Saturday, February 27, 2016

Former speechwriter for President Obama explains why it may be more important to elect Hillary Clinton on 2016, than it was to elect his boss in 2008.

Yeah I know, I'm the dragonlady.
This Daily Beast article was written by Jon Favreau, longtime Obama speechwriter, who describes with some embarrassment how his initial perceptions of Hillary Clinton proved to be totally wrong: 

This same story has repeated itself throughout Clinton’s career: those who initially view her as distrustful and divisive from afar find her genuine and cooperative in person. It was the case with voters in New York, Republicans in the Senate, Obama people in the White House, and heads of state all over the world. There’s a reason being America’s chief diplomat was the specific job Obama asked Hillary to do—she has the perfect personality for it. 

Your eyes are rolling. You don’t often see or read about this side of Hillary. You don’t doubt her fierce brilliance when she’s debating policy with Bernie Sanders. You don’t doubt her stamina or tenacity when she’s sitting through hour eleven of the Benghazi Kangaroo Court. But when it comes to nearly everything else, Clinton can seem a little too cautious and forced—like she’s trying too hard or not at all, preferring to retreat behind the safety of boilerplate rhetoric and cheesy soundbites. It’s a tendency that can’t just be blamed on her opponents or the media, though I wonder how many of us would be so brave and open in our public personas after being subjected to 25 years of unrelenting and downright nasty criticism of what we say, what we do, and how we look.

Favreau closes the article in this way:  

Hillary Clinton isn’t perfect. She isn’t flashy or entertaining. She isn’t cool or hip, so please stop forcing the poor woman to learn the Dab on Ellen. As someone who’s been in politics for a few decades, she’s made plenty of mistakes, and will probably make many more. 

But Hillary is also more than just a policy wonk who can’t wait to start shuffling through white papers in the Oval Office. She cares. She tries. She perseveres. And now she has a chance to tell the story she’s always wanted about America: the story about a country that found the courage to turn away from our darkest impulses; that chose to embrace our growing diversity as a strength, not a weakness; that pushed the boundaries of opportunity outward and upward, until there are no more barriers, and no more ceilings. 

At stake in this election is control of a Tea Party-run Congress, at least one Supreme Court vacancy that could tip the balance for a generation, and the very real chance that a highly unstable demagogue could become the 45th president of the United States. So while I may not have imagined myself saying this a few years ago, I certainly believe it now: It’s far more important to elect Hillary Clinton in 2016 than it was to elect Barack Obama in 2008.

I found this article to be particularly interesting because just last night I had a similar discussion with my daughter, who as you know is a Sanders supporter, about the importance of electing Hillary Clinton.

My daughter flew up here for my birthday and we have been having a blast together, eating out and going to the movies, but last night we watched a rather interesting debate on "Real Time with Bill Maher" which inspired our own discussion on politics.

My daughter it is sad to say has some of the same issues with trust concerning Hillary Clinton that are often voiced by those who only know of her by way of the constant attacks lobbed by the Right Wing.

Her basic take on Hillary is that she is bought and paid for, and that she is controlled by special interest groups who will significantly influence her policies in the White House.

In response I explained to her that being paid to give speeches in no way made the speaker beholden to those paying to hear that speech, beyond the delivery of said speech.

We also talked about political revolutions and I listed the number of past politicians who had once been heralded as change agents who fell by the wayside such as George McGovern, John Anderson, Ross Perot, Ron Paul, Howard Dean, and of course, Ralph Nader.

I explained that all of these folks had tremendous support, ESPECIALLY from younger Americans, but that in the end they failed to get the support they needed to "fundamentally change politics."

My daughter did admit that my points about voter turnout and political connections within the Democratic party were valid, but of course in the end she wants to vote her conscience, and who can blame her for that?

So of course she still plans to caucus for Bernie, and that is fine with me.

But in the end, once Hillary is the candidate, she has no problem marking her name on the ballot.

And to me that is all anybody can ask.

128 comments:

  1. Anonymous9:06 AM

    Thanks for this! I was literally just going to post a link to this exact article on the previous thread.

    People are so quick to criticize Clinton without realizing or admitting how much she has accomplished or how warm and giving she can be. There is so much exaggeration and misinformation out there, I'm having a hard time distinguishing between the rhetoric from Sanders supporters and the Right Wing.

    I'm really worried that the vitriol against Clinton coming from the left is going to keep people home if she wins the nomination.

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    1. Anonymous9:18 AM

      Some of the vitriol is from libertarians. Displaced Paulites are not doing Bernie's campaign any favors.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous9:21 AM

      Sure, 9:18, some of it is. But a whole lot of it is from so-called progressives.

      Delete
  2. Anonymous9:08 AM

    Good for your daughter! My husband is doing the same. He wants the Democratic establishment to consider a left protest movement, but knows already that HRC is the eventual nominee.

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  3. Anonymous9:16 AM

    The whole "Hillary is untrustworthy" meme was started by men. Any woman who believes it needs to realize they are still controlled and brainwashed by a male dominated society.

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    1. Anonymous9:57 AM

      I agree. They HATE women. It is disgusting. They would not be on the planet without us.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10:44 AM

      Totally agree. The election of Obama followed by the election of Hillary would be the last nail in the coffin of the "white men at the center of the world" and controlling the power. The election of Hillary would further more apply to all men controlling the power. That scares a lot (white) men.

      Delete
    3. A Superfan In Atlanta11:00 AM

      I disagree completely. If anything. I sympathize with Clinton BECAUSE she is attacked all the time. What I don't appreciate about her is how she continuously uses her position of authority to tear down her Democratic and Progressive brethren using Rovian and Republican tactics and shape-shifting to appeal to a particular audience or demographic. That is by her own doing and no one else's. Had she used her super powers to be the glue and messenger that holds everybody together instead of coming across as a tool of division reeking of entitlement, then distrust wouldn't be a hurdle for her to win my vote.

      Again, I am casting my vote for Bernie but, if she is the nominee, I will gladly join Team Clinton. It's kinda like a two for one deal anyway seeing as though I voted for President Clinton twice.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous11:49 AM

      Rovian tactics? You mean like emphasizing and exaggerating every negative aspect of a candidate while completely ignoring or distorting any possible accomplishments? And doing the opposite for the candidate of choice? Because that's exactly what I've seen when it comes to Sanders supporters.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous11:51 AM

      The glue that holds everyone together is called compromise.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous12:26 PM

      True 9:16. Often the worst misogynists are women, whether they realize it or not.

      Delete
    7. Anonymous1:15 PM

      12:26pm

      Many women, myself for instance, don't have very many female friends. At age 50 I can count one female friend, two sisters-in-law, my mother and my mother-in-law, as the only consistent females in my life.

      As a human I've always "caucused" with males, as friends, and being from a family that even in the extended sense, is predominately male, I never was exposed to the doctrine of a female-centric lifestyle. I never had children, by choice, so I didn't have the bonding that women tend to have with others through the shared experience of birth and child rearing. I knew very early in my life it just wasn't for me, and luckily I met the perfect partner 25 years ago that also did not want the child experience.

      I've never really "hung with women" because I've always had more in common with men; I've worked in male-dominated fields since graduating from college, I've found that the few females in our organizations have been unreasonably catty, judgmental and expecting to be competitive for jobs that they weren't qualified for, simply because they are female.

      I wouldn't call my self a misogynist, and no woman who chooses to not have female friends should be labeled as so.

      As far as Hillary goes, I feel that she feels that this is "her turn". I appreciate that she has a strong competitor in this primary race, I appreciate it just as I appreciated Barack Obama giving her a run for her money and then capturing the voters in 2008.

      I'm registered as an Non-Declared Alaskan voter but will vote Democratic this go 'round, just as I did in 2008 and 2012, regardless of who the candidate is, but I'm not doing it because I just love Hillary because she's a chick, I just don't think that Trump is what we need right now, although it would be interesting, I'll be retired in 10 years so I'd like to keep the status quo for a little bit longer.


      Delete
    8. Anonymous1:41 PM

      Women can be wonderful people and friends, 1:15. I'm sure you are. In my experience, my female friends are more loyal and understanding than any of my male friends.

      I've worked in a male-dominated field as well, and I can tell you that the men I've worked with are far cattier and more judgmental than any of my female coworkers. My husband is an engineer. His workplace is 95% men. You should hear him talk about the gossip and rumor-mongering and bitching that goes on at his office (it's not coming from the females).

      Delete
    9. Anonymous2:12 PM

      I really don't believe that Hillary is running for President because she thinks that it's "her turn". She has earned the privilege to run for President and if she wins the nomination she will have earned it. Bernie Sanders is a good and decent opponent but he needs to get tougher to prepare her for the ugliest race against Trump if he (Bernie) should not win the nomination.

      Delete
    10. Anonymous2:24 PM

      @1:15pm,

      I am 12:26. Thanks for your post. We have a great deal of things in common. I'm in my early 50s, never married nor had children cause that stuff wasn't for me and I'm fortunate to have had an amazing boyfriend for the past 18 yrs. I work in a male dominated field and have very few constant females in my life as well.

      My point in the original post is simply what I stated previously. One example of women's misogyny is Sarah Palin herself, but unfortunately there is a lot that I've seen on this blog with the name calling and such in response to the dumb things that the whole Palin family has done over the years. It can get really nasty & out of control at times. I use this as an example since it's the only thing that I can surmise that you've possibly witnessed also. And, I've been on Team Hillary all the way because I think she's by far the best qualified candidate. The fact that she's a woman is just an added bonus.

      Again, I enjoyed your post and just felt that I should explain myself a bit further. Best wishes to you!

      Delete
    11. Anonymous2:28 PM

      They all run for president because they think it's their turn.

      Delete
    12. A Superfan In Atlanta4:58 PM

      @Anon 11:49AM

      Yes, Rovian tactics. Making up shit like getting shot by enemy fire when it was completely unnecessary, changing her accent to match the local dialect of the day, and going negative on her rivals instead of spending her time celebrating her own track record and accomplishments.

      You only put down your opponent when your story isn't strong enough to hold its own. If Clinton was all that, then like Trump, it shouldn't matter what others say about her. Either she's got her act together or she doesn't.

      I don't need a man to tell me that Clinton sounds robotic and icy every time I hear her speak. After she revealed how low down she was willing to get in 2008, I believed that to be how she rolls. I also don't have to have a woman tell me Sanders comes across as a crazy grandpa. I loved my crazy grandpa because he was wise and shot straight from the hip. And as for authenticity, I've never heard of Bernie shape-shifting to "adjust" to an audience plus his message has been consistent throughout his career as a successful politician.

      So when it comes to our two lovely Democratic candidates, I have zero expectations out of a Clinton Presidency because she has already revealed who she is and have hope with a Sanders Presidency because he has already revealed who he is.

      It's that simple for me.

      Delete
    13. Anonymous5:27 PM

      You do realize you are putting down Clinton in your comment, including calling her "icy." Who the hell cares if she's "icy" when she talks? What does that have to do with anything? Would you prefer that she screams and yells and points her finger at everyone. Maybe she should cry on stage or look into her audiences eyes with true emotion so that everyone things she's the most important person in the world.

      You've obviously already made up your mind and nothing is going to change it, certainly not a people who have actually worked with her saying how knowledgeable and prepared she is, what a great listener she is, how thoughtful she is, how she has worked tirelessly for important progressive causes. You'd rather focus on how icy she appears when she talks.

      Maybe you're living in a bubble, but Hillary Clinton has spend most of her time talking about her accomplishments and very little time putting down her opponent. The same is true for Sanders.

      His supporters are another matter.

      Delete
    14. Anonymous6:21 PM

      If you think Clinton has run a "Rovian" campaign against Sanders, you have no idea what the word means. Clinton has treated Sanders with kid gloves. If Sanders can't handle the minor criticism Clinton has thrown at him, he'll never make it in the general election where his opponent has nothing to lose.

      Delete
  4. 66gardeners9:19 AM

    Invariably, the same people who think Hillary has trust issues believe Obama has been a disappointment.

    Nothing will make these people happy. Hence, they vote for Donald Trump.

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    1. Anonymous11:10 AM

      Any "Democrat" who votes for Trump over Clinton is really left-leaning libertarian (the leftovers from the Pauls). Mark it.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous12:08 PM

      Imagine tRump sitting for 11 hours, being questioned the way Hillary was? He would have lost it and stormed out. She is not responsible for the actions of her hisband, yet the repubs. want her to be tainted by that. Not many of them could have successfully done the jobs she has done. I remember seeing how exhausted she was during the overseas talks, and felt so sorry for her. The gop are disgusting women haters who will never show her the respect she has earned.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous1:15 PM

      Storming out would have been better than sitting there for 12 hours and telling bald-faced lies.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous1:50 PM

      You'd better contact congress, 1:15, because you obviously have some information they couldn't uncover after countless hours and dollars spent investigating and interrogating her.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous2:14 PM

      Oh yea, 1:15 because you were there and you are all-knowing.

      Delete
  5. Anonymous9:21 AM

    The problem is lack of voter turnout among progressives. Shame on those who do not vote especially if they now want a revolution.

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    1. Anonymous11:11 AM

      Yeah! Where are you Professive Brogressives??? Why aren't you turning out in the primaries? I guess you're just online "revolutionaries" and nothing else.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous1:16 PM

      I know, I just heard that turnout in SC is way down for today's democratic primary.

      Delete
  6. Anonymous9:32 AM

    Bernie is living in some sort of fantasy. He is thinking just because millions of people would vote for him that the GOP congress and Senate will just follow him also. It borders on either being delusional or senile.

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    1. Anonymous12:13 PM

      Some of THEM will be out of their positions after the next election, hopefully. Declaring they will not do their jobs must have turned off a lot of their constituents. Their pay and benefits should be suspended until they are ready to return to WORK. Same goes for Cruz and Rubio, when do they do their elected duties?

      Delete
    2. Anonymous12:26 PM

      You are the delusional one

      Delete
    3. Anonymous1:20 PM

      Our Congress is also not going to acquiesce to Donald Trump's pipe dreams either, he'll go Rogue with Executive Orders and they'll come together to get him OUT of office.

      You bet your butt that if Hillary is elected we'll see Republican and TeaParty obstruction same as we did with Obama. Sanders will face the full wrath the TeaPublicans as well, socialist!

      There is not one candidate with a chance of winning this race that won't face obstructionism from Congress, for different reasons, but still, it will be a prominent force in any of their Presidencies, be it Trump, Clinton or Sanders.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous1:49 PM

      If Trump is impeached, we will be stuck with whatever asshole he chooses as Vice President.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous1:54 PM

      @ anon 12:26 pm
      Am I? Well please proceed with telling me how Bernie the do nothing is going to ride on into the WH on his dementia Unicorn and make everything perfect. I'll be waiting for your response, just like I've been waiting for 25 yrs for Bernie to do something.

      Delete
  7. Anonymous9:45 AM

    I probably side more with your daughter but bottom line is we are so fortunate that either Dem candidate is a good choice. I don't think the Repubs have that luxury right now.

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  8. Anonymous9:58 AM

    Latest Trump Campaign Ad Reveals His DISTURBING Plans For Day One In The White House (VIDEO)

    Donald Trump has released a campaign ad detailing his plans for his first day as President of the United States of America. It is a window into hell.

    The video was released via Trump’s Facebook page and Twitter account on Friday night, and for those hoping for a little more policy detail from Trump, we got it. Sadly, it is a little worse than we imagined.

    What would Trump do on his first day, he would rescind every single Executive Order made by President Obama. Why? Because he doesn’t have to go through Congress.

    This would mean:

    Killing the peace deal with Iran and putting back into place the defunct sanctions regime.
    Withdrawing the paid sick leave recently granted to Federal contractors
    Scrapping the National HIV/AIDS strategy
    Scrapping Federal environmental sustainability targets
    Reversing the pay rises granted to armed forces personnel
    Withdrawing funding for the development of new antibiotics to deal with bacteria which is resistant to current medicines. This is perhaps the single greatest issue in public health of our time. The threat of being unable to protect our population against future epidemics is real, and to withdraw from this would be catastrophic.

    Trump took primary aim however, at gun control and immigration. Trump would revoke the new gun control laws put in place in response to Sandy Hook and the mass shooting epidemic. He would also remove the protections Obama put in place for the children of undocumented immigrants that would prevent them being deported. These are people who have been born, or raised for the majority of their lives, int eh United States. But Trump wants these protections removed so he can fulfill on his plans for the forced mass deportation of undocumented migrants and any children living in the United States.

    He says:

    http://www.addictinginfo.org/2016/02/27/latest-trump-campaign-ad-reveals-his-disturbing-plans-for-day-one-in-the-white-house-video/

    Trump Says Freedom of the Press Must Go Because He’s ‘Not Like Other People’

    Trump Says Freedom of the Press Must Go Because He’s ‘Not Like Other People’

    ...“One of the things I’m gonna do, and this is only gonna make it tougher for me, and I’ve never said this before, but one of the things I’m gonna do if I win… is I’m gonna open up our libel laws so when they write purposely negative and horrible and false articles, we can sue them and win lots of money. We’re gonna open up those libel laws.

    “With me, they’re not protected, because I’m not like other people…We’re gonna open up those libel laws, folks, and we’re gonna have people sue you like you never get sued before.”

    “I’m not like other people.” Actually, the United States Constitution says you are exactly like other people, because under the Constitution, we are all equal before the law. There is no Donald Trump Exception clause anywhere to be found. Even the Founding Fathers had to take their lumps from their critics.

    http://www.politicususa.com/2016/02/27/trump-freedom-press-not-people.html

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    1. Anonymous12:15 PM

      I am serious when I say that I honestly believe he is certifiably insane. He acts like a five year old kid.

      Delete
  9. Anonymous10:01 AM

    Please have your daughter read Margaret and Helen, the second to the most recent post.

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    1. They just nail it, don't they?

      Delete
    2. Anonymous11:52 AM

      Love that post. Notice that every time the dare to state anything positive about Clinton, they are criticized, even when they also say they understand that lots of people like Sanders.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous3:14 PM

      Can someone please tell me when exactly does the Republican Party have to finally take responsibility for unleashing these lunatics on the American people? I mean they gave us Sarah Palin and now this? After years of pandering to uneducated, racist, gun-loving, women hating, born again and again and again asshats, the Republican Party is finally reaping their reward – Donald Trump. And they don’t seem very happy with their harvest.

      I saw an interview with a gay, black Republican congressman from Georgia who is supporting Rubio. I think that makes him a unicorn. But anyway… The reporter pointed out that Rubio doesn’t recognize the congressman’s relationship with his same-sex partner. The congressman responded by saying that was ok because neither did his mother. Now if that ain’t the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. Well it was, at least until I watched that debate.

      Watching the debate I actually found myself agreeing with Donald on a few things. Rubio is a fool and Cruz is a liar. The problem is… Donald Trump is an asshole. And that was the Republican debate in a nutshell – an asshole standing between a fool and a liar.

      And then there was crazy. I’m speaking, of course, about Ben Carson. Seriously now. What does picking a Supreme Court Justice have to do with fruit salad? He hardly has a thing to say all night, poor dear, and then ends with some bit about his healing hands. Good Lord, he spent most of the night with his hands in his pockets doing God only knows what. Why is he even there? Oh that’s right. So the Republican Party can pretend it’s the party of diversity.

      And then there was Kasich. Bless his heart.

      Anyway, back to the fool, the liar and the asshole. That is the best and the brightest in the Republican Party? Trump, Rubio and Cruz? If this group of idiots actually had an intelligent thought among them, it would die of loneliness. Maybe if we allow open carry at the next debate, they’ll all accidentally shoot one another and put us out of our misery. These fools couldn’t empty piss out of a boot if the instructions were written on the heel.

      People, you get what you vote for and if you vote Republican that is what you get. A fool. A liar. An asshole. Or that guy who was off camera most of the night asking politly to be attacked… Because that is the most any black man could ask for from the Republican Party.

      And then there was Kasich. Bless his heart.

      If you think I’m just being mean, so be it. If you don’t believe me about Rubio being a fool, research his connections to the Koch brothers. And if you don’t think Ted Cruz is a liar, research his Senate involvement with immigration reform. And if you don’t think Trump is an asshole, read any book he’s ever written.

      Listen. I think the right choice is Hillary. Some of you think it’s Bernie. Can we all at least agree that when the time comes we’ll get ourselves, our family members and our friends off our asses and out to the polls to vote for the Democratic nominee regardless of who it is? Because there are three words in the English language that we can never, ever allow to be spoken: President Donald Trump. I mean it. Really.

      http://margaretandhelen.com/2016/02/26/can-someone-please-tell-me-when-exactly-does-the-republican-party-have-to-finally-take-responsibility-for-unleashing-these-lunatics-on-the-american-people/

      Delete
  10. Anonymous10:04 AM

    Panicking Mitch McConnell Says GOP Will Help Hillary Beat Trump If He Wins The Nomination

    In the most surreal moment in modern American politics, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told panicking Republicans that the GOP would actively destroy Donald Trump’s election chances if it came to that. That rush of warm air you feel on your face? It’s the wave of radiation from the Republican Party’s nuclear meltdown. We’re witnessing the death of a major political party.

    Things are getting truly desperate in conservative camps and the grim acceptance that this isn’t a bad dream and that Trump is almost surely going to win the nomination has begun to set in. It’s led to an odd plan. In a stunning report by the New York Times, Republican sources confirm that party leadership is planning to destroy Trump and give Hillary Clinton the win rather than let him have control of the GOP.

    http://www.addictinginfo.org/2016/02/27/panicking-mitch-mcconnell-says-gop-will-help-hillary-beat-trump-if-he-wins-the-nomination/

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Anonymous10:38 AM

      Normally at this point in the election cycle the GOP would be gearing up for attacks on their anticipated Democratic rival for the White House. But party leaders are so distraught at the idea of the blustery businessman heading the ticket, that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has taken to advising candidates to keep their distance from Trump.

      According to the New York Times, McConnell is assuring Senate candidates running for reelection that they should feel free to run ads against Trump if they feel he is hurting their own campaigns. According to senators attending private lunches with the Majority Leader, McConnell is taking the approach that Trump will lose badly in the general election and that senators should sell themselves as a bulwark against a Hillary Clinton presidency.

      Pointing out that he still won easily when President Bill Clinton was reelected, McConnell reportedly told colleagues that the party will drop Trump “like a hot rock” if he is the nominee.

      http://www.rawstory.com/2016/02/mitch-mcconnell-republicans-will-drop-trump-like-a-hot-rock-if-he-wins-the-nomination/

      Left and right combine forces with #NeverTrump on Twitter

      Liberals concerned about the future of their country — and Republicans concerned about the future of their party — responded en masse to the Twitter hashtag #NeverTrump Friday night, leaving no doubt that the Republican front-runner is unpopular on both sides of the aisle.

      Trump was slammed for everything from making fun of a disabled reporter to his involvement with Trump University which is finally under intense scrutiny as he grows closer to landing the 2016 GOP presidential nomination.

      http://www.rawstory.com/2016/02/left-and-right-combine-forces-with-nevertrump-on-twitter-and-marco-rubio-joins-in-the-fun/

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10:48 AM

      Inside the Republican Party’s Desperate Mission to Stop Donald Trump

      http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/28/us/politics/donald-trump-republican-party.html

      Delete
    3. Anonymous11:54 AM

      The election of Donald a Trump would be a disaster across the boards.

      Delete
  11. Anonymous10:09 AM

    Former Fed. Prosecutor Thinks Trump Could Go To Prison Over This One Tweet (IMAGE)

    http://www.addictinginfo.org/2016/02/27/jf-former-fed-prosecutor-thinks-trump-could-go-to-prison-over-this-one-tweet-image/

    Trump’s All-Time Sleaziest Scam May Come Back To Bite Him…Hard

    http://www.addictinginfo.org/2016/02/27/trumps-all-time-sleaziest-scam-may-come-back-to-bite-him-hard/

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Anonymous4:16 PM

      Just an observation, Trump's use of Twitter doesn't sit well with me, at all. If you go through them, it's clear he has no grasp on governance, makes promises he can't keep, and shows the true "playground bully" aspect of his warped mind. Why should he be treated any differently than anyone else because he's filthy rich? It's a persecution complex type of thing and comes across as very weak and low energy. I still feel the demise of Donald in politics will be of his own doing. He's on record being pro abortion, pro planned parenthood and he even invited Bill and Hillary to one of his weddings.
      What right wing conservative does that?

      Delete
  12. Anonymous10:13 AM

    The conversation between you and you daughter is the same one we are all having, even if it's just with ourselves.

    My rebuttal to the Bernie-too-idealistic point is the one he gives: we elect him, and he helps a greater involvement in govt by the common man to happen. It's a risk, and I'm in favor of it.

    Of course I will happily vote for Hill if she is the candidate. She has SO MUCH more to offer than any Repug, all of whom seem Hitleresque to me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous11:13 AM

      Thank you for your kind reply. We need Democratic unity in the fall.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous11:57 AM

      I'm all for it too, but how exactly is he going to do it? Seriously, I just don't get it. Over the past seven years there have been protests and petitions and grassroots campaigns. The president has been unable to close gitmo even though most people feel it's an embarrassment to our country. What is sanders going to do differently to have the public influence actual policy?

      Delete
    3. Anonymous12:13 PM

      Oh please, Bernie has done nothing in 25 yrs and for 20 yrs before that he didn't even work.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous1:09 PM

      Anon 11:57

      The only thing Sanders will be doing differently that counts with Repubes is being white, and I don't think that's gonna be enough to get his proposals enacted.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous1:41 PM

      All of you people who support Hillary but insult Bernie and his supporters are doing more harm than good. You can't win over supporters by insulting them. You are sounding more and more like Trump.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous1:48 PM

      All of you people who support Bernie but insult Hillary and her supporters are doing more harm than good. You can't win over supporters by insulting them. You are sounding more and more like Trump.

      Delete
    7. Anonymous2:38 PM

      12:13 does NOT speak for the majority of fair-minded Democrats. Please, 1:41, don't take that person's comment as representative of Hillary supporters. That was a very divisive and insulting comment.

      Delete
  13. Anonymous10:14 AM

    I had a similar conversation with my daughter, caught up in the Bernie revolution. She actually wanted to know how I could support such a corrupt, evil woman. After our talk, she had a much more realistic view of the real Hillary -- and knows why her forever liberal mother is with HER!

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  14. Anonymous10:18 AM

    Happy Birthday, Gryphen!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Anonymous10:49 AM

      Happy Birthday. We February people (24th) rock.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous11:31 AM

      Gryphen, Happy Birthday! I have not donated to you in awhile, but your blog means a lot to our household. You have so many loyal readers, and your voice is heard around the world. Thanks for your leadership and activism. I hope 2016 is a great year for you.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous11:45 AM

      Belated wishes, Gryph!
      You rock.

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjF1bG5LUcs

      Delete
    4. Anonymous12:19 PM

      Happy Birthday! Please, if you see a stretch white Hummer driving around your neighborhood, HIDE!!

      Delete
    5. Anita Winecooler4:18 PM

      Happy Birthday! How's it feel to be 39 again? Just kidding.

      Delete
    6. A Superfan In Atlanta5:07 PM

      Happy Birthday Uncle Gryph!
      I, too, celebrate my birthday in February (24th).

      All my best wishes for you XOXO

      Delete
  15. Anonymous10:27 AM

    Just so long as we're not constantly asked to ooh and aah over how she poses well with children, looks good with her husband, etc. That shit gets old. I hope she effects change including holding banks accountable, supporting education of our children and protecting the working poor.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous11:58 AM

      Nobody cares if you ooh or ahh.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous2:42 PM

      I think 12:13 and 11:58 is the same person driving by and lobbing spitballs.

      Delete
  16. Anonymous10:37 AM

    OT-http://www.salon.com/2016/02/27/secrets_lies_and_the_iphone_a_cia_whistleblower_talks_about_obamas_bizarre_secrecy_obsession_and_why_hillary_and_bernie_wont_talk_about_it/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous11:03 AM

      Watch or read "Spies of Mississippi'" on PBS. By Rick Bowers. http://www.amazon.com/Spies-Mississippi-Network-Destroy-Movement/dp/1426305958

      Remember Emmett Till would be 75.
      It is ALL telling.

      Delete
  17. Anonymous10:43 AM

    http://m.imgur.com/gallery/joGkrAv

    Public service announcement

    ReplyDelete
  18. Anonymous10:43 AM

    Hillary Clinton is a remarkable woman. Google The Accomplishments of Hillary Clinton. She has done so much help children and this helping people started when she was 13 years old.
    I had the great fortune to meet her and i was struck by how warm and open and friendly she is.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Riggggggght. And landing a cushy job after you're out of office doesn't mean you did anything while in office for the company that hired you.

    Hillary has too many ties with those she will be in charge of regulating if she's elected. That's why she's the choice of Wall Street.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous11:16 AM

      She's the Democratic nominee (or soon will be within two weeks). Wall Street pours money into both parties.

      If you have looked into St. Bernie's past, you will find that he has many questionable votes and ties, including with gun manufacturers and polluters.
      (And I like the guy.)

      No politician is pure. Wake up.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous11:59 AM

      Try to take off your cynical glasses and read the article again.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous1:42 PM

      And for fucks sake, twodux, vote for Bernie and support whomsoever represents the Democrats in the general election.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous1:51 PM

      Try getting an education and work experience and you too may get a "cushy" job.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous2:07 PM

      A person couldn't possibly get a cushy job because she is qualified and is the best candidate.
      /sarcasm

      Delete
  20. Anonymous11:04 AM

    I go to the Colorado caucuses on Tuesday and like that night in 2008, I am torn between two candidates. The respect I had for Obama more than transfers to my current feelings toward Senator Sanders--whose positions so closely mirror my own, especially with regard to single payer health care. At the same time (as in 2008), I do have a great deal of respect for Secretary Clinton and as a middle-aged woman would dearly love to see an accomplished woman in the White House. That said, there are a lot of factors to consider--most of all the need to retain the WH at all costs. This article was helpful, but I have a lot more soul searching to do between now and then.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous11:33 AM

      As a former Coloradan, I feel your pain @11:04. But for some reason, your state elected that creep Corey Gardner to the Senate, who is anti-choice and pro-Kochs. Please think carefully about your vote and the big strategy we need to combat what is ahead. Thank you.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous12:00 PM

      I rhink the biggest challenge will be to get out the African American voters, Latino voters. If they come out in force, the Democrats win. The GOP offers people of color absolutely NOTHING. Trump would be a total disaster as president. He is already irritating former leaders of other countries. He had Fox of Mexico really rattled with the whole fence debacle. Georgie Bush was a disaster, Trump will be as bad, if not worse (if that is possible)I think he is certifiably NUTS.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous12:06 PM

      I'm also caucusing in Co next week and a woman in my mid 40s. It's my first caucus since we move here a couple years ago. I'm not sure I'm looking forward to it.

      I know exactly the reason why we have Gardner. A man representing the Democrats knocked on my door before the election to remind me to vote. The relief on his face when I told him I was going to cast a vote for Udall told me the story. Lots of Democrats had tantrums and stayed home because they felt disappointed with Udall. And now we have Gardner.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous12:36 PM

      If Hillary is middle age - then she is going to live to be 140 years old. Why do people criticize Bernie for being so old, when he is only a few years older than Trump and Clinton?

      Delete
    5. Anonymous1:14 PM

      12:36 - because she's younger than Bernie (and Trump) and women live longer than men do. You're welcome.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous1:40 PM

      12:36 She (11:04) called herself a middle-aged woman. Not Hillary...

      Haven't you heard that 70's are the new 50's? and that 50's are the new 30's? The new math most certainly declares Hillary also as middle-aged.

      Delete
    7. Anonymous3:17 PM

      @ anon 12:36 pm
      Typical Bernie Bro, making fun of Hillary Clinton's age while defending Sanders even greater age. You are exactly what has chased many voters away from your candidate.
      Go smoke another joint and you might figure it out.

      Delete
  21. Anonymous11:39 AM

    Hillary is bought and paid for, but who isn't?
    Even if Sanders made it, Congress would treat him like they did President Obama. It's not about "us" anymore but them. Hold your nose and vote.

    God help us if Trump is elected. This country has lost its collective mind.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Anonymous11:56 AM

    I seriously hope Hillary finds a good place for Bernie if she gets to the point where it is obvious she will be the democratic candidate. She will need him to make sure the young get out to vote. If they don't come out and vote, Trump will have too good a chance of becoming president

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous12:16 PM

      But Bernie does nothing for the minority vote or much of the youth vote ( it's another fantasy that Bernie has all the youth vote), do nothing Bernie has been useless for 25 years. She would be better off picking Castro for something.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous12:58 PM

      I think the problem is that Bernie tends to give very little attention to the specific problems of minorities and women. He subsumes the issues of minorities and women under the umbrella of economic inequality without recognizing or verbalizing that it's not that simple.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous1:15 PM

      12:16 - it your attitude (shared by Hillary) which will make Hillary lose. She doesn't respect Bernie nor his supporters, and we won't vote for her because she doesn't represent us and never will.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous1:16 PM

      Trump is not going to be President.

      But just in case, DO SOMETHING POSITIVE AND VOLUNTEER FOR THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY IN 2016. REGISTER NEW VOTERS!

      Delete
    5. Anonymous1:20 PM

      Why do you say she doesn't respect Sanders or his supporters?

      Delete
    6. Anonymous1:49 PM

      @ anon
      1:15pm
      Why would I respect someone who has been a do-nothing like Bernie their whole lives?

      Delete
    7. Anonymous4:30 PM

      Bwahahahahhhhh and who has Bernie ever represented? People who want their own post offices?

      Delete
  23. Anonymous12:06 PM

    I won't point fingers, but it sounds like someone here is a Democrat, and his daughter is a Liberal - same team - different points of view.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous12:57 PM

      Nope.
      Believe it or not there are liberals and even progressives who support Hillary Clinton over Bernie Sanders.

      Do you really think Gryphen isn't a liberal?

      Delete
    2. Anonymous1:43 PM

      I'm a progressive Democrat ( and probably have been since before you were born). Bernie's got nothing and done nothing, I'll vote for Hillary.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous2:05 PM

      Anonymous12:57 PM "Believe it or not there are liberals and even progressives who support Hillary Clinton over Bernie Sanders."

      Thanks for that - I had no idea - I'll make a note.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous3:51 PM

      I'm glad you'll make a note because based on your initial comment, you didn't have any idea.

      Delete
  24. Anonymous12:14 PM

    Clinton/Sanders 2016 or Sanders/Clinton 2016. Either way I am ecstatic.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous1:17 PM

      It's going to be Clinton/Castro. But if it's Clinton/Sanders, that's fine. Although I really think we need Bernie to stay in the Senate.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous1:19 PM

      I read somewhere that Sanders doesn't intend to remain in the Senate.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous1:38 PM

      It would be nice to see him excercise more leadership (and/or visibility) than he has for the last 20 years in the senate..

      Delete
    4. Anonymous1:41 PM

      @ anon 1:19 pm
      Who cares, he hasn't done anything there yet.

      Delete
  25. Anonymous12:20 PM

    What a joke....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous1:17 PM

      Thank you for sharing the depths of your vast intellect with us.

      Delete
  26. Anonymous12:32 PM

    "I have the deepest respect and admiration for Hillary Clinton, and if she wins the Democratic primary I’ll work my heart out to help her become president," Reich wrote. "But I believe Bernie Sanders is the agent of change this nation so desperately needs." Robert Reich, Bill Clinton's Secretary of Labor

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous1:18 PM

      Yes, he brings out a lot of voters./snark

      Delete
    2. Yup -- and this very intelligent and able man, experienced in top-level politics, has answered in his own mind the issue of "How will Bernie do it?" Just one more reason for me to support Bernie. (And yes, Hillary with total respect if she gets the nom.)

      Delete
    3. Anonymous1:41 PM

      @ Amy1
      And just how will Bernie do it? I didn't hear or read Reich give that answer. But since you know please feel free to share.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous4:24 PM

      Reich has never given any answers. Have any of the talking heads ever asked Bernie Sanders any questions that they didn't already know the answers to?

      Delete
    5. Anonymous4:27 PM

      I like Robert Reich but I think he's mistaken. I'm not seeing any great shift. I'm not seeing people discussing Bernie's policies because..... well, lookee here, he doesn't have any.

      A man with no policies is not a driver of change.

      Delete
  27. Anonymous12:34 PM

    I wish Hillary was just half as decent as Obama or Sanders are.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous1:18 PM

      I wish you were, @12:34. Peace.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous4:20 PM

      Thank you, 1:18 PM.

      Delete
  28. Anonymous1:40 PM

    McDonnell and his ilk didn't stop that Asshole Cruz and his TeaParty contingent from shutting down the fucking government and costing us 24 billion dollars.

    They can all just suck it and I hope they get a President Trump and they don't know what the fuck to do with him.

    If they end up obstructing him he'll just turncoat and caucus with the Democrats and throw a big, fucking, fuck you to all the TeaParty Republicans that now have their boxers in a twist over a possible President Trump that they can't fucking control.

    We as citizens would all survive 4 years of Trump just fine, what wouldn't survive is the GOP; perhaps we should just let this happen and kill off that "Grand Old Party" for good, since they can't really decide who or what they want to be.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Anonymous1:47 PM

    LOW VOTER TURNOUT - why aren't Democrats excited about Hillary? Why aren't they excited about electing the first woman president? Why does Hillary turn off voters? The GOP has been having record breaking turnout, and Dems are down. This does not look good for the General.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous2:05 PM

      LOW VOTER TURNOUT - why aren't Democrats excited about Bernie? Why aren't they excited about electing the first socialist president? Why does Bernie turn off voters? The GOP has been having record breaking turnout, and Dems are down. This does not look good for the General.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous2:24 PM

      Here's what's going on: Most of the Democratic party has accepted that Hillary's the nominee. They will show up in the general.

      The "Revolution" protest vote for Sanders is not turning out, either.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous2:37 PM

      I'm worry about the Democratic turnout (whoever they vote for). Why aren't they voting? We need more excitement about the next election or else the Republicans will take it.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous4:16 PM

      Oh, do put a sock in it.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous4:18 PM

      The more insane the Republicans become the more relaxed Democrats are. And people still have to complain about that.

      Delete
  30. Anonymous1:57 PM

    https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/02/27/bernie-sanders-is-right-bill-clintons-welfare-law-doubled-extreme-poverty/

    Welfare Reform doubled extreme poverty rates

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous3:11 PM

      NO it didn't double the number of people living in poverty, it finally counted them.

      Delete
  31. Sorta the opposite of Palin, who some people view as genuine and cooperative in person but who turns out to be distrustful and divisive once you get to know her.

    ReplyDelete
  32. fromthediagonal3:46 PM

    Gryph and Daugher: Just had a similar discussion with friends: Do I vote my emotions, or my understandings of reality? Interestingly, we all came to admit that the examples of idealism won't hold up, but those of rationality do. So, no matter how much we may want to support Mr. Sanders' idealism, we must vote for the realism Ms. Clinton represents. Remember that, as a First Lady, she was the one who fought for HealthCare and was shot down in a big way. She can pull in votes from centrists, because no matter how wrong the impression, Mr. Sanders' label of "socialist" is a red flag for far too many. Just hope that Mr. Sanders' stance will convince Ms. Clinton to to consider those of us who may be to her "left". There is no other choice, and those on the Left who are uncompromising may very well be our downfall. Vote Blue!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous4:15 PM

      The important thing is to keep the presidency out of dangerous hands. Who do you think could do that?

      I have nothing against Bernie Sanders' politics but he's not a Democrat and never has been- which is maybe why he has raised only a tiny amount to get down-ticket Democrats elected- and notwithstanding his decades in Congress he has achieved very little. I would expect a lot more from a potential POTUS.

      Delete
  33. Anita Winecooler4:34 PM

    We're having the same discussion in our home, two of the kids are home on break and were visiting with their spouses. I'd hate to see the Democratic Party fractured, We've been for Hillary, my daughters are for her, their spouses, my son and his wife are full throttle Bernie supporters. To me, all that matters is we unite behind whomever wins and get out the vote. Sometimes we're our own worse enemies. All this work, time, and money doesn't matter unless we get everyone out to vote.

    ReplyDelete
  34. 66gardeners10:40 AM

    My 24-year-old son was persuaded by his then girlfriend's father to vote for Mitt Romney in 2012. Yesterday I asked him who he was thinking of voting for. He hesitated, so I asked, "Donald Trump?" He admitted he was thinking of voting for Trump. I basically told him as his mother I advise him against doing that.

    My son has dyslexia which I have mentioned here before. He does not get his information about politics by reading. I'm working on him.

    ReplyDelete

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