The change in discussion over the past 2 weeks is shocking and depressing at the same time

[killaphill]

On one side we have good, decent candidates who have done their best to build up grass roots bases of support from millions of individual donors and voters. Candidates who have fought racism their entire lives. Candidates who have honorably discussed the issues for months in multiple debates all over the country, invested months in on the ground campaigning, and actively advocated against the influence of billionaires in our political discussions.

On the other side we have a billionaire. Not just a billionaire, but a mega-billionaire worth $60B+. Who until a few years ago was a Republican. Someone who implemented horrible racist policies as a mayor, and is on tape and on record making multiple, MULTIPLE sexist and racist comments. A billionaire who has the audacity and arrogance to skip all of the on the ground campaigning and debates. Think about it. He has not been in a single debate. Just running tens of millions of dollars worth of TV ads.

And, he's rising. Rapidly. And one by one eclipsing our honorable candidates.

Given polling, punditry, and what I'm reading here, there is a genuine chance that a mega-billionaire will buy the Democratic nomination.

We are selling our soul. I hope the 30 pieces of silver are worth it.

[squirecam]

1. You fear that most people would rather have him

Then Sanders as the nominee.

And you may very well be right.

[dalton99a]

22. +1. Better than an all-talk do-nothing part-time Democrat

[LexVegas]

2. Which side is the pro-gun guy on?

[TheCowsCameHome]

3. Good. Kicking Trump's ass out of #1600 is worth it.

Remember the goal: THROW TRUMP OUT!

[Voltaire2]

4. I don't think he is going to go very far

despite the DNC changing the rules to get him into the debates.

However, in the end I don’t care who wins, I just want Trump out. So if we sadly nominate a center-right Republican, oh well.

[cherryinpa]

5. Yes

Killaphill,

I want you to know that although I don't agree wih your candidate I agree 100% with your views.

Biden is my guy and if he can't make it then the mantle must past to Klobuchar and Warren, Pete etc.

If it comes down to it I will vote for Bernie too because as a Dem ally he has EARNED our support.

But a Republican Billionairre ... have we gone insane?

[redqueen]

6. +1

[cherryinpa]

7. Thx RedQueen

Also of-course adding Yang to the list as a long-term Democrat who is head and shoulders above either Bernie or Bloomberg in my view.

[Skya Rhen]

12. Yes - unfortunately, a good chunk of us has...

[JudyM]

20. Great post, sums it up.

[Skya Rhen]

9. I completely agree with you. We are so easily manipulated. Pathetic.

[brooklynite]

10. If I had a soul, I would sell mine for...

progressive taxation, reproductive rights, environmental protection, immigration reform, gun control...and winning the Election to implement them.

[FreepFryer]

13. Rarely do I agree with you. Yet here we are. Viva pragmatism. (Nt)

[HarlanPepper]

11. I'll eagerly vote for Bloomberg before Sanders.

I’m ABS as far as the primary and convention goes.

[squirecam]

14. Bloomberg

Will have to get his legislation through Congress. As long as we have the house and senate and Trump is gone, we will be in a better place. Such legislation will be progressive.

Trump MUST go though.

[ibegurpard]

15. Bernie hate is a powerful drug

for a lot of people in the Democratic Party. Is it justified? I don't think so but it is what it is. It's why I was hoping he wouldn't run again but here we are. There are a ton of really obnoxious people on his side as well too unfortunately.

[Donkees]

16. Bloomberg and Trump

[relayerbob]

17. well

Is he my first choice? Or my second, third, fourth, fifth, or even tenth choice? Hell, no! I would only vote for him in the primary, if it was between him and Gabbard. But in the GE, I'll vote for a dead sewer rat shoved up a skunk's ass if it gets Trump and his minions out. Even moreso if Moscow Mitch goes, too.

[floppyboo]

18. My fear is Bloomberg is not only buying the candidacy - he's buying the party

He's buying the party for the pre-tea-party Republicans, and the center leaning Dems.
There would be no hope in hell for him under Trump to do this as a Republican, and 3rd parties - well, that's been a wash.
He's taking advantage of a big powerful monied group of people who still believe in a Republic vs. the banana Republic that is.
Hopefully there will be a realignment, and true Democrats will stick behind a movement like Sanders' or Warren's, and after Trump is defeated, then can reclaim the Republican party, where, by virtue of their small percentage of the population, will languish as opposition.

[JudyM]

21. Holy sh*t, this is my fear about him too. Just what are we selling out TO?

[Locrian]

19. Bloomberg republican

He sees it as an opportunity to get everything he wants.
It would be like another 4-8 years of Mitch Mconnell and gang.

[Garrett78]

23. Bloomberg buying the nomination would alienate much of the base for years to come.

That anyone is considering him is embarrassing.

[Doreen]

24. I have not trusted Bloomberg from the start.

I fear he is just hiding behind a Democrat shadow and if he wins he will turn on us with trump like ruling.

Of course that is MY opinion from what I have seen and heard from and about this man.

Unfortunately if he is our candidate I will vote for him hoping that I am wrong.

What am I supposed to do? Vote for another Jill Stien third party like others did in the last election?

I am sure as hell not going to not vote