I did not the see the ABC Democratic Debate last night, so I have no original impressions. It was billed as a matchup between Biden and Warren, which struck me as a bit unfair to the others. But this seems to be a good substantive summary: The top 10 Democratic presidential candidates sparred on health care, criminal justice, gun control, … Read More
She’s Back
A blast from the past reboots herself…. Note: while the testosterone-filled ad might be pretty cool, Plame herself might have some issues to deal with.
Huge Win: NC Court Strikes Down GOP-Gerrymandered Districts; Orders New Map
In a 357-page decision, a unanimous three-judge panel on Tuesday ordered drawing of new legislative maps in North Carolina, ruling in Common Cause v. Lewis that the current maps constitute “extreme partisan gerrymandering” and violate three separate provisions of the state constitution. “The 2017 Enacted Maps, as drawn, do not permit voters to freely choose their representative, but rather representatives are … Read More
State Of The Dem Presidential Nominee Race
Look, this is a snapshot of a flowing river. Things are going to change. But generally, Warren’s star is on the rise. Sanders’s star is on the fall. But Biden remains on top among all demos except the liberal youth. It seems that if Biden fades, the biggest beneficiary is Harris.
Democatic Debate #2 Night Two
Well, a lot of people last night had a good night. Which means that nobody really stood out. To recap, here were the participants in last nights debate: Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet New York Sen. Kirsten Gillebrand Former HUD Secretary Julián Castro New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker Former Vice President Joe Biden California Sen. Kamala Harris Andrew Yang Hawaii Rep. … Read More
Debate #2, First Night: Thoughts
Last night, in order of their placement onstage, left to right: Spiritualist and author Marianne Williamson; Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio; Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn.; South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg; Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.; Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.; former Rep. Beto O’Rourke, D-Texas; former Gov. John Hickenlooper, D-Colo.; former Rep. John Delaney, D-Md.; and Gov. Steve Bullock, D-Mont. I was not bowled over and I watched about as much … Read More
Dem Debates #2 Begin Tonight
There are just too many candidates for these debates to be useful. I get that everyone should get a shot, but after this round, we need to whittle the field to a healthy 6 or 7. Not 25. I also don’t care for the draw (which was random). Tonight, in order of their placement onstage, left to right: Spiritualist and … Read More
Coats Replaced As National Intel Director And Replaced With Trump Toadie
Coats out as national intel director, clashed with Trump: WASHINGTON (AP) — Dan Coats, director of national intelligence, will leave his job next month, President Trump announced Sunday, after a turbulent two years in which Coats and the president were often at odds over Russian interference in the 2016 election. Trump announced Coats’ departure as Aug. 15 in a tweet … Read More
Mitch McConnell Block Bills To Ensure Election Security
Election security is national security. Right now, election security is all done at the state and local level, and many districts and states simply do not have the money or technology to stop hackers. This not only includes Russia, but China, Iran, and even domestic ne’er-do-wells. AP: Robert Mueller warned that Russian interference is still happening “as we sit here.” … Read More
“Send Her Back” Is The New “Lock Her Up”
It is clear from the Trump rally in Greenville, NC, that Trump is hoping to make Rep. Ilhan Omar the face of the Democrats in 2020, and run against her. The strategy itself is grounded in racism and xenophobism. During President Trump’s Wednesday night rally in Greenville, North Carolina, he took aim at Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), one of the … Read More
Dem Debate Fallout
We are several days (including a weekend) following the Democratic debates, and the field is taking shape as expected. Warren and Harris are up; Bide is down. Here are some graphs: Post-debate CNN poll: 2020 Democrats 6/28-30 (change from 5/28-31) Biden 22% (-10)Harris 17% (+9)Warren 15% (+8)Sanders 14% (-4)Buttigieg 4% (-1)Booker 3% (-)O’Rourke 3% (-2)Klobuchar 2% (-)Castro 1% (-1)de Blasio … Read More
Frank Rich On The Dem 2020 Field
I endorse this: Over this week’s two nights of debates, the top 20 candidates in the Democratic primary have had a chance to introduce themselves to a national audience. Will anything they said winnow the field? I am happy to answer with a resounding “Yes!” I’ll take a minor risk and guess that as of this morning, the field has … Read More
Dem Debate No. 2: Thoughts
Unlike the first debate on Wednesday night, last night’s round of ten debate was exciting and revealing, probably because it contained 4-5 top tier and second tier candidates, rather than 2-3 in the first debate. The takeaway: It was a great night for Kamala Harris. She “won” it hands done. And it was a horrible night for Biden. And it … Read More
SCOTUS WrapUp: Trump Denied Citizenship Question In 2020 Census; On The Other Hand, Democracy Is Screwed
The last day of the term meant the handing down of two critical and important opinions. The first, Department of Commerce v New York, was a blow to the Trump administration. The issue involves the inclusion of a question non the census about citizenship. It was challenged on the grounds that it was arbitrary and capricious — in essence, that … Read More