However, some people are so enamored of their choice of candidates that they take even the slightest criticism or concern as "bashing." We're all going to see more calls to juries, I'm sure.

I will probably avoid this forum most of the time, at least until we get closer to 2020. It smells a lot like "teen spirit" right now, and won't settle down for a while.

....not everyone who has serious issues with a candidate and points these issues out is a Russian Bot or on Putin's payroll.

I'm undecided, although I'm strongly considering voting for Amy Klobuchar as Minnesota's "favorite daughter" next March. That isn't set in stone, though, so I'm remaining undecided, and will be until we get closer to 2020.

What about demanding to see tax returns? Is that bashing?

I've seen where someone has quoted a candidate's words and was subsequently accused of bashing. That didn't seem fair.

I've also read posts where someone pointed out a candidate's views on gun control, only to have an exasperated adversary accuse them of bashing.

It's so hard to tell any more.

I agree that making tax returns public should be a requirement to run for President. We need that transparency.

If a candidate resists doing that, it should be a subject of discussion. It's not bashing. It's a discussion of why someone running for that office would refuse.

Likewise, views on crucial issues like gun control are valid concerns. It's an important issue, and a candidate whose record on that topic isn't progressive should be called to account for that. Same with mysogyny, racial issues, and many others.

We need to air out all of those issues and find out how candidates stand on them, and have stood in the past. Open discussion of any issue and a candidate's stated position or record are all legitimate points for discussion.

No way should we be hiding posts like that, in my opinion.

Sen Franken to resign as lacking the judgement to be President either. Let all the information be known!

not be seen as "bashing." Facts are what we need to make wise decisions. Spreading rumors, however, can be bashing. Telling lies can be bashing. We shouldn't do any of those things.

Going after their positions or actions in the public arena is not bashing by any means.

I'm hoping people will recognize that and refrain from trying to control what appears in this forum. I want to see a lively conversation, especially this early in the primary campaign.