Is it November yet? Could this election get smarmier? There are live
wires lying all over the place, so be careful where you step. There is
the serious.
This.
After a New York Times report that
Donald Trump may have avoided paying taxes for nearly two decades,
Hillary for America Campaign Manager Robby Mook released the following
statement:
“There it is. This bombshell report reveals the
colossal nature of Donald Trump’s past business failures and just how
long he may have avoided paying any federal income taxes whatsoever. In
one year, Donald Trump lost nearly a billion dollars. A billion. He
stiffed small businesses, laid off workers, and walked away from
hardworking communities. And how did it work out for him? He apparently
got to avoid paying taxes for nearly two decades – while tens of
millions of working families paid theirs. He calls that ‘smart.’ Now
that the gig is up, why doesn’t he go ahead and release his returns to
show us all how ‘smart’ he really is?”
Someone sent an envelope to the New York Times with the key pages of one year of Trump’s tax returns, 1995. The pages revealed that, that year, Trump claimed over $900 million in losses.
That
means Trump could have made over $50 million a year for nearly two
decades and paid nothing in federal taxes. (The I.R.S. lets taxpayers
apply loses for up to 18 years to offset future and past income.)
The
losses stem from “a dizzying array of deduction, business expenses,
real estate depreciation, losses from the sale of business assets and
event operating lawsuits” that flow from various entities control by
Trump to his “personal tax returns.”
And
there is the patently ridiculous. Donald Trump tells an audience that
Hillary is not loyal to the husband she almost has to bite her tongue to
keep from mentioning in every speech she makes.
And that she can't walk 15 feet to her car without stumbling - as he stoops to the lowest form of comedy onstage. But this is not a comedy club. It is our presidential election.
Then there is the purloined comment supposedly hacked at a fundraiser that generated yesterday's #basementdwellers hashtag on Twitter. Only thing about that one is that Hillary said the same thing, out loud, to a whole rally audience in Raleigh in June. It was not a scandal then and reflects what she has been told by those young voters.
I’m sure we all have stories. I’ve met so many who told me they can’t start a business. They can’t even move out of their parent’s basement because of all the student debt holding them back.
In the face of every serious allegation,
Trump ups the sleaze factor. It's enough to make your eyes and ears
bleed and precipitate hives, migraines, acid reflux, nausea, and ulcers
to mention just a few ways Hillary supporters have told me they are sick
this election season. Trump has taken this way personal and beyond
the pale. Deplorable!
Donald Trump is running for the office of chief executive of the
United States. Executives must make decisions. Some are difficult.
Hillary Clinton wrote a whole book on that subject.
The
problem for Donald Trump is that he just cannot decide. First there
was the VP announcement fiasco. It was going to be Pence, all the
pundits predicted, as the Indiana governor landed at Teterboro in N.J.
Holed up at a hotel and awaiting further instruction from the Trump
team, Pence was thrown a curve when the Donald decided that he was not
so sure about his decision. Hillary for America unveiled a new ad
targeting Trump's vacillation on the matter.
Following
Donald Trump’s announcement that Governor Mike Pence is his running
mate, Hillary for America is releasing a new web video, “Indecisive
Donald,” raising the question of how Donald Trump will run the country
if this is how he makes a decision selecting a Vice President.
Yesterday, Donald Trump received widespreadcriticism for his erratic and indecisivehandling of the VP nominatingprocess. WATCH: Indecisive Donald
But at least you can say that once he announced the decision it was with resolve and a foot forward ... or can you?
Donald
Trump and Mike Pence's campaign unveiled their new logo on Saturday,
one day after a logo for the campaign was widely mocked on social media
for appearing to be sexually suggestive. Read more and see the original logo and some funny tweets >>>>
In
the run-up to the nominating convention, Trump's equivocation is two
for two, and that is not counting past flip-flops and waffles. A woman
should be punished for an abortion, or, wait, maybe it should be the
doctor. No matter what, I am keeping Corey Lewandowski on ... until I
don't. Then there is the matter of people who performed work for him that he decided was good until it came time to pay them, and then he didn't like it that much and decided not to pay them, and then hired the same people for more work that maybe he wasn't going to like.
It is not just that Americans deserve a POTUS who doesn't
shuffle and shift. It's that the finger hovering over the button
cannot afford to be jumpy. Once they are launched, you cannot get the
missiles back.
Hillary has penned a revised epilogue for the paperback edition of Hard Choices. Here is an excerpt.
Becoming
a grandmother has made me think deeply about the responsibility we all
share as stewards of the world we inherit and will one day pass on.
Rather than make me want to slow down, it has spurred me to speed up. As
Margaret Mead said, children keep our imaginations fresh and our hearts
young, and they drive us to work for a better future. I've also
returned again and again to this question of universality - how much we
all have in common even if the circumstances of our lives may be
different. As you've seen throughout this book, one of the defining
themes of my time as Secretary of State was our increasing global
interdependence. Despite all the division and discord in the world,
which sometimes can seem overwhelming, the basic fact of the 21st
century is that we're more connected than ever. If the United States
continues to lead the world in the years ahead, as I believe it can and
must, it will be because we have learned how to define the terms of our
interdependence to promote more cooperation and shared prosperity and
less conflict and inequality. As we've seen since the first edition of
this book was published in June 2014, the negative side of
interdependence remains potent -- whether it was the spread of virulent
new strands of extremism in the Middle East or old-style nationalism in
Europe or a deadly epidemic in Africa. Our job is to build up the
positive side. The United States and the other great democracies have to
redouble our efforts to empower moderates and marginalize extremists
everywhere, and to stand firmly and united in pursuit of a more just,
free, and peaceful world. That's the world I want for Charlotte and for
all our kids.
Among all the gifts and cards that arrived not long
after Charlotte did was a package from a woman who had watched her
83-year old mother stitch together beautiful quilts for many years and
wanted to give it a shot. "This is my first and only attempt to sew a
memory quilt for anyone," she explained. Inside I found a red, white,
and black patchwork that included panels with inspiring inscriptions and
famous photos of Chelsea through the years. I held it up to the light
and had to smile at the familiar images. A "memory quilt" was a good
name for it. It was hard to believe that the baby girl I was holding in
one photo could be the same poised and lovely woman being married in
another. Yet there she was. I wondered for a moment what a quilt of my
own life would look like. There were so many people who had taught me so
much. And now I had one more. In just a few months, Charlotte had
already helped me see the world in new ways. There was so much more to
do. So many more panels waiting to be filled in. I folded up the quilt
and got back to work. Read more >>>>
If you are venturing out this Black Friday and would like to give
someone a special gift this holiday season, here are a few ideas. This
weekend, Barnes & Noble will have some signed copies of Hard Choicesavailable.
Go to their link below or click on the image to find a B & N near you. N.B. Signed copies available only in stores.
It is possible that your Hillary friends already have Hard Choices - perhaps even signed. In that case I strongly recommend another memoir from Hillary's State Department. The Dispensable Nation
by Vali Nasr is excellent. An advisor to Richard Holbrooke at the
State Department and strong Hillary Clinton ally and supporter, Nasr
provides his account of efforts by the Secretary of State and the Special Representative for
Afghanistan and Pakistan (SRAP) to bring peace to the region. It is the
book Hillary did not write and serves as an informative backstory to Hard Choices.
In
the event you are thinking of something a little pricier, another cool
idea would be to get a Nook, Kindle, or other tablet and pre-load it
with e-copies of both of these.
My personally autographed copy of Hillary's Hard Choices sat on top of my entertainment center (not one of my so
many bookshelves) still carefully wrapped in the plastic bag originally provided by Bookends in Ridgewood, NJ for a few days short of three weeks from the time I
brought it home.
In
part, this was because Hillary was very active over these weeks and
involved in enough events to keep me pretty busy blogging ... in part.
But also because, even when I had free moments, I did not want to expose
this precious signed copy to any kind of possible accident - no spilled
coffee, stray cigarette ash (yes, I am a very bad girl). No
unintentionally creased pages or broken binding allowed. I want it to
remain in the pristine condition it was when Hillary returned it to me
with her firm signature inscribed.
Early
this week I decided the best recourse was to purchase the E-Book and
read that. I cannot mess up this copy. So reading has commenced.
As
I began reading, I asked myself what I was going to do here at the blog
about it. I have shared many of Hillary's words here and at times
commented on them, but a book review seemed presumptuous. Who am I to
review the work of Hillary Clinton? Nobody!
Reading her words I
felt I was watching a movie run before my eyes. It occurred to me that I
had seen and heard so much of what she wrote about that it might be
interesting for some people to revisit some of the images and words she
refers to. That is what I have decided would be my best
contribution to the hard work of Hillary Clinton - to share those images
and words once again in the context of the organization of her book.
Welcome, then, not to a review but rather to a retrospective on Hard Choices.
Entries
will not be regular since both reading the book and compiling the
entries will depend upon available free time. I cannot promise a post a
day. I will however, attempt to continue this retrospective through
the final pages of the book and hope that it coincides passably well
with the waning weeks of summer.
The retrospective on part one of the book will be coming soon.
Mom4Hill gave us an APB last night that Hillary was on Colbert. By the
time I got to the channel, she was gone. Perhaps you missed her too.
Colbert was ticking off a list of his complaints about her memoir Hard Choices
saying there is no way one woman could be all of those places at once
when Hillary suddenly walked onstage and a name-dropping episode ensued.
Hillary was at the Seekonk, Massachusetts Sam's Club for a book signing yesterday. The Boston Globe seems to have cornered the market on the photos with this slideshow. It is short but sweet (especially the last pic). Enjoy!
Hillary was in top form with Fareed Zakaria on this morning's GPS.
She was bright, cheerful, specific, firm, and clear on her positions.
Responding to a broad range of questions she displayed circumspection
with regard to nations and populations as well as to individual actors
on the world stage.
Hillary held a book signing in St. Paul Minnesota today at Common
Good Books which is owned by author/entertainer Garrison Keillor.
Keillor was not there, but she was greeted by Governor Mark Dayton, who
proudly displayed his copy of Hard Choices, and more than a thousand admirers and supporters.
With his kind permission, I am sharing my friend, Jim Livesey’s,
touching account of his experience at this event. Jim made the 10-hour
round trip from his home to St. Paul twice in the week: first to get his
ticket, and again to attend the book signing. Here is his story.
07-20-14 #HillaryClinton, at Common Good Books on the #HardChoices
booktour in St.Paul, Minnesota…I arrived at the event at 10 AM. I was
about the 35th person in line….after a wonderful morning of networking,
socializing, and meeting many of the wonderful Hillary Clinton supporters that showed up…
…the day gets even better! The Ready for Hillary bus shows up and
adds that extra special Hillary touch to an already outstanding event.
Common Good Books on one block, next block the Hillary bus…in between,
all the supporters.
Perfect. We just need Hillary!
…I went through Secret Service at 115 PM. We were allowed to stay in
line (in the bookstore) as the staff prepared the final touches…
…many of the elected officials in Minnesota showed up, but I kept my
eye on the door in back because the bookstore staff told me that is the
arrival area …
…at about 215pm, the door opens and three staffers walk in…flashbulbs
start popping…and of course, Hillary Rodham Clinton has arrived!
…she waves to the media and turns to the crowd. We all immediately
give her a giant Midwest welcome with shouts of “HRC” and “Hillary,
Hillary, Hillary.”
The line moves rapidly. The Secret Service does not allow any photos
as we go into the final check. They also tell us no photos at the
signing table…
I make it to the front. A bookstore staff member is also up front and
we are chatting. She asks me: “Are you excited?” I tell her: “I’m Ready
for Hillary!!!!” And then she says to Secretary Clinton: “Jim has
traveled from Milwaukee to meet you.” Surprised I say, “Thank you.”
I turn to Hillary Clinton and say: “Good afternoon Secretary Clinton. Welcome to the Midwest.”
Hillary: “I’m glad you made it here, that is quite a journey.”
Hillary looks right at me…
Me: “I just wanted to take a moment to speak with you. I came here
this afternoon to tell you that your campaign in 2008 meant the world to
me from a political, historical, and personal perspective. When you
suspended that campaign, you told us in your speech that we could
“always find you on the front lines of democracy, fighting for the
future.”….well, the time is coming when you have to make another big
decision about your future. I want you to know that I am committed to
helping a Presidential run in 2016, and I will do everything I can to
help get you elected. This is my promise to you.”
A single tear rolls down my cheek…
Hillary shakes my hand, and then puts her second hand over my hand…
…I smile and then tell her: “There is an entire team of over one
thousand people that came here today to show their support. We are your
team, your supporters, and you have brought us together. If you want to
break the highest, hardest, glass ceiling…we will all help you.”
Hillary: “I want to thank you for your dedication, enthusiasm, and
support. I appreciate everything you have done and I am glad I got a
chance to hear from you.”
Me: “I have a deep affinity for the entire Clinton family. You have a
special place in my heart and I will always cherish this moment for the
rest of my life. This is my Hillary moment.”
Hillary: “God bless you and your entire family. I am so glad you came to meet me.”
She lets go of my hand…
I said: “It was my pleasure.”
Hillary smiles, I wipe away the tear…and she winks at me!<–Coolest moment of my life.
I give her the biggest smile of all time…
…and then a funny moment: I go to the second table to pick up my
signed copy of “Hard Choices” and now, Hillary is a few books behind. I
held up the signing line and Hillary allowed it!
I lean over the second table and say to Hillary: “I hope I did not get you in trouble!”
Hillary teases back: “I’ve got to get to work!” Everyone laughs.
I give her a “thumbs up.” Hillary smiles…
….and then I watch the next supporter in line have her “Hillary moment.”
After the signing, a female staffer walks up to me and says: “Hillary
stopped the line to talk to you because the bookstore staff told us
that you traveled a long way to get tickets and than made a second trip
to meet her and get her book. She appreciates your support.”
I said: “Thank you. Tell Hillary we all love her.”
She says: “I will.” Smiles and a handshake…
I thanked the bookstore staff for their absolutely fantastic event. I
could tell they were very appreciative. I then went outside via the
required Secret Service exit and was approached by two media outlets…I
answered their questions about the event, my support of Hillary, and our
interaction at the book signing that I described above…
…and then I stayed for an extra hour socializing with some of the
most dedicated, sensational, and fun people on this planet…these people
are my fellow Hillary Rodham Clinton supporters in St. Paul,
Minnesota…you rock!
Dreams do come true.
Thank you so much, Jim!
Here is a lovely account of the event with additional photos.
About
1,100 people stood in line on Snelling Avenue in St. Paul Sunday to
meet former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and get signed copies of
her new memoir, "Hard Choices." Clinton is considered a front-runner for
the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination, although she hasn't said
she will run. Read more >>>>
This
evening, wearing her navy blue, cap-sleeved, silk evening gown and
stole that we love, she attended the Starkey Hearing Foundation Awards
Gala. We see her on the red carpet with Bill and Tani Austin, the
foundation's founders.
Here she is with Archbishop Desmond Tutu who was honored at the gala.
