General Discussion

AlexSFCA

(6,319 posts)

53. I happen to think that Beto would have the most chance in the general

Wed Dec 5, 2018, 05:28 PM

Dec 2018

given that Sharrod Brown is not running (alledgedly). Beto may be the only dem politician with 2008 Obama appeal. He generates more enthusiasm and excitement that most and can easily fill the largest stadiums, IMO. I don’t think Biden would be able to generate enough enthusiasm. I think Beto will have plenty of options for VP. I think we are too set in old thinking here on DU that trump is just an aberration. I hope that most of you here realize that our country has fundamentally changed and it will never be the same again. It also means that politics as usual may no longer work. Beto’s star power will eclipse all media markets and platforms. And you should know by know that the one who controls the narrative is going to win. While Biden is the most qualified candidate by a mile to be president, it is not the same as to say he is the most likely to win the presidency. As it so happens, the most qualified and experienced candidates rarely become presidents. Remember, we need to focus on winning no matter who.

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The Age of Presidential Candidates [View all] Garrett78 Dec 2018 OP

Trump and Reagan were elected due to illegalities. guillaumeb Dec 2018 #1

So did Nixon Caliman73 Dec 2018 #12

This guy is in his 40s Sherman A1 Dec 2018 #2

I could vote for Harris / Booker Hermit-The-Prog Dec 2018 #3

I WILL vote for the Democratic nominee... Moostache Dec 2018 #4

but what if it's Jarvanka! Hermit-The-Prog Dec 2018 #7

Winning Dem candidates have been in their 40s or 50s. Take note Dems for 2020. brush Dec 2018 #5

Yep. Harris-O'Rourke works for me. Garrett78 Dec 2018 #8

That would be a good ticket. Since O'Rourke came on the scene he has to be considered... brush Dec 2018 #21

I was and still am against the Beto for President idea, but I'm fine with Beto for VP. Garrett78 Dec 2018 #22

I like him for VP as well. On a winning ticket in 2020 would establish him as a winner... brush Dec 2018 #23

Is Jimmy Carter eligible for another term? BaileyBill Dec 2018 #6

Thanks for this post maxsolomon Dec 2018 #9

There's nothing ageist about this. Garrett78 Dec 2018 #14

Totally ageist. LakeArenal Dec 2018 #61

Mental and physical deterioration happens with age. No avoiding that reality. Garrett78 Dec 2018 #62

My brother-in-law died of sudden cardiac death at 30 yrs old... cynatnite Dec 2018 #10

Exceptions prove the rule. Garrett78 Dec 2018 #11

Please share the particulars of the 80 year old you know maxsolomon Dec 2018 #16

I disagree with you... llmart Dec 2018 #51

It's both luck and self-care. And experts don't all agree regarding your comment about today's kids. Garrett78 Dec 2018 #57

I didn't say it was JUST luck. that's Trump who says that. maxsolomon Dec 2018 #60

the biggest reason mccain didn't win was because of the economy . it's why almost any republican JI7 Dec 2018 #26

Where was all this mental deterioration talk LakeArenal Dec 2018 #63

Clinton would have been 68 when taking office. Biden will turn 78 in 2020. Garrett78 Dec 2018 #64

But she wouldn't have stayed 68. LakeArenal Dec 2018 #65

I'm not generalizing about people over 60. Garrett78 Dec 2018 #66

You most certainly are generalizing. LakeArenal Dec 2018 #67

If you say so. Garrett78 Dec 2018 #68

I remember Carl Hayden as Senate President Pro Tem DFW Dec 2018 #13

You left out one of the "in-betweens": Tom Steyer. He will be 63. StevieM Dec 2018 #15

I left off him and Bloomberg, as I don't take either seriously. Garrett78 Dec 2018 #17

Maybe you will take him seriously after he wins the presidency. StevieM Dec 2018 #18

I don't take either, along with Avenatti, seriously for different reasons. Garrett78 Dec 2018 #19

OK, fair point. You didn't equate them. I just don't like the comparison between Bloomberg StevieM Dec 2018 #20

What makes the hedge fund manager and philanthropist qualified to be POTUS? Garrett78 Dec 2018 #24

He is a great environmentalist who will prioritize climate change. StevieM Dec 2018 #25

There are many environmentalists. The only reason Steyer's in the conversation is... Garrett78 Dec 2018 #31

Steyer is in the conversation because he has led the charge to impeach Trump. StevieM Dec 2018 #32

He's in position to do so because of money. Many want to impeach but can't buy TV ads. Garrett78 Dec 2018 #37

Fair enough. But I like what he has done with his money and I like him. StevieM Dec 2018 #38

Of course. Garrett78 Dec 2018 #39

If age is going to be such a big thing in this and I was to play along Doreen Dec 2018 #27

Changes in longevity average age, makeup of candidate pool, American health delisen Dec 2018 #28

It remains a fact of life that with age comes mental and physical deterioration. Garrett78 Dec 2018 #30

Our opponent will be 74 in 2020 Freddie Dec 2018 #29

And someone who will turn out the Obama coalition in a big way. Garrett78 Dec 2018 #33

I still love my Jeff Merkley MurrayDelph Dec 2018 #34

I am not big on putting a candidate forward who is 70+. WeekiWater Dec 2018 #35

At least 15 people will run, and perhaps as many as 30. Garrett78 Dec 2018 #36

I will be surprised if 20 people don't run. I think it may hit 25. StevieM Dec 2018 #40

I don't think we'll be down to 3 that quickly. Garrett78 Dec 2018 #43

In 1992 the race was down to Clinton, Brown and Tsongas by Super Tuesday. StevieM Dec 2018 #45

And both Kerrey and Harkin were still around for Junior Tuesday. Garrett78 Dec 2018 #46

Agreed about New Hampshire. People would later make fun of him for saying StevieM Dec 2018 #49

It's not hard to envision a scenario where Sanders wins IA and NH but doesn't win the nomination. Garrett78 Dec 2018 #50

I could easily see Sanders winning IA and NH and then fading. StevieM Dec 2018 #54

The demographics of IA and NH favor Sanders. But winning the more diverse states is key. Garrett78 Dec 2018 #55

So here are the two dozen people who I think will run: StevieM Dec 2018 #71

At least a handful of those on your list probably won't run. Garrett78 Dec 2018 #72

LOL, the most unbelievable thing just happened. StevieM Dec 2018 #73

Ah yes, we've been here before. :) Garrett78 Dec 2018 #74

I do think you are right about the number of candidates. WeekiWater Dec 2018 #41

Much will depend on who they surround themselves with and when they get started. Garrett78 Dec 2018 #44

I like your thinking going in. Seems sound. WeekiWater Dec 2018 #47

I like O'Malley fine, but his speaking style bugs me. And I think he lacks charisma. Garrett78 Dec 2018 #48

It's a non-issue to me. LanternWaste Dec 2018 #42

If they stuck to the plan, I'd like something like Biden/Steyer with Biden mentoring for LongtimeAZDem Dec 2018 #52

I happen to think that Beto would have the most chance in the general AlexSFCA Dec 2018 #53

Change is constant. I don't think there's been any fundamental change, per se. Garrett78 Dec 2018 #56

I'll be 68 then and I'm really, really looking forward to voting elocs Dec 2018 #58

You've got pretty good odds, given that 34 of the 45 presidents were 58 or younger... Garrett78 Dec 2018 #59

Many people said Dole was too old in '96 Polybius Dec 2018 #69

I don't think Dole's doing much kicking these days, and he got his ass kicked in '96. Garrett78 Dec 2018 #70