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Articles by Todd Domke
Commentary: Brainstorming Trump's Inaugural Address
The Trump team is preoccupied with transition, but imagine this brainstorming session at lunch…Donald Trump: OK, has everyone got a cheeseburger? Fine, let’s talk about my Inaugural Address.Kellyanne Conway: Yes, we need to decide on the theme, style and substance.Trump: Well, we already know the theme: “Strong.” And the substance is obvious: “Let’s make America great again.” So, let’s go bigly on style. We should be surprising and dramatic. What kind of entrance should I make?
Commentary: The Silence From GOP 'Leaders' On Steve Bannon Hire Is Deafening
It was not that long ago that Republican leaders would've expressed outrage if a president-elect announced that he’d appointed a leading white nationalist as his chief strategist.But Donald Trump named Steve Bannon in that role and GOP "leaders" have not publicly expressed alarm. Instead they’ve basically just reassured themselves that it could have been worse; Bannon could have been picked as Trump’s chief of staff.
Payne & Domke On What To Expect In A Trump Presidency
It's been two days since Donald Trump became President-elect Trump. While one of the most dizzyingly contentious and controversial races this country has seen is now in the rear-view mirror, thoughts turn to an uncertain future.Our political analysts — Democrat Dan Payne and Republican Todd Domke — joined us to discuss where things go from here for the Democratic Party, the Republican Party and for the country in general.
Payne & Domke: Tight Hassan-Ayotte Race May Not Mirror Party Victory In Presidential Race In N.H.
Many people believe as goes the presidential contest will impact the Senate race between Hassan and Ayotte. But not necessarily, our political analysts say.
Payne & Domke On The Final Campaign Days Of Election 2016
In four days the long presidential election season comes to an end. But for now, candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have been swinging away at each other with vigor.Here to talk about these final days are our political analysts — Republican Todd Domke and Democrat Dan Payne.
Commentary: Baker's Blank-Ballot Bet - Will Neutrality In The Presidential Race Pay Off?
Gov. Charlie Baker has avoided picking sides in the presidential race. He said he couldn’t support his own party’s nominee, Donald Trump, or the Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton. And he said he couldn’t support a third-party candidate.He went even further in declaring his neutrality.
Commentary: Why Bill Weld Is Targeting Donald Trump
Former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld spoke out forcefully against Donald Trump in a Boston news conference on Tuesday.Since Weld is the vice presidential nominee of the Libertarian ticket headed by former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson, it struck some as odd that he directed "his message principally to Republicans who believe their president should exhibit standards of decency and discipline," reported WBUR’s Anthony Brooks.But it wasn’t really startling.
'This Is Not An Issue-Oriented Campaign' - And There Are 2 Weeks Left Until Election Day
As divisive as Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has made the presidential campaign, here's a promise he made to voters in Florida Tuesday: "I'm going to fight to bring us all together as Americans. We are a divided nation. We are divided in so many different ways. We are going to come together. Finally, we are going to come together again."Trump is now expressing confidence he will be the winner.Democrat Hillary Clinton is also expressing confidence.
Analysis: How The Final Debate Went - And What To Expect As Election Day Approaches
There are now just two and a half weeks to go before the country chooses its next president. And major-party nominees Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton have had their final face-to-face showdown.In their debate Wednesday night, Trump flatly denied allegations in recent days from several women who claim he made unwanted sexual advances.
Payne & Domke: Recapping Tense Moments, Performances At Only Vice Presidential Debate
The second general election debate of the year featured the major-party candidates for vice president — Indiana Gov. Mike Pence and Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine — sparring over policy on Tuesday night.The debate was as much about the people at the top of the ticket as it was about the candidates on stage.Our political analysts — Democrat Dan Payne and Republican Todd Domke — joined Morning Edition to discuss the debate.
Commentary: Will Tuesday's VP Debate Help Or Hurt Trump?
Tuesday night’s vice presidential debate is not expected to draw a huge audience.The two candidates, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence and Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, are considered bland and boring.
Payne & Domke: In First Debate, Clinton 'Did More To Appeal To Undecided' Voters Than Trump
The first debate between the major-party presidential nominees this year became combative and occasionally personal, but focused overall on issues facing the country.To assess the impact of the first debate are our political analysts — Democratic strategist Dan Payne and Republican strategist Todd Domke.
What To Watch For During Monday's Highly-Anticipated Presidential Debate
Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump meet Monday night for one of the most anticipated presidential debates in recent history.To gain some perspective and make some predictions, we turn to our election coverage team, Republican Todd Domke and Democrat Dan Payne.
Commentary: Trump's Personal Weaknesses Have Also Been His Political Strengths
Let’s review why Donald Trump’s personal shortcomings are also his political strengths.Weakness: Thin-skinned. Never has a presidential candidate lashed out so publicly and so often at critics. He has repeatedly attacked not just his opponents for daring to criticize him, but also journalists, party leaders, public officials, church leaders, et al.Strength: Staffers deflect.
Payne & Domke: Clinton Fights Off Pneumonia; Polls Show The Presidential Race Tightening
After a one-day suspension in campaigning to mark the 15th anniversary of 9/11, only one presidential candidate is returning to the campaign trail on Monday morning.Donald Trump campaigns in Baltimore and North Carolina, but Democrat Hillary Clinton has canceled a trip to California, as she gets over a bout of pneumonia.We look at the final 56 days of the presidential campaign with our political analysts — Republican strategist Todd Domke and Democratic strategist Dan Payne.
Commentary: The Wackiest Presidential Race In Modern History -- With 2 Months Still To Go
Are you suffering election fatigue?Unless you are a virtual recluse, of course you are.But as we relax this Labor Day weekend, we can take some consolation knowing that in two months it will all be over. (Barring the possibility of a disputed outcome, like the Gore-Bush recounts in Florida in 2000, or an Electoral College tie that sends the choice to the House of Representatives.)In the past, Labor Day marked the beginning of an all-out fight for the general election.
Commentary: Is Trump Making His 'Last Stand'?
Donald J. Trump reminds me of George Armstrong Custer.Both men enjoyed being brash, and boastful, about their early, surprising success. Each was famously vain — proud of his long, blond locks.Trump astonished the world by winning many small battles (primaries) against many foes (GOP candidates), and earned the glory he craved: the GOP nomination.
Payne & Domke Look At Trump's Immigration Shift, Clinton Foundation Concerns
The presidential campaign this week has focused on accusations of racism and bigotry between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Thursday in Reno, Clinton accused Trump of stoking racial divisions. Trump says Clinton is trying to smear him and his supporters. Democratic analyst Dan Payne and Republican analyst Todd Domke joined WBUR's Morning Edition to discuss the latest developments in the campaign.
Payne & Domke: Trump Shakes Up Campaign Team; Clinton Lead Continues
Hillary Clinton's lead in the polls remains significant, so much so she has already chosen a White House transition team. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has promised to shake up his campaign by choosing a new leadership team who are predicted to push the candidate's combative, unrestrained side even further.To talk about this, WBUR's political analysts — Democrat Dan Payne and Republican Todd Domke — joined Morning Edition.
After The Conventions, Trump's Place In The Polls Drops
In the presidential campaign, it has been an epically bad week for Donald Trump.The list of prominent Republicans backing away from Trump is growing, as are the number of polls that show him trailing Hillary Clinton. New national polls show him 9 to 15 points behind. And swing state polls have Clinton solidly ahead in Florida, Pennsylvania and Michigan.A WBUR poll in New Hampshire shows Trump trailing Clinton by 15 points.
Commentary: Trump's Poor Standing In N.H. Poll Shocks The GOP
Maybe the voters of New Hampshire are trying to do an intervention with Donald Trump. In a new WBUR poll, they seem to be telling him: “You are addicted to publicity, but there is such a thing as bad publicity. You have been publicizing your failings as a presidential candidate.”The poll of New Hampshire voters has sent shock waves through the Republican Party. It was shocking because Trump was 15 points behind Hillary Clinton — after being in a virtual tie with her in a May poll.
As Conventions End, A Look Ahead To The General Election
Now that the conventions are wrapped up, it's time to look ahead to the general election.WBUR's political analysts — Republican strategist Todd Domke and Democratic strategist Dan Payne — joined Morning Edition to discuss what's next.
Commentary: The Surrogate Advantage For Clinton Over Trump
The lineup of Democratic speakers at the convention reminds us that the Donald Trump campaign will be at a tremendous disadvantage in the final weeks of this race.As evident at the Republican National Convention, Trump doesn’t have anywhere near the number of popular surrogates who are willing and able to speak on his behalf. As a result, in the six to 10 swing states at the end, Democratic surrogates will be putting Trump on the defensive in local media.
After Party Emails Leaked, What To Expect At The Democratic Convention This Week
It won't just be the Republican National Convention that begins this year with some discord. Leaked emails between national party leaders are re-kindling the frustration of Bernie Sanders supporters, who complain of an unfair primary process. The emails show party leaders actively conspiring to sabotage the Sanders campaign.Democratic strategist Dan Payne and Republican strategist Todd Domke joined WBUR's Morning Edition to discuss what to expect at the convention.
Commentary: Trump Must Be Trump
Donald Trump’s extremely long convention speech was persuasive. It persuaded his supporters that he would not “pivot” to a new general election persona; he would continue to be the Trump they knew and loved.
What Was Accomplished, And What Wasn't, At The RNC This Week
It was an unusual convention, at least compared to those of recent decades, with some clear party discord throughout the week.To assess what was accomplished, Republican strategist Todd Domke and Democratic strategist Dan Payne joined WBUR's Morning Edition.
Commentary: Will Trump Bring Down The GOP?
Donald J. Trump has been compared to George Wallace, Benito Mussolini, P.T. Barnum and many others. His fans admire him as the “strongman” type of leader who exerts control by force of personality. Even though Trump doesn’t seem very familiar with the Bible, perhaps he’d identify with the Old Testament strongman, Samson. Samson wowed the Israelites with many feats of strength, like killing a lion — which is similar to Trump conquering Fox News.
Commentary: Trump Endorsers Will Need To Avoid Quoting Past Presidents
Many Republican officials — like House Speaker Paul Ryan — are wrestling with how they might endorse Donald Trump without sounding unprincipled and hypocritical. That will be a problem for GOP speechwriters as they consider what quotes they might use from past Republican presidents that don’t conflict with Trump’s pronouncements.
Commentary: Why Picking The Right Running Mate Is More Important Than Usual
Former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld surprised the political world with the announcement that he’d be a running mate for Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson, assuming Johnson wins his party’s nomination. We’ve had two presidents named Johnson — Andrew, impeached, and Lyndon, a one-termer — but this Johnson is not likely to join them in the history books. However, many voters, unhappy with a Donald Trump vs. Hillary Clinton choice, like the idea of a third party option.
Commentary: Testing Out Trump Running Mates. Who Can Handle The Tough Questions?
Commentary: Testing Out Trump Running Mates. Who Can Handle The Tough Questions? It’s not too early to feel sorry for Donald Trump’s future running mate. The VP pick will have to explain and defend Trump’s frequent changes in issue positions — and Trump’s role in some absurd and scandalous stories. Let us enter the Trump Zone to see how his campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, is faring with his interviews of possible Trump mates. Corey Lewandowski: Why should we pick you?
Commentary: Will Trump Redefine ‘Presidential’?
Donald J. Trump wants to be addressed as “Mister Trump” by his underlings. And those who consider themselves Trump loyalists are happy to oblige. When his campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, was asked about his strategy to “let Trump be Trump,” he said, yes, his strategy was: “Let Mr. Trump be Mr. Trump.” It didn’t sound as catchy when adding “Mister,” but he obviously didn’t want to seem disrespectful to the master. Yet The Donald doesn’t think being “presidential” deserves such respect.
Commentary: Expect Stealing And Dealing - And Maybe Chaos - At The GOP Convention
Commentary: Expect Stealing And Dealing — And Maybe Chaos — At The GOP Convention Looking past the New York primary, it seems likely that Trump will not win enough delegates in the remaining states to reach the 1,237 delegates needed to secure the GOP nomination at the national convention in Cleveland. His negative poll ratings are scaring many Republicans.
Commentary: The Unraveling Of ‘The Donald’
In trying to make sense of the zany GOP presidential race, one tends to veer from political analysis to psychoanalysis. That’s because Donald J. Trump, the front-runner for nine months, continues to be such a dominant, divisive and erratic force. No one can calculate how this demolition derby of a nomination race ends. Who will crash and burn: Trump, Ted Cruz and/or the GOP? Norman J. Ornstein, a veteran political analyst, offered five scenarios for how the convention could go.
Commentary: The Futility Of Arguing With Donald Trump Fans
John Dickerson, the host of CBS’ “Face the Nation,” on Friday asked a good question in a tweet: Based on my conversations with Trump fans, as well as reading their comments in social media and listening to them in news interviews and on talk shows, I’d guess that 10 percent of Trump supporters know a lot about him, and maybe 20 percent could be dissuaded from voting for him. If you don’t support Trump and have tried discouraging a Trump fan, you probably know that arguments can seem futile.
Commentary: Who’s To Blame For ‘The Donald’?
If you are convinced that Donald J. Trump is a great candidate who would make a great president, and would “make America great again,” you probably did not read past the headline. But if you are one of the 67 percent of voters who have an unfavorable view of The Donald, perhaps the prospect of his winning the Republican nomination has you wondering: “Have we become a ‘dumbocracy’? How did this happen?” There is a lot of blame to go around.
Commentary: Questions For Gov. Baker About Trump And The GOP
Gov. Charlie Baker was clearly exasperated when State House reporters kept asking him about Donald Trump on Thursday. He walked away from them, but he’ll have to face those questions sometime.
Commentary: Has Trump Fractured The GOP?
With Donald Trump’s victories Tuesday night, many Republicans will stop calling this “Super” Tuesday. They may remember it as the day their party came apart at its seams. A growing number of GOP and conservative activists are pledging not to vote for Trump if he wins the nomination. Sure, in the past conservative leaders have threatened to curb their enthusiasm for the party if it nominated someone they didn’t like.
Commentary: Has Gov. Baker Conceded The Mass. GOP Primary To Donald Trump?
In January, I wrote about Gov. Charlie Baker’s “quandary” — whether he would “stay silent” on the Republican presidential race. Right before the New Hampshire primary, Baker endorsed New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.
Commentary: Trump’s N.H. Win A Triumph Over Conventional Wisdom
Donald “The Donald” Trump clinched a resounding victory in New Hampshire. And it’s not just a personal triumph. It’s a victory over conventional wisdom, the Republican establishment, conservative intellectuals and civility. Quite a few GOP candidates were trumped along the way. Have you already forgotten Rick Perry, Bobby Jindal, Mike Huckabee, Rick Santorum, George Pataki and Jim Gilmore? Wait a minute, I think that last one didn’t officially quit yet.
Commentary: The Enthusiasm Factor In Iowa - Who’s Got The Mojo?
The Iowa caucuses are pivotal for the presidential candidates. Indeed, it could be the end of the road for most of them. What distinguishes the campaigns that have a shot at winning some kind of “victory” is the enthusiasm of their staff, volunteers, donors and supporters. If they’re feeling upbeat instead of beat-up, they will be turning on and turning out swayable voters. First, let’s consider how the enthusiasm factor is playing out on the Republican side.
Commentary: Charlie Baker’s Quandary: Can He Stay Silent On The GOP Presidential Race?
Charlie Baker appears to be the most popular governor in the U.S., despite being a Republican in a predominantly Democratic state. His popularity is partly due to his sounding non-partisan. Ideologically, he’s liberal on social issues and conservative on fiscal issues, but he’s not viewed as inflexible or polarizing. His leadership style is collaborative. He and the two Democratic legislative leaders can seem like a triumvirate, settling their differences privately.
Commentary: Who Could Trump Pick As A Running Mate?
Donald Trump has insulted his Republican rivals viciously (to use one of his favorite words). And most of them have been just as critical of him. This raises an obvious question: If nominated for president, could The Donald select any of them to be his running mate without it backfiring? Wouldn’t it give ammunition to the Democrats and media critics if Trump picked someone who had called him a “narcissist” and an “egomaniac”? How would Trump explain away such words?
Commentary: Which GOP Candidates Will Quit After New Hampshire?
In three weeks, voters in the Iowa caucuses will winnow the Republican field presidential. Certain candidates will likely drop out of the race if they do poorly there — Mike Huckabee and Rick Santorum come to mind. They both won there before, and if they do as dismally as current polls indicate, they won’t be able to attract enough support to continue. Ben Carson once led in Iowa polls, but he has been in decline for weeks.
Commentary: Keeping Track Of The So-Called Campaign ‘News’
Are you following media coverage of the presidential contest? It’s hard to keep up with this race because, uh, it’s so absurd. How can you separate truth from fiction? Let’s see if you can. One of these nine news items is untrue. Do you know which one? 1. Hillary Clinton told an audience that extraterrestrial aliens may have visited our planet. 2.
Commentary: Will Romney Endorse Rubio In The N.H. Primary?
If Mitt Romney still hopes to stop Donald Trump and help nominate a more electable Republican, there’s an obvious place and time for him to act: the New Hampshire primary. He might be the only Republican whose endorsement can change the dynamic of the GOP race. He is popular in that crucial state and could make the difference in boosting one of the four so-called establishment candidates: Marco Rubio, Jeb Bush, John Kasich and Chris Christie.
Commentary: Is Bernie Sanders Making A Stealthy Comeback?
Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton must be pleased that the focus has been on the Republican contest. Indeed, she often takes shots at Donald Trump and the Republican field, to keep attention on the GOP race. Her campaign even released a blog post of GIFs mocking the Republicans for supposedly misinterpreting the 1987 comedy film, “The Princess Bride,” which is a favorite of Sen. Ted Cruz. But a funny thing might happen on her way to a coronation: Sen.
Commentary: Will Tuesday’s GOP Debate Be A Free-For-All?
Tuesday’s debate could change the dynamic of the Republican presidential race. With many candidates needing to “win” the debate — or at least stand out in some way — it’s impossible to predict what will happen when their strategies collide. But here are some of the questions the debate should answer: TRUMP: In light of Donald Trump’s recent call for banning all Muslims from entering the United States, he strikes many as a dangerous demagogue.
Commentary: Can Donald Trump Be Stopped?
For many months The Donald has been The Frontrunner. As the Republican establishment ponders recent polls showing his lead growing for the GOP presidential nomination, the question now is whether he has become The Inevitable. There are many scenarios where Trump would fail in his bid, but which are still plausible? A deadlocked GOP convention picks someone else.
Commentary: The Topsy-Turvy, Truthy, Trumpy New World Of Politics
Donald Trump continues to dominate political news and the Republican presidential field. So what’s new? Well, with time running out — only 10 weeks before voting begins in Iowa — Trump may trump all the rules of politics. If he ends up winning the GOP nomination, American politics will never be the same. Historians may call it the Trump Era. And that’s true even if he loses the general election.
Politicker: WBUR’s home for elections and politics
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After staying out of the fray of presidential politics for months, Baker last Friday publicly endorsed Christie and expressed deep concerns about the capabilities of the two Republican frontrunners coming out of Iowa. Read the full story
By WBUR Newsroom, Fred Thys Verified, Martha Bebinger Verified, Steve Brown Verified, Curt Nickisch, Anthony Brooks Verified, Dan Payne, Todd Domke
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