2020 Democrats Are Starting to Turn Obama's Legacy Against Biden

[DonViejo]

The former VP has tied himself closely to the president he served. His primary opponents are trying to complicate that.

Gideon Resnick
Political Reporter

Published 07.21.19 5:09 AM ET

Former Vice President Joe Biden has used Barack Obama’s beloved status among Democratic voters to insulate him from criticism from the massive field of candidates jockeying to be the next president.

But in recent weeks, the Democratic frontrunner has had that legacy used against him, with his competitors pointing the to shortcomings of the last Democratic administration as evidence that Biden’s not up to the task of leading the next one.

“Barack Obama, personally, is incredibly popular among Democratic primary voters,” Karthik Ganapathy, a progressive consultant now running his own firm, told The Daily Beast. “And also at the same time, there’s a growing recognition that income and wealth inequality got worse under his eight years, the climate crisis got worse during his eight years, deportations went up during his time in office, and so on.”

The idea that the Obama legacy would be anything other than a massive positive for Biden as he navigates the 2020 Democratic party has been treated as indisputable within Democratic circles. And for good reason. A CNN poll taken in early 2018 found that he had a 97 percent favorable rating among Democrats.

more
https://www.thedailybeast.com/2020-democrats-are-starting-to-turn-obamas-legacy-against-biden?ref=home

[ProudMNDemocrat]

1. Not a good strategy if you ask me.

Trump will seize on that. For Trump is an empty hat that lays out no specifics.

[hlthe2b]

3. Exactly.. This is damned foolish.

[crazytown]

8. Bashing Obama is Trump's favorite tune.

If that is a line of attack on VP Biden, the Con will take it up with glee.

[Hortensis]

20. And if a candidate enables Trump, I will turn on that

candidate. Going negative is more than usually unacceptable to me this election. Anything that might possibly damage our party's chances in 2020 is highly immoral.

[OilemFirchen]

2. Here's something else that went up during Obama's tenure:

The number of Republicans in the House and Senate.

Which, BTW, explains most of Ganapathy's misplaced mewlings.

[Gothmog]

4. This is not going to work

President Obama is very popular with the base of the party. Attacking President Obama will piss off the base of the party

[Peacetrain]

5. Are you sure its Democrats.. or is it Bots posing as Democrats

just saying.. the whole purpose of the Republican party from day one of President Obamas administration was to destroy it.. they could not let a Black Man lead the country.. that is why they are filling the courts willing to lose the Executive Office and Senate and House.. its all about the courts and they do not have to be elected then to destroy a POC leaders' history.. Thank you VP Biden for standing up for President Obama.. I will take that to the grave with me.. your courage.. and you never step back from him.. I truly admire youi

[crazytown]

10. Challengeing Biden to defend Obama is one suicidal strategy

for any candidate who tries it. Like you say, it's more psyops than reality.

[Demsrule86]

43. Some may be bots...but some are nominally on our side and call themselves Democrats...I saw it

before we lost the House and the Senate when Pres. Obama was in office...it makes me sick...only helps Republicans.

[ucrdem]

6. This is great for Biden.

All he has to do is mention that his top three rivals all signed Bernie's M4A bill and the point is made.

[crazytown]

11. It's not that simple. It is never that simple.

Warren for one can wriggle out of it.

[ucrdem]

12. How can she wriggle out of "I'm with Bernie on this one?"

She was with Bernie on TPP too and I thought that was a huge mistake but I don't see how she walks this one back.

[crazytown]

14. She wriggles out of it the same way Mayor Pete has

“But you're for a single payer system, aren't you?” host George Stephanopolous asked.

“I think so. I think that's the right place for us to head as a country, and we can debate the finer points of how to get there,” Buttigieg said. “Look, I studied in the UK where there is not only single payer, there's nationalized medicine, which we're not calling for. Even there, there is a role for the private sector. I just don't believe that leaving Americans to the tender mercies of corporations is the best way to organize the health sector in this country.”

“But single-payer, you would be replacing private health insurance,” Stephanopolous said.

“Yes, at least -- again, Medicare for all is the best framework, right? So if we want to make Medicare available to everybody, whether it's as a public option to buy in or simply establishing that as how the payer structure works in this country, that's going to be the center of gravity, and the bottom line is we need to make sure that every American is able to get health care,” Buttigieg said.

https://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/melanie-arter/south-bend-mayor-pete-buttigieg-medicare-all-will-be-center-gravity


Since Trump killed the TPP, it will not be an issue in the GE.

[ucrdem]

15. Mayor Pete didn't wave his hand at the debate when asked the question

and did not follow up with full-throated support of Bernie's replace-the-ACA bill.

[crazytown]

17. One swallow does not a summer make

CNN Townhall

QUESTION: Senator Warren, thank you so much for being here this evening and your tireless advocacy for universal health care. As a supporter of universal health care and an advocate for organized labor, I do worry about the current bills' elimination of private health insurance ... that would eliminate the private health employer-based plans that so many unions have advocated for. Can you explain how Medicare for all would be better for workers than simply improving the Affordable Care Act?

WARREN: OK, so it's a good question. Let's start with our statement that we should make every time we start to talk about changes in our health care, and that is health care is a basic human right and we fight for basic human rights.

And then let's put these in order, because I appreciate that your question starts with the Affordable Care Act. Let's all remember when we're talking about what's possible, let's start where we are and the difference between Democrats and Republicans.

Right now, Democrats are trying to figure out how to expand health care coverage at the lowest possible cost so everybody is covered. Republicans right this minute are out there trying to repeal the Affordable Care Act. They've got a lawsuit pending down in Texas where they're trying to roll it back. What they couldn't do with a vote, they're trying to do with the courts. HHS every day is doing what they can to undermine the Affordable Care Act.

So when we're talking about health care in America right now, the first thing we need to be talking about is defend the Affordable Care Act, protection under the Affordable Care Act.

Then part two. Let's make the improvements that are what I think of as low-hanging fruit. For example, let's bring down the cost of prescription drugs all across this country.

We got lots of ways we can do that. We can import drugs from Canada where the safety standards are the same. That would cut costs dramatically. We can negotiate the prices under Medicare. That would cut costs dramatically.

And I've got a proposal to help bring down the cost on generic drugs, which could be about 90 percent of all prescriptions. So let's get those costs down.

And then you know what you're going to hear from a consumer advocate, and that is we need to hold insurance companies accountable. And that means no tricking and trapping people on those insurance contracts.

And then when we talk about Medicare for all, there are a lot of different pathways. What we're all looking for is the lowest cost way to make sure everybody gets covered. And some folks are talking about let's start lowering the age, maybe bring it down to 60, 55, 50. That helps cover people who are most at risk and can be helpful, for example, to the labor's plans.

Some people say, do it the other way. Let's bring it up from -- everybody under 30 gets covered by Medicare. Others say let employees be able to buy into the Medicare plans. Others say let's let employees buy into the Medicare plans.

For me, what's key is we get everybody at the table on this, that labor is at the table, that people who have to buy on their own, everybody comes to the table together. And we figure out how to do Medicare for all in a way that makes sure that we're going to get 100 percent coverage in this country at the lowest possible cost for everyone. That's our job.

TAPPER: If I could just follow up a little on Jay's question, so you are a co-sponsor of Senator Bernie Sanders' Medicare for all bill, and I understand there are a lot of different paths to universal coverage, but his bill that you've co-sponsored would essentially eliminate private insurance. Is that something you could support?

WARREN: He's got a runway for that. I think we get everybody together. And that's what it is, we'll decide. I've also co- sponsored other bills, including expanding Medicaid as another approach that we use. But what's really important to me about this is we never lose sight of what the center is, because the center is about making sure that every single person in this country gets the coverage they need and that it's at a price that they can afford. We start with our values, we'll get to the right place.

TAPPER: So, theoretically, though, there could be a role for private insurance companies under President Warren?

WARREN: There could. Or there could be a temporary role. Even Bernie's plan has a runway before it gets there, because it's -- look, it's a big and complex system, and we've got to make sure that we land this in a way that doesn't do any harm. Everybody has got to stay covered. It's critical.

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1903/18/se.01.html

[ucrdem]

19. "I'm with Bernie on Medicare for all, and let me tell you why":

Not in the transcript, go figure. But it's on the tape.

[crazytown]

21. Ultimately that will be up to the voters.

And will test Warren's skills as a candidate. It's not as if VP Biden has not walked back some of his positions as well.

[ucrdem]

23. Of course. But if the question is which candidate gave Barack full support

the answer will not be Warren.

[crazytown]

25. No. None of the Senators can say that,

and challenging VP Biden to defend Obama would be suicidal IMO.

[ucrdem]

28. Yes but that's the point. They can't. Biden takes that prize.

They're betting on the Al Gore strategy and Biden is going with LBJ. Well, it worked for LBJ.

[marylandblue]

24. Thanks for that. I wasn't happy when Warren raised her hands for M4A.

I think Sanders bill could have disastrous consequences.
I'm glad she has actually has a more nuanced position and hope we hear about it at the next debate. I could see us eventually transition to M4A, but it really should be a gradual, voluntary process and I don't think it's wise to eliminate all copays in all cases.

[crazytown]

30. Expanding Medicare for 55 and over was a going concern in the Senate, 2009

until Lieberman, who had previously championed the proposal, killed it. There is nothing to say Medicare for All has to be a Big Bang. Moving from the other direction, automatic Medicare for 30 and younger, would have the advantage of bringing down premiums for families - a family policy would be just spouses.

[sagesnow]

7. Post self deleted

[RelativelyJones]

9. You would think Obama/Biden inherited a perfect

world when they came into office. Hope Biden pushes back hard.

[Guilded Lilly]

18. Exactly. How soon some forget...

that we elected a man of immense decency, integrity and human compassion into office and he was PUMMELED from day one by much lesser people whose main objective was obstruction and along the way, promoting hideous white privilege and disgusting,contemptible racism and crass entitlement. Relentless. With no regard for what was actually beneficial to any citizen outside their craven clubs of destruction.

Along with the massive hope for a better humanity and a raised awareness of decency of the Obama years, came the noxious release of a very shallowly hidden disease of hate and bigotry that has always been wretchedly lurking in America.

That disease is an epidemic now. So far, unabated.
Fight back, Joe. Our enemies are not other Democrats. That makes it too damned easy for the diseased Republicans. It is THEY who must be defeated.

[RelativelyJones]

22. +1000

[marylandblue]

26. It's more like they didn't leave a perfect world with a perfect successor.

I disagreed with Obama on many things. We should be able to have frank discussions about his failures, without it being considered a personal attack on him or a repudiation of what he got right.

[Demsrule86]

35. Shredding our leaders in ' frank' discussions is why we lose...no one is

ever good enough....so, I disagree. Have 'frank disagreements 'about Republicans because doing it to our own colors the way voters think about Democrats and causes us to lose elections. I find it particularly awful to do it on social media where millions could see it...who needs the Russians when some in our own party are will ling to do the heavy lifting by destroying our own leaders which discourages Democrats and also stops people from joining the Democratic party. President Obama saved this economy and is the only president to get health care...BFD. He has saved millions of lives. He deserves better than to have his legacy destroyed by Other Democrats. With friends like this....well you know the rest.

[marylandblue]

41. Last I checked, the First Amendment has not been repealedd.

The more people argue there are certain things we shouldn't say the more inclined I am to say them. My opinion of Obama, Biden and Clinton had declined considerably, since people began defending them by denying the right to criticize them. Perhaps Biden can save us from the Russians, but by the time his supporters are done beatifying him, I won't want to.

You can burn me at the stake now, or alert this post, depending which denomination of Obamaism you prefer.

[Demsrule86]

42. Having the right which you absolutely do...is not the same as doing the right thing...as for

the other thing....I won't, but who knows how others may feel...I would consider deleting a post that is really kind of attacking Obama, Biden and Clinton.

[marylandblue]

44. I have the right to do it, therefore I will do it, and will not delete.

I am not attacking them, I am attacking the hagiography around them. I think that's the right thing to do, until people stop treating heretics as anathema. It's not a right, it's an obligation.

[Demsrule86]

46. I was being friendly...I don't care if you delete or you don't.

I completely disagree with you but would die for your right to say it.

[marylandblue]

47. I would die for your right to say what you wish as well.

We just have a strong disagreement here. I really feel we are raising certain figures within the party to too hugh a pedestal. No human can live up to the image.

There are some things about Biden I like. The things I like don't get discussed much here.

Instead, we talk about his electability and his connection to Obama. If he wins, it won't be because of those two things. It would be because people prefer his politics and personality.

[Demsrule86]

49. People want to win...that is understandable with the monster in the White House...I like

him because I think he will do his best to send some assistance to my area which has been neglected and hopefully we can get some green energy jobs...and he is a good person. Character does count. After Trump, we need someone who can pick up the pieces...he has on the job training as well...and he is electable in three crucial states...blue wall states.

[qazplm135]

51. yeah but that's what we do

Whether Obama or Bernie, we HAVE to love our candidate.
Thus, some of our side didn't "love" Clinton and you saw turnout not match the redneck right in some places.

Republicans can hate their candidate and still support them if it means getting power.

We could do with a dose of that ruthlessness right now.

[Saviolo]

50. A saying I heard somewhere online:

Democrats argue amongst themselves about policies more than Republicans do for the same reason that Architects argue more about how to put up a building than Arsonists do.

[Princetonian]

13. Karl Rove would be proud.

However, loyal Obama voters will punish them at the polls.

[democratisphere]

16. Want drumpf to have a second term?

Just keep up the sh't! Idiots!

[Turbineguy]

27. If the Democrats work hard enough

on their self-destructive tactics, trump won't need as much help from the Russians.

[Demsrule86]

36. Very true

[AlexSFCA]

29. Obama is sacred to us. A huge mistake to campaign against his legacy

anyone who does that will be punished at the ballot box. ACA was the greatest achievement of the last 50 years that enormously benefited middle class. While we all support the idea of universal healthcare, Biden is pointing out real issues with M4A bill and it resonates. I 100% agree that the highest priority is to protect ACA. M4A erases the act, helping rethugs to make a case againdt Obamacare (see even dems want to destroy it).

[ucrdem]

31. That's it in a nutshell.

[marylandblue]

32. "Obama is sacred."

Uhh, no? God is sacred. Former Presidents are not.

NOTE: I agree with Biden on M4A.
.

[Demsrule86]

37. Yes he is. He was the greatest president in my lifetime . So candidates

by attacking Obama and not the rethugs...you will surely lose the primary...deservedly. I will vote for for any nominee of course in a general.

[marylandblue]

39. HOSANNA! Glory to the Obama in the highest!

[progressoid]

40. Ha!

[Autumn]

45. He may be sacred to people who adore him, but no he's not sacred to us.

He was one of the manyDemocratic presidents. All better than any Republican.

[lapfog_1]

33. Let me get this straight...

For the last 9 years or so I've been getting these emails from the DNC, from various Democrats from President Obama to local people running for congress...

"The republicans want to gut the ACA"
"They are trying to repeal Obamacare"
"Here is what the ACA has done for people all over the country"

I get those emails like once or twice a day... ever since the ACA was passed.

I remember distinctly going to a "congress on your corner" event hosted by my then current representative, Gabby Giffords (just a few months before she was shot) and asking her if there could please be a public option in the ACA (just before it passed) and she told me that a public option "wasn't possible at this time because it would kill the legislation"...

So now Democrats are going to say what... "we can't defend the ACA... we should go for M4A because it will be soooo much easier to pass that now and the ACA was a bad idea and we are going to hang it around Joe Biden's neck?"

HA!

[highplainsdem]

34. Sheer stupidity to do this, especially in terms of the GE.

[Cha]

38. Go FOR IT, DEMS.. GEt ON

That anti-Obama Train.. see how ******* Far ya get.

[Politicub]

48. This sounds like a losing strategy

I understand why the candidates are doing it, but I see it as backfiring.

[ProudMNDemocrat]

52. This is a foolish move.

The accomplishments of the Obama years is in stark contrast of what proceeded Obama and what has followed. For many running, Obama opened the door to more diversity not only in his Administration, but the messages of being and doing for the country is what JFK talked about.

To use that against Biden will indeed be folly.