Can we take a break for a minute and acknowledge

[NewJeffCT]

that it's awesome that Democrats have several excellent women running for president in 2020.

Kamala Harris
Elizabeth Warren
Kirsten Gillebrand
and this weekend they'll be joined by Amy Klobuchar

and, we also have Marianne Williamson and Tulsi Gabbard.

Even if you don't like a particular candidate, Harris, Warren, Gillebrand and Klobuchar are all very smart and accomplished.

[FakeNoose]

1. Yes it is ... absolutely awesome!

Hats off to the next generation of American leaders.

[MyOwnPeace]

2. Great sign!!!!

[NewJeffCT]

3. kicking

up to the top

[2naSalit]

9. Best sign I've seen in a while!!

[NRaleighLiberal]

4. remarkable, complex, wonderful.

the coming months will be fascinating - will some of the more familiar names - Biden, Sanders - begin to fade? Who will the opposition go most aggressively after in attacks (that will be a possible tell on who scares them the most).

And all of this while the "incumbent" faces a world of hurt with countless investigations.

Probably no other period in politics like the one we are now in!

[lark]

5. I am excited about 3 of them, Klobuchar, Harris and Warren.

I celebrate their being in the running and they each bring something important to the table.

There are also some awesome guys who will be running too. Democrats are so lucky to have such a deep field to choose from.

[NewJeffCT]

6. agreed

I like Warren, Harris and Klobuchar as well as Booker. I think Castro has potential as well.

[lark]

7. That's the beauty of this process.

I know next to nothing about Castro, other than he's a seasoned Democrat, but I so look forward to learning more. Same with Klobuchar, I never knew a lot about her until the Kavarape hearings. She impressed me so much that day, I have been a huge fan ever since. She's also the only Dem who showed one bit of courage in the Franken fiasco, she believes in facts not innuendo and I love that about her.

I am so looking forward to learning a lot about these people running to represent us and may the best one to take us into a bright future WIN!!!!!

[bdamomma]

43. We are going to have some

good people, huh? who do the repigs have just an imbecile.

[NewJeffCT]

44. we can't take him lightly, though

15 Republicans took him lightly in 2015 and 2016 and Trump ran away with the nomination.

While Clinton did not take him lightly, the media loved Trump and his multiple daily scandals were drowned out by the next day's scandals and the media focus on Hillary's emails. So, Trump's 200 scandals were given equal weight to Hillary's email non scandal scandal.

Assuming Trump is still running in 12-15 months, he's still going to have the media wrapped around his finger and he'll still have 2, 3 or 4 new scandals and outrages every day, and just one slip up from the eventual nominee is going to wash away previous month of Trump scandals.

[bdamomma]

50. We can't take him period,

I hope Mueller comes through with his indictments. I would also like to see some Repig Senators implicated too McConnell would be the first.


Also we got the Russians on our turf and Putin's goal of destabilizing the US coming true for him.

[The Mouth]

56. "there's no such thing as bad publicity"

Trump gets this.

[2naSalit]

8. There are two whom I would like to see on the same ticket in the general...nt

[Laura PourMeADrink]

10. i wish Jennifer Granholm would run. She just strikes me as immensely

intelligent, savvy, well-spoken, witty, and likable. She can hold her own with anyone and would make a very attractive candidate.

Best resume, IMHO - Ex-Gov, UC Berkley, Harvard JD, Obama Energy Advisor

WELL SHOOT - NEVER MIND - SHE WAS BORN IN CANADA !

JUST LIKE LIEU CAN'T RUN - AND HE'S THE MOST WITTY OF THEM ALL.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jennifer_Granholm

[NewJeffCT]

11. agreed

I've seen her a few times on TV over the past few months and she's almost always awesome.

I'd love to see her and Lieu in a Democratic White House in 2021. If she was an energy adviser for Obama, maybe Secretary of Energy? or, being a former Michigan governor, maybe Commerce? Lieu as AG? SCOTUS?

[Laura PourMeADrink]

20. Sounds good. Funny, one of my most important qualifications, aside from having

liberal values to the core of one's being, is that they are sharp, and witty, and have a really good media/TV look and demeanor (intangible). I know, it's a surface thing, but jeez, how many times have you been watching someone on our side and thing, snooze, or OMG, why didn't they come back with this or that. Some lawyers, senators, are over-explainers by nature. I am in the minority for sure, but wish that our response to SOTU had added more of the bad stuff about Trump. More rebuttal. Obama STARTED the recovery not Trump.

[NewJeffCT]

25. While it shouldn't be important

the more charismatic/telegenic candidate almost always wins:

JFK over Nixon
Reagan over Carter and then Mondale
Clinton over Bush Sr and then Dole
Bush (portrayed in the media as a "regular" guy you'd have a beer with) over stiff elitists Gore and Kerry
Obama over McCain and Romney

And, Trump (snake oil salesman charisma) over Clinton

[LittleGirl]

17. Yes, but she can't

I agree completely! Cabinet member! Love her!

[Laura PourMeADrink]

21. She actually responded to me on Twitter, so it's a selfish pov on my part LOL

[LittleGirl]

51. Cool! eom

[lunatica]

63. I'm glad to add this to my list of things to remember in my life!

Things that happened during my life that is.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

68. Huh?

[lunatica]

70. I meant to respond to the OP!

At my age I remember and was part of so many important historical events. So many times I will respond to someone posting an event with, “I remember when that happened”. Everything happening now is something I’ll remember that way. This is one of those things that are among the good ones.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

72. I hear you ! Great thinking.

[llmart]

31. She was our governor here in Michigan but...

she's from Canada.


Oops! I see you already added that to your post.

[rogue emissary]

53. Love her and that explains why she hasn't run for a higher office.

[pangaia]

12. I just knew somebody would rue the day women got the vote..

YOU GO GIRLS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mysteryowl]

13. It is awesome!

I would vote for any of the Dem presidential candidates. Can we install one of the them NOW?! Please!!!

Yet to your point of celebrating all the women running for president:

[Honeycombe8]

14. Nope. None of those.

None of those for me. Kudos for them putting themselves out there. But none of them are for me for the nominee for the GE. I'm still waiting.

I will vote for the Democratic candidate in the GE, of course. I'm a reliable voter, and 2020 is a critical election. But I haven't seen anyone I'd care to vote for as the nominee....yet.

I wouldn't support Biden, either. If he won in 2020, he'd be about 86 in 2024. That's too risky that we wouldn't have an incumbent in 2024. He'd be running for a term that would go to age 90? Too risky.

O'Rourke or Bullock? They haven't entered the race. I haven't seen them enough to know if they'd be good.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

23. I am not crazy about any of the either. Ditto on 'of course would support if nominee.'

Who is Bullock? Sandra Bullock ?

So far, I am still liking Biden/Beto, Biden/Castro, or Biden/Booker

And, YES, Biden would be 86 in 2024. That is the beauty of it. Gives him a chance to be prez, provide experience and wisdom, matched with a young, energetic idealist. Like Biden will be grooming that person to take over in 2024. Win-win. BB2020 slogan sounds good to me too. (get the gun vote for the BB gun reference LOL)

[Honeycombe8]

26. Biden at 86...

We'd be looking at a Ginsburg situation. He might not be able to run at that age, or serve his term, even if he runs. It's too risky, IMO. So I'm out on that one.

A V P incumbent running for President is not the same as the incumbent. Former VPs do well in running for President....later. Not immediately.

Bullock is a governor: https://www.democraticunderground.com/100211785727

Beto hasn't entered the race. Nor has Biden. I forgot about Castro. Has he entered? I'm not interested in Booker at all.

As I said, I haven't seen anyone yet who I would vote for as the nominee. I'm waiting.

[customerserviceguy]

55. No, we would not

be in a Ginsburg situation. With the SCOTUS, you have to hope that the presidency and the Senate are in safe hands. With the Presidency, you get the VP who ran as a running mate becoming the next Chief Executive, no matter what's happened to Congress in the meantime.

But, I am with you, nobody who has announced yet has really enthused me.

[treestar]

37. He'd be 82

November 20, 1942. Now 76.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

38. Ok never mind, too young

[treestar]

61. 82 vs. 86

would be a difference. He has great health coverage no doubt. RBG still going on and she's had cancer.

He may not do a second term, or could kick the bucket in the first, so make sure his running mate is good.

If he wins the nomination, we'd have to be prepared on this. The Dotard's supporters would not be above bringing it up.

[bdamomma]

45. So

it's Biden's age what about all his experience?? Just saying.

[Honeycombe8]

59. So 2020-2024, age 78 to 82. 2024-2028, age 82-86

Once you get into the 80s, it's dicey. A nurse told me once that the 70s is the last good decade for good health.

I've seen that in my father, who is in his mid-80s,now. Healthy as a horse and physically active all his life. Non-smoker. Gave up alcohol when he was young. Once he got into his late 70s and early 80s, he started having difficulties. Energy level down, hbp, arthritis worsening a lot, knee issues, bent over a bit, eyesight, bad hearing, mind not as quick, forgetful.... He's still healthy for an 80-something. But he's at an age where he really shouldn't be running a country.

That's just my feeling. I know some men that age stay in their jobs, and even in politics. But being President involves a lot. He needs to be sharp so that people can't get over on him, too.

But if Biden is the candidate, then so be it. He'd be a good President, and who knows? He may hang in there with good health and a sharp mind.

[treestar]

60. True but Biden's brain is not retired

I have seen that too. RBG is still at it, though. Have a good VP. Second term not absolutely necessary. Run the VP.

[Honeycombe8]

62. Without an incumbent, we are much more likely to lose. That's my concern.

The VP is NOT the President. Voters will NOT regard him the same way.

The VP was not responsible for the President's administration, the decisions, the results. He didn't make the judgment calls.

I am against Biden for that reason. It's not as simple as, "Oh, well...Biden's too ill. We'll just run VP "x" instead." The voters don't think that way. They are TOTALLY different people. The VP was never elected President of the U.S.

And then there's this: Once a person has become President, they cannot give it up, apparently. Biden would probably insist on running for re-election, no matter what. And his team would insist on it. (Think Carter...when it was a pretty sure thing he'd lose; think Reagan, who had Alzheimer's by then or at least the symptoms.)

Power doesn't like to give up power. They don't usually resign and go quietly into that good night.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

24. Also - Biden/Youth ticket would definitely get the "grandma" vote. Older people

would LOVE that we are honoring (and trust) someone of age and you know how they light up when grandkids come around.

[Honeycombe8]

29. You vote for someone because they represent your interests. Not to honor them.

Voting is too important for that.

Old people may be the first ones to vote for a younger person. No one knows how age affects you as much as another old person.

It's just a fact that the decade of the 80s age in people is the beginning of serious problems. The body, and the mind, start to break down in significant ways. This is already happening to Trump, IMO, because he's not healthy. It WILL happen to Biden. No one escapes. And very distracting as we would be going through one health issue, then another (like Ginsburg). And wondering if his mind is still working properly. All that needs to be avoided.

Ginsburg should have retired during Obama's administration. Now, it's very risky that she will pass away still on the bench, and a Republican Senate and President will choose her alt-right successor.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

65. Ya. Stipulate that is a given...that person we supporr

holds our beliefs.

[watoos]

15. Best post I've seen in a long time, Congrats!

[47of74]

16. Yes I'm glad to see these women run except Gillebrand....

The speed with which she threw Al Franken under the bus is unforgivable.

The only way I'll support her in the primaries if she apologizes to and then offers the VP slot to Franken.

Otherwise twice nothing is still nothing.

[LittleGirl]

18. Well, I think the men have screwed up the country

and now it's a woman's turn to clean up the messes!

[mysteryowl]

35. Agreed!

[bdamomma]

46. I'm not against men.

But we have a lot of growing up to do to have a female President, plus we have those racists out there, the red caps/their form of KKK hoods.

In Europe/India they have had women leaders but not us, very unfortunate. Women leaders have a different temperament, not like men, who act first and think later, we think first then act.

[LittleGirl]

52. I think Merkel is doing an outstanding job

and until the Brexit crap, they had decent MPs in the Parliament. Here in Switzerland, they have rotating Presidents that serve one year. They rewrote their constitution and I believe that would be a good idea for the states but who would agree to that? They would instantly think we'll take away the second amendment.

I am just tired of crooks and liars and want the women to take over. I believe that all of these new women have a great future in our government.

[IrishEyes]

19. Yes. Thank you for saying it.

I'm looking forward to watching these women at the democratic debates. I would also like to acknowledge that of the 9 most creditable candidates that have announced they are running so far:

There are five women. Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren, Kirsten Gillebrand, Amy Klobuchar and Tulsi Gabbard.
Of the four men. Julian Castro is hispanic, Corey Booker is black and Pete Buttigieg is gay. John Delaney is Irish.

I think that there are still some people who will enter the democratic primaries. It will be interesting to see who is the vice presidential candidate as well.

[NewJeffCT]

28. the major ones I've seen that have not announced

Sherrod Brown from Ohio
Bullock from Montana
Hickenlooper from Colorado
Jay Inslee from Washington

possibly Mike Bloomberg?

I'm in Connecticut, and have not heard anything about Chris Murphy nor about Cuomo from NY next door.

[IrishEyes]

32. Andrew Cuomo and Chris Murphy are definitely not running.

Sherrod Brown, Steve Bullock, John Hickenlooper, Jay Inslee and Mike Bloomberg are still possibilities. Other possible candidates are Terry McAuliffe (VA), Jeff Merkley (OR) and Michael Bennet (CO) as well as some others. They all expressed interest in running.

[bdamomma]

47. Chris Murphy was on

Lawrence O'Donnell last night giving his impression of the SOTU. He wasn't too impressed.

[NewJeffCT]

49. Murphy is my senator and I like him

and he's passionate about gun control, but, I don't see him running. Too many good candidates already.

[Chakaconcarne]

22. Whether you like them or not....

They represent a diverse pool of candidates (inherent to the Democratic party) for the US electorate.

Contrasting that (just visually) to the GOP pool, sends a very clear message of who the party will represent.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

27. Besides Trump and Pence, who are the top most likely GOPers for 2020? Romney?

surely we can beat that MFer again.

[geardaddy]

30. Klobuchar is my senator.

I'd like her to stay my senator. With her out of the senate, we're likely to have a harder time keeping that seat.

[bdamomma]

48. You know

sometimes they are more effective in the Senate. They get more accomplished.

[geardaddy]

69. Yes, exactly my thought.

[onetexan]

33. yikes, we certainly don't need news like this circulating about our Dems candidates

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/amy-klobuchar-abuse-staff-2020_us_5c5a1cb1e4b0871047588649

[mysteryowl]

36. The article does post countering responses to the inflammatory topic.

Here is one: [staffers]...

question whether former co-workers who thought she was abusive were falling for sexist stereotypes about female leaders with high standards.

[sarcasmo]

34. David Duke supports Tulsi Gabbard.

[NewJeffCT]

41. as I said above

"Even if you don't like a particular candidate, Harris, Warren, Gillebrand and Klobuchar are all very smart and accomplished."

[Blue_Tires]

39. Take Gabbard off the list and I'll agree

[NewJeffCT]

40. I was mainly talking about the 4 legitimate candidates

Warren, Harris, Klobuchar and Gillebrand.

Gabbard is a candidate as is Williamson. Neither one has much of a shot, but they are women and running for the Democratic nomination, which is why I closed out the OP with "Even if you don't like a particular candidate, Harris, Warren, Gillebrand and Klobuchar are all very smart and accomplished."

[bdamomma]

42. Yes,

All candidates need to be acknowledged. Governor Jay Inslee was thinking about running too, platform climate change.

[okaawhatever]

54. Amen nt

[lame54]

57. Warren may not survive her heritage problem...

Yes
I know it's trivial
But
Remember the Dean Scream

She may not be able to ignore it and hope it goes away
Or
Deal with it and hope it goes away

[NewJeffCT]

58. The Dean Scream was after Dean had lost the Iowa caucus

his campaign was already in a death spiral after being way ahead in Iowa for a few months - the overblown Dean Scream just put the final nail in the coffin.

Agree that this looks bad for Warren. I like her a lot and was hoping Clinton would chose her as VP in 2016...

[Laura PourMeADrink]

66. Ya. I think she should go with "I was so proud and

Thrilled about being part American Indian. Thought it was so cool..used it whenever I could".

[Apollyonus]

64. It is awesome

and if I may add,

we should never forget Hillary Clinton who blazed the trail, faced the dangers and attacks from both republicans and so-called-democrats along the way ....

Hillary paved the path so others can proudly walk on it.

[PatrickforO]

67. Yes, we can.

This is very good.

[wildflower]

71. It is

You're right, it's good to stop and recognize that every so often.

By the way, thank you so much to the person who gave me a heart! 💓