I think you can hate the Clintons and not be a crazy Trumper or purity left voter. (I should also check out that book.) I meant that those are the type of people who would never vote for the Clintons because it upsets their moral sensibilities and that’s more important than the actual fate of the country.

That’s why advocate the Democrats adopting some of the Republicans strategy and start focusing on local elections and backing candidates who reflect the electorate. But that’s not a winning strategy on the national level because America is still a country where the majority of white voters feel uncomfortable electing…

My greatest pride and my greatest shame are that both of their signatures are on my college and law school diplomas. Lovely bookends that speak volumes about California politics.

They are toxic because people hate them, not because they’re not qualified and dedicated public servants. People who like Hillary and aren’t going to fall for Republican smear campaigns go out to vote for her, not people on the fence. Ignoring the fact that they (especially Hillary) bring out so much ire makes them a…

When I mean too new on the scene, I mean the same criticism that’s hurled in every election by both parties- foreign policy experience. Gore made that argument about W in 2000 and McCain about Obama in 2008. It’s a stale argument that you can see a mile away but one that will be made and there’s nothing wrong with…

I hope you’re right about the DNC recognizing they need new blood. Sometimes I hear them speak and they sound so tone deaf to the concerns of anyone under 35. Let’s hope they develop strategies to cultivate young talent at all levels of government throughout the country. The one good thing I can say about Republicans…

It’s really a double edged sword. If you’re not in Congress, not enough foreign policy experience (though how much foreign policy work do you do in Congress?) but if you’re in Congress, you’re part of the swamp.

I don’t know too much about his time as LA’s mayor. I think someone outside Congress is a wise choice- free of the swamp and whatnot. I think a western governor would be a good idea. Isn’t the governor of Montana a Democrat who is fairly popular? I wish Jerry Brown would run (again, age) because I think he would wipe…

That’s very true. Hillary was sunk because of optics, not because she was unqualified or because there was any merit to the smear campaign against her. Democrats have to be strategic and we can’t keep repeating the same mistakes over and over and wonder what we do wrong.

I love the term rich white lady-ness; you know Gillibrand knows her way around some classic Chanel and I say that as a compliment.

I didn’t hear about the trans prisoners issue, ugh. I think she was trying to ramp up the tough on crime bona fides to appeal to some of the move conservative areas of California- Inland Empire, San Diego, Orange County. Which as I type, may make sense as to why she chose to defend the DA’s office there. I’m not…

Gillibrand is a very dynamic public speaker, which is one of the reasons I love Obama so much.

Buffy + Sarah Vowell?! Dreams can come true!

It always comes down to foreign policy- both sides do it. But no one is going to know everything about foreign policy. Just because you’re an expert on the Middle East it doesn’t mean you know anything about Southeast Asia. As long as you’re intelligent, willing to learn, and surround yourself by experts, you’ll be…

There is a mango noosa. It’s delicious. There’s also a pumpkin one which has an orange label. The bigger question- did he bring his own bag or did he get a paper one?

Bill or Hillary? How about Trump is a reaction to positive progress in society.

I just don’t like being so cynical. HRC, in my opinion, was the best candidate because she was the most qualified. But she was the worst candidate because of 25+ year smear campaign by Republicans. The DNC has so many issues and I feel this is a battle for its soul. As much as I like the Clintons, I think it’s time…

I hope so, too. I think she’s making smart decisions with an eye towards a future run. It’s still too early in the game for me to back anyone but out of the possible nominees, she and the Castro brothers would be at the top. But like I’ve mentioned before, I think the issue is winning back people who voted for Obama…

I have not read that essay- I’ll have to look it up. Gore grew on me post election, when he let loose a little. People always talked about how they could have a beer with W. so I wonder if it would have changed anything had he shown his personality the way he has in the past few years in 2000.

To be clear, I mean foreign policy experience. For some reason, people get all up in arms about not having enough experience on the international stage. I think if you have intelligence, basic human skills, and willingness to learn, that criticism is always bullshit. No one can be an expert on every aspect of foreign…