I live in No Cal. I will soon be able to buy Marijuana legally. If Trump wins I will just get baked for the next four years.
Here's my question for those who can't quite get behind Hillary Clinton
especially when the other possibility is Donald Trump..............
What were you doing for the country when she got health care for
9 million children?
especially when the other possibility is Donald Trump..............
What were you doing for the country when she got health care for
9 million children?
76
Don't boo. Vote.
And for God's sake, vote for Hillary. It's time to show that a woman's place is in the Oval Office.
And for God's sake, vote for Hillary. It's time to show that a woman's place is in the Oval Office.
44
"And if you live in San Francisco, there are 42. Which I admit is overdoing things" I agree. Took hours to figure out all the propositions which are mostly asking the public to figure out decisions that the Board of Stupidvisors should be working on.
_ Exhausted in San Francisco
_ Exhausted in San Francisco
15
You see Clinton’s flaws as a candidate?
And that Trump’s potential as potentate.
Your blank ballot’s indifference
Confirms the weird inference:
That the opposite of love is not hate.
And that Trump’s potential as potentate.
Your blank ballot’s indifference
Confirms the weird inference:
That the opposite of love is not hate.
7
I really do have friends who live in New Zealand because they couldn't stand the "American" way of life anymore. After spending a couple of months there and having a triple bypass in their "socialized" medical system, I agree with them. Our politics is baffling the world and it's embarrassing!
39
Samantha Bee and many others, including R. Law below, have been suggesting that Trump may have difficulties reading. That is not far fetched from my point of view.
As a ex-reading teacher I do believe he displays signs of a language disability: a very limited and low level vocabulary, strangled syntax, run on complex sentences taken to the extreme - often meandering to multiple subjects; an unwillingness to read from scripts or teleprompters and a lack of agility when he does so; an inability to readily grasp, understand, retain, explain or refute complex ideas or philosophies...
Combine this with his struggles at school, repeated disciplinary problems, problems with ego for which he grossly overcompensates, bullying, a need for constant recognition, a need to be in charge, an anger response that is way out of proportion - in level and duration - to the stimulus ...
It would be sad - and ironic - if Trump himself is in large part a product of a disability - is one of the disabled - for whom he has so little compassion - which is actually another commonly seen behavior.
As a ex-reading teacher I do believe he displays signs of a language disability: a very limited and low level vocabulary, strangled syntax, run on complex sentences taken to the extreme - often meandering to multiple subjects; an unwillingness to read from scripts or teleprompters and a lack of agility when he does so; an inability to readily grasp, understand, retain, explain or refute complex ideas or philosophies...
Combine this with his struggles at school, repeated disciplinary problems, problems with ego for which he grossly overcompensates, bullying, a need for constant recognition, a need to be in charge, an anger response that is way out of proportion - in level and duration - to the stimulus ...
It would be sad - and ironic - if Trump himself is in large part a product of a disability - is one of the disabled - for whom he has so little compassion - which is actually another commonly seen behavior.
42
So much has been written that a vote for someone other than Trump or Clinton is a wasted vote.
I wholeheartedly disagree. There are other elections and propositions to vote on in each state, and when it comes to POTUS, I simply will not vote for someone I despise. That describes Clinton and Trump in my book.
So I'll vote alright, but not for one of these disgusting human beings. I'll have the cold comfort of saying "I told you so" for the next four years. And until 2020 rolls around, that's all it will be - cold comfort. But at least I can say I tried, and voted.
I wholeheartedly disagree. There are other elections and propositions to vote on in each state, and when it comes to POTUS, I simply will not vote for someone I despise. That describes Clinton and Trump in my book.
So I'll vote alright, but not for one of these disgusting human beings. I'll have the cold comfort of saying "I told you so" for the next four years. And until 2020 rolls around, that's all it will be - cold comfort. But at least I can say I tried, and voted.
4
You are a hoot.
We live in CA and are the bluest of blues. Our economy is fabulous, minimum wages are going up. The weather is wonderful. The ballot long. Lots of direct mail but mostly for local elections.
Having said that, if Trump wins we may move out of the country. There is only so much a person can put up with and living in a country where the majority thinks he is okay and that would actually elect this toad...well, it's really company I do not care to keep.
Go, Hill!!!
We live in CA and are the bluest of blues. Our economy is fabulous, minimum wages are going up. The weather is wonderful. The ballot long. Lots of direct mail but mostly for local elections.
Having said that, if Trump wins we may move out of the country. There is only so much a person can put up with and living in a country where the majority thinks he is okay and that would actually elect this toad...well, it's really company I do not care to keep.
Go, Hill!!!
38
If Trump wins, a major recalibration of past Presidents will be in order. On a scale of 1 to 10 ,10 being the lowest , 3 thru 9 will have no entries.
6
"Plus, New Zealand has a housing bubble"... Excellent point, Gail!
3
THE COLLECTOR'S EDITION--CORRECTED AND REVISED
Ms. Gail Collins, you are my muse!
"If Donald Trump wins, the country is doomed. If Hillary Clinton wins, the Republicans won’t let her do anything, and the country will still be a mess. I’m moving to New Zealand.
— Suicidal in Seattle." (Thank you, Ms. Collins; this entry certainly rings true for me, a former Seattleite.)
It could be worse: “More than any other time in history, mankind faces a crossroads. One path leads to despair and utter hopelessness. The other, to total extinction. Let us pray we have the wisdom to choose correctly.”
― Woody Allen in Manhattan.
When again will I get a chance to put Bernie over the top in the Utah Democratic caucus? Amidst global warming, can Hell still freeze over?
--Disgruntled in This Reddest of Deserts.
I think my vote counted, but should I have opted for McMullin?
--A Gentile Among the Elect.
Whence did we come? Whither do we tend? What may we hope for? Is this really "The Place"?
--A Progressive in Utah (With Apologies to Immanuel Kant and Brigham Young).
Hope is a thing de-feathered!
--A Plucky Soul in Dire Jeopardy Near the Great Salt Lake.
Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose--or have we already completely lost it?
--A Bernie Supporter on the Wasatch front.
After Tuesday, November 8th, surely we will enter the peaceable kingdom. The lamb will lie down with the lion--but will the lamb get any sleep?
--A Woody Allen Fan in Salt Lake City.
Ms. Gail Collins, you are my muse!
"If Donald Trump wins, the country is doomed. If Hillary Clinton wins, the Republicans won’t let her do anything, and the country will still be a mess. I’m moving to New Zealand.
— Suicidal in Seattle." (Thank you, Ms. Collins; this entry certainly rings true for me, a former Seattleite.)
It could be worse: “More than any other time in history, mankind faces a crossroads. One path leads to despair and utter hopelessness. The other, to total extinction. Let us pray we have the wisdom to choose correctly.”
― Woody Allen in Manhattan.
When again will I get a chance to put Bernie over the top in the Utah Democratic caucus? Amidst global warming, can Hell still freeze over?
--Disgruntled in This Reddest of Deserts.
I think my vote counted, but should I have opted for McMullin?
--A Gentile Among the Elect.
Whence did we come? Whither do we tend? What may we hope for? Is this really "The Place"?
--A Progressive in Utah (With Apologies to Immanuel Kant and Brigham Young).
Hope is a thing de-feathered!
--A Plucky Soul in Dire Jeopardy Near the Great Salt Lake.
Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose--or have we already completely lost it?
--A Bernie Supporter on the Wasatch front.
After Tuesday, November 8th, surely we will enter the peaceable kingdom. The lamb will lie down with the lion--but will the lamb get any sleep?
--A Woody Allen Fan in Salt Lake City.
10
The spectacle of Trump bullying the clown car of GOP nominees during the primaries and succeeding in cowing them into defeat, and now failing miserably in the debates when trying the same with Clinton is a real testament to her leadership strength and her presidential qualifications ... no question about it. This Clinton lady is tough. Her debating performance pushed me from just voting for her to actually being excited about the prospect of her presidency.
41
Thanks for some humor while standing line waiting to vote in non competitive Illinois still proudly voting (and not out of disgust) but for a highly qualified candidate and with pride as a citizen
20
I do feel sad for trump people because their lives are controlled by their fear. They would be happier and contributing members of society if they controlled their fear.
17
It's interesting to me how many of the progressive commenters are talking about emigrating if Trump gets elected . I would really like to see how many of these people support immigration reform for undocumented persons who have been living in the US for decades, or those who came here legally and face a restrictive, unfair, abysmally inefficient system. Not to mention the refugees from Africa and the Middle East that have no place to go due to wars promulgated by the west, or those who helped the US government in Iraq, in Afghanistan, or in numerous other countries where the US is involved in domestic affairs of foreign countries but have little chance of reviving relocation as they were promised.
Self-proclaimed progressives often blame conservatives for only caring about issues that directly affect them. In my experience they no different when it comes to the issue of foreign-born citizens of US society.
Self-proclaimed progressives often blame conservatives for only caring about issues that directly affect them. In my experience they no different when it comes to the issue of foreign-born citizens of US society.
3
Christian prelates are telling their flocks to vote for Trump, a serial sexual predator. Rogue agents within the FBI are releasing false information in an attempt to stage a political coupe on behalf of Trump. Trump supporters are calling for the imprisonment or even execution of Hillary Clinton.
It sounds like the Hollywood script of a scary political thriller, but it is real it is happening here and now in the United States of America. Trump, a racist, an ignorant lying fraud is actually favorably competing for the Oval Office.
It is an obligation, a patriotic duty for every American to go to the polls and vote for Hillary and against Donald Trump and every politician who stands with him. We must put an end to the nightmare that is threatening our nation,
It sounds like the Hollywood script of a scary political thriller, but it is real it is happening here and now in the United States of America. Trump, a racist, an ignorant lying fraud is actually favorably competing for the Oval Office.
It is an obligation, a patriotic duty for every American to go to the polls and vote for Hillary and against Donald Trump and every politician who stands with him. We must put an end to the nightmare that is threatening our nation,
37
O Canada! The Yanks are sucking your jobs away! Protect yourselves from all those American rapists and drug dealers pouring across the St Lawrence. And OMG - all those nasty women! Even their pets have radical terrorist tendencies.
You need a Trumpty-Dumpty Son of the True north to make Canada Great Again. (I am so embarrassed for what my country is doing to ourselves on this side).
You need a Trumpty-Dumpty Son of the True north to make Canada Great Again. (I am so embarrassed for what my country is doing to ourselves on this side).
7
How amazing is it that we have an election where the interests of former KBG agent Bad Vlad seem to align with the interests of some members of the FBI?
18
Thank you, Gail, you're the best! This is just what we needed today! But you left out Texas, we always want to know what fun things they're up to during election cycles!
1
To Suicidal in Seattle - they have been having a lot of earthquakes in New Zealand and you have to know how to shear sheep. On the other hand, if you move to California, I'm pushing an initiative to secede. Then perhaps we can get annexed to Canada (maybe along with the whole west coast?) and live in relative sanity. At least you can smoke your sorrows away.
8
I live in Texas. During the World Series, I saw back to back ads for Trump and Clinton. Does this mean Clinton is so confident she can invade Trump territory? That she has money to burn and figures, 'Why not Lubbock?'
Does it mean Trump is desperately worried? Or that his campaign is so inept that it can't interpret a Texas poll?
Does it mean Trump is desperately worried? Or that his campaign is so inept that it can't interpret a Texas poll?
7
Orange Kool-Aid drink:
Tastes bitter but lots of sales;
Side effects deadly.
Tastes bitter but lots of sales;
Side effects deadly.
8
I am planning on spending as much time out of the US if DT wins (God forbid please!)
5
If we can all keep our sense of humor intact, like Gail Collins has, then we can survive anything. :)
8
@Abby
... Maybe he'd like to have the Iron Maiden perform at one of his rallies?
... Maybe he'd like to have the Iron Maiden perform at one of his rallies?
3
— "Bored in Butte"
With aLL the agitation and aggression- being Bored in Butte doesn't sound so bad.
With aLL the agitation and aggression- being Bored in Butte doesn't sound so bad.
5
I love Gail Collins.
12
Looking at that picture of all these white folks in Florida just having reached level 3 of Trump brainwashing I've decided to immigrate to Vancouver.
11
• There are no excuses for not voting.
But there are reasons.
But there are reasons.
4
Trump rally photos are all the same: blond and white, blond and white, blond and white, like KellyAnne Conway and his other staff. Don't these people ever get tired of seeing only each other in their small self-reflective world? Does it never occur to them that something in their obsession is fundamentally wrong?
20
Overwhelmed in Orlando is the perfect explanation why the presidential election should be decided by a popular vote majority or plurality, above a theshold of say 40% or 39.8% (Lincoln's plurality). Just think what all it would have spared us in 2000, though perhaps it was God's way of brining us the first black president.
I'm amazed that we mamaged to normalize relations with Cuba despite Florida's swing state status and the blackmail that Cuban refugees held over American foreign policy for so many decades.
I'm amazed that we mamaged to normalize relations with Cuba despite Florida's swing state status and the blackmail that Cuban refugees held over American foreign policy for so many decades.
8
I think we should reach across the aisle to the Trumpinistas and let them know that we bear them no personal animosity. After all, they're our neighbors and often, our friends.
Why, just this morning at breakfast at the Blue Ridge Cafe, I reached out to a conservative friend who took exception to my prominent "In Your Guts, You Know He's Nuts!' button featuring a likeness of The Orange One.
I just said, "Look, if Hillary wins, and you guys go nuts and take over the local Board of Elections Office, I will personally bail you out because I want to make absolutely one hundred percent certain that y'all get a fair trial."
I said it with a big smile, and I'm sure he understood my meaning.
Why, just this morning at breakfast at the Blue Ridge Cafe, I reached out to a conservative friend who took exception to my prominent "In Your Guts, You Know He's Nuts!' button featuring a likeness of The Orange One.
I just said, "Look, if Hillary wins, and you guys go nuts and take over the local Board of Elections Office, I will personally bail you out because I want to make absolutely one hundred percent certain that y'all get a fair trial."
I said it with a big smile, and I'm sure he understood my meaning.
14
I live in No Cal. Marijuana will be legal after Monday's vote. If Trump wins Inplab to be baked for the next four years
7
Medically, you want to use indicas to manage stress and pain. No blended tawackos for me edibly. I want to know what's in my chewies.
I am so dissed that the folks in Chandler AZ who make Fentanyl patches, InSys, give people fraud cancer so their insurance will cover the scripts Insys is majorly funding the anti-recreational campagin with their dirty drug money!! They only make that patch, but hope to snatch the entire market by claiming their synthetic pot is the dose for the national script. In other worlds, they want us to suffer so they can get rich off of our pain.
I am so dissed that the folks in Chandler AZ who make Fentanyl patches, InSys, give people fraud cancer so their insurance will cover the scripts Insys is majorly funding the anti-recreational campagin with their dirty drug money!! They only make that patch, but hope to snatch the entire market by claiming their synthetic pot is the dose for the national script. In other worlds, they want us to suffer so they can get rich off of our pain.
3
New Zealand has problems but nothing like "Our great country, USA"
Cape Breton, Nova Scotia has problems too; nothing like the Great USA.
The trouble with "great-hype" is it implies little need for improvement.
That's also the trouble with "freedom from government hype"--and its associates. "Free (from government) markets" "The smaller the government the better"--Ryan. "Government is best that governs least"--Thoreau.
Instead of making government smart, efficient, aimed at coordination, cooperation and community, the USA has had a century old death wish to return to the wild west and the fun of shootemups--wars of everyman against everyman; every race against every race.
The Times Magazine describes the USA as in a state of cold war. It seems hotter than that.
The rest of the civilized world knows that civilization is essentially "cityfication"-- impossible without magnificent civil engineering and civil service--the commonwealth, the public good. Good government; not no government.
Cape Breton, Nova Scotia has problems too; nothing like the Great USA.
The trouble with "great-hype" is it implies little need for improvement.
That's also the trouble with "freedom from government hype"--and its associates. "Free (from government) markets" "The smaller the government the better"--Ryan. "Government is best that governs least"--Thoreau.
Instead of making government smart, efficient, aimed at coordination, cooperation and community, the USA has had a century old death wish to return to the wild west and the fun of shootemups--wars of everyman against everyman; every race against every race.
The Times Magazine describes the USA as in a state of cold war. It seems hotter than that.
The rest of the civilized world knows that civilization is essentially "cityfication"-- impossible without magnificent civil engineering and civil service--the commonwealth, the public good. Good government; not no government.
11
Well, I'm from North Carolina, born and bred. Believe me, it's no fun to be in this spotlight.
Our districts are so gerrymandered that it will be a miracle if we ever see the light of fairness.
We are the laughingstock of the country for our infamous HB2 (bathroom) law. Mind you, there were never enforcement provisions. Plus there were other godawful, discriminatory provisions that got little notice.
Last election we had a senator, Tillis, elected only because of last minute millions of dollars dumped into the election from outside the state! And that money is beginning to POUR again, from outside the state, much to our chagrin.
Tragic for a beautiful state.
Our districts are so gerrymandered that it will be a miracle if we ever see the light of fairness.
We are the laughingstock of the country for our infamous HB2 (bathroom) law. Mind you, there were never enforcement provisions. Plus there were other godawful, discriminatory provisions that got little notice.
Last election we had a senator, Tillis, elected only because of last minute millions of dollars dumped into the election from outside the state! And that money is beginning to POUR again, from outside the state, much to our chagrin.
Tragic for a beautiful state.
14
EVERY complaint I have heard Trump fans make about Hillary is even truer of Trump.
Dishonest? Look at the fact checking sites and compare.
Investigations and possible wrongdoing? Is using a personal e-mail server really worse in a president than deliberate fraud (Trump U) and the possible rape of a 13-year-old child? As to deleting messages, they've both done it—as did the entire Bush administration. (The score is 33,000 to 22 million.)
Sense of privilege? Who had a privileged upbringing? Who claims to be worth ten billion?
Concern for the little guy? Who is known for stiffing their contractors and suppliers, knowing they can't afford to sue them? Who kept black tenants out of their apartments for years? Who claims they are going to bring jobs back to the US, but when they had the choice of where to have their own merchandise made, chose foreign countries, whining, "I had no choice! I'm a businessman. It was cheaper!" Really, don't get me going on this one; it will go on for pages.
I could go on, but you get the idea.
Dishonest? Look at the fact checking sites and compare.
Investigations and possible wrongdoing? Is using a personal e-mail server really worse in a president than deliberate fraud (Trump U) and the possible rape of a 13-year-old child? As to deleting messages, they've both done it—as did the entire Bush administration. (The score is 33,000 to 22 million.)
Sense of privilege? Who had a privileged upbringing? Who claims to be worth ten billion?
Concern for the little guy? Who is known for stiffing their contractors and suppliers, knowing they can't afford to sue them? Who kept black tenants out of their apartments for years? Who claims they are going to bring jobs back to the US, but when they had the choice of where to have their own merchandise made, chose foreign countries, whining, "I had no choice! I'm a businessman. It was cheaper!" Really, don't get me going on this one; it will go on for pages.
I could go on, but you get the idea.
18
I suspect that if Clinton wins, day one of her presidency filibuster king McConnell will announce that his sole aim is to make her a one term president. Not much to look forward to.
6
Too many whiny grown-ups who complain and complain when they should be devoting that activity toward realizing after careful deliberation that a vote for Hillary is the only direction a member of the 21st century with the many problems within and outside our country need a real adult to run this country--not a whiny faux grown-up. Get on with it! Ain't no such thing as a perfect candidate, but if you want the definition of the worst candidate, The Donald is that person. Really. Truly. Madly Deeply.
12
Thank you Gail. I'm not sure any of us would have made it this far without you.
Frankly, I think everyone should do what I've done and come up with a coping mechanism in case the Unthinkable does happen. Personally, I've decided to blame millennials.
The fact that they will decide to stay home and not support Hillary will be the excuse I'm going to use, but it's mostly because at my age (late 50's) I'm beginning to blame young people for most things. It just seems the natural way to roll.
Frankly, I think everyone should do what I've done and come up with a coping mechanism in case the Unthinkable does happen. Personally, I've decided to blame millennials.
The fact that they will decide to stay home and not support Hillary will be the excuse I'm going to use, but it's mostly because at my age (late 50's) I'm beginning to blame young people for most things. It just seems the natural way to roll.
3
In Denver we get to vote on smoking dope in designated clubs with other smart and cheerful people who want to smoke dope in designated areas.
C'mon, America, it's easy. Just mark all the boxes that have a D next to them and get ready to go back to work putting the Nation first.
This bright orange nightmare is almost over, I have been practicing my "Madam President" just in case I get to meet her or need to jerk the chain of my republican friends. Oops, just remembered. I got rid of my republican fiends.
C'mon, America, it's easy. Just mark all the boxes that have a D next to them and get ready to go back to work putting the Nation first.
This bright orange nightmare is almost over, I have been practicing my "Madam President" just in case I get to meet her or need to jerk the chain of my republican friends. Oops, just remembered. I got rid of my republican fiends.
13
First, thanks for the really funny column; we needed that.
Second, I live in California, so I voted (by mail) on our propositions and things, and since we're a blue state I'm pleased that I had the luxury of not wasting my presidential vote on fear, and instead could use it to help build the Green Party so that maybe next time, or the time after, we might have a genuine European-style election instead of being faced with a right wing candidate (by European standards) and an even more right wing candidate.
But, to try to end this in the spirit of the column, my own complaint is that I always feel left out when my email tells me to write my Congressperson about something, because my Congressperson is Barbara Lee and she's always already on the correct side of whatever the issue is. Barbara Lee for President!
Second, I live in California, so I voted (by mail) on our propositions and things, and since we're a blue state I'm pleased that I had the luxury of not wasting my presidential vote on fear, and instead could use it to help build the Green Party so that maybe next time, or the time after, we might have a genuine European-style election instead of being faced with a right wing candidate (by European standards) and an even more right wing candidate.
But, to try to end this in the spirit of the column, my own complaint is that I always feel left out when my email tells me to write my Congressperson about something, because my Congressperson is Barbara Lee and she's always already on the correct side of whatever the issue is. Barbara Lee for President!
8
Trump supporters are all faith-based.
5
True. They have faith that he's not going to do something goofy that destroys our American way of life in his first 90 days. The rest of us don't have anything approaching that degree of faith in him.
9
Some other last minute briefing. HRC allegedly loves and has supported CHILDREN all her career, i.e. the Childrens' Defense Fund. Yet she supports a system that allows a couple to abort a fetus because they don't want a FEMALE child. She supports that same system that allows a Downs female fetus to be deprived of a shot at the Special Olympics or of being the delight of a couple that TRULY loves children. My question is, Does this validate Safire's remark that she is,(speaking of genes), a "congenital liar"?
2
What do you mean supports? Is willing to take their money? Not support in my definition.
3
If you could find even one couple in the U.S. who decided to have an abortion because they didn't want a female child, it would no doubt be "led" by a misogynist white male Trump supporter.
8
That was just one example. HRC has frequently expressed to the public that her love of children is a central tenet of her political career
1
Well done, Ms. Collins. I don't agree with your politics, your ideology, or even your characterization of reality, but you have written a wonderfully witty column that captures great reasons to vote. Just so you know I'm still voting for neither Trump nor Clinton. And I'm not throwing my vote away either, unless you believe your vote only counts if you vote for the winner, which makes no sense. I'm voting for the person who would make the best president--from among those on the ballot in Michigan, which in my opinion is Gary Johnson, and I could rattle off dozens of names in quick succession of people who would make a better president than him, but he is head and shoulders above either Crooked Hillary or Creepy Donald. I know you fear a Trump presidency, but what you fail to realize is that your insistence on Clinton only fuels support for Trump. We would have a better chance of stopping both of these deeply flawed people if both sides would stand down a little and consider more sane options.
5
You never lived in New Mexico when he was said to be the governor, what was waste of a vote.
7
I find that those who espouse this false equivalence are Trump supporters who are too ashamed to admit it.
9
Democrats bring this on themselves every election cycle. If everyone just voted, we wouldn't have to deal with a potentially fascist president and congressional gridlock.
If you don't vote, you deserve everything that happens in the country.
If you don't vote, you deserve everything that happens in the country.
14
Hay, kids can't vote!
6
i just figured something out. Since Newt Gingrich, Republicans haven't had many normal decent candidates to pick from. Maybe they just don't know what one looks like.
10
Newt Gingrich?! Seriously?!!
8
I presume you're not including Mr. "family-values" Newt himself, the man who was having an affair while his wife was in a hospital bed.
11
Are you sure that Blunt's 12 year old son doesn't have a deal to get free Monsanto Genetically Modified lemons to use at his lemonade stand?
6
If Trump wins, he won't have to do anything about immigration because nobody will want to come here anymore. Nor will other free governments want to do any "deals" with him.
11
We are already experiencing negative growth in immigration, but don't let that stop the madness. Mexico is educating and retaining their own engineers, so go figure where we will find the talent to rebuild our futures or fill our colleges.
Assembly plants are now production plants. NAFTA is delivering. Birth rates are down and education is up. The future has never looked better. We are becoming the strongest continent on the planet with our neighbors in toe. In fact, they may eventually surpass us, El Paso.
Assembly plants are now production plants. NAFTA is delivering. Birth rates are down and education is up. The future has never looked better. We are becoming the strongest continent on the planet with our neighbors in toe. In fact, they may eventually surpass us, El Paso.
5
True Abby. Add to that subsidized free university for the top 20% in México and a large coming of age generation of multi-lingual engineers. MX is happening for the middle class. And the weather sure beats Canada, as does the food and culture and we have fiestas here!
5
This is what I think of 2016 election Gail.
To sum it up ,Hillary R. Clinton is surrounded in scar tissue, and scar tissue is tough.
She has been constantly investigated for years now, with never any findings that sticks, that does something to a person, in fact I would call her the most vilified Woman in history.
I am with HER more than ever !
To sum it up ,Hillary R. Clinton is surrounded in scar tissue, and scar tissue is tough.
She has been constantly investigated for years now, with never any findings that sticks, that does something to a person, in fact I would call her the most vilified Woman in history.
I am with HER more than ever !
38
If Trump wins, Pussy Grabbers will abound. Then the Donald can market chastity belts (for both women and men) under his famous "brand". He'll make a yuuuuge fortune! What a businessman!
2
I am gonna make a fortune off the Pussy Protector. It's got teeth, you silly grabbers! Try getting insurance to reattach your little hand in prison!
9
@ASW
....and have them made in China
....and have them made in China
7
Are you fooling? I think Mexico can provide a better product. I swear by their water heaters. Best thermostat in the hemisphere, and yes, it's got SAM capacity. Incoming!!
3
Trump is a one man wrecking crew. And yet he surrounds himself with Chrisy and Giuliani.
The former in charge of identifying and hiring the people in a Trump administration. He has a great track record --- his closest advisors were just convicted.
The latter, the paranoid American that has benefited greatly and continues to this day from 9/11. Imagine this guy as Attorney General, he will use the FBI for his own personal gain. He is doing it as a private citizen imagine when he has the "authority" to crush dissent.
"Make America Great Again" will bring back Jim Crow and the corruption of Nixonian paranoia.
The clarity and outrage of Martin Luther King brought change to America. Who is the moral voice of America in today's bigotry and deceit?
The former in charge of identifying and hiring the people in a Trump administration. He has a great track record --- his closest advisors were just convicted.
The latter, the paranoid American that has benefited greatly and continues to this day from 9/11. Imagine this guy as Attorney General, he will use the FBI for his own personal gain. He is doing it as a private citizen imagine when he has the "authority" to crush dissent.
"Make America Great Again" will bring back Jim Crow and the corruption of Nixonian paranoia.
The clarity and outrage of Martin Luther King brought change to America. Who is the moral voice of America in today's bigotry and deceit?
9
Christie is crispy as toast. These guys act like Pablo Escobar trying to forestall justice by getting Trump elected after blowing up the Judicial branch. Do they really think this is going to pass the history test?
There were a crew who tried to import French Fascism to stall Glass-Steagall in 1934. Marine Major General Smedley Butler was miffed FDR didn't charge them with sedition, but FDR knew they'd use the trial for show and call their enemies commies as was the craze in Europe. He just made them take their medicine.
There were a crew who tried to import French Fascism to stall Glass-Steagall in 1934. Marine Major General Smedley Butler was miffed FDR didn't charge them with sedition, but FDR knew they'd use the trial for show and call their enemies commies as was the craze in Europe. He just made them take their medicine.
5
It's been a tough week for those of us who will vote on qualifications, work ethic, track record of pubic service and the affirmation of women's rights- I have been making a list of some media-free activities to quell the anxiety and help time pass: 1. clean refrigerator, 2. wash car, 3. take a bike ride, 4.visit a good pastry shop, 5. hug your kids 6. organize the sock drawer, 7. read Lord of the Flies and The Crucible 8. Take a drive to a farm 9. Go antique shopping 10. Pray- I hope this is can get us to midnight on Tuesday and may it not be a bucket list for a government for, of and by the people.
9
I feel fortunate to be where the action is--Missouri! I am able to knock doors for U.S. Senate candidate Jason Lander.If the Senate majority flips, I will be able to say "I helped".
18
You go, Eleanor.
Folks liked to laugh Hillary was channeling Eleanor Roosevelt. That's Aquitaine in your tanks, tigers! She was queen consort to Louis of France and Henry II of England.
Put your big girl pants on and take it to the Court of Love!
Folks liked to laugh Hillary was channeling Eleanor Roosevelt. That's Aquitaine in your tanks, tigers! She was queen consort to Louis of France and Henry II of England.
Put your big girl pants on and take it to the Court of Love!
5
Dang that auto spell. The candidate is Jason Kander.
3
People in the 2080's will wonder how we ended up with such a mess? The nightmare is Trump wins the popular vote and Clinton wins the electoral college. That will tear the country up for months! If there is a lesson here it is that all political parties must establish guidelines for candidates. At least 4 years actual experience as a governor, congress person or senator, More important the political parties must reject extremist candidates. Of course who decides what extremism is? Democracy is never polite. Somehow Congress must get serious and get things done and all of us must learn to be reasonable. Extremism can be exciting, for a while, until reality shows up!
44
2080? That's optimistic. I have grave doubts well make it anywhere close.
This is super funny. This column restores my optimism and slays the welling cynic in me.
I have been receiving lots of emails suggesting that NEITHER Clinton OR Trump will receive enough electoral college votes and after lots of challenges, disputes and recounts, the yet underbenched Supreme Court will referred the election to the House as my email correspondents suggest is in the Constitution and the House with many lame members will elect their favorite, Speaker Paul Ryan.
I am not certain what would happen after that but I recant my overnight email exchanges to let you know that this column has uplifted my spirit of optimism. But what does it mean for financial and macroeconomic stability? So no matter what, I plan to vote for her. In the worst case this will give a lot of our constitutional lawyers a surge in fee income.
I have been receiving lots of emails suggesting that NEITHER Clinton OR Trump will receive enough electoral college votes and after lots of challenges, disputes and recounts, the yet underbenched Supreme Court will referred the election to the House as my email correspondents suggest is in the Constitution and the House with many lame members will elect their favorite, Speaker Paul Ryan.
I am not certain what would happen after that but I recant my overnight email exchanges to let you know that this column has uplifted my spirit of optimism. But what does it mean for financial and macroeconomic stability? So no matter what, I plan to vote for her. In the worst case this will give a lot of our constitutional lawyers a surge in fee income.
3
Sorry for I meant to say that many christians and evangelicals are hypocritical if they vote for Trump because Trump certainly does not exhibit any Christian values. So, I certainly do not want to include all Christi and or evangelicals.
5
And think, in two years electioneering will start all over again! What must the World think of a country which boasts of being the "the leader of the free World" and spends two years out of every four contemplating its political navel?
8
Sorry, Ms. Collins, New Zealand is too far. Owning land in Nova Scotia is certainly possible (if expensive) for US citizens. Although one will always be "from away", people are friendly and there are other ex-pats. As Colbert found out, it is hard to become a resident in Canada, but spending the 6 months or so of winter (like a real Canadian) in a warm climate isn't too much of a burden.
It is better than waiting for a Trump task force to decide one is an enemy of the state (him). I think the "prepper" left will find refuge in big cities with good weather and take-out as well as confusing street addresses for those alt-right militias to track us down! No hiding out in the wilds of some unpopulated western state for us! Let's watch those alt right hicks just try to get a taxi or an Uber driver with their open carry long guns!
I am ready for some pundit to list all of the things in this world that would be worse than a Trump presidency.
It is better than waiting for a Trump task force to decide one is an enemy of the state (him). I think the "prepper" left will find refuge in big cities with good weather and take-out as well as confusing street addresses for those alt-right militias to track us down! No hiding out in the wilds of some unpopulated western state for us! Let's watch those alt right hicks just try to get a taxi or an Uber driver with their open carry long guns!
I am ready for some pundit to list all of the things in this world that would be worse than a Trump presidency.
Warning this comment uses the ‘f” word. This is not so much an election as an attempted coup d’etat where a would be fascist dictator, supported by what is in realty the American Fascist Party, which still calls itself the Republican Party, has announced that if he loses at the ballot box he will not accept the decision of the voters.
This man threatens, in the name of the 2nd amendment, that if he loses, to over through the government by force. In effect threatening civil disorder and maybe a civil war. If he wins he promises to arrest and imprison his opponent as is common in a Banana Republic and if he loses and if he cannot prevent his opponent’s inauguration the fascists in Congress will impeach her for her “crimes.”
We are threatened with what the fascists, the KKK, the Neo Nazis and the alt-right believe is a take it or leave it proposition: civic disorder and government gridlock or vote for a fascist government.
Well this is an election to save the country and it is about the character of the American people, who seem to like the rule of law, due process, a functioning Supreme Court, paying your fair share of taxes and our Constitution which has served us well. America is infected by an internal enemy who hate this country and we can vote them out of office, if we have the guts and patriotism to see who these people really are, what they stand for, who the represent and how they have already damaged America.
This man threatens, in the name of the 2nd amendment, that if he loses, to over through the government by force. In effect threatening civil disorder and maybe a civil war. If he wins he promises to arrest and imprison his opponent as is common in a Banana Republic and if he loses and if he cannot prevent his opponent’s inauguration the fascists in Congress will impeach her for her “crimes.”
We are threatened with what the fascists, the KKK, the Neo Nazis and the alt-right believe is a take it or leave it proposition: civic disorder and government gridlock or vote for a fascist government.
Well this is an election to save the country and it is about the character of the American people, who seem to like the rule of law, due process, a functioning Supreme Court, paying your fair share of taxes and our Constitution which has served us well. America is infected by an internal enemy who hate this country and we can vote them out of office, if we have the guts and patriotism to see who these people really are, what they stand for, who the represent and how they have already damaged America.
17
Have faith in the system. In PA any senior or person with disability can vote by mail. I voted alternative ballot 3 weeks ago. the Board of Electors answered by questions when I called at 9 PM on a Friday. I'm disabled and almost fell rushing to polls after our Tea Party governor mandated voter ID. No other voter is going to accidentally elbow me this election or yell because I take too long in the voting booth. Roll on Wednesday.
8
There is a silver lining to this election. The other day there was an article in Haaretz with an approximate title "Thanks to Trump, now we know why Hitler was successful". Something I didn't know before.
13
Burr chilled me to the bone with his targeting statement. Gabby was my Rep. Does he forget he's perceived as part of the establishment, himself? Some nuts with guns aren't very discriminating in their view sights. Take the man who disappointed the Alt-Right's prediction machine by shooting dead two officers while being White. Anyone can go to Jared's.
4
Trump has NO Christian values, No conscience, No moral compass, No compassion. I do not understand for the life of me how evangelicals and true Christian believers can vote for such a fraud. My take on this is that these people are not true believers but, I hate to say, are hypocrites. I am agnostic but have a moral compass, a conscience, compassion and empathy and therefore would never be able to vote for someone like Trump.
20
In my lifetime of a paltry 52 years I've noticed that agnostics and atheists are most likely to "follow" the teachings of Christ. Ironic isn't it?
9
I live in Florida there should be a law that says once you vote you are exempt from political advertising. Can't watch TV until Wednesday. Guess I will have to go read a book
4
I blame twitter :-)
The media certainly insists twits are news. This helps me with the twitter blues.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEEgplXwNWk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEEgplXwNWk
1
So long as Trumple Stiltskin doesn't let down his hair! (Will he have a stylist on stand-by for his 3.00 a.m. mad dash to the situation room?
5
I live in a solid blue state and feel that my vote will not count. The election will be decided by a few people in six or seven states. Not fair. It's time to get rid of the Electoral College and let the popular vote decide the winner. Had it been the case in 2000 maybe we would have avoided some enormous problems. One can only hope it won't matter this time. Too bad it's never going to happen for the same reason that Wyoming has the same number of senators as California.
51
You live in a solid blue state only because people vote in your state. Your vote does count!
Be thankful you don't have to deal with so much political advertising.
Be thankful you don't have to deal with so much political advertising.
10
People forget that without various compromises, including the electoral college, we wouldn't have a United States of America. The articles of confederation were inadequate for forming an effective federal government and would have left our nascent country much more vulnerable to world powers including a likely British takeover. And by now we'd all be polite, just like Canadians.
3
Every vote goes to seal a mandate.
Every vote for a downticket Democrat helps with the necessary ruin of the current GOP so that we can get a sane second party.
Your vote counts!
Every vote for a downticket Democrat helps with the necessary ruin of the current GOP so that we can get a sane second party.
Your vote counts!
8
In Estonia, a tiny Baltic country that was first occupied by the Nazis and then by the Soviets, they are training militias to start a partisan resistance in case Russia invades as it did in Ukraine. In Russia, Putin cannot wait for his puppet Trump to win and give him a green light on his blitzkrieg in Easter Europe. So, dear Trump voter in Trumpland, what are you going to say to an Estonian mother mourning her dead children? Emails?
14
Obama hasn't emptied your armories like in Ukraine but my choice for president is all about my country, no other. Good luck, perhaps Merkel will loan you Syrian men. They seem in excellent health.
I thought the housing bubble was in Toronto.
I bet the whole Golden Horseshoe is gonna kick off. Sorry, that's a gambling joke. I did not know 25% of Canadians live in that space.
1
I'm a Republican woman, can I vote for a man who thinks I am a second class piece of meat?
In Tennessee you can and do it proudly!
In Tennessee you can and do it proudly!
7
How do you like your meat done? Slow BBQ? Trump's a flash in the pan fryer.
4
I look at this and other crowd pictures at Trump rallies...and I see a lot of "me's" there. You know, white folks.
I have never felt more like a foreigner then during this election ultra-marathon. Who are these people? So enraptured by the likes of Trump. Who for decades was a punch-line for late night TV hosts, a questionably successful real-estate tycoon, quasi-celebrity, and weirdly orange skinned and unsuccessfully coiffed guy who popped up in the local (NYC) news media with another attractive blonde (if you like that type) on his arm, promoting another "brand-item", who spoke in repetitive sentences and grimacing like he just realized he'd not wiped properly.
How did he become the Great White Savior? How? I'm flummoxed. Tremendously so...
I understand all the high-falutin explanations about the despair and alleged hopelessness of so many white people. I always knew how so many whites were harboring some seriously racist feelings in the face of what "they" call the destructive powers of political correctness. How so many whites feel they are losing their rightful and god-given place on the top of the heap.
And I agree that the 1-5% needs a comeuppance. That I'm on board with!
But Trump!?!?! Trump? Really? Were these people seriously waiting for this odd amalgam of Gov. Geo. Wallace, Sen. Joe McCarthy and the McDonalds Grimace character (orange instead of purple) to come along and rally them to scream and shout expletives?
Trump was the catalyst they needed?
I have never felt more like a foreigner then during this election ultra-marathon. Who are these people? So enraptured by the likes of Trump. Who for decades was a punch-line for late night TV hosts, a questionably successful real-estate tycoon, quasi-celebrity, and weirdly orange skinned and unsuccessfully coiffed guy who popped up in the local (NYC) news media with another attractive blonde (if you like that type) on his arm, promoting another "brand-item", who spoke in repetitive sentences and grimacing like he just realized he'd not wiped properly.
How did he become the Great White Savior? How? I'm flummoxed. Tremendously so...
I understand all the high-falutin explanations about the despair and alleged hopelessness of so many white people. I always knew how so many whites were harboring some seriously racist feelings in the face of what "they" call the destructive powers of political correctness. How so many whites feel they are losing their rightful and god-given place on the top of the heap.
And I agree that the 1-5% needs a comeuppance. That I'm on board with!
But Trump!?!?! Trump? Really? Were these people seriously waiting for this odd amalgam of Gov. Geo. Wallace, Sen. Joe McCarthy and the McDonalds Grimace character (orange instead of purple) to come along and rally them to scream and shout expletives?
Trump was the catalyst they needed?
16
With only one "major" newspaper (Las Vegas Review Journal, owned by Sheldon Adelson) endorsing Trumpelthinskin; campaigning solo due to lack of endorsements and surrogates (NYT: Big Names Campaigning for Hillary Clinton Underscore Donald Trump’s Isolation, 11/04/2016); how can so many millions of Americans vote for Trumpelthinskin?
Trumpelthinskin: "I love the poorly educated" voters. But if there really are that many poorly educated voters, shouldn't we be doing something about that? Then we might not need to import so many highly educated immigrants, thus giving more Americans high paying jobs. Shouldn't the GOP recognize this and support education, instead of defunding education so they can pour more money into the military, prisons, etc.? Where is their patriotism? Shouldn't the GOP be for Americans, and not just the American dollars?
Trumpelthinskin: "I love the poorly educated" voters. But if there really are that many poorly educated voters, shouldn't we be doing something about that? Then we might not need to import so many highly educated immigrants, thus giving more Americans high paying jobs. Shouldn't the GOP recognize this and support education, instead of defunding education so they can pour more money into the military, prisons, etc.? Where is their patriotism? Shouldn't the GOP be for Americans, and not just the American dollars?
8
Trust me, Doc, the LV R-J is NOT a major newspaper, not before Shelley bought it to silence his detractors, and not since.
Snarl for the camera, Shelley.
Snarl for the camera, Shelley.
3
I have voted in many elections and this is the first time that I am actually worried about the outcome. If Trump wins, we have a lunatic in the White House. If Hillary wins the Republicans will harass her until the end of her term with threats of impeachment, obstructionism, slights and innuendos. The only real winner? Vladimir Putin who hacked the DNC emails to meddle in our election to either get Trump elected (cause he knows that Trump is an idiot), or to discredit our electoral process. No matter who "wins" this election, Putin in the ultimate winner and the American people are the ultimate losers.
83
Well, here in Colorado, where the marijuana legalization got its start, we're going to mellow out on Tuesday. Look how far we've come! Pretty soon politicians will be able to say they inhaled! We vote by mail here so Tuesday is for those who forgot to mail in the ballot or who waited until the last minute to decide (shall I vote for Evan McMullan? or Donald Duck? decisions, decisions). Let's not forget that Mark Ruffalo has promised to do a nude scene in his next movie if we all vote (especially for HRC). SOMETHING good has to come out of this election!
4
Sanity, wisdom, and humor. All in short supply these days. Many thanks. Ms. Collins! --Less Cranky in Connecticut
6
I get the feeling Gail Collins wrote this after deciding researching a real story would be too difficult so she would try to be funny in an odd sort of way. We expect more. Hey Gail, I think the Times cost me $15/mo.
1
Thanks, Gail. I so needed to laugh this morning!
5
What do you mean, 'New Zealand has a housing bubble'? Since when?
1
Since the 1990s. A lot of retired mafia families left here and moved there. We keep count of them. Joe Bonanno used to use the phone booth down the street to call Sicily. He had AT&T in his pocket in the 60s.
3
As the race has tightened up over the last week and Trump's chance of winning crossed the 10% mark (which in my mind is the difference between "not a chance" and "oh my God this might happen") I've gotten more worried and and more grumpy. I'm tense and on edge. Yesterday I honked at a car in front of me for not moving the second the light turned green. Reading your column this morning Ms. Collins made me smile. Thank you. I needed it. I hope you're working on a doozy for Wednesday morning just in case.
7
Forget "having a beer" with the candidate... Think about which candidate you'd want to "be":
- your child's teacher at preschool
- the tow-truck driver when you break down on the road
- your server at a local restaurant
- the lineman (or woman) trying to restore power to your neighborhood
- one of the firefighters, or police officers, or emergency room staff when those emergencies happen
- the owner of a small dry-cleaning store, or a bakery, or neighborhood market
- the guy or gal who pumps gas, the trucker hauling manufacturing parts, the family farmer trying to make ends meet
- so many other roles and snapshots of our citizenry
Why people indulge in magical thinking when it's really simple to ask, "Could the candidate do a fry cook's job, a farmer's job, the tow truck driver's job?" in terms of temperament, effort, diligence. Can either candidate appreciate the challenges faced by a single mom in school, a retired widower on a minuscule fixed income, or a veteran? Can either candidate appreciate the lives, challenges, and needs of average Americans?
Maybe the ultimate question is, could either candidate work through my life's challenges, and exercise the judgment and compassion, reasoning and effort I strive for in my life?
In short, could either candidate successfully 'be me'?
Could either candidate successfully 'be you'?
Only Hillary can do that, in my view.
- your child's teacher at preschool
- the tow-truck driver when you break down on the road
- your server at a local restaurant
- the lineman (or woman) trying to restore power to your neighborhood
- one of the firefighters, or police officers, or emergency room staff when those emergencies happen
- the owner of a small dry-cleaning store, or a bakery, or neighborhood market
- the guy or gal who pumps gas, the trucker hauling manufacturing parts, the family farmer trying to make ends meet
- so many other roles and snapshots of our citizenry
Why people indulge in magical thinking when it's really simple to ask, "Could the candidate do a fry cook's job, a farmer's job, the tow truck driver's job?" in terms of temperament, effort, diligence. Can either candidate appreciate the challenges faced by a single mom in school, a retired widower on a minuscule fixed income, or a veteran? Can either candidate appreciate the lives, challenges, and needs of average Americans?
Maybe the ultimate question is, could either candidate work through my life's challenges, and exercise the judgment and compassion, reasoning and effort I strive for in my life?
In short, could either candidate successfully 'be me'?
Could either candidate successfully 'be you'?
Only Hillary can do that, in my view.
179
Americans say they want a businessman.
For heaven's sake, can't we find a billionaire who hasn't declared bankruptcy four times, who pays his taxes, who pays his contractors and laborers, who doesn't make fun of handicapped people for the benefit of similarly crude ruffians, who doesn't intimidate people he doesn't like by suing them or threatening to do so, and who doesn't make a grab for women's crotches willy nilly?
Surely there are businessmen out there who are actually successful and relatively honest? Why Donald Trump, whose only success is as a loutish reality-TV host?
The Republicans are sitting on information about Trump, will impeach him when he gets frisky, and then will install Mike Pence as their right-wing religious candidate -- the game plan all along, I'd say. Then watch how fast they'll approve Pence's Supreme Court justice nominations.
For heaven's sake, can't we find a billionaire who hasn't declared bankruptcy four times, who pays his taxes, who pays his contractors and laborers, who doesn't make fun of handicapped people for the benefit of similarly crude ruffians, who doesn't intimidate people he doesn't like by suing them or threatening to do so, and who doesn't make a grab for women's crotches willy nilly?
Surely there are businessmen out there who are actually successful and relatively honest? Why Donald Trump, whose only success is as a loutish reality-TV host?
The Republicans are sitting on information about Trump, will impeach him when he gets frisky, and then will install Mike Pence as their right-wing religious candidate -- the game plan all along, I'd say. Then watch how fast they'll approve Pence's Supreme Court justice nominations.
20
I'm trying to remember how the last MBA president fared. Oh yes. My house and my IRA lost nearly half of their value. Michigan elected a businessman with no experience in government. He poisoned the drinking water to save a buck. Business has had its day. It's time for someone who can read.
15
Once in the voting booth voting should actually take a minute at the most.
42 proposals San Francisco? 42. If a person brought a latte to pass the time it would go cold.
Don't blame the people running the voting station for it taking so long to vote.
42 proposals San Francisco? 42. If a person brought a latte to pass the time it would go cold.
Don't blame the people running the voting station for it taking so long to vote.
21
When I lived in CA, I voted absentee. That gave me plenty of time to consider the propositions, check out the candidates for races I was unfamiliar with, and make sure I marked my ballot the way I intended. I recommend mail-in voting and I'm glad Washington just mails ballots to everyone. I voted two weeks ago and I'm glad to be done.
4
This is why in California everybody gets a ballot in the mail and can take their time filling it out. I did mine yesterday.
2
To all Republican candidates who wrote in somebody so as to not vote Trump, "you’re just wasting your vote in an attempt to appear morally superior." Thanks for the quote, Gail.
10
The obvious solution to much of the angst of this election going forward would be to eliminate the Electoral College. It undermines the basic democratic principle of one person, one vote. It also eliminates the possibility that someone like Hillary could win the popular vote, but Trump would be elected due to carrying the EC. Or the other way around, which would cause a howl from Republicans. It would also remove the pressure off of so-called "swing" states - every state would the be equal in importance, forcing candidates to craft truly national campaigns, rather than saturate the voters in the swing states, and ignore people in other states altogether.
The EC was an experiment, a compromise as the Founders were crafting our governmental system. But the nation has grown beyond the usefulness of the institution and it should be retired. Granted, we're stuck with it this time around, but looking to the future is not a bad idea.
The EC was an experiment, a compromise as the Founders were crafting our governmental system. But the nation has grown beyond the usefulness of the institution and it should be retired. Granted, we're stuck with it this time around, but looking to the future is not a bad idea.
5
Yo, app designers: If you could design an app for my television that would recognize political ads, of all stripes, and automatically mute the sound, I'd spend $10.99 for it--and pay a small fee for every upgrade. If it switched from the political ad to epic Stooge clips or Rodney Dangerfield quips, then back to the TV program automatically, I'd pay even more.
5
Alright, alright, I'll vote. Stop nagging. I just hope it's not raining this Tuesday. I hope this election is rigged enough so I'll never have to hear the Orange Creature's name again. I never want to hear his supporters say another stupid thing again.
10
Wait! There's still an election? I thought it was over after the Al Smith dinner. And did Donald Trump invite that lady in the red dress the camera was focusing on sitting behind him and Hillary when they gave their speeches? I saw on the internet she was an FBI plant, so nobody would listen to Donald and there would be an invidious comparison between her and Hillary.
2
New Zealand has a housing bubble? Dang. Thanks a lot, Gail.
5
Random election story: My friends, fellow Mainers who live and work in Mexico most of the year, Fed Ex-ed their ballots to me yesterday so I could deliver them to the town office. Someone - we're thinking in Customs - opened the ballot envelopes inside, invalidating the ballots, according to the town clerk. The sympathetic clerk advised them of a a state web site where they applied for ballots, and will print them, vote, scan and e-mail them back to the state office, getting them in just under the wire (fingers crossed). Maine splits it's electoral votes and the Orange Beast has been courting the Second District (ours) with a number of appearances. These two Hillary votes are important! Anyone else have similar problems?
6
I have a wonderful idea for those stressed out by this general election.
1 Turn off the television, don't listen to the radio and stay away from computer news.
2 Do not discuss politics with friends, family members or anyone for that matter.
3 If someone calls regarding voting, immediately hang up, no explanations are necessary.
4 If someone rings the door bell, smile, say: "Not interested" and immediately shut the door.
5 Put Beethoven's 6th Symphony (Pastoral) on your CD play and listen to it from start to finish. Repeat as often as necessary.
1 Turn off the television, don't listen to the radio and stay away from computer news.
2 Do not discuss politics with friends, family members or anyone for that matter.
3 If someone calls regarding voting, immediately hang up, no explanations are necessary.
4 If someone rings the door bell, smile, say: "Not interested" and immediately shut the door.
5 Put Beethoven's 6th Symphony (Pastoral) on your CD play and listen to it from start to finish. Repeat as often as necessary.
10
I'm going to walk with the dead to get my mind off of living in fear. We in Tucson celebrate Dia de los Muertos on the following weekend with our own manifest destination. Life is much bigger than politics, but Jose Posada liked to poke some holes in his own nations' cast of paper characters.
http://all-that-is-interesting.com/what-jose-posadas-skeleton-cartoons-t...
I just met a man who campaigned for Mo Udall in '76. I knew I'd hung on to those signature playing cards Mo's aide gave me for fixing his sink for some reason. After 40 years, this dedicated worker received Mo's appreciation for his good works. Aye, Sonora!
http://all-that-is-interesting.com/what-jose-posadas-skeleton-cartoons-t...
I just met a man who campaigned for Mo Udall in '76. I knew I'd hung on to those signature playing cards Mo's aide gave me for fixing his sink for some reason. After 40 years, this dedicated worker received Mo's appreciation for his good works. Aye, Sonora!
4
Oy, there's no e in that ay! Que Gringa!
1
I'd love to move to the Languedoc region of France. But, even if Trump wins (please, God, no!) I don't understand how moving to another country would help. What, exactly, would moving abroad accomplish? As a natural-born American I feel obligated to help make our nation sane again. Moving might give me detachment and peace of mind, but I'd be abdicating my responsibilities as a citizen. On the other hand, I certainly cannot take another year of exposure to Trumped-up mania.
70
I have made more than a few anti-Trump comments in this and other newspapers. Will the Republican Trump FBI be tracking me down if he wins the election? That might be one reason for me to emigrate.
5
Can the West Coast seceed if Trump wins? Maybe we could get some good health care if we became three new Canadian provinces.
Curious in California
Curious in California
7
The futurist Alan Watts said, "Reality is only a Rorschach ink-blot, you know."
Each ballot cast on Tuesday will be a definitive voter ID.
Those who believe that the US has passed its high-water mark as a society, who are convinced that racial equality was a good idea that's just become too psychically expensive, who believe in freedom for some, who cheered the jury nullification in Oregon, who would deport families that have lived in America for decades and sometimes generations, who believe that ISIS only exists because Obama isn't willing to give it a swift kick in the butt, who believe (or at least once believed) that George Zimmerman was unduly hassled for killing a black kid who looked out of place, who continue to believe the smoke and mirrors, the later-walked-back claims (repent Bret Baier!) rather than the findings of the most expensive and vitriolic government investigations since Watergate into a person and a family, who believe that the Middle East would be a terrific place to live today had Obama just sent more rather than fewer troops, who fight for the rights of the unborn and then when those kids turn out to be poor abandon them first to Adam Smith's Invisible Hand and later to police forces that can do no wrong even when the lying video says otherwise, will identify themselves by the party lever they pull.
Trump has done us all the courtesy of removing any mitigating language around his central message. For that, we owe him thanks.
Each ballot cast on Tuesday will be a definitive voter ID.
Those who believe that the US has passed its high-water mark as a society, who are convinced that racial equality was a good idea that's just become too psychically expensive, who believe in freedom for some, who cheered the jury nullification in Oregon, who would deport families that have lived in America for decades and sometimes generations, who believe that ISIS only exists because Obama isn't willing to give it a swift kick in the butt, who believe (or at least once believed) that George Zimmerman was unduly hassled for killing a black kid who looked out of place, who continue to believe the smoke and mirrors, the later-walked-back claims (repent Bret Baier!) rather than the findings of the most expensive and vitriolic government investigations since Watergate into a person and a family, who believe that the Middle East would be a terrific place to live today had Obama just sent more rather than fewer troops, who fight for the rights of the unborn and then when those kids turn out to be poor abandon them first to Adam Smith's Invisible Hand and later to police forces that can do no wrong even when the lying video says otherwise, will identify themselves by the party lever they pull.
Trump has done us all the courtesy of removing any mitigating language around his central message. For that, we owe him thanks.
4
Yes, "Burr is an example of an eerie tendency of Republicans to suggest shooting people they don’t like." But interestingly enough, this mostly applies to white people. When they don't like black people, it tends to be a noose instead. I wonder why.
8
Every face in the photograph at the top of this editorial looks like it belongs to a good, decent, normal person with a functioning cerebral cortex. I look at each one of them and think to myself: Are you really okay with Donald Trump's racism? Does the misogyny and sexual predation really not bother you? How do you get past his history of fraud, of ripping people off, of lying to you every time his lips move, of mocking people with disabilities? Are you really and truly alright with his narcissism, his bullying, his emotional immaturity, his proudly willful ignorance? If you support him, you must tolerate all of these horrific traits. And if you tolerate them enough to vote for him, then you actively support them. The racism, the misogyny, the sexual predation, the fraud, the dishonesty -- all of it. What is the face of racism and intolerance and sexism in America? It's right there in that photograph. It looks perfectly ordinary and decent and normal. And, for me, that's perhaps the most depressing message of all to come out of this endless, ugly, dreadful campaign.
12
Aka, "the banality of evil" ...
5
Wow! I confess that I did not read much further than to look at the picture. It makes quite a statement. That crowd is SO white!
6
Reminds me of the crowd that accepted McCain's concession speech, and we all know Phoenix is not an all white town either.
1
Thanks for your last gasp briefing before Election Day, Gail. There's truth in what you write, and if I hadn't already voted by absentee ballot weeks ago, I'd write you in for President. Here in Florida, to avoid the constant unwelcome attention of all candidates, we can only "unplug" to turn off the tv ads, slick and horrible commercials, social media appeals ad nauseum for both sides, and all the eager teams of volunteers (bless their little hearts) of both parties who phone us every hour or so. No matter who wins this dreadful election, American democracy is hanging on the edge of the doom wedge in Pax Americana.
As an expat for decades in one of the UK's last royal crown colonies, the US was far away over the rainbow. Distance lent enchantment. Now we Floridians - and all Americans? - are inundated by too much information from the dreadful 'lyin' media about both presidential candidates. Friends in Canada, Spain, the UK (though England has its own olla podrida with BREXIT) are gobsmacked, have never seen such a long angry campaign for our Presidency. And threats - yes, both parties are predicting upheaval in the coming months when the candidate who has lost will whip their "people" into a frenzy. Ya think? My Canadian friends are happy as clams that their Prime Minister, beloved young Justin Trudeau, was elected after a 12 week campaign. They suggest to their friends in the lower 48 and especially in the swing states like Florida, to "come on up here, eh?"
As an expat for decades in one of the UK's last royal crown colonies, the US was far away over the rainbow. Distance lent enchantment. Now we Floridians - and all Americans? - are inundated by too much information from the dreadful 'lyin' media about both presidential candidates. Friends in Canada, Spain, the UK (though England has its own olla podrida with BREXIT) are gobsmacked, have never seen such a long angry campaign for our Presidency. And threats - yes, both parties are predicting upheaval in the coming months when the candidate who has lost will whip their "people" into a frenzy. Ya think? My Canadian friends are happy as clams that their Prime Minister, beloved young Justin Trudeau, was elected after a 12 week campaign. They suggest to their friends in the lower 48 and especially in the swing states like Florida, to "come on up here, eh?"
5
I know folks holding Election Eve Champagne and Arsenic Parties.
What a waste of good arsenic...
What a waste of good arsenic...
4
An article on the most recent New York Times-CBS News Poll noted: “With more than eight in 10 voters saying the campaign has left them repulsed rather than excited, the rising toxicity threatens the ultimate victor.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/04/us/politics/hillary-clinton-donald-tru...
Yep, more than eight in 10 voters revealed that they are allergic to nuts !!!
The US has produced the largest number of Nobel Prizes, can fly satellites to remote regions of space, can produce extraordinary technologies, has some of the best universities in the world, etc. But the US needs top-flight leadership to deal with the increasing disparity of wealth, the mounting race problems and horrific gun violence seen across the US, the failing educational standards across all states, aging obsolete infrastructure, etc. and the choice between the two morally bankrupt disasters of Hillary and Trump is the best that the two national parties can offer ??? This is sick !!!
America needs a president like FDR now more than ever …. but there is no one like him on the horizon.
Sometimes I feel that this election is building up with all the fanfare of a heavy-weight boxing match between Tweedle-Dumb and Tweedle-Dumber … with everyone hating them both !!!
God help America !!!
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/04/us/politics/hillary-clinton-donald-tru...
Yep, more than eight in 10 voters revealed that they are allergic to nuts !!!
The US has produced the largest number of Nobel Prizes, can fly satellites to remote regions of space, can produce extraordinary technologies, has some of the best universities in the world, etc. But the US needs top-flight leadership to deal with the increasing disparity of wealth, the mounting race problems and horrific gun violence seen across the US, the failing educational standards across all states, aging obsolete infrastructure, etc. and the choice between the two morally bankrupt disasters of Hillary and Trump is the best that the two national parties can offer ??? This is sick !!!
America needs a president like FDR now more than ever …. but there is no one like him on the horizon.
Sometimes I feel that this election is building up with all the fanfare of a heavy-weight boxing match between Tweedle-Dumb and Tweedle-Dumber … with everyone hating them both !!!
God help America !!!
2
Like many, I'm considering emigrating if Trump wins. Ironically enough my two top choices are Italy and Thailand, so I'm trying to sort out why insane politics matters more in the country of my birth. I suppose it's because I'll always be an American and will never be Thai or Italian so I don't own their politics.
Wherever I go, I just really really don't want to hear the words 'President Trump.'
Wherever I go, I just really really don't want to hear the words 'President Trump.'
69
The tag lines here gave me something to smile at. Thanks! Being stoned in San Diego sounds really appealing right now.
2
Should Trump be elected, I look forward to a consolation ---- the FLOTUS' Anti-CyberBullying Campaign which will clean up, disinfect and rid off the SWAMP, including the most famous of them all - her hubby, The POTUS -, unwittingly or not. The Lady is no TRUMP! Suck it to him in San Diego
The Trump Building in Toronto went bankrupt this week.
We have spoken, loud and clear.
You can speak, loud and clear, by voting D all down the ticket.
We have spoken, loud and clear.
You can speak, loud and clear, by voting D all down the ticket.
13
Toronto banks for me. Stock holder. I KNOW they didn't get conned by Trump. Way to dump the brand! Folks in Trump Plaza Palm Beach want his name removed from their 32 story residence as it's depressing their property values and themselves.
3
Vote trump on Tuesday. Drain the swamp. Ms. Collins and the left wing media elites and their policies have driven out country to the brink of disaster. Mrs. Clinton is under FBI investigation again. The NYT refuses to report on it. The silence is deafening.
1
Mr. trump is a crook who takes advantage of everyone and is ignorant of the facts. Even today he spins the truth and states that Obama yelled at a Trump supporter during a campaign speech. The truth: Pres. Obama protected the Trump supporter's first amendment right to free speech. Trump supporters, like Trump, want to mangle the truth for their own benefit. However, the saddest thing is his supporters are being had.
9
The Kaiser drained the Black Lagoon to more easily attack France and get back to his comfort station before sundown. You have no idea what kind of monster you will reveal. That turns out to be one of the hottest spots to contract HPV.
4
The country is actually doing a lot better than eight years ago when Obama took over, and without Republican intransigence it would have done even better. Trump is also under FBI investigation but you hear nothing about that. What about his fraudulent Trump university? I'd really like to hear more about that, but judge Curiel had the decency to postpone the process until after the election even though Trump accused him of bias, unlike Comey who found it necessary to inform the American public of fact free innuendo about something he knew nothing about. And what about Trump's tax returns and ties to Putin? His admissions of sexual harassment of countless women? His arrogant insults of about any group except uneducated whites - he loves the uneducated he said. What about his popularity with the KKK and other right wing hate groups? Trump and his mindless followers are the swamp that needs to be drained and it will be on November 8!
5
A politician named Burr who talks about shooting political oponents? Somebody in the Secret Service shoud get seats to "Hamilton".
When I see something, I say something, but as Secret Service has him surrounded, I guess they saw it, too. Burr deserves to spend a day in Gabby's shoes.
1
'I can’t turn on the TV without looking at a stupid Trump or Clinton ad'
Then read a book. During this election, I've rediscovered the works of Thomas Hardy and Upton Sinclair, put away at least four of Lionel Shriver's novels, lots of history - currently working on 'Blood at the Root', about a black town in 1912 Georgia that was literally wiped off the map. As well as a new thriller by SL Grey.
Then go Tuesday and vote for Clinton. Yes, it matters. Even if she's not your dream date. Even if you don't live in a swing state. Don't stay home. Don't write in Mickey Mouse, Sully Sullenberger, or Captain Kirk.
I can't help thinking if more people read books, real books, rather than spending their time with colouring books, surfing the web, Hollywood blockbusters based on comic superheroes, etc., we might not be in this mess. We might have an educated electorate capable of thinking in actual words rather than strung-together memes, and having emotions rather than emojis.
Then read a book. During this election, I've rediscovered the works of Thomas Hardy and Upton Sinclair, put away at least four of Lionel Shriver's novels, lots of history - currently working on 'Blood at the Root', about a black town in 1912 Georgia that was literally wiped off the map. As well as a new thriller by SL Grey.
Then go Tuesday and vote for Clinton. Yes, it matters. Even if she's not your dream date. Even if you don't live in a swing state. Don't stay home. Don't write in Mickey Mouse, Sully Sullenberger, or Captain Kirk.
I can't help thinking if more people read books, real books, rather than spending their time with colouring books, surfing the web, Hollywood blockbusters based on comic superheroes, etc., we might not be in this mess. We might have an educated electorate capable of thinking in actual words rather than strung-together memes, and having emotions rather than emojis.
185
If you have to watch TV news, try PBS News Hour. Five (ten at the max) minutes of campaign stuff and then on to interesting and in-depth stories about a variety of important topics. Hats off to Judy Woodruff and crew for making this election season even remotely palatable.
3
THANK YOU!
"Why I can’t vote against the FBI and its agents? A ton are here in the New York office so why aren’t they on ballot when they’re the most powerful right-wing politicians in the country? (Also what can be done about the essentially all White male FBI’s idea of diversity which boils down to complaints by a bunch of short White guys that the tall White guys put stuff on very high shelves?) Why can't I at least vote against Comey? He either offers nothing but innuendo intimating Hillary is bad because he found some sort of something on a perverts computer that isn’t from Clinton, or to Clinton, and which he hasn’t even read, but heck it has her name somewhere in it, so that’s enough for him to say, well, nothing really. On the other hand Comey has the confusing tendency to say that the evidence proves Hillary is innocent of everything but then goes on fantasizing about wearing a nun’s habit, beating Hillary with a stick, and locking her in a closet forever for acting like the boys in class, instead of a proper little lady. I should really be able to vote against FBI politicians who are basically a huge White male crime family. (Yes, I know, current FBI agents have been leaking information to Trump like a bad faucet via Rudy Giuliani saying that the Clintons are a crime family, but what makes me hesitate is that they insist that Charlotte Clinton Mezvinsky, (2 years old), is the brains of the operation, and Aidan Clinton Mezvinsky, (3 months old), is the one who whacks everyone."
6
I hope when it is over, we can all start being civil to each other. All that name-calling during the campaign, and I'm talking about the voters, was reprehensible on both sides. Bullies are bullies, regardless of their political affiliations. Next week, the politicians get to seal themselves off in their high-paid jobs behind fences with guards all around. The rest of us have to be neighbors again.
51
I live with my SinL, and she is a life long Republican. I am a life long Democrat. We don't discuss the race because it's a slam dunk that we won't agree and we have no hope of converting the other to our side. That's called respect. I appreciate that she wants to go slow on rec pot. I'm all in. She watches FOX; I have my own side of the house and watch PBS. Just so you know, living together was my idea. She's a gem. I feel sorry for her having to watch her party implode.
This is America where we are expected to respect differences, and even celebrate them. We can thank our media for feeding us this rancorous discourse for ratings.
This is America where we are expected to respect differences, and even celebrate them. We can thank our media for feeding us this rancorous discourse for ratings.
8
If you don't vote for Clinton, Trump will win. It's that simple. She won't take your guns. Her emails won't amount to any more than your own emails amount to. Wake up and act like adults, people. Use your brain and not your fear glands.
14
A recent article in another of not so conservative slant nailed this election. A vote for Trump is a signal that people are disgusted with the established parties. The Republicans put forth a list of total losers for president. The Democrats chose their candidate before the first vote was cast. If Clinton is elected she will be the most distrusted, disliked president from the inauguration day ever elected in the history of the United States. Even one of the main contributors to the NYT described her and Bill this way, "Anything that enriches, empowers or makes them feel good must always be righteous and good." A typical Trump supporter is characterized as, "wearing tattered, soiled overalls, missing a bunch of teeth and was unnaturally skinny." And yet Trump has stayed close and in this final week has grown even closer. How can that be? If Trump wins it will possibly change the process. Maybe we won't just be a variety of categories: Hispanic, black, missing teeth, undereducated, underemployed, college graduates,etc., etc., etc. Maybe we will be a nation where all of us are respected equally as having value.
3
Seriously? You are voting for Trump because of "respect"???? Trump has been the most disrespectful and divisive public figure in modern memory. What you write is absolutely unbelievable.
13
This close to the election we see another important government body show how effective the GOP has been in their goal to completely take over the US government. The FBI is now as corrupt and ineffective as congress, and SCOTUS. Who do we turn to?
I have voted for Hillary who represents sanity, and for government that has a clear idea of its role in our lives. Trump represents chaos with no idea about how government works except when it comes to cheating the tax man, then he is a master. The media focuses on all the trash talk about Hillary and allows Trump to skate through the mess with 'adoring' white crowds.
Here locally, in front of mansions, there are many Trump/Pence signs, and one that says "Friends of Coal". Yesterday though I was encouraged to see, again in front of mansions, many Clinton signs.
Tuesday can't come soon enough.
I have voted for Hillary who represents sanity, and for government that has a clear idea of its role in our lives. Trump represents chaos with no idea about how government works except when it comes to cheating the tax man, then he is a master. The media focuses on all the trash talk about Hillary and allows Trump to skate through the mess with 'adoring' white crowds.
Here locally, in front of mansions, there are many Trump/Pence signs, and one that says "Friends of Coal". Yesterday though I was encouraged to see, again in front of mansions, many Clinton signs.
Tuesday can't come soon enough.
3
And, in the Florida 'Villages' there are thousands of retirees from elsewhere who are reported to be 100% Republican. Do they not know that their SS and Medicare benefits will be reduced so that the GOP can reduce the taxes on the upper class? Ever talked to one of them? They simply have no idea what is going on anywhere.
4
But look at the collateral damage. Donald Trump is a political sociopath. He has no empathy for his victims or his misleading facts. That's because FOX News and its roster of hosts, writers, and producers and mostly Ailes and Murdoch have been his influences for a very long time. This is mind boggling. Want proof? Stepen Bannon, Anne Coulter, Kellyanne Conway, Rudy Guiliani and the rest of the guests on FOX with their awkward unsupportable nostrums.
Brett Baier blew FOX's cover on Wednesday when he spewed total innuendo about Hillary being indicted on allegedly leaked news that just had no basis. The Murdoch brothers must have gotten right on the phone and chewed his butt and that of his writers and producers out.
Let's hope the FOX news organization folds. It has done so much damage to our secret sauce.
Brett Baier blew FOX's cover on Wednesday when he spewed total innuendo about Hillary being indicted on allegedly leaked news that just had no basis. The Murdoch brothers must have gotten right on the phone and chewed his butt and that of his writers and producers out.
Let's hope the FOX news organization folds. It has done so much damage to our secret sauce.
2
Hey, NYT - Forget The Conversation where Arthur Brooks's tedious, predictably partisan comments have dragged Gail down, how about you have Gail live-blog the results on Election Night? She'd bring the perfect blend of wit, insight, and heart - exactly what we need.
Please? Please?
Please? Please?
5
Here in Indiana the Republicans/gun nuts (but I repeat myself) want to rewrite the constitution to sanctify hunting, fishing, and I think, cat-juggling.
Also, my district has a guy who moved here from Tennessee, or possibly five other states, last year, whose dad bought him a super-PAC. He think that being a now-Hoosier, and having lots of money, deserves a seat in Congress. Can you guess which party he belongs to? And can you guess which base is now sheeplishly supporting him?
Also, my district has a guy who moved here from Tennessee, or possibly five other states, last year, whose dad bought him a super-PAC. He think that being a now-Hoosier, and having lots of money, deserves a seat in Congress. Can you guess which party he belongs to? And can you guess which base is now sheeplishly supporting him?
2
I early voted, but I'm still super anxious. At least I have a house in France so I can run if Trump wins. This election feels like the biggest fork in the road our country has faced since the 1960 election.
2
Gail, you're right.
Last "gasp", or screeching by you is almost over also.
Your unthinking contributions have added nothing to the discourse.
Another reason to be thankful this charade of a campaign by these two epic losers is nearing an end.
Last "gasp", or screeching by you is almost over also.
Your unthinking contributions have added nothing to the discourse.
Another reason to be thankful this charade of a campaign by these two epic losers is nearing an end.
On the serious side, I am disturbed by what I call the sentimentalization of politics, the obsession with personal and visceral reactions to candidates and the disregard of their proposals, the commentators insistence on the need for candidates to connect with people on a personal level. You are not going to have a beer with either of them, but they may keep or take away something you need or want, forget their pretended empathy. All of this is acceptance of the fact that people have only a marginal idea or interest in issues and prefer to resort to clichés and received judgements. As Gail recommends to the imaginary complainers, Stop that, and think about what the candidates stand for and what it means for the country
5
Could it be, Frank, that this discourse was reserved for presidents with minority status? It's all cluttered up with a lot of farcical claims, but it's about women in power, just the same.
4
from one of the "guys," (as you so genderalistcally call them) you invited to share "last-minute questions"..."I am so tired of both candidates. Is it O.K. if I write in Tom Hanks for president?" — Cynical in Cincinnati
"No," sez you, "you’re just wasting your vote in an attempt to appear morally superior."
the leap therein from fatigue, perhaps the only thing this campaign has actually inspired, (note: "perhaps," a speculation), to indictment (no speculation there) for attempted moral superiority is arrant, but sadly, typical of the careless thinking and use of language rather to serve ideology than illuminate issues that may be suppressed by ideology.
cynical in cincinnati's fatigue is more likely akin to depression at the reduction of our politics and their coverage to page six salaciousness (you could look it up) and the faint but commendably hopeful irony of electing an actor who plays inspiring characters.
even the ink-stained, yourselves showing signs of fatigue, have to admit a secret wish for a hanks, the michael douglas (of "the american president"), the kevin kline (of "dave"), the martin sheen, (of "the west wing") or the darker, but unimpeachable, of you will, likes of henry fonda, ("fail safe") or frederic march ("seven days in may") to either of these two characters now playing on small screen nationwide.
"No," sez you, "you’re just wasting your vote in an attempt to appear morally superior."
the leap therein from fatigue, perhaps the only thing this campaign has actually inspired, (note: "perhaps," a speculation), to indictment (no speculation there) for attempted moral superiority is arrant, but sadly, typical of the careless thinking and use of language rather to serve ideology than illuminate issues that may be suppressed by ideology.
cynical in cincinnati's fatigue is more likely akin to depression at the reduction of our politics and their coverage to page six salaciousness (you could look it up) and the faint but commendably hopeful irony of electing an actor who plays inspiring characters.
even the ink-stained, yourselves showing signs of fatigue, have to admit a secret wish for a hanks, the michael douglas (of "the american president"), the kevin kline (of "dave"), the martin sheen, (of "the west wing") or the darker, but unimpeachable, of you will, likes of henry fonda, ("fail safe") or frederic march ("seven days in may") to either of these two characters now playing on small screen nationwide.
Dear Amherst I was born and raised in MA and I know how frustrating it can be. MA was the only state George McGovern won and it didn't put him over the top. You want ignored, try living just south in RI with its 4 lousy electoral votes. Now I live in the South, so exciting and so confounding for a Yankee. Butte you should watch our wonderful senate race with Burr dreaming of targets on Hillary's face and impeaching her before he actually is re-elected or she is elected. May he not be elected along with our save our bathrooms from perverts governor. Speaking of magazines and targets, I was walking by a rack (of magazines not guns) when I was stopped in my tracks when spying a mag. called "Gardens and Guns". As Jack Parr used to say "I kid you not". Maybe it's time for this Yankee to go home, but if Trump wins to another country. I guess NZ is out, no more real estate bubbles for me.
2
Quick comment: unless you are in a swing state, your vote does NOT count. The electoral college has made sure of that. And yes, the office of president has been won with a minority of votes. All the more reason to vote for Jill Stein, the only candidate who is not deeply corrupt (Hillary), grotesque (Trump) or incompetent (Gary J). Keep in mind that the system itself is in the pockets of big banks and corporations, no matter who wins. Jill Stein represents honesty, intelligence, integrity. Check her out. Even if your vote for her will be symbolic, it will mean something.
Wherever you are, your vote counts!
Yes, it might be less likely to be the one vote that puts Clinton over the top; but it might make a big difference in a down-ticket race.
And the more the popular vote Clinton gets the more likely it is that she will actually be able to govern, given Republicans' utter disrespect for the outcome of elections that they lose.
Yes, it might be less likely to be the one vote that puts Clinton over the top; but it might make a big difference in a down-ticket race.
And the more the popular vote Clinton gets the more likely it is that she will actually be able to govern, given Republicans' utter disrespect for the outcome of elections that they lose.
5
Dear Gail,
I am here in the fairly safe blue state of New York. But I can't sleep at night because I am so worried about how the popular vote will turn out on Tuesday. Have you seen that US map in the NY Times—it's all red at the bottom and in the entire middle, with only spots of blue states here and there.
I am especially worried because Donald Trump has never held public office at any level, but now he is on the very short list for President of the United States. This does not make sense to me. I ask you, would any of our most powerful corporations such as Apple, Walmart, or Ford hire as its top CEO a mean-spirited, lying, narcissistic man who makes all kinds of outrageous promises he can't deliver on, gets people all riled up, and has never had ANY direct experience running any corporation? I am pretty sure corporations would not hire an apprentice as the executive of a major corporation.
Why are American voters even willing to consider hiring an Apprentice for President?
Signed: Dumbfounded and Anxiety-Ridden in New York
I am here in the fairly safe blue state of New York. But I can't sleep at night because I am so worried about how the popular vote will turn out on Tuesday. Have you seen that US map in the NY Times—it's all red at the bottom and in the entire middle, with only spots of blue states here and there.
I am especially worried because Donald Trump has never held public office at any level, but now he is on the very short list for President of the United States. This does not make sense to me. I ask you, would any of our most powerful corporations such as Apple, Walmart, or Ford hire as its top CEO a mean-spirited, lying, narcissistic man who makes all kinds of outrageous promises he can't deliver on, gets people all riled up, and has never had ANY direct experience running any corporation? I am pretty sure corporations would not hire an apprentice as the executive of a major corporation.
Why are American voters even willing to consider hiring an Apprentice for President?
Signed: Dumbfounded and Anxiety-Ridden in New York
5
We are an urban, Democratic people; the wide-open spaces are Republican.
(82% of Americans live in an urban area).
(82% of Americans live in an urban area).
1
Thanks, Gail, for trying to inject some humor into this absurd election. We need it. Come Tuesday, regardless of the outcome, we will probably need it more than ever. Keep it coming, please!
Trump is an very rich real estate developer, game show host and egomaniac; Hillary has a very long resume of public service, but back in 1996 William Safire, the NYT Pulitzer prize winning political columnist, called her a "congenital liar." A few days ago, I was on a bus and a German couple in their 40s asked me if I could explain our choice of political candidates to them. I couldn't--who can?
30
Since Donald Trump is the one who is a congenital liar and has been for some time including the present, the choice is clear. Are you doing the equivalency thing again? It is also worthwhile to identify who is labeling who. The Clintons have been the target of the right-wing radicals and haters for a long time. I don't agree with every policy decision that the Democrats and Hillary espouse, but there is no comparison with today's Republicans.
5
Off course! Safire was a REPUBLICAN!!!!
4
The easiest way to understand the question is to visit most any country in Europe. The first time I came to at least a partial understanding of what the U.S. is happened on my first visit to Europe where I learned what the U. S. is not.
1
Thank you Gail for this lesson on why it's important to vote no matter what state you're in. I'm in Massachusetts and I won't miss the opportunity to vote for the first woman president! I'm also voting on two propositions which are important to me. Voting matters even in Massachusetts.
90
42 Initiatives in S.F? They should have started voting back in March! People will enter the voting booth and then decide to ponder the intricacies of each initiative. They'll need Cliff Notes and they'll still only get 8 or 9 people through the process. There's just a chance that initiatives were the reason we have democracy elsewhere in this country.
I voted over a week ago and had intended to move 90% my IRA into cash to ride out the storm. But I have also been going dawn to dark repairing and painting my house to put it up for sale for the past couple of months. Every time I spiff up one area, it makes the adjacent one look neglected; every time I fix one thing I find two more that were flying under my radar but I'm certain a potential buyer would spot from the road 700 feet away. So my IRA is still still mostly in no-longer-great American stock mutual funds. At least that's Donald Trump's assessment of my investment portfolio. Of course, Donald Trump doesn't own any stocks. If he did, he'd have to pay taxes. And he'd be worth, according to some estimates, more than twice what he claims he's worth, which is probably 10 to 50 times what he's actually worth.
But I've got a plan. I'm going to put all my simoleons into Ruger and Smith&Wesson, Remington and Winchester, Glock and Colt stocks and actual hardware. It's a can't lose move. If Hillary wins, line of knucklehead Trumplicans lined up at the front door of Cabela's Wednesday morning will stretch from Ft. Worth to Wisconsin. By the time I get my stocks sold on Thursday I may well be worth more than Donald. Then I can dole out my arsenal for walking-around cash as I please, since Trump will repeal all laws and regulations regarding weaponry.
What if Trump wins?, you ask. Not to worry. I voted for Clinton. The guns will come in handy come the apocalypse.
But I've got a plan. I'm going to put all my simoleons into Ruger and Smith&Wesson, Remington and Winchester, Glock and Colt stocks and actual hardware. It's a can't lose move. If Hillary wins, line of knucklehead Trumplicans lined up at the front door of Cabela's Wednesday morning will stretch from Ft. Worth to Wisconsin. By the time I get my stocks sold on Thursday I may well be worth more than Donald. Then I can dole out my arsenal for walking-around cash as I please, since Trump will repeal all laws and regulations regarding weaponry.
What if Trump wins?, you ask. Not to worry. I voted for Clinton. The guns will come in handy come the apocalypse.
6
I love The Times, but the newspaper of record bungled the Clinton email story from the beginning. http://www.newsweek.com/hillary-clinton-emailgate-312784
It has been known, for over a year, that the underlying issue is a dispute over records retention not involving any criminal activity. http://bit.ly/2eyUCT8
Yet it has been the subject of more headlines and more TV coverage than all other issues combined. http://mm4a.org/2ez0A6p
The Times gave credence to a false story line that is Donald Trump's only effective weapon against Hillary Clinton. That will prevent the landslide victory she deserves and will put off, for one more cycle at least, the change in the Congress we need to get America moving again.
Clinton, as reported by The Times, used to make the note RTDD (''read the damn documents'') on substandard briefs written by junior legal associates. We would all be better off if The Times had followed that approach before creating this damaging ''scandal.''
It has been known, for over a year, that the underlying issue is a dispute over records retention not involving any criminal activity. http://bit.ly/2eyUCT8
Yet it has been the subject of more headlines and more TV coverage than all other issues combined. http://mm4a.org/2ez0A6p
The Times gave credence to a false story line that is Donald Trump's only effective weapon against Hillary Clinton. That will prevent the landslide victory she deserves and will put off, for one more cycle at least, the change in the Congress we need to get America moving again.
Clinton, as reported by The Times, used to make the note RTDD (''read the damn documents'') on substandard briefs written by junior legal associates. We would all be better off if The Times had followed that approach before creating this damaging ''scandal.''
8
Thank you, ClearEye at Princeton!
4
People die from plane crashes, heart attacks, and unnaturally in some cases. A Trump vote is against Democratic Socialism and liberal Supreme Court Judges. If you want to pay for college educations, dental and other social programs for people who are not financially responsible for their procreation then fine. You pay for it.
1
Janis, I just watched the folks stuck in southwest Virginia line up after walking five hours to get their teeth and eyes examined for free. Had VA joined in with the Medicaid expansion, all those people would have coverage. How can a blind and toothless man get a job?
6
Pay for help to people, instead of tax cuts for the wealthy, corporations and wars? Count me in!
5
it is quite hard these last few days. as a californian i do not miss any of the president commercial blather. trumps voice makes me cringe. what a whining crying sound he always makes. sounds like waaa waaa an the tembor. piercing man just piercing. sorry to stan freberg.
i am so glad to be 63 now. do not have to worry too much longer. i just dont see our nations collective stupidity electing the real estate agent from new york. it's truly a shame to listen to media heads talk about how much money they make off this years campaign. truly the sickest statements this year. sure they pale somewhat with funny hair mans epithets but still, just a disheartening season this time around. trump is going down buh bye donny
i am so glad to be 63 now. do not have to worry too much longer. i just dont see our nations collective stupidity electing the real estate agent from new york. it's truly a shame to listen to media heads talk about how much money they make off this years campaign. truly the sickest statements this year. sure they pale somewhat with funny hair mans epithets but still, just a disheartening season this time around. trump is going down buh bye donny
1
Gail, your columns are the only things that have caused me to smile this entire election cycle, starting back when it first began, a mere three and a half years ago. I live in NJ, which seems pretty safe for Hillary, but I promise I'll go across the street to my polling place (it might be a full 100 yards away) and vote for her anyway.
5
Start the cure! VOTE!
2
Dear Gail
thank you for the making me laugh for a couple of minutes, giving my election anxiety a brief respite. however, as an expat, i felt as if my anxieties were not represented in your column, and have attempted the following -
As an expat living in Cape Town I feel very neglected by both candidates AND I have to jump through so many hoops (filing out forms online, printing them, signing them, scanning them, dropping off carefully prepared ballot at consulate) to even vote. And I’m anxious that my vote may not even make it, I feel so powerless and alone. This election is like watching a train wreck from afar, knowing you cannot do anything to stop the crash. I don’t even have many people to talk to about the election, so I have to spend all of my waking hours online obsessively reading about how Hillary is doing in the polls.
— Anxious and Alone in Africa
Would you *really* want special attention from Donald Trump? Would you like a one on one with Hillary? Seriously, she has more pressing places to campaign - unless, of course your vote is en route to Florida??? And isn’t it better to watch a train wreck than actually be on the train? Perhaps the anxiety would be managed with a glass of cheap local wine and a stroll on the beach? You might be able to find some fellow Americans trying to drown their anxieties. On the plus side, you already have a place to hide if the unthinkable happens.
thank you for the making me laugh for a couple of minutes, giving my election anxiety a brief respite. however, as an expat, i felt as if my anxieties were not represented in your column, and have attempted the following -
As an expat living in Cape Town I feel very neglected by both candidates AND I have to jump through so many hoops (filing out forms online, printing them, signing them, scanning them, dropping off carefully prepared ballot at consulate) to even vote. And I’m anxious that my vote may not even make it, I feel so powerless and alone. This election is like watching a train wreck from afar, knowing you cannot do anything to stop the crash. I don’t even have many people to talk to about the election, so I have to spend all of my waking hours online obsessively reading about how Hillary is doing in the polls.
— Anxious and Alone in Africa
Would you *really* want special attention from Donald Trump? Would you like a one on one with Hillary? Seriously, she has more pressing places to campaign - unless, of course your vote is en route to Florida??? And isn’t it better to watch a train wreck than actually be on the train? Perhaps the anxiety would be managed with a glass of cheap local wine and a stroll on the beach? You might be able to find some fellow Americans trying to drown their anxieties. On the plus side, you already have a place to hide if the unthinkable happens.
65
I feel a lot like you. I mailed my vote a couple of weeks ago, but still can't turn away from non-stop on-line election news, opinion, polls and poll aggregation. It will be lunch time here on Wednesday before the polls close in California. Maybe by then I will be able to relax.
1
Dear Virginia, (the girl, not the state)
The Chicago Cubs never gave up, despite 108 years of abject failure and an eight inning in the World Series that would have sent most of us under the bed, into hiding.
Stop whining about having to watch a few thousand irritating political ads.
GET OUT AND VOTE!
This means you, historically lazy Democrats !
The Chicago Cubs never gave up, despite 108 years of abject failure and an eight inning in the World Series that would have sent most of us under the bed, into hiding.
Stop whining about having to watch a few thousand irritating political ads.
GET OUT AND VOTE!
This means you, historically lazy Democrats !
2
That can't be a picture of Florida. I spend my winters there and I know it's 'diverse'...you know, 'people of color'. Come on, where was this picture taken?
1
obviously at a Trump rally.
5
And here in Indiana, we get to vote on a constitutional amendment protecting the right to hunt and fish. To protect against, uh, um uh, oh, who knows? Who says politicians are wasting time?
5
Unfortunately, this thing won't be over on November 8-- or, for weeks afterwards.
You can count on several states to be close; you can count on lawsuits and recounts; and you can count on Electoral College shenanigans.
Would not put it past Trump, well off right wingers, a certain tech titans who is backing Trump, and Russian intelligence to literally buy off a bunch of electors!
I'll put down my tin hat now, but that's how bad things have gotten and how corrupt Trump and his supporters are and how willing they are to do anything to get him elected even if it breaks two centuries of democracy!
You can count on several states to be close; you can count on lawsuits and recounts; and you can count on Electoral College shenanigans.
Would not put it past Trump, well off right wingers, a certain tech titans who is backing Trump, and Russian intelligence to literally buy off a bunch of electors!
I'll put down my tin hat now, but that's how bad things have gotten and how corrupt Trump and his supporters are and how willing they are to do anything to get him elected even if it breaks two centuries of democracy!
115
We've become a nation divided into 2 camps: those whose propellers spin clockwise, and those who spin opposite. The aluminum foil beanies are all the same.
1
This is not an election, it’s a coup d’etat by a few rouge Trump sympathizers at the FBI. Rudy Giuliani not only knew about the FBI’s plan to seize power for Team Trump, he likely instigated it. Democrats in Congress and the media have mostly been silent about the dirty details of this shamefully undemocratic act. But the damage is done. So with the horrifying prospect of a Trump presidency more than likely, you’ll excuse me for not being interested in being lectured by Ms. Collins about civic duty.
2
Wow, is this a column without name calling from the Queen of Snark? You must really be worried about the outcome.
I have a more intriguing question: Why am I suddenly being bombarded in the Tri-State area by anti-Clinton ads reminiscent of those brilliant David Zucker anti-Clinton N.Korea-nuke-fiasco ads of yore?
This time the star isn't Madeleine Albright mowing lawns, shooting hoops, and splitting the seam in her skirt. It's Hillary Clinton smashing computers.
Has the Tri-State begun to swing?
Nonplussed in NY, NJ and CT
This is for voters in red Kentucky: Trump, at a rally in southern Ohio (which borders Kentucky) said he was going to pay for a much-needed new bridge across the Ohio River in Cincinnati. Finding funding for this billion dollar project has so far stymied all planning (tolls are out, thanks to KY's mad governor), but Trump announced his solution: he'd take money from the government's funding for the United Nations and spend it on the bridge. Poof! Problem solved!
I think this belongs in Gail's column.
I think this belongs in Gail's column.
6
I also have wondered how many times he has promised to pay for local projects at rallies elsewhere with the same pot of money.
9
Well you did not even mention my state of Georgia, and after our "militia" made the front page too. Yes, every Bubba down here thinks it is his duty to play the Darryl character on The Walking Dead should they ever need to jump in and save the nation from Zombies or Satan Worshiping She Devil Presidents.
I thought one of our ballot amendments might be of note. In Georgia we have a completely independent judicial oversight committee which has removed many unethical judges for doing some pretty scary stuff. Like Amanda Williams who ran her own little "tough love" courtroom as if you were in court in the 1700's. Or Johnnie Caldwell who had to step down for sexual harassment (he left a voicemail about him being santa and sit on his face to a prosecutor) who then won a legislative seat and is pushing for the amendment for revenge. Even some Republican lawmakers thought this was a very bad idea, but in the end they bribed a Democrat with getting a city hood ballot for her little district and they pushed it through. Ira Glass did a show on this recently. The ballot is worded in lawyer speak so that no one can understand what they are voting for. Basically it lets judges buddies in the Georgia Legislature take over the ethics investigations, thus shutting it down. And because voters are not very curious people they will not look into the amendments and just trust that the Bubbas in the capital know best. If worded so that voters understood what they are doing it would fail.
I thought one of our ballot amendments might be of note. In Georgia we have a completely independent judicial oversight committee which has removed many unethical judges for doing some pretty scary stuff. Like Amanda Williams who ran her own little "tough love" courtroom as if you were in court in the 1700's. Or Johnnie Caldwell who had to step down for sexual harassment (he left a voicemail about him being santa and sit on his face to a prosecutor) who then won a legislative seat and is pushing for the amendment for revenge. Even some Republican lawmakers thought this was a very bad idea, but in the end they bribed a Democrat with getting a city hood ballot for her little district and they pushed it through. Ira Glass did a show on this recently. The ballot is worded in lawyer speak so that no one can understand what they are voting for. Basically it lets judges buddies in the Georgia Legislature take over the ethics investigations, thus shutting it down. And because voters are not very curious people they will not look into the amendments and just trust that the Bubbas in the capital know best. If worded so that voters understood what they are doing it would fail.
10
That's so wierd...people up North act the exact same way.
True, those people are still in pre-school but, it is still quite the coincidence.
True, those people are still in pre-school but, it is still quite the coincidence.
4
Moral outrage vs. Dishonest Corruption that now has the FBI tagging along.
Tough choice.
Wait JayZ and Beyoncé? Now there are a couple of role models for woman and our youth! All the things she has been saying about Trump, wrapped up in one appearance.
Tough choice.
Wait JayZ and Beyoncé? Now there are a couple of role models for woman and our youth! All the things she has been saying about Trump, wrapped up in one appearance.
1
Trump supporters at rally...too many FAKR BOTTLE BLONDS. yikes to the nth degree. Get real, people. Stop IMITATING somebody else.
4
Sadly there is nothing funny about this election. Trump has taken
lying racism, sexism and ignorance to operatic heights.
We have a republic, let's see if we can keep it.
B. Franklin
lying racism, sexism and ignorance to operatic heights.
We have a republic, let's see if we can keep it.
B. Franklin
8
Thank you Gail - we all need some laughs to alleviate the gnawing anxiety many of us feel! As for New Zealand, I lived there, loved it, and have lots of offers of "refugee" housing from my Kiwi friends if (God forbid) ignorance and hate win on Tuesday.
6
Re the fascinating Florida Trump rally photo - two questions since you are into responses - in a picture is worth a thousand words inquiry.
1. Why did the photographer use a 'white' filter on an otherwise colored photo?
2. Who in their right mind would bring a child [lower left] to a Trump rally?
Oh, and I live in the swing state of PA and have also given up on TV ex PBS stations. I am sick of this election and all the negativity, but I will vote on Tuesday.
1. Why did the photographer use a 'white' filter on an otherwise colored photo?
2. Who in their right mind would bring a child [lower left] to a Trump rally?
Oh, and I live in the swing state of PA and have also given up on TV ex PBS stations. I am sick of this election and all the negativity, but I will vote on Tuesday.
2
I'm just happy I moved to Europe a couple of years ago. At least here racists and Nazis are proud of what they and say so, instead of hiding behind code words and "southern strategies". If Trump wins, more power to you. You bought him, you keep him. No refunds, no exchanges.
5
To add to the compilation of Woody Allen cites applicable to the election:
Not a quote but the wall in Bananas, where he escapes a firing squad over the wall behind him to find himself facing another firing squad.
Not a quote but the wall in Bananas, where he escapes a firing squad over the wall behind him to find himself facing another firing squad.
38
One of my last questions, that needs to be answered this weekend -- Did someone in the FBI hack the DNC email and release it to wikileaks?
5
A little down to the wire humor? Amazing how many states are sewn up at every level. Could you imagine being a sensible person and running for office in AL or MS? Waste of time, money and effort. And then there's OK. But I digress. Already voted, so let the dominos fall. I saw my first political ad when I watched some of the World Series. We don't have cable so we don't see those. Air wave pollution can be harmful just like air pollution. So look at the bright side, lIf we survived Bush times 2, we can survive anything.
1
As Lincoln warned us: "A house divided...". We (speaking for my compatriots) continually hear about divisiveness. But if uneducated "white males", for instance, love to hear a con (one from NYC), then let them. Usually, a reasonable vote uses his/her brains. Right? Furthermore, we don't "lock up" anyone whose views differ from ours. Right? Hence, two unusual candidates should expect an unusual outcome next Tuesday. Right? Finally: divisiveness could be found by a certain number of Republican senators, those who refused to abide by the Constitution and hear our president's nominee to the USSC. May they rot...
5
My inspirational slogan as I get ready to cast my ballot:
DUMP TRUMP
DISPENSE WITH PENCE!
DUMP TRUMP
DISPENSE WITH PENCE!
12
Right, New Zealand does have a housing bubble but no machine guns
12
Dear Mrs Collins,
I'm not a citizen of the USA but feel an attachment to the country since spending a substantial time there, and thanks to the healthy habit of most Americans of embracing foreigners, perhaps in acknowledgement of their own (mostly) immigrant roots. My interest in American politics has grown ever since the end of the sordid days of the Clinton presidency and my self-imposed exile to Europe during the Bush Jr. presidency. I may add that thanks to your column my interest in American politics has not abatted even during the darker moments of this election.
I'd like to add a couple of questions:
1) Do you always recommend voting along party lines?
3) Are there Democratic candidates that you are not backing, or even oppose?
3) I remember back when that some Republicans were actually "good guys" who might merit applause. What happened? Are there nice Republicans left?
PS I am not a Russian attempting to interfere in your crazy elections.
I'm not a citizen of the USA but feel an attachment to the country since spending a substantial time there, and thanks to the healthy habit of most Americans of embracing foreigners, perhaps in acknowledgement of their own (mostly) immigrant roots. My interest in American politics has grown ever since the end of the sordid days of the Clinton presidency and my self-imposed exile to Europe during the Bush Jr. presidency. I may add that thanks to your column my interest in American politics has not abatted even during the darker moments of this election.
I'd like to add a couple of questions:
1) Do you always recommend voting along party lines?
3) Are there Democratic candidates that you are not backing, or even oppose?
3) I remember back when that some Republicans were actually "good guys" who might merit applause. What happened? Are there nice Republicans left?
PS I am not a Russian attempting to interfere in your crazy elections.
4
This is an election where practically no Republican candidates have renounced the hateful rhetoric of their presidential candidate. I wish there were some "nice Republicans" left, because even though I'm a registered Democrat, the country needs them.
3
Yes, there are apparently some nice Republicans left; there's one who seems OK in my town. But I'm not voting for him because he hasn't said a word about the presidential election, so I assume he's for Trump. And I'm going to vote for his Democrat opponent, who isn't all that sharp, but also isn't a poor choice.
I would vote for a good Republican if he or she stood up and shouted, "Trump is a stinker. Don't vote for him."
I would vote for a good Republican if he or she stood up and shouted, "Trump is a stinker. Don't vote for him."
3
I know how hard it is to even think about this election, since doing so makes you realize just how many of your fellow citizens apparently have no idea how to make value judgments based on facts and not fiction. But therein lies the real problem, aside from letting a totally unprepared person become president of the United States, again, we did this before with GWB and I guess that wasn't enough of a lesson to learn from. How are you going to re-educate the half of the voting public that endorsed Trump. Make them go to night school and take civic courses? Make them listen to reason, tried that, doesn't work. Maybe if we make the word Republican hate speech it will go away. I don't know about you, but I am out of ideas other than to redraw new national borders, those who wish to live in a civil and progressive country come on over to the Democratic United States of America. Let the Republican Divided States of America find out what it is going to be like to live without the subsidies from the other half.
243
We should have let the South secede.
1
Yes, some study on this issue is needed immediately. It seems a large segment of our population is infused with fear, hatred, and lack of self-confidence. This is what's normal life for them, so to consider giving it up is too frightening. They don't know how to take the aerial view of themselves, to drop the hate that is their defense against irrational fears and objectification of others. It's hard to change who you are, how you were raised, to question what you grew up with. This problem is pretty deep, but at least we are seeing it now. First step toward solution.
5
Ed
We could use the divide lines left over from the Civil War.
A official Republican south. They might even set up plantations and enslave the minorities. Sounds like paradise for them. They would love it. No minimum wages, health care, vacations, just work work work. Plus they already have efficient prison systems in those states.
We could use the divide lines left over from the Civil War.
A official Republican south. They might even set up plantations and enslave the minorities. Sounds like paradise for them. They would love it. No minimum wages, health care, vacations, just work work work. Plus they already have efficient prison systems in those states.
3
And may the best WOMAN win !
10
Imagine we are deciding who to hire for a babysitter. There's that really annoying woman that we’ve known forever and perhaps we don’t like much but knows a lot about childcare. Or there’s the raving lunatic. Are we really going to hire the lunatic! I fear we might. And 5% of us are thinking of the stoner that lives next door who wouldn’t show up in any case.
19
I'm so tired, literally. I can't sleep for fear I'll miss something either good or devastating, but really, I'm jet lagged. This, combined with general election jitters, means I won't sleep until Wednesday night. Hillary, put me out of my misery and just flat out win!
9
Where can I write in the name of former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich for President, and do I have to spell it "correctly"?
Compulsive in Compton
New Jersey, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Iowa, and Oregon. No, "correctly" is not an accurate spelling of Blagojevich.
Compulsive in Compton
New Jersey, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Iowa, and Oregon. No, "correctly" is not an accurate spelling of Blagojevich.
60
Blago will be pardoned by Trump on day 1, then named secretary of marketing. His portfolio will include deals, royalties, franchises and oversight on everything the other departments deal with. Giuliani will be nominated to the supreme court, Christie for transportation, Ben Carson as surgeon general, and Sarah Palin as ambassador to Russia. Ted Nugent will be offered homeland security. HRC will be held in stocks by the washington monument for 3 weeks, then burned at the stake. May you live in interesting times.
2
Correct spelling is "Bagocash".
1
There was a haboob in Phoenix yesterday. Yes, we have rattlesnakes, scorpions and we have the haboob, the terrible dust storm that makes you think of the apocalypse. Was the haboob an omen? For a few glorious days in October, it did seem possible that Arizona might just turn the color of the sky here. But now Trump is galumphing ahead. It is a safe bet that Democrats are doomed in Arizona. I do hope that the more enlightened states do a better job and that Hillary's firewall holds.
- Petrified in Phoenix
- Petrified in Phoenix
6
We could draw on the wisdom of old King Solomon.
Take both presidential candidates, cut them in half.
Take both presidential candidates, cut them in half.
"Assume that your candidate will win and that after the election everybody will try to work together to get things done. We have plenty of time to be depressed after the holidays. Plus, New Zealand has a housing bubble."
Yes, we can put you up in an un-insulated, damp house, which is so expensive you won't be able to afford heating or maybe even food! But on the plus side, New Zealand is now "the best place in the world to live", according to the Legatum Institute!!
Yes, we can put you up in an un-insulated, damp house, which is so expensive you won't be able to afford heating or maybe even food! But on the plus side, New Zealand is now "the best place in the world to live", according to the Legatum Institute!!
57
And it used to be the best-kept secret. My condolences to you. Being declared the best place to live is a precursor to being invaded by people who don't realize that they, themselves, have made their former homes unlivable. Kia Ora.
2
Vote! If Democrats don't take the Senate, nothing will get done. This election has been all about emails, not one word about how Republican obstruction will continue to bring government to a complete standstill again and it will be even worse, if Clinton wins without a Senate majority.
14
I went to a HRC rally yesterday in Detroit. HRC seemed calm and confident. I'm feelin' pretty good about all of this after years (or has it been decades?) of being upset.
(Dispatches from the Liberal Bubble)
PS I've already voted, thank you.
(Dispatches from the Liberal Bubble)
PS I've already voted, thank you.
7
Comey has publicly insisted that his agents are apolitical. Asked last year whether politics might color the FBI’s handling of the Clinton email investigation, the FBI chief was indignant.
“If you know my folks, you know they don't give a rip about politics," Comey told reporters.
“If you know my folks, you know they don't give a rip about politics," Comey told reporters.
4
Years ago, I knew an FBI agent (the ankle-holster made me too nervous to put up with him for long.)
He was most definitely political. Maybe things have changed since then; I doubt it.
A good rule would be: Anyone wearing a gun on his leg or somewhere is not going to be neutral about anything.
He was most definitely political. Maybe things have changed since then; I doubt it.
A good rule would be: Anyone wearing a gun on his leg or somewhere is not going to be neutral about anything.
3
This column is a lovely example of Clive James's definition: of humour :"Humour is common sense dancing".
6
WHOA. ELECTION?
When did that happen.
I thought we had all agreed to the ultimate ZOMBIE ACOPOLYPSE starring Darth Krumph who would immediately begin the ZOMBIE SHOW OF 2017.
Or something like that.
With Milania filling the old Raquel Welch role pioneered by someone somewhere. But you can bet the Whomp's best will be riding the range for s last hurrah on the big leathe settee.
Well there you have it, the marvel from the NRC for all things the MIGHT said to be semi or Demi or you name it.
Hard to guess
When did that happen.
I thought we had all agreed to the ultimate ZOMBIE ACOPOLYPSE starring Darth Krumph who would immediately begin the ZOMBIE SHOW OF 2017.
Or something like that.
With Milania filling the old Raquel Welch role pioneered by someone somewhere. But you can bet the Whomp's best will be riding the range for s last hurrah on the big leathe settee.
Well there you have it, the marvel from the NRC for all things the MIGHT said to be semi or Demi or you name it.
Hard to guess
2
Thoughts about a possible Trump win...
Canada doesn't really want us. New Zealand is very selective about whom they allow to stay. Russia is too palsy walsy with Trump.
I understand that Finland is very nice... excellent health care.
But I think that I'll stay. I don't want to move somewhere that Trump will carpet bomb.
Canada doesn't really want us. New Zealand is very selective about whom they allow to stay. Russia is too palsy walsy with Trump.
I understand that Finland is very nice... excellent health care.
But I think that I'll stay. I don't want to move somewhere that Trump will carpet bomb.
143
I'm going to microwave some popcorn and get a big slice of banana cake from Billy's Bakery and alternatively watch MSNBC and Fox News starting at 9:00PM.
Anyone care to join me?
Anyone care to join me?
Why would a Times reader watch Fox News. We're not uneducated white voters.
2
I am planning on Xanax and a bottle of Vodka, when I am watching the election returns.
2
How big is that slice?
1
I was hoping it was an FBI briefing from the agents that aren't Team Trump.
Good column, but seriously, who investigates the FBI when we discover they have Breitbartians frothing at the mouth over there? Please take this on Gail, as my BP is still high from that revelation in this unbelievable, surreal (unfortunately real) election and you could maybe wring a laugh out of it.
Good column, but seriously, who investigates the FBI when we discover they have Breitbartians frothing at the mouth over there? Please take this on Gail, as my BP is still high from that revelation in this unbelievable, surreal (unfortunately real) election and you could maybe wring a laugh out of it.
4
If a Burr draws a bead on you, better take it seriously. They have anger management problems -
Alexander Hamilton
Alexander Hamilton
8
Senator Richard Burr and Governor Pat McCrory are both an embarrassment to our state. We can't wait to see them both go out the door and never be seen or heard from again.
2
I was hoping, Gail, that you'd write about the Trumpster's December trial date.
Isn't it time someone did??
Isn't it time someone did??
5
The non-mainstream media is all over it. There's an article on Huff Post (or was it Alternet?) explaining why the MSM is waiting. The woman has been getting threats and was going to hold a press conference but got very scared. My question is, if Trump is innocent, why threaten this woman? Her case won't hold up. And who else would bother to threaten her except Trump? Now there's a story, even if the MSM is afraid to report her filing.
4
An obvious NYT pattern is emerging which braces readers for a Clinton defeat. We finally agree so take those remaining Trump tomatoes and make a "yuuuuuuge" bowl of spaghetti, you will all feel better!
If you want your country and mine to be turned over to Putin, vote Trump. It you want a better future for your grandchildren vote for Hillary. Why are people making such a big deal? Trump is nuts and he can't read. He's a loser. If he was as rich as he says he is he would show all us his tax return. Also he have to show all of us that he doesn't pay his share of taxes. Do you really think he will help you are not the top 5%? Use your common sense.
26
Ms. Collins.
Please organize a bus trip to D.C. On Inauguration Day so we can pile in, incite and initiate recall votes - or impeachment - for either candidate wherein the prevailing VP could take reign. Both are better than top ticket personalities.
Please organize a bus trip to D.C. On Inauguration Day so we can pile in, incite and initiate recall votes - or impeachment - for either candidate wherein the prevailing VP could take reign. Both are better than top ticket personalities.
3
I want to know when the next bubble will be and whether it will effect this election even if it will be in 2023?
You will probably tell me to vote for Hillary anyway. Good idea. Oops! I done dood dat already.
You will probably tell me to vote for Hillary anyway. Good idea. Oops! I done dood dat already.
3
Yeah, and when New Zealand's bubble bursts, their government won't leave homeowners stranded the way our supposedly "lesser evil" party did (with total control of the government).
1
As a denizine of the Amherst/Northampton Mass area the "Amherst Questions and Answers" are not only spot on, but pretty funny.
6
P T Barnum said there's a sucker born every minute. So how long did it take to produce fifty million or so? Must be a yuuuge amount of time.
Arithmetically challenged in Trump Tower
Arithmetically challenged in Trump Tower
8
Dear Gail:
My state, NJ, is already going for Clinton (I'm good with that).
But our congressional districts are so gerrymandered that there's NOTHING we can do that can get rid of our invisible Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen (R), where 434 other Representatives are better known and more recognizable. Mr. Frelinghuysen "bravely" stands for everything the GOP House leadership tells him to, and never proposes ANY legislation. We've been stuck with him since the admirable old-style Northeastern Republican, Dean Gallo, had to give up the seat due to terminal cancer, RIP.
I just wish Chris Christie was on the ballot so we could boot him out a year earlier!
My state, NJ, is already going for Clinton (I'm good with that).
But our congressional districts are so gerrymandered that there's NOTHING we can do that can get rid of our invisible Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen (R), where 434 other Representatives are better known and more recognizable. Mr. Frelinghuysen "bravely" stands for everything the GOP House leadership tells him to, and never proposes ANY legislation. We've been stuck with him since the admirable old-style Northeastern Republican, Dean Gallo, had to give up the seat due to terminal cancer, RIP.
I just wish Chris Christie was on the ballot so we could boot him out a year earlier!
194
Rodney sounds a lot like Bernie in the Senate.
Not at all. Bernie is the complete opposite. He and Ted Cruz are known as the two least-accommodating Senators, unwilling to compromise. And he's loud. Rodney has only once, ONCE, in 22 years been ahead of and in opposition to the leadership and that was on the SOPA vote back in 2012.
He's actually a pretty nice person, not mean at all, and rich enough not to be corrupt, but he's a terrible Representative, whose only talent is constituent services.
He's actually a pretty nice person, not mean at all, and rich enough not to be corrupt, but he's a terrible Representative, whose only talent is constituent services.
Do you have a Senator running this year? This is a state-wide race so you all would have some say on who wins.
Remember the movie, "The Yellow Submarine"? Our GOP candidate is the closest thing in real life to a Blue Meanie. If you don't vote against him and all the Republicans who support him you'll deserve the hell in which you will find yourself.
9
Well Gail. If not New Zealand then perhaps Nova Scotia. a little cold breeze off the water, butlots of cheap housing. In fact Cape Breton has put up a sign saying everyone welcome from the US if Trump wins. At least Canadians are not putting up a wall along the border to keep us out although you need a passport now. After all this I need a change of scene while the streets around Trump headquarters is fumigated.
139
Odd little thing about Nova Scotia, though, is that it gets way too many of the wild tropical storms that don't make US landfall. Doesn't seem worth it to go to one of the potential losers from mounting climate change consequences.
1
People planning on moving to Nova Scotia better bring LOTS of cash or a business, otherwise there is no possibility of qualifying for residency. I live in CB, I know whereof I speak.
1
to go into Canada you do not need a passport, just to get back in the U.S. Canada is no where near as psycho as the U.S. about imaginary boogie men coming to destroy us all. I may visit Canada this winter, and I just might forget my passport (honest I will work hard and be a good refugee).
2
As a liberal in NYC I was thinking it was a waste of my time to vote given the Electoral College and all. I mean nobody speaks English at my polling place so it's a lonely queue but Gail has inspired me to help run up the score! What's mandarin for "bad toupee"?
11
Crazy is as crazy does. On Nov. 8th, crazy will speak. At which point the sane will be delivered from evil ... or not. Maybe we can privatize the next election, maybe have the N.F.L. run it. They know all about getting around concussion syndrome.
5
Great as usual, Gail--thanks for the laugh. Unexpected bonus: loooove that photo. SO WHITE. And lots of bleached blonde hair. All those upstanding Christian women.
22
Much to my chagrin, I heard on the news last night that some millennial blacks are hesitating about voting because they're not thrilled with Hillary Clinton.
Well, if Donald Trump wins, they'll have a lot of time to think about it while they're picking cotton.
Well, if Donald Trump wins, they'll have a lot of time to think about it while they're picking cotton.
14
The GOP trolls must be voted out of office en masse or we are all doomed.
8
Hillary is not a woman who i can personally admire or respect!
Any women who stays in a marriage after being cheated on just to climb the political ladder if you will , must be sick in the head and is no different then any other desperate woman thats out there today.
Besides the fact she probably never went to the Benghazi soldiers family's homes to apologize face to face for not answering there call for help!
Truly No self-respect or class
Any women who stays in a marriage after being cheated on just to climb the political ladder if you will , must be sick in the head and is no different then any other desperate woman thats out there today.
Besides the fact she probably never went to the Benghazi soldiers family's homes to apologize face to face for not answering there call for help!
Truly No self-respect or class
How do you know why she stayed in her marriage? You have no idea of her motivation. If this is how you make a decision about who is going to run our country, you should be ashamed of your lack of ability to think logically and see the big picture.
5
Gee, I must have missed the article about when Sec. of State George Schultz visited all the families of the 240 Marines killed in their barracks in Beirut, Lebanon in October of 1983.
6
"I fell asleep in a mountain hollow for 20 years, Gail, and I just woke up. I'm not familiar with the two candidates, so any help you could give me would be just swell so I can cast an informed vote on Tuesday."
--- Rip Van Winkle
Gail: Okay, Rip, I'm happy to shed some disturbing light on the situation.
On the Democratic side is trained lawyer, former First Lady, former Senator and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton who spent most of her life advocating for women, children, civil rights, affordable healthcare, diplomacy and good, boring ideas to improve the lives of everyday Americans. She's supremely qualified for the Presidency in every conceivable way, but a 25-year character-assassination campaign by Grand Old Psychotics has made some Americans believe that she's the Anti-Christ, wrapped in Satan, inside a Wicked Witch pantsuit.
And on the Republican side is serial sexual predator, publicity whore, draft-dodging, tax-dodging, billionaire Welfare Queen and professional Con Man Donald Trump who refuses to pay contractors, employees, banks and governments what's owed to them because of a clinical case of narcissistic personality disorder. He hates Mexicans, Muslims and people who disagree with him. He has no experience in government, public policy or in paying attention. Many Americans think he may be the Messiah.
Rip: Is this election even close ?
Gail: It's a dead heat.
Rip: I'm going back to bed; wake me in another 20 years.
Gail: Sweet dreams, Rip.
--- Rip Van Winkle
Gail: Okay, Rip, I'm happy to shed some disturbing light on the situation.
On the Democratic side is trained lawyer, former First Lady, former Senator and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton who spent most of her life advocating for women, children, civil rights, affordable healthcare, diplomacy and good, boring ideas to improve the lives of everyday Americans. She's supremely qualified for the Presidency in every conceivable way, but a 25-year character-assassination campaign by Grand Old Psychotics has made some Americans believe that she's the Anti-Christ, wrapped in Satan, inside a Wicked Witch pantsuit.
And on the Republican side is serial sexual predator, publicity whore, draft-dodging, tax-dodging, billionaire Welfare Queen and professional Con Man Donald Trump who refuses to pay contractors, employees, banks and governments what's owed to them because of a clinical case of narcissistic personality disorder. He hates Mexicans, Muslims and people who disagree with him. He has no experience in government, public policy or in paying attention. Many Americans think he may be the Messiah.
Rip: Is this election even close ?
Gail: It's a dead heat.
Rip: I'm going back to bed; wake me in another 20 years.
Gail: Sweet dreams, Rip.
28
Awesome!
1
Can the NY Times replace M.Dowd with Socrates,
PLEASE!
PLEASE!
4
And bring his comedian sister on board, too!
What really burns me up is when ALL the broadcasters, ALL members of the media, ALL the alleged Liberals, All the Trump supporters, acknowledge the truly lousy attitude of demagogue Trump, but ALWAYS, sickeningly, ALWAYS take a cheap shot at Hillary Clinton. The Republicans are saying, "Our guy might be bad, but Hillary is worse." The crusade to de-legitimatize and destroy the character of Hillary based on lie after lie, repeated without pause for DECADES, is frustrating in that no one seems to let go of the propaganda about Hillary. They don't acknowledge Trump's hate and incompetence for pubic service without blemishing Hillary based on the Republicans' machine-gun lies. I'm surprised that a lot of much deserving potty mouths haven't experienced broken noses and traumatic loss of teeth, with broken jaws.
18
What burns me up is they intend to carry this into her administration with obstruction, investigations (at our expense) and impeachment. Over and over. I say, let's start investigating them for sedition. Let's force resignations. Let's give back to them what they've been giving her for thirty-five years. Let's act on their non-action. They are hired to do a job they are refusing to do. Let's fire them any way we can.
3
Love the Freudian typo!
2
Thanks, CathyZ, I missed that. Truly funny!
1
I regret that I have but one vote to cast.
9
Dear Gail,
We love you. We raise a glass to you. Thank you for being a sunbeam of sanity in a mad, dark moment of national psychosis.
We love you. We raise a glass to you. Thank you for being a sunbeam of sanity in a mad, dark moment of national psychosis.
13
Regarding accusations by Trump about high tech hacking of the election in favor of Hillary is it true that real stupidity beats artificial intelligence every time?
Merry in Maryland
Merry in Maryland
6
The amazing race for big brother is almost over. The survivor will get immunity and the aprentice will hopefully be fired.
A Times poll yesterday said 80% of us are disgusted by both Mr. Trump and Ms. Clinton. But we are told by Ms. Collins that we'd be wasting our vote if we don't vote for one of these two. But wouldn't voting for someone who disgusts us be throwing away a vote? The guidance from our establishment guides seems quite confused.
13
Stop, Che.
America has a two-party system.
Hold your nose and vote for the person who doesn't crow about stiffing contractors, who's never met a laborer he thinks is worth paying, and who's never passed over a change to wreak vengeance on anyone who's ever slighted him ever so slightly.
America has a two-party system.
Hold your nose and vote for the person who doesn't crow about stiffing contractors, who's never met a laborer he thinks is worth paying, and who's never passed over a change to wreak vengeance on anyone who's ever slighted him ever so slightly.
6
Voting is about making a choice among electable options. It's not about proving how mature and pure we are--for that, we can wear hats and buttons or take out ads in the newspapers.
6
The election is citizens giving a voice to the direction they want the country to go, it is not a personality contest. If Hillary disgusts you, she will still do better for the country than Trump. Hold your nose, if necessary, and vote for the one candidate of the two that will actually listen to the population.
5
"Trump supporters at a rally in Florida", they look so normal, so white, so like Fox News watchers.
What are those women thinking?
What are those women thinking?
8
If you're spending any considerable amount of times worried about politics then your government isn't working. If you spend more time thinking about politics than your faith, then your politics is your faith. This is a very bad thing. If your politicians are so bad they force you to look up the spelling of the Borgia's in order to post an online comment about them then the wrong people probably have been nominated for higher office. And if you are wondering if electing Hillary Clinton president will get your state forgiveness and the NBA all-star game back then you live in North Carolina.
100
Worried about other people's spelling?
the Borgias has no apostrophe.
the Borgias has no apostrophe.
2
Well one thing, this election has most likely been a real boon for the psychiatry business. It must be booming. If Trump wins, people will probably start lining up outside psychiatrists offices the day after the election, like they do at popular restaurants. We will need all the help we can get. Of course, there will also probably be a traffic jam headed to Canada. My passport expires on November 15th, so I could just make it. I won't need to renew it, because I won't be coming back.
Like Gail said: "VOTE"!!! For Hillary Clinton. I'm too old to move.
Like Gail said: "VOTE"!!! For Hillary Clinton. I'm too old to move.
7
Better renew the passport, quickly. Many countries -- I'm not sure about Canada -- won't let you in unless you have time enough remaining on your passport so that it doesn't expire while you're still in their land.
1
I will vote for down ballot candidates, but not for president because both of the candidates are corrupt & dishonest and will make the country & the world a worse place that it already is. Why is everyone telling me to do something immortal - vote for Clinton?
The repetitive (over and over again) advice not to write in someone is itself an effort to tell us that democracy doesn't work and we really, at base, don't have any choice. Then, we go through election after election lamenting, crying and moaning about how we don't have good choices.
Has anyone considered "strategic voting" whereby your vote your third choice provided it is not likely to impact the (stupid) Electoral College vote? Why waste your vote on a candidate you don't like or want in the White House?
There are a number of states that require registration for a write-in candidate and some that do not. Maryland does and I took care of registration for that in my home state, so I am eligible to be counted. Otherwise, the following states do not require registration for write-in candidates:
IOWA New Hampshire DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA(DC)
NEW JERSEY PENNSYLVANIA
MISSISSIPPI RHODE ISLAND
VERMONT ALABAMA
WYOMING OREGON
Of these states, only two, Pa. and New Hampshire, are considered in play. If you live in any of the other states and can't stomach a vote for Trump or Hillary, write-in another candidate. Your vote will not make a difference in who becomes president anyway, but a lot of write-ins will be taken a clear signal by voters that change is necessary.
http://morechoice2016.com
The above is a website dedicated to changing the nomination and elections processes.
Has anyone considered "strategic voting" whereby your vote your third choice provided it is not likely to impact the (stupid) Electoral College vote? Why waste your vote on a candidate you don't like or want in the White House?
There are a number of states that require registration for a write-in candidate and some that do not. Maryland does and I took care of registration for that in my home state, so I am eligible to be counted. Otherwise, the following states do not require registration for write-in candidates:
IOWA New Hampshire DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA(DC)
NEW JERSEY PENNSYLVANIA
MISSISSIPPI RHODE ISLAND
VERMONT ALABAMA
WYOMING OREGON
Of these states, only two, Pa. and New Hampshire, are considered in play. If you live in any of the other states and can't stomach a vote for Trump or Hillary, write-in another candidate. Your vote will not make a difference in who becomes president anyway, but a lot of write-ins will be taken a clear signal by voters that change is necessary.
http://morechoice2016.com
The above is a website dedicated to changing the nomination and elections processes.
1
I think it would have been a better use of NYT space to point out that many accusations against Hillary are just plain false. It's not a choice between 2 bad candidates. It's a choice between an out-of-control, power-hungry narcissist (backed by a party that wants to privatize Medicare, convert gays and take care of the rich) and a competent, qualified woman. The email "scandal" is something that was blown out of proportion. Why aren't we seeing more analysis like this: http://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2016/11/4/13500018/clinton-email-...
The FBI's "investigation" is just another ploy to demonize a female candidate and appears to be a case of prosecutorial misconduct.
Hillary's honesty is way ahead of other politicians. She's sane and knowledgeable. She's not warm and fuzzy? As Oprah Winfrey says, she's not gonna come to your house. You don't have to have coffee with her.
The FBI's "investigation" is just another ploy to demonize a female candidate and appears to be a case of prosecutorial misconduct.
Hillary's honesty is way ahead of other politicians. She's sane and knowledgeable. She's not warm and fuzzy? As Oprah Winfrey says, she's not gonna come to your house. You don't have to have coffee with her.
55
I'd love to have coffee with Hillary. It's funny, during both of Obama's runs for the White House I would get constant emails about 'win a dinner with the Obamas' and I did do small donations to put me in the pool of having that chance. But Hillary hasn't done that at all. Maybe she was concerned nobody would want to have dinner with her! But I would. She is definitely likeable enough! And will hopefully be our first female president. I hope Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota is the second one. And I hope to see more women run for the top office in the land. We need women right now. More estrogen, less testosterone.
7
I hope somebody briefs the doltish Democratic elector who announced that he will not vote for Hillary even if she captures his state. This is the very kind of nonsense that should force the issue of repealing the 12th Amendment. If the popular vote decides every other federal and state election, why should the presidential election be any different?
16
I'm in Ohio, a swing state naturally. Yet oddly enough we've gotten very few election calls. I think "big data" is actually starting to pay off for us. I donated to Clinton's campaign, as well as to Ted Strickland and another Democrat, so my one election contact was a couple of nice women at the door, asking me *when* I planned to vote and whether I needed information about polling places, early voting, absentee, etc. I told them I was early voting, I early voted almost as soon as it opened, and I've heard nothing since. If you do smart calling, there's no point in bothering someone who's already voted!
19
I voted FOR the environment, the planet, the mountains and rivers and wild lands. If I have any sense of allegiance whatsoever, it almost all goes to the environment. Very little of my allegiance is invested in politicians and governments. I voted for Clinton because the environment has a better chance to recover with Democrats in power. Republican environmental concern is zero. Democratic Party elites tend to be friends of the environment, Republican Party elites tend to be enemies of the environment.
Two grim chuckles...
"Yes, Trump is a shallow, mendacious, boorish and extremely dangerous man. But those traits ensure that he is not an outsider but the perfect representation of his caste, the caste that runs the global economy and governs our politics. He is our system, stripped of its pretenses." (George Monbiot/The Guardian)
"Over so many of [Hillary's] travails hangs a cloud of testosterone." (Frank Bruni/NYT)
A number of months ago a friend hinted that he wished I'd stop using the word fascist when talking about Trump. When I listen to his speeches and look upon his avid white followers, my brain says "Brown Shirts." I am sensitive to media visuals that trigger thoughts of the upheaval in Germany in the years before World War II.
When reduced by fire to two tiny nuggets, all scandal burned away, Clinton is the establishment candidate, and Trump is the wild card.
Two grim chuckles...
"Yes, Trump is a shallow, mendacious, boorish and extremely dangerous man. But those traits ensure that he is not an outsider but the perfect representation of his caste, the caste that runs the global economy and governs our politics. He is our system, stripped of its pretenses." (George Monbiot/The Guardian)
"Over so many of [Hillary's] travails hangs a cloud of testosterone." (Frank Bruni/NYT)
A number of months ago a friend hinted that he wished I'd stop using the word fascist when talking about Trump. When I listen to his speeches and look upon his avid white followers, my brain says "Brown Shirts." I am sensitive to media visuals that trigger thoughts of the upheaval in Germany in the years before World War II.
When reduced by fire to two tiny nuggets, all scandal burned away, Clinton is the establishment candidate, and Trump is the wild card.
25
Finally, at last.
Thank you, Gail, for getting me through another one.
I went to see a matinee today (“Doctor Strange” in 3D) because I had to get away from the computer or my head was going to burst. I did listen to Michael Barbaro’s podcast on the drive back home, however. Thank you to you, also, Michael.
I don’t vote early or by mail because I enjoy the act of going into the voting booth, and seeing my fellow citizens exercising their rights. It reminds me that Americans have been doing this for more than two centuries, through all sorts of crises. It connects me to them. It ties me to the fact that we keep going strong.
I love this country, I do. I think how fortunate I am to have been born here and lived my 65 years with ideals shaping the basic structures of life. My grandparents emigrated here to give this to their descendants. I will remember them on Election Day.
I will be voting for Hillary Clinton because her America is closer to my America.
Whatever your choice, let us all pause a moment to appreciate the privilege we have, and the responsibility that comes with it to pass along the torch, burning bright.
Thank you, Gail, for getting me through another one.
I went to see a matinee today (“Doctor Strange” in 3D) because I had to get away from the computer or my head was going to burst. I did listen to Michael Barbaro’s podcast on the drive back home, however. Thank you to you, also, Michael.
I don’t vote early or by mail because I enjoy the act of going into the voting booth, and seeing my fellow citizens exercising their rights. It reminds me that Americans have been doing this for more than two centuries, through all sorts of crises. It connects me to them. It ties me to the fact that we keep going strong.
I love this country, I do. I think how fortunate I am to have been born here and lived my 65 years with ideals shaping the basic structures of life. My grandparents emigrated here to give this to their descendants. I will remember them on Election Day.
I will be voting for Hillary Clinton because her America is closer to my America.
Whatever your choice, let us all pause a moment to appreciate the privilege we have, and the responsibility that comes with it to pass along the torch, burning bright.
50
Wonderful points, beautifully written. Thank you.
2
Ask people who support Trump if, instead, they would be willing to have their employers, neighbors, bank loan officers, credit card companies, insurance companies, and anyone with whom they have any sort of financial relationship know that, in their judgment, Donald Trump is qualified and fit to be President and they are voting for him for President.
13
We can only hope that the Republican Party crashes and burns and that new leadership in the Oval Office and the Senate restores the decency we have all been denied.
The immediate first steps for the future are that a new Supreme Court majority reverse both Citizen's United and massive Republican gerrymandering. It is the only way to restore a representative government. The longer term hope is for Congress that will restore economic balance through a fair tax structure, and a refocusing of the budget on national infrastructure with real jobs for working people instead of weapons programs. All of this depends on a younger generation that will fight once again for justice.
We have a yuuuuuge clean-up task in front of us, but we must start on November 8th. Show up and vote against Trump and the Republican Party at every level. There is no alternative.
The immediate first steps for the future are that a new Supreme Court majority reverse both Citizen's United and massive Republican gerrymandering. It is the only way to restore a representative government. The longer term hope is for Congress that will restore economic balance through a fair tax structure, and a refocusing of the budget on national infrastructure with real jobs for working people instead of weapons programs. All of this depends on a younger generation that will fight once again for justice.
We have a yuuuuuge clean-up task in front of us, but we must start on November 8th. Show up and vote against Trump and the Republican Party at every level. There is no alternative.
55
It will take a constitutional amendment to make every vote count in a US presidential election.
2
People are definitely depressed and ill-tempered this election season. It is important to separate our feelings about an overly long, nasty presidential campaign from our disappointment about totally unrelated things – like the Cubs beating the Cleveland Indians in the World Series.
The only people who want this campaign to go on and on are the television and newspaper people who sell campaign advertising airtime and space. They’re like people in the turkey business – the money which flows into their coffers in November means black ink for the full year.
Come to think of it, that chasing of political ad dollars was what convinced the media that they should forget about doing their jobs and focus on nurturing Donald Trump.
That thought can really make us depressed and ill-tempered,
The only people who want this campaign to go on and on are the television and newspaper people who sell campaign advertising airtime and space. They’re like people in the turkey business – the money which flows into their coffers in November means black ink for the full year.
Come to think of it, that chasing of political ad dollars was what convinced the media that they should forget about doing their jobs and focus on nurturing Donald Trump.
That thought can really make us depressed and ill-tempered,
19
I'm now retired, and I'm with the guy who wants to move to New Zealand, although I'll probably pick another country. No matter who is elected, the Republicans will make sure the US goes downhill fast. If Donnie is elected, it will certify that the country is crazy and we'll be ruined for at least a generation. If Hillary is elected, Republicans will obstruct anything to benefit the country and will spend the next 4 (or 8) years "investigating" Hillary and trying to delegitimize her as President, as they tried to do with President Obama. I suffered through Nixon and Reagan and Bush II. I don't think I can take Republican nonsense anymore.
79
If Trump wins, I'm out of here. And I think the only place I can go is Mexico. Canada makes you stay out of their country for six months out of a year but Mexico's is only one day (or something like that, a small amount of time).
It's not so easy to waltz into another country and say, "Howdy, I'm stayin'"! New Zealand would absolutely be my first choice. But I'm not staying here if he wins. More importantly, I want my 29 year old daughter out of here if he wins. There will be no life, no future here in America for young people. If he wins, I predict there will be a mass exodus of people that have the money and skills that other countries want. If you are retired without the big money, well, most countries will not let you stay.
At 65, I don't relish the idea of leaving everything behind. But I will not live under a fascist.
It's not so easy to waltz into another country and say, "Howdy, I'm stayin'"! New Zealand would absolutely be my first choice. But I'm not staying here if he wins. More importantly, I want my 29 year old daughter out of here if he wins. There will be no life, no future here in America for young people. If he wins, I predict there will be a mass exodus of people that have the money and skills that other countries want. If you are retired without the big money, well, most countries will not let you stay.
At 65, I don't relish the idea of leaving everything behind. But I will not live under a fascist.
8
A Democrat running for office here told me that his plans, should Trump be elected, are to move to Nicaragua (or maybe Ecuador, I forget). I told him my own choice is Spain. I know I'm serious; I think he is, too.
2
Property values are likely to crash here faster than anyone can escape, it that preposterous con artist actually gets enabled into the presidency.
3
Dear Gail,
I love my extended family in the U.S., but my husband and I are feeling vaguely suspicious as 12 of them have just announced they'll be coming to Paris for Christmas. Although we'll be a bit cramped, some will be staying with us, and we are afraid that if Trump is elected they'll apply for political asylum (particularly the women) and expect to stay with us for at least four years.
What should we do?
-Perplexed in Paris
I love my extended family in the U.S., but my husband and I are feeling vaguely suspicious as 12 of them have just announced they'll be coming to Paris for Christmas. Although we'll be a bit cramped, some will be staying with us, and we are afraid that if Trump is elected they'll apply for political asylum (particularly the women) and expect to stay with us for at least four years.
What should we do?
-Perplexed in Paris
52
I'm not hoping that you can make room for me, Susan, but can I call on you to help me find an inexpensive apartment if I need asylum, too?
5
Paris is not that far from Funlovin' Fort Worth! Great place here! Oh wait, you meant Paris, France not Paris, Texas. My Bad.
1
Wishing in Woes:
The wish for exclusion shared by half of the electorate is made flesh by Trump as he rants code for "Fresh new trillions for the winners, so they´ll finally deliver on their lnog due promise to create jobs for ordinary white Americans instead of offshore or immigrant rapist jobs, as all the LLCs are already stacked to the brim with idle wealth, so it should create jobs by the MAGA wand this time around folks, haha! Also: Lock her up doom banter for any icon of social change. Grab´m by the pastry! Don´t it sound great at last?"
Then there´s the wish for inclusion, which is bound to fail if half of us opt out. So we can only aspire inclusion limping, coming together weakened with our remaining half of human leftovers, have-nots and a few overwhelmed Good Samaritans, scowled at suspiciously, in our helpless attempts to do some good, by the relentlessly insatiable have-alls seething with greed evermore, as loads of undercover agents for the robber barons posing as our representatives hold or run for office or "report" on it all for our "benefit".
There´s the wish of the youth for a future and a present and the wish of our grandparents to escape into willful blissful oblivion leaving it to fools like Bernie to care about their grandchildren going bust.
There´s the wish to carpetbomb us, our foods, lands, air and water with poisons virtually unregulated and to draw an obscene profit in the process.
Guess whose wishes will win.
Have some glyphosate-rich cake!
The wish for exclusion shared by half of the electorate is made flesh by Trump as he rants code for "Fresh new trillions for the winners, so they´ll finally deliver on their lnog due promise to create jobs for ordinary white Americans instead of offshore or immigrant rapist jobs, as all the LLCs are already stacked to the brim with idle wealth, so it should create jobs by the MAGA wand this time around folks, haha! Also: Lock her up doom banter for any icon of social change. Grab´m by the pastry! Don´t it sound great at last?"
Then there´s the wish for inclusion, which is bound to fail if half of us opt out. So we can only aspire inclusion limping, coming together weakened with our remaining half of human leftovers, have-nots and a few overwhelmed Good Samaritans, scowled at suspiciously, in our helpless attempts to do some good, by the relentlessly insatiable have-alls seething with greed evermore, as loads of undercover agents for the robber barons posing as our representatives hold or run for office or "report" on it all for our "benefit".
There´s the wish of the youth for a future and a present and the wish of our grandparents to escape into willful blissful oblivion leaving it to fools like Bernie to care about their grandchildren going bust.
There´s the wish to carpetbomb us, our foods, lands, air and water with poisons virtually unregulated and to draw an obscene profit in the process.
Guess whose wishes will win.
Have some glyphosate-rich cake!
5
Why does the press pay so much attention to "battleground" states and so little to sensible ones, like Washington the State, where stuff actually gets done? We are going to vote for a carbon tax to save the environment and for a restriction on gun sales to persons clearly dangerous to themselves and/or family members. Gail, let's please have a little praise for such civic mindedness.
64
Actually the Washington State carbon ballot issue has received press in this publication and others. However, the national race is much more important because should Trump win with a GOP-controlled congress, look for a bill that will create federal preemption of carbon markets which would render Washington State's forward-looking initiative inoperative. The same for California's ballot initiatives on among other things background checks for the purchase of ammunition. The GOP cares less about federalism than it does about doing the bidding of its corporate and interest-group masters. With a useful idiot in control of the veto pen, Vladimir Putin will not be the only one smiling at a Trump victory.
5
Because the Electoral College leaves every vote above the minimum number needed to decide the election in each state uncounted in the national election.
2
On Election Day I will get out early and vote, as I do every election. My vote is no more nor less meaningful than the vote of Beyonce or Kissinger. In the voting both I have the same power as the most powerful person in the country. Besides, it's such a small price to pay for the right to complain, or brag.
35
Similar to the Cynic in Cincinnati some citizens claim both candidates are terrible and they don't want to choose the better of two evils. I understand that logic. If I had to choose between having a toe amputated in a hospital and having both legs cut off in an auto accident, it would be a tough choice. If I had to choose between losing my hair--going bald as I age--and losing my head--being decapitated by an ax murderer--it would be a tough choice. To those who are faced with this dilemma of choosing between two evils, just do the best you can to figure out who is less evil.
So there's the question of weighing evil. Are Clinton and Trump equally evil? Is one worse? If you buy into Republican right-wing radio, you don't need to consider policies or facts, Hillary is a demonic witch who kills people for pleasure (they don't cite sources, but like Trump they hear things and listening to each other, obviously people are saying).
On the other hand, while there are no allegations Donald has killed anyone, reputable media like the NYT, document Donald has killed many businesses, says he will bomb the hell out of countries, wonders why we haven't used nuclear weapons.
Cases of Donald stiffing small contractors, suing people to intimidate them, dodging taxes, entering dressing rooms to leer at naked teenage girls and rating women like grades of toilet paper are documented.
These are just a few things to weigh while trying to decide which candidate is least evil. Good luck.
So there's the question of weighing evil. Are Clinton and Trump equally evil? Is one worse? If you buy into Republican right-wing radio, you don't need to consider policies or facts, Hillary is a demonic witch who kills people for pleasure (they don't cite sources, but like Trump they hear things and listening to each other, obviously people are saying).
On the other hand, while there are no allegations Donald has killed anyone, reputable media like the NYT, document Donald has killed many businesses, says he will bomb the hell out of countries, wonders why we haven't used nuclear weapons.
Cases of Donald stiffing small contractors, suing people to intimidate them, dodging taxes, entering dressing rooms to leer at naked teenage girls and rating women like grades of toilet paper are documented.
These are just a few things to weigh while trying to decide which candidate is least evil. Good luck.
72
I live in Tennessee. According to the polling experts, Trump's chances of carrying the state are around 97 to 99 percent. So my vote for Clinton, already cast on the first day of early voting, will count for nothing in Electoral College terms. I could have voted for Jill Stein if I had wanted to "send a message." But I would like to see Clinton have as much of a popular-vote mandate as possible in the (perhaps vain) hope that it will help silence some of the insane talk we're now hearing from Republicans about impeachment and blocking Supreme Court nominees. To me, that's the larger message.
158
"I could have voted for Jill Stein if I had wanted to "send a message." But I would like to see Clinton have as much of a popular-vote mandate as possible... To me, that's the larger message."
Excellent post.
Excellent post.
3
Good on ya, Mate!
3
Beautiful commentary, Gail. But for the 'reader' concerned about the potential for Clinton to win the electoral vote but lose the popular vote, it would be interesting to see how republicans try to spin their protest about a 'rigged' system when the framers have the process clearly stated in the U.S. Constitution.
Could it be that the founders distrust for popular or mob rule as it was so often called in the day requiring them to limit voting rights to white, male property owners could be the very thing to save the country from Trump's basket of deplorables?
Could it be that the founders distrust for popular or mob rule as it was so often called in the day requiring them to limit voting rights to white, male property owners could be the very thing to save the country from Trump's basket of deplorables?
16
The founders also clearly state that the Senate is supposed to advise and consent on the President's Supreme Court nominations. Clearly the Republicans don't really concern themselves greatly with the Constitution, except, of course, for the 2nd amendment.
8
The founders were indeed trying to keep their republic from devolving into mob rule. Informed by the social conditions and admittedly the prejudices and assumptions of their day, they used the blunt instruments they had - limiting the franchise to white male property owners who were most likely to be educated and literate, and who would have a stake in improving, strengthening, and continuing the structure they had built. They didn't envision a democracy. The education of the day included reading deeply in classics, so they knew what happened to Athens' democracy, and also how the Roman Republic - the principal model for their underlying structure - was undermined by demagoguery.
1
I noticed there is no mention of Pennsylvania. The vote in Philadelphia, where I live, is key to how swinging Pennsylvania will go. In addition to constant phone calls from people wanting to know whether and how we vote, we have Trumpeters threatening to come be a threatening presence at our voting precincts, and a strike by public transportation workers that has turned the city into one big gridlocked intersection. On the plus side, Philadelphia has lots and lots of polling places, so a) we are unlikely to have the long lines that appear in places like, say, Ohio, and b) if those Trumpeters do show up (notwithstanding a court ruling prohibiting them from doing so), they will have a lot of ground to cover.
22
And you have cheesesteaks to calm the stress :)
5
I live in a very red part of a very blue state--Long Island--but I'm proud to say that my Clinton-Kaine sign has been on my lawn for almost a month, unmolested. (Well, we did take it down temporarily on Halloween.) In fact, I've seen few lawn signs for either candidate in my area. I suspect that many people are just sick of the whole thing and want it to be over. I am a strong, enthusiastic supporter of Hillary Clinton, but I can't escape the conclusion that our presidential elections go on way too long, cost way too much money, and just make people frustrated and upset. Perhaps wiser people than I will have some good ideas for reforming the process after this very discouraging election season has finally come to an end.
71
Here's some advice for those of us looking for somone wiser than ourselves, Carla:
"Don't vote for either major party!" Tell the major party bosses that we abhor their vaccuum and are moving on to support a candidate who is an actual leader.
"Don't vote for either major party!" Tell the major party bosses that we abhor their vaccuum and are moving on to support a candidate who is an actual leader.
1
Your sign has gone unmolested because Trump voters are not criminals. I had a sign on my lawn for rump and within 48 hours it was ripped up and thrown to the side.
It's any easy fix if congress and lobbyists had the will to do so!
Seriously for the stressed out voter why not attend a prayer vigil on Election night? Our church is holding an event to pray for coming together after the election to "Make Our Great Nation Stronger Together."
35
Good advice, Kathy....but make sure your prayers are followed by many good works of changing our major parties. It starts with getting rid of the major party bosses. They are the root of all this evil.
4
I bet it's a UU church. Those Unitarian Universalists! Always trying to bring people together. Though in my old UU church they spent most of the time fighting over the American flag being in the sanctuary and things like that. They were never together. So...maybe not!
It's a great idea. Hope springs eternal. Glad your church is doing it.
It's a great idea. Hope springs eternal. Glad your church is doing it.
7
I love that. I live in Ohio. I am a transplant and love the state. I also love that in Ohio, we are purple because Republicans and Democrats actually live in the same district. We even have moderates! But I want the country to come back together. I wept during the Democratic convention because are ARE all stronger together. And I pray for a strong and renewed Republican party that remembers its roots and a Democratic party that is energized by Bernie's Army running for office and becoming active in races from the local level on up.
80
Gail- and - there are hundreds of local elections. That's where many everyday issues are decided, plus there is someone out there who may be a candidate for Senator or Congressman - or President - in a few years. This is where you always hold power - swing state or not.
As one of the callers for some one more local: we're calling because we really want your vote! Because for us it matters 100%.
Things are "interesting" there too: I had my NY senate race sign stolen from my driveway.
As one of the callers for some one more local: we're calling because we really want your vote! Because for us it matters 100%.
Things are "interesting" there too: I had my NY senate race sign stolen from my driveway.
14
I'm with "Suicidal in Seattle." He (or she) has pretty much summed up this election. I have friends on NJ, one a former retired police chief, who threatens to vote for Alfred E. Neuman--and still worries.
I voted early in Massachusett's first-ever extended early voting period. To "Activated in Amherst"--you missed a chance to miss the lines but I hope the marijuana question grips you enough to force you to the polls. While you're there, please darken the boxes by the first names on the ballot.
To "cranky in Connecticut": swing states swing because of changing demographics. The east coast is a blue block, in case you haven't noticed.
To Gail Collins: you forgot to mention Roy Blunt's challenger--Jason Kander, who can assemble a gun blindfolded as he recites his support for background checks. That guy, is one cool dude. Not only does his name rhyme with "candor", he's a whiz with his rifle.
You can't make this stuff up, can you? The longest, ugliest, nightmare in US history.
I voted early in Massachusett's first-ever extended early voting period. To "Activated in Amherst"--you missed a chance to miss the lines but I hope the marijuana question grips you enough to force you to the polls. While you're there, please darken the boxes by the first names on the ballot.
To "cranky in Connecticut": swing states swing because of changing demographics. The east coast is a blue block, in case you haven't noticed.
To Gail Collins: you forgot to mention Roy Blunt's challenger--Jason Kander, who can assemble a gun blindfolded as he recites his support for background checks. That guy, is one cool dude. Not only does his name rhyme with "candor", he's a whiz with his rifle.
You can't make this stuff up, can you? The longest, ugliest, nightmare in US history.
61
That ad of assembling the gun blind-folded may earn Kander a win. It's a great ad. The other great ad that I've seen is for a county commissioner in Texas who talks, talks, talks taxes and trucks, etc, boring his family and friends to death. And his long-suffering and very funny wife pleads with us to elect him, just to get him out of the house. I even know his name - Gerald Doughtery. Now that's a good ad! Whoever made that ad is a genius. Most of them are so horrifying. But those two? Gems.
5
I'm too scared to laugh.
50
"I fell asleep in a mountain hollow for 20 years, Gail, and I just woke up. I'm not familiar with the two candidates, so any help you could give me would be just swell so I can cast an informed vote on Tuesday."
--- Rip Van Winkle
Gail: Okay, Rip, I'm happy to shed some disturbing light on the situation.
On the Democratic side is trained lawyer, former First Lady, former Senator and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton who spent most of her life advocating for women, children, civil rights, affordable healthcare, diplomacy and good, boring ideas to improve the lives of everyday Americans. She's supremely qualified for the Presidency in every conceivable way, but a 25-year character-assassination campaign by Grand Old Psychotics has made some Americans believe that she's the Anti-Christ, wrapped in Satan, inside a Wicked Witch pantsuit.
And on the Republican side is serial sexual predator, publicity addict, draft-dodging, tax-dodging, billionaire Welfare Queen and professional Con Man Donald Trump who refuses to pay contractors, employees, banks and governments what's owed to them because of a clinical case of narcissistic personality disorder. He hates Mexicans, Muslims and people who disagree with him. He has no experience in government, public policy or in paying attention. Many Americans think he may be the Messiah.
Rip: Is this election even close ?
Gail: It's a dead heat.
Rip: I'm going back to bed; wake me in another 20 years.
Gail: Sweet dreams, Rip.
--- Rip Van Winkle
Gail: Okay, Rip, I'm happy to shed some disturbing light on the situation.
On the Democratic side is trained lawyer, former First Lady, former Senator and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton who spent most of her life advocating for women, children, civil rights, affordable healthcare, diplomacy and good, boring ideas to improve the lives of everyday Americans. She's supremely qualified for the Presidency in every conceivable way, but a 25-year character-assassination campaign by Grand Old Psychotics has made some Americans believe that she's the Anti-Christ, wrapped in Satan, inside a Wicked Witch pantsuit.
And on the Republican side is serial sexual predator, publicity addict, draft-dodging, tax-dodging, billionaire Welfare Queen and professional Con Man Donald Trump who refuses to pay contractors, employees, banks and governments what's owed to them because of a clinical case of narcissistic personality disorder. He hates Mexicans, Muslims and people who disagree with him. He has no experience in government, public policy or in paying attention. Many Americans think he may be the Messiah.
Rip: Is this election even close ?
Gail: It's a dead heat.
Rip: I'm going back to bed; wake me in another 20 years.
Gail: Sweet dreams, Rip.
442
Like View From The Hill, I've been too scared to laugh - until I saw the Van Winkle/Collins conversation. Thanks for the comic relief, Rip!
7
Rip, if you go to sleep now, and if Drumpf is elected, when you wake up, you will be arrested and convicted without a trial by a jury of your peers for having committed a host of crimes that you did not even dream about. Whether you will be jailed or stoned to death by an angry mob is all that is left in doubt.
7
This photo of Trump supporters in Florida says it all, about Trump and his supporters.
Go Hillary! Go Duckworth, Feingold, Hassan, McGinty, Ross, Kander, Masto and even you Bayh!!
Go Hillary! Go Duckworth, Feingold, Hassan, McGinty, Ross, Kander, Masto and even you Bayh!!
52
@V in LA - what "it all" does the picture say? They are all white, sure, but so might a Hillary rally be in some parts of the country. Otherwise, they look like a bunch of sane, average Americans. What scares the heck out of me is that so many of my fellow citizens who are not on the lunatic fringe actually think that this man would be a good president. Now that is disturbing!
117
yes, anne-marie,
that is the scariest part of this election. did you read the article today about the Georgia militia?
that is the scariest part of this election. did you read the article today about the Georgia militia?
3
Never in American history has a candidate been nominated by a major party that is so ill-prepared to be President. Yet he now stands within spitting distance of the Oval Office and the nuclear codes that go with it.
It is a remarkable moment in our history.
One that should shame us all, and cause us to examine how we got here.
Here's a good place to start: http://www.pbs.org/video/2365884258/
In this piece PBS documents how impoverished Americans line up literally days in advance of a traveling medical and dental care road show. For many, this is the only medical and dental care they get each year.
In these "exceptional" United States? Incredible. The creator of this volunteer medical and dental road show originally intended it for "third world" countries but then realized it was needed right here at home.
Welcome to your third world America.
And you wonder why they're willing to vote for Trump and whatevr change he can bring? Desperate people will do desperate thiings.
It is a remarkable moment in our history.
One that should shame us all, and cause us to examine how we got here.
Here's a good place to start: http://www.pbs.org/video/2365884258/
In this piece PBS documents how impoverished Americans line up literally days in advance of a traveling medical and dental care road show. For many, this is the only medical and dental care they get each year.
In these "exceptional" United States? Incredible. The creator of this volunteer medical and dental road show originally intended it for "third world" countries but then realized it was needed right here at home.
Welcome to your third world America.
And you wonder why they're willing to vote for Trump and whatevr change he can bring? Desperate people will do desperate thiings.
4
Thank you! This is so funny! I need a good laugh since I've been walking around in a state of shock about this election.
8
Gail -- thanks for the shout out to Trump country down here in Alabama! According to a Trumper on my block the scenario we can expect on Tuesday is that Hillary Clinton gets elected, but she can't serve -- between election day and inauguration day, she goes on trial for... not clear exactly but everyone down here knows she's gonna go on trial for something. In that event, through some magic power supposedly mentioned somewhere in the Constitution (I'm told) Barack Obama inserts himself into the process and becomes president for four more years.
This is what I've been told in all seriousness by a Trump supporter. And you're wondering why these folks don't understand how dangerous Trump is? The message isn't getting through to planet Trump. The airwaves on that planet are jammed too full of make believe transmissions to allow a little common sense to penetrate.
This is what I've been told in all seriousness by a Trump supporter. And you're wondering why these folks don't understand how dangerous Trump is? The message isn't getting through to planet Trump. The airwaves on that planet are jammed too full of make believe transmissions to allow a little common sense to penetrate.
83
Another news source reported today that Melania Trump was, in fact, an undocumented worker when she first arrived in the United States. She arrived on a legal tourist visa but then, according to that source, proceeded to do modeling jobs for which she was paid around $20,000. Working for money while on a tourist visa is against the law in this country.
Hillary's Clinton's aide's estranged husband's lap top which might or might not contain... well, something... is a front page story. But Trump's vilification of undocumented workers while he's married to a woman who was one is nowhere to be found. Why?
Hillary's Clinton's aide's estranged husband's lap top which might or might not contain... well, something... is a front page story. But Trump's vilification of undocumented workers while he's married to a woman who was one is nowhere to be found. Why?
83
Hey America, see anything wrong with the picture that goes with this article?
10
White are you talking about?
1
It sure doesn't look like the real America, does it? It looks like Disneyland America. Wonder Bread America. All-White America. The only problem is - America is not all white. Those people may want it to be. But that's a fantasy. We have a rainbow of colors of people here and each of those non-white people have a voice. I hope they will come out and vote for the future of America which is changing fast.
4
New Zealand's on the wrong side of the equator. I'm going to Uruguay.
7
last time i looked Uruguay was on the same side
2
@ Len
Both New Zealand and Uruguay are in the southern hemisphere, albeit Uruguay is close to the equator and closer to you in NJ. Why Uruguay?
Both New Zealand and Uruguay are in the southern hemisphere, albeit Uruguay is close to the equator and closer to you in NJ. Why Uruguay?
2
You go Uraguay and I'll go mine.
5
I'm a Florida voter, but I voted early so I just change the channel when the ads come on. On Saturday and Sunday I'll be canvassing for Hillary as part of the Pantsuit Nation, at least half-a-million women (and some men) who share their stories on social media. I have been heartened by their strength and courage and have to believe that we will triumph because, as Hillary says, America is good.
60
I'm voting in Massachusetts to legalize recreational marijuana. Once that goes through, I hope to erase all memories of this sad race and steel myself for the inevitable chaos in Washington that will follow, regardless of who "wins" the election. We the people, will ALL be losers.
8
I have two homes. Both are in swing states. Fortunately, I like watching political ads.
5
My question is about the emails. Since when are documents declared classified AFTER distribution? Most of the "C" emails (& whatever happened to the big CLASSIFIED - EYES ONLY stamp?) were not classified when she read them or passed them on. What's the point of classifying them at that stage at all?
35
And when I was a federal employee with a security clearance, classified documents were not marked with a C. They were either S for Secret or TS for Top Secret. C was used for confidential documents- the lowest form of classification with much less stringent conditions of handling. I was incumbent upon the originator of the document to determine if it was classified and to ensure it was marked correctly.
12
The problem is that Vladimir Putin might have hacked them and shared them with his friend Donald Trump. That would be serious security breach.
1
That is only the last resort, when they can't come up with something that is actually against the law.
Since this is as close as they've been able to get in over 25 years of investigations, they had to come up with something.
She readily admits to having the private email server, which might be poor judgement or not, given the number of hacks against government servers. So far, so good. So they hand all the emails off to the classification experts, which is really just a bunch of opinionated bureaucrats without real jobs, to see if there is a way, ANY WAY, that the text in those emails might possibly be considered classified.
Sure enough, some of them (the fearless speakers of truth to power) said 'OMG, look at these classified emails from a private email server', and off we go. Of course, some of them (the no-count feeders at the public trough) said 'nothing to see here', but they weren't with the program and didn't fit the story line and were dismissed as bungling sympathizers.
Remember, this is the same lot who told us that reading the Manning leaks in the NYT would jeopardize our clearances because even though the material was published, it was still classified beyond our level or need to know.
Classification of documents is definitely a subjective, eye of the beholder exercise. Some will always find a way to see Red or Yellow now, regardless of how green it was a year ago.
Since this is as close as they've been able to get in over 25 years of investigations, they had to come up with something.
She readily admits to having the private email server, which might be poor judgement or not, given the number of hacks against government servers. So far, so good. So they hand all the emails off to the classification experts, which is really just a bunch of opinionated bureaucrats without real jobs, to see if there is a way, ANY WAY, that the text in those emails might possibly be considered classified.
Sure enough, some of them (the fearless speakers of truth to power) said 'OMG, look at these classified emails from a private email server', and off we go. Of course, some of them (the no-count feeders at the public trough) said 'nothing to see here', but they weren't with the program and didn't fit the story line and were dismissed as bungling sympathizers.
Remember, this is the same lot who told us that reading the Manning leaks in the NYT would jeopardize our clearances because even though the material was published, it was still classified beyond our level or need to know.
Classification of documents is definitely a subjective, eye of the beholder exercise. Some will always find a way to see Red or Yellow now, regardless of how green it was a year ago.
3
I'm one of those people who had 42 propositions. Every day the mailbox is full. Last night someone knocked on the door. Probably my carpetbagging congressman. I am going to put my "I voted" button on the door next to the mailbox. I keep thinking "please make this be over". Then I'm scared I might get my wish.
6
Trump is in bed with Putin. Does that make him patriotic?
http://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-vladimir-putin-russia-hillary-clint...
Trump destroyed thousands of emails on his server. Why is this ok? Because he is loud and crude.
http://www.newsweek.com/2016/11/11/donald-trump-companies-destroyed-emai...
http://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-vladimir-putin-russia-hillary-clint...
Trump destroyed thousands of emails on his server. Why is this ok? Because he is loud and crude.
http://www.newsweek.com/2016/11/11/donald-trump-companies-destroyed-emai...
23
Thanks, Gail. I knew we could count on you for a laugh before we walk the last mile toward the voting booth. One thing we should all be thankful for, our beloved Seamus didn't live long enough to witness what may happen on November 9th, if, well, you know, if Rump becomes president. What are you ordering for your last meal? I'm asking for a bagel with lox.
11
"I live in Massachusetts and I might as well be in Croatia! Nobody ever bothers to run presidential ads here, or campaign here. "
Would have been happy to share with alienated in Amherst. New Hampshire is part of the Boston Media market. So, for those of us who live in eastern Massachusetts, it's been a long, long slog. The primary ads were bad enough, but the past couple of months have been unrelenting. Tuesday can't come soon enough.
Would have been happy to share with alienated in Amherst. New Hampshire is part of the Boston Media market. So, for those of us who live in eastern Massachusetts, it's been a long, long slog. The primary ads were bad enough, but the past couple of months have been unrelenting. Tuesday can't come soon enough.
12
Preach, Lynn. I've DVRed everything and fast forwarded through the commercials (or else stuck fingers in ears and went "naaaaaa.") And stopped answering the phone. And wished for a bunker.
2
Dear Suicidal in Seattle,
You are right to anticipate more of the obstructionism that has become Congressional Republicans' idea of governing. But don't despair, vote for Democrats straight down the ticket. The solution is to give Mrs. Clinton a responsible legislative body and give us all forward-looking platforms at every level.
You are right to anticipate more of the obstructionism that has become Congressional Republicans' idea of governing. But don't despair, vote for Democrats straight down the ticket. The solution is to give Mrs. Clinton a responsible legislative body and give us all forward-looking platforms at every level.
76
Thanks again for always making us laugh just when we need it.
The Oregon Democratic party sent out report cards with how well we've done with voting in the past three elections. If we fail to vote they threatened to call us after the election. I've never been threatened to vote before.
~trying to find my inner Tigger in Portland
The Oregon Democratic party sent out report cards with how well we've done with voting in the past three elections. If we fail to vote they threatened to call us after the election. I've never been threatened to vote before.
~trying to find my inner Tigger in Portland
13
And as adults we thought we never had to face a report card being sent home again!
1
Some elections could be compared with watching a hurricane moving in. A bad result could create trouble but we will bounce back This election is more like watching a mile-wide asteroid approaching earth. Will we get lucky or is another mass extinction event about due?
79
A few thoughts from Florida (a.k.a. "Flawduh") Ours is a truly weird state. Down south in the "Capital of Latin America" (Miami et environs) the struggle seems to come down to a relatively non-violent fist fight between the Cuban Old Guard): "Down with Castro!" and the second and third generation Cubanos who say: "Hey, we're Americans! Why should we vote for the crazy New York gringo with a zorro on his head??"
But they're offset by the 150,000+ elderly gringos in "The Villages", a retirement community that reliably votes 100% Republican while shouting "Keep The Government's Hands Off My Social Security and Medicare!" So there, it may come down to golf carts. Whose batteries are charged and whose aren't for transportation to the precinct?
As for the rest of us. we trudge to the polls, cast our ballots and hope for best. And the best is...
But they're offset by the 150,000+ elderly gringos in "The Villages", a retirement community that reliably votes 100% Republican while shouting "Keep The Government's Hands Off My Social Security and Medicare!" So there, it may come down to golf carts. Whose batteries are charged and whose aren't for transportation to the precinct?
As for the rest of us. we trudge to the polls, cast our ballots and hope for best. And the best is...
88
I concur on your assessment of Florida. I grew up there back in the 60s and 70s and get back there frequently. I used to think California earned its reputation for being eclectic but modern day Florida is truly a bizarre, and in many ways scary, place. A gerrymandered right wing government in a state with democratic majority doesn't help. And the fact that the climate deniers are in charge of the government there, a state with thousands of miles of low lying seacoast, is just... well, wrong.
18
Ray: I moved here with my family in 1952 when I was 12, so in many ways I've "seen it all", going from a wonderful place for a kid to grow up, to a waking bad dream for an elderly gent wondering where it all went. That kind of nostalgia aside, you're correct on both counts.
The gerrymandering is so obvious that it ought to be an embarrassment, but I think that word has been expunged from the Florida GOP vocabulary. Nothing, no matter how bizarre, embarrasses them.
As for blindfolding themselves to climate change, when my father retired in 1978, he built a beach house on the back side of a stable dune on New Smyrna Beach, with almost 100 feet of grassy back lawn leading to a steep stairway down to the beach.
The last time I saw the house, the lawn was gone, the back porch was held up by 20' pilings, and waves were breaking under it. I expect the house has been condemned and removed by now, or perhaps just allowed to slide down into the surf (unlikely).
Rising ocean levels? What rising ocean levels? It's measured in inches globally, but locally it can amount to many feet. There are few things so dangerous as willful ignorance. That describes the Florida GOP legislature.
The gerrymandering is so obvious that it ought to be an embarrassment, but I think that word has been expunged from the Florida GOP vocabulary. Nothing, no matter how bizarre, embarrasses them.
As for blindfolding themselves to climate change, when my father retired in 1978, he built a beach house on the back side of a stable dune on New Smyrna Beach, with almost 100 feet of grassy back lawn leading to a steep stairway down to the beach.
The last time I saw the house, the lawn was gone, the back porch was held up by 20' pilings, and waves were breaking under it. I expect the house has been condemned and removed by now, or perhaps just allowed to slide down into the surf (unlikely).
Rising ocean levels? What rising ocean levels? It's measured in inches globally, but locally it can amount to many feet. There are few things so dangerous as willful ignorance. That describes the Florida GOP legislature.
4
Propositions: there's a very important one: DC statehood. I wish the rest of the country would take some interest in the fact that there are 650,000 people here who are taxed without representation. And I'm not talking about politicians, like any city, we have people of every vocation. We have more residents than Wyoming and North Dakota. They get a Congressional Rep and two Senators apiece, but we have none. If you believe in the principles of our Constitution, please hound your reps to allow us to be counted.
139
Your votes should count MORE than our votes, because you have to put up, close up, with whoever wins and their entourage for the next four years.
5
I would take the votes from D.C. Over the elected representatives and senators from Wyoming and North Dakota any day.
3
Every time I see women rallying around Trump I just shake my head and wonder how could they?
Maybe they think groping is ok?
Maybe they think groping is ok?
51
That's because the media has completely ignored the Supreme Court issue. Abortion opponents know that if elected, she'll pack the court with judges who will fight to keep abortion policy away from democratic control. The only way to stop this is to hold their noses and vote for Trump.
Every time I see women rallying around Trump, I remind myself Ted Bundy received love letters and marriage proposals while on death row.
11
It is all immensely depressing. I've taken to agreeing with all of the TV ads. Of course Russ Feingold voted 100 times to deprive veterans of their benefits. What a dirty dog! Of course Ron Johnson regularly packages up a bunch of Wisconsin jobs and sends them overseas. So thoughtless of him. And on and on it goes. We've got nuclear bombs going off now that are the fault of both Feingold and Clinton, countdowns and great red balls of fire. And the NRA is telling me that Russ Feingold voted to take away our ORDINARY rifles. You know, that kind with the 30 bullet clip. It is all a joke. I know it is. So I just make fun of all of them. Hahahahaha!
But I voted early for Hillary and Feingold and, between my hysterical laughing fits, I pray that everyone else will do so too.
But I voted early for Hillary and Feingold and, between my hysterical laughing fits, I pray that everyone else will do so too.
45
I'm in Wisconsin too. Never knew Feingold could look like such a crook.
(TV ads). I'm with you, JDR.
Thinking State Street in Madison could do us some good about now.
:)
MIMA
(TV ads). I'm with you, JDR.
Thinking State Street in Madison could do us some good about now.
:)
MIMA
3
Ms. Collins, what a wit! Here feeling happy because Socks the Tux just came in from the cold after being MIA for a few nights. The Irish in me takes this as a good omen for a Democrat win although Trump will probably win.
Last ouch election gasp? Do you remember Trump thirty years ago and have your thoughts about him changed? Naturally this is none of my business, but one day you may write about this. I hope you don't have to cover a Trump Presidency for the next four years. To sum it up for this American, he is the kind of man I would have made fun of when I was a teen and now as I go into my second childhood, I think it was mean-spirited.
There will be little leadership under a Trump Presidency at an unprecedented time in history when America needs a strong Commander-in-Chief. But what about Hillary Clinton in case she wins? It is safe to say that I was raised by three women like her. They could be quite overwhelming and strong-willed, brilliant and difficult, but I respected them. They had substance and were generous in spirit, but most of all they were imaginative, caring and responsible.
Thank you, Ms. Collins for holding the fort, and thanking David Brooks as well for warning us as far back as the Spring to be careful. Both of you have been right all along. Sending you Autumn Blessings during what has been a Season in Purgatory. God Bless the People of America.
Last ouch election gasp? Do you remember Trump thirty years ago and have your thoughts about him changed? Naturally this is none of my business, but one day you may write about this. I hope you don't have to cover a Trump Presidency for the next four years. To sum it up for this American, he is the kind of man I would have made fun of when I was a teen and now as I go into my second childhood, I think it was mean-spirited.
There will be little leadership under a Trump Presidency at an unprecedented time in history when America needs a strong Commander-in-Chief. But what about Hillary Clinton in case she wins? It is safe to say that I was raised by three women like her. They could be quite overwhelming and strong-willed, brilliant and difficult, but I respected them. They had substance and were generous in spirit, but most of all they were imaginative, caring and responsible.
Thank you, Ms. Collins for holding the fort, and thanking David Brooks as well for warning us as far back as the Spring to be careful. Both of you have been right all along. Sending you Autumn Blessings during what has been a Season in Purgatory. God Bless the People of America.
19
Kiss Socks the Tux kisses from me. I'm glad he's back.
2
You know, Ms. Collins, I just couldn't get enthusiastic about your column. Nothing personal; you're still witty and charming and your rapier wit can take the skin off a reader without his (or her) knowing about it. I guess I've reached the bottom of my well of humor.
I feel like I'm a zombie, sleepwalking through an endless corridor that never ends, the doors on each side the same size (yuge) and color (white). Don't ask me why. I could psychoanalyze but I'd come up with a totally incorrect answer. Someone might interpret the door colors to be an existential threat by the alt-right, or the size of the doors a subliminal reminder of Donald Trump's...never mind.
I voted last week and I'm exhausted. I'll be an election judge on Tuesday morning at a nursing home five minutes from my home. I kind of wish I hadn't signed up. I...oh, I hope we're both happy when next you write. Pass me the xanax.
I feel like I'm a zombie, sleepwalking through an endless corridor that never ends, the doors on each side the same size (yuge) and color (white). Don't ask me why. I could psychoanalyze but I'd come up with a totally incorrect answer. Someone might interpret the door colors to be an existential threat by the alt-right, or the size of the doors a subliminal reminder of Donald Trump's...never mind.
I voted last week and I'm exhausted. I'll be an election judge on Tuesday morning at a nursing home five minutes from my home. I kind of wish I hadn't signed up. I...oh, I hope we're both happy when next you write. Pass me the xanax.
34
"No! First of all, your write-in wouldn’t even count in Ohio."
You announce this now, Gail? You couldn't reach out to Ohio Governor Kasich and tell him to snap out of it *before* he wrote in McCain for president?
If Clinton (or Trump, for that matter) loses Ohio by one vote, Kasich will look pretty silly, more so than he does already.
You announce this now, Gail? You couldn't reach out to Ohio Governor Kasich and tell him to snap out of it *before* he wrote in McCain for president?
If Clinton (or Trump, for that matter) loses Ohio by one vote, Kasich will look pretty silly, more so than he does already.
14
Ignorance is the new currency and DT and his minions are billionaires in that economy.
We will all live in a state of Fear until the election is over. We will then either live in a state of Disrepair or a state of Disaster.
We will all live in a state of Fear until the election is over. We will then either live in a state of Disrepair or a state of Disaster.
9
I intend to live in another State altogether -- Spain or Hungary -- if Trump becomes Head of this one.
And take my cats with me to keep them safe, too.
And take my cats with me to keep them safe, too.
2
I'm not black and don't live in Philadelphia so Hillary isn't promising to do anything for me. I'm not unemployed so Trump isn't either. I'm not excited about abortion rights, so Toomey's opposition to them doesn't bother me. But Toomey was a banker, and I don't like banks -- any of them -- so I'm going to vote for the woman who opposes him. Can't remember her name, but she's in the same column as Hillary so I'll vote for the whole Democratic ticket and then go to the gym to try to forget what this election was about.
15
@Richard. With your oddly cavalier approach to this you ultimately reached the right conclusion, so it's impossible to find fault with it. Strong work. Well done.
6
Forget those two. I can unite the country. is it too late to throw my hat in the ring?
5
My sister said, "I wish I were Gail Collins." Yup. Me too.
11
Voted early. Cannot imagine a President Trump. Do not comprehend how anyone can think Hillary committed deliberate espionage. But whatever happens, we will need compassion for the other half of the country. They really believe that stuff.
27
Agreed, please vote to assure we end political term limits and lobbyist. That is our best chance to never repeat something like this happening again.
6
Time to not to pine and to stop cursing, ignore the phony-baloney emails drama rehashed repeatedly by the usual drama-queens smearing every-which-way they can with accusations and no evidence. Allegations are the frauds of our time.
I will just vote for competency and that is H. Clinton (and NOT trickster The Donald & Trump's conspiracy mongerers and bombastic liars.
I will just vote for competency and that is H. Clinton (and NOT trickster The Donald & Trump's conspiracy mongerers and bombastic liars.
36
Has anyone checked to see if some FBI informants, or congressional staffers, are on Putin's payroll? I don't want to start any rumors, but that is the only explanation that makes sense.
26
A simpler explanation-- many of them are right wing, conservative authoritarians who really dislike the Clintons (and their rule bending).
However, they need to apply whatever analytical skills they still have and realize the Trump has a *record* of law-breaking-- with fines, legal debts, federally imposed consent decrees, etc. He has even used his foundation and his campaign to enrich himself! A bad apple from the Big Apple and a conman to boot!
However, they need to apply whatever analytical skills they still have and realize the Trump has a *record* of law-breaking-- with fines, legal debts, federally imposed consent decrees, etc. He has even used his foundation and his campaign to enrich himself! A bad apple from the Big Apple and a conman to boot!
14
I live in California and formerly lived in New York. My vote does not count now and did not count then, because both states always vote Democratic.
THAT MEANS I can vote for anyone without having any effect on the election! So I voted for Jill Stein, to send a message to Hillary that President Hillary ought to do SOMETHING, anything, that is good for everyone and not just for the bankers and Clintons. (Sanders had removed himself from the California ballot.)
Okay, meaningless ineffectual votes are the one way I can actually express my real opinion. To see more of my wacky opinions go to YouTube watch Comedy Party Platform (2 min 9 sec). Thanks. [email protected]
THAT MEANS I can vote for anyone without having any effect on the election! So I voted for Jill Stein, to send a message to Hillary that President Hillary ought to do SOMETHING, anything, that is good for everyone and not just for the bankers and Clintons. (Sanders had removed himself from the California ballot.)
Okay, meaningless ineffectual votes are the one way I can actually express my real opinion. To see more of my wacky opinions go to YouTube watch Comedy Party Platform (2 min 9 sec). Thanks. [email protected]
3
Didn't you read Gail's specific criticism of those who vote 3rd party for a sense of "moral superiority"?!
And her cogent point that the overall popular vote matters?!
Even if we're tempted in "safe" states to vote 3rd party, we shouldn't. We need instead to vote Clinton and run up her vote total-- we need to repudiate, as directly as we can, Trump and all that he represents! No one will pay much attention to the Stein vote total anyway (plus, she's pretty flaky on several key issues, too!).
Sorry that you threw away your vote!
And her cogent point that the overall popular vote matters?!
Even if we're tempted in "safe" states to vote 3rd party, we shouldn't. We need instead to vote Clinton and run up her vote total-- we need to repudiate, as directly as we can, Trump and all that he represents! No one will pay much attention to the Stein vote total anyway (plus, she's pretty flaky on several key issues, too!).
Sorry that you threw away your vote!
6
Didn't take the advice to go to you tube but I will say that this election or any other election is not about your "real opinion." It's about the choices facing us as to which candidate is going to occupy the oval office. Neither Jill Stein nor Gary Johnson is going to be anywhere near the White House in January 2017. I hear this from young people who think it's about their "precious values." Let your values guide which of the 2 candidates better reflect them. The answer can't be neither. One is better than the other. For the Georgia gun nut described in today's NY Times, it's obviously Trump. For the Bernie voter, according to Bernie himself, it's Clinton. It's that simple.
6
By all means, use your vote to send a message, but I'd say in this election cycle it's a lot more important to send a message to Trump with an overwhelming victory for Clinton in the popular vote to match an electoral college victory. Isn't that so much of what Gail is trying to say here?
7
Gail Collins would make the absolute best civics teacher. Right, people?
Thanks Ms. Collins for today's lesson on why we have to vote.
Thanks Ms. Collins for today's lesson on why we have to vote.
67
Michael, I'm sorry to tell you this, but I really don't think Civics is even taught anymore in schools. That's one of our big problems. Civics is passe.
1
In 1980, a very tight election was predicted. I was up from NYC in Glastonbury, CT, trying to get a payroll system working for a tobacco company. I normally wouldn’t have quit work until late, but instead left early to drive to my hotel room, order in and follow the election results.
As I was driving through the Glastonbury toll bridge, I asked a teary toll collector what was up. She informed me that Jimmy Carter already had conceded to Ronald Reagan. I still feel guilty at the cackles of glee that emanated from my car as I peeled out and as that poor toll taker expressed her misery.
That may happen Tuesday, but I suspect that it’ll be far more a nail-biter for all of us. Gail will be offering additional “last gasps” until someone calls it.
I’m tired of all this, as well. Normally, this is a forum in which we try to solve the problems of the world. But for some time it’s been all about whether Donald Trump is or isn’t the physical incarnation of Satan or whether Hillary Clinton should be burned at the stake for hiding financial and political machinations by illegal use of a private email server. All that’s really apparent is that both aren’t immensely likable people.
Because I have a sense of humor, what I’d really like to see is a tie, to throw the election to Congress. The House would go for Trump as president, the Senate (barely) for Hillary as Veep, who would proceed to hire Julia Louis Dreyfus as a consultant to chart four years of monumental and hilarious snark.
As I was driving through the Glastonbury toll bridge, I asked a teary toll collector what was up. She informed me that Jimmy Carter already had conceded to Ronald Reagan. I still feel guilty at the cackles of glee that emanated from my car as I peeled out and as that poor toll taker expressed her misery.
That may happen Tuesday, but I suspect that it’ll be far more a nail-biter for all of us. Gail will be offering additional “last gasps” until someone calls it.
I’m tired of all this, as well. Normally, this is a forum in which we try to solve the problems of the world. But for some time it’s been all about whether Donald Trump is or isn’t the physical incarnation of Satan or whether Hillary Clinton should be burned at the stake for hiding financial and political machinations by illegal use of a private email server. All that’s really apparent is that both aren’t immensely likable people.
Because I have a sense of humor, what I’d really like to see is a tie, to throw the election to Congress. The House would go for Trump as president, the Senate (barely) for Hillary as Veep, who would proceed to hire Julia Louis Dreyfus as a consultant to chart four years of monumental and hilarious snark.
8
Folks, we’re going to survive this. We always do. But if my tie scenario comes to pass, the availability of food-tasters will be challenged for a long time.
14
Trump scares people, but there is no talk of assassinating him. People do not trust him and have contempt for him, sometimes extreme and violent contempt. But he does not get the sort of pathological hatred that Hillary gets. You dont share this hatred, but you arent bothered by it either, and you dont seem to think it is dangerous or a sign that some Trump supporters have lost contact with reality.
Trump is unique. There is good reason to suppose that he is incapable of doing the job without producing ever more chaos, unlike Mitt or McCain. Hillary is not different in kind from other Democratic politicians, and if she is truly hateful and deserving of demonization then so are many Democratic politicians (and many Republicans do demonize them all).
Hillary scares people because they know what she wants to do. Essentially she wants to do what Obama or FDR wanted to do, and most other democracies in the world have done it and generally survived. This is really not scary, or at least should not be. Trump scares people because they do not know what he wants or will try to do but are pretty sure it will be as unusual as his campaign has been to date. He will be learning on the job, and he is a horrible student. This is really scary; we have no idea who will wind up running things -- Trump, Pence, Newt, Ivanka, Putin, or no one, with palace intrigue running the show.
Trump is unique. There is good reason to suppose that he is incapable of doing the job without producing ever more chaos, unlike Mitt or McCain. Hillary is not different in kind from other Democratic politicians, and if she is truly hateful and deserving of demonization then so are many Democratic politicians (and many Republicans do demonize them all).
Hillary scares people because they know what she wants to do. Essentially she wants to do what Obama or FDR wanted to do, and most other democracies in the world have done it and generally survived. This is really not scary, or at least should not be. Trump scares people because they do not know what he wants or will try to do but are pretty sure it will be as unusual as his campaign has been to date. He will be learning on the job, and he is a horrible student. This is really scary; we have no idea who will wind up running things -- Trump, Pence, Newt, Ivanka, Putin, or no one, with palace intrigue running the show.
353
In 1980, I reluctantly joined the Corporate World. After working in the Humanitarian Community for Children as a typist, my boss having won the Peace Award for the International Year of the Child, my knee-caps trembling from exhaustion but feeling gratified, I decided it was time to find out what was happening in New York, my city of birth, and perhaps learn something about America as well.
It all began in September, and then three weeks before the Presidential Elections, word reached our Office that Reagan would win over Carter but we continued to hold our heads high and go about trying to find ways to strengthen the Economy. The person I worked for, a decent, brilliant economist was in bold endeavors. He was a great wit at times armed with a temper, and a visionary.
Prankster I may be on occasion, but as an American who has been paying attention to these elections, I have never found anything about Trump amusing, or enlightening. Historically, while neither Presidential Nominee is singing 'The Best is Yet to Come', we need a strong, measured, brilliant mind like Hillary Clinton to take us into 2020, and it will not be easy.
The man that David Brooks met with in Idaho is real. The Trump supporters are real, and when I lose my sense of humor and go off my oats, I know that we are in trouble. This is not about emails and taxes, this is something more bigly.
It all began in September, and then three weeks before the Presidential Elections, word reached our Office that Reagan would win over Carter but we continued to hold our heads high and go about trying to find ways to strengthen the Economy. The person I worked for, a decent, brilliant economist was in bold endeavors. He was a great wit at times armed with a temper, and a visionary.
Prankster I may be on occasion, but as an American who has been paying attention to these elections, I have never found anything about Trump amusing, or enlightening. Historically, while neither Presidential Nominee is singing 'The Best is Yet to Come', we need a strong, measured, brilliant mind like Hillary Clinton to take us into 2020, and it will not be easy.
The man that David Brooks met with in Idaho is real. The Trump supporters are real, and when I lose my sense of humor and go off my oats, I know that we are in trouble. This is not about emails and taxes, this is something more bigly.
41
To paraphrase a character in Woody Allen's movie, Sleeper: "The United States...before it was destroyed by the war...according to history, over 100 years ago, a man named Donald Trump got hold of a nuclear weapon."
130
It's that, or "a woman named Hillary Clinton obtained power over all email servers and the knowledge of mankind suddenly disappeared for all time. We had to re-invent electricity."
10
To paraphrase a Woody Allen stand-up routine:
Donald Trump claims he has great respect for women. He's always placed them under a pedestal.
Donald Trump claims he has great respect for women. He's always placed them under a pedestal.
2
Rather poor analogy really Richard. Plus, Hillary has already apologized, more than should be necessary. Trump has only stepped up his dangerous rhetoric and promises to use the bomb " as needed". God help us all.
7
Well Hillary is safe here but we do have a couple of issues like weed legalization. The feeling is, they are going to use it anyway, so make it taxable and regulate it. Actually we do have two states here, California and the State of Jefferson which is Trump country, but Jefferson would not have approved of him.
Then there are the Bernie People, I saw them in the late 50s saying the same thing then as now, at Sather Gate, on the UCB campus. The problem here is we elect legislators to make the laws, then we make our own laws instead with the initiatives.
Fortunately the general educational level is better here than in Kansas, or Oklahoma, so Hillary has good support. We set the way for clean air and water, anathema to the Confederacy, and wonderful places like Idaho. That liberal establishment the UC system and Cal State U for some undefinable reason seem to turn out those so hated by the GOP. Something to do with education it would seem.
We did play with some GOP troglodytes for awhile, it was an education Some of them went back to growing almonds, the rest to the Hoover Institute. Even Hoover would not recognize them, he was a decent man, just had bad advice from the GOP ideologue, Andrew Mellon.
Like others, if Trump wins, I was just in the nice little city of Faro in Portugal, and Denia Spain. Oh just imagine Trump telling those European leaders "like it is" as though they were unemployed coal miners.
How to make friends and influence people.
Then there are the Bernie People, I saw them in the late 50s saying the same thing then as now, at Sather Gate, on the UCB campus. The problem here is we elect legislators to make the laws, then we make our own laws instead with the initiatives.
Fortunately the general educational level is better here than in Kansas, or Oklahoma, so Hillary has good support. We set the way for clean air and water, anathema to the Confederacy, and wonderful places like Idaho. That liberal establishment the UC system and Cal State U for some undefinable reason seem to turn out those so hated by the GOP. Something to do with education it would seem.
We did play with some GOP troglodytes for awhile, it was an education Some of them went back to growing almonds, the rest to the Hoover Institute. Even Hoover would not recognize them, he was a decent man, just had bad advice from the GOP ideologue, Andrew Mellon.
Like others, if Trump wins, I was just in the nice little city of Faro in Portugal, and Denia Spain. Oh just imagine Trump telling those European leaders "like it is" as though they were unemployed coal miners.
How to make friends and influence people.
79
Your candidate needed all the help she could get and where did you campaign? In the swing nation of Portugal.
1
Your condescending remarks against Bernie and his supporters are tired, Underwood
There is still the outstanding question from journalist Samantha Bee which we think needs answering:
" Can the GOP nominee read ? "
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/10/31/samantha-bee-is-convinc...
Some people are saying he cannot; he should read Melania's immigration papers to us to prove he's literate.
" Can the GOP nominee read ? "
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/10/31/samantha-bee-is-convinc...
Some people are saying he cannot; he should read Melania's immigration papers to us to prove he's literate.
358
I don't know if it's true, but many people are saying that.
7
Good one.
1
WE should ask for THE DONALD'S immigration papers, birth certificate and
"all that jazzola".... STILL he has NOT RELEASED his income taxes. Despicable, yes, into his despicables BASKET! !
"all that jazzola".... STILL he has NOT RELEASED his income taxes. Despicable, yes, into his despicables BASKET! !
3
I am going to be happy (I hope; if Trump wins I will be frightened for a variety of reasons, starting with a crashing economy and world contempt, making American Small and Mean) to have the light and humorous Gail back. I think this election is getting her down, since she is remarkably sound on the issues. She did a corker on global warming a while ago.
Speaking of global warming, if you need some relief (flu in exchange for that toothache)? Watch Leonardo diCaprio's Before the Flood. It's free and remarkably well done. Well, it's not relief, but it's dam' good. It and Hillary's policies should be front and center, not Weiner's weiner (disgusting object). As Bill Maher says, men's libido appear to be her downfall, and those guys should be ashamed of themselves. The most repellent of all is Trump.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90CkXVF-Q8M
Now if we could regard ourselves as the family of humankind on our hospitable planet, tasked with working together for the good of all, that would be not only appropriate but necessary.
It would also be Christian. So Christians, take a moment and go reread your Gospels. Any profiteering televangelist or hate/exclusion/violence promoter acting smug and suggesting god only favors the successful if lying to you. Check it out.
Please take a lesson from the past and show up for midterms. The tyranny of purity shouldn't enable another Republicans takeover. But if you don't show up, don't blame us victims.
United we stand, divided we fall.
Speaking of global warming, if you need some relief (flu in exchange for that toothache)? Watch Leonardo diCaprio's Before the Flood. It's free and remarkably well done. Well, it's not relief, but it's dam' good. It and Hillary's policies should be front and center, not Weiner's weiner (disgusting object). As Bill Maher says, men's libido appear to be her downfall, and those guys should be ashamed of themselves. The most repellent of all is Trump.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90CkXVF-Q8M
Now if we could regard ourselves as the family of humankind on our hospitable planet, tasked with working together for the good of all, that would be not only appropriate but necessary.
It would also be Christian. So Christians, take a moment and go reread your Gospels. Any profiteering televangelist or hate/exclusion/violence promoter acting smug and suggesting god only favors the successful if lying to you. Check it out.
Please take a lesson from the past and show up for midterms. The tyranny of purity shouldn't enable another Republicans takeover. But if you don't show up, don't blame us victims.
United we stand, divided we fall.
169
Oh Lordie, didn't mean to be so pretentious.
But land's sakes, give Hillary a chance. Vote downticket, get some public servants into office. Never mind the Christian bit if you aren't a believer (I'm not) or aren't one of those who already pay attention to community needs.
And don't forget to vote in midterms.
But land's sakes, give Hillary a chance. Vote downticket, get some public servants into office. Never mind the Christian bit if you aren't a believer (I'm not) or aren't one of those who already pay attention to community needs.
And don't forget to vote in midterms.
232
You didn't sound pretentious. You sounded sane. May your tribe increase.
12
Susan Anderson, you are forgiven for being 'pretentious' this time, which for some reason is the greatest fear that some Americans harbor. Trump is perhaps the only man in America that makes me feel like a snob, and I dislike him for this state of affairs, while you are being sober.
Standing beside you in 'United we Stand, Divided we Fall', a slogan which may be attributed to Ross Perot when he gave an honorable try for Presidential Nominee.
Hillary Clinton is fighting now for more than the Power and Glory of The Presidency. Contrary to popular belief, Honesty is not always the best policy when it comes to the Public Mob and its caprices.
The neighbors next door are unemployed, thoughtful and into the reading of the Bible, with Trump signs posted on their lawn. When I vote this Tuesday in this small town, whether dressed in rags or riches, it is going to be lonely surrounded by his supporters. But it is comments such as yours that renew courage to do the Right thing.
Standing beside you in 'United we Stand, Divided we Fall', a slogan which may be attributed to Ross Perot when he gave an honorable try for Presidential Nominee.
Hillary Clinton is fighting now for more than the Power and Glory of The Presidency. Contrary to popular belief, Honesty is not always the best policy when it comes to the Public Mob and its caprices.
The neighbors next door are unemployed, thoughtful and into the reading of the Bible, with Trump signs posted on their lawn. When I vote this Tuesday in this small town, whether dressed in rags or riches, it is going to be lonely surrounded by his supporters. But it is comments such as yours that renew courage to do the Right thing.
11
Dear Gail Collins,
If Hillary Clinton wins the popular vote and also the Electoral College vote, will this mean that she has won the presidency? Is there anything I can encourage people to do that will make this outcome more likely?
If Hillary Clinton wins the popular vote and also the Electoral College vote, will this mean that she has won the presidency? Is there anything I can encourage people to do that will make this outcome more likely?
270
Gail, I'll take this one...Yes, also continue on down the ballot and vote for every Democratic candidate on it. Hillary's job will be tough enough without having Mitch McConnell with whom to contend. The GOP will block absolutely every nominee she puts forth for her cabinet, every SC nominee, every judicial bench nominee, every legislative measure she puts forth, every budget she proposes, and so forth. Additionally, the HR will continue to spend all their time on bogus "investigations", make every attempt to shut down the govt. over Planned Parenthood or ACA changes or gun background checks or any other ideological dispute about which they can foment.
Thus, it's not only important to elect Hillary, it's also imperative to take back the Senate, HR and the rest of the state legislatures and governorships in order to restore rational political debate and progressive legislative actions for the good of ALL citizens.
It's high time and long overdue to put Trump in front of a jury for sexual assaults, let the IRS penalize him for his "creative tax interpretation", move the suits against Trump University through the courts.
Then the GOP can retreat to their country clubs and figure out what they want to be when they grow up.
Meanwhile, we'll have a competent, qualified, dedicated, World Class leader to run America and work to restore our global relations.
Thus, it's not only important to elect Hillary, it's also imperative to take back the Senate, HR and the rest of the state legislatures and governorships in order to restore rational political debate and progressive legislative actions for the good of ALL citizens.
It's high time and long overdue to put Trump in front of a jury for sexual assaults, let the IRS penalize him for his "creative tax interpretation", move the suits against Trump University through the courts.
Then the GOP can retreat to their country clubs and figure out what they want to be when they grow up.
Meanwhile, we'll have a competent, qualified, dedicated, World Class leader to run America and work to restore our global relations.
14
???
Is this supposed to be some sort of clever put-down of a funny, but well-reasoned, column explaining why people should vote for Hillary rather than stay home or vote 3rd party.
Apologies if you were serious. If so, re-read her column. What you can do is
VOTE FOR CLINTON
And make sure others do, too!
Is this supposed to be some sort of clever put-down of a funny, but well-reasoned, column explaining why people should vote for Hillary rather than stay home or vote 3rd party.
Apologies if you were serious. If so, re-read her column. What you can do is
VOTE FOR CLINTON
And make sure others do, too!
6
It will mean she has won the election. The deplorable Republican Congress will make sure she will not have won the Presidency.
When again will I get a chance to put Bernie over the top in the Utah Democratic caucus?
Disgruntled in this reddest of deserts.
Disgruntled in this reddest of deserts.
20
The Twelfth of Never, vote Hillary.
22
We Canadians are stockpiling bricks and mortar and sandbags and will start building the Northern Wall at 7 AM Wednesday morning should Trump be elected.
— Terrified in Toronto
— Terrified in Toronto
1300
Thanks for the warning, I think we can just make it in on time :)
7
Save your energy, Canada. There's no way Trump will be elected.
Do pray for us, though. Hillary will get the same awful treatment and obstruction from congressional Republicans that Obama has suffered for the last eight years, but dialed up to "11". Part of me wishes she had been elected in 2008 so that we could be nearly done with it by now.
Do pray for us, though. Hillary will get the same awful treatment and obstruction from congressional Republicans that Obama has suffered for the last eight years, but dialed up to "11". Part of me wishes she had been elected in 2008 so that we could be nearly done with it by now.
24
You should be terrified! If i get a sniffle this winter, I'm going to slip across the border for medical care!
11
Gail Collins makes me happy.
411
Yes, despite all the bad news she's reporting, I agree.
9
Me too, but I'm going to save my "Happy Dance" until Wednesday A.M. when I read the headlines in the NYT.
HILLARY WINS IN LANDSLIDE !
HILLARY WINS IN LANDSLIDE !
6
Personally, I don't need the LANDSLIDE qualifier. HILLARY WINS is good enough for me.
5
!
!
In the coming weeks, we will need our communicators. There are wounds to be bound up. The Obamas are leaving government service (although remaining in DC), so I'm not sure they can do the communicating. No one likes to listen to Mrs. Clinton, and everyone is tired of listening to her husband, even people who have voted for them time and again.
We need our communicators to make sure we know what has happened, what could have happened, what needs to happen, and how hard each of us has to work to make it happen. Because Trump is right about one big thing: America doesn't feel great to some people living here. Their radar may be lying to them, but it tells them the nation is off-course.
We need our writers and our public figures. That means you, Gail, but also Connie Schultz and Tom Hanks (maybe reading us some H.L. Mencken over scenes filmed by Ken Burns) and Stephen Colbert. We need to understand that our founding documents contemplate nation-building -- of OUR nation. A process. And we need people who can communicate that in a way that people can take in.
We don't need impeachment trials, empty court seats, and the hounding of House Speakers until they quit. (Although the departure of Paul Ryan from Congress might help in the long run.) No more dividing! We need a unifier (a.k.a., "uniter"); perhaps a decider too.
Each mock letter in this column is emblematic of some voters' feelings. Horrifying. And it's true about California's ballot propositions.
Very long!
Sad!
!
In the coming weeks, we will need our communicators. There are wounds to be bound up. The Obamas are leaving government service (although remaining in DC), so I'm not sure they can do the communicating. No one likes to listen to Mrs. Clinton, and everyone is tired of listening to her husband, even people who have voted for them time and again.
We need our communicators to make sure we know what has happened, what could have happened, what needs to happen, and how hard each of us has to work to make it happen. Because Trump is right about one big thing: America doesn't feel great to some people living here. Their radar may be lying to them, but it tells them the nation is off-course.
We need our writers and our public figures. That means you, Gail, but also Connie Schultz and Tom Hanks (maybe reading us some H.L. Mencken over scenes filmed by Ken Burns) and Stephen Colbert. We need to understand that our founding documents contemplate nation-building -- of OUR nation. A process. And we need people who can communicate that in a way that people can take in.
We don't need impeachment trials, empty court seats, and the hounding of House Speakers until they quit. (Although the departure of Paul Ryan from Congress might help in the long run.) No more dividing! We need a unifier (a.k.a., "uniter"); perhaps a decider too.
Each mock letter in this column is emblematic of some voters' feelings. Horrifying. And it's true about California's ballot propositions.
Very long!
Sad!
83
Yes, the election has been off-putting, grating, wearisome, and illogical. But don't let that jaded feeling keep you home on Tuesday, or this will have all been in vain. Go vote like it is the only thing keeping an erratic man from nuclear war, because it is!
573
Forget Seamus! Let Romney tie Trump to the top of his car and let them both drive away, preferably to another country!
449
Stop that right now! Romney has a cottage less than an hour from here, and we don't want Trump that close, tied to a car or otherwise.
31
Lord yes!!!!!
1
MattNg, finally the voice of Common Sense. Why not be even kinder and suggest placing Trump and his luggage on the Orient Express for free, tax-deductible, and wishing him far away to a country where he will be stopped at customs and placed under arrest? He can keep 'Pizza' the lonely polar bear at the shopping mall company.
Whence did we come? Whither do we tend? What may we hope for? Is this really "the place"?
Progressive in Utah.
Progressive in Utah.
14
I am so depressed for past 3 months whenever I watch/read the election coverage. Look, we are nation of 315 millions people. And the two choice we have are: a bankrupted thug: Donald, a serial liar: Hillary. Both are make me sick.
There is a consensus in our little gated community, United States is doomed one way or another.
There is a consensus in our little gated community, United States is doomed one way or another.
15
The Donald is ALSO a serial liar so you ought to vote for Hillary. At least she's no thug.
223
How about you document those "serial lies?" Your opinion makes some of us sick.
If you really knew anything, you would know that Hillary studies the issues, gets objective reports on them, and make rational well considered decisions.
Read about her experience as a corporate lawyer with the Rose Law firm, her work on the behalf of children, and read the publicly available filings of the Clinton Foundation. You will not find a single instance of dishonesty, fraud, or sloppy work.
On the other hand just look up the number of lawsuits filed against that good honest business man Trump. See how many little contractors he has swindled, who lot money investing with him, how he profited while hi companies filed bankruptcy and the other investors lost money.
That you would put both of them on the same level shows an abject disregard for character. Putting Clinton and Trump on the same moral level is the same as putting FDR and Mussolini on the same moral scale.
If you really knew anything, you would know that Hillary studies the issues, gets objective reports on them, and make rational well considered decisions.
Read about her experience as a corporate lawyer with the Rose Law firm, her work on the behalf of children, and read the publicly available filings of the Clinton Foundation. You will not find a single instance of dishonesty, fraud, or sloppy work.
On the other hand just look up the number of lawsuits filed against that good honest business man Trump. See how many little contractors he has swindled, who lot money investing with him, how he profited while hi companies filed bankruptcy and the other investors lost money.
That you would put both of them on the same level shows an abject disregard for character. Putting Clinton and Trump on the same moral level is the same as putting FDR and Mussolini on the same moral scale.
325
She will be a great president. You can come out now.
50
After Tuesday, November 8th, surely we will enter the peaceable kingdom. The lamb will lie down with the lion--but will the lamb get any sleep?
A Woody Allen fan in Salt Lake City.
A Woody Allen fan in Salt Lake City.
64
Will the lamb get any sleep? Eternally.
2
Thank you, Woody Allen fan. I remember this Woody riff and seeing it in
print made me laugh out loud, maybe partly due to the building tension in this most crazy election year. Go Woody!
print made me laugh out loud, maybe partly due to the building tension in this most crazy election year. Go Woody!
Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose--or have we already completely lost it?
Bernie supporter on the Wasatch front.
Bernie supporter on the Wasatch front.
31
Hope you voted, Hillary or else bernie didn't matter at all.
33
Hope is a thing de-feathered!
A plucky soul in dire jeopardy near the great Salt Lake.
A plucky soul in dire jeopardy near the great Salt Lake.
26
Andy DuFrene says 'hope is a good thing".
I think my vote counted.
A Gentile among the Elect.
A Gentile among the Elect.
65
I drifted into Texas, circa 1986 to work as an EE for a large defense contactor. One day when I was not on guard I slipped and mentioned that I was a bit of a liberal democrat, (pro choice, higher minimum wage and all that).
I was informed that the Devil got hold of me. I admited to loving Devil's Food Cake of me, but don't believe in all that spirtual, wireless stuff.
What's my problem? Did the Devil make me do it? Do I need a diet? What, pray tell?
I was informed that the Devil got hold of me. I admited to loving Devil's Food Cake of me, but don't believe in all that spirtual, wireless stuff.
What's my problem? Did the Devil make me do it? Do I need a diet? What, pray tell?
158
Hey, a big thanks for integrating Dallas! Whooo-eee, stay put & keep voting- turn Texas purple.
25
In 2008 I was running for state senate as a Dem in a Republican district. On election day I spent fourteen hours at the polls, shaking hands and asking for votes. At 7:45, just before the polls closed, an elderly man approached. I stuck out my hand, which he took, but before I could say anything he leaned in close and said one word: "Anti-christ!". Then he walked away.
5
Riff,
'What, me worry? Nothing worries me', according to a reporter from Trump on a plane digging into a slab of Velvet Red Cake, the size of which the Devil might find problematic.
'What, me worry? Nothing worries me', according to a reporter from Trump on a plane digging into a slab of Velvet Red Cake, the size of which the Devil might find problematic.
1
If Donald Trump wins, the country is doomed. If Hillary Clinton wins, the Republicans won’t let her do anything, and the country will still be a mess. I’m moving to New Zealand.
— Suicidal in Seattle
It could be worse: “More than any other time in history, mankind faces a crossroads. One path leads to despair and utter hopelessness. The other, to total extinction. Let us pray we have the wisdom to choose correctly.”
― Woody Allen in Manhattan
— Suicidal in Seattle
It could be worse: “More than any other time in history, mankind faces a crossroads. One path leads to despair and utter hopelessness. The other, to total extinction. Let us pray we have the wisdom to choose correctly.”
― Woody Allen in Manhattan
145
Voting for the candidate of your choice. How quaint. That formerly sage and civic-minded advice could spell disaster if the drooling masses shamble zombie-like to the polls and pull the Trump lever. You know they're voting for Trump because, after all, zombies need brains, and you can't vote for Trump if you've got one.
Maybe that's harsh. But those who don't know that Trump is a walking, talking, cursing, groping dumpster fire have some sort of mental impairment. If you put Hillary and Bill in a blender and cooked down the goo to a thick, concentrated syrupy mess of infidelity, private servers, hidden e-mails, Benghazi blowback, kangaroo congressional hearings and Whitewater investigations, it would not be as odious as Donald Trump on his best day. In a sailor suit. Holding a lollipop.
"She lies!" cries Trump, as if that disqualifies her. Imagine what would happen if only politicians who never lied could be elected to high office. George Washington would still be president.
You know we're not in Kansas anymore when you start feeling nostalgic for Richard Nixon. Those were simpler times, when stealing a few documents from an office was a crime that could bring down a presidency.
Now the Russians steal e-mails from presidential candidates and threaten to hack into voting booths. Candidates brag about their genitals on TV. They flirt with Putin.
Hopefully those last two things aren't related.
Maybe that's harsh. But those who don't know that Trump is a walking, talking, cursing, groping dumpster fire have some sort of mental impairment. If you put Hillary and Bill in a blender and cooked down the goo to a thick, concentrated syrupy mess of infidelity, private servers, hidden e-mails, Benghazi blowback, kangaroo congressional hearings and Whitewater investigations, it would not be as odious as Donald Trump on his best day. In a sailor suit. Holding a lollipop.
"She lies!" cries Trump, as if that disqualifies her. Imagine what would happen if only politicians who never lied could be elected to high office. George Washington would still be president.
You know we're not in Kansas anymore when you start feeling nostalgic for Richard Nixon. Those were simpler times, when stealing a few documents from an office was a crime that could bring down a presidency.
Now the Russians steal e-mails from presidential candidates and threaten to hack into voting booths. Candidates brag about their genitals on TV. They flirt with Putin.
Hopefully those last two things aren't related.
750
gemli,
Brilliant!
Brilliant!
15
I am optimistic for 3 reasons (at least) that Hillary will be the winner.
1- Early voting going on before the FBI started its slow moving coup.
2- Hillary's much vaunted ground game in action while Trump has no ground game.
3. Quiet women voters
and 1 or 2 more such as Hillary's campaign has more ready cash and has Biden, both Obamas, and all former Presidents in her corner. Last but not least, her opponent is Donald J. Trump, who is a mental case.
1- Early voting going on before the FBI started its slow moving coup.
2- Hillary's much vaunted ground game in action while Trump has no ground game.
3. Quiet women voters
and 1 or 2 more such as Hillary's campaign has more ready cash and has Biden, both Obamas, and all former Presidents in her corner. Last but not least, her opponent is Donald J. Trump, who is a mental case.
12
I sympathize gemli but not Tricky Dick. I had to live through his six years. How about Jack Kennedy.
5