General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsA 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.phpTheir 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 Franciscos 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 womens 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 dont mention Trump at all.
De León tapped into misgivings about the fervor of Feinsteins Trump resistance during his speech Saturday. He criticized her for supporting the Iraq War, the Patriot Act and the federal governments warrantless surveillance program.
We speak truth to power, and weve never been fooled into believing Donald Trump can be a good president, de León said. California Democrats we fight on the front lines we dont 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 Im dedicated to change that.
Demsrule86
(68,582 posts)time to waste money on a primary...hope he is defeated badly to keep others from doing this.
DURHAM D
(32,610 posts)^^^
karynnj
(59,504 posts)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)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)Feinstein would also be 90 at the end of the next term.
mcar
(42,334 posts)grantcart
(53,061 posts)Wish de Leon waited until she retired.