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> the "Basket of Deplorables" (ie: white America) That phrase didn't refer to "white America"-- it referred to white supremacists. The problem was that Clinto

> the "Basket of Deplorables" (ie: white America) That phrase didn't refer to "white America"-- it referred to white supremacists. The problem was that Clinton rankly speculated that half of Trump's supporters were made up of white supremacists, in a futile effort to divide his base. And later in that same paragraph she said this: "He has given voice to their websites that used to only have 11,000 people -- now 11 million." Even if Clinton's statistics were even close to correct, it was a counterproductive statement. Trump voters who were white supremacists were energized by being attacked directly by Clinton. Trump voters who were not white supremacists were energized by the likelihood that Clinton was exaggerating the numbers to spread FUD and misdirect from her own historically low polling numbers as a presidential candidate. And Bernie supporters who were on the fence wondered why Clinton was name-calling Trump supporters when a large part of Bernie's appeal had been the exact opposite kind of behavior-- instead employing care and caution when referring to the grievances of Trump supporters-- as a primary candidate. But more importantly, presidential candidates don't just improvise new phrases like that in the middle of speeches. Has there been anything written about who authored that phrase for Clinton and why they did it? Edit: clarification

whathaschanged 9y ago
And any white man who voted for Trump was labeled a white supremacist and went in the basket. Just like any vocal supporter is labeled a Nazi. It's a joke.
gnicholas 9y ago
> That phrase didn't refer to "white America"-- it referred to white supremacists. Actually, it was much broader than "white supremacists". Here's the quote: They’re racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic — Islamophobic — you name it.
- ihsw2 9y ago
  If someone is critical of arbitrary elevation of black and latino people above white people, are they racist? If someone is critical of arbitrary elevation of women above men, are they racist? If someone is critical of unrestricted immigration, are they xenophobic? If someone is critical of violent political expression steeped in Islamic ideology, are they Islamophobic? --- Let me be clear, I am by no means advocating that one particular race is superior over another and I wholeheartedly reject discrimination and prejudice based on race or ethnicity. Furthermore, I am all for protecting women from sexual violence and ensuring women have the right to vote, right to hold public office, right have equal rights in family law, and so many other rights and freedoms that women (and men!) have fought for. Additionally, I am all for legal immigration where (for example) high-value applicants are expedited. And finally, I have absolutely no dislike or fear of Islamic cultures and peoples, nor do I regard Islam as a dangerous political force.

whathaschanged 9y ago

And any white man who voted for Trump was labeled a white supremacist and went in the basket. Just like any vocal supporter is labeled a Nazi. It's a joke.

gnicholas 9y ago

> That phrase didn't refer to "white America"-- it referred to white supremacists. Actually, it was much broader than "white supremacists". Here's the quote: They’re racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic — Islamophobic — you name it.

ihsw2 9y ago
If someone is critical of arbitrary elevation of black and latino people above white people, are they racist? If someone is critical of arbitrary elevation of women above men, are they racist? If someone is critical of unrestricted immigration, are they xenophobic? If someone is critical of violent political expression steeped in Islamic ideology, are they Islamophobic? --- Let me be clear, I am by no means advocating that one particular race is superior over another and I wholeheartedly reject discrimination and prejudice based on race or ethnicity. Furthermore, I am all for protecting women from sexual violence and ensuring women have the right to vote, right to hold public office, right have equal rights in family law, and so many other rights and freedoms that women (and men!) have fought for. Additionally, I am all for legal immigration where (for example) high-value applicants are expedited. And finally, I have absolutely no dislike or fear of Islamic cultures and peoples, nor do I regard Islam as a dangerous political force.