I’m sure Rob Quist is a great guy and musician, but that was a little like running a mule in the Derby. How can you expect to win if your game plan consists of nothing more than a warm body and dodgy message? Watch Faux News and it’s obvious you’re not running against the best and brightest, so imagine what might have happened with a viable candidate with a strong message and better social skills? Buyer’s remorse in Montana aside, if the Dems want to have successes in 2018, they had better start with some serious skin in the game and serious contenders. What kind of BS attitude is it that they only want to run in areas where they have a chance of winning? Apparently the Dems need a better coach than Perez or whoever is running that show. Start acting like every race is winnable and get some serious contenders in front of people with a serious message and you might get results.
130
A woman in the crowd at Gianforte's acceptance speech shouted "We forgive you!" It is high time we stop only asking what's wrong with American politicians and start asking "What the hell is wrong with the American voter?" I don't know what to call it, serious moral decay? Is it the Internet making us lose our sense of basic decency? Is it in the water? Whatever it is I just know this is how great nations and great civilizations end: by the ethical dissolution of the masses.
170
Maybe now the Republicants will support early voting...
33
In my small district on Long Island that voted for Mr. Trump by 60 points, and has historically been Republican, a progressive Democrat, Christine Pellegrino, a Bernie Sanders delegate just won the state Legislative seat in a special election by about 20 points. These are the small elections and wins that we must be focusing on. However, it might help if our media like the NTTimes moved beyond what has become a predicable kind of coverage and get more creative with where they find their stories. The NYTimes didn't even cover this legislative win that is in it's own backyard until it had already been covered by other media outlets. Why was the NYtimes so late to cover this story? This is part of the problem of the Democratic party. Press coverage seems to follow predictable storylines that over focus on some issues and geographic areas while an almost complete disregard for other areas. There is a tremendous progressive energy out there right now. We need the whole country, all of the districts big and small to move forward. Come on Journalists, we need you!!!
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/24/nyregion/special-legislative-election...
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/24/nyregion/special-legislative-election...
76
I don't think people see the Democratic line as "not as dreadful." What about Bernie? What about Justice Democrats? What about Elizabeth Warren and all the other Democrats like Al Franken and Chris Murphy who are bravely standing up to these,yes, brownshirts. I don't read about Trump voters anymore and I don't care about appeasing them or talking to them, or seeing a smile on their face. I saw The Republican National Convention and I will never forget the barbarity of what I saw. And I will never forget the constant chanting of "Lock Her Up," and even the suggestions, loud and clear that Hillary should be executed. Now these morons support everything that Trump does, including violating the Constitution, using the most powerful office in the land to close business deals, and setting this planet back on climate change to the point where we may never recover. Not a peep out of Republicn leaders. They are all, and I mean all of them, morally bankrupt.
117
It is sad that Americans do not second guess the GOP when they are afraid of truthful reporting. The other culprit in Montana was early voting, but it probably would not have mattered if the Dems had a good candidate. The poison is in the water from the extreme Right media and there is nothing Dems can do until Americans choose not to believe Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity, the scourge of society.
36
Democrats are not serious about retaking the House. Quist was a colorful candidate, but he couldn't deliver the raw red meat to the rural electorate that Gianforte provided. Gianforte is obviously an antediluvian thug. But the voters outside of the Montana urban areas just pulled the R lever like zombies.
Democrats need a major overhaul of their election strategies. There need to be serious candidate, and serious backing a long way in advance of the elections. What has happened again and again is that the Democrats give up on red state elections even before they start. Then when they wake up and find that something might be competitive, they throw a bit of money at the contest (but almost no ground organizational activity) about a week before the election. Of course they lose.
So now we have another Freedom Caucus goon in the House. That is what is going to happen again and again if the Democratic game doesn't start ramping up now.
Democrats need a major overhaul of their election strategies. There need to be serious candidate, and serious backing a long way in advance of the elections. What has happened again and again is that the Democrats give up on red state elections even before they start. Then when they wake up and find that something might be competitive, they throw a bit of money at the contest (but almost no ground organizational activity) about a week before the election. Of course they lose.
So now we have another Freedom Caucus goon in the House. That is what is going to happen again and again if the Democratic game doesn't start ramping up now.
51
There wasn't much lead up time to this special election. The Governor scheduled it at the earliest possible date. The Billings Gazette headline a few days ago said $17,000,000 was spent on the race. In a state of over just one million, you can imagine how pervasive and brutal the advertising and media coverage was. The whole extravaganza has left me discouraged and despondent. I'm very very sad that we have a basher as our Representative, his religious beliefs were frightening enough.
37
Ms. Collins, I hope you read all the comments here today. These, along with the ones posted in response to Mr. Krugman's piece, are some of the most insightful, thoughtful and articulate remarks I have ever seen.
I worked in Democratic politics most of my sixty years. The comments herein should be printed and sent to every elected Democrat in the country and, especially, to the already useless head of the DNC. Pretty clear what a pathetic mess all of American politics is these days, the Democrats especially.
I worked in Democratic politics most of my sixty years. The comments herein should be printed and sent to every elected Democrat in the country and, especially, to the already useless head of the DNC. Pretty clear what a pathetic mess all of American politics is these days, the Democrats especially.
26
There is 1 million or so people in Montana. Not all voted nor wanted Gianforte to win. Most probably had early voting ballots. But if Montana voters cannot see that their candidate is a criminal then the truth truly has become blurred. Since he was arrested he will need to go to Criminal Court. Conviction will add to Montana voters humiliation. Montana has long been an isolated community from the rest of the country but now it is in the spotlight as an eyesore. We will need to look more closely why they back a criminal before we have criminal states like in third world countries. I'll admit that education is lacking in Montana but what it really lacks is the confidence in our nation. They need to be brought back into the fold before they go too far.
33
Part of the problem is that liberals have to spend so much effort to undo the misinformation coming from the right-wing media.
I have neighbors who still believe the Clintons had Vince Foster murdered.
Then there was the man who shot up the DC pizza restaurant after believing Hillary operated a child prostitution ring for there.
So if people can believe these things, it is no wonder they believe Obama-care is terrible even though they don't know any details.
They don't know jobs created under W. Bush was 3 million and that was with two job cuts for the "job creators" while there were 10 million jobs created under Obama and that was with the "jobs killing" Obama care.
They don't know that W. Bush took a balanced budget from Clinton and turned it into a whopping $1.4 Trillion deficit (deficit for 1 year!) while Obama cut that by 2/3 to $500 Billion.
If that had been a Republican, Fox News would have made sure all their listeners knew.
Instead, their audience is sure that Obama was terrible for the economy and deficit.
I have neighbors who still believe the Clintons had Vince Foster murdered.
Then there was the man who shot up the DC pizza restaurant after believing Hillary operated a child prostitution ring for there.
So if people can believe these things, it is no wonder they believe Obama-care is terrible even though they don't know any details.
They don't know jobs created under W. Bush was 3 million and that was with two job cuts for the "job creators" while there were 10 million jobs created under Obama and that was with the "jobs killing" Obama care.
They don't know that W. Bush took a balanced budget from Clinton and turned it into a whopping $1.4 Trillion deficit (deficit for 1 year!) while Obama cut that by 2/3 to $500 Billion.
If that had been a Republican, Fox News would have made sure all their listeners knew.
Instead, their audience is sure that Obama was terrible for the economy and deficit.
58
Let the representative from Montana cast votes form jail. I love the optics!
10
Agree with your conclusions, Gail. NOw how about some columns that will help"the Democratic line on the ballot and think of something more than Not as Dreadful."
What do you suggest?
What do you suggest?
6
The beauty of the Democratic party is that it is not a lock step ideology. It is a colorful, vibrantly evolving party that attempts to provide a wide umbrella for all. Trying to find a unifying theme is difficult, but Bernie picked one that affected everyone, income inequality. The party refused to rally behind him, or convince Clinton to take up the cause. By the next election, this issue is once again poised to be the issue that can unite the party. If the Republicans succeed in starving out programs that aid the poor and middle class, the wage gap will continue to widen.
Democrats need leaders, not bullies or shrieking rabble rousers.
Democrats need leaders, not bullies or shrieking rabble rousers.
7
100% correct Gail... when you say "the Democratic line on the ballot and think of something more than Not as Dreadful." If the Democratic Party does not fix this; we'll have more losses.
14
According to WalletHub, Montana is the state that’s 7th most dependent on federal aid (after Kentucky, Mississippi, New Mexico, Alabama, West Virginia, and South Carolina—all but one of which went for Trump). According to ThinkProgress, Trump’s budget would “cut crop insurance — which pays farmers for losses due to extreme weather, or compensates farmers for loss if prices are higher than guaranteed at the time of harvest — by 36 percent, far deeper cuts than were proposed under the Obama administration. And it proposes to ‘streamline’ conservation programs, while eliminating the rural development program aimed at bringing infrastructure, technology, and utilities to rural communities.”
What’s wrong with Montana?
What’s wrong with Montana?
21
Nancy Pelosi is correct when she says ;
Democrats walk the walk but don't talk the talk.
Americans like demagogic passion ( ie. Trump and yes Bernie too).
They also like direct connection.
1.Global warming should be about how health is effected on Main St. not polar bears.
2.Trade pacts should be about the value of exports and jobs on Main St., USA
3.Robots taking jobs should be about concrete Main St. training opportunities for good job alternatives.
4. Health care should emphasize Republican Governors who did not take medicare expansion, a main reason for ACA shortcomings. Hence in Wisconsin 'WALKER CARE'.
and etc. etc.
ETC.ETC.
Democrats walk the walk but don't talk the talk.
Americans like demagogic passion ( ie. Trump and yes Bernie too).
They also like direct connection.
1.Global warming should be about how health is effected on Main St. not polar bears.
2.Trade pacts should be about the value of exports and jobs on Main St., USA
3.Robots taking jobs should be about concrete Main St. training opportunities for good job alternatives.
4. Health care should emphasize Republican Governors who did not take medicare expansion, a main reason for ACA shortcomings. Hence in Wisconsin 'WALKER CARE'.
and etc. etc.
ETC.ETC.
21
I'm somewhat shocked by the naivete reflected in these comments.
Don't Democrats realize that the plutocrats have spent at least the past 20 years funding think tanks and other media whose mission has been to change the political paradigm of this country? Upwards of a billion dollars has been spent (perfectly legally if one accepts that many 501c (3)/(4) organizations are pursuing "social welfare" goals when they are obviously political advocacy groups) to influence citizens to disdain their fellow man and to use financial gain as the only measure of success.
My candidate beat her opponent by almost three million votes, based on her proven competency and all-American slogan, Stronger Together. Considering that her opponent engaged in criminal slander, that's quite an accomplishment.
She was realistic in her political goals - which I found appealing - and if elected President, would have achieved at least some of them - and she would have done so without destroying the institution of the Presidency, which we are witnessing with the current office holder.
We are all Stronger Together: Obama, Clinton, Biden, Sanders. Let's build on that foundation.
Don't Democrats realize that the plutocrats have spent at least the past 20 years funding think tanks and other media whose mission has been to change the political paradigm of this country? Upwards of a billion dollars has been spent (perfectly legally if one accepts that many 501c (3)/(4) organizations are pursuing "social welfare" goals when they are obviously political advocacy groups) to influence citizens to disdain their fellow man and to use financial gain as the only measure of success.
My candidate beat her opponent by almost three million votes, based on her proven competency and all-American slogan, Stronger Together. Considering that her opponent engaged in criminal slander, that's quite an accomplishment.
She was realistic in her political goals - which I found appealing - and if elected President, would have achieved at least some of them - and she would have done so without destroying the institution of the Presidency, which we are witnessing with the current office holder.
We are all Stronger Together: Obama, Clinton, Biden, Sanders. Let's build on that foundation.
29
You are absolutely correct. Democrats have now become the party of "no" but have not made any alternative proposals. Their leadership is non-existent, except maybe for Elizabeth Warren.
5
Bernie Sanders talks about the issues, offers solutions, has experience, guts,Conviction,and practical know how. Come on America, what have you got to lose?
#StillSanders
#StillSanders
6
Many of us are still waiting for some reason to be hopeful that the present majority in the federal government may not be in that position much longer. But with events like the Montana election it's hard to maintain hope. The fear is that once autocrats or fascists are in power it's very, very hard to pry them out. While the Democrats can't seem to come up with an effective message, with all that's going on in Washington, DC, is it too much to expect that people in this country are disgusted enough to change things? If it is (too much to expect), then as a society we are pretty much doomed.
8
Gianforte and Trump represent the best and future of the Republican Party. Push and shove to win any and everything. As one Republican said, "Politics is a contact sport."
4
As someone else surely has noted, Gail; we are supposed to be thinking about fallen soldiers the weekend.
3
I can only recommend taking the Memorial weekend off from national politics along with national media and watching film noir on TV. Return to it all with a fresh mind next Tuesday.
3
Agreed. And the attitude that any given congressional seat has "Republican" engraved in stone on it is, at best irresponsible. Republicans acquired a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010, not by shrugging their shoulders and assuming that all seats held by Democrats were immutably Democratic, but by deciding that they would just go out and flip some seats, which they did. Democrats can flip them back if they have the will and a plan to do so. As Ms. Collins said, the message "Not as bad as the other guy" has been proven not to work. And losing by a smaller margin than previously is not the same as winning.
4
We need more karate-trained reporters.
4
Can't we just shake hands with Montanans and all like-minded citizens of Trumpster states and go our separate ways? In peace and all due respect to the unadorables. I'm tired of sending our tax dollars to the needy states which turn around and bite our hands anyway. If Republicans think states rights are a good idea maybe we should start taking them at their word.
6
You know the Montana Democratic Party is in disarray when they choose a country music star who neglects to pay his taxes as their candidate. Montana is a small state but there must have been a more decent and qualified candidate who could represent their party. No wonder the Democrats are losing around the country. They no longer listen and care for their constituents but also put forth poor candidates.
9
The Repub.s are racist, religiously intolerant, and emotionally irrational over their individual perceived threat to a present quality of life.
The Demo.s encourage that perception by failing to convincingly demonstrate how single payer medical care, free education, correction to fossil fueled climate change, and a more steeply graduated income tax is necessary for middle class families (up to $400,000 income, with inflation) to expect to have better lives for themselves and a future for their children.
Until that happens, "body slamming," is an appropriate response to the Repub.s.
The Demo.s encourage that perception by failing to convincingly demonstrate how single payer medical care, free education, correction to fossil fueled climate change, and a more steeply graduated income tax is necessary for middle class families (up to $400,000 income, with inflation) to expect to have better lives for themselves and a future for their children.
Until that happens, "body slamming," is an appropriate response to the Repub.s.
3
Yeah, pick a country music singer nobody ever heard of with a history of unpaid taxes, who performed regularly with his daughter at a nudist resort. Sounds perfect. Pick him.
But don't give him any support. Don't spend any money on him or load the state with volunteers, TV spots or anything else. Because he can't win. The DNC practically guarantees it.
With friends like the DNC, you don't need enemies. With the DNC, it's a wonder dems get elected anywhere and with candidates like Quist, they won't. The only thing he had going for him apparently was the eleventh- hour demonstration of thuggery by his opponent. Are there no other viable candidates who could have run and won?
The dems are definitely swimming against the tide here, without leadership or attractive candidates. While the GOP doesn't need to bother with decent candidates if there are any. It needn't be concerned with civility or competence. GOP candidates can be repugnant muscle-brains and get elected to anything, including president.
America is getting greater by the day.
But don't give him any support. Don't spend any money on him or load the state with volunteers, TV spots or anything else. Because he can't win. The DNC practically guarantees it.
With friends like the DNC, you don't need enemies. With the DNC, it's a wonder dems get elected anywhere and with candidates like Quist, they won't. The only thing he had going for him apparently was the eleventh- hour demonstration of thuggery by his opponent. Are there no other viable candidates who could have run and won?
The dems are definitely swimming against the tide here, without leadership or attractive candidates. While the GOP doesn't need to bother with decent candidates if there are any. It needn't be concerned with civility or competence. GOP candidates can be repugnant muscle-brains and get elected to anything, including president.
America is getting greater by the day.
9
You can't beat somebody with nobody, and that's what the Dems have at the moment.
6
The Democrats have not learned their lesson. The Party was not sure of their candidate at the recent Montana election. Yet, they supported him. The Party has run short of options, and were not able to find a more suitable candidate. Now, they are already in with a wishful thinking of the 114 seats at the next mid term elections.
The Democratic Party must stop wasting their time complaining. The party has lost a voice and position in both Houses. However, people always are on the lookout for options.
People always change sides.
This is opportune time for the serious minded, and qualified, aspiring for a future, to go and visit each State and talk to the people. But, not to complain. To come up with a message which people want to listen:
-Jobs
-Healthcare
-Social Security
-Medicare
-Food Stamps
-Housing
-Education
-Taxes
These are issues that are close to the heart of the people. The Democrats must tell the people how they can be different, and how they can be better, and are able to deliver on their promises to the people.
The Democratic Party must make an evaluation as to how Donald Trump won the last elections. The Party must make an evaluation as to how the Republican Party was able to gain majorities in both Houses of Congress. Figure out the reasons, and develop a strategy that meets the concerns of the people.
The Democratic Party must stop wasting their time complaining. The party has lost a voice and position in both Houses. However, people always are on the lookout for options.
People always change sides.
This is opportune time for the serious minded, and qualified, aspiring for a future, to go and visit each State and talk to the people. But, not to complain. To come up with a message which people want to listen:
-Jobs
-Healthcare
-Social Security
-Medicare
-Food Stamps
-Housing
-Education
-Taxes
These are issues that are close to the heart of the people. The Democrats must tell the people how they can be different, and how they can be better, and are able to deliver on their promises to the people.
The Democratic Party must make an evaluation as to how Donald Trump won the last elections. The Party must make an evaluation as to how the Republican Party was able to gain majorities in both Houses of Congress. Figure out the reasons, and develop a strategy that meets the concerns of the people.
5
Can't you just accept the country doesn't want liberal progressive anymore?
1
Right now in America, it is 'Thugs r us!'. We have them in our WH, starting with the President, of course, and working downward, and now in Montana. The Texas Republican Governor Abbott is another thug whose inappropriate behavior was in fact promoting violence.
8
The Democrats really represent the people. But they have a flaw and it is a major flaw. From top to bottom, the Democrats cannot seem to put winnable candidates on the ballot. They put Hillary, with all her baggage. They put Quist, with his checkered past.
Once the Democrats find a way to put good candidates on national, state, and local ballots, they will win more and our policies will moderate. Until then, they will be the party of "the national Democrats thought that was actually pretty good." But not good enough.
Once the Democrats find a way to put good candidates on national, state, and local ballots, they will win more and our policies will moderate. Until then, they will be the party of "the national Democrats thought that was actually pretty good." But not good enough.
6
I had to google to find out what he performs: lap dances? magic tricks? country western tunes? Apparently, he is a cowboy poet. I still don't know if the nudists were nude when he performed, only that they were nude sometimes. It must be getting harder and harder to be the funny person in the room when the world seems these days to be a parody of itself.
5
How long before Gianforte is appointed to replace Sean Spicer?
Maybe Montanans will get another shot over the summer, when the nudists can be expected to turn out in greater numbers. .
3
Democrats had a clear path to distinguish themselves from the Republicans, instead they chose Hillary. So just what is there message now.
3
Trump bashing aside, many commenters continue to believe that the Democratic party is ineffective in getting out its message. That if Democrats could communicate better with voters, they would win. After all, their positions on the issues would help the vast majority of Americans, right?
I have a different take. Being right is not enough. And Democrats have fielded many fine candidates in the past two decades. Their speeches and their websites clearly spell out their policy positions, and the programs they'd work to achieve.
The reason why they're not winning is that the country has turned demonstrably to the right in the past two decades. Americans know and understand Democratic candidates' messages. They just don't want what Democrats are selling. This includes the nearly 40% rock hard Republican base, and another twenty percent who don't object enough to vote against them.
We Democrats need to understand that we're now very much a minority in this country. We need to figure out a way to try to live in a country that will increasingly look like a cross between "The Handmaid's Tale" and "Birth of a Nation". The tide may turn back, as Ms. Collins writes, but this will take decades. Meanwhile, those of us who do want to live in a free and fair democracy, and not a racist, sexist backwater, would do well to look elsewhere.
I have a different take. Being right is not enough. And Democrats have fielded many fine candidates in the past two decades. Their speeches and their websites clearly spell out their policy positions, and the programs they'd work to achieve.
The reason why they're not winning is that the country has turned demonstrably to the right in the past two decades. Americans know and understand Democratic candidates' messages. They just don't want what Democrats are selling. This includes the nearly 40% rock hard Republican base, and another twenty percent who don't object enough to vote against them.
We Democrats need to understand that we're now very much a minority in this country. We need to figure out a way to try to live in a country that will increasingly look like a cross between "The Handmaid's Tale" and "Birth of a Nation". The tide may turn back, as Ms. Collins writes, but this will take decades. Meanwhile, those of us who do want to live in a free and fair democracy, and not a racist, sexist backwater, would do well to look elsewhere.
5
"Not as Dreadful" on a ballot is enough for me. I'll vote for any Democrat, any time, anywhere.
I am sick of angry, arrogant Republicans. The party's attacks on the press are dispicable. The press have a job to do, which is to find out the truth that Republicans are trying desperately to hide. As a voter, I want that truth to be told.
I'll take a folk-singing, tax-dodging Democrat any day of the week.
I am sick of angry, arrogant Republicans. The party's attacks on the press are dispicable. The press have a job to do, which is to find out the truth that Republicans are trying desperately to hide. As a voter, I want that truth to be told.
I'll take a folk-singing, tax-dodging Democrat any day of the week.
7
Some news outlets and Democrats in general actually assumed that the physical assault on the reporter would hurt the GOP House candidate among his (read Trump) supporters. After everything that's happened in the past 18 months, they are proving to be very slow learners.
5
What is the Democratic message when people right now appear to favor electing bullies to public office? Are campaigns going to become all out slug fests, last man or woman standing, winner take all affairs? Any message gets lost. Trump had no message other than he was going to "make America great again", and he was going to begin doing so by building a wall. He bullied and humiliated the other candidates he was running against. People cheered and laughed at Trump's crude remarks. What kind of message from the Democrats would be welcomed by people with that mind set? How do you appeal to people who are ok with a candidate body slamming a reporter, pummeling him, and breaking his glasses for asking a pertinent question that concerned the very welfare of the voters?
I really do not feel good about our country right now, because no matter how odious, nor condescending, nor cruel, people keep electing Republicans to office. They embrace the bullies many of the Republicans are. Republicans last fall were running on getting rid of the ACA. and they won. People were actually just fine with bullying the old, sick, and disabled. Look at a map of red states vs blue states, and the stranglehold the Republicans have on this country and the three branches of government right now is frightening.
We have a bully-in-chief occupying the White House, and another bully was just elected in Montana.
I really do not feel good about our country right now, because no matter how odious, nor condescending, nor cruel, people keep electing Republicans to office. They embrace the bullies many of the Republicans are. Republicans last fall were running on getting rid of the ACA. and they won. People were actually just fine with bullying the old, sick, and disabled. Look at a map of red states vs blue states, and the stranglehold the Republicans have on this country and the three branches of government right now is frightening.
We have a bully-in-chief occupying the White House, and another bully was just elected in Montana.
7
Do you suppose the DNC is actually led by the same 1% who essentially support the Republican positions on everything Congress does? They can't find Republican-light candidates who are willing to be humiliated by losing but it's easy to sanctimoniously look down their noses on the weak candidates who have the temerity to emerge while passively sitting by as the government is quietly being destroyed on a weekly basis.
People, they don't care about you! If you want to do something to save the nation, take over your local Democratic Party this summer! Don't just resist the Republicans, reform the the Democrats near you, now!
People, they don't care about you! If you want to do something to save the nation, take over your local Democratic Party this summer! Don't just resist the Republicans, reform the the Democrats near you, now!
3
Get ready for more targeting of the media both verbal and physical.
3
Trump sure has made surliness de rigueur for Republican candidates, Gail. It's like a John Wayne movie in which he slams someone in the head with a shovel. Republicans admire this aspect of John Wayne.
Now, how Right Wing Christians, namely Jerry Falwell, Jr. and the Rev. Franklin Graham, justify this behavior in the name of Jesus Christ is anyone's guess. Maybe there is an old Aramaic text that describes Jesus's body slamming a Roman citizen.
But Gianforte certainly brings some of the local color in Montana to congress. Congress is getting to be the "Jersey Shore" of politics. I was thinking that the public opinion rating of congress is lower than that of ants at a picnic, but here comes Gianforte to lower it even more.
I'll grill this weekend, and try to rid my mind of images of body-slamming politicians.
Now, how Right Wing Christians, namely Jerry Falwell, Jr. and the Rev. Franklin Graham, justify this behavior in the name of Jesus Christ is anyone's guess. Maybe there is an old Aramaic text that describes Jesus's body slamming a Roman citizen.
But Gianforte certainly brings some of the local color in Montana to congress. Congress is getting to be the "Jersey Shore" of politics. I was thinking that the public opinion rating of congress is lower than that of ants at a picnic, but here comes Gianforte to lower it even more.
I'll grill this weekend, and try to rid my mind of images of body-slamming politicians.
6
Why do the Republicans pick on Jesus? There is no one remotely as far from they are as Jesus. They would nail Jesus to the cross if he was alive today.
10
Wasn't Obama who pivoted towards Asia? The euro zone may rip off it's own members but why should we put up with it?
1
There is no bad Trump, but rather idiotic progressives.
3
Because Montana has early voting, much of the vote was already in the bag. Even if Gianforte turned off some voters, it may have been too little, too late.
8
Yes children, anyone, and I mean anyone, in this great country can be elected President and we just proved it.
17
Amen sister! Can the dems please get some focus on some other than "Trump bad"? It's backfiring first of all - what's the point of preaching to the choir? It only continues to alienate the other side. It only makes them dig in more - you can view the research on that. It's depressing. NYT readers - for goodness sakes - please stop the Trump voter bashing. IT IS MAKING THINGS WORSE. If you need to vent - blame the 'vast right wing conspiracy' for sowing and fertilizing this cultural sickness. If you want to foster change, well, bashing people whose votes you need - that's kinda dumb. NYT - do we really need more articles implying how dumb Trump voters are that they vote against their own interest - and even now stay by his side? Stop framing the questions that way "how about now?" "And now, still you're good" "come on! even now?" What do you think they are going to say?!
12
True. But I'd like the Republican agenda enacted without change for it is the Trump voter who will grievously suffer the consequences.
2
Trump, the bully in chief, begets open and latent bullies. But they will fail. Guess they missed the history class that talks about countless examples of bullies who get their comeuppance sooner or later.
8
Over the last year it has become increasingly clear that a large minority of this nation will revel in boorish, crude, and even violent behavior. While not everyone- perhaps only 45% of the nation, is this ignorant or vile, there is little evidence that the american experiment will survive for much longer. Perhaps the Canadians, Australians, or Kiwis will do a better job of it. It is Memorial Day weekend so , trump(s)- Thank you for your disservice.
9
The more important issue here is the failure of the democrats' strategy to win, which relied on promoting the sins of the republican healthcare bill and other Washington-centric issues. That didn't work in the general election and it hasn't worked in any of these special elections. Democrats need to define what they are for rather than what they are against. They need to realize that just letting Trump be Trump and then constantly pointing out his inconsistencies, issues with Russia and twitter comments is not going to gain them a victory in the mid-term election. They need to focus on that part of the economy that Trump supporters care about. Also, and most importantly, they need to stop insulting Trump supporters and act less condescending to them.
9
It's ridiculous to say it didn't work. Republicans used Bernie and the Russians, fake news, and every uneducated white man's anger, and Hillary still beat them by 3 million votes.
7
There is an authoritarian feeling to everything about the Republicans.
I would like to think that this wont take hold in the US but it seems that good people anywhere can be played to when they are lied to and promised the moon.
Democracy and freedom require a lot of hard work to maintain. Its very easy to cede it to a charismatic buffoon whether they be Washington, Bozeman or in Berlin.
We are in dangeroujs territory.
I would like to think that this wont take hold in the US but it seems that good people anywhere can be played to when they are lied to and promised the moon.
Democracy and freedom require a lot of hard work to maintain. Its very easy to cede it to a charismatic buffoon whether they be Washington, Bozeman or in Berlin.
We are in dangeroujs territory.
13
If you actually listened to any conservatives over the past eight years (instead of berating them collectively as "deplorables" in their basket), you would find similar complaints and comparisons. In fact, President Obama was unapologetic for his executive orders, legislative initiatives, and public insults - especially during his first two years in office. The slogan was "elections have consequences." ...Which means (in case you missed the message) he intended to do whatever he could get away with, citing the election result as the blank check authority.
When he and his methodology finally saw its day in court, the Supreme Court ruled against him, 9-0, 44 times, as contrasted with Bush 43 and Bill Clinton, who were both at about 30 similar rebukes.
Yet, conservatives had to listen to automatic labeling as racists for opposing any of the Obama Administration's policies or methodology for eight years. The rise of Trump was largely the result of that complete shut down of public discourse. There were Obama disciples who could say anything and then there were the basket of "depolorables" who grew tired of the constant racist accusations and stopped expressing their loyal opposition opinions, for fear of their own futures.
When free speech ceases or is shut down, that is when authoritarian regimes are the most dangerous. The recent rise of Trump is a reaction to it. Even in politics, every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
When he and his methodology finally saw its day in court, the Supreme Court ruled against him, 9-0, 44 times, as contrasted with Bush 43 and Bill Clinton, who were both at about 30 similar rebukes.
Yet, conservatives had to listen to automatic labeling as racists for opposing any of the Obama Administration's policies or methodology for eight years. The rise of Trump was largely the result of that complete shut down of public discourse. There were Obama disciples who could say anything and then there were the basket of "depolorables" who grew tired of the constant racist accusations and stopped expressing their loyal opposition opinions, for fear of their own futures.
When free speech ceases or is shut down, that is when authoritarian regimes are the most dangerous. The recent rise of Trump is a reaction to it. Even in politics, every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
5
Since when did Charismatic mean ugly, stupid and boorish?
3
There's no going beyond a demented person, vying for national power, who would beat an innocent bystander and then triumphantly walk away, claiming it was the bystander to started it, by asking a question. Gianforte would profit from 2 weeks in jail. We all would, just as a lesson in justice.
10
As they know in the West, sometime you must fight fire with fire.
The country (and Montana) are awash in right-wing propaganda.
Where is the progressive propaganda? Progressives, get yourselves on TV. Get yourselves on radio. Get some attention. Create some excitement.
"When you're falling in a forest and there's nobody around, do you ever really crash or even make a sound?" - Dear Evan Hansen
The country (and Montana) are awash in right-wing propaganda.
Where is the progressive propaganda? Progressives, get yourselves on TV. Get yourselves on radio. Get some attention. Create some excitement.
"When you're falling in a forest and there's nobody around, do you ever really crash or even make a sound?" - Dear Evan Hansen
8
I have known Greg for more than 30 years. He is not a thug! He may be a bigot, a religious fanatic, and an abusive boss, but never a thug. I am sure it is the evil influence of Trump that has done this to him. After all, if you encounter a bully on the playground, to gain respect and join the gang, you have to knock a few heads to show you measure up. At least that is the way it works in Joisy!
4
You ignore the importance of early voting in this outcome.
8
Well the rude, crude and obnoxious "ugly American" ....like Donald J. Trump.
No....Gail Collins....what is true....is this:....ugly Americans should simply be
called what they are: rude, crude and very unattractive....and most likely
those that keep their company are also rude, crude and unattractive....
push...self-important BOORS....yes..Trump and his admirers are very alike.
Let's not have them over for tea....anytime soon...okay???
No....Gail Collins....what is true....is this:....ugly Americans should simply be
called what they are: rude, crude and very unattractive....and most likely
those that keep their company are also rude, crude and unattractive....
push...self-important BOORS....yes..Trump and his admirers are very alike.
Let's not have them over for tea....anytime soon...okay???
1
I tire of hearing how we Democrats need to improve our message and get our message out. The unspoken thought appears to suggest that is all the people need to vote for Democrats.
No doubt that we Democrats need to polish our image and speak to JOBS! (And not racial, sexual or gender equality. Important, yes, but those issues do not cut as deep and wide as jobs. And we need to unite, not divide, the voters that we court.)
No doubt that you *should* have to earn the voters who you ask to vote for you.
But no doubt also that our elected officials have allowed the corrosion of our democracy by allowing FAUX News to be able to broadcast lies and propaganda 24/7 to middle America for the past thirty years. Our politicians were bought off and slowly got rid of any controls on the media.
The sick result is that we Democrats cannot compete with that message. That message is funded by the billionaires who do not want to pay taxes. And republican policy dictates that those billionaires pay nothing to the government.
We are beyond the point where we Democrats can win in a "fair" election. As long as the media and the government are under the influence of the wealthy people and corporations we will not turn this around.
No doubt that we Democrats need to polish our image and speak to JOBS! (And not racial, sexual or gender equality. Important, yes, but those issues do not cut as deep and wide as jobs. And we need to unite, not divide, the voters that we court.)
No doubt that you *should* have to earn the voters who you ask to vote for you.
But no doubt also that our elected officials have allowed the corrosion of our democracy by allowing FAUX News to be able to broadcast lies and propaganda 24/7 to middle America for the past thirty years. Our politicians were bought off and slowly got rid of any controls on the media.
The sick result is that we Democrats cannot compete with that message. That message is funded by the billionaires who do not want to pay taxes. And republican policy dictates that those billionaires pay nothing to the government.
We are beyond the point where we Democrats can win in a "fair" election. As long as the media and the government are under the influence of the wealthy people and corporations we will not turn this around.
11
Maybe this win had something to do with the fact that well over half of the votes were sent in by mail before the assault occurred? But let's not let simple facts that entirely explain the victory get in the way of your column making the election something much larger than what it was
4
DNC should support anyone, nudist performer or not. Gotta fan the flames of hope. Remember hope?
5
Hopefully the Democrats are gearing-up for the 2018 U.S. election cycle as seriously as the Russians and the GOP's Russian friends the Kochs, Limbaugh and Hannity are.
7
You cannot win an election by telling people who voted for Trump that they were wrong, oh so wrong, so obviously wrong, so big time wrong, that they have a chance to redeem their awful wrongness only by voting Democratic this year. Period.
Maybe it would be wiser to tell them that you know they voted for the promises he made to shake things up, right the obvious wrongs coming out of Washington, pay more attention - any attention - to the decades long losing struggle of the middle class and the widening gap between the haves and have nots with the deck decidedly stacked against Main Street Americans, but Donald just wasn't being honest with them - he was a rich guy who just wanted their vote before he started taking care of his friends again.
Show them the history of the Democratic party - many are too young to know - many have forgotten - as have many in the Democratic Party - the Party of the people. And show them a platform and a fix of Obamacare and a budget and a tax and a trade plan that knocks the Republicans out of the ring.
Quit talking Trump bad - you people who voted for him dumb.
Start talking the Democratic Party is the Party you wanted all along, we were just bad at letting you know why - and were bad at doing our job - but we get it now - the Republicans have had their chance and look at what they're doing with it.
Democratic Party 2018 and 2020!
Maybe it would be wiser to tell them that you know they voted for the promises he made to shake things up, right the obvious wrongs coming out of Washington, pay more attention - any attention - to the decades long losing struggle of the middle class and the widening gap between the haves and have nots with the deck decidedly stacked against Main Street Americans, but Donald just wasn't being honest with them - he was a rich guy who just wanted their vote before he started taking care of his friends again.
Show them the history of the Democratic party - many are too young to know - many have forgotten - as have many in the Democratic Party - the Party of the people. And show them a platform and a fix of Obamacare and a budget and a tax and a trade plan that knocks the Republicans out of the ring.
Quit talking Trump bad - you people who voted for him dumb.
Start talking the Democratic Party is the Party you wanted all along, we were just bad at letting you know why - and were bad at doing our job - but we get it now - the Republicans have had their chance and look at what they're doing with it.
Democratic Party 2018 and 2020!
12
"People need to be able to look at the ballot and see more than just not as dreadful". Finally you are making the needed point rather than just bellyaching about trump and republicans. The republican and trump agenda is so bad for this country that it should not be at all difficult to articulate what would be good. In many cases in simple terms it is just the opposite. As in what should our policies be concerning the environment. What should they be concerning education and health care. In reality, the next election should be a cake walk unless we just sit around and complain.
1
Lock him up! Lock him up!
5
"Some voters found it unnerving that he performed regularly with his daughter at a nudist resort."
Is that the "+" in "LGBTQ+"? Right up the Dems' alley.
Is that the "+" in "LGBTQ+"? Right up the Dems' alley.
5
The election results in Montana did not ruin my weekend. It just re-affirmed that liberals have good intentions but bad policies and many people have figured that out.
3
I think it's a mistake to try to generalize from an election in a very unique situation. A lot of votes were cast before the body slam event. The Democrat sings at a nudist camp with his daughter. Not exactly your average election.
More importantly is the absence of a strong message by the Democrats. Why is it so difficult to find a few key policy positions and present them in a clear and forceful manner? If Trump can do it, why can't the Democrats? Where is the outrage, where is the anger, where is the fire? Keep this up and we are looking at 8 years of Republican rule!
More importantly is the absence of a strong message by the Democrats. Why is it so difficult to find a few key policy positions and present them in a clear and forceful manner? If Trump can do it, why can't the Democrats? Where is the outrage, where is the anger, where is the fire? Keep this up and we are looking at 8 years of Republican rule!
2
This op ed is just more of the dangerous, false equivalency dribble that it's time for thoughtful people to put behind them. Donald Trump is not "terrible," and those of us who are concerned about what is happening to this country are not "harping." The Trumpists are a threat to liberal demoncracy here, and around the world. Gail, if it makes you feel superior to behave as if you are above it all, enjoy your hot dog.
7
Sorry. But by electing an abusive multi-millionaire with questionable ties to U.S. sanctioned Russian businesses, who also happens to be an avid supporter of an equally abusive president, the message Montana is giving the world isn't exactly a good one -- Especially since this is their lone representative in the House, which everyone knows is already corrupted.
That Trump found this win "Great", in spite of the Gianforte's barbarous attack on a news reporter, is just the icing on the cake.
And while the Democrats couldn't come up with a more worthy candidate who could give this Republican shoe-in a better run for the money, at least Mr. Quist didn't use journalists as a punching bag for asking the wrong questions.
That said, even though Montana is said to be a beautiful state, I don't see myself visiting there anytime soon.
That Trump found this win "Great", in spite of the Gianforte's barbarous attack on a news reporter, is just the icing on the cake.
And while the Democrats couldn't come up with a more worthy candidate who could give this Republican shoe-in a better run for the money, at least Mr. Quist didn't use journalists as a punching bag for asking the wrong questions.
That said, even though Montana is said to be a beautiful state, I don't see myself visiting there anytime soon.
7
"It’s all well and good — and really very satisfying — to harp constantly about the terribleness of Donald Trump. But people need to see the Democratic line on the ballot and think of something more than Not as Dreadful."
A good parting shot across the bow of the Democratic Party.
A good parting shot across the bow of the Democratic Party.
3
My second thought when I heard the story about the Greg Gianforte and the Guardian reporter, Ben Jacobs, was that it would be kinda useful if Mr. Gianforte became Congressman Gianforte (R). It would be a first even for the Republican party and the media should make good use of him.
But my first thought was - this is not a novice at body slamming communication. This man has done this before, and often.
But my first thought was - this is not a novice at body slamming communication. This man has done this before, and often.
6
I agree that policy is key to Democrats winning. But, first they will need to firmly agree on that policy and second they will have to find a way to communicate that policy in a way that non-wonks both understand is in their interest and trust. Bowing to the 1% for campaign funding while talking such things as income inequality won't work.
3
If a journalist attacked a republican, what would the response have been?
6
won't have a hot dog on you Gail, but maybe a burger on the grill. You have a wonderful holiday weekend as well. As for me and my Independence and wanting freedom from politics, I still would like to think the country will have a great future for our children and grandchildren. However, it is looking very doubtful. Wishing them luck, as I've fought the good fight, and simply have no regrets. What will be, will be.
1
This comment is extremely rare for me, as I am almost always in concert with Ms. Collins and enjoy her columns immeasurably. However, I must react to her comment on Montana having the same number of US Senators as (gasp!) California. Now, if this were a comment from someone less...capable than Ms. Collins, such as the clueless (well, ok...dumb) KellyAnne Conway or from the equally unsmart Fox News, I would just assume they don't know the reason for that parity. It just seems such an irrelevant point in this otherwise fine column. Now that I've spread mustard on the article, Ms. Collins, please accept my wishes for great grilling and respite from all the ongoing foolishness, at least for a day or two.
1
The Dems need a Jack Kennedy type with some vision. Sure he wasn't perfect but........we don't need perfect, just motivating.
7
Gail its not his "terribleness", its his treason that is the problem. As it relates to healthcare and education, the only fix is a socialist fix, and, in this capitalist country, the wealthy aren't about to let that happen.
4
The Trump - GOP menu for their Memorial Day picnic:
Skewered bits and pieces of Obamacare
Battered civil rights
Fried foreign relations
Toasted ethics with a nepotism garnish
Filet of media coated with fake news
Desert: Non-Humble pie
Drink: Black Russians
Enjoy your holiday!
Skewered bits and pieces of Obamacare
Battered civil rights
Fried foreign relations
Toasted ethics with a nepotism garnish
Filet of media coated with fake news
Desert: Non-Humble pie
Drink: Black Russians
Enjoy your holiday!
6
You mean in the entire state of Montana--which is the fourth largest state in square miles, has a population slightly over 1 million people, and has only one seat in Congress--the best the two parties could come up with for THE congressional candidate were: (1) a mean-nasty filthy rich guy that keeps losing elections and body slams a Guardian reporter when he doesn't like the reporter's question; and (2) a country musician with little political experience who doesn't always pay his taxes and performs with his daughter at a nudist resorrt? Talk about a Hobson's Choice!
No surprise that the Republicans like the rich, nasty, violent guy, but really the Democratic Party has to do better--both in running candidates in GOP districts and in making sure its candidate is not a creep. Not paying your taxes is a red flag right there for a political party, and taking your daughter to play concerts at a nudist resort is just creepy.
Seems the Democrats can't win for losing, and in the meantime, the party that hates government wins elections.
No surprise that the Republicans like the rich, nasty, violent guy, but really the Democratic Party has to do better--both in running candidates in GOP districts and in making sure its candidate is not a creep. Not paying your taxes is a red flag right there for a political party, and taking your daughter to play concerts at a nudist resort is just creepy.
Seems the Democrats can't win for losing, and in the meantime, the party that hates government wins elections.
8
Apparently Montana has a lot of early voting (not so many minorities to lock out by limiting it?), and so many votes were cast before the body-slamming incident.
4
"The party’s great at complaining, but not very clear on how it wants to fix Obamacare or make college affordable or transform the economy beyond raising the minimum wage."
About a year ago, Bernie Sanders developed an amazing following in a short time, especially among the young, but also among liberals of all ages, with just those points. I wonder what it is going to take for the Democratic Leadership (and NY Times columnists) to wholeheartedly embrace his ideas.
About a year ago, Bernie Sanders developed an amazing following in a short time, especially among the young, but also among liberals of all ages, with just those points. I wonder what it is going to take for the Democratic Leadership (and NY Times columnists) to wholeheartedly embrace his ideas.
4
Greg Gianforte, a very rich and unlovable software mogul.
What's up with America?
Why do we keep having this very one-sided love affair with the 'rich' and 'super rich"
Why are folks attracted to those people?
Do you think they are going to somehow have their riches rain down on our heads?
I know that people are still fascinated by royalty, but from what I learned in history class, we kind of fought the American Revolutionary War to get away from that kind of stuff as even the King of England wasn't all that thrilled with giving the peasants anything back in the day neither.
So why do we think that rich guys need to be rewarded with having a part in making the rules that govern us now?
There's an old saying that those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat the mistakes of history.
Since we keep seemingly doing the same things hoping for different results, we Americans must be a really insane bunch.
What's up with America?
Why do we keep having this very one-sided love affair with the 'rich' and 'super rich"
Why are folks attracted to those people?
Do you think they are going to somehow have their riches rain down on our heads?
I know that people are still fascinated by royalty, but from what I learned in history class, we kind of fought the American Revolutionary War to get away from that kind of stuff as even the King of England wasn't all that thrilled with giving the peasants anything back in the day neither.
So why do we think that rich guys need to be rewarded with having a part in making the rules that govern us now?
There's an old saying that those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat the mistakes of history.
Since we keep seemingly doing the same things hoping for different results, we Americans must be a really insane bunch.
7
There is no Democratic message, merely Republican lite. We need some loud, progressive voices. I roll my eyes when hearing the following but will say it anyway, Bernie could have won.
5
Dear Ms. Collins,
Shucks, that's just how things are in "Big Sky" country!
The newly elected Representative was just "funnin' around" with the little pencil necked geek reporter is all. Dang, he didn't kill him or nuthin' now did he?
No need to get a burr under your saddle jest 'cuz some of the good ole boys get a little rowdy now and again. Mr. Gianforte, er, wait, that ain't no cowboy name...oh, he's a Republican. Well, shucks, he was just doin' what the Duke said to do, "A man's gotta' do what a man's gotta' do"! And if this here Eastern tenderfoot stepped on Mr. Gianforte's boots (By askin' him stupid questions and such) then he lucky he ain't in Boot Hill.
Greg (His first name's a little more cowboy) beat a guitar totin', Democratic nudist who probably reads Marx before he eats breakfast! That's no man to represent the last American frontier for pity's sake!
Overall, you reporter types are gettin' a little high falutin' with all your "Russian collusion" this and "tax breaks for the wealthy" that, as if havin' some "help" with an election is bad (Especially when runnin' against a child trafficker like Clinton) or that the rich folks in the country don't need some relief now and then.
But you'll go back to sippin' your lattes while us real folks are out here riding fence, cleaning guns and wonderin' just how to stop those hordes of illegals roamin' all over the place.
Music, shot of sunset, rider fading into distance, clop, clop, clop (Bob, the wonder horse).....
Shucks, that's just how things are in "Big Sky" country!
The newly elected Representative was just "funnin' around" with the little pencil necked geek reporter is all. Dang, he didn't kill him or nuthin' now did he?
No need to get a burr under your saddle jest 'cuz some of the good ole boys get a little rowdy now and again. Mr. Gianforte, er, wait, that ain't no cowboy name...oh, he's a Republican. Well, shucks, he was just doin' what the Duke said to do, "A man's gotta' do what a man's gotta' do"! And if this here Eastern tenderfoot stepped on Mr. Gianforte's boots (By askin' him stupid questions and such) then he lucky he ain't in Boot Hill.
Greg (His first name's a little more cowboy) beat a guitar totin', Democratic nudist who probably reads Marx before he eats breakfast! That's no man to represent the last American frontier for pity's sake!
Overall, you reporter types are gettin' a little high falutin' with all your "Russian collusion" this and "tax breaks for the wealthy" that, as if havin' some "help" with an election is bad (Especially when runnin' against a child trafficker like Clinton) or that the rich folks in the country don't need some relief now and then.
But you'll go back to sippin' your lattes while us real folks are out here riding fence, cleaning guns and wonderin' just how to stop those hordes of illegals roamin' all over the place.
Music, shot of sunset, rider fading into distance, clop, clop, clop (Bob, the wonder horse).....
10
Yes, to all this. Democratic voters need leadership. They/we need someone who will make the case for progressive values in a way that those who are partially sympathetic will understand. Forget the hard-core Trumpsters and FOX news devotees. They're a lost cause.
3
Why is it not enough that the Democratics are not offering fear-baced conspiracy theories, hatred, and violence?
Why is it Republicans can behave like knaves, rogues, blackguards, and thugs, and get elected, but Democrats have to offer substantive policies in order to get elected?
Have violence and hatred become the representative American values? If so the people who applaud, support, and believe in this are virtually unreachable. They will not listen to any reasonable facts, are out to destroy those with whom they disagree, and don't care about the greater good.
Do we really need to pander to those with that mindset or better yet, do we even WANT people like this when trying to build a country based on freedom, fairness, and justice? These are questions that need to be considered because the soul and survival of this Democratic-Republic is at stake.
Why is it Republicans can behave like knaves, rogues, blackguards, and thugs, and get elected, but Democrats have to offer substantive policies in order to get elected?
Have violence and hatred become the representative American values? If so the people who applaud, support, and believe in this are virtually unreachable. They will not listen to any reasonable facts, are out to destroy those with whom they disagree, and don't care about the greater good.
Do we really need to pander to those with that mindset or better yet, do we even WANT people like this when trying to build a country based on freedom, fairness, and justice? These are questions that need to be considered because the soul and survival of this Democratic-Republic is at stake.
18
I hate to say this, given that I grew up 800 miles from an ocean and still identify with my home region. We now have two sets of United States: those that embrace scum like Gianforte, and those that condemn him. And it's weird that he's from New Jersey and Trump is from NYC--places known to spawn liberal thinking. As for Gianforte, I wish him financial and political ruin.
8
There is much to admire about Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer but they have not been able to articulate a clear message to win control of the House since 2010. Being good at fundraising and keeping the democratic members of congress unified is not enough. A good leader knows when to step aside. We're well past that time. I'm not a young person saying, it's my turn! I'm in my mid-sixties and a Hillary supporter. The leaders of the democratic party are in their mid- to late-seventies. They need to support a new generation of leaders with better ideas and who can articulate those ideas in a compelling way. The Republicans are an easy target, I don't understand why the democrats can't or won't pull the trigger.
9
Considering that the translation of "tonto" is unavoidably "dumb fool", it is not surprising that the transportation for the candidate has much in common with Trump supporters, or at least how he appears to see them. So just as our white male hero rode in on a horse named Tonto, Trump rode into Washington on the backs of people that he despises. There is something poetic about that.
It brings back the memory of the story about The Lone Ranger and Tonto riding across the prairie when they notice Indians behind them, then on the left, etc. The Lone Ranger gets a bit worried and asks :What are we going to do, Tonto?" Tonto replies: "What you mean "we", white man?"
It brings back the memory of the story about The Lone Ranger and Tonto riding across the prairie when they notice Indians behind them, then on the left, etc. The Lone Ranger gets a bit worried and asks :What are we going to do, Tonto?" Tonto replies: "What you mean "we", white man?"
2
Just for starters, Dems should announce they're for universal health care.
8
It is worth pointing out that 70 percent of the votes were cast by mail before Montanans "gave their house seat to a Donald Trump supporter who had just assaulted a reporter," and before the state's three largest newspapers had rescinded their Gianforte endorsements. While Collins' bigger point that our state needed a better candidate is true, her implication that Montanans turned a blind eye and voted a Trump loving body slammer into office regardless is not. The swipes at Montanans--especially the implication that perhaps we deserve no representative at all due to our low population--obscure her bigger and better points while supporting the beliefs of many in the West that East Coasters don't care about our needs or opinions. These beliefs are what got Donald Trump elected. Don't be complicit in giving idiot bullies like Gianforte and Trump more ammunition.
69
Lest we take it all too seriously, my question is: did Mr. Quist himself perform Au naturale at the nudist colony? If so,: talk about a politician with nothing to hide!! The naked truth as it were!!! (: (:
1
I think the Democrats need to see this for what this really is: A loss. This was a chance to flip a seat, and the Democrats failed. You can blame the loss on a lot of things, but clearly, the party of "not Trump" is not going to work. Every marketer understands you don't succeed by talking about what you're not. You succeed by promising what you stand for.
8
Gail, the only thing beyond bad Trump is -- wait for it -- worse Trump. Then comes worst Trump; then worster Trump followed by worstest Trump. The series never ends. Apparently the number of Republicans willing to embrace the regress of Trumpism (Trump-o-mania?) is also un-ending.
The bright spot in the Montana election is that Gianforte has to stand for re-election in the 2018 midterms. And he is eminently beatable.
The bright spot in the Montana election is that Gianforte has to stand for re-election in the 2018 midterms. And he is eminently beatable.
4
This has been the problem with both parties...whoever is in power demonizes the party in power--granted, right now, there is a lot to demonize about Trump, but, the Democrats need a narrative, a story--somewhat like Trump developed in his campaign to sell a liberal agenda. A suggestion: talk to George Lakoff whose insights into strong parent/nurturing parent narratives should be the beginning point..from that introduction, develop two or three bullet point "bread and butter" policies that have nothing to do with cultural issues: no talk of guns, right to life, bathrooms, legalization of marijuana. And whatever those policies are --- present simplified version how they will be paid for: liberals have to stop saying things like free college, free medical care...there is no free lunch and all Americans know that. One more suggestion, liberals should adopts Lakoff's strong parent role when talking about terrorism and crime--in other words, along talk of better intelligence gathering, you need to develop language that sends a clear message that we are still the best sheriffs in town.
6
I think you have It right Gail. Republicans are an absolute disaster in every way However, the Democrats continue to fail to take a vantage of the Republicans mendacity. How people continue to vote for the modern republican boggles the mind.
3
Thank you, Gail. Influential Democrats still don't seem to have absorbed the fact that a significant number of former Obama voters went for Trump this time, nor to have asked themselves why that was. Thomas Frank and a few others have been writing about this for some time, and it has nothing to do with the Russians. I voted for Hillary because she was Not As Dreadful, but I'm getting very tired of doing that.
4
And the young progressives stayed home.
1
Yes, the Democrats fielded a weak candidate in Montana, but unless the Democrats quit advocating a national platform that emphasizes social issues which make close to 50% of the electorate uncomfortable, we are going to continue to lose. Jason Kander of MO should have beaten Blunt handily, but he didn't. A strong, photogenic, intelligent candidate if ever there was one, yet he lost to a Washington insider. Figure out why.
Many many people in this country will never support the candidate from a party that emphasizes gay rights, abortion rights, and gun control. We, as Dems, are of course for all those things, but slapping the rest of the voters in the face continually isn't going to help. Time to talk about clean air and water, good jobs, quality education (and I don't mean shoving college at everyone), solid infrastructure and safe communities.
Many many people in this country will never support the candidate from a party that emphasizes gay rights, abortion rights, and gun control. We, as Dems, are of course for all those things, but slapping the rest of the voters in the face continually isn't going to help. Time to talk about clean air and water, good jobs, quality education (and I don't mean shoving college at everyone), solid infrastructure and safe communities.
12
It might be worth having Gianforte in Congress as a national poster boy for Republican thuggishness. Now journalists can chase him down the halls of the capitol ( with tv cameras ) hoping for a reenactment of the attack on Mr. Jacobs. Then speaker Ryan will be forced to make Gianforte to go stand in a corner or a cloakroom. The embarrassment factor will be worth the one vote on the floor of the House. Gianforte is the perfect national image for the the Republicans and the Trump administration.
9
That's right... we need to hear a brave and consistent message from the democratic party.... Where's Bernie? They have nothing more to lose... Medicaid for everyone!
3
When and why exactly are the meek supposed to inherit the Earth? Beyond disregarding political tradition (or maybe not) the Trump movement has brought macho, thuggish intimidation into the mix. This is obviously the refuge of liars, thieves, and authoritarians. The Montana physical assault was mirrored on the big stage by Trump shoving a world leader. Trump and his followers are aping Hitler and Nazi party tactics and behaviors. A video might have torpedoed Gianforte in the court of rational public opinion like Ray Rice. Sadly, Trumpians see this as "strength." In addition to the reporter's glasses, truth was sacrificed. I expect the Trump politicians to resort to more aggression, physical and otherwise, to enforce their dishonest narrative. However, the ONLY question to ever ask these fiends is: "WOULD YOU ACCEPT THIS LEVEL OF HEALTH CARE FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY?" The answer: stated or stammered is the only thing the electorate needs to know. If Trump voters elect this option, then they deserve it. Perhaps they can carve out such a plan for themselves in their respective states, but the rest of us deserve an improved Obamacare.
As far as goon behaviors it doesn't pay to be " meek" unless you're looking to inherit a broken planet. Being humane is more manly than being macho, but as long as the Dems are in reactionary mode, they'll lose the vote and the narrative. Trump has brought back the Wild West to make America "great." This must be stopped but not meekly.
As far as goon behaviors it doesn't pay to be " meek" unless you're looking to inherit a broken planet. Being humane is more manly than being macho, but as long as the Dems are in reactionary mode, they'll lose the vote and the narrative. Trump has brought back the Wild West to make America "great." This must be stopped but not meekly.
3
I guess that he learned those moves in the military, serving our country.
Right???
Right???
5
Remember Trump's aggressiveness on stage with the Hillary debates?
And Trump, the leader of the US obsessing negatively about the press?
Put it together and wow, a big hit!
Mr. Montana Republican has just made himself a Trump hero. Man, doesn't take much, does it? Get ticked off publicly and slam!
Then become a huuuggely bigly "winner" - and apologize!
Making America Great again, western style. Giddyup!
And Trump, the leader of the US obsessing negatively about the press?
Put it together and wow, a big hit!
Mr. Montana Republican has just made himself a Trump hero. Man, doesn't take much, does it? Get ticked off publicly and slam!
Then become a huuuggely bigly "winner" - and apologize!
Making America Great again, western style. Giddyup!
5
Viewing all this is like watching a train wreck in slow motion.
It seems just a matter of time until this Republican Party train goes off the tracks and, like Humpty Dumpty, cannot be put back together again.
Only in America.
It seems just a matter of time until this Republican Party train goes off the tracks and, like Humpty Dumpty, cannot be put back together again.
Only in America.
3
Yes. You read that right. I am from Montana and I am living with the ridicule of all my friends around the world. It doesn't help that I spent most of my professional life in San Francisco. You can just imagine my email. But I digress. In Montana's defense, because I absolutely love this place of my birth....if you don't live here, you cannot possibly understand what happened. First and foremost, although this is treated like an aside, a great portion of the vote is cast by mail. This is a vast state with large swaths of very rural areas and this is the time of year that ranchers and farmers get home late at night. And if people are raising families they often have two or three jobs. They vote but not on election day. So by the time the assault happened, it was too late for many people to react. Also, we are so insignificant to the national Democratic Party .... until, of course, since we are known for rugged individualism and independence, every once in awhile they perceive we may be helpful .... that they rarely come here to help. You can't have it both ways, my national Dem friends. We just tried to fight off a billionaire ... and an unbelievable amount of outside Republican money ... for a second time ... and this time our resources and our candidate, both, were not strong enough. Where were your cutting sarcasm and your resources when we needed you?
110
When did you need the people you say you needed? And why?
unfortunately those of us who do not live in Montana cannot help those who do when it comes to selecting a choice of candidate who will run for office. Apparently the man who won the House seat is as badly in need of a therapist as is the president. But I'm ceertain neither one recognizes what horrible influences they are on the young.
2
Gianforte probably GAINED votes because of the body slam.
5
Look, Ms. Collins, the same people who elected Trump will continue to elect people like him -- as they have been doing for at least a couple of decades now.
Who elected Paul Ryan? Pence? Cruz? Duncan Hunter? Congressmen, governors, town clerks, dog-catchers -- far too many of these people are reactionary, ultra-religious, racist, putting party above country -- and they are indeed many.
They're none of them long on brains, as my father used to say.
Who elected Paul Ryan? Pence? Cruz? Duncan Hunter? Congressmen, governors, town clerks, dog-catchers -- far too many of these people are reactionary, ultra-religious, racist, putting party above country -- and they are indeed many.
They're none of them long on brains, as my father used to say.
8
Trump is the low-hanging fruit that unites about 80 to 85% of the Democratic Party. Running against Trump spares Democratic candidates from having to deal with the the party's real problem: its progressive wing for the most part, wants purity and is only too willing to make the perfect the enemy of the good. Until these newly-minted activists suffer enough losses to understand that what might play on the upper west side of Manhattan will not play in the rural northern corners (east and west) in Connecticut much less in Peoria or Montana, my party will be condemned to "close but no cigar". Not to put too fine a point on it, but as long as Republicans want to win and Democrats want to be right, Republicans will win, Democrats will be right, and neither the twain shall meet.
9
Medicare for all. Everyone benefits. Usurious college debt. Eliminate that. We all benefit.
3
Shame on our nation....
shame on every ignorant buffoon who is silently or overtly pleased that this is becoming the new norm....
shame on everyone who doesn't object loudly...
Shame on the DEMS if they can't or won't kick these slimebags into our past ASAP... if there is an opposition party, this is its duty....
shame on every ignorant buffoon who is silently or overtly pleased that this is becoming the new norm....
shame on everyone who doesn't object loudly...
Shame on the DEMS if they can't or won't kick these slimebags into our past ASAP... if there is an opposition party, this is its duty....
3
I know the Constitution is quickly being deconstructed by the Republicans, but I thought we still had a First Amendment on the books. Physically assaulting the reporter used to be an assault on First Amendment rights. Apparently in Montana, it's simply a misdemeanor.
Democrats may have lost the election, but they can make a powerful example of Republican thuggery and abuse of the First Amendment. They need to spend the money they should have spent on the Democrat and take this to the Supreme Court if necessary. Start by demanding the Department of Justice bring charges against Gianforte. We need some corrective remedies FAST for a country that is quickly dismantling Constitutional protections.
Democrats may have lost the election, but they can make a powerful example of Republican thuggery and abuse of the First Amendment. They need to spend the money they should have spent on the Democrat and take this to the Supreme Court if necessary. Start by demanding the Department of Justice bring charges against Gianforte. We need some corrective remedies FAST for a country that is quickly dismantling Constitutional protections.
6
Not one mention of the fact that half of the Montana Electorate (or about 14 citizens) cast their votes BEFORE Mr. Gianforte committed the alleged assault. If only seven of them had waited, and changed their minds, Mr. Quist could be singing to a packed House.
As the assault was witnessed by a large number of other reporters, one could expect that there would be plenty of eyewitness testimony. However Mr. Gianforte will probably be acquitted when his attorney accuses all of the witnesses of spreading 'fake news'.
Dan Kravitz
As the assault was witnessed by a large number of other reporters, one could expect that there would be plenty of eyewitness testimony. However Mr. Gianforte will probably be acquitted when his attorney accuses all of the witnesses of spreading 'fake news'.
Dan Kravitz
2
Besides the criminal nature of the assault what is equally disturbing is how the GOP in their desire to cut taxes for the rich and slash regulation and social programs is willing to excuse this criminal act.
He should have been charged with a FELONY which upon conviction would cause him to lose his seat.
He should have been charged with a FELONY which upon conviction would cause him to lose his seat.
6
What it gets down to is this:
President Trump is a sociopath. Sociopaths are people whose lives are marked by a serious inability to take the needs, concerns and interests of people other than themselves into account.
Sociopaths typically do not improve over time. They frequently get worse. The only known sure-cure for them is banishment to deserted desert islands, and that is difficult to arrange. But that is where we are.
President Trump is a sociopath. Sociopaths are people whose lives are marked by a serious inability to take the needs, concerns and interests of people other than themselves into account.
Sociopaths typically do not improve over time. They frequently get worse. The only known sure-cure for them is banishment to deserted desert islands, and that is difficult to arrange. But that is where we are.
6
Gianforte is the perfect Trumpian pick to help eliminate the fourth estate. We now have Trump who cries "fake news" every time someone says something he doesn't like, Kelly who want to skewer journalists with a sword, and Gianforte who will provide the muscle and finally the GOP who basically turns their back to all of this. This is the "New" Republican Party folks, not the party of either Lincoln, Goldwater or Reagan.
6
To be clear, Trump was not involved. He didn't participate in the body slam. He wasn't there. He wasn't even in the United States at the time. Yet somehow, liberals and the NYT want to pin it on him. They NEED to pin it on him to keep up the constant barrage of negative commentary in hopes that the liberal base will show up for the midterm elections in a year and a half. That's it. There is no other connection to Trump.
Gianforte was wrong and apologized for his actions. He has also been charged with a crime and will have to answer for that. So far, the system is working.
But it isn't just Montana that ruins the weekend. Constant badgering of GOP politicians (not Democrats) with the same questions, over and over again, becomes annoying. Reporters who shout their questions into the faces of GOP hopefuls, from less than a foot away, who often block the pathway for that candidate to leave the building, is ridiculous. In any other setting, what the Press does to these folks would be considered assault. Because they are political candidates, the practice is considered "okay" and the candidate is expected not to react in a way that would be understood by other citizens. With GOP Congressmen being assaulted and even denied access to college campuses - after rioting occurs - a single body slam seems a bit tame as a reaction.
There is no excuse for bad behavior. Gianforte deserves his arrest. But let's be clear... He didn't enter into that fray without provocation.
Gianforte was wrong and apologized for his actions. He has also been charged with a crime and will have to answer for that. So far, the system is working.
But it isn't just Montana that ruins the weekend. Constant badgering of GOP politicians (not Democrats) with the same questions, over and over again, becomes annoying. Reporters who shout their questions into the faces of GOP hopefuls, from less than a foot away, who often block the pathway for that candidate to leave the building, is ridiculous. In any other setting, what the Press does to these folks would be considered assault. Because they are political candidates, the practice is considered "okay" and the candidate is expected not to react in a way that would be understood by other citizens. With GOP Congressmen being assaulted and even denied access to college campuses - after rioting occurs - a single body slam seems a bit tame as a reaction.
There is no excuse for bad behavior. Gianforte deserves his arrest. But let's be clear... He didn't enter into that fray without provocation.
5
"Gianforte ... didn't enter into that fray without provocation." No. His family was not threatened, he was not physically attacked. Gianforte is a just thug who got elected to Congress.
5
Trump got physical with the PM of Montenegro, Gianforte with a reporter. Two major groups got served. Meanwhile Melania refused to get physical with Trump on the red carpet and Gianforte's opponent, a singer, didn't even get verbal about his assault. Interesting times.
3
A great column, Gail, with several memorable zinger lines.
But regardless of political leanings, Memorial Day is as much about honoring military vets as it is about hot dogs. A tip of your hat to that would probably have been more sensitive - and might even have reached some who disagree with you in other respects - rather than your opening-and-closing references to Memorial Day weekend grilling.
But regardless of political leanings, Memorial Day is as much about honoring military vets as it is about hot dogs. A tip of your hat to that would probably have been more sensitive - and might even have reached some who disagree with you in other respects - rather than your opening-and-closing references to Memorial Day weekend grilling.
2
Always find readers to admire in comments section NYT, for example, amen to Robert Mills, as well as macdaff 15 and Eric....hope the Democratic Party Leaders in D.C., are reading what they have to say here. There still is a Democratic Party organization right??
2
The problem I see with the Democrats is that they long ago decided to sell out their core supporters--that would be Americans who work for a living--in favor of socially liberal but economically conservative rich people, Wall Street moguls and tech entrepreneurs. The party gets it's funding from these people and dares not offend them.
The rest of us get identity politics. If you're not a member of an ethnic minority, the LGBT community, female, or very very poor--or if you are any of those things but you are worried about your job being shipped overseas, paying off your student loan, putting your kids through college, the establishment Democrats have very little to say to you.
Bernie Sanders did have something to say to these folks but the Party kneecapped him. Apparently you can't push for things like single payer healthcare or tuition free college in the Democratic Party unless you assure the big boys that all of this is for public consumption and will never see the light of day.
Anyway until the Clinton wing of the Party and the Sanders people can get together and form some sort of coherent message and present policies will improve the lives of people who work for a living and fight to make them a reality we are stuck with "We're not as bad as them".
The rest of us get identity politics. If you're not a member of an ethnic minority, the LGBT community, female, or very very poor--or if you are any of those things but you are worried about your job being shipped overseas, paying off your student loan, putting your kids through college, the establishment Democrats have very little to say to you.
Bernie Sanders did have something to say to these folks but the Party kneecapped him. Apparently you can't push for things like single payer healthcare or tuition free college in the Democratic Party unless you assure the big boys that all of this is for public consumption and will never see the light of day.
Anyway until the Clinton wing of the Party and the Sanders people can get together and form some sort of coherent message and present policies will improve the lives of people who work for a living and fight to make them a reality we are stuck with "We're not as bad as them".
72
Seems like about half of America responds well to misogynistic, xenophobic, homophobic, white, rich, men telling them how belief in the bible will save our country. The only problem with that message is, the country needs saving from them!
6
I'm not sure what you want democrats to do from a policy perspective. If your for college for everyone and health care for everyone what else is there to say. You can put details in writing , but folks are only going to hear Make America Great Again slogans. Bashing democrats is what delivered Trump the presidency. I never expected perfect, but will take a party that cares about affordable health care and improving education for its citizens.
1
"But people need to see the Democratic line on the ballot and think of something more than Not as Dreadful."
That says it all. As in Montana, so, too, last November. Elections, like wars, are lost, not won. Le Pen was soundly beaten in France because the French, from Left to Right, had in Macron someone who is a good deal better than Not as Dreadful, and that without even a semblance of an established base.
We're all talk about Trump's myriad bankruptcies, both financial and personal. That he won last November is nothing more than a measure, and a deeply disconcerting one, of the bankruptcy of the Democrats. And the result in Montana tells me that not much has changed in that respect since November.
I, for one, am not holding my breath for the great turnaround.
That says it all. As in Montana, so, too, last November. Elections, like wars, are lost, not won. Le Pen was soundly beaten in France because the French, from Left to Right, had in Macron someone who is a good deal better than Not as Dreadful, and that without even a semblance of an established base.
We're all talk about Trump's myriad bankruptcies, both financial and personal. That he won last November is nothing more than a measure, and a deeply disconcerting one, of the bankruptcy of the Democrats. And the result in Montana tells me that not much has changed in that respect since November.
I, for one, am not holding my breath for the great turnaround.
2
Don't know Quist, but from what I've read, if the democrats could have found a credible candidate they could have won this election. It's like Hillary all over again (she was dubbed the most unlikeable woman in America by virtually all republicans and a majority of independents). Competitive candidates can win in red states.
3
If you are going to write a piece a out this then why not disclose that 2/3 of the vote, by mail-in and write-in, was already cast before this incident took place? Had the electorate witnessed this before the vote was cast then you probably would have had a different result.
Hopefully, if he is convicted of assault he'll have the good taste to resign and take a job for which he has aptitude like stocking hardware store shelves or delivering pizzas.
Hopefully, if he is convicted of assault he'll have the good taste to resign and take a job for which he has aptitude like stocking hardware store shelves or delivering pizzas.
2
Gail great piece, it provided background that I did not have. Thank you. I agree it is time to stop complaining and to provide solutions. This goes for both sides of the aisle. Wouldn't it be refreshing to have at least one person reach across the aisle and say "this is a good start, but let's work together and make it better?"
1
The Democratic Party's rallying cry these days appears to be "Woo-hoo! We lost by a smaller margin than the last time!" Color me cynical, but this hardly carries the aura of an express train to congressional majorities, even if we wait another 200 years.
The fact that Gianforte could possibly win in May and that Trump could win in November signals a party adrift in an ocean of voter apathy. If the Democrats offer nothing to vote for there will be precious few votes, no matter how execrable the opposition.
This isn't rocket science; it's the stark reality unfolding before the Democrats' willfully closed eyes as these words are tapped-out in this particular moment.
The fact that Gianforte could possibly win in May and that Trump could win in November signals a party adrift in an ocean of voter apathy. If the Democrats offer nothing to vote for there will be precious few votes, no matter how execrable the opposition.
This isn't rocket science; it's the stark reality unfolding before the Democrats' willfully closed eyes as these words are tapped-out in this particular moment.
2
Gail, I am in total agreement with you. I keep waiting for the congressional Democratic agenda to be revealed. What are the counter proposals to the junk the Republicans are pushing through? I want to hear substance from Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer. Don't just protest ---- PROPOSE something! As for Gianoforte, he's a bully. What does he care about health care legislation? He's going to benefit from the tax cuts anyway. To his supporters who yelled "we forgive you" to his fake apology - he belongs in jail.
2
As I read Ms. Collins' column and the news reports from around the nation and TrumpWorld, our politics, and politicians, have become blood sport with the spectators, us, cheering on our favorite gladiator. The more blood drawn, or insults spoke, as our "president" tends to do, the better the candidate and voila, the vote and voter has been won.
There are politicians in both parties that tend to engage in blood sport politics, however, with the antics Trump demonstrated on the campaign trail (throw him out, get him outta here), there are a few politicians in the majority party that mimic Trump's school yard bully antics. And their crowds love it.
So rather getting the best and brightest to serve as our President and work (well, in theory, not in practice in many cases) for us in our legislative chambers, we get the neighborhood bullies who, as demonstrated by the "president", are not fit for the office.
There are politicians in both parties that tend to engage in blood sport politics, however, with the antics Trump demonstrated on the campaign trail (throw him out, get him outta here), there are a few politicians in the majority party that mimic Trump's school yard bully antics. And their crowds love it.
So rather getting the best and brightest to serve as our President and work (well, in theory, not in practice in many cases) for us in our legislative chambers, we get the neighborhood bullies who, as demonstrated by the "president", are not fit for the office.
2
Ask yourself questions. What do the Republicans stand for? The Democrats? Upon your answer show me where in our Constitution political parties are defined and established?
Based on our nation’s establishment leadership it is fair to say we lost our way as a nation. The two political parties have eaten our democracy. They control ballot access and the make up of all our courts, one third of our government, there.
You cannot even exercise your 1st Amendment right to petition “their" government via the courts, with out stating your grievance for redress to one of the related government agencies first for a shaft.
Oh! Seeking to redress your grievance with your congressional representative? And your party is? And you have a record of donating how much money to your representative’s reelection fund that legally includes Victoria’s Secret undergarments for the female campaign staff out on the trail.
In fact, every article of clothing worn by every Member of Congress comes from the dough nations for their reelections. Redressing a grievance? Include your check.
Dissolve the political parties relationship to government. Eliminate all the featherbed jobs and apply that money to the national debt. In a few years we won't have a national debt.
Trump is disgusting, a disgrace. He seeks to cede Latvia, Estonia, and more to Putin for the oil in Iraq without complaint and our govt. an inherited family affair, protected by his political party.
http://thegovernmentinexile.live
Based on our nation’s establishment leadership it is fair to say we lost our way as a nation. The two political parties have eaten our democracy. They control ballot access and the make up of all our courts, one third of our government, there.
You cannot even exercise your 1st Amendment right to petition “their" government via the courts, with out stating your grievance for redress to one of the related government agencies first for a shaft.
Oh! Seeking to redress your grievance with your congressional representative? And your party is? And you have a record of donating how much money to your representative’s reelection fund that legally includes Victoria’s Secret undergarments for the female campaign staff out on the trail.
In fact, every article of clothing worn by every Member of Congress comes from the dough nations for their reelections. Redressing a grievance? Include your check.
Dissolve the political parties relationship to government. Eliminate all the featherbed jobs and apply that money to the national debt. In a few years we won't have a national debt.
Trump is disgusting, a disgrace. He seeks to cede Latvia, Estonia, and more to Putin for the oil in Iraq without complaint and our govt. an inherited family affair, protected by his political party.
http://thegovernmentinexile.live
2
Many of the votes in the Montana election had already been cast prior to the Gianforte assault on the reporter. That said, even if ALL the votes had been cast the day after the assault, he probably STILL would have won. A lot of Republicans don't really think there's a problem with assaulting a reporter, or anyone else, for that matter. Deep in their hearts, they think he "had it coming." And they'll tell you so.
So much for civil intercourse and the American Way. But it was nice while it lasted.
So much for civil intercourse and the American Way. But it was nice while it lasted.
5
"Montana voters have to hear a convincing Democratic message."
Well tell me, how is that going to happen if the local TV news in Montana is owned by Republican-controlled entities? Where are the voters going to hear the message?
Well tell me, how is that going to happen if the local TV news in Montana is owned by Republican-controlled entities? Where are the voters going to hear the message?
4
You forgot to mention that 70% of voters had already voted before this jerk beat up a reporter for doing his job. I think it would have come out totally different had it not been for early voting (which BTW republicans have been trying to stifle for years).
2
I got a chuckle out of the first thirty-thousand, or so, jokes about Trump and his GOP constituency. But I'm starting to take them seriously, and that ain't no joking matter. It's become difficult to laugh any more.
1
Oh Gail, how dare you eviscerate my righteous indignation by laugh out loud lines like; "telling people how much his shoes cost", "rode to his new job on a horse named Tonto", "performed regularly with his daughter at a nudist resort" ,
"flying the pet rabbit on a plane". Sheesh, bet you get a lot of dinner party invitations. Love it!
"flying the pet rabbit on a plane". Sheesh, bet you get a lot of dinner party invitations. Love it!
1
Look on he bright side, Gianforte only body-slammed a single reporter.
In August, 2013 Maine's beloved governor (P. LePage) opined that it would fun to bomb the buildings of the state's two largest newspapers. His handlers said he was only joking. He followed up this joke in June, 2015 when he said he'd like to shot the political cartoonist, George Danby, who works for one of the newspaper. (He later apologized to Danby's young son who was in the audience.) Unlike Gianforte, LePage has yet to be charged with anything other the stupidity and bad taste.
In August, 2013 Maine's beloved governor (P. LePage) opined that it would fun to bomb the buildings of the state's two largest newspapers. His handlers said he was only joking. He followed up this joke in June, 2015 when he said he'd like to shot the political cartoonist, George Danby, who works for one of the newspaper. (He later apologized to Danby's young son who was in the audience.) Unlike Gianforte, LePage has yet to be charged with anything other the stupidity and bad taste.
2
The Democrats need a message, and it can't be "We are not Trump." And to get a message they need to decide once and for all that they are the party of the working people, not the party of the donor class, and that they are the progressive party of the future, not the status quo party of the past.
Now, not 2019, is the time to start building!
Now, not 2019, is the time to start building!
2
Part of the Democrats' problem is that if they start putting together talking points on Obamacare and affordable college or anything substantive, it will take the headlines away from Donald Trump, basically doing for him what he wants done - divert attention from the crazy and heartless things he does and says. Let him hang himself some more. The Democrats should be talking to each other about substantive issues they want to champion, but saving the talking points for the midterm election season. Starting to talk now will only help the Republicans and Trump.
2
It would so help if the Democrats would not offer a candidate who went to a nudist colony with his daughter. Did they ever hear of appearances? What in God's name were they thinking? And they wonder why they lose elections. Duh.
1
"...and some voters found it unnerving that he performed regularly with his daughter at a nudist resort."
Just watching Trump get elected was like being on a nudist colony of sorts...I was stripped of my dignity and got definitely caught with my pants down.
Just watching Trump get elected was like being on a nudist colony of sorts...I was stripped of my dignity and got definitely caught with my pants down.
6
Democrats need something beyond "Not Trump". Instead of a laundry list of vague promises, how about fewer, more concrete, developed proposals. Actually take a position as opposed to settling for "Not As Bad".
Are there really no candidates who don't pay their taxes and perform nude with their daughters?? If that's the best the Democrats can field, they are in for a heap o' trouble.
Are there really no candidates who don't pay their taxes and perform nude with their daughters?? If that's the best the Democrats can field, they are in for a heap o' trouble.
2
Gail, you just gave us Hillary's campaign in a nutshell: I'm not HIM. Well, doesn't that just make your heart flutter!
The DNC has come to mean Dinosaur, Not Change-agent. The DNC so-called leadership is happy with a near win. That is how little vision they have. Since they are millionaires, themselves, what does it really matter?
Time to clean out the so-called leadership of the republican-lite, centerist, corporatist wing of the Democratic party. We may have to rid ourselves of them before we can rid ourselves of the Republicans and their billionaire patrons. It is time to roll up our sleeves and make sure they are primaried from the left next spring. Nothing gets the attention of a politician faster than that.
The DNC has come to mean Dinosaur, Not Change-agent. The DNC so-called leadership is happy with a near win. That is how little vision they have. Since they are millionaires, themselves, what does it really matter?
Time to clean out the so-called leadership of the republican-lite, centerist, corporatist wing of the Democratic party. We may have to rid ourselves of them before we can rid ourselves of the Republicans and their billionaire patrons. It is time to roll up our sleeves and make sure they are primaried from the left next spring. Nothing gets the attention of a politician faster than that.
72
Yes, well...we had that opportunity. Keith Ellison, a true Progressive and my wonderful Representative, narrowly lost to Tom Perez, a nice man and a hard-core Clintonista, for the Chair of the DNC. When that happened, I realized hope was eviscerated. It will be 200 years and generations of painful oligarchy (actually, Christo-fascist oligarchy as we see gaining currency these days) before people have suffered enough, the planet is destroyed enough, and the rich have beat up one another to the point where change might be possible. It will be a long slog and we have no one to blame but ourselves.
So true. The Democrats just don't get it and will continue to lose.
Imagine if the candidates were reversed. You'd be whipping it up about a wing-nut nut-job guitar-twanger who performs at a nudist colony (with his daughter!) and a nice guy serious candidate who was verbally harassed by a mean nasty just-won't-let-it-go (give me a break!) reporter. At least make some EFFORT to disguise your bias. It keeps you from being funny, the way you used to be.
1
So weird she has a bias against the politician who committed a violent crime against a journalist for asking a legitimate question. Cmon Gail, be more funny and carefully present both sides!
1
One can expect no better from a party that tolerates presidential treason in hopes of passing tax cuts for the rich at the expense of the poor.
2
When people place party over the stability of America, choosing reality tv shower business men and rich white thugs who attack those who don't agree with them, you have to realize just how bad things have gotten in America. People cheering for the election of a man who assaults others is savage, disgusting, and cruel. An ignorant woman yelling her pleasure at the election of this criminal at the expense of someone else being hurt shows you how bad we have become as Americans. What is is worse, its all part of an anti-intellectual white supremacist GOP controlled movement that seems to be ok with gutting the Constitution using the 2nd Amendment to destroy the rest. People are voting for politicians who are going to destroy them and they are so pleased. It's like watching lambs to the slaughter. They don't get it.
And now, let's add Montanna to the group of idiots and race hating morons who have no clue what they just did.
Who needs the Russians to interfere, we have the GOP and its white hate filled people and its ignorant electorate to ensure the downfall of America.
As a white American, I am despising what I see as a movement to recapture that stupid Ronald Reagan Morning in America idea where everyone else, except for those who are only white anglo-saxon Christian straight closeted male dominant, is cast to the background.
Thanks a lot Montana for adding to the problem.
Morons.
And now, let's add Montanna to the group of idiots and race hating morons who have no clue what they just did.
Who needs the Russians to interfere, we have the GOP and its white hate filled people and its ignorant electorate to ensure the downfall of America.
As a white American, I am despising what I see as a movement to recapture that stupid Ronald Reagan Morning in America idea where everyone else, except for those who are only white anglo-saxon Christian straight closeted male dominant, is cast to the background.
Thanks a lot Montana for adding to the problem.
Morons.
3
I'm amazed that there aren't more scuffles with reporters who stick cameras and microphones in candidates faces after repeatedly being asked not to.
As for the election, it appears that the Democratic governor of Montana, Steve Bullock, is a more attractive candidate than Quist was. The fact that he was the incumbent was in his favor in the 2016 election as well.
And not everyone agrees that Trump's NATO visit was a disaster.
As for the election, it appears that the Democratic governor of Montana, Steve Bullock, is a more attractive candidate than Quist was. The fact that he was the incumbent was in his favor in the 2016 election as well.
And not everyone agrees that Trump's NATO visit was a disaster.
1
Surely...every one from Duterte, Erdogan and Putin. They gave it 4 stars.
1
Dogs on cars and bunnies on planes, get to the bottom of this please. It least it image of the netjet bunny made me smile. Extra mustard on my dog. Thanks
1
You know, it probably would be good for the democrats if they had policy that people liked too. You folks on the left are all about identity politics, no one on the right cares about that stuff, all they care about is America, not do we have enough women, do we have enough blacks, do we have enough gays, that's how children think.
3
The Republican Party believes that it is better to blow out that one single candle and stumble in the dark than to have any light shining on their attempts to steal the silverware and everything else the nation ought to hold dear. Well, understandable. If I were they, I'd not want to be seen either! And, they figure, if they want the nation to "know" anything they can have Fox News tell us wheat to think!
1
What we really need is some type of bridge where the liberals and conservatives can begin to understand each other.
As long as the conservatives resort to physical violence which is hated by the liberals and the liberals push for their darling causes like woman's rights and black rights all while totally ignoring the injustice done to white men there is no hope. Each side is engaged in alienating the other.
Yes conservatives live with more physical violence than liberals do and liberals are totally engaged in feel good causes that in many cases accomplish nothing or perhaps do immeasurable harm. ( Like the war on drugs.)
It really seem that there is a third party out there that is devoted to creating total anarchy and they are winning.
As long as the conservatives resort to physical violence which is hated by the liberals and the liberals push for their darling causes like woman's rights and black rights all while totally ignoring the injustice done to white men there is no hope. Each side is engaged in alienating the other.
Yes conservatives live with more physical violence than liberals do and liberals are totally engaged in feel good causes that in many cases accomplish nothing or perhaps do immeasurable harm. ( Like the war on drugs.)
It really seem that there is a third party out there that is devoted to creating total anarchy and they are winning.
What odds are the Vegas bookies giving on Gianforte getting the book thrown at him and having to spend his first 6 months in office in jail? You'd probably make a nice profit betting that happens, if it were to happen. The safe bet might return half your money back to you: Zero jail time, pocket change fine.
Montanans' attitudes haven't changed much since the 1800's, when the sort of behavior Gianforte engaged in was not infrequently employed in the House of Representatives a couple of thousand miles away. It was OK then, it's OK now. Reporters approaching Rep. Gianforte might want to suit up with NFL quality helmet and shoulder pads. Makes the neck harder to get at.
Montanans' attitudes haven't changed much since the 1800's, when the sort of behavior Gianforte engaged in was not infrequently employed in the House of Representatives a couple of thousand miles away. It was OK then, it's OK now. Reporters approaching Rep. Gianforte might want to suit up with NFL quality helmet and shoulder pads. Makes the neck harder to get at.
The problem democrats are going to have in all these elections they are salivating over is the basic problem of the democratic party. The democrats and their liberal base are truly the party of freedom. The GOP wins the PR battle with lie after lie claiming they are the party of individual freedom. However the democrats welcome everyone. Black, Hispanic, Asian, Indian, Gay, Lesbian, Trans, Christian, Muslim, Jew, Hindu and even white Christian heterosexuals. There lies the problem. Within all those groups each has their own biases. each group has their own form of bigotry and racism against one or the other and visa versa. It makes it easier for the GOP to splinter the group and win by narrow margins and in the case of the presidency lose by 3 million votes and still win.
1
amen to Democrats putting out a coherent message
if we have learned anything that is #1
still and all vote Democratic
with the GOP EXCUSING Gianfirte's thuggishness
there's little hope that party is salvagsble
why do i feel like the bullies took over the playground? Literally .
if we have learned anything that is #1
still and all vote Democratic
with the GOP EXCUSING Gianfirte's thuggishness
there's little hope that party is salvagsble
why do i feel like the bullies took over the playground? Literally .
As we act out this tragicomic morality play where Everyman gets used and abused by Power and Money - we, the audience, must pause at intermission to see what we have lost: civility, respect, decency and a sense of the common good . These were ideals for which we fought and now, even as we decorate the graves of the fallen, we must recognize that something has gone horribly wrong as the lessons we teach our children are voided by the behavior of those we elect.
1
One more Republican thug in the House. Nothing new here. Paul Ryan is a Republican thug but his weapon is his evil mind and soulless self-- the one that helped draft a healthcare bill that would kill more people than it would help and the one who drafted a budget proposal that would help kill another group of the poor, elderly, disabled, and disadvantaged. Thug behavior comes in many guises.
1
The Democrats are terrible (I am grudgingly still one). As an upper middle class white man, I feel that the Dems are anti-me. They want to tax my money away, give it to others and they offer little to me and my family other than some proposed veiled threat along the lines of "If you don't give money to the poor, they will rise up and kill you and your family and eat you all." (Hyperbole acknowledged.) That is not an appealing choice and I do believe that it would be possible for a group of intelligent leaders who cared more about the People than about they do about being re-elected to do much, much better and be appealing to the haves as well as the have-nots.
4
Agreed they are for the most part terrible. Not so sure I agree you are one, with your woe is me white man attitude and complaints about the social contract.
Promoting violence is trump 's thing. Threatening to shoot people.
Assaulting people, shoving them out of the way,
Civil discourse is dead. So many angry people out there
who admire guns and bullying. Cowards all.
There is a very thin veneer of civilized behavior
and everyday the crack widens.
All I can say is that it is thoroughly depressing
that do many people resort to violence.
A reporter asking a question on healthcare for god's
sake!
Assaulting people, shoving them out of the way,
Civil discourse is dead. So many angry people out there
who admire guns and bullying. Cowards all.
There is a very thin veneer of civilized behavior
and everyday the crack widens.
All I can say is that it is thoroughly depressing
that do many people resort to violence.
A reporter asking a question on healthcare for god's
sake!
6
One small point about one small part of this article: how will we "make college affordable?" Prices go up when demand goes up. Let us be realistic and trust science that tells us not everyone is smart enough to go to college. If we just educate our brightest children, demand, and prices, will come down.
1
Gail
You hit the nail on the head (of the Democrats). I for one, will not give them any material support until they get their act together, there is a clear plan, organization, and real leadership. Right now it looks like a poorly run high school election.
It reminds me of the old Army recitation: When in trouble or in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout.
You hit the nail on the head (of the Democrats). I for one, will not give them any material support until they get their act together, there is a clear plan, organization, and real leadership. Right now it looks like a poorly run high school election.
It reminds me of the old Army recitation: When in trouble or in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout.
1
Bad Trump? How about bad Democrats? The dens just lost a presidential election to a candidate with Zero experience...they spent more money...they had the experienced candidate....they had a sitting popular President campaigning for the candidate and there are more Democrats that Republicans
Now they get beat by a body slamming candidate in Montana by 7 points! Next will be the special election in Georgia.
Where is this so called resist movement taking the party? The same place...defeat after defeat because the party has no platform and no true leader.
Now they get beat by a body slamming candidate in Montana by 7 points! Next will be the special election in Georgia.
Where is this so called resist movement taking the party? The same place...defeat after defeat because the party has no platform and no true leader.
4
Imagine: You've witnessed the first 128 days of the Trump disaster; your Republican candidate wants to eliminate Social Security because Noah (of the Ark, from the fables) supposedly worked until he was 600 years old; and your state, Montana, just expanded Medicaid to 150,000 people who will now lose it if you vote for the Republican candidate. Then, said candidate assaults a report.
But you vote him in because he supports Trump's agenda and has authoritarian swagger.
These voters are impervious to evidence and proudly vote against their own interests. Montana's voters are the problem here, not early voting.
But you vote him in because he supports Trump's agenda and has authoritarian swagger.
These voters are impervious to evidence and proudly vote against their own interests. Montana's voters are the problem here, not early voting.
3
Gail Collins is correct when she writes that Republicans (and all voters) "need to hear a real Democratic message". Even for those of us who actively search for what each party puts in its national and state party platforms, it is nearly impossible to understand what the commitments of each party are to the voters.
In recent decades, the "character" of the candidates has been given more attention than the party platform she/he supports. Somehow the Republican party has--through Fox and right-wing radio--convinced its voters that all its candidates are heroes whose "unfortunate incidents" are created by enemies using a liberal media. Thus the US ends up with Trump and Gianforte whose characters in action could not be a more unlikely match to many of the life-long Republican voters voting like "Father".
While it is difficult to put the platform of the Democratic party on a bumper sticker, particularly if one includes how programs will be paid for, Democrats need to recruit candidates who can give voice to the ideas a majority of voters actually want.
It is a myth that Republicans listened to their voters in 2016. They ran enough focus groups to shift out the hot button words and used those words to create rallies for open expressions of voter attitudes many only shared with known friends after a long night of drinking. I hope the lesson Democrats take from 2016 is not the push polling that allows the ugliest of messages to become popular after the shock value wore off
In recent decades, the "character" of the candidates has been given more attention than the party platform she/he supports. Somehow the Republican party has--through Fox and right-wing radio--convinced its voters that all its candidates are heroes whose "unfortunate incidents" are created by enemies using a liberal media. Thus the US ends up with Trump and Gianforte whose characters in action could not be a more unlikely match to many of the life-long Republican voters voting like "Father".
While it is difficult to put the platform of the Democratic party on a bumper sticker, particularly if one includes how programs will be paid for, Democrats need to recruit candidates who can give voice to the ideas a majority of voters actually want.
It is a myth that Republicans listened to their voters in 2016. They ran enough focus groups to shift out the hot button words and used those words to create rallies for open expressions of voter attitudes many only shared with known friends after a long night of drinking. I hope the lesson Democrats take from 2016 is not the push polling that allows the ugliest of messages to become popular after the shock value wore off
4
Uh, Gail, more than 50% OF THE VOTERS voted in absentia before the throttling, body slamming attack. How many Montana voters wanted to change their vote after they learned of the thug among them?
Actually, I think democrats have a lot more on the table than raising the minimum wage and controlling college costs. The party has had several proposals to fix Obamacare but were quickly squashed by Republicans.
The real democratic messages should be: we are just asking rich guys to kick a little more back to the country we all love so much. Anything more is just too confusing for Fox viewers.
The real democratic messages should be: we are just asking rich guys to kick a little more back to the country we all love so much. Anything more is just too confusing for Fox viewers.
5
The contest to represent Montana in the House should be just as much up for grabs (Democrats vs. Republicans) as the contest for each of the two Senate seats.
The only difference I could detect might be that outside interests and outside money are likely much more interested in the Senate seats.
The only difference I could detect might be that outside interests and outside money are likely much more interested in the Senate seats.
1
Violence against journalists will inevitably fall to the Republicans because they don't have any real journalists of their own to attack.
2
Gianforte lied. Hey, that's what people are voting for, not the truth, but for the fallacy they have been told. No sense of real embarrassment either.
4
When the democrats were in power, the republicans did not really stand for anything. There merely opposed the democrats. Unfortunately, now the reverse is true. Democrats, please forge a cogent message and be for something. Otherwise we're looking at 8 years of Trump. Can the country take that?
As for Gianforte, he's the perfect GOP candidate. He's rich, which the hicks in the republican base conflate with intelligence. And he does not respect the rule of law, which those same hicks conflate with independence.
Please note that he has invested in Russian energy index funds. A shrewd move when the Trump kleptocracy has the Exxon CEO as Secretary of State and when Trump is Putin's lap dog...
As for Gianforte, he's the perfect GOP candidate. He's rich, which the hicks in the republican base conflate with intelligence. And he does not respect the rule of law, which those same hicks conflate with independence.
Please note that he has invested in Russian energy index funds. A shrewd move when the Trump kleptocracy has the Exxon CEO as Secretary of State and when Trump is Putin's lap dog...
3
Gail, I don't know what I would do without your reality check columns that reassure me that I'm not going crazy or the only one out there that thinks he's going crazy. Thank you for your ability to stay sane and put forth these columns. Seriously. Thank you.
You forgot to mention that a majority of voters cast their votes before this horrendous assault and I did hear that some wanted to change their votes afterwards. That still doesn't absolve the Democrats from being wienies. They need to be out front of the crowd, speaking out, condemning the corrupt Republicans every chance they get. They need to be loud and proud...and they aren't
No surprise to me that Montan folks, who are about as out of touch with reality as you can be, support the GOP even as it leans more and more toward 'Brown Shirt' fascist behavior.
I just returned from a trip to Germany, which reminded me how it happens that a seemingly nice people can slowly turn to the authoritarian figures until eventually, they look away when things get evil. That today's GOP voter.
I just returned from a trip to Germany, which reminded me how it happens that a seemingly nice people can slowly turn to the authoritarian figures until eventually, they look away when things get evil. That today's GOP voter.
4
Democrats have followed the republicans on their slide further to the right and fascism. The party of FDR seems afraid to voice it's principles out loud for fear of being called socialists by the opposition voted against by the largely brain dead electorate. Democrats also have to learn to stick together and vote in a solid, impenetrable block just like the republicans do – none of this Joe Manchin, Bob Casey part time Democrat stuff. And above all they need to start backing better candidates, ones who are actually popular – Bernie could have won this and saved us all a lot of grief!
Another place that never needs to get my tax dollars. This county is becoming a daily humiliation. They can enjoy their guns and their bibles, I'll stick to the coasts with the reading, thinking folks.
5
Well said. The country is filled with primitives whose knowledge base and critical thinking skills are deplorably lacking...a reflection of our educational system , but more related to to injustice of maldistribution of " wealth". Corporate greed rules. We are no longer an American human family.
2
Republicans put up a bad candidate. Democrats put up a worse one. Let's see how the GA sixth district plays out. Fairly solid red district could elect a good Democtat candidate over a good Republican candidate. If that happens, then the tide will have truly changed.
3
$51,000.00? That was the annual salary of my Professor, Department Chairman at UNC. I was troubled and judgmental when Melania wore a $10,000.00 dress, as she accompanied her "loyal" husband to Congress. Have these public figures no sensitivity at all? Let them eat cake.
9
Bet the administrators made a lot more though.
1
The Republican Party appears divided. There are always going to be honorable Representatives of the above, if the Party lasts, but under the thumb of Mr. Trump, shoved aside, perhaps they would not want to be associated with this contaminated 'presidency'.
Once a White House correspondent, an elderly acquaintance of mine has a favorite anecdote that he enjoys revisiting. He was walking alone the corridors of the above, when he passed President Nixon, whom he despised and acknowledged him. He is still kicking himself in the shins, while I think he is being a little childish about this encounter.
Who is Afraid of Donald Trump? A friend at Versailles was visiting an exhibit at the Palace a few years ago when she looked at the man standing behind her, it was the newly elected President Sadosky wearing jeans. Needless to say, the chances of this happening here where Trump is admiring a portrait of Andrew Jackson is 'zero-sum society'. In any event, I would let out a piercing scream and take off before he gave me a push.
The Nation is not in motion for We The People. Maybe this May Weekend the Republican Party can renew its efforts to get its Act together. It may have to approach the open door of the Liberals for some advice on affordable education, health care, and a way to ensure jobs for those able and willing.
"For $4, 2 hot dogs, potato chips, a diet soda - Woof em' Down" reads a sign posted for hard-workers on the road. It could be better. We need a President!
Once a White House correspondent, an elderly acquaintance of mine has a favorite anecdote that he enjoys revisiting. He was walking alone the corridors of the above, when he passed President Nixon, whom he despised and acknowledged him. He is still kicking himself in the shins, while I think he is being a little childish about this encounter.
Who is Afraid of Donald Trump? A friend at Versailles was visiting an exhibit at the Palace a few years ago when she looked at the man standing behind her, it was the newly elected President Sadosky wearing jeans. Needless to say, the chances of this happening here where Trump is admiring a portrait of Andrew Jackson is 'zero-sum society'. In any event, I would let out a piercing scream and take off before he gave me a push.
The Nation is not in motion for We The People. Maybe this May Weekend the Republican Party can renew its efforts to get its Act together. It may have to approach the open door of the Liberals for some advice on affordable education, health care, and a way to ensure jobs for those able and willing.
"For $4, 2 hot dogs, potato chips, a diet soda - Woof em' Down" reads a sign posted for hard-workers on the road. It could be better. We need a President!
1
White Republican voters have lost any sense of decency, and intelligence. For the sake of white supremacy, they keep voting these monsters into office. The Republican idiots, will wake up one day and see our democracy, gone, and the country run by goons.
2
Lock him up!
5
So well said! Thank you, Ms. Collins. I've been overeating and drinking since January 20th. But Montana put me over the edge! What is wrong with the Democrats? Why did they leave Quist on his own? Why didn't they find a viable candidate to begin with? A win this week would've done a lot to lift our weary (and exhausted--we call, march, write, petition etc.) spirits. Yes, your first line was so right on it. Thank you for calling the Dems out. Time to take a stand. It is indeed not enough to be against Trump.
7
So true Gail. Dems could be great if only they could apply themselves.
3
This speaks to the "obligation" Barack and Michelle Obama now have: to promote a pool of new talent that can energize voters as they did. The Dems need novel "personalities" with charisma and stop trotting out people like Pelosi, Reid and their ilk who may stand for populist ideals, but have the communication skills of wet sod.
3
More to the point - why do liberal-backed candidates lose? One reason is after decades of dissing the lower classes, the democrats have created a monolithic voting bloc forever disposed to pull any lever but theirs. Then there are those like us. We do not need much government, if any. We draw no direct benefits and we have the resources to exploit the tax codes that democrats have had the greatest input in creating. Yes, we use their policies to frustrate their electoral intentions. The census bureau - if you accept government figures, hoho - indicates our ranks to be @20% of the population. However we vote religiously and our cohort makes up fully 40% of REGULAR voters. We vote for one reason - to frustrate and deny liberal intentions. The day after we black-cloud another of their adventures by telling pollsters one think while doing the opposite is always a time for celebration. Btw, we thought highly of the democratic candidate for Montana's congressional seat; however we contributed to a PAC in opposition to him. Why? See previous sentences. Oh, and guess which Senate candidiate here we will be selling catering servces to, undercutting all their big city supporters just to deny them the business? HeeHee. That's right. We'll even wear their buttons!
So you believe in government of the malicious, by the malicious, and for the malicious? So you brag about being 20 percent of the population and your sole electoral motivation is to harm the other 80 percent. Give me one good reason why I shouldn't consider you an enemy of America, and treat you accordingly?
1
Are we making too much of Republican vs Democrat in Montana?
From my POV, if I lived in Montana I might have been more inclined to vote for a successful businessman than a guy who plays a guitar in nudist camps.
From my POV, if I lived in Montana I might have been more inclined to vote for a successful businessman than a guy who plays a guitar in nudist camps.
27
Yes, Quist sounded like a bad candidate. Maybe they thought the tax dodging would appeal to Republicans.
1
You might want to rethink your POV. Your successful businessman engaged in unprovoked battery, in front of witnesses.
1
Responsible parents and teachers don't allow bullying, violence, or lying by young grade schoolers. Not only does a Republican now congressman body slam someone, then put out a total lying denial, but Republican law makers sit on their hands looking the other way. Trump is making America much coarser, violent, and bald faced lying acceptable.
121
Let's hope that had not so many Montanans already voted in advance of election day the outcome would have been different.
" ... people need to see the Democratic line on the ballot and think of something more than Not as Dreadful."
The way things are going, this might be enough in 2018.
The way things are going, this might be enough in 2018.
1
1
"We’re going to come up with a useful explanation, and then start grilling with a peaceful heart."
Oh, I thought you were talking about grilling a heart. Nothing like that would surprise me recently.
Oh, I thought you were talking about grilling a heart. Nothing like that would surprise me recently.
Heavily invested in body bags - payoff is only a matter of time
Assault, treason, obstruction of justice? It's good to be a Republican in America
1
Mixilplix.....don't forget Greed Over People....the building block that makes the rest of Republican ill will, misanthropy, and antisocial behavior possible.
2
repubs, recent experience demonstrates, have a gift for finding "rich unlovables," (there's basket!), romney, trump, et al., but that does not give rude persons, the right (certainly not a first amendment right) to thrust microphones or cameras into the faces of those they pursue with what would be called "papparazzo/e" fervor if their prey were celebrities."
anyone who has been on thereceiving of that kind of assault knows how upsetting, even frightening, it can be, and many who perpetrate said assaults also have misgivings, but these are rationalized rather by career than craft considerations.
gianforte was way off base, and he has said so... not so the reporter, who has not even hinted at the possibility that he, too, was a step out of line...can anyone remember a reporter ever admitting to an excess? it may be that the some votes for gianforte were expressions of sympathy for his predicament and the lack of same for a person who aims an object at your face.
anyone who has been on thereceiving of that kind of assault knows how upsetting, even frightening, it can be, and many who perpetrate said assaults also have misgivings, but these are rationalized rather by career than craft considerations.
gianforte was way off base, and he has said so... not so the reporter, who has not even hinted at the possibility that he, too, was a step out of line...can anyone remember a reporter ever admitting to an excess? it may be that the some votes for gianforte were expressions of sympathy for his predicament and the lack of same for a person who aims an object at your face.
Louis from New York said:
"Do you know why Republicans win? They know what they want. They may want horrible things, but voters respond to politicians with conviction."
Yeah, they sure do respond to candidates with CONVICTIONS, like the conviction that Gianforte will have, like the one Jared Kushner will have, and like the one Donald J. Trump will have.
Gianforte needs to be rejected by the House (but good luck with that).
Kushner needs to break his daddy's one year jail term record.
Trump neds to set another FIRST: First POTUS to be walked out of the White House in handcuffs.
"Do you know why Republicans win? They know what they want. They may want horrible things, but voters respond to politicians with conviction."
Yeah, they sure do respond to candidates with CONVICTIONS, like the conviction that Gianforte will have, like the one Jared Kushner will have, and like the one Donald J. Trump will have.
Gianforte needs to be rejected by the House (but good luck with that).
Kushner needs to break his daddy's one year jail term record.
Trump neds to set another FIRST: First POTUS to be walked out of the White House in handcuffs.
2
The House can refuse to seat an elected representative only if he doesn't meet the qualifications set out in the Constitution. This was the ruling of the Supreme Court in the case involving Adam Clayton Powell.
People keep missing the fact that Gianforte was a totally unsuitable candidate even before the assault. Look up his views on retirement.
2
Totally agree that the democrats need a succinct, positive and emotional issue, AND get out in front of the cameras daily and speak positive and simple!
2
Let's see...a state Trump won by 20%, a well-financed candidate vs a goofy candidate with skeletons in his closet, a ton of early voting and then an election-eve gaffe by the front-runner. I don't think you could find a Democratic pro who would have predicted anything other than the eventual outcome. The Georgia seat will be a MUCH more telling test.
2
My wife and I were planning to take a two-week vacation in Texas later this year. After Governor Abbott's sick joke about murdering journalists, I informed Governor Abbott's office that we'll be vacationing in California instead of Texas, thanks to him.
The mania over guns (and the inflated Second Amendment) and the assault on journalists (and the First Amendment) must end, and we need to do whatever we can to make that happen.
The mania over guns (and the inflated Second Amendment) and the assault on journalists (and the First Amendment) must end, and we need to do whatever we can to make that happen.
7
The Democrats need to promote a "New Deal for the 21st Century", to remedy the adverse impact that technology and globalization of have made on the American middle class. A combination of universal health care (single payer), intensive and effective investment in public eduction, pre-K-12, free college tuition and massive investment in infrastructure to boost well-paying employment and prepare the US for the 21st century. People everywhere support these measures. The Democrats should abandon their milquetoast adherence to Clintonian centrism, and should boldly return to their traditional Progressive agenda. Otherwise, they will fade into history.
3
Looking at a Montana voter map, RED is such a dominate color, especially in the eastern part of the state, that Mr. Gianforte probably could have shot someone on the main drag in Helena and gotten elected.
A side-bar issue, early voting by upwards of 2/3rds of the people who voted, may have produced a different outcome if people actually voted on election day. But we will never really know that answer.
A side-bar issue, early voting by upwards of 2/3rds of the people who voted, may have produced a different outcome if people actually voted on election day. But we will never really know that answer.
Thanks, I did not know much about the choices in Montana :horrible and terrible.
1
Forgive me, but the problem isn't Democratic messaging skills—if it were, then how does one explain the GOP's success without any plan or message beyond hate, division, and tax cuts? The fault lies not in the stars, Gail, but in the Republican voter base.
2
I love these columns and I agree that the democrats need an thoughtful and positive message to take to the people. Opposition to trump is needed but the people want a real alternative. How do we fix health care -- single payer or what -- protect the environment and jobs since the two are not mutually exclusive, explain the many real benefits of global trade, protect the economy from the financial industry's recklessness, and support and really improve education in urban America. The Democrats could have a winning formula if they tried. I hope they will or we will be stuck in Trump's swamp.
I remember when I was afraid of a man who drove with his dog on the roof of his car. Now I long for those days.
2
Question. Why is grabbing someone by the throat with both hands and body slamming them to the ground only a misdemeanor? It could have seriously injured the reporter permanently. Is physical violence just impolite behavior with a Republican edge?
Hopefully the judge who will hear Gianforte's assault case will display some appreciation for decorum, civility and sanity, and sentence Gianforte to the maximum the law permits and also require thorough mental competency to serve evaluation.
As to why Montana elected Gianforte. Why not? Montanans and many others elected Trump and whereas Trump spoke often about roughing up people, Gianforte showed he is a thug of his word...even willing to act before his word. Gianforte is a reminder to Montanans of Trump who will not lose a single supporter even if he shoots people on the street.
Republicans not only accept Trump, they admire Trump; Trump is the manifestation of their id. Republicans have been longing for a good ole boy who expresses the-old-west manliness of willing to engage in fisticuffs, cold-cocking and even shooting it out with citizens (so long as the Republican carries a gun and the citizens are unarmed).
Republicans are taking America down a road to the past where violence is just an expression of free choice. And the people they respect are the epitome of violence. So much so that the thugs they elect, spit back in the eye of their voters, daring them to drop their support. The Republican healthcare plan is proof.
Hopefully the judge who will hear Gianforte's assault case will display some appreciation for decorum, civility and sanity, and sentence Gianforte to the maximum the law permits and also require thorough mental competency to serve evaluation.
As to why Montana elected Gianforte. Why not? Montanans and many others elected Trump and whereas Trump spoke often about roughing up people, Gianforte showed he is a thug of his word...even willing to act before his word. Gianforte is a reminder to Montanans of Trump who will not lose a single supporter even if he shoots people on the street.
Republicans not only accept Trump, they admire Trump; Trump is the manifestation of their id. Republicans have been longing for a good ole boy who expresses the-old-west manliness of willing to engage in fisticuffs, cold-cocking and even shooting it out with citizens (so long as the Republican carries a gun and the citizens are unarmed).
Republicans are taking America down a road to the past where violence is just an expression of free choice. And the people they respect are the epitome of violence. So much so that the thugs they elect, spit back in the eye of their voters, daring them to drop their support. The Republican healthcare plan is proof.
2
"Yet who so bold to say he sees it not?"(scrivener in Richard III)
70 percent of the votes were in before the assault. What I would like to know is how the vote was spli on election day? I suspect the incident didnt hurt the Republican one iota. It fits the mentality of the party.
1
The physical assault on Jacobs by Gianforte was bad enough, but another, broader assault followed. I was genuinely sickened by the comments I saw by presumably Trump/Gianforte supporters and conservatives and Republicans. Amongst these laypeople, I saw not one condemnation of the assault. Not one. Instead, I saw actual cheering of it. I also heard it from Gianforte supporters on television (with one woman, so brainwashed by the "fake news" Trump mantra saying she doubt it even happened).
What has happened to the right wing in this country? This is no longer a wide gap between two different political philosophies. This is a huge gap between being a civilized society and being uncivilized. The first evidence of that, of course, was going from Barack Obama (Democrats) to Donald Trump (right wing) overnight.
I include in that the assault by these right wingers on the First Amendment by supporting and even being downright giddy about an assault on a member of the free press.
Where is there proclaimed patriotism? Their proclaimed Christian and moral values? I just see none of those things in the American right wing any longer, and this situation was a capper for me. Democrats loudly condemn violence at protests. The right is so feverish now with political and partisan warfare that it has lost all of its civility and patriotism, cheering on what was clearly a brutal assault on a person and on a reporter.
What is happening to us?
What has happened to the right wing in this country? This is no longer a wide gap between two different political philosophies. This is a huge gap between being a civilized society and being uncivilized. The first evidence of that, of course, was going from Barack Obama (Democrats) to Donald Trump (right wing) overnight.
I include in that the assault by these right wingers on the First Amendment by supporting and even being downright giddy about an assault on a member of the free press.
Where is there proclaimed patriotism? Their proclaimed Christian and moral values? I just see none of those things in the American right wing any longer, and this situation was a capper for me. Democrats loudly condemn violence at protests. The right is so feverish now with political and partisan warfare that it has lost all of its civility and patriotism, cheering on what was clearly a brutal assault on a person and on a reporter.
What is happening to us?
156
yep lions and martyrs are next. Going back to the Roman Collaseum gladiator days.
As a Demcrat from an "unwinnable" state the national Democrats are the problem.They are so stingy with their support it keeps the door open for the Republicans. We will never replicate the party line voting the way the Republicans have done so the national party needs to get out and help us. If they don't, nothing will change.
1
Bis, I understand your frustration, but there is only so much money and resources available. Since the dreadful Citizens United decision, the Dems have not been able to match the funding the GOP gets from the likes of the Koch brothers and hundreds of other major corporate dark money donors. There will be no change in this until that SC decision is reversed.
No matter how you sugar-coat it, it's depressing to live in a country where a politician can physically assault a reporter and be elected to Congress the next day. Given the testimony of the Fox News reporter it's hard to imagine that he won't be convicted, although a jury/judge may suspend any prison-time so he can serve in Congress. I wish I could laugh, but I'm ready to cry.
14
It's only a $500 fine, which is a joke. Jail time will be suspended - unless this case happens (however unlikely) to fall into the hands of a liberal judge. In that case, how great would it be to see this bully sentenced to pick up trash by the side of the road in an orange vest?
1
Eve of 2018 mid-term election another bully wins and the crowd is cheering .
This sad to see what has is happening to America a land of melting pot to become a Country of Rich, uneducated and ugly white Americans.
This sad to see what has is happening to America a land of melting pot to become a Country of Rich, uneducated and ugly white Americans.
11
How many swing-voters are there actually left in the United States. Most so called "independents" pretty much vote for the same party, year in and year out. Add to this a sense that Americans are more overtly alienated today from each other's political tribes. It takes a lot to get Americans to vote outside their customery patterns. Any hopes Democrats have in 2018 must rest with turnout, not changing hearts and minds. Good start point would be noting that Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania hold elections from time to time.
1
About five percent of the electorate are genuine "swing voters." That's enough for them to swing presidential elections, and a few purple states, but not much else.
Any you are absolutely right about turnout. According to a recent study, 200,000 Wisconsinites were denied their legal right to vote because of restrictive voter ID laws. Those laws are likely going to be struck down by SCOTUS - so you can expect the WI legislature to continue to do the sort of underhanded tactics outlined by Ann in her comment below,
Any you are absolutely right about turnout. According to a recent study, 200,000 Wisconsinites were denied their legal right to vote because of restrictive voter ID laws. Those laws are likely going to be struck down by SCOTUS - so you can expect the WI legislature to continue to do the sort of underhanded tactics outlined by Ann in her comment below,
The Democrats are terrible at getting their message out, assuming that they even have a message anymore. Given their lack of governance skills and their disinterest in the welfare of the people, the Republicans should be wandering around in the wilderness but, instead, they control the federal government and most of the state governments.
2
Clark, suggest you read Ann's comment below. More people voted for Dem candidates than GOP in the last election. The fix is in, due to gerrymandering and restrictive and deplorable voter restrictions laws and tactics.
2
If we keep going like this, we will begin to see videos of slugfests on the House floor. Videos that we have laughingly sneered at as way beneath our dignity. Banana, anyone?
4
Greg Gianforte sounds like the perfect man for one of Donald Trump's pet projects.
“If Chicago doesn't fix the horrible "carnage" going on, 228 shootings in 2017 with 42 killings (up 24% from 2016), I will send in the Feds!”
– Donald Trump
Turns out Donald didn’t have the right guy to eliminate crime in Chicago in “one week” the first time around, as he advertised on Bill O’Reilly’s now-dead show, but his new hero was willing to tackle a reporter armed with an entire notebook. Shouldn't take him more than a day.
“If Chicago doesn't fix the horrible "carnage" going on, 228 shootings in 2017 with 42 killings (up 24% from 2016), I will send in the Feds!”
– Donald Trump
Turns out Donald didn’t have the right guy to eliminate crime in Chicago in “one week” the first time around, as he advertised on Bill O’Reilly’s now-dead show, but his new hero was willing to tackle a reporter armed with an entire notebook. Shouldn't take him more than a day.
2
If democrats can't come together and put forth an agenda and start supporting candidates, we're doomed in 2018.
2
Instead of trying to figure out how their candidate lost an election (ahem, email, Comey, Russia), maybe the Democratic leadership could revisit their 2016 platform. It does a good job of laying out a forward-thinking positive vision for America. Democrats, tone down the hysteria, dial back the attacks (they don't work) and lay out your worker, student, family and people-friendly agenda. Or prepare for continued defeat and the hands of a dedicated and focused minority.
Toilet choice ltmus tests aren't a step forward.
So the party that nominated and elected a candidate that boasted of committing sexual assault chose a congressmen who assaulted a reporter. This is a surprise?
8
Journalists apparently believe that all their political statements are protected by the First Amendment. That is not true. The First Amendment applies only to government restrictions. Where a reporter is attacked by a private citizen, the First Amendment is irrelevant.
People throughout the world were mortified when they saw President Trump bully Prime Minister Markovic of Montenegro, just so he could secure a front and center position with the members of the G7. Famed author J.K. Rowling captured the moment through her tweet, “You tiny, tiny, tiny little man”. Trump is the Commander-in-Chief by name only. His behaviour during his campaign and presidency clearly demonstrates he is the Bully-in-Chief, and bullies are also known as “tiny, tiny, tiny little men”. New Republican Congressman Greg Gianforte body slammed a reporter when the scribe asked him an innocuous question. He is a Trump clone. It’s hard to understand from up here in the True North, what American voters see in these tiny, tiny, tiny little men.
181
liking the wild, wild west doggie eat doggie world.
Looking on the bright side this Memorial Day weekend, Democrats can anticipate poking fun at new Congressman Gianforte at every opportunity when Republicans try to pretend their party is comprised of normal public servants. Reporters can show up to do interviews wearing body armor.
In the meantime, we need to ponder what the heck is wrong with the Democratic National Committee.
Those of us who receive two or three mailings every week from the DNC asking for big checks know how the party leaders claim to be finding really, really good candidates to challenge Republicans at every level of government.
These claims are beginning to look almost as far-fetched as the steady stream of preposterous statements by Donald Trump and G.O.P. stalwarts like Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan.
Not only do we have a personally obnoxious president, he and his family and close associates appear to be engaged in a lock-stock-and-barrel sale of our country to the Russians. The only question is whether the Brothers Koch or the Mercer family will bid more to control our electoral process.
If the Democratic National Committee cannot find winners in this situation, we might consider reverting to a dartboard. Random choices would do better at the polls than the flawed picks by the DNC.
In the meantime, we need to ponder what the heck is wrong with the Democratic National Committee.
Those of us who receive two or three mailings every week from the DNC asking for big checks know how the party leaders claim to be finding really, really good candidates to challenge Republicans at every level of government.
These claims are beginning to look almost as far-fetched as the steady stream of preposterous statements by Donald Trump and G.O.P. stalwarts like Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan.
Not only do we have a personally obnoxious president, he and his family and close associates appear to be engaged in a lock-stock-and-barrel sale of our country to the Russians. The only question is whether the Brothers Koch or the Mercer family will bid more to control our electoral process.
If the Democratic National Committee cannot find winners in this situation, we might consider reverting to a dartboard. Random choices would do better at the polls than the flawed picks by the DNC.
4
The Raging Bison of Montana needs to be lassoed and corralled. But the way the present U.S. House of Representatives have been displaying themselves, he'll fit in unfortunately. Trump was there in the person of Greg Gianforte.
You know why else Republican's win? Because the Democrats cannot even seem to turn the Libertarians. Someone write an article about where they are, what their numbers are and why they do not see how they impact elections.
Gail, I'll pass on the hot dog, as would anyone who has ever visited a slaughterhouse or meat-packing plant.
It's quite perverse that hot dogs are considered quintessentially American, but then again Trump* is the political equivalent of the nadir of carnivory.
It's quite perverse that hot dogs are considered quintessentially American, but then again Trump* is the political equivalent of the nadir of carnivory.
1
Actually, Gail, we should really be thinking about the sacrifice of fallen soldiers on Memorial Day. The BBQs can wait until that is done.
2
This is what's wrong with the Democrats who've learned nothing after being decimated.
"Also, he got precious little help from the national Democrats, who had doubts about his ability to win.
But Quist got backing from Trump-weary Americans around the country, who donated $6 million to his race."
The Democrats are still Wasserman Schultz Democrats and would not back Bernie Sanders if the election could be recast today.
"Also, he got precious little help from the national Democrats, who had doubts about his ability to win.
But Quist got backing from Trump-weary Americans around the country, who donated $6 million to his race."
The Democrats are still Wasserman Schultz Democrats and would not back Bernie Sanders if the election could be recast today.
1
"Republican-leaning voters need to hear a real Democratic message."
To paraphrase the classic words of Princess Bride, I do not think those words mean what you think they mean.
The Democrats have messages that are more than just words. They have policy proposals that go beyond simplistic solutions like making college affordable.
We know that something like Medicare for all would fix what's wrong with Obamacare. We know that government spending would redistribute the economic gains to the people and their communities that desperately need help.
I hear Democrats saying that we can't put those proposals out there because people will reject them and our candidates. They aren't practical because the country is so center-right.
Rejections might have something to do with running weak candidates, but it's easier to blame the "message." Good people don't want to lose and it's likely that even a good Democrat might have lost in this Montana election, but we'll never know because an entertainer with some fatal flaws was the candidate.
To paraphrase the classic words of Princess Bride, I do not think those words mean what you think they mean.
The Democrats have messages that are more than just words. They have policy proposals that go beyond simplistic solutions like making college affordable.
We know that something like Medicare for all would fix what's wrong with Obamacare. We know that government spending would redistribute the economic gains to the people and their communities that desperately need help.
I hear Democrats saying that we can't put those proposals out there because people will reject them and our candidates. They aren't practical because the country is so center-right.
Rejections might have something to do with running weak candidates, but it's easier to blame the "message." Good people don't want to lose and it's likely that even a good Democrat might have lost in this Montana election, but we'll never know because an entertainer with some fatal flaws was the candidate.
"We’re supposed to be thinking about good times and a change in the seasons."
Actually, we're supposed to be thinking about those who gave their lives for our freedom.
Actually, we're supposed to be thinking about those who gave their lives for our freedom.
1
To the national Democrats: if you doubt your party can win in places like Montana, you are guaranteeing it won't. You don't see the GOP abandoning any district as unwinnable, which is exactly why they mange to pick up so many formerly Democratic seats. Abandoning potential voters in rural America is criminal negligence. Your strategy at best may win you a 2018 House majority in single digits which will be at risk in 2020. If you don't aim for a large majority you won't get a sustainable one.
Physical assault (body-slamming) by the Republican candidate for Montana's only seat in the House of Representatives, Greg Gianforte, was his response to a journalist's jhaving the temerity to ask what Giangorte felt about Trump's healthcare legislation. The reporter, Ben Jacobs from "The Guardian", ended up on the floor with broken glasses and a nasty memory from covering the Montana election. And big league alas, Gianforte won that election the next day. Are we Trump-weary, Gail Collins? You're not just whistling Dixie, not just beatin' your gums - you said a mouthful! And yes, we'll have a Memorial Day hot dog on you - Sabrett or Hebrew National ("who answer to a higher authority")!
Greg Gianforte, or "Double G" after his misdemeanor smack down of "aggressive liberal journalist" Ben Jacobs, believes in "Young Earth Creationism", the idea that the earth is less than 10,000 years old. He donated $ 1.5 million and a Tyrannosaurus Rex to a creationist museum, which teaches that there were dinosaurs on Noah's Ark. His "keep working", views on retirement include citing that Noah was still working at age 600. You can't make this stuff up. He fits in perfectly with the misogynistic, homophobic, anti-Obama care, white Republican political ensemble, that is the Donald Trump freak show.
4
I totally agree. The Democrats should offer options to what the Republicans are doing. They need to present concrete legislation (that would obviously be voted down by Republicans ) and give their candidates running against those Republicans something to run on. Something to run for; not just something to run against. There are far more voters who are against Republican policies than there are for them. The problem is getting them to register and vote. Getting them to display enough passion to feel that voting will help them is paramount. And if Republicans saw huge numbers of newly registered voters, they would pay a lot more attention than how a contested race in Montana or Georgia was going. And the Republican candidates would have a much bigger headache than whether a reporter is asking tough questions or not. The Democrats, after registering new voters , should then address getting them to the polls: partner up with a ride sharing service should replace robocalls and tv ads. It would be a beautiful thing.
2
Like giving lessons as to how to become a more effective embezzler. We need ethic competent people as candidates.,so far the is an appaulig shortage of such people.
I'll agree that there's plenty of room for improvement in the DNC (they should have kept Howard Dean) but there is no equivalence to the Republican Party who supports a guy who assaults people rather than answer a question. And the audio demonstrates the roid rage going on. Apparently, Montana is filled with quality people who like this kind of behavior.
The problem is not the politicians, it's the voters. Winston Churchill had it right when he said "The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter." Is it any wonder that Republicans eschew education, science, facts? The more ignorant the voter, the more gullible the voter.
10
What continues to be puzzling is that states with only one House member and therefore no margin for error -- Montana and Wyoming, for instance -- can't choose more carefully but end up sending the likes of Greg Gianforte and Liz Cheney to Washington. How should the rest of the country interpret this?
8
It's their western-state contempt for federalism that's showing. Send someone to DC who will do anything except help cohere the national government. In Cheney's case, we have genetics as well.
Somewhere in Mr Gianforte's past there has been violence. You do not start out assaulting people with a chocking body slam. Somewhere he's put his hands on somebody else, and possibly more than once.
5
Well, Gail, what many East Cosst liberals don't grasp is that many folks in other parts of the country would rather have a flawed Republican than a Democrat. I suspect if a flawed D was running against a Trump loyalist in New York, your view might be different.
1
So you would literally vote for anyone, even Satan, as long as it wasn't a Democrat. That is actually hard to grasp, and I don't even live on the east coast!
When it comes to who elected whom, we must always remember that, in the United States, we get what (who or whom) we vote for. The winner is a reflection of the values of the majority voters. You disagree? Look at what we have voted for. Congratulations! Or as a Texas lady used to say, "Hello, suckers!"
1
Gail, a reporter's job is going to get more and more dangerous. Intimidation will become normal. The responsible press is called the enemy of the people, and your excuse for a president admires Putin. What next? Will reporters wake up dead? It works for Putin.
2
Yes, the Democrats are frozen in place. It does not help that the leadership is old and rich and totally out of touch with common folks - it's hard to empathize with the homeless when you are looking out the back window of a limo. The party needs to get out the broom and get mad. Find new leaders and exciting candidates - the talent is out there and the country is thirsty for a true liberal revolution, not the same, tired party line from comfortable Washington fixtures.
108
It seems like you just described the Republican leadership, old and rich.
Well, then that explains the rejection of Democrats in favor of Donald Trump, two Bushes, and Ronald Reagan.
Do Democrats ever listen to themselves? The issue is not whether someone is wealthy or not. Wealthy people are as capable of knowledge and empathy as anyone else, and poor people are as incapable of it as wealthy people. Having grown up in Brookline, MA, and across the river from Cambridge, MA, I know A LOT of very wealthy Democrats who do A LOT to help the impoverished and other vulnerable people. They tell me they do not support more tax cuts for themselves.
It makes no sense for the middle class and the poor to vote Republican and then whine about wealthy Democrats. Republicans have also put into office only very wealthy presidents. The difference is that Republicans are all about trickle-down economics, more tax cuts for the wealthy, health care for the wealthy, etc., while the wealthy Democrats DO propose policies that would help the more modest of Americans, such as Hillary Clinton's plan to provide training in renewable energy for coal miners to help them transition to a new industry and to safer jobs.
I'm so sick and tired of the self-flagellation of Democrats. You NEVER see Republicans do that, even when it is so obvious called for, like electing a serial sexual assaulter and now a physical assaulter. They never apologize or question themselves. Democrats overdo it.
Do Democrats ever listen to themselves? The issue is not whether someone is wealthy or not. Wealthy people are as capable of knowledge and empathy as anyone else, and poor people are as incapable of it as wealthy people. Having grown up in Brookline, MA, and across the river from Cambridge, MA, I know A LOT of very wealthy Democrats who do A LOT to help the impoverished and other vulnerable people. They tell me they do not support more tax cuts for themselves.
It makes no sense for the middle class and the poor to vote Republican and then whine about wealthy Democrats. Republicans have also put into office only very wealthy presidents. The difference is that Republicans are all about trickle-down economics, more tax cuts for the wealthy, health care for the wealthy, etc., while the wealthy Democrats DO propose policies that would help the more modest of Americans, such as Hillary Clinton's plan to provide training in renewable energy for coal miners to help them transition to a new industry and to safer jobs.
I'm so sick and tired of the self-flagellation of Democrats. You NEVER see Republicans do that, even when it is so obvious called for, like electing a serial sexual assaulter and now a physical assaulter. They never apologize or question themselves. Democrats overdo it.
2
Actually the public needs to start paying attention to each partys policies. Stop putting the dems down unless you are a troll of some kind. At this point I do not care of what you are trying to say, it does not matter at all. The Dems help people in their policy the republicans, well, NEVER EVER. With the dems we got all the progress of the last eight years, PAY ATTENTION, now the republicans are happily turning it all back and further back......get a grip
Does anyone really think the Democrats have a chance of retaking either the House or the Senate next year as they keep on losing one post-presidential election after another? Montana is a solid red state. Even if Greg Gianforte hadn't slugged Ben Jacobs it's highly unlikely that Ron Quist would have won the open House seat. Come on folks--it's time we stopped kidding ourselves. Mindless Tom and Jerry cartoon violence is as American as Apple pie.
2
I believe we need a national effort to have everyone who approaches Gianforte to open the conversation by first flinching, then yelling "don't hit me!"
"Don't hit me! Um, can you tell me where the rest room is?" And surely someone can make up Montana tourist marketing material - bumper stickers, key chains, coffee mugs with "Don't Hit Me!" on them.
How else to you handle what is truly insane?- Not just the election of Gianforte but the original nomination. Seriously, I know Montana is sparsely populated, but that is the best they can do?
But as long as we keep those socialists out of office (doesn't anyone study even a little history any more- our Democrats are more akin to Nixonian Republicans than they are to liberals) we can put in crooks and charlatans, and save spots on Science and Technology for ignorants who believe that evolution is "a lie from the mouth of the pit of hell,"
And meanwhile the nation is stuck with leadership that makes me feel like one of Lewis Carrol's oysters. "I weep for you, the Walrus said, I deeply sympathize. With sobs and tears he sorted out those of the largest size.... Oh Oysters, said the Carpenter, You've had a pleasant run, Shall we be trotting home again? But answer there came none. But this was scarcely odd, they'd eaten every one."
"Don't hit me! Um, can you tell me where the rest room is?" And surely someone can make up Montana tourist marketing material - bumper stickers, key chains, coffee mugs with "Don't Hit Me!" on them.
How else to you handle what is truly insane?- Not just the election of Gianforte but the original nomination. Seriously, I know Montana is sparsely populated, but that is the best they can do?
But as long as we keep those socialists out of office (doesn't anyone study even a little history any more- our Democrats are more akin to Nixonian Republicans than they are to liberals) we can put in crooks and charlatans, and save spots on Science and Technology for ignorants who believe that evolution is "a lie from the mouth of the pit of hell,"
And meanwhile the nation is stuck with leadership that makes me feel like one of Lewis Carrol's oysters. "I weep for you, the Walrus said, I deeply sympathize. With sobs and tears he sorted out those of the largest size.... Oh Oysters, said the Carpenter, You've had a pleasant run, Shall we be trotting home again? But answer there came none. But this was scarcely odd, they'd eaten every one."
1
All countries have humbugs as leaders from time to time.
At the moment, it’s America’s turn.
At the moment, it’s America’s turn.
1
Collins is so right to suggest that the Dems need to state their solutions with specificity. The Democratic Party must state what it will do to promote public welfare and contrast this with the Republican Party's allegiance to corporations, the wealthy, and the NRA kill machine. During the initial phase of the Republican effort to repeal and replace Obamacare, the Democratic message was 'We are willing to work with Repubs to make the ACA better." This is passivity. I want to know why the Dems did not seize the moment and put specific improvements on the table, thus to declare "This is an approach that is fair and would make health care available to all." At this point, I must say I have little confidence in the Democratic Party's leadership and capacity for strategic thinking.
1
Can't the Democrats find anyone better than a hippie country singer to run in these important elections? Where are their adult candidates in a suit and tie?
Now look at the Georgia election, they have Tom Ossoff, a kid whose rich parents have bought him a spot in the Democratic party. How does this look to voters who are struggling to earn a living?
It seems like the only adult left in the Democratic party is Andrew Cuomo, who would be Swamp Creature #1 if he ever ran for president.
Now look at the Georgia election, they have Tom Ossoff, a kid whose rich parents have bought him a spot in the Democratic party. How does this look to voters who are struggling to earn a living?
It seems like the only adult left in the Democratic party is Andrew Cuomo, who would be Swamp Creature #1 if he ever ran for president.
3
Whoa, there. I am happy with Jeff Merkley from Oregon!
Where do they find these weird candidates? Or maybe we should ask, why do people choose these bizarre types? And what do they expect from them when they get to Congress?
3
Yesterday Abbott, the Governor of Texas, said at a function on reducing gun licensing fees, that journalists should be shot. You can draw a direct line from Newt Gingrich to Fox News to Trump, to Montana to Abbott .....and it will only get worse.
5
Republicans are all for 'law and order.' What, in their view, could be more 'law & orderly' than stamping out (or stamping on, literally) the news media?
2
Yet another reminder to never bother visiting Montana: it's awful people.
2
There's an old adage that says you can judge people's characters by the things that make them angry. Following that guide, Americans are generally flunking the character test these days. The things that should prompt outrage in this country--and would have, in the past--are now often met with approval or a sigh and a shoulder shrug or a knee-jerk dismissal of their importance or an adamant denial that they even exist. The America I grew up in is gone, and I'm not talking about a fair economy that supported a thriving middle class. I'm speaking of living in a time when right was right, wrong was wrong, most Americans knew the difference, and they wouldn't tolerate the kind of contemptible behavior we now witness daily in this country, especially in Washington. The world looks at us now and wonders what has happened to America. I wonder, too, and it makes me sad.
165
This is, in reality, a Dems doom, Gail.
They lack spine and toughness and are perceived by voters as a pushover.
A GOP called Obama "you lie" during a SOU and not a single Dem, not even from the Black Caucus, dare punch him in the face.
MaConnell said his job is to ensure Obama fails, then stifled Obama's agenda for eight years. Again not a single Dem utter a word. Same McConnell who told Sen Warren to sit down and shut up. Did any Dem came to her defense and gave McConnell a beating?
And this has been our nightmare for too long.
One day we will have our own Gianforte who will body-slam Ryan and McConnell.
They lack spine and toughness and are perceived by voters as a pushover.
A GOP called Obama "you lie" during a SOU and not a single Dem, not even from the Black Caucus, dare punch him in the face.
MaConnell said his job is to ensure Obama fails, then stifled Obama's agenda for eight years. Again not a single Dem utter a word. Same McConnell who told Sen Warren to sit down and shut up. Did any Dem came to her defense and gave McConnell a beating?
And this has been our nightmare for too long.
One day we will have our own Gianforte who will body-slam Ryan and McConnell.
5
Yea, a hotdog made of corn starch and pork fillers bought with food stamps. No one cares about anything or anybody evidence this bully being elected in Montana. He is a terrific symbol for the State and certain to stir travel emotions wanting to visit and marvel at the inbreds that would elect a devil to represent them. One could sit outside the country story and realize that everyone is married to their first cousin. These people are much worse than hillbillies of West Virigina and rednecks of Alabama.
1
Your fellow Americans are not your enemies. Go out and get yourself a good steak, buy it with dollars, sit back and think of all the good things that have come out of Montana. Many many many Montanans did NOT vote for Gianforte, you know. Your hate-rant hurts America.
Republican voters view Democrats as sissies, and they like it when their candidates beat up journalists, whom GOP voters view as "part of the problem." Add to this that, statistically, Republican voters are far less likely to support Democrats than Democrats are to support the occasional "reasonable" Republican, plus the fact that Trump won despite all his negatives, is it any wonder s guy like Gianforte could also get elected to federal office in a heavily Republican state like Montana? And does anyone really think this likely to change any time soon anywhere in red-state country?
60
Trump did not truly win.
More American voters choses Clinton for president.
The major negative in the US appears to be the bizarre and outdated Electoral College. There is NO OTHER DEMOCRACY in the world that does not have as a voting rule:
One Citizen = One Vote
More American voters choses Clinton for president.
The major negative in the US appears to be the bizarre and outdated Electoral College. There is NO OTHER DEMOCRACY in the world that does not have as a voting rule:
One Citizen = One Vote
3
Congrats Montana, you own him and the brand that it put in your hide. Enjoy the notoriety it brings you and your reflections on your character as a state.
6
Democrats need Jimmy Stewarts who will stand up to the Liberty Valences of the Republican Party with courage and without whining. Those Democrats should embrace five simple points:
1. Good paying jobs that serve a modern economy.
2. Universal health care.
3. All citizens are equally American regardless of race, heritage or religion.
4. Safe food, water and air.
5. Public land for everyone.
Please, please, please avoid the politics of special interests. Yes, black lives and right to abortion and respect for transgender people matter... keep those issues alive but please don't put them front and center. Spend less time talking about wedge issues and campaign on the universal ones.
It's worth noting that Jimmy Stewart won his gunfight with the outlaw because he was backed up by John Wayne. Let that be a metaphor. Democrats need some John Waynes on their side too - many of them are as disgusted by Trump as the most dyed in the wool liberals. Welcome unhappy Trump voters into the tent with key policy goals they can support.
1. Good paying jobs that serve a modern economy.
2. Universal health care.
3. All citizens are equally American regardless of race, heritage or religion.
4. Safe food, water and air.
5. Public land for everyone.
Please, please, please avoid the politics of special interests. Yes, black lives and right to abortion and respect for transgender people matter... keep those issues alive but please don't put them front and center. Spend less time talking about wedge issues and campaign on the universal ones.
It's worth noting that Jimmy Stewart won his gunfight with the outlaw because he was backed up by John Wayne. Let that be a metaphor. Democrats need some John Waynes on their side too - many of them are as disgusted by Trump as the most dyed in the wool liberals. Welcome unhappy Trump voters into the tent with key policy goals they can support.
241
Memorial Day celebration? Thinking about the good times? How about thinking about the women and men who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country? The full measure of their devotion. Please don't trivialize Memorial into picnics and retail sales. It is a solemn day. Keep it that way.
1
Veterans' Day is for the memory of fallen military. Memorial Day is for all deceased.
Say what, Gail? Duncan Hunter is under investigation for flying the family rabbit on a plane? Please tell me he didn't have bungee cords long enough to wrap around the fuselage of a plane! How did it stay put while cruising at 34,000 miles?
Now I'm going to have new nightmares haunting me. What was the rabbit's name?
Now I'm going to have new nightmares haunting me. What was the rabbit's name?
8
It is early in the morning--around six AM. At that hour, awful jokes occur to one. They certainly occur to me.
I had forgotten about Mr. Zinke riding a horse to his first day on the job. And yes--I shook with laughter. "Who was that masked man?" Thanks, Ms. Collins.
Then the awful joke occurred to me. My fingers recoil from the keyboard as I try and type it out. Okay, guys--here goes:
Question: Suppose I were looking for a new member of the Trump administration. How could I find him? Or her?
Answer: Follow the trail of excrement. You'll never go wrong.
SORRY! But the times being what they are . . . .well. . . . . .you know. . . . . .
Lotta mustard on that hot dog, Ms. Collins. Thanks! It looks good.
And happy Memorial Day.
I had forgotten about Mr. Zinke riding a horse to his first day on the job. And yes--I shook with laughter. "Who was that masked man?" Thanks, Ms. Collins.
Then the awful joke occurred to me. My fingers recoil from the keyboard as I try and type it out. Okay, guys--here goes:
Question: Suppose I were looking for a new member of the Trump administration. How could I find him? Or her?
Answer: Follow the trail of excrement. You'll never go wrong.
SORRY! But the times being what they are . . . .well. . . . . .you know. . . . . .
Lotta mustard on that hot dog, Ms. Collins. Thanks! It looks good.
And happy Memorial Day.
2
Disgusting that Gianforte can physically assault a reporter and win an election.
Sickening that Greg Abbott can hold up a target and "joke" about killing reporters.
The Republican Party has declared war on the media, war on women, war on minorities, and war on Muslims.
They have declared war on our own law enforcement (Trump firing Comey in the middle of an investigation and calling him a "nut job" to an enemy). Trump fired almost all sitting federal prosecutors who were in the middle of active cases and has still not replaced them.
They have declared peace on terrorists with the huge deal for our latest military technology with Saudi Arabia, the leading sponsor of ISIS and the country from which the largest number of terrorists come who have attacked America (15 of the 19 9/11 terrorists plus Osama bin Laden and Al Queda).
They have declared peace with Russia - regarded by all national security agencies as an adversary to the US - which just conducted the largest ever cyberattacks that interfered with American elections, and had multiple treasonous interactions with Trump people. Trump himself shared highly classified intelligence with senior Russian officials, and then betrayed the positions of U.S. subs to a dictator which are now known publicly. This will permit Russia and China to track our subs in a major threat to our national defense.
Gianforte is a typical Republican thug. But they have become a party of traitors, thugs, and bigots.
Sickening that Greg Abbott can hold up a target and "joke" about killing reporters.
The Republican Party has declared war on the media, war on women, war on minorities, and war on Muslims.
They have declared war on our own law enforcement (Trump firing Comey in the middle of an investigation and calling him a "nut job" to an enemy). Trump fired almost all sitting federal prosecutors who were in the middle of active cases and has still not replaced them.
They have declared peace on terrorists with the huge deal for our latest military technology with Saudi Arabia, the leading sponsor of ISIS and the country from which the largest number of terrorists come who have attacked America (15 of the 19 9/11 terrorists plus Osama bin Laden and Al Queda).
They have declared peace with Russia - regarded by all national security agencies as an adversary to the US - which just conducted the largest ever cyberattacks that interfered with American elections, and had multiple treasonous interactions with Trump people. Trump himself shared highly classified intelligence with senior Russian officials, and then betrayed the positions of U.S. subs to a dictator which are now known publicly. This will permit Russia and China to track our subs in a major threat to our national defense.
Gianforte is a typical Republican thug. But they have become a party of traitors, thugs, and bigots.
4
Thank you, Gail. What I seek in the NYT opinion pages is some modicum of sense-making in the continual barrage of truly bewildering and ridiculous political behavior that should be an embarrassment to every American. Your column conveyed a wonderful balance of humor and elucidation that would make Molly Ivins proud. (How I miss her.) My favorite line: "The current Republican Party is obviously, um, flawed." I'll be toasting you with an Original Sin as I slap that Boca burger on the barbie tonight. You saved my weekend.
2
Montana? Jacobs is lucky he didn't get shot with a pearl handled Colt 45! Several Republicans around the country have suggested that would be appropriate.
What the heck is going on. And we criticize other countries? However lately Tex Tillerson has made it clear that abuses of civil rights or human rights in other countries would not be an impediment to doing business with the Trump administration like $115B arms deals for example.
RAJA Rochester
What the heck is going on. And we criticize other countries? However lately Tex Tillerson has made it clear that abuses of civil rights or human rights in other countries would not be an impediment to doing business with the Trump administration like $115B arms deals for example.
RAJA Rochester
2
Montana has a lower homicide rate than Illinois, New Jersey and California. In spite of an increase in the last few years, the state is still well into the lower half of states.
Montana certainly is a gun-soaked culture, but firearm use is mostly about hunting, either for food, or utility shooting of animal pests who are threatening your food supply.
Montana has always been an open carry state, and yet I rarely see anyone walking around displaying a pistol. It just isn't done. The one time I did, the gun was a modern one on a camoed-out wannabe tough guy. He was laughed at behind his back.
Montana certainly is a gun-soaked culture, but firearm use is mostly about hunting, either for food, or utility shooting of animal pests who are threatening your food supply.
Montana has always been an open carry state, and yet I rarely see anyone walking around displaying a pistol. It just isn't done. The one time I did, the gun was a modern one on a camoed-out wannabe tough guy. He was laughed at behind his back.
And how about getting beyond Trump? Congress is where the action is. Trump is the bad tv we must all endure. Hard to cancel his show. The intelligent and informed are just dazed and confused. The uninformed are just dumb and dumber. Be sure to read - "Don't Judge Montana for a Single Body Slam" as well.
1
The Republicans have somehow anointed themselves as the Party of the Constitution. How many times have GOP congressmen talked about revering the Constitution? How many times have GOP congressmen railed against actions that they claim violated the Constitution? And now, when a reporter is beaten by a GOP Congressional candidate, for the most part, all you hear is the sound of crickets chirping. These Republicans are cafeteria Constitutionalists, picking and choosing which parts of the Constitution are worthy of enforcement.
I am sure the founders are looking down in horror at what is happening to The Republic which they so subtly and wisely formed.
I am sure the founders are looking down in horror at what is happening to The Republic which they so subtly and wisely formed.
2
More fake news: at least 33% of voters voted early, prior to the "shove heard around the left's world".
After the altercation, Gianforte raised $100,000.00 in small campaign donations. That shows you how despised the media is.
After the altercation, Gianforte raised $100,000.00 in small campaign donations. That shows you how despised the media is.
2
If nothing else, what the Democrats should have learned in 2016 is that when they force voters to choose the lesser of two loathsomes, they're going to lose. Obamaism was a glib, trendy anomaly. What the party really needs to do is scrub away all the moldy residue from the Clintons and start all over again.
2
We who stop to witness the Republican thuggishness growth over decades?
How will this latest civil war unfold?
How will this latest civil war unfold?
1
Just don't forget that if I am not mistaken that 37% of the votes has been cast BEFORE the incident happened. And then the Gianforte campaign lied about the Guardian reporter grabbing his wrist - turning this bizarrely into a self-defense issue.
The bigger question is when will the Democratic Party learn to build and promote a narrative that really helps Montanan's realize that they are voting against their own self interests. This is the most spectacular folly in all of this: most of those that vote for them will most likely loose the most under them...
The bigger question is when will the Democratic Party learn to build and promote a narrative that really helps Montanan's realize that they are voting against their own self interests. This is the most spectacular folly in all of this: most of those that vote for them will most likely loose the most under them...
2
I agree. The Democrats are content to be a one trick pony: we are not Trump. It may cost you votes and lobby money to take positions, but prove that we can trust you to make meaningful changes.
1
I just listened to the audio recording of this unquestionable and totally inexcusable assault. To think that a goon like this can get elected anywhere outside of the Philippines, is simply mind-blowing!!! In response to very sensible questions, he goes totally BERSERK, and both verbally and physically assaulted the reporter - and like "the Donald", who goes around insulting everyone who doesn't agree with him, and brags about how women let him sexually assault them because he is famous, he still gets elected. Not saying Canada and its political system is perfect by ANY means, but seriously: this sort of thing wouldn't fly here, and I am totally appalled that such a thing can occur in a so-called modern democracy. It was quipped once, that in some electoral districts the "Grande Olde Partie" could put a ham sandwich up for election, and it would still win by a landslide. I can see now that this is not much of an exaggeration.
5
Aw, c'mon, give DT a break here. Didn't he just leave MidEast with hundreds of billions in contracts for US weapons mfrs? Jeez, what more can you want … play nice in Montana?
Thanks, Gail. I feel better already. I have coupled your column with "invite your neighbours over for a grill" and am off and running! We'll soon be voting here in London where Labour finds itself in a similar Dem pickle -- a leadership void and no message beyond "we're not them." This BBQ will be more like a Pub Quiz where we give out prizes for the most compelling, interesting tagline for We, The Opposition. Stay tuned.
The Grand Old Pirates are getting thuggish. Is anyone surprised?
2
I'm so sorry, Gail. I just can't summon up my sense of humor this morning. Between the pathetic episode in Montana, and the revelations about Jared Kushner, color me cranky.
Bullies. They're all bullies. Nothing but numerically advanced bullies from the playground with money and power. Them and every single gop who hasn't stood up to denounce the abysmal behavior exhibited by members of this sorry party.
And I'm cranky enough to respectfully edit one of your opening statements: we're not supposed to be thinking about good times and a change in seasons. We're supposed to be thinking about all those Americans who gave their lives to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
When Memorial Day rolls around, I can't help but think of the extremely young men who charged the beaches at Normandy and didn't even make it out of the boat. Scenes from Saving Private Ryan. Eighteen year old kids torn to shreds by Nazi machine guns.
Great job, Montana. Kushner, we're coming to get you. You, and your father-in-law. None of you are fit to wipe the boots of those kids lying dead on the beach.
Bullies. They're all bullies. Nothing but numerically advanced bullies from the playground with money and power. Them and every single gop who hasn't stood up to denounce the abysmal behavior exhibited by members of this sorry party.
And I'm cranky enough to respectfully edit one of your opening statements: we're not supposed to be thinking about good times and a change in seasons. We're supposed to be thinking about all those Americans who gave their lives to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
When Memorial Day rolls around, I can't help but think of the extremely young men who charged the beaches at Normandy and didn't even make it out of the boat. Scenes from Saving Private Ryan. Eighteen year old kids torn to shreds by Nazi machine guns.
Great job, Montana. Kushner, we're coming to get you. You, and your father-in-law. None of you are fit to wipe the boots of those kids lying dead on the beach.
12
Are there ANY Democrats that Work in Washington anymore? Pulling down my taxpayer money as your salary doesn't count as working. For the amount of effectiveness displayed, it counts as "Stealing!"
No messaging. No outraged eloquent air time.
No Unity. No visibility. No repetition! No passion!
Hardly know what they are even doing...taking up space at best! Certainly not scc
No messaging. No outraged eloquent air time.
No Unity. No visibility. No repetition! No passion!
Hardly know what they are even doing...taking up space at best! Certainly not scc
Nobody outside the Big Blue Bubble cares a wit about your hysterical anti-Trump zealotry. The Donald is predident...live with it.
2
America needs three-and-a-half times the current number of representatives in the House of Reps in order to get the PEOPLE'S input into the legislative process back to the level it was in 1911, when Congress FROZE the number of Reps at 435.
During the ensuing 106 years, please note, money and legislative jiggery-pokery have made the House more and more like the Senate: an operation based on territory, personalities, lobbying, 'legal' manipulation and $$$ rather than contemporaneous input of the population.
OF the People, BY the People, FOR the People means the Senate and the House NEED to counterbalance each other, people against territory; that's the way our Constitution was conceived. If the current situation persists---and worsens as the Country's population increases year over year---we will persist in serving up helping after helping of America's common wealth to ravenous corporations and mentally starved gazillionaires.
Let's get out the vote, sure enough, but once the pendulum swings back toward thoughtful governance, let's do away with that 1911 limit of 435 Reps in the House and guarantee the House of Representatives a cleansing burst of fresh faces and fresh ideas every two years. Let's enjoy constitutional democracy as originally conceived, please, not as the oligarchy, plutocracy or autocracy a minority of people prefer. Let's have that goal.
During the ensuing 106 years, please note, money and legislative jiggery-pokery have made the House more and more like the Senate: an operation based on territory, personalities, lobbying, 'legal' manipulation and $$$ rather than contemporaneous input of the population.
OF the People, BY the People, FOR the People means the Senate and the House NEED to counterbalance each other, people against territory; that's the way our Constitution was conceived. If the current situation persists---and worsens as the Country's population increases year over year---we will persist in serving up helping after helping of America's common wealth to ravenous corporations and mentally starved gazillionaires.
Let's get out the vote, sure enough, but once the pendulum swings back toward thoughtful governance, let's do away with that 1911 limit of 435 Reps in the House and guarantee the House of Representatives a cleansing burst of fresh faces and fresh ideas every two years. Let's enjoy constitutional democracy as originally conceived, please, not as the oligarchy, plutocracy or autocracy a minority of people prefer. Let's have that goal.
3
With modern technology, we could have one rep per 500,000 voters. They wouldn't even have to come to Washington, they could live and work in their districts, among the people they are representing.
That would be much more in line with the founders' thinking - the reps were supposed to be directly from the people.
That would be much more in line with the founders' thinking - the reps were supposed to be directly from the people.
2
“If the First Amendment means anything, it means you can’t body-slam a journalist,” said Republican Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska.
As someone who grew up in Nebraska I'm always pleased to see Senator Sasse talking sense. You have to pick and choose, but you do get some reassuring gems from time to time.
As someone who grew up in Nebraska I'm always pleased to see Senator Sasse talking sense. You have to pick and choose, but you do get some reassuring gems from time to time.
A poem I remember from the 1970's had a part that went something like this:
imagine the President eating lunch
on Monday
but not Tuesday
and on Wednesday
but not Thursday
imagine the President eating lunch
on Monday
but not Tuesday
and on Wednesday
but not Thursday
1
We need to stop referring to the incident as a "body slam". This was not a WWE event. This reporter, by all accounts, was assaulted, plain and simple. To refer to the action as a body slam lessens the meaning of the attack.
255
how will Gianforte react to members of Congress who don't agree with him, pull a gun ad shoot? We don't need men who obviously have anger management problems in Congress.
This must be one of the most pathetically researched articles I've ever read. Gail Collins? Really?? I was liking it, up to the point that her distaste for Gianforte winning in the final stretch was pinned on the post-smackdown voters, rather than admitting the early voting was likely the real reason that Quist lost. With nearly 3/4 of the vote cast early by mail, no one had the ability to change their votes if they had indeed wanted to. No mention of this at all was an egregious oversight that I would not expect of such a seasoned journalist. Retirement must be in the offing.
1
This country is hopeless. Are the democrats trying to lose? Incompetent bunch of losers.
2
The United States has turned into low life. The world laughing stock.
5
What is it going to take to shock people back to their senses? I've lived seven+ decades of your history and it frightens me to remember just how dark things can get.
At this point, would even (god forbid) a national tragedy bring the Country together? I just don't think so.
Never lose your justified outrage, liberals....republicans have forgotten what it means and now they don't even have to pretend they care about anything but themselves.
Trump is just the biggest worm to have crawled out of the long-rotting republican apple.
At this point, would even (god forbid) a national tragedy bring the Country together? I just don't think so.
Never lose your justified outrage, liberals....republicans have forgotten what it means and now they don't even have to pretend they care about anything but themselves.
Trump is just the biggest worm to have crawled out of the long-rotting republican apple.
4
@Rw: A national tragedy would, instead of bringing us 'together' would probably bring martial law. Trump, the Autocrat, would just love that. And then it would be really, really difficult to ever get our country back from these thieves and liars and mean-spirited Republicans.
The Democrats would not even know how to fight back against martial law. We need Democrats to fight like Republicans. Not physically! But every other way. And we have to become much more 'out there' to counter them.
The Democrats would not even know how to fight back against martial law. We need Democrats to fight like Republicans. Not physically! But every other way. And we have to become much more 'out there' to counter them.
1
The Democratic Party leadership are mentally challenged and arthritic. They are looking for the golden rainbow of angry GOP and independent suburban voters coming their way and ignoring virtually all parts of the country not on the coasts. If I were to take a bet today, I would place money on them not gaining majority in the Senate or the House. They don't have the political power and guts to take the fight to the GOP. They would think its a "win" if they don't any seats.
Unless we clean house at the top and bring in young new blood the Democrats will go nowhere.
Unless we clean house at the top and bring in young new blood the Democrats will go nowhere.
With my few remaining shreds of optimism regarding human decency, I'd like to believe that a significant portion of Montana Republican voters would have abstained from voting for Gianforte if this incident had occurred prior to mail-in ballots being completed.
My more rational side realizes that despite having plenty of notice about a unabashed sex offender headlining the national ticket, Republicans still fell in line and voted. Their ability to swallow any offense in the name of party loyalty evokes awe, but also in the sense that conjures horror.
My more rational side realizes that despite having plenty of notice about a unabashed sex offender headlining the national ticket, Republicans still fell in line and voted. Their ability to swallow any offense in the name of party loyalty evokes awe, but also in the sense that conjures horror.
7
Well, if we are going to stick to the lowest common denominator, by saying that Gianforte at least didn't kill the guy (reporter), we must accept we are living in a violent society, courtesy of the N.R.A., and now reinforced by our civics trampler in chief Donald Trump, and our lousy education in accepting each other with some tolerance. Certainly not the kind of situation we ought to smile about. Vulgarity cannot replace refinement without thrashing the place we call home.
1
This is a crime! Yes, I live in CA, and we have the fewest representatives in the House and Senate per adult over 18. The founding fathers didn't anticipate that we would have states with a smaller population than some cities (e.g. San Francisco, L.A. etc.). This country is now being controlled by the crazy red states with very small populations and it is time for the rest of us to LEAVE. Let them have crazy Trump. They love him. Let's stop thinking things might get better. Time to seriously start creating the Blue States of America. Who's in?
2
Me.
Here is an except from a speech Mr. Gianforte gave to the Montana Bible College in February 2015:
"There's nothing in the Bible that talks about retirement. And yet it's been an accepted concept in our culture today. Nowhere does it say, ' Well he was a good and faithful servant, so he went to the beach.' It doesn't say that anywhere. The example I think was Noah. How old was Noah when he built the ark? 600. He wasn't like , cashing Social Security checks, he wasn't hanging out, he was working. So I think we have an obligation to work. The role we have in work may change over time, but the concept of retirement is not biblical."
So now "retirement " is un-Christian and we should all expect to be working at 600, rather than "hanging out" says Mr. Gianforte, while channeling his inner Paul Ryan. The Guardian journalist Mr. Jacobs should have realized that by asking about the Republican healthcare plan, of which there is no specific mention in the Bible, he was attacking Mr. Gianforte's religious beliefs and thus deserved a bit of Old Testament "retribution." That GOP millionaires spout this kind of religious twaddle is hardly surprising. That people still elect them for it is suicidal.
"There's nothing in the Bible that talks about retirement. And yet it's been an accepted concept in our culture today. Nowhere does it say, ' Well he was a good and faithful servant, so he went to the beach.' It doesn't say that anywhere. The example I think was Noah. How old was Noah when he built the ark? 600. He wasn't like , cashing Social Security checks, he wasn't hanging out, he was working. So I think we have an obligation to work. The role we have in work may change over time, but the concept of retirement is not biblical."
So now "retirement " is un-Christian and we should all expect to be working at 600, rather than "hanging out" says Mr. Gianforte, while channeling his inner Paul Ryan. The Guardian journalist Mr. Jacobs should have realized that by asking about the Republican healthcare plan, of which there is no specific mention in the Bible, he was attacking Mr. Gianforte's religious beliefs and thus deserved a bit of Old Testament "retribution." That GOP millionaires spout this kind of religious twaddle is hardly surprising. That people still elect them for it is suicidal.
8
Believe me, as a resident of Idaho for decades, just a stones throw away from Montana, you get used to intellectually and morally bankrupt politics. Still, this is ugly and dimwitted enough to distract the country from almost anything Raul Labrador might say in the next few months. Good going, Montana. You are now making Idaho look good. Cheers.
5
... and Kentucky. We're tired of being the most stupid Americans. Thanks, Montana!
1
It would help the democrats if they would quit putting up candidates who are poster children for the party's bad side stereotypes.
The body slamming? I'm sure that a lot of right wingers are cheering about now.
The body slamming? I'm sure that a lot of right wingers are cheering about now.
"Then comes the great turnaround. Looking forward. Meanwhile, have a hot dog on me."
Not body-slamming professors on college campuses in the name of identity politics could be the start of a new grass roots Dem message.
Have a spare rib on me.
Not body-slamming professors on college campuses in the name of identity politics could be the start of a new grass roots Dem message.
Have a spare rib on me.
1
Disgusting, denigrating, and deserving our condemnation is Montana's voting for Gianforte after his violent display of wrath towards our press. So now Ben Jacobs couldn't ask a question without being assaulted, yet Montanans vote for a thug to represent them? Brings back memories of brown shirts. Montana, shame on you!
2
The Democrats are losing because it is the party of the riot. It is the party of disruption when people try to speak. It is the party of no leadership. It is the party without a plan of any kind and a party pushing a false Russian narrative for over ten months without one shred of evidence. A party that cannot get over Hillary losing. America is tired of them. That is why they are losing.
1
Scandals and outrageous reports are coming so fast and furiously from this administration that before we can even digest Trump's praise of the Montana debacle, we get the truly unbelievable and literally insane news about Kushner discussing the possibility of using the Kremlin's communications channel. Old news is now anything that's a few hours old.
And although all of it is head-spinning, we owe a huge debt of gratitude to the news media for working on our behalf night and day.
And although all of it is head-spinning, we owe a huge debt of gratitude to the news media for working on our behalf night and day.
6
This Memorial Day weekend, it may hurt a bit less to recall that the Democrats, especially Hilary Clinton, had a terrific message with reasonable and plausible plans to improve our country. Unfortunately, the message was not communicated effectively - I wonder how different November's results would have been if Bill Clinton had been let off the lash- he has always been a masterful campaigner, and the benefits of Ms. Clinton's plans could have been easily envisioned. We have learned it is not sufficient to say "check my website, read my plan" when facing a foe with a simple, repetitive trope of "make America great again." It does not help, either, to ignore attacks and aggression- hit back, hard. The Democrats will profit from this temporary loss, because Trump is a liar supported by venal, rotten liars, and truth will emerge. The country can rectify its errors. Don't give up hope yet.
7
Bill Clinton called the ACA crazy. And he spoke to Loretta Lynch in private.
Two huge mistakes Hillary could not afford.
Two huge mistakes Hillary could not afford.
1
@kathleen: I disagree with you. Bill lost this election for Hillary when he decided to climb those stairs to Loretta Lynch's plane. Let Bill off the leash? My god. I voted for Hillary (caucused for Bernie) but I really didn't like the idea of Bill 'unleashed' in the White House. She should have sent him to an undisclosed island in the South Pacific for the entire race.
2
Trying to focus on the one important issue in this messy column, NATO speech. Trump was right to insist that all NATO members pay up. Most Americans are tired of paying for European security. The Europeans trumpet, no pun intended, their wonderful socialist business models. How would that be going if they had to defend themselves? Ms. Collins seems like a very nice lady, who really can't write and doesn't think clearly. But, even she must resent the Europeans' condescension.
1
Europe does contribute. Right now they are supporting hundreds of thousands of immigrants while we turn a blind eye. They have rescue boats out in the Mediterranean daily picking up people by the boatload with no help from us. The people in those boats are escaping from wars we started. We destabilized the region. There was no ISIL, no Al Qaeda in Iraq before we blew it up. The Europeans joined us after 9/11 in that fool's errand. They are now cleaning up the mess we made. We won't even take the refugees in.
Comparing those costs, I would say we got off cheaply for our folly.
Comparing those costs, I would say we got off cheaply for our folly.
2
An embarrassment for Montana. The saving grace is that this piece of human waste is not from Montana.
2
Won't he be up for re-election next year? People elected in special elections just serve out the term of the person who left, so you get a change very soon to redeem yourselves.
And all the Democrats could come up with it in this compromised situation was a banjo player with a dodgy past? Right.
1
They lust for losing. For some reason they refuse to govern. Corporate greed has them hamstrung.
What makes this so hard for me to swallow is that it confirms the frightening loss of civility and some sense of shared values that we as a society should have - that you don't beat up someone for asking a benign question - let alone one key to the job you are seeking to get hired for. But the assault was the lesser offense to me than the bald faced lie about it after - that he still hasn't retracted. Thank goodness there were eye witnesses or he'd probably just deny the whole thing ever happened. I'll go one step further. This most definitely isn't the first time this man has snapped and been abusive. If the walls of his home could only talk. Anyway - I feel deeply scared that so many would defend and encourage his thuggish criminal behavior. I'm sure many of those "good folks" will be in church on Sunday teaching their kids the commandments. How ironic.
6
This whole episode has been really troubling.
One of the pillars of our country is Freedom of the Press. And yet we are witnessing an unprecedented attack on the press. What with Trump's statement that the media spreads false news and that the media is the enemy of the American people, the body slamming in Montana, the blocking of a reporter in Maryland and the threatened arrest of a reporter shouting questions at Tom Price, we are seeing what happens when we get a bunch of thugs in Congress and the White House. We can treat it with humor ( thank you, Gail) but it is really an attack on the basic foundations of our country. The press isn't perfect, but it's essential to a functioning democracy. Attacking the press is a serious problem and needs to be resisted vigorously.
I hope the good people of Montana ( I have a brother in Bozeman) give this thug Gianforte six months in jail to reflect on what a criminal he's been,but I am resigned that he will get away with a slap on the wrist and a small fine, more than likely paid for out of his campaign contributions. More's the pity.
One of the pillars of our country is Freedom of the Press. And yet we are witnessing an unprecedented attack on the press. What with Trump's statement that the media spreads false news and that the media is the enemy of the American people, the body slamming in Montana, the blocking of a reporter in Maryland and the threatened arrest of a reporter shouting questions at Tom Price, we are seeing what happens when we get a bunch of thugs in Congress and the White House. We can treat it with humor ( thank you, Gail) but it is really an attack on the basic foundations of our country. The press isn't perfect, but it's essential to a functioning democracy. Attacking the press is a serious problem and needs to be resisted vigorously.
I hope the good people of Montana ( I have a brother in Bozeman) give this thug Gianforte six months in jail to reflect on what a criminal he's been,but I am resigned that he will get away with a slap on the wrist and a small fine, more than likely paid for out of his campaign contributions. More's the pity.
10
Gail, it's a great column, as usual from your keyboard. But you left out one important fact: Something like two-thirds of Montana's votes had already come in--by mail--BEFORE Gianforte decked Jacobs. I care because this disgraceful encounter happened in Gallatin County (Bozeman), where, way back in 1959-60, I was secretary of the county Democratic Party. We helped elect John F. Kennedy (I got to shake his handsome hand), and sent U.S. Rep. Lee Metcalf up to join Mike Mansfield in the Senate, where Lee served three terms. There were giants in those days; Rob Quist is no Mansfield or Metcalf. But give Montanans credit: Gianforte's violent tantrum must have shocked many of them into regret for the votes they'd already cast.
1
When Trump was campaigning, he said, he can shoot someone and still get elected, his supporters applauded, and approved of his behavior. Gianforte is no different than Trump and those who elected him. Same mentality.
1
I used to think of Montana as kind of a genteel western state. Now I think of it as full of people I am glad I have never met. I really hope this isn't the real Montana. Then again, I really hope this isn't the real America. It's like a bad dream, where every one in charge is self-centered, crass and stupid. I hope I wake up.
2
you know who looks like a wuss in all this? Mr. Gianforte. Can't take a question, can't take the pressure, and despite throwing Mr. Jacobs to the floor plus throwing two or three punches at him from above, all Gianforte managed to do was break Jacob's glasses while shrieking.
It's a strikingly apt metaphor: from peaceful protesters to professional reporters, everyone's getting body slammed in America these days. It's almost as if thanks to Trump (however that happened!) overnight your whole wonderful country has been transformed into one big bad neighbourhood and a precious thing called common decency has been set aside for mammon. The 'free world' isn't exactly in mourning, only already missing a fast friendship it had, up to so very recently, taken completely for granted.
3
Lucky the reporter was not exercising his second amendment rights. He could have stood his ground and legally shot Gianforte. That would have been ironic.
5
I feel sorry for the people of Montana. It doesn't appear that either candidate was much of a choice. A Democrat who has failed to pay his taxes and a Republican who should be in an anger management class. Not good choices! Surely, the state can offer candidates who have the interests of the people first and foremost.
While you don't believe the Democrats offer the people anything, we do know what the Republican's are offering and it does not include a minimum wage increase or a better health care plan or care for the environment or .... The party of Trump offers Montanians and the rest of us no hope and no progress.
While you don't believe the Democrats offer the people anything, we do know what the Republican's are offering and it does not include a minimum wage increase or a better health care plan or care for the environment or .... The party of Trump offers Montanians and the rest of us no hope and no progress.
1
Gail, I can think of one democrat who has had immensely thorough, positive policy solutions to our most pressing problems (and some we haven't even thought of yet) but we're not allowed to talk about Hillary Clinton anymore without most republicans, some democrats, and all Russian trolls shrieking and spinning as if their hair were on fire. Hillary herself asked, "what are they afraid of?" It seems that the even the word democrat may be going the way of liberal and feminist, morphed relentlessly into something some people spit out.
Still, I think it's okay to rail against leadership republicans with their bullying techniques, cruel policies, and feigned wide-eyed innocence as they lie directly to our faces. Considering the breaking news tonight and every night, I think we'll have a roar before long.
Still, I think it's okay to rail against leadership republicans with their bullying techniques, cruel policies, and feigned wide-eyed innocence as they lie directly to our faces. Considering the breaking news tonight and every night, I think we'll have a roar before long.
12
"Then comes the great turnaround. Looking forward. Meanwhile, have a hot dog on me."
Well, Orrin Hatch (R-UT), as president pro tem of the Senate, is next in the presidential line of succession after Mike Pence and Paul Ryan. That might be worth about half a hot dog and a somewhat stale, flat soft drink.
On the upside, Frank Zappa made a guitar instrumental called "Orrin Hatch on Skis" -- so maybe we'd get a little traction there?
To ... looking forward.
Well, Orrin Hatch (R-UT), as president pro tem of the Senate, is next in the presidential line of succession after Mike Pence and Paul Ryan. That might be worth about half a hot dog and a somewhat stale, flat soft drink.
On the upside, Frank Zappa made a guitar instrumental called "Orrin Hatch on Skis" -- so maybe we'd get a little traction there?
To ... looking forward.
4
Sometime in the late 20th century...remember that century?...the Democrats lost their way. For decades, they were the chief defenders of Social Security, Medicare and, sometimes, Medicaid and a bunch of other federal programs that help prevent people from dying in the streets and creating an awful rotten smell across the land. In a sense, the Democrats ran out of ideas. They were under such relentless attack by Republicans, accused of everything but burning elderly ladies, that they seemed to believe some of the criticisms themselves.
What DO they stand for? They are timid on actually trying to fix things so that the middle economic class can enjoy a revitalization because that might offend the poor and, very important, upset those in the high income brackets who support Democrats. They avoided actually trying to solve the problem of rampant, undocumented immigrants because they didn't want to be blamed for the results. The Obamacare health insurance plan left private enterprise sitting astride the health of the nation, raking in billions.
The Democrats are the party of timorous, frightened half measures, From 1980 through 2016, with the exception of Obama, most were either forgettable candidates or candidates better forgotten.
Are the Democrats losing because of lack of boldness? Surely, they locked themselves to interest groups that prevent them from reaching out to a wider constituency. The majority support their programs but oppose Democrat's candidates. Some deal.
What DO they stand for? They are timid on actually trying to fix things so that the middle economic class can enjoy a revitalization because that might offend the poor and, very important, upset those in the high income brackets who support Democrats. They avoided actually trying to solve the problem of rampant, undocumented immigrants because they didn't want to be blamed for the results. The Obamacare health insurance plan left private enterprise sitting astride the health of the nation, raking in billions.
The Democrats are the party of timorous, frightened half measures, From 1980 through 2016, with the exception of Obama, most were either forgettable candidates or candidates better forgotten.
Are the Democrats losing because of lack of boldness? Surely, they locked themselves to interest groups that prevent them from reaching out to a wider constituency. The majority support their programs but oppose Democrat's candidates. Some deal.
107
Doug - keep writing. You are on to something.
My question to Democrats who diasagree with you: do you want to win arguments or elections?
My question to Democrats who diasagree with you: do you want to win arguments or elections?
1
WOW Right on target! Excellent, correct and thank you Doug.
1
Thanks for the endorsements. There is much more to cover in terms of the failures of Democrats and I am always hoping to understand things better, even while I lean strongly in their direction.
1
White voters have lost any sense of decency and intelligence. It's now beyond voting against your own self interest, but they're willingly choosing hate, and malicious people to govern, and the results are predictably disastrous.
4
Democrats want to bring higher wages , fairness for all, affordable health care for everyone and peace.
You got a problem with that? Montana?
You got a problem with that? Montana?
6
It's not illegal to elect idiots. In fact, it's the American way.
I wish there was a cure for this, but there isn't. These guys are taking advantage of a group that feels disenfranchised by what they see as the "elite." And they can do anything, apparently - including stripping their voters of health care and a safety net.
It's also not illegal to be misinformed, and taken advantage of by hucksters. In fact, that too is apparently the American way.
I wish there was a cure for this, but there isn't. These guys are taking advantage of a group that feels disenfranchised by what they see as the "elite." And they can do anything, apparently - including stripping their voters of health care and a safety net.
It's also not illegal to be misinformed, and taken advantage of by hucksters. In fact, that too is apparently the American way.
163
We are in sad shape as the most powerful nation in the world has been seduced by the dumbing down of it's voter's refusal to think critically about it's own welfare and instead elect someone as crooked and self serving as Donald Trump and Republican Party stooges for the rich.
1
I think Mr. Gianforte's supporters, and by proxy Mr. Trump's supporters have taken leave of their senses of decency and moderation and are attracting to themselves all that is abhorrent.
5
This race was always a long shot in deep red Montana.
TrumpCare will send Montanans and other rural states back to the days of such limited health are that maybe, just maybe, they can consider that Dens might have their best interest.
Nah As I have heard time and again-- I vote R regardless of the candidate.
TrumpCare will send Montanans and other rural states back to the days of such limited health are that maybe, just maybe, they can consider that Dens might have their best interest.
Nah As I have heard time and again-- I vote R regardless of the candidate.
2
The problem is that the while the rank-and-file Democrats are behind universal health care, the DNC isn't really. They are too busy back-slapping at fund raisers. Last year, Hillary was busy - really, really busy - at fund raiser while Sanders was drawing tens of thousands to his rallies. Regardless, the DNC wanted her. For them it is more about money than winning.
The good news that my husband came up with to cheer me up about Montana electing a man who can't control his temper: voters get another chance to rid themselves of him in 18 months. By then this trump-loving anger-mismanaging guy will likely have a better Dem opponent, who can remind everybody how he treated a reporter last time he ran. Also by then a trump-lover may not look so good - to say the least. (Think of a Christmas tune: "Its beginning to look a lot like... Treason")
But regarding the safety of reporters, Gail, I'm reminding you that last week I asked for your loyalty. So, please, remember, you may be a columnist but you work for a newspaper. So, watch your back! We need you, Gail!
But regarding the safety of reporters, Gail, I'm reminding you that last week I asked for your loyalty. So, please, remember, you may be a columnist but you work for a newspaper. So, watch your back! We need you, Gail!
5
In contrast to most Americans, the people of Texas enjoy the unusual privilege of suffering embarrassment anytime two of our elected leaders escape supervision by their handlers and make unscripted public comments. Governor Greg Abbott, a sort of understudy in stupidity to Trump, excels at snappy repartee, in which he manages to insult people at the same time he exposes his own vast ignorance. In a state renowned for its long record of mediocre governors (with the notable exceptions of Ms. Richards and, perhaps, John Connolly), Abbott seems determined to distinguish himself as the worst of a bad lot.
When Abbott tires of office (or the voters grow weary of him), Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick waits in the wings. An enemy of public education who condemns the secular orientation of the system's curriculum, Patrick yearns for the opportunity to inflict more harm on the people of the state than even Abbott has done.
At a time when low-income Texans desperately need an expansion of Medicaid, these two esteemed gentlemen are trying to get the legislature to pass a bathroom bill that will protect vulnerable children from sinister transgender kids. Yes, I feel confident that both of these gentlemen will make it into the Texas Governor's Hall of Shame.
When Abbott tires of office (or the voters grow weary of him), Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick waits in the wings. An enemy of public education who condemns the secular orientation of the system's curriculum, Patrick yearns for the opportunity to inflict more harm on the people of the state than even Abbott has done.
At a time when low-income Texans desperately need an expansion of Medicaid, these two esteemed gentlemen are trying to get the legislature to pass a bathroom bill that will protect vulnerable children from sinister transgender kids. Yes, I feel confident that both of these gentlemen will make it into the Texas Governor's Hall of Shame.
14
They better start supporting emerging democratic candidates or we're going lose again. No disrespect intended, but Hillary is good at making money and her new group should help these candidates. Just sayin.
3
Just add Gianforte to the list of reality show folks who have made it into Congress. Maybe we could just save money on elections by putting a couple of people in Thunder Dome and letting them slug it out for the office.
4
Have you considered, Gail, that Gianforte was only trying to get on the good side of the leader of the small business department? After all she was the billionaire who led the World Wrestling Association. Perhaps he could wear and call himself the Montana Marauder. Perhaps Trump could challenge him at one of his failed Atlantic City casinos. They could sell tickets and buy another failed F35. But who in Atlantic City could afford to buy anything after tangling with Trump who is more likely to pick your pocket than participate in a fair fight. By the way I suggest Trump call himself the Trump terror for the match which will be refereed by Paul Ryan in tights.
Gail, hot dog, you aren't referring to Seamus on the roof, are you?!
1
Gianforte is copying the thuggish behavior of Trump. I was in Burlington, Vermont, last winter when Trump was making a campaign speech at the Flynn, a 1930's Art Deco movie theater. When a protester stood up and asked a question, Trump shouted "Throw him out, throw him out" and Trump's henchmen dragged the young man up the aisle. Trump shouted "Take his coat too--- it's sub zero outside." Throw him out.... and so the young man was thrown out, sans coat, into the frigid weather. Trump also lied to the Burlington Free Press the next day by exaggerating the crowd ."Thousands of people showed up." The next day the Burlington Police report stated that the Flynn venue would hold only a fraction of the number Trump claimed. Gianforte is copying the thuggish behavior of his party leader. Wanna know who let the dogs out? We all know who did!
6
Uh, one possible solution is for Democrats to scour the countryside for better candidates. (Personally, I think Rob Quist's problem was not the venues at which he chose to perform, but the performances themselves. I sing better, & I can't carry a tune.) Republican voters are happy with bullies, know-nothings & liars, but Democratic voters want candidates who are actually admirable, intelligent, informed, innovative -- and good public speakers. The potential candidates are out there. The Democratic party just needs to recruit and back them.
By back them, I mean with money. The Democratic National Committee has been remarkably parsimonious, even toward candidates who did have a chance of winning.
A third part of the equation is something President Obama & Eric Holder are working on: realigning gerrymandered districts.
And a fourth is, of course, attacking voter suppression laws state by state. This starts, by the way, by getting better Democratic candidates for state-level elective office. As long as Republicans control most of the state legislatures, they are going to limit the impact of Democratic votes. That's how it works, and the courts are okay with that.
The Constant Weader at http://www.RealityChex.com
By back them, I mean with money. The Democratic National Committee has been remarkably parsimonious, even toward candidates who did have a chance of winning.
A third part of the equation is something President Obama & Eric Holder are working on: realigning gerrymandered districts.
And a fourth is, of course, attacking voter suppression laws state by state. This starts, by the way, by getting better Democratic candidates for state-level elective office. As long as Republicans control most of the state legislatures, they are going to limit the impact of Democratic votes. That's how it works, and the courts are okay with that.
The Constant Weader at http://www.RealityChex.com
6
There is never any shortage of money to slander Democratic candidates for public offices.
"But people need to see the Democratic line on the ballot and think of something more than Not as Dreadful."
Indeed!
The Democrats couldn't be bothered with the Montana race, but after the GOP candidate assaulted the Guardian reporter, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) did what they seem to do best: beg for money to launch "emergency ads to make voters all over Montana know about this violent attack." Talk about too little, too late. Too, the early votes were already in and it was unlikely that voters hadn't heard of the despicable assault from their newspapers and electronic media. So even their last minute efforts were for naught.
DCCC is putting more of an effort into the Georgia race than they did in Kansas or Montana. Their candidate seems to be a viable one, too. If the Democrats do prevail in Georgia, they can perhaps replicate that formula elsewhere.
As for GOP, they were perfectly comfortable supporting a candidate who took the lowest road for the highest office in the land, what with name calling, mocking the disabled, bragging about sexual assault and so on. So it's hardly surprising that a majority of them didn't condemn the thug from Montana, who assaulted a reporter and had the temerity to blame the reporter, eyewitnesses to the assault notwithstanding. If a Fox reporter calls you out on your lie, then you know that you are a despicable character.
Being a contemptible character, it seems, helps you get elected on the GOP line. Sad!
Indeed!
The Democrats couldn't be bothered with the Montana race, but after the GOP candidate assaulted the Guardian reporter, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) did what they seem to do best: beg for money to launch "emergency ads to make voters all over Montana know about this violent attack." Talk about too little, too late. Too, the early votes were already in and it was unlikely that voters hadn't heard of the despicable assault from their newspapers and electronic media. So even their last minute efforts were for naught.
DCCC is putting more of an effort into the Georgia race than they did in Kansas or Montana. Their candidate seems to be a viable one, too. If the Democrats do prevail in Georgia, they can perhaps replicate that formula elsewhere.
As for GOP, they were perfectly comfortable supporting a candidate who took the lowest road for the highest office in the land, what with name calling, mocking the disabled, bragging about sexual assault and so on. So it's hardly surprising that a majority of them didn't condemn the thug from Montana, who assaulted a reporter and had the temerity to blame the reporter, eyewitnesses to the assault notwithstanding. If a Fox reporter calls you out on your lie, then you know that you are a despicable character.
Being a contemptible character, it seems, helps you get elected on the GOP line. Sad!
4
The brain-dead leadership of the Democratic Party are light years behind the rank&file members who are sick and tired of the same old, same old losing strategies that have lost almost every mid-term election since Reagan, other than 2006, and got CLOBBERED in 2010 and 2014...and in 2016 when they were SUPPOSED to take back the Senate, at a minimum.
The rank&file KNOW that there's an nascent coup happening in this country being led right from the Oval Office by the President, loosely but definitely supported by the Speaker and Senate Majority leader, and that the leadership of the Democratic don't want to believe what's blatantly clear to everyone else.
And now is the time to stop it, while it's still possible. Indivisible is based on the Tea Party tactics, starting with fight EVERY election like you can win it, not matter what. Find the money. Find the volunteers, and cede NOTHING!
Only Howard Dean as DNC Chair understood this, but Tim Kane, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Donna Brazille, and now Tom Perez don't have and never had a clue. And what have they done? Lose, lose, and lose!
The rank&file KNOW that there's an nascent coup happening in this country being led right from the Oval Office by the President, loosely but definitely supported by the Speaker and Senate Majority leader, and that the leadership of the Democratic don't want to believe what's blatantly clear to everyone else.
And now is the time to stop it, while it's still possible. Indivisible is based on the Tea Party tactics, starting with fight EVERY election like you can win it, not matter what. Find the money. Find the volunteers, and cede NOTHING!
Only Howard Dean as DNC Chair understood this, but Tim Kane, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Donna Brazille, and now Tom Perez don't have and never had a clue. And what have they done? Lose, lose, and lose!
263
But they do keep the donor class happy. They can swill champagne with the best of them, and then pat each other on the back for what swell fellows they are.
They just can't lead a willing horse to water.
They just can't lead a willing horse to water.
Exactly. I am furious and have decided what is best outcome is to allow all aspects of the arepublican agenda to take affect. In the way the inevitable toll of human suffering such as occurred in the Great Depresssion will result in a paradigm shift and a return to kind compassionate care for all.
So let's continue as we have and hope in the short term for the worst.
So let's continue as we have and hope in the short term for the worst.
If our nation would decide that buying elections was not the best policy and go to public financing, the leadership would move in the direction you advocate, because at the end of the day Democratic policies are what people actually want, in survey after survey. The problem is that elections have become extremely expensive and the Democrats made a pragmatic (and I would add mistaken) decision to go after corporate money. Those sources are not going to come through with money for the true Democratic agenda, so it gets minimized. With public financing and the end of blatantly manipulating actions like Citizens United parties would be free to focus on what they actually stand for. Then people would know what they were actually voting for.
Remember the Donald himself body-slammed someone just outside the ring while watching a wrestling match. Is this a great country or what?
8
I remember Trump urging his supporters to attack his critics and saying he'd pay their legal fees. He did this while campaigning, on the podium.
In a way, I blame Democrats and liberals. We have spent decades now trying to run from the "liberal" and "elite" labels the right wing has managed to pervert. We have spent energy "understanding" these people. And the worst, in doing so, we have played right into their desire to bring the United States down to their "in the mud" level, "I love the uneducated!", "I like Bush/Trump because he talks like me", "Trump's vulgar admission of sexual assault is just locker room talk!", and now cheering an assault on a journalist by someone who wants to be a public servant, level.
I don't see them trying to raise themselves to a more civilized level, but I have seen the left capitulate all too often to their desire to drag this country down. We've got to stop that. Civilized people who know these things are wrong and damaging to a society need to defend and protect that civility, NOT give credence to those who celebrate being uncivilized.
In a way, I blame Democrats and liberals. We have spent decades now trying to run from the "liberal" and "elite" labels the right wing has managed to pervert. We have spent energy "understanding" these people. And the worst, in doing so, we have played right into their desire to bring the United States down to their "in the mud" level, "I love the uneducated!", "I like Bush/Trump because he talks like me", "Trump's vulgar admission of sexual assault is just locker room talk!", and now cheering an assault on a journalist by someone who wants to be a public servant, level.
I don't see them trying to raise themselves to a more civilized level, but I have seen the left capitulate all too often to their desire to drag this country down. We've got to stop that. Civilized people who know these things are wrong and damaging to a society need to defend and protect that civility, NOT give credence to those who celebrate being uncivilized.
114 potential flips? What are the democrats waiting for? Trump's message is loud and clear, and like it or not, drowning out anything the democrats are messaging. I'm willing to bet that the average consumer of news doesn't know what the democrats stand for, and it's not their fault. Let's come up with 4 actionable ideas that affect people in their wallets, and maybe 1 or 2 social issues, and hammer away. 2018 AND 20 are right around the corner. Let's get to work!
16
Yes, Gail, you got it right about the Democrats. Clinton lost the election in part because her campaign message was, "I'm not him." That's what the Demos are saying right now. "We're not them." So who are you? Give us a health care bill that fixes the ACA, or better yet, goes for single-payer insurance for all. Give us a tax reform bill that makes sense. Give us a jobs training bill. And so forth. Take the Republican issues and do them one better. I'm waiting.
13
Pretty soon there will be another special elections in Montana. Trump will appoint this guy to white House Press Secretary because he knows how to deal with the reporters.
208
I think a couple of high testosterone lawsuits for elected officials to pay huge damages for their actions will clear some fog for the fake macho/delicate baby GOP. The Montana reporter should be front-loading the college funds for his kids.
Greg Abbott on the other hand is a stupid man, a pre-existing condition. There is no cure.
Greg Abbott on the other hand is a stupid man, a pre-existing condition. There is no cure.
11
More people in Montana voted for the Republican who beat up the reporter who questioned him than those who objected to his violent act.
They liked, no, loved the idea that a"fake news" journalist was body slammed by a Trump copy cat. They even booed the guy they voted for when he tried to apologize.
It had more to do with their hate of what they consider main stream media than with the Democratic candidate.
They liked, no, loved the idea that a"fake news" journalist was body slammed by a Trump copy cat. They even booed the guy they voted for when he tried to apologize.
It had more to do with their hate of what they consider main stream media than with the Democratic candidate.
9
It's not you, Gail, it's me. I used to find your column to be so much funnier before Trump found the White House. I long for the days when I could laugh at the off the rails absurdity of a race for a House seat in someone else's state and not worry about what the 70-year old child in the White House might be contemplating to protect his oversized, fragile, and insecure ego.
6
Before I joke about the little house seat on the prairie, I must admit that I believe the election would have turned against Gianforte, if more than 260,000 Montanans had not voted early. Those votes amounted to almost 70 percent of the total votes cast ahead of the controversial election.
Okay, back to the prairie. Montana has significant "Badlands", which are a type of dry terrain with softer sedimentary rocks. That state's population is 89% white, micro brewing and mining are key economic activities. To my mind the odds were stacked against the Democrats. But, who knows? Perhaps this incident, (and bad Trump policies) will catalyze a process of political change!
Okay, back to the prairie. Montana has significant "Badlands", which are a type of dry terrain with softer sedimentary rocks. That state's population is 89% white, micro brewing and mining are key economic activities. To my mind the odds were stacked against the Democrats. But, who knows? Perhaps this incident, (and bad Trump policies) will catalyze a process of political change!
7
Trump may have a new model. Frank Bruni hilariously noted the "president's" bizarre corporeal language. Beware, it could turn violent.
1
Gail, that's exactly it. Democrats are so used to coming in second that the mere idea of victory seems like a long shot, too much to hope for. The team needs a leader. When I watched Donald Trump excuse his vulgarity as “Locker room talk” I was silently begging for Hillary to respond, “Then go run for President of the Locker room! The grown ups have a country to run!”
I didn’t hear that. Instead we got her milky smile and I-won’t-sink-to-his-level attitude. I respect that, but it didn’t work. The team needs a leader, and if possible, a star. I see none on the horizon, but we didn’t see Obama coming either. Interesting times indeed.
I didn’t hear that. Instead we got her milky smile and I-won’t-sink-to-his-level attitude. I respect that, but it didn’t work. The team needs a leader, and if possible, a star. I see none on the horizon, but we didn’t see Obama coming either. Interesting times indeed.
202
The saddest part of your comment is that "I-won't-sink-to-his-level" does not demand any respect from voters who are too busy being fooled by a buffoon. His level is acceptable to many who do not see the vulgarity in his ways and regardless of what others think, or say, if that is how you were brought up, and have no sense of decency, nothing short of a second coming of whom ever, is going to change who these voters are. Very depressing to think how many have sunk to his level!
2
"the team needs a leader". And a popular program that can be clearly stated, preferably in a sentence. They are nowhere near either now. By focusing on calling Trump names, rather than where they will take the nation under their leadership, they make their weakness clear for all except themselves to see. Also, as long as they cling to the mantra that only poor, uneducated people elected Trump, they will continue to lose. As I have said before, all the Trump voters I know are college educated and affluent.
An important factor that Gail doesn't mention was early mail-in voting. The election may already have been decided before the last-minute assault on the reporter occurred. I'd like to think the people of Montana would have punished rather than rewarded the thuggish, Trumpish behavior of Greg Gianforte if the timing of the incident had been different.
218
perhaps those of us who were shocked by Gianforte's violent response to a civil question should considering boycotting the state of Montana with respect to sight seeing.
Why do Dems have to offer policy and whatnot. Repubs didn't for 6 years and got elected. Y wide margins. How about highlighting how bankrupt they are?
1
I've actually been to Montana and all I can say is people generally live in Montana for a reason.
Oh, I know you see I live in New Hampshire which has got to be just as eccentric, but actually, not. Except for the Free State Project, people live in New Hampshire because, well, they got off the Mayflower and sort of turned right.
But those places out West like Montana, Wyoming, the Dakotas, they are off the grid even when they hare plugged in. I suspect that punch throwing Congressman really does represent his state.
The trouble is, the same can be said of most Reps from Alabama, South Carolina and Mississippi, Arizona and Texas.
When I travel in Europe they know I'm American somehow, just looking. So I wear a Hillary button, just to announce I'm not from the crazy half.
Oh, I know you see I live in New Hampshire which has got to be just as eccentric, but actually, not. Except for the Free State Project, people live in New Hampshire because, well, they got off the Mayflower and sort of turned right.
But those places out West like Montana, Wyoming, the Dakotas, they are off the grid even when they hare plugged in. I suspect that punch throwing Congressman really does represent his state.
The trouble is, the same can be said of most Reps from Alabama, South Carolina and Mississippi, Arizona and Texas.
When I travel in Europe they know I'm American somehow, just looking. So I wear a Hillary button, just to announce I'm not from the crazy half.
5
I believe I have a solution to people like Gianforte from assaulting members of the press. I would hire a lawyer or two or three to come to press conferences. If a pol or security personnel assault a member of the press, I would hire a lawyer there to file an "intentional infliction" civil suit. If the press member won, he could be awarded tens of millions of dollars, maybe more. Add to that a permanent percentage attachment of wages and investment income.
Judgments have been won against people who have caused intentional infliction of severe emotional stress and distress. Does an award for 100 million dollars sound appropriate. I think it does.
Judgments have been won against people who have caused intentional infliction of severe emotional stress and distress. Does an award for 100 million dollars sound appropriate. I think it does.
9
Anyone who condones physical violence like this or says or believes the reporter had it coming is compliant in the attack itself. Journalists are fair game now for violence, and it all comes from bully Trump talk. We are in a dangerous time.
11
Big Daddy, I think you mean 'compliciit', not "compliant." Nonetheless, Trump's pronouncements about Muslims, Mexicans,"voters in Philadelphia; you know who I mean (African Americans)" and others have unleashed small minds and smaller hearts to attack those now seen as defenseless. We see this most harmfully among ICE frontline employees who feel empowered to abuse their "authority."
2
The Montana Democrats couldn't find a better candidate than THAT?
Good lord.
Good lord.
6
DNC Chair Tom Perez appeared on Seth Myers a few days ago. Myers did his best to get him to discuss where the Democrats stood on any substantive policy issue. Instead we got a manic apparatchik who could do nothing but repeat the same tepid blather that served Hillary so well in 2016. It was distressing to see Myers finally realize he was going to get nowhere with this stooge but Perez's job isn't to win elections, it's to suck up money from people who will then dictate their agenda, exactly why he was Obama's choice for the post.
133
Obama brought about the largest transfer of wealth from the 1% to the 99% in history; it's called the ACA. Sure it is incomplete, but it took 80 years to get. I think Progressives of your stripe who attack PBO's legacy really do not understand America. Every 30 years we get a two year spasm of progressive legislation. It is never perfect, but it moves the ball in the right direction. Then we spend the next 30 years defending and refining the last accomplishment. That's America.
1
Stan - I mostly agree with you. Not so sure about the Obama part. What "agenda" are you referring to?
Perez's job is to raise money, not make policy. But he unfortunately speaks in a kind of nouveau-Democratic blather that attracts no one and repels independent voters. It's a platform that makes the people they want to help (the poor and cultural outsiders) sound like hapless dolts and leeches.
I'd rather see a guy like Tim Ryan (D-OH) speak for the party than Perez or even Nancy Pelosi - who is a great vote-organizer in Congress, but has become a caricature for the right.
Perez's job is to raise money, not make policy. But he unfortunately speaks in a kind of nouveau-Democratic blather that attracts no one and repels independent voters. It's a platform that makes the people they want to help (the poor and cultural outsiders) sound like hapless dolts and leeches.
I'd rather see a guy like Tim Ryan (D-OH) speak for the party than Perez or even Nancy Pelosi - who is a great vote-organizer in Congress, but has become a caricature for the right.
Stan--Well, that's what you get with corporate Dem, Tom Perez. Start looking around for real Democrats who believe in the old progressive principles, that are intended to serve the people, not the oligarchy. Perez is not one of those.
1
You're being far to generous to the voters in Montana. The truth is that more Montana voters rushed to support Gianforte BECAUSE he physically thrashed a reporter. If he had shot him perhaps he could have won 60% of the vote. Please no more excuses for Republicans voters putting in office Republican candidates that do and say deplorable things. That kind of rationalization got us Donald Trump.
14
Gail is right, the Democratic party needs to decide what it stands for. They could start with universal health care. The AHCA is a joke. The ACA is damaged. Now is the perfect time to promote single payer. It could be a big winner in 2018.
7
Can't the party put together a candidate's boot-camp? Give scholarships to the best and brightest for an 18 month run at the 2018 elections. Start now before you have to go out c-list celebrity shopping.
3
The problem for Democrats hoping to regain a majority in the House is that, because 100% of Democrat Reps vote straight party line against the much more diverse Republican vote, on all but pro forms matters, every Democrat running against a Republican incumbent is not a unique individual but merely a robotic, faceless 'Democrat' vote, and therefore their faces can rightly be morphed in Republican ads into the faces of the most hairbrained visible Dems, like Maxine waters, Nancy Pelosi, and Elijah Cummings, all of whom are largely despised, perceived as repulsive extremists in all but left and center left districts.
2
Mr. Gianforte did not control his rage when asked about our healthcare. Contrast his poor behavior with the civil conduct of citizens nationwide who go to town halls and otherwise contact their representatives in defense of guaranteed healthcare. Our lives are on the line, but we don't assault our representatives, as the newly-elected representative assaulted a reporter.
352
Ha Ha, civil behavior??? You forget the riots run by your progressives, the assault near me of a congressman? Those I see are not civil, but rather radicals.
Undoubtedly Gianforte was wise enough to throw his tantrum on the eve of the election. By than a very large percentage had already voted, and among the rest, there was very little time for the significance of the event to sink in.
Perhaps, the lesson is that it's OK to beat up a reporter so long as you wait until just before election day.
Perhaps, the lesson is that it's OK to beat up a reporter so long as you wait until just before election day.
3
He won because of the fracas. Really. It's a time for manly, studly men.
Never mind that the Presidential Apprentice looks and moves like your typical 90 year old with extensive, substandard plastic surgery ( apologies to actual nonagenarians ). No, it's the " feel " of manliness, the frisson coming from danger, from potential grabbing, to " rough" language, and unpredictability. It's a backlash to feminists, political correctness, even to basic, simple fairness. White men are in charge, bigly. Women and minorities must be put BACK into their rightful place. No more sissy men, it's back to the future, just like the pioneers. REAL MEN.
Never mind that the Presidential Apprentice looks and moves like your typical 90 year old with extensive, substandard plastic surgery ( apologies to actual nonagenarians ). No, it's the " feel " of manliness, the frisson coming from danger, from potential grabbing, to " rough" language, and unpredictability. It's a backlash to feminists, political correctness, even to basic, simple fairness. White men are in charge, bigly. Women and minorities must be put BACK into their rightful place. No more sissy men, it's back to the future, just like the pioneers. REAL MEN.
6
It was repulsive to hear Gianforte's insincere apology to Jacobs tucked into his victory speech. Had Gianforte wanted to express contrition, he could and should have before Thursday night. But instead he let the message linger that he was provoked by 'the liberal media' and left a supposed tough guy image. Gianforte kept a low profile on election day and waited until victory was assured to say that he will do better.
A person of integrity would have censured his own poor form sooner, come what will. Or better yet, would not have flipped his lid in the first place when asked a responsible question.
A person of integrity would have censured his own poor form sooner, come what will. Or better yet, would not have flipped his lid in the first place when asked a responsible question.
5
I guess the second amendment means more to republicans than the first/. But what bout the Kushnar TRUMPERY. Look it up , it's a genuine Webster defined word.I
4
Shoot first and ask questions later (or never) has always had an irresistible appeal to Grand Old Primitive minds.
Republicans are offended by an honest press that dares to ask honest questions about saving American lives, preferring instead the soothing Fake News propaganda IV drip of Guns Over People, Greed Over People, God Over People and Gonads Over Pudendums.
There's nothing more 'American' than assaulting the truth to Grand Old Patriots who are simply working hard to pass the American Death Care Act while implementing federal control of the nation's unruly uteruses...or uteri, if you will.
Researchers have found that conservatives have larger amygdala than liberals.
The amygdala is an almond-shaped structure deep in the brain that is active during states of fear and anxiety.
Liberals, on the other hand, have more gray matter in the anterior cingulate cortex, a region of the brain that helps people cope with complexity.
In short, the conservative, Republican mind is big on fear, national defense and magnifies the perception of threat, whether of foreign aggressors, immigrants, terrorists, or invading ideologies like socialism, liberalism, evolution, progressivism.
To a conservative, the world really is a frightening place, which must be defended against evil invaders like truth, honesty and a free press.
Grand Old Paranoia and Pugilism is hard to change.
Stop being so scared to death, Republicans.
Healthcare is not going to kill you, Republistan...really.
Republicans are offended by an honest press that dares to ask honest questions about saving American lives, preferring instead the soothing Fake News propaganda IV drip of Guns Over People, Greed Over People, God Over People and Gonads Over Pudendums.
There's nothing more 'American' than assaulting the truth to Grand Old Patriots who are simply working hard to pass the American Death Care Act while implementing federal control of the nation's unruly uteruses...or uteri, if you will.
Researchers have found that conservatives have larger amygdala than liberals.
The amygdala is an almond-shaped structure deep in the brain that is active during states of fear and anxiety.
Liberals, on the other hand, have more gray matter in the anterior cingulate cortex, a region of the brain that helps people cope with complexity.
In short, the conservative, Republican mind is big on fear, national defense and magnifies the perception of threat, whether of foreign aggressors, immigrants, terrorists, or invading ideologies like socialism, liberalism, evolution, progressivism.
To a conservative, the world really is a frightening place, which must be defended against evil invaders like truth, honesty and a free press.
Grand Old Paranoia and Pugilism is hard to change.
Stop being so scared to death, Republicans.
Healthcare is not going to kill you, Republistan...really.
108
Do you know why Republicans win? They know what they want. They may want horrible things, but voters respond to politicians with conviction.
Democrats: Please talk about the public option, increasing subsidies for the exchange markets, raising the minimum wage, free college, renewable energy jobs - the republicans are practically begging you to finally talk about your own policies.
Go out and own something or Trump will continue to own you. We're more than just the party who opposes body slamming.
Democrats: Please talk about the public option, increasing subsidies for the exchange markets, raising the minimum wage, free college, renewable energy jobs - the republicans are practically begging you to finally talk about your own policies.
Go out and own something or Trump will continue to own you. We're more than just the party who opposes body slamming.
1358
Hard to argue with but republicans are showing a weakness themselves in not defending average Joe and Jane America and staying in the democrat party to see to the change you seek. As mom's use to tell their son's, "the grass is not greener on the other side." I'll drink to that.
Forget "free college" as part of the platform. No one could be a more die hard Democrat than yours truly, but this even turns me off. Ever heard of "no such thing as a free lunch?" Someone has to pay so "free college" really isn't free. But how about reduced college tuition , reasonable interest rates on student loans, more Pell grants? Add a nod to the fact that not everyone is cut out for college but those people could benefit from financial aid to attend a trade school or other alternative career enhancing places of learning (Not Trump U. of course.)
1
This is exactly what I've been saying for a year. The DNC needs to create and promote a grand vision for the country which inspires people and shows them what we can really accomplish as a nation. It's not enough to just keep saying "look how bad Donnie is."
I for one appreciated Gianforte's post-election apology to the reporter for the assault. But did that apology also cover his staff's assaulting our intelligence with blatant lies right after - let's use the appropriate euphemism - the unfortunate incident? If not, I'm concerned that after he gets to Washington reporters may raise this very question and risk being the subjects of Round 2. Four-eyed members of the press should consider wearing safety googles or football helmets when interviewing Gianforte.
71
The reporter, Ben Jacobs, didn't appreciate it. Gianforte waited until he was safely elected to offer it. He didn't call Jacobs personally. Gianforte goes to Washington exposed for what he is - a mini-Trump joining a caucus of Trump apologists and power hungry cynical creeps. He will fit in.
2
Ms. Collins, a key part of the Montana story is that as a result of early voting, many ballots had already been cast by the time the assault occurred. So he might have lost but for early voting.
But the saddest part of the story is that members of the GOP, like First Amendment Champion Greg Abbott in Texas, think it is OK to assault reporters. Their buddy Putin would agree.
But the saddest part of the story is that members of the GOP, like First Amendment Champion Greg Abbott in Texas, think it is OK to assault reporters. Their buddy Putin would agree.
148
Gail
Great column, but not because it's funny like your usual fare. You asked the fundamental question: why couldn't Democrats win in Montana? A state with a Democratic governor and one Democratic senator. Montana has only one representative. So it can't be gerrymandering. So why can't Democrats win?
Great column, but not because it's funny like your usual fare. You asked the fundamental question: why couldn't Democrats win in Montana? A state with a Democratic governor and one Democratic senator. Montana has only one representative. So it can't be gerrymandering. So why can't Democrats win?
35
In this case, the fact that the guy was a nudist camp country western singer who always wore a bandana kerchief might go some way in explaining. Plus the fact that the national Dems didn't help, at all. Probably the latter reason is the most important,since we have an openly admitted sexual predator for president.
Perhaps because of the political viewpoint of the voters?
The reason the Democrats don't win is that they pick lousy candidates like Quist and Hillary Clinton. How about this guy Perez as Chairman of the DNC? The Democrats have to ask the question, "will the average voter feel that he has anything in common with this person?". For heaven's sake pick people who act, speak and look normal.
1
For those who note the large number of votes cast before the attack on the reporter, it's important to note that the same-day ballots split about the same as the early vote (according to press reports just after Gianforte's acceptance speech). This is the most chilling part of the story... Physically attacking a reporter (who asked an important policy question in the calmest of voices) had ZERO effect on the bully's vote!
At this rate, Trump may feel emboldened to test his theory that he could shoot a pedestrian on Fifth Avenue and not lose any votes.
At this rate, Trump may feel emboldened to test his theory that he could shoot a pedestrian on Fifth Avenue and not lose any votes.
75
You are making too much of a few anecdotal reports about how same-day voters split their votes!
Even if they split the same as early voters, it means little about the public'a attitudes about literal assaults on the free press.
1. It happened just the evening before. No time for it to spread and be digested.
2. Many voters would not even have heard of it.
3. Many who did would have heard competing stories; deliberate lies and Fake News planted by the Republican's campaign claiming the *candidate* had been assaulted or that it was an accident!
4. Some, small % of miscreants relish violence, especially when they've been manipulated into anti-press sentiments by the rightwing media and candidates. That is disturbing...
Even if they split the same as early voters, it means little about the public'a attitudes about literal assaults on the free press.
1. It happened just the evening before. No time for it to spread and be digested.
2. Many voters would not even have heard of it.
3. Many who did would have heard competing stories; deliberate lies and Fake News planted by the Republican's campaign claiming the *candidate* had been assaulted or that it was an accident!
4. Some, small % of miscreants relish violence, especially when they've been manipulated into anti-press sentiments by the rightwing media and candidates. That is disturbing...
Read up on Rob Quist. Surely there had to be a better Dem to run against Gianforte.
Politicians don't represent people, they represent corporations. When you vote you have a choice: What do you want? Corporate right or corporate lite?
Montana might have voted for a corporate-free candidate that supported a people-centered platform but sadly that person wasn't on the ballot. Quist was too quirky (but when you think about it he actually did pretty well considering he is a nudist guitar player).
There is a movement underway to restore our democracy to being of the people, for the people, by the people. Maybe Montana will have a better choice of candidates next time.
Montana might have voted for a corporate-free candidate that supported a people-centered platform but sadly that person wasn't on the ballot. Quist was too quirky (but when you think about it he actually did pretty well considering he is a nudist guitar player).
There is a movement underway to restore our democracy to being of the people, for the people, by the people. Maybe Montana will have a better choice of candidates next time.
29
If I lived in Montana, I would have voted for the nudist guitar player. We need more eccentric candidates who can bring a fresh perspective to our moribund, myopic, perpetually constipated Congress.
1
Gail brings an excellent point. Democrats can't run against Trump. They already lost the Presidency running against him and they continue to do the same with the same results. Most surprising is that democrats are ok with losing by a little, instead of winning by any margin.
Democrats can't hide the fact that Obamacare is deficient. It's time they run for a better solution, be it universal health care or something else.
Democrats can't hide the fact that raising minimum wage is no solution - the real solution is to invest on programs that generate high paying jobs, well above minimum wage, be that $15 or $20.
Democrats can't hide the fact that Obamacare is deficient. It's time they run for a better solution, be it universal health care or something else.
Democrats can't hide the fact that raising minimum wage is no solution - the real solution is to invest on programs that generate high paying jobs, well above minimum wage, be that $15 or $20.
10
Your overall conclusion that the national Democrats have been inept in coming up with a coherent message and in finding compelling candidates is obvious and frustrating to so many of us lifelong Dems. We were expecting more from the new leadership. There is a glaring need for new blood among congressional Democrats who are the face of the party at the national level. We are ready with money and other kinds of support but we need to see imagination from the top.
50
Soberly, fixing healthcare is NOT going to be easy, particularly after the GOP is done with it. "Medicare for All" (MFA) is probably the best solution; but behind that simple slogan lies a very big corral of problems, not the least of which is the taxes to pay for it.
People do not like taxes; the Democrats will get thrown out of office again if they actually do anything to make healthcare better.
But beyond that, MFA comes with a host of implementation issues. To make it work requires major changes of the medical system of the US. It's widely held that at present the rest of payers subsidize the medical infrastructure that medicare uses; MFA cannot be done at current medicare rates ... or at least it cannot without some other funding that supports hospitals, etc.
And MFA at current medicare rates would cause a large drop in aggregate physician compensation. In order to control healthcare costs one must control drug pricing and physician/worker compensation; these are the dominate costs of health care. Don't think that this will come easy.
Looking at it soberly, there's no easy or risk-free solution here. Anyone taking this on is likely to suffer political defeat for the inability to deliver the miraculous.
People do not like taxes; the Democrats will get thrown out of office again if they actually do anything to make healthcare better.
But beyond that, MFA comes with a host of implementation issues. To make it work requires major changes of the medical system of the US. It's widely held that at present the rest of payers subsidize the medical infrastructure that medicare uses; MFA cannot be done at current medicare rates ... or at least it cannot without some other funding that supports hospitals, etc.
And MFA at current medicare rates would cause a large drop in aggregate physician compensation. In order to control healthcare costs one must control drug pricing and physician/worker compensation; these are the dominate costs of health care. Don't think that this will come easy.
Looking at it soberly, there's no easy or risk-free solution here. Anyone taking this on is likely to suffer political defeat for the inability to deliver the miraculous.
26
The Democrat's leadership is mired in a machine politic mindset which, unless they turn away from it and soon, will drag not only the party down with them, but also the next generation of working families as well.
Ms Pelosi is as old school as one can imagine with her father the former mayor of Baltimore only equalled by another big East Coast city mayor who ran the Philadelphia political machine in a similar manner.
Bernie Sanders is still outside the tent, a disastrous mistake which has yet to be rectified. The insistence of keeping their cards so close to their chest will do nothing to recruit enthusiasm which is sorely lacking, desperately needed and studiously avoided by the old guard.
Those who compose the young voting class of the Democrats will not wait to be led, let alone by a leadership who are closer to the old age home than their grandchildren. Their energy will be dispersed and lost if there is no room at the table.
There is still a groundswell, but it will be dissipated and rapidly if Mr Trump as I suspect walks away untouched by the tempest now swirling about his house of cards.
I hope the Democrats wake up because the people posing as Republicans may irredeemably destroy more than can ever be rebuilt.
We may not see or feel the loss, but our kids sure will.
Ms Pelosi is as old school as one can imagine with her father the former mayor of Baltimore only equalled by another big East Coast city mayor who ran the Philadelphia political machine in a similar manner.
Bernie Sanders is still outside the tent, a disastrous mistake which has yet to be rectified. The insistence of keeping their cards so close to their chest will do nothing to recruit enthusiasm which is sorely lacking, desperately needed and studiously avoided by the old guard.
Those who compose the young voting class of the Democrats will not wait to be led, let alone by a leadership who are closer to the old age home than their grandchildren. Their energy will be dispersed and lost if there is no room at the table.
There is still a groundswell, but it will be dissipated and rapidly if Mr Trump as I suspect walks away untouched by the tempest now swirling about his house of cards.
I hope the Democrats wake up because the people posing as Republicans may irredeemably destroy more than can ever be rebuilt.
We may not see or feel the loss, but our kids sure will.
36
What you suggest is that old guard dems (and I'm one of them) need to change their strategy to keep the party viable. That's not what our party is about. It's about recognizing and implementing a government that actually works for the benefit of the people of this country. All of them. The Republican party has a different vision. One that puts party first and everyone else last. Anyone, including Democrats, who can't see what fundamental governing principles Dems espouse and try to implement, just aren't paying attention. The Repubs have obstructed every attempt made to work toward any goal that would benefit the country as a whole. The party of Nois also the party of me. Their molto is "I've got mine,now I'll get yours."
1
Bernie needs to stay outside the tent. Those of us inside can still hear his harangues. His presence as a gadfly is good, pushing democrats leftward. Bot he will never be elected as anything outside The two coasts. He's an avowed Socialist, with a Queens accent that emphasizes him as a stereotypical east coast super liberal. You can imagine how he'd go over in Montana, especially when the opponent is not Hillary Clinton.
The press gave him a free pass in failing to examine his wife's mismanagement of a local college and her $200,000 payoff.
Then there's the million dollar lake house he bought right after the election. What did he buy it with? Campaign funds probably. You know, the small donations made by hundreds of thousands of his followers. I believe candidates can do whatever they want with their campaign chests, so long as they pay income tax on the proceeds. What did Bernie do with his huge war chest?
The press gave him a free pass in failing to examine his wife's mismanagement of a local college and her $200,000 payoff.
Then there's the million dollar lake house he bought right after the election. What did he buy it with? Campaign funds probably. You know, the small donations made by hundreds of thousands of his followers. I believe candidates can do whatever they want with their campaign chests, so long as they pay income tax on the proceeds. What did Bernie do with his huge war chest?
Our government makes decisions without necessarily knowing what an ordinary citizen might experience. For instance, a poem I heard in the 1970's went something like this:
I like to think of the President
eating lunch on Monday
but not Tuesday
and on Wednesday
but not Thursday...
Perhaps this President needs to take a year off and leave behind all his money and possessions so that he can seek work somewhere challenging like West Virginia or Kentucky. After a year of that he could imagine not eating at all a quarter of his days because Congress wanted to balance the federal budget by cutting food stamps by that fraction.
I like to think of the President
eating lunch on Monday
but not Tuesday
and on Wednesday
but not Thursday...
Perhaps this President needs to take a year off and leave behind all his money and possessions so that he can seek work somewhere challenging like West Virginia or Kentucky. After a year of that he could imagine not eating at all a quarter of his days because Congress wanted to balance the federal budget by cutting food stamps by that fraction.
24
The answer for the Democratic message is jobs: renewable (non-fossil fuel) energy and infrastructure. China is beating us in both areas and India in renewable energy. If the US is can get over immature thinking and behavior, these two areas would create a lot of jobs, including job training. How about an energy/infrastructure race?
If Democrats could get this message through to citizens, they could easily gain some real electoral steam.
It wouldn't hurt to bring back all of the call centers, too. Talking to India about your electricity being out or mortgage payment not logged is a pet peeve of so many.
Nice column as always Gail.
If Democrats could get this message through to citizens, they could easily gain some real electoral steam.
It wouldn't hurt to bring back all of the call centers, too. Talking to India about your electricity being out or mortgage payment not logged is a pet peeve of so many.
Nice column as always Gail.
26
Thanks to things like Citizens United, oil companies have the ability to crush the political career of anyone who says the words "renewable energy." It's not because "representatives" in congress are so stupid they don't believe in climate change, it's because they are smart enough to know about talking about it will end their careers. Our system of campaign finance insures that we will trail behind every forward thinking country on energy. China is providing the solar panels we use in the U.S. - thats pathetic. We can put a man on the moon, but we can't make solar panels.
2
I understand that the Democrats are trying to save their money for candidates that have a chance in Republican leaning states. But why is it not even possible for them to put up a credible candidate with new ideas that they can then see how they fly in such a state?
They are acting like the GOP, thinking that all they have to do is run against the sitting president's record and as a result don't need any solid proposals and policies, nor a new way to deliver the message.
It won't work.
They are acting like the GOP, thinking that all they have to do is run against the sitting president's record and as a result don't need any solid proposals and policies, nor a new way to deliver the message.
It won't work.
23
Once again the Democratic Party showed it's weakness. The GOP candidate was probably going to win, but you have to start supporting candidates and getting your message out. The problem is, the DNC hasn't developed a message for conservative states that will convince people to take another look. You can't just demonize Trump - after all, Trump won the state by 20 points. If you demonize him, you are telling all those voters you are in the same category. The DNC needs to figure out what they can offer and sell it on the merits. I get the feeling they are convinced they will win back Congress by running against Trump as a person. For those who voted for him, that isn't going to work. They must emphasize what they will try and do for communities and people, not just bad mouth the President.
673
The DNC has not learned the lesson of last November. Hillary ran against Trump instead of for something. She did not believe in the issues she picked up from Sanders and her lack of enthusiasm for Medicare for all, free public college tuition, a $15 minimum wage, and even combating climate change showed. All those issues resonated with the voters. She dropped them from her speeches as soon as she became the Not Trump candidate. Her timidity is the timidity of the DNC. To get rid of that we need to get rid of them.
1
Amen!
Indeed, going for Trump as a person will not work. The party needs to get into the weeds with the people they want to have support them. I do not advocate conducting toxic campaigns as Trump did with his bluster and hate.
1
Great point Gail. Hillary lost in part because she did not (or could not) articulate why people should vote for her. We all know fake forty five is a disaster for the average working person so we don't need to harp on that. Progressives and liberals need to formulate a reason to vote for them. I can think of a few: moving to universal health care which includes access to all health services for all people (men & women), national service, infrastructure rebuilding, technical schools and training for the future, science and climate change initiatives, and just plain old common decency.
41
"Hillary lost in part because she did not (or could not) articulate why people should vote for her."
Yes, she did. She did. She did. She did.
Clinton had a website full of thoughtful material on every issue. She laid out her vision for America with every speech. But she was drowned out by voices, from the right AND THE LEFT, chanting an endless list of largely imagined crimes. It started with the Sanders camp, when she couldn't answer back for fear of offending potential voters; it got worse at the convention, and then it was TrumpTime, with Crooked Hillary and "Lock Her Up!" 24/7.
Folks, the 2016 election set an all-time record for lowdown, in the mud, slanderous politics, largely thanks to our current president. The only Democrat I can think of who might have stood a chance against Trump is Lyndon Johnson who, in his prime, would've wiped the floor with that ridiculous comb-over. The fact that he was male would've helped a lot.
Hillary Clinton is no LBJ. He relished the political arena. She is much more comfortable talking deep policy with other wonks.
I can feel Sanders fans cuing up the snark: "No, she's more comfortable talking to Goldman Sachs!" Well, you drove home that point and look where it got us: GS is now in the government, making monetary and fiscal policy. Maybe next time around we Democrats should avoid eating each other's candidates, and rally around the nominee instead of sneaking off to vote for a third candidate.
Yes, she did. She did. She did. She did.
Clinton had a website full of thoughtful material on every issue. She laid out her vision for America with every speech. But she was drowned out by voices, from the right AND THE LEFT, chanting an endless list of largely imagined crimes. It started with the Sanders camp, when she couldn't answer back for fear of offending potential voters; it got worse at the convention, and then it was TrumpTime, with Crooked Hillary and "Lock Her Up!" 24/7.
Folks, the 2016 election set an all-time record for lowdown, in the mud, slanderous politics, largely thanks to our current president. The only Democrat I can think of who might have stood a chance against Trump is Lyndon Johnson who, in his prime, would've wiped the floor with that ridiculous comb-over. The fact that he was male would've helped a lot.
Hillary Clinton is no LBJ. He relished the political arena. She is much more comfortable talking deep policy with other wonks.
I can feel Sanders fans cuing up the snark: "No, she's more comfortable talking to Goldman Sachs!" Well, you drove home that point and look where it got us: GS is now in the government, making monetary and fiscal policy. Maybe next time around we Democrats should avoid eating each other's candidates, and rally around the nominee instead of sneaking off to vote for a third candidate.
4
First let me state that I am a Democrat.
There have been three special elections, all in Red States. Regardless of what Gail says about a Democratic Senator and governor in Montana, there was no way they were going to vote for a Democrat, even if it was close. Nor were those other Red states going to vote for a Democrat. I know the results were close, but the Republican won.
The Democrats instead of day dreaming and wasting time hoping need to figure out a plan. They need to listen to the people. PERIOD.
There have been three special elections, all in Red States. Regardless of what Gail says about a Democratic Senator and governor in Montana, there was no way they were going to vote for a Democrat, even if it was close. Nor were those other Red states going to vote for a Democrat. I know the results were close, but the Republican won.
The Democrats instead of day dreaming and wasting time hoping need to figure out a plan. They need to listen to the people. PERIOD.
22
I heard a speaker from the other side of the political divide tonight similarly saying that Democrats did not have a good enough message, and that the message of the Republicans and Donald Trump was clearer to voters.
That's all fine until you recall that skillfully orchestrated lies - about global warming, health care, immigrants - are what the victors patented.
The Democrats' message has not so much been ineffectually articulated as it has been brutishly outshouted by the propaganda machinery of the election winners.
That's all fine until you recall that skillfully orchestrated lies - about global warming, health care, immigrants - are what the victors patented.
The Democrats' message has not so much been ineffectually articulated as it has been brutishly outshouted by the propaganda machinery of the election winners.
45
And gerrymandering.
4
just a reminder. memorial day is--should be--more than a 'celebration' of the start of summer. memorial day should be a day of solemn gratitude for the men and women of our armed forces who gave their lives to protect and defend our democracy. given the current state of our democratic experiment, a day of reverent grief is tinged with shame. too many died for us to be behaving so badly.
26
Thank you. I have been waiting for someone to point this out. Your last sentence is perfect.
1
I don't think the Republican field will now surge with professional wrestlers, but they might give some lessons after this episode. This election doesn't mean a lot in terms of this body-slamming winner given how many people voted before the election and the cited oddities of the Democrat's history. What IS notable is the amount of money contributed to the Democrat to capture the seat. The Republican incumbents in D.C. are surely paying attention to this.
11
Thank you for saying this. It can't be said enough that Democrats (other than Bernie--and I know he's an Independent) simply do not know how to message. I asked myself all during the election cycle What does Hillary stand for at her core? I truly didn't know how to answer that. I despair that the Limbaughs and Hannitys are successfully getting out their warped message of hatred and grievance against liberals while the Democratic Party is mostly mute.
14
The Republican image machine combined with Russian hacking and a refusal by our information systems to shout lies and obfuscation over Hillary's many position papers and long record of service improving lives everywhere. For details, see Roger Ailes biography, congressional hearings, and history books covering the last half century both domestic and foreign.
1
Enough proselytizing about the inevitability of the two-party system. Time for a Constitutional Convention to re-draw the parameters of what our forefathers intended, to fit the 21st century.
Where in the Constitution does it say, "There shall be only two political parties"? And why would anyone call that a democracy? Convince me of one signatory to either the Declaration of Independence or The Constitution who would agree to such a thing. Yeah that's what I thought.
Most of the men we revere as Founding Fathers were vehemently opposed to maintaining a standing army, due to many obvious dangers, and yet today, despite the fact we outstrip all the countries on Earth in military expenditure, our so-called leaders still insist on fear-mongering, war-mongering, and lying about threats and alleged dangers to a criminal extent, for the sole purpose of further enriching the military-industrial complex and its peripheral industries. This is a strategy that is likely to get us all killed.
This is the legacy of the two-party system. Enough, okay? Time to start being grownups--or not.
Where in the Constitution does it say, "There shall be only two political parties"? And why would anyone call that a democracy? Convince me of one signatory to either the Declaration of Independence or The Constitution who would agree to such a thing. Yeah that's what I thought.
Most of the men we revere as Founding Fathers were vehemently opposed to maintaining a standing army, due to many obvious dangers, and yet today, despite the fact we outstrip all the countries on Earth in military expenditure, our so-called leaders still insist on fear-mongering, war-mongering, and lying about threats and alleged dangers to a criminal extent, for the sole purpose of further enriching the military-industrial complex and its peripheral industries. This is a strategy that is likely to get us all killed.
This is the legacy of the two-party system. Enough, okay? Time to start being grownups--or not.
10
In the last paragraph Ms. Collins pointed out that Democrats should put forth rational, thought-out plans on policy, because that will make thinking republican voters to switch over and vote Democrat.
I tend to disagree. Voters vote with their gut. Democrats need passion to win elections, not policy. "Not as Dreadful" does arouse passion, although I think the Democrats should go further with "Not a Russian traitor".
And punching reporters is definitely out.
I tend to disagree. Voters vote with their gut. Democrats need passion to win elections, not policy. "Not as Dreadful" does arouse passion, although I think the Democrats should go further with "Not a Russian traitor".
And punching reporters is definitely out.
15
A candidate who assaults anybody without provocation does not belong in the House of Representatives. That's true whether he assaults a journalist or any citizen. Technically, there is no First Amendment issue here because First Amendment violations are limited to acts of the government. Attacking a reporter is not a Constitutional violation and frankly I'd be more upset if he attacked an ordinary citizen who had simply spoken his mind..
14
Thank you Gail - right on! Every Democratic candidate matters - we need to up our game and run like we mean it! We need to stand for something - look at Emmanuel Macron - it's a winning strategy!
8
Is it wrong of me to love Pres. Macron's handshake with the POTUS? He went into the game having watched the films and beat Trump at his own game.
1
The state of Montana has a population of approximately one million people. New York City, all five boroughs, has a population of over eight million. And that's just one city in New York State. Montana and New York State are each represented by two senators in the federal government.
I understand that the Supreme Court decided corporations are just like American people (Citizens United). Did the judges also give votes to big mountains?
I understand that the Supreme Court decided corporations are just like American people (Citizens United). Did the judges also give votes to big mountains?
16
It is obvious (at least to me) that the national Dems gave up on this seat way too early. Also, since a great number of voters had voted early this incident really didn't affect the outcome all that much. Kind of ironic that the Dems want early voting. But they should push for the situation in Minnesota. If you vote early and change your mind, you can show up at your regular polling place on election day to vote and that will invalidate your early ballot.
Here are a few ways to think about the Democratic Party: Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Obamacare, a woman's right to choose, Voting Rights Act, Civil Rights, minimum wage, environmental protections, union rights, and there are many many more ways in which the party has tried to further the well being of all Americans. I am truly tired of the constant harping on how we don't have a message. Beyond racism, mysogeny, nativism, and crass, vulgar fealty to the almighty dollar, what message does the Republican Party promote?
28
Thanks you, Finklefaye--exactly right!
Greg Gianforte should never have attacked the Guardian reporter but it seemed to have little effect on his supporters and his winning the election. Obviously, he was the preferred candidate and after this assault he received an additional $100,000 in campaign contributions. He did say he was sorry for his actions and we must take him at his word.
President Trump performed admirably at the NATO Conference and was quite impressive. He spoke honestly and was forthright in his feelings about other countries giving their fair share of contributions and not just having a few foot the bill. He spoke eloquently and with passion.
What you see as terribleness Ms. Collins others see as strength and success. Mr. Trump is to be commended for turning our country around and putting it in the right direction. This was no easy task considering the work that needed to be done after correcting eight years of mistakes left by the former administration. I would say he deserves much credit and praise and none of the scorn coming from the liberal progressives that despise him immensely.
President Trump performed admirably at the NATO Conference and was quite impressive. He spoke honestly and was forthright in his feelings about other countries giving their fair share of contributions and not just having a few foot the bill. He spoke eloquently and with passion.
What you see as terribleness Ms. Collins others see as strength and success. Mr. Trump is to be commended for turning our country around and putting it in the right direction. This was no easy task considering the work that needed to be done after correcting eight years of mistakes left by the former administration. I would say he deserves much credit and praise and none of the scorn coming from the liberal progressives that despise him immensely.
1
He strong armed a member of the conference by shoving him aside . If that's what is considered "strength," I disagree.
7
It is delusional thinking to believe 45 performed adequately at NATO. He was inept, bumbling rude, and did not support Article 5, which every president has since WWII and NATO's inception. Perhaps turning off Fox would enlighten you to a couple of facts.
6
Where oh where have our leaders gone?
Neither candidate in Montana appeared to be a candidate worthy of representing the states constituents. We, the American people, are sliding down a slippery slope at record speeds. HOW DOES THIS KEEP HAPPENING?
I am disgusted with the Democrats; tired of listening to Hilary Clinton. Every time she says a word it elevates Trump in the eyes of his supporters.
Are there no Democrats doing fresh thinking and planning? I can't recall any legislation of merit they've put forth or statement they've made that presents positive thought. What do they believe in? They are not acknowledging the problems many Americans face or proposing solutions. This is why Trump won. I voted for Hilary because I was terrified of Donald Trump, the damage he was doing during the election campaign and feared he would do as president. He has outdone my worst nightmares.
Why is it that most countries elect their officials in a number of weeks? We are constantly in election mode. Trump wasn't inaugurated and speculation for races in 2018 and 2020 were news. The only beneficiaries of this crazed method are TV, radio, internet, advertising firms, etc. We the people certainly are not.
Neither candidate in Montana appeared to be a candidate worthy of representing the states constituents. We, the American people, are sliding down a slippery slope at record speeds. HOW DOES THIS KEEP HAPPENING?
I am disgusted with the Democrats; tired of listening to Hilary Clinton. Every time she says a word it elevates Trump in the eyes of his supporters.
Are there no Democrats doing fresh thinking and planning? I can't recall any legislation of merit they've put forth or statement they've made that presents positive thought. What do they believe in? They are not acknowledging the problems many Americans face or proposing solutions. This is why Trump won. I voted for Hilary because I was terrified of Donald Trump, the damage he was doing during the election campaign and feared he would do as president. He has outdone my worst nightmares.
Why is it that most countries elect their officials in a number of weeks? We are constantly in election mode. Trump wasn't inaugurated and speculation for races in 2018 and 2020 were news. The only beneficiaries of this crazed method are TV, radio, internet, advertising firms, etc. We the people certainly are not.
8
Just why can't Democrats organize their thoughts? And pick a convincing candidate? And get behind them?
Gail suggests that they are so mesmerized by how feeble the opposition is that they can't focus upon the issues. Could that be it? Or could it be that the Democrats suffer from one of the same problems as the GOP: namely, he who pays the piper calls the tune?
Gail suggests that they are so mesmerized by how feeble the opposition is that they can't focus upon the issues. Could that be it? Or could it be that the Democrats suffer from one of the same problems as the GOP: namely, he who pays the piper calls the tune?
5
Democrats won't win because their party is still Hillary's party. Now that Hillary appears to be waking up from her shock-induced slumber, the danger is all the greater. Everyone is so excited that she is ready to take on Trump again. For the good of the Democratic Party, she should just go back to the speech circuit, if anyone will have her. The party needs a new philosophy, new goals and a path forward free from the miasma of the Clintons. Otherwise the message of Montana will repeat a hundredfold and the only thing left for Democrats to do would be self-flagellation after 2018 and 2020.
3
This is yet another example of the DEM's just having a poor candidate with too much baggage. As others have said, it's great fun to make fun of trump, however the DEM's really need to start having a good plan about how they will fix health care, taxes and wage;s.
8
A party is only as good as its candidates.
The candidates are only as good as the strength and conviction of their positions, right? On a level political playing field that makes sense.
But the United States is a country awash in very effective "conservative" propaganda. The talking points are intended to divide the electorate and play to people's prejudices and fears. It succeeds and furthers the agenda of the paymasters - the .1%. Which is lower taxes on them personally, as well as the corporations they own and run.
This regrettably is the America of the 21st century.
Yet in 2008 a man of mixed race from Illinois proved you could cut a wide swath through the fear and loathing if you had a compelling message and the conviction to match it.
President Unintended Consequences is all hat and no cattle, and eventually the sales pitch will ring hollow. Because at its core is a further goring of the very folks who voted for the man. Enthusiastically.
The political train wreck that is the Trump presidency must meet the curve ahead, which will bring with it screaming wheels and yells of panic as the whole repulsive thing leaves the track, taking the Republican party with it.
That is its destiny, and it can't come soon enough. For all Americans.
The candidates are only as good as the strength and conviction of their positions, right? On a level political playing field that makes sense.
But the United States is a country awash in very effective "conservative" propaganda. The talking points are intended to divide the electorate and play to people's prejudices and fears. It succeeds and furthers the agenda of the paymasters - the .1%. Which is lower taxes on them personally, as well as the corporations they own and run.
This regrettably is the America of the 21st century.
Yet in 2008 a man of mixed race from Illinois proved you could cut a wide swath through the fear and loathing if you had a compelling message and the conviction to match it.
President Unintended Consequences is all hat and no cattle, and eventually the sales pitch will ring hollow. Because at its core is a further goring of the very folks who voted for the man. Enthusiastically.
The political train wreck that is the Trump presidency must meet the curve ahead, which will bring with it screaming wheels and yells of panic as the whole repulsive thing leaves the track, taking the Republican party with it.
That is its destiny, and it can't come soon enough. For all Americans.
641
From your keyboard to g-d's ears
3
disagree Obama was basically ineffective and gave us nothing for his 8 years - but Trump is going to give us war, disaster, and maybe a holocaust.
1
You have it exactly wrong. If you have foolish positions that attempt to destroy our country that is wrong and evil. And progressives need to remove themselves to states that support their failed ideas, and out of the federal government.
1
"people need to see the Democratic line on the ballot and think of something more than Not as Dreadful"
Exactly.
But they do worse. They pick candidates and waffle on positions so for too many voters "not as dreadful" is actually a question.
Even worse, they make that a question that Democrats don't always win. Guy who attacks a reporter against a tax cheat who takes his daughter to nudist colonies? Why is that the question Democrats present?
Exactly.
But they do worse. They pick candidates and waffle on positions so for too many voters "not as dreadful" is actually a question.
Even worse, they make that a question that Democrats don't always win. Guy who attacks a reporter against a tax cheat who takes his daughter to nudist colonies? Why is that the question Democrats present?
90
It seems to me that third party candidates are a hazard for Democrats. I expect third party candidates will be heavily invested in by anyone who wants a Republican win.
6
Few people claim that Democrats are smarter than the other side, but at least they don't enlist their extended families to work for our enemies, make gobs of money, and weasel-word about all the things they do wrong and/or borderline legal. Just look around you and see which party has forgotten country and patriotism and legality..........it ain't the Dems, is it!
6
So let us see, the population is 1,042,520, and the median income is
$47,169, not exactly at the top of the stairs. It does have one of the most popular national parks, Yellowstone, who's wildlife is there for Montanans to shoot.
The state is pretty much run by ranchers who have the money to get their kind of people elected. It university does not seem to have much of a a national reputation, it probably excels in ways to keep you furnace hot most of the year. The last time I was there in West Yellowstone, it was -15deg in the morning lethargy is probably the state pastime.
It is of course a Fox News state, no place for those liberal that want to keep public lands for the public. Basically it is a rural state, its biggest city Billings has a population of 108,869. It seems as if wide open spaces produce wide open minds.
One has to suspect ideas and knowledge are superseded by party GOP good, Liberal bad,just plain simple values. Most are religions, so one has to ask, how is it that people who believe in biblical mores, find it O.K. to vote for a known swindler, one who does not pay his debts, who runs a fake university to swindle the taxpayers, who abuses women, how do they justify such?
Do they consider themselves good honest people, if so how can they support a unscrupulous knave, a scoundrel?
$47,169, not exactly at the top of the stairs. It does have one of the most popular national parks, Yellowstone, who's wildlife is there for Montanans to shoot.
The state is pretty much run by ranchers who have the money to get their kind of people elected. It university does not seem to have much of a a national reputation, it probably excels in ways to keep you furnace hot most of the year. The last time I was there in West Yellowstone, it was -15deg in the morning lethargy is probably the state pastime.
It is of course a Fox News state, no place for those liberal that want to keep public lands for the public. Basically it is a rural state, its biggest city Billings has a population of 108,869. It seems as if wide open spaces produce wide open minds.
One has to suspect ideas and knowledge are superseded by party GOP good, Liberal bad,just plain simple values. Most are religions, so one has to ask, how is it that people who believe in biblical mores, find it O.K. to vote for a known swindler, one who does not pay his debts, who runs a fake university to swindle the taxpayers, who abuses women, how do they justify such?
Do they consider themselves good honest people, if so how can they support a unscrupulous knave, a scoundrel?
142
I hate to criticise someone who disapproves of Trump, but I'd rather you hadn't slimed the whole state of Montana in the process of discussing your views. Anybody from Montana reading this would be forgiven for doubling down on Trump et al.
1
How can they? They compartmentalize.
Visit Yellowstone and never return to a state of deplorables.
Or Boycott Them To Increase Their Suffering.
Also boycott Bama, Indiana, Mississippi, Lousyana, Whyroaming, Utah, S.C. and let Texass secede as its Governer threatened to five years or so ago.
Anyone noticing this past 18 months how the world hates and laughs at us. I have lived in many countries. It did not take many years for them to come to those attitudes and emotions.
True, some peoples elsewhere in the world have for decades. Scandys, for example, have thought us "barbaric" going back to the seventies for not having universal healthcare.
The state's always been in the hands of a few rich ranchers.
Visit Yellowstone and never return to a state of deplorables.
Or Boycott Them To Increase Their Suffering.
Also boycott Bama, Indiana, Mississippi, Lousyana, Whyroaming, Utah, S.C. and let Texass secede as its Governer threatened to five years or so ago.
Anyone noticing this past 18 months how the world hates and laughs at us. I have lived in many countries. It did not take many years for them to come to those attitudes and emotions.
True, some peoples elsewhere in the world have for decades. Scandys, for example, have thought us "barbaric" going back to the seventies for not having universal healthcare.
The state's always been in the hands of a few rich ranchers.
4
The country is moving into a medley of rationales made by the "good Germans" who elected Hitler in the 1930s and then were surprised that he followed through on all of his demagogic threats and hatred of Jews and others.
You do not collaborate with fascists, and you cannot excuse voting for them. At least not and regard yourself as anyone "good" or decent. Lie down with dogs and wake up with fleas. Montanans just did this, and Trump voters earlier did this. Their grandchildren may one day ask them why.
You do not collaborate with fascists, and you cannot excuse voting for them. At least not and regard yourself as anyone "good" or decent. Lie down with dogs and wake up with fleas. Montanans just did this, and Trump voters earlier did this. Their grandchildren may one day ask them why.
8
I just don't get it.
I'm starting to believe that the smartest most insightful thing Donald Trump ever said was in January 2016:
"I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, okay, and I wouldn't lose any voters, okay?"
This thuggish behavior popularized by our president is beneath us.
I expect it from Trump now, but why won't the rest of the Republicans stand up to him?
Why aren't the Republicans defending the press, and the right of the press to ask questions about the healthcare bill?
This is dangerous.
But the Democrats are simply pathetic. Where is a united front? Where is the leadership? Where are the new ideas to excite the electorate?
Can't anyone play this game?
I'm starting to believe that the smartest most insightful thing Donald Trump ever said was in January 2016:
"I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, okay, and I wouldn't lose any voters, okay?"
This thuggish behavior popularized by our president is beneath us.
I expect it from Trump now, but why won't the rest of the Republicans stand up to him?
Why aren't the Republicans defending the press, and the right of the press to ask questions about the healthcare bill?
This is dangerous.
But the Democrats are simply pathetic. Where is a united front? Where is the leadership? Where are the new ideas to excite the electorate?
Can't anyone play this game?
395
We have the worst elected officials money can buy. America's plutocracy only invests in Stupid.
6
The DNC leadership was too busy playing contract bridge to notice.
1
Despite "appearances" -- more and more I question state races which can be skewed depending on the voting system/tactics. The GOP has long waged a war against fair elections to shut-out Democrats and Independents: 1-Pass Citizen's United to gain unfettered access to dark money; 2-Flood state races to pick up seats, cut regulations; 3-Gerrymander districts (Operation Red Map); 4-Purge 1.1+M mostly African-Americans from voter rolls in GOP-controlled states ("Crosscheck", KS Sec of State Kobach); 5-Gut the Voting Rights Act and pass onerous voter ID rules targeting poor, elderly, African Americans, Hispanics; 6-Underfund and close thousands of polling sites in Dem-leaning districts; 7-Intimidate voters and cage votes; 8-Underfund Dem leaning districts, reduce voting poll hrs & days, install broken, non-functioning, fewer machines; 9-Shunt voters to provisional ballots (no proof votes will be counted), and to wrong sites to vote; 10-Legalize methods to prevent votes from being tracked, fail to secure votes and keep counting methods secret; 11-Employ expensive law suits to contest a recount and actual results in court; 12-Target state judges to remove from office and independent election watchdogs; 13-Strike down legislation to auto-enroll voters when they renew their driver's license; 14- Suppress and refuse to investigate Russian influence and hacking. And celebrating assaults on the press. Without a secure voting system, the will of the majority of Americans is nullified.
212
Run for office Ann!
2
Excellent. Well done.
5
Trump can almost feel Russia from Montana! Trump's fascination and fetish for Russia/Putin, has to do with cash: Russia, where each supposedly receives according to their labor, is built on a lie more grandiose than Trump's whoppers. According to Credit Suisse, this workers paradise has the world's largest income gap: 110 individuals—all billionaires--control 35% of the country's income. These 110 individuals own $10.976 trillion USD. Russia has the highest concentration of billionaires of any nation!
Trump is Pavlovian when it comes to cash, and Trump desperately wants these ruthless thugs to be his pals.
He sells to the Saudis. He threatens the Germans. But the Russians he welcomes by installing one of their sycophants as National Security Adviser; hiring a lobbyist for their interests to run his campaign and change the GOP platform. He opens the Oval Office and poses for their photographer;he sends his son-in-law on a clandestine mission to establish secret communications (revealing the family's naivete!) through the Russian embassy. His Ed Sec's brother travels halfway around the world to the Seychelles, in the Indian Ocean, where he admits to “incidentally” running into a Putin ally.
Whose interests does Trump represent? He chides BMW which has its largest auto plant in South Carolina employing 1000s of American workers, but his attack on the Syrian base which housed Russian fliers was so micro-managed, they flew bombing runs the next day.
Montana? Really?
Trump is Pavlovian when it comes to cash, and Trump desperately wants these ruthless thugs to be his pals.
He sells to the Saudis. He threatens the Germans. But the Russians he welcomes by installing one of their sycophants as National Security Adviser; hiring a lobbyist for their interests to run his campaign and change the GOP platform. He opens the Oval Office and poses for their photographer;he sends his son-in-law on a clandestine mission to establish secret communications (revealing the family's naivete!) through the Russian embassy. His Ed Sec's brother travels halfway around the world to the Seychelles, in the Indian Ocean, where he admits to “incidentally” running into a Putin ally.
Whose interests does Trump represent? He chides BMW which has its largest auto plant in South Carolina employing 1000s of American workers, but his attack on the Syrian base which housed Russian fliers was so micro-managed, they flew bombing runs the next day.
Montana? Really?
227
Oh, Walter, I think the Pavlovian love is not just cash (and that lovely plutocratic power!), but his real pals in Russia who are connected to his own cash. I'll bet you it goes all the way through the Trump finances, this Russian connection. He's not just attracted, I'd say, he's connected - and wants to keep it that way.
5
@Walter Rhett
Your comments effectively gather Trump's bad acts like a herd of infected swine to be driven off a cliff.
Your comments effectively gather Trump's bad acts like a herd of infected swine to be driven off a cliff.
4
One more thug anointed?
I'm disappointed!
I'm disappointed!
292
Pithy and precise.
Well-done, Larry. We need/deserve/desire a printed collection, a Larry Eisenberg Anthology.
Well-done, Larry. We need/deserve/desire a printed collection, a Larry Eisenberg Anthology.
22
Truly, Larry, if you're a man with a guitar you should get out there with all these gems. If not, I'll bet you can find a guy to do this. Or a girl! We need to hear them sung.
3
As Howard (below) points out, a big percentage of the vote for Gianforte was likely cast before he decided he'd had enough of journalists asking questions. To answer Gail's query about what Democrats can do to appeal to wrestling-enthusiasts among other demographics: STOP appealing to our citizens as separate demographics! In my humble (?) opinion, only two admittedly radical proposals need to be offered: 1- increase the taxes of the affluent to the point where they will be made to pay for the government programs that benefit the poor (thereby allowing the middle class to essentially take care of itself); and 2- get this country the hell out of the Middle East. If properly enacted we'll be able to resolve most of our economic problems and most of our international traumas at roughly the same time. No more billionaires persuading the middle class that the poor is the enemy even as they lay off workers and play golf with their paid lobbyists. And no more involvement in sectarian wars between religious extremists who have no use for infidels in the first place. The bulk of our remaining issues will slide away once we get these two biggest weights off our shoulders.
347
"that the poor ARE the enemy" Sorry.
34
As a grammarian, "the poor is the enemy" is correct when speaking of vilifying a collective group. "The poor are the enemy" would be correct if the vilification is meant individually within the collective group. Since "the poor" in this case consists of a faceless, nameless glob of people ("the poor don't want to work or pay taxes" or more recently "poor is a state of mind"), the globular poor whose state of mind results in poverty would be singular.
IMO, you had the attitude right with the original singular.
IMO, you had the attitude right with the original singular.
7
Jacobs may have provided just enough weight to break a Republican camel’s back. Wrong place and time, like that Jewish news briefing questioner of Trump’s who got an earful after asking a fairly innocuous question – after Trump had been excoriated for weeks by the Times, CNN and others. The attacks on Republicans are so visceral from the left that even normal people get fed up with it. And I’ve known a couple of software company founders – “normal” isn’t a word I’d choose to describe them.
The lead we shouldn’t bury, of course, is that despite the assault, the Republican still won. This should cause rational people to whom advancing an agenda is important … to pause. Democrats, increasingly strident in their old, failed arguments, haven’t learned meaningful lessons from their sojourn in the wilderness. EVERYONE appears to be a “deplorable”.
If that’s true then Democrats may as well sink steel-reinforced concrete foundations for those homes they’re building in the wilderness, because they’re likely to be there for a LONG time.
In the end, Gianforte won and Quist lost. People concluded that what Gianforte promised was more important than an assault on a reporter (and that should give reporters cause to pause). Imagine how much greater Gianforte’s majority might have been without the assault.
You’d think that all this would get old to Democrats. If you want to be relevant to our governance again, you must find candidates who can make better arguments for what you believe.
The lead we shouldn’t bury, of course, is that despite the assault, the Republican still won. This should cause rational people to whom advancing an agenda is important … to pause. Democrats, increasingly strident in their old, failed arguments, haven’t learned meaningful lessons from their sojourn in the wilderness. EVERYONE appears to be a “deplorable”.
If that’s true then Democrats may as well sink steel-reinforced concrete foundations for those homes they’re building in the wilderness, because they’re likely to be there for a LONG time.
In the end, Gianforte won and Quist lost. People concluded that what Gianforte promised was more important than an assault on a reporter (and that should give reporters cause to pause). Imagine how much greater Gianforte’s majority might have been without the assault.
You’d think that all this would get old to Democrats. If you want to be relevant to our governance again, you must find candidates who can make better arguments for what you believe.
24
There may be responders who charge me with excusing a physical assault for political expediency. If so, then they miss the point. Your hatred and contempt notwithstanding, Republicans take assault as seriously as do Democrats. The point is that despite that rejection of assault as anything faintly resembling a legitimate response, the voters of Montana still elected the Republican. This is a choice that Democrats should ponder long and hard.
15
Richard, half the voters (approx.) had already voted before Gianforte's criminal assault. You forgot that, maybe? I forgive you. You can't help it.
250
Some Republicans take allegations of assault seriously. Many don't. Trump boasted about assaulting women when he said he grabbed their private parts without permission. At Trump rallies the crowd cheered when protesters were assaulted. At Trump rallies, he encouraged the crowds to vent anger at the media covering the events. And in Bozeman, some Gianforte supporters told other journalists to be careful or they'd be popped. Is this a political party or an organized crime family to talk like that?
893
Trump is just a symbol of spiritual decline, predicted by Spengler. Let's look at Congress, if you have the vomit bag handy. They will say and do whatever it takes to stay in power and accumulate more money. If Jefferson and Franklin were to get in a time machine and observe today's American "democracy", they would cut their throats, and take their chances in the afterlife.
Don't take it personally, Gail, but media failure is the biggest single culprit. Something like 88% of global citizens consider climate change to be a huge problem. The percentage here in the US is a fraction of that. This is because our media companies rarely mention it, since they love them some advertisements from the oil, timber, drug, and car companies. Even the Times hired Bret Stephens, a denier right off the assembly line.
Trump is just riding the wave. Problem is, the need to make more money after accumulating a few hundred million or more is pathological.
We solve this via a media strategy. Zuckenberg, Bren, or Bezos could eat the fossil fuel companies for breakfast. Oil, gas, coal, services, and drilling companies total 2.6% of our GDP. Only Bezos has made a play, and even he is reluctant to go all the way.
Memo to Mark, Sergei, and Jeff: Grow you some pairs If any of you stepped up here, we win. I can help, [email protected]
Don't take it personally, Gail, but media failure is the biggest single culprit. Something like 88% of global citizens consider climate change to be a huge problem. The percentage here in the US is a fraction of that. This is because our media companies rarely mention it, since they love them some advertisements from the oil, timber, drug, and car companies. Even the Times hired Bret Stephens, a denier right off the assembly line.
Trump is just riding the wave. Problem is, the need to make more money after accumulating a few hundred million or more is pathological.
We solve this via a media strategy. Zuckenberg, Bren, or Bezos could eat the fossil fuel companies for breakfast. Oil, gas, coal, services, and drilling companies total 2.6% of our GDP. Only Bezos has made a play, and even he is reluctant to go all the way.
Memo to Mark, Sergei, and Jeff: Grow you some pairs If any of you stepped up here, we win. I can help, [email protected]
250
How can the media solve anything when Fox New caters to the deplorables, and those same ignoramuses shun any other media outlets? Besides Fox, their other sources are the cesspools of inbred ignorance, coffee shops where the sip their morning coffee and dis liberals, and the Evangelical Churches.
Media? We don't need the stinking media, we have Fox News for our "Enquiring" minds.
We are in deep elephant dung, Folks.
Media? We don't need the stinking media, we have Fox News for our "Enquiring" minds.
We are in deep elephant dung, Folks.
6
To your point, yes, the media only weakly mentions this planetary threat.
But downright silly is its tendency to express issues as having two sides rather than a complex of aspects or factors.
And a worse journalistic practice is thinking that perpetually mentioning this "other side" as somehow having comparable merit is irresponsible.
"Fair minded journalists" help by perpetuating the myth of there being equal merit in the two sides of this argument and many, many argued issues as well.
But downright silly is its tendency to express issues as having two sides rather than a complex of aspects or factors.
And a worse journalistic practice is thinking that perpetually mentioning this "other side" as somehow having comparable merit is irresponsible.
"Fair minded journalists" help by perpetuating the myth of there being equal merit in the two sides of this argument and many, many argued issues as well.
6
Why would you propose Zuckerberg, et al.? I'm a diehard Democrat (thank you, Nixon) and I can assure you I will NEVER vote for a billionaire. I've had enough of the billionaire class. They made money. Good for them. That doesn't translate to understanding how to run a democratic government (or anything else). I think we currently have a pretty clear example of the bubble inhabited by the billionaire class.
5
We're gonna leave the cocktail sausages, li'l smokies and such to the kiddies this year Gail - ever since djt short little grabby fingers came onto the scene last year, we've had an aversion to hot dogs at the ball park, cook-out, wherever.
But this will be a somber Memorial Day, contemplating what has come to pass because of the Fails of our system, which allowed an obvious doofus to get into the highest elected office on the planet, and the absolute mess he is making, as foreseen by so many; very much of what is happening cannot be undone, and what we will have to go through to get things right again will further highlight the fact that 50% of the population doesn't care about laws, the country, or anything else, as long as their party gets to control things.
Sad, and all so preventable.
But this will be a somber Memorial Day, contemplating what has come to pass because of the Fails of our system, which allowed an obvious doofus to get into the highest elected office on the planet, and the absolute mess he is making, as foreseen by so many; very much of what is happening cannot be undone, and what we will have to go through to get things right again will further highlight the fact that 50% of the population doesn't care about laws, the country, or anything else, as long as their party gets to control things.
Sad, and all so preventable.
381
Agree totally, but, gee, Law, can't you do something about your fellow Texans before you focus on the federal scene?
3
C'mon Gail, it was a misunderstanding. Gianforte didn't mean to body slam him. He was just trying to make a point and put that pesky liberal reporter in his place. Gianforte's a lot like Bambam, Barney and Betty's son in "The Flinstones". He doesn't know his own strength. I heard that he's going to make a great addition to the Trump troika as horse whisperer. He'll be the one telling Trump to calm down during the ongoing investigations into every aspect of his bromance with Putin.
84
So that's how you'd react if someone did that to you in NYC??? It's called assault...
A little more analysis, please. Because Montana has early voting, a good chunk of the votes had been cast before the reporter-body-slam incident. If everybody had had to vote on Election Day, who knows how it would have come out? Were the Libertarian votes disproportionately votes cast on Election Day as a way to avoid voting for a Democrat but registering distaste for the Republican candidate?
311
Thanks, Howard, for pointing out the absentee and early voting in Montana. Because they are paper ballots, the voter cannot change his or her mind and do it over. Elections officers from all over the state lobbied the legislature unsuccessfully for the special election to be by mail in ballot only, which would have saved the counties $700,000. Instead, the Republican Speaker of the House emphasized that the mail-in balloting would favor the Democratic candidate, and so the election was held at unfamiliar polling places on a Thursday. Turnout was 54% of registered voters. It's likely that a lot of Democrats didn't show up at the polls on a beautiful workday.
As a Democrat, I reject the classification of Montana as a Red state though it has grown more so with the Koch blight.
As a Democrat, I reject the classification of Montana as a Red state though it has grown more so with the Koch blight.
19
I don't understand the Democratic National Committee. What message does it send to Montana voters when the DNC basically concedes before the election and says we're not even going to try to convince you to vote for our candidate?
How does that convince Americans that Democrats care about them?
How does that convince Americans that Democrats care about them?
697
Debbie, why isn't Debbie R running the DNC instead of Debbie WS and her successors? At least Debbie R would try to find out who is behind the utter failure of the DNC to act like they are members of the Democratic party.
76
Basically, the Dems are still not serious about representing progressives. They still want to be centrists so are reluctant to embrace the part of the party with the energy. Can you say Tom Perez? Yeah, please don't. Not a peep out of Keith Ellison.
5
This was the same tactic that lost the election for Hillary Clinton - the state wasn't worth pursuing.
12