New York Magazine: A Group of Computer Experts and Lawyers Urge Vote Review

The Hillary Clinton campaign has been urged by a group of computer experts and lawyers to request a formal audit of votes in three states.

The main obstacle seems to be President Obama who wants a "smooth" transition.

This, however, would not stop people from calling the Justice Department to ask for its investigation.
Details here:
Lawyers Urge Hillary Clinton Campaign to Question Results in Three States

Mrs. Clinton's Lead in Popular Vote Continues to Climb

Quick Link --

More later.


Hillary Clinton Now 1.8 million votes ahead of Trump: Report

Hillary Clinton Fights Complacency

Robby Mook

The following comes from an e-mail from Robby Mook, manager of the Hillary Clinton campaign, which I just read.

Clearly, this is no time to be complacent.  After the excerpt here, Mr. Mook goes on to urge citizens to donate as donations have begun to taper off.

History shows Hillary Clinton is right to be worried.  America cannot let up the pressure on Trump.


*************

All that money Trump and the Republicans raised for months and didn’t seem to be spending? They're spending it now....   And $140 million in advertising targeted at just a few battleground states plus a new Get Out the Vote operation means I'm going to start losing sleep at night.

Let me explain exactly why I'm worried: Maybe because public polling shows us in a good place, our fundraising has started to taper off. Folks seem to think this race is wrapped up.

We absolutely can’t operate under that assumption.... Especially not as nine figures of negative ads about Hillary are about to be dumped on TV in must-win states.

           
                                                                                            -- Robby Mook
                                                                                             e-mail received October 25, 2016

Ronald Reagan Campaigns for Harry Truman and the Democrats -- Audio

Through the marvelous agency of the Internet, we are able to access audio of Ronald Reagan, then a "liberal" Democrat speaking on the radio on behalf of Harry Truman and the Democratic ticket in 1948.

For those of us who remember Reagan railing against every Democrat he could, this is truly startling to listen to.  Just what happened to Reagan between 1948 and the early 1960's, say?

Surely, Reagan was sincere in this audio.  I particularly like the criticism of the Taft-Hartley law, legislation which is still on the books in its essential form.

Listen to this audio and be inspired -- if you can -- or simply informed.

Link to You Tube page:
Ronald Reagan Campaigns on Radio for Harry Truman and the Democratic Ticket -- 1948

Must See: Hillary Clinton's New "Mirrors" Ad

GOP Seeks to Rig Electoral College Vote

Unable to win the Presidency for two votes in a row, and struggling again this year, the GOP is trying to rig the process by apportioning Electoral College votes based on Congressional Districts.  Due to gerrymandering, Congressional districting has already been rigged.  Basing Electoral votes on gerrymandered districts would only extend the rigging to the national level.  Read more here:
GOP Seeks to Rig Electoral College Vote

The Clintons' Ethical Dilemma

This is not the kind of article I want to post.  However, I feel it is the kind of article I must post.  We are in a time when it is wise to strongly support Mrs. Clinton over D. Trump.  This, however, does not eliminate the need to look carefully at any Hillary Clinton ethical lapses or faults.

The article linked to below shines a bright light on the Clintons' ethical dilemma.  It is a dilemma which is not beyond the reach of solving, but is one which needs to be addressed in order to avoid distress later on.

So, why not address it now and save distress in the future?  It seems that the Clinton Foundation itself is a problem, at least according to this fine New York Magazine article.  Trading on one's name, as the Clintons do, no matter for a good purpose, can indeed be problematic for a President.  Hillary Clinton needs to completely distance herself from any unseemly appearance of conflict of interest.


The Clintons' Ethical Dilemma

New Trump Speech on Crime Echoes Convention Speech

D. Trump's speech on law and order yesterday appears to echo the theme and tone of his much-maligned convention speech of last month.  Coming on the heels of his new campaign shake-up, Trump's "new" tone appears no more constructive than his past approach.

Responses to Trump Convention Speech

From The Musical Patriot --

Last night's Democratic Convention made a strong case for a President Hillary Clinton.  From everyday Americans, some of whom have known Ms. Clinton, to major figures such as Howard Dean, and finally her husband, Pres. Clinton, the case for Hillary was made stronger last night.

After watching the convention for two days I am considerably more comfortable with Hillary Clinton.  Her strengths are many.  Certainly every candidate has weaknesses, but with major figures supporting her, I believe she can be a worthy President.

In fact, the kind of punditry which would indicate otherwise seems quite pathetic to me.  People who question this or that aspect of her candidacy are welcome to do so, but the people writing seem to me to want the moon.

Historically, former Secretary's of State have made good Presidents -- Thomas Jefferson comes to mind.  And she had a strong record as a Senator.  If she is too far left for some or too far right for others, that is what Congress is for -- to advise and consent.  If we elect people of good will and good morals America can do very well with a President Hillary Clinton.

So -- let's get to work, America.   

Democrats Attempt to Unify

Various speakers attempted to promote unity at the Democratic Party's convention last evening.  As Bernie Sanders' supporters mounted frequent vocal protests, in spite of urgings from Sanders' not to do so, Sen. Elizabeth Warren had perhaps the best comment:  

“When we turn on each other, bankers can run our economy from Wall Street and giant corporations can send our last jobs overseas.”

Warren Urges Unity

Reports of Tightening Presidential Race Premature

Readers knowledgeable about my writings, already realize I am an opponent of any normalizing of the Trump candidacy.  This is a man totally unsuited for the Presidency.  Thus, any attempt to treat him as a normal, or acceptable, candidate is completely unreasonable.

The Princeton Election Consortium remains the most credible source for polling information.  Today I have pulled new poll results from the comments section there to reveal to you.  See more information at this link:  <   Latest Marist Poll    >.

What Is Wrong With Trump?

While enjoying some vacation time, I am posting quick comments and links of interest in this very important time in our nation's history.

I continue to wonder whether Bernie Sanders would be a stronger candidate against Trump.  But at the rate Trump is going, and with opposition to him in the Republican Party continuing to build, this question may become academic.

For now, the point being made in the article below remains germane.


Hillary Clinton Advised to Hit Harder on Trump

Bernie Sanders to Remain in Race

Bernie Sanders, in his fashion, has declared he is remaining in the race for the Democratic nomination.  He has said he fully realizes Hillary Clinton has amassed more votes, but that nevertheless he also has a substantial number of committed delegates.

His desire to ensure that a war against Wall Street will become part of the Democratic Party platform is admirable.  Read more at the web link indicated.


Bernie Sanders Staying in the Race

Taegan Goddard Says...

...Hillary Clinton cracked the code on how to "take down Trump."

It seemed clear last week that Hillary Clinton and the advisers who worked with her, discovered the key to combating Trump's clever arrogance.  The phrase "very thin skin" rang true, as did other observations of the former First Lady. 

How much does America owe Hillary Clinton and her campaign?  Do we not owe her a terrific debt of gratitude at this time?

Bernie Sanders' New Hands-Off Approach to Hillary Clinton

The more Democrats can unite in opposition to the misogynistic demagogue Trump, the better.

Bernie Sanders Keeps Gloves Off Hillary Clinton

Sanders Supporter Writes

Link posted with reluctance:
The Sanders Situation

Sad Spectacle in Nevada

Sanders supporters allegedly engaged in violence at the Nevada Democratic Party meeting this past week-end.    They definitely wrote threatening messages to the Nevada chair.  And all over two additional delegates, according to Dana Milbank of The Washington Post.

Certainly there have been set-to's between candidates' backers before.  This incident, however, comes at a key time, when Sanders' people should be doing everything possible to make the Senator appear Presidential.  If there is cheating, violence won't solve the problem. The verbal threats, especially, were most unfortunate.

The violence and threats of the Sanders' supporters in Nevada, as reported, appear unsupportable.


Dana Milbank on Nevada Melee


Brief caveat:  For the present post, I am relying on the Milbank column for information on what happened in Nevada.  I'd like to reserve final judgment on Sen. Sanders' motives in all this until a later time.  But something went badly wrong in Nevada.  And Sanders' supporters are currently at the center of the controversy.

Today's Primaries

Democratic primaries are being held in Kentucky and Oregon.

As of a few days ago, Bernie Sanders was holding out the possibility of wins in both.

More later.  

Sanders Campaign Far From Over

Issues continue to be raised;  Sanders soldiers on with enthusiasm

More coming soon

Wisconsin: Clinton Won Exactly One County

Wisconsin Democratic Primary Results: Interactive Map

Did the Post Shape the Clinton/Sanders Spat?

Rush Post --

from Salon.com:

This whole conflict is exceedingly silly, and the Washington Post played a willing role in the circus.

Increasingly, we must go to the Internet (carefully) in order to get the truth.  The following article gives to true story.

Washington Post Played Role in Sanders/Clinton Squabble

How Rightist Media Spews Hate -- And Rakes in the Big Money

Rush Post --

What is best for corporate profits...is not necessarily best for a democratic society....

The Republican Party has enjoyed its dance with the devil.  Now it must pay the piper.

Media Hate Is Big Business

Coming Soon:  The Clinton/Sanders Spat:  What It Means

"Bernie Sanders" Shows Up at Republican's Rally

Finally, a little honest humor in this weird and harsh campaign season.  


"Bernie Sanders" Character Shows Up at Kasich Rally

Sanders Bests Clinton in Major Michigan Contest Upset

In a stunning upset, Bernie Sanders has upset Hillary Clinton in Michigan's 2016 Presidential primary.  Sanders apparently had his best day ever with African-American voters.  If these trends hold, the thinking goes, the Democratic race is far from over as the pundits predicted only one week ago.

Sanders Upsets Clinton In Michigan: Washington Post Article

Hillary Clinton Appears to Respond to Trump Campaign With Potent Graphic

This is presumed to be Hillary Clinton's response to the Trump campaign.  From Mrs. Clinton's Instagram site.  

Gary Hart Assesses the Democratic Presidential Race

I know I am not the only one missing Martin O'Malley from the campaign scene.

It seems Gary Hart, the former Presidential candidate is one who was supporting Mr. O'Malley.

It is good to "hear'' Sen. Hart's voice in print.  Why have we not heard more from him over the years?


What the O'Malley Campaign Looks Like This Week

Washington Post Op-ed Questions Sanity Of a Sanders Nomination

The writer Dana Milbank of The Washington Post writes in today's edition that a Bernie Sanders nomination would be something like political suicide for the Democrats this year.  He says this even while acknowledging Sanders' accomplishments in the campaign.

I plan to say more about this later.  However, I do have concerns about Republican attacks against Sanders' "socialism."  Sanders comments about big government this week raise serious concerns about his ability to ward off the Republican attack machine.  Polls in the recent past have indicated about half the electorate would not vote for a socialist for President in 2016 under any circumstances.

Of course, if the Republican Party were to split in two this could create a brand-new environment with elevated uncertainly for all parties concerned.  Absent some "cataclysmic" event of this nature, the only way Sanders could win would be to actually create the kind of revolution he has been promising.  Again, if there is a serious economic catastrophe, for example, such a "revolution" could be forthcoming.

Otherwise, a Sanders nomination is a risky proposition.

Hillary Clinton Responds To Question About Speaking Fee on "Meet the Press"

How does Hillary Clinton respond to questions about the huge speaking fees she has earned?  You can see for yourself at the link below.

Whatever else, Mrs. Clinton is forceful in her denial that such large fees earn the givers any special favors.  Now we must answer the question whether she is being truthful.  Her claim that her actions speak loudly can be checked against the record.

From my knowledge I'd say Hillary Clinton does care about reining in Wall Street's power.  Whether she goes far enough can be questioned.  We need to hear more from Mrs. Clinton on this subject.


Hillary Clinton Responds To Question About Huge Speaking Fee

Unions Critical To Economic Improvement: Hillary's View

Often ignored by the media is the subject of union decline in America.  As unions have been under attack by the oligarchs and their millions, Americans have seen their wages stagnate.  With prices continuing to rise, the absence of overall increases in wages is a recipe for disaster, not only to individual families, but to the economy as a whole.  Hillary Clinton knows this.  You can review her position here:

Hillary Clinton On Unions

"Poor O'Malley"

The phrase "poor O'Malley" was "trending" on Twitter after Sunday night's debate in which the former Maryland Governor was hard-pressed to get even "ten seconds."  Some of the comments are at the link below.

I agree that if Mr. O'Malley is going to be invited to these debates -- and he certainly should be -- he deserves equal time.

One solution would be to have the PBS News Hour people run one of these so-called debates.  Depending on who was moderating, perhaps there would be both more civility and a better division of time.  What we are getting from these for-profit media broadcasters are slug-fests -- verbal versions of the gladiator contest of yore.

America deserves better.  


"O'Malley" on Twitter

Suddenly: Will Kerry, or Gore, or Biden, or even Dukakis Enter the Race If Hillary Falters?

For one of the few times since blogging, I hope the whole world doesn't see this -- not yet.  I don't want to see disarray in the Democratic Party.  And I don't wish any candidate ill in any personal sense.

But there is beginning to be talk that Hillary Clinton should not be in a position of being threatened by Bernie Sanders the way she is at this time.  A new poll seems to show Bernie closing in on her in Iowa.  

Since I detest "horse-race" reporting, I'm going to keep this brief.  Maybe the whole world won't notice.  But as for you, dear reader, you deserve the latest.  More at the link below.  

What Happens If Hillary Should Lose Iowa and New Hampshire?