The Democratic Presidential Debate

A record 15 plus million people watched the debate we are told, a record for a democratic Presidential debate.  And the winners were the democratic candidates, CNN and most important, the people.  It was a Presidential debate of the issues and not the side show of division, personal attacks and racial remarks that were on display during the first two republican debates.

The five democratic candidates gave a good account of themselves on the issues with answers that explained their positions.  It was a civil debate even when the candidates disagreed with their opponent.  There were many smiles, humor and the candidates were relaxed.  The moderator did a good job over all to cover the issues and stayed away from the standard questions of abortion and other divisive issues.

The democratic candidates helped keep the moderator on the important issues when he strayed and tried to raise the question concerning Hillary's emails and Bernie Sanders reminded every one there were more important issues to discuss than the "damm emails."  The other candidates supported that and never brought up the emails much to their credit.

This writer believes Clinton, Sanders and O'Malley performed the best and that all five are a credit and asset to the democratic party with their positive messages on the issues and the civility afforded the debate.  Those who wanted to see Hillary fail will have to rethink their positions.  This writer mentioned in a commentary a few weeks ago the debate would be about issues and it turned out that way.  I am happy those predictions came true for the breath of fresh air provided by the candidates will likely result in more people watching the next debate and their campaign and that will be a positive for democracy.


Note:  Did any one notice Hillary said at the debate that the economy always does better on democratic administrations?  Well the readers of "PolitiDose" have been reading that here for the last seven years.


This commentary written by Joe Lorio

The Change At MSNBC Is Coming Into Focus, But No Applause Yet

The changes taking place at MSNBC put into effect by its parent NBC has come about at the same time the Presidential debates were starting.  NBC said they wanted more news reporting and shed the "Ed Show" and rearranged other shows.  There are now more republican guest even though a former republican National Committee Chairman and John McCain's former campaign manager are regular contributors on the network.  In this writers opinion the network is moving toward the Fox news frame work when they were the only network that could counter Fox's propaganda.  The "Ed Show" was the only MSNBC program able to rebut Fox and the republican lies and Ed did it with facts and numbers.  Ed was also able to articulate how conservatism practice by the republican party had no accomplishments.

MSNBC is giving so much free TV time to Donald Trump he is bragging that he has only spent $2 million so far on his campaign which is a drop in the bucket to what his opponents have spent.  Chris Hayes shows so much footage of Trump you can't help but believe that is the candidate he is backing.  Of course Fox news is giving Trump a free ride also.  MSNBC has been picking up on the so called Hillary scandal concerning her emails and Benghazi and are trying to convince their viewers it will be a great issue she will have to overcome.  MSNBC and Fox are both still up set because Hillary is campaigning directly to the people.  The so called difficulties of Hillary was manufactured  by the likes of Fox and MSNBC and other news outlets.

Brian Williams role has been reduced to special reports and breaking news, a demotion from his role as NBC's nightly news anchor.  The so called "breaking news" about the recent circus going on in the republican party's U.S. House for a new speaker only confirmed what everyone has know for the past several years, that is the republican controlled U.S. House is a non performing arm of congress run by little boy republican conservatives who need a good old fashion slap in the face.

Time will tell just how far MSNBC is willing to go in the name of being more news worthy.  Allowing this Presidential election time to play out naturally will be a good start but don't look for the network to give up its free time to Donald Trump.  NBC, the parent, has already scheduled Trump to host Saturday Night Live.


This commentary written by Joe Lorio