Democratic Primaries
Related: About this forumHere's the official FEC page reporting Presidential candidates fundraising. Interestingly,
of almost 50 million Tom Steyer has raised, he contributed almost $48 million to his own campaign.
He can claim the dubious distinction of being the only candidate who has bought his way to the debate stage.
Biden's raised about the same amount of money as Kamala Harris -- far less than the other front runners.
https://www.fec.gov/data/candidates/president/?election_year=2020&cycle=2020&election_full=true
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
bluewater
(5,376 posts)from rich individual donors and corporations:
Biden Campaign Drops Opposition to Super PAC Support
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/24/us/politics/joe-biden-super-pac.html
Officially no. But it's easy to understand why it sometimes can seem as though they do. Although a candidate cannot coordinate expenditures with a super PAC (tell the PAC where an ad might be placed, whether the ad should be positive or negative, or what voters canvassers should contact), there's no law that says a candidate can't have connections with a the entities backing his or her election. Many super PACs such as the one supporting Romney, the pro-Newt Gingrich Winning Our Future, and Priorities USA, which backs President Obama are run by former top aides of the candidates. And candidates can headline fundraisers for the super PACs that are supporting them (as Romney has) so long as they don't ask for donations beyond the legal limits permitted for their own campaign committees. Donors are free to write larger checks and super PAC staffers are free to ask for them, but as long as the candidate abides by federal campaign limits or doesnt actually ask for funds. its all kosher. Bottom line: There's a legal prohibition against candidates' coordinating with super PACs but the FEC has been exceedingly lenient in defining what constitutions coordination, as University of California law professor Rick Hasen pithily outlines in his Election Law Blog.
Anything except contribute directly to, or coordinate expenditures with, candidates and candidate committees. They can pay for any typical political expenditure, and then some. Super PACs can and do pay for television ads, phone banks, canvassers and bumper stickers. In other words, they can act as a shadow campaign.
Traditional political action committees are bound by a $5,000 annual limit on the size of contributions they can accept from individuals and are prohibited from accepting contributions from corporations and labor unions. A super PAC is freed from these restrictions under two conditions: The PAC must neither 1) give money directly to a candidate or other political committees that give directly to candidates, nor 2) coordinate how it spends its money with a federal candidate. As long as those two conditions are met, a super PAC may accept donations directly from corporate or union treasuries and in amounts that are limited only by the size of donors' bank accounts. Movie mogul Jeffrey Katzenberg wrote a $2 million check to the super PAC backing President Obama's reelection; casino magnate Sheldon Adelson and his wife have reportedly underwritten a super PAC backing Newt Gingrich to the tune of $10 million. Neither of these donations could have been legally given to a traditional PAC.
The Supreme Courts ruling in Citizens United made it easier for corporations and unions to use their treasuries to directly influence elections. Some restrictions remain: if they want to give directly to candidates, they still have to establish political action committees and raise funds for them. But there are limits on how much traditional political action committees can accept in contributions and from whom: Currently, the cap on individual contributions is $5,000 a year. Donors to traditional union and corporate PACS must work for or own shares in those corporations or belong to those unions. They must be identified and the amounts of their donations made public. By contrast, super PACs can accept money in unlimited amounts from unions, corporations and unaffiliated individuals as well as from non-profit organizations that have been incorporated under innocuous-sounding names and that do not have to report the sources of their funding. That means individuals and entities with whom candidates might not wish to be publicly associated can support their campaigns anonymously.
https://sunlightfoundation.com/2012/01/31/nine-things-you-need-know-about-super-pacs/
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
beastie boy
(9,428 posts)every post that is remotely connected to Biden?
One might get an impression that he hurt your feelings and you can't get over it.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
Thekaspervote
(32,793 posts)Negative posting never changes the minds of voters... another reason?
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
Celerity
(43,501 posts)slightly ironic
I am NOT condoning the repetitive Biden bashing posts that are the subject here, but I do find it also ironic as to some who (not you btw) have been engaging in the exact same thread-bombing now taking issue with (or agreeing with another reply who is taking issue) the exact same behaviour simply because of who is the target in this case.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
HeartlandProgressive
(294 posts)In fact looking at the list of posts being complained about, none of them are "bashing" Biden.
What they are doing is presenting accurate information and news articles about Biden's reversal on his long held opposition to super pacs.
If these were described as accurate posts that are consistently presenting Biden in a negative light to dissuade voters, I would agree with that assessment. But they are not "bashing".
I consider "bashing" posts to be like the recent slew of anti-Sanders posts showing fuzzy photo's of his recent rally and trying to claim that the crowd is too white. What's incredible is that some of the participants in those threads are now here complaining about Biden being "bashed".
In closing, people who complain about their candidate "being bashed" seem to have no problem with posts that are constantly negative about Bernie Sanders, you were absolutely on target making that point.
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
Celerity
(43,501 posts)As you gathered, my main point was the repetitive nature from all sides and especially the selective outrage. The primaries cannot come soon enough for me so we can all focus on defeating Trump, regardless of who is our primary winner.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
HeartlandProgressive
(294 posts)Perhaps putting it in quotes would have been best, since I feel too many people might run with that while ignoring your point.
Other than, I totally agree with the spirit of your post.
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
Celerity
(43,501 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
Andy823
(11,495 posts)All the Harris bashing here after the first debate, never changed my mind, nor the attacks on Warren by pretty much the same bashers. Harris is still my first choice, and Warren is my second choice.
The bottom line is, whoever wins the nomination will get my support, and the support of every person who hates what trump has done to this country. We will get rid of him because as Joe himself said, "every one of our candidates can beat trump".
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
bluewater
(5,376 posts)Is there something wrong in accurately pointing out how Super Pacs work -- especially how they can get unlimited funds from rich individual donors and corporations -- that I should stop posting about it when fundraising in the 2020 Democratic primary comes up?
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
beastie boy
(9,428 posts)These are your Super Pac posts in the past three days just the ones I was able to locate), from three different threads:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/1287325703#post1
https://www.democraticunderground.com/1287325310#post1
https://www.democraticunderground.com/1287325310#post6
https://www.democraticunderground.com/1287323463#post6
https://www.democraticunderground.com/1287323463#post11
https://www.democraticunderground.com/1287323463#post41
https://www.democraticunderground.com/1287323463#post45
And here are your 1994 Act posts from just today (again, just the ones I could find):
https://www.democraticunderground.com/1287325737#post3
https://www.democraticunderground.com/1287325737#post8
https://www.democraticunderground.com/1287325600#post31
https://www.democraticunderground.com/1287325600#post24
Many of them have identical content. And what do they all have in common? Bashing Biden. If you show me any of your posts that that show how super pacs work sans the Biden bashing context, I might agree with you that there is nothing wrong in pointing out how super pacs work.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
bluewater
(5,376 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
beastie boy
(9,428 posts)Since there is no logical purpose to posting the same thing over and over again, I can only conclude that that your purpose is other than informational. And the only thing I can find present in all of your posts is the expression of extreme antipathy towards one, and only one, Democratic candidate. The history of your posts suggests that your mentions of both the 1994 crime bill and super pacs are incidental to posting something negative about Biden.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
bluewater
(5,376 posts)Joseph R. Biden Jr.s campaign effectively dropped its longstanding opposition to receiving the assistance of super PACs on Thursday, opening the door for wealthy supporters to spend unlimited amounts of money to try and lift him in the Democratic primary.
The move represents a stark reversal and an implicit acknowledgment of his weakened position in the contest. He entered October with only $9 million in the bank, a fraction of his leading rivals.
Mr. Biden had explicitly denounced support from a super PAC in his 2020 run and had previously said he would not have blessed one if he had run in 2016. As recently as a month ago, when a possible pro-Biden super PAC surfaced, his campaign denounced the effort.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/24/us/politics/joe-biden-super-pac.html
This is current news.
And here you are objecting to me posting current news about a candidate in the Primary Forum because it reflects poorly on your preferred candidate?
This is what the vast majority of threads and responses are trying to do here because it's a political forum. And that's is what happens on political forums. Is this news? lol
Seriously?
That's is exactly how the vetting process works and it's done all the time by many people on this forum.
So, yes, if the 1994 Crime Bill comes up, it's reasonable to point out that Senator Joe Biden was its co-author and that it was a bad bill that led to mass incarcerations of minorities.
And, yes, if campaign funding comes up, it's reasonable to point out that "Joseph R. Biden Jr.s campaign effectively dropped its longstanding opposition to receiving the assistance of super PACs." because his fundraising is going so badly.
The purpose of those posts is to highlight what mistakes I think your candidate has made .
That's all part of vetting and , gasp, the intention is to highlight those mistakes your preferred candidate has made and to influence people not to vote for him in the primaries.
This is what the threads and responses are trying to do here because this is a political forum. People are trying to influence how other people vote and a large part of that entails pointing out flaws in other candidates. Is this really a surprise or something?
Like it or not, Joe Biden is the current front runner and as the front runner he comes under the most scrutiny.
But thank you for providing me this opportunity to highlight these points in this thread.
I
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
beastie boy
(9,428 posts)But you can add one more post to your Biden bashing record.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
bluewater
(5,376 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
RudyColludie
(43 posts)pssst just between us Biden supporters, trying to control what people post is not the way to go, looks bad.. real bad...
It's Biden Time!
Vote Joe or Trump won't Go!
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
beastie boy
(9,428 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
cwydro
(51,308 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
RudyColludie
(43 posts)It's an instant turn off.
And what's wrong with mentioning the 1994 crime bill?
That bill was fine it was great! I am proud that Joe wrote the damn bill.
What is your problem with it? I dare you to name anything wrong with the 1994 crime bill.
It's Biden Time!
Vote Joe or Trump won't Go!
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
cwydro
(51,308 posts)Trash thread and ignore are handy-dandy features if youre easily offended.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
beastie boy
(9,428 posts)Especially when I can document what's on my mind. And if I ever get offended, easily or not, I will indeed partake of the handy-dandy features you mentioned.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
HeartlandProgressive
(294 posts)Did I miss your objections to all the repetitive negative posts complaining about Bernie Sanders crowds being too white?
Several of those same people are posting in this thread is why I ask.
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
beastie boy
(9,428 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
HeartlandProgressive
(294 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
HeartlandProgressive
(294 posts)Like all the negative posts about Sanders' latest rally claiming the crowd was too white?
I must have missed that...
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
beastie boy
(9,428 posts)In my opinion, the "Sanders too white" argument has certainly been overplayed on DU. But not being a Bernie supporter, I believe posts like these can be addressed more competently by the people who are.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
HeartlandProgressive
(294 posts)That say's it all. It is selective outrage.
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
beastie boy
(9,428 posts)Your definition of selective outrage doesn't create in me a sense of obligation. Contact Webster's if yo want to dispute it, but I've had enough of your nonsense.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
bluewater
(5,376 posts)"But not being a Bernie supporter, I believe posts like these can be addressed more competently by the people who are."
As I stated, you admitted you did not complain about those anti-Sanders postings.
Sorry, but that is the truth.
So much selective outrage, hmm? Left it to Sanders supporters to condemn anti-Sanders posts... Ok.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
beastie boy
(9,428 posts)Otherwise, you cannot possibly explain your "As I stated, you admitted you did not complain about those anti-Sanders postings." Bluewater, never stated it. But HeartlandProgressive sure did!You just got caught red-handed. How nice of you to lend such unwavering support to your other self! And no, it's not against DU rules to post under different names. But in your case, it's pretty dishonest.
But back to the issue: I as much admitted I did not complain about anti-Sanders supporters as I admitted to posting on DU. You want more admissions? I admit I did not complain about anti-Gabbard postings. And anti-Harris posters. And anti-Buttigieg posters. OMG! That totally disqualifies me from ever criticizing you... I mean HeartlandProgressive... or whatever persona you happen to assume, for excessive Biden bashing, right?
Taking your other posts as not Bluewater into account, it appears your Biden bashing is even more excessive than I first thought. This is a pretty silly game you are playing. Please find someone your own age if you wish to continue it. I am done with you.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
bluewater
(5,376 posts)"As I stated" was just a typo for "As was stated"
but hey, nice attempt at deflection.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
beastie boy
(9,428 posts)You totally discredited yourself, and don't expect me to be silent about it in the future. Deal with it.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
Response to beastie boy (Reply #40)
Post removed
beastie boy
(9,428 posts)And, out of my respect for emojis, I will not get into an argument over them.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
bluewater
(5,376 posts)No personal attacks or flaming
Do not personally attack, insult, flame, threaten, bully, harass, stalk, negatively call-out, ascribe ugly ulterior motives to, or make baseless claims about any member of this community. Do not post in a manner that is hostile, abusive, or aggressive toward any member of this community.
Why we have this rule: Civility begets quality discussions. Democratic Underground members are highly passionate about politics which means discussions can get heated -- but they don't need to get nasty. There's no reason why a community of intelligent adults who agree on a majority of political issues can't have a conversation without insulting each other or resorting to other anti-social behaviors.
Pardon the repetition, but I think it's worth posting that again.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
RudyColludie
(43 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
HeartlandProgressive
(294 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
HeartlandProgressive
(294 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
PhoenixDem
(581 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
HeartlandProgressive
(294 posts)Because pointing out the truth shows Biden in a bad light and might dissuade voters from supporting him?
Sorry, but that's not how a political forum works. One side does not get to censor postings.
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
myohmy2
(3,176 posts)...this is horrible...
...and the FEC doesn't lie...
...I'll pray for Joe...
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
BlueMTexpat
(15,373 posts)What I loved most seeing is that Elizabeth Warren has disbursed just more than half of the money that she has raised so far.
To me, that shows that she is putting her funds to good use!
Knowing how to spend money effectively is an excellent quality in a candidate, IMO.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
FM123
(10,054 posts)Wow! Am I the only one thinking that that is A LOT of money that could have been better spent somewhere else? Like helping our Dems across the board...
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
pnwmom
(108,995 posts)as he is being with himself. We'll see if he genuinely cares or not.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden