Democratic presidential primary debate #1

[SB Shock]

Who are Sanders special interest groups?

based on his campaign contributions it is:

1. Unions (6 or 7 different types)
2. NEA
3. Teamsters
4. United Steel Workers
5. Postal Union
6. United Auto Workers
7. Lawyers
8. Health Care
9. Abortion

[tropicalshox]

After asking the question I found this site for contributions since 1989. Did you find something else? I don't see abortions.

https://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/contrib.php?cycle=Career&cid=N00000528

[Aargh]

At lunch today my wife (a lifelong Republican) said she's "starting to like the old fart". I asked if she meant Sanders, which she confirmed. I replied that the right wing REALLY hates him. She said, "I know - that's why I like him".

It's getting to the point where "moderates" of either party are being left without options.

[Rocky Mountain Shock]

At lunch today my wife (a lifelong Republican) said she's "starting to like the old fart". I asked if she meant Sanders, which she confirmed. I replied that the right wing REALLY hates him. She said, "I know - that's why I like him".

It's getting to the point where "moderates" of either party are being left without options.

Agreed. But I think the candidates are reflective of the population as a whole. There doesn't seem to be very many moderate voters anymore. Or it could be the moderates are so disgusted with politics anymore that they rarely participate and the voters most active in the political process are at the fringes.

I like some of what Sanders says, because like him I highly distrust Wall Street and the 1% (which includes many if not most politicians). However, I'm not sure Sanders is electable, as I'm not convinced Trump is electable. But both are going to make their respective party's races extremely interesting.

[SB Shock]

I like some of what Sanders says, because like him I highly distrust Wall Street and the 1% (which includes many if not most politicians). However, I'm not sure Sanders is electable, as I'm not convinced Trump is electable. But both are going to make their respective party's races extremely interesting.

No doubt trump is going to give the republican establishment a run. But unless an indictment comes down on Hillary - she pretty much wrapped up democratic nomination last night. They couldn't touch her and Biden would be demolished by her. I pretty much expect u want be hearing much more from him.

[shockmonster]

Agreed. But I think the candidates are reflective of the population as a whole. There doesn't seem to be very many moderate voters anymore. Or it could be the moderates are so disgusted with politics anymore that they rarely participate and the voters most active in the political process are at the fringes.

I'm not sure that this is a true statement. People vote for what their interests are. On certain subjects, you may be correct, but when subjects like the time of reckoning for big ticket items like medicare or social security fixes come up, (if the fixes aren't balanced), all hell will break loose with the moderates in both parties, and the independents. 10 years ago, I was considered a conservative, but even though I identify much more with the Republican Party, many on the right wing would probably say I am not.

[tropicalshox]

Jim Webb is expected today to announce he will run as an independent for President. Guess he's still upset about his perceived lack of time during the debate LOL.

[WuDrWu]

I'm sure his exposure will really take off now. It makes you wonder who in the hell is talking to him.

[tropicalshox]

The big question is who is going to pick up his votes.

[MoValley John]

The big question is who is going to pick up his votes.

What if he keeps his votes?

[Kung Wu]

What if he keeps his votes?

Those 10 to 20 votes will matter?

[tropicalshox]

It was.a joke.

[MoValley John]

It was.a joke.

Nope. Not a joke. He probably won't have a Perot effect, but who are we to say that he gives his votes to anyone? Those are his supporters, why can't he keep them?

Who is to say that his few supporters will simply give their support to someone else? There is no rule that his supporters must go somewhere else, what if he keeps them? Compound that with what if Bernie keeps his?

[tropicalshox]

You can go ahead.and figure it out MVJ, it was a joke to me.

[MoValley John]

You can go ahead.and figure it out MVJ, it was a joke to me.

I know his votes will probably go somewhere else, and he doesn't have enough to make a difference, but really, why should we simply assume that the Democrats are all going to fall in line, while we ask Republicans to pledge to drop out and send their votes elsewhere?

John Anderson, a Repubmocrat from Illinois, ran as an inependent in 1980, stealing votes from Carter. It is quite possible that Bernie, at 72, sees this election as his last chance. Running as an independent, he could split the Democrats vote this election cycle. Why is it so hard to believe that a pissed off Jim Webb would keep his one or two percent? It could swing a state.