# Can the Democrats win the Alabama senate special election in December? **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [August 13, 2017, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504 "2017-08-13T00:49:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 35
**Author:** ![The\_Tooth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c67d28/32.png) [@The\_Tooth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Tooth)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2017, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/681 "2017-11-15T05:27:12Z")
> [@UltraVires](#): > > I disagree with those statements. In any event, those statements are nothing like the post I responded to about molestation and no treatment for STDs from child rape. Whether you agree or not, the statements exist. Your claim that I’ve constructed a straw man is refuted by the simple fact that whether you’ve heard people say these things or not, I have. ---
**Author:** ![UltraVires](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ecccb3/32.png) [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2017, 5:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/682 "2017-11-15T05:28:23Z")
> [@ricksummon](#): > > Yes, it’s true… [Sean Hannity](https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/sean-hannity-roy-moore-senate-race_us_5a0bb0e3e4b0bc648a0eb4b7?ncid=edlinkushpmg00000313) has called for Roy Moore to drop out of the race. > > That means Trump _has_ to do it too… for Fox has spoken. Good for Hannity. IMHO it took him about 5 days too long, but he’s on it. ---
**Author:** ![UltraVires](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ecccb3/32.png) [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2017, 5:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/683 "2017-11-15T05:40:04Z")
> [@The\_Tooth](#): > > Whether you agree or not, the statements exist. Your claim that I’ve constructed a straw man is refuted by the simple fact that whether you’ve heard people say these things or not, I have. So because some lunatics have said these things, you attribute those statements to mainstream Christianity at worst, or conservative Christianity at best? ---
**Author:** ![The\_Tooth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c67d28/32.png) [@The\_Tooth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Tooth)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2017, 5:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/684 "2017-11-15T05:50:07Z")
Christians who aren’t right-wingers don’t seem to hold these views, bless 'em, so I guess that leaves the Christians who are. ---
**Author:** ![Mijin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mijin/32/9369_2.png) [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2017, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/685 "2017-11-15T05:52:48Z")
> [@UltraVires](#): > > Good for Hannity. IMHO it took him about 5 days too long, but he’s on it. Looking forward to seeing his spin on this one: “Roy Moore didn’t do anything wrong; it’s all a smear campaign by the Fake News Destroy Donald Trump Liberal Elite media. On the other hand, Roy Moore blatantly did it, and he crossed the line: Fox News can only endorse sexual assault against young _women_. Stay tuned for more shit about Hillary Clinton.” ---
**Author:** ![The\_Tooth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c67d28/32.png) [@The\_Tooth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Tooth)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2017, 6:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/686 "2017-11-15T06:19:50Z")
Hannity didn’t have a change of heart, he’s engaging in damage control. If it’s in the GOP’s interest to start defending Moore again tomorrow, that’s what he’ll do. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2017, 9:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/687 "2017-11-15T09:44:42Z")
> [@UltraVires](#): > > So because some lunatics have said these things, you attribute those statements to mainstream Christianity at worst, or conservative Christianity at best? They don’t represent all “Christianity”, but it’s certainly funny how so many of these “lunatics” are Republican elected officials making these statements in the name of Christianity. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2017, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/688 "2017-11-15T14:34:25Z")
> [@JohnT](#): > > Agreed. > > It is not hard to imagine a world in which we would have been better off had Clinton resigned in 1997/8 because of these issues. This current wave of accusations would have been 20 years earlier, Gore would have been President (and have a better chance of carrying FL in 2000 😉 ), 20 years of horrible behavior may have been curtailed, more. > [@Kimstu](#): > > Except that AFAICT, the only really active Clinton sex scandal at that point was the Monica Lewinsky one, and I think there is no dispute that it was adult and consensual. > > (I still think the affair was skeevy based on her very subordinate position as a White House intern and her young age, but AFAIK Lewinsky has consistently affirmed that it was consensual throughout, and IIRC evidence indicated that the sexually suggestive flirting was initiated by her.) > > So I don’t think Clinton resigning over the Lewinsky scandal would have done much to raise public awareness of the problem of **non** -consensual sexual behavior on the part of famous men. [Apparently, I’m not the only one thinking this.](https://www.vox.com/platform/amp/policy-and-politics/2017/11/15/16634776/clinton-lewinsky-resigned) But you may be right, Kimstu. ---
**Author:** ![MandaJo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ac91a4/32.png) [@MandaJo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MandaJo)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2017, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/689 "2017-11-15T15:16:04Z")
> [@wolfman](#): > > Bannon lost a bunch of momentum on this one. He was halfway through his “I’m better at being Trump that Trump and Moore is the proof” victory tour(he gave a speech in Macomb county the other day) when this shit his fan. I wonder if he knew before that Moore had this history. Certainly a lot of people knew. It seems plausible that this is the reason he never ran for a national office before. Bannon was the guy that was positive the Access Holiwood thing wouldn’t hurt Trump–I think because he just can’t believe real people (i.e., men) really care about women or what happens to women. I like to imagine he talked Moore into running, convinced him this wouldn’t come out and if it did no one would care. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2017, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/690 "2017-11-15T15:19:28Z")
Bannon could still be right. A pedophile is still \*tied \*with a guy who prosecuted Klansmen. ---
**Author:** ![Folacin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folacin/32/3195_2.png) [@Folacin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folacin)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2017, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/691 "2017-11-15T15:51:57Z")
> [@MandaJo](#): > > I wonder if he knew before that Moore had this history. Certainly a lot of people knew. It seems plausible that this is the reason he never ran for a national office before. Bannon was the guy that was positive the Access Holiwood thing wouldn’t hurt Trump–I think because he just can’t believe real people (i.e., men) really care about women or what happens to women. I like to imagine he talked Moore into running, convinced him this wouldn’t come out and if it did no one would care. You’re assuming Bannon knew. Moore didn’t and doesn’t think he did anything wrong, so if someone asked him “what skeleton’s are in your closet that we should be aware of and ready to spin?”, this wouldn’t have come up. And it seems unlikely that Bannon did any sort of oppo research at the same level as the Post did to uncover this. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2017, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/692 "2017-11-15T15:55:20Z")
> [@JohnT](#): > > [Apparently, I’m not the only one thinking this.](https://www.vox.com/platform/amp/policy-and-politics/2017/11/15/16634776/clinton-lewinsky-resigned) From that link: > [@](#): > > What they should have argued was something simpler: A president who uses the power of the Oval Office to seduce a 20-something subordinate is morally bankrupt and contributing, in a meaningful way, to a serious social problem that disadvantages millions of women throughout their lives. > > But by and large, they didn’t. I have not read Miss Lewinsky’s book nor do I remember the details of the scandal well enough, and so I have to ask: is that what happened? Did President Clinton seduce Miss Lewinsky? ---
**Author:** ![Fiveyearlurker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/da6949/32.png) [@Fiveyearlurker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiveyearlurker)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2017, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/693 "2017-11-15T16:06:44Z")
> [@Gyrate](#): > > They don’t represent all “Christianity”, but it’s certainly funny how so many of these “lunatics” are Republican elected officials making these statements in the name of Christianity. And as elected officials facing an electorate, they wouldn’t be making these statements if they didn’t resonate. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2017, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/694 "2017-11-15T16:17:33Z")
> [@Snowboarder\_Bo](#): > > Did President Clinton seduce Miss Lewinsky? No, though he was certainly receptive to her thong flashing. Nor was she a child. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2017, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/695 "2017-11-15T16:18:06Z")
> [@Folacin](#): > > You’re assuming Bannon knew. Moore didn’t and doesn’t think he did anything wrong, so if someone asked him “what skeleton’s are in your closet that we should be aware of and ready to spin?”, this wouldn’t have come up. > > And it seems unlikely that Bannon did any sort of oppo research at the same level as the Post did to uncover this. Being banned from the mall, even if you think it is for bullshit reasons, would be, in fact, a skeleton in most people’s closets. Bannon runs an internet newspaper, complete with journalists, so any research not done lies fully on his shoulders. It’s pretty obvious what happened: Bannon sent those reporters to AL to discredit Moore’s accusers, but what they found was far worse than that already published by WaPo. Hannity continued his pro-Moore support, but Fox, too, is likely finding out Moore shit, so last night Hannity gives Moore 24 hours to recant. Would not be surprised if Hannity actually, maybe, you know… might have some new information to reveal himself. You know… like an actual reporter. With NEWS. Maybe. Regardless, this guy has been hitting on kids for 30+ years, the eventual list will be long and sordid. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2017, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/696 "2017-11-15T16:20:17Z")
> [@Snowboarder\_Bo](#): > > From that link:I have not read Miss Lewinsky’s book nor do I remember the details of the scandal well enough, and so I have to ask: is that what happened? Did President Clinton seduce Miss Lewinsky? Does it matter? He is a married man, in charge of the country, she is an intern. _If she threw herself at him like a groupie, Bill Clinton would still be in the wrong_. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2017, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/697 "2017-11-15T16:24:12Z")
[Even Cal Thomas (!) is getting queasy now.](http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2017/11/14/cal-thomas-final-stage-in-corruption-american-evangelicalism.html) > [@](#): > > That is the antithesis of the theology and political activism of many modern evangelicals, who seem to prefer access to temporal power more than faithfulness to a kingdom and King not of this world. > … > > There is an unstated conceit among some evangelicals that God is only at work when a Republican is elected, even a Republican who does not share their view of Jesus, or practice what He taught. It is the ultimate compromise, which leads to the corruption and dilution of a message more powerful than what government and politics offer. Finally he has a limit. ---
**Author:** ![MandaJo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ac91a4/32.png) [@MandaJo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MandaJo)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2017, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/698 "2017-11-15T16:39:27Z")
> [@Folacin](#): > > You’re assuming Bannon knew. Moore didn’t and doesn’t think he did anything wrong, so if someone asked him “what skeleton’s are in your closet that we should be aware of and ready to spin?”, this wouldn’t have come up. > > And it seems unlikely that Bannon did any sort of oppo research at the same level as the Post did to uncover this. I said “I wonder if” and “I like to imagine”, so I think “assuming” is a little strong. I think it’s possible he knew. I think there’s a reason Trump didn’t support him. I’d love to know, someday. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2017, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/699 "2017-11-15T16:41:32Z")
> [@JohnT](#): > > Does it matter? He is a married man, in charge of the country, she is an intern. _If she threw herself at him like a groupie, Bill Clinton would still be in the wrong_. In your view, how would he be in the wrong? ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2017, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/700 "2017-11-15T16:44:53Z")
> [@Snowboarder\_Bo](#): > > From that link:I have not read Miss Lewinsky’s book nor do I remember the details of the scandal well enough, and so I have to ask: is that what happened? Did President Clinton seduce Miss Lewinsky? Based on the information from her book and the released tapes/letters, it sounds as though she initiated it and pursued it with vigor. That doesn’t excuse a married guy who had an affair with his intern but Clinton wasn’t preying on her. Our nation has a big grey area about that 18-22 age range. Add gender to it and forget about sanity. Old enough to go to Iraq and lose an arm but too young to decide who they want to fuck without them being the victim (even if it was their idea). [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504.md?page=34) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504.md?page=36)