Tom Steyer brings a lot to the race.

[milestogo]

I appreciate his straightforward, no nonsense approach to presenting himself. Yes, he's wealthy, but he seems to be an example of real success in business and there's nothing wrong with that.

I love the fact that he ran ads speaking out against Trump from the getgo.

His focus is on how corporations own our politicians, which is a core problem in our democracy. I hope that his presence influences the conversation of the whole group of Democratic candidates.

I'm not sure if I would vote for him, but I am really glad he's running for president.

[SharonAnn]

1. I'm not. He could do more good by strengthening the Democratic Party.

He has a few great positions, but not really any relevant experience.

If he took some of his $100 million and paid the fines and fees of the thousands of ex-felons in Florida so that they could vote, it would make a huge difference in the outcome of Florida's electoral votes. That would be worth a whole lot more than a failed, quixotic presidential run.

[wiley]

14. Such a ridiculous comment

Quixotic? he's been running against Trump and the GOP crap for years now. What you suggest with Florida ex-felons is illegal as well. Sorry, but Kamala is not going to win. Nor are lots of other candiates running. No need for silly, stupid statements. Try to stay positive.

[mr_lebowski]

16. Why is it illegal? Long as taxes are paid, I think you're wrong ...

At the very least he could employ them all for 1 hour and pay them the amount they owe ... for that hour of work.

[Tipperary]

23. If you really think all ex-felons would vote Dem,

you are very naive.

[KPN]

2. As long as he doesn't decide to third party it when he doesn't win the nomination.

Having said that, i’d vote for him if he is our party’s nominee. But i’d have to learn see a lot more before considering him in the primary. Successful business people don’t necessarily equate to successful public executives in my opinion.

[ancianita]

6. That's what keeps me up at night. That third party crap.

[KPN]

18. Right?! Me too. Like we don't already have enough

keeping us awake at night.

[ancianita]

20. No platform for third parties. EVER.

[evertonfc]

3. tom

To be fair he has spent multi millions financing GOTV and voter registration drives in states across America. I mean, probably done as much to help progressive causes than anyone else. He's fierce and called for Impeachment before it was cool. I could care less if he's wealthy. It's way to early to simply cede the race to 1-3 canidates. There is usually a surprise

[milestogo]

4. Exactly.

He's been using his money to promote democracy.

[empedocles]

12. Dems have a big field for sure; a strong field?

Seem to be a lot of potential candidates waiting in the wings sensing openings.

[ancianita]

5. I don't trust him any more than I don't trust Tulsi. And I'm a total sucker for Democrats.

Suffice to say that I could get into the reasons but won't, because it gets too negative.

[Hortensis]

22. THIS. He's positioned himself as a populist leader to draw

antagonistic and resentful types away from Trump and Sanders. He couldn't have produced 1000 ordinary people who knew and wanted him to run for anything before entering, but he's a billionaire so can write checks to agents who'll design a populist candidacy that can round up enough supporters to qualify.

We're the Democratic Party, not the Republican. Our candidates should reflect our values, not the ambitions of conservative-leaning billionaires who are strangers to public service and policy but think it's okay to use our current dysfunctions to buy their way into the presidency. After all, if Trump can do it!

Imo, this is a real example of what's gone terribly wrong with politics. And now it's in the Democratic Party with people who never heard of him before he started writing big checks to fix that saying they like what he's "offering." God!

[bucolic_frolic]

7. His presence balances that of Howard Schultz

and maybe he can exert some public pressure to convince coffeeman to not run as a third party spoiler

[Thekaspervote]

17. Good point

[virgogal]

8. Another billionaire deciding to run for POTUS....no thanks.

[loyalsister]

10. If anything good could come of 2016

I would have hoped it would be putting to rest the idea of wealth and business experience as good preparation for the presidency.

[virgogal]

15. I agree.

[ancianita]

21. +1000

[empedocles]

9. Give Steyer credit for his ad soundbite- 'TRUMP IS A FRAUD & A FAILURE'

'cons seem to have almost always the better sound bites - 'Choose Life' v 'women's right to choose', etc., etc., etc.,

[wiley]

11. Steyer is a good man!

Everything he is doing is helping the Democratic Party, and everyone in this country. Can't take the jealous sniping of other candidates. Only one can win, anyway!

[Shanti Mama]

13. First, let's all agree

We'd vote for him if he was the nominee against the occupant.

[JI7]

19. why isn't he supporting Elizabeth Warren ?