Is there anyone you were introduced to this primary season who you now really like?

[TidalWave46]

I get that this is a very politically savvy board and that most of you knew at least the name of every candidate. But is there someone you knew little about who really kind of knocked your socks off?

For me it's Amy Klobuchar. I have come to view her as a rockstar. Watching her at the She the People Forum was an eye opener for me. Her assertiveness and level of comfort on that stage had me hooked. I've watched more and more of her since that time.

I'm also going to add the opposite end of the spectrum. Is there someone you had a good eye on and knew well who did not do it for you this primary season? For me that person is Booker. I am a big Booker person and still am. I thought when he announced that I was going to be team Booker the whole way but from the start I didn't see a real Presidential campaign form. Anyway, I still really like him a lot and if you do post about a candidate using this second question please don't "bash".

Happy New Year!

[CrispyQ]

1. Amy Klobuchar for me as well, as someone very impressive!

I also just so impressed with the amazing young talent on our side, who will grow and develop into fine leaders and spokespersons for our party. When you see them conduct themselves in interviews, in hearings, on media shows, and compare them to their counterparts on the right, I'm just stunned that anyone could vote republican.

[underpants]

2. Klobuchar and Yang

Both are very impressive

[Sloumeau]

3. TidalWave46, thanks for posting this. :)

I've been very impressed with Senator Amy Klobuchar, and if Biden were not running, I think I'd probably be backing her right now. She's highly intelligent, very personable, and she really knows how to win, even when in an area that leans red. Plus, she seems to agree with me that economics is super important with regard to presidential elections. She'd make a great president or VP, though if Biden wins I think I'd prefer he go with a woman of color. We really need the non-white vote.

[beastie boy]

4. Lots of people.

If you are talking about those still in the race, it's Biden, Booker, Warren, Klobuchar.

If you are talking about the entire field, add Kamala to this list. I still hope to see her as a cabinet member in the next administration.

[TidalWave46]

6. +1

I was working under the assumption that people here already knew far more than just the names of Biden and Warren. It's awesome that there are some out there just being introduced to them. They speak very well for us.

[judeling]

7. Yang

Easy to see his attraction and his growth has been remarkable. But he is in no way ready. But I can see that he could be as he starts to incorporate a broader perspective into his thinking. Made some real mistakes. But he is learning fast.

Harris was my biggest disappointment. She turned out to be much to tactical and not strategic enough. She just never presented any thematic core to hang he moments off of.

[beastie boy]

11. Yang has enormous potential. But he lacks the political skills to make it in the shark pool.

[Peacetrain]

5. I put this up Dec 9th, that Amy K was getting a lot of positive comments

https://www.democraticunderground.com/1287376058

[nsd]

8. Andrew Yang.

I don't quite agree with some of the things he advocates, but I think he's breath of fresh air: a non-politician who actually has thought about the issues. UBI especially is important for people to start discussing.

[ArtTownsend]

13. +1

[George II]

9. There are several. Not necessarily presidential material but I certainly found out a lot....

....about some that I like:

Andrew Yang
Julian Castro
Pete Buttigieg
Klobuchar of course
Bennet
Harris
Messam

A few that I already knew something about but learned more:

Booker
Steyer
Bloomberg (yes, Bloomberg)

Overall it's been a good experience for many of us, I'm sure.

[comradebillyboy]

10. Yes, but she dropped out. I do like Klobuchar a lot however.

[ArtTownsend]

12. I *like* Yang, though I'm not voting for him. And I liked Beto before he droppped out.

Amy Klobuchar has grown on me.

[sacto95834]

14. Another Vote for Yang...

He has some interesting ideas. He certainly thinks outside the box. Perhaps a little before it's time, but may rule the day in the future.

[tishaLA]

15. Sec Castro.

I've followed him on twitter for a couple years--and he's one of the few politicians I do follow on twitter--but I had the mistaken belief that he was a fairly milquetoast politician. Turns out I was wrong. He was one of the few people in the race who consistently addressed poverty and homelessness and trans rights--and the things he, Beto, and Sen Harris have said and done re: immigration are absolutely top drawer.

[MineralMan]

16. Amy Klobuchar is one of my Senators.

I've met and chatted with her a couple of times. Her performance in the Kavanaugh hearing was strikingly strong, too. She is overshadowed in this election cycle, but may well have a place on our next President's cabinet. She is someone who is liked by everyone she meets, and has terrific success in communicating with a broad spectrum of people.

[Lexee]

17. Yang. I had fun listening to him for an hour and half.

Somewhat Buttigeig. Warren, Booker and Castro. Inslee and Bennett but they are solid Dem base and have been listening to that for a couple decades so not new. But the most surprisingly interesting was Yang.

[Aaron Pereira]

18. Same here with Kobuchar.

She seems likable and very cool under pressure. I don't see her winning but she would be a slam dunk VP for the eventual nominee.