I changed my support to Amy Klobuchar. I've changed? Have you? If so why?

[aaaaaa5a]

After last night's debate I changed my support from Joe Biden to Amy Klobuchar.

I like Klobuchar because she can win a general election. She can win in places we need to get back... mainly the midwest.

I am a fan of her more "middle of the road" approach. I think she is a good debater. I don't understand why she hasn't been more successful. I worry our party will push the nominee too far left to win. Sadly, it's not a national election. Running up the popular vote total in California will not win the White House.

I worry about Biden's ability to take on Trump. He's struggled in the debates. He has trouble expressing his thoughts. I fear it's age related. People age at different rates. Biden appears mentally old. Sanders while numerically older does not. Neither does Warren.


Question. Have you changed your candidate preference? If so, why?

[madaboutharry]

1. She would make a very fine president.

She is actually tied with Pete Buttigieg for me. I have met her at one of her events. She is a very warm and sincere person.

[aaaaaa5a]

3. I wish I understood why she isn't doing better?

Her nomination would lock away Wisconsin and Michigan. Plus she keeps Minnesota. (Trump nearly won Minnesota in 2016.)

I think she is in the best position to resurrect the blue wall that crumbled in 2016.

She is a Senator from a great state. She can compete in Ohio and the "T" of Pennsylvania. If Biden falls, I hope the moderates of the party can get behind her. I have.

[madaboutharry]

15. I don't understand it either.

She needs to qualify in three more polls to make it to the next debate.

For November the requirements are 3% in four state polls (they can be in the same state) or 3% in three national polls. Hopefully, after her great debate performance she will achieve that.

[apcalc]

38. The media is not promoting the centrists.

Remember, they love BS, and excitement. They put Trump where he is today.

[mysteryowl]

45. IMO, she is too bland and too conservative.

I tried to read her autobiography and got 1/2 way and lost interest.

I remember from the book that she intentionally went to a conservative University and had all conservative friends.

I also remember she green-lighted taking wolves off the endangered list and okay'd their killing by any means, to include trapping and snares. Removing the wolf protections green-lighted the copper-nickle mine at the edge of the sacred Boundary Waters Canoe Area. She was supporting a very controversial company that could pollute the BWCA for generations.

I have tried to like her, but we don't see life the same.

[thesquanderer]

47. Klobuchar is my second favorite centrist after Buttigieg (n/t)

[Kahuna7]

2. I'm with Biden but would happily support Amy if Biden is out.

nt

[Thekaspervote]

12. As well

[emmaverybo]

19. She would be my second choice. I loved her debate performance and how she handled that

punk Kavanaugh. And I like her traditionally liberal position.

[Sherman A1]

4. I have not changed my preference

No intention of doing so.

[Blistering Sun]

5. In a manner of speaking.

Amy Klobachar has been among a personal short-list of contenders for the VP slot should Joe Biden win the nomination.

After the debate performance she's moved to the top of my list.

I'd trust Amy to be a heart-beat way from the presidency. I have great respect for her.

So I'm hoping for Biden/Klobachar 2020.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

6. I haven't changed my choice

because my choice is any Democrat with a pulse. That's not likely to change.

[MaryMagdaline]

10. Not even sure I'd require a pulse

Any Democrat, dead or alive

[relayerbob]

11. lol, yep, pretty much

That said, Amy would be fine

[MaryMagdaline]

16. I like Amy a lot

[Enoki33]

17. Ditto. Still, there is a quiet strength and competence about Amy Klobuchar

that is very appealing.

[Mr.Bill]

7. My scorecard might not be complete,

but isn't she about the only one left standing who hasn't attacked one or more of her Democratic colleagues?

[LakeArenal]

27. She didn't sign onto the Franken disaster either

[Mr.Bill]

29. Good point. n/t

[randr]

8. I switched to Amy a while back for the same reason

I have called every Presidential race in my long life except for the last. I feared Trump would win but just could not trust my own intuition.
Amy IS a winner with appeal all across the American landscape without any of the negative baggage we need to shed.

[wasupaloopa]

9. No I haven't changed. I support the person who would make the best President.

[apcalc]

13. I posted this the other day and still mean it

“
Who to pick??

Well....

I probably will get a lot of blowback from you all.

Realistically , imo, as much as I like them both, Warren and Sanders will not be elected president. Ever.
The continual media characterization of them as “ far left” will work against them and will bring out the opposition in droves.
I live in a suburb of a big city, in a swing state, and my “ associates” of ALL kinds,are afraid of the “socialism” of these two.

Want to win the critical suburbs? Pick a centrist.
Even with their faults. Biden, Klobuchar, even Buttigieg.
can “persuade the persuadable”.

Otherwise...4 more years of Trump.”

[aaaaaa5a]

21. Of course I would vote for her if nominated.

But I'm very concerned about a Warren nomination.

Yes. She will win national polling

Yes. She will win the popular vote.

But can she win Pennsylvania?

Can she win Wisconsin, Ohio and Michigan?

I have doubts.

Fly over country isn't going to take to her. There isn't going to be a minority surge in voting to support her.

Her electoral college path is tough.

[blm]

34. I disagree strongly with your assessment of Warren.

I think it will be apparent to working families in the Midwest and rustbelt that her policies are aimed at bettering their family’s lives on most every level. Trump has already lost 2-5% of his 2016 voters in those states.

I am not on this thread to harsh your primary choice. I support and will not deride any of our serious candidates because any of them can become the nominee. I will certainly defend Warren, but, not deride the chosen candidate of the attacker.

[apcalc]

37. Feel free to disagree with my assessment of Warren. ( and Sanders)

I’m relating my experience with suburban voters in my swing state of PA.

They can be persuaded.
They won’t go for Warren or Sanders, ( socialists!) but do like Biden and Klobuchar.

[blm]

39. Good for YOUR suburban experience.

This Ohio suburb raised woman who now lives in a suburban area of NC has different experiences and views.

[dflprincess]

49. The last scientific poll I saw for Minnesota had

Amy running 4th behind Warren, Biden, and Sanders.

In the very unscientific poll the DFL conducted at its booth at the State Fair Warren blew her out of the water, but she did finish 2nd.

[thesquanderer]

46. Yes, Warren can win Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Ohio and Michigan...

Polls show Warren takes Michigan...

https://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2020/president/mi/michigan_trump_vs_warren-6769.html

...and Pennsylvania...

https://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2020/president/pa/pennsylvania_trump_vs_warren-6865.html

...and likely Wisconsin...

https://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2020/president/wi/wisconsin_trump_vs_warren-6852.html

..and according to the latest poll, Ohio as well...

https://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2020/president/oh/ohio_trump_vs_warren-6762.html

Why do people keep saying she can't win states that polls show her winning?

[northoftheborder]

14. She is one of my favorites.

I haven't changed my preference from Bennet. But I may soon, because he just isn't going anywhere, sadly. I may change to Amy. The present top three in polls I really don't think can beat Trump, for various reasons.

[aaaaaa5a]

22. I'm worried too. I wish there was more emphasis on the electoral college.

Sanders, Warren etc. will win the popular vote. Hillary won the popular vote by nearly 3 million. How did that work out?


I wish someone could explain to me how Warren wins Ohio? And how she wins Pennsylvania? And how she wins Michigan without enthusiastic minority support?

[LakeArenal]

28. She can't win Wisconsin either.

[aaaaaa5a]

33. Warren could win just a handful of states, tally a massive popular vote margin...

and lose in the electoral college.

This is a serious problem I fear is going to get worse. It's not a democratic party problem. It's a constitution and an American problem.

Getting Warren to 270 could be very tough. Unless the rules are changed, this has to be a factor when discussing a Warren nomination.

[blm]

40. Why do you assume the minority vote won't show

for Warren? Who is telling you that minorities won’t show up to vote in 2020 if Warren is the nominee?

[aaaaaa5a]

43. Polling numbers. Gut feeling. History.

Let me begin by saying I hope if she is the nominee she has tremendous minority support.

The issue is not percentage. Black, hispanic, asian, etc. voters will vote for the nominee with huge percentage majorities.

The issue is turnout. How many minority voters will show up.

I was listening to a podcast that discussed Michigan in 2016. If the number of African Americans who voted in 2012 had voted in 2016, Hillary would have won Michigan. There were enough minority votes "left on the table" just in Michigan's Wayne County to win the state. That's all she needed. And she didn't get it.

I believe this type of scenario could happen to Warren. Minority turnout will be good. But we need it to be great. I don't know if Warren can get GREAT minority turnout.

People keep telling me Trump will get minorities to the polls. However Trump was on the ballot in 2016. And there was NOT a surge in minority vote numbers in 2016. 2012 was a better year. The 2016 number especially with hispanics was frankly, disappointing.

Thus far, Warren had not generated excitement with minority voters. To be fair, neither has Klobuchar. And without a strong minority turnout, there is no viable path to 270. Period.

[blm]

44. Trump has already lost 2-5% of his own 2016 voters. And voters now have

3yrs Of Trump’s incompetence and authoritarianism to factor in that they didn’t quite grasp during the 2016 campaign.

Further, Warren is running the best campaign organization That will be a tremendous asset and matter significantly in the general..

[Karma13612]

61. I thought Michigan

Was one of the states that HRC overlooked in 2016, to her peril.

If Warren campaigns in that state sufficiently, I believe she can take it.

For me, Amy is not dynamic enuf. Very center during a time when we need bold progressive ideas. And her polling is also pretty bad with only a few months before the first primaries.

[creeksneakers2]

18. I was already for Amy

But I was so impressed during the debate with how level headed she is. Biden seems like he'll collapse at some point. I'm afraid that won't happen until all the other moderates are out of the race.

[RicROC]

20. yes, she's more appealing to me, too.

Amy K has been showing me more and more that she would be an ideal President. While there are reports that she is tough on her staff, I find that to be a strength. Mayor Pete is still my favorite but I'm open to Dems....who can win! There's no way we should lose to a psychopath and/or his VP.

[Cha]

23. That's great you're for Amy now but you

don't need to insult Biden to do so.

[aaaaaa5a]

24. I wasn't insulting Biden

He was my choice until last night. If he were nominated I would donate, campaign, and vote for him. I really want him to do well.

Presidential politics is serious stuff. I don't think my critique was without merit or out of bounds.

[Cha]

36. I know how serious it is.. it's only our

actual lives.

That's your opinion.. "mentally old".. I think that's insulting.

[redstateblues]

31. I like Amy a lot. Her candidacy has not gained traction. I don't see how she wins

the nomination. I don’t share your fears about Joe. He will beat Trump like a drum.

[Baked Potato]

26. Her domestic policies are solid,

and she has a good grasp of international affairs. She’s not afraid of Putin. She appears pragmatic in her approach. She would be very hard for Trump and the GOP to attack. No stupid nicknames... can’t really label her a Socialist. She is very pro union.

She is very respectable and I hope she catches on and moves up.

[dflprincess]

30. Sticking with Warren

Klobuchar is better than a Republican, it's why I've voted for her for senate 3 times though I've never been happy doing it. And I won't be happy if I have to vote for her next November, but I will.

I've never been a fan. I really dislike her refusal to take a stand on anything that's remotely controversial though I do admire the way her staff has raised the "non response response" to an art form in their emails. Their standard answer when you call is "The senator has not taken a position on that." - and they're incredibly rude even when you're calling to agree with her.

And really, is "No we can't" the attitude we need in a candidate? Especially when it comes to health care and we know that every other western nation can.

[gibraltar72]

32. More people want real change.

[BootinUp]

35. She has impressed me from the earliest days

Of her time in the Senate. If she gains traction I’ll be happy.

[Capt. America]

41. I like Amy. I certainly would be pleased if she became President or VP.

[lostnfound]

42. Liz, Amy, Pete.. any or all

Amy was my first choice initially but her campaign has been slow to get attention.

Used to think that Elizabeth wouldn’t appeal broadly enough but she has gotten better and better and better so she has become my first choice

And Pete is just o dang well spoken and big picture. Electability is a little scary but he is brilliant and an interesting confluence of experiences and influences.


Each of these a well as several others have such unique strengths that I’d be genuinely happy with almost any of our candidates

[Ba2020]

48. Was in my top choices

A good candidate on paper. She just does not have the charisma. More Vp material.

[pattyloutwo]

50. I like her

I think she’s a strong candidate!

[MontanaFarmer]

51. I switched from Kamala to Amy.

Still love Harris but think she's better served as VP or AG at this point. All in on Amy!

[VarryOn]

52. I went back to undecided...

Not really passionate about anyone over any other.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

53. Youre right about Joe's decline & thus effectiveness to take on tRumpty Dumbty, but wrong about Amy.

I could switch from Bernie to Elizabeth, but only if Bernie fails to returned to good health... from all appearances at the debate, Bernie seems to be in even better shape then before his health scare... I'd say he's as good as new!!


Bernie/Elizabeth or Elizabeth/Bernie 2020!!
Either way, they're stronger together!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[sop]

54. Klobuchar is probably the least attackable candidate in the field

Other than being a strong woman, how would Trump go about trashing Amy?

[BeyondGeography]

62. He'd dust off the reports of her treatment of her staff and have a field day

About 20 of them spoke up if you’ll recall..

Most of those interviewed for this article — describing memories that span from shortly after her election in 2006 to the much more recent past — discussed their time with Ms. Klobuchar on the condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal from the senator. These concerns were not idle, they said. Saving potentially damaging emails from Ms. Klobuchar became something of a last-day ritual, the aides said, in case they ever needed evidence of her conduct for their own reputational protection.

She was known to throw office objects in frustration, including binders and phones, in the direction of aides, they said. Low-level employees were asked to perform duties they described as demeaning, like washing her dishes or other cleaning — a possible violation of Senate ethics rules, according to veterans of the chamber.

Appraisals of perceived staff incompetence were delivered at all hours of the day and night...

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/22/us/politics/amy-klobuchar-staff.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share

Not so sure how she would weather his taunting either.

There are much better options in the moderate lane, IMO.

[malchickiwick]

55. I donated what I could to her campaign after her strong performance the other night, but ...

... I still plan to caucus for Senator Warren on Feb. 22 here in NV

[proud patriot]

56. It's nice to believe in someone

while both she and Biden are closer to the bottom of my list ..

there are things to like about each of our wonderful candidates .

let's win this

[yaesu]

57. I've always liked her & think she would make an awesome president

but I'm not committed to any one candidate yet myself.

[caraher]

58. I went from undecided to Warren

I liked Bernie last time around.

I don't think the "pick a centrist" move is the right strategy; I think we do better if we focus on turning out our left wing rather than trying to win people whose judgment was sufficiently impaired as to choose Trump in 2016. That said, I'd prefer her to Biden, so I applaud your switch. I think she would make a better campaigner and a better president, and her proximity to important swing states is a great point.

And it cannot be said often enough: I will enthusiastically support whoever we put forward to face the orange disgrace (or his successor in the event of an impeachment miracle).

[NCLefty]

59. I do like her but she's still at 1-3%. I'm not sure how I can support her without

wasting my time (or hers). :/

[Raine]

60. I'm really leaning toward Klobuchar

she's the one that really impresses me.

[MineralMan]

63. Nope. No change. I love Amy. She's one of my Senators.

She hasn't a prayer, though, of winning the Presidency. Not a chance. So, I'm supporting someone who does.

You're welcome to support any candidate you like, but there will come a time when it's clear that Amy Klobuchar won't be around to run next November. Then, you'll have to change again. Personally, I think that time has already arrived.

[MoonRiver]

64. I initially supported Klobuchar, but switched to Harris.

The last debate certainly made me start to reconsider again, but I'm sticking with Harris for now. Doesn't look she's getting much traction though.