Hickenlooper booed in San Francisco

[left-of-center2012]

Some Democratic activists booed former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper (D) on Saturday after he warned party faithful about the perils of embracing socialism and socialist positions ahead of next year's presidential race.

Hickenlooper said Republicans would use the Democratic flirtation with socialism to paint the entire party as outside the mainstream of the political spectrum. "If we want to beat Donald Trump and achieve big progressive goals, socialism is not the answer," Hickenlooper told delegates to the California Democratic Party convention.

Some delegates, meeting in perhaps the most liberal city in America, booed.

"We need to be laser-focused on winning this election, and that's going to mean focusing on kitchen table programs that will actually improve people's quality of life," he said. "Massive government expansions may not be strictly speaking socialism, but trust me Republicans will make it seem like socialism. In places like Ohio and Michigan and North Carolina and Wisconsin, places we have to win to beat Trump, we'll be starting out ten yards behind."

https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/446500-hickenlooper-booed-in-san-francisco-for-denouncing-socialism

[msongs]

1. well to be fair fracking is not a socialist position. its a hickenlooper position however. nt

[JI7]

6. fracking can be done under socialist or capitalist economies

[brooklynite]

20. I've spoken to Hickenlooper personally about Fracking...

His response is that, unlike NY/PA, the gas deposits are very deep in the rock face, and the water table isn't at risk.

Meanwhile, he's gotten energy producers and environmentalists to work out a plan to significantly reduce methane emissions.

And as a side note, he's gotten health coverage for 95% of the State's population, and has implemented a ban on large capacity magazines and private sale background checks for gun purchases.

All without Socialism.

[DarthDem]

2. So They Booed Hickenlooper Too

Earlier today it was postulated that this same group (I believe) knew how to manage the country because they shouted "impeach" at Speaker Pelosi while she was speaking.

Sounds more like they're a bit of a rowdy group, or at least some of them were.

[highplainsdem]

4. Maybe the same group chanting "Bernie! Bernie!" while Barbara Lee spoke about Kamala Harris.

[still_one]

9. Loud and rude people do not equate to the Democratic majority. I am from California, and we are a

very diversified state, but based on past elections, we are not a "socialist mecca", as some would like to misrepresent

[DarthDem]

16. Just So

They're cute. And SO helpful.

[highplainsdem]

3. RWers on Twitter are thrilled about the booing, seeing it as proof that Democrats are socialists,

which of course is an argument they want to use against us.

[guillaumeb]

5. For over 40 years, the GOP has defined what the mainstream is.

Or what the GOP wants it to be.

[still_one]

7. no doubt it was that same faction in the California Democratic Party who told people not to vote for

Dianne Feinstein over Kevin de León.

The Democrats in California overwhelmingly voted for Diane Feinstein, so I wouldn't assume that "booing" is representative of California Democrats.

[tishaLA]

12. Yes, a certain fraction made it their mission

To take over the CA Dems. And that's fine but I don't see them as representative of CA Democrats as a whole. And I say this as someone who voted for Mr de Leon against DiFi (de Leon was my state senator unti 2 months ago)

[still_one]

13. de Leon and Feinstein are pretty aligned on the issues. I am in Northern California, but I suspect

most likely would have voted for de Leon if I lived in Southern California, if only for the fact that I would believe he would be more sensitive to the issues of Southern California, especially in regard to water

I definitely agree with you that this segment was trying to maneuver to control the California Democratic Party, however, it takes more than just maneuvering or finessing to obtain a plurality of California Democrats

[saidsimplesimon]

14. Are we sure

the people doing the booing are Democrats? Perhaps my long memory of past Republican tricks and tricksters is causing my anxiety.

[DarthDem]

15. Well Said

Yes. That's exactly who it was. Amazing how they keep popping up, bless their hearts.

Incidentally we voted for de León, but only because I knew Feinstein would win and we felt like sending her part of a message and being a tad contrary in the privacy of our own ballots. We wouldn't have shouted down Senator Feinstein at an event. And I don't think we would have voted for de León if it had really been a contest.

[Turin_C3PO]

8. He's peddling right wing talking points and myths.

[DURHAM D]

10. He was on MSNBC the other night with the same drivel.

I changed channels.

Also, someone needs to remind him that he is the Governor of a state where almost all of the land was given to homesteaders (Homestead Act of 1862 and a bunch of subsequent programs) and their descendants are still there profiting from what may be the greatest act of socialism in history.

[tishaLA]

11. I saw that too

I think he was on with Rachel, but maybe it was Ari Melber, and the host was incredulous about his argument. "So we're in the age of tRump and your response is a rhetorical back of the hand to socialism? I'm not understanding. *

I think some of this goes back to when Scarborough kept asking whether he's a socialist and he repeatedly refused to answer.

[pnwmom]

17. Joe Biden can say "I'm no socialist." How come Hickenlooper can't?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/joe-bidens-message-to-donald-trump-im-no-socialist/2019/05/01/1b573bc2-6bac-11e9-a66d-a82d3f3d96d5_story.html?utm_term=.bb16a2f71669

Joe Biden’s message to Donald Trump: I’m no socialist

[SouthernProgressive]

21. They didn't say the same thing.

And thankfully, Biden is no socialist.

[OKNancy]

18. He's right. If Democrats want to win they need to move away from the WORD

Maybe not some of what people would call socialists positions, but this is the country that elected Trump.
You can be politically naive and think a candidate who embraces the word socialist or Democratic Socialist can win.
You can also be realistic and practical and support who can beat Trump.

Republicans are going to label. That's what they do. Democrats need to be careful about what they propose.
Now, government expansions that are popular will be a good policy. For example, expanding healthcare for all (not necessarily Medicare for all unless Medicare is changed to cover 100% not just 80%). Some people would be better off to stay with the ACA, some with their job provided policies. My opinion is the best thing is a public option. Stay with private/stay with the ACA/or go to Medicare-Medicaid.

[Demsrule86]

19. He is correct and those who endorse MFA and the green new deal in particular will be destroyed by

Trump.

[DCofVA]

22. I have to give Hickenlooper credit for showing up and speaking.

It shows that he’s not afraid to speak in front of a diverse audience, and not just his supporters.