# Politics & Elections **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=172 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 173 --- ## [Why 60 Magical Senators?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-60-magical-senators/807420)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2018, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-60-magical-senators/807420 "2018-01-28T04:04:16Z")
Call me irresponsible, call me crazy, call me a fool, but: Why did the recent budget Bill need 60 Senate votes to avoid a shutdown? I’m no Political Science major, but wouldn’t 51 votes (a mathematical majority) or 67 vo… --- ## [A new DACA bill: Will it pass and if it does, what will it look like?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-daca-bill-will-it-pass-and-if-it-does-what-will-it-look-like/807294)
**Author:** [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2018, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-daca-bill-will-it-pass-and-if-it-does-what-will-it-look-like/807294 "2018-01-27T20:04:55Z")
I’m opening this thread mainly because it seems strange to be debating this topic in a thread about the recent shutdown. I’m thinking it gets passed, with funding for the wall (in some way, shape or form) and no path to… --- ## [It takes 67 senate votes to impeach. Please don't waste our time.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-takes-67-senate-votes-to-impeach-please-dont-waste-our-time/807298)
**Author:** [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Replies:** 183\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2018, 6:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-takes-67-senate-votes-to-impeach-please-dont-waste-our-time/807298 "2018-01-27T06:12:09Z")
Don’t get me wrong, folks. I think Trump is a bad president, for more reasons than just promoting an agenda I don’t like. He’s rude and unprofessional, offensive and and international embarrassment, divisive, uninformed,… --- ## [2020: Duckworth for Vice President](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-duckworth-for-vice-president/788198)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2018, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-duckworth-for-vice-president/788198 "2018-01-26T23:41:00Z")
I know it’s early, and I know the discussion is usually around who will be the Presidential nominee, but every time I think about the 2020 race (and I’ll admit, I daydream about this a lot lately), I keep coming back to T… --- ## [2020 Prez hopefuls... your take or your candidates](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-prez-hopefuls-your-take-or-your-candidates/801413)
**Author:** [@mistymage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mistymage)\ **Replies:** 273\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2018, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-prez-hopefuls-your-take-or-your-candidates/801413 "2018-01-24T21:43:16Z")
The voting timeline makes me feel all futuristic because I did not think I would ever think beyond the usual cycle but errr… will Plump make it that long? (Trump’s reign) But I am still here now and Dump is still our Pre… --- ## [Is 2018 the Year of Women?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-2018-the-year-of-women/807337)
**Author:** [@Zakalwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zakalwe)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2018, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-2018-the-year-of-women/807337 "2018-01-24T02:43:19Z")
I’ve read quite a few articles about 2018 being “The Year of Women” in politics. If nothing else Trump seems to have inspired a number of women to get more active politically, including running for office. Now it’s a fri… --- ## [Are Democrats a big tent party? Should they be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-democrats-a-big-tent-party-should-they-be/806426)
**Author:** [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Replies:** 145\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2018, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-democrats-a-big-tent-party-should-they-be/806426 "2018-01-23T21:37:32Z")
I read this article from Politico (“Heartland Democrats to Washington: You’re Killing Us”) about rural Democrats. In part, it said: Do you think this is good advice? --- ## [Trump's approval rating prediction](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-approval-rating-prediction/777037)
**Author:** [@Fiveyearlurker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiveyearlurker)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2018, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-approval-rating-prediction/777037 "2018-01-20T17:43:40Z")
Trump’s going to enter the White House with an approval rating in the high 30s. This is not great. His approval ratings will likely matter greatly to a president who doesn’t have the full support of his own party; if i… --- ## [Looks like the Dems just flipped another state legislative seat -- in Wisconsin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looks-like-the-dems-just-flipped-another-state-legislative-seat-in-wisconsin/806801)
**Author:** [@suranyi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/suranyi)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2018, 7:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looks-like-the-dems-just-flipped-another-state-legislative-seat-in-wisconsin/806801 "2018-01-20T07:09:31Z")
There was a special election today for Wisconsin State Senate seat 10. Far northwestern rural Wisconsin. Trump won this district by 17 points. It had been held by a Republican. Today the Democrat won by about 10 points… --- ## [Is President Trump suddenly Getting Worse?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-president-trump-suddenly-getting-worse/806444)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 275\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2018, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-president-trump-suddenly-getting-worse/806444 "2018-01-18T21:28:38Z")
I would really like a factual answer. It seems to me that the level of activity from President Trump has increased in the last couple of weeks, since that book came out. He seems to be in the news more. He seems to be d… --- ## [So we seem to have only one sure candidate in 2020...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-we-seem-to-have-only-one-sure-candidate-in-2020/806496)
**Author:** [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2018, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-we-seem-to-have-only-one-sure-candidate-in-2020/806496 "2018-01-18T17:49:07Z")
And it’s Terry Mcauliffe. No, he hasn’t announced, but the buzz around him as been that he’s almost definitely running, and he’s smart enough to know that the only chance he has is to get out in front. That’s usually … --- ## [Will passing tax reform actually help the gop](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-passing-tax-reform-actually-help-the-gop/801886)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 145\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2018, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-passing-tax-reform-actually-help-the-gop/801886 "2018-01-18T17:21:27Z")
I get the impression they feel it will help them. But that is confusing to me. The bill isn’t popular. It’ll raise taxes on middle class families, students, sick people, etc as well as cut money from Medicare all to give… --- ## [The UK government reshuffle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-uk-government-reshuffle/806170)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2018, 7:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-uk-government-reshuffle/806170 "2018-01-17T07:44:37Z")
I see that the Tories have appointed no fewer than 9 vice chairmen. We all knew that the Tory Party was a den of iniquity, but it’s disappointing to see it confirmed. :smiley: --- ## [Issa to retire. Opening up a Rep seat in CA!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/issa-to-retire-opening-up-a-rep-seat-in-ca/806330)
**Author:** [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2018, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/issa-to-retire-opening-up-a-rep-seat-in-ca/806330 "2018-01-16T16:38:32Z")
\*Issa, who joined Congress in 2001, only narrowly got re-elected to his seat in California’s 49th Congressional District in 2016. In the presidential race, Hillary Clinton won his district by 7 percentage points. \* Th… --- ## [Trump's ambassador to the Netherlands doubles down on embarrassing the US](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-ambassador-to-the-netherlands-doubles-down-on-embarrassing-the-us/805051)
**Author:** [@naita](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/naita)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2018, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-ambassador-to-the-netherlands-doubles-down-on-embarrassing-the-us/805051 "2018-01-14T14:15:11Z")
Pete Hoekstra, former Congressman (Tea Party), now ambassador to the Netherlands is asked to comment on his previous claims that there are No-Go zones in the Netherlands. PH: I didn’t say that. That is actually an incor… --- ## [Ask the guy who wikified the electoral history of Canadian Prime Ministers!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-guy-who-wikified-the-electoral-history-of-canadian-prime-ministers/805822)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2018, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-guy-who-wikified-the-electoral-history-of-canadian-prime-ministers/805822 "2018-01-13T14:43:20Z")
I’ve recently completed a major project over on the Wikipedia: I put together articles on the electoral history of every Canadian prime minister. Here’s the links for all you election junkies. Feel free to ask me any … --- ## [Just on CNN: Oprah Winfrey seriously thinking about running for POTUS in 2020](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-on-cnn-oprah-winfrey-seriously-thinking-about-running-for-potus-in-2020/806148)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 123\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2018, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-on-cnn-oprah-winfrey-seriously-thinking-about-running-for-potus-in-2020/806148 "2018-01-11T23:28:44Z")
What could possibly go wrong with this?!?!? Sorry, Oprah, I think you should stick to acting and “60 Minutes”. --- ## [2017 Virginia Gov. race: Gillespie (R) vs. Northam (D)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-virginia-gov-race-gillespie-r-vs-northam-d/788920)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 341\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2018, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-virginia-gov-race-gillespie-r-vs-northam-d/788920 "2018-01-11T00:07:32Z")
AP story here. Sounds like Mr. Gillespie barely got the nom despite lots of money and many endorsement (and despite avoiding anything Trumpian). I’d like to thankfully note that the man he beat for the nom, Corey Stewar… --- ## [Assuming Mitt Romney replaces Orrin Hatch, what are your expectations for Mitt?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/assuming-mitt-romney-replaces-orrin-hatch-what-are-your-expectations-for-mitt/805796)
**Author:** [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2018, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/assuming-mitt-romney-replaces-orrin-hatch-what-are-your-expectations-for-mitt/805796 "2018-01-10T21:59:20Z")
My WAG is that like most GOP moderates, he’ll talk a way better game than he votes. When it comes to voting, he’ll be a McCain-level sort, breaking from the party only very occasionally. Not even Murkowski level, let a… --- ## [Is Trump a fifth columnist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-trump-a-fifth-columnist/758938)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2018, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-trump-a-fifth-columnist/758938 "2018-01-06T03:08:55Z")
Thinking about it, what damage will Trump have done to the Democratic party? How does that compare to the damage he’ll have done to the GOP? In the 50s, the GOP got on board with a mean, petty, No Nothing attitude to ge… --- ## [Alabama election results](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alabama-election-results/804356)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2018, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alabama-election-results/804356 "2018-01-05T21:57:49Z")
It’s all over but the shouting. With 76% reporting, Moore is ahead by about 51% to 47% with 2% write-ins. I guess the racism overcame the pedophilia among the “Christians”. --- ## [Reaction to this path to Clinton Presidency](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reaction-to-this-path-to-clinton-presidency/804314)
**Author:** [@sciurophobic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sciurophobic)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2018, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reaction-to-this-path-to-clinton-presidency/804314 "2018-01-04T17:44:30Z")
Imagine it’s 2019 and the Democrats control Congress. They impeach both Trump and Pence, making Pelosi President. She then nominates H. Clinton as VP, and Congress approves. Pelosi immediately resigns, making Clinton Pre… --- ## [Can Al Franken change his mind and stay?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-al-franken-change-his-mind-and-stay/804738)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 163\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2018, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-al-franken-change-his-mind-and-stay/804738 "2018-01-04T17:13:24Z")
I’m not a fan of his ultra liberal leanings. I do recognize he’s done a good job as Senator. He’s built a solid reputation for working hard. Yeah he screwed up. Dumb, stupid and idiotic thing to do. The Dems sacrifice… --- ## [Could/would a DEM-majority congress repeal all the GOP damage after the midterms?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-would-a-dem-majority-congress-repeal-all-the-gop-damage-after-the-midterms/804571)
**Author:** [@Chetumal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chetumal)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2018, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-would-a-dem-majority-congress-repeal-all-the-gop-damage-after-the-midterms/804571 "2018-01-02T20:47:49Z")
Let’s say that the GOP passes its tax bill, and next year also repeals the ACA. If the Dems retake the house and senate next fall, how easy would it be for them to just repeal all of the bills that the GOP passed in 2017… --- ## [Cenk Uygur and Reza Aslan on the cult of Trumpism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cenk-uygur-and-reza-aslan-on-the-cult-of-trumpism/804590)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2018, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cenk-uygur-and-reza-aslan-on-the-cult-of-trumpism/804590 "2018-01-02T17:24:13Z")
This is a 4-minute snippet from a longer interview, and well worth a listen. In short, most of the Trumpists also call themselves Christians, and there is nothing Christian about any of this. --- ## [It's going to get a lot worse before it gets better](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-going-to-get-a-lot-worse-before-it-gets-better/770286)
**Author:** [@Richard\_Parker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Parker)\ **Replies:** 140\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2018, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-going-to-get-a-lot-worse-before-it-gets-better/770286 "2018-01-02T00:22:57Z")
Today, Jonathan Chait writes in New York Magazine that The GOP’s Age of Authoritarianism Has Only Just Begun. Here’s a taste: Even if he has the sociology wrong, the prediction is right: this isn’t about Trump and it … --- ## [The situation in Binomo](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-situation-in-binomo/805447)
**Author:** [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2018, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-situation-in-binomo/805447 "2018-01-01T18:51:34Z")
Nikki Haley was asked about political meddling by Russia in the island nation of Binomo. She says we’re watching the situation carefully. Do you trust her and the Trump administration to stay on top of this problem? Had … --- ## [Rabbit Hole Paranoid Thought Regarding Russia](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rabbit-hole-paranoid-thought-regarding-russia/805046)
**Author:** [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2017, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rabbit-hole-paranoid-thought-regarding-russia/805046 "2017-12-28T16:45:04Z")
Okay so let’s assume these premises are true (they are all arguable but let’s just say they are true for this thought experiment): Trump is a Putin ally and Putin colluded to get him into office. Congress is contro… --- ## [Y'all don't get birth certificates, Arkansas babies!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yall-dont-get-birth-certificates-arkansas-babies/803929)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2017, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yall-dont-get-birth-certificates-arkansas-babies/803929 "2017-12-24T03:56:12Z")
Arkansas judge blocks state from issuing birth certificates is the headline the AP is running about this. \[quote\] What’s the problem, those of us outside of Arkansas may be asking: And apparently the state legislatu… --- ## [Alabama election hypothetical](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alabama-election-hypothetical/804713)
**Author:** [@Flyer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flyer)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2017, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alabama-election-hypothetical/804713 "2017-12-23T15:31:16Z")
Virtually everybody agrees that Roy Moore is a slimeball. I used to admire him, but his recent behavior has greatly disappointed and saddened me. Putting that aside for the moment– Assume you live in Alabama. When th… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=171) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=173)