TONIGHT: CNN to host back-to-back town halls with five Democratic presidential candidates

Warren wants to put 100b into pell grants which I personally think has to the potential to be a great ‘equalizer’.

Her good and specific ideas keep coming. I’m most looking forward to watching her and Mayor Pete.

Maybe the others will catch my attention.

Out of those five, definitely Pete. I still don't have a clear view of his policies and opinions, so should be interesting.

I dislike Harris, luckily her hour happens opposite WOF and Jeopardy here.

Warren is great at these things and she’s killing all of these candidates when it comes to policy ideas, so I look forward to hearing from her the most.

Warren and Pete for me, though I'm interested in Harris as well.

How adversarial do you think this will be, on a scale of 1 to 5?

[quote]On April 22, Chris Cuomo will moderate the Klobuchar (7 p.m. ET) and Sanders (9 p.m. ET) town halls, Anderson Cooper will moderate the Warren (8 p.m. ET) and Buttigieg (11 p.m. ET) town halls, and Don Lemon will moderate the Harris (10 p.m. ET) town hall.

I should have read the article first, sorry.

Why are no governors running for the office?

Inslee and Hickenlooper both fall in that category.

With record debt and yearly trillion $$ deficits that are a ticking time bombs . No one addresses that! Only more crazy spending on free Medicare for all, free college for all, reparations for slavery for all blacks---etc.WTF! Do they think the electorate is stupid? Oh wait !!! they are right! The electorate voted twice for Obummer to be elected president. How brain dead is that!!!! This country is in serious trouble--with no one in sight for help!!!

Uhhhhhh we have a president now who is borrowing money from the fed to prop up the rich.

Any debate about the debt/deficit should start with how republicans are responsible for it the first place.

10 trillion alone went to clean up the republican crash of 2007

I can't wait for the 40 other threads that will no doubt be started on this topic!

I’m just glad to be hearing from democrats after 2 years of hitler yelling into the cameras.

Team Klobuchar!

I'm going to run and throw out a bunch of ideas that cost billions on dollars. It's not my money, so why should I care how we pay for it? Politicians are idiots.

Elizabeth Warren has offered ways to pay for her plans.

If you hate democrats, I’m not sure this is the thread for you.

Nor the site.

I was feeling a certain way when I learned Pete would go last, but now I think it will benefit him to do so.

Warren and Slobuchar are wasted votes. Only a stupid lezbine would even consider voting for one of those dumb cunts. This is why women suck at politics.

Pete’s gonna slay!

As someone who spent 8 and a half years working in two different financial aid offices (private university and community college) I can tell you that there is a shit ton of waste in the federal financial aid system. So while college affordability needs to be addressed, so does that. People like Warren and Sanders who just want to open the floodgates aren’t addressing the true root of the problem.

Warren needs to be given a hysterectomy.

CNN is being silly about these town halls, they have a fucking count down clock which they never take down even during commercials.

[quote] How adversarial do you think this will be, on a scale of 1 to 5?

I would say zero since none of them will be on stage at the same time, unless a couple of them throw down in the hallway and decide to duke it out.

r22 I answered my own question within seconds at r6. But I'm sure you were too much in a hurry to crack a cheap joke and didn't bother to read any further.

Anybody but Grump, the guy who scams your grandma.

[quote]Warren needs to be given a hysterectomy.

What? Please explain.

[quote]Any debate about the debt/deficit should start with how republicans are responsible for it the first place. 10 trillion alone went to clean up the republican crash of 2007

First, the debt and deficit should be made prime issues by the Dems which they can pin on the GOP and their hypocrisy. The Dem electorate aren't used to this as a Dem issue.

petefor anerica

R25, it's that poster's way of saying that he's a giant pile of shit.

Amy Kolbitch is ON

I like her. Not afraid to say we can’t afford free college tuition. But why not let Bernie Sanders keep blowing smoke up your ass?

Berners are raging on Twitter because of her response on student debt.

She’s the only one who’s not on board with Medicare for All, because she knows it’s bullshit and not realistic at all.

Well, it's already realistic in other western countries, so...

Pete looks so fucking handsome in that preview image. Kamala looks like a model as well.

[quote]Q: Why not Single Payer like other countries? Klobuchar: No. Let's not compare America to other countries.

Why the fuck not? That's such a nationalistic response that prevents you from ever thinking about your own problems and looking for best practices and existing solutions. Pure right-wing talk.

I had no idea who she was but I'm liking her less and less with each passing minute.

She’s a centrist. Exactly what we need.

Amy aligns with my personal beliefs, but Pete has my heart ❤.

Klobuchar is too provincial. I first saw/heard her on Maddow and she kept going on and on about some bridge in Minnesota. We need a president who is culturally savvy. That is where Buttigieg and O'Rourke rank high. Klobuchar comes across like someone who has never left the USA or even seen the ocean.

Veep maybe, but top slot? Not in my opinion.

I hope Pete doesnt just repeat his same talking points again. I was binging Pete interviews on YouTube last night, and he tends to share the same little soundbites in most interviews.

I still like him, I just think he's getting into Marco Rubio territory with his repetitiveness.

Elizabeth Warren is ON. I like her but only after Pete. Pete/Warren or Warren/Pete will be my choice of ticket. Harris is third.

Warren/Pete reminds me of War and Peace.

Pete/Klobuchar is the best ticket. Will sweep the Midwest states.

Liz seems to be rocking this format.

She is doing better than Amy for sure.

I like Warren but for Gods sake, stop saying every question is a good question, that is so condescending.

Who are black women in the South going to vote for?

My partner saw Chris Cuomo at LaGuardia this morning catching a flight to Boston; said he only looked so so, probably because he was sans makeup. I guess he either drove an hour from there to Manchester NH or took a puddle jumper.

Okay, but this was legitimately a REALLY good question!

[quote]Who are black women in the South going to vote for?

Who cares? The Midwest is what’s important.

Sorry, no Martha Coakley was NOT a "really good" candidate.

Damn, she's on fire!

Warren knows her shit.

Black women are an important Democratic base, R49. I would not piss them off or take them for granted.

Warren is great! I just don't like her..

I think it would be best if we assumed that black women as a group were as open and undecided as the rest of the electorate this year so far.

I still think Warren can do her best work in the Senate, aiming for Pelosi's position maybe.

[quote]I still think Warren can do her best work in the Senate, aiming for Pelosi's position maybe.

Pelosi is in the House.

You mean Mitch’s position.

r57 Yes thanks

I agree, R55. I just wonder if there are any candidates that seem to have gotten their attention. Pete certainly has a big fan base (understandably) on this site. I know Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren have spent considerable time in SC.

She just broke down Mueller's report like nobody's business.

Warren is killing this. She’s definitely shot up to the top of my list.

Warren is impressive.

I donated to her campaign after she called for impeachment.

She is KILLING IT.

Reagan question now, uh-oh.

If it has to be an old person...I’d much rather have her than Biden.

Nice attack on Biden there!

The only thing is, if she's elected POTUS / Veep, Mass. has a GOP Governor so we lose a Senate seat we cannot afford to lose.

I am loving Warren right now

MA has a law now that the interim appointment only serves a short time until a special election.

None of them interest me. A big yawn.

r67 Is Bernie's seat safe? What about Klobuchar's?

Klobuchar's is safe. Bernie has a Rethug governor.

I really like Klobuchar for VP. She knows policy and has a track record of being realistic and willing to compromise and get things done.

But she’s boring and dull and won’t hog the spotlight. More of a behind the scenes advisor and policy person.

I just imagined a debate between Berns and Dump, and threw up a little in my mouth.

This really should have started an hour or two earlier.

Liz comes across as passionate and committed. I thought she is the schoolmarmish one but no, Amy was the schoolmarmish with her incessant "Alright?!"

Love Elizabeth but I always cringe at that "I have a grandkid" line when talking about climate change. You can care about the planet even if you don't have progeny...

If your ears are stuffed with money, it's hard to hear. HA!

R78, that was a good line.

She seems very fit and active for her age. Not like Hillary who couldn’t stop coughing or stand upright.

Time to Feel the Bern!!!

You're making things up, r80. Maybe mention Trump in his golf cart while the other world leaders were able to walk all on their own.

Also, maybe finally join us in 2019 and stop talking about Hillary already.

[quote] Hillary who couldn’t stop coughing

CNN's Fareed Zakaria interviewed Hillary for his show on April 14 and she got choked on her own spit and couldn't stop coughing during that interview.

Bernie is on right now, not Hillary.

Does Bernie own a fucking comb?

R85 it's in Amy's purse

[quote] Bernie is on right now, not Hillary.

I would rather watch Rachel, Bernie annoys the crap out of me, but if he is the nominee I will vote for him.

Something I sure hope all Bernie supporters will do come Nov 2020, vote for the Democratic nominee.

People serving prison time being allowed to vote is a non-issue in other democracies but somehow he's being crucified here? So much for being the greatest democracy on earth.

Lol. Chris Cuomo asked him... “are you sure about that?”

Whoa...that woman's opening question ...sort of a trick question...really threw Bernie for a loop. Bernie would give the Boston bombers the right to vote in jail. Trump will have a field day with that.

He's totally wrong on international trade agreements. He should talk about breaking down the corporations, not shutting down global trade, which drives GDP growth and allows the American people to enjoy the standard they currently enjoy.

He's not doing himself any favors here.

Yeah, this isn't going great for Bernie.

He’s a moron.

R88 you're wrong about that. Do some research.

….and scene!

Will someone ask him why he voted against Russian sanctions, while we are on foreign policy issues?

r95 I have. It's a philosophical difference at the end of the day so we won't resolve anything here. Move along, dear.

His FOX townhall was a failure too

How does he inspire so many? I find him so difficult to watch, even though I agree with most of his ideas.

I liked him two years ago, but he seems to have aged with his time passing him by.

That student's last question was the smartest yet. "What have you recently changed your mind on?" Short sweet and to the point. Smart kid.

Chris Cuomo doesn’t seem to feeling the Bern.

The black tie with black suit makes Cuomo look as though he's dressed for a funeral.

Someone needs to ask him what he’s accomplished after 70 years in the Senate.

Democratic socialism works just fine in the Nordic countries... What literature is that frau using to study?

Tax for profit churches!

Liz needs to ramp up her look and bring in a little more glamor. She would look good wearing more black and darker colors. With different glasses and some nice accessories I bet she could chic it up.

Perhaps a slick new hair do, and a makeover and she would be even more popular.

I have binged on Pete for the last week. Big time. (I was in the hospital w acute bronchitis and had nothing to do). Yes, I drank the kool aid. Tonight, though, I am worried the bloom will be off the Rose because all the others have been so specific about policy. Pete has been so vague. I think tonight is when he gets whacked down a notch (or two or three). It pains me because I like him so much. But that's my guess. No way has he honed specific policy since his last interview yesterday.

Bernie isn't my pick but he got asked about his taxes, reparations, and now socialism. I didn't see them riding Warren's ass this hard.

Everyone will be asleep by the time Pete rolls around.

Warren’s not going to be President. She’s a Senate technician much like Ted Kennedy.

I'm not too concerned about Pete being able to address policy questions.

r109 That's exactly my concern as well, that he'll be too light on policy. Or that he'll throw out insane proposals, like mandatory military service.

R110 because Warren is a dumb cunt. They know she is not intelligent enough to answer hard issues.

Cuomo’s had sufficient of this Commie.

Dreamers, Sanctuary Cities, and Reparations will get us four more years of Trump.

Liz is the most qualified woman out of the bunch. And the most qualified person that’s not Biden or Bernie.

She just needs some better PR and a makeover.

A lot of people will watch Pete tomorrow which is even better. They will have forgotten what the others said.

The astrophysicist questioner is really triggering my dork fetish.

R118 Warren needs a muzzle. She’s a mess.

[quote]Liz is the most qualified woman out of the bunch. And the most qualified person that’s not Biden or Bernie.

Bernie is not qualified.

Jew student not interested in America at all. It's all Israel, Israel, Israel.

R119 he does need to get off the stump at these events but he did well in Austin in such a manner.

I didn't find Warren to be a mess at all. I thought she was passionate about the issues.

[quote]Democratic socialism works just fine in the Nordic countries... What literature is that frau using to study?

I don't think they call their system that way, but it's closest.

However, I wish Bernie would explain that and give the Nordic systems as an example. Instead he's repeating the same three things in every answer - healthcare a human right, tax the millionaires, WAshington should work for the common man. We've heard that several times just tonight.

But people are clapping like mad. It's the simplicity and repetitiveness.

I am not voting for Bernie. FUCK HIM! SEXIST ASSHOLE! Men are never put in a position of having to vote for someone they know has no respect for them because they are men!

Cuomo usually dresses nicely and looks sharp. What's with the ill fitting black suit? Is it out of respect for Bernie?

Swear he's a muppet. Sticks controlling his hands.

I think Bernie seems to be pandering to a certain extent, but then again a what do I know?

Cuomo seems like he might be a somewhat decent guy but he is terrible as a anchor/interviewer or in a one-on-one setting.

He was a good reporter though, and easy on the eyes, but damn if he isn’t as stiff as a board.

Cuomo just needs to take his clothes off right now.

[quote]I don't think they call their system that way, but it's closest.

r126 I misspoke - I meant "social democracy", not "democratic socialism" which is what they (we) do call our system.

Oh, Bernie, getting Republicans to stand up to the pharmaceutical industry? No, dude, just no!

Yeah, Cuomo isn't that great.

[quote]The black tie with black suit makes Cuomo look as though he's dressed for a funeral.

The Democratic Party has died.

Doesn't Warren have a lot of the same ideas as Bernie? So why aren't more (female) Bernie bros flooding to her side?

So I wasn't that off in asking how adversarial this would be. This whole hour looked pretty damn adversarial to me. I hope they make Kamala sweat.

Internalized misogyny, R137.

R123. I caught that also. The young Jewish kid was bewildered when all the other students applauded Bernie (not that I like Bernie a ton) when he said Israel was being led by a right winger. And that Israel must start dealing w the Palestinians. Kid sat down. Texted mommy "but they didn't like my question nor me!"

This Indian is not having the Dumb New Deal.

I hope all of these show up on YouTube. I missed Klobuchar and missed the first 15 minutes of Warren.

I thought Elizabeth Warren was great, but she was so ON she exhausted me.

Pete had better be googling EU's climate legislation right now so he won't crash and burn when asked about concrete policy proposals on climate change.

r143 Yeah, she's intense.

We need someone like that, R143, to fix all the fuckups from the Trump regime.

R144 I am almost certain I heard him once say we needed to rejoin the Paris accord.

Pete better be prepared. The sharks are all out to get him because of the attention he’s been getting.

Bernie gave no specifics when that girl asked him about specific details for Green New Deal.

Bernie isn't exactly delivering academic lecture on climate change, R145. It's a few talking points.

^^ My bad, this was re R144

r147 That's a great start! But also a no-brainer. I think every Dem candidate favours that.

I like Elizabeth a lot. Regardless of what you think about her she really knows the issues and facts.

Old crook is gone. Hope he trips and hits his head on his way out.

Kamala Harris, next

These students are going to just LOVE Pete's proposal about mandatory military service. That Jewish student is going to ask if he can serve in Netanyahu's personal army instead.

[quote]I am almost certain I heard him once say we needed to rejoin the Paris accord.

Warren already said tonight that she’ll be rejoining the Paris Accord on “day one”.

Every one of the Dem candidates are for rejoining the Paris Accords.

I fear my beloved Pete is going to be fed to the wolves on policy. Oh well. Fuck.

E. Warren was great, but she seems to have only one mode of expression: angry concern.

She points out that many have criticized her looks and voice, but she won her Senate race anyway, so maybe it's not a big deal. But I'm not sure it's not an issue in a Presidential race.

^ I will say though that if he can wing it and spit out some policy, fantastic.

R86 for the win. Toss her a salad.

Angry concern is what we need.

Lemon is wearing black too, but it's nicely tailored.

Kamala is the new pantsuit model!

Harris is pissed.

I haven't really seen her speak before, is this fairly typical of her delivery?

I would most like to see Harris debate Trump. She will get right in his face.

Ooh, she's trying to worm her way out of this one. She won't even let Don speak.

R167 That’s a debate I’d pay money to see.

[quote]Angry concern is what we need.

Exactly.

Her anger sounds rehearsed to me.

I'm really trying to keep an open mind here but I'm just not feeling Kamala. She doesn't inspire me as much as Warren.

r171 Kamala's or Warren's?

Kamala's sound as though she's hitting pre-planned points to me.

[Quote] Kamala's sound as though she's hitting pre-planned points to me.

That's a lawyer for ya.

Reparations again.

She won’t commit to it... only to say that she wants to “study” reparations.

"We should study it" is not an answer. Just pick a side!

And now she's giving a lecture about trauma.

Im super excited

R166, she seems to be a little off her game tonight.

“Yes or no: do you support reparations?” “I support studying it.”

What a squirmer.

Hmm, I thought she has come out in favor. Guess not.

Kamala Harris sounds a bit nervous to me.

She’s coming across as super slippery.

She didn’t commit to anything about reparations.

That will never fly with the fly over states

I get so excited when I hear all the free stuff I am going to get from Bernie and rich people will pay for it.

If only Bernie could strip and toss his underwear to the crowd. I'd fight for it.

[quote] She’s coming across as super slippery.

I think he answers are a bit verbose and detailed. I wouldn't say she's slippery.

There's a reason people don't like lawyers.

What an awful question regarding sex work. These are two completely separate issues.

Sex workers = “Consensual opportunities for employment.”

LOL

Okay, everyone needs to stop with the "that's a great question". It's repetitive and implies other questions aren't as great.

I agree with her about the sex workers. No need to be criminalizing and locking people up for consensual activity.

Margaret McSherry (student questioner). New DL fave. That hair. I like her.

Kamala is going to take the presidency in 2020.

Kamala is smart enough and has good ideas... I just don't want her to be president. I can't explain it. She just seems flat.

Earlier I heard Klobuchar in the car... I think she was telling jokes. They almost all fell flat. She sounded like she wasn't making sense but I think it was because the jokes felt flat.

R187 Answering “I support studying reparations” when Lemon tried to pin her down on the issue then immediately pivoting to talking about “trauma” seemed slippery to me.

This truancy initiative sounds great to me. Why is that Pete's supporter riding Kamala's ass on this?

I like her delivery style and her anger. I can see her telling Mitch McConnell to fuck right off.

[quote]Earlier I heard Klobuchar in the car... I think she was telling jokes. They almost all fell flat. She sounded like she wasn't making sense but I think it was because the jokes felt flat.

They all sound nervous to me. They must feel pressure of the very first debate.

She’d shred Trump to bits in a debate.

Kamala Harris, please stop saying "I think we should have that conversation".

"We should have that conversation" - here we go again on felons having the right to vote. At least Bernie had the balls to stick to his beliefs.

20 minutes til bae Pete comes out!

Bootyjudge is gonna be on past bedtime on the east coast.

Her supporters, as intense Trump haters, would think so, but I'm not convinced the rest of the American electorate would see it that way.

If you think that the angry, sassy black woman approach in the debate with him is necessarily a winner, I ask you to think again.

R201 That’s what I mean by ‘slippery.’

She’s not “angry and sassy,” she’s withering. She’d roast Trump.

[quote]If you think that the angry, sassy black woman

WTF, man. What's with the stereotypes?

How about we first fix voting rights for normal voters and end gerrymandering before we get to the felons?

The should have let Anderson Cooper moderate the Pete hour. A straight person s going to do everything they can to sabotage him.

She's rocking her answer right now about her mixed race and people having more in common than not.

Kamala is neither sassy nor angry.

r209 We can do several things at once.

Now she’s launching into a campaign speech.

Obviously we have more in common than not. The shitty thing is that our differences are more obvious to see. Resolving our differences and bringing people together is what a leader does. A leader doesn't tell us that we all breathe and shit, so we all should get along.

I hate when people use that copout answer when answering how we bridge the divide in our country.

Her style won't play to most of the US. Sorry.

Stalling for time with jokes...

I thought Anderson was doing Pete too?

They all are trained to hit the talking points / campaign speech regardless of the question.

Those first debates are gonna be fierce

r217 Me too!

Passing the ERA “on day one”? Really?

Is she in a time warp back to the 1970s?

[quote] I thought Anderson was doing Pete too?

Does Chasten know about that?

I wonder how the black church voters in the South will swallow her gay rights background she is now espousing. Will she stand up in such crowds?

Someone earlier said they wished Cooper was moderating Pete's townhall, and I was under the impression he was.

Getting all worked up about tranny rights.

I’m over Kamala and “having that conversation”.

Bring on bootyjudge

She's having a lot of conversations.

[quote]On April 22, Chris Cuomo will moderate the Klobuchar (7 p.m. ET) and Sanders (9 p.m. ET) town halls, [bold]Anderson Cooper will moderate the Warren (8 p.m. ET) and Buttigieg (11 p.m. ET) town halls[/bold], and Don Lemon will moderate the Harris (10 p.m. ET) town hall.

That was a crazy accent on that student.

I don't think she really went over big.

I'm sure they'll end up replacing Amy Klubaseal with a Joe Biden town hall instead.

She really needs to stop saying “we need to have that conversation.”

So the forigners have been very effective at setting the issues through social media:

Reparations

Green New Deal

Medicare for all.

They were very effective at setting up litmus tests that will divide democrats.

When asked those questions, I prefer not committing to a litmus test and talk about climate change, healthcare and systematic racial injustice on my own terms.

Those are great issues, just don’t let foreigners and right wing think tanks define specific litmus tests Democratic Party issues. It’s a trap.

There is a way to answer the larger issues behind those traps while drawing in larger approval.

For example, everyone agrees that healthcare needs to be fixed, there is no good reason to commit to a specific path this early on. Certainly not one that will alienate supporters. It’s just not nessesary.

You can be specific without falling into obvious division traps set by foreigners. I mean reparations? It’s exactly they type of fake issue drummed up by you know who.

She's gonna be winded after all these damn conversations.

PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE PETE

Every single one of these people can string together a coherent to a superb sentence. Unlike you know who.

I don’t see Harris winning over middle America.

There has not been a single issue that was not set up by the right wing and their foreign counter parts.

CNN went right down the damn list.

Democrats need to take back their own platform.

Medicare for all SHOULD be a litmus test for Democrats. Health care is the top issue for voters.

I wonder if Rachel has given Anderson orders to take Buttigieg down.

Still no jacket!

Pete got those shirtsleeves rolled up and ready to get to work!

r241 Good!

I agree with Pete has said before. Medicare for all who want it.

Medicare as an option in the market for people to choose. As a country, we will gravitate to it organically.

There is more than one way to skin a cat. Who cares what you call it if everyone has reasonable and affordable healthcare like every other country. Do you really think they care what’s its called when they are getting NHS services?

[Quote] Still no jacket!

Now he needs to lose the shirt!

Wow Pete said the same thing I did. Must be doing something right.

So there!

Anderson gunning on policy already!

Pete is effortlessly eloquent.

Hmm... all this values talk smells like bullshit to me.

Anderson already being confrontational...I bet that jew Jake Tapper is behind the attacks Anderson will probably dish out.

He looks like a character out of "Park and Recreations."

Pete clapping back at Anderson, lol. “This is the second week of my campaign.”

Nonsense, R251, that's Anderson's debate / townhall with politicians style.

Love you r246

All candidates should stop talking about constitutional amendments as they will never happen.

I guess Anderson would be the bottom in this relationship.

He’s kind of dull. I prefer Harris’ in-your-face style.

“A remarkable feat of whatever the opposite of leadership is.”

"A remarkable feet of what the opposite of leadership is."

Good one, Pete.

He seems dull because he's not shouting histrionics like the three before him did. He's just a chill dude.

The Zen Presidency

He'd be perfect for MormonBoyz.

his applause seems sustained.

He doesn't seem dull to me, R261. He seems calm and focused. The more I see of this guy the more I like him.

Agree r265

Also, personable.

what I like is when he talks about something like undocumented people, he doesn't get all woke, he just pragmatically and energetically says we gotta solve this.

Which we do. But most Americans don't share the moral outrage of a lot of people.... that's what gets up their noses.

He’s VP material.

Manufacturing is dead - stop asking about it and wasting time on it.

P is incredibly smart and I can see him clapping back at trump in a debate. But will he appeal to middle America?

Manufacturing and coal are dead

[quote]But will he appeal to middle America?

I think so. There's something of a regular guy about him, even though he's clearly not one.

DId Mayor Pete just say that he and his husband currently have over $100,000 in student debt???

I think mayor pete may have a nice booty.

His hairstyle isn’t flattering.

We're pretty far into his segment and he still hasn't told us what conversations he feels it's important for us to have!

He did, R274.

R275, it’s flat.

This is going to sound horrible but Trump has more panache than Pete when speaking, even if what he says is total garbage. I feel like the masses will go with entertainment over policy.

r277 On the other hand, has he mentioned even one concrete bill by now?

He’s really not saying much.

He said his policies would start appearing on his web site and he would talk about them more from now on, R281. Let's not forget that his official campaign started only two weeks ago.

Pete doesn't seem to have a lot of strong convictions except "I believe in values." He's like Beto's calmer McKinsey consultant cousin.

R270, There are lot of people that live in the coal and manufacturing areas of the country and they vote. So unless you’re planning to shoot them they’re not dead.

Please don't ask him about the Supreme Court. It's his worst idea.

Who is Anderson’s boyfriend? Does he like rough trade?

So far, Warren wins on substance. By far!

Yeah the Supreme Court idea is never gonna happen. Nice idea, but nope.

Tectonic monent!

r285 Might as well shoot them. Should've thought about it before they voted for Trump.

Pete is cute in a Kim Darby sort of way.

Wasn’t feeling it before tonight, but I’m newly enthusiastic about Warren.

He should not ever refer people to his website for policy info. That's what Hillary did and it doesn't work. Blue collar people aren't going to check anybody's website. He needs to be able to articulate, in as few sentences as possible, what his plans are. And he needs to do it soon.

Good answer about Bernie and Trump and why people voted for them. His answers now are sharper.

[Quote] He said his policies would start appearing on his web site and he would talk about them more from now on, [R281]. Let's not forget that his official campaign started only two weeks ago.

Then why is he doing town halls? Everything he says during interviews we can read on his website. If you watch his interviews, he has a few lines he likes to repeat. No real substance so far.

He was the only one of the three to answer the felon question "correctly".

Geezers and supporters of bigots and bigotry. None are suitable.

r293 Me too. I'm not feeling Pete's oration with zero policy proposals.

Aaand he just lost me with the felon vote. Nice job sticking up for human rights!

I agree. The people who habitually look at websites are already Democrats.

R295, the information is only going online tonight. It wasn’t there until now.

I say Warren won the night. Pete has good ideas but lacks....something I can’t put my finger on.

But we need to get a message to Warren: she needs to remind everyone of what she’s done. When she was her most popular, she could have won the presidency easily and I believe in comebacks.

See Nancy P.

Warren MUST highlight her accomplishments and remind Americans of how she has turned issues into legislation and created tangible results at the federal level.

R298, I can live without Charles Manson type people being able to vote. When somebody serves their time and is released, they’ve paid the price and it makes sense for them to vote again.

Prior to this I was for Harris, but she didn’t wow me like Warren did. I love Pete but think he’d be a better VP this round. It’s time for a woman President.

Warren won this whole thing tonight hands down. She's a policy BEAST!

She's a star

Coal is dead but manufacturing shouldn't be, especially if you're concerned about the environment. Shipping crap to and from China isn't environmentally friendly.

r301 Well, I can't live with that, and I can only speak for myself and my vote. Which I have.

I think Warren is terrific, but I'm just not sure how electable she is? Anybody okay with her and Pete as a ticket?

Uh-oh, question about the tapes!

Wait, all this debate has been about giving current prisoners the right to vote? I thought it was released felons. Sorry, don’t support that.

🙋🏻‍♂️ me, r307!

Warren/Buttigieg as of tonight. AND I LOVE PETE!

If Pete ups his policy game, Buttigieg/Warren FTW!

He needs to be succinct with his answers. He rambles

I think it's great that they getting out the police Issue now.

Yes, you understand correctly there is a movement to have the incarcerated felons voting from jail.

r309 That's fine and you will vote accordingly. As will I.

Don’t forget Biden is expected to announce this week. Ugh.

He was very clear.

“While incarcerated? NO”

Klobuchar was honest with the audience while Warren pandered to the room.

Go Warren! Liz was just amazing tonight

[quote]Anybody okay with her and Pete as a ticket?

I am. But two white candidates...

He's probably the best speaker of them all. He's like Biden that way. He's a natural speaker.

Perhaps those two white chiefs were the most qualified?

Were all asked about the felon vote? Don't recall the early ones having to answer that. Bernie was the first?

Bernie and Harris and Pete were asked for sure about felons.

Heaven forbid you even mention such an idea, R320.

I wonder if they had to get some of them from other cities. South Bend wasn’t considered paradise for officers that may have come from a big city.

I like Pete at top of ticket vs. Warren. Let him be the clam in the Ova Office, astuley setting up the new administration and she can go shrill over at the House and do her thing there.

We must have been watching two different interviews, as I didn't think Warren was pandering.

An old white lady and a younger white gay guy is rather diverse in itself.

Pete is a total faker and gas lighter on everything not in his mayoral experience. Totally unimpressed.

R324 calm at the Oval Office or clam at the vulva orafice

Warren wasn't shrill either.

She was passionate, articulate and substantive.

Agreed, if you've done the time, and are released from prison, you should be allowed your right to vote. Voting from prison, hellz no.

If a Warren/Pete ticket, we could potentially have 16 years of Dem in White House. Other way around, Warren will be too old.

Omg, it's Chas10, not Chaysten, I hate it!

Warren won tonight. Kamala was off her game. Like Mayor Pete.

Sanders can go fuck himself

Warren for the win and Pete for VP

We pretty much never get that many years in a row, R330. The last time was FDR I think.

Where WAS Beto?

Where was Beto?

At home, watching, writing the good answers on his palms.

R332, they were explaining in the Beto thread earlier today that he was doing live-streams on Facebook of his appearances and therefore didn’t need to be on national television.

My guess is he doesn’t have policy answers for an audience like this, and he’s afraid of the questions.

Klobuchar was also genuinely funny and biting. She doesnt promise ponies like Bernie who stops after the 1st line of his “healthcare for all - Medicare for all from 55 during the 1st year.” Anyone else caught that?? He couldnt mouth the rest least reality bit him in the press tomorrow. So instead he said the Boston Bomber should be allowed to vote. I suspect Amy was backstage guffawing at this stupid old man.

Either Klobuchar or Harris as former prosecutors with strong backgrounds in Government experience will bury Grifter in the shit of his lawlessness up to his eyeballs.

I have no idea what either “Mayor” Pete or Bernie are doing here.

This is another drummed up obscure issue but while we’re on it, I would say that everyone has a right to vote, and that attaching it to a prison sentence was just a Jim Crow tactic to disenfranchise minorities.

Voting should never be taken away from anyone for any circumstances.

Tonight was the "Candidates who actually have a chance in hell at winning" townhall.

Beto was standing on the roof waiting for his turn to yell.

Twitter doesn't like that Pete referred to policy as "minutiae" and I agree. Enough with the charm and all the talk about the values, give me concrete policy or get off the train.

Defeating Trumpism IS a table-top issue, Anderson!!!

Unless you’re a republican. Then they should have their voting rights stricken for life.

R341 speaks the truth

Are all of the questioners for Mayor Pete gay?

Not watching live, but did Pete mention "defeating Trumpism DECISIVELY at the ballot box!"? It's one of his go-tos.

I was kind of wondering that myself, R345.

All I know is I’ve never seen a more homely bunch of students in my LIFE.

Pete has crazy eyes, he thinks that everything he has “discovered” (Trump - people never knew!) is due to his own genius. Americans have discussed yr basic insight since WW2, dude.

They all have big heads with funny hair

[Quote] Are all of the questioners for Mayor Pete gay?

No, they're queer!

When that girl identified herself as bisexual, Pete should have said, “Sit down, you greedy slut!”

oh, snap!

Beto had actual policy positions in his launch speech. Mayor Pete still cannot cobble anything together from all his appearances combined.

Has Warren ever talked about her religion? I'm off the Pete train and firmly with Her after tonight.

R339, if you’re arguing that voting is a right and therefore people should never lose it, people in prison also cannot carry firearms or go outside. That’s why it’s prison and nobody wants to go there.

Maybe Mayor Pete can run for the senate or congress

Was that about the "bait" R353? Audience loved it!

"I am not a master fisherman, but I know a bait when I see one. "

Love it.

r356 Ridiculous comparison.

R358... yep.

Who was baiting him? With what?

Pete's word salad is tiresome and annoying.

R362, the gay, conservative ambassador to Germany was calling out Pete as a Jussie for his attacks on Vice Presidentress Pence.

Another hint for Warren, maybe she can play with patterns or prints because I don’t want to see the powder blue jacket more than nessesary.

She has a good frame and healthy face, she needs a team of queens to turn up her look a notch.

Once some of these drop off in the primaries, Warren will be the win to beat (barring a Biden type)

[quote] Has Warren ever talked about her religion?

I saw her previous town hall and she did a wonderful job of connecting the teachings of Jesus to her commitment to serving the needs of the poor and the least among us.

That German homocon quisling fag "ambassador" can't die in a grease fire soon enough. Didn't Germany launch proceedings to ask for a new one as he's been drumming up the fascists over there? Utter scum. I wish I were religious just so I could hope he would rot in hell.

R360, carrying a gun is a Second Amendment right, and according to Republicans no right granted in the Bill of Rights can be taken away no matter what. So actually it’s the same principle.

Carrying a gun is a civil right, which is suspended while in prison. So rights granted by the Constitution are not absolute in all circumstances.

[quote]Didn't Germany launch proceedings to ask for a new one as he's been drumming up the fascists over there?

It would've been much better answer to bring this up instead of punting off the Pence question.

Baiting or not, Mayor Pete himself launched the salvo against Pence (deservedly). He should be able to turn the question around.

I don’t care what the Bernie bros say. Pete killed it!

I don’t just want Warren to win, I also think there is a very good chance that she will win the nomination, even though it might not look like it now.

I dare say she even has appeal from deplorables.

r368 Not really, no. It's an awful comparison. Other countries leading in human rights should be an example here.

Do you realize how good all these candidates are? Do you remember the Republican candidates from 2016?

Ben Carson, Donald Trump, Rick Perry, Ted Cruz, Carly Fiorina.....

During the debates is when the real frontrunner emerges. If tonight was of any indication, and because these candidates are the top tier dems, I believe Warren will come out as the nominee.

Me results: 1. Warren

2. Buttigieg

3. Klobuchar

4. Harris/Sanders

Google Trends - Pete B is getting the most buzz! at the 11pm slot even, amazing. Warren is number 2.

My*

No on felons in prison keeping their voting rights.

It's prison for a reason.

Am I the only one who thinks that commentator Nia Malika Henderson's voice is like nails on a chalkboard?

She CHHHHEEEWWWWS every word and spits them out...

Warren was trending numero uno a few hours ago. Pete just finished, it makes sense he's trending #1. Warren being #2 now shows she made an impact.

I liked Buttigieg and Warren. Something about Harris just rubs me the wrong way. It’s hard to explain. She has certain issues that she has a lot of conviction. But somehow she has a lack of confidence or something? She seems shaky somehow.

Where is the "this is why Trump will win" troll tonight, ha?

Warren is the female Beto. Can't talk without pointing and swinging her hands. And R379, she faded quickly though...

The audience are in love with Pete! even after sitting for 5 hours lol

Harris wants to be "liked". And that is her downfall.

It'll be interesting to see whether these appearances have any impact on the polls over the next week or so.

I thought that Warren's remark about "it's what girls do" will prove more popular than just a throw away line.

[quote]Warren was trending numero uno a few hours ago.

Amazing how quickly things can turn around for a candidate. Warren was trailing behind so badly in polls so far, I almost felt bad for her. She just re-energized her campaign.

Lots of homely gays at r383. Did they not get any pretty ones? Y'know, for the cameras?

Warren also delivered the line of the night:

If your ears are stuffed with money, it's hard to hear.

R383, The audience IS in love...

Lolz you can see Chasten in the background with his own little group of fans at r383.

Pete's excellent demeanor, speaking skills, intelligence and military service would make him an excellent candidate for VP. We have so much repair work with our allies oversees and he'd be great at rebuilding those relationships.

Klobuchar mentioned her daughter being there.

Did any other candidate bring their spouse?

[quote]Warren MUST highlight her accomplishments and remind Americans of how she has turned issues into legislation and created tangible results at the federal level.

But can she do so without looking and sounding like a hectoring 12th-grade government teacher? I love her passion, but she has no chill. I could see Cheeto making her cry in a debate.

I thought the Navy veteran and Harvard Law/Kennedy School guy was cute.

I think Harris should at least finish one senate term before running. Being a senator is a great gig. I don’t see the rush.

Many of these other candidates will end up in the cabinet or in other positions. So even if your particular person doesn’t win, there will be a role for everyone under the new administration.

I don’t want to get my hopes up just yet, but the thought of a democrat president and congress is almost too exiting to handle.

I think Pete is too laid back on policies. Right now, we have income equality where the 1% is stiffing the middle class. He needs to show a little more passion to fight for the working class.

Pete does well with the young folks. It's why the Berniebros are coming for him. The Bbros have aged out of or close to out of college by now, and the kids who were their age four years ago are flocking to Pete rather than Sanders.

The "master fisherman" moment:

R394, so did Pete!

Surprise....the black commenter seems to not like Pete, I’ve seen a lot of this.

R393, EXACTLY.

R390, where is he? I can't tell.

Were the cute Navy vet and Law school guys gays? Wasn't watching live.

[quote]But can she do so without looking and sounding like a hectoring 12th-grade government teacher?

I thought so too -- before tonight. Tonight she hit the right notes.

I Think So. Mayor Pete was certainly cruising tonight.

Hopefully someone will post a screenshot. Certainly pinged to me...very smiley, chiseled jaws, the whole package.

Don’t you think when Americans have a chance they will vote out President Blimp in a huge blowout?

I sure do.

Everybody is sick of it. People will be getting in line a week in advance to vote. They will be camping out in tents. Voting lines will be miles long and there will be record crowds clamoring to cast their vote. Estimated participation will near 98%.

And I will be the first one in line.

Definitely think the cute Navy vet pinged.

R400, that's Nia Malika Henderson, Miss Nails on a Chalkboard...

I finally had to just turn it off...

I wonder if Chasten is okay knowing Pete can nail literally any guy he wants to now.

Crowding around Pete? No just college kids in love with their own narcissism. Poster above “Pete’s word salad.” Correct! I am not a Berner, I am a Dem that prefers actual policy to idiocy of the “B’s.” Klobuchar will carry a LOT of independants, and moderate Repubs if she is given the chance - she has passed the most bills in the Senate, her policies align with reality: undergrad nearly free for 3 years - low as the nation can afford. Student Debt must be renegotiated.

Klobuchar is Populist in many many ways that neither Bernie or “Mayer” cant imagine oddly enough - investing in mass Transit for young adults that dont have cars, is deadly serious about Climate Change investments in infrastructure. Heartfelt talk about giving people in Society second chances very moving except to white college kids that cant imagine such things could happen to them.

Made no nonsense points that Trump is yr basic criminal but she would reserve judgments since she will be part of the “Jury.” She would sic the ATF on sellers of guns for registration if they sell in excess of 5 guns a year, this was lost on the kids with no clue that illegal gun sales, or individuals spellings guns to criminals, mentally ill at gun shows are how mass shooting become the biggest problem.

Amy can make the same points as Bernie without being totally STOOPID about it. That is how a smart prosecutor will crucify Donald in the election - the same way both she and Harris nailed Kavanugh during his hearing.

I don't think Pete is quite that much of a heartthrob.

Mayor Pete will continue to LOVE Chas until the divorce papers are signed.

Interesting to note Mayor Pete has "six figure student loans".

Pete's liberal critics fall into 3 groups. Bernie bros, rabid feminists, and black people. He needs to talk with the black community a lot more.

I'm a Klobuchar and Pete fan. They both have relaxed demeanors, and don't get overly emotional with their responses.

Out of the two tonight, Amy was my pick. Pete says his website will be updated, so I hope it is.

R407 Yes, everybody. They will all step with in line with your opinions. Were you disappointed in November 2016? I'm guessing you were dumbfounded.Just like a lot of smug Democrats who pay no attention to anybody outside their immediate sphere.

Pete rowing at Oxford, a welcome distraction.

Elizabeth Warren has made some powerful enemies- Million/Billionaires that she wants to impose a 2% tax on. I'm not aware of other candidates making tax policies that specific targeting the wealthy.

Mayor Pete said something about taxing people more over $200,000. What was that?

Values are held within, sometimes shared, but not set in stone. Policies and reform is what makes real change. Pete made me feel good inside, but I'm not sure what he'll do for the country. Amy and Liz rose to the top. They're not the most trendy, but they get the job done (check their record), like a great pair of slacks.

Amy Klobachar had a “please clap” moment.

*cringe*

She is a also sleeper candidate though. She will gain a lot of traction once things get rolling. Don’t count her out.

I don’t buy the right wing smears about her being some monster. But she was so unknown I’m afraid some of that could stick.

I hate it for Booker/Harris/Sanders/ and maybe Biden. I say that because it just doesn’t seem to be they year for the the minority/underdog/wacky character storyline.

A lot can change between now and election time but it seems to be shaping up for more of a warrior/savior storyline to rescue us from this current oppressive regime.

My issue with Amy is that she turned on her colleague Franken immediately.

Is Nia lesbian?

R411, what the hell are you talking about 'if she is given a chance'? She was given a chance tonight and failed. Check out R375's link for starters...

R420. He was talking about college debt relief, and I think he said that people making over 200k might be exempt from some relief, or something similar.

Mayor Pete had a Mr Rogers vibe that the kids like. He should start wearing cardigans.

r427 How about a pullover?

For those of you who dislike his haircut, what style do you think you should adopt?

Argh!

What style should HE adopt?

R428, his social media profile pics have that godawful yellow. Why? It's hideous.

r431 Urine yellow.

I think it will end up being Beto/Pete. It's all about chemistry and charisma and those are the only two who have it. Policy is the platform of the party, so all the Democrats with the exception of Bernie are in the same ballpark on that. It's going to be who has the most charisma to get people to the ballot box.

JFC. 433 posts in this thread and maybe five have something intelligent to say.

Somebody has to do Nia Malika on SNL.

Just use Hot Pete in the ads.

Well that was fun. G'night, y'all!

[quote] I think it will end up being Beto/Pete.

Well, you're delusional, then.

Which 5, R434?

This reparations business seems to be some sort of intersectionality between black intellectuals and woke whites?

“Third shift” has arrived ^

Good time to call it a night.

R436 now seeing the caption on that photo it explains the HORRBILE forum of the rowers. It's not a collegiate crew just some church gig.

I'd like to see Kamala slap Amy Klobucher's bitchy face raw.

Just a point of clarification: the term African-American is supposed to refer to descendants of American slaves, not more recent immigrants?

If so, then Harris is (half) black, but not AA?

We are all African r445.

R443 “Christchurch” is the name of a college within Oxford University. It’s not an actual church.

Harris' passionate LGBTQA embrace may come back to haunt her among the black pastors I think.

Way up in the latest poll...

Warren and Harris were the best.

Enough with old spoiler Bernie

Pete doesn't have enough substance even if he's got a great resume. He'd be a good VP at this point. Maybe Harris/Pete?

Klobuchar is smart not cutting it. That "do you think pizza sauce is a vegetable" question was a kiiiii hunny! I screamed laughing

Harris is only at 4 percent? I thought she was a frontrunner. Guess not.

Interesting on CNN this morning... Joe Lockhart, of Clinton era fame (the good Clinton era,) made a couple of points:

he poked gentle fun at Kamala constantly saying 'we've got to have a conversation about that' but he said, except for guns, she was mired down last night... failed to ignite (only last night.)

Warren was full of ideas.

Pete needs some.

But he stressed, for all of the, it's early days and nothing so far has been fatal. He said Barak Obama was a far different candidate at the end of 2008 than at the beginning.

Warren will have the effect of taking Bernie votes, as she is a better Bernie. But is she what the country wants? I missed her on CNN but saw her first town hall and she was impressive then... so she's gone from strength to strength. But part of me thinks she knows she can't do it so she's campaigning like hell to get her ideas in the conversation (sorry, Kamala) and find a way to make them stay there.

[quote]But he stressed, for all of the, it's early days and nothing so far has been fatal.

Very early days. Biden isn't even in the race yet for fucks sake. The campaign season doesn't really get underway for most Americans til the first debate.

I know you'll all hate him but he's hawt

[quote]Elizabeth Warren has made some powerful enemies- Million/Billionaires that she wants to impose a 2% tax on. I'm not aware of other candidates making tax policies that specific targeting the wealty.

That's because the constitution lays out what kind of taxes can be imposed and a wealth tax isn't one of them. As I said up thread, Warren was pandering.

R450 The questioner that asked Klobuchar about Pizza was a ripoff from the Reagan era - nothing original, and not of a severity remotely approaching the Reagan situation. She made it clear she was defending a local small business, that is what good Rep does - also that in her OpEd she EXPECTED healthy food would accompany that choice. FYI if you dont think pizzas are a mainstay in HS cafeterias you are daft.

Klobuchar mentioned that she is deeply concerned & worried kids in Public Schools under Trump are now eating more shit out of vending machines - seems to me that is more relevant point.

I find the vociferous support for Pete Buttigieg here on DL fucking hilarious!

The man's sum total in politics thus far has been that of mayor of a city with barely over 100,000 residents, for fuck's sake.

He's bland as hell and comes across as a mostly centrist Democrat, even with his passable progressive credentials. That's NOT what's going to beat Donald Fucking Trump.

And, no, neither will the piss-weak likes of Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris, Cory Booker, Amy Klobuchar or *shudder* Beto O'Rourke.

Oh, and think of Joe Biden as next year's John Kerry if he gets the nomination - if you know what I mean.

And that may get a Dem elected r433 but what kind of Dem? The DNC runs the party and sets the agenda no matter who gets in with their popularity, they just follow the orders the DNC sets. That means more bending over for the Oligarchs because both parties cater to them. The only way this does not happen is if we are lucky enough to elect someone who is a real Democrat with real progressive policies. If you are really happy continuing to play the personality game then we are lost and we might as well resign ourselves to taking a pounding from the elite. We need to push policy, we need to have a candidate who is really connecting with people in the real world because that's how Trump got in. Real people voted for him because he was saying what they wanted to hear, he was focusing on them and that made him their guy. Which Democrat is doing that?

Where is Tulsi?

She's DOA, r460.

Pete has strange lips/mouth.

Biden/Buttigieg would be a good ticket, though I'm still waiting to hear Mayor Pete's position on a lot of things, and those ChickFill-Hate comments still rankle.

[quote] That's NOT what's going to beat Donald Fucking Trump.

Donald Trump will sound like an idiot debating with this guy.

Pete is homely and gay. Who wants that? Plus he has no experience and is out of his league.

[quote] Plus he has no experience and is out of his league.

that didn't stop people from electing an idiot like Donald Trump.

I liked Warren all along, and then I liked Pete - but after last night , I think I am back to liking Warren the best again. I feel like I had a stable marriage and a torrid affair - but I just hope Warren can beat Trump.

[quote]Donald Trump will sound like an idiot debating with this guy.

He sounded like an idiot debating with HRC and we know how much that mattered.

What we need is someone who is unafraid to step on Donald's tiny, tiny balls and watch him squeal. We need a fighter, someone who spits fire and is truly principled. That's Liz or Bernie.

You are absolutely right R469. What's wrong with people? This ain't the prom.

Harris is the tough one -- she's the fighter and she's not about the bullsh*t. I was very impressed by her CNN Town Hall. She doesn't have the polish or amiable manner of Obama (or Mayor Pete) but she is insightful, clear and reasoned. She is intense but she is on point. She has to stop trying to make herself a soft, pretty candidate. She is a Dragon and needs to be a Dragon. I particularly liked her frank response to the questions about her push to prosecute the parents of habitually truant students in CA. It also underscored that she has followed through on her sincerely held beliefs and has REAL accomplishments.

She will never back down from a fight and she will be called upon to fight every inch of the way. She has my vote.

Harris is a thoughtless bully like Trump. Her policy to legalize prostitution is a dangerous idea.

The top five countries with the highest rate of registered victims of sex trafficking are Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland and the Netherlands.

EUROPOL has concluded that the Netherlands tops the list because of its legalisation of prostitution. Legalisation has made the Netherlands a safe destination for sex traffickers as victims are sold into legal brothels. Indeed, this evaluation is backed by other experts who have found that, across 150 countries, states that legalise prostitution consistently have much higher rates of sex trafficking. After Germany legalised prostitution, it saw a sharp increase in human trafficking also. This legal model has led to the normalisation of prostitution, creating more demand and making it easier for traffickers to hide enslaved women and girls within the commercial sex industry.

Harvard professor and world-leading expert on sex trafficking, Siddharth Kara states that “the Nordic Model is in my mind the most effective model for eliminating sex trafficking”. It decriminalises any person who is selling sex but criminalises sex buyers and third parties (i.e. brothel owners). Adopted in Sweden, Norway and Iceland, the Nordic Model has been proven to reduce demand for buying sex, thereby reducing sex trafficking, as well as other forms of sexual exploitation. By reducing demand there are fewer financial incentives for sex traffickers and the country in question is seen as an unsafe destination by them. The ideal would be for all countries to adopt this law, making all countries unsafe destinations and reducing demand across the board.

R472, Harris proposed exactly what the Nordic Model is described in the article you posted. She said: Go after the pimps and the johns, not the prostitutes.

Bernie fucked himself with the votes for prisoners thing. Elizabeth Warren increasingly is able to move in and capture the chunk of the Bernie vote that isn't part of the Bernie movement.

Thank you, R472, for the article on prostitution. It reframed my thinking. I support total decriminalization for the workers and a system of licensing to protect them. I don't think, under that circumstance, the purchasers should be criminalized either. But anyone who attempts to profiteer off the sex work of others should face heavy, heavy penalties - including twenty years in jail. You've got to take away the incentive to get involved.

That said, I walked through the Red Light District in Amsterdam once, like most visitors do. It depressed me. Those women looked miserable, hard and embittered. What a life. I take as wide a view of it as possible because it's never going to go away. There will always be people who sell sex and people who buy it. So manage it as best it can be managed.

Warren/Buttigieg 2020 would be amazing. The USA would go back to being a respectable country.

Can't stand Harris - she is in it for the fame, just like Beto. Sanders is way past his peak.

I'm convinced it will be Biden/Buttigeig. It isn't a preference, just when I look around the slate, consider the realities of the country, I don't see how it nets out with anybody but Biden leading the ticket. I think he picks Buttigieg for a whole lot of reasons. And yes, I know, a woman this time, two white men, blah blah blah. A centrist is needed most who can beat Trump and sounds like middle America, not Twitter.

It won't be Warren. She'll start to drop again as soon as someone starts to hit home that her 2% tax to fund everything may not be constitutional. Right now the candidates are going unchallenged. Things will be different when they start picking each other apart, and Warren's platform is the easiest to shred. Do you want something done with health care now or do you want to wait years for something to make its way through court to an uncertain outcome?

I'd be OK with Biden + Buttigieg.

Her tax is a way to start the discussion. If necessary, it could be applied on the gross reported income before the loophole deductions kick in.

[quote] Can't stand Harris - she is in it for the fame, just like Beto. Sanders is way past his peak.

Don't be naive. They're ALL in it for the fame. It takes a particular type of ego to want that gig. Some more than others and none moreso than Beto. Harris has actual leadership experience and aptitude. She's not a flash in the pan like Beto.

[quote] I'm convinced it will be Biden/Buttigeig. It isn't a preference, just when I look around the slate, consider the realities of the country, I don't see how it nets out with anybody but Biden leading the ticket.

It is much too early for predictions. Mayor Pete is the flavor of the moment but the bloom will soon be off that rose. When he makes a misstep, or some unflattering part of his past comes to light, the backlash will be volcanic.

It is important to listen to each of them and keep an open mind. By Labor Day, we will know where things stand.

R480, no. These aren't discussions. These are politician's platforms. These are campaign promises that we hold them too. This isn't a dialog between her and the public. She's proposing a platform that's built on a tax that may not be constitutional. If it were a discussion, why start with a proposal that maybe a non-starter right out of the gate?

The backlash is already here for Pete. It wasn't Bernie who fucked himself with the voting question.

[quote] The backlash is already here for Pete. It wasn't Bernie who fucked himself with the voting question.

I don't see any backlash. He gave an honest answer and the same answer I would've given.

It's gonna be Biden/Harris.

Biden is 94 years old.

Biden/Buttigieg would be fine with me. I think they'd have a good chance of taking down Trump.

I'm not a fan of Biden or Pete Butt Howdy. Biden is a particular ass. According to him, he's needed to save the world. And maybe he is.

One thing I give Bernie credit for - Warren too - is creating a safe space for the candidates to say what they actually think. Mayor Pete did it on the felon thing. Kamala did it on reparations. I admire that. Yeah, it pisses people off but if you get a candidate who tries to please everybody you've got Hillary again and I just feel it is time we had a decent candidate who says what they think. No candidate can match our own views perfectly.

[quote] Kamala did it on reparations

If "we should have a conversation on that" is what she thinks, it's hardly daring to me.

R474 It's important to criminalize the customers to decrease the demand for prostitution. Customers would be scared away from seeking the services of prostitutes and trafficked women if the customers are being criminalized. It would be harder for sex traffickers to make a profit when there are fewer customers around. Scaring customers away would eventually destroy the sex trafficking industry.

It's also important to provide training programs for sex workers to allow them to leave the industry and enter a different profession.

That's because Amsterdam ‘Red Light’ district is a front for human trafficking, rape, drug addiction and brutal beatings.

Harris chooses women of color to run campaign.

[quote]Way up in the latest poll...

in the polls of New Hampshire R449. NH is over 90% White.

Pete shouldn't call policies "minutia". I think he doesn't want to talk about policies because he leans conservative or doesn't have any policies. Talking about values can only get you so far. Warren and Bernie are passionate about income inequality.

I am so sick of billionaires who barely pay taxes.

If you're not seeing the backlash, R485, you're not paying attention. People are over Pete.

Good article -- and reminder why we cannot preoccupy ourselves with outdated notions of who is the most "electable" candidate.

[quote] If you're not seeing the backlash, [R485], you're not paying attention. People are over Pete.

R496, you are posting from six months in the future. Stop.

Nobody is over Pete.

Thanks for posting an article from 8 days ago, before this dreadful last week he's had, to prove my point.

Interesting take on Biden.