# Politics & Elections **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=157 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 158 --- ## [Why is conservative media obsessed with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-conservative-media-obsessed-with-alexandria-ocasio-cortez/824906)
**Author:** [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Replies:** 417\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2018, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-conservative-media-obsessed-with-alexandria-ocasio-cortez/824906 "2018-12-02T04:06:33Z")
Especially since the election, the conservative media has been obsessed with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, running stories about her almost daily. Even, humorously, a story on Breitbart about Ocasio-Cortez pointing out how … --- ## [Could you make a viable many-party system without ammending the constitution?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-you-make-a-viable-many-party-system-without-ammending-the-constitution/825278)
**Author:** [@Ashtura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ashtura)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2018, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-you-make-a-viable-many-party-system-without-ammending-the-constitution/825278 "2018-12-01T21:09:31Z")
I feel like only 2 viable parties is the number one reason we got Trump. Obviously things are highly skewed in the US to favor only two viable parties. Is there any way to have several viable parties that have a an actu… --- ## [2018 Election Contest WINNERS](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2018-election-contest-winners/825261)
**Author:** [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2018, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2018-election-contest-winners/825261 "2018-12-01T02:37:22Z")
Yes, the last races have finally been called, my friends. Our winner is: Wesley Clark with a score of 3! Wesley Clark’s guess: D House: 235 D Senate: 50 D Vote %: 56 Our final totals were: D House: 235 D Senate:… --- ## [Private emails , Ivanka version](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/private-emails-ivanka-version/824843)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2018, 6:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/private-emails-ivanka-version/824843 "2018-11-29T06:56:14Z")
I can hear the “lock her up” chants now at the Trump rallies. :smiley: --- ## [Mississippi Senator wants "public hanging" ??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mississippi-senator-wants-public-hanging/824398)
**Author:** [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)\ **Replies:** 123\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2018, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mississippi-senator-wants-public-hanging/824398 "2018-11-28T03:29:46Z")
Apologies if the thread title, necessarily brief, is misleading. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), currently still campaigning for re-election since a run-off election is needed later this month, is now on record ‘com… --- ## [Official 2018 Midterm Election Contest](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/official-2018-midterm-election-contest/807125)
**Author:** [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Replies:** 358\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2018, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/official-2018-midterm-election-contest/807125 "2018-11-27T22:44:31Z")
Hello and welcome to the 2018 SDMB Election contest. I’m your moderator, Jonathan Chance, and I’ll be here for all of your moderating needs as we build to a wacky, crazy election cycle. You can see our previous electio… --- ## [Why was republican turnout so high in 2018](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-republican-turnout-so-high-in-2018/824899)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2018, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-republican-turnout-so-high-in-2018/824899 "2018-11-27T20:51:13Z")
Hopefully some Republicans can answer this. Democratic turnout in 2018 was about 50% higher than a regular midterm. But gop turnout was about 25% higher also. Gop turnout was higher than it was in 1994 and 2010 from wh… --- ## [Investigating an election because its outcome is too improbable](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/investigating-an-election-because-its-outcome-is-too-improbable/825045)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2018, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/investigating-an-election-because-its-outcome-is-too-improbable/825045 "2018-11-25T21:46:57Z")
Hypothetical: Fast-forward to November 2020. On the eve of election day, Kamala Harris holds a commanding 20-percentage point lead in all polls over Donald Trump. Moreover, she has led by double digits in all polls sinc… --- ## [Did Christie (or his staff) intentionally cause the Fort Lee traffic jam?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 1329\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2018, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351 "2018-11-25T17:06:36Z")
It appears from some emails that some of Governor Christie’s staffers may have intentionally caused the Fort Lee traffic jam as political retribution. If so, it seems likely that Christie would have had knowledge. I’m on… --- ## [Republican Ethics and Values](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republican-ethics-and-values/824656)
**Author:** [@Dr.Colossus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Colossus)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2018, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republican-ethics-and-values/824656 "2018-11-25T00:48:18Z")
Well, I think I’m picking a fight I really don’t want to have, but I am looking for open, intellectual discussion and a differing viewpoint, so please keep it civil, as will I. The simple question is this: How can an et… --- ## [tyrannical SCOTUS aiding the president; what happens?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tyrannical-scotus-aiding-the-president-what-happens/824961)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [November 24, 2018, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tyrannical-scotus-aiding-the-president-what-happens/824961 "2018-11-24T15:38:32Z")
Suppose Trump had a lapdog Supreme Court (say, 9-0 majority) that gave him carte blanche on everything: Trump: “I am suspending all elections indefinitely, including the 2020 one” = Supreme Court: “You go, bro” “I am r… --- ## [Trump going after McRaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-going-after-mcraven/824785)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2018, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-going-after-mcraven/824785 "2018-11-23T16:30:39Z")
Is Donny worried he will run against McRaven? I’m sure the White House is scouring sources to find out if McRaven donated money to Clinton. --- ## [Written answers and lies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/written-answers-and-lies/824890)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2018, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/written-answers-and-lies/824890 "2018-11-23T15:01:55Z")
Even though Trump certainly wrote his answers with lawyers at his elbows or vice versa, what if he lied to his own attorneys (certainly within the realm of possibilities) and then lied in the answers? Would this carry th… --- ## [Do Lindsey Graham and Rand Paul have an ulterior motive in breaking with Trump on Saudi Arabia?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lindsey-graham-and-rand-paul-have-an-ulterior-motive-in-breaking-with-trump-on-saudi-arabia/824914)
**Author:** [@KidCharlemagne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KidCharlemagne)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2018, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lindsey-graham-and-rand-paul-have-an-ulterior-motive-in-breaking-with-trump-on-saudi-arabia/824914 "2018-11-22T01:42:23Z")
It’s sad but I find it nearly impossible to believe that Graham’s and Paul’s criticisms of Trump regarding his non-response to Saudi Arabia in the wake of Khashoggi’s murder are actually based on human rights. Are there… --- ## [White House likley altered video of Jim Acosta](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-house-likley-altered-video-of-jim-acosta/824242)
**Author:** [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Replies:** 218\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2018, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-house-likley-altered-video-of-jim-acosta/824242 "2018-11-21T22:42:11Z")
Jim Acosta recently had his press badge revoked after an incident with a intern. Frame by frame analysis shows that the WH version is sped up to make Acosta’s actions look more aggressive than they actually were. Bria… --- ## [Why are we so evenly divided?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-we-so-evenly-divided/824227)
**Author:** [@E-DUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-DUB)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2018, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-we-so-evenly-divided/824227 "2018-11-21T17:25:44Z")
There was another thread recently discussing the roots of the division in this country. But what I’m wondering is why it’s so darned even. We’ve got three Senate races where the margin of victory is within a fraction o… --- ## [Amy Klobuchar or Tammy Baldwin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amy-klobuchar-or-tammy-baldwin/824825)
**Author:** [@Covfefe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Covfefe)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2018, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amy-klobuchar-or-tammy-baldwin/824825 "2018-11-20T22:33:36Z")
There are some similarities and also some striking differences between them. This poll asks two things. For the sake of building bridges over some ongoing divisions within the Democrat party while helping to propel it a… --- ## [Why do people like Joe Biden for President?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-like-joe-biden-for-president/824254)
**Author:** [@Thing\_Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thing_Fish)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2018, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-like-joe-biden-for-president/824254 "2018-11-20T22:21:03Z")
Can someone explain to me why they like Joe Biden? I mean, I have nothing in particular against him, he gives a good speech, I’m sure he’d be heavily favored against Trump and would be a decent President. I just don’t ge… --- ## [The Scarlet T](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-scarlet-t/824826)
**Author:** [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2018, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-scarlet-t/824826 "2018-11-20T18:29:10Z")
30,000 mile above view, is a silver lining of this entire presidency the fact people are publicly agreeing with the most batshit ideas a leader of this nation has ever put forth? THIS is what the country currently think… --- ## [Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Cannot Afford to Move to Washington](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-cannot-afford-to-move-to-washington/824263)
**Author:** [@StusBlues](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StusBlues)\ **Replies:** 406\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2018, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-cannot-afford-to-move-to-washington/824263 "2018-11-20T15:38:41Z")
Per a New York Times interview, New York’s new Representative will not be able to afford an apartment in Washington, DC until she starts drawing a Congressional salary. Per tweets and other sources of information, she ma… --- ## [Trump asking aides if Pence is loyal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-asking-aides-if-pence-is-loyal/824658)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2018, 7:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-asking-aides-if-pence-is-loyal/824658 "2018-11-20T07:21:30Z")
Maybe Donny is thinking of quitting? Or is he thinking of getting another running mate for 2020? --- ## [Which House races are you watching closely today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-house-races-are-you-watching-closely-today/824081)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2018, 6:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-house-races-are-you-watching-closely-today/824081 "2018-11-20T06:02:28Z")
Other than your own district, which House races are you most interested in seeing the outcome? Given Steve King’s recent behavior, I’m going to pay close attention to the Iowa 4th district. I’ll also be watching Califo… --- ## [Disinformation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/disinformation/824578)
**Author:** [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2018, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/disinformation/824578 "2018-11-20T03:04:54Z")
I may have missed it but I don’t believe anyone has posted with respect to the November 13 NYT publication of a 3-part video series on (Russian) disinformation. Each is about 15 minutes long. It is relevant to elections… --- ## [No comedian at WH media dinner next Spring](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-comedian-at-wh-media-dinner-next-spring/824815)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2018, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-comedian-at-wh-media-dinner-next-spring/824815 "2018-11-19T22:31:18Z")
Guess they are playing it safe by getting the guy who wrote the Hamilton book which was the basis of the play --- ## [Stacey Abrams end bid for governor in Georgia, files Federal lawsuit](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stacey-abrams-end-bid-for-governor-in-georgia-files-federal-lawsuit/824654)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2018, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stacey-abrams-end-bid-for-governor-in-georgia-files-federal-lawsuit/824654 "2018-11-19T16:50:05Z")
--- ## [Republicans take early lead in early voting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republicans-take-early-lead-in-early-voting/823554)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2018, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republicans-take-early-lead-in-early-voting/823554 "2018-11-18T18:24:58Z")
Data is from a few days ago, but according to MSNBC, Republicans have significantly out-paced Democrats in early voting thus far. Florida: +6 percentage points for Republicans Georgia: +9 for Republicans Texas: +10… --- ## [How much can a lame duck Congress do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-can-a-lame-duck-congress-do/824021)
**Author:** [@PoppaSan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PoppaSan)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2018, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-can-a-lame-duck-congress-do/824021 "2018-11-16T17:06:39Z")
IIRC, the existing Congress meets in session after the election for a few weeks. How much of the Trump agenda can they ram through if the vote switches party dominance in either body? What do the numbers need to be to… --- ## [Acting Attorney General against Jews, Muslims and Atheists being judges](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acting-attorney-general-against-jews-muslims-and-atheists-being-judges/824553)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2018, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acting-attorney-general-against-jews-muslims-and-atheists-being-judges/824553 "2018-11-15T22:08:08Z")
Story here. It seems that while his main beef is with atheists having any judicial authority, his bigotry extends to any others that do not hold his New Testament beliefs. --- ## [Will The Democrats Repeat The 2016 GOP Primary In 2020?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-democrats-repeat-the-2016-gop-primary-in-2020/824512)
**Author:** [@golffan1963](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/golffan1963)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2018, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-democrats-repeat-the-2016-gop-primary-in-2020/824512 "2018-11-15T20:26:09Z")
Noticed there is a 2020 democratic primary thread just below this one…but I wanted to focus on a specific question: In 2016 the GOP primaries had so many candidates they couldn’t all be placed on the same stage (remembe… --- ## [Oi, America! Get off your arses and go vote!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oi-america-get-off-your-arses-and-go-vote/824067)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2018, 10:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oi-america-get-off-your-arses-and-go-vote/824067 "2018-11-15T10:23:16Z")
I’m preaching to the converted here, of course. But Trump really does need to be shown your displeasure. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=156) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=158)