleaned from a history, physical, and appropriate tests. Normal people, and Hillary Clinton is normal, are entitled to a degree of privacy. I trust the summary of her records already released and the written statements of her actual treating physicians. Donald hasn't even reached that threshold. Dr Oz? Really??
There's no groundswell of concern from the medical community, just the typical AstroTurf campaign of a vicious campaign season.
Dr Gianoli may be a perfectly fine physician but I wouldn't trust anything filtered thru an organ of right wing media distortion. Personally, I think it's highly unethical to posit health issues about a presidential candidate without detailed knowledge gleaned from a history, physical, and appropriate tests. Normal people, and Hillary Clinton is normal, are entitled to a degree of privacy. I trust the summary of her records already released and the written statements of her actual treating physicians. Donald hasn't even reached that threshold. Dr Oz? Really??
There's no groundswell of concern from the medical community, just the typical AstroTurf campaign of a vicious campaign season.
1
While Don the Con hasn't released his tax returns, HRC still hasn't released the texts of any of her multiple, tens-of-thousands-of-dollars worth of speeches to corporate clients like Goldman Sachs. While these two facts are not equivalent, they do both point to each candidate having something to hide.
I suspect that Don the Con is withholding his tax returns because one or all of the following would be revealed by release: he doesn't pay any income tax to the Feds because he enjoys so many loopholes as a real estate developer that he can side step them all, even the alternative minimum tax; he isn't as rich as he says he is; he doesn't give as much to charity as he says he does; his income includes money coming from nefarious sources like Russian oligarchs and thus his loyalties are suspect, who knew?
As for why Hillary won't talk about what she talked about with G S and other Wall Street types, well, it feeds the "she's a secretive Clinton" criticism that she's already received and it is not going away. I'd bet even money that Trump will bring it up in the debates.
I suspect that Don the Con is withholding his tax returns because one or all of the following would be revealed by release: he doesn't pay any income tax to the Feds because he enjoys so many loopholes as a real estate developer that he can side step them all, even the alternative minimum tax; he isn't as rich as he says he is; he doesn't give as much to charity as he says he does; his income includes money coming from nefarious sources like Russian oligarchs and thus his loyalties are suspect, who knew?
As for why Hillary won't talk about what she talked about with G S and other Wall Street types, well, it feeds the "she's a secretive Clinton" criticism that she's already received and it is not going away. I'd bet even money that Trump will bring it up in the debates.
1
The debates are not an exam. They are an audition for an acting
role in a tragicomedy TV series.
Donald Trump is playing his role of mass media entertainer. Hillary Clinton is playing her role of loyal political wife. Both candidates carefully colored and coiffed hair to deceive us about their age.
The smartest business decision that Donald Trump ever made was picking a multimillionaire real estate baron father.
The wisest life choice that Donald Trump ever made was repeatedly dodging the draft.
The most clever idea that Donald Trump ever had was to share his seed with two Slavic communist atheist super models.
role in a tragicomedy TV series.
Donald Trump is playing his role of mass media entertainer. Hillary Clinton is playing her role of loyal political wife. Both candidates carefully colored and coiffed hair to deceive us about their age.
The smartest business decision that Donald Trump ever made was picking a multimillionaire real estate baron father.
The wisest life choice that Donald Trump ever made was repeatedly dodging the draft.
The most clever idea that Donald Trump ever had was to share his seed with two Slavic communist atheist super models.
4
Excellent and thoughtful statement at an important time. Based on your recent tweets, I was ready to give up on you and your ability to contribute thoughtfully to this election. Welcome back to thoughtful discussion.
2
If she handles it like a college final ... or god forbid like the DC bar exam she flunked ...
1
Clinton will be "working the jab" while Trump will be looking for the knock out punch. He'll ignore his advisers and try to bully her. Victory for Hillary by a decision.
1
My friends and I were discussing how clinton should handle trump in the debate, and it occurred to me that she could waste all her time pointing out the lies and other untruths which Trump will certainly say: So instead she should let the newspapers do it over the following few days, and use her time up there answering as Trump had answered like an erudite, thoughtful, even-tempered Republican opponent. This way she allows herself to make policy statements and be funny all the larger statement that Trump isn't even worth debating.
4
"Mrs. Clinton cannot count on the moderators to corral Mr. Trump or perform the role of fact-checker. She will have to do this herself, choosing when and where to challenge Mr. Trump’s logic and facts without belaboring the tactic or coming off as the obnoxious smartest kid in the class."
Well I certainly want the smartest kid in the class to be my president.
Well I certainly want the smartest kid in the class to be my president.
20
If she handles it like a college final or, god forbid, the DC bar exam she flunked, then we're stuck Donny T in the White House, still not impossible. For a cheeky peek behind closed doors at a gleefully unexamined night there under Donny T, playwright Dick Weber's no-holds-barred romp AW, DONNY! is spot-on unforgettable political satire (like Brecht meets the Marx Bros - check it out on Medium). Donny T fooled millions in the primaries, the voters' fault. Fooling millions more now, he's developing a political business model ... see Prof. Alan Lichtman's forecast..
Why is this column titled "Hillary Clinton's Final Exam"? This debate is really "Donald Trump's Final Exam."
Trump is like some lazy, glib, arrogant immature student who shows up for exams unprepared and brags about not having read the material or studied for the test. He believes he is so clever and can lie his way through the exam. In the more-or-less rational world of the university, if he does not perform on the test, he fails the exam and perhaps the course.
But our presidential debates are not structured like actual debates where debaters argue issues rationally and with rules governing conduct. Our presidential debates are on TV, where viewers have a short attention span expect to be entertained, and where irrationality is often much more interesting and engaging than facts and rationality. "The medium is the message," as Marshall McLuhan said about television in 1964.
The top-rated TV show in 2016 is not PBS Newshour; it's "Sun. Night Football" (1), then "Empire" (2), "Thurs Night Football" (3), "The Big Bang Theory" (4), "Sun. Night Football, Pre-Kick" (5), & "The X-Files" (6). 3 out of the 6 highest rated TV shows are football.
So while Hillary's plays PBS News Hour on Monday night, Trump will eschew information and content and play football against Hillary and the moderator.
In their quest for ratings & dollars, as long as the media treats presidential debates and elections as sport events, knowledgeable and competent will be trumped by entertaining.
Trump is like some lazy, glib, arrogant immature student who shows up for exams unprepared and brags about not having read the material or studied for the test. He believes he is so clever and can lie his way through the exam. In the more-or-less rational world of the university, if he does not perform on the test, he fails the exam and perhaps the course.
But our presidential debates are not structured like actual debates where debaters argue issues rationally and with rules governing conduct. Our presidential debates are on TV, where viewers have a short attention span expect to be entertained, and where irrationality is often much more interesting and engaging than facts and rationality. "The medium is the message," as Marshall McLuhan said about television in 1964.
The top-rated TV show in 2016 is not PBS Newshour; it's "Sun. Night Football" (1), then "Empire" (2), "Thurs Night Football" (3), "The Big Bang Theory" (4), "Sun. Night Football, Pre-Kick" (5), & "The X-Files" (6). 3 out of the 6 highest rated TV shows are football.
So while Hillary's plays PBS News Hour on Monday night, Trump will eschew information and content and play football against Hillary and the moderator.
In their quest for ratings & dollars, as long as the media treats presidential debates and elections as sport events, knowledgeable and competent will be trumped by entertaining.
13
Not sure the media are up to this task, I'm afraid. They're too invested in this carnival. For example, it's long past due for someone to point out that to "look presidential" isn't to BE presidential. So what if Trump can make it through 90 minutes without a so-called gaffe? If the media frame that as an accomplishment, we're in big, big trouble.
12
Just imagine how devastated the pundits would be if everyone turned off the TV as soon as the debate ended. The huge fall in all their ratings would be great punishment for their failure this election.
4
A good discussion of handling this 'debate', which really is an overture to voters. Hillary has to mark her own course, and to avoid letting confronting DJ become the theme. She has to be more Bernie, more hope and inspiration. She must avoid making this a boxing match, and instead a vision of the future and how to get there. That approach will leave DJ muttering to himself among the disgruntled and turned off.
7
Trump has already done lasting damage to the reputation of this country by his dissemination of prejudices and falsehoods.
His supporters find him entertaining and amusing. They regard his crudity as honest and refreshing.
They admire the fact that he has been able to go through life without following many of the common rules of decent conduct and lawful behavior. They like his ignorance of foreign and domestic affairs, his complete lack of experience in government, the insults he heaps on his opponents, the attitudes he expresses toward women and minorities and his refusal to release his taxes.
He is doing for them what no other Presidential candidate has done in a very long time. He is doing what they themselves would be doing if they had the guts and the money to do it. He is sticking-it to the man.
Mr. Trump has wisely avoided preparing for the debates. His unwashed supporters want the unwashed Trump, and he knows it. A normal candidate like Mrs. Clinton will need to demonstrate unusual amounts of poise, dignity and intelligence throughout the debates. Her looks and manner of dress will be heavily criticized. All Trump needs to do is show up. Even wearing a clown suit, his admirers will support and praise him.
I wish her the very best of luck.
His supporters find him entertaining and amusing. They regard his crudity as honest and refreshing.
They admire the fact that he has been able to go through life without following many of the common rules of decent conduct and lawful behavior. They like his ignorance of foreign and domestic affairs, his complete lack of experience in government, the insults he heaps on his opponents, the attitudes he expresses toward women and minorities and his refusal to release his taxes.
He is doing for them what no other Presidential candidate has done in a very long time. He is doing what they themselves would be doing if they had the guts and the money to do it. He is sticking-it to the man.
Mr. Trump has wisely avoided preparing for the debates. His unwashed supporters want the unwashed Trump, and he knows it. A normal candidate like Mrs. Clinton will need to demonstrate unusual amounts of poise, dignity and intelligence throughout the debates. Her looks and manner of dress will be heavily criticized. All Trump needs to do is show up. Even wearing a clown suit, his admirers will support and praise him.
I wish her the very best of luck.
41
It will be hard for her to debate someone with no knowledge, but I think she is up to the task. The media will be a strong part of how this looks to the American people. Will they let his inaccuracies (lies) stand or will they begin to question what it is he really stands for (himself). It will be a very interesting debate. I cannot wait for this whole thing to be over with.
3
Hillary is very poised and under most circumstances can deflect and handle quite well traditional questioners. Trump has an overt history of attacks on women as women and will try to use that to unsettle her. If she is well prepared, she needs to be able to use a careful, breaking the 4th wall look to join with the audience and in other circumstances, bring her considerable sense of humor to help deflect him.
5
This is eloquent about the challenges Hillary will face tomorrow night but it's no surprise that the elephant in the room is never mentioned by such a consummate insider as David Axelrod. Namely, that the two-party system short changes the great breadth and depth of America. It was fabricated to protect and defend the status quo by handing over mass media's necessary exposure to two different shades of wheeling and dealing corruption, even if one is vastly more dangerous than the other. The cutoff percentage in national polls for taking part in these debates should be much lower than 15%, a figure obviously arrived at to asphyxiate diversity. Jill Stein and Gary Johnson should be onstage right alongside The Goon and The Operator. Let a hundred flowers bloom -- or at least four! "This great nation" deserves no less.
2
Mr. Trump is the star of the show. He has proven himself to be a master at making an event all about him. People are going to be watching the debate to see what Mr. Trump does; then, secondarily, how Ms. Clinton reacts. It'll be like the Vietnamese dragon dance, where there is a big dragon wheeling all around, and there's a little man, running around under the dragon, goading the big dragon, and trying to contain him. The dragon is the star. So Hillary's challenge is to neutralize the spectacle of the star--to steal the show. Now, since TV viewers care as little about a disquisition on policy as they care for stale popcorn, Ms. Clinton has to steal the show strictly through gesture, clarity, and personality. A good joke or two wouldn't hurt. I hope she's not boning up on her policy statements in her practice sessions. Because it's refraining from rolling her eyes, keeping calm without smirking, using wit rather than sharp criticism, and appearing honest and forthright that will benefit her most. (Staying upright wouldn't hurt.) The few people who haven't made up their minds already are not listening for a lecture on foreign policy--we turn that off right away--we're looking for character and strength, for the little Vietnamese guy to rise up and lure the dragon back into containment. We're looking for the transposition of the dragon dance, where the little guy grows bigger than the dragon. Ms. Clinton needs to out-reality-show the reality showman.
11
At some point in these debates, plural, with just two candidates in focus for the nation and world, there is high probability for their to be a span of time in such debates when the better candidate, the more experienced candidate, and the candidate who has put in a trove of time in life working for other people and not merely one's self, will successfully show what really makes them tick, their inner passion and moral core. The debate will become easy and flow effortlessly. Hillary Clinton has been preparing in life for a long time. She will be just fine.
5
Ordinarily I'd agree with you. But HRC's achilles heels (yes, beth feet) are her arrogance and inability to resonate emotionally with voters. Certainly these are tied together.
She can't out-debate Trump, because she'll only be debating herself. Trump will be the last one standing.
She can't out-debate Trump, because she'll only be debating herself. Trump will be the last one standing.
My advice for all viewers--kill the TV immediately after the debate, and don't listen to the pundits. As they have shown time after time during this campaign, they're clueless.
1
The MSM has pretty much carried the water for Trump. I don't expect that to change. Sad but inevitable when you kill the truth to encourage stupidity. The Stupid Country with guns.
13
Mr. Axelrod,
You said it, as a senior strategist, it truly is an "asymmetric challenge".
Shall Marquis of Queensberry rules or Oxford Union Rules be applied ?
You said it, as a senior strategist, it truly is an "asymmetric challenge".
Shall Marquis of Queensberry rules or Oxford Union Rules be applied ?
"Mrs. Clinton cannot count on the moderators to corral Mr. Trump or perform the role of fact-checker. "
Would to God, moderators not taking sides, rig the game
"She will have to do this herself, choosing when and where to challenge Mr. Trump’s logic and facts without belaboring the tactic or coming off as the obnoxious smartest kid in the class"
Easier for her to walk on (White) water, or raise the dead, herself
=
Trump is a counter-puncher, we see from his victorious outrageous Pub campaign, and he SAID so, Playboy interview, 1990s
'counter-puncher' - whatever she says he turns back on her
Which? of Ms Clinton's many many MANY vulnerabilities will he attack, - watch and see
NO ONE can out-Trump Trump; she can borrow Ronald Reagan's 'there you go again' but that will fail, - not writing her own material
=
The tragedy, pathos and bathos, of Ms Clinton, beyond her own doing - character is destiny - Greek tragedy, hubris, updated as 'pride goeth before a fall,' and also - 'there is no there there,' thank you Gertrude Stein...
...is that she was defeated by Obama, whose Black card trumped (oops) her Woman card
and now, as she runs for Barack's third term, always chancy, Obama's loathsome (to some) legacy will defeat her again
=
I also offer, speculatively, the FIB (oops) hypothesis - Fire In (the) Belly
She doesn't WANT it bad enough, rather, EXPECTS it, and campaigns, and exists, accordingly
Not 'knife to a gun fight' rather bare knuckles to a brawl
Would to God, moderators not taking sides, rig the game
"She will have to do this herself, choosing when and where to challenge Mr. Trump’s logic and facts without belaboring the tactic or coming off as the obnoxious smartest kid in the class"
Easier for her to walk on (White) water, or raise the dead, herself
=
Trump is a counter-puncher, we see from his victorious outrageous Pub campaign, and he SAID so, Playboy interview, 1990s
'counter-puncher' - whatever she says he turns back on her
Which? of Ms Clinton's many many MANY vulnerabilities will he attack, - watch and see
NO ONE can out-Trump Trump; she can borrow Ronald Reagan's 'there you go again' but that will fail, - not writing her own material
=
The tragedy, pathos and bathos, of Ms Clinton, beyond her own doing - character is destiny - Greek tragedy, hubris, updated as 'pride goeth before a fall,' and also - 'there is no there there,' thank you Gertrude Stein...
...is that she was defeated by Obama, whose Black card trumped (oops) her Woman card
and now, as she runs for Barack's third term, always chancy, Obama's loathsome (to some) legacy will defeat her again
=
I also offer, speculatively, the FIB (oops) hypothesis - Fire In (the) Belly
She doesn't WANT it bad enough, rather, EXPECTS it, and campaigns, and exists, accordingly
Not 'knife to a gun fight' rather bare knuckles to a brawl
2
Final Exam? This is a Re-Test of failed final exams past
". . . she will have to show that she can handle pretty much anything."
I think we don't have to worry about Hillary cowering under Donald Trump's masterful oratorical style, nor his breathtaking grasp of economics or terrorism.
You can take the boy out of 1960s Queens, but you can't take the 1960s out of the boy—that is where he still is. The man is a townie who never did his homework.
I think we don't have to worry about Hillary cowering under Donald Trump's masterful oratorical style, nor his breathtaking grasp of economics or terrorism.
You can take the boy out of 1960s Queens, but you can't take the 1960s out of the boy—that is where he still is. The man is a townie who never did his homework.
5
I keep reading about the debaters - what strategy will they use to win?
But isn't this really about the voters? What strategy will they use to vote?
Do they admire the bombastic, frequently crass and vulgar, inexperienced celebrity simply because he is vulgar, crass and inexperienced? Or will they support the defensive and considerably less entertaining but undeniably experienced and qualified candidate?
Could Hillary possibly win over a real Trump supporter, or Trump really win over someone who finds him to be the worst possible choice?
I suppose that Clinton could focus on the voters looking at Jill Stein and Gary Johnson. But otherwise the debate is a waste of oxygen, hours of our lives we will never get back.
And the fault won't be the the debaters: it is the voters who got us into this mess.
But isn't this really about the voters? What strategy will they use to vote?
Do they admire the bombastic, frequently crass and vulgar, inexperienced celebrity simply because he is vulgar, crass and inexperienced? Or will they support the defensive and considerably less entertaining but undeniably experienced and qualified candidate?
Could Hillary possibly win over a real Trump supporter, or Trump really win over someone who finds him to be the worst possible choice?
I suppose that Clinton could focus on the voters looking at Jill Stein and Gary Johnson. But otherwise the debate is a waste of oxygen, hours of our lives we will never get back.
And the fault won't be the the debaters: it is the voters who got us into this mess.
2
This is a very good commentary and the potential is there for Mrs Clinton to close in to win the election by creating a lasting image for the few remaining undecided voters.
She can win by following this advice from Mr. Axelrod no matter the 'good' Donald or the 'bad' Donald showing up Monday night.
She can win by following this advice from Mr. Axelrod no matter the 'good' Donald or the 'bad' Donald showing up Monday night.
1
Part of this is her; a bigger part is us: just who are we? The folks that say they're 'independent', somehow seem to overlook a party's platform and policies and actions. You're 'independent' from what? Reality? There is a vast difference in Democrats and Republicans and if you don't see it, then you aren't looking.
The main cog in the Republican machine is taxes; specifically cutting taxes on the richest of Americans. They've done this so well that now we're basically an oligarchy led by Bill Gates and his $90 billion. And, of course, this criminal concentration of wealth creates great poverty on the other side of America. Even those escaping poverty for the moment are realistically fearful of their slipping standard of living and quality of life.
Greed will create its own monsters and demagogues and ghettos. We sure have. Easier to say the climate isn't warming, easier to say 'freedom' creates the best economics, easier to let the lower hanging fruit fall. We fear to admit our complicity in all this (as a democratic state).
So, do we fire the little thousands of Wells Fargo workers, and give the boss $200 million on his way out? Of course we do. That's who we are. And, if that's who we aspire to be, if that's who we are in the future, then the real final exam, whether on this planet or beyond, surely looks like a failure-in-the-making.
The main cog in the Republican machine is taxes; specifically cutting taxes on the richest of Americans. They've done this so well that now we're basically an oligarchy led by Bill Gates and his $90 billion. And, of course, this criminal concentration of wealth creates great poverty on the other side of America. Even those escaping poverty for the moment are realistically fearful of their slipping standard of living and quality of life.
Greed will create its own monsters and demagogues and ghettos. We sure have. Easier to say the climate isn't warming, easier to say 'freedom' creates the best economics, easier to let the lower hanging fruit fall. We fear to admit our complicity in all this (as a democratic state).
So, do we fire the little thousands of Wells Fargo workers, and give the boss $200 million on his way out? Of course we do. That's who we are. And, if that's who we aspire to be, if that's who we are in the future, then the real final exam, whether on this planet or beyond, surely looks like a failure-in-the-making.
5
Presidential debates are best known for single confrontations where one candidate gets the upper hand. But these sort of confrontations don't win elections. Everybody gets one embarrassing slip up. Inevitably the candidate who is ahead before the debate eventually takes the lead again. Unlike in the primaries, each candidate has his own constituency and will talk to that constituency to solidify his position. Even this debate will not determine the winner. The candidate with the larger constituency will become the next president. The polls may be close, but Trump cannot win. Surely you knew that months ago.
We're the candidates actually going to debate, instead of taking turns delivering prepared speeches as requested by a moderator, we might see more clearly that one of them is presidential material and the other one isn't, but the format precludes such a revelation, promoting instead the politically correct notion of equally valid viewpoints on both sides. Political correctness: a great friend in times of need, eh Mr. Trump? In an actual DEBATE, Clinton would destroy you.
2
Ms. Clinton, please take Obama's advice and 'take the high road.' Don't speak to Trump. Speak to America. Point out the consequences of his policies. Trump has repeatedly proposed to violate the Constitution. Where would that lead us? Why is that a bad thing? Sketch out the consequences.
His energy policy will exacerbate global warming, with a concomitant increase in superstorms, droughts, and coastal flooding. Digging more dirty coal produces more air pollution and acid rain.
His tax policies would make him rich. Indeed, a principal motivation for Trump running for President may have been a desire for more fortune. As President, his company would have incredible clout in making business deals. 'Make Donald Rich Again' could be his campaign slogan.
What happens in America when we eliminate the Department of Education, the Department of Commerce, and the EPA. What do those agencies do for America and how would the country be hurt by their elimination?
Trump has advocated changing the liable laws to make it easier to sue the press. Newspapers operate on thin margins. Even the credible threat of a lawsuit would often be sufficient to stifle the freedom of the press. That removes a very real check and balance in the American system.
The best way to hurt Trump is not to engage him but to ignore him. He craves attention. Act like he isn't even there. But show that you understand his policies and their consequences even better than he does.
Best luck!
His energy policy will exacerbate global warming, with a concomitant increase in superstorms, droughts, and coastal flooding. Digging more dirty coal produces more air pollution and acid rain.
His tax policies would make him rich. Indeed, a principal motivation for Trump running for President may have been a desire for more fortune. As President, his company would have incredible clout in making business deals. 'Make Donald Rich Again' could be his campaign slogan.
What happens in America when we eliminate the Department of Education, the Department of Commerce, and the EPA. What do those agencies do for America and how would the country be hurt by their elimination?
Trump has advocated changing the liable laws to make it easier to sue the press. Newspapers operate on thin margins. Even the credible threat of a lawsuit would often be sufficient to stifle the freedom of the press. That removes a very real check and balance in the American system.
The best way to hurt Trump is not to engage him but to ignore him. He craves attention. Act like he isn't even there. But show that you understand his policies and their consequences even better than he does.
Best luck!
10
Evidently Clinton's campaign has put out a 19 page list of the most egregious lies ahead of the debate. I hope she avoids engagement and just refers viewers to the written rebuttal to give herself time to get to the policy questions he is ignorant about.
How Presidential can we consider one who projects the demeanor of an out-cof-control, pampered, disturbed adolescent most of the time, and under control only some of the time? Which one will show up on Inauguration Day? I sleep at night knowing that in a few short weeks, the American voter will come to his sense and repudiate the most bizarre threat to our form of government we have evr experienced.
4
If she opens her mouth, she loses. This election is about rejection, not reaction. We reject all she stands for, so any defense of her record is simply an attempt at whitewashing one of the most laughably ineffective quarter centuries any one person in politics has ever had the misfortune to call a "career". Her "career" has been to poison every well she ever drank from - from the Rose law firm, to Whitewater, to the travel office, to cattle futures and eventually to death in Libya. Quite a record to defend. Quite a lot to sensibly base rejection on. Quite a loser of a candidate. Quite a party come her November Waterloo. Vive délicieuse ironie!
3
What Hillary knows how to do got us to where we are today. Where we are is a country that has lost it's way and suffers from a lack of confidence among other ailments. It is time for a different approach despite the riskiness of following Trump. What have we got to lose? Electing Hillary maintains the status quo.
Mr. Axelrod,
You say that Sec. Clinton has to convince us that she is running for president for a reason beyond pure ambition.
Why have you not heard or taken seriously her repeated descriptions of commitment to the well-being of children, women, and families? Have you heard her say those things and assumed she didn't mean it?
Some people need slogans and bumper stickers in order to grasp big ideas, but I am surprised that so many politicos who ought to know how to hear a politician's words cannot recognize Sec. Clinton's passion for working toward a healthier society for the vulnerable.
Get the wax out of your ears!
You say that Sec. Clinton has to convince us that she is running for president for a reason beyond pure ambition.
Why have you not heard or taken seriously her repeated descriptions of commitment to the well-being of children, women, and families? Have you heard her say those things and assumed she didn't mean it?
Some people need slogans and bumper stickers in order to grasp big ideas, but I am surprised that so many politicos who ought to know how to hear a politician's words cannot recognize Sec. Clinton's passion for working toward a healthier society for the vulnerable.
Get the wax out of your ears!
13
The most worrisome aspect of this race is the unpredictable nature of the news stories which are resonating in the background. Trump is the ultimate opportunist in taking advantage in the most demagogic way possible of playing off of what is front and center in the easily distracted attention of the American public. This is something Hillary cannot control and Trump is a master of exploiting. When people are in an emotional state, Trump resorts to going to the instinctive gut reaction. Look for him to go large on law and order issues because of the recent events in North Carolina. His strategy through this campaign has been to capture the seething anger of uneducated whites driving their turnout to record numbers. As polls tighten in the battleground states of Florida, Pennsylvania, and Ohio where large swaths of these voters live, Trump's message will continue to be focused on them.
2
Its fun to watch but after this VERY long election cycle I expect most Americans have made up their mind.
1
She's failed every exam up to now, including 2008 election, Libya, Benghazi, Clinton Foundation, emails, rose law firm, whitewater, UraniumOne, Goldman Sachs, etc... We can only expect more failure from this damaged and flawed woman who seeks power and money above all else.
Hillary will crash and burn. She deserves nothing more.
The USA deserves much much more than crooked, nasty Hillary.
Hillary will crash and burn. She deserves nothing more.
The USA deserves much much more than crooked, nasty Hillary.
6
The candidates should be asked to answer identical questions and the moderators should be pre-armed with facts including word-for-word quotes, not paraphrases. During breaks real fact checkers should be verifying statements made in the debate. If someone has misstated or lies, he or she should be called on it to explain. Why is this so difficult to understand? This is not even that difficult to do. Sometimes it as as easy as a YouTube or Google search! If this had happened in the primaries, the choice of candidates might have been different.
3
She might become the class valedictorian but never the class president. She isn't liked. She isn't trusted. She tries to hard to out-qualify her competitors. And let's not forget the baggage that Bill is. So Hillary will no doubt once again show her mastery of facts. That's not enough to be presidential material, which the Democratic Party should have acknowledge two years ago.
Would you buy a used car from Trump?
2
When world leaders meet, harsh words are sometimes exchanged. We've seen Trump in Mexico; we've heard accounts of his meeting with al-Sisi of Egypt; we know what he says of Putin and Kim Jong-on. Trump's cringing side is obvious in these cases. We saw him act like an alley-fighter on stage during the primary debates. While pundits wonder which Trump will show up, don't they wonder which Hillary will show up? She'll wear soft gloves but will have brass knuckles in her purse.
1
I would advise her not to be provoked, to be polite, and use her sense of humor. Calm and steady, keeping to issues. It's then up to the people; it's their responsibility.
2
I am disappointed in David Axelrod's sedition of the Democratic candidate! I thought he was a Democrat but he shows himself to be nearly as narcissistic as Trump. Axelrod's shortsightedness has put him in the class of those with negligible opinions.
Hillary will not win the debate or the election by showing that she is a smarter or better qualified candidate - if that were the case, Trump would not have progressed as far as he has in the polls.
Hillary must more than anything else dispel the arguments that she is just as untrustworthy and dishonest as Trump is. She has to speak from the heart, take ownership of her past mistakes, and above else, avoid judging Trump's supporters. She needs to respect them and offer a better way forward.
In other words, Hillary needs to model the differences between herself and her opponent, not just talk about them.
Hillary must more than anything else dispel the arguments that she is just as untrustworthy and dishonest as Trump is. She has to speak from the heart, take ownership of her past mistakes, and above else, avoid judging Trump's supporters. She needs to respect them and offer a better way forward.
In other words, Hillary needs to model the differences between herself and her opponent, not just talk about them.
7
He is a showman, Clinton is a statesmen. One of the finest of her generation. My advice is Michelle O's advice: when he goes low, you go high.
5
Mrs. Clinton should stick to the facts when speaking about her record, but not shy away from calling out blatant lies peddled by her opponent. Be a little daring, but not stoop to his level. Trump has christened her "Crooked Hillary", his followers regularly chant "lock her up", so it's about time she loses some of her triangulated speaking style and stiffness and comes out ready for a fight, showing emotion and likability at the same time, not an easy feat for a female contender. Misogynism is alive and well in the USA. Her voice has been criticized as being loud and shrill, so she should not let herself be goaded into a shouting match with Trump, who will most likely try to interrupt her. I hope for a competent performance by moderator Lester Holt, hopefully he won't feel a need to prove that he's not a Democrat, as Trump already falsely claimed, probably to influence Mr. Holt.
16
The problem is that she has surrounded herself with lapdogs rewarded for loyalty over merit. That's apparently why she acts so shocked at being tied with a TV showman and so shocked that more than 50 percent of the public disdains her. Why, it can't be true, because my paid lackeys tell me it's not true, she must be thinking, Those same lapdogs are her debate coaches.
It doesn't bode well for the kind of staff she will put together as president, since she has terrible judgment there. That's why Democrats in Congress are already warning her not to put those bankers and Big Pharma goons who bankrolled her campaign in her cabinet when she is elected. For an experienced politician who supporters say is so smart, she just doesn't get it.
It doesn't bode well for the kind of staff she will put together as president, since she has terrible judgment there. That's why Democrats in Congress are already warning her not to put those bankers and Big Pharma goons who bankrolled her campaign in her cabinet when she is elected. For an experienced politician who supporters say is so smart, she just doesn't get it.
7
"The problem is that she has surrounded herself with lapdogs rewarded for loyalty over merit"........
Actually, you've nailed it! This is true of all politicians. They encourage loyalty even to the exent of breaking the law for them (i.e. Nixon, Christie, Reagan, etc.). The same top-down autocracy has permeated big businness (pharmaceuticals, banking, etc.) as well. Those with a conscience, ability to provide moral direction, or foster the greater good need not apply.
Actually, you've nailed it! This is true of all politicians. They encourage loyalty even to the exent of breaking the law for them (i.e. Nixon, Christie, Reagan, etc.). The same top-down autocracy has permeated big businness (pharmaceuticals, banking, etc.) as well. Those with a conscience, ability to provide moral direction, or foster the greater good need not apply.
Let me repeat my comment on an earlier nyt article. I hope/pray for the following headline Tuesday morning:
Donald Trumped
Donald Trumped
34
Like it or not, people are tuning in to the debate to see what Trump does and says. He is what people want to see, and if he can get in a few zingers at Hillary (and take a few), demonstrate leadership and refrain from setting his podium ablaze, he's got this.
Other factors may determine who wins this election. One is domestic terrorism carried out by foreign-born individuals. The recent shooting in Washington appears to have been another lone wolf terror attack. Although the media said early on that the shooter was Hispanic (I have yet to determine how that was determined merely by looking at camera footage), he was actually born in Turkey where over 90% of the citizens are Muslim. These attacks are increasing - which candidate can better protect us from terrorism? Trump has the edge for now.
Other factors may determine who wins this election. One is domestic terrorism carried out by foreign-born individuals. The recent shooting in Washington appears to have been another lone wolf terror attack. Although the media said early on that the shooter was Hispanic (I have yet to determine how that was determined merely by looking at camera footage), he was actually born in Turkey where over 90% of the citizens are Muslim. These attacks are increasing - which candidate can better protect us from terrorism? Trump has the edge for now.
2
Mrs. Clinton's strength is also her greatest enemy: smarty pants don't do too well getting votes. Which is why Bush won over Gore, and Trump will too. The more Clinton brandishes her policy chops, the more she'll turn voters off.
The debate is not a test of how well candidates answer questions, quite the reverse actually, it is about re-iterating stands on positions that matter to voters. That's what Trump excels at and will be doing throughout the debate. As long as he communicates his positions in the same breath, he can duck details as much as he wants. In fact, the lighter he keeps it, the better.
Ultimately, voters will vote for someone who doesn't make the presidency more complicated than the constitution stipulates. If Hillary stays up on her high horse, as she and her supporters have done all election, no doubt about it, she'll lose. If, on the other hand, she gets down that high horse in a hurry, has a real pie fight, surprises by calling out Obama for his many failures etc., she might, just might, get a real fight going.
May the best bad candidate win! The odds are heavily in Trump's favor...
The debate is not a test of how well candidates answer questions, quite the reverse actually, it is about re-iterating stands on positions that matter to voters. That's what Trump excels at and will be doing throughout the debate. As long as he communicates his positions in the same breath, he can duck details as much as he wants. In fact, the lighter he keeps it, the better.
Ultimately, voters will vote for someone who doesn't make the presidency more complicated than the constitution stipulates. If Hillary stays up on her high horse, as she and her supporters have done all election, no doubt about it, she'll lose. If, on the other hand, she gets down that high horse in a hurry, has a real pie fight, surprises by calling out Obama for his many failures etc., she might, just might, get a real fight going.
May the best bad candidate win! The odds are heavily in Trump's favor...
4
Five points:
1) Unlike Trump, her campaign has no core message summarizing her specific goals to make things better for Americans. All that she and her supporters are saying up to now is that it's time for a woman as president, that she is competent and experienced, and that she's not Donald Trump. In the debate, she should unveil a core message and repeat that message over and over again, with specific policy proposals.
2) She should avoid as much as possible engaging and responding to Trump directly. She should, if necessary to respond, talk to the moderators and the audience about him and his attacks on her, not to him.
3) She should show that Trump's campaign demonstrates that he wants to run the USA the way Putin runs Russia, including gaining billions for himself and his friends by fraud and theft and harshly retaliating against critics and politcal opponents. In short, he wants to attack the basic liberties of all of us.
4) To avoid taking valuable time talking about Trump instead of her core message and proposals, she should repeatedly direct the audience to a section on her web site listing his dozens of lies, the stupidities of his policy proposals, the risks posed by his mental issues, his fraud, bankruptcies, dishonest and llegal practices, and the misused Trump Foundation.
5) She should briefly state that he won't reveal his tax returns because they would show his obligations to Russian financiers and that he games the tax system.
1) Unlike Trump, her campaign has no core message summarizing her specific goals to make things better for Americans. All that she and her supporters are saying up to now is that it's time for a woman as president, that she is competent and experienced, and that she's not Donald Trump. In the debate, she should unveil a core message and repeat that message over and over again, with specific policy proposals.
2) She should avoid as much as possible engaging and responding to Trump directly. She should, if necessary to respond, talk to the moderators and the audience about him and his attacks on her, not to him.
3) She should show that Trump's campaign demonstrates that he wants to run the USA the way Putin runs Russia, including gaining billions for himself and his friends by fraud and theft and harshly retaliating against critics and politcal opponents. In short, he wants to attack the basic liberties of all of us.
4) To avoid taking valuable time talking about Trump instead of her core message and proposals, she should repeatedly direct the audience to a section on her web site listing his dozens of lies, the stupidities of his policy proposals, the risks posed by his mental issues, his fraud, bankruptcies, dishonest and llegal practices, and the misused Trump Foundation.
5) She should briefly state that he won't reveal his tax returns because they would show his obligations to Russian financiers and that he games the tax system.
21
Your lack of knowledge about HRC's core values and policies is not the same thing as her not having them.
3
I hope Trump gets asked when he believes America was great, and why.
While much of what is written here may be true and well observed, I can't help feeling that the very existence of a piece like this just underscores that what should be important political debate is gone and in it's place, we have roller derby. It's no longer about ideas -- of course, with Trump up there, that's impossible -- but who can and the biggest blow, who pulverises the other one the most. We have here a written coaching session. How novel it would be if we all, readers and the media, would hold our tongues in advance, actually listen to what is said during the debates (if we can still call them that), and then judge the outcome at the ballot boxes without all the "sports" commentary. We all have become one big audience that insists on entertainment, before, during and after the event; the media caters to and perpetuates that; and the participants are locked into that mindset. It is as sad as anything connected to this election, I think.
29
How to win, HRC: Do one of these: (1) Make an outline of a country with your hands and ask DJT to name it. Make sure it's not obscure. Offer to give up the whole election if he can name it. (2) Name two leaders of foreign countries and ask DJT to name the countries. Offer to give up the whole election if he can. (3) State the number of American troops in three NATO countries and ask DJT to name those countries. Offer to give up the whole election if he can.
17
No matter what Hillary says, she will still be a woman. A grandma in a pantsuit.
And any man (including Barack Obama) who steps out on stage to challenge her has already claimed the advantage.
Must confess to a recurring fantasy: Hillary Clinton chooses to shave her head, dress up in a pin-striped gray suit and red tie, wears lifts so she looks about five inches taller, and carries the same brain in her head.
The winner is here! Hail the winner!
(I myself, another old woman, love the reasonable pantsuits. Especially the blue ones.)
And any man (including Barack Obama) who steps out on stage to challenge her has already claimed the advantage.
Must confess to a recurring fantasy: Hillary Clinton chooses to shave her head, dress up in a pin-striped gray suit and red tie, wears lifts so she looks about five inches taller, and carries the same brain in her head.
The winner is here! Hail the winner!
(I myself, another old woman, love the reasonable pantsuits. Especially the blue ones.)
39
Please...enough with the Poor Poor Hillary stuff. No one is forcing her to compete, she could stay home and bake cookies or do a Tammie Wynett and "Stand by her Man".
When she famously busted through that glass ceiling, she was greeted by Eleanor Roosevelt,Victoria Woodhull, Nancy Reagan, Meg Whitman, Carly Fiorina, and most famously Margaret Thatcher.
About time you got there Dear.
When she famously busted through that glass ceiling, she was greeted by Eleanor Roosevelt,Victoria Woodhull, Nancy Reagan, Meg Whitman, Carly Fiorina, and most famously Margaret Thatcher.
About time you got there Dear.
Hillary Clinton is more qualified than anyone to take on Donald Trump in a one on one debate. The biggest problem she faces with the electorate is that, even though they are different by orders of magnitude, Trump's lies and conflicts of interest are seen by all Republicans, most independents and many Democrats as no worse than hers. In a debate setting she cannot show contrition or try to connect with viewers to make them see reality. She will need to simply parry Trump's attacks and move on.
But maybe, just maybe, she can tie Trump to Putin in a such a way that Republicans will see that voting for Trump would be humiliating to the memory of their revered Ronald Reagan.
But maybe, just maybe, she can tie Trump to Putin in a such a way that Republicans will see that voting for Trump would be humiliating to the memory of their revered Ronald Reagan.
15
But really, Reagan cozied up vey well with Gorby .... Ok, he did draw contrasts but they worked well together as humans.
Just how many attorneys has Hillary taken into the multiple depositions...how many has Cheryl Mills employed...how about the IT guy Pagliano and the 5th Amendment...
I appear to be getting repetitious.......
I appear to be getting repetitious.......
"She will have to do this herself, choosing when and where to challenge Mr. Trump's logic and facts without belaboring the tactic or coming off as the obnoxious smartest kid in the class."
Ponder this one for a moment: There are still voters perplexed over whether they should assign their vote for President to someone unqualified and utterly devoid of substance, or to the smartest kid in the class.
God help us all!
Ponder this one for a moment: There are still voters perplexed over whether they should assign their vote for President to someone unqualified and utterly devoid of substance, or to the smartest kid in the class.
God help us all!
150
The addition of "under God" into the Pledge of Allegiance probably helped to create this scenario.
God isn't big enough to help a bunch of buffoons.
We know she can handle anything, she was grilled unmercifully at the Benghazi hearings.
Fellows, she is strong, smart and can handle Trump.
Fellows, she is strong, smart and can handle Trump.
267
She mostly said she didn't recall. Not sure that will play well in the heartland tomorrow night.
1
And she has survived being married to a political plutocrat oligarch welfare king barnyard rooster serial adulterer draft dodging clucking war hen. She was never impeached nor denied being a natural born citizen of America.
Hillary is no Rosa Parks nor Ella Baker nor Fannie Lou Hamer nor Barbara Jordan nor Carol Mosely Braun.
Who was Mr. Margaret Thatcher?
Who is Mr. Angela Merkel or Mr. Theresa May?
Ladies she is a weak humble humiliated politically ambitious wife who did not have the strength nor smarts to handle Bill.
Hillary is no Rosa Parks nor Ella Baker nor Fannie Lou Hamer nor Barbara Jordan nor Carol Mosely Braun.
Who was Mr. Margaret Thatcher?
Who is Mr. Angela Merkel or Mr. Theresa May?
Ladies she is a weak humble humiliated politically ambitious wife who did not have the strength nor smarts to handle Bill.
1
Let's all be aware of yet another fact that isn't often mentioned. A vote to put a woman in the White House as the head of the U.S. Government, Commander-in-Chief. and the most powerful position in the world IS a vote for CHANGE.
2
I wonder if his old friend Barack encouraged David to write this Op Ed. It might have been awkward for the president to initiate the call. The one thing Hillary can do is to drop that intense, elevated voice, and just relax. Don't change what you say Hillary, just expel the stridency and smile( not laugh) every so often. The best way to take him out is ridicule Donald Trump with a good natured smile, and you certainly have plenty of ammunition. Belittle his business acumen every chance you get and when he disputes what your saying just say " release your returns and prove it" It's a Pascal's wager for her.
7
Hillary: "Mr. Trump, as we speak here tonight, two nations that are vital to the security of the United States and with whom we maintain warm relations, India and Pakistan, may be preparing to go to war with one another over a disputed border region called Kashmir. Those countries have fought two wars with each other in the past, and are now both armed with nuclear weapons. I'd be interested to hear your analysis of the situation there and what actions, if any, you would take if you were the president."
21
"It's been going on for 70 years. What do you expect me to say about it that cures it?"
I don't believe that the American people, or the Republican leadership, or vested corporate interests, has fully grasped the impact if Donald Trump were to win election.
The man himself is unstable. He has been involved in over 3,000 law suits, 4 bankruptcies, and too many twitter and personal feuds to mention.
He has staked multiple positions on every issue and has made a mockery of facts, data, statistics, and truth itself.
He insulted his way through the GOP primary.
His opponents, with a few notable exceptions, are so craven and weak-kneed that they accept the abuse of their persons, their families, their country and plead for more.
He is the first presidential candidate in memory to have financial ties to a foreign adversary, refuse to disclose his tax returns, while asking for and receiving Russian help in hacking the DNC to assist his election.
He is not a change candidate, he is a chaos candidate, advocating the dismantling of NATO, withdrawal from NATO, and unrestricted nuclear proliferation.
The change he suggests is ruinous.
There are Republican leaders who could act with the courage of the people who have protected American democracy for centuries.
They could actively oppose him, but they are too fearful and feeble.
The markets reacted poorly to Brexit, a simple renegotiation by the UK of access to the European Single market as a non EU member.
People just cannot fathom the market's reaction to a Trump victory.
It would be Trumpageddon.
The man himself is unstable. He has been involved in over 3,000 law suits, 4 bankruptcies, and too many twitter and personal feuds to mention.
He has staked multiple positions on every issue and has made a mockery of facts, data, statistics, and truth itself.
He insulted his way through the GOP primary.
His opponents, with a few notable exceptions, are so craven and weak-kneed that they accept the abuse of their persons, their families, their country and plead for more.
He is the first presidential candidate in memory to have financial ties to a foreign adversary, refuse to disclose his tax returns, while asking for and receiving Russian help in hacking the DNC to assist his election.
He is not a change candidate, he is a chaos candidate, advocating the dismantling of NATO, withdrawal from NATO, and unrestricted nuclear proliferation.
The change he suggests is ruinous.
There are Republican leaders who could act with the courage of the people who have protected American democracy for centuries.
They could actively oppose him, but they are too fearful and feeble.
The markets reacted poorly to Brexit, a simple renegotiation by the UK of access to the European Single market as a non EU member.
People just cannot fathom the market's reaction to a Trump victory.
It would be Trumpageddon.
100
"Mrs. Clinton’s history has been to rise to these occasions" - when? Certainly NOT in the primary debates! This is so sad that they write this blatant nonsense.
The irony is all Trump has to do is raise any time she did him a favour when SOS, what can she say?
Both terrible candidates, but she is infinitely worse
The irony is all Trump has to do is raise any time she did him a favour when SOS, what can she say?
Both terrible candidates, but she is infinitely worse
5
Remember that in the primary debates, she had to go easy on Bernie so as not to alienate his supporters. She is free to lacerate trump.
Nice of you to say something positive about Hillary. For a change.
11
The prospect of a muted, "presidential" debate performance by Mr. Donald J. Trump does not disturb me in the least. Trump talks in word salads unless he is reading from a teleprompter. This theoretical "presidential" Trump in a debate will have to fill his speaking time without a teleprompter...which means a whole bunch of word salads on sketchy - at best - "policies" and the limited number of "trigger" talking points (Wall paid for by Mexico...etc.) he has been hawking since he announced his idiosy...I mean candidacy. It will not be a flattering view of the man to anyone listening with an open, thoughtful mind.
I don't think Trump's core supporters will notice or care if they do notice. If they do notice and care, they will blame ... the media ... the moderator ... President Obama ... Oscar the Grouch ... etc.
Secretary Clinton's job is to talk to the people, answer the questions directly, personably, and to lay out her policy agenda succinctly with relatable examples of who, what, and how she plans to implement it. I have no doubt that she will do this as she always has.
If this contrast is not enough to sway the minds of the undecided to vote for Clinton, then I might start believing that our country is in the dystopian place Trump described in his acceptance speech at the GOP "display" in Cleveland.
I don't think Trump's core supporters will notice or care if they do notice. If they do notice and care, they will blame ... the media ... the moderator ... President Obama ... Oscar the Grouch ... etc.
Secretary Clinton's job is to talk to the people, answer the questions directly, personably, and to lay out her policy agenda succinctly with relatable examples of who, what, and how she plans to implement it. I have no doubt that she will do this as she always has.
If this contrast is not enough to sway the minds of the undecided to vote for Clinton, then I might start believing that our country is in the dystopian place Trump described in his acceptance speech at the GOP "display" in Cleveland.
4
Of the three analyses today, this finally makes sense. Mr. Douthat seems to struggle finding a theme to fill the word quota for his piece. Mrs. Clinton should win unless she blows it. Mr. Bruni sees a danger, but provides no solution, certainly none based on analysis. Just his nightmare.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/25/opinion/campaign-stops/my-debate-night...®ion=opinion-c-col-left-region&WT.nav=opinion-c-col-left-region
Me. Axelrod is aware of what Mr. Bruni describes, but he analyzes the issue and provides viable solutions and possible scenarios.
My vote in Opinion re the pre-debate analysis goes to Mr. Axelrod! Well-done
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/25/opinion/campaign-stops/my-debate-night...®ion=opinion-c-col-left-region&WT.nav=opinion-c-col-left-region
Me. Axelrod is aware of what Mr. Bruni describes, but he analyzes the issue and provides viable solutions and possible scenarios.
My vote in Opinion re the pre-debate analysis goes to Mr. Axelrod! Well-done
9
Good notes, David.
You captured the difficulties of the moment, the opportunities it presents and the dangers Mrs. Clinton must navigate.
It is an extraordinary and unnerving event.
Can I offer one more piece of advice? In the debate and in the remaining weeks of the campaign I think Mrs. Clinton will benefit from a focus on what she is >for< and where she think the country needs to improve with less emphasis who she is >against<. That's what made the convention successful. The Democratic platform, shaped in part by Bernie Sanders, gives her an enormous advantage. It's time to talk about it.
In case Mrs. Clinton or members of her team are following these comments: I join millions of Americans who recognize that through a lifetime of service you have earned this moment. We are behind you, and we are all wishing you the best on Monday evening
You captured the difficulties of the moment, the opportunities it presents and the dangers Mrs. Clinton must navigate.
It is an extraordinary and unnerving event.
Can I offer one more piece of advice? In the debate and in the remaining weeks of the campaign I think Mrs. Clinton will benefit from a focus on what she is >for< and where she think the country needs to improve with less emphasis who she is >against<. That's what made the convention successful. The Democratic platform, shaped in part by Bernie Sanders, gives her an enormous advantage. It's time to talk about it.
In case Mrs. Clinton or members of her team are following these comments: I join millions of Americans who recognize that through a lifetime of service you have earned this moment. We are behind you, and we are all wishing you the best on Monday evening
64
Debating Trump who is in reality a seven year old schoolyard bully, requires swift and direct humor rather than "going around him" which gives him the upper hand in his world of strong v. weak and winners v. losers. Taunts about "Crooked Hillary" can be answered with "Yes, when I was seven, we'd say 'Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones But Names Will Never Hurt Me,' but now we live in a world where missiles and nuclear weapons can do a lot more damage than Tweets and Name Calling and as President we need to have the calm temperament to deal with them." This confronts the childish name calling in a humorous, but direct way and then shows that there is a very serious adult policy issue that Hillary has the maturity and temperament to handle. in other words, arguing with a child only makes you look childish, but clever adult humor provides the only effective rebuttal.
37
I am so sick of my fellow Democrats who hesitate to vote for Hillary. You are dupes of the weakest possible thinking. Don't let them fool you. This is the most consequential vote you will ever cast. The United States of America is not invincible. Never fool yourself into thinking we cannot fall.
130
Everyone is missing the point. Trump feeds off the audience. Instead of dog whistles he uses a bullhorn to get the crowd on his side. Once he finds a roaring applause line he says it over and over to more applause. The crowd loves him. They are his audience.
Didn't anyone see him at that black church in Flint where nobody responded and the pastor told him not to talk politics. Did you her his meek, "Why yse pastor." He spoke for 90 seconds more and bolted from the same. The next morning, this "brave hero" to the alt-right tweeted that the pastor was a nervous wreck. I saw the video, she ws calm and polite.
When Trump doesn't get whoops and hollars he will go gently into the night. Then the tweet storm will begin at 3AM. The moderator, the audience, the press are all against him. The system is rigged.
Write it down.
Didn't anyone see him at that black church in Flint where nobody responded and the pastor told him not to talk politics. Did you her his meek, "Why yse pastor." He spoke for 90 seconds more and bolted from the same. The next morning, this "brave hero" to the alt-right tweeted that the pastor was a nervous wreck. I saw the video, she ws calm and polite.
When Trump doesn't get whoops and hollars he will go gently into the night. Then the tweet storm will begin at 3AM. The moderator, the audience, the press are all against him. The system is rigged.
Write it down.
273
What makes you think that Trump and his supporters in the debate audience will play by the rules?
Well, I'm happy to know someone else saw the same thing in that encounter! He crumpled like a little boy when a strong woman politely but firmly called his hand. It was too weird. The other point I observed in that encounter, that I've seen no one comment on, was the pastor's clarification that the point of his visit was to "thank the congregation," and I've been wondering ever since what the back story was; did he solicit the event on this ground, i.e., use the church?
1
"Mrs. Clinton cannot count on the moderators to corral Mr. Trump or perform the role of fact-checker. She will have to do this herself, choosing when and where to challenge Mr. Trump’s logic and facts without belaboring the tactic or coming off as the obnoxious smartest kid in the class."
Therein lies the sad truth of American democracy today. The fourth estate is impotent and being the smartest kid in the class is a weakness. Welcome to Idiocracy.
Therein lies the sad truth of American democracy today. The fourth estate is impotent and being the smartest kid in the class is a weakness. Welcome to Idiocracy.
650
If Trump wins, we will have a kleptocracy.
1
Just looking at the facts Hillary Clinton will have an easy victory about a clueless Trump. And in the end the debate itself might indeed be about policies and facts, but the winner is decided by the public not solely on those facts and policies.
The article says "Secret plans to defeat the Islamic State, for example, will not pass muster", and I'm not sure that is true. They shouldn't, that much I agree, but as long as Trump can play the role of the strong leader, he can get away with statements like "secret plans". His supporters aren't asking for more details. As long as Trump isn't making a really big mistake or says something unbelievably outlandish even for him, which would be entirely possible, Clinton will have a hard time to turn this debate into a great victory.
The article says "Secret plans to defeat the Islamic State, for example, will not pass muster", and I'm not sure that is true. They shouldn't, that much I agree, but as long as Trump can play the role of the strong leader, he can get away with statements like "secret plans". His supporters aren't asking for more details. As long as Trump isn't making a really big mistake or says something unbelievably outlandish even for him, which would be entirely possible, Clinton will have a hard time to turn this debate into a great victory.
1
This run for the presidency has become an absurdly engaging effort. 6 months ago when it appeared we were headed towards two New Yorker baby boomers facing off, I was almost certain America would be turned off by the prospect. Now it appears they are turned off (with both candidates sporting high unfavorabilities) but they are not turning away.
Good luck, America, only 7 weeks to go.
Good luck, America, only 7 weeks to go.
1
The debate will also be a referendum on the American people. Can they rise above the theatrics and choose the most qualified candidate, or do they simply want a spectacle, like the Romans at the Coliseum?
14
It is not going to be Hillary Clinton's Final Exam. It is Trump's - on Xanax or Amphetamines. Since there is not going to be much of a debate, all Hillary has to do is answer Lester Holt's questions, looking directly into the camera, laying out her visions and policy for our country and forget there is a bumbling, sulky, foul-mouthed specimen at the other lectern. Trump will self-immolate when he is completely ignored.
15
David Axelrod, these are questions I would like to see brought up by the moderator or HRC.
HRC, to bring up a point, ask open ended questions, then give YOUR answer, then ask him for his answer...! Ask how he felt about the confederate flag that was hanging in the NC capitol since the sixties, and how did he feel when it came down...? Ask why his foundation had to paid his bills? Ask how he would address policing accountability in this country while maintaining public safety? Ask how he would control banking, lending, the economy and economic growth to bring prosperity to ALL Americans? How would he reduce our dependency on fossil fuels and dependency from foreign oil? How would he protect our oceans, lands, parks and waterways? How does he feel about turning over federal lands and parks over to states to manage or sell as they deemed fit? Is the death penalty carried out fairly in this country? Should it be abolished? How much more would he like to spend on the military and defense, and why?
How does he feel about climate change? How does he feel about anchor babies and would he want to amend the Constitution? What does he think about making English as THE official or only language? What areas of the economy would he say needs to be revived the most and why?
HRC, to bring up a point, ask open ended questions, then give YOUR answer, then ask him for his answer...! Ask how he felt about the confederate flag that was hanging in the NC capitol since the sixties, and how did he feel when it came down...? Ask why his foundation had to paid his bills? Ask how he would address policing accountability in this country while maintaining public safety? Ask how he would control banking, lending, the economy and economic growth to bring prosperity to ALL Americans? How would he reduce our dependency on fossil fuels and dependency from foreign oil? How would he protect our oceans, lands, parks and waterways? How does he feel about turning over federal lands and parks over to states to manage or sell as they deemed fit? Is the death penalty carried out fairly in this country? Should it be abolished? How much more would he like to spend on the military and defense, and why?
How does he feel about climate change? How does he feel about anchor babies and would he want to amend the Constitution? What does he think about making English as THE official or only language? What areas of the economy would he say needs to be revived the most and why?
2
Francisco: It was the SC capital, not the NC. Didn't read past that so apologize if your post later became factual.
When the moderator fails to do his job, she should look straight at the camera and say, "The moderator has failed to point this out, so I will. That's a lie." Then go on to her point.
Same when Trump fails to answer: "My opponent hasn't answered the question. But I will."
Same when Trump fails to answer: "My opponent hasn't answered the question. But I will."
22
What will happen if Trump wins?
The answer for the first 100 days will be chaos and uncertainty, the same things that are happening now.
The answer after that will be more chaos and uncertainty, this time a great deal more.
Hundreds of women around the country with lurid stories to tell about Mr. Trump are eagerly awaiting their opportunity to cash-in after he becomes President.
Stock markets loathe uncertainty. Look for a 1000 point drop in the Dow the day after he is elected President. Mr. Trump is the King of Uncertainty. Look for four years of massive volatility on the stock markets with psychics, astrologists, fortune tellers and medical quacks issuing daily advisories to investors on his moods, the alignment of his stars and the soundness of his digestive tract.
Whereas we once had Republicans vs. Democrats, this time we will have Republicans, sometimes with Trump and sometimes against Trump, but always against the Democrats; and Democrats always against Trump.
Where will we be on race relations, ISIS, NATO and on our border wall with Mexico? Everything will depend on the advice that KellyAnne Conway, Ivanka and Donald, Jr. are whispering into his ear.
This is a center that will not hold.
When Trump supporters become disenchanted with their man --as inevitably they will soon after he is elected -- they will immediately begin rallying to the side of an even more radical leader whose name might be Ted Cruz.
It will be Miller Time then, deja-vu-all-over-again.
The answer for the first 100 days will be chaos and uncertainty, the same things that are happening now.
The answer after that will be more chaos and uncertainty, this time a great deal more.
Hundreds of women around the country with lurid stories to tell about Mr. Trump are eagerly awaiting their opportunity to cash-in after he becomes President.
Stock markets loathe uncertainty. Look for a 1000 point drop in the Dow the day after he is elected President. Mr. Trump is the King of Uncertainty. Look for four years of massive volatility on the stock markets with psychics, astrologists, fortune tellers and medical quacks issuing daily advisories to investors on his moods, the alignment of his stars and the soundness of his digestive tract.
Whereas we once had Republicans vs. Democrats, this time we will have Republicans, sometimes with Trump and sometimes against Trump, but always against the Democrats; and Democrats always against Trump.
Where will we be on race relations, ISIS, NATO and on our border wall with Mexico? Everything will depend on the advice that KellyAnne Conway, Ivanka and Donald, Jr. are whispering into his ear.
This is a center that will not hold.
When Trump supporters become disenchanted with their man --as inevitably they will soon after he is elected -- they will immediately begin rallying to the side of an even more radical leader whose name might be Ted Cruz.
It will be Miller Time then, deja-vu-all-over-again.
2
Trump does not defy political correctness; he defies factual correctness.
16
I am sure the Times has already written the articles to appear in the Tuesday edition saying she wiped the floor up with Trump in the debate on Monday evening, how Trump has proved himself unfit for office, how Saint Hillary is the best in the land, etc. Why wait for the debates to occur? At least recently, the Times has never been beholden to the facts.
6
"She will have shown she can handle pretty much anything." Interesting way to put that. I would offer, that after close to three decades in the public spotlight, she has proven that, repeatedly.
16
I read in the Times in the last few minutes that Gennifer Flowers will be a guest of Trump at the debate.
I must get remember to get popcorn.
nytimes.com/2016/09/25/us/politics/gennifer-flowers-debate-trump-clinton...
I must get remember to get popcorn.
nytimes.com/2016/09/25/us/politics/gennifer-flowers-debate-trump-clinton...
4
Mrs. Clinton shouldn't feel any pressure on Monday night....after all she only has the future of Western civilization riding on her performance! God bless you, Hilary! Go get him!
45
I think one of the most important things Hillary can do in the debate is counter punch simply by STATING THE TRUTH.
That's it. It's that simple. That's ALL she has to do. The audience isn't stupid. Trust that they'll know the difference between bluster and lies and the historical truth when the two are set side by side.
Yes, of course - she has to have ideas and comport herself with presidential bearing. But the TRUTH is her secret weapon.
Every time Trump starts in with "People are saying..." her answer should be "but the Truth is, Donald, ..."
Trump is a duplicitious parasite who would usher in a new hell of social hatreds, institutional oppression, and corruption of every American ideal. But the truth will set us free.
That's it. It's that simple. That's ALL she has to do. The audience isn't stupid. Trust that they'll know the difference between bluster and lies and the historical truth when the two are set side by side.
Yes, of course - she has to have ideas and comport herself with presidential bearing. But the TRUTH is her secret weapon.
Every time Trump starts in with "People are saying..." her answer should be "but the Truth is, Donald, ..."
Trump is a duplicitious parasite who would usher in a new hell of social hatreds, institutional oppression, and corruption of every American ideal. But the truth will set us free.
9
The TRUTH ? Are you kidding ? When has she ever told the TRUTH??
1
Trump will wave every red flag he has in front of Hillary in order to make her angry and make mistakes. She should laugh at his insults, then give a pointed but politely worded comment. If he says anything about Bill's behavior, she could reply, "my marriage is between me and my husband, just as your marriage is between you and your three wives". If he makes any charge about the Clinton Foundation, she can laugh and then reply "Thank you for bringing up that subject. I am very proud of our accomplishments in providing health care to impoverished children, just as I am sure you are very proud of your portrait and sports memorabilia". He will go ballistic at being laughed at, especially by a woman. He will not be able to control himself. She will be very much in control.
58
Bri your advice is perfect! We already know how incredibly prepared and accomplished Hillary Clinton is to be our next president. What you suggest is the only way to knock this bully off his feet. He is humorless - remember the expression on Donald Trumps face when our president Barack Obama made fun of him at the correspondents dinner? He was ashamed and embarrassed and he could not hide it!
2
Mr. Trump will ride the horse that got him here because it is the only horse he has. Trump was able to look presidential by controlling the discussion and making the debates revolve around him. He will be insulting and demeaning as always, but his prep team may help him go even lower, but with a dose of subtlety, if that is possible.
1
The key, as Axelrod points out, is NOT letting Trump get under her skin. But the other key to get under his so he explodes in a tsunami of expletives and insults as she calmly watches.
Yet if the "other Trump" shows up, imagine how devastating it would be for Hillary to look over with a (mock) concerned expression on her face and say: "Are you alright, Donald? You look exhausted!" When he responds that he's fine imagine her then saying "Great! Lester, how about we go for another hour? I'm sure the networks would enjoy it!"
It would be the knockout punch.
Yet if the "other Trump" shows up, imagine how devastating it would be for Hillary to look over with a (mock) concerned expression on her face and say: "Are you alright, Donald? You look exhausted!" When he responds that he's fine imagine her then saying "Great! Lester, how about we go for another hour? I'm sure the networks would enjoy it!"
It would be the knockout punch.
14
This week, an imaginary new Trump appeared in op-ed pages, news pieces and comments: a Donald Trump who, without a teleprompter, stays reasonable sounding while being dissed by a strong, brilliant woman. Has everyone temporarily forgotten Trump's narcissism?
Narcissism is a personality disorder, not a mood disorder like depression. There are no meds for it. Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is 1 of the 10 clinically recognized personality disorders listed in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition.
NPD does not get better. It' s a 24/7 situation. There is no treatment or therapy for NPD, which has been heavily studied. It seems highly unlikely that the No-Teleprompter Trump the last time you saw him (insulting black people, I think) will be a different No-Teleprompter Trump Monday night. Exhibit A is the announcement by the Trump Campaign that Geniffer Flowers has accepted Trump's invitation today to attend the debate Monday. This follows an HRC campaign Tweet that Mark Cubano, a billionaire Trump critic, would be in Row 1.
This is Hillary's pre-debate demonstration that Trump can be STIILL be "baited by a tweet," as she said in San Diego last June. What happens if Hillary turns to Trump (Lester or no Lester) and asks whether Trump doesn't owe President Obama an apology for lying about him for five years?
Narcissism is a personality disorder, not a mood disorder like depression. There are no meds for it. Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is 1 of the 10 clinically recognized personality disorders listed in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition.
NPD does not get better. It' s a 24/7 situation. There is no treatment or therapy for NPD, which has been heavily studied. It seems highly unlikely that the No-Teleprompter Trump the last time you saw him (insulting black people, I think) will be a different No-Teleprompter Trump Monday night. Exhibit A is the announcement by the Trump Campaign that Geniffer Flowers has accepted Trump's invitation today to attend the debate Monday. This follows an HRC campaign Tweet that Mark Cubano, a billionaire Trump critic, would be in Row 1.
This is Hillary's pre-debate demonstration that Trump can be STIILL be "baited by a tweet," as she said in San Diego last June. What happens if Hillary turns to Trump (Lester or no Lester) and asks whether Trump doesn't owe President Obama an apology for lying about him for five years?
7
He stares at her and gives her chapter and verse on her own lies. She's not likely to give him that opening by doing as you suggest.
1
Last but not least: don't forget to talk a lot. You don't score if you don't shoot.
Let's see, Hillary knows, & has known for quite some tine, that she is viewed as untruthful. So, instead of admitting that she was ill, Hillary told the world her coughing was due to "allergies" You, David Axelrod advised otherwise but Hillary did her Hillary thing & claimed to be "powering" through her bout of pneumonia.
The end result: More thought Hillary untrustworthy & more questioned her health. Hillary is the best for increasing her unfavorable ratings
So you should have learned about offering advice to the most qualified, best prepared candidate ever
The end result: More thought Hillary untrustworthy & more questioned her health. Hillary is the best for increasing her unfavorable ratings
So you should have learned about offering advice to the most qualified, best prepared candidate ever
2
Debates are obviously important but also a high-wire act where half the audience wants to see you fall. No pressure there. Temperament, preparation, facility with facts and arguments, and ability to defend positions and rebut the opponent are all important.
Donald may be at a disadvantage without a raucous partisan crowd, but the bar will be very low. He'll be coached up but has innate political skills along with unpredictability. He'll have comebacks and, if he's asked too much detail, can say Hillary knew all this stuff but it didn't prevent Benghazi or the rise of ISIS. If he's challenged on his business, he'll just say he's been more successful and honest than Hillary was as Secretary of State.
Overall, I think he'll try to make lots of simple points, avoid details, and counterpunch with sound bites. He'll claim victory if he just holds his own and keeps an even temperament.
As always, Hillary will be judged on a curve, and then considered the loser if she doesn't ace the test. Hopefully she'll withstand Donald's attacks while showing steadiness, broad command of the issues, and empathy for problems facing ordinary Americans. She'll also have to pointedly note Donald's most significant shortcomings if he doesn't implode on his own or the moderator falls short.
Hillary will have two more shots at Donald after Monday, but I'm optimistic she'll demonstrate her resolve, character, and readiness for the presidency right out of the gate.
Donald may be at a disadvantage without a raucous partisan crowd, but the bar will be very low. He'll be coached up but has innate political skills along with unpredictability. He'll have comebacks and, if he's asked too much detail, can say Hillary knew all this stuff but it didn't prevent Benghazi or the rise of ISIS. If he's challenged on his business, he'll just say he's been more successful and honest than Hillary was as Secretary of State.
Overall, I think he'll try to make lots of simple points, avoid details, and counterpunch with sound bites. He'll claim victory if he just holds his own and keeps an even temperament.
As always, Hillary will be judged on a curve, and then considered the loser if she doesn't ace the test. Hopefully she'll withstand Donald's attacks while showing steadiness, broad command of the issues, and empathy for problems facing ordinary Americans. She'll also have to pointedly note Donald's most significant shortcomings if he doesn't implode on his own or the moderator falls short.
Hillary will have two more shots at Donald after Monday, but I'm optimistic she'll demonstrate her resolve, character, and readiness for the presidency right out of the gate.
192
Mrs. William Jefferson Clinton lost to Barack Hussein Obama in 2008. Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton narrowly defeated Bernie Sanders in 2016.
Hillary stumbles out of the gate running the wrong way in the wrong race and on the wrong race track. In the real world the tortoise is not supposed to beat the hare. POTUS contests are sprints rather than marathons. The 1st marathoner dropped dead at the finish line yelling "Nike" aka victory.
Hillary stumbles out of the gate running the wrong way in the wrong race and on the wrong race track. In the real world the tortoise is not supposed to beat the hare. POTUS contests are sprints rather than marathons. The 1st marathoner dropped dead at the finish line yelling "Nike" aka victory.
1
DONALD TRUMP SHOULD BE HELD TO THE VERY SAME STANDARD AS HILLARY CLINTON. If not, he loses. He can't match her, on any level, so he loses.
2
I hope you are right!
1
The quickness with which the Trump supporters show up here to pronounce that Secretary Clinton is "in trouble" telegraphs just how worried they must be. With good reason.
Clinton has more than shown her mettle when it comes to coming up with the facts and making her argument. Trump, not so much. His spiel consists of either blustering and blathering in front of unquestioning supporters, or reading words from a teleprompter the gist of which he is clueless. He has no real answers. Of course, we can only hope that he is given some real questions, and called on the most ostentatious lies. Let's hope the moderators do their job.
Clinton has more than shown her mettle when it comes to coming up with the facts and making her argument. Trump, not so much. His spiel consists of either blustering and blathering in front of unquestioning supporters, or reading words from a teleprompter the gist of which he is clueless. He has no real answers. Of course, we can only hope that he is given some real questions, and called on the most ostentatious lies. Let's hope the moderators do their job.
245
I'm still waiting to see the several thousand e-mails that are being secured until AFTER the election by the compliant FBI.
Hillary has secured her Goldman Sacs speeches with more effort that she expended in the securing of our National Secrets with her dime store private server.
Hillary has secured her Goldman Sacs speeches with more effort that she expended in the securing of our National Secrets with her dime store private server.
1
Don't hold your breath on that one, the are corporate click stooges.
Never did Hillary think she would be bogged down by Bernie Sanders let alone face off Trump in a Presidential debate. She and her staff have misjudged and misread the campaign from the onset. Don't get me wrong, she'll win the election- just not as easily as she may have thought. In the grand scheme of things- it's still a bargain and small price to pay.
1
I wish I could believe what you write but given that his supporters don't care about his malfeasance or actively endorse his odious stances & the people who insist that voting for HRC would compromise their integrity & think it would be a good thing to upset the entire system are unlikely to be swayed by any performance on her part.
1
My take on the first debate:
Hillary’s primary target audience throughout the debates must be women. Trump has already locked up the votes of men who are too insecure and unsure of themselves to vote for a woman.
She must come across as a common-sense candidate who possesses good ideas about the future and the strength, character and perseverance needed to assure they will be implemented.
Someone combining the all the good qualities of Margaret Thatcher, Golda Meir and Wonder Woman.
And then are all the pesky details of the debates themselves.
I’d like to see her frequently address him as “a loser” throughout the debates. She must brush off all attempts by the moderators to dissuade her from applying this epithet to him. She must laugh off all attempts by Mr. Trump to reply in kind.
A sprinkling of Spanish and one or two Yiddishisms addressed to the voters of Florida would be helpful.
Shaking hands at the start is optional, but I would prefer a simple nod in his direction coupled with look of utter disdain.
In the unlikely event that Mr. Trump says anything about her during the debates that is even remotely complimentary she should reply, “I wish I could say something nice about you, but there really isn't."
I expect Mr. Trump will do a great deal of smirking at her during the debates. Her standard reply ought to be something on the order of "Smirk on loser, your time for smirking is almost over."
Hillary’s primary target audience throughout the debates must be women. Trump has already locked up the votes of men who are too insecure and unsure of themselves to vote for a woman.
She must come across as a common-sense candidate who possesses good ideas about the future and the strength, character and perseverance needed to assure they will be implemented.
Someone combining the all the good qualities of Margaret Thatcher, Golda Meir and Wonder Woman.
And then are all the pesky details of the debates themselves.
I’d like to see her frequently address him as “a loser” throughout the debates. She must brush off all attempts by the moderators to dissuade her from applying this epithet to him. She must laugh off all attempts by Mr. Trump to reply in kind.
A sprinkling of Spanish and one or two Yiddishisms addressed to the voters of Florida would be helpful.
Shaking hands at the start is optional, but I would prefer a simple nod in his direction coupled with look of utter disdain.
In the unlikely event that Mr. Trump says anything about her during the debates that is even remotely complimentary she should reply, “I wish I could say something nice about you, but there really isn't."
I expect Mr. Trump will do a great deal of smirking at her during the debates. Her standard reply ought to be something on the order of "Smirk on loser, your time for smirking is almost over."
5
Yea!! Thank you David Axelrod. Hopefully HRC and her team will read this piece and heed Axelrod's wise counsel. Most importantly hopefully HRC will find a way as Axelrod has prescribed to communicate on a genuine emotional level (without stooping to Trump's boorish immature one) to connect with undecided or unsure voters and show them that she understands their needs and expose Trump for the poseur, phony and flake that he really is.
3
A debate between the class clown and the class valedictorian. Tramp is the screwup who partied and goofed off all semester and now that it is finals time he is in deep doo doo. So what's the imbecile going to do? The only thing he has ever done: wing it. And he is going to fail miserably exactly like he deserves. As long as H does not allow him to drag her into the sewer which is tramps natural habitat all she has to do is expose him for the fraud and ignoramus that he is.
5
"[Hillary Clinton] must hold [Trump] accountable for his most provocative comments and his utter lack of substance" whether he comes after her as a buffoon, a bear or a boa constrictor. It doesn't matter. Trump is now mired in so many lies and contradictions that Clinton should be ready and able to pick just about anything Trump has ever said and reduce it to toxic pablum.
As Howard, another commenter, advises, avoid saying anything stupidly deplorable, like being "broke" when she left the White House as First Lady.
I am sure you'll read this Mrs. Clinton. Take heed!
www.endthemadnessnow.org
As Howard, another commenter, advises, avoid saying anything stupidly deplorable, like being "broke" when she left the White House as First Lady.
I am sure you'll read this Mrs. Clinton. Take heed!
www.endthemadnessnow.org
3
Thank you, David Axelrod. Glad that your sage perspective is available to HRC at this critical moment. She is undoubtedly on it, but this is wonderful support.
6
A calm, cool, and collected HRC who entirely ignores him as if he were not on the stage and in doing so, unhinge him is a powerful approach. He has not debated with only one person and an equal share of time on the stage . Trump does not deserve to be acknowledged by Mrs. Clinton.
20
If she comes out brawling she can kiss the presidency goodbye. She will have to fight like Muhammad Ali:
"Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee".
"Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee".
6
Hillary will do fine as long as the media stops grading Donald on a curve. His lack of intelligence has been the most obvious, yet overlooked, aspects of this campaign. He hasn't bothered to learn the complexities of the English language in 70 years so I don't expect him to master any of the complexities of government leadership in the time remaining before the election. It is time for the compliant news organizations to start holding Donald to the same standards they have held all previous applicants for this job. This might be Hillary's final exam but I'm still waiting for some brave journalist to, finally, put Trump to the test.
15
We who desire freedom and not authoritarianism for this greatest experiment on earth will be holding our collective breath on Monday night. Mrs. Clinton must show voters just exactly who Mr. Trump is.
I hope she will have a short, succinct answer about her emails. Please, Mrs. Clinton, do not be a wonk in that moment. Tell your truth without getting defensive and school marmy.
Please have a short, succinct answer about standing by your man. It was your decision to do so. Own it with love.
Please have a short, succinct answer about the Clinton Foundation. Many lies have been told about it being a 'slush fund' (when, of course, it has been Mr. Trump's foundation that has been a 'slush fund' for real).
Please go on the offensive about Mr. Trump's business dealings around the world that will compromise the presidency. To whom does he owe money? Why won't he reveal his taxes?
Refute his medical bona fides if he comes after you about your health. His doctor is a quack. His 'medical records' a farce. Call him on it.
And, last but most importantly (for me), is his proximity to the nuclear football. Please hit him and his thin-skinned temperament hard on this. He says when he's hit he punches back 'ten times harder' (thank you Roy Cohn, mentor to Trump). Will he get us into nuclear war? Will the generals follow his orders? And, will he torture 'worse than waterboarding'?
Mrs. Clinton. My heart will be in my mouth on Monday night. And we are with you.
I hope she will have a short, succinct answer about her emails. Please, Mrs. Clinton, do not be a wonk in that moment. Tell your truth without getting defensive and school marmy.
Please have a short, succinct answer about standing by your man. It was your decision to do so. Own it with love.
Please have a short, succinct answer about the Clinton Foundation. Many lies have been told about it being a 'slush fund' (when, of course, it has been Mr. Trump's foundation that has been a 'slush fund' for real).
Please go on the offensive about Mr. Trump's business dealings around the world that will compromise the presidency. To whom does he owe money? Why won't he reveal his taxes?
Refute his medical bona fides if he comes after you about your health. His doctor is a quack. His 'medical records' a farce. Call him on it.
And, last but most importantly (for me), is his proximity to the nuclear football. Please hit him and his thin-skinned temperament hard on this. He says when he's hit he punches back 'ten times harder' (thank you Roy Cohn, mentor to Trump). Will he get us into nuclear war? Will the generals follow his orders? And, will he torture 'worse than waterboarding'?
Mrs. Clinton. My heart will be in my mouth on Monday night. And we are with you.
45
If Senator Bernie Sanders had been able to force Hillary Clinton to release the transcripts of the 51 "quid pro quo" speeches she made in 2014 and 2015 to Wall Street banks and other major business interests in exchange for $11 million added to her personal wealth and the FBI had concluded its investigation into Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email server (Secretary Clinton was "extremely careless.") many months sooner than it did, Senator Bernie Sanders might well have been the Democratic Party's nominee for President. These two factors might well have overcome Hillary's advantages with the Democratic Party establishment superdelegates and the supposedly neutral head of the Democratic National Committee actively working for Hillary's Presidential bid campaign.
Thus, the debate on Monday would have been between the honest, competent, and trustworthy nominee for President chosen by the Democratic Party (Bernie Sanders) and the dishonest, incompetent, and untrustworthy representative chosen by the Republican Party - Donald Trump. After three debates between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, the voters in the dozen or so "battleground" states will make their choice of who will be the next "least worse" President of the United States.
Thus, the debate on Monday would have been between the honest, competent, and trustworthy nominee for President chosen by the Democratic Party (Bernie Sanders) and the dishonest, incompetent, and untrustworthy representative chosen by the Republican Party - Donald Trump. After three debates between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, the voters in the dozen or so "battleground" states will make their choice of who will be the next "least worse" President of the United States.
5
As Steven Tyler so aptly said, "Dream on."
1
Well said, but final exam? For the republican nominee, maybe, although an exam implies at least some knowledge of facts, so, then again maybe not. As long as the moderator does his job, there should be no question left in the public's mind as to who the more qualified candidate is.
3
The debates "offer Americans a window into how each of these candidates would deal with excruciating pressure." The key word here, Mr. Axelrod, is "pressure." Mrs. Clinton has a career-long résumé of addressing it; Donald Trump has a life-long résumé of running from it. This cold trait, perhaps the only one necessary for one to be an effective president, disqualifies Donald Trump for the job.
I'm not certain that most of the probable-record television audience hasn't already made a decision. Still, it would be a refreshing relief to know that there may be those whose votes will decide the razor-thin margin in the up-for-grab "swing states" will tune in with an open mind, something along the line of "show me" without the belligerence or defiance that has come to define the supporters of both candidates.
On its face, Mrs. Clinton is more than qualified for this job. She is the teacher before the class, explaining difficult concepts to high school students while Trump is in the last row, inattentive, intent on wadding up paper for spitballs. His goofball antics divert the attention of more serious students and, try as they might, the teacher's lecture gets lost in the annoying buzz at the rear of the room. She scolds the boy for his disrespect and discourtesy and, somehow, he manages to turn this negative into something of a positive. The lesson unravels and is overtaken by twittering, giggles, smirks and, finally, uproarious laughter.
America, it's Game On. Whatcha got?
I'm not certain that most of the probable-record television audience hasn't already made a decision. Still, it would be a refreshing relief to know that there may be those whose votes will decide the razor-thin margin in the up-for-grab "swing states" will tune in with an open mind, something along the line of "show me" without the belligerence or defiance that has come to define the supporters of both candidates.
On its face, Mrs. Clinton is more than qualified for this job. She is the teacher before the class, explaining difficult concepts to high school students while Trump is in the last row, inattentive, intent on wadding up paper for spitballs. His goofball antics divert the attention of more serious students and, try as they might, the teacher's lecture gets lost in the annoying buzz at the rear of the room. She scolds the boy for his disrespect and discourtesy and, somehow, he manages to turn this negative into something of a positive. The lesson unravels and is overtaken by twittering, giggles, smirks and, finally, uproarious laughter.
America, it's Game On. Whatcha got?
13
The problem for Mrs. Clinton is that she will be held to the standard of the smartest girl in school (which she is) and Mr. Trump will be perceived to look good if he just manages to keep his pants on.
52
Mr. Axelrod omitted a gaping hole in Trump’s armor that Hillary Clinton needs to highlight as and when the opportunity presents itself – his flip-flopping on major issues that matter to the American people, such as abortion, gun control, immigration, the Iraq war, the Libyan invasion, the Muslim ban, taxes, and even his conservative credentials!
She needs to portray him as wishy-washy on major issues, even going so far as to challenge him on his signature campaign issue with questions, such as:
“You’re never going to build that wall, Mr. Trump, are you?”
“Are you really going to forcibly deport millions of undocumented migrants and break up families in the first days of your presidency?”
“Are you really going to have ICE profile visitors to our country and ask them about their religious beliefs?”
Even if these questions aren’t answered satisfactorily, doubts need to be sown in viewers’ minds about the incredibility of Trump’s key proposals.
She needs to portray him as wishy-washy on major issues, even going so far as to challenge him on his signature campaign issue with questions, such as:
“You’re never going to build that wall, Mr. Trump, are you?”
“Are you really going to forcibly deport millions of undocumented migrants and break up families in the first days of your presidency?”
“Are you really going to have ICE profile visitors to our country and ask them about their religious beliefs?”
Even if these questions aren’t answered satisfactorily, doubts need to be sown in viewers’ minds about the incredibility of Trump’s key proposals.
11
Best guess is that this ends up being a disappointment for everyone. Given the criticism of Matt Lauer, Lester Holt is likely to be much more even in his approach. And he will not back down to Trump's taunts that he cannot be fact checked on stage. At the same time, he will resort to the false equivalence we've had throughout this election so I expect he will keep a scorecard as to his remarks.
Hillary will do fine, she can always hold her own. After 40 years of attacks, there is nothing that will surprise her. Hopefully she can score a few points but I think we will see pretty much what we saw in the debates with Sanders.
As for Trump, he will tone it down, much in the same way he did at the Commander in Chief forum. His big issue will be whether he can stand to be on stage with a smart woman for 90 minutes without losing it. But if he gets into a real battle, I predict it will be with the moderator rather than Clinton. In the end, both sides will claim they "won". Short of Trump dissolving into a puddle, I suspect it will have no impact on the race.
Hillary will do fine, she can always hold her own. After 40 years of attacks, there is nothing that will surprise her. Hopefully she can score a few points but I think we will see pretty much what we saw in the debates with Sanders.
As for Trump, he will tone it down, much in the same way he did at the Commander in Chief forum. His big issue will be whether he can stand to be on stage with a smart woman for 90 minutes without losing it. But if he gets into a real battle, I predict it will be with the moderator rather than Clinton. In the end, both sides will claim they "won". Short of Trump dissolving into a puddle, I suspect it will have no impact on the race.
6
"Throughout the campaign, Mr. Trump has rewritten the rules and played a game that’s entirely his own. It is the key reason Monday’s audience is expected to be one of the largest for any show in television history. The sheer element of unpredictability and audacity Mr. Trump brings is the attraction."
Absolutely true, Mr. Axelrod. So why hasn't he been ridiculed into political irrelevance?
Trump is the most buffoonish of empty suits. How can it be that the so many supporters fail to see that the only things emptier than his suit are his "policy" statements? At least his suit is consistently seamed and sharply pressed.
Is today's level of political dysfunction and its consequent pain so great for so large a portion of the electorate that it renders them oblivious to all the thoughtlessness and danger that a Trump presidency would afford?
Are so many actually dwelling in a post-factual, post-truth Trumpian "alt-reality"--a world in which evidence and rational reflection count for naught, and emotivism and thoughtlessness dominates all?
Elect Trump and then suffer through democracy's darkness at noon.
Absolutely true, Mr. Axelrod. So why hasn't he been ridiculed into political irrelevance?
Trump is the most buffoonish of empty suits. How can it be that the so many supporters fail to see that the only things emptier than his suit are his "policy" statements? At least his suit is consistently seamed and sharply pressed.
Is today's level of political dysfunction and its consequent pain so great for so large a portion of the electorate that it renders them oblivious to all the thoughtlessness and danger that a Trump presidency would afford?
Are so many actually dwelling in a post-factual, post-truth Trumpian "alt-reality"--a world in which evidence and rational reflection count for naught, and emotivism and thoughtlessness dominates all?
Elect Trump and then suffer through democracy's darkness at noon.
24
If she manages to get the phrase "Mister Trump, the multi-millionaire" into the conversation three times, he will melt down the second Mark Cuban snickers under his breath. I'd pay good money to see it.
4
The criteria being discussed to judge the winner of the debate is unfair.
Hillary Clinton is likely to be construed the LOSER no matter what she does. She will be considered successful, though not the winner, if she never raises her voice, if every thing she says is based upon facts and reality, if all the numbers she cites are true, if the way she speaks is pleasant throughout, if everyone who watches easily understands what she says, if she never laughs loudly, and if her hair is perfect and her clothes pretty.
Donald Trump will be considered the WINNER if he stands up for the entire hour and a half without needing a break to sit down.
Hillary Clinton is likely to be construed the LOSER no matter what she does. She will be considered successful, though not the winner, if she never raises her voice, if every thing she says is based upon facts and reality, if all the numbers she cites are true, if the way she speaks is pleasant throughout, if everyone who watches easily understands what she says, if she never laughs loudly, and if her hair is perfect and her clothes pretty.
Donald Trump will be considered the WINNER if he stands up for the entire hour and a half without needing a break to sit down.
15
Mrs. Clinton dominated the Benghazi hearing by being hersel: in command , tireless, unflappable and informed. And her opponents were no less clowns than Trump. Show that steeliness again, she will be the next president.
17
Hillary Clinton should not fall into the trap Trump's primary opponents did of letting him set the tone and the topic. Each time they tried to take Trump on his terms, like Rubio and the infamous, puerile "small hands" quip, they walked into a trap, because Trump has no limits on what he will allow himself to say. Each time they tried to take on a specious Trump claim, like his plans for a beautiful wall billed to Mexico, they just made fantasy seem that much more real.
Hillary Clinton needs a mantra for when Trump lures her in, like "I'm here to unite our country, not for a schoolyard match," then proceed, unbowed, with her own plans and commentary. No giving him attention and no repeating his nonsense.
An actual debate, in which he is not calling the shots, will unhinge Trump.
Hillary Clinton needs a mantra for when Trump lures her in, like "I'm here to unite our country, not for a schoolyard match," then proceed, unbowed, with her own plans and commentary. No giving him attention and no repeating his nonsense.
An actual debate, in which he is not calling the shots, will unhinge Trump.
420
Hillary is a political Brown Recluse Spider while Donald is a socioeconomic Bark Scorpion.
There will be no "actual debate".
There will be "Show Time at Apollo".
There will be no "actual debate".
There will be "Show Time at Apollo".
1
I hope that Mrs. Clinton stands by her "deplorables" statement when it comes up (no doubt it will). If the past is pretext she will be asked to retract her statement; rather than apologize she must take this opportunity to expound on the rogues gallery from which Trump garners his most fervent support.
241
Ironic,that liberals are pushing guilt by association like Joe McCarthy once did. . Should Hillary ask Donald are you now or have you ever been a member of the KKK?
Your comment is over the top..... about time we had some changes....
Please digest this...who am I ???
I will have the most transparent administration in history.
- - The stimulus will fund shovel-ready jobs.
- - I am focused like a laser on creating jobs.
- - The IRS is not targeting anyone.
- - It was a spontaneous riot about a movie.
- - I will put an end to the type of politics that "breeds division, conflict and cynicism".
- - You didn't build that !
- - I will restore trust in Government.
- - The Cambridge cops acted stupidly.
- - The public will have 5 days to look at every bill that lands on my desk
- - It's not my red line - it is the world's red line.
- - Whistle blowers will be protected in my administration.
- - We got back every dime we used to rescue the banks and auto companies, with interest.
- - I am not spying on American citizens.
- - Obama Care will be good for America .
- - You can keep you family doctor.
Much more but I do not have the space.....we do not need another Clinton and we sure as heck do not need a continuance of failed socialist policies....
Please digest this...who am I ???
I will have the most transparent administration in history.
- - The stimulus will fund shovel-ready jobs.
- - I am focused like a laser on creating jobs.
- - The IRS is not targeting anyone.
- - It was a spontaneous riot about a movie.
- - I will put an end to the type of politics that "breeds division, conflict and cynicism".
- - You didn't build that !
- - I will restore trust in Government.
- - The Cambridge cops acted stupidly.
- - The public will have 5 days to look at every bill that lands on my desk
- - It's not my red line - it is the world's red line.
- - Whistle blowers will be protected in my administration.
- - We got back every dime we used to rescue the banks and auto companies, with interest.
- - I am not spying on American citizens.
- - Obama Care will be good for America .
- - You can keep you family doctor.
Much more but I do not have the space.....we do not need another Clinton and we sure as heck do not need a continuance of failed socialist policies....
1
They are despicable by their nature rather than deplorable by their actual nurture.
1
This is a "final exam" for the press and talking heads covering the campaign.
For example, if the NYTimes report is true that Trump may have invited Flores, will Trump have distracted the press with a shiny object before even stepping on the stage, so that the talking heads obsess on that 3 decade old story all week, much like they spent a week weighing in on the meaning of "blood coming out of her wherever," or will they finally manage to rise to their jobs to discuss the extent to which the candidates understand the causes of the challenges facing us and have proposed substantive, not sound bite, solutions?
To tell the truth, I am not optimistic about the press (eg the press attributed Clinton's win in NH to her tearing up in a diner, yet as Axelrod concedes, Clinton clearly won the pre NH primary debate on substance). When Clinton, earlier this year, at a CNN forum, commented that we should not forget the miners and their communities and should bring new jobs and industries into coal country, the press swallowed Republican sound bite spin and focused only on her preface to her remarks: stating the problem that we are putting coal miners out of work.
Hopefully voters will be able to tune out overpaid talking heads and focus their attention on the serious issues that concern them. Oh, and perhaps the political press will finally pass an exam, rise above its year long failures and focus on substance too.
For example, if the NYTimes report is true that Trump may have invited Flores, will Trump have distracted the press with a shiny object before even stepping on the stage, so that the talking heads obsess on that 3 decade old story all week, much like they spent a week weighing in on the meaning of "blood coming out of her wherever," or will they finally manage to rise to their jobs to discuss the extent to which the candidates understand the causes of the challenges facing us and have proposed substantive, not sound bite, solutions?
To tell the truth, I am not optimistic about the press (eg the press attributed Clinton's win in NH to her tearing up in a diner, yet as Axelrod concedes, Clinton clearly won the pre NH primary debate on substance). When Clinton, earlier this year, at a CNN forum, commented that we should not forget the miners and their communities and should bring new jobs and industries into coal country, the press swallowed Republican sound bite spin and focused only on her preface to her remarks: stating the problem that we are putting coal miners out of work.
Hopefully voters will be able to tune out overpaid talking heads and focus their attention on the serious issues that concern them. Oh, and perhaps the political press will finally pass an exam, rise above its year long failures and focus on substance too.
117
Please, please, please don't hold your breath, the press is corporate all the way to the bank, they want blood, not substance.
If Ms. Clinton wants to win the debate she should ask Mr. Trump to be specific. If he won't specify he comes across as the sham he is. This debate should be focused on concrete plans and not anything else. Donald Trump has no plans and Ms. Clinton does.
89
Mr Trump should ask Hillary Clinton, "specifically", what is in her Goldman Sacs speeches that she has guarded more with greater care than the National Secrets she allowed to be breached.
That's All.
That's All.
1
If there was anything truly damning in the speeches, someone who attended them would have been on Fox News a thousand times by now.
There is no there there regardless of how many times it is brought up.
There is no there there regardless of how many times it is brought up.
1
One of the best ways to defeat an overbearing, imposing bully is to get him to trip over his own feet. You don't knock him down with brute force head on. You use a judo move and redirect his own momentum agains him. Lead him into a corner, box him in and watch him fall over his own words.
Hillary is orders of magnitude more competent and knowledgable than Trump. That alone is not enough to win in this insane election. She can easily prove that she can do the job. That is not enough. She has to reveal Trump to be the ignorant fool he is. She has to make him look the fool. She has to get him to trip over his own foolishness and ignorance.
Again, the people that support Trump do so because of the image he projects, not his arguments, not his policies. In fact he has no arguments or policies except to extol his self proclaimed greatness. Destroy his image and do so by getting him to destroy it himself.
Hillary is orders of magnitude more competent and knowledgable than Trump. That alone is not enough to win in this insane election. She can easily prove that she can do the job. That is not enough. She has to reveal Trump to be the ignorant fool he is. She has to make him look the fool. She has to get him to trip over his own foolishness and ignorance.
Again, the people that support Trump do so because of the image he projects, not his arguments, not his policies. In fact he has no arguments or policies except to extol his self proclaimed greatness. Destroy his image and do so by getting him to destroy it himself.
110
When it comes to image, the Clinton image as smart financial wizards running the "Clinton Family Foundation" and helping the needy world wide with the reported 6% charity donations impacting the targeted need, is nothing to crow about.
"When we left the White House we were not only broke, but in debt", Hillary proclaimed. Since they were required to return the truck load of purloined White House Government property, they have amassed a fortune of $200,000,000.00, gave Chelsea a three million dollar wedding, own a hand full of mansions and that was accomplished with a few speeches and a couple of favors. Good work if you can get it.
There will be plenty of Judo and Kung Fu to see Monday....two will enter the "Octagon", only one will survive.
"When we left the White House we were not only broke, but in debt", Hillary proclaimed. Since they were required to return the truck load of purloined White House Government property, they have amassed a fortune of $200,000,000.00, gave Chelsea a three million dollar wedding, own a hand full of mansions and that was accomplished with a few speeches and a couple of favors. Good work if you can get it.
There will be plenty of Judo and Kung Fu to see Monday....two will enter the "Octagon", only one will survive.
1
He can't beat her in a head-to-head match. His supporters will continue to support him regardless of what happens in these debates. They will double down. But the thing that scares me is that too many will sit home and not vote or will cast protest votes for Gary Johnson and Jill Stein (if you believed Bernie Sanders' arguments, you are a long way from being a libertarian!) and Trump will "win" because of apathy and the negativity dished out by himself and the media. Here in Kentucky, we have a Tea Party candidate who has done nothing but try to dismantle the few things about government that worked because only about a third of eligible voters turned out. His mandate? Something like 16% of the vote, but he has embraced it, gutting higher education, destroying one of the best set-ups for the Affordable Health Care Act in the nation, as two examples.
But at least, I think he's probably a good person who is trying to do what he thinks is best, a businessman who thinks government should be run like a business, as if business is a moral entity that worries about hungry children and old people without a lot of disposable income. He has a large adopted family and at least has good intentions.
He is not this amoral shape shifter who cares only for himself.
But at least, I think he's probably a good person who is trying to do what he thinks is best, a businessman who thinks government should be run like a business, as if business is a moral entity that worries about hungry children and old people without a lot of disposable income. He has a large adopted family and at least has good intentions.
He is not this amoral shape shifter who cares only for himself.
The Clinton Foundation delivers around 90% of its contributions to the people it supports. No idea where this mythical 6% comes from but it's total fiction. And not even good fiction, at that.
As for leaving the White House broke and in debt, that is very much true.
Bill and Hillary never even owned a home prior to leaving the White House. They went from the Governor's Mansion in Arkansas to the White House. And with all the legal bills from all the pointless witch hunts that the GOP ginned up, they spent enormous amounts on private attorneys while in the White House. And without a single instance of wrongdoing in a court of law or even a House of Senate committee.
As for their homes, it's my understanding that they own their house in Chappaqua and a townhouse in DC for when Hillary became Senator. Two is hardly a 'handful.'
As for leaving the White House broke and in debt, that is very much true.
Bill and Hillary never even owned a home prior to leaving the White House. They went from the Governor's Mansion in Arkansas to the White House. And with all the legal bills from all the pointless witch hunts that the GOP ginned up, they spent enormous amounts on private attorneys while in the White House. And without a single instance of wrongdoing in a court of law or even a House of Senate committee.
As for their homes, it's my understanding that they own their house in Chappaqua and a townhouse in DC for when Hillary became Senator. Two is hardly a 'handful.'
1
Don't underestimate Hillary. Her pneumonia seems to have quietened her voice, but I think that will help, and she's all present and has her wits about her.
I suspect she's got this.
As Secretary of State, she visited 112 countries, some of them with contemptuous disrespectful men ready to disrespect her. She's got what it takes.
"Hillary Clinton Traveled 956,733 Miles During Her Time as Secretary of State"
http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2013/01/hillary-clinton-trav...
It's time for everyone to stop selling her short!
I suspect she's got this.
As Secretary of State, she visited 112 countries, some of them with contemptuous disrespectful men ready to disrespect her. She's got what it takes.
"Hillary Clinton Traveled 956,733 Miles During Her Time as Secretary of State"
http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2013/01/hillary-clinton-trav...
It's time for everyone to stop selling her short!
167
Her worst enemy is the insider club of for-profit TV, which protects it's infotainment millionaires, like Matt Lauer, Dr. Oz, and all the machinery of production that favors "reality TV" over reality itself.
Illusion will not defeat reality in the long run, but it could take down our civilization. Time for people to wake up!
Illusion will not defeat reality in the long run, but it could take down our civilization. Time for people to wake up!
216
I agree, Susan. I think she's been fantastic since she was sick; she's let a barrier down. She's faced down contemptuous men all her life, in the misogynistic tobacco, pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, the NRA, Fox Newsw, the Republican Party! I have faith in her.
20
# of countries and # of miles mean nothing. with what results?
2
Two suggestions for HRC: One of the few things that appall both progressives and conservatives is an ungrateful child. For the past year (perhaps more) The Donald has continually played up the notion that he's a self-made success, a man who has single-handedly built his company into a billion-dollar enterprise. Even were we to overlook the contributions of his staff and other corporate officers, the fact of the matter is that it was Mr. Trump's father who built that company from the ground up and who passed it along as an inheritance to his Donald and his siblings. Has anyone ever heard him even mention his old man? How many of us, whatever our political convictions, would take credit for the accomplishments of our parents?
Suggestion# 2: Lie. Kind of. If things get really tight Monday, why not do what The Donald himself does virtually every time he opens his mouth? If it's okay for Mr. Trump to have libeled the incumbent President of the United States with the falsehood that he was born abroad even after he presented his U.S. birth certificate, why not simply announce that your opponent has paid absolutely no taxes for a period of, say, ten years? More than likely, this allegation would prove accurate. In any case, the only way it could be shown to be false is via the submission of Mr. Trump's tax returns. Let's get real: there's only one reason why The Donald hasn't released them by now. Either he accepts Hillary's allegation or he submits the t/r's.
Suggestion# 2: Lie. Kind of. If things get really tight Monday, why not do what The Donald himself does virtually every time he opens his mouth? If it's okay for Mr. Trump to have libeled the incumbent President of the United States with the falsehood that he was born abroad even after he presented his U.S. birth certificate, why not simply announce that your opponent has paid absolutely no taxes for a period of, say, ten years? More than likely, this allegation would prove accurate. In any case, the only way it could be shown to be false is via the submission of Mr. Trump's tax returns. Let's get real: there's only one reason why The Donald hasn't released them by now. Either he accepts Hillary's allegation or he submits the t/r's.
163
Bad advice. How could Hillary possibly know about his taxes? The lie is just too transparent and would only serve to pull Hillary down to Donald's level.
Donald Trump is a SELF-MADE FRAUD.
5
That's a good idea. Praise Fred Trump for giving Donald such a great start in life and shame the son for not acknowledging it. Bill took a similar tack when he said Prescott Bush would be disappointing in his son's "mocking" (actually more like speaking infelicitously or bureacratically about) "the vision thing."
4
Hillary's problem debating Trump has nothing to do with her. She was more than able to handle 11 hours' worth of grilling by a bunch of clowns who looked much the worse for wear by the end of the Benghazi hearing. The problem is with a media that will declare Trump the winner if he manages to get through the 90 minutes just as long as he can keep his cool and "look presidential", regardless of whatever nonsense he comes up with.
436
Truly the challenge for Clinton is to defeat that narrative. And with the backlash this media-driven narrative has prompted in the wake of Lauer-gate, it may not be as difficult tomorrow as it would have been in the past.
6
The press has failed this year to provide accurate coverage of Trump. Where have all the Mike Wallace's gone?
3
Mancuroc - Rochester
"....... as long as he can keep his cool & look Presidential" ?
But he looks like the defensive lineman, Refrigerator Perry.
How can he "look Presidential" ?
"....... as long as he can keep his cool & look Presidential" ?
But he looks like the defensive lineman, Refrigerator Perry.
How can he "look Presidential" ?
1
The danger for Mrs Clinton is that she is dealing with a pathological liar who could make bald faced lies without sweating. Look at Mr Trump's dumping his birther campaign for 5 years against President Obama in an single instance by flatly saying it was Mrs Clinton and not him did it. Even a semi-ethical Republican could find it incredulous! So this is what Mrs Clinton is up against
250
"The danger for Mrs Clinton is that she is dealing with a pathological liar who could make bald faced lies without sweating."
She has mastered that herself, and does it often.
That is not unknown to her. It is no mystery to her. She can handle it. She's lived a lifetime with it, with Bill.
No, her danger does not come from the lies. She's in that league herself.
She has mastered that herself, and does it often.
That is not unknown to her. It is no mystery to her. She can handle it. She's lived a lifetime with it, with Bill.
No, her danger does not come from the lies. She's in that league herself.
20
What would be a substantial documented example of such lies? (Other than the admittedly perplexing story about dodging bullets on the airstrip?)
5
That, Mark, is a bald faced lie. Hillary rarely "lies." She sometimes twists the truth as do all politicians. Show me one shred of evidence that she does this more than the average politician. And don't make some irrelevant statement about what voters think or what polls say.
14
"Mr. Trump has rewritten the rules and played a game that’s entirely his own. It is the key reason Monday’s audience is expected to be one of the largest for any show in television history. The sheer element of unpredictability and audacity Mr. Trump brings is the attraction."
When that is true in any other contest, football or whatever, the audience is on the side of the one they've come to watch, the audacious one.
Whether he realizes it or not, Mr. Axelrod has just predicted trouble for Hillary.
When that is true in any other contest, football or whatever, the audience is on the side of the one they've come to watch, the audacious one.
Whether he realizes it or not, Mr. Axelrod has just predicted trouble for Hillary.
30
At this point in the campaign a higher portion of the electorate favors Ms. Clinton, according to the polls. What you say is that the audience is coming to watch the audacious one, Mr. Trump. What you say contradicts the facts. People who now favor Ms. Clinton are coming to watch both of them engage in a debate. Having never spoken to anyone who admits favoring Trump I can only guess what they are coming to watch.
15
This isn't the Republican primary campaign, the political equivalent of the WWE. Voters at this stage aren't tuning in to watch candidates smash each other over the head with chairs. The election has departed the realm of a smack-down and is about serious business. This is when the egregious mistakes of the uninformed matter. Ask anyone who watched Gerald Ford's epic blunder in 1976.
6
Mark, you disappoint me deeply. We shared an enthusiasm for Sanders because we both believed his ideas are so important for our beloved country. But you have allowed your own disappointment to poison your outlook, and now you are so devoted to denigrating Hillary that you have lost perspective. Trump isn't an alternative. He is an existential danger to our democracy and we have no idea what mayhem will ensue should he win. You have allowed your disappointment to fester until it has consumed you and now you feverishly post letter after letter saying the same thing over and over. You are wrong, Mark. Hillary is in no way a danger to our democracy. She is prepared, she is smart, she knows government inside and out. The rest of the free world is holding its collective breath while we apparently go mad here flirting with electing a man who is unstable, disgusting, racist, uneducated, and in thrall to despots around the globe. I respect you and have always enjoyed your contributions over the years. But now I dread seeing your posts because I worry you will influence a few others to follow you down the rabbit hole. I respectfully ask that you spend a moment to reflect before you dash off the same old reply. I trust my beloved grandchildren to the wisdom of American voters. They deserve better than Donald Trump and his disgustingly ugly vision of our precious country. Somehow in my heart I believe you know the truth in what I am saying. I say it all in deep respect.
8
There is EVERY whiff of the Oxford Union about Donald Trump, except that his tactics, while strikingly similar to those taught in that storied debating society, aren’t mellowed by sophisticated language and deviously hilarious references, but by broad humor and the language of Queens. While the 2007-2008 nominating debates of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton were purist expressions of classical American debate, setting up premises, reasoning, conclusions and polite but respectful badinage, Trump is positively British in his wild, hilarious lampooning of adversarial positions and candidates.
And it plays, because he’s very good at it.
If Trump is on top of his game Monday night, then Mrs. Clinton will have needed to prepare herself to counter the tactic of wildly entertaining lampoon just to get out of Manhattan alive. But she’s shown no capacity in the MANY debates in which she’s publically participated to do any such thing, and given plenty of evidence that she’s a wooden public speaker. Her debates with Mr. Obama were as much won or lost on the basis of relative charisma as their arguments and the adeptness each displayed at defending them.
If it becomes all about charisma on Monday night, Mrs. Clinton is in trouble.
And it plays, because he’s very good at it.
If Trump is on top of his game Monday night, then Mrs. Clinton will have needed to prepare herself to counter the tactic of wildly entertaining lampoon just to get out of Manhattan alive. But she’s shown no capacity in the MANY debates in which she’s publically participated to do any such thing, and given plenty of evidence that she’s a wooden public speaker. Her debates with Mr. Obama were as much won or lost on the basis of relative charisma as their arguments and the adeptness each displayed at defending them.
If it becomes all about charisma on Monday night, Mrs. Clinton is in trouble.
34
Wow! Trump the intellectual? That's a new one on me.
I dunno. You tell me. Dogwhistles and lies. Not very Oxford Union, I don't think.
I dunno. You tell me. Dogwhistles and lies. Not very Oxford Union, I don't think.
138
He speaks in a language of a 2nd graders. Have you ever heard him speak?
52
Attributing charisma to Trump is dumbfounding. What comes next: his depth of thought?
50
This is not Ms. Hillary Rodham Clinton's final exam unless the media and her rabid opponents get totally out of control. If The Con Don happens to try to "sell" himself as a reasonable human being who actually cares about anyone but himself the media must not let him get away with it. He has shown us who and what he is - a child who suffers ADD, manic depression, narcissism, and me-ism on steroids and a serial liar - and the media had better not let him get away with trying to present something else. This is not a "boys will be boys" moment. This is a debate to help American voters decide who will be the next leader of the free world.
I voted for your candidate of choice - President Barack Obama - twice. Now do me the favor of stopping your attacks on the female candidate -
Ms. Hillary Rodham Clinton - and openly support her and her ideas from today until she ends her Presidency. Do your job as someone who actually cares about America.
I voted for your candidate of choice - President Barack Obama - twice. Now do me the favor of stopping your attacks on the female candidate -
Ms. Hillary Rodham Clinton - and openly support her and her ideas from today until she ends her Presidency. Do your job as someone who actually cares about America.
389
Niglea,
Fawning over Hillary Clinton by her protective posse and a sycophantic press corps and fans like you does her no favors. David Axelrod, with refreshing and rare honesty, is actually providing both constructive criticism and well thought-out advice.
He does want her to win. He is doing is job. How you construe his column as an "attack" on Clinton is downright baffling.
That's why those who can do journalism and commentary, do. And those who can't, complain
Fawning over Hillary Clinton by her protective posse and a sycophantic press corps and fans like you does her no favors. David Axelrod, with refreshing and rare honesty, is actually providing both constructive criticism and well thought-out advice.
He does want her to win. He is doing is job. How you construe his column as an "attack" on Clinton is downright baffling.
That's why those who can do journalism and commentary, do. And those who can't, complain
5
Axelrod is offering his insight as Obama's campaign strategist - and his perspective on Clinton's real strengths as a debater, particularly against "his" candidate as you call him. He is also outlining the dangers and pitfalls she faces (let's not forget that Obama was widely seen to have lost the first debate with Romney). He's hardly attacking Clinton. You may want to take a deep breath. Axelrod, like so many of us, want her to do well.
4
David, I often see Mr. Axelrod as an "expert" on television panels and his comments about her are always about what SHE has to do differently and what is wrong with her. If he wants her to win - and wants America to heal from the hate-anger-fear-war dissonance that is ravaging America - he can do a much better job of pointing out her strengths and the positive things she does.
3
I think they'll tread lightly on personal finances -- for example, his likely negative effective tax rate and her Goldman Sachs transcripts. A televised WWF event between two plutocrats is not in the best political interests of either of them, and especially not in the interests of the donors and corporate sponsors benefiting yugely from this reality show of an election.
Nobody wants to wave their dirty hands in public. OK, so Trump actually does. He loves to brag about his gaming of the system, because it outs both his fellow miscreants and the judicial watchdogs who would have indicted him decades ago if they weren't so corrupt themselves.
I predict lots of mutual eye-rolling interspersed with the usual torrent of talking points and slogans from campaign commercials - all with sincere faces directed smack-dab at the viewers at home. I predict that Trump will leave his Pennywise the Clown and King Kong characters at home, or at least tamp down his horror-comedy act for the occasion. He'll still spew out his irrational word salad, but the lower decibel will be in deference to the VIPs rich enough and powerful enough to have scored tickets.
Immediately after the debate, he'll declare himself simultaneously the winner and the innocent victim of the bullying media.
Hillary would do well to make her case directly to the voters. She should ignore Trump as much as it is possible to ignore the most dangerous man in America. Talk about him like he's not even on the same stage.
Nobody wants to wave their dirty hands in public. OK, so Trump actually does. He loves to brag about his gaming of the system, because it outs both his fellow miscreants and the judicial watchdogs who would have indicted him decades ago if they weren't so corrupt themselves.
I predict lots of mutual eye-rolling interspersed with the usual torrent of talking points and slogans from campaign commercials - all with sincere faces directed smack-dab at the viewers at home. I predict that Trump will leave his Pennywise the Clown and King Kong characters at home, or at least tamp down his horror-comedy act for the occasion. He'll still spew out his irrational word salad, but the lower decibel will be in deference to the VIPs rich enough and powerful enough to have scored tickets.
Immediately after the debate, he'll declare himself simultaneously the winner and the innocent victim of the bullying media.
Hillary would do well to make her case directly to the voters. She should ignore Trump as much as it is possible to ignore the most dangerous man in America. Talk about him like he's not even on the same stage.
279
Speeches to Goldman Sachs are not finances. Don't be silly.
10
Hey Christian.
Pardon me, my bad. Getting $675,000 couldn't possibly be construed as personal finances, sitting in such a thing as a bank account. I shoulda said play monopoly money, deposited right into her Delaware-based LLC for purely non-financial tax purposes.
Pardon me, my bad. Getting $675,000 couldn't possibly be construed as personal finances, sitting in such a thing as a bank account. I shoulda said play monopoly money, deposited right into her Delaware-based LLC for purely non-financial tax purposes.
4
CC, if you don't know what Ms Garcia was really saying, (or at least you pretend not to), then it is no wonder that the oligarchs have already won the battle.
4
Aside from just acting like her normal very Presidential self, Hillary Clinton should be sure to mention that 40% of Trump University 'students' received refunds, likely the highest refund rate of any 'university' or business in American history.
And the rate wasn't higher because Mr. Trump made political 'contributions' to past/present state Attorney Generals in Florida to quash investigations.
And then the Birther-in-Chief publicly mocked the ethnicity and independence of the federal judge who may make the Trump University refund rate go even higher.
Is a demonstrated Fraudster-in-Chief really what America is looking for ?
Does America really want to have a Grand Re=Opening of Trump University ?
Let him have it, Hillary.
Hillary's qualified.
Trump's a demonstrated fraud and con-artist par excellence.
Let it rip and mess up that orange hair of Trumpty Dumpty.
And the rate wasn't higher because Mr. Trump made political 'contributions' to past/present state Attorney Generals in Florida to quash investigations.
And then the Birther-in-Chief publicly mocked the ethnicity and independence of the federal judge who may make the Trump University refund rate go even higher.
Is a demonstrated Fraudster-in-Chief really what America is looking for ?
Does America really want to have a Grand Re=Opening of Trump University ?
Let him have it, Hillary.
Hillary's qualified.
Trump's a demonstrated fraud and con-artist par excellence.
Let it rip and mess up that orange hair of Trumpty Dumpty.
369
Let it rip indeed. And I hope Trump unleashes fury on Mr. Holt as well, assuming he does his job as moderator.
5
I am in the college education biz and I can say that if the 40% refund is true, it is at unprecedented levels. For the outset, his faux university was a scam, sham, and enrollee be damn.
13
As always an on point comment that deserves recommendation points.
2
My advice to Secretary Clinton? First, do no harm; don't say anything that isn't 100% true.
If you quote Trump, quote him accurately. If you question his "facts" or statistics, don't exaggerate what's actually true by even .001%.
"Who can be trusted" is on people's minds. Make it you.
If you quote Trump, quote him accurately. If you question his "facts" or statistics, don't exaggerate what's actually true by even .001%.
"Who can be trusted" is on people's minds. Make it you.
523
Great plan. Too late.
16
no it's not. this will be the biggest audience even over the super bowl!
2
I would pay a month's salary to sit in Mark Thomason's den and watch this debate with him. Every comment he makes about the heiress to the throne rings true.
I'd settle for The Times having live commenters on Monday night, restricted to Thomason, Karen Garcia and Josh Hill.
I'd settle for The Times having live commenters on Monday night, restricted to Thomason, Karen Garcia and Josh Hill.
2
Hillary needs to point out, which I am sure that she will, the never ending flip flops and of saying one thing to one audience and the opposite thing to another.