Democratic Primaries
Related: About this forumEzra Klein: The case for Jay Inslee
The case for Jay Inslee
Inslee is the only candidate treating climate change the way the science says climate change should be treated.
By Ezra Klein@ezraklein May 13, 2019, 9:30am EDT
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As he told my colleague Dave Roberts, I believe there is one central, defining, existential-with-a-capital-E threat to the future of the nation: climate change. It is clear that it will only be defeated if the United States shows leadership. And that will only happen if the US president makes it a clear priority the number one, foremost, paramount goal of the next administration.
Climate change isnt a concern Inslee picked up just in time for the 2020 presidential race. In 2009, when he was a member of the House, he co-authored a book with energy expert Bracken Hendricks called Apollos Fire: Igniting Americas Clean Energy Economy, and wrote ambitious legislation trying to make his vision reality.
Inslee is a two-term governor of Washington state he took office in 2013 and is term-limited out in 2020 and the Republican attack line on him has been that the only thing he cares about is climate change. Its the kind of insult thats also, sort of, a compliment.
Inslee supported the states recent carbon tax ballot initiatives (both failed) and has tried several times to pass carbon pricing bills through the legislature, only to be thwarted. But he kept at it, and this session (finally working with a Democratic majority in both houses), he shepherded through a range of ambitious bills on clean electricity, clean buildings, electric vehicles, banning hydrofluorocarbons, and boosting energy efficiency standards.
Inslees single-mindedness, even in the face of past failures, is important. A persistent problem in climate change politics is that Democrats pay lip service to the existential threat but prioritize kitchen table issues with faster political payoff. By the time they turn back to climate, if they turn back to climate, theyve long since lost the capital necessary for the fight. Inslee made this point in an accurate assessment of Barack Obamas first term:
We simply cannot have that experience again. So [climate change] cant be on a laundry list. It cant be something that candidates check the box on. It has to be a full-blooded effort to mobilize the United States in all capacities.
more...
https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2019/5/13/18564548/jay-inslee-2020-democrats-climate-change-science
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
saidsimplesimon
(7,888 posts)His message is one I support. Jay Inslee is an important voice for that message. While he may not win the nomination, perhaps it will influence our winner to consider including the environment as a top tier issue, after economic and health care concerns, but not ignored completely. imo
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
Indygram
(2,113 posts)Not his only issue...but anytime he is asked what his most important issue is, he says climate change.
So it's not being ignored. The media seems to be ignoring it, though.
https://betoorourke.com/climate-change/
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
saidsimplesimon
(7,888 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
Hortensis
(58,785 posts)boat is raised by some attention it'll raise those of all who are prioritizing our climate emergency.
Inslee's been focused on battling not just climate change but all the intertwining issues, disappearing fresh water, environment, ag, sustainable energy, air quality, public health, etcetera, for years and has some very strong on-the-ground creds.
A real chance for our Democrats to develop a national synergy.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
maxsolomon
(33,383 posts)I don't think he's going to get the nomination, but he will have a cabinet position - Energy or Interior.
It's THE issue, but so many people have more immediate concerns that it won't define the race. It's still an existential threat, versus, say, eviction.
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
Hortensis
(58,785 posts)with those recent important climate bills that had been blocked now passed. And people should note that WA just passed the nation's first state public option healthcare plan.
I really hope a lot of people take a very serious look at him. Just as his campaign is paying off in his home state, it can pay off across the nation, as he intends, by affecting our national dialogue.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
Merlot
(9,696 posts)The VP could make climate change a high-visibility issue.
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
The Blue Flower
(5,444 posts)Strong on policy and strong on governing experience that gets results. He also knows how to win elections.
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
montanacowboy
(6,098 posts)Great Governor and Great next President. He could pick Dump up and spit in his ass (rhetorically speaking of course)
INSLEE/WARREN
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
Qutzupalotl
(14,322 posts)He comes off friendly and likable, yet drives home the seriousness of his signature issue persuasively. I hope he qualifies for the debates, because we need his voice there. I would be proud to support him in the general.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
Qutzupalotl
(14,322 posts)so I sent him $20.20. You can too! Link below:
https://jayinslee.com/
Lets get Jay to 65,000 donors!
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
MFM008
(19,818 posts)Biden needs to answer for his lackluster climate stance.
Im hopeful he will see the light if he becomes the nominee.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
oasis
(49,401 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
Persondem
(1,936 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)he'd be a contender.
But he's not doing well. It's a shame, because this is an issue that is one of my main priorities.
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided