# Politics & Elections **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=240 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 241 --- ## [Say, what ever happened to the Tea Party?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/say-what-ever-happened-to-the-tea-party/745620)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2016, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/say-what-ever-happened-to-the-tea-party/745620 "2016-02-09T21:57:10Z")
There’s still a Tea Party Caucus in Congress, but I can’t recall the last time I heard about a TP rally, or anyone claiming to issue statements in the TP’s behalf, and nobody (yet) is talking about the role of the “Tea P… --- ## [Top donors for Clinton - Disney and Dreamworks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-donors-for-clinton-disney-and-dreamworks/745394)
**Author:** [@JohnClay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnClay)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2016, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-donors-for-clinton-disney-and-dreamworks/745394 "2016-02-09T21:12:20Z")
I found it interested that Trump claimed not to be controlled by lobbyists, etc. His top donors: (highest is $10,000) A video about Clinton’s Wall Street donors: Her top donors: What I found interesting was Disn… --- ## [What happens to Bernie if he loses the nomination?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-bernie-if-he-loses-the-nomination/745108)
**Author:** [@coremelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/coremelt)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2016, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-bernie-if-he-loses-the-nomination/745108 "2016-02-09T15:25:19Z")
Another, help me understand your political system question. What happens to Bernie if he loses the nomination narrowly ? Say 47-53 percent nationally on the primaries. Does he just go back to being a senator? Is he … --- ## [New Hampshire primaries 2016](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-hampshire-primaries-2016/745604)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2016, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-hampshire-primaries-2016/745604 "2016-02-09T14:08:02Z")
Bernie Sanders got 100% of the registered Democratic vote in Dixville! You read that right folks: all 4 of them voted for Sanders! Kasich split the Republican vote with Trump but came out ahead 3-2! --- ## [Is Norway's government better than U.S.?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-norways-government-better-than-u-s/745306)
**Author:** [@JohnClay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnClay)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2016, 12:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-norways-government-better-than-u-s/745306 "2016-02-09T12:51:20Z")
“…capitalist America, now the most unequal of all the developed nations, and consequently a democracy no more. Political scientists say it has become an oligarchy — a country run at the expense of its citizenry by and … --- ## [Robert Reich nails it: This is what this election is about](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/robert-reich-nails-it-this-is-what-this-election-is-about/744399)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 263\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2016, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/robert-reich-nails-it-this-is-what-this-election-is-about/744399 "2016-02-08T23:21:24Z")
Robert Reich writes that he often is asked for his comparative analysis of, e.g., Clinton’s and Sanders’ tax proposals – and he’s cool with that, he has been a policy wonk for decades. But, he says, detailed policy prop… --- ## [Who wants there to be one simultaneous primary election day in a states?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-wants-there-to-be-one-simultaneous-primary-election-day-in-a-states/745238)
**Author:** [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2016, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-wants-there-to-be-one-simultaneous-primary-election-day-in-a-states/745238 "2016-02-08T19:01:48Z")
I wish we could force all states to hold their primary/caucuses on a single simultaneous day, like we do the general election. Let the party nominations all be decided on a single day. The presidential campaign cycle i… --- ## [Political Jokes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/political-jokes/745154)
**Author:** [@E-DUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-DUB)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2016, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/political-jokes/745154 "2016-02-07T23:28:53Z")
Enough serious talk for a while. Toss out your favorite jokes about the candidates. How does Donald Trump screw in a light bulb? He just holds the bulb in the socket and the world revolves around him. --- ## [Seeing candidates in NH when you're from out of state](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeing-candidates-in-nh-when-youre-from-out-of-state/744578)
**Author:** [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2016, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeing-candidates-in-nh-when-youre-from-out-of-state/744578 "2016-02-07T21:18:36Z")
I went back and forth between GQ and Elections for this, but I’ll give this a try. I’d like my teenage son to experience what a carnival those in-person presidential candidate appearances are - but also how interesting/… --- ## [Putin's guide to the Iowa caucuses](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/putins-guide-to-the-iowa-caucuses/745454)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2016, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/putins-guide-to-the-iowa-caucuses/745454 "2016-02-07T19:58:44Z")
It’s too serious in here right now. --- ## [Donald Trump has been nominated fora Nobel Peace Prize.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/donald-trump-has-been-nominated-fora-nobel-peace-prize/745167)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2016, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/donald-trump-has-been-nominated-fora-nobel-peace-prize/745167 "2016-02-07T16:57:41Z")
Of course all this means is that one of the thousands of people who can submit a nomination did so and nominated Trump. I’m confident that he stands 0 chance of winning. --- ## ["None of the above" option](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/none-of-the-above-option/744168)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2016, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/none-of-the-above-option/744168 "2016-02-06T01:02:35Z")
In this election cycle, I’m increasingly coming to the conclusion that there’s absolutely no candidate I can, in all conscience, support. Every one of them, regardless of party, has major shortcomings. Should there be a … --- ## [What accusation about your preferred pres. candidate, if proven, would cost him/her your vote?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-accusation-about-your-preferred-pres-candidate-if-proven-would-cost-him-her-your-vote/745101)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2016, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-accusation-about-your-preferred-pres-candidate-if-proven-would-cost-him-her-your-vote/745101 "2016-02-06T00:30:08Z")
Before answering, please bear in mind that I’m asking about the candidate you are actually planning to vote for–not an abstract candidate, and certainly not a candidate your already oppose. For instance: I’d only vote fo… --- ## [I am Moderate America, sell me on Ted Cruz](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-moderate-america-sell-me-on-ted-cruz/744921)
**Author:** [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2016, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-moderate-america-sell-me-on-ted-cruz/744921 "2016-02-05T02:29:33Z")
What are we looking for that he brings to the table? --- ## [In this digital age, is election polling becoming more and more worthless?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-this-digital-age-is-election-polling-becoming-more-and-more-worthless/745176)
**Author:** [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2016, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-this-digital-age-is-election-polling-becoming-more-and-more-worthless/745176 "2016-02-04T21:41:43Z")
In the old days, everyone had a home phone and no one knew who was calling when it rang. This meant just about everyone answered the phone when it rang. For election sampling, this worked great because it allowed a pre… --- ## [Arkansas GOP not so enamored of term limits now that they are in power; trend?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arkansas-gop-not-so-enamored-of-term-limits-now-that-they-are-in-power-trend/745158)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2016, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arkansas-gop-not-so-enamored-of-term-limits-now-that-they-are-in-power-trend/745158 "2016-02-04T20:50:20Z")
When I was younger, I thought term limits sounded like a good idea, except that I also thought people should be represented by whomever they wanted: if people wanted the same bloviating gasbag or effectual crusader or wh… --- ## [Iowa Caucuses are underway](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iowa-caucuses-are-underway/744897)
**Author:** [@Do\_Not\_Taunt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Do_Not_Taunt)\ **Replies:** 282\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2016, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iowa-caucuses-are-underway/744897 "2016-02-04T18:20:20Z")
No results yet, obviously, but I figure we need a thread for “live blogging” it. I have CNN on in the background, and it’s getting about a 10% attention share from me. Sounds like the Republican caucuses are drawing a … --- ## [Pretend you are voting Republican (anonymously)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pretend-you-are-voting-republican-anonymously/743993)
**Author:** [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2016, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pretend-you-are-voting-republican-anonymously/743993 "2016-02-04T03:59:18Z")
Which of these people would get your vote in the Primaries: Jeb Bush Ben Carson Chris Christie Ted Cruz Carly Fiorina Jim Gilmore Mike Huckabee John Kasich Rand Paul Marco Rubio Rick Santorum Donald Trump --- ## [DNC agrees to added debates](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dnc-agrees-to-added-debates/744870)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2016, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dnc-agrees-to-added-debates/744870 "2016-02-04T00:28:53Z")
As you may know, there has been some not-too-implausible conspiracy-theorizing to the effect that the Democratic National Committee and Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz have deliberately limited the number of primary-… --- ## [Rick Santorum for POTUS 2016 thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rick-santorum-for-potus-2016-thread/720963)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2016, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rick-santorum-for-potus-2016-thread/720963 "2016-02-03T20:24:14Z")
Yep, the ol’ Anal Leaker is back on the campaign trail! From the linked article, it seems as if his main selling point is “I came in 2nd once”. --- ## [Ted Cruz vs. Ethanol](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ted-cruz-vs-ethanol/745074)
**Author:** [@Flyer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flyer)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2016, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ted-cruz-vs-ethanol/745074 "2016-02-03T18:42:45Z")
One aspect that hasn’t gotten a lot of attention by most people is Cruz’s opposition to the ethanol subsidies. The people who did pay attention thought that it would hurt him. --- ## [Rand Paul drops out of Presidential race.\[ed.\] No he didn't.\[ed\] Yes. He did.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rand-paul-drops-out-of-presidential-race-ed-no-he-didnt-ed-yes-he-did/728499)
**Author:** [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2016, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rand-paul-drops-out-of-presidential-race-ed-no-he-didnt-ed-yes-he-did/728499 "2016-02-03T18:23:20Z")
Well, maybe not tonight but maybe in the next few days. Because he can’t run for President and his Senate seat at the same time. from http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2015-08-21/latest-hurdle-to-struggling-r… --- ## [Republicans itching to use Hammer & Sickle logo against Sanders. Best response?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republicans-itching-to-use-hammer-sickle-logo-against-sanders-best-response/744898)
**Author:** [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2016, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republicans-itching-to-use-hammer-sickle-logo-against-sanders-best-response/744898 "2016-02-03T12:57:07Z")
Let’s say Sanders wins the nomination. I have heard that Republican groups have ads ready to go branding Sanders with the hammer and sickle logo. What would be his best response? My first inclination is for Bernie to giv… --- ## [Who's got the most obnoxious group of supporters: Ron Paul 2012 or Bernie Sanders 2016?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whos-got-the-most-obnoxious-group-of-supporters-ron-paul-2012-or-bernie-sanders-2016/736828)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2016, 11:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whos-got-the-most-obnoxious-group-of-supporters-ron-paul-2012-or-bernie-sanders-2016/736828 "2016-02-03T11:01:47Z")
Both Ron Paul and Bernie Sanders have attracted a small, but extremely fanatical group of supporters. They’ve both drawn a committed group of people that like to clog up Facebook stories or online news with their comment… --- ## [Dear NY Times: Why bother endorsing Kasich??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-ny-times-why-bother-endorsing-kasich/744741)
**Author:** [@astorian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astorian)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2016, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-ny-times-why-bother-endorsing-kasich/744741 "2016-02-03T03:00:32Z")
I know, a newspaper has a right to endorse any candidate in any election. I’m just asking, why bother??? Hey, I could offer an endorsement in the Democratic race, but I don’t, because all SDMB liberals know my principle… --- ## [Iowa Caucuses and Trump Supporters](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iowa-caucuses-and-trump-supporters/744383)
**Author:** [@Lamar\_Mundane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamar_Mundane)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2016, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iowa-caucuses-and-trump-supporters/744383 "2016-02-02T20:56:06Z")
If the polls and surveys are correct, a large percentage of Trump supporters have never been to a caucus before, and many don’t even vote regularly. I’m not sure they know what they’re in for. First off, next Monday nig… --- ## [One Month Until Iowa: Bragging Rights Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-month-until-iowa-bragging-rights-thread/741903)
**Author:** [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2016, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-month-until-iowa-bragging-rights-thread/741903 "2016-02-02T16:44:08Z")
OK, then. We’re an official one month until the actual election cycle begins. The Iowa caucuses are on February 1st and that’s one month from today. \*\*Your challenge: \*\* Determine the outcome of the Republican Caucus … --- ## [How late is too late for a 3rd party POTUS campaign?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-late-is-too-late-for-a-3rd-party-potus-campaign/744915)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2016, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-late-is-too-late-for-a-3rd-party-potus-campaign/744915 "2016-02-02T16:41:43Z")
Looking at the current candidates and the lay of the land just makes me curious. How late can a 3rd party candidate can pull the trigger and still have a shot? --- ## [Iowa Democratic bragging rights thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iowa-democratic-bragging-rights-thread/743193)
**Author:** [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2016, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iowa-democratic-bragging-rights-thread/743193 "2016-02-02T15:20:24Z")
Since we have one for the Republicans, let’s also have one for the suddently tight Democratic contest in Iowa. Here’s my prediction: Sanders 52 Clinton 45 O’Malley 3 --- ## [Trump to skip debate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-to-skip-debate/744323)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 242\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2016, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-to-skip-debate/744323 "2016-02-02T14:38:32Z")
Link. It’s that last bit that cracks me up! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=239) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=241)