JUburton wrote:Bernie and Biden really aren't of the same cloth.

They're exactly the same unless you factor in policy and grassroots support, both of which don't matter at all!

The overreaction to 2016 is really something. Hillary lost because:

1. She was the extremely wrong candidate for the moment.
1a. She was vilified by the right for years/decades.
1b. She didn't understand the moment or how her and Bill cashing in on their post political life would be taken. And I don't mean CLINTON CASH bullshit but just that they're millionaires because they sell books and appearances and talk to goldman sachs etc.
2. Democrats did not build any other establishment options, so Bernie was the only other real choice. That said, I think she'd still have beaten an elevated Harris/Booker/Gillibrand. She still beat Bernie, not exactly 'fair and square' but I'll never believe the DNC did enough to hurt Bernie's chances as to cost him that many votes.
3. The media completely botched Trump. From the NYT to Matt fucking Lauer.
4. Jim Comey

Despite all this, she lost by 100k votes in 3 states and very well may not have if #4 didn't happen. Anyone with a pulse and a lack of decades of baggage is going to be a favorite to beat Trump once all is said and done.

My only real concern is that the primary drags out forever and there's no consensus by the convention and it gets to the point where the party picks. It will be a horrible look should that come to pass.

thephan wrote:I like Mayor Pete. A VP role would be a good training ground for him to experience the political machine, but I do worry that it will catch him in its gearing and grind him into dust. Say what you will about the ineffective system, there is little changing it quickly or easily.

Donny Deutsch made a good point about Mayor Pete. Moreso than any other current candidate, Pete is genuinely thoughtful and nice.

Nice.

Not that Joe isn't nice, but he's a bit checkered.

Pete is a wonderful contrast to the ugliness, the mean spirit of Trump.

Beyond the fact that he's competent and articulate and has sound policy positions, isn't America ready for nice?

Sorry to distract from the Biden conversation for a moment but I wanted to make sure that everyone is aware that Trump's march toward an all-out oligarchy continues with his attempted takeover of the Federal Reserve Bank. After nominating staunch supporter Stephen Moore to the Fed, Trump is now said to be nominating Herman Cain to the last open spot on the Board of Governors. Moore and Cain's job would be very simple - undermine Jerome Powell and push whatever monetary policy Trump favors. That policy would begin with a permanent halt on interest rate hikes.

traderdave wrote:Sorry to distract from the Biden conversation for a moment but I wanted to make sure that everyone is aware that Trump's march toward an all-out oligarchy continues with his attempted takeover of the Federal Reserve Bank. After nominating staunch supporter Stephen Moore to the Fed, Trump is now said to be nominating Herman Cain to the last open spot on the Board of Governors. Moore and Cain's job would be very simple - undermine Jerome Powell and push whatever monetary policy Trump favors. That policy would begin with a permanent halt on interest rate hikes.

Well I'll be sure to buy a house before President Harris undoes this.

9 9 9 percent interest rates!

pacino wrote:

JUburton wrote:Bernie and Biden really aren't of the same cloth.

They're exactly the same unless you factor in policy and grassroots support, both of which don't matter at all!

so they're old and white? is that why they're exactly the same? (or am i missing sarcasm)

Bucky wrote:

pacino wrote:

JUburton wrote:Bernie and Biden really aren't of the same cloth.

They're exactly the same unless you factor in policy and grassroots support, both of which don't matter at all!

so they're old and white? is that why they're exactly the same? (or am i missing sarcasm)

he's jk'in

Phred wrote:dispense with the old, white guys

What's the cutoff age for "old?" What about men who are multiracial or trans? Are we including only Christian old, white guys or are we sweeping up Muslims and Jews, too, even though they're not part of the old patriarchy?

https://www.theringer.com/2019/4/5/1829 ... south-bend

Yes, this.

I love Buttigieg. I hate that every Democratic candidate is being judged through a prism of race, age, gender and sexual preference. As best I can tell he's an extremely well-qualified, smart, decent human being. In addition to electability that's all that matters to me.

JFLNYC wrote:I love Buttigieg. I hate that every Democratic candidate is being judged through a prism of race, age, gender and sexual preference. As best I can tell he's an extremely well-qualified, smart, decent human being. In addition to electability that's all that matters to me.

+1

My problem is that right now he's nothing more than a well spoken presidential archetype with a resume shorter than most other entrants. I don't know where he stands on anything.

And electability is not just well spoken white dude in 2019. Everyone is so quick to react to 2016 but not to 2018.

Why are Elizabeth Warren or Kamla Harris not electable

What about Pete's time as mayor has stood out to you?

He didn't say those two weren't electable

I don't think it's unfair to say that most people painted as 'electable' are polished white guys. Vote for who you want to vote for, not for who you think others want to vote for.

AOC is a 29 year old socialist with a high voice who beat a multi-term incumbent in the primary.
Kyrsten Synema is a bisexual former green party activist who won state-wide in Arizona.
John Fetterman who looks like a goddamn hells angel won statewide in PA.

I'm sorry. I wasn't clear on a couple of points. First, electability is a big factor to me but I don't think it's a factor that favors Buttigieg. Second, I really like him but I'm not sure he's my preferred candidate because I think he's got electability issues.

As Trent alluded to a day or two ago, electability is my #1 issue. Everything else is secondary to getting Trump out of office. There's no sense hiring a decorator until you've first put out the fire.

Synema identifies differently. Be more woke bro. I do like that she went to BYU.

thephan wrote:Synema identifies differently. Be more woke bro. I do like that she went to BYU.

Misremembered. I have edited.

Continuing, John Fetterman will let you know what he wants you to think of him, and what he likes, and you will comply. That guy is one of the most fun politicians in the US serving in high office.