NYTimes: In Democratic Debate, Hillary Clinton’s Focus Is on G.O.P.

[riversedge]

And the Force was with her last night. Congrats to Hillary and her team.



In Democratic Debate, Hillary Clinton’s Focus Is on G.O.P.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/20/us/politics/democratic-debate.html?_r=0

By JONATHAN MARTIN and AMY CHOZICK

DEC. 19, 2015

Hillary Clinton largely looked past her Democratic rivals in Saturday night’s debate, instead repeatedly assailing the Republican field, led by Donald J. Trump. She called Mr. Trump a threat to the nation’s safety, saying he was fast “becoming ISIS’ best recruiter.”


Deflecting persistent attacks from Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont and former Gov. Martin O’Malley of Maryland over gun control, Wall Street and foreign military entanglements, she accused Mr. Trump of undermining the fight against terrorism.

Mrs. Clinton, the former secretary of state, sought to frame next year’s election as a choice between her cleareyed approach to national security and the recklessness of Republicans who have demonized Muslims since the recent attacks on Paris and San Bernardino, Calif.


“I worry greatly that the rhetoric coming from the Republicans, particularly Donald Trump, is sending a message to Muslims here in the United States, and literally around the world, that there is a clash of civilizations,” she said, “that there is some kind of Western plot or even war against Islam, which then, I believe, fans the flames of radicalization.”


Mrs. Clinton defended herself forcefully when she came under assault from Mr. Sanders and Mr. O’Malley.

But from her opening statement on, she took every opportunity — and even created some — to ignore her adversaries onstage and go after what she suggested was the true opposition.

Her above-the-fray posture in the debate, held at St. Anselm College in Goffstown, N.H., signaled Mrs. Clinton’s confidence, just weeks before the first votes in Iowa, that neither of her Democratic rivals would prove a significant obstacle on her march to the nomination...............

[MineralMan]

1. Clinton's already begun her general election campaign.

I think it's a smart move, frankly.

[cantbeserious]

3. Wrong Again - Mineral Man - HRC Should Be Fighting The Owners Of The Republicans

[MineralMan]

4. Whatever you say, then...

[cantbeserious]

7. This Citizen Is Just trying To Educate Another Citizen About The Owners Of America

Hint - It is not the GOP.

[MineralMan]

11. Yeah, OK, then...

[mcar]

14. I agree

It is a smart move.

It's also extremely refreshing to see intelligent, committed politicians actually debate issues of importance to this country. I was proud to be a Democrat last night.

[CorporatistNation]

20. She Goes After The Republicans Because They Are Not available to Answer Back... AND

Because she cannot debate Bernard effectively because she has no core principles to stand on as she is so indebted to her Corporate and Oligarchical Benefactors.

[cantbeserious]

2. The Difference Between Bernie And HRC Could Not Be Clearer

[oasis]

10. You are correct. The national polls back up your assertion. (eom)

[cantbeserious]

12. Quite Right - Americans Understand - That The Oligarchs, Corporations And Banks - Call the Shots

eom

[treestar]

5. the recklessness of Republicans knows no bounds

and their thirst for war to prove America is number 1! All that macho bullshit.

[MineralMan]

9. Yes, but a bunch of American voters tend to agree with them.

It's a problem. Hillary's going after the Republicans. She needs to get that started early. Frankly, it's going to be the key to the general election. Sadly, the terrorism issue is going to be the top concern for a wide range of voters.

It will beat the economy as a decider next November. I expect more alarming news on that front during the next year. Perhaps more than any of us anticipate. The extreme jihadists have nothing to lose, so they appear to be going for broke.

Very disturbing.

[Iliyah]

15. The GOP establishment is dangerous.

Look at the states that are controlled by them from governorship down to state legislators, mayors and city/town legislators. The GOP are constantly crying FREEDOM and less government, but their way governing is far less about freedom but more so about control.

In other words, not much democracy but more in fascism.

[Wellstone ruled]

6. Right on script.

Interesting campaign strategy,ignore your competition and it might go away if not have DWS screw with them. Might work!

[cantbeserious]

8. ^^^ This ^^^

eom

[Lil Missy]

13. Focus on G.O.P. is exactly what she should be doing.

She is so far ahead she doesn't need to run up the score against Sanders or O'Malley. It would be unsportsmanlike.

[riversedge]

16. ha ha

[Nonhlanhla]

17. This is good strategy

She needs to focus on the general election. She is the most likely nominee, and she might as well start focusing on the big picture. Moreover, it also helps her in the primaries since it makes her seem presidential. And finally, she has nothing to gain from attacking her primary opponents too much. (I know she still does, but it's hardly a bloody fight at this point.)

[Cha]

18. KICK

[BlueCheese]

19. I think it's good strategy even in the primaries.

Personally, I hate hearing one Democrat criticize another. In general, it makes me feel more negatively about the person doing the attacking.

Outside of the hate-filled DU echo chamber, I think most real-world Democrats feel positively about all our candidates. Negative attacks are more likely to backfire than help.