Democratic Primaries
Related: About this forumThere is NO WAY I will vote for Gilibrand in the primary. Al Franken is why.
I need a candidate who won't fall for Roger Stone's sucker bet.
If she wins the nomination, I will vote for her in the general, but hell will freeze over before I vote for her in the primary.
Tulsi Gabbard can go take a flying leap too.
I could possibly warm to any of the others though.
I like a Warren/Buttigieg ticket and I like a Biden/Harris ticket at the moment, but it could switch
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
Eliot Rosewater
(31,121 posts)it accomplishes anything to say it out loud at this point in time given any negative comments about any DeMoCrAtS works against us in the end.
But YES some agree with these sentiments.
And the group think that followed with other Senators was UNFORTUNATE. Heitkamp on Real Time said she was sorry for her part.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
Baltimike
(4,146 posts)because we need to defeat RUSSIA, not just the kgopb
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
MadDAsHell
(2,067 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
Princetonian
(1,501 posts)... where he said, "You did your research, you clearly had your facts down."
Link to OP which explains all:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1287&pid=243594
Harris supporters are up in arms but Harris has not refuted a word. Because she can't.
Now Tulsi is the target of a smear campaign to Kill The Messenger:
... The smear campaign refers to the bizarre avalanche of negative press that ensued, as reporters seemed to circle wagons around a Harris, a party favorite... Having wounded a presumptive frontrunner backed by nearly $25 million in campaign funds, Gabbard instantly became the subject of a slew of negative leaks, tweets, and press reports... Harris national press chair Ian Sams tweeted, Yo, you love Assad!, a reference to Gabbards controversial visit with Syrian president Bashar al-Assad in 2017. He then tweeted a link to an insidious February 2 NBC News story, which asserted that Gabbards campaign was the beneficiary of Russian bots.
Harris herself meanwhile gave a sneering interview to Anderson Cooper. This is going to sound immodest, she said, but as a top-tier candidate, she could only take what [Gabbard] says and her opinion so seriously. She added Gabbard was an apologist for an individual, Assad, who has murdered the people of his country like cockroaches.
The campaign against Gabbard is part of another remarkable shift in the Democratic Party. Barack Obamas star began to rise as a presidential candidate 12 years ago, in 2007, when asked in a debate if hed be willing to meet with Iran, Syria, Cuba... Obama said he would, that it is a disgrace that we have not spoken to them. He added: The notion that somehow not talking to countries is punishment to them which has been the guiding diplomatic principle of [the Bush] administration is ridiculous. He went on to cite, as Gabbard has done, the example of John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan, who both met with Soviet leaders... But the progressive position that meeting with dictators and/or adversaries is not only defensible but desirable no longer has any representation in major America media.
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/podcast-tulsi-gabbard-kamala-harris-syria-iraq-870003/[div]
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
dsc
(52,166 posts)she, as an adult officeholder, literally claimed that evil LGBT groups were conspiring with the press to smear her because of her Jesse Helms like positions on LGBT issues. She is an Assad apologist. She still hasn't made clear just what her opinion is on people using religion to refuse to follow anti discrimination laws.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
Princetonian
(1,501 posts)Due to her time in Iraq, Gabbard is in favor of a non-intervention approach to foreign policy to prevent another FUBAR. This is why she went to meet Trump and Assad:
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/11/06/what-does-tulsi-gabbard-believe
And part of the ongoing smear campaign is the "Assad apologist" label:
Harris herself meanwhile gave a sneering interview to Anderson Cooper. This is going to sound immodest, she said, but as a top-tier candidate, she could only take what [Gabbard] says and her opinion so seriously. She added Gabbard was an apologist for an individual, Assad, who has murdered the people of his country like cockroaches.
The campaign against Gabbard is part of another remarkable shift in the Democratic Party. Barack Obamas star began to rise as a presidential candidate 12 years ago, in 2007, when asked in a debate if hed be willing to meet with Iran, Syria, Cuba... Obama said he would, that it is a disgrace that we have not spoken to them. He added: The notion that somehow not talking to countries is punishment to them which has been the guiding diplomatic principle of [the Bush] administration is ridiculous. He went on to cite, as Gabbard has done, the example of John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan, who both met with Soviet leaders... But the progressive position that meeting with dictators and/or adversaries is not only defensible but desirable no longer has any representation in major America media.
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/podcast-tulsi-gabbard-kamala-harris-syria-iraq-870003/[div]
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
dsc
(52,166 posts)She behaved no differently at all from Jesse Helms as an adult, office holder. She literally accused LGBT groups of being out to get her and conspiring with the press to make her look bad. Those were her words, spoken as an adult and office holder. And her entire reason for 'seeing the error of her ways' was that she felt government had no business imposing an answer, not that she no longer agreed with the religious inspired bigotry she was spouting. I can't see how that is at all consistent with thinking government has a role in making people violate their religious convictions to follow these laws. She has never once said, she thinks such views are out moded, not fit to be held or anything like that.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
Princetonian
(1,501 posts)Not saying what Gabbard said should be forgotten or even forgiven. That kind of bigotry is unfathomable to me. But people grow up and learn to be better versions of their younger selves.
Tulsi was endorsed by the Human Rights Campaign, the largest LGBT lobby organization in the country.
"With the many challenges facing the LGBT community, we're honored to count Tulsi as an ally in standing up for issues of fairness. From her cosponsorship of the Equality Act to supporting marriage equality for same-sex couples and fighting for persons with HIV/AIDS, we applaud Tulsi's commitment to fundamental equal rights for all." - Mike Mings, Director Human Rights Campaign PAC
Tulsi has received a 100% rating for her voting record in favor of LGBT legislation:
H.R.5 Equality Act of 2019 To prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation, and for other purposes
H.R.1244 To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to clarify that all provisions shall apply to legally married same-sex couples in the same manner as other married couples, and for other purposes.
H.R 2532 Respect for Marriage Act
H.R.2119 Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act of 2017, To prohibit, as an unfair or deceptive act or practice, commercial sexual orientation conversion therapy
H.Res.124 Expressing opposition to banning service in the Armed Forces by openly transgender individuals.
H.R. 1755 Employment Non-Discrimination Act
H.R. 2839 Restore Honor to Service Members Act
H.R. 197 Repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act
H.R. 683 Military Spouses Equal Treatment Act
H.R. 1199 Safe Schools Improvement Act
H.R. 932 Healthy Families Act
H. Res. 549 Designating June 26th as LGBT Equality Day
H. Res. 208 Equality for All Resolution, which prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in areas that include credit, employment, education, federally funded programs, housing, jury service, and public accommodations
H.R. 3273 LGBT Data Inclusion Act
Signed the Marriage Equality Amicus Briefs
Advocated for LGBT Housing / Privacy Rights
Advocated to End Bullying and Harassment in Schools
Tulsi signs letter urging President Trump to reverse transgender military ban https://votesmart.org/public-statement/1197627/letter-to-donald-j-trump-president-of-the-united-states-representatives-urge-trump-to-reverse-transgender-military-ban#.XBfzFBNKikZ
H.R. 2282 Equality Act of 2017 which amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity among the prohibited categories of discrimination or segregation in places of public accommodation
Tulsi directly addresses her views on the LGBTQ+ community:
https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4764183/tulsi-gabbard-lgbtq-record
At a 2012 meeting of Hawaii Democratic Party LGBT caucus, Tulsi addressed her opposition to same sex marriage in her youth and her complete evolution on this important issue. She openly and wholeheartedly apologizes for her wrongdoing and the harm she had caused the LGBT community, asking for but not expecting their forgiveness.
On #EqualityDay, we recognize that many LGBT Americans still face discrimination everyday. This is wrong, and defies our American principles of equality, justice, and individual freedom. The #EqualityAct would extend comprehensive anti-discrimination protections to LGBT Americans
Link to tweet
Of the Pulse Night Club Shooting in 2016: A year ago the LGBT community suffered deadly mass shooting at #Pulse. We honor the victims & stand against bigotry & hatred #OrlandoUnited -
Link to tweet
On LGBT Bullying: "I have advocated to end LGBT bullying and harassment in schools. School should always be a safe place for children.
Link to tweet
Video of Tulsi addressing her views and record on LGBT in NH 12/1/2018
Tulsi speaks on her views supporting LGBT
Tulsi supports Hawaii Equality March: https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-gabbard-facebook-hawaii-equality-march
Tulsi thanks those helping to fight to pass Equality Amendment:
Link to tweet
Tulsi celebrates LGBT Pride Month:
Link to tweet
Tulsi condemns torture and violent treatment of LGBT in Chechnya:
Link to tweet
Expressions! Interview on how Tulsi came to be such a strong supporter of LGBTQ+ rights: http://archive.is/5DkwH
Tulsi Gabbard Remains a Committed Ally of the LGBT Community as America Celebrates National Coming Out Day https://medium.com/@MPMagayon/tulsi-gabbard-remains-a-committed-ally-of-the-lgbt-community-as-america-celebrates-national-coming-4fa8bece8c97
Source: https://activatenow.us/tulsi-gabbard-a-strong-record-of-fighting-for-lgbt-rights-and-equality/
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
groundloop
(11,521 posts)At the moment Warren is my first choice and Harris my second..... but ANY of the Democrats running are a damned sight better than the current occupant of the White House.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
kurtcagle
(1,604 posts)Gilibrand's very close to the bottom of the queue at this point, not even registering at 1% of voters. I doubt very much that she will make it to the primaries.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
BlueTsunami2018
(3,503 posts)So its a moot point really.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
kimbutgar
(21,178 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
thesquanderer
(11,990 posts)p.s. - Warren/Buttigieg is my pick at the moment as well. But unlike you, I think Gabbard has appeal too.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
delisen
(6,044 posts)The accusation that Gillibrand was a "ringleader" and is thus the only one to be punished or scapegoated is illogical.
The ringleader was the minority leader of the Senate and Democratic caucus Chuck Schumer. Al Franken himself has written about this.
Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren, Kamela Harris all demanded Franken's resignation and followed Schumer's lead in doing so. (I believe Amy Klobucher did not.
Bernie Sanders also jumped on the bandwagon.
Gillibrand has done incredible work in supporting women in the military who have been abused. No one else in the Senate has done the work she has done. She has listened to all the horrific testimonies and has sought justice for women.
Gillibrand is actually an example of a women who has fought for abused women being scapegoated while others without as strong a record being given a pass.
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
Princetonian
(1,501 posts)Gillibrand was given the ringleader position for a reason. I do not excuse the others at all but her continued self-righteous attitude towards Franken is indefensible given he was deemed guilty before being proven guilty. She keeps kicking Al when he is down with public statements that assume his guilt.
I give major kudos to Klobuchar for not picking up a verbal pitchfork and joining the Senate mob.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
delisen
(6,044 posts)I would not expect the she would demand the resignation of Franken.
Chuck Schumer does not take orders from the junior senator from NY, Gillibrand and
Franken has spoken out about Schumer's demand and the effect on other senators:
https://theweek.com/speedreads/854118/al-franken-says-absolutely-regrets-resigning-from-senate
Franken said he wishes he had been able to appear before a Senate Ethics Committee hearing, but he tells The New Yorker that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) demanded he resign or else he would organize the whole Democratic caucus to demand his resignation. A spokesperson for Schumer denied this threat was made.
"I'm angry at my colleagues who did this," Franken said, going on to say he "became clinically depressed" after leaving the Senate. He also placed blame on Schumer, saying, "Look, the Leader is called the Leader for a reason."
I have no problem with Gillibrand's position-she did what she believes in -she has been unwavering in fighting for women in the military who have suffered horrific sexism.
However, those senators who responder to demands of the Senate Minority Leader-I think exhibited a follow-the-leader mentality
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
Princetonian
(1,501 posts)She got her karma, though, didn't she?
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
delisen
(6,044 posts)Gillibrand seems quite consistent on her stance on abusive behaviors and not only for women. She has been willing to stick to her beliefs rather than change them to obtain votes.
I see it as a principled stand.
While it may not be what I believe was the appropriate course of action, I accept and applaud her consistency and her record fighting for all victims of sexual assault in the military-not only women.
https://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/sexual-assault-pervasive-military-gillibrand-article-1.3477383
The inconsistency is among those who blame and scapegoat Gillibrand while giving a pass to Booker, Warren, Harris, Sanders, all the other senators who demanded he resign as well as the Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, whom Al Franken himself has recently singled out as responsible for the Democratic caucus turning against him.
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
delisen
(6,044 posts)If Gillibrand fell for a sucker's bet, so did Warren and Harris.
The Senate Minority Leader and head of the Democratic caucus demanded Franken resign. Schumer did not take orders from Gillibrand (who has a strong record-perhaps the strongest in the Senate- of fighting for justice for women abused in the military.
Why scapegoat the strong fighter for women and give everyone else a pass?
Unfortunately it happens all to often to women who are strong fighters for women's rights
Majority of the Senate democratic caucus fell in line behind their leader, Chuck Schumer, including Corey Booker and Bernie Sanders.
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
madville
(7,412 posts)For me as well. They all coordinated forcing Franken out, demanding his resignation within hours if each other. They are all equally guilty.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
Princetonian
(1,501 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
brooklynite
(94,703 posts)How time flies....
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
Princetonian
(1,501 posts)Did you lease a nice house in Milwaukee yet?
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden