I'm undecided. Convince me.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

Tell me why the candidate you currently support (1) has the best ideas of all the current and probable Dem candidates, and (2) has the best chance of beating Trump. Tell me the good things about your favorite, and don't bother me with bullshit about other candidates. I'm not interested in picayune, stupid, character-assassinating tweets originating with people with agendas, GOPers, trolls or God knows who the hell else, about Biden touching a woman's shoulders or Buttigieg offering his opinion that Hillary's campaign wasn't perfect, or Klobuchar being a crabby boss, or, or, or. I don't even want to hear about Bernie's tax returns.

Explain, please, without knocking anyone else, what it is about your favorite candidate - their policies, their image, their ability to attract voters - that will defeat Trump. I'm all ears and I want to be persuaded.

[bigtree]

1. nope

...campaigns do this.

I'm here to express how I feel, and share info and images about what my candidate of choice and others are doing.

I get all I need from the variety of posts and other bits folks share. I want daily news, current quotes, scandal, and every other campaign-related tidbit I can read or look at.

I don't want to be bored by a campaign spreadsheet, no matter how it's presented.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

4. Sorry, I didn't mean to bore you.

I am genuinely interested in why other DUers have chosen a particular candidate, and I was hoping that at least a few would be willing to talk about it in a persuasive way.

[bigtree]

6. no worries

...I'm here for this too.

[at140]

2. In my honest opinion, the most critical issues are..

1. ordinary working middle class people are getting squeezed from all directions
2. healthcare is unaffordable due to (premiums+deductibles+out of pocket)

While the top 5% is much richer than just 10 years ago, the middle 60% are marching in place.
The best candidate who knows the issues and has experience in how to deal with them and has the fortitude and skill to tangle with Trump in general is Senator Elizabeth Warren.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

7. Thank you.

I like her and I agree with her analysis of economic issues. Why do you think she's the most likely of all the candidates to beat Trump?

[at140]

16. She has the depth of knowledge and experience in senate having dealt

with those 2 issues which few others can boast. She will come across in debate with Trump as one who has the real in depth grasp of issues, without being prosecutorial and overbearing. People watching the debates will recognize who genuinely understands the issues and solutions.

[SFnomad]

3. It's not our job to convince you

It's your job to examine the candidates and choose the one that is correct for you. None of us can make that decision for you.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

5. Wow, I guess I was barking up the wrong tree.

I was kind of hoping at that least a few people might be willing to present their candidate's case. I thought that might be part of my examination of them and could help contribute to my choice, which of course is mine to make.

[SFnomad]

9. If this is truly, honestly your intention ... read the threads in the forum

You will find out lots of information about candidates ... pro and con.

[Quixote1818]

44. You don't have to participate. It's not mandatory

The OP was asking for opinions for anyone who felt strongly about their candidate. People do that a lot here every year and there is nothing wrong with asking for opinions.

[SFnomad]

45. The OP wasn't just asking for "opinions". The title was ---- " I'm undecided. Convince me."

That's asking for more than just "opinions". And I'll stick to what I posted. It's not our job to convince that person, it's their job to go out and figure it out for themselves.

What is important for me may or may not be important for that person. What is a priority for me, may or may not be a priority for that person. Who I decide is a good fit for me and my priorities may or may not be a good fit for that person. Where that person stands on the issues and what priority that person places on those issue will determine who that person should follow.

[Quixote1818]

46. The OP is totally fine. I have seen "Convince me" threads since DU was founded

If you don't like someone asking for opinions then move to a different thread and in the future try to work on not talking to people like they are 5 years old and need to be lectured on the "proper" way you think they should do things. On a discussion board where just about anything goes the OP's approach is not uncommon.

[SFnomad]

47. "In the future" ... don't try to lecture me. You're being quite hypocritical here n/t

[JudyM]

71. The negativity is uncalled for. It's a valuable post for some; if not for you, no need to criticize.

[SFnomad]

77. Who are you to tell me what is "uncalled for"? When negativity is dropped on me, I'll return it

If you don't like my post ... you can always skip it.

[Corgigal]

8. Your loved one needs life and death surgery.

Pick your surgeon. I always prefer the smartest person. That's still objective, but that's how I decide.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

11. I agree that he's wicked smart and that's a great qualification.

If he can get the nomination do you think he can beat Trump?

[Corgigal]

13. No idea.

Whoever it is, it's a must. I will help any of the above. I heard the same thing about a black guy too. I ignore it.

[femmedem]

32. I do, because I think folks in the critical rust belt states will relate well to him.

We lost those states so narrowly in 2016, and they would have carried Clinton to victory.

Bonus: he wouldn't cost us a senate seat.

Edited to add: thank you for attempting to get some positivity for our candidates. This forum has been demoralizing lately: as much Democratic-bashing Underground as Democratic Underground.

[hughee99]

20. I'd take the best surgeon. The one with the best history of outcomes for the surgery that I need

Them to perform. That may or may not be the smartest person.

For politicians, having great ideas is fantastic, but a politician who can't sell those ideas may not be the best choice.

[question everything]

41. Klobuchar can sell, and sold

In a five-year period from 2014 to 2018, according to GovTrack.us, Sen. Klobuchar’s allegedly browbeaten staff helped her co-sponsor 1,967 bills—more than any other senator except Connecticut’s Richard Blumenthal. Another study, conducted in 2016, ranked her No. 1 in the Senate in lending her name to bills that were enacted into law.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/128711000

[brooklynite]

10. The negatives of another candidate are as important as the positives of mine...

For example: Kamala Harris, despite her accomplishments, policies and fundraising, has never had a hard campaign to run against a Republican. I consider that important.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

12. Objective disadvantages are one thing, hit jobs are something else entirely.

I am trying to avoid trafficking in or considering hit jobs. Can you tell me why you support Hickenlooper? I don't know much about him.

[brooklynite]

21. He's a former Governor...

...which means he has a list of accomplishments to point to.

He's from an inland purple State, not the "liberal elite" coasts.

He's turned out progressive policies while working with a Republican-controlled legislature.

He has a solid business background (starting a series of successful brewpubs).

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

24. Thank you. I agree that executive branch experience is very useful.

Seventeen presidents were once governors.

[Blue_true]

14. Can I convince you to wait for the first debate?

I want to see all the candidates onstage dealing with tough questions. Through that process, I will pick my favorites. I have only ruled out about two so far, because some things around them have left a bad taste in my mouth.

[Qutzupalotl]

15. We have a ton of great candidates.

And I could be enthusiastic for almost any of them. I have always loved Warren, so many good ideas. I like Bernie’s message. Harris is likeable and effective. I was very impressed with Beto in his Senate campaign, so inspiring. This cycle, I started out a Biden supporter because I know he can win, and his elevation would signal our allies that we’re still with them. Then I saw Inslee on Maddow and was blown away. He’d be a great advocate for any of our causes. A skilled persuader.

When I first heard about Buttigieg, I thought he was just a spoiler, no way could a gay man win in this hate-filled country. But he speaks to our values as a nation better than just about anyone since Obama, and is a Rhodes Scholar like Bill.

Pete will tell you that as mayor, he has more executive experience than Trump. That may be a better barometer of capability than holding a higher office, because local government has to be more visible and responsive to constituents in a crisis. He has more military experience than any president since GHWB. He speaks eight languages, learning Arabic during deployment, and Norwegian just because he liked an author.

There is something about his brilliance that sets him apart from the other great candidates. He has the skills to turn questions about his experience into a positive. He can win back a sizeable chunk of the religious vote, speaking easily about how his faith informs his values of taking care of the poor, the sick and the stranger. I realize that will make atheists cringe, but he is “one of the good ones” — not trying to deny your rights but expand them, not trying to proselytize you, but just showing decency by example. He has a good riff on Pence too.

To listen to Pete for any length of time is to understand what he believes, and eventually you realize you agree with him and maybe always have. That’s why he has come out of nowhere to suddenly be tied for third in the polls, and I think will rise to the top and be an outstanding, unifying president.

(Edited to say 8 languages, not 5, and president rather than candidate. Thanks, everyone!)

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

19. I like him a lot. Thank you.

[mobeau69]

40. Oxford confers degrees as follows: First, Upper Second, Second, and Third (Very English)

Guess which one Pete received.

[question everything]

42. "Biden supporter because I know he can win"

I love Biden. He was going to be my first choice in 1988 and was in 2008. And I will be happy if he is the nominee. But I am not sure how a good national campaigner he is. Sure, he kept winning his senate seat. A favorite son, but was not great in 2008. Will his "gaffes" take the best of him?

He does have some memorable quotes:

About Giuliani: A noun, a verb and 9/11.

On the 2012 campaign trail:

Bil laden is dead and General Motors is alive.

[Celerity]

43. great post

He speaks 8 languages btw

English, Norwegian, Spanish, Italian, Maltese, Arabic, Dari, and French.

Eight more than Trump.

Well, 7, as Trump is fluent in Hate.

[efhmc]

53. Nicely done.

[Qutzupalotl]

64. Thanks, I edited my post.

[Byronic]

60. He's great!

But just out of interest, are you quite sure about "he has more military experience than any candidate since GHWB"? Just curious as to how that is judged considering there has been Dole, McCain and Kerry, as nominees alone since then - not to mention Wes Clark's run in 2004. We also have Gabbard in the race this time out.

[Qutzupalotl]

63. I could be misquoting him.

I thought that’s what he said, but you’re right about those names. Perhaps he said “president” not “candidate.” I will edit, thanks.

[Byronic]

65. He'd be right about president, wouldn't he?

All the other veterans since Bush have fallen just short of the presidency.

Pete has made a marvellous start to his campaign. Long may it continue.

[Uncle Joe]

17. Bernie would be a much needed transformation-al President if nominated and elected.

I also believe he would be the strongest candidate against Trump, bar none.



Thanks for the thread The Velveteen Ocelot

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

18. Thank you.

[RobertDevereaux]

39. Agreed.

[JudyM]

72. Polls show he still is the most popular among young voters and we have to get them out in 2020.

Not to mention his crossover popularity.

[applegrove]

22. Buttigieg thinks so clearly he gets to the bottom of things. That takes

Last edited Mon Apr 1, 2019, 02:54 AM - Edit history (1)

perception and the ability to think counterintuitively: he thinks in a whole world of possibilities. He synthesizes. He knows details. He then shares clearly and simply. And he is kind and funny. He knows the issues. He alone can start to heal the country and unwind the GOP Trump cult.

[question everything]

23. The candidate has to be a pragmatist.

Yes, we got some firebrands with "socialist" ideas, but the majority of the new Democrats who flipped Republican seats are moderate.

It was Pelosi genius to concentrate on health care and to leave Trump alone.

I think that all the white, suburban women that flipped Republican seats are moderate. They may not be enticed by "Medicare for all," "free college," etc.

I like Klobuchar's pragmatic, step wise approach. Let's start here and move there. And, yes, I think that a Midwestern like Klobuchar or Mayor Pete can have a better appeal in the general.

Yes, Klobuchar is at the bottom of all the polls and I hope that things will change.

This is what she said this morning on the ABC show

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1287&pid=45337

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

25. Thank you. Klobuchar is one of my Senators.

The first time she ran for the Senate she did her own phone calling, and I had a nice conversation with her. She has a lot more backbone now than she did when she was first elected and I was really impressed with her questioning of Kavanaugh.

[lostnfound]

35. I'm disappointed that in this large field her voice isn't getting heard.

I know it’s early. I think she would not only make a good general election candidate, but i assume she might be able to help awaken some segments of the GOP cult. But in this massive field, it’s hard to even compare candidates.

[BlueWI]

56. I like Kloubuchar.

I heard her at a rally recently and was familiar with her from Democratic circles in Minnesota. Her communication skills are excellent, and she has a quiet determination and focus that would help a lot in a campaign against Trump. Since I am supporting Inslee, I share your pain about the lack of traction.

I would like to see a candidate with liberal bona fides, ideally, so for me she's below Inslee, Warren, and Buttigieg. But if the nominee is more of a moderate wing Democrat, she'd be my preference.

[NanceGreggs]

26. Watch and listen.

It’s way too soon to tell. We are seeing some really promising candidates. But what we mostly know of them is how they acted in their previous political positions.

This is the time when we watch them act in terms of a potential presidency – a role none of them have been cast in before now.

There are so many things that “count” – and it is still too early to do a final scoring. Intelligence, personal charisma – a sense of dedication to duty, a sense of humour – a willingness to compromise, a willingness to stand firm. These are all attributes that will be measured over the coming year, and no one yet knows which might overshadow another – or who will wind up being seen as the perfect blend of all of the above.

No need to ask others to convince you – because it’s ultimately up to a candidate to convince you, not one of his/her supporters.

But you know that.

[quickesst]

27. your eyes are getting heavy.....

Joe Biden is your only choice.
There is no one else but Joe Biden.
I compel you to vote for Joe Biden!!!!!

https://m.

&t=17s

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

28. LOL! Whatever works...

[quickesst]

29. little levity for the season

Hope you don't mind.

[Cha]

34. ..

[RDANGELO]

30. The most pressing issue not just to our country, but to the human race is global warming.

Jay Inslee has made that the centerpiece of his campaign.

[femmedem]

33. I agree with Inslee on that.

I'm currently supporting Pete but I'd be very happy with Inslee as our nominee. I hope he qualifies for the debates.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

38. I agree.

Inslee will need to flesh out his other positions, but it's great that he's bringing climate change to center stage. I hope that even if he isn't nominated the candidate who is takes that issue on.

[Persondem]

49. Check out the link below to a post I made a while back about Inslee.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100211462374

In addition, the only negatives I can see about Gov. Inslee are that he emphasizes global warming a little too much (though he does a great job linking it to green jobs and eco friendliness) and that he is from the West coast.

He doesn't have any skeletons in his closet. He's been married to the same woman for 30+ years. Yes, he's a white male but I see that as an asset in getting traction with wavering trump voters.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

51. Thanks. I hope he gets more traction and can participate in the debates.

He definitely has a lot going for him.

[BlueWI]

54. I would also encourage a closer look at Inslee.

As the previous poster mentioned, climate change is his #1 issue, but his records as a governor and in Congress show successes in a number of areas. He has an excellent sense of when to stand on principle and when to join a majority. Clinton won the nod last time because of relevant experience, and Inslee brings a similar record of accomplishment as a chief executive and as a legislator. I would love to see him get more traction and visibility, because I think his electibility is a strong point. The time is right for a Midwest or West Coast candidate and a candidate with a clear legislative agenda.

[California_Republic]

31. Pete is cool, calm, educated. Young

[thesquanderer]

36. For me, it's the lack of negatives.

I'll preface this by saying that, philosophically, I'm more of the lefty wing than the moderate. Before Buttigieg, my sig had Warren and Sanders.

Initially I wrote Buttigieg off, I thought his campaign was more about positioning himself for the future than having any kind of realistic shot for 2020, but the more I've seen and heard, the more I think I could be underestimating him, and I'm not going to let a "he can't win" preconception become a self-fulfilling prophecy... that would be the kind of thinking that would have prevented Obama from being nominated, as so many thought it was too soon for him as well.

Buttigieg has enough progressivism, a mental sharpness, and what I think can be very wide appeal. In terms of positions, I think he has a similar appeal as Warren and Sanders, but without what I feel are their negatives. Even as I had Sanders and Warren in my sig, I was aware of what I saw as their flaws (which I won't discuss here), and I don't see comparable issues with Buttigieg.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

37. Thanks, good point.

I look forward to his participation in the debates.

[marylandblue]

48. Communication skills/charisma are everything

Most of the candidates are not that far apart on most policy issues, just a matter of degree. But this is going to be a negative, bruising campaign. The nominee will need to argue their position clearly and compellingly, and effectively defend against/turn around attacks.

Buttigieg appears to be the most effective communicator for this, which is why the media loves him. If you make good television, they will give more positive coverage. Also, he is the best at Twitter, I think he's the only one who can give devestating rapid responses to Trump's tweets. That's important these days.

Youth is no barrier to being effective these days. It's all about mastering media. Look at future Presidents David Hogg and Ocasio-Cortez.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

50. He is a very effective communicator.

Great ideas don't help you if you can't communicate them. He is definitely someone to watch.

[SomewhereInTheMiddle]

52. The power of the President

I am undecided.

A big question I have is what is within the power of the president and how are the candidates talking about those things.

Healthcare for all. Free higher education. Higher minimum wage. These are all things that a president can lend their voice to, even propose legislation to Congress. But budgets and laws are within the power of the legislature, not the executive.

Our current president has found that out, much to his chagrin.

Foreign affairs, national defense, executive and judicial appointments, regulatory oversight - these are the powers of the head of the executive branch. These are the things a president can most easily impact. And again our current president is doing the most damage in these realms.

Too often I see candidates talk almost exclusively about budgetary priorities and programs they want passed. When I see a sitting senator or congressperson pushing these I wonder why they don’t push them from within the legislature.

I pay more attention to the discussion of the things that fall within a president’s purview.

Who among the current candidates is talking mostly about those things?

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

55. That is an excellent point.

Most candidates have a laundry list of things they want to do - but it's almost all legislative, and therefore merely aspirational, because it won't happen without Congress. While it's important to know what legislation the candidate would favor because you can determine their values and goals that way, it would also be good to see some explanation of how the candidate might expect to get his/her proposals through Congress.

So yes, let's see more discussion about what the executive branch does. Who would this president appoint as cabinet secretaries and other agency heads? What are their foreign policy goals? And what are some of the first things they would do to start cleaning up the mess Trump has made of our government?

[marylandblue]

61. It's implicit in all their proposals that we either

take back the Senate or split the Republican coalition. But of course they can't promise that directly. So I am looking at who woud have either the longest coat-tails or be enough of a nasty SOB to strong arm some Republicans into cooperating.

I'm almost positive this is a realignment election, so we want a transformative President who will have the coat-tails to change some Senate seats. I thing Buttigieg does well here, but other possibilities are Warren, Sanders, O'Rourke and Inslee.

For strong-arming, Sanders is the only obvious nasty SOB among them, but Klobuchar sounds like she's tough in private and effective too.

[SomewhereInTheMiddle]

85. Concentrate on what is in their control?

I agree that a candidate addressing how they would work with congress – either a friendly or unfriendly one – to get desired legislation and budgets passed. But ultimately laws and budgets are out of their control. How a candidate would use veto powers and how they feel about using government shutdowns to force budget priorities is perhaps more useful information to me, as again, it is within their power.

I still want to hear more about national security priorities, foreign policy plans, and thoughts on the use of executive power.

In 2016 I voted for Sanders in the Primary, not because I thought he would be an effective President, but because I thought he had some good ideas on the domestic front and wanted to lend weight for bringing discussion of those ideas into the mainstream of democratic politics. I do not recall hearing much from Sanders on foreign policy or national security. I am not saying he does not have thoughts and plans on these, I just never saw them take the forefront of his campaign.

This is the same with too many other candidates in my opinion. I am sure I will vote for the democratic candidate once selected. I just want help determining how to vote in the primary. But this is likely outside of the scope of this thread.

[RLG]

57. I'm still undecided.

And I will continue to be undecided.

I want have an objective mind regarding all of these candidates.

But I will call out what needs to be heard.

[Downtown Hound]

58. Sorry. Learn to make up your own mind

I don't do the thinking for other people.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

59. I didn't ask for that. I asked for arguments and data in favor of candidates,

which would be information that I could use to help me make up my own mind, which I am quite capable of doing, thanks anyhow. I assume you have your reasons for supporting Joe Biden and I'd like to know what they are. But if you don't want to bother or if you can't think of any, that's fine too. I'll turn to people who are willing to make the effort to persuade.

[corbettkroehler]

62. Any Sober, Dispassionate Analysis Concludes That Sanders Would Have CRUSHED Trump In 2016

And the general election will be MUCH easier this time because of Trump's horrible policies for the poor and middle class. Trump's lies won't work as well in 2020.

People who argue that Bernie would have lost in the 2016 general because he lost the primary are kidding themselves.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

67. OK, but that doesn't answer my question.

Without relitigating 2016, which I definitely won't do, the possibility that he might have beaten Trump if he'd been nominated isn't dispositive as to whether Bernie, above all the other candidates, would be the most likely to beat him this time. In 2016 he was the only strongly progressive candidate. Now there are several. The landscape is much different this time. What I'd like to know is what sets him apart from the other progressives, and how he is uniquely positioned to beat Trump when the other progressives might not.

[corbettkroehler]

74. 2016 IS Dispositive Of 2020 Because The Different Landscape Favors Sanders

We have seen here on DU multiple anecdotes of Trump voters forswearing a repeat. Likewise, here on DU we have seen multiple anecdotes from Trump voters who said that they would have voted for Bernie in 2016 but couldn't bring themselves to vote for Hillary.

Most importantly, portions of Bernie's platform from 2016, such as the $15 minimum wage, have been implemented in portions of the country, giving him significant new momentum when Trump inevitably tries to claim that we can't raise the minimum wage.

Trump promised to fix healthcare but the problem has exacerbated. A growing portion of the electorate has come to realize that Medicare For All is the only solution because it removes the profit motive from healthcare. Now that Trump has committed to repealing Obamacare immediately but not replacing it until 2021, the momentum Bernie will enjoy in this area will be IMMENSE compared with 2016. No matter where you stand on Hillary's 2016 position that the path forward was protecting Obamacare, under Trump, that ship has sailed. Healthcare was a top-tier issue during the 2018 mid-terms, which Bernie won in a landslide in Vermont, and will remain there in 2020, heavily favoring Bernie since he has campaigned on it for decades.

Possibly the biggest issue was Trump's lies about global warming. Bernie warned everyone about the national security threat from climate change and Trump responded with propaganda. The climate crisis is much worse than in 2016 and will be EVEN WORSE in 2020.

[marylandblue]

75. Sanders is a victim of his own success.

His radical ideas from 2016 are now mainstream, but now that they are, he has competition from others running on his platform. Voters have short memories. They don't care that he was the only one saying it in 2016.

It's also why there is so much negativity already this time. If everyone has the same platform, personality and scandals become more important.

[Maxheader]

66. Kyle Hill

Environmental sciences...Myth busters?...What better skill to have in a government full of winger bullshit artists?

https://www.sciencechannel.com/tv-shows/mythbusters-the-search/bios/kyle-hill-host

Kyle is currently the science editor at Nerdist.com, the host of the YouTube science show Because Science, and in 2013 was named one of the top science communicators to follow by WIRED magazine. Hill is a science writer and communicator based in Los Angeles. He earned his bachelors of science degree in civil and environmental engineering from Marquette University in 2011, and his masters of arts in communication from the same university in 2013. That year Hill started freelancing for Scientific American, eventually becoming a part of the blog network.

Since then, Kyle's work has been published in WIRED, Popular Science, Slate and The Boston Globe, and he has appeared as an expert on outlets that range from Huffington Post Live to Fox News. He has held writing positions at Nature Education and Discover Magazine, and has worked as a TV science contributor for networks that include Science Channel and more.

But perhaps most importantly -- given his role as host of Myth Busters: The Search -- Kyle is a huge MythBusters fan. In fact, as he wrote in Nerdist when the series concluded, MythBusters was the reason he changed his career path from engineer to science communicator, and today his passion is to use popular culture to teach science in a fun and digestible way.

So, really, saying Kyle Hill is a MythBusters fan is an understatement. He -- like many -- was profoundly influenced by the show. He's honored to be a part of the search for those who can carry on MythBusters' legacy of curiosity, questioning, busting myths and experimentation (and explosions).

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

68. Is he running?

[Maxheader]

70. No. Just wish full thinking...

Growing up in small farming community I remember Dad and Mom talking about people that could lead this or that. Usually treasurer for the town...Mayor...And how although very successful they didn't want to get involved in all the bullshit that goes on...even in small town politics...

There are people in this country..that have the right stuff...Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, is what I'm thinking of. The caliber of intelligence the country needs. Activist from the beginning...Others with the talent but don't want the
bs need to be coerced into action.

[Gothmog]

69. I am leaning towards Beto in part because i have heard him in a small group

Here are examples of Beto at his best

Link to tweet

Link to tweet

[AnyDemocrat2020]

82. Beto is phenomenal at connecting with his audience and he is

such a decent person that I love the contrast he created between him and the monster haunting Pennsylvania Avenue.

[rgbecker]

73. Right now I'm supporting Sanders as he has set the goal posts on policy.

Other Democrats are now falling in line on Medicare for All, Affordable college, livable minimum wage but it is Sanders that has been traveling the country since 2015 and getting the ideas on the discussion table all across the country. There isn't a college student in the country that hasn't heard of him and that would probably support him. The test now is to show a broad donor base and whether Sanders can continue to post good numbers is still to be decided.

Besides his leadership on all the current progressive policies, can you imagine Sanders ever leading the US into a war without the very existence of the US in the balance? Ask yourself, would Sanders have volunteered to go to Iraq? Would Sanders lead US troops to Venezuela? Did he ever support any war ever? Did he ever support "Enhanced interrogation"? His war is with the rich, those skimming the cream off the workers' labors. He would never send troops to back some path to cheap oil or support the corporations at the feeding troughs of the MIC.

His work on Veteran's issues has been steady and always for the Veteran, not the 3 guys in Florida.

He will be our chance to bring real change to numerous systems now rigged for the rich.

Bernie Sanders has brought and will bring many who have stayed home out to support him as a Democratic Candidate. He will beat Trump easily because he will stimulate "non-voters" to show up. Those that complain that there no difference between the candidates
will be drawn to his straight forward, no bull-shit depiction of the current rigged system. Because of his ability to bring out the "none of the above" voters, if Trump falters (for whatever reason), and a more moderate GOP candidate is put up, Sanders will beat that candidate because he doesn't need the nut cases from the GOP to switch over. That said, some say he has the ability to attract some of those who voted for Trump...those that saw Trump as fighter against the status quo.

I'm 71 and my only reservation about Sanders is his age. If I see a younger candidate pick up Sanders' issues and similarly stimulate a turn out of normally complacent citizens, I would change my support. For now Sanders has set the standard for me and he will have my support until he stumbles and falls.

[AnyDemocrat2020]

83. I love what a positive effect Sanders has had on the Democratic agenda

some Democrats seem unhappy acknowledging his influence, but Sanders has moved the whole party in a policy direction that I really admire.

[still_one]

76. One word

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Your question is a good one though, and deserves a thoughtful response

Since I am still in evaluation mode I would not be the best to provide such advice.

I am waiting for the debates first before I start evaluating where the candidates stand on the issues

[njhoneybadger]

78. The only thing that matters is winning the Swing States

I think Joe has the best chance to win them.

[Byronic]

79. Don't want to convince you, but

if you could keep an open mind towards John Hickenlooper, that is about as much as I could ask for at this stage of proceedings.

I'd quite like a chief executive with a bit of experience this time out, to mend the nation, and to put the country back on the right track.

Hickenlooper is a two-term governor of a purple state, a two-term mayor of a major city, an entrepreneur, a geologist who approaches problems with a scientific mindset, and is (and this is not an insignificant thing) a man who knows what it is like to be made unemployed. He fought back and in in his triumph managed to bring plenty of people along with him.

I have a hunch that we cannot out-Trump, Trump. We cannot think we can out-insult him. I'm not sure someone slick and smooth talking is the answer, either.

We might need someone who can bring people together. Who can unite the disaffected and the disgusted voters from every strata of society and political persuasion, into a wave of decency and goodwill, which will overcome and wash away every vestige of this corrupt, venal, base, regime.

This dark time in politics might just be lit up by a most unlikely source.

It's lonely on this site, to be sure, but my money is still on the far from smooth nerd who has overcome many a bully in his time, and has surprised many a political opponent.

[pansypoo53219]

80. can't tell who can beat prima donnie yet.

[AnyDemocrat2020]

81. Elizabeth Warren probably has one of the most pro-consumer and anti-corporate personhood

agendas of any candidate. She’s a smart leader with a terrific and detailed agenda. Her loyalty unquestionably lies with working families, and she has a whole career of advocacy and accomplishment to verify that loyalty.

Bernie Sanders has a similar agenda, and he excites a segment of the party that it is good to have excited.

Beto O’Rourke has a less progressive history and a much shorter career, but he also generates incredible enthusiasm in a segment of the party who I love to see burning with the enthusiasm of true belief in a candidate. Plus, I love that Beto is young and energetic at a time when so many voters are longing for a new voice to lead us in a new direction. Beto is also an extremely decent human being and is able to fight back against an opponent’s worst ideas without out making the attack personal, which is a style that contrasts with the cowardly pretender hiding at Mar-a-Lago.

Cory Booker is a genius with an amazing life story and an amazing record of progressive accomplishment ...

I could go on and on because we have a fantastic field of candidates. I don’t love everything about all of our candidates but even the least among Democrats running would be like water in a dessert after the current misanthropic nightmare of an administration.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

84. I hope eventually we can all get behind one of the many excellent candidates.

One of the reasons I posted this was to encourage people to think about why they like a candidate or candidates and not why they don't like some others. It's been getting kind of negative so I appreciate all the great comments.

[rgbecker]

87. Thanks for this this thread Ocelot!

Trying to get past the negativeness will clearly be a chore but some are giving good positive reasons to go with one or the other candidate.

I'm amazed at the number who won't commit even for a day. They seem to waiting for the Media to pick their guy.

The recent release of fund raising numbers is really the first concrete number to go by for those who need confirmation that there is support for their choice.

[rgbecker]

86. I'm a Warren supporter and have voted for her now 2 times!

She is my Massachusetts Senator and I can tell you she is straight forward and on target. If she can get her campaign moving like Sanders has his....bringing in new voters, raising big money from large quantities of donors, I'll switch to her in a minute. I've donated to her first quarter and hope she can get her message out. I went to a local event here and the place was overflowing. People in Massachusetts are all behind her and her agenda.

I love that so many on DU will vote for the Democratic Candidate no matter who....but WTF, the negative talk so early in the process is astounding. Could it be that there will some that won't vote for the Democrat come general election time on the DU? Somehow, I don't think so.


If Trump is the GOP candidate in 2020 it will be easy sailing for the Democrats who are all worked up because Trump is such an ass. But if they cast him aside, in fear of losing both House and Senate, a more moderate Republican will change the dynamics of the election especially if the Democrats also run a moderate. Once again those staying home will win the day. 40% in recent years don't bother as they don't see how it affects them: they think they are screwed with either party.

[AnyDemocrat2020]

88. I'm hopeful that Mike Pratt moving on from Warren's campaign

will effectively reboot her financing strategies and take the campaign fundraising in a better direction.

With that said, I expect Warren to shine when the debates come around. No one is better prepared to address the legislative remedies for what ails the middle class and working poor than Warren, and these are voting blocks which did not support us in 2016 as vigorously as they should have (or would have if they had been able to see through the false promises that Trump would bring down the status quo that was not protecting them to give them better economic opportunities).

[Gothmog]

89. Here are some great proposals from Beto

Link to tweet

?s=20

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

90. Good stuff. We really need changes in voting laws.

In my state we do have same-day registration and no ID required to vote if you're already registered, which GOPers hate, but automatic registration would be even better.