The Soapbox

Joined: 02/27/2004 Posts: 1347
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I'm pretty sure I am a card-carrying

Independent these days. It has been many years voting for the R candidate in any election -- not exclusively and I can definitely name a few D's I have voted for over the years at a local and federal level, but not many. I have never been a card-carrying anything, although I have attended a few local party gatherings to really try and hear the local focus and how people speak.

I have given a share of financial support over the years as well -- up until recently, almost entirely to R's. That has now changed and I am very turned off -- disgusted really -- with general R politics today. There is very little with which I can identify in overall, national D politics so it is a real struggle to contribute to anything associated with some of the policy initiatives, but there is no question that the R party has changed not just its tone but its focus as well with Trump as its head. At least for now, I can't be a part of that either. So now there will be at least some D candidates that I can support including financially if I feel they are a good person and showing any notion of independent thought. I will still do the same with R's on an individual level, but it has been a bleak couple of years finding those people who haven't essentially pledged to a more populist agenda.

There is 0.0 chance I can vote for Trump and I did not in 2016. I did not vote for HRC either, despite what I knew that likely meant for my vote.

There is also a 0.0% chance I would ever vote for Bernie (or Liz). I am pretty sure I could vote for Bloomberg and maybe one or two other D's, although I'm not sure yet. I do think there are many others who share this view -- no real comfort (at all) with the D party, but no chance to vote for Trump and looking for a palatable D choice.

Things are so unpredictable, but I think the general picture almost has to be the following: It is hard to see much *new* support from voters with Trump over who supported him in 2016. There can always be a few, but it is hard to see it much different. There was a lot of negativity with HRC in 2016 and no doubt there will be tons of smearing again on all sides, but I think any more "moderate" D option will simply have less negative baggage and therefore can draw a vote this time around from those who could not vote for HRC. That equation changes with Bernie (or Liz, who does appear about done) imo and he really would likely mean Trump the Sequal.

(In response to this post by WahooRQ)

Posted: 02/14/2020 at 10:23AM

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Current Thread:

Soapbox Poll: Who here voted for Clinton in 16, but may not vote for Bern -- WahooRQ 02/14/2020 08:35AM

Voted HRC. Wouldnt vote for Bernie. -- SCHOO 02/15/2020 08:30AM

I'll vote for whoever the dem nominee is come Nov, which explains -- graycalhoo 02/14/2020 4:07PM

I did not vote for Clinton. Voted for Johnson in 2016 -- 757 02/14/2020 2:35PM

Am I correct that only CharlestonSC answered in the affirmative? -- southdenverhoo 02/14/2020 2:28PM

Several said they would vote for neither and that is also a concern. -- WahooRQ 02/15/2020 08:37AM

I'd be surprised if many Clinton voters would observe the -- BocaHoo91 02/14/2020 2:54PM

They'd better not stay home. There's a House to keep and a Senate to win in -- Seattle .Hoo 02/14/2020 3:05PM

Yeah, I'd still vote if it was Trump vs. Bernie, but would probably just -- BocaHoo91 02/14/2020 3:16PM

In Florida though your presidential vote might make a big difference. ** -- Seattle .Hoo 02/14/2020 3:30PM

It might. And if the dems nominate someone other than a red faced, -- BocaHoo91 02/14/2020 3:53PM

All so that next year we can say "I wish we still had a democracy." ** -- Seattle .Hoo 02/14/2020 4:12PM

It’ll be alright ** -- BocaHoo91 02/14/2020 4:32PM

Did not / would not vote for either in 2016 or going forward -- BFKDHokies 02/14/2020 12:47PM

If Sanders wins the nom I will have to think long and hard about it -- Beerman 02/14/2020 12:41PM

I don't want Bernie to be president. I think his views and promises are -- Maupin233 02/14/2020 12:39PM

Until Moscow Mitch is out of power, it's a moot point. -- PBCHoo 02/14/2020 2:24PM

You didn’t address Bloomberg ** -- TomGlansAski 02/14/2020 12:54PM

Raises hand. Change "may not" to "will not". I would vote for -- BocaHoo91 02/14/2020 12:28PM

Think there are a lot of people that would echo this, especially in -- Maupin233 02/14/2020 12:41PM

LOTUS seems to be doing EVERYTHING he can to be defeated -- aint2Hokie4me 02/14/2020 10:47AM

Disapproval seems steady at 52; approval is around 43 per 538 ** -- TomGlansAski 02/14/2020 11:03AM

Which means all of nothing for state-by-state elections, unfortunately. ** -- WahooRQ 02/14/2020 11:08AM

Yes, need a reminder about that periodically -- TomGlansAski 02/14/2020 11:29AM

If there is a Soapbox God, Bernie will get the nomination. I don't think we -- Hoodafan 02/14/2020 10:30AM

My opposition to Trump is not driven in the least by hatred. -- hoolstoptheheels 02/14/2020 11:33AM

Maybe we should do it just to get Larry David on SNL every week ** -- WahooMatt05 02/14/2020 10:41AM

Yet another excellent reason! A pretty, pretty, pretty good reason! ** -- Hoodafan 02/14/2020 10:56AM

Watched Curb replay from this past Sunday last night.Mexican Resort Wedding -- jdubforwahoowa 02/14/2020 10:46AM

It isn't hate. It's anger over watching Trump and his supporters flush the -- Seattle .Hoo 02/14/2020 10:33AM

That is the first consideration. The 2nd is that Bernie won't break -- HoosWillWin 02/14/2020 10:44AM

He's my last choice for the nomination. Here's something to consider though -- Seattle .Hoo 02/14/2020 10:56AM

Yes - I agree this is an overlooked (and big) issue. -- 00 Hoo 02/14/2020 12:29PM

This is a bugaboo of mine, but we have been trending toward a more powerful -- WahooRQ 02/14/2020 11:15AM

Agree with your sentiments. The reform needed in US government is not -- Maupin233 02/14/2020 12:49PM

Agreed. We need some President willing to work hand in hand -- HoosWillWin 02/14/2020 11:00AM

We also need a different approach to electing senators -- TomGlansAski 02/14/2020 11:32AM

Question: Would you support repeal of the 17th amendment? ** -- Seattle .Hoo 02/14/2020 11:37AM

I’m no constitutional scholar, but wouldn’t that mean state legislatures -- TomGlansAski 02/14/2020 1:11PM

That's correct. There were reasons for that originally. The House was -- Seattle .Hoo 02/14/2020 2:48PM

Me ... no chance I'd vote for Bernie and I'd consider voting for Trump over -- CharlestonSC 02/14/2020 10:28AM

Bernie has zero chance of getting any of his big ideas through -- hooshouse 02/14/2020 10:45AM

Agree, but "vote for Bernie, he's full of shit and won't actually get any -- WahooRQ 02/14/2020 11:33AM

Not just Mitch McConnell, though. -- 00 Hoo 02/14/2020 12:44PM

The alternative is terrible though ** -- hooshouse 02/14/2020 12:22PM

Agree ** -- 111Balz 02/14/2020 10:56AM

Bernie would not be successful in implementing anywhere close to his full -- RickPerry 02/14/2020 10:35AM

Warren is toast, FWIW. Don't need to worry about her. ** -- Seattle .Hoo 02/14/2020 10:31AM

I didn't vote Clinton. But I will vote for any dem this year. -- Shenhoo 02/14/2020 10:06AM

Ok, now we know who to blame -- TomGlansAski 02/14/2020 11:12AM

Exactly ** -- 81_Hokie 02/14/2020 10:34AM

Whomever has a D and is opposing Trump will get my vote. Even Bernie. ** -- Seattle .Hoo 02/14/2020 09:43AM

That's me. Just want to see this asshole gone. ** -- bballbill 02/14/2020 10:00AM

Seconded ** -- Hoodeac 02/14/2020 10:47AM

Let's send him packing! ** -- RickPerry 02/14/2020 10:53AM

Same — it would take Harvey Weinstein as the Dem nominee to even get me to -- WahooRQ 02/14/2020 09:45AM

Careful, you're triggering Kazansky -- TomGlansAski 02/14/2020 1:52PM

Problem solved, as Weinstein soon may not have a D ** -- RickPerry 02/14/2020 10:06AM

There is apparent question of how much he ever had and seems to -- jdubforwahoowa 02/14/2020 10:13AM

The testimony about him forcibly performing oral was noteworthy ** -- TpkeHoo 02/14/2020 10:21AM

Yes. -- jdubforwahoowa 02/14/2020 10:28AM

Are there moderates and indies? What is moderate depends on the topic and -- Seattle .Hoo 02/14/2020 09:54AM

Honestly, I think this position is as troubling as anything else in the -- Maupin233 02/14/2020 1:17PM

I didn't say it was a bad thing; but define moderate. It's a label. I think -- Seattle .Hoo 02/14/2020 2:54PM

Depends on your definitiion of independent. -- Maupin233 02/14/2020 1:10PM

I used to think that, but I don't place my trust in one person. I prefer a -- Seattle .Hoo 02/14/2020 3:01PM

Are Never Trumpers independent? Or, a separate party? ** -- Hoogle.com 02/14/2020 11:43AM

That’s the real question I’m getting at. Recall a number of moderates to -- WahooRQ 02/14/2020 09:58AM

I'm pretty sure I am a card-carrying -- fishhoo 02/14/2020 10:23AM

I have reservations about Sanders and Bloomberg for different reasons. With -- Seattle .Hoo 02/14/2020 10:08AM

I got Virginia as Blue now, regardless. -- jdubforwahoowa 02/14/2020 10:02AM

If Virginia is in play, Trump wins in a landslide ** -- WahooMatt05 02/14/2020 10:10AM

That's just silly; Virginia was "in play" in 2008 and 2012 and neither -- southdenverhoo 02/14/2020 10:39AM

Virginia is fascinating politically. Barack Obama was the first Democratic -- Seattle .Hoo 02/14/2020 10:17AM

IMHO, Virginia is the quintessential Obama Coalition state. -- WahooRQ 02/14/2020 10:53AM

Virginia also elected the first African-American Guvna' two decades before -- Tuckahokie 02/14/2020 10:41AM

Very true! But it was, oh it was. Which is one reason its transformation -- Seattle .Hoo 02/14/2020 10:44AM

Bingo ** -- jdubforwahoowa 02/14/2020 10:13AM

How about your boy Avenatti? ** -- Tuckahokie 02/14/2020 09:47AM

Closer call, but same. I’d prefer no corrupt scumbag attention whores in -- WahooRQ 02/14/2020 09:52AM

I voted for Hill, and I promised to vote for any dem in '20. -- hoolstoptheheels 02/14/2020 09:38AM

I didn't vote for Clinton in '16, but probably would have if I was in a -- JohnHoo2 02/14/2020 09:03AM

Yes I agree. Conventional wisdom has become that Sanders will excite -- hoolstoptheheels 02/14/2020 09:27AM

I don’t see the money issue being that big a deal in the end -- RickPerry 02/14/2020 09:34AM

Preaching to choir with me, but I can't tell you how often I hear: -- hoolstoptheheels 02/14/2020 09:40AM

Yes, fair point. Too much of a good thing isn't necessarily great. -- RickPerry 02/14/2020 10:50AM

Think Bernie is quite popular with college students ** -- Hooddihsm 02/14/2020 09:30AM

I think he is really popular with the ones who love him. -- hoolstoptheheels 02/14/2020 10:04AM

And broke motherfuckers with student loan debt too -- wahoo138 02/14/2020 09:38AM

Ok, but it wasn't even 30% of the voters in NH and IA. -- hoolstoptheheels 02/14/2020 10:06AM

If Warren has to drop out he'll pick up some, but he is never going to have -- southdenverhoo 02/14/2020 10:45AM

A lot of assumptions about Warren's supporters having Bern as their 2nd -- WahooRQ 02/14/2020 11:29AM

Well I didn't say he'd pick up all of Warren's support. I said a) he'd pick -- southdenverhoo 02/14/2020 2:15PM

I know -- wasn't directed at you, just a general observation that I keep -- WahooRQ 02/14/2020 2:19PM

Being popular and actually having them vote are two different things. ** -- JohnHoo2 02/14/2020 09:37AM

Well yeah, but the election is 9 months away ** -- Hooddihsm 02/14/2020 10:05AM

In this day and age, the two are converging. Have been for years. -- hoolstoptheheels 02/14/2020 10:01AM

Many of the Trump supporters Jordan Klemperer interviews at rallies -- TomGlansAski 02/14/2020 11:10AM

There's such a dichotomy between how I feel about Bernie's chances in the -- wahoo138 02/14/2020 08:57AM

Agree with all of this, but I would prefer a dead cat to Sanders or Liz too ** -- 81_Hokie 02/14/2020 10:39AM

What you see in national polls is irrelevant -- Capital City Hoo 02/14/2020 09:41AM

As a confirmed Bernie fan one of the things that is concerning lately is -- southdenverhoo 02/14/2020 09:54AM

What scares me about Bernie is Pennsylvania -- WahooMatt05 02/14/2020 09:53AM

Culinary Union is going after him in Nevada right now ** -- wahoo138 02/14/2020 09:55AM

Right, despite a 40 year history of pro-labor and pro-union positions, he -- southdenverhoo 02/14/2020 10:23AM

I think it's fatal to him, tbh. It completely obliterated Warren as a -- WahooRQ 02/14/2020 11:01AM

Curious as to what position you wished he had taken on Medicaid-for-all. I -- Hoodafan 02/14/2020 10:53AM

I basically agree with this. It's about political tactics, and it's a -- hoolstoptheheels 02/14/2020 11:28AM

You cannot bristle me! -- Hoodafan 02/14/2020 12:04PM

I think the Buttigieg position, Medicare For All Who Want It, is the -- southdenverhoo 02/14/2020 10:58AM

Electoral winner approach, sure. But what happens if/when it fails because -- Hoodafan 02/14/2020 11:45AM

I'm not afraid of Medicare proving not to be the best option. -- hoolstoptheheels 02/14/2020 12:28PM

The Culinary Union leadership, not so much its members. -- SchmHoo 02/14/2020 10:18AM

So that says some Bernie Bro reporter from Berkeley has a petition up on -- WahooRQ 02/14/2020 12:35PM

Bernie was on the NewsHour last night, and they asked him about a -- hoolstoptheheels 02/14/2020 12:50PM

That makes me feel a little better, we'll see. -- southdenverhoo 02/14/2020 10:26AM

If Bernie is who's facing Trump, I'll vote for Bernie, under the belief -- Late 80s Hokie 02/14/2020 08:51AM

Imagine Bernie getting cockblocked by Congress? -- BambooHoo 02/14/2020 09:11AM

I’d vote Mike Pence over Trump ** -- WahooMatt05 02/14/2020 08:51AM

Will vote for anyone running against Tweedle Dum and his bunch of scum. ** -- Lazarus 02/14/2020 08:45AM