Democratic Primaries
Related: About this forumBiden hits Sanders, Buttigieg
SOMERSWORTH, New Hampshire (AP) With questions swirling about the long-term viability of his campaign, Joe Biden sharply criticized two of his top rivals on Wednesday, suggesting Sen. Bernie Sanders, a democratic socialist, was unelectable, while 38-year-old Pete Buttigieg would be a risky and inexperienced choice.
If Sen. Sanders is the nominee for the party, every Democrat in America up and down the ballot, in blue states, red states, purple states and easy districts and competitive ones, every Democrat will have to carry the label Senator Sanders has chose for himself
Biden said he had great respect for Buttigieg, but didnt think the Democrats standard-bearer against President Donald Trump should be someone who hasnt been elected to a higher office than mayor of South Bend, Indiana, a city of about 100,00. Its a risk, to be just straight up with you, he said.
The tough talk comes as Biden's third presidential bid enters a critical stretch. He needs to bounce back from what partial results suggest could be a disappointing finish in Monday's Iowa caucuses
If he came in fourth, yeah, that could hurt, said Bill Freeman, a Biden donor from Nashville, Tennessee, who added that he hadnt even considered such a possibility heading into Mondays caucuses. Thats a bad night, no matter how you spin it.
Most precarious for Biden: Some of the would-be donors he could win over with a strong showing are giving new looks to Mike Bloomberg, the former New York City mayor whose entire strategy of sitting out the four early nominating states is pegged to the possibility that Biden falters. Bloomberg, one of the worlds wealthiest men with a net worth approaching $60 billion, isnt asking for money. Hes simply looking for support that could cut off financial lifelines to Biden, whose campaign reported just $9 million cash on hand to start the year.
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/bidens-poor-showing-iowa-shakes-establishment-support-68759834
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The gloves come off
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
still_one
(92,396 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
Baclava
(12,047 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
redqueen
(115,103 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
stopdiggin
(11,361 posts)"negative campaigning" and "attacks" does NOT necessarily mean nary a discouraging word. This is ONLY news because it is a step up from what we've seen from Biden before.
We'll see this .. and more .. as the race unfolds. It's called politics.
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
bluewater
(5,376 posts)If Joe loses to Pete in New Hampshire, it's over for Biden.
There is simply no excuse possible if Joe loses to Pete in NH.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
LanternWaste
(37,748 posts)"There is simply no excuse possible if Joe loses to Pete in NH..."
I've seen no polling data or objective evidence supporting your premise. Can you provide that data for us?
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
bluewater
(5,376 posts)Why would we need polling data for that?
If Biden loses to Pete in New Hampshire, there will be no reasonable excuse to explain away that defeat.
New Hampshire is neutral ground, neither Joe nor Pete is from a nearby state.
Both Joe an Pete are competing in the same moderate lane of the party so it's an apple to apples contest between them.
Biden though is a TWO TERM former Vice President that has been leading for months in all the polls. For him to be beaten by a small city mayor and first time on the national stage candidate like Pete would be stunning.
Biden's entire campaign has been built on the argument of "electability", if he's the most electable Democrat, then surely he can beat Pete in New Hampshire, right?
What possible excuse could the Biden campaign put forward to explain a loss to Pete Buttigieg in New Hampshire?
If you want to insist that Biden will beat Pete in New Hampshire, fine. Stand up and make that claim. Don't equivocate.
Time will tell if you are correct.
But if Biden loses to Pete in NH, he simply has no excuse. Period.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
Baclava
(12,047 posts)Just sayin'
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
ibegurpard
(16,685 posts)I'll vote for any of them
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
R B Garr
(16,976 posts)But Biden said he had "great respect" for Buttigieg.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
comradebillyboy
(10,175 posts)An interesting statement. Still Bernie makes a much better target that Pete.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
denem
(11,045 posts)Maybe he does not.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
comradebillyboy
(10,175 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
R B Garr
(16,976 posts)Hardly "hitting" either one of them.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
Scurrilous
(38,687 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
William769
(55,147 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
Gothmog
(145,558 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden