# Hee-haw, y'all. The 2020 Democratic Presidential Primary **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [November 12, 2018, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415 "2018-11-12T17:52:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 102
**Author:** ![Boycott](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boycott/32/6741_2.png) [@Boycott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boycott)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2019, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/2021 "2019-07-26T18:53:30Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Really? What sort of numbers was Obama polling at this time? 2007? Infinitesimal, iirc. To put it down to name recognition when he’s been in for three months (having led the polls before) and having his record from Nixon years blared out in the media and being challenged on race (_I don’t think you are a racist but…)_ and still leading is a cop out IMO. Bernie has as much name recognition, if not more in the first two years of Trump’s presidency because he is a sitting senator while Joe is a former Vice President. One still has office in Washington to take it to task daily while the other has been on the sidelines. Joe was a popular surrogate in the Midterms but kept a low profile for the most part before then. ---
**Author:** ![CarnalK](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnalk/32/486_2.png) [@CarnalK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CarnalK)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2019, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/2022 "2019-07-26T19:01:12Z")
How are you calculating “weakest frontrunner since the 80s”? Biden detractors are saying that too and it rather confuses me how they are getting there. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2019, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/2023 "2019-07-26T19:07:47Z")
> [@CarnalK](#): > > How are you calculating “weakest frontrunner since the 80s”? Biden detractors are saying that too and it rather confuses me how they are getting there. I am pretty sure it’s bullshit. Altho yes, Hillary was the opposite. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2019, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/2024 "2019-07-26T19:09:51Z")
> [@Boycott](#): > > To put it down to name recognition when he’s been in for three months (having led the polls before) and having his record from Nixon years blared out in the media and being challenged on race (_I don’t think you are a racist but…)_ and still leading is a cop out IMO. > > Bernie has as much name recognition, if not more in the first two years of Trump’s presidency because he is a sitting senator while Joe is a former Vice President. One still has office in Washington to take it to task daily while the other has been on the sidelines. Joe was a popular surrogate in the Midterms but kept a low profile for the most part before then. I dont know what you are trying to say here. ---
**Author:** ![Boycott](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boycott/32/6741_2.png) [@Boycott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boycott)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2019, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/2025 "2019-07-26T19:36:02Z")
> [@CarnalK](#): > > How are you calculating “weakest frontrunner since the 80s”? Biden detractors are saying that too and it rather confuses me how they are getting there. Because he’s got an extremely long history. And with that comes a historical re-examination using the standards of today. And it’s not dependent on the mainstream media to do so when you can pull up CSPAN, find a clip, spin it out of context, post it to Twitter and it goes viral. This has already happened with Biden. Furthermore Trump acted as if he was on the Left of Hillary on some subjects and to an extent was aided by prominent figures on the Left who bought into that and attacked Hillary. He can do the same with Biden with regards to NAFTA and TPP. ---
**Author:** ![Lamoral](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lamoral/32/16078_2.png) [@Lamoral](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamoral)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2019, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/2026 "2019-07-26T19:59:42Z")
His being the weakest frontrunner has nothing to do with his record and everything to do with his personality. If he had spoken with the authoritative voice and posture of Buttigieg during that debate, he could have said all the same things and still appeared competitive. Instead he seemed weak, soft, and tired. That is why he is the weakest frontrunner, because he comes off, personally, as being weak, full stop. It’s nothing to do with his record. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2019, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/2027 "2019-07-26T20:03:22Z")
> [@Lamoral](#): > > His being the weakest frontrunner has nothing to do with his record and everything to do with his personality… Except he’s _not_, and saying it over and over wont make it so. ---
**Author:** ![Bijou\_Drains](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bijou_drains/32/2814_2.png) [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2019, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/2028 "2019-07-26T20:27:32Z")
in 1981 senate voted 94-1 for a child tax credit bill . Biden was the only no vote. [In 1981, Joe Biden Took A Lonely Stand Against Expanding A Child Care Tax Credit | HuffPost Latest News](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/joe-biden-child-care-tax-credit_n_5d39fc3be4b004b6adbcee1f) I expect this to come up during the debates. ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Lendervedder](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/happy_lendervedder/32/8488_2.png) [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2019, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/2029 "2019-07-26T21:16:39Z")
I know I may as well be asking for a rainbow pony, but it would be nice if Democrats would spend more time selling us on their candidates(s), and less time tearing down other Democrats. Circular firing squads are stupid. I’d like to beat Trump. Tell me why to vote \*for \*someone instead of shitting all over someone you don’t like. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2019, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/2030 "2019-07-26T21:35:14Z")
Does the pony fart Skittles? Something positive about each of the top four. Biden. Is authentic. Positions on the issues are where most of the D voters actually are and appeals to some that are swingable too. Strong with Black voters, working class voters, and older ones. Warren. Is authentic. Tells a good origin story that connects. Smart. And is a good balance of knowing the system and wanting to change it. Therefore appeals to those who want something different. That could be both progressives and Obama Trump voters which is killer combo if pulled off. Her steady rise shows some strength. Harris. Would be very strong prosecuting the case against Trump. Has enough progressive cred while still being of system. Tough. Sanders. Gets younger voters involved more than others. Also gets authentic points. I like ponies. ---
**Author:** ![Lamoral](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lamoral/32/16078_2.png) [@Lamoral](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamoral)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2019, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/2031 "2019-07-26T21:52:46Z")
> [@DSeid](#): > > Warren. Is authentic. **Tells a good origin story** that connects. Uh…I think she’s demonstrated otherwise. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2019, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/2032 "2019-07-26T22:12:14Z")
> [@Bijou\_Drains](#): > > in 1981 senate voted 94-1 for a child tax credit bill . Biden was the only no vote. > > [In 1981, Joe Biden Took A Lonely Stand Against Expanding A Child Care Tax Credit | HuffPost Latest News](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/joe-biden-child-care-tax-credit_n_5d39fc3be4b004b6adbcee1f) > > I expect this to come up during the debates. Oh Noes 19 **81**!?! pretty much no other candidate was serving in 1981, and in any case: _Biden was concerned that wealthier families shouldn’t get government assistance for child care. …To be clear: Biden did not oppose the child care tax credit. He supported expanding it for couples making less than $30,000 (about $88,000 in today’s terms). The amendment he voted against benefited people earning more than $30,000 …_ So, saying "_Biden was the only no vote."_ makes it seem like he was against the Child care credit, when the opposite was true. **And that was then, this is 2019**. If anyone brings that up in the debates I hope it gets the horselaugh it deserves. 100% pure huff hit piece on Biden. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Boycott](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boycott/32/6741_2.png) [@Boycott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boycott)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2019, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/2033 "2019-07-26T22:28:06Z")
If this video was of Bernie Sanders it would have gone viral for good reasons [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/nEJ8bRnk_QE/hqdefault.jpg "Joe Biden slams Reagan Secretary of State on Apartheid: "I'm ashamed of the lack of moral backbone"") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEJ8bRnk_QE) ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2019, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/2034 "2019-07-26T22:30:55Z")
[quote=“Boycott, post:2033, topic:824415”] If this video was of Bernie Sanders it would have gone viral for good reasons [/QUOTE] What is your purpose in these random, pointless hit pieces on Biden? :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![Boycott](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boycott/32/6741_2.png) [@Boycott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boycott)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2019, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/2035 "2019-07-26T22:40:13Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > What is your purpose in these random, pointless hit pieces on Biden? :dubious: ? That video is a good thing for Biden. Furthermore I have defended Biden on here in past posts, including today. ---
**Author:** ![jsc1953](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5daacb/32.png) [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2019, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/2036 "2019-07-26T23:00:20Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > So, saying "_Biden was the only no vote."_ makes it seem like he was against the Child care credit, when the opposite was true. **And that was then, this is 2019**. If anyone brings that up in the debates I hope it gets the horselaugh it deserves. Nobody laughed at Kamala Harris for bringing up his 1970’s-era record on busing. They should have, but they didn’t. When you cast a bazillion votes over the course of 40 years, there’s a lot of ammunition there for your opponents. Of course times change, people change, but that doesn’t matter if you’re just trying to land a viral moment and score gotcha points. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2019, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/2037 "2019-07-26T23:20:08Z")
> [@Lamoral](#): > > Uh…I think she’s demonstrated otherwise. Listen to her tell “The Dress” story. It’s been connecting emotionally with the crowds. Her origins are working class church going economically stressed folk with a strong mother figure. It resonates. Now she can’t keep telling the same story forever again and again but is good. No the family lore of Native American heritage is not an origin story. And her DNA test was a fumble. But yes each of the top four have things that are good about them. Agree that I’d prefer to hear what each has as special strengths than attacks on the others. Skittle farts are fun. ---
**Author:** ![Bijou\_Drains](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bijou_drains/32/2814_2.png) [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2019, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/2038 "2019-07-26T23:35:25Z")
I don’t know how Biden who has spent pretty much his entire adult life in DC is authentic. He’s a career politician. But I guess I’m weird . ---
**Author:** ![Heffalump\_and\_Roo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heffalump_and_roo/32/7691_2.png) [@Heffalump\_and\_Roo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heffalump_and_Roo)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2019, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/2039 "2019-07-26T23:46:24Z")
[Historian Allan Lichtman: Democrats Might Do Better With An “Off-The-Wall” 2020 Candidate Rather Than Safe Establishment Pick](https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2019/06/07/historian_allan_lichtman_democrats_might_do_better_with_an_off_the_wall_2020_candidate_rather_than_safe_pick.html) > [@](#): > > Alan Lichtman, an American University professor who has correctly predicted the outcome of the past nine presidential elections and author of The Case For Impeachment," told [HILL.TV](http://HILL.TV) this week that based on his predictive system Donald Trump might be on course to win in 2020 unless the economy falters or he is impeached. > . . . > SAAGAR ENJTI: Who are you looking at in the Democratic field? Say those keys could be turned, how is somebody in the Democratic field who could be able to turn the keys to take President Trump out? > > ALAN LICHTMAN: Great question, and again, the conventional wisdom is all wrong. The conventional wisdom you hear from Nancy Pelosi and others is we need to go down the center line and nominate an establishment, experienced, proven candidate, and they’ve done that many times. > > Mike Dukakis in 1988, Al Gore in 2000, John Kerry, Hillary Clinton and what do they all have in common? They all lost. > > It’s the off-the-wall candidates – the Carters, the Clintons, the Obamas – who no one expected who have won. > > What I’ve been saying is, if there is one word I would strike out of the political lexicon it is “electability.” ---
**Author:** ![Bijou\_Drains](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bijou_drains/32/2814_2.png) [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2019, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/2040 "2019-07-26T23:58:16Z")
I don’t think Bill Clinton or Carter were off the wall candidates. They were moderate southern governors rather than a northern liberal like Dukakis and Kerry. Obama was different of course since he’s black. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415.md?page=101) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415.md?page=103)