Feel the Franken DISCONTINUED

[MAINEiac4434]

"...thank you, and god bless America!" Tom Perez walked off the stage to thunderous cheers, just 12 hours after the Democrats had retaken both chambers. He poured himself a glass of water backstage and sat down to think.

When Tom Perez had first started as chairperson of the DNC, he'd been booed by audiences who'd felt he'd unjustly stolen the chairmanship out from Bernie's chosen candidate, Keith Ellison. But he'd won over rank-and-file Democrats (including Berniecrats) with his fiery passion and his willingness to work outside of his own faction of the party.

And it had largely worked. 2018 was the most successful year for the Democrats...maybe ever.

But the next chapter of his chairmanship was his most important. In a few months, candidates would begin announcing. He already knew who some of them would be. Kirsten, Kamala, Terry, Andrew...probably Bernie. He was scared that the party was making the same mistake it had in 2016...career politicians who couldn't speak to average Americans.

And then there was Al. Al wasn't a career politician, was charming and affable, and smart as hell. He knew Hillary had already pressured Al to run. Unsurprising, consider her history of butting heads with Joe and Bernie, Andrew's unpopularity, Kamala's inexperience...

He was scared, though. If Bernie ran and lost again, what would happen in November?

[MAINEiac4434]

Hate doesn't make America great, and we need a President who understands and respects the contributions all Americans make! That's why I'm running for President! 

It's time to Make America Love Again. That's been my message for my entire career in public service, and it will be my message as President of the United States!

The time has come for real progressive leadership to come back to the White House, to make the country better for everyone! And that's why I'm running for President of the United States!

The establishment has hurt everyday Americans for too long. We need to work together to defeat it. That is why I'm running for President of the United States.

I am the only candidate currently, and will be the only candidate with a consistent track record of progressive accomplishment for my state. That is why I should be President of the United States.

No one in this race has done more for the cause of social justice than I. And no one will do more as President for social justice, for economic justice, for healthcare reform. These issues have always been close to my heart, and they're what's motivating my campaign for President of the United States.

I have a long track record of bringing not just prosperity to my commonwealth, but progress. I will use the Old Dominion Model as a national template so that all shall take part in the21st Century economy. That is why I'm running for President of the United States!

You know who I am, you know where I stand, and you know I will stand with you as President.

[MAINEiac4434]

The fun thing about this timeline is that, if 2018 is to 2006 what 2020 will be to 2008, House Republican's freefall is far from over.

Also, your sig made me laugh.

[MAINEiac4434]

Atlas Forum
- Presidential Elections - Analysis and Discussion
-- 2020 U.S. Presidential Election (Moderators: NebraskaTrot, Bill, MAINEiac8868)
--- Will Anyone Else Jump In?

Small Wyvern Albus        YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 1392

Will Anyone Else Jump In? « on: April 5, 2019, 05:16:09 pm »Will anyone else jump in for the Communist Party? That's what I'm calling them now because they're all running like Trotskyists.

NebraskaTrot Omaha Trotsky Moderators      YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 9212

Will Anyone Else Jump In? « Reply #1 on: April 5, 2019, 05:17:15 pm » You must be logged in to read this quote. Are you kidding? Anyway, I'm thinking one or two more might jump in. Murphy, maybe. Tammy Duckworth, maybe. I'm inclined to believe that Liz's denials are serious and that she won't jump in, even though she'd win. I guess she's just not interested in the job. I'm surprised Klobuchar hasn't announced, she'd need the name recognition of announcing early. Maybe she knows something about Flawless Beautiful Al.

America First America1st YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 4122

Will Anyone Else Jump In? « Reply #2 on: April 5, 2019, 05:18:36 pm »Agreed, NebTrot. I think there's one more shoe to drop. And if you're a Dem, you better be hoping for it because this field is weak, weak, weak so far.

CUOMO markwarner2020 YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 80000

Will Anyone Else Jump In? « Reply #3 on: January 5, 2040, 05:20:12 pm »lmao Andrew will crush Al Frunken and Timmy Buckworth and Kris Moophy. ANDREW 2020

Kamala is my Queen Jill YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 1223

Will Anyone Else Jump In? « Reply #4 on: April 5, 2019, 05:24:30 pm » You must be logged in to read this quote. This is your 80,000th post, and this is what you have to say? Anyway, the more the merrier. I'm open to voting for any one of these candidates, except Tulsi. Never Tulsi.

Never Tulsi ihatetulsigabbard YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 3848

Will Anyone Else Jump In? « Reply #5 on: April 5, 2019, 05:24:47 pm »I certainly hope so. More people to beat Tulsi.

Al Franken 2020 maineica4434 YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 8849

Will Anyone Else Jump In? « Reply #6 on: April 5, 2019, 05:26:39 pm »I want to believe you about Franken, NebTrot, I really do, but I don't think he does it. He had to be begged just to run for Senate. Do you guys think it's too early for Jared Golden or Betsy Sweet? I know they were just inaugurated but already they're Making Maine Great Again.

Kamala (2020) Kamala YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 4554

Will Anyone Else Jump In? « Reply #7 on: April 5, 2019, 05:28:09 pm » You must be logged in to read this quote. Oh, you.

[MAINEiac4434]

"So. This is it." Al couldn't help but smile as he sat backstage listening to Amy introduce him. Standing in front of him was Stephanie Schriock, the former Emily's List director and his 2008 campaign manager. She was back for 2020.

"This is it, Senator. Are you ready?"

"Nope," Al grinned, "but what the hell."

"...and I want you to give a warm, Minnesota welcome to Senator Al Franken!"

"Thank you, Amy, for that wonderful introduction. And thanks to all of you for coming out on the beautiful Minnesota day!"

"20 years ago, I never thought I'd be standing in front of you as your Senator. 20 years ago, I had written a couple of highly successful books, satirizing politics. One of them was called Why Not Me?, and it was about me running for President of the United States.

Well, why not me?

My friends, I am officially announcing my candidacy for President of the United States!"

[MAINEiac4434]

Daww, thanks.

------

FiveThirtyEight Election Chat
April 20, 2019

micah (Micah Cohen, politics editor): So. Al Franken announced, electrifying progressives and fans of satire everywhere. Is this it? Are there any more Democrats announcing?

natesilver (Nate Silver, editor in chief): No, I don't think so. Garcetti won't because Harris is in, Klobuchar won't because Franken is in, Warren just won't...and who's left for the Democrats? A bunch of freshman congresspeople and governors?

clare.malone (Clare Malone, senior political writer): The field is Senator-heavy and Governor-light. Only Cuomo and McAuliffe for the Guvs.

perry (Perry Bacon Jr., senior writer): Uh guys, aren't we forgetting THE ZUCK

harry (Harry Enten, senior writer): oh god

clare.malone: oh no.

natesilver: He's not running.

micah: Perry plz no

perry: He started a PAC!

clare.malone: Only to help his friends...can we get back on topic please?

perry: I insist Zuck is in the header image.

natesilver: fine

perry: okay, back on topic: Democrats are always Senator-heavy. Bill Clinton was the last Gov to win a Dem primary. But Hillary was a Senator, Obama was a Senator Mondale was a Senator, McGovern was a Senator, HHH was a Senator before becoming veep, LBJ was a Senator, JFK was a Senator...

harry: We get it perry

harry: and the answer is obviously no. This is it for the Democrats. I love Andru Volinsky but he's  been Governor for 20 minutes, as has almost every other Democratic governor.

natesilver: Actually

harry: oh god what

perry: if you say Oprah I swear to god I'm resigning right now

natesilver: I'm hearing noises about Steve Bullock

harry: interesting

micah: Huh. Serious noises?

natesilver: yes

clare.malone: In all honesty that might eat into Franken's potential base, being from somewhere other than the coasts.

perry: but other than that there's no crossover...Franken is the consummate liberal, Bullock's more Blue Doggy.

micah: well it's not as if Bullock was Joe Manchin. He's pretty progressive, especially for a red western state.

harry: and extremely popular

natesilver: I think he'd make a good impression on Iowans and New Hampshirites.

harry: this is where I mention I'm so sad that Andy Volinsky won't run.

micah: he's been Governor for 20 minutes Harry

harry: even still...

clare.malone: You know, watching the 2018 results really reinforced that the Obama midterms were tough for the Democrats.

natesilver: they had 16 governorships before winning NJ in Nov. 2017.

micah: and what do we think Al Franken's floor and ceiling is?

perry: ceiling: nominee.

micah: YES

natesilver: really? Over everyone else?

clare.malone: I like it, Perry.

harry: Bold prediction

perry: Franken is uniquely capable as painting himself as a Trump foil, as a non-politician, even better than Bernie was in 2016.

natesilver: But he has a funding problem. Literally everyone else can raise more money than him.

perry: I'm not sold on that, Nate. I think he can get a decent amount of Sanders' 2016 grassroots support. Let's be honest, even if they love Bernie some of them HAVE to know that nominating a dude who will be 79 years old is not their best shot.

clare.malone: But: Gillibrand's more liberal than him.

micah: According to the metrics, yes. But he's not connected to Wall Street like Gillibrand is.

harry: I forgot Micah is a big Franken guy.

micah: we prefer the term "Franken Wankers".

natesilver: great now I'm going to have to put an NSFW tag on this.

clare.malone: I guess another problem I have is he has no natural constituency.

perry: I disagree Clare. He can win over many Bernie supporters and a decent amount of Hillary supporters who don't like the rest of the establishment field. His charm and humor give him an in with young voters, the Daily Show and Colbert and Sam Bee fans.

clare.malone: You bring up good points...

natesilver: great, now everyone on the chat is a Franken Wanker.

micah: Who do we think is the weakest candidate.

harry: John Delaney

perry: Delaney

natesilver: John K. Delaney

clare.malone: Delaney

micah: who do we think is the weakest candidate not named Delaney

natesilver: Cuomo. In spite of his progressive reforms, he lost to Preet Bharara in the Democratic primary last year. And it wasn't really close.

perry: true, and he wasn't the most popular man in true blue New York either.

clare.malone: I actually think it's Booker. Everyone seems to think he's New Jersey Obama, but Bernie people have been on him since the last cycle. I think he'll wilt under pressure.

harry: and it'd be easy to paint him - and Cuomo too, for that matter - as part of the swamp if they were to win the nomination.

natesilver: But we don't think they'll win the nomination, do we?

perry: no

clare.malone: not a chance

micah: LOL

harry: nope

natesilver: So...who wins Iowa next year?

harry: Bernie. Already has an established base of support, nearly won it in 2016, and now the Hillary vote will be split like 9000 ways

clare.malone: Bullock, if he runs. He'll really resonate there.

perry: Kamala. I know she's California but she's charismatic as all hell.

micah: Al Franken, and it won't be close.

[MAINEiac4434]

Loving this so far!

*whispers* can I be included as an Atlas member?

Yes! I was reluctant to add real people because I was afraid of passing someone off. But everyone in that thread is based off a real person.

[MAINEiac4434]

"I'm sorry, Governor. But I'm not going against my party."

John Kasich sighed. He supposed that John Hickenooper had always been a loyal Democrat, if close to the center.

"I understand, Governor. Do you think any Democrats would be interested?"

"No. But Mitt Romney might. He hates Trump almost as much as you." Hickenlooper was partially lying...Lincoln Chafee probably would've been interested, but he didn't want to divide the Democratic Party.

"Would he be okay, playing second fiddle?"

"You'd have to ask him that."

Kasich liked the idea...Romney was respected on all sides. So was McCain, God rest his soul. Defeat had made them beloved and respected. He wanted that, almost as much as he wanted to beat Trump.

[MAINEiac4434]

South Carolina-06: Jim Clyburn

Majority Whip-elect?

Jim Clyburn has retired from the leadership. Steny is the Whip, Rosa DeLauro is the Majority Leader.

So Steny took a demotion, then?

Yup. It's fairly well established that he and Pelosi don't get along. Steyn won't run for reelection in 2020, either.

Up to you if you want to add me. (I'd be backing Kasich/Romney? here, since Trump clearly cost Rauner reelection.)

You're going to really, really like his VP choice...

[MAINEiac4434]

Atlas Forum
- Presidential Elections - Analysis and Discussion
-- 2020 U.S. Presidential Election (Moderators: NebraskaTrot, Bill, MAINEiac8868)
--- Klobuchar Major Announcement

Kamala (2020) Kamala        YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 4555

Klobuchar Major Announcement « on: April 8, 2019, 07:16:09 pm »So CNN just said the "Minnesota Senators have a major announcement" and cut to an auditorium filled with people. Klobuchar about to go on. Is she about to declare?

Al Franken 2020 MAINEiac4434 Moderators      YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 8850

Klobuchar Major Announcement « Reply #1 on: April 8, 2019, 07:17:15 pm »Weird that she wouldn't have anyone introducing her...

Kasich/? 2020 Not_Madigan YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 4122

Klobuchar Major Announcement « Reply #2 on: April 8, 2019, 07:17:36 pm »I don't want to freak out MAINEiac...but what if it's the other Senator from Minnesota

CUOMO markwarner2020 YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 80098

Klobuchar Major Announcement « Reply #3 on: April 8, 2019, 07:20:12 pm »lmao Andrew will crush Al Frunken and Amy Flobukar ANDREW 2020

Peebs Peebs YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 1223

Klobuchar Major Announcement « Reply #4 on: April 8, 2019, 07:24:30 pm » You must be logged in to read this quote. Can we ban this troll… Klobuchar's on now. It's clear she isn't running because she's clearly referring to someone else.

Acting Delegate The Saint The_Saint YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 3848

Klobuchar Major Announcement « Reply #5 on: April 08, 2019, 07:24:47 pm »Is it just me or is she talking about Franken

Al Franken 2020 MAINEiac4434 YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 8851

FEEL THE FRANKEN: OFFICIAL FRANKEN ANNOUNCEMENT THREAD « Reply #6 on: April 8, 2019, 07:26:39 pm »

Kamala (2020) Kamala YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 4554

FEEL THE FRANKEN: OFFICIAL FRANKEN ANNOUNCEMENT THREAD « Reply #7 on: April 8, 2019, 07:28:09 pm »MAINEiac is dead.

Newsom 2028 Libertarian- Leaning Progressive        YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 1392

FEEL THE FRANKEN: OFFICIAL FRANKEN ANNOUNCEMENT THREAD « on: April 8, 2019, 07:29:09 pm »Here he comes...

NebraskaTrot Omaha Trotsky Moderators      YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 9212

FEEL THE FRANKEN: OFFICIAL FRANKEN ANNOUNCEMENT THREAD « Reply #1 on: April 8, 2019, 07:29:15 pm »Preemptively banning MAINEiac

Al Franken 2020 MAINEiac4434 YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 4122

FEEL THE FRANKEN: OFFICIAL FRANKEN ANNOUNCEMENT THREAD « Reply #2 on: April 8, 2019, 07:30:36 pm »MY KING IS ALIVE

Kamala is my Queen Jill YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 1223

FEEL THE FRANKEN: OFFICIAL FRANKEN ANNOUNCEMENT THREAD « Reply #4 on: April 8 2019, 07:31:30 pm »This is a really great speech. Really great.

Never Tulsi ihatetulsigabbard YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 3848

OFFICIAL AL FRANKEN ANNOUNCEMENT THREAD « Reply #5 on: April 5, 2019, 07:32:47 pm »Franken is clearly the best candidate. He's the anti-Tulsi.

Al Franken 2020 maineica4434 YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 8849

FEEL THE FRANKEN: OFFICIAL FRANKEN ANNOUNCEMENT THREAD « Reply #6 on: April 8, 2019, 07:35:39 pm »"I am not in this race to attack other Democrats, but to advocate for privacy, for justice, for liberty, for equality, the founding principles of this great nation, principles that everyone other Democratic candidate stands for." He's so great. Can't wait until he's President.

Kamala (2020) Kamala YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 4554

FEEL THE FRANKEN: OFFICIAL FRANKEN ANNOUNCEMENT THREAD « Reply #7 on: April 8, 2019, 07:37:09 pm »Wow. Might need to change my endorsement...

[MAINEiac4434]

I like that I somehow surpass Saint in lose most of my posts.  Thank you.

The post counts are literally an afterthought. I just type in former random numbers.

Also, shout out to NJ_dem, whose formatting I used for the Atlas posts. Check out Sun & Moon, their really good future TL.

[MAINEiac4434]

South Carolina-06: Jim Clyburn

Majority Whip-elect?

Jim Clyburn has retired from the leadership. Steny is the Whip, Rosa DeLauro is the Majority Leader.

So Steny took a demotion, then?

Yup. It's fairly well established that he and Pelosi don't get along. Steyn won't run for reelection in 2020, either.

But wouldn't it be up to the House Democrats, & not Pelosi, to choose to (or not to) keep on Hoyer as Majority Leader/the No. 2 position? After all, Hoyer's been No. 2 of the Democratic leadership team since 2003. Even if he was challenged, wouldn't he, like Pelosi last year, have enough of a support-base in the caucus to be considered a shoo-in for reelection as No. 2?

Not to mention, Pelosi's disregard for Hoyer has been the catalyst for a challenge against him before, too... & it failed badly. In 2006, after Democrats took control of the House & Pelosi was boosted to Speaker, she backed John Murtha of PA for the No. 2 spot, despite Hoyer's candidacy for the job. Hoyer beat Murtha 149 to 86, showing that House Democrats (though it may have been over 10 years ago) can & will rebuke Pelosi re: leadership positions over strong opposition from her.

Really sorry for getting super technical on such a small issue like this, especially something that took place 2 pages ago. I'm just really curious as to how it's going down, is all lol

Okay, so:

DeLauro got the backing of Pelosi loyalists and the Berniecrats elected to the House in 2018, because she also got Keith Ellison's endorsement. That, coupled with a persistent rumor about his desire to retire after 2020 or 2022, led to his narrow defeat for Majority Leader.

[MAINEiac4434]

[MAINEiac4434]

Pamela Rosen Lampitt is a real person, and represents NJ's 6th district in the General Assembly...which I just realized is outside the third district. Damn. Switching it to Kim now.

Menendez was forced not to run for reelection by the Democratic establishment. He was eventually convicted.

[MAINEiac4434]

Atlas Forum
- Presidential Elections - Analysis and Discussion
-- 2020 U.S. Presidential Election (Moderators: NebraskaTrot, Bill, MAINEiac8868)
--- First Democratic Debate Livethread

Nebraska Trot Omaha Trotsky       Moderators ★★★★★ Posts: 4555

First Democratic Debate Live Thread « on: April 30, 2019, 06:58:09 pm »So they invited Bullock even though he hasn't even announced yet. Lots of Bernie, Franken and Kamala signs behind the MSNBC studio on the Michigan campus quad. Bernie and Kamala are arguably the two biggest names, and Franken's from a kinda-neighboring state. Haven't seen a single Booker sign yet.

Spenstar Spenstar YaBB God       YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 8850

Klobuchar Major Announcement « Reply #1 on: April 30, 2019, 07:00:15 pm »LMAO at the probably one dude who has a Booker sign surrounded by Bernie signs.

Kasich/? 2020 Not_Madigan YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 4122

First Democratic Debate Thread « Reply #2 on: April 30, 2019, 07:01:36 pm » You must be logged in to read this quote. He's probably holding it low, sideyeing everyone around him to make sure no one notices it and starts asking uncomfortable questions.

CUOMO markwarner2020 YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 80098

First Democratic Debate Megathread « Reply #3 on: April 30, 2019, 07:01:42 pm »ANDREW 2020

Peebs Peebs YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 1223

First Democratic Debate Thread/color] « Reply #4 on: April 30, 2019, 07:01:55 pm »Huge applause for Bernie as he's introduced.

Acting Delegate The Saint The_Saint YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 3848

First Democratic Debate Thread « Reply #5 on: April 30, 2019, 07:02:13 pm »Interested to see if anyone will try to pivot to the center or all try to out-lefty eachother.

Al Franken 2020 MAINEiac4434 YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 8851

First Democratic Debate Thread « Reply #6 on: April 30, 2019, 07:02:39 pm »Some boos for Booker, but overall the majority of the crowd seems open to all the candidates. Franken, Gabbard, Cuomo left to be introduced.

Kamala (2020) Kamala YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 4554

First Democratic Debate Thread « Reply #7 on: April 8, 2019, 07:02:59 pm »Kamala changed her hair. Looks nice. Oh god, definitely heard the boos for Cuomo.

Newsom 2028 Libertarian- Leaning Progressive       YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 1392

First Democratic Debate Thread « on: April 8, 2019, 07:03:09 pm »Great reception for Franken. Rivals Bernie's.

Al Franken 2020 MAINEiac4434       YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 9212

First Democratic Debate Thread « Reply #1 on: April 8, 2019, 07:03:35 pm »That's right Ann Arbor, applaud your future President. And boo Tulsi. Good job.

Never Tulsi ihatetulsigabbard YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 4122

First Democratic Debate Thread « Reply #2 on: April 30, 2019, 07:03:42 pm »Tulsi got the worst reception lol even worse than Cuomo and Booker

Saguaro azcactus YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 1223

First Democratic Debate Thread « Reply #4 on: April 8 2019, 07:04:30 pm »Big on the blue suits tonight. Like that Bernie rocking the socialist red tie though. Booker already sweating like a dog.

Never Tulsi ihatetulsigabbard YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 3848

OFFICIAL AL FRANKEN ANNOUNCEMENT THREAD « Reply #5 on: April 30, 2019, 07:05:47 pm »Tulsi's the first to speak? Rigged

Al Franken 2020 MAINEiac4434 YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 8849

FEEL THE FRANKEN: OFFICIAL FRANKEN ANNOUNCEMENT THREAD « Reply #6 on: April 30, 2019, 07:04:59 pm »"I am the most progressive candidate in this race." You could hear the audience laugh. Tulsi wouldn't even be the most progressive person in a room with Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski and John McCain's corpse.

Kamala (2020) Kamala YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 4554

First Democratic Debate Thread « Reply #7 on: April 8, 2019, 07:06:13 pm »I had totally forgotten John Delaney was even on the stage until Chuck Todd just went to him for his opening statement. He looks like my 8th grade social studies teacher. What's he even talking about?

Saguaro azcactus YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 1223

First Democratic Debate Thread « Reply #4 on: April 8 2019, 07:06:48 pm »So, after that trainwreck of an opening statement, I suppose we can say that John Delaney's presidential campaign will end in approximately three hours.

[MAINEiac4434]

Wait, John McCain is dead?

Died on Christmas Day 2018. The brain tumor.

In his first official act as Governor of Arizona, Greg Stanton nominated his widow Cindy to the seat. A special election will be held in 2020.

Now I want to know how Kamala’s hair looks like.

She cut it to her chin. Reviews are mixed.

[MAINEiac4434]

Al looked out over the crowd as Kirsten finished up her opening statement, which was fine. Better than the ones who'd gone before her, that's for damn sure.

The crowd was college kids, mostly. He looked out over America's future. God, some of them were young enough not to know him when he was on SNL.

"And Seantor Franken, your opening statement."

"My name's Al Franken. You may know me from my years on Saturday Night Live. But unlike the current President, I actually have political experience too. For the past ten years, I've had the distinct pleasure of serving my home state of Minnesota in the United States Senate, focusing on things like net neutrality, campaign finance reform, healthcare, civil rights, social justice. I never thought I'd even be in the senate, let alone standing in front of all of you as a candidate for President of the United States. I already have the best job in the world, I have the seat that was once held by my good friend Paul Wellstone. Paul died in a plane crash in 2002. He always used to say that 'Politics isn't about winning for the sake of winning, it isn't about money, it isn't about power, it's about improving people's lives.' I try to live up to those words every day. And that's why I'm running for President."

[MAINEiac4434]

CUOMO: The fact that anyone would allege that I'm not a progressive, Senator Harris, is ridiculous. You can look at my record, I achieved progressive change my entire eight years as Governor.

FRANKEN: But you lost your primary for a reason, Governor. People are sick and tired of machine politics and establishment politics, that's why we have orange doofus with the worst combover I've ever seen in my life as our President right now! Can you really pledge to be the changemaker this country needs?

CUOMO: And what have you done Senator Franken?

FRANKEN: I'm glad you asked. As a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, I've worked closely with Democrats and Republicans to make breakthroughs in healthcare, in labor rights, it hasn't always been easy, especially the last couple years, and sometimes it feels like your banging your head into a brick wall, but when Trumpcare failed, Graham-Cassidy failed, when their national right to work law failed, I was there on the front lines, fighting for Minnesotans and Americans, I wasn't out in ballrooms hobnobbing with the 1%, Governor, I was in the hospital room with Senator McCain, god rest his soul, making the final pitch that he should vote against national right to work, and he did, and it was his final vote. So don't tell me I'm not out here having a positive impact on Americans, don't say I haven't done anything, Governor, because it's not true.

[crowd cheering]

TODD: I must ask the audience to please keep it under control...Senator Franken, so you agree with Senator Harris and Senator Sanders, that Governor Cuomo is not a progressive?

FRANKEN: Yes, I do.

CUOMO: Can I respond please?

TODD: We're moving on to the war in Korea, Governor - as you know, coalition troops finally took Pyongyang last week, and the President said that the war will end "very quickly" now. Senator Franken, since its your turn to start the discussion, what is your stance on the war and ending the war?

FRANKEN: We all know why the President got us into this war. He needed a win. He had struck out on healthcare, struck out on tax reform, struck out on labor reform, struck out on the wall and on immigration. So he wanted to do something that Congress couldn't stop. So he rattled that saber his entire first year in office, like with that bizarre UN speech, and didn't even ask congress for an authorization for use of military force. As the Commander in Chief he just sent thousands of our brave men and women into harms way, and didn't even have the guts to face Congress, the voice of the people. 3,500 Americans are dead in Korea in the first eight months. Do you remember the administration right before the start? They made it sound like a vacation. 'Six weeks, in and out, they'll have democracy and capitalism and Hyundai plants.' Eight months later, 3,487 lives shorter, and we've only just taken the capital. Refugees are pouring out of both North and South Korea, straining the Chinese and Japanese immigration systems. And who knows how many militiamen are left in the mountains. We don't know where Kim is. The war has been TODD: ten seconds left Senator a tremendous failure on all accounts, and on my first day as President, I will immediately withdraw all troops from Korea.

[crowd cheers loudly]

[MAINEiac4434]

FiveThirtyEight Election Chat
April 30, 2019

natesilver (Nate Silver, editor in chief): So that was...

clare.malone (Clare Malone, senior political writer): Crazy?

perry (Perry Bacon Jr., senior political writer): Lively

micah (Micah Cohen, politics editor): A Franken Coronation

harry (Harry Enten, senior political writer): Great!

natesilver: Yeah, it was probably all of those things. So let's talk about the negatives. You each got one.

perry: Delaney

clare.malone: Damn it, Perry, I was gonna pick Delaney

harry: everyone was going to pick Delaney.

micah: good god, Delaney was terrible.

natesilver: I couldn't stop looking at the glare from that one spotlight on his shiny head.

harry: better than actually listening to what he had to say

perry: he sounded like a knockoff Zuck tbh

clare.malone: I think the crowd were willing to give him a shot, but he's so far to the right compared to the rest of the field on fiscal issues, and he was just so weak, he let Gillibrand walk all over him on corporate tax rates.

harry: And that opening statement. Talk about setting yourself up for failure.

perry: can't believe he actually mispronounced his wife's name.

clare.malone: Her name's April! Why did he say "May-pril"?!

natesilver: Probably because today is the last day of April, and tomorrow is May.

perry: I just wanted to walk him off the stage and take him to that couch where they send the kids who lose the spelling bee.

Pictured: John Delaney, probably

micah: We could go on and on and on and on about Delaney

harry: and on

clare.malone: HE SPILLED HIS WATER

natesilver: arguably funniest debate moment since Stockdale's "Who am I?"

micah: but we need other negatives.

harry: Cuomo.

perry: Cuomo got wrecked by Franken

natesilver: And Al Franken is actually a really nice guy, so he must've been livid with Cuomo after the "what have you done?"

clare.malone: Franken's attack stuck with Cuomo all night. He kinda wanted to play the brutish stereotypical New Yorker but when you get backed off by a Minnesotan you know all is lost.

micah: Yeah, it completely knocked him off his game. He looked timid and intimidated for the rest of the night.

natesilver: Other negatives.

perry: Bernie.

harry: Really?

clare.malone: I agree with Perry. One of the big criticisms of Bernie in 2016 is that he just repeated his stump speech. "RIGGED SYSTEM." "ONE TENTH OF ONE PERCENT." "POLITICAL REVOLUTION." I'd hoped he'd mixed it up a little, but he's still playing the classics.

harry: well, if the crowd loves them...

natesilver: But he rarely moves beyond the talking point, we always hear the talking point and not the policy. When he does get into details, they're either vague or unworkable.

perry: I think a lot of people went into that debate Berniebros and came out Frankenwankers.

micah: which segues perfectly into positives.

perry: Franken

natesilver: The Junior Senator from Minnesota

clare.malone: The Democratic nominee for President

harry: the comedian

micah: Yeah. Franken was a rock star.

clare.malone: He struck the perfect balance of serious political guy who you trust with the country and nukes and budgets and stuff and funny guy you'd actually like to hang out with.

natesilver: If Franken does win the nomination - and his chances are really, really good, as good as anyone else's - then they should sell the Trump-Franken debates on pay-per-view.

harry: his one-liners were great.

perry: Tulsi: "Senator are you a warmonger"

perry: Franken: *looks at camera* "No, but I am a Jew, and according to Steve Bannon those two things are the same."

harry: Oh! Tulsi was another negative.

clare.malone: considering her base is literally diehard Bernie people, and Bernie's in the race, I have to wonder what her other constituency is

natesilver: Alt-Righties who are Democrats

harry: Gillibrand did really well.

micah: Agreed. I - and everyone else - expected her to be a Hillary clone, somewhat unfairly, because she's a blond female senator from New York.

perry: she was surprisingly progressive - she had to be I guess - but she was also the first person to bring up single payer.

harry: Yeah, and Bernie was in that shot too and kind of looked down as if to say "Damn, how'd I let her mention single payer first."

clare.malone: And Kamala was great too. I don't care what anyone else says, the hair was hot.

harry: She deflected Mnuchin as best she could.

micah: "as a prosecutor, I have to make tough decisions on whether or not to prosecute. Mnuchin's wealth would've made the trial long and difficult, and costly to the California taxpayer, and there was every likelihood he'd beat the charge. Sometimes, that's how our justice system works. But where our justice system doesn't work is private prisons..."

perry: kind of falls on deaf ears though when Cali has a huge private prison population.

clare.malone: She got the crowd roaring though when she called him "sexist, racist, every other -ist." And again when she said "But trust me, no one intimidates Donald Trump more than a black woman who's smarter than him."

natesilver: Great moment, we'll be seeing that in Kamala ads for as long as she's in the race.

natesilver: Alright, so grades:

micah: Franken, A+; Gillibrand, A-; Harris, B; Booker, B-; O'Malley, B-(!); Bernie, B-; McAuliffe, C+; Cuomo, D; Gabbard, D; Delaney; F.

clare.malone: Franken, A+; Harris, A; Gillibrand, A; Bernie, B; Booker, B-; McAuliffe, B-; O'Malley, C+, Gabbard, C-; Cuomo, C-; Delaney, F.

harry: Franken, A+; Gillibrand, B+, Booker, B; Harris, B; Bernie, B; McAuliffe, B-; O'Malley, C; Gabbard, C-; Delaney, F; Cuomo, F. (No one's done more damage to their own chances tonight than Cuomo...everyone knew Delaney was DOA. That's why Cuomo's performance is the worst.)

perry: Delaney, A++++; Franken, A; Harris, A-; Gillibrand, B+, Booker, B; McAuliffe, B; Bernie, B-; O'Malley, D; Cuomo, F; Gabbard, F. (Delaney for pure entertainment value, don't know what Micah is smoking with that O'Malley grade, the dude sounds so unsure of himself when he speaks. Tommy Carcetti was based on that guy? Really?)

[MAINEiac4434]

Ahh too many people want to be in the forum! I'll try my best to involve everyone but I don't want anyone to be upset if they're not included enough...

--------

Atlas Forum
- Presidential Elections - Analysis and Discussion
-- 2020 U.S. Presidential Election (Moderators: NebraskaTrot, Bill, MAINEiac8868)
--- First Democratic Debate Post-Debate Thread

Nebraska Trot Omaha Trotsky        Moderators ★★★★★ Posts: 4555

First Democratic Debate Post-Debate Thread « on: April 30, 2019, 9:02:09 pm »Franken dominated, Kamala sassed the place up, and John Delaney reminded us all of a 14 year old at homecoming without a date. Thoughts?

Spenstar Spenstar YaBB God      YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 8850

First Democratic Debate Post-Debate Thread « Reply #1 on: April 30, 2019, 09:02:36 pm »John Delaney mispronounced his own wife's name. Which I suppose is better than Trump, who at this point is so far along with Alzheimer's he can't remember his wife's name... I was leaning Franken before and now I'm 100% Frankenwanker.

Kasich/? 2020 Not_Madigan YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 4122

First Democratic Debate Post-Debate Thread « Reply #2 on: April 30, 2019, 09:02:36 pm »Very entertaining. John Delaney strikes me as a good guy who is just hopelessly awkward. Poor guy.

CUOMO markwarner2020 YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 80098

First Democratic Debate Post-Debate Thread « Reply #3 on: April 30, 2019, 09:03:42 pm »ANDREW DOMINATED

Peebs Peebs YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 1223

First Democratic Debate Post-Debate Thread/color] « Reply #4 on: April 30, 2019, 09:03:55 pm »Still a BernieSis, but I'd be proud to vote for Franken in the general. Bernie got outflanked on healthcare by Gillibrand, somehow.

Acting Delegate The Saint The_Saint YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 3848

First Democratic Debate Post-Debate Thread « Reply #5 on: April 30, 2019, 09:04:13 pm »Oof, Delaney doesn't even have anyone in the spin room. Even O'Malley has spinners.

Al Franken 2020 MAINEiac4434 YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 8851

First Democratic Debate Thread « Reply #6 on: April 30, 2019, 09:05:39 pm » You must be logged in to read this quote. Bernie looked shook when that happened. And speaking of shook, lmao when Franken went at Cuomo. I was cheering in my living room. Totally knocked Cuomo off his game, ruined the debate for him. And the early grades are ranking him second to last, only ahead of Kamala's 8th grade social studies teacher.

Kamala (2020) Kamala YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 4554

First Democratic Debate Post-Debate Thread « Reply #7 on: April 8, 2019, 09:05:59 pm »My top three all did well. I'm happy. And...is Nina Turner spinning for Tulsi on MSNBC right now? WTF?

Newsom 2028 Libertarian- Leaning Progressive        YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 1392

First Democratic Debate Post-Debate Thread « Reply #8 on: April 30, 2019, 09:06:14 pm »Great debate, pretty much has turned this into a Franken/Harris/Gillibrand/Sanders race. Booker needed to come out big but came off flat. And the others  don't even merit mentioning.

Parrotguy Wyman      YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 9212

First Democratic Debate Thread « Reply #9 on: April 30, 2019, 09:06:35 pm »I think I'm going to make Franken's "I'm not a warmonger, but I am a Jew and Steve Bannon thinks those two things are the same" line my new signature. America, please elect him.

Never Tulsi ihatetulsigabbard YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 4122

First Democratic Debate Post-Debate Thread « Reply #10 on: April 30, 2019, 09:07:42 pm »Tulsi was terrible even worse than Delaney who at least has a moral compass

The Sun Is Crystal nj_dem YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 1223

First Democratic Debate Post-Debate Thread « Reply #11 on: April 30, 2019, 09:08:30 pm »Franken was spectacular. Really. Wish Booker spoke more, though, you almost forgot he was on the stage.

America First Degree Burns firstdegreeburns YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 3848

First Democratic Debate Post-Debate Thread « Reply #12 on: April 30, 2019, 09:07:47 pm »That was dreadful...everyone trying to out-left each other.

Al Franken 2020 MAINEiac4434 YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 8849

First Democratic Debate Post-Debate Thread « Reply #6 on: April 30, 2019, 09:07:59 pm »Other than Franken, Gillibrand and Harris did really well. Bernie came off almost as a less creative Franken.

Moderate Democrat Admiral President YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 4554

First Democratic Debate Post-Debate Thread « Reply #13 on: April 8, 2019, 09:08:13 pm »I kinda wish Delaney wasn't such an awkward guy...could've used some ideological diversity up there.

Saguaro azcactus YaBB God ★★★★★ Posts: 1223

First Democratic Debate Post-Debate Thread « Reply #14 on: April 8 2019, 09:10:48 pm »Aaand, Delaney's out. Thanks his supporters. (Was his only supporter May-pril?)

[MAINEiac4434]

Omg everyone who wants to be involved is a Frankenwanker or a Republican.

Like I'm trying to keep it a diversity of opinions instead of everyone freaking out about Franken but I guess not

[MAINEiac4434]

"Thank you for the opportunity, Governor Kasich. I won't let you down."

"I know you won't, Governor Rauner. Thanks for accepting."

Bruce beamed at his wife Diana. He knew it was a longshot. John did, too. But preventing a second Trump term set them up both quite nicely for 2024. And privately, Bruce blamed Trump for his loss in 2018 as much as he blamed the Cook County machine.

...

May 10, 2019

"My fellow Americans.

Over the past four years, we've watched a Democratic Party increasingly taken over by left-wing tendencies, and a Republican Party dominated by a thin-skinned buffoon who embarrasses our country on a daily basis.

Many Americans are sick and tired of the divisive rhetoric coming out of both sides in Washington. And it's time for a change. Because we need politicians who will bring real solutions for real people!

And it is with that in mind that I'm announcing my candidacy for President of the Untied States."

[MAINEiac4434]

Everyone who wants to be included and hasn't already please PM with the candidateyou support and a screen-name. I'll try to include everyone but I'm gonna need to make a list.

[MAINEiac4434]

Alright so I have:

Franken:
Me
Spenstar
Saguaro
Libertarian-Leaning Progressive
Parrotguy

Harris:
Kamala
Razze

Sanders:
Govanah Jake (Gabbard sympathies)
Peebs (Franken sympathies)
politicalmasta72

Booker:
Moderate Democrat
nj_dem in character as Crystal Sun
rpryor03

Gillibrand:
bruhgmger2

McAuliffe:
NOTTYLER

Kasich:
Not_Madigan
The Saint
rpryor03
ReaganClintonXX (Franken sympathies)

Trump:
FirstDegreeBurns

Do I have everyone and their loyalties all straight?

[MAINEiac4434]

I love the fact that no one actually supports Trump

*raises hand*

That's mostly my fault, I effed up and forgot to put you in the list.