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MN and CO - what are your thoughts? (Original Post) LAS14 Mar 2016 OP
Other than Colorado, the other states he won by a large margin were predominantly white ... LannyDeVaney Mar 2016 #1
Both states are largely white and liberal vdogg Mar 2016 #2
+1 about caucuses generally. BlueMTexpat Mar 2016 #26
He probably wins because he is a good candidate. Agschmid Mar 2016 #3
Caucus states tend to favor those sufrommich Mar 2016 #4
But they are very good organizational tools. It's also fun. Just gotta be willing to do it. Also, RBInMaine Mar 2016 #41
I haven't seen the breakdown of demographics livetohike Mar 2016 #5
Pueblo, CO Her Sister Mar 2016 #6
Oh good to know.. Mahalo, Sister! Cha Mar 2016 #18
I don't like the caucus process. It is inherently discriminatory. No absentee ballots, you have still_one Mar 2016 #7
Maine has absentee ballot for caucus. Zing Zing Zingbah Mar 2016 #15
Wow, I am impressed. If all other caucus states follow that suit, I have no argument against still_one Mar 2016 #16
Well said.. the Indies shouldn't be able to pick the party's primary winner. Cha Mar 2016 #20
Minnesota for Bernie Orange Butterfly Mar 2016 #8
yes voters are giving a lot of information Her Sister Mar 2016 #9
This thread is about MN and CO Orange Butterfly Mar 2016 #12
Yes, the discussion is for Hillary supporters. I don't want to hear about bernie Cha Mar 2016 #21
Kick & REC still_one Mar 2016 #25
Oh please. Minnesota also elected Jessie Ventura, and Norm Coleman also still_one Mar 2016 #10
Thanks for giving OB a reality check, still_one. A win is a win, but keeping things in prespective BlueCaliDem Mar 2016 #14
Someone just pointed out to me that the Maine caucus does allow absentee ballots still_one Mar 2016 #22
That's strange. Absentee ballots for a caucus State?? Maine is a strange State in so many BlueCaliDem Mar 2016 #24
And their Repubs also chose Rubio. The only State he won. misterhighwasted Mar 2016 #30
like most states, including my state, California, we have had some less than progress politicians still_one Mar 2016 #34
A couple of more states that have >80% white constituency. George II Mar 2016 #11
Two caucus states where party activists turnout book_worm Mar 2016 #13
That's bad ismnotwasm Mar 2016 #19
Wow! good to know! where was the revolution yesterday? Cha Mar 2016 #23
Exactly Cha. The only group Hillary didn't win was the white guy vote misterhighwasted Mar 2016 #32
Look at the amount of votes for Hillary in the states won obamanut2012 Mar 2016 #17
Caucuses Suck - Disenfranchising - Chaotic otohara Mar 2016 #27
Glad we don't have caucuses in GA Politicub Mar 2016 #33
Wins are wins romana Mar 2016 #28
538 explains MN and CO the day before Super Tuesday Her Sister Mar 2016 #29
Unfortunately, I read this morning that CO doesn't do exit polling either ... LannyDeVaney Mar 2016 #31
With CO Population Explosion otohara Mar 2016 #36
Perfect explaination to your question: misterhighwasted Mar 2016 #35
Caucuses favor the young, healthy and wealthy lunamagica Mar 2016 #37
especially on a weekday evening Her Sister Mar 2016 #38
C Bigredhunk Mar 2016 #39
At my caucus in CO the vote was 60 - 23 in favor of Bernie. 33taw Mar 2016 #40
Thanks for sharing what happened at your caucus! Lucinda Mar 2016 #43
Here's an explanation LAS14 Mar 2016 #42
120,000 otohara Mar 2016 #44
 

LannyDeVaney

(1,033 posts)
1. Other than Colorado, the other states he won by a large margin were predominantly white ...
Wed Mar 2, 2016, 09:24 AM
Mar 2016

Minnesota and New Hampshire (and Vermont, but he wins there regardless of demographics), are largely non-minority.

Unfortunately for Sanders, the country as a whole is NOT largely non-minority. And that is why he has no chance of getting the nomination.

vdogg

(1,384 posts)
2. Both states are largely white and liberal
Wed Mar 2, 2016, 09:25 AM
Mar 2016

Plus Bernie does better with caucuses. I thought CO would be closer though because it has a decent sized Hispanic population. Quite simply, caucuses allow for the peer pressure effect to take hold. This is particularly the case when you're young. The privacy of a primary does not lend itself to having votes swayed at the last minute, which is why Hillary does better.

BlueMTexpat

(15,349 posts)
26. +1 about caucuses generally.
Wed Mar 2, 2016, 12:04 PM
Mar 2016

I believe that Clinton would have done much better in primaries in both states.

But we'll never know.

Agschmid

(28,749 posts)
3. He probably wins because he is a good candidate.
Wed Mar 2, 2016, 09:25 AM
Mar 2016

This is an election between two people who both have the skill set and the voting record to do the job, and do it well. For many it just comes down to who will win, and who may be able to get more done. I expect a whole lot of states to be close, which is why every win (even if less than 2%) is a win.

The pledged delegate count matters, and right now Hillary is running away with it.

sufrommich

(22,871 posts)
4. Caucus states tend to favor those
Wed Mar 2, 2016, 09:26 AM
Mar 2016

who have the time and means to attend. I think the whole idea of caucuses is elitist as hell. That and white super majorities in those states.

 

RBInMaine

(13,570 posts)
41. But they are very good organizational tools. It's also fun. Just gotta be willing to do it. Also,
Wed Mar 2, 2016, 06:26 PM
Mar 2016

if people have endless hours to stand in lines for movies and Black Friday junk at department stores, endless hours to spend on Facebook and watching dumb tv shows, and endless hours playing stupid video games (yes, even adults do this), there should be plenty of time to go to a caucus for an hour or two. I'm so sick and tired of hearing people don't have time for this or time for that but have plenty of time for stupid shit.

livetohike

(22,084 posts)
5. I haven't seen the breakdown of demographics
Wed Mar 2, 2016, 09:27 AM
Mar 2016

for these two states. They were caucus states. I wonder if the under 30 voters showed up in a greater % than other states. Also, the % of over age 55.

still_one

(91,940 posts)
7. I don't like the caucus process. It is inherently discriminatory. No absentee ballots, you have
Wed Mar 2, 2016, 09:46 AM
Mar 2016

Last edited Wed Mar 2, 2016, 10:20 AM - Edit history (1)

to be physically present, and stand for hours at a time. For that reason, people who have mobility problems are excluded

That being said, it is what it is, and I doubt those states are going to change to a primary system anytime soon. A primary process is much fairer process, where everyone is given the opportunity to vote if they want. That doesn't necessarily hold with a caucus

Oklahoma has changed their primary to an open primary this year. This means Oklahoma's independent voters were able to cast ballots in Democratic primary elections. I haven't seen if that had an impact or not, but personally I have a problem allowing an independent voter to vote in a party's primary, when they were never registered as part of that party. The open primary I believe is up to the respective party's rules, but I think it isn't a good policy

Zing Zing Zingbah

(6,496 posts)
15. Maine has absentee ballot for caucus.
Wed Mar 2, 2016, 10:44 AM
Mar 2016

I filled one out because I can't attend on Sunday. I have to drive a family member to the airport at the time. I would prefer a primary too, but I can see why they do it in Maine still. It is mostly small towns. It is an occasion for people to get together. Some of these places don't have a heck of a lot going on. You can only participate in caucus for the party you are registered for here. Independents cannot participate at all.

I think NH went Bernie because it is close by state. ME, VT, NH... they are very similar. People around here consider Bernie one of their own.. fellow New Englander. I think Hillary's win in MA is awesome considering it is a New England state, but then MA is a little different. There are a lot of large cities there, especially Boston. NH, VT, ME are mostly small towns. It could be a white people thing too. Probably more black people in MA so that resulted in Hillary winning there. Bernie definitely is not appealing to blacks and latinos. His crowd is mostly white. White and young. Kind of odd.

still_one

(91,940 posts)
16. Wow, I am impressed. If all other caucus states follow that suit, I have no argument against
Wed Mar 2, 2016, 10:52 AM
Mar 2016

them

Thanks for the education, I appreciate it

 

Orange Butterfly

(205 posts)
8. Minnesota for Bernie
Wed Mar 2, 2016, 09:54 AM
Mar 2016

Minnesota has been a progressive-liberal-blue state for many years and elections.

Minnesota is a leader in clean energy. There are 10,000 + lakes and many rivers Minnesota works to keep clean.

Minnesota cities have significant ethnic diversity. Many suburbs have more people of color, with white in the minority. Many people of color support Bernie in Minnesota. Minnesota is the nations largest Somalian community. Refugees taken in out of compassion. When the nation's Governors where denouncing Syrian refugee's, Minnesota was not.

Bernie campaigned heavily in MN, about 6-8 large rally's in various cities.
He had Congressman Keith Ellison campaigning for him. Keith is a favorite in Minnesota and is leader of the progressive caucus in Washington. He is a long time sitting congressman running ads for Bernie on Minnesota TV. He is black and a Muslim.

Yet it is curious that the entire MN DFL elected officials endorsed Hilary - from the state governor to the two state senators , to mayors. Senator Al Franken ran ads supporting Hilary. Convincing ones and he is well liked in MN. The news reporters say, "What a surprise Bernie won for MN". Just displaying how out of touch the establishment officials and media are. They project their elite views on the news every day. They live in a bubble of their own SUV worlds.

Minnesotans' for Bernie should be a wake-up call to the establishment and news media of who Minnesotans really are.

 

Her Sister

(6,444 posts)
9. yes voters are giving a lot of information
Wed Mar 2, 2016, 10:05 AM
Mar 2016

by voting. Like in Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, Massachusetts, South Carolina, American Samoa, etc on and on!!!

Cha

(295,899 posts)
21. Yes, the discussion is for Hillary supporters. I don't want to hear about bernie
Wed Mar 2, 2016, 11:01 AM
Mar 2016

and his "revolution". I want somebody who can actually get the job done.. not just talk talk talk.

Hillary has a proven record of getting it done.. I want a realist and she will build on President Obama's legacy and create her own.

still_one

(91,940 posts)
10. Oh please. Minnesota also elected Jessie Ventura, and Norm Coleman also
Wed Mar 2, 2016, 10:10 AM
Mar 2016

I also believe that the Minnesota House has a republican speaker, and slight majority

It is also a caucus state, and while that may or may not of had any effect, a caucus does discriminate against people with physical acessability

You realize you are in the Hillary Group, right?

BlueCaliDem

(15,438 posts)
14. Thanks for giving OB a reality check, still_one. A win is a win, but keeping things in prespective
Wed Mar 2, 2016, 10:43 AM
Mar 2016

*does* help. Knowing that CO and MN are caucus States, and understanding the pushy Berners' attitudes, it doesn't surprise me that those two States went for Bernie - not that it will help him. He's all but been blocked from winning the Democratic nomination, and I couldn't be happier about yesterday's results.

still_one

(91,940 posts)
22. Someone just pointed out to me that the Maine caucus does allow absentee ballots
Wed Mar 2, 2016, 11:03 AM
Mar 2016

I know Iowa doesn't, and do not know what the rules are for other caucus states

I also agree with your assessment, Tuesday's results make it extremely unlikely for Bernie to catch up.

still_one

(91,940 posts)
34. like most states, including my state, California, we have had some less than progress politicians
Wed Mar 2, 2016, 01:35 PM
Mar 2016

throughout our history

All in all though, states like Minnesota, California, New York, and others usually did the right thing, even with a few bumps along the way

book_worm

(15,951 posts)
13. Two caucus states where party activists turnout
Wed Mar 2, 2016, 10:28 AM
Mar 2016

MN had a turnout of only about 190,000 (compared to GA which had over 750,000 turnout) and CO had a turnout of only 120,000.

misterhighwasted

(9,148 posts)
32. Exactly Cha. The only group Hillary didn't win was the white guy vote
Wed Mar 2, 2016, 01:28 PM
Mar 2016

That's where bernie's revolution is.
Tells us all we need to know about his base & about him.

The racial divide is glaring, as well as the sexism.
We've seen this all before. It works, but not for long.



obamanut2012

(25,906 posts)
17. Look at the amount of votes for Hillary in the states won
Wed Mar 2, 2016, 10:53 AM
Mar 2016

Look at the populations.

Now do the same for Bernie and his wins.

The nom is simple math. Bernie is teetering on literally not being able to make teh math. If NC, FL, and MI go for Hillary, especially by good margins, the math will be insurmountable for Bernie. Just like the SG count was for Hillary in 208. even though she lead the popular vote.

She is also leading the popular vote now, too.

Elections are a numbers game.

 

otohara

(24,135 posts)
27. Caucuses Suck - Disenfranchising - Chaotic
Wed Mar 2, 2016, 12:16 PM
Mar 2016

We were there for three hours - I live in Denver.

Many of my older neighbors just weren't interested in going my one friend got fed up and left.
I'm pretty sure in the chaos in my districts packed room Hillary lost a delegate because the math and rules about rounding up
were confusing.

The kids came out in droves.

Politicub

(12,163 posts)
33. Glad we don't have caucuses in GA
Wed Mar 2, 2016, 01:35 PM
Mar 2016

But my husband thinks the current voting system here is a pain. Every year he opines about why he can't register his vote from home.

He's not as politically inclined as me, so I end up dragging him to the polls regardless. GOTV!

I envy his ability to ignore the political chatter, in a way. It can be a big time suck to follow every twist and turn in politics (but I'm a politics junkie and this is my version of the Oscars and Super Bowl combined).

romana

(765 posts)
28. Wins are wins
Wed Mar 2, 2016, 12:20 PM
Mar 2016

These were good, solid wins for Sanders. He and his supporters worked hard for them, and should be congratulated.

Hopefully, this will be settled, soon, and Clinton, Sanders, and us can shift into GE mode. The sooner the better.

 

Her Sister

(6,444 posts)
29. 538 explains MN and CO the day before Super Tuesday
Wed Mar 2, 2016, 12:42 PM
Mar 2016
http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/super-tuesday-preview-democratic-presidential-election-2016/

"Colorado caucuses
66 delegates (43 district, 23 statewide)
This is a state that Sanders almost certainly must win if he is to have any shot at the nomination. Although we don’t have entrance poll data for the 2008 Colorado caucuses — and so don’t have the breakdown by race of who voted then — the share of black residents in Colorado is about the same as in Iowa, where Sanders basically tied Clinton. Even if Clinton is winning among Hispanic voters, they make up a lower percentage of the population in Colorado than in Nevada — where Sanders also came pretty close to winning. Colorado, instead, has a lot of fairly liberal white voters who went against Clinton in heavy numbers in 2008. It’s also one of the states where Sanders has made a fairly heavy advertising investment."

"Minnesota caucuses
77 delegates (50 district, 27 statewide)
Minnesota offers one of the best pickup opportunities for Sanders. Caucuses, like Minnesota’s, are generally more friendly than primaries to candidates who appeal to the liberal base. And while the caucuses eight years ago didn’t have any entrance poll data — and so we don’t have a breakdown by race of who voted then — less than 6 percent of the state is black. Minnesota voters didn’t like Clinton eight years ago when she won less than a third of the vote. Minnesota is also right next to Iowa, where Sanders nearly won. The polling has been sparse, but Minnesota is one of Sanders’s better states according to Facebook “likes.”
 

otohara

(24,135 posts)
36. With CO Population Explosion
Wed Mar 2, 2016, 02:07 PM
Mar 2016

they have got to go back to primary. We were a primary state but party leaders decided it was too expensive, little turnout and went back to caucuses. But after last night it's clear to me the caucus system has to go. It disenfranchises so many especially elderly voters. Only 120,000 people in CO participated.

We were there for over three hours.

I over heard one of the younger voters say, I changed my party affiliation to vote for Bernie. I reminded him there is no Independent party.

misterhighwasted

(9,148 posts)
35. Perfect explaination to your question:
Wed Mar 2, 2016, 01:40 PM
Mar 2016


@sergecosta @tomwatson it's like Bernie tapped into 4chan and brought them into mainstream politics.

lunamagica

(9,967 posts)
37. Caucuses favor the young, healthy and wealthy
Wed Mar 2, 2016, 03:27 PM
Mar 2016

people with more free time.

I'm betting that if those states had primaries, the results would be much different

 

Her Sister

(6,444 posts)
38. especially on a weekday evening
Wed Mar 2, 2016, 03:29 PM
Mar 2016

after a long day at work people just wanna go home! Also lots of democrats don't care who wins the primary

Bigredhunk

(1,346 posts)
39. C
Wed Mar 2, 2016, 03:47 PM
Mar 2016

It'd be interesting to read all the breakdowns (age/race). At my small caucus here in IA, Hillary narrowly beat Bernie (maybe 8 votes out of 144 or something like that). Most of the Hillary supporters were middle-aged and older. Most of the Bernie supporters were young. It was the same thing as in '08, only then the young people went for President Obama.

33taw

(2,420 posts)
40. At my caucus in CO the vote was 60 - 23 in favor of Bernie.
Wed Mar 2, 2016, 03:54 PM
Mar 2016

It was a very large turnout compared to the previous caucus (6 people). The Bernie folks were very enthusiastic. Bernie has spent a lot of time in Boulder and Denver the past six months. I think it helped him.

On a positive note - we voted unanimously to have a primary vs. a caucus. Additionally, every voter to a person agreed to support Hillary in the GE regardless of the nominee.

LAS14

(13,749 posts)
42. Here's an explanation
Wed Mar 2, 2016, 09:46 PM
Mar 2016

Sanders dominated in Colorado, Minnesota, and his home state of Vermont, but these are also the Super Tuesday states that look most like his American Sweden.

from a New Yorker article - maybe only online

 

otohara

(24,135 posts)
44. 120,000
Thu Mar 3, 2016, 12:28 AM
Mar 2016

That's how many people in CO ventured out last night to caucus. For a party that touts the right-to-vote - the caucus system disenfranchises a whole lot of folks. Especially the elderly and PM workers. I haven't talked to my friend in MN - but it was a similar turnout due to caucus system.

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