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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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).
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.
