Andrew Cuomo for POTUS

Cuomo, Trump, and CNN

Recently on CNN I have seen Chris Cuomo interview his brother Andrew, the Governor of New York a couple of times. I was impressed with both people and interviews. I always admired Chris - he is one American media person who can actually speak English (not American, but English) very well - grammar and vocabulary in particular and is admirably eloquent. But this is not about Chris.

His brother is apparently of the same ilk - perhaps not quite so eloquent but he would nail crowds if on the stump for President. He must have already been successful to be in his present position. This guy would make a great President. That would be about four years overdue. I hope he runs some day.

His talk last night, March 16, was even more impressive. He knows how to relate to the average person which the current President has never and will never learn. He even gave credit to Trump and his team for their recent activity against the virus (I am assuming by now everybody knows which one!). It was a very well organized talk ending in some effective personal family anecdotes. If Trump had made this speech earlier himself, the country would be feeling a lot better. So would Trump since I already said Andrew complimented him and we all know he is very keen on praising himself.

When you see Anthony you have to look twice to see if it is Chris or not. He is obviously the older but if an "older twin" were possible this would be as close as you could get.

Imagine team Cuomo - Andrew for President and Chris for V.P.  - a brotherly team just like the Kennedys.

Now to CNN. I like and watch the network. But just like they have for over three years with Trump, they are overdoing the Corona virus. Yes we need to be regularly informed but there is other news out there. All the harping about Trump was not very effective in dislodging him. They just went on, and on, and on. Now here we go again.

With the virus they are beginning to sound like the old Buffalo Evening News I used to hear in early TV days. It was all fires, shootings, and accidents because for some morbid reason bad news sells better than good.

Tell us a few times a day the facts and what is happening with the spread and the defence. That's it. Give us a break. The worst example was last night with Don Lemon. Unfortunately for him, by the time he airs most of the day's news is old. But he started by quoting a number. Then there was a big dramatic pause - a stunt he pulls all too often. Finally he quotes a second number and of course it is a new statistic and the point is to show how there has been such a huge increase in numbers from point A to point B. More pause.

Come on guys. Is there a separate Oscar for news reporting? Your job is not to SELL the news, it is to TELL the news and that is all.

We might be less up tight if you would just do that.

Please.

#thebrewsterblock

Tip My Hat to Steyer, Buttigieg, and Klobuchar

I Was Wrong And Glad Of It!

In recent posts I have to admit I wrote about the unlikelihood of any of the Democratic candidates dropping out for the good of the party. I thought they would fight until the last of them was standing. I wish more professional politicians could make similar admissions.

Now that Tom Steyer and Pete Buttigieg have already done so I eat my words in a most humble pie. It is indeed good for the party. FLASH! I just heard that Amy Klobuchar has joined them.

Tonight is another evening of CNN town halls with the remainders. Tomorrow is Super Tuesday. We shall see if any more follow after Tuesday. I suspect so. It has been a long road since the peak of 20 plus announced. I guess this is democracy at its best - certainly better than the Republican race was in 2016. But then only one really dragged them down into the mud.

I admire the three who packed it in. Besides money it also takes a special kind of person to handle that pressure and be able to speak on their feet never knowing what will be thrown at them next. I think all of them could serve the country well as part of another's team, especially at the White House.

Congratulations on great campaigns and a tough decision. I'm sure we will be hearing from you again.

#thebrewsterblock

Democratic Debate Mic Left On By Mistake

The Magnificent Seven; The Seven Wonders; or The Seven Dwarfs?

In the most recent Democratic debate, live on stage, somebody turned the microphones on too soon. It was not broadcast but is alleged to have gone something like this...

The Rest: OK Bernie. No offence but the target is on your back tonight.
Bernie: You nitwits couldn't draw a target if you all got together and together is just not in your vocabulary.
Pete: When I was serving in the military, I hit more targets than...
Bernie: Ya, Ya, Ya, hail to BUTThead.
Pete: That's "BOOT", not BUTT
Amy: You're going to feel six boots tonight and they will all be on your BUTT.
Liz: You all sound worse than the kids I used to teach.
Joe: God help those kids ...
Tom: I thought we all agreed to ditch the sniping or we will all pay the price...
Liz: How about you and your moneybags buddy over there paying the price. You've both bought everything else!
Mike: Typical frickin bitch remark...
Amy and Liz: What did you just say Mayor Frisky-Frisk?
Pete: When I was serving in the military, when we heard misogynistic comments like that ...
Joe: Oh stick a mortar shell in it Pete
Moderators: OK guys, we are nearing air time. Bring it down a notch.
All: Oh stick a mortar shell in it! Good one Joe. Can't you see we're busy fighting here?
Liz: So purple suit. Why don't you just face facts and drop out for the rest of us?
Amy: At least I own a suit four eyes. Where'd you get that outfit - Target Boutique?
Pete: Speaking of targets, when I was serving...
Tom: OK Patton, we get it.
Amy: Before I was interrupted, I'm not folding. When they hear about my support in the Midwest...
Liz: News flash snowbird. Neither Carolina is part of the Midwest. By the way, since you are facing East right now, the part of you facing West could use a little more support...
Amy: Oh yeah Miss Native Minority Queen? Want to step outside? That war paint you're wearing isn't going to help you out there, or your military brothers.
Pete: OK guys. I'm taking bets. Could use a little boost in the funds.
Joe, Mike, Tom, Bernie: We're in. What are the odds on Liz?

Mike to self: I knew the claws would come out. Two down, four to go...

#thebrewsterblock

Democratic Debate or UFC Free for All?

Are the Gloves Off or Were They ever On?

I watched another debate last night on CBS with seven Democratic candidates. Firstly I don't know who was in control - the candidates or the moderators. For sure the latter lost control.

When will the people who run these things finally get it? At times the debaters were like seven piranhas fighting for the last fish in the Amazon! Give them their allotted time, a warning, and then cut off the microphones after 10 seconds. They will soon learn to wrap up. I thought the moderators were the least impressive.

The jabs and belly punches got pretty bad. If they think they will ever unite after Super Tuesday when things will really be rocking they are hallucinating. If one ever faces off against Trump, all Trump has to do is replay some of the finer moments with a "You really think THESE people can run the country?" type comment.

I have said it before. It is time for a woman. Of the two, Klobuchar is by far the best on image, perceived energy and drive. Although no doubt smart, Warren still looks and sounds like a teacher.

Women have been cleaning up after men for centuries. Following Trump, two of them are probably needed.

Now wouldn't THAT shock 'em? President AND Vice President. I like the idea and have said so before. Unfortunately I have to wonder if they could get along for eight days let alone eight years.

So sad. Too bad. Thelma and Louise. Just keep 'em away from any cliffs.

#thebrewsterblock

DEMS Demolishing Their Chances

Democratic Party Donkeys or Jackasses?

I am repeating myself but I am not as bad as the Democrats and CNN. You would think that this #2020 election would be a slam dunk for the Democrats. We thought that in 2016 and look what happened.

They want to defeat Trump. We all get that. We all want that. Sadly, they are not going to accomplish it. Here is my reasoning, which I have outlined before.

In short, people are sick and tired of the non-stop Trump bashing. It is not that we sympathize with POTUS - far from it. He needs to be sent packing. But the long term harping by the Democratic contenders and in particular CNN will almost ensure a Trump victory. The sad thing is - he knows it as well.

Both CNN and the Dems. are guilty of assuming that the general population is stupid. They are not. They might be apathetic, but most can see a good thing from a bad one. I believe that the best way to beat him is to redirect all of the dollars you waste trying to convince the electorate how bad and evil he is to proving just how good you and your policies are compared to his. Let the people see the difference

NOBODY wants to be lectured to - Bernie! Sure you need to point out the worst of the things he does but give us a break. I watch CNN a lot and by the time I see Don Lemon before retiring I have already heard it all before during the day. Same message, different dramatics. 

Both the Democrats and the network have criticized Trump repeatedly for tweeting and dwelling on the negative instead of reminding his people about the good things he thinks he has accomplished. So true!

But they have both spent almost 3 years doing the same thing. You need to change tactics guys.

You are shooting yourself in the hoof!

#thebrewsterblock

Time for the Democrats' Moment of Truth

Rally 'Round the Nominee? Very Soon We Shall See!

For many months now we have heard leading Democrats say how important it is to beat Donald Trump at any cost. This is the number one goal. It has become a daily hue and cry.

Very soon they will all have their chance to put their support where their mouths are. As is always the case in both parties, the remaining nominees have the axes out against each other. The latest victim is of course Bloomberg.

The same Democrats and for sure yours truly were all over Republican Senators for selling out during the impeachment trial. You heard it all - no backbone; no conscience; letting down their voters; placing themselves first etc. I still agree with all of that.

Now however, the remaining Democratic Nominees will have to be reduced to one. Then we will see who has the courage of their convictions in the donkey party. They all want to win. Last night Erin Burnett on CNN tried to pin down Warren on whether she would support Bloomberg if he wins. I did not hear any resounding "Yes". (Burnett also tried to pin her down on accepting a large campaign contribution from a "Super PAC" which she has said she was against but Warren failed to say she would renounce the group.) Lack of backbone or just a little backtracking?

So will they all throw their support behind the winner - even if it is Bernie or Michael? Or will they continue the infighting and walk right into the Trump bear trap?

If they fail to support each other at the critical moment they will look like real Jackasses and not true Donkeys.

#Brewsterblock

The Founding Fathers (and Don McLean)

I Hope THIS Music Never Dies!

This post will be one of the easiest I have ever scribed. I only have to refer you to another website to hear a bit of brilliance. 

There you will hear and see a semi-animated song performed to the tune of Don McLean's "American Pie". The lyrics are apparently by one or more people who call themselves The Founding Fathers. This is very clever.

Every American should listen to this - even Republicans. Even HIM - no, not God, just the one who thinks he is God.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR2pn1G66uCQcGx_3750vUnIeBsI1zSutOGV5aoHiACuYFosy8l9KRTN96w&v=-Ue5F57dZMU

The website is below where you can also find the tune under "Videos"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ue5F57dZMU

Finally a bit of self-promotion. I wrote a video BEFORE the election in 2016 which I include here. I was actually golfing in Myrtle the night of the election, where I showed this to my golf partners. Mine uses "The Ballad of New Orleans".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uagnasd_lqY&feature=youtu.be

AG William Barr and President Trump

Pushback or White House Distraction

My last post received more views than any other. It was about DJT and General John Kelly. I'm not sure if it was just the search engines catching the names in the title or that my reference to God Bless America struck a nerve.

I hope it was the latter. So this time I hope a reference to AG Bill Barr accomplishes the same.

He has recently made public statements about his feelings that any President should not interfere with the DOJ. It sounds brave. It sounds like someone close to the President is actually showing the kind of courage exhibited by Mitt Romney. Is it true? If so he deserves credit.

Many say this is just another clever White House distraction to both lend some badly needed credibility to the AG and to take attention away from more nebulous White House activity. Either way I refer once again to the powerful emotions stimulated by music.

This time look up and read the lyrics to "America the Beautiful", especially the rendition by Ray Charles. Focus on "And crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea". Do you think Katharine Lee Bates would write the same words today? I doubt it.

Here is another thought for November 2020:

DOJ normally stands for Department of Justice. Justice is supposed to be impartial. The image that depicts it involves a figure holding a balance or scale. It is even. Perhaps DOJ now has a new meaning?

How about "Donald's Own Justice" or "Department of Jury-rigging"?

The Judiciary is supposed to be one of three main elements of the US system of government from the Supreme Court on down. Allow POTUS and any of his Republican cronies to re-define that and you have just re-defined America. 

The rest of the world sees this. We hope the vast majority of Americans do also - especially in November!

The Brewster

Amy Klobuchar

Make the Presidency Great Again

If America wants to be great again in the eyes of the world it is time to come out of the dark ages. Elect a female President! (That goes for my fellow Canadians also. Kim Campbell does not really count).

Here are some great ones: 

• Indira Ghandi - India
• Margaret Thatcher - Britain
• Benazir Bhutto - Pakistan
• Julia Gillard - Australia
• Golda Meir - Israel
• Jacinda Ardern - New Zealand

I have always said that it is easier for a woman to tone down the warmth and get tough when it is necessary than it is for a man to tone down the macho and turn on the warmth when it necessary.

I can think of no better example. Amy Klobuchar can do both. Donald Trump can not. Perhaps John Kennedy and Ronald Reagan could but DJT doesn't know the meaning of warmth. Taking your jacket off on the golf course does not count.

Amy Klobuchar is the winning lottery ticket that all Americans don't know they have. Just sign it and turn it in!

The world will thank you. Those who wanted to change the Washington establishment with Trump should be seeing the error of their ways by now.

Fix it in November. Everyone will soon learn how to pronounce her name - even my spell checker will recognize it!

The Brewster

Like A Catcher’s Mitt, He Caught A Bouncing Ball.

A Man Among Mice

Back in 2008 when Mitt Romney ran for President I have to say I considered him just like all other politicians. I had little respect. I thought him a little too polished and smarmy. When he went up against Trump and lost but then considered working for him my respect almost disappeared.

I stand corrected.

It took real intestinal fortitude – guts – to stand alone as a Republican and vote for conviction of DJT. The brief speech he made to explain his decision was moving and very well spoken. He displayed more integrity and intelligence in those few moments than Trump did in his entire eighty minute State of the Union address. He will pay for it. He knows it.

He is now in my opinion a man to be respected. President Trump is not.

If the electorate gets a chance to vote this man to the highest office in the land I suggest they should do so. That is to say, if all of his smarmy peers don’t manage to blackball him first.

Of all the speeches and intercourse (yes, that is the appropriate word) I have heard since the impeachment began, this was the best of the bunch. Why did he wait so long? He had to know it was too late to foster a guilty verdict.

OK. My suspicions are not completely overcome. Just the same, well done Mitt. Your colleagues have been put to shame. I hope when they confess that their priests are as brave as you.

The Brewster

State of DisUnion Address

Fate of the Union Address

I think this famous presidential speech should be renamed. In the heading and title above are two suggestions.

After listening to the Trump Dump for almost 1 1/2 hours, I can't help myself. It is rhyme time.

My fellow Americans 

(left prompter)

It's time once again, in this hallowed hall,

(no LEFT Donald - the one with the wedding ring)

To tout the great things that I - that WE - do.
To the House and the Senate, Vice-President Pence,

And that woman in white next to you.

(right prompter)

I am the greatest POTUS of all,
Kennedy, Reagan - the bunch.
I am so great that I could knock out

Muhammad Ali with one punch.

You said I'm a king - tried to topple my throne,
The press and the Dems and the Feds.
Your metaphor failed - permit me to try:

One by one I'll have all your heads.

(left prompter)

Unemployment? The lowest it ever has been.
The stock market soars when I blink!
My Generals, my cabinet, the press, the U.N?

I don't give a damn what they think.

(right prompter) 

Obama's eight years I've surpassed in three.
My IQ sets me apart.
I talk to God - he knows a good thing.

And listens because I are smart.

The Speaker behind me offered her hand.
Meant to appease me I bet.
The only thing, that she has on me

Is a crush since the first day we met.

(look to the centre - can you handle that?) Hey prompter guy. YOU'RE FIRED!

Attempts to remove me were a big bust.
Their case just marks on a blotter.
Let them eat crow and then humble pie

And watch Donald J. walk on water.

To voters and fans whether black, brown, or white.

I promise you all a fair start.

In front of the world I pledge this to you,

In truth with my hand o'er my heart!

(other side Mr. President. other side!)

... o'er my heart!

And now as I leave, you may touch my ring or ask for my autograph. 

We take both credit and debit. No receipts.

State of Disunion and Iowa Caucus

Is The Fix In?

Remember Trump in 2016? "The system is RIGGED!" Is the Iowa caucus rigged? Will DJT bring it up in the State of the Disunion Address? I am guessing yes!

Should be a roaring time. We can only hope he will go off prompt and therefore off the planet. Seldom does this help him.

No matter what it has not been a good few months for Democrats. If you are going to play poker in the big leagues listen to Kenny first. "Know when to hold 'em and know when to fold 'em." Just like poker if you have a great hand you can't show it early and you only get to play it once. Make it good. The Dems. didn't. They let too many people see it including the opposition. They got Trumped which is even more shocking since there is no such thing in Poker.

I hear there is a new game in November. Take some Poker lessons ladies and gents. Choose wisely who will be sitting at the table. After last night things don't look good. The pot is huge. Don't give it away again.

The Brewster

Stocks to Pick When Trump is Acquitted

Trump and the Market

This will be short and sweet.

Many people attribute recent health in the stock market to Donald J. Trump. I don't agree but there is no denying that it has been on a good run.

If you want to make your fortune riding the market wake of DJT, consider something. There is one very special segment which is bound to soar. It is within the pharmaceuticals - specifically any company which manufactures sleeping pills or sleep aids.

Every Republican Senator who sold his or her soul at this trial or is about to do so will need sleeping pills. So will their spouses. It is the only way I can imagine them getting any sleep at night.

No there are not that many Senators but they will need a lot of them. Given the total lack of ethics we have witnessed, one of them is bound to see another opportunity and become a spokesperson for one of these companies, relating their recent personal experience. When they admit they are having trouble getting to sleep everyone will believe them. If they are contrite enough, they might even get re-elected.

A second choice might be Wimpy's  Diner where I'm sure they all eat.

Buy now, then sell out at the right moment - just like they did.

The Brewster

Senate Trial Super Bowl!

Where is the Bigger Game - Washington or Miami?

This is a big week-end for Washington as well as Miami. The Senate's game has been going on for two weeks now and we still don't know the outcome - more like cricket.

There are more parallels than differences. However let's compare the biggest game in the Washington season and the biggest game in the football season:

• Both rely heavily on corporate money.
• Both make a big deal out of the kickoff but most times it amounts to nothing.
• Inactive players sit on the sidelines. Senators watch their phones; footballers the game.
• The Super Bowl umpires wear stripes. Perhaps the Senate ones should also - head to toe!
• There is rough play and hard hitting in both but no penalties in the Senate.
• You will do well in either if you can dodge, run fast, and pass the ball. 
• In football you try to catch the ball. In the Senate you try to avoid it.
• Both have offensive and defensive players. Most Senators however are always offensive.
• Post game analysis lasts for hours in one but forever in the other.
• The fans in both get into passionate fights.
• In both, if you can keep winning you can keep playing.
• Sometimes the oldest players do best in the Senate - not so much in football.
• Women go crazy for footballers. You can probably guess the rest of this.
• In the Super Bowl there is a clear winner. In the Senate there is no winner. Just losers.
• Fans would miss almost anything for the Bowl; watch anything else but the Senate trial.

What a country! There is something for everyone.

The Brewster

Trump and the Ukraine

Hold That Thought … No PAUSE It!

There is one point I would like to make before I address today's post. 

At some point the White House et al decided that the controversial hold on aid to the Ukraine was not a hold at all but a pause! Did everyone catch that? It was back in the House. A determined effort was made but occasionally one of them slipped and said hold again. Read these words guys: If it smells like a hold, walks like a hold, looks like a hold, and has the same negative effects on the Ukraine as a hold, IT PROBABLY IS A HOLD! Having noticed that weeks ago, now that I am hearing the Republican Senate Managers' arguments, their words have more substance. (Even though I heard both "hold" and "pause" today.)

I am not a Trump fan and agree with the Dem's efforts to oust him. However as I said in a recent post I think they have blown it.

Thursday and Friday we got to see the best that the President and the GOP could put forward. I must say I was impressed. One of the things I mentioned in the past was that the strategy of having seven Democratic managers effectively give the same old story seven times was bad. One Republican presenter whom I watched made reference to that. 

He also made a point of saying that he was not going to repeat what a prior speaker had said or what someone yet to come would say. Now THAT is the kind of coordination the Democrats lacked.

The 3 men I saw made great cases! They made really effective use of the very same witnesses we saw in the house but included segments the Democrats left out AND they mentioned the omissions. Very effective and I gather the Dem's won't have a chance to fire back. The third one explained quite effectively why certain witnesses were not permitted to address the House. This was a very different and new perspective never explained by the Democrats. The reasons were supposedly sound and legitimate.

But none of this matters because the majority of voters will vote on emotions, not facts. Unfortunately the Republican lawyers so far have much more expensive looking suits, ties, and hairdos so they will win regardless.

Perhaps the Dumbos (elephants) are going to nudge out the Jackasses (donkeys) in the home stretch.

The Brewster

Senate Trial

I'll Huff and I'll Puff and I'll Blow Your House In

Day 2 now and I think the Democratic Managers have already blown it.

If I were Schumer or whoever is in charge of these seven people now in the Senate to make their final case, I would make sure that the world did not get just the same old story over and over again seven times.

Not so. This is like some kind of public speaking contest where the rules say you have to recite the same script and can only get points by differing your facial expressions, dramatic gestures and gesticulations, voice inflection, and poignant pauses. Even the videos we've seen before. They all want their 15 minutes of Warhol fame.

A big problem here is also the fact that we have been hearing this for months now on CNN. They have been Trump bashing 24/7 since the election. Same stuff. Saying the same thing a hundred times does not change the facts or substance one little bit, even if the story is true. It just turns people off and it has. Too bad many of them voters who might have been persuaded to switch but now have been bludgeoned too much and will not.

I want to see DJT gone as much as anyone but I fear that after the two years of Mueller's efforts which failed to meet expectations, the last big opportunity is being blown. CNN has to share the blame. They flogged us to death with this stuff. There is no drama left. The man will get away with it

When the subjects of forbidden witnesses and documents come up the Republicans and all the White House team keep saying that the Dems should have taken them to court to get them. That is apparently standard practice. Maybe now is the time to finally respond that nobody should be put in a position that they have to do that. The Republicans have always moaned that the House process was unfair. Talk about unfair! If the witnesses and documents could bring an early finish to all of this, and they want fair then don't say "you should have taken us to court."

Will somebody on the Dem. team please make this point? Enough of phone calls, Giuliani, and Latin.

It might be your last hope.

The Brewster

Nancy Pelosi and Mitch McConnell

Top 5 Pelosi / McConnell songs for 2020

As the standoff between these two continues into 2020, I thought it might be interesting to guess the tunes each might be singing right now. Here are some from the first few books I picked up!

Nancy

1. As Long as He Needs Me
2. Too Beautiful to Last
3. Anything Goes
4. We've Only Just Begun
5. Ain't Misbehavin'
6. Don't Stop Me Now
7. All the Way
8. It Was a Very Good Year
9. As Time Goes By
10. Just Between You and Me

Mitch

1. What Kind of Fool Am I?
2. Don't Fence Me In
3. Ain't She Sweet
4. Devil Woman
5. My Way
6. Release Me
7. At Last  
8. Quit Your Low Down Ways
9. Under Pressure
10. Helpless

There are lots of possibilities.

The Brewster

Impeachment: Who is Winning, the Christians or the Lions?

They're at the Post - THEY'RE OFF!

I am almost ashamed to admit it but here I am in Canada and I watched all of the impeachment hearing yesterday and many hours of analysis thereafter. I found it very entertaining.

In my judgement the Dem's took the day - the two witnesses actually - but only by a hair. The other side put up a good fight but I am not sure they have anything left. Will the President's supporters just be repeating the same old stale arguments from here on? No Quid Pro Quo? All second hand heresay. Identify the whistle blower. Yatta; Yatta; Yatta.

I said this at the beginning: give this man enough rope and he will hang himself. He almost has. I think the noose has yet to be tightened but it will be - by his own hand.

The really sad thing to me is that the world is seeing what this great nation has now become. This is like two siblings fighting and when the parents intervene, all they can say is "He (She) started it!" Who cares? If Democrats win the next election you can be sure the petty bickering will continue.

Republicans are bitching about a single focus - trying to take down the President - but is it really any different than the stonewalling they were guilty of in Congress under Obama?

I suppose there is one thing different this time. If Trump goes, via this process or by losing the election, there will be an audible sigh of relief on both sides, even by some in his party who are afraid to be honest at present. There has never been a Presdent like him. Thankfully.

History has shown that great nations always destroy themselves - usually through greed and aggression. Let's hope America can still deliver a black eye to history. The world will be better off. I have serious doubts it will happen under the current leader. If he is still in the ring, he will go down like Sonny Liston.

"Make the Presidency Great Again"

The Brewster

Democratic Candidates – First Impressions

First Impressions are Often the Lasting Ones

Once again I speak as a Canadian looking on from another country. I am starting to get those all important first impressions of some of the candidates. Here are my top picks. I should confess however that I thought Trump had a snowball’s chance in hell of winning in 2016 and that Clinton would demolish him and be a great President.

If you wish to stop reading at this point I will take no offense.

I will also say that I think it is time that America had a strong female President. Some of history’s great leaders were female. It’s generally the men who screw things up and kill people by the millions.

Biden: I saw him alone on CNN last night (Nov. 1) and was impressed. I always thought he would be good. Sharing his personal tragedies was one of his strongest features.

If he could keep his temper, I am sure he could devastate Trump in a debate. There will always be the age factor. Could he keep his strengths for eight years? Look how Obama aged – or for that matter Trump already.

He still has a tendency to get tripped up on words and thoughts which make him look like he is losing it. Trump will play on that. He also has a tendency to start a sentence and thought and then switches to another before finishing - very frustrating. He has great and ample experience and would restore dignity to the office which is badly needed.

I consider him to be the best centrist for the party. Let us not forget however that status quo is what people wanted changed in 2016. If enough people now realize that the same status quo was better than what they now have, he could win provided that the younger voters don’t reject him.

Warren: I have always been impressed by her speeches and quickness on her feet. She can stand up for herself. I am not convinced that when faced with the worst boorish and vulgar thoughts and statements Trump will throw, she won’t crumble.

In 2016 the day after the election I was in the States. Someone told me that the average American was still not ready for a female President. Has that changed? She does come across as a folksy, “aw shucks”, school teacher, down homey gal who still likes to bake her own muffins. That won’t wash against world leaders who are brutal and misogynistic.

She also has to stop being evasive. It does not befit her image. Finally use of oil DOES have to be curtailed but not overnight.

Buttigieg: This guy is smart as hell. He always has impressive and honest answers to questions and novel ideas.

I think he would be great, but being mayor of a city is a LOT less than being President. If he does not win this time, his time will come. Maybe he needs a Governorship first.

What was said about the electorate not being ready for the first female President is probably valid in spades for the first openly gay President and First Husband? It should not be a factor but I suspect it will be. This guy has the moxie to stand up to it.

I am more impressed every time I hear him.

Sanders: What can you say about Bernie? You have to like him. He is devoted, committed, and honest. But he still talks like a lecturing professor. He remains too far left. I don’t think based on that alone he has a chance this time either.

I agree with all his rants about the wealthy vs. the middle class and poor. The American dream has indeed become a nightmare. He should definitely be in the White House in some meaningful capacity with any Democratic winner.

People will still worry about age and health.

Harris: In her first few showings I was impressed. She speaks well and enthusiastically but when she took a cheap shot at Biden I was no longer impressed. Once again I think she should be in someone’s inner circle but I believe she is now out of the race.

Klobuchar: A very accomplished leader and good debater. She has sharp answers and good ideas. Like Harris, I don’t think she can catch up.

Her voice and tone are unfortunately a bit hard to listen to for long and tends to support rumours of a personality that creates bad relationships with staff due to aggressive treatment. Just look at Trump. You must rely on your advisors and berating them will drive them away. Maybe she will learn from this and polish up for next time.

Perhaps an element of this is a plus on the international stage with other male heads of state but it requires tact and a certain charisma she needs to work on. Other female leaders like Thatcher, Golda Meir, and the current leader of New Zealand - Jacinda Ardern possess(ed) the characteritics in question.

Finally

Steyer: I am impressed. I heard him on his own with students the other night and he makes a lot of sense. It is too bad he is trying to jump in on his own.

I think he has a far better chance of shaking things up in a helpful and productive manner than Trump ever will. It sounds like he and his wife have great attitudes and abilities to organize. She would be a good First Lady. He appears to have more business acumen in one finger than Trump has in his entire body.

In particular I like the idea of limiting the terms of more elected officials than just the President. That results in new blood and ideas, and attitudes that change with the times.

I don’t know if he has any experience on the world scene dealing with other heads of state. If not, neither did Trump. I do think he would bring great people into the office and would actually listen to them unlike the current President. Think Kennedy, Reagan, and George H.W. Bush.

I would vote for him from what I have seen so far. Maybe next time.

I also believe it is time for the USA to have an official 3rd party - right in the middle.



The Brewster

Trump Spin CNN Style

Not So Fast CNN

I like CNN. They can be very annoying sometimes the way they interrupt guests, especially Republicans, when they start to give an answer the host does not like, but overall I prefer the network over others.

However for almost 2 years now every show on CNN has devoted inordinate amounts of time to blasting Trump's wall position and policies. There is no crisis. There is no invasion. A wall won't work. Drugs and bad guys come through the gates. Yada, yada. I agree with it all.

All of a sudden Kuomo is in Texas and the network is blasting both sides for doing nothing about this horrible crisis! Granted the immediate problem of overcrowding is real, but it sure is a 180 degree about face. Remember The White House was lying about hoards of people coming! Looks like they were not.

Then it could be CNN is learning from DJT. Is it a heartfelt distraction from the fact that 2 years of going on about Mueller's report and how bad it could be, has so far been a bust? This is like the polling people in a certain recent election. Like it or not there are a lot of CNN journalists and program hosts who have egg on their faces.

Maybe a rage about poor immigrants blaming both sides will wipe some of it off.

Fess up guys. He got away with the invasion hue and cry AND the Russian "thing". You always want HIM to say he was wrong and now it is your turn. It will look far better on you.

The Brewster