2016 Election Thread (My God Kill Me Now)

[Michael]

I like political articles posted on facebook from websites I've never heard of.

[thrill]

Charlie Pierce is the only political commentary (outside of this illustrious thread, of course) that's worth following: http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/

[jim]

I don't think it's possible to find the truth no matter what you listen to or read.

[lukethedrifter]

Next tourney?

In place of the comment I want to put here, I will address Michael's concerns with Bernie's unelectability.
Today I heard comments from surprising sources about supporting a Sanders nomination. Both mid-fifties plus, hunters, would not describe themselves as liberal. At all. I'm wondering if the tipping point has arrived sooner than you thought.

[Jocephus]

Announcer: If you're not reading Larry King's News and Views in USA Today, then you're missing on the issues that matter.

Larry King: This is News and Views, here's my two cents, gang..

If you only see one film the rest of your life it should be "Mickey Blue Eyes".

When it comes to window blinds, vertical blinds are terrific, but so are horizontal blinds.

Has anybody ever died of a heart attack? I mean, really?

I don't care what anyone says, in my book, Ted Kaczynski is not the Unabomber.

Sudden thought: When did sugar diabetes become plain old diabetes?

Of all of the figures of the 20th Century one of the greatest has to be Robert Urich.

I have no tolerance, gang, for anyone who commits arson.

World Series prediction, it will be the Diamondbacks in 4.

The more I think about it, the more I appreciate the equator.

I don't ever remember seeing a Mormon, not once, not ever.

Is it just me, or is anyone else sick and tired of Nelson Mandela?

Here's the dirty truth, gang, Poland spring water does not come from Poland.

I interviewed Chile's imprisoned dictator General Pinochet last week, and take it from me, guys, this fella has a terrific laugh.

Does anybody remember baseball cards?

Between Hurricane Hugo and Hurricane Andrew, nothing beats Hurricane Hugo.

My wish for the new millennium is that we see a lot more of John Larroquette.

Family update, folks: Holding my baby son, Chance King makes me realize how much more I love him than my other children.

Announcer: This has been USA Today's News and Views with Larry King.

Larry King: Margarine has its place, but nothing beats the real deal... butter.

[Michael]

Next tourney?

In place of the comment I want to put here, I will address Michael's concerns with Bernie's unelectability.
Today I heard comments from surprising sources about supporting a Sanders nomination. Both mid-fifties plus, hunters, would not describe themselves as liberal. At all. I'm wondering if the tipping point has arrived sooner than you thought.

The answer is no. I have a monopoly on the truth.


In all seriousness, we shall see. I don't think anyone wants me to rehash my beliefs. I do appreciate all the thoughtful discussions.

[Arthur Dent]

Yes, I mean the Democratic establishment. They know it's a losing issue.

The polling posted earlier, in line with data from the Obamacare debate era, indicates to me that public support is actually pretty decent for the proposal. The issue is not lack of support - it is lack of passionate & prioritized support versus a highly entrenched and motivated opposition. In addition, Democrats like Pelosi can't endorse such a thing, as her major achievement as Speaker was the ACA, which entrenched the private insurance system, didn't challenge the power the medical industry in general, and excluded the limited built-in path to a better system (the public option). She can hardly switch to admitting that this approach still sucks in many ways, especially given that the Democratic establishment largely prefers the ACA type approach over single payer.

Honest question: What major policy achievement(s) do you think Sander's will achieve in office that Hillary will not? Given the makeup of the house and senate I don't think there's much of a difference.

Legislatively, I wouldn't expect much in 2017-2018 for any Democrat given the makeup of Congress. Legislative progress requires winning the mid-terms, or more realistically, controlling the states for the 2020 census and redistricting. But there's also plenty Presidents can do on their own. Most obviously, Presidents have almost absolute power in national security where Hillary remains a hawk. And Sanders' appointments could be very interesting, for example in the Deparment of Labor and the Fed. But probably most importantly, if a Sanders Presidency actually happened, it would be something to build on in a way that a Clinton term would very much not be. Pretty hard to turn down the opportunity to try, though I agree with Joe that capturing the Presidency is not the only or necessarily best route there.

[planet planet]

Next tourney?

In place of the comment I want to put here, I will address Michael's concerns with Bernie's unelectability.
Today I heard comments from surprising sources about supporting a Sanders nomination. Both mid-fifties plus, hunters, would not describe themselves as liberal. At all. I'm wondering if the tipping point has arrived sooner than you thought.

The answer is no. I have a monopoly on the truth.


In all seriousness, we shall see. I don't think anyone wants me to rehash my beliefs. I do appreciate all the thoughtful discussions.

Hey, there's a group on FB called Republicans for Bernie Sanders with 423 members! If that's not proof, I don't know what is.

[Schlich]

Next tourney?

In place of the comment I want to put here, I will address Michael's concerns with Bernie's unelectability.
Today I heard comments from surprising sources about supporting a Sanders nomination. Both mid-fifties plus, hunters, would not describe themselves as liberal. At all. I'm wondering if the tipping point has arrived sooner than you thought.

The answer is no. I have a monopoly on the truth.


In all seriousness, we shall see. I don't think anyone wants me to rehash my beliefs. I do appreciate all the thoughtful discussions.

Hey, there's a group on FB called Republicans for Bernie Sanders with 423 members! If that's not proof, I don't know what is.

Garnering 25% of the republican vote in Vermont?

edit: I'm also showing 21,000, not 400. Obviously those are not all republicans.

https://www.facebook.com/republicansforbernie/

[Freed Roger]

Is 423 a lot?