“Whoever wins the election in November, it will represent the triumph of Clintonism. Clintonism is the ethically compromised, means-justify-ends, shameless approach to politics,” writes Mona Charen, syndicated columnist and a senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center.
Charen, who spent her early career working in the Reagan White House, is no fan of Donald Trump. But she’s no fan of Clinton either. She’ll join LRC Live in LA next week, but before she gets here, we wanted to know how she’s surviving this year’s campaign.
What’s the most inspiring moment of the campaign so far?
Sen. Ben Sasse’s (R-Nebraska) decision to campaign against Trump.
The most confounding moment?
Chris Christie’s Trump endorsement was critical in making Trump seem acceptable to mainstream Republicans.
What’s your favorite drink?
Diet V-8 Splash Tropical.
Preferred drink if Trump wins?
Vodka Martini with olives.
If Hillary wins?
Vodka Martini with a twist
What’s the most important thing the candidates are not talking about?
The national debt.
The most important thing the press isn’t talking about?
How much time do you have? See above. Also basic economics, like who pays for “debt free” college, universal pre-K, a 40% tariff on Chinese goods, etc, etc.
What’s the one thing you wish every citizen knew?
That presidents should not be so important.
What’s your favorite political movie?
“A Man For All Seasons”
What’s your favorite song to get you through this election campaign?
“Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen.
What’s your favorite thing about LA?
Marina Del Rey in the morning.
LRC Live is coming to the Theatre at the Ace Hotel Los Angeles!
In Election 2016, facts are up for debate, satire seems insufficient, and the two major-party candidates are the least popular in history. The bitter contest between Trump and Clinton is less about policy than identity and what makes America great (again?). Where can you turn to make sense of the madness?
Join KCRW’s trusted team of informed thinkers on Oct. 20 for a live broadcast of Left, Right & Center. We’ll take an unflinching look at the probable winners, the clear losers and the inevitable consequences of choosing left, right or center – or none of the above – on November 8th.