If Sanders had the charisma or talent of Barack Obama, Hillary wouldn’t stand a chance.

It’s amusing to watch people maintain that Sanders isn’t a genuine socialist because he hasn’t laid out a Five Year Plan or called for the means of production to be transferred to the state. (Last night, for example, CNN’s Van Jones continually referred to Sanders as a “progressive” — which tells us something about socialism and progressivism.) Socialists are always “democratic” when they have no choice. The fun part comes later. So Sanders might inject a measure of nationalism into his brand of socialism. He may fuse his old-fashioned redistributionism and class-warfare with some contemporary political flourishes. He may believe in incrementalism — just as Marx did. But Sanders does not believe a free market should determine how goods and services are distributed.

Moreover, his applause lines are no less scaremonger-y than Trump’s nativist crowd-pleasers. Sanders is no less of a protectionist, appealing to the same fears and anxieties of working class Americans. All the troubles in the world are laid at the feet of greedy billionaires and corporation who function in an imaginary zero-sum economic dystopia, where fairness can only be reinstituted using state force — the guiding light of all decency.

Sanders calls for government control of the energy (to stop global warming) and health-care sectors. And schooling and health care will be “free,” paid for by the fictitious capital of the disreputable speculator. “Where speculation ends — in real life — there real, positive science begins …” wrote Marx. […] – David Harsanyi @ The Federalist:

H/T: HotAir

BD, admittedly, I didn't hear Hillary's speech last night (Monday). If she sounded bitter, I agree with you, that's NOT good. And you're right. She does have some real problems in the area of connecting with voters, especially young people; and there's the "trust" issue or the lack thereof.

I am reminded that the hard-fought competition between Obama and Hillary resulted in making Obama a much better candidate.

If Hillary wants to win the nomination and win the Presidency she will either significantly improve in those areas that she must….or she will lose.

Regarding Bernie probable win in New Hampshire

For quite some time all I've heard is that NH is pretty much a slam-dunk for Bernie….so I don't think many people will be suprised if he wins. But Hillary must work to have at least a good showing. Not great. But good. A weak showing could hurt her.

In response to another post about a week ago, I expressed doubt as to how "strong" support for Trump actually was. Last night's results confirmed for me what I had begun to suspect:

Yes, Trump can pack arenas, like most carnival events can. The man is an anomaly; an entertaining (and dangerous) anomaly…much like a two-headed venomous creature. People may stand in line for hours to SEE such a rare and grotesque sight. They may yell and romp and screech as he spews his venom. But as soon as the freak-show is over people return to their homes and to the real world where they have to make serious decisions affecting their lives and that of their families.

When it comes to choosing a President, most American voters (including most Repub voters) at least want a presidential nominee who they view as "FIT" to be President.

By NO stretch of the imagination is Trump remotely "Fit" to be President of The United States.

Trump may win the upcoming primary in New Hampshire and then South Carolina (though I'm not sold that he'll win either primary)

But I honestly do NOT think he's going to win the Repub nomination.

So let's recap the American news media narrative for at least the past 2 months (especially cable news and in particular CNN and MSNBC):

Bernie Sanders (with his crowds size and as per the polls) was on the verge of causing a "major Upset" by beating Hillary in Iowa.

Did Bernie come close? Yes he did. Mighty close.

But in the end Hillary managed to win in a photo finish. And now the fight is really on…which I believe will serve her well. "Inevitability" has been her worse enemy. Thanks to Bernie's rise she will now have to really buckle down and fight for the nomination. Bernie may win New Hampshire outright. But I'm confident Hillary will win the nomination.

Now….on the Republican side…….

For months, it's been nothing but FREE media for Trump, 24/7, courtesy of CNN and MSNBC (also ABC and NBC Sunday Morning shows) no matter how vile, vulgar and divisive the man's words.

In the few days leading up to the Iowa caucus, CNN and MSNBC were literally kissing Trump's azz to the tune of parroting Trump's declaration that after wining Iowa he could "run the tables" and wrap up the nomination quickly. With his "crowd sizes" and every poll showing him "waaay ahead."….what could possible go wrong?!

Then the moment of Truth came last night and Iowa Repub voters spoke very clearly…Lol.

Cruz AND Rubio exceeded ALL news media expectations…and POLLS predictions. While Trump significantly UNderperformed.

Simply put- Trump got his ignorant and arrogant-azz WHIPPED last night!!!

And the news media looks like the 2-bit HYPE and BS hacks that they are.

I'd say it was a great night.