Ted Cruz Out, Trump trumps!

After crying out many times, "I'm the only one who can beat and has beat Trump," Ted Cruz has suspended his presidential campaign after losing by a landslide against Donald Trump in Indiana. Cruz was hoping for a win after the convention, but apparently saw that his attempt was futile. Cruz who Trump labeled as 'Lyin' Ted' was seen as the best conservative candidate. However, he was not very popular with his peers. Peter King of New York said he would take cyanide if Cruz won and former speaker Boener said he was 'Lucifer.' Moreover, Cruz offended New Yorkers with his 'New York Values' criticism which was based on ignorance. His arrogant demeanor and dubious personality clearly did not help him win many votes.

Trump's in-your-face personality and no-holds-bar approach has been more popular with Republican voters.  Even some Democrats have voted for him in the primaries. Trump now leads with 1,047 delegates and is clearly the nominee while Cruz left with 565 and Kasich stubbornly remains in the race with only 153 delegates. Sanders surprisingly won Indiana as well keeping him somewhat alive in the race in regards to the democratic convention since does not have enough delegates. Clinton just needs a few more delegates to be the presumptive nominee.


 











Source:

http://www.npr.org/2016/05/03/476653783/ted-cruz-drops-out-of-presidential-race

https://www.yahoo.com/news/ever-trump-indiana-landslide-knocks-cruz-out-of-025416032.html

https://www.yahoo.com/news/sanders-defeats-clinton-in-indiana-throwing-014401639.html

https://www.yahoo.com/news/cruz-shocks-his-supporters-with-a-sudden-exit-025907403.html

http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2016-05-03/ted-cruz-s-rise-and-fall-is-explained-by-a-cruel-paradox

https://www.yahoo.com/news/ted-cruz-exits-gop-race-033703865.html

http://www.npr.org/2016/05/03/476677510/ted-cruz-ends-presidential-campaign-after-indiana-loss

Trump & Clinton: New York State of Mind

As expected, both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton won their home state, New York with impressive votes. Ted Cruz got no delegates and hardly any votes in comparison. This was possibly due to his offensive generalization of New Yorkers by labeling them as having 'New York Values' (see: http://www.sacerdotus.com/2016/01/ted-cruz-new-york-values.html). That ignorant comment hurt his chances.

New York republican congressman Peter King even stated that he would drink cyanide if Cruz won. I think that shows how bad Cruz offended New Yorkers.  Trump beat him because New Yorkers know him better. He is a real estate business man who has brought many jobs to New Yorkers.  Cruz is seen as a clown in Washington who forced the government to close and read Dr. Seuss, wasting the people's time.

Governor Kasich did well in Manhattan, which is ironic since it is the borough that Trump calls home. Clinton won against Sanders by about 15%. While not surprising, Sanders was confident that he would win New York since he was born in Brooklyn and had record numbers of participants in rallies and a smashing debate performance (see: http://www.sacerdotus.com/2016/04/brooklyn-brawl-demdebate.html and http://www.sacerdotus.com/2016/03/bernie-in-bronx-st-marys-park-mott-haven.html). His chances of winning the democratic nominee position is slim. Clinton seems to already have gotten the spot unofficially due to the number of delegates that she has.






Source:

https://gma.yahoo.com/ny-rep-peter-king-jokes-hell-cyanide-ted-165404113--abc-news-topstories.html

https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-trounces-in-new-york-primary-pushes-toward-033326525.html

https://www.yahoo.com/news/sanders-has-little-path-to-victory-left-after-a-014826184.html

Brooklyn Brawl: #DemDebate

Last night, another CNN debate took place with democratic candidates for the presidency, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. The debate was held at the Navy Yards in Brooklyn, New York. Brooklyn is the hometown of Bernie Sanders.

This debate was different from previous ones. Both candidates went at it accusing each other of many things, shouting at each other and forcing the moderators to interject to get them to calm down. Bernie attacked Hillary on her connections with Wall Street and called on her to release the transcript of her speaking engagement. He also attacked her on her vote for the Iraq war. Sanders presented himself as the candidate for the people, painting Clinton as the 'establishment' candidate. Clinton attacked back mentioning his interview gaffe with the New York Daily News where Sanders came across as unprepared and called on him to release his taxes which he said he would on today. However, Sanders got Clinton to actually agree with him on social security which got her visibly upset, but she tried to 'smile it away.' She went after him on the NRA and gun control.

Sanders hit her back hard regarding the situation in Israel as well as climate change. The crowd was obviously on the side of Sanders. They cheered the most for him and at several times chanted 'Bernie Bernie Bernie.' Clinton was visibly embarrassed and acknowledged that the crowd was in Sanders' favor in her closing statement. Sanders cast doubt on Clinton's judgement and her ability to handle things. He also called her out on her constant mind changing on what the minimum wage should be.

In my opinion, Bernie Sanders won this debate. He destroyed Clinton on many points, made her look contradictory and got her to lose her temper a few times which she tried to mask with an exaggerated smile. Clinton looked visibly uncomfortable in a city she represented as senator.    













Source:
http://www.nytimes.com/live/democratic-debate-cnn-april-2016/

http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/sparks-fly-between-clinton-sanders-heated-brooklyn-debate-n556366

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/hillary-clinton-bernie-sanders-debate-brooklyn-article-1.2601821

https://www.yahoo.com/news/sanders-warns-of-drought-and-1407841280679990.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/15/us/politics/who-won-the-debate.html?_r=0

http://www.cnn.com/2016/04/14/politics/democratic-debate-brooklyn-recap/

Bernie in the Bronx: St. Mary's Park Mott Haven

Presidential Democratic Bernie Sanders was in my hometown, the "Boogie Down Bronx" as it is colloquially referred to by locals. He held a rally at St. Mary's park in the South Bronx, the Mott Haven section.  This is a park I know very well and is where I hung out with friends, and have evangelized at, giving out Rosaries and other materials. The Mott Haven section is the poorest area in the entire United States. Decades ago, it was a neighborhood with Germans, Italians, Irish and Jews. Trolleys and the "EL" train travel about. Today, the area is mostly Puerto Rican, African American with a few Mexicans, Dominicans, Cubans and non-Hispanic Whites.

It is an area that has been forgotten by the rest of America. With high rates of asthma, poverty and other issues, the South Bronx is an enigma in the 21st century. The area has methadone clinics all over, but has been having a developmental boom lately with many new resturants and businesses opening up shop. A hotel was even opened in a historical building that was left in ruins for decades.  Kudos to Bernie Sanders for choosing the area to have a rally. I think that will help him get votes.  Though I do not agree with him on many issues, I have more respect for him for visiting the South Bronx and choosing it for his rally.

He spoke on many issues and made many promises like most politicians typically do. Sanders promised to work for the middle class and go after Wall Street in order to get them to pay for things he has in mind. He criticized Clint for her vote for the war in Iraq as well as her support for Kissinger. Also in attendance were actor Rosario Dawson who was raised nearby on 138 ST and Reggaeton Puerto Rican singer Rene Perez who goes by the moniker 'Residente' of 'Calle 13.' He spoke of the injustices againt the Puerto Rican people by America and Clinton's support of Latin American dicators.  Dawson spoke in support of Sanders and gave hi opinion on why he is a better choice. She tried to extend a peace branch to Trump supports as well which was interesting.

The rally had an estimated crowd of over 20,000 which was surprising. Lines to get in the park stretched for 7 blocks.  Many of the spectators were put in overflow sections. The majority of those present were young minorities, Puerto Ricans etc.  It was a diverse crowd of all colors, genders and sexual orientations. Surprisingly, CNN,MSNBC and other networks which are liberal did not cover the rally. However, the Bronx's News 12 aired it in its entirety. Here are some photos from Twitter and elsewhere:

Me and my daughter #BernieInTheBronx pic.twitter.com/3onG5Xj0QM

— dali cordero (@mangu45) April 1, 2016

#BernieInTheBronx is #1 in NY - #3 in the US and NO coverage in MSM!!!!? Shame on @CNN @MSNBC pic.twitter.com/nzRIxvSR6h

— Matt Miner (@MattMinerXVX) April 1, 2016

At #BernieInTheBronx, @RosarioDawson spoke to "a crowd that makes me dizzy with happiness and love and acceptance." pic.twitter.com/YDG8EeMrLE

— Bedford + Bowery (@bedbow) April 1, 2016

Hey @MSNBC @maddow, look what's going on in your city. Gonna cover it? #BernieInTheBronx pic.twitter.com/31CSl00wOW

— DAVIDCROCKfullHun (@JenD1974) April 1, 2016

RT @egan_sean: Well, @CNN? You seeing this? #BernieInTheBronx pic.twitter.com/56z4wYaZGU

— FriendofTrees (@JamiaStarheart) April 1, 2016

Such a massive crowd at #BernieintheBronx, this is just a corner of the overflow field pic.twitter.com/2RZJX3c4F3

— Anna Macdonald (@annamac33) April 1, 2016

Getting ready for @BernieSanders rally in the South Bronx!#BernieInTheBronx #NYPrimary pic.twitter.com/IgO3oFLzJR

— Xavier Pérez (@DOUBTMYPROGRESS) March 31, 2016

Bronx Rally w/ @Residente & @rosariodawson THURS 3/31
RSVP: https://t.co/0QBm9MbE1s #BernieInTheBronx #Boricuas pic.twitter.com/8kxKmBGD3B

— Latinas4BernieNY (@Gbonbon13) March 30, 2016

Awesome night w/ @Residente, @rosariodawson & #BernieInTheBronx! Spread the word & #FeelTheBern NY! #UnidosConBernie pic.twitter.com/nk473kv75N

— Latinos for Bernie (@Latinos4Bernie) April 1, 2016

A photo posted by hi (@crazysexycool86) on Mar 31, 2016 at 2:59pm PDT

Sources:

http://www.lohud.com/story/news/politics/elections/2016/03/31/new-york-primary-bernie-bronx/82424178/

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/photo-galleries/2016/03/31/bernie-sanders-holds-rally-in-the-bronx/

https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20160331/mott-haven/bernie-sanders-take-stage-bronx-ahead-of-new-york-primary

http://bronx.news12.com/news/bernie-sanders-supporters-feel-the-bern-at-campaign-rally-at-st-mary-s-park-in-mott-haven-1.11639535

#DemDebate On Univision

After a big win in Michigan, Bernie Sanders took on Hillary Clinton again in a debate on Univision; a network which has been at war with Donald Trump.  One of the moderators was Jorge Ramos who was kicked out of a press conference last year after skipping his turn during Q/A after Trump spoke.

The debate began with a rendition of the national anthem by a Hispanic youth (Sebastien de la Cruz) dressed in Mexican mariachi attire. It seems like this was a message to Trump who has been very vocal about illegal immigrants, especially those who come from Mexico undocumented.  

This debate seemed too focused on immigration and even began with questions on Donald Trump in regards to whether he was racist or not.  Both candidates did not outright say he was, but gave examples of his statements and behaviors. The candidates also attacked each other on immigration with Clinton charging that Sanders supported 'Minutemen vigilantes' who were hunting down immigrants. Sanders countered that Clinton was not well informed and did not listen to his speeches.  



Source:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/democratic-debate-in-miami-clinton-sanders-face-off-after-michigan-surprise/2016/03/09/92b73322-e601-11e5-b0fd-073d5930a7b7_story.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/10/us/politics/democratic-debate.html?_r=0

http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/09/politics/democratic-debate-fact-check/index.html

Post Super Saturday CNN #DemDebate

Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders faced off once again on CNN for a post Super Saturday debate. The debate took place in Flint, Michigan where the area is facing a big scandal due to water pollution.  Both candidate called on the governor of the state to resign. They then got into heated exchanges over jobs, trade agreements and Wall Street.  At one point, Bernie Sanders yelled at Clinton to stop interrupting that the is speaking. Sanders tried to make a pitch to minority voters by mentioning his years as a student at the University of Chicago.

Clinton spoke of her time working for Marian Wright Edelman where she investigated Alabama schools for discrimination based on race. Both candidate voiced this differences on fracking with Clinton in support of it and Sanders against it.  With Clinton taking in a large amount of delegates, Sanders is now on the defensive and is trying all he can to get votes in order to be viable in this election.           












Source:

https://www.yahoo.com/politics/bernie-sanders-feisty-debate-excuse-me-im-023738092.html

https://www.yahoo.com/politics/a-lead-pipe-cinch-clinton-sanders-make-a-promise-024157239.html

http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/06/politics/democratic-debate-recap/

http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/03/06/469444743/the-7th-democratic-debate-in-100-words-and-3-videos

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/07/us/politics/what-you-have-missed.html

DemDebate PBS

After losing the primary in New Hampshire, Hillary Clinton took on Bernie Sanders on another debate on PBS.  She went after Bernie before an audience with a big attendance by African Americans.  Clinton tried to paint Bernie Sanders as being anti-Obama and Obamacare.  In response, Sanders countered her claims but at the same time called the president weak. He accused Clinton of simply repeating the failed policies under Obama while elevating his own as real progress. He focused on the problems regarding race and the economy while Clinton came across as defending Obama more than presenting her case.

Sanders attacked Clinton for taking advice from Henry Kissinger, a republican who is not well liked among liberals. Clinton attacked Sanders on his vote against comprehensive immigration reform in 2007.      









Source:

http://www.cnn.com/2016/02/12/politics/democratic-debate-takeaways/

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/13/us/politics/hillary-clinton-sharpens-focus-after-democratic-debate-tussles.html?_r=0

http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/02/12/466498887/the-6th-democratic-presidential-debate-in-100-words-and-three-videos

http://www.cnn.com/2016/02/11/politics/democratic-debate-highlights/

#DemDebate - MSNBC

Last night, the Democrats had another debate on MSNBC with Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders.  Martin O'Malley was not present because he suspended his campaign after the Iowa caucus on Monday.

Both candidate went head to head in probably the most liliest of debates. Now that the number is down to two, the issues can be discussed more in depth.  Clinton and Sander reiterated their previous ideas but focused on trying to separate themselves from the 'establishment.' In other words, like with some Republican candidates, they want to be seen as innovators and not members of a party following the party's wishes. Clinton had a moment when she was questioned on taking money for speaking engagements, especially from Goldman Sachs which paid her $675,000. Sanders immediately jumped to the occasion to attack Clinton by saying that she cannot be trusted to go against Wall Street.  He made the analogy that kids get records because of pot while bankers at Wall Street who destroyed the economy, robbed people of their assets, got scott free and were even bailed by the US government.

This debate is an important one since the New Hampshire votes are at stake.  Both Clinton and Sanders nearly finished at a tie, though Clinton won the caucus.





Sources:

https://www.yahoo.com/politics/clinton-sanders-fight-to-make-establishment-033951663.html

http://thefederalist.com/2016/02/04/watch-hillary-clinton-fall-apart-when-asked-about-taking-wall-street-money/

http://www.bostonherald.com/news/us_politics/2016/02/hillary_clinton_bernie_sanders_look_to_pull_away_in_nh_primary

Fourth #DemDebate

The fourth Democratic presidential debate took place last night. Each candidate spoke on healthcare, the economy and social issues.  They argued over healthcare with Sanders pushing for a better healthcare plan that includes all and is more affordable.  Clinton accused Sanders of wanting to start from scratch and said that would be a big mistake.  The arguments, formulations and so forth would further delay universal healthcare for all Americans.

On the economy, each candidate presented their ideas which were very similar. However, Sanders pushed for free college and other ideas that resemble socialism.  He also wants to increase taxes.  O' Malley argued that he has more experience at implementing change due to his terms as an elected official.  At one point of the debate, Sanders became annoyed with the moderator Andrea Mitchell when she asked about Bill Clinton's sex scandal. On social issues,

Sanders stated that he would have police officers made accountable whenever they violate the law or kill unarmed individuals.  He believes that the department of Justice should handle such scenarios, not local prosecutors.  For the most part, the debate showed three candidates who often did not answer the question directly and attacked on another.  Clinton and Sanders often went at it taking on a contrarian role.  At times, O'Malley tried to redirect the debate towards attacking Republicans.  





Source:

http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/17/politics/democratic-debate-2016-highlights/

http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/01/17/463429928/the-fourth-democratic-debate-in-100-words-plus-a-vine-and-2-videos

http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-democratic-debate-20160117-story.html

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/bernie-sanders-goes-off-democratic-041432300.html

Third Democratic Debate

Tonight, ABC News hosted the third Democratic debate with Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders and Martin O'Malley.  The majority of the debate was focused on foreign policy. Each candidate took on different positions but each were united in criticisim their Republican counterparts. However, both O'Malley and Sanders attacke Clinton for her openess on the change of regimes in the Middle East. They argued that this opened the doors to instablity and the rise of ISIS.

 Sanders did a much better job in this debate in regards to foreign policy; however, Clinton showed that she does have a strong hold on it.  Each of the candidate attacked Trump and his suggestion that Muslims be banned from entering the United States.  O'Malley seemed upset and interjected several times claiming he was not getting enough time.  Each candidate differed on medicare and taxes. At one point, Hillary attacked Sanders' plans for medicare saying it will give too much control to Republican governors.





Source:


http://www.npr.org/2015/12/19/460429831/democratic-debate-liveblog-foreign-policy-is-focus-but-data-breach-looms-large


http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/19/politics/democratic-debate-hillary-clinton-bernie-sanders-updates/

Second Democratic Debate - CBS

The second Democratic debate just took place in Des Moine, Iowa. The three remaining candidates Clinton, Sanders and O'Malley took the stage.  At the onset of the debate, the events of terrorism in France was the first topic. Each candidate was dressed in dark 'mourning' attired. They debated on the United State's role in the fight against terrorism which Clinton stating that it was not America's fight. She was rebuked by O'Malley while Sander criticized Clinton's support on the war in Iraq. The rest of the debate pretty much was on the economy, income inequality, immigration and healthcare. Sanders defended his views which have been described as socialist by stating, "I'm not that much of a socialist compared to Eisenhower." He said he is for free college, true universal healthcare, the increase of the minimum wage to $15 and an increase of social security.

Clinton wants to better 'Obamacare,' wants a $12 minimum wage federal index allowing each state to decide afterwards whether to increase or not. O'Malley and Sanders agreed that big banks must be allowed to fail while Clinton disagreed stating that she would protect investment banks. O'Malley and Sanders attacked Clinton for defending Wall street.  The debate was a bit different from the previous one where each candidate seemed to support one another.  In this debate, Hillary was attacked by Sanders and O'Malley. She was questioned by them.On immigration, the candidates agreed that those illegal immigrants who are in the nation must have a path to citizenship.

The winner of this debate in my opinion was Bernie Sanders. He spoke articulately about his plans and had great rebuttals when questioned.  Clinton seemed more docile and only got a strong applause when she mentioned her female support.  Martin O'Malley did much better in this debate than in the last.  However, I do not see any big changes in the polls after this debate which was a bit bland.    




Source:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/bernie-sanders-burned-hillary-clinton-023404743.html

https://www.yahoo.com/politics/bernie-sanders-im-not-that-much-of-a-socialist-040238242.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/15/us/politics/democratic-debate-cbs.html?_r=0

http://time.com/4113434/transcript-read-the-full-text-of-the-second-democratic-debate/

http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/follow-live-democratic-presidential-debate-cbs-n463586

http://mic.com/articles/128521/2015-cbs-democratic-debate-full-recap-and-highlights-from-saturday-s-debate#.CigxdHJ8U

http://www.cnn.com/2015/11/14/politics/democratic-debate-2015-updates-duplicate-2/index.html

http://mic.com/articles/128521/2015-cbs-democratic-debate-full-recap-and-highlights-from-saturday-s-debate#.CigxdHJ8U

Democratic Debate (CNN)

Last night CNN aired the first Democratic debate for this presidential seasons.  Candidates Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, Martin O' Malley, Jim Webb and Lincoln Chafee.  The debate was watched by many on television and via live stream.  This debate differed greatly from the two Republican debates in that the candidates did not bash each other, were respectful and provided more substance to their answers.  There was no Trump verse Rand Paul episodes or repetition of political slogans without moving past that with an actual platform. At one point, Sanders even defended Clinton when he brought up the issue with her emails stating that Americans had enough with the damn emails.  The debate was clearly won by Hillary Clinton who presented herself as well prepared, poised and consistent.

Bernie Sanders also did well but kept to his area of economics and inequality.  He also came across as a milder Trump by becoming a bit emotional and raising his voice as he answered questions.  Martin O' Malley attacked Clinton on a few points but for the most part did not present himself as strong as her.  Both Jim Webb and Lincoln Chafee were almost like the quiet mice in the room.  They hardly made an impact with their answers and did not engage in discussion with each other like Sanders and Clinton did several times. Clinton did well in appealing to women by defending Planned Parenthood, stating that Republicans are against big government until it involves women's rights when they want to use it to restrict a woman's "right to choose."

Sanders spoke more about inequality in regards to the economy, institutional racism and foreign policy.  The debate was not as lively as the Republican ones, but it was more organized, had more substance and was civil. Many political pundits believe that Clinton may have landed the front runner role for good and that Sanders confirmed to his supporters that he is in fact worthy to be the next president. Interestingly enough, the youth seem to be more supportive of Sanders than Clinton.




Source:

http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/10/the-atlantics-liveblog-of-the-democratic-presidential-debate/410413/

http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/13/politics/democratic-debate-2015-live-updates/index.html?sr=sl101315debatelivestreamsmartlink

http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/13/politics/democratic-debate-updates/