# 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:** 66
**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:** [June 27, 2019, 5:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/1301 "2019-06-27T05:15:35Z")
Can anyone really imagine Klobuchar going up against Trump in a debate? Or just giving stump speeches around the Midwest at factories and union halls? Or in Black churches? You _really_ think she has what it takes to resonate with those people? She gave the impression of the whole thing being a lark, looked and sounded severely lacking in either gravitas or energy. Contrast with Gabbard who had gravitas - cool and poise to burn, but lacking in energy; and Delaney and Ryan who had energy to burn but no gravitas. Inslee was the most impressive to me, after what feels like years of reading his name but not knowing what he looked or sounded like, I was surprised to find that he was a big, dominant-looking, slightly intimidating guy who I could quite easily imagine tearing Trump five new assholes in a debate. I thought the Spanish was showboating. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2019, 5:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/1302 "2019-06-27T05:43:39Z")
I was tired when the debate was on so my main takeaways were; - any of these people are 200% better than Trump. Nicely progressive. - All of these people need to work their asses off to be in Congress. Why are they trying to be president? - I can’t not love Liz Warren. ---
**Author:** ![Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kolak_of_twilo/32/73_2.png) [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2019, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/1303 "2019-06-27T05:47:08Z")
Warren and Booker were the top two for sure and I could see either as POTUS. Castro and Inslee I found intriguing largely because they were more engaging than I expected. I like Klobuchar fine but I just don’t see any spark yet. Di Blasio is a special case because I found him very appealing in several ways but I can’t see him catching on. At least not yet. Gabbard, Ryan and particularly Delaney just need to stop now. And then we get to Beto. Dude, you are more of an empty suit than I even imagined. Go back to El Paso, run for your old House seat in 2020 and get some seasoning. ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2019, 11:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/1304 "2019-06-27T11:07:51Z")
> [@Happy\_Lendervedder](#): > > I really, really want to be all-in for Booker. But he brings every issue back to race. Gun violence, health care, LGBTQ…everything. This isn’t going to play well in the communities he needs to energize against Trump in the Industrial Midwest. The only headlines he seems to make these days are things like reparation bills and calling Joe Biden out for racism. A black guy from Newark who spends a good chunk of his time calling out racism with the passion of a football coach at halftime isn’t going to do well with burb or rural voters, imo. I can’t say I disagree. There’s too much emphasis on identity, and Booker seems obsessed with reminding minority communities that he’s a minority and others are not. This is actually one reason I felt Mayor de Blasio had a better than expected night. He was a big tall white guy, but he could credibly speak to issues of race having a biracial child. Most of his content though was tough talk on economic issues, which is what Dems need to focus on. And while I know it might seem trivial, De Blasio also just seemed like the one guy who wouldn’t be intimidated by having 6’3" 245 pound pussy grabber stalking him/her on stage. ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2019, 11:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/1305 "2019-06-27T11:19:16Z")
> [@Lamoral](#): > > Can anyone really imagine Klobuchar going up against Trump in a debate? Or just giving stump speeches around the Midwest at factories and union halls? Or in Black churches? You _really_ think she has what it takes to resonate with those people? She gave the impression of the whole thing being a lark, looked and sounded severely lacking in either gravitas or energy. I like Klobuchar – as a senator. Obviously a very bright woman, but I agree: she’d be a better policy wonk in the cabinet than presidential candidate. > [@Lamoral](#): > > Contrast with Gabbard who had gravitas - cool and poise to burn, but lacking in energy; and Delaney and Ryan who had energy to burn but no gravitas. I felt her first response was borderline bizarro - she was asked a question about economics and she went on like an automated recording about her time in the military. I was waiting for her to say “press one for English, para espanol o prima dos” But…I thought some her later responses were actually kinda okay. > [@Lamoral](#): > > Inslee was the most impressive to me, after what feels like years of reading his name but not knowing what he looked or sounded like, I was surprised to find that he was a big, dominant-looking, slightly intimidating guy who I could quite easily imagine tearing Trump five new assholes in a debate. Yeah, I thought Inslee at least survived this experience. I think he created a lane for himself by being the climate change candidate, but more than that, he addressed other issues with some energy. > [@Lamoral](#): > > I thought the Spanish was showboating. I did, too, but the program was simulcast on telemundo so I at least understand why they did it. I think they would have been better served using Spanish taking direct questions from Spanish viewers watching on Telemundo, but yeah, to English-speaking American viewers, it was probably an eye-roll moment. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2019, 12:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/1306 "2019-06-27T12:11:52Z")
I missed the first hour due to HQ trivia. I’ll watch it later by DVR but from what I did see: Delaney: I can’t tell, does he look like Bert Lahr or Joe Besser? Did okay. O’Rourke: He seemed awkward and looked like a kid giving a report in front of class. Where’s the beef? Gabbard: She had her chance. Aloha. Warren: She’s as sharp as a tack and very well prepared. But can a woman beat Donald? Castro: Always liked him, still do. He had a good stage presence last night. His stock goes up. DeBlasio: No, we don’t need another brash New Yorker in the White House. Booker: Looked way too intense for my taste. Smile a bit, dude. Ryan: Nice audition for the VP spot. Klobuchar: Nice moderate lady, another VP possibility but I don’t know if she can project the strength to win. Inslee: Good choice to head EPA or maybe the climate czar. Of course, every single one of them would be a HUGE step up in quality from the current squatter in the Oval Office. ---
**Author:** ![WillFarnaby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/willfarnaby/32/514_2.png) [@WillFarnaby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WillFarnaby)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2019, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/1307 "2019-06-27T12:58:06Z")
Gabbard among most searched candidates across the country. [![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D-CbFwrU4AIqCpY.jpg) ](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D-CbFwrU4AIqCpY.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![WillFarnaby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/willfarnaby/32/514_2.png) [@WillFarnaby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WillFarnaby)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2019, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/1308 "2019-06-27T13:02:27Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > Gabbard: She had her chance. Aloha. > > … > > Ryan: Nice audition for the VP spot. I thought Gabbard taught Ryan a valuable lesson. Of course I favor an antiwar position. Perhaps that doesn’t play in LibDem world? > **[Tim Ryan incorrectly said the Taliban carried out the 9/11 attack. Gabbard...](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2019/06/26/democratic-debates-2019-tim-ryan-incorrectly-said-taliban-did-9-11/1580067001/)** > > Rep. Tulsi Gabbard served in Iraq and Kuwait with the National Guard. ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2019, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/1309 "2019-06-27T13:18:24Z")
> [@WillFarnaby](#): > > Gabbard among most searched candidates across the country. > > [https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D-CbFwrU4AIqCpY.jpg](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D-CbFwrU4AIqCpY.jpg) “Most searched” doesn’t say anything about what/why was searched. I bet the searches weren’t looking for policy positions. Or ways to donate to her campaign. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2019, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/1310 "2019-06-27T13:21:56Z")
> [@WillFarnaby](#): > > I thought Gabbard taught Ryan a valuable lesson. Of course I favor an antiwar position. Perhaps that doesn’t play in LibDem world? > > [Democratic debates 2019: Tim Ryan incorrectly said Taliban did 9/11](https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.usatoday.com/amp/1580067001) It plays very well, though Gabbard, as a self-described hawk who was highly critical of the Iran deal, probably isn’t much of a standard-bearer. ---
**Author:** ![jsc1953](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5daacb/32.png) [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2019, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/1311 "2019-06-27T13:26:52Z")
> [@asahi](#): > > I felt her first response was borderline bizarro - she was asked a question about economics and she went on like an automated recording about her time in the military. I was waiting for her to say “press one for English, para espanol o prima dos” But…I thought some her later responses were actually kinda okay. Gabbard reminded me of watching Veep: she looks like Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and this response was just like the character on the show (played by Randall Park) who literally mentions his military service every time he opens his mouth. ---
**Author:** ![WillFarnaby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/willfarnaby/32/514_2.png) [@WillFarnaby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WillFarnaby)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2019, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/1312 "2019-06-27T13:29:19Z")
> [@bobot](#): > > “Most searched” doesn’t say anything about what/why was searched. I bet the searches weren’t looking for policy positions. Or ways to donate to her campaign. Similarly “I bet” holds little water. I took it as a positive look for the Dem party. Seems there may be some interest in antiwar positions in some quarters. > [@iiandyiiii](#): > > It plays very well, though Gabbard, as a self-described hawk who was highly critical of the Iran deal, probably isn’t much of a standard-bearer. She was clearly in support of the deal last night and was the only one offering vehement antiwar statements. Yes, I’m still waiting for who you believe to be the antiwar standard bearer for the Dem party. If Gabbard isn’t it, there are some slim pickings. Perhaps that is why I gravitate to the Republicans who have a small but fierce antiwar contingent. I just find it funny that Ryan, a clear hawk, hasn’t been criticized but the one who taught him an antiwar lesson is the subject of much consternation among party loyalists. ---
**Author:** ![SlackerInc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slackerinc/32/275_2.png) [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2019, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/1313 "2019-06-27T13:32:44Z")
> [@Lamoral](#): > > Inslee was the most impressive to me, after what feels like years of reading his name but not knowing what he looked or sounded like, I was surprised to find that he was a big, dominant-looking, slightly intimidating guy who I could quite easily imagine tearing Trump five new assholes in a debate. I had the same reaction a few weeks back after his appearance on Maher. I Googled him then and learned he was a big multisport jock in high school. I do think he would intimidate Trump. Honestly, we should probably just eliminate everyone shorter than 6’2". Who would that leave? ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2019, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/1314 "2019-06-27T13:34:59Z")
> [@WillFarnaby](#): > > Yes, I’m still waiting for who you believe to be the antiwar standard bearer for the Dem party. If I had to pick one right now, it’d be Bernie, followed by Warren, both of whom are at the very top of my list of candidates. > [@WillFarnaby](#): > > I just find it funny that Ryan, a clear hawk, hasn’t been criticized but the one who taught him an antiwar lesson is the subject of much consternation among party loyalists. Who cares about Ryan? He’s a nobody. I’m a tiny bit worried about Gabbard because I find her past rhetoric extremely concerning, and she has a small but real segment of the Democratic electorate (unlike Ryan). I’d still easily vote for her over Trump, but she’s among my least favorite of the ‘name’ candidates (Ryan is a no-name). ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2019, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/1315 "2019-06-27T13:35:27Z")
> [@WillFarnaby](#): > > Yes, I’m still waiting for who you believe to be the antiwar standard bearer for the Dem party. If Gabbard isn’t it, there are some slim pickings. Perhaps that is why I gravitate to the Republicans who have a small but fierce antiwar contingent. I’m totally fine with your being anti-war. But to gravitate to Republicans because of a small (Rand Paul) antiwar contingent seems illogical when you consider that Iraq and Afghanistan wars were begun with a Republican administration. If you hate war, I think you’re better off voting Democratic. ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2019, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/1316 "2019-06-27T13:35:46Z")
> [@WillFarnaby](#): > > Gabbard among most searched candidates across the country. > > [https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D-CbFwrU4AIqCpY.jpg](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D-CbFwrU4AIqCpY.jpg) So perhaps you have a cite that goes into the smallest amount of detail about the serches? Or not. ---
**Author:** ![WillFarnaby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/willfarnaby/32/514_2.png) [@WillFarnaby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WillFarnaby)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2019, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/1317 "2019-06-27T13:36:23Z")
Gabbard dominates Drudge poll after criticizing chicken hawk Trump cabinet and supporting Iran deal: [https://www.drudgereport.com](https://www.drudgereport.com) ---
**Author:** ![WillFarnaby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/willfarnaby/32/514_2.png) [@WillFarnaby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WillFarnaby)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2019, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/1318 "2019-06-27T13:38:44Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > I’m totally fine with your being anti-war. But to gravitate to Republicans because of a small (Rand Paul) antiwar contingent seems illogical when you consider that Iraq and Afghanistan wars were begun with a Republican administration. If you hate war, I think you’re better off voting Democratic. Which is why I support Gabbard in 2020. But who else in the Dem party is making antiwar statements the centerpiece of a national campaign like Ron and Rand Paul or even candidate Trump? I guess we will see if Gabbard catches fire like the elder Paul. ---
**Author:** ![SlackerInc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slackerinc/32/275_2.png) [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2019, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/1319 "2019-06-27T13:39:30Z")
“Poll” ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2019, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415/1320 "2019-06-27T13:39:39Z")
> [@WillFarnaby](#): > > Gabbard dominates Drudge poll after criticizing chicken hawk Trump cabinet and supporting Iran deal: > > [https://www.drudgereport.com](https://www.drudgereport.com) LOL. Pointless metric for 2 reasons: 1. Not a real poll. 2. There’s very little overlap between Drudge readers and Democratic primary voters. FYI, the Daily Kos instant poll had Warren wildly ahead. That’s not really a real poll either, but at least it’s actual Democratic primary voters. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415.md?page=65) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hee-haw-yall-the-2020-democratic-presidential-primary/824415.md?page=67)