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gabeana

(3,166 posts)
Sun Feb 25, 2018, 02:13 PM Feb 2018

A little more background on Feinstein and De Leon Sen. race

https://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/De-Le-n-sharpens-attack-on-Feinstein-at-state-12706591.php

Their race is a microcosm of two distinctly California stories at a time when the state Democratic Party is becoming more progressive and less white. Feinstein, 84, is the oldest child of a wealthy physician, raised in San Francisco’s ritziest neighborhoods. De León, 51, the youngest son of housekeeper, was raised in a San Diego barrio just a few miles from where he addressed delegates Saturday.

But at the more Feinstein-friendly women’s caucus Saturday morning — where she received a standing ovation when she walked into the room — supporters handed out similar-looking flyers, except that Feinstein was merely called “our champion.” Those flyers don’t mention Trump at all.

De León tapped into misgivings about the fervor of Feinstein’s Trump resistance during his speech Saturday. He criticized her for supporting the Iraq War, the Patriot Act and the federal government’s warrantless surveillance program.

“We speak truth to power, and we’ve never been fooled into believing Donald Trump ‘can be a good president,’” de León said. “California Democrats — we fight on the front lines — we don’t equivocate on the sidelines.”

During her speech to the full convention Saturday, Feinstein focused almost entirely on what she has called her mission to eliminate assault weapons. Invoking the recent school shooting in Parkland, Fla., that killed 17 people, Feinstein said “this is not what our schools should be ... and I’m dedicated to change that.”
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Demsrule86

(68,582 posts)
1. Let me say that De Leon is dead to me...he should have waited until she retired...now is not the
Sun Feb 25, 2018, 02:15 PM
Feb 2018

time to waste money on a primary...hope he is defeated badly to keep others from doing this.

karynnj

(59,504 posts)
4. While I am not a Californian, I suggest that California given the open primary process
Sun Feb 25, 2018, 02:50 PM
Feb 2018

where the most likely result is that two Democrats will compete in the general election is different than elsewhere with more typical party primaries or a less Democratic tilt. If the general election is between them, either way we get a Democrat. (In other states, it is possible that the Democratic challenger would be weaker in the general election than the incumbent - and we lose a seat that did not have to be lost -- ie PA 2010 )


She starts with the extremely high name recognition and incumbency. She is almost certain to win one of the two slots for the general election. She will have significant advantages going into that general election including a team that is well established and the fact that she can speak of many things she did over her 5 terms. She also could argue that as a very senior Senator, she can do more for California than a very junior Senator (in addition to a pretty junior Senator Harris.)

It will take an extraordinary person to beat someone with her advantages. It could happen - Obama did beat Clinton in 2008. My opinion in 2008, was that Obama had to run a fantastic campaign with almost no errors AND he needed Clinton to make mistakes or run at best a mediocre campaign. Like 2008, if he wins, it will be because De Leon has incredible charisma, the ability to put together a great team to run a near perfect race, and has the ability to convince enough Californians that he is worth giving up all the advantages the state has with Feinstein as Senator.

Demsrule86

(68,582 posts)
5. I think the seat could be at risk although I am comforted by the polls showing she has a commanding
Sun Feb 25, 2018, 05:24 PM
Feb 2018

lead. However, she is worth way more in the Senate than a junior Senator would be for years....and with Trump in office, we don't have years.

Sienna86

(2,149 posts)
3. I can see why de Leons background is important
Sun Feb 25, 2018, 02:23 PM
Feb 2018

Feinstein would also be 90 at the end of the next term.

mcar

(42,334 posts)
6. Gee, she sounds awful
Sun Feb 25, 2018, 05:27 PM
Feb 2018
During her speech to the full convention Saturday, Feinstein focused almost entirely on what she has called her mission to eliminate assault weapons. Invoking the recent school shooting in Parkland, Fla., that killed 17 people, Feinstein said “this is not what our schools should be ... and I’m dedicated to change that.”


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