# Politics & Elections **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=228 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 229 --- ## [What is the difference between the Southern Strategy and Bill Clinton?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-difference-between-the-southern-strategy-and-bill-clinton/752538)
**Author:** [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2016, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-difference-between-the-southern-strategy-and-bill-clinton/752538 "2016-04-20T19:43:43Z")
This article doesn’t ask the question directly, but it does make me wonder. Key quote: I tend to agree more with Joe Klein though: Bill Clinton was right to sign the crime bill, he was right to reform welfare. And… --- ## [Long live political parties!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-live-political-parties/752630)
**Author:** [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2016, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-live-political-parties/752630 "2016-04-20T15:45:08Z")
They are clearly out of vogue, ebbing in their power and reach. I have been saying in various threads here that this is not a good thing. Now I’ve come across a very well articulated explanation, from the NYT’s David B… --- ## [Questions (Sincere, not Snarky) You'd Like Answered: Democrats Edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-sincere-not-snarky-youd-like-answered-democrats-edition/752508)
**Author:** [@Sherrerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sherrerd)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2016, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-sincere-not-snarky-youd-like-answered-democrats-edition/752508 "2016-04-20T15:38:16Z")
(That’s “Snarky” rather than “sSarky”…) We all have unanswered questions, doubt. Here are two of mine: \*\*For Bernie Sanders: \*\* Clinton and Kasich have released eight and seven years of full tax returns, respectively;… --- ## [Bambi versus Godzilla: the illusions of Sanders-supporters](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bambi-versus-godzilla-the-illusions-of-sanders-supporters/751205)
**Author:** [@Sherrerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sherrerd)\ **Replies:** 251\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2016, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bambi-versus-godzilla-the-illusions-of-sanders-supporters/751205 "2016-04-20T13:58:41Z")
Many will recall the classic 1969 animated film “Bambi Meets Godzilla” by Marv Newland; if not, take a look: I am irresistibly reminded of this timeless story when today’s most-frequent rationale for supporting Bernie … --- ## [What do you think of the math here?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-think-of-the-math-here/752595)
**Author:** [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2016, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-think-of-the-math-here/752595 "2016-04-19T23:37:36Z")
I am concerned as he doesnt show his work, ie the state by state breakdown. A similar article: http://usuncut.com/politics/bernie-delegates-accurate-count/ --- ## [Obama nominates Judge Merrick Garland to the SCOTUS.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-nominates-judge-merrick-garland-to-the-scotus/749160)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 504\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2016, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-nominates-judge-merrick-garland-to-the-scotus/749160 "2016-04-19T23:06:13Z")
By most accounts Judge Garland is a moderate. He is also a little older at 63 years old. I think that under other circumstances this is someone that Republicans would be happy to confirm to the SCOTUS. How do you all t… --- ## [For Sanders fans who plan on sitting out if Bernie is not nominated](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-sanders-fans-who-plan-on-sitting-out-if-bernie-is-not-nominated/746466)
**Author:** [@BigAppleBucky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigAppleBucky)\ **Replies:** 342\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2016, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-sanders-fans-who-plan-on-sitting-out-if-bernie-is-not-nominated/746466 "2016-04-19T22:03:15Z")
I suggest taking an on-line preference poll. You might be surprised at how close Hillary and Bernie are. Here are a couple, I’m sure there are more of them out there. When taking them be sure to note how important each… --- ## [Clinton supporters, why do you prefer Hillary in the primary](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clinton-supporters-why-do-you-prefer-hillary-in-the-primary/752318)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 166\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2016, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clinton-supporters-why-do-you-prefer-hillary-in-the-primary/752318 "2016-04-19T01:10:50Z")
I’m a Sanders supporter, and I’m curious as to the motives for people who support Clinton. This isn’t meant to be a ‘tell me why you support Clinton so that people can tell you why you are wrong’ thread. As a Sanders su… --- ## [Oregon primary](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oregon-primary/752233)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2016, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oregon-primary/752233 "2016-04-18T22:21:19Z")
Oregon’s primary is May 17. Both D and R primaries are closed, so you have to register for a party to vote for president in it. The deadline for registration for the primary is April 26. I can’t find any recent poll res… --- ## [Proposed 2016 Republican Convention Rules Changes from Concerned Americans](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-2016-republican-convention-rules-changes-from-concerned-americans/752515)
**Author:** [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2016, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-2016-republican-convention-rules-changes-from-concerned-americans/752515 "2016-04-18T19:49:07Z")
Under existing rules, the GOP convention could deadlock if Cruz’s team will support anybody but Trump and Trump’s group will support anybody but Cruz. Rubio’s and Kasich’s delegates could be left high and dry without the… --- ## [Impact of aging on voting behavior.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/impact-of-aging-on-voting-behavior/752478)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2016, 11:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/impact-of-aging-on-voting-behavior/752478 "2016-04-18T11:53:37Z")
Younger generations tend to be more liberal than older ones. On the Democratic side this election has a cohort of younger (and predominantly White) who are strongly supporting a message of economic progressiveness. Ove… --- ## [Odd question re Sanders visit to Vatican City](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odd-question-re-sanders-visit-to-vatican-city/752295)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2016, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odd-question-re-sanders-visit-to-vatican-city/752295 "2016-04-18T03:42:12Z")
For accounting purposes is the cost of this trip a campaign or a personal expense? The trip, according to Sanders’ mananger is not a calculated decision about the campaign and is above politics. So then it is a person… --- ## [Need Advice/Thoughts re: NY Primary](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-advice-thoughts-re-ny-primary/752514)
**Author:** [@Wallet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wallet)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2016, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-advice-thoughts-re-ny-primary/752514 "2016-04-18T03:27:04Z")
Sorry if this has come up before, but I didn’t see another thread with quite my problem. For reasons I won’t get into I am a registered Republican, although I almost always vote for a Democrat in the general election an… --- ## [Debate run on answers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debate-run-on-answers/752463)
**Author:** [@jssclu07](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jssclu07)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2016, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debate-run-on-answers/752463 "2016-04-17T21:18:26Z")
In a presidential debate, why can’t they turn off the mike when a persons time is over? --- ## [Vice President predictions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vice-president-predictions/744919)
**Author:** [@Hank\_Beecher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hank_Beecher)\ **Replies:** 296\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2016, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vice-president-predictions/744919 "2016-04-16T05:04:48Z")
So the list of viable candidates is looking shorter. Hillary, Bernie, Trump, Cruz, and Rubio. And then big maybes Kasich, Carson, Christie. What are some of the more likely VP selection possibilities? I am curious to s… --- ## [The Answer to the GOPs Convention Dilemma](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-answer-to-the-gops-convention-dilemma/752079)
**Author:** [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2016, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-answer-to-the-gops-convention-dilemma/752079 "2016-04-15T22:54:41Z")
At a brokered convention, the GOP need a savior but currently can’t come up with a name that satisfies all divisions in the party. Well, what about someone whose celebrity and name recognition is equal or higher to that… --- ## [Democratic Debate Time, 4/14/16](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democratic-debate-time-4-14-16/752235)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_Ace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Ace)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2016, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democratic-debate-time-4-14-16/752235 "2016-04-15T20:04:26Z")
Some initial impressions: I thought this was a debate, not a rally. Isn’t the audience usually warned to keep quiet while the candidates are talking? At least it doesn’t seem the Sanders supporters are any louder than… --- ## [Sanders saved by supers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sanders-saved-by-supers/748545)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 226\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2016, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sanders-saved-by-supers/748545 "2016-04-15T20:02:17Z")
Maybe I am reading this wrong, but I think he is thinking that the superdelegates will flip to give him the nomination even as he loses in pledged delegates and popular vote. Note what he not saying. He is not saying t… --- ## [Sanders, Clinton, and "the Jewish vote." NY edition.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sanders-clinton-and-the-jewish-vote-ny-edition/752160)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2016, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sanders-clinton-and-the-jewish-vote-ny-edition/752160 "2016-04-15T17:50:22Z")
So I was looking for any update on the whole trip to Rome thing and came onto this article, which was interesting enough in its own way, but which also contained these statisitics: No shock there. Yet who does this gr… --- ## [Trump vs Clinton debate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-vs-clinton-debate/749994)
**Author:** [@Yersenia\_Pestis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yersenia_Pestis)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2016, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-vs-clinton-debate/749994 "2016-04-15T15:18:53Z")
How low will he go? Anyone think he will bring Bill’s infidelity? Not a fan of either but if they debate I think the ratings will be through the roof… --- ## [Trump cookies, unscientific experiment/fun](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-cookies-unscientific-experiment-fun/751265)
**Author:** [@somepumpkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/somepumpkin)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2016, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-cookies-unscientific-experiment-fun/751265 "2016-04-14T23:15:50Z")
I wasn’t sure in which forum to place this, but Elections seemed appropriate. Though it’s more like MPSIMS. Would you eat Trump cookies? We had folks over Saturday evening to watch the Final Four. Everyone brought food… --- ## ["Why women should vote for women."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-women-should-vote-for-women/751392)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_Ace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Ace)\ **Replies:** 181\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2016, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-women-should-vote-for-women/751392 "2016-04-14T19:12:57Z")
I don’t see a Clinton campaign thread around anywhere, so I thought I’d post this separately. (I can already see the direction of the opposing arguments…) If you want to read this article, unless you’re a subscriber to… --- ## [Bill Clinton: net positive or net negative for Hillary?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-clinton-net-positive-or-net-negative-for-hillary/749919)
**Author:** [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2016, 5:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-clinton-net-positive-or-net-negative-for-hillary/749919 "2016-04-14T05:11:42Z")
Bill committed another gaffe yesterday by saying what he actually thought about the Obama administration: The Clinton campaign has “clarified” in the usual weaselly politician way that BIll was talking about the Repub… --- ## [Wyoming caucus](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wyoming-caucus/751671)
**Author:** [@Kron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kron)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2016, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wyoming-caucus/751671 "2016-04-13T16:20:16Z")
Here at my first ever Democratic caucus in Wyoming. Turnout so far is very high, and support for Bernie is overwhelming. His section has had to be enlarged twice so far to accommodate the the crowd. --- ## [Contributions to Politicians' Funds](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contributions-to-politicians-funds/751454)
**Author:** [@Clarence01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clarence01)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2016, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contributions-to-politicians-funds/751454 "2016-04-13T14:01:35Z")
The deals between corporations or other private entities and someone running for president or Congress or a judgeship are obviously handshake-deals. Does everyone more or less agree that: The candidate must agree to d… --- ## [Feel the #extortion Bernie has planned](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/feel-the-extortion-bernie-has-planned/750443)
**Author:** [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Replies:** 646\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2016, 5:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/feel-the-extortion-bernie-has-planned/750443 "2016-04-13T05:00:15Z")
As if he and his followers would tolerate being dictated to if their positions were reversed. Bernie is basically becoming the Democratic version of Trump and his “my way or the riots”. Nice party you’ve got here, be… --- ## [Trump gets backing of KGB spy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-gets-backing-of-kgb-spy/751992)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2016, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-gets-backing-of-kgb-spy/751992 "2016-04-12T23:55:23Z")
Trump’s doomed for sure now! Anna Chapman, the KGB spy expelled by the US is backing Trump. :slight\_smile: --- ## [Democracies outside of the US: How do parties choose their nominees?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democracies-outside-of-the-us-how-do-parties-choose-their-nominees/748718)
**Author:** [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2016, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democracies-outside-of-the-us-how-do-parties-choose-their-nominees/748718 "2016-04-12T15:01:17Z")
I understand there are primaries in other countries, but they tend to be closed. I have the sense from the wiki article that the primary ballot is decided by the party itself. Is that correct? How close are the primary … --- ## [Who is more likely to end up in jail, Clinton or Trump?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-more-likely-to-end-up-in-jail-clinton-or-trump/749820)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2016, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-more-likely-to-end-up-in-jail-clinton-or-trump/749820 "2016-04-11T20:11:35Z")
Trump will stand trial for the fraud of Trump University, and authorities recently have been considering charging him for inciting violence. Clinton has her email scandal. Who is more likely to get arrested before the … --- ## [March 15th Primaries (Not-as-Super Tuesday)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/march-15th-primaries-not-as-super-tuesday/749055)
**Author:** [@Gedd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gedd)\ **Replies:** 221\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2016, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/march-15th-primaries-not-as-super-tuesday/749055 "2016-04-11T14:06:04Z")
Voted in Raleigh, NC. They had more people than they had expected for the first half hour. Should be another busy day. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=227) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=229)