It's almost as if the Democratic party doesn't want to succeed. Without any central spokesperson with the courage to speak towards a central winning platform on healthcare, entitlements, inquailty, the environment and working people, they let republicans define them as the party of illegal immigrants, the transgendered, and metoo. The Media outlets, like the NYTimes, are happy to let those stories run since a republican victory maintains higher subscription rates.
The Democrats are adept at snatching defeat from the Jaws of victory.
2
Instead of closing with a negative, why not something positive Mr. Stephens, like "If you love this country, vote Democratic".
9
The saying about the United States catching a cold and the rest of the world getting pneumonia refers primarily to the economy. When Bret says that now the rest of the world will feel free to murder journalists, he is assuming --a tad too smugly-- that the world looks up to the United States for moral --and not just economic-- direction. We of the rest of the world would like to take exception to such a preposterous notion. Do you honestly see France, or Germany, or many other independent and sovereign nations taking to homicide of journalists just because Donald Trump condones it? The US should stop thinking it is a universal role model for the rest of us, especially in the age of Trump.
12
I very much enjoy reading these exchanges; and although, as a non-American I don't have an axe to grind about the forthcoming elections, I can't help but query Bret Stephens' interpretation of the Kavanaugh hearings. He states:
'I think Chuck Schumer’s political strategy with Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination — oppose at all costs — was such a dumb idea.'
But the article to which his comment links specifically states that Chuck Schumer said he would work to oppose President Trump's Supreme Court nominee "with everything I've got." Most objective readers would conclude that this is not the same as "at all costs". Mr. Stephens would do well to avoid developing the Trumpian allergy to the truth.
One might also suggest, with respect, that his barely concealed disgust at the Democrats' opposition to the President's pick might profitably be tempered by a considered reflection on the signficance of two words: Merrick Garland.
10
The economic justice issue centered around living wages was the simple, digestible common denominator issue Democrats should have nationalized in this midterm election campaign. Trumponomics is modern day Reaganomics and that is bad for working Americans in the middle and lower classes. Trumponomics, the supply-side economic plan of President Donald Trump which was passed by the Republican Congress late last year without a single Democratic vote, like Reagan’s 1981 plan, has worked the way it was supposed to work. Large tax cuts for corporations and wealthy individuals have spurred investor-class investment activity, the creation of hundreds of thousands of new jobs, and an historically low unemployment rate. However, Trumponomics has also chosen the same losers Reaganomics did in the 80s: Americans at or below the middle class level. Wealth and income inequality has widened, most of the jobs created have been low-wage service jobs one could not earn a living from, overall wages have continued to stagnate, many hardworking Americans at this level are forced to work an additional job, or “gig,” to make ends meet, and money for social programs has dried up as a result of the deficit incurred by the huge tax cut plan.
1
I usually enjoy the Conversation, as it’s one of the rare instances where a gentle liberal and a gentle conservative talk to each other. But this time they come across as mere caricatures of themselves — a liberal fixated on Trump and nothing Trump; and a conservative concluding that Democrats aren’t what he hoped it was. They are either angry or dejected at their own helplessness. Maybe that’s why they make snarky yet stereotypical quips at each other?
I hope that it’s the election is doing is magic, and once it is over they will come back to a more thoughtful conversation.
Democrats do have an agenda---that is if you actually listen to them, rather than just read about their campaigns in the press, which covers polls and personalities, not policies.
Here, for example, is a detailed proposal iDemocratic candidate Amy McGrath put together
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/594516cd2cba5e0fcda7a240/t/5ab3ae...
7
Bret — Healthcare is that darn three-legged stool those crafty Democrats built, when Republicans opposed Medicare for All. You can’t cover pre-existing conditions unless everyone gets insurance, as you well know.
Stop complaining that the stool won’t stand with only two legs, and join us in the fight for Medicare for All. It’s that simple, and you know it, if you’re as decent a guy as you seem to be.
6
I might share Mr. Stephen's view of pre-existing conditions as a pretext if I didn't know better. In the United States many are forced to change health insurance when they lose or change a job. I have Multiple Myeloma and I would quickly lose my life if I got bumped from my health care and had to seek another that honored pre-existing conditions with a much higher premium. Most Americans aren't lazy but they are also not rich. But health care is often determined by your employer, your spouse's employer, your parents' employer or your geographical location. Now that you have seen people smitten by two successive hurricanes in the South which ruined businesses and homes, wouldn't you like a little security that if you need health care you will be able to afford it. That you are not just sitting in some grand casino of life hoping that the little ball stops on your field? That is basically how Mr. Ryan and Mr. McCullen see health care. I wish us better.
9
Of course this campaign is getting crazier. It's all because Trump is following Uncle Charlie's advice. Uncle Charlie is his secret confidante who is the source of most of Trump's stories and strategies. He has helped Trump raise his poll numbers. He tells Trump to distract from the things that matter like health care, bizarre weather , rising prices from tariffs because these concerns are losing propositions for Republicans. Distract. Make a big issue out of imaginary dangers like migrants: say they are actually Islamic fundamentalists , terrorists, and MS 13 gangsters and rapists and murderers---KEEP THEM AWAY FROM AMERICANS. The idea is to create the non-existing problem, make it a real impending danger that will kill our innocent children (but be careful to keep gun control out of mind at this point)-----distract and focus on the tidal wave marching towards our borders and menacing our lives. Now Uncle Charlie has whispered to me (Don't pass this on) that Trump and his strategists are afraid that the migrant hullabaloo may lose its impact before the voting, so cleverly they are planning another non-issue that they will blow up and get everyone distracted from health care and all the other stuff. Transgender issue is next: DANGER!! The transgenders are being released to go molest our children. Your unsuspecting daughter will enter a girl's bathroom. A male, whose birth gender is disguised by the Democrats will molest her. Beware of Democrats. Vote for Trump.
2
@shimr
Uhhhh...I appreciate your sarcasm.
2
I was a Democrat for as long as I remember but began to question my affiliation after digesting that Hillary Clinton was the best the Democrats could give us. I voted for her but with a clothes pin firmly attached to my nose. Now, I don't identify with either party. The prospect of Schumer and Pelosi make me as sick as more of McConnell and Ryan.
The only "leader" I have any respect for is Nikki Haley.
4
It won't be too surprising if the Democrats lost to a Republican party that is monumentally corrupt and incompetent at governing. To Democrats it appears that it's more important to have a female of color, perhaps transgendered, and a with a close relative who's an undocumented resident on the ballot. It's less important that this person actually wins by addressing what affects the majority of the constituents. Pelosi & Schumer are incredible leaders, but's fashionable for progressives to malign them simply because they're not foolish enough to promise economically unsustainable freebies to all.
7
Brett, I'm so tired of hearing that Democrats are just trying to 'relitigate 2016'. Donald Trump is the same lying, corrupt, immoral, relentlessly partisan guy he always was, and he's demonstrated all of those behaviors in spades just over the last couple of weeks. There is certainly a clear divide, between those who can accept his flaws in a president and those who won't.
10
Trump's latest attack is his new 10% tax reduction proposal.
Democrats need to rev up their campaigns to the max, now!
Trump still has dominance in the daily media with his Tweets.
Democrats, please wake up and get out votes to win the House.
===============================================
5
Ms. Collins - These are perfect examples of your ability to make things funny by simply putting them bluntly:
“celebration of assaulting journalists”;
“democrats win because they have more supporters”
If the Times reported that clearly outside of an opinion column, maybe it would start sounding like humor, and more like the actual news.
Social Security, Medicare, tax cuts for the wealthy, the Mueller convictions, disgruntled Republicans (don't laugh-there's a few), a serial liar in the White House, a Cabinet full of thieves and morons and by the way the serial liar is stealing the country blind. That ought to be enough to win any election. Unless you don't get out and vote.
5
Maybe you guys don't know it, but you're privileged. You don't get maced or batoned in peaceful demonstrations, as did the Occupy protestors. Remember? By Bloomberg's army? Or killed, as was one of the Charlottesville anti protestors. And I like it that way. The truth leaks out, around the edges. But it gets out. And every now and then one of you finally goes bonkers, like Robert Fisk or Chris Hedges and spills his or her guts.
2
Why is there no coverage of the "caravan" of would be illegal immigrants?
A mob of invaders is approaching the country and that's not news?
4
@George Orwell
Media has chosen to focus on the narrative that there are no gang members in that group. It's fact checking Trump by claiming he cannot "prove" there are gang members among them
Problem is media cannot prove there aren't gang members among them.
5
It is covered by the press I read about nearly every day. Clearly another failure of of Trumps policies. if anything he has made the problem illegal immigration worse
1
Bret says: "It’s an example of the way in which the corrosion of liberal values at the core of the free world leads to their destruction at the periphery."
This is the most asinine statement I've read in the NYT! It's not the quote "liberals" who are ripping our democracy apart. It's the crazy RADICAL ultra-conservatives.
Give me a break, Bret.
4
"I’m going to play the tedious-conservative-blowhard card on you and observe that “pre-existing conditions” is often another way of saying, “Wait until you get sick before taking out insurance,”"
On, bull. For every one person who may say that, there are tens of thousands for whom “pre-existing conditions” is another way of insurance companies saying, “I won't pay for that. Deal with it, loser."
5
Dunno about you two...
Lyin' Ted seems to have had no problem getting out of the doghouse and up and into the carrier strapped to the top of Trump's PresidentiaLimo...
He knows the ride will take him out of Texas and to anywhere in the US he wants to go...
.....
Think you need to strive for the day when Trump tells us that the NYT is the best newspaper ever printed in history, that each day's edition is better than the last, and that he feels smarter each morning just smelling it land in the WH driveway...
He already really likes how Dean and AG have the delivery guy attach a brick to it daily, so it doesn't blow away...
Says it gives you guys real gravitas...
Midterms are sickening.
You should be discussing the "leader" of Foreign Relations and Policy - the John Bolton threat to America.
Under the election morass is this mustachioed clown playing with nuclear arms deals. John Bolton is more dangerous to America than Mitch McConnell.
Only Trump, Fox News and very vapid people like John Bolton.
3
Quick commercials in my state report that Democrats gang rape. This is a faceless, nameless sponsored add-- it could be Russia, it could be a corporation that has no oversight thanks to the Trumpublicans-- who knows? 401C4's are buying our Democracy, and FoxNews propaganda throws them shade.
5
As someone who is a little left of centre (by US standards), I enjoy reading Mr Stephens for insightful conservative opinions. However, now and again, he does make some batty remarks. In this conversation, his comments about healthcare make little sense, and Ms Collins was quite right to correct him.
4
Democrats should be talking about the future, not just attacking Trump.
It is time for youth to take control, and thank Pelosi and Schumer on their way out the door!
JFK gave us the "New Frontier", these Democrats have " No Frontier" new or old!
39
@Len Colodny
A while back they came up with "A Better Deal." It fizzled when it was apparent it was using the same old stacked deck. It was almost as good as "Winning the Future," that Obama tried to use as his 2012 slogan. He didn't want to reuse "Hope and Change." Too many people remembered that hope was left in Pandora's Box, which was important because the change had all been for the worse.
1
These dialogues between two liberals get, um, a little tedious.
It's a great example, though, of the liberal echo chamber.
4
What you are watching is a facist takeover. It's not weird if you look at history.
What is weird is why the democrats message is being drowned out.
6
I would agree with the final sentiments.
Democrats - stop screwing it up.
Old guard, leave.
Take a stance rather than avoiding them.
Fight for the poor and rural vote, don't give them away or assume you have them.
Convince people combating climate change can be a money-maker and jobs-creator.
Stop playing the victim card and come out swinging.
You might be surprised at the response. And at the worst, what do you really have to lose?
4
The Democrats will screw this up if their anger gets the better of them and they allow the agenda that should focus on inequality and health be taken over by fringe issues and group/lobby interests. Do Schumer and Pelosi really think that their electoral chances are improved if voters perceive (rightly or wrongly) the Democrats to be biased against heterosexual white men ( read NYT editorials for daily examples)? Biased against blue collar workers by championing the rights of illegal immigrants who are willing to work for 50% minimum salary? Emotional outbursts, marches and screaming?
27
@Kai
What is entertaining is that rather than acknowledge that they are in the minority if they lose, they will attempt to find extraneous forces that caused people to vote incorrectly.
1
@ebmem
I cannot imagine who or what will get blamed if they don't regain the House.
The other thing that gets weirder and weirder are “discussions” like this. Gail pretty much stays consistent with liberal policy and Bret flip flops but never gets nailed for it. First he argues the old timey Republican stance and then argues incredibly that the Republicans are supporting the long time policy of the Dems like supporting healthcare that covers pre-existing medical conditions. Really? This is the same team that tried 60 times to scrap the ACA? What bollocks, as the Brits would say.
And Trump on the stump is also trying to sell a middle class tax cut. Congress isn’t even in DC and the lame duck after the election . . . Good luck with that, especially when such “cuts” also provide Republicans with the reason for cutting “middle class entitlements.” Talk about arguing from both ends of the body at once with both lying!
All these discussions are as nonsensical baloney as Bolton “rebuffing” the Russians. Give me a break! The Russians have wanted escape from this atomic treaty for years. This is a gift from Trump and it works for the leaders of both countries: it gives Putin what he wants while he can simultaneously claim that the failure rests with the US and Trump can claim “success” for appearing “strong” and laying down the law. He can scratch a long time treaty rather than do the hard work of making it better while simultaneously arguing that it’s the Russians who are the bad guys. Republicans flip-flop like fish and the public can’t think.
2
Brett, you are delusional if you really believe "Congress is not going to touch entitlements. " Look at the evidence - Trump has promised some out-there things, and he is attempting or succeeding at everyone of them. If he was a total failure we wouldn't be so upset, we wouldn't even be having this conversation. So don't be a fool, or worse, don't convince your readers to be fools, anyone who votes for a Republican is voting to end Medicare and Social Security, not just end the ACA and coverage for pre-existing conditions.
7
Trump will lie his way into winning the midterms as so many folks like to hear what they want to hear. By distorting truth Trump has created his own reality with the help of FOX STATE TV it is working. Demagogues especially a professional entertainer motor mouth blowhard wins over the low information voter. Trump admires dictators as he longs to be in charge the way they are Kim's countrymen praise him or wind up in prison or dead. Trump bows to Putin as he knows that Putin is his alpha male and Trump only punches down never taking on Putin as he probably fawned in private with Putin alpha male while punching Stormy Daniels his peer. USA will pay a price for Trump's degrading behavior as his incompetence comes to light down the road with an administrative state unraveled leaving Trump as the sole boss of govt unquestioned by a GOP congress shaking in terror from Trumps tweets.
What is really weird about Bret and Gail's discussion is that neither Benjamin Netanyahu nor Vladimir Putin care about the midterms. But they will both be back hacking and meddling bigger and better in the American midterm elections 2018.
Yet there is no credit nor mention of either man. For Israel and Russia there are no American midterms. It is always and forever all terms and all times manipulating America for their benefit.
1
Bret sounds like many conservatives (the ones with brains). He wants liberals to save him from conservatism and the Republican party.
1
To answer your editorial board, no. We will decline from here on out until a new order is found.
US democracy is dead. Will US opposition to the rich outweigh democracy? No way. It will end before it gets better.
So we simply don't care anymore. Shove that up your ...
Funny how conservative pundits suddenly go all lefty when Trump attacks the press, but revert to the right wing norm when any other issue is at stake. Wonder why that is.
2
I live in New Jersey and, while I'm voting for Menendez, I'm also holding onto my Celgene stock.
1
Bob Menendez was not judged "guilty beyond a reasonable doubt" by a jury. Yet somehow, he's "guilty".
But Brett Kavanaugh, is LOUDLY accorded "Innocent Until Proven Guilty!!!!"
One is accused of taking a paid for trip. The other is accused of trying to take sex by force. Guess who gets the "pass"!
As usual Republicans set the ethical and moral bar for Republicans to clear about an inch off the ground and for Democrats about 20 feet up.
I live in NJ and, as far as I'm concerned, Menendez's opponent is guilty of price-fixing. Besides, Menendez is FAR more responsive to his NJ constituents than the much louder and flashier Cory Booker. Menendez actually ANSWERS his mail/eMail. Booker doesn't. I was very gung-ho for Booker running for Governor, then Senator, but he's soured for me.
But Menendez seems to have doubled-down on being a really good and attentive Senator, and what Hugin did is far more destructive to ordinary people.
6
@Dadof2 Let’s compare. Menendez was indicted on federal charges of corruption. A crime that would have taken place during his tenure as an elected official. Officials believed there was enough evidence to go to trial. The jury was hung which means that he was not acquitted. I agree that he has never been convicted and therefore he is a free man. His rights have not been violated.
Kavanaugh was never reported to authorities, including now, for an alleged crime committed 30+ years ago as a teenager. There are no indictments or even civil lawsuits against Kavanaugh. There has never been a trial or even request for an official police investigation by any alleged victim. Allegations against him were made in the political arena, outside of any court or due process.
2
@John
Either you're innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, or you're not.
Changing the rules and moving the goalposts is something Republicans have been doing since Abe Fortas. Because they have only one principle: Gain power by any means necessary, fair or foul, starting with Nixon.
According to Bret, perhaps half humorously, gerrymandering is a necessary check on Democrat demagogues. Where's the check on Republican demagogues, Bret?
8
I look forward to Ms. Collins following her own advice and voting for Trump (the crook) in 2020!
1
Thank God for Tim Kaine,here in Virginia,The Republican Party has lost its mind in Virginia!
2
What happened to Jamal Khashoggi is horrifying. We all know that the Saudis are medieval, but they got away with it (at least for now) and Trump's response makes us just as bad. And I can't believe the prince got a standing ovation - wow - money clearly matters more than the press or human life.
4
I am as close to Jesus and the Christ as you will ever find on earth.
Jesus was not a person that went along with things. To the contrary, he was the epitome of rebellion.
How do we make the kingdom reign on earth? None of us will ever know.
It's unacceptable for the President to describe himself as a "nationalist" - defined as one who hates those different from oneself.
The United States is a diverse nation of immigrants, built by those who came to make a new life & those brought here as slaves. All of us deserve respect for our part in the great legacy of how our country was built & prospers - the most of any country in modern history.
Americans did this together, from every continent, building railroads, inventing the computer, airplane, automobile, television, movies. Our heroic diverse troops defeated fascism. Our diplomats established treaties that have kept world peace 70 +years.
It's ignorant for Trump to disparage immigrants since his grandfather was German, his mother Scottish.
We must keep our eyes on the prize - diverse, prosperous United States that leads the world in business, science, medicine, the arts, technology. Trump's desire to cut us off will destroy our prosperity.
Contributions of immigrants like Albert Einstein (Germany), Steve Jobs (father: Jordan), Jonas Salk (grandparents: Ashkenazi Jews), Barack Obama (father: Kenya) & Michelle Obama - Toni Morrison - Colson Whitehead - Kara Walker - Tayari Jones - Mark Bradford - Oprah Winfrey - descended from slaves, made this country great.
If we lose our diverse heritage & tradition, we lose what made America great: not nationality but our tradition of hope & freedom, built on the promise of equality for all.
5
"One thing I was looking for was which lines drew the most response. The biggest cheers came when he denounced the media and “fake news.”
I wonder why :)
Could it be that the mass media had been biased for decades?
Could it be that the mass media is the propaganda machine of the Democratic Party?
Could it be that the mass media has a rating lower than used car salesmen or lawyers (I apologize to used car salesmen)?
Could it be the mass media IS fake news?
2
@scythians
I think it's more likely that truth has tends to support "leftist" ideas and lies tend to support right wing ideas. Our president is an extreme example of this.
3
Bret Stephens is charming. He is also a cruel person who lacks empathy for those unlike himself. But it’s important to him that he not be seen as cruel. Hence the charming veneer.
4
Bret: ...... “pre-existing conditions” is often another way of saying, “Wait until you get sick before taking out insurance.”
Brett, let me educate you and what you called your fellow "tedious-conservative-blowhard" friends. For those of us who work in our own single person businesses, we are reliant on policies from the individual market. When I switch policy companies, I now don't have to worry about pre-existing conditions disqualifying me or leaving a huge gap in my coverage.
Before "Obamacare" these individual policies were expensive and shamefully useless compared to group policies or to the good coverage I have now. So it turns out Obamacare didn't just help the most financially strapped people that the GOP loves to demonize. Republicans can like it too because it helps middle class independent contractors like me.
7
I'd like to see the times strike some balance in opinion pieces and perhaps hire some slightly conservative writers. Id like to see this paper return to the more middle-of-the-road stance it once had. In the same way that experiencing other cultures makes us more worldly people, I think that the times readership would benefit greatly from occasionally hearing opinions that are different from their own presented in a factual and concise way. However, in keeping with Ms. Gail Collins and Bret Stephens writings above, these are just my opinions.
5
@Tom
Back in January, The Times dedicated its editorial page to letters from Trump supporters. Its readers were incensed and responded quite negatively. They couldn't even tolerate seeing those opinions. I suspect that move was recognition by The Times that its readers needed to open their minds more.
1
I'm terrified a red wave is coming. Everyone needs to vote. Surely the majority does not want a dictator and one-party rule.
If it's a hassle to vote, think of the soldiers stepping out of their landing craft onto the beach on D-Day. Did the soldier who gave his life in those first seconds die for nothing? No. By swelling the number of soldiers, he saved our country.
You don't need to step out into enemy fire to save our country. You just need to vote blue. Please join us.
4
"My main problem with the Democrats is that they think they can win by relitigating 2016..."
No, Bret, at least not in my state. We are bravely looking forward to 2020 but also pushing hard for 2018.
Horry County (Myrtle Beach area) is putting on an advertising campaign ([print, online, billboard, TV and radio) for the first time in recent history. We are focusing on getting out the vote as well as the worth of our candidates. Our gubernatorial candidate is far better than the Republican candidate, who has had two years since Nikki Haley left but has done virtually nothing for our economy, our schools and our infrastructure. Now he is promising school police officers instead of reasonable gun laws.
We are also focusing on doing right by our minority supporters, be they African-American, Latino, Native American or other.
As for the future, we are focusing on improving candidate vetting.
5
The free market approach to health care is that healthy people should not have to pay the medical bills of sick people, and health insurance companies should be allowed to price insurance on the basis of individual health and family history. Sick people with big medical bills will go bankrupt, perhaps their families will go bankrupt, and then they will survive on charity or die. And since charity undercuts self-reliance and personal responsibility, it should be kept small.
Most people do not have the fortune to afford continuing or major medical bills, so they will be willing to do the right thing and die when their medical costs go up, so their families will not be economically harmed by paying their bills. Or they will decide that the free market should not be the primary force in medical care. Or they will not think the issues through, and, for example, want the government to keep its hands off their medicare.
Ms. Collins is clear on the issues and takes the second option. Mr. Stephens takes the third option for others and, as an intelligent person with employer-supplied health insurance, the first option for himself. We should note that few of those who support the first option will do so publicly, since the only way it can be implemented without a huge uproar is if confusion prevails. For example, those who wish to stop forcing coverage of preexisting conditions will say that they in fact advocate it, but done in a different way, as they did with Obamacare .
3
'Vote for the Crook' made me laugh as that seems to be our choice in elections all too often!
I wish the Democrats were 'more clear' on how they will help the 'average American'. I'm not convinced a focus on the environment is a 'winning issue' when your family is one bill from losing your house. The Democrats seem to be playing to the party elite on the coasts and are not concerned about the folks in Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania - where elections get decided...
4
Brett,
The ACA had covered pre-existing conditions via the use of mandates, so people have coverage before illness. The Republicans fought this element tooth and nail, but in reality they hated everything about the ACA. The Republicans believe everyone should take care of themselves. There is no need to work together and pool our monies to grow stronger together.
But, you are correct, the Democrats have no idea how to argue against the three-ring circus and the on-going lies. How can you speak the truth, when the truth is promptly labeled a lie?
8
The Democrats do too have a platform: healthcare, responsible spending, fair taxation, and the rule of law.
7
after watching Mr. Moderate Independent Thinker Bret Stephens go tribal during the Kavanaugh debacle, I would suggest he look in the mirror for part of what we're seeing - i.e., Republican women who hate Trump vote tribal when the noise gets loud enough. Democrats will win by being Democrats, not pleasing Republicans who are for change until they aren't.
2
When Gail talks about her interest in the Georgia governor’s race, she makes it seem like a fun game to see “how many black voters” Kemp can knock off the rolls. This is not a joke. How disappointing to see a NYTimes columnist make light of the franchise to vote, especially in a place so riven with racist history.
And I have news for Bret Stephens. These midterms are critical. Even if we aren’t voting for a chief executive, the state legislature races are the key to the future. If Trump’s Administration can manage to actually successfully conduct a census, my state will gain a congressional seat and I want a more representative legislature to define those future districts.
7
Gail I have no idea how you manage to have a civil conversation with Mr Stephens who used his platform to applaud Mr Trump's bullying of Christine Blasley Ford- I wish you would either address that or find a decent human being worthy of your time.
Republicans have no platform but hate and rage and undo all the work the Democrats did in the past 8 years and having whipped up an angry mob with pitchforks they will now (as always) blame the Democrats if the government burns down. I don't think Mr Stephens has been living in the same reality as the rest of us- pre-existing conditions means wait until you are sick to get health insurance? but which party just got rid of the individual mandate to have coverage?
My Democratic party is running on the ideas of decency and civility in government and life in general. On protection of basic civil rights including marriage for all especially those most threatened. On the idea that the world is interconnected so we need allies and alliances, trade pacts and the Paris Accord to work together towards a better future.
5
Its going to take a lot more than Democrat rage for the country to summarily deposit Trump's GOP on history's junkyard of failures. Regrettably, it will take yet another GOP inspired meltdown like the Bush Recession to move the dial. Given the GOP's historical propensity for recessions ... there's little doubt they will deliver.
7
"The Conversation" would be more engaging if an actual liberal went up against Bret Stephens.
These columns remind me of "Hannity & Colmes" in which a right-wing pundit debates a center-moderate pundit who claims to be a liberal but then has caveats about that identification.
2
The reality of US politics is that lives always weigh in the balance.
Some of us are going to die. It might be me.
Some of us don't see any redeeming quality to US politics. If we all die, who cares about what happens before that event...
We all care about that. Even rich people. Generally they don't think that they care, but they do...
I accept that the rest of my life, if I choose to live it, will be pretty horrible according to standards. Yet I don't care. Our family doesn't care about things.
If you destroy yourselves, our family will live on in a way you probably don't understand. I will be the Jesus of my family if it is required.
Period....
...
...
..
.
Wow, looks like Mueller's investigation is "fizzling" now that he's gotten indictments, guilty pleas from and convictions for Trump's top advisers and closest confidants. That does seem to be how criminal investigations work: they tend to "fizzle" after the criminals are caught and locked up. What are people hoping for with this? Do they really insist that Mueller shows up with a video recording of Trump personally handing Putin a sack with a big '$' printed on it while Putin pats his shoulder and tells him he will take care of Trump's pesky "Democracy" problem? Maybe, just maybe, Mueller isn't out to get Trump impeached. Maybe he wants to uncover the facts and let our government make its own decisions.
8
Continued support for the likes of Senator Menendez and Bill Clinton probably makes a lot people think that most Democrats are simply acting politically when they seek to derail the likes of Trump and Kavanaugh over their various allegations.
It would have easily been worth the probable (but not certain) loss of a Senate seat to, not "recapture the high ground", but at least get out of the cesspool. 2020 is not that far away.
1
Unfortunately, when the Khashoggi news broke, all Trump's critics immediately pounced. They made it about Trump instead of that poor brutally murdered journalist. Now it seems they've moved on so there's breathing room for a real response. The media feeding frenzy is over, and what matters most won't be whether Trump met their demands on how to respond.
1
Does anyone think it is a coincidence that the Democrats who are the most effective at crafting a narrative, which in the words of Paul Volker is "that "we’re developing into a plutocracy,” and "We’ve got an enormous number of enormously rich people that have convinced themselves that they’re rich because they’re smart and constructive. And they don’t like government, and they don’t like to pay taxes" - are not liked by people like David Brooks and Bret Stephens?
Does anybody think that attacks on Elizabeth Warren's story of her origins is meant to distract us from Trump's phony origin story, and that the reason she is so disliked is that she is relentless in crafting a narrative that they don't like?
David Brooks writes endlessly about the public mistrust of gov't without once pausing to consider the right's role in cultivating that mistrust and the sums of money that are spent in promoting anti-gov't rhetoric.
Democrats DO have a narrative, it's just one that Conservatives don't like. Republicans want to create jobs by asking Americans to sacrifice clean water and air and job safety and financial and medical security. They want to drain the gov't of funds to improve the lives of ordinary Americans.
People who aren't offended by that are not in a position to judge the Democratic narrative.
4
Mr. Stevens, preexisting conditions mean that if you have a job with good insurance, you make yourself into as much of a yes person as you can stomach in order to make sure you keep insurance for yourself and your family. It can be asthma; or diabetics, or a past but totally gone cancer and suddenly there is no way for you to afford health insurance, unless you are one of those bringing in a salary in the at least six figures with relatively low other expenses. Think of the small businesses or innovations that won't happen, because people are afraid to say "boo" or they might be without a job and worse without health insurance. As for Senator Menendez, in some ways, he has been strong and has done a decent job. As for the "financial" issues, with elected officials running hotels in which people who lobby them stay, and all else that those allegedly draining the swamp are doing, Menendez's activities pale in comparison. It's all relative, isn't it, now that we ignore facts, truth and morality.
4
Stephens makes a good point about Schumer. He needs to go, because he has adopted the "oppose at any cost" posture, meant to appeal to emotion through oppositional behavior. That is a very familiar stand which has served Republicans well in elections, and it should be left to the Republicans, allowing them to look more bullheaded than they already have while their fading demographic disappears into the twilight. More reasonable Dems like Amy Klobuchar string together meaningful words that focus on doing what's best for our country. Those are the Democrats who should be in the spotlight if we're going to stop losing elections.
To address Bret’s concern about Democrats directly, I’m becoming less concerned over their deteriorating emotional and mental health. Clearly, they’ve finally internalized dreadful failure – a couple of months ago they were still certain that a “blue wave” would wash away all congressional sins and they could get on with impeaching Trump, even if they still had no chance of convicting him and removing him from office. Today even Bernie Sanders cautions against expectations that there will even BE a “blue wave” and Dems finally have given up hope on the Senate, as if emotionally balanced people ever had any doubt that Republicans would not only retain it but actually increase their majority.
Just imagine what they’ll be thinking in another couple of months. Perhaps a still-Republican House in the New Year with merely a somewhat diminished majority, but still perfectly adequate to keep them (and only them) firmly in the unenviable status of “victim”? And seriously considering looking into what cost breaks they can get on depression meds from a Social Security disability ruling?
And I need to clarify a bit, despite Gail’s obvious conviction that ALL Republicans are active agents of Satanic evil. Most of us believe that we’ve lost the argument on existing entitlements. Smart congressional Republicans know that it would be political suicide to “take away Medicare and Social Security”. Most of us would like to re-package ALL …
1
… entitlements (and, yes, I know that SS is not an “entitlement”) so that they’re strategically sustainable, but not get rid of the benefits or diminish their current value. But we’d certainly like to tighten the spigot on future unsustainable entitlements and better control the growth of existing ones. You know – so that we might still HAVE a space program and an NIH.
Many of us, for different reasons, have long been hoping that Democrats would finally stop “screwing up”, as Bret does. Apparently, he wants to change party allegiances and would like to be able to say that he was ALWAYS with the winners. Me, I’d like a loyal opposition that was effective for a change at curbing excessive conservative policy through the artful practice of politics. However, I see absolutely no sign that Democrats have the slightest clue how to be or do that, so I’m in favor of granting them instead a disability class-disposition by SS so they can at least get affordable depression meds.
2
Brett makes a valid point about coverage for pre-existing conditions - some people will game the system by avoiding paying for health insurance until they get sick.
The flip side is people with chronic conditions are tethered to their incumbent insurer or to their full-time job with benefits when pre-existing conditions can be excluded from a person's coverage.
There is a trade-off to be made, and the burden on society and the economy seems far greater when people are not free to shop for insurance or quit their job than when all of us have to cover for those who selectively insure. This is especially true when there is a mechanism in the tax system that forces most people to either buy health insurance or to contribute through a financial penalty.
Mr. Stephens, your comment about "waiting to get insurance after you get sick" hit me viscerally. I was born with a kidney defect. I've had asthma all my life. I have serious arthritis that I developed in my 30's, despite being a healthy weight and very active. All my health conditions have resulted in 18 surgeries throughout my life. I've never smoked, but because of my severe, lifelong asthma, my lung function is only 50% of what it should be. I'm now in my 60's. I'm fortunate to live close enough to Mexico so that I can get my medications there, at less than 10% of what they would cost here in the U.S.
Some of us don't get a choice about being healthy, Mr. Stephens. Some of us are born with serious illnesses and disabilities. Are we the throw-away Americans, so that your party members can afford yet another yacht or house in the Hamptons to add to their collection?
Mr. Stephens, what is it about us that you deem so unworthy? And by the way, I was born into a working class family, and was the first in my family to go to college. I then worked my way through law school and practiced law for over thirty years. I did all that "pulling myself up by my bootstraps" that you told me to do. And now in my retirement, I must choose between spending all my retirement funds on medical treatment, or leaving the country. I'm choosing the latter, where I can live out the remainder of my years without this horrific worry. Live one day in my body, Mr. Stephens, and you'll be a Democrat.
23
I believe in the voice of the people. I wish that Trump wasn't president. The entire last 4 years including the campaign years, has been a long blob of depression for me. That being my opinion, I still didn't want to move to Canada or anything.
Using my own general knowledge only 25% of the people voted for Trump.
There are about 300 million Americans. I know you can google and its 330 million and 62 or something but for my explanation, generalizations rule. So out of the 300 million Americans about 100 million are children or can't vote etc.
So we have 200 million American voters. Only 54% voted in the 2016 election, 100 million voted. So Trump won 50 million of the 200 million voters, or 25%. And out of that Trump won by 75K electoral college votes by a slim margin. And Clinton won by 3 million in the popular vote.
I still want the electoral college or all elections would be decided by California, Texas or the most populous states. Which wouldn't bother me one bit but the Midwest or the smaller states would mind not having a say.
This group of 25% that voted for Trump is not the voice of the people. Oh a few side not comments. if we went by zip codes the issue of gerrymandering or rigging the districts to gain Republican seats would be stopped. Zip codes are natural communities and don't need a special formula.
Lastly when Obama ran 60% of the people voted. Not the 54% that showed up for Trump and part of that can be linked to voter suppression.
8
"But they especially can’t win by riding a wave of rage rather than a wave of hope," says Bret Stephens. Why not? it worked for Trump. Why is running on anger something that only Republicans get to do? Sanders' anger (male anger, therefore acceptable) was very instrumental in revving up the progressives. And I am furious. Anger and hope work together, anyway--I'm angry at how Republicans chip away at health care (esp. women's health care) but hopeful that Democrats will improve health care when given a chance.
7
Democrats need to give up appealing to intermittent voters and low turnout groups. They need a platform tailored to regular reliable voters. Their current approach is far to passive.
2
I think of Bret Stephens as a "General George B. McClellan" never-Trumper, someone who ostensibly wants the Democrats to win, but is unwilling to engage in or sanction the maneuvers to make it possible.
Here he was, just a few weeks ago, defending the outrageous accusations made by Brett Kavanaugh against Democrats who had the temerity to believe the highly credible accounts of Ms. Blasey-Ford and question his own dubious accounts being a model choirboy. Even worse, he applauded the liar-in-chief and defender of child sexual predators, dictators and murderers for his defense of the outburst.
Here he is, avoiding acknowledging that Republicans don't want to solve the problem of discriminating by pre-exisiting condition because they know that making sure everyone has insurance would require subsidies and they don't want to do that.
He is a never Trumper who has issues with the man, and not so much with the conservative supported agenda that he is delivering on. He refuses to see the connection between the anti media sentiment of Trump with that of his predecessors, and his preference for propaganda to the earlier Republican alliance with propaganda peddling Fox (ala Dick Cheney), and the bullying of Rush Limbaugh.
He is OK with the Republican fixation on welfare cheats and their blind eye towards tax cheats among the wealthy elite.
He hates class warfare but loves elitism. His heart bleeds for well-to-do people like himself, others not so much.
7
Thanks, Collns and Stephens. Well expressed. Ms. Collins, please consider and write about "Medicare Enrollment at Birth". Just start enrolling babies at birth, just like 65-year-olds are enrolled on their 65th birthday. Pay for the health care insurance system with a one-tenth of one percent financial transaction tax a tax that would raise about
$400 billion, a tax with no exceptions, no deductions, no exemptions for anybody or any group - paid electronically at the time of transaction. Would somebody take a look at how this could happen?
5
Interesting thoughts, but I think that you missed the international impact.
The text sounds at times as if Trump is now gulity of anti-journalist actions across the world. He is not. Bear in mind that Turkey, Polamd, Russia and esp. China acted over the past years heavily against the press, of which Saudi-Arabia is a rather small (yet disgusting) case.
Judging by French, British and German newspapers that I am reading I can tell that there is a fascination about Trump, because he is a good show master. But truth is that all this is often considered as a historical wind of change because of China. I am not sure if you miss the point, but China and, in parts, Russia are in Europe and Africa, of course Asia, a bigger topic than Trump or the US, since Bush?
I doubt that it is Trump's fault. This article shows that you might the point. The US is losing its role as a leading power for many years. And I believe that many Europeans and Asians actually enjoy watching the rise of a new superpower, despite the dangers, because it probably never was different. It might explain why Trump is considered as just a regional issue of the US. The mad man. American so desperate that they lower taxes further, block health care, and vote for a bully and a show master to make the US great again. I think if you miss this issue you might not understand what the cause of the Brexit is.
Imagine China being in 10-15 years econom. bigger than the US, according to the World Bank.
2
I wish the NY Times would remove the word "entitlements" from its style guide. In particular, shame on Gail for using it. That word is Republican propaganda. Entitlement has a connotation of a special privilege. I paid into social security, so I don't think it is an entitlement to expect to get it back. Eliminating social security would effectively be stealing my money.
I would generally disagree, but I could see why one would call a program like welfare to be an entitlement, as the recipients are often not paying into it.
22
@NYC BD
Former Fed Chair Alan Greenspan is promoting his new book. He claims entitlements are crowding out savings. Entitlements are neither sacrosanct nor do they exist in isolation. They need to be considered as part of an entire picture.
1
@NYC BD They are entitlement programs. Because we pay into them, we are entitled to the benefits. Look it up!
They just sound bad.
2
If republicans maintain their hold on the houses of congress what you think there will be an election in 2020?
Democrats seem to be running on what is in the general good interests of the voters in those districts, rather than on some grand national theme. Except on health care and pre existing conditions.
republicans seem to be running on attacking anyone left of Mussolini as a raging communist. Or a Middle Eastern terrorist.
I am kind of hoping that the caravan coming through Mexico goes to a Canadian Embassy and asks for asylum from them. That might take some wind of the so called man in the oval office's sails. Or underwear.
4
The Democrats could have locked this up a long time ago if they put citizens before illegal immigrants.
9
@WillT26 Stop believing falsehoods promoted by Trump and the Right Wing.
2
Can we just please secede from Rural America?
8
@Mixilplix It’s really ironic that the issues that Democrats most want to deal with are primarily problems in the urban environment. Rural communities have less violence, less income inequality, less pollution, less impact from warming, and less cost of living.
4
Hmmm. I think you need a fact check on that statement.
As bad as things will be when the republicans retain control of both houses — which seems increasingly likely — it may be what is needed to have democrats realize a change of leadership is necessary. The lack of a focused campaign message or theme is obvious.
If I see Chuck Schumer once more READING from the lectern in front of the Senate like a 9th grader, peering over his reading glasses, holding onto the side of the lectern, making another academic, obscure point, I think I‘ll scream. And Nancy Pelosi holding onto the gunwales of the sinking ship is sad; how she is a positive to any candidate is questionable. Let’s get some new ideas — ANY ideas! — to bring a coherent message to the people.
Do we remember the issues promoted by democrats in the past that spurred conservative voting in mid-terms? — same sex marriage, abortion, gay rights, etc. Well, either intentionally or by serendipity it is happening again — Trump raising the transgender issue, the “invasion” of the migrants from South America (is there a chance some republican operatives are behind this??)** Republicans know how to motivate their base, sowing fear. Democrats have no solid base because there’s no central theme, no platform.
** See McKay Coppins’ excellent article in The Atlantic on Newt Gingrich this month.
3
@Richard And yet, Mitch McConnell has been the most despised Senator for many years running.
2
MBS needs to be pursued with the brutal murder of Jamal Khashoggi, as does Trump with his "the free press is the enemy of the people." But we also must not let ourselves be distracted from the Saudi-led genocidal war in Yemen, or a possible Saudi attack on Iran, both using American weapons.
And speaking of diversions, Democrats cannot allow Trump to bait them with the transgender issue immediately prior to the election. The same goes with the migrant caravan. These are traps with controversial issues, and Trump knows it. That's why he focuses on them. Trump couldn't care less about science, transgender rights, or immigration (remember children in cages?), except in how they can serve to keep him in power and further enrich him. The people involved are irrelevant to him. That will never change.
Democrats need to stick with health care, the social safety net, taxes, and future jobs. Public education and infrastructure are fertile topics as well. Substantive issues. That’s the path to not “screwing it up.”
4
"Trump really wants to unseat Senator Jon Tester"
Yes he does Bret, that's why I just donated to Senator Tester's campaign. And I'm from Georgia. Point is, our small donations go to where many of us think will get the biggest bang for our buck.
"Democrats, please stop screwing it up"
That's actually funny Bret. Please tell me what it is that the Republicans are doing. How about starting with, Republicans are destroying our Democracy, and that's just for starters.
And on a final note, living out here in the real world of Georgia, I have seen nothing but super enthusiastic Democratic candidates with a solid message that rings true for the voter. And record early voting.
19
Hi Bret, what about epilepsy (my wife and both sons) as a preexisting condition? I don't think you necessarily wait to get sick with seizures, and insurance companies have traditionally refused to insure epilectics. Before the ACA Texas (where I live) had an enlightened program called the risk pool, which insurance companies were required to participate in. The risk pool covered all who were denied coverage for preexisting illnesses, like my older son while he was working low end jobs. The state canceled the program immediately when the ACA was passed. Do you think it will be reinstated if the ACA is completely dismantled? An interesting hypothetical.
15
The republicans have a preexisting condition with Hunter, and the dem's with Menendez, and this is where we are, voting against by voting for. Trump has magnified the problem.
Who is the Democrats' leader?
I see no one leading. Trump is a leader.
People want to follow a leader. We are herd animals.
I am a 50-year-voting Democrat, and I have a difficult time even figuring out what Democrats stand for. I get it that they whine a lot about Trump, but that isn't a stand. There is this issue and that issue, but where is their center, their focus, their easy-to-comprehend and sell ideology?
Instead of a sincere and powerful all-encompassing idea and a leader to espouse it, we have victim groups. We get a lot of lectures on how we are supposed to feel and what we are supposed to say and not say.
All of these victim groups are having the net effect of requiring too much change and adjustment in too short of a period of time. People are basically conservative in that they don't like change, for themselves (they are all for other people changing).
But the Democratic Party, as a whole, is expecting, actually demanding, radical and rapid changes all over the board. People don't function that way. Radical changes imply an uncertain goal post, and people want a goal post that they can see and count on.
Trump: Make America Great Again; America is for Americans
Democrats: Make Americans nicer to each other; blame white males whenever possible
Who would you vote for?
13
@Dan
Only to the GOP is women's reproductive rights and healthcare "too much change".
How about just voting for people Not Lying Every Day like Trump. That is a place to stand on.
Trump did find "a herd" but that aint good enough.
7
@Dan
Vote for the party that believes in truth and reality.
Vote for the party that honors the Constitution.
Vote for the party that believes in America’s institutions.
Vote for the party that believes in the dignity of all Americans.
Vote for the party that will support all Americans, and does not designate some as worthy and others as vile.
Vote for the party that knows no one can claim to be a “real” American to the exclusion of all others.
On the other hand, if lies and hatred are your thing, the GOP welcomes you with open arms.
4
The important thing is that the 2018 Elections will continue to keep the nation on a ruinous course. There will be no winners and there will be no losers. No one gets out alive.
1
Yes - Democrats are screwing things up - not sure how they can get their base under control - but attacking tv pundits at restaurants and proudly posting it to social media does not motivate anyone to vote for your side. Then there was the Brett Kavanaugh debacle - why lose your mind over a seat that was already held by a conservative justice? The time to lose your mind will be if Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg dies at the start of Trump's second term (something that could happen especially if Democrats don't get smart). And while I think running as a check on Trump is fine - Democrats need to keep in mind that not everyone pays attention to every nasty tweet he sends out. Most people are seeing low unemployment, a strong economy, and something that looked like success with the North Korea threat and NAFTA - a halfway normal acting President would expect to have an approval rating in the high-50s - so Democrats need to have a strong message about why the country should change course. And spoiler alert an agenda that seems to be solely focused on promoting higher levels of unskilled immigration, and impeaching Trump is not going to cut it.
3
Breaking news: Democrats are not screwing it up...Republicans are screwing truth, reality, decency, Americans' constitutional right to vote.
"Robert Menendez should be walking away with this one, but the fact that he’s struggling in such a blue state tells you about how vulnerable he is on the corruption front."
What Menendez struggle tells us is that the Democratic Party and its member voters have morals and ethics which Menendez appears to have transgressed. And yes, Democrats in New Jersey are weighing the smoke around Menendez, comparing it to the fire blast of corruption and immorality of Trump and the Republican Party. Hopefully at the end of their struggle, Democrats will choose the smoke over flagrant corruption and indecency.
Compare the Menendez vulnerability to Duncan Hunter's vulnerability. Hunter will be reelected because Republican voters have no moral compass. They don't care that Hunter misused campaign funds and blamed his wife (a defense that is another way of saying he doesn't know how to manage his life, much less how to represent his District).
There is no humor in what Republicans are doing to win. Gerrymandering is not funny. Voter suppression is not funny. Republicans lying about their policies, agenda, past actions is not funny.
What is funny is how Republican voters can support their party's lies, corruption, abuse of power, the trampling of the Constitution and still claim they are Americans.
11
As usual, a civil exchange of political views, centered on human imperfectibility and tendency to screw things up...so to justify cheap shots (means) if it benefits the ultimate goals (end), and gain control of power...to abuse it. I know it sounds bad and even unjust...but perfectly suited in these times when we have a president adamant in lying whenever he opens his mouth, and giving permission to his minions to do likewise, keeping the converstion in the toilet. No civility, just raw emotions to move a thoughtless mob (his base) to applaud wildly when he starts insulting others, with no basis on facts whatsoever. Trump is a 'certified' 'criminal' when he belittles women and minorities, and when he attacks 'others' of the same awful 'virtues' he is so well endowed with (sexual predatory practices; crookery; superb ability as a demagogic liar; deep ignorance, leading him to believe, with suma cum laude arrogance, that he knows more than the 'generals'; 'white supremacist's delusions of grandeur for a most stupid non-reason, the color of one's skin; and a lame excuse to sow fear and hate of 'the other' in an extravagant display of discrimination not seen since the 'best' days of the K.K.K.; raw opportunism and division in republicaan ranks to screw us all...by republicans being complacent with his narcissistic whims). Elections to tame Trump's destructive impulses are coming; too bad we are dealing with a credulous population in need of entertainment, clownish Trump's forte.
1
"I have no hope for the Republican Party mending its ways, so it leaves me to say: Democrats, please stop screwing it up."
Bret Stephens is not the lone conservative pundit to have that opinion. He is in good company with George Will, David Brooks and many others.
But other forces such as voter suppression and gerrymandering work against the Democrats. Moreover, the system is fundamentally skewed (two senators for North Dakota and California; go figure that out) to help the little red states at the expense of the more highly populated blue states. Topping it all are the lies spewed by Trump at an unprecedented rate.
I have no hope for this country until our citizens are better informed, not just about the local pizza parlor having a sale, but about fundamental issues in governance and international affairs. As long as there are enough people who "cling to guns and religion" racism and misogyny will rule.
10
The Dems will screw this up, and will continue to do so as long as Perez is at the helm. He, Schumer, Pelosi and the rest of the Clintonistas do not get it. They need to understand those of us who shower AFTER work, who have dirty fingernails and sore muscles. A full-throated FDR progressive agenda is in order. Short of that - it’s buh-bye sweetie pie. Get ready for full-on Chriso-fascist oligarchy.
2
I was so hopeful for a blue wave as I am a moderate who is absolutely and fiercely against Trump. But it looks like the Democrats are screwing it up as I probably could have guessed they would. Democrats, you guys are a difficult pill to swallow. I try, I mean I really try. But I guess a tiger cannot change it's stripes. And because of the nature of our two-party system, there is no party that represents moderate views.
2
Excellent conversation, and Bret, I enjoyed you on Deadline White House yesterday. The Dems are screwing up. They aren't speaking up about their own immigration policies. They don't have a unified message and they aren't being forceful enough in defending their values. What the Democrats do have is a team of amazing candidates all over the country who deserve an opportunity to serve in Congress or as Governors or in other state offices. Democratic and Independent voters have to vote in order for any of these candidates to have a chance at winning. Here's hoping that they do.
2
"...when the president of the United States celebrates a physical assault on one journalist, the rest of the world will feel free to murder another..."
This, is a ridiculous assertion.
Literally, worthy of ridicule.
5
@Objectivist
Perhaps journalists are afraid and letting that fear could their judgment. You know. Like Trump voters.
1
Again with Bret's double standard: the Republicans can "rage" but Democrats cant do the same thing, plus they must offer hope when the GOP offers lies. Doesnt he ever get tired of himself?
13
Whoever used the word tribalism before Trump ascended the throne? No one I knew. I have voted Democratic for decades but I still look at a candidate's credentials and integrity. I had no trouble voting for Republican Jacob Javits. I applauded Republican senators Baker and Weicker for standing up to Nixon. But today's Republican party has been hijacked by Trump. And the Democrats are struggling to choose an identity. Do they take a Sanders/Warren left turn or keep pat with the more centrist Democrats? Republican centrists are rapidly becoming extinct. Proof of that is the departure of a moderate Republican like Charlie Dent, and the soon-to-retire Bob Corker. Trump has become the Gresham's law of politics. Radical right wing Republican Trumpites drive moderate Republicans out. Weirder and weirder? Yes. But I'm hoping this is an anomaly and not the shape of things to come.
1
Since the republicans get great mileage out of running against Nancy Pelosi, why don't democrats run against the even more unpopular Mitch Mcconnell? He just gave the dems their message on a silver platter: the reublicans are going to pay for their tax cuts for the rich by gutting your social security and medicare. And since Obamacare is popular, show the endless amount of times Mitch tried to repeal it, existing conditions and all.
20
Republicans are awful, but Democrats aren't perfect. So, I guess we stick with Republicans?
Republicans engage in horrifically racist and sexist language, personal actions, and policies, but Democrats play that old politically-correct, identity politics card of "women and minorities should be treated equally." So, vote for the Republicans?
Republicans cheat unashamedly through gerrymandering and voter suppression, but Democrats can't seem to stop them. So, I guess, credit for boldness, kudos Republicans?
The smart lady with the sketchy emails won 3 million more votes than the cruel and incompetent con man, but those votes were in California and other coastal states that don't count as much. So, good voter targeting, gold star for Republicans?
I give up. I'm out. I'll still vote, and volunteer, and get out the vote, but I'm kind of done caring about what all the dipsticks and figwads of America do.
We'll look back and scratch our heads. But please spare those of us who are right about Trump and the Republicans the whole, "Gee, nobody knew..."
9
Blame the Democrats all you want, but the real problem is the racism and prejudice at the core of our culture. It is this bigotry that gives the Republicans their strength and it's certainly what fuels Trump's supporters. You can talk about economics and health care and whatever all you want. You can talk about the culture wars all you want. But the truth is the strength of the Republicans and Trump is the racism of the American people.
7
"For all of our focus on the midterms, I suspect we are probably making too much of them."
Says who? You don't live in gerrymandered Texas. These mid-term elections are very important if you "give a care" about having any representation in Congress.
Oh God. Will I in my lifetime ever have anyone run for office that is seeking everyone's vote and actually wants to represent everyone in their district?
8
I'm glad the Democrats have finally settled on "their" number one issue. Healthcare. And, it's a winning issue. Sort of.
The geriatric wing of the Democrat party, well represented in the leadership, have determined, every American wants and needs healthcare. If you are 80 years old and all of your surviving friends are in their 80's, you must be pretty confident healthcare is a winner. Do you know who doesn't give a rip about healthcare? Youngsters.
80-90% of young people don't have any health issues more pressing than allergies. Think about all of the high school seniors and college freshman you know. Do very many youngsters seemed concerned, in any personal way, about healthcare? I don't.
1
@Mike They should be. Pregnancy, car accidents, hereditary diseases which show up in early adulthood, the list is long and they should be concerned.
4
@Mike good point..who else doesn't "give a rip about healthcare"?...the millions of people getting free (or nearly free) healthcare from their employers...
1
@Kate Do you know any teenagers? Have to talked to any? Free stuff, video games and a cheap data plan are what they want. Now, if you offered "unlimited data" with an insurance plan, you might get their attention.
'I’m going to play the tedious-conservative-blowhard card on you and observe that “pre-existing conditions” is often another way of saying, “Wait until you get sick before taking out insurance,” which in turn is a recipe for higher premiums.'
So, Bret, does that mean you are in favor of the ACA's mandate? because that was the way the ACA took care of this potential problem. A "conservative" idea that originated with the Heritage Foundation, by the way, as a way of achieving health insurance coverage for all without resorting to--gasp!--a government program!!
Funny how "conservatives" try to run on the preexisting condition plank without acknowledging the history of this whole concept.
4
The MSM memo obviously went out early last week: the "public" needs to know that the Dems are running on empty, running on nothing but anti-Trump sentiment....so, obviously, we have to non-stop cover and repeat Trump's slogans, conspiracy theories and lies.
There isn't any vile thing that Trump/Republicans do that they can't and don't get away with. But, Dems, not a chance: wear a tan suit and you're Satan.
This claim that the MSM is "liberal" is a cruel joke. They post "cultural war" stories on the front page in order to pander; then turn around a claim: Dems never want to talk about anything other than "identify politics".
What a fraud this all is. I'm this close to cancelling all my subscriptions but I'll wait post-November 6th as I wouldn't want to miss all the reasons why the Dems never do anything right (and that'll happen even if the Dems retake the House).
MSM isn't exactly Fake Fox but it certainly is Fox's partner in crime when it comes to ensuring the Dem's are always on the defence, always portrayed as disorganized, weak and without a vision. Yes, tax cuts for the rich do matter, eh?!
4
I'm from NJ and voting straight Dems, including Menendez. We can boot him next time around if we want to. But he does vote the right way most of the time (not all, to my liking) and I'll vote for Satan before I vote for a Republican.
11
Good party man Douthat dutifully blames Democrats for the loss of democracy in America. No mention of the Koch brothers spending hundreds of millions of dolars to buy State Houses so districts could be gerrymandered to give increasingly smaller percentages of Republicans wins with substantially fewer actual votes. No mention of voter supression, or Republican Party lies, and certainly not of the constant stream of bull coming out of Trump’s mouth tha the Republican booboisie gobbles up in their usual though-free manner. No, he clearly thinks that is just fine as long as it serves his un-American party’s goals. Apparently, Douthat’s Catholic Church no longer preaches against any of the deadly sins any more. As for his Republican Party, they were never serious about moral values, only winning at any cost. But do keep blaming Democrats for the sins of Republicans, that is how psychopaths behave.
7
Bret Stephens wrote:
"That’s why we need gerrymandering, Gail, as a check on your pesky demographics!"
That's the most truthful and insightful thing I've ever seen him write.
And that fully explains why he and his fellow "reasonable" Conservative pundits share the blame with the evil Rightwing Media Cabal for destroying all shreds of truth, fairness, and civility in our country.
Instead of joking about it, do something to correct it! Speak out about the lies, divisiveness. and hatred constantly spewed by your party.
They've stopped listening to us evil Liberals, and they've stopped listening to the will of the majority of the American people.
Sure, they'll derisively call you a RINO, and shun your ideas from their party. But then you and your fellow RINOs can either form your own party, or join us Dems.
Mr. Stephens, what has happened (and continues to happen) is not a joke. 40% of Americans feel that you deserve a body-slam. That's not too far removed from what happened to Kashoggi.
You are complicit in allowing your party to devolve into what it has become. That's not a joke; and it's not a laughing matter.
8
"Chuck Schumer’s political strategy with Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination — oppose at all costs — was such a dumb idea." Really? It seemed to work for Mitch McConnell.
4
It's so wonderful to see you two laughing it up while the rest of us reach for the Xanax bottle, only to find it empty. This is not silly. This is real. Focus. Lives are at stake. See also: your dead colleague, Mr. Kashoggi.
15
@fast marty
Trump's supporters seem to be having fun. A lot of it, in fact.
We're in a battle of good vs. evil and were fighting bricks with sticks. But throwing a brick won't stop the Republican zombies, they're already dead.
In my state people are trying to reinvigorate democracy with a ranked choice voting system. Regardless of scientific evidence, ranked choice can allow democracy to flourish once again. Refute this with scientific evidence and I'll trounce you! You're stupid! (BD)
Many of us are entering a messianic state. We're approaching the evil of the Roman Empire. History is repeating. Knowledge is not a defense.
The US will likely end soon. I find it likely that a small scale nuclear war will take place. I find it likely that democracy will fail before it regains its place in the world. Unfortunately, the winning side doesn't include me.
Oh well. History books hate the average, informed populace.
2
Calling Schumer's strategy on Kavanaugh dumb is to accept that the GOP can rig the system with impunity and Democrats are supposed to stay principled. Hogwash. I don't think the Dems ever expected to truly stop Kavanaugh, but their antics were hardly unwarranted (remember Merrick Garland?) and were a message that they will play as hard and dirty as the GOP does daily. If Schumer et. al. had not fought, it would have deflated the Democratic base. As for Menendez, I will hold my nose and vote for him. McConnell is a grave threat to all I hold dear and I will do all that I can to remove him from power.
8
@Greenfish Can I like this twice?
"Bret: My main problem with the Democrats is...relitigating 2016, which...is especially bad if Robert Mueller’s investigation fizzles... They also won’t win by saying things are just awful..."
I am so tired of this. The only significant Democrats re-litigating 2016 are the ones in the lies of Republicans who keep saying this. For them, any opposition to Trump and Trumpsters, or policies Democrats have always been against, is "re-litigating 2016". If some Democrat protesters somewhere say anything close to something about 2016, it's the whole party. Give me a break.
Mueller's investigation has already NOT fizzled. It might never result in a successful impeachment of Donald Trump, but dozens of indictments, guilty pleas and convictions, and ample proof that Trump and his people at least wanted to "collude" with Russia and obstruct justice, is not a fizzle. Remember, the investigation is into Trump's CAMPAIGN. Trump might squeak by himself, but his campaign is already tarnished.
For Trump, though, the big trouble is going to come from dirty dealings beyond the campaign, dredged up during the investigation and farmed out to other investigative venues like SDNY. Russia stood in for dear old Dad when Trump needed to keep afloat and no one except Russia would come to the rescue, to the tune of hundreds of million if not billions of dollars.
And, we're already starting to see things beginning to get awful. The economy has been on the momentum from Obama's years. You watch.
3
@Barry Williams Yeah, Manafort's conviction really said everything about the 2016 campaign, didn't it?
Look. the Democrats began relitigating the results within hours of Trump's victory. The losing candidate began challenging the legitimacy of the result the next morning and the party apparatus (including its press and media wing) took up the cry and has never let go. As a result, there was no way to honestly analyze the campaign to see what went wrong.
Really? Nothing to say about a race in your own backyard, CD 1, where Lee Zeldin is trying to suppress the vote with another Republican dirty trick?
4
As much as I respect and like Bret Stephens, he retains a habit for making boneheaded or exaggerated statements that I find annoying. His claim, for example, that the protection of preexisting conditions causes many people to delay buying insurance until they get sick not only dismisses the importance of people who buy insurance in good faith but ignores the original requirement of the ACA that everyone buy insurance. He didn't like that provision, so he refuses to acknowledge that it addressed his criticism of the preexisting condition requirement.
Stephens also asserts that elections are won through platforms based on hope rather than rage. This claim ignores the reality that Trump won in 2016 with a message in which a thin veneer of hope (MAGA) barely concealed an appeal to resentment and rage.
Critics of the Democrats, even sympathetic ones like Stephens, often try to make their arguments sound reasonable by ignoring the egregious faults of Trump and the GOP.
18
I do not understand why people say Democrats have no platform. I am a Democrat because it's the party that stands for civil rights. What Republicans call "identity politics" is really people lobbying for recognition and enfranchisement, and protection against discrimination. I am a Democrat because whether or not we are all on board with national health care, the Democratic Party stands for health care reform. It recognizes the severity of the problem and aims to fix it. It is the only party that ever had a plan. I am a Democrat because Democrats understanding the cost of income disparity, and that the American dream is a myth if the doors to education are blocked or heavily penalized for anyone without money. The doors to a better future should not be slammed shut to the poor or minorities in such a wealthy nation. I am a Democrat because it's the party that strives for compassion. It is not perfect, but if there is a party that is going to stand up for people of color, women, LGBTQ Americans, women and the environment, it's going to be the Democratic Party. That's a solid and marvelous platform. It's more truly nationalistic than Trump's nationalism, which excludes most of America. It's a platform that preceded Trump. It's a platform that seeks to be a good citizen in the world, strong but diplomatic; sane. What am I missing?
28
@Michelle Compassion is a wonderful thing. But what are the limits? It's a significant problem for Democrats- people don't know how much they will increase taxes to pay for compassionate programs. There will always be many worthy causes and Democrats don't seem to have an end point that they agree on. The 'journey' seems to extend indefinitely into the future. Republicans are much better at appealing to self-interest, and many people think they are less risky because they are always talking about lower taxes and smaller government.
@DALE1102 Dale, if high taxes mean everyone gets health care, education and won't be left in the streets, those taxes have a lasting and demonstrable return. Why are we more opposed to taxes than paying exorbitant costs out of pocket, or letting so many people who don't have resources go without? How do the two measure up? Americans pay more for health care out of pocket than Canadians and Europeans do in taxes. And there be limits to compassion? If we are to have an America-first attitude, then American citizens shouldn't feel disenfranchised, forgotten, discriminated against or left to launch GoFundMe campaigns to their kids' medical costs. In a country this wealthy, every citizen should know that the nation had its back. A kid from a poor family like mine should have a chance to go to college without having to choose between an education and a mortgage. Black Americans should know the country's working for them, too, and they are fully included in the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship. Hanging so many your own citizens out to dry on so many matters that intimately concern them is neither nationalistic nor compassionate. And the details are not a significant problem for Democrats. We are willing to work at what matters to us. Republicans pretend what they don't agree with isn't possible. With that attitude no progress would ever have been made in this country, not in any corner of the world or any facet of life.
@Michelle
Have to ask you to please step down off that high horse.
Civil rights that exclude certain rights, like religious rights, you mean. And there's not a whole lot of "compassion" for white, male, Christians or pro-lifers. "
I'm from South Carolina, a red state for a number of years now, but blue for many long years before gerrymandering. I would like to see the blue wave unseat Rep. Joe "You Lie" Wilson as the congressional representative in the middle of the state. Wilson, who disrespected President Obama during a State of the Union address, is a disgrace to my state. His seat is gerrymandered! Second, I hope the blue wave carries Joe Cunningham into the House of Representatives in the seat formerly held by the disgraced Mark Sanford. Republican candidate Katie Arrington is more bad news will be a loyal Trump voter in the House. Having said the above, I realize change in South Carolina is a long shot, but one can always hope and vote.
16
@Sharon Givens
The reason so many states USED to be consistently Democrat was the gerrymandering by the Democrats that used to rule statehouses.
It only became a problem for you when the GOP did it - but ignorance of history wil never be your friend.
1
Bret's "fizzle" comment is disingenuous. The Bloomberg article restates everything we already know about the Mueller investigation while revealing absolutely nothing we don't. Trump wants to shut down the investigation. Mueller wants more time. Jeff Sessions and Rod Rosenstein are both at risk. Trump's lawyers continue to set arbitrary deadlines for a conclusion. They are now demanding a lame duck report following the midterms.
The only thing we can say conclusively about the Mueller investigation is the midterms are significant to Mueller's survival. If Republicans somehow manage to sweep the electorate, the investigation is going to get buried no matter what leads or conclusions Mueller presents. However, even if Mueller gets buried, that's not an end to Trump's legal troubles. If you'll recall, Trump is an unindicted co-conspirator in FEC campaign violations. Mueller already planted that seed in a separate pot.
4
No kidding, Bret. I'm constantly amazed at how poorly the dems play what should be a very strong hand. If they couldn't beat Trump in 2016, then they deserved to lose. The Senate map's tough for dems this year, but if they can't take the House with so many disaffected by Trump...then they deserve to lose. Problem is, though, that then we all lose. Putting our country's fate in the hands of the gang that can't shoot straight. Sad.
5
@Jim R. Better to put our fate in the "gang that can't shoot straight" than the gang that consistently shows us they will lie, cheat, and steal to stay in power so they can continue to make the rich richer and the poor...well...disappear.
7
Voting against the recent Supreme Court nominee at all costs might have been a dumb strategy until Kavanaugh proved himself such a poor, unqualified, (and unpopular) candidate for the appointment. With his questionable record, his partisan background, his well-documented lies and evasions during his confirmation hearings, and the clear demonstration of his explosive, unhinged, and unworthy-of-the-bench temperament, supporting him at any cost became if not a dumb strategy, certainly a demeaning and embarrassing one -- one with which the Republicans will now have to live the rest of their lives (or Kavanaugh's) -- and a strategy that has irreparably diminished and damaged the Court and the country.
4
"It is true that the Democrats don’t have much of a platform. I don’t think that’s surprising"
It might not be surprising, but it is dead wrong: It means the democrats are not saying anything about immigration, which is the most important issue for many people, including some democrats.
“pre-existing conditions” is often another way of saying, “Wait until you get sick before taking out insurance,”
This is dead wrong. Without protection from pre-existing conditions, people can't leave their jobs. As you know, most people in the U.S. get their insurance from their employer. Also, assume you are healthy, and get a new health plan. If an illness is discovered shortly thereafter, don't you think the insurance company would contest coverage?
On the Kavanaugh confirmation: it is always easy to declare a winning strategy after the fact. But, at the very least, a very valuable public service was done. Now, I don't think anybody can credible claim that the SC is not a partisan body. This has been true for a while now.
3
We must have people in this country better prepared to be leaders then the ones we are always given to choose from. Many candidates are so ill prepared and unequipped to be in leadership positions and often are chosen for their ability to go along with the powerful money interests. Our political system has become a major liability for this country. They are the cause of most of our dysfunction.
5
Immediately after the 2016 election, in the months following the Women's March and subsequent organizing of thousands of Indivisible Groups, the national Democratic Party decided to ignore these movements rather than incorporating, funding, and leading them. The DNC is a sclerotic institution totally out of touch with their energized base, constantly outmaneuvered by the Republicans, and terrified of appearing "too radical" if they support unions, BLM, single payer health care, gun control, impeachment, etc. If the Democrats manage to flip the House, it will be a blue ripple, not a wave.
4
@Susan In fact, only one of the several candidates for Chair of the national Democratic Party even marched in the Women's March.
And he lost. Power is addictive for many, whether they're Dems, GOP, or leaders of large organizations - such as FB, major religions, pharmaceutical companies, fossil fuel companies - and countries. Hard to get the big picture when your mission is to stay powerful.
4
The despot enemy of my despot enemy is now my friend?
Or at least part of another anti-Trump meme.
I guess old news, but last year didn't the now heroic
defender of Journalists of the World, President Erdogan
severely repress all political opposition in Turkey,
including teachers, social activists----including
msm and internet independent JOURNALISTS?
Gail, In my part of the world the environment is a very large part, maybe the total, of the democratic platform. You see, if the environment won't sustain life then the death of a journalist won't matter. Maybe this the time for you guys to settle in a different part of the country; might improve your perception.
104
"Gail: I’m always amused when commentators talk about the Democrats’ “demographic advantage” in the House races. What that means, basically, is that the Democrats win because they have more supporters.
Bret: That’s why we need gerrymandering, Gail, as a check on your pesky demographics!"
"Pesky demographics"? Even in jest, Bret, your statement reveals your underlying ethos of "win no matter what you have to do". Even if it means cheat. Ha ha?
16
This article frightens me. How can these 2 people see what's going on in the country and quibble about nonsense like this? WOW.
7
Feels like a Presidential election.
4
Bret: That’s why we need gerrymandering, Gail, as a check on your pesky demographics!
That is not a joke. It is a reality. Shame on you, Bret, for treating it lightly. The so-called liberal media should be stomping up and down, screaming about this, and about voter suppression. The election of Trump, secured through Russian intervention, was NOT legitimate!
10
I'm tired of Bret. His constructive criticism for the Democratic Party is "see what happened there? you should have done the opposite" and "you don't have a platform!". Uh, they have both of those things, and just disagree on the details, like any healthy big-tent coalition.
So please, just stop with the garbage punditry. Offer helpful suggestions, or just vote D down the ballot and keep quiet. This is seriously off-putting from an otherwise respectable columnist. Sorry, but the "Democrats are blowing this" narrative is a) not true and b) not helpful.
23
The "leader of the free world" as Stephens puts it, is a republican conservative created by Stephens and his ilk. Stephens continuous attempts to deny his creation is absurd!
9
Entitled is what creeps like trump and kavanaugh are, not what I get after 50 years of paying into social security.
30
It is not a stretch to say that Trump is envious of one Saudi prince. Trump would order the assassination of journalists without a single qualm. And, like M.B.S., Trump would sit and smile (smugly as opposed to the princes slyly) and deny it. Telling yet another lie.
13
Duncan Hunter is my representative. No one seems to remember that his dad, of the same name and occupation, was involved in the House of Representatives check-bouncing incident of the early 1990s. He bounced 399 checks. Apple doesn't fall too far from the tree, I guess. What's wrong with my district that we will, most likely, re-elect the son who is guilty of far worse financial mis-appropriations/malfeasance? The guy should have resigned already. If he does eventually resign, this will require an expensive special election. I am a fiscally conservative, socially very liberal Democrat who will never ever vote for another republican again.
22
"when the president of the United States celebrates a physical assault on one journalist, the rest of the world will feel free to murder another. "
don't stop there. we should worry about our example to the world but what's going on here at home is far more important. he is encouraging people to take illegal actions with each and every breach of protocol and the law. the fact that his followers either love him for it or forgive him is terrifying.
11
@coale johnson
How about when Obama jailed journalists? Was he blamed for jailed journalists all over the world?
Who is feeding the rabbit, is the rabbit involved in a custody dispute, where is the rabbit sleeping?
Duncan Hunter campaign signs are very rare this time around here in the 50th district.
Hunter is probably the most outrageous litmus test; how low will we go?
5
Brett, it seem as if the only Republican idea is, at the most basic level, fear. They are not running on their tax reform bill or their efforts to repeal the ACA health care ( by the way where is bill that Trump promised -better and cheaper than Obamacare), but Central American migrants joined by phantom " Middle Easterners".
This is right out of Nixon playbook a la Roger Stone and company. Why is this caravan happening 3 weeks prior to mid-terms? Why did Trump administration bring up Transgender issue now?
Finally, Nixon lays it all out in a letter to Ike during 68 campaign.
"Ike, it's just amazing how much you can get done through FEAR. All I talk about in New Hampshire is crime, drugs, and everyone wants to vote for me and they don't even have any black people up here."
4
Our electorate is essentially a television audience with the attention span of a flea. Whatever happens on November 5 will be decisive in the election. It is so discouraging. We seem to have failed at civic education, critical thinking and anything else that affects reasonable decision making. And Trump exploits this, turning elections into a TV reality show combined with a sports rally. People dither about whether they will vote at all. Then they go crazy when the low turnout results in legislation that they don't like. It is irrational, but sadly Trump is a master at exploiting this low-information climate.
11
Oh Bretty Bret, I developed all of my pre-existing conditions as a child (one as early as--gasp--birth!).
10
Duncan Hunter might be the most execrable congressional candidate in the 2016 midterms, but did he ever strap his pet rabbit to the top of the aircraft that carried the rabbit at taxpayer expense?
As for Robert Menendez, yes the Democratic Party should have done everything possible to remove his candidacy in favor of somebody else who is not as corrupt as a winter day is short.
But (Surprise! Surprise!) the Party again placed its continuing trust in a crusty old lifer who enjoys seniority, but not much else, in the Democratic Party hierarchy. This worked well for the Clintons, not to mention for the rest of the country.
I am mystified by the Mr. Stephens' objection to the Democrats' "political strategy with Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination — oppose at all costs." What? Only the Republicans get to do that with impunity?
231
Gail -- as someone who lives in NJ, I can tell you that my plan is to hold my nose and vote for Menendez. I'm furious that the state Democratic machine allowed him to be the candidate, but there's no way I can do something that would add to the Republican majority in the Senate.
I have a lot less agitate about supporting Tom Malinowski, though.
107
@JM I feel you and thank you for doing it. I'm holding my nose and voting for Cuomo and I feel like he's almost as corrupt as Menendez, just hasn't been caught. But these days, I'll take whatever blue shield I can get. It's disgusting that we don't have better candidates to choose from.
1
@JM
You make a very good point, how could the Democratic party support the re-election of Menendez? As a New Jersey resident, I am as dumbfounded as you are. Fortunately, I will vote in Florida and we have Nelson, who probably died twenty years ago, but remains on the ballot as well.
The Democrats desperately need new blood and new ideas, but that said the Republicans have a lying clown circus.
1
@JM
This is why democrats need to stop preaching about principles. When push comes to shove, they'll drop their principles like a burning pot handle.
Polls polls polls. (and why polling may be wrong).
5 Democrats go to vote.
5 Republicans go to vote.
Guess who encounters closed voting locations, LONG lines at others, and oops, you’re not actually registered?
3 Democrats vote. 5 Republicans vote.
3
Intresting... What is the answer to the problem posed by "...'pre-existing conditions' is often another way of saying, 'Wait until you get sick before taking out insurance,' ..."? Well, that would be the "individual mandate", but oh, wait, didn't conservative repeal that?
7
...“pre-existing conditions” is often another way of saying, “Wait until you get sick before taking out insurance,” which in turn is a recipe for higher premiums.... Which is why we need the individual mandate.
7
@Rupert Laumann
You cannot mandate insurance that is unaffordable. That's where Obamacare dropped the ball. Many right above that subsidy threshold were priced out of the market.
For one of those rare times, instead of laughing at what Is written, I find myself looking for refuge from the debilitating
reminders daily of the ridiculous world we are living in.
4
1. Astonishingly, when I became pregnant with my dtr in the pre-ACA days, my insurance company refused to cover the pregnancy because I had not pre-paid for the pregnancy "benefit". According to Stephens, I was trying to game the system? (Luckily Planned Parenthood provided me with affordable, pre-natal care).
2. Whatever the Democrats say is like screaming in a hurricane. Trump is the reality show. He alone sets the coverage. Every bombastic, insulting, insane thing he says and does is what the media talks about. If a Democrat answers (Elizabeth Warren, Hillary, Waters, Schumer, Booker), they will be pulverized.
3. Republicans hold major majority power in all three branches, what have they done and what will they do? Can you imagine if Hill won and we had just nominated our 2nd SCOTUS? Do you think we would be talking about Donald Trump or state-butchered journalists or would we be improving healthcare and education? The media needs to focus on the story of those actually in power and stop being the knives for the folks who would one day slice their fingers off.
7
Bret Stephen’s assertion that “pre-existing conditions” is code for sick people trying to cheat the system by not taking out insurance before they get sick is both insidious and wrong in that it assumes that most people either receive full coverage through their jobs or are able to afford insurance out of pocket. Denial of coverage to sick people who have lapsed in their insurance, or who couldn’t afford insurance before they got sick, threatens the lives of millions of people, and Mr. Stephen’s political party has tirelessly worked to remove other options for people caught in the Catch 22 of having a chronic condition but no insurance. This is the same sort of “blame the victim” thinking that assumes that most people on welfare are driving Porsches; a worldview that is stunningly out of touch with reality.
22
Republicans vote with their emotions. The ultimate form of laziness. But there's another form of laziness called 'not voting' that seems to affect the less keyed-up Democrats and independent voters in greater numbers, and I hope they overcome it.
When I moved from a blue state to a red one, I was surprised to find how little rational thought goes into most people's decisions. To put it simply, they're herd animals.
If you wonder why 'religious' people flock after dishonest and manipulative creeps like Trump, the same rule applies. It's all about excitement. Early in my stint in Tennessee, an evangelical acquaintance tried to get us to join her church. I heard all about the beautiful building, the wonderful music, the fantastic pot-luck suppers, the entertaining pastor, the yoga classes, blah, blah, blah. Not a word about god.
It's tough to campaign against selfishness.
199
@KJ Sheesh. I'm not sure what's constructive in such condescension.
It's not as if blue communities haven't had their own issues with self-interest and amorality in elected officials.
If you actually talk with someone, and listen, you'll be happy to learn that most Americans share common concerns and hopes. It's mostly identity politics that separate us, exactly because they stir people's emotions.
2
@KJ Democrats, being human beings, also vote with their emotions. Emotion is what motivates us to go to the polls and vote. Just before we make decisions, the orbitofrontal cortex of the brain is activated. Nice try though.
Also, I really don't like the lack of respect for God from both you and your evangelical acquaintance. I suppose you don't behave that way with other deities. What is with the lower case "g"? I suspect you did that on purpose. That is disappointing.
1
@KJ
Everyone votes with their emotions. Some are just more adept at convincing themselves that they are casting a sober vote based on objective analysis of data.
It is because Democrats have forgotten that a leader governs in prose but "campaigns in poetry" is the biggest reason the Dems are in so much trouble.
2
I'm always confused when I hear that Democrats don't have a clear message. To me it seems pretty clear: equality, justice, fairness and helping the disempowered. Oh, and fighting climate change and protecting the environment for generations to come.
61
The point is that Dema don’t have somebody like Trump, on TV every five minutes and always spinning the same yarns. Personally I think that’s a strength, but that is not exactly a mainstream view. With good reason.
We didn’t end up with Donald Trump because voters were thoughtful. And yes, this includes the followers of the bizarre Jill “Put Sheets Down, It Keeps Out the Bad Chemicals” Stein.
3
Gail: "It is true that the Democrats don’t have much of a platform. I don’t think that’s surprising — a party basically represents what its presidential candidate wants to represent. And since nobody is going to wave around “the Hillary Clinton agenda,” we’ll have to wait until after primary season to see what they build."
This is everything wrong with the Democratic party! We have to wait until Summer 2020 to find out what they stand for? They should have a message NOW and be making their case every day. Instead, they are letting Trump monopolize the airwaves.
It's great to see that Democrats have a lot of strong candidates, but the lack of a message is a big problem.
By contrast- Republicans are for: lower taxes / law and order / conservative values / pro-business policies. And Trump is right in line with these values.
4
@DALE1102
The Republican agenda sounds great when you sanitize it that way. But let's look at the reality:
lower taxes for the wealthy, more taxes for blue states and the working classes in the middle, a teensy temporary break for those at the bottom. Wages not going up for workers while profits at the top explode upwards
law and order for the white, living while black for people of color, deportations for many like the veteran who had an overturned drug conviction because somebody in his care had some pot almost three decades ago, suspicion for sexual abuse victims. School to prison pipeline for uppity kids. Overwhelming minor convictions and voter suppression, cheating, and intimidation.
In Georgia, the guy in charge of throwing out voters is disenfranchising 10s of 1000s, if not 100s of thousands, of his potential opponent, while he runs for office. Law and order? Give me a break!
The new Jim Crow is alive and thriving, so the minority gets to hold office and advantage their buddies?
Conservative values? I don't think so.
Pro-business should not have to be anti-worker.
27
Entitlements has become a word used and abused by the right wing. Of course someone who has paid into Social Security as I have since age 16, I'm now 70 has a right to collect on his investment.
27
I’ve paid in too, and they’re entitlements, okay? Because that’s what they’re called, and because no, what you paid in does NOT cover what you’ll take out.
3
@Robert you have no idea what I will take out. I turn 70 at the end of the month and will draw Social Security for the first time. I also work full time since SS is inadequate to survive on alone. Yes it is an entitlement but the "right" makes it sound as if you are getting something entirely for free. I've paid into SS for 54 years. In my current health condition I will never draw out what I paid in adjusted for inflation. What's your beef?
Strange thousands of immigrants are marching 3 weeks prior to the midterms and the Republicans are insinuating George Soros is the cause. Which makes no sense since Republicans have seized this issue and the visuals are astounding, a hindrance to the Democrats.
Sheldon Adleson injected millions into Republican coffers before this began.
We shouldn't assume all of these people could afford a journey, paying for food for thousands of miles, sleeping, washing clothes, fighting illness and exhaustion are asylum seekers.
There is a possibility, since Soros was mentioned, the Republicans orchestrated the March.
Trump would not pass a Security Clearance. The reasons for failing should have been a constant headline during the primaries. The outrageous statements he made took center stage
The March needs to be thoroughly investigated starting with the money. How can they afford this journey? The timing is a convenient Republican coincidence. Accusing Soros and Democratic funding confirms something nefarious is going on to manipulate the midterms.
21
Perhaps we should stage a WWF event, and let lefty paranoia and righty paranoia just fight it out.
1
Perhaps it wont' fly in State political contests, but, taking my cue from David Brook's column today, the Democratic rallying cry should be "One America." As much as the plutocrats with their lackeys in the Republican Party and Trump, ringmaster in a circus with as many rings as he can manage, seem to enjoy cultural warfare, I hope that most Americans are not in favor of another civil war. It appears that Democrats are doubling down on health care as their issue. They might consider a broader, positive message that begins with "We the people of the United States . . ." It is, after all, one America, and, as we discovered in the last Civil War, its political architecture, traditions and basic tenets are worth preserving. In my opinion, the Party of Trump has opted for revolutionary change in opting against the "We" and for the "US versus Them" model.
10
Democrats DO have a message: they stand united against Trump. And that's a start because you can't have a meaningful discussion about anything - health care, education, the environment, respectable governance - as long as Trump is dividing people, stirring trouble up around the world, cutting ties with allies, and passing legislation he knows nothing about.
More Democrats in Congress should put a check on his presidency, and I think that's a good starting point seeing as how the current Congress is unwilling to do so.
63
I do take issue with the idea that the Democrats don't have a platform--I very much think they do, if one reads their own press releases and interviews, and it involves economic fairness, a rejection of the tax cut that helped mostly the rather rich, the need to preserve insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions, and the like.
It's just that the press by and large--and the conservative Sinclair/Fox axis, in particular, doesn't cover it much. It's wonky, talky, and not exciting. Now, pictures of masses of Hondurans approaching a border that talking heads can pontificate over--THAT's exciting (and draws eyeballs an ratings).
The fact is that there are too many variables to know how this election will go. I still think Democrats will take the House, as there are a lot of quietly angry women out there who don't get interviewed by the aforementioned networks' reporters (though it may just barely happen, with something like 25-30 seats changing hands). But I'm not very confident in polls any more, from either direction--pollsters simply don't get as representative response rates as they used to, given cell phones, electronic media, and social acceptance lying.
And, of course, we still have the bigger problems of gerrymandering, voter suppression, and electronic voting devices that don't produce paper trails and are likely to be hacked. All I can say to that is make your own record of who you voted for--screen shots in the booth?--because you may well need it.
44
Can anybody explain to me the wisdom of States with teeny tiney populations like the Dakotas for example, getting two Senate seats-the same as giant states with very large populations like California and New York. In this way the States with small populations are saying to much larger populations that you can't have single payer health care, or- we are fine with anything Trump wants even though 100 million American's strongly disagree. It is a flaw in our system of governance, and its going to lead to a disaster down the road, when things really start getting out of hand.
55
@artfuldodger Nobody is arguing about the wisdom of something that stopped working many cycles ago. When the Constitution was written that was the only way for the more populous states to get the smaller ones to sign on. And since another provision stated that two-thirds of the states would have to sign off on any amendments, we are stuck with it.
3
@artfuldodger The Redon is that you live in and are governed by a state for the most part. Most of the legislation and services that government provides for are at the state, not federal level. Additionally, the senate is meant to be a balance against mob rule, which it typically does well. If we lived in a unicameral government, the ACA would have been repealed and replaced already. The federalism you so easily question is what balances the needs of disparate groups and holds our nation together. Without it, we would probably look like what’s left of the Soviet Union with multiple nations splitting off and going their separate ways.
2
@artfuldodger -- Given that the allocation of Senate seats was intended to help balance the "tyranny of the majority," I think that what's happening in the Dakotas vs. large states is exactly what the Framers intended.
What is NOT what they intended is the way House seats have been gerrymandered to prevent the majority population states from having members of the house who represent the interests of their Districts. With the house also not being representative of the overall political leanings of the population, we've really got a problem.
17
This is the second editorial that I have read where Bret Stephens has criticized the Democrats for their election strategies this year. I am curious, if he is such a perceptive/effective political strategist, why has he lost his own party and why he exerts no influence on the direction of the Republican party? Perhaps he should call out and fix his own house, which is built largely on voter suppression fear and lies before coming into ours.
91
"“pre-existing conditions” is often another way of saying, “Wait until you get sick before taking out insurance,”
You don't seem to get out much, Bret.
Nearly ALL of us develop "pre-existing conditions" as we live. More and more of us are having to get our own insurance, and the rules have allowed them to take advantage of individual purchasers.
Example: I was steadily insured for years. But when I moved and had to get a different policy, I was asked what my last doctor appointment was for. I said it was to examine my bunion, to discuss surgery. Although the problem was so bad, I had difficulty finding shoes that I could get on my foot, I had had to postpone fixing it because the recovery period was so long.
The new insurance company then said my bunion was not covered, for two years and until (in effect) a doctor could say that the condition was gone. (Yeah, right.)
I had maintained steady coverage. Coverage was jerked away from me right when I had a problem that needed fixing.
Bret needs to look around him a little more and hear BOTH sides of the problem.
149
@Tokyo Tea. Exactly. It is a slap in the face to assume that people do not buy insurance until they need it. Not true. I have paid for unused insurance for eons. But as happened with a friend, a simple question about arthritis suddenly had insurance premiums going up 'just in case' it developed into something serious. The insurance industry is a scam. Having an industry exist in order to make money off of sick people is unconscionable. I would gladly pay higher taxes for a single payer system. It would have saved me thousands and thousands of dollars.
14
@Karen M Imagine living in a country where a serious illness did not mean you might lose your house. It seems impossible here, but is the norm in Europe.
I wish they would make snapshots of all the Trump supporters behind him during the entertainment-focused rallies while he's lying and whipping them up into a frenzy. promising them the moon and stars and tax cuts. If the GOP wins the 2018 elections, the following day will be the loudest crash and thud heard around the world. I want the faces of those who are responsible for destroying our country and democracy. Their family descendants will be so proud.
40
@Wally Wolf: It's worse than that, Wally. Those supporters standing behind him are screaming "lock her up" every time he mentions a woman unfavorably. Cheering him when he says "body-slam reporters", etc., etc.,etc.
I thought when Hillary called his supporters "deplorables" she was referring to the Neo-nazis, white supremacists, white nationalists, etc. that were flocking to Trump. It is clear now that it should include nearly everyone of our fine citizens who attend his rallies and reveal their true selves in their maddening mob mentality.
8
I'm surprised that Gail Collins and Bret Stephens (especially Ms. Collins) don't mention the critical role of women voters in this election. The surge in the number of women candidates running as part of the Trump resistance and/or *MeToo and the likely surge in female voters (including those who support Trump) may be the most consequential phenomenon in our current politics. And although you see a lot of hand-wringing over how Democrats mishandled the Kavanaugh nomination, I"d wager that Dr. Ford's testimony jolted a significant number of women to become politically involved, at least by heading to the voting booth. And what about the political effect of Trump's waffling on the murderous Saudis? We'll see.
35
"It is true that the Democrats don’t have much of a platform."
Why should Democrats have a platform? It's not an election; it's 50+ elections, for governor, Congress, and some Senators. I've heard it said that one of the Democrats' problems is that they're preoccupied with national politics and ignore local contests, which are the important thing right now.
48
I don't know why I keep hearing that Democrats don't have much of a platform.
Our platform is equality and justice for all, a voice for the majority of Americans being ignored over the self-interests of Trump, the GOP and the one percent, our health care needs, immigration, gun control reform, the return of climate control rules and regulations protecting our environment, the return of construction and oil drilling sites safety for workers as well as the environment, setting free and reuniting 13,000 stolen children, and the list goes on and on.
How many issues does it take before Gail and Bret admit that the Democrats, and the Progressives, have a humongous platform? I haven't even touched on foreign policy dictated by Trump Org deals.
177
@Andrea Landry. Yes! The Democrats have always had a platform as you have pointed out. Bret may as well have said FDR did not have a platform during the depression. It is ridiculous to say that wanting to bring back all the good things , including civility and telling the truth, that have disappeared is not having a platform. If the same standard were applied to the Republican Party, then their platform is the destruction of American society as we have known it. Sorry, but I will take the Democrats multi-layered platform any day over a silly bumper sticker slogan.
1
@Andrea Landry.........and returning to a policy of SUPPORT for public education, which is the single greatest tool for improving social mobility and opportunity in the country.
8
@Andrea Landry
Thank you for so clearly listing democratic priorities. I also wonder why some people insist that democrats have no platform. Really??
6
By a similar token, when the president of the United States celebrates a physical assault on one journalist, the rest of the world will feel free to murder another.
--------------
It's a good thing Bret has the safe media job.
He's flop as a scientist who needs to understand the basics of cause and effect.
I also think he and Gail have the national diagnosis wrong. Thanks heavens for second opinions!
4
@Midway
It's also a good thing Bret has health insurance he can afford which some how entitles him to dismiss other less privileged people from waiting to pay premiums until they are sick.
4
The Democrats, and I’m one of them, think it’s best to be on the noble side rather than win.
What IS the message?? As an ardent Hillary supporter, I always heard her lamenting ‘Muslim feelings,’ and thought, ‘Yeah, that’s gonna play real well in Peoria.’
Right or wrong, the Dems have taken on the mantle that ‘if it’s gay, black, Latino, poor, immigrant; it’s good.’ ‘If it’s straight, white, financially sound, and American-born; it’s bad.’
And I’m moderately liberal! Can you imagine what majority Americans think?!
9
@David G.
It's hard to understand how the left still considers itself tolerant. Is it possible they don't see the viciousness of their attacks? If not, time for an intervention.
1
It would be interesting to hear your thoughts on Trump’s “ I am a nationalist” sentiment expressed last week at a rally.
With his rhetoric and outright lies about “Middle Easterners” in the “Caravan and Kavanaugh” push to turnout his base in the election, is he getting close to saying, “ I am a White, Christian Nationalist”? Is this what his followers want him to say?
12
“That’s why we need gerrymandering, Gail, as a check on your pesky demographics!”
I can’t help but wonder if Mr. Stephens is aware of the fact that among the many gerrymandered districts are even more prisons, whose populations count towards the constituencies of the respective locations in which they are incarcerated, and not where they would normally reside.
You can’t spell “neoconservative” without ‘disingenuous’.
33
I’m concerned about the congressional Bunny. I have unwanted flashbacks to “ Fatal Attraction “. FREE the BUNNY.
Seriously.
8
Unlike Gail & Bret, at least felled trees in empty "coulda/shouda/WOULDS" don't make any noise.
The "media" give entirely too much coverage to Trump's antics.
48
Bret Stephens says: ...“pre-existing conditions” is often another way of saying, “Wait until you get sick before taking out insurance,” which in turn is a recipe for higher premiums.
I'm amazed how ignorant Bret apparently is about health care policy. The ACA (and Romneycare in Massachusetts before it) has three parts: (a) Insurers can't deny coverage to people with pre-existing conditions. But since if that's all you do, people will game the system and not buy insurance until they need it, (b) government requires everyone, healthy or not, to buy insurance (the individual mandate), thus creating a diverse risk pool, and (c) government provides subsidies to those who can't afford the insurance.
Honestly, we've been over and over this for years. Why does Bret Stephens misrepresent it? Ignorance or something else?
115
@Lee Thank you! I came to the comments to make precisely this point. The whole design of the ACA (and Romneycare, as you point out) was to prevent a commitment to covering preexisting conditions from bankrupting the system.
33
The life of a journalist is worth no more than a child in the whomb. We need honest perspective, not fake news.
2
You left out the Mexican Caravan the biggest news story of the elections. Why has no one asked if the Russians are behind this dirty trick worthy of Lee Atwater. Remember Willie Horton!
20
@DenisPombriant
Too busy locking horns with Trump over whether there's a gang member in there.
1
"It’s an example of the way in which the corrosion of liberal values at the core of the free world leads to their destruction at the periphery."
Hate speech - an attempt by those on the Left to shut off public discourse - free speech. Paraphrasing: I may not like what you have to say but I will defend to my death your right to say it.
Before you lambaste those of us on the Right, perhaps you should allow us to speak. We certainly pay attention to all of the drivel you espouse.
2
Sigh. Stephens is talking about the liberal values behind the Enlightenment, the Constitution, and freedom of speech. Not Democrats, and not the Liberal Party in England.
In fact those values pretty much cross party lines, or used to.
Please find out what you’re talking about, or at least pay attention better.
4
@Guy Thompto Trump's daily drivel is widely reported. Rupert Murdoch's media empire helps get conservative messages out to the country. The media tend to be unwilling to challenge lies that come out of the White House. I don't see conservative opinions being suppressed at all.
3
The economy may be humming along for a well paid pundit, but for the 40% of Americans at the bottom of the income scale, there has been no significant improvement; Any wage gains have been eroded by rent increases and inflation.
Too many of them don't vote, or here in the Red states, only see & hear FAUX news and Right Wing Talk radio.
Would be "middle class" home buyers should be worried about rising interest rates too, but that is too complex a calculation for many of them around here.
15
Linking President Trump's comments about journalists to the murder of Jamal Khashoggi is just a remarkable and ridiculous stretch. Perhaps we should credit President Trump's comments on the protests in the NFL to the Giants poor start this season?
2
Not mentioned here is how much Bret got off on Trump's mocking of Christine Blasey in his victory lap. Manifesting to the world the laughter she says she heard Kavanaugh and Judge engage in after the alleged assault.
15
Despite Stephens dismissal, the results of the midterms will have enormous affect on the US (and world) over the next two years, and forecast the 2020 campaigns. The governors’ races alone are of enormous importance (maybe the NYT hasn’t noticed that beyond Cuomo?), the low-interest state legislature seats also significant, and yes, it matters considerably which party controls the House and Senate. What’s with his shrug?
18
My wife is canvassing--almost full time---in our area for various democratic candidates---her read after knocking on many doors, is women in particular are really angry---in particular have a visceral dislike for Trump---"awful man" comes up alot. Now, whether that translates into democratic victories--we will see. The other theme, which looking towards 2020, is sheer exhaustion with the Trump administration---as one constituent said to my wife: "could we get through one day without a murder, without an schoolyard insult, without cabinet member cheating the government." Trump's entire modus operandi is generating continual rage---but, it appears the public is craving normality.
78
Hope springs eternal for the ‘blue wave’. With over 40 GOP House members courageously ‘retiring’ this fall, it is quite likely that Democrats will gain seats. History too has usually been kind to the President’s opposition Party in the first midterm.
President Trump however utters what many Americans think but will not say because of our rampant PC-culture. They are weary of being labeled as bigots, racists, homophobes, & xenophobes by the kinds of people who regularly author articles on these pages. Americans are also weary of the authors on these pages mostly ignoring positive Trump accomplishments. The US economy is undeniably stronger than it was in 2015-2016. Many Americans agree that our recent foreign & trade policies largely disadvantaged the US. They are weary of being the world’s doormat.
Most of all, sensible Americans miss having adults in the room who are capable of thinking beyond a visceral hatred of all things Trump. The left has demonstrated a genuine dearth of pragmatism in its analyses; it is not unnoticed by voters and will probably ensure that any blue wave will be modest at best.
2
@Keith Colonna the short term economic gains will not last when the deficits keep expanding. That was important to Republicans when Obama was President.
Where’s the great big beautiful health plan that is better than ACA? The infrastructure plan to replace our crumbling roads, bridges and airports? Where’s the wall that Mexico was going to pay for, now Americans are supposed to spend millions on this. If you ever go to the border you will find it’s heavily fortified with double walls, helicopters, electronic surveillance and CBP agents.
The President lies consistently, like the recent whopper about a 10% middle class tax cost before the election. Congress isn’t in session so is he going to do that by royal decree? Not that he wouldn’t love that kind of power. Why wasn’t a middle class tax cut part of the bill that passed? He was quick to tell his Mar A Lago friends that he just made them a lot richer.
I guess you’re rich enough that you don’t need Social Security and Medicare in your later years beacuse Mitch McConnell is vowing to destroy those programs given the chance.
Do you think the attack’s on the free press as enemies of the people has no effect? Republicans trot out the 2nd amendment while ignoring the FIRST. Is it really good for the country to have a President advocating violence against fellow citizens?
I question every decision he makes as to whether it is good for the country or good for Trump and Company. SAD!
5
Being from NJ means I have to think about the how political parties choose their candidates. The democrats took a lot of heat in 2016 for pushing Hillary through as the only viable candidate while the republicans had snow white and the seven dwarves parading around the country. So the structural question is, how does a party eliminate unsavory candidates (like Menendez and Trump) while still letting the people speak through the primary system? I refuse to believe our choice is between back room politics and a race to the bottom. Clearly the system is broken in both parties and I can only hope someone is thinking about this as the 2020 candidates start to come out of the woodwork.
12
I think we need to raise our eyes a bit to the horizon. Like 2024 or 2028. Then we will be needing to elect the politicians who will be left with the very ugly task of cleaning up the mess. By then the infrastructure will be in even more of a shambles, the economy will be a mess by then, and the country will be even more divided than it is now. Then, more than ever, we will need an adult in the room. An honest , morally and ethically clean person. It will be boring, dry, but well thought out. A one term person, like Gerald Ford, to turn the country on to the path of healing. A time out, as it were, for America.
5
Regarding the opinion "whatever happens, it won’t matter all that much for 2020," Congress can do a great deal in two years. Channel surfing yesterday I came across a commercial for Trumpy Bear, a sort of Teddy bear with a red necktie. There were shots of housewives displaying T.B. happily in living rooms and a big guy on a big motorcycle with the bear seated in front of him, saying "I'm a former Marine, and I'm proud to ride with Trumpy Bear as my partner." I suddenly had visions of Germany in 1938. Two more years of rabble rousing can do a lot too. I'm afraid; journalists should be too.
57
Not just a red tie, but it has a horrific combover too. Most important is the American flag tucked inside that can be used as a sort of blanket (a security blanket?). It gives new meaning to the notion of wrapping oneself in the flag, I suppose. "Made in China" would complete the ironic image.
8
The only weird thing is everything’s turned on it’s head. We live in Superman’s “Bizzaro Earth” for those old enough to remember.
2
BizarroWorld, yes! Replete with misspellings, bad grammar and defective (yet inverted) logic. Where is Mister Mxyzptlk when we need him? Oh, wait... he be Steve Bannon.
1
These statements in this discussion say it all:
"Bret: That’s why we need gerrymandering, Gail, as a check on your pesky demographics!
Gail: As to the Senate, I suspect the teeny-tiny population of North Dakota voters will decree that their seat will switch to the Republicans."
What the Democrats are losing at are not the issues or the candidates, it's the dirty backroom manipulations.
Drain the swamp, and get serious guys.
10
Can we please stop with the obliviousness, already? Can anyone tell me what Trump's end game is? If Democrats retake the House, Trump will spend the rest of his life in jail after the House Judiciary Committee subpoenas every crook and traitor in the country to expose Benedict Donald's treachery. Does anyone think Trump will allow that to happen?
The reason all these recent rallies are so important to Trump has little to do with trying to prevent a "blue wave." He is preparing his troops for revolt. If the midterms don't go his way, Trump will fire Secretary of Defense--and closet Democrat!--Jim Mattis and choose someone who will support a nullification of the midterm results and back it up with brute military force and a million man march of his supporters. And since half the Republican Party is apparently on Putin's payroll, does anyone think they won't support an authoritarian takeover of our government?
We're all living in a Greek tragedy. We can see that things are going to end badly, and yet everything we do is inexorably leading to the calamity we're trying so hard to avoid.
28
My street knowledge, (mostly highly educated persons- more liberal than conservative) suggests that an epidemic of surrender has overwhelmed many voters. When asked about voting preference, many will say, "They're all crooks!"
After the Elizabeth Warren fiasco, I began hearing about Beto using a "phoney" name to suggest a genetic link to the growing Hispanic population in Texas. As for Trump and company, the perennial right are becoming accustomed to his transgressions against the truth. They've been immunized.
Voter turnout might be low. Voters will vote, party not person.
7
@TexanFortunately, most voters in Texas aware that Beto has had that nickname since he was a toddler.
2
@Texan
You do know, I assume, that Beto has used this nickname for Robert, his legal name, since his young days, as shown on a tee shirt in some photo of O'Rourke as a young boy. Warren has her own fish to fry. Trump just the con he has always been. Read and make the right choices. Just as they're not all angels, neither are they all crooks.
3
"So where’s the outrage? Where’s the outrage?! When will the voters start to focus?”
That rallying cry didn't work well for Bob Dole in 96, so I suppose Mr. Stephens may be right to suggest that the Democrats "can’t win by riding a wave of rage rather than a wave of hope."
The Republican formula seems to be that you can fool some of the people all of the time and let gerrymandering and voter suppression handle the rest.
That this is a winning formula is a shame. And an embarrassment. As are the cheers of Trump supporters to violence against reporters and calls to lock up political opponents.
A wave of rage SHOULD be enough to stir a majority when it comes to defending against an attack on democracy. Even when the attack is coming from within. I hope it is.
Hope or rage, we better not wait until 2020. Mr. Stephens is wrong: These importance of these midterms cannot be overstated.
33
As important as any reform is Medicaid expansion. 18 states have not expanded and only 4 have expansion proposals on the ballot. Democrats seem to have lost sight of their commitment to the poor. To be talking about health care reform while ignoring the most needy is shameful.
12
@michjas
Medicaid was the primary reason why Obamacare was successful. 80% of new enrollees were actually enrolled in Medicaid.
Why are democrats not focused on expanding Medicaid? Because they are too busy blaming republicans for the entire deficit. They don't anyone to know how much their increased spending has added to it.
Not mentioned here is how much Bret got off on Trump's mocking of Christine Blasey in his victory lap. Manifesting to the world the laughter she says she heard Kavanaugh and Judge engage in after the assault.
46
I am heartened that we're finally going to get that "Middle Class" tax break in the next two weeks! The President said so. Apparently, he has a secret plan to reconvene congress or, wait for it, abolish congress and just do it by decree. Anyway, it will come just in time for Christmas which makes me especially grateful. It sure is a great country when a man as important as the President can take time to discerns your real needs and make stuff happen. What a guy!
38
Interesting that the subject of Menendez' travels to the home of a friend in The Dominican Republic is considered corruption. I seem to remember the recent trial of a former Republican governor where it was decided that gifts from a constituent of Rolex watches, an expensive sports car, wedding costs for a daughter etc were considered to be perfectly acceptable. And how easy to forget that Antonin Scalia, the late Supreme Court Justice died at a luxury West Texas resort where he and Clarence Thomas were frequent guests at no cost to themselves. When Republicans accept goodies, its ok but if a Democrat is flown in a private plane to a friends house it's corruption most foul. By the way, didn't Nikki Haley just accept some private plane flights home to SC?
51
We talk so much and at such length about the horse race and so little about the suitability of the horses to be in the race.
13
An American rabbit addressing Ms. Collins: My understanding is that one member of my extended family is living the charmed life, while the rest of us are traveling with the chickens?
Governor Abrams from Georgia shows aplomb and presence, with strength. One for the Gripper!
The recent tragedy of a journalist by assassins is not going unnoticed. The World is watching and my deep condolences to his lady and loved ones.
Whether the Press, national and international, is responsible for making a monster out of a rich lout with a foul mouth, and in need of a hair rinse, is not for this voter to say. Some of us are now proceeding to do a head-count of our journalists at the end of the day.
Mr. Stephens, referring to your 'For all of our focus on the midterms, I suspect we are probably making too much of them', while this may be a tame jest on your part, rabbit ears are growing tall.
Not all of us are navigating on the policy of 'Much Ado', or stuff and nonsense. No, Sir, because if you listen carefully in the silence of night, you will hear the chanting of the Exhausted Majority, and it is going 'Ca Ira, to the Lantern We Go', much like the Marseillaise in 'Casa Blanca', a defining moment for Liberty and Justice in The Free World.
Meanwhile, we are keeping an eye on Duncan Hunter's jet rabbit, to ensure this pet does not end up in the stew pot.
Our Town goes to vote on November 6.
11
Stacey Abrams and Brian Kemp having been battling over voting rights laws for years. They are both effectively single issue candidates. Everything else is mostly white noise. People on the outside tend overlook this fact in the histrionics of Abrams' candidacy. If you're a Georgian who follows politics though, you knew immediately what this election was really about.
Ideally, Kemp wants to return Georgia an era before the Voting Rights Act. He wants a Georgia where can voter abuse, particularly black voter abuse, is only constrained by a conservative want for creativity. Abrams has been fighting to hold back this tide of white racial injustice that broke the levy when portions of the Voting Rights Act were struck down in 2013. A Supreme Court ruling that was decided on 5-4 party line vote I might add.
The question were all waiting to find out is whether Kemp can abuse the Court's decision enough to re-entrench Southern voter suppression as the new normal again. Georgians who appreciate a post-Civil Rights South better step up to the plate and support Stacey Abrams. She's the only candidate in your corner right now.
40
Great. More nonsense from pundits, even two I generally enjoy, about the Democrats’ “lack of message.” The Dems I follow are running primarily on making the economy work for everyone, not just the top 10%, sensible gun laws, and health care. What you perceive as Republicans’ message is merely their parroting the same talking points, most of which are misleading at best and lies at worst.
And for the record, Mr. Stephens, coverage for pre-existing conditions is not code for gaming the system; it is a legitimate concern for millions of Americans. I have a dear friend who has had a life-long chronic illness. Years ago, when we were in college, she was in a panic because she thought her parents had forgotten to pay her insurance premiums. She said, “if I lose my insurance, I will never, ever be able to get it back again.” I also have a child who is dealing with mental health issues: I’d like to know that in 20 years if she has to deal with the issue again, she will be able to have coverage, especially since I worry constantly about her being able to make a living in what passes for an economy these days. Maybe by the time she’s a working adult, we have finally come to our senses and instituted Medicare for All. But given how many people fall for Republican lies every day, I’m not optimistic.
467
@EWood
If you have concerns about your child, ask yourself why it is that Obamacare defunded SCHIP despite the profoundly ill and injured children who were covered under it and did not make provisions for those children despite the fact that they were not eligible under any of the Obamacare programs for home health care, respite care, occupational therapy or any of the other things that SCHIP had been covering to prevent middle class families from being impoverished by their child's needs.
Apparently people with a very sick or injured child aren't a big enough demographic for Democrats.
Republicans restored funding in 2015, after Harry Reid lost his slot as Majority Leader. Hmm, when in the majority, Democrats are indifferent to the needs of children.
@EWood
Fantastic post! Thank you for such intelligent wording!
1
@ebmem
That was Hillary Clinton's legislation.
The GOP fought her. I believe your information is wrong. To see the import of kids to the GOP look at the border and separating children from parents.
I wish these two pundits would admit what everyone knows: Democrats are panicking & looking for excuses. Their strategy to win the election is coming apart. It's been one blunder after another. The messy judicial hearings, calls to impeach, the Heidi Heitkamp apology, Elizabeth Warren DNA tests, mobs harassing politicians, Hillary & now the Caravan fiasco. Last night CNN tipping their hand & obvious allegiance said they would limit caravan footage because it was inflammatory. The unspoken issue raised but not answered by this decision was Democratic leaders are unable to react in real time to an event that has galvanized the American voter. Why doesn't someone in the party leadership respond? Trump is responding. He's telling his people that Dems want open borders. Get out and vote or else. Vote for Republicans or you will be overrun. Democrats are angry but Trump voters are scared. Scared beats angry every time. The GOP base will turn out in huge numbers ...pretty much guaranteed with this caravan dominating the news every day until we vote. This ongoing drama will motivate not just the conservative base, but fair-minded Independents who are mad that Democrats don't have the guts to address our immigration problems head on. The DP had this election in the bag two months ago. Incredibly, against all odds they're going to blow it once again. How is this even possible? In 2016 Trump's victory broke the left's heart. The 2018 midterms will break their spirit once and for all.
38
@Bill Brown you nailed it. Democrats are too angry to realize that Republicans are scared. Also, if the GOP holds onto the House, the stock market will skyrocket. You heard it here first.
2
@Bill Brown
So GOP faithful are scared of 7000 men women and children walking 1500 miles through a hostile country to find safety and a new life? And the Donald plays on those fears and will talk and tweet about them non-stop until the elections? What type of people are these, what type of "leader" is he, and how the hell did we all devolve into this execrable situation?
4
@Bill Brown
How sad that Republicans are "scared" of women and children fleeing for their lives from violence in their home countries. Beto O'Rourke is right: instead of spending trillions of dollars on wars in the Middle East, how about helping our Central American neighbors have safe countries to stay home in? No one walks 2500 miles with babies strapped on their backs unless the danger at home is worth the risk. Yet, your president wants to cut aid to these countries, making their economies worse and increasing the pressure on people to walk to a better life. More ignorant demagoguery to motivate his base with fear and hatred.
I bet if you were in their shoes and love your children as they do, you would be joining the caravan too!
6
Democrats cannot afford to screw this up. Focus on health care and as David Leonhardt said in another piece make a firm statement on immigration. Don't simply bash the president.
What especially disturbs me is the disenfranchisement of voters in Georgia, taking away their fundamental right to vote. This is a crime.
34
Economic growth is strong? If so, why has one of my mutual funds returned minus 10% since January?
16
It's a little late for the Democrats to suddenly wake up and realize they need to offer more than "we don't like Trump" as their motivation for getting votes. What on earth do they actually plan to do? What is their vision? Look, I've already voted through the mail. For me, this is over as far as my vote goes. I did my duty and gave it my best and only shot. I voted for every Democrat on the ballot, and I hope they win. However, in the same breath, so what if they do? I've tossed out a blind faith vote into the void. I want Trump and the Republican house and senate weakened, but at the same time I have to ask a question. If this does indeed happen, what is next? After the party comes the hangover, and after the hangover comes.....what? What? WHAT? I think that question needs to be answered now, and not two weeks from now.
9
Is there pleasure in life filled with bile,
Is hatred of others worthwhile
For a would be dictator
Praise is an elater
But grisly and grim is his smile.
Is his hairpiece a synthesized mop?
That sits like a pancake atop?
A deft detail ducker
Idol to the sucker
A slinger of sleaziest slop.
That’s why midterm voting’s required
By blocking a dimwit inspired
Living under Trump’s cloud
Like a servile sap, cowed,
In venomous ordure enmired.
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For decent Americans who care about human decency, the Republican national platform of trickle-down poverty, 0.1% tax-cut welfare, nationwide voter suppression, 'free-market' healthcare rip-offs, dark political money, rigged elections, FOX News, hate radio, Christian Shariah Law, science denialism, and white-minority-vote rule will not be helping America progress and compete toward anything except 1st place in a 3rd-world competition.
Republican policies are legitimately destructive to progress, but they take time to kick in.
Remember, it took Bush-Cheney seven years to fully trash the USA, but they did it with Republican ideology in 2008.
Trump-Pence's GOP will accomplish the same or worse calamity, if you give them time.
Put the brakes on the GOPsychopaths.
Republican nationally-assisted suicide is coming; stop drinking the Kool-Aid.
November 6 2018
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Bret Stephens: “My main problem with the Democrats is that they think they can win by relitigating 2016, which was never a good idea and is especially bad if Robert Mueller’s investigation fizzles, which by some reports it might.”
I followed the link Stephens provided to buttress his point that the Mueller investigation might “fizzle.” That’s not what the Bloomberg article concluded. Quite the opposite. It did say that Mueller’s findings might be suppressed if Rosenstein and Sessions are fired after the midterms. But if that happens, Trump opens up a large can of worms. Hardly a fizzle.
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can you discuss the Georgia race, with our mentioning the voter suppression efforts underway there right now, that are disenfranchising 350,00 voters?
How can you mention the state of North Dakota, and fail to mention voter suppression of Native Americans that is currently underway with new ruled saying each voter must have a street address? What happenes when voters live in an area where streets have no names?
The discussion about the candidates are all well and good - but without mentioning these other factors, you do your readers a disservice. Because using trickery and cheating to win a race taints that victory and failing to tell that story gives legitimacy to an illegitimate win.
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Preaching to the choir aside, theoretical discussion floats away when someone is in the polling booth. Given the short attention span that presides these days, coupled with slogans repeated ad nauseum, how many voters really know anything ? Evidently not enough.
18
Please don’t refer to Social Security and Medicare as entitlements. They are not entitlements except in the sense I recently encountered - that we have paid for them through salary deductions and are therefore entitled by law to the proceeds of our investment. When thoughtful columnists such as yourselves use this language you legitimize it.
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@Anne Kennedy
We must take back this term....we call them entitlements because we have a right to them because we contributed to them. It is a very strong word that has been polluted by republican propaganda. Fight for that to which you are entitled.
4
I love the way Republicans like exploit the minimum-wage economy:
"...unemployment is low and economic growth is strong", says Mr. Stephens.
But the only economic growth on Main Street is in minimum-wage jobs. Many people are working two of those to make ends meet. That makes unemployment look low (and we're still leaving out millions of folks who gave up trying to find a decent job). But it doesn't make the economy look good.
Wall Street looked good for a while, but most working people on Main Street don't have money invested on Wall Street. Anyway, the giant Wall Street buy-back bubble is deflating now, so Trump's not crowing so much but looking for a scapegoat (such as the Federal Reserve Bank!).
Democrats across the country are running on the local issues that local voters care about. That's the smart plan, and they're following it. And it's as true at the Senate level as at the House.
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I never understood the word entitlements. That sounds like something the government is giving away. Actually, we pay for that stuff our whole working lives which in my case was 50 years. I would agree that the Republicans want to "whittle away" at those programs. Their trillion dollar rich folks tax cut was a prelude to their announcement that we can no longer afford those programs at their current levels.
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@Clark Landrum,
With regard to Social Security, the original meaning of "entitlement" was that you are entitled to receive it because you have paid for it.
Republicans have worked for decades to twist the meaning of entitlement into a slur, and to a large extent they have succeeded. Such is the power of a big lie that is repeated many times.
33
@Clark Landrum
They called entitlements because you paid for them and are entitled to them, in a way - like your home or car - you already “own” them. Despite Republicans’ pollution of the meaning, it is a very strong word: it refers not to privilege, but to legal rights.
Our problem here, though, is that St. Ronnie got a law passed that subsumed the SS fund under the rest of the government’s money as he instigated the first major deficits in post WWII America, to hide repubs fiscal irresponsibility. That was a scandal that I believe was ignored at the time.
4
@Suzanne
Entitlement still seems like an odd word to describe the process. It is more like a return on an investment or a dividend. I guess it really doesn't matter what you call it if everybody knows what you are talking about.
It seems to me that what Trump and the Republicans want to do is take away people's rights. The right for a woman to have control of her own body. The rights of LBGT people. The rights of minorities to vote through voter purges. The right for sick people who aren't rich to have healthcare. Some vote Republican because the stock market is up and they have a job. Jobs are important but so are freedom and rights.
It seems to me that what Democrats want are rights for people who are not rich. The right for a woman to control what she does with her body. The rights of LBGT people. The right to vote no matter what color your skin is. The right for healthcare. The job situation was already improving under Obama. It's possible to have rights and jobs.
The Republican agenda, seems to me, is that if other people are winning, then they most be losing. They've never heard the expression that a rising tide raises all ships.
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Perhaps the best question is man vs nature, will Republican voter suppression in Georgia have a greater effect than Hurricane Michael on the effects of the midterms?
I asked that question even though I don't know the answer. It will be interesting to watch election coverage after the polls close on November 6.
16
Bret misses the connection between supporting the free press and the Democrat's 2018 agenda.
It doesn't look like the Democrats have a campaign agenda because we now are protecting the basics on way too many fronts. Every day we are assaulted with a loss of basic decencies, basic rights, and even more regressive policies and legislation. We are fighting for an abrupt road back from the brink. From here, that feels like a pretty big platform. And a pretty worthy task.
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@NA Bangerter
You nailed it! "It doesn't look like the Democrats have a campaign agenda because we now are protecting the basics on way too many fronts."
While the Reps are looking at American life through a telescope aimed at the wealthiest few, the Dems are contemplating a myriad of social issues through a dragonfly lens. Too many issues to name in a twenty second sound bite.
11
The Andrew Gillum vs Ron DeSantis race for Florida Governor is worth mentioning as Gillum is running slightly ahead with two weeks left to go.
DeSantis is proving to be a poor candidate for the GOP and the fact that he is almost running as a mini Trump shows the limitations of a republican without a vision of his own about the future of a state like Florida.
At the same time, Gillum is talking about real issues in Florida and he even seems to be making strides to win some of the white voters in northwest Florida; usually safe for republicans.
Just about the time the Trump’s come back to Mar a Lago for the winter, the prospect of an African American governor leading the deepest of southern states could breathe new life into momentum ahead for democrats.
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Snowbirds retire to Florida for not only its warm climate but its zero state income tax. If they want high taxes combined with anti-law & order socialism, they could have stayed in states like NY & NJ.
5
@Keith Colonna: We know snowbirds and many vote “up there”, including Canada.
While you have the code words down like ‘socialism’, ‘anti law and order’ to describe Andrew Gillum, it’s not working here in Florida.
@Keith Colonna
Florida ranks 18th in the nation fro violent crime. NY ranks 24th and NJ ranks 39th. How's that law and order thingy working for ya in Florida?
It's cute that Bret Stephens thinks that 2020 is the election that matters. If the Republicans somehow manage to retain full control of Congress, Trump will correctly interpret that as a sign he can do whatever he wants. Don't assume there will be a meaningful election in 2020 if that is the case.
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@kjb Yes, writing off two years is an admission of defeat.
6
@kjb This is classic misdirection, like telling people to vote on November 7th. Convince people this election isn't the important one, and maybe a few more people stay home in critical districts. Surprised at you, Bret.
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