Question of the day
Tuesday, Mar 3, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* He’s been saying this all along…
With the Illinios primary two weeks away and as voters in “Super Tuesday” states were going to the polls, Gov. JB Pritzker today remained neutral in the Democratic race for president.
“I’m for the Democrat,” he told reporters following an agricultural legislative day event at the Illinois State Library. “I don’t know who’s going to win Illinois. I don’t know who’s going to win the nomination. But I know one thing: (President) Donald Trump’s got to go. You can see it in the way that some of the challenges around the coronavirus are being handled. The administration has done a terrible job, in my opinion, of really helping states with the challenges they face.”
* Meanwhile…
[Sheila Nix], the president of Tusk Philanthropies, said the Biden Illinois team hit the phones to leverage the new Biden boom, making another round of calls to uncommitted Illinois elected officials and to donors.
Notice the campaign didn’t call actual voters. Biden has zero ground game here, or pretty much anywhere, for that matter. He’s got his name and a few new dollars and some intense media exposure since South Carolina. Other than that, not much.
Nix, by the way, was hired as one of Rod Blagojevich’s deputy governors after Bradley Tusk quit. She then became Jill Biden’s chief of staff before going to work for Tusk, who is a Bloomberg guy.
…Adding… Advisory…
Tuesday, March 10
12:30 p.m. Bernie 2020 Rockford Rally with Sen. Bernie Sanders
Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N Main St, Rockford, IL 61101
Information for the public: This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is encouraged. Entrance is provided on a first come, first served basis. Doors open at 11:00 a.m.
* The Question: Who are you supporting for president? Make sure to explain your response and don’t start arguments with anyone else. Their opinion is their opinion. Yours is yours. Keep it that way or find yourself deleted and possibly banned. Thanks.
- CharlieKratos - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 1:32 pm:
Assuming the Illinois primary was today, it’d be Warren (the pragmatic Bernie).
- Lucky Pierre - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 1:34 pm:
Mike Bloomberg.
Every other candidate that remains in the race raised their hand to say they would support a socialist at the head of the Democratic ticket
- Midtown Guy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 1:34 pm:
Bernie Sanders is the only candidate running who presents even a sliver of change to the status quo. He has my vote. The past two weeks with Coronavirus on the rise convinced me. Every worker deserves paid sick time, living wages, and access to healthcare. Don’t tell me we can’t afford it when so many others do so easily.
- Powdered Whig - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 1:36 pm:
I was a Mayor Pete supporter, and in light of the endorsements of Mayor Pete and Amy Kobluchar, I will be supporting Biden.
- Christopher - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 1:36 pm:
First, I must say that I’m fine with any of the remaining Democratic candidates (and I would have been okay with Buttigieg or Klobuchar, too). Is Tulsi Gabbard still running - if so, she needs to drop out. As to whom I’ll vote for on March 17th, I’d like to see who gets any momentum from Super Tuesday, and the reason for that is to pile on with whichever Democrat is leading so that we can finally have more certainty of exactly who the candidate will be. Joe Biden seems like a decent guy who gets tongue-tied occasionally. Elizabeth Warren probably has the second highest appeal, of those who are left in the race. As far as Bloomberg, he doesn’t seem to have much personality but he’s got the money to steamroll Trump.
- Former Candidate on the Ballot - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 1:39 pm:
In the primary - anyone BUT Bloomberg, as I think he presents the strongest competition to Trump amongst Independents and moderate Republicans
- thunderspirit - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 1:41 pm:
Warren would get my vote in the primary were it today. I think her best strength is policy while her weakest point is that she isn’t ruthless enough to do anything possible to win.
- Wensicia - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 1:41 pm:
I’m supporting the winner of the nomination for Democratic presidential candidate.
- Lt Guv - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 1:42 pm:
Like Powdered Whig, I was going to vote for Mayor Pete but am now fully in for Biden.
- Ron Burgundy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 1:45 pm:
I will be supporting Biden. Bernie is too far left for me and I can’t vote for Trump under any circumstances.
- Sterling - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 1:47 pm:
I’m excited to vote for Bernie in the primary and I’d be happy to vote for Warren in the general. Anyone else though would likely not get my vote in the general.
- The Real Captain - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 1:50 pm:
Already voted Yang (Voted for John Edwards once the day before dropped out as well). I’ll take whoever. Anyone on the ballot would be a change to the current status quo (except maybe Bloomberg).
- Publius - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 1:57 pm:
Gilligan
He promises us Dis, dat and the udder ting
- Earnest - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 2:01 pm:
Sanders. I don’t think you beat Trump unless you generate a high degree of enthusiasm in a portion of your supporters. Biden’s dull campaign as an inoffensive establishment moderate will be drowned out by the excitement of Trump supporters. Warren’s economic positions are my favorite, but I don’t see her winning either the primary or general.
- Tom Willis - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 2:02 pm:
I vote Bernie. He is focused on healthcare.
- Lincoln Lad - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 2:05 pm:
Either Biden or Bloomberg… Heart is with Joe, logic says Bloomberg has the best chance against Trump.
- Grandson of Man - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 2:05 pm:
Bernie Sanders for a few reasons: America has Third World income inequality, we have the fewest with health insurance and the most expensive healthcare of all leading countries, marijuana legalization, massive tax breaks for the super-rich, etc. Am a team player though and will support the Democratic nominee.
Ironically it’s a billionaire, Gov. Pritzker, who helped lead me to support Bernie. Democrats are best to me when they go big and bold, like Social Security, Medicare, voting rights, union rights, etc. Pritzker and the DPI went big and bold last year.
- Never Trumper - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 2:05 pm:
I was for Pete but now Biden.
- BigLou - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 2:07 pm:
Biden. If trump is trying this hard to bad mouth him and get dirt on him, and the Russians are trying to help Bernie, it tells me Biden is the most formidable one to beat Trump.
Hey Midtown Guy,
Although I agree “Every worker deserves paid sick time” how much time should they get? You say because of coronavirus this is needed but with the gestation period of the virus before someone shows symptoms (assuming they have it) and the time they are actually sick with it, there can be well over a month of sick leave assuming they think they have come into contact and may have caught it.
- Midtown Guy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 2:14 pm:
@BigLou - I think 4 weeks of paid time off sounds fair and is about average for other global economies such as Germany, UK, and Poland. While Coronavirus lead me to this conclusion, it is not the only reason - obviously. The idea of a health scare whipping out a family’s savings, or workers being forced to continue going to the office despite flu-like symptoms, makes no sense to me. A more compassionate set of rules would help us all go a lot further.
- Montrose - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 2:19 pm:
Warren. I think. But maybe Bernie has the right strategy to get new voters to the polls. But then centrists won’t vote. So, Biden. But does Bloomberg have a better chance with all his money? Maybe Bloomberg. No Bern…Bide..Warr… *goes into fetal position in the voting booth*
- Techie - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 2:21 pm:
Bernie Sanders. The race is quickly boiling down to Bernie vs Biden, and Biden often has trouble completing sentences, he mis-remembers/blends together stories, he sometimes forgets what state he is in or what office he’s running for…I wish I were kidding, but he seems to be experiencing mental decline.
Bernie may be older than Biden, but he’s far sharper. He’s offering America a real chance to improve itself, not just to return to the conditions which gave rise to Trump in the first place.
I know for certain Bernie will fight for me and my interests. I cannot say that about Biden - he appears to be beholden to both the political and economic establishments, neither of whom care much about me or my family.
- Bigtwich - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 2:22 pm:
Bernie. I would not be unhappy with Warren. They have programs for the future. The rest just seem to want to back to the status quo anti Trump. I will support them if nominated but we should do better.
- Rutro - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 2:23 pm:
Bloomberg or Biden now, sadly already voted for Klobbachur, darn it
- Northsider - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 2:25 pm:
Warren, because of her track record and her plans are the most detailed and well-thought out of any primary candidate’s. But come November, I’m voting Blue no matter who.
- Because I said so.... - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 2:26 pm:
I was with Pete but now backing Biden. I can also live with Warren. Really don’t like Bernie. I would have to really hold my nose if he is the nominee.
Too many promises and no way to fulfill them.
- Kayak - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 2:27 pm:
Bernie, but I’d also settle for a Biden/Bernie ticket if we can dump Trump.
- Rachel - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 2:31 pm:
I’m fine with any of them but I’ll vote for Biden in the primary. I think he can stand up to Trump’s attacks - people feel they “know” Biden and will ignore the nonsense coming from the Trump camp. Although my beliefs are closer to Bernie, I think Biden has a better chance.
- Steve Rogers - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 2:32 pm:
My vote goes to the best person who I think can beat Trump in the general. For me right now, that’s Biden. I’d go for Bloomberg too.
- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 2:34 pm:
I’m back with Biden, but am worried about his Hunter problem. I’ll happily vote for any Democrat though, but think Biden represents the best chance of not only beating Trump, but getting some important things accomplished as President.
Why Biden? I’m about as establishment as they come, but also because I think he represents a realist position about what’s possible, as opposed to some of the others who are offering fantasy plans that sound great but will never pass.
- Progressive Guy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 2:50 pm:
Bernie Sanders. The defining issue of our generation is health care - we overpay for it as a country, it causes more bankruptcies and ruined lives than other issue, and it’s only going to get worse with the corona virus, etc.
Nationalized health care would encourage people to start new businesses, apply for new jobs, or stay at home to raise their family.
Every other candidate has a half-step proposal that will be corrupted by the insurance industry and then vilified and repealed by republicans (a la the ACA).
I would welcome Warren (maybe even prefer her) but think Bernie is the current champion.
- City Guy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 2:55 pm:
I was going to vote for Warren. But now I’m concerned her delegates will go to Bernie if she isn’t selected. In my opinion, if Bernie is the Dem nominee, Trump will easily win. Therefore, I’m now voting for Biden.
- Ducky LaMoore - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 2:56 pm:
My comment got lost in the filter so I will keep this one pithy… Bernie out of spite.
- Jibba - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 3:10 pm:
The Dem who wins. I like Bernie and his sharp analysis of the problems of our society. I just don’t want him to do everything he promises. He has a lot of energy in the campaign, which Trump shows us can carry someone through despite not having the backing of the senior party members.
- Neutraal - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 3:19 pm:
Trump- better record than last 4 presidents combined. If it weren’t for the hatred by the press, the election would not even be close. Look at it objectively and what he’s accomplished is head and shoulders above the rest
- hisgirlfriday - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 3:23 pm:
Already locked in my early vote for Warren because she is who I think would make the best president.
I think the Dem establishment closing ranks around Biden just because of South Carolina is a mistake. I have a hunch he won by the margin he did because of Jim Clyburn’s operational muscle not because of Biden’s campaign or candidacy.
My household has had zero contact from the Biden campaign at all and both my husband and I worked on the Obama campaign in 2008 and I am on all the DNC, DCCC, DSCC mail lists.
Warren just seems a much-better not-Bernie not-Bloomberg vessel to me.
- Nameless - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 3:31 pm:
Bernie Sanders. Joe Biden ain’t that different from what we’ve got and as far as Bloomberg goes, we know what happens when you elect a billionaire. Why would we do it again. Bernie is looking out for the working person, not the rich.
- G'Kar - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 3:38 pm:
I’ll be undervoting in the primary. Where I live is so heavily Republican that the only real elections are on primary day. I refuse to vote for Trump, so I will leave the presidential race blank as I vote for the down ticket candidates.
I will vote for whoever the Dems nominate in November.
- Flapdoodle - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 3:42 pm:
Just early voted for Biden. Not thrilled by choice left in Dem primary, but can no longer abide Sanders’s dogmatism and inability to supply even the most basic details for implementing/financing his proposals. Nor do I have any faith in Sanders’s capacity actually to govern, involving as it does building coalitions and integrating multiple points of view. Biden has at least some executive experience even if he doesn’t excite great enthusiasm. Bad mojo.
- Lester Holt’s Mustache - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 3:51 pm:
Biden. I’d like to support Bernie, but I don’t think dems win the Senate (or keep the House) with him at the top of the ticket. Plus I have no faith in basing a national campaign around the support of young voters. They tell pollsters and the media that they’ll show up, they go to the rallies, they post on social media - and then on Election Day their nationwide turnout is like 36%.
- nadia - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 3:57 pm:
Biden, because he has the best chance to beat Trump.
- Majority of Me - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 4:08 pm:
Thanks for this QotD as I am completely undecided at this point. Was firmly for Pete but am now trying to decide between Biden and Warren. Either way, I will be with the Democratic nominee in November.
- Cassandra - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 4:18 pm:
Bernie. I think he is capable of negotiation once in office, despite alarmist rhetoric in the press. This country badly needs a broader program of social insurance for all and for all phases of life and we have the wealth to pay for it if that wealth is fairly taxed. I fear Biden would keep to the status quo and I don’t think Warren is competitive at this point. I get Bloomberg’s obvious qualifications but I find it annoying that a billionaire could simply buy his way into the race with his enormous wealth. So, overall, I have to vote for Bernie.
- JoanP - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 4:23 pm:
Torn between Biden and Bloomberg.
Bernie seems to be incapable of compromise - he and his supporters strike me as the sort who, if they can’t get 100% of what they want, would rather have 0% than 90%.
Warren isn’t quite as bad, but, like Bernie, she’s over-promising.
- SAP - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 4:28 pm:
Biden. N. Korea is testing missiles again. Trump’s deal with the Taliban already cracking. Trust Biden the most on foreign policy. Second choice is probably Warren for the brains and for being the only semi-viable candidate left who will still be under 80 at the end of the next term.
- Odysseus - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 4:53 pm:
Already early voted for Warren. She has been the best candidate the entire cycle.
- Last Bull Moose - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 5:19 pm:
Bloomberg. I think he will take the fight to Trump and govern effectively if elected. I fear Biden will crumble or become incoherent. Sanders lives in a different world than I do.
- Generic Drone - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 5:48 pm:
Jimmy McMillin. Because the rent is still too high.
- Former Merit Comp - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 7:01 pm:
Warren hands down. Unfortunately I don’t think she can pull ahead at this point but I think she has the best ideas, the fortitude to implement them and the ability to calmly stand up up to Trump’s ridiculous lies and call him out on them. I think Biden is losing it and it concerns me the good ones who dropped out are all supporting him now. I was all for Pete earlier (sigh)
- Lunchbox - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 10:22 pm:
Same as four years ago, I’m with Bernie. He has had a consistent record of fighting for working people his entire life.
- Lynn S. - Tuesday, Mar 3, 20 @ 11:17 pm:
I voted Bernie in 2016, but my concern now is about his heart attack and age. Unfortunately, his time may have passed…
My first pick this year was Andrew Yang (I’m a huge fan of universal basic income).
However, he’s out.
Then I thought about Amy Klobuchar. Now she’s out.
So I’ll make up my mind over the next 10-12 days, after Super Tuesday and next week’s primaries.
I think the Dems need to consider Elizabeth Warren for the CFPB. She’d do an awesome job there!
- Steve Oberman - Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 4:44 pm:
Integrity and decency are important, and I’m tired of the screeching, bellowing, finger-pointing, and promises that are too far-fetched to be enacted. My original choice was Klobuchar, and I’ll take Biden as a viable substitute.