# Politics & Elections **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=136 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 137 --- ## [During the Clinton impeachment, did many people truly believe he would be removed from office?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/during-the-clinton-impeachment-did-many-people-truly-believe-he-would-be-removed-from-office/845266)
**Author:** [@joebuck20](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joebuck20)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2020, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/during-the-clinton-impeachment-did-many-people-truly-believe-he-would-be-removed-from-office/845266 "2020-01-07T16:21:52Z")
Everyone pretty much takes it as a given that the Senate will acquit Trump. I was in high school when the Clinton impeachment was going on, and while I followed the proceedings, I can’t say I paid much attention to what… --- ## [Do we have any true "swing voters" here on the Dope?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-any-true-swing-voters-here-on-the-dope/845731)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2020, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-any-true-swing-voters-here-on-the-dope/845731 "2020-01-06T20:44:54Z")
A great deal is always made by the media each election cycle of the “swing voter” - although it is sometimes debated whether such voters even truly exist or not - voters that are independent, or undecided, and whose vote… --- ## [Anybody here ever actually been polled by 538, Gallup, Pew Research, etc?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-here-ever-actually-been-polled-by-538-gallup-pew-research-etc/844360)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2020, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-here-ever-actually-been-polled-by-538-gallup-pew-research-etc/844360 "2020-01-06T14:16:42Z")
Any Dopers here ever actually been polled for real by a presidential-election survey (ie., Trump vs. Hillary or some other D) by a big-league pollster such as 538, Rasmussen, Gallup, Pew Research, etc.? What was it like… --- ## [Mental health hold on Trump?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mental-health-hold-on-trump/845461)
**Author:** [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Replies:** 138\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2020, 12:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mental-health-hold-on-trump/845461 "2020-01-06T12:13:51Z")
In this Salon article Bandy Lee says that Nancy Pelosi has the right under the law to request a psych evaluation of turnp, looking prospectively at the 25 amendment. What do we know about the law of psychiatric holds?… --- ## [What is Pelosi's strategy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-pelosis-strategy/845465)
**Author:** [@Hermitian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermitian)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2020, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-pelosis-strategy/845465 "2020-01-06T05:22:20Z")
There are many impeachment threads, and at least one of them have thousands of posts, so I would like to ask a (hopefully) simple question. Can someone help me understand what Pelosi’s strategy is for holding on to the … --- ## [Biden, Wife-Beating and "Rule of Thumb"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/biden-wife-beating-and-rule-of-thumb/845922)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2020, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/biden-wife-beating-and-rule-of-thumb/845922 "2020-01-06T02:45:48Z")
Biden said the following at an event: To me, this is outrageous for a public figure. A ten second google search would show that the Rule of Thumb was never, ever, ever used in this manner and his statement is demonstr… --- ## [Other examples of swampy behavior involving family members of politicians getting high paying jobs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-examples-of-swampy-behavior-involving-family-members-of-politicians-getting-high-paying-jobs/845707)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2020, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-examples-of-swampy-behavior-involving-family-members-of-politicians-getting-high-paying-jobs/845707 "2020-01-05T18:01:08Z")
With the Trump family you have the kids getting lots of business favors due to who their father is. Hunter Biden got a good job because of who his father is. Joe Manchin’s daughter is a high ranking pharma exec. Mitch… --- ## [Do you think the "Corporate Media" outlets treat 'Progressive' Liberals fairly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-the-corporate-media-outlets-treat-progressive-liberals-fairly/845812)
**Author:** [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2020, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-the-corporate-media-outlets-treat-progressive-liberals-fairly/845812 "2020-01-05T04:08:33Z")
I personally would say no and I’m sure I could find some instances online where I could back up my claim. There has to be a bias, even if they TRY to be fair. We have to look at who’s funding the networks. And how much … --- ## [Who will be the next Conservative Party leader in Canada? Who should be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-be-the-next-conservative-party-leader-in-canada-who-should-be/845247)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2020, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-be-the-next-conservative-party-leader-in-canada-who-should-be/845247 "2020-01-04T16:41:36Z")
Following Andrew Scheer’s resignation earlier this month, the Conservative Party of Canada is looking for a new leader. Although the Conservatives took more votes than the Liberals, the Liberals ended up with more seats… --- ## [What's going on in the "key" states?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-going-on-in-the-key-states/845786)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2020, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-going-on-in-the-key-states/845786 "2020-01-04T03:30:04Z")
Is there any reason to think the 2020 presidential election will be determined by anything other than the outcome in a very limited number (3-7?) of key states? Traditionally blue or purple states which Trump narrowly w… --- ## [Democratic Q4 fundraising predictions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democratic-q4-fundraising-predictions/845463)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2020, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democratic-q4-fundraising-predictions/845463 "2020-01-04T02:49:16Z")
Poll coming. Who do you think will win in Q4 fundraising? I’ll include the top 4 and an other although I honestly can’t see any of the second or bottom tier shocking the world. --- ## [New Rules 2020: Discussion Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-rules-2020-discussion-thread/845728)
**Author:** [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2020, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-rules-2020-discussion-thread/845728 "2020-01-03T18:46:25Z")
Now, as I’m sure you’ve notice, I’ve just stickied new rules for both Great Debates and Politics and Elections. Tubadiva and I have been working on these rules for a month or so as we took to heart the posts made in the… --- ## [Democratic drop outs for the remainder of 2019](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democratic-drop-outs-for-the-remainder-of-2019/844064)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2020, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democratic-drop-outs-for-the-remainder-of-2019/844064 "2020-01-03T01:25:50Z")
If anyone’s checked their inbox, you’ll notice that you’re getting bombarded with political fundraising emails as we approach the end of November and that’s on top of all the Black Friday and Cyber Monday emails. The T… --- ## [Inauguration question.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inauguration-question/845200)
**Author:** [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2020, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inauguration-question/845200 "2020-01-02T13:13:33Z")
What if a President Elect has a change in mind and does not go to his inauguration. Suppose he sends a notarized letter saying “Nope, not interested.”. What happens then? --- ## [logical flaw in Impeachment Articles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/logical-flaw-in-impeachment-articles/845614)
**Author:** [@Jim\_Peebles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_Peebles)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2020, 7:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/logical-flaw-in-impeachment-articles/845614 "2020-01-02T07:25:51Z")
I was shocked to see this sentence in the impeachment articles: It could be (and I think is) the case that BOTH Ukraine AND Russia interfered. By saying “rather than Russia”, they assume it has to be only one of the tw… --- ## [States that require party identification to vote in primaries: do they warn you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/states-that-require-party-identification-to-vote-in-primaries-do-they-warn-you/845741)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2020, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/states-that-require-party-identification-to-vote-in-primaries-do-they-warn-you/845741 "2020-01-02T05:52:33Z")
I know, awkward thread title. So, some states require you to register with a political party in order to vote in the primary. Do they have a warning on the voter registration form that warns people they won’t be able to… --- ## [Should Joe Biden Testify During the Impeachment Hearings?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-joe-biden-testify-during-the-impeachment-hearings/845540)
**Author:** [@Wrenching\_Spanners](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wrenching_Spanners)\ **Replies:** 135\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2020, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-joe-biden-testify-during-the-impeachment-hearings/845540 "2020-01-01T16:41:07Z")
From the original NPR transcript 20 days ago: Biden’s since walked his comments back a bit saying he would comply with the law, but is still equivocating: If Biden has nothing to hide, then he should welcome the … --- ## [Brits: what does the term "tactical voting" mean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brits-what-does-the-term-tactical-voting-mean/844885)
**Author:** [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2019, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brits-what-does-the-term-tactical-voting-mean/844885 "2019-12-30T23:22:44Z")
I see this concept mentioned, but don’t understand it all. Fight my ignorance, please. Use short words, and American spelling, please. :slight\_smile: I live on the other side of the planet, and normally don’t care mu… --- ## [Does the state of the economy influence your vote for president?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-state-of-the-economy-influence-your-vote-for-president/844925)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2019, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-state-of-the-economy-influence-your-vote-for-president/844925 "2019-12-30T16:02:11Z")
It’s an oft-quoted claim that every modern incumbent U.S. president has been reelected except when the economy was bad. (The two examples being Carter and Bush Sr.) Maybe I skew too much towards social issues, but the s… --- ## [Which Democratic Candidate is the most likeable and charismatic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-democratic-candidate-is-the-most-likeable-and-charismatic/844605)
**Author:** [@Unreconstructed\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unreconstructed_Man)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2019, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-democratic-candidate-is-the-most-likeable-and-charismatic/844605 "2019-12-28T21:09:52Z")
It’s my contention that, in a two horse race, likability and charisma are literally the only things that matter. Nothing else, not facts, policies, experience, background, or anything else, are remotely important. So, … --- ## [Why do the Democrats seem so ineffective?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-the-democrats-seem-so-ineffective/845081)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2019, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-the-democrats-seem-so-ineffective/845081 "2019-12-27T21:36:42Z")
In the impeachment thread, folk have been questioning just about every step the Dems have taken. And this is not an unusual incident. It does not seem uncommon that the Dems take stances with little clear idea of how t… --- ## [I Think I Just Saw Trump's Winning Campaign Slogan](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-just-saw-trumps-winning-campaign-slogan/845229)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2019, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-just-saw-trumps-winning-campaign-slogan/845229 "2019-12-27T17:00:48Z")
They are not coming for me. They are coming for you. I am just in the way. Link Damn. I just read the latest Andrew Sullivan column. (I cannot find it at the moment.) Somehow that lead me to the meme above. Damn. I thi… --- ## [The possible results of the Impeachment in the Senate.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-possible-results-of-the-impeachment-in-the-senate/844916)
**Author:** [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2019, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-possible-results-of-the-impeachment-in-the-senate/844916 "2019-12-26T21:05:18Z")
I will give my guess as follows: #1: 40%, #2: 50% #3: 9% #4: 1% I guess that means I will vote 2/B. --- ## [Hillary CLinton deliberately lost the election ...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hillary-clinton-deliberately-lost-the-election/845037)
**Author:** [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2019, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hillary-clinton-deliberately-lost-the-election/845037 "2019-12-24T23:26:07Z")
… so that Trump could be impeached, says a White House source. Karem is Senior White House Reporter for Playboy, and overtly anti-Trump, but his Twitter account is serious news reporting. Do I believe that people at t… --- ## [When did you feel Trump needed to be impeached?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-you-feel-trump-needed-to-be-impeached/844690)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2019, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-you-feel-trump-needed-to-be-impeached/844690 "2019-12-24T05:18:22Z")
I get the impression that many Democrats actually already wanted Trump impeached before he ever took office, but were waiting for him to commit the appropriate crime/misdeed for him to be charged. FTR, I’m onboard with … --- ## [During which years in US history has any party had 2/3 majority in the Senate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/during-which-years-in-us-history-has-any-party-had-2-3-majority-in-the-senate/845218)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2019, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/during-which-years-in-us-history-has-any-party-had-2-3-majority-in-the-senate/845218 "2019-12-24T04:59:33Z")
If the precedent has now been set that impeachment is merely a “political process”, then future presidents are essentially free to commit crimes at will as long as they continue making decisions that favor their base. 2… --- ## [The Republican Party wants someone like Trump, but not quite Trump himself](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-republican-party-wants-someone-like-trump-but-not-quite-trump-himself/845235)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2019, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-republican-party-wants-someone-like-trump-but-not-quite-trump-himself/845235 "2019-12-24T03:57:44Z")
IMHO, the reason Trump shot to such sudden popularity in the Republican primaries in 2016 was because he embodied something they’d been wanting: Someone who would attack the entrenched GOP establishment, finally deliver … --- ## [Elections: How do we make it work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elections-how-do-we-make-it-work/843989)
**Author:** [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2019, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elections-how-do-we-make-it-work/843989 "2019-12-23T18:06:55Z")
In discussions with Jenny this afternoon I suggested a sticky thread for discussing ways to make Great Debates and Elections, well, great again. Forgive me. Anyway, I’ll host this discussion here. What I’m looking for… --- ## [EC/Popular vote compromise](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ec-popular-vote-compromise/845112)
**Author:** [@E-DUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-DUB)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2019, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ec-popular-vote-compromise/845112 "2019-12-21T17:06:33Z")
Ran across this concept on another site. The host suggested that to assume the presidency that BOTH the Electoral College and the popular vote be required, but did not say what should be done when, as in 2000 and 2016, … --- ## [(Yawn! Canadian politics) Scheer resigns](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yawn-canadian-politics-scheer-resigns/844768)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2019, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yawn-canadian-politics-scheer-resigns/844768 "2019-12-21T00:48:28Z")
This was only a matter of time. Conservatives saw Trudeau as especially vulnerable and Scheer is the scapegoat for losing the election. The Conservatives gained twenty seats but precious little influence. Strategists … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=135) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=137)