Author Topic: 2020 POTUS Candidates  (Read 369387 times)

Buffaloski Boris

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2121
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2500 on: March 05, 2020, 06:35:41 PM »

This might be crazy but hear me out: Tulsi as Trump's VP pick!

Trump no longer has to signal to the Evangelicals he will be on their side since he has two solidly acceptable SCOTUS justices confirmed. Pence can take the fall if/when the coronavirus response is botched. The likely nomination of Biden means that the great political reorientation will settle into a populist/anti-interventionist camp (Republicans) and internationalist/interventionist camp (Democrats). In this scenario, this axis will be the new political order following this election rather than conventional notions of left/right. This reorientation is the result of relative stagnation of the economy over the last 45 years as well as the growing geopolitical nihilism of the US following the end of the Cold War. Tulsi would be a brilliant triangulation with respect to Biden's pro-war history.

Wow, that's absolutely whack-job nuts! 

(I'm sorry I didn't think of it.)

It has a certain logic to it. And would make a political realignment that has been festering for awhile. There has been some suggestion that the current VP  is about to be thrown under the bus in favor of  Amb. Nikki Haley.  I don't think that Rep. Gabbard is all that much of a fan of the President, so I think it's not greatly likely.  But you never know in politics. Particularly with the current President.  He is willing to make very unlikely moves that no one else would think of, let alone pursue.       

   
« Last Edit: March 05, 2020, 06:44:59 PM by Buffaloski Boris »

partgypsy

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 5207
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2501 on: March 06, 2020, 03:43:44 AM »
Not Tulsi gabbard. I respect her service. But that's about it. Once she met with Assad (against our standing foreign policy) and "believes him" over our own intelligence. Supports trump in withdrawing from Syria, which allowed our allies the Kurds to be slaughtered and had Turks and the Russians move in. She in 2016 actually met with trump to possibly work for him, and one her advisors has ties to both trump and the Kremlin. And for many of her liberal policy positions, she has some component in it that makes it less workable than other candidates plans. She's too cozy w Trump for my liking. Either a kook, dangerously naive, or she has some other agenda.
« Last Edit: March 06, 2020, 03:51:48 AM by partgypsy »

partgypsy

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 5207
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2502 on: March 06, 2020, 05:42:04 AM »
And the problem is that Trump is actually not strictly anti interventionist. He's all over the place. He has rolled over when it has been convenient to Putin. But he also threatened war with North Korea, continues to bomb in the middle East.

Financial.Velociraptor

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2148
  • Age: 51
  • Location: Houston TX
  • Devour your prey raptors!
    • Living Universe Foundation
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2503 on: March 06, 2020, 08:39:47 AM »

Davnasty

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 2793
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2504 on: March 06, 2020, 08:55:37 AM »
Just to add to that, here's the 538 poll aggregator for all states.

https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/polls/

Poundwise

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2076
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2505 on: March 06, 2020, 09:50:14 AM »
No thanks on Tulsi. She's still too tight with the people from the cult she grew up in. And she'd bring less than 1% of voters with her. 

https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2019/06/tulsi-gabbard-2020-presidential-campaign.html

Ixnay on Bernie, so it's Biden for me. You can thank Trump for moving a formerly centrist voter like me far enough left to esteem Warren, but I guess it's time to slink back.  I hope Biden adopts some of her platforms on climate change (I guess that was Inslee's) and especially her anti corruption plan. Too bad on Medicare for All, universal healthcare would have been nice as would have the savings on premiums.
« Last Edit: March 06, 2020, 10:48:36 AM by Poundwise »

J Boogie

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1531
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2506 on: March 06, 2020, 09:50:57 AM »

This might be crazy but hear me out: Tulsi as Trump's VP pick!

Trump no longer has to signal to the Evangelicals he will be on their side since he has two solidly acceptable SCOTUS justices confirmed. Pence can take the fall if/when the coronavirus response is botched. The likely nomination of Biden means that the great political reorientation will settle into a populist/anti-interventionist camp (Republicans) and internationalist/interventionist camp (Democrats). In this scenario, this axis will be the new political order following this election rather than conventional notions of left/right. This reorientation is the result of relative stagnation of the economy over the last 45 years as well as the growing geopolitical nihilism of the US following the end of the Cold War. Tulsi would be a brilliant triangulation with respect to Biden's pro-war history.

Wow, that's absolutely whack-job nuts! 

(I'm sorry I didn't think of it.)

It has a certain logic to it. And would make a political realignment that has been festering for awhile. There has been some suggestion that the current VP  is about to be thrown under the bus in favor of  Amb. Nikki Haley.  I don't think that Rep. Gabbard is all that much of a fan of the President, so I think it's not greatly likely.  But you never know in politics. Particularly with the current President.  He is willing to make very unlikely moves that no one else would think of, let alone pursue.       

 

Perhaps assigning Pence to lead the Coronavirus containment efforts is his way of ensuring himself a win.

If Pence somehow is able to do succeed, Trump can in some ways rightfully take some credit. I give this about a 20% chance.

If Pence messes up, he can fire him and pick a VP that gives him broader appeal among independents.

lost_in_the_endless_aisle

  • Guest
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2507 on: March 06, 2020, 01:45:26 PM »
Not Tulsi gabbard. I respect her service. But that's about it. Once she met with Assad (against our standing foreign policy) and "believes him" over our own intelligence. Supports trump in withdrawing from Syria, which allowed our allies the Kurds to be slaughtered and had Turks and the Russians move in. She in 2016 actually met with trump to possibly work for him, and one her advisors has ties to both trump and the Kremlin. And for many of her liberal policy positions, she has some component in it that makes it less workable than other candidates plans. She's too cozy w Trump for my liking. Either a kook, dangerously naive, or she has some other agenda.
FYI, the US left Syria in support of our long-time NATO Ally Turkey. The Kurds we were aligned with have close ties to PKK terrorists. That alliance was the least bad option for Obama to fight ISIS. The thing about US geopolitical interests is they have a habit of snowballing to the point where the US is the global cop. The only way to end that expensive, thankless role is to start to pull US troops out of foreign counties.

The thing Iraq should have taught us is that Iraq was better off with a thug than it was with the US trying to "win hearts and minds". Assad is one of the lesser evils that could befall Syria.

pecunia

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 2840
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2508 on: March 06, 2020, 04:18:29 PM »
Not Tulsi gabbard. I respect her service. But that's about it. Once she met with Assad (against our standing foreign policy) and "believes him" over our own intelligence. Supports trump in withdrawing from Syria, which allowed our allies the Kurds to be slaughtered and had Turks and the Russians move in. She in 2016 actually met with trump to possibly work for him, and one her advisors has ties to both trump and the Kremlin. And for many of her liberal policy positions, she has some component in it that makes it less workable than other candidates plans. She's too cozy w Trump for my liking. Either a kook, dangerously naive, or she has some other agenda.
FYI, the US left Syria in support of our long-time NATO Ally Turkey. The Kurds we were aligned with have close ties to PKK terrorists. That alliance was the least bad option for Obama to fight ISIS. The thing about US geopolitical interests is they have a habit of snowballing to the point where the US is the global cop. The only way to end that expensive, thankless role is to start to pull US troops out of foreign counties.

The thing Iraq should have taught us is that Iraq was better off with a thug than it was with the US trying to "win hearts and minds". Assad is one of the lesser evils that could befall Syria.

"The only way to end that expensive, thankless role is to start to pull US troops out of foreign counties."

Ditto

American GenX

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 948
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2509 on: March 08, 2020, 08:57:23 AM »

pecunia

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 2840
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2510 on: March 08, 2020, 01:20:35 PM »

Kamala Harris endorses Joe Biden.  You go, Joe!

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/08/senator-kamala-harris-endorses-joe-biden-for-us-president.html

Sometimes even the smartest of people make mistakes.  People change.  The only thing truly permanent in this world is change.  Are they endorsing the Joe Biden of now or the Joe Biden of yesteryear?

It's been pointed out that Joe Biden may be suffering from dementia.  I like to give people a lot of latitude in this area as we all have our bad days and our good days.  However, it must be obvious to the most casual observer that Mr. Biden is having at least the beginnings of problems.

https://consortiumnews.com/2020/03/06/stop-calling-it-a-stutter-dozens-of-examples-show-bidens-dementia-symptoms/

Those of you that have not yet voted in a Democratic primary may wish to consider that.

Kris

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 7335
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2511 on: March 08, 2020, 01:52:02 PM »

Kamala Harris endorses Joe Biden.  You go, Joe!

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/08/senator-kamala-harris-endorses-joe-biden-for-us-president.html

Sometimes even the smartest of people make mistakes.  People change.  The only thing truly permanent in this world is change.  Are they endorsing the Joe Biden of now or the Joe Biden of yesteryear?

It's been pointed out that Joe Biden may be suffering from dementia.  I like to give people a lot of latitude in this area as we all have our bad days and our good days.  However, it must be obvious to the most casual observer that Mr. Biden is having at least the beginnings of problems.

https://consortiumnews.com/2020/03/06/stop-calling-it-a-stutter-dozens-of-examples-show-bidens-dementia-symptoms/

Those of you that have not yet voted in a Democratic primary may wish to consider that.

It is not obvious to me. And I am far from a casual observer.

Also, casual observers, by definition, make judgments and draw conclusions with a minimum of superficial information and without the whole story. So, there’s that...

American GenX

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 948
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2512 on: March 08, 2020, 02:45:18 PM »

Kamala Harris endorses Joe Biden.  You go, Joe!

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/08/senator-kamala-harris-endorses-joe-biden-for-us-president.html

Sometimes even the smartest of people make mistakes.  People change.  The only thing truly permanent in this world is change.  Are they endorsing the Joe Biden of now or the Joe Biden of yesteryear?

She knows Biden of now and was even on the debate stage with him.

Quote
It's been pointed out that Joe Biden may be suffering from dementia.  I like to give people a lot of latitude in this area as we all have our bad days and our good days.  However, it must be obvious to the most casual observer that Mr. Biden is having at least the beginnings of problems.

Those of you that have not yet voted in a Democratic primary may wish to consider that.

I've seen no credible evidence of dementia, just unsubstantiated comments from people who supported other candidates or Trump.  The article you linked to was written by a non-American, self-admitted socialist, and Bernie supporter, not from a credible source.    Biden has a known stuttering issue - I don't think we should mock people for that.

https://washingtonmonthly.com/2020/03/06/the-disinformation-campaign-being-launched-against-biden/

Quote
The Disinformation Campaign Being Launched Against Biden

There is no data to support the allegation that he is in cognitive decline.

KBecks

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2350
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2513 on: March 08, 2020, 06:50:04 PM »
Biden should get a physical and psychological/cognitive assessment.


As for Trump’s mental health, he got a perfect 30/30 score on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment last year. The Montreal assessment is a standard test of cognitive fitness and should rule out obvious neurological impairment.

https://www.vox.com/2019/2/8/18216849/trump-presidential-physical-exam-explained

« Last Edit: March 08, 2020, 06:58:05 PM by KBecks »

OzzieandHarriet

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1180
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2514 on: March 08, 2020, 07:20:24 PM »
Biden should get a physical and psychological/cognitive assessment.


As for Trump’s mental health, he got a perfect 30/30 score on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment last year. The Montreal assessment is a standard test of cognitive fitness and should rule out obvious neurological impairment.

https://www.vox.com/2019/2/8/18216849/trump-presidential-physical-exam-explained

I’m surprised anyone believes any of that. Has anything coming out of or approved by this White House about this president been true?

Also, from the linked article:

“ Neither the president nor his doctor is under any obligation to share complete or detailed medical records.

Presidents and presidential candidates have also had a historically flimsy relationship with the truth when it comes to their health. Hiding a president’s medical history is pretty much the norm.”

lost_in_the_endless_aisle

  • Guest
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2515 on: March 08, 2020, 11:16:42 PM »
Regarding Biden, I am agnostic on the question of his mental acuity, though the mere fact of his age should cause us to wonder just a little. The broader point about his candidacy -- regardless of whether he is in sharp decline or not -- is how the narrative naturally settles on this issue. If Biden is nominated, Trump will be attacking his mental competence relentlessly for months. I hope team Biden has a plan for that.

It will be interesting to see the two-man debate since it might draw some of the tide out and reveal whether or not Biden has swim trunks covering up any of his famous leg hairs. Some of the smart money has Bernie destroying Biden in the debate but it might not make a difference now that the wagons have circled around Joe.

ReadySetMillionaire

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1688
  • Location: The Buckeye State
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2516 on: March 09, 2020, 06:27:31 AM »
The reason I buy Biden’s mental decline is that, when his campaign was about to falter, surrogates and staff from his own campaign were leaking information about trying to make up for his deficits. They planned far lesser events, planned events for the morning when he was sharpest, etc.

His lapses on stage are just so bad. He’s been in the Senate for 40 years and he can’t even remotely come close to quoting the Declaration of Independence? You know how many times he’s probably quoted that on the Senate floor or campaign trail?

I watched Biden in 2008 and 2012. Yes, he had his “gaffes,” but they were nowhere close to this.

For what it’s worth, my wife is a speech therapist with a masters, and she says these things have nothing to do with stuttering, but involve losses in your train of thought. Obviously she’d need to do an in-person evaluation, but her observation is early stages of dementia. “Dots aren’t connecting” was her phrase. She hates Trump enough that she is 100% voting for Biden, so just putting this out there.

YttriumNitrate

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1836
  • Location: Northwest Indiana
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2517 on: March 09, 2020, 07:11:38 AM »
Regarding Biden, I am agnostic on the question of his mental acuity, though the mere fact of his age should cause us to wonder just a little. The broader point about his candidacy -- regardless of whether he is in sharp decline or not -- is how the narrative naturally settles on this issue. If Biden is nominated, Trump will be attacking his mental competence relentlessly for months. I hope team Biden has a plan for that.

It's pretty crazy that eight months out from the general election we already know that next president is going to be the oldest one ever elected (barring someone dying).

bacchi

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 7056
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2518 on: March 09, 2020, 08:37:59 AM »
Well, we did find out that Hillary had Parkinson's due to the keen eyes of various conservative observers.


partgypsy

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 5207
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2519 on: March 09, 2020, 08:47:12 AM »
The reason I buy Biden’s mental decline is that, when his campaign was about to falter, surrogates and staff from his own campaign were leaking information about trying to make up for his deficits. They planned far lesser events, planned events for the morning when he was sharpest, etc.

His lapses on stage are just so bad. He’s been in the Senate for 40 years and he can’t even remotely come close to quoting the Declaration of Independence? You know how many times he’s probably quoted that on the Senate floor or campaign trail?

I watched Biden in 2008 and 2012. Yes, he had his “gaffes,” but they were nowhere close to this.

For what it’s worth, my wife is a speech therapist with a masters, and she says these things have nothing to do with stuttering, but involve losses in your train of thought. Obviously she’d need to do an in-person evaluation, but her observation is early stages of dementia. “Dots aren’t connecting” was her phrase. She hates Trump enough that she is 100% voting for Biden, so just putting this out there.

Well that sucks. Honestly I would prefer some kind of presidential fitness test done BEFORE someone is elected president. Because once someone is the sole nominee or elected president, not much one can do at that point.

Fireball

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 320
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2520 on: March 09, 2020, 09:13:45 AM »
Trump literally cannot read or pronounce words(with multiple tries) that my 6 year old can say with ease, and the GOP is trying to pin dementia on Biden? Give me a break. 

six-car-habit

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 558
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2521 on: March 09, 2020, 12:24:03 PM »
 The current president didn't seem to know the words to the "short" version of the national anthem !
    Which is something your average american hears a lot, given that it is played and sung at nearly every major and minor sporting event, right down thru elementary school plays + choir performances + award ceremonies.
  The declaration of independence is certainly quoted and sung a lot less....

YttriumNitrate

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1836
  • Location: Northwest Indiana
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2522 on: March 09, 2020, 01:02:38 PM »
The current president didn't seem to know the words to the "short" version of the national anthem !    Which is something your average american hears a lot, given that it is played and sung at nearly every major and minor sporting event, right down thru elementary school plays + choir performances + award ceremonies.

If he did know the words, he would then be criticized for knowing a song that calls slaves cowards.

FIPurpose

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2061
  • Location: ME
    • FI With Purpose
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2523 on: March 09, 2020, 01:50:47 PM »
The current president didn't seem to know the words to the "short" version of the national anthem !    Which is something your average american hears a lot, given that it is played and sung at nearly every major and minor sporting event, right down thru elementary school plays + choir performances + award ceremonies.

If he did know the words, he would then be criticized for knowing a song that calls slaves cowards.

Uhhhh no, he wouldn't. Try again on the next thing.

KBecks

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2350
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2524 on: March 09, 2020, 02:10:06 PM »
The concern for Biden is that the campaign road is very long and intense. How will he hold up in the months ahead?  If Biden is slipping, the stress of campaigning is not going to be any good for his health. 

six-car-habit

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 558
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2525 on: March 09, 2020, 02:53:18 PM »
The current president didn't seem to know the words to the "short" version of the national anthem !    Which is something your average american hears a lot, given that it is played and sung at nearly every major and minor sporting event, right down thru elementary school plays + choir performances + award ceremonies.

If he did know the words, he would then be criticized for knowing a song that calls slaves cowards.

 ????? the short version - the one played + sung at sporting events ??   not the full on- long play - full lyrics -12" single record. I don't understand your slave=cowards reference, and I just heard it sung live on Saturday.

pecunia

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 2840
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2526 on: March 09, 2020, 04:18:12 PM »
The concern for Biden is that the campaign road is very long and intense. How will he hold up in the months ahead?  If Biden is slipping, the stress of campaigning is not going to be any good for his health.

Seems like they've sort of kept him out of the limelight.  He doesn't seem to have done the intense campaigning of the other candidates.

American GenX

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 948
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2527 on: March 09, 2020, 04:56:34 PM »
The concern for Biden is that the campaign road is very long and intense. How will he hold up in the months ahead?  If Biden is slipping, the stress of campaigning is not going to be any good for his health.

I bet he's in better shape than Trump.  I bet Trump can't even do a single push-up.


American GenX

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 948
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2528 on: March 09, 2020, 04:57:53 PM »
Well that sucks. Honestly I would prefer some kind of presidential fitness test done BEFORE someone is elected president. Because once someone is the sole nominee or elected president, not much one can do at that point.

Didn't Trump pass one of those?  If so, that would tell you that the results aren't meaningful.

redbirdfan

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 173
  • Location: Seattle
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2529 on: March 09, 2020, 09:17:22 PM »
I don't think Joe Biden has dementia.  He's your average 77/78 year old.  I don't have a problem with that given the alternatives.  I'm looking forward to having a president who isn't always in the limelight.  I don't need a tweet or an impromptu press conference when he's taking off to play golf.  I'm fine with actually having a boring daily press briefing.  I'm fine with just hearing the president during SOTU addresses and other addresses when there is an issue of national importance.  I'm all in on Biden - whatever his capabilities are.  Hopefully he picks a younger and more energetic VP and I'll be good with that.  I'm not looking forward to any of these debates.  Biden v. Bernie and (Biden or Bernie) v. Trump is going to be very cringeworthy and shouty.  The gaffes and yelling are already baked into the cake.  I'm just ready for this era to be over - no red hats and no revolutions. 

ReadySetMillionaire

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1688
  • Location: The Buckeye State
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2530 on: March 10, 2020, 08:27:11 AM »
Biden’s handlers are apparently limiting him to seven minute speeches: https://www.politico.com/news/2020/03/10/sanders-knocks-biden-over-speech-length-12488

I remember thinking his Super Tuesday victory speech was oddly short given how sizable the win was.

sherr

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1541
  • Age: 38
  • Location: North Carolina, USA
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2531 on: March 10, 2020, 08:55:09 AM »
Well that sucks. Honestly I would prefer some kind of presidential fitness test done BEFORE someone is elected president. Because once someone is the sole nominee or elected president, not much one can do at that point.

Didn't Trump pass one of those?  If so, that would tell you that the results aren't meaningful.

Well, he at least claimed he did. And the statement which his doctor totally "wrote" claimed that "If elected, Mr. Trump, I can state unequivocally, will be the healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency." And then two days after he admitted to prescribing Trump a hair-growth treatment Trump's lawyer and bodyguards raided the doctor's office and stole his medical records of Trump.

And this was one of the most extremely minor scandals of Trump's presidency, which is why no one remembers it. You literally cannot make up how much stupidity and blatant corruption Trumpers are willing to enthusiastically swallow.

partgypsy

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 5207
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2532 on: March 10, 2020, 09:10:31 AM »
Well that sucks. Honestly I would prefer some kind of presidential fitness test done BEFORE someone is elected president. Because once someone is the sole nominee or elected president, not much one can do at that point.

Didn't Trump pass one of those?  If so, that would tell you that the results aren't meaningful.

Well, he at least claimed he did. And the statement which his doctor totally "wrote" claimed that "If elected, Mr. Trump, I can state unequivocally, will be the healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency." And then two days after he admitted to prescribing Trump a hair-growth treatment Trump's lawyer and bodyguards raided the doctor's office and stole his medical records of Trump.

And this was one of the most extremely minor scandals of Trump's presidency, which is why no one remembers it. You literally cannot make up how much stupidity and blatant corruption Trumpers are willing to enthusiastically swallow.

Yes, I remember when that happened, because it was freaking crazy. It's a crime to steal medical records, even your own, because the doctor has the legal responsibility to safely store and retain those original records for a certain number of years. The doctor I guess felt physically intimidated but Trump's lawyer SURELY knew what he was doing was illegal.

partgypsy

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 5207
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2533 on: March 10, 2020, 09:13:08 AM »
Well that sucks. Honestly I would prefer some kind of presidential fitness test done BEFORE someone is elected president. Because once someone is the sole nominee or elected president, not much one can do at that point.

Didn't Trump pass one of those?  If so, that would tell you that the results aren't meaningful.

And, I wish there was a rule that presidential candidates are screened for mental health disorders that would preclude their ability to perform the function as president. Including the more severe personality disorders.

jim555

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3235
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2534 on: March 10, 2020, 09:30:42 AM »
After the Primaries today Bernie should drop out.  He has no path forward.

Poundwise

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2076
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2535 on: March 10, 2020, 11:32:59 AM »
I don't think Joe Biden has dementia.  He's your average 77/78 year old.  I don't have a problem with that given the alternatives.  I'm looking forward to having a president who isn't always in the limelight.  I don't need a tweet or an impromptu press conference when he's taking off to play golf.  I'm fine with actually having a boring daily press briefing.  I'm fine with just hearing the president during SOTU addresses and other addresses when there is an issue of national importance.  I'm all in on Biden - whatever his capabilities are.  Hopefully he picks a younger and more energetic VP and I'll be good with that.  I'm not looking forward to any of these debates.  Biden v. Bernie and (Biden or Bernie) v. Trump is going to be very cringeworthy and shouty.  The gaffes and yelling are already baked into the cake.  I'm just ready for this era to be over - no red hats and no revolutions.

Yes!  I want boring and competent (or at least a boring President who has hired competent, patriotic people to do the work).

With respect to elderly/sickly candidates, an interesting point is that most or all of the candidates have only "suspended" campaigning, which means that they will still be on the ballots and can still collect district-wide delegates. Should a health event lay Bernie or Biden low before the convention, I could see some of the front-running candidates reviving their runs. After the convention, should something happen to the Democratic nominee, I believe that the DNC will choose a replacement by an unspecified process.

bacchi

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 7056
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2536 on: March 10, 2020, 11:38:19 AM »
Biden’s handlers are apparently limiting him to seven minute speeches: https://www.politico.com/news/2020/03/10/sanders-knocks-biden-over-speech-length-12488

I remember thinking his Super Tuesday victory speech was oddly short given how sizable the win was.

I wish Trump would do the same. He was recently making out with a US flag.

sherr

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1541
  • Age: 38
  • Location: North Carolina, USA
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2537 on: March 10, 2020, 11:52:31 AM »
After the convention, should something happen to the Democratic nominee, I believe that the DNC will choose a replacement by an unspecified process.

Nitpick: the process is specified: the delegates would keep voting until there was a majority. The outcome is unknown, sure, anything could happen. But calling it an "unspecified process" makes it sound nefarious.

Edit: I misunderstood. "After the convention"...
« Last Edit: March 10, 2020, 12:39:47 PM by sherr »

Poundwise

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2076
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2538 on: March 10, 2020, 11:54:48 AM »
I think you misunderstand.  Let's say the convention happens and we pick a nominee. Then, something happens to him (like a health crisis) that causes him to have to step down or be removed before the general election.  This is where it is specified that the DNC would pick a new nominee, but not how.

sui generis

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3104
  • she/her
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2539 on: March 10, 2020, 12:10:08 PM »
I think you misunderstand.  Let's say the convention happens and we pick a nominee. Then, something happens to him (like a health crisis) that causes him to have to step down or be removed before the general election.  This is where it is specified that the DNC would pick a new nominee, but not how.

There is still some specificity to the process... The DNC has to consult with the Dem AG Asoc and the Dem Congressional caucus (which I wasn't sure if that meant the DCCC and DSCC or what) and then they decide. So still not completely structured, but there's some parameters.

Roadrunner53

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3570
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2540 on: March 10, 2020, 02:30:28 PM »
Matt Gaetz may have exposed Trump to the Corona Virus. Trump supposedly has not taken the test to find out if he has it. He is running around exposing everyone to him if he has it. Everyone in the White House is or could be in danger. Shouldn't he be quarantined? He is no example of using common sense to help stop this virus.

Matt Gaetz made an idiot of himself using that gas mask in Congress. Guess he should have worn it on Air Force One.

FIPurpose

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2061
  • Location: ME
    • FI With Purpose
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2541 on: March 10, 2020, 02:42:33 PM »
Matt Gaetz may have exposed Trump to the Corona Virus. Trump supposedly has not taken the test to find out if he has it. He is running around exposing everyone to him if he has it. Everyone in the White House is or could be in danger. Shouldn't he be quarantined? He is no example of using common sense to help stop this virus.

Matt Gaetz made an idiot of himself using that gas mask in Congress. Guess he should have worn it on Air Force One.

Gaetz already tested negative.

GuitarStv

  • Senior Mustachian
  • ********
  • Posts: 23129
  • Age: 42
  • Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2542 on: March 10, 2020, 02:54:44 PM »
Trump is totally in an age and health bracket that wouldn't do well with covid-19.  Good thing the 'deep state' is something Trump made up  . . . because if it did exist, this is a great time to remove the president surreptitiously.

Davnasty

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 2793
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2543 on: March 10, 2020, 02:56:28 PM »
Trump is totally in an age and health bracket that wouldn't do well with covid-19.  Good thing the 'deep state' is something Trump made up  . . . because if it did exist, this is a great time to remove the president surreptitiously.

As are his likely opponents next fall. This could get interesting.

GuitarStv

  • Senior Mustachian
  • ********
  • Posts: 23129
  • Age: 42
  • Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2544 on: March 10, 2020, 03:20:41 PM »
Trump is totally in an age and health bracket that wouldn't do well with covid-19.  Good thing the 'deep state' is something Trump made up  . . . because if it did exist, this is a great time to remove the president surreptitiously.

As are his likely opponents next fall. This could get interesting.

Could easily see the top picks for both parties get wiped out because they're so damned old, and corona-virus targets the geriatric crew.  That would make for interesting results.

pecunia

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 2840
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2545 on: March 10, 2020, 06:14:19 PM »
Trump is totally in an age and health bracket that wouldn't do well with covid-19.  Good thing the 'deep state' is something Trump made up  . . . because if it did exist, this is a great time to remove the president surreptitiously.

Well,......A few years back there was a movie called "Dave."  CIA people watch the movies just like everybody else.  Mr. trump had been hard on the CIA folks early in his administration.  The CIA didn't take kindly to the admonitions of the former TV star.  The CIA keeps quiet about what they do.  They are good at toppling governments.  It was much easier to find a replacement for a single world leader.  The replacement turned out to be good to his word.  He tweeted irrational comments in the middle of the night, broke laws and became the darling of the hard right wing conservatives.  The CIA made a deal with FOX news of some sort and the rest is history.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzbmTkyIgtA

Just wait for part 2 after his reelection.

Holocene

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 369
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2546 on: March 10, 2020, 08:51:01 PM »
I don't think Joe Biden has dementia.  He's your average 77/78 year old.  I don't have a problem with that given the alternatives.  I'm looking forward to having a president who isn't always in the limelight.  I don't need a tweet or an impromptu press conference when he's taking off to play golf.  I'm fine with actually having a boring daily press briefing.  I'm fine with just hearing the president during SOTU addresses and other addresses when there is an issue of national importance.  I'm all in on Biden - whatever his capabilities are.  Hopefully he picks a younger and more energetic VP and I'll be good with that.  I'm not looking forward to any of these debates.  Biden v. Bernie and (Biden or Bernie) v. Trump is going to be very cringeworthy and shouty.  The gaffes and yelling are already baked into the cake.  I'm just ready for this era to be over - no red hats and no revolutions.
Yeah, he may be your pretty average 77 year old.  It may not be any more dementia than "normal" at that age.  But I kind of think we need someone better than that to lead our country, don't you?  Someone who can string together coherent sentences and doesn't have gaffes every 5 minutes.  I know Trump has set a pretty low bar, but I'm really amazed that this is the best democrats can do.  They're all in on the "Obama's VP" train.  Anything to avoid having a democratic socialist.  I'm pretty sure the DNC would prefer Trump over Bernie.

I know Bernie is even older.  This was my main hesitation in supporting him.  But he can talk for hours about his proposed policies.  He almost never loses his train of thought (maybe because he's talked about this stuff incessantly for 30 years?).  He's not being bought out by billionaires and lobbyists like literally every other candidate.  I know his socialist ideas are scary to some, but he's at least trying to address some of the major problems we're facing.  Do people really think it's ok that our politicians are bought out?  That people are dying in our rich country from lack of healthcare?  That our homeless population is growing and people working full-time can't afford basic necessities.  The only thing I've learned from Biden is that he thinks he can beat Trump.  Oh and he has more hair than he thinks he does.  And of course OBAMA!!  Whereas Bernie brings up "massive income and wealth inequality" and M4A and corruption every chance he gets.

I liked several other candidates in the race.  But between Bernie and Biden, Bernie wins by a mile for me.  Sadly, I appear to be in the minority.  It's not looking good for Bernie so far tonight.  Doing poorly in Michigan means he probably doesn't have much hope.  I'm still looking forward to the debate on Sunday.  I think the differences will become increasingly clear when it's just one-on-one.  Doubt it'll make a difference though.

American GenX

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 948
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2547 on: March 10, 2020, 09:08:37 PM »
Biden continues to rack up those delegates.

Andrew Yang endorses Biden.

Bloop Bloop

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2139
  • Location: Melbourne, Australia
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2548 on: March 10, 2020, 10:44:07 PM »
I'm glad Biden won. I think Sanders is just too left-wing for the general populace to endorse. It's not time and it may not be time for such progressive policy. Many of us in the centre-left want some semblance of welfare and progressiveness but we draw the line at big tax hikes or other sweeping reforms - a veneer of redistribution is sufficient.

redbirdfan

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 173
  • Location: Seattle
Re: 2020 POTUS Candidates
« Reply #2549 on: March 10, 2020, 11:03:36 PM »
Quote
Yeah, he may be your pretty average 77 year old.  It may not be any more dementia than "normal" at that age.  But I kind of think we need someone better than that to lead our country, don't you?  Someone who can string together coherent sentences and doesn't have gaffes every 5 minutes.  I know Trump has set a pretty low bar, but I'm really amazed that this is the best democrats can do.  They're all in on the "Obama's VP" train.  Anything to avoid having a democratic socialist.  I'm pretty sure the DNC would prefer Trump over Bernie.

I know Bernie is even older.  This was my main hesitation in supporting him.  But he can talk for hours about his proposed policies.  He almost never loses his train of thought (maybe because he's talked about this stuff incessantly for 30 years?).  He's not being bought out by billionaires and lobbyists like literally every other candidate.  I know his socialist ideas are scary to some, but he's at least trying to address some of the major problems we're facing.  Do people really think it's ok that our politicians are bought out?  That people are dying in our rich country from lack of healthcare?  That our homeless population is growing and people working full-time can't afford basic necessities.  The only thing I've learned from Biden is that he thinks he can beat Trump.  Oh and he has more hair than he thinks he does.  And of course OBAMA!!  Whereas Bernie brings up "massive income and wealth inequality" and M4A and corruption every chance he gets.

I liked several other candidates in the race.  But between Bernie and Biden, Bernie wins by a mile for me.  Sadly, I appear to be in the minority.  It's not looking good for Bernie so far tonight.  Doing poorly in Michigan means he probably doesn't have much hope.  I'm still looking forward to the debate on Sunday.  I think the differences will become increasingly clear when it's just one-on-one.  Doubt it'll make a difference though.

It depends on what your goal is.  I think there is a disconnect between yelling about an issue and actually taking meaningful steps to solve the issue.  Bringing up massive income and wealth inequality doesn't actually address the issue.  I know gradual steps aren't sexy.  I know it's easier to yell about corruption and rigged systems than it is to work towards fixing them.  The truth of the matter is that unless a president can get bills through the House and Senate, everything else is irrelevant.  Joe Biden might not be the most articulate person, and he may have lost a step or two, but he can pick up the phone and meet with Republicans to take incremental steps forward.  Bernie doesn't have the political capital necessary to push through his agenda.  He has gladly thumbed his nose at the establishment of both parties for his entire career.  That makes him a darling of the disenchanted, but it has its consequences.  He's seeing that now. 

Obamacare isn't perfect, but we are one step closer to being able to tack on a public option which will get us one step closer to whatever people think Medicare for All is.  That vote required people to sacrifice their political careers.  Do you honestly think Berne has that kind of pull?  Do you honestly believe that House members and Senators aren't dependent upon lobbyists to stay in office?  Obamacare was only passed because it had the semi-blessing of the insurance lobby.  That didn't make it corrupt, that made it passable.  Who do you think is going to go to bat for M4A right now?  Who do think will go to bat for any of the policies supported by Sanders.  Keep in mind that with him at the top of the ticket, you significantly decrease your chances of maintaining the House or retaking the Senate. 

I understand that younger voters view things through rose-colored glasses.  I get it.  But politics is about getting things done in backrooms and scratching the backs of the people whose votes you'll need.  Bernie has shown no ability to moderate.  He's shown no ability to prevent the perfect from being the enemy of the good.  Compromise is what it takes to actually move the ball forward in a way that sticks.  You get Obamacare w/o the public option passed and make the country fall in love with coverage for pre-existing conditions, coverage until 26 and expanded Medicaid.  You slowly move the Overton window.  That's how the game is played.  I could give a beep about whether Bernie can say the same thing over and over for 4 hours let alone 40 years.  That's sound and fury signifying nothing.  I'll take the boring guy with the smaller rallies who can actually move the needle every time.  Biden doesn't give me goosebumps, but I do respect him and I don't fear him.  In this election, I'll take it. 

Could Biden be a better candidate - absolutely.  Would a Bernie presidency be more productive than a Biden one in any measurable way - absolutely not.