DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP DEBATE on CNN NOW.

[elleng]

[Tiggeroshii]

1. Is there a live stream of this?

[Equinox Moon]

2. There are a few on YouTube.com --- Here is one:

[Tiggeroshii]

3. Thanks!!!

[bravenak]

4. GRACIAS!!

[Equinox Moon]

5. I think the DNC chair needs to be from a state that is Blue.

[brooklynite]

6. I'm not finding Ellison to be an eloquent speaker...

If I had to put someone on Sunday morning TV, it would be Pete Buttigieg.

[bravenak]

7. Me too. I like him

[Me.]

11. All In For Pete

[bravenak]

111. Yep. Everybody else has found a way to bother me so far

[leftofcool]

118. I'm all in for Pete!

[bravenak]

127. I posted a poll just now. I vote for Buttigeig.

[elleng]

8. I'm also impressed by Pete's eloquence.

[DefenseLawyer]

21. The real job of the chair is not to go on the Sunday shows

It's to organize, raise money and send money and resources where it can help win elections.

[bravenak]

9. I like Jehmu green's idea of ending caucuses

[StevieM]

151. I do too. She would be my first choice, although I don't think she will win. (eom)

[bravenak]

152. Harrison is good too. We have good candidates, I'm fine with whoever wins, except Ronan

[StevieM]

154. Totally agreed. I am disgusted with him. (eom)

[bravenak]

10. Sam Ronan!!! Love him!

[bravenak]

31. Nevermind. He sucks now

[bettyellen]

32. I'm not a fan- isn't he the one who claimed to coin the phrase ...

"Truth to power" and had a list of other grievances - things he thought were his original ideas adapted by others?

[bravenak]

49. I just changed my mind too

I'm leaning Ellison

[bettyellen]

57. My big problem with Ellison is this would be a second job to him...

I like the Buterkrieg(?) guy more than I used to.

[bravenak]

58. I like Butgeig? too, but his name is too hard to say

[bettyellen]

60. Is Ellison big on restricting donors immediately? I'm not sure we can afford to take the high road.

[bravenak]

62. See, That's my problem with him

I'm not sure but it wont be helpful

[JaneQPublic]

67. BOOT-edge-edge

That's the pronunciation he provides on his Twitter page.

[bravenak]

69. Oh thank you!

[bettyellen]

70. HA! Thanks!!

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

88. No, it wouldn't; he's agreed to leave Congress if he gets the DNC gig.

He's my Congressman and I'd hate to lose him, but he has promised to step down, which means MN-5 has a special election. Fortunately it's a very blue district and he'll be replaced by another good Democrat.

[bettyellen]

96. Oh wow- didn't know that! I think Jehmu is my fave but get that she isn't getting it...

I'm really okay w Ellison, Perez or Butti-G.

[BannonsLiver]

12. The question about Trump's voter fraud claim was ridiculous

It hasn't "caught fire". He's been roundly mocked by everyone but the deplorables. What fucking planet is this CNN clown on?

[elleng]

14. Was just responded to by Perez.

It was a TEST, EXPLAIN so voters can understand the issue.

[BannonsLiver]

15. The framing of the question asked of the guy who basically rolled his eyes was completely inaccurate

These claims have been mocked. The CNN stooge made it sound like they have been taken seriously.

[JaneQPublic]

13. Not liking the questions from CNN.

They are largely coming from the right-winger's perspective:

Shouldn't Dems try to get along with the Trump supporters?

Shouldn't your job be to protect blue dog incumbents from progressive primary challengers?

It seems they picked questions to maintain their GOP viewership.

[bettyellen]

16. Poor Perez, he needs a hundred lozenges!

[elleng]

17. Yes. Too bad.

[Cha]

18. Why do you say that, bettyellen.. for those who aren't watching?

[bettyellen]

20. Extremely hoarse voice- straining on his end and mine (understanding him)

[Cha]

23. Awww.. I want him. Thanks!

Link to tweet

[bettyellen]

19. Who's that female host? Looks constritpated!

[coco22]

22. Dana Bash ..

She loves Trumps'--- John kings wife or former heard they were divorcing.

[Cha]

26. They got a trump fan to moderate? That is grossly unfair.

Damn

[coco22]

34. She thinks we don't know...

No matterthe subject she finds an excuse for him.

She was grouchy snapping at everyone when she thought Hillary was going to win, once Trump won she was happy grinning from ear to ear and making excuses like John King..

[Cha]

43. Oh we know the name dana bash for years of bashing President Obama

.. it shows what kind of person she is that she would want that monster.

And, cnn decided she was the one to ask questions to the Democrats vying for the DNC Chair?

Mahalo, coco

[coco22]

50. She is saying some smart ass shit now..

to the woman candidate. I didn't hear it but I don't like her tone.

[bettyellen]

46. Yeah she was familiar face to me but couldn't place the name - what a negative nelly!

[coco22]

55. I never notice it as much..

until the last months of the campaign.

[JudyM]

157. Her condescension is annoying.

[mikelewis]

24. I've lived in Cleveland 45 years and not once have I heard from the Democratic party...

I actually know council people and other politicians and haven't never heard the party spoken of... In Cleveland, at least, the party is irrelevant if it even exists in the first place.

[Warren DeMontague]

25. Harry Reid: The DNC was "worthless" under Debbie Wasserman Schultz

http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/311506-reid-dnc-was-worthless-under-wasserman-schultz

[elleng]

27. Exactly!

[coco22]

36. Correct..

[TDale313]

41. Worse than worthless.

[uponit7771]

47. +1

[theglammistress]

28. I like Buttigieg

And you know what? Ronan has a good future in our party politics I think.

[elleng]

29. Yes on both!

Ronan spoke up on 'rigged,' and Pete on FUTURE.

[bettyellen]

54. Like him, Ellison and Perez but think it's a FT job ...

I think Ronan needs more experience.

[hrmjustin]

30. Good people and I would be happy if any won.

[elleng]

33. Good to hear it from you, justin,

even tho I do have a favorite.

[hrmjustin]

39. ☺

[Warren DeMontague]

56. Yes, they all seem like they would be highly competent and not damaging to our brand

a huge step forward!

[bravenak]

35. I'm going for Keith now

[Warren DeMontague]

37. They all agree we need new leadership that isn't wildly out of touch, and damaging to our brand

[Eko]

38. Jamie Harrison

is the best so far by a large margin.

[metroins]

40. Not liking Tom Perez

I'm really liking Ellison and the black woman.

The white woman sucks, the other black guy is ok, but doesn't inspire, he makes mistakes while speaking.

The air force guy and the other white guy are not inspiring but I don't know enough about them.

[theglammistress]

42. Jehmu Greene

She's very impressive.

[elleng]

44. Yes she is.

[metroins]

48. Thanks

It's my first time seeing a lot of these people, I don't know their names.

She's doing pretty well.

[bettyellen]

52. I agree- hope she gets to play a larger role!

[LovingA2andMI]

76. The African-American Woman....

Name is Jehmu Greene formerly with "Rock The Vote". That's her name.

[metroins]

79. Thanks

It's my first time seeing a lot of the people up there.

[MattP]

45. CNN is trying to make this debate about democratic party dysfunction

[Cha]

53. It fucking figures.. and they have to be smart enough not to fall for the

bait.

[bettyellen]

65. Yep! Asking about the TPP now?!? WTF?

[Warren DeMontague]

72. I'm waiting for someone to ask a question about marijuana legalization

it's only something voters in over half the states have pushed onto their ballots and passed, in spite of their elected reps.. not like it's a "real" issue or anything.

[bettyellen]

85. It doesn't seem to have people angry enough? You all need a huge protest!!

[Warren DeMontague]

93. People aren't angry because it's winning. It did better than either party, at the polls.

But why the fuck our party can't get out in front of it, and in the process delineate ourselves in opposition to the bible-thumping, pro-drug-war authoritarians of the GOP, is beyond me.

I think part of it is an East Coast/West Coast thing. Despite Mass and Maine legalizing, E. Coast conventional wisdom types haven't caught a clue quite yet.

Meanwhile, on the West Coast, most everyone save Diane Feinstein is on board. I think Gavin Newsom is going to ride the issue to the CA governor's mansion, and maybe the WH after that.

[bettyellen]

116. I get you, and wonder if they feel they already have those voters? But I think they should

Be balls out unapologetic about women's reproductive rights as well as a whole host of liberal issues (including weed) already. There's been too much trying to "tone it down" for voters who we now know hate us anyway.
Fuck it, bring on ALL the freak flags now. It feels like time.

[Warren DeMontague]

121. I agree. Most Americans are pro-choice.

I think we need to adopt an across the board pro-personal freedom agenda, which includes getting the government out of policing peoples' reproductive lives, policing what they do with their bloodstreams and nervous systems, telling the terminally ill they can't have a pain-free, dignified exit on their own terms, etc.

These things should be synonymous with progressivism. In my mind, they always have.

But you're absolutely right. Part of the problem is that our beltway conventional wisdom people have spent the past 17 years chasing these mythical "values voters" which--- one, aren't nearly as powerful as they think, and two, as you note, aren't gonna vote for us anyway.

[bettyellen]

136. I never had illusions that they were swayable...but now their hostility is palpable and

their church lady agenda - and the hypocrisy of it- has never been so obvious. I feel like we have to take advantage of his shift -where a piece of shit like DT is pushing the evangelicals agenda when he doesn't believe in any of it.

[southerncrone]

161. I'd love to see Gavin Newsome in the WH!

[Warren DeMontague]

51. Tom Perez: DNC needs new, competent leadership to "up our game"

we "need a leader who will listen"

http://www.npr.org/2017/01/09/509001328/labor-secretary-tom-perez-makes-case-to-be-next-dnc-chair

[mvd]

59. I'm for Ellison, but Perez and Greene have been good

Ellison has done a good job of convincing that he can heal the party. Perez seems like he would be fair in upcoming elections. And Greene has actually seemed most left tonight - a good thing.

CNN moderators have been terrible. They were like, how dare you think Trump didn't win?

[metroins]

66. I think perez has had a bad night

Great for policy, planning, administration...bad for leadership.

I think the moderators are ok.

I agree Ellison is having a great night and I think Greenes answers are decent but he stumbles and makes rookie mistakes like asking an opponent a question in a popularity debate.

[mvd]

73. He's avoided a couple questions, but overall Perez has sounded like a good speaker to me

Still think the moderators have been bad in an out of touch and confrontational way.

[metroins]

77. What do you think they should do better?

Perez definitely has experience.

[mvd]

78. Do you mean the moderators or the candidates?

[metroins]

83. Moderators

It's a hard job.

[mvd]

91. They seemed too confrontational to me like..

They were seeing things from a Repuke perspective. I wanted them to focus more on party issues from a Democratic perspective. One thing they did right is to try to force a couple answers.

[metroins]

108. I can see that

Thanks for expanding.

You're right, they aren't really asking democratic questions.

[mvd]

134. No problem

I think we have a lot of good candidates here - only a couple have been lackluster IMO. Brown, despite being an outsider, hasn't really stood out.

[bravenak]

114. Yep. I see that too

[MrPurple]

61. I wish they could just appoint Howard Dean

I trust his experience when the Republicans (and probably the Russians) will be throwing every dirty trick imaginable at them.

Of the people in this debate, the white woman from Idaho is the only one that seems like she'd be a disaster.

[Eko]

63. Pete Buttigieg

is really good also. Impressed.

[elleng]

64. Yes, has answers because has experience.

[LovingA2andMI]

84. No Worries if Pete does not win on February 28th...

He will be POTUS one day. We have little doubt this will happen.

[elleng]

90. Similar thought here!

[Eko]

117. Pete and Jamie for 2020!!!

Works for me.

[Warren DeMontague]

68. why is Perez changing the subject from the TPP?

Damn, dude, just answer the question

[bravenak]

71. He keeps doing that. Double talk with a hoarse voice

[Warren DeMontague]

74. it's not a good look.

People can tell when pols do that shit.

[bravenak]

82. He's officiall off my list

I'm going Buttegeig? Whatever the hell his name is.

[Warren DeMontague]

87. I, too, have been so far impressed with the unfortunately named "buttegeig"

although I guess it's no worse than "Reince Priebus"

[bravenak]

106. Good. Dean supports him and he wants a fifty state strategy. I want that too

[KittyWampus]

92. Then take Ellison off too. He did the same damn thing about guns just now.

And did the same damn thing about Nation of Islam when he was on MSNBC about a month ago.

[bravenak]

98. I walked out of the room, I missed it

I bet I can guess what he said though. Back to mr Butage---!

[JI7]

94. the hoarse voice is his natural voice. i know it shouldn't be important

but it is kind of annoying.

[bravenak]

102. It messes with the impact of his words, lessens it

[bettyellen]

75. Well it's dead plus a dumb time to talk about new trade agreements?

[Warren DeMontague]

80. People argue that trade agreements have hurt us with rust belt, etc. voters

so it seems kind of relevant.

I think the answer is to articulate intelligently WHY trade can help the economy for everyone, under certain circumstances (my problem with the TPP was, why the fuck was it so super-secret no one was allowed to read it) and to point out the painful truth that a lot of those jobs aren't coming back trade agreements or no.

[bettyellen]

89. Good point- but they seem like hot potatos- safer to wait till Trump blows the issue up sky high...

Because that's going to happen.

[Warren DeMontague]

99. I guess, but the DNC chair needs to be able to answer uncomfortable questions.

So this is probably good, even if it's annoying.

[bettyellen]

105. If it was about trade agreements in general, sure ... but the TPP is dead and so felt pointless ...

[mvd]

97. Yeah he kind of avoided it. I wish he would have clarified more

He's right that it is dead anyway though. Maybe focus on a new trade agreement with more labor input instead of so much corporate input.

[Warren DeMontague]

109. and transparency, ffs

why we should be subject to a treaty we're not allowed to read, is beyond me

[brooklynite]

81. Keith Ellison just showed why he'll be a problem...

Whatever you think about the 2nd Amendment, stumbling over whether you wanted to eliminate it, when fhe moderator has your exact quote isn't going to play well.

[geek tragedy]

101. his main job isn't to be on cable news.

Howard Dean was a train wreck when he appeared on television.

What matters is how they operate behind the scenes.

[UTUSN]

86. OK Ellison lost me evading gun control

[Warren DeMontague]

95. Perez: DNC needs a "Culture Change"

Apparently the prior leadership was obnoxiously patronizing to millennials, according to Perez.

[KittyWampus]

100. Liking Buttigieg... he's a good speaker in a quiet way.

[MattP]

103. Ellison and Perez both had oppo by CNN waiting for them

I wonder how much it will hurt

[metroins]

104. Liking the air force guy

He's got some very good answers.

[KittyWampus]

112. Sam Ronan

[metroins]

125. Thank you

I need to make a cheat sheet for names.

[LovingA2andMI]

115. Sam is impressive....

He would make a good Congressman. So no worries if he does not win on February 28, 2017, he'll be in Washington, D.C. in the Congress soon.

[metroins]

124. Totally agree

I can see him winning.

I don't know his district though.

[Cha]

120. Not me.. he's a divider.

[metroins]

123. On what topics?

This is my first time seeing him.

Seems to be very promoting of transparency and he's been answering questions straight on.

[Cha]

126. On this main one..

"DNC chair candidate Sam Ronan says Dems have to own the rigging of primary presidential election to get Berniecrats back. #DNCforum."

https://www.facebook.com/ProgressiveArmy/videos/1811286332471382/?pnref=story

[metroins]

131. Looking backwards isn't helpful

An apology usually doesn't garner any support.

I know Hillary won the primary because of her campaign strategy. I also think the DNC did put stress on the trust with Bernie voters during the primaries.

I can see where you're going, but maybe we need it. We're really far behind in every office.

[Cha]

135. It wasn't "rigged". he's not living in reality.

[metroins]

138. I agree it wasn't rigged

I followed it.

I don't know enough about the guy to really defend him or anything. So far I'm liking Ellison the most.

Ronan has impressed me more than I expected from my first impression.

[bettyellen]

142. He actually ragged on some woman for saying "truth to power" and claiming that

It was "his" expression. Also presented a whole bunch of half assed grievances against other Dems for "stealing his ideas"- ideas that were common. He seems to unseasoned and divisive. Meanwhile Perez and Ellison seem too seasoned to me, LoL.

[metroins]

146. He's definitely unseasoned

And if I had a vote I wouldn't vote for Ronan to lead the DNC.

Tonight though, I have liked his answers.

I like Ellison to run the party.

[bettyellen]

153. He seems to be spoiling for a fight- congressman is a good role for him...

We need a united DNC and Dem party. Can't see someone like him doing that.

[metroins]

158. I agree

Overall I'm impressed by the people up there.

I don't think Ronan is a uniter.

[Cha]

159. omg.. Truth to Power! "stealing his ideas".. Wow, glad he exposed

himself like that.

[bettyellen]

162. It was embarrassing. He also had no idea about the rules and process and flailed around ragging on

The process and the people- and these were people on his side, and his ignorance was the root of much of it.

[mvd]

139. Even Hillary supporters would have to say she was favored

Rigged is something that I guess we can all disagree on. It is a strong word. I do like him.

[metroins]

141. I was and am a Hillary supporter

She won because of a superior campaign strategy. End of story.

She was favored by the DNC. There's proof and it was obvious.

She almost certainly would've won without the DNC. Bernie ignored the southern black vote and Hillary capitalized on it.

It would have been so much smarter if the DNC had been more neutral, she was going to win anyway.

[mvd]

144. I do agree that Hillary probably wins anyway

Sanders did better than expected though. Inspired a lot of people. I am proud of his campaign. As you can tell by my avatar, I was a Bernie supporter.

[metroins]

156. We are in agreement

I've thought long and hard about whether I should've backed Sanders instead. I've decided that I should have.

I thought Hillary was more realistic and qualified.

I thought Sanders was more progressive and "unrealistic".

Hillary lost to Trump, we could discuss why, but it happened. If Hillary lost, maybe Bernie wouldn't have.

Her loss moved me more left.

[mvd]

167. Cool, I have enjoyed our conversation

My parents thought like you did, and although they agree with Sanders on most things, my mom especially is not a fan. But I always thought that Sanders did not expect all of his proposals to be enacted right away. I liked the fact he thought big - then you move the needle for any compromise.

[JI7]

107. i only saw a few minutes but i guess i like that younger guy that Dean endorsed

[elleng]

110. Good. So do I.

Howard Dean endorses South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg for DNC chair.

“Most important thing: He’s the outside-the-Beltway candidate.'>>>

http://www.politico.com/story/2017/02/howard-dean-endorses-pete-buttigieg-dnc-235257

[metroins]

128. His last answers were great

Early on I didn't like him but now I do.

[Warren DeMontague]

113. I beg to differ: NOT ALL OUR STATE PARTIES ARE BROKEN

In Oregon, our state party is strong. Our state party supports legal marijuana, and strong defenses of things like the 1st Amendment. Free speech. Personal Freedom. Ending the drug war. The right of people to make their own end of life determinations.

In my state, these are not controversial. These are widely held progressive, democratic values.

And our state party cleans the clock of the other guys, pretty consistently.

[LovingA2andMI]

119. Don't believe Jamie said All State Parties Are Broken....However...

Enough of them are when there are only SIX Governors and Legislative Houses that are controlled by Democrats.

That is a problem and it needs to be addressed, immediately.

[Warren DeMontague]

122. Sure, and one way to start is to ask what the Dems in those 6 states are doing right.

[bullwinkle428]

149. And you lucky mofos also have vote by mail!

Okay, you all actually voted for that!

[Warren DeMontague]

155. Totally. And our turnout is great. Even in off years.

I love vote by mail. It's one of a long list of things that is great about this place.

[bullwinkle428]

163. Did you hear about Montana's plan to vote by mail as a cost-saving measure in

the race to fill Zinke's seat? Proposed by Republicans in their state House and Senate. But the state Repuke party chair put the kibosh on it, saying flat out that too many people might vote, thus increasing the Democratic candidates chances! LOL...they don't even try to hide it anymore!

[StevieM]

129. The only one I intensely dislike is Sam Ronan. He would be a disaster IMO.

We can't have a party chair who repeats the lie that the 2016 primaries were rigged.

[KittyWampus]

130. that would be a disaster.

[metroins]

133. I think the white woman is worse nt

[StevieM]

147. Are you talking about the woman from Idaho? What did she say? (eom)

[metroins]

160. Yes

It was 45 minutes ago and she was sounding like a republican.

States rights and how education should be all state regulated.

No thanks....don't need creationism.

[StevieM]

164. Agreed. She shouldn't be our party Chair. (eom)

[bettyellen]

143. He's divisive and not experienced enough...

[JudyM]

132. Why can't they answer the questions without a ton of "filler" stories?

I'd like to just hear answers so we can see how they think, not what their stories are.

[KittyWampus]

137. filler gives them a chance to show who they are in their own voice

as opposed to just answering a question.

What grates on my nerves is when they obviously avoid answering like both Ellison and Perez did.

[JudyM]

140. Yes, but it consumes too much of their responses. And often not particularly illustrative.

Not all of them, fortunately.

[southerncrone]

145. I'm inspired by all of these candidates. I think we are seeing the future of the Democratic Party

leadership. ALL of these people are so much more qualified to be POTUS than the toddler we have in the WH now!

[KittyWampus]

148. Very True.

[elleng]

150. Yes. Thanks. This event is uplifting, imo.

[brooklynite]

165. I'm telling the DNC members I know that I'd support Buttigieg.

[elleng]

166. Very good to hear, brooklynite.

[metroins]

168. I liked him later on

Initial impression I didn't.

He finished strong and I like that he's 35.

[metroins]

169. Ellisons answer was awesome

The beginning was great. The end was weird about money.

I like that he mentioned passion.

[herding cats]

170. Late sorry, I had it on record. I liked Buttigieg.

How did I not know about him before? I like his presentation and how informed he seemed.

[elleng]

171. Glad you caught him, cats.

MANY did not know of him before, but a couple, at least, did:

O'Malley backs Buttigieg in DNC chair race

http://www.politico.com/story/2017/02/democratic-national-committee-chair-234765

Former Maryland governor and 2016 presidential candidate Martin O'Malley is endorsing South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg for the Democratic National Committee chairmanship, just days ahead of the candidate forum in Baltimore, where he served as mayor.

“I’ve known Pete Buttigieg for many years, he has been a terrific mayor. He’s one of those new, up-and-coming leaders in our country and in our party that’s really bringing forward a new and better way of governing,” O’Malley — who himself briefly considered a run for the chairmanship before bowing out in November — told POLITICO. “He speaks with a clarity that our party really, really needs right now. He has been successful in a so-called red state, he brings to the public service of being mayor the background of having served in our armed forces.”

“He is of a new generation of leadership. Our party sometimes talks about bringing forward a new generation of leadership, well, hey man, there’s never been a better time,” added O’Malley, referring to the 35-year-old veteran of the war in Afghanistan.

The endorsement represents Buttigieg’s most prominent nod so far as he faces off against a field of favored candidates that includes Minnesota Rep. Keith Ellison and former Labor Secretary Tom Perez — and it’s a clear snub of Perez, a Marylander whom O’Malley appointed to be the state's secretary of labor in 2007.


VoteVets backed him the next day. Anybody know anything about Mayor Buttigieg?
http://www.democraticunderground.com/12816170

Howard Dean endorses South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg for DNC chair.

“Most important thing: He’s the outside-the-Beltway candidate.'>>>

http://www.politico.com/story/2017/02/howard-dean-endorses-pete-buttigieg-dnc-235257

[herding cats]

172. For me, those are powerful endorsements.

I deeply respect O'Malley, he was my first choice this last season. I still think he's got a future in the party.

Back to Buttigieg. That he's outside the beltway is a huge plus for me, and that Dean likes him is just an added bonus. Dean was an amazing DNC Chair in my opinion, and I'd love something similar for this time around. We need enthusiasm and energy, coupled with a 50 state strategy again.

Ah, a girl can dream.

[elleng]

173. With you again, cats!

And imagine Governor O'Malley and Mayor Buttigieg working TOGETHER!

AND, P.S. As to your 'handle,' imagine THIS!

Super Scientific DU DNC chair poll!!! VOTE HERE!!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10028695452

[herding cats]

174. Oh, that's kind of funny.

Humorously, I saw and voted in that poll the moment after I'd posted here.

Buttigieg seems popular here, let us hope that transcends beyond DU!

[elleng]

175. Yes let's hope!