Trying to toe the line between the obscene and acceptable.

$135,000 to Republicans within the past year. Surely he could have found a better fundraiser.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/politics/os-ne-john-morgan-biden-endorsement-20190507-xc6vfqv3arbvdelfqyojpxszpq-story.html

So the fellow Morgan apparently isnt donating to THAT republican THIS year. He's backing the person who leads the polls in defeating trump.

and gave $2 million to a food bank in Florida and $6.5 million to a campaign to legalize medical marijuana:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Morgan_(lawyer)

a strong Hillary Supporter, and donated 2 million dollars to feeding America.

However, that doesn't really matter. What matters is that Florida is a critical state, and Morgan has a lot of influence in that state.

It takes money to win elections. Perhaps one day there will be public financing of elections, but that is certainly not the case today.

This is a similar argument some made against Hillary

What does it take to win in the state of Florida?

For those that don't care for the Biden campaign strategy, I suspect they will vote for someone else in the primary.

want Joe full of money to take on Trump. We must win.

Tell us about Bernie.

our republic and the world.

Moderation got us Reagan, Reagan re-elected, Bush, Bush re-elected and now Trump. More moderation will give us more Trump. Insanity is trying the same thing over and over but expecting different results.

we get nothing...and you need a candidate to appeal to all...the midterms were won by moderates...you run a far left candidate and we could not only lose the presidency but also the house.

term limits to keep it from happening again. I just don't see much empirical evidence that moderation wins elections.

You need to look at the Senate map...it is enough to make you cry...and we need someone who can win...we could lose the house if we nominate someone too far left.

....of the House of Representatives.

We have lost far more than we should have. And the only reason those people won in the first place is the disaffection to Trump, who was elected after we put up another moderate. The definition of insanity, really: trying the same thing over again expecting different results.

Hillary, Kerry, Gore, Dukakis, Carter, Mondale, Johnson.... but hey maybe it will work THIS time.

....but Johnson was one of the biggest Democratic winners in history, and you left out Kennedy, Truman, Roosevelt (how far do you want to go back?)

Beginning with Roosevelt, Democrats have won 12 of the last 22 Presidential elections, and 4 of the last 7 (at least two of their losses, maybe all three, were "stolen&quot

Just about all of them, including even Roosevelt, can be considered moderates or slightly left of moderate.

How many "progressive" or non-moderate candidates have won? Finally, remember, every four years millions of Democrats choose our candidate. Perhaps that's what Democrats want.

Truman and Johnson both would not run for re election due to not being liked. And Carter lost re election handily when Teddy would have likely been able to beat Reagan. All this is speculation of course, but I do not think that more moderate candidates, even if they win, will put us on a path away from right wing extremism. The only way to do that would be to reverse that rightward trend by running more left leaning candidates.

Link to tweet

Link to tweet

I'll take "going against the advice of my enemies" for 10,000, Alex

try and bring down Joe Biden.

Not gonna work.

Aren't you, Cha?

We know from where it comes. But really, we're not allowed to say.

They can. But we try to abide the DU rules.

So tired already. But I'll have new strength and enlightenment when I wake. So will you, I'll bet.

Here's to fresh eyes and ears in the morning if not tonight.

Anyone who doesn't think Biden is the best candidate is suspicious to you?

What I'm tired of is some people trying to make it seem like the primaries are over before we've had a single debate or a single primary.

Millions of dollars are spent by Republicans and Russians to sow discord and discontent. You can advocate for your preferred candidate without aiding and abetting those who would disparage and demoralize us.

Last edited Wed May 29, 2019, 11:08 AM - Edit history (1)

focus, and enlightenment we need to carry through with beating trump in 2020, Control-Z!

and then: GET OUT THE VOTE!!!!!!

and Dems are do-nothings and weak, Mueller is unpatriotic and cowardly, these sorts of comments, well-timed with polls, and unfolding events, these comments that target not Trump and the GOP leadership, but other leading democrats or those who give caution about this administration and great discomfort to it, give me pause in their virulence.

I can only say a highly vocal part of the Underground appears to be bent on a narrative that is ultimately destructive to a sane and unified resistance effort which must focus on anti-democracy forces—the many players either enabling true “enemies” or compromised by them.

Why spin our wheels trampling our own—and Mueller, whose work proves a vital pillar in any impeachment effort, and is, as I write this, impacting public opinion to the extent that the woman on the street says she had no idea before today that Trump had not been exonerated?

I get criticism, but not character destruction.

Why I support Biden

Experience
Legislative skill
Stature on world stage and expertise in international relations
Political knowledge, grasp of world affairs, negotiating ability
Persevering, wise, empathic, warm, makes an emotional connection
Solid character

Presented vision for America I like when he announced
Agree with his positions on most issues

Best qualified

There’s more.

Oh, Obama’s confidence in him definitely another plus

But I haven't been all that impressed with his legislative skill, for one thing.

And if anyone thinks that a President Biden could suddenly get the R's to care about the country, they're fooling themselves. They'll do the exact same thing they tried with Obama. They'll do everything they can to obstruct and limit him to one term.

"They'll do the exact same thing they tried with Obama. They'll do everything they can to obstruct and limit him to one term."

Like they wouldn't do that to any other candidate running if they became president. Please tell me which candidate they would not try to obstruct or limit to one term.

But your opinions are subjective also...the thing is Biden may well be the nominee so how about telling us why your candidate is better rather than tearing Biden down.

Joe is a front runner mainly because of supporters affection for Obama.

from those who are paying the most attention, so far, in this 2020 primary.

Link to tweet

Link to tweet

Shouldn't that be an important part of his vision?

https://joebiden.com/joes-vision/

Joe Biden's vision.

Restoring the basic bargain for American workers.
Guaranteeing every American the skills and education they need to get ahead.
Making sure the peace of mind of health insurance is a right—not a privilege.
Tackling climate change and pollution to protect our communities.
Reforming our criminal justice system.
Rewarding work, not just wealth.
Ensuring our workers and communities benefit from international trade.
Pursue a humane immigration policy that upholds our values, strengthens our economy, and secures our border.

"Former Vice President Joe Biden believes Congress must move to enshrine abortion rights into federal law following several controversial bills passed by state legislatures around the country, his presidential campaign team confirmed to The Hill on Tuesday.
"Vice President Biden firmly believes that Roe v. Wade is the law of the land and should not be overturned," a campaign spokesperson said in a statement. "Georgia, Alabama, and Missouri are passing extreme laws in order to prevent a woman to be able to have an abortion under virtually any circumstance. Roe v. Wade lays out a constitutional guarantee that a woman can, in fact, make a choice between she and her doctor. Biden believes that codifying Roe through legislation must be pursued"

https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/444929-biden-supports-congress-enshrining-abortion-rights-if-necessary

Here a video he released a couple of weeks ago:

https://globalnews.ca/video/5300810/its-wrong-its-pernicious-joe-biden-releases-video-on-twitter-condemning-abortion-ban

Here is one when he debated Paul Ryan:

Biden's position 1:15:

doesn't he put his abortion stand on his website, alongside his other issues?

on a woman's right to choose

However, to your question why doesn't he put it on his website, I suspect it is because he wants to present a generalized vision there, and not get into too many specifics which he will outline on the campaign trial and in debates and town halls. Is not being specific a valid criticism? Absolutely.

I suspect his generalization on his website is his campaign's strategy to try to attract as many voters as possible in the general election. That may or may not be a mistake.

It took his campaign far too long to even get his website up. His website should have been up the day before he announced. Without question his campaign has lagged in some critical areas.

If I felt that Biden wouldn't nominate pro-choice SC justices, he would be off my list in a NY minute. Obviously, I don't feel that way based on voting his record in the past 20+ years, and his recent statements.

I actually listened to what Joe said when he announced he was running.

Since the USSC decision it takes money to run. Until they change the lawmgiving public financing that will not change.

I still have no choice,ill not until at least after the debates but will say this,”Joe Biden is a breath of fresh air after the last 3 years! He walks the walk!

Last edited Wed May 29, 2019, 09:09 AM - Edit history (1)

"empty suit", and the only significant thing he has done was being Obama's VP

Yes, I understand you don't like Biden, but throwing those type of insults out is beneath you.

The OP is fair game. Anita Hill is fair game, but encapsulating Biden's record as just being a surrogate of President Obama is not fair

Joe was around before Obama (whom I will always treasure and adore) and he developed into a seasoned, accomplished statesman with gravitas, on his own merit (i.e. sans Obama's assistance).

Obama is no fool - he chose a man with substance and decency at his core. Biden was the best decision he has ever made as President (he said so, himself, and this is the exact way that I feel).

Biden is loved and respected, widely, which is why there is so much #BidenEnvy out there (largely confined to the twitter world, among those who are supporting other candidates).

I have been in awe of Joe for over 25 years (since i was 19) and have always dreamed of him becoming President because I knew that he would make an excellent one. I can't wait for 2021 when he is finally inaugurated. That will be one of the happiest moments of my life!

but at the same time did the right thing.

We now exist in a corrupt system. Money is everything.

things are.

I like Ike! Check out the 1956 republican platform. It is socialist enough for me. AND Eisenhower's dire warning about the coming tyranny of the military industrial complex!! Sign me up.
Of course, I am a Democrat I would much rather have FDR or LBJ. How about Mike Gravel with Jimmy Carter as his running mate! They could both resign for health reasons, after giving it a go, and we would have President Pelosi!!

The last election pitted establishment status quo against populist promises of change.

you know who won the house moderates...

with a little policy and a little historical context.

isn't an important state

And the democratic party here is so weak, John Morgan is what qualifies as a "leader" in the party, despite leaving the party a few years ago. John Morgan is mostly all about John Morgan.

Obama and Hillary Clinton.

Your view of Florida as a "screwed up state" is not relevant to the fact that Florida is a critical state for winning general elections.

Morgan may be about Morgan, but he also has a lot of influence in the state, and having the largest law firm in that state doesn't hurt

And several GOP candidates including Matt Gaetz. And no, he doesn't have "influence" in the state in the sense that his endorsement brings in the votes. He has rich friends that will make donations to candidates. Some of those friends are republicans, and some are democrats. John Morgan won't help Biden win the primary, nor the general election. But John Morgan's money, and some of his friends money, just might.

elections, and until we have public financing of elections, this will continue to be an issue among some

Like I say, I don't really blame him, and I don't think Biden is going to be taking direction from John Morgan. I will say though that one can get overly focused on the money. HRC raised and spent way more than Trump. More than one primary candidate has raised large amounts of money, only to come in 3rd in Iowa.

Link to tweet

Biden could put Florida in play

Link to tweet

IF Florida goes democratic (the same state that elected Rubio, Desantis, not to mention Scott as both senator and governor) in the next presidential election, it won't be on the account of John Morgan's endorsement. It might be connected to his money, but I doubt it.

I don't see that as a disqualifier. And AOC is not exactly a Democratic icon so that's not a litmus test either.

she be laughed off the stage

$1.7mil in one push speaks volumes. Beats the heck out of a bake sale.

He and his wife gave $2 Million Dollars to a Florida food bank. He's pushing hard for legalizing marijuana. I wouldn't say that one criticism of someone (Cortez) makes him anti-that person. A lot of people blamed her uninformed push for preventing Amazon from putting its HQ in NY. But even if he were anti-Cortez ideology, she is not a mainstream Democrat, so that's not a problem for a left-leaning Independent.

Biden is not someone I want to see get the nomination. I have some issues with him. But criticizing the fact that left-leaning Independents support Biden seems silly to me. That is exactly what we want and need.

FL is an important state for the Democrats.

Voters judge everything. Vote for Elizabeth Warren.

the 20 election but probably future elections as well. We have no path without the blue wall.

She will surprise many people in the coming year.

blue wall and policy rarely wins the presidency.

Policy will win over any nostalgic plea for normalcy.

Your View: Medicare for all is good business for Pennsylvania
By Richard Master
Mar 17, 2019



I’m the CEO of a growing consumer products company and proudly employ around 200 people in Easton. One of the biggest strains on my business — and, frankly, all businesses in Pennsylvania — is the high cost of providing health insurance benefits.

By a long shot, the U.S. has the most expensive health care system in the world, and it’s hurting my business, my employees, my state and my country.
https://www.mcall.com/opinion/mc-opi-medicare-for-all-20190308-story.html

I am also against medicare for all...the ACA has saved millions of lives. Blame the GOP for the damage to the ACA...It would cost me a fortune if I had to pay for Medicare for all...it is not the answer and will never be passed...the ACA with a public option, and price regulation is the answer ...this will lead to universal care.

the polls...her policies are mostly impossible to pass also. She would be painted as a big spend liberal in any general. And she is never going to rebuild the blue wall. We have no path to the presidency without it.

didn't exist in PA, actually does have meaning and will translate to votes. Stand up to the GOP, not cower to their bullshit stereotypes. They will never agree with policy that enables the middle class never mind the working poor and forget the homeless. They do not give a damn. We will continue to do well as a party and remove more Republicans from congress and the senate as long as policy leads the effort.

Warren has a real shot at this and Biden may just make that easier for her if he follows your thinking.

Not only will we not win the presidency...we could lose the house. It was moderates who gave us the house after all. The Senate is a reach. We must build the blue wall and not just for 20...I do not see Elizabeth Warren as being able to do this.

Medicare for All would force millions to give up insurance that that like. Political suicide. We need a robust public option.

Honest, not trying to argue.

Whatever helps us beat Trumpolini is good for me.

handicap our candidates.

He is also the leading advocate for the legalization of MJ in our state. He has started giving more to the Republican over the last couple of years. Morgan is extremely good friends with the Senate President in Florida. Childhood friends.
Morgan is hit or miss. I would take money from him in a heartbeat. It would be foolish not to. Morgan is connected in Florida.

He raised over three million for Clinton and gave two hundred and fifty thousand to Andrew Gillum's PAC last year.

Between 2008 and 2004 Morgan gave the Florida Republicans 336 thousand and the Florida Democrats 310 thousand. Since then he has not given to the democrats and give two or three smaller contributions to the Republicans.

The attacks on Biden keep getting more and more weak.

However, winning next November is going to require the votes of some independent voters, as well as solid Democrats. Fundraising is part of every political campaign. So, Joe Biden said thank you to those who donated at some guy's home. He did the same in California. He'll do the same in many places.

The ability to raise campaign funds is an important part of running for President. Campaigns cost money. Real money.

So, I'm not bothered by some independent hosting a fundraising gathering for Joe Biden. I don't know who attended, really, nor who wrote those checks up to the maximum individual donation of $2800. Do you?

I assume that one of the checks, though, came from John Morgan. If he can help Biden get elected, my thanks go out to him, I say. I don't have that kind of money to donate, so I appreciate that those who do are donating.

She isn't above criticism. I'd personally rank her slightly better than Tulsi Gabbard and Tulsi is pretty close to the bottom of my list.

....and served my local Party going on twenty years.

I wouldn't rank her as you did because she's not a Presidential candidate. But looking at what she's done since last year with respect to campaigning AGAINST other Democrats in the Midwest and California (most of whom wound up losing) and what she's planning to do to more Democrats next year with her Justice Democrats, she's alienated a lot of "good Democrats".

I should also point out that I know a number of Democrats in the 14th District in New York, and she has alienated many of them, too.

Yes, you're correct, there are plenty of good Democrats who aren't fans of her.

She won a deep blue district that any one with D behind their name could win.

in 2016.


https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/john-morgan-to-host-fundraiser-for-joe-biden/ar-AAB9dye

That's a problem and here's why..

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Two things that concerned parties should remember:

1. The 2016 playbook will not work this time.

2. Many voters don't particularly care whether or not somebody likes the representative from NY-14 .

Link to tweet