Nov 2023 Mod notice:
There may be other, more specific, threads about some aspects of US politics, but this one tends to act as a hub for all sorts of related news and information, so it's usually one of the busiest OTC threads.
If you're new to OTC, it's worth reading the Introduction to On-Topic Conversations
and the On-Topic Conversations debate guidelines
before posting here.
Rumor-based, fear-mongering and/or inflammatory statements that damage the quality of the thread will be thumped. Off-topic posts will also be thumped. Repeat offenders may be suspended.
If time spent moderating this thread remains a distraction from moderation of the wiki itself, the thread will need to be locked. We want to avoid that, so please follow the forum rules
when posting here.
In line with the general forum rules, 'gravedancing' is prohibited here. If you're celebrating someone's death or hoping that they die, your post will get thumped. This rule applies regardless of what the person you're discussing has said or done.
Edited by Mrph1 on Nov 30th 2023 at 11:03:59 AM
Considering just how heavily Indiana leans Red, any Democratic candidate flipping a Red district is remarkable.
If you think the solution to that is even more leftwing candidates...well, good luck with that.
TBH, I'd actually like to see more progressives challenge Republican incumbents sitting comfortably in Red districts. Have them prove that people in said districts really do want progressive policies.
At the very least, it'd make life more difficult for said Republicans.
Edited by M84 on Jun 26th 2019 at 7:54:30 PM
Disgusted, but not surprisedI live here. Indiana is about 55-45 or 60-40 republican. Our legislature is about 80-20 not because of how red we are, but because of gerrymandering and the staggering incompetence of the Indiana Democratic Party. Also, “vote for me because I’m non threatening and basically a centrist republican” never, ever works here against “I have an R next to my name.”
Edited by wisewillow on Jun 26th 2019 at 4:58:19 AM
It seems like black voters' reasons for supporting Biden are entirely cynical.
On an unrelated note, I did some digging as to how Larry Hogan is so damn popular in liberal Maryland. If WaPo
and Baltimore Magazine
are to be believed, it's because he's a "moderate" Republican who puts in the bare minimum of support for liberal policies when it's convenient for him who's supposedly fun to hang out with, and apparently that's all it takes.
Edited by PhysicalStamina on Jun 26th 2019 at 8:07:01 AM
i'm tired, my friendProgressive firebrands are being elected in Democratic strongholds where there's already a concentration of Democratic voters, i.e. AOC taking over a seat in the Bronx and Ayanna Pressley taking a seat that represents the most diverse part of Boston. The Progressives trying to run in podunk areas of Flyover Country where the local political culture is tilted rightward have been losing not just generals, but primaries. Bernie's slate of candidates in this area mostly washed out, for example.
A seed needs the right soil to take root, and swing districts are comparatively barren.
That's the same reason Charlie Baker is still popular across Massachusetts.
Edited by CrimsonZephyr on Jun 26th 2019 at 8:12:40 AM
"For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die."![]()
Cynical, pragmatic...take your pick.
As for that "moderate" Republican's popularity in "liberal" Maryland...I've long held that just as not every Red State is completely rightwing, not every Blue State is completely leftwing either.
Meaning until then, moderate Democratic candidates are still needed.
Edited by M84 on Jun 26th 2019 at 8:13:49 PM
Disgusted, but not surprisedN.R.A. Shuts Down Production of NRATV – The National Rifle Association shut down its live broadcasting arm on Tuesday night and severed ties with its estranged advertising firm
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/25/us/nra-nratv-ackerman-mcqueen.html
In some really bizarre news, Highlights Magazine has officially condemned the Trump administration
over his policies, especially in regards to the continued family separations and conditions in the facilities.
Our company's core belief, stated each month in Highlights magazine, is that 'Children are the world's most important people,'" he continued. "That is a belief about ALL children.
With this core belief in our minds and hearts, we denounce the practice of separating immigrant children from their families and urge our government to cease this activity, which is unconscionable and causes irreparable damage to young lives.
This is not a political statement about immigration policy. This is a statement about human decency, plain and simple. This is a plea for recognition that these are not simply the children of strangers for whom others are accountable. This is an appeal to elevate the inalienable right of all children to feel safe and to have the opportunity to become their best selves.
We invite you — regardless of your political leanings — to join us in speaking out against family separation and to call for more humane treatment of immigrant children currently being held in detention facilities," he urged. "Write, call, or email your government representatives.
Let our children draw strength and inspiration from our collective display of moral courage. They are watching.
Edited by ironballs16 on Jun 26th 2019 at 12:26:57 PM
"Why would I inflict myself on somebody else?"Age is a major factor, but Nate Silver put out a breakdown of that that was posted here a while back then ignored for the most part, its not so much that the age brackets have different stances or desires here.... its that the older candidates have had the experience of watching there preferred less moderate candidate getting beaten down when the election goes from the primaries to the general election....
And they are not willing to repeat that same mistake agian, leading too.
Yes, and that's shortsighted and reactive. Beyond electability being a giant self-fulfilling prophecy "moderates" lack the ambition and drive to engage in the kind of large scale change that we need, and we need now.
Just look at Biden, he relentlessly lionizes bipartisanship despite it being idiotic and irrational given the people we're opposing. Not to mention his extreme reluctance to provide actual policy and positions beyond trite soundbites like "curing cancer".
They're just wrong, hopefully, they will realize their mistake and sink Biden's ill-conceived and worthless candidacy.
Edited by Fourthspartan56 on Jun 26th 2019 at 10:16:46 AM
"Einstein would turn over in his grave. Not only does God play dice, the dice are loaded." -Chairman Sheng-Ji Yang

This subject is reminding me of something I've said before, that having the most progressive candidate in the world doesn't mean Jack if they can't get elected.
It seems like the older black people and others favoring Biden have a similar mindset, with past experience backing it up.
Edited by sgamer82 on Jun 26th 2019 at 5:46:46 AM