Capitol Hill Blue Forums Political Issues Campaign 2016

Few full sentences.

Having watched the forum in full, I'd give Clinton a C+, maybe B-. She was hampered by a feckless Matt Lauer and three straight questions on the same subject (emails), but she didn't answer at least two questions at all, and her answers tended to be canned and non-responsive. She did, however make two important points: she knows details and understands the job.

In contrast, Trump got a solid F. I was going to give him a D, but I didn't want to grade on the curve. Anyone with a modicum of military experience realized that he is woefully ignorant on virtually every military topic raised (law, capabilities, planning, structure, culture), and he got into very dangerous waters three times (at least). He insulted the military (especially the General staff), seemed to imply he would cashier the Generals, doubled down on his praise of Putin, and advocated taking Iraqi oil (again). He also belittled women in the military, especially when he "corrected" (erroneously) a female DAV advocate about how many vet suicides occur daily. From a military standpoint, he could almost not have done worse.

I didn't watch it. But from the clips that I saw it was ridiculous-Matt Lauer should be relegated to the trash bin of journalism.
The insistence on the email thing wilth Clinton and the non challenge when Trump said he was against the war in Iraq from the beginning were enough, IMHO, to disqualify his presence.
Net value added -> zero.

But... But,NW_P the Donald says he knows more about the military and strategy than the generals. He wants to be known as high commander Drumpf.

It should have been a great opportunity to provide the kind of insight needed, but, as you note, Matt Lauer's performance seems to be the one most harshly criticized - not the candidates'. I am biased, but I tried to watch it objectively (hence the grading). It was abundantly clear (to anyone who actually cares) how woefully unprepared Trump is. Literally two months before the election, some "supporters" are insisting he "will be ready" by the time he is sworn in. He's had over a year to prepare and he still doesn't have a clue! Seriously, not a CLUE. You can criticize Clinton for her positions and tin ear, but at least she knows something about the military, government structure, policy, diplomacy, etc., etc., etc. He doesn't even CARE to know.

Clinton holds a press conference! I don't really care about this, but it shows she's paying attention. In the last three days, she's had three "press events" of a half-hour each - two "gaggles" on her plane, and now a press conference. But, despite the need to discuss the issues, what is the lede? "Holding her first formal press conference in 278 days..." C'mon PRESS! Grow F*n up!

Clinton: Trump's Praise of Putin Is 'Scary' and 'Unpatriotic'

I think, though, it is a good idea that she remain constantly available to the press. After 2 or 3 days, they will get tired of asking the same questions about the email server and actually start learning something of substance. It actually happened today.

The love that dares not speak its name :

Donald Trump’s Campaign Stands By Embrace of Putin

Yup. Plus Hillary has the backing of the military brass from when she SOUGHT THEM OUT on strategic advise when she was in the Senate. Hillary built relationships with the military brass - Don The Con is taring down any relationship he could have fostered.

He probably thinks very highly of the Russian Military..

Seriously though, Hillary was the Secretary of State: The top diplomat of the US. As such, she had to work with the military because any diplomat who rejects military force is crippling themselves. Even if we never use it, our friends and enemies have to believe we could or we are just pussies that can be ignored.

U.S., Russia reach deal on cease-fire in Syria

Obama and Kerry - Putin stooges...

WaPo