The reality is that no one person can possibly be all the things that Trump supporters claim him to be. I offer as evidence this article from The Atlantic:
http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/08/donald-trump-voters/401408/
The article was published last August and the author invited Trump supporters to write to him with their reasons for supporting the egocentric billionaire. Connor Friedersdorf, the author, explains that the responses tend to fall into two broad categories. "Broadly speaking, the men and women who wrote fall into two categories: Those who earnestly believe that Trump is the best choice to lead America and those who are motivated by giddyness at the chaotic spectacle of his success."
Here for your enlightenment are a few of their responses:
"A Liberal Who Wants America to Win––“I feel that Trump is our only hope in this next election. This is coming from someone who voted for Obama in the last election!”
Trump is Low Risk, High Reward––“I will vote for Donald Trump (and to a lesser extent Bernie Sanders) because he represents hope… And how much damage can he really do?”
Desperate People Cast Desperate Votes––“Wall Street, the banks, and even illegal immigrants seem to be prospering more than the average American citizen. We are desperate.”
Trump is a Gamble Worth Taking––“I am of the belief that he is conceited and arrogant enough to avoid failing in front of the world at all cost.”
Trump Put Illegal Immigration Front and Center––“We have horrendous problem with illegal aliens, sanctuary cities & crimes.”
Trump supporters rely on magical thinking. They believe him when he tells them to trust him to work out the details. They relish in his bravado. They commend him for being brash and insulting. In other words, Trump supporters are as scary to many of us as he is.
Try to imagine him as our president. What type of image would he present to the world? If you don't find that a scary thought, then, I worry about you.
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Monday, February 22, 2016
Super Tuesday is Just Around the Corner
March 1 is Super Tuesday. Twelve states will be holding their primary events. More delegates for the party's nominating convention can be won on this date than on any other. "Since Super Tuesday primaries are typically held in a large number of states from geographically and socially diverse regions of the country, Super Tuesday typically represents a presidential candidate's first test of national electability. Convincing wins in Super Tuesday primaries have usually propelled candidates to their party's nomination. The particular states holding primaries on Super Tuesday have varied from year to year." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Tuesday
Which Democratic party candidate will Super Tuesday favor? According to a recent article in The Washington Post, Super Tuesday came about because the Southern Democrats wanted a larger say in selecting the party's nominee. The Southern Republicans agreed. https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2016/02/22/why-super-tuesday-is-so-dangerous-for-bernie-sanders/
There are 11 states plus American Samoa are participating in this year's Super Tuesday. Nearly 40% of the convention delegates are at stake next on March 1. Texas has the most at 252. Then there's Massachusetts and Georgia at 116 each and Virginia at 110.
Can either candidate claim the nomination after Super Tuesday? Probably, not. Yet, clear victories by Hillary Clinton can set her on the path to win the nomination.
Which Democratic party candidate will Super Tuesday favor? According to a recent article in The Washington Post, Super Tuesday came about because the Southern Democrats wanted a larger say in selecting the party's nominee. The Southern Republicans agreed. https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2016/02/22/why-super-tuesday-is-so-dangerous-for-bernie-sanders/
There are 11 states plus American Samoa are participating in this year's Super Tuesday. Nearly 40% of the convention delegates are at stake next on March 1. Texas has the most at 252. Then there's Massachusetts and Georgia at 116 each and Virginia at 110.
Can either candidate claim the nomination after Super Tuesday? Probably, not. Yet, clear victories by Hillary Clinton can set her on the path to win the nomination.
Monday, February 15, 2016
The Senate is Up For Grabs
Assuming we elect a Democratic president on November 8, 2016, she/he will need a different Congress than the one we have now. The good news is that the Senate is up for grabs. Can we grab more seats for Democrats? There are 34 Senate seats up for re-election on November 8. If Democrats hope to take back control, we need to elect five seats. Because the majority of seats up for re-election in November are held by Republicans, especially Freshman Senators elected in 2010 midterms, we may have a shot.
According to Ballotpedia, Democrats have made gains in Senate seats during the last two presidential elections. So, we can reasonably hope to do the same this year. https://ballotpedia.org/United_States_Senate_elections,_2016 Right now Democrats hold 44 of the 100 Senate seats. We are unlikely to gain enough to get a filibuster proof majority, but, we can hope to regain the majority.
There are five states that Ballotpedia has designated battleground states where Democrats have a chance of taking a Republican seat away in November. They are: Illinois, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, and Florida. Three more states have the potential to turn into battlegrounds: Colorado, North Carolina, and Ohio.
Democrats in these states need to get active in the Democratic candidate's campaign. We need to volunteer and donate to help them get elected. There are many things you can do to help. We need you to get involved and help elect Democrats this November.
According to Ballotpedia, Democrats have made gains in Senate seats during the last two presidential elections. So, we can reasonably hope to do the same this year. https://ballotpedia.org/United_States_Senate_elections,_2016 Right now Democrats hold 44 of the 100 Senate seats. We are unlikely to gain enough to get a filibuster proof majority, but, we can hope to regain the majority.
There are five states that Ballotpedia has designated battleground states where Democrats have a chance of taking a Republican seat away in November. They are: Illinois, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, and Florida. Three more states have the potential to turn into battlegrounds: Colorado, North Carolina, and Ohio.
Democrats in these states need to get active in the Democratic candidate's campaign. We need to volunteer and donate to help them get elected. There are many things you can do to help. We need you to get involved and help elect Democrats this November.
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Next Up Nevada
Like the Iowa caucus, the Nevada caucus elected delegates who then go to their county conventions and select delegates who go to the state convention to select delegates who go to the Democratic Party's National convention. There are 35 pledged delegates and 8 unpledged delegates in 2016. The Nevada Democratic caucus will be held on February 20 with voting beginning at 11 AM. For more information on the Nevada Democratic party including their platform and bylaws, check out the article from Ballotpedia here: https://ballotpedia.org/Democratic_Party_of_Nevada
Now, after the loss in New Hampshire, some are suggesting that it is possible for Hillary Clinton to also loose the Nevada caucuses. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/02/09/things-could-get-worse-before-they-get-better-for-clinton-post-new-hampshire/
This notion is based on the fact that Nevada caucuses tend to be less diverse and Sanders does better with a majority White population. For a look at why Clinton can hope for a big win in Nevada, see this article about Robby Mook and his organizational plan to bring out diverse voters to the caucuses: http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/02/hillary-clinton-nevada-caucus-robby-mook-emmy-ruiz
Now, after the loss in New Hampshire, some are suggesting that it is possible for Hillary Clinton to also loose the Nevada caucuses. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/02/09/things-could-get-worse-before-they-get-better-for-clinton-post-new-hampshire/
This notion is based on the fact that Nevada caucuses tend to be less diverse and Sanders does better with a majority White population. For a look at why Clinton can hope for a big win in Nevada, see this article about Robby Mook and his organizational plan to bring out diverse voters to the caucuses: http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/02/hillary-clinton-nevada-caucus-robby-mook-emmy-ruiz
Monday, February 8, 2016
It's Primary Season
The New Hampshire primary kicks off the 2016 primary season. Do you know the different types of primaries? Ballotpedia has a good article explaining the differences between blanket primaries, top-two primaries, and open and closed primaries. You can read it here: https://ballotpedia.org/Primary_election
The New Hampshire primary is on Tuesday, February 9, 2016. It is one of 21 states with a mixed primary. In this case, unaffiliated voters may vote in the primary, but, they must chose a party in order to vote. Later, they can fill out a card to return to unaffiliated status.
Do you know the difference between a caucus and a primary? The first is usually organized by a political party and selects delegates to a county convention which then selects delegates to a state convention which then selects delegates to the party's national convention. In a primary, delegates to the party's national convention are selected directly by the electors. The primary election is conducted by the state's board of elections. http://www.uspresidentialelectionnews.com/2016-presidential-primary-schedule-calendar/2016-new-hampshire-primary/
New Hampshire will be the first state in the nation where voters from each party can vote on their preference for president. Here's a great article on what to look for: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/new-hampshire-set-to-vote-in-nations-first-primary/
The New Hampshire primary is on Tuesday, February 9, 2016. It is one of 21 states with a mixed primary. In this case, unaffiliated voters may vote in the primary, but, they must chose a party in order to vote. Later, they can fill out a card to return to unaffiliated status.
Do you know the difference between a caucus and a primary? The first is usually organized by a political party and selects delegates to a county convention which then selects delegates to a state convention which then selects delegates to the party's national convention. In a primary, delegates to the party's national convention are selected directly by the electors. The primary election is conducted by the state's board of elections. http://www.uspresidentialelectionnews.com/2016-presidential-primary-schedule-calendar/2016-new-hampshire-primary/
New Hampshire will be the first state in the nation where voters from each party can vote on their preference for president. Here's a great article on what to look for: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/new-hampshire-set-to-vote-in-nations-first-primary/
Monday, January 18, 2016
Evolution Not Revolution
Check out this definition:
Revolution | Define Revolution at Dictionary.com
dictionary.reference.com/browse/revolution
an overthrow or repudiation and the thorough replacement of an established government or political system by the people governed. 2. Sociology. a radical and pervasive change in society and the social structure, especially one made suddenly and often accompanied by violence.
Dictionary.com
Bernie Sanders and his strident supporters are calling for revolution. Not only is this NOT realistic, it is dangerous. Is this really what you want? Do you want sudden upheaval in our government and social structure? Seriously?
Yes, we can all agree that change is needed. But, we have to get real about it. Reality tells us that the power currently is in the hands of the other party; both at the Federal level and in most state governments. Those of us living in the real world know that Sander's call for revolution is merely pandering to a base that is dissatisfied with the status quo.
This 'revolution' is not how change happens. Yes, it is appealing to impatient folks who want what they want when they want it. It's appealing to folks who don't want to do the hard work of creating systemic change. If we are going to challenge the status quo and address income inequality and other evils that currently plague our society, we have to be willing to put on our walking shoes and get out from behind our computer screens. We have to volunteer to work for candidates who support the changes we desire. We have to actually DO something and not just TALK about doing something.
Are you willing to do the hard work to create change in our country? If so, then, I encourage you to go to HillaryClinton.com and sign up to be a volunteer. Go to websites of other Democratic candidates that you support and offer your assistance. This is how true change happens.
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Rules of Civility or How to Disagree Without Being Disagreeable
Back in the days before social media when people actually had conversations, people followed rules of polite society. Think Downton Abbey table conversations. Now, on social media, the rules are out and people seem to believe that it's okay to call names and insult others. In fact, they are being encouraged in this by some political candidates. They use the term "political correctness" like it is a swear word. Obviously, someone missed teaching them the basics of civility or how people in polite society deal with differences.
So, here is a suggestion which you may or may not wish to implement in your civil discourse.
I believe that civility relies on awareness. We need to be aware of all aspects of a situation. Who are we talking with? What is their background? Will we need them in the future? Considering these questions may help us to be more civil in our responses to others. I'm suggesting that we pay attention to both ourselves and others when having a conversation. If we sense that feelings are too strong and logic is escaping, we can take various moves to deescalate and preserve the conversation.
If you are interested in learning more about the topic of civility, I recommend the book: Choosing Civility, The Twenty-five Rules of Considerate Conduct, by P.M. Forni. The author is the founder of the Johns Hopkins Civility Project. Here's a link to an article about the project: http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/1211/p20s01-ussc.html
So, here is a suggestion which you may or may not wish to implement in your civil discourse.
I believe that civility relies on awareness. We need to be aware of all aspects of a situation. Who are we talking with? What is their background? Will we need them in the future? Considering these questions may help us to be more civil in our responses to others. I'm suggesting that we pay attention to both ourselves and others when having a conversation. If we sense that feelings are too strong and logic is escaping, we can take various moves to deescalate and preserve the conversation.
If you are interested in learning more about the topic of civility, I recommend the book: Choosing Civility, The Twenty-five Rules of Considerate Conduct, by P.M. Forni. The author is the founder of the Johns Hopkins Civility Project. Here's a link to an article about the project: http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/1211/p20s01-ussc.html
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