This doesn't look like 'frontrunner' Biden's agenda

[bigtree]

...or what his supporters here have been telling me for weeks now.

Alex Seitz-Wald @aseitzwald Mar 10
Also in this new Iowa poll of likely Dem caucusgoers:
- 84% prefer a candidate who supports Medicare for All.
- 91% want one who backs Green New Deal.
- 77% favor candidate who wants to legalize marijuana.
https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/iowa-poll/2019/03/10/election-2020-joe-biden-bernie-sanders-harris-warren-democrats-iowa-caucuses-poll-president-caucus/3098982002/ …

[Hassin Bin Sober]

1. And they wants someone who ACTUALLY supports Medicare For All.

[crazytown]

5. Like Co-Sponsers Harris & Warren?

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

28. Yup, and they want a true original like Bernie to be out front leading the charge on this issue

that has been near and dear to his heart for a very long time. Just one of many issues propelling Bernie's campaign and, not surprisingly, creating considerable momentum.


Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[msongs]

2. I wish joe a long and happy retired life. the world has moved on nt

[DURHAM D]

3. Did they poll the question...

Do you want a candidate who supports the Hyde Amendment?

[Eric J in MN]

9. I wish a reporter would ask

...Joe Biden if he still supports the Hyde Amendment against federal funding of abortion.

[Demsrule86]

14. Seriously? Biden is going to beat Sen. Sanders pretty early at least I hope he will. Biden can win.

I don't think any of the others can. I want Sanders out early so as to not damage our eventual nominee.

[Eric J in MN]

23. Are you saying that Biden shouldn't be asked if he still supports the Hyde Amendment? NT

NT

[Demsrule86]

40. I could care a less. Should Sen. Sanders be asked about his ancient fiction writings...no.

We are not going to have Roe V Wade if we don't beat Trump...so no I don't think it matters...Biden can beat Trump. I don't think other candidates can.

[Eric J in MN]

43. My question is about the candidate's current policy position. NT

NT

[CrossingTheRubicon]

24. I wish a reporter would ask

...Sen. Bernard Sanders (I-Vt) whether he believes fathers should financially support their children?

[Eric J in MN]

25. Bernie Sanders had joint custody. NT

NT

[CrossingTheRubicon]

27. Joint custody doesn't necessarily eliminate a parent's obligation to pay child support.

If an able-bodied father with a degree from an elite university seemingly refused to work to support his child, it would not be a good look if said father ever pursued a run for the presidency.

[Eric J in MN]

32. Bernie's work history

..is more complicated than the meme, “He never had a job until he was 40.”

[CrossingTheRubicon]

34. He should release his CV with his full work history so America can judge his work ethic.

I think it would be eye-opening and would disqualify him as a candidate in the minds of most voters.

[Demsrule86]

44. Right something that passed in 1980 that is 40 years old. Perhaps we could ask Sen. Sanders about

a slew of legislation that he was involved in... This is not current.

[forklift]

59. Like naming two whole post offices?

[Demsrule86]

63. Good one! Have to keep our sense of humor.

[WeekiWater]

4. Biden is going to see a serious drop once the vetting starts.

I feel that is why he is running his Presidential campaign from the sidelines. It's a really good move for him. Sanders has reached a saturation point because he has been running for the Presidency for four years. He can only go down in support. Biden has reached a saturation point without even entering, mainly from name recognition and his closeness to Obama. He will go down as he gets vetted. All other candidates are provided a great opportunity because of this.

[R B Garr]

8. In reality, this is a very positive piece about Biden. nt

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

30. I think Joe realizes this... why he prolly ends up not running.

Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[samnsara]

6. and 100% want someone with the experience to beat trump.. only one can do that..

..Uncle Joe!

[bigtree]

7. experience like his running-mate had?

...two-term President Obama?

Audacious!

[marylandblue]

10. Experience does not win elections.

In many cases, the less experienced candidate won, and Trump is Exhibit A for that. He ran an unconventional campaign, and needs an unconventional response. Even if you attribute his victory to Russian interference or what not, there is no play book for how to counter Russian troll farms.

[sprinkleeninow]

38. I'm not saying a thing.

⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇

[marylandblue]

39. I like Inslee because of climate change, his sincerity, passion, and intellect

Experience is good, but I also like youngun Buttigieg for the same reasons.

[sprinkleeninow]

45. I am drawn to Inslee bc of those same qualities and stand on climate change.

All appealing plus he soo good lookin'. 😤

I will revise my choice if necessary in the future.



[An episode of Seinfeld: Instead of saying "God bless you!" after a sneeze, say "You're soo good lookin'!" 😆]

[Nanjeanne]

11. It's what is so frustrating about the endless crap the cable news - including MSNBC spews about the

center of the country. The right has moved so far to the right - the center is actually where the majority of Democrats are and actually even large percentage of Republicans - the center is where the majority of the Democratic candidates are. There is no real "far left" agenda, as much as the media would like there to be.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

12. That's why Bernie is gonna win the Democratic nomination.

Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[Demsrule86]

15. I don't think he will win. My hope is he bows out gracefully and our nominee is not damaged.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

60. Yes, except it's Biden who I know will bow out gracefully, so as not to damage Bernie.

Joe has shown he's a smart and decent guy, who will do what's best for the Democratic Party, just as Bernie would do the same, if the shoe were on the other foot.


Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[Demsrule86]

62. Without question Biden would bow out gracefully. I am not certain about Sen. Sanders...maybe.

It is my belief that if Sen. Sanders is the nominee, we lose the general. I believe Biden has the best chance.

[forklift]

58. lol n/t

[Tipperary]

61. Lol.

Never happen.

[Demsrule86]

13. I disagree...polls show that medicare for all is down to 17% approval when

you include ending workplace insurance. My husband and I would pay more for less coverage under Medicare for all...no family plans...20% not covered. The Green new deal is not attainable in 10 years and after the GOP is done hammering our candidate, we would lose. I want the issue addressed in ways that have a shot at turning into legislation. I believe legalization will come at the state level... and it is not a single voting issue. And who knows what Biden thinks now. Pres. Obama was not into legalizing weed either. Biden can win...which is why I back him. I like the guy too and have met him a number of times. He is a hell of a campaigner.

[bigtree]

17. so it is, or isn't, his agenda?

Last edited Mon Mar 11, 2019, 10:07 PM - Edit history (1)

...sounds like it's not.

Looks to me like Biden either adopts the initiatives, or runs a cynical campaign against them.

Legalization isn't about just about smoking a doobie and getting the munchies. Federal legalization would prevent states opposed to pot imposing draconian sentences and ruining people's lives.

If you're in a community in which your youth (and others) are targeted specifically by law enforcement for pot, I'd suspect you'd be a bit more circumspect about the federal role in all of that oppression directed disproportionately against black communities and individuals around the nation.

Link to tweet

[Demsrule86]

19. No one should adopt this for their run...the GOP will trounce us over this...run on improving the

ACA also lowering the age of Medicare and offering a public option. Play it smart. I have no idea what VP Biden thinks about Medicare for all...but I have already seen some candidates backing away from it and they should. I am for universal coverage. We can get a system much like Germany's using the ACA...not need to try and pass a huge bill that will anger 50% of folks who have workplace coverage.

[CrossingTheRubicon]

29. +1

[scheming daemons]

16. 100% prefer a candidate who can beat Trump

(Bernie ain't that candidate).

[David__77]

18. Has Biden come out against those things?

...

[bigtree]

20. good question

...it would shock some folks who've claimed support for those issues is poison in the general election, many of them supporters of Joe here.

Since this is my political outlet, I'm wondering if some folks have been tilting at windmills when they declare support for Biden, and rip into other candidates for supporting these initiatives, and I'm going to be looking to see where the actual lines are going to be drawn.

After all, it's Joe who pretty much said he'd only get in to the race if his shtick wasn't getting promoted to his satisfaction by the others.

[David__77]

21. I wouldn't be surprised if he supported them all in some fashion.

...

[bigtree]

22. heh

...yeah.

[RandySF]

26. Have we even heard his agenda yet?

The preemptive attacks are getting ridiculous.

[peggysue2]

35. No, of course, we haven't heard his agenda because . . .

he hasn't entered the race. Yet at this point he's leading. Strange, no?

Sherrod Brown (who to my surprise exited the race), someone considered a very strong progressive, said the Medicare for All push was not practical. And it's not practical because the support drops off the cliff once you tell people their work-based insurance will be abolished. The cost to push through the plan is staggering which is why even the state of Vermont backed off once the real tax burden was revealed. Better to phase in the plan--offering the benefits to the 50+ crowd, a buy-in option--and go from there.

I seriously doubt Joe Biden will be championing a Medicare for All plan because it's simply not realistic. Not in one felled swoop.

Elizabeth Warren has suggested a bill to ramp up the benefits of the ACA. ACA 2.0, if you will. Why? Because she's as smart as Brown and attempting to be honest with the public. Both of these politicians are progressive but reality-based, not pie-in-the-sky populists, the sort that promise the world and deliver on zip.

We desperately need better and more cost-effective healthcare. What we don't need are empty, shrill promises.

We have that sort of nonsense squatting in the White House right now. Enough already.

[RandySF]

36. It's not strange because he was Obama's vide president.

It's all name ID at this point.

[peggysue2]

37. I think Biden's support goes beyond mere name recognition

Despite all his gaffes and faults, Joe Biden is hugely popular with the electorate. Even beloved. Has been for a long time. That's not small potatoes for a seasoned politician.

It remains to be seen if he can jump into the fray, answer his critics on policy positions, past decisions, etc and take command of the race.

But I think Joe Biden is far more than a coat-tail rider. He's a man who has pretty much seen it all.

[Garrett78]

49. He was never considered presidential material before Obama resurrected his political career.

Biden has far more baggage than some are acknowledging.

[peggysue2]

50. Well, during the unbalanced, criminal and surreal presidency of Donald Trump . . .

Joe Biden is considered presidential material now. And yes, he does have baggage because he's had a long, public career. He'll need to address the criticisms and respond to them. As will be the case for all our candidates. Joe Biden's advantage is his experience and political knowledge, particularly in foreign policy. In addition, he's well-liked and respected within working-class circles.

Think it's a done deal; Biden's running for 2020.

Then we'll see what happens.

[emulatorloo]

52. Yeah, and Biden doesn't have any problem answering hard questions

Undecided here but Joe’s a good man. I understand the desire among some here to pre-emptively destoy him. He’s tougher and more resilient than they know

[Cha]

56. Right.. I know that.. Biden is

resilient.

[Cha]

57. Agree.. well put, peggysue!

[LakeArenal]

31. Biden remains the most qualified person to run..

Both nationally and globally.

[sacto95834]

42. I thought HRC held that title

...most qualified person to run for president...

[LakeArenal]

46. Wasn't she? And she would be still if she runs...

But she’s not president or running. . She’s not because it was stolen.

Let’s not let this election be stolen.

[List left]

33. Warren, Kamala, Inslee, Bernie

I would be very happy with any of them. (my order of preference atm)

I think we need more fire and willingness to stand up and fight for what is right.
Don't think Biden has it in him to do what needs to be done.

[Demsrule86]

41. I don't believe any of them can win a general.

They don't appeal to independents.

[LakeArenal]

48. Me either.

[LongtimeAZDem]

51. As we leared last election cycle, caucusgoers aren't really representative of Democrats at large

[Cha]

55. Excellent point.. Yes, we know that to be

true.

[emulatorloo]

53. The other day a DU'er was telling us that Iowa Caucus goers were racist hicks

who elected Steve King.

I thank you for your post for telling the truth about Iowa Caucus goers. They lean liberal and progressive, and some polling I saw indicated 50% self identify as socialists

That being said, knowing Iowa as I do, Biden could possibly do well there if he decides to get in.

It’ll be interesting to see polling on first and second choices as we get close to the caucuses.

[redstateblues]

54. Who is gonna win PA, WI, MI? Joe

That is where the election will be won

[Gothmog]

64. Electability is my main criterion

I think that Biden can easily beat trump. That is all that matters

[bigtree]

65. any of our major candidates can beat Trump

...Biden's invincibility is a myth right now.

It's not clear if his polling lead is real or name-recognition, but history has shown these polls at this stage to be consistently wrong.

I'm not comfortable going into the voting booth relying on the mythology sprung up in this campaign that Biden can attract enough republican 'moderates' and independents to win. I don't think there's been such a creature sighted in decades, and independent voters aren't a reliable swing vote for Dems.

What I believe in is energizing DEMOCRATS with progressive goals and initiatives to draw in DEMOCRATIC voters to our primaries in numbers with energy and enthusiasm for the general election to overcome any shortcomings in finding sane republicans to vote against Trump.

Republican Rubin (in that post of yours) wants Democrats to abandon our principles to win, abandon voters' desire for progressive change. I think we can win by holding on to them and putting them at the head of our advocacy in this election.

[Gothmog]

66. I wish that you were correct but in the real world incumbents get re-elected on a regular basis

trump is still benefiting from the Obama recovery and if the economy is still good shape in 2020, there is there is a good chance that trump could win. This is especially true if we nominate a weak candidate. I really do not believe that sanders is electable and I fear that trump will easily beat sanders