General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsWho is next on the Republican hit list, it worked so well the first time.
There will be others.
Al spoke for me.
BannonsLiver
(16,448 posts)Atman
(31,464 posts)Unless she has us all totally duped, she's one of the finest people you'll ever meet. The best of the best in Congress.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)She said Bill Clinton should have resigned. She said Franken should resign instead of facing an inquiry.
This is ALL about Gillibrand's ambitions to be president. Very transparent.
No. F-ing. Way.
Kirk Lover
(3,608 posts)ollie10
(2,091 posts)....not just a disagreement on an issue. If she is cowardly now, maybe out of political ambition, she will not change that character trait.
Atman
(31,464 posts)Yes, she's playing politics. But she's playing to today's market. She has laid out her position as the woman fighting against sexual harassment. Unfortunately, that means she has to play the game. That is, by definition, politics.
I do agree with you, it was disappointing to see her call for Clinton and Franken to resign, but I understand. It is very difficult to present yourself as a defender of women while equivocating on Clinton and Franken. That doesn't mean I am happy with her stance, but after years in this biz, I know how it works.
That doesn't change the fact that she is a strong Democratic leader. I certainly could be wrong, but from everything I know about her after years creating constituent briefs and position papers for her, I can honestly stay she stands out as one of the honest ones, one of the politicians I hold up as an example to refute people who say "They all suck! They're all the same!" She has her flaws, as do we all, but I think she has mostly progressive ideals at heart.
But nobody put a gun to her back and told her she had to lead the charge to subvert the Senate investigation by demanding an immediate resignation before we knew the truth.
If she really valued justice....instead of it just being a GAME......she would wait until both sides would be presented. To me, justice is not a GAME, it is real life. And on that score, Gillebrand's actions are a miserable failure in my opinion.
I am tired of people dealing with real life issues and treating them like a GAME. There is something very in-authentic about that. Phony. Yuck.
Does she even know the game she is playing?
Has she even imagined that if the right wing hate machine is able to so easily take Franken down (with her help, sad to say) that this will only make it EASIER for them to play another GAME, like accusing someone else? Like Mueller? Or a liberal Democrat?
How many do-overs will Gillibrand have to have before she knows that if you cave, that is not the way to win the GAME?
I think she should stay in the Senate. That's where people who play the GAME apparently belong. But for President? OMG.....
The Rs say jump, she asks how high....that is not leadership. Sorry, she may be a good person,. But not presidential material.
Atman
(31,464 posts)I completely get where you're coming from, and it certainly gives me pause. I don't deny that my own position could be jaded because of the fact that I have worked for her. You make some very valid points.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)I am deeply saddened. Of course, because one of our best and brightest got shafted. But even more disgusted at how quickly our Party went lame. The Republicans must be beside themselves laughing at us! And, as with crimes of opportunity, now that it is apparent...no obvious....that the Democrats have no spine.....there will almost inevitably be more accusations against more Democrats with maybe even more flimsy evidence. Why not? What do they have to lose? We won't fight back anyway. All the Rs have to do is find an issue that the Democrats value, such fighting sexual harassment, and weaponize it against us....find someone else to accuse. They can always get a half dozen anonymous witnesses....easy! I can't really blame them. We will fall for it every single time, like a cat is attracted to catnip.
I do not doubt anything you said about Gillibrand. But, in my view, she is where she needs to be, in the Senate.
BannonsLiver
(16,448 posts)But if she runs in 2020 I will not support her in the primary. Not a chance.
If she wins the nomination, I will hold my nose and vote for her. The end.
bagelsforbreakfast
(1,427 posts)NCTraveler
(30,481 posts)It wont be Gillibrand or any other female senator. Im going to guess some Republicans names who have done worse than Al will be brought up next.
BannonsLiver
(16,448 posts)I wouldn't hold your breath.
NCTraveler
(30,481 posts)Get off DU and check it out. They are already being discussed. You wouldnt know it here as its devolved into a Democratic Party trashing ground.
Chasstev365
(5,191 posts)Blaukraut
(5,693 posts)NurseJackie
(42,862 posts)fleur-de-lisa
(14,628 posts)He is also very critical of Trump. Younger guy from a blue state . . . Roger Stone will be all over that.
enough
(13,262 posts)pandr32
(11,612 posts)He is measured, articulate, intelligent, and effective. He would make an excellent president.
Watch the GOP smear machine pick off our finest.
RestoreAmerica2020
(3,438 posts)NurseJackie
(42,862 posts)ollie10
(2,091 posts)What a disappointment for all three of them
NCTraveler
(30,481 posts)There is almost zero chance of a woman being brought up.
Next.
pandr32
(11,612 posts)DarthDem
(5,256 posts)They didn't need to wait until Franken resigned to launch other attacks.
atreides1
(16,093 posts)The Republicans needed to see if this was going to work, and how long it was going to take.
Now that they have a working model, it's a good bet that they already have their next target selected.
libtodeath
(2,888 posts)Bill Nelson better watch his back.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)Vinca
(50,303 posts)It's easy to cook up allegations about anyone and the GOP has it down to an art.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)what an irony that would be
Demtexan
(1,588 posts)The republicans were testing the waters.
They would have backed off if the Democratic members would have backed Al.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)My Father would be so angry right now.
Beartracks
(12,821 posts)Oh, and they will again, too. Repubs see this is like shooting fish in a barrel -- and the fish will actually pull the damn triggers!
=============
Bengus81
(6,932 posts)maryellen99
(3,789 posts)They would love to destroy him.
OnDoutside
(19,970 posts)were trying to spin it. This is where we are at now.
OnDoutside
(19,970 posts)today.