When Push Comes to Shove - Step Aside and Let Them Fight

[MineralMan]

That's what Joe Biden is doing, and it's a smart move, I think. As we draw closer to the first, if least important, primary event that is about to occur, some candidates who could have a slim chance of winning are bringing out their most egregious weapons to attack other leading candidates. The weapons are half truths and out-of-context video quotes, just like the ones used in every campaign since TV coverage began.

"He said this, see!" "Look at what she said." "My opponent is just like a Republican." Whatever. If you don't say it, one of your surrogates or staff members can, so you can later chide them gently in public, putting on a confused face. "I didn't say that! I have the greatest respect for my opponent. 'Deed I do."

It's desperation time, leading up to the Iowa caucuses, which will end up being meaningless, since four candidates will split up Iowa's paltry delegation to the convention. But, it's the only game in town, so pretending that it matters seems to be important to some. Important enough to dissemble, exaggerate, and downright say untruthful things about your opponent.

It wont work. It will piss off some people, get praise from your stalwart fans, and irritate just about everyone else. If continued, it might even create divisions in the Democratic Party that can't heal in time for the General Election. Put simply: "That can't be good."

Worst of all, such sophomoric campaign behavior will end up having almost no effect on outcomes. An Iowa delegate or two is the most that can be hoped for, and Iowa isn't going to matter in 2020, because a month later, a huge number of delegates will be chosen on Super Tuesday.

Distinguished primary candidates distinguish themselves through distinguished behavior. Irascible, desperate candidates do something else. In the long term, maintaining a distinguished demeanor will be rewarded. Getting ugly will not get you votes. It will get you a "Participant" ribbon.

I'm sorry to see this ugliness so early in this Primary season. Very sorry.

Oh, yeah - did you notice that guy who has moved into fourth place in the latest Iowa polls? That Bloomberg guy? He's behaving in a dignified way, and boy, does he have a lot of money to spend during the upcoming Super Tuesday campaign. Maybe you should be watching that. The leader isn't going to take your bait. Maybe you should fish elsewhere.

[Thekaspervote]

1. Good point. Let sanders and his crew gnash away. And no the front runner isn't biting on the lies

[MineralMan]

2. He has made a simple statement that he has worked to support

Social Security throughout his career. That's all he needs to do.

Someone else needs to tell his staffers and surrogates to STFU. Will he?