Three reasons to think Biden could run away with the nomination.

[Vidal]

From CNN:

1) He's broadly liked within the party. Biden's lead over his rivals is not solely the result of his superior name identification. It's also because he is viewed quite favorably by Democrats of all stripes. In the latest CNN poll, conducted late last month, more than 8 in 10 Democrats said they have a favorable view of Biden while just 12% had an unfavorable one. That's remarkable -- especially for someone who has spent such a long time in politics. And Biden's favorability numbers are quite consistent among various demographic groups: Whites (79% favorable), non-whites (84%), men (76%) and women (86%).

2) He's running very strong with black voters. In 2008 and 2016, the foundational pillar of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton's winning coalitions in their Democratic primaries was African-American voters. And, right now, Biden appears to have a similar numbers among that key constituency. As I noted above, he is viewed hugely favorably among non-white voters nationally. And, in the key state of South Carolina -- where black voters comprise almost two-thirds of the Democratic primary electorate -- Biden is running very strongly. A new South Carolina primary poll showed Biden at 46% overall, well ahead of Sanders, who was second with 15%. Among black voters in that poll, Biden was at 58%!

3) He doesn't have much competition for the establishment mantle. While more than a dozen of the candidates running are seeking to be the liberal champion in the primary, there's scarce competition for Biden in the establishment/centrist lane of the race. Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar is trying to be that sort of candidate, but starts well behind Biden. Ditto Bullock, who starts well behind even Klobuchar. South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg remains something of a tabula rasa in terms of how he is positioning himself in the race but could, if he so chose, be a potential problem for Biden in the sensible centrist lane. But at the moment, Biden is running ahead in that space -- and with very little obvious competition.

Read More: https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/14/politics/joe-biden-2020-democratic-nomination-donald-trump/index.html

[Bradshaw3]

1. "Sensible centrist"?

Leave it to Cilizza to make a stupid comment like that. I guess anyone who opposes the corporate takeover of this country is just a crazy leftist. Sheesh.

[gtar100]

2. Yes ++. "Sensible centrist" is an illusion.

We are so good at pinning labels on people and far too short on analysis of positions politicians take on different issues. Left, center, right...my gosh, those are all relative references of spacial relationships. Shift your position and your whole perspective can change. "Sensible centrist" sounds a little too self-congratulatory to me.

[Triloon]

3. Biden's remarks today predicting a Republican 'epiphany' tears it for me.

I've always liked the man and I supported him in earlier prez campaign. He was a fine VP. His credentials are deep and broad. But predicting that current Republican office holders will have an epiphany after trump is gone and will come around to work with Democrats is Faith Based Politics and I want fucking nothing to do with it. If, after 2 years of a trump presidency, these republicans have not yet had their epiphany then it is stupid to think they ever will.
The future of our Republic should not be based on the vague hope of a republican epiphany. Fuck the republicans. (He also predicted that they'd have a similar epiphany after Obamas re-election) Centrists are Conservatives, whether they want to face up to it or not. We don't have time for this wishy washy crap.
https://news.yahoo.com/joe-biden-gop-change-180309615.html

[Bradshaw3]

4. If you don't understand the problem you can't fix it

And it's looking like Joe doesn't understand the problem. That is one huge stumbling block that Cilizza doesn't mention.

[dalton99a]

5. WTF - An outbreak of bipartisan comity?

No such thing will ever happen