Thursday, February 04, 2016

MSNBC Democratic debate Open Thread.

Okay I think tonight is when things get real folks.

Martin O'Malley is no longer working as a buffer, the Iowa caucus (And it's confusing outcome.) is now behind us, and there have been more than a few sharp edged barbs hurled in both directions.

I think Hillary has much to prove tonight going into New Hampshire, and Bernie is going to want to define himself more completely before the media and the Clinton campaign do it for him.

I have to say that even though I felt a little done in by the last debates, and of course the Iowa caucus, tonight I have my ears perked up and my mind fully caffeinated for what could be one of the most interesting and consequential interactions between these two candidates in the entire campaign season.

And with Rachel Maddow as one of the moderators you KNOW it will be fascinating to watch. 

As always you can follow me here on Twitter and of course I will be updating this post as events dictate.

P.S. By the way here is an interesting article about the "Bernie Bros" phenomena.  

Update: This is where shit got real.

263 comments:

  1. Anonymous4:37 PM

    JFC, another debate? I had not heard of this until you just posted this. I thought there was one last night? MSNBC has a debate last night, right, why two in two nights?

    At any rate, go Bernie, I don't think he even expects us, his supporters, to actually tune into these constant debates. I hope you cover this tomorrow because I don't have this channel selected in my lineup and I don't know how to find it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous6:12 PM

      Yeah, but this time it's adults having intelligent conversation as opposed to the TEAReThug shit flinging monkey show.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous6:36 PM

      "constant debates?" that's pretty funny considering everyone has been ragging on DWS for not having enough debates. Last night was a TOWN HALL. This is a debate with the wonderful Rachel moderating (along with Mr. Stupid Chuck.)

      Delete
    3. Hillary will win. My prediction.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous4:09 AM

      4:37
      No, Bernie doesn't expect supporters like you to tune into substantive democratic debates. He knows the GOP plants in his campaign will continue to focus on carrying out a very artful smear campaign against Clinton.

      Clinton gobsmacked Bernie last night, he was schlonged, if you will.

      Joe Scarborough lurks among us.

      Delete
  2. Anonymous4:40 PM

    May be an unpopular opinion, but I'm glad to see Brian Williams back. Have at me, IMers. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous5:06 PM

      No hostility from me. Williams is better than most news anchors. Also, he was the one who cornered Palin into releasing her 'medical records'.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous5:24 PM

      4:40! How dare you! .... say exactly what I think, also...

      Delete
    3. Anonymous6:13 PM

      I think Hes learned his lesson.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous11:52 PM

      yeah but they do need to stop slanting the news! it's so damn bizarre you can't make it up anymore and it's obvious when you do!

      Delete
  3. Anonymous4:43 PM

    What do you think Hillary has to prove, Gryphen?

    Does Bernie have anything to prove or are his couple decades in politics enough for him?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous4:59 PM

      They both have something to prove.

      Delete
  4. Anonymous5:00 PM

    And in this corner...the featherweight vs the paperweight. I love the bern but he can't win the general. Sorry. He's 74. It's a problem. Hillary must win.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous5:24 PM

      Exactly. Clinton is our only chance, period.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous5:26 PM

      And if elected, he would be 75 when he takes office.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous6:14 PM

      Meh, I like Hilary, but shes what, only five years younger?

      Delete
    4. Anonymous6:59 PM

      Five years younger and female. A far better bet, in actuarial terms.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous8:11 PM

      I'm not worried at all about his age or hers. I trust them both to get a great VP.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous11:54 PM

      The world needs some mothering for about a decade and then the men can take the helm!
      If we can find them after that...hahaha

      Delete
  5. Anonymous5:19 PM

    I watched the first minutes of Bernie's opening statement and decided I'd rather catch up on last Sunday's 'The Good Wife' episode. Sorry to those of you who support Bernie but the way he reduces every problem to income inequality and anger at Wall Street and banks irritates me. He rails against the divisive GOP and doesn't see that he's doing the same thing against Wall Street/the rich. I have some retirement money because of Wall Street. I had jobs because banks gave loans to the businesses for which I worked. I am pro-regulation and increased taxes but the populist rage makes me uncomfortable. Weird because I think he's kind of adorable in a 'he reminds me of my Jewish uncles and cousins' way and I agree with him on many issues....just see different means toward enacting liberal/progressive policies.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous6:53 PM

      I think that's exactly what I have been trying to put my finger on. That, and his wanting to throw out the Affordable Care Act for single payer and try to push free college education through. It seems like an incredibly tall order and frankly impossible to enact.

      Delete
    2. Yep, this here Hillary voter agrees with you 100%

      Delete
    3. Anonymous8:23 PM

      Exactly, he sounds like a broken record at this point and he is never going to get any of this past Congress.

      Delete
    4. Cracklin Charlie8:28 PM

      Look, I love Hillary, and I will gladly vote for her; but, single payer, and free college education ARE possible in this country right now.

      The amount of money lost or wasted in the military industrial complex alone could fund one of those proposals now. And that same military budget could be trimmed to fund the other.

      Think about how much the average working citizen pays in federal payroll tax. Now multiply that by the number of people paying taxes through payroll deduction. The treasury receives a giant chunk of money every single month to fund the government. It should be spent on programs that are beneficial to all citizens, not lost in the cracks of some over-funded budget, only to end up in a rich man's pocket.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous9:04 PM

      Cracklin Charlie, great comment.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous11:57 PM

      Fat Cats will lose their milk dish! They will cry and cry and cry! Then they will see the mice and go after them...happy hunting!

      Delete
    7. Anonymous1:52 AM

      Oh, Cracklin Charlie, if it was just a matter of money the US would have free universal health insurance and free college tuition.

      It's not about the money it's about the politics. Ideologues are running the country, not bank managers.

      Delete
  6. Anonymous5:22 PM

    live stream http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc2/watch/live-msnbc-democratic-candidates-debate-615981635659

    -Oz

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous5:30 PM

    I'm a Bernie fan myself. Hillary just got very irritated and she's pulling out all the stops.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous7:38 PM

      http://www.politicususa.com/2016/02/01/bernie-sanders-super-pac-money-democratic-rivals.html
      Bernie more from a SuperPAC than Hillary.

      Delete
  8. The gloves are NOT off in this debate.

    If anything the hands are wrapped, the gloves are laced, and the mouthpiece is in place.

    This is a brawl.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous5:36 PM

      It is a brawl but it is based on issues and I'm enjoying every minute of it.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous5:47 PM

      How REFRESHING to finally have two people who actually debate issues.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous7:06 PM

      I don't think it's a brawl at all. They are vehemently disagreeing on a few topics, but they really are doing it in an adult fashion.

      Mildred

      Delete
  9. Anonymous5:33 PM

    I decided a couple of days ago that Hillary would get my vote, based on her experience.

    However I like Bernie's ideas and want to see these ideas move forward. How will Bernic move the movement forward? As a Senator? It's up to the youth of America because th ey hae the most at stake.

    That said, Hillary has down her homework for this debate. I hate to see these two wonderful progressives having to tear each other down. I think it's expected.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous5:36 PM

      Clinton/Sanders 2016

      (sigh)

      Delete
    2. Anonymous5:46 PM

      If Hillary is the Democratic nominee, I think she has all the experience that is needed. It would be far better to have a younger VP who can gain experience for 2020 and 2024.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous6:07 PM

      I don't think Hillary would select Bernie as VP but I do hope he has a place in the Fed Govt to put his energy to good use.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous6:08 PM

      Clinton/Castro (Julian or Joaquin) 2016

      Delete
    5. Anonymous6:17 PM

      If Hillary gets the nom, we need Sanders to stay in the Senate.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous6:17 PM

      Either of the Castro Bros or Wendy Davis.

      Delete
    7. Anonymous8:39 PM

      I agree, Castro as VP! Any of 'em, all of 'em.

      Delete
    8. Anonymous5:16 AM

      "Castro as VP! Any of 'em, all of 'em."

      Fidel or Raul?

      Delete
  10. Anonymous5:33 PM

    Hillary is very strong tonight. Bernie is using his dog whistle words such as "revolution". Every four years someone in bith parties throws out "revolution" and the crowds go wild.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I am beyond impressed by both of these candidates tonight. And think for the first time that a Clinton/Sanders ticket sounds unstoppable.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous5:46 PM

      This debate is what debates should be like. Issues instead of insults.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous5:48 PM

      I am absolutely loving this, Gryph.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous5:51 PM

      Yes!

      Delete
    4. Anonymous6:16 PM

      This is great TV and informative! Something we will never get from the other side.

      I'm still undecided so the more debates the better. I'm so glad they are doing more than was planned.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous11:58 PM

      Ozzie and Harriet of Politics

      Delete
  12. Anonymous5:40 PM

    I agree with this:

    Bob Cesca ‏@bobcesca_go 12m12 minutes ago

    I'm not thrilled that one of the candidates has made "establishment" and "moderate" into pejoratives. Dems are a big tent.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous5:53 PM

      This bothers me, too, especially when we've seen the country, in general, move to the left on social issues. Imagine hearing that if you are a moderate Democrat (I'm not one) or even a moderate Republican who is considering jumping ship.

      I want the party to be even more progressive than they is, but realistically, most people deviate toward the middle. Treating the word "moderate" like an insult isn't a good way to solidify their support.

      We can say "fuck the moderates," but we do so at our own peril.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous5:57 PM

      Fuck Bob Cesca. Dems have already capitulated way too much and moved way too far to the right on too many issues! They fold at the mere hint of being called liberal, like it's a dirty word. Fuck those cowards. Go Bernie!

      Delete
    3. Crystal Sage6:26 PM

      Bob Cesca is absolutely right. There is a phony fight going on over labels like "progressive" and "moderate." They mean nothing in the big scheme of things. We need to beat the Repubs. That is all. A Democratic victory for the presidency and Congress is absolutely necessary for the future of the USA.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous6:48 PM

      HRC is best for wall street types, and theclinton foundation!

      Sen. Sander is better for the people and the US of A!

      Delete
    5. Anonymous6:54 PM

      The more pithy slogans you post, 6:48, the less people take them seriously. After a while, it's just noise.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous7:56 PM

      Crystal Sage,

      Is that akin to the difference between "mostly cloudy" and "partly sunny" in weather reports? I have yet to know the difference.

      We MUST not elect a Repub or we're screwed. I hope a majority of thinking people realize that.

      Delete
  13. Anonymous5:41 PM

    Trump/PALIN
    2016-2024

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous5:50 PM

      Good luck with that.
      Buy 'em a playpen.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous6:09 PM

      Go for it and if she thinks she and McCain lost big last time, this time would be an even bigger loss.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous6:20 PM

      Oh look, even shit flinging monkeys have fans.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous6:39 PM

      Who? Ivanka and Track?

      Delete
    5. emrysa7:31 PM

      lol 6:39, that was good....

      Delete
    6. Anonymous12:00 AM

      someone woke up early from their day nap!

      Delete
  14. Anonymous5:45 PM

    At what point does Trump realize that Sarah is a liability to him? Clinton and Sanders would be unbeatable in the general.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Balzafiar7:14 PM

      Trump knew it up front; it's all part of his plan to have a warm body to throw under the bus when it pulls out of the station.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous12:01 AM

      hahaha

      Delete
  15. Anonymous5:48 PM

    I keep wondering if either of them is dyslexic...;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous5:53 PM

      Or FAS. :)

      Delete
    2. Anonymous7:01 PM

      LOL.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous8:14 PM

      Ha! Was that not the most surreal convo ever?

      Delete
    4. Anonymous8:18 PM

      I am dyslexic, what is your point, that I am less of a person because of it?

      Delete
    5. 66gardeners4:24 AM

      Dyslexia does not make one less of a person nor does it effect one's intelligence.

      People with dyslexia can have high, average or low intelligence. Only the dyslexics with high intelligence are likely to be diagnosed, however, because their disability becomes strikingly apparent when compared to their overall intelligence.

      Dyslexia does present limitations in reading, writing, and speaking, all things in which effective POTUS must excel. Keep in mind for one to be diagnosed with dyslexia, they must have a severe disability to the point that it impairs their learning.

      There is sign that Clinton or Sanders have dyslexia. Both of these candidates know their stuff and how to express themselves.

      If you want to know what dyslexia looks like in a political platform see Palin and Bush. Word salad dujour.

      Delete
  16. If I were Hillary I would certainly NOT release her speech transcripts. That just seems like it would be giving too much ammo to her opponents who would make mountain ranges out of every molehill no matter how minuscule.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's not that I think she has anything to hide, it's just too much raw data.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous5:51 PM

      I agree with you. It doesn't make sense for her to release the transcripts for all her speeches.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous5:55 PM

      Exactly!

      Delete
    4. Anonymous5:57 PM

      I think even asking for them was out of line. If she is pushed to release hers then every person running for office that has made paid speeches would have to be subjected to the same scrutiny.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous6:03 PM

      I think it would be utterly disastrous for Hillary Clinton to release her speeches to the 1/10th of the 1 percent. They certainly aren't paying her obscenely big bucks to tell them what they DON'T want to hear. They are paying her to tell them exactly what they DO want to hear. And there is no way that doesn't conflict BIG TIME with what Clinton is claiming on the campaign trail. No fucking way. Which means Hillary Clinton is, like her husband, a great big fucking liar who pretends to feel the pain of the middle class but who will really only work to protect the wealth, power, and privilege of her billionaire masters. You know, those people she hobnobs with on her down time.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous6:04 PM

      I agree Gryph. I think Bernie is becoming a "spoiler" although I agree with him. His rush to revolution just isn't going to happen.

      Delete
    7. Anonymous6:05 PM

      And here we go, another demand for Hillary to release something that others are not expected to release. Chris Christie doesn't think his Bridgegate emails are necessary to the defense of his former aides, but he'll be asking for all of Hillary's speech transcripts very soon.

      Delete
    8. Anonymous6:20 PM

      Good point, Gryphen.

      Delete
    9. Anonymous6:23 PM

      Ever heard the word diplomacy? You can tell them why they need to hear without insulting them.

      Delete
    10. Anonymous6:33 PM

      Why Gryph, whats she got to hide?

      She has her speeches for the rich bankers that the rest of us poor slob serfs aren't worthy of?

      Bullshit.

      Delete
    11. Anonymous8:43 PM

      I'm not sure what you think she might have said, but guaranteed it was probably boring and uncontroversial.

      Or perhaps you think she and all the bankers rolled around in big piles of money for an hour while laughing maniacally.

      Delete
    12. Anonymous8:59 PM

      I only get $3,500 per speech, but most of them are filmed now. You just expect it. So she would never say anything in a speech that she wouldn't mind having released on the 'Net. Even the Koch Bros.' top secret retreats have been filmed. Look what happened to Romney. I highly doubt HRC would have said anything too damaging there.
      If she had, surely the GOP would have already leaked it.

      Delete
    13. Anonymous11:25 PM

      Well all the same, we'd just like to go ahead and take a gander at them there Hillary speeches to the big banks, you know, just to confirm the meaningless, boring, and uncontroversial statements you are so sure she made.

      Delete
    14. Anonymous4:27 AM

      @6:03
      I haunt the glass house Joe Scarborough inhabits. Research the medical examiner on that one.

      There will be no surprises in the general election from republicans against Clinton like RMoney's 47% comments. You can take that to Wall Street.

      Delete
  17. Anonymous6:02 PM

    So sick of Bernie Sanders pointing out that he voted against the war in Iraq, and Hillary Clinton voted for it. Yeah. Got it. For the 500th time. But it's not an answer to every foreign policy question you're asked. It's getting old...and so is Bernie.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous6:30 PM

      It worked for PRESIDENT Obama.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous7:00 PM

      6:30 - maybe that's why it seems so tired now

      Delete
    3. Anonymous8:09 PM

      Doesn't matter how long ago, it's the principled stand. Just like Bernie can compare his decades ago conscientious objector status to any of he ReThug deferment draft dodgers

      Delete
    4. Anonymous10:04 PM

      Republicans don't respect conscientious objection. They will ignore serial draft dodging war mongers, but actively protesting the war is a offensive to them.

      Delete
  18. Anonymous6:04 PM

    I have seen a few comments else where that say Hillary is too angry tonight. She is criticized if she doesn't show enough emotion and if she does show emotion.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous6:41 PM

      Yup. Remember in 2008 when she was called cold, and then she cried at the luncheon, and all of a sudden she was a 'weak female.'

      Delete
  19. That person who compared Bernie Sanders to Bobcat Goldthwait is on my shit list.

    Now I can't stop noticing the similarities.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous7:02 PM

      Have you seen the Bernie = Bert + Ernie meme?

      Delete
    2. Sorry...I think that was ME.

      And I have nothing AGAINST Bernie! Just that I fear I'll eyewitness his demise from a heart attack, on live TV.

      Delete
  20. Anonymous6:05 PM

    Bernie knows so much less about foreign policy than Hillary. It's quite clear.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous6:54 PM

      Bernie may know less than Hillary about foreign policy but he is head and shoulders ahead of any of the republicans on this topic.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous7:07 PM

      6:54 - I agree with you, of course!

      Delete
  21. Anonymous6:06 PM

    Can you just picture either Bernie or Hillary going up against the Republican nominee. It is going to be a bloodbath. I'm torn wanting Bernie's more ambitious agenda and Hillary's experience and electability. The GOP has been successful in moving the center far to the right with their extreme agendas. I prefer shooting for what our ultimate goal is and making baby steps if we have to instead of only trying for half way there because of GOP obstructionism. We have to fight to win at all costs to get redistricting back in 2020. We have all the ammunition needed to turn states if they would only fight effectively.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Otto Katz6:08 PM

    I had to change the channel to the Gem Shopping Network. It was like watching your favorite uncle and your favorite teacher having an argument, and you wanted to tell them to stop it, and get along for the good of the family at the Thanksgiving day dinner. I hate to see people I like fighting. Especially when they can't hear me through the tv.

    Oooo that's a pretty ring!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous7:37 PM

      Oooo that's a pretty ring!
      -------
      That made me laugh!
      But I do feel the same, it's like watching parents or two friends of yours arguing, it's odd.

      Mildred

      Delete
    2. Anonymous4:30 AM

      Bernie started it.

      Delete
  23. Anonymous6:16 PM

    Democrats favor diplomacy. Republicans oppose diplomacy or say so to be the opposition. As Palin eloquently stated Kick ISIS's ass amidst her rhyme phrases. Trump approves of Palin sexualizing what is diplomacy.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Anonymous6:25 PM

    Does anyone have reinse peubis (?) on speed dial. This is what a real fucking debate looks like.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Anonymous6:26 PM

    Rachel is an excellent moderator.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous6:31 PM

      MSNBC is so bad now I can't watch it any more but I always watch Rachel. A real treasure.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous9:27 PM


      they did a very good job.

      Delete
  26. Anonymous6:27 PM

    It just hit me like a thunderbolt,l Bernie would actually make a great vice president.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous6:29 PM

      Possibly. But, unlike the GOP bench, there are many Democrats who would be excellent VPs.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous6:42 PM

      I'm still undecided but I'm leaning his way because I want this country to change the campaign finance laws. I don't think it will be a priority for Hillary. I know it will be very hard to do but I want it a priority.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous7:01 PM

      I love so much about each, I want a melding of both their ideas. Maybe VP is a good idea, he could bolster Hillary, and make her move on some of these priorities of his.

      Mildred

      Delete
  27. Anonymous6:27 PM

    I was and am still enamored by Barack Obama's intelligence, curiosity, and comprehension of complex issues. I voted for him because I saw his competence for the job. Hillary may be even smarter and equally competent. I hope this nation's insecure white men can get over themselves because, otherwise, we're looking at another 4-8 years of ugly backlash over the loss of perceived status and power.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous7:04 PM

      Having a black man in the White House for eight years was particularly hard on the GOP because President Obama "was" just that good.

      As Gryph said in an earlier post, I am also on the wrong side of the demographic, but with age DOES come wisdom.

      This is no contest between these debates. GOP are clearly the children sucking their collective thumbs and Bernie/Hillary the adults in the room.

      Delete
    2. Cracklin Charlie8:13 PM

      I think the GOP candidates are more like a troop of monkeys, flinging their poo at each other on national teevee.

      Delete
  28. Uh oh, e-mail question?

    What's next, Benghazi?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous6:59 PM

      Answered quite well, I'd say

      Mildred

      Delete
    2. Anonymous11:50 PM

      what e-mail question?

      Delete
    3. Anonymous2:46 AM

      Classified emails found on Colin Powell and Condi Rice's personal emails: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/05/us/politics/state-dept-classified-data-found-ex-secretaries-personal-email-john-kerry-condeleezza-rice-colin-powell.html?emc=edit_ee_20160205&nl=todaysheadlines-europe&nlid=71264839

      Delete
  29. Anonymous6:40 PM

    Sort of OT, sorry (it's a commercial)...I saw Jeb! introducing his momma in New Hampshire on CNN, and he essentially and awkwardly put her down saying something like, "all these people are here. Let me tell you she's not that great.. Our family joke is that she was lucky Child Protective Services wasn't around when we were growing up...." Swear to dog. Child abuse jokes, ha ha ha ha.

    Worse yet he goes on to say what a hero his dad was while they were growing up, "Mom taught us right from wrong, but dad was the best man in the world." He really is the most awkward man and a horrible politician. Does he really need to be told, "Hey, Jeb!, if your rally is 3x your typical rally because your mother is on the stage, don't insult your mother in front of them."

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous6:52 PM

      Jeb! is living proof of how someone born with a silver spoon in their mouth has many advantages not offered to everyone else. Now that he is running for president, he has been exposed as the idiot that he is.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous8:19 PM

      He's Dyslexic!

      Delete
    3. Anonymous9:51 PM

      A silver foot in his mouth, as Ann Richards said about his father.

      Delete
    4. 66gardeners4:35 AM

      Jeb probably is dyslexic as two brothers and his father are known to have dyslexia. Nothing else to me explains his imbecile-like performance as a presidential candidate.

      An expressive language dysfunction is commonly seen in people with dyslexia. One must ask how can someone who can not effectively explain simple concepts be president? Being rich, of course.

      Remember Rove was Bush's brain. One has to wonder, who will be Jeb's brain if he were to become president?

      Delete
  30. Anonymous6:44 PM

    It's almost over and I have to say best debate I've ever seen! Well done to both the candidates. This is what a debate should look like.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous6:59 PM

      I totally agree! A debate between adults. I wasn't going to watch as I'm getting burned out on election politics right now, but this was heartening, that there are intelligent people to choose from.

      Now the hard part is, which one? Which ain't a bad thing, considering the OTHER side!

      Mildred

      Delete
    2. 66gardeners4:37 AM

      Mildred, the choice is easy. Hillary 2016. First woman POTUS. If not now, when? I don't want the first woman president to disappoint. Hillary will not disappoint.

      Delete
  31. Anonymous6:49 PM

    This has been a great debate! Sure makes the Republican debates look like playground fights.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous7:07 PM

      Definitely was a great debate!

      Delete
    2. It makes you proud to be a Democrat, doesn't it? They got harsh, each of them, but it wasn't personal, it was about matters of substance.

      The GOP forfeited their ability to argue like adults when they refused to strangle the Tea Party in its cradle, and now none of them can get traction if they don't lard on the hate speech. I think those that predict the extinction of the Republican party are on to something.

      Delete
  32. Anonymous7:03 PM

    Crappolla. Off topic, but I was running through the usual suspect blogs and sites and say this.

    I think my cat just erased my comment, so apologize if there are two posts. (Maybe I should get a PAC and hire my kitty to help with social media. Surely won't be worse than some of the posts we've seen.)

    New photo on Bristols Insta of Tripp holding Sailor. She sure looks more like a 3 or 4 month old than she does a 6-8 week old.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BBYdZ1wS9ih/?taken-by=bsmp2

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous7:53 PM

      Sailor is three months old today. Everybody but Baldy and Barstool believe she was born on November 4th. Go on over to SPHASH and read the interesting anonymous comment that landed in SPHASH's mailbox.

      Delete
    2. Cracklin Charlie8:09 PM

      You're right, no way was Sailor born anywhere near Christmas Day. She's three months old, and she is filling out very nicely. And I love her moccasins! My granddaughter has a black pair with skull and crossed bones. Bristol needs to let Sailor pick Sarah's outfit for her next trip out...she dresses really cute.

      But, seriously...it's not a good idea to take an infant to an elementary school during cold and flu season. Those places are incubators for all sorts of nasty germs.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous8:26 PM

      What is a Spash and how do I find the comment?

      Delete
    4. Anonymous9:27 PM

      @8:26, Here you go...

      http://sarahpalinhasaserpentsheart.blogspot.com/2016/02/interesting-comment-left-on-blog.html

      Delete
    5. Anonymous9:38 PM

      SPHASH: Sarah Palin Has A Serpents Heart dot blogspot dot com.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous9:45 PM

      http://sarahpalinhasaserpentsheart.blogspot.com/2016/02/interesting-comment-left-on-blog.html

      Delete
    7. Anonymous10:08 PM

      The tabloids always fail to mention Tripp has two half-sisters through Levi; a stable, intact family.

      http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3432892/Lunch-loved-one-Bristol-Palin-s-son-Tripp-seven-enjoys-precious-bonding-time-baby-sister-Sailor-Grace-school.html


      Delete
    8. Anonymous10:33 PM

      Tripp's siblings are all 1/2 siblings. None of Bristol's bastards have the same father, like Track and Piper are not Todd's offspring. Too bad that Native Healthcare did not vet the Palins.

      Delete
    9. Anonymous11:54 PM

      But the same Instagram picture posted by Dakota with the caption 'Best Christmas present ever!!' reveals a detail whited out in Palin's account – the date scribbled on her IV line.

      There, in black and white, is a date that appears to read November 4 – placing the birth almost two months before Bristol claimed.

      Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3432892/Lunch-loved-one-Bristol-Palin-s-son-Tripp-seven-enjoys-precious-bonding-time-baby-sister-Sailor-Grace-school.html#ixzz3zHXqx7EH
      Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

      Delete
  33. Anonymous7:03 PM

    Ok, I've just decided we need them both! What great support they have for each other, even if there are disagreements! It would also be a guaranteed win!

    Mildred

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous7:24 PM

      Amen, Mildred!
      I came into it wary but two adults that truly respect each other. How refreshing instead of the monkey poop slinging GOP.

      Delete
  34. Anonymous7:04 PM

    I can't see Donald Trump going against either Clinton or Sanders one on one and survive

    Trump would be lost.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous7:26 PM

      Trump's already set the stage to refuse to debate. "Waaaa. They're so mean to me!"

      Delete
    2. Anonymous5:06 AM

      And if anyone tries to let Maddow debate a debate between D and R, Cruz, Rubio or Trump will simply cry "she's partisan. We will only debate on the impartial Fox networks, but no Kelly!" I think they have a thing against women...as well as facts, truth telling, impartiality, honesty.....

      Delete
  35. Anonymous7:10 PM

    How refreshing. Two people who respect each other, who know what they believe and will tell you the truth, and who have ideas for governing. Anyone not voting for Democrats this year ought to be in a padded room somewhere, with Palin's speeches piped in on HIGH 20 hours a day.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous7:31 PM

      I disagree. Bernie Sanders will tell you the truth, because he has nothing to hide. He is beholden to no one except the people who vote for him, because they fund his campaigns.

      Hillary Clinton will bullshit you. She will try to convince you that she isn't a Wall Street puppet. But if you look at her history, her voting record, the people she speaks to in secret, the people who fund her campaigns, you will know that she is lying about that. She is a puppet of Goldman Sachs and their ilk.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous8:11 PM

      with Palin's speeches piped in on HIGH 20 hours a day.
      ----------
      Your giving away the state dept's plan to eliminate ISIS.

      Delete
    3. SALLYINMI12:14 AM

      7:31- Do you know who has taken more SuperPAC money than anyone else? Bernie Sanders.http://www.ibtimes.com/bernie-sanders-receives-outside-money-support-despite-hitting-clinton-over-super-pacs-2294847

      Delete
    4. Anonymous4:42 AM

      7:31
      You sling you poop elsewhere foor

      Delete
  36. Anonymous7:13 PM

    Bernie Sanders will be a 75 year old president if elected. I don't believe he can handle the hours and stress President Obama put in and experienced.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous7:24 PM

      If elected, how many years will Bernie be effective? How many years does he have left?

      Delete
    2. emrysa7:37 PM

      and hillary, if elected, will be 69. I guess this comes down to who they each would choose as their vp, seeing as the vp will have some big duties.

      but trying to disqualify bernie because of his age when hillary isn't that far behind is a load of TRANSPARENT shit, troll.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous8:11 PM

      I'm a Clinton supporter, but lay off the age thing. Sanders is probably in better health than most people 10 years younger than he is, maybe even better than most people 20 years younger.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous8:31 PM

      They are both a bit long in the tooth so we'll not get but one term from either one of them.

      Delete
    5. SALLYINMI12:15 AM

      Bull. Hillary has never looked better, and Bernie is a fighter. That said, does his wife remind anyone else of Kim Davis?

      Delete
  37. Anonymous7:20 PM

    Aftermath....who's the woman on the far left with the curly hair? She said it best.

    "We have one party discussing the issues, and the other in the middle of a food fight."

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous9:02 PM

      Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, DNC chair

      Delete
  38. Anonymous7:27 PM

    If he can handle the stress of campaigning, he can handle being Pres. Remember there will be cabinet members who will help him.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Anonymous7:30 PM

    Bernie can be president until he passes in an apoplectic fit. As his Vice Pres, Hillary steps in and completes his term, then goes on to serve 8 years on her own, with E. Warren as VP. Then Warren can be President for 8 years, at which time won't Malia Obama be old enough to be President?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I like your thinking!

      Delete
    2. Anonymous9:31 PM

      Like+++

      Delete
    3. I like Warren but I would not be comfortable voting for someone who would be 80 when elected and in their late 80s by the end of their second term.

      Delete
  40. Nonny 7:13: Hillary Clinton is only 5 years younger. The age thing is really annoying.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous8:32 PM

      I know, right? They're both pretty old so it's a moot point.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous8:42 PM

      5 years at that age makes a difference.

      Delete
  41. Anonymous7:41 PM

    I think it is hard for Bernie and Hillary to really go after each other as they are friends and have a lot of respect for each other. But, I think they have both realized that they are going to have to earn every vote and they are going to have to do a hard contrast between them.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Anonymous7:51 PM

    just finished watching a two part DOC on Bernie Madoff. Elizabeth Warren for President!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Anonymous7:52 PM

    Imagine Trump up there, he would revert to personal attacks and bring up the same old shit Mexico will pay for his wall.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous8:33 PM

      How do Bernie and Hillary propose we pay for the wall, huh?

      ;-)

      Delete
  44. Anonymous7:59 PM

    What is going to happen is the Republican presidential candidates will use the Clinton/Sanders debate as their wake up call on how to debate and what to expect for whoever goes up against either Democrat.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous8:34 PM

      7:59pm

      I think you forgot to include this

      ;-)

      after your comment.

      Delete
    2. SALLYINMI12:20 AM

      As if their voters care about issues..it's all a personality contest to them. Issues? Why, they have the Kochs and ALEC to take care of the issues. These are the people who voted for Chris Christie even after they knew what a bully he is. They vote for Trump, who has never governed on a student council, let alone something that counted. They vote for Ted Cruz, who makes it plain that he would turn the US into a theocracy. They like Sarah Palin, for crimes' sake. No way they expect or even want a civil, logical, or knowledgeable debate on issues.

      Delete
  45. Anonymous8:03 PM

    So, Brancy decides to post during the debate also,too:

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3432892/Lunch-loved-one-Bristol-Palin-s-son-Tripp-seven-enjoys-precious-bonding-time-baby-sister-Sailor-Grace-school.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous9:21 PM

      Guess the hard-ass worker had the day off from her grueling pimple-popping job in Anchorage to visit Trippy at school?

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10:14 PM

      And a Happy 3-Month Birthday to little Sailor!

      Delete
    3. Anonymous5:02 AM

      And another picture of a large sleeping infant being strangled by a 1st grader. And Bristol, how come you went 'back to the real world' on Monday and already have a day off? Or did Sailor's 'caregiver' take the baby to school during nap time? Why does Tripp look like he has rouge on his cheeks? Why is your family so messed up?

      Delete
  46. Anonymous8:09 PM

    O/T Colin Powell Blows Up Republican Email Scandal By Agreeing With Hillary Clinton

    Former Sec. of State Colin Powell is standing with Hillary Clinton after the State Department retroactively classified some of his emails and is refusing to release them to the public.

    Powell reacted to an NBC News report that the State Department is retroactively classifying his emails by calling for all of his emails to be released.

    Powell said, “I wish they would release them, so that a normal, air-breathing mammal would look at them and say, ‘What’s the issue?’ They were unclassified at the time, and they are, in my judgment, still unclassified.....

    http://www.politicususa.com/2016/02/04/colin-powell-blows-up-republican-email-scandal-by-agreeing-with-hillary-clinton.html

    ReplyDelete
  47. Anonymous8:24 PM

    The person watching the debate agreed with me, stopped watching the debate, not because of the debaters, but the moderators. We both felt they were trying to incite a fight. I would vote for either Bernie or Hillary, not cause they are Democrats, because they are two intelligent people who could do the job.

    ReplyDelete
  48. physicsmom8:47 PM

    For some reason, I am unable to reply to any comments up where they first appear.

    I must say a few words about Super Pacs. Super Pacs by definition, may not coordinate with the candidate. So the lovely nurses, trying to do a good thing, but a bit embarrassing to Bernie because of his stance on SPs, can operate completely independently from Bernie's campaign: they don't need his approval nor should he give it. He should not have to take ownership of that pac.

    Worse is the proposal that an opponent's super pac negative ads against Hillary are de facto pro-Bernie super pacs and he has to "own" them. That is complete tripe. One candidate is running vitriolic ads against opponent B, which might help opponent A in his/her effort to earn more support. If those ads are counted in opponent A's Pac directory, the other party can wreak havoc on both opponents with the same ads. Ridiculous!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Anonymous9:18 PM

    OT but check out Donald Trump's fundraising page as compared to SarahPACs. They are identical in format and coloring; I guess they share the same web designer. Not sure why this struck me as unusual, but it made me think that they've perhaps been colluding for longer than we knew.

    https://www.donaldjtrump.com

    https://www.sarahpac.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous9:45 PM

      Donald Trump has a fund raising page? That is not exactly "self funding.'

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10:12 PM

      I just checked it out. Well, I guess we now know how Palin was to get paid, in large part, by Trump. He said he'd breathe life into her stagnant PAC (which she hadn't posted anything to since the end of Oct. 2014!) by letting his pros save her from bankruptcy. So now she has this insanely long ad up that starts out making her look like she's an actual office holder and a bigwig with real influence. It goes on and on. I mean, it has chapter after chapter. And it's set up so that you can't fast-forward. She was a wreck stumping for Trump yet now has her new job of being a professional stumper. So embarrassing and unethical, too, how she put in all sorts of clips of Cruz after trashing him last week--she really is the worst piece of garbage.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous11:49 PM

      ol Sarah thinks that Donny Brook can save her and it's not happening...see Middle East investors share time with leaders who know about ol Sarah and I hear they really don't like Donny...but they do make for live entertainment and the women don't bitch so much when they are watching the news! hahaha

      Delete
  50. Anonymous9:36 PM

    Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3301: Sarah Palin re: Bush vs. Trump regarding speaking Spanish - "When you're here, let's Speak American!" - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

    http://www.bodylanguagesuccess.com/2015/09/nonverbal-communication-analysis-no_6.html

    Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3440: Sarah Palin Endorses Donald Trump - What Trump Really Thinks About Palin - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

    http://www.bodylanguagesuccess.com/2016/01/nonverbal-communication-analysis-no_30.html

    ReplyDelete
  51. Anonymous10:07 PM

    Someone mentioned the 5 years between Clinton and Sanders doesn't make a difference.

    If you go to a car dealership and your choice is between a 70 year old car or a 75 year old car with more mileage. Which car would you pick?

    If you are a gold digger, which rich man would you marry? The rich 70 year old man or the rich 75 year old man?

    5 years does make a difference

    ReplyDelete
  52. Anonymous10:10 PM

    Hmmm Bernie Sanders has been in Congress for 25 years and just now reached the big boy's chair? What has he been doing all those years? He just woke up at 74?

    ReplyDelete
  53. Anonymous10:18 PM

    Washington Post:
    Winners and losers from the 5th Democratic presidential debate

    Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders squared off in the fifth Democratic presidential debate in New Hampshire on Thursday night. I watched, and picked some of the best and worst of the night.

    Winners

    * Hillary Clinton: This was not a debate in which Clinton scored a knockout blow. Itwas one, however, that she won on points. Clinton came out super aggressive in the debate's first 30 minutes, pushing Sanders back on his heels on, well, everything: Guns, experience, the tenor of the campaign, what it means to be progressive and plenty of other things.

    Read more at
    https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/02/04/winners-and-losers-from-the-5th-democratic-presidential-debate/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10:53 PM

      Elizabeth Warren Recalls a Time When Big Donors May Have Changed Hillary’s Vote


      http://billmoyers.com/story/elizabeth-warren-recalls-a-time-when-big-donors-may-have-changed-hillarys-vote/

      Delete
    2. Anonymous4:47 AM

      Good post

      Delete
  54. Anonymous10:31 PM

    Thirty-five years ago, there was a Reagan Revolution in the US. The result has been a shrinking middle class, the conversion of the working class into the working poor, and vast amounts of wealth collected by the top 1%.

    Time for the Sanders Revolution.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Anonymous11:47 PM

    Oh please! A third term for Obama!!!

    ReplyDelete
  56. Anonymous12:08 AM

    Ok if you want to be practical about who to vote for?

    Think of it in a sense of 'hiring' someone to run your nation while you live your life and work...

    Now who would you hire?

    Hint...

    Hire someone smarter than you!

    ReplyDelete
  57. SALLYINMI12:23 AM

    I donated to Clinton after the debate...she is my choice. Thank you, Rachel, for insightful questions and followups...Chuck Todd, go away!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Ben & Jerry5:38 AM

    Bernie drank Hillary's milkshake.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Anonymous5:39 AM

    I like Bernie Sanders, really I do (although the debate over who's progressive is kind of stupid. I suspect we all have our progressive and not-so-progressive ideas.) But I loved Eugene McCarthy and the revolution he advocated however I was too young to see that idealism, while important as inspiration for governing, does not win elections.

    ReplyDelete

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