Americans Wanted a Revolution, and Clinton's Campaign Only Offered Them Obama 2.0
By Thom Hartmann A...
Donald J. Trump's ascent to the White House is the final victory of Lewis Powell's 1971 memo to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (I wrote a book about this titled The Crash of 2016), and now we all need to hang on for a wild ride.
It began when Jim DeMint played the Republican takeover of our government brilliantly, with generous help from the Koch brothers, and the Democrats failed to notice (although some of us were, literally, yelling about it). Meanwhile, the Clinton campaign completely failed to learn the lessons of the Bernie revolution.
The last time a Republican president was elected with both a GOP House and Senate was 1928-Herbert Hoover. Yes, that Herbert Hoover. The one of the Great Depression. Get ready.
Read more here.
Comments
#2
The last time a Republican President was elected with GOP house and Senate was 1953. The House of Representatives was 221 Republicans, 213 Democrats. The Senate was 48 Republicans, 46 Democrats, 2 independents. The President was Dwight Eisenhower.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Party_divisions_of_United_States_Congresses
#3
Reagan 2.0 (for another 36 years)
#4
Whether there is a Democrat or Republican in the White House, whether there is a Democratic or Republican majority in the Congress, we have and will continue to experience cycles of economic boom and bust. The reason is not because this is a natural outcome of human relations. The reason is because our society (every society, really) suffers from the presence of systemic problems going back centuries. Neither social democracy nor state socialism address these systemic problems. The cause is found in property laws and methods of raising public revenue that fail to conform to a truly just distribution of income and wealth. The just source of public revenue is what political economists from Adam Smith to Henry George identified as "rent." Rent is that share of what we produce (or its monetary equivalent) that occurs because of locational advantages provided by nature or because of societal infrastructure. When rent is untaxed or lightly taxed, it is capitalized by market forces into a selling price for land -- whether building lots in towns and cities, resource-laden lands, or licenses that award monopoly control over water -- and land-like assets, such as the broadcast spectrum or takeoff and landing slots at airports.
Powerful landed interests have always been successful at preventing the societal collection of rents. Instead, governments raise revenue by taxing earned income, capital goods (e.g., buildings and machinery) and commerce. Such taxes impose what are called "deadweight losses" on economic output. The path to a full employment society and an end to credit-fueled, speculation driven cycles is to abandon these taxes and simply collect the economic rent.
Edward J. Dodson, M.L.A.
Director
School of Cooperative Individualism
#5
Its a shame Hillary could not have set aside her blind ambition, and endorsed Bernie or Elizabeth Warren who could have energized the Dems.
Now we must hope Trump is more of a practical Independant than a Repub.
ct
#6
All progressives should be very happy! "The revolution will not be televised" We now have "Change We Can Believe In" an we are in for BIG changes. The DEM's put up BOB V 2.0 and her corrupt history bit her is the ass as well is should have. All HRC can hope for now is a pardon from BOB, and I am sure that will come on 1/19/17. The message was loud and clear.....the days of DC as it has been are over hopefully. It will be very interesting to watch the next 6 months. I am not optimistic for America, BUT, American does have the opportunity to re-estabish our unique and freedom loving people if we all keep the pressure on the elected members of government. Lets get back to the America we all love and cherish. FREEDOM from Tryanny!!
#7
Back in February they were conducting "general election scenario" polls: "If the general election were held tomorrow, who would you vote for: Donald Trump or Bernie Sanders?" and "If the general election were held tomorrow, who would you vote for: Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton?" In these "scenario" polls, Bernie beat Trump by 8 to 12 points. Clinton vs. Trump was a dead heat. What happened yesterday was evident back in February if you were paying attention. Almost nobody was. When I would discuss this with people, I lost them at the word "scenario." They didn't get it. They still don't. They've run head-first into the rock face with the tunnel painted on it and they still don't get it.
Going into this election the electorate were vehemently anti-establishment. They were in a "throw the bums out" mood. Trump was the Republican anti-establishment candidate and Bernie was ours. Our candidate was far better, but we didn't nominate him. Instead we nominated one of the bums that the electorate wanted thrown out. Guess what.
Besides being as establishment as politicians come, Hillary Clinton was---is---hated with the heat of a thousand suns by white working class males. I'm not saying that's right for them to do or that every single one of them feels that way, but . . . true story: The last two places I worked had a few less than two hundred employes. About half a dozen of the 180-or-so people self-identified as democrats. That's a piss-poor percentage, folks. The rest were rabid republicans who proudly referred to themselves as "tea partiers." The Tea Partiers hated Hillary Clinton as I have said, but they also hated---really hated---political correctness and affirmative action. All of the "social progress" that social liberals think they have made since the '80s is skin deep, if that. White working class America never accepted these mores; they tolerated them because they had no choice; they could literally lose their jobs if they voiced their true feelings.
Well Trump tapped into this subterranean sea of hatred while Hillary and the Media pretended it didn't exist. Guess what.
It reminds me of when one of us kids would say something mean and a parent or grandparent would say, "Don't say that. You don't mean that." Hillary was the adult in a room full of kids sick and tired of adults. Guess what. Yeah, we said it, yeah we mean it, and, no, we're not taking it back.
#8
I wonder if Trump will grab Debbie Wasserman-Schultz by the [bleep] when he announces her cabinet appointment.
#9
Is it Donald Trumps's ascent to the White House, or is it Mike Pence's ascent? A lot can happen in a couple months, like a fraud conviction, or who knows??? I'm thinking the Fascists would much rather have Pence in their back pocket.....and if that's what they want, they'll make it happen.
So what are all those red state voters going to do when Trumpence fails to build his wall, bring back manufacturing jobs, deport immigrants, lower working class taxes, lock up Hillary, ban muslims, release his own taxes, repeal NAFTA...etc etc. ?????? They gonna blame the liberals and then go shoot something in the backyard????
Did anyone really think the corpse media would give up it's citizens united gravy train? .
#10
Hallelujah cheaters never win!
Hillary should have been disqualified for rigging the primary. Bernie should have been the nominee and President-Elect today.
#11
The biggest surprise of this season was that the right was willing to vote for Sanders but none of them though to change their party affiliation, so they could have a better person. Their lazyness and ignorance stuck them in the Trump or nothing rut.
The 2nd biggest was that smaller states that were strong for HRC, flipped in the final hours. I suspected the architect would go that route. In fact is was the last plan from the Trump team.
The 3rd was finding out, 90 million eligable voters weren't even registered.
The system robbed us of our FDR. I'm thankful that I'm retired.
#12
This isn't a Hallelujah moment.
#13
But Eisenhower was Progressive and respected. Did the Republicans actually contribute that much to our country becomming great?
#14
I haven't seen a consumer based boom since the early 70s, I'm not sure you've actually seen one. It was before shareholders changed wall street. Recent booms came at a price. Back then, booms came because we taxed the rich and they were just a tax cycle away.
#15
Thom, I left you when you abandoned Bernie and started shilling for Clinton, the pathological liar, war hawk, moral and fiscally corrupt and yes, incompetent.
You are no progressive, just an opportunist
There is now a revolution th an can succeed. Control of two legs of the Government and soon SCOTUS too, the 3rd leg
You SHIT in your mess kit Thom.
#16
It seemed that Hillary would achieve a big lead after each debate. I wonder if this was because this was almost the only time a large group of Americans got to hear her.
I think that in poorer and rural America the right often has pretty much monopolized the media especially with the "poorly educated" and the elderly. Talk radio is nothing but right wing in most of the country. Data and smart phones cost money and often older Americans aren't comfortable using them. Internet is expensive and not always available. And again older less educated Americans are not always comfortable using computers. And Fox news is, I'm told, available on basic cable and CNN and MSNBC are not.
If she wasn't heard, and the right can tell any lie they want, it doesn't matter what she said.
#17
I recommend this article: Donald Trump will be President. This is what we do next.
From The Intercept https://interc.pt/2ffA5DL
#18
Trumps victory, in my opinion, is a political revolution. One for which America was hungry. Bernie, could have won, but he was thrown "under the bus" by the Democrats, and "washed up lefties". You have no one but your self to blame for Trumps victory. Nothing, including revolutions, are not won by giving up.
There is a bright side for you WUL. You now have four more years to play the victim, and complain about how bad things are. Good Luck:):).
#19
jdstone
"Thom, I left you when you abandoned Bernie and started shilling for Clinton, the pathological liar, war hawk, moral and fiscally corrupt and yes, incompetent.
You are no progressive, just an opportunist
There is now a revolution th an can succeed. Control of two legs of the Government and soon SCOTUS too, the 3rd leg
You SHIT in your mess kit Thom."
BULLSEYE
#20
Can someone tell me the name of the group that the previous person from NYC was referencing to organize? Thanks!
#21
I'm reading all your posts, and I'm troubled. All of you are into what's going on now, and your all trying to rationalize and in good faith hope that its not going to be as bad as it could be. So let's start with what paul Ryan said yesterday. Putting the coal miners back to work, the timber cutters back to work. That is a recision of the climate change act that Barack and over 180 country's around the world agreed to this last September. A repealing of the affordable health care act, dropping 20 million people from healthcare. Saying that he will bomb the shit out of Isis with nukes. Or anyone else that gets in his way. Punishing women for there right to chose. Making the top 1% tax rate 15%,and raising taxes on everyone else.
Is no one getting this. Has no one paid attention to our new president elect. Do any of you see the disaster we are in for.
He has congress, a full republican congress. They are going to change everything. And by there law its OK. President Obamas choise as his right as president chose a new judge to the supreme court and they blocked it. Now they can get another conservative in there.
Are you all seeing?? Its a conservative take over, a new prodistant
reformation, only this time they aren't getting kicked out of a continent, (Europe in the 15th century for all you non history paying attention dumb fucks). They are taking over a new one. Its us. America. And aside from the 200,000 plus popular vote, victory, all you back word ass redneck gods gays and guns, bible bashing ignorant fucks made this happen.
The american great depression of 2017 , is all on you ignorant uneducated fucks. Just hope that ww3 isn't on you ignorant fucks to!!!!
The last president elect republican that had a standing GOP senate and GOP House of reps. Was president hoover in 1928, it took less than a year for the great depression of 1929 to happen. I hope all you dumb ass backward ass bible thumping fucks are happy cause its coming to your back yard to. God won't save you from what you made happen.
Dumbasses.
#22
Sorry for my rant, I'm just stressed out, shell shocked and confused. I hope you know what your doing Mr. Trump. 325,000,000 are now depending on your no political, or military experience having ass. Creator above help us if your wrong......
#23
Thom I have one word to say, FILIBUSTER! It's the only hope of slowing down the GOP agenda. After all "Turnabout is Fair Play!"
Rick
#24
We can slow the GOP agenda with the Filibuster. We must let our representatives know, very loudly, that they must use the Filibuster against the GOP as they used it against President Obama!
#25
Stubbornly supporting the idea that illegal immigrants must be allowed to work and live in this country and even get drivers licenses, as well as the idea that the ACA, as flawed as it is , must remain in a way that continues to hurt middle/upper middle class people who had good or excellent insurance, doomed the Democratic Party.
The DEMs abandoned the middle/upper middle class a while ago, joining the Republicans.
While focusing on who can use what bathroom, who can serve on submarines, who can get married, and appeasing every little "oppressed" interest group at the expense of the discontented majority, the DEMs lost their way. As well as votes. Coronating Hillary was the final nail in the coffin.
Don't blame the voter for wanting change, even if it comes with risks. Many people who are deathly afraid of skydiving will parachute from a doomed plane.
#26
I often hear prominent progressive voices citing Trump's speaking to bitter working class economic woes as the main reason democrats lost the White House. Until Democratic leadership recognizes racism as THE MAIN issue, and not just a factor, we'll continue to lose. Why do liberal whites especially, fail to recognize this? Whites have been voting en mass for republicans since the 1960's. The minorities in the rust belt and Midwest have been hit even harder than whites and yet vote democratic over 80% of the time while those same whites are voting republican nearly 70% of the time (in rustbelt/midwest). We continue to excuse the bigotry and white resentment of black advancement/equality as simply cultural. NO MORE!! We must call it for what it is and don't let them run and hide from it. It is white supremacy pure and simple, either conscious or subconscious. They must begin to face these facts and be shown how their bigotry and racism has been used against them and their economic interests. And until progressive leadership prioritizes an effort to confront and address racism, most progressive issues will be left unresolved because the political opposition to these issues are supported by white voters.
#27
Harry Reid started the 'nuclear option' and GOPers will finish it. The only question is whether to do it immediately or wait till 2018.
#28
Hopefully, America will not have to wait another 240 years for a woman at the top of the ticket.
#29
It was hard to sleep thinking about all the horrible things that now can occur - not only with this absolute incompetent in the top position, but having the Republicans in control of congress to support anything he wants.
I had this same feeling of dread after Bush was installed back in 2000. I remember saying to a co-worker .. "I just hope he doesn't get us into a damn war." Bush started the ball rolling downhill to this. Obama slowed the descent and actually improved many things dramatically in spite of the constant obstruction of the Republican congress. The people who voted for these republican politicians have a very short memory or they hate Obama so much, or they are flat out stupid racists - or a combination of all -
Then there is the real possibility that in some key states - election fraud took place. I tend to believe that election fraud in key areas of key states put Trump on top. I truly believe that is how Bush got in - both times.
So here we are. What to do now? We still have to live our lives and do what we believe is right.
Support those people who represent those beliefs.
There are a number of civil charges and law suits against Trump and his businesses already in process.
An impeachment could be in the offing.
Let's hope that's what happens sooner than later.
#30
rickyepp: It's not racism or white supremacy. If that was the case, how did Obama get elected for two terms by large numbers?
The DEMS lost because they lost the middle class with the ACA, immigration policies, and ignoring their needs. Plus, they decided their candidate for president by coronation.
The DEMS need to stop pandering to the fringes of our society and start focusing on the mainstream, working and middle class backbone of this country.
Stop wasting political capital on who can get married and instead focus on how to strengthen American workers.
Its very simple. Represent and advocate for the mainstream, and the mainstream will support you.
#31
It's to some extent a matter of degree but to a large extent Trump can be expected to be significantly less corporatist. He appears better on workers' issues, particularly on free trade. He is by far the more believable - and the more believed - in promising to scuttle TPP and reverse the other trade agreements and this apparently genuine sympathy and support of the blue collar worker alone is what got him elected.
Now, Bernie would've done all that without incorporating all the working class, "man in the street" prejudices but Clinton was rejected as she was mostly because of her clear corporatism and of her moving of the Democrats in the decidedly corporatist direction while Trump was moving the Republicans in the opposite direction. The traditional, big business Republican base was deserting the party for Clinton in this election while the traditional Democratic base was deserting the Democratic Party for Trump and the Republicans.
The wine and cheese lefties here (I won't name any names) are so out of touch with the American blue collar worker - whom they pretend to support - or so look down on them as to not ever listen to them or take them seriously that they were completely blind sided by this election and are in dumb, numbed shock, clueless as to what happened.
#32
I had a friend from Tennessee who was a military veteran of two services and a blue collar worker all of his life who once said to me, in all seriousness, "The Republicans are the party of the working man and the Democrats are the party of the rich.".
Now, I suspect he listened to some Fox News but observing Clinton and Trump I can't disagree.
Since the '60s and the New Left, the Left has been peopled by bourgeouis academics, students and their professors, and not workers as it was in the Great Depression.
The SDS came from the student arm of the League of Industrial Democracy, a project of the UAW in Detroit. It was well known for its disconnect from the common people - which was relatively innocuous until those kids graduated and came into positions of influence, many of them becoming neocons.
Currently, the bourgeois left has a strong and deep, unacknowledged class chauvinism and feels entitled to dictate to the blue collar worker what they are to think and feel and want because the blue collar worker is, presumedly by the academics, too stupid to run and lead their own movement and their own society.
The fact is, the reason the bourgeois academic feels that way is because they are at least as stupid as the blue collar worker. Accumulated academic knowledge is meanngless without worldly understanding - which the blue colar worker has plenty more of than the sheltered, pampered academic.
This election was a coming home to roost of that stupidity of that bourgeois Left and their willful obtuseness on these issues.
This article says it well, if little Stalin will allow,
http://m.chicagoreader.com/chicago/ajamu-baraka-green-party-election-qan...
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I blame media including free speeh channecl and all claiming to be progressive failure discuss elephant in he room since 9/11 facts like how does two planes demolish three separate high rises building seven and he twin towers and damage building six excuse me his was controtlled demotlition.