The first Democratic debate of the 2016 presidential season is in the books. On style points, Hillary Rodham Clinton and Bernie Sanders both looked great. Mrs. Clinton looked composed, and dare I say it? Even likable. Mr. Sanders showed the passion he clearly feels for his socialist agenda.
But what about substance? The Democrats promised literally trillions in free stuff to the American people. Single-payer health care, free college, a free puppy and free ice cream. When you tally up Mr. Sanders’ “free” plan, the cost is about $18 trillion over 10 years — or roughly equal to the entire U.S. debt. Who pays? Who knows!
The most disturbing Clinton line of the night came in response to the moderator’s question about enemies. The nature of public service is that you make enemies, the moderator said. He then asked each candidate what enemy they were most proud of having made.
Martin O’Malley said the National Rifle Association (NRA).
Mrs. Clinton had a list including the NRA, Iran and Republicans. Never mind the fact she put an American political party in the same category as Iran and their death wish for America. It may have played well in a roomful of Democrats to brag on making enemies of the Republicans, but if the president’s job is to unite America, should you really be most proud of having made enemies of nearly half of America?
Of all the promises and all the applause lines, the most telling — and the one most likely to come back and haunt her — was Mrs. Clinton’s pride in alienating half of the American electorate.
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