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Joe BidenCongratulations to our presumptive Democratic nominee, Joe Biden!
 

question everything

(47,271 posts)
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 06:10 PM Apr 2020

Here's why I'm challenging Rep. Ilhan Omar in the DFL primary - Antone Melton-Meaux

In 2018, I was excited to vote for Rep. Ilhan Omar. Like so many in Minnesota’s Fifth Congressional District, I considered it a point of pride to continue our tradition of electing barrier-breaking representatives. I looked forward to Omar using her position to be an effective, prominent leader. I had such high hopes. What a difference 15 months make. My pride is dashed. My hopes have become frustration, anger and despair, knowing that our district is disenfranchised, and for all intents and purposes, not represented. I’m left to wonder: Who does Ilhan Omar work for? Because I just can’t see how she’s working for me or any of us.

Rep. Omar has the seventh-worst attendance record for missed votes among first-term representatives. From October to December last year, she missed more votes than 94% of Congress. That doesn’t work for us. Rep. Omar has ignored much of her district, with numerous mayors and City Council members reporting they haven’t seen or heard from her since she took office. Meanwhile, she spent numerous weekends fundraising for her campaign in other states. And, she’s been to Africa three times, with one trip lasting over a week. That doesn’t work for us. Omar refuses to talk to local media or host regular, open public meetings that any of her constituents can attend. That doesn’t work for us.

(snip)

Omar failed to condemn Armenian genocide when the overwhelming majority of Congress, both Democrats and Republicans, voted to hold Turkey accountable for its atrocities. That doesn’t work for us. Omar joined Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., in publicly insulting our party’s first female presidential nominee when she booed Hillary Clinton at an event in Iowa in January. That doesn’t work for us. Omar voted against every other Minnesota Democrat on key trade bills that expand protections for workers and the environment because she says she only votes for perfect bills. That doesn’t work for us.

(snip)

Rep. Omar’s campaign has raised more than $2 million dollars, but less than $100,000 of her itemized contributions come from people in her district. That means more than 95% of her financial support comes from somewhere else. Omar failed to find time to even visit all of her district, yet she found time to write an autobiography and travel around the country for Sen. Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign. She appears to be more focused on her own celebrity than on serving the district. That doesn’t work for us.

Omar complained that Sanders would have won our presidential primary if we still had the caucus system, arguing that fewer Minnesota voters would have been better for Bernie. Wanting fewer people to participate and be counted instead of more — that doesn’t work for us.

More..

https://www.startribune.com/here-s-why-i-m-challenging-rep-ilhan-omar-in-the-dfl-primary/569421622/


If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
88 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Here's why I'm challenging Rep. Ilhan Omar in the DFL primary - Antone Melton-Meaux (Original Post) question everything Apr 2020 OP
Well said. demosincebirth Apr 2020 #1
He has an impressive bio too frazzled Apr 2020 #2
I am not in her district but will donate to him. She is an embarrassment to Minnesota question everything Apr 2020 #4
I used to live in Southwest Minneapolis frazzled Apr 2020 #5
That's damning information mcar Apr 2020 #3
92% of her itemized contributions come from OUTSIDE Minnesota! What do they say about... George II Apr 2020 #6
Same ones who support a "revolution" question everything Apr 2020 #8
This will be an interesting primary to watch Gothmog Apr 2020 #7
The DU is a funny place sometimes Tarc Apr 2020 #9
Did you even read the article? dware Apr 2020 #12
Lol. Were you confused into thinking this "article" was an actual piece of journalism? Tarc Apr 2020 #16
A campaign op-ed that can easily be checked for facts question everything Apr 2020 #27
He Makes A Decent Case Against Her, Sir The Magistrate Apr 2020 #13
She does her job just fine, just some DU centrists are a bit hypocritical about primary challenges Tarc Apr 2020 #15
Never Give An Order You Cannot Enforce, Sir The Magistrate Apr 2020 #17
LOL! Well Done. like I would Cha Apr 2020 #25
By blocking, I'll never have to eyeroll at it again Tarc Apr 2020 #82
Thanks For Putting Yourself Out Of My Misery, Sir The Magistrate Apr 2020 #83
The Magistrate has always written his posts like that. Coventina Apr 2020 #87
Who is a motherfucking "centrist"? ismnotwasm Apr 2020 #20
GOOD MF Question! Cha Apr 2020 #24
Are you in MN CD-5? I am, and I think she's doing a crap job. The Velveteen Ocelot Apr 2020 #28
It looks like you will have a fun primary Gothmog Apr 2020 #51
This message was self-deleted by its author Polybius Apr 2020 #29
Courteous language should not be annoying. TomSlick Apr 2020 #31
Oh I call people sir when the time calls for it Polybius Apr 2020 #34
To paraphrase C.S. Lewis, TomSlick Apr 2020 #41
A Good Line, Sir The Magistrate Apr 2020 #48
Thank you, sir. TomSlick Apr 2020 #61
That Is Sound Advice, Sir The Magistrate Apr 2020 #64
Thank you, sir for expanding my education. My college philosophy class was a tad spotty. TomSlick Apr 2020 #84
Well good for you. Why don't you write up primer on your rules for Squinch Apr 2020 #52
LOL! Vinnie From Indy Apr 2020 #56
Relax, I deleted the post, and this wasn't directed to you anyway Polybius Apr 2020 #58
While you are writing your rules for our behavior, be certain Squinch Apr 2020 #59
Oh please, it's over Polybius Apr 2020 #60
Do also let us know, in your tome, when we can and can't reply to the obnoxious Squinch Apr 2020 #62
I'll persist as long as you want Polybius Apr 2020 #63
So I take it that, according to your rules, responding to your orders Squinch Apr 2020 #66
I don't have any rules Polybius Apr 2020 #67
Please Leave It Go, Sir The Magistrate Apr 2020 #74
As this is very important to you... tonedevil Apr 2020 #75
This message was self-deleted by its author TomSlick Apr 2020 #85
He's been doing it for as long as he's been here, which is a very long time. The Velveteen Ocelot Apr 2020 #32
Nah, I have nothing against him Polybius Apr 2020 #35
I Signed On Here Towards The End Of 2001, Sir The Magistrate Apr 2020 #37
Nothing against you at all Polybius Apr 2020 #39
We Have Exchanged Words Before, Sir, And It Seemed The Exchanges Were Amicable The Magistrate Apr 2020 #43
I self-deleted that post Polybius Apr 2020 #45
Nothing To Forgive, Sir The Magistrate Apr 2020 #47
A couple of things. TomSlick Apr 2020 #30
Yes, those of us who believe in representative government really Hortensis Apr 2020 #14
AOC and others challenged long serving members, part of the leadership even question everything Apr 2020 #18
When in reality it's new Reps in 2018 like Cha Apr 2020 #23
This! FM123 Apr 2020 #33
Agree.. what's not to love.. to the work of Cha Apr 2020 #36
To them! FM123 Apr 2020 #40
Hear Hear, Ma'am! The Magistrate Apr 2020 #42
Precisely! We also owe our 2018 House Victory to Nancy Pelosi Cha Apr 2020 #44
Absolutely, Ma'am The Magistrate Apr 2020 #46
I can see why the rwingers have run hate ads on Cha Apr 2020 #49
Not really. Because we are Democratic Underground GulfCoast66 Apr 2020 #22
Her challenger is no centrist. MontanaFarmer Apr 2020 #53
K&R betsuni Apr 2020 #10
And, Omar backed a Loser.. no matter how much she complains.. Cha Apr 2020 #11
We need a real Democrat in that seat DenverJared Apr 2020 #19
Both Parties almost always have a history of a one or two firebrands in Congress at a time Polybius Apr 2020 #38
And in the 90s we had a Democratic president, yes - gasp - a Centrist question everything Apr 2020 #68
Yeah Polybius Apr 2020 #69
I am a senior citizen but, really, a 78 year old President and a 70 year old V.P.? question everything Apr 2020 #72
I forgot that she didn't endorse him yet Polybius Apr 2020 #73
Ilhan Omar has to go. GeorgiaPeanut Apr 2020 #21
I will be giving him a serious look, along with her other primary challenger, The Velveteen Ocelot Apr 2020 #26
I know, right? She just HAS to be a Muslim and a Somali-American. I don't know why she does this. ck4829 Apr 2020 #50
Do you live in MN-CD5? The Velveteen Ocelot Apr 2020 #57
The flip side has been that many voted for her because of these identities question everything Apr 2020 #71
She has TWO primary challengers? Smart on her part. JustABozoOnThisBus Apr 2020 #54
Yeah except that's not always the way it works. HarlanPepper Apr 2020 #86
She's a bit "out there" for polite, restrained Minnesota. Laelth Apr 2020 #55
The seat is one of the safest Democratic seat in the nation question everything Apr 2020 #70
I'm not convinced Omar would respect the results of the primary. tritsofme Apr 2020 #65
Rather A Wild Assertion, Sir The Magistrate Apr 2020 #76
Sure she could, but she won't get very far. The Velveteen Ocelot Apr 2020 #78
I Appreciate That, Ma'am The Magistrate Apr 2020 #79
We do have a sore-loser law, like most states. The Velveteen Ocelot Apr 2020 #80
Glad To Know That, Ma'am The Magistrate Apr 2020 #81
she needs to spend more time with her family..... getagrip_already Apr 2020 #77
I'm not in her district, but I feel the same disappointment. "The Squad" quickly succumbed to... Tarheel_Dem Apr 2020 #88
 

frazzled

(18,402 posts)
2. He has an impressive bio too
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 06:17 PM
Apr 2020

If I still lived in Minneapolis, I'd probably vote for him. I didn't realize that Omar was such a do-nothing. But I'm not surprised.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

question everything

(47,271 posts)
4. I am not in her district but will donate to him. She is an embarrassment to Minnesota
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 06:20 PM
Apr 2020

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

frazzled

(18,402 posts)
5. I used to live in Southwest Minneapolis
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 06:23 PM
Apr 2020

So, yeah, I guess I would have been in the 5th district.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

mcar

(42,210 posts)
3. That's damning information
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 06:19 PM
Apr 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

George II

(67,782 posts)
6. 92% of her itemized contributions come from OUTSIDE Minnesota! What do they say about...
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 06:39 PM
Apr 2020

..."buying elections"?

Why would so many people with cash have such an interest in a Congressional District in Minnesota?

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

question everything

(47,271 posts)
8. Same ones who support a "revolution"
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 08:02 PM
Apr 2020

Who donated to Sanders and, no doubt, donate to the other members of the "squad."

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Gothmog

(144,005 posts)
7. This will be an interesting primary to watch
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 07:04 PM
Apr 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Tarc

(10,472 posts)
9. The DU is a funny place sometimes
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 08:16 PM
Apr 2020

Many her throw tantrums when AOC and some others support primary challengers to incumbent D's, then turn around and champion primary challengers against "The Squad".

Curious...

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

dware

(12,094 posts)
12. Did you even read the article?
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 08:32 PM
Apr 2020

She hasn't been around for her constituents, the ones that voted her in, she has voted against the wishes of her constituents, when she even bothers to show up to vote, yet she finds time to go to Africa 3 times, jet around the country to campaign for Sen. Sanders, disrespects our first female presidential candidate.

So why wouldn't we ask for a more in tune candidate, one that's going to be there for his constituents, show up to vote on important votes, listen to his constituents?

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Tarc

(10,472 posts)
16. Lol. Were you confused into thinking this "article" was an actual piece of journalism?
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 09:26 PM
Apr 2020

It is a campaign speech wrapped into a press release, published in the OpEd section, written by her primary challenger himself.

Get real, buddy.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

question everything

(47,271 posts)
27. A campaign op-ed that can easily be checked for facts
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 11:22 PM
Apr 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

The Magistrate

(95,237 posts)
13. He Makes A Decent Case Against Her, Sir
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 08:52 PM
Apr 2020

My inclination is still preferring to see her hold her seat, but if she does not learn well enough and quickly enough how to do the whole job, her constituents may well seek better.





"When things are not called by their right names, what is said cannot make sense. When what is said does not make sense, what is planned cannot succeed. When plans do not succeed, people become uneasy. When people are uneasy, punishments do not fit crimes. When punishments do not fit crimes, people cannot know where to put hand or foot."

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Tarc

(10,472 posts)
15. She does her job just fine, just some DU centrists are a bit hypocritical about primary challenges
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 09:24 PM
Apr 2020

Also, your incessant "Sir" and "Ma'am" stuff is patronizing. Knock it off.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

The Magistrate

(95,237 posts)
17. Never Give An Order You Cannot Enforce, Sir
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 09:32 PM
Apr 2020

Honestly....





"When things are not called by their right names, what is said cannot make sense. When what is said does not make sense, what is planned cannot succeed. When plans do not succeed, people become uneasy. When people are uneasy, punishments do not fit crimes. When punishments do not fit crimes, people cannot know where to put hand or foot."





If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Cha

(295,929 posts)
25. LOL! Well Done. like I would
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 11:05 PM
Apr 2020

consider anyone's opinion who finds it necessary to be so rude and insulting to make a hollow point.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Tarc

(10,472 posts)
82. By blocking, I'll never have to eyeroll at it again
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 06:04 PM
Apr 2020

All the "enforcement" I need.



If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

The Magistrate

(95,237 posts)
83. Thanks For Putting Yourself Out Of My Misery, Sir
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 06:08 PM
Apr 2020

So nice to find opportunity for a bit of snark now that we are all on one side....




"When things are not called by their right names, what is said cannot make sense. When what is said does not make sense, what is planned cannot succeed. When plans do not succeed, people become uneasy. When people are uneasy, punishments do not fit crimes. When punishments do not fit crimes, people cannot know where to put hand or foot."

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Coventina

(26,874 posts)
87. The Magistrate has always written his posts like that.
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 09:48 PM
Apr 2020

Where have you been?

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

ismnotwasm

(41,921 posts)
20. Who is a motherfucking "centrist"?
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 10:04 PM
Apr 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Cha

(295,929 posts)
24. GOOD MF Question!
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 11:03 PM
Apr 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

The Velveteen Ocelot

(115,280 posts)
28. Are you in MN CD-5? I am, and I think she's doing a crap job.
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 11:22 PM
Apr 2020

It's not a matter of centrist vs. progressive, it's that she's never here and she does stupid stuff that creates unnecessary controversy. She is an ineffective legislator and I will be voting for her primary opponent.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Gothmog

(144,005 posts)
51. It looks like you will have a fun primary
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 07:44 AM
Apr 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden

Response to Tarc (Reply #15)

 

TomSlick

(11,035 posts)
31. Courteous language should not be annoying.
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 11:54 PM
Apr 2020

Courtesy is often wanting among some some politicians and on this site. I often use "sir" and "ma'am" in speaking but rarely in writing. Perhaps I should begin to do so.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Polybius

(15,239 posts)
34. Oh I call people sir when the time calls for it
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 11:57 PM
Apr 2020

When someone holds the door for me, I'll say thank you sir, and in many other instances too. But doing it for every post is mind-boggling.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

TomSlick

(11,035 posts)
41. To paraphrase C.S. Lewis,
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 12:14 AM
Apr 2020

if we say "sir" or "ma'am" often enough, at some point we will come to really believe it.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

The Magistrate

(95,237 posts)
48. A Good Line, Sir
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 01:03 AM
Apr 2020

I am no particular fan of Mr. Lewis, though I do rate 'The Screwtape Letters' quite highly, and recommend them to all and sundry. There is real insight there, the book is worth reading even by the most hardened infidel.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

TomSlick

(11,035 posts)
61. Thank you, sir.
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 01:53 PM
Apr 2020

The paraphrase is from "Mere Christianity." Lewis says that if we repeat the familiar words, we come to believe them. If we abide by the Golden Rule, it becomes part of who we are.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

The Magistrate

(95,237 posts)
64. That Is Sound Advice, Sir
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 02:01 PM
Apr 2020

I have forgotten which of them, but one of the Classical Greek philosophers advised cultivating virtue by striving to seem what you wish to be, till a point was reached where the vice of pride was enlisted in the realization of it, for who that had gained a name for virtue would accept disgrace by abandoning it when put to the test?

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

TomSlick

(11,035 posts)
84. Thank you, sir for expanding my education. My college philosophy class was a tad spotty.
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 08:51 PM
Apr 2020

It would appear that perhaps C.S. Lewis did not have an original thought.

Of course, I am in no position to judge. As one of my law school professors told us, there has been no original thought among lawyers since Edward Coke's "Commentarie upon Littleton" (1628).

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Squinch

(50,774 posts)
52. Well good for you. Why don't you write up primer on your rules for
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 07:53 AM
Apr 2020

when the rest of us can and can't use certain forms of address. We'll all be sure to digest it and obey it.

Get right on that so we all know what words are OK to use.

Because, really, your opinion is the most important beam in the framework if how we all live our lives.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Polybius

(15,239 posts)
58. Relax, I deleted the post, and this wasn't directed to you anyway
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 01:36 PM
Apr 2020

The Magistrate was cool with me.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

Squinch

(50,774 posts)
59. While you are writing your rules for our behavior, be certain
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 01:45 PM
Apr 2020

to include a detailed chapter on what posts we can comment on in public fora. I certainly wouldn't want to run afoul of your decrees on that again!

Also, let us know your rules for how we can appear relaxed to you.

We NEED to know these things!!!

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Polybius

(15,239 posts)
60. Oh please, it's over
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 01:51 PM
Apr 2020

You criticize yet the do the same thing. I don't see you writing sir all the time in your posts. Besides, The Magistrate and I made up and I deleted the original post because of it. What more do you want to end it and go away? Get real, you're like a bully who hits a guy with his back turned. This wasn't directed to you anyway, so why jump in uninvited?

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

Squinch

(50,774 posts)
62. Do also let us know, in your tome, when we can and can't reply to the obnoxious
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 01:55 PM
Apr 2020

replies of others.

It's over, you say, and yet you persist in ordering me around and being insulting.

The rules of being as marvelous as you are difficult, indeed, for the rest of us to comprehend.

Get writing! How else will any of us know how to behave according to your standards??

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Polybius

(15,239 posts)
63. I'll persist as long as you want
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 01:58 PM
Apr 2020

I'm not afraid of internet tough guys. You're the one being insulting and very rude. My original reply about The Magistrate and I being cool was very nice, yet you kept it up and continued kicking and looking for a kill.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

Squinch

(50,774 posts)
66. So I take it that, according to your rules, responding to your orders
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 02:03 PM
Apr 2020

is in itself an insult, and you do not find it acceptable. I have so much to learn about correct behavior!

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Polybius

(15,239 posts)
67. I don't have any rules
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 02:04 PM
Apr 2020

Once The Magistrate and I made up, it was over to every sane person in this thread.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

The Magistrate

(95,237 posts)
74. Please Leave It Go, Sir
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 02:34 PM
Apr 2020

Thank you.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

tonedevil

(3,022 posts)
75. As this is very important to you...
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 02:36 PM
Apr 2020

and you wouldn't want to make a mistake it is probably best if you don't post anymore until you get your copy of the rules and can review them.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided

Response to Squinch (Reply #52)

 

The Velveteen Ocelot

(115,280 posts)
32. He's been doing it for as long as he's been here, which is a very long time.
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 11:54 PM
Apr 2020

It's his style. If it bothers you just put him on ignore, but you'll be missing some thoughtful comments. I like him.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Polybius

(15,239 posts)
35. Nah, I have nothing against him
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 11:57 PM
Apr 2020

I hate blocking people.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

The Magistrate

(95,237 posts)
37. I Signed On Here Towards The End Of 2001, Sir
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 12:01 AM
Apr 2020

I took my leave of the place some thirteen years later, and have recently come back after a lapse of six years. It was pleasant to find myself remembered and greeted warmly. If my manner annoys you, you have several options for remedy, but let me assure you they do not include remonstrating with me, or presuming to tell me how I ought to speak or otherwise conduct myself.





"When things are not called by their right names, what is said cannot make sense. When what is said does not make sense, what is planned cannot succeed. When plans do not succeed, people become uneasy. When people are uneasy, punishments do not fit crimes. When punishments do not fit crimes, people cannot know where to put hand or foot."

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Polybius

(15,239 posts)
39. Nothing against you at all
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 12:05 AM
Apr 2020

Just a tiny disagreement of shtick. And that is a long time, wow!

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

The Magistrate

(95,237 posts)
43. We Have Exchanged Words Before, Sir, And It Seemed The Exchanges Were Amicable
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 12:17 AM
Apr 2020

I trust that will continue. There are, by the way, some people still here who are senior to me, by many months, and even in my thirteenth year I continued to feel something of a junior fellow....

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Polybius

(15,239 posts)
45. I self-deleted that post
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 12:56 AM
Apr 2020

Hopefully you will forgive me.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

The Magistrate

(95,237 posts)
47. Nothing To Forgive, Sir
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 12:59 AM
Apr 2020

Be well, and stay safe!

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

TomSlick

(11,035 posts)
30. A couple of things.
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 11:48 PM
Apr 2020

One, "Sir" and "Ma'am" is not patronizing, it's courtesy. Maybe old-fashioned but certainly not patronizing.

Second, The Magistrate is a recently returned, much beloved figure on DU. The "Sir" and "Ma'am" stuff is his schtick. It's quaint and does no one any harm.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Hortensis

(58,785 posts)
14. Yes, those of us who believe in representative government really
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 08:55 PM
Apr 2020

don't like it when the incumbents are chosen by their local constituents and the primarying attempt is by outside extremist groups funded by outside money.

That's misuse of democracy to subvert democracy and bad in itself. But since their candidates are usually not representative of local majorities, they, of course, tend to depend heavily on smear campaigns against the incumbents, and usually dishonesty about who their candidate is as well.

It's not just a big moral thing, Tarc, but a will of the people thing.

As for this, get rid of the outside money and I'll be happy to let local voters decide to keep or kick her out. Their choice. Big money donations from special interests used to bury competition under mud is how Mitch McConnell's been getting reelected for over 30 years, though, and it'd be no more okay for Omar than for him.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

question everything

(47,271 posts)
18. AOC and others challenged long serving members, part of the leadership even
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 09:57 PM
Apr 2020

But these young Turkettes started by challenging the "establishment," were going to unseat Pelosi, they all won safe Democratic districts but considered themselves the saviors of the Democratic party.

No wonder Sanders has been their hero.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Cha

(295,929 posts)
23. When in reality it's new Reps in 2018 like
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 10:56 PM
Apr 2020

Sharice Davids who are the real heroes. Who Flipped red seats into Blue!

Can you imagine if we hadn't won the BLUE WAVE Democratic House Victory?

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

FM123

(10,050 posts)
33. This!
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 11:55 PM
Apr 2020

Here in FL Debbie Mucarsel-Powell and Donna Shalala both flipped red seats into Blue - just what we needed for that wave!

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Cha

(295,929 posts)
36. Agree.. what's not to love.. to the work of
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 12:00 AM
Apr 2020

the 2018 candidates who Flipped red seats to Blue!

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

The Magistrate

(95,237 posts)
42. Hear Hear, Ma'am!
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 12:14 AM
Apr 2020

And it is worth pointing out it is moderate figures, and center of the road types, that we owe for our 2018 victory. People on the further left of the political spectrum tend to take a glass half full view of such things, and ignore that a moderate elected in a 'red' district represents a shift to the left by the voters of that district. That ought to be hailed as such a shift, rather than decried as a dilution, or even an infiltration, of our Party. Where I part company with some of my more moderate comrades is in seeing nothing at all wrong in primary challenges that offer a possibility of moving our membership in Congress further to the left. The districts for such a challenge ought to be chosen carefully, they ought to be districts which really are Party strongholds, where a figure more to the left than a present incumbent will have a real chance of success in a general election. Such challenges ought not to be made willy-nilly, and ought never to be made in a district newly won to us by a moderate adherent to our Party.





"When things are not called by their right names, what is said cannot make sense. When what is said does not make sense, what is planned cannot succeed. When plans do not succeed, people become uneasy. When people are uneasy, punishments do not fit crimes. When punishments do not fit crimes, people cannot know where to put hand or foot."

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Cha

(295,929 posts)
44. Precisely! We also owe our 2018 House Victory to Nancy Pelosi
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 12:50 AM
Apr 2020

Advising the candidates to run on Health Care..

2018 Is The Year Democrats Got Comfortable Talking Health Care Again

https://www.npr.org/2018/10/25/660281890/2018-is-the-year-democrats-got-comfortable-talking-health-care-again

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1287&pid=458815

Amanpour interviews Congressman-elect Tom Malinowski (D flipped seat that was R since '81)

snip//

I want to play something that maybe speaker, certainly Leader Pelosi said to me in September because a lot of people said well you know what, the Democrats don't really have a message to complete with Make America Great Again.

There's no slogan, there's no clear strategy but this is where she laid out in September.

What we're about in our campaign is that we are for the people, for lower health care costs, lowering prescription drug prices.

We're for raising pay checks, lowering healthcare costs, increasing paychecks by building the infrastructure of America and for cleaning up government to make sure people understand that the people's interest, not the special interests are served here in the United States Capitol.

So there she was laying out a strategy and one that clearly is a winning strategy

I think until the very end, this campaign was mostly run on health care, it was run on protecting kids from gun violence, building infrastructure in my state, in New Jersey.

I think the last couple of weeks I think Trump inserted himself into the campaign in ways that were terrible for the country but also bad for his party.

It was fear, demonization and conspiracy theories and in a district like mine, that did not play well, especially after the shootings in the Pittsburgh synagogue because we could link, very clearly, the president's words to one of the worst acts of violence, religious violence, hateful violence in American history and our positive message on practical issues like healthcare, infrastructure, gun violence, the economy, contrasted with fear, was very advantageous for us.

https://www.pbs.org/wnet/amanpour-and-company/video/congressman-elect-tom-malinowski/

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=11406195

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1287&pid=423444

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

The Magistrate

(95,237 posts)
46. Absolutely, Ma'am
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 12:57 AM
Apr 2020

Madame Speaker is a political force we are fortunate to have on our side. Attempts to overthrow her, which have featured figures from the right of the Party as well as its left, have been foolish in the extreme.





"When things are not called by their right names, what is said cannot make sense. When what is said does not make sense, what is planned cannot succeed. When plans do not succeed, people become uneasy. When people are uneasy, punishments do not fit crimes. When punishments do not fit crimes, people cannot know where to put hand or foot."

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Cha

(295,929 posts)
49. I can see why the rwingers have run hate ads on
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 01:28 AM
Apr 2020

her for years.. Nancy is too Effective.

The left trying to get rid of Nancy as Speaker of the House didn't work out so well, either, Thankfully. Most of the House knew what an Excellent job she would do from her qualifications, experience and expertise.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

GulfCoast66

(11,949 posts)
22. Not really. Because we are Democratic Underground
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 10:55 PM
Apr 2020

Not Progressive Underground.

A large majority here support the Democratic Party and don’t think it is a problem. If you disagree you are welcome here, but don’t expect to have much support.

Democrats that attack the party with almost the vigor they attack republicans will have little support.

I suspect the famous gang of 6, which several backed out of quick, will have a short stint.

We won in 18 with moderate democrats running in moderate districts. That lesson is burned in the soul of most Democrats.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

MontanaFarmer

(630 posts)
53. Her challenger is no centrist.
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 07:56 AM
Apr 2020

He enthusiastically supported her last time, as he states in his piece. She's a poor representative. She's not interested in texting m representing her constituents, she's interested only in the prestige associated with the position. Her story is inspiring, she just happens to suck at her job. Nobody shed a tear here over challenges to Cuellar or lipinski, IIRC. False narrative.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Cha

(295,929 posts)
11. And, Omar backed a Loser.. no matter how much she complains..
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 08:21 PM
Apr 2020
Rep. Omar’s campaign has raised more than $2 million dollars, but less than $100,000 of her itemized contributions come from people in her district. That means more than 95% of her financial support comes from somewhere else. Omar failed to find time to even visit all of her district, yet she found time to write an autobiography and travel around the country for Sen. Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign. She appears to be more focused on her own celebrity than on serving the district. That doesn’t work for us.

Omar complained that Sanders would have won our presidential primary if we still had the caucus system, arguing that fewer Minnesota voters would have been better for Bernie. Wanting fewer people to participate and be counted instead of more — that doesn’t work for us.

Doesn't Omar have a clue that the Caucus System isn't Democratic? So how would that help our Democracy?

Best of Luck to Antone Melton-Meaux! Good for him getting into Action when he sees something that's Wrong.
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

DenverJared

(457 posts)
19. We need a real Democrat in that seat
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 10:03 PM
Apr 2020

I'll donate to her Democratic opponent in the primary.

Enough of Ilhan Omar. She wrecked one house by having an affair with a married man. We don't want anyone else to wreck the house of representatives and we need Nancy Pelosi back as a speaker without disgruntled back benchers.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Polybius

(15,239 posts)
38. Both Parties almost always have a history of a one or two firebrands in Congress at a time
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 12:03 AM
Apr 2020

In the 90's we had Cynthia McKinney and they had Bob Dornan and Helen Chenoweth. I think they were more controversial than Omar.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

question everything

(47,271 posts)
68. And in the 90s we had a Democratic president, yes - gasp - a Centrist
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 02:19 PM
Apr 2020

and a Democratic Congress, for a while. And a thriving economy and zero deficit.

These days we cannot afford to experiment.


If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Polybius

(15,239 posts)
69. Yeah
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 02:22 PM
Apr 2020

Can we experiment a little with the VP then? Warren please?

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

question everything

(47,271 posts)
72. I am a senior citizen but, really, a 78 year old President and a 70 year old V.P.?
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 02:30 PM
Apr 2020

(He will turn 78 on Nov. 20th)

And... shouldn't she endorse, him, first?

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Polybius

(15,239 posts)
73. I forgot that she didn't endorse him yet
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 02:33 PM
Apr 2020

It'll be interesting to see who he picks. At this point, all we know it that it will be a woman.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

GeorgiaPeanut

(360 posts)
21. Ilhan Omar has to go.
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 10:35 PM
Apr 2020

The affair with a married man that she denied vehemently only to marry him 2 months later will haunt her badly.

I'd have had respect for her if she had admitted it - but she lied.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

The Velveteen Ocelot

(115,280 posts)
26. I will be giving him a serious look, along with her other primary challenger,
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 11:12 PM
Apr 2020

John Mason. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/john-mason-announces-candidacy-for-united-states-congress-5th-district-of-minnesota-in-primary-challenging-rep-ilhan-omar-300938344.html He's a gay African-American community organizer with some solid credentials. I voted for Omar enthusiastically but I'm disappointed in her. I don't care that she endorsed Bernie; what I care about is that she is doing a lousy job of representing her constituents, and her political instincts are lousy too. She can't seem to resist painting a target on her own back and making herself unnecessarily controversial. I think we need better representation in CD-5 than she's giving us.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

ck4829

(34,977 posts)
50. I know, right? She just HAS to be a Muslim and a Somali-American. I don't know why she does this.
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 07:22 AM
Apr 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

The Velveteen Ocelot

(115,280 posts)
57. Do you live in MN-CD5?
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 10:48 AM
Apr 2020

If you did, you'd know better than to suggest her ethnicity has anything to do with the criticism she's getting. The OP is accurate.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

question everything

(47,271 posts)
71. The flip side has been that many voted for her because of these identities
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 02:28 PM
Apr 2020

When Al Franken stepped down and it was obvious that the governor would appoint a woman, some wanted her - barely few months in the State House with nothing to show - because she was (still is, of course) a "Muslim and a Somali-American." Oh, you forgot to add "woman" to your list of identities.

Some days I hope that we follow MLK wish, to elect our representatives based on "the content of their character."

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

JustABozoOnThisBus

(23,283 posts)
54. She has TWO primary challengers? Smart on her part.
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 08:44 AM
Apr 2020

The anti-Omar vote will be split, she'll waltz through the gap into her second term.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

HarlanPepper

(2,042 posts)
86. Yeah except that's not always the way it works.
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 09:19 PM
Apr 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Laelth

(32,017 posts)
55. She's a bit "out there" for polite, restrained Minnesota.
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 08:53 AM
Apr 2020

So long as we don’t lose the seat, I am not losing any sleep over this race.

That said, I would be curious to know who (in the DNC or elsewhere in the higher echelons of the party) is supporting this challenge.

Anybody know?



-Laelth

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

question everything

(47,271 posts)
70. The seat is one of the safest Democratic seat in the nation
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 02:23 PM
Apr 2020

Normally there is a state convention when delegates endorse a candidate and the rest drop out.

But on occasions we have smart, brave candidates who say: the people, not political activists should determine the party candidate. Last two governors, both Democrats, have followed this path.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

tritsofme

(17,325 posts)
65. I'm not convinced Omar would respect the results of the primary.
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 02:02 PM
Apr 2020

If she loses, look for her to launch an independent bid.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

The Magistrate

(95,237 posts)
76. Rather A Wild Assertion, Sir
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 02:36 PM
Apr 2020

Any grounds for it?

Is it permissible under Minnesota law?

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

The Velveteen Ocelot

(115,280 posts)
78. Sure she could, but she won't get very far.
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 02:47 PM
Apr 2020

This district is solidly Democratic, to the point where the GOP candidate is usually some obscure sacrificial lamb that the party knows has no chance. I can't even remember the name of the person who ran against Omar, if I ever even knew it. If Omar were to run as an independent she wouldn't split the vote enough to give the election to the GOP.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

The Magistrate

(95,237 posts)
79. I Appreciate That, Ma'am
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 02:51 PM
Apr 2020

I am sure it would be futile, she would never have carried anything but the most solidly Democratic district.

Simply for information, is there a 'sore loser' law in Minnesota?

Has she made any statement indicating she would consider a hird party run if defeated?

I am just curious, that is all.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

The Velveteen Ocelot

(115,280 posts)
80. We do have a sore-loser law, like most states.
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 03:04 PM
Apr 2020

I haven't heard anything to the effect that she would consider a third-party run; she's probably aware that it would be fruitless.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

The Magistrate

(95,237 posts)
81. Glad To Know That, Ma'am
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 03:11 PM
Apr 2020

It would strain my ease with her if I thought there was any possibility she would break ranks for an independent campaign.

It is a good day today, not perfect, but something to enjoy and feel good over.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

getagrip_already

(14,250 posts)
77. she needs to spend more time with her family.....
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 02:43 PM
Apr 2020

Being a democrat is apparently too challenging for her.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Tarheel_Dem

(31,211 posts)
88. I'm not in her district, but I feel the same disappointment. "The Squad" quickly succumbed to...
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 10:14 PM
Apr 2020

their own celebrity cult. I'll be happy to see the back of every one of them.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
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