"Imagine how much further a more disciplined demagogue might go applying a similar formula." Dear God, save us.
2
I'm a yellow dog democrat so of course I voted for Hillary.
Unfortunately, what I learned about dems during 2016 is that they are gearing up for the old 90s depiction of those other people as "children of the corn ", alienated Timothy McVeigh types, if you will.
In fact, my comment was prompted when my newsfeed suddenly popped up with a sponsored link today to the digital game ""Sheltered". Apparently it prepares you for a post apocalyptic world where you need a shelter.
I would implore the NY Times to do better this time because it's a certainty the Clinton's are headed that way, the globalist chorus in tow, without Janet Reno this time, may she RIP.
Unfortunately, what I learned about dems during 2016 is that they are gearing up for the old 90s depiction of those other people as "children of the corn ", alienated Timothy McVeigh types, if you will.
In fact, my comment was prompted when my newsfeed suddenly popped up with a sponsored link today to the digital game ""Sheltered". Apparently it prepares you for a post apocalyptic world where you need a shelter.
I would implore the NY Times to do better this time because it's a certainty the Clinton's are headed that way, the globalist chorus in tow, without Janet Reno this time, may she RIP.
1
This election did not make me happy. The primaries gave mea little hope in what I heard in the beginning: a national discussion of the issues that really mattered. There were some good thoughts discussed on what we should do do restore the middle class and end wage stagnation, barriers to upward mobility in terms of education and providing improved health care. The good start was propelled by the Sanders-Clinton debates. I remember, Senator Sanders quickly reponded to a moderator's question of the most serious threat to US security with Climate Change. Wow! I thougt naievely that this would be the great separator in the election but as the weeks passed, I watched the issue fade, fast.
There was a decent effort made in the GOP primaries. But, the discussions were drowned out by the ultimate showman, Donald Trump. No one could match him.
Once it turned to the General Election the midia could not resist the spectacle created by the ridiculous statements of Mr. Trump. It became a contest based on Clinton's character and Trump's temperment. I thought the coverage of character and temperament were never going to end. Issues and the concerns and anxieties of the American people which your editorial so beautifully described became a stage for Mr. Trump to bring out the worst expressions of his supporters.
I don't remember a practical proposal uttered by Mr. Trump. It was alarming to witness the absence of any comprehension of government's role in our economy.
There was a decent effort made in the GOP primaries. But, the discussions were drowned out by the ultimate showman, Donald Trump. No one could match him.
Once it turned to the General Election the midia could not resist the spectacle created by the ridiculous statements of Mr. Trump. It became a contest based on Clinton's character and Trump's temperment. I thought the coverage of character and temperament were never going to end. Issues and the concerns and anxieties of the American people which your editorial so beautifully described became a stage for Mr. Trump to bring out the worst expressions of his supporters.
I don't remember a practical proposal uttered by Mr. Trump. It was alarming to witness the absence of any comprehension of government's role in our economy.
1
Sorry folks, but you still don't get it...it's not just the morality and hatred, it's the whole voting system. You need a parliamentary system. You vote for the candidate who represents the party whose platform coincides with your mind and conscious. the leader of the party with the most votes gets to Prime Minister, the prime minister is just a man, not a king or "President"...this system might allow you to accomplish some work and halt the constant electioneering.
6
This election has shown me that we now have sensationalism, rather than good journalism.
10
It was an ugly Election and it showed the ugly side of both America and humanity. At best it was crude and offensive, at worst it indicates that the next President of the United States could be someone who would normally be regarded as a sexual predator. "Home of the Brave" and Land of the Free" shoould be scratch from the National Anthem.
2
Surely we have also learned that We The People need to grab the wheel of the electoral process away from the self-serving, deeply morally flawed politicians and their paymasters.
One - the electoral season is far, far too long. No other country permits its citizenry to be battered, beaten and driven like the United States does. The longer the campaign, the more it costs, so politicians and their Mafioso "donor class" extend it as long as possible to wear out the other side. We need to stop this pointless, wasteful, debilitating practice. Six months' limit, soup to nuts - six weeks for a primary, six weeks for a general and the time in between to organize. And it is paid for by taxpayers - no politician or family member should be able to take anything that is not equally available to every one of their constituents.
Two - no politician or member of the professional political class should be allowed anywhere near the districting process. That needs to be in the hands of the citizens and treated as a civic duty, like jury duty. Provide rules and current census figures and let a random sample of the people work it out.
The loathesomenessof this election, its omnipresent divisiveness and fury, should be the nail in the coffin of elections under the thumb of the political class. If you can't communicate in six weeks, you should not be considered for a job as a communicator. If you can't appeal to a broad mass of constituents, you don't deserve to represent a district.
One - the electoral season is far, far too long. No other country permits its citizenry to be battered, beaten and driven like the United States does. The longer the campaign, the more it costs, so politicians and their Mafioso "donor class" extend it as long as possible to wear out the other side. We need to stop this pointless, wasteful, debilitating practice. Six months' limit, soup to nuts - six weeks for a primary, six weeks for a general and the time in between to organize. And it is paid for by taxpayers - no politician or family member should be able to take anything that is not equally available to every one of their constituents.
Two - no politician or member of the professional political class should be allowed anywhere near the districting process. That needs to be in the hands of the citizens and treated as a civic duty, like jury duty. Provide rules and current census figures and let a random sample of the people work it out.
The loathesomenessof this election, its omnipresent divisiveness and fury, should be the nail in the coffin of elections under the thumb of the political class. If you can't communicate in six weeks, you should not be considered for a job as a communicator. If you can't appeal to a broad mass of constituents, you don't deserve to represent a district.
7
For generations to come, historians will argue whether the 2016 election had two of the worst candidates ever. It is possible for a poor candidate to redeem herself as president. For the sake of America, I hope she does.
2
The Republican Party has pretty much repeated the same policy proposals for the last four decades: government never represents the will of the people because of special interests controlling the people's representatives; in any case, markets and private enterprises offer the real will of the people and the only fair way to distribute all goods and services; tax rates do not determine revenues received by government, the lower the rates, the higher the revenues that will become available for funding government; people who depend upon public institutions to meet their needs are all parasites who are depriving all of us of a booming and rapidly expanding economy. Remedying our nations woes requires allowing markets to operate without any government meddling, cutting taxes on the rich (the "Job Creators") guarantees more rapid growth that benefits all and so is the best remedy to all problems related to slow economic growth. The empirical evidence regarding this whole package of ideas can be summarized in one observation, for the last three decades the very rich have become many times richer while all the rest have basically seen no increase in wealth, at all. Half of the country still buys into this same set of policies even though nearly all of them have not benefitted, at all. Frankly, if there are any lessons to be learned from this election is that once people have chosen a side, they will never believe what they don't like, even if it does them no good.
2
One word : Selflessness.
We have forgotten what it means to put others before us. If we ever knew it in the first place, that is.
I can bet that there was a time when leaders knew to put their countries before themselves. It was not even so long ago : Gorbachev, Mandela, Suu Kyi.
Where are those leaders now ? If there was an ounce of authenticity in either of the candidates, it came out gnashing its teeth. The other candidate couldn't show emotion if it landed on her. Perhaps being cerebral has that price.
Where is a leader in America who is not afraid to lose but be right and "know" the message ? There were too few candidates on the left to make an assessment. Today I'm thinking that Lindsey Graham has the chops but needs to believe in himself. The dirt of the deal-making is a trade-off he will be able to make when it presents itself.
I can only say that the message needs to get through to the people in those 30 seconds that a candidate gets to talk in the first party debate. If it is right, then it will stick. The whatever-phobia needed clarity that was exploited rather than addressed. Easy answers were given where solutions were needed.
If indeed America prefers the easy answer, it will get what it has asked for. That is, if it did not get believe it the first time in 2000 or again in 2004.
What 2016 has taught is that we have learned nothing. What it says further is that humans don't really learn. What it tells me is that we need to do better.
We have forgotten what it means to put others before us. If we ever knew it in the first place, that is.
I can bet that there was a time when leaders knew to put their countries before themselves. It was not even so long ago : Gorbachev, Mandela, Suu Kyi.
Where are those leaders now ? If there was an ounce of authenticity in either of the candidates, it came out gnashing its teeth. The other candidate couldn't show emotion if it landed on her. Perhaps being cerebral has that price.
Where is a leader in America who is not afraid to lose but be right and "know" the message ? There were too few candidates on the left to make an assessment. Today I'm thinking that Lindsey Graham has the chops but needs to believe in himself. The dirt of the deal-making is a trade-off he will be able to make when it presents itself.
I can only say that the message needs to get through to the people in those 30 seconds that a candidate gets to talk in the first party debate. If it is right, then it will stick. The whatever-phobia needed clarity that was exploited rather than addressed. Easy answers were given where solutions were needed.
If indeed America prefers the easy answer, it will get what it has asked for. That is, if it did not get believe it the first time in 2000 or again in 2004.
What 2016 has taught is that we have learned nothing. What it says further is that humans don't really learn. What it tells me is that we need to do better.
The lesson I hope Ms. Clinton draws from the eight years of Mr. Obama's presidency is that you can't command respect, but you can command fear.
Ms. Clinton should be under no illusions that she will be able to find moderate republicans to work with. The few republicans that refused to jump on the Trump train are not moderates. Although they do deserve some credit for opposing their party's nominee, they still believe in the party's platform.
Ms. Clinton should make it known from day one that she will user the power of her office to work against any republican that doesn't get behind her. For anyone that wants to pursue a strategy of making her a one term President, she should let it be known that she will do everything in her power to oppose the reelection of that person.
If Ms. Clinton really wants to be successful, she should let the opposition know what it's like to be on the wrong side of a nasty women!
Ms. Clinton should be under no illusions that she will be able to find moderate republicans to work with. The few republicans that refused to jump on the Trump train are not moderates. Although they do deserve some credit for opposing their party's nominee, they still believe in the party's platform.
Ms. Clinton should make it known from day one that she will user the power of her office to work against any republican that doesn't get behind her. For anyone that wants to pursue a strategy of making her a one term President, she should let it be known that she will do everything in her power to oppose the reelection of that person.
If Ms. Clinton really wants to be successful, she should let the opposition know what it's like to be on the wrong side of a nasty women!
2
I've commented a number of times about my fears that an "alt-right fascist abal" was within reach of taking over America, all the while castigating elected Republicans for their years of demonizing democrats and obstructionism which led to this. It's now pretty clear to me that a Trump win will be the reward for all their efforts, and most (if not all?) will embrace it without remorse, shame, or introspection. I no longer see a difference between Trump and his alt-right backers and the goal of Republicans: absolute power no matter the cost to the Country.
2
Even before the election results roll in, I would like to personally thank The New York Times for the fantastic job you've done this election season. Your paper is one of the only publications still around that holds itself to high journalistic standards and reports the truth, not innuendo, gossip or unsubstantiated, runaway speculation. Time after time, you've called things correctly and refrained from glorifying the abysmal comments and actions made by one candidate in particular. You are a paper to be reckoned with, and long and proudly may you publish the good and bad America has to offer.
2
The main thing that changed for me this election is total loss of respect for the NY Times. I lost a lot of respect the NYT after their support for the invasion of Iraq, but I had still considered their domestic reporting reasonable. After this year of completed biased reporting and Huffington Post-tier clickbait I have no respect for the NY Times whatsoever. I already switched over to the WSJ a few months ago. I just thought today would be a good day to post a "farewell" to what is left of the Times. I work in education, and you can be sure every student will be made aware of the NYTimes transition from respectable journalism to partisan hackery.
13
Media coverage of this campaign has been disgraceful. I've read that Hillary's emails, essentially a non-story, was covered more than all other issues combined. I lost faith in MSM reporting in the '90s, with the epic fail of reporters to cover the climate change crisis, with the constant quotes of the deniers, and all sorts of false equivalence. This year, however, you should truly be ashamed of yourselves.
6
What I did not see in this editorial is what the media has learned. The MSM media has lost its credibility with a large share of the population, Always perceived as biased, recent wikileaks and other disclosures have shown it deeply involved in Democratic party politics and working to defeat Trump. Regardless if you think the defeat of Trump is a good idea or not, to many Americans the media has abdicated their responsibility to our nation and forfeited the honor of representing and speaking for us. The MSM did President Obama no favors by being cheerleaders instead of asking hard questions of him and his policies. A skeptical and adversarial press would have greatly helped in having the administration better explain and maybe even refine some policies to garner broader support. They have gone on to the next step now; by dismissing anyone who disagrees with them as racist xenophobes. In doing so, the MSM has pushed half the people to other sources of news and information and has been complicit in the fracturing of the country. The MSM needs to get out of the NY/DC echo chamber and really have a look at what is taking place in the country. The anger is very real and is directed at the media and political power brokers. The MSM, the NYT in particular need to understand how far they have fallen in the eyes of the public - has to understand how long a way it has to go to regain any credibility and trust from the people - it has to change or become irrelevant
16
The main thing it taught "us" is that Campaign 2020 starts tomorrow.
3
Best outcome: The complete and final demise of the GOP, a criminal organization masquerading as a political party.
1
If the GOP did not exist, another party would rise to represent people the Democratic Party has ignored. Are all people with views that are different than yours considered criminals?
4
Oh, may the day soon come when our 3 branches of Government reflect the population of this country. Then we will truly begin to have a representative democracy. When African Americans, Latinos/Latinas, Mexicans, Muslims, Jews, whites, people of color from every continent of the world and women and men fill the seats in the Congressional chambers, the Supreme Court, the Presidency, then we will become a great nation. The people who founded our country did their job well; now it is time to move on to allow all others have a chance in the care and governance of this country. May religion never usurp our constitution, and may Separation of Church and State finally be respected as a guarantee of a right to private beliefs not as a chance to get tax breaks and power over others. This could be a transformation to bring us into a new world order.
4
In this campaign there were stark comparisons and the press did not push hard enough on those issues. If you look at the Republican Primary you notice at the outset that Trump hardly ever won against an opponent on issues. He went personal from the beginning. Everyone talk about how Bernie ran such a civilized campaign but remember he never had an opponent who emphasized criticizing his wife, or threatened to grab his penis, or stood behind him looking at his butt, or talked about whether he was a real Jew or where he got his money from, or who he emailed and the list goes on forever. We don't know what Bernie would have done in the National Election against Trump but we do know that those in the Republican Party that did not play Trumps Trash Talk game failed against him. When we talk about this terrible filthy electoral process remember only one of the candidate failed to talk policy. Only one... Everybody, who has ever been in a competitive race of any kind, knows that if the game turns real dirty you push back in kind. Had Hillary stayed above the fight, as Michelle Obama could and did, she would have lost to Trump big time. Lets start to put the blame for this campaign where it belongs. None of Trumps opponents talked about hanging him, putting him in jail, talked about his father killing someone etc. They tried to talk policy and lost. The press may feel it is impolite to come down on a Republican Candidate in that way but they must start to tell the truth.
1
Can someone explain to Republicans, the Trump
campaign and Fox News that if you are in line to
vote when the polls officially close, then the polls
stay open until you have voted
campaign and Fox News that if you are in line to
vote when the polls officially close, then the polls
stay open until you have voted
4
While much of what's stated seems objectively accurate, it's long past time for NYT to admit its own culpability, just like that of other "national" old media like WPA and WSJ in adopting an irresponsible sensationalist approach to politics this year. The threats of extinction they face have led to panic and surrender of all the values that once made them so valuable.
9
This election has brought home what happens when the negligence of the Secretary of State resulting in the deaths of 4 patriots gets swept under the carpet, the nation of ostriches might elect this person to be President.
This is an election with no choices...HRC the untrustworthy and unethical vs DJT who is also unacceptable for other reasons.
Sad,sad day for America.
This is an election with no choices...HRC the untrustworthy and unethical vs DJT who is also unacceptable for other reasons.
Sad,sad day for America.
7
Sad that we live in alternate realities.
3
You're letting the people who cut the State Department security budget get away with blaming Hillary for lack of resources. One can always count on Republicans to find someone else to blame for the consequences of what they did themselves.
7
If Trump loses, hate lost.
8
Assuming Hillary wins (pray God), what I'd like to see, in her inaugural address, is to confront the ugliness that presented itself in this election. Don't sweep it under the rug. Acknowledge the racism, the misogyny... and more. Apologize to our friends and allies abroad for any of Trump's insults. In other words, speak to these issues before they get buried... again.
11
Only Bernie Sanders is up to this level of honesty and integrity.
So sad we missed this once in a million opportunity.
If Trump wins, we owe it to those who voted for Hillary in the primaries even though the polls showed Bernie would have beat Trump much more easily.
So sad we missed this once in a million opportunity.
If Trump wins, we owe it to those who voted for Hillary in the primaries even though the polls showed Bernie would have beat Trump much more easily.
7
Hillary Clinton's speech should mention Thomas Jefferson the and sacred people who wrote the US Constitution and the Bill of Writes.
3
Couldn't agree more. It's unfortunate that such brilliant social and political thinkers are invoked only very rarely and that we, the people of the United States, continue to benefit from the consequences of their wisdom. "Our freedom" is significantly more attributable to those folks than the groups that are typically given for by an ill-educated, brain washed public. And yes I'm a proud owner of DD-214.
This election taught me that the New York Times is overrated, and that I should consider giving my subscription money to the news sources that have covered this election in a more in-depth way. There were too many clickbait headlnes, too little on the issues, too much early partisanship in the Democratic primaries for Bernie Sanders, too many vacuous opinion columns.
16
Recommend this comment multiple times...
4
This article made a great point that I had overlooked and it gives me a sense of optimism. There are a lot of local initiatives on state ballots to enact legislation to address issues that a deadlocked/incompetent/lazy/partisan federal congress will not. Great idea. If the US congress won't act, it doesn't mean I can't press my state to act.
6
"Hate sells." What a simplistic, distorted interpretation of the anxiety and anger many people feel, about the MILLIONS of illegal immigrants in the country; the dynastic takeover of our government by people named Clinton and Bush, and the very worrisome attributes of Hillary Clinton (such as her support for the stupid, expensive, horrendous, fallacious Iraq War). Eight years ago, the USA picked Obama over Clinton for that very reason. Today, you can't be in favor of legal American borders without being accused of HATE by the NY Times Editorial Board, and one can't be against Hillary without being automatically labeled a misogynist.
10
I can't read this column because I know the hate speech the left has waged against "the deplorables". I haven't seen anything like it in my 65 years nor hope to ever again. The power structure of the left, the iron fisted media conglomerate and the hollywood wall street industrial complex from Bill Gates on down to Goldman Sachs and their grip on everything and everyone is what we "the people" hope to bring crashing down. The elites from "life for a decade" Chelsea on up to her Epstein groupie dad must remain clear of power or God save us all.
13
Mr. "Right?"--Anger, and envy, politics seems to work great for you. Good luck with that.
2
What this election has taught me is that Donald Trump could take us in a time machine and hijack America to the time of Braveheart where what matters the most is whether you belong to my clan or the other clan. Just for the fact that you belong to a group that wants a change was sufficient enough and did not demand any specific plans from Donald Trump. I just wish that President Clinton could take this country back to the present and future 21st century based on a rule of laws, a humanity and minimize inequality (economic and other issues).
4
Limit the campaign season to one year or better yet 6 months. Limit spending per candidate to $5 million or $10 million or something modest. If you violate the rules you're out as a candidate. That will solve a lot of problems immediately with this grotesque process called a presidential election. You'd get better and more candidates and it would spare our citizens from a hideous, punishing cycle that serves no one other than TV mostly with the ad dollars and mainstream media for something to cover. that's how other countries do it. Let's get with the times here. Oh and move the election to the weekend or make it a holiday.
6
This election demonstrates the abject failure of real journalism to educate the populace. Facts have given sway to fiction, and false equivalence seems to dominate broadcast and cable "news". Thus, the ascendency of the low information voter in large swaths of the country who vote for a man whose utterances are largely untrue. The demise of journalism imperils our system of government.
13
Why were we subjected to months of seeing and hearing Trump's surrogates and enablers trying to spin his ignorance and bigotry into coherent policy?
7
Prosecutors in New York, New Jersey, likely Florida and probably elsewhere as well have failed the public trust in the most miserable of fashion. Trump should have been in prison for fraud for 10 years by now. Conmen like Kevin Trudeau, Bernie Madoff and countless others were sent-off for their crimes. Was it Trump's boisterousness, bigotry, bullying, star-power or just what that enabled him to continue his crime-spree for all these years? NY et al should be ashamed of yourselves.
4
I think that over the past decade or so there has been an lack of community involvement at the local level. If we put energy into local politics, ultimately there is a chance that the up ticket will be made up of candidates who we have nurtured as constituents. This would empower the general population. Engagement at the local level would provide opportunity for bipartisan conversation which would effect all levels of government. If only we would be responsible instead of being followers who expect a handful of politicians to cure the ills that seem overwhelming! We, as a population need to shake off our complacency, take responsibility and participate if we are ever going to evolve as a society. Go Grassroots!
3
"These proposals are a powerful response to the anti-government zealots who have hogtied Congress into inaction on anything besides futile, partisan investigations. ", says the editorial board.
It was the zealot voters in primaries who choose the congressional representatives. Gerrymandered districts ensured the district's favored party would win the general election.
With so many gerrymandered congressional representative districts, the only possible outcome is radicals on both sides of the aisle.
Nothing changes in Congress until states fix our gerrymandering problem.
It was the zealot voters in primaries who choose the congressional representatives. Gerrymandered districts ensured the district's favored party would win the general election.
With so many gerrymandered congressional representative districts, the only possible outcome is radicals on both sides of the aisle.
Nothing changes in Congress until states fix our gerrymandering problem.
3
The Republican party will now cleave in two. The FBI will be reinvented. The new Supreme Court will overturn Citizens United and Hobby Lobby. The moral majority will fade into oblivion. Secular humanism will prevail at last.
11
It is false equivalency to suggest that both political parties are at fault for these conditions, or equally liable for using these conditions to their advantage.
One party has systematically merchandised division and hatred. In the past with subtle and not-so-subtle dog-whistles that signal to those it targets that 'those people' can't be trusted. Now more blatently. One party has steadily promoted persuading voters to 'vote against' instead of voting for, one party has made blocking government actions a cornerstone of its 'governance'.
One party has repeatedly used as its economic solution 'tax cuts for the rich', promising a 'trickle down' prosperity that has not happened. One party has pushed 'tax cuts for job creators' - but no jobs were created. Those deep pockets filled ever deeper; while the middle class and poor stagnated, the wealthy bid "financial innovations" ever higher in the house-of-cards Wall Street casino.
One party wants to privatize the safety net that barely sustains the poor and middle class in their retirement. One party's faith in markets is exceeded only by its blindness to the failures of markets in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, telecommunications, and energy.
One party has entrenched bias in media, has welcomed hate websites, and promotes 'us against them' at every chance. This is not both parties faults by any measure.
One party has systematically merchandised division and hatred. In the past with subtle and not-so-subtle dog-whistles that signal to those it targets that 'those people' can't be trusted. Now more blatently. One party has steadily promoted persuading voters to 'vote against' instead of voting for, one party has made blocking government actions a cornerstone of its 'governance'.
One party has repeatedly used as its economic solution 'tax cuts for the rich', promising a 'trickle down' prosperity that has not happened. One party has pushed 'tax cuts for job creators' - but no jobs were created. Those deep pockets filled ever deeper; while the middle class and poor stagnated, the wealthy bid "financial innovations" ever higher in the house-of-cards Wall Street casino.
One party wants to privatize the safety net that barely sustains the poor and middle class in their retirement. One party's faith in markets is exceeded only by its blindness to the failures of markets in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, telecommunications, and energy.
One party has entrenched bias in media, has welcomed hate websites, and promotes 'us against them' at every chance. This is not both parties faults by any measure.
10
"It is false equivalency to suggest that both political parties are at fault for these conditions, or equally liable for using these conditions to their advantage."
Think again.
"One party has systematically merchandised division and hatred."
One party believes in "group rights" instead of individual rights. One party always wants to portray these groups as victims.
"One party has repeatedly used as its economic solution 'tax cuts for the rich', promising a 'trickle down' prosperity that has not happened."
One party always talks about "fair share" and "income inequality" but can never be bothered to quantify either. One party engages in class warfare. If you can rob Peter to pay Paul, you'll always get the support of Paul.
"One party wants to privatize the safety net that barely sustains the poor and middle class in their retirement."
No one wants to acknowledge that the economic framework that supported Social Security in the beginning no longer exists today and is unsustainable. The party that created Medicare has never gotten a handle on skyrocketing costs. One party has crammed a health care bill down America's throat that will turn into another costly boondoggle for taxpayers.
"One party has entrenched bias in media..."
Uh, how many mainstream media organizations support Democratic candidates? Are they not biased in their endorsements?
Think again.
"One party has systematically merchandised division and hatred."
One party believes in "group rights" instead of individual rights. One party always wants to portray these groups as victims.
"One party has repeatedly used as its economic solution 'tax cuts for the rich', promising a 'trickle down' prosperity that has not happened."
One party always talks about "fair share" and "income inequality" but can never be bothered to quantify either. One party engages in class warfare. If you can rob Peter to pay Paul, you'll always get the support of Paul.
"One party wants to privatize the safety net that barely sustains the poor and middle class in their retirement."
No one wants to acknowledge that the economic framework that supported Social Security in the beginning no longer exists today and is unsustainable. The party that created Medicare has never gotten a handle on skyrocketing costs. One party has crammed a health care bill down America's throat that will turn into another costly boondoggle for taxpayers.
"One party has entrenched bias in media..."
Uh, how many mainstream media organizations support Democratic candidates? Are they not biased in their endorsements?
2
Later in the day (11:36 in fact) still hard to see how it will all turn out but one can hope- not "the Donald"! JGAIA
2
No, hate does NOT sell. Instead, branding someone a hater sells, and only in certain markets.
7
Then I say, let the buyers beware...
2
If HRC wins, DJT will represent nobody and nothing. For better or worse, he has exposed the fact that the USA is not 'exceptional' and that is steeped, but not saturated with willful ignorance, bigotry, and stupidity in addition to anger and alienation. If DJT loses it will be because he was not able to disguise better his temperament. The next want to be dictator may be a smoother talker. At this point in time, it is up to all the elements of national leadership to address and improve the concerns of the American People. Without an aspiring middle class, the USA is a weak nation, exploitable from both without and within, and the 'barbarians to be most feared ' are not outside the gates but within.
7
As you indicate, this has been a campaign of hate--but not only on one side. Who has hated Trump and called him every name in the book but Hillary and her followers, including the NYT teams of name callers. Hate apparently breeds hate, and the campaign has demonstrated that one side's self-righteousness becomes hate when it is used to label the other side. So a little humility is needed to cut down the noble poses assumed by those dispensing all the hate.
17
I hope that Mrs. Clinton (soon-to-be President-elect Clinton, I hope) will learn to listen, respond and work for ordinary citizens from all backgrounds, and not just from a select few groups: African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans; LGBTQ; educated elites; women.
5
Mrs Clinton will first listen to all those who gave her big bucks. Then if she has time she will listen to little people.
7
America always presented itself as the shining example of a free nation with a political system that should be the envy of the rest of the world. I fear this last presidential campaign has seriously damaged the reputation of democracy worldwide, because it let go of all dignity and principals.
5
Yes, thank you for this.
We need serious debates with the candidates arranged by some independent group wherein mikes can be shut off while the speaking candidate has the floor.
We need it moderated by experts who know the topic (perhaps several persons) inside and out. The topics should not be the personal issues (emails, who is more vulgar, etc) but topics of economics, climate change, education and health care). For a given topic, we must understand the goals and values involved.
At the end of the debates, we must judge the candidates by who has the best ideas for getting to the goals and that includes who knows the facts. And also we must judge whether they know the hopes and values of the American people.
We need serious debates with the candidates arranged by some independent group wherein mikes can be shut off while the speaking candidate has the floor.
We need it moderated by experts who know the topic (perhaps several persons) inside and out. The topics should not be the personal issues (emails, who is more vulgar, etc) but topics of economics, climate change, education and health care). For a given topic, we must understand the goals and values involved.
At the end of the debates, we must judge the candidates by who has the best ideas for getting to the goals and that includes who knows the facts. And also we must judge whether they know the hopes and values of the American people.
1
Why have debates? Presidents do not debate. If there must be joint appearances, let the two candidates sit down and have a conversation. Question each other, instead of giving time to moderators to show off their own agendas.
Take turns in asking questions. Presidents sit down with leaders from other countries and have discussions. No shouting, no finger jabbing, no stalking on a stage. The candidates will reveal a lot more about themselves in a conversation than in the artificial and superficial "debates."
Take turns in asking questions. Presidents sit down with leaders from other countries and have discussions. No shouting, no finger jabbing, no stalking on a stage. The candidates will reveal a lot more about themselves in a conversation than in the artificial and superficial "debates."
1
We should probably thank Donald Trump. His flawed candidacy probably made Hillary Clinton's presidency possible. His radical white nationalist tone helped forge a stronger multi ethnic Democratic coalition for the future. He taught all of us the value of a free press, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the need to honor international treaties, to respect the rule of law and to continue to fight against racism and intolerance. After this election, we should all want to possess integrity and honesty. These are precious virtues.
4
How cute! You think it's only "social media sites and TV news" that have enabled extreme candidates! Way to take responsibility for contributing to the inexcusable reporting of this campaign season.
18
The public enables extreme candidates. Only you can reject government by crackpots.
2
Trump, like that 4th beer, gives people an excuse to exhibit their inner fears, angers and stupidity. Unlike that 4th beer, Trump has given fear, hate and stupid the Color of Authority in the GOP, rather than a wakeup and a hangover. If you need more than 4 beers to get stupid, you are an alcoholic and need recovery.
3
And like that 4th beer - Trump makes me vomit.
1
Hate, fear & bigotry does sell. The way to deal with this is by implementing the slogan Love Trumps Hate. We spend far too much on military involvement & destruction. We've had politicians for too long (& I'm not sure for what reason) misleading places like dead coal country where everyone knows realistically coal jobs will never return or "old manufacturing" will never come back. How about what I read about a while back a commission to plan for the future that has a section that focuses on these economically & sometimes environmentally distressed places. We need to invest & plan for the future better. This will go a long way to healing our country. Whether we like it or not, are disgusted with the "opposing party", live in "fear", have "anger", are fed up etc - We are all in this TOGETHER. We need to continue to work smarter reaching to the past for lessons not solutions.
1
For some of us, this election has not exposed anything new: for all its claims to exceptionalism, this country is the same as any other. And in some ways more similar to say Saudi Arabia, than it is to say England. Socially speaking.
5
The worst of the worst in the election campaign was the failure of Hillary to respond directly to Donald's "plan" for economic growth and fairness: Build the Wall, Deport Illegal Immigrants, Stop tariff-free imports from China, Mexico, wherever. Hillary did not argue for the benefits of free trade or immigration. She presented herself as the softer side of Trump.
7
I would prefer a much shorter election season in the future. February through November is just too long to endure this nonsense. It should be at least a few months shorter, perhaps the length of a football season.
10
Ugly tho it may be, it's been uglier in the USA.
The problem is the people. HRC wasn't ugly at all, the Democratic primary was inspired, muscular, issues-based, with only a bit of indulgence in destructive hyperbole from fans & press, they should have saved the vituperative insults for soccer matches or whatever.
The real problem was, as always, with the truly hateful ugly activists, the red-state electorate.
I don't even really hold the Don responsible for these people. He served his purpose, ended the Bushes, denounced the Iraq war, broke the GOP anti-gay bigotry & upended the right wing hawks who formerly ruled the Republicans.
So all was not for naught with the Don's run, it wasn't entirely evil, he's certainly not entirely ignorant.
But the problem remains the tide of hostility & ignorance unleashed in red-state USA. If the Don's initial Archie Bunker persona didn't sell so well, he wouldn't have indulged it.
The red-state vitriol is infecting everywhere there's rural white people. These people are infected with FOX disease, like vampirism, it can never be cured. If the USA will ever recover it will only be after these white-nationalist red-staters die out.
New generations are so connected, so jacked-in to the incredible unprecedented live flow of information, they can no longer be provincial, backward & ignorant if they tried.
But you can't fix these people & make them thoughtful, inquisitive & open-minded, they'll just have to die off, which will take decades.
The problem is the people. HRC wasn't ugly at all, the Democratic primary was inspired, muscular, issues-based, with only a bit of indulgence in destructive hyperbole from fans & press, they should have saved the vituperative insults for soccer matches or whatever.
The real problem was, as always, with the truly hateful ugly activists, the red-state electorate.
I don't even really hold the Don responsible for these people. He served his purpose, ended the Bushes, denounced the Iraq war, broke the GOP anti-gay bigotry & upended the right wing hawks who formerly ruled the Republicans.
So all was not for naught with the Don's run, it wasn't entirely evil, he's certainly not entirely ignorant.
But the problem remains the tide of hostility & ignorance unleashed in red-state USA. If the Don's initial Archie Bunker persona didn't sell so well, he wouldn't have indulged it.
The red-state vitriol is infecting everywhere there's rural white people. These people are infected with FOX disease, like vampirism, it can never be cured. If the USA will ever recover it will only be after these white-nationalist red-staters die out.
New generations are so connected, so jacked-in to the incredible unprecedented live flow of information, they can no longer be provincial, backward & ignorant if they tried.
But you can't fix these people & make them thoughtful, inquisitive & open-minded, they'll just have to die off, which will take decades.
6
Untold damage was done when public support was withdrawn from National Public Radio, leaving the airwaves to fire and brimstone preachers.
3
Dear Editorial Board,
As long as the bulk of the American public, media and special interest groups continue to look to the federal government as the answer to all their problems, then things will not get any better. Both the Democrats and the Republicans will continue to sell us snake oil in order to get our votes. Both will continue to provide poor candidates on the theory that they can portray the other side as much worse than they are. As long as you in the media continue to ignore this and endorse candidates with no moral compass, consider yourselves part of the problem.
As long as the bulk of the American public, media and special interest groups continue to look to the federal government as the answer to all their problems, then things will not get any better. Both the Democrats and the Republicans will continue to sell us snake oil in order to get our votes. Both will continue to provide poor candidates on the theory that they can portray the other side as much worse than they are. As long as you in the media continue to ignore this and endorse candidates with no moral compass, consider yourselves part of the problem.
5
I think the states conspire to elect weak candidates to federal offices so they can play all sorts of games with each other. The Federal Government is the only provider of adult supervision of the states.
1
@ Steve: "I think the states conspire..."
I agree with that assessment in the area of selecting electors. They should be the apolitical "free agents" intended in the Constitution. States should not have a "winner take all" system of awarding electors to the winning candidate.
I agree with that assessment in the area of selecting electors. They should be the apolitical "free agents" intended in the Constitution. States should not have a "winner take all" system of awarding electors to the winning candidate.
This election has also shown that the polarization of American society is a threat to the nation. One major political party prefers doing nothing, perhaps in the hope of starving the beast (or something like that). It nominated a man who talks like a wannabe totalitarian and too few of its leaders have the courage to reject him. Not that any of the alternatives were much better.
Meanwhile, the other major party was clearly focused on ensuring the nomination of its preferred candidate, regardless of how divisive, unpopular, and untrusted she is. The DNC and Donna Brazile et. al did their part to undermine democracy while telling us how important it is to go vote (for Clinton). The media helped too. Never mind that the guy they quashed was a uniter with integrity. I guess we can't have that.
Another candidate didn't know what a Leppo was, and a fourth showed how classy she was by spray painting a bulldozer. So this is what we've become.
Cronyism, ideology, ignorance as a virtue, and me-first politics is what we've made. It will undo us if we don't find a way to stop the bitterness.
I hope that Clinton wins. I hope she tries to help the "deplorable" people she so disdains, and that she pays attention to the tens of millions of people who were and are clear about the need for meaningful change in this country. But I'm not holding my breath, what with the bankers and lobbyists waiting in the wings.
Meanwhile, the other major party was clearly focused on ensuring the nomination of its preferred candidate, regardless of how divisive, unpopular, and untrusted she is. The DNC and Donna Brazile et. al did their part to undermine democracy while telling us how important it is to go vote (for Clinton). The media helped too. Never mind that the guy they quashed was a uniter with integrity. I guess we can't have that.
Another candidate didn't know what a Leppo was, and a fourth showed how classy she was by spray painting a bulldozer. So this is what we've become.
Cronyism, ideology, ignorance as a virtue, and me-first politics is what we've made. It will undo us if we don't find a way to stop the bitterness.
I hope that Clinton wins. I hope she tries to help the "deplorable" people she so disdains, and that she pays attention to the tens of millions of people who were and are clear about the need for meaningful change in this country. But I'm not holding my breath, what with the bankers and lobbyists waiting in the wings.
3
Everyone needs to step back and take a somewhat forward looking stance. The nation should not just focus on how close the country has come to irreversible damage and also do not sit on laurels that, even by a thin margin, the country still managed to reject the message of hate.
Trump is who he is. He represents hateful few who will never change their positions on any issues. The collective thinking among all rational minds need to be focused on other question:
How come almost 40% of the population has been misguided by a liar of the highest magnitude? How can the American Society ensure that ordinary citizens are more educated, aware and open minded.
If the society as whole is more educated, more of its citizens will figure out ways to hold politicians accountable for their actions and decisions. That means, spineless republicans who killed their conscience and voted for the megalomaniac despite their concerns.
Unfortunately, there is no magic pill and no short term solution to the problem.
Trump is who he is. He represents hateful few who will never change their positions on any issues. The collective thinking among all rational minds need to be focused on other question:
How come almost 40% of the population has been misguided by a liar of the highest magnitude? How can the American Society ensure that ordinary citizens are more educated, aware and open minded.
If the society as whole is more educated, more of its citizens will figure out ways to hold politicians accountable for their actions and decisions. That means, spineless republicans who killed their conscience and voted for the megalomaniac despite their concerns.
Unfortunately, there is no magic pill and no short term solution to the problem.
2
This election has shown us that broadcast journalism in particular is dead and no longer part of the free press envisioned by the founders. They have sold America down the river for ratings, which is what this whole Trump spectacle was about--highest ratings ever for debates--think they'll want to give that up in the next cycle? Unplug and read your news, it's still hellishly flawed (endless email non-scandal vs. white supremacist, sexual assaulting liar) but at least you have to think more critically about what you consume.
4
Today in Maine, we have a chance to bring rationality to the electoral process - Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) (Question 5). This would apply to all state-wide elections (Portland already does this for city elections).
We can only hope this tempers the rhetoric of partisans who "swing for the fences".
Does it have a chance? Maybe. In September, a University of New Hampshire poll showed 48–29 lead for Yes, with 23 percent undecided.
Given our chronically embarrassing Governor, we could hardly do worse.
We can only hope this tempers the rhetoric of partisans who "swing for the fences".
Does it have a chance? Maybe. In September, a University of New Hampshire poll showed 48–29 lead for Yes, with 23 percent undecided.
Given our chronically embarrassing Governor, we could hardly do worse.
1
It's unfortunately taught me that a lot of the people, so called "friends" on my social media feeds are really not that nice, or respectful. I chose to remain silent on the feeds out of respect for everyone, but this is what I observed from my feed:
I have alot of passionate friends and family (saying this nicely feel free to interpret).
I know who almost all of you are voting for.
It's doubtful that anyone on my feed will be persuaded to change their vote by what someone else posts.
Your kids, once they reach voting age, will likely vote the opposite of you (at least that is what I am seeing in posts from the sons and daughters of the moms and dads and what the generations are all posting - sorry!)
Some of you on my feed have been willing to make blanket statements about others that really were not at all that nice.
Some seem to express that their world might come to a screeching halt depending on the outcome of the election - I hope that does not happen for you.
Some of you, like me, have remained silent on FB throughout the election. I'm pretty sure we did that out of respect for everyone elses opinion. To those people I specifically want to say THANK YOU - you did a good job - I know how hard that was.
I have alot of passionate friends and family (saying this nicely feel free to interpret).
I know who almost all of you are voting for.
It's doubtful that anyone on my feed will be persuaded to change their vote by what someone else posts.
Your kids, once they reach voting age, will likely vote the opposite of you (at least that is what I am seeing in posts from the sons and daughters of the moms and dads and what the generations are all posting - sorry!)
Some of you on my feed have been willing to make blanket statements about others that really were not at all that nice.
Some seem to express that their world might come to a screeching halt depending on the outcome of the election - I hope that does not happen for you.
Some of you, like me, have remained silent on FB throughout the election. I'm pretty sure we did that out of respect for everyone elses opinion. To those people I specifically want to say THANK YOU - you did a good job - I know how hard that was.
2
I voted and I am feeling free from the chains of the tyrant of words. I needed to read this summary about all the hate spewed from the mouth of an immature angry child.
2
The media is part of the problem. For them it was big business with very little work behind it. This tactic for example brought CNN the most viewers since years (I heard this even on the Swiss public radio). It sells to make everything into a big scandal. That's why the most obnoxious candidate got the most free airtime and the most space in newspapers. And that's how he became the big winner of the GOP. From the New York Times I wish substantial discussions about the candidates' political goals and how we should solve our problems, instead of redundant, sometimes even - in my view - demeaning comments, which sounded like propaganda after a while.
3
I'm not with her.
I'm not with him.
I am not with the 2-party American political system.
"To live outside the law, you must be honest".
At least I'm honest (and contented with my vote)
I'm not with him.
I am not with the 2-party American political system.
"To live outside the law, you must be honest".
At least I'm honest (and contented with my vote)
11
This election has taught me to limit my reading of the New York Times to the business, science, fashion, and arts coverage (except for the Sunday Book Review Section, which has as much credibility as the paper's 24/7 political coverage). I'll occasionally dip into some of the political op-eds for examples of closed-mind hysterics. I'll keep subscribing, though (or at least as long as Pete Wells, Dwight Garner, and Stephen Holden are on the payroll).
10
They should lay off all political pundits starting with Andrew rosenthal.
3
2016 has confirmed for all that the media is biased and as corrupt as the Clintons. The media was caught red-handed feeding Hillary questions and giving her veto power over the content of news articles. The media has lost what little credibility it had left
15
2016 taught us that it pays to be connected to the Clinton Foundation. Those of us that can't afford to be in the donor class don't matter.
16
One other lesson: our presidential campaign seasons are ridiculously long and expensive. How about legislation mandating six months of campaigning?
4
We run into the freedom of speech there.
6
I look forward to a time when people can vote for the most qualified candidate that is not the "first". Not the first woman, not the first African American, not the first hispanic.
And not in terms of superlatives; the youngest, oldest, most-educated.
Maybe next time.
And not in terms of superlatives; the youngest, oldest, most-educated.
Maybe next time.
7
Why can't a person be both qualified AND the first?
1
not likely. We live in an age of "identity". That trumps qualifications any day, at the NY Times makes abundantly clear in its coverage.
2
I'm offended that in this summary of the 2016 election, the Editorial Board mentions Trump seven times and Sanders and Clinton once each. This is part of the sexist media skew that has made the election so ugly.
5
Sixteen years ago the Bush/Gore national election exposed all that was wrong with elections in the United State. Nothing has been done to improve them. Voter registration for federal election is still in the hands of counties. Small corrupt counties can swing an entire nation. I know you don't like hearing anything from Canada, but on our income tax forms there is a small box you check if you want to be put on the national voting list. Not very difficult, but very effective.
4
Trump has given us one gift: he has unmasked the GOP. Going forward there can be no equivocation about its ideas and ideals.
4
What 2016 has taught ME is that it is more than high time the rest of the free world stopped thinking of the USA as the "leader". The fact that Donald Trump has a 1-in-2 chance to be president is proof that they are not up to the task of leading anything. Everyone else should be demanding that their politicians tell them how they plan to govern without relying on the USA.
4
This election should be educational, inspirational even, for foreign leaders. Those that don't already have a personal foundation will set one up, and working with them will require robust donations to said foundation. It's the new American way.
#draintheswamp
#draintheswamp
2
1-in-2? I thought for most of election Hillary was leading by 6-7% of pop vote.
Hopefully, this election has shown that the days are long gone when a Presidential candidate could successfully run a George Wallace type campaign.
Giving Trump an open microphone/press conference daily for every outrageous utterance sounds like a bad thing, but ultimately, it will be a good thing (I hope). If voters had not known how low he would go, we might have just listened to his few "Make America Great Again", build a wall, repeal Obamacare and trade deals memes and think, "Why not? What do we have to lose?" Reporting his every insult, violent innuendo, and authoritarian instinct, however, showed us the man who would be king in all his horror. A double-edged sword.
3
I have been having bad dreams about Trump. No, really.
The people I've spoken to and heard interviewed on Canadian media are also very worried and anxious about the result of this election. If Trump wins "it will seem like the end of the world" said someone this morning.
But we can't do a damn thing to affect the outcome. And neither can the rest of the few billion non-Americans who inhabit the rest of the planet.
The people I've spoken to and heard interviewed on Canadian media are also very worried and anxious about the result of this election. If Trump wins "it will seem like the end of the world" said someone this morning.
But we can't do a damn thing to affect the outcome. And neither can the rest of the few billion non-Americans who inhabit the rest of the planet.
3
Donald trump didn't come from nowhere, America created him. He is the face of America that everyone dreads about Americans, loud, nasty, shallow, litigatous, disloyal, marrying foreign women for their looks, treating everyone who is not white Christian male, as second class.
2
As usual, the Board misses the point. This year illustrates what happens when a large segment of America is ignored by the establishment, including the mainstream media and that calling them vile names does not prevent them from voting their choice. Let us hope that enough people will vote for the corrupt carpetbagger kleptomaniac who was a New York Senator once rather than the lunatic in the other party; what a horrible choice.
7
I think that 2016 has taught us that if a con man's strategy for electoral success is to deliberately lie about everything, his lies will be covered with the same seriousness by the NYT and much of the rest of the media, as they cover any other news story.
We also learned that negative stories pushed by right wingers (emails, Clinton Foundation, etc.) are covered a lot more than stories pushed by liberals (Putin's puppet, Trump Foundation, etc.)
We also learned that negative stories pushed by right wingers (emails, Clinton Foundation, etc.) are covered a lot more than stories pushed by liberals (Putin's puppet, Trump Foundation, etc.)
4
What has 2016 taught us?
Over the weekend I re-read "Lord of the Flies". This presidential campaign has reaffirmed the idea that the veneer of civilization is very thin indeed.
Over the weekend I re-read "Lord of the Flies". This presidential campaign has reaffirmed the idea that the veneer of civilization is very thin indeed.
6
2016 has taught us that the ugliest, most absurd lie counts for just as much as the truth.
2016 has taught us that many Americans do not have the ability to rationally consider two arguments and come to a conclusion about which is correct.
2016 has taught us that the extreme partisanship of the GOP has been a curse on America.
2016 has taught us that many Americans do not have the ability to rationally consider two arguments and come to a conclusion about which is correct.
2016 has taught us that the extreme partisanship of the GOP has been a curse on America.
4
We have also learned that the federal government is corrupt and that some people are too prominent to be required to face justice.
9
Most Americans would probably be quick to point out that this was one of the most hateful presidential campaigns in ages.
They would be right.
Which is also why no one should be surprised that all this ill will probably won't ebb away too soon.
And if this year or even this campaign has taught us anything, it's how divided this country really is -- just in case anyone doubted it in the first place.
They would be right.
Which is also why no one should be surprised that all this ill will probably won't ebb away too soon.
And if this year or even this campaign has taught us anything, it's how divided this country really is -- just in case anyone doubted it in the first place.
4
The moral decay is not universal. It's mostly the Republicans who've pursued a scorched earth policy to to keep themselves in peer against demographic and attitudinal changes.
2
Perhaps you don't see anything immoral in how big money buys its way into Democratic Party politicians?
3
To the Editors,
When you say "Mr Trump has outdone even Bernie Sanders in tapping this anxiety," you speak volumes. Trump was all about playing on anxiety, revving it up, fanning it into hate, and offering almost no solutions. And those few solutions he did offer were either fantasies or a scam to rip people off (e.g., eliminate the estate tax to protect working Americans from being over-taxed!)
But Sanders did not tap anxiety. He addressed real problems and proposed solutions. Now you might not like his proposals. You might think some of them too optimistic, too idealistic, or even that some wouldn't pencil out. But they were all efforts at proposing solutions for real problems. To the extent Sanders addressed anxiety, he did it by quoting FDR, as he did in one of his primary debates with Clinton: "We have nothing to fear but fear itself."
Sanders has consistently spoken out against bigotry, racism, sexism, misogyny, and fanning the flames of religious fear and discrimination.
If you want to learn a lesson from this campaign, learn to see plainly the HUGE difference between Sanders and Trump. That is important not as a matter of recognizing Sanders, but for opening the possibility of addressing working class and faltering middle class economic issues without opening the door to Trumpism.
When you say "Mr Trump has outdone even Bernie Sanders in tapping this anxiety," you speak volumes. Trump was all about playing on anxiety, revving it up, fanning it into hate, and offering almost no solutions. And those few solutions he did offer were either fantasies or a scam to rip people off (e.g., eliminate the estate tax to protect working Americans from being over-taxed!)
But Sanders did not tap anxiety. He addressed real problems and proposed solutions. Now you might not like his proposals. You might think some of them too optimistic, too idealistic, or even that some wouldn't pencil out. But they were all efforts at proposing solutions for real problems. To the extent Sanders addressed anxiety, he did it by quoting FDR, as he did in one of his primary debates with Clinton: "We have nothing to fear but fear itself."
Sanders has consistently spoken out against bigotry, racism, sexism, misogyny, and fanning the flames of religious fear and discrimination.
If you want to learn a lesson from this campaign, learn to see plainly the HUGE difference between Sanders and Trump. That is important not as a matter of recognizing Sanders, but for opening the possibility of addressing working class and faltering middle class economic issues without opening the door to Trumpism.
8
Sanders and Trump have a lot in common.
Like Trump, Sanders refused to reveal his tax records. Like Trump, he lied. Remember when he claimed, falsely, that Hillary had said he was not qualified to be president? He used air quotes to punctuate that lie and said, "Quote, unquote."
Like Trump, Sanders hated Hillary. His campaign was more about Hillary-hate than about anything he could actually accomplish.
Both candidates were late-comers to the political parties they expected to drop everything to support them. And both regard anything other than a win as RIGGED.
Bernie's red-faced rage and Trump's orange aspect revealed the fury they felt at an uppity woman who dared challenge them. Both used their hands a lot, Bernie to jab at Hillary, Trump to make little circles with his stubby fingers.
Bernie wanted the Democratic Party to hold open primaries. Why a party would allow people who were not members to vote in its primaries was never made clear. Neither was anything else. Bernie was destroyed in the Daily News interview when he demonstrated that he had no policies, no plans, nothing but pie in the sky. Trump has no plans and no policies, either. Bernie quickly left his new party after Hillary won the nomination. How quickly will Trump dump the Republicans?
Both are fueled by revenge. Bernie did NOTHING to help Hillary after she won the nomination. Trump, according the NYT, is considering a super pac whose purpose will be revenge. Etc.
Birds of a feather.
Like Trump, Sanders refused to reveal his tax records. Like Trump, he lied. Remember when he claimed, falsely, that Hillary had said he was not qualified to be president? He used air quotes to punctuate that lie and said, "Quote, unquote."
Like Trump, Sanders hated Hillary. His campaign was more about Hillary-hate than about anything he could actually accomplish.
Both candidates were late-comers to the political parties they expected to drop everything to support them. And both regard anything other than a win as RIGGED.
Bernie's red-faced rage and Trump's orange aspect revealed the fury they felt at an uppity woman who dared challenge them. Both used their hands a lot, Bernie to jab at Hillary, Trump to make little circles with his stubby fingers.
Bernie wanted the Democratic Party to hold open primaries. Why a party would allow people who were not members to vote in its primaries was never made clear. Neither was anything else. Bernie was destroyed in the Daily News interview when he demonstrated that he had no policies, no plans, nothing but pie in the sky. Trump has no plans and no policies, either. Bernie quickly left his new party after Hillary won the nomination. How quickly will Trump dump the Republicans?
Both are fueled by revenge. Bernie did NOTHING to help Hillary after she won the nomination. Trump, according the NYT, is considering a super pac whose purpose will be revenge. Etc.
Birds of a feather.
Pecan = paid Clinton campaign troll assigned to stick to one issue, bernie's taxes. Lol
2
2016 taught me just how lazy Americans are when it comes to educating themselves with an open eye.
It taught me that internet memes are more important than reading, or doing the most rudimentary research. A very common Facebook meme says the Clintons have murdered 121 people. Apparently many Trump voters actually believe this.
It taught me that the Republican Party is full of cowards. On that note, kudos to George HW Bush, David Frum, Colin Powell, Meg Whitman, and many other Republicans for publicly denouncing Donald Trump.
The Trump rallies taught me we are not so different from 1930s Germany.
It taught me that internet memes are more important than reading, or doing the most rudimentary research. A very common Facebook meme says the Clintons have murdered 121 people. Apparently many Trump voters actually believe this.
It taught me that the Republican Party is full of cowards. On that note, kudos to George HW Bush, David Frum, Colin Powell, Meg Whitman, and many other Republicans for publicly denouncing Donald Trump.
The Trump rallies taught me we are not so different from 1930s Germany.
7
Many of the causes of today's inequalities are readily fixable. They are caused by microeconomic market failures which are in the categories of "economic rents", "negative externalities", and "information asymmetry." In NYC, SF, LA, Boston, DC, and other cities, zoning density restrictions are "economic rents" that are politically induced scarcity of land favoring landlords as special interest groups over tenants because apartment rent and purchasing of homes is much higher than it otherwise would be in an efficient market. Remove these political restrictions of zoning and rents will decrease and the value of Donald Trump's and other wealthy landlord's properties will drop in value as more apartments are constructed. In addition, more tradesmen (electricians, plumbers, bricklayers, painters, carpenters, ...) will have jobs as more apartments are constructed. All that is required is the removal of the regressive tax of zoning density restrictions.
Negative externalities such as the high health care cost of cigarette smokers as well as air pollution that create higher health insurance costs for non-smokers and those who don't pollute. Companies and other groups that create air pollution should have to pay the entire cost of their air pollution which would incentivize them to use less polluting alternatives.
Negative externalities such as the high health care cost of cigarette smokers as well as air pollution that create higher health insurance costs for non-smokers and those who don't pollute. Companies and other groups that create air pollution should have to pay the entire cost of their air pollution which would incentivize them to use less polluting alternatives.
2
1. We live in the Age of Entertainment, above all else. Thanks, deregulation! We are all now adolescents.
2. The Civil War is not over, it is now being waged on different terms, mostly whether one can make up his own facts or not.
2. The Civil War is not over, it is now being waged on different terms, mostly whether one can make up his own facts or not.
6
As discouraging as this election was, at least we had the opportunity to vote.
Mainland China is refusing to let 2 legally elected officials take office in Hong Kong because they support separating from China.
So no matter who wins, don't just complain; get involved.
Mainland China is refusing to let 2 legally elected officials take office in Hong Kong because they support separating from China.
So no matter who wins, don't just complain; get involved.
4
This election has taught us that the common ground between voters in the two parties has shrunk to a point where it is almost nonexistent. (I suppose we can agree that we all like to breathe.)
We're at a point where reasonably neutral and vetted facts are disregarded or attacked if they run contrary to an ideological belief and fervent wish. For example, if an assertion such as the following were made, "In general, the unemployment rate has improved since Obama took office," many (or perhaps most) conservatives would vehemently disagree and claim that the data is rigged or a lie.
How do we find middle ground or attempt to compromise when reality is so easily disregarded? Men and women are no longer reasonable in their affairs and problem solving for the greater good having fallen victim to the ugliest forms of partisanship.
And no one seems to be able to find a solution that anyone will listen to.
We're at a point where reasonably neutral and vetted facts are disregarded or attacked if they run contrary to an ideological belief and fervent wish. For example, if an assertion such as the following were made, "In general, the unemployment rate has improved since Obama took office," many (or perhaps most) conservatives would vehemently disagree and claim that the data is rigged or a lie.
How do we find middle ground or attempt to compromise when reality is so easily disregarded? Men and women are no longer reasonable in their affairs and problem solving for the greater good having fallen victim to the ugliest forms of partisanship.
And no one seems to be able to find a solution that anyone will listen to.
2
More than anything else, including those pointed out by this editorial, this election has shown that Americans, Democrats, Republicans and independents, are yearning and ready for real change. They are disgusted with and distrustful of the political status quo that successive Dem and GOP administrations have unfailingly continued. They are disappointed with Obama's unfulfilled promises and accomplishments.
Most Democrats are voting for Hillary Clinton not because they want her or are enthused with her policy proposals or impressed by her honesty and trustworthy or her judgment or her hawkish warmongering, they vote for her because of Trump. They have accepted the fact that Clinton does not represent change and that she will continue the status quo. It is all because of Trump. If it were not for African Americans and the super delegates, Sanders would have been the nominee and the country would have been better off.
The same can be said about most Republicans. They are voting for Trump despite his character and personal failings because they want change and no longer trust in the policy prescriptions offered by establishment Republicans. Their economic anxiety overrides their human decency. Trump has been able to exploit this anxiety by appealing to the basest of human instincts.
I find the NYT editorial missing the true and real lesson of this election. It subjugates the yearning and desire for change among the American peoples to the headlines of the day.
Most Democrats are voting for Hillary Clinton not because they want her or are enthused with her policy proposals or impressed by her honesty and trustworthy or her judgment or her hawkish warmongering, they vote for her because of Trump. They have accepted the fact that Clinton does not represent change and that she will continue the status quo. It is all because of Trump. If it were not for African Americans and the super delegates, Sanders would have been the nominee and the country would have been better off.
The same can be said about most Republicans. They are voting for Trump despite his character and personal failings because they want change and no longer trust in the policy prescriptions offered by establishment Republicans. Their economic anxiety overrides their human decency. Trump has been able to exploit this anxiety by appealing to the basest of human instincts.
I find the NYT editorial missing the true and real lesson of this election. It subjugates the yearning and desire for change among the American peoples to the headlines of the day.
4
I am no longer sure a democracy as large as ours can really work. It's unwieldy, there's too many of us, and we are no longer cohesive. Too many people will be not just disappointed, but bitterly disappointed. I have no respect for those people, but the fact remains that we are as different as night and day. Seems to me we'd be better off in our own (smaller) countries.
I get what you're saying but what I think might be more productive is to reform our system of government a bit and to model it after a parliamentary system so that when one party gets in, they can make real changes and not be obstructed at every turn. I really mean when Dems get in, they won't have the GOP being totally crazy and saying no to everything, no ideas about anything- just not let the Dems move forward- disgusting people.
Real change can happen and when it comes election time, people will know exactly what has been accomplished by the party in power. If they like it, they can re-elect. If they don't- they can vote in the other party.
Right now, people think all parties are the same because nothing gets done. What the low information voter doesn't realize is that a lot would get done if the GOP do nothings would just get out of the way of progress. They do nothing except collect a paycheck and get great healthcare and a wonderful pension which we pay for. No wonder they gerrymander to hang onto their cushy jobs.
Real change can happen and when it comes election time, people will know exactly what has been accomplished by the party in power. If they like it, they can re-elect. If they don't- they can vote in the other party.
Right now, people think all parties are the same because nothing gets done. What the low information voter doesn't realize is that a lot would get done if the GOP do nothings would just get out of the way of progress. They do nothing except collect a paycheck and get great healthcare and a wonderful pension which we pay for. No wonder they gerrymander to hang onto their cushy jobs.
1
What the press seems to have missed is that most Trump supporters are NOT the stereotypical low-information, downtrodden lower classes that we all want to believe. Yes, his 'core' fanboys may fit that model but he couldn't have come this far without the support of the majority of Republicans. For every rational, responsible R who doesn't vote for Trump, there are 10x as many who will. Are all of these well-educated and relatively affluent people really that racist and/or misogynistic? Or, does this just highlight the irony for his base supporters. Most wealthier mainstream Republicans know that The Donald's policies will benefit their incomes/assets/estates since he will make protecting his own a top priority. Perhaps his truly oppressed working class voters should consider who their bedfellows are- and why they are supporting Trump.
4
I learned that a country of 330 million people are able to pick two candidates that could not be more repulsive. I could go to Time Square with my eyes closed and randomly select two people with more integrity, honesty, and civility than Clinton and Trump.
7
Trump for sure, I know 3 yr olds w/ more control, integrity & civility than him.
1
And Hillary lies just like a 3 year old caught doing something wrong.
1
I think it is wrong to portray Trump’s voters as hateful; we don’t who they all are yet, we only know some of the rallies. I know some reasonable people who are voting for him, one in part because they vote Republican and two, because don’t want to support what they see as in ineffective status quo. They disagree with the Democrats positions and they have that right. I don’t share those views but I am not ready to dismiss them as completely without worth, either. To me, the polarization of parties is just plain stupid. And when Clinton or Trump promote it, it costs us all. Frankly, I am glad she is considered Republican light because it means when the feeding, I mean voting, frenzy is over, maybe we’ll get some work done.
The 24 hour media cycle doesn’t help, either. If there is no story, then one gets "trumped up" or we seek alternative narratives to fill the void, as in entertainment as news. This election made me wish for a morning and evening newspaper, and that is all. I would have benefited from more time to think, away from those who want to influence my thinking.
The 24 hour media cycle doesn’t help, either. If there is no story, then one gets "trumped up" or we seek alternative narratives to fill the void, as in entertainment as news. This election made me wish for a morning and evening newspaper, and that is all. I would have benefited from more time to think, away from those who want to influence my thinking.
2
2016 has made it clear that despite the fact that technology brings information to us so quickly and so effortlessly, it also feeds us with damaging misinformation. Propaganda and outright lies are believed even though we have the means to easily debunk untruths.
3
I as an outsider, have been following, for the last many months , this fascinating election campaign. My Observations on the election campaign, on the election eve.
1. One of the bitterest fought campaigns. Personal insults thrown in . Mr. Trump called Ms. Clinton Crooked Hilary and Ms. Trump called certain section of Electoral populace as “ Deplorable”. Both were unwarranted
2. The election debates showed, Mr. Trump as impulsive, restive, unprepared and vague about many issues of the world. Ms. Clinton was poised, well informed but uncomfortable and secretive when questioned about her personal E mail server.
3. At the end of the day , whoever wins, or loses,, kindly do not say the elections were rigged, as it will be an insult to American Democracy. The rest of the world respects your oldest democracy.
Thank you NYT for the Excellent election coverage!
1. One of the bitterest fought campaigns. Personal insults thrown in . Mr. Trump called Ms. Clinton Crooked Hilary and Ms. Trump called certain section of Electoral populace as “ Deplorable”. Both were unwarranted
2. The election debates showed, Mr. Trump as impulsive, restive, unprepared and vague about many issues of the world. Ms. Clinton was poised, well informed but uncomfortable and secretive when questioned about her personal E mail server.
3. At the end of the day , whoever wins, or loses,, kindly do not say the elections were rigged, as it will be an insult to American Democracy. The rest of the world respects your oldest democracy.
Thank you NYT for the Excellent election coverage!
4
I have lived in constant anxiety, rage, disgust, and raw fear, with the Republican party, the media, and even my fellow Americans. Close to half of my fellow Americans support Donald Trump, man who: belittles women, has assulted women, who is willing to do or say anything to reach the highest office in the land. As an older woman I am old enough to see the disadvantages women face every day. It has hit me personally. My mother, my grandmother, both of whom, when the were living, were assaulted and discounted; My daughter was assaulted in college and then later left her job after breaking down from an abusive boss. She is still unemployed. My grandmother's, my mother's, and my daughter's experiences are common place. And perhaps that's the problem. People heard that horrifying Hollywood Access tape have already forgotten or have forgiven. Instead they keep hearing the drumbeat of Hillary's emails. The press has been hounding and hating Hillary beginning when she first kept her maiden name. The media has been after Hillary for so long that our country as we know it is in a lot of trouble. Even if Hillary wins I do not see that we have a chance given what is left in the House of Representatives -- The great white men's club.
So what is the big lesson learned from this campaign season? Little girls and young women see what will await them if they dare to step up for a better world for themselves and others. It is still a white man's world.
So what is the big lesson learned from this campaign season? Little girls and young women see what will await them if they dare to step up for a better world for themselves and others. It is still a white man's world.
5
The 2016 presidential election hasn't so much taught us, as reminded us, how fortunate we Americans are to live in a society where we may speak without constraint, without fear.
The minute Trump loses this election, before he cries "Rigged!" again, he should ponder this sacred privilege. For it is because of this that most Americans put up with him the last 18 months, without reprisal.
The minute Trump loses this election, before he cries "Rigged!" again, he should ponder this sacred privilege. For it is because of this that most Americans put up with him the last 18 months, without reprisal.
5
No way to be positive about this:
1) Lying pays in presidential elections. Clinton and Trump saw how little it mattered to partisans in the last election and doubled down.
2) Character doesn't matter. Partisans for both candidates have told me that they do not even care if everything said about their candidate is true. Even strong evidence of sexual assault is sniffed at as unimportant, if believed.
3) The media is shamelessly biased.
4) Faith in one law for everyone is broken.
5) Partisanship blinds everyone.
6) People assume that if others disagree with them it is because of some personal defect in the other person, like low intelligence or lack of morality.
7) Reverse racism is now stronger than racism and politicians cower before it.
8) Our two main parties are worse than useless; their lock on the levers of government and elections is extremely negative.
9) Despite a general loathing of the major party candidates, 3rd parties have little chance and possibly no chance unless the candidate has independent celebrity (do you know how many people would vote for Tom Hanks, even without knowing his politics?)
10) Politics by hyperbole, corruption and character assassination is as strong as ever.
None of the above is new. It has always been a part of politics. But, we have backslid. Partisanship is the worst its been though in our country in many a decade.
Despite it all, our country is still a great place to live. For how long I don't know.
1) Lying pays in presidential elections. Clinton and Trump saw how little it mattered to partisans in the last election and doubled down.
2) Character doesn't matter. Partisans for both candidates have told me that they do not even care if everything said about their candidate is true. Even strong evidence of sexual assault is sniffed at as unimportant, if believed.
3) The media is shamelessly biased.
4) Faith in one law for everyone is broken.
5) Partisanship blinds everyone.
6) People assume that if others disagree with them it is because of some personal defect in the other person, like low intelligence or lack of morality.
7) Reverse racism is now stronger than racism and politicians cower before it.
8) Our two main parties are worse than useless; their lock on the levers of government and elections is extremely negative.
9) Despite a general loathing of the major party candidates, 3rd parties have little chance and possibly no chance unless the candidate has independent celebrity (do you know how many people would vote for Tom Hanks, even without knowing his politics?)
10) Politics by hyperbole, corruption and character assassination is as strong as ever.
None of the above is new. It has always been a part of politics. But, we have backslid. Partisanship is the worst its been though in our country in many a decade.
Despite it all, our country is still a great place to live. For how long I don't know.
12
The most important thing I've learned is this: People don't listen. They can't help but interpret everything they think they hear or see or experience through their own pre-existing prejudices -- which are so ingrained they can't even recognize them anymore (if they ever could). Here's the most important thing: Political candidates (and personal acquaintances, whether immediate family or strangers -- and those categories overlap) should be evaluated not by what someone claims they "mean" or who they "are," but by the words they actually use and how they compose them. That's all that's real. Everything else is speculative interpretation or rationalization. If you can't actually decipher what someone means by what they say, then you absolutely can't claim to know what they mean -- or even if they intended to communicate any understanding of their own meaning at all. If they can't say what they mean, then they have said nothing at all.
6
A pithy comment. One of things I have enjoyed about President Obama is his ability to articulate a position, even when I don't agree with him. Very often I have noted when someone says they didn't like an Obama speech, what they usually mean is they don't like Obama and never actually heard a thing he said.
2
It may depend on what "is" is.
2
I think the main lesson is that TV, talk radio, and the blogosphere are not real news and they are not interested in providing it. They are mediums of entertainment and at their worst when pretending to provide the news. They just recycle and speculate on each others talking points. If you want actual news and analysis -- you need to read and you need to be able to differentiate between fact, fiction, and fantasy. The credibility of the source matters.
It's sad I think that most people don't seem to understand that point of view or frame of reference is everything. They listen to one side of the story and take it at face value. This is true of the right and the left -- but perhaps at this juncture in history, the right is more dangerous.
It's sad I think that most people don't seem to understand that point of view or frame of reference is everything. They listen to one side of the story and take it at face value. This is true of the right and the left -- but perhaps at this juncture in history, the right is more dangerous.
5
It would really help if liberals would stop equating differences of opinions on certain issues as hate. If I believe that Orientals are more intelligent than other races, that does not mean that I hate the other races.If I feel that women have a different role in life than men, that does not mean that I hate those who feel differently. If I believe that homosexual acts are a sin, that does mean I hate homosexuals. If I believe that my religion is the true one and that the others are false, and say so, does not mean that I hate those who do not believe as I do. The word " hate"should only be used if extreme dislike or loathing is present.
2
"It would really help if liberals would stop equating differences of opinions on certain issues as hate."...You mean like: I can't get a fair hearing from a judge because he has Mexican ancestry, Obama was born in Kenya, Muslims should be banned from entering the country, illegal immigrants are rapists and murders, miss piggy, mocking someone who is handicapped, threatening if elected to lock up your opponent, claiming the election is rigged unless you win- just exactly what differences of opinion with liberals are you referring to?
3
@W.A. Spitzer, Of course not..just on the type of examples that I used..things on which people can have honest disagreements...Incidentally, I did not vote for Trump.
To our great American neighbors: Your election process is way too long and a colossal waste of money and time. You've been at it since Ted Cruz announced his candidacy back in March 2015!!! This long process allowed for hate, sensationalism, and insults to dominate the process, instead of the issues. We wish you well dear neighbors...... and please come together tomorrow.
4
Doing a mea culpa now is too little too late, NYT, just as it was when you finally admitted that it was a mistake for you to support the war in Iraq.
5
"Hate sells." This is the most depressing lesson for me; I truly, truly believed we Americans were better than this. I'm praying for a landslide that will make a statement to the world that most of us overwhelmingly reject everything Trump trumpeted.
I'm still heartbroken that most of my extended family -- devout churchgoers -- are voting for Trump. The reasons they give for hating HRC are, every last one, based on lies and ignorant memes. Not one truth among them. And the denial or reality is just as apparent when they say Trump didn't say or do something when there's video of him saying or doing it; that he's a great businessman and a good Christian. It's like being in a particularly frightening episode of the Twilight Zone.
I know HRC is going to win, and that's a wonderful thing; but dear God, what we had to see along the way is heartbreaking and horrible.
I'm still heartbroken that most of my extended family -- devout churchgoers -- are voting for Trump. The reasons they give for hating HRC are, every last one, based on lies and ignorant memes. Not one truth among them. And the denial or reality is just as apparent when they say Trump didn't say or do something when there's video of him saying or doing it; that he's a great businessman and a good Christian. It's like being in a particularly frightening episode of the Twilight Zone.
I know HRC is going to win, and that's a wonderful thing; but dear God, what we had to see along the way is heartbreaking and horrible.
6
What 2016 reminded us (not taught) is how ignorant people are of American history, including the New York Times. There is not only nothing new in the tenor of this Presidential election, the rhetoric was actually mild.
For example, in the presidential election of 1800 between Thomas Jefferson & John Adams. Adams called Jefferson "a mean-spirited, low-lived fellow, the son of a half-breed Indian squaw, sired by a Virginia mulatto father." Jefferson called Adams a "blind, bald, crippled, toothless man" & "is a hideous hermaphroditical character with neither the force and firmness of a man, nor the gentleness and sensibility of a woman."
All the Times is reminding us is that those who don't learn history are condemned to repeat it.
For example, in the presidential election of 1800 between Thomas Jefferson & John Adams. Adams called Jefferson "a mean-spirited, low-lived fellow, the son of a half-breed Indian squaw, sired by a Virginia mulatto father." Jefferson called Adams a "blind, bald, crippled, toothless man" & "is a hideous hermaphroditical character with neither the force and firmness of a man, nor the gentleness and sensibility of a woman."
All the Times is reminding us is that those who don't learn history are condemned to repeat it.
9
yes, it has shown us that our country has become more of an embarrassment then we ever thought possible. No one should be shocked when other counties do not take us serious or want to see us meddle in international affairs. We should be ashamed that we let things get this bad. It is our fault, end of story. Maybe people should start taking third party candidates seriously before there is a complete collapse.
2
Desperate America ! Choosing between two nasty presidential candidates. It’s probable that Lady Clinton will be the winner. However if US voters become mad and elect Tramp, mean Trump, the concerned people will be astonished. Anyway we face the odds for World War III.
1
Why does no one seem to be looking at the underlying institutional issues?
Less than 40 (Cook says 37) of the 538 Congressional seats in this election are contested. This partisan gerrymandering has lead to the phenomena we have seen in recent years -- unfunded or underfunded contenders for the vast majority of the seats, "safe" incumbents unable to govern and compromise as they are more indebted to their party than to their constituents and worry only about fighting off primary challenges.
Does my vote for my local Congressional representative "count?" Not if I'm in one of the 501 uncontested districts.
And then there are other issues like Citizens United, campaigns for judges, and an unrepresentative primary system.
We need to look at the underlying problems in our flawed government if we are to understand 2016,
Less than 40 (Cook says 37) of the 538 Congressional seats in this election are contested. This partisan gerrymandering has lead to the phenomena we have seen in recent years -- unfunded or underfunded contenders for the vast majority of the seats, "safe" incumbents unable to govern and compromise as they are more indebted to their party than to their constituents and worry only about fighting off primary challenges.
Does my vote for my local Congressional representative "count?" Not if I'm in one of the 501 uncontested districts.
And then there are other issues like Citizens United, campaigns for judges, and an unrepresentative primary system.
We need to look at the underlying problems in our flawed government if we are to understand 2016,
67
The answer to the problem is term limits for members of Congress.
2
It's 438 Congressional seats, 435 that vote.
The Trump family's misogyny continues to show. I saw a photo in The Guardian of Trump watching Melania's ballot over the barrier as she votes. I thought voting was supposed to be private and that other aren't supposed to peer over the screen to see how you are voting. That photo was followed by a photo of one of Trump's sons, watching over the barrier to see how his wife was voting. It was creepy to see both of them stretching up taller to see how their wives were voting. Like father, like son.
Do they secretly fear that their wives are voting for Mrs. Clinton?
Do they secretly fear that their wives are voting for Mrs. Clinton?
28
I do not understand why people cling to a dogma (Republican/Democrat, Liberal/Conservative) rather than pursue whatever idea works best to solve a given problem. Is thinking just too difficult or are they lazy?
7
They are ostensibly trying to prove something to an imaginary being called "God", purported to be the creator of the United States.
That, and they want to safely hate and condemn others while they're imagining life among the chosen.
I stopped reading at "Hate sells". I disagree - Trump wasn't "selling" anything to anyone. The hate was already there, and has been for quite awhile among the GOP base. In the past, that party's nominees have simply been more subtle in appealing to it, while Tump is blatant in his appeal. Thus, the big turn out at his rallies, and everything we've heard and seen at them. Trump created a comfort zone for that constituency - free of normal social restraints - for whom simple civility is reviled as "political correctness".
10
Would you deprive Trump's supporters of their right to vote out of a sense of your own superior wisdom? I do believe there were Yahoos during the time of the founding fathers, as well as a sense that the people could be manipulated by demagogues; yet the founding fathers did not take the vote away from them but, as a safeguard, created a representative form of government with an electoral college instead of a direct democracy in which 50% of the vote plus one would elect the President. The founding fathers were also aware of the inordinate influence of the press and its ability to fan the flames of political partisanship as much as any demagogue could. The NYT has long gone on record favoring a direct vote by the people and abolishing the electoral college. Do you think the NYT is doing this for the Yahoos and not to increase its own sway over the elections?
1
G I G O, (GARBAGE IN = GARBAGE OUT) (Computer saying)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
This campaign has been about too much garbage, too much nonsense, too many lies, too many fools, etc.
Perhaps, as we move forward, not backward, we the American people will learn to sort things out and clean up the garbage, before things get out of control.
"Forward, not backward." (Obama campaign)
---------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
This campaign has been about too much garbage, too much nonsense, too many lies, too many fools, etc.
Perhaps, as we move forward, not backward, we the American people will learn to sort things out and clean up the garbage, before things get out of control.
"Forward, not backward." (Obama campaign)
---------------------------------------------------------
3
What I am left with is the sad truth that our political divide is an abyss. Within my own family are people who cannot even discuss politics because they would probably never speak to each other again. I find it so disheartening that I could fundamentally disagree with others on every single issue of importance to me, including what we think is important. How is this correctable? How do we teach our children how to analyze information, evaluate sources and, most importantly, connect the mental and ethical dots that x leads to y, that this result means z for our future? I can only hope that more opportunity for all will lead to a more egalitarian society that doesn't fear the Other, or, almost as unfortunate, is totally indifferent to what world we leave our children.
6
I think all official and/or public support or credibility given to any person or organization teaching that adherence to magical beliefs will be rewarded after death should be terminated. No punishment, just withdrawal of any trappings of respect.
Mindy, thanks for this post, and you aren’t alone. My family is divided this election cycle, and it has become a study on how alienation takes roots and destroys. We’ll survive it, as will our nation, but we lose time rebuilding.
Politics and government are not the answer. They are band aids on a wound that each one of us carries and must bind up and cure, ourselves. No one else can do it for you.
Will this be the first time in history that the electorate knowingly votes for a corrupt president?
6
Which one and what are your arguments and hard evidence to support your claim? Vague innuendo doesn't cut it.
Let me tell you what this election taught me.
1. Never ever trust the media especially the liberal media such as NYT, WP, and CNN.
2. Propaganda works and America is a crony capitalist nation.
3. But Democracy is not dead. If actors like Bernie and Trump can mobilize voters with their message, then I am okay with democracy.
4. Finally, I have a suggestion to the mainstream media: you never learnt the lesson and you guys are living in a fantasyland. Brexit cleared a litte bit; today, you will learn something more I guess.
5. Get used to President Trump from tomorrow. Good day for all of you.
1. Never ever trust the media especially the liberal media such as NYT, WP, and CNN.
2. Propaganda works and America is a crony capitalist nation.
3. But Democracy is not dead. If actors like Bernie and Trump can mobilize voters with their message, then I am okay with democracy.
4. Finally, I have a suggestion to the mainstream media: you never learnt the lesson and you guys are living in a fantasyland. Brexit cleared a litte bit; today, you will learn something more I guess.
5. Get used to President Trump from tomorrow. Good day for all of you.
9
WOW, a person of color voting for Trump...wow.just wow and probably a troll....No we are not going to have him in the WH unless all the polls are wrong...
1
You're response seems to imply that a "person of color" can't think for themselves. How obnoxious to assume that someone is voting for a specific candidate just by looking at the color of their skin.
1
The superimposition of Brexit on the US election has taught us a lot of things: 1) political issues that are swept under the carpet by the political class do not go away -- they get worse; 2) love trumps hate when people are experiencing discomfort -- but this may not work when discomfort turns to serious pain; 3) finding common ground is supposed to be the prime mission of a government that respects the absolute equality of all people under the law.
3
The campaign has made me realize how divided our country is. In a microcosm of that large picture, It's made me realize how divided my friends are on big issues when I thought we were so similar. I am sad to say I was wrong and naive in my perceptions of America and now I wonder how will this country ever come together? That is the next step. Now that we all have seen the diversity of American political and cultural views, it's time to deal with them. We can't shut each other out and preach hatred and intolerance toward each other anymore. We have to try to understand each other, respect each other's viewpoints, and work toward solutions that enable us all to live together. My friends and I will come together again. I hope the country can do the same.
1
Hate sells -- let us hope it sold not well enough, this time around. I never thought I'd experience something approaching the atmosphere of the electoral politics of early 1930s central Europe, as my parents had. I hope not to experience any closer resemblance, going forward.
That said, J.D. Vance's observations, in a Time magazine interview, about the feelings of the working class must not be discounted. It is the predominantly white portion of the working class to which Trump's rhetoric has appealed. The irony is that Clinton's policies (in stark contrast to Trump's) are the very ones that have the potential to improve their lot, but the press only paid attention to her deplorable "deplorables" comment that further enraged this formerly core Democratic demographic. It is imperative for Clinton to reach out immediately to the working class in general and prioritize efforts on its behalf at the start of her term -- assuming that hate didn't sell well enough in this election.
That said, J.D. Vance's observations, in a Time magazine interview, about the feelings of the working class must not be discounted. It is the predominantly white portion of the working class to which Trump's rhetoric has appealed. The irony is that Clinton's policies (in stark contrast to Trump's) are the very ones that have the potential to improve their lot, but the press only paid attention to her deplorable "deplorables" comment that further enraged this formerly core Democratic demographic. It is imperative for Clinton to reach out immediately to the working class in general and prioritize efforts on its behalf at the start of her term -- assuming that hate didn't sell well enough in this election.
6
Mr. Czipot, if you look at Hillary Clinton's domestic and economic programs, you quickly see the imposition of nearly two trillion in new taxes which have to come from somewhere...
You can tax the rich 100% of their income cannot make a dent in that sort of financial commttment. Only by taxing the upper and middle classes and, yes the lower middle and lower classes, too.
Since these segments of our economy are already pretty-much taxed out what with state and local taxes piled on the federal tax burden, the addition burden will drive even more people into the lowest depths of our society.
The only saving grace will be a Congress that will be unwilling to face their constituencies if they go along with that sort of taxation.
You can tax the rich 100% of their income cannot make a dent in that sort of financial commttment. Only by taxing the upper and middle classes and, yes the lower middle and lower classes, too.
Since these segments of our economy are already pretty-much taxed out what with state and local taxes piled on the federal tax burden, the addition burden will drive even more people into the lowest depths of our society.
The only saving grace will be a Congress that will be unwilling to face their constituencies if they go along with that sort of taxation.
"Mr. Trump has shown it is feasible to recruit the alt-right, conspiracy theorists, white supremacists and anti-Semites as ferocious allies without alienating reliable Republican voters."
Not something of which Americans or Republicans should be proud.
Not something of which Americans or Republicans should be proud.
10
He has also managed to spark a resurgence of the "vast right wing conspiracy theorists.
I sincerely apologize for our President pushing his nose into your domestic politics in the Brexit vote. I would also like to remind you has to how offensive it was.
I request that you remain out of OUR domestic politics.
I sincerely apologize for our President pushing his nose into your domestic politics in the Brexit vote. I would also like to remind you has to how offensive it was.
I request that you remain out of OUR domestic politics.
The NYT editorial finally nails what was the single most consequential act of the entire 2016 campaign: the unprecedented business decision made by the three cable "news" networks in the summer and fall of 2016 to give Donald Trump free and unlimited air time in exchange for higher ratings, a privilege they granted to no other candidate.
It was this decision that changed Trump from a novelty joke into a "serious" candidate. When the cable networks made this fateful decision, they basically ended any chance of a truly competitive GOP primary race and handed the nomination to Trump.
Importing a bona-fide, reality-TV star into the presidential race also allowed the cable networks (and to a lesser extent, the print media) to cover the entire campaign as one giant sex-and-email entertainment spectacle, with virtually zero discussion of any substantive policy issues.
The American voters certainly deserved better than this.
It was this decision that changed Trump from a novelty joke into a "serious" candidate. When the cable networks made this fateful decision, they basically ended any chance of a truly competitive GOP primary race and handed the nomination to Trump.
Importing a bona-fide, reality-TV star into the presidential race also allowed the cable networks (and to a lesser extent, the print media) to cover the entire campaign as one giant sex-and-email entertainment spectacle, with virtually zero discussion of any substantive policy issues.
The American voters certainly deserved better than this.
15
Media people follow the new and ignore the known-and-stable.
Had those who were ignored done attention-worthy things they would have ''stolen Trump's thunder.''
News coverage is an hour-by-hour decision.
Now, was D.T. choosing to touch on hot-button issues? Sure. Do established politicians do that? not so much.
Had those who were ignored done attention-worthy things they would have ''stolen Trump's thunder.''
News coverage is an hour-by-hour decision.
Now, was D.T. choosing to touch on hot-button issues? Sure. Do established politicians do that? not so much.
What I learned is there is no low that is too low for 40% of the electorate. How many times did we think that the nail was in Trump's coffin? After his announcement speech calling Mexicans rapists? The disputes with Meghan Kelley? Kahns? Curio? Seven bankruptcies? Sexual assault? Fleeced contractors and Trump U victims? The hypocrisy of Trump merchandise made overseas? Putin bromance? Blow ups and meltdowns at debates? Even the fact that his wife worked illegally (which barely got mentioned amid the FBI flack) didn't matter. And all of this is combined with having absolutely no real solutions whatsoever. Make America Great Again. Build the "beautiful" wall. Believe Me. I know more than the generals.
There is NO reasonable comparison of Trump to McCain or Romney or even Clinton. His language. His cluelessness. His anger. He's simply not a nice human being. So, what keeps me up at night is what do 40% of the electorate see in this charlatan?
There is NO reasonable comparison of Trump to McCain or Romney or even Clinton. His language. His cluelessness. His anger. He's simply not a nice human being. So, what keeps me up at night is what do 40% of the electorate see in this charlatan?
12
Themselves, but a lot richer.
I've learned that the NYT is with her, despite a host of actions that add up to a very strong RICO prosecution.
21
Do you really think the Democratic Party is racketeer influenced corrupt organization, while the Republican Party is God's Own Party?
1
Nope, she's innocent. Unspecified allegations and character assassination do not a RICO case make.
2
Once again the gross domestic product and employment creation remains the elusive goal. The decline of manufacturing has been caused by the demand for higher profits and lower costs. Automation, imported goods and services continue to create false benefits in the US economy. Hpow many people should be replaced with robots? Robots are tax deductions while people are variables. Where is the moral and national responsibility to grow economic opportunity for ouer citizens before extreme self gain? How many Americans really believe that paying less for everything is better than having money to buy the things you like and need. As we lower the bar of price for consumer goods are we really increasing the wealth of our country, or just a few individuals. On May 18, 2016 I published the AREA-A, the American Reinvestment Economic Acceleration Act. which calls the most capable, wealthiest Americans and corporations to invest in the United States of America, not off shore or overseas, by identifying ways and means to build opportunity, equity and infrastructure directly through philanthropic investment in the cities and citizens of the USA.
2
Restoration of feudalism?
This election has also taught us that what was once a great American institution, an icon of unbiased free speech has also turned to its own brand of "ugliness" in its unprecedented an complete disregard for a centuries old American idea of basic journalism: objective reporting.
In the NYT's desperate and blatant desire to elect Ms. Clinton and ravage Mr. Trump it has in terms directly and subtly mixed editorial writing and news reporting in a way that would insult any high school teacher of journalism 101. To justify it at the beginning, many front page articles were labeled "analysis" but as the campaign wore on even that pretense was dropped.
Your "reporters" conveniently failed to cover or even mention that the perpetrators of the most obvious rigging are what used to be trusted as mainstream media: The New York Times, CNN (now known as The Clinton News Network), NBC, and CBS.
It would be interesting to count the number and quantity of the hit pieces on Trump compared to those on Clinton. . .nothing (including justifying it because of what Mr. Trump represents to you) can justify the most one-sided coverage in NYT history. I never thought I'd say this but Its as if the New York Times has become the Left's version of FOX "news."
In the NYT's desperate and blatant desire to elect Ms. Clinton and ravage Mr. Trump it has in terms directly and subtly mixed editorial writing and news reporting in a way that would insult any high school teacher of journalism 101. To justify it at the beginning, many front page articles were labeled "analysis" but as the campaign wore on even that pretense was dropped.
Your "reporters" conveniently failed to cover or even mention that the perpetrators of the most obvious rigging are what used to be trusted as mainstream media: The New York Times, CNN (now known as The Clinton News Network), NBC, and CBS.
It would be interesting to count the number and quantity of the hit pieces on Trump compared to those on Clinton. . .nothing (including justifying it because of what Mr. Trump represents to you) can justify the most one-sided coverage in NYT history. I never thought I'd say this but Its as if the New York Times has become the Left's version of FOX "news."
17
Get real. CNN turned itself over to Kellyanne Conway and her double.
You don't know what "left" is. There isn't one left in the US. And The Donald was perfectly honest when he claimed that celebrity put him above normal standards of conduct.
You don't know what "left" is. There isn't one left in the US. And The Donald was perfectly honest when he claimed that celebrity put him above normal standards of conduct.
You nailed it, Irving.
3
I do wish someone would coin a more honest and meaningful synonym for "alt-right," which is really a euphemism for very ugly ideas.
5
2016 has taught us that the Middle Class has been used and lied to for too long and that priorities in politics, business and communities need to be changed.
13
How do you explain so many of these folks voting for a con-artist who has set a new record for the frequency of untruths in political campaigns?
4
Steve B -
Because of her gender, of course.
It sure ain't the issues.
Because of her gender, of course.
It sure ain't the issues.
3
That's easy Mr. Bolger...
They don't want to vote for the con-artist(s) that used lies and deception to enhance their power and their checkbooks at The Peopls expense while they were on the federal payroll.
They don't want to vote for the con-artist(s) that used lies and deception to enhance their power and their checkbooks at The Peopls expense while they were on the federal payroll.
2
At the root of all the issues mentioned are three things:
Education, education, education!
Education, education, education!
11
Fortiter in re: Leniter in Modo......
This is what we need to remember.....that it takes....courage to do the right
deeds; and it takes grace that is grace in the powerful sense to accomplish
the right deeds
And so has Bernie Sanders Bill Weld: Gill Stein ; been the levelers of this resolve.
and they have promoted what Hillary Clinton will with goodness of resolve
and heart do as our next President...
I wish her well....and I think we should remember who Hillary Clinton has
been...especially as having the same resolve at Wellesley College and further
down the road...to being The First Female President of the USA.
This is what we need to remember.....that it takes....courage to do the right
deeds; and it takes grace that is grace in the powerful sense to accomplish
the right deeds
And so has Bernie Sanders Bill Weld: Gill Stein ; been the levelers of this resolve.
and they have promoted what Hillary Clinton will with goodness of resolve
and heart do as our next President...
I wish her well....and I think we should remember who Hillary Clinton has
been...especially as having the same resolve at Wellesley College and further
down the road...to being The First Female President of the USA.
2
Among fellow liberals, stop demonizing conservatives. Get fear of 'the other' out of politics and lead by example.
7
If liberals' criticisms of conservatives lack merit please be specific.
I wonder if the "God Bless America" cake in the article's accompanying photo is made with -- sour cream.
5
The Times claims that, "This election year has been an exhausting parade of ugliness."
On the Republican side, and only on the Republican side, yes. But many Democrats rallied around Bernie Sanders, the voice of the dispossessed, the common man, the hard-pressed students and their parents, the aging who are looking at retirement uncertainty. Bernie Sanders ran on a message of hope and progress and inclusiveness.
Of course, you wouldn't know it from reading The Times, which virtually ignored his candidacy, and when the voters began showing how strong his support really was, The Times slimed him mercilessly.
Bernie Sanders was a voice of hope. So sad that The Times did so much to stifle that voice.
On the Republican side, and only on the Republican side, yes. But many Democrats rallied around Bernie Sanders, the voice of the dispossessed, the common man, the hard-pressed students and their parents, the aging who are looking at retirement uncertainty. Bernie Sanders ran on a message of hope and progress and inclusiveness.
Of course, you wouldn't know it from reading The Times, which virtually ignored his candidacy, and when the voters began showing how strong his support really was, The Times slimed him mercilessly.
Bernie Sanders was a voice of hope. So sad that The Times did so much to stifle that voice.
13
The media have a lot more responsibility for Trump becoming the nominee than for Sanders not becoming the nominee, although the media did let pass the false equivalency between Trump and Bernie representing the anger of the right and left, respectively. I understood Bernie's message. I voted for him and he lost. The notion that the public was misled, misinformed, or not informed about Bernie's message is untrue.
Hear, hear. I do believe there is a special place in you know where for Krugman and the others, because of the way they stifled the one and only voice of hope.
1
I supported Sanders, and I support him now. I found nothing untoward about the Times' coverage of his campaign.
"A parade of ugliness." Yes.
And who is at fault? Who is the one candidate that has been the center of all the ugliness? The person who denounces being "politically correct"... when he doesn't even know what the phrase truly means. It means "having due respect for others," versus walking all over their dignity.
And who is at fault? Who is the one candidate that has been the center of all the ugliness? The person who denounces being "politically correct"... when he doesn't even know what the phrase truly means. It means "having due respect for others," versus walking all over their dignity.
6
The PBS documentary last night about the histories of both Hillary and Donald Trump has further convinced me that neither one is qualified to be president.
If there were a box on the ballot marked "Protest" I would most certainly choose it.
If there were a box on the ballot marked "Protest" I would most certainly choose it.
10
Hillary is eminently qualified for the Presidency by past deed and progressive thinking.
She has never done the things the Hateful Right accuse her of except for the ultimate crime -- the "Cookie Speech".
In fact she may well be the most qualified morally to ever seek the office!!
She has never done the things the Hateful Right accuse her of except for the ultimate crime -- the "Cookie Speech".
In fact she may well be the most qualified morally to ever seek the office!!
1
How about a choice on all federal election ballots for the Congress to proceed with picking a better choice? That's kind of how we ended up with Gerald Ford, certainly no disaster. Remember, the Freedom Caucus is less than half of the Republicans in the House.
2016 Has taught us that divisive political hate speech has reached new lows and if the Republican leadership doesn't find a way to stop the awful stigmatising rhetoric in its party, it might be leading the US towards another secession.
1
What many people do not realize is that most of the ugliness came from Donald Trump. Hillary did not run a particularly negative campaign, but to listen to a lot of the media, you would have thought she was. The "false equivalency, fair and balanced" reporting tarred Hillary with the same brush, when she was usually innocent of all of the bad traits of The Donald.
7
I'm trying to remember which candidate called her opponent's supporters a basket of deplorables. That's not ugly to you, Amy? Trump never said anything like that about the Democratic voters.
4
Remember, folks, voting is just like driving.
If you want to go backward, choose "R." If you want to go forward, choose "D."
If you want to go backward, choose "R." If you want to go forward, choose "D."
8
I agree with your statement that "the media enable extreme candidates" but not your implicit statement "except media like the New York Times." The mainstream media are complicit in making Donald Trump viable by reporting, and thereby legitimizing, his most extreme statements. In trying to appear balanced and objective, time and time again your reporting put Ms. Clinton's and Mr. Trump's statements on equal footing.
I understand the difficulty in drawing the line between what is news and what is not worth reporting, but I believe that the NYT's editors missed the mark in this election. I hope that they and editors from their peer media do some serious soul searching in the coming days and weeks.
I understand the difficulty in drawing the line between what is news and what is not worth reporting, but I believe that the NYT's editors missed the mark in this election. I hope that they and editors from their peer media do some serious soul searching in the coming days and weeks.
Trump advocates beg to differ.
1
The main take-away is that there is a glaring unexamined Double Standard that was used by Trump's campaign to work the press over.
Reporting on "two things" is not reporting on two things of equal importance.
9 Days of *crickets* on the phony FBI look-see into duplicate emails which were suddenly able to be gone through in hours was unbelievable.
And Donald Trump got to tell American voters any lie that settled on his big block head- Watergate et al. Meanwhile no demand for a look into his Russia connections, a pass on his taxes, his fraud case at Trump U and the blind eye from Attorney Generals in Florida and elsewhere. The list of his lies was endless.
This kind of "news" has to stop. Bannon of the white nationalist Breitbart and the disgraced Roger Ailes of the Fox lie factory are masters of this kind of baloney. Let's Fire Them.
Reporting on "two things" is not reporting on two things of equal importance.
9 Days of *crickets* on the phony FBI look-see into duplicate emails which were suddenly able to be gone through in hours was unbelievable.
And Donald Trump got to tell American voters any lie that settled on his big block head- Watergate et al. Meanwhile no demand for a look into his Russia connections, a pass on his taxes, his fraud case at Trump U and the blind eye from Attorney Generals in Florida and elsewhere. The list of his lies was endless.
This kind of "news" has to stop. Bannon of the white nationalist Breitbart and the disgraced Roger Ailes of the Fox lie factory are masters of this kind of baloney. Let's Fire Them.
3
Automated copy (1-for-1) checking is a very, very easy accomplishment for even a small home computer and ought not be "unbelievable" to an average American child or adult.
Who was it who once said, "let them eat cake? It was the arrogant attitude among the "powers that be" that gave rise to a Donald Trump and his growing support and the refusal of the democratic party to understand the fast rising popularity of Bernie Sanders and his message especially among younger voters who represent the future of that party. I believe the lesson here is quite clear, the question is will the political parties themselves and the "status quo" establishment types have finally learned it?
Many think the election of Hillary Clinton should somewhat calm the waters and everything ultimately will be OK, however, if she chooses to fill her cabinet with Washington Insiders, sidestep progressive issues and policies and continue on with the "status quo", if not Donald Trump himself, the Republicans will bring forth a candidate in 2020 to oppose her that will be a considerably more polished "Trump type" and she could be a one-term only President.
Many think the election of Hillary Clinton should somewhat calm the waters and everything ultimately will be OK, however, if she chooses to fill her cabinet with Washington Insiders, sidestep progressive issues and policies and continue on with the "status quo", if not Donald Trump himself, the Republicans will bring forth a candidate in 2020 to oppose her that will be a considerably more polished "Trump type" and she could be a one-term only President.
2
.......that the american voter does not have any real choices on election day.Both republicans and democrats are fighting for power for their parties,the intrests of the country do not matter.What the US needs is a new election system,without registering fraud and with more than two parties.If Hillary wins the republicans are going to continue their sabotage of the presidents intentions,what kind of democracy is that?
2
"A just machine to make big decisions, programmed by fellas with compassion and vision."
Something should be done to prevent the very wealthy, like Trump, from buying an election through use of their own funding mechanism. He was cut off at first from receiving funds from the Republicans until they saw opportunity and caved but does this mean that any billionaire with money can possess our Government in the future? This is a very dangerous idea and safeguards need to be in place.
Most serious money selects and backs proxies, as do the Koch brothers. These folks are not interested in experiencing the insults and boredom of the campaign trail themselves.
2
No, the BIG money for the last several election has all be on the Democrat side.
2008's top campaign budget: Obama
2012 - Obama
2016 - Clinton
2004 - Bush $39 million more than Kerry.
Once the Dems ignored the unions, cash got easier to raise from the ecology-minded, for what that's worth.
2008's top campaign budget: Obama
2012 - Obama
2016 - Clinton
2004 - Bush $39 million more than Kerry.
Once the Dems ignored the unions, cash got easier to raise from the ecology-minded, for what that's worth.
2
Moderate Republican voters have heavily switched vote to Democrat, already in primaries.
Thanks Obama!
This has impacted Republican primary, by leaving no ground for moderate republican candidates.
Thanks Obama!
Trump, with his attitude, has continued swiping the republican ground from the remaining moderate voters.
Thanks Obama!
This is how this election got rigged.
Thanks Obama!
Democrats will win by a landslide, just like most of the election in US were won.
Thanks Obama!
Thanks Obama!
This has impacted Republican primary, by leaving no ground for moderate republican candidates.
Thanks Obama!
Trump, with his attitude, has continued swiping the republican ground from the remaining moderate voters.
Thanks Obama!
This is how this election got rigged.
Thanks Obama!
Democrats will win by a landslide, just like most of the election in US were won.
Thanks Obama!
1
...and moderate Republican angry about the revolt of the deplorables they recruited with dog whistling. Thanks, losers!
You should add something else to your list. Disastrously, the New York Times news division contributed to this crazy charade. It continued its long history of pursuing the Clintons by investing its resources in a lopsided scrutiny of stories about Hillary's emails and the Clinton Foundation and with its blaring headlines that have undermined her campaign. (Just last week under the headline "New Emails Jolt Clinton Campaign In Race’s Last Days; FBI Looks at Messages Found During Inquiry"....the story then reported that there was no indication whether the emails were "new", and that the FBI had not yet "look[ed]"at them!). Read MediaMatters story on this http://www.mediamatters.org/blog/2016/09/08/new-york-times-clinton-cover...
In my view, the result of this terribly unfair coverage from the nation's most prominent paper has been that more people trust Trump than Clinton. How bizarre is that? Please take responsibility for your part NYT.
In my view, the result of this terribly unfair coverage from the nation's most prominent paper has been that more people trust Trump than Clinton. How bizarre is that? Please take responsibility for your part NYT.
5
The story of 2016 is that insiders DO get away with everything if they have the media behind them.
We used to ask if the wildly politicized media would decide all future elections.
Now we ask if Charles Manson could be elected President if only the correct Party had nominated.
Hillary the Corrupt has gone from destroying innocent women's lives to accepting bribes in truly imaginative ways to getting good people killed overseas simply because she needed to cover up her illegal bribery and money-laundering activities.
So WHAT if there is an Espionage Act?
The assistants Hillary took to her State Department part-time position (while concentrating on her ''charity'' income - were shocked that the rule of law wasn't even getting a hearing with Hillary.
The Podesta emails are full of good people slowly realizing that they were enmeshed in a world of criminal behavior just so Hillary didn't have to be jealous of her high-roller friends any more.
We are electing Al Capone to run the whole country. We will end up just having to salute whatever flag they show us.
And the Dept. of Justice has its price tag just like a stack of old records or like the drug rights to a certain streetcorner in the 'hood.
We used to ask if the wildly politicized media would decide all future elections.
Now we ask if Charles Manson could be elected President if only the correct Party had nominated.
Hillary the Corrupt has gone from destroying innocent women's lives to accepting bribes in truly imaginative ways to getting good people killed overseas simply because she needed to cover up her illegal bribery and money-laundering activities.
So WHAT if there is an Espionage Act?
The assistants Hillary took to her State Department part-time position (while concentrating on her ''charity'' income - were shocked that the rule of law wasn't even getting a hearing with Hillary.
The Podesta emails are full of good people slowly realizing that they were enmeshed in a world of criminal behavior just so Hillary didn't have to be jealous of her high-roller friends any more.
We are electing Al Capone to run the whole country. We will end up just having to salute whatever flag they show us.
And the Dept. of Justice has its price tag just like a stack of old records or like the drug rights to a certain streetcorner in the 'hood.
11
My Verona, Hamlet had players like you in mind when he said: "O, it offends me to the soul to hear a robustious periwig-pated fellow tear a passion to tatters, to very rags, to split the ears of the groundlings, who for the most part are capable of nothing but inexplicable dumb shows and noise."
1
I'd vote Al Capone anytime over Trump. But really, you do not have a shred of evidence of what you are accusing Hillary Clinton and the DOJ of, otherwise you'd have provided it. She is innocent.
1
What have we learned for certain?
The things that most people CLAIM they care about are self-delusions:
1. Evangelicals abandon the 10 commandments at will when the devil himself shows up in a long red tie and tells them he is THEIR new savior.
2. Republicans DO NOT care about the budget (DT's tax "plan").. . OR the constitution (4 more years of blocking a SC nominee).
3. Those who sneeringly called Hillary paranoid are busily hoarding yet more guns. She will plead for the nation to come to its senses about modest regulations. It won't matter. Reason does not play a part in this issue.
4. Those who scream loudest about the horror of aborting a potential human will continue to do everything in their power to make the lives of those already alive more difficult and miserable.
Sanctimonious hypocrites will double-down on their efforts to take away women's health care (Planned Parenthood), strip health care options for the self-employed, deny things like free school lunches (too expensive, you little leeches), veteran's support (watch their votes), education, etc. etc.
The depravations they are willing and eager to inflict upon all those they don't like are savage. Yet they hold fast to the delusion that they are "pro-life".
The most painful take away is gross hypocrisy of the GOP.
PARTY is EVERYTHING. They are now this country's absolute worst nightmare— the vestigial arm of a once great animal, rendered irrelevant by the final abandonment of all social conscience.
The things that most people CLAIM they care about are self-delusions:
1. Evangelicals abandon the 10 commandments at will when the devil himself shows up in a long red tie and tells them he is THEIR new savior.
2. Republicans DO NOT care about the budget (DT's tax "plan").. . OR the constitution (4 more years of blocking a SC nominee).
3. Those who sneeringly called Hillary paranoid are busily hoarding yet more guns. She will plead for the nation to come to its senses about modest regulations. It won't matter. Reason does not play a part in this issue.
4. Those who scream loudest about the horror of aborting a potential human will continue to do everything in their power to make the lives of those already alive more difficult and miserable.
Sanctimonious hypocrites will double-down on their efforts to take away women's health care (Planned Parenthood), strip health care options for the self-employed, deny things like free school lunches (too expensive, you little leeches), veteran's support (watch their votes), education, etc. etc.
The depravations they are willing and eager to inflict upon all those they don't like are savage. Yet they hold fast to the delusion that they are "pro-life".
The most painful take away is gross hypocrisy of the GOP.
PARTY is EVERYTHING. They are now this country's absolute worst nightmare— the vestigial arm of a once great animal, rendered irrelevant by the final abandonment of all social conscience.
6
There are many of us here that would have loved to be voting for Sanders. He would be much further ahead in the polls against Trump and the NYT as well as the DNC needs to do a lot of serious looking inward. This publication failed. Miserably.
8
A couple of other things we learned:
1. An education system that produces an electorate as impervious to blatant lies and as woefully ignorant of basic scientific facts as we have seen in this election is in desperate need of wholesale reform.
2. The marketplace of ideas, which forms the basic philosophical underpinning of our notions of free speech, is broken. Perhaps the marketplace of ideas needs some regulation. A return to the fairness doctrine might not be a bad first step. The challenge, of course, is how to apply it broadly enough to have the desired impact of exposing people to ideas that differ from the ones they already hold.
1. An education system that produces an electorate as impervious to blatant lies and as woefully ignorant of basic scientific facts as we have seen in this election is in desperate need of wholesale reform.
2. The marketplace of ideas, which forms the basic philosophical underpinning of our notions of free speech, is broken. Perhaps the marketplace of ideas needs some regulation. A return to the fairness doctrine might not be a bad first step. The challenge, of course, is how to apply it broadly enough to have the desired impact of exposing people to ideas that differ from the ones they already hold.
4
Who gets to decide on "fairness" in the fairness doctrine? Because if it were me, the NYTimes has been the most unfair of them all during this election season. They even tried to publicly justify moving their editorial position to the news pages!
Why are today's "liberals" so quick to embrace censorship?
Why are today's "liberals" so quick to embrace censorship?
2
This is what Ronald Reagan wanted--nothing but one long commercial. Trump gets all the airtime so people can sell stuff. Reagan pioneered it. Almost all the media are complicit, even if individuals are abhorred.
The triumph of MARKETING as one of the primary businesses of the United States. There has never been anything behind the Trump product, but that's not the point.
No intellectualism, humanism, ethics, soul. Just checks written, some of them bad. It's right (according to the GOP and many others) simply because it's the utter gutter depravity of the worship of just making money. In any way, shape or form. Ultimately it's a void.
The triumph of MARKETING as one of the primary businesses of the United States. There has never been anything behind the Trump product, but that's not the point.
No intellectualism, humanism, ethics, soul. Just checks written, some of them bad. It's right (according to the GOP and many others) simply because it's the utter gutter depravity of the worship of just making money. In any way, shape or form. Ultimately it's a void.
2
2016 lays bare a deeply divided country. The travesty would be if all that has surfaced were covered up under the guise of healing the nation, moving forward. Taking stock, a look in the mirror is a great opportunity to rise as a nation, try to live up to the words Equality, Liberty, Justice for all within the framework of democracy.
Hate isn't new, it's signifier & negative result of fear, desperation, frustration ignored. Hate has been used throughout history to rally against foreign nations, foment war, grasp control of lands & resources but, equally it's used against disenfranchised or minority group within the nation to perpetuate the status quo. What is shocking & revealing is many thought a Presidential candidate's platform built on hate & fear only happened in 'less exceptional' countries.
The NY Times is wrong to equate Trump & Sanders. Trump has used anxiety as a personal asset - Sanders to expose deep seated, toxic problems & offer solutions & hope.
Traditional media has been running scared for years. And now, no longer the prime source of news, with power & control inherent, it's adopted a social media strategy - click not content as goal. One expects better from a platform that affords more than 140 characters to say something.
2016 has taught there's work to be done. The only thing stopping a better future for all is to ignore & dismiss everything that has happened & been said with a smug, self-satisfied "this is not who we are”, "this is not America".
Hate isn't new, it's signifier & negative result of fear, desperation, frustration ignored. Hate has been used throughout history to rally against foreign nations, foment war, grasp control of lands & resources but, equally it's used against disenfranchised or minority group within the nation to perpetuate the status quo. What is shocking & revealing is many thought a Presidential candidate's platform built on hate & fear only happened in 'less exceptional' countries.
The NY Times is wrong to equate Trump & Sanders. Trump has used anxiety as a personal asset - Sanders to expose deep seated, toxic problems & offer solutions & hope.
Traditional media has been running scared for years. And now, no longer the prime source of news, with power & control inherent, it's adopted a social media strategy - click not content as goal. One expects better from a platform that affords more than 140 characters to say something.
2016 has taught there's work to be done. The only thing stopping a better future for all is to ignore & dismiss everything that has happened & been said with a smug, self-satisfied "this is not who we are”, "this is not America".
2
I hope Trump is tormented for the rest of his life about losing this election, all of his time and personal money spent, and spends the rest of his time on earth fighting criminal and civil prosecutions. I wish him the worst and hope he driven into obscurity.
8
I have the same wishes for Hillary. I wish her nothing but horror and failure.
13
DRS -- you must be in the Mitch McConnell Tribe that did everything it could to make Barack Obama a one-term president.
Bad form.
Bad form.
1
Proving, again, how much hatred exists on the Left.
1
But please, oh please NYT -- or any reader -- tell us if and how Hillary could replace Comey at the FBI. I'm not adamant that he should be dumped -- we all make mistakes, like Hillary's with the email server which started it all, and Bill's complicating things with the on-plane visit to the AG while the investigation was pending.
But is it even possible to replace him? Without an act of Congress?
But is it even possible to replace him? Without an act of Congress?
She shouldn't replace Comey. Take him back into the fold as the first step in forging an alliance with centrist Republicans to try to get some useful legislation enacted. Loretta Lynch can be dumped- she was a deer in the headlights during this scandal. It would be great to see the naïve Bernie supporters and the crackpot right excluded from a rational bloc of Dems and Reps who could work together- maybe I'm being naïve.
To poster Fred White: Hillary will listen to white working class voters as soon as they raise $1,000,000 to give her a donation.
16
Americans are learning what Athenians learned the hard way 2,500 years ago: a) Democracy is easily corruptible, b) Demagogues can hijack Democracy, c) Lies are the number one weapon of demagogues because most people never bother to check by themselves what is the truth.
4
@Phillip Andrews
Quite true, which is exactly why the Founders chose to create a republic...
Quite true, which is exactly why the Founders chose to create a republic...
1
What many is us have also learned is that that seeds of our Civil War are still being sowed. Trump didn't have to dig deep to expose them. They are still growing and won't go away on Wednesday, A profound question: Can we as a people unite ourselves, at least to a degree so that we'll not have to experience the nightmare of this election process ever again? As a cynic (or a realist, I doubt it.
3
2016 is the year of the preposterous like a candidate acting with unprecedented unorthodoxy claiming the election is rigged with no evidence whatsoever. He is taking the crazy position that if he wins a state its not rigged but if he loses it then it is not rigged. This is banal.
2
Perhaps it's time we relabeled from "crazy" to "lazy."
Telling the truth followed by detailed proposals based on the truth requires a far greater work ethic and a great deal more effort than inventing endless lies.
Telling the truth followed by detailed proposals based on the truth requires a far greater work ethic and a great deal more effort than inventing endless lies.
1
Local solutions are fine, but there is a serious need to remake our convoluted election laws to bring voting into the twenty-first century. Our Founding Fathers would likely look at the crazy two party shenanigans and ask, "Why haven't you adopted new voting laws already?" We don't need this electoral college dominated by two disingenuous money-grubbing parties any longer. It's extremely wasteful, and it's not working.
5
Unless American voters soundly smack down Trump today, the Republican Party leaders who have been drafting on his vicious campaign will spend the next 2 years gridlocking Congress and the Supreme Court while refining voter suppression laws for the mid-term elections.
Americans need to force a complete makeover of the Republican Party and force the Alt-Right folks and KKK back into their dark meeting rooms.
Americans need to force a complete makeover of the Republican Party and force the Alt-Right folks and KKK back into their dark meeting rooms.
4
Why is it the editors of the NYT always make excuses for members fo the Republican party when it comes to their racism? "Mr Trump has shown it is feasible to recruit the alt-right, conspiracy theorists, white supremacists and anti Semites as ferocious allies without alienating reliable Republican voters.
The editors need a Sherlock Homes gobsmack upside the head. "You see, but you do not observe. The distinction is clear.", A scandal in Bohemia). Reliable Republican voters are white supremacists, anti-Semites, racists and alt-right. You can not separate this fact. Look at Trump's birther movement. Can you name a single Republican party holder, elected official or voter who has publicly denounced this movement? Not even Condi or Colin have denounced him for what he did.
The editors need a Sherlock Homes gobsmack upside the head. "You see, but you do not observe. The distinction is clear.", A scandal in Bohemia). Reliable Republican voters are white supremacists, anti-Semites, racists and alt-right. You can not separate this fact. Look at Trump's birther movement. Can you name a single Republican party holder, elected official or voter who has publicly denounced this movement? Not even Condi or Colin have denounced him for what he did.
6
What I learned is how we in this election have avoided discussing the issues that affect us most. The four issues that were barely discussed and believe should be front and center were 1)the costs and reasons for going to war and the manufacture of more and more killing machines and the exporting of this weaponry world wide to allies and oppressive governments. 2) the rapidly deteriorating situation of our garden planet-our oceans, coral reefs, rivers, lakes, species extinction, topsoil degradation and the meltdown of the Arctic. The continued mad push to extract more fossil fuels. 3) the overwhelming influence of big money on our policies. 4) the gaping disparities between the rich and the poor.
8
The greatest irony of this election: As this election has ground down to the most perverse level of inanity, we can trace its origins to the man standing next to Hillary. While I voted for Secretary Clinton I can only wonder if she has thought of the consequences of her husband President Bill Clinton signing the Telecommunications Act in 1996? Which by the way was bought and paid for by the corporate media lobbies. This unleased extreme opinionated, not fact based, faux news cable networks and many alt-right radio shows. And we have silently stood by as we watch them release an unprecedented level of bullying, hate and anger to this generation. This has resulted in a crises in the public trusting the media; Pilate said it best "What is truth?"
4
Regardless of the election outcome, Trumpism may continue to fester like an epidemic afflicting a vulnerable population of millions. A concerted nation-building exercise is vital for leaders across the political spectrum and civil societies for systemic reforms focusing on the dignity, inclusion and education of Americans suffering from prolonged underemployment due to universal-skill deficits. This alarming issue results in bare compensation, loss of dignity and harm to local economies. Universal skills are as vital for sustainable rewarding jobs and upward mobility in today's global workplace as multiplication prior to the industrial revolution when Europe used complexity-reduction innovation to bring the long multiplication and the grid method to primary schools.
Simpler ways are overdue to bring to high school competencies applicable across professions (project management, financial literacy, negotiation, self-leadership, ethics), but alas now only taught in colleges as for multiplication in the pre-Napoleon era. Our work on innovation and complexity reduction that began with MIT and Harvard-University peers is among initiatives that could bring dignity to alienated underemployed voters, many of whom are Trump's targets. The focus on universal skills should complement the work on job-specific apprenticeships (as in Germany) and job-creation policies ranging from tax credits to employment subsidies.
That is how America, the resilient oldest democracy, can lead the way.
Simpler ways are overdue to bring to high school competencies applicable across professions (project management, financial literacy, negotiation, self-leadership, ethics), but alas now only taught in colleges as for multiplication in the pre-Napoleon era. Our work on innovation and complexity reduction that began with MIT and Harvard-University peers is among initiatives that could bring dignity to alienated underemployed voters, many of whom are Trump's targets. The focus on universal skills should complement the work on job-specific apprenticeships (as in Germany) and job-creation policies ranging from tax credits to employment subsidies.
That is how America, the resilient oldest democracy, can lead the way.
1
Such initiative would go a long way to democratize access to marketable skills, not only in the United states, but worldwide. I know Alain Paul Martin has spearheaded efforts to make it happen with his Harvard peers. Such efforts deserve a wider coalition to impact the education and professional-development systems. We have to improve both marketable skills and critical thinking capability in all of the electorate. When I drove through rural West Virginia ravaged by the closure of local coal mines and saw a sign on a pontoon boat saying "For Sell" rather than "For Sale", the image became a simple example of the need to educate to create opportunities and eventually dignity for so many people.
1
What the election has taught me is that the mainstream media has 100% sold its soul. I used to be believe it was mostly in the camp of the left but would follow leads where relevant, possibly with less fervor, if damaging to left.
What we've seen the past six months is that the media lost its scruples and actively pursued Trump trash stories while actively ignoring Hillary's legal problems. This was done at all costs. The media threw away the little faith the populous had in it, to try and help Hillary.
That said, I would never blame the media should Trump lose. He is an incredibly flawed candidate. The people get what they deserve.
It is however a sad time in America, when an active and free press no longer exists. We now live in a world where Hillary does not take questions from the press and the press actually coordinates coverage with her campaign in exchange for access.
We live in a world where town hall meetings' are chock full of staged questions, where one candidate the debate questions in advance.
We know Donald would be a terrible president. We always understood that. All that the media exposed was fair game. What would have been good would have been for the media to spend as much energy vetting Hillary. Instead it just mailed in the check for Hillary. Donald was too gauche for the elites so they buried the lead.
The press' job is to report. The people's job is to decide. This is a sad day.
What we've seen the past six months is that the media lost its scruples and actively pursued Trump trash stories while actively ignoring Hillary's legal problems. This was done at all costs. The media threw away the little faith the populous had in it, to try and help Hillary.
That said, I would never blame the media should Trump lose. He is an incredibly flawed candidate. The people get what they deserve.
It is however a sad time in America, when an active and free press no longer exists. We now live in a world where Hillary does not take questions from the press and the press actually coordinates coverage with her campaign in exchange for access.
We live in a world where town hall meetings' are chock full of staged questions, where one candidate the debate questions in advance.
We know Donald would be a terrible president. We always understood that. All that the media exposed was fair game. What would have been good would have been for the media to spend as much energy vetting Hillary. Instead it just mailed in the check for Hillary. Donald was too gauche for the elites so they buried the lead.
The press' job is to report. The people's job is to decide. This is a sad day.
10
Yep, the "fourth estate" in America is history.
4
The turning point for the media really came in 2008. All of the scrutiny of the Bush years just evaporated. The press has just been Obama's lapdog. This has had terrible consequences.
If you want to hold politicians accountable, you have no choice but to vote Republican. The press won't do this job unless there is a Republican in office.
If you want to hold politicians accountable, you have no choice but to vote Republican. The press won't do this job unless there is a Republican in office.
3
I can barely stand how this election has made me feel. The bigotry that united Trump's support repulsed me, opened my eyes to just how many people in this country were energized by the hate and division that drove Trump's message. I knew these people were out there, but always assumed they were mostly a fringe group. I found the depth of Trump's evangelical support especially stunning.
As a parent of 2 racially mixed daughters (I am white, my wife is black), I suddenly had to be concerned with their safety as they went about their daily lives. Civility and restraint were upended, racist remarks and behavior were emboldened by Trump's rhetoric and my entire family experienced it along with the anxiety of wondering what our country will be like if Trump is elected.
I don't want to resent or even hate these people that enabled Trump. But it's hard to erase all that has happened over the past 18 months.
I am troubled and disappointed that this man was able to take his message this far in America today.
Disappointed and saddened by both the GOP and his supporters.
As a parent of 2 racially mixed daughters (I am white, my wife is black), I suddenly had to be concerned with their safety as they went about their daily lives. Civility and restraint were upended, racist remarks and behavior were emboldened by Trump's rhetoric and my entire family experienced it along with the anxiety of wondering what our country will be like if Trump is elected.
I don't want to resent or even hate these people that enabled Trump. But it's hard to erase all that has happened over the past 18 months.
I am troubled and disappointed that this man was able to take his message this far in America today.
Disappointed and saddened by both the GOP and his supporters.
7
There is no Hispanic vote nor community. Having a nominal Spanish language and cultural heritage has nothing to do with race, color, ethncity, faith nor national origin. Trump attacked the 2/3rds of Latino Americans who are Mexican mestizo, mulatto, African, Native and Garifuna. Not white Cubans like Cruz, Rubio, Menendez and Castro. Hispanic/Latino is a unique American ethnic cultural language fiction. A proper analog is Anglo or an English language and cultural heritage.
2
Perhaps it is time to drop all labels and categories and adopt the common name human beings.
1
The irony is that hate sells primarily to Christians.
4
I learned to fear my southern neighbours more. I also learned that I have less in common with America than I realised. I wish you all peace.
1
I agree with the sentiments expressed here.
Democrats in congress should work with President Trump and acquiesce on all of his policies and judicial appointments.
They should not obstruct, filibuster or otherwise stand in his way.
Because that would be undemocratic and even un-American, (as we've been lectured many times.)
Democrats in congress should work with President Trump and acquiesce on all of his policies and judicial appointments.
They should not obstruct, filibuster or otherwise stand in his way.
Because that would be undemocratic and even un-American, (as we've been lectured many times.)
5
Hate sells. I remember how The Times treated John McCain in 2008 and Mitt Romney in 2012. Lots of hate, lots of the normal trashing of Republicans by The Times. So why would anyone take The Times seriously in 2016 when Trump enters the political scene. If The Times stirs up hate against someone as mild and decent as Mitt Romney, nobody takes The Times seriously when it paints Trump as a vulgar barbarian. Read The Times, and all you read is how terrible Trump is. Rarely do you read about how good Hillary or her plans may be. The Times needs nowhere else to look for a reason why this campaign has been devoid of substance and filled with hate. Try reading the collected works of Blow and Krugman for hate-filled columns.
7
That cake should read "God Help America"
I see this election as the realization by the majority of the American people that they have been deceived and taken advantage of by the investor class and their puppets in the two parties. On the right you have rank and file Republicans tired of voting year after year over guns, god and gays while the politicians they elect vote for poicies which send their jobs oversees and illegal immigrants flooding across our borders taking their jobs. The left has long recognized this, of course and they had their own populist candidate in bernie Sanders who did well enough to put a scare into corporate Democrats and the establishment media including the New York Times.
Here the difference ends. The corporate media gave Trump endless free air time to spew his racist venom. Sanders was lucky to get a few minutes on the Sunday morning shows. The GOP, after a littile consternation, fell behind Trump. The DNC undermined Sanders in a blind determination to make Clinton their nominee. Lesson learned, if you're a right wing racist populist you are acceptable in America. If you threaten the bank accounts of wealthy investors as Sanders did the system will unite against you.
So NYT, if Trump wins, and I hope he doesn't, you and the rest of the media who created this monster and pushed the campaign of Hillary Clinton, a candidate with enough baggage to sink the Titanic own a share of blame for his rise to power.
I see this election as the realization by the majority of the American people that they have been deceived and taken advantage of by the investor class and their puppets in the two parties. On the right you have rank and file Republicans tired of voting year after year over guns, god and gays while the politicians they elect vote for poicies which send their jobs oversees and illegal immigrants flooding across our borders taking their jobs. The left has long recognized this, of course and they had their own populist candidate in bernie Sanders who did well enough to put a scare into corporate Democrats and the establishment media including the New York Times.
Here the difference ends. The corporate media gave Trump endless free air time to spew his racist venom. Sanders was lucky to get a few minutes on the Sunday morning shows. The GOP, after a littile consternation, fell behind Trump. The DNC undermined Sanders in a blind determination to make Clinton their nominee. Lesson learned, if you're a right wing racist populist you are acceptable in America. If you threaten the bank accounts of wealthy investors as Sanders did the system will unite against you.
So NYT, if Trump wins, and I hope he doesn't, you and the rest of the media who created this monster and pushed the campaign of Hillary Clinton, a candidate with enough baggage to sink the Titanic own a share of blame for his rise to power.
5
We have relearned what Thomas Jefferson underscored, "An educated citizenry is a vital requisite for our survival as a free people."
4
If this election has, I hope, taught this country anything, it is that we need to make sure we have individual who are "qualified" to run for the highest office in this country. Qualifications do not mean that you have the most money. Just because someone is a billionaire doesn't mean a person can run or negotiate anything. I am sick of this country and our society being seduced by celebrity and money as if those who get it are superhuman and know everything there is to know about economics, business and the military just because they are "famous." The presidency is about more than that; it is about humanity, integrity, character and a willingness to speak and listen with maturity and reflection on issues that necessitate varied points of view. it is about how to be respectful of our global community, those who can't speak for themselves, and an ongoing dialogue to remain open and flexible about future issues that will affect generations to come and a genuine concern for how those decisions will affect the future of not just our country but this planet. In short, we need someone who qualifies as an adult and all that that means. There was no question in my mind who I was voting for at every turn in this election. It is too bad, though, that I didn't get to listen to a truly heartfelt conversation from the Right about policy, social and political issues facing our country and community.
3
What the 2016 election has taught me:
1. Neither major political party is trustworthy. The Republican Party has been complicit in Donald Trump's embrace of bigotry. The Democratic Party cheated to ensure the nomination of its preferred candidate, e.g. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz and Donna Brazile.
2. The mainstream media cannot be relied upon to provide balanced coverage of American presidential races. Clinton and Trump were given prominent coverage from the outset, while their opponents were not. Predictably, Clinton and Trump were nominated.
3. The New York Times is no longer a trustworthy news source on U.S. presidential races. the Clinton and Trump were given largely uncritical saturation coverage during 2015-- before a single vote had been cast. Their challengers received far less coverage. The Times' failure to cover Bernie Sanders fairly was criticized by its own Public Editor, the Columbia Journalism Review and a host of troubled readers.
During the general election campaign, the Times' news coverage of the presidential race almost uniformly portrayed Clinton positively and Trump negatively. But a Clinton victory will have been realized at a terrible cost: the sullying of the Times' reputation for fairness. Like many other readers, I no longer trust the Times to provide unbiased reporting on U.S. presidential races. (Note: I support Clinton.)
This news organization has betrayed its readers and sacrificed its longstanding reputation for objectivity.
1. Neither major political party is trustworthy. The Republican Party has been complicit in Donald Trump's embrace of bigotry. The Democratic Party cheated to ensure the nomination of its preferred candidate, e.g. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz and Donna Brazile.
2. The mainstream media cannot be relied upon to provide balanced coverage of American presidential races. Clinton and Trump were given prominent coverage from the outset, while their opponents were not. Predictably, Clinton and Trump were nominated.
3. The New York Times is no longer a trustworthy news source on U.S. presidential races. the Clinton and Trump were given largely uncritical saturation coverage during 2015-- before a single vote had been cast. Their challengers received far less coverage. The Times' failure to cover Bernie Sanders fairly was criticized by its own Public Editor, the Columbia Journalism Review and a host of troubled readers.
During the general election campaign, the Times' news coverage of the presidential race almost uniformly portrayed Clinton positively and Trump negatively. But a Clinton victory will have been realized at a terrible cost: the sullying of the Times' reputation for fairness. Like many other readers, I no longer trust the Times to provide unbiased reporting on U.S. presidential races. (Note: I support Clinton.)
This news organization has betrayed its readers and sacrificed its longstanding reputation for objectivity.
9
What 2016 Has Taught Us:
As the need for fact checkers has soared, belief by many that there even is such a thing has plummeted.
That's not good.
As the need for fact checkers has soared, belief by many that there even is such a thing has plummeted.
That's not good.
3
Whew, it's almost over. Wait, What?? You mean it's not over?? It's just begun? Oh boy, are we in for a continuing ride of vitriol, hate, bigotry and whatever else the gop has in store for us if Hillary wins, which I hope she does.
If she wins, we will have more of the same as far as the gop is concerned, non governing of our country, endless investigations into her emails, Foundation, and whatever else they can fish for, but you can bet they will not pass any legislation that can help get this nation out of the muck and mire it is now in.
We may have a revolution coming, but it won't be what the gop wants, it will be people like myself that will yell at the top of our lungs to start to solve the problems of this great nation of ours and stop sitting on their collective behinds. Stop the investigations, start to fund capitol projects to repair our roads, bridges and infrastructure, redo the voting rights act, outlaw Citizen United and completely disown donald trump and his hate.
If only this could happen in my lifetime. I'm 70 now and I don't think I'll ever see a functioning Congress until the gop is voted out and moderates who understand the word "compromise" are actually elected on both sides of the isle and understand that, if elected to government, they need to GOVERN!!!!!
If she wins, we will have more of the same as far as the gop is concerned, non governing of our country, endless investigations into her emails, Foundation, and whatever else they can fish for, but you can bet they will not pass any legislation that can help get this nation out of the muck and mire it is now in.
We may have a revolution coming, but it won't be what the gop wants, it will be people like myself that will yell at the top of our lungs to start to solve the problems of this great nation of ours and stop sitting on their collective behinds. Stop the investigations, start to fund capitol projects to repair our roads, bridges and infrastructure, redo the voting rights act, outlaw Citizen United and completely disown donald trump and his hate.
If only this could happen in my lifetime. I'm 70 now and I don't think I'll ever see a functioning Congress until the gop is voted out and moderates who understand the word "compromise" are actually elected on both sides of the isle and understand that, if elected to government, they need to GOVERN!!!!!
2
How about #1 be " Reality is based on facts not wishful thinking or political manipulation" . The Republicans have been selling and alternate reality for 4 decades and it has resulted in this mess. There is NOT two sides to reality but there maybe differing opinions but you have to start from reality not from a political play book that answers to major corporations or special interest groups. Take just one issues just one and how do you explain that Americans can still be arguing if climate change is real or not? Once you answer that one you begin to see America needs a reality check and the media has to participate full force on the concept - this is reality and of course reality is not fair or balanced.
3
"Hate sells." For this we have freedom of the press? I thought the freedom was to ensure political debate, not partisan debacles. We would today defend a free press which encourages the desecration of democracy?
5
One simple thing :
Media has failed consistently since Ronnie got elected. They choose showmanship vs facts and that's why we're here.
Media has failed consistently since Ronnie got elected. They choose showmanship vs facts and that's why we're here.
3
"Citizens are turning to local solutions."
Like Oklahoma, for example, with almost as many ballot initiatives as registered voters. Want to pray your high school football team across the goal line, plaster the halls with 10 Commandments plaques? Gotcha covered; a slam-dunk win, for sure. Want to pay your teachers more? This one's got "loser" written all over it. Depending on which convoluted argument you prefer, you can hand control of Oklahoma's farms over to China, or not. As I say, the commercials reveal very little about the real issues involved. But give them this: they're not nearly as muddy and insulting as the national campaign has been.
Here, a few miles south of the Red River these commercials have outnumbered those for Clinton or Trump 20 to 1. In some ways it's less anxiety-ridden in an uncontested state. All one has to do is be reconciled to the fact that, once again, your vote either isn't worth wooden nickel or is taken for granted, or both.
Like Oklahoma, for example, with almost as many ballot initiatives as registered voters. Want to pray your high school football team across the goal line, plaster the halls with 10 Commandments plaques? Gotcha covered; a slam-dunk win, for sure. Want to pay your teachers more? This one's got "loser" written all over it. Depending on which convoluted argument you prefer, you can hand control of Oklahoma's farms over to China, or not. As I say, the commercials reveal very little about the real issues involved. But give them this: they're not nearly as muddy and insulting as the national campaign has been.
Here, a few miles south of the Red River these commercials have outnumbered those for Clinton or Trump 20 to 1. In some ways it's less anxiety-ridden in an uncontested state. All one has to do is be reconciled to the fact that, once again, your vote either isn't worth wooden nickel or is taken for granted, or both.
2
Extremely long campaigns tend to drive out good people who can't or won't spend years of their lives campaigning, begging for money, eating rubber chicken dinners, and paying the opportunity costs of all the other things an outstanding person can do with years of life in their prime.
Extremely long campaigns also tend to cement in options far in advance of the time we see our current problems, far in advance of most of us even thinking about this.
We got two awful candidates because of the endless campaign, that really started even before the 2012 election. And 2020 is already started.
It is not just that we are tired of it it. It does a lot of real damage to us.
Extremely long campaigns also tend to cement in options far in advance of the time we see our current problems, far in advance of most of us even thinking about this.
We got two awful candidates because of the endless campaign, that really started even before the 2012 election. And 2020 is already started.
It is not just that we are tired of it it. It does a lot of real damage to us.
5
And one more thing: money in politics have reached obscene levels.
5
Nice summary. For only the first time my entire immediate and extended family and close friends scattered across many states are all voting In unison! We fit that new demographic of educated suburbanites and are setting aside our ideological divides to vote against fear and hate mongering, bigotry, racism of all types, misogyny and the use of gutter language. That choice is clear and we hope many Americans will do the same. Please send us a piece of that cake! God Bless America!!!!!
I hope the press does a lot of soul searching as well. Cool, objective, and detailed voices are hard to hear amid the scrambling for sensationalism, gossip, and gossip.
8
One lesson from this year's election: I'm no longer a Patriots fan. I guess I'll join up with the Bills.
1
Yes, hate sells. It sells newspapers. And the NY Times knows that. Ergo, the headlines, articles, false equivalencies, etc., that were generated by this paper over and over again over the last year. It was so amply illustrated by the NY Time's most recent blaring headline over FBI Director Comey's eleventh hour email investigation, with the fact that there was no substance or proof buried well within the accompanying article. Don't try to whitewash your own complicity, NYT; own it-above the fold.
3
It's a close race and one of the candidates is Donald Trump.
Please let that thoroughly sink in next time you feel the urge to do something silly like endorsing our electoral process.
Please let that thoroughly sink in next time you feel the urge to do something silly like endorsing our electoral process.
Trump, whose own lifestyle is far from conservative, sized up the situation and took advantage. I don't think he believed a word he said at the beginning but when the crowds started cheering, he realized he was onto something.
The media reacted to this like a deer in the headlights and only very reluctantly called attention to the fact that he was lying most of the time. Of course, in a world where Fox News can be considered "fair and balanced" there's no reaon why lies cannot be treated as factually correct.
The media reacted to this like a deer in the headlights and only very reluctantly called attention to the fact that he was lying most of the time. Of course, in a world where Fox News can be considered "fair and balanced" there's no reaon why lies cannot be treated as factually correct.
4
"...the loss Mr. Trump deserves." In anticipation of victory Democrats are already criticizing Republicans for not pulling behind America's choice for President. Suddenly the hatchet must be buried and everyone rally around the sacred tradition of a peaceful transition of power--for Hillary, that is. Yet if Trump wins, Ruth Bader Ginsberg has already announced her intention to leave for New Zealand. May the editors and staff of the NYT line up behind her passports in hand.
7
The most important lesson from this year is that decades of voting for lesser evil candidates results in worse candidates every election. Like most of our political economy, we have created a rave to the bottom.
Meanwhile a large part of the country is voting against Trump, and another large part of the country is voting against Clinton.
If you want good candidates we have to vote FOR good candidates. Having everyone playing political scientist and thinking they can game the system is not working.
You may avoid one greater evil, but the long term incentives that it creates bring down the entire grips.
Meanwhile the big donors are able to make sure you get a choice between two candidates that they like. Heads they win tails you lose.
Vote for the greater good.
Meanwhile a large part of the country is voting against Trump, and another large part of the country is voting against Clinton.
If you want good candidates we have to vote FOR good candidates. Having everyone playing political scientist and thinking they can game the system is not working.
You may avoid one greater evil, but the long term incentives that it creates bring down the entire grips.
Meanwhile the big donors are able to make sure you get a choice between two candidates that they like. Heads they win tails you lose.
Vote for the greater good.
1
2016 confirmed that the media do not practice journalism. They are about as objective as Pravda. They'll grind their ax however they can, including feeding debate questions to their candidate (CNN), then reporting nothing wrong.
2016 taught us that our news had to come from Wikileaks because the media refuse to do their job. Detractors screamed "but it's illegal" all the while not caring where Trump's tax return came from to publish in the NYT.
The media ever so conveniently painted Hillary as a victim, even as her campaign paid thugs to beat up Trump supporters and bleached tens of thousands of emails to cover up illegal deals. Sorry, I'm not buying the yoga line. The Clinton Foundation is still under FBI investigation, despite those who scream "NO it isn't!" because they choose to spread lies, just like their candidate.
Trump had some missteps of his own, none of which had a fraction of scandalous magnitude as Hillary. As for the Hollywood tape, I've heard worse things said in public working my way through college in restaurants and bars, so spare me.
For those who don't like Trump, fine. But don't sell Hillary as having even a shred of honesty, integrity or virtue.
2016 taught us that our news had to come from Wikileaks because the media refuse to do their job. Detractors screamed "but it's illegal" all the while not caring where Trump's tax return came from to publish in the NYT.
The media ever so conveniently painted Hillary as a victim, even as her campaign paid thugs to beat up Trump supporters and bleached tens of thousands of emails to cover up illegal deals. Sorry, I'm not buying the yoga line. The Clinton Foundation is still under FBI investigation, despite those who scream "NO it isn't!" because they choose to spread lies, just like their candidate.
Trump had some missteps of his own, none of which had a fraction of scandalous magnitude as Hillary. As for the Hollywood tape, I've heard worse things said in public working my way through college in restaurants and bars, so spare me.
For those who don't like Trump, fine. But don't sell Hillary as having even a shred of honesty, integrity or virtue.
11
2016 Has taught me that the decline of our education system has more repercussions than simply economic.
While STEM is sorely needed to make us economically competitive again, civics and history education is also in need of a serious overhaul. And when I say history, I mean the ENTIRE history of the U.S., not just the history of white America.
The attitude (ignorance?) of the typical Trump voter goes something like 'well, slavery ended 150 years ago, so what's their (insert expletive here) problem?' This total lack of awareness or understanding of voter disenfranchisement, Jim Crow, segregation, red-lining, slanted judicial system, etc, etc. is at the root of the receptiveness of as message like Trumps.
While STEM is sorely needed to make us economically competitive again, civics and history education is also in need of a serious overhaul. And when I say history, I mean the ENTIRE history of the U.S., not just the history of white America.
The attitude (ignorance?) of the typical Trump voter goes something like 'well, slavery ended 150 years ago, so what's their (insert expletive here) problem?' This total lack of awareness or understanding of voter disenfranchisement, Jim Crow, segregation, red-lining, slanted judicial system, etc, etc. is at the root of the receptiveness of as message like Trumps.
1
2016 has taught us that we are entering a new era of US politics. In any other election year, Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump would have only found room on the Presidential tickets of third party campaigns. Sanders was only 3 million votes shy of the nomination for the Democrats and Trump won the nomination of the Republicans.
This year has shown that there is a groundswell of political activism among the voiceless classes of America. People see that their system is out of hand and does not weigh the values of the masses as greater than the values of the corporate elite.
2016 has taught us that it doesn't matter whether you've demeaned countless women, minorities and ignore facts and precedent. It has taught us that it doesn't matter whether you're under federal investigation for improper practices in an elite, federal role, or that your personal wealth has generated from terrorist-sponsoring nations.
This year has shown that as long as you have great wealth in the United States, you can do practically whatever you want and still become the President.
The people yelled and shouted and demanded the validation of their voices. 2016 just happened not to hear them.
This year has shown that there is a groundswell of political activism among the voiceless classes of America. People see that their system is out of hand and does not weigh the values of the masses as greater than the values of the corporate elite.
2016 has taught us that it doesn't matter whether you've demeaned countless women, minorities and ignore facts and precedent. It has taught us that it doesn't matter whether you're under federal investigation for improper practices in an elite, federal role, or that your personal wealth has generated from terrorist-sponsoring nations.
This year has shown that as long as you have great wealth in the United States, you can do practically whatever you want and still become the President.
The people yelled and shouted and demanded the validation of their voices. 2016 just happened not to hear them.
2
Yes, there are a few lessons, but I read few in this weak editorial.
“Hate sells”? No, demagoguery sells. If you can convince the people evil and amorphous forces are conspiring against their well being you can sell them anything. Even a ridiculous figure like Donald Trump for president. This kind of politics is non-ideological. Before this election did we not associate the word “rigged” with ultra-strident Trump foe Elizabeth Warren, then purloined by Trump for his own cynical purposes? No coincidence there.
Also no coincidence is how all the whining and crying about the horrid media comes from both Trump and his NTY’s critics. Seems everybody in the world, from Pres. Obama on down, is a media critic these days.
But it’s all a foolish waste of time, because considerations for freedom of speech and the press outweigh the negative effects of all the bad quality. Freedom of the press inevitably means a bad press; and if Trump, or his critics can’t deal with that then I don't care.
In conclusion: If Trump has not run for president, this would have been a normal election. So I’m wary of drawing up any broad conclusions about our entire nation based on the foolish and misguided ambitions a jerk like Trump.
“Hate sells”? No, demagoguery sells. If you can convince the people evil and amorphous forces are conspiring against their well being you can sell them anything. Even a ridiculous figure like Donald Trump for president. This kind of politics is non-ideological. Before this election did we not associate the word “rigged” with ultra-strident Trump foe Elizabeth Warren, then purloined by Trump for his own cynical purposes? No coincidence there.
Also no coincidence is how all the whining and crying about the horrid media comes from both Trump and his NTY’s critics. Seems everybody in the world, from Pres. Obama on down, is a media critic these days.
But it’s all a foolish waste of time, because considerations for freedom of speech and the press outweigh the negative effects of all the bad quality. Freedom of the press inevitably means a bad press; and if Trump, or his critics can’t deal with that then I don't care.
In conclusion: If Trump has not run for president, this would have been a normal election. So I’m wary of drawing up any broad conclusions about our entire nation based on the foolish and misguided ambitions a jerk like Trump.
You are way to soft on the media, including yourself
Yes, the N Y Times had some fabulous investigative reporting (Trump U, NJ Taxes)...but you went way overboard on C Foundation and Emails
And take NPR: this morning, S Detrow had a long piece on Trump, and mentioned the steaks Trump trotted out in a primary victory speech without mentioning that they were bought at the supermarket
OR , why isn't the times doing more reporting on the tyndallreport which has added up the minutes spent by ABC NBC CBS on emails vs all other issues - no surprise, many more minutes on emails then other issues combined !!!!
so, it isn't just Fox - it is NPR and the "mainstream" media
or, yesterday or the day before, banner headline, comey says new emails not relevant
N Y Times, can you say, sucker ? Comey might as well be paid by the Trump campaign (headlines about emails can't possibly be good for Clinton) and you fell for it hook line and sinker
so, look in the mirror
PS: this Sunday, you had a long magazine article that started with N Gingrich's thoughts on trump
I can't imagine that more then 1 or 2 readers of your paper care about what Gingrich says, unless it is a groveling apology for the hatred he has spewed over the years
Yes, the N Y Times had some fabulous investigative reporting (Trump U, NJ Taxes)...but you went way overboard on C Foundation and Emails
And take NPR: this morning, S Detrow had a long piece on Trump, and mentioned the steaks Trump trotted out in a primary victory speech without mentioning that they were bought at the supermarket
OR , why isn't the times doing more reporting on the tyndallreport which has added up the minutes spent by ABC NBC CBS on emails vs all other issues - no surprise, many more minutes on emails then other issues combined !!!!
so, it isn't just Fox - it is NPR and the "mainstream" media
or, yesterday or the day before, banner headline, comey says new emails not relevant
N Y Times, can you say, sucker ? Comey might as well be paid by the Trump campaign (headlines about emails can't possibly be good for Clinton) and you fell for it hook line and sinker
so, look in the mirror
PS: this Sunday, you had a long magazine article that started with N Gingrich's thoughts on trump
I can't imagine that more then 1 or 2 readers of your paper care about what Gingrich says, unless it is a groveling apology for the hatred he has spewed over the years
1
We've also learned that any semblance of independence and ethics among journalists is dead. Journalists, and the NY Times in particular, are just an extension of the political power elite.
Sharing articles with politicians, colluding, covering up by selectively deciding what to cover or omit ... all done without a hint of regret or editors willing to do their job.
Regardless of your political persuasion the loss of an independent press is not healthy for America.
Sharing articles with politicians, colluding, covering up by selectively deciding what to cover or omit ... all done without a hint of regret or editors willing to do their job.
Regardless of your political persuasion the loss of an independent press is not healthy for America.
8
How could we hope to have an "independent" press when, in this country and much of the West, "news" (actually entertainment) organizations are owned and controlled by a very few individuals.
Look what has happened to PBS/NPR: with the exception of the nightly news, they've been exempted from participating in the debates, participating in discussion groups, etc.
The "fourth estate" has/had one responsibility: speaking truth to power. That seems to have dissolved into a charade of false equivalencies and barely disguised argumentative animosity.
Look what has happened to PBS/NPR: with the exception of the nightly news, they've been exempted from participating in the debates, participating in discussion groups, etc.
The "fourth estate" has/had one responsibility: speaking truth to power. That seems to have dissolved into a charade of false equivalencies and barely disguised argumentative animosity.
3
Dear NYTimes,
Your analysis is not even wrong: it's totally off the mark, not even close to what is happening in America and in the world today. You are still thinking in old categories. It's time to retire.
America and our civilization are in the birth pangs of a new world. The people of this country are sending the elites a powerful message: You are out of date! Shape up or ship out! Even if Hillary wins, none of the real issues of what this country and the world should look like in the 21st century is being addressed and hence the turmoil will continue unabated. (And, by the way, things will not be much different if Trump is elected either.) Your expectations that everything will come down once the elections are over are totally unwarranted. You will be lost anyway and no spinning will put you in control. Your control and manipulation are over, done away with. Better get out of the way before you are steamrolled by future developments.
Your analysis is not even wrong: it's totally off the mark, not even close to what is happening in America and in the world today. You are still thinking in old categories. It's time to retire.
America and our civilization are in the birth pangs of a new world. The people of this country are sending the elites a powerful message: You are out of date! Shape up or ship out! Even if Hillary wins, none of the real issues of what this country and the world should look like in the 21st century is being addressed and hence the turmoil will continue unabated. (And, by the way, things will not be much different if Trump is elected either.) Your expectations that everything will come down once the elections are over are totally unwarranted. You will be lost anyway and no spinning will put you in control. Your control and manipulation are over, done away with. Better get out of the way before you are steamrolled by future developments.
4
is the New York Times really putting itself above media outlets that reported on everything Trump did while burying anything Bernie did?
6
The NSA should compile a list of Trump supporters and whenever they show up at their local convenience store for some more chew, grab ‘em, ship them off to internment camps, bathe them, trim their toe nails, teach them to spell, explain what science is, then teach them about evolution, climate change, and why inbreeding is bad and dental hygiene is good, replace their missing teeth, and lastly, before they are returned to the hollers and gulches of Alabama, Arkansas, and out-state MN, take away and sell their guns and give the money to Muslims and undocumented immigrants.
Trump groupies say liberals are elitists because they’re smarter and look down on them. Since they recognize liberals are smarter, maybe they should keep quiet and leave the thinking to those better suited to the task.
Trump groupies say liberals are elitists because they’re smarter and look down on them. Since they recognize liberals are smarter, maybe they should keep quiet and leave the thinking to those better suited to the task.
You are the reason many of us, including a few with college degrees, are voting for Trump. This comment is no different from what one hears from extreme alt-right.
1
"Since they recognize liberals are smarter..."
Really?
Anyone who entertains such a thought would rank among the very, very stupid...
Really?
Anyone who entertains such a thought would rank among the very, very stupid...
1
What this election has taught is is that no media can be trusted to provide truthful, unbiased reporting, not even the New York Times. You have a paragraph in your article that starts 'Hate sells.' yet you failed to mention that Hillary called over 20% of the population of the country deplorable. You consistently sneer at Trump's supporters as if having a contrary opinion to yours is a crime.
Look no further than yourselves, NYT, for the next election you need to provide journalism, not endorsements and free advertising.
Look no further than yourselves, NYT, for the next election you need to provide journalism, not endorsements and free advertising.
8
The GOP is intellectually and ethically bankrupt. Republicans will destroy the planet, suppress the vote, gerrymander in unprecedented fashion, obstruct all, refuse to vote on an imminently qualified nominee to the Supreme Court, turn a blind eye when the water in poor communities is poisoned, support a racist xenophobe and whip up misguided outrage on a propaganda arm of the party masquerading as a newz channel.
Let us now give the GOP the name it rightly deserves: The Know Nothing Party. 2016 has taught us that the GOP is dead.
Let us now give the GOP the name it rightly deserves: The Know Nothing Party. 2016 has taught us that the GOP is dead.
the ability to swift boat john kerry and now after 30 plus years to do the same to hillary clinton tells me how stupid my country's overall intelligence is. this scares me bunches. sure glad i have no children to look at while i cast a vote.
If minorities ( Latino y Latina ) discover their vote matters it will be a major turning point in American politics.
1
"The media enable extreme candidates and the parties are too fragile to stop them."
Yes! I made this comment yesterday in a column here, and it did not pass the censors.
The media must dig deep into whatever soul they have and try to remember what "responsible journalism" really is.
Local, smaller news outlets make their entire profits on election year ads. It is in their interest for a national election to be as contentious and ill-informed as possible. But what about the national networks? Et tu Brute? Or in this case was it just silly naiveté treating a dangerous demagogue as just another candidate? My advice: read up on Wiemar history.
Yes! I made this comment yesterday in a column here, and it did not pass the censors.
The media must dig deep into whatever soul they have and try to remember what "responsible journalism" really is.
Local, smaller news outlets make their entire profits on election year ads. It is in their interest for a national election to be as contentious and ill-informed as possible. But what about the national networks? Et tu Brute? Or in this case was it just silly naiveté treating a dangerous demagogue as just another candidate? My advice: read up on Wiemar history.
2
This election cycle, more then any other…though it’s been building for a long time, clearly demonstrates that we’re not a “government of the people, by the people, for the people.” Trump and Clinton combined were nominated to be the top contenders by less then 10% of the population, and the rest of us, those who want a voice through the electoral process but don’t want to be shackled to the institutions known as the Democratic and Republican parties, are left wondering how things got to this point, how is it that our choices are so terribly limited. We’re told to “VOTE”, but there is no one to inspire that action. One can’t help but conclude that we’re part of a great comedy, where the two parties berate and challenge each other in public then quietly get together in the evening over cocktails to laugh over how perfect the spoils system is that they have mastered. Unfortunately, it would appear we now have a “government of the few people, by the few people, for the few people”. Such is the case when one is forced to vote for a candidate they loathe and don’t respect simply to deprive another candidate of even lower standing from ascending…and, while the polls support this conclusion, most of us don’t expect anything to change because that prospect too is controlled by the very institutions most in need of it.
1
2016 election has sadly taught me that truth does not matter to either side.
3
What I learned from this election is that there are a lot of stupid gullible people in this country. And I am not talking about Hillary Clinton supporters.
2
I don't know what it taught us, but here's what it taught me: the Republican Party has to die. Any party that ends up with an odious, ignorant, clueless, bigoted unstable buffoon as its Presidential candidate is rotten to the core, and I say this as somebody who joined that party in 1980. Enough is enough. I just hope a decent replacement arises some time in the next decade.
1
2016 will be the year that the mainstream media finally shed itself of the shackles of neutrality and journalistic ethics and openly declared itself as an organ of the Democrat Party.
4
We have learned that there are a lot of ignorant people who believe the lies of an abhorrent candidate and vote for him.
3
Very good summary.
Comments here, though - and constantly almost anywhere - claim that our media is somehow to blame. It happens on both sides, but seems especially so by Trump and his followers and apologists.
It would be hard to find a bigger copout. Media are businesses. They run with what draws audience and readers in their particular targeted market. We have options, though, and choose what information to seek and how we interpret it. The idea that there isn't valid analysis out there is a lazy excuse; you need to look for it. And if you choose the latest sensational story instead, you get what you deserve.
Further, I find the Trump supporters' complaint that the media is biased and rigged against him would be laughable if it weren't so sad. In fact, how would they have been drawn to him in the first place if it weren't for the extensive coverage, essentially free promotion, that he has received? Granted, there's been plenty of criticism in the media, but also a huge amount of favoritism, depending on what you're reading or watching.
Yes, our country faces economic and social challenges. Electing the right leaders is smart, but don't wait for a them to somehow magically change your world. Take responsibility for your own life and help figure it out.
Comments here, though - and constantly almost anywhere - claim that our media is somehow to blame. It happens on both sides, but seems especially so by Trump and his followers and apologists.
It would be hard to find a bigger copout. Media are businesses. They run with what draws audience and readers in their particular targeted market. We have options, though, and choose what information to seek and how we interpret it. The idea that there isn't valid analysis out there is a lazy excuse; you need to look for it. And if you choose the latest sensational story instead, you get what you deserve.
Further, I find the Trump supporters' complaint that the media is biased and rigged against him would be laughable if it weren't so sad. In fact, how would they have been drawn to him in the first place if it weren't for the extensive coverage, essentially free promotion, that he has received? Granted, there's been plenty of criticism in the media, but also a huge amount of favoritism, depending on what you're reading or watching.
Yes, our country faces economic and social challenges. Electing the right leaders is smart, but don't wait for a them to somehow magically change your world. Take responsibility for your own life and help figure it out.
My takeaway; bad intentions can make fundamentally good institutions work poorly and good intentions can make bad systems better. That includes government, political campaigns, and media.
1
An astute observation, E. Cass...
Regardless of the election outcome, Trumpism may continue to fester like an epidemic afflicting a vulnerable population of millions. A concerted nation-building exercise is vital for leaders across the political spectrum and civil societies for systemic reforms focusing on the dignity, inclusion and education of Americans suffering from prolonged underemployment due to universal-skill deficits. This alarming issue results in bare compensation, loss of dignity and harm to local economies. Universal skills are as vital for sustainable rewarding jobs and upward mobility in today's global workplace as multiplication prior to the industrial revolution when Europe used complexity-reduction innovation to bring the long multiplication and the grid method to primary schools.
Better ways are overdue to bring to high schools the competencies applicable across professions (project management, financial literacy, negotiation, self-leadership, ethics), but alas now only taught in colleges as for multiplication in the pre-Napoleon era. Thus, innovation and complexity reduction in high-school education curriculum could bring dignity to alienated underemployed voters, many of whom are Trump's targets. Such a focus on universal skills should complement the work on job-specific apprenticeships (as in Germany) and job-creation policies ranging from tax credits to employment subsidies.
That is how America, the resilient oldest democracy, can lead the way.
Better ways are overdue to bring to high schools the competencies applicable across professions (project management, financial literacy, negotiation, self-leadership, ethics), but alas now only taught in colleges as for multiplication in the pre-Napoleon era. Thus, innovation and complexity reduction in high-school education curriculum could bring dignity to alienated underemployed voters, many of whom are Trump's targets. Such a focus on universal skills should complement the work on job-specific apprenticeships (as in Germany) and job-creation policies ranging from tax credits to employment subsidies.
That is how America, the resilient oldest democracy, can lead the way.
1
The notion that Hispanics are voting at much higher rates is pretty much absurd. There simply is no explanation for it. Moreover. those who do their homework report that early voting is up nationally for both Hispanics and whites, and there is no indication that the rise in the Hispanic vote is greater than that among whites. Obviously, more people are voting early across the board. And millions of Hispanics who previously stayed home did not decided to vote this year. This same absurd story was in the news section yesterday. When white journalists report a non-existent boom in Hispanic voting, falsely reporting that they are flooding the polls, I think that qualifies as racism. False generalizations about Hispanics, based on Democratic bias, suggest that Hispanics are important only for their political leanings. Yes, indeed, that is racist.
4
NOTE TO HISPANICS -- read Michjas's commentary above, and then vote in droves for Hillary Clinton.
3
What has 2016 taught us? That it can happen here! I think we should start talking about religion and politics.
1
The Establishment Press supported Hillary. She can do no wrong.
7
Silly gesture, I'll admit, but I wrote in "None of the above" for president.
Trump is a potential horror show. Clinton may be marginally less frightening, but I've decided that she's basically a very intelligent screw-up. Neither one of them should be allowed within a mile of the White House.
Trump is a potential horror show. Clinton may be marginally less frightening, but I've decided that she's basically a very intelligent screw-up. Neither one of them should be allowed within a mile of the White House.
3
Read "Yank in the UK's" statement above yours. We are NOT given straight coverage in this country. You don't like Clinton because you haven't seen her responsibly reported on and covered -- at all. If you lived in another English-speaking country (like Canada or the U.K.) you would instantly get a full 360º perspective -- like breathing pure oxygen after living under the water of our corrupt media. You and so many are being had. The entire country is being had.
1
I don't like Hillary Clinton because she hasn't been responsibly reported on and covered? Sheesh. That's willfully blind.
1
Yes, you're right - it is a silly, irresponsible gesture. You should have read more about each of them to arrive at a useful conclusion. Unfortunately, like all undecideds, you will not be blameless for whomever is elected. I wouldn't go bragging about this. Spineless.
I spent six weeks in the US in the run-up to Election Day. At first, I watched and read everything I could about the election, but, like so many others, I reached a point where I couldn't bear to watch any more. As the brilliant Alec Baldwin said when he broke character on the last Saturday Night Live election sketch, "Don’t you guys feel gross all the time about this?”
When I got back to the UK, where we are treated by the BBC to three hours of C-Span on a Sunday afternoon, I watched, uninterrupted and without crude comments, coverage of a speech by Hillary Clinton. She was so inspiring, she could have been in a movie by Frank Capra. Yet I hadn't seen anything like this on US tv coverage. The media, now owned by corporations more interested in profits than civic responsibility, are indeed among those culpable for this miserable and sorry election.
One thing we need is a genuine philanthropist who will buy every person in the US a little copy of the Constitution, like the one Mr Kahn waved and the one I bought on a trip long ago to see the Liberty Bell. Then we need to tie everyone down until they've read and understood it. Let's start with those people in Washington, and those who think yelling "Put her in jail" fits with our founders' ideals.
God bless America.
When I got back to the UK, where we are treated by the BBC to three hours of C-Span on a Sunday afternoon, I watched, uninterrupted and without crude comments, coverage of a speech by Hillary Clinton. She was so inspiring, she could have been in a movie by Frank Capra. Yet I hadn't seen anything like this on US tv coverage. The media, now owned by corporations more interested in profits than civic responsibility, are indeed among those culpable for this miserable and sorry election.
One thing we need is a genuine philanthropist who will buy every person in the US a little copy of the Constitution, like the one Mr Kahn waved and the one I bought on a trip long ago to see the Liberty Bell. Then we need to tie everyone down until they've read and understood it. Let's start with those people in Washington, and those who think yelling "Put her in jail" fits with our founders' ideals.
God bless America.
5
What it has taught me is that an 18th century political system designed for a nation of independent farmers and petite bourgeois in the north, and slave holding plantation owners in the south, doesn't work in the 21st century. The irony is that everyone in the world knows just how dissatisfied Americans are with what purports to be their democracy: everyone except the American people.
1
Let us add that no candidate for any significant office should be allowed to run without releasing his or her tax returns for the X most recent years within X days of announcing. That requirement alone would discourage frauds from running, and would ensure voters have the transparency needed to evaluate candidates fairly.
2
Amen! The desire to obstruct more than work for the people has made bipartisanship impossible in Congress and encouraged negativity as strategy for all. Hope there's a landslide down ballot to get the stumbling blocks out and allow Hillary to start working with people willing to start DOING something instead of spinning conspiracies and costly investigations out of partisan interest!
1
No one cares about "...blacks, women, immigrants, and different ethnic groups..." Prosperity is what matters, which Trump promises.
1
2016 is an eye opener for the Americans ,nevertheless Hillary is a seasoned and experienced Politician and 2016 Elections is definitely historic by all means as Hillary Clinton the First woman in a male dominated American society will be entering the White House in a few hours from now .Congrats to the American electorate they have done it twice in the first instance they elected an African American to be their President and now it is clear a Woman is going to be the president .This proves American democratic tradition is of the highest order without any prejudices ultimately America as a country is winning
"The media enable extreme candidates and the parties are too fragile to stop them.”
Some of the media could also be given credit for exaggerating what the candidates said.
1. The media pretended that Trump’s stand against illegal immigration meant he was against all Hispanics and all immigrants. The media then expanded this to say Trump was against all minorities.
2. Clinton oversaw the writing of the TPP, and lauded it as the “gold standard” of free trade. Then she saw how well the public responded to Trump and Sander’s stand against the unbalanced playing field set up by our free trade pacts, and she announced that she was against the TPP, as it was currently written. For the most part, the media ignored the caveat “as it was written”. The media simply said over and over again that Clinton was against the TPP. Clinton did not correct the media even though she let Wall Street know that she was in favor of our free trade pacts.
I wonder why the media did not try to pin Clinton down on this issue. If she does think the TPP needs to be rewritten, how would she do so. Would it continue to let international companies sue us if our environmental regulations kept them from making as much profit as they would otherwise? Would it be like NAFTA and let manufacturers, who make products in foreign countries with unenforced environmental laws and cheap labor, bring their products into our country to sell after paying little or no tariffs?
Some of the media could also be given credit for exaggerating what the candidates said.
1. The media pretended that Trump’s stand against illegal immigration meant he was against all Hispanics and all immigrants. The media then expanded this to say Trump was against all minorities.
2. Clinton oversaw the writing of the TPP, and lauded it as the “gold standard” of free trade. Then she saw how well the public responded to Trump and Sander’s stand against the unbalanced playing field set up by our free trade pacts, and she announced that she was against the TPP, as it was currently written. For the most part, the media ignored the caveat “as it was written”. The media simply said over and over again that Clinton was against the TPP. Clinton did not correct the media even though she let Wall Street know that she was in favor of our free trade pacts.
I wonder why the media did not try to pin Clinton down on this issue. If she does think the TPP needs to be rewritten, how would she do so. Would it continue to let international companies sue us if our environmental regulations kept them from making as much profit as they would otherwise? Would it be like NAFTA and let manufacturers, who make products in foreign countries with unenforced environmental laws and cheap labor, bring their products into our country to sell after paying little or no tariffs?
4
From my perspective, the Democratic side was "rigged" before the start of the general election when the DNC, supported overwhelmingly by the NYT and other media, pushed the candidacy of Clinton over Sanders, Once Hillary was nominated, a vast group of voters hsd no candididate promoting its views.
The Guradian published an excellent article articulating what the Occupy Movement and Sanders' supporters know, i.e., the views of the leadership of the Republican and Democrat parties are substantially identical--"free" trade, open borders, for one group to suppress wages, the other to chamge the demographics, both answering to their corporate and special interest masters.
The media, in a numbing chant, brand anyone who supports fair trade agreements, and more strict immigration control as "racists, xenophobes (why is xenophobia even an issue in a national election?) sexists, etc, a basket of mindless ad hominem charges to intimidate the expression of thoughtful, legitimate issues (who has determined unequivocally that mass immigration of lower classes into a semi-welfare state is a good thing? There are legitimate concerns of social cohesion, environmental degradation [recall the Sierra Club was against mass immigration on environmental grounds)--without lazely laying this at the feet of uneducated white men, a group that is varied and deserving of the airing of its concerns of the sinking middle class dream).
(Out of space)
The Guradian published an excellent article articulating what the Occupy Movement and Sanders' supporters know, i.e., the views of the leadership of the Republican and Democrat parties are substantially identical--"free" trade, open borders, for one group to suppress wages, the other to chamge the demographics, both answering to their corporate and special interest masters.
The media, in a numbing chant, brand anyone who supports fair trade agreements, and more strict immigration control as "racists, xenophobes (why is xenophobia even an issue in a national election?) sexists, etc, a basket of mindless ad hominem charges to intimidate the expression of thoughtful, legitimate issues (who has determined unequivocally that mass immigration of lower classes into a semi-welfare state is a good thing? There are legitimate concerns of social cohesion, environmental degradation [recall the Sierra Club was against mass immigration on environmental grounds)--without lazely laying this at the feet of uneducated white men, a group that is varied and deserving of the airing of its concerns of the sinking middle class dream).
(Out of space)
4
I'm getting tired of this economic anxiety argument. The U.S. has been in far worse times economically, and we have not had a lurch toward authoritarians.
No. It's racism, anti-Semitism, misogyny, and homophobia, pure and simple, stoked by a Black president, a woman projected to become president and healthy dose of opiate addiction.
Please, stop giving these deplorables the air cover of economic uncertainty.
No. It's racism, anti-Semitism, misogyny, and homophobia, pure and simple, stoked by a Black president, a woman projected to become president and healthy dose of opiate addiction.
Please, stop giving these deplorables the air cover of economic uncertainty.
2
We learned that The NY Times can be bought literally by a billionaire political donor from another country to become part and parcel of his chosen candidate's campaign.
We learned that millions of regular people can donate $27 in a desperate bid to break the grip of the oligarchy only to have their contributions undermined by insider double dealing and a bought and paid for propaganda campaign disguised as news.
We learned that millions of regular people can donate $27 in a desperate bid to break the grip of the oligarchy only to have their contributions undermined by insider double dealing and a bought and paid for propaganda campaign disguised as news.
5
Ah, another article from this Peronista newspaper from the 1950's. I used to admire the NYT, now I can't even call it a "newspaper". Regardless who you vote for, be afraid of such partisan, rooting interests by the media. Just look at the number of anti-Trump articles which outnumber any Clinton negativity by at least seven to one. If our mainstream media continues to be involved in king making, be afraid America. Be very, very afraid.
5
Pray for the field goal kicker.
2
At a NYTimes presentation editors said that news division is different from the opinion/columns and work independently.
I am glad it is that way. This election taught me that the media blurs news and opinion in a whisker. However I wish they make it more clear in how they headline topics- write "news" when it is news and "Opinion" when it is not.
I am glad it is that way. This election taught me that the media blurs news and opinion in a whisker. However I wish they make it more clear in how they headline topics- write "news" when it is news and "Opinion" when it is not.
2
The people who complain about the New York Times being in the bag for this candidate or another need to wake up. There is google news, Fox News, a million news papers on line. You have brain and freedom of choice. We know more than enough about Hillary, Don, Bernie and most of the rest of the candidates. This year was bad because of Don Trump. He did everything he could, the oldest tricks, personal attacks. She's stupid, He is weak, I am great. This appeals to more people than you would believe. A lot of people are lost. They want what they need what they perceive as leadership, strong forcefully people who claim their life is great, they are great follow me and you'll be great. Education and critical thinking is required to see through the bluster and make a truly informed choice. Unfortunately for many they can not put aside they prejudices and look criticality and realistically.
5
Yes, the office of the Presidency was always a risk for the democratic process. People still want a Daddy figure. So many would be happy with a King. I only hope they are not the majority today.
2
Donald Trump's catching slogan " Make America Great Again ' reveals the funk state of the union in 2016. Nostalgia for a bygone era that cannot be brought back and/or resuscitated. The only way out, however, is forward. Strong Together.
2
Looking back, for me the most frightening thing about Donald Trump is that his political persona is a reflection of his base support... Trump the candidate is a performer whose act has evolved accordling to what his audience has responded to.
1
"The media enable extreme candidates..." Don't tell me you wrote that with a straight face, NYT. You played the same clickbait game as everyone else - out of your own economic anxiety. Was sad to see.
6
Yes, hate sells newspapers & the media gobbles up the revenue from commercials that it brings as well so they can spew more hate or "false news"
Yes, "hate sells" plus ignorance--nothing new, sad to say
3
Trump’s concession speech early Wednesday morning:
It’s amazing. Nobody ever did this before.
Believe me, I won. She lost. It’s disgusting what she did with those emails. She has no stamina. She will be the worst President ever. I guarantee it 100 percent.
And by the way, it looks like a lot of dead people voted. Somebody needs to look into it.
Those women lied. Nobody respects women more than I do. They are going to be sued.
The whole thing was rigged from the start. The media hates me.
I pay more taxes than anybody.
But if you really want to know, I don’t care. I’m rich. I’m smart. Amazing how stupid they are. I’m the only one who could fix it.The blacks and the Hispanics, I was their last chance. What did they have to lose? Now we’ll be overrun by terrorists from everywhere. The Mexicans would have paid for my wall.
Look at the size of my crowds compared to Hillary’s. We’ve got a movement. Let’s make America great again.
It’s amazing. Nobody ever did this before.
Believe me, I won. She lost. It’s disgusting what she did with those emails. She has no stamina. She will be the worst President ever. I guarantee it 100 percent.
And by the way, it looks like a lot of dead people voted. Somebody needs to look into it.
Those women lied. Nobody respects women more than I do. They are going to be sued.
The whole thing was rigged from the start. The media hates me.
I pay more taxes than anybody.
But if you really want to know, I don’t care. I’m rich. I’m smart. Amazing how stupid they are. I’m the only one who could fix it.The blacks and the Hispanics, I was their last chance. What did they have to lose? Now we’ll be overrun by terrorists from everywhere. The Mexicans would have paid for my wall.
Look at the size of my crowds compared to Hillary’s. We’ve got a movement. Let’s make America great again.
5
The lesson of 2016:
1. The only people running for POTUS are people you would never trust to run anything in your personal lives.
2. A four year campaign teaches you as much as flipping a coin about candidates.
3. Americans are crying as they cringe about their future.
1. The only people running for POTUS are people you would never trust to run anything in your personal lives.
2. A four year campaign teaches you as much as flipping a coin about candidates.
3. Americans are crying as they cringe about their future.
3
“For deeply frustrated citizens, this end run around political dysfunction may be the only way to move the country forward.”
Seems a rather low bar.
Pretty much doom and gloom here.
NY Times how about facilitating a high profile forum for far more substantive solutions? Publish on it weekly. Do it on a sustained basis, say over the course of an entire year.
Seems a rather low bar.
Pretty much doom and gloom here.
NY Times how about facilitating a high profile forum for far more substantive solutions? Publish on it weekly. Do it on a sustained basis, say over the course of an entire year.
1
"What 2016 Has Taught Us", but what have we learned?
I have seen a hundred times the remark calling Trump "media savvy". I wonder how true that is. That the media followed him is undeniable, but, as the article indicates, it was the avariciousness of the networks that pursued him. Once Trump saw that his insults and outrageous remarks were paying off, there was nothing to stop him. More outlandish he became, more people turned in to find out whose ox was being gored next,,,and the network gave the crowds what they wanted, knowing that with them came the succulent fees from advertisers. It didn't take much acumen to see what was happening.
We see again that American voters are on the whole immensely ignorant and undiscerning, from the democrats bringing us the war in Vietnam, to being fooled by Obama's call for "change," Trump's foolishness, and Hillary's naked ambition and complete conventionality while pretending she can "fix" things, and who will certainly kill people in the middle east, to no purpose, just as her two predecessors have done. I do not mean to imply that people elsewhere in the world are more discerning.
Think for yourself?
Think for yourself?
1
What this election has taught me is that there is no such thing as journalist integrity, only propaganda. The revelation that CNN conspired with the Clinton's to rig the election, providing debate questions, has dashed the last of my faith in the media.
So I know that the NYTimes is totally biased and doesn't pretend to be otherwise, so I can read it with the slant of this publication in mind. CNN has lived up to it's name as the Clinton News Network. The deception of CNN tarnishes every major media outlet in the world and the President of the network as well as most of the anchors should lose their jobs.
For the NYTimes not to demand that is reflective of the journalistic ethics of this paper.
So I know that the NYTimes is totally biased and doesn't pretend to be otherwise, so I can read it with the slant of this publication in mind. CNN has lived up to it's name as the Clinton News Network. The deception of CNN tarnishes every major media outlet in the world and the President of the network as well as most of the anchors should lose their jobs.
For the NYTimes not to demand that is reflective of the journalistic ethics of this paper.
4
But you were OK that CNN had someone on Trump's payroll as a commentator? Careful, your hypocrisy is showing. BTW -- the question was never asked, so there's that.
"The media enable extreme candidates and the parties are too fragile to stop them." How convenient that NYT fails to name itself as one of the media that gave Trump free publicity to enhance his campaign.
3
And, may these votes pay off. We need change badly. This election cycle has shown us just how dreadful it can get.
1
What it taught us, as if we didn't already know, is that the mainstream media is overwhelmingly in the tank for the Democrats. Never before in history has there been such a dishonest campaign of distortions and lies in the service of the media's chosen candidate. At least the Times' editor had the decency to admit as much several months albeit failing miserably to rationalize his paper's bias.
4
One has to ask how did we get here? How could a veil Trump hijack the Grand Old Party? How could a respected Senator and effective Secretary of State be painted as a demon?
Students of history may compare Trump’s populist rise based on attacking Latin Americans & Muslims, similar to the tactics used by Mussolini who attacked communists and Hitler who attacked Jews in their early rise as legitimate political options in the post World War I Italy and Germany. Here I believe, the difference is simply an economic environment that is not nearly as fragile as those of Europe in the late 1920’s. Thank goodness this is 2016 and not 2008. Trump’s approach might have been significantly more appealing to more Americans.
But Trump win or lose, has damaged the process of how to run for President in showing others how to successfully make a run for President by going ugly. And no party, no news network, no one, can undo this. No doubt others will take a page from the Trump playbook in future elections.
I would strongly suggest that should Clinton win, that the Republican Party walk away from Trump, his zealous attacks to relentlessly investigate Clinton, and his attacks on minorities for the sake of enraging enough Americans to stand by his side. To undo the damage Republicans will need to work with Clinton on legislating for the benefit of all Americans. We are here in part because the Republicans refused to work with Obama and it is obvious how well that game plan played out.
Students of history may compare Trump’s populist rise based on attacking Latin Americans & Muslims, similar to the tactics used by Mussolini who attacked communists and Hitler who attacked Jews in their early rise as legitimate political options in the post World War I Italy and Germany. Here I believe, the difference is simply an economic environment that is not nearly as fragile as those of Europe in the late 1920’s. Thank goodness this is 2016 and not 2008. Trump’s approach might have been significantly more appealing to more Americans.
But Trump win or lose, has damaged the process of how to run for President in showing others how to successfully make a run for President by going ugly. And no party, no news network, no one, can undo this. No doubt others will take a page from the Trump playbook in future elections.
I would strongly suggest that should Clinton win, that the Republican Party walk away from Trump, his zealous attacks to relentlessly investigate Clinton, and his attacks on minorities for the sake of enraging enough Americans to stand by his side. To undo the damage Republicans will need to work with Clinton on legislating for the benefit of all Americans. We are here in part because the Republicans refused to work with Obama and it is obvious how well that game plan played out.
This campaign has also taught us that the entrenched elite will have their way with US politics. Influence peddling, conflict of interest, serial dishonesty, corrupt political tricks, hypocrisy on a woman's right to be heard on unwanted sexual advances (Believe every woman unless they accuse Bill Clinton.), and encouraging class warfare while accusing others of divisive politics are acceptable if one belongs to the party endorsed by Wall Street, Hollywood, the NYT, CNN and MSNBC. Trump self destructed while Clinton received little scrutiny of her tainted past. Yes, we've learned a lot.
3
May the best woman win.
4
I just voted for Hillary--and not because we share the same gender. (Bernie was my first choice.) Emotion (the foundation of identity politics) is an easy path to winning an election. Distilling a campaign down to woman vs. man cheapens the votes of many people who voted based on credentials and platform.
If Trump had Hillary Clinton's temperament, maturity and platform, I would have voted for him.
If Trump had Hillary Clinton's temperament, maturity and platform, I would have voted for him.
1
That's what NYT took from this election? How about the fact that the GOP elite never actually wanted to stop Democrat corruption - they just wanted to take it over.
1
What has it taught us? What we already knew but ignored.That the political system in the US is screwed up - a candidate like Trump should never have reached the light of day but that it didn't start there -- the ugly, divisive, win-at-any-costs, completely partisan attitude of the Republican party started way before this and culminated in the monstrosity of a Trump.
1
It was too negative...too bad we cannot find ways to agree based on believes and not race.
What I learned was when a candidate says they are going to make America great again be certain they are not misleading you by their actual intent of banning packaged pre-shredded cheese. MAKE AMERICA GRATE AGAIN
A liar like that will probably ban sliced provolone cheese and where would homemade pizza be without sliced provolone cheese.
A liar like that will probably ban sliced provolone cheese and where would homemade pizza be without sliced provolone cheese.
2016 has taught me, at the age of 54, that it is OK to not vote for either of the major party candidates for President, when both are grossly unfit for the office.
6
The media surely does enable extreme candidates and deeply flawed candidates. Day in and day out, during both the primaries and the general election, readers of The Times were treated to a steady dose of hate-filled screeds deriding Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders, while virtually ignoring the corruption and lies emanating from the Clinton side. If all one did was read The New York Times, one would come away believing that Donald Trump was the devil incarnate, while Hillary Clinton must be a saint, and that there were no real policy differences between the two. Just as The Times was selling hate of Trump, The Times was enabling the most corrupt candidate in history.
If The Times were honest, tomorrow's headline would be "The corrupt, congenital liar beats the vulgar barbarian in the race to the bottom." We won't read that headline, but undoubtedly we are facing four years of innuendo, investigations, lies and more hate.
If The Times were honest, tomorrow's headline would be "The corrupt, congenital liar beats the vulgar barbarian in the race to the bottom." We won't read that headline, but undoubtedly we are facing four years of innuendo, investigations, lies and more hate.
3
What 2016 taught me is that the party that doesn’t know how to lose – yes, the GOP, which has lost the popular vote in 5 of the last 6 presidential elections – nominated it’s biggest and sorest loser yet? Voter fraud, voter suppression, voter intimidation and what have you won’t stop people from handing the GOP their sixth consecutive loss in 2016. Wake up Republicans, the 20th century is history – you need to adapt to the changing face of America in the 21st century or choose to fade into oblivion.
Still you continue to underplay the name and photographs of Clinton in every day's headlines and every article. You still have not noticed how you are giving Trump free advertising and undeserved attention. I dearly hope you can finally stop this naive and deeply harmful behavior in the aftermath of the election. Just count the names and photos, people. It's not that hard.
1
One thing that this has taught us, I s that many (if not most) of the media live in a bubble of like-minded people. Unfortunately, the NYT (which claimed to be the newspaper of record) is particularly guilty of this. As a born and raised NY resident (and lifelong Times reader) who has since moved many times, to communities large and small, liberal and conservative, the current political situation was not that tremendously surprising. I often get the impression that The Times' staff operates in that famous New Yorker magazine cover that shows everything west of the Hudson as a vast, flat plain. There is more to the nation than the attitudes and beliefs of people living between the Battery and the upper East and West sides.
4
The biggest lesson of this miserable campaign is that the our "free press" lacks objectivity and is no longer willing or able to vet the candidates. As a result the voters have a "choice" between two horribly unfit candidates, neither of whom should be allowed anywhere close to the Oval Office.
2
You are right on the money. Hate sells. Rise of Trump is to be blamed to Media who has covered Trump non-stop to lure advertisers. How can a bigot, crook, phony, sexist person has this level is way beyond me.
It is easy to blame someone else for self inflicted wounds that 40% deplorables have done to themselves. It is a sad reality.
It is easy to blame someone else for self inflicted wounds that 40% deplorables have done to themselves. It is a sad reality.
4
You left out the most important ugly truth of this election season.
This was the year that the MSM cheerfully and publicly renounced its fidelity to the idea of objective journalism, and went all in for one party. The NYTimes was the leader of this movement. In doing so, the MSM abandoned roughly half of the country, which now must turn to alternative news sources. This change is not reversible. I will never again fully trust NYTimes reporting.
Time after time we saw the MSM focus extensively on trivial "flaws" of Trump while ignoring serious malfeasance by Clinton. Trump's major policy speeches were always ignored, in favor of close inspection of his gaffes. The press gave a whole new meaning to swallowing camels while straining at gnats.
If you think this election was ugly, NYTimes, give yourselves full credit for making it so.
This was the year that the MSM cheerfully and publicly renounced its fidelity to the idea of objective journalism, and went all in for one party. The NYTimes was the leader of this movement. In doing so, the MSM abandoned roughly half of the country, which now must turn to alternative news sources. This change is not reversible. I will never again fully trust NYTimes reporting.
Time after time we saw the MSM focus extensively on trivial "flaws" of Trump while ignoring serious malfeasance by Clinton. Trump's major policy speeches were always ignored, in favor of close inspection of his gaffes. The press gave a whole new meaning to swallowing camels while straining at gnats.
If you think this election was ugly, NYTimes, give yourselves full credit for making it so.
9
What I learned is the media does a terrible job educating the public.
We do need to keep in mind that a highly commercialized media tend not focus on what is representative (except for the polls) in favor of what is novel, bizarre, full of conflict, negative, & acceptable to the economic and political elites.
Re this editorial:
1-Okay, "Hate Sells," and that is exactly what the media have been selling us. Trump spews hate, the media report it; so Trump is rewarded and spews more hate, and the media report it, and round and round we go in an ever upward spiral of increasing hate and fear-mongering.
What about some positive balance?
Trump spent how much air time trashing immigrants and Muslims? Dutifully reported, which is the media's job. But how much did we read/hear about the positive things and many contributions Muslims and immigrants have made and are making? How much did we hear about the generous help small organizations and religious groups are doing to make immigrants feel at home in this country?
2-Yes, economic anxiety his high, largely because so many Americans are worried about their jobs or their kids finding jobs in this new economy. How much did we read/hear about possible fixes & SOLUTIONS to this crucial problem? There are many to at least consider.
Why do we hear/read so much less about what scientists say about climate change & its consequences, but so much more about what the climate-change deniers say?
Or is it not the media's job to educate?
We do need to keep in mind that a highly commercialized media tend not focus on what is representative (except for the polls) in favor of what is novel, bizarre, full of conflict, negative, & acceptable to the economic and political elites.
Re this editorial:
1-Okay, "Hate Sells," and that is exactly what the media have been selling us. Trump spews hate, the media report it; so Trump is rewarded and spews more hate, and the media report it, and round and round we go in an ever upward spiral of increasing hate and fear-mongering.
What about some positive balance?
Trump spent how much air time trashing immigrants and Muslims? Dutifully reported, which is the media's job. But how much did we read/hear about the positive things and many contributions Muslims and immigrants have made and are making? How much did we hear about the generous help small organizations and religious groups are doing to make immigrants feel at home in this country?
2-Yes, economic anxiety his high, largely because so many Americans are worried about their jobs or their kids finding jobs in this new economy. How much did we read/hear about possible fixes & SOLUTIONS to this crucial problem? There are many to at least consider.
Why do we hear/read so much less about what scientists say about climate change & its consequences, but so much more about what the climate-change deniers say?
Or is it not the media's job to educate?
1
How about these 2016 lessons as well:
Facts don't matter.
Science matters less.
Political norms are expendable.
FBI leak is not an oxymoron.
There does not exist a bottom. They can always go lower.
Facts don't matter.
Science matters less.
Political norms are expendable.
FBI leak is not an oxymoron.
There does not exist a bottom. They can always go lower.
4
Twenty-five years of unrelenting lies, "investigations," and attacks on Hillary had their effect. Wherever he is in hell, Goebbels must be proud. Gerrymandering will make sure the Republicans control the House. Lots of pain and turmoil ahead.
1
What I've learned is that democrats are terrible about explaining their platform. Or, maybe it's because keep America white is just so much easier to sell.
1
That makes absolutely no sense at all. It's the GOP that's working that angle.
2
The 2016 Presidential campaign taught me, or rather confirmed to me, that the Democrats are no longer interested in everyday working Americans, and that there is a two-tiered justice system in the United States. Thank you.
6
2016 has taught us that your uncle Fred's Facebook newsfeed is not actually news.
6
What 2016 Has taught us?
Issues on national policy or global policy don't matter. "email" issue trumps everything else!
Issues on national policy or global policy don't matter. "email" issue trumps everything else!
3
Hate sells, and so do sensational lies--the same way lies sell supermarket tabloids. Instead of tabloid UFO stories, the right-wing media (Fox/Limbaugh/Breitbart & Co.) have saturated the public with stories that vilified minorities for years. This narrative played to working whites' worst fears. The right-wing media laid the groundwork for a character like Trump. Not surprisingly, he met with great success among fearful whites. The cure for our dilemma is to stop the wide dissemination of false information, and I don't know how we do that. There's too much money to be made with it.
Hate and fear are powerful drivers of our behavior. The NYT early on tapped into these two emotions with a daily barrage of 'sky is falling' in regards to Mrs Clinton and Mr. Trump. What was a highly professional and thoughtful new institution ran with this negative energy on the lead stories, Opinion articles and endless stories. The election is now officially ended. It is time for the NYT to clean up their act, we deserve better than what was offered.
4
What 2016 Has Taught Us
Big money still buys politics
Big money still buys politics
4
"they had little capacity to establish widely shared truths or foster constructive debate about issues like climate change . . Desperate for ratings, Fox News, CNN and other networks handed Mr. Trump an open mike"
Please tell us how often the wonderful New York Times political news team featured headlines about the effects of this election on climate change, compared to the number of times they blared the name and antics of Trump.
At what you haughtily criticize, you were among the worst. "All the news that's fit to print" my foot. This garbage election is YOUR product.
Please tell us how often the wonderful New York Times political news team featured headlines about the effects of this election on climate change, compared to the number of times they blared the name and antics of Trump.
At what you haughtily criticize, you were among the worst. "All the news that's fit to print" my foot. This garbage election is YOUR product.
6
Donald Trump has his scapegoats. A much bigger factor in our current economy is the rapid progression of global telecommunications. Information is a burgeoning industry and cheaper foreign labor markets are prime for the biggest portion of the explosion. We're losing millions of STEM jobs, all requiring advanced college education, primarily because the transfer of information is nearly transparent from across the seas. Cheaper foreign workers can communicate with corporations here and provide the same level of productivity for pennies on the dollar of what it costs for the same worker here. Giants like IBM, Hewlettt_packard, Apple, Microsoft,... .. can get their work done a whole lot less expensively. "Get that work done NOW!" Brutal slave drivers like Steve Jobs can rule their workers overseas to make their iPads and iPhones merely by sending an email or using Skype.
1
These are the lessons from the 2016 elections...
1. Bernie Sanders was the credible candidate. However, well-entrenched establishment practices and malpractices bullied him out. It proves that the common good of the nation, can not win over the strategy, tactics and trickery of political manipulations. Even though a few individuals have been kept behind the curtain for the time being, they are sure to raise their head, the moment the victor emerges. And, they will once again perpetuate the self-interest of those who promote them.
2. Anybody who follows elections and expected democracy to deliver for the larger good of the ALL people of the nation must have learnt bitter lessons. With 50 million in poverty and almost an equal on foodstamps, ultimately the victory of majority isn't working to uplift them. The classic case is the positive 'HOPE & CHANGE' campaign euphoria of Obama's victory. He had the whitehouse, senate and the house. Yet, he couldn't deliver on his bold promises. So, democracy is not the same as 'the will of the people'. It is 'WILL OF THE RICH & POWERFUL'. The effect therefore is CYNICISM !
3. Four years from now, we will once again face the drudgery of the campaign. Some candidates will come and perform the rituals, and two candidates will emerge, on whom the nation will have even lesser confidence. Things will be as insipid as now with Obama. Democrats will not be able to deliver anything significant for ordinary folk. Republicans will be irrelevant.
1. Bernie Sanders was the credible candidate. However, well-entrenched establishment practices and malpractices bullied him out. It proves that the common good of the nation, can not win over the strategy, tactics and trickery of political manipulations. Even though a few individuals have been kept behind the curtain for the time being, they are sure to raise their head, the moment the victor emerges. And, they will once again perpetuate the self-interest of those who promote them.
2. Anybody who follows elections and expected democracy to deliver for the larger good of the ALL people of the nation must have learnt bitter lessons. With 50 million in poverty and almost an equal on foodstamps, ultimately the victory of majority isn't working to uplift them. The classic case is the positive 'HOPE & CHANGE' campaign euphoria of Obama's victory. He had the whitehouse, senate and the house. Yet, he couldn't deliver on his bold promises. So, democracy is not the same as 'the will of the people'. It is 'WILL OF THE RICH & POWERFUL'. The effect therefore is CYNICISM !
3. Four years from now, we will once again face the drudgery of the campaign. Some candidates will come and perform the rituals, and two candidates will emerge, on whom the nation will have even lesser confidence. Things will be as insipid as now with Obama. Democrats will not be able to deliver anything significant for ordinary folk. Republicans will be irrelevant.
3
You didn't mention MSNBC in the media critique - not all of MSNBC, much of whose programming has exhibited some principles. But "Morning Joe" was, shamefully, "Morning Trump" almost every day for months. I watched that program in horror just to study how sycophantic people could be. Joe and Mika bowed down to Trump any time their phone rang, and now they self-righteously try to cover their hind ends - though Joe's adulation still seeps through from time to time.
"Morning Trump" created Trump as much as anything else did.
"Morning Trump" created Trump as much as anything else did.
1
You excoriated "social media", and failed to review "print media's" roll, particularly your own sordid performance, as an enabler in this tragedy. We were all to some degree complicit, the NYT more so because you had resources from subscription and ad revenue you chose to use as contributions to the Clinton campaign. Review again articles you printed about Trump, a classic case of Alice Roosevelt Longworth Journalism; if you have something salacious to say bring it to the NYT where we will juice it up, print it, and rewrite it as often as necessary to get as much mileage as possible out of it. Don't give yourself airs, Trump is a fool and quite able to destroy his candidacy absent your help. The problem is the precedent for future campaigns when candidates are not fools, and you dislike them nevertheless.
2
If 2016 has taught you anything, please let it be that nothing good comes from slavishly reporting every vacuous and outrageous provocation by DJT. The mainstream media may may not be "crooked", as he claims, but they sure have been played for suckers.
Let hope that in 2017, not so much.
Let hope that in 2017, not so much.
Oops, you forgot to mention the total media bias that turned the New York Times into an anti-Trump daily!!
Personally I learned about the institutionalized voter fraud in the guise of Democratic party superdelegates. I dragged myself out of bed on a sick day to go vote for Bernie, but our local superdelegate had announced, before the primary, that his vote would go to Hillary. He couldn't be bothered to change his mind even though Bernie won my region of Western Mass.
Personally I learned about the institutionalized voter fraud in the guise of Democratic party superdelegates. I dragged myself out of bed on a sick day to go vote for Bernie, but our local superdelegate had announced, before the primary, that his vote would go to Hillary. He couldn't be bothered to change his mind even though Bernie won my region of Western Mass.
5
When both political parties select second and third rate candidates there is chaos.
2
Hillary Clinton:
* Attorney at Law
* Advocate for children
* Advocate for the disadvantaged
* Advocate for All
* First Lady
* U.S. Senator
* Secretary of State
Second-rate. Yeah, right.
* Attorney at Law
* Advocate for children
* Advocate for the disadvantaged
* Advocate for All
* First Lady
* U.S. Senator
* Secretary of State
Second-rate. Yeah, right.
2
Media and the Republican party bear the responsibility for this sorry excuse for a candidate. Media because stories about him wrote themselves and ratings were the only goal. He just spewed hatred and untruths without challenge until just recently. If only 24/7 news outlets and Rupert Murdoch could be banned.
Likewise for the Republican Party, candidates did not take him seriously and early on they made a deal with the devil to retain Trump supporters. Now is the time to pass laws requiring candidates to release tax returns, etc. It may also help to require candidates to pass a grade-school level civics test which Trump would have failed. As Trump once declared, he loves the uneducated.
Likewise for the Republican Party, candidates did not take him seriously and early on they made a deal with the devil to retain Trump supporters. Now is the time to pass laws requiring candidates to release tax returns, etc. It may also help to require candidates to pass a grade-school level civics test which Trump would have failed. As Trump once declared, he loves the uneducated.
1
Mr. Trump has re-energized elements of racism against all groups - black, women, immigrants and different ethnic groups. We have been living in USA for the last 40 years and we never knew such strong feeling and divisions existed among white nationalists towards other groups. We thought America came a long way to remove those dark days against black since the civil war. but there is a new civil war against other minorities. Fortunately, those combined minorities will be the majority in few decades. Whites must realize that but, may be, 2016 is a year of last grasp by majority to hold to the tradition of white supremacy. Let us come together as Hillary is saying to solve human problems of good living rather than divisive living.
3
Don't blame this all on Trump: There is a direct line from Nixon's "Southern Strategy" to Reagan's "Welfare Queens" to Trump's blatant Racism. Trump just doesn't cover his Racism. The Republican Party has used Racism and a phony appeal to "Family Values" as corner stones of it's appeal to it's base for decades.
But we also have Democrat's promising a liberal workers paradise that never happens. but things sure get better for the rich.
Bill Clinton deregulated the banks, Bush let them run wild and when it all blew up Bush bailed them out and Obama did nothing to rein them in and now we are on the verge of another explosion.
But Hillary is promising to fix all that by magic Anyone not worried about their economic future is a fool.
Our real problem is both Political Parties work for the Rich, who only want lower taxes and no regulation on their greed. Trump and Hillary are symptoms of a sick Political system, they are not the cause.
But we also have Democrat's promising a liberal workers paradise that never happens. but things sure get better for the rich.
Bill Clinton deregulated the banks, Bush let them run wild and when it all blew up Bush bailed them out and Obama did nothing to rein them in and now we are on the verge of another explosion.
But Hillary is promising to fix all that by magic Anyone not worried about their economic future is a fool.
Our real problem is both Political Parties work for the Rich, who only want lower taxes and no regulation on their greed. Trump and Hillary are symptoms of a sick Political system, they are not the cause.
6
The thing about Trump in this race is that all he did was make it okay people who act and think like him to come and be their true selves. It isn't like with the birth of Trump in this race, also came the birth of ignorant, racist, misogynistic, egotistical, white supremacist Americans. They have been around for years, all Trump did was give them the platform and the arena in which to voice their opinions. We should not be shocked at that fact, people who have hate in their hearts have been around for centuries and will more than likely always be around. What 2016 should have showed us is how undeniably attached to our political affiliations we are in today's society. it is no longer about be right or wrong or doing what is best for our country but opposing one another, and I say this more about Republicans than Democrats. The die hard's, those who have been apart of the GOP for decades refuse to see the benefits of either voting for Hilary or abstaining from the presidential vote at all. The fact that someone could be an accused rapist, a sexual assaulter, a hater of women, blacks, those of lower socioeconomic standings, the mentally and physically ill and still get the vote of decent Republicans is baffling to me. It isn't because they don't oppose him and what he says but the fact that under his name is Republican party candidate that he still can get the vote. what 2016 has taught me is that political affliation is more important than what is best for the country.
66
funny how many of them, with hate in their hearts, consider themselves Christians... a very sad commentary indeed
One thing that I've learned is that social cues coming from a person can be interpreted differently by different people.
Social cues that I see indicating, loudly and clearly, a dangerous narcissistic sociopath, cause others to think "leader".
Social cues that I see indicating, loudly and clearly, a dangerous narcissistic sociopath, cause others to think "leader".
4
Oh, for sure. The CEO of my company is a narcissistic sociopath. I think it is common for people to get suckered into thinking such individuals are somehow strong, tough, etc. (or get scared of actually speaking the truth about them).
1
The final paragraphs of this editorial article underscore the importance of citizens tackling local issues instead of awaiting action from a Washington that will remain a stinking cesspool of stalemated politics. Clinton may well be the first woman President. But she will have to deal with a Congress that does nothing for our nation's needs.
Ironically, progress is being made at the local level. Examples include the passage of laws allowing gay marriages in several New England states a few years before it became national law and my own state's governor (Pennsylvania), a Democrat, who signed a bill allowing Uber and Lyft to operate their services statewide (despite a Republican House and Senate in Harrisburg). One may be able to get marijuana for recreational use in Massachusetts, should that state's voters say 'yes' to today's referendum on that subject. And so on. Washington needs to tear down its Beltway wall and to build a political bridge between the American people and that city's politicians.
Ironically, progress is being made at the local level. Examples include the passage of laws allowing gay marriages in several New England states a few years before it became national law and my own state's governor (Pennsylvania), a Democrat, who signed a bill allowing Uber and Lyft to operate their services statewide (despite a Republican House and Senate in Harrisburg). One may be able to get marijuana for recreational use in Massachusetts, should that state's voters say 'yes' to today's referendum on that subject. And so on. Washington needs to tear down its Beltway wall and to build a political bridge between the American people and that city's politicians.
The "exhausting parade of ugliness" is from Mr.Trump. I would watch speech after speech for months on youtube etc, and Hillary's crowds were respectful and upbeat, loving even. The news never covered that. But that *is* there to build on.
Devotedly watching Hillary & TK, so grounded, so gloriously sensible, so dear and determined, made me proud and hopeful, even elated.
For the Beloved Community, my takeaways are
Unkindness blinds us.
Kindness binds us.
Align with kind.
Devotedly watching Hillary & TK, so grounded, so gloriously sensible, so dear and determined, made me proud and hopeful, even elated.
For the Beloved Community, my takeaways are
Unkindness blinds us.
Kindness binds us.
Align with kind.
4
The New York Times has chosen to omit other factors of ugliness to this campaign, namely, the undermining of the Bernie Sanders effort by the DNC, the FBI investigation of a major candidate (whether justifiable or not, this is a first for our country), and the sleaze on the part of the print media (of which, in my opinion, The New York Times has also been guilty).
10
Fiscally Conservative but Socially liberal Desecrate - what this election year has taught me about myself is dump trump brought out my anger/nasty woman.
I will stand up for what i believe in and will not allow the preacher or teacher or anyone tell me what is truth.
I don't understand people who do not want to get involve or discuss politics because they hate politicians - if dump trump has a knee jerk emotional reaction and calls for the football - no control no leadership - just a emotional needy racist, misogyny bully of a man.
I'm with HC - she wasn't my 1st choice but considering the alternative....
I will stand up for what i believe in and will not allow the preacher or teacher or anyone tell me what is truth.
I don't understand people who do not want to get involve or discuss politics because they hate politicians - if dump trump has a knee jerk emotional reaction and calls for the football - no control no leadership - just a emotional needy racist, misogyny bully of a man.
I'm with HC - she wasn't my 1st choice but considering the alternative....
1
...that the Republican leaders are cowards! They never called out the hate filled rhetoric by Trump and subjected the country to a Hate Fest for the last 15 months. We saw the worst of our Nation. Sickening!
4
Well, if Hillary wins, the real tragedy was that Trump end up masking the absolute horribleness of the democratic nominee. When the hangover wears off in a month or two....America will be saddled with a woman who is patently unfit to hold public office. She will have been found to have committed a federal crime, but not held accountable creating the notion of a two tier justice system. Belatedly, her actual track record as Secretary of State will get a look....and it is a disaster. Her collusion with the media to rig the debates and get questions ahead of time, or coordination with major media figures to craft narrative will all be used as evidence that this was rigged. Whether you believe that or not....Trump will likely make the case, and there are facts behind it. Her rigging of the Dem primary was completely papered over. That wound will not heal soon.
7
"Hispanic turnout is rising." If Hispanics discover the power of the voting booth, the red state->blue state transition will be greatly accelerated.
Oh, until they vote Republican. And a lot of them do.
1
But thankfully, not enough do.
1
It taught us that our news media has moved so far from its calling that many organizations (such as this paper) are no longer reliable or respectable sources of information. The excesses of William Randolph Hearst ("You furnish the pictures and I'll furnish the war") seem quaint compared to the brazen, unapologetic advocacy of many media outlets, coupled with their unrestrained airing of material that was once deemed unsuitable to be broadcast while children are awake.
I understand that money is tight as newspapers continue to lose advertising dollars, but what's next? Op Ed pieces about new miracle hair treatment or vinyl siding that are actually poorly-veiled, paid advertisements?
Michael Moore was correct when he observed that the news media cheer-led the 2003 invasion of Iraq while savaging anyone who raised objections. I would have thought that they, and our nation, learned their lesson back then. It does not appear that we have learned it now.
I understand that money is tight as newspapers continue to lose advertising dollars, but what's next? Op Ed pieces about new miracle hair treatment or vinyl siding that are actually poorly-veiled, paid advertisements?
Michael Moore was correct when he observed that the news media cheer-led the 2003 invasion of Iraq while savaging anyone who raised objections. I would have thought that they, and our nation, learned their lesson back then. It does not appear that we have learned it now.
9
This article is mostly about Donald Trump and reported in a negative fashion. Mr. Trump is not a racist and never has been. He is just disgusted by the large number of illegals entering our country as our many Americans. We have nothing against immigrants but they should come here legally as do most. I do not believe Donald Trump is an anti Semite nor are his supporters. I know a number of Jewish New Yorkers who are giving him their vote. They would never do this if there was a whiff of anti semitism.
Donald Trump is tapping into the mistrust and anger of many people who see our country going downhill. Obamacare has been an expensive failure for many and they are struggling financially. They are upset by both political parties and feel like they have been forgotten and ignored by most politicians. He speaks to their fears and frustrations and wants to make America great again. He is not a career politician and they love that. They are willing to give him their vote and believe he can turn our country around and put it in the right direction. They have nothing to lose at this stage of their lives. The mainstream politicians have failed them and he is new fresh blood. They find that appealing and exciting. So do I.
Donald Trump is tapping into the mistrust and anger of many people who see our country going downhill. Obamacare has been an expensive failure for many and they are struggling financially. They are upset by both political parties and feel like they have been forgotten and ignored by most politicians. He speaks to their fears and frustrations and wants to make America great again. He is not a career politician and they love that. They are willing to give him their vote and believe he can turn our country around and put it in the right direction. They have nothing to lose at this stage of their lives. The mainstream politicians have failed them and he is new fresh blood. They find that appealing and exciting. So do I.
8
We will turn back the call for hate, we will say with our votes that fascism does not live here. We will send the Trump trash packing, plant our flag, and say: we are still America!
5
You'll say all that by voting for Hillary Clinton? Thanks for the laugh.
5
Hey, Media: Pillory Hillary if you must. Just be sure to dump Trump.
2
Obama’s victory eight years ago brought the racists out of the woodwork. It became ok to use racist slurs again and to express hatred. Trump’s campaign exploited that racism, to the point where armed “poll watchers” feel free to intimidate voters.
I’m afraid that a Hillary victory will do the same favor for misogyny. All the white guys at Trump rallies who scream “she’s a witch” will now feel the same way racists did after the Obama victory. Of course, these two groups consist of many of the same people.
I fully expect the b-word to become a common synonym for our next president.
I’m afraid that a Hillary victory will do the same favor for misogyny. All the white guys at Trump rallies who scream “she’s a witch” will now feel the same way racists did after the Obama victory. Of course, these two groups consist of many of the same people.
I fully expect the b-word to become a common synonym for our next president.
2
What I learned from this campaign is that the NYT is the house organ of the mainstream Democratic party. When Bernie Sanders was a threat to the party's anointed queen, the Times ignored him, misreported him, belittled him, and mocked him. They only eased up after he was defeated and fell in line in support of Hillary, at which point he was, magically, not such a bad guy after all. As for Trump, besides an average of five opinion pieces per issue attacking him in apocalyptic terms, the Times "straight" reporting of his campaign was anything but. Its reporting sought every angle to attack him, insult him, and reinforce a narrative that he was a fringe candidate whose supporters were ignoramuses. I was naive enough to enter this election season trusting the Times to provide fair and objective reporting. Never again.
11
Krugman should be fired for his blatant shilling for Hillary.
8
The media (and the DNC) stopped Bernie Sanders, wouldn't you say, New York Times?
6
"What 2016 Has Taught Us" is that Republicans are worthless.
1
What 2016 Has Taught Us: Donna Brazile is a cheater with no ethics. But, we knew that from 1988 already, right? So why hasn't the DNC fired her?
7
Today I will write-in Sanders-Gabbard in disgust for the Establishment: Wall St., the Media and both DEM and REP party machines.
Trump and Clinton are only the puppets designated to dance for our amusement while the Corporate State of America continues to drain the wealth and well-being of our society.
Trump and Clinton are only the puppets designated to dance for our amusement while the Corporate State of America continues to drain the wealth and well-being of our society.
4
The differences in the reception that Trump and Clinton received as they went to vote says it all.
3
The ugliness of this campaign obscures the fact that The Times will engage in the politics and media of personal destruction against ANY candidate that dares challenge the political correctness The Times demands. The Times trashed Bernie Sanders instead of addressing the issues he raised (ironically, Hillary is now adopting Bernie's positions that were said to be "unrealistic", "doomed to fail" or just plain "crazy"). In the last two elections, The Times trashed John McCain and Mitt Romney personally, instead of just reporting on the issues. When The Times can engage in a campaign of personal destruction against Bernie Sanders, Mitt Romney and John McCain instead of merely reporting on substantive issues, America is doomed to have very ugly campaigns.
8
You nailed it. When Bernie advocated for free college, etc., Blow and Krugman had a field day referring to his "pie in sky" ideas, how they would never work, how naïve the millennials are, etc. When Hillary advocates for it: crickets. Krugman should resign. He's lost ALL credibility. I still have hope for Blow.
2
Our election campaign time is too long. It should be significantly shortened.
4
What it has taught me and many others is that when it comes to a segment of the electorate which is terminally delusional ,which is no doubt a reflection of their general grasp of reality, nothing compares to your typical NY Times Clinton supporter. And that conclusion is reinforced every day-any day by a casual perusal of their take on the American political and cultural landscape. Truly astonishing stuff for its detached-from-reality content.
5
What have I personally learned? The amazing scary uncanny power of one sinister self-absorbed master manipulator to attract and control the mind/emotions/actions of a huge number of vulnerable people to do his self-serving bidding (and even get him way to close to the Oval Office) while made to believe it's for their own good--and all achieved, in America; right under our collective social media noses.
3
2016 has not taught "us" to heed the warning in Atlas Shrugged.
1
A cycle of human nature may explain the rise of Trump and the end of reason better than examination of issues.
The mood in the country is a state of mind that is driving the extreme right like a mob of lemmings rushing to an assured demise. Humiliation from ill-advised, disaterous wars and the boastful gap between the haves and have-nots exacerbate a storm of dangerous scapegoating of the 'other'.
Oddly, both the poor and the rich on the right find they are comfortable bedfellows. The disenfranchised buy into promises of financial equality without substance, while the well-off accept assurances that the gap will become even more advantageous to their bottom line.
Trump is leading a mob. There is no thought with which to reason.
The mood in the country is a state of mind that is driving the extreme right like a mob of lemmings rushing to an assured demise. Humiliation from ill-advised, disaterous wars and the boastful gap between the haves and have-nots exacerbate a storm of dangerous scapegoating of the 'other'.
Oddly, both the poor and the rich on the right find they are comfortable bedfellows. The disenfranchised buy into promises of financial equality without substance, while the well-off accept assurances that the gap will become even more advantageous to their bottom line.
Trump is leading a mob. There is no thought with which to reason.
2
It’s a pity really that America has never got around to
establishing some form of the Japanese samurai
bushido honor code whereby candidates for high political office in our country who disgraced themselves would be expected to voluntarily fall on their swords and disembowel themselves.
Unfortunately the Japanese procedure required potential participants to possess some measure of honor to begin with, so not many American politicians would be eligible to join in.
establishing some form of the Japanese samurai
bushido honor code whereby candidates for high political office in our country who disgraced themselves would be expected to voluntarily fall on their swords and disembowel themselves.
Unfortunately the Japanese procedure required potential participants to possess some measure of honor to begin with, so not many American politicians would be eligible to join in.
3
This is just pathetic for the NY Times to believe that everything that was wrong with the election is completely on Trump. He is a disaster but he is front and center with all the things that are wrong with him. With Clinton it is just as ugly but in a different way. Lying, backroom dealing, trading off of America to benefit their foundation and their own goals, selling out to the big banks and foreign countries.
It really comes down to which evil you want. The one who does it to your face or the one that does it the way Washington and the established political bases have done it for decades. And for the Times to just ignore the ugliness on the Clinton side really disappoints me.
It really comes down to which evil you want. The one who does it to your face or the one that does it the way Washington and the established political bases have done it for decades. And for the Times to just ignore the ugliness on the Clinton side really disappoints me.
5
It's still the Culture Wars. It's still abortion, immigration, gay rights, all things sexual, fundamentalist Christianity, white European culture vs. all others, warrior culture, American exceptionalism, capitalism vs socialism.
2
Let me just say - and I know it's been said better and many times already - but I continue to be astonished that a person so lacking in substantive and intellectual heft remains in contention for the presidency. God, what does this say about American democracy? How was it that a narrative (crooked/corrupt Hiliary) without a scintilla of evidence took hold; and how is it that a nominee for a major political party can tell such blatant lies and not be held to account?
1
The mainstream news media didn't cover itself in glory this election cycle, that's for sure. With a few notable exceptions, there was scant investigative (or even perspective) on the candidates' positions. Clinton, in particular, was buried by the constant assaults by the Trump artillery, and then was criticized for fighting back. Nor did the media spend any time looking into the startling record of Mike Pence as an anti-female jihadist. If the Trump-Pence ticket wins, having Pence presiding over the Senate (in partnership with the excruciatingly horrible Mitch McConnell spells real trouble for women and the millions of citizens who want to move forward, not back to the 19th Century.
However, by far, the most miserable failure of this election was the perpetuation of the narrative that Hillary Clinton broke the law by setting up a private email server. No wonder her unfavorables rose! Trump simply took every advantage of this false narrative to mount a despicably ugly campaign and keep Clinton off message.
What is inexcusable, however, was that the news media -- including, sadly, the NYTimes -- framed every email story within the context that HRC had broken some law that compromised national security -- when an exhaustive review by the FBI, NEWSWEEK, Politico, and Buzz Feed all did yeoman reporting on how the email controversy was a great big, fat lie.
My confidence in the Fifth Estate has been shattered by this abject failure of reporting.
However, by far, the most miserable failure of this election was the perpetuation of the narrative that Hillary Clinton broke the law by setting up a private email server. No wonder her unfavorables rose! Trump simply took every advantage of this false narrative to mount a despicably ugly campaign and keep Clinton off message.
What is inexcusable, however, was that the news media -- including, sadly, the NYTimes -- framed every email story within the context that HRC had broken some law that compromised national security -- when an exhaustive review by the FBI, NEWSWEEK, Politico, and Buzz Feed all did yeoman reporting on how the email controversy was a great big, fat lie.
My confidence in the Fifth Estate has been shattered by this abject failure of reporting.
2
...it has taught us that it is not okay to vote for Donald Trump!
1
What this election teaches us is that the Republican primary voter is, in general, an extreme right wing one who does not represent the majority of Americans in this election. Trump was the match that ignited the worst abusive election with vitriol against the most qualified Presidential candidate in history.
I wish I could change Hillary Clinton's tendency to be so secretive, but, due to past events, I can understand it. The extreme right will go on with the hatred just as they have with President Obama. It is up to those of us, 76% by the way, who are not Republicans to insist that another candidate like Donald Trump appears again. We have been a third rate Banana Republic due to Trump's antics as well as those of his followers.
I wish I could change Hillary Clinton's tendency to be so secretive, but, due to past events, I can understand it. The extreme right will go on with the hatred just as they have with President Obama. It is up to those of us, 76% by the way, who are not Republicans to insist that another candidate like Donald Trump appears again. We have been a third rate Banana Republic due to Trump's antics as well as those of his followers.
I don't think anyone is giving sufficient credit to the spectacular stupidity of the American public in areas such as political science, economics, ethics and history. If this election were about the best reality TV stars, baseball, football players or NASCAR drivers we would have a much higher level of intelligent public discourse. For Donald Trump's patter and answers (or rather non-answers) to media-posed questions to pass muster instead of evoking laughter and dis-belief is a very serious indictment of the knowledge of the electorate. If this buffoon is elected, the profoundly ignorant may be getting just what they deserve. And the rest of us will be left pondering the wisdom of the granting the franchise based on the pulse test.
1
I would add to this list the real prevalence of sexual assault and sexual misconduct not only in politics, but in the lives of women everywhere.
1
I am 67 years old.
What 2016 has taught me is that we Americans, in aggregate, have not learned much, if anything. Not in my lifetime, anyway.
What 2016 has taught me is that we Americans, in aggregate, have not learned much, if anything. Not in my lifetime, anyway.
Biggest lesson I learned is that it's easy for the press to demonize Americans who don't support that particular media outlet's political views. Case in point would be implying ignorance of the real issues of non-college educated Whites, while not having any issue with non-college educated Blacks and Hispanics who are expected to vote for Democrats simply because certain "informed" college educated Whites have told them that's in their best interest.
3
The media is dishonest beyond what anyone thought and e.g. checks with Clinton before posting stories.
4
This is the nastiest, most deplorable election in my lifetime. I have the horrible feeling that we're going to sink even lower before we start improving the discussion.
4
The thought of this is truly scary: "Imagine how much further a more disciplined demagogue might go applying a similar formula." Furthermore, it is a highly likely scenario. Watch for it in 2020. Somebody, not Trump, will emerge to carry the banner. Their movement will be a powerful entity unless Clinton and Congress can work together to craft a solution to the country's problems.
1
My Republican-run state, North Carolina, is ham-stringing local solutions to anti-government by not allowing local communities to pass their own laws. For example, the HB2 was against a local community (Charlotte, NC) from ensuring equal protection of the law regardless of sexual orientation. Example number two: the state legislature took away local control of the Charlotte-Douglas international airport.
The Republican state legislature signed by the Republican governor (McCrory) forbade local communities from passing local ordinances that were against state laws. This is the case even when state laws violate federal laws for equal protection of voters and citizens.
The Republican state legislature signed by the Republican governor (McCrory) forbade local communities from passing local ordinances that were against state laws. This is the case even when state laws violate federal laws for equal protection of voters and citizens.
1
Tax returns? Irrelevant.
1
We learned that issues, possible ways to solve them and facts don't matter to people who make a living campaigning for office.
We learned that if you can't win by reason, try winning by screaming louder.
We learned that because phones don't have an app called 'Respect', too many people don't know it exists.
We already knew the whole election process in America lasts way too long.
Happy voting, America!
We learned that if you can't win by reason, try winning by screaming louder.
We learned that because phones don't have an app called 'Respect', too many people don't know it exists.
We already knew the whole election process in America lasts way too long.
Happy voting, America!
1
This 2016 presidential election disgrace is what happens when the adults of a nation abdicate moral judgement to amoral markets, trade wisdom for selfishness, surrender restraint for mindless consumption, forgo intellectual curiosity for mental laziness, and waive thoughtful action for emotive impulse.
We, the citizenry of the United States of America, are getting our just rewards for relinquishing our responsibility as citizens to those in power that would, and that indeed do, prey on us.
As the article points out, the bright spot is that minorities do seem to be becoming more involved in politics and that we are starting to focus on rebuilding government from the local level up. Real help for the common citizen will not come from the state and national levels down to us anytime soon. The state and national levels of government are captured by counterfeit economic and political theory that serves only the wealthiest 1%, their corporations, their kowtowing politicians, and as promoted by their media outlets.
The main lesson of this sad, embarrassing 2016 presidential election is that the citizenry needs to realize that we must take responsibility for ourselves and our government, or we will be preyed on by the left and the right—by Democrats and Republicans until Kingdom Come.
The common citizen has no real friend in politics. Don’t look for this to change no matter the outcome of this election.
Michael Bain
Glorieta, New Mexico
We, the citizenry of the United States of America, are getting our just rewards for relinquishing our responsibility as citizens to those in power that would, and that indeed do, prey on us.
As the article points out, the bright spot is that minorities do seem to be becoming more involved in politics and that we are starting to focus on rebuilding government from the local level up. Real help for the common citizen will not come from the state and national levels down to us anytime soon. The state and national levels of government are captured by counterfeit economic and political theory that serves only the wealthiest 1%, their corporations, their kowtowing politicians, and as promoted by their media outlets.
The main lesson of this sad, embarrassing 2016 presidential election is that the citizenry needs to realize that we must take responsibility for ourselves and our government, or we will be preyed on by the left and the right—by Democrats and Republicans until Kingdom Come.
The common citizen has no real friend in politics. Don’t look for this to change no matter the outcome of this election.
Michael Bain
Glorieta, New Mexico
2
What tis election has taught us:
1. Not to trust the media. Between their unhinged reaction to Mr Trump, the collusion and sharing of information between the media and the Clinton campaigns exposed by Wikileaks, and the blatant partisanship of their reporting the media is the big loser of 2016. I doubt they will recover.
2. The editorial staff of the NYT's is incapable of learning. They could have written this editorial in 2015 and it would have read the same way
3. The gap between the elites and the unwashed, the governors and the governed, has widened.
4. You can only cry racist and sexist so many times before it loses it's impact. Bush was racist and sexist, McCain was racist and sexist. Now Trump is racist and sexist. The media should make The Boy Who Cried Wolf required reading along with Karl Marx
1. Not to trust the media. Between their unhinged reaction to Mr Trump, the collusion and sharing of information between the media and the Clinton campaigns exposed by Wikileaks, and the blatant partisanship of their reporting the media is the big loser of 2016. I doubt they will recover.
2. The editorial staff of the NYT's is incapable of learning. They could have written this editorial in 2015 and it would have read the same way
3. The gap between the elites and the unwashed, the governors and the governed, has widened.
4. You can only cry racist and sexist so many times before it loses it's impact. Bush was racist and sexist, McCain was racist and sexist. Now Trump is racist and sexist. The media should make The Boy Who Cried Wolf required reading along with Karl Marx
6
What have we learned? That decency, expertise, integrity, intellectual curiosity and common sense no longer matter to many of us.
Celebrity trumps experience. Social media noise trumps thoughtful journalism. Uninformed opinion trumps fact.
A con artist is on the doorstep of the White House, and nearly half of the country support him.
Celebrity trumps experience. Social media noise trumps thoughtful journalism. Uninformed opinion trumps fact.
A con artist is on the doorstep of the White House, and nearly half of the country support him.
3
What I learned (again) from this presidential election is that our country is hopelessly, bitterly divided.
And that I don't want a bridge to people with whom I have nothing in common and for whom I have a great deal of contempt.
I just want them to be quiet, go away and leave me alone.
And that I don't want a bridge to people with whom I have nothing in common and for whom I have a great deal of contempt.
I just want them to be quiet, go away and leave me alone.
1
The worst election, with the two worst candidates. And the supporters have followed the candidates through the looking glass.
And the manipulation and underhanded tricks by the parties. Disgusting.
And please stop with the "false equivalences" garbage. Hillary is only modestly better behaved than Trump and we will live with at least 4 years of subterfuge, misinformation and self-dealing.
And the manipulation and underhanded tricks by the parties. Disgusting.
And please stop with the "false equivalences" garbage. Hillary is only modestly better behaved than Trump and we will live with at least 4 years of subterfuge, misinformation and self-dealing.
4
It must be nice not to have to reserve judgment, keep an open mind, be optimistic, stay involved, work to improve the system, etc.
False equivalences. Yep. It's not garbage. You need to revisit that concept for real. You need to take apart the 30 years of baseless attacks against HRC that have come to nothing, and then factor in her stellar record in the U.S. Senate for the State of New York. Then compare all of that to the tax- and military service-dodging real estate con artist who has made any money he does have on his Trumped up name, IRS bail-outs, stiffing his investors and contractors, while creating a Reality TV character that too many voters actually believe is true.
Think about it.
Think about it.
1
This is the best election because the fairy tale has been blown wide open. The Republican base has rejected the party establishment and the Democratic Party has been shown to cheat the most popular candidate in the whole race to shove their establishment candidate down our throats.
Hopefully both parties will now die so we can start fresh with parties and candidates that actually stand for something other than winning elections by tearing down the opponents. (I haven't seen one positive ad from Clinton be the way.)
Hopefully both parties will now die so we can start fresh with parties and candidates that actually stand for something other than winning elections by tearing down the opponents. (I haven't seen one positive ad from Clinton be the way.)
1
I guess Democrats are just preening their angel wings….
Instead of trying to understand why Sanders had such appeal and why similar forces enabled Trump to win the GOP primary, not like I twas hard considering the problem has been with us for decades, people are reacting to the symptoms of the problem and relishing the dirt dug up by the likes of some Fleet Street rag. Plenty of dirt rubbed off, and now everyone is blaming someone else for ‘making them wrestle in the mud’.
http://fivethirtyeight.com/live-blog/2016-election-results-coverage/
“Trump voters have a higher level of implicit bias against black people than Clinton voters do, according to a recent study by a market-research firm. Both groups, though, had implicit bias against black people, and Clinton voters were closer to the Trump voters on the bias scale than they were to the absence of bias.”
Instead of trying to understand why Sanders had such appeal and why similar forces enabled Trump to win the GOP primary, not like I twas hard considering the problem has been with us for decades, people are reacting to the symptoms of the problem and relishing the dirt dug up by the likes of some Fleet Street rag. Plenty of dirt rubbed off, and now everyone is blaming someone else for ‘making them wrestle in the mud’.
http://fivethirtyeight.com/live-blog/2016-election-results-coverage/
“Trump voters have a higher level of implicit bias against black people than Clinton voters do, according to a recent study by a market-research firm. Both groups, though, had implicit bias against black people, and Clinton voters were closer to the Trump voters on the bias scale than they were to the absence of bias.”
3
I am struck by your frequent use of the word "boor". As I was reminded by an English racist in England, this word was designed to describe my people, the Afrikaners, les fermiers, die boere, by the English oppressors who (1) destroyed my ancestors' farms (2) deported them to foreign concentration camps (3) hacked pianos to pieces (4) raped women (5) placed women and children in cattle trucks on the way to concentration camps and the (6) murdered them there. Time to rethink your use of the word perhaps?
Let's get serious. Trump is an hyped-up, radio shock-jock. The lies and noise are his essential qualities. His KellyAnne creature is a lawyerish spin doctor from the radical right fringe. The noise is a fog of innuendo and falsehoods. Every offence he's about to commit is preceded by a pre-emptive claim that his enemy is committing the same offence. His first act in office would be order a blitzkreig of Warsaw to avenge Polish aggression.
More than 300 million citizens and it is a choice between Hillary "perpetual scandal machine" Clinton, and Donald "who me pay taxes?" Trump, what we have learned is Democracy doesn't work, only good luck brings a good leader to be elected, it is a miracle we have survived this sad state of affairs so long. A democratic system not relying on a single person over endowed with so much power and so little cognitive intelligence must be established, otherwise life on Mars in a cave will be the best condo.
2
"...he has gotten away with exploiting the real concerns by attacking immigrants and trade agreements, but offering no cogent policies for creating good jobs and lifting wages. "
Excuse me, but the lack of good jobs and suppressed wages (especially at the low end of the income distribution) have been the RESULT of those bad trade agreements and the millions of illegal immigrants who entered this country.
Trump had a cogent policy: stop both.
Right message. Wrong messenger.
Excuse me, but the lack of good jobs and suppressed wages (especially at the low end of the income distribution) have been the RESULT of those bad trade agreements and the millions of illegal immigrants who entered this country.
Trump had a cogent policy: stop both.
Right message. Wrong messenger.
2
What, no reference to the fact that these are the two most hated candidates in U.S. history? How about: "Voters are angry with the status quo", "Discontent with the two political parties has never been higher," etc.
6
I have learned that division and hate boldly lurk in our hearts and minds. Self-interest and greed are more the norm then we know. Our 2 party system is so flawed that it allows us to nominate and support evil and unqualified candidates. The media is more biased than ever ... we can buy coverage. We are so badly in need of leadership that we will follow the pied piper. There is HOPE though, as I have also
learned that while you can lead a horse to water, you cannot always make him drink poisoned water.
Our votes can and do make a difference. We need to remember that in the future because without great voter turnout the next snake salesman that comes along just might get elected. We dodged a bullet today:)
learned that while you can lead a horse to water, you cannot always make him drink poisoned water.
Our votes can and do make a difference. We need to remember that in the future because without great voter turnout the next snake salesman that comes along just might get elected. We dodged a bullet today:)
What it has taught us is that a criminal and a braggart can run for president. Ain't democracy great? What great choices we have had.
3
"Local Solutions." Amen. With both major parties firmly in the grip of demagogues and corporations, elevation of Green and Libertarian candidates, as well as the emergence of "ranked choice" voting have become core strategies for surviving the disintegrating and corrosive forces of the duopoly of the Democrats and Republicans. Every 4 years they put on a reality-TV show for us and then continue business as usual for the 1%. All of this must stop. Now. The planet is roasting. Incomes are falling. Healthcare costs are skyrocketing. Washington is all smiles and gridlock while people are suffering. HRC, should she win, will have a chance to lead the effort at renewal of all this.
4
Taught me that a newspaper that descends into a name calling contest loses credibility and a lot of respect.
5
"The media enable extreme candidates..."
Your editorial comments are generally spot on!
But somehow the print media is largely left out of the self-analysis? Why?
Certainly news media is as "desperate" for readers and subscribers as CNN, and cable and tv are desperate for subscribers and advertisers. News sources of all stripes endlessly trumpeted what "Trump says..." and endlessly analyzed Trump's psyche, at the expense of reporting on real news and both candidates positions on issues. As a result, it all became about "entertainment" and getting page views,etc. The news media -- print-based or print-originated -- should bear as much blame as TR+V, online, cable.
How about taking a hard look in the in the mirror and acknowledging that? And outlining a series of real resolves to reform and do better next time? Otherwise, this 2016 is not a sordid detour, but just the beginning or worse and worse...
Your editorial comments are generally spot on!
But somehow the print media is largely left out of the self-analysis? Why?
Certainly news media is as "desperate" for readers and subscribers as CNN, and cable and tv are desperate for subscribers and advertisers. News sources of all stripes endlessly trumpeted what "Trump says..." and endlessly analyzed Trump's psyche, at the expense of reporting on real news and both candidates positions on issues. As a result, it all became about "entertainment" and getting page views,etc. The news media -- print-based or print-originated -- should bear as much blame as TR+V, online, cable.
How about taking a hard look in the in the mirror and acknowledging that? And outlining a series of real resolves to reform and do better next time? Otherwise, this 2016 is not a sordid detour, but just the beginning or worse and worse...
3
It seems in this election that Trump has taken up the Joe Wilson "You lie" banner and has run with it he has taken up the Paul Ryan condemnation of President Obama " he is not to be trusted". He has taken up the GOP frequent demonizing of anyone not white or Christian. He personifies everything the Republican Party has become, my what a surprise. Let us al hope the majority of voters are not buying any of this.
"imagine how much further a more disciplined demagogue might go applying a similar formula." This really struck me. A very, very scary thought.
Since the decline of the collective memory of the three major networks
(ABC, NBC and CBS for our younger NYT readers) Americans have
steadily gravitated toward the information they WANT to hear. So everyone
simply lives with their own tribe and echo chamber.
While many of our problems are real and need attending too wherever
Americans get their news AMPLIFIES their reality. Mr Trump knew this and
exploited it to the hilt.
The best solution for this is massive investments and education of current and forthcoming generations on how to vet information. Otherwise worse things
are coming.
(ABC, NBC and CBS for our younger NYT readers) Americans have
steadily gravitated toward the information they WANT to hear. So everyone
simply lives with their own tribe and echo chamber.
While many of our problems are real and need attending too wherever
Americans get their news AMPLIFIES their reality. Mr Trump knew this and
exploited it to the hilt.
The best solution for this is massive investments and education of current and forthcoming generations on how to vet information. Otherwise worse things
are coming.
1
I agree with all of your points but one: I disagree that the mainstream media didn't have the capacity to counteract the vitriol spread on social media -- it didn't have the spine. It waited too long to call Trump a liar; to call his rant in 2005 "sexual assault"; to question him without backing down when he offered answers that were both untrue and off-the-charts whacko. What were you so afraid of?
1
Important breaking news: Wikileaks leaks Trumps taxes, going back five years and showing that he gave millions to a charity that gives violins to poor disabled Russian children. The generous billionaire is planning a follow up next year to provide bows.
The realtor attended a meeting where the Russian President offered a toast and made a long statement in Russian, that was reported by the realtor as a compliment to his high and mighty status.
Afterwards, a translator was found who said that although there was no precise English equivalent to the President’s toast, it could be roughly interpreted as somehow referring to the rear end of an elephant.
When asked to clarify the statement from their enigmatic leader, Putin’s men stated that elephants were held in very high esteem in Moscow. Others merely shrugged, while waving their hands and looking up at the ceiling.
Stand by for more news from the Kremlin.
The realtor attended a meeting where the Russian President offered a toast and made a long statement in Russian, that was reported by the realtor as a compliment to his high and mighty status.
Afterwards, a translator was found who said that although there was no precise English equivalent to the President’s toast, it could be roughly interpreted as somehow referring to the rear end of an elephant.
When asked to clarify the statement from their enigmatic leader, Putin’s men stated that elephants were held in very high esteem in Moscow. Others merely shrugged, while waving their hands and looking up at the ceiling.
Stand by for more news from the Kremlin.
What I have learned during this election cycle is that the media is more corrupt then I had ever imagined. I have to thank Wikileaks for some of this, but just reading the NYTIMES has also shown how biased the press is. This paper and much of the media IS an extension of the DNC. When reporters ask the DNC for questions to ask republicans and others like Donna Brazile provide the debate questions it's very sad. Couple that with the media ignoring much of the Clinton corruption and it's no wonder many distrust the media. If Hillary becomes president will you finally make sure she stays honest and not sell out the country to the highest bidder?
7
"Imagine how much further a more disciplined demagogue might go applying a similar formula."
Well, the fat lady hasn't finished singing yet!
Well, the fat lady hasn't finished singing yet!
For the past 16 months, I've felt like a kid having to face the bully in the schoolyard, but that's not what has troubled me. It was the realization that so many people in this country I love cheer on the bully. I have been utterly dismayed to think that the beginnings of progress against hatred and inequality under the law that I have seen in my lifetime could be so ephemeral. I hope with all my heart that tomorrow is a continuation of that progress and not its end.
I asked my young daughters, five and nine, who to vote for this morning. They both smiled and screamed "Hillary!" As a father I want to say I am proud to vote for the first woman to be president. As I voted I didn't feel exhausted, dejected, sad, disgusted, or anything I thought I would feel and which the media has been telling me I feel. Instead, I thought what a great country we live in that we can continue to smash barriers to the highest office. My daughters are excited about Hillary Clinton. And that enthusiasm was contagious to me.
So I would like to state clearly, for the media, there are many of us middle-aged men who are enthusiastically supporting this most qualified candidate. Is she perfect? No. But she is prepared, confident, presidential and extremely well versed on a number of issues.
I know I will disagree with her on many positions. I will want her to go left when she bargains with the right. But I will never believe that she hasn't thought through an issue or taken account of different views.
After so much negativity I think it's time to let some of the more calm, measured and reasoned voices in our electorate have the microphone. I have heard just about enough from griping angry midwesterners telling me how lousy their world is. They need to get on with moving forward and joining our multi-cultural society or they will (and should be) left behind. That's always been how America works.
So I would like to state clearly, for the media, there are many of us middle-aged men who are enthusiastically supporting this most qualified candidate. Is she perfect? No. But she is prepared, confident, presidential and extremely well versed on a number of issues.
I know I will disagree with her on many positions. I will want her to go left when she bargains with the right. But I will never believe that she hasn't thought through an issue or taken account of different views.
After so much negativity I think it's time to let some of the more calm, measured and reasoned voices in our electorate have the microphone. I have heard just about enough from griping angry midwesterners telling me how lousy their world is. They need to get on with moving forward and joining our multi-cultural society or they will (and should be) left behind. That's always been how America works.
1
The result will confirm what, if anything, the election has taught us. Will it validate the idiot status the country earned with the election of Obama in '08 and his relection in '12 by voting in Clinton? Or will it reveal a newfound sense of urgency and sanity by electing Trump, the broom which will sweep clean the cesspool in DC which has nourished Clinton her entire political life. A life spent feeding on 'donations' and pay-for-play access which enabled the Clintons to go from being broke when Bubba left the White House to a net worth of some $200 million today.
1
what a ridiculous article. the take away from the 2016 election is that the population continues to be controlled by big media; on both sides of the political divide. trump and clinton were the media darlings and no one else was heard; even though there were much better candidates they were pushed into the background by cnn, fox, msnbc et al. when the editorial board talks about the politics of hate, that all started with the tribalization of the united states into minority/special interest groups/safe zones/political correctlness. how about a candidate that wants to govern all Americans and not just the coastlines.
4
The "politics of hate" began with slavery, lynchings, terrorizing immigrants, beating and murdering gays, etc. At one time all of these things were politically correct.
The response to this mass terror by aminority of the population is not hate. It is a demand for justice.
The propaganda you spout had no historical basis. It is a big fat lie designed to appeal to your wishful thinking.
The response to this mass terror by aminority of the population is not hate. It is a demand for justice.
The propaganda you spout had no historical basis. It is a big fat lie designed to appeal to your wishful thinking.
What 2016 taught us: That many proud, upstanding, hard working white men we respected as pillars of the community can be sold on rugged individualism, gun ownership, and "christian values" for a few decades while their leaders sell them down the river, fed a constant meal of scapegoating, hate and lies to muddy the waters about who is responsible. Until their Jesus in orange hair appears to save them. Now what?
OK, some were bad to start with.
OK, some were bad to start with.
Hate Sells. It sure does, and the Editorial Board has been doing a land office business. The fourth paragraph of this Clinton campaign ad is a great example of how the Editors have slanted their propaganda to benefit the person they twice endorsed for President.
How will the Times keep its money making hate machine operating at peak capacity after it declares its candidate the WINNER?
To paraphrase, it takes a DEMON to raise the bottom line. The Editors will continue the demonization of the Other, because Hate Sells.
How will the Times keep its money making hate machine operating at peak capacity after it declares its candidate the WINNER?
To paraphrase, it takes a DEMON to raise the bottom line. The Editors will continue the demonization of the Other, because Hate Sells.
4
What the 2016 Election Has Taught the NYT:
"Hate sells. Racism, bigotry and misogyny, Donald Trump has proved, can energize a national campaign."
Wow. And here I thought you all were just committed to shameless HRC rooting. Turns out it's far worse. You actually think this campaign was about good v. evil; right v. wrong. You all could really stand to get over yourselves. Or not. I don't care. But don't be so quick to think you are fooling anyone.
"Hate sells. Racism, bigotry and misogyny, Donald Trump has proved, can energize a national campaign."
Wow. And here I thought you all were just committed to shameless HRC rooting. Turns out it's far worse. You actually think this campaign was about good v. evil; right v. wrong. You all could really stand to get over yourselves. Or not. I don't care. But don't be so quick to think you are fooling anyone.
5
November 8 2016 - Election Day
We earned the government we have and the one we want is surely what polling reveals in our collective narratives .Yet in synthesizing for both major parties we are the consequences of all and every conversation from local, national, and international that is predicated on how we think and pretend to know the answer (‘s ) What? Oh leadership is not sound bites and cosmetics or satire, parody, or worst cynicisms. How we live and what we read and share is the key to today’s outcome – but my bet is that voters want experience and a professional resume that like Senator Hillary Clinton has earned in her lifelong dedicate professional politician - sure with the entire struggles to live and think in the public eye and the heat and light for constant critiques – but America will today do what we know is our learnings for an elected leader – and that is all of us can do better living together with character and wisdom tied to our spirit and soul to grow with honor and pride – not the nasty Donald Trump leveraging the gutter verbiages – venom and invectives thinking that’s his achievement as the Octopus predator for gilding his golden halo of the official anti – candidate - breed by the Republicans in endless destructive attacking and never to comprise in the now eight years of the Obama successful leadership – a true noble man of the highest worth for the times.
JJA Manhattan, N. Y.
We earned the government we have and the one we want is surely what polling reveals in our collective narratives .Yet in synthesizing for both major parties we are the consequences of all and every conversation from local, national, and international that is predicated on how we think and pretend to know the answer (‘s ) What? Oh leadership is not sound bites and cosmetics or satire, parody, or worst cynicisms. How we live and what we read and share is the key to today’s outcome – but my bet is that voters want experience and a professional resume that like Senator Hillary Clinton has earned in her lifelong dedicate professional politician - sure with the entire struggles to live and think in the public eye and the heat and light for constant critiques – but America will today do what we know is our learnings for an elected leader – and that is all of us can do better living together with character and wisdom tied to our spirit and soul to grow with honor and pride – not the nasty Donald Trump leveraging the gutter verbiages – venom and invectives thinking that’s his achievement as the Octopus predator for gilding his golden halo of the official anti – candidate - breed by the Republicans in endless destructive attacking and never to comprise in the now eight years of the Obama successful leadership – a true noble man of the highest worth for the times.
JJA Manhattan, N. Y.
2
What 2016 taught us:
1. You absolutely *can* fool a huge portion of the electorate all the time.
2. A surprisingly large number of people don't really care about facts or reality. I've always known that people vote with their guts, but this is the first time I've seen so many people stop using their brains. (See #1)
3. If you repeat a big lie over and over, loudly and relentlessly, a lot of folks will think it's true. (See #1)
4. There is nothing more important than an educated citizenry. Without that we are doomed.
5. Flooding the political arena with money from corporations and the top 1% results in drowning out the will of the people. We have to get Citizens United reversed.
6. Mixing religious belief with politics is a recipe for the death of democracy. As someone once pointed out, we did that once, and people got burnt at the stake.
1. You absolutely *can* fool a huge portion of the electorate all the time.
2. A surprisingly large number of people don't really care about facts or reality. I've always known that people vote with their guts, but this is the first time I've seen so many people stop using their brains. (See #1)
3. If you repeat a big lie over and over, loudly and relentlessly, a lot of folks will think it's true. (See #1)
4. There is nothing more important than an educated citizenry. Without that we are doomed.
5. Flooding the political arena with money from corporations and the top 1% results in drowning out the will of the people. We have to get Citizens United reversed.
6. Mixing religious belief with politics is a recipe for the death of democracy. As someone once pointed out, we did that once, and people got burnt at the stake.
2
The argument I have with the Trump supporters in my family, over and over again, is that the recession was not caused by or fixed by the President. Their take home pay has not increased under Bush or Obama; so whoever is in the white House seems to have no effect.
If they are angry about these things, their anger should be addressed to those responsible: American business. "It's just business" as the saying goes, just before you get the bad news. No, it's not. It's a set of principles which can and should be up for review and negotiation.
The company I work for has decided to use Jack Welch's (CEO of GE) stacked ranking system; which holds that 10% of workers are "exceptional" and get raises and 10% "perform poorly" and get terminated. The 80% in the middle are "average" and at best only get cost of living adjustments to salary.
That's an accepted "modern" business practice, established a priori, with no basis in reality; because on the other hand, "we only hire exceptional people." Our CEO got annual 10% raises 2008-2014 "because he's the reason our company is successful". He may have a Trump sized ego, but let's give some credit to the 20,000 engineers working under him.
Trump-sters.... take your anger and address it to the real source of your pain.
If they are angry about these things, their anger should be addressed to those responsible: American business. "It's just business" as the saying goes, just before you get the bad news. No, it's not. It's a set of principles which can and should be up for review and negotiation.
The company I work for has decided to use Jack Welch's (CEO of GE) stacked ranking system; which holds that 10% of workers are "exceptional" and get raises and 10% "perform poorly" and get terminated. The 80% in the middle are "average" and at best only get cost of living adjustments to salary.
That's an accepted "modern" business practice, established a priori, with no basis in reality; because on the other hand, "we only hire exceptional people." Our CEO got annual 10% raises 2008-2014 "because he's the reason our company is successful". He may have a Trump sized ego, but let's give some credit to the 20,000 engineers working under him.
Trump-sters.... take your anger and address it to the real source of your pain.
I haven't seen the words "illegal immigration" in the article or comments yet and that is THE prime motivator for most Trump voters and about the only reason he gained any traction early in the campaign. Any writer who leaves that out is either trying hard to ignore it or really doesn't know what's going on with the electorate.
3
I have learned that the Woman's Voice is not loud enough in this nation. We should be shouting and the media should be reporting that women want to protect women's rights and achieve equality. The rights suffragists fought for and the gains still ahead for women. Younger generations need to keep in mind the hard work and slow progress that has ensued for women. All women of any race have been marginalized relatively recently. Hillary is a clear choice for all women. Open your eyes and dare to know and understand.
It's really too early to see what the Election really means as far as the Electorate learning anything. However hope springs eternal as they say. JGAIA
We also were taught that a candidate who does not release tax their tax returns pays no penalty and surely benefits when they are disadventageous. If tax returns are a pertinent part of the process, their release should be legislated. If not, why should any candidate release them in the future?
A major under statement, that the media did little to "foster constructive debate". Was that a major objective, never mind an accomplishment?
Aside from the "news", the "analysis" didn't attempt clarifying matters or providing grist for thought. And the general tenor was that readers and listeners are children who want entertainment and pats on the head! Incapable of seriousness.
Aside from the "news", the "analysis" didn't attempt clarifying matters or providing grist for thought. And the general tenor was that readers and listeners are children who want entertainment and pats on the head! Incapable of seriousness.
You forgot:
The corporate media and its stenographers can throw an election by using classic techniques of propaganda all in coordination with the candidate of international corporate exploitation.
Heck of a job, NY Times.
I'll never forget your "argument" that Bernie Sanders couldn't win because he wasn't electable.
The corporate media and its stenographers can throw an election by using classic techniques of propaganda all in coordination with the candidate of international corporate exploitation.
Heck of a job, NY Times.
I'll never forget your "argument" that Bernie Sanders couldn't win because he wasn't electable.
3
It's no coincidence that a racist, sexist candidate was chosen to follow Obama and run against Hillary. The election of Hillary Clinton, along with a democratic senate, is not only a rejection of Trumpism, but it will insure that the courts stop Republicans from gaming the system and suppressing the vote.
I remain exceedingly optimistic about a generation of liberal government policies.
I remain exceedingly optimistic about a generation of liberal government policies.
I think your media system has failed. To increase the ratings and therefore advertising revenue, it has abdicated its role of informing the citizens to take on the role of entertaining the audience. On the other hand, the average educational level of the people has lowered hand in hand with the decline of public education, so people ask for quick and simple solutions to complex problems. This is not true. One final note. Founding Fathers of the United States knew the classical culture very well. Think about it. Good luck.
2
One, an inveterate insider, and the other, an obdurate outsider. Who will prevail over the other, in her or his philosophy and ideology, will be determined today, at all costs, no matter what. Rigging and bugging by the bear nation will have to be thwarted with all the ferocity and velocity, the US has got. Tumultuous Trump is trying to give a hapless Hillary the run for her money.
Agonizingly enough, adultery, bigotry, bribery, demagoguery, misogyny, and xenophobia will be at the front and center for the voters to digest right at the ballot box. Besides, castigations, dulications, fabrications, and prevarications from both the candidates will be dancing around, and/or haunting, the supporters, perhaps, for along time to come, even after the elections, let's say.
After today's marquee elections, the victor and the vanquished will be licking the wounds. Firecrackers will light up the skies by the surrogates of .........
Agonizingly enough, adultery, bigotry, bribery, demagoguery, misogyny, and xenophobia will be at the front and center for the voters to digest right at the ballot box. Besides, castigations, dulications, fabrications, and prevarications from both the candidates will be dancing around, and/or haunting, the supporters, perhaps, for along time to come, even after the elections, let's say.
After today's marquee elections, the victor and the vanquished will be licking the wounds. Firecrackers will light up the skies by the surrogates of .........
What I've learned is the value of Political Correctness. Trump's boastful bashing of P.C. opened a Pandora's Box of ugliness unseen in my lifetime ( I'm 76). If the Greek's were right perhaps there is hope that we'll relearn the value of civil discourse and respect for our democratic institutions that have been the victims of this unrelenting nasty campaign. I can only hope that tomorrow will bring some cleansing and healing sunlight to lift the darkness and start the healingprocess.
1
The Greeks were the last ones to engage in civil discourse. Or have you not heard of the Peloponnesian War?
1
Only Bernie Sanders really addressed economic anxiety with a proven solution this election cycle: Many European countries (Denmark, Germany, etc. at full employment) show that a competitive economy is perfectly compatible with a society that offers a safety net against misfortune and that cares for people not lucky enough to be born either rich enough or with talents valued by the job market. It is the best model for a happy society.
Clinton, alas, is entangled with Wall Street's interests and will most likely not push for significant social progress like Obama has accomplished. So 4 or 8 years of seat warming for someone with a vision and drive I'm afraid.
Clinton, alas, is entangled with Wall Street's interests and will most likely not push for significant social progress like Obama has accomplished. So 4 or 8 years of seat warming for someone with a vision and drive I'm afraid.
2
We could be just a step away from making a women with her nudity photo's posted in a 'certain' New York tabloid paper, the First Lady of our nation. How about that?
People have been whining about Washington before there was a Washington. It is part of the heritage of being a revolutionary country. At the same time too many Americans don't vote. This gives enormous power to the haters and one issue groups. Lastly, sadly the Media has become just one more branch of entertainment.
4
Well, the people that don't vote *are* probably "one issue" folks, too. That's why they didn't show up.
Since you brought up pre-Washington times, one man's haters are another man's Patriots.
Since you brought up pre-Washington times, one man's haters are another man's Patriots.
1
What 2016 has taught us has really just been a validation of the fact that the NYT editorial board has will back any liberal despite their being a dishonest liar and unindicted criminal. The sad fact is, they are fellow travelers on the liberal progressive road, and even if a Republican boy scout was opposing this ethically decrepit weasel, they would back this craven, power hungry despot anyway.
8
How dare you speak of Donald Trump like that!
1
All evidence to the contrary. Quit your whining.
1
What this election taught me is that candidates feel that voters owe them more than they owe voters. From the primary through the general election, the number of questions candidates never answered is discouraging.
Campaign ads and rallies are opportunities for candidates to dominate the conversation and stick to their comfort zones if they so choose. Questions posed by voters, debate moderators and the press are not. When candidates dodge questions or withhold information on upon direct questioning (whether the topic is tax returns, transcripts, foreign policy positions or anything else), they have no grounds to demand voters "prove" anything before casting judgment. We, as voters, are entitled to information. They, as candidates, are not entitled to tell us what is or is not important to our evaluation.
But that's not how it happened this year, is it? Hacking and leaks ARE very troubling, but it's also... embarrassing. Manipulation from hostile entities is to be expected, but the candidates' withholding of information is a form of manipulation too. The candidates made a conscious decision that the greater our collective ignorance of their words and actions, the easier it would be to maintain their respective narratives. The revelation of information (even truthful information) was their greatest fear. That certainly doesn't make them morally equivalent in all things, but they both deserve the skepticism they receive.
Campaign ads and rallies are opportunities for candidates to dominate the conversation and stick to their comfort zones if they so choose. Questions posed by voters, debate moderators and the press are not. When candidates dodge questions or withhold information on upon direct questioning (whether the topic is tax returns, transcripts, foreign policy positions or anything else), they have no grounds to demand voters "prove" anything before casting judgment. We, as voters, are entitled to information. They, as candidates, are not entitled to tell us what is or is not important to our evaluation.
But that's not how it happened this year, is it? Hacking and leaks ARE very troubling, but it's also... embarrassing. Manipulation from hostile entities is to be expected, but the candidates' withholding of information is a form of manipulation too. The candidates made a conscious decision that the greater our collective ignorance of their words and actions, the easier it would be to maintain their respective narratives. The revelation of information (even truthful information) was their greatest fear. That certainly doesn't make them morally equivalent in all things, but they both deserve the skepticism they receive.
4
Please remember who brought the ugly to this election season. As in many other news stories about the candidates, there is a false equivalency about their characters and background. You know enough about fact-checking at the NYT to know how grossly unfair this has been to HRC. Do you think that she would have been happier to have faced a fellow public servant as a candidate, someone who was familiar with our governing system, our history, and how things get done, and had to debate that person on the actual issues? Or do you think she's been thrilled to have to descend into the gutter with Mr. Trump and all of the ugliness he's brought out in his supporters? To have to defend herself, again and again, against accusations that she's been cleared of, against regurgitated hatred towards Bill Clinton, and against wholesale lies (that she's an accomplice to murder)? I know the answer to that and I think you do, too. So please, when you discuss how "ugly" this campaign has been, credit the source as good journalists are supposed to do.
1
Spot On! Shame on NYT for using the media's playbook and putting Clinton into the same oozing, filthy, sociopathic camp as that man. I cannot even write his name. I hope that when he loses, he is forgotten and cast aside for the Ugly American he is. In fact, he should be forced into exile someplace very remote where he can't tweet. Bye bye.
"This election year has been an exhausting parade of ugliness"
Actually, the ugliness has been pretty much one-sided. Imagine Hillary Clinton against Jeb Bush; that would have been a pretty typical American election. The source for every ounce of that ugliness has been Donald Trump.
Actually, the ugliness has been pretty much one-sided. Imagine Hillary Clinton against Jeb Bush; that would have been a pretty typical American election. The source for every ounce of that ugliness has been Donald Trump.
2
actually.... things are going to get worse... there will be no winner in this election... but the american people will be the loser... our political system is broken... our government model no longer works... our government agencies are suspect.... and our courts are no much respected... now...what could go wrong...?
4
the most moving moment I've had as an American was when I stood behind President Lincoln's seat at the Ford Theater. We should never lose another POTUS to hate, intrigue and madness. We should practice civility and demand the same of those we vote for.
1
"Taught" us, or "earned" some of us (eg, those who own the media)?
The NY Times provided Trump with millions in free media exposure. A recent study covering Republican contenders estimated the ad-equivalent dollar amounts of non-negative media exposure. Trump’s coverage in the major news outlets covered in the study was worth roughly $55 million including $16 million in the New York Times alone, which was more than he spent on actual ad buys in all media during all of 2015. See http://shorensteincenter.org.
The Harvard political scientist who conducted the study found that the media not only loosened the typical bonds of party control but cut them altogether, saying "Trump is arguably the first bona fide media-created presidential nominee.”
In one Sunday times, the small main section had 7 articles on Trump / GOP / Pense, and a bit about Trump in another column, with nothing on any other political party, with Trump also the sole cover piece in the sunday review section, and a Douthat article stipulating that the nomination reflected a "triumph of raw populism.”
That week, it took journalists at the Pocono Record to articulate coherently that Trump’s brand is actually one of “negative populism” http://www.poconorecord.com/article/20160227/NEWS/160229560).
So "we" learned some things.
The NY Times provided Trump with millions in free media exposure. A recent study covering Republican contenders estimated the ad-equivalent dollar amounts of non-negative media exposure. Trump’s coverage in the major news outlets covered in the study was worth roughly $55 million including $16 million in the New York Times alone, which was more than he spent on actual ad buys in all media during all of 2015. See http://shorensteincenter.org.
The Harvard political scientist who conducted the study found that the media not only loosened the typical bonds of party control but cut them altogether, saying "Trump is arguably the first bona fide media-created presidential nominee.”
In one Sunday times, the small main section had 7 articles on Trump / GOP / Pense, and a bit about Trump in another column, with nothing on any other political party, with Trump also the sole cover piece in the sunday review section, and a Douthat article stipulating that the nomination reflected a "triumph of raw populism.”
That week, it took journalists at the Pocono Record to articulate coherently that Trump’s brand is actually one of “negative populism” http://www.poconorecord.com/article/20160227/NEWS/160229560).
So "we" learned some things.
1
What we need is no more than 6 months of campaigning - that will cut the ugliness to something we might possibly be able to stand. Politicians, all hungry for power dragging all of us through their mud for their own advancement and agenda for up to 2 years. It has to stop, otherwise it will get progressively worse. We have to speak up
6
You forgot the most important take away. The primary system doesn't work to give America a choice between two great qualified candidates. 300 million people in the country, there must be a better system
7
Our political system has given us three choices: status quo representative, Caligula lite, or candidates who are irrelevant.
So, here's what I've learned: we're in trouble.
So, here's what I've learned: we're in trouble.
4
It was a very unfair contest.
Hillary had to battle 4 opponents.
• Russia with tens of thousands of cyber warfare hackers working at the command of Putin to destabilise US elections by favouring Trump.
• Wikileaks which has since sold its soul to Putin and is now functioning as a branch of Putin's cyber army.
• The rogue elements within FBI who are pro Trump and who pressure the FBI director to climb over the heads of the Attorney General and DOJ to interfere in partisan politics. These rogue FBI agents also actively and regularly "leak" updates or alleged future "indictment" to Fox News newscaster during the investigation --- an act which is ILLEGAL.
• Donald Trump who was disrespectful of the former First Lady calling her names and slanderous statements that she was corrupt.
I am shocked that the FBI has become politicised. We really do not know whether those pro-Trump FBI rogue agents whom the Fox News newscaster claimed to get regular updates (during the investigation) from, took any money from the Koch Brothers.
US has so far not conducted a retaliatory cyber strike against Russia. This should be done FORCEFULLY. So that Russia will learn its lesson and never do that again.
UK & US must follow up on Julian Assange and put enormous pressure on Ecuador to cough up this rapist to face justice in Sweden. An ultimatum must be given.
Hillary had to battle 4 opponents.
• Russia with tens of thousands of cyber warfare hackers working at the command of Putin to destabilise US elections by favouring Trump.
• Wikileaks which has since sold its soul to Putin and is now functioning as a branch of Putin's cyber army.
• The rogue elements within FBI who are pro Trump and who pressure the FBI director to climb over the heads of the Attorney General and DOJ to interfere in partisan politics. These rogue FBI agents also actively and regularly "leak" updates or alleged future "indictment" to Fox News newscaster during the investigation --- an act which is ILLEGAL.
• Donald Trump who was disrespectful of the former First Lady calling her names and slanderous statements that she was corrupt.
I am shocked that the FBI has become politicised. We really do not know whether those pro-Trump FBI rogue agents whom the Fox News newscaster claimed to get regular updates (during the investigation) from, took any money from the Koch Brothers.
US has so far not conducted a retaliatory cyber strike against Russia. This should be done FORCEFULLY. So that Russia will learn its lesson and never do that again.
UK & US must follow up on Julian Assange and put enormous pressure on Ecuador to cough up this rapist to face justice in Sweden. An ultimatum must be given.
4
Trump and his supporters want to take the country back to the 1950s. It's an impossibility that the outcome of today's vote will lay bare.
1
The Country was at its best from the 50s on, topping out in 1969 with the moon landings. Since then, it has slowly descended into mediocrity.
1
If nothing else, it's taught us that elections are too damn long! They've been campaigning since the mid-terms two years ago, and it has cluttered our news and pushed out consideration of pressing issues. I'd love to see some sort of national law limiting electioneering to, say, the calendar year in which the election is held. I know, I know, we can't do it because free speech. Yet this is one thing which, I bet, every American agrees with. At least, shouldn't we require Congress to spend a certain amount of time actually doing their job, and limit their time raising money and campaigning?
6
Well, it's nearly over. It looks like Hillary will squeak by. America dodges a bullet. And while the horrible malevolent clown will not go away, at least we can hear him whining as a bad loser. (I hope) Can you imagine what a bad winner he would be? Jail for opponents, muzzled press, more.
Even if he loses, however, the old GOP Politburo is still in place to wreak havoc with their hateful and destructive program; the same one used on Obama but with a simple name change to Hillary. These cretinous apparatchiks will attempt to impeach her. They are already threatening to usurp the constitution with their refusal to hold hearing for Garland and have further stated they will not approve any SCOTUS appointments at all. Apparently a Democratic POTUS does not have the right under the constitution to make court appointments. This simply doesn't float, regardless the imaginary sea you live in.
Then we have all the Trump gun fetishists. I'm sure most will go home, sit on the couch and watch TV, but a few may try to act out the Trump psychosis.
Get ready for more ugly.
Even if he loses, however, the old GOP Politburo is still in place to wreak havoc with their hateful and destructive program; the same one used on Obama but with a simple name change to Hillary. These cretinous apparatchiks will attempt to impeach her. They are already threatening to usurp the constitution with their refusal to hold hearing for Garland and have further stated they will not approve any SCOTUS appointments at all. Apparently a Democratic POTUS does not have the right under the constitution to make court appointments. This simply doesn't float, regardless the imaginary sea you live in.
Then we have all the Trump gun fetishists. I'm sure most will go home, sit on the couch and watch TV, but a few may try to act out the Trump psychosis.
Get ready for more ugly.
1
Proving, again, that hate exists across the political spectrum.
1
The 2016 election has taught us that the country is ripe for a viable third party candidate in the future if the leadership of the parties doesn't start to focus on governing for the people.
6
So far all I have been taught is the media no longer fact checks.
So much for the 'fourth' branch of government.
So much for the 'fourth' branch of government.
5
I think you forgot one: the ASSAULT ON FACTS. How can society progress in an increasingly Copernican world where science and facts don't matter? The philosophy of personal relativism has run amok and we now believe in personal facts and personal science. What I feel is what is truth. Here's one idea: just as we are required to label native advertising as "advertisement" we should require non-fact driven content to be labeled as "entertainment".
5
The 2016 campaigns have taught me that the national media is not to be trusted. Objective reporting has been taken over by editorials - often filled with half-truth propaganda. Editorial content is surely the majority of television, cable, and print news today - and their political view is obvious. The lack of journalistic professionalism is disheartening.
4
Beautiful cake, a work of art.
1
What has 2016 taught us? The media enables ALL candidates. What happened is that all Media took a partisan stand - both through their editorial comments and their prejudicial news reporting. What happened to the tenets of fair and balanced reporting? Does the media believe that citizens can make up their own mind? Isn't that a core belief behind democracy?
If the NYT cares to stand behind this editorial, it should put actions behind its words. Lead the way and start to respect that the populace can decide issues without being told what to think. Shut down the bullhorn which has enabled all candidates, all parties, to game the system with innuendo and hate.The people are tired of it.
If the NYT cares to stand behind this editorial, it should put actions behind its words. Lead the way and start to respect that the populace can decide issues without being told what to think. Shut down the bullhorn which has enabled all candidates, all parties, to game the system with innuendo and hate.The people are tired of it.
3
Among the media outlets who failed in this campaign is the New York Times. I recall that one day in which there was one front page article about Hillary Clinton and five about Donald Trump reporting on such crucial political issues as his hair, his penthouse and his most outrageous remarks of the previous day. We had lots of articles about Hillary's finances but the serious journalism relating to the shadiness exhibited by his property taxes and his reported income only appeared in the last few weeks. The reporters must have been waiting for him to produce his tax returns which everyone was sure would never happen. The only real discussion of Trump's awfulness was left to Blow, Bruni, Collins, Krugman and the rest of the editorial staff.
3
Hate sells. Exactly! I no longer wonder how Hitler could have come to power in 1933 Germany. Trump may come to power in 2016 America.
2
What 2016 Has Taught Us: That the NYT abandoned all journalistic standards in its quest to coronate Hillary Clinton.
6
I learned to fear my southern neighbours a bit more and to realise that we have less in common than I thought we had.
Over the past 520 or so days, Donald J. Trump has exhibited 15 seconds of honest, self-deprecating humor. That was a few days ago when, as if talking to himself, he said, "Just be calm, Donald. Stay on point, Donald. Nice and easy." Then he ruined it by claiming Hillary was "unhinged."
Can't you just be nice for five minutes to a 70-year-old grandmother, Mr. Trump?
Can't you just be nice for five minutes to a 70-year-old grandmother, Mr. Trump?
3
You forgot, again, about the one that says political candidates are big liars.
We also learned that Donald Trump lies because he is ignorant, and Hillary Clinton lies because she thinks she can get away with it.
I think it is time, dear Editorial Board, that you re-think how you approach elections and candidates, and use your weight as editors and movers-and-shakers in the Times' reportorial and editorial hierarchies to doing a better job of assuring ethics in the news room.
We also learned that Donald Trump lies because he is ignorant, and Hillary Clinton lies because she thinks she can get away with it.
I think it is time, dear Editorial Board, that you re-think how you approach elections and candidates, and use your weight as editors and movers-and-shakers in the Times' reportorial and editorial hierarchies to doing a better job of assuring ethics in the news room.
4
Republicans were not powerless to stop the rise of Donald Trump. They spent too much time focusing on their personal power and not minding the store. Had they pressured even half of the people in their primary to drop out, Donald Trump would not be their candidate today. They did not. They were too focused on thwarting the POTUS to do their jobs. In their craven quest for personal power over country they set this crisis in motion.
4
"Mr. Trump has shown it is feasible to recruit the alt-right, conspiracy theorists, white supremacists and anti-Semites as ferocious allies without alienating reliable Republican voters."
I'm not so sure of that. I've heard from an awful lot of Republicans who are casting their votes for Clinton. They all have in common a horror of what the GOP has turned into and nothing but disgust for Trump.
I'm not so sure of that. I've heard from an awful lot of Republicans who are casting their votes for Clinton. They all have in common a horror of what the GOP has turned into and nothing but disgust for Trump.
1
My takeaway from this election is the untrustworthy nature of the media in this country. You have people from the Times, WAPO, CNN and other outlets colluding with one candidate to seize the nomination using underhanded means and then a non-stop bashing of Trump for months with questionable
people stepping forth late in the process, all telling the same story, using the same words and phrases to sway the vote. The New York Times is the worst offender with all their paid Hillary trolls churning out predictable hit pieces on Trump 24/7. I suppose this is the consequence of having six entities controlling nearly all of the broadcasters and print media.
people stepping forth late in the process, all telling the same story, using the same words and phrases to sway the vote. The New York Times is the worst offender with all their paid Hillary trolls churning out predictable hit pieces on Trump 24/7. I suppose this is the consequence of having six entities controlling nearly all of the broadcasters and print media.
7
"all telling the same story, using the same words and phrases to sway the vote"
... Correct: using Trump's own words and those of his surrogates. The media are simply reporting on the policies and stances offered by the Trump campaign. And I very much agree with you: the material presented is very questionable, underhanded and disturbing. Trump is his own "hit piece".
... Correct: using Trump's own words and those of his surrogates. The media are simply reporting on the policies and stances offered by the Trump campaign. And I very much agree with you: the material presented is very questionable, underhanded and disturbing. Trump is his own "hit piece".
NYT played its part by headlining Trump for 365 days.
4
Political scientists understand that virtually all voters have a built-in predisposition, a frame of reference. The way to get voters to get from predisposition to passionate commitment to voting is to catastrophize the opponent. For Republicans, they've been sold on the idea that HRC is a world-ending catastrophe. They'll be fornication and 9th month abortion in the street! For Democrats, they've been sold on the idea that Trump is a malevolent Hitlerite. They'll be gestapo frog-marching Mexicans across the southern border and shoving Muslims out of planes over Raqqa, sans-parachute.
So why is our election like this? Because it WORKS. Both sides want to win, so both sides catastophize the opposition and fire up their supporters to do whatever it takes to prevent the catastrophe from occurring.
In the end, the election could be between a ham sandwich and peanut-butter-and-jelly. Voters everywhere would reluctantly vote for one or the other, rationalizing that as bad as is, at least it isn't that corrupt, evil, catastrophic OTHER sandwich.
So why is our election like this? Because it WORKS. Both sides want to win, so both sides catastophize the opposition and fire up their supporters to do whatever it takes to prevent the catastrophe from occurring.
In the end, the election could be between a ham sandwich and peanut-butter-and-jelly. Voters everywhere would reluctantly vote for one or the other, rationalizing that as bad as is, at least it isn't that corrupt, evil, catastrophic OTHER sandwich.
2
All i hear nonstop about this campaign is "Ugly", "Nasty", "Divisive".
The campaign? or ONE of the candidates?
Enough with the false equivalencies. Donald Trump and his surrogates dragged us through the gutter and exposed us to lunacy, Hillary Clinton DID NOT.
The campaign? or ONE of the candidates?
Enough with the false equivalencies. Donald Trump and his surrogates dragged us through the gutter and exposed us to lunacy, Hillary Clinton DID NOT.
11
Nice work ignoring your own efforts to bring us this 'ugliness' NYT.
7
Trump can make a REAL mark in history, if, at the obvious end of this election, he states, unequivocally, that he will encourage all his so-called followers to accept the results and promise to back Clinton in her endeavors. Too idealistic?
Ah well, so it goes.
Ah well, so it goes.
1
When warmer places freeze over!
You are so right, billy bob
More biased claptrap from the New York Times which itself has been a major player in the "hate" cultivation of this election cycle. This editorial just adds hypocrisy to its year-long already existing journalistic dishonesty. Trump may not be the candidate of choice for many Americans, but with him, it all hangs out. This is in stark contrast to the manipulation of news by the New York Times, which has alot in common with Hillary, i.e., pretending to be what it is not, an honest source of public information. So we face a future of more politically correct camouflage in our society. The "high holiness" of tone by the Times is totally repulsive.
8
Democrats did not create our economic problems... Nixon opened up China to trade, corporations took jobs overseas and both parties encouraged NAFTA.Technology happened and with that sophisticated automation on the line. A republican president created a mideast war that has had a domino effect of instability that continues... and republicans shamed anyone who did not support this action as unAmerican. How this all has been laid at Hillary Clintons feet has completely stumped me. After 30 years of public service, clearly all of her judgements have not been stellar ... this does not shock me or frighten me. I support this woman who has spent her life trying to do good... who hasn't felt badly about making money from her speaking engagements (as any good capitalist, she charges what the market will bare) and who takes the slanderous attacks from the right with toughness and strength. She is smart and experienced. She is not motivated by hate and bitterness. I will accept whatever the majority of Americans decide , but can't help but hope we will wake up tomorrow with president-elect Hillary Clinton.
3
The media made the Donald Trump candidacy. Now they are reaping what they sowed. Do the network presidents regret this? Of course not. They don't care who wins as long as the money is there. The country be damned!
3
It's taught us how incredibly bankrupt our political system is, when you have to hold you nose and vote for the lesser of two evils for president.
2
You know what I had confirmed the most about this election cycle?
The media puts MONEY ahead of TRUTH.
Even for newspapers and journalists. I'm convinced that Donald Trump's prominence was exacerbated by the media spectacle he was ALLOWED to create. He's a catchy news item. A perpetual sound bite. Too seductive and alluring to resist, because he SELLS. And this allowed him to get FREE ADVERTISING. If he had been marginalized by the media (as in years past), he never would have had the momentum he achieved. He steamrolled over all the other GOP candidates, because he was so audacious... so unprincipled... so vicious. They were completely unprepared, and fell over in bewilderment of how to deal with The Donald.
The GOP may have fostered Donald Trump, but the media enabled him.
The media puts MONEY ahead of TRUTH.
Even for newspapers and journalists. I'm convinced that Donald Trump's prominence was exacerbated by the media spectacle he was ALLOWED to create. He's a catchy news item. A perpetual sound bite. Too seductive and alluring to resist, because he SELLS. And this allowed him to get FREE ADVERTISING. If he had been marginalized by the media (as in years past), he never would have had the momentum he achieved. He steamrolled over all the other GOP candidates, because he was so audacious... so unprincipled... so vicious. They were completely unprepared, and fell over in bewilderment of how to deal with The Donald.
The GOP may have fostered Donald Trump, but the media enabled him.
7
2016 has taught us that holding elections in a country where 50% of the population belongs in a mental hospital is a blueprint for catastrophe.
2
Maybe Democrats can be cured, someday.
2
The ugliness was based on fact. Both candidates are repulsive.
10
Hillary is not repulsive. The GOP has demonized her with baseless claims repeated so many times that many believe them. She will be a great president, if Congress does not stonewall her every effort.
They ,especially trump, are ugly but they only appeal to the ugliness in your typical american soul.
Yes, there are lessons to be learnt from all this. I do dislike Trump deeply. However, I think, people like me, who get a bad gut reaction just hearing his name, we need to thank him too when all is over. With every insult, he had forced us to examine what we want to be, where do we want to go as a country.
And I am even more convinced today that Hillary is a wonderful example for us. She is resiliant, she is perseverant, she does NOT complain, she is tough but she is also kind-hearted. Those are wonderful lessons for ALL of us and for our kids. Yes, we have problems, but there is also hope, and it is up to each one of us to make things better, to pick ourselves up. I dream that, coming January, we can say, welcome Madam President. And hopefully congress will follow.
Yes I am exhausted but I am also hopeful :)
And I am even more convinced today that Hillary is a wonderful example for us. She is resiliant, she is perseverant, she does NOT complain, she is tough but she is also kind-hearted. Those are wonderful lessons for ALL of us and for our kids. Yes, we have problems, but there is also hope, and it is up to each one of us to make things better, to pick ourselves up. I dream that, coming January, we can say, welcome Madam President. And hopefully congress will follow.
Yes I am exhausted but I am also hopeful :)
8
Hillary is corrupt. She curses at her security detail. She batters her husband. She lies with every word.
You have supported a tyrant, and liar, and a dead soul.
You have supported a tyrant, and liar, and a dead soul.
1
How to identify a pseudo Liberal: Bring everyone over for free, educate everyone for free, provide healthcare for everyone for free, house everyone for free- as long as it isn't in my neighborhood.
10
I see that Aaron must agree completely with the substance of this editorial, because his comment does nothing but make irrelevant and unsupported claims that are unrelated to the editorial.
That is so not true. You are sad.
I'm an educated liberal -- don't throw me into a pot and stir. So if you are a Republican, does that mean you are a racist uneducated misogynist???
I'm an educated liberal -- don't throw me into a pot and stir. So if you are a Republican, does that mean you are a racist uneducated misogynist???
If we didn't learn from the rise and fall of fascism which resulted in World War II, does anyone really think there will be any lasting lessons from the 2016 Presidential election? Until the end of time, there will always be fascists and those who are willing to step up to lead them.
4
Unfortunately, when the Clintons once again control the IRS, the FBI, and the DOJ, there will be no stopping them.
2
"I have stated repeatedly that the trend in this country is toward a fascist system with communist slogans. But what all of today’s pressure groups are busy evading is the fact that neither business nor labor nor anyone else, except the ruling clique, gains anything under fascism or communism or any form of statism—that all become victims of an impartial, egalitarian destruction."
-Ayn Rand
-Ayn Rand
All of this is true. But though ugliness has defined a great deal of the 2016 campaign, there is also some beauty here: We are on the brink of electing our first woman president. Let's unite and celebrate, best we can, another barrier crossed.
5
bah, humbug. 55 y o female here, and still feeling the bern.
1
We know we're in trouble when the Chinese have started looking down on our media and political process.
9
You are joking? You have seen what's going on in Hong Kong?
Charity should begin at home! The NYT and its coterie should for a beginning hang their heads in shame for playing so ugly in this game of electioneering!
17
The NY TImes editorial board has indeed stated its opinion forcefully and backed up that opinion with facts and reasoning.
But I know of no instance when the NY Times editorial board has "played an ugly game".
Dr. MB, please send a link to an editorial that you regard as "playing an ugly game", and then support that opinion with facts and reasoning.
But I know of no instance when the NY Times editorial board has "played an ugly game".
Dr. MB, please send a link to an editorial that you regard as "playing an ugly game", and then support that opinion with facts and reasoning.
Gad, I LOVED the part about the "media" enabling "extreme candidates" when it seems the NYT had nothing to write about but Hillary Clinton for the last two years then Donald Trump in virtually every editorial for the last year.
The only question for your editorial board, I imagine, might be, "Is tomorrow okay to speculate about 2020"?
Face it, you guys are part of the "media circus" just more respectable than the "extreme" folks but still promoting the same over analysis of every nook, cranny and possibility of the presidential race.
"If one is not part of the solution, one is part of the problem". Just why do you think young people trust "Comedy Central" more than ANY of the news outlets?
The only question for your editorial board, I imagine, might be, "Is tomorrow okay to speculate about 2020"?
Face it, you guys are part of the "media circus" just more respectable than the "extreme" folks but still promoting the same over analysis of every nook, cranny and possibility of the presidential race.
"If one is not part of the solution, one is part of the problem". Just why do you think young people trust "Comedy Central" more than ANY of the news outlets?
22
its only entertainment that the typical american with a very limited memory can tolerate. Enter the bumper sticker slogans which ultimately mean nothing as the only thing this crowd of dullards can comprehend.
Not a single word about the millions of voters who believe Washington governs not for them but for wealthy, privileged elite living on the west and northeast coasts.
19
How about pulling that back and realizing the GOP has sold the middle class and lower class a con job of the greatest kind.
Tangling religiosity, guns and anti-abortion in front of low information people lacking critical thinking skills and you have suckers for wealthy Republicans. Don't blame this on the West Coast we've support a progressive agenda and innovation for 150 years.
When is the South going to take responsibility for growing past the Civil War and joining the 21st Century?
Tangling religiosity, guns and anti-abortion in front of low information people lacking critical thinking skills and you have suckers for wealthy Republicans. Don't blame this on the West Coast we've support a progressive agenda and innovation for 150 years.
When is the South going to take responsibility for growing past the Civil War and joining the 21st Century?
Washington governs for all recipients-rich, middle and poor-of its loot-based subsidies. Your evasion of the middle and poor shows your selective indignation.
You must not have read the article that I did. He had many many words about the people who are not part of the elite -- and why they must be brought back into the picture. It was, in fact, the whole *point* of the article.
1
2016 taught me that White America's bigotry and ignorance run much, much deeper and are far more widespread than I, as an educated white man, could ever have imagined.
9
In other words, you support open borders and want the U.S. to lose its sovereignty.
1
Multicultural Leftists, in glorifying race and ethnicity, have reaped a conservative whirlwind.
2
If you are in the same Venn Diagram with the KKK--you should probably move.
5
The 2016 elections have taught us how divided America is. But the high turnout shows that Americans do care who will determine the fate of their nation in the coming four years. Perhaps they fear what an impact a Trump presidency would have on the US and the wider world.
37
But Trump didn't vote for the Iraq war like your candidate did but Trump is the danger to the world?. Its terrible he's against open borders and bad trade deals like your apparently Wall Street candidate Clinton. So who's more dangerous? oh yeah he is dangerous since he wants them to pay NATO not us.
1
as we all do
Dear J,
I agree that this election has shown how divided we as a people are. However, since 1992 we have seen this very thing, and if nothing else the OJ trial has shown how divided by race we are.
The big thing that this election has shown is just how mean spirited and biased the Liberal News Media is. They can no longer hide behind the difference between what is Opinion and what is News! Later on we'll probably hear / read Mea Culpa's but the damage has been done, never to be undone in at least 50+ years.
Nuff Said...Dennis
I agree that this election has shown how divided we as a people are. However, since 1992 we have seen this very thing, and if nothing else the OJ trial has shown how divided by race we are.
The big thing that this election has shown is just how mean spirited and biased the Liberal News Media is. They can no longer hide behind the difference between what is Opinion and what is News! Later on we'll probably hear / read Mea Culpa's but the damage has been done, never to be undone in at least 50+ years.
Nuff Said...Dennis
With the austerity that was ushered in 2011 the country depended on Quantitative Easing to bring trickle down growth to the economy. The stock market exploded. The country has recently passed the economy prior to 2008 down turn. Employment has increased steadily and wages have begun to rise. Wall Street has some constraint on their reckless behavior. So one would think that the economic anxiety question is moderating which should help Hillary Clinton. The pending increase in infrastructure spending which Wall Street and big corporate interests are advocating again play well for the Democrats. The anger at future attempts of the Republicans to shut down the gov't or with hold interest payments on the debt help the Democrats. If the economy plays a large role in the election the Democrats should do well. Donald Trump's asinine attacks on Latinos almost surely spells his doom.
9
This is a good analysis. Look at the bolded headers. This story is so old, I'll just add one thing.
On the economy, people should realize that electing Trump will likely crash the world economy; you get an early snapshot on this from our own market this week, while Hillary was under the manufactured shadow of Comey's thumb on the scale (perhaps it was only shallow self-defense, but the timing was culpable).
He will destroy jobs and balloon the debt. He will profit, as he always has, while creating chaos all around hiim.
Gingrich wants to bring back the HUAC (Joseph McCarthy) to jail their enemies and fire permanent government employees. He's the architect of the destructive bullying tactic of government shutdowns.
There is nothing too low for these guys to do.
On the economy, people should realize that electing Trump will likely crash the world economy; you get an early snapshot on this from our own market this week, while Hillary was under the manufactured shadow of Comey's thumb on the scale (perhaps it was only shallow self-defense, but the timing was culpable).
He will destroy jobs and balloon the debt. He will profit, as he always has, while creating chaos all around hiim.
Gingrich wants to bring back the HUAC (Joseph McCarthy) to jail their enemies and fire permanent government employees. He's the architect of the destructive bullying tactic of government shutdowns.
There is nothing too low for these guys to do.
37
Undoubtedly economic anxiety is major concern of people. But it is much more wide spread than the inequality and joblessness experienced by the poor and workers. The apparently prosperous suburbanites and professionals are also affected by it in the form of uncertain job security, shedding of pension benefits and health insurance.Their existence in precarious. A typical home owner in the US lives under the threat of homelessness as her job/business can disappear in an instant. This new phase of finance-led capitalism and global movement of opportunities have to be regulated. Careers and not just jobs have to be restored. Editorialist should rise above right-liberal world views of economy. This is what Trump tapped.
77
Hillary has practical wide-ranging solutions and has thought deeply about these issues. She's cared about them all her life.
Trump, on the other hand, wants more tax cuts for the rich, deregulation, destruction of the environment, removal of worker protections, and a whole basket of deplorable policies (I don't think Trump supporters are deplorable, but the ideas are; I'm a "nasty woman").
His life history has been one of taking his cut while destroying everything around him. His gilded palace has been built on the backs of stiffed and conned victims.
He's good at advertising, but since he has no moral sense, it doesn't bother him to lie with a straight face.
As an expert at advertising and TV, he knows what sells, and his goal is to exploit for his own benefit.
Here's a good summary of Hillary's proposals: http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/10/31/the-new-yorker-endorses-hil...
"What she does offer is a series of thoughtful and energetic proposals that present precisely the kind of remedies that could improve the lives of many working-class and poor Americans of all races. She would simplify the tax code for small businesses and streamline their licensing requirements. She would increase health-care tax credits ... . She would also seek to expand access to Medicaid and would extend Medicare ... increase funding for community health centers ... help students"
"Clinton’s tax plans are also designed to promote broader-based affluence."
Trump, on the other hand, wants more tax cuts for the rich, deregulation, destruction of the environment, removal of worker protections, and a whole basket of deplorable policies (I don't think Trump supporters are deplorable, but the ideas are; I'm a "nasty woman").
His life history has been one of taking his cut while destroying everything around him. His gilded palace has been built on the backs of stiffed and conned victims.
He's good at advertising, but since he has no moral sense, it doesn't bother him to lie with a straight face.
As an expert at advertising and TV, he knows what sells, and his goal is to exploit for his own benefit.
Here's a good summary of Hillary's proposals: http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/10/31/the-new-yorker-endorses-hil...
"What she does offer is a series of thoughtful and energetic proposals that present precisely the kind of remedies that could improve the lives of many working-class and poor Americans of all races. She would simplify the tax code for small businesses and streamline their licensing requirements. She would increase health-care tax credits ... . She would also seek to expand access to Medicaid and would extend Medicare ... increase funding for community health centers ... help students"
"Clinton’s tax plans are also designed to promote broader-based affluence."
19
> finance-led capitalism
That's the basic economic cause of our historically unique prosperity. Finance, in selecting the most profitable investments from always limited saving, is the most productive industry. This is true despite the Fed's socialist counterfeiting of money and credit which disintegrates the market's coordination of saving and investment.
That's the basic economic cause of our historically unique prosperity. Finance, in selecting the most profitable investments from always limited saving, is the most productive industry. This is true despite the Fed's socialist counterfeiting of money and credit which disintegrates the market's coordination of saving and investment.
>Hillary has practical wide-ranging solutions and has thought deeply about these issues.
Her Pragmatism is short-range, pseudo-practicality, a rationalization of evading the long-range, indirect, unintended effects of govt economic controls.
Her Pragmatism is short-range, pseudo-practicality, a rationalization of evading the long-range, indirect, unintended effects of govt economic controls.
Nothing because nothing ever changes - quit the pearl-clutching over racists and rednecks - they have always been there but you always ignored them because they were white and evil.
False equivalence is the true bane. Shame on all who lived in it.
Our only hope is minorities - they back a fair and equitable system. Only redneck white people back the republican ideas for government.
False equivalence is the true bane. Shame on all who lived in it.
Our only hope is minorities - they back a fair and equitable system. Only redneck white people back the republican ideas for government.
6
The country is going to be changed by this election. It's about what America is going to be in the future, or even if it will have a future.
After all the rhetoric about race, crime, corruption is over, climate change will still be out there.
Nature has the deciding vote when all is said and done.
After all the rhetoric about race, crime, corruption is over, climate change will still be out there.
Nature has the deciding vote when all is said and done.
2
It will be interesting to hear Trump's concession speech if he has the courage to give one. Maybe he can send one of his minions to deliver it or send a tweet. He is a spoiled, rotten rich boy who feels he deserves all the good things in life without really working for them. He has taken advantage of our tax system, the free media attention he has gotten because he thinks he deserves it. He has called our future president a lying cheat, when he knows full well he is the liar and he is the one who has cheated countless people. I hope to never see his face or listen to his rants again in my whole life. Just go away Donald.
5
Among all of the 2016 war debris, I am most disheartened by the hatred and vitriol that the Trump and Republican campaigns have spewn toward Hillary Clinton. It is a trademark of the GOP campaign model fine-tuned by people like Rudy Giuliani, Newt Gingrich, Sean Hannity, Kelleyanne Conway, Stephen Bannon and all of the Trump campaign writers and advertisers. These men and women have acted with impunity and have blown any Hillay misstep, even if minor or not consequential, into firestorms of hatred by millions of mislead and uniformed Americans. It is a classic case of enormous preying upon human nature. It seems this is the only way that the GOP seems to be able to operate.
Will Trump and his cabal continue with this after theelection?
Will Trump and his cabal continue with this after theelection?
3
Maybe you have not been reading Charles Blow or Paul Krugman. Every column spewing hatred of Trump. That's all Blow and Krugman wrote about, hatred of Trump. After they trashed Bernie Sanders.
Hillary is corrupt and incompetent. Weakness, corruption, extortion, and Mammon.
Every word she utters is a lie.
Every word she utters is a lie.
Keep up the great work, Mr. Blow and Mr. Krugman!
While the campaign has been ugly, so has the coverage of it.
I've rarely seen such a one sided approach to the reporting of a presidential election.
I've rarely seen such a one sided approach to the reporting of a presidential election.
7
Here are a couple more:
The parties need to be functional. And they do need to reclaim a gatekeeper function, so that extremist candidates may go without the party's blessing. (The Democrats have done this thru the super delegates, somewhat.)
Segments of the rightwing media need to be discredited--Republican voters believe so many crazy things that it is impossible to reach a common ground. Or to even talk to them. Republican elected officials need to reject Breitbart and other alt-right sources and not incorporate their rhetoric.
The parties need to be functional. And they do need to reclaim a gatekeeper function, so that extremist candidates may go without the party's blessing. (The Democrats have done this thru the super delegates, somewhat.)
Segments of the rightwing media need to be discredited--Republican voters believe so many crazy things that it is impossible to reach a common ground. Or to even talk to them. Republican elected officials need to reject Breitbart and other alt-right sources and not incorporate their rhetoric.
2
More than ugliness even has been the parade of sanctimonious ignorance. The tens of millions of voters who know next to nothing about what government does do, can and cannot do, who couldn't name a single Supreme Court justice or recognize their own congressperson's name, yet who feel completely free to prattle and orate about complete nonsense - could fill an encyclopedia. Never has Benjamin Franklin's warning - we have a republic, if only we can keep it - been more true than today.
3
Einstein claimed he didn't know the value of pi. Did that make him unqualified to prattle on about the secrets of the Universe? I know the value of pi to two decimals. Does that mean I understand General Relativity?
So much for the names of Supreme Court Justices, whether they are State or Federal.
So much for the names of Supreme Court Justices, whether they are State or Federal.
Trump is a lewd carney barker who took advantage of the anger and frustration caused by the one percent imposing their greed on the working class/middle class people and presented himself as the answer to their problems. He represents everything that is wrong in America and is the head of the one percent snake. The very people who champion him are his biggest prey. If elected president, he will turn this country inside out and cause more damage than you can ever imagine. He is amoral and narcissistic and will stop at nothing to further his own power and wealth.
5
I agree with a lot of that, but he's still a better choice for our country than Hillary Clinton and her corporate goons.
The candidates were picked by the American people (except for the Democratic "super delegates" - can't fully trust the masses says the DNC). The fact that each candidate has avoided discussion of any extraneous issue, especially foreign affairs, in anything that resembles substance tells us all we really need to know about the election campaigns.
The real issues for most American voters have to do with who gets to nominate Supreme Court justices, whose personality you like better and whose promises are less likely to be fulfilled.
The real issues for most American voters have to do with who gets to nominate Supreme Court justices, whose personality you like better and whose promises are less likely to be fulfilled.
1
This editorial repeats the point I have been hearing over and over that the media somehow hasn't done its job in this election. I don't completely buy it. I think Americans have been given plenty of information to make an intelligent choice. What more do you need to know? The real problem, if you ask me, is the education of the citizenry. Well educated people know how to separate facts from cow dung. How to think critically. The biggest problem this election has revealed about our country is that we have far, far too many uneducated people and that this is a very dangerous thing in a democracy.
6
From the editorial:
"Mr. Trump has shown it is feasible to recruit the alt-right, conspiracy theorists, white supremacists and anti-Semites as ferocious allies without alienating reliable Republican voters."
The key takeaway:
"...without alienating reliable Republican voters."
So despite all of the truly awful things that makes Donald Trump not only the worst and most dangerous presidential candidate in modern U.S. history, but also a truly terrible human being, those "reliable Republican voters" still can be counted on to support him. Sickening.
And this is why our country is at a tipping point. We have a large portion of the voting population - embodied by Republican ideology - that has abandoned America's finest principles and embraced a demagogue because, to them, party and their stunted world view is more important than country.
For the good of our nation, the Republican Party and all it now stands for needs to be crushed at the polls.
"Mr. Trump has shown it is feasible to recruit the alt-right, conspiracy theorists, white supremacists and anti-Semites as ferocious allies without alienating reliable Republican voters."
The key takeaway:
"...without alienating reliable Republican voters."
So despite all of the truly awful things that makes Donald Trump not only the worst and most dangerous presidential candidate in modern U.S. history, but also a truly terrible human being, those "reliable Republican voters" still can be counted on to support him. Sickening.
And this is why our country is at a tipping point. We have a large portion of the voting population - embodied by Republican ideology - that has abandoned America's finest principles and embraced a demagogue because, to them, party and their stunted world view is more important than country.
For the good of our nation, the Republican Party and all it now stands for needs to be crushed at the polls.
7
I would vote for an old shoe before I would cast a vote for Hillary Clinton. We have no place in this country for corruption and incompetence.
This was an easy choice to make.
This was an easy choice to make.
1
I'm 61 years old and have voted in every election in my life since I was 18, but this may be the first that I don't, simply because if I do I feel as if I'll be tacitly validating this pathetic system of corruption and deceit, encouraging it to continue. Maybe I'll get lucky though and the new polling place I've been arbitrarily switched to that's always jam-packed and without parking, someone will be pulling out at just the moment I claw my way through to get there in rush hour traffic on this one hallowed day. Why are we still voting like back in the old one-horse-town days? For all our supposed "modernization" we sure can cling to backwards ways when it serves certain groups' interests.
2
You do know you could have voted , early, by mail, and avoided all the inconveniences you list, don't you?
A Trump loss will not erase the ugliness. There is no reason to believe that the alt-right, conspiracy theorists, white supremacists and anti-Semites will crawl back under the rocks from which they came. Likely, the graft between these interests and the Republican Party will endure.
The GOP is stuck with an unwieldy coalition of traditional country club elitists, conservatives, disgruntled members of the white working class and opportunistic bigots. Trump conjoined populism with white identity politics. Traditional Republicans want neither but that is precisely what animates and unites their base.
When the GOP is forced to pick up the pieces of this election, it will be left with an identity crisis it may not survive.
The GOP is stuck with an unwieldy coalition of traditional country club elitists, conservatives, disgruntled members of the white working class and opportunistic bigots. Trump conjoined populism with white identity politics. Traditional Republicans want neither but that is precisely what animates and unites their base.
When the GOP is forced to pick up the pieces of this election, it will be left with an identity crisis it may not survive.
7
MSM gave a snake-oil salesman $2 billion worth of free air-time.
Sensible coherent policy discussions are boring to most people so they do not see the light of day or pixels.
Facts are not necessary.
We need to get better at this whole election thing.ASAP.
1. All presidential candidates need to show 5 yrs of recent tax returns and balance sheets prior to primary.
2. voter suppression needs to have punishments.
3.gerrymandering needs reform.
4. Fact checking errors needs to require on-air apologies from candidates.
Sensible coherent policy discussions are boring to most people so they do not see the light of day or pixels.
Facts are not necessary.
We need to get better at this whole election thing.ASAP.
1. All presidential candidates need to show 5 yrs of recent tax returns and balance sheets prior to primary.
2. voter suppression needs to have punishments.
3.gerrymandering needs reform.
4. Fact checking errors needs to require on-air apologies from candidates.
16
To your list of four election things we need to do better, I would add:
5. Election Day needs to be a national holiday (or take place on a Saturday).
6. Election campaigns should be limited to three months maximum (no more 15-month campaigns.)
5. Election Day needs to be a national holiday (or take place on a Saturday).
6. Election campaigns should be limited to three months maximum (no more 15-month campaigns.)
What I learned was that about half of the country can't be trusted to make sane decisions, their fears and racist, sexist double standards motivate them far more than love of country or desire for honest democracy. I always suspected this, but now I know for sure.
12
I agree. Democrats have used a divisive strategy to capture votes. Wars on women, Biden's "clean and articulate" comments, the long history that the Democrats have with hate groups . . .
I am hopeful that one day, the lessons of Chicago, Detroit, and Watts will change minds. One day Democrats can leave behind the horrible exploitation of the "other" . . . for votes.
I am hopeful that one day, the lessons of Chicago, Detroit, and Watts will change minds. One day Democrats can leave behind the horrible exploitation of the "other" . . . for votes.
Just voted and it feels so good! As an addendum to the third point: the Fairness Doctrine was deep-sixed under Reagan because it was thought, with so many emerging "information" outlets, it would be unnecessary to give equal time to opposing views. As it turns out, people just tuned in to what they wanted to hear. Objective notions of truth have been the victim. Dan Moynihan used to say everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts. That has clearly changed. Maybe we need a Department of Truth to go along with Defense, State, etc as a clearing house for fact-checked data.
8
And who would Hillary put in the Department of Truth? Certainly a partisan.
> Maybe we need a Department of Truth
Don't you mean a Ministry Of Truth?
Don't you mean a Ministry Of Truth?
So you point is that even though information is available for all to see right now, the 'correct' information is not getting enough play, so we will entrust the government to determine what is the 'correct' information. That is pretty much how fascism begins, by controlling the flow of information.
It's for the people and only the people to decide what is relevant information and news. No views are currently being quashed. Just because the people have a thirst for information you consider beneath them is no means to deny them their right to hear it. This comment is absurd. Right up there with the thought police.
It's for the people and only the people to decide what is relevant information and news. No views are currently being quashed. Just because the people have a thirst for information you consider beneath them is no means to deny them their right to hear it. This comment is absurd. Right up there with the thought police.
The American media for the first time provided a single candidate over 2 billion dollars in free air time, frequently opening their program with some occurrence
involving this individual.
The American media in addition gave Mr. Trump a free pass.
There was little to no coverage on income taxes, ongoing law suits against the candidate, or a decent review of Mr. Trump's medical records, particularly reviews of his mental fitness to be President.
involving this individual.
The American media in addition gave Mr. Trump a free pass.
There was little to no coverage on income taxes, ongoing law suits against the candidate, or a decent review of Mr. Trump's medical records, particularly reviews of his mental fitness to be President.
22
Steve - I agree with what you say but I think there's more to it. As I see it, the media also gave us Hillary Clinton. Her reproachful conduct should also have been scrutinized and reported on more aggressively. Had the media done its job we might have had two different, and in my mind, more qualified candidates to choose from.
1
Why would the liberal MSM give away so much free air time? That's sheer insanity. Also, very profitable. Ask Moonves.
1
I didn't realize there was so much hate in this country. But I also see that regular citizens from different backgrounds believe in the election process and are willing to stand in long lines to vote.
7
What I learned, once again, is that the media has too much sway over what happens in America and the world. The hate-anger-fear-war-violence-lies is propagated primarily by fox so-called news and hate radio to gain "audience". Their constant attacks on government, their over racism, their whitewashing of things like King Predator Roger Ailes sexually harassing female employees his entire career, their catering to the extreme right radicals and their general tone - along with their hold on the vast majority of media in America and around the world - has caused people to be less civil and law abiding. Unfortunately, other major media think that is the way to ratings. Problem for them is that their "target" audience is dying off. Problem for us is that too much of the major media is controlled by six companies who care only about profits. We can no longer trust most of the major media to give us full, unbiased news.
The Good News is that most Americans have figured it out and are taking to social media to get the REAL news out. The Good News is that most Americans do not want the kind of America the hate-anger-fear-war-violence-lies crowd promotes. WE want a civil, safe, reasonable, socially and economically equitable and truly democratic nation. WE will vote for the kind of America WE want.
The Good News is that most Americans have figured it out and are taking to social media to get the REAL news out. The Good News is that most Americans do not want the kind of America the hate-anger-fear-war-violence-lies crowd promotes. WE want a civil, safe, reasonable, socially and economically equitable and truly democratic nation. WE will vote for the kind of America WE want.
15
Fox is the only balanced news outlet. The others are run by leftists. 96% of journalist money went to Hillary the Corrupted.
We want corruption!
I am afraid this election drew the curtain back and showed the world the ugly side of the US and just how dysfunctional Washington is. Many of our politicians are dishonorable and corrupt and Trump gave these traits legitimacy.
Furthermore, this election certainly highlighted just how deep the divisions between the two parties, the voters and the urban and rural are for they certainly run very deep. I am afraid it will take the US a long time to recover from this disasterous election. it does not matter which candidate wins. Unless the Republicans and Democrats in Congress reach across the isle and are willing to compromise in order to move this country forward the chasm will only widen.
Furthermore, this election certainly highlighted just how deep the divisions between the two parties, the voters and the urban and rural are for they certainly run very deep. I am afraid it will take the US a long time to recover from this disasterous election. it does not matter which candidate wins. Unless the Republicans and Democrats in Congress reach across the isle and are willing to compromise in order to move this country forward the chasm will only widen.
2
The most depressing aspect of this campaign is that yes, mindless hate does sell. I really did not personally understand how much hate, ignorance and racism is alive and well in this country. I really did not understand how rampant misogyny was alive and well in this country.
I really did not understand how so called evangelicals could sell out their faith and principles at a drop of the hat and that hatred really trumps all.
I guess many are realizing just how little overall progress we as a society have made. The fact that so many are supporting Trump to be POTUS in spite of the absurdity of that concept makes me so very, very sad.
The fact that institutions like the FBI can no longer be trusted to be non-political is frightening.
I believe HRC will win but I am anxious about all the hatred there is out there and what outlet it will take post election.
On a final note- kudos to Utah. They are always very predictably Republican- so I would never expect them to vote for HRC. But I do admire they fact that they are not supporting Trump and are voting for their own candidate. They didn't cave into hate like the evangelicals. Thanks Utah for sticking to your principles.
I really did not understand how so called evangelicals could sell out their faith and principles at a drop of the hat and that hatred really trumps all.
I guess many are realizing just how little overall progress we as a society have made. The fact that so many are supporting Trump to be POTUS in spite of the absurdity of that concept makes me so very, very sad.
The fact that institutions like the FBI can no longer be trusted to be non-political is frightening.
I believe HRC will win but I am anxious about all the hatred there is out there and what outlet it will take post election.
On a final note- kudos to Utah. They are always very predictably Republican- so I would never expect them to vote for HRC. But I do admire they fact that they are not supporting Trump and are voting for their own candidate. They didn't cave into hate like the evangelicals. Thanks Utah for sticking to your principles.
2
I am old enough to remember the Nixon/Kennedy election. It was quite contentious, and not clear who really won as there was a question of voter fraud in Chicago. After the election, Nixon congratulated Kennedy and graciously accepted his defeat. Kennedy asked Nixon "are we still friends"? He said "yes we are". I am waiting to see how these two candidates will respond to each other after the election.
3
This election has taught us more about hypocrisy.
Like, when Obama ran in 2008, his inexperience was of utmost importance, but with Trump it's a virtue.
Or how the party of "family values" and evangelical voters will support a thrice-married adulterer who brags of sexual assault and laments his daughter is his offspring, preventing him from dating her.
Like, when Obama ran in 2008, his inexperience was of utmost importance, but with Trump it's a virtue.
Or how the party of "family values" and evangelical voters will support a thrice-married adulterer who brags of sexual assault and laments his daughter is his offspring, preventing him from dating her.
6
The cry against political correctness is an acceptance for no civility. I was speaking against the cursing by Trump and an aquaintance said I was just trying to be politically correct. No, cussing is not what we want to become normal. How about respect in all arenas of discourse?
We can only blame ourselves for allowing the power of the people to be dumbed down by the media and whoever is holding their strings, and the distractions offered us by new technologies. Complacency is and has been the gears that have brought us to here. When we get civics back into education early on, perhaps people will lift their heads and participate. Freedom isn't free. This is a lesson the masses have yet to learn.
2
This may not be the right day to cast blame, but still the media need to be held to account.
If a space alien were to have visited Planet Earth three months ago in, say, Indianapolis, relying on TV, the Internet and print news outlets to learn what's going on in America, he or she would have no clue about anything politically substantive.
Do space aliens have genders? No matter. All that s/he would presume to know is that Hillary Clinton is "crooked" and Donald Trump is "unfit to hold high office."
As for taxation, public invesment, gun control, foreign policy, terrorism, industrial transformation, education, cyber warfare, poverty or middle class erosion, Mr/Mrs/Ms Alien would be totally in the dark.
Oh yes, she, he or it would doubtless have learned to exchange innocuous emails to unjustifiably noxious fanfare.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
If a space alien were to have visited Planet Earth three months ago in, say, Indianapolis, relying on TV, the Internet and print news outlets to learn what's going on in America, he or she would have no clue about anything politically substantive.
Do space aliens have genders? No matter. All that s/he would presume to know is that Hillary Clinton is "crooked" and Donald Trump is "unfit to hold high office."
As for taxation, public invesment, gun control, foreign policy, terrorism, industrial transformation, education, cyber warfare, poverty or middle class erosion, Mr/Mrs/Ms Alien would be totally in the dark.
Oh yes, she, he or it would doubtless have learned to exchange innocuous emails to unjustifiably noxious fanfare.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
3
What 2016 has taught us (me)?
That politics is a vile, reprehensible business that only psychopaths and inherently venal people voluntarily engage in. But then, I've been around awhile. It just affirmed what I already knew.
That politics is a vile, reprehensible business that only psychopaths and inherently venal people voluntarily engage in. But then, I've been around awhile. It just affirmed what I already knew.
2
What has this election taught us? We are a mostly stupid and ignorant country not willing to research issues beyond 10 second sound bites, subject to believing lies and willing to over look crimes like sexual abuse for the sake of party loyalty. We as a nation do not deserve to be the leader in the world as people around the world look at us askance. Is this too harsh? our government is held hostage by those who would destroy the very government they say they wish to serve and who denie justice by hollowing out our Supreme Court. We are like a ship at sea who not liking the color or gender of the captain will plant a bomb in the hold to destroy themselves and the rest of us. The specter of this continuing is truly terrifying.
6
$20 trillion in debt, $4 trillion in unfunded state pensions, 10K baby boomer turning 65 every day. Totally ignored in the campaign. This is what will bring the end of the Republic.
6
This election has taught me to regard the media with disgust. Particularly its treatment of a most honorable candidate for president, Bernie Sanders. Yes, I voted for Clinton, but I sent my money to Sen. Sanders. Had his candidacy not been derailed by establishment interests, the ugly campaign would never had gained traction. Would that the media reflect on their behavior. But today is a new day with new headlines to be made. They dare not look back.
6
I have learned for this election cycle;
That the main stream media is a party unto itself that created confusion and chaos to further its own interests.
We are too ignorant as a society to dissect the aforementioned media
Fair and unbiased reporting appears to be a thing of the past and that facts are embellished or often time ignored and this fosters and enables the selection of candidates we are seeing today
The candidates we are given are pretty despicable people with a few good ideas that make them remotely digestible
History will be ignored as a guideline and we will always make the same mistakes
I will go outside take a breath and enjoy what life has to offer despite this debacle
That the main stream media is a party unto itself that created confusion and chaos to further its own interests.
We are too ignorant as a society to dissect the aforementioned media
Fair and unbiased reporting appears to be a thing of the past and that facts are embellished or often time ignored and this fosters and enables the selection of candidates we are seeing today
The candidates we are given are pretty despicable people with a few good ideas that make them remotely digestible
History will be ignored as a guideline and we will always make the same mistakes
I will go outside take a breath and enjoy what life has to offer despite this debacle
5
As in war, the first casualty of this election was the truth. It is a sad commentary that honesty and integrity count for nothing any more in this country, and those who seek the most powerful elective office in the world need not be burdened by any moral codes which require unwavering adherence to such principles.
3
Throughout this election, I've been consistently reminded of George Carlin and how he once talked about "... the system is beginning to collapse...". While in awe of his general comedy, I wasn't a fan of his cynicism. Yet, if anything, this election has indeed exposed those harsh realities about the electorate that so many have been wanting to ignore.
I don't expect fundamental change starting tomorrow - in fact, I'm every bit a cynic today. We hardly talk ideology on merit, and expect the worst of humanity in those we don't share perspectives with. Anarchy is increasingly popular over order. Reason is trumped by faith. Name calling people is the new norm. Blaming everyone but ourselves for our problems helps pass the day. Civility and respect are termed as elitist absurdities. Most important of all, we lack the basic ingredient of a working society: trust. We don't have trust in one another and thereby in the institutions we serve. The mistrust of media, financial institutions, criminal justice system, political process, police, military and intelligence, science, academia, just to name a few, is through the roof.
Hillary's, or dare I say Trump's, win tonight will not solve this problem. Americans have to find a way to sit with one another again. Both Bill Maher and Sean Hannity 's audiences (to cite an example) need to recognize that there's no longer an "I" or "Me" fighting against "them" - it's just "us" vs. "us".
I don't expect fundamental change starting tomorrow - in fact, I'm every bit a cynic today. We hardly talk ideology on merit, and expect the worst of humanity in those we don't share perspectives with. Anarchy is increasingly popular over order. Reason is trumped by faith. Name calling people is the new norm. Blaming everyone but ourselves for our problems helps pass the day. Civility and respect are termed as elitist absurdities. Most important of all, we lack the basic ingredient of a working society: trust. We don't have trust in one another and thereby in the institutions we serve. The mistrust of media, financial institutions, criminal justice system, political process, police, military and intelligence, science, academia, just to name a few, is through the roof.
Hillary's, or dare I say Trump's, win tonight will not solve this problem. Americans have to find a way to sit with one another again. Both Bill Maher and Sean Hannity 's audiences (to cite an example) need to recognize that there's no longer an "I" or "Me" fighting against "them" - it's just "us" vs. "us".
2
The media promote the intellectual laziness and downright ignorance of an uneducated population. I watch TV constantly and I have never heard anyone counteract the wackiest notions that have been expressed by the candidates, especially Donald Trump and the Republicans. How can America be great when ignorance is encouraged? When there is a rejection of truth, logic, empathy and compassion?
1
It has taught us that the fifth estate continues to play a significant role in the public's perception of candidates. While on the left one candidate was labeled as 'quixotic' and ignored or laughed out of the room, the right's candidate was given the sort of non-stop coverage usually reserved for missing passenger jets. The media, nyt included, holds culpability in the current state of politics.
5
The increase in voter participation in this election is a strong symbol of Americans' enduring faith in democracy. However, Trumpism brought us to the brink of something resembling the rise of Nazism in Germany. Depending on the results of the election, it could take us over that edge.
Assuming that Clinton wins, both parties must change the political tone and dysfunction in Congress. The unpopularity of both presidential candidates looks like a huge win compared with the unpopularity of Congress. If their elected representatives will not govern responsibly, a significant group of Americans may decide to try to take over that job. The results could be horrifying.
Assuming that Clinton wins, both parties must change the political tone and dysfunction in Congress. The unpopularity of both presidential candidates looks like a huge win compared with the unpopularity of Congress. If their elected representatives will not govern responsibly, a significant group of Americans may decide to try to take over that job. The results could be horrifying.
2
The mass media have spent thirty-five years dumbing the American public down, and now they're surprised that approximately 40% of Americans want a candidate who plays to the mean-and-dumb crowd, on one side, and many of the rest like Hillary mostly because "it's time we had a woman president"?
On the Republican side, the Orange One handily wiped out 15 mediocrities who followed the typical Republican script of acting as if taxes and business regulations are the worst thing that can happen to a human being, that the second amendment is the only one that counts, and that the federal government should control human sexual behavior. The Orange One was different, assuming an angry persona, and fooling the angry-but-ignorant segment of the population into believing that he understood them.
On the Democratic side, Hillary Clinton was anticipating an easy stroll to the nomination until Bernie Sanders happened and won 22 primaries. Instead of soul-searching and thinking that maybe the Democrats had lost touch with the people they claim to represent, the Clinton camp and their surrogates became haughty and disdainful and pretended that people who preferred Bernie were either misogynists or too young to know better. (Actually, many of us on the Bernie side were older women who remember when Democrats proposed bold initiatives instead of just trying in vain to please the Republicans.)
To sum up, it's time for a great national soul searching.
On the Republican side, the Orange One handily wiped out 15 mediocrities who followed the typical Republican script of acting as if taxes and business regulations are the worst thing that can happen to a human being, that the second amendment is the only one that counts, and that the federal government should control human sexual behavior. The Orange One was different, assuming an angry persona, and fooling the angry-but-ignorant segment of the population into believing that he understood them.
On the Democratic side, Hillary Clinton was anticipating an easy stroll to the nomination until Bernie Sanders happened and won 22 primaries. Instead of soul-searching and thinking that maybe the Democrats had lost touch with the people they claim to represent, the Clinton camp and their surrogates became haughty and disdainful and pretended that people who preferred Bernie were either misogynists or too young to know better. (Actually, many of us on the Bernie side were older women who remember when Democrats proposed bold initiatives instead of just trying in vain to please the Republicans.)
To sum up, it's time for a great national soul searching.
12
You left out educated people who coudl see through teh charade, but were belittled because they were told to be silent and march in lock step to the party line.
Bernie Sanders ended up being the only sane person in the room, but already lost the nomination,but lost the nomination, before the process even started. Clinton was the choice and the DNC made sure that she would be the choice.
I see all these comments about the GOP, but the Democrats were just as evil as the GOP; just in a different way.
2016 taught us both political parties are corrupt by greed and power. And that, for the republic to move forward, both parties need to be dissolved and replaced.
A lot of voters are disgusted, including is one who has voted for over 40 years. But, I know change will come, Millennials, the largest voting block, will have to step up and change this mess. They certainly will, as they are more disgusted, with both parties, than any other demographic.
Bernie Sanders ended up being the only sane person in the room, but already lost the nomination,but lost the nomination, before the process even started. Clinton was the choice and the DNC made sure that she would be the choice.
I see all these comments about the GOP, but the Democrats were just as evil as the GOP; just in a different way.
2016 taught us both political parties are corrupt by greed and power. And that, for the republic to move forward, both parties need to be dissolved and replaced.
A lot of voters are disgusted, including is one who has voted for over 40 years. But, I know change will come, Millennials, the largest voting block, will have to step up and change this mess. They certainly will, as they are more disgusted, with both parties, than any other demographic.
5
2016 taught me that there seems to be something hard wired in our brains that creates a state of " amnesia" regarding the ugly lessons of the past. During times of great anxiety many of us will support with zealous fury a demagogue who preaches hate but gives what appears to be a path to certainty with false claims that he alone can control the future. Facts matter very little. Feelings take over and can whip us up into a frenzy of hatred that can easily justify us turning against each other.
I look forward to living in an America when its first woman president begins her first term but I am frankly horrified at what I have heard during this campaign. Seemingly normal people who "turned to the dark side" and who aligned themselves with a twisted candidate who encouraged them to seek revenge and blame their fellow citizens for their deep seated frustrations and feelings of inadequacy.
I look forward to living in an America when its first woman president begins her first term but I am frankly horrified at what I have heard during this campaign. Seemingly normal people who "turned to the dark side" and who aligned themselves with a twisted candidate who encouraged them to seek revenge and blame their fellow citizens for their deep seated frustrations and feelings of inadequacy.
6
Mr. Trump is good at one thing: marketing himself and his Midas surface. Remember, all that glitters is not gold.
Trump saw that Bernie used the word "rigged" successfully and appropriated it. It was a shameless act which should disgust people who heard and love Bernie's message. I hope we will all work towards those ideals, but the way to attain them is not to elect a con artist who has demonstrated all his life that hurting others is his path to success.
Putin can see that Trump's bluster is shallow and weak, and his oligarch buddies have oodles of money propping up the Trump "empire", so he has also taken a hand through his shadowy propaganda network in tipping the election to the candidate who will help him aggrandize Russia at the expense of the rest of the world.
Republicans are using every kind of blackmail to get their way, from voter suppression and intimidation to threats to obstruct normal government business if they don't get their way morally.
All this is shocking to us, and we need to stop it now. A quarter century of opposition work on Hillary has etched its way into the "no smoke without fire" opinions of even NYTimes writers, who never fail to mention her "negatives". They are also chary of talking about her positives; they've never properly covered the Clinton Foundation which takes from the rich to give to those in need, millions of them. The influence peddling is not proven.
Give Democracy a chance!
Trump saw that Bernie used the word "rigged" successfully and appropriated it. It was a shameless act which should disgust people who heard and love Bernie's message. I hope we will all work towards those ideals, but the way to attain them is not to elect a con artist who has demonstrated all his life that hurting others is his path to success.
Putin can see that Trump's bluster is shallow and weak, and his oligarch buddies have oodles of money propping up the Trump "empire", so he has also taken a hand through his shadowy propaganda network in tipping the election to the candidate who will help him aggrandize Russia at the expense of the rest of the world.
Republicans are using every kind of blackmail to get their way, from voter suppression and intimidation to threats to obstruct normal government business if they don't get their way morally.
All this is shocking to us, and we need to stop it now. A quarter century of opposition work on Hillary has etched its way into the "no smoke without fire" opinions of even NYTimes writers, who never fail to mention her "negatives". They are also chary of talking about her positives; they've never properly covered the Clinton Foundation which takes from the rich to give to those in need, millions of them. The influence peddling is not proven.
Give Democracy a chance!
11
Ballot proposals are not a good way to govern---they are rather an admission that REAL governing, actual discussion and horse-trading and compromise can't happen anymore. There were 5 proposals in Maine and none of them had enough detail to truly make a good decision, even before early voting. That's presumably part of what we elect our representatives to do and they have utterly abdicated their responsibilties in this and many other regards.
I guess that's what happens when some reps are elected on order NOT to do any of the above; rather to take black and white, morally "pure" positions and to drown government in Gorver Norquist's bathtub. Wake up, America.
I guess that's what happens when some reps are elected on order NOT to do any of the above; rather to take black and white, morally "pure" positions and to drown government in Gorver Norquist's bathtub. Wake up, America.
“Mr. Trump used his media savvy and entertainment value — often in the form of insults — to keep all eyes on him. Imagine how much further a more disciplined demagogue might go applying a similar formula.”
Trump is saying all of the same things that Hitler said, culminating in the 1930’s rise of the Weinmar Republic. We know the consequences of that. The world should thank God that Trump lacked Hitler’s discipline and that his campaign staff was never able to control his fragile ego.
Trump is saying all of the same things that Hitler said, culminating in the 1930’s rise of the Weinmar Republic. We know the consequences of that. The world should thank God that Trump lacked Hitler’s discipline and that his campaign staff was never able to control his fragile ego.
This cannot be fixed. Time to partition the country: United Costal States and United Central States.
Let the red states: build a wall, eliminate the separation of church and state, make gay marriage illegal, make abortion illegal, pass bathroom laws and whatever else they want. Give them the theocracy that the want.
And let the blue states build a modern society that can move into the future.
Let the red states: build a wall, eliminate the separation of church and state, make gay marriage illegal, make abortion illegal, pass bathroom laws and whatever else they want. Give them the theocracy that the want.
And let the blue states build a modern society that can move into the future.
I have a few add ons for your list. *Somehow big money has to be stopped from flooding elections. It borders on the buying of an election and with the buying comes the 'favors' and not for those who can only give $100 here and there. For congressmen who run every two years the solicition of money never stops. So little time to spend on good governance. The exception being investigations and interminable hearings. *The length of time it takes to get through the primary and then general election seasons is absurd. It wears everyone out and for me saps my enthusiasm for any candidate. You have to be a fanatic to stay with it. For 2 1/2 months this summer I was offline working at a camp in rural Maine and when I returned to 'civilization' I found I had missed nothing. What a peaceful, soothing time. *Get rid of the anachronism of the Electoral College and go to just popular vote. Somehow my vote didn't count for much in RI with their 4 electoral votes. Now in NC my vote seems to count for a lot judging by all the candidates showing up here. Often the election is called before citizens on the west coast have finished voting. This old system as got to go.
People often wonder why we don't get better candidates? What sane person would want to subject themselves to this rough, eternal slog. As just a voter I have barely made it to today's finish line.
People often wonder why we don't get better candidates? What sane person would want to subject themselves to this rough, eternal slog. As just a voter I have barely made it to today's finish line.
We also learned that a major newspaper can obscure objectivity and churn out propaganda for their candidate.
We learned that the two party system is corrupt and inadequate to serve the needs of a diverse society.
We learned that common people - the non-elites - are angry because they have been shut out of the economy, healthcare and education.
We learned that the two party system is corrupt and inadequate to serve the needs of a diverse society.
We learned that common people - the non-elites - are angry because they have been shut out of the economy, healthcare and education.
2
This election is a proof that presidential campaigning has to be limited to 6 to 9 months and publicly financed. Attention span of an average voter does not increase just because the candidates say the same thing for 18 months. In fact, they run out of substantial things to say and start thinking out loud either at private fundraising parties or via Twitter.
1
About your last point, local electoral solutions that advance progress and bypass federal gridlock, next year New York voters need to approve a constitutional convention (there's a default proposition on the ballot every 20 years).
Like the Western states, we could have a real marijuana legalization initiative that would reflect the will of the people to replace the restrictive sham legislation sponsored by Cuomo II which allows the state to pretend it allows marijuana while restricting it to a few folks with terminal or rare diseases (Lou Gehrig's disease). We could also mandate tough ethics laws and an oversight commission to drain the swamp in Albany.
Like the Western states, we could have a real marijuana legalization initiative that would reflect the will of the people to replace the restrictive sham legislation sponsored by Cuomo II which allows the state to pretend it allows marijuana while restricting it to a few folks with terminal or rare diseases (Lou Gehrig's disease). We could also mandate tough ethics laws and an oversight commission to drain the swamp in Albany.
This election cycle has convinced me that the American election process is way too long. Its sucks too much money into the campaign and keeps the polarizing discourse on for too long. If only this energy had been focused on running the country instead... Just a striking impression coming from abroad.
2
Although this campaign/election has been poisonous, I woke up this morning hopeful and anxious to cast my vote FOR Hillary Rodham Clinton and not against Donald Trump. What changed? The realization that this singular and remarkable woman could have folded a week ago with the Comey revelation. Instead, she said it was "deeply troubling" and then simply moved on to the work at hand. She did not attack him; she made a simple statement.
Her strength of character, her sureness of purpose, her commitment to the country, her belief and confidence in herself, and her dedication to the dream- serving this country at the highest level were steadfast over this last week and throughout her career and that is impressive and is deserving of my vote.
I am hopeful that the crucible of combat throughout her life to find her place as a strong, brilliant,outspoken, and yes, very ambitious woman will win the day and serve the country admirably for the next 4 years.
Thank you Hillary Rodham Clinton for participating in public life for all these years. I hope with all my heart that today is the crowning achievement of your years of service.
Her strength of character, her sureness of purpose, her commitment to the country, her belief and confidence in herself, and her dedication to the dream- serving this country at the highest level were steadfast over this last week and throughout her career and that is impressive and is deserving of my vote.
I am hopeful that the crucible of combat throughout her life to find her place as a strong, brilliant,outspoken, and yes, very ambitious woman will win the day and serve the country admirably for the next 4 years.
Thank you Hillary Rodham Clinton for participating in public life for all these years. I hope with all my heart that today is the crowning achievement of your years of service.
6
I was on line ten minutes before voting began. I was happy to see people walking quickly to the doors to vote.
I am deeply grateful to Latinos for standing up for themselves to fight hatred at the polls. They have every right to be here just as my ancestors did.
Let's hope that Trump's destiny is that Hispanics are His-Panics.
Let hatred be vanquished once again, peacefully.
I am deeply grateful to Latinos for standing up for themselves to fight hatred at the polls. They have every right to be here just as my ancestors did.
Let's hope that Trump's destiny is that Hispanics are His-Panics.
Let hatred be vanquished once again, peacefully.
What has 2016 taught us? It should have taught us that a lot of Americans on the left and right are fed-up with a system driven by a corporate oligarchy and the political elite who feed at its trough. It is a system that has all but destroyed the middle class, put millions more people on food stamps and will push millions more into an uncertain retirement after years working two or more jobs just to make ends meet. Bernie Sanders rebelled against this system and was crushed by a complicit Democratic Party. Donald Trump somehow outfoxed the GOP establishment and emerged as a very flawed candidate to attack the very same system. And after all of that, Hillary Clinton, the poster child for pay-for-play politics will like be our next leader. Go figure.
3
It may well be true that hate sells. The NYT editorial pages and its comments have produced an unending current of it since the start of the campaign. There's plenty of claims on these pages of "false equivalence", it's clear to me that demonizing those who hold different opinions is completely equivalent.
I'm hoping that tomorrow's edition opens a new page in the dialog regardless of the results of the election, but I'm not very sanguine.
I'm hoping that tomorrow's edition opens a new page in the dialog regardless of the results of the election, but I'm not very sanguine.
4
There should have been a paragraph about the Supreme Court. We must reverse the Citizens United decision so that the super rich cannot buy our elections. We must declare gerrymandering in many Republican states unconstitutional when it results in their winning House of Representative seats even though Democrats have a majority of votes. We must outlaw state laws designed to suppress voting by minorities. And we must put women's right to choose beyond the reach of religious activists who believe that their religious beliefs should be the law of the land.
4
I saw the opposite of the "super rich" buying this election when Jeb Bush, with vast sums in his campaign at the outset failed to whip Donald Trump, who did not receive "super rich" folks contributions & then spent only small: the Citizens United decision is not the problem. The people apparently sometimes cannot be told what to think, what to choose, by the super rich. Bernie Sanders too stayed longer in the game than the difference in funding indicated.
To Vladimir Yagatov. Donald Trump didn't need a lot of money because he could generate TV coverage with his outrageous behavior and Realty TV notoriety. Bernie Sanders did indeed go a long way with small contributions in the primaries, but what would he have done in the general election? He would have needed much more money than he could raise that way. If you want to see what big money can do in elections, look at the competitive Senatorial races.
The Republicnas created this mess. They are poor losers. They obstruct, smear, lie, spread conspiracy. Decent ones simply remain silent or there are people from both parties whose anxiety is soothed by the lie of, "Well they are both corrupt. Or both parties are lying." No no, what the Republicans have done is quite dangerous. They've tapped into a group they've exploited for years and now create a villain in an opponent whose policies would actually help them. Those poor people are so twisted, they no longer have rational thinking, nor do they pay mind to facts. They invent a reality that suits them and Donald Trump saw this and promoted it. Evil.
3
The election has taught us that we need requirements for presidential candidates. Requirements that they must submit to or pass in order to even run. Mandatory background checks for security clearance, including financial disclosure, medical history disclosure, past legal history. Each would-be candidate should submit to a full physical and psychological evaluation - not to be made public but simply as part of a vetting process, like you'd do with a CEO candidate. There must be standards. People shouldn't just be allowed to run, willy-nilly. They should also demonstrate familiarity with the constitution and important issues, domestic and foreign.
We also need voting reform. Get rid of the gerrymander. Vote on a weekend. More polling places in high density areas, whether rich or poor. Ease of registration. Shorter, much shorter, elections.
We also need to improve education, insist children learn to tell facts from opinions and can weigh arguments. They need basic civics taught as part of the regular curriculum at levels that suit child development. Understanding of our justice system. A curriculum to prevent bullying and denounce hate. Moral development and moral reasoning encouraged and fostered. Education funded so that the poorest and the wealthiest receive similar excellent teaching. Teachers respected and provided very high level training. Smaller classes. Time to prepare.
We need so much! As Muslims would say: "God willing..."
We also need voting reform. Get rid of the gerrymander. Vote on a weekend. More polling places in high density areas, whether rich or poor. Ease of registration. Shorter, much shorter, elections.
We also need to improve education, insist children learn to tell facts from opinions and can weigh arguments. They need basic civics taught as part of the regular curriculum at levels that suit child development. Understanding of our justice system. A curriculum to prevent bullying and denounce hate. Moral development and moral reasoning encouraged and fostered. Education funded so that the poorest and the wealthiest receive similar excellent teaching. Teachers respected and provided very high level training. Smaller classes. Time to prepare.
We need so much! As Muslims would say: "God willing..."
4
The Trump candidacy has shown us that two marketing "principles" can be combined to quite strong effect. "The Barnum Principle" that (loosely) you can fool some of the people most of the time can be paired with "The Goebbels Principle: that (loosely) a lie repeated frequently, and forcefully enough becomes accepted as the truth. That synergy is dangerous enough, but combined with the negation of Pat Moynihan's dictum that one may be entitled to one's own opinion, but not to one's own facts, and we have the toxic brew that was the 2016 Presidential.
False equivalencies in the name of "fairness" presented by media on the Right and Left have not helped. Is it really the case that the then lawful, if stupid and ill-considered use of a private e-mail server by Hillary Clinton is of the same order as the ignorance of, say, the Nuclear Triad and the demand that our NATO allies pay us for "protection" on the part of Trump?
Then there is that whole "I'll vote for him, but I don't endorse him" exercise in hypocrisy of most of the GOP. My fear is that the 2018 midterm races, which, of course, start tomorrow, will just bring us more. 2016 is the PhD of political education -- Piled Higher and Deeper.
False equivalencies in the name of "fairness" presented by media on the Right and Left have not helped. Is it really the case that the then lawful, if stupid and ill-considered use of a private e-mail server by Hillary Clinton is of the same order as the ignorance of, say, the Nuclear Triad and the demand that our NATO allies pay us for "protection" on the part of Trump?
Then there is that whole "I'll vote for him, but I don't endorse him" exercise in hypocrisy of most of the GOP. My fear is that the 2018 midterm races, which, of course, start tomorrow, will just bring us more. 2016 is the PhD of political education -- Piled Higher and Deeper.
4
Just like food labeling, there has to be some sort of obvious and identified fact level that is given to the American public. If candidates want coverage they may not put the press in some sort of pen either.
Fox News/Roger Ailes and the Rush Limbaugh-style twisting of facts for ratings and money has produced sections of the public with no actual accurate information to examine. "Think tank" stuff needs to be clearly labeled and who is paying for it- it can be on an infomercial format, not passed off as accurate news.
Democracy has to have some reliable sources of just facts.
It is no longer acceptable to have no information about our information.
Fox News/Roger Ailes and the Rush Limbaugh-style twisting of facts for ratings and money has produced sections of the public with no actual accurate information to examine. "Think tank" stuff needs to be clearly labeled and who is paying for it- it can be on an infomercial format, not passed off as accurate news.
Democracy has to have some reliable sources of just facts.
It is no longer acceptable to have no information about our information.
4
The presidential election process is far, far too long. The media has devolved in to a mess of pulp fiction-type reporting with no fallback on credentials or journalistic standards. Gossip has frequently been reported as fact in this election. In the race for eyeballs and the absurd amount of money that generates, comments that would never have seen the light of day, made front page news. Hate, racism, sexism, misogyny, xenophobia, sexual misconduct, rage and inflammatory rhetoric went public in this most heinous of presidential races. It's up to voters in America to say "no" to this level of degradation and deceit. We must be the country our forefather's envisioned. We must face our fears and not turn away from them.
3
There's another end run that's already been used by both GWB and Obama, and it can only be sensibly supported by ensuring that Clinton is president. That end run is this: in the face of a sclerotic and non-functioning Congress the president can sign executive orders in order to bypass Congress. Some of these orders are then challenged in court where they're litigated and either approved or shot down. While this isn't a preferable way to enact effective regulations or laws, it's the only option left and it does at least make use of two of the three branches of our federal government.
Congress is done. Should Clinton win, a faction of Republican diehards in the House will raise the art of obstruction to a level perhaps never seen in modern American politics. They'll render themselves ever more useless, making this executive-judicial end run around them ever more necessary.
Should Trump win, a strong democratic minority coupled with a very small group of appalled republicans will also be able to do this, forcing Trump into the same position.
So, as with so many other issues, the question is simple: who would you rather have in position to appoint Supreme Court justices? If most of these cases end up before them, how would you like them to decide? It's not just about Roe or Citizens United or the restoration of the VRA, it's about the only avenue available to our leaders to actually get stuff done with regards to climate, immigration, civil rights, and everything else.
Vote.
Congress is done. Should Clinton win, a faction of Republican diehards in the House will raise the art of obstruction to a level perhaps never seen in modern American politics. They'll render themselves ever more useless, making this executive-judicial end run around them ever more necessary.
Should Trump win, a strong democratic minority coupled with a very small group of appalled republicans will also be able to do this, forcing Trump into the same position.
So, as with so many other issues, the question is simple: who would you rather have in position to appoint Supreme Court justices? If most of these cases end up before them, how would you like them to decide? It's not just about Roe or Citizens United or the restoration of the VRA, it's about the only avenue available to our leaders to actually get stuff done with regards to climate, immigration, civil rights, and everything else.
Vote.
2
We have also learned that the educational system has not done an adequate job of teaching critical thinking or the history and strategies of propaganda. The tragic decline in public school funding across the nation, especially in states such as Kansas and Louisiana, must be undone.
254
right, if you don't reach a leftist conclusion, it's not clear thinking....
Along with the absence of critical thinking, the willful ignorance shown by a large part of the electorate should raise alarm bells as well. Fixing this is not going to be easy or quick but our nation needs to address this as your prosperity and continued existence as a functioning democracy depend on it. It takes bright engaged people to make democracy work for all.
I have a child with autism and would never move back to the US the way it is now. A school with the individual attention he needs alone would set our family back by a salary per year. If he reaches adulthood, he might get shot by a police officer because he doesn't always respond socially as expected.
Politicians needs to stop talking about these issues and fix them. The social fabric is broken, somewhere along the way the US stopped caring for people who are not born lucky or are struck by misfortune in their lives. Repair it, and people might start voting normal again.
Politicians needs to stop talking about these issues and fix them. The social fabric is broken, somewhere along the way the US stopped caring for people who are not born lucky or are struck by misfortune in their lives. Repair it, and people might start voting normal again.
1
What 2016 has taught us?
That this republic is in serious trouble. That the elite hijacked the nomination and campaign process. That the media lost its ability to be the "forth estate", and went out to make news, not report it. That money, and more money corrupted the electoral system. The the parties engaged in a divide and conquer strategy that has fractured country. That both political parties engaged in various forms of voter suppression.
And, the worse part of all, nominated two of the most repulsive presidential candidates in American history.
On this day, two first will occur:
1. The first women to be elected president.
2. The first president elected with negative approval ratings.
3. The most untrusted, paranoid, secretive president, since Nixon.
Not since 1968, or 1861 - 1865, has this nation reached such a nadir.
So, what has 2016 taught us, we hope we reached rock bottom, and the only way to go is up. But, that will not happen until at least 2021.
That this republic is in serious trouble. That the elite hijacked the nomination and campaign process. That the media lost its ability to be the "forth estate", and went out to make news, not report it. That money, and more money corrupted the electoral system. The the parties engaged in a divide and conquer strategy that has fractured country. That both political parties engaged in various forms of voter suppression.
And, the worse part of all, nominated two of the most repulsive presidential candidates in American history.
On this day, two first will occur:
1. The first women to be elected president.
2. The first president elected with negative approval ratings.
3. The most untrusted, paranoid, secretive president, since Nixon.
Not since 1968, or 1861 - 1865, has this nation reached such a nadir.
So, what has 2016 taught us, we hope we reached rock bottom, and the only way to go is up. But, that will not happen until at least 2021.
12
Yes, vote, but remember it has always been people in communities who have made the real changes -- not either of the political parties. People stopped the Vietnam war and brought us civil rights. Politicians simply signed off when the people's will was undeniable. As mentioned in the editorial, both political parties are fragile. That's because people are fed up with both factions of "the managerial class."
2
Lets not fall into false equivalence again. The ugly is coming from one side. He ran a campaign built on hate, racism, violence, rage, division.
Compare their final rallies. It is the clearest side by side of what we have to chose - inspiration, hope, togetherness, Americans ideals
or hate, rage, scapegoating, bigotry, race hate and violence
Compare their final rallies. It is the clearest side by side of what we have to chose - inspiration, hope, togetherness, Americans ideals
or hate, rage, scapegoating, bigotry, race hate and violence
5
Lost in this essay is the most obvious lesson to be learned. The two party system is under attack and crumbling. Outsiders, Sanders and Trump, generated more voter enthusiasm than the party faithfuls dutifully trotted out as presidential hopefuls. Whether either party learns the lesson of this election is anyone's guess. The Republicans appear to be on track for another quadrennial autopsy while the Democrats will be whistling past the graveyard if they take comfort over their terrible candidate's narrow victory over a madman. The real question both parties face is how will they come to grips with a process that spit out the two most disliked and distrusted presidential candidates in our history.
After the election, do we end up with a nation that is still intact or hopelessly divided? We used to speak of agreeing to disagree, but this time around it looks to be more contentious. The new president is supposed to bring citizens together to get on with the challenges of the day. Unfortunately unity of spirit may be hard to find, at least for quite sometime.
Thank you for this editorial. Though I would want to add that we didn't need Donald Trump to show the efficacy of leveraging racism, bigotry and misogyny. That repellent game has been played since a bit before 2016 - by a few hundred years. What has changed is the immune system of our electorate, which falls to this sort of virus with ever increasing ease.
Many readers took extreme offense at a Nov. 5 NYT piece suggesting we return to a monarchy. While the suggested alternative was a joke - the underlying indictment of the woeful state of our democracy was not. We have become ungovernable, and not one single politician seems to have the fortitude to embark on a national conversation about the underlying causes, because that would throw so many of our perceived American higher moral values and notions of exceptionalism into question - apparently an intolerable project. So we just continue on, calling ourselves the indispensable nation, while we flirt with putting a guy in office that makes Marine Le Pen look like George McGovern.
Many readers took extreme offense at a Nov. 5 NYT piece suggesting we return to a monarchy. While the suggested alternative was a joke - the underlying indictment of the woeful state of our democracy was not. We have become ungovernable, and not one single politician seems to have the fortitude to embark on a national conversation about the underlying causes, because that would throw so many of our perceived American higher moral values and notions of exceptionalism into question - apparently an intolerable project. So we just continue on, calling ourselves the indispensable nation, while we flirt with putting a guy in office that makes Marine Le Pen look like George McGovern.
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It's hard to believe how much hate the Democrats have for any person who does not agree with their leftist progressive policies. It's hard to believe how Democrats support Hillary Clinton, a proven liar And deplorable human being who only cares about herself, her money, and her power. I do not believe Clinton will win this election. I and millions more will be more than happy to welcome Donald Trump as president of the United States. only he can bring change to Washington first by Draining the swamp of all lobbyists and big money bullies from Washington. Only trump will make sure our borders are secure. Hopefully the republicans will continue to be the majority power and we hope they have learned of their last mistakes in 2014.
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One, an inveterate insider, and the other, an obdurate outsider. Whose philosophy will prevail over the other, will be one for the voters to mull over, at the ballot box. Tumultuous Trump and a haughty Hillary have been duking it out for several months now, and the victor will have a lot to be proud of, about being the first - woman or a total non-political person - to become the POTUS.
Adultery, bigotry, demagoguery, misogyny, and xenophobia will all be on the cards, for the voters to see. Donations, foundations, insinuations, and intonations will, for sure, dance around in front of the supporters' eyes. Fabrications, duplications, confiscations, and prevarications will loom large before, and/or haunt, the candidates, sitting on the tenterhooks,
and awaiting the results.
A doom or a boom, the prospective POTUS and the subjugated will have to face together, but in separate locations, of course. Fireworks will light up the skies by the supporters of ......
Adultery, bigotry, demagoguery, misogyny, and xenophobia will all be on the cards, for the voters to see. Donations, foundations, insinuations, and intonations will, for sure, dance around in front of the supporters' eyes. Fabrications, duplications, confiscations, and prevarications will loom large before, and/or haunt, the candidates, sitting on the tenterhooks,
and awaiting the results.
A doom or a boom, the prospective POTUS and the subjugated will have to face together, but in separate locations, of course. Fireworks will light up the skies by the supporters of ......
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I don't think the country's economic anxiety comes from the recession of 2008. I think it comes from the unknown of 2028 and after.
No candidate, no platform, no party has even tried to describe where we're going. No one has described the most important thing - what most Americans will do for a living in this century. We know it is not what we did in the last century - union jobs are gone or going, manufacturing jobs have emigrated, dream homes remain dreams. We know we can't all write code or do a start-up. So, what will hard working Americans work at? And, what will our children do? What should we raise them to be? These, the most important questions, were left unasked and unanswered by this election which for all its sound and fury, signifies nothing.
The country's dislike of the candidates arises not from what they said or did but from all they left out of this election - us and a real future.
No candidate, no platform, no party has even tried to describe where we're going. No one has described the most important thing - what most Americans will do for a living in this century. We know it is not what we did in the last century - union jobs are gone or going, manufacturing jobs have emigrated, dream homes remain dreams. We know we can't all write code or do a start-up. So, what will hard working Americans work at? And, what will our children do? What should we raise them to be? These, the most important questions, were left unasked and unanswered by this election which for all its sound and fury, signifies nothing.
The country's dislike of the candidates arises not from what they said or did but from all they left out of this election - us and a real future.
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The people may have learned that they cannot trust the media, and that different parts of the media promote a narrative of what they prefer and where they want us to go, regardless of the truth. There is, in that respect, an equivalence between right and left wing. Whichever side believes that it is in its best interest to have ordinary Americans conclude that the truth is not knowable has won--to the detriment of all of us.
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"These proposals are a powerful response to the anti-government zealots who have hogtied Congress into inaction."
Actually, I didn't see any proposals here, just observations.
And let's face it, the mainstream media were too lazy and money-hungry to stop Donald Trump. And as for people who hate -- usually people who are intellectually sluggish and easily led -- they'll always hate. The South has been fighting the Civil War ever since it ended. That's a long hatred.
Actually, I didn't see any proposals here, just observations.
And let's face it, the mainstream media were too lazy and money-hungry to stop Donald Trump. And as for people who hate -- usually people who are intellectually sluggish and easily led -- they'll always hate. The South has been fighting the Civil War ever since it ended. That's a long hatred.
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America is not so united nor brave nor free nor exceptional nor blessed nor equal nor beautiful.
And it did not take electing the first Kenyan Luo Arab Muslim socialist usurper President of the United States to figure that out. America was born enslaving Africans, conquering and colonizing Natives, misogyny, xenophobia, homophobia and exalting white north and west European Protestant male supremacy. Being your brother and sister's keeper is only possible if you accept the other as a fellow member of the one and only multicolored multi-ethnic faith national origin human race species.
Fear and anxiety are as natural and normal as are hope and peace. Ignorance is a universal condition we will never know everything. Stupidity is knowing things that are not true or not caring about the truth. That is a much rarer condition.
And it did not take electing the first Kenyan Luo Arab Muslim socialist usurper President of the United States to figure that out. America was born enslaving Africans, conquering and colonizing Natives, misogyny, xenophobia, homophobia and exalting white north and west European Protestant male supremacy. Being your brother and sister's keeper is only possible if you accept the other as a fellow member of the one and only multicolored multi-ethnic faith national origin human race species.
Fear and anxiety are as natural and normal as are hope and peace. Ignorance is a universal condition we will never know everything. Stupidity is knowing things that are not true or not caring about the truth. That is a much rarer condition.
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I fear that the years (plural) of this election campaign have failed to teach us much. However, I wish that we had learned the following:
1. The campaign period should be shortened to three months or so.
2. Campaigns of all parties should be publicly financed.
3. People who have been employed by political parties should appear on television programs as guests, not hosts of their own shows.
1. The campaign period should be shortened to three months or so.
2. Campaigns of all parties should be publicly financed.
3. People who have been employed by political parties should appear on television programs as guests, not hosts of their own shows.
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And not as commentators, given the Donna "I have no ethics" Brazile debacle.
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Of course, with public finance, it would have been Bernie vs Trump, and the winner would very possibly be Trump.
Another bright spot. The media has now started to report not just what someone like Trump (or his surrogates) say. But to clarify when what's said is not factual. Now that deserves applause!
Another thing. I begin to sense that at least among Democrats there is a reaching out, a warmth toward minorities, a sense of solidarity. A feeling that we've been through a traumatic time. Together. And a desperate hope we can, together, move forward.
How we bring the "apartheid folk" into our Land of Diversity, where so many of us already live, is going to be the problem. Because many of these folks do want a type of "segregation". If all they want is their own "apartheid" it's hard to move their mental needle. If what they want is to impose an "apartheid" then we are in a totally other universe. And we have to vow that will never occur.
But let's begin by making inclusivity more evident, more obvious. We have to start somewhere. I think we need to start with making sure immigrants or minorities feel welcome, respected. Reaching out. Validating strangers. Maybe gradually, if that becomes the norm, we can entice the "holdouts" to want to join in.
Another thing. I begin to sense that at least among Democrats there is a reaching out, a warmth toward minorities, a sense of solidarity. A feeling that we've been through a traumatic time. Together. And a desperate hope we can, together, move forward.
How we bring the "apartheid folk" into our Land of Diversity, where so many of us already live, is going to be the problem. Because many of these folks do want a type of "segregation". If all they want is their own "apartheid" it's hard to move their mental needle. If what they want is to impose an "apartheid" then we are in a totally other universe. And we have to vow that will never occur.
But let's begin by making inclusivity more evident, more obvious. We have to start somewhere. I think we need to start with making sure immigrants or minorities feel welcome, respected. Reaching out. Validating strangers. Maybe gradually, if that becomes the norm, we can entice the "holdouts" to want to join in.
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There is something to hope for now - we can hope that there will be no declarations in the Congress that proclaim the intent to obstruct the President in all he does and attempts. If we want to point out disgraceful reasons for the state of the country, those intentions over the last 8 years are a good place to start. That dark and ominous Congressional attitude toward Obama easily led to a dark and ominous Trump.
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People with absolutely no qualifications or relevant experience shouldn't begin their political careers running for president.
Trump was treated by the media with far too much respect from the beginning when more research into his character should have been done - & wasn't - & there should have been more skepticism that a guy with inherited money who'd done nothing but sell real estate - with 4 bankruptcies - and have a cheesy reality tv show - who repeatedly vowed to do things that violated the law and the Constitution - should be taken seriously as a candidate for president.
The media doesn't have the power to influence it once did. But it still has some power. It also has the power to investigate & report on someone's background thoroughly when that person runs for president & is already a celebrity with a track record. Why it took so long to expose the worst things about Trump - nonpayment of taxes, sexual assault of numerous women, a Justice Department lawsuit about racial discrimination in housing he lost, bankruptcies and failures of many businesses, the fraud he's perpetrated and all the people who worked for him that he stiffed - it took the better part of a year for all this to come trickling out - much of it not exposed until he was the Republican nominee.
The media didn't do it's job this year. It didn't do what was required to inform us a conman & fraud was the nominee of a major political party until the nomination was in hand.
This is really scary.
Trump was treated by the media with far too much respect from the beginning when more research into his character should have been done - & wasn't - & there should have been more skepticism that a guy with inherited money who'd done nothing but sell real estate - with 4 bankruptcies - and have a cheesy reality tv show - who repeatedly vowed to do things that violated the law and the Constitution - should be taken seriously as a candidate for president.
The media doesn't have the power to influence it once did. But it still has some power. It also has the power to investigate & report on someone's background thoroughly when that person runs for president & is already a celebrity with a track record. Why it took so long to expose the worst things about Trump - nonpayment of taxes, sexual assault of numerous women, a Justice Department lawsuit about racial discrimination in housing he lost, bankruptcies and failures of many businesses, the fraud he's perpetrated and all the people who worked for him that he stiffed - it took the better part of a year for all this to come trickling out - much of it not exposed until he was the Republican nominee.
The media didn't do it's job this year. It didn't do what was required to inform us a conman & fraud was the nominee of a major political party until the nomination was in hand.
This is really scary.
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The willingness to accept the 'hate sells' racism, bigotry and misogyny, as an acceptable price to pay to achieve Republican's larger aims is of great concern. Going forward, the commitment to ideals if not idolatry at the expense of respectful debate and consensus building on any side appears to be the new future. This, too, has historical precedent, and it never bodes well...
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