Frank Bruni: Greed and the Presidency — Page 3

Erik and Liza have valid misgivings, they are not just GOP talking points, they're our talking points. If the Democratic party nominates HRC, people like me will vote for her. I'm happy the voices of the poor and disenfranchised will be heard, and I understand the tremendous importance of SC appointments. The Republicans will coalesce around one candidate and then all those polls showing Hillary winning head to head will be meaningless. The question for the Dems is turnout, and registering voters, with the GOP controlling important states like Florida and Ohio, will a Clinton candidacy inspire the normally unmotivated? She'll have to. On the chance that she dosen't, which is at least a 50/50 proposition, it would be nice if RBG would step down now.

"I will have to disagree with your characterizations of some of the posters on this site."

in order to do that you have to ignore everything you learn over time with regular interactions with a phony poseur.

Others don't think that's a factor. SouthFlorida recently told me that he doesn't discount things the 'band says because he doesn't "hold grudges". But if you're the kind of person who has cumulative experiences, you'll eventually get tired of taking the phony at face value.

Updated On: 5/20/15 at 11:08 AM

"The Republicans will coalesce around one candidate...."

I don't know what tea leaves you're reading, but the Republicans are unlikely to coalesce around one candidate. If the establishment Republicans have their way and Jeb becomes the candidate, the entire conservative wing of the party will just stay home or vote for a third-party candidate, with massive chunks of former Republican voters drifting to Hillary.

If one of the more conservative candidates takes the nomination, the mainstream Republicans will not come out.

This is not an election in which the GOP will coalesce. This is an election in which it will splinter.

Let's just hope the Democrats don't splinter as well.

So you don't believe the majority of politicians are in "public service" for the power, control, perks and money? Alright then. I'll have what you're drinking.

No answer, NOTHING, will satisfy the 'band.

Then I would respectfully submit a request for YWIW to expand on the original answer. To so strongly disagree with Bruni means you have substantive problems with the message and not just the messenger.

I'd like to understand how one could reasonably disagree that most politicians are merely puppets to masters like George Soros, The Koch Brothers, Tom Steyer, Kenneth Vogel, Sheldon Adelson, and numerous lobbying/special interest groups & firms.

The Democrats NEED to splinter from Clinton's brand of neo liberalism. Right now neither party stands for the working/middle class.

The Democrats Need To Stand For Something

Yes, back when politicians were more transparent and authentic. Back when public service wasn't a lifetime career but just that... public service for the good of the country. Much has changed since FDR was in office. That, my friend, is a terribly poor (and false) equivalency. Hillary is no FDR. She is a wealthy, out-of-touch career politician who raises hundreds of millions and earn millions more every year speaking at a few conferences. That was not FDR, who came from a family of immense wealth, and still desired to serve as President for only the best of intentions. Jeb, who also comes from family money, is just as removed from the realities of our current economic climate as Hillary. Empathy is easy to fake and emulate. Walk the walk, don't talk the talk.

I don't know if invoking the president that spurred the creation of presidential term limits is what you want to do when railing against career politicians. He was also governor before his four terms as president. And yes, I know he didn't complete his fourth term.

"Back when public service wasn't a lifetime career."

I beg your pardon...FDR died in office.

If his doesn't count as a "lifetime career," whose does?

He entered politics at age 28, was elected to the New York State Senate at 30, was appointed Assistant Secretary of the Navy at 31, and first ran for national office at 38. At 46, he became governor of New York, and at 50 he became president, in which office, as I said, he died at age 63, having won an unprecedented (and now illegal) fourth term in the White House.

He was the quintessential lifetime politician.

THE 'BAND WILL MOVE THE GOALPOSTS ONCE AGAIN.

In this latest round of the trolling the boards he introduced the "American politics was not designed to be a career" and I thought "sez YOU."

But whatever he sez is written in stone, even if it's wrong, even if he later contradicts it.

Updated On: 5/20/15 at 05:31 PM

I sooooooooo wanted to throw the 'band out of my class when he got this way. But I'm a professional lady and I get the job done.

I think they may be right Erik, Bernie can't win. What I'm rooting for is a vigorous campaign that brings her more to the left. Bernie Sanders makes this next election wonderful.