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Joe BidenCongratulations to our presumptive Democratic nominee, Joe Biden!
 

DanTex

(20,709 posts)
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 10:27 AM Feb 2020

An honest conversation about Bernie Sanders starts with one basic observation.

Bernie is hugely popular among Democrats, and his policies are supported by the majority of the American people.

There is no "honest" conversation that doesn't start there. All the polls point there. He has the best favorability numbers among Dems. When Dems choose the candidate that represents their values/policies best, it is Bernie hands down. And even when Dems pick the candidate who they think is best to defeat Trump, Bernie is now catching up and passing the others.

Yes, there are some Dems who have issues with Bernie. But there are a lot more Dems who think Bernie is exactly what the doctor ordered. For those who don't like Bernie, the question to ask is why? Why is it that a guy who has been Independent his whole career, and who identifies as "socialist", a word that has been forbidden for decades in American politics, is the most popular Democrat in the field?

And, if we want honest answers, we need to drop all the false talking points. It's not that "70% of Dems don't want Bernie". It's not "the Russians". It's not because dumb young people just want "free stuff." It's because Bernie is where the majority of the Democratic electorate thinks the party should be.

I've seen people bring up that the Medicare for All would only get some 5 or 10 votes in the senate. People bring that up to show how pie-in-the sky Bernie's policies are. But that's entirely the wrong conclusion. The real question is, given that M4A is supported by a significant majority of Dem voters, why are the Democrats in the senate so far from the Democratic electorate on this and other issues?

I highly recommend the book "Listen Liberal" by Thomas Frank. Quick summary. For decades the Democratic Party has drifted towards the center on economic issues. On policies ranging from welfare reform, economic and financial deregulation, trade agreements, etc., the Dems have adopted positions in line with the "Beltway consensus" as expressed by the Washington Post editorial page. But the WP editorial page does not actually represent the views of rank-and-file Democrats. The Democratic establishment has drifted away from the Democratic electorate.

Thomas Frank is not some "Bernie Bro," he is highly intelligent, committed liberal Democrat. And he, like a majority of Democratic voters, doesn't see Bernie as some interloper trying to dupe the party, but rather as the leader of a movement attempting to bring the Democratic Party back to its working class roots.

And let me repeat the most important part of that last sentence. THE MAJORITY OF DEMOCRATIC VOTERS. We wouldn't even be having this conversation not for the fact that the MAJORITY OF DEMOCRATIC VOTERS agreed with Bernie and Thomas Frank about the need to reverse some of the drift to the center and move back towards the party of FDR.
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
94 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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An honest conversation about Bernie Sanders starts with one basic observation. (Original Post) DanTex Feb 2020 OP
That is not the case. boston bean Feb 2020 #1
Billionaires Own The Media And Spew Propaganda At All Levels DanieRains Feb 2020 #36
when you have nothing... ProgressDiv Feb 2020 #41
Great info! Lol USALiberal Feb 2020 #76
Not much more to add. boston bean Feb 2020 #85
Repeat it often enough and the masses will regard it as the truth dalton99a Feb 2020 #2
... or you could just engage with the facts ProgressDiv Feb 2020 #45
Thank you for writing this. Tom Rinaldo Feb 2020 #3
Add my thanks, too. nt Nay Feb 2020 #53
And mine. Well said. KPN Feb 2020 #67
This is false uponit7771 Feb 2020 #4
I am truly astounded... ProgressDiv Feb 2020 #50
I mean it won't stop, look at the response to your reasonable confoundment joethedrummer Feb 2020 #84
Lol, great response and details! Nt USALiberal Feb 2020 #77
I believe it is because people are tired of being used by big donations taking Dustlawyer Feb 2020 #5
Warren is upsetting it in reality. Who nailed Wells Fargo? blm Feb 2020 #18
6 Million Fake Bank Accounts And No One Goes To Jail DanieRains Feb 2020 #37
Yes, and? ProgressDiv Feb 2020 #57
Claiming that Bernie is upsetting the system with NO recognition blm Feb 2020 #72
You summed up PERFECTLY why We The People are sick of accepting CRUMBS & are ready to elect Bernie InAbLuEsTaTe Feb 2020 #64
Bravo! I actually cheered inside as I read your essay. Bluepinky Feb 2020 #6
If The Money Is Taken Away The MSM Won't Be Getting Billions In Ad Revenue DanieRains Feb 2020 #39
I know, it is a Catch 22. Bluepinky Feb 2020 #65
Horserace! Food Fight! DanieRains Feb 2020 #69
You won't get an honest conversation about Bernie. One reason, moderate Dems Autumn Feb 2020 #7
Surprised you aren't behind the one person who actually performed, blm Feb 2020 #8
I would happily support Warren, but of the two, Bernie has a much greater chance DanTex Feb 2020 #10
He's surrounded by people who are liars and demagogues. blm Feb 2020 #11
I'm not hate-filled or dumbed-down, and I would gladly accept Warren as our candidate. Bluepinky Feb 2020 #12
I clearly specified the 'faction' of reactionaries that exist. blm Feb 2020 #13
Hated you a bit in 2016. Bonobo Feb 2020 #9
Bernie Sanders is a good man. Lunch Lady Feb 2020 #14
91% in Nevada couldn't be bothered, or wanted someone else. NurseJackie Feb 2020 #15
Using your mathematical logic, over half of America rejected Obama Fiendish Thingy Feb 2020 #32
91% is greater than "over half" NurseJackie Feb 2020 #59
Shall I crunch the numbers? Fiendish Thingy Feb 2020 #63
Most the primaries woulbbe the same! Nt USALiberal Feb 2020 #78
These figures do not square with the "unbridled enthusiasm" and THRONGS of people... NurseJackie Feb 2020 #79
14% of dems voted in 2016 primaries! Nt USALiberal Feb 2020 #81
So it's down this year. NurseJackie Feb 2020 #82
Lol, yes, 86% voting is so much better than 91%. Nice try! Nt USALiberal Feb 2020 #86
91% didn't vote for him. NurseJackie Feb 2020 #88
What's even worse is that the "drift towards the center" gave Republicans the confidence to Yavin4 Feb 2020 #16
Yup. zentrum Feb 2020 #25
Nope nope nope nope nope nope. Alliepoo Feb 2020 #17
An honest conversation doesn't start with a flawed premise. /nt bucolic_frolic Feb 2020 #19
What flawed premise? Have you looked at the polls? DanTex Feb 2020 #20
+1...nt SidDithers Feb 2020 #24
Bernie has popped the Centrist bubble. Denial and outrage is the logical outcome for many of them. jalan48 Feb 2020 #21
Bottom of the 1st and the BernieBots whistler162 Feb 2020 #94
Good observations. I love the Dem party, but our leadership hasn't focused enough attention on some JudyM Feb 2020 #22
All true. zentrum Feb 2020 #23
Right on DanTex!!!! floppyboo Feb 2020 #26
Because though his ideals are good edhopper Feb 2020 #27
Agree! ananda Feb 2020 #28
Thank goodness we don't need Independent voters! Mars and Minerva Feb 2020 #29
no he isn't llashram Feb 2020 #30
"...supported by the majority of the American people." Got national polls for that? ancianita Feb 2020 #31
Of course. DanTex Feb 2020 #38
You missed this on M4A.... ehrnst Feb 2020 #44
He's hardly the only Dem candidate who promotes those, and certainly not the ehrnst Feb 2020 #47
Big difference between supporting the policies in the abstract and supporting Sanders himself Orrex Feb 2020 #52
Mind if I take them one by one? ancianita Feb 2020 #58
These mean nothing, swing states decide presidents not national polls. uponit7771 Feb 2020 #90
HOW DOES HE PAY FOR ALL THAT PIE??? Watchfoxheadexplodes Feb 2020 #33
Check out the links above. ancianita Feb 2020 #40
Well Aviation Pro Feb 2020 #34
2 things wryter2000 Feb 2020 #35
Unhappy response to the other OP that starts an "honest conversation about Bernie" ehrnst Feb 2020 #42
You are absolutely correct, however over the next two weeks, emotions will be high at DU Fiendish Thingy Feb 2020 #43
That's a nice step back to take in more scenery Harker Feb 2020 #68
Bravo! fallout87 Feb 2020 #46
The choir cheers the choir at the opera. Impressive.... n/t rzemanfl Feb 2020 #71
A MAJORITY is 50+1 Moderateguy Feb 2020 #48
At least in my neck of the woods, the OP is incorrect... Sancho Feb 2020 #49
How can you say someone with about 30% of the vote so far is hugely popular? I don't get it. n/t pnwmom Feb 2020 #51
In addition to popular ideas, a candidate also needs a proven track record of accomplishments dlk Feb 2020 #54
Wrong... scipan Feb 2020 #75
How many of these pieces of legislation were someone else's that he signed on to? dlk Feb 2020 #89
JOB ONE: GET TRUMP OUT OF OFFICE. Eyeball_Kid Feb 2020 #55
Well said. Garrett78 Feb 2020 #56
If he's aligned with Democratic values, Why isn't he a democrat? Prue Feb 2020 #60
K&R and Thank you. mountain grammy Feb 2020 #61
PHENOMENAL POST DAN!! Indeed, you win the pro-Bernie Post of Day... Johnnie tell Dan what he's won!! InAbLuEsTaTe Feb 2020 #62
It doesn't matter where the conversation begins. cab67 Feb 2020 #66
Good post n/t Prue Feb 2020 #70
Why meaningless? scipan Feb 2020 #73
Because they mean nothing. cab67 Feb 2020 #74
Um, it is a little dishonest to state that Democrats in a few small... NNadir Feb 2020 #80
✔️ blm Feb 2020 #87
Kicked and recommended. Uncle Joe Feb 2020 #83
Florida Democratic Party disavows Sanders. Gothmog Feb 2020 #91
Biden campaign response to sanders praising Fidel Castro Gothmog Feb 2020 #92
NTSA whistler162 Feb 2020 #93
 

boston bean

(36,221 posts)
1. That is not the case.
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 10:29 AM
Feb 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

DanieRains

(4,619 posts)
36. Billionaires Own The Media And Spew Propaganda At All Levels
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:37 PM
Feb 2020

When is the last time you saw an interview of some family who lost a loved one because they couldn't afford insulin?

We are being "steered" towards the center while the ice melts.

Cover everyone as affordably as possible, and have the insanely rich pay for it. They don't pay for the pollution created to support their dividends.

Healthcare For All.

Do it.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

ProgressDiv

(31 posts)
41. when you have nothing...
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:44 PM
Feb 2020

to back up your "gut reaction" maybe do some actual research before blurting out "magical thinking". Herd mentality is a poor substitute for actual facts.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

boston bean

(36,221 posts)
85. Not much more to add.
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 03:46 PM
Feb 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

dalton99a

(81,468 posts)
2. Repeat it often enough and the masses will regard it as the truth
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 10:31 AM
Feb 2020

If they don't, the cadres will provide proper mass education


If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

ProgressDiv

(31 posts)
45. ... or you could just engage with the facts
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:46 PM
Feb 2020

Sniping with snark without engaging at all with the research and polling data presented is pretty much admitting you have no argument.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

Tom Rinaldo

(22,912 posts)
3. Thank you for writing this.
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 10:32 AM
Feb 2020

No I don't have to figure out how to write something like this myself.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Nay

(12,051 posts)
53. Add my thanks, too. nt
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:53 PM
Feb 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

KPN

(15,643 posts)
67. And mine. Well said.
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 01:28 PM
Feb 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

ProgressDiv

(31 posts)
50. I am truly astounded...
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:49 PM
Feb 2020

by the low quality fingers-in-the-ears "responses". Saying "this is false" when evidence has been presented and you have NOTHING to bring to the conversation does not reach the level of intelligent discussion.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

joethedrummer

(20 posts)
84. I mean it won't stop, look at the response to your reasonable confoundment
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 03:44 PM
Feb 2020

Another empty self-righteous rebuttal ignoring the entire post they clicked on.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

USALiberal

(10,877 posts)
77. Lol, great response and details! Nt
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 03:18 PM
Feb 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Dustlawyer

(10,495 posts)
5. I believe it is because people are tired of being used by big donations taking
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 11:03 AM
Feb 2020

politicians whose only constituents are donors. There is a reason why we have the wealth inequality we do, our politicians perpetuate it with policies from well funded think tanks. To keep their seats they have done the dirty work to keep getting the donations. We are tired of a rigged game!

Bernie is upsetting that.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

blm

(113,050 posts)
18. Warren is upsetting it in reality. Who nailed Wells Fargo?
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:10 PM
Feb 2020

Who took their OWN decades of original research and remedies and built the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau?

Some make themselves an eager audience for bombast and rhetoric.

Some make themselves appreciative observers of remedial action.

And vote accordingly.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

DanieRains

(4,619 posts)
37. 6 Million Fake Bank Accounts And No One Goes To Jail
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:38 PM
Feb 2020

Amerikkkkkkka!

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

ProgressDiv

(31 posts)
57. Yes, and?
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:56 PM
Feb 2020

There is nothing in the original post that Elizabeth Warren would disagree with, that I can see. She is making the same case, and also appealing to the actual preferences of ordinary voters instead of the "Washington consensus".

The information presented (including research by Thomas Frank) is valid and supports both candidates. It also undermines the Biden, Pete, Klobachar, Bloomberg posture: centricism is not as popular as they think it is.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

blm

(113,050 posts)
72. Claiming that Bernie is upsetting the system with NO recognition
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 02:22 PM
Feb 2020

that the ONLY candidate actually tangibly upsetting the system is Warren. And she did it long before Sanders started running for president in 2015.


Rhetoric vs Action.

Sanders accepting the credit for Warren’s decades of heavy lifting is horseshyt. And I am sick and tired of his rhetoric getting praise while her decades of work that actually made a difference gets........snake emojis.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

InAbLuEsTaTe

(24,122 posts)
64. You summed up PERFECTLY why We The People are sick of accepting CRUMBS & are ready to elect Bernie
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 01:24 PM
Feb 2020

to be our CHAMPION... finally we have someone who will look out for the working class on Main Street over the greedy bastards with their corporate interests on Wall Street!!


Bernie/Elizabeth or Elizabeth/Bernie 2020!!
Either way, they're stronger together & can't be bought!!
Jump on the Bernie Bandwagon & join The Revolution!!

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

Bluepinky

(2,268 posts)
6. Bravo! I actually cheered inside as I read your essay.
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 11:07 AM
Feb 2020

You explained it so well. And it starts with taking corporate money out of politics. Either a candidate is beholden to big money corporations or to average people, make a choice, because he or she can’t represent both.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

DanieRains

(4,619 posts)
39. If The Money Is Taken Away The MSM Won't Be Getting Billions In Ad Revenue
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:40 PM
Feb 2020

No way they will let Bernie, or anyone else make that happen.

Campaign dollars go to CNN, MSNBC, and Fox. Others too.

Catch 22.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

Bluepinky

(2,268 posts)
65. I know, it is a Catch 22.
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 01:25 PM
Feb 2020

I see how the MSM is stirring things up with these Democratic primaries. There always has to be a controversy.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

DanieRains

(4,619 posts)
69. Horserace! Food Fight!
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 01:38 PM
Feb 2020

Go0tta get eyeballs.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

Autumn

(45,064 posts)
7. You won't get an honest conversation about Bernie. One reason, moderate Dems
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 11:20 AM
Feb 2020

will never believe or acknowledge your first sentence.

Bernie is hugely popular among Democrats, and his policies are supported by the majority of the American people.


They believe we are all Russian bots and trolls.

Him winning the popular vote in the Caucus so far? Nah, the Bros and Russia cheated.
Young people overwhelmingly support him? Don't matter they don't vote.
Bernie gets a rise in any poll. That's a shit poll and besides polls mean nothing.
I could go on but you get my drift

You are one of my favorite people here but you are, as my Daddy always said, pissing in the wind if you think that conversation will happen.


If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

blm

(113,050 posts)
8. Surprised you aren't behind the one person who actually performed,
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 11:23 AM
Feb 2020

along with other academics, the decades of painstaking research that went into the development of remedial policy proposals, and that some politicians in recent election years parrot as their own policy positions.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

DanTex

(20,709 posts)
10. I would happily support Warren, but of the two, Bernie has a much greater chance
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 11:25 AM
Feb 2020

of actually winning the nomination right now. I was undecided until recently for that very reason.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

blm

(113,050 posts)
11. He's surrounded by people who are liars and demagogues.
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 11:33 AM
Feb 2020

And they feed into the dumbed down, hate-filled faction of his supporters. The snake emoji faction. The ‘Warren copies Bernie’ faction who are unable to process the fact that, if anything, Bernie has been cribbing from Warren’s DECADES of work, when he formed ‘his’ policy positions.

And Warren is the only one of the two who can unify the party.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Bluepinky

(2,268 posts)
12. I'm not hate-filled or dumbed-down, and I would gladly accept Warren as our candidate.
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 11:40 AM
Feb 2020

I’m just happy to see a progressive doing so well in the race. Wouldn’t it be something if Sanders and Warren appeared together on the ticket?

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

blm

(113,050 posts)
13. I clearly specified the 'faction' of reactionaries that exist.
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 11:42 AM
Feb 2020

Do you go around posting that Warren copies Bernie? Are you one of the Bernie camp who posted snake emojis on all references to Warren?

If you didn’t then you are not part of the faction I described in my post.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Bonobo

(29,257 posts)
9. Hated you a bit in 2016.
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 11:25 AM
Feb 2020

Now you are my absolute favorite poster.

So clear eyed and logical.

No bullshit, no obfuscation. Straight to the point.

Like my man Bernie, in fact.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

Lunch Lady

(32 posts)
14. Bernie Sanders is a good man.
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 11:44 AM
Feb 2020

He's working for the change we need.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

NurseJackie

(42,862 posts)
15. 91% in Nevada couldn't be bothered, or wanted someone else.
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 11:45 AM
Feb 2020

If Bernie somehow manages to squeak out a nomination. He'll motivate ONLY those who want to come out and vote AGAINST HIM.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/1287570879

Even when Bernie runs on the Democratic ticket, he attacks the party. That doesn’t exactly endear him to committed party members – especially in today’s political environment, when being a united party is key. By stating that “the Democratic establishment AND the Republican establishment can’t stop him”, he is being extremely divisive by putting himself out as someone who is actually running against BOTH parties, and not as someone who is running FOR the party that he is supposedly running on behalf of.
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Fiendish Thingy

(15,601 posts)
32. Using your mathematical logic, over half of America rejected Obama
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:33 PM
Feb 2020

(Since you’re including those who didn’t vote) So I guess he shouldn’t have even run for president, right?

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

NurseJackie

(42,862 posts)
59. 91% is greater than "over half"
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:57 PM
Feb 2020

Yet another "whatabout" FAIL!

Want to try again?

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Fiendish Thingy

(15,601 posts)
63. Shall I crunch the numbers?
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 01:20 PM
Feb 2020

By my calculations, 69% of American voters did not vote for Obama in 2008. What does that mean?

So, 91% of Nevada voters not voting for Sanders, what does it mean?

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

USALiberal

(10,877 posts)
78. Most the primaries woulbbe the same! Nt
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 03:19 PM
Feb 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

NurseJackie

(42,862 posts)
79. These figures do not square with the "unbridled enthusiasm" and THRONGS of people...
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 03:23 PM
Feb 2020

These figures do not square with the "unbridled enthusiasm" and "highest turnout ever" and THRONGS of people who were GIDDY at the prospect of being able to finally vote for a Socialist. We need some perspective.

Most the primaries woulbbe the same!
How do you know?
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

USALiberal

(10,877 posts)
81. 14% of dems voted in 2016 primaries! Nt
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 03:31 PM
Feb 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

NurseJackie

(42,862 posts)
82. So it's down this year.
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 03:33 PM
Feb 2020

Thanks for helping me to make my point.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

USALiberal

(10,877 posts)
86. Lol, yes, 86% voting is so much better than 91%. Nice try! Nt
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 03:47 PM
Feb 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

NurseJackie

(42,862 posts)
88. 91% didn't vote for him.
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 03:49 PM
Feb 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Yavin4

(35,438 posts)
16. What's even worse is that the "drift towards the center" gave Republicans the confidence to
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 11:47 AM
Feb 2020

go even further to the right. The Republicans didn't drift to the center. There was no Republican Leadership Conference after 2008. There are no 3rd way Republicans.

That entire party became hardcore conservatives because they knew that the Dems would be center right.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

zentrum

(9,865 posts)
25. Yup.
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:27 PM
Feb 2020

That's exactly what happened.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

Alliepoo

(2,216 posts)
17. Nope nope nope nope nope nope.
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:00 PM
Feb 2020

Just nope.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

bucolic_frolic

(43,146 posts)
19. An honest conversation doesn't start with a flawed premise. /nt
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:18 PM
Feb 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

DanTex

(20,709 posts)
20. What flawed premise? Have you looked at the polls?
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:18 PM
Feb 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

jalan48

(13,862 posts)
21. Bernie has popped the Centrist bubble. Denial and outrage is the logical outcome for many of them.
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:25 PM
Feb 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

whistler162

(11,155 posts)
94. Bottom of the 1st and the BernieBots
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 07:32 PM
Feb 2020

declare the win and leave the field!

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

JudyM

(29,233 posts)
22. Good observations. I love the Dem party, but our leadership hasn't focused enough attention on some
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:25 PM
Feb 2020

supercritical matters.

It really seems to me that we have not held the line on environmental protection and election security/gerrymandering, in particular. Now we have to play more than just serious catch-up, but go well beyond where we were before to strengthen our position.

We may not recover from McConnell’s destruction of our judicial system, and all the fallout that is ensuing, for decades. I do not recall our fighting tooth and nail, turning over every rock to get Obama's judicial nominees through... did we and I just missed it? It seemed like we tried and then assumed Hillary would get in and so pretty much let the fight go and waited for her win. To devastatingeffect, as we see... looming destruction of our democracy and the planet.

Of course it is the fault of the damned rethugs (and may McConnell and trump's cabal suffer in every possible way as soon as possible), and they have played far dirtier than we may have expected, but IMO we didn’t adequately watch the gates, particularly on election interference as it was developing.

Any of the candidates would be fine in a normal election. But only Bernie and Liz are waving a banner of real repair of our Democratic infrastructure, which fundamentally requires peeling it back from large donor influence. Rather than being ignorant chumps, Sanders supporters may just be seeing a different, and possibly more accurate, reality.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

zentrum

(9,865 posts)
23. All true.
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:26 PM
Feb 2020

And the vitriol around here is shocking. The majority of the American people are to the left of Congress.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

edhopper

(33,575 posts)
27. Because though his ideals are good
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:31 PM
Feb 2020

he has been so uncompromising that it is questionable if he can get anything done.
As he has not gotten anything done in the Senate.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

ananda

(28,858 posts)
28. Agree!
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:31 PM
Feb 2020

Exactly right.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Mars and Minerva

(369 posts)
29. Thank goodness we don't need Independent voters!
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:32 PM
Feb 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

llashram

(6,265 posts)
30. no he isn't
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:33 PM
Feb 2020

and no they are not.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

ancianita

(36,043 posts)
31. "...supported by the majority of the American people." Got national polls for that?
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:33 PM
Feb 2020

That honesty is the basis of all the rest of honest conversation that you say you want.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

ehrnst

(32,640 posts)
44. You missed this on M4A....
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:45 PM
Feb 2020
As Medicare-for-all becomes a staple in national conversations around health care and people become aware of the details of any plan or hear arguments on either side, it is unclear how attitudes towards such a proposal may shift. KFF polling finds public support for Medicare-for-all shifts significantly when people hear arguments about potential tax increases or delays in medical tests and treatment (Figure 9). KFF polling found that when such a plan is described in terms of the trade-offs (higher taxes but lower out-of-pocket costs), the public is almost equally split in their support (Figure 10). KFF polling also shows many people falsely assume they would be able to keep their current health insurance under a single-payer plan, suggesting another potential area for decreased support especially since most supporters (67 percent) of such a proposal think they would be able to keep their current health insurance coverage (Figure 11).

KFF polling finds more Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents would prefer voting for a candidate who wants to build on the ACA in order to expand coverage and reduce costs rather than replace the ACA with a national Medicare-for-all plan (Figure 12). Additionally, KFF polling has found broader public support for more incremental changes to expand the public health insurance program in this country including proposals that expand the role of public programs like Medicare and Medicaid (Figure 13). And while partisans are divided on a Medicare-for-all national health plan, there is robust support among Democrats, and even support among four in ten Republicans, for a government-run health plan, sometimes called a public option (Figure 14). Notably, the public does not perceive major differences in how a public option or a Medicare-for-all plan would impact taxes and personal health care costs. However, there are some differences in perceptions of how the proposals would impact those with private health insurance coverage (Figure 15). KFF polling in February 2020 finds about four in ten Americans support both a Medicare-for-all plan and a public option (Figure 16). So while the general idea of a national health plan (whether accomplished through an expansion of Medicare or some other way) may enjoy fairly broad support in the abstract, it remains unclear how this issue will play out in the 2020 election and beyond.


https://www.kff.org/slideshow/public-opinion-on-single-payer-national-health-plans-and-expanding-access-to-medicare-coverage/


You're welcome.
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

ehrnst

(32,640 posts)
47. He's hardly the only Dem candidate who promotes those, and certainly not the
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:48 PM
Feb 2020

one with the best record for getting things accomplished.

One needs the temperament and people skills to make those promises a reality.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Orrex

(63,203 posts)
52. Big difference between supporting the policies in the abstract and supporting Sanders himself
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:52 PM
Feb 2020

If we're having an honest discussion, let's honestly and directly ask the poll respondents what they think of Sanders as a candidate and potential president. Instead, you're citing popularity of programs that most Democrats support, but you're equating that specifically to support for Sanders. That kind of three card monty won't win in November.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

ancianita

(36,043 posts)
58. Mind if I take them one by one?
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:57 PM
Feb 2020

-- How is a federal jobs guarantee paid for, again? Isn't it just tax churn?

-- OK on the $15 minimum wage

-- 30% either strongly or somewhat oppose M4A, and of the remaining 70% we don't know how many of them are even registered to vote -- campaigning without knowing registration #'s or political affiliations of this poll could be a crap shoot

-- OK on Green New Deal

-- sample of "registered voters" is murkey; first it's reported as "respondents," then "Democrats," so I can only conclude that it's a Democratic poll, overall. Cool for us, not a guaranteed issue across demographics. Just sayin.

-- sample problem; good luck with "money as speech" PAC opponents, who would call this soviet style communist, which might matter to Americans, other Bernie baggage weighed.

-- again, corporate PAC messaging would have a fearmongering field day with Bernie on this.

-- Why does Bernie get credit for Warren't wealth tax plan, again?

Thank you for the effort post. You've done alot of us a real service with these links.






If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

uponit7771

(90,335 posts)
90. These mean nothing, swing states decide presidents not national polls.
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 04:46 PM
Feb 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Watchfoxheadexplodes

(3,496 posts)
33. HOW DOES HE PAY FOR ALL THAT PIE???
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:33 PM
Feb 2020

There is a huge 26 trillion dollar hole now, then he tacks another glop of ice cream on his unrealistic pie.

How does it get paid for?

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

ancianita

(36,043 posts)
40. Check out the links above.
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:42 PM
Feb 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Aviation Pro

(12,163 posts)
34. Well
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:33 PM
Feb 2020

He’s hugely popular with the infotainment media.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

wryter2000

(46,039 posts)
35. 2 things
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:34 PM
Feb 2020

Last edited Mon Feb 24, 2020, 02:18 PM - Edit history (1)

Large numbers of Democrats are angry at the 12% of his supporters who voted for Trump and therefore got us Trump. How’s that revolution working out for you? Plus, we’re getting the same crap this year from the usual suspects, some from high up in his organization.

Second, his policies may be popular, but when you label them “socialist,” they turn to poison. Yes, that’s ignorant, but it’s the reality we have to live with.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

ehrnst

(32,640 posts)
42. Unhappy response to the other OP that starts an "honest conversation about Bernie"
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:44 PM
Feb 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Fiendish Thingy

(15,601 posts)
43. You are absolutely correct, however over the next two weeks, emotions will be high at DU
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:45 PM
Feb 2020

Folks have to go through their own grieving process as the reality sinks in after Super Tuesday that, (if trends continue) Sanders will be the delegate leader and no other candidate can surpass his delegate count before the convention.

For some folks, this represents an emotionally charged, earth shaking paradigm shift filled with fears of catastrophe and an abandonment of normalcy and the status quo. Some will cling to fantasies of a brokered convention providing a candidate more in their comfort zone, but this scenario carries risks as great or greater than Having Sanders as the nominee, with fewer potential benefits.

Things are likely to get rough and raw around here before they get better (if they do).

Buckle up, March is going to be a bumpy month at DU - I hope we can be decent to each other, and gentle with those who are hurting as they cope with the changing reality before them.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

Harker

(14,015 posts)
68. That's a nice step back to take in more scenery
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 01:34 PM
Feb 2020

and a heartwarming invitation to kindness.

Good for you. And all of us.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

fallout87

(819 posts)
46. Bravo!
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:47 PM
Feb 2020

This seems to be lost on many that are preaching the doom and gloom of a Sanders nomination.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

rzemanfl

(29,556 posts)
71. The choir cheers the choir at the opera. Impressive.... n/t
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 02:18 PM
Feb 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Moderateguy

(945 posts)
48. A MAJORITY is 50+1
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:48 PM
Feb 2020

Come back when Bernie starts winning that number...

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

Sancho

(9,067 posts)
49. At least in my neck of the woods, the OP is incorrect...
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:49 PM
Feb 2020

...in Florida, M4A gets mixed support for example.

Honest conversations here do not start with the assumption that the "majority of democratic voters" agree with Bernie, nor do they conclude that Bernie is a "socialist".

Usually the discussions revolve around the personality of "yelling", the lack of specifics about funding, and transition to M4A when our state constitution allows for collective bargaining (Florida), and health care benefits are usually bargained. It would take decades to renegotiate some salary equivalent if health care became M4A.

Most Florida voters would prefer some action on a path to citizenship, a way to tax the tRumps and money launderers (none of the candidates have actually got a handle on that yet) without killing off a million IRAs, and climate change specifics.



If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

pnwmom

(108,977 posts)
51. How can you say someone with about 30% of the vote so far is hugely popular? I don't get it. n/t
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:52 PM
Feb 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

dlk

(11,561 posts)
54. In addition to popular ideas, a candidate also needs a proven track record of accomplishments
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:53 PM
Feb 2020

Last edited Mon Feb 24, 2020, 01:31 PM - Edit history (1)

Being able to work well with colleagues in Congress to pass legislation is basic requirement for an effective and successful president. Poking colleagues in the eye with insults is counterproductive and only diminishes that candidate and makes them look childish.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

dlk

(11,561 posts)
89. How many of these pieces of legislation were someone else's that he signed on to?
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 04:24 PM
Feb 2020

There is a reason he’s Putin's preferred candidate.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Eyeball_Kid

(7,431 posts)
55. JOB ONE: GET TRUMP OUT OF OFFICE.
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:53 PM
Feb 2020

Job Two (tied with Job One): A blue Senate.

This is not just a political contest. It's for the survival of the nation.

So... anyone who can rid ourselves of the batshit crazy fascist and his sycophants will save the nation. Sanders is fine, Warren is fine, Biden is fine, Butti.... you get the message.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

Garrett78

(10,721 posts)
56. Well said.
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:55 PM
Feb 2020

And winning behind an enthusiastic and passionate (and, yes, angry) base of youth and persons of color can change present realities. What seems like "pie in the sky" now can become reality if we fight hard enough.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

Prue

(139 posts)
60. If he's aligned with Democratic values, Why isn't he a democrat?
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 01:02 PM
Feb 2020

The simple answer to your post is pretty straight forward - If Bernie is the super duper advocate of democratic values then why doesn't he proudly say he's a democrat?

The fact is - He's not a democrat. He is currently trying to "transform America" and hijack the democratic platform and make it his platform. If that's what most democrats want then that's totally fine but stop pretending that he's some great savior of the democratic party. He isn't. He's a socialist and he's trying to "transform America" into becoming a socialist country.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

mountain grammy

(26,619 posts)
61. K&R and Thank you.
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 01:05 PM
Feb 2020

I’ve been told right here on DU that Sanders supporters don’t know how government works with no clue about how insulting that is.

The hyperbole about Sanders is off the charts here. I’m so happy to finally see some pushback.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

InAbLuEsTaTe

(24,122 posts)
62. PHENOMENAL POST DAN!! Indeed, you win the pro-Bernie Post of Day... Johnnie tell Dan what he's won!!
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 01:11 PM
Feb 2020

Johnnie: Congrats Dan, you are now the proud owner of a pair of custom Bernie All-Star Chucks...

perfect for canvassing the neighborhood on behalf of the next President of the United States... President Sanders!!



Bernie/Elizabeth or Elizabeth/Bernie 2020!!
Either way, they're stronger together & can't be bought!!
Jump on the Bernie Bandwagon & join The Revolution!!

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

cab67

(2,992 posts)
66. It doesn't matter where the conversation begins.
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 01:25 PM
Feb 2020

What matters is how the conversation progresses.

Like a lot of people who really don't want Sanders to be the nominee, his opinions and policy plans are not the problem. They have nothing - zip, zilch, nada - to do with our concern.

Our concern is less with him becoming president and more with him becoming the nominee and NOT becoming the president.

Sanders is not nearly as baggage-free as many people seem to think. His record of real accomplishment is rather thin; he gives a good speech, but doesn't have much to show for turning his good ideas into working reality. A lot of us really do think he'd be squashed like a bug in the general election. (The polls comparing a particular Democratic candidate against Trump are meaningless and should be disregarded.)

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

scipan

(2,350 posts)
73. Why meaningless?
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 02:43 PM
Feb 2020

You want me to throw away good evidence and just believe some declarative statements by you.

One function of the primary is to vet the candidates. Tell me why I shouldn't support him with facts based on evidence. It is telling that you try to preemptively throw out the head to head polls based on "they mean nothing".

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

cab67

(2,992 posts)
74. Because they mean nothing.
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 03:11 PM
Feb 2020

They're taken before the devastating negative campaign Republicans are likely to throw at Sanders:

- his record of actual accomplishment is minimal.

- there's video of Sanders standing in front of anti-US crowds in Latin America, with the crowds chanting anti-US slogans.

- Sanders tried to send waste from Vermont to regions of Texas with large Latinx communities.

- he evidently stole his neighbors' utilities in the 1970's.

- he can credibly be accused of being a deadbeat dad.

- he's had a heart attack at an age when the median survival rate following one is less than 4 years.

- there's a difference between a Democratic socialist and a Communist, but the average voter will neither know about it nor care.


There's no such thing as a perfect candidate, but I really question whether it's a good idea to go after Trump with someone the Republicans can quickly brand as a Commie draft-dodging deadbeat-dad empty suit. It doesn't matter how many of these failings can be applied to Trump (esp. draft-dodging), nor will it matter whether these labels are misleading. They'd force Sanders (and the Democratic Party) onto the defensive at a time when we should be going on the offensive.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

NNadir

(33,515 posts)
80. Um, it is a little dishonest to state that Democrats in a few small...
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 03:28 PM
Feb 2020

...and frankly overwhelmingly white states with a fondness for popularism two very narrowly went for Clinton and went for the racist in chief, speak for the majority of Democrats.

There is honesty and there is arrogance.

Arrogance is the feature of the racist in chief, but is well known among digmatists on the left as well, who wish to claim that they speak for everyone.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Uncle Joe

(58,355 posts)
83. Kicked and recommended.
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 03:35 PM
Feb 2020

Thanks for the thread DanTex.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

Gothmog

(145,162 posts)
91. Florida Democratic Party disavows Sanders.
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 06:26 PM
Feb 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Gothmog

(145,162 posts)
92. Biden campaign response to sanders praising Fidel Castro
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 07:16 PM
Feb 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
Latest Discussions»Retired Forums»Democratic Primaries»An honest conversation ab...