# Politics & Elections **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=174 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 175 --- ## [Who should Paul Ryan appoint to the Vice Presidency?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-should-paul-ryan-appoint-to-the-vice-presidency/803615)
**Author:** [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2017, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-should-paul-ryan-appoint-to-the-vice-presidency/803615 "2017-12-08T17:00:19Z")
The Flynn plea agreement suggests that Flynn spoke with multiple senior members of the Presidential Transition team about his discussions with the Russian ambassador regarding US sanctions in late December, 2016. Pence p… --- ## [Suppose Trump was not an spoiled and immature doofus](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppose-trump-was-not-an-spoiled-and-immature-doofus/803747)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2017, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppose-trump-was-not-an-spoiled-and-immature-doofus/803747 "2017-12-08T02:44:52Z")
Would he be significantly more successful at politics than he is? Meaning, suppose you had a guy with the same brash and glib salesman personality, the same policy positions, but also a guy educated about policy matters… --- ## [Tax "reform" punchline: entitlement reform](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tax-reform-punchline-entitlement-reform/803786)
**Author:** [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2017, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tax-reform-punchline-entitlement-reform/803786 "2017-12-08T00:37:59Z")
http://thehill.com/homenews/house/363642-ryan-pledges-entitlement-reform-in-2018 This is where the elderly got their Medicare yanked and the poor get thrown into the trash bin. But for God sake’s, save the fetus!!! --- ## [How can the Dems better appeal to suckers, chumps, marks and rubes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-the-dems-better-appeal-to-suckers-chumps-marks-and-rubes/803395)
**Author:** [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2017, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-the-dems-better-appeal-to-suckers-chumps-marks-and-rubes/803395 "2017-12-07T05:29:41Z")
First, let’s divide the GOP base into who I am and am not referring to. I am NOT starting a discussion about voters, if any exist, who were motivated by racist appeals in supporting Trump. Pro-racism GOP voters would not… --- ## [Why no admirals?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-admirals/803275)
**Author:** [@escaped](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/escaped)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2017, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-admirals/803275 "2017-12-05T20:24:11Z")
We have a tradition of generals running for president why no admirals? --- ## [How easy will it be to reverse the damage Trump is doing under this optimistic scenario?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-easy-will-it-be-to-reverse-the-damage-trump-is-doing-under-this-optimistic-scenario/803147)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2017, 12:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-easy-will-it-be-to-reverse-the-damage-trump-is-doing-under-this-optimistic-scenario/803147 "2017-12-05T12:21:59Z")
With what seems to me the likely passage of tax cuts for the wealthy coming up soon, and a long list of other things from how he has handled appointments to federal agencies, his irresponsible tweets, racial politics, et… --- ## [voting by mail and on-line](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/voting-by-mail-and-on-line/803604)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2017, 5:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/voting-by-mail-and-on-line/803604 "2017-12-05T05:03:20Z")
Currently, three states have all vote-by-mail: Colorado, Oregon, and Washington. Are there any other states that are moving to join them? I thought California was, but they still haven’t gone all the way, even though ove… --- ## [Pew Typology Survey 2017](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pew-typology-survey-2017/799892)
**Author:** [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2017, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pew-typology-survey-2017/799892 "2017-12-04T13:00:02Z")
The Pew Research Center released in tri-annual survey data this month. As the headline on it states, Political Typology Reveals Deep Fissures on the Right and Left. It’s very long - 15 pages including appendices - and I… --- ## [My kingdom for a non-partisan expert!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-kingdom-for-a-non-partisan-expert/803462)
**Author:** [@A\_Dodgy\_Dude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/A_Dodgy_Dude)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2017, 12:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-kingdom-for-a-non-partisan-expert/803462 "2017-12-04T12:23:01Z")
Can someone point me in the direction of a non-partisan expert about Brexit? Every left-of-center source I can find says Brexit is the worst thing to happen to Europe since the Black Plague. Every right-of-center sourc… --- ## [Andrew Cuomo 2020?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/andrew-cuomo-2020/802909)
**Author:** [@escaped](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/escaped)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2017, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/andrew-cuomo-2020/802909 "2017-12-04T04:19:27Z")
UIs is possible Governor cuomo can run next election? --- ## [What we really needed in a president](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-we-really-needed-in-a-president/803510)
**Author:** [@pythonzzz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pythonzzz)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2017, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-we-really-needed-in-a-president/803510 "2017-12-04T04:10:58Z")
Via Reason Advocates on Patheos A great rundown of what we should have had for a president: --- ## [A well written, sober article on Race, "Economic anxiety" and Trump](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-well-written-sober-article-on-race-economic-anxiety-and-trump/802681)
**Author:** [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2017, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-well-written-sober-article-on-race-economic-anxiety-and-trump/802681 "2017-12-04T02:40:13Z")
I think this is well written and well thought out. I would be interested in someone who supports Trump to read it and say what they think but really anyone interested even a little in politics should give it a read. --- ## [Why hasn't Trump been sued for sex harrassment? Like Paula Jones v. Clinton](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-trump-been-sued-for-sex-harrassment-like-paula-jones-v-clinton/803444)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2017, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-trump-been-sued-for-sex-harrassment-like-paula-jones-v-clinton/803444 "2017-12-03T22:27:20Z")
the Jones lawsuit was what led to Monica Lewinski and Clinton having to testify under oath and then he was charged with lying there and that led to impeachment --- ## [What are the chances that the Republican establishment discards Trump after Tax Reform is passed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-chances-that-the-republican-establishment-discards-trump-after-tax-reform-is-passed/803265)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2017, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-chances-that-the-republican-establishment-discards-trump-after-tax-reform-is-passed/803265 "2017-12-03T22:19:24Z")
Surely they must see that there’s only downside to them with this guy. He provided the service they need by coagulating their splintered base and getting control of all of the branches. Now they got their tax cuts, whi… --- ## [Tom Cotton to CIA?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tom-cotton-to-cia/803164)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2017, 10:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tom-cotton-to-cia/803164 "2017-12-02T10:50:37Z")
It’s being reported as a possible plan. It’s hard to understand how a guy like Cotton could even think of such a thing. Here he is a young guy with a relatively safe seat, and to give that up for what’s likely to be a v… --- ## [The case for Hillary Clinton 2020](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-case-for-hillary-clinton-2020/802607)
**Author:** [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Replies:** 237\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2017, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-case-for-hillary-clinton-2020/802607 "2017-11-30T00:51:40Z")
Salon published an interesting article: What do you guys think? I for one am completely convinced. Hillary 2020! It’s her turn (for reals this time)! --- ## [An open letter to President Trump](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-open-letter-to-president-trump/802193)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2017, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-open-letter-to-president-trump/802193 "2017-11-27T14:40:51Z")
Although it is an open letter, it’s too long to post here. So I’ll post a link. It begins: Sadly, the letter is more than 280 characters, which means that the addressee will never read it. (Not that he would underst… --- ## [German Federal Elections, September 2017](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/german-federal-elections-september-2017/784769)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [November 26, 2017, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/german-federal-elections-september-2017/784769 "2017-11-26T02:56:08Z")
We’ve got threads on the British and French elections, so I thought I’d do a trifecta and start one on the German federal election in the fall of this year. Don’t know if it’s too early for predictions? --- ## [Can Al Franken Insist on an Investigation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-al-franken-insist-on-an-investigation/802437)
**Author:** [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2017, 5:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-al-franken-insist-on-an-investigation/802437 "2017-11-25T05:03:22Z")
The rules? What are they? Does the majority of the Ethics Committee decide? If the Republicans didn’t want such an investigation, for whatever reason, could they refuse? What are the rules regarding testimony, can th… --- ## [Is there any more room for high school educated whites to move to the right](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-more-room-for-high-school-educated-whites-to-move-to-the-right/793608)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [November 24, 2017, 7:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-more-room-for-high-school-educated-whites-to-move-to-the-right/793608 "2017-11-24T07:27:11Z")
In 2008 Obama lost high school educated whites (the white working class, the WWC) by 14 points. That was about a 27 point loss in 2012, and then Clinton lost them by 39 points in 2016. Demographically, things look good … --- ## [Who was the last Secretary of State to accomplish something noteworthy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-was-the-last-secretary-of-state-to-accomplish-something-noteworthy/802000)
**Author:** [@A\_Dodgy\_Dude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/A_Dodgy_Dude)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2017, 8:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-was-the-last-secretary-of-state-to-accomplish-something-noteworthy/802000 "2017-11-22T08:15:03Z")
I overheard a conversation recently where one of the three people talking said “Hillary accomplished nothing important as Secretary of State.” And that got me to thinking: I can’t recall anything that any Secretary of S… --- ## [Ohio gubernatorial candidate misreads the national mood](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ohio-gubernatorial-candidate-misreads-the-national-mood/801932)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2017, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ohio-gubernatorial-candidate-misreads-the-national-mood/801932 "2017-11-20T23:15:27Z")
Bill O’Neill, an Ohio Supreme Court Justice who is seeking the Democratic nomination for Governor, decided it would be a good idea to speak up “on behalf of all heterosexual males” and declare that the voters shouldn’t c… --- ## [Why Jerry Brown should be seriously considered](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-jerry-brown-should-be-seriously-considered/801515)
**Author:** [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2017, 10:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-jerry-brown-should-be-seriously-considered/801515 "2017-11-20T10:15:56Z")
Politico has an article today about Brown running around Europe: https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/11/11/jerry-brown-california-profile-215812 Good stuff. I have to admit, I’ve been incredibly impressed with… --- ## [Bolton, CT election settled by coin toss!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bolton-ct-election-settled-by-coin-toss/801782)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2017, 7:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bolton-ct-election-settled-by-coin-toss/801782 "2017-11-20T07:58:14Z")
Seriously! :smiley: I think this story shows what’s best in Americans and what politicians should strive to be like, especially when dealing with each other. Congratulations to Mr. Eremita on his win, thanks to Miss… --- ## [New tax plan \[student loan interest\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-tax-plan-student-loan-interest/802059)
**Author:** [@contradancer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/contradancer)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2017, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-tax-plan-student-loan-interest/802059 "2017-11-19T13:57:38Z")
On this one issue, I don’t think it is fair to take away the student loan interest deduction. My son used to owe about $75,000 in student loans (B.S in nursing) and has been paying on this for many years. It’s now abou… --- ## [Rep. Greg Gianforte vs. ? for Montana Rep. seat 2018](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rep-greg-gianforte-vs-for-montana-rep-seat-2018/801945)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2017, 5:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rep-greg-gianforte-vs-for-montana-rep-seat-2018/801945 "2017-11-18T05:12:25Z")
Apparently Mr. Gianforte has already filed to run for re-election: If you don’t quite remember Mr. Gianforte from earlier this year, he was the candidate that attacked and beat a journalist while a Fox News crew (and h… --- ## [Sulla Speaks Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sulla-speaks-out/801887)
**Author:** [@Evan\_Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evan_Drake)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2017, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sulla-speaks-out/801887 "2017-11-17T23:24:03Z")
So, I was looking up plastic bags in California and drifted on to the Mercury News’ Editorial: GOP attack on Californians’ health is most brutal yet where, oddly enough, Mr. McConnell looks extra-added demented; but t… --- ## [A hypothesis on racial grievance and elections](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-hypothesis-on-racial-grievance-and-elections/800280)
**Author:** [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2017, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-hypothesis-on-racial-grievance-and-elections/800280 "2017-11-17T01:05:15Z")
Since Trump was elected I’m seeing a lot of social media posts from Democrats and Never Trump Repubicans decrying the Republican Party as the party of white grievance now and how the GOP is to blame for the current state… --- ## [Hamilton68 / Russian influence](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hamilton68-russian-influence/800557)
**Author:** [@up\_the\_junction](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/up_the_junction)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2017, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hamilton68-russian-influence/800557 "2017-11-16T23:04:31Z")
Putting this out there for those not familiar and wishing to understand Russian influence in the USA. This coincides with the current hearings at which the social media companies are being called to give evidence. We’re… --- ## [Why Terry Macauliffe should not be considered in 2020](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-terry-macauliffe-should-not-be-considered-in-2020/801522)
**Author:** [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2017, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-terry-macauliffe-should-not-be-considered-in-2020/801522 "2017-11-15T18:12:51Z")
Apparently he’s delusional and thinks he can beat Trump. On the contrary, he’s the perfect foil for Trump, with all the same weaknesses Hillary had. Plus he won’t deliver young and minority voters, AND he’ll have less … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=173) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=175)