Why are democrats ignoring their best contender for presidency?

[6SpeedTA95]

There are numerous candidates running on each side. However I want to focus on the Democrats in this thread. There are actually two democrats that I could vote for, one is Richardson. While he lacks experience he's pretty moderate and I think he would make a good leader. The other is Biden. Biden is straightforward, has plenty of foreign policy experience and understands at least partially the US economy.

What I do not understand is everyone is constantly talking about Obama, Edwards and Clinton. Clinton has perhaps begun a downhill slide. Her last debate ended quite poorly with her coming across as either a liar or incompetent. In fact it was so bad on of my best friends a died in the wool liberal, was even disgusted. Her response to the immigration question was just downright absurd.

All the political shows since have focused primarily on Clinton, Obama and Edwards. Edwards is damn near a complete socialist, he'd be a disaster for this country. Obama? I dont think he'd be bad honestly, however, he's not being very precise and detailed when answering questions. He's still somewhat of an enigma. Clinton, well she was and still is the front runner. I do not think she'd make a good president, more like average at best. But I do not think she'd ruin the country either.

The best two candidates and most electable candidates are Richardson and Biden. I can partially understand Richardson getting little or no air time outside of the debates, he's not overly popular and is not very outspoken. Biden on the other hand has a good record in the senate (albeit a bit liberal) and has a solid record on foreign policy matters. Biden could win, and depending on who the reps nominate he could steal a substantial number of votes from the moderate crowd. I'd consider voting for Biden and know numerous others who would as well. Yet we hear little about him after the debates. This makes no sense to me. I'd just like everyone's thoughts on Biden, why he's not getting much face/air time and if you think he could win the general.

[David Octavius]

Long ago this country abandon the notion of electing the best person. The necessary evil of political parties and the unnecessary evil of primaries made this into a popularity contest and one in which the person desired is the one they think will win.

[IminWonderland]

Originally Posted by David Octavius

Long ago this country abandon the notion of electing the best person. The necessary evil of political parties and the unnecessary evil of primaries made this into a popularity contest and one in which the person desired is the one they think will win.

I totally agree.

If only we could vote based on who would do a great job or make the changes the constituents see needing changing. But, instead, we vote like we are voting for Homecoming King and Queen.

[Stylerod]

I can't add anything that David and Wonder didn't already say. I agree completely. And this goes with both parties.

[JaJae]

The Democratic party is being hijacked by the far left. They have a lot of blue dog Democrats, but how often do you read about their opinions in the New York Times or see them on TV? They're ignored by the media for the likes of Pelosi, Murtha, Reid, Rangel, etc. These people have received leadership positions within the party and they clearly don't exemplify the mainstream Democratic view or the mainstream view of America.

The only reason Hillary is leading in the polls is because of her last name and media coverage. America "thinks" she's going to be the next president and for Democrats that's enough to give her a vote to get a win over the GOP... despite the fact they don't like her. After the last debate I think that's going to finally start to change. If the other Democrats make a big point of flaunting her flaws people will see Hillary is a very dangerous candidate to put out there in a national election, especially against someone like Rudy who is socially liberal on many key issues.

Just a side note about Hillary's newfound faux moderate persona. Anyone who thinks she's going to keep this persona after she's been elected has been smoking waay too much hooka.

[kinggovernor]

I don't like I would mind Biden

[hsmith]

Mark Warner would eat any of them alive. Too bad he is waiting for his bid for the presidency.

[motivez]

Originally Posted by JaJae

Just a side note about Hillary's newfound faux moderate persona. Anyone who thinks she's going to keep this persona after she's been elected has been smoking waay too much hooka.

Her moderate "persona" is supported by her voting record, she's not just now moving to the center, she's positioned herself as a moderate since becoming a member of the Senate.

I don't think it's necessarily who she is, but it's what type of Senator she is, and I'd expect it to be the same if she becomes President.. the Clinton's aren't stupid, one reason the left wing of the Democratic party doesn't like Hillary is because they see her as someone who's going to pander to the right in order to maintain popularity among moderates instead of embracing progressive values fully.

The idea that she'll govern as some crazy left wing nutjob isn't supported by her history in office..

You could argue that universal health care is a "radical" left position but that's 1 specific issue, and I don't think most of the country finds it all that radical anymore.

[JaJae]

Originally Posted by motivez

she's positioned herself as a moderate since becoming a member of the Senate.

Which is when she started telling people she intended to run for president. Her political history is the extreme far left. I agree the moderate persona is not who she is, it's just a persona to get her in the White House. Once she's there and she has to start making real decisions and not building up a political voting record to get her into the White House I don't think she'll continue on the same track she's been on. There's a reason she's fairly "moderate" in her voting records, but all the fringe groups donate to her campaign like woah. I don't think too many people think she'll keep this up once she reaches her ultimate goal.

[7960]

Admittedly I don't know much about Biden but from what I do know, he's an asshole. That might be why people aren't paying attention to him. Because he's not doing enough to overcome (at least my) perception of him.

[kinggovernor]

Originally Posted by 7960

Admittedly I don't know much about Biden but from what I do know, he's an asshole. That might be why people aren't paying attention to him. Because he's not doing enough to overcome (at least my) perception of him.

that is why I kinda of like him

[DosEquis]

Originally Posted by kinggovernor

I don't like I would mind Biden

No gym for home, 20lbs is 30 if the same for girl.

Oh, and Biden is my guy. Best democrat candidate imho.

[kinggovernor]

Originally Posted by DosEquis

No gym for home, 20lbs is 30 if the same for girl.

Oh, and Biden is my guy. Best democrat candidate imho.

like = think

[JaJae]

Originally Posted by 7960

Admittedly I don't know much about Biden but from what I do know, he's an asshole. That might be why people aren't paying attention to him. Because he's not doing enough to overcome (at least my) perception of him.

I agree that Biden is a first rate asshole and I don't like him much as a person. But I don't think it's necessarily a bad quality to have as president as long as he can control himself.

[7960]

Originally Posted by kinggovernor

that is why I kinda of like him

You like him because he's an asshole? Or because people think he is and he doesn't do anything to change the perception? I wouldn't vote for either kind of person.

Originally Posted by JaJae

.....as he can control himself.

And there's the rub.

[kinggovernor]

Originally Posted by 7960

You like him because he's an asshole? Or because people think he is and he doesn't do anything to change the perception? I wouldn't vote for either kind of person.

he seems to have passion for what he believes in and will stand up for it. This is stark contrast to other democrats who I see as wishy washy

[DosEquis]

I have never thought of him as an asshole...just of a person who passionately goes after things when he sets his mind to it.

[thomez]

Originally Posted by hsmith

Mark Warner would eat any of them alive. Too bad he is waiting for his bid for the presidency.

I'm not sure why he's waiting

[6SpeedTA95]

Can someone provide some examples of Biden being an asshole?

[RMNIXON]

I thought Richardson might be the more conservative Democrat alternative to the big three. He has a good record on taxes and spending, so it is not just talking points with him. But he never got much momentum.

Biden still suffers from "Foot in Mouth" Disease, but I do find him entertaining.