After listening to Lincoln Chafee at DNC event today I think his presence in the debates will be

[think]

good for Democrats.

Having a former GOPer stating why the Democrats are better for the American people and pointing out the many problems that exist with the GOP he will be a great addition to the debate stage.

He also has a unique perspective on foreign policy and the many conflicts around the world which is interesting as not many other candidates have been as focused on these issues.

He called Paul Wellstone someone he considered a hero as well.

Just wanted to mention this as I respect his efforts even if he's not my choice for the nomination.

[Raine1967]

1. You make a fair point.

I still have a problem with his republican roots, I won;t deny that, but yes, pointing out that Dems are better is a very good point.

I am watching right now here: http://www.c-span.org/video/?327791-101/democratic-national-committee-summer-meeting&live

[think]

4. Yes. Certainly not even a remote interest in seeing him as the nominee. But do like the contrast he

provides from his former party...

[NewJeffCT]

15. that's my feeling as well

about Chaffee. But, New England Republicans are often more liberal than at least some Southern Democrats.

[Garrett78]

2. No doubt he's to the left of Clinton and the establishment candidates.

Of course, he also doesn't stand a chance of being nominated.

[seaglass]

3. I admire his principled opposition to the death penalty more than any other candidate.

Gov. Chafee Declines

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/30/opinion/gov-chafee-declines.html?_r=0

Chafee ‘disappointed’ Tsarnaev sentenced to death

http://wpri.com/2015/05/15/chafee-fears-tsarnaev-sentence-could-inflame-isis/

[think]

5. I'm in agreement with Chafee in this. TY for the links. Will check them out later. /nt

[seaglass]

8. Death penalty is a major issue for me and it infuriates me when the Feds extend their reach into

states that have outlawed the DP.

The only candidates in my mind that are good on this issue are Chafee and O'Malley. Disappointed with Bernie and Hillary.

[think]

10. Why do you feel Bernie is not good on the death penalty?

Bernie Sanders has stated that he's against capital punishment. He might not speak about it as much in his speeches but he certainly is against it.

Bernie Sanders on the death penalty: The state shouldn’t be in the business of killing people

SANDERS: Let me just give you an answer that I suspect not everybody will agree with. I am against capital punishment in general. I understand, and certainly for people who are mentally incapacitated who don’t know what they’re doing or what’s happening to them—I think people have been executed who were not even aware of what was going on, and that’s not something that a civilized nation should be engaged in. But in general, this is what I think. Look, there are people who commit horrendous, horrendous, horrendous crimes: we all know that. And we are furious at them, we can’t understand their barbarity. But I think, as with so much violence in this world today, I just don’t think the state itself, whether it’s the state government or federal government, should be in the business of killing people. So when you have people who have done terrible, terrible things they’re gonna spend the rest of their lives in jail, and that’s a pretty harsh punishment. But I’m against capital punishment.

Full article:
http://www.rawstory.com/2015/05/bernie-sanders-on-the-death-penalty-the-state-shouldnt-be-in-the-business-of-killing-people/

I'm not sure where Hillary is on the issue of capital punishment.

[seaglass]

21. He voted for 2 bills that expanded federal death penalty offenses. In addition when there was a VT

case in 2004 pushed by Ashcroft for the DP, Bernie would not take a stand even when asked repeatedly by Vermont DP opponents.

Here is some background on the impact of the two bills:

http://www.thenation.com/article/whats-wrong-federal-death-penalty/

Hillary I believe is pro-DP, which is of course worse.

[Live and Learn]

14. +1 nt

[JustAnotherGen]

6. Great insight and I wish

We had more posts like this!

It won't make me switch my support in the primaries - but it shows how much better are small slate is. We actually have VERY hard choices to make in this Primary.


Not a choice between crazy and dumb, or stupid and nuts, or fascist or dictator.

[jtuck004]

9. I don't know why, but I think next year is going to be quite different, and I am not sure we are

gonna have the choices we think we have today.

It's an odd world and scary things can happen between now and then.

For example - we have at least 3 potential fascist dictators in the race, all of whom could garner enough support to win. We have one who reads Hitler for inspiration, and who might order killed whoever is leading going into November to throw it.

Lots of things ahead, and we may see that last line play out. It's a country burning up the world it needs to live, not exactly full of the most brilliant people, eh?

[green917]

7. I've always respected Lincoln chafee

[Betty Karlson]

11. He was a liberal Republican: a breed that died out early this century.

All liberal Republicans AND all conservative Republicans have by now become Democrats or at the very least Independents. The GOP is stuck with the reactionaries who call themselves conservatives and/ or libertarians: philosophically those voters are neither.

[Bluenorthwest]

12. Chafee got his Senate seat from his Daddy, who sat there and voted for DOMA along with Wellstone

Chafee also sat in that seat and voted for CAFTA and on some days trade issues are considered to be important on DU. Lincoln has also supported privatizing Social Security in the typically smug language of those born ultra rich and connected.

[CharlotteVale]

13. [phone]

[think]

16. I've got many disagreements with Chafee. My only thoughts are how great it is to have a former GOPer

striking hard at why he left the GOP and why the Democratic party is better.

As far as your thoughts I agree with what you're saying and have no intention of voting or campaigning for Lincoln Chafee. Especially in regards to his support for the current trade agreements.

I just like seeing former GOPers making life difficult for their former party that is so wrong on EVERY issue and appreciate him making the effort to do so. It is one thing for Democrats to criticize the GOP but it is much more powerful when it comes from a former member of their own party....

[bvar22]

22. Chaffee is a REPUBLICAN, despite changing the letter at the end of his name.

He still believes in Republican "values"...and has recanted NOTHING to "cross over",
nor has he admitted that his friends in the Republican Party have brought this country to "the edge".

IN the 80s, I fought against Moderate Republicans because I was against Moderate Republican policy.
Why should I start supporting it now?

I prefer Democrats who grow up in the Democratic Party,
and not "Jail house conversions", or someone who switches jerseys because the other team is winning.
No respect at all.

[forest444]

17. If Bernie weren't running, Chaffee's the one I'd vote for.

If Jebba-the-Hutt somehow recovers the driver's seat in the GOP clown car though, I'll probably vote for Trump in their primary (the state I live in allows anyone to vote in one of either party's primary).

[restorefreedom]

18. i hope he makes the debate cut

who knows how dws will tinker with the rules.

[think]

19. He & Webb might not. The new rules state that if they don't pole at at least 1% they aren't in. /nt

[restorefreedom]

20. that would be too bad

i think it would be good to have both their voices in the debates.