HILLARY CLINTON: "I'm done with being a candidate"

[leftstreet]

'I Am Done With Being a Candidate.' Hillary Clinton Rules Out Another Campaign
Alana Abramson
11:29 AM ET

Hillary Clinton says she's ruled out another run for office, but you don't expect her to leave the political stage entirely.

"As an active politician, it's over," Clinton told Jane Pauley in a Sunday interview on CBS Sunday Morning. "I am done with being a candidate. But I am not done with politics because I literally believe that our country's future is at stake."

Clinton told Pauley she was so certain of victory over the eventual winner, President Donald Trump, that she had only drafted a victory speech, not a concession speech. She added that she and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, had purchased the home next door to their Chappaqua, New Yrok property as a location for White House staff and security.

"I just felt this enormous letdown, just kind of loss of feeling and direction and sadness," she told Pauley about her emotions in the election's immediate aftermath. "It was a very hard transition. I really struggled. I couldn't feel, I couldn't think, I was just gob-smacked, wiped out."

Clinton did not offer further clarity on her future career plans, according to a transcript of the interview. But she has launched "Onward Together," a Political Action Committee that supports progressive candidates and organizations.

http://time.com/4935148/hillary-clinton-what-happened-politics/?utm_campaign=time&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social&xid=time_socialflow_twitter

[Eliot Rosewater]

1. We dont deserve her, she nearly killed herself trying to do the right thing,

Trying to help this fucking country and we allowed crosscheck, russians, liars and thieves to steal her rightful place in history.

I dont blame her.

[leftstreet]

2. She makes some important stmts in the interview

“I am done with being a candidate,” she said. “But I am not done with politics because I literally believe that our country’s future is at stake.”

Clinton said President Donald Trump’s inauguration speech “was a cry from the white nationalist gut,” and said he successfully referenced “a nostalgia that would give hope, comfort, settle grievances, for millions of people who were upset about gains that were made by others.”

“What you’re saying is millions of white people,” CBS’ Jane Pauley said.

“Millions of white people,” Clinton said, nodding. “Yeah.”

She called the election “a reality show” that led to the election of Trump, who Clinton said “turned out to be a very effective reality TV star.”

“He ends up in the Oval Office. He says, ‘Boy, it’s so much harder than I thought it would be, this is really tough, I had no idea.’ Well, yeah, because it’s not a show,” she said. “It’s real. It’s reality for sure.”

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/hillary-clinton-says-she-is-done-with-being-a-candidate?utm_content=buffer75c0d&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

[dalton99a]

5. +1

[uponit7771]

74. +1

[samnsara]

8. amen.. i so agree with you!

[Hortensis]

14. I deserve her. She would have been a good president.

I was open to supporting her once again if she chose to run, but she's still a powerful woman who has worked for the public good all her life and that will continue. Okay.

It might help if all those here learned more about the Clinton Foundation -- until all the lies are vanquished and completely replaced with the respect and support it deserves. If she did nothing else but do good works through their foundation for the rest of the life, she would leave behind a great legacy in many nations. Including this one.

[Skittles]

99. she wouldn't have wasted time playing nice with repukes, that's for sure

[Alice11111]

143. Yes.I was looking forward to her lack of naivete with Repubs

Kick um in the balls and call out their lies...the Repubs (& Puty Boy too). They, the Repubs, are used to weaseling out of what they do & say, never being held accountable. Now, why do they hate her? I think it's called, "scared shitless."

[Skittles]

145. I meant the first time she ran

[R B Garr]

15. +1000, yes, and I just saw a smart alecky post about her that stated she alone should

have been able to overcome all of that because it was said she could handle "anything". Never mind that there is an active and unprecedented FBI investigation into election interference at the highest levels of government by a hostile foreign power. What the FBI and the entire investigative apparatus of the State of New York is investigating, Hillary should just have overcome it. No context required -- just blame her.

Never mind that she faced personal attacks and lies about her character and integrity by groups of people who never provided proof of their assertions. Never mind that the common wisdom is not to damage the GE candidate like was done to her nonstop. She is the only one in history who is expected to prevail just because it was said she was strong.

[CousinIT]

26. She was treated like any woman in the US who stands up to be seen and heard on behalf of

any of the non-male population. Speaking for anyone but them (they are the center of the Universe in their minds) is political suicide - esp if the speaker is a woman.

She stepped out of her pre-determined (by men) "place" in our society and our political system. Any time a woman speaks up - whether a gamer, a politician, a business manager, human rights activist - anything - they get the same treatment. Unrelenting VICIOUSNESS, blame and expectations which are never packed on the backs of men in our society.

Women - to Republican/MRA men (and they're all that) - are guilty. Right from the get-go. They are guilty. Because their bible tells them so. They are guilty - of everything. If they're gang-raped (politically or literally) - it's HER fault. She shouldn't have been acting like a human being. Women are not human beings. They should keep their burkas on and their mouths shut and do their only job as a male service unit and if they don't, they deserve all the abuse our society and political system can possibly hurl at them -- and by God they get it too.

[ehrnst]

132. Always suspect. (nt)

[Maven]

27. Yup. She has been mistreated like no one else I can think of

Why would she want to go through that again?

[still_one]

30. You are right Eliot. In fact the shoddy way Hillary has been treated ever since she released her

healthcare plan in the 90's, and the disgraceful way President Obama was treated during his 8 years as president is a disgrace.

The country is getting exactly what it deserves. The question is will they finally wake up?

[Initech]

63. Every day I see that fucking asshole is still president...

I think about what we could have had. The republican party is why we can't have nice things.

[nycbos]

3. She is an amazingly strong individual.

What she has put up with.

If amazing she isn't saying "See I tried to warn you. You are getting what you paid for, now F off"

[BigmanPigman]

17. Ditto, every word!

[guillaumeb]

4. The biggest question, in my view, is, who defines what a "progressive" is?

To say that Onward Together supports or will support progressive candidates begs the question of how we define progressive.

In my view:
If it includes an emphasis on corporate centered and corporate friendly trade agreements, it is not progressive.

If it does not include much higher taxes on the very highest earned and unearned incomes, it is not progressive.

If it does not include a single payer healthcare system, it is not progressive.

If it does not include large cuts to the US war budget to free up money for social spending, it is not progressive.

If it does not include massive spending on renewable energy sources and elimination of subsidies for oil and nuclear, it is not progressive.

If it does not include free college for students, it is not progressive.

More could be added, but to me this represents the minimum position.

[leftstreet]

6. +1

The battle for the term 'progressive' is really warming up

[guillaumeb]

10. And if we allow the media, and centrist politicians, to define the term,

it will be the triumph of meaningless slogan over substance.

[R B Garr]

21. Vermont and its politicians must be "centrist" then.

Vermont doesn't have single payer.

Vermont doesn't have free college tuition.

Vermont doesn't have $15/hr minimum wage.

You have it backwards, then about meaningless slogans. Showing actual results means its no longer meaningless, otherwise they are all slogans.

[ehrnst]

134. +1000 (nt)

[karynnj]

140. The Congressional delegation works in DC -- just saying

The state actually has a governor and a state legislature -- just like other states.

[PDittie]

110. Or if conservatives are allowed

to turn the word into a pejorative, as with 'liberal'.

Glenn Beck is out front with this. Every time you see someone use the phrase "prog" it needs to be challenged. Sick of the RW redefining terms and reframing the debate.

[guillaumeb]

118. Defining the debate is what the GOP does best.

[romana]

83. It means a lot of things

As it should. People will define it as they see fit. Some go from the neoliberal angle. Myself, I go from the social angle, and in that respect Clinton is definitely a progressive in my book. She was the most progressive candidate in this last cycle because she took on women’s issues and race issues head on.

I will forever admire her courage and appreciate her service to this country. We are the real losers here, to lose this woman as our president.

I believe she may end up at her most effective going forward, though. She will work hard to get women into office. And the first woman potus will get there by standing on her shoulders.

She’s free now.

[R B Garr]

9. That's just a summary of one man's talking points since 2015.

They are not even a reality in his very small state and they lost in 2016. Time to show proof of these accomplishments before demonizing other Democrats about them. Universal healthcare is certainly progressive. It was progressive in the 90's when Hillary Clinton proposed it, and it's progressive now.

[guillaumeb]

13. They are talking points until they become reality.

FDR had a lot of talking points that later became reality.

And surveys consistently show that these positions are more popular than the platforms of either major Party.

[R B Garr]

18. They are not reality, and it's about time someone provided proof of their viability

before sliming Democrats.

LOL at surveys. Here's the obligatory comment about free things being popular. No kidding! That doesn't make it "progressive". No war and no military sounds great and wonderful, but it is never going to happen, so why waste time.

And those points all lost in 2016, so apparently your last comment is not really true...in reality. People voted for the more realism.

[R B Garr]

111. No, they are also proposed litmus tests for Democrats only. Bernie is not

held accountable for these "issues." So the only thing real about them is they are used as divisiveness.

Vermont does not have:

Single payer

Free college tuition

$15 minimum wage

Another obligatory comment about free things being popular, but apparently not popular enough to vote for them. These issues didn't advance in any elections.

[disillusioned73]

113. Watch out guillaumeb..

FDR not so welcome around these parts anymore..

[HughBeaumont]

114. THIS utterly sickens me.

Falling for Amity Shlaes historic revision when it comes to FDR . . . that's the stuff of AnCaps, not Democratic voters.

[disillusioned73]

116. I think the problem is..

that FDR was/is the biggest anti-corporatist symbol that the Dems have had in it's history.. and it brings to light a philosophy that has been gutted of this belief, unfortunately..

I will continue to be an FDR Democrat..

[HughBeaumont]

120. FDR Second Bill of Rights progressive here . . . .

. . . you know, that edict other countries took from and adopted as policy, but not OURS.

I think it's because the wealthy white male third-basers of this country want steadfastly to have things remain as they are - with them atop an immobile pyramid as an object of strict cult worship. They don't want to be blamed for anything past or present and they've managed to convince the lower rungs of the pyramid that blaming them foments resentment for this great system they created.

"And with lots of hard work and a liiiitle luck, you could join us at the top of this pyramid!"

[disillusioned73]

121. Thanks for that link..

it explains a lot of what I have heard..

I knew about Glenn Beck, and his kooky assertions by a righty tool here @ my job.. but man - they are so thouroughly propagandized @ this point.. it's sad

[HughBeaumont]

123. Shlaes is SUCH a nasty piece of work . . .

. . . and despite being widely discredited by historians, newspapers STILL print her bile.

[guillaumeb]

119. Apparently not.

Nor are actual liberal/progressive policies among some.

[Me.]

28. Vermont Not Walking His Talk

[ehrnst]

148. But no universal health care BUT single payer is apparently the

dogma now, even thout "most of the rest of the developed world" actually uses multi-payer systems to get to universal health care coverage.

Just like "defunding Planned Parenthood is the only way to stop abortion!" on the right.

And it's become such dogma, that whether or not it's even feasible, or wise to put our energy behind for "single payer or bust" every politican on the left is thinking what every polician on the right thought about defunding Planned Parenthood - "It's going to be used against me if I don't support it."

[samnsara]

11. progressiveness is a state of mind. Its like political Nirvana..

...either one achieves it or not. But its a place where no one is better than any one else and no one is perfect.

[guillaumeb]

16. Progressive is not a specific term.

But to state that one will support progressive candidates begs the question of exactly what positions are called progressive. And the term perfect was not part of my rant.

[Eliot Rosewater]

22. Sounds complicated, thank goodness I dont have to figure out how to resolve it as

personally I am not a progressive, I am a liberal Democratic Socialist who places civil rights, women's rights, gay rights, religious rights, black people rights, way above any and all economic issues or any other issues, for that matter.

Simplifies things for me, liberal, period.

[LakeArenal]

44. Thank you, Elliot

[MrsCoffee]

23. Not Bernie Sanders.

Or his "revolution".

Not when he endorses the likes of Heath Mello while blowing off someone like Jon Ossoff.

[LakeArenal]

48. Here we go.

Thanks for bringing up he who shouldn't be mentioned every time Hillary Clinton's name comes up.

We are here to praise her not him.
Not that you were about to.

Thanks Hillary for coming out to speak again. I know you have a lot more to say and do.

[Maven]

29. I've been a progressive my entire life

And I wholeheartedly supported HRC and look forward to seeing what Onward Together can do to support progressive Democrats.

[guillaumeb]

58. Agreed.

And ussies matter. It is not enough to not be Donald Trump.

Part of the problem for Clinton was that the media prefers to focus on personalities rather than issues.

[Maven]

62. HRC's campaign was about issues.

However, I agree that the media completely distorted people's perception of what was at stake.

[ehrnst]

135. Yes, to the point where many here weren't even aware of her message. Also

there were GOP/Russia leaks that were timed to take the oxygen out of DT scandals as they came to light.

Many weren't fooled, but alas, many were. And still are.

[ehrnst]

133. Me too. (nt)

[Volaris]

57. Balance what the corps want from those trade agreements,

With legit economic provisions and protections for those on the other side.
Example: trade agreement says you can move that factory wherever you want. But the people who are going to work in it, will get paid American Federal minimum wage. No, NOT the living equivalent for their own country,
ACTUAL federal min wage, and in USDollars if they want it.
If these people are going to help American companies export American economic hegemony around the globe, then don't you think they should be among the top wage earners IN their country? Don't American corporations think that's worth it?

I damnsure do.

[guillaumeb]

60. The minimum wage concept is a good one.

Another is to place a tariff on the product when it comes into the US equal to the lost wages.

[melanctha]

59. This bogus list does not represent the democratic party. It is a litmus test set by

fringe purists. You do not predetermine the party's goals. You are allowed to present you points and they will be debated and determined. If democracy doesn't work for you join another party.

[guillaumeb]

61. I think you misunderstood my post. And my intent.

Welcome to DU, and the discussion.

[Squinch]

78. If you'll notice, it also says nothing about women owning their own bodies.

Which is under attack right now, and only the Democrats are holding the line. But, sorry, not a pure enough goal!

You are right. It is the fringe purist's tantrum list.

[Squinch]

76. She would have been a wonderful president. Shame on those who worked against her.

[SammyWinstonJack]

81. +1000000!

[crazycatlady]

97. Interestingly enough

The one governor (Andrew Cuomo) who did bring free tuition to his state is not considered 'progressive' enough by this forum. I graduated way too early to take advantage of it.

I'm a fangirl of his for a few reasons (long before the free SUNY tuition, which passed this year). Mostly his ability to get shit done and the fact that he replaced a bridge built in 1945 to last 50 years (construction began in 2015, one way has since opened but since I don't live in NY anymore, I haven't driven on it yet). I used to commute over that bridge.

He's definitely considering running in 2020 but I'm leaving my options open.

[lapucelle]

101. I still live in NY.

Not everyone is thrilled with the details of the plan, and many students are ineligible, including all those whose parents make less than $50,000 a year.

[T]he law is regressive. It does nothing to help students from families earning less than $50,000 a year. Their tuition is already covered by other programs. But it does pay for tuition for New Yorkers who make double the state’s median income. The higher up the income scale you go, until the ceiling, the more you benefit.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/14/opinion/the-cuomo-college-fiasco.html?mcubz=0

[guillaumeb]

107. Labels like progressive and liberal and such are flexible.

Liberal to one can be center right to another. These are my particular items, but the list is not limited to what was listed.

[ehrnst]

136. Progressive does NOT include:

Pushing health care specific to women into the background, or refer to those advocating for it as "getting hung up" on it.

Dismissing issues that do not directly affect white straight men as "identity politics," or "not universal."

Decry "identity politics" then talk frequently about "white working class voters."

Dismiss voters who don't walk lockstep with a particular economic manifesto, and lecture them about "not getting it."

[ismnotwasm]

7. She putting in place some effective mechanisms for political success for Democrats

Starting with Her book, her interviews--despite all that dysfunctional "go away" narrative out there spoken by idiots, assholes, the politically naive and the politically malignant. She's a powerful, magnificent woman. I look forward to seeing how she helps shape the future.

I believe that certain Hillary negative people are in for such a surprise.

[guillaumeb]

12. While each has a somewhat different focus,

if Clinton's and Sanders' respective organizations can inspire enthusiasm among voters they will both have accomplished a good thing.

[ismnotwasm]

19. I'm going to guess that will happen---in a way

One way to heal the divide is for air out the laundry-- as much as ever gets done in politics. Hillary AND Bernie have both written books now, gone on tours, interviews etc. Hillary is emerging and contrary to what's often said or written she has done this carefully and effectively--and Bernie never left.

I will bet you an virtual/internet cup of coffee that both Hillary and Bernie find a way to address their various groups together. They may or may not "like" each other-- I suspect they do--but they are both savvy political people who will see the need to negate the absolute bigotry, the horrible destructive policies republican are putting forward.

[leftstreet]

20. That's a very positive take

[Jim Lane]

25. What you say they will do, Bernie has already done

You predict "that both Hillary and Bernie find a way to address their various groups together."

Bernie backed Keith Ellison for DNC Chair, but, when Tom Perez won, Bernie joined him on a multi-state "unity tour". The tour drew large crowds -- and it's no secret which of the two headliners had the star power.

Hillary has upset many of us with a book that, according to the excerpts released so far, attacks Bernie and his supporters. I have no problem with airing disagreements, but it appears that her book will include some dubious opinions and outright falsehoods. I hope that, now that she's gotten that out of her system, she'll live up to the name of her new organization.

[Maven]

31. Bernie used his "unity tour" platform to continue bashing the Democratic Party

He has some responsibility to take and some conciliatory gestures to make before I will ever start to see him again as the person I once admired.

He can start by following Hillary's lead and announcing he won't run again in 2020.

[Jim Lane]

35. You say "bashing", I say "airing disagreements"

To take one example, there's disagreement about single payer within the Democratic caucuses in Congress. Some say the Democrats should push for it. Others agree with Hillary that it will "never, ever happen." Neither side in that debate should be told to just be quiet in the name of unity or of not bashing others.

[Maven]

47. I see. When BS says that our party is an "absolute failure" that is just airing disagreements.

When Hillary wants to analyze what went wrong, and identifies several culprits in addition to her own campaign including--gasp!--Bernie's tactics, that amounts to "dubious opinions and outright falsehoods".

Many of us are relieved that HRC is getting to tell her story about the election, and it's an important one to understand if we wish to learn from the insanity of 2016. She is not "getting it out of her system", nor does she need to be condescended to by those who believe she requires their permission. She doesn't.

Meanwhile, Bernie may wish to put 100% of the responsibility on HRC's shoulders because it serves his personal agenda to do so. That is part and parcel of the self-centeredness that caused "many of us" to turn away from him and never look back. He can still show some leadership, as I said, by owning his part of the mess and ruling out a 2020 run, as Hillary has already done.

[NanceGreggs]

65. Hillary never said ...

... that single-payer would "never, ever happen". She said that Bernie's plan as he outlined in his campaign would never happen.

Just another totally false talking point that a certain group keeps circulating ...

[ismnotwasm]

34. The unity tour is a dismal failure.

Let's see what happens, shall we?

[Jim Lane]

37. It was a failure if you expected a miraculous overnight transformation.

I agree with you about seeing what happens. The unity tour was one step. It will take many steps to get anywhere.

[ismnotwasm]

39. Precisely.

[guillaumeb]

52. Well said.

[ehrnst]

137. Indeed. (nt)

[CK_John]

24. Candidate have to face the problem of automation first and how to implement UBI for the middle class

My personal fix is lower the SocSec to 40yrs of age with a min of the poverty level.

[Lotusflower70]

32. Makes sense

She did what she could. She is a private citizen now and can do whatever she wants. It's sad how much residual anger and hate are still directed at her. She paved the way for those who will come after her. She served our country well. I look forward to seeing what she chooses to do next.

[NurseJackie]

33. From BEGINNING to END she was the FINEST candidate our party ever had!

Intelligence, experience, DEMEANOR ... she had it all. Nobody else compared. Of all the contenders, she was the ONLY one who was a qualified. The rest were just pretentious liars, low-class cheats, cheap knock-offs, loud pretenders, angry wannabes and bitter spoilers. She was robbed seven ways from Sunday.

[kpete]

40. Thank you NurseJackie

I still think she is quite wonderful

and will Always have the upmost respect for her

kp

[ismnotwasm]

42. She's also warmly human

Part of the the most sexist attacks against her involved how she handled emotion--too cold, she cries, too "fake", she smiled wrong, she laughed wrong, she didn't show "true" emotion--blah blah blah. Other attacks Involved "she stands for nothing/she is too detail oriented (one of the more ridiculous criticisms of her healthcare reform was that is was too "bulky" i.e. too much to read) The reality is spoken by her close friends--she cares and loves deeply, she is stalwart in friendship, she thinks in that comprehensive way the truly intelligent and the emotionally intelligent think.

She's also a reality-based pragmatic and very experienced politician who realizes the rights of women and people of various ethnicities and races shape our future and also, that the world is changing, and changing rapidly. Inclusiveness and intersectionality are the keys to a socially healthy future. It's time to share power.

[Madam45for2923]

46. We were robbed too. Future generations were robbed too!

33. From BEGINNING to END she was the FINEST candidate our party ever had!

Intelligence, experience, DEMEANOR ... she had it all. Nobody else compared. Of all the contenders, she was the ONLY one who was a qualified. The rest were just pretentious liars, low-class cheats, cheap knock-offs, loud pretenders, angry wannabes and bitter spoilers. She was robbed seven ways from Sunday.

[NurseJackie]

50. You're correct. WE were robbed. That's the cost of VANITY and BITTERNESS...

... it's the price we all must pay for EGOS and irrational immature voters who believe that "sending a message" is better than actually SENDING THE MOST QUALIFIED PERSON to lead our nation. I know who they are. I know who their "leader" is. I know who they're still rallying around. Specifically, these "Stein-voters" and "non-voters" are the ones with a chip on their shoulder... they feel the world owes them... they're irresponsible, they're unreliable, they're disloyal to anyone except themselves, they think ONLY of themselves. They are the Sarandon types who still believe that the "burn-it-down" philosophy will bring around the "Second Coming" or some sort of revolution (or something). These "destroy-to-rebuild" people can afford the luxury of watching everything around them turn to shit. Others, the more vulnerable among us, won't be so lucky.

[Madam45for2923]

56. We gave to Donald: our security, water, air, food safety, education, highways, nukes, courts, armies

women rights, equality rights, our democracy, our reputation, our freedoms, our rights, our past to erase, our present to grab, our future to bend.

And so the most powerful country in the world has handed over all its affairs—the prosperity of its entire economy; the security of its 300 million citizens; the purity of its water, the viability of its air, the safety of its food; the future of its vast system of education; the soundness of its national highways, airways, and railways; the apocalyptic potential of its nuclear arsenal—to a carnival barker who introduced the phrase grab ’em by the pussy into the national lexicon. It is as if the white tribe united in demonstration to say, “If a black man can be president, then any white man—no matter how fallen—can be president.” And in that perverse way, the democratic dreams of Jefferson and Jackson were fulfilled.

https://www.theatlantic.com/amp/article/537909/

50. You're correct. WE were robbed. That's the cost of VANITY and BITTERNESS...
View profile
... it's the price we all must pay for EGOS and irrational immature voters who believe that "sending a message" is better than actually SENDING THE MOST QUALIFIED PERSON to lead our nation. I know who they are. I know who their "leader" is. I know who they're still rallying around. Specifically, these "Stein-voters" and "non-voters" are the ones with a chip on their shoulder... they feel the world owes them... they're irresponsible, they're unreliable, they're disloyal to anyone except themselves, they think ONLY of themselves. They are the Sarandon types who still believe that the "burn-it-down" philosophy will bring around the "Second Coming" or some sort of revolution (or something). These "destroy-to-rebuild" people can afford the luxury of watching everything around them turn to shit. Others, the more vulnerable among us, won't be so lucky.

[NurseJackie]

66. Yes... a cultish segment of the voters did. I'm horrified at what they did...

... but they seem quite proud of themselves. Like children with a box of matches and a stack of fatwood kindling. One side is shouting "lock her up" and these (so-called) progressives are chanting "let-it-burn". Still can't figure out what their fascination is with this website. They all need to go away and stop with their attacks and disruption and division.

For clarity, I'm referring to "Stein-voters" and "non-voters" (which I think is the acceptable term these days).

[Madam45for2923]

67. One day when they become serious & realize this was a key fork on the road they will APOLOGIZE.

66. Yes... a cultish segment of the voters did. I'm horrified at what they did...
View profile
... but they seem quite proud of themselves. Like children with a box of matches and a stack of fatwood kindling. One side is shouting "lock her up" and these (so-called) progressives are chanting "let-it-burn". Still can't figure out what their fascination is with this website. They all need to go away and stop with their attacks and disruption and division.

For clarity, I'm referring to "Stein-voters" and "non-voters" (which I think is the acceptable term these days).

[leftstreet]

69. If the party redefines itself, I think those people will fall away

You've got Senators like Kamala Harris endorsing single payer, signalling a shift left in party policy and rhetoric

For the 'sincere' Stein and non voters, that will make a difference

For the percentage of those same voters who just didn't like Hillary as a candidate, well that's over

[NurseJackie]

73. Fuck the Stein-voters and "non-voters"! There's nothing redeeming...

There's nothing redeeming about them at all. There are no adjectives, categories or qualifier words that make them any less contemptible. These are the vanity voters, and the "destroy-it-to-rebuild-it" cult. Selfish and vile. They can go fuck themselves!

69. If the party redefines itself, I think those people will fall away

Sorry. Our party doesn't need to "redefine" itself for anyone. I'm very proud of our party, and our leaders, and our platform, and our history and what the Democratic Party represents. I'm not inclined to "redefine" anything or to accommodate any group that is as selfish and unreliable and irresponsible as that (those) group/s. Especially the (ahem) "non" voter.

[leftstreet]

94. You disagree with Senators like Harris moving left?

It's the smart move

Centrism is dead

[NurseJackie]

96. LOL

[lapucelle]

92. And they gave away the Supreme Court.

It was the Bush presidency that ushered in the age of Citizen's United. Bush appointee John Roberts even advised the plaintiffs of a better way to frame their argument for an affirmative Supreme Court decision.

Thanks Ralph! Thanks Susan!

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2012/05/21/money-unlimited

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2011/04/11/money-talks-jeffrey-toobin

[NurseJackie]

122. Fuck Ralph. Fuck Susan. Fuck Jill. And...

... fuck their supporters and defenders and protectors.

Some "Revolution" huh?

[sheshe2]

77. This

[Me.]

64. You Had Me At Finest

[NurseJackie]

141. ###

[SunSeeker]

68. What NurseJackie said.

[EllieBC]

102. She was the most qualified candidate for President.

And I think most qualified ever. We (I mean every US citizen) did not deserve her. IN a sad way we deserve the shit stew we have. There are still people here who throw sideways comments about HRC, being oh so careful to not be too obvious because they do not want a ban.

[HughBeaumont]

115. "ever"?

Wow, THAT doesn't slight the two best presidents we've had in the modern age or anything (FDR and Obama).

[NurseJackie]

117. LOL!

115. "ever"?

Did I stutter?

Wow, THAT doesn't slight the two best presidents we've had in the modern age or anything (FDR and Obama).

You are absolutely correct. It doesn't (or anything).

[HughBeaumont]

125. Yeah . . . . except I live in the reality of those two BECOMING President . . .

. . . and your "greatest candidate EVER" lost to the undisputed WORST candidate in history.

What we need to do is toss aside all of the outside factors, however legitimate. Russian Interference, Comey, voter suppression, complicit media, an undercurrent of toxic masculinity, racism and sexism, etc. etc.

Tossing out ALL of that, and running Hillary Clinton side to side with a fascist Cheeto based solely on their own merits as political figures and individuals . . . . this election should NOT HAVE BEEN CLOSE. AT ALL.

If our party doesn't need to be redefined and there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with our candidates . . . HOW and WHY did this happen?

[NurseJackie]

128. LOL

What we need to do is toss aside all of the outside factors, however legitimate. Russian Interference, Comey, voter suppression, complicit media, an undercurrent of toxic masculinity, racism and sexism, etc. etc.

There's an LOT of "tossing" going on.

[JHan]

129. lol lol lol

[nini]

144. Oh sweet Jesus!! that is the best gif ever

LOLOL

[ehrnst]

138. Yasssssss!!!!!! (nt)

[left-of-center2012]

36. Time to pass the torch ...

As JFK said,
to a new generation.

[zentrum]

43. Yes it is. nt

[barbtries]

38. i'm still distraught.

this may turn out to be the worst thing that ever happened to the USA. and more and more it looks to me that she really did win.

[mythology]

41. Good for her for remaining involved

She's a powerful voice and inspiration, particularly to women candidates. She's also incredibly smart and informed (which while sadly not a great asset in terms of getting elected, is something definitely needed for governing).

Losing, especially to an utter assclown like Trump, is hard. She put everything she had into the election and as Secretary of State.

[sinkingfeeling]

45. I worry that her admitting how confident she was of election will be

used against her. Some will say more awful things.

[Caliman73]

124. Awful things will be said regardless. She will be fine.

30 years of shit being talked and fabrications being made out of whole cloth have not been enough to take her down. Something being said about her confidence won't be the "last straw".

Almost everyone was confident that she was going to win. Trump's election was a shock, including to Trump.

[Maven]

49. Time for Bernie to do the same, and rule out a 2020 run. nt

[seaglass]

51. Yes, I think that would be the best thing he could do to move towards unity. n/t

[still_one]

87. Absolutely. The minute his campaign was over, he couldn't quickly disassociate himself

fast enough from the Democratic label, and that by itself has poisoned any attempt if he tried to run again using the Democratic party as a convenient vehicle for his political ambitions.

[romana]

88. Agree

We need to move past 2016. Imo our party needs to heal without the 2016 players on the stage. Biden needs to stay out, too.

[BainsBane]

106. +1

[lapucelle]

53. Susan B. Anthony was never permitted to cast a vote.

Hillary Clinton will never be president.

Like Anthony, Hillary will instead become part of the pantheon of feminist heroes. The purpose of her public life will transcend the office of the presidency.

Hillary Clinton took every punch aimed at second wave feminists in particular (and late 20th century women in general) and got up and kept fighting anew. We will be forever grateful.

[ismnotwasm]

55. Ooooh! Very well said!

[Madam45for2923]

71. hear! hear!

[Squinch]

79. Great point.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

54. Big K and R !!!!!!!

[Egnever]

70. Thank god

[Maven]

72. I'll be relieved when BS declares his intention not to run. nt

[Skittles]

104. doesn't matter

he is finished as a candidate

[lapucelle]

80. Why?

Nobody seems to be hell bent on denying Joe Biden a third bite at the apple.

[Egnever]

82. I am tired of the division

[lapucelle]

86. The division was not caused by HRC,

and the division will not abate with the absence of HRC from electoral politics. The division will continue as long as people who explicitly say that they are not Democrats, that the party is corrupt, and who insist that they owe no loyalty to any party continue to try to hijack ours.

I'm not referring to politicians who caucus with Democrats. I'm talking about outsider "activists" whose only loyalty is to their own ridiculous demands and their skewed and erroneous perception of the term "progressive" which is rapidly morphing into code for Tea Party 2.0.

[Egnever]

89. If you say so.

[lapucelle]

90. I do say so, and I'm glad you agree.

[MineralMan]

75. I can't say I blame her.

We let her down, as a group. We failed to support our own choice of a nominee for President, and are now reaping the rewards of our failure.

I wouldn't run again, either, if I were her. I share her disappointment and loss.

[Caliman73]

126. I would not say "We".

I supported her, my family supported her, all my friends supported her, 90 percent of people who supported her primary opponent, supported her. I did not only support her because she is Hillary Clinton. I know that she is an intelligent and qualified leader, but I supported her because she was the leader of the Democratic Party and supported the policies I most align with. It wasn't just about Hillary Clinton, it was about ideals for what the nation should be.

People who did not vote, and people who succumbed to the lies (who wanted to believe them) let the country down. I would support her again if she did choose to run because she is a good, effective leader who promotes the policies of the Democratic party.

[ucrdem]

84. TBH I hope she changes her mind.

Yes, many still can't stand the thought of a Hillary presidency, but she's the ideal person for the job, and gets better with each campaign. And possibly the electorate will have enough buyer's remorse in 2020 to give her the tsunami it's going to take to get her in.

[still_one]

91. She won't, and it is a tragedy, because the country really had a chance to make a difference on so

many things, and they threw it away.

The Supreme Court, Women's rights, Civil Rights, Workers rights, the environment, healthcare, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and a host of other issues are now at risk

2018 will be a very uphill challenge because of what happened in 2016

[Expecting Rain]

85. I'm left with great sadness that our nation missed the opportunity...

to have such a fine progressive liberal Democrat with HRC's temperament, judgement, and experience in the Oval Office.

[Raine]

93. GOOD...

this is best for all concerned.

[trueblue2007]

95. I feel sorry for my Lady President.

[BainsBane]

98. It turned out we weren't a country of intelligence and compassion

But rather one of hatred, self-entitlement, and narcissism. That is what Trump's election demonstrated. The election was a shock to me because I didn't realize we were a nation capable of electing someone like Trump. Too many chose to elevate sexual predation and racism to the Oval Office. Too many, perhaps the majority, have contempt for the democratic process and seek to vest near authoritarian powers in one man. The hostility to compromise--which is essential to democracy--reflects contempt for one's fellow citizens and a determination that government exists to serve them and not others.

I thought we were better, that the majority of the country cared about others, not just themselves.
The election showed me otherwise, and so much of what I have seen since makes clear to me just how Trump reflects the current American character. Holding men of power above the citizens and rule of law, self-centerness and narcissism, an opposition to equal rights and a certainty that they deserve more because of the mere accident of being born white, male, and middle class. Some are overt on their hatred for the majority, while others simply demand that the poor and marginalized serve their interests or face assaults on their rights, including the right to vote.


Trump will eventually leave office, but we remain a country that voted for him. A government can't be better than the people it represents, and I see few signs that people want to be better. Note that the policies advanced by Clinton that were most criticized are those that directed government resources toward the poor rather than the upper-middle class. That was unacceptable because the lives of the poor are seen as less. I hear lots of talk about messaging and spinning white middle- to upper-middle class demands in different ways, but no sign that the already privileged, earning O.3% of global incomes (which is what a $100k annual income is) are focused on anything but acquiring more for themselves at the expense of the poor and marginalized whose lives they dismiss or disparage.

.

[leftstreet]

103. Trump was elected by less than 28% of eligible voters

That doesn't add up to an entire country of people who lack intelligence and compassion

[BainsBane]

105. Others stood back and let it happen

They voted for him through proxy votes for Stein and other third party candidates, or write-ins. And the values that led them and his direct voters to choose him continue undaunted.

[FakeNoose]

108. Bainsbane the middle managers of this country have 1 thing in common

Those making $100K+ have been trained by the super-wealthy one-percenters of this country.

That means they all think alike - more-more-more for me-me-me. I got mine, now I want to take yours too.

I'm not saying they're all right-wingers or Republicans, but they play the game of greed and that's what drives our country and our political system anymore. The New Deal is long dead, and I don't believe we'll ever see it again here.

[BainsBane]

109. The New Deal arose in response to specific circumstances

It was not something FDR came to office wanting to do. Rather it was a response to widespread popular mobilization in reaction to starvation-level poverty.

[BainsBane]

100. She said this months ago

For some reason people have chosen not to listen, just like they never listened to her policy proposals.

[Dopers_Greed]

112. Maybe she should have campaigned in Wisconsin

Instead of planning for post-victory

[WoonTars]

127. HERETIC!!!! HERETIC!!!

[JHan]

130. uhm yeah, I'll bite...

As Ezra Klein said ..

"Imagine a slightly alternate universe. Let's take Nate Silver's estimate that the Comey letter cost Clinton about 3 percentage points in the election. Imagine it never happened. Now Clinton wins the Electoral College, and lands a bigger popular vote victory than Barack Obama did against Mitt Romney.

In that world, are we talking about what an awful race President Clinton ran? We aren't."

[Warren DeMontague]

146. "almost only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades"

[oasis]

131. Maybe the voters of Wisconsin should have educated themselves

enough to know how much was at stake.

[FairWinds]

139. In our Ohio county . .

there was a massive GOTV effort by the Dems and the Obama campaign.

There was no such effort in 2016.

Did the Dems do much in the way of GOTV anywhere in 2016?

I'd really like to know.

[ailsagirl]

142. So were we all certain that she was the obvious winner

[andym]

147. She will find a new way to contribute.

Hillary Clinton is resourceful and talented and will continue to make a difference. The election cheated the country out of an outstanding President....

[alarimer]

149. That's probably for the best. n/t