Some surprises and comments on the first Democrat Debate of 2019
Most Interesting and Unexpected:
• Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (Hawaii) — Came across as strong, steady, poised. Served tours in the military. Her strongest statements were against getting into needless wars, which cost trillions of dollars and lost lives. (She was the surprising winner of The Drudge Report online poll after the debate.)
• Rep. Tim Ryan (Ohio) — Thinks that the Democrat Party has lost its way with its singular appeal to coastal elites while forgetting its working-class roots. Urges Dems to reengage with the working-class of this country, especially in middle America. A voice of reason for a Democrat Party that heads steadily left and over the political cliff.
• Sen. Amy Klobuchar (Minnesota) — Wants to make Community College free. But, unwilling to make all the promises that her Democrat colleagues are making. Only promised to do her best to get the job done. Refreshing!
Most Radical:
• Sen. Elizabeth Warren (Massachusetts) — A true zealot, with the demeanor of the crazy but personable neighbor next door. “Attack the economy head-on.” Anti-business. Pro-regulation. “Too much consolidation in the economy.” “Healthcare is a basic human right.” “Make Roe vs. Wade Federal Law.”
• Mayor Bill De Blasio (New York City) — Proposed a 70% tax rate. Hated in New York City, he wants to do to America what he’s doing to the Big Apple. (God help us.) He also wins his own special category of “Most Annoying.”
• Governor Jay Inslee (Washington State) — Would make Climate Change priority one, two, and three of his administration. (Fortunately for us, he has as much chance of being President as Bill DeBlasio.)
Most Pompous:
• Sen. Cory Booker (New Jersey) — Kept referring to his “community of black and brown people,” while ignoring the rest of America.
Got Most Exposure (other than Elizabeth Warren):
• Julian Castro (former Housing Secretary) — Was able to grab many opportunities to speak during the debate. Pass the Equal Rights Amendment. “Equal pay for equal work.” “Reproductive Justice.” Proposed a Marshall Plan for Guatemala and other Central American countries.
Not Able to Get Much Traction from this Debate:
• Former Congressman Beto O’Rourke (Texas) — “Economy is rigged.” Proposed same-day voter registration. Seemed surprised by attacks from other Democrats. Spoke Spanish during the debate.
• Congressman John Delany (Maryland) — His body was present but as far as a participating in this debate, he was a no-show.
Overall — Promises, Promises, Promises
Promises, priorities, or statements made by various candidates in this debate:
• 70 % Tax Rate
• Medicare for All
• No private insurance companies
• LGTB Rights
• No Wars
• Open Immigration
• Marshal Plan for Guatemala and other Central America countries
• Climate Change is #1
• Free College
• Guns are a problem
Meanwhile, stay tuned for tonight’s round 2
