Newsom is openly crooked and problematic in that way, sure, but he's very talented as a politician and is an excellent communicator. Didn't we just see that being a Democrat puppet for Israel doesn't work? Biden/Harris turned the US into Israel's client state and that still wasn't enough to be viewed as the pro-Israel party. I could be wrong, but I don't see it with Fetterman. In any case, the Democrats should have a real contest. The best candidate should come through. I don't want anyone - Newsom, Fetterman, or other - to be propped up by the party. If someone naturally rises to be a star then embrace it.
Harris didn't lose because she was too pro-Israel. If anything, one of her bigger mistakes was not choosing Shapiro as VP, because some powers that be were concerned about a Jewish person on the ticket. I agree about having a real nomination process will help the party next time around.
It definitely didn't help to be so pro-genocide. Biden's approach to Israel-Gaza had an approval rating in the 20s. He rated worse on that than even immigration. This was a super easy and obvious place for her to differentiate herself from Biden, but she refused to do so. Would it have been the difference in the election? Who knows. Probably not. And it's impossible for me to make an honest argument supporting that allegation at this point. But it was an easy W that she just wouldn't take. Shapiro and Walz were equally pro-Israel. They had the same basic policies, as far as I know, although admittedly I haven't done a deep dive on this. Based on what I've read, Kamala passed on Shapiro because he would have overshadowed her. He's charismatic and wants to grow and gain more power and influence. Walz, on the other hand, vowed that he would just be happy to be #2. Two other issues with Shapiro: he compared pro-Palestine protesters to the KKK (or something like that) and the Harris campaign was worried about that whole murder cover-up thing being in the news.
Newsom is out of touch with most people - when your opponent is out of touch it isn't as big a problem - but it is still a problem. Harris and Biden ****ed up on Israel/Palestine from a political standpoint because they did not pick a side and take a strong position - they tried to straddle the fence and screwed it up politically. Whoever emerges for the Democrats is going to be someone that is a major part of the news cycle and is comfortable frequently speaking and defending themselves. The days of a "hands off" President are largely gone. A lot can happen in 4 years - and it is very possible that everything is a mess and the Republicans will pay the price - but its pretty clear that what a candidate needs to be has changed.
I liked Vance back in the day but went straight spineless when he joined Trumps team. Trump went from being a Nazi to a Dairy queen Banana Split. He is super smart, not a silver spoon guy. and he does sound like he is talking to you when he speaks. My problem with him like the Trump flip flop, he is just a sounding board for project 2025. I can't support that.
And there's your real issue. Biden picked Harris over other, more popular 2020 candidates because she checked boxes and wouldn't overshadow him. She was and remains very mid. And then she picks another mid candidate. No voters would have picked either of them in a primary. A lot of mediocrity on one ticket.
DNC or Democrat voters. The primaries should be open and the voters should pick the candidate, not the DNC. Im still struggling with this concept myself
Vance was personally selected by Peter Thiel. Trump is bought and paid for by Musk, Thiel and many others. Vance is being groomed by Thiel to run in 2028. A new establishment is being built in the Republican party and pushing out the GOP (hence why Cheney left) and the religious zealots. Once Trump is gone, dont be surprised to see Zuck and Bezos join the Republican party in full force.
Truth is that as a nation, if we do well, the Republicans will and should get all the credit. I won't be mad at that. They have all the power. What happens is likely to determine the outcome.
I am hearing rumors Dwayne Herbert Camacho is polling very well in private circles against Vance in anticipation for a 2028 run. Camacho is a very strong and respected leader in the minority community and is well respected within the Democrat party. Personally I think he fits the ticket very well despite his early endeavors in the p*rn and wrestling industry. Biden would have been better off picking shapiro as his running mate and waiting for Kamala to be Camachos running mate.
What evidence do you see of religious zealots being pushed out? A lot of them think Trump is divine providence.
She goes on to write a memoir and fund raise for Super PACs and get paid to give speeches. She's done politically. If she were a bit younger, she'd potentially be a SC Nominee if a spot became available, but now she'd be a senior citizen before that opportunity would arise.
