Could we have a Jewish candidate in 2008...Senator Russ Feingold maybe?

Could we have a Jewish candidate in 2008...Senator Russ Feingold maybe?

My top 2008 candidates are still: Senator Edwards, General Clark and Governor Warner...but I'm very interested in Senator Russ Feingold as well. He's got quite a good voting record and of course he's been against the Patriot Act from the beginning...and even though I'm a Centrist Democrat, I like Senator Feingold a lot, he's a good, decent fellow.

He's currently not married, he's twice divorced - so what, Ronnie Ray-Gun was previously married to Jane Wyman, who he divorced when he found out Nancy Davis was pregnant...so Ray-Gun had a Shotgun Wedding after his divorce.

Senator Feingold is Jewish...I'd LIKE to think that this WOULDN'T be an issue for the majority of the population...so do you think we could consider this, consider Senator Feingold? Or would the often hidden racism that we KNOW exists prevent him from going all the way?

He's not currently married...but I think he's rather handsome...so if him NOT being married might be a problem, of course I'll offer to marry him...he's old enough to be my Dad, but I think he's a cutie pie :)





:popcorn:

as long as it's not Lieberman

and most of us sincerely believe it. I've supported his campaigns and met him at the airport flying coach. A repub at the airport told him he didn't vote for him and Russ said thats ok I work for you anyway.

Sorry I added this to the wrong spot but you get the point.

They weren't voting primarily for Joe Lieberman.

However, what I think doesn't control elections (pretty obviously!)

The ADL's 2005 Survey on Anti-Semitism in America found that 33% of American adults think "Jews are more loyal to Israel than to America"

When elections are won or lost by a few percentage points do you really think that any party afford to run a candidate with the 1/3 of the country assuming they're not really loyal Americans. Now, add in the current "War on Christians" and "War on Christmas" meme and you can guarantee that even a great Jewish candidate like Feingold has no chance in a national race.

I just don't believe it, not with this RW crowd. They are so shameless they would do ANYTHING to keep their power hold. Don't doubt that, please.

amendment by a margin upwards of 60% in some states? You've got a LOT more faith in them to not be bigoted than I do.

was really floored that we passed that anti-gay marriage crap so easily.

That "those" sort of people might get in the way.

are an awful lot of the population and not all of "them" are extreme rightists or even on the right at all (OK, most of them may be but definitely not all). Sorry to break the news to you.

j/k :)

I'm certainly glad that he vetoed the morning after pill ban passed by the state legislature.

will have all trust in the US completely destroyed in the Muslim world, and they might not feel that a Jewish American president is the answer for them, no matter what his politics are.

I think it would have been easier for a Jew to win in 2000 than it will be in 2008.

... Russ Feingold is IT for me! Smart, articulate, straightforward -- and yes, being handsome doesn't hurt!

As for being Jewish, the stereotypes that many people (unfortunately) have about Jews could actually work in his favour. Many people, who wouldn't socialize with a Jew if their lives depended on it, insist on using Jewish doctors, lawyers, accountants, etc., because they see them as being typically intelligent, well-educated and highly professional in their chosen fields.

So a lot would depend on 'marketing' him properly -- it's unfortunate we have to think in those terms when choosing someone to fill the highest office in the country, but that's the way it is these days.

What I find most impressive about Russ is the fact that having heard him speak only once, people are bedazzled! I've seen it so many times here in DU threads: "I just saw an interview with Feingold for the first time, and I'm REALLY IMPRESSED." That doesn't happen a lot with any one politician.

FEINGOLD IN 2008? Count me in!

Isn't it odd that we'd have to think about marketing him properly...when we have a DUNCE that looks like the missing link between Man and Ape already squatting in the WH?

But I do understand where you're coming from about this.

I became a fan when I heard he was the only one who voted against the "Patriot Act." That gets a plus from me already!!! It shows he cares more about the Constiution and what's right than politics.

I really like Russ Feingold and know many women in WI who would line up if he needed a spouse. He is down to earth and many people in WI who voted for Bush also voted for Russ so he has extremely broad appeal.

Kerry is Roman Catholic.

The Germans in World War II would have killed him for his Jewish heritage. David Brinkleys book is one place where it is mentioned.

So everybody but the Nazis would consider him Catholic but a flat out racist would consider him a Jew. (Not, Jewish, but "a Jew")

Now. Tell me how that would help a liberal candidate?

By the way welcome to DU

But the problem is that nobody who cares about being "genetically Jewish" would vote for a mainstream candidate anyway so with Kerry it wasn't relevant.

On the other hand, lots of people who DO vote for real candidates do have a significant streak of anti-Semitism especially now that Bush and friends are making that particular bigotry both mainstream and, for the first time since the public saw the WWII death camps, socially acceptable.

it would be nice to have him as president because being a Jew and a progressive he could work on fairness with other mid east countries. I get so tired of all this favored Israel nonsense and damn the other countries that live there. *sigh* Does anybody know where Feingold is on that?

His father died when he was four and his mother raised him as a Protestant. He converted to Catholicism. He can be everything to everyone.

Uh I thought he was Catholic??? :shrug: And if Kerry's Jewish by blood wouldn't that mean Bush is too since they are blood related? :shrug:

Catholic. I loved the fact that he was part Jewish. I think that is why he had so many wonderful attributes!

Much as I'd love to see President Feingold it isn't going to happen in the next twenty years at least. With the Republican culture war splitting the country along "Good Christian" vs everybody else lines a gay, black woman would have a better chance of winning as long as she said she loved Jesus.

The two marriages thing will be troubling for some of the heartland types. Don't beat up on me for saying it, I personally do not care. But they'll find a way to trash him or make innuendos about his failure to maintain a marital relationship. It's the same reason why I think Rudy doesn't have a rat's chance, either.

Cabinet post? Sure. But the White House is a package deal...the public is ALMOST ready for a First Gent, but SOMEONE has to go do the ribbon cuttings and frou frou stuff...

And if he marries between now and then, it will only make it worse. Everyone will be watching to see if he and his newest version fight...and if he doesn't marry, well, they'll suggest that he is gay, and rile up the wingers that way.

With a real STRONG frontrunner, he might be able to hold the second spot on the ticket, but even that could be iffy...

So I can't ask Senator Feingold to marry me then?

:cry:

because where the divorce rates are the highest is "in the heartland." Doy.

I'm feeling surly right now, but come on.

I really like Russ, and if he's nominated I'm for him all the way...but he'll lose.

There are too many jerks in this country that vote.

That's a problem with Dems sometimes. They see America as they *wish* it was, not as it actually is.

Speaking as one of them.

I think the handicapping by the MSM whores would be a bigger problem for Senator Feingold than would anti-Semitism, were he to throw his hat in the ring.

Instead of what they are

pay attention to what they are.

There is nothing wrong with being realistic about the dumb things that can effect how people vote.

I like the Rocket from Illinois. Tis way to early to start jacking-off the jaw, we still have 06 and that's a year away.

It's certainly a potential ticket to ponder.

If Clark ends up as the nominee, I rather prefer Clark/Sebelius myself.

Let alone the number two on the ticket. Look I'm glad that she's Governor of Kansas over the Republican and I'm glad that she has a fairly high approval ratings which are mostly due to the fact that the state is in better financial shape than it would be with a Republican. I think that she will get re-elected and might stand a decent chance at an open senate seat. But she's far too much of a lightweight to stand any chance on the national level.

Maybe Sebelius will be able to take on Sam Brownback for U.S. Senate in 2010...of course, the Democratic Party will stand no chance of surviving the 2010 midterms if the voting public once again buys into the "Socialist Nazi" image that would be associated with Democrats up and down the ticket (yes, I know those midterms are still a long ways away...but 2008 WILL certainly have effects on how 2010 plays out).

However, I wouldn't necessarily count her out for the #2 Spot on the ticket. A centrist Democrat who is popular in her homestate and has worked in a bipartisan manner in a traditionally red state...aren't those the same kinds of assets people at DU praise Mark Warner (who I agree has potential) for?

It is likely that no Democrat would be able to carry Kansas....but Governor Sebelius (as the V.P. nominee) could most definitely help the Dem ticket make inroads in battleground states throughout the Midwest and more moderate parts of the South.

That being said I think that Mark Warner is another lightweight or middleweight at best. I think he might make a decent VP, but I don't think he has what it takes to be the nominee.

Sebelius can't beat Brownback. Sam Brownback is a hero to the fundie nutcases and while some of them may stop supporting Bush, they won't stop supporting Brownback. Her best bet is to wait for Pat Roberts to retire and run for his open seat.

I don't think so. What else does Clark have under his belt? Nothing. Feingold has WAY more experience.

Yes to Russ. Are we going to get the vote of anyone who wouldn't vote for him because he's Jewish anyway? As to the rest of it, we hammer them against the anvil of their own hypocrisy.

....meaning they don't get elected. Senators, not Jews that is.

Right now we need some actual Democrats in the Senate, so I hope he stays there. But he might want to consider being governor of Wisconsin someday. It would increase his chances of being elected President.

Goldwater - Racist nutcase

McGovern - Great guy but a complete political amateur

Dole - Could put a corpse to sleep

Kerry - Couldn't take a solid stance on the war and chose horrible people to manage his campaign that resulted in making amateur mistakes.

John Kennedy was a Senator but he was also incredibly charismatic and had a very well organized political machine. That's how he won.

I'll take a senator who is charismatic and has a well organized machine over a boring Governor who will make amateur mistakes.

I think he could do it. He seems to know how to work politics where campaigning is concerned living in a red state. Kerry has the advantage of living in a blue state and area so Feingold has that experience on how to appeal to all types of people I'm sure. Plus, with Dean running the DNC things will go a lot better this time around and fifty state campaigning as well.

but I don't think he would get elected president. Not so much because of anti Semitic sentiment, but more because of anti Israeli sentiment.

Feingold was elected three times in Wisconsin, and is very popular there.

I never knew Wisconsin was so disproportionately inclined to vote for a Jew compared to the rest of the country.

You are right he has very broad appeal becomes he is a responsible competent senator that isn't afraid to talk straight to those in power and to colleagues. People are getting sick of partisan politics and sick of irresponsible spending. WI knows whats its doing and in many respect its a conservative state like much of the midwest. If he plays well in WI I think he plays well most places. However, I'm not sure about the deep south but we will never win there anyway.

are mixed. There are some neonazi groups out there. However, several years ago they had 2 Jewish senators as did California.

He like myself doesn't wear his religion on his sleeve, is very intelligent, well spoken and right on all my important issues. If you take the time to actually listen to him you too will be hooked. This man is as fine a choice as I've seen in some time.

Right now Feingold is one of about three Democrats I would consider supporting if Clark doesn't run, so I am not saying this to be anti Feingold. "America" loves having First Ladies, almost like most Brits enjoy having a Queen around. "America" likes looking at the White House and knowing that there's a "real family" living inside it, not a bachelor. When was the last time a single person was elected to be President anyway? I know that it has happened. I remember when Jerry Brown was running for President and everyone kept talking about him and Linda Rondstadt. It is a distraction that a candidate doesn't need, especially in this era of "family values". If Feingold's divorces weren't messy, I honestly feel they are much less of a problem for him than being single is. I am NOT saying that a single person can't run for and win the Presidency, just saying that it complicates the effort. I would be happy to see Feingold as President.

Might be a good VP candidate, but I'm not even sure about that. The Republicans are going to be desperate, and out for blood in 2008. I don't think we should reward them with another already weakened candidate.

TC

I don't think it matters at all, but I agree... Feingold, although wonder, has some issues.

If Kerry doesn't run again Feingold is who I'm supporting. I definietly think he's going to run (Feingold) but haven't seen any clear signs of Kerry quite yet. My second choice would be Warner. I think Feingold would be great as a president. And he is a cutie-pie and his eyes sparkle with his personality. You can watch appearances of him at cspan.org And yes I'll be happy to marry him too!!! Of course he's too old for me but I like older men (Kerry being the oldest).

There's hope!

But I am DEEPLY concerned that a Jewish candidate will run into a a buzzsaw of anti-semetic prejucice. Can't you just see the RW ads against him? These people are shameless bigots and haters and they love to employ their tactics on others.

Yes, he would be a great candidate and I think has potential for being a great president. But I tremble at the thought of the RW gang in the general election!

but it doesn't guarantee anything. Feingold has tens times more of a chance of being elected, than a one term Senator with a very sparse record, but I don't think people are going to be very friendly to anyone already in Congress. His religion may matter to a few people, but I doubt Repukes want to run an anti-Semitic themed race. If the Dems run more than 10 candidates in the primaries, we're in big trouble.