This is a good point. A large field of candidates is better for the fringe candidate than a small field.
I am not sure who I like. Originally I liked Cory Booker, but that ship has sailed. What I do like about Bernie is he seems like he would do what he thinks is right (independent of me agreeing with it). I didn’t think that about Hillary, and I don’t think that about many other candidates that are left. Yang seemed to operate on his own principles.
The issues he advocates for (most at least) are true issues I just don’t agree with most of his solutions.
Bernies appeal seems obvious to me. He starts with a list of bad outcomes that almost everyone agrees are bad outcomes. Then he gives a list of people to place the blame on. Then he says he can right the wrongs if given power, and cloaks it all in a pretense of compassion that many compassionate people find very appealing.
Speaking of my experiences the Bernie bro’s I know in real life are generally very pleasant and kind people.
It’s just unfortunate that they support policies that lead to unkind and unpleasant outcomes.
The horror. Affordable health care. My God, the horror.
Affordable health care sure sounds great, which again explains part of Bernie’s draw. He’s the guy who’s been saying “make it happen” for a long time.
The last President promised a lot of good outcomes with Obamacare, but all that I experienced was a dramatic increase in my premiums. So yes, I remain skeptical that turning over massive amounts of power to government bureaucrats will somehow improve upon the outcomes we have today.
We ain’t Sweden over here, and Bernie doesn’t seem to push the same economic policies we see in Scandinavia, just the social policies made possible by them.
By no means all positive by any stretch but not all bad. Way more people covered, pre-existing language, improved evidence-based care in hospitals. Worth it will always be subjective and I completely agree it’s failure to lower premiums is a massive issue that continues to need addressed. But they were skyrocketing before it. It just didn’t have the intended effect.
Considering Republicans don’t want to come up with anything my assumption is that they think it’s working or have nothing better. Either way a Bernie presidency isn’t going to wish these things into existence just like a Trump presidency which promised healthcare for everyone at a much lower cost hasn’t.
We certainly aren’t Sweden but I don’t know why looking at other countries with better health care outcomes by far should be ignored. Like most things probably a better balance somewhere.
Same.
I hear differently from doctors. Your source(s)?
The Crickets are beyond deafening…except when criticizing what President Obama tried to do…
Ok, I’ll bite, since you turn so much into your favorite theme^^.
Entered a Presidency with the greatest momentum in seemingly forever? Alienates all the people “who didn’t build that”. (how many "I supported Obama the first time around, but then…people are out there do you think?) Winds up pushing the crazies to a man like Trump?
Conspiracy theory addition: partners with the Clintons to cheat Hilary into the Democratic nomination, again pushing the crazies to a man like Trump?
No one “pushed” anyone to Trump.
Trump gave voice to what many already felt and they voted for the man.
It’s almost laughable to me (except when I realize that Trump is sitting in the White House) when people “blame” Trump on President Obama.
By the way…
I bet John Gotti and Al Capone would have liked to have had Trump around when they were alive…
History tells me that events do not happen in a vacuum. The “atmosphere”, the “environment”, has to be there.
The fact is, Obama entered with unprecedented popularity and momentum, left with…what? -you tell me.
I agree with you on one thing. People like me (doing ok, not wealthy like “elite” east coasters or west coasters) know that they are doing better economically under a Trump administration than they would have under a Hilary or heaven forbid Bernie administration.
Slight correction.
Trump was alive when Gotti was…but he didn’t have the power of the Presidential Pardon.
My bad.
And I agree, @punnyguy…a Bernie Presidency ranks right up there with a Trump one for me.
He left battered…beat up…a little grayer…
Most likely regretting certain things…proud of others…wishing he could have done a few things differently…
Probably looks in the mirror…integrity intact…and says “I did my best”…realizing that sometimes your best isn’t enough…
Obama out.
That’s what I think President Obama left with, @punnyguy
That ones on Republicans. They had plenty of “normal” type people to pick from. But they wanted someone who trolls the left and has no self control. They criticized Obama for being an empty suit and elected someone who had a plan to give everyone cheaper healthcare but never shared it. To eliminate the debt but you couldn’t know how. America First was a fun slogan with zero plan behind it and the administration has been in a constant state of fire.
The political ramifications of their mistake aren’t apparent yet but long term it could significantly cost the party.
As for what he left with well one could compare the economy with where it was when he began to ended. He inherited one of history’s biggest messes and gave his predecessor low unemployment. Isn’t he like 3 or 4 in number of jobs created? I know Clinton is one but thought he was up there.
Edit: Ok looks like when that is measured from the smallest number during his period. Which makes sense to give him credit for imo because not much someone can do to immediately stop job loss the moment they step in.
Not to say Trump doesn’t deserve credit for the economy being in terrific shape but he was certainly given a much better tool to work with than his predecessor did coming in. Also not to say Obama didn’t have areas where his economy couldn’t have been significantly improved.
This is why I think ranked voting should be used much more in the primaries. The primary system is completely broken, splitting votes among similar candidates being one of the core issues (imo). I think that is also one of the reasons why Trump survived such a big field. The winner-take-all aspect is flawed as well, which also applies to the electoral college.
As far as Bloomberg, I think he will make a big splash soon with all the $$$ he’s been spending. He intentionally ignored Iowa, so no surprises there, but all that advertising has to pay off. It’s crazy how much he’s spending.
I agree on all points.
Agree.
And one thing the DEM candidates better hope never happens is that he “holds his own” in the debates.
Bloomberg doesn’t have to “win” them…he just has to not make huge gaffs.
In terms of the money Bloomberg is spending…it appears that other than Bernie and Warren Minions…its a non-factor for many Americans.
Another thing about Bloomberg.
He probably knows Trump better than any other candidate and isn’t swayed by his bullshit.
That’s probably why Bloomberg appears to be getting under Trump’s skin (and the fact that Trump is worth about 3 Billion and Bloomberg about 70 Billion…)
And get this! That data comes from (wait for it!)…
Bloomberg’s Billionaire Index (and is confirmed by other sources, by the way…!)
Hey that’s America. The richest dudes should have the best shot. What are you some fucking commie?!
In all seriousness agree with all points of your post especially the rankings.