I wish Michael Bennet would gain some traction...

[ElementaryPenguin]

Last edited Sun Aug 18, 2019, 10:17 PM - Edit history (1)

He's at a disadvantage because he had to enter the race late due to his bout with prostrate cancer.

It's a shame, because I think he's an extremely thoughtful, reasonable individual, with a lot of potential in a general election.

[Green Line]

1. I agree

I like him a lot, he does come across as thoughtful and reasonable, every time I see him, I'm impressed.

[ElementaryPenguin]

9. I'm more impressed each time...

And he strikes me as presidential... I even like his halting, Jimmy Stewart-like speech pattern.

But it doesn't seem to stand out on a stage with 10 people trying to get attention. (For that matter, I'm not sure Barak Obama would've been able to distinguish himself from the outside spots where he's been placed).

[IrishEyes]

2. I like Michael Bennet.

[ElementaryPenguin]

8. I think there may be

A lot of closet Michal Bennet fans. (not sure what "a lot" means)

[RockRaven]

3. I suspect Michael Bennett the football player has better name recognition --

nationally anyhow -- than Michael Bennett the politician.

I don't know how to get the national news media interested in covering lesser known/lower polling candidates, but we'd have a healthier body politic if they did.

[ElementaryPenguin]

6. I think you're right.

[IrishEyes]

35. Michael Bennett, the football player, endorsed Bernie Sanders.

When I saw it, I was confused because I didn't know there was a football player named Michael Bennett. In fairness, I know absolutely nothing about football.

[The Blue Flower]

4. Me too

I like him very much.

[ElementaryPenguin]

10. I really do.

I like several candidates of ours - and to me Bennet seems as electable as anyone we've got, actually.

[Margot]

5. Absolutely

I agree. His genial manner, likability, and solid debate performances--as well as his strong Education background--should really elevate him to the top tier. It's frustrating to see such a potentially strong candidate receive short shrift from the media. I'd like to think he will end up as a "sleeper" candidate in Iowa, but I guess I'm being an incurable (and probably unrealistic) optimist.

[ElementaryPenguin]

7. I've thought too - that he could be a sleeper candidate

Very likable, impressive guy. Just not as well known as several others.

[Karadeniz]

11. Can't we have about a 10-panel presidency?

[elocs]

12. Well you're at the right place here where many believe wishing makes it so. n/t

[littlemissmartypants]

13. I like him too, ElementaryPenguin. nt

[ElementaryPenguin]

15. Cool.

[MustLoveBeagles]

14. I like him too

I thought he did very well in the second debate.

[ElementaryPenguin]

16. I did too.

And then seemed largely ignored by the media again - though they generally seem to like him too.

[question everything]

17. Agree. Unfortunately "revolutionary" ideas from Warren and from Sanders capture headlines

And while many here "worry" about Biden's age (76), no one is "worrying" about Sanders (77) or Warren (70).

[ElementaryPenguin]

33. I think that's true about the headlines...

All three of them are old - but I'm not dismissing their viability as candidates because of it.

Obama did seem to demonstrate how the extra youthful vitality can really be a plus. After all - it's a tough job. (although it doesn't look like it when you have someone always on executive time like Trump - or a mere figurehead like Reagan.)

[andym]

18. I think he was fighting prostate cancer, not pancreatic cancer as your OP currently states.

Pancreatic cancer has a much worse 5-year survival rate than prostate cancer.

[ElementaryPenguin]

21. Right you are. Thanks. My bad.

[Bettie]

19. He came to our county monthly meeting

and answered questions.

First: he answered the question I actually asked rather than circling around to talk about something else.

Second: His answer made a lot of sense and was well thought out.

Finally, he was kind, he was well spoken and he really impressed me. I would happily vote for him, he does have a lot of potential.

[ElementaryPenguin]

22. Answered your question, eh? How refreshing!

[hack89]

20. I prefer his brother Martellus

[ElementaryPenguin]

23. Funny dat!

Unfortunately, at this point, Michael is the lesser known.

[floppyboo]

24. If a centrist has to win, Bennet and Klobochar are both great bets

but biden would have to drop out...

[ElementaryPenguin]

32. Well, if could get anywhere near contention...

He might look pretty good comparing side by side with Biden. Just being so much younger.

And I'm sure he would only engage Biden with the utmost respect.

[brooklynite]

25. Do you imagine that if he had gotten in earlier, he would be been out of single digits?

[ElementaryPenguin]

31. Maybe not, but it is still early...

I think he'd be closer to where Beto is.

[UniteFightBack]

26. He can be right where he is...in the wings. If shit goes wrong who knows he may swoop in and

be the nominee. It's happened before now hasn't it???

[ElementaryPenguin]

30. Yep. It has.

[VarryOn]

27. He certainly comes across as thoughtful, reasonable, and serious....

Those adjectives dont necessarily lend themselves to attracting voters in a partisan primary. And frankly, the President would show him no respect and shred him. Therefore, he cant be the guy.

To win a primary (whether a Democratic or Republocan one), a candidate has to stand out somehow, but doing so with intellect, apparent reasonablness, or congeniality (especiality with the opposite party) wont cut it. It's seen as weakness.

Penguin, I too wish he would gain some traction. I really liked him in the last debate

[ElementaryPenguin]

29. I largely agree with you, except

I don't agree that Trump would "shred him." Trump is the worst debater in history - he knows nothing, and refuses (and/or is incapable of) preparing. Hillary shredded him all three debates.

While Bennet comes across like a nice, decent guy that he is, he is also very passionate - and can be tough when confronting a thug - as he proved when launched into his stunning, Jimmy Stewart-esque attack on Ted Cruz.

He won't be nasty enough to impress or sway Trump Nazi supporters - but we'd probably need Hulk Hogan to do that. Where's Jessie Ventura when you need him?

[VarryOn]

34. I should have chosen better wording...

Trump certainly wouldn’t shred him intellectually. I was thinking more along the line of Trump being rude and nasty and an all around dick.

If I thought he was capable of winning, Bennett would be my guy. He’s just too traditional to get a serious look from primary voters.

[ElementaryPenguin]

36. As far as the primary goes, you may be right.

In this case, I think that's unfortunate.