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What Happened? Why Hillary Lost..My Take
By Shlomo Maital
Hillary Clinton has now published her account of why she lost the presidential election: What Happened? She admits to blame, but also blames many others, including the Russians and Comey.
She also notes how she was unnerved at a crucial debate, when Trump lurked behind her, scowling. And a headline even praises her for ignoring Trump (see above).
I disagree. Her is my take on an alternative scenario.
Hillary: turning and pointing at Trump. “Is that the person the American people want to lead them? Come out here, Mr. Trump, come out into the light where we can see you for what you are – a bully. You bully everyone, you bully women in particular – but Mr. Trump, you can’t bully me. I’m not afraid of you. A man who bullies, who hides in the shadows as you do in your shady business dealings, in your shady bankruptcies, in your hiding your income tax returns… you are not worthy of the trust of the American people. We don’t like bullies. We don’t like liars. And we don’t like men who threaten women. We are going to thump Trump on November 8! Thump Trump!”
Hillary was the first female U.S. Presidential candidate. I recall that Israel had a woman Prime Minister, Golda Meir, who was widely believed to be a lot tougher than her male counterparts. Many criticized Hillary for her emails, her lack of human warmth, etc. I think she would have won Ohio (and hence the election) if she had shown another quality – toughness. The irony is, Hillary is indeed tough. But the toughness was shown only in private, and rather hidden in public. Alas!
Bernie Sanders is Taking the Money Out of Politics
By Shlomo Maital
Senator Bernie Sanders is running a long-shot campaign for the Democratic nomination for President. Like all socialists, he has no chance of actually being elected, but very high probability that some of his ideas will be tamed and adopted by his rivals.
In today’s New York Times, a strong editorial reveals one other huge gift Sanders brings to the table. He is raising money the old-fashioned way – one small gift at a time. The average donation to Sanders’ campaign is $31.30. “It would be hard to buy any politician for $31.30”, says the Times. Americans of ordinary means have given Sanders 400,000 donations, and 80 per cent of them were less than $200. Now, contrast that with the fact that 400 of America’s wealthiest families, writing huge checks, account for half the money raised so far by both parties, Republicans and Democrats. And Trump? As a billionaire, he pays his own bills… and bought his way into the lead.
America’s Supreme Court, notes the Times, in its recent Citizens United decision, “has greatly boosted the buying power of corporate and special interest donors and made a casino frenzy of the (nomination) race”. The Koch brothers, billionaires, organized 400 of their wealthy friends to create a super war chest of $889 million for Republican candidates. Jeb Bush raised over $100 m. in big-check donations so far. Even Hillary Clinton has raised over $20 m. in super-PAC money.
When democracy is bought by the rich, who invariably seek (and get) favors in return from those whom they help elect, it is no longer democracy. So, good for you, Bernie! Tear a strip off the big donors. You bring honesty and sanity to this weird campaign.
TIMnovate 