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rurallib

(62,373 posts)
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 04:54 PM Apr 2020

Why I Support Michael Franken (from a friend)( for US senate in Iowa to oppose Ernst)

(mods: I have permission from the author to post this)
https://pauldeaton.com/2020/04/08/why-i-support-michael-franken/

?w=225&h=300

I am voting for Michael Franken for U.S. Senator in the June 2 Democratic primary election.

He can beat incumbent Senator Joni Ernst on her terms as an advocate for all Iowans and as a former military officer.

After thorough consideration, and interviews with four of the five candidates in the race, Franken offers the best portfolio of qualifications.

During the first of three conversations, I asked about renewal of the New START Treaty, and the 2020 Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty. Franken was knowledgeable both about our treaty obligations and the dangers of ending U.S. participation in arms control. He would support nuclear arms control.

For Franken the climate crisis is a signal issue. The United States has bad leadership and poor strategy to address the climate crisis, he said. He viewed climate change as a national security priority and a question of environmental justice. He would take climate action, while already understanding the science, from the perspective of an engineer with sympathy for the issue. He would act on the climate crisis.

The coronavirus does not recognize national borders. We must transcend nationalism that puts America first and consider the best interests of all of humanity as only the United States can do. A career naval officer who achieved vice admiral rank, Franken’s service took him around the globe in consequential military action. He has the experience to keep America safe while exemplifying the best of what we offer the rest of the world. He would represent Iowa values well.

Franken spent ten years as a military liaison to the U.S. Congress, beginning with work for Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy. His work in the Congress gives him a long head start when it comes to writing legislation and getting Iowa priorities accomplished. Experience matters and Franken has it.

Finally, Franken will support Democratic priorities, whether they are health care, voter rights, equal protection, or a woman’s right to choose. His will be a thoughtful vote, one in which the leadership that made him a three star admiral will shine through.

I like each of the candidates I recently interviewed for different reasons. A loyal Democrat, I’ll support the primary winner. With early voting beginning in two weeks, now is the time to make a stand.

I stand with Michael Franken.


My comment:
I have not decided yet myself. Paul Deaton lays out a compelling case for Franken. I am torn between Greenfield and Franken.

9 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Why I Support Michael Franken (from a friend)( for US senate in Iowa to oppose Ernst) (Original Post) rurallib Apr 2020 OP
Franken is my choice exboyfil Apr 2020 #1
I think you are right rurallib Apr 2020 #2
Michael Franken is my choice. IADEMO2004 Apr 2020 #3
Yeah, I'm also torn between Greenfield and Franken. progressoid Apr 2020 #4
The only polling I have seen that has anything to do with this seat rurallib Apr 2020 #9
FRANKEN ALL THE WAY bubbazero Apr 2020 #5
He is only 62, which these days probably passes for middle age. rurallib Apr 2020 #6
More info for your decision bubbazero Apr 2020 #7
thanks - I usually shy away from military folks rurallib Apr 2020 #8

rurallib

(62,373 posts)
2. I think you are right
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 05:14 PM
Apr 2020

Yet for some reason the party leadership and DFA lined up behind Greenfield early on. That is where my being torn comes from.

Sure am liking what Franken has to say. If the vote were today I would probably go for Franken.

progressoid

(49,929 posts)
4. Yeah, I'm also torn between Greenfield and Franken.
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 09:43 PM
Apr 2020

They are both strong candidates IMHO.

Has there been any polling on either of them against Senator Koch...um...Senator Ernst?

rurallib

(62,373 posts)
9. The only polling I have seen that has anything to do with this seat
Thu Apr 9, 2020, 08:34 PM
Apr 2020

are the polls that keep showing Joni going down the drain.

bubbazero

(296 posts)
5. FRANKEN ALL THE WAY
Thu Apr 9, 2020, 06:36 PM
Apr 2020

This is an individual with a RESUME which would standup to ANY sitting U.S. SENATOR at this time, PERIOD. Being from the northwest part of the state is icing on the cake. (could finally help to break the Republican strangle hold on northwest IOWA). His only limitation would be old, white, male. That may hurt in polk county, but will WIN in Sioux County as well as thru out conservative parts of IOWA. After all, The admiral would be up against Sen. Ernst!

rurallib

(62,373 posts)
6. He is only 62, which these days probably passes for middle age.
Thu Apr 9, 2020, 07:03 PM
Apr 2020

Thanks for stating it so enthusiastically - that tells me something.

bubbazero

(296 posts)
7. More info for your decision
Thu Apr 9, 2020, 08:25 PM
Apr 2020

check out this link--read the full bio--Damn, This cat's the kind of candidate even I would salute. (Normally, I not big on military, but when you look at the education, upbringing, and career in totality, this is SERIOUS POLITICAL HORSEPOWER for the Democrats for ANY state. I salivate at the thought of a DEBATE between he and Sen Ernst!...........https://frankenforiowa.org/meet-mike/

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