# Politics & Elections **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=142 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 143 --- ## [Observations of the 3rd Democratic Debate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/observations-of-the-3rd-democratic-debate/840136)
**Author:** [@VOW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VOW)\ **Replies:** 214\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2019, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/observations-of-the-3rd-democratic-debate/840136 "2019-09-21T19:31:28Z")
My first impression: Yang is buying votes? Raffling off votes? ~VOW --- ## [Ok...why have Dem debates at all??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-why-have-dem-debates-at-all/840233)
**Author:** [@Dale\_Sams](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dale_Sams)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2019, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-why-have-dem-debates-at-all/840233 "2019-09-21T18:43:01Z")
How does this have any possibility of energizing the stay at home faction? Getting an independant vote or a Trump vote? Every day a leading candidate seems to do something to lose possible votes. Even the ones who have … --- ## [The Marshmallow Test for elections](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-marshmallow-test-for-elections/840518)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2019, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-marshmallow-test-for-elections/840518 "2019-09-21T03:42:18Z")
This is more of an IMHO or MPSIMS thread than elections, but since it’s political in nature I figured a mod would move it here anyway: The “Marshmallow Test” is a famous psychological experiment where children are given… --- ## [Are More Elections Evenly Split Nowaday?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-more-elections-evenly-split-nowaday/840496)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2019, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-more-elections-evenly-split-nowaday/840496 "2019-09-20T20:37:55Z")
It seems to happen more often than it used to. Bush/Gore was a tie. Clinton/Trump was very close. Brexit was quite close (am I mistaken?) The last two Israeli elections were ties. Am I missing any? Is the this a tr… --- ## [Has Susan Collins destroyed her chances in 2020?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-susan-collins-destroyed-her-chances-in-2020/823175)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2019, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-susan-collins-destroyed-her-chances-in-2020/823175 "2019-09-19T23:45:25Z")
As one of the two rational voices in the Republican Party (along with Lisa Murkowski), Susan Collins decided to do the wrong thing and vote to confirm Justice Kavanaugh. Then she doubled-down and gave a speech saying as… --- ## [I have changed my mind about the Clinton email scandal (and so should you)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-changed-my-mind-about-the-clinton-email-scandal-and-so-should-you/750514)
**Author:** [@Richard\_Parker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Parker)\ **Replies:** 563\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2019, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-changed-my-mind-about-the-clinton-email-scandal-and-so-should-you/750514 "2019-09-19T16:17:19Z")
When it was originally reported, my view of the scandal was that it was not properly a national security scandal but instead a scandal over the effort to hide emails from FOIA access. I believed that it was unlikely that… --- ## [How do I respond to Trump voters who cite immigration as their #1 issue?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-respond-to-trump-voters-who-cite-immigration-as-their-1-issue/840316)
**Author:** [@Akaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Akaj)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2019, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-respond-to-trump-voters-who-cite-immigration-as-their-1-issue/840316 "2019-09-17T14:00:44Z")
I’ve been canvassing voters in a swing state. More than three quarters of those who support Trump cite immigration as their top issue. I’ll paraphrase what one said to me: “We shouldn’t have to put up with all these ‘il… --- ## [Valerie Plame is running for Congress...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/valerie-plame-is-running-for-congress/839962)
**Author:** [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2019, 9:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/valerie-plame-is-running-for-congress/839962 "2019-09-16T09:18:55Z")
…and holy shit, her first campaign ad is awesome. I may have to move to New Mexico just so I can vote for her. --- ## [President Trump's notches a win at SCOTUS in asylum restrictions case](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/president-trumps-notches-a-win-at-scotus-in-asylum-restrictions-case/840073)
**Author:** [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2019, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/president-trumps-notches-a-win-at-scotus-in-asylum-restrictions-case/840073 "2019-09-14T23:06:19Z")
The actual SCOTUS order is available here: Sotomayor and Ginsburg dissented. --- ## [John Bolton Out as National Security Advisor](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-bolton-out-as-national-security-advisor/839992)
**Author:** [@Intergalactic\_Gladiator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Intergalactic_Gladiator)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2019, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-bolton-out-as-national-security-advisor/839992 "2019-09-13T17:44:26Z")
The revolving door on the clown car that is this administration spins again. --- ## [The Uninsured rate is increasing according to the Census....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-uninsured-rate-is-increasing-according-to-the-census/840133)
**Author:** [@survinga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/survinga)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2019, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-uninsured-rate-is-increasing-according-to-the-census/840133 "2019-09-13T15:59:58Z")
I’ll link the summary. Apparently, our uninsured rate has moved from 7.9% to 8.5% from 2017 to 2018. The big loss in coverage seems to be in Medicaid. I guess we’re to assume that Trump’s policies of sabotage are goin… --- ## [The Senate is unfair. Thoughts on Changing Article 1.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-senate-is-unfair-thoughts-on-changing-article-1/839147)
**Author:** [@candide](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/candide)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2019, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-senate-is-unfair-thoughts-on-changing-article-1/839147 "2019-09-13T00:18:12Z")
There are three areas where I believe the Constitution allows for a more equitable government going forward in the 21st Century. First, Article Three does not proscribe a size for the Supreme Court (nor for lower courts… --- ## [GOP 2020 primary challenger(s) to Trump](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gop-2020-primary-challenger-s-to-trump/829597)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2019, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gop-2020-primary-challenger-s-to-trump/829597 "2019-09-12T02:38:40Z")
Well, one is in: Ex-Massachusetts governor to challenge Trump for GOP nod --- ## [Sanders is not really a socialist](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sanders-is-not-really-a-socialist/839888)
**Author:** [@kirkrapine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kirkrapine)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2019, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sanders-is-not-really-a-socialist/839888 "2019-09-11T17:06:26Z")
He is a left-progressive – what in Europe would be called a social democrat. There is a difference. Social Security, Medicare, publicly-funded schools and libraries and roads, even single-payer health care, are not ins… --- ## [NC-09 Special](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nc-09-special/839934)
**Author:** [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2019, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nc-09-special/839934 "2019-09-11T15:25:40Z")
So that’s going down this week. Pence is there today, Trump’s there tomorrow. People are moving chips into the center of the table for this special election. As you’ll recall, the prior NC-09 election was invalidated … --- ## [UK snap general election 14 October?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-snap-general-election-14-october/839598)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2019, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-snap-general-election-14-october/839598 "2019-09-11T15:16:10Z")
Sky News just reported that Boris Johnson will fall a snap general election for 14 October should Parliament block no-deal Brexit this week which seems likely. This could get real interesting. I assume Boris thinks that … --- ## [Reason why Trump's approval ratings are falling?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reason-why-trumps-approval-ratings-are-falling/839623)
**Author:** [@Hermitian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermitian)\ **Replies:** 136\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2019, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reason-why-trumps-approval-ratings-are-falling/839623 "2019-09-10T14:33:23Z")
I have noticed on fivethirtyeight that Trump’s approval ratings (which have been remarkably steady through fiasco after fiasco), seem to be dropping a bit (and disapproval rising). It looks like it started about 40ish d… --- ## [Entertainers in politics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entertainers-in-politics/839827)
**Author:** [@bionic\_man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bionic_man)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2019, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entertainers-in-politics/839827 "2019-09-09T15:53:25Z")
Should actors musicians athletes run for office?LIST=1\] \[/LIST\]ns --- ## [Tulsi Gabbard and the Science of Identity cult](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tulsi-gabbard-and-the-science-of-identity-cult/838428)
**Author:** [@Rick\_Kitchen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick_Kitchen)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2019, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tulsi-gabbard-and-the-science-of-identity-cult/838428 "2019-09-08T20:46:37Z")
Tulsi Gabbard grew up in a cult called "Science of Identity:, run by a guy named Chris Butler, who calls himself “Jagad Guru Siddhaswarupananda Paramahamsa”. They pretend to be Hindu, but in fact, the cult revolves arou… --- ## [Physiologically and mentally, how tough a job is the presidency?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physiologically-and-mentally-how-tough-a-job-is-the-presidency/839737)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2019, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physiologically-and-mentally-how-tough-a-job-is-the-presidency/839737 "2019-09-07T18:58:20Z")
It’s often said that the presidents age rapidly while in office, but when taking all factors into account, is it a stress level comparable to being an NFL head coach? Maybe an air traffic controller? Food = you get gre… --- ## [Single-Term Presidency for the purpose of ending constant campaigning](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-term-presidency-for-the-purpose-of-ending-constant-campaigning/839419)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2019, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-term-presidency-for-the-purpose-of-ending-constant-campaigning/839419 "2019-09-06T02:36:30Z")
I think that this country would be better served if the President spent more time doing the job she/he was elected to do and less time using taxpayer time and money trying to get reelected. A single six, seven or even e… --- ## [Just saw my first 2020 campaign yard sign.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-saw-my-first-2020-campaign-yard-sign/838813)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2019, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-saw-my-first-2020-campaign-yard-sign/838813 "2019-09-06T01:22:01Z")
It was for, of all people, Andrew Yang. Let’s see how long it takes someone to steal it, like they kept stealing my Hillary signs. --- ## [Another Senator Retires](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-senator-retires/839368)
**Author:** [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2019, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-senator-retires/839368 "2019-09-06T00:20:56Z")
Johnny Isaakson’s out, looks like for real health reasons. And I can’t blame him. Still, that’s four R senators leaving - mostly non-vulnerable - and a slew of members of the house. 11 so far according to ballotpedi… --- ## [Bigger deal than the presidential campaign?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bigger-deal-than-the-presidential-campaign/839744)
**Author:** [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2019, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bigger-deal-than-the-presidential-campaign/839744 "2019-09-05T18:41:50Z")
I just read this article and immediately went to ActBlue to donate to the cause. https://www.politico.com/story/2019/09/05/republicans-redistricting-democrats-1481833 (The search within ActBlue is not good, at least on… --- ## [Dem candidates and Hong Kong](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dem-candidates-and-hong-kong/839700)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2019, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dem-candidates-and-hong-kong/839700 "2019-09-04T20:07:09Z")
Have any of the Dem candidates expressed support for the Hong Kong protesters? Or Trump’s lack of support for them? --- ## [The likely effect of mass shootings on the 2020 elections.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-likely-effect-of-mass-shootings-on-the-2020-elections/839614)
**Author:** [@E-DUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-DUB)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2019, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-likely-effect-of-mass-shootings-on-the-2020-elections/839614 "2019-09-04T02:57:47Z")
The dynamic on the gun issue has always been that the pro-gun voter votes on that issue, but the pro-gun control voter does not. Is that likely to change as an outgrowth of the mass shootings? Will the mobilization of p… --- ## [Trump 2020 Campaign Logo stolen from white nationalist, fascist militia group](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-2020-campaign-logo-stolen-from-white-nationalist-fascist-militia-group/839621)
**Author:** [@Budget\_Player\_Cadet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Budget_Player_Cadet)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2019, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-2020-campaign-logo-stolen-from-white-nationalist-fascist-militia-group/839621 "2019-09-03T22:12:16Z")
Brooke Binkowski, an independent journalist and former managing editor at Snopes, flagged that the symbol has been floating around the white nationalist web for years, perhaps most noticeably on VDARE, the white nation… --- ## [No Quorum at FEC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-quorum-at-fec/839535)
**Author:** [@zoog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoog)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2019, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-quorum-at-fec/839535 "2019-09-02T14:24:35Z")
I haven’t seen anything about this until today, but this is disturbing. As of yesterday, we don’t have a quorum of commissioners on the FEC to enforce election law. I wonder if this will find its way into the mainstr… --- ## [Trump and LGBTQ's?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-lgbtqs/839400)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2019, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-lgbtqs/839400 "2019-09-01T23:27:18Z")
Forgive me if this sounds naïve, but I just have to ask. What if anything has President Trump done to help LGBTQ’s? In case you don’t know, during the 2016 election, Mr. Trump promised gay people he’d have their backs (… --- ## [Third party](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/third-party/839511)
**Author:** [@bionic\_man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bionic_man)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2019, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/third-party/839511 "2019-09-01T15:49:16Z")
Could a third party candidate win if trump is too unpopular Democratic candidate too far to the left? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=141) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=143)