Trump tweets are often ignorant, as if written by a child with a 50 word vocabulary. But do not think for a minute the most of us want the policies and divide proposed by the squad. From where I sit, they are the far left equivalent of Trump. And do not pretend that their comments are not only divisive, but racist.
If the Dems cannot come up with a candidate that has a back bone that will stand up to these spoiled brats (color of skin means nothing, but words and policies do), then we'll have 4 more years of Trump.
Who are the third party candidates? What are their policies? Please, can a mature, intelligent candidate please stand up? And can the Dems please stop aligning themselves with the far left squad who in essence are freshman representatives with little experience representing 'all' citizens.
3
@Ma
Can you please explain how universal healthcare, supported by ALL conservative Western political parties outside the US AND by a majority of GOP voters, and the Green New Deal, drafted on the basis of the Paris Climate Agreement which was signed by ALL countries in the world, can somehow be called "far left" ... ?
Any concrete ideas?
1
The fact is the New York Times would love another 4 years of Trump. Perhaps that’s why we get a million columns dripping with subtle racism of “oh, Pelosi needs to get a hold of the squad, oh and also the Dems need to figure out how to respond to Trump..” Who has the strongest voice about all of the issues the NYT editorial board pretends to care about (Climate Change, economic inequality, big pharmaceutical, big military). The Squad. Guess what, moderate Dems aren’t going to show leadership on anything.
Imagine if Barack Obama emerged today with the same views as in 2008. The NYT editorial board would be sending the same dog whistles about the far left ... wink wink ...
5
I am a life-long Democrat. I was a fundraiser for Mrs. Clinton. I am from Minnesota. When the Democratic Party refused to condemn the anti-Semitism coming from Minnesota, I left the Party. My Jewish friends are very important to me and I couldn't remain a Democrat and be true to my friends. I am a Christian who is terrified of anti-Semitism. Don't tell me that anti-Semitism in not involved. I am quite aware of Minnesota politics. I only wish that Democrats understood the fear I feel. They might rethink their stance.
4
@Antoinette 'Don't tell you'. I won't.
Trump is right. There is no reason we must live with all people. This country was founded by folks of a certain way. Let’s keep it that way. It is not hate but rather preference. We don’t want certain types. The country was not founded by people who supported gay people nor were they seeking a diverse union. Thank god for Trump. He might be too late though.
1
Make an inferior product overseas and sell it for (maybe) less. What a concept! Play fast and loose with people’s health. Never been done before! Become enough of a nuisance and cash out before you need to think too hard. So innovative! Really, is this what passes for entrepreneurship these days.
The Democratic candidates seem to be well on their way to ensuring Trump's re-election.
A surefire way to hand the election to Trump is to argue in favor of reparations for the descendants of slaves, for which those whose ancestors were neither slaveowners nor present in North America when slavery existed in the United States are expected to the foot the bill. Let the descendants of slaveholders, including Beto O'Rourke , who is advocating for reparations, and his wife pay reparations ,using the money that they have inherited as a result of their ancestors's slave ownership.
While slaves were being raped by slaveowners in the U.S. my
female ancestors were being raped by the Cossacks. While slaves were being beaten in the U.S. , my ancestors were being beaten for being Jews. Long after slavery was abolished in this country.
those of my relatives who weren't sent to the gas chamber immediately were Hitler's slave laborers.
Democrats are going to hand the election to Trump by advocating for reparations, benefits for illegal immigrants , and expressing their racist views that all whites are alike same by focusing on:"White Privilege ".There are poor ,homeless, un-employed , uninsured white people.
If the Democrats want to doom the U.S. they should carry on with their strategies.
If they want to defeat Trump, they need to drop issues that create divisiveness among Democrats, and swing undecided voters towards Trump.
6
Trump has only hate, anger, and white supremacy to run on. He has no achievements excepts tax cuts for the rich and conservative judges for evangelicals, which are only achievements in the eye of the beholder.
It is not an either/or question for Democrats. Of course, Democrats should run on policies; but being against racism is a policy. Bring it up enough to remind those undecided voters of Trump's racism. Democrats are unlikely to gain any racist's votes irrespective of what their campaigns say about other issues.
The question is whether there are enough racists in enough states to whom Trump's racist campaigning for white supremacy is appealing enough to cause them to vote for him to enable him to win the Electoral College. If so, then shame on us.
Instead of writing pieces like this exoriating tolerant Americans and their reactions to intolerant Americans, write far more pieces on the intolerant Americans so everyone can see them daily. I know I'm sick of them.
2
Democrats need to ignore Trump insofar as possible, setting our own agenda, rather than letting him set the national debate agenda. We want better healthcare, sane immigration policies and laws, sound economic policies including taxes and tariffs, new infrastructure and much more. Let's talk about those issues and set the agenda ourselves.
4
There is a strange pattern in public debate emerging, which allows Trump to tweak his messages how many Times he likes and say contradictory statements any day he wants, while at the same time pronouncing that Democrats are already on their way to defeat just because they did not respond the best possible way the first time. It seems to me that these crazy high standards set for Democrats mostly by their supporters is what might very well contribute to the defeat.
4
I’m skeptical that fighting the next election over racism is a winning strategy. Voters are largely aware of Trump’s behavior and are either appalled or rationalizing it away.
It’s absolutely fine to stipulate that Trump is deplorable, even criminal, in countless ways, but Dems still need a positive message. 2018 is a much better template than 2016. Remember, most of the Republican field in 2016 called out Trump to no effect. It only strengthened his run. And Hillary’s ‘deplorable’ comment probably did more harm than good to her campaign.
Trump is unfit. Say it again and again. But quickly pivot to healthcare and the economy. The ACA remains under attack with no Republican alternative. The economy is great for Trump and the top 5-10%, but not so much for the everyone else. The Dems can agree that immigration is a mess, but the bipartisan Senate agreement of 2013 is the best template for progress. Trump is an impediment. Proposals for improving infrastructure and mitigating climate change can emphasize the economic benefits as well as the urgency of a response.
Don’t fight the battle on Trump’s terrain. Every day devoted to racism and immigration is probably a win for Trump. His voters’ opinions are hardened and it only seems to energize them. Trump will continue to bask in rally after rally and spew his hate to that demographic. The Dems are fighting for everyone else.
8
Have you read what the 4 Congressional Representatives have said since last year's election? It is strident anti-semitic, anti-American, and extremely racist?
I think the President's remarks are horrible - and those who yelled at his rally are crazies, but the actual language and support that the 4 women have used should not be excused and papered-over because of his misstatements.
9
I would love to primary out the squad.
3
“Do Democrats know what to do?”
How about Republicans? Where are they?
2
The Democrats must fight being labeled as open borders. Push immigration reform with the emphasis on increased funding for border security and mandatory E-Verify. Be open to change asylum law.
https://www.cnn.com/videos/tv/2019/06/30/exp-gps-0630-fareeds-take.cnn
3
I recall the days of the Cold War when anyone who expressed left-of-center views might be told to "Go back to Russia!" That response had nothing to do with Russian ancestral ties or even immigration. It was a way of redefining all non-conservative political opinions as illegitimate and "treason." That is exactly what is happening now. Forget race and focus on that.
6
"This will be a general election focused on race, identity and Mr. Trump’s brand of white grievance politics."
Which will mirror the Left's use of identity politics, victim narratives, "woeness," and intersectionality, and "minority grievance politics."
And who loses?
All of us.
12
"Send her back" expresses outrage for Trumps's base, but too bad for him, it also creates outrage in the Democratic base. The gift that keeps on giving.
1
Through very weird logic, I actually feel more optimistic having read the comments below. Most are highly upset, angry at the Democrat tendency to fragment and chase squirrels rather than unify and win. This is good, Democrats historically have lost until they've won, and having a shift in attitude about this relatively early gives me reason for some hope. A smug and self-satisfied Democratic Party loses.
Here are some interesting points about the current situation: 1) Trump has already used up all his rhetorical runway, screaming the N-word 3 times on national TV is all that's left 2) the race cat left the bag a while back, nobody on either side really thinks anymore that we're post-racial or that racism isn't real, 3) we don't know what the quantities of Trump voters are, only the percentages among the "Republicans". The "Republicans" who support him are self-identified, no research has found how many have been peeling off from the margins. There was a non-trivial segment of Trump voters in 2016 who were only nihilist, they wanted to just "break something" to see if they might get something better when the dust settled. Those nihilists, and the other marginals, will be who decides for the country in 2020.
3
Every summer I spend some time in North Carolina, where I see that the state’s economy has improved greatly during Trump’s tenure. Construction and help-wanted signs are increasingly visible in communities small and large, and the competition of fast-food restaurants and other entry-level employers for staff has driven hourly pay well above minimum wage—with benefits.
I think the NYT and others are trying to turn the 2020 election into a contest based on race, when in fact many people—regardless of political affilitation—are likely to vote based on the economy and their pocketbooks
The Democratic presidential candidates are swingingly wildly left and making fiscally impossible promises in return for votes: Free college tuition. Medicare for all, including illegal immigrants. College loan forgiveness. Reparations for blacks and gays. Guaranteed basic income. Federal job guarantees. Votes for prisoners. Open borders.
All the fabulously wealthy individuals and corporations put together do not have enough money to pay for all of these goodies year after year, and even Bernie Sanders has admitted that taxes will have to be raised on the middle class just to pay for free college, not to mention trillions more for all of those other freebies.
As Margaret Thatcher aptly noted, the problem with socialism is that sooner or later you run out of other people’s money.
Remember, folks, our goal is to elect a Democratic president in 2020, not to make Karl Marx smile in his grave.
6
Yes, Trump is a racist!
But, it’s the news media that creates the rest of the racism after he says things!!!
They’re the ones who spread and inflate and multiply his racism!
They could ignore it and it would be like the racism of other countless individuals daily!!!
So it’s really the media that is racist!! They have created the racist atmosphere, they have enabled it, and they have emboldened it!
They simply use Trump as an excuse!
3
This is laughable. It’s like that “fact checking” which seems to have disappeared! People are tired of this!
Trump is a racist!! It took these folks in the media three years to mention the obvious!!!
He’s their baby, they make money off his rhetoric, as Michelle Wolfe pointed out!!!!!
4
When will the NYT start calling it racism. I'm so frustrated with your wording. There is not gray area here.
1
Individuals can decide for themselves.
2
@Fred You put too much faith in individuals.They haven't figured it out yet and some actually enjoy it and miss the days of the confederacy and before we allowed other people into our country. But others are what makes our country diverse. This seems to be heading toward a civil war. And Trump is stoking the flames. He has too many white nationalists rooting for him. Our country may be doomed. But I hope not.
@Sharon Conway
What "others" make the country "diverse"? You literally just started your comment by saying that "you put too much faith" in individuals.
So it's okay to be "diverse" so long as everyone has the same opinions as you? What does diversity mean, if not diversity of views and opinions?
Should race be the issue in 2020?
Steve Bannon said flatly in a television interview last year that the Democrats will lose, absolutely lose, if they make race the primary issue in the 2020 election. As Mr. Belcher says in the article, White progressives don't understand race in America.If they try to take on Donald with this issue, it's an automatic four years more of Trump.
Progressives need to confront Trump effectively, on the big political stage. That means not becoming overly moralistic and self- righteous, overly educated, overly knowledgeable and intelligent, overly pompous and most certainly not an expert on such things as reparations.
You deal with Trump as an adult deals with a teenager. You talk about why and how real issues need to be confronted and you do it evenly and consistently. It must be devoid of personal reaction and full of public concern and even humor, things that make it very difficult for him to really handle. Let's face it: he's a dangerous man but essentially silly one. Get the people to see that. When you ask forceful questions, let the arguments flow in your direction...and don't react in any way that suggests your fear or unsteadiness.
Believe me you'll win big time!
5
I disagree with Mr. Belcher's pessimism regarding race in America as an election issue. Of course Trump will try to use it as he has to stir his base but the majority of Americans will not be swayed by it. The democratic candidate will need to call Trump out on this divisive behavior and make it obvious that this is all part of Trump's behavior as a bully. The democratic candidate will instead promote equality among all Americans and the need for all of us to work together to make a better country.
At the same time I disagree with the reparations proposals. The idea that Americans of today must make payments to black Americans to pay for the sins of the past doesn't seem fair at its core. In other words Americans will not be treated equally going forward in order to make amends for unfair treatment in the past. Sorry but 2 wrongs don't make it right.
5
Where is Senator Sanders in this article? He was been talking about Trump's efforts to "divide the people up" against themselves as a way to exert his own dominance -- for years. The NYT cannot possible be "the" newspaper of record when it consistently ignores (or belittles) the most popular politician in the country -- and one of the main contenders for the Dem. nomination.
2
"Russian Redhats" is a nickname Trump might use, were he competing against the people in this photo, to put them on the defensive with a slur that resonates yet is irrelevant to anything of consequence.
Why do Democrats think that their response to Trump is one or the other, either about racism and hatred, or about jobs and the economy? They should be addressed by connecting them directly - that’s what Trump is intentionally doing but subconsciously. By whipping up fear of the “other,” he implies to his supporters who is the cause of their economic depression and unemployment, the same old tricks played for years about African Americans and undocumented immigrants. So talk about them together head on and the economic myths and lies his race baiting is creating in the minds of his supporters.
6
@jaco
Nothing, as long as nobody can come up with arguments to prove THAT that hypothesis is wrong, remember ... ? ;-)
@Science Teacher
So you want the American people to buy into the idea that they're poor and not advancing economically because of their own failures and inadequacies.
But the economic migrants who are walking across the border are poor and not advancing economically in their own countries through no fault of their own - but the fault of foreigners like Americans who meddle in their countries.
That's a mighty convenient position, and a very difficult needle to thread.
3
@Ana Luisa
No, not "nothing". If most voters don't buy into that hypothesis, the Dems lose.
Common sense tells you that rationalizing the lack of opportunity down to racism is not a winning strategy.
If you're a white American, it's your own fault that you're poor and not getting ahead.
If your non-white, it's not your fault that you're poor because everyone else is racist and bigoted against you.
Never mind that since the mid 1980s when they started a separate category for Asians, their median family income is at least $15K greater than any other race, including white people. https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/visualizations/2018/demo/p60-263/figure1.pdf
Good luck selling that.
2
This is directly from the Chicago Tribune showing that the GOP supports and builds on the divisive and racist posture of our president.
Illinois GOP under fire for ‘Jihad Squad’ Facebook post
MONDAY, JUL 22
The Illinois Republican Party came under criticism this weekend after a social media post echoed President Donald Trump’s criticism of four Democratic congresswomen, showing them in a movie-type poster as being in a “jihad squad.”
The post by the Illinois Republican County Chairman's Association on its Facebook page late Friday showed images of U.S. Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, and topped by a hijab-wearing Ilhan Omar of Minnesota. The four, all women of color, have been dubbed “the squad.” “Political jihad is their game,” the Facebook post said. “If you don’t agree with their socialist ideology, you’re racist.”
The state GOP Chairman Tim Schneider acknowledged it represented “bigoted rhetoric.” Mark Shaw, the Lake County GOP chairman who heads the state county chairmen’s group, said the posting, which was taken down, was “not authorized by me” and said he was “sorry if anyone who saw the image was offended by the contents.”
2
It is so glaringly obvious what it takes to kick Republicans out of office, it was literally done in 2018, and yet still we have 3/4 of a field of Democrats trying to outshine each other on the characteristic that loses elections: indulging in identity politics in the full knowledge that white America is a mess of economic anxiety, projection, and seething racial/nativist resentment.
I don't understand why you people want Trump to remain in office so badly. The way you kick him out of office is to say, honestly, that you will lose your health insurance if he stays in office. NOT "you will lose your health insurance because I am going to deliver on a public program that replaces it." and NOT "he's racist." just, very factually, "He will make your life worse and your Healthcare unaffordable, and this is how he already has tried, and these are the ways his party has already succeeded."
With regard to any economic disaster from trump, the promise is not "I will introduce something scary and unfamiliar and call it a revolution." who do you think is showing up on election day, millennials?
No. It's middle aged and old people with expensive medical bills and worries about social security funding.
The promise is "I will undo the real, identifiable republican damage that you are suffering, I will and make the thing you know and are familiar with better."
And more emphasis should be put by democrats on retirement security too. Not student debt. Olds don't care, young don't vote
6
Democratic candidates should learn the same creative ways of avoiding criticism of one another as the Republicans have learned of avoiding criticism of Trump. Imagine how frustrating it is for you to watch Mitch McConnell twist himself into a pretzel in order to avoid addressing Trump's racism.
Now imagine Nancy Pelosi and AOC embracing one another while dismissing concerns about socialism and corporate donors.
Imagine Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden doing nothing but praise one another for their tradition of supporting voter rights while brushing off their differences on health care as inconsequential vs. Trump's lies and incompetence on health care. It will drive Trump nuts and make his tweets even more inane and risible. It will effectively deprive the President of defining the narrative.
How about following the example of John McCain in correcting the crazy notions of his followers publicly? Those Democrats who condemn Joe Biden as a racist on Twitter ought to be publicly condemned by Kamala Harris while being directed to keep their eyes on the prize. Those who condemn the dangerous socialists in the Democratic Party as too radical ought to be read the riot act by Nancy Pelosi and Joe Biden. Those who condemn the Democratic Party as too corporation-friendly deserve the same from Elizabeth Warren.
Democratic candidates won't win the nomination by making a case against their opponents--and they will only frustrate Trump by refusing to do so.
1
Please don't use euphemisms like "angry tribalism." Acknowledge the truth- open and vicious racism.
3
I agree that the dems could be setting themselves up for defeat, and I think the media assists with this downfall. Far too much oxygen is given to Trump and his tweets. Even this article, talking about "meeting him on his playing field," begs the question, "Why would they want to meet him there?" Why haven't people figured out that if you ignore him, he'll blow up but then move on to something else. Plenty of op-eds have advised this, but the media won't take the cue. He's offensive on purpose, with a singular intention. For everyone to spend days and weeks focusing on his provocative behavior is exactly what he wants--then no one is looking at what else is going on. What else is America doing out in the world? What impact is that having and what will be the cost to us and others in the future? What else is the administration doing here? No one's looking, because the incendiary verbal distractions are where everyone dwells these days. Similarly, stop giving The Squad so much time. They're smart and capable people, but they're attention hogs too and have little impact on our policies and government with their constant focus on the bully that they can do nothing about. Democrats, if you're listening, stop falling for this and please get moving on solid policies that will get our nation back on track!
6
In 2018 Dems focused on health care & core democratic beliefs. We ran more moderate & traditional leaning candidates across much of America & now hold a majority in the House.
The road map is clear - if we embrace policies & a candidate that could possibly win every vote in Calif, the West Coast, NY, we still only collect the Electoral College votes once.
We MUST run a candidate who can win in the the middle swing states if we want to take back the White House and stop the spread of the Trump plague that is infecting this country.
5
The Democrats need to stay on message;
-How can a country going through such a booming economy still not be producing a new class of middle class and the current middle class not be in better financial situation.
-Why are so many people in such crippling debt
-How can health insurance and care cost so much more here then anywhere else in the world
-How can gun crime be so rife with so end in sight
-Why does the cost of an education equal that of a small home
-How can black men still be killed for holding a wallet while the cops that kill them get to continue to carry a gun
Let the Whites only crowd, the religion over the Constitution, the separate but equal folks scream and yell at rallies, act like ignorant fools in restaurants and on the street. In 10 years when they realize they are no better off today then they were now maybe it will sink in; I doubt it but maybe. If the people turn out to vote at 70% and 80% the right can’t cheat and they will be crushed. If Americans can’t find the will to vote then they deserve what they get, this Republic will fade into the dust bin of history and China will lead the way into the 21st century. If anyone had told the British empire in the late 1800’s, that in 60 years they would be a shell of their former glory and their colony in the west would be the new world power for the next 75 years, they would have locked you away, it can happen here, you just need to keep doing what you’re doing.
5
For my Republican friends I would say this; there are two types of Republican voters in this world, wealthy connected and, religious suckers, check your wallet and tell me which you are…
3
If the leaders of the Democratic Party can not figure this out, they will go down with the trump voters as the cause of the destruction of America.
Stop the fighting now, stand together and give us a strong front to work with you, or step aside, this is too serious to put up with teenager behavior and ego fighting, and power plays. Or Democrats, we will end up with a white supremacy government
and the end of Democracy. Trump is winning with his hate and lies.
4
@Carol
Imho, when it comes to "standing together", in a democracy what is crucial, when a minority party starts to massively cultivate racism and shifting all wealth to the 1% wealthiest citizens, is for WE THE PEOPLE to engage and stand together.
It's not only absurd but also utterly counter-productive if we continue to expect that somehow, politicians should be extraordinary, flawless human beings, who will then save us from our fellow citizens. That is NOT how a democracy works.
Trump got elected precisely because too many anti-Trumpers decided to "wait" until their perfectly ideal Democratic candidate shows up, rather than to engage and vote.
The exact same thing will happen in 2020, if "we the people" don't step up our game and unite against him.
5
@Ana LuisaI agree with you
There were gobs of voters who wouldn't admit they were voting for trump in 2016. I now wonder how many of them are now secretly going to vote AGAINST him but not letting on to their "tribe" so as not to get shunned?? Surely there is *some* morality and empathy left in the 37 +/-%??
2
Trump has taken over as the sole spokesperson for all things Republican. I am so tired of reading pejorative comments about the disagreements within the Democratic Party on various issues. The strength of the Democratic Party is the willingness to express opposing views and have a debate about the merits of differing positions. It is not a strength for the Republicans that Trump is the sole voice on all matters. Neither is it a strength that McConnell is the grim reaper on all legislation that Trump opposes. When it comes to racial matters, the Democrats clearly have the high ground and eventually their platform will lay out the details. In the meantime, the sausage making within the party should be recognized as a strength that will result in better sausage.
3
I had an avid Trump supporter tell me yesterday on a bench in the park that these are the end-times and that Trump is the Angel of Death sent here by G-d to lead the American people on a 40 year
hike through the wilderness before He calls it a day.
Sounded plausible to me and a perfect complement to Trump's
insistence on making racial divisiveness the central issue in his 2020 run for President.
7
There is no democratic candidate. Trump is running against a conglomerate stereotype democrat who looks/sounds like 'the squad'. He has a friendly, hand picked audience. Let him spew, let them scream.
The eventual democratic challenger will have been through a series of debates which would spin the head of the uninformed liar presently in the wh.
Whoever it is will be armed with facts; every time Trump lies they will point it out and present the correct information.. He deserves no respect for the office he occupies.
The nominee must have a few programs, loaded with detail and precedent for the most important issues.
(1) Humane border security which includes a 'barrier' where appropriate, a well designed program of interdiction, examination, and appropriate designation as to what 'category' each person belongs. All without demonization.
(2) Visionary infrastructure proposals which look forward over decades to create an environmentally positive energy industry and new professions, on every scale from the personal vehicle to mass transit.
(3) Financial honesty and inspiration. These items cost money; that's reality. Trump's tax cuts create a temporary lift to the economy but future debt increases. Lowering environmental standards makes the problem for the next generation worse. Remind people of Eisenhower; he raised taxes to build the interstate hiway system, also generating huge growth in housing. That dynamic economy has worn down, Time for a new, different one.
7
The hateful shouting at Trump,rallies is absolutely chilling.It is allowed to happen because almost no one alive now remembers the German chants which preceded World War II.They do not hear in memory the many phrases used to marginalize everyone back then.The shaming at Trump’s rallies has no place in the United States.If you think I am exaggerating just find a way to review old newsreel footage from the Pre-War days.The chants are not free speech-they are hate speech-and when you hate people and want them gone bad things happen!
8
@JANET MICHAEL We studied Nazi Germany and gave lectures for years. We are seeing the rise of that now and we are frightened for this country. Trump uses the same dog whistles Hitler did. People should wake up before it is too late.
5
@ SharonConway-Thank you for your response-I am heartened that someone else is apprehensive as everyone should be.
3
Stop taking Trump’s bait to make cause Celebre out of un-winnable positions. Shine a light on the National debt, Mnuchin’s asking to yet again raise the debt ceiling. Place emphasis on the middle-classes needs, not just the absolutely sickening and appalling treatment of immigrants. Keep condemning the unacceptable racists rhetoric emanating from the top, but bear in mind it won’t change many voters mind between now and next year.
3
Racism is for many people just a feel-good item. It feels good to be part of the "better" group. But most people understand rationally that the color of your skin or your place of birth doesn't make you a better person.
So the rights attitude towards racism is ridicule. And then switching to real issues and telling people that Trump puts the focus on racism to avoid real issues.
The chant "send her home," or "send her back" is racist. But it is also directed against a woman. The great, vulnerable underbelly of the Republican Party are suburban, middle class women in red or purple states. They are offended by his past sexual assaults, and his administration's cruel policies toward women and children on our southern border. They worry about his and his party's threat to criminalize abortion, and to throw millions off of health insurance by ending Obamacare. They will support a Democratic Party that opposes these policies by emphasizing family values.
3
You really have to hand it to Trump: He knows how to pick his fights. Remember the old adage, "Fools rush in where angels fear to tread."? I have no doubt that AOC and the rest of "The Squad" are champing at the bit, ready to rush in with their new, progressive ideas that will alienate moderate Democrats and Independent voters as they usher in a second term for Trump.
3
Character matters in leadership, AND policies matter in governance.
A wise Democratic nominee has an historically unprecedented opportunity to win on BOTH.
Yes, point out and distance oneself from Trump’s vicious bigotry as well as his rampant corruption and toxic narcissism.
And then offer practical Democratic approaches to save healthcare (ACA with public option), rebuild our infrastructure, and finally implement comprehensive immigration reform.
4
"“There are a lot of people who are uncomfortable with someone who covers her hair in Congress,” Mr. Enos said, referring to Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota. “It is really an ethical and electoral issue, and if it works, that earns Trump another four years in the White House.”"
Nativist fear of the "other"--it can't be ignored or swept under the rug. I am alternatively ambivalent, discourgaged, and pessimistic about how Trump manages white racial resentment.
But I also agree with Cornell Belcher who knows the terrain and how it feels to be black in
2019 America. Like Belcher, I feel as in 2016, that there are more who agree with Trump than not because people lie to pollsters.
You just know how bad things are when you can't accurately assess the strength of the other side.
We need the one canidate who can marry optimism with facts abouto the "real economy" and why Trump is failing the American people.
Dems must walk a tightrope: acknowledge his blatant bigotry but avoid obsessing about it.
4
The terms "racist" and "racism" have been rightly consigned to opprobrium.
But the terms "race" or "racial" or "ethnic" or "ethnicity" fortunately still stand to describe and rejoice in the fascinating spectrum of the human species.
Is there a long history of subjugation and power imbalance? Of course. What would you expect with a species so deeply wound in tribalism. [In fact, various "tribalisms" have long been on display all across our America and our American cities.]
BUT in dealing with an explosively erratic, mentally deranged and malignant entity like Trump—
We can't just hold our nose and plod on for November 2020.
We must say what is true. Do what is right. There is no president in our history more deserving of impeachment—by orders of magnitude—than Donald Trump, even if the malignant blight is not excised (convicted) by a cowardly Senate.
Democrats, stop worrying about end-games and calculations and backlashes. Don't you realize how energizing and galvanizing it is to do what is right? Yes, the cowardly Senate Republicans, but the Articles of Impeachment will be loud and clear and publicly sounded.
You may just be surprised at the energy and benefits and uniting as we prepare for November 2020.
7
@srwdm
With all respect, this is exactly how a minority GOP could massively take over the country, in 2016: too many people want politicians to just take purely symbolical acts, which in their eyes would express their own opinion, and then they'd "believe" in those politicians and finally vote for them - regardless of the consequences of those actions, and regardless of what those politicians actually do in DC.
A symbolical impeachment vote in the House would:
1. of course not lead to real impeachment at all, by definition
2. allow Trump and the GOP to focus their entire campaign on the "scandal" of impeachment, rather than to have to focus on their (abysmal) record - which would inevitably fire up GOP voters MUCH more than if the Democrats clearly denounce what the president they support does and says, and clearly lay out an alternative way of governing.
And Democrats already won the midterm elections by the biggest voter gap in THREE decades (both in the House and Senate), and yet, the GOP continues to control the Senate.
In 2020 just like in 2016, it will probably be less than 100,000 votes that will make the difference.
In such circumstances, we really can't afford to tell ourselves that we need symbolical action to be fired up and vote. We HAVE to finally take responsibility as citizens and vote because of what's at stake, concretely: America's future and strength.
And a democracy only thrives when the vast majority of citizens realize this ...
4
Dems and the media should try ignoring trump's racist stunts. We already know who he is through and through. It is tiime to speak only of the income inequities in this nation, the substandard education, crumbling infrastruction and the unaffordable medical care costs. Be the president's nightmare and speak out about all of the shortcomings here in the U.S. relative to other developed nations.
5
@JMM the media won’t do that! They won’t make money!!!
Democrats are going to loss. They cannot stay focused on the things that won in 2018. They are not on a daily basis asking Trump were is his wonderful health plan, were is his wonderful infrastructure plan. Were is everything he promised. They should be showing him making the promises and straight out calling him a lier. Every minute of every day. The identify politics needs to stop. The dying middle class doesn't have the time or energy left to be concerned about the conditions of illegal migrants. These new congresswomen that are the center of attention are just like Trump. All talk and no accomplishments that help. AOC is like Trump the typical no substance New York City loud mouth. We have lost our soul and about to stumble into another war. While are so called leaders act like ignorant petulant children.
6
“Do you, on the campaign trail, talk directly about the president’s inflammatory language, racism and discrimination in this country? Or do you talk about jobs and the economy?”
You do both. Not rocket science.
4
If Trump loses the election in November, 2020, (assuming he does not declare a national emergency and “temporarily” suspend elections), watch today’s Trump sycophants say “Finally, we can return to the decent, honest, big tent Republican party that will fight for American security and economic growth!”
Then watch them:
bow to the oil industry’s demands;
lie about Democratic plans to take our guns, kill infants, and open our Southern border to all;
fight consumer, worker, and financial protections;
seek to eliminate the ACA;
promote freedom by opposing dependence on government;
keep government small, (i.e., ineffective), by fighting to keep taxes low for “job creators”;
and, if they maintain control of the Senate, refuse to even consider the judicial nominees of the Democratic President.
Please Register. Stand on long lines in the rain if you must, but vote for Democrats as if your lives and our constitution depend on it. As if. As if.
3
These are all American citizens. America is their home. Saying "go home" as in "leave the country" means that Trump thinks their ethnicity or race is not American. State that this is another example of Trump being a bad person and unfit to be President. Then get back to health care.
2
Many moderate Rs also will back away from Trump’s despicable hate-ranting. I think it’s a bad bet for his re-election prospects. He was barely elected by the white, religious, nationalistic base. Some of them will be alienated by this level of misogyny and misguided superiority complex.
1
Mr. Enos, as quoted by your reporter, appears to suggest that Ilhan Omar covering her hair is an "ethical and electoral issue". Really? The reporters continues to quote Mr Enos suggesting that "if it works, that earns Trump another four years in the White House.” Your reporter clearly needed to give Mr Enos an opportunity to reword his interview transcript for clarity. As it stands Mr Enos appears to be suggesting that: (1) there are legitimate ethical concerns about Ilhan Omar covering her hair; and (2) drawing attention to these concerns is a winning strategy for Trump. In fact, there are no ethical concerns attached to headgear worn by representatives whatsoever, and Ilhan Omar should be vigorously defended from racist attacks.
4
The Democrats have already proved they can defeat the Republicans in exporting jobs, stopping whistle blowers, impeding journalists, and military aggression all while convincing the base that they are on their side. Now, the real question is, how can the Democrats will the racist vote?
Racism that sabatoges democracy is at the heart of America's extreme economic gaps and general sense of doom. It weakens government and the collective will of the people through division and leads to our failure to push back from being exploited. Democrats might find success pointing this out to everyone.
1
if democrats can not explain clearly what they stand for Trump
will define them and win easily.
6
Democrats have 15 months to figure this out. Remain calm and carry on.
3
Race-mongering on both sides can be abhorrent when it becomes gratuitous. Which is all too often. Both sides feign innocence. Both have an absurd abundance of dirty laundry. If we want to compete whose dirty laundry is more foul, the competition would never end. I worry that there are other issues that could be, and would be solved if they had 1/10 of the energy "we" (meaning consumers of big media) put into this every day.
2
My fellow Democrats haven't got what it takes to win. A weak lineup of pacifist men and women? If you haven't heard, a woman lost against Trump. Calling all Democrats! You need tough guys to defend the disadvantaged and weak.
2
As a 5 year year old in the early 60’s in Detroit, I could see that the way people of color were treat was so wrong. I could not understand why the parents of the children that I played with were treated so unfairly but they were so nice to me as a little white boy in a very black neighborhood. As I grew older I understood, skin-color. As a so called “elite coastal”, skin color dropped, racism and every other ism is alive and well! We must be better than this, all people, of all clans, stand up, scream NO to this absurd behavior. The brown-shirts do not know when to stop, but we do! NOW!
1
Whether Trump is a racist or not is less important than knowing that he is determined to play up racial divisions to the hilt in order to get reelected.
Calling him a racist will not help Democrats. They need to ask what kind of a person would be willing to set back own country in this way in a scorched earth pursuit of winning at any cost.
3
I have as much idea as the next man about what the Democrats need to do to defeat the racist Trump in the next election—which is precious little, but I am pretty sure that if he is re-elected it will spell the end of democracy in the USA and he will take the country down a very dark and dangerous road which may even lead to either a dictatorship or another civil war. When hatred rules there is little hope. But I take comfort from Nelson Mandella who said "No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite."
1
If our country shows that this hatred is who we are in 2020 makes me even more glad I am close to the end of life.
1
@Jeany Those of us who are in the autumn of our lives have much to be thankful for, perhaps, however, our life's wisdom may be of help to future generations.
1
And if minority voters stay home again? And if Bernie splits the dem vote again?
1
@SN
They certainly will if they get not substantial offers.
I´m talking about substantial offers here, this means a feasable and credible political agenda that really could fix some of their issues when tackled properly - not great promises of change that turn out to be empty in the aftermath and no nice catch phrases like "stronger together" that do not help to fix any real problem and do not include some of the justified demands of "the other wing" of the party also who can not get "their" candidate through as it had been the case in 2016. When Mr. Sanders got kicked out then almost none of the issues of his supporters were included in the agenda of winning HRC. The only people in the world who expected all these supporters to vote for HRC in return nevertheless had been HRC and the party leaders of Dem´s - who had to go immediately for good reasons.
Now there is no party leadership in substance, all remaining leaders remember this case with horror and so they do nothing at all nowadays - save struggling Ms. Pelosi who is not able to do the job as party leader all over her party on her limited position as Speaker of the House.
So there is no party agenda at present, many candidates have one of their own rarely compatible with those of the others and not examined for practicallity and conformity with positions of the entire party.
Any further questions?
"Good" must be anything else.
This is not a fight the Democrats can win. The Republicans own the law books and the courts and the laws are written in a language that only sophists can define.
I am 71 but it took the GOP under Trump to let me understand what Dr Samuel Johnson meant when he said "Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel."
I trust Dr Johnson dictionary is honest when it defined scoundrel as the most malicious and destructive representative of all mankind.
7
Two comments about this article. Leaving Trump aside, so called “white Americans”, the same Americans who elected Barack Obama, are tired of Democrats talking about racism all the time and decreeing who is a racist. Americans going about their daily lives see little open racism on a day to day basis and most are not racist.
Also I personally feel that leftists, socialists, etc, who are often affiliated with the Democratic Party regularly speak about making everyone equal by pulling down white privilege, power, or whatever term they use. That is the reason Trump exists. Democrats should be using the message of John Kennedy when he said “a rising tide lifts all boats”. Stripping power from one group and promising it to another will lead to conflict and violence. Empowering all Americans, following the rule of law, ensuring equality, and making good economic decisions is the right course for America no matter who is at the helm.
11
@CHRIS
The only ones I see talking about how installing Western high-quality universal healthcare in the US too would "make everyone equal by pulling down white privilege, power or whatever", are the lying GOP politicians and media.
As soon as you start doing some basic fact-checking, you cannot but notice that that (and the "open borders" ideas, death panels etc.) kind of lies are UTTERLY false, and only made up to try to hide the GOP's abysmal record (compared to their own campaign promises, that is) and cultivate anger and fear, and most of all: demonize Democrats.
The reason Trump exists is because two decades ago the GOP establishment decided that THIS was the best strategy to be able to continue to win elections all while passing one extremely unpopular pro-1% bill after the another, and because too many "white" Americans decided to give up their individual ability to think for themselves and fact-check, and instead treat Trump's tweets as if they were divine commandments.
1
The only way to get rid of Trump in 2020 is as Thomas Freidman stated register millions of people.
After reading the small exchange between them all I can say is that Donald Trump is a man that cannot even tweet without making personal insults about his opposition over and over again instead of intelligently going head to head about the issues.
He has shown time and again that a "genius" he is not. He is a man without a vocabulary who uses insults and small words like "BAD" to try to take down someone that is an
intelligent man and unfortunately he has no idea how to deal with anyone that is above his low level and hopefully our country has more brain power than what comes to his rallies and yells "send her back".
2
This upcoming election is for the Dems to lose but they have to be smart and strategic about it! Unfortunately we'll be divided by the narcissists who want to be POTUS for self centered reasons and the zealots on the far left demanding purity and positions that are out of sync with the nation at large.
1
Ever since Mr. Trump started his term as the president he had always targeted the diversification of race in America and especially the number of immigrants coming from the southern border. Democrats are falling again to the same mistake they did during the 2016 presidential election of entertaining Mr. Trump racist and xenophobic comments. While Democrats should actually be planning a counter against Trump 2020 president election. To end the calamity Trump's presidency brought to the future of America because of racism, xenophobia, and corruption he brought in the land of America. Trump had declined so much opportunity from immigrants to live a better life in America that should cost him not winning the presidential election, but Democrats should change the strategy and tactics they use against Trump if they don't want him to win the next presidential election.
1
Hopefully, the squad will shut up until after the election. If its members are out of sight and out of the news, Trump won't have anything to talk about.
2
I think we’re forgetting that the black population vote was what brought us President Obama... twice, and in massive, unequivocal amounts. So the more racist the GOP becomes, the better for the Democrats. If, in addition, an energetic and brave black candidate is chosen to challenge Trump such as Harris, I think a Democrat victory can be achieved.
2
Why is this a problem for the Democrats at all? The president is the racist here. His followers are not to be mollified or coddled, and we should be precise in our language. If we draw a line on this, then I believe the preponderance of voting age Americans will chose the non racist side of the line, and rebuke Trump and the GOP at the polls next year.
3
If the Democrats manage to pull defeat from the jaws of victory once again, Valerie Jarrett's comment that "Nothing has changed since Obama won re-election in 2012" will stand as a bellwether for their loss.
1
@Paul Stamler
This is not about the Democrats, it's about the future of this country, remember?
2
Ask the most respected Americans today where US is headed in 25 years- Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos etc. Choosing Trump will make that happen.
1
Democrats: focus on positive economic policies for US working people and businesses, give us examples of immediate solutions to the wage gap, stress the importance of upholding liberty and justice for all, provide examples of how you would operate on the international stage, make us laugh, inspire us with your vision for each and every American.
As citizens and taxpayers, we elect and employ the president. Give us a solid, realistic replacement that most of us, spread across diverse states can get behind, so that we can fire our current erratic employee.
2
We will see if this has any effect on his 3rd quarter fund raising.
I doubt it.
I will not question Mr. Belcher. He knows more about racism than I do. I just hope in the 2020 election for our next POTUS, more voters are able to judge by the content of the candidates' character than the color of their skin.
2
He pledged an oath to uphold the Constitution. He goes against the constitution over and over and over. When will this stop. He is impeachable. He does not uphold the Constitution.
2
Dems need to treat this situation the way a divorced father would successfully fight for equal time with his kids. We can be outraged on the inside by all of the racist rhetoric, but we should confine this outrage to close friends and our therapists. On the outside, we present a calm and cool demeanor - we SHOW that we are the stable geniuses, and let Trump do his thing. When we react, we are perceived as unhinged. When we don’t, and present a clear vision for the country, Trump will be perceived as unhinged by enough people. (And for all those newly divorced dads - stay calm! The courts will see this and reward you with equal time...)
2
Actually these comments will make no difference to the outcome. Trump supporters will turn out. The mission for Democrats is to sell themselves.
4
We are approaching a white America as a saving grace for the past. Truthfully, without immigration, legal and otherwise, we would not be where we are today. Our population would be older, we would be short of workers, we wouldn’t have the technically skilled workforce we need, and the nation would be poorer financially, and we would not be able to fight as much as we do around the World spreading our Democratic gospel. So, do you still think Trump populism is good for us? If you do, it is at your peril.
2
Trump didn't set the terms for what is going on now and we need to stop kidding ourselves Race has always worked in American politics and we are being disingenuous if we deny it. I have grown tired of the new flavor of the month White Grievance. It comes across as only White People are being put upon by our changing world and every other group doesn't matter. People need someone or something to blame for their plight and what better target than The Others? We are people who love to shop at Walmart buying goods made in China. We see no problem paying sports figures millions to play a game at the same time paying teachers low wages. Maybe if Dems stop trying to be more AOC than AOC herself and come up with some substance they could beat Trump. The Dems daily attempt to brand Trump a scoundrel is falling on deaf ears. Most people know Trump is not a Boy Scout and don't care that he isn't. If you want to beat Trump stop talking about him and come up with a message.
4
From the Article: “This election will be a referendum, not on Donald Trump, but a referendum on who we are and who we must be to each other,” Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey said."
The problem with this statement is, by the mere fact that Trump was elected, we have shown exactly who we are.
62 million people were either too lazy or too ignorant to do their due diligence on Trump before pulling the lever in the voting booth. Otherwise, how would he have been elected?
Or . . . has the country changed so radically that Trump truly is what people want? If this is the case, I'm glad I'm old, and will not be here for the final collapse of democracy.
2
The democratic leadership has decided (already years ago) that non action, wait and see, while at the same time trying to appease their adversaries as much as possible will be at the center of their tactics.
The British Chamberlain and multiple American and other word leaders took the same stance in the mid thirties with devastating consequences.
However our democratic party hasn’t learned anything since that time, nor did many other leaders.
By their non action they have helped to let the baby US dictator undermine not only our democracy, department of justice and attacked the EPA, FDA, social programs etc without any consequences.
They have invited racism and bigotry back to the forefront and helped indirectly to increase their supporters.
And still with racism being advertised from the White House, impeachment is still off the table and white collar crime will not be punished.
They call politicians with real social beneficial programs, lefties. Programs that in a real democracy would be middle of the road are now called extreme left, how vile.
The party under a corporate leadership is in reality right of center, where the Republican used to be and are forcing every democrats to basically turn more to right of center.
What happened to their hearts and their soul?
1
Defeating the Republican Party on election day should be the singular focus of the Democratic Party.
The Republican party is dangerous to the nation because of its refusal to address environmental issues that threaten life on planet Earth.
Added to that, the Republican party is intent on maintaining control of governmental operations via any and all means necessary and if Trump's cruelty and hate speech moves the party toward its goals, their subtext is: whatever works.
When Trump is out of office Americans will still be stuck with the Republican party. The sooner it is defeated the sooner our nation's problems can be solved. Until that time, do not be distracted by Trump's drama. The real adversary of our national interests is the Republican Party and it must be stopped from inflicting further destruction on our nation.
2
The only possible, real response, and as a consequence (= knowing that 60% of the American people aren't living in Fox News' "alternative facts" universe yet) the only response that may increase Democrats' chances to defeat Trump, is to VERY EXPLICITLY do what Obama did, when it comes to race:
1. condemn racism in the clearest possible ways - not so much as a moral sin, but most of all as a destructive and unhelpful strategy used by GOP politicians, and THAT (deliberately cultivating it to advance your own career) is IMMORAL.
2. Clearly describing what victims of racism feel and have to go through in their daily life, so that they feel seen.
3. Clearly describing HOW some very good and decent ordinary citizens can become victims of the GOP's racist way of governing and campaigning, so that they too feel seen.
Obama did exactly this during his famous Philadelphia speech.
Today's candidates are already very good at bringing home the first point. What they should do now and in their campaigns is to explicitly add the other two points, because showing people's innate decency, beyond political disagreements (which will always exist, but should not define us) is the ONLY way to truly unite us. It's also the only way to put the central moral values lacking within the GOP today - kindness and compassion - into practice, by showing empathy for "both sides" - rather than just claiming that there are "fine people" among neonazi terrorists who just killed an American.
GO DEMS!
2
Trump is “governing” the country on behalf of a disturbingly large minority who hang on every word to condone their own prejudices. In this context, Trump is like oxygen to a fire. One thing that has been immolated in the blaze is traditional conservatism. Now, the ideology is one of disenfranchisement and, where it was once the domain of wealthier, fiscally concerned, supplicants, it has been rendered down to accept the lesser coiffed into its ranks as frustrated, working class, dupes whose numbers may carry the voting day.
The Democrats abandoned the working class: who was the last president (other than Trump) to court organised labour? Who went into bat for Joe Sixpack or Rosie the Riveter? Obama did nothing to save the factory worker from globalisation, nor did Clinton. Detroit stands derelict, there’s a rust belt around the otherwise plump girth of America’s wealth where society crumbles and the ordinary people are desperate and angry. Republican presidencies may be understood, but not forgiven, for engineering this dwindling trickle because that’s what Republicans do. But Democrats, there is less forgiveness still because there is no contrition.
Race is not an issue in America unless America makes it one. People are an issue: give them good jobs, healthcare, education. Care less about fringe causes until the life and death issues are solved. If everyone lives in equanimity, very few would care about the colour of skin.
Make Trump irrelevant.
3
I am white but like Mr. Bletcher, the pollster, I am pessimistic. A political leader propagating racism makes racism seem acceptable. Many will have a loose mind and a few will become violent. In a country where weapons, including war weapons, can easily be acquired and where racist prejudices are widespread, the predictable outcome is scarring.
2
@FFFG I own weapons. I don't own them because of racism or any fanatical reason but because I like to shoot to keep the skills I acquired in military service. I also perceive a time I may need to protect my family in a not-so-civil war coming from all sides of this bitter political climate. Owning weapons, even tactical weapons, is not the problem. The problem is a political climate that pits neighbor against neighbor.
3
Article has it wrong. Trump is doing this to keep the issues about identity politics that lost the last election for the Dems. Bannon has said as long as the Dems focus on identity politics and away from real life issues, the GOP wins. The easiest thing to do is to claim outrage, but that won't win the votes needed.
3
The Democrats need to focus on what will help most Americans—what most Americans need: Medicare for All, free community college or vocational training, $15 minimum wage, action on climate change, money out of politics.
Americans are all in this together.
1
Democrats must not accept the debate terms Trump wants to set. Democrats must instead fight tooth and nail to set the terms for their advantage. It won’t come by appealing for love or unity. 2020 will be won by who divides the electorate according to their needs and then creates a winning majority. Democrats must recognize that the major electoral motivation is still anger over globalization, especially in the post-industrial swing states. Republicans have capitalized on that anger, specifically through the aspect of globalization that results in increased movement of people across borders. That’s the table on which Trump is seeking to set the debate. Democrats can flip the table by turning that anger to the aspect of globalization that has truly hurt America: the free movement of Wall Street’s and the 1%‘s capital which has resulted in the transfer of jobs and living standards to destinations overseas, and has cascaded into loss of security as well as community here in the United States, giving rise to the fear that Trump is using. The Democrats’ best candidate would make that connection and name villains to unleash the voters’ anger, such as Jamie Dimon, Robert Mercer, or Sheldon Adelson. Best of all, the list ends with Trump. The Democrats must first sweep aside their self-defeating elements. It won’t be easy. The DINO donors that enable “centrists” have the preservation of personal wealth as their main priority. They just prefer a kinder, gentler version of the oligarchy.
5
@Garret Let us not forget that Nixon and Kissinger (Republicans) orchestrated the move of our economy to China. On the plus side, it robbed the USSR of an ally that likely hastened the breakup of the USSR. On the negative side, it enabled China to buy America to a point we depend on their investments to remain afloat in a world economy dependant upon China's version of communism. Of the two choices, I'd prefer to fight the USSR than to lay down for rape by communist China.
2
@Garret Let us not forget that Nixon and Kissinger (Republicans) orchestrated the move of our economy to China. On the plus side, it robbed the USSR of an ally that likely hastened the breakup of the USSR. On the negative side, it enabled China to buy America to a point we depend on their investments to remain afloat in a world economy dependant upon China's version of communism. Of the two choices, I'd prefer to fight the USSR than to lay down for rape by communist China.
1
If it hasn't become clear over the past few days especially, Democrats haven't a clue how to deal with Trump, not only on the matter of race, but in general. What they do seem to accomplish is rise to and take the bait everytime Trump throws it their way.
This doesn't bode well for their chances next year...
1
Why on earth is it so difficult for the DEM candidates to focus and unite on a few core issues: social progress, focus on the fact that in a good economy, budget and national debts just increasing under Trump, greater divide between very wealthy and "the rest", health care reform making affordable health care better and finally reducing the US GOP led of ever increasing military-industrial massive spending .
The GOP since 2010 or so has moved far right and is essentially anti-everything that is progressive and inclusive, should not be hard for the DEM to mobilize women, educated city dwellers, minorities etc. to focus and vote DEM, and get a majority of votes for a Pres. candidate.
Counter the tiring, simplistic Trump arguments on the economy and that fact that the economy was doing just fine when Obama left office and he with around a 56% approval rating, so was obviously doing something right before the 2016 election cycle ended....
1
Today I listened to an interview with baseball great Henry Aaron. Aaron described the death threats he and his family received when he was approaching breaking Babe Ruth's home run record. Everyone in Aaron's family needed protection from the hundreds of death threats he received - in the 1970s. I wonder how many Republicans would agree today that those threats were acceptable. I'm glad to know that a majority of American citizens understand they were not. But it's very sad that so many millions feel so unable to achieve success on their own that their recourse is standing on the necks of those whom they perceive to be less than themselves. The prejudiced members of Trump's team don't realize they are perpetuating the very system that keeps them down.
47
Trump’s despicable racist rants resonate with many Democrats. They will never recognize it, but they already live anyway under the delusion that the Democratic Party is the party of the people and progressive ideas, instead of the crude reality that it is just the center-left faction of our one-party system. The American populace is in general center right and if pushed a bit, blatantly fascist.
15
@Pablo Cuevas: Any evidence to support your claim?
The question should be does the country know what to do?
20
Or, are the American people capable of standing up for themselves yet?
There is a class war happening whether we want to admit it or not.
We still act as if we believe the narrative of not being capable of a just, civil and sustainable society that can lead the way to a happy and positive future.
I still hope we will realize our power, come together and save ourselves.
1
“This will be a general election focused on race, identity and Mr. Trump’s brand of white grievance politics.” .... the media has been making it precisely about that since has day 1. I don’t know what theyre expecting , but this isn’t going to go the way coastal media elites expect it to...
14
You are wrong, the media is only focusing on Trump's divisive tactics. He is a racist through and through, the media is only pointing it out.
1
I’d say that you’re wrong if you think that the NY Times hasn’t been obsessed, utterly obsessed at its core with surface level race and identity politics to suit their ends, instead of reporting on uncomfortable economics truths, moral deficits in American culture, or the pervasive power of money and corruption in both parties. It’s been Trump/Russia and race and identity day after day....Trump successfully defined the Democratic party as radical Leftist in its ethos, Pelosi and the entire media establishment fell for his tactic and succeeded in helping him to do so, and now they’re reeling over it into a second week with articles like these, recasting the narrative so it’s not about 4 reps in Congress but the entire racial fabric of our country. I don’t think I’m wrong here, but thanks for trying to correct me. I applaud the Times for giving readers this platform to be critical of what it reports and how it reports it. It’s a vital dialogue.
2
No! Democrats need to say no to a racialy focused election campaign. Why is it a forgone conclusion that Trump's racism will dominate? Come on America, we're better and stronger than this!
17
Democrats may ignore Trump's hateful rants at their peril. His sordid behavior is, or ought to be, condemned for what it is, a most stupid behavior trying to degrade others for the color of their skin. This is despicable and degrading and discriminatory. There are no excuses here. Although we are waiting for Mueller to repeat verbally what is in his report in a few days, Trump and Barr must be held to account for lying to us 're' obstruction of justice, high crimes and demeanors, via impeachment proceedings. Otherwise, democrats may be derelict in their function to hold Trump accountable for violating the rule of law. And the fact that in this country all of us are equal, no matter where we came from or how much melanin is in our skin.
17
Absolutely talk about the hateful rhetoric. These are not normal times. Do not be afraid to have a dialogue with the Country about the cause and effect of deranged hate rhetoric.
15
The way to combat Trump’s incendiary rhetoric is to fight fire with fire. He’s attempting to tie all Democrats to socialism and white grievance. An effective counter would be to tie all Republicans to racism. In the House, nearly all Republicans voted against the measure condemning Trump’s racist language and divisiveness. Democrats should speak of racism every time they mention Republicans. Just as Trump has done, associate the word “racism” with all Republicans. Through repetition the words begin to be associated in people minds. It’s not important if it is true. Simply by constantly saying it’s true, many people will believe that it is true. Trump frequently uses this tactic of inaccuracies and lies to push his ideas into voters consciousness. First, it would put Republicans in a position of defending Trump’s racist rhetoric keeping them off balance. Second, Republicans would have to defend their House vote and his immigration policies. Third, it would increase minority voter turnout. The way to beat Trump is to use his own tactics against all Republican politicians. This whole “squad” women of color attack is actually a gift to Democrats if they’re willing to attack Republicans with the same tactic Trump uses. Attack. Attack. Attack.
30
@Larry R No continuous use of the squad by media is wrong. It simply keeps the focus on the these four progressives. The squad as used is a derogatory term that she not be used again and again by media
1
How many people would have voted for Mr. Trump if they knew then what we know now?
'The President Is a Crook - The country now faces a choice between the Trump presidency and the rule of law.
Aug 22, 2018 '
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2018/08/the-president-is-a-crook/568123/
20
Come on Democrats! Seize the narrative! Stop letting the Trump party define the story! Say something!
16
Red meat racism appeals to so many red state voters that control the Electoral College.
Trump is being advised of this and is going to play every race card.
14
Can you articulate how red states control the electoral college?
1
talk around him, past him, over him, under him, anyplace anyway except responding to him,
Talk about what Americans (normal not hateful MAFA freaks) want to talk about-how you will help them keep their health insurance, help them get ahead economically, how you help their families in this opioid crisis, in oher words-issues that the republicans avoid talking about because they have no answers. It;s why they distract with their hate
Ignore him. When your speech is done, ask a question:
so what has the Republican Party done for YOU today?
Simple answer here: nothing
19
This question goes to all of rel Americans - ideally regardless of which party you support. It's the core of America; unless you agree to kick out every immigrants, who moved and settled here since 60s.
Off-course FOX News and core GOP (including coward republicans in congress and senate) are excluded; since they're supporting it.. more actively with each passing day.
I will do one thing for sure; vote; and teach every kid in my family and around that GOP is a part of racist and are the real communist.
4
The Dem response so far has been name-calling. And it ain't working. And it's coming from The Squad. They don't run the party. They don't speak for the party. They aren't even part of the party... They're Dem/Socialists.. hangers-on. Get rid of them! The party needs discipline!
8
No.
3
If you have any, ask your Trump supporting friend’s one question: “What do your black and brown friend’s think about Trump’s use of racist language?”
Should be fun.
10
@jaco So what you are saying is, as soon as Americans become economically secure, all values, if they ever had any, are parked at the roadside?
2
Jaco: it’s not all about economics. If it was we’d still have slavery.
2
@jaco I have about 3-4 FB friends who extoll trumps economic "mastery" and how Obama "drove the country into ruins"... I mention trump has dropped the unemployment rate .8% point while raising the Dow Jones about 8,000 BUT he doubled the deficit....crickets, especially when you mention Obama's deficit upon leaving was 40% of what he inherited. Keep spending what our kids and grandkids don't have all for the sake of further enriching the already ultra-rich and you'll have a race war alright. It will end the same as the last one...
The Democrats could watch the movie "Hell or High Water" and take whatever personal reflection that may be imparted in regard to the character played by Jeff Bridges.
Because whining sure isn't getting anything accomplished.
2
Here’s my first sue with the Presidential Campaign so far. Trump is burning down the house and the Democrats are in a discussion with each other of either how to rearrange the furniture or change the size of the rooms, when they should be discussing how to put out the fire before the house burns to the ground.
7
Cory Booker and others who take the Trump bait, will cost Democrats votes. After watching the last round of Democrat debates and extreme left ideas communicated of free health care for illegals, open borders for all, reparations, and erasing financial debts for students who voluntarily borrowed heavily, it almost doesn't matter what Trump does. Many centrist Dems and are already questioning their support for the party candidates. Trump will lose some votes over the crazy tweet rhetoric he throws out there also, but just not sure who will lose the most voters at this moment. At least in a general race most candidates gravitate more to the center, while Trump probably wont.
13
I guess he’s trying to put political correctness on trial. I think that’s probably a winning strategy.
I’m going to say something unpopular: the Left’s obsession with and disproportionate interest in race and gender is offputting, even for relatively “woke” middle left guys like me in the heart of the country. When you turn on NPR and there’s yet another story about race and gender, say a piece about prisoners in Madagascar fighting for their rights to hormone transition therapy while incarcerated, it starts to feel like empty virtue signaling that is browbeating, not informing or enlightening.
Trump is feeding off of that. Obama would’ve known how to handle him. You have to say the right thing, then steer the conversation back to topics more appropriate for a multicultural, multiethnic advanced civilization in the year 2019.
18
It’s comforting to repeat the same fantasy you hear 24/7 from the very large right-wing media, where this sort of self-puffery is popular after all, is it not?
1
Mr. Belcher explained that he is pessimistic about healing in race relations in the face of the aggressiveness on the subject on the part of conservatives and Republicans-- because he is black. A response of mine is that I am pessimistic about the reduction of antisemitism in America in the face of the provocations on the subject of the Democratic Left--because I am Jewish. I believe it is important to call out many on the Left for being the hypocrites that they are: sympathizers of all victims of prejudice except Jews, among whom worldwide, it must be emphasized, are numbered significant percentages of people of color.
6
The media is so totally blinded by insisting this is racial, they can’t see this for what it regally is: Trump turned it into an allegiance issue and without actually saying so, he simply left open the biggest
question: Who are they REALLY loyal to?
And he instantly backed them into a corner, barking their defenses to no avail. And Trump didn’t quit there....he kept hitting back with bunker-busting bombs.
Now observe your Democratic leadership...like dogs just neutered at the vet’s office: Licking their wounds and wondering what just happened. That leaves the next big question for undecided voters: Since Pelosi and senior Dems won’t, can’t , or are incapable of controlling these four women, who can?
It was a very shrewd tactical move by Trump.....he slam-dunked the ball into their court and he wins again.
It is what it is.....
11
“‘Treason!’ one man screamed.
‘Traitor!’ shouted another.”
By continuing to campaign throughout his presidency, Trump has proven, at his obnoxious ego-gratifying pep rallies, his ability to direct his loyal followers into whatever type of frenzies he pleases. He dramatically acts out his maudlin self-aggrandizing lies. Tells them how loved he is, how respected, how accomplished.
Trump pulls an envelope from the inner pocket of his suitcoat and tells them of the glowing praise the letter inside that envelope contains.
“Maybe one day your children will read this fabulous letter in their history books. Or maybe someday I’ll read it to you. We’ll see...”
This is drama on the level of a poorly written, poorly rehearsed grade school play. It is embarrassing to watch. It is mortifying to be confronted with the fact that the speaker is our president and that the mesmerized audience members are our countrymen.
But this is only Bad Cabaret for the Easily Misled.
The number of journalists, editorialist and liberal commenters who appear to be shaken by recent events is my only concern.
Nothing much has changed. There is no sudden cause for alarm.
Trump remains an unfit, unstable nitwit posing as a competent polititian. Some of his followers are absolutely mindless hysterics. The president is still racist, ignorant, and unpresidential.
The events surrounding Trump’s treatment of “the squad” reveals nothing we didn’t already know.
Dear Democrat, Calm yourself. Same old, same old.
12
@Tom W
The Democrats through the liberal media should list every Trump campaign promise and show in statistical detail whether or not he has kept those promises. His supporters could use a dose of factual information. They might then be chanting "Send him back."
4
Post the Carolina rally DJT sat behind his Oval Office desk and lamely equated the crowd chanting "send her back" to Congr Omar saying her goal is to be DJT's nightmare. While he was blubbering away on the video it was clear DJT knew the comparison was lame. He tried repeating nightmare 3 or 4 times; still lame and still stupid. Every Democratic candidate for President is well to remember DJT is very thinned skinned and he can be baited rather than taking his bait. Down ballot candidates have to judge their own opponents on how to address the issue of white identity politics.
6
This past week has brought nearly non stop discussions from a few obnoxious tweets and a disgusting crowd, nothing new. Yet it dominated the news cycle when a dozen far more important stories are begging for attention. Put Trump in the news only when it's about policy. His behavior is baked in, let it go.
Trump supporters enjoy his vitriol. He found them, he didn't create them. They will never vote for a Democrat, let them yell if that's the best they can do with their lives.
Democrats will only win when they stop playing Trump's game. He's a master manipulator. As long as he can dominate the news cycle by spewing whatever enrages the opposition, game over.
An entire week spent asking people are they racist, was the tweet racist. Surely the media can do better. Some try, add in a few important stories then default to Trump's latest outrage.
It's time to discuss solutions. Real solutions not just pie in the sky ideals. That's hard. Calling Trump a racist is easy.
13
@Kathy
I quite agree. Since the favorite smear to fall back on is “racist” and since it’s used in every story, it’s lost all significance or impact.
6
I don't get it. They can garner votes and rile up the base by being Racists but we can't talk about because we're being baited and we can't take the bait. Some are afraid we are going to alienate some voters. Any voter who can't take pointing out Racists is probably a, well, Racist. Racism shouldn't be our only point. We need to tie it in to all the other policies such inequality, health care and education. Racism is to important to too many people to put it in a drawer and wait till later.
11
Some legacy. Kids of the future will learn of Trump's very evil ways.
He is making racist hay in the present (Also, let’s not forget the ugliness of the sexual assault charges levied against him).
So, I wonder if any of his distant descendants will retake the old family name of Drumpf in a desperate attempt to avoid the shame of being associated with him?
8
Tired of the elitist NYT editors telling us Democrats what to do. Let the electorate decide. That’s what the primaries are for. The best ideas, platform, and candidate will be decided by the voters - not the NYT talking heads. At least I hope so...
8
Attack him on Racism and stay on it. His followers do not care about policy be it education, healthcare or jobs. If they are undecided it is code for agreeing with his racist ways. Keep attacking the racist president and recruit new voters and get all voters to the polls. Oh, and stay on the campaign trail until the election is over.
7
All these losers trying to get their revenge because they thought they were bullied when they were younger. Trump's decision to betray this country to get elected by any means necessary (read: Russia) goes back to 2011 and the White House Correspondent's Dinner when President Obama gave him a little roasting. All this damage to the country because Trump couldn't take a joke:
https://mankabros.com/blogs/onmedea/2018/08/05/the-reason-donald-trump-conspired-with-russia-to-win-the-presidency/
11
I have this recurring nightmare where the Republican swamp are too greedy and dishonest, Trump's base are too gullible and hateful, but Democrats are too timid and naive so they don't impeach and lose the election.
The problem is, I only have the nightmare when I'm awake.
8
I would love to see Harris on the debate stage with Trump. I think she could really stand up to him.
7
@Paul Smith
Probably so. But she'll lose the general in the states we need to win 270 electoral votes: Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin. Her race card attack on Biden showed her to be the stereotype angry black woman with a chip on her shoulder taking it to the white man, as she glared at Biden with contempt. That was a contrived and politically low blow to siphon black votes. The race card will not play well with moderates and independents in those states that we need. They are not interested in settling racial grievance scores.
17
I know what to do...after the Santa Clause rally I’m going to sell everything.
The Dems are determined to destroy the economy and start a recession...they’re desperate!
9
@Charlie If you are so concerned about recession, start reading up on it, it is promised to happen by 2020. Better get selling, now and blame it on the Democratric party, it is surely going to all their fault.
Dem liberal leftists are in love with the word "racist" and apply it freely to anyone who disagrees with them to any extent and on any topic. Trump was likely being critical of the leftist political positions of The Squad rather than its racial composition. 13 seconds is about what it takes for someone to respond.
22
Sorry, but you are totally off-base. The video of the latest campaign rally shows him using well- documented racially tinged memes (go back where you came from) coupled with derogatory descriptions of these places. Despite his effort to deny a connection to the chants of the angry crowd, it depicts him smiling as they chanted "send her back" of Somali born (and naturalized US citizen) Congresswoman Omar. If visual evidence is insufficient to convince you of Trumps racism, then I advise you to check back through the history of his blatant discrimination against Blacks in housing. Somehow, I doubt you will do that. The problem as I see it is that too many voters are willing to dismiss charges of racism leveled against Trump without considering the implications of how he will change our Country. He is known to viciously attack those who disagree with him. Is the next step forcible deportation of his critics and an abrogation of free speech?
22
In reply to Judy Nassau County NY
Sorry, but you are totally off base.
5
It looks like the Democrats are taking Trump's bait, and are fighting bitterly amongst themselves. America is turning into a dictatorship state with full support from the GOPs, and the Democrats can't settle their infighting?! That indirectly equates to supporting the dictatorship. If Democrats are that dumb, they deserve to get wiped out.
3
I am a liberal democrat. But for the life of me I can't understand the commenters who think this should be Republicans' responsibility and if the majority of the public doesn't want all the left-wing policies, well they're just wrong and we shouldn't have to do anything. Even if we are "right," "shoulds" will not win against Trump. We are about to lose everything that is good in our country. If Democrats want to win, they have to take the responsibility Republicans have abdicated, and do so in a way that persuades the people that are not necessarily on the left on everything, but that swung to the middle in 2018 because they are as upset about this direction as we are.
11
Democrats could start by pointing out that the current booming economy under Trump is being financed with over a trillion dollars added to the deficit. That’s the same deficit, now greatly enlarged, that Republicans screamed was a crisis under Obama.
39
If it hadn’t been such a nightmare, the mess we are in would be a huge joke.
A mentally and morally handicapped excuse for a person cannot be allowed, with his continuous theatrics, to determine the future of an entire nation. (Even fascism requires a degree of intelligence to pull it off. Unless, of course, the people being manipulated are ignorant enough to fall for it. )
Wake up, people!
20
Has the NYT not been listening to the Democrats since each launched their race? Everyone said it’s about who we are as a nation. That was Biden’s entire speech. Cory Booker’s tv ad campaign. Everyone has been about “not Trump.” There are columns and columns about it in this paper. Elizabeth Warren was singled out for having a policy agenda. The NYT may believe there’s been a turning point — you may even want one— but there hasn’t been. The Democrats and journalists have always made this about Trump and are always trying to convince people about how horrible he is. (He is.) But too many voters, as evidenced with quotes in this paper, say it’s about the economy. (See your recent article about the electoral college. Voters dismiss Trump’s attitudes and say the economy is good so who cares if he’s a racist jerk.) So Trump will be outrageous to get a rise from people and distract them from his horrible policies and presidency and he will force the Democrats and journalists into focusing on the horrible things he says (not the horrible things he does) and no one will talk about how to make progress, create opportunities for all, etc. Meantime, Trump will reveal that many Americans don’t mind what he says and indeed agree with him.
13
A man intent on dividing our country disqualifies himself from being fit for the Presidency.
15
Trump in a Russian plant, Trump obstructs justice, Trump is a racist... Why don't Progressives simply say "Trump is evil for whatever reason you want to give, dear reader. If one evil you mention doesn't work, try another". That would be a more honest and coherent message for Progressive Trump haters who will give ever changing reasons for hating the man. Their chants of hate for ever changing reasons is so tiresome.
8
It is not a revolving door of one singular reason people find issue with Donald Trump. It is an ever-growing list of the ways he continues to prove his racism, narcissism, greed, and compulsive lying.
11
There are many liberals I know that NEVER liked Trump, long before he was a candidate, and who believe he is not fit to be President. Amoral, materialistic, egotistical, self-serving bully. Period.
11
Formulate challenging questions. For example, turn Trump's MAGA slogan into one and ask: Is Trump out to make America great for everyone, or only for himself and people like him?
11
Democrats know what to do, they just can't help themselves.
Let Trump rant, and don't respond.
We can, and should, speak about race, but we don't have to challenge his bizarre commentary. Let rant. Let him lie. And then explain what our policies are, how they will help everyone not just one specific group or another.
If we address race, we need to address specific problems, specific groups and speakers, and do it independently of whatever myth our President chooses to create. He'll wind up speaking only to his irredeemable base, people we make ourselves look foolish trying to convert to some semblance of civility..
8
Democrats are helping Trump by insisting that the average American is guilty of racism. That doesn't play well with the vast majority who do not see themselves as racist and do not accept the Democrats' definitions. In the privacy of the ballot box there will be a fierce reaction to this endless scolding.
21
If Trump gets re-elected, the country deserves what it gets.
9
“He (Biden) still leads in national polling”
But Harris recently passed him in California, never to look back.
And warren is overtaking him as well.
Biden is done, and he never was viable.
He’s never won a primary, and he never will.
Biden is not a leader.
4
So Harris is finally leading Biden in her home state? Big woop.
4
Baiting and bullying have a limited appeal to a realtive few people who care more for diminishing others to give themselves a false sense of importance ...like Trump. Global warming, health care, education, child care, take far greater precedence for the majority of us. What Trump is trying to sell is of limited benefit except to those like him who have no respect for their country or themselves...like Trump.
9
Here’s what Democrats need to do: They (we) need to ‘rise above it’. No bait-taking, on race issues, or on being distracted by the actions of four young Congresswomen. They are freshmen, for gods sake.
Your columnist, Judith Miller, got it way wrong back in 2002/03, with her op-eds claiming Iraq WMDs, subsequently disproven. You misread the tea leaves, wildly, in the days and weeks leading up to Election Night 2016. Do your homework! Focus, rather, on substance - issues, not gender or sexual/ethnic identity politics - and help Democrats take back the White House. Or foment the petty politics that divide us, at our collective folly, and give Donald Trump a second term.
He loathes and fears you, exactly because you have the influence you do, NYT. Please use it wisely. No more ‘hatchet jobs’ on Democratic candidates. Especially the front-runners.
16
"White Progressives" deride racism and hire dark skinned immigrants for $300 month (no overtime) to mind their children and cook for them.
11
I worked late shift, spouse worked early. changed a lot diapers filled with what your espousing and cooked a lot of pbj. I baby sit grand children 2 times a week and if I work into the evening I get a free uber ride home. I am a white Male who never paid no one nothing except the occasional teen so we could see a movie and have a hot dog. Excuse me for wanting a little progress.
6
@Danny Your experience as a white man, baby-sitting his own grandchildren has nothing do with exploitation of black women, who have little choice and are exploited precisely because of their race. What is your exact point, as your take seems a little cloudy.
1
Danny: happy to take on a trillion in debt so you can have a little opportunity. What happened to the republican principal is self reliance?
1
In 2042 it’s estimated that whites will be the minority in the United States. Is this when the majority can chant send her back to whites? You have to be a complete fool or a racist to think this is going to end well.
7
Democrats need to outsmart Trump by not falling into his trap of immigration and racial division issues and keep their eye on the price of winning back the WH. Majority of voters including many legal immigrants support the deportation of illegals and against open border which has been used by Trump to not only corner the Democrats knowing the illegal cannot vote but also to expand his nationalist nonvoting base.
Emphasizing the root of health care issue is the cost and high cost is attributed by the profit motivation of health care and the medical establishment and single-payer can take the profit out of Health care. To address economic inequality, the tax cuts since the Reagan time and canard of supply-side economics have to be readdressed and the extra tax can be used for future investment such as infrastructures and research and development.
6
You do understand that by taking the "profit motive" out of medicine, that the best and brightest will no longer pursue careers in medicine. Instead we'll be left with mediocre technicians seeking a safe salary and a government regulated bureacracy. The choice will be to work at the Post Office, the DMV or to become a doctor. That should work out well.
2
@Fred Rick. Please visit a country that has universal health care. And talk to professionals and patients in these systems. I am a highly educated health care professional and have extensive work experience both in the US and Europe. My approach to the job is not one iota different in both locations. You repeat a false claim ofen heard from conservatives. Fact is - what good does this higjly competitive system do if a large number of reside ts cannot access it and have to watch from the sidelines?
2
@anonymous ,
Your being too kind , change the word from racist to tolerant, currently here in America most Americans are tolerant of each other. Barely.
3
AOC has the best responses to Trump but her political ideas are off putting to many Democrats.
5
AOC's policies are only relevant to the voters in her district. She doesn't represent any of the rest of us, and it didn't matter whether other Democrats agree with her or not.
7
“The country has not changed since his re-election,” Ms. Jarrett said.
This is what happens when you are totally disconnected from reality in America. Unfortunately, the country under Trump has changed drastically and for the worse. Clinton took the high road in her campaign against him, for the most part, and was defeated. The 'victory' in 2018 was mostly about local politics and the differences between the two candidates running, Trump was usually not the deciding factor.
In answer to the title's question, I don't believe the Democrats know what to do about anything Trump does, from his most infantile tweets to his eventual economy crushing trade wars. They cannot get out of react mode and seem to simply wait for the next outrage so they can tweet some ridiculous comeback for their echo chambers.
4
@KCF: I think Hillary was bloodlessly assassinated by James Comey, FBI Director, who threw Anthony Weiner's internet exhibitionist computer linked to Saudi Huma Abedin, Hillary's most trusted aide, at her the week before the election, only to belatedly proclaim that it contained no new evidence.
12
Clinton took the high road? Does that "high road" include insulting the half of the electorate that supported her opponent by calling them deplorables, while working with her media and intel allies to frame the Trump campaign with the now debunked Russian collusion farce? She was such a terrible candidate that she actually lost the election to someone like Trump. That alone is pretty telling.
5
Comey must be so very sorry for giving Trump the presidency...
1
I’m waiting for as careful an analysis of the racist and hateful tweets from the “squad” that we who support Israel and the institutions of this country have endured since their election. I absolutely disagree with most of their politics as well... does this make me a racist?
When I first read Trump’s tweets I didn’t take them as being racist however it dripped with frustration. Its ironic that they or their families immigrated from countries whose cultures epitomize what they accuse this country of being. Therefore Trump’s statement “go back and fix the problems there and then come back and tell us how it was done” makes sense to me. He did not bluntly just state “go back to where you came from”... yet this is what I hear about. This is why people are frustrated with the news media in this country... you never hear the full context unless of course you’re a democrat and then you get all the excuses in the world if you do or say something offensive. Btw... I’m a first generation immigrant and didn’t take offense at all.
7
That puts you in a minority. The media reported the complete context. Nothing was left out. All one has to do is read it.
1
@Me
Some had initially but, time after time including on the PBS news hour they never repeated the entire tweet even when they had a panel discussion. The headline was always “Go back to the country you came from” period.
As a number of commenters on here are asking, why, according to the media and the pundits, is it seemingly the sole responsibility of the Democrats to clean up the Trump mess and save the American political system?
What of all the other players in our political system, Congress, the courts, the Trump-obssessed news media, moderate Republicans? Don't they have an equal responsibility to speak up against Trump's racism as well?
It seems that having failed themselves to step up and restrain Trump, these groups are content to sit back and make the Democrats do all the work, while coaching from the sidelines.
Is it the Democrats' fault that Trump is allowed to set the daily political and news agenda and the terms of debate on every issue?
What of the news industry that obsessively reprints every Trump Tweet and allows him to monopolize the daily news cycle, starving the room of oxygen for everyone else?
It's not just the Democrats' problem that the American political system is so dysfunctional and it is therefore unfair to assign them the entire task of saving our system. All the other players need to do their fair share of the work as well.
12
@John M: Democrats have not explained that the public sector of a mixed economy is inherently socialistic, so only people who understand socialism are likely to be competent administrators of public policies.
1
Democrats - Speak to those of us that are more then one race/ethnicity/religion/sexuality/gender. This great experiment of a “melting pot” has people consequences. I’m not one or the other; I am many and there are lots of us. And we will be the majority in the not so distant future.
10
Who will you speak to? And if trump wins, who’ll you chew out then?
2
So what else is new? Russian collusion is played out. Obstruction is wearing thin. Now we’re going after the —isms. Racism, tribalism, capitalism, whatever. No one except the political insiders and Trump haters care. It won’t translate into one vote gained or a single mind changed.
12
What should the Democrats do?
1. Hire a press secretary - dynamic and youthful -- and hold press conferences every day to feed the media stories. The lack of daily briefings (or even any at all) by the White House gives the Dems a golden opportunity to seize the mic. They need to hammer home the legislation they've passed since January and highlight how McConnell is blocking it.
2. Yawn. Seriously. Yawn.
Trump fears nothing more than being boring. He says that all the time at his rallies -- "I could be presidential, but that would be boring". So yawn when asked about his nonsense. Say that he's tired and old, and his shtick is stale as a week old bialy.
3. Hold competing events whenever he has a rally, like a town hall or a concert or a voter registration telethon. Hold something positive to provide a clear contrast with Trump, who is the ultimate nattering nabob of negativism.
20
I don't know the person all these Trump supporters project themselves upon. I think it is just a straw-man.
3
Some of the comments truly sound like people with absolutely nothing to say but wanting to see it published "In The New York Times"
Off topic, spurious, filled with cliches; not even attempting cogency. We got it; you have a free account but at least say something better than a Twitter post.
5
@Candlewick: Experienced writers here contemplate the vulnerabilities opened by their own postings.
2
@Steve Bolger
That's the way it used to work a number of years ago. Unfortunately one must now dig deep in the rubble to find the jewels.
1
President Obama had to do backflips to counter accusations of palling around with terrorists and racists. He had to do big, sweeping speeches on race at every turn to convince the actual racists that he would be the president for all people. Enter Trump. The Original Racist. And now Americans of color are expected to be silent and unoffending less we incur the wrath of the aggrieved and overprivileged.
11
No I don’t think so. They’re impervious. The more people object the more they double down. It’s very sad and impossible to work with. They don’t actually care. True to the jacket. Watching the president is like watching the worst bully. How did this happen... I’m heart broken.
1
Yes, the phrase "Stronger Together" is a good one and would actually work IF people were behind it. Unfortunately, we are getting proof that being strong together is not what many Americans want. Do those in Texas, Florida, Alabama and the other red states really want equality among the races or do they prefer and wish for a continuance of what Trump espouses? It is looking more and more likely that our assumption that Americans, white ones especially have no desire for being strong together. They are supportive of Trump and his back to the 50's of Queens when he was growing up in Forest Hills, where blacks were kept away. He is an avowed racist. The sad part is the support he has among Republican congresspeople and in general, white Americans.
3
Democrats have a process. Center-right independents can make up their own on the fly.
While Donald and Steve try to sell a shallow pot skin tone lottery, the next Ross Perots would probably launch in the next six months or so.
1
As well as being much fairer, a universal, single-payer health care system is also much cheaper. In 2015, Americans paid $9536 per capita for health care, while in Canada we paid $4600 (both in US dollars -- World Health Organization data). Per capita health care costs are far higher in the US than in any other developed capitalist country. Yet now that it's advocated by Democratic candidates, it is characterized as "radical socialist".
Of course, if you adopted such a system, you'd need to manage the transition from private insurance to a government tax-and-pay system. The insurance companies would certainly object, but it's perfectly doable. Just offer people a phase-in period and an incentive to move.
4
@Wally: Medical billing is gigantic make-work project in the US. All the people so employed will need alternative sources of income if policy changes obsolete the industry.
6
You may have noticed that wealthy individuals from around the world fly to the US for specialized health care when they become seriously ill. They don't go to Canada, England, Cuba or any of the other socialized medicine paradises. The reason is the care in those places is aimed at a low common denominator, is average at best and frequently rationed by default because of long wait times. Mediocre care at a lower price is no bargain.
6
@Fred Rick
Wrong on every count.
Canadian care is as good or better and the results show. Canadians live longer, healthier and are far more likely to live past child birth.
4
I've read several pieces in NYT discussing and hand wringing about Trump's blatant racism and how best to respond.
Fully agree with the diagnosis... but denial to recognize the obvious is dangerous. A major segment of America is and has always been racist. Of course, there are many wonderful altruistic people but Trump has tapped into a much darker deeper vein. That may ultimately be fatal.
5
As emotionally gratifying as it may be for Mr. Belcher to believe that the world revolves around his race and identity, it doesn't. I'm afraid that 87% of the American people are not sitting around the dinner table trying to figure out new and clever ways to stick it to the other 13%. If Mr. Belcher believes that's what is happening, then it is he who doesn't understand race in America.
Fanning ethnic hatred is the only thing that Trump has. But is it effective? The short answer is "no." The attitudes toward race among Americans based on numerous surveys shows continuing improvement, not deterioration. Candidates should of course respond to Trump's race bating, but making race the lightening rod of the 2020 campaign not only exaggerates its already exaggerated importance, but it ignores the kinds of things people are really interested in.
9
I fear it maybe too late. The elites, those with education and opportunity, either have already cashed into the Republican Party or are seen those with a more inclusive vision and therefore the so called enemy. Trump appeals to an angry disenfranchised group that blame their ills on those less fortunate, their prey. It’s pathetic that if they did their due diligence, they could discern that they are the prey, by Republicans who are benefiting on their ignorance on what is actually going on.
5
The five whys:
The Toyota problem solving method:
Ask a lower class or middle class white male what they don't have, why they believe they don't have it, why they believe they should have it, if they believe they should have it more than someone else, and why.
The truth will reveal itself.
2
The Democrats know what to do. They will defend the rights of all Americans against the bigotry and hate spewing from that man who Is unfit to be president. But they also have to point out that the average American be they white , black or brown is having their pocket picked by the ultra wealthy and big corporations who, at the minimum, should be made to pay their fair share in taxes. Then we can use those dollars to fund jobs programs for infrastructure, health care, fighting climate change. And the media could help by doing their job better. No more ridiculous “raise your hands if blah blah blah”. And I am already sick of the “horse race” stories and opinion pieces all over the web. The truth is no one knows what will happen tomorrow so stop all the speculating and second guessing. And stop making Trump the lead story everyday. We all know what he is by now. It is not news when he says something racist. It’s all “sound and fury” while our steadily overheating planet will be the death of us all.
8
@Mary Beth: Taxing the public to pay for projects that purport to benefit the public is dreaded socialism.
3
The left has been using the race card like a wild card with any hand in any round it suited them for a long time now. Just within last 3 weeks we had Biden, pair of sneakers, Pelosi and walk on the Moon tarnished with racism. Now the left and the media are trying to refashion the line of attack on Trump from Russian collusion to racism. Trump may be racist or not, but they did a great job inoculating him. With every racism charges in media or on some campus over a cafeteria menu or an English lit reading list ( or space program from 50 years ago) that seeps into broader public discourse he will grow more immune yet.
Sober practical policies campaign could work, but the left has no sober policies to campaign on.
30
@Legions
Thank you for this brilliant, trenchant comment.
10
@Legions: You project the straw man you can defeat. You ignore what undercuts your whole rationale.
3
@Steve Bolger
What did he ignore?
The policy of defunding ICE?
Free healthcare for economic migrants (but not Americans, of course)?
Automatic granting of legal status to people just because they crossed the border on foot?
Impeachment for Russian collusion that Mueller said there isn't evidence for?
Those may be forgotten policy positions, but they're nowhere near the top 20 things people favor or are concerned about - unless of course you're privileged enough to live in the media bubble and are ashamed that for the first time in modern history, the sitting President doesn't represent your views or your decorum.
11
Not a single Trump rally goer is ever going to vote Democrat, ever, so the Democrats needn't waste a minute trying to convert any of them to sanity.
I agree, focus on the issues while reuniting the majority of American who find Trump's racist politics repulsive.
Remember that there are more of us than them and the trick for the Democratic Candidate is to recognize that and focus on them exclusively. Any pretense of bringing us all together as regards Trump's racist mob is a foolish waste of time.
14
Blacks vs whites, blacks vs whites, blacks vs whites, blacks vs whites, blacks vs whites, blacks vs whites - that's approximately the number of thematic daily articles in the paper. Again, who's sowing the racial division?
25
@ areader,
Thank you, it’s getting ridiculous.
14
Oh yeah. Right. Got it.
Didn't realize all those people chanting "send her back" were NYT journalists
Thank goodness you have corrected me.
Attention NYT! Fire all of your reporters posing as trump's base at his rally!
2
@areader
Guess you don't want to hear about that tornado barrelling down your way. Might be sowing bad weather.
2
Donald sets the bar low for 63 million Americans who, I guess, can’t raise their thought processes to include empathy and reason. Obviously Donald’s not capable of that either.
5
I wanted Democrats to stick to economic policy and non-identity issues like voting rights. There comes a point though where silence is not permissible.
The Trump strategy is to be so threatening that we must speak out. The question is how to do it without succumbing to appearing as pro-illegals or minority advocates.
I say call him directly on his words. Use his exact words describing liberals in general as people who attacks as "horrible", and ask him what his plans are for these people. The words he uses suggest they must be dealt with. Speculate widely on what actions he might use, including military camps, and ask him to spell it out so we are ready. Tell them we are anticipating a violent act against liberals. Bait him with his own quotes that he wants to coerce people whom he considers un American to pay a price. Ask him directly what price he wants them to pay. Keep saying to him "what do you mean?" Ask him if there are brown shirts in his movement. Be relentless.
4
@jim guerin
How did Voting rights become an "identity" issue? Exactly what is your definition of an identity issue? If people aren't free to vote unhindered- WHAT IS THE POINT of talking about anything else?
I truly hope you comprehend what you are saying. Or could you be using code for things you believe pertain to minorities only?
Any vote hindered lessens all of us. By-the-way, the economy is also an "identity" issue: Rich, working class, corporate vs public, rural and urban....they are all "Identifiers."
1
@Candlewick I said voting rights is not an identity issue. So are economic rights. I am avoiding identity issues--except the largest possible groups, like workers...or liberals.
1
Using his favorite word- Donald Trump is a loser. As a businessman; loser. As a husband; loser. Parent; loser. As a politician; weak & loser
Week #2 of his terrible tantrum, Trump administration enablers hit the Sunday Morning gab-fests trying to prop him up...and justify picking on four Junior Congressional women of color-in office six months.This is the best he can do?
So; what do Democrats do? Flood him with ridicule and scorn. He hates it. Every day, in every way, laugh at his desperation; scorn his words, ridicule his tweets, poor syntax, typos, lost train-of-thought...everything about him. He will have a major meltdown. Democrats need to stay focused on what-it-is, they want to accomplish. Get that message out-period.
5
Questions for Trump the next time reporters get a chance....
"Mr. President, you claim that these 4 members of Congress are espousing socialism, and because of this, they should go back where they came from. Would you then agree that Senator Bernie Sanders, a socialist, must go back where he came from?"
"Mr. President, you first claimed you didn't like the chant "send her back", then you claimed it was fine. Which is it - are the chants OK with you and should they continue at future rallies?"
"Mr. President, you've said that those who don't support the country should leave. Do you equate criticism of the President with not supporting the country? Do you believe that Americans have a Constitutional right to criticize their leaders? Do you understand that the First Amendment protects criticism of political leaders and their policies?"
And just for fun..."Mr. President, back in 2015 you said your tax returns were under audit and you'd make them public when the audit was complete. Are those 2015 returns still under audit? If so, would you release your 2016 returns? 2017? 2018?
4
Well, until we get Chief Interpreter KellyAnne, we cannot truly understand what Trump said, and meant.
Paging KellyAnne! KellyAnne we need your services!
2
Many people on Sky News here in Australia (same owner as Fox News) spend so much time on their chat shows singing the praises of Trump and how he has already won the 2020 election and will romp in. It is all done and dusted. Sadly I don't think it will be that easy not because of his policies at home but he has stirred up trouble in the Middle East and things are on tender hooks everyday. Sending more servicemen and women to the Middle East to show how powerful he is will backfire big time if matters escalate and the worst happens and lives are lost. A man who dodged the draft and whose family don't serve in the military services his actions will not sit well with a lot of people.
2
I read the New York Times and The Guardian, and they both seem overly concerned with President Trump. What if we shifted the focus on Mitch McConnell. Would not getting rid of him simply neutralize ("neuter") Trump? If you think it is worth trying, you might want to contribute to Amy McGrath's campaign; her goal is to unseat McConnell. I do think it is worth trying, and I do contribute. Think about it.
7
Forty percent of Americans are racist. That is just a fact. For Democrats to win, they need to focus not just on the fact that Trump is racist - it is baked in to the pie, as is misogyny.
They need to point out his egregious failings; no healthcare plan, no raise in incomes, no infrastructure plan, no real economic delivery to the Rust Belt, taxes for the rich, costs of a tariff war on the farms and at Walmart - and his lies. The media needs to call out the lies.
Gut his con, and Dems can win - unless North Korea and Russia hack the voting boxes.
8
@Anonymous
Which forty?
5
Celebrate diversity.
But don't force it with "affirmative action".
Don't force it with de facto open borders.
Go after actual racial discrimination.
Don't cook up allegations of racism
with theories about "impacts" and "disproportionality".
16
I watched the Democratic debates and heard about Reparations, discounted mortgages for specific minorities (not Asians, I assume), decriminalization of illegal crossing, health care for the undocumented.
If I'm part of the white working class or lower middle class - other than white privilege, I'm hearing very little about me.
The Democrats may loose the presidency, but this type of top of the ticket rhetoric may cause purple house seats.
22
@Tom Do you object to raising the minimum wage to $15? Currently gathering dust on McConnells desk.
1
@Tom medicare-for-all should help you! no more deductibles and co-payments, vision and dental covered.
College free tuition should if you have kids.
Lower taxes on low wage earners to middle class.
Healthcare for undocumented? We already have it and pay for it at high cost as immigrants go to our ERs!
In most countries with single payer a doctor's visit is $26 (France) to $30 (New Zealand from memory) if one pays full price - free with single payer. In France though a 30% co-payment is expected (about$8.)
Better environmental regulations leading to cleaner air, water and soil will benefit all by reducing illnesses.
Protection of Social Security will benefit you: Trump's budget calls fo ra massive cut of $26 billion! (source: NYT)
The logic behind decriminalization of border crossing is the following: a crime means you have to put people in jail and therefore separate children from parents as jails are -so far- not equipped for families and our citizens get the same treatment.
If it's no longer a crime, just a misdemeanor with a fine, people can be freed until court date or repatriated if they do not qualify for asylum.
Btw; 90 % of asylum seekers do show up for their court date and the 10% who don't have usually moved and did not get their notification.
I know the Right-wing propaganda says otherwise.
Must Trump set the terms? With all his foibles, surely the Dems aren't going to keep taking his bait. Unless they have a death wish.
1
Obviously not, first you must match intensity with intensity.
Second how come no nation wide call for a Anti-Racist March on to the White House?
Get 500,000+ chanting Anti-Trump slogans some day when he has to hear & it will rattle his ICE Detention Center Cage.
Better yet put him in one!
3
Sure Democrats "know what to do." They will do what they have done for years, which is to accuse anyone who disagree with their policy choices of "racism." They do it to members of other parties and they do it to each other. The accusations fly with such random, unfocused vigor that they completely destroy the meaning of the word. The goal is to destroy the career, livelihood or influnce of an opponent or rival, while seeking power for oneself. The scorched earth attack is viewed with a yawn by a growing number, because it is so common that it no longer creates shock, but instead is met with a shrug or a smirk. Jussie Smollette's fake accusations ended the show he was on and cost everyone in the cast and crew their jobs - yet a tiny but loud cabal still defends his deliberate lies as useful in the pursuit of an abstract justice.
Then when an actual rascist act occurs, it too is met with a scoff as a large portion of the audience is weary of the constant war drums, which beat so often in response to feigned outrage or faked events that few can muster the emotion to care anymore, even if warranted.
Time to grow up, stop acting and learn to ignore the hoaxed or trivial while saving one's reactions for events that are real and actually matter.
17
@Fred Rick. You left out "xenophobic ".
2
What is most disturbing about this article is the assertion that Trump has set the terms and the nonsensical doubt that Democrats can respond. Both are entirely wrong. This spin furthers the surrender to the marketing of Trump and conditions readers to accept his reelection by painting Democrats as incompetent losers, while admonishing them not to fully stand up to this idiot. It's bizarre reasoning.
5
@Joe
Can you name the top 3 policy goals of the Democrats? Even $15/hr minimum wage was viewed as a ridiculous pipe dream in the last election.
So no decisive position on livable wages, no decisive position on healthcare, no decisive position on illegal immigration and no decisive position on foreign policy matters.
Trump may be a lunatic, but he's very clear on his policy objectives - however wrong and misguided they may be. No illegal immigration, and no amnesty, period. Tax cuts for the rich and eliminate deductions for everyone else. Keep interest rates low. No more footing the bill for other countries in NATO.
5
@Viv. The dems do have position on illegal immigration. Decriminalize it and give them free health care. It's insane, but they do have a position.
6
@Al
It's a hollow position that they know will never materialize, just like the $15 min. wage stunt. It just gives the impression they stand for something, and are doing something besides rehashing the Mueller report.
1
I’m reminded of the famous quote by Lyndon Baines Johnson: “If you can convince the lowest white man he's better than the best colored man, he won't notice you're picking his pocket. Hell, give him somebody to look down on, and he'll empty his pockets for you." This in a nutshell is Donald J Trump’s tactic. It won him the Presidency in 2016 and it will win him a second term if the Democrats don’t figure it out.
.
First they need to remember: black or white: if you are a politician, a professor, a poet or another sort of artist, or even just someone with a graduate degree, you are privileged. And for privileged people of color to lecture working class whites about their privilege is a surefire way to lose votes.
.
Second, it isn’t enough to talk about important so-called “kitchen table” issues. They have to be passionate about them. It’s important to speak from the heart on things like healthcare and education. Don’t try to attract the corporate donors by softening your tone; let Mitch McConnel and the other Republicans do that.
.
Finally: they need to be genuine! Hillary Clinton was at her best only after the election, when she stopped rehearsing and took her dog for a walk in Chappaqua. Beto O’Rourke was best when he and Joe Kennedy III were driving around and filming themselves. It’s OK to go off script, is the point. In fact, that’s how you beat Trump.
.
I just hope Democrat’s wake up soon.
10
Off script? Does that mean the way for a Democrat to win the Presidency is to NOT accuse half the country, plus every single rival candidate of any party (including their own) of racism?
What would that person have left to talk about? Giving away more free stuff?
6
@Fred Rick. What would anyone have to talk about? Assuming you weren’t being sarcastic, let me answer:
.
A realistic way to fix American healthcare for starters; a hybrid program similar to that of France. Tax reform so that the middle class can grow and use its money to drive the economy. Immigration reform that ends family separations, and instead uses humane means to discourage illegal immigration, while streamlining the process for legal immigration. Education reform to end the overuse of standardized tests and encourage broad curricula and career preparedness.
.
Another thing to do is to hit the Republicans flank: abortion. We Must Not allow the Republican Party (the Party that starves our schools, wants to reserve healthcare for the rich, and allows industry to poison the water) to call itself “pro life!”
.
Yeah, there’s plenty here to talk about here without whining about hurt feelings!
1
The racism playbook is not new in the world of politics. Corrupt and desperate politicians have used this tactic, for one main reason - to poison the minds of the people, and win at the elections. There are many of us who have migrated to this country, to get away from countries, where racism has been an issue. To use racism as a tactic to win the hearts of the people, maybe a winning tool in the short run. It will not last.
As many other readers have rightly expressed, the Democrats should continue with their winning strategy of 2018. This is no time for the Democrats to devote all their energy to react to the president's racial remarks. What Mr. Trump is saying does not help the people with their daily livelihood. People continue to be concerned about issues like - healthcare, income inequality, job security- other areas such as infrastructure, immigration, trade and foreign policy. They all relate to the present and the future good health of the people, and the country.
2
Should he not be apologizing to USA for dodging the draft?
2
No, Democrats do not know what to do, and as long as they insist on bringing identity and racial politics to the forefront, they will lose in 2020.
They are not talking about the real issues: the economy, jobs, and world security.
29
"Race" is superficial adaptations to local environmental conditions. We are all born with the same set of emotions to varying degrees, independently of race. Trumpism manifests a White sense of insecurity based on inferiority complex. Inferiority to what has not even been established.
2
The Democrats are going to lose in 2020 because all they talk about is immigration. Most of America are concerned with drug prices, the economy, lower health care costs. Democrats come up with Medicare for all and open boarders.
18
@Julia: The forced-birth anti-contraception, anti-abortion policies pressed by Republicans are denials of the global issue of population growth and sustainability. The world must unite to limit causes of forced migration. Open borders is actually a Libertarian ideal that can't happen without stabilized global population.
2
Democrats invented racial politics. Trump is just bringing the "chickens home to roost."
16
I am sure Democrats are smart enough to figure it out. It is sufficient to call trump out and move on to the issues one of which obviously is racism among many. Trump won't change, his racist followers won't change. Dems need to speak to the rest of us and my guess is that we outnumber Trump's racist mob.
4
'I learned long ago, never to wrestle with a pig. You get dirty, and besides, the pig likes it.'
-George Bernard Shaw
The Democrats need to read this and take it to heart. Forget Trump's racism and focus on the task at hand. That's winning the '20 election. Focus on coming up with real solutions for real issues like climate change, affordable health care, affordable education, wages, immigration, etc. Sell what you are, not what you're not. Trump has proven himself again and again to be a moral reprobate. Don't get suckered into fighting on his terms. Chase this guy down the sewer and you've lost.
15
The Trump presidency shows what happens when empathy
dies,
2
The Progressives would rather be "right" than win. Beto apologizing for his ancestors? Ilhan hiding her anti-Semitism behind Trump's insults? AOC as a puppet for her upper-caste Bengali banker? They're Absurdists. Only Biden, Warren and Mayor Pete and maybe Lockem-up Kamala have a credible path to square the Dem circle.
12
Despite their belief that in a demographically browning America progressives will at some point have enough government-dependent voters to enact a progressive redistributive agenda, the present reality is that the party needs unusually high turnout among black voters to compete for the Presidency. Carter, Clinton and Obama all excited Black voters: Hillary repulsed us. Hence Democrats want to run on race, but with a catch.
Black voters must perceive this as an existential election and the media must make it absolutely cool to be a "woke" Black American who views EVERYTHING through the prism of race. At the same time, however, Democrats must not alienate the vast majority of Americans who are, in reality, doing just fine, and do not want to see the country transformed into a Sanders/Warren socialist economy, complete with a constant flow of mandatory political correctness from the identity warriors on the looney left. It will be quite a dance.
12
@AR Clayboy: Everyone depends on the functions of a public sector in a mixed economy, even the most rabid capitalists.
2
The squad is setting the tone for the Democrats. The problem is, the Democrats need strategies, not strong reactionaries, who are labeling portions of the electorate as racist, Nazi, etc.
The longer the Democrats roar about racism, the better chance they have of alienating the non-minority vote. Dems need to implement strategy, not roaring reactions.
13
Trump and Republicans-- self-described 'nationalists' even as they destroy this nation-- from within as rule of law and institutions are degraded or destroyed, and from without as trade relationships, allegiances are broken.
Republicans show daily how little they care about everyday Americans --
Will they ask for more
Or will they vote Trump and Republicans out of office?
1
"Do Democrats Know What to Do?"
You mean like Biden who said
“This guy [Trump] is more George Wallace than George Washington,”
When, in fact, "The Philadelphia Inquirer noted in September 1988 that Mr. Biden, while campaigning in Alabama that year, “talked of his sympathy for the South; bragged of an award he had received from George Wallace in 1973 and said ‘we (Delawareans) were on the South’s side in the Civil War.’”
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/jul/20/joe-biden-compares-donald-trump-late-segregationis/
4
Your point?
4
@Fourteen14
Might I ask who your candidate of choice is?
1
The Democratic candidates are leveraging minority grievances to angle for minority votes in the primaries. Trump is leveraging majority grievances to angle for majority votes in the general election. It’s not pretty on either side, but this is a democracy and a majority is a critical thing, so I’m thinking the Democratic candidates may want to be somewhat careful about the hole they may be digging with talk of things like white privilege and reparations.
23
Let's all remember how different Democrats are from Republicans; Democrats are actually talking about policy that could help 30+million people get affordable health insurance who currently do not have it, while creating a path towards a situation where the government has the power to force down prices, the key to any major reduction in costs.
On the other hands, Republicans are busy trying to send minorities back to their country of origin and take healthcare away from 20+ million people, with tens of millions more with pre-existing conditions in jeopardy.
Pretty simple choice in 2020.
6
Watch Marianne Williamson on Anderson Cooper, folks live to laugh at her but she’s generally right on the money. She would t be my choice as president but she’s a very wise, important voice.
https://youtu.be/pQywtRf9zQ0
1
Address the anger of the crowd in a meaningful way - whatever they are angry at. May be the democratic candidates should start announcing affirmative action for economically disadvantaged people of any race.
2
Just a friendly reminder, Barack Obama won the Presidential election. Twice.
6
@BK. And he won with: little to no experience, no real accomplishments. In short, based on a slogan "hope and change" and a 2008 speech. Showing as in 2000 and 2016 did that ANYBODY can be president.
6
I watched a documentary about Ben Ferencz, a Jewish American who helped prosecute Nazis at Nuremberg. One of the former Nazis who was interviewed for the documentary expressed no remorse for his actions during the Holocaust. He was only doing his duty and it was the right thing to do in his mind even today. We are facing the same situation with trump, Republicans and their base. None of these people see anything wrong with what they are doing and saying. The vast majority of them never will. So the question of whether, or not, Democrats know what to do will be answered. If good people do not defeat trump at the polls in 2020, if we do not turn the Republican party into the minority party it should be, our Republic is doomed. Democrats will have to rely on voter turn out great enough to counter gerrymandering and the Electoral College. Even then it probably won't be enough to take the Senate, the woefully unrepresentative chamber with far too much power.
7
The 'squad' is not doing the Dems any favors. They are out of touch with main street. They embody the mantra of coastal elites and are taking the Dems back down the 2016 path again. Like it or not climate change is not why majority of Americans will vote R or D. Talk rational and human immigration policy and healthcare fixes that will not take away what 200 million Americans have (taking something away never fairs well). I am sorry to say but it is my personal opinion that DJT won the rust belt by the skin of the teeth because of voter apathy from minorities who stayed home post-Obama. We waited into the night and the numbers from urban areas of the rust belt failed to show up in numbers projected. Our hopes were dashed. Will they come out of the nominee isn't Kamala ? Will they stay home if its a ticket of two white males? The sobering reality is that we need a strategy that will survive minority apathy. Swathes of average white non-college Americans will be frothing to save Trump. Who are we bringing to the fight?
4
@Greenfield
I do not agree with you. I think "the squad" is doing all voters (Republicans as well as Democrats) a great favor by showing them that there is another way, that it does not always have to be "more of the same", that there is more to voting than just choosing a candidate based on his or her party.
I also think that you underestimate the intelligence of "white non-college Americans"; true, many may vote for Trump, but many, I am sure, already see him for what he is, a disaster, and they will vote for someone else.
9
@Greenfield - Amen. It's the reality that we dare not speak of, but it is in fact a reality. If there is not a black person on the ticket, African-Americans will NOT turn out in the numbers they did for Obama.
"...we need a strategy that will survive minority apathy..." Wish this could be stated a million times over until Dems finally get it.
5
@Fran
I hope you are right about your thinking that many trump voters now see his flaws. I am still wary of the silent Trump voters. It may sound like a cynical strategy but I think the rust belt will be the crucible again and I don't see a far left progressive swinging them back.
3
Every time Trump holds a Rally all of the democratic candidates should hold a joint town hall talking about an alternative to trump’s message. It would really be great if they held the town hall in the same city as the rally.
5
Wow. Think about this. A sitting President defining terms of racial division. I am nearing 60 and have never even contemplated such a message. This President seems hell bent on destroying any unity necessary for the security of the Republic. I don't care if you consider yourself Republican or Democrat this is extremely dangerous.
17
racial division? maybe the better question is if media, including the NYT knows how to cover overt racism from Trump?
6
I'm watching an advertisement on television and it features Maria Ramirez who applies for a job at McDonald's, takes advantage of their educational benefits, receives a diploma to the cheers of her latino family.
This is how the corporations sell hamburgers. How they keep democrats out of office is quite a different matter. (They use a different ad agency, too.)
So the biggest hamburger seller in the world sells hamburgers by promoting the message that immigration is good.
In answer to the question posed in the title of this article, ask McDonalds.
2
There are two dozen democrats in the race for president. More than half of them have ideas worth listening to, worth discussing. We've had over three years of stories about Trump and Trump's followers. Where's the balance? Will someone do one story on the die-hard base of the Democratic Party? Black women?
8
Excrpt Trump isn't the one pushing race, identity and grievance politics. What else do you call reparations, or open borders? What else do you call promoting legislation that will enshrine privilege for specific groups in society? Democrats accuse Trump of tearing the social fabric of the country, but to conservatives it is Democrats shredding the unity and social fabric of America.
14
Here's what I don't get about the guy. It's always about the economy. If he wasn't a narcissist he'd simply say, "do you want them and 100,000 illegals/month coming to get free health insurance or me and secure borders and the best economy in 50 years"? He'd do fine just leaving the race baiting stuff out of it.
7
I am never going to EVER throw in the towel, no matter how many times the bar is lowered. Bring on the quadruple overtime Trump. My legs are fresh. We are going to win the next election. And win Bigly.
And on that day, all colors, all sexes, all religions of peace will breath a sigh of unity. Our strength of character and unflinching honesty will defeat this lying, cheating, hostile man.
Laced up, fresh and ready to go. Every minute of everyday. Bring on the hate. Not going to tolerate it.
9
@SheHadaTattooToo. Dream on.
1
@Jackson We dreamed on about 2018, and we voted. We prevailed.
6
Did Trump set the terms on racial division in America? I seem to recall that for the last ten years every time you disagreed with a liberal they called you a racist. Trump is the consequence of all that casual liberal racism. How is that working out for you?
13
@Steve Gregg Yeah, the accusation that President Obama was a Kenyan born Muslim was simply the result of a "disagreement". Riiiiiiight.
And the Tea Party was only concerned with deficits. With a projected deficit of $1 trilliion, where are they all today? I wonder what's changed?
And what did Trump's "investigators" in Hawaii ever find, anyway?
8
Trump only sets the agenda if we allow it. Focus on what the country needs or what he is NOT doing. If we direct our attention to other issues and plaster it all over the news, the Tyrant's tweets will be lost in the noise. Focus on health costs, global warming, inequality in pay, honesty, loss of business because of trade wars. The best defense is an overpowering offense. Be the loudest cheering in the arena, don't let Trump's loud mouth and bullying tweets drown us out. Take back control. Make Trump lean to what we want not what he wants.
5
@Tom. The Dems are tainted by their views on open borders and free health care for illegals.
7
Do both but please please stop letting him own the conversation. Don’t say don’t take the bait then keep taking it.
5
Didn't you guys revolt from mad King George? Now we find all these years later that a sizable portion of the population are fine being ruled by a mad king.
9
The goal, besides turnout, is to get enough of the voters in the middle who decide races to not want in any way to be associated with Trump's base. In truth, the more horribly racist that they and their leader become, the more likely they are to lose. Trump has no self control whatsoever, and should constantly be goaded deeper into his natural foulness. This should not be done by the candidate but by surrogates. Horrible way to go but, y'know, Trump.
6
This could backfire bigly for Democrats.
4
It is so much easier to yammer on about "concepts of structural racism, institutional discrimination and white privilege" than about the economy and money. it is absolutely sidestepping what everyone is worried about.
It is an indication that Democrats don't have any solutions for our financial distresses and must run for the easier theoretical yak yak.
It is always about the Benjamins, baby.
16
Trump is trying to goad the Democrats into running a "You're all racists!” Campaign. If they do, he can win. They shouldn't.
13
What a headline! Is this the venerable NYTimes trying to prove it can do a Fox-News-like headline?!
2
Democratic politics have leveraged race and identity politics as well as minority grievances, pitting neighbors against each in an attempt to gain a few more votes, for countless election cycles.
7
@Craig The difference is that blacks have been oppressed and discriminated against and Democrats have worked to end that. The voting rights act wasn’t playing the race card. Neither is fighting to end continuing discrimination. I
6
I believe there are over half a million non white people serving in the United States military. For the fake president to stoke racial divisions is a security risk. But we are used to that
a) Kilimnik in the Oval Office with only Russian media present
b) Private unrecorded meetings with the leader of an adversarial state (Putin)
c) Cancelling military exercises in South Korea at the behest of his admitted paramour Killer Kim of concentration camp fame. Grovelling to him despite his murder of an American Citizen (Otto Weinberger)
d) Nakely undermining NATO seemingly to please Putin
I could go on and on.
A racist president demoralises the troops. It is a security risk.
8
@Bob Guthrie
Apologies to Otto's family I meant Warmbier. RIP but never forgotten.
One thing the NY Times and many Dems seem to forget....
It is entirely possibly for someone to support racial/economic equality and STILL not want to get beat over the head, every single day, with the discussion of racism. Or to be carelessly & repeatedly be implied as a racist because you aren't lock-step with every single progressive fantasy giveaway.
I am a liberal. I will vote for anyone the Dems put up in order to beat Trump. But it is infuriating to see so many on the left playing right into his hands! EVERY SINGLE DAY something about race appears in this paper alone, and almost exclusively regarding African-Americans....still less than 13% of the population.
Are you TRYING to get this monster re-elected? Quit adding fuel to his fire!!! Get elected first, with a candidate the swing states can embrace, and THEN try to pass progressive policies.
"Go high" as Michelle Obama said, and quit taking the Trump bait.
14
The Democrats can reject Trump's racism (and bad policies, too) while also pushing their own agenda. It's not an 'either - or' situation.
Trump is clearly trying to define the grounds of the debate. But, the Democrats don't have to play that game (nor should they).
2
Blacks and Hispanics and Intersex are going
to vote democratic, so no need to continually try and appeal to this small subset of the electorate. As a white American you better appeal to me as well. Start be saying All Americans Deserve and add your predicate. Healthcare, affordable housing, $40 hour jobs.
9
Republicans have made it clear they are not a viable option in upcoming elections, but the media continues to act as if they are a legitimate political party. That needs to stop ASAP.
The media is keeping the Republican Party alive, for nefarious purposes.
What are their policies? To repeal the ACA without replacement, taking insurance away from 20+ million, while putting tens of millions with pre-existing conditions at risk?
To cut taxes for the rich and corporations, expanding the deficits by 40% for the 2018-2027 period?
To get into trade wars with our friends and foes alike?
To coddle dictators rather than our allies in Europe who should help us limit their negative influence?
It's time for the media to stop acting like Republicans are OK. It's not OK to be one, or vote for one anymore.
5
This will be a visceral election, no doubt about it. The Trump crowd is trying to bully its way to a second term, no doubt about that either. Look at it as the most important election in the history of this nation - it's about what we want this nation to be. The Democrats just need to get enough media exposure and Trump is trying to deny them that.
3
Why is it always the Dem's problem every time Trump does something egregious?
Don't let racism win. There is enough in one page of the Mueller Report to get rid of President Scary Clown who wanted the Central Park Five executed and refused to believe the DNA.
Come on America to save your nation do not be too lazy to read the Mueller Report.
There is a bit for you if you are too lazy to look it up..
"Our investigation found multiple acts by the President that were capable of exerting undue influence over law enforcement investigations, including the Russian-interference and obstruction investigations. The incidents were often carried out through one-on-one meetings in which the President sought to use his official power outside of usual channels. These actions ranged from efforts to remove the Special Counsel and to reverse the effect of the Attorney General's recusal; to the attempted use of official power to limit the scope of the investigation; to direct and indirect contacts with witnesses with the potential to influence their testimony."
Read the report. Share it with your friends and get rid of the racist groper.
15
@Bob Guthrie You live in Australia and are obsessed with Trump? I'm sorry for you, man lol
2
@Insane
I am opposing him. I actually love America. Opposition is not dangerous. Apathy and not reading the report is dangerous. Obsession is a word with a value judgment. Intense interest in our alliance, democracy is not obsession. Complacency at the rise of fascism and racism in the most consequential nation on earth (USA) is perilous. Get obsessed ... please.
7
Settle down, people. Right now, it's trump versus multiple Democrats, only a fraction of whom are the Democratic candidates for President. Things will shake out when there's a defined Democratic nominee; that person, not trump, will define the party's platform.
19:45 EDT, 7/21
6
One problem. The all raised their hands for: decriminalize illegal entry, free health care for illegals, reparations, and on and on. They need a total reset or a different candidate.
7
The Democrats are going to implode if they let this gang of 4 define the Democratic party. Focus on issues and not personalities. The gang of 4 are simply driven by huge egos aimed are foisting their own agenda on the party. This talk of socialism will never fly, never so why beat this horse. They only reason is this gets them to the front page of the paper. Nancy P. must cringe every time they open their mouths waiting to see what tripe comes out.
10
Well, what did we do with segregation? Sent in the National Guard. Nazis? Crushed them. With Trump, all we have to do is vote. Even in PA, MI, and WI, where he has not delivered squat. Why is this such a big mystery? Do we have to get James Carville back?
13
If it were four white male freshman congressmen he told to go back to the countries they came from would that be racist? Would it be sexist?
Trump didn’t refer to the squad as women of color. They refer to themselves as women of color. And if your a woman of color nothing but good can be said about you. Otherwise it is racist.
The terms of the election being about race is manufactured by the democrats. It is what they want to believe. Just as they wanted to believe Trump colluded with the Russian. As they want to believe he obstructed. It is make believe land. Or what we hear allot. Fake news.
14
@Jim
The point is that he wouldn’t say that to three white male freshman Congressman who were BORN here and ALL of whom are US Citizens. Do you think he’d say that to my Congressman Mark Malinowski who was born in Poland and who is White ? No . Get real .
12
@Jim - one response to your opening questions is that he simply wouldn't say that to a group of white males.
9
Title the article properly: Trump is a racist. We knew this before he ran for president. This is not new. He was sued multiple times by the federal government for refusing to rent to black people.
8
What we are now seeing is 54 years of simmering White resentment (I date it from the 1965 Civil Rights Act) exploding like a punctured blister, which seems an aptly gross metaphor. To follow the metaphor, what is needed is astringent. It's gonna sting (i.e. Democratic candidates need to speak boldly and straightforwardly). But the skillful candidate can keep her cool while simultaneously cleansing the wounds caused by such racism.
5
@Leland Seese
No question: After these DNC Politburo candidates get through with "cleansing the wounds", amputation will be required to avoid major surgery and possible death of the body-politic.
5
Yes, I think Democrats know what to do. I think independents know what to do as well. I also think a fair number of registered Republicans know what to do.
What to do: Vote against Trump. No matter what.
Simple for Democrats, independents and many Republicans, because they want to save the American Republic and not turn it over to the Communist dictators.
8
Democrats have and will continue to oppose Trump’s history of racism and divisiveness. There’s no ‘grand strategy’ on Trump’s part. Just the unhinged, ugly, and quite frankly ‘senile’ rantings of a coward. America is better than this and we will prove it in 2020...
5
Actually, as long as the economy is hot and Democrats keep acting crazy, Trump will win in 2020. Standing up for your most extremist Democrats is a losing play for liberals.
4
See Trump for what he is — “...but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more. It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing.”
Let him rant and rave.
He is neither to be feared nor paid attention.
Speak truth and reason. The people will listen.
Do not worry over the hateful ravings of this self-proclaimed genius. In truth, he has the brains of an ice cube. His racist, lying, divisive routine is growing weaker as it increases in desperation.
7
"Do the Democrats Know What to Do?"
For the last couple of weeks, I have watched the top Republican and the top Democrat candidate look into the camera and say, "There is not a racist bone in my body".
But people of color are telling both of these rich old white guys that they just don't understand.
Trump has made incendiary, racist remarks. Biden is comparing Trump to George Wallace. Okay, fair enough Uncle Joe but here is what you have to say about George Wallace -
"I think the Democratic Party could stand a liberal George Wallace — someone who's not afraid to stand up and offend people, someone who wouldn't pander but would say what the American people know in their gut is right,” Biden told the Philadelphia Enquirer on Oct. 12, 1975, referring to the racist then-Alabama governor.
For quite a few years now, the Democrats have had no problem taking donations from Trump. Is Hillary going to return the contribution to the Clinton Foundation? Or all of the Dems who took his money. Of course not. Speaking of Hillary, why was she so close with Donald all of these years? Her daughter is best friends with Ivanka which tells me quite a bit.
https://www.politico.com/story/2015/06/donald-trump-donations-democrats-hillary-clinton-119071
Both parties are full of racists and will take money from anyone.
But what to do? Perhaps, they should follow the advice of Joe Biden and nominate their own George Wallace and get all of the votes that Trump got last time.
1
guess that old white guilt thing has passed
2
If Trump had a better understanding of history, he would know that Supreme Court Justice Scalia was the deciding vote in the 1989 case that said flag burning was a protect right under the 1st Amendment. Very few acts are so divisive. But I don’t think I’ve heard him bad mouth this famous conservative Justice. Me, I am forever grateful that we are a nation of laws. Let’s get back to the ideals that were the driving force that allowed us to write the US Constitution and the subsequent Bill of Rights.
6
Trump's base is splintering. Attendees at his S. Carolina rally say there were tons of empty seats and barely 8,000 in attendance. The race issue is costing him millions in support. In spite of his claims he is in real trouble.
8
One statement in this article indicates just how skewed and hallucinatory the American political debate has become. Talking about the discomfort some people feel with Rep. Omar’s hijab, Mr. Belcher’s attributed it to “racism”. Newsflash: Islam is not a race. I feel uncomfortable with the hijab because I care for people like Nasrin Sotoudeh, an Iranian women’s rights activist, who has been sentenced to 30 years in jail and 148 lashes for refusing to cover up. Who is speaking for women like her and everybody else who sees the hijab as a symbol of oppression? Of course, it is “only” a symbol but so is the chant “Send her back”. nobody is really sending anybody anywhere. Opposition to the “Squad” may be partially motivated by racial animus but it does not mean that some of the claims made against them are incorrect. It is possible to repudiate both Trump and the Squad and this is where the majority of Americans are. But if the Democrats embrace everything these four women have come to symbolize - anti-Semitism, socialism, defense of radical Islam - they will lose.
22
Without personally knowing Trump, I can’t say that he is a racist. Despite the obvious, it may be that he is using race and xenophobia as a strategy to divide the country, turn off swing voters and win an election. Whatever his motives, I am certain that Trump is a demagogue: A leader who obtains power by means of impassioned appeals to the emotions and prejudices of the populace. I think that’s worse than being a bigot. Trumpism should be repudiated so that America can be made great again.
PS: our greatest enemy is not, as Trump and Steve Bannon say, China (theft of technology); it is Putin’s Russia (destabilization of democracy, the EU and NATO).
4
There are a lot of people who are uncomfortable with someone who covers her hair in Congress,” Mr. Enos said, referring to Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota. “It is really an ethical and electoral issue, and if it works, that earns Trump another four years in the White House.”
Would Representative Omar be willing to sacrifice her veil in order to get a Democrat elected to the White House?
4
@Pieter: Forcing women not to wear a veil is just as bad as forcing women to wear one. In both cases, it shows disrespect for a woman’s choices.
5
@Anna I wholeheartedly agree with you, but issues like these might define the outcome of the 2020 election
@Pieter
Would we be telling a religious Jew not to wear a yarmulke if he so chooses ? I hope not .
4
There is always a grain of truth on both sides of a controversy. White Americans are in fact losing their birthright privilege. And, they should.
Asians are rising. The future is in brainpower, and the fraction of white Americans in technical PhD programs has declined dramatically over the years. An increasing percentage of silicon valley wealth is going to non-whites, because they are earning it. Rather than spiteful anger, Trump's voters should be grateful to these job-creators. While they are downing BBQ and beer, these heroes are starting companies and hiring.
One could argue that for 200 years Europeans came over to make America great, and now it it up to the non-European rest to do the work necessary to keep it great, and exceptional.
Or, we could shut the borders and bomb-bomb-bomb in fitful rage.
2
@Baddy Khan H1B workers work for less. Immigration means economic death for lots of people.
2
Dems? What about the response of the Fourth Estate?
3
When Trump attacks we must respond by calling him what he is (crook, full of fear and hatred, racist, not " above the law" but "criminal,", divider in chief, un-American) and then, right-away we need to redirect the debate to our values and our policies that are inclusive, caring, truly American and patriotic...
3
Yes, by all means let’s put the burden of accountability on the Democratic targets and victims of Trump’s racist, misogynistic, hate-fueled bullying and abuse of the unparalleled powers of the presidency. Why ask his Republican enablers to hold him accountable? Or his wealthy donors? Or his propaganda machine? Or his voters?
Please, no more pundits critiquing and pontificating on what the Democrats need to be doing as the Republic fractures and burns at the hands of Trump and his backers.
9
If trump is aware of the redacted components
of the Mueller Report , what stops him from
contaminating any incriminating evidence?
3
@Jack: I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Mueller has suggested to Trump that such evidence is safely stored outside of Trump’s reach, to be made public if Trump tries to tamper with it.
The Dems need to adopt a simple consistent non racial message directed at the core values of trumps middle class white male base. Over and over they need to repeat that trump is a cowardly liar. They don’t need to argue the point as the facts speak for themselves, and trumps behavior even at these rallies fits the form. Attacking the young female congressmen? Cowardly! Making false claims on what they said? Liar! Bone spur exemption? Coward and liar! If the Dems go down the race path, trumps supporters will line up behind him, as one of them. If the Dems get the Cowardly Liar label to stick even just a bit, that will leave a “not one of us” bitter taste among many of his supporters.
2
The disgusting chants from these race baiting Trump followers should not be given such press coverage. I'm betting they are just a small group who were staged to incite such an ugly mob moment just to capture a headline.
The vast majority of America is shocked and repulsed by reports of this low class behavior.
We do not need to hear about it again.
Let these mindless groupies wallow in the cesspool with Trump but don't give them any more press coverage.
3
If you are a citizen or not, white male or not, no person has the license to say the evil things Congresswoman Omar continues to say routinely and she has taken nothing back.
Omar, a person of color or not, citizen or not, refugee or not, is not on the side of the angels, and the Democratic Party is making a huge mistake in supporting Congresswomen Omar.
No person in our democracy has a license for antisemitic slander and no Congresswoman certainly should be immune from criticism.
11
She is an elected Congresswoman who represents her constituents. It’s not for you to decree what she or her voters should think or say as long they are within their rights under the Constitution.
Persons who seek to muzzle free speech they don’t like might think they love America but they sure don’t love the Constitution.
4
@Julie B
Omar's antisemitic slander is certainly racism and evil.
Omar as a Congresswoman is certainly not immune from criticism under the Constitution. Regardless of your color, no one is immune from criticism under the American Constitution.
2
Stay focused on the economic issues that affect working class Americans and the Democrats can win. Remember, all these so-called "racist" Trump voters were Obama voters at one time who believed in his "hope and change" message back in 2008. Unfortunately, Obama did none of it, instead, siding with the banks that threw 5 million American families out of their homes, and passed a right-wing healthcare plan that made the insurance companies and drug companies billions in profits while leaving millions uninsured and millions more stuck with thousand dollar deductibles He didn't bring their kids home from war as promised and went on to start new conflicts. If Democrats would just ditch their clueless, expensive, tone-deaf consultants who think the way to win is be Republican-lite and connect, again, with the everyday working Americans, as Obama did, and address the problems they are facing, then they will win. Remember, a black guy with a muslim name beat a centrist war hero by advocating popular policies that spoke to people. Trump has nothing to offer but fear and loathing. Give the voters hope for a better life in a clean environment for their kids free from the burden of war, crushing student debt and medical bankruptcies and the Democrats can win this one.
5
No. Trump doesn’t set the terms. The media is the one setting them. The media, in the immortal words of Michelle Wolfe, “created this monster and now profits off him.”
Trump and his racism are, above all, media creations. We keep forgetting it at our peril!!
Trump and his racism are nothing without the coverage and “oxygen” the media, such as this paper, willingly afford them!
Democrats, and more important the country and the world, are destined to lose, if they don’t realize that this racism and the messenger are media objects, even if democrats win the next election, which they likely will, because the media will create another Trump, another baby Mussolini etc!
Trump is the media, and the media is Trump!
He’s nothing without the media that affords him his megaphone and platform!!!!!
29
@Freak I am so glad that someone out there agrees with me. I watch the MSM on CNN and MSNBC constantly giving the Trump machine the attention it craves. I wish I knew how to get them to move on from their tabloid mentality. Every day they talk, talk and talk about Trump's tweets. I can read them myself if I wanted to. If MSM doesn't stop and take a long hard look at their own behavior I honestly fear that Trump will be reelected.
Ds have neen pandering to minorities, mostly non-white, for decades.
What's wrong with pandering to the majority?
Face it, they're both racist positions.
30
@Steve Gallagher
With respect, working for equal rights, civil rights for minorities, women and the LGBTQ communities does not constitute "pandering."
It is doing what is right, what is decent.
As for "pandering to the majority," if you add up religious, ethnic, gender minorities and women you have a LARGE majority. So we Democrats are not "pandering" to anybody. We are in fact working to help the majority of Americans who have been oppressed by a small number of white men.
That's it! A handful of wealthy white Republican men has been controlling the US for generations. Think about it. It isn't even about racism to them necessarily, listen to Mitch McConnell or Lindsey Graham a couple of years ago decrying Trump's racism. Now they are all in on Trump's racism. Why? Because THEY are willing to do anything and everything to maintain power for themselves and their clients, who are not the American people.
This tyranny of the minority must stop. Join us in working for a real democratic republic.
1
As much as the Democratic party relies on identity politics, they should have no trouble managing--they are the ones who wrote the playbook. Furthermore, I fail to see how the phrase "Send her back" has anything to do with race. Could it possibly be that the people at Trump's Greenville, NC rally were chanting for Omar Ilhan to go back to Somalia not because she is black, but because they are tired of listening to her constant complaints about America?
17
@Sophie
I doubt if the chanting Trump crowd have ever listened to any of Omar's complaints, supposedly "constant." They only listen to Trump and what he said she said.
13
So, the hysterical, self-righteous, and sanctimonious left will again portray Trump and all of his supporters as crazy racists. Should be a landslide for POTUS this time
24
@Insane
Facts are facts. Hurts I know, but still facts.
9
I find it amazing that this article tacitly supports Trump's racist strategy by making Democrats the only ones responsible for combating it. Already you have normalized and validated Trump's focus on white privilege and supremacy. This paper does not call on Trump to stand down from such a vile stance, but for Democrats to figure out how to counter it. The media has not learned a thing or changed course since the day Trump came down the escalator spewing racist and bigoted comments. And now he and the Republicans want to give themselves four more years based on making America white again. Tell me one more time why I subscribe to the New York Times...
120
If you look at the economy and unemployment rates, it would be very difficult to say the man is a racist; if he were then people of color would still be struggling like the previous eight years.
Only one pushing the race card are far leftist and politicos that have nothing else to run on other than this outdated political move. Wake up! The mainstream of America is and we are not buying what you are selling.
37
@Neil Duff
You do not get to define what is and what is not racism...
...particularly not to people of color.. who suffered before the great recession, suffered after it ended, and continued to suffer since the day Trump took office.
Now put your MAGA hat back on and chose another article to comment in ...defending Trump at all costs in.
50
@Neil Duff I'm not sure where you're getting your information from, but all of it is wrong.
According to a CBS News poll today, 48% of Americans said Trump's tweets were racist. That's the mainstream of America.
There's no evidence that people of color were struggling under Obama and are suddenly doing great under Trump.
Finally, your argument that "if Trump were racist he would economically target people of color" makes no sense, because (a) there isn't really a way for a president to explicitly economically target people of one race, and (b) Trump really isn't interested in policy anyway.
49
@Neil Duff
You really don't understand what racism is, do you?
If you do, then tell us what you understand racism to be, before you claim that trump is not a racist -- based purely upon your impression of unemployment rates and their significance.
31
"On the campaign trail, Democrats have been noticeably more vocal in discussing race with primary voters, particularly concepts of structural racism, institutional discrimination and white privilege."
Thereby handing over the 2020 election to President Trump.
39
@frankly0 There are fewer white racists than you would hope.
8
@frankly0
The old saying: In politics if you are explaining you are losing.
8
Does the New York Times know what to do? Responsibility for preserving norms falls solely on the Democrats?
142
Well, I need to start at the beginning.
Much is made that Obama campaign was unifying and the reasons he won election and a reelection.
As a Republican, I am proud we elected a black man as a POTUS.
W observed on the last day of his office- Gods are going to smiling when a black man walks thru the doors of the White House as a POTUS.
But he won election because we fielded a bad candidate who was way past his sale by date. The way Democrats savaged Ms. Palin was hardly a campaign of moderation. And let's face it - he won election because folks were tired with W and his Iraq policies.
Obama won reelection - again because we fielded a guy who was caught on tape writing off 35% of Americans. Let us not forget that Obama campaign made much of rich Republicans vs average Americans.
They were just as divisive campaigns - perhaps not so ugly as the 2016.
I think what grates on many Republicans is Democrat total rejection of this POTUS as someone illegitimate because he beat Hillary amid phony Russian meddling.
In a discourse of today's Democrats running - there is not one acknowledgement that some of his policies have yielded big dividends.
I think, if I were a POTUS - after all that has transpired since 2016 - I would take any criticisms of Democrats on a personal term.
And this POTUS is determined to make 2020 a personal contest - so any personality is a good foil for him.
Alleged Racism is only secondary.
2
When one of the Congresswomen who Trump is attacking has an assault on her life or worse, how will his toady Republicans respond? I'll give you a cue, they will make excuses. We are in a fight for the soul of America.
3
Our white supremacist president, Donald Trump, juts tweeted his jack booted supporters:
"I don’t believe the four Congresswomen are capable of loving our Country. They should apologize to America (and Israel) for the horrible (hateful) things they have said. They are destroying the Democrat Party, but are weak & insecure people who can never destroy our great Nation!
Is there anything in the world more repulsive than this lazy, narcissistic, xenophobic con man?
4
7 million Americans have lost their health coverage to Republican scheming in the past two years. Trump is anti-American. Period.
10
Let's face it: Democrats have hung their hat on "identity politics", and the vast majority of moderate Americans have rejected it.
Teddy Roosevelt - the most cherished Republican president amongst Democrats - forcefully declared the death of the "hyphenated American".
So long as modern Democrats insist on enjoining this battle, they will continue to lose, even to such repulsive figures as Donald John Trump.
9
When will they come for me and my family?
5
Democrats: For the love of God, no identity politics! All it accomplishes is making white people feel like they have no place in the party. And yes: whether you like it or not, the majority of voters are straight, cisgender, and white (especially in some key swing states). Put forward policies that help ALL people and that don’t divide us up by race, sexual orientation, or gender. If you start in again on reparations, transgender bathroom rights, or “believe all women no matter what”, it’s 4 more years of Trump. It’s really that simple.
36
According to Hillary Clinton the 2016 election was about who we are. So here we go again. Obviously there is a tremendous difference of opinion in who we are. Some people see the US as a country where immigrants from all over the world immigrated to and see this as a main source of US dynamism and greatness. Others see this a country settled mainly by Anglo-Saxons and regard everyone else as not being real Americans. If you look at the crowds at Trump's rallies it is easy to see which side he is on. Democrats have to look at the electoral college and figure it out. Generally about a dozen states are in play and the Democrats have more electoral votes in the states that are not in play than the Republicans so the Republicans have to do better in the swing states to win. Energizing the Obama coalition seems like good winning strategy but do the Democrats have a candidate who can do that or does it require Obama? They don't seem to have an Obama or a Bill Clinton so they are going have to work very hard and be united. Countering lies on social media from the Republican and Russia or perhaps other countries will be a must.
2
The candidate who gets the nomination by the Democrats will be subjected to the taunts and bullying behavior we saw in the last election. The difference now is that we’ve all seen it and had time to react. There were times HRC seemed either unwilling to descend to his level or totally gobsmacked by his uncouth presence in her space. I wanted her to to tell him to back off since the moderators did nothing about it.
Therein lies the problem, we have in this president a crude bigot who never learned the rules of civilized conduct and never won anything through merit.
We can do better this time, the contrast will be stark. There is a record now for which he must be made to answer.
3
@MG
Al Gore tried to do the same thing with Bush. It didn't work for him: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAUcyfKESts
1
No. It's stories like these that set the terms by flatly accepting and stating the Trump sets the terms.
Fait accompli.
3
Trump is loosing, Trump is loosing, Trump is loosing, this is a man (loose term) who has shot himself in the foot and it hasn’t yet registered in his brain.
2
America is maybe the only place that’s trying to make integrating all the races work as a whole, which is why everyone wants to come here, yet the mere mention of the word “racism” throws everyone into a tailspin? It’s like going to the doctor but afraid to say where it hurts. Who knows what the prognosis is without first running the tests, avoiding them one will never know if maybe there is a cure.
2
Having grown up in the 1950s and 1960s, I did not understand Trump's call for the "squad" to "go back where they came from" and the chant, "Send her back!" as expressions of racism. Indeed, lots of members of ethnic minorities were at the rally and participated in the chant. Trump's statement and the chant are variations on the popular slogan, "Love it or leave it." That slogan has its origin in the early part of the Cold War and was directed towards the communist movement that was very active in the 1940s through the 1960s. Although the KKK coopted the slogan when opposing civil rights, that was by no means the context in which the phrase was normally used. By the late 1960s, the phase was most commonly used against opponents of the Vietnam War and especially leftist radicals and had nothing to do with race.
Nowadays, it seems that the phrase has now been classified as "racist" by the speech police on the political left and the mainstream media, despite the fact that neither the slogan nor Trump's paraphrasing make any reference to race whatsoever. Calling half the population "racist" because they support Trump is completely unjustified and hardly a way to unify the country or win an election.
5
@Christopher Arend
Great explanation; thank you!
1
Were I running for president, I would visit a union hall for coal miners, stage a press conference and then promise them job retraining, resettlement, etc.
Level with them, tell them changes are coming but you have their backs.
Trump doesnt care the Rust Belt, show him up there.
6
There is nothing the democrats can do to stop this, nothing.
Stephen Miller et al are salivating, they have hit pay dirt and they will run with their “unpatriotic” theme. They know they have a winner and the chanting will only get louder. The irony of course is that as Trump gleefully rips your country apart, he shows us that he is the least patriotic of all by doing so.
I listened to Stephen Miller talking to Chris Wallace this morning going right for the jugular, demonizing these four congresswomen, pulling out the old, predicable Venezuela scare, and their joint hatred for America. Yes, Trump has his red meat and the freezer is full and Miller will keep it well stocked for him.
10
Trump has short circuited the rollout of the Democratic campaigns. He seized on an opportunity to persecute few naive political newcomers. But, who destroyed Democratic racial unity for her immediate personal gain? "Food fight" Harris was so disruptive in the "debate", she gave Trump the opportunity to throw the Democrats off track and begin fighting amongst themselves. Sen.Harris, raised as an entitled Indian, appropriated the right to race bait others, destroying the Dems chance to introduce their candidate's ideas. Let's try to ignore her vapid attempts to make her inexperience attractive, like Trump's.
6
In my opinion, Democrats have to attack Trump using the racial angle as well as the non racial angle.
They have to talk about jobs and the economy. They have to set forth a plan for the economy that will benefit all Americans, not only the super rich. They have to talk about their own tax plan and explain how it will benefit Americans who aren’t in the top one percent. They have to have a plan that differs from Trump’s and they have to spell it out clearly, so that Independents and moderate Republicans will be able to see what’s in it for them.
But at the same time, Democrats, (and I am referring to the nominee who faces him in the general election...not in the primaries) needs to, in my opinion hit him, and hit him HARD on the subject or face. Don’t call him “divisive”. That’s political PC mumbo jumbo. Take the gloves off, and call him exactly what he is....a racist, and a bigot. The Democrats can’t beat around the bush. Alluding to it didn’t work in 2016, and it hasn’t worked since. Call him out, force people to make a choice about what kind of country they want to live in. If there are enough racists to get him elected, this country needs to see that, and see it clearly. If people want to be known as racists, fine, but call it what it is, in very plain language.
That is certainly not the kind of country I want to live in.
5
I obviously meant to type “subject of race” and not “subject or face”.
1
Don't let Trump define the terms.
Democrats need to reject ALL incendiary language, all ideology, and all brands of "identity politics", and do as Obama did - focus on making lives better for ALL Americans. Focus on improving (not throwing into upheaval, but improving) our health care system. Focus on keeping the economy going strong. Focus on raising wages. Focus on protecting human rights and the environment.
Reject the terms of both Trump and left wing Twitter. Appeal to all the tired better angels out there in the electorate.
5
I am a lifelong Democrat who has NEVER voted Republican for any federal office.
I DO NOT WANT decriminalized border crossing.
I DO NOT WANT free health-care for immigrants without restriction.
I DO NOT WANT ICE defunded.
I DO WANT a path to citizenship for those who are here, and an expedited path for the Dreamers.
I DO WANT a border with managed immigration.
I DO WANT to be able to provide asylum to those in need of it.
STOP the reactionary pandering. You are in danger of racing off a cliff.
27
Many Americans feel that Denmark should be the model for the U.S. Well, the following is from a July 1, 2018 New York Times article:
"COPENHAGEN — When Rokhaia Naassan gives birth in the coming days, she and her baby boy will enter a new category in the eyes of Danish law. Because she lives in a low-income immigrant neighborhood described by the government as a “ghetto,” Rokhaia will be what the Danish newspapers call a “ghetto parent” and he will be a “ghetto child.”
Starting at the age of 1, “ghetto children” must be separated from their families for at least 25 hours a week, not including nap time, for mandatory instruction in “Danish values,” including the traditions of Christmas and Easter, and Danish language. Noncompliance could result in a stoppage of welfare payments. Other Danish citizens are free to choose whether to enroll children in preschool up to the age of six."
What's more, progressive Denmark is telling immigrants who don't assimilate that they should "go back home".
Anybody still want to model the U.S. after Denmark?
4
@Purity of
Let’s see: spread of “ghettos” in all reality as the Denmark experience has already shown, or “Ivanka in the wings”; hmmm, what to choose, what to choose (for your own residential neighborhood)?
If someone were to present a morally uplifting message that
presented marginality and its accompanying senses of
vulnerability in American society, as it is played out
in racial /economic lines, and then described a coherent, convincing program to overcome it. Trump's rhetorical strategies
could be discussed/taken apart in non apocalyptic terms. We are, after all trapped together on this very leaky life raft, and we're not going to make it to shore if we keep on feeling
aggrieved at where we're seated in it.
But that would also require a lot of foregrounding that
explained to different groups the origins of the grudges
and aspirations of others, and for there to be open
minds on each side of the different fault lines capable of trying to understand and empathize with the other.
This however is not possible with the closed minds
and shriveled vindictive spirits seen at the ritualistic
mass rallies we all shudder at witnessing. Too much
contempt is too much of an obstacle to leap over.
But we also need to keep in mind that there is
visual drama ala Nuremberg or Greenville, and then
there's underlying electoral reality.
We're not witnessing how the majority
chooses to vent its racial aggrievements. On display is still
a distinct minority.
What we all need to focus upon is this drift
to the left that has remained isolated
from most of its targeted voters. Implausible
programs with no realistic chance of happening are being
emphasized far too much.
2
I need help with the headline.
The first sentence, which argues setting terms on racial division, is not new. It was his plan since 2016. The second, asking what will Democrats do, is one I can answer.
They should remind the media, television in particular, that they are actually in the race, hence, they should be covered more than the president's tweets.
This headline should say; "Trump Once Again Sets the Terms on Racial Division. Does the Media Know What to Do this Time?
In 2016, we saw CNN and MSNBC make the then candidate their daily "Breaking News" during that 7PM to 8PM time slot. He was so free to say the most outlandish things about individuals of designated races, religion and yes, medical conditions, on live TV. The media loved it. Actually, still loves it.
We saw Joe Scarborough mute a famous columnist from the Washington Post when he came close to pointing out some of Donald's behavior as racist. Unbelievable. Today Joe is trying to rebalance his portfolio by saying the president is racist.
So here is my question to the media, television in particular. When will you ease on making Donald "Breaking News" for him to so easily say outlandish things?
I gave up blaming Trump since 2016 when I saw even the then NY Post front page saying; "Free Ride: Media Blitz gives Trump $40M in ads."
So? "Does the Media Know What to Do this Time?" How about covering the president without feeling the need to carry it live? After all, there is a more news to cover.
4
@Nigel
No argument Trump was in the MSM news, a lot!
But 98% of the coverage was negative.
There is that...
2
@Nigel
For Democrats to make the news on anything other than not-Trump, they would have to put forth some meaningful policy initiatives instead of calling dissenters racists and bigots.
Thus far, the only people who have emphasized policy ideas on their campaign are Warren and Sanders. Biden's yammering about decorum, Buttgieg is doing his Obama rhetoric impression, and Harris is hanging out with celebrities to talk about how racist everyone is.
6
@Viv
I agree with you Viv. I have argued that Democrats often get lost. I feel the same about the media.
Elizabeth Warren has been consistent in arguing hard statistics. She has been always been practical. At times she is even ahead of individuals who oversee their designated specialties.
This is why I am concerned about how the media is covering news. Important things can be left out when they become obsessed with a single character.
2
There is a war by dark forces who seek to bring victory to fascism. Churches are under direct corrupting attack to drop social justice from their principle and somehow twist the words of Christ and the apostles into some evil ambiguity in which the golden rule, and healing the sick, caring for the poor and the idea of compassion, empathy, and proactive care for those in need is somehow harming the church.
Racism is a central tactic of "otherism". Not unlike was the case in World War II, fascism and authoritarianism is seeking to destroy democracy and freedom.
Until the remaining free people who believe in one person, one vote and a commitment to the aspirations of a people united in defense of freedom, the ruthless, continuous daily attack via fear inducing lies and every form of ambiguity and disrespect of the rule of law, then we will have surrendered to the dark shadow of tyranny and evil.
We need to fill the void of ACORN and get the poor to the polls, get the eligible voters registered and make sure they understand who is fighting for ordinary Americans everywhere, for a livable wage, treating health care as a right, that no honest person sleeps on the streets. In other words, we have to counter the attack on the moral fabric of our churches and create a countervailing effort to make the teachings of Christ clear and those teachings are squarely about social and human justice for all of God's children, which is everyone single person..
4
We already know how Trump will respond to charges of racism. He is going to deny that his statements are racist and he will deny that he is a racist. There is a big difference between an admitted racist and someone like Trump who denies the charge. And that difference will shape any debate on the issue.
Trump might try to explain why he is not a racist. If so, that will put Democrats in the position of proving Trump is lying. Trying to prove that Trump is what he denies being is not where Democrats want to be. Many moderate voters are likely to give Trump the benefit of the doubt. Generally, people know themselves better than others do. An aggressive attack of Trump as a racist is exactly what he wants. It is somewhere Democrats should not go.
1
With credit to instagram where I jUst saw this suggestion, those who do not think that what the President says/tweets is racist should try saying the same things to a co-worker and see how long they keep their job.
3
I live in the fly over, rust belt part of America. My children live in San Francisco and Seattle. When I travel to visit them I see a diverse population of ethnicity and experience an energy that I don’t see in Cincinnati, my hometown. Yes, we are two separate countries and I think unless the Democrats focus on understanding the fears and concerns of Midwesterners, Trump will be re elected. I watched as many of my fellow Midwesterners in the 2018 midterm election voted Democratic because they were concerned about the Republicans taking away HEALTHCARE from 20 million plus citizens by eliminating the Affordable Care Act. But yet I hear very little mention of this still potential loss coming from the 20 plus Democrats running for president.
6
How do Democrats combat Donald Trump? By being the strong, caring, emotionally intelligent people we are and Get Out The Vote!
3
“But whether such a strategy can still work in a political universe reshaped by Mr. Trump’s Twitter feed remains an open question.”
What “political universe” are the authors referencing? Trump’s base? Who else is enamored of Trump’s tweets? Liberals and progressives need to completely ignore this group. The only way to win them over is to join them. The country as a whole is more socially liberal than its politicians, but it is not nearly as economically liberal as some democrats wish it to be. That is the point that needs to be driven home to progressives.
1
The more Democratic candidates talk about Trump, the more he is likely to win.
Everyone knows Trump is unsavory — no swing voter needs to be convinced of this. Moreover, if anyone yet remains unconvinced nothing anyone says or does at this point will help. The question is: can any Democrats propose a plan (or a vision?) that will be more appealing than Trump is unappealing?
As a swing voter myself, I hope so.
I would love it if during the next debate, a candidate were asked about a Trump policy or tweet and replied: “Trump? Never heard of him. But I have heard about what’s going on at the border, and here’s what I’d like to do about that...”
3
Does the New York Times know what to do?
5
Democrats have a tough road, as not only is the incumbent president calling on our worst fears and anxieties about others, but Republicans have allowed the ELECTION to he RIGGED in their favor by the Russians. MC Connell will not bring any bill to protect our elections to the floor of the Senate because he says it’s unnecessary, while Schiff hears for the first time in a conference ‘Fancy Bear’ spearfished three Senate campaigns in 2018. Why didn’t the CIA or FBI alert anyone? Is it possible this information was kept secret from Democrats? Every American should be alarmed by this breach of faith in our government not upholding the rule of law and protecting our democracy. The racial divisiveness is bad enough but welcoming a foreign enemies interference again is treasonous AGAIN. We cannot allow Trump and his cronies to get away with this. We will fight for our America that we love. We can go on strike not working or shopping for a day(s) and see how their corporate donors like Republicans then. Enough is enough! ‘You say you want a revolution!’ You’re going to get one if you keep up this treasonous behavior. Justice will be served one way or another. The day of reckoning will come.
3
The Democrats problem is that a large part of America is racist and they need some of those votes in 'swing' states.
The Democrats are, and always have been, less concerned with battling racism and more concerned about capturing a few of their votes.
During the Clinton years this was accomplished by preaching equality while gutting welfare and going all in on mass incarceration.
During the Obama years the Dems were 'tough' on deportations, sending 3 million people 'back where they came from'.
Going back even further we have 'Biden on Busing'.
Even further we have the 'Southern' Democrats who constantly made sure immigration didn't go 'too far'.
Actually when you look at the history of the Democratic Party over the past 70 years you will see a pattern of lip service to equality coupled with policies to appeal to the racist.
Even now, as Democrats pose against Trump we see Pelosi and the 'centrists' attacking those that speak too loudly about racism, failing to even try to impeach Trump and passing immigrant detention bills with no safeguards'. All insure we don't frighten or challenge those Trump supporters who are not hard-core racists.
The Democratic establishment is not going to go full bore after Trump because the Democrats are depending on Trumps soft-core racists who may give them enough votes in swing states.
The Democrats talk a good game but continue to build their party around Corporate Money and appeasing Racists.
3
If we let Trump define the terms of the argument, and if we respond to his provocations within his framework, we lose. We can’t just position ourselves as the “anti Trump” party. We must create our own position out of our positive vision.
1
@Mark Assume you think someone is a racist and he insists he is not. At the very least, he is admitting that racism is bad. It seems to me that that is pretty much what you want and that any debate after that isn't worth the effort.
2
It is quite annoying when a publication like the NY Times suggests that Democrats do not know what to do about racial division.
HOGWASH & CODSWALLOP!
Democrats are responding appropriately. The mainstream media like to sell papers suggesting otherwise.
It seem very important that everyone in America understand just how Trump is using race and RACISM as bait to feed his base and cause dissension.
With this NONE STOP coverage of how effective it is by the mainstream media, those opposed will never have the effective voice to shut down this MADNESS.
1
What the Democratic Party needs to remember is that for Trump this isn't only about winning the presidency a second time, this really could be the difference between staying out of prison or not. And a man like that, especially one like Trump, is capable and willing to say or do just about anything.
You haven't even seen the worst from that man yet.
2
Here's what Democrats need to do, ladies and gentlemen: they need to NOT alienate Caucasians (as the squad attempted to do in their attacks against Nancy Pelosi), they need to REAFFIRM their commitment to guaranteeing the rights of ALL races EQUALLY, they need to NOT attempt to take away private health care, open the borders to any and all, and they need to stay away from the subject of slave reparations. MOST IMPORTANTLY, they need to repeat how many times Republicans and Trump tried to take away universal health care under Obamacare and cancel coverage for pre-existing conditions and remind voters that this was saved by ONE VOTE (John McCain) and that every vote for a Republican puts at risk the right of everyone to have access to affordable and "on demand" health care. THAT is the basic strategy and for good measure, they can talk about the environment, minimum wage and so forth but stay focused on the main issues and keep progressive without losing their minds. Am I right, ladies and gentlemen?
8
@ManhattanWilliam You're right. Obama didn't do Identity Politics, he didn't stoke racial divisions like the Squad does, he didn't go low and strike below the belt, he focused on real issues, and he was successful.
4
@ManhattanWilliam of course I meant "NOR or NOT open the borders to any and all."
1
IMHO, tbe 2020 race wll be a real litmus test of the true nature of Amerika the ( not so?) Beautiful. I unfortunately am, unfortunately, not that optimistic. Hopefully I will be proven wrong by actual events. IF not, may the Universe help us all though once again.. I doubt it.
2
Democrats has to fight not just message but also messenger of racism. Along with uplifting message of stronger together you have to challenge Trumps’ own patriotism and his love of our country by reminding voters his support for our enemy Putin, not paying taxes, flouting our constitution and laws, and tearing apart NATO and our country.
I have a serious suggestion. Have the democrats considered the tactic 'Kill 'em with kindness'?
Each time a bunch of garbage comes out of their mouths, you reply with 'We still love you even if you're a racist bigot'
Etc, etc.
It's certainly worth trying.
1
@Iain
Genius.
Tell the voters you need they’re racists and idiots.
The “Basket of Deplorables” strategy. Worked really well last time, huh.
5
3 million more voted for HRC correct? Ask the electoral college why they went against the will of the people.
2
So any thoughts from the "group of 4" must be traitorous, those 4 aren't deserving of their 1st Amendment rights. And we all remember that just wanting African Americans to be free from slavery caused a civil war.
Look at the 19th Amendment and anti-suffragism movements, a largely conservative movement sought to keep the status quo with "domestic feminism," the belief that women had the right to complete freedom within the home.Susan B Anthony & Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Stories of the women being chased after their lecture, and people would be peppering them with all kinds of rotten eggs, etc, etc. Some saw women's suffrage as in opposition to God's will. Some things may never change.
2
Some American citizens do not believe both Representative Omar, and Tlaib represents our values. There are those who consider them anti-American and anti-Semitic. It has nothing to do with the color of their skin. Just because people have a lighter or darker shade of skin, does not make them right. Many people walk on eggs shells rather than being isolated by those who claim they are always correct and a differing point of view equates to bigotry — utter nonsense.
8
If the last 25 years are any indication then no, the Democrats doesn’t know what to do.
Never underestimate the contemporary Democratic party’s ability to blow an election they should easily win.
Blowing elections they should win is right up there with promising Universal Healthcare.
Every four years the Republican Party gets stronger and Universal Healthcare reform goes backwards.
It’s groundhog dayish.
3
What we need *not* to do is leap into his transparent trap.
Something like this will work:
"We value and support all the good people of this country, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender or place of origin, and we reject in the strongest possible terms the blatant racism and attempt to divide us for political gain being shamelessly advanced by the current administration."
Period. Full stop.
And then go back to talking about people working three jobs to make ends meet. Massive income disparity. Corruption. Making health care and education more affordable. Keeping the world habitable for our children and grandchildren.
Or we can do what we usually do, and insist that not only are we not racist or sexist or homophobic or anti-immigrant, we are so woke we propose mandatory busing, of school kids, reparations, transgender choice of restrooms (along with special dispensation to use any restroom for those who feel oppressed by binary gender identity), abolishing ICE, making Me Too Day a national holiday...
I humbly suggest that, whatever your thoughts on the merits of those things, it won't work quite as well.
3
Talk policy
Talk programs
Talk around under over and through him
At the end add what do expect from ...
But engage ? Never
He sets the discussion he wins
Do not give him the chance
2
@Adam Stoler
I feel you, and you're certainly right about not bickering with him, but...
Purely politically speaking, at this stage of the game, I think stories and statements of aspirations and goals are not only more effective, but more appropriate and more honest than "policies and programs".
Here's who we are. Here's what we believe. We will work with you and for you. Here's what we'll strive for.
Plenty of time to dot i's and cross t's and negotiate later. Unwonted specificity is a trap; you're just setting yourself up for more --in some cases legitimately-- arguable nits to be picked. More bickering.
And that whole detailed "policy, plans and programs" thing is just so...Democratic.
Mike Dukakis had plenty of policies, plans, and programs. So did Al Gore (woo-boy, did he). So did John Kerry. So did Hillary Clinton.
Unfortunately, they also all had the charisma of turnips.
And none of them had a good, broad, aspirational story...just a laundry list of focus group generated topics that they approached in an oh so responsible, oh so detailed, oh so technocratic, oh so boring manner, and with all the heart and soul of a computer.
2
The Democrats need to continue repeating that we are a nation of immigrants, united, and continue to focus on the issues that are important to all Americans. The Democrats must mobilize to get people to come out to vote to win the Electoral College and the popular vote in 2020. We need people on the ground, knocking on doors, talking about issues that matter to people, talking about unity and hope and change, particularly in key states.
I think the causes of racial division are a lot more variegated than just Trump, but I do know what the Democrats will do: invent new ways to label him and his supporters racist--very very very racist--and fascist--very very very fascist. In the process, they will convert about 8 wavering voters nationwide and do nothing to enhance their overall electoral prospects.
They desperately need a new response, which Tom Friedman and Frank Bruni have suggested in recent pieces.
7
America do you realize that he his making America hated by the world eve the Canadians are part of the gang.
Do something about it before it is too late. You are on the verge of a war.
2
@claude
What is this, a Canadian ASB popularity contest? Strongest economy, strongest military, lowest unemployment, highest standard of living--who cares what Trudeau-Macron and company might think?
6
@Alice’s Restaurant
Macron is French. France is in Europe, not Canada.
2
Why does the media keep insisting that Trump's horrendous behavior becomes the Democrats problem for the election? If anything, these pundits are trying to set the terms of debate. That doesn't mean that Democrats should ignore Trump or focus entirely on him, and I don't think that's what they are doing. But the media keeps driving the narrative in this direction, and not just the conservative media.
7
How sadly true
Policy plans programs
He’s not got has had none will never have
2
This is why freshman Congresspeople are QUIET in their first term. They sit and LEARN.
The members of this so-called Squad (what a juvenile name) might be smart but they are dumb when it comes to how Congress works.
Trump is a racist, an awful man and an inept President but these young women walked blindly into this. It’s their fault and they might give Trump a second term.
Instead of focusing on what he’s accomplished (very little) and his failures, we’re talking about race and who loves America. As long as that’s the conversation, Trump wins.
2
That’s some first rate victim blaming.
4
@Christian Haesemeyer
Arghhh. That’s just the point. I despise Trump and the GOP but these people aren’t victims, they have well paying jobs and they enact laws that effect hundreds of millions of people, they are victims in only a very very narrow meaning of that word. This is the tin ear of ‘progressives’ ( and why I do not call myself one), members of Congress are well paid and powerful compared to almost all Trump voters.
4
Not sure Jarrett's advice "not to let Mr. Trump’s combative tone move them away from the sort of strategy that Mr. Obama used to win" will do the candidates much good--no 2008 financial crisis, no Bush warmongering to push against, and no more faith in "hope and change", eight years of nada saw to Hillary's defeat and put Trump in the White House.
Bottom line: Need the center back and Cultural Marxist dogma--Trump's real message about "the four"--from current corral of DNC Politburo candidates won't cut it, despite Sanders, Warren, Buttigieg et al. stump-pounding promotion of social "leveling" and a giveaway Big Rock Candy Mountain Grand Collective. EU entropy has no future and will end badly, which is where the DNC wants to take the nation, open borders included.
4
Trump cannot wait for his next rally, he has these 4 congresswomen in his crosshairs, and he will keep them there to his advantage. He will demonize them, continue to twist their every word and tell his base they are unpatriotic.
His use of the word patriot is so ridiculous. I thought it odd when I heard it during the renegotiating of the NAFTA agreement, “our great patriot farmers and milk producers”. Does that apply to all farmers, or just the republican ones? Oddly, it seems only those who live in middle America are patriotic, the rest, not so much.
Trump and Stephen Miller are salivating, they have exactly what they have been waiting for, 4 “unpatriotic” women of colour who hate America and want to turn it into Venezuela. It it wasn’t so dangerous and frightening, it would be laughable.
1
@Holly
Not true, nor "laughable": They don't "want to turn it into Venezuela", but rather Cuba 1959. Listen more carefully to their American flag-burning rhetoric some time.
6
Let’s face some facts here, shall we?
Never has there been a presidential election in modern times where the republican candidate wasn’t accused of racist tendencies if not outright racism. Never.
Democrats have played the Race Card so frequently it no longer resonates with anyone.
10
But Trump IS.
2
Apparently, the Dems will fight Trump by eating their own, ignoring the Midwest and South, chiding Biden's of-the-time views on social justice, muddling whatever message they try deliver.
Do any of these candidates even bother to listen to what the racist right wing spew forth to the uninformed and fearful multitudes?
A prime example is the progressive position that virtually beatifies anyone illegally crossing the southern border. Does no one understand the desire of reasonable Americans for a secure border. Do progressives not lock their doors, secure their families or participate in Neighborhood Watch programs? Must they be all or nothing?
9
When did Democrats ever know what to do? They want to give free healthcare to illegal immigrants! That alone will hand Trump an election win in 2020.
7
Trump has an advantage now, because he can conjure up a straw-man opponent. Note that none of The Squad is a candidate for president.
Once there’s a nominated opponent talking about climate change and healthcare, Trump will have to at least sometimes address that opponent and their proposals. Riffing on “the Democrat Party” won’t be as effective.
Doubtless Trump will call any candidate and every proposal “socialist”. It’s up to Democrats to define themselves in their own terms. Trump isn’t invincible. He puts his pants on one leg at a time, and he can’t tie a tie.
Finally not a few voters may decide, well if universal healthcare is socialism, then maybe I’m a socialist.
3
Most Trumpists have no notion of or interest in the denotative definition of racist or of its negative connotations. And even if they did, they would agree with Trump that he hasn't "a racist bone" in his body, but that if he did , he would welcome the label.
This goes beyond partition politics or discussing issues. Trump announced he is a fascist and if he is not replaced, we will witness the end of democracy in America.
Democrats need to find their own edges. They need to find out what bothers traditional white working-class Democrats and talk to them about it. I can say that I watched my father, who was one of these Democrats, truly change his POV on only one thing over the last 15 years: he came to truly understand and internalize how much violence black Americans face in their daily lives, by seeing those police murders of black motorists and kids on video. That stuff really made an impact on him, where before he would have minimized it. Also, Hurricane Katrina made my own family conscious of institutionalized racism as never before. We were a white bread family seeing the utter failure of the American system unfold, literally screaming and crying at the TV as we saw with our own eyes the degrading treatment of people we probably wouldn't have worried much about before. I doubt Trump supporters had those POV changing experiences, but our folks did. We are the edge of the Democratic party, the people who demographically SHOULD be Trump supporters but aren't. What makes us different? Democratic candidates need to find out.
2
Trump is a nationalist and appeals to people that are nationalist for whatever reason. I say this because he justifies himself by using nationalism as his main defense when his lies are not quite enough. Nationalism goes well with religion because both require a suspension of rational thought. Is it possible to breakthrough to people that are disconnected from reality in this manner? I don’t think it’s possible unless a huge calamity comes upon them and somehow they reconnect with reality. Trump has proven that he’s not interested in helping most Americans and is simply enriching himself and his class. Aside from the huge tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans, what have the Republicans accomplishments been? I suppose one could point to the appointments of many judges that are going to allow gerrymandering and corporate money to undermine democracy for the foreseeable future. Trump is just a symbol of the insanity that will eventually destroy the planet.
The reason racism will work for T is that it is way in there. Most of us, white, black, green, purple etc struggle with it, and nobody actually likes to be called a racist, but it is there. You can't shame T, he will just lie and say he didn't say it, his followers will follow suit, they don't even know that they are racists or what ever you call one who would send another citizen back for insulting Trump. No sympathy, no quarter, bam, sent them back. I felt before that it was economic uncertainty, and a fondness for Aristocracy and maybe monarchy, or an alpha-male, but it seem that it is fear of the "other" which is racism by an other name. Trump is kind of like Oxycontin I guess.
1
Uhhhhhh....
Not be racist?
I’d be more worried if his rallies were getting bigger. Instead they are shrinking, and a good percentage are groupies who follow him around. If he really wants to run again and have a chance in hades of winning, he has to turn his train wreck around. And that is impossible.
2
We Dems are setting ourselves for defeat in 2020, in that, if we take the bait, we are letting Trump define the debate and its terms.
What is so bemusing is why the Dem candidates feel they have to respond to this sort of thing, when they have the example of the 2018 midterms. In 2018, Trump tried to use race (remember his "invasion" of immigrants stupidity?), and he was soundly defeated. The Dems kept their focus on affordable health insurance, economic inequality, and Trump's corruption; they didn't get sidetracked with culture-war issues, nor did they make "identity" in any way central.
Let's use a proven and effective strategy, and not allow emotion and a desire for revenge o bring about the very calamity we wish to avoid. If not, we'll have no-one to blame but ourselves.
309
@Danny - I couldn’t agree more. Trump’s race-baiting tactics, in and amongst themselves, are a win for Democrats. As kids in school we were instructed that if one of school mates hit us or tried to pick a fight, if we responded or participated, even in self-defense, we were subject to punishment just as hard as would be dealt to the perpetrator. Dems don’t need to reduce themselves to the President’s level to prove a point. Trump proves the point without help from the Dems. Stay focused on policy and encourage voters to simply observe what is coming from the right and if those things represent our values.
23
@Danny BINGO
11
@Danny Donate a little to the Democrats - and Get Out The Vote for November 3, 2020.
Republicans and Trump, because they represent the wealthy perhaps? have raised $108 million dollars just in the 3 months.
So, every little $5 dollars and every person signed up to vote counts.
Make it all add up to Democrats Win in 2020.
Will the party of the wealthy, enjoying unprecedented permanent tax breaks even as middleclass and poor are taxed more heavily (scheduled tax increases AFTER 2020 election)-- win for another 4 years of this?
16
Learn from history? What a novel idea!
I don’t agree with white supremacy, but I do believe that a slight white majority is the best guarantee of good race relations and public safety in the United States. The lesson comes from Central and South America. In most of these countries there is a low-intensity war going on between a European minority, who usually hold governmental power, and the Indians and Africans. To maintain their grip on power, white led governments resort to policies of confusion and tension. A favourite technique is to allow criminal gangs to run amok. The more that white Americans are reduced as a percentage of the population, the more beleaguered they will feel and the greater will be the temptation for their politicians to resort to similar tactics. Think about the opioid epidemic as a pilot of things to come. We might all be brothers, but so were Cain and Abel . . .
4
Earlier today I spoke to a relative who told me that "the squad" are the racists. That they are attacking white Americans as well as Israel. If we don't find the ability to turn this dialogue around quickly, trump will have won before the Democratic Party even picks out the nominee. Personally, I think we should be running an ad a week, ever single week, pointing out the fallacies as they occur and offering a more unified, hopeful country. Start with a commercial on Stephen Miller. Who he is as well as his influence in the administration.
4
How has the racist Trump become the savior of Jews and Israel? This is the same Trump who saw ‘good people’ among the Nazi marchers in Charlottesville. It boggles the mind.
2
Advice to democrats if they want to win the election. .
Whether you ignore Trump or fight him, keep the squad under wraps. Every time they appear in public together they swing the swingers back to Trump. .
8
“The country has not changed since his re-election,” Ms. Jarrett said.
Are you out of touch or what? The country has changed dramatically in that the current president has unleashed the primal fear in voters who put Trump in the White House.
And that primal fear needs to have a counterweight on the Democratic side that's powerful enough to unify EVERY Democrat to vote against Trump otherwise he will win going away.
3
On the evidence of the midterms, he’s unleashed primal fear in Democrats, too.
2
@James K. Lowden 2018's long gone. Rest on your laurels at your own peril. The fight against Trump needs to be laser focused and relentless.
Trump is stirring fear about immigrants through lies. The evidence is overwhelming that immigration is good for the US and just like Bernie Sanders pulls out Labor Department statistics to make to make his case the Democrats need statistics on immigrants to make their case and they need to tell personal stories of immigrants. The Democrats have to confront racism because it is dangerous. white supremacists have been carrying out acts of terrorism and white supremacy can lead to advocating ethnic cleansing. Just ask Native Americans about that. But the Democrats also have to show how Trump is hurting people. Rolling back environmental regulations will lead to more toxic chemicals in the water, air, and land, rolling back health care coverage will leave many people without coverage, and calling climate change a hoax and promoting fossil fuel production will lead to speeding up climate change which will impact everyone. Trump is counting on irrational people filled with anger and fear voting for him. The Democrats have to reach the rational part of people and explain why their fears are exaggerated.
3
Today's hit piece on Justice Stephens by a Pepperdine professor of shysterism made me want to end my dislike of nationalism and get a Maple Leaf tattoo on my head.
Our Supreme Court does not determine law it determines justice. Thomas Jefferson said the constitution should be rewritten every nineteen years.
Jefferson was a scientist not a shyster he wrote a constitution for people not pedants. I am not optimistic about America's future, a nation of laws can't help but become a nation of lawyers and the world is dying not from lack of law but lack of justice.
Until Democrats realize that Jefferson was correct and the constitution needs a complete and total rewrite after missing all the previous 12 deadlines for re-writes.
I am a Canadian who loves the US Constitution and its poetry it took Jefferson, a biblical scholar, to give it its je ne sais quoi but it is 2019 not 1776. In America 1776 the concept of liberal democracy had not yet been born except in the mind of philosophers like liberal Whig Parliamentarian Edmund Burke.
Imagine someone who proposed American and Indian Independence, female suffrage and all men being equal regardless of race colour, creed or national origin being a hero of today's American right wing autocrats. The American Constitution is of a different time and place and those scoundrels that claim fealty to their perverted interpretation of the constitution are in every way Johnson's scoundrels who destroy civilizations.
6
We should counter these Trump fascist Nuremberg rallies with voter registration rallies. Getting the 18-35 crowd engaged and energized to vote is the most patriotic, Democratic and positive thing any of us could do to take back our country.
Voter turnout and voter registration is where it is at- focus on that - every day.
7
That’s what Bernie’s been doing since 2014.
Join us.
2
The Democrats are the only party the media holds responsible for the acts of government that are perpetrated, by and large, by Republicans. When will the media hold Republicans responsible for what their party has become? When our institutions collapse into an authoritarian dictatorship the real reason will not be one for which we can blame the one party that played by the rules. It will lie with the party that sought power over everything else, cloaking their authority in Christian righteousness and white supremacy. This isn’t new: The fourth estate has had the opportunity since the Southern Strategy to point out what has been going on.
6
"The fate of American identity could be at risk."
American identity is at issue, but not because of Trump's racist rhetoric. Trump is a siren signaling the fire. A loud and unpleasant noise, to be sure. But the siren is not the cause of the fire, nor is it the fire itself.
America and indeed the entire world are in the early stages of a transition that is fueled by a frothy mixture of overpopulation, resource exhaustion, environmental collapse, institutional gargantuanism and increasingly opportunistic parasitism. In simpler terms, the old order is collapsing and the scavengers are moving in.
No one knows how to respond to this. The early reactions are dominated by denial, panic, apocalyptic fantasies and angry scapegoating. Because the process of decay is occurring on multiple fronts, every scapegoat nominee can make at least a minimal claim to credibility.
The possibility must be entertained that we are too early into the transition to clearly see the path out of the maze. If so, the current task is to focus on ultimate values rather than concrete solutions and to make peace with a period of uncertainty. We need to accept that small pieces of the puzzle may show up in unlikely places and be hidden in otherwise useless nonsense. One big answer seems improbable at this stage.
As to Trump, high-minded anger and hate is not the answer to vile anger and hate. On every level, tolerance, respect, patience and compassion will be required. And faith that we can get it done.
2
Does the Press know what to do with Trump is a more pressing question. If the press sticks to the both sides do it Argument they give Trump a decide advantage. They might also want to stop repeating everything that comes out of the White House as a valide Statement given the thousands of lies he has told in during his run as President. Otherwise you give him an unfair advantage in this
3
"To some progressives, the stakes are not just winning in 2020. The fate of American identity could be at risk."
I'm not sure what that means but I hope it is subsumed by the overriding concern that the fundamental pillars of our democracy and way of life are being challenged with considerable success. They won't come crashing down, they will just disappear.
Tom Friedman recently posited this very scenario as a near certainty in Israel if upcoming elections give Netanyahu dominance in the Israeli parliament.
1
Trump has absolutely no sense of shame. Anyone who shakes his hand is in grave danger of catching something.
The democrats [and the rest of the world, for that matter] should ignore trump insofar as possible and quit trying to understand his base.
There is no reasoning with those in his robotic, chanting base. They like trump's cluelessness, classlessness and narcissistic lunacy.
But I don't care about them anymore. Don't care that they're so angry about being left behind, talked down to, blah blah blah.
If trump's base thinks it has something to be angry about, they have nothing in the anger department on the rest of us who have suffered the painful, disgusting ordeal of the trump reign of sub-inferiority.
I'm livid that racism, xenophobia, misogyny, hatred for reason, science, beauty and excellence is okay with them, is "normal".
I don't want to hate them. I want to ignore them and work my damnedest to get trump out of office and out of our public eye.
3
That was Hillary’s strategy.
How’d that work?
2
The silent opposition is making this possible. Why isnt anyone here able to organize protests? This exactly how dictators cement their power, slowly but surely.
1
Trump's not that smart. Someone like Bannon or Miller is in his ear. If they were smart they'd tell him to run on the economy, jobs. conservative judges, restricting abortion, defending America from Iran, all the stuff they've already successfully lied about. If his race baiting against The Squad doesn't work expect military action against Iran.
2
A little bit of history: This fight was started by the left. Way before Trump made these racist comments, the left had begun veering away from traditional kitchen-sink issues, and injecting identity politics into the conversation (which Bernie Sanders had warned them not to do). And when I say Identity Politics, I mean specifically anti-white politics, kind of like in South Africa. They'd started talking about slavery reparations out of the blue, open borders, gleefully celebrating anything that has to do with the decline of Western civilization (like the Notre Dame fire in Paris -- the comments that I saw here were outrageous), and the media had started talking about whites in a slanderous and menacing tone, such as "grumpy" or "entitled" white men. Editorials in the Washington Post were outrageous (I unsubscribed last year), and it was a scary period because nobody was standing up to all that. What we're seeing now is that a white response is no longer taboo, although it was for a long time. I still don't understand why it was necessary for the left to sow division in 2017-2018 which has led to this. They radicalized themselves, and this is the backlash.
19
@Eugene Speaking of illegal immigrants, I hear our Central Valley here in California has rotting produce in the fields, as there are insufficient persons to do the hard labor of picking it since our shutting down of the border.
In the mid 60s I did seasonal field work for three years. I was one of two citizens in a crew of about 30 below the high status job of tractor driver farming around 4000 acres in san bernardino and riverside counties. The rest were braceros and illegal immigrants. The farming would have failed without them, as the work was too demanding for the usual citizen, 14-15 hour days, 115 degree temperatures and all.
us army 1969-1971/california jd
It’s time to talk about racial diversity and inclusion this is truly the way forward. Otherwise tribalism perpetuates and magnifies with Trump’s use of fear and divisive language.
1
Whether fearful whites vote for Trump or not, the diversification of the US will happen anyway. Someone should inform them.
3
In the House this week, in the midst of the Trump tweet storm, Democrats passed a bill that would gradually raise the minimum wage for federal workers to $15 an hour. McConnell will block it in the Senate. Democrats should run on that bill and similar measures designed to uplift workers of all races.
There are many practical policies that can raise the living standards of wage earners and their families that will appeal across racial divisions. The Republican model of supply side, trickle-down, and tax cuts for the rich has driven the rising inequality of wealth and income since Reagan. Measures to reduce inequality need not be "socialist"; they can be deliberate steps in reforming American capitalism to make it a fairer economy for working people.
5
The Democrats are the ones who have created the racial divisions, amongst many other divisions, that have littered out societies ecosystem. Listening to the mouth pieces on the left the loudest make is sound like we've actually slid back into a situation that is worse than it was 60+ years ago. Just ask someone, of any race, what thing were like back then compared to today and all will say they're been significant improvement. As in night and day.
That doesn't mean there's room for improvements. Does matter what it is, there's always room for improvements.
But 50+ years of racism to fight racism guarantees that racism stays front and center. I've always wondered what Dr King would have thought of the state of affairs that we see today. Things have deteriorated for far that just disagreeing results in accusations of racism. Imitating something produces shrieks of cultural, or whatever, appropriation. I think it's pretty safe to say that these times are some of the most intolerant in recent history.
10
The Democrats have yet to turn Trump's vitriol against him. Tom Friedman had an idea to use each new outrage to solicit contributions for Democratic voter registration. Makes sense.
I'd suggest constantly pointing out that he wants to debate to be about name calling. Because if the debate is about anything else, he is too ignorant to participate.
When has a Democrat looked at a camera and said, "Have you ever heard Donald Trump speak in depth about any subject whatsoever? You haven't, because he can't".
Now, a point about health care. When I turned 65 I decided to leave my HMO of 40 years and go into the world of private medicine. I was scared to do it. I knew the HMO system. I wasn't entirely happy, but it had been good enough. I took the plunge into private care.
Now, nearly 5 years later, I realize it was a great decision. I couldn't be happier with my care, which is Medicare and a Plan F medigap policy.
My point is that the Medicare For All people might be right, but they're glossing over the fear of change. And, that fear is present in the best of circumstances. In the scramble which might well follow a national change, things might be worse.
They could be right about the care and wrong about the policy.
Issues like reparations and free health care for illegals will turn off more voters than they attract.
Democrats should stick with traditional Democratic values, not radical societal change. Even if the radicals are right, they have to win first.
2
@RickP
It's not simply about fear of change.
It's about the fact that quite a few people are acquainted with the financial and most important legal realities of Medicare for All. They know that the tradeoffs are not palatable to people who even support Medicare for All.
Yes, you like your care, now. What happens when your doctor refuses the Medicare payment rate in the future because malpractice insurance is too high? Would you be willing to give up your right to sue them, or severely curtail your settlement if it meant you could keep your doctor? I wouldn't bet on it.
It's all very well to present the benefits of single payer. It's much harder to inform people that countries who have it also severely curtail litigation rights Americans take for granted, and love (despite their dubious benefit.)
Medicare for All isn't simply a matter of healthcare legislation. It means drastic tort reform, because ultimately that's the only real bargaining chip you have over healthcare providers and insurance companies.
@Viv
My medicare and medigap policy premiums could rise by approximately a factor of 7 and still not exceed what I was paying before.
So, if the doctors refuse the payment, Medicare could triple the rates and still be a bargain. At least, in my case.
As far as tort reform, are current Medicare recipients complaining in large numbers? In what way would Medicare For All be different?
All that said, my post was to inject a caution which I hadn't seen in print before. I'm not advocating an immediate conversion to single payer. My point is that there's a lot of groundwork to be done first.
1
@Viv
correction, factor of 3.5.
Please remember that "institutional racism" is by design and celebrating and defending it is what the Trump GOP is committed to.
6
It's a feature not a bug. The GOP finally has their racist in the White House.
2
Trump might want to think about how Ed Koch, four-time Mayor of New York, became a loser in the 1989 Democratic primary.
Trump will remember well that Koch took pride in making statements that hurt black people under the guise of being "real."
How did Ed Koch's political career end? Shortly before the 1989 primary, an African American child was killed in Bensonhurst for being in the wrong neighborhood and another African American was killed on the Belt Parkway while trying to run away from a white gang.
New Yorkers, evidently not wanting any more to be led by a man who had inculcated hatred and violence, rejected Koch in the primary.
As I recall, Koch was stunned and retreated to his rent-controlled apartment, where he lived out the rest of his life in relative obscurity.
3
@Purity of
Trump got his education in politics from Giuliani's race against Dinkins. That's where he learned it all.
1
Easy... just say that this racial strategy is all past and no future; a way backwards. A dead-end that leads nowhere.
All of us are too bored and tired of such old fashioned gambits. The future needs some imagination.
3
As you all wallow in the chaos day to day, you miss the point of all this history. Not only is Trump a cancer on the world, but so too are his followers who are extremely dangerous. The world knows it. You don't. America is now in grave danger. You elected it, and as you hate mongers like to say; "Elections have consequences".
1
The real question is: "How Far Will Republicans Go To Support a Racist President?"
3
“They didn’t beat Bull Connor by bringing bigger dogs and bigger fire hoses,” Mr. Booker said. “It was activism that inspired people from all different backgrounds.”
It was Federal power that brought the bigger dogs. Sine qua non.
1
Wait wait wait wait wait.......
A draft dodger is lecturing ANYONE about patriotism?
Really?
3
Another example of opinion editorial being printed as news in a smear against the president.
I have nothing against being critical of sitting politicians, but can you at least label it as opinion, and include some opposing articles?
Is anyone else getting tired of the partisanship?
11
"The fate of American identity could be at risk."
What does that mean? The fate of the constitution is clearly at risk. The Trump administration with full support of the Republican party has declared itself above the law, immune to oversight. The President has publicly rejected the notion that his political opponents should have 1st amendment free speech rights. The Attorney General is openly using investigative powers to intimidate law enforcement that tries to hold the President accountable to laws, and it seems likely that he is also personally shutting down DOJ investigations into criminal behavior by the President.
These anti-constitutional, authoritarian moves are plain as day. The President boasts about them. But the Times continues to hesitate to call them what they are, falling back on polite but meaningless references to the risk posed to "American identity."
Americans who are black, female, and critical of the President, to name one clear example, are very clearly at serious risk, and that's because the President and his Republican allies are sweeping aside constitutional protections and democratic norms. None of this is complicated, hidden, or subtle. But the major media outlets seem unable to report on it clearly.
1
The photograph is spectacular and with some concentration you can fine a sole black gentlemen outfitted in MAGA. Remarkably, the advance team were unable to get two black people however. If Trump is elected by this example of white people one might conclude that America might be irretrievable lost into the ether of whitetrashville. Lost into the ether of isolationism and conservative worldviews of automatic weapons, oxycodone and antiestablishment and antivaccination and antiabortion and limited healthcare. Billy Bob will be encouraged in his career pursuit of becoming a tow truck or backhoe operator. America, love it or leave it might have some takers regardless of birth country or actual Nationalism. Understandably, many Jews in Germany failed to flee during the rise of The Third Reich because they were proud German citizens. Standing in the crowd however resembled the rabid assemblages of Benito Mussolini in his rise to power and the adulation fueled his madness. Trump seems to absorb the same hail Cesar intoxication and invincibility common among the historic dictator personalities like Stalin or even Lenin, historically. The GOP are frightfully unprepared to handle this runaway train of racist hatefulness and dictatorial personality traits of Trump.
3
Ethnic cleansing has a long, dark and disturbing history. That darkness is descending upon America at Trumps invitation and provocation. Americans should not need any other motivation to remove Trump from office as quickly as possible regardless of what the democrats do, regardless of party affiliation or policy preferences, before this takes America down a much darker, disturbing path. Ethnic cleansing in America is unpatriotic and contrary to every Constitutional principle.
7
Jim Crow and Trump
the GOP ticket
7
Donald Trump walked boldly into the political arena and snatched up the thorny gauntlet of race. No one’s been able to grasp it without the scratches and the pain.
Barack Obama, as an Illinois Senator, left it on the ground. He pointed to it in his “Address on Race” in March, 2008. It was a superb précis of America’s “original sin” and why its line has not died out. Gnawing white resentment, the future president would say, is very much tied to their perception of entitlement(s) and their place in the American storyline: who is more valuable and whose contributions are more enduring? Mr. Obama concluded that “a more perfect union” can only result if Americans of good will are determined that the past shall not order the future.
There is no current Democratic presidential candidate now in a position to row across the swirling waters of race with the president and keep the other oar, “kitchen issues,” in the water.
Joseph Biden has too many holes (racial history and otherwise) in his boat to effectively counter No. 45. And neither Kamala Harris nor Cory Booker has the emotional following that swept Barack Obama to victory almost 11 years ago even if their message is essentially the same. And neither yet understands that white Americans do not want another non-white president again, positives or no; they much prefer a coarse fellow as their president.
In this rowboat race, Trump has a sizable lead. And it’s widening daily.
6
Let's start at the beginning.
Ilhan Omar never used the term "evil Jews," as Trump alleged. She talked about Israeli military actions during the 2012 Gaza War, saying "Israel has hypnotized the world, may Allah awaken the people and help them see the evil doings of Israel." She called the military attacks "evil doings." She later apologized, including for the use of the word "hypnotized" which Jewish groups protested as an anti-Semitic trope, about which she had been unaware. You can agree or disagree with Omar on Israel's military actions in Gaza. But she did not refer to "evil Jews," as Trump says.
Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez never called the American people "garbage," either. At the South by Southwest film festival, she was asked about why it had taken so long for legislators to propose progressive policies for health care and climate change. She replied that society has "strayed so far away from what has really made us powerful and just and good and equitable and productive. Moderate" policies are insufficient."
"I think all of these things (new policy ideas) sound radical," she said, "compared to where we are. But where we are is not a good thing. This idea of "10% better than garbage" shouldn't be what we settle for."
Trump has a clear strategy to ignite more partisan division and hatred. Why don't Democrats clarify these comments - and put Trump in his place?
15
Sadly this is the main job of the news media, but for some reason they are unable to rise to the occasion. It is unclear to me as to why. As you point all they need to do is publish the full quotes, but I guess that’s not good clickbait in today’s media world.
5
Support Trump and you are a racist.
Deride illegal immigration (while supporting legal immigration) and you are a racist.
Favor school vouchers and you are a racist.
Be against slavery reparations and you are a racist.
Be critical of any representative 'of color' (no matter how vocal and offensive that representative's public statements) and you are a racist.
Is there any Democrat platform that can be discussed without invoking race?
......
30
Your comment is unfair. You can hold any of those opinions without being racist. But you can’t support a racist like Donald Trump without being a racist, wittingly or not. And each one of the positions you mention can be and often is justified on racist grounds.
Taking illegal immigration as an example, it’s quite common for Trump supporters to cite disease and crime and drugs and trafficking as problems, when in fact they’re not disproportionately associates with immigrants. It’s common to cite public expenditures, as though they’re a drag on society, when they’re not. It’s quite common to support extra-judicial actions by ICE, including lying to asylum seekers, who can’t read English, about the meaning of the paper they’re “asked” to sign.
It’s impossible to distinguish inventing untrue facts about immigrants, and supporting their deportation in exception to our own laws, from racism. It’s not mere xenophobia, unless you think those very same terms would be applied to Canadians or Norwegians. I somehow doubt it.
Now, if all you want is for us to apply our own laws — not just to asylum seekers but also to ICE — and treat those who come here as we ourselves would wish to be treated, well, welcome to the Democratic Party, because that’s pretty much every Democrat’s opinion.
3
We've seen what Trump has done with Senator Warren, so it won't only be race that he will use.
He will dig up every kind of slur that you could think of and bring this country to an all time low in politics.
1
It is ridiculous to think Democrats can win against Trump by accepting the bait and making the election about race, or reparations, or decriminalizing illegally crossing the border so the penalty is basically like a parking ticket. Trump's blatant racism will prevail, especially as it is part of a larger GOP strategy which is working.
Here, for instance, Kamala Harris boasts she can beat Trump on race. Why? Because in the first Democratic debate she attacked Joe Biden on busing. It's a joke. Biden and his supporters deeply care about accusations of bigotry, while Trump and his supporters are actual racists. Accusations against Biden, like similar ones by the Squad saying Nancy Pelosi and the CBC are racists, only immunize Trump.
Trump used racism to attack the four women, and Mitch McConnell's spin was to praise Trump and say it wasn't racism but about how ideologically un-American Democrats are. McConnell told the Fox Business Network: "I think the president is on to something"; that "something" being a fight to save America from Democrats who are all Socialists.
Democrats play Trump's insidious game and actually think they can beat a master manipulator with left-wing outrage culture. The problem is to outrage culture facts and critical thinking don’t matter because virtue is synonymous with identity and everyone is racist, and once everyone is a racist, no one is a racist. It means, thanks to outrage culture, not even Trump and actual white supremacists are racists.
3
Republicans = southern slave state values and allegiance to the confederacy!
Stop voting Republican if you want to preserve the Democracy and US national vale’s of equality for all!
No more Republican Presidents or judges or senators or reps....clean out the Confederate traitors. They made all this crystal clear with Bush and now with Trump!
Southern states were all led by Democrats who were slave owners and later the KKK. My ancestors came to Pennsylvania before the 13 colonies were formed and I care a lot about preserving what they and all the other pioneers did in building this country with a constitution like no other in the world.
Trump gets angry when he sees outright disrespect for our institutions and our flag and so does most of the country. It was Russia, Russia, Russia and that did not work now its racist, racist, racist. The good people of this country are sick and tired of all of this.
3
I think people underestimate Trump's abilities. He's using race to paint the Democratic Party as un-American and the party that cares for the interests of minorities before whites. The 4 freshman Congressman of the "Squad", who are part of the progressive left-wing of the party do not speak for the Democratic Party as a whole, but seem to now through Trump's efforts in spin, to be emblematic of the Democratic Party--unpatriotic and anti-American socialists.
The inherent racism of a significant part of the population has been a potent tool for Republican campaigners like Lee Atwater in the past, and it remains so. As if all economic indicators favor Trump, why is he stoking the fears of the white American electorate?
He is essentially saying the racism is part of the DNA of the America. It has been there since it's beginning: from slavery, Southern lynchings, Jim Crow laws, the genocide of Native Americans, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, the internment of Japanese-Americans, to the wholesale murder of any non-white population that seems to get in the way of the nation's "interests"
Nowadays, minorities for the most part cannot be killed or lynched with impunity--just caged like animals in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. But the vilification of minorites, albeit primarily illegal aliens, continues as they seem to be accused of crimes of murder, rape, theft, etc.
6
The Democrats are incompetent to take on Trump.
He has an immigrant bride, in-laws and former wife with questionable immigration histories yet the Democrats let him roll over them on this issue!!
After to Trump's 2020 landslide we have to purge the party of all the old heads from the 1970-80s and all Clinton influence and start over.
All Democrats do is chase issues they hear about at cocktail parties, they are clueless about the wants and needs of average working class people.
10
A ridiculous oversimplification and generalization. I wish there was an intelligence test in order to be able to vote.
5
Trump is a white supremacist and was endorsed by the KKK official newspaper, The Crusader, during the 2016 election in a full front page and beyond tribute to MAGA. And no, he did not repudiate that endorsement as his campaign has claimed, Trump regularly uses the White Power hand signal at his rallies and during press conferences. And the way he holds his hands together whenever he sits thumbs and index fingers touching, well take a closer look.
5
@Patrick:
I only recently became aware of the "A-OK" sign as a symbol. I always thought it was strange the way Trump used his hands when speaking. Wow! It has been in plain sight the whole time!
1
This morning I watched Pence and Liz Cheney defend the tweets as about being about patriotism, not race, with a dash of framing the concentration camp AOC comment as anti-semitic. Can the Dems AND THE MEDIA focus on the deficit, the environmental destruction, the cronyism, and come up with several choices on healthcare? The racist tweets are redirecting their energy. It’s playing right into Trump’s strategy.
6
I’ve been following the democratic candidates for a while and frankly haven’t gotten the impression that the election will be centered on Trump’s racist rhetorical tactics. Dem candidates continue to make policy issues like medicare for all/not all, taxing the richest, etc priorities in their messaging. If one thing is likely to thrust racism into the center of the dialogue, it is the constant coverage and glorification by news organizations like this one of that racism and its proponents. That is to say - articles like this one aren’t distanced observations but are contributions to the patterns they seek to reveal. This also happened in 2016, by the way.
4
Politicians and the media keep saying the Russians aided Trump, but when you think about it, it makes no sense!
His helpers are right before our eyes everyday in the US itself: the media!!!
Trump is nothing without the media! His racism is nothing without the media! Even the Russians with all their help are nothing without the media which gladly shared the information they stole!
It’s really the media such as this paper that is playing everybody for suckers!!!
1
Trump is a racist, but the Squad and other leftists aren’t really helping the Democrats in counteracting his bigotry.
Stop openly criticizing America, stop undermining tragedies like 9/11, stop comparing immigration policy to segregation, and never call Nancy Pelosi a racist again.
10
Criticizing policy is not the same as criticizing America kthx
@Mark
When did these things happen? From democrats? I've been paying attention and don't remember any of this happening: " criticizing America, undermining tragedies like 9/11, stop comparing immigration policy to segregation, and calling Nancy Pelosi a racist." Sounds, in fact, like the republicans. Always something with those folks, and the projection is obscene.
1
Articles like this often engage in false choices. Investigate or legislate? Both. Pursue a progressive agenda or maximize the chances of denying Trump a second term? Both. Call out Trump's racism or focus on kitchen table issues? Both.
At every opportunity, say something like "Donald Trump is trying to use race to divide us, so we don't notice that his foreign policy is reckless and dangerous/40% of Americans struggle to pay all their bills on time/a quarter of all American children live in poverty/right-wing terrorists are murdering their fellow Americans" etc., etc. Turn Trump's racism and nativism into the putrid fig leaf that it is, hiding his ineptitude and unfitness to be president. Turn it into a ten ton weight he has to wear around his neck.
4
Right on!
Trump takes extreme positions. Easiest is to be the reasonable alternative.
I don’t want open borders. I just think we can enforce our immigration laws without putting children in cages.
Sure, we need better trade deals. But we don’t have to cut off the Chinese market from our farmers, and we should be supporting American workers, not Microsoft and the pharmaceutical industry.
Donald Trump says he wants to protect people with preexisting conditions. Wonderful? But what about coverage when you lose your job, or start a business, or exhaust your lifetime cap? What about being denied coverage you were paying for, based on a technicality? Because that’s what universal healthcare is about, and what Obamacare did until he failed to defend it.
Donald Trump want to make abortion illegal. No one supports infanticide, as he claims Democrats do. What about a sensible compromise like, say, Roe v Wade?
Immigration has so many positive aspects, it's hard to understand why dems could not convince the skeptics.
Just for starters, we need some physical labor and the best comes from the farm which is why Mexican farmers are used in agriculture.
China's market power draws on 1.6M population. How exactly do we get stronger by getting smaller?
The best way to keep SocSecurity and other insurance products solvent is to increase the base paying into the program. Immigrants begin working and contributing right away, especially if it is managed competently. Absent immigration, we are not replacing our middle income population and we'd be hurting already and unable to pay for baby boomer retirement.
And for those who say fine but shouldn't we be bringing in skilled laborers, there's a problem for Europeans coming to America: They don't have security in the world created by the hard right Republicans; they are not sure how their kids would grow up vis a vis in Europe where society is more egalitarian and nobody goes bankrupt when they get sick. I know this from having talked with real cases of people who were working in US as youth and returned to Europe to raise a family.
In spite of these arguments, the media will focus aerial shots of hordes of immigrants (asylum seekers) from Central America snaking through Mexico on the way to the Rio Grande and ask 20 democratic primary candidates if they favor giving them free medical care.
Yes I agree Trumps words do. "The first thing you need to know is that the Trump tax cut caused a huge rise in the budget deficit, which the administration expects to hit $1 trillionthis year, up from less than $600 billion in 2016. This tidal wave of red ink is even more extraordinary than it looks, because it has taken place despite falling unemployment, which usually leads to a falling deficit.
[For an even deeper look at what’s on Paul Krugman’s mind, sign up for his weekly newsletter.]
Strange to say, none of the Republicans who warned of a debt apocalypse under President Barack Obama have protested the Trump deficits. (Should we put Paul Ryan’s face on milk cartons?) For that matter, even the centrists who obsessed over federal debt during the Obama years have been pretty quiet. Clearly, deficits only matter when there’s a Democrat in the White House.
2
Republican politicians have bought into his message: hate thy neighbor.
Besides being a self promoting demagogue, he also is probably a criminal, as documented by the Mueller Report.
Moreover he is incompetent. His cabinet choices have been disasters. His first National Security Adviser has plead guilty for lying about illegal contacts with Russia.
The diplomatic corps has been humiliated and is demoralized. He rejects the findings of the CIA and other intelligence agencies. We are close to war with Iran, which had a treaty with us, killed for no reason. We also permitted Russia to exert its will on several fronts, such as Syria. The optics include a disastrous Helsinki press conference when he subjugated himself to Putin.
"Tax cuts" probably benefited the Trump organization, and he continues to promote his businesses by using the office of the president,
It gave his buddies an $1.5 Trillion windfall, to be funded by a huge deficit and by taxing the rest of us and cutting Medicare and Social Security in out years.
If they learned anything from the 2016 election, the Democrats need a better ground game.
The toughest task here is the one that MLK and Obama mastered. Namely, how to repudiate racist actions and words without repudiating racist people...though every fiber of our being wants to scream just how reprehensible these actions are.
Because. ... Trump. was elected by a bunch of people who already felt shunned. These are the Trump Obama voters that can turn things back around.
Once Kamala Harris secures the nomination, all hands on deck will be required. Racists and misogynists in the Democratic Party need not apply. We'll take the presidency without you.
1
Why does this opinion piece appear on the front page as if you are reporting news?
10
That a sitting president cannot be indicted for crimes makes the United States no better than any other tin pot dictatorship in the world.
4
Race division is a strategy that's been used for centuries by the powerful to keep the less powerful--ALL of them--under their thumb. Trump and the GOP use race so that poor white people will feel better looking down their noses at the few groups still perceived beneath them and have someone to blame. But the blame doesn't lie with immigrants or minorities or the LGBT. The blame lies with the 1% and that is what the Democrats need to pound home.
Trump, the GOP and the 1%, THEY are the problem. They are what's holding everyone else in this country back. They are the takers. The DNC needs to pull the wool off poor white Americans' eyes, they're being duped.
Dividing people is not new and it's still effective- blame others for injustices that a large swath of middle of the country, white, Americans feel, i.e. economic hardships, insecure retirement, expensive healthcare, being left behind, etc, etc. Hitler was masterful at it and so is Trump.
My hourly wage back in the 80's was more than most people make today. And, the cost of living was much less then as were homes, cars, food, etc. This is what people are angry about and why they are more than happy to displace their anger on anyone.
Mexican infants and toddlers didn't cause these problems, neither did any other non white christian group.
CANDIDATES AND OTHER LEADERS NEED TO TALK ABOUT WHAT REALLY HAPPENED IN THIS COUNTRY - that the wealthy elite (Davos Crowd) decided decades ago that Americans would stay stagnant for a generation or more. There was too much money to be made elsewhere so jobs, manufacturing, etc, was shipped off our shores.
Candidates, go to the middle of the country and shout from the mountains. Yell about it! Be charismatic!! Don't worry about being measured, it's boring. Talk about why American's were left behind - that it was calculated and planned. Tell them that their leader/savior Trump, is part of the group that is screwing them. Plain and simple!!!
I'm a white, democratic, female and quite frankly, I'm underwhelmed by our candidates and not hopeful, unless they can talk about the issues - from the middle of the country's perspective.
At last the Times faces a simple issue.
And it is pretty fun because the answer is so clear.
The democrats are going to get their rears kicked. Americans may save democrat dc insiders from themselves but they didn’t save democrats or Americans from dc democrat incompetence in 2016 so who knows.
7
Your suggestion is that TRUMP is setting the agenda on racism and nationalism as opposed to the Democrats.
While that is true enough, it does not dig deep enough.
WHITE CONSERVATIVE EVANGELICALISM is setting the agenda on racism and nationalism and has been for some time. Trump is merely THEIR Strongman.
There is no getting around it. Behind the political war of 2020 is a religious war for the true meaning of Christian faith.
The NYT may not be used to covering theology. But be that as it may, that is where the real story is.
6
I think a trap has been laid by Trump, tempting the Dems to enter into a race-based campaign.
If there were multiple candidates to choose from in the final election for President between the Dems and Repubs, I think Trump would be swamped. But, when looking at a choice between open borders or orderly immigration, abortion up to the end of pregnancy versus prolife, and jobs versus handouts for all (this is how the race seems to be framed now), with only an either/or choice, Trump will have people in the center and right hold their noses and vote for him. It's what happened last time and the Dems are playing right into it, again.
7
@WestCoastBestCoast. As long as Democrats don't offer up one of the old grandees of the white patriarchy, they should do fine.
Joe Biden will have to thread the needle very carefully not to come off as being too patronizing or condescending, nor to sound too eager to push the white savior narrative. It's a tall order in this environment.
What to do is not only a question for Democrats but the entire populace, including journalists. Democratic candidates should stress, and the press chronicle, the amount of legislation the House has passed and which McConnell and the Republicans have stymied in the Senate. And what about more emphasis on the cesspool that is Trump's cabinet, including AG Barr, who has co-opted the independence of the Justice Department to become the president's personal attorney and defender?
1
Can democrats hold these truth to be self-evident: Trump is a racist, strong borders is good for america, coming across the border illegally is a crime, daca persons and chain migration persons should be given a path to citizenship.
Can democrats tackle homeless crisis plaguing many cities. How about a national program ?
Can democrats roll back tax cuts to millionaires and billionaires while preserving tax cuts to the middle class?
1
Over the next 15 months, the Democratic Party should focus the attention of America on solutions to issues that will contribute to the continued evolution of the American society as an example for the rest of the planet Earth as a force for Good.
There are major issues in responding internationally to the existential threat posed by global warming and in many economies, including our own, the problem of aging populations and how society provides for those that require assisted care.
Another important issue area is the distribution of work and income and the attendant concentration of income and wealth in such a small proportion of the World society.
There is a building backlog of work in providing and renewing our aging infrastructure in water distribution systems, electric power distribution, access to wireless communications, and transportation logistics. In the transportation logistics area the U.S. in particular should complement its economically successful Interstate Highway System with a national 300 mph, all weater, Superconducting Maglev Network for hauling much of our intercity highway freight trucks as well as passengers as first proposed by the U.S. Senate in 1987. There is also the possibility of using Maglev technology to launch solar satellites to build a new source of cheap electricity for the Earth.
There is a continuing high-priority need to provide universal access to health and education. There needs to be a rethinking of these two vital systems.
1
Does every single NYT article about Democrats have to be about their supposed dysfunction, disorganization or incompetence? It's almost like you want them to lose.
2
White supremacy “could be the lurking issue that ends this country”, Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg has said. How will racial divisiveness play out in the US military in Civil War 2.0 ?
1
You let a lying racist Donald Trump continue with his bigotry. The Democrats must ignore it and not take the bait. You will never convince those white people who attend his rallies that their hero is a bigot, racist, and liar. The Democrats need to allow Trump to continue in order that the suburban voters get more sickened every time he opens his mouth. You will never convince the Trump sycophants. You must try and convince everyone else that better healthcare, reducing the additional pollution the Trump EPA has fostered, and that a fairer economy for all is the way to go.
In terms of racist tweets and bigoted rallies attended by thousands of other bigots, just let Trump be Trump. He has been all his life.
3
How in an economy with under 4% unemployment can the folks who attend Trump's rallies be so angry with immigrants and people of color generally? The claim that these groups are taking their jobs is laughable. When you drive past a farm field being hand harvested how many overweight white folks do you see placing strawberries in containers? When you check into a hotel and hang your room service sign on the door when you leave for the day, what is the ethnic make-up of those pushing the service carts? Small people blame others for their own problems and Trump has discovered a 'bumper crop' of those types, primarily in the Republican Party.
3
In addition to race - Americans have real grievances: hard work doesn't pay; illness can make your whole family bankrupt; only the rich go to good schools and they don't have to be bright to get in — bribes will do the trick; bribes, oops, I mean speaking fees and "campaign contributions" decide who will win an election; police often act as little better than hired goons; women are not respected by employers are under paid and little advanced; children are abused and put in cages; oh yes gun violence. Will the Democrats address race as they have NOt addressed these grievances? Obama should have addressed it, but he wanted popularity and the wealth that went with it so he took a pass.
My money says no. It's just not in them.
It's a given the Republicans are status quo straight down the line. They have no ideas because they've been riding the gravy train too long. The Democrats have been riding it with them for decades. They have no idea how the lives of modest people play out across our continental empire. Worse still the Democrats are afraid of the little people they don't really understand. The okd guard's home training is to say wait your turn stay in line. Witness the blithering nostalgia of Joe Biden and the whiplash smack downs of Nancy Pelosi. An impressive foe to be sure, but an imposter who got her daddy's job.
Even still I'll be voting Blue until they put me in the grave
1
Please hear me out.. When people voted for Hitler and empowered him in 1930s, it wasn't because they're fascist or racists, but because they were living in fear. Post WWI, Germans were humiliated and their economy and politics were in free fall. I get it; I understand it; but will never find it justifiable.
The thing I don't even understand here in the West, the West is more prosperous and secure than ever;
-why big sections are living in fear?
-why are they so insecure to the point that they empower fascists?
This is a western phenomenon that rarely pundits or political scientists address.
2
It should be a requirement for commenting on whether or not trump is a racist that the commenter state clearly what he or she understands racism to be — and what is (or isn't) wrong with it.
3
The press has avoided calling racists what they are...racists. They have avoided calling bigots what they are...bigots.
They have avoided calling homophobes what they are...deplorable.
Why do we use politically correct descriptions when simply calling people what they are would suffice.
The supporters at the Trump rallies who chant or stand by while the chants are taking place are what they are....disgusting, deplorable, un - American losers.
The sooner they get called what they are, as soon as they act like they do, the sooner they will crawl back to the underbelly they came from. Let them off the hook and you will find us right where we are today or even worse, with violent outbreaks because they feel emboldened by being allowed to spew their venom at will, while the Democrats and the media tap dance around calling them what they are by "going high."
Unfortunately, the Democrats seem to already be well on their way to self-destruction despite the words and action of Trump and his Administration. By sniping at each other, proposing unwanted "revolutionary" new social policies and failing to develop any appeal to the moderate middle class in Middle America the Democrats have already almost assured Trump of a second term.
For crying out loud, the Two-Hundred and Fifty Million Americans who have private healthcare insurance (usually via their private sector employer) do not want Medicare for All to replace what they already have!
When you're preaching a public policy that the vast majority of Americans do not want -- you're not going to win a general election!
Time after time, on issue after issue, the Democrats running for President play into Trump's strategy. I mean, really, will someone clue in the folks like Warren, Sanders and Harris that you're ticking off a heck of a lot more people than you're attracting.
For the life of me I cannot understand this except in the context of the American peoples classic ahistoric mentality. We never learn from the past and are thus condemned to repeat it!
Folks, it's 1972 all over again. The Democrats move to the unelectable far left and ensure that an unpopular ("I am not a crook!") Republican incumbent wins in a landslide. Deja vu.
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@George Just because George from Copake doesn't like something, doesn't make it unpopular. 70% of Americans support single payer healthcare. The past is Biden. The past is mediocrity and more of the same. I believe you're wrong. I think we are in dire need of major change or this country is in serious trouble. Enough with the tepidness and ambivalence. We need bold thinkers, George. You're not cutting it and neither will any milquetoast candidate or policy.
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So are you voting for Trump then?
20
@George Our generation (under 45 years old) are going to wipe the floor with these feckless racists and their coward enablers. This is NOT the land of the brave anymore--just a bunch of small-minded cowards being manipulated by the one-percenters who only believe in themselves.
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Democrats should ignore Trump's tirades about race. They didn't create this issue, he very intentionally did. He's looking to win over swing voters in Wisconsin, Michigan, and North Carolina. Democrats would do well to vote down any candidate that brings discussion of race into the primary debates.
3
It would be impossible for a Democratic candidate to win office in a southern red state by changing enough Trump supporters' minds. Trump has his base ideologically and emotionally drugged and leashed.
Democrats will win handily if they convince the needed number of apathetic voters and non-voting adults to register and vote.
The verbal jousts with Trump are great theater, but the Democrats are currently second rate thespians in the political gong show that gives the win to whipping up fear and ignorance with propaganda.
In all of that disgusting circus, as a group, democrats have convincingly lost the opportunity to evangelize about how much better we were under Obama and will be without Trump. One reason is that there are too many primary candidates, all with good ideas, but the priority rankings of those are lost in the debates. In other words, "Right idea, wrong time or wrong place." Perhaps the prioritization problem will be worked out as a leading candidate for nomination emerges.
Let Trump talk to the same old audience. The democrats best hope is a cure for voter apathy for which only they can write the Rx and administer.
3
Do Democrats??!! know what to do? This isn't a political issue, although some are using it for political advantage. It is a moral one. The question is: What are the priests, ministers, rabbis, imams, monks, nuns, educators (including newsmakers), and parents going to do?
One thing that's not getting mentioned much in the references to fascism and its rise is what this "ism" eventually did to the nations that supported its rise. True, others paid the price initially while the fascists prospered. But in the end, hate and destruction brought destruction on the destroyers. Cruelty and hate are cancers that eventually eat up one's own body as well as soul.
2
Every single election for the past three decades, democrats have brought out the race card, calling everyone and anyone a racist. It's their playbook. Why just last week AOC accused Nancy Pelosi of being racist. Now, all of a sudden, Donald Trump say he objects to the squad's disgusting politics -- and the crowd jumps at the chance to fling it right back in their democrat faces. And this paper, playing its dutiful democrat role, accuses the President even further. And let's be clear here even further. How many democrat politicians have been tarred by this paper with having associated with Robert Byrd, a former KKK member? Exactly none.
19
Is it just me, or does Senator Harris seem to be blossoming into a fantastic candidate?
3
@Sparky
It is just you for sure.
16
@Sparky
Of course! Kamala Harris is a fantastic candidate because she is Presidential Material in her bones. She is the one we need for President of the United States of America.
@lochr
She hasn't a chance. And she will not beat bone spurs, you forget the South and Midwest? Nebraska, Wyoming? Idaho. White supremacist country.
President Trump and those at the Greenville rally were not then, are not today, and never will be racists, except in the jaded, distorting and maliciously falsifying minds of those who’ve simply decided to make an issue out of nothing.
8
I live on an island whose voter are republicans through and through. They are all white and they listen to Fox news day and night. They are mostly nice people except when it comes to their fundamental fear. They are terrified that they are becoming a minority peoples in what they consider to be their country. They can't seem to grasp that they will simply be another minority culture among many other American minority cultures. Trump plays to this fear and republicans who should know better let him. The sad thing is they are a privileged and wealthy class of people who should recognize Trump's lies for what they are, a vile scam. In this island's case fear trumps their supposed christian values.
2
Heads Republicans win.
Tails Democrats lose.
What kind of bizarro world is American politics ?
Trump is a Russian-Republican Robber Baron who charges billionaire tax cuts to the middle class every year while tearing the nation to neo-Confederate pieces.
He should be on trial for treason and raiding the national treasury.
Lock him up !
5
@Socrates, three word chants got us into this mess. The least you could do is douse the flamethrower for a time. Tit for tat, both sides lose.
1
Both parties have ignored Trump for 3 years. He says something terrible; we usually hear nothing from Democrats. If the President lies and says terrible things, some democrat somewhere should counter it, every day. Meaning, be in the NYT the next day or on the news shows. Trump is always there but ignoring him just makes him sound normal. Now as we get close to an election, Trump throws out some bait and all of a sudden, we hear some democrats finally espousing their traditional values, such as busing or reparations.
The big issue now is Trump. The big issue now is how do we build (back) a country that has been ignored by both parties. Better schools for all, better jobs for anyone, cleaner towns, safer cities, better schools and better schools, and climate change.
The moon landing may remind us all that we used help from all over the world, and the whole achievement happened because of thousands of well-trained scientists. Science got us to the moon. That comes from better education, which also might improve our social discourse.
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@Kenneth You mentioned better schools several times and everyone must agree with you. However, it is the teacher unions that have focused on teacher pay instead of student outcomes that have hurt public education. Would you be willing to remove teacher union exemptions that they enjoy that other public employee unions do not have? I am afraid that is the root of the problem and there are so many teachers now that vote that politicians are never going to put students interests before their self-interest.
3
@Kenneth no they haven’t! It’s all up to the media. You can shout on top of the mountain and the media can ignore you and make it seem like you said nothing! And you can do the opposite and they have you all over their platforms and make it seem you were on the mountain. Trump is their creation! They help and make him! He’s their puppet! They will make it seem whatever they want!!!
4
@Mark Singleton: My goddaughter was an elementary teacher of science and math. She made s little income that she would take her blood pressure medicine once every three days, rather than daily. She used every extra penny to buy her students supplies like pens, paper, pencils and even text books. She died of a sudden heart attack. The teachers are not making a living wage. The children are not receiving an ample education. It is not an either or situation.
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Biden and the establishment Dems need to leave the flowery politician speak in the past. "Tearing at the social fabric of this country"? No one talks like that. Speaking like Lincoln or FDR is not winning you new voters. Try "turning this country in 1930's Nazi Germany."
There is a sea change in Americans' views on politics and politicians. The old road has faded. Bernie Sanders saw one of the two most successful political rises in modern times because of his blunt, real, down to earth New York cabbie way of speaking. You know who else talks like that and saw his support go from 1% in June 2015 to the White House? People crave it. You can still speak intelligently about complex issues, but talking like you're trying to impress the English teacher is old and done.
3
Democrats do have leverage against the blatant racism displayed at rallies and coming straight out of the president’s mouth— if they’d only use it. We need to stop calling this a problem of “Trump” or his “supporters”. That limits the whole thing to a seeming group of “hooligans” (and if that term harkens back to how the Germans first conceived of Nazi party members, it was supposed to). We need to begin using terms like Republican racism, Republican nativist rallies, Republican chants of “Send her back”, and Republican white power rhetoric. The president is a Republican and he has Republican supporters and Republicans attend his rallies. If Republicans want to contest that kind of characterization- let them. Their silence has made them complicit. In fact, the worst thing you can say about the Republicans in the Senate is that they’ve merged with and become, simply, “Trump Supporters”.
3
Is he "setting the terms" or "digging his hole"? I agree with those who advise not to play the game, the sides have been set, if there are more indecent people in America than decent ones, I'd prefer to know that now so I can plan my future away from this benighted land.
1
Democrats have been playing the race card for years. So yea, I am annoyed. But I mainly want a president who will keep China and Iran’s feet to the fire and continue to grow my 401k and not tax me for stupid stuff like reparations.
11
We know that Trump is a vile human being who is using racial grievances for his own political ends. Democrats keep biting the catnip that Trump dangles in front of them, and are falling in his trap. This is what he wants. So Democrats need to stop talking about race and start talking about the issues. It's that simple. The EPA announced that it will not ban a pesticide associated with developmental disorders in children. Why not a press conference or twitter war on that issue?
The Squad is not helping by continuing the twitter feud with Trump and giving him ammunition. They need to zip it and realize that the states we need do not support their agenda. Besides, they also played the race card with Pelosi. One could say that what goes around comes around. And yes, what he said about them was morally reprehensible, but they need to be smart and strategic, yet they are too politically and intellectually immature and inexperienced.
The election will be won or lost in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, at a minimum. The independent and moderate voters are not interested in racial grievances. This is how the democrats keep losing whites and independents. At the end of the day, there are simply not enough minorities in the states that count electorally for 270 votes. So stop the race nonsense and keep your eye on the prize - 2020 and keeping the House. At this point, dems can also lose the House again with all the nonsense and drama that the Squad are fomenting.
11
It’s not just white identity, it’s white conservative evangelicalism.
The answer is NOT to attack Christianity, as many on the left have done.
The answer is to argue forcefully that white conservative evangelicalism is a distortion of Christian faith, and to argue against racism from the point of view of the gospel.
11
@Paul McGlasson, so you want atheists and agnostics to lecture serious Christians on what Christianity really means? Really?
Trump's tactics are those of a desperate man. His supporters know how fragile his presidential anointment is .
Sure they share the same racial ignorance, afraid of what they don't understand, but make no mistake. His presidency is a house of cards. The universal laws that govern balance and fairness have yet to seek him out.
Democrats should learn how to have their cake and eat it too, just as Trump and the McConnell Republicans like to use racial inflammation, deny it, but then reap its benefits.
This might mean repeating all the time some sort of slogan: "Unlike lying Trump who likes to play the racial victim card, we are out here solving XYZ."
1
Tell white voters the truth about the impact of Trump's policies on them and explain how he, Mitch McConnell, and the rest of Republican leadership is playing them for fools.
The fact that some won't listen should be no deterrent as long as enough of them might.
One vote stood between Trump and McConnell and white voters' loss of their pre-existing conditions.
That argument ruled the day in 2018 and there is no reason to believe it won't have the same impact in 2020.
8
Oh yes, by all means appeal for my vote by "teaching me" about institutional racism and white privilege .. that's a real winning approach
29
a big problem is that trump knows no boundaries re racism and lieing. he will simply keep creating lies, (10,796 in 869 days) day after day, and no attachment to the truth. lies that slander the opponent and create a new shining object.
the "problem" is that democrats do not intentionally tell lies, or very rarely do and facts don't penetrate the shield of lies - one after another supporter claims trump never lies.
I really must thank the Donald for bringing religion back into my life.
I used to be an unbeliever, but I have changed.
I now believe in the Anti-Christ, and he is in the white House.
Trump is a collection of the worst possible traits you can ever find in a human being,and everyday when I think he has sunk as low as he possibly can, he surprises me by sinking even lower.
8
Imagine if we just focused on the issues and stopped writing 20 columns of complex analysis about people chanting 'go home'. The issue is,'racist' doesn't have much of a kick to it nowadays. The term is actively mocked on conservative forums (breitbart, fox news, r/the_donald) because liberals have overused it.I can't stomach another Charles Blow column because it's the same thing every week; you could literally write his op-eds from a template.
The entire 'white-grievance', 'white privilege' 'white whatever' seems to forget a majority of this country is white people, and white people vote, and they comprise most of the swing states in the Midwest.
It is like on election night 2016 when Van Jones couldn't think up anything to say once Trump won, so he defaulted with 'white lash', instead of simply admitting Clinton was a horrendous candidate with a lot of flaws.
This continues to be a disastrous narrative, along with immigration, that will help get Trump re elected in 2020.
28
Trump is the issue for 2020, in the sense that the election will be a contest between his America and the America that most Americans believe in: One in which people are treated according to ability and achievement, one that welcomes immigrants while preserving national security, one that accepts the need for alliances, and so on. Democrats need to choose the candidate who can best express that vision of America, not in response to Mr. Trump's bombast, but as a positive vision that can inspire today's citizens just as our forefathers (and they were our forefathers even if our ancestors were then in far foreign lands) were inspired to create this nation.
2
One way for Democrats to simultaneously counter and ignore Trump's racism is to point out that the Democrats' economic policies will help Americans regardless of race. The real problem in our country is rich vs. working class, but Trump and his allies want to make it about white vs. black, because that's the only way they can fool working-class whites into voting against their economic interests.
So the goal is to show that there's a better way, one that actually does help the voters that Trump only pretends to help.
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@Jeff
Well stated Jeff.
Trump manipulates voters with his racist messaging.. he does not even bother to dog whistle anymore... just goes straight to known and hurtful racist memes. All the democrats need to do is to get the young rebels in Congress to reign it in a bit and not give Trump low hanging fruit to pick and throw in his racist diatribes AND use a well organized base of surrogate speakers (those not in office or running for office) to counter his every statement and denial with the press.
Democrats need to push their message to voters, regardless of what Trump does or does not say or do. The particular 2020 presidential campaign message from Democrats will not actually emerge however until a nominee becomes apparent. We are simply too early for that.
20
@Jeff 100% correct.
4
@Jeff. The economy is the best in 50 years. This from shields and brooks, PBS. It's still not an economy that pays living wages and benefits for everybody . It hasn't been for...50 years. The democrats need to figure out how to bring back the jobs and economy that they and the republicans have been shipping over seas since the 70s. Free health care for illegals and open borders aren't going to do it.
12
You do what you always do with a racist, you shine a light on them. On fox news this morning Chris Wallace wouldn't let stephen miller gaslight viewers about trump's racism.
Just keep pointing it out. In polling after the tweets he gained 3 points with republicans, but lost 3 with Democrats and 6 with Independents. His base will never change, but they aren't enough to win.
There's a myth that trump is a strong candidate, he isn't, he never has been. He squeaked by in 2016 and even then republicans lost 6 seats in the House and broke even in the Senate.
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@Pirate58
Agreed! Dems need to "Just keep pointing it out" and STOP. No discussion, prevarication, comparisons with others' statements, historical figures, etc. Just treat it as the fact it is and move on immediately to Trump's broken promises.
There are any number to choose from ... remember the "beautiful" health plans he promised (more coverage at less cost)? "Amazing" infrastructure (because development is his forte, right)? New, great paying jobs? End to wars/international conflicts?
There's a failed promise for every day of the year. Time for Dems to stop playing defense! Move to offense!! There's never been a better opportunity.
42
@Pirate58 Exactly! The 1% are to blame and all fingers should be pointing at them. This country has been carrying them for too long at the expense of everyone else. The Dems should be constantly sounding the alarm over income inequality and point fingers at the right parties: Trump, the GOP and the 1%.
24
Have to disagree. “You shine a [spot]light on them”? Condemn these people, but don’t give them the advantage of around-the-clock coverage to spread their antidemocratic message.
12
The only response that a bully will ever understand is to stand up to that bully. Unfortunately this President has made this a battle, and campaigns may be a battle of ideas, but they are also battles of strategy and tactics. Republicans are brazen & unscrupulous- and we Democrats get shocked into disorientation and even paralysis- We need to stop playing defensively& start playing offensively. This bully needs to go!
133
After Trump's "Go back to where you came from," Democrats don't have to take the outrage bait again. If Americans don't know yet that Democrats are a diverse party that will always advocate, protect and expand the human and civil rights and dignity of minorities of all kinds, there's nothing more they can say now.to prove it. Let Trump be the face of hateful "identity politics." Let him tweet slurs and twist in the wind while Democrats extend health insurance to every man, woman and child, guarantee access to vocational training and higher education for all, move with urgency toward a green energy system and bring winless "forever wars" to a close. Trump will keep telling voters who he is. Democrats don't have to.
116
@abigail49 I totally disagree. When he goes low, we can't just go high as Clinton did. We need to call him on when he is divisive and outrageous. We should not get into long dissertations about it but words like un-American, divisive, ludicrous. white supremacists, KKK, racist of course have power. ref to George Wallace rather than Lincoln may help.
2
Unless & until you seize the narrative, you will be passive and you will lose.
If any candidate, in this or any future election, fails to attack, to force the opponent to explain - they have no chance.
The electorate does not have the attention span for nuance, only theater.
Win or die.
I hope the Democrats know what’s at stake and fight accordingly.
133
@Kevin Greene
Problem is.. you cannot force Trump to explain anything he says. He says it.. if it plays well.. he keeps saying it and if it does not play well.. he denies he said it.. no matter how many clear videos exist of him saying it.
You cannot corner a pathological liar. It's a fools errand. Just put him in a bright light of contrasting views and let voters who are not idol worshiping boot lickers of Trump.. hear and decide sense for nonsense.
6
@Kevin Greene Yes, but attack on what? What Dems choose to attack defines them as a party. So far, they have attacked him on his inhumanity ("kids in cages" at the border) and now his racist tweets against four Congresswomen. Both those issues relate to race and immigrants. Trump wants voters to think that's all Democrats care about. They need to find a couple of other issues to attack him on with equal ferocity.
1
For what it's worth, I'm an older white male.
And I welcome every sort of person to this country — hispanic, black, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish, Atheist, physicist, laborer — and especially people who are fleeing unlivable situations in their homelands. None if them hurt me — and, collectively, their diversity makes my country stronger.
What I don't welcome is fascism. Fear. Hatred. Lies. Unreasonable economic disparity. The desecration of our environment and our nation.
So yes, let's call these things what they are while at the same time offering a better vision of America — a vision of a country that people can be proud of. Because we sure can't be proud of anything Trump and his followers stand for.
535
@Philip S. Wenz
Nicely stated Philip and right on the mark.
30
@Philip S. Wenz
Thank you. Every day I look for someone to reaffirm my faith in humanity. Today, you are that man.
29
If you have children, you want teach them honesty, integrity, and empathy. So, let's elect a government which represents those values.
Our current President and leaders of the Senate encompass not one of those three values. Instead, they tell half-truths (i.e. lie), have no moral compass, and empathy...don't get me started.
Someone who is honest, has integrity and is emphatic will ALWAYS do right by the American people. You can't go wrong with that choice. Irregardless of party. Those are characteristics a great leader.
1
Trump is baiting us.
He will accuse us of doing what he is doing. That's his playbook.
He and his people have the right to their opinions of us.
What they do not have the right to do is violate the Constitution or break the law.
We have to watch them very closely and not betray ourselves and when they over step the law, we need to arrest them, cuff them, and lock them up. In the meanwhile, as any good hunter will confirm, we have to sit tight and wait. Relaxed but alert and for the love of Pete, don't scare 'em off. Patience my friends, their hubris will betray them unless ours betrays us.
159
@Max And Max “I know you are, but what am I?” Wears out even in 3rd grade.
1
@Max And Max, I feel myself leaving the Democratic party because of what I see as the racism of the left. They have been casting everything in terms of race and gender far longer than the right. It feels like identity politics is so big on all sides right now, but the least racist people I know are moderate Republicans. Every time Trump does this I can feel myself moving further right when I watch the Dems respond.
I hope the Democratic party can rise above these attacks and divisive behavior, if it can't I might just have to sit this next one out.
2
@burf
Opinions, except on the Supreme Court level are irrelevant. The "tit-for-tat" game was great in second grade, but it's time for the adults to put an end to Trump's and his supporters childish ways. For example, we need to organize a national "sick in" to show our contempt for a nation that has a national policy that is against "Medicare for All." We need to express our views too, but, we need to be like hunters and let the prey expose itself so we can go home with something to show.
3
This sets up an "either-or" proposition: "Do you, on the campaign trail, talk directly about the president’s inflammatory language, racism and discrimination in this country? Or do you talk about jobs and the economy?" You talk about both. Trump is an abomination, and if the electorate votes for him, we're already lost. I believe Trump's cult-like core of constituents are fewer in number than the out-sized attention they receive rightly deserves. On the second issue, the Republican Party has nothing. They've betrayed every principle they've ever claimed to uphold and represent nothing but a nihilistic, destructive quest for power by any means. Here too, if the American People vote for that, then America is lost.
2
If it were up to me, I would insist that all debates between Trump and the Democratic Presidential nominee take place without a live audience. That will reduce or eliminate any incentive Trump may have to use the kind of incendiary language that he employs at his rallies to rile up the crowd. Plus, without a live audience, Trump may find it difficult to muster up any kind of enthusiasm, or speak in coherent sentences (which is difficult for him even when he has an audience).
15
Why is it always on the Democrats to do something about Republicans? Donald Trump is a Republican. He is supported by the Republican Party. What are Republicans going to do about him?
12
The real question here is not whether Democrats know what to do -- it's whether Americans know what to do.
Because nothing will divide this country more quickly and more effectively than racial division.
Which exactly why Donald Trump is banking on it.
2
Not that anyone wants my opinion, but here’s my unsolicited advice to the Democrats.
1. Don’t play the victim card.
2. Don’t hold the nation’s checkered history in thinly veiled contempt.
3. Stop using global terms like “white anger” or “white privilege”.
4. Appeal to the huge number of Americans who are really decent people who may disagree with you on some policy positions.
5. Remember that love really does Trump hate.
6. Give millions of Americans a reason to hope that we are all better together.
7. Don’t drift too far left.
Those of us in the moderate middle are counting on you. Please, for all of us, especially my children and grandchildren, get this next election right.
54
@David
It's funny how many Republican voters have advice for the Democrats. The Democrats should care for their base like the Repubs tend to theirs. "Don't play the victim card." You've got to be joking. Wrong Party!!
1
Start every campaign speech with “I am not going to denounce my racist opponent. I am going to tell you what I will do when I am elected.” And then present your plans.
10
I'm waiting for the democrat version of Trump.
1
@Ira, There will not be a Democratic version of Trump.
The Democrat party is fundamentally about community. The Republican party is about self. The latter breeds people like Trump, while the former is not an environment terribly sustaining to narcissistic sociopaths like Trump.
1
Demanding reparations from people who had nothing to do with slavery is going to help this conversation get red hot. Pour some gas on the fire guys.
6
Keep shining a light on Donald’s racism. He managed to limbo his way into the Oval Office in 2016 because some people gave him the benefit of the doubt. Go scorched earth on this. Excoriate him. Dig up every last utterance and there will be many, plaster them all over America. Brand him. Make him look worse than David Duke. Crucify him with his words and actions.
Yes, his base will love it but I think we have established that they are beyond redemption for reasons that will be studied for decades to come. But I still think the majority of Americans understand that having a racist run the country is a disaster.
1
The current Democrats' attitude is still letting Trump define the game: making everything about him personally. Unless you change minds, you aren't going to change votes, and if you don't win, you lose.
Tom Friedman offers an alternative approach, "...in response to Trump’s racist attack on the four Democratic congresswomen...I would not have put a censure motion up for a vote in the House (which turned into a circus and more fodder for Trump). I would have announced a plan to register one million more Democratic voters in swing districts and states and created an all-night telethon where people could [make] donations to pay for that registration drive.... Don’t get angry; get even! Don’t play into Trump’s hands. Tell him: 'Thank you Donald, we just registered one million more voters on the back of your racism. Have a nice day, you knucklehead.'"
Unless the Democrats quit with the noble but nonsensical aspirational drumbeat, stop the idiotic circular firing squad routine, and actually talk to people about what they care about today in non-condescending terms, not what the Dems think they should care about, not calling them some version of "deplorables", then in 2020 we will be faced with what Yogi Berra so pithily and eloquently describes: "It's deja vu all over again."
A good example is Torres Small of New Mexico, a winner. She is not afraid to go beyond bumpersticker and aspirational policies, a refreshing newcomer actually willing to think with perspective and nuance.
19
@Steve Fankuchen I agree. I was a little surprised to find myself agreeing with Thomas Friedman's alternate approach--I don't agree with him often.
2
@gesneri
Ditto on that re; Friedman, gesneri. Ten - twenty years ago I felt he had some useful things to say, especially regarding the.Middle East. Then, for me at least, he became just another "talking head." Thanks for engaging!
1
trump still has the support of Franklin Graham and Jerry Falwell Jr.
They are destroying christianity right before our eyes.
9
@Stephen
That is the concern of Christians.
2
The Democrats can only navigate the landscape media creates. If even the Times speaks in euphemisms about Trump's naked racism, then there is no winning for Democrats. No clever strategy can make up for the fact that Trump is "racially charged" or "racially insensitive" or echoing "white grievances".
He is a racist, plain and simple. There is no longer any meaningful difference between him and the men in white hoods burning crosses, except that one wears a suit and the others wear robes. Until the media catches up with and accurately reports on that fact, there's not much Democrats can do.
4
Our president is nothing more than an immature bully who will never grow up and who will continue to start fights but the coward in him will always run away at the first chance he gets. Sure there are race issues that must be addressed but in a peaceful way. If Trump continues to incite riots he must be brought to justice ASAP. He needs to remember that when attacked real Americans will not hesitate to fight back. As FDR said "we have nothing to fear but fear itself". Trump is but a fly on a camel's nose.
4
what i find most disturbing is the the number of openly racist followers. it certainly appears that these folks have been building up inside a firehose w a closed nozzle. building and building - then trump came along and opened the nozzle so these folks could flourish w pride and unbridled abandon. he has almost 63 million followers on twitter. 63 million .
Profile name @realDonaldTrump
Followers 62 127 300
Following 47
Tweets 43 040
19% of adults follow trump. https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/07/15/about-one-in-five-adult-twitter-users-in-the-u-s-follow-trump/
Barack Obama (@BarackObama), is followed by 26% of U.S. adult Twitter users.
trump has given permission to his followers to come out of the closet and celebrate their racism. they are too deep to change - bad case of cognitive dissonance.
if muller testimony absolutely confirms that trump colluded w the russians to win the election and that he committed obstruction ten times - make absolutely no difference. trump is their man - he liberated them to bring their racist views and conversations form the privacy of their homes to the microphones of TV and the access to the internet.
2
@Sammarcus
Don't believe those numbers, you can buy lists to bloat the actual followers. Don't believe polls either. People lie, bone spurs lies get it?
Yep, racism sure gets the North Carolina evangelical stars' enthusiastic support. I do believe Franklin Graham is positively shuddering in joy.
5
The answer to Trump or anyone else’s race baiting or any other kind of divisive baiting is going back to our first principles.
Define citizenship in terms of our core values - rule of law, tolerance of different opinions, forbearance, an opportunity for everyone to better themselves as long as they keep their end of the bargain.
These values cut across all identity groups.
The arc of American history may be long and appear to bend in the wrong direction from time to time but over longer horizon it always bends toward more justice.
6
@GV sadly, our first principles were racial slavery and genocide. So we can't go back. The question is how to go forward when the President and more or less half of eligible voters are thrilled at the prospect of returning as close to 1864 as humanly possible.
3
@mark I think this is where we’re making a huge mistake - judging the founding fathers by today’s values. At the time of founding their vision was forward-looking and uplifting. We need to make progress in that direction, keeping the spirit of those principles.
We have to learn the right lessons from history.
The Democrats have to run united on "Real Issues, Not Racial Insults." To do otherwise, is to fall into Trump's trap of a campaign of racially divisive insults. The Democrats must also do a number of other things. First, they should begin an impeachment inquiry (not an impeachment) to educate the American public to the immense criminality of Trump and his administration. This will let their nominee be free to run on the issues. Second, they must focus on universal health care based on our current mixed public (Medicare/Medicaid) and private insurance and not just "Medicare for All" which will be labelled "socialist," deprive many of the private insurance they like, and is totally impracticable--financially and politically--when dealing with one-fifth of the economy. Universal health care through a public option gives consumers choice in the marketplace. Voters must also understand that they now have a stark choice: health care or Trump and no care. Trump's "no care" record is clear and should be highlighted. Finally, it's imperative to have a minority candidate on the ticket. Cory Booker and Kamala Harris do not favor eliminating private health insurance Polls indicate such a ticket will energize minority voters to turnout, and, in the final analysis, turnout will determine whether or not the Democrats can defeat Trump and perhaps retake the Senate. At this point a Biden-Harris ticket may be the Democrats best chance.
4
@Paul Wortman
If four years of Trump's morally bankrupt chaos doesn't energize minority voters, then they will deserve another Trump term.
Given Biden's age, if he gets the nomination then the VP role will be much more significant than in previous cycles. Kamala Harris will therefore have a greater potential of becoming president. Her race card attack on Biden demonstrated the stereotype of the angry black woman taking it to the white man (Biden as proxy), as she wagged her finger at him with contempt. Her performance was politically calculated to siphon black voters. This will not play well with moderates and independents in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, states we need at a minimum. I am a liberal who has always voted with the dems, but I loathe their identity politics game. That's why we keep losing whites and independents. However, if identity politics must be played, then I'd go for Biden-Booker, who may be calmer and more palatable in those states.
1
Ever since I became a naturalized US Citizen, I have always voted in every election and have tried to vote for the person that I felt would do the best job. I never thought much about party affiliations and would vote for Democrats and Republicans.
Trump changed everything for me the minute he announced his candidacy with vile and racists remarks directed at people like me.
I don’t vote for ANY candidate that has an R next to their name now. I will NEVER vote for a candidate with a R next to their name in the future.
The Republican Party has lost me and my husband forever.
I just pray that the nation regains some much needed sanity in 2020 and we cancel the Trump show for good.
60
Pointing out how despicable Trump's vision of America is is necessary. But that cannot be the main or even the lead message from Democrats. It has to be a vision of unity, peace, jobs, and social and environmental security. That vision, well delivered, should win -- Trump and his rapid supporters ARE in the minority.
8
"This will be a general election focused on race, identity and Mr. Trump’s brand of white grievance politics."
Please NYT, this will only be "a general election focused on race, identity and Mr. Trump’s brand of white grievance politics" if the Dems take the bait and play by his rules. If Dems are smart, this election will be about quality pre-K and good schools for all American children, affordable healthcare for all, however delivered, decent jobs at living wage for all who wish to work, protection of the natural environment, affordable college for all those with the academic aptitude to profit by it, with solid technical training and attractive carreer paths for non college-bound youth: in short, the construction of a vibrant social democracy based upon the spirit of inclusion and solidarity among everyday people, regardless of tribal identities.
8
@Bill Smith ". . . solid technical training and solid career paths for non college-bound youth"
A man who runs a successful independent auto repair business in my town says he is having a terrible time getting help. The technical schools in my area are having a hard time finding students who can pass entrance exams and aptitude tests. When his wife asked him why he thought this had happened, he reminded her that she herself would not consider anything but four years of college at a minimum for their children. He pointed out that if everyone else felt that way, the situation was only going to get worse.
When did a solid technical career become something to be ashamed of? We desperately need good mechanics, plumbers and electricians. These are useful careers to be proud of.
Sorry to go off topic.
1
At it's core, this was always what the Trump campaign was about. There is no way to look at the Trump administration as anything but a galactic failure when it came to his policies, even by his own standards. Trade wars are not quick and easy to win; we didn't get better, cheaper health care on Day 1; he didn't get anything out of his government shut down; there is no fiscal discipline in Washington; the swamp isn't drained, etc, etc, etc.
Yet, his supporters love him even more than ever. Why? He's given them everything they really wanted -- the ability to make racism socially acceptable. Other Republicans understand that this is what their party is based on, which is why their Profiles in Courage moments amount to tepid tweets, if anything at all. So we know have one major party whose basic principal is to trade tax cuts for the few in exchange for casual racism for the many.
6
I think there is something this discussion is missing. Many liberals do not want unfettered immigration. do we let in the whole world? there is a lot of poverty and danger out there. do we let them all in and pay for their health care, education, food, and housing? I think dems need to present a fair, limited, legal way to let people in.
7
In re to: "Do you, on the campaign trail, talk directly about the president’s inflammatory language, racism and discrimination in this country? Or do you talk about jobs and the economy?"
You talk about both, because the former is the Republican option and the latter (regardless of who the nominee ultimately is) is the Democratic option. But you don't stop there, because health care, income inequality, gun reform, voting rights, and the climate crisis are important to those likely to vote for the Democratic candidate as well.
1
This is not really an either-or situation. Obviously we cannot just make the case about race. What we can do is point out that Trump is doing that because he has no policy wins.
When the Right talk about the allegedly booming economy, we should reply that it is all generated by deficit spending, which the Republicans violently opposed until they took power. We should point out that Trump and the GOP have exploded the federal deficit, which will burden our children and their children.
When the Right talk about “...makers and takers...”, we should point out that almost all the Red States are net takers of Federal dollars and that the 550 Blue Counties that’s voted for HRC generate 72% of GDP.
In short, we should laugh at them, not be afraid of them.
having said that, if we run on identitarian issues, then w dare asking to be defeated.
1
The Dems should speak to the issues that middle America care about, jobs, healthcare and education. Period.
5
It is folly to try to compete with Trump on his terms. The way to beat Trump is by focusing on making people's lives better.
3
@Jess I think it’s not a competition with trump! It’s really a competition with the media! Trump is a media puppet, a media concoction! He’s nothing without the platform they’ve afforded him!!! Anybody who thinks they’re competing with trump are doomed! It’s the machine that makes him and his phenomena that one competes with. That machines includes media platforms such as the nit itself that serve as his mouthpiece and make money off his racism!
This could, and should, be an opportunity for Democrats.
Unfortunately, many of the party’s most vocal speakers are intent on pursuing issues (reparations, busing, de facto open borders, expanding health care to cover immigrants who are in the country illegally) that most voters adamantly oppose, for perfectly valid reasons. These issues are framed as struggles for power: white against black, native against immigrant; they ultimately stem from the same dim view of the world that motivates Donald Trump: that opportunity is a zero-sum game, that power/privilege/prosperity is a finite resource, that the gains of one group must be taken and redistributed rather than grown and expanded.
Barack Obama intrinsically understood how destructive this language is a multiethnic democracy. He avoided framing his policies in explicit racial appeals. Democrats will never win a national election in America again until they learn to ignore the nihilistic antagonism of the Left, with its endless call-outs and purity tests.
3
As a person of color I will lean back on what an old African schoolmate once said. "Black people are always trying to explain". This happened because we got stuck at a MetroCard Terminal and even though the machine said swipe again it had taken all of my remaining money and when I went to the toll booth I began a dissertation on what had occurred. My friend was right and in thinking forward let's stop trying to explain why what this President is doing hurts. Let's look at his policies and attack how they have failed. Let's look at his administration and how it has failed by looking at his children who play a large role in the shaping of politics under the age of Trump. Let's examine his marriage and his disrespect to his wife and see if that is something that decent Americans feel is right. Let's look at how as a nation of immigrants he fear-mongers on one of the under pinnings of our success as a democracy. Let's look at the many way he has violated laws and attack him on that. What Trump is doing works because we have real wounds and issues but these wounds have had the bandages ripped off many, many times and we keep acting like they are fresh skin gouges. THEY ARE NOT. We have tough skin. Let's present to all Americans why this is NOT who we are and attack the heck out of his diatribes. But let's be prepared with practical solutions. And thin the herd already! Over 20 running under the Dem banner makes them seem frantic.
4
Racial minority numbers are forever increasing in the US and will continue to do so. The world is made up of more people of color than people who identify as white. Though this seems to be Trump's base's greatest fear I think the left could and should speak openly to white's about joining the world party. Racial diversity needs to be seen as a strength.
The Democratic candidates for president should articulate their vision for America. They should explain why we should trust them to be president, they should show that they are leaders.
Real leaders seize the moment. Our next president has a lot of work to do. We need to repair our international image, restore our ties with our allies and stand up to our enemies. We need to lead on climate change, repair our infrastructure, fix our broken healthcare system, especially prescription drugs, and tackle immigration. And we need to reunify America.
John F Kennedy famously challenged us in his inaugural address, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." And then he lead us to the moon. That's leadership, that's what a unified America can do.
We need a president that will represent ALL Americans; black, white and brown. We are all in this together. We all want a decent job and a future for our children. We are all the daughters and sons of immigrants. We are, first and foremost, all Americans. Lets identify with that, with America. Let's fight for the ideals that created our nation; equality, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
We don't need a Democratic nominee for president just acting like the flip side of the same coin of Trump. We don't need someone saying that all white Americans are racist. That's not true, and it's not helpful. We need a president who will unite us, all of us.
1
@Paul Who is our enemy? We are not all immigrants. The ideals that created this nation did not apply to all of us and still don't. Most white Americans are racist; they don't think they are, but their actions show it. It would be more helpful if it is admitted and understood. I have to applaud the American citizens in Puerto Rico who demonstrating against their governor and his corrupt administration. Too many of us seem to be looking for a savior; I don't think that's what we need.
The headline should read "Do AMERICANS Know What to Do?" Democrats know that diversity is their unifying principle, but who else needs to learn that lesson? Not Democrats, surely.
3
Democrats in the House Of Representatives need to stop procrastinating and get on with an impeachment inquiry. Reschedule the Mueller hearings as part of the impeachment. Time to put up or ...
8
And that will draw out enough votes in the previous swing states how?
@John Hanzel This isn't just about election strategy, it's about doing the right thing for the Nation. Democrats need to find a spine and do what needs to be done before they lose their reliable voters. Already, donations to the DCCC are down significantly. The extreme caution in the House is one reason.
1
It is abundantly discouraging to watch the Republican congress sit back wordlessly as the U.S. careens toward the Germany of the 1930's.
187
In the same way, people don't seem to know it was the horrible financial punishments placed on German civilians after WWI that led to the rise of Hitler.
The same thing that severe sanctions and the withdrawal of aid to countries that we have ravaged does today.
6
@Lawrence Lowell Or the America of 1859.
us army 1969-1971/california jd
Do Democrats talk about Trump’s inflammatory language and racism or do they talk about jobs and the economy? They talk about the latter. The former needs no discussion - clips of Trump preening at his rallies while his supporters chant like angry mobs speak for themselves, to those who are willing to listen.
13
Democrats should be careful. Trump says whatever gets the reactions he wants, and he's good at playing a crowd. That is not just the crowd at his rally, but the crowd of the whole electorate.
Many in that crowd don't believe what they shout. Trump certainly doesn't. They shout it for effect. They do it to spite their opponents, and in the knowledge how much doing it will upset their opponent. When they laugh about it, they are laughing about how their opponents heads will explode in reaction. It's all about the reaction.
Democrats are being played.
Furthermore, as Friedman said in his column about his other column, it isn't about what voters are thinking, it is about their gut feelings. Here again, Trump is manipulating Democrats.
He wants Democrats to say and do things that bring on gut feelings among voters, that Democrats hate them, won't help them, care only about some Other identity group.
Do Democrats react to all of this in ways that feed such a gut reaction? Trump thinks they do.
In short, he's not running on "racism" but on gut emotions of distrust and alienation.
Do Democrats respond by feeding exactly that? No, not all of them. But some do. Those are noticed, and then re-played for voters over and over again.
24
@Mark Thomason I'm sorry, I don't agree. I wish I felt that people at the president's rallies don't mean what they shout, but I'm very much afraid that they do. They feel important now, and they didn't before. They feel they're on a winning team, and they are triumphant. It's sickening and very frightening.
2
@gesneri -- You say that they feel.
You're right. They are not thinking. They're going with their gut.
Friedman in his follow up to his own article, about "gut reactions" among Trump's followers, made exactly this point.
It isn't thinking. It is laughing and shouting and thumb in the eye of those who won't like it. "Who cares if it's wrong, think how they'll scream."
That is pure tribal. And it is all feeling, not thinking. They wouldn't even try to defend it.
2
If you have a 5 year old child playing with matches do you just look the other way or do you take it on. If you have a teenager playing around with drugs do you take it on or just look the other way.
We have a child in the white house doing both. So let's just look the other way and maybe he will grow out of it.
1
Can't let him set the terms of the debate and put D's in the hole, which he's trying to do, for prioritizing immigrant problems before the problems of American citizens.
We need a president who is everything he isn't. Knowledge based, including everyone -- not just billionaires. Someone who will not turn government agencies over to the people they are suppose to be protecting us from. Someone who will kick the special interests and criminals out. Someone who really will renew America and make sure Flint -- and every other place -- has clean water, air and a future.
Someone who is committed to the Square Deal, Fair Deal, and Green New Deal -- and capable of leading the United States and the world into a new frontier that is survivable and sustainable.
Trump is the bitter dregs of a dying party and nation. We've got to be the brains and hope of a new world.
5
Democrats are told that if we are against white nationalism and discrimination against ethnic minorities, then we are playing "identity politics". And yet Trump voters are the ultimate identity voters. They want America only for themselves (largely white and Christian) and the rest of us must accept the scraps of second-class citizenship. After all, we're only here as long as they believe we should be here.
But we must continue to counter their racism. Why? Because failure to do so normalizes this behavior. It tells Trump voters that his racism and theirs will be tolerated - that they may simply continue with their viciousness, their bigotry, their hate crimes.
We've bought into their threats for far too long. We've stopped pushing back. We've kowtowed. We've appeased them. And Trump voters, much like the man himself, won't be stopped unless the rest of us stop them.
If we don't, this will only encourage more hateful conduct. Think the internment camps for the Hispanic children are an aberration? Think again. Trump and his followers saw how easy it was to intern innocent children who committed no crimes.
Does anyone seriously believe they'll stop there? Think my comments are extreme? For white Democrats who believe my comments are extreme, ask folks you know who are ethnic or religious minorities. Like my family, many of them are planning to leave the U.S. We know that no one here will help us, when the time comes. Many of us hear the drumbeat. And it is coming.
9
The three things conservative American men fear are women, people of color and taxes.
67
Add a fourth: A fair fight.
11
Bravo. Way to generalize and stereotype a whole group of people. You’re doing the same thing your enemies do, and you are stooping to their level. That will definitely win the moderates over, you know, the ones who are going to swing the election.
Keep it up if you want four more years of Trump.
5
@Jason
OkK, the conservative men who don't fit the stereotype should stand up and defy Trump for his mysogynistic racist practices and push for realistic tax reform.
We All know and he knows
the Law can’t touch him .
1
Not until he’s out of office. And a federal pardon is only for federal crimes, not state crimes.
1
You may want to review your history. After all the US illegally separated from the UK and made new laws. Tsar Nicholas and Louis XVI probably thought that they had divine rights until their people made new laws and they became redundant.
I don't know what the Democratic Candidates will do, but know what I'd do.
Never let Trump breath a word or tweet without a reply something like, there goes that racist again, the white nationalist that says "send her back".
Do that every day from now on until the election. Say it enough and those on the fence will start to believe. It's human nature.
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@cherrylog754
Joseph Goebbels:
“If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. The lie can be maintained only for such time as the State can shield the people from the political, economic and/or military consequences of the lie. It thus becomes vitally important for the State to use all of its powers to repress dissent, for the truth is the mortal enemy of the lie, and thus by extension, the truth is the greatest enemy of the State.”
I like your idea Cherry, I like it quite a bit......where the nazi's used lies the Dems have truth on their side. Yes I like your idea very much Cherry.
1
"This is how fascism comes to America, not with jackboots and salutes (although there have been salutes, and a whiff of violence) but with a television huckster, a phony billionaire, a textbook egomaniac “tapping into” popular resentments and insecurities, and with an entire national political party — out of ambition or blind party loyalty, or simply out of fear — falling into line behind him."
- Robert Kagan, Washington Post
When his supporters chant "Send her back!" Trump says they are super 'patriots'.
When they marched with their anti-Semite screeds at Charlottesville, Trump said they are means 'good people'.
What Trump says, and hears, is 'My way or the highway!'
17
The Immoral Minority will support Trump no matter what he says or does. For them, presidential politics are like a professional wrestling match where the guy with the biggest bluster, chutzpah, mouth and muscles carries the day.
In that world Trump is like the Undertaker.
3
What should Democrats do? Ignore the bait. Period.
3
Why eliminate the “eliminate the racial wealth gap’? As opposed the the wealth gap period?!
While Trump is playing race card and Dems are scared that they have no clue what to do - In my opinion Dems are too very racists. They play illegal immigrants card which is in truth very racist. I never seen Dems have any agenda for black Americans, native Americans, legal immigrants from non latin american counties. Especially Dems have no agenda or while in power for so long they have not done anything for black americans. They are the most racist people on earth - they take illegal immigrants' cause and play against legal americans' cause.
2
Democrats are so boxed in by Trump right now the best thing for them might be to lose House control in 2020
Pelosi is too far out matched by the Trump team and the GOP who move at whip saw lightening speed to keep the lumbering "rule of law," "play by the rules," "two wrongs don't make aright," "civility, please" Democrats completely outplayed.
"No we can't" liberals and values progressives who think:
"Defeat Trump, PERIOD"
is the wrong message and that
"Defeat Trump, BUT..." is the right message must then answer the question how they will restore American values in the age of Trump.
Cory Booker is a disgrace. His cheap racial theatrics makes him unqualified for elective office. He'll try to paint Joe Biden as a bigger racist than Trump. Maybe he was satisfied waiting 100 years to defeat Bull Conner's dogs until "activism" kicked in, and yet here we are again with Bull Conner in the White House.
Liberals still think the decades old tactics of the past (rallies, marches, vigils, sit ins), will work in the social media age. It really helped Hillary when everyone turned out on November 4th, 2016, to march and protest.
Trump doesn't need Russia to post fake FB ads, he's outspending all 20+ Dem candidates combined on FB.
He doesn't need Wikileaks to hack. Jared can do it now.
He doesn't need Comey. He has Barr.
And all the while Dems talk of civility and think 50 years of giving lunch money to the bully is compromise.
I don't even think Biden could beat Trump.
3
Trump sets the terms of the campaign? Only if the Times and other corporate media outlets allow him to. Just like they gave him tons of time to wail about Hillary's emails in the previous election.
I was hoping the corporate media would have learned something. This "article" proves at least some did not.
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I can't read these type of articles anymore.
90
@Paul they all start to sound and read the same. Usually it’s the same writers! They’ve done quite well in the age of Trump!!!
There is a massive heat wave throughout the East Coast.
Melania forgets to turn the air conditioning in Trump's bedroom to 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Left alone with his nuclear football, Trump decides to banish the four Congresswomen to Africa and bomb Mexico.
A ridiculous joke?
Not really.
10
Sweltering and left alone with his nuclear football ....
1
Infrastructure, not identity.
Democratic candidates: let’s build a world of common concern.
The issues that unite us are infrastructural:
- Safe schools and well-funded schools
- Reduced student debt
- A legal system that is blind to wealth divisions
- A cleaner environment and renewable energy
- Safe roads and efficient transportation
- Protected voting rights
- A progressive tax system
- A reimagined immigration system that respects our finite resources here at home
- A health care system that aims to protect everyone
What makes these issues a matter of common concern?
- They transcend identity and aim to promote freedom for everyone.
- They are mediums of a healthy (because non-identity-based) patriotism.
- We contribute to them through our taxes.
On the debate stage, ask Trump how he contributes to our common world when he arrogantly exempts himself from paying taxes?
Stick to the common: infrastructure, not identity.
(Identity will suck all democratic candidates into the quagmire of demagoguery; to best resist the lure of identity, please read:
https://theexperimentpublishing.com/catalogs/fall-2017/demagoguery-and-democracy/)
3
Actually, WE set the terms. Either we are a country that now tolerates the vile and repellant unamerican rhetoric Trump spews, or we draw the line and end it. Now.
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@Mike J.
Nicely rhetorical. But what does this mean in a practical sense? How exactly do you propose that this be implemented?
2
@Mike J.
Every summer I spend time in North Carolina, where I see the state’s economy has improved greatly during Trump’s tenure. Construction and help-wanted signs are increasingly visible in communities small and large, and the competition of fast-food restaurants and other entry-level employers for staff has driven hourly pay well above minimum wage—with benefits.
I think the NYT and others are trying to turn the 2020 election into a contest based on race, when in fact many people—regardless of political affilitation—are likely to vote based on the economy and their pocketbooks
The Democratic presidential candidates are swingingly wildly left and making fiscally impossible promises in return for votes: Free college tuition. Medicare for all, including illegal immigrants. College loan forgiveness. Reparations for blacks and gays. Guaranteed basic income. Federal job guarantees. Votes for prisoners. Open borders.
All the fabulously wealthy individuals and corporations put together do not have enough money to pay for all of these goodies year after year, and even Bernie Sanders has admitted that taxes will have to be raised on the middle class just to pay for free college, not to mention trillions more for all of those other freebies.
As Margaret Thatcher aptly noted, the problem with socialism is that sooner or later you run out of other people’s money.
Remember, folks, our goal is to elect a Democratic president in 2020, not to make Karl Marx smile in his grave.
@Mon Ray "fiscally impossible promises in return for votes: Free college tuition. Medicare for all, including illegal immigrants. College loan forgiveness. Reparations for blacks and gays. Guaranteed basic income. Federal job guarantees. Votes for prisoners. Open borders."
Are you parroting right-wing propaganda, or do you believe what you say?
Which candidate promises: Guaranteed basic income. Federal job guarantees. Votes for prisoners. Open borders.
Open borders: NONE. Remember Obama was deporting more than Trump.
Votes for prisoners is kind of bi-partisan as long as they are not felons and is low priority (it will disappear as big issues are raised.)
Medicare-for-all will prevent the bankruptcy of the country. With healthcare cost rising at current rate, it will soon take such a large % of GDP that the economy will not support it (several think tanks have analyzed this.)
Medicare-for-all will SAVE $6 Trillion over 10 years!
Premiums will go down. Look at the world: Canada started where the US was in 1976 and now spend 1/2 of what we spend on healthcare.
Name one developed country that does not have single payer! Name one that went bankrupt on it. Name 1 where it's unpopular besides GB (GB has a unique system that we are not copying)
Have you read how Warren is paying for college-free tuition? Not a tax that would affect 95% of the population.
1
How about interracial multiplication...
It's beautiful to behold - whether royal or rest-of-us...
And might just be all that can save us from ourselves...
Though brothers will find reasons to fight with brothers...
It's a bro thing...
PS
For all of you who've decided this world doesn't deserve your children - or the other way around...
Exits are over the wings, and clearly marked...
"Trump Sets the Terms on Racial Division. Do Democrats Know What to Do?"
Yes, they do know what to do: Don't be racist.
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"There are a lot of people who are uncomfortable with a woman who covers her hair in Congress."
So she must not wear a hat? Just goes to show what a stupid lot most Americans are. No wonder they also elect these unprincipled, unethical, knuckleheads to represent them in Congress.
72
@Solon. People see the hijab and burkas as repressing women.
This, I think, was originally the response to whatever "Me too" situations that middle eastern women dealt with for thousands of years.
The hijab is about modesty, the burka about hiding women in plain sight.
More about protection that repression.
Don't expect many Americans to understand this, since so many have anesthesia regarding female dress. For instance, high heels are actually sexual fetish items. As well as makeup, clothing styles, etc.
Do notice how women on Fox wear tight dresses showing lots of leg, while the men are completely covered up.
To make oneself attractive, is in itself an invitation.
Therefore modesty is rarely considered these days.
7
An Orthodox Jewish woman would also "cover her hair" (perhaps with a wig) so would that also make these people "uncomfortable" ? What about a man who wears a hat? A Sikh who wears a turban? A beard, a toupee, a dye job? What about a ridiculous comb-over? These "uncomfortable" people need to join the real world.
11
@Solon
Since this is after all a Christian nation, a crown of thorns would much more appropriate.
The premise of this article appears to be that it's the Democrats burden to try to counter Pres. Trump's efforts to exacerbate racial tensions for his electoral purposes. I look forward to the next article asking about the response of religious leaders, business leaders, and various civic leaders to this effort to foster racial animus and division. The stakes are far greater than this particular electoral moment. This is a testing moment indeed for American "exceptionalism." It's not up to the Democrats alone to stand against the socio-politics of racial division.
513
@jng - This is an article about electoral politics, so given that we have a two-party system, it is up to the Democrats to be able to put someone forward who can challenge Trump and the Republican party and take back the presidency. Establishment Democrats seem to think that Trump supporters can be demonized ("underbelly") and that will be enough. But that didn't work in 2016 ("deplorables") and I'm not sure it will in 2020. And I'm not sure that non-political leaders weighing in would make any difference.
I think the Democrats left themselves vulnerable to this with the response to the financial crisis, which left many white-working class feeling left behind and anxious. Hopefully the Democrats can keep their current core support and also peel enough white voters away from Trump by showing how the Republicans have damaged them financially to win the battleground states.
7
@jng
I think yours is a good idea! Trump's opportunistic lying is unfathomable in a U.S. president! Why isn't he held accountable? I'm tired of hearing from his sycophantic deniers of reality, and from extremists on either end. Strip away the facade of respectability and tell us what credible community leaders have to say -- not politicians, not Evangelicals, but normal, articulate Americans.
5
@jng Perhaps also, the press could stop using idiotic evasions like "fanning the flames of racial division" or "racially charged rhetoric" as the NY Times did all week. The Times is so afraid of being called a Liberal rag it justifies and minimizes lying, racism, and crime by this president. Over and over, the outright lying of Republicans like McConnell is parroted without analysis or criticism. Even this article mumbles about "incendiary language" and "angry tribalism" (rather than the reality of racist mobs.)
As others have pointed out, when when side says it's raining and the other says it's clear it's not the press's job to report both sides but to get up off its chair and look out the window. Why is it that the only place you can hear the actual truth is from the late night TV comedians? No wonder the press is dying - you've lost your will to live.
19
From where I sit the Democrats are jumping in with both feet to take the bait and make 2020 about race. Good luck getting rid of Trump. Apparently according to this paper he already has a larger electoral lead than in 2016. Making it about race ain't going to cut it.
74
@Cassiopeia They'll rightly denounce his language...intended solely for that portion of his supporters who will continue to vote for him, based solely on his continued racist and misogynistic rhetoric. Then they'll move on with plans to fix what's wrong...rather than make general (wildly implausible) promises, as he did, and then lie about his "successes." Or has Mexico paid for that wall yet?
6
@Cassiopeia. When the incumbent gleefully spews every racist trope he can think of, there is no keeping race out of the race. It can't be solely about that, but it can't be pushed aside either.
7
As much as it pains me, I agree. Making legal the law abiding immigrants already here--especially those covered by DACA--is paramount. But as more and more Americans feel the economic ground shifting under their feet, a policy that lets in virtually all asylum seekers and economic refugees will hurt Democrats in 2020.
3
Are we making the Democrats accountable to correct the Republicans?
Or should we make the Republicans accountable?
525
@Alix Hoquet
The focus is on Democrats (and principled, Never-Trump conservatives) because they still have standards and moral values.
It has been clearly established since 2016 that the cowering sycophants and greed-addled co-conspirators in Trump's GOP do not.
26
@Alix Hoquet
The MSM never holds the GOP accountable in its reporting or opinion. Sure, they will say their words/actions are despicable, outrageous, disgusting.
BUT, and this was true throughout the Obama years, the MSM's solution, leveraged by Republicans, is that it is up to the Democrats to come to the table with a solution.
Incredibly, the MSM and GOP will claim this even when the GOP is in unified control of government.
86
What about holding the Democrats accountable for correcting Democrats. Is Nancy Pelosi really a racist. What about the governor and lieutenant governor in Virginia.
2
I think it's vitally important that we lead by setting a good example, by treating people of different colors, races, orientations, religions, even political persuasions (yes, I know that can be difficult) with respect and kindness. we should point out bad behavior when we see it, but we should be careful not to condemn the individual or apply a label — no one likes to be labeled, not me, not you, not them. And then we move on. People know what I stand for because i've stood for it for a long time; there's no need to get bogged down in an exchange that's just going to go on and on and on. Same with a presidential candidate (or nearly any politician): No need to answer every volley lobbed. Call out the behavior or language, correct it, maybe give an example of a more constructive way of dealing with the emotions and fears underlying the bad behavior, and then continue with the much more important work of leading by example. That's what I'd like to see, anyway.
2
How about treating ALL people with respect, kindness and equality?
3