A comment about the audience just caught my eye. What is the protocol for audience behavior? How many supporters can each candidate have as guests? I hope this isn't going to be a shouting, chanting riot like the Trump rallies.
14
First of all, love the graphics! As for the debate, I’m with Bruni on this. A tempered Donald would be his most dangerous move. But I don’t think he can hold it that long, and I’m expecting smug faces, head-bobbing, and below-the-belt commentary, the latter once he gets warmed up and throws the towel to the wind on not beating up on the woman.
But here’s what I’d rather see: Serious discussion from the both of them and from the moderator on the economy/American jobs/globalization. immigration, education, and the environment. Truth is, I am an undecided, watchful voter until I pull that lever.
But here’s what I’d rather see: Serious discussion from the both of them and from the moderator on the economy/American jobs/globalization. immigration, education, and the environment. Truth is, I am an undecided, watchful voter until I pull that lever.
5
More than a few political consultants and columnists seem to think that Donald Trump can “win” Monday night’s debate if he simply restrains from hurling insults and false accusations at Hillary Clinton and wears a mask of seriousness—in other words, if he pretends to be some other candidate. These pundits believe that all Donald Trump has to do is to “look presidential” to reassure the majority of the still undecided voters that he can be trusted to run the country. But any good actor can look presidential. To win this debate, Trump must also be presidential, which means that he must display some basic understanding of the U.S. economy, the struggles of the working class, and how our foreign policy affects global stability and human rights. He must also demonstrate that he shares the values every modern-day president has embraced: sympathy for the poor, acceptance of minorities, and a respect for the two other branches of government. That Trump has gotten this far in the race without a trace of those characteristics is what has made this campaign so bizarre and unpredictable. But if the media is going to pronounce a “winner” in this debate, it should not use the yardstick of whether Trump can remain on good behavior for 90 minutes. It should be based on which candidate has the best understanding of the complex problems facing the country and the experience and intelligence to address them.
24
Hmm, the Mouth that Bored has trapped himself in a classic conundrum: to not say much of anything and come off as a fool. Open up and confirm it.
I might actually turn on my TV Monday night ...
"This could be the last time,
Maybe the last time
I don't know.
Oh no ..."
I might actually turn on my TV Monday night ...
"This could be the last time,
Maybe the last time
I don't know.
Oh no ..."
13
Trump, a narcissistic, sociopathic snake oil salesman the likes of which we have never before had on the national political stage, is fully capable of appearing however he wishes during a 90 minute stretch. That is the mark of a person who has no genuine persona, and who only acts whatever part he or she wishes to play at the moment. It puts any interlocutor at a disadvantage, especially one like Clinton who is used to dealing with the "real thing." Say what you will about Hillary Clinton having her own degree of dishonesty, it does not begin to compare with the conscienceless mindset of Donald Trump. She is capable of introspection, regret, and remorse. He is not.
What Trump may not be able to do during the first debate is to manufacture facts, knowledge and understanding of domestic and foreign policy when, in fact, he has none whatsoever. Whether Trump's vacuousness and incompetence in these areas will come out will depend mainly upon whether Lester Holt will be able to maintain control and be able to call Trump out on his inconsistencies and pathological lies.
What Trump may not be able to do during the first debate is to manufacture facts, knowledge and understanding of domestic and foreign policy when, in fact, he has none whatsoever. Whether Trump's vacuousness and incompetence in these areas will come out will depend mainly upon whether Lester Holt will be able to maintain control and be able to call Trump out on his inconsistencies and pathological lies.
35
He's going to be medicated and I've noticed that at times he has appeared medicated, slurring his words and being unable to find his words to complete a thought (yeah, I know, I know).
I've also heard whispering in audio of someone feeding trump his lines. In that particular case, he was calling in to a news program and I could hear it in the audio.
On Twitter there's a hashtag, #trumphasrabies, with some gifs of white foam at the corners of his mouth at a rally. Given speaking at great lengths can dry one's mouth, but so do some meds.
Let's hope they medicate him so much that it's obvious and the undecided, decide they can't have some medicated puppet buffoon for a president.
I've also heard whispering in audio of someone feeding trump his lines. In that particular case, he was calling in to a news program and I could hear it in the audio.
On Twitter there's a hashtag, #trumphasrabies, with some gifs of white foam at the corners of his mouth at a rally. Given speaking at great lengths can dry one's mouth, but so do some meds.
Let's hope they medicate him so much that it's obvious and the undecided, decide they can't have some medicated puppet buffoon for a president.
22
No matter what else - there will be mugging (of the face, that is...)
6
Fortunately, there are two people on the stage. Hillary, better prepared and psychologically geared up for the debates, will not miss the opportunity to push the Donald's buttons. He has neither the preparation, the intellectual heft or the emotional intelligence to not rise to what he perceives as insults or threats. He is not an actor as was Reagan (mediocre as that was!). He's a huckster. His brand will be under attack and face it. . what else does he have. He'll have to defend it, thereby weakening his presentation.
24
Bruni’s biggest fear is a dull Trump? So he’s been finding Trump exciting? This is what’s wrong with our media pundits, and why the coverage is hardly what we need. They are looking for different things than what benefits our democracy.
In what many people find dull is the media coverage, since it goes for personalities and polls, not issues that affect our lives.
Tell us again, Frank, about how you once dined with Trump---I guess when you were restaurant critic for the Times? Exciting, was it?
In what many people find dull is the media coverage, since it goes for personalities and polls, not issues that affect our lives.
Tell us again, Frank, about how you once dined with Trump---I guess when you were restaurant critic for the Times? Exciting, was it?
23
My mind has long been decided: Trump is an undisciplined, vulgar, uninformed misogynist, racist and sexist. Having said that, allow me a moment to be flippant. If there are any young people watching, will they create a drinking game to go along with "believe me" or "frankly" or the two handed shoulder shrug. Let's hope there are some 21 year olds who have enough critical thinking skills to survive too many shots,
18
The key issue for tomorrow's debate is whether the election will be between Trump and Clinton or between Republicans and Democrats. If it's the latter (i.e., Trump behaves himself), then Trump's campaign is hoping that lifelong Republicans will 'come home' and vote for their candidate even if they detest him. The Bannon-Conway team are trying to make this a party election.
The problem for Trump, however, is that he is not very disciplined nor knowledgeable about government policy. Aside from a few 'softball' questions that Holt will throw at the two candidates, if Trump decides to respond to Hillary's counterarguments, he is liable to go off script and make some outrageous statement. If I were advising him, I would tell him to not respond to any of Hillary's statements, at all.
If I were advising her, I would tell her to remind the audience of what Trump said (and read the quotation out loud).
Still, in the end, this is not a contest to be Chief Debater of the United States. So, irrespective of who 'wins' the debate (there is no official score keeper), voters will need to decide who can best manage the Federal government and national policy. I think Hillary will 'win' that battle hands down.
The problem for Trump, however, is that he is not very disciplined nor knowledgeable about government policy. Aside from a few 'softball' questions that Holt will throw at the two candidates, if Trump decides to respond to Hillary's counterarguments, he is liable to go off script and make some outrageous statement. If I were advising him, I would tell him to not respond to any of Hillary's statements, at all.
If I were advising her, I would tell her to remind the audience of what Trump said (and read the quotation out loud).
Still, in the end, this is not a contest to be Chief Debater of the United States. So, irrespective of who 'wins' the debate (there is no official score keeper), voters will need to decide who can best manage the Federal government and national policy. I think Hillary will 'win' that battle hands down.
9
Interesting illustration for the article. At least Trump is moving. Hillary is planted in one spot next to the lectern like she was on the side of the street waiting for her transport when she had her most recent episode.
4
My eye is on the Press and whether at the end of this debate, including post-debate analysis,they have not shamed themselves and given us
a theatre or media review as opposed to something meaningful which might
help the average voter to clearly see the very difficult issues facing us today.
they are in the business of facts. Let's have some. Skip the philosophy.....
How good are TV Journalists these days?
the "Presidency" is not eligible for an Emmy award.
a theatre or media review as opposed to something meaningful which might
help the average voter to clearly see the very difficult issues facing us today.
they are in the business of facts. Let's have some. Skip the philosophy.....
How good are TV Journalists these days?
the "Presidency" is not eligible for an Emmy award.
10
I was never fooled by Reagan and I am certainly not fooled by Trump.
24
The projected audience of about 100 million viewers will NOT be tuning in for a debate. They are interested in the political equivalent of a DEMOLITION DERBY. The referee will be in the arena with equal status in this match.
We all know the players in this game. There is nothing new to learn about them or their policies. It is ludicrous to call this confrontation a debate when one of the participants is a sociopath.
The audience is looking for a crash and blood on the studio floor. The so-called moderator is an equal contender in this reality show. The smart money is on the referee being the biggest loser at the end of the program.
So get out the popcorn and be ready for what will almost certainly be an evening of gross and painful political entertainment.
Richard Ellmyer
Portland, Oregon
We all know the players in this game. There is nothing new to learn about them or their policies. It is ludicrous to call this confrontation a debate when one of the participants is a sociopath.
The audience is looking for a crash and blood on the studio floor. The so-called moderator is an equal contender in this reality show. The smart money is on the referee being the biggest loser at the end of the program.
So get out the popcorn and be ready for what will almost certainly be an evening of gross and painful political entertainment.
Richard Ellmyer
Portland, Oregon
5
I don't think Mr. Bruni has developed any understanding of Mr. Trump nor his followers.
As the lies of Mr. Trump shows, he only speaks in self aggrandizing lies. He doesn't know any other pattern of speech. If he didn't continue in this way, what would he suddenly say?
And his Deplorables love the out size lies because they just want a father figure to protect them for the horrible results of them voting against their economic interests since Reagan began fooling them. If Trump stopped speaking that way, he'd sound like everyone they voted for all of those years. They don't want specifics, they just want to know great things are going to happen for them.
As the lies of Mr. Trump shows, he only speaks in self aggrandizing lies. He doesn't know any other pattern of speech. If he didn't continue in this way, what would he suddenly say?
And his Deplorables love the out size lies because they just want a father figure to protect them for the horrible results of them voting against their economic interests since Reagan began fooling them. If Trump stopped speaking that way, he'd sound like everyone they voted for all of those years. They don't want specifics, they just want to know great things are going to happen for them.
16
I am not going to watch the debate. I assume Donald Trump is the better talker. But so what? For the U.S. Presidency, talking is about 1% of the job description. And you can always hire clever people to write your speeches for you, and put it up on the teleprompter for you to read.
8
Remember Trump is the consummate bully. And, remember what bullies do. They never attack someone whom they perceive as strong, to their face. They kowtow to them. Trump cowered before Megyn Kelly as he did to Carly Fiorina, and recently, as he did to the Black woman bishop when she reprimanded him.
Watch that tape. Notice how the bully Trump shrunk before her gaze and voice. Oh, oh, excuse me, sorry about that. Then notice what Trump did afterward. He went after her hammer and tong, thousands of miles away from her wrath.
Trump as predictable as all the bullies I have witnessed in my life. They were there in the private military college preparatory school I attended, the towel-snapping locker room scoundrel who picked on the least among us until one of us confronted him verbally, sometimes physically, putting him in his place.
Trump has never experienced being put in his place. That is why he still behaves as a man-child at seventy years of age. It is about time Trump gets the comeuppance and dressing down addressed upon him that is long overdue. And it looks like it has come down to a strong woman to do just that before the nation. How appropriate. Go get 'em, Hillary.
DD
Manhattan
Watch that tape. Notice how the bully Trump shrunk before her gaze and voice. Oh, oh, excuse me, sorry about that. Then notice what Trump did afterward. He went after her hammer and tong, thousands of miles away from her wrath.
Trump as predictable as all the bullies I have witnessed in my life. They were there in the private military college preparatory school I attended, the towel-snapping locker room scoundrel who picked on the least among us until one of us confronted him verbally, sometimes physically, putting him in his place.
Trump has never experienced being put in his place. That is why he still behaves as a man-child at seventy years of age. It is about time Trump gets the comeuppance and dressing down addressed upon him that is long overdue. And it looks like it has come down to a strong woman to do just that before the nation. How appropriate. Go get 'em, Hillary.
DD
Manhattan
50
I wish Lester Holt will repeatedly ask both candidates "How? How exactly would accomplish [fill in the policy blank]? And please give us lots of details."
26
I love that people still think Trump will show up.
I love that people are actually worried this tempermental tea pot with the uncontrollable temper will come across as something near normal.
I love that people are worried that Trump will win even though 70 to 80% of women won't vote for him.
Nor the Hispanics.
Nor the Asians.
Nor the gays.
Nor a lot of white men.
I love that all of America media is a tremble because they think America is so far gone we'd elect a KKK supported, American Nazi supported Republican.
I love it, because it's just a fantasy that he'll be elected.
And I love it because Trump (alias Mitch McConnell in disguise) will never, ever be our president,
The ugly racism that has been exposed needed to be exposed so it could be expunged.
And thanks to Mitch McConnell and his Republican Gang of No and their continual disrespect of our President, thanks to their determined ugliness about THAT MAN IN THE WHITE HOUSE, they have forced the needed new dawn of liberalism in America.
For that, Thank you Mitch McConnell and thanks to your extended puppet Donald Trump.
Thanks for truly making America greater than it was by inadvertently turning our country back to its true values.
Equality, and justice of all.
Oh what a nightmare for Republicans - equality and justice for all.
I love that people are actually worried this tempermental tea pot with the uncontrollable temper will come across as something near normal.
I love that people are worried that Trump will win even though 70 to 80% of women won't vote for him.
Nor the Hispanics.
Nor the Asians.
Nor the gays.
Nor a lot of white men.
I love that all of America media is a tremble because they think America is so far gone we'd elect a KKK supported, American Nazi supported Republican.
I love it, because it's just a fantasy that he'll be elected.
And I love it because Trump (alias Mitch McConnell in disguise) will never, ever be our president,
The ugly racism that has been exposed needed to be exposed so it could be expunged.
And thanks to Mitch McConnell and his Republican Gang of No and their continual disrespect of our President, thanks to their determined ugliness about THAT MAN IN THE WHITE HOUSE, they have forced the needed new dawn of liberalism in America.
For that, Thank you Mitch McConnell and thanks to your extended puppet Donald Trump.
Thanks for truly making America greater than it was by inadvertently turning our country back to its true values.
Equality, and justice of all.
Oh what a nightmare for Republicans - equality and justice for all.
23
Oh MIckey , I wish I have your confidence, If they all vote Donald Trump will never happen.
13
The debates being during NFL games benefits Trump tremendously. Many of the low information voters that "decided" on Trump based on his antics, won't see Hillary outdo him and won't change their minds.
8
Really, all he has to do is not be Hillary Clinton and point out in all those years of Clinton/Obama presidencies nothing has really changed in Washington, or in the United States for that matter. All he has to do is be her opposite...not a sleazy politician bought and paid for by foreign money, big wig power brokers, Wall Street Banksters, professional political consultants and the liberal press. It doesn't matter if he really answers set-up questions. He just needs to continue to be the anti-Hillary, anti-Washington, anti-status quo folk hero he has become.
5
I wouldn't bet on it.
Reports leaked Gennifer Flowers may be there as Trump's 'guest' indicate he will probably trash this by turning it into some mindless insulting spectacle.
Hopefully that would be the nail in his coffin.
Reports like this - and his repeated refusal to practice or prepare for this - are further indication how unqualified he is in every way and his lack of understanding how important this is. Can you imagine blowing off your bar exam or refusing to prepare for you MCAT (med school admissions test)... What kind of fool do you have to be?
Wait. We know what kind of fool......
Reports leaked Gennifer Flowers may be there as Trump's 'guest' indicate he will probably trash this by turning it into some mindless insulting spectacle.
Hopefully that would be the nail in his coffin.
Reports like this - and his repeated refusal to practice or prepare for this - are further indication how unqualified he is in every way and his lack of understanding how important this is. Can you imagine blowing off your bar exam or refusing to prepare for you MCAT (med school admissions test)... What kind of fool do you have to be?
Wait. We know what kind of fool......
12
I'm hoping for a bizarro performance from Trump. Nutty!
7
I'm counting on Lester Holt to produce this unknowable episode of
"H-e-e-r's Donny!" The blah blah blah from each Republic Primary Debate was overshadowed by Shecky Trump and his barump-bums. He was also extemporaneous with his rat-a-tat zingers cum hate-speech at his rallies, when he wasn't auditioning his presidential look, reading the teleprompter's distorted diatribe written by president pro-tem Kellyanne Conway. Lester Holt, you are the key to this re-boot of the old game show "To Tell The Truth." Will the real Donald Trump please stand up.
"H-e-e-r's Donny!" The blah blah blah from each Republic Primary Debate was overshadowed by Shecky Trump and his barump-bums. He was also extemporaneous with his rat-a-tat zingers cum hate-speech at his rallies, when he wasn't auditioning his presidential look, reading the teleprompter's distorted diatribe written by president pro-tem Kellyanne Conway. Lester Holt, you are the key to this re-boot of the old game show "To Tell The Truth." Will the real Donald Trump please stand up.
13
The undoing of Donald Trump by Hillary Clinton will not happen in policy discussions or one line zingers. Do not depend on the moderator to be fair and keep Trump on topic.
All of the advisors, including a husband who has experienced multiple high level debates are missing the most obvious edge that is right in front of their faces. The newest member of the family, that's right, Chelsea and Marc's newest baby Aidan. All that has to happen is Aidan starts crying mid way through the debates and this race is over.
All of the advisors, including a husband who has experienced multiple high level debates are missing the most obvious edge that is right in front of their faces. The newest member of the family, that's right, Chelsea and Marc's newest baby Aidan. All that has to happen is Aidan starts crying mid way through the debates and this race is over.
9
Trump just well may try and appear to be Presidential, because seated in the front row will be his invited guest Gennifer Flowers as his wink and nod to his supporters. Why is Clinton being the one who needs to defend herself? For what? Trump is the one who needs to be challenged for all the misogynistic, racist, xenophobic remarks he has made and his lack of credibility when it comes to foreign and domestic policy.
I certainly hope this will not be yet another evening devoted to e-mail servers and Benghazi. Clinton is not the one who should be on the defensive, Trump is. I really do not understand why anyone is either sitting on the fence or willing to vote in protest at this point. I really cannot believe this race is even close given all of Trump's vile remarks and lies. Is it really going to come down to some kind of popularity contest? Do people seriously think Trump would not be a dangerous embarrassment to this country?
On the one hand I am so wanting all of this to be over with, but on the other I am afraid for it to be,
I certainly hope this will not be yet another evening devoted to e-mail servers and Benghazi. Clinton is not the one who should be on the defensive, Trump is. I really do not understand why anyone is either sitting on the fence or willing to vote in protest at this point. I really cannot believe this race is even close given all of Trump's vile remarks and lies. Is it really going to come down to some kind of popularity contest? Do people seriously think Trump would not be a dangerous embarrassment to this country?
On the one hand I am so wanting all of this to be over with, but on the other I am afraid for it to be,
24
With all the negatives that DT possesses, Mr Bruni is exhaustingly trying his best to woo voters for him!!! I became utterly confused after having read your article.
4
Clinton punching down, while Trump punches up...the brain vs the jock, introvert - extrovert, literature vs porn, the Beatles vs Ted Nugent.
9
You'll see two Trumps on Monday, which should be entertaining. The first is the Trump that we saw in the GOP debates, viciously attacking opponents (one at a time) and screaming that America and the world are falling apart at the seams and only he can fix it by being tougher and smarter than anybody. This is the real Trump who won the GOP nomination and who rallies anti-establishment and anti-Clinton supporters. The second Trump, who can appear because the format provides sufficient speaking time for him, is the one who delivers scripted policy positions that are full of holes and empty/false promises, which he simply denies. This is the Trump who attracts support from conservative billionaires and GOP leaders like Ryan (and even Cruz).
6
Hillary Clinton should be herself. She is however, smart and witty. There must be ways for her to belittle Trump, not about his hands, but about his ideas, his bigotry and his small mind.
15
CAN you feel the panic in the air??
smells like VICTORY
smells like VICTORY
3
Okay Frank, we all know by now Matt Lauer was the biggest disappointment and embarrassment to the media.
It will be interesting now how Lester Holt will hold on to his ethics being a registered Republican will prove if he is worth holding on to his anchor chair .
All depends if Kellyanne Conway will be whispering to Trumps ears or someone else with a clue of the world situation will be the tipping point of the debate. If you ask me I don`t want Ms. Conway to be near Trump`s earshot.
I am counting on Trump though making those facial gestures he is known for.
Then again people have already have made up their minds whom they are going to vote for.
Only those independents will decide eventually.
It will be interesting now how Lester Holt will hold on to his ethics being a registered Republican will prove if he is worth holding on to his anchor chair .
All depends if Kellyanne Conway will be whispering to Trumps ears or someone else with a clue of the world situation will be the tipping point of the debate. If you ask me I don`t want Ms. Conway to be near Trump`s earshot.
I am counting on Trump though making those facial gestures he is known for.
Then again people have already have made up their minds whom they are going to vote for.
Only those independents will decide eventually.
7
Dear Friends of great wit and intellectual prowess, please be advised that nothing that is "said" by either candidate will make any significant difference in how folks already see these two walking wonders,
EVERYTHING in the debate encounter hinges on the nonverbal expressions, gestures, and perhaps most importantly the body language of the participants in combat for positive attention and high regard. Of course, audible tone, inflection, and volume also will move us as viewers BUT what is actually said or offered as rationale or defense of positions in controversy won't count for much except to viewers who are able to separate fact from fiction: a distinct minority of the American public.
WE might expect Trump to lose a great deal of the remaining support he has with women if he gets baited well by HC. And that would be what we would hope for.
HOWEVER, most readers will not understand that The Donald appeals at the gut level to everyone who feels left out of the beneficence of the common good and quite willing to blame and vilify all insiders. America has become a festering collection of tribal enclaves that are alienated from our once vital identity as a national melting pot welcoming and embracing the great variety of human race, culture, religion, and ethnic ways of like.
Trump's appeal to the dark side and our private monsters may well overcome our respect for a governmental process for all our peoples that is founded on honesty, veracity, and factual information.
EVERYTHING in the debate encounter hinges on the nonverbal expressions, gestures, and perhaps most importantly the body language of the participants in combat for positive attention and high regard. Of course, audible tone, inflection, and volume also will move us as viewers BUT what is actually said or offered as rationale or defense of positions in controversy won't count for much except to viewers who are able to separate fact from fiction: a distinct minority of the American public.
WE might expect Trump to lose a great deal of the remaining support he has with women if he gets baited well by HC. And that would be what we would hope for.
HOWEVER, most readers will not understand that The Donald appeals at the gut level to everyone who feels left out of the beneficence of the common good and quite willing to blame and vilify all insiders. America has become a festering collection of tribal enclaves that are alienated from our once vital identity as a national melting pot welcoming and embracing the great variety of human race, culture, religion, and ethnic ways of like.
Trump's appeal to the dark side and our private monsters may well overcome our respect for a governmental process for all our peoples that is founded on honesty, veracity, and factual information.
14
Challenging Trump’s veracity could prove counterproductive. The press would be doing its job but still come across as a spoiler in the eyes of the ringside audience. When people pronounce Trump the more honest of the two candidates they’re conflating honesty with authenticity, which in his case means unfiltered attitude, His supporters are prone to say “he tells it like it is” or even “he shoots from the hip,” the last meant as a compliment. By contrast, Hillary can come across as pure calculation. Often it looks like she’s negotiating the divide between what she knows to be the truth and what she needs to say to remain viable. Trump asks “What is truth?” and brazenly forges his own reality. The only truth that matters is what keeps him King of the Hill, A-Number One, Top of the Heap.
3
The problem, of course, is that despite all of Trump's egregious antics he is clearly not stupid, and he has a positive genius for generating publicity.
The other very real problem for him is that she is trained as a lawyer, and thus to debate and argue, logically. He is not.
It's going to be an interesting evening.
Disclaimer: I heartily dislike both candidates.
The other very real problem for him is that she is trained as a lawyer, and thus to debate and argue, logically. He is not.
It's going to be an interesting evening.
Disclaimer: I heartily dislike both candidates.
6
If he hows a calm, "presidential" demeanor, it will mean only one thing: he's tranked to the eyeballs.
If you are inclined to accept a debate performance like that to resolve your indecision about the candidates, please: confront your misogny.
If you are inclined to accept a debate performance like that to resolve your indecision about the candidates, please: confront your misogny.
11
Trump's first tweet post-debate: "Do ya see the numbers; 100 million people; the world stopped just to watch ME!"
Sad thing is....he'll probably be right.
Sad thing is....he'll probably be right.
6
Where are the journalists in this election cycle?
'The purpose of journalism is thus to provide citizens with the information they need to make the best possible decisions about their lives, their communities, their societies, and their governments" (American Press Institute).
Absent indeed
'The purpose of journalism is thus to provide citizens with the information they need to make the best possible decisions about their lives, their communities, their societies, and their governments" (American Press Institute).
Absent indeed
7
We shouldn't want them to fight. We should want them to tell us what they plan to do for the country. If we don't demand that, we have only ourselves and our addiction to being entertained to blame.
12
Donald may have been a reality TV star, but I never watched that. I am much more concerned about his racketeering and hucksterism, his taxes and foreign entanglements, his debt obligations and where he keeps his money, his relationships with foreign nationals.
We can't just wring our hands. Trump is so good at lying, that we need to know where his interests truly lie.
We can't just wring our hands. Trump is so good at lying, that we need to know where his interests truly lie.
13
Surely, by now you that trump's interests lie with his one and only, himself.
8
Please. Not an evening about emails and Twitter posts.
35
If Clinton plans to list Trumps mistakes and offensives, she needs to be careful not to come off as condescending. Maybe more important than Trump's behavior, is how Clinton attacks it. And how the on-the- fence, uniformed voters perceive her. With these voters perception is everything. Sadly, it's not resume, not experience, not even content. The candidate that is perceived as more witty, informed, confident, regardless of content, will win over the weekend voter.
2
Resolved: If Donald Trump is able to look like an adult and name two of the seven continents, he is worthy of being President of the United States. Hillary, on the other hand, must not cough, pause, look down, look up or any other deadly mistake. That, ladies and gentleman, is "fair and balanced".
11
It's hard to predict how Donald Trump, the thing without a brain, a conscience or a heart will behave. Trump is a bully and a coward. Hillary needs to really listen, and react to what she gets. She must not back down to Trump, and call him out without fear. Bullies like Trump as soon as they're punched in the nose, cry like stuck pigs.
8
Frank, if you don't want it to happen then why the H--- are you telling him what he should do. Can't you control your own ego long enough to not have to be the bright boy in the class who said it first?
Well, you've now Trump how to look normal to Mr. and Mrs. Dumbstick America and if he does, it's on you Frank.
Well, you've now Trump how to look normal to Mr. and Mrs. Dumbstick America and if he does, it's on you Frank.
4
Mr. Bruni, since you are musing about what will happen on Monday night, I want to play along. Here are 4 of my predictions.
1) Hillary Clinton's 20 IQ point advantage will be made obvious to all.
2) Trump will go low. He might even ask Ms. Flowers to stand up in the audience. Clinton will follow the lead and finally say what all Americans want to hear. Some families suffer wounds and they stick together. "I am not a quitter. I did not quit on my marriage. I keep my most important commitments." And then hopefully, she has enough stage presence to slowly turn her gaze on the serial adultery.
3) Lester Holt will follow his NBC colleagues Lauer and Fallon by fawning and cowering at the feet of Trump. Why would you expect anything else from an NBC talent? But this time Ms. Clinton will be present to correct the scene. She might even say something like, "You ask me about a single misstatement and you let pathological lying pass?"
4) Trump will raise the issue of political correctness.
1) Hillary Clinton's 20 IQ point advantage will be made obvious to all.
2) Trump will go low. He might even ask Ms. Flowers to stand up in the audience. Clinton will follow the lead and finally say what all Americans want to hear. Some families suffer wounds and they stick together. "I am not a quitter. I did not quit on my marriage. I keep my most important commitments." And then hopefully, she has enough stage presence to slowly turn her gaze on the serial adultery.
3) Lester Holt will follow his NBC colleagues Lauer and Fallon by fawning and cowering at the feet of Trump. Why would you expect anything else from an NBC talent? But this time Ms. Clinton will be present to correct the scene. She might even say something like, "You ask me about a single misstatement and you let pathological lying pass?"
4) Trump will raise the issue of political correctness.
7
Poodles are intelligent. Inaccurate comparison.
3
Frank I think you really have nailed what every person who has been following this saga currently thinks.
This is now the true reality show about to be broadcast on Monday night.
I think Trump will finally have the harsh spotlight shining on him and will reveal to Hilary and the world that whilst he can talk the talk he would be 100% clueless on the walking part.
He appears unable to express his policies with any clarity other than to repeat the mantra of making America great again.
The American public - when it comes down to it will finally ask "Why isn't the Emperor wearing any clothes"
He is a dangerous buffoon and Clinton will extract that from him on Monday night.
Clinton is no picnic either however she has been battle tested and will have a steady measured hand on the wheel of our country.
Now we need to take a deep breath, cross our fingers, say our prayers and watch it all unfold.
This is now the true reality show about to be broadcast on Monday night.
I think Trump will finally have the harsh spotlight shining on him and will reveal to Hilary and the world that whilst he can talk the talk he would be 100% clueless on the walking part.
He appears unable to express his policies with any clarity other than to repeat the mantra of making America great again.
The American public - when it comes down to it will finally ask "Why isn't the Emperor wearing any clothes"
He is a dangerous buffoon and Clinton will extract that from him on Monday night.
Clinton is no picnic either however she has been battle tested and will have a steady measured hand on the wheel of our country.
Now we need to take a deep breath, cross our fingers, say our prayers and watch it all unfold.
3
I think we have been seeing the restrained Trump all along. There is something far worse out there he is covering up, , , for now.
5
What the Hillary supporters and anybody-but-Trump factions seem to be forgetting (at great risk to their positions) is that Donald has successfully negotiated any number of serious financial contracts/ventures virtually all to his benefit ***at the time.***
It's quite likely those on the other side of the tables thought him merely an empty narcissistic airhead as well ***at the time.*** .
It's quite likely those on the other side of the tables thought him merely an empty narcissistic airhead as well ***at the time.*** .
Your readers are taking a skeptical view of Mr. Trump's ability to come through with some of his campaign promises, such as getting Mexico to pay for a "big, beautiful wall".
But surely now, won't Mexico have to do something to keep out all the Americans trying to leave if Trump wins?
But surely now, won't Mexico have to do something to keep out all the Americans trying to leave if Trump wins?
7
Oh, come on!
"My biggest fear is that Trump will show up in one of his beautifully tailored that hide his overweightness/obesity..."
Trump is overweight -- no question. But so is Clinton. He'll try to hide it, and so will she. So would I or you.
"My biggest fear is that Trump will show up in one of his beautifully tailored that hide his overweightness/obesity..."
Trump is overweight -- no question. But so is Clinton. He'll try to hide it, and so will she. So would I or you.
2
Watch Trumps speech in Mexico, where he behaved kind of decently. He's obviously sedated. Really obvious! If it requires Rx to make the man get through a Presidents workday how is he going to take on Hillary one to one? She's an attorney who can speak anywhere. She's been in the Senate. He's just been on the dumbest sort of TV. He'll either be obviously drugged, or act like a chimp on crack, as usual.
10
Donald Trump is going to bury Hillary Clinton. I can't wait to see the reaction of Hillary Clinton when she sees Gennifer Flowers in the front row.
2
Not really, people are already decided.
He'll entertain his supporters and hers will feel assured of their decisions.
The undecided will continue to waffle.
The people who can't stand either one will continue to do so.
BTW there are those of us that are not enamored with trump's schtick. It's getting really old.
He'll entertain his supporters and hers will feel assured of their decisions.
The undecided will continue to waffle.
The people who can't stand either one will continue to do so.
BTW there are those of us that are not enamored with trump's schtick. It's getting really old.
10
Similar to brexit, pretty apparent cause of the most recent swing towards Trump. Terrorist attacks by immigrants are concordant with views of Trump. This single issue seems to be driving his popularity, as most people (including myself) believe it's an overt and large mistake to increase immigration from these areas, as it has only lead to problems here and elsewhere. I would conjecture that over 90% of americans agree with this but hrc is taking the wrong side, like merkel, and actually inviting more. Obama, of whom I am a big fan, is making it worse with his new increased syrian refugee uptake. They are really going against the will of the people on this issue, and this alone may cost her the election as other issues are not as salient in the headlines.
5
President Obama spent 8 years trying to implement policy measures that were inherently good. He had a few victories but nothing comparable to what he intended to accomplish. Hillary will face the same issues and the horrible cycle of business as usual, status quo DC politics will continue on.
6
There's still a very big "if" for Trump: "if" he can come across as "presidential." If the eight cartoons in this article are accurate, he can't. He at least knows how to, though. He came across quite well in his joint appearance with the President of Mexico (the beginning of Clinton's gradual slide in the polls). Whether he will tomorrow night nevertheless remains a big "if."
If Trump doesn't come across as "presidential," Clinton probably will "win" even if she does little or nothing. But she'd better plan for him to ome across as "presidential," and try, accordingly, to behave in such a way that undecided voters have a reason to vote for her. HINT: Acting even more wonkishly will NOT be such a way.
If Trump doesn't come across as "presidential," Clinton probably will "win" even if she does little or nothing. But she'd better plan for him to ome across as "presidential," and try, accordingly, to behave in such a way that undecided voters have a reason to vote for her. HINT: Acting even more wonkishly will NOT be such a way.
2
Cut it out, Frank. Last thing America needs is useful advice to Trump on how to become president. Or put another way, the last thing the world needs is a Donald Trump presidency.
6
Actually, Mr. Bruni, I'm tuning in to see and hear Hillary Clinton. I'd almost like her to start of the debate saying "My debate prep was difficult. I didn't know which Donald would show up. The bombastic Donald Trump or the TelePrompTer Donald Trump."
And then - in short, declarative sentences, not long explanations - she needs to show the electorate who she really is. The leader, the cross across party lines senator, the trumpeter of children and families, that her whole career has been dedicated to helping the underdog.
And, if she needs to say that she was the victim, not the cheater (as Donald was) then so be it.
And then - in short, declarative sentences, not long explanations - she needs to show the electorate who she really is. The leader, the cross across party lines senator, the trumpeter of children and families, that her whole career has been dedicated to helping the underdog.
And, if she needs to say that she was the victim, not the cheater (as Donald was) then so be it.
6
The most profound observation in this article is the statement that voters are "massively uninformed". The gist seems to be that Trump will win the debate if he can just forego being his usual obnoxious self for 90 minutes. The bar will be dragging the ground if it gets much lower.
2
Bill Clinton ought to sit in the front row of Hillary's side at the debate. The Trump stooges have threatened and invited Jennifer Flowers, a one-time floozy involved with Bill, to aggress against Hillary and Trump, his toady groupies, and Flowers need to be directly confronted! Nothing needs to be said, but Bill would be the counteraction needed. Trump must feel absolutely inadequate to debate to pull this kind of pathetic assault.
4
When this is all over and Trump has lost the Presidential campaign, what will be next for him? I'm thinking he might start a brand-new religion with himself as the New Way to Heaven. There is a lot of money to be made in religion and a lot of ego-boosting power to be had. It's perfect for him!
2
Trump will win bigly because he has a very good brain. He has prepared for the debate with the greatest people in the world. He is also very, very rich. He will be so presidential it will make your head spin. A lot of people are saying that. Believe me.
10
Do you ever consider this: the more you denigrate Trump and openly mock him and his supporters, the stronger and more resolute they become?
I've read the Times for over 30 years. I've never seen them on such a witch hunt against a candidate. We all get it: you despise Trump and want him brought down. But at what price?
The country will survive a Trump presidency. We've survived a civil war, Watergate et al. Trust and integrity, once lost, are near impossible to regain. The Times is on the precipice.
I've read the Times for over 30 years. I've never seen them on such a witch hunt against a candidate. We all get it: you despise Trump and want him brought down. But at what price?
The country will survive a Trump presidency. We've survived a civil war, Watergate et al. Trust and integrity, once lost, are near impossible to regain. The Times is on the precipice.
2
Could not more strongly agree. Who exactly is the NYT attempting to persuade? Frank Bruni writes as if this were a personal crusade and that he is working with a realtor in Canada just to hedge his bet. There are three beaches of government. Neither candidate will get much, if anything, accomplished as they both will face an adversarial congress. Paul Ryan and John Roberts will be the most powerful people in government the day after the election.
1
We may survive Trump but not the Supreme Court justices he would appoint—that would last decades.
7
He just could be "slick as a fox" and that would be totally devastating. I can only assume he is what he is and will not change his stripes. One could only hope. We do not need Trumpolini for president. Vote folks.
1
Frank. Trump can only play Trump. He's no Academy Award winner.
2
Where to begin...
The heartbreak for me is that the unhappy voters continue to think their unhappiness was caused by a democratic president instead of the Republican congress that they insist upon electing year after year whose sole purpose it to prop up the rich at the expense of their own benighted constituents (and hopefully line their own pockets along the way).
That Dan Senor thinks that Trump will be unable to "hold it together" for 45 minutes (45 whole minutes) is as telling an indicator as any of the many indicators that he is unfit to pretend to the presidency.
Oh, and Ben Wiseman's illustrations are genius.
The heartbreak for me is that the unhappy voters continue to think their unhappiness was caused by a democratic president instead of the Republican congress that they insist upon electing year after year whose sole purpose it to prop up the rich at the expense of their own benighted constituents (and hopefully line their own pockets along the way).
That Dan Senor thinks that Trump will be unable to "hold it together" for 45 minutes (45 whole minutes) is as telling an indicator as any of the many indicators that he is unfit to pretend to the presidency.
Oh, and Ben Wiseman's illustrations are genius.
5
What will gall us is that, win or lose, Trump will be able to profit from his campaign. He will monetize it if he loses, or he will monetize his administration if he wins.
3
Luckily for us we have HRC, who most certainly did not monetize her time in the White House. She left the White House "broke" and she just spent more than a $1 million to buy the house next door to her to be able to expand her existing property. A woman of the people.
1
The debate could be a huge success for Hillary Clinton, she could dazzle the country with her deep knowledge of issues, he cool handed foreign policy approach, her gaudy resume. And the minute NBC's Andrea Mitchell gets on camera and starts wondering if "Clinton seemed likable or trustworthy", she will have done more for Trump's frightening cause than Matt Lauer and Jimmy Fallon combined. No, the continuing media circus, the ridiculously unfair, unbalanced 24/7 Trump coverage, the lack of questions about his taxes, his shocking lack of experience, is the thing that stands out in this election season. Corporate media's shockingly cynical Trump cheerleading will have a more lasting impression than any words spoken in Monday's debate. For this reason, I probably won't bother tuning in. What's the point? Democracy has already been dealt a major blow from the dumbing down of election coverage and the misguided priorities of ratings hungry TV executives who would allow such a terribly unfit candidate as Donald J Trump to rise to power in the first place.
1
TV executives did not vote for Donald Trump in the primaries, the American electorate did. If you are unhappy with the result perhaps you would rather go back to 'the good old days' when the party chose the candidate, like HRC. Just ask a Bernie supporter.
3
I made much the same point about debates just a moment ago. They don't generally matter unless there's a ruckus. Setting the bar for what defines a ruckus is getting exceedingly high. More often, the debate is just Monday Night Football with politicians. You go out and root for your team and boo the ref when things aren't going well. I should honestly start selling little political pennants. You could make a fortune.
Here's my forecast of events. Trump says some strange and untrue things, throws out some mundane criticism in a sarcastic tone, then gets angry and offended when both the moderator and Clinton try to correct him. Clinton will try to keep it boring and presidential but never stops looking for the exit sign. There's no media too far for this one. She'll probably pull the standard Ivy League debate thing too. That is: attempting to fill the vacuum of time by talking in indecently long responses and ignoring her opponent. Trump will get angry again. They will talk over each other. Clinton will sound shrill and come off worse for the encounter. The debate is considered a victory when someone sends in the shepherd's hooks for both of them. Done.
Here's my forecast of events. Trump says some strange and untrue things, throws out some mundane criticism in a sarcastic tone, then gets angry and offended when both the moderator and Clinton try to correct him. Clinton will try to keep it boring and presidential but never stops looking for the exit sign. There's no media too far for this one. She'll probably pull the standard Ivy League debate thing too. That is: attempting to fill the vacuum of time by talking in indecently long responses and ignoring her opponent. Trump will get angry again. They will talk over each other. Clinton will sound shrill and come off worse for the encounter. The debate is considered a victory when someone sends in the shepherd's hooks for both of them. Done.
2
Yes, all the baby boomers want to carry on as if this is the most important election in history, as if the office wasn't President, but Monarch. It is a reflection of our own sense of self-importance. I would suggest doing a cursory review of the outrageous and pointed comments that Thomas Jefferson made of his opponent John Adams, the fervor over the election of Andrew Jackson, and more recently the wide public criticism of Ronald Regan's intellect and fitness for office. We not only survived as a republic, we reverentially praise each of these men as some of our greatest leaders.
Let's get over ourselves.
Let's get over ourselves.
4
I haven't had occasion to praise Reagan, yet. Might not ever have one.
8
You might not. A couple of other people have.
1
Many Clinton supporters express disbelief that voters might choose Trump. But have you stopped to consider who's being offered as an alternative?
The Democratic Party could have offered voters a more palatable alternative, but it chose not to. That was the Democratic Party's choice, of course, but it doesn't leave the Party with any right to be indignant when others balk at making the same choice.
The Democratic Party could have offered voters a more palatable alternative, but it chose not to. That was the Democratic Party's choice, of course, but it doesn't leave the Party with any right to be indignant when others balk at making the same choice.
4
On the birther issue--actually Obama himself started it because in the first edition of his book "Dreams from my Father" the bio of the author stated that he was born in Kenya. The Hillary campaign picked up on that in 2008 but the idea was quickly squashed.
3
The idea was quickly quashed, please.
2
Just don't make the same mistakes Obama did in his first debate.
"Nor will 90 minutes of snarky, condescending, smarty pants behavior serve he..."
I couldn't agree more.
I'm amazed that so many Clinton supporters encourage her to "crush" Trump. Everyone expects that. If Clinton "crushes" Trump but he nevertheless "looks Presidential" to undecided voters, Trump "wins" the debate. What looks like "crushing" to Clinton supporters will come across as "snarky, condescending, smarty pants behavior" to many others.
And Clinton had better be very careful trying to "catch" Trump in a lie.
If Trump flatly misstates some statistic or other objective fact, Clinton should point that out. But if (more likely) his "lie" consists of making some statement without what most educated people consider to be an adequate factual basis, pointing that out won't mean -- to most viewers -- that she's caught Trump in a "lie." It will mean merely that she's caught him making a statement without an adequate factual basis for it -- period. That's a distinction that educated people might consider unimportant, but many viewers will perceive a big difference between the two. If they believe Trump is correct, it won't matter to them that he hasn't cited facts to support his claim. He might appear to them as a victim of unfair attacks by Clinton.
I couldn't agree more.
I'm amazed that so many Clinton supporters encourage her to "crush" Trump. Everyone expects that. If Clinton "crushes" Trump but he nevertheless "looks Presidential" to undecided voters, Trump "wins" the debate. What looks like "crushing" to Clinton supporters will come across as "snarky, condescending, smarty pants behavior" to many others.
And Clinton had better be very careful trying to "catch" Trump in a lie.
If Trump flatly misstates some statistic or other objective fact, Clinton should point that out. But if (more likely) his "lie" consists of making some statement without what most educated people consider to be an adequate factual basis, pointing that out won't mean -- to most viewers -- that she's caught Trump in a "lie." It will mean merely that she's caught him making a statement without an adequate factual basis for it -- period. That's a distinction that educated people might consider unimportant, but many viewers will perceive a big difference between the two. If they believe Trump is correct, it won't matter to them that he hasn't cited facts to support his claim. He might appear to them as a victim of unfair attacks by Clinton.
13
What a fright! All he has to do is behave. The only supporters he will lose are those who feel betrayed: very few since his supporters accept anything he says or does, even right things. The supporters he will gain are those who, if he behaves, will fool themselves into believing that they can now "look themselves in the mirror."
3
“What makes this debate so interesting is him,”
Not really...
This election stopped long ago, if it ever was, being about issues, policies and agenda, substituting false rhetoric, hollow assertions and character assassinations in their stead...
...As such, it's the anticipation of Der Donald T, under a Hillary Clinton onslaught, getting all flummoxed and flustered, going ballistic and imploding right there on national television, thereby swinging most of that elusive 8% "still undecided" over to the Clinton camp as well as convincing a slue to reconsider their position.
Not really...
This election stopped long ago, if it ever was, being about issues, policies and agenda, substituting false rhetoric, hollow assertions and character assassinations in their stead...
...As such, it's the anticipation of Der Donald T, under a Hillary Clinton onslaught, getting all flummoxed and flustered, going ballistic and imploding right there on national television, thereby swinging most of that elusive 8% "still undecided" over to the Clinton camp as well as convincing a slue to reconsider their position.
1
The choice is quite clear, four more years of JV, inept leadership with a serial liar at the helm or a jumpstart towards making America great. So what is it, kneeling with Colin Kaepernick or proudly saying you're an American and America is the greatest country on Earth.
2
Or we could have a showman with many failed business ventures and six bankruptcies
4
At the earlier forum, the morning TV host did not or did not want to correct Trump on his lie about Iraq war. Yet he repeatedly interrupted Mrs. Clinton. I hope that Mr. Holt will call him on his lies which basically everything that comes out of his mouth.
7
My nightmare is a Trump Presidency. ( as it is to a great many )
The press has made the bar so low for Trump that just being able to bend down and tie his own shoelaces would be a coup d'etat.
I hope that all Americans vote based on the issues and what will affect them and the country. If they do so, then it will be a Democratic landslide. If they vote on emotion, bigotry or just plain out hate, then we are all doomed.
I pray for your well being America ( even though I am an atheist )
The press has made the bar so low for Trump that just being able to bend down and tie his own shoelaces would be a coup d'etat.
I hope that all Americans vote based on the issues and what will affect them and the country. If they do so, then it will be a Democratic landslide. If they vote on emotion, bigotry or just plain out hate, then we are all doomed.
I pray for your well being America ( even though I am an atheist )
8
Is there room there for a frightened American? Would it help me if I mention that my 4-times-great grandfather, Hugh Rea, came from Tipperary? Can I get on the list?
Just in case Trump triumphs. Please?
Just in case Trump triumphs. Please?
1
All the people I've talked to fall into one of four categories: Clinton, Trump, 3rd party, or won't vote. I don't think any of the Clinton or Trump people are going to change their minds this late in the game. That leaves the 3rd party and the "won't vote" types up for grabs.
I'd like to remind them that we don't have proportional representation in this country. Like much of our society, it is winner take all, which means in a very real sense, you're throwing away the most crucial vote you'll ever get to cast. This is for all the marbles; it will determine the direction of our country for the foreseeable future. Symbolic votes and abstentions don't count. And finally, as much as you might dislike Hillary, imagine Trump goading someone into a fight, then saying "you're fired" before pushing the button. Does that give you the willies? Good. Get out there and cast a vote that matters.
I'd like to remind them that we don't have proportional representation in this country. Like much of our society, it is winner take all, which means in a very real sense, you're throwing away the most crucial vote you'll ever get to cast. This is for all the marbles; it will determine the direction of our country for the foreseeable future. Symbolic votes and abstentions don't count. And finally, as much as you might dislike Hillary, imagine Trump goading someone into a fight, then saying "you're fired" before pushing the button. Does that give you the willies? Good. Get out there and cast a vote that matters.
6
The debates will be anti-climatic but I think the biggest questions will come AFTER November 8. If Madame Secretary Clinton looses, what happens to her career as a politician? What will the Clintons legacy look like? Deep down it has to burn that she's this close to Mr. Trump in the polls and in terms of creditability. On the flip side a loss for Mr. Trump, it ends his political career because I can't see him 'gearing up and reloading for 2020' or running for any other political office position. He will for sure have a 2nd (or 3rd or 4th...I lost count) life career if not elected.
Eye of the beholder?
"The likelihood of Trump appearing to be Presidential is slim to none."
It won't matter to Trump whether he "looks Presidential" to Clinton supporters. He must only "look Presidential" to undecided voters, and that bar is set pretty low.
"The likelihood of Trump appearing to be Presidential is slim to none."
It won't matter to Trump whether he "looks Presidential" to Clinton supporters. He must only "look Presidential" to undecided voters, and that bar is set pretty low.
2
Clinton will win the debate. Trump will surge in the polls because his fans will make up the great majority of those watching. The sane and intelligent will be leading their own lives, or preparing their escape routes.
3
The intrigue of how a businessman who has never run or held an elected office in the USA will debate a career politician who rose to become only the third secretary of state in US history only to be characterized by the FBI to be extremely careless in handling classified information will make tomorrow's debate historic and a must watch spectacle. The country is going through a very challenging times in race relations, in absorbing terrorist threats in understanding the consequences of the national debt, gun violence, mass killings, illegal immigration and possible path to citizenship, survival of Obamacare , college tuition, school education etc. With these very serious issues to be debated, I care less whether Donald Trump is duller or a dud or Hillary Clinton has difficulty standing on her own feet without secret service props. Just deal with the identified problems and let us know your proposals for dealing with them. Let me and the rest of the Americans make our own minds without the prodding from pundits, media and press endorsements or the pastor or priest or peers telling me who should get my vote. Proud to be an American where at least I know I am free to vote for who I think is trustworthy and will better serve the country and who is right for the current times not just for the USA but for the world.
2
After all the misery we've endured in the past years, with a Congress that does nothing, and the rise of the outrageous candidate on the right, I'll be thankful when this election is over. The entire country is disgruntled well as divided from it.
While I've never been a fan of Hillary Clinton, I can honestly say at this point that my admiration for her has grown immensely. She has never complained, she has kept her dignity, she has endured the grotesque demeaning by Trump, and never cried "foul". I recognize her experience and her depth of knowledge of multiple issues, serious issues. Show me the perfect person. Mrs. Clinton has faults, as all of us have.
Her opponent, on the other hand, has shown nothing but boorishness and a willingness to lower himself to the bottom of the behavioral scale. Beyond that, his total and complete lack of experience in anything closely related to governmental affairs is cry-worthy.
While I've never been a fan of Hillary Clinton, I can honestly say at this point that my admiration for her has grown immensely. She has never complained, she has kept her dignity, she has endured the grotesque demeaning by Trump, and never cried "foul". I recognize her experience and her depth of knowledge of multiple issues, serious issues. Show me the perfect person. Mrs. Clinton has faults, as all of us have.
Her opponent, on the other hand, has shown nothing but boorishness and a willingness to lower himself to the bottom of the behavioral scale. Beyond that, his total and complete lack of experience in anything closely related to governmental affairs is cry-worthy.
7
A lot of anti-democratic sentiment oozing from many comments lately:
"Somehow I can't believe that we allow this group of people to decide an election. Seriously, you don't know who you want to vote for?"
We pick a day to vote -- it's called "election day." A voter can make up her mind a year ahead of time if she prefers, or not until she's actually in the voting booth. Her vote counts the same either way.
That's how we do it -- it's called "democracy."
"Somehow I can't believe that we allow this group of people to decide an election. Seriously, you don't know who you want to vote for?"
We pick a day to vote -- it's called "election day." A voter can make up her mind a year ahead of time if she prefers, or not until she's actually in the voting booth. Her vote counts the same either way.
That's how we do it -- it's called "democracy."
4
"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...
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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
Trump said he might invite Jennifer Flowers (one of Bill Clinton's former lovers) to the debate, and she has said she will attend. (today's NYT). This shows very well Trump's capacity for inflicting humiliation. That Bill, like Donald, have a history of philandering has absolutely nothing to do with Mrs Clinton's capacity for office, but the presence of Ms Flowers has everything to do with Trump's complete lack of character.
Oval office or offal office?
Oval office or offal office?
6
Well at some point you have to have some base level faith that America wont put the farm in the hands of a game show host in a fright wig.
I think Clinton will win simply because right now the GOP does not value the women's vote and guess what, women vote.
Team Trump:
Donald: a guy who has been married 3 times and a wife in exile right now for plagiarism. This is the guy who coughs out bits of hamburgers and french fries into his mic while telling Heidi Klum her behind isnt up to snuff. He seems to be a supporter of menstrual huts for journalists. He has promised the "they must be
punished" candy to hard right religious males in exchange for their votes.
VP Mike Pence: brought on an HIV emergency in Indiana by closing the Planned Parenthood testing center and had to pray 3 days whether to supply needles to his own population of white heroin addicts who were sharing needles.
Roger Ailes - running Fox as some 1950s Mayberry facade, but demanding "benefits" from his female employees as Scary Clown.
Steve Bannon: Trump's manager and one of the white nationalist guys trying to make racism hip again at Breitbart. One of his editors Milos Somebody is indulged by the old men there to motormouth vile things about women and minorities apparently because he has an accent simulating British boarding school and a trust fund.
Rudy Giuliani: "America's Brayer" and mean.
What's to like? These guys don't have a clue where women's lives are lived.
May the Force Be With Her.
I think Clinton will win simply because right now the GOP does not value the women's vote and guess what, women vote.
Team Trump:
Donald: a guy who has been married 3 times and a wife in exile right now for plagiarism. This is the guy who coughs out bits of hamburgers and french fries into his mic while telling Heidi Klum her behind isnt up to snuff. He seems to be a supporter of menstrual huts for journalists. He has promised the "they must be
punished" candy to hard right religious males in exchange for their votes.
VP Mike Pence: brought on an HIV emergency in Indiana by closing the Planned Parenthood testing center and had to pray 3 days whether to supply needles to his own population of white heroin addicts who were sharing needles.
Roger Ailes - running Fox as some 1950s Mayberry facade, but demanding "benefits" from his female employees as Scary Clown.
Steve Bannon: Trump's manager and one of the white nationalist guys trying to make racism hip again at Breitbart. One of his editors Milos Somebody is indulged by the old men there to motormouth vile things about women and minorities apparently because he has an accent simulating British boarding school and a trust fund.
Rudy Giuliani: "America's Brayer" and mean.
What's to like? These guys don't have a clue where women's lives are lived.
May the Force Be With Her.
9
For anyone still putting credence in polls, please bring to mind the Republican billionaires flying in on their private jets to celebrate the election of President Romney. Obama won with 340 electoral votes; I predict Clinton will get at least that many.
1
That's kind of the point:
"Sure she is far from perfect..."
She's "far from perfect," but Clinton supporters virtually demand that undecided voters vote for her anyway. Does that not strike you as odd? Unreasonable?
Trump may be a buffoon, but does that mean the Democrats may just pick anyone with a pulse to run against him and then demand that everyone vote for that person-with-a-pulse?
"Sure she is far from perfect..."
She's "far from perfect," but Clinton supporters virtually demand that undecided voters vote for her anyway. Does that not strike you as odd? Unreasonable?
Trump may be a buffoon, but does that mean the Democrats may just pick anyone with a pulse to run against him and then demand that everyone vote for that person-with-a-pulse?
2
And does it "not strike you as odd" that you'd be voting for a "buffoon?"
"Far from perfect" versus "buffoon." What person of even middling intelligence would consider choosing the buffoon over the one honest enough to admit to being not perfect?
"Far from perfect" versus "buffoon." What person of even middling intelligence would consider choosing the buffoon over the one honest enough to admit to being not perfect?
4
So it'll be the dangerous clown supported by angry old white men without a college degree versus Ms intellect, experience and courage endorsed by a broad multicultural majority of thinking people (and the NYT Ed. Board).
How did we get this weird lineup! The article doesn't explain.
How did we get this weird lineup! The article doesn't explain.
Actually, when Trump tries to act "presidential" and contained, he looks his most ridiculous, like a child trying to control himself at an adult event. He becomes stiff and unsure, he stumbles over his words, he seems almost sheepish.
But, not to worry, Frank. The "presidential" Trump is long gone. Trump will be his Trumpiest self at the debates. He cannot help himself, especially in front of an audience. He lives for the cheers of his fans. He thinks he's the smartest and wittiest man in the room. He can't let an insult go by. He can't stop himself from interrupting, from lying, from crowing about his apartment buildings and hotels like they are national monuments bestowed on the public. He has been his own worst enemy and will continue to be what he is.
Will that make voters any more likely to choose Clinton? No. Trump supporters know what he is, they accept his lies, they have created an imaginary person that they want him to be and they ignore what he is. Not one Trump supporter will be changed. Neither will Clinton supporters. If there are still undecided voters, as you claim (an assertion I dispute) they will be no better off after the debate. It will change nothing.
But, not to worry, Frank. The "presidential" Trump is long gone. Trump will be his Trumpiest self at the debates. He cannot help himself, especially in front of an audience. He lives for the cheers of his fans. He thinks he's the smartest and wittiest man in the room. He can't let an insult go by. He can't stop himself from interrupting, from lying, from crowing about his apartment buildings and hotels like they are national monuments bestowed on the public. He has been his own worst enemy and will continue to be what he is.
Will that make voters any more likely to choose Clinton? No. Trump supporters know what he is, they accept his lies, they have created an imaginary person that they want him to be and they ignore what he is. Not one Trump supporter will be changed. Neither will Clinton supporters. If there are still undecided voters, as you claim (an assertion I dispute) they will be no better off after the debate. It will change nothing.
2
We have never seen trump keep his cool without a teleprompter or a lap dog interviewer. Not likely to start tomorrow.
1
Why not just make debates two candidates standing across from each other for 2 to 4 hours and let them talk. An open forum would teach us much more than pitched questions that receive practiced answers. I am not interested in TV moderators who seem to be the least qualified in the room.
1
Just a thought; Perhaps the railing, lying, insulting, psychotically aggressive, threatening, and bellicose Trump IS the restrained Trump.....???
He may be holding back the true Trump, the you know who Trump.
He may be holding back the true Trump, the you know who Trump.
2
As long as Trump continues to push his point that Washington is run by career corrupt and incompetent politicians, and Hillary continues to push that the only way to survive economically is with education, education and more education, Trump's appeal to the 70 % of middle age voters who do not have a college education and are economically stressed will solidly and grow.
2
Time to wake up.Based on knowledge,experience,composure and being "Presidential"HRC should be miles a head of Trump in the polls.She is Not.There are probably multiple reasons for the increasingly tight race but only one she could do something about.She can do nothing about misogyny or beliefs that she would not be where she is without Mr Clinton.She can however try to be, or at least appear to be,open and honest about mistakes she made.This election is not about who is qualified to be POTUS.It is about who should be given the opportunity to reduce inequality.Since both candidates promise to do that,it comes down to who is more credible.The mistakes she made should not nullify her credentials for the job.It will be much harder for Trump to admit mistakes since he crazy claims,promises and business track record speak directly to the hollowness of his candidacy.
1
As I see it, Trump has two options. Be the ranting insulting candidate that we saw in the primaries or provide substantive answers. I think he will have a hard time pulling this off. My guess is he will largely control himself but will simply ramble on with nonsense until he is out of time.
Unfortunately, substance doesn't seem to matter to enough voters.
Unfortunately, substance doesn't seem to matter to enough voters.
1
I will be surprised if Trump acts out during the debate. Yes, he has to talk for 45 minutes but, as we have seen time and again, he can talk about nothing for a hours.
It is sad, but the bar is much lower for him than for Hillary. All he has to do is resemble a civilized human being for 90 minutes. Like everything else he has done in his life, he can fake it.
It is sad, but the bar is much lower for him than for Hillary. All he has to do is resemble a civilized human being for 90 minutes. Like everything else he has done in his life, he can fake it.
3
There is no Trump 2.0. Trump from years ago, Trump from last year, the one who judges the world by how much they like and admire him, is the deal. And since he considers himself as a being closer to the gods than anyone else, he is probably hell to advisors. He has the best solutions to all problems and having to listen to anyone else's opinion must be demeaning to him. On the other hand, he is not stupid and he trained himself recently to tone down his speeches and even read from a teleprompter paragraphs that might make him palatable to the stupid folk who think they know better because the went to college or something. He envies Zeuss, who never had to take anyone's advice, but he knows that sometimes he should soften his persona in order to achieve his wish - to become king of the world. No matter what Trump we get tomorrow, we already know everything about him. Mostly we know that Washington is already in enough trouble and the last thing it needs is a president who thinks he is a god.
1
A cerebral professor and a wrestling pro going at it is not the stuff of my dreams.
Trump has a lock on some 40% of American voters who think a Muslim, Kenyan Obama was responsible for 9/11. With 40% in the bank, I suspect he will be making a play for the remaining 10+ percent in the debate - who current wisdom suggests - remain undecided.
Remain undecided? How is this possible when the two candidates are this different? Surely, they can pick the one they don't want, if they cannot pick the one that they do. I guess it is complicated.
Will Trump play to his 'sold' audience who wants to hear his bloviation, or to the utterly feckless who remain undecided? That is the question I have.
This is not up to Trump. This is up to Hillary. If she gets under his skin with clever provocations that go over the heads of his core constituency, but rile him up - he will start addressing his acolytes. His team has geniuses (Roger Ailes, Conway), and he will be coached to resist provocations. But he must be provoked.
I know Hillary is very clever; I am afraid she will be clever by half. He will jeer her health, emails, Benghazi, philandering Bill. She will point to his Russian connections, failure to reveal taxes, his dangerous ideas on everything.
I.e., they are likely to bore most Americans to tears by rehashing and re-litigating.
I hope Hillary is developing some ideas that are new and interesting, that catches Trump off guard.
Kalidan
Trump has a lock on some 40% of American voters who think a Muslim, Kenyan Obama was responsible for 9/11. With 40% in the bank, I suspect he will be making a play for the remaining 10+ percent in the debate - who current wisdom suggests - remain undecided.
Remain undecided? How is this possible when the two candidates are this different? Surely, they can pick the one they don't want, if they cannot pick the one that they do. I guess it is complicated.
Will Trump play to his 'sold' audience who wants to hear his bloviation, or to the utterly feckless who remain undecided? That is the question I have.
This is not up to Trump. This is up to Hillary. If she gets under his skin with clever provocations that go over the heads of his core constituency, but rile him up - he will start addressing his acolytes. His team has geniuses (Roger Ailes, Conway), and he will be coached to resist provocations. But he must be provoked.
I know Hillary is very clever; I am afraid she will be clever by half. He will jeer her health, emails, Benghazi, philandering Bill. She will point to his Russian connections, failure to reveal taxes, his dangerous ideas on everything.
I.e., they are likely to bore most Americans to tears by rehashing and re-litigating.
I hope Hillary is developing some ideas that are new and interesting, that catches Trump off guard.
Kalidan
1
Not to worry, Frank. Nineteenth Amendment people are going to take him out on the eighth.
1
WHEN "AMERICA WAS GREAT AGAIN"
- circa 1929- Italians like Mr. Bruni were either criminals like many young black men today or simply considered black. The problem with Trump's racism is that it doesn't go far enough. Until people like Mr. Bruni are on the "black list" again america will always be a backwater.
Stephen Sposato
(note for Times reviewers, this is Swiftian satire)
- circa 1929- Italians like Mr. Bruni were either criminals like many young black men today or simply considered black. The problem with Trump's racism is that it doesn't go far enough. Until people like Mr. Bruni are on the "black list" again america will always be a backwater.
Stephen Sposato
(note for Times reviewers, this is Swiftian satire)
Interesting POV.
But you, yourself admit this isn't a typical debate. You, yourself admit that most people are probably tuning in to watch the train wreck.
I know people who aren't politically engaged. They don't watch debates either. It's not as if they are just waiting breathlessly to make their choice based upon the clashing of two, well okay one mind and one brick wall.
I wouldn't worry unless HRC collapses or DT rips off his clothes and starts capering around the stage to the tune of "It's the end of the world as we know it". Debates are an old fashioned idea that requires platforms and preparation. People can't be bothered with that these days. It takes too much time away from playing with their phone.
But you, yourself admit this isn't a typical debate. You, yourself admit that most people are probably tuning in to watch the train wreck.
I know people who aren't politically engaged. They don't watch debates either. It's not as if they are just waiting breathlessly to make their choice based upon the clashing of two, well okay one mind and one brick wall.
I wouldn't worry unless HRC collapses or DT rips off his clothes and starts capering around the stage to the tune of "It's the end of the world as we know it". Debates are an old fashioned idea that requires platforms and preparation. People can't be bothered with that these days. It takes too much time away from playing with their phone.
2
Oh my God. Donald Trump rip in to Hillary like never before. Do not become dull. Expose her missing emails and wonderful relationship with Goldman Sachs. The problem is the super left wing Lester Holt. I have watched him a couple of times and he is extremely biased. Watch out for him.
Lester Holt is a registered Republican.
3
@Chris from Louisville. Lester Holt is a registered Republican and from what I've read he is known for being pretty unbiased. I don't think there are any "super left wing" Republicans but don't let facts get in the way of your biased opinion.
5
You set up your own paradox. Like billions around the planet, you desperately want Trump to lose the election yet give him advice on how to win. Was the poisonous apple to tempting? Pity that you didn't concentrate your efforts on how to make Hillary more palatable to the millions of American voters who detest her, but him, even more, much more.
Hillary should play the red-button issue---the nuclear red-button issue that is. Perhaps a Reaganesque question of the genre "Are you better off now than four years ago?" How about: "We live in the age of The Bomb. Do you want to be cremated (pause) while still alive? I didn't think so. Don't vote for the buffoon!".
Hillary should play the red-button issue---the nuclear red-button issue that is. Perhaps a Reaganesque question of the genre "Are you better off now than four years ago?" How about: "We live in the age of The Bomb. Do you want to be cremated (pause) while still alive? I didn't think so. Don't vote for the buffoon!".
2
Don't blame the candidates -- blame the monitors, the corporate-paid TV personalities that think that they're hard-hitting journalists when they're nothing more than entertainers that ask "entertainment questions" based on slander and rumor. My expectation is that they won't ask a single important question about global warming, lead-poisoning in our water, fires in CA, floods in the south, the Trillions spent on endless "regime change," or wealth inequality: the fact, as NY Times reported many times, that workers were earning far more in the 1970s than they do now while top Multi-billionaires at banks and oil-weapon industries are buying new mansions with matching private jets: Don't expect the candidates to be asked questions that are in any sense important to the American people's lives. If it's a circus debate, blame the monitors, not the candidates.
27
As a Sanders supporter who spent a year warning of the current scenario - Clinton in a nail biter against whomever was the Republican candidate - I thought I would get some sort of sardonic pleasure at watching Bernie bashers such as Bruni and Blow sweat.
I was wrong. I find it pathetic that the same people who spent the spring telling us that Clinton was the strongest, most experienced and most qualified candidate in history are now hedging their bets.
I was wrong. I find it pathetic that the same people who spent the spring telling us that Clinton was the strongest, most experienced and most qualified candidate in history are now hedging their bets.
2
Hello all,
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
7
The thing that seems to really irk trump the most is when you question his wealth. So bring up the fact that he's not nearly as rich as he claims. His head will spin despite all Kelly Anne has done.
7
This election is the most over analyzed in American history. Caused largely by the needs of the 24/7 news cycle.
So I for one am placing my trust in the basic decency and common sense of the American voter. Certainly Trump will receive far more votes than his "performance" warrants. But in the real world Americans know a con man and a phony when they see on. Donald Trump whose road to alleged riches is littered with bankruptcies that leave him untouched while causing thousands to lose their job and life savings. He hasn't done anything to make America great so far bragging about outsourcing and exploiting tax loop wholes.
So when the majority of voters go to the poles their eyes will be open and Trump will become a foot note in a textbook.
So I for one am placing my trust in the basic decency and common sense of the American voter. Certainly Trump will receive far more votes than his "performance" warrants. But in the real world Americans know a con man and a phony when they see on. Donald Trump whose road to alleged riches is littered with bankruptcies that leave him untouched while causing thousands to lose their job and life savings. He hasn't done anything to make America great so far bragging about outsourcing and exploiting tax loop wholes.
So when the majority of voters go to the poles their eyes will be open and Trump will become a foot note in a textbook.
4
If I was polled and asked if the country was on the right track, I would have to say no. When about 40% of the electorate seems inclined to vote for Trump, there is something very wrong. But unlike your analysis, believing we are on the wrong track does not make we want to vote for Trump. Quite the opposite.
We ARE stronger together and love does trump hate.
We ARE stronger together and love does trump hate.
4
A well-written piece Mr Bruni, except for one thing, Trump was disqualified for the presidency when he walked out and stated that Mexicans are rapists. For every true American that should have been the end of the game. Yet, it was not, and potentially to our eternal regret, too many people have fallen under the spell of this charlatan con man.
7
Kent,
The New York Times ran an expose last Sunday about 11 women taken by the police in Mexico and gang raped. The Times repeatedly remind us that 43 students disappeared never to be seen again in Mexico. The Mexican coyotes, police, and army take their pound of flesh so to speak of every illegal immigrant making their way through Mexico. This is all reported in the New York Times. What is the truth?
The New York Times ran an expose last Sunday about 11 women taken by the police in Mexico and gang raped. The Times repeatedly remind us that 43 students disappeared never to be seen again in Mexico. The Mexican coyotes, police, and army take their pound of flesh so to speak of every illegal immigrant making their way through Mexico. This is all reported in the New York Times. What is the truth?
"...ridiculing John McCain's heroism"? No, he ridiculed all combat veterans' heroism, including but not limited to the doughboys of WWI, the GIs of WWII, the grunts taking Pork Chop Hill, the pilots and crew of the Helicopter War, right on through the men and women who have risked their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. If John McCain's service wasn't worthy enough for the draft-dodging coward that Trump was and remains today, then none of our combat veterans are. He dismisses us all as fools, not just McCain. And fools we will be if we elect such a deplorable person as President and Commander in Chief.
7
Awww. Now you're getting scared?
Tough.
You should have done your job earlier.
Now The Press is praying that Hillary is going to do their job for them in the "Great Debate".
But that's a rigged debate, Frank.
Donny only has to speak in complete sentences.
Hillary must define her every policy, explain every nuance that all the 8 "investigations" didn't cover, defend her wifehood, her friends, her Foundation, all bodily functions, every moment of down-time, and present a vision for the Free World that will cover every person on the face of the earth.
Trump doesn't have to do squat.
Just show up. Speak in complete sentences. Shrug. Ignore any questions. Not call her a "dog" or a "slob" or "disgusting". And not shoot her with his concealed carry.
Hillary: Don't fall into the Presses's trap.
They haven't once done their job.
Don't do it for them.
Pretend that Trump is FDR and just answer as you would a normal human being of worth and intelligence.
Ignore that drooling fool over there.
I'm sorry, Secretary Clinton, that this is the person you are on that stage with.
I'm sorry... but I'm not surprised.
None of the rest of them were competent either.
We've all stepped in dog doo-doo once or twice. We simply scrape it off and carry on. There's no way that you, Hillary, can do what the press should have been doing for the last year and a half.
Carry on, Hillary.
This is only 90 minutes of your life.
It's only another 90 minutes in the life of the Press.
Good luck.
Enjoy.
Tough.
You should have done your job earlier.
Now The Press is praying that Hillary is going to do their job for them in the "Great Debate".
But that's a rigged debate, Frank.
Donny only has to speak in complete sentences.
Hillary must define her every policy, explain every nuance that all the 8 "investigations" didn't cover, defend her wifehood, her friends, her Foundation, all bodily functions, every moment of down-time, and present a vision for the Free World that will cover every person on the face of the earth.
Trump doesn't have to do squat.
Just show up. Speak in complete sentences. Shrug. Ignore any questions. Not call her a "dog" or a "slob" or "disgusting". And not shoot her with his concealed carry.
Hillary: Don't fall into the Presses's trap.
They haven't once done their job.
Don't do it for them.
Pretend that Trump is FDR and just answer as you would a normal human being of worth and intelligence.
Ignore that drooling fool over there.
I'm sorry, Secretary Clinton, that this is the person you are on that stage with.
I'm sorry... but I'm not surprised.
None of the rest of them were competent either.
We've all stepped in dog doo-doo once or twice. We simply scrape it off and carry on. There's no way that you, Hillary, can do what the press should have been doing for the last year and a half.
Carry on, Hillary.
This is only 90 minutes of your life.
It's only another 90 minutes in the life of the Press.
Good luck.
Enjoy.
11
Either way Trump will lose.
I agree, I rather see Trump being himself and make a spectacle insulting everybody, including Clinton, Mark Cuban, Hispanics, blacks, Muslims..... Just because is better that the voters see him, once again, as he is.
However, if he shows restrain and acts "Presidential", Hillary will win big because many of his supporters will see him as weak and afraid of a woman. All misogynistic Trump supporters will lose respect for their candidate. They may end up not going to vote in November.
I can envision Clinton's commercials, starting Tuesday
I agree, I rather see Trump being himself and make a spectacle insulting everybody, including Clinton, Mark Cuban, Hispanics, blacks, Muslims..... Just because is better that the voters see him, once again, as he is.
However, if he shows restrain and acts "Presidential", Hillary will win big because many of his supporters will see him as weak and afraid of a woman. All misogynistic Trump supporters will lose respect for their candidate. They may end up not going to vote in November.
I can envision Clinton's commercials, starting Tuesday
4
Trump seems to have several personalities. I guess that is why is so good at the con. He can show you whatever face that needs to be shown to get your support.
And if Trump actually does get voted in he will find out he has made a lot of enemies on the way to the presidency. And most of them are republican senators and representatives.
And if Trump actually does get voted in he will find out he has made a lot of enemies on the way to the presidency. And most of them are republican senators and representatives.
5
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.
2
It is also well known that a large number of American liberals are just a prejudiced, and engage in just as many stereotypes, as the conservatives they like to deride.
Exactly how does a persons like for auto races over ballet, or their choice of sleepwear, enter into a political debate?
Exactly how does a persons like for auto races over ballet, or their choice of sleepwear, enter into a political debate?
Excuse me. I've owned guns all my life. I like auto races. The rest of what you think of as the behavior of the simple-minded is of no interest to me, but it's a free country. Obviously what I wear to bed is none of your business. Since you raised the issue, do you sleep in your skin or in PJs? Does your sleep outfit have footies and an escape hatch over your backside? Are you ashamed of your skin? Keep a robe near your bed and get over it.
There are great sections of the US where gun ownership is the rule. It's part of our culture. In the south, where winters aren't so cold, boys grow up working on cars; they race sometimes. Watching NASCAR and Indy races is the next step. Many of these folks grow up, go to school, and get advanced degrees. They still have guns and watch races (even the guys who never work on cars).
I worked for a highly respected senior partner in a law firm. The first thing you saw when you walked in his office was a photo of his wife at the range, ear protectors on, handgun still in firing position, and the smoke from her most recent shot exiting the gun. He was brilliant, a product of fancy schools and a wealthy family, and a proud gun owner. He was proud of his wife's skill with handguns. He listened to country music. He knew classical music, operas, and ballet, but like country to relax.
Some of you Yankees are so ignorant I just want to scream.
There are great sections of the US where gun ownership is the rule. It's part of our culture. In the south, where winters aren't so cold, boys grow up working on cars; they race sometimes. Watching NASCAR and Indy races is the next step. Many of these folks grow up, go to school, and get advanced degrees. They still have guns and watch races (even the guys who never work on cars).
I worked for a highly respected senior partner in a law firm. The first thing you saw when you walked in his office was a photo of his wife at the range, ear protectors on, handgun still in firing position, and the smoke from her most recent shot exiting the gun. He was brilliant, a product of fancy schools and a wealthy family, and a proud gun owner. He was proud of his wife's skill with handguns. He listened to country music. He knew classical music, operas, and ballet, but like country to relax.
Some of you Yankees are so ignorant I just want to scream.
1
Regarding these undecided voters, who are "massively uninformed", they have no attention span. If the first 30-45 minutes of the debate is dry, the are snoozing! They have the same attention span as Trump, so if the sparks fly, it is likely to be in second half of the debate. These undecideds will be tuned out, and the candidates can spin it however they want.
2
So, what you're basically saying is that you so viscerally hate Trump for his bombastic, bellicose, self-aggrandizing ways that it would pain you to see him change to a more reasonable, likable person. In other words, you have no faith in the power of redemption--that leopards can't change their spots--and that this leopard would make a very bad President.
That's nice, but isn't the idea that people are irredeemable supposed to be a hallmark of cold-hearted conservatives, not high-minded Progressive liberals like yourself?
I wonder--which is it that actually animates the liberal intelligentsia--their holier-than-thou belief that the world and the people in it can change for the better if only it and they would follow its prescriptions? Or their visceral disgust for people who don't profess the same beliefs as they? By this article, it seems Mr. Bruni hates Trump more than he loves his Progressive ideals. I doubt he'd support Trump even if Trump adopted the entirety of the Progressive platform and lead the country to nirvana. Bruni would be mad because it was Trump and not Hillary who did it.
That's nice, but isn't the idea that people are irredeemable supposed to be a hallmark of cold-hearted conservatives, not high-minded Progressive liberals like yourself?
I wonder--which is it that actually animates the liberal intelligentsia--their holier-than-thou belief that the world and the people in it can change for the better if only it and they would follow its prescriptions? Or their visceral disgust for people who don't profess the same beliefs as they? By this article, it seems Mr. Bruni hates Trump more than he loves his Progressive ideals. I doubt he'd support Trump even if Trump adopted the entirety of the Progressive platform and lead the country to nirvana. Bruni would be mad because it was Trump and not Hillary who did it.
3
Progressive here.
I'm not much on that "redemption" business.
I'm more into "street-smarts".
When George Wallace said he was a racist, I believed him. I didn't wring my hands or pray for him to redeem himself ( even though back then I was still a Believer), I just took him at his word, remembered that he'd made that stand and crossed him off the list of decent human beings. End of story. Then 20 years later, he apologized for the pain he had caused. I accepted that, too. After all, I don't read minds.... however, because I don't read minds and can only go on what any person professes, then there is and will always be an end-notation next to his name: still a racist?
As far as I can see, Trump hates everyone. He may be Ryan's favorite little "racist" and Ryan will vote for him, but to me, that just means that I now have 2 racists to take at their word. Racists, sexists, homophobes... there really is a basket and it is filled with basket-cases. Will any ever climb out, free of their hate? Don't know. My business is to only remember that they are there and that they chose to be there. They like it there.
Hopefully, they'll pound each other silly and leave the rest of us alone.
If not, well, here's another aspect of being a Progressive: I have never said I am a pacifist. I despise violence, but there is the right of self-defense. Since I am a vocal, atheist, female progressive I stand on that right.
You can have your "redemption". I'll keep my street-smarts.
I'm not much on that "redemption" business.
I'm more into "street-smarts".
When George Wallace said he was a racist, I believed him. I didn't wring my hands or pray for him to redeem himself ( even though back then I was still a Believer), I just took him at his word, remembered that he'd made that stand and crossed him off the list of decent human beings. End of story. Then 20 years later, he apologized for the pain he had caused. I accepted that, too. After all, I don't read minds.... however, because I don't read minds and can only go on what any person professes, then there is and will always be an end-notation next to his name: still a racist?
As far as I can see, Trump hates everyone. He may be Ryan's favorite little "racist" and Ryan will vote for him, but to me, that just means that I now have 2 racists to take at their word. Racists, sexists, homophobes... there really is a basket and it is filled with basket-cases. Will any ever climb out, free of their hate? Don't know. My business is to only remember that they are there and that they chose to be there. They like it there.
Hopefully, they'll pound each other silly and leave the rest of us alone.
If not, well, here's another aspect of being a Progressive: I have never said I am a pacifist. I despise violence, but there is the right of self-defense. Since I am a vocal, atheist, female progressive I stand on that right.
You can have your "redemption". I'll keep my street-smarts.
3
My nightmare is watching America descend into a reality where the truth of spoken words counts for nothing. Un-moored from truth, people can be led anywhere, and can be convinced to do anything. Such was the lesson of the 20th century, and the GOP has been furiously working to erase it from our memories.
10
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.
3
The US has the lowest voter participation of all advanced countries in the world.
That alone is a scandal, resulting in the fact that all those pushed into a rage against the supposed 'imperial' presidency of Obama went to the polls in slightly higher numbers during the last midterms, and a very small minority flipping the 'greatest deliberative body on earth', the Senate, to the Party of NO.
A far too large part of our citizens are completely misinformed about both domestic and foreign policies, akin to DJT, and have as short as an attention span as he has.
That large part of the citizenry is already in the greedy pockets of the Vulgarian -Racist- in -Chief, no matter what will happen during the debates.
While the rest of the advanced world looks on in horror, this election cycle has indeed become a Nascar race, where one candidate wins more fans the more cars he forces into his homebrewed sewer ditch.
That this man could ever become a candidate of one of our two parties has other foreign leaders, both from the center right and center left, doubt the collective sanity of our citizenry, and rightfully so.
It is indeed insanity that should he not use words taboo in gentle society, not insult his opponent or all the others he has insulted for over a year, and be able to string one grammatically correct short sentence together, he would automatically be declared the winner.
Only in America - but I repeat myself.
That alone is a scandal, resulting in the fact that all those pushed into a rage against the supposed 'imperial' presidency of Obama went to the polls in slightly higher numbers during the last midterms, and a very small minority flipping the 'greatest deliberative body on earth', the Senate, to the Party of NO.
A far too large part of our citizens are completely misinformed about both domestic and foreign policies, akin to DJT, and have as short as an attention span as he has.
That large part of the citizenry is already in the greedy pockets of the Vulgarian -Racist- in -Chief, no matter what will happen during the debates.
While the rest of the advanced world looks on in horror, this election cycle has indeed become a Nascar race, where one candidate wins more fans the more cars he forces into his homebrewed sewer ditch.
That this man could ever become a candidate of one of our two parties has other foreign leaders, both from the center right and center left, doubt the collective sanity of our citizenry, and rightfully so.
It is indeed insanity that should he not use words taboo in gentle society, not insult his opponent or all the others he has insulted for over a year, and be able to string one grammatically correct short sentence together, he would automatically be declared the winner.
Only in America - but I repeat myself.
4
I've been overexposed to the revenue-greedy news media's hype on this debate, and at times can hear that peppy theme song "Fine and Dandy" playing in the background. Still, I have no desire to watch the debate.
This a new episode of 'Celebrity Apprentice'. The Donald is going to fire the non-performing Clinton. She is going to resist.
This a new episode of 'Celebrity Apprentice'. The Donald is going to fire the non-performing Clinton. She is going to resist.
2
I don't want Donald Trump to be President. I'm voting for Mrs. Clinton because I saw Donald Trumps interview where he viciously attacked a sitting Federal Judge based on his genealogy and I listened to his speech in Phoenix after he returned from a trip to Mexico. It was a very scary speech.
That said he may well become President regardless of what happens in this debate. If that happens, I'm hopefully that he isn't the viscous, narcissistic, race baiter he has sold himself to be in order to solidify his base.
What's scary to me is not that Donald Trump may appear Presidential, it's that so many fellow citizens want to burn the State down to the ground rather then seek incremental, positive change. As someone who believes in civil society, the fact that so many of my fellow citizens are afraid, armed and willing to vote to burn down our country is very frightening to me. How did we get here?
That said he may well become President regardless of what happens in this debate. If that happens, I'm hopefully that he isn't the viscous, narcissistic, race baiter he has sold himself to be in order to solidify his base.
What's scary to me is not that Donald Trump may appear Presidential, it's that so many fellow citizens want to burn the State down to the ground rather then seek incremental, positive change. As someone who believes in civil society, the fact that so many of my fellow citizens are afraid, armed and willing to vote to burn down our country is very frightening to me. How did we get here?
3
Don't worry, Frank. I'm sure Trump has been advised to keep his cool, and I'm just as sure he can't do it.
1
Look for the debate to be fairly even for the first half. In the second half, Trump will have used up his limited reserves and then we could have a Heartbreak Hill moment. It will start with a slip, then repetition of earlier points and insults and then the candidate could implode. So don't look for Trump to blow it early, look for a meltdown over time.
My biggest fear is that Trump will show up in one of his beautifully tailored that hide his overweightness/obesity, stand there like the big man that he is, and lots of voters will think that he "looks presidential" because he resembles in outline what presidents have always looked like. Hillary will, to them, not look presidential (as Donald has said repeatedly) because she isn't a man.
If being "presidential" is code for being a man, then no woman--not Hillary, not Elizabeth Warren or Carly Fiorino, no woman--can ever be presidential. I honestly didn't believe the U.S. would elect a black man as president in 2008. I am not at all sure I believe the U.S. might elect a woman this year. To borrow a phrase from another context, there are a lot of "self-hating women" out there who think that no woman could handle the job because they themselves would be hard-pressed to take that kind of 24/7 stress. I sure wouldn't want it--but that doesn't mean I think no woman could handle it.
If being "presidential" is code for being a man, then no woman--not Hillary, not Elizabeth Warren or Carly Fiorino, no woman--can ever be presidential. I honestly didn't believe the U.S. would elect a black man as president in 2008. I am not at all sure I believe the U.S. might elect a woman this year. To borrow a phrase from another context, there are a lot of "self-hating women" out there who think that no woman could handle the job because they themselves would be hard-pressed to take that kind of 24/7 stress. I sure wouldn't want it--but that doesn't mean I think no woman could handle it.
1
There are many women who I could enthusiastically support for president, Condoleezza Rice comes to mind as one. None of the women you list, however, come under that category; not due to gender but due to policy.
A tailor's dummy (male or female) could look presidential; the question of how the individual will act is what determines my vote.
A tailor's dummy (male or female) could look presidential; the question of how the individual will act is what determines my vote.
Supposedly Gennifer Flowers has been invited by Trump.
Just another insult to women's intelligence. Not Hillary's. We all know Hillary Clinton is brilliant in the IQ arena. Insulting to Gennifer Flowers - invited to be used as a Trump tool. If she had any brains, she'd tell Donald to take a hike and not show up. Another empty chair declaration.
Just another insult to women's intelligence. Not Hillary's. We all know Hillary Clinton is brilliant in the IQ arena. Insulting to Gennifer Flowers - invited to be used as a Trump tool. If she had any brains, she'd tell Donald to take a hike and not show up. Another empty chair declaration.
4
In point of fact, Trump didn't turn this into show business - TV "news" did. It's distressing and depressing to see how this debate is presented to us in terms of "battle" and "smack down", etc. TV always frames things in terms of story telling. A set up, a conflict, a resolution. But, when those elements might be missing - as they most often are in real life - TV shapes information to fit into their "story". Thus, we're always talking about "narrative" and such.
In 2000, it was abundantly clear that GWB was not as accomplished or smart or committed as Al Gore. But that was a boring story. So TV gave us a better one. Sadly, Clinton is also a boring story. Trump, a veteran of wresting and reality TV, merely cast himself in the better role. And TV loved him for it.
God help us.
In 2000, it was abundantly clear that GWB was not as accomplished or smart or committed as Al Gore. But that was a boring story. So TV gave us a better one. Sadly, Clinton is also a boring story. Trump, a veteran of wresting and reality TV, merely cast himself in the better role. And TV loved him for it.
God help us.
1
"Just don’t bore us. Don’t discover your inner dullard in the nick of time..."
"Or he could rage and redden and lie and lash out like the Trump we’re accustomed to..."
there is is.
dare he demonstrate grasp (even the master con, "professor" harold hill in "the music man" was changed by circumstance once he landed in river city) in other words, qualification for office,
he would bore mr. bruni who is but one of the media cynics who were happy to encourage, nay empower, the hipshooting "trump we're accustomed to" and now would still prefer a reality-tv show (even as he snuffs at them and we-the-potted-plants who make them profitable, quoting doug sosnick and echoing HRC's disdain for "showmen" who, it seems, have their place in one of her baskets)...
this life-long democrat will not vote for trump on grounds far more "measured," to borrow a word, than a fear that he may prove adequate or capable...nor will this vote go to HRC who has demonstrated little growth from her "predatories" to her basket of "deplorables" and "irredeemables"
...but contiues to amaze as the email stain spreads (and will continue after she is elected) and her litany of "oops," "sorrys" and promises of "it won't happen again" wears thinner with each iteration, ensuring only that we will have a president who knows how to pass the buck rather than stop it.
so, a write-in for bernie, against the rigged system and a non-violent protest of the hit and the bigoted DNC email fingerprints all over it.
"Or he could rage and redden and lie and lash out like the Trump we’re accustomed to..."
there is is.
dare he demonstrate grasp (even the master con, "professor" harold hill in "the music man" was changed by circumstance once he landed in river city) in other words, qualification for office,
he would bore mr. bruni who is but one of the media cynics who were happy to encourage, nay empower, the hipshooting "trump we're accustomed to" and now would still prefer a reality-tv show (even as he snuffs at them and we-the-potted-plants who make them profitable, quoting doug sosnick and echoing HRC's disdain for "showmen" who, it seems, have their place in one of her baskets)...
this life-long democrat will not vote for trump on grounds far more "measured," to borrow a word, than a fear that he may prove adequate or capable...nor will this vote go to HRC who has demonstrated little growth from her "predatories" to her basket of "deplorables" and "irredeemables"
...but contiues to amaze as the email stain spreads (and will continue after she is elected) and her litany of "oops," "sorrys" and promises of "it won't happen again" wears thinner with each iteration, ensuring only that we will have a president who knows how to pass the buck rather than stop it.
so, a write-in for bernie, against the rigged system and a non-violent protest of the hit and the bigoted DNC email fingerprints all over it.
2
Why is everything a joke to Mr. BRUNI? Even the cartoon preceding his article was intended to make DT look like a humorous figure, not worthy of being a NYC councilman, much less a c-in-c. And HRC who has spent her entire political career engaging in deceitfulness, in making millions by peddling influence, of supporting overseas trade deals which r anathema to us working class folks, and dismissing millions of his supporters as "deplorable?"DT has no blood on his hands for voting for Iraq war, since he was not even in office.He is not responsible for deaths in Benghazi, since he was not sec.of state.Unscrupulous perhaps, but no tragedy, loss of human life because of his actions or inactions. Bob Kerrey should be the last one to wax indignant about lying. For years he concealed his role in the wasting of an entire VN village--25 or so dead--while a member of Special Forces, until he came clean!We take this election seriously,Mr. BRUNI, and so should you!
2
My debate nightmare, a duller Hillary. Ok, so she doesn't have the personality of BO or Bill but a smile or 2 and her great laugh will help
2
Did you actually just spend a Sunday Times Op-Ed column on the various scenarios of what COULD happen in this debate and what consequences that MIGHT have on the race. Or MIGHT not.
I'm sorry but what a compl waste of a column.
He might behave badly. He might behave well. She might keep it together. He might be boring. This will effect undecided voters. Debates don't really matter so this might not effect undecided voters. Etc. etc.
I'm sorry but what a compl waste of a column.
He might behave badly. He might behave well. She might keep it together. He might be boring. This will effect undecided voters. Debates don't really matter so this might not effect undecided voters. Etc. etc.
Frank,
The six words that you have written that ring the truest are "a distressing number of detached voters." Why is there no responsible project to solve this issue for the long-term health and sanity of our country? If the media is at least partly responsible (as are educational institutions, parents, and government at all levels), since media outlets impact a great number of people at the same time, how can you/we improve the quality of the media? Obviously you believe voters are teachable since you spend so much time on issues of higher education.
The current refrain about the Senate also rings true about the media: "Do your job!"
The six words that you have written that ring the truest are "a distressing number of detached voters." Why is there no responsible project to solve this issue for the long-term health and sanity of our country? If the media is at least partly responsible (as are educational institutions, parents, and government at all levels), since media outlets impact a great number of people at the same time, how can you/we improve the quality of the media? Obviously you believe voters are teachable since you spend so much time on issues of higher education.
The current refrain about the Senate also rings true about the media: "Do your job!"
3
During the debate she needs to correct his factual errors if Holt does not. And she needs to tell Holt she will do this if he will not be doing it because otherwise the fallacies will fly by un-noted. Only by holding Trump's feet to the fire will she be seen as tough as he claims to be. It will stop him from most of his steamroller techniques that impress the uninformed. It will leave him with nothing but vague claims he cannot support and she can mop the stage with him. He has no real debate experience nor understanding of how one works within the framework of our government. She does.
2
Even if Mr Trump can control himself in Monday's debate he can't erase his meanness and lack of experience. I would hope Ms Clinton highlights her lifelong dedication to public service. The contrast is so telling.
4
Television is a 'hot' medium; advantage Trump. The eyes rule, sending signals to the brain affecting one's perception regardless of what is being said. It becomes the how and not the what. Sad.
1
Hopefully when Mr. Trump disgraces himself on live television the people that have supported him thus far will take a moment to pause and reflect. Then again, maybe not. Personally, I would like to see the bombast dripping down his forehead like an ice cream cone in the sun.
1
Dull or ranting, the man is a disgrace and will not win the debate or the election.
3
Bread and circus.
2
I will not watch this "theater of the absurd". Why should I? The media is in this "race" to garner attention for themselves, while ignoring the importance of civic duty. Withhold your attention, folks, this sad farce shrink like the wicked witch of the west when confronted with a bucket of cold water.
20
What kind of person is heavily influenced by the debate performance of a candidate who has a long track record of actions, statements and policies to judge him/her by? A debate is nothing more than a game show.
For an American citizen living in Canada, the politics are "gruesome."
2
Hillary is an "elitest" like her boss Obama. They look down on the lower middle class much like the liberal left media. They are "uninformed", "deplorables". She fails miserably to relate to the average "joe" or "josephine". Hillary is after the power, fame and fortune being president brings. She tasted it early with her husband, later as Senator then SOS. She thinks its her birth right to be the first female president. She's not looking to "serve" but to be "served". And the "uninformed deplorables" better not get in her way.
5
Dagnabbit Frank! Now you've gone and showed Trump how to make this debatey thing into a positive. Now the only way for us to be optimistic is to suspect nobody on the Trump team reads the Times. Maybe, like Trump, they don't read at all. Some things really should be kept secret, dontcha think?
I am a strong Clinton supporter. Hillary Clinton is like me. Raised to be like June Cleaver and released into a Mad Men world of work. Hillary came from humble beginnings, so did I. Hillary's parents never got to go to college, neither did mine. Hillary was smart and good in school. So was I. We both navigated those confusing 60s of free love, abundant drugs, and unfocused feminism competing with the messages of Father Knows best. Hillary took up public service through a law degree. I took up public service through science. Hillary has been in the public eye for decades but was an elected official only later in the Senate to shepherd us through the 9/11 tragedy and as Secretary of State to reclaim America's Legacy after the Bush and Cheney years. Hillary took a hit as a working Mom and paved the way for me. She rose up against sexual harassment and the pin up girls and an "accidental" breast bumps are no longer allowed in work place. Hillary has been consistent and persistent. I respect her. And she is fearsome. She is fearsome for America in the same way she is fearsome for her daughter. Republican long ago saw that she was a power willing to expose their hypocrisy. Unfortunately she also became a money machine for anyone willing to besmirch her name and create false conspiracies. Yet she has never been swayed from her mission to improve the lives of children, to seek equal opportunity for all people, or to believe in herself.
6
Be careful what you wish for. You might get it.
In my opinion, there is a considerable and realistic chance Trump will win.Clinton's strategy is failing and she needs to adapt (but her managers seem unwilling or ignorant)
She adopt a new strategy as such:
Like Trump, start over promising. His appeal now is his lower tax platform for independents. She should start a new position of middle class tax cuts and delay of the tax increases for the rich. There is no time to argue about debt now, with the country now apparently oblivious.
Moreover, she needs to start talking tougher on terrorism. She comes off as too condoning, and with recent events, she needs to talk about actively taking on the challenges. Even if she is going to do nothing, similar to trump,she has to appear tougher. Moreover, she needs to paint Trump as the one who is going to lead the us into another prolonged ground war in the middle east (in my opinion, this is inevitable with a trump presidency)
Finally, she needs to talk about the huge positives in the economy, like the number of jobs created in the last 8 years, low cost of food/household items, low inflation, low gas prices, increase in median income last year, etc
Overall, the time of being realistic in the campaign is over. To beat Trump, she needs to get down in the mud and promising the world to the american voters. It's all they want and the only way to win. Trump is promising more than anyone I have ever seen and it's a strategy that's working. She needs to lose the internal conflict
She adopt a new strategy as such:
Like Trump, start over promising. His appeal now is his lower tax platform for independents. She should start a new position of middle class tax cuts and delay of the tax increases for the rich. There is no time to argue about debt now, with the country now apparently oblivious.
Moreover, she needs to start talking tougher on terrorism. She comes off as too condoning, and with recent events, she needs to talk about actively taking on the challenges. Even if she is going to do nothing, similar to trump,she has to appear tougher. Moreover, she needs to paint Trump as the one who is going to lead the us into another prolonged ground war in the middle east (in my opinion, this is inevitable with a trump presidency)
Finally, she needs to talk about the huge positives in the economy, like the number of jobs created in the last 8 years, low cost of food/household items, low inflation, low gas prices, increase in median income last year, etc
Overall, the time of being realistic in the campaign is over. To beat Trump, she needs to get down in the mud and promising the world to the american voters. It's all they want and the only way to win. Trump is promising more than anyone I have ever seen and it's a strategy that's working. She needs to lose the internal conflict
Thanks, Frank, for helping with Donald's debate prep. Sounds like you are giving him your sage advice - you don't think his people are going to read this?
I would love to see the 'real' Donald if there is one. He just needs to let his ego take over. Unfortunately for him, he must talk in complete sentences, something I am not sure he can do without a teleprompter. There will be no cheering mobs yelling "Lock her up". I think he will become bored with the whole thing so watching his facial expressions will tell a story as well. I am scared also.
1
Hey Karl Rove and company help elect Bush 2, an admitted war criminal who ruined this country both domestically and in foreign policy.
So it it very possible for Trump's latest gang of toadies to get him elected, a bigoted, rabble rousing, ego maniac demagogue.
Never underestimate the stupidity of the American public.
So it it very possible for Trump's latest gang of toadies to get him elected, a bigoted, rabble rousing, ego maniac demagogue.
Never underestimate the stupidity of the American public.
2
The move to put Jennifer Flowers next to Mark Cuban in the audience as reported by CNN this morning is brilliant because it reminds everyone of the hypocrisy of Hillary's and the Left's outrage over Trump's statements about women when Hillary bullied women 100 times more than Trump in her attacks of those many women like Ms. Flowers that Bill treated as sexual objects. Trump is a master at showing such hypocrisy in the politically correct left and this is why Hillary and the Left will have their clocks cleaned.
4
Being "presidential" isn't something that can be turned on or off, as Michael Douglas did for his role in "American President" or Kevin Kline in "Dave." Being "presidential" is a state of mind, one that engenders calm, rational, caring intelligence, foresight, forbearance, and grace in a way that cannot be distinguished from any other personality traits. The American people should not be duped into believing that one of the candidates finally looks "presidential" because he may have adopted that character for a few hours one evening. We should instead depend upon a lifetime of observation to see that one of the candidates has been presidential her entire life.
2
Good advice for the Donald - I hope his "organization" doesn't read your op-Ed article!
1
When questioning voters as whether or not the country is on the wrong tract, is there ever a follow up as to why. I would lay the blame cleary at the feet of the obstructive Congress.
2
So let's say Hillary takes some of the advice being given and simply ignores Trump, doesn't get caught by his taunts. He has nowhere to go. What does he do as she outlines all the ways of helping the poor, solving the world's problems, ending violence, securing our borders?
He simply responds, each time she makes a good sound byte: "Do you believe her?" All he has to do is repeat that whenever she speaks. We voters will take it from there.
He simply responds, each time she makes a good sound byte: "Do you believe her?" All he has to do is repeat that whenever she speaks. We voters will take it from there.
1
It's sudden bursts of candor like these that keep me reading this once great paper.
I am thinking back to a 2004 debate and W's suspicious box on his back reputedly feeding him responses by Control (Rove). If Trump's handlers were to use such a -- now almost invisible -- device to feed him reasonable responses, the results would be most interesting. Could he take direction for that long? Would some of his followers abandon him because of his reasonable answers?
Just like Marge Simpson, a lot could be hidden in his hair. His hair needs to be frisked before the debate.
Stay tuned.
Just like Marge Simpson, a lot could be hidden in his hair. His hair needs to be frisked before the debate.
Stay tuned.
1
I'll try to be brief. First, I really cringe when I hear the press assuming as a fact that Trump is not bothering to properly prepare for the debates, simply because he and his aides say that is true. I assume the Clinton camp is not fooled one little bit.
Second, many people seem to make the assumption that most Trump supporters are massively ignorant, incapable of logical thinking, or lack any useful memory capacity. I strongly suspect that, instead, many of these people suspend normal standards of judgement because they very much want to vote for a Republican for President. When people badly want something to be true, they will change their normal standards for evidence and logical thought. In such a case, it is easy to "forget" contrary information.
Second, many people seem to make the assumption that most Trump supporters are massively ignorant, incapable of logical thinking, or lack any useful memory capacity. I strongly suspect that, instead, many of these people suspend normal standards of judgement because they very much want to vote for a Republican for President. When people badly want something to be true, they will change their normal standards for evidence and logical thought. In such a case, it is easy to "forget" contrary information.
1
It's called "confirmation bias" ... and yes, indeedy!
But in Trump's case his appeal is not "vote for a Republican" -- he's no Republican in any conventional meaning of the word, and there are surprising numbers of Republicans who are revulsed by him, and will refuse to vote for him.
Call it what it is: "authoritarianism", "white-power revanchism", "neo-fascism."
The most bizarrely conflicted must be the evangelicals; their willingness to support Trump amounts to a schizoid thinking.
But in Trump's case his appeal is not "vote for a Republican" -- he's no Republican in any conventional meaning of the word, and there are surprising numbers of Republicans who are revulsed by him, and will refuse to vote for him.
Call it what it is: "authoritarianism", "white-power revanchism", "neo-fascism."
The most bizarrely conflicted must be the evangelicals; their willingness to support Trump amounts to a schizoid thinking.
Grindelwald, how about this for a third.
Many people will vote for Trump because he is NOT a Republican and because he is NOT a Democrat.
As evidenced by the support for Sanders, Johnson and Stein, many people in this country are sick and tired of the policies of the Political Establishment that have cratered the American social and economic landscape.
Many people will vote for Trump because he is NOT a Republican and because he is NOT a Democrat.
As evidenced by the support for Sanders, Johnson and Stein, many people in this country are sick and tired of the policies of the Political Establishment that have cratered the American social and economic landscape.
I predict that Trump's handlers will sedate him with Prozac. His supporters will then tout his ability to appear "presidential". It won't matter that he is totally ignorant of issues and devoid of actual workable solutions to the country's problems. The bar is set really low for Trump. He could trip over it and still win.
“There’s an element here of people going to the stock-car races to watch the accident.”
Aside from the possibility that the debate could be more like a cage match than a stock-car race, Mr. Bruni is right. In this case, however, if Trump is deemed the winner, it is the United States that could end up on life support, or worse. One can only hope that he runs out of gas before we get to the finish line.
Aside from the possibility that the debate could be more like a cage match than a stock-car race, Mr. Bruni is right. In this case, however, if Trump is deemed the winner, it is the United States that could end up on life support, or worse. One can only hope that he runs out of gas before we get to the finish line.
2
Whatever happens, I'm looking forward to the SNL and John Oliver takes on it way more than the actual debate.
2
Clinton should not have to depend on her opponent's behavior to help her win this debate. She is the superior candidate no matter what Trump alleges or spews.
3
Take heart those of us who avidly support HRC and disdain DT- keep in mind the Bengaize hearings - (I think it was 12 hours...)
She is a smart, capable, sold person, and that is going to be very apparent, to all who watch!
She is a smart, capable, sold person, and that is going to be very apparent, to all who watch!
5
According to several people who have had extended contact with The Donald, he has a very short attention span so having to focus for ninety minutes may well be beyond him.
3
Thanks Frank,
Between yourself and Kelly Anne Conway coaching the Donald to constrain himself we can all rest easier tonite.
Thankfully he may not be a Times reader.
Between yourself and Kelly Anne Conway coaching the Donald to constrain himself we can all rest easier tonite.
Thankfully he may not be a Times reader.
1
Does Mr. Bruni really think Donald Trump will be "dull" during the debate? I doubt it. Trump may start in a calm demeanor, but it won't last for the entire debate. I'm hoping he mops the floor with the liar Clinton. As for Clinton herself, she will be replying to questions using the political code speech she is so adept at using.
2
"Trump supporters with a gnawing recognition of his ridiculousness..."
Do you really think there are such people? I don't. Instead, I think there is a growing contingent of people who want to just blow something up, even if it's the American experiment. An unrestrained Trump will give it to them. Mr. Bruni, you think voters are increasingly coming to their senses, and all I see and feel and read is quite the opposite.
Do you really think there are such people? I don't. Instead, I think there is a growing contingent of people who want to just blow something up, even if it's the American experiment. An unrestrained Trump will give it to them. Mr. Bruni, you think voters are increasingly coming to their senses, and all I see and feel and read is quite the opposite.
2
Those "right way, wrong way" polls always have me wondering. Surely, a lot of people think the country is headed the wrong way, but which way is the right way? Some say more liberal, but some say more conservative. These polls group them all together, and the combined number just doesn't mean that much.
Thank God - a Republican who sounds like the Republicans I remember from an earlier time; reasonable! My age is showing when I say I liked it better when we listened to each other and agreed to disagree.
1
You left out the questions that each has to answer. If the moderator starts off with issues that have already been litigated and does not begin with new ground he will have failed America.
As an example: What were the major problems with our health care system before the Affordable Care Act, what and why were specific goals set, and how well have these been met?
Follow up Question -- What do you believe are the next steps that need to be taken to adjust this new system so that it can go to the next goal posts?
Question: What was the paramount reason why President Obama sought to reduce America's foot print in the middle east conflicts?
Answer: It's not our neighborhood and the only way stability can be achieved is for Saudi Arabia, Iran and Russia to stop supporting their proxy wars across the region.
What must be done in America in order to swing us into the right direction?
Answer: We need to emulate the forces and conditions that led to the great wealth building period of the last half of the last century. We entered that period with a sense that government could stimulate growth though investment in roads, aerospace, aircraft, defense systems, computer technology, and things like the GPS system and the Internet.
America during that time transferred the government momentum built to turn around the Depression and to fight the global wars into investing in things that had virtuous spill over effects. We got great airplanes, highways, and new phones.
As an example: What were the major problems with our health care system before the Affordable Care Act, what and why were specific goals set, and how well have these been met?
Follow up Question -- What do you believe are the next steps that need to be taken to adjust this new system so that it can go to the next goal posts?
Question: What was the paramount reason why President Obama sought to reduce America's foot print in the middle east conflicts?
Answer: It's not our neighborhood and the only way stability can be achieved is for Saudi Arabia, Iran and Russia to stop supporting their proxy wars across the region.
What must be done in America in order to swing us into the right direction?
Answer: We need to emulate the forces and conditions that led to the great wealth building period of the last half of the last century. We entered that period with a sense that government could stimulate growth though investment in roads, aerospace, aircraft, defense systems, computer technology, and things like the GPS system and the Internet.
America during that time transferred the government momentum built to turn around the Depression and to fight the global wars into investing in things that had virtuous spill over effects. We got great airplanes, highways, and new phones.
1
Trump uses bombast to hide a lack of substance. Unless he displays a lot more intellect and command of issues than he's been able to muster thus far, at some point he will devolve into filibuster and personal insults. This is why I liked fighting bullies; they always end up with their head down, eyes closed, and throwing windmill punches.
1
The so-called Presidential debate is in reality a reality TV show put on by the private politically partisan Presidential Commission on Debates which is owned and operated by the Republican and Democratic Parties. This is a combination joint press conference and news show. Donald Trump's primary business is mass media entertainment.
Hillary is not honest nor trustworthy nor humble nor humane. Nor is Donald. Hillary Clinton has no character. Donald is a character. Hillary is experienced and informed about domestic and international political and government affairs. Donald is mostly ignorant and stupid about these matters. He lacks factual information and "knows" things that are simply not true.
Beyond being natural born citizens of the United States 35+ years old there are no other qualifications to become POTUS.
Hillary is not honest nor trustworthy nor humble nor humane. Nor is Donald. Hillary Clinton has no character. Donald is a character. Hillary is experienced and informed about domestic and international political and government affairs. Donald is mostly ignorant and stupid about these matters. He lacks factual information and "knows" things that are simply not true.
Beyond being natural born citizens of the United States 35+ years old there are no other qualifications to become POTUS.
2
The job of the moderator here is to gently (so many don't notice) goad Trump into blowing a gasket on stage.
Perhaps the moderator could ask him to detail when Trump might push the "HOT" button and start a nuclear war.
Or perhaps to get him to restate that perhaps the US can avoid its debts by negotiating a lower payment (convince them to take less--as he regularly does with creditors).
If he pulls the anti-woman comments and beliefs that he is so fond of, call him on it. Call him on it when he lies.
The press knows that he does not have $10 billion, not for real, it's all leveraged.
Question him on anything he states that contradicts an earlier statement, on the wall and the Mexican President's statement that Mexico will not pay, on his true generosity through his foundation and that the money in there now is mostly donated from others. Push him to the wall and he will blow.
Perhaps the moderator could ask him to detail when Trump might push the "HOT" button and start a nuclear war.
Or perhaps to get him to restate that perhaps the US can avoid its debts by negotiating a lower payment (convince them to take less--as he regularly does with creditors).
If he pulls the anti-woman comments and beliefs that he is so fond of, call him on it. Call him on it when he lies.
The press knows that he does not have $10 billion, not for real, it's all leveraged.
Question him on anything he states that contradicts an earlier statement, on the wall and the Mexican President's statement that Mexico will not pay, on his true generosity through his foundation and that the money in there now is mostly donated from others. Push him to the wall and he will blow.
2
We can all hope that Trump will let his inner wrecking ball out of the cage.
Since TV is billing this as a kind of cage fight, they are as guilty as anyone of making this a donnybrook rather than an interview for the most important job in the land.
I hope Lester Holt will step up to the plate rather than putting a thumb on the scale by filling in TV awkwardness instead of maintaining a strict neutrality.
I am not apologizing for my mixed metaphor. This is not a literary issue, it is a battle for the heart and soul of our country, and perhaps for all of civilization, it's that bad. You think not? Global warming/climate change is real, and it needs dealing with. Hillary is not ideal, but she has a mind and heart, unlike her opponent, and can face reality and solve problems.
Since TV is billing this as a kind of cage fight, they are as guilty as anyone of making this a donnybrook rather than an interview for the most important job in the land.
I hope Lester Holt will step up to the plate rather than putting a thumb on the scale by filling in TV awkwardness instead of maintaining a strict neutrality.
I am not apologizing for my mixed metaphor. This is not a literary issue, it is a battle for the heart and soul of our country, and perhaps for all of civilization, it's that bad. You think not? Global warming/climate change is real, and it needs dealing with. Hillary is not ideal, but she has a mind and heart, unlike her opponent, and can face reality and solve problems.
2
This is all so silly. Press Trump to answer the questions. Press Trump to tell how he plans to find 25 billion to build a wall and how he plans to force Mexico to pay for it. Press Trump to explain his secret plan to defeat Isis. Press Trump to release his tax returns. Press Trump to explain how China cooked up Global Warming and why every able country on this planet attended the Paris Climate Summit are willing to tackle this problem except for him and Republicans who refuse to acknowledge the problem. If Trump loses the theatrics he still must be pressed to answer and explain.
9
Trump wins the debate.
If she attacks she is shrill, if not she is weak.
If she attacks she is shrill, if not she is weak.
2
Mr. Trump is a con man - a grifter born to wealth - who is trying for the biggest con in American history. But this con is being broadcast now to the entire nation. It will require he carry off the con for a live audience that will be YUGE!
Trump must be able to make so many of his past, lie-ridden statements either palatable or seem trivial. It is a tightrope to walk, particularly with Mrs. Clinton on hand to point out when he restates the lies, ignores the lies, or denies saying them.
This debate will almost inevitably become more combat than discourse. Trump is woefully unprepared for the job he's seeking. He can't debate the issues.
Trump must be able to make so many of his past, lie-ridden statements either palatable or seem trivial. It is a tightrope to walk, particularly with Mrs. Clinton on hand to point out when he restates the lies, ignores the lies, or denies saying them.
This debate will almost inevitably become more combat than discourse. Trump is woefully unprepared for the job he's seeking. He can't debate the issues.
6
What makes this debate interesting is Hillary Clinton.
What makes this debate preposterous is Donald Trump.
What makes this debate preposterous is Donald Trump.
10
If he holds back on the lies and insults and grandiose but unfounded claims...then what does he have? "I want to lower taxes." He can spout a few of these generalizations I suppose - but if he has to get more detailed, he won't be able to.
Anyway it's all speculation to fill the time 'til monday night.
Anyway it's all speculation to fill the time 'til monday night.
1
Daily I read from some journalist about Hillary's "negatives." It has been many months since one of you mentioned in print that for 14 years in a row she's been voted the most admired woman in the world. What could turn the race? Oh, you guys have doing this every day, steadily & inexorably. Add a Donald & viola.
7
There's is no champ Mr. Trump will 'normalize.' Mrs. Clinton , will pepper him with his own lies and ignorance regarding policy to the point where he will be unable to contain himself.
Clinton: 'Did you order the code red?'
Trump: 'You're damn right I did!!'
Clinton is elected.
Clinton: 'Did you order the code red?'
Trump: 'You're damn right I did!!'
Clinton is elected.
2
"Mr. Trump, please discuss the implications of the 2nd, 4th and 14th Amendments on your stop and frisk plan."
"Amendments to what?"
"Amendments to what?"
8
SO where is the republican establishment, in the name of the Bush family (Pres. George W. Bush), Mitt Romney, Colin Powell, telling the American people that while they should vote for republican candidates for the House and the Senate, and for state offices, that Donald Trump is dangerously erratic, unpredictable (and like the North Korean leader, could easily lead us into a dangerous nuclear confrontation with North Korea), and horrifyingly lacking in the basic necessities to be a president. In brief, his word means nothing and he could care less about being accurate since he lies about almost everything coming out of his mouth. That would pay Trump back for savaging Jeb, but good.
3
He will be out of his element Monday night, and I'm hoping Hillary turns him into a human pinata.
2
The last paragraph of this column advises Donald Trump to self destruct. I hope Donald takes the advice.
4
The audience will be watching in the hope of seeing that one flaming 'accident' to occur. Does Hillary have the skill to provoke Trump dump the facade he has lately put on? The future of our nation depends on that.
1
A duller Donald Trump?
Just read that he has invited Gennifer Flowers, who had an affair with Bill Clinton, to sit in the front row during the debate and she accepted. This is supposedly in retaliation for the Clinton camp inviting Mark Cuban.
Trump is irredeemable.
Just read that he has invited Gennifer Flowers, who had an affair with Bill Clinton, to sit in the front row during the debate and she accepted. This is supposedly in retaliation for the Clinton camp inviting Mark Cuban.
Trump is irredeemable.
4
The "hell" of our election process goes a lot deeper than short memories and shallow engagement, Mr. Bruni. I'm with Senator Kerrey on this one. We have an electorate that is "massively uninformed"-- and I would go even further than that and say grotesquely uneducated and ignorant about the most basic concepts of democracy, their own federal government, economics, world affairs, health and environmental issues.
And when that happens in a democracy, you can and will end up with a Trump perilously close to the seat of power.
It's horrifying and shameful.
And when that happens in a democracy, you can and will end up with a Trump perilously close to the seat of power.
It's horrifying and shameful.
103
With an audience bigger than the Super Bowl Trump will not want to dull himself down. However, unlike Republican debate stages and candidate rallies, he won't have a friendly audience to read and respond to. He won't know when he's losing them and he won't have extremists amping to be ever more extreme. This might cause him to be thoughtful. Yikes!
But it's far more likely the narcissistic nincompoop will preen like he's never preened before and put on a technicolor display of fathomless ignorance and misogyny.
But it's far more likely the narcissistic nincompoop will preen like he's never preened before and put on a technicolor display of fathomless ignorance and misogyny.
Don't worry, Frank, because Trump cannot help himself. Every time his campaign has tried to "pivot" him to make him seem "presidential", Trump has reverted to his moronic, self-dealing, and self-destructive tendencies. They say a "leopard doesn't change its spots" and I'm certain that HRC will be able to elicit the true character of the man so that viewers can see once and for all how unsuitable Trump is for the Oval Office.
1
If America elects Donald Trump, America deserves Donald Trump. I don't. You don't. What would that make us?
2
Maybe he'll let slip an expletive! Perhaps his coiff will go astray! He'll mispronounce Benghazi, or Sarajevo, or the surname of Bill's current paramour. How pathetic a candidate this sclerotic party of smug fossils have foisted upon us that they can only hope the opponent flames out in the upcoming "debates" lest their sorry, thieving, lying champion become the laugh track of a Trump victory video. And we will be chortling right along with it because we warned you effete know-it-alls. You rejected the candidate of change in favor of this corporate lackey and criminal diplomat. You chose this most repellentunctuous
Trying to sort out what kind of debate the public will witness makes for good press. Just the same, the audience has to pay attention to what is said and decide if there is any substance.
Hopefully, Hillary will be able to instill a desire in the voters to look ahead and help them to discern the abysmal future a Trump presidency would produce.
It doesn't help to have an editorialist shape the proceedings. Pardon my optimistic outlook, but I am not convinced that America is so enamored with Trump that all his "whoppers" will be flatly overlooked. We are better than that.
Hopefully, Hillary will be able to instill a desire in the voters to look ahead and help them to discern the abysmal future a Trump presidency would produce.
It doesn't help to have an editorialist shape the proceedings. Pardon my optimistic outlook, but I am not convinced that America is so enamored with Trump that all his "whoppers" will be flatly overlooked. We are better than that.
2
I think you are absolutely right Mr. Bruni. The bar is now so low that if Trump behaves himself, many will think he won the debate. If Hillary Clinton and the moderator call him on his lies (past and during the debate) he is likely to show his true temperament and lash out at everyone. Then we will have seen the true Donald Trump.
Sheesh Frank, why not become an adviser to Trump? I agree with your ideas on this but I don't think you should be signalling the path for better debate performance for Trump. He might actually read newspapers!
Your absolutely right Frank.
These debates are really about exceeding expectations.
Trump will exceed expectations by coming off civil and not saying anything too outrageous. Fairly low standard.
I'm not sure how Clinton exceeds expectations. Hopefully she won't have to.
These debates are really about exceeding expectations.
Trump will exceed expectations by coming off civil and not saying anything too outrageous. Fairly low standard.
I'm not sure how Clinton exceeds expectations. Hopefully she won't have to.
1
Whoever DT channels for the ninety minutes of the debate, he will revert to his known self. Now, the question is, will the media constantly replay the debate Donald or will they cover the Donald who reemerges post debate? Consider the attention he got when he allegedly renounced his birtherism position versus the attention he didn't get when he took it back post announcement. The man's words mean nothing and that's all I need to know.
2
Will Trump's 3 wives and 3 families have to use a lottery system for seating? Do they all support him or will some be supporting Mrs Clinton?
5
It's sad, indeed, when everyone recognizes that the only way a Presidential candidate can win a Presidential debate is to pretend - in full view and for 90 minutes - to be the exact antithesis of who and what he really is - who and what we know him to be - who and what he has bragged about being.
Oh, just before and just after he can revert to the boorish, insulting, know nothing braggart he is and get in the kind of licks on Hillary and the kind of comments on his and her performances that will thrill his most rabid supporters, but if - as he walks up to the podium - he reaches under and pulls out a sheep's clothing to pull over his wolfs body and puts it on right in front of us - we are supposed to believe whatever he bleats out of it.
And we are supposed to think that our only hope is that the wolf tears some holes in his sheep suit so that we are no longer fooled and can see the real candidate underneath?
There was a time when I would have confidently laughed at this scenario - we're not that gullible - we watched him put the sheep suit on, for gosh sake!
Now I'm not laughing.
Oh, just before and just after he can revert to the boorish, insulting, know nothing braggart he is and get in the kind of licks on Hillary and the kind of comments on his and her performances that will thrill his most rabid supporters, but if - as he walks up to the podium - he reaches under and pulls out a sheep's clothing to pull over his wolfs body and puts it on right in front of us - we are supposed to believe whatever he bleats out of it.
And we are supposed to think that our only hope is that the wolf tears some holes in his sheep suit so that we are no longer fooled and can see the real candidate underneath?
There was a time when I would have confidently laughed at this scenario - we're not that gullible - we watched him put the sheep suit on, for gosh sake!
Now I'm not laughing.
5
I believe that the problem Trump will have its not in his direct answer to a question-but rather to the reply by Clinton answers. His lack of depth in the knowledge of many topics will become evident. That is how he will be left flat footed and then become unnerved. You know Trump could have been a winner-he only needed to really want the job. He need to divorce himself from his business, go back to school so to speak and learn the system;study it, understand it. Get instructors to teach him basic Constitutional law, basic government operation,lose 25 lbs, become disciplined. Make the sacrifice that is necessary to become the President of the United States. This is a 24/7 job-Every President of recent years has left office exhausted and drained. It takes years to recover from the constant assault of 8 years. The physical stress is enormous. Unless you can keep body and sole together on a daily basis that job can kill you. Donald Trump just does not have that ability.
He takes the easy way out-he is a thoughtless oaf. Just look at the wreckage he has left in his past. Clinton has her issues-but she is not reckless. She is knowledgeable,knows how government works, is familiar with every member of Congress, knows every world leader,understands the ramifications and effect of the actions our government takes, she listens to those around her, take advice and uses it. She will keep us going in the right direction.
He takes the easy way out-he is a thoughtless oaf. Just look at the wreckage he has left in his past. Clinton has her issues-but she is not reckless. She is knowledgeable,knows how government works, is familiar with every member of Congress, knows every world leader,understands the ramifications and effect of the actions our government takes, she listens to those around her, take advice and uses it. She will keep us going in the right direction.
8
People are expecting Donald Trump to be Donald Trump, the real Donald Trump. That is why they will be watching in the large numbers that you suggest.
It's for entertainment. It's the only reason I will be watching. I already know who I am voting for and why.
It's for entertainment. It's the only reason I will be watching. I already know who I am voting for and why.
So what if a "kinder, gentler" Donald Trump shows up tomorrow night? What will his grassroots supporters see? Two ways to go there - 1) that their master is just doing (and not saying) what he has to do to get elected and will then revert to the form they love - another show, or 2) that he has "sold out" by towing the line as to what's expected of a president and will not follow through on his bombastic promises. Will he pander to his base or pander to the undecideds? Doesn't seem as though it can work both ways.
But the kinder, gentler Donald has another problem. Unless he's more "hugely" talented than he tells us, that Donald will actually have to know, and show, what the policies written for him by his handlers and the party actually mean. So far, I've seen recurring "talking points" that sound wonderful to those enamored by him, but that will be very difficult to achieve. The Donald that I see on TV seems as though he's interested in the winning and not so much into what winning might actually entail. Farm it out and hire it done - the selling (out) of the presidency.
But the kinder, gentler Donald has another problem. Unless he's more "hugely" talented than he tells us, that Donald will actually have to know, and show, what the policies written for him by his handlers and the party actually mean. So far, I've seen recurring "talking points" that sound wonderful to those enamored by him, but that will be very difficult to achieve. The Donald that I see on TV seems as though he's interested in the winning and not so much into what winning might actually entail. Farm it out and hire it done - the selling (out) of the presidency.
6
I imagine a hybrid Trump in this one: Part "presidential" (he doesn't drool, scream or swear) and part swaggering bully. He will, I think, try to control himself. His two chief problems - Clinton is her own problem, not his - are his vanity (the need to strike back) and the time he needs to fill with something more than blather. The latter he cannot do. But will that make any difference? One can only hope the electorate is more reasonable than is has seemed in responding to this election thus far.
6
It is not only lies that must be exposed. Ignorance of the Constitution, rule of law and government processes can disqualify Trump. Here are two questions I'd love to hear Monday night:
1. Several crucial issues facing the United States have powerful constitutional implications. Please briefly share your interpretation of the 4th and 14th Amendments to the United States Constitution.
I very much doubt that Trump knows what either amendment says.
2. You have proposed a number of policies or policy changes that require legislative action. Would you please describe how bills are introduced in Congress and how you would work with either a majority or minority in both the House and Senate in order to make the changes you propose.
I doubt that Trump has any knowledge of the legislative process and would be unable to answer this question.
These are the kinds of questions that could turn a reality show into a debate. That's how Trump loses. He's utterly unqualified in addition to being a liar and a bully.
1. Several crucial issues facing the United States have powerful constitutional implications. Please briefly share your interpretation of the 4th and 14th Amendments to the United States Constitution.
I very much doubt that Trump knows what either amendment says.
2. You have proposed a number of policies or policy changes that require legislative action. Would you please describe how bills are introduced in Congress and how you would work with either a majority or minority in both the House and Senate in order to make the changes you propose.
I doubt that Trump has any knowledge of the legislative process and would be unable to answer this question.
These are the kinds of questions that could turn a reality show into a debate. That's how Trump loses. He's utterly unqualified in addition to being a liar and a bully.
13
I wonder if the audience will be civil and quiet for this debate? Trump thrives on audiences, and I suspect his people will chant away, rules or no rules. But if they can be kep quiet and a serious tone is maintained, this would deprive him of oxygen. It would be like Dracula getting weaker when he can't get fresh blood. Alas, NBC knows that rowdy debates help ratings, so I don't expect Lester Holt to rein the audience in.
37
Shrill political noise. That is all that this debate will be. The critics were
not able to give reasons why Trump won before the nominations
started. What makes them smarter now, one year later,
and 17 candidates on the side of the road? There are several subtle reasons
for Trump's strength. 1. There is an anti-Obama vote that will translate into
Trump voters . 2.The current rash of black shootings give strength to
the law and order Trump ticket. 3. Some of the Bernie Saunders vote has
drifted to Trump, seeking change rather than dogma. 4. The country is roughly
divided into the TV population (rednecks) and the WSJ/NYTIMES(sem-educated) The rust belt states will vote for Trump, based on economics.My
guess: Hillary 52%, Trump, 48%. One final comment: The black vote will
remain Democrat. 91% Do I qualify as a pundit?
not able to give reasons why Trump won before the nominations
started. What makes them smarter now, one year later,
and 17 candidates on the side of the road? There are several subtle reasons
for Trump's strength. 1. There is an anti-Obama vote that will translate into
Trump voters . 2.The current rash of black shootings give strength to
the law and order Trump ticket. 3. Some of the Bernie Saunders vote has
drifted to Trump, seeking change rather than dogma. 4. The country is roughly
divided into the TV population (rednecks) and the WSJ/NYTIMES(sem-educated) The rust belt states will vote for Trump, based on economics.My
guess: Hillary 52%, Trump, 48%. One final comment: The black vote will
remain Democrat. 91% Do I qualify as a pundit?
1
HRC has the chops to handle any version of Trump in any forum, regardless of how the moderator performs. She has to be willing to throw some elbows should the proceedings turn that way, but she's definitely got the ability.
2
This is Hillary's debate to lose.
Her campaigned spent millions of dollars and most of their efforts to paint him as unpresidential and unfit for office.
She's a seasoned debater.
She, her campaign, her surrogates, and the media have continually exaggerated the dubious achievements of her political career, setting the bar very high.
The bar for him couldn't be any lower.
Yet, he did very well winning the Republican primaries against 16 of some of the most qualified conservative candidates out there, and was he ever wickedly entertaining!
People will be tuning in to see him not Hillary.
All he has to do is appear presidential.
He pulled it off with his bizarre visit to Mexico - seeming presidential - and I expect him to do it again on Monday.
That said, just seeing Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump together on a stage competing for the Presidency of the United States is nightmare all on its own.
The most important question we should ask ourselves is not 'Who won the debate?' or 'Who lies less?' etc., but how did we get to this point in history where we the voters are only presented with two despicable major party choices.
Her campaigned spent millions of dollars and most of their efforts to paint him as unpresidential and unfit for office.
She's a seasoned debater.
She, her campaign, her surrogates, and the media have continually exaggerated the dubious achievements of her political career, setting the bar very high.
The bar for him couldn't be any lower.
Yet, he did very well winning the Republican primaries against 16 of some of the most qualified conservative candidates out there, and was he ever wickedly entertaining!
People will be tuning in to see him not Hillary.
All he has to do is appear presidential.
He pulled it off with his bizarre visit to Mexico - seeming presidential - and I expect him to do it again on Monday.
That said, just seeing Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump together on a stage competing for the Presidency of the United States is nightmare all on its own.
The most important question we should ask ourselves is not 'Who won the debate?' or 'Who lies less?' etc., but how did we get to this point in history where we the voters are only presented with two despicable major party choices.
5
"But the hell of our political process is the brevity of so many Americans’ memories and the shallowness of their engagement, which could be a final stroke of outrageously good fortune for a con man who has been too lucky already."
That just about says it all.
That just about says it all.
4
Frank, not everyone will be watching Monday's reality show/debate. There are those of us who would consider it a waste of time, time that could be better spent doing the laundry and folding clothes. But I don't watch the Super Bowl either.
Somehow I have managed to avoid watching Donald Trump speak more than two minutes during his entire campaign for president, and it has served me well. I am a firm believer that whatever we see and hear becomes a part of us. Trust me, there is nothing about Mr. Trump that I want to take into myself.
So, enjoy the show. Whether she wins or loses the debate, I will be voting for Hillary Clinton in November. And I trust the majority of the American people will do the same. After all, we are not fools.
Somehow I have managed to avoid watching Donald Trump speak more than two minutes during his entire campaign for president, and it has served me well. I am a firm believer that whatever we see and hear becomes a part of us. Trust me, there is nothing about Mr. Trump that I want to take into myself.
So, enjoy the show. Whether she wins or loses the debate, I will be voting for Hillary Clinton in November. And I trust the majority of the American people will do the same. After all, we are not fools.
3
Yes, but people are saying that 30% of the electorate is still undecided.
Person ally I don't know how that can be the case.
Person ally I don't know how that can be the case.
By all accounts Trump has rejected his advisers' entreaties to bone up on some facts and engage in mock debates. Since he is congenitally adverse to facts, and is confident he can bluff his way out of tight spots, he's decided to wing it. This means that he'll have to fill those 45 minutes with whatever notions pop into his head, which will surely be more self-serving untruths, dystopian fantasies, and empty bluster.
Even if he pursues the dreaded strategy of acting "dull" or gravely "presidential" it will flop because everyone’s seen enough of him over the past months to spot any such sudden metamorphosis as handler-induced. Striking a statesmanlike pose behind the podium won’t help if he’s unable to utter a substantive sentence or two. And the tour de force of knowledge and repartee we can expect from Clinton should seal the deal for her.
Even if he pursues the dreaded strategy of acting "dull" or gravely "presidential" it will flop because everyone’s seen enough of him over the past months to spot any such sudden metamorphosis as handler-induced. Striking a statesmanlike pose behind the podium won’t help if he’s unable to utter a substantive sentence or two. And the tour de force of knowledge and repartee we can expect from Clinton should seal the deal for her.
1
Trump is a good actor. Monday evening we will see his rendition of Ronald Reagan. His has no other choice. Trump will be our next President.
1
It's easy to dump on Trump, and understandable. But let's not forget that Clinton is nothing but a mediocre retread who was crushed by Obama 8 years ago. Very few people would seriously praise her now if someone other than Trump were running against her.
If they are disappointed, it will be that Conway has conviced him to not expose his sexism by insulting, condescending to or name calling. On the other hand, he will not disappoint Hillary fans because he will not have a substantitve thing to say. He likely cannot talk that long about several issues without repeating himself numerous times.
Mr.Bruni, you disappoint me. For a man who came from a suppressed and/or persecuted minority group like yourself...you of all the people must want, and push for, as a journalist "truth, honesty, authenticity, facts and well researched and well thought through policy analysis and program solutions". To want elevated debates...not for the good of Trump or just Hillary, but for the good of "healthy civilized Democracy". You are actually encouraging Mr Trump to be as crude, crass and crazy as possible, so your media can get profits (though you will never admit this directly), while claiming this will help defeat Trump.
Trump used a wrecking ball and wrecked all his opponents. How will that wrecking ball, as a tool for debate, help Hillary...other than put her in an awkward position and maybe even get her defensive?
How irresponsible, childish and may I add "mean spirited" of you.
If Democracy dies, Realty TV and Scandal Garbage wins...it is all on your shoulders. And when journalism like this and the paper it is printed on, like NYT, closes down I shall not grieve.
I cannot believe what I read from so called senior journalists. Disturbing indeed!
Trump used a wrecking ball and wrecked all his opponents. How will that wrecking ball, as a tool for debate, help Hillary...other than put her in an awkward position and maybe even get her defensive?
How irresponsible, childish and may I add "mean spirited" of you.
If Democracy dies, Realty TV and Scandal Garbage wins...it is all on your shoulders. And when journalism like this and the paper it is printed on, like NYT, closes down I shall not grieve.
I cannot believe what I read from so called senior journalists. Disturbing indeed!
1
I fear the bar set by the popular media is so low for Mr. Drumpf, that if he fails to refer to Secretary Clinton's menstrual cycle, he will be considered the winner.
1
Trump is setting up his con this way : force his opponent to "speak" the language of the mob. This is her weakness. This is the "establishment's" weakness. The mob has found its voice -- perversely created by the media and DC --- in Trump. Everyone else is a deer caught in the headlights. This debate is merely Trump's coronation.
I assume that DJT will try to win the debate because winning is so important in his argument about why he should be President. In terms of classic debate strategy, each mistake he makes will count against him in the losing column whereas making good points on the issues will increase his win column. But in a televised debate, the classic rules do not hold. Will bombast be a winning strategy? Yes, very much so. The more bombastic candidate will win even if he or she loses classic debate points. Reagan promised he would mine Cuban harbors and the snobs said he lost the debate. Wrong! The bombastic promise made Reagen seem strong on TV. He won the debate and the election. My guess is that Trump will go nuclear and win big.
For a man known to have the attention span of a bratty 2 year old, I'm betting that Trump will find a 90 minute debate an eternity to keep his most outrageous impulses under control, whatever Ailes, Conway, Bannon etc. have advised him. Trump will be relying on his "excellent" brain and apparently equally excellent "gut impulses" to win this debate, but as Trey Gowdy and some of the other craven members of Congress learned to their cost during the Benghazi "inquisition," Hilary Clinton can wipe the floor with them.
Never fear Frank, Donald Trump will go "off script" during the debate. The question is whether he will finally convince any of the, as yet, undecided voters
that the only script he has ever or will ever follow is the "what's in it for me?" Trump script, which has nothing to do with the good of our country.
Never fear Frank, Donald Trump will go "off script" during the debate. The question is whether he will finally convince any of the, as yet, undecided voters
that the only script he has ever or will ever follow is the "what's in it for me?" Trump script, which has nothing to do with the good of our country.
2
Although I enjoyed the illustrations I have been wondering what if, in reaction to each of Trump's histrionics, Hillary had been made to grow ever taller and taller?
2
This is right out of The Twilight Zone!
The only thing missing is Rod Serling as
the moderator.
Submitted for your approval: A self proclaimed xenophobe and blowhard who has a modest resemblance to a modern day Caligula, transforms himself for one 90 minute period into a calm gentle and articulate voice of reason and seduces a nation. A nation made up of a hope and promise, they are all voting tonite----in the twilight zone.
The only thing missing is Rod Serling as
the moderator.
Submitted for your approval: A self proclaimed xenophobe and blowhard who has a modest resemblance to a modern day Caligula, transforms himself for one 90 minute period into a calm gentle and articulate voice of reason and seduces a nation. A nation made up of a hope and promise, they are all voting tonite----in the twilight zone.
101
Trump has already set the course by inviting Gennifer Flowers to the debate. The man and his team are a bottomless pit of ruthlessness. But they have underestimated Hillary. She withstood national embarrassment during the Lewinsky period and rose above it and lasted through the Benghazi hearings.
So will he be TelePrompTer Donald or bombastic Donald? I think a little of both.
He will start off as soft spoken and reasonable sounding- TelePrompTer Donald. Given an opening I think he will try to zing it at Hillary as often as he can. Zinging it at Hillary lets him off the hook to answer questions with substantive knowledge. Hillary knows her stuff so Trump will have to punt in another way.
A lot demands on Lester Holt and his team to see which way he goes. If Holt holds Trump's feet to the fire, DT will yell unfair. He will get bombastic and sarcastic, and try to control the debate the way he did during the Republican debates.
Either way, Trump and his team will spin the results- the questions were unfair or the debate was rigged in Hillary's favor all along. Among the things we know about Trump, he doesn't like to loose- especially to a woman.
I think the success of all the debates depend on the moderators and how well they control the atmosphere. One whiff of weakness and Trump will seize the debate and turn it into a circus. For his supporters it will be a glowing moment, for Hillary a disaster. The public needs to see how much she knows and how little he knows.
So will he be TelePrompTer Donald or bombastic Donald? I think a little of both.
He will start off as soft spoken and reasonable sounding- TelePrompTer Donald. Given an opening I think he will try to zing it at Hillary as often as he can. Zinging it at Hillary lets him off the hook to answer questions with substantive knowledge. Hillary knows her stuff so Trump will have to punt in another way.
A lot demands on Lester Holt and his team to see which way he goes. If Holt holds Trump's feet to the fire, DT will yell unfair. He will get bombastic and sarcastic, and try to control the debate the way he did during the Republican debates.
Either way, Trump and his team will spin the results- the questions were unfair or the debate was rigged in Hillary's favor all along. Among the things we know about Trump, he doesn't like to loose- especially to a woman.
I think the success of all the debates depend on the moderators and how well they control the atmosphere. One whiff of weakness and Trump will seize the debate and turn it into a circus. For his supporters it will be a glowing moment, for Hillary a disaster. The public needs to see how much she knows and how little he knows.
Trump's smarter than you think and he's smarter than all the Democrats combined.
Every stage of the game has been executed perfectly and the media have lost the war and the democrats didn't even realise there was one.
The media shills have been exposed and been found wanting. The public trust them less than politicians! The Clinton machine is asleep at the wheel waking occasionally to tell lies about anything even when the truth would help them!
You get what you vote for... God help all you if Clinton gets more votes than Trump!
Every stage of the game has been executed perfectly and the media have lost the war and the democrats didn't even realise there was one.
The media shills have been exposed and been found wanting. The public trust them less than politicians! The Clinton machine is asleep at the wheel waking occasionally to tell lies about anything even when the truth would help them!
You get what you vote for... God help all you if Clinton gets more votes than Trump!
I will tune in with the hope of witnessing history (herstory) - a woman and grandmother putting this ego-man-iac in his place; shaming him; humiliating him, for all the awful things he represents. I hope she has discovered the key to finally exposing this charlatan for who he is to those blinded by his faux-ness.
Sadly, like Mr. Bruni, I worry with my own debate nightmare.
Sadly, like Mr. Bruni, I worry with my own debate nightmare.
I remember 2000 when the media set the bar so low for Bush and could only focus on Gore's sighs and Bruni gushed all over W Bruni won't gush this time but there are likely to be others who will if Trump does not spend half his time ranting and bald faced lying
Your statement "both Trump and Clinton have such huge negatives” is really not true and I wish the media would stop referring to "both" candidates in the same breath in this way. His negatives are definitely HUGE, as stated in this article and many, many others and many comments. Hers are FEW, actually. Please separate the two when referring to their qualities. SHE is truly the most prepared candidate in decades and the small negatives are really not in any way equatable to his. Why not understand and promote THAT. She is far more honest than he has ever thought of being and that needs to be stated loudly and clearly by the press - often - or the media is doing a disservice to her - and they, in fact, have sone so for too long. THAT is what is causing a lot of misperception of this incredibly capable candidate and the only hope we have of saving whats left of an America that has been played for a fool by this buffoon.
2
Holt and Clinton just need to be quiet and let him talk. Give him enough rope to hang himself with.
2
Whenever I see a major road accident I never look, I keep driving even though rubber-neckers slow down to see "what's going on." Its the same feeling I am getting for this debate. Even though I've set my TiVo on record to a somewhat sane PBS NewsHour version of the broadcast my heart is not in it. I might just go for a walk and open a nice bottle of red or white depending on the weather and pretend none of this is really happening.
I am unable to accept the fact that a totally unqualified charlatan can be within striking distance of the Presidency over a highly qualified but flawed candidate from the other side. The Washington/NY political establishment with their handmaidens in the media and industry are to blame. You pushed to the poor and middle class to the edge of what they will put up with on a host of issues that they are willing to test the mettle of this country and Democracy to survive a Donald Trump Presidency. Please hold while I go and throw up...
I am unable to accept the fact that a totally unqualified charlatan can be within striking distance of the Presidency over a highly qualified but flawed candidate from the other side. The Washington/NY political establishment with their handmaidens in the media and industry are to blame. You pushed to the poor and middle class to the edge of what they will put up with on a host of issues that they are willing to test the mettle of this country and Democracy to survive a Donald Trump Presidency. Please hold while I go and throw up...
2
No matter what everyone says about him, the debate, will he or won't he react badly to questions, etc, the bottom line is he lies about everything.
1
His walking offstage feigning a setup, a fixed debate that was Pro-Hillary is what I expect to see. Truth is he may deliver.
I had an interesting conversation with two white millennial lesbians tonight. They are both voting Trump. Most of their friends and family are also.
Get ready, America...
Get ready, America...
What would make this debate interesting would be the inclusion of Gary Johnson on the podium. But it seems that the Times' policy is to paint him in as negative a light as possible. Thanks once again for trying to impose your painfully narrow view of American politics on your readers.
Trump won't have the attention span or discipline to stay "presidential" for the whole 90 minutes. I'm guessing that we'll see ranting DJT in the last half hour. And if / when she trounces him in the debate, he'll balk about doing the remaining 2 debates.
After reading the other NYT article saying that Trump may invite Ms. Flowers to the debate - Secretary Clinton should invite the Khan family or former plaintiffs in Trump lawsuits to sit in the front row. If they're not available - maybe she can call Graydon Carter!
After reading the other NYT article saying that Trump may invite Ms. Flowers to the debate - Secretary Clinton should invite the Khan family or former plaintiffs in Trump lawsuits to sit in the front row. If they're not available - maybe she can call Graydon Carter!
The most frequent remark one seems to hear about this presidential campaign is one which is heard daily on the street, at the supermarket, at work, at parties, at the bank – everywhere.
The comment comes from both Republicans and Democrats, and the wording is identical: “I just wish this whole thing was done and behind us.”
Part of this is fatigue and disgust with how ugly the race has become. Part of it is to preempt having any debate with someone holding the opposite political view, although Democrats say the same thing to other Democrats.
Whether or not Republicans express the same sentiment to each other when I’m not around, I don’t know. But, I believe many of them do
We will all tune in for the Monday debate, but it will not be a beer-and-snacks festive event for anyone other than the most committed political junkies.
We just want it to be over.
As soon as she mops the floor with the moron.
The comment comes from both Republicans and Democrats, and the wording is identical: “I just wish this whole thing was done and behind us.”
Part of this is fatigue and disgust with how ugly the race has become. Part of it is to preempt having any debate with someone holding the opposite political view, although Democrats say the same thing to other Democrats.
Whether or not Republicans express the same sentiment to each other when I’m not around, I don’t know. But, I believe many of them do
We will all tune in for the Monday debate, but it will not be a beer-and-snacks festive event for anyone other than the most committed political junkies.
We just want it to be over.
As soon as she mops the floor with the moron.
1
While, I share your concern Mr. Bruni, it is nearly inconcievable that Trump will be able to contain his impulses for an hour and a half. He is now placing Gennifer Flowers up front to unnerve Sec. Clinton, since she has Mark Cuban there to poke at him. Maybe, Kelly Ann Conway will give him a mild sedative.
i just don't think he will be able to go the full time without being called on a somewhat untruthful dodge i.e. lie. he does not have the patience. and worse he will look rather sorry when it comes to saying names of other countries and their leaders. he will frustrate himself. and if he can keep it all cool calm and collected, by the end the crimson hue won't be able to hide under the makeup.
I'm pretty sure he will be drugged so that he will not fly off the handle. Whether he can answer questions posed to him at length, and whether he will be held to this standard is what I will be looking for though I would never vote for him based on who he is and who he has shown himself to be already. No debate performance can undo that.
2
Looking forward?
"I'm looking forward to how the NYT describes the dangers a Trump presidency would present."
"I'm looking forward to how the NYT describes the dangers a Trump presidency would present."
Donald J. Trump lacks political experience, knowledge and is incapable of being someone other than who he is. He has repeatedly shown us who he is . The answer to the question if Trump can look and sound presidential in the debate against Hillary Clinton is Absolutely not!! The best predictor of future behavior is past. He will fail miserably in the debate and that is why people will tune in to watch, for a short while. Listening to him and watching him on media platforms has become a form of torture, and November 8 cannot come soon enough.
2
Let's suppose that Mr. Bruni's worst nightmare comes true, and that Donald Trump presents himself as calmly "presidential." This presumes that Trump *can* behave presidentially. To do so, he would have actually to know something, to have a policy idea, to refrain from lying with every breath, to utter a complete sentence and to assemble several sentences into a coherent thought string.
Mr. Trump cannot do this. So, either Mr. Bruni escapes his nightmare and Trump acts like the bullying buffoon that he is, or he manages to button down his bile and behaves more calmly like the empty suit of ignorance that he is. Either way, I don't see a short-term loss here for Mr. Bruni.
My worry comes later, namely that the American voting public actually prefers mendacious bluster or hollow ignorance. Now, that's something to keep us awake all night.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
Mr. Trump cannot do this. So, either Mr. Bruni escapes his nightmare and Trump acts like the bullying buffoon that he is, or he manages to button down his bile and behaves more calmly like the empty suit of ignorance that he is. Either way, I don't see a short-term loss here for Mr. Bruni.
My worry comes later, namely that the American voting public actually prefers mendacious bluster or hollow ignorance. Now, that's something to keep us awake all night.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
4
Trump will never bend to any circumstance demanding restraint or decorum. This what Americans expect from Trump and he will not disappoint. Our nation's health and well-being are of no concern. Trump believes that Hillary does not know his con; and that is her strength. She will control his ire, doing so in rapid fashion, over and over again. I cannot wait to see her in action. Trump has no idea.
1
Mr. Bruni:
"forecasting", on this date,
what DJT will or will not do at Hofstra University on Monday night during the first presidential debate is clearly a fools errand.
the general impression from this perspective,
is that no matter what occurs or is missing,
DJT's acolytes will still be very strongly in his camp - - -
they will not be deterred in their belief that he should be our next president.
HRC's followers will not-be deterred either.
the roughly 15% of the people who will actually vote
and who have not-yet made a choice are the target-audience
for both of these candidates.
will they be persuaded?
which way?
probably not ...
yet ...
all of us are charged with the responsibility to
determine whether or not "change" is the single
criteria upon which to make this decision,
and whether or not the "change" that DJT
represents, in all of his racist bullying, is acceptable.
this continues to be an extraordinarily close contest
as we have a nation with a deep divide,
with almost equal quantities of voters in both groups.
tritely put: stay tuned.
shudder
shudder
1639pdt
I'm not convinced that Frank's fears are so warranted. Hilary is slightly ahead in the polls. If there's no melt down by Trump she will lose no supporters. Neither will Trump. Are there really that many undecided people out there just waiting for a calm cool collected Trump to make them swoon? Even if he's "sane" in the debate he will likely blow up during the next week.
And no one could have lost a debate more soundly than Obama last time around, and his position recovered. It's Hilary's to lose it seems unless Lester Holt decides to emulate Matt Lauer and talk only about emails while asking Trump nothing of substance.
And no one could have lost a debate more soundly than Obama last time around, and his position recovered. It's Hilary's to lose it seems unless Lester Holt decides to emulate Matt Lauer and talk only about emails while asking Trump nothing of substance.
He's such a germiohobe she could destroy his psyche by sneezing on him or coughing into her hand just before shaking his, saying, "Sorry, I'm just about over my pneumonia."
5
What's at stake in these last 44 days?
Our sacred honor.
That we not in one iota sanction the thug-ugly mocking of a disabled person. Not ever.
Incineration.
War. That clash which fellow Malignant Bullies world-wide yearn for. "Blowing those little boats out of the water" would be the template for the required colossal over-reaction.
Climate Catastrophe. In Beloved Planet's era of peril, a Climate-Hoaxer makes even Repulsive-Birther pale in consequences. There is a shrinking window for urgent, methodical, truly dogged response before borders and civilization are in irretrievable tumult. Ask the military.
This is on us.
Now.
44 days.
Our sacred honor.
That we not in one iota sanction the thug-ugly mocking of a disabled person. Not ever.
Incineration.
War. That clash which fellow Malignant Bullies world-wide yearn for. "Blowing those little boats out of the water" would be the template for the required colossal over-reaction.
Climate Catastrophe. In Beloved Planet's era of peril, a Climate-Hoaxer makes even Repulsive-Birther pale in consequences. There is a shrinking window for urgent, methodical, truly dogged response before borders and civilization are in irretrievable tumult. Ask the military.
This is on us.
Now.
44 days.
3
Ask him about Aleppo.
2
The only times Trump has been restrained have been the ones where he's read prepared scripts off a teleprompter. And he freelanced his way into real trouble at some of those.
The debate has no teleprompters -- Trump isn't going to manage on his own.
As Frank points out, he's going to be out there on stage for a long time. Trump is like the amateur comedian with 3 jokes ... that's less than 5 minutes and after that it starts to get really ugly.
The dependable thing about Trump is that he will lose it, do something outrageous ... it's just a matter of time.
The debate has no teleprompters -- Trump isn't going to manage on his own.
As Frank points out, he's going to be out there on stage for a long time. Trump is like the amateur comedian with 3 jokes ... that's less than 5 minutes and after that it starts to get really ugly.
The dependable thing about Trump is that he will lose it, do something outrageous ... it's just a matter of time.
Even if Trump should behave "presidential" (what is difficult to imagine) the viewers should judge him from what he has said in the past. Hillary must address this in the debates: his racist remarks, his dog whistling calls for violence, his closeness to white suprematists, his positions to reintroduce torture worse than waterboarding, his narcissism and notorious lying, to name a few of his "features".
1
he forfeited any legitimate claim to the presidency somewhere on the timeline between ridiculing John McCain’s military heroism and suggesting that Second Amendment enthusiasts take aim at Hillary Clinton. He deserves no fresh appraisal. He shouldn’t get a do-over.
While Mr Bruni arrives at the correct conclusion it appears he was quite willing to give Trump a pass for relentlessly promoting the obnoxious white supremacist fantasy that President Obama isn't really American.
While Mr Bruni arrives at the correct conclusion it appears he was quite willing to give Trump a pass for relentlessly promoting the obnoxious white supremacist fantasy that President Obama isn't really American.
2
I have been saying this for a long time.. and I'm a 68 year old female home economics/marketing major...Voters are looking for one reason (especially conventional Republicans) to vote for the "orange sociopath".
2
I rather believe Hillary will win if she avoids trust me, believe me, sad, very sad, tremendous, disaster. OK?
1
If you're "worried" Trump will act to sane on Monday, here's a "reassuring" possibility: his pattern is not long after being staid and presidential he goes back to demagogue mode. The most recent example was the trip to Mexico. He had to sound staid and presidential standing next to the president of Mexico. But only a few hours later in Phoenix, he was whipping a crowd into a frenzy with his best impression of Hitler. The thing to watch is not if he's sane at the debates but if he stays sane on the campaign trail afterwards. Think he's too calm? Wait a minute.
1
If a man behaves like a petulant juvenile all his life, convinced that he has nothing to learn from anyone else, it is idle to expect him suddenly to change his outlook and behavior simply because his advisers try to convince him to do so. Trump will have to answer questions and discuss issues for probably 45 minutes. Since he has amply demonstrated both his ignorance of, and indifference to, the key challenges facing the country, how will he fill that time?
Trump can sometimes remain focused when he reads from a script, but he lacks the discipline to do so when he speaks extemporaneously, as he will have to do Monday night. Anything is possible, of course, but the odds do not favor those who think this manchild will successfully transcend the limits of his own character, for even 90 minutes.
Trump can sometimes remain focused when he reads from a script, but he lacks the discipline to do so when he speaks extemporaneously, as he will have to do Monday night. Anything is possible, of course, but the odds do not favor those who think this manchild will successfully transcend the limits of his own character, for even 90 minutes.
2
Trump will have two minutes to fill in answering debate questions. That's a long time. He will run through his substance very quickly — given that he has none — as he did in the Commander in Chief forum, then go into repeat or attack mode, as he did in the Commander in Chief forum. Matt Lauer saved Trump from himself then, filling in the gaps and spoon feeding so it somewhat disguised the fact that Trump had nothing to say. I'm trusting that in this more structured format, Lester Holt will not be able to save Trump from himself -- an empty vessel with nothing to offer but self-aggrandizing, hate-filled rhetoric.
75
A further nightmare for you Mr. Bruni, that you are actually correct in your analysis, that Trump advisers actually read the "enemy" and that you provided them with a good strategy which Trump uses and wins.
Well done.
Well done.
7
"for viewers who haven’t come to any firm conclusion"
Somehow I can't believe that we allow this group of people to decide an election. Seriously, you don't know who you want to vote for? In this, of all years? I can understand Obama McCain (sans Palin), more than I can understand that there are undecideds on this election. We know who each candidate is and their preparation.
Don't be fooled one person can't change Washington, neither Clinton or Trump will, but people think Trump will fix Washington? That's just crazy and illogical.
Somehow I can't believe that we allow this group of people to decide an election. Seriously, you don't know who you want to vote for? In this, of all years? I can understand Obama McCain (sans Palin), more than I can understand that there are undecideds on this election. We know who each candidate is and their preparation.
Don't be fooled one person can't change Washington, neither Clinton or Trump will, but people think Trump will fix Washington? That's just crazy and illogical.
4
I am willing to be bored by Donald telling us where his zero tax rate taxes are.
I read he is threatening to haul Gennifer Flowers into the conversation, but the real question is where is his own wife? She plagiarizes a speech and poor, she is never heard from again. Trump cans his campaign manager cozy with pro-Russian shady types, his dad in law is a communist, his new manager Bannon didnt want his kids in school with jewish kids and is the point person for mainstreaming white nationalist blabber through Brietbart. Roger Ailes is taking time off from his Bill Cosby lawsuits to help Donald paint the picket fence facade.
So yeah, bore us with the tax stuff before you go Don King/Jerry Springer on us, Donald.
I read he is threatening to haul Gennifer Flowers into the conversation, but the real question is where is his own wife? She plagiarizes a speech and poor, she is never heard from again. Trump cans his campaign manager cozy with pro-Russian shady types, his dad in law is a communist, his new manager Bannon didnt want his kids in school with jewish kids and is the point person for mainstreaming white nationalist blabber through Brietbart. Roger Ailes is taking time off from his Bill Cosby lawsuits to help Donald paint the picket fence facade.
So yeah, bore us with the tax stuff before you go Don King/Jerry Springer on us, Donald.
6
Frank, don't give him advice. On the positive side, no teleprompter for Trump.
9
This a very scary moment for America and the world. For non-Americans looking on in horror it inconceivable that the electorate could chose Trump over anyone. But it's a real possibility.
9
ikenneth from Canada. Worry about prime minister Justin Trudeau who jumped out of his seat in parliament and shoved a female MP thinking that it was some bar brawl or the little Price of England ignoring him to give him a High Five. Kids are a good judge of character and Trudeau is just showing his colors and getting his snubs.
1
It's all a matter of punctuation. If Trump doesn't foam at the mouth, insult Hillary for taking a bathroom break, appears to be able to focus on an issue for more than twenty seconds, the after-action "journalists" and other commentators will fall all over themselves punctuating him as "presidential." I know this is difficult to believe, but there was a time when there were some serious, grounded, thoughtful journalists around. Edward R. Murrow, for one. Murrow would be able to see through Trump immediately, and he wouldn't be blathering about Trump's transformation into something "presidential." Our journalists these days aren't in Murrow's league. They either don't know better or they do and just don't care.
12
Reading the comments here, I'm amazed at just how unaware all but about 2 or 3 contributors are that Hillary Clinton is simply a very unlikable person. The more she talks, the more disliked she becomes. Trump, of course, has is own (many, many) issues. But HRC is seen a so grating, so dishonest, and of such questionable character herself that she really does not enter the debate season with the advantages her fans here think she has. Nor will 90 minutes of snarky, condescending, smarty pants behavior serve her with the many millions of people who have not yet made up their minds; that stuff turns people off fast. This is going to be the political equivalent of a Punch & Judy show.
4
Benedict. Thanks for your honest and bold benediction. You are not preaching to the choir but that is what is needed to wake up the choir that tells you that no matter how bad a candidates record is in public service she still deserves to be in the white house.
2
I am voting for her because I am a grownup, and want a knowledgeable, intelligent President who actually cares about the country, not some born-rich lazy fool with whom I can fantasize that I'm going to be all palsy-walsy.
2
I've no doubt that you have not, and never will have, met Mrs. Clinton. So you're opinion that she is unlikable is based on what, exactly.
Never mind. It's because she's a woman. And highly intelligent. And way more capable than you might be comfortable with. Right?
Never mind. It's because she's a woman. And highly intelligent. And way more capable than you might be comfortable with. Right?
3
"or Hillary to win, she will have to deliver a really, really, powerful knock-out blow in the form of some one-liner."
You mean like Mondale's "Where's the beef?" Or Lloyd Bentsen's "You're no Jack Kennedy?"
How did Mondale and Bentsen end up doing?
You mean like Mondale's "Where's the beef?" Or Lloyd Bentsen's "You're no Jack Kennedy?"
How did Mondale and Bentsen end up doing?
6
The 2016 Election Guide for Dummies:
How to Choose Between A Repulsive, Productive, Entertaining, Developmentally-Arrested Ignoramus and A Corrupt, Inept, Injudicious, Traitorous Wonk with Memory Issues
—First concede the obvious: Both nominees are profoundly unfit and dangerous.
—Then analyze the danger: Trump's danger is hypothetical, unwitting. Clinton's is proven, premeditated.
—Next measure the power differential: The Clinton machine already controls all levers of power. Trump controls nothing. Clinton/Establishment forces are arrayed against Trump, should he win.
—Finally answer the following critical question and vote accordingly: Under which president is there a higher probability of Armageddon?
Clinton: She has already put the world on a path to Armageddon. Clinton controls all levers of power. Clinton's fascistic impulses flourish when she holds power. Thus Armageddon under Clinton is a near-certainty.
Trump: He wields no power and the Establishment is arrayed against him. He will not be able to act unilaterally. Thus near-zero danger of Armageddon under Trump.
3
This is, of course, nuts.
3
I wis we had a real strong journalist to confront him when he saying lies. So far nobody beat Trump. I don't know what's going own with journalists today. We need investigation, we need facts. Don't forget that whatever happen, if he insults someone or says lies about security, war, economy or other nation, his uninformed voters will applaud him anyway. But the difference will be in a honest smart journalist. I don't know Lester Holt well. If Trump behavior good, but says lies, than it will be crucial to catch him and insist with the questions , because his gullible don't know and don't care. Lester will be the most important person of all 90 minutes. Hillary we already know, she will do well.
3
I take comfort in the deed of the pair going for a few beers who found a bag of bombs, moved them to an area that reduced their destructive potential, then informed the appropriate authorities. All Americans possess a certain amount of integrity, common sense, and morality that realize that the Orange One is really the devil and will not cast a vote for such a vile person. Vote in November. Use your head and power. Don't stay home. Don't vote for the third party that you long for. Vote for your children.
2
A tie is a loss for Clinton.
I remember when a bombastic Chris Christie debated Barbara Buono in NJ's last gubernatorial race. Chris was not bombastic or over-the-top with the well-respected NJ State Senator Buono; he was charitable and complimentary of her and her dedication to the citizens of NJ. That strategy helped Christie seem more likable and human. As a result he won in a landslide.
I suspect Trump will do the same. Trump will limit his digs and call Clinton out in a respectful way. He will confuse her with kindness and will be quasi-knowledgeable with some facts.
For Clinton to win she must dazzle with her knowledge of leaders and world affairs beyond ISIL and a wall in Mexico and how the Middle East is made up of people who also hate terrorism. She must clearly diagram for the American people how she would govern by understanding and knowing all of the players on the world stage. If she can also link Donald to Putin--in a bad way--that would be great too. Her strength is negotiating and policy and keeping good relationships around the world, not belittling other nations and leaders.
Lastly, she needs to own the email thing and make winning the trust and confidence of the American people her first priority. Frankly, her biggest mistake this whole election is taking her supporters for granted.
I'm a registered democrat but she's still got to win me convincingly. I can't vote her just because she's not Trump.
I remember when a bombastic Chris Christie debated Barbara Buono in NJ's last gubernatorial race. Chris was not bombastic or over-the-top with the well-respected NJ State Senator Buono; he was charitable and complimentary of her and her dedication to the citizens of NJ. That strategy helped Christie seem more likable and human. As a result he won in a landslide.
I suspect Trump will do the same. Trump will limit his digs and call Clinton out in a respectful way. He will confuse her with kindness and will be quasi-knowledgeable with some facts.
For Clinton to win she must dazzle with her knowledge of leaders and world affairs beyond ISIL and a wall in Mexico and how the Middle East is made up of people who also hate terrorism. She must clearly diagram for the American people how she would govern by understanding and knowing all of the players on the world stage. If she can also link Donald to Putin--in a bad way--that would be great too. Her strength is negotiating and policy and keeping good relationships around the world, not belittling other nations and leaders.
Lastly, she needs to own the email thing and make winning the trust and confidence of the American people her first priority. Frankly, her biggest mistake this whole election is taking her supporters for granted.
I'm a registered democrat but she's still got to win me convincingly. I can't vote her just because she's not Trump.
2
"For the many millions of us who regard Trump as irredeemably dangerous, he forfeited any legitimate claim to the presidency somewhere on the timeline between ridiculing John McCain’s military heroism and suggesting that Second Amendment enthusiasts take aim at Hillary Clinton."
I disagree. He forfeited it in 2012 when he lied about Obama's birth certificate.
I will not be one of the 100 million people watching. He'll keep it together and the pundits, already stating this as fact, will declare that he won because he didn't foam at the mouth.
I disagree. He forfeited it in 2012 when he lied about Obama's birth certificate.
I will not be one of the 100 million people watching. He'll keep it together and the pundits, already stating this as fact, will declare that he won because he didn't foam at the mouth.
6
Bruni suggests Trump might be "boring" during the debate. This is certainly possible. Remember how subdued Trump was when on stage with the President of Mexico?
5
All Hillary or the moderator has to ask Donald is when is he going to release his tax-returns and watch the con-man start to unravel.
2
We have two audiences: one wants to see a potential President, and one wants to see Hillary derided.
Both could emerge victorious in the minds of their own supporters.
For instance she will display a detailed knowledge if Middle East politics and players, he will say you had your chance now let a real negotiator take over. She will talk of plans to get America back to work, he will ask if these plans are stored on her own server.
It will be hard to watch.
.
Both could emerge victorious in the minds of their own supporters.
For instance she will display a detailed knowledge if Middle East politics and players, he will say you had your chance now let a real negotiator take over. She will talk of plans to get America back to work, he will ask if these plans are stored on her own server.
It will be hard to watch.
.
Some of us want to see trump derided. My money is on Hillary to do this.
George W. Bush appeared to wear a little receiver in his ear during debates. I'll be watching Trump's ears for something similar. Like Bush, Trump doesn't know anything. He would benefit if his handlers could whisper in his ear during the debate.
This gives Trump a recipe for success. Once again the media and its pundits are acting to boost Trump's chances to win, as they try to show their stuff and it hurts the cause of democracy.
Ironically, Bruni’s fondest wish is also Trump’s dream come true.
Trump’s political rise has been fueled by a willing media establishment that feeds on his ever grander misstatements, prevarications, fabrications, and every other form of deceit that the human mind can misconceive. Now, with the prospect of Gennifer Flowers sitting in the front row, Bruni may very well get his wish — instead of the media focusing on the substance of what would well have been a blowout on the policy specifics that should rightly be the focus of their attention, they will instead cravenly buckle under the weight of Trump’s monopoly of the newsroom and talk only of the drama of an ex-paramour of the former President sitting in the audience — no doubt a first in electoral politics.
Bruni and the Fourth Estate are rooting for the same thing that Trump is — that he control the media narrative of this election, every moment of every day. So far, he has won that game handily, and the results are telling. In no other political reality would a hack of such dramatic intellectual insignificance have wandered so close to the Presidency of the United States, were it not for the willing complicity of the media establishment, and the misguided beliefs of the pundit class who still believe that Trump can be stopped if people just listened to him more.
No - we need to hear from him not at all. Then he will go away. The media created this monster. And only they have the power to make him go away - quietly.
Trump’s political rise has been fueled by a willing media establishment that feeds on his ever grander misstatements, prevarications, fabrications, and every other form of deceit that the human mind can misconceive. Now, with the prospect of Gennifer Flowers sitting in the front row, Bruni may very well get his wish — instead of the media focusing on the substance of what would well have been a blowout on the policy specifics that should rightly be the focus of their attention, they will instead cravenly buckle under the weight of Trump’s monopoly of the newsroom and talk only of the drama of an ex-paramour of the former President sitting in the audience — no doubt a first in electoral politics.
Bruni and the Fourth Estate are rooting for the same thing that Trump is — that he control the media narrative of this election, every moment of every day. So far, he has won that game handily, and the results are telling. In no other political reality would a hack of such dramatic intellectual insignificance have wandered so close to the Presidency of the United States, were it not for the willing complicity of the media establishment, and the misguided beliefs of the pundit class who still believe that Trump can be stopped if people just listened to him more.
No - we need to hear from him not at all. Then he will go away. The media created this monster. And only they have the power to make him go away - quietly.
9
When the need arises, Americans demand the best surgeon, clinician, lawyer, carpenter, mechanic, pilot. Nothing but the best. When the time comes to elect a president, to the most difficult, the most important job in the world, the American voters want a person just like them, someone they could have a beer with: like Sarah Palin or Donald Trump: someone semiliterate or seminumerate; someone who couldn't tell a noun from a verb, someone totally ignorant of the world.
5
I'd like to see him forced to defend withholding his taxes.
2
If you are a supporter of Donald Trump, you have a civic duty to read The Making of Donald Trump. Do so before November 8 and save yourself a horrifying mistake and the rest of us the horror of the mistake you are about to make. I'm just picking up Trump Revealed. Stand by ...
1
Putting aside all of the valid discussion on Trump's outrageous performances - how really did we degrade past the boxers or briefs era and into actual discussion on the contents? - I have one question.
How is it that people can bear to watch him speak?
He revolves through the same three gestures with choreographed regularity. The thumb to forefinger A-OK sign; the forefinger aloft, thumb out pointer; and the five finger salute/static wave. It is mesmerizing. I don't mean that as a compliment.
But it might be an explanation. Trump hypnotizes his crowd with his repetitive, wooden gestures. So watch the debates like you watch an eclipse: don't look directly at a TV - just listen instead. And you will have a shot are hearing him as he really sounds.
How is it that people can bear to watch him speak?
He revolves through the same three gestures with choreographed regularity. The thumb to forefinger A-OK sign; the forefinger aloft, thumb out pointer; and the five finger salute/static wave. It is mesmerizing. I don't mean that as a compliment.
But it might be an explanation. Trump hypnotizes his crowd with his repetitive, wooden gestures. So watch the debates like you watch an eclipse: don't look directly at a TV - just listen instead. And you will have a shot are hearing him as he really sounds.
3
Trump can't stand not getting a reaction from a crowd. He will be the boorish provocateur, because he's convinced that's what has made him successful. My fear is that is what a lot of Americans want.
2
Whatever Trump does on the stage on Monday night... make a pretense of being presidential or be himself...the bigoted, bloviating bully we have watched for the past year, doesn't change the truth. He is not qualified to be president. For the good of our country, I just hope that Americans who are still undecided, or the ones who have fallen for the con man, or the ones who think this year is a good year for a protest vote, or Republicans who think party loyalty is more important than patriotism will realize the importance of selecting a qualified candidate...whether you like her or not, and send Mr. Trump, not to the White House, but back to Trump Tower where he belongs.
3
Trump, as a stupid and pathological narcissist, will be advised (it's too late for education or information) simply to pretend he's already President—that will attract him. But it will be difficult for him, because he's not at all Presidential. And it will be easy for Hillary, who is certifiably Presidential. So he will either revert to his own persona, or suffer by comparison in the Presidential role. It will be interesting to watch him decide who he is--an existential moment for his pathological self.
2
The first Gore-Bush debate was a disaster for Gore. He droned on and on - a dozen times - about the Social Security "Lawk Box", channeling the most obsequious high-school principal ever.
His polling went from favoring him to favoring Bush in one day. The turnaround was 12 percentage points (I can't remember whether he started +7 or +5, or came out -5 or -7).
His polling went from favoring him to favoring Bush in one day. The turnaround was 12 percentage points (I can't remember whether he started +7 or +5, or came out -5 or -7).
The polls need need to sort out what is defined as the "the wrong track", to me, the wrong track is the right leaning world of Republicans, the track should be more progressive. To others the wrong track might be progressive.
Same time, the economy is better, housing has recovered, unemployment is down, income for many of us is increasing. So what is the wrong track?
Same time, the economy is better, housing has recovered, unemployment is down, income for many of us is increasing. So what is the wrong track?
3
Frank, I think your fears are groundless unless, of course, Trump has the benefit of a prior look at all the questions to be asked of him, so his teleprompter, the very device he disparaged a year ago and now finds essential to save his a__, can be pre-programmed to keep him focused and "on message."
Trump has an eidetic (thank you, Sheldon Cooper) recall of slights and insults, but is beyond oblivious when actual facts and numbers need instant recall. Straightforward questions requiring background knowledge and reasoning ability to answer will leave him far from speechless, but blustering and blundering, as he picks through his limited vocabulary and even more miniscule understanding of the way the world actually works.
Trump is not nearly as frightening as are the numbers of believers he has accumulated. Even when (hopefully, not "if") he loses, they will still be out there. We will be going through this every four years for a long time to come.
Trump has an eidetic (thank you, Sheldon Cooper) recall of slights and insults, but is beyond oblivious when actual facts and numbers need instant recall. Straightforward questions requiring background knowledge and reasoning ability to answer will leave him far from speechless, but blustering and blundering, as he picks through his limited vocabulary and even more miniscule understanding of the way the world actually works.
Trump is not nearly as frightening as are the numbers of believers he has accumulated. Even when (hopefully, not "if") he loses, they will still be out there. We will be going through this every four years for a long time to come.
A huge compliment to the artist who created the graphic that accompanies this piece which clearly captures the persona, emotions and unique personal traits and characteristics of each of these candidates. It even reveals the kind of leader each would be Enough said without debate, judgement or a word spoken.
1
My hope is Trump will “rage and redden and lie and lash out like the Trump we’re accustomed to — the real Trump…” Why change now? Let Americans see who you really are, so that your poll numbers sink like a stone in water. Following which, you throw a tantrum, blame the biased media and don’t show up for the remaining two debates. The media might lose out on a ratings bonanza, but the American people will be spared of your presidency.
2
The problem is that Hillary Clinton has been running a lousy campaign. so far. Let me suggest changes:
1) She should learn to BRAG about her accomplishments, but balance these by also mentioning specific mistakes and by telling personal stories (not just policy statements).
2) She should push the idea of having a WOMAN president to the max, and not downplay it. Women may be the missing link in making our politics work. Women may be a catalyst to energize the workforce and the economy. Women focus on compromise more than competition, etc.
3) She should take Trump out, again and again, because he has zero (0) experience in government, and this is scary. Trump has said or done nothing to convince us that he has the skill and the wisdom to be president. He is UNQUALIFIED, period.
One step for (W)oman. One giant leap for (H)umankind
---------------------------------------------------------------------
1) She should learn to BRAG about her accomplishments, but balance these by also mentioning specific mistakes and by telling personal stories (not just policy statements).
2) She should push the idea of having a WOMAN president to the max, and not downplay it. Women may be the missing link in making our politics work. Women may be a catalyst to energize the workforce and the economy. Women focus on compromise more than competition, etc.
3) She should take Trump out, again and again, because he has zero (0) experience in government, and this is scary. Trump has said or done nothing to convince us that he has the skill and the wisdom to be president. He is UNQUALIFIED, period.
One step for (W)oman. One giant leap for (H)umankind
---------------------------------------------------------------------
1
Viewership for the debate will be high because many people are hoping to witness live a train-wreck moment that will be on every highlight reel of campaign 2016. How refreshing it would be if Lester Holt checks the candidates' impulses to go for the cheap shots and instead forces them to focus on facts and policy. Imagine if voters walked away from this event with a better sense of the candidates' abilities and intentions. That's a dream that will trump Bruni's nightmare.
The Donald, carnival huckster supreme, never thought he would get this far, and at first, didn't really waned to get this far. Until he did. He wanted to be a protest candidate so he could get more publicity and visibility for his next reality venture. My prediction - he will be so outrageous, so inappropriate, so off the wall, that only one of two things can happen - he will implode (at last), or his numbers will go up. Make America Great Again......for whom ?
2
Without hyperbole, amazingly, the fate of the world rests on a single mid-western woman's shoulders Monday night!
6
Remember when a debate served as an opportunity for the participants to showcase their knowledge on issues presented by the moderator?
7
There were a few in the past that were pretty good. The reality is, as far back as television goes (I'm thinking back to Kennedy/Nixon) these things have always been more about "appearance" and "perception". You're right, to try and call what we have now, debates, is like putting lipstick on a pig.
I watched most of the Republican debates this year and I noticed very clearly that Donald Trump frequently tired by the end, would get listless like a bored and tired kid, and didn't look "Presidential" at all (not that many of his rivals did).
He complained after one or two that 2 hours was far too long--and looked totally exhausted as he was saying that.
My point is that Trump has made a big and foolish deal about Clinton's health and stamina but whenever Trump is "quiet and subdued" he ALWAYS looks exhausted and like he wants to be somewhere else.
In other words, there's the bombastic Don "Rickles" Trump and the Donald "zzzzz" Trump but no thoughtful, quiet focused Trump.
He complained after one or two that 2 hours was far too long--and looked totally exhausted as he was saying that.
My point is that Trump has made a big and foolish deal about Clinton's health and stamina but whenever Trump is "quiet and subdued" he ALWAYS looks exhausted and like he wants to be somewhere else.
In other words, there's the bombastic Don "Rickles" Trump and the Donald "zzzzz" Trump but no thoughtful, quiet focused Trump.
2
Frank, I sympathize with your concern but only to a point. Donald Trump can't change his nature. "He is what he is" doesn't mean a whole lot but if he tries to wear other clothes in front of a huge television audience, he'll expose himself as a chameleon.
He's come very far and I don't think he'll gamble it all away by trying to be something other than what he is. Remember, he's really nothing more than a used-car salesman. He'll stay with what's been successful for the past 15 months. He's comfortable in the shallow end of the pool; he won't venture into deep waters. He can't swim.
Matt Lauer feared a cage match with Trump and his professional reputation suffered irreversible damage. Trump cherishes the same fears, too. He has enough ego that he won't want to look like a fool before the world; this will work against him because he *is* a fool--he simply doesn't know it.
Unlike Hillary Clinton, Trump has really not been tested in a high-stakes forum before. His ignorance will be front and center Monday night. There's no way he can credibly dance around a question. People will be looking at his reactions and listening for answers to serious questions. He's going to have something of substance to offer; the thinking here is he doesn't.
He cannot display anger, which is almost impossible for him. His red face under that orange hair will not become him. At that point, what he says will be lost because Mrs. Clinton has him cornered.
If he shouts and pouts, he will lose.
He's come very far and I don't think he'll gamble it all away by trying to be something other than what he is. Remember, he's really nothing more than a used-car salesman. He'll stay with what's been successful for the past 15 months. He's comfortable in the shallow end of the pool; he won't venture into deep waters. He can't swim.
Matt Lauer feared a cage match with Trump and his professional reputation suffered irreversible damage. Trump cherishes the same fears, too. He has enough ego that he won't want to look like a fool before the world; this will work against him because he *is* a fool--he simply doesn't know it.
Unlike Hillary Clinton, Trump has really not been tested in a high-stakes forum before. His ignorance will be front and center Monday night. There's no way he can credibly dance around a question. People will be looking at his reactions and listening for answers to serious questions. He's going to have something of substance to offer; the thinking here is he doesn't.
He cannot display anger, which is almost impossible for him. His red face under that orange hair will not become him. At that point, what he says will be lost because Mrs. Clinton has him cornered.
If he shouts and pouts, he will lose.
1
How nice of the press, NYT included, to final notice that Trump is far worse than a buffoon. After promoting him tirelessly for a year, at that! Every day of the primary season there was an article about Trump on the top left of the front page. EVERY DAY.
If he wins, the press will have much to answer for. They promoted Trump - for free! They promoted Hillary, the disliked. They trashed Bernie, the well liked who drew huge crowds filled with the millennials and Independents who won't give Hillary a second look. The Times assured us the she doesn't need any help from Bernie. Really? I'd say she needs all the help she can get.
Maybe Trump will help her by towering over her menacingly, but I doubt it. It's up for grabs, folks, because the press needed the clicks and the ca-ching they bring.
If he wins, the press will have much to answer for. They promoted Trump - for free! They promoted Hillary, the disliked. They trashed Bernie, the well liked who drew huge crowds filled with the millennials and Independents who won't give Hillary a second look. The Times assured us the she doesn't need any help from Bernie. Really? I'd say she needs all the help she can get.
Maybe Trump will help her by towering over her menacingly, but I doubt it. It's up for grabs, folks, because the press needed the clicks and the ca-ching they bring.
1
Lester Holt will be the dispositive factor in the first debate and maybe the election. This debate will the be penultimate moment of the campaign. The stakes couldn't be higher. The content of Holt's questions will determine the quality and tone of the evening. Will he ask factual questions requiring specific answers or will they be general in nature ? Will he aggressively follow up if the candidate is evasive, and a second or third time if necessary ? Will he allow the candidates to "pivot" and attack their opponent or spout their talking points instead of answering the question.? Will he challenge Trump aggressively about his serial fabrications, foundation, and tax returns, and challenge Clinton's judgement on Iraq, Libya, and the Email debacle ? Will he allow Donald Trump to lie, or will he confront him, or expect Hillary to fact check him? Lester Holt has enormous credibility and an objective, no nonsense, manner. No one is going to run over him. I can't wait.
57
Yes -- but I sure hope no more time is wasted on the e-mail or Benghazi, both of which have already been done to death.
2
Yes. This is made by and for TV. I don't agree with people who suggest fact-checking. What is needed is a steady hand at the helm and unbiased questions. If the debate structure is kept even-handed, unlike what Matt Lauer did, it will give equal time to both candidates. That's the best we can hope for, and that Hillary will be her more quiet thoughtful kind self. She needs to be the person so many people admire in direct communications.
Let the dogooder workaholic chick out of her cage and hope she acts rather than reacts.
Let the dogooder workaholic chick out of her cage and hope she acts rather than reacts.
2
He will definitely behave as a serious journalist and ask hard pointed questions, of Hillary.
Of Donald? Not so much.
From what I've see even the best of them are afraid of Donald.
Of Donald? Not so much.
From what I've see even the best of them are afraid of Donald.
"[It] won't be Hillary they've come to watch."
True, but Hillary will be there too, and she needs to seize the opportunity. If Trump doesn't persuade undecided voters that he "looks Presidential" (as Reagan did in his debate with Carter in 1980), Clinton can do quite well by doing very little at all. But if Trump DOES persuade undecided voters that he "looks Presidential" and Clinton hasn't done much of anything in the debate, she'll lose.
True, but Hillary will be there too, and she needs to seize the opportunity. If Trump doesn't persuade undecided voters that he "looks Presidential" (as Reagan did in his debate with Carter in 1980), Clinton can do quite well by doing very little at all. But if Trump DOES persuade undecided voters that he "looks Presidential" and Clinton hasn't done much of anything in the debate, she'll lose.
2
Excellent cartoon by Ben Weisman
9
Many Clinton supporters insist that Lester Holt must be "tough" on Trump where Matt Lauer was "soft." Holt undoubtedly is aware of that advice. It's a risky course, however. Viewers want to hear what Clinton and Trump have to say, how Clinton and Trump appear on stage -- not what Lester Holt has to say or how Lester Holt appears. And any effort Holt might make in that direction will open him up to "bias" charges.
If I were Holt, I'd leave it up to a candidate's opponent to point out lies or flawed arguments.
If I were Holt, I'd leave it up to a candidate's opponent to point out lies or flawed arguments.
3
It's a debate and the moderator is supposed to be neutral. If Leslie Holt becomes biased against Mr. Trump, this "strategy" may not work. We see just how much the NYTimes jaundiced view on Mr. Trump has done, while going gaga over Hillary Clinton from day one of the primaries hasn't elevated her much considering what she has as an opponent.
On the other hand, if Mr. Holt is not tough ion Hillary Clinton, then the independent voters will see the bias against Mr. Trump, and the support for Mrs. Clinton - not a good strategy at all.
As for Leslie Holt, I just don;t see him as a moderator for a presidential debate at all!
On the other hand, if Mr. Holt is not tough ion Hillary Clinton, then the independent voters will see the bias against Mr. Trump, and the support for Mrs. Clinton - not a good strategy at all.
As for Leslie Holt, I just don;t see him as a moderator for a presidential debate at all!
3
I hope Don reddens, rages and lashes
He knows nothing, except for what cash is
If Hillary's smart
She'll kick start that upstart
Make her points and cleverly mash his
He knows nothing, except for what cash is
If Hillary's smart
She'll kick start that upstart
Make her points and cleverly mash his
6
Witness the fix from the NYTimes,
It hasn't worked for the cost of a dime,
The princess in waiting,
will not do well baiting,
and come across,
with a great big loss.
It hasn't worked for the cost of a dime,
The princess in waiting,
will not do well baiting,
and come across,
with a great big loss.
1
I wish you were not giving that person any ideas about how he could seem okay. He is not okay. He's been given a pass by too many people that he is "normal." The man has no moral compass. No compassion. No capacity for forgiveness. Those traits are not normal.
It is frightening that he has come this far. Do not encourage good behavior.
It is frightening that he has come this far. Do not encourage good behavior.
11
The key is for Mr. Holt to ensure neither candidate is provided the opportunity to avoid answering the questions America needs to hear them answer. I don't want Mr. Trump to receive any more critical treatment than Ms. Clinton, but it's time he faces the public and has to be clear, definitive and consistent with his answers..... assuming he is even capable of that anyway.
6
Mr. Holt has his work cut out for him. Let's see if his extensive experience as an investigative journalist allows him to set and maintain a focus for the discussions. Mr. Lauer is better off sticking to the morning celebrity gossip and cooking recipes.
If ever there was a case for free college education this election is it. Why can't people realize what a disaster he will for our country? Hopefully Clinton will put him in his place and the country can move on from this national nightmare!
7
This is one American who will not be watching the debates. There is nothing I could hear from either candidate that would change my view or my vote. Hillary, for all her faults, is a smart and competent person; Trump is an idiot. Forget, for the moment, that he's a misogynist and racist. He's simply not very bright- and it shows. I get absolutely nauseous at the though of him representing our country on the international stage. And, God forbid, the R's retain the House and Senate- then I'm outta here.
Second, these are not debates. This circus is just prime time entertainment where nothing of importance will be discussed and there will be no rigor in the questioning. It's even being promoted as if it were an episode of 'Survivor.' I don't need to watch TV journalism totally debase itself- this devolution is truly scary for a Democracy.
I have split my ticket in the past as an Independent, but never again. Republican candidates won't even get passing consideration since foisting this abomination of a candidate on us. And with a few brave exceptions, every one of the sitting Republican Senators and Reps have proven themselves to be cynical opportunists and hypocrites. Of course, they proved that throughout the Obama years, but this election has really driven it home. No, I'll be catching up on my backlog of TV shows or reading a book. Reading the over-hyped play-by-play the next day will be bad enough.
Second, these are not debates. This circus is just prime time entertainment where nothing of importance will be discussed and there will be no rigor in the questioning. It's even being promoted as if it were an episode of 'Survivor.' I don't need to watch TV journalism totally debase itself- this devolution is truly scary for a Democracy.
I have split my ticket in the past as an Independent, but never again. Republican candidates won't even get passing consideration since foisting this abomination of a candidate on us. And with a few brave exceptions, every one of the sitting Republican Senators and Reps have proven themselves to be cynical opportunists and hypocrites. Of course, they proved that throughout the Obama years, but this election has really driven it home. No, I'll be catching up on my backlog of TV shows or reading a book. Reading the over-hyped play-by-play the next day will be bad enough.
17
Absolutely correct, but I hope that Trump doesn't read this, or can't take it to heart. Are you his debate coach, or what?
2
I appreciate the completely bizarre and peculiar context of this debate but honestly, Rule #1 for the press (and commentators like you, Mr. Bruni) is to maybe trust the public just a little bit more with the facts that matter, possibly even with a bit of depth. Ignore the surface, the spin, the "optics" and, of course, the intentional distractions of a clown whose sole expertise is attracting attention.
This isn't the GOP Primary Sideshow. This is the general, and we have to have faith that a majority of the public is aware of the stakes and is actually interested in some substance. If that proves to be untrue, there's nothing you or I can do to change the outcome.
This isn't the GOP Primary Sideshow. This is the general, and we have to have faith that a majority of the public is aware of the stakes and is actually interested in some substance. If that proves to be untrue, there's nothing you or I can do to change the outcome.
73
I suppose that a majority of registered voters will be able to vote (despite the efforts of the GOP to put obstacles in their way). The voters will get the candidate they deserve, if they have not bothered to inform themselves. However, the level at which Trump operates is shown by his suggesting he may invite Gennifer Flowers to the debate. Since she is not known to be an expert on international or domestic issues, her presence seems irrelevant. But it does demonstrate how Trump is essentially a vaudeville act. If he were to win, he would be totally bored after 1 hour as president, and then the question is, who will actually be making policy and decisions? Presumably not Ms. Flowers, but who?
2
Yes, indeed. I happen to worry a lot about the role of Pence should the Donald's interest flag in being president. Pence is the true and scary conservative.
1
The point of inviting Gennifer Flowers is to irritate and unnerve Mrs. Clinton, get her off her game. And to remind viewers of Bill's womanizing. Pretty sexist it is too, as though Hillary is no more than Bill's wife rather than an accomplished individual of her own. It is also Trump's vaudeville, low cunning, his carnival barker approach to the Presidency. All Americans should reject it, but we know they won't. Maybe Hillary can just invite Ivanka and Marla--!
His well documented thin skin will be his undoing.
He will be especially vulnerable when attack is by...... wait for it: a woman.
Then the fireworks start.
His 'handlers', as if such a category of humans exists in relation to Mr. Trump, know this.
Despite that, he is who he is, and he is constitutionally incapable of controlling those impulses.
He will be especially vulnerable when attack is by...... wait for it: a woman.
Then the fireworks start.
His 'handlers', as if such a category of humans exists in relation to Mr. Trump, know this.
Despite that, he is who he is, and he is constitutionally incapable of controlling those impulses.
81
Let us hope.
1
If Trump focuses for the forty-five minutes, it will be because he was dosed with Ritalin.
11
Supposedly this is a 90 minute no commercial interruption debate. I remember seeing Drumpf visibly flag after an hour or so of some of the Republican debates. I think HRC can outlast him stamina-wise. This afternoon, I decided to stop watching news networks and switched to Turner Classic Movies and found that I really hadn't turned off the election at all. The movie being shown was "A Face in the Crowd" where a charismatic television personality becomes way too close to a position of power in the USA. He is brought down, but the last lines of the movie are rather apt for this election. We may let people like Lonesome Rhodes rise, but "We get wise to them-that's our strength. That's our strength." I hope we show the same strength this November.
10
"Putin's poodle..."
Must admit I'm amazed this has "worked" so well. Otherwise intelligent people I know actually believe that Putin is pulling the strings in this election. Maybe he is, but we should all keep in mind that there's not a shred of evidence to support this. Trump says he's never met Putin or communicated with him in any way, and I'm not aware of any credible challenge to him on that.
Nevertheless, there's no question that this "Putin's poodle..." argument has "worked" very well for Clinton supporters.
Must admit I'm amazed this has "worked" so well. Otherwise intelligent people I know actually believe that Putin is pulling the strings in this election. Maybe he is, but we should all keep in mind that there's not a shred of evidence to support this. Trump says he's never met Putin or communicated with him in any way, and I'm not aware of any credible challenge to him on that.
Nevertheless, there's no question that this "Putin's poodle..." argument has "worked" very well for Clinton supporters.
Actually Trump did brag at sometime ago that he meet Putin in a green room before his 60 minutes interview. That was debunked. And when they started linking Trump to Putin in a bad way then Trump said he never meet the man.
It does not matter much, Trump is known liar. He says most thing all the ways that it can be said. So you can take your pick on whatever makes you happy.
It does not matter much, Trump is known liar. He says most thing all the ways that it can be said. So you can take your pick on whatever makes you happy.
MyThreeCents -- Putin's poodle is shorthand for Trump's oft-expressed admiration for Putin's way of leading -- strong, intolerant of difference, essentially dictatorial. Remember the big shout of admiration for Putin's 82 percent approval rating?As if polls in Russia were freely conducted. More ignorance shown by the Donald.
The more serious side of his admiration is the history of trying to build Trump towers in Moscow, etc., and the business arrangements we can't know because he won't release his tax returns.
I, for one, would like to know just how chummy the Trump empire is with the Russians and how complicated the financial ties are. China, too, for all Trump's noise about China cleaning our clock in trade, etc.
The more serious side of his admiration is the history of trying to build Trump towers in Moscow, etc., and the business arrangements we can't know because he won't release his tax returns.
I, for one, would like to know just how chummy the Trump empire is with the Russians and how complicated the financial ties are. China, too, for all Trump's noise about China cleaning our clock in trade, etc.
Didn't Trump actually say that he did meet him? And as recently revealed, it is impossible to trace the true owners of many of his business entities, many of which are suspected to be Russian or at least foreign. If it is Russian money behind any of it those people will certainly have ties to Putin.
"All Trump has to do is control himself and he's president."
That's a slight overstatement, but only slight, and so I agree with you. He DOES, however, have to do that. Whether he will remains a very big question in my mind.
That's a slight overstatement, but only slight, and so I agree with you. He DOES, however, have to do that. Whether he will remains a very big question in my mind.
I am certainly not a psychologist but I believe that Trump will, at some point or other, despite advice from his group of supporters, lash out at Clinton or some other person or group in a way that is customary for him. That is what he does, it is in his nature, it is a part of what makes him what he is. He appears to be especially irritated and defensive when called out on a lie. And it shouldn't be hard for Ms Clinton or Lester Holt to do that. Like most narcissists Trump believes he is right about everything he does or says. Especially noteworthy to me is his continuous attempts to counter-sue everyone who brings a suit against him. He won't simply accept that he did something wrong or illegal, or that the person suing him is right, but he will fight on.
34
The obvious and not coincidently most overlooked fact is that of man vs woman.
Thanks to years of suppression by any and all means most men and quite a few women remain convinced a woman is unable lead our nation.
While backing up this conclusion would fill books one wolf whistle from any construction site anywhere in the world eliminates any need for that much print.
Women are and have always been considered brainless sex objects to anyone who has passed a news kiosk in the last century and even if at her advanced age Ms Clinton no longer draws the stare and sound from the guys who leer and whistle, she certainly carries the brainless tizzy caricature highlighted in the reflected neon of Mr Trump's towering arrogance.
The fact that a contest even appears on our imminent political horizon featuring the mental lightweight in the red corner should make such an essentially vapid observation crystal clear to the dullest among us, but, as judged by this column, there appears little doubt enough unobservant people remain unconvinced Mr Trump is not truly unqualified that Mr Bruni feels compelled to write another column pointing this out to the great unwashed.
There should be no sharing the stage with Ms Clinton by a man who is best sorted to picking up old smokable butts dropped by the audience, but this is America where men still rule
At this point I can only hope the general male public is not as dimwitted as Mr Trump makes us appear.
Thanks to years of suppression by any and all means most men and quite a few women remain convinced a woman is unable lead our nation.
While backing up this conclusion would fill books one wolf whistle from any construction site anywhere in the world eliminates any need for that much print.
Women are and have always been considered brainless sex objects to anyone who has passed a news kiosk in the last century and even if at her advanced age Ms Clinton no longer draws the stare and sound from the guys who leer and whistle, she certainly carries the brainless tizzy caricature highlighted in the reflected neon of Mr Trump's towering arrogance.
The fact that a contest even appears on our imminent political horizon featuring the mental lightweight in the red corner should make such an essentially vapid observation crystal clear to the dullest among us, but, as judged by this column, there appears little doubt enough unobservant people remain unconvinced Mr Trump is not truly unqualified that Mr Bruni feels compelled to write another column pointing this out to the great unwashed.
There should be no sharing the stage with Ms Clinton by a man who is best sorted to picking up old smokable butts dropped by the audience, but this is America where men still rule
At this point I can only hope the general male public is not as dimwitted as Mr Trump makes us appear.
63
Actually it is because Clinton does not carry the "brainless tizzy" stereotype that she has been assigned numerous other "throw stuff at walls and see what sticks" stereotypes.
Women with power should be mainstream. Given the fact of being half the population, having issues defined by a trust funder game show host like Trump is the brainless part.
Women with power should be mainstream. Given the fact of being half the population, having issues defined by a trust funder game show host like Trump is the brainless part.
I've never been able to get past that tape recording of Trump pretending to be someone else in order to brag about himself to a People magazine reporter. Who does that? It says everything you need to know about Trump but I'll bet most voters aren't even aware of the incident and others have forgotten. Too bad a moderator can't play the recording while Trump stands at the lectern and denies the voice is his in front of the biggest audience tuning in.
72
That would take guts from Mr. Holt, but it certainly something that should be explored and she would be served by bringing it up in the context of which Donald Trump is before the cameras. He is a liar. There is no doubt about that and it needs to be a part of the discussion.
Hadn't imagined that a measured debate performance would give Donald Trump a Mulligan, a do-over, as Doug Sosnick, Bill Clinton's Democratic strategist opined. It's like watching the Indie 500 and hoping to see a crash (God forbid), or watching the Super Bowl at half-time and looking for wardrobe malfunctions. Face it, Frank, if Donald Trump goes into this debate with Hillary Clinton and looks presidential (as opposed to his usual carney-barker, bigoted, bloviating, gun-loving self), those who have not decided for whom to vote may find Trump an excellent candidate for their vote. Without Trump's 18 months of overwhelming vulgarity, crassness and his usual misogyny, bigotry, demented praise of guns, how will we recognize him?
The scenario of a dignified and respectful Trump is the worst possible for Hillary in their debate. How can it be that 15 to 20 percent of voters haven't made up their minds yet for whom they will vote? Underneath the Emperor's clothes, he's still the nekkid schoolyard bully and we only hope he bullies and rags at Hillary during monday night's seminal Presidential Debate. Anyone but Donald Trump, anyone but Hillary Clinton? What a sorry pass we have come to! Trump's laundry list of horrific outrages you've limned, Frank, are beyond gross but could be outrageously good fortune for the Lucky Trump whose low-info followers don't remember diddly. His report card for the debate will hopefully be " F - Donald doesn't play well with others."
The scenario of a dignified and respectful Trump is the worst possible for Hillary in their debate. How can it be that 15 to 20 percent of voters haven't made up their minds yet for whom they will vote? Underneath the Emperor's clothes, he's still the nekkid schoolyard bully and we only hope he bullies and rags at Hillary during monday night's seminal Presidential Debate. Anyone but Donald Trump, anyone but Hillary Clinton? What a sorry pass we have come to! Trump's laundry list of horrific outrages you've limned, Frank, are beyond gross but could be outrageously good fortune for the Lucky Trump whose low-info followers don't remember diddly. His report card for the debate will hopefully be " F - Donald doesn't play well with others."
18
"I would like to see her bait him. Get him to lose it."
The chances that Trump's advisers have warned him not to "lose it" are somewhere north of 99.9%. He might nevertheless "lose it," of course, but Clinton might look rather foolish if she baits him and he doesn't take the bait.
What Clinton really needs to do is give undecided voters a reason to vote for her. Proving that she's more of a policy wonk won't accomplish that. That's already conceded. She has to persuade voters that there's more to her than that. Is there?
The chances that Trump's advisers have warned him not to "lose it" are somewhere north of 99.9%. He might nevertheless "lose it," of course, but Clinton might look rather foolish if she baits him and he doesn't take the bait.
What Clinton really needs to do is give undecided voters a reason to vote for her. Proving that she's more of a policy wonk won't accomplish that. That's already conceded. She has to persuade voters that there's more to her than that. Is there?
12
Of course there is more to her than being a policy wonk. But exactly what do you need her to be for you to support her over Trump, the over-grown child bully with ZERO experience in public policy, state or local government, etc. other than to sue them? Do you wish she were a failed businessman, too? with gains gotten only from endless lawsuits and cheating of contractors, hiring of immigrants even as he trashed them for being or wanting to be in this country?
Here is an interesting fact about your column Mr. Bruni. The word Republican appears only two times, "Republican primaries" and "Republican fold".
He is the Republican candidate. That's my nightmare.
He is the Republican candidate. That's my nightmare.
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I was at a conference this week in DC and speaker David Gregory asked a crowd of maybe 1,500 whether any in the audience were undecided. When a few raised their hands, he couldn't help himself and let out a quick chuckle of amusement (or amazement.) I don't blame him. How, in this age of information, you could be unable to choose between Clinton and Trump, is a total mystery.
On the other hand, I saw a guy running on the mall Friday morning wearing a Trump shirt, so who knows where this crazy thing is going...
On the other hand, I saw a guy running on the mall Friday morning wearing a Trump shirt, so who knows where this crazy thing is going...
21
I know many highly educated, successful people who have said they cannot vote for Hilary.
1
First of all, I don't know what is meant by "people want change". Each person not doing well would like a change in his/her situation. In this case, it would mean a more robust economy. Do they want a change in foreign affairs and does that mean going to war against real and supposed enemies. Liberals want change in the Supreme Court but conservatives don't want any change. We all want change in the Congress but only them can alter the regulations that encourage paralysis, and they don't want change. For each person that wants change, there is one that doesn't. Each change means that someone's ox is being gored and the more powerful the resister to change, the less chance of getting it. The sad thing is that the changes that people think Trump will make are either not possible or changes that will not do them any good.
59
Great points about change, Frank. The pundits and media are absolutely bonkers about the notion of change, but precious few have gone so far as to define what that means. Yes, the wealthier and well-covered citizens might well want an end to Obamacare, and those struggling with high deductibles want a change in cost and accessibility. Those who want to see a more liberal Supreme Court appointment want the court to be more progressive in its tilt, and those with jobs in the oil industry want to see more drilling.
It's all change, but it does not indicate any kind of national trend - just a whole bunch of interest groups or positions. We need the media to stop dwelling on the notion of "this is a change election," which plays right into the hands of the so-called outsider, Trump, and sets an overall mood or tone that the level of national disgust requires that we elect him.
It's all change, but it does not indicate any kind of national trend - just a whole bunch of interest groups or positions. We need the media to stop dwelling on the notion of "this is a change election," which plays right into the hands of the so-called outsider, Trump, and sets an overall mood or tone that the level of national disgust requires that we elect him.
1
Trump is going to be the perfect gentleman - if it takes Kellyanne Conway to drug him to do so.
Wanna bet?
Wanna bet?
25
This is something that I seriously worry about. Call me crazy, but his "team" knows that he's a loose cannon and can't control himself when he gets riled up so they just might try a trick like that.
I am betting he can't filter his mouth for 90 minutes. If he gets nasty with Hillary, there is a good chance that he will alienate suburban women whose votes he needs.
All Hillary has to do is be herself: smart, savvy, and funny, and let Trump be Trump. As they say in Al Anon, sometimes you just have to stand back and let the disaster happen.
87
or sit back and watch it happen.....
1
If Bruni hadn't written many other anti-Trump pieces that make him seem sincere here, I'd wonder, frankly, whether he's actually rooting for Trump to behave in exactly the way Bruni says would worry him. I doubt there's anyone who disagrees that Trump needs above all to "look Presidential." Whether the bar has been set far too low for him is a matter of considerable debate, of course, but there's no disagreement that that's what he needs to do.
5
First, It's difficult for me to imagine that here are people who are still undecided. Surely there is enough information out there about these two candidates that it shouldn't take this "debate" to sway anyone at this point.
Second, what is the nature of this so-called debate? I have been reading lots of articles offering up tips on how Clinton should present herself. So this is not going to be a debate in the Lincoln-Douglas mold. This is all about how Clinton can come across as a "likable" person. In essence Clinton will be putting on a performance playing to an audience where ideas, policies and character matter far less than the modulation of her voice.
Second, what is the nature of this so-called debate? I have been reading lots of articles offering up tips on how Clinton should present herself. So this is not going to be a debate in the Lincoln-Douglas mold. This is all about how Clinton can come across as a "likable" person. In essence Clinton will be putting on a performance playing to an audience where ideas, policies and character matter far less than the modulation of her voice.
7
Here's the problem for you and the other Hillary supporters: She voted to authorize and she endorsed the worst foreign policy decision in American history, the invasion of Iraq. Then she repeated the same mistake in Libya. I appreciate (and share) the widespread contempt for Trump, and I agree with your view that his ridiculous comments should not be excused or forgotten. ("He deserves no fresh appraisal. He shouldn’t get a do-over.") But the same standard applies to Hillary and her itchy trigger finger.
The "binary choice" crowd is wrong. There is a reasonable alternative to the two major party candidates. For many of us, neither of these two deserve our vote.
The "binary choice" crowd is wrong. There is a reasonable alternative to the two major party candidates. For many of us, neither of these two deserve our vote.
7
Gary Johnson, at least, has demonstrated less than a middle school grasp of international affairs. We live in a world, not only a country. Jill Stein is factirs of 10 worse. Stop with the third party silliness. Cmon man.
jrd: Aw, c'mon. Mrs. C.wasn't the only one who voted to invade Iraq. You can eviscerate most of congress and General Powell. As to Libya her reason to invade
and by the way it was the administration, the President, was to prevent the genocide threatened by Kadafy. There is no comparison - Trump is contemptible in spades, it has been beyond disgust to watch the display this fraudulent idiot has
shown us, over and over at those endless humiliating rallies we had to view. From what I've observed, the press let him get away with murder, while they pounced on her mercilessly for her mistakes. Remember, it was Trump who disrespected the President and kept it going for 5 yrs. and never apologized. It was Trump who displayed misogyny, racism, bigotry, made fun of a disabled reporter, I could go on and on and you know it. Unless you're brain dead, you've seen the Trump vileness for months now. Yes, Mrs. C. deserves our vote and a lot more.
and by the way it was the administration, the President, was to prevent the genocide threatened by Kadafy. There is no comparison - Trump is contemptible in spades, it has been beyond disgust to watch the display this fraudulent idiot has
shown us, over and over at those endless humiliating rallies we had to view. From what I've observed, the press let him get away with murder, while they pounced on her mercilessly for her mistakes. Remember, it was Trump who disrespected the President and kept it going for 5 yrs. and never apologized. It was Trump who displayed misogyny, racism, bigotry, made fun of a disabled reporter, I could go on and on and you know it. Unless you're brain dead, you've seen the Trump vileness for months now. Yes, Mrs. C. deserves our vote and a lot more.
1
She voted to keep the pressure on Iraq to cooperate with the UN inspectors to prove that it had disarmed as mandated. Bush jumped the gun and wrecked the whole region.
2
This debate is similar to a job interview between two potential job seekers. We assume the debate/job interview will determine who is the best candidate. It will determine who is the best performer or the most entertaining or believable on the night, not who will actually be the best President or employer. Confidence does not always translate into an ability to do the job.
The debate will be like comparing reports from movie reviewers. What one sees as a very ordinary movie, another might see as a masterpiece of cinema.
Perceptions are fickle, yet it appears nearly half the voters see no issue with electing an unqualified showman as the next President.
The debate will be like comparing reports from movie reviewers. What one sees as a very ordinary movie, another might see as a masterpiece of cinema.
Perceptions are fickle, yet it appears nearly half the voters see no issue with electing an unqualified showman as the next President.
7
There are some lies that are easily pointed out and challenged. Holt should do that, and so should Clinton. But it's a fair bet that Trump's advisers have coached him carefully to avoid that type. More likely, his "lies" will amount to exaggerations or opinions with a factual basis that many of us would consider insufficient or wholly lacking. If Holt and/or Clinton jump on those "lies," they may appear to be over-reaching; Trump could appear as the unfairly challenged victim in those confrontations.
If I were Clinton, and especially if I were Holt, I'd be very careful. A trap can easily be laid.
If I were Clinton, and especially if I were Holt, I'd be very careful. A trap can easily be laid.
7
Bob Kerrey is commenting on Presidential candidates? Has he been rehabilitated that much.After the Thanh Phong revelations, should anyone pay attention to Bob Kerrey?
1
Discuss what Kerry says, not what you believe his character to be.
Mr. Bruni:
"forecasting", on this date,
what DJT will or will not do at Hofstra University on Monday night during the first presidential debate is clearly a fools errand.
the general impression from this perspective,
is that no matter what occurs or is missing,
DJT's acolytes will still be very strongly in his camp - - -
they will not be deterred in their belief that he should be our next president.
HRC's followers will not-be deterred either.
the roughly 15% of the people who will actually vote
and who have not-yet made a choice are the target-audience
for both of these candidates.
will they be persuaded?
which way?
probably not ...
yet ...
all of us are charged with the responsibility to
determine whether or not "change" is the single
criteria upon which to make this decision,
and whether or not the "change" that DJT
represents, in all of his racist bullying, is acceptable.
this continues to be an extraordinarily close contest
as we have a nation with a deep divide,
with almost equal quantities of voters in both groups.
tritely put: stay tuned.
shudder
shudder
2
But I thought Drumpf wasn't going to debate during an NFL football game. It's too bad it ain't the Pats vs any good team, half the country would choose the NFL. Now I know why they suspended Brady, they are best friends ya know.
1
Question his masculinity, and he'll respond in mysogynistic ways we haven't seen before. His fear of The Other, his love of guns, his urging supporters to do violence, his building a wall, his 1950s thinking -- it's all about threats to his masculinity. His campaign is an effort to buttress his masculinity, and it's time to poke that bear.
19
Trump is trash. He won't disappoint. He has to give his fans what they want. Do when he launches his cable news extravaganza starring Hannity and O'Reilly, he can deliver the viewers to his Russian financial backers.
17
It's the Super Bowel, largely defensive, no daring new plays. No one wants to make a big mistake, (fumble). Trump, will be more entertaining and glib, Hillary will be wonkish.
If the tone is serious, Trump may look too glib. It might appear refreshing to a large amount of Americans. He also could attack her on her vulnerabilities and she may look weak. In fact, that's a perfect scenario for him because it takes the pressure off of him to produce rational facts.
If the tone is serious, Trump may look too glib. It might appear refreshing to a large amount of Americans. He also could attack her on her vulnerabilities and she may look weak. In fact, that's a perfect scenario for him because it takes the pressure off of him to produce rational facts.
2
Good point. His style has always been to throw insults at the opponent to get them off their game. No doubt he will make reference to Bills wandering, and is planning on having Gennifer Flowers in the audience. No doubt he will try to hit below the belt. Hillary has withstood much attacks over the years, hopefully that will give her the thickest skin to avoid the punches he will be attempting to throw.
I expect the Clinton campaign is prepared to expose a well-behaved Trump. Shouldn't be too hard given his history.
8
The dull Trump does not scare me because if he puts aside the theatrics and insults, he has to reply on cogent speech, understanding of the complex issues facing the world, and clearly explaining his own policies.
What does scare me is the combination of a "dull" Trump and an absolute lack of fact/fantasy checking. In that case he can surely present himself as presidential.
Of the hundred million viewers, few will have the facts on many of the issues, and none will have the facts on all the issues. If Trump is allowed to present policies that are pure fantasy, and lie about the current state of the country and Mrs. Clinton's policies... why wouldn't he appear "presidential" to the millions of viewers not only tuning into a debate for the first time, but to this election for the first time?
What does scare me is the combination of a "dull" Trump and an absolute lack of fact/fantasy checking. In that case he can surely present himself as presidential.
Of the hundred million viewers, few will have the facts on many of the issues, and none will have the facts on all the issues. If Trump is allowed to present policies that are pure fantasy, and lie about the current state of the country and Mrs. Clinton's policies... why wouldn't he appear "presidential" to the millions of viewers not only tuning into a debate for the first time, but to this election for the first time?
10
You sir, are on target.
I discussed the debate with a bunch of guys, this morning. We want the "Cock Fights" not the chicken scratch! IMHO the cock better crow and loudly. If not, he'll be seen as a fake.
Timidity, (that 's how a tranquil Trump will be assessed) will delegitimize the
buffoon that got him to Monday's podium. Few people really like him, but still he's their fighting falcon. If a Turkey trots out on stage, Thanksgiving will come very early for Clinton and the democrats.
I discussed the debate with a bunch of guys, this morning. We want the "Cock Fights" not the chicken scratch! IMHO the cock better crow and loudly. If not, he'll be seen as a fake.
Timidity, (that 's how a tranquil Trump will be assessed) will delegitimize the
buffoon that got him to Monday's podium. Few people really like him, but still he's their fighting falcon. If a Turkey trots out on stage, Thanksgiving will come very early for Clinton and the democrats.
9
The person I fear, even more than Donald Trump, is Kellyanne Conway. I felt great foreboding, as soon as I heard she was the new campaign manager after Manafort left with his Russian scandal. I literally went "uh-oh". And I was right. She has kept him on a very short leash. He hasn't always stuck to the script and I actually have seen her fairly tense in interviews, but she somehow is making him 'work' for many Americans who want, more than anything, to find Trump 'acceptable'.
If he wins, and god help America if he does, it will be because of her.
When the end of the world comes, where will Kellyanne Conway be? Home with her four kids? Sometimes money should not be more important than life. Her reputation as a great political person should not be more important than life.
It's a big bet, Ms. Conway. You went from Cruz to Trump? Who ARE you, anyway?
If he wins, and god help America if he does, it will be because of her.
When the end of the world comes, where will Kellyanne Conway be? Home with her four kids? Sometimes money should not be more important than life. Her reputation as a great political person should not be more important than life.
It's a big bet, Ms. Conway. You went from Cruz to Trump? Who ARE you, anyway?
59
Cruz to Trump. Hack for hire, thats who she is.
1
Sophia-- Exactly right. The brilliant Kelly Can Conwe is in a powerful and dangerous individual right about now...
1
Hill should ask Don why he proffered his testosterone levels on Dr Oz, but refuses to release his tax return.
40
I'd like to see what happens if she suggests those T levels aren't really as high as Oz said. She won't, of course. But impugn DJT's manhood, and it would get interesting fast.
1
Well, it looks like Gennifer Flowers accepted The Donald's invitation to attend the debate. Your nightmare may not come true, but the country's will.
6
HRC should invite Graydon Carter to sit in the front row (baby hands!)
Mrs. Clinton needs to hit him hard, early and repeatedly with Trump's own record. Bring the list of deadly criticisms Senator Cruz piled on Trump during the primaries, including saying his election could mean that the United States "could sink into the abyss". Bring up Trump non-University. Bring up the multiple bankruptcies in Atlantic City and mention that the public corporation which Trump headed and which owned the casinos lost 1 billion dollars in value while he was president. Bring up his father's record of excluding blacks from New York apartments and Trump's apparent participation in discrimination. Bring up his use of Trump Foundation money to pay his business expenses. Then, bring up a long list of outrageous things he's said this year. Go after him consistently, patiently and carefully and don't let up.
Most people don't know all that much about Trump. Use this occasion to educate them. They've only heard his tough talk, which many like, and that fact that he is a rich man and a television celebrity. Make a joke out of his "celebrity status".
Surely, Mrs. Clinton can draw on her deep knowledge of foreign affairs and the workings of government to let Trump hang himself. Don't let him get away with a single insult. Call him on them, but don't answer them in detail, just tell him he is wrong and misrepresenting facts. When Trump comes fully out front as a bully, he will finish himself.
Most people don't know all that much about Trump. Use this occasion to educate them. They've only heard his tough talk, which many like, and that fact that he is a rich man and a television celebrity. Make a joke out of his "celebrity status".
Surely, Mrs. Clinton can draw on her deep knowledge of foreign affairs and the workings of government to let Trump hang himself. Don't let him get away with a single insult. Call him on them, but don't answer them in detail, just tell him he is wrong and misrepresenting facts. When Trump comes fully out front as a bully, he will finish himself.
11
"Man, who would have expected the ride we're all having right now? ... The money's rolling in and this is fun...I've never seen anything like this, and this going to be a very good year for us. Sorry. It's a terrible thing to say. But, bring it on, Donald. Keep going.”
Les Moonves of CBS
What does it say about America -- with a culture eyeball deep in every form of easy and effortless entertainment, non-stop amusements, kaleidoscopic distractions, perversions both public and private, a 24/7 Grand Guignol theater of the absurd, a devil's workshop so wildly profitable it measures revenue by GDP -- that our democracy, the most distinctive and heroic achievement that defines us, has been broken into pieces to fuel an already raging furnace to satisfy our insatiable appetite for yet greater diversion?
Are we so without soulfulness, so bereft of meaning in our lives, so idle of purpose, so profoundly empty that we not only voraciously self-medicate but also eagerly pawn our historic, paid in blood legacy to add one more spectacle to an overstocked inventory of trivial pursuit?
This travesty might exhilarate media moguls like Les Moonves but it's unmistakable rot, a Faustian deal that savages any moral redemption.
No more waiting. Godot is here.
16
I wonder who has bigger hands?
3
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.
18
There are rumors that, if Trump wins, he will be impeached within a year, aided by the remaining intelligent Republicans who wait behind the scenes. Is that just wishful thinking? I hope not!
1
I don't get it. The only way Trump could look reasonable in a debate (as opposed to a softball interview) is by basically agreeing with everything Clinton says, which is not going to happen. He is bound to come off as either ignorant or loopy. So why sweat it so much? Do you think he actually has any defensible or coherent policy proposals?
12
Trump is playing down his debate preparations, saying he doesn't want to be over-rehearsed or go through mock debates. But it's very possible that he is actually studying the issues, memorizing prepared remarks and practicing lines that sound sturdy, assured and informed. Hillary should be ready for a condescending gentleman, a kinder, gentler and more measured Trump who won't rise to the bait -- he is well aware she will attempt to get under his skin and knows he could look petty and mean if he is overly aggressive. She could look desperate and needling if she keeps it up and he doesn't explode.
Hillary is smart enough to prepare herself for whatever Trump shows up and it might be one who recites facts, statistics and well reasoned arguments provided by his guns for hire. He may have hopes that when it's over that he came off as "surprisingly presidential".
Hillary is smart enough to prepare herself for whatever Trump shows up and it might be one who recites facts, statistics and well reasoned arguments provided by his guns for hire. He may have hopes that when it's over that he came off as "surprisingly presidential".
10
"The expectations for Trump are even lower." Who sets the relevant bar? Not the pundits. His base will accept anything he says--no "fresh appraisal" needed, no bar too low, because he can again go to a rally and retract anything he's said, with guaranteed media coverage.
Those hitherto uncommitted may heed a new Trump. Some of them belong in the perpetually unengaged category, while others go with whatever current has carried millions away (across the Western world) from traditional Labor and Social Democratic parties. We're in uncharted territory.
Those hitherto uncommitted may heed a new Trump. Some of them belong in the perpetually unengaged category, while others go with whatever current has carried millions away (across the Western world) from traditional Labor and Social Democratic parties. We're in uncharted territory.
5
Trump will either play to his base (God help us) or he will try to play to the undecided voter. In either event, he still has to answer specific questions from the moderator. If they are thoughtful questions requiring specific policy answers, Trump is going down. if they ask basic civics questions! He is going down. He does not have the depth of knowledge nor any kind of grasp of the totality that he does not know. Forget TPP and international instability, I would love it if just one question was "what is the sixth amendment?"
22
He would answer with "it was the very, very, very greatest amendment there ever was!"
And then his supporters would cheer huuuugely. Ugh.
And then his supporters would cheer huuuugely. Ugh.
Ahh, the great current question. Which Trump shows up? Will it be the real Trump (The Liar) or the one that feigns presidentiality (the Faker)?
12
Thanks, but I'll pass. There's nothing Mr. Trump can say that will erode his support among his sadly delusional followers. He'll continue to throw out his lies and promises like so many dead fish, and his supporters will clap like trained seals.
Like so many others, I would like to see a fundamental change in Washington. But my desired change does not entail a policy basket that includes racism, mocking the disabled, stealing from working people, banking with Russians, admiring despotic rulers, and lying at a pace that defies challenge or correction.
We might have to wait a few more years for fundamental change, but at least we can have a career policy wonk tending the mess and nudging us forward. I'm with Hillary.
Like so many others, I would like to see a fundamental change in Washington. But my desired change does not entail a policy basket that includes racism, mocking the disabled, stealing from working people, banking with Russians, admiring despotic rulers, and lying at a pace that defies challenge or correction.
We might have to wait a few more years for fundamental change, but at least we can have a career policy wonk tending the mess and nudging us forward. I'm with Hillary.
16
I am in Taiwan at the moment, where people are commenting that this election in the US is a national intelligence test. Which we are failing.
If a temporarily non-feral Trump convinces people that he is somehow 'presidential,' forgetting everything that has been so publicly on display for so long, then we are indeed failing miserably.
If a temporarily non-feral Trump convinces people that he is somehow 'presidential,' forgetting everything that has been so publicly on display for so long, then we are indeed failing miserably.
31
I don't think Trump can resist telling ridiculous lies, but many people seem to enjoy this.
On the other hand, Clinton can't resist lying either, and the Times no longer calls her out on her faults. Go back to the Times of April 23, 2015 to get the truth about Clinton and pay for play. The people know about this. Trying to hide it will only make Trump win.
On the other hand, Clinton can't resist lying either, and the Times no longer calls her out on her faults. Go back to the Times of April 23, 2015 to get the truth about Clinton and pay for play. The people know about this. Trying to hide it will only make Trump win.
2
The truth about Clinton and pay for play is that the Clinton Foundation is an excellently-run and widely respected charitable foundation and that the Clintons, far from using the foundation as a "slush fund" as Trump's campaign CEO Steve Bannon erroneously published in Breitbart, have contributed millions of dollars to their foundation.
The stories now coming out about the Trump Foundation, on the other hand, are looking more and more like there really has been one candidate's family foundation operating as a pay for play slush fund.
And the candidate in question isn't Hillary Clinton.
The stories now coming out about the Trump Foundation, on the other hand, are looking more and more like there really has been one candidate's family foundation operating as a pay for play slush fund.
And the candidate in question isn't Hillary Clinton.
Frank, your analysis is chillingly on target. Worse, I suspect that the role of the moderator will be compromised. Lester Holt is NBC's first "almost black" news anchor and he may be susceptible to pressure from above him to treat the candidates with a false equivalency (as we have seen throughout the campaign in the media) in the interests of profits. Not profits from viewership, but from an unwillingness to antagonize Trump's supporters who are vocal and vindictive. Expect a whole bunch of softballs. I hope not.
5
Trump has "acted Presidential" in only two circumstances: over his head in Mexico, and using a teleprompter. I fully expect to see Trump show up as a WWII underwater mine, bristling with Hertz horns ready to go off on an incoherent rant at the slightest provocation. It will only take one small bump to set off that Trump.
Even better would be Manchurian Candidate Trump - who activates when he sees the Red Queen. "Donald, why don't you pass the time by playing a little solitaire?"
Even better would be Manchurian Candidate Trump - who activates when he sees the Red Queen. "Donald, why don't you pass the time by playing a little solitaire?"
1
In this newspaper 115 years ago was Mark Twain's address about women's rights: "If women could vote, each party would feel compelled to put up the best candidate it could or take the risk of being voted down by the women. States are built on morals - not intellects. And men would never get any morals at all if the women didn't put it into them when they were boys. If women could vote the good women would all vote one way. Men won't do that. It's a choice of evils with them."
The Republican Party just took that risk. They put up a candidate that will be voted down by most women. He has spent months denigrating women, minorities and others. Now he says that if Hillary Clinton is respectful of him, he will be "nice". Really?
What I've been hearing pundits say all week is that if Trump can hold it together for 90 minutes, he will be praised by his supporters. It is such a bizarre world when a presidential candidate representing a major party is considered to be running an exhausting marathon by pretending to be a normal candidate for an hour and a half.
Nice? Why should Hillary be respectful of this man who has been so disrespectful of millions of Americans? He is a demagogue. You aren't nice to demagogues. They are too dangerous.
The Republican Party just took that risk. They put up a candidate that will be voted down by most women. He has spent months denigrating women, minorities and others. Now he says that if Hillary Clinton is respectful of him, he will be "nice". Really?
What I've been hearing pundits say all week is that if Trump can hold it together for 90 minutes, he will be praised by his supporters. It is such a bizarre world when a presidential candidate representing a major party is considered to be running an exhausting marathon by pretending to be a normal candidate for an hour and a half.
Nice? Why should Hillary be respectful of this man who has been so disrespectful of millions of Americans? He is a demagogue. You aren't nice to demagogues. They are too dangerous.
398
My bet is he can't.
1
Forget about Trump. And forget about campaign issues. (This is not an issues election.)
What scares me is the Trump supporters.
To 40 percent or more of the electorate, Donald Trump will have crossed the threshold of being Presidential just by looking presidential and not lashing out or otherwise making a fool of himself in the debates.
Got it. (Talk about a low bar.)
Have Trumps supporters not heard (how can anyone planning to vote not have) any of his outright lies and disgraceful comments. Why are they so eager and willing to look the other way. Some people even support him because of his disgraceful comments. They repeat falsehoods as fact regardless of proof to the contrary.
Why? As citizens of the most consequential nation on earth, we may end up electing a candidate from Fantasy Land. And then what?
What scares me is the Trump supporters.
To 40 percent or more of the electorate, Donald Trump will have crossed the threshold of being Presidential just by looking presidential and not lashing out or otherwise making a fool of himself in the debates.
Got it. (Talk about a low bar.)
Have Trumps supporters not heard (how can anyone planning to vote not have) any of his outright lies and disgraceful comments. Why are they so eager and willing to look the other way. Some people even support him because of his disgraceful comments. They repeat falsehoods as fact regardless of proof to the contrary.
Why? As citizens of the most consequential nation on earth, we may end up electing a candidate from Fantasy Land. And then what?
9
To equalize the debate.
Hillary should come out in a clown's red nose.
Hillary should come out in a clown's red nose.
2
I suspect we'll see a subdued Trump on Monday - Trump-Lite. Same schtick, just dialed down to a 5.
It'll play pretty well to a nation taught to expect Trump-Unhinged.
If I was in the Clinton camp and was saving something damaging to release at the right time, I'd seriously consider releasing it tomorrow, the day before the debate.
It'll play pretty well to a nation taught to expect Trump-Unhinged.
If I was in the Clinton camp and was saving something damaging to release at the right time, I'd seriously consider releasing it tomorrow, the day before the debate.
2
I'm trying to figure what would be more damaging than what we already know about DJT.
Since we may be dealing with more spectacle than substance, why can't Hillary phone a friend for answers? I suggest Joe Biden, who has more heart than anyone else but can toss zingers that hit the target with great accuracy. For the Donald, I suggest that his phone-a-friend should be his newest supporter, Ted Cruz, who can help Drumpf lose better than anyone else out there.
6
If Trump on Xanax is the key to decision making by the undecided voters, then woe betide us and our Country. The debate is 90 minutes long. It is just too long for him to remain dormant considering his attention span is even less than a 2yr. old and he reverts and bounces back into his normal vicious persona. Besides, I think no amount of Xanax or Klonopin can overcome his narcissist, delusional antics.
7
I think Clinton is so smart and well-prepared that she'll eat him alive. He's a businessman that knows so little of anything outside of his 'interests'; which are all of a material and monetary nature. She's known to be a student of a well-reasoned debate (yet, sometimes too bullying, yes).
My nightmare is that America is full of selfish fear, because we've handed the treasure over to the top 1% and they know how to keep it; even increase their bounty.
The 'American Dream' has disappeared - this is the nightmare. Trump says he'll bully his way into 'greatness' (like most demagogues). He'll be our savior (because, most Americans actually don't like being politically educated or involved, they just like to say they support democracy). He's an entertaining, racist, misogynistic, classist, xenophobic charlatan that tells average Americans they can be great if they vote for him. Otherwise, they're 'the worst', 'losers', 'probably not even born here'.
My nightmare is that America is full of selfish fear, because we've handed the treasure over to the top 1% and they know how to keep it; even increase their bounty.
The 'American Dream' has disappeared - this is the nightmare. Trump says he'll bully his way into 'greatness' (like most demagogues). He'll be our savior (because, most Americans actually don't like being politically educated or involved, they just like to say they support democracy). He's an entertaining, racist, misogynistic, classist, xenophobic charlatan that tells average Americans they can be great if they vote for him. Otherwise, they're 'the worst', 'losers', 'probably not even born here'.
5
I don't think that Trump is going to "win" any debate with Hillary Clinton. And if he does act like at least a semi-normal person (in other words, if he is able to act as though he isn't a narcassatic personality disordered being which he is), I really doubt that there are that many viewers who will say, "Well, now, I guess I will vote for him." I think the voters have, on the whole, already decided. And let's hope that those who intend to vote for Clinton do indeed do so. I am much more concerned about young people getting out than I am about this so-called debate.
13
Monday's debate ought to be a spectacle to behold...as long as the News Media (via Mr. Holt and others) mounts the courage to call the lies in real time; and persist in having their questions answered...without allowing the candidate to stray and evade touchy issues, especially those where he (or she) already has given his perspective or opinion. The persistent lies we are so familiar with must be unmasked and hope he'll give us reasoned answers to dispel, or confirm, his loonish or cartoonish nonsense. If the moderators do their jobs conscientiously, and not a la "Lauer", we shall have a good time, even "schadenfreude", for a vulgar bully's hapless remarks. This, and subsequent debates, ought to be Clinton's to win, not Trump's to lose, given his deep ignorance on any substantive fact and process. Hillary just must be sure to get under Trump's skin, and see how a coward and hypocrite he really is; a dangerous clown nonetheless, who must lose.
9
Once again far more is expected of Hillary. She actually has to know something but sadly she is debating the class buffoon who simply has to control himself for 90 minutes. Most of us are equally capable of not saying much and looking presidential-not a high bar. Poor Hillary has to show the breadth of her knowledge without picking on Reality Donald; remember the pushback from Al Gore's sighs. Me, I want those tax returns from Trump and, having seen those questionable $258,000 donations, his foundation. He remains so secretive. Must be a lot more going on than simply taking advantage of legal tax deductions. If need be, releasing 2014 taxes is OK, or 2013, 2012, 2011 unless you are under audit for them as well.
20
I recall my intense disgust when, in the 2008 Vice Presidential debate, Joe Biden had to square off against Sarah Palin as if she deserved to share the stage with him. I thought that moment was an anomaly, but eight years later we're seeing the reprise, only this time the debate is for the top spot, and the GOP candidate has even less experience in public service than Palin. Whoodathunk?
In this unpredictable election season, there's no point trying to predict what will transpire during those 90 minutes... though whatever happens will probably feel inevitable by Tuesday morning. But those of us who would like to see Trump exposed to his most ardent supporters for the fraud he is can take heart that it could all come tumbling down quickly for him. After all, while it didn't happen in a debate, Howard Dean was undone by a single scream.
In this unpredictable election season, there's no point trying to predict what will transpire during those 90 minutes... though whatever happens will probably feel inevitable by Tuesday morning. But those of us who would like to see Trump exposed to his most ardent supporters for the fraud he is can take heart that it could all come tumbling down quickly for him. After all, while it didn't happen in a debate, Howard Dean was undone by a single scream.
210
I agree with you, by and large, but want to point out that it wasn't the scream that undid Dean, but the media's incessant replays of it alongside the drumbeat question, "Is Howard Dean unhinged?" I think, more than anything, this shows that the loser is the candidate whose character assassination is most interesting and beneficial to the 'newsmakers'. For the media, Donald Trump is a golden egg, and they've incubated him long enough that he just may hatch.
Mark, you are 100% correct -- the press latched onto that moment and wouldn't let go. I think that after Trump's shameless hotel tour last week, which prompted John King to admit the press got played, the media may start holding Trump to the level of scrutiny appropriate for someone running for the world's most important job. If that takes the form of endlessly re-running a clip that highlights his ridiculousness, I believe many in the news industry are ready to do just that.
I trust Hillary Clinton to be the well-informed, hard-as-nails policy wonk tough gal who knows how to handle bullies and blowhards.
I trust Donald Trump, too, to be the bullying blowhard that he has consistently shown himself to be. The fear that he will suddenly manage his image strategically by appearing to be a calm, reliable statesman is far-fetched. I don't think he knows how to do it and, more importantly, I don't think he wants to do it. He has shown himself to be completely comfortable throwing tantrums and mouthing demonstrable falsehoods in front of news cameras. This animal is not going to change his stripes now.
I trust Donald Trump, too, to be the bullying blowhard that he has consistently shown himself to be. The fear that he will suddenly manage his image strategically by appearing to be a calm, reliable statesman is far-fetched. I don't think he knows how to do it and, more importantly, I don't think he wants to do it. He has shown himself to be completely comfortable throwing tantrums and mouthing demonstrable falsehoods in front of news cameras. This animal is not going to change his stripes now.
11
Perhaps medication and an ear piece can pull off a seemingly "measured, Presidential optic" for Trump. It doesn't take much for the true believers to be convinced.
Except a "dignified" performance would be so completely out of character that few would believe it.
5
What we can really hope for is that Trump's lack of enlightenment and intellectual shallowness come through. Pointed questions that require thoughtful answers and a moderator who won't let Trump escape will help.
It doesn't take much for Trump's concentration to come unhinged. He's like a child that way. Having Mark Cuban grinning at him from the front row should do the trick.
It doesn't take much for Trump's concentration to come unhinged. He's like a child that way. Having Mark Cuban grinning at him from the front row should do the trick.
21
All versions of Donald Trump, dull or not, are extremely dangerous to our country.
30
As usual, the irony continues. For the first time in our history, 100,000,000 are about to watch a talented woman offer up her vision for the future of the country and all the noise is about the whether the white male will stumble.
I'm proud of what Clinton has accomplished to date and look forward to the breath of sanity she'll bring this debate on Monday. If Americans wish to remain distracted by Trump's shenanigans and see him as electable, then so be it. Yes it is a deeply frightening prospect, but unless the media just ignores him, he won't change his behavior. Every middle school teacher in American knows that.
I'm proud of what Clinton has accomplished to date and look forward to the breath of sanity she'll bring this debate on Monday. If Americans wish to remain distracted by Trump's shenanigans and see him as electable, then so be it. Yes it is a deeply frightening prospect, but unless the media just ignores him, he won't change his behavior. Every middle school teacher in American knows that.
35
Fear not, Donny T is on a roll of sorts. He won't disappoint. At this rate, Donny T could acquire the White House, still not impossible. For a cheeky peek behind closed doors at a gleefully anything but dull 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 that looks as if it will be upsetting us for years to come.
1
Keep guessing and wondering what the unpredictable Trump will be like. Suspense is what will draw millions to their TV. Never before in the history of presidential elections has there been such an anticipation and excitement that running with the football at a Superbowl or throwing a ball in the basket or hitting a ball for a home run or a boxer throwing punches at his opponent will not been just as interesting as two seniors dueling it out on a debate stage. Both are millionaires and so it is not even like who will be a millionaire.
1
Median incomes in the US are now a little lower than in 2000.
This has destroyed any credibility to the standard Democratic bromides, such as stronger together America.
Just proclaiming that America is "stronger through diversity" doesn't cut it. Here's why.
Many have direct experiences. They see the neighborhoods that have been destroyed by continual illegal immigration. 1986 immigration reform was supposed to stop illegal immigration, It didn't. The US population grew by 82 million (or 36%) during the period 1980-2010. It continues to grow.
Paul Ehrlich argued in his 1968 book, "the Population Bomb," that continued population growth would cause declining living standards. Yes, technology put off the day of reckoning. But technology no longer overcomes the shortages brought about by too much population growth.
You can deduce this yourselves using data freely available on the web. The evidence is overwhelming, as are the cries of those currently in power, in spite of the fact that further growth brings a Malthusian end state.
In cities like LA, the future is all to apparent. A permanent cover of smog. Permanent congestion.
The poor must wait in line behind illegal immigrants at the ER. Older Americans begin to die because they cannot afford cancer screening or cancer care.
Yet drunk with power, Obama gives amnesty to hordes of illegal immigrants, committing America to yet more denial.
At least Trump questions the status quo. Listen to his message.
This has destroyed any credibility to the standard Democratic bromides, such as stronger together America.
Just proclaiming that America is "stronger through diversity" doesn't cut it. Here's why.
Many have direct experiences. They see the neighborhoods that have been destroyed by continual illegal immigration. 1986 immigration reform was supposed to stop illegal immigration, It didn't. The US population grew by 82 million (or 36%) during the period 1980-2010. It continues to grow.
Paul Ehrlich argued in his 1968 book, "the Population Bomb," that continued population growth would cause declining living standards. Yes, technology put off the day of reckoning. But technology no longer overcomes the shortages brought about by too much population growth.
You can deduce this yourselves using data freely available on the web. The evidence is overwhelming, as are the cries of those currently in power, in spite of the fact that further growth brings a Malthusian end state.
In cities like LA, the future is all to apparent. A permanent cover of smog. Permanent congestion.
The poor must wait in line behind illegal immigrants at the ER. Older Americans begin to die because they cannot afford cancer screening or cancer care.
Yet drunk with power, Obama gives amnesty to hordes of illegal immigrants, committing America to yet more denial.
At least Trump questions the status quo. Listen to his message.
2
What unmitigated treif. There is nothing, literally nothing to support your claim that immigration, legal or otherwise, has contributed to the further erosion of our economic standing or security. Why don't you try the trillions of $ spent on an illegal war in addition to the economic meltdown of '08. Trump has nothing of value to say, and I fear you have followed his lead.
1
You say that "further growth brings a Malthusian end state." But then a few paragraphs later entreat us to listen to Trump's message, which includes denial of global warming. A real contradiction if you ask me.
1
Anyone who thinks DT will help solve any of those problems simply hasn't been paying attention. E.g., he would eliminate the EPA. Immigrants aren't causing that smog.
1
I still think he won't show up, but if he does, Hillary will mop the floor with that orange head of his.
7
The odds are pretty good that Trump will go madly astray at some point.
I certainly hope that he stays consistent with his character,
I certainly hope that he stays consistent with his character,
7
I certainly hope Trumps stays consistent with his lack of character.
Hillary Clinton should expose Trump as a shallow, non-feeling person. She should ask him what he feels when he sees a black mother crying over the coffin of her dead son. Or what he feels when he sees pictures of dying refugees in Syria. I don't think he feels anything. And I don't think that's the kind of person America wants for president.
6
I think she's got this.
I am worried about the moderators.
I suggest she bring with her her campaign's multi-page list of his lies. If the moderator needs help doing his job, she should pass him a copy.
I am worried about the moderators.
I suggest she bring with her her campaign's multi-page list of his lies. If the moderator needs help doing his job, she should pass him a copy.
7
No matter how Mrs. Clinton or Mr. Trump speaks or gestures during the presidential debates, the primary concern for voters ought to be the depth of knowledge that each candidate possesses on issues like the economy and national security. Prediction: Mrs. Clinton will embrace her inner policy wonk, tout her lengthy resume of public service, and say that one thing to push Mr. Trump's button and cause Mount Donald to erupt.
3
This opinion piece eloquently covers what has been my worst fear from the start of Trump's appalling candidacy: that he would somehow manage to create a closer-to-statesmanlike demeanor until he got himself elected, at which point he would revert into the nightmare that we all know him to be. I do not want him to put on a false front of legitimacy because it would be a lie and because my fellow voters are at risk of falling for it. We have seen the person that Trump really is in some of the statements that Mr. Bruni mentions. He should not get away with pretending that he is someone else until November 9. If he succeeds, and if he gets elected, it will be too late for us all.
20
Trump might pull his pants down and " moon " the country during the debate . He'll be so frustrated that a woman , one of his battalion of " losers " , is out shining him and making him a " loser " that he might even throw in the towel He'll site death threats to one or more family members so he doesn't look like a " loser " as he bails ! He might even pontificate that he realizes he can serve the country better NOT being president . The irony is people will believe the whole act , he'll look like a big hero and cash in AGAIN ! SAD !
7
It's not the debates that matter, it's what the media chooses to highlight after the debates. Trump can say all the lies he wants, Clinton can sound smart and prepared, yet, YET, for 30 seconds she smiles and has lipstick on her teeth, and that will be the story of the night. The lipstick on her teeth.
I've often wonder what the impact of a black President will mean for this country. In the short term, disgusting unabashed racism. What does it mean to run while being the fairer sex? Unabashed sexism.
As a privileged, white male, Trump has gotten away with murder during this campaign. As a woman, Clinton must defend herself for every sound she makes. Sure she is far from perfect, but the nightmare of hatred that Trump represents is utterly unacceptable in the America I want to live in.
I've often wonder what the impact of a black President will mean for this country. In the short term, disgusting unabashed racism. What does it mean to run while being the fairer sex? Unabashed sexism.
As a privileged, white male, Trump has gotten away with murder during this campaign. As a woman, Clinton must defend herself for every sound she makes. Sure she is far from perfect, but the nightmare of hatred that Trump represents is utterly unacceptable in the America I want to live in.
597
You are so right. The New York Times has been a main player in discrediting Clinton over and over again. Then letting Trump actually threatening her with his gun fans. How could this paper let him get away with that. If this were the great paper that it was 30 years ago, he would have been crucified over and over again and would have been disqualified by this paper..
1
The real disgrace exposed by this year's election process, aside from brevity of memory and shallowness of engagement, is the voting public's unwillingness, or inability, to think beyond what they hear.
I believe sensationalism in journalism has played a damaging role here. It has encouraged addiction to short, shocking soundbites, playing to an audience less and less inclined to questioning or researching or even discussing the issues with a true willingness to learn the truth.
The Republican nominee has played the press and they've willingly taken the bait, announcing his every outrageous bombast in front page headlines day after day. It's true seeing him on stage with Secretary Clinton will have a normalizing effect, and so too has reporting his every move made him seem justifiably newsworthy, normal even, giving him a credibility he's done less than nothing to deserve.
I respect Lester Holt and truly hope he can avoid the fawning display Matt Lauer fell into. But for a really interesting debate experience, I wish we could have Michael Bloomberg moderate. He knows a con when he sees one.
I believe sensationalism in journalism has played a damaging role here. It has encouraged addiction to short, shocking soundbites, playing to an audience less and less inclined to questioning or researching or even discussing the issues with a true willingness to learn the truth.
The Republican nominee has played the press and they've willingly taken the bait, announcing his every outrageous bombast in front page headlines day after day. It's true seeing him on stage with Secretary Clinton will have a normalizing effect, and so too has reporting his every move made him seem justifiably newsworthy, normal even, giving him a credibility he's done less than nothing to deserve.
I respect Lester Holt and truly hope he can avoid the fawning display Matt Lauer fell into. But for a really interesting debate experience, I wish we could have Michael Bloomberg moderate. He knows a con when he sees one.
361
I agree, Bloomberg would extract the true Donald Trump, and through in Chris Matthews as Mikes backup.
1
"I wish we could have Michael Bloomberg moderate."
I wish we could have Michael Bloomberg as our presidential candidate.
I wish we could have Michael Bloomberg as our presidential candidate.
1
Jon Stewart would probably be the best choice, he would not let either one get away with any lies or untruths. He is probably better read and informed, at least when he was hosting the Daily Show, that virtually any "TV journalist" today.
1
"he forfeited any legitimate claim to the presidency". the ONLY way that a person can forfeit a legitimate claim too the presidency if they lose the presidential election or do not meet the Constitutional requirements to be president. Any other claim may not be to your liking but it must definitely legitimate.
1
Hillary Clinton and her staffers must understand the many personas that Trump could assume and not just one but several during the 90 minute debate. Indeed, she is preparing by confronting several versions of Trump. Let's keep in mind that Trump will not have screaming crowds to give him the cues and oxygen this provides him with so he may not know when he is shoveling the hole deeper. The other big issue is Lester Holt and how he will define fairness and journalism.
192
I think you are right on the spot. The real trouble for Trump will be the lack of the cheers of the adoring crowd. 90 minutes is a long time for Trump to go without the adulation he so desperately needs. It just might frustrate him enough.
1
Yes, Lester Holt is a big question mark. He is what the British call his job description, a news reader. In the U.S. it is t.v. personality. I have seen him stumble and bumble numerous times on rather simple subjects. But he is "well-liked" as is Al Roker, another t.v. personality.
1
Thank God we have no Candy Crowley for this one.
Hopefully she has visited the salad bar.
Hopefully she has visited the salad bar.
1
I don't think you have anything to fear.
Once Trump gets a chance to square off with "Crooked Hillary" he'll do his best to outdo himself and won't disappoint.
And he'll also keep us from falling asleep as Mrs. Personality drones on.
Let the games begin!
Once Trump gets a chance to square off with "Crooked Hillary" he'll do his best to outdo himself and won't disappoint.
And he'll also keep us from falling asleep as Mrs. Personality drones on.
Let the games begin!
1
I would never be that smug. Hillary is boring at times, but Trump is consistently incoherent and his remarks lead nowhere—Desultory Donald.
hillary has to bait him.... get him so angry he gets off message... each response of hillary.. doesn't seem right, something not right here...the same words he always says... quiet.. just like he says them..."what do you all think?" so many times he can't use them... as reader below said.. there you go again...
1
I predict that the Donald will *look* Presidential (except for the hair) and will offer his usual word salad on 'policy'.
By the time Mr. Holt or Ms. Clinton have figured out the subject and/or verbs in his sentence, we will have moved on to the next question.
And all his supporters will imagine that he 'won' the debate.
Just like the Veteran's Forum.
By the time Mr. Holt or Ms. Clinton have figured out the subject and/or verbs in his sentence, we will have moved on to the next question.
And all his supporters will imagine that he 'won' the debate.
Just like the Veteran's Forum.
6
"And she in some ways has the tougher assignment in Monday night’s debate — and in the two debates that are scheduled to follow. She must convince the holdouts that she’s honest and trustworthy. How, in 90 minutes at a lectern, do you do that? What’s the best script? Which are the right facial expressions?"
Although mind boggling to any reasonable person there could be any doubt on WHO to vote for! Was it Aaron Spelling who had this posted on the wall of his Hollywood studio office for his TV writers: "Never Over Estimate the Intelligence of the American Audience"? We are witnessing pop TV culture masquerading as politics. The only credible thing about Trump being a player is HILARY!
40 YEARS of Public Service at the highest levels of national and global politics - RESPECTED world leader!
Although mind boggling to any reasonable person there could be any doubt on WHO to vote for! Was it Aaron Spelling who had this posted on the wall of his Hollywood studio office for his TV writers: "Never Over Estimate the Intelligence of the American Audience"? We are witnessing pop TV culture masquerading as politics. The only credible thing about Trump being a player is HILARY!
40 YEARS of Public Service at the highest levels of national and global politics - RESPECTED world leader!
7
There is a tremendous difference between Monday's debate and Trump's earlier debates, which is that in the primaries, Trump was competing against Republican contenders both too partisan and too personally fearful of The Donald to take him on meaningfully. Trump set the tone for the primary debates, with his opponents vying to be equally hard-lined on immigration, disbelieving of climate change, and against gun control. Trump was also able to maneuver that there was a common Republican enemy in the Obama administration, against whom his baseless claims were unchallenged.
But Mrs. Clinton will not tiptoe around or kowtow to Trump. On Monday, he will be against someone who will treat the debate as such.
But Mrs. Clinton will not tiptoe around or kowtow to Trump. On Monday, he will be against someone who will treat the debate as such.
9
Difficult to believe that 15-20% are undecided but if that's correct, Hillary Clinton wins with either a 'quiet 'Donald Trump showing his ignorance and incoherence on issues compared to her mastery of A-Z foreign or domestic affairs or he becomes the maniac that he really is and demonstrates by himself that he's unfit to be president.
Rest easier, Frank. Clinton wins the debate on Monday night with either the subdued or more likely bully Donald Trump showing up.
Rest easier, Frank. Clinton wins the debate on Monday night with either the subdued or more likely bully Donald Trump showing up.
8
He can dull it down but he can't hide the fact that his bulb is dim. I can't imagine anyone coming away from this debate thinking "this man is intelligent enough to be president". I've known it for two years now because I've been paying attention. I'm not expecting any new ground to be covered on Monday night. But I wouldn't be surprised if others are shocked when Trump's true ignorance of the facts are, finally, revealed to them.
14
True. You can't fix dimid.
1
So here we go again. Franl Bruni (who is one of my go-to reads on the NYT) parses every possible iteration of the Trump-Clinton show.
MSNBC has been breathlessly promoting an *entire day* of 'debate coverage', although I'm not sure how you cover something before it has happened.
Is this actually the most important, consequential debate of modern Presdiential history? Is it actually a debate? More likely, it is a parallel play press opportunity, as I expect no real dialogue between the two candidates.
Not being a fan of glitz and fireworks, of Super Bowl halftime shows and beauty pageants, of mud wrestling or demolition derbies, I think I'm most likely to take a pass and let someone else tell me about it later.
Trump's earlier complaint, that the 'debate' would be up against Monday Night Football and might lose viewers because of it, might turn out to be the best possible outcome for him. I'm pretty sure that's where I'll be.
MSNBC has been breathlessly promoting an *entire day* of 'debate coverage', although I'm not sure how you cover something before it has happened.
Is this actually the most important, consequential debate of modern Presdiential history? Is it actually a debate? More likely, it is a parallel play press opportunity, as I expect no real dialogue between the two candidates.
Not being a fan of glitz and fireworks, of Super Bowl halftime shows and beauty pageants, of mud wrestling or demolition derbies, I think I'm most likely to take a pass and let someone else tell me about it later.
Trump's earlier complaint, that the 'debate' would be up against Monday Night Football and might lose viewers because of it, might turn out to be the best possible outcome for him. I'm pretty sure that's where I'll be.
2
librarian, I'm with you. I will not dignify Donald Trump's candidacy with my very valuable time. The conversations around this spectacle are ridiculous, and beneath the dignity of the office we seek to fill. There is such a breathless, anticipatory tone to those waiting for the "debate" that can only be compared to a crowd wondering if the lion or the gladiator will win; a crowd trying to decide who is the lion and who is the gladiator.
Reality TV has its place in the world of entertainment, I suppose. I object to its infiltration of our political process (and especially object to the person who brought it along with him). I will not watch. I wish others would do the same, and deny the networks the advertising revenue they will likely reap.
Reality TV has its place in the world of entertainment, I suppose. I object to its infiltration of our political process (and especially object to the person who brought it along with him). I will not watch. I wish others would do the same, and deny the networks the advertising revenue they will likely reap.
1
Mark Cuban says he'll have a front row seat. In response, Trump says he'll seat Gennifer Flowers beside Cuban.
It amazes me (although it shouldn't) that Trump is so lacking in cognitive abilities he fails to realize that his juvenile reaction is nothing more than a public declaration that he is intimidated by Mark Cuban.
Have a seat, Mr. Cuban...Round 1 to the anti-Trumps.
It amazes me (although it shouldn't) that Trump is so lacking in cognitive abilities he fails to realize that his juvenile reaction is nothing more than a public declaration that he is intimidated by Mark Cuban.
Have a seat, Mr. Cuban...Round 1 to the anti-Trumps.
18
Hey it could have been worse - HRC could have invited Graydon Carter to sit in the front row.
Frank, Frank, Frank, relax!
You are talking about a presidential candidate--the only one in history--who, by his statements, has offended people in multiple countries that Trump was a subject of a debate in the British parliament about banning him from entering the country.
You think Trump can go 90 minutes without being offensive or ridiculous? Come on!
One of the things that upset the British is Trump's statement that parts of London are "so radicalized the police are afraid for their lives."
In typical British fashion, Scotland Yard said, "Mr. Trump could not be more wrong."
London Mayor Boris Johnson said Trump's comments were "utter nonsense" and added, in typical Trump fashion, "the only reason I wouldn't go to some parts of New York is the real risk of meeting Donald Trump." Ouch!
You are talking about a presidential candidate--the only one in history--who, by his statements, has offended people in multiple countries that Trump was a subject of a debate in the British parliament about banning him from entering the country.
You think Trump can go 90 minutes without being offensive or ridiculous? Come on!
One of the things that upset the British is Trump's statement that parts of London are "so radicalized the police are afraid for their lives."
In typical British fashion, Scotland Yard said, "Mr. Trump could not be more wrong."
London Mayor Boris Johnson said Trump's comments were "utter nonsense" and added, in typical Trump fashion, "the only reason I wouldn't go to some parts of New York is the real risk of meeting Donald Trump." Ouch!
8
Bruni again nails it: Trump as the rock star drawing millions of apathetic American voter to their smartphones and TV sets to watch the political fight of the century. The medium has become the massage. Take a look at the tv reporting sequence in Oliver Stone's "Natural Born Killers." Tell me: Is not Stone's brutal & bloody satire exactly where American news "shows" are today?
3
Frank has outlined what may or may not happen on Monday evening. Everyone needs to remember one important thing: if Trump "acts presidential," that's all it is, AN ACT. He is the consummate snake oil salesman, carnival barker and charlatan. It's AN ACT!
10
All Hillary has to do is trigger the inner Donald- then it will be all over. And for anyone who thinks that is unfair, note how Vladimir Putin has been able to manipulate Trump already. This alone is a reason that he should not be president.
36
I predict the debate will descend into name calling, dirt digging and constant interruptions, with HRC trying to give as good as she gets. Then the spinners will reprise the scene by screaming at each other with fierce defences of their respective candidates and declaring victory on his/her behalf.
Politico will outdo itself with an unprecedented number of "pants on fire" assessments.
I will be up at an unearthly hour (in Europe) watching the circus, watching in disbelief as "The Beacon on the Hill" descends into farce. Maybe some good will come of all this for future elections: No more clowns, no more dynasties and, finally, genuine campaign finance reform.
Politico will outdo itself with an unprecedented number of "pants on fire" assessments.
I will be up at an unearthly hour (in Europe) watching the circus, watching in disbelief as "The Beacon on the Hill" descends into farce. Maybe some good will come of all this for future elections: No more clowns, no more dynasties and, finally, genuine campaign finance reform.
12
I am terrified of this Hamid. My bigger fear is that in those places where this debate will be publicly telecast to a large audience who will sit and/or stand together and watch...riots may break out.
Kindly do not wish this debate to descend into a farce...
The US, the public, the people, the poor, the middle class, the educated, the enlightened and the world cannot afford that...
Kindly do not wish this debate to descend into a farce...
The US, the public, the people, the poor, the middle class, the educated, the enlightened and the world cannot afford that...
I don't think that the debates will change many minds. Not unless there is a huge gaffe by either candidate and that probably won't happen because the stakes are so high.
The moderator needs to ask questions of substance to both candidates. Not these cheap gotcha questions like Lauer played on Clinton. The expectations need to be high for both candidates, not a double standard where Clinton has to reach the stars while Trump's are so low that they're in the basement.
The moderator needs to ask questions of substance to both candidates. Not these cheap gotcha questions like Lauer played on Clinton. The expectations need to be high for both candidates, not a double standard where Clinton has to reach the stars while Trump's are so low that they're in the basement.
33
My nightmare would be for Hillary not to emphatically remind Americans that the foreign leader he most admires is Putin. And his former campaign manager previously was part of Team Putin.
16
Why bring Putin at all? The US does not decide on the leaders of other countries...but it must work with them, negotiate with them, compromise with them, and on occasions intelligently, but diplomatically or directly, confront and correct them.
Why are Americans, including Democrats, so obsessed with Russia and Putin?
This obsession does not speak well for American pride or leadership. This chronic extreme obsession with some countries' leaders, either too negatively or too positively, from Presidential candidates shows America is already weak.
What is that they say?
Opposite of love is not hate...but indifference, aloofness or dismissal
And...
Opposite of hate is not always love...but detached tolerance, polite management and on occasions courteous inclusion when necessary.
Why are Americans, including Democrats, so obsessed with Russia and Putin?
This obsession does not speak well for American pride or leadership. This chronic extreme obsession with some countries' leaders, either too negatively or too positively, from Presidential candidates shows America is already weak.
What is that they say?
Opposite of love is not hate...but indifference, aloofness or dismissal
And...
Opposite of hate is not always love...but detached tolerance, polite management and on occasions courteous inclusion when necessary.
"He's A Boor"
Making a mockery of our great nation
Not a surprise who he invites to the debate
A woman with whom her hubby cheated
And this is how he'll make America great?
An affront to traditional families
He knows not from "for better of for worse"
He treats women he beds like commodities
How many has he paid off from his purse?
For him it's just a matter of a pre-nup
Placing a price on each woman's head
With pockets as deep as he claims to have
There's no limit to whom he's taken to bed
So with the fate of our nation a'riding
He proves once again there's no floor
Into the depths of the ugliness he'll reach to
This man is no leader, he's a boor
Making a mockery of our great nation
Not a surprise who he invites to the debate
A woman with whom her hubby cheated
And this is how he'll make America great?
An affront to traditional families
He knows not from "for better of for worse"
He treats women he beds like commodities
How many has he paid off from his purse?
For him it's just a matter of a pre-nup
Placing a price on each woman's head
With pockets as deep as he claims to have
There's no limit to whom he's taken to bed
So with the fate of our nation a'riding
He proves once again there's no floor
Into the depths of the ugliness he'll reach to
This man is no leader, he's a boor
18
Or he could rage and redden and lie and lash out like the Trump we’re accustomed to — the real Trump, I’d venture. It’s what the audience is tuning in for, Donald. You wouldn’t want to disappoint us.
In the right circumstance, he storms off of the stage...good riddance to bad rubbish.
In the right circumstance, he storms off of the stage...good riddance to bad rubbish.
19
if that were to happen his fans would be even more ardent
man, he sure showed that hillary what fer, just left her standin' there ...
1
Very apt visual...
Presumably, that's a cardboard cutout of Clinton - while the live one has a wheezing fit, off-stage...
As far as you, Frank...In the space of less than several hundred words, you manage to go from:
"...He deserves no fresh appraisal. He shouldn’t get a do-over...
- to -
"...in Monday night’s debate — and in the two debates that are scheduled to follow. She must convince the holdouts that she’s honest and trustworthy...
Sooo...
> Trump deserves no chances
> Clinton deserves three
Your philosophy and journalism professors must be proud, Frank...
Euclid himself must be smiling down from Olympus, at the logic you've synthesized here...
For the record - I hope Trump can appear sane for 90 minutes...
And - more critically - for four years, afterward...
PS - Perhaps he's the one that should put up the cardboard cutout...
Especially since your biggest fear is that if Clinton debated a cardboard cutout of Trump - she would lose...
Presumably, that's a cardboard cutout of Clinton - while the live one has a wheezing fit, off-stage...
As far as you, Frank...In the space of less than several hundred words, you manage to go from:
"...He deserves no fresh appraisal. He shouldn’t get a do-over...
- to -
"...in Monday night’s debate — and in the two debates that are scheduled to follow. She must convince the holdouts that she’s honest and trustworthy...
Sooo...
> Trump deserves no chances
> Clinton deserves three
Your philosophy and journalism professors must be proud, Frank...
Euclid himself must be smiling down from Olympus, at the logic you've synthesized here...
For the record - I hope Trump can appear sane for 90 minutes...
And - more critically - for four years, afterward...
PS - Perhaps he's the one that should put up the cardboard cutout...
Especially since your biggest fear is that if Clinton debated a cardboard cutout of Trump - she would lose...
2
Trump'''s supporters have made up their minds about him. They know that he is either a bigot or someone who will support their conservative ideological agenda. They also know that to win the election he must smooze the undecided. So his new act will not phase his base. This base has decided that a con man is just what they want.
The terrifying thing is that Trump is still the bigot inside no matter how he presents himself outwardly and will revert to the stupid bigot he is after the election. a wolf in sheep's clothing is still a wolf only a more dangerous one.
The terrifying thing is that Trump is still the bigot inside no matter how he presents himself outwardly and will revert to the stupid bigot he is after the election. a wolf in sheep's clothing is still a wolf only a more dangerous one.
27
Yes and we'll all suffer the consequences if Trump is elected because Americans want a stupid person for president.
1
The rabid Trump turtle will retreat into his shell when well thought out policies belittle his outlandish foolery. Let's hope.
9
There is an alternative to hoping and praying that Trump makes a forced error: Push him on his statements. I find it amazing that most articles listing his outrageous comments ignore the most egregious: his unwillingness to rule out using nuclear weapons against ISIS, and his proposal that the US target and kill the families of terrorist suspects.
Clinton needs to push him on how nuclear weapons can be used against an enemy that hides among civilians or, worse, among virtual prisoners in ISIS controlled territories. The answer is that Trump sees all Muslims as complicit in terrorism, so collective punishment is acceptable. It would not be difficult to get someone as reckless and inarticulate as Trump to admit that. But he is never pushed on those topics.
There is very strong evidence that he has plans to use nukes against ISIS as his so-called "secret plan" to end terrorism, which I've written about recently. As long as that remains a possibility, there should be no other issue in this campaign.
Clinton needs to push him on how nuclear weapons can be used against an enemy that hides among civilians or, worse, among virtual prisoners in ISIS controlled territories. The answer is that Trump sees all Muslims as complicit in terrorism, so collective punishment is acceptable. It would not be difficult to get someone as reckless and inarticulate as Trump to admit that. But he is never pushed on those topics.
There is very strong evidence that he has plans to use nukes against ISIS as his so-called "secret plan" to end terrorism, which I've written about recently. As long as that remains a possibility, there should be no other issue in this campaign.
28
Tim Russert, Bob Schieffer, Cindy Crowley, David Brinkley, Walter Cronkite, Williams Buckley and Safire, Helen Thomas- where are you?
51
We have Joy Reid and Lawrence O'Donnell. They would be so good.
1
Yes, anna magnani, and many more.
Jane Goodall, who is knowledgeable in the ways of all creatures simian, recently noted:
"In many ways the [GOP debate] performances of Donald Trump remind me of male chimpanzees and their dominance rituals. . . . In order to impress rivals, males seeking to rise in the dominance hierarchy perform spectacular displays: stamping, slapping the ground, dragging branches, throwing rocks. The more vigorous and imaginative the display, the faster the individual is likely to rise in the hierarchy, and the longer he is likely to maintain that position.”
In her "My Life With the Chimpanzees," Goodall narrates the dominance behavior of Mike, a chimp who asserted his domineering power by kicking empty kerosene cans down the road ahead of him, thereby besting all other male chimps in the area, inspiring either their flight or their submission.
Definitely reminds me of the GOP debates and primaries, when all the other candidates were driven from the scene and, with the exception of a few, submitted to the wily and displayfull Trump. (Of course Ted Cruz deserves credit for holding out so long against Trump's dominance, and a few former candidates, like Jeb!, never did submit.)
Doubtlessly, if Trump were allowed to bring empty kerosene cans on to the debate stage, Hillary Clinton would not stand a chance of besting him as a debater.
The dwindling testerone levels of aging white males yet suffice to assure that they are capable of directing a thumbs down in Hillary's direction.
"In many ways the [GOP debate] performances of Donald Trump remind me of male chimpanzees and their dominance rituals. . . . In order to impress rivals, males seeking to rise in the dominance hierarchy perform spectacular displays: stamping, slapping the ground, dragging branches, throwing rocks. The more vigorous and imaginative the display, the faster the individual is likely to rise in the hierarchy, and the longer he is likely to maintain that position.”
In her "My Life With the Chimpanzees," Goodall narrates the dominance behavior of Mike, a chimp who asserted his domineering power by kicking empty kerosene cans down the road ahead of him, thereby besting all other male chimps in the area, inspiring either their flight or their submission.
Definitely reminds me of the GOP debates and primaries, when all the other candidates were driven from the scene and, with the exception of a few, submitted to the wily and displayfull Trump. (Of course Ted Cruz deserves credit for holding out so long against Trump's dominance, and a few former candidates, like Jeb!, never did submit.)
Doubtlessly, if Trump were allowed to bring empty kerosene cans on to the debate stage, Hillary Clinton would not stand a chance of besting him as a debater.
The dwindling testerone levels of aging white males yet suffice to assure that they are capable of directing a thumbs down in Hillary's direction.
20
Andrew G. Bjelland, Sr.-
I love the gift of a good laugh and you have given me that for I could see Donald Trump doing everyone of these things you describe here.
In real time however, he has not even once managed to get a laugh from me.
I love the gift of a good laugh and you have given me that for I could see Donald Trump doing everyone of these things you describe here.
In real time however, he has not even once managed to get a laugh from me.
To compound Bruni's fears, which I share: even a mediocre performance by Trump will be given a pass by the media. Witness the Biden- Palin debate in 2008. Palin, despite an exceptionally weak performance, was praised for navigating the event without melting down.
35
And yet most Americans agree that it was Palin who ultimately cost John McCain the election.
35
I suppose Palin soon morphed from asset to liability for McCain, but I never considered McCain himself to be much of an "asset." I always considered Obama to be far superior to McCain.
1
My Debate Nightmare? One-sided coverage about Donald Trump.This article has 30 references to Donald Trump, and 23 references to Hillary Clinton.
Can we please have some equal coverage for both HRH Hillary Clinton and Mr. Trump. A debate is supposed to be two-sided, but I can just see the articles from the NYTimes the next day - My debate nightmare - all negative articles about Mr. Trump and all glowing reviews about Hillary Clinton.
Can we please have some equal coverage for both HRH Hillary Clinton and Mr. Trump. A debate is supposed to be two-sided, but I can just see the articles from the NYTimes the next day - My debate nightmare - all negative articles about Mr. Trump and all glowing reviews about Hillary Clinton.
12
I posted the following under Douthat's column.
-------
The pundits' decision, in advance, for who will win the debate:
It will be Trump, if he manages to keep his cool and "look presidential" (i.e., like a tall white male?). What he says won't matter one bit.
For Hillary to win, she will have to deliver a really, really, powerful knock-out blow in the form of some one-liner. What she says won't matter a bit, either.
Such is the state of political journalism in the 21st century.
-------
Then I read Bruni's column and it depressingly confirmed my impression.
-------
The pundits' decision, in advance, for who will win the debate:
It will be Trump, if he manages to keep his cool and "look presidential" (i.e., like a tall white male?). What he says won't matter one bit.
For Hillary to win, she will have to deliver a really, really, powerful knock-out blow in the form of some one-liner. What she says won't matter a bit, either.
Such is the state of political journalism in the 21st century.
-------
Then I read Bruni's column and it depressingly confirmed my impression.
96
I anticipate a Trump rant
Sensible debating he can't,
Foul mouthing schoolyard style
Full fibbing the meanwhlie
With gobbets of Trumpian cant.
Sensible debating he can't,
Foul mouthing schoolyard style
Full fibbing the meanwhlie
With gobbets of Trumpian cant.
127
For Trump to be presidential he would have to debate Hillary Clinton as an equal.
It won't happen.
It won't happen.
120
Thrashing
Pouting
crowing or peacocking
No, the brute who promises to buy a horse
Forces a trainer to hurt the horse
Then refuses to pay for the horse
Alibi, that was the horse's name, but there is no alibi for Trumpian know-nothing arrogance.
That's who he is, he knows nothing, this braggadocious know-it-all.
Irredeemable
Nauseating
Toxic
Destructive
A sadist who doesn't care who he hurts
All set to hurt our once fine tolerant loving country
Turning it into a hateful refuge
For Putin's poodle
Have no fear, the hate is here.
He will uncover himself in all his grotesquerie,
the superb charlatanic self-worshipping Trump
Pouting
crowing or peacocking
No, the brute who promises to buy a horse
Forces a trainer to hurt the horse
Then refuses to pay for the horse
Alibi, that was the horse's name, but there is no alibi for Trumpian know-nothing arrogance.
That's who he is, he knows nothing, this braggadocious know-it-all.
Irredeemable
Nauseating
Toxic
Destructive
A sadist who doesn't care who he hurts
All set to hurt our once fine tolerant loving country
Turning it into a hateful refuge
For Putin's poodle
Have no fear, the hate is here.
He will uncover himself in all his grotesquerie,
the superb charlatanic self-worshipping Trump
152
horse story is true, courtesy of Gail Collins.
My other thought. You are underestimating Hillary. Aside from her pneumonia, which has made her a little quiet and hoarse, she's got all her marbles.
People have come to see him, but my prediction: she was made for this.
112 countries, some of them with contemptuous disrespectful men all set to take her down as Secretary of State. What do you think?
"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!
My other thought. You are underestimating Hillary. Aside from her pneumonia, which has made her a little quiet and hoarse, she's got all her marbles.
People have come to see him, but my prediction: she was made for this.
112 countries, some of them with contemptuous disrespectful men all set to take her down as Secretary of State. What do you think?
"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!
245
She set a travel record as Secretary of State, but so what? Why should that matter to us?
She even dodged sniper fire on one of those trips!
If it really does draw a crowd bigger than the Super Bowl, it won't be Hillary they've come to watch.
That means it is up to Trump to either play a Reagan, or play a Carter. He can look like a President, or not.
That is largely independent of anything that Hillary might do or not do.
It is also independent of the moderators, since handling what they dish up is the measure of being Presidential. If they challenge him and he shows he can handle that, he's a President, while Hillary watches it happen.
That means it is up to Trump to either play a Reagan, or play a Carter. He can look like a President, or not.
That is largely independent of anything that Hillary might do or not do.
It is also independent of the moderators, since handling what they dish up is the measure of being Presidential. If they challenge him and he shows he can handle that, he's a President, while Hillary watches it happen.
27
Mark ~ Your comments supporting DT irritate me more than some others because I used to enjoy reading what you wrote. A question: Do you really want the grossly unprepared DT to be elected President? The measure of being POTUS 24/7 involves a lot more than "playing a role" and looking the part.
I'm looking forward to how the NYT describes the dangers a Trump presidency would present.
I'm looking forward to how the NYT describes the dangers a Trump presidency would present.
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people will watch th debate for th same reason they slow to gawk at gruesome bloody car crashes
what did you think theyll watch it for, rational discussion on policy ?
3
Mary Ann Donahue -- I really want the Democratic establishment politicians to step uyp to the problems presented by their choice of Hillary. I want them to hedge her in to curb her hawkish tendencies and corporate friendly choices more generally. That can still be done, because she needs them to win.
In a couple of months, if they support her without curbing her, it will be too late. All she will need is four years of donor money, and that favors wars and corporate excess.
I am not "supporting Trump" I am decrying the many dangers of what the Democrats have done and are still doing. Fix it while they can.
In a couple of months, if they support her without curbing her, it will be too late. All she will need is four years of donor money, and that favors wars and corporate excess.
I am not "supporting Trump" I am decrying the many dangers of what the Democrats have done and are still doing. Fix it while they can.
4
"For the many millions of us who regard Trump as irredeemably dangerous, he forfeited any legitimate claim to the presidency somewhere on the timeline between ridiculing John McCain’s military heroism and suggesting that Second Amendment enthusiasts take aim at Hillary Clinton."
That was a long arc you quoted, Frank--almost a full year. Trump's 2nd amendment rants about how they might treat Clinton didn't start until recently, repeated once after he got away with it the first time.
I find it sad that the average voter attention span dictates that the last thing they see or hear will be their deciding factor. You can have a lifetime of public service as Clinton does, but if a viewer likes a put-down by Trump or a lie not questioned by the moderator, he gets in because of the low bar he's ascending and the high one she has to leap.
It's also sad that "performance" now counts more than actual experience in governing. Running a private company--essentially a dictatorship--would seem to be a poor predictor of talent for governing, which depends an awful lot on "playing well with others."
That was a long arc you quoted, Frank--almost a full year. Trump's 2nd amendment rants about how they might treat Clinton didn't start until recently, repeated once after he got away with it the first time.
I find it sad that the average voter attention span dictates that the last thing they see or hear will be their deciding factor. You can have a lifetime of public service as Clinton does, but if a viewer likes a put-down by Trump or a lie not questioned by the moderator, he gets in because of the low bar he's ascending and the high one she has to leap.
It's also sad that "performance" now counts more than actual experience in governing. Running a private company--essentially a dictatorship--would seem to be a poor predictor of talent for governing, which depends an awful lot on "playing well with others."
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Whereas running a corrupt State Department and family feed trough foundation is excellent predictor of future performance.
I think we can count on one optic: him saying, "You're fired!" directed at her.
And maybe at her (former) boss, too.
That remark at the WHCD really rankles, still.
And maybe at her (former) boss, too.
That remark at the WHCD really rankles, still.
27
IMO, it still "rankles" because they want it to....otherwise, they'd still be rankled at Trump for standing in front of them proclaiming "How stupid are you people!" Feigned indignation is, however, a great tool to reinforce the "group feel", with Trump reinforcing it rally after rally. They've just been given ammunition for new T-shirts. If they were truly outraged, the outrage would extend to Trump's scathing attacks on Pres. Obama, Sec. Clinton and their fellow citizens of America who support them. I just don't buy that their feelings are hurt; rather, they are only too happy because it is ammunition against Ms. Clinton. (what a cynic your election is turning me into!)
Since I don't like either Clinton nor Trump, I find Mr. Bruni's wish for Trump to be his irascible self and lose the debate to be rather phony. What happens if Trump, using unusual self-restraint, shows he is at least as "presidential" as Hillary? Doesn't that mean he is owed serious consideration by voters?
"Heavens, no!" I hear everyone at the NYTimes saying.
"Heavens, no!" I hear everyone at the NYTimes saying.
26
Sure, I'll say heavens, no! With no apology.
We can survive Hillary. I'm not so sure we'd survive The Donald. One night of "acting presidential" in a debate would not entitle him to be given serious consideration by anyone who has been paying attention since last summer.
We can survive Hillary. I'm not so sure we'd survive The Donald. One night of "acting presidential" in a debate would not entitle him to be given serious consideration by anyone who has been paying attention since last summer.
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Donald: Apart from disliking both candidates, what do you thinkof their policies? On the SCOTUS, for example? Is it OK with you if Trump appoints a few Scalia look-alikes?
24
Yes, "Heavens no!". One debate performance shouldn't outweigh a lifetime of egregious and dishonest behavior.
23
Regrettably, Senor is correct (hate saying that) - just by being on stage with Hillary, Drumpf's stature is raised, and he beats the very low bar of expectations if he doesn't fall over drooling at some point during the 90 minutes.
There will be no pinning him down on his multiple flip-flops; since he's said so many different things at different points in the primary and now after the convention, there won't be enough time in any one segment for Hillary or Lester Holt to call him out over and over enough times on any one lie that he will eventually admit to even one lie (see: birther-in-chief).
Plus, it's not a real debate where points can be made over and over until truth is finally admitted - this is theatre which will only last a predetermined amount of time, and Drumpf need only be able to play his role consistently for that time period, which no one is sure is an attainable feat.
For the country's sake, we'll thus have to hope Drumpf falls down drooling.
This is the end result of a GOP which has turned the legislative process in Congress into nothing but a party fund-raising machine, as evidenced by Tom Delay's little black book of pay-to-play and the still prevalent awarding of committee chairs and seniority based on fund-raising prowess instead of length-of-service.
So now we have the supremely unqualified Drumpf where he is because he could generate media ratings and fund raise, nicely dove-tailing with our Citizens United dystopia.
Sad.
For everyone.
There will be no pinning him down on his multiple flip-flops; since he's said so many different things at different points in the primary and now after the convention, there won't be enough time in any one segment for Hillary or Lester Holt to call him out over and over enough times on any one lie that he will eventually admit to even one lie (see: birther-in-chief).
Plus, it's not a real debate where points can be made over and over until truth is finally admitted - this is theatre which will only last a predetermined amount of time, and Drumpf need only be able to play his role consistently for that time period, which no one is sure is an attainable feat.
For the country's sake, we'll thus have to hope Drumpf falls down drooling.
This is the end result of a GOP which has turned the legislative process in Congress into nothing but a party fund-raising machine, as evidenced by Tom Delay's little black book of pay-to-play and the still prevalent awarding of committee chairs and seniority based on fund-raising prowess instead of length-of-service.
So now we have the supremely unqualified Drumpf where he is because he could generate media ratings and fund raise, nicely dove-tailing with our Citizens United dystopia.
Sad.
For everyone.
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Actually, the GOP has turned Congress into a brothel who doesn't care how they earn their living. Servicing Trump would be palatable to most, and a prerequisite to being a Republican. Just ask Reince Priebus, Ted Cruz, and Mitch McConnell.
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@ R.Law
This upcoming debate will indeed will be theatre. Yet, it will be the Theatre of the Absurd because of the leading male star on stage.
I assume that the Drumpf audience will still be waiting for Godot long after the curtain falls on him on Nov. 8th.
This upcoming debate will indeed will be theatre. Yet, it will be the Theatre of the Absurd because of the leading male star on stage.
I assume that the Drumpf audience will still be waiting for Godot long after the curtain falls on him on Nov. 8th.
1
Such xenophobic nastiness in this "drumpf" business.
Ugly.
Ugly.
1
There’s a third option that Frank should dread even more than a dull Trump. He’s considered an unhinged Trump who destroys himself in the teeth of a composed Hillary; and there’s the dull Trump who wouldn’t win much but wouldn’t lose much, either, perhaps leaving Mrs. Clinton still vulnerable to a WikiShaft from whoever hacked her server and made off with those missing 33,000 emails.
But he hasn’t considered a Trump who deploys sarcasm effectively and hilariously to lampoon her positions on national security, America’s dreadful direction for eight years, and seeking to secure prosperity by excessive programmatic means. After all, this is what Trump excels at, and given his own positions on these important issues he has good reason to lampoon hers.
Mrs. Clinton is a very tough cookie, but she can be had. You rock her with the sarcasm Jeb Bush needed to put up with and so catastrophically found he couldn’t, she could freeze in the headlamps every bit as embarrassingly.
If that happened, Trump would romp and open up more than a few points in the polls—particularly in the battleground states. Then, if he had any sense, he’d cancel the remaining two debates saying that they would be too embarrassing to Mrs. Clinton, and invite Johnson and Stein alone to a debate HE funded and that excluded Mrs. Clinton.
Frank presumably watched the nominating debates, and should know that there are LOTS of ways Monday could turn out. Not all of them result in a Hillary win or tie.
But he hasn’t considered a Trump who deploys sarcasm effectively and hilariously to lampoon her positions on national security, America’s dreadful direction for eight years, and seeking to secure prosperity by excessive programmatic means. After all, this is what Trump excels at, and given his own positions on these important issues he has good reason to lampoon hers.
Mrs. Clinton is a very tough cookie, but she can be had. You rock her with the sarcasm Jeb Bush needed to put up with and so catastrophically found he couldn’t, she could freeze in the headlamps every bit as embarrassingly.
If that happened, Trump would romp and open up more than a few points in the polls—particularly in the battleground states. Then, if he had any sense, he’d cancel the remaining two debates saying that they would be too embarrassing to Mrs. Clinton, and invite Johnson and Stein alone to a debate HE funded and that excluded Mrs. Clinton.
Frank presumably watched the nominating debates, and should know that there are LOTS of ways Monday could turn out. Not all of them result in a Hillary win or tie.
38
By the way, in these cartoons to the left, for Mrs. Clinton to be almost as tall as Trump, she'd need to be portrayed standing on Bill's shoulders.
6
@Richard L ~ Re: "...for Mrs. Clinton to be almost as tall as Trump, she'd need to be portrayed standing on Bill's shoulders."
Hillary Rodham Clinton is a taller woman than Donald T. is or could ever be!! It's stature vs. posturing.
Hillary Rodham Clinton is a taller woman than Donald T. is or could ever be!! It's stature vs. posturing.
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It's the "usual" overinflation of Mrs. Clinton from the NYTimes. First there was nary a mention of Mr. Sanders from day 1 of the Democratic campaign. Then there were the daily barrages of everything negative about Donald Trump. And of course, Mrs. Clinton was the "Princess in Waiting", with anything written about her being totally glowing. I'm surprised the cartoonist didn't shrink Mr. Trump of make Mrs. Clinton even taller!
4
Hillary should be presidential but with a punch. I would like to see her bait him. Get him to lose it. Set him up and then finish him off by questioning his masculinity. Hit him where he thinks he is strong by getting him to reveal how weak he truly is. She is ten times smarter than he is. She should use her superior wit to force him to make a fool of himself. Instead of debate prep, she needs a few killer lines from written by the likes of Tina Fey to drop on him.
Look, the people considering voting for Trump are not products of the Harvard Debate Society. They aren't going to score a win for her because she has better arguments. Trump doesn't argue anything. He just boasts and postures and insults. So turn the tables on him. Turn his empty hollow boasting against him.
If Hillary is just a well mannered policy wonk, she will lose. That doesn't work with Trump because with him, policy is not an issue. The way to defeat him is to defeat his image.
I hate to sound like I'm degrading the process but Trump's presence already ruined that anyway. Trump is a product of reality TV, nothing more. Make him show that world that's all he is. Tina Fey, Hillary needs you!
Look, the people considering voting for Trump are not products of the Harvard Debate Society. They aren't going to score a win for her because she has better arguments. Trump doesn't argue anything. He just boasts and postures and insults. So turn the tables on him. Turn his empty hollow boasting against him.
If Hillary is just a well mannered policy wonk, she will lose. That doesn't work with Trump because with him, policy is not an issue. The way to defeat him is to defeat his image.
I hate to sound like I'm degrading the process but Trump's presence already ruined that anyway. Trump is a product of reality TV, nothing more. Make him show that world that's all he is. Tina Fey, Hillary needs you!
652
With due respect for your thoughts and comments, Mr. Rosenblit, our next President - Ms. Hillary Rodham Clinton - cannot play the game you suggest because SHE will be crucified for it. She is doing just fine and, regardless of what spin her rabid opponents and the press may try to put on it, smart people will realize how fortunate we are to have her in the running. She will make it OUR story on November 8 and over one-half the population - women - and the men who love them will cheer.
286
From your pen to God's ears.
7
Sadly, it seems doubtful that the smart people you mention are in the majority in this country. The debate would be a good time for Mrs. Clinton to show she is a canny fighter as well as the smartest person on stage. A verbal shiv between the ribs is just the kind of thing Trump supporters understand.
11
Reagan was a veteran of Hollywood and a two-term Governor of California.
Reagan played his part very well in the debate with Carter, who had to deal with a hostage crisis in Iran and rampant inflation at home.
Reagan's now famous line: "There you go again" sealed the deal with the masses of simple-minded Americans looking for a change.
Trump is no Reagan. Trump will have a difficult time talking about things he does not know and trying to sound intelligent.
The debate should be interesting, as in the old Chinese curse about living in interesting times
Reagan played his part very well in the debate with Carter, who had to deal with a hostage crisis in Iran and rampant inflation at home.
Reagan's now famous line: "There you go again" sealed the deal with the masses of simple-minded Americans looking for a change.
Trump is no Reagan. Trump will have a difficult time talking about things he does not know and trying to sound intelligent.
The debate should be interesting, as in the old Chinese curse about living in interesting times
222
Trump had a successful TV show for years and can probably handle himself quite well against a candidate who had to have lessons and coaching on how to be spontaneous, as described by this newspaper at the beginning of the primary season. This, after what her fans always describe as 40 years experience in politics. The spontanaity lessons seemed to feature limiting the primary debates, disappearing from the campaign trail and singing oldies but goodies at Hampton fundraisers
2
I'm afraid your nightmare is going to come true, Mr. Bruni. As despicable as The Con Don is his "trusted advisers" like Roger Ailes, king of hate and puppet master behind fox so-called news; Rudy Guilani, failed politician and now off the rails with hate-fear-anger-war; Bannon, of the hateful, racist Breitbart news; Chris Christie, on trial for closing a major New York-New Jersey bridge to punish a democratic mayor who wouldn't support him for his second term as governor; Carl Icahan, king of hostile corporate takeovers who destroyed perfectly good companies to enrich himself; the Russian political operative who has ties to Vladimir Putin and all the rest of the insatiably greedy who want to destroy democracy in America are not stupid. They will demand he squelch his ADD, manic-depressive, narcissistic, me-ism on steroid personality and present a "presidential" face. It's all a part of the BIG serial liar named
The Con Don. Will the media allow viewers to be fooled - again/still?
The Con Don. Will the media allow viewers to be fooled - again/still?
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Thanks Njglea for including Carl Icahn in your list of "despicables" advising DT. I hold a special aversion to Icahn since he is the single worst thing that ever happened to me in my working life. That he and DT associate would be reason enough not to vote for him. But, like you, I am in the camp of being pro-Hillary, not just anti Trump.
You did omit Kellyanne Conway from your list, she of the wide Cheshire grin, such a self satisfied smile. She strikes me as a shrewd and calculating adviser.
You did omit Kellyanne Conway from your list, she of the wide Cheshire grin, such a self satisfied smile. She strikes me as a shrewd and calculating adviser.
74
Maybe they'll dope him up to calm him down. That'd be interesting!
4
The whole lot of them were dealt with appropriately in "Inglorious Basterds." If only it would happen here to what calls itself the GOP?
2
I hope he's dull as dishwater on Monday night. Because that means the debate discussion will be centered around actual policy, and he'll be forced to put meat on the scattered policy bones he's been tossing out these past few months. In a piece in this week's New Yorker, an unnamed Republican from the Bush White House says that when it comes to foreign policy, Trump is dangerous "because he doesn't even know what he doesn't know." Hillary Clinton knows what he doesn't know, and she'll be ready to expose his astounding ignorance.
Once he gets in the policy realm, the chances if his making one of those debate gaffes that live in infamy--"there is no Soviet domination of Eastern Europe," said Gerald Ford in 1976---increase exponentially.
Go ahead, Mr. Trump, try to look and sound presidential on Monday night. Please.
Once he gets in the policy realm, the chances if his making one of those debate gaffes that live in infamy--"there is no Soviet domination of Eastern Europe," said Gerald Ford in 1976---increase exponentially.
Go ahead, Mr. Trump, try to look and sound presidential on Monday night. Please.
309
Lester Holt - please ask Trump the difference between a hat-trick and the Nuclear Triad. That will quickly "... expose his astounding ignorance."
2
You know what's my debate nightmare?
Turning on the TV and realizing these are the two candidates running for President.
What a disaster.
Turning on the TV and realizing these are the two candidates running for President.
What a disaster.
89
Okay. But once you get over that, you should vote for the better candidate (they are not equally bad). And in my opinion, HRC is by far the better of the two.
14
Sorry, but secretary Clinton is not a disaster as a nominee. Trump is. Don't try to poison people with your false equivalency.
21
At least one of them has a brain. The other one lacks that, and a heart.
12
All Trump has to do is control himself and he's president. Everything up to this point is irrelevant. Could any Democrat have given him a real challenge? No.
14
No doubt about it. Mr, Trump has it sewn up just as tightly as Mr. Romney did in 2012.
12
Where was Sen. Warren when we needed her? The better alternative.
1
Trump would need to destroy the 17,000 hours of videos that the Clinton team has. These show Trump contradicting himself over and over. The problem that Trump has is that people suspect he has a serious attention deficiency, an exalted sense of self and a very short memory span. These are symptoms of mental illness. I have very good reason to believe that Alzheimer's is Trump's real problem.
10
-- The Importance of Learning From History --
The dinosaur was unaware that right above his head
An asteroid was coming, and soon he would be dead.
His fellows were complacent, and so, it seems, was he.
Things had gotten pretty same-y way back in the B.C.
But then there was a rumble that shook the mighty trees,
That howled with such ferocity it brought them to their knees.
The beast was unfamiliar. His crop was oddly orange.
And when he spoke it grated, just like a rusty door hinge.
They thought he was a T-Rex, who’d played them for a chump.
But this was something far worse--this was a T-Rump.
He blustered and he blathered. To some he seemed heroic.
Nothing of his kind had ever graced the Mesozoic.
He flattered their small-mindedness, appealing to their vanities.
He conned and he cajoled them with deplorable inanities.
A lady dinosaur had tried to point out all his flaws.
But the crowd was too enchanted by the flapping of his jaws.
He lured them with false promises, and turned their tiny heads,
Then marched them off a towering cliff, and soon they all were dead.
When the asteroid came down, the dinosaurs were gone.
All it did was make a sound and perforate the lawn.
If dinosaurs can meet their doom, then human beings are killable.
But it’s not an asteroid we fear, just its leading syllable.
The dinosaur was unaware that right above his head
An asteroid was coming, and soon he would be dead.
His fellows were complacent, and so, it seems, was he.
Things had gotten pretty same-y way back in the B.C.
But then there was a rumble that shook the mighty trees,
That howled with such ferocity it brought them to their knees.
The beast was unfamiliar. His crop was oddly orange.
And when he spoke it grated, just like a rusty door hinge.
They thought he was a T-Rex, who’d played them for a chump.
But this was something far worse--this was a T-Rump.
He blustered and he blathered. To some he seemed heroic.
Nothing of his kind had ever graced the Mesozoic.
He flattered their small-mindedness, appealing to their vanities.
He conned and he cajoled them with deplorable inanities.
A lady dinosaur had tried to point out all his flaws.
But the crowd was too enchanted by the flapping of his jaws.
He lured them with false promises, and turned their tiny heads,
Then marched them off a towering cliff, and soon they all were dead.
When the asteroid came down, the dinosaurs were gone.
All it did was make a sound and perforate the lawn.
If dinosaurs can meet their doom, then human beings are killable.
But it’s not an asteroid we fear, just its leading syllable.
676
Terrific, thanks!
40
Add rhyming poetry to gemli's creative writing skills! This was great.
48
Hurrah!
6