The only issue I have with Kamala Harris, it's actually an issue with CNN, they are going to air a town hall style show from Iowa. Hopefully they will be doing this for all the candidates. It seems rather unfair to the other candidates that they would give her this air time and platform and not her fellow Democrat competitors like Castro or Gabbard or the other lesser know candidates. It's almost like CNN is deciding who to promote by doing this. She was only 6th in a Politico Iowa December poll of potential candidates with 7%. This town hall event should help boost that, but CNN should be offering such to the other candidates as well.
A lot of new voters come from from cultures where the Gov't takes care of everything, gee whiz, which Party do you think fits that profile?
Inner cities vote democrat. Bible Belt votes Trump. By asking “which”, did you think it was just one party?
I have no problem with Democrats per say
“Per say”, lol. I appreciate you leaving the option of hating them outright on the table.
the existing funds for a lot of Gubmint workers are about to run out and the Party of the "People" would rather see some people end up homeless and without food than to give President Trump one penny for his wall. Nice.
Existing funds are about to run out and our Russian asset President would rather see Americans end up homeless and without food because he wants a $5billion monument to himself built.
But see it how you want, and excuse a traitor to our country working for a foreign adversary. Blame other officials because of their political affiliation instead. Just have some courage and say you don’t like Democrats. It’s way more respectable than dancing around with this lazy nonsensical analysis. Trump owns it, as he said, period. Hostage taking is a sleazy tactic, and it’s better to spend $5billion on something that will definitely work - not a symbol for white supremist America. Trump is in charge. Obviously.
A lot of new voters come from from cultures where the Gov't takes care of everything, gee whiz, which Party do you think fits that profile?
Inner cities vote democrat. Bible Belt votes Trump. By asking “which”, did you think it was just one party?
I have no problem with Democrats per say
“Per say”, lol. I appreciate you leaving the option of hating them outright on the table.
the existing funds for a lot of Gubmint workers are about to run out and the Party of the "People" would rather see some people end up homeless and without food than to give President Trump one penny for his wall. Nice.
Existing funds are about to run out and our Russian asset President would rather see Americans end up homeless and without food because he wants a $5billion monument to himself built.
But see it how you want, and excuse a traitor to our country working for a foreign adversary. Blame other officials because of their political affiliation instead. Just have some courage and say you don’t like Democrats. It’s way more respectable than dancing around with this lazy nonsensical analysis. Trump owns it, as he said, period. Hostage taking is a sleazy tactic, and it’s better to spend $5billion on something that will definitely work - not a symbol for white supremist America. Trump is in charge. Obviously.
You are certainly entitled to your opinion and as always have stated it with nothing but eloquence and tact. But, I respectively disagree.
On Bernie?...No, but thanks!...But I believe he represents the Dems best chance to win.
Now that he's been exposed for the misogynist many knew him to be, Dem women under 77 won't vote for him. He's DOA.
There will always be pockets of narrow minded, chauvinistic, and backwards thinking individuals, but society as a whole always changes as time moves forward.
Very true statement and they come in all shapes, sizes, colors and are members of any number of political parties.....
So let's concentrate on the other statement I made. What is your explanation for the following:
"The midterms saw a record number of women elected to Congress. Almost all were Dems. Wonder why the GOP continues to elect mainly white males while the Dems much more reflect the makeup of the population's diversity?"
Difference in the way the Parties are viewed would be my guess. A lot of new voters come from from cultures where the Gov't takes care of everything, gee whiz, which Party do you think fits that profile? For example you seem to see most Republicans in one way and most Dems in another, that's cool, but you have to accept that not everyone is going to agree with that assessment. I have no problem with Democrats per say, but their leadership makes me laugh...For example, the existing funds for a lot of Gubmint workers are about to run out and the Party of the "People" would rather see some people end up homeless and without food than to give President Trump one penny for his wall. Nice. As far as Branding voters can we agree that there are Democrats in Iowa and Oklahoma that are 80 year old white guys who don't believe a Woman can be President? Sure there are.....Both major parties wear rose colored glasses and turn a blind eye whenever it suits them......
Vote Libertarian; less Government
I know A LOT of people who claim to be Libertarian, yet they never win elections, or even get more than 1 or 2 percent of the vote. Sometimes I think Libertarians like to make a lot of noise and act like they're smarter than everyone else, but when they get in the voting booth they vote Republican every time. Heck, I don't know anybody who claims to be in the Green Party (and I live in liberal California), yet they get more votes than Libertarians. If Gary Johnson couldn't do better against Trump than he did, then I think the Libertarian Party will never be more than an insignificant footnote.
the Party of the "People" would rather see some people end up homeless and without food than to give President Trump one penny for his wall. Nice.
“The hostage negotiator would rather see the bank customer die than give the bank robber cash and a helicopter. Nice.”
If you look at this ink blot and direct your ire at the Democrats, then you are clearly bigoted against a certain political affiliation.
the Party of the "People" would rather see some people end up homeless and without food than to give President Trump one penny for his wall. Nice.
“The hostage negotiator would rather see the bank customer die than give the bank robber cash and a helicopter. Nice.”
You do realize that there are a good percentage of Voters who see Pelosi and Schumer as the "Hostage negotiators"? They have an equal opportunity to end this, but choose to wear their disdain on their collars.
If you look at this ink blot and direct your ire at the Democrats, then you are clearly bigoted against a certain political affiliation.
And your feelings toward Republicans? Ask yourself if the shoe fits?
You are amazing.
And your feelings toward Republicans? Ask yourself if the shoe fits?
You are amazing.
Not true at all. I was ready to vote Republican in 2016, until they chose the one guy who was attacking America and praising foreign adversaries at the time - I couldn't stomach that treasonous language. I like George W. Bush. I respect traditional conservative family values. I don't agree with Republican politics, but I'll gladly vote for them if they present the stronger candidate. Dismiss it if you want, but it's the truth. As for the past 2 years, yes, I'm ashamed of the Republicans in Washington who cower and turn a blind eye to the poison in the White House. Shame on them, and shame on the people who vote for this crap - sometimes you gotta put personal interests and emotions aside and do what's right - this does not belong in our White House, period. Why didn't republican voters choose Chris Christie? What about Kasich? Bush? Show me a good Republican leader like George W. Bush, and he's got my vote in 2 seconds.
Why didn't republican voters choose Chris Christie? What about Kasich? Bush? Show me a good Republican leader like George W. Bush, and he's got my vote in 2 seconds.
I voted for Obama in '08, believed in the possibility of real change....Returned to the Libertarian ticket after that. I believe that for a lot of Voters President Trump was the outsider, the "Take no Prisoners, accept no more biz as usual type of Candidate" where, imo, Bush always looked he was going to cry, Kasich seemed angry and Christie couldn't take care of himself....
For those who want to blame the Dems or place blame equally, take a look at any number of polling results and see if that is reflective of the truth.
From Marketwatch today
"Sixty percent of Americans say Trump bears a great deal of responsibility for the shutdown."
That seems a far cry from a Pelosi or Schumer blame stat.
Most polls have Trump's approval rating at mid 30's now.
Why didn't republican voters choose Chris Christie? What about Kasich? Bush? Show me a good Republican leader like George W. Bush, and he's got my vote in 2 seconds.
I voted for Obama in '08, believed in the possibility of real change....Returned to the Libertarian ticket after that. I believe that for a lot of Voters President Trump was the outsider, the "Take no Prisoners, accept no more biz as usual type of Candidate" where, imo, Bush always looked he was going to cry, Kasich seemed angry and Christie couldn't take care of himself....
So do you think Trump's no more biz as usual has been good for America, inclusive of all Americans, positive for foreign relations with our allies, devoid of questionable dealings with enemy nations, managing debt, clean & swamp draining, & putting qualified individuals (the best people) in key positions?
Record turnover in resignations in appointments & resignations by Generals?
For those who want to blame the Dems or place blame equally, take a look at any number of polling results and see if that is reflective of the truth.
Polls!...The same ones that said Hillary would win in a landslide?
So do you think Trump's no more biz as usual has been good for America
As I have done with preceding Presidents from Ford, through Obama, my answer is "I do not know, it's too soon to tell". I believe you judge the White House as terms are completed, I've always thought that. Now some may disagree, especially if disgust is the driving factor.
If Gary Johnson couldn't do better against Trump than he did, then I think the Libertarian Party will never be more than an insignificant footnote.
So be it. I believe in less Gubmint and the Libertarian Parties platform is the best fit for me and my belief system. Your mileage may vary.
I participate in the process by voting, 2% or 40, You'll find me casting my Vote on Election day, driven by my conscience and what I believe to be right.
Ive voted libertarian some but they blew the best chance they will ever get in 16. All these dems rolling out this early is crazy but i hope there is an unknown on the way.
For those who want to blame the Dems or place blame equally, take a look at any number of polling results and see if that is reflective of the truth.
From Marketwatch today
"Sixty percent of Americans say Trump bears a great deal of responsibility for the shutdown."
That seems a far cry from a Pelosi or Schumer blame stat.
Most polls have Trump's approval rating at mid 30's now.
Trump is to blame 100% for the shut down; and unnecessary and misplaced fight - wrong place, wrong time. And I place 100% blame on the Democrats for the length of the shut down. This could've ended the exact same way it did today weeks ago had the Democratic leadership been crafty (or reasonable) enough. Instead they sat it out and let the Republicans and Trump bleed to death. It's fine, they got what they wanted I suppose, but there were other people involved, not just the opposing political party. These people pretend to care about "us" when it is really all about "them".
That is the view from where I sit. Polls can reflect alot of things, but we all have our own perspective, or we should.
These people pretend to care about "us" when it is really all about "them"..
Exactly, selfish B^%tards all
For those who want to blame the Dems or place blame equally, take a look at any number of polling results and see if that is reflective of the truth.
Polls!...The same ones that said Hillary would win in a landslide?
Paint strokes and perspective.
Polls - If you look at the polls leading up to the prez election they were statistically much closer for HC / Trump than the polls that were increasingly against Trump / GOP being blamed for shutdown. The gaps were growing by the weeks. So prez poll continually narrowed while shutdown poll continually widened.
I guess you don't think that these numbers that were so statistically significant against Trump's shutdown had anything to do with him caving? Do you think it was his love, empathy, and compassion for the American people that had him do a 180? If that's the case he wouldn't have orchestrated this facade in the first place.
For those who want to blame the Dems or place blame equally, take a look at any number of polling results and see if that is reflective of the truth.
Polls!...The same ones that said Hillary would win in a landslide?
Paint strokes and perspective.
Polls - If you look at the polls leading up to the prez election they were statistically much closer for HC / Trump than the polls that were increasingly against Trump / GOP being blamed for shutdown. The gaps were growing by the weeks. So prez poll continually narrowed while shutdown poll continually widened.
I guess you don't think that these numbers that were so statistically significant against Trump's shutdown had anything to do with him caving? Do you think it was his love, empathy, and compassion for the American people that had him do a 180? If that's the case he wouldn't have orchestrated this facade in the first place.
Your contempt for all things Trump is equal to my probable ridicule of most actions taken by Clinton had she been elected, so I understand where you are coming from. That being said, please know that my criticism of decisions made by the leadership of the Democratic Party will continue and that questions about that choice will most likely be responded to with an answer you won't agree with.
Enjoy the day
For those who want to blame the Dems or place blame equally, take a look at any number of polling results and see if that is reflective of the truth.
Polls!...The same ones that said Hillary would win in a landslide?
Paint strokes and perspective.
Polls - If you look at the polls leading up to the prez election they were statistically much closer for HC / Trump than the polls that were increasingly against Trump / GOP being blamed for shutdown. The gaps were growing by the weeks. So prez poll continually narrowed while shutdown poll continually widened.
I guess you don't think that these numbers that were so statistically significant against Trump's shutdown had anything to do with him caving? Do you think it was his love, empathy, and compassion for the American people that had him do a 180? If that's the case he wouldn't have orchestrated this facade in the first place.
Your contempt for all things Trump is equal to my probable ridicule of most actions taken by Clinton had she been elected, so I understand where you are coming from. That being said, please know that my criticism of decisions made by the leadership of the Democratic Party will continue and that questions about that choice will most likely be responded to with an answer you won't agree with.
Enjoy the day
My criticisms of Trump are based upon his & his campaign's track record leading up to an election (example - Russia relationships) and his two year presidency - verifiable facts, actions, and policies. Your criticism of HC as you stated is based upon "actions taken by Clinton had she been elected". That in itself is a hypothetical premise for something that never came to be. So there really is no equality between "contempt for all things Trump is equal to my (i.e. bigv) probable ridicule of most actions taken by Clinton". She wasn't elected, he was, and he has a track record to be judged upon as President as opposed to someone who wasn't elected and has no record as president to be judged upon.
My criticisms of Trump are based upon his & his campaign's track record leading up to an election (example - Russia relationships) and his two year presidency - verifiable facts, actions, and policies. Your criticism of HC as you stated is based upon "actions taken by Clinton had she been elected". That in itself is a hypothetical premise for something that never came to be. So there really is no equality between "contempt for all things Trump is equal to my (i.e. bigv) probable ridicule of most actions taken by Clinton". She wasn't elected, he was, and he has a track record to be judged upon as President as opposed to someone who wasn't elected and has no record as president to be judged upon.
Fair enough. Your judgments and criticisms of Political viewpoints and standards are different than mine, I can accept that.
Enjoy the day.
So be it. I believe in less Gubmint and the Libertarian Parties platform is the best fit for me and my belief system. Your mileage may vary.
I participate in the process by voting, 2% or 40, You'll find me casting my Vote on Election day, driven by my conscience and what I believe to be right.
That's funny - most libertarians I know don't want the Gubmint spending $5.7 billion on a useless wall.....they (for the most part) don't want the Gubmint spending or doing anything.....
https://www.lp.org/issues/immigration
Libertarians believe that if someone is peaceful, they should be welcome to immigrate to the United States.
Libertarians believe that people should be able to travel freely as long as they are peaceful. We welcome immigrants who come seeking a better life. The vast majority of immigrants are very peaceful and highly productive.
Indeed, the United States is a country of immigrants, of all backgrounds and walks of life…some families have just been here for more generations than others. Newcomers bring great vitality to our society.
A truly free market requires the free movement of people, not just products and ideas.
Whether they are from India or Mexico, whether they have advanced degrees or very little education, immigrants have one great thing in common: they bravely left their familiar surroundings in search of a better life. Many are fleeing extreme poverty and violence and are searching for a free and safe place to try to build their lives. We respect and admire their courage and are proud that they see the United States as a place of freedom, stability, and prosperity.
Of course, if someone has a record of violence, credible plans for violence, or acts violently, then Libertarians support blocking their entry, deporting, and/or prosecuting and imprisoning them, depending on the offense.
Libertarians do not support classifying undocumented immigrants as criminals. Our current immigration system is an embarrassment. People who would like to follow the legal procedures are unable to because these procedures are so complex and expensive and lengthy. If Americans want immigrants to enter through legal channels, we need to make those channels fair, reasonable, and accessible.
Your judgments and criticisms of Political viewpoints and standards are different than mine, I can accept that.
Why don’t you explore his question instead of bailing when the question is tough? This sounds like you are completely stumped on a response to his logic and reason. When you can’t defend your position, what credibility is left?
Your judgments and criticisms of Political viewpoints and standards are different than mine, I can accept that.
Why don’t you explore his question instead of bailing when the question is tough? This sounds like you are completely stumped on a response to his logic and reason. When you can’t defend your position, what credibility is left?
I don't like to argue about politics and prefer to use the Whipping Post as a place to read, drop an opinion and move on. I really don't care how people view that way of doing things; you always have the option of reading what I write, shrugging your shoulders and moving on. The Sun will rise tomorrow either way. Credibility?......Pertaining to a Political view on a Musical website?
As far s Sang raising the Libertarian view on the Wall....No Party is a perfect fit, I am fine with that
I simply don't know how anyone could say "I'm a Libertarian"...or Democrat...or Republican. I never get how someone could so easily find alignment with all their views into one little neat political box.
Personally, I think it is refreshing when we see a self described insert party name here breaks ranks or supports something out of the party norm.
Just picking a side and standing by it or making one's views all fit the positions of one party would be much easier I guess. Personally I think it is counterproductive to one's own exploration and evolving on ideas and principles and is just another way that we become a spiteful and divided society. Isn't there enough of that already with race and religion and gender and income and age...actually what do I know, America must like things that way.
Well yes, we all need someone to look down on....... 😮
Wanted to try and keep the names in the thread to offically declared candidates, but this is a unique exception.
Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz on possible run as independent:
"I feel if I ran as a Democrat I would have to be disingenuous and say things that I don't believe because the party has shifted so far to the left".
Schultz was on 60 minutes last night and will be on CNBC tomorrow.
Howard Schultz, Former Starbucks Chief, Is Preparing for an Independent 2020 Run
By Andrew Ross Sorkin
Jan. 27, 2019
Howard Schultz, the former chief executive of Starbucks and a self-described “lifelong Democrat,” said Sunday he was preparing to run for president as an independent and had already begun the groundwork required to be on the ballot in all 50 states.
Mr. Schultz, in an interview with The New York Times, said he planned to crisscross the country for the next three months as part of a book tour before deciding whether to enter the race. A billionaire, Mr. Schultz would face a difficult road despite his considerable wealth: Few independent candidates have mounted successful challenges for the White House.
“We have a broken political system with both parties basically in business to preserve their own ideology without a recognition and responsibility to represent the interests of the American people,” Mr. Schultz said in the interview.
“Republicans and Democrats alike — who no longer see themselves as part of the far extreme of the far right and the far left — are looking for a home,” he added. “The word ‘independent,’ for me, is simply a designation on the ballot.”
Mr. Schultz was also featured in a segment on “60 Minutes” on Sunday night ahead of the publication of his new book, “From the Ground Up,” in which he criticized President Trump as “not qualified to be the president.”
The possibility of Mr. Schultz’s candidacy as an independent has drawn condemnation from Democrats, who said that an independent run would split the vote on Election Day 2020 and hand Mr. Trump a second term.
“I have two words for Howard Schultz on a potential run for president as an independent: Just don’t,” Tina Podlodowski, chairwoman of the state Democratic Party of Washington, said last week as speculation mounted about Mr. Schultz’s plans.
Neera Tanden, president of the Center for American Progress and a former adviser to Hillary Clinton, said on Twitter, “If he enters the race, I will start a Starbucks boycott because I’m not giving a penny that will end up in the election coffers of a guy who will help Trump win.”
Mr. Schultz said he was well aware of the criticism, but said it was misplaced.
“I am certainly prepared for the cynics and the naysayers to come out and say this cannot be done,” he said. “I don’t agree with them. I think it’s un-American to say it can’t be done. I’m not doing this to be a spoiler.”
Asked if he would consider changing his mind and run as a Democrat, he said, “I feel if I ran as a Democrat I would have to be disingenuous and say things that I don’t believe because the party has shifted so far to the left.”
“When I hear people espousing free government-paid college, free government-paid health care and a free government job for everyone — on top of a $21 trillion debt — the question is, how are we paying for all this and not bankrupting the country?” Mr. Schultz said.
“It’s as big of a false narrative as the wall,” he added. “Doesn’t someone have to speak the truth about what we can afford while maintaining a deep level of compassion and empathy for the American people?”
Mr. Schultz, who grew up in the public housing projects in the Canarsie section of Brooklyn, became a billionaire by building Starbucks from seven stores in Seattle into a global coffee chain with over 350,000 employees. He was known as a progressive corporate leader, offering full health benefits for full- and part-time employees and their domestic partners, and Starbucks became the first privately owned American company to include part-time workers in its stock-option program.
With an estimated net worth of $3.3 billion, Mr. Schultz, 65, is one of several billionaires who had been mentioned as possible presidential contenders.
The former hedge fund titan Tom Steyer, who had been eyeing a run, announced this month he would focus his energies on a private effort to impeach Mr. Trump. Michael R. Bloomberg, the former New York City mayor, is contemplating a presidential run as a Democrat.
Even before Mr. Schultz’s announcement, Senator Bernie Sanders and Democrats including Senator Elizabeth Warren, who has already announced her candidacy, had delivered pre-emptive strikes at billionaires, specifically citing those who self-fund their campaigns.
Sign Up for On Politics With Lisa LererA spotlight on the people reshaping our politics. A conversation with voters across the country. And a guiding hand through the endless news cycle, telling you what you really need to know.
Mr. Bloomberg, with an estimated net worth of nearly $48 billion, has said he would self-fund any campaign. Mr. Schultz is expected to fund some of his own campaign, but would also likely seek public donations for a race that could cost more than $1 billion.
Mr. Schultz’s consideration of entering the race as an independent evokes the 1992 campaign by the eccentric Texas billionaire Ross Perot, also a political neophyte. Mr. Perot, for a time, was the leader in the polls and gained almost 19 percent of the popular vote, the most for an independent candidate since Theodore Roosevelt in 1912.
Like Mr. Schultz, Mr. Perot expressed concern about the national debt and vowed to reduce it. Mr. Perot failed to win any electoral votes.
Mr. Schultz, who pointed to a recent Gallup poll showing that 42 percent of voters identified as politically independent, scoffed at the comparisons to previous efforts of independent candidates.
“This is a very different time in America today in terms of how divided we are and the need for the country to come together,” he said. “I’ve done the work this year to unequivocally remove, if I decide to run, any concern regarding ballot access.”
Mr. Schultz is relying in part on a small team of outside advisers, including Steve Schmidt, the former campaign strategist for John McCain’s 2008 presidential effort.
Mr. Schultz’s success or failure may lie in who emerges as a top contender in the Democratic Party. If Joseph R. Biden Jr., who is seen as a moderate, decides to run, it would probably make it difficult for Mr. Schultz. However, he said he sees a clear opportunity if a far-left candidate emerges.
“If you have a choice between President Trump and a far-left progressive Democrat,” he said, “many people think President Trump will get re-elected.”
Stephanie Saul contributed reporting.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/27/us/politics/howard-schultz-president-2020.html
Julian Castro on Jake Taper 1/27/19 (video)
https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2019/01/27/sotu-castro-full.cnn
Kamala Harris campaign kickoff transcript:
Transcript: Kamala Harris kicks off presidential campaign in Oakland
photoPosted: Jan 27 2019 02:57PM PST
Updated: Jan 27 2019 04:47PM PST
Transcript from Kamala Harris' presidential campaign kickoff speech in Oakland, California on January 27, 2019.
I am so proud to be a daughter of Oakland, California. And as most of you know, I was born just up the road at Kaiser Hospital. And it was just a few miles away my parents first met as graduate students at UC Berkeley where they were active in the civil rights movement.
They were born half a world apart from each other. My father, Donald, came from Jamaica to study economics. My mother, Shyamala, came from India to study the science of fighting disease.
They came here in pursuit of more than just knowledge. Like so many others, they came in pursuit of a dream. And that dream was a dream for themselves, for me and for my sister Maya.
As children growing up here in the East Bay, we were raised by a community with a deep belief in the promise of our country – and, a deep understanding of the parts of that promise that still remain unfulfilled.
We were raised in a community where we were taught to see a world, beyond just ourselves. To be conscious and compassionate about the struggles of all people.
We were raised to believe public service is a noble cause and the fight for justice is everyone’s responsibility.
In fact, my mother used to say "don't sit around and complain about things, do something.” Basically I think she was saying. You’ve got to get up and stand up and don’t give up the fight!
And it is this deep-rooted belief that inspired me to become a lawyer and a prosecutor.
It was just a couple blocks from this very spot that nearly 30 years ago as a young district attorney I walked into the courtroom for the very first time and said the five words that would guide my life’s work:
“Kamala Harris, for the people.”
Now, I knew our criminal justice system was deeply flawed.
But I also knew the profound impact law enforcement has on people’s lives, and it's responsibility to give them safety and dignity.
I knew I wanted to protect people.
And I knew that the people in our society who are most often targeted by predators are also most often the voiceless and vulnerable.
And I believed then as I do now, that no one should be left to fight alone.
You see, in our system of justice, we believe that a harm against any one of us is a har against all of us. That’s why when we file a case, it’s not filed in the name of the victim. It reads, “The People.”
This is a point I have often explained to console and counsel survivors of crime, people who faced great harm. Often at the hands of someone they trust – be it a relative or a bank or a big corporation.
I would remind them. You are not invisible. We all stand together.
That’s the power of the people.
My whole life, I’ve only had one client: the people.
Fighting for the people meant fighting on behalf of survivors of sexual assault - a fight not just against predators but a fight against silence and stigma.
For the people meant fighting for a more fair criminal justice system.
At a time when prevention and redemption were not in the vocabulary or mindset of most district attorneys, we created an initiative to get skills and job training instead of jail time for young people arrested for drugs.
For the people meant fighting for middle class families who had been defrauded by banks and were losing their homes by the millions in the Great Recession.
And I'll tell you, sitting across the table from the big banks, I witnessed the arrogance of power. Wealthy bankers accusing innocent homeowners of fault, as if Wall Street’s mess was of the people’s making.
So we went after the five biggest banks in the United States. We won 20 billion dollars for California homeowners and together we passed the strongest anti-foreclosure law in the United States of America. We did that together.
For the people meant fighting transnational gangs who traffic in drugs and guns and human beings. And I saw their sophistication, their persistence and their ruthlessness.
And folks, on the subject of transnational gangs, let’s be perfectly clear: the President's medieval vanity project is not going to stop them.
And in the fight for the people to hold this administration accountable, I have seen the amazing spirit of the American people.
During the health care fight, I saw parents and children with grave illnesses walk the halls of the United States Congress, families who had travelled across the country at incredible sacrifice.
They came to our nation’s capital believing that if their stories were heard, and if they were seen, their leaders would do the right thing.
I saw the same thing with our Dreamers. They came by the thousands. By plane, train and automobile. I’m sure they were sleeping ten-deep on someone’s living room floor.
They came because they believe in our democracy and the only country they’ve ever known as home.
I met survivors who shared their deepest, most painful personal experiences – who told stories they had never before revealed, even to their closest loved ones – because they believed that if they were seen, that their leaders would do the right thing and protect the highest court in our land.
Together we took on these battles.
To be sure we’ve won and we’ve lost, but we’ve never stopped fighting.
And that’s why we are here today.
We are here because we have another battle ahead.
We are here knowing that we are at an inflection point in the history of our world.
We are at an inflection point in in the history of our nation.
We are here because the American Dream and our American democracy are under attack and on the line like never before.
We are here at this moment in time because we must answer a fundamental question.
Who are we? Who are we as Americans?
So, let’s answer that question. To the world. And each other. Right here. And, right now.
America, we are better than this.
When we have leaders who lie and bully and attack a free press and undermine our democratic institutions that’s not our America.
When white supremacists march and murder in Charlottesville or massacre innocent worshipers at a Pittsburgh synagogue that’s not our America.
When we have children in cages crying for their mothers and fathers, don't you dare call it border security, that’s a human rights abuse and that’s not our America.
When we have leaders who attack public schools and vilify public school teachers that’s not our America.
When bankers who crashed our economy get bonuses but workers who brought our country back can't even get a raise that’s not our America.
And when American families are barely living paycheck to paycheck, what is this administration’s response?
Their response is to try to take away health care from millions of families.
Their response is to give away a trillion dollars to the biggest corporations in this country.
And their response is to blame immigrants as the source of all our problems.
And guys lets understand what is happening here: People in power are trying to convince us that the villain in our American story is each other.
But that is not our story. That is not who we are. That’s not our America.
Our United States of America is not about us versus them. It’s about We the people!
And in this moment, we must all speak truth about what’s happening.
Seek truth, speak truth and fight for the truth.
So let's speak some truth. Shall we?
Let’s speak truth about our economy. Our economy today is not working for working people.
The cost of living is going up, but paychecks aren't keeping up.
For so many Americans, a decent retirement feels out of reach and the American Dream feels out of touch.
The truth, is our people are drowning in debt.
Record student loan debt. Car loan debt. Credit card debt. Resorting to payday lenders because you can’t keep up with the bills.
People are drowning in America.
We have a whole generation of Americans living with the sinking fear that they won't do as well as their parents.
Let’s speak another truth about our economy. Women are paid on average 80 cents on the dollar. Black women, 63 cents. Latinas, 53 cents.
And here’s the thing. When we lift up the women of our country, we lift up the children of our country. We lift up the families of our country. And the whole of society benefits.
Let's speak another truth. Big pharmaceutical companies have unleashed an opioid crisis from the California coast to the mountains of West Virginia. And people once and for all we have got to call drug addiction for what it is: a national public health emergency. And we don't need another War on Drugs.
Let’s speak truth. Climate change is real and it is happening now. From wildfires In the west to hurricanes in the east, to floods and droughts in the heartland, we're not gonna buy the lie. We're gonna act, based on science fact, not science fiction.
And let’s speak an uncomfortable but honest truth with one another: racism, sexism, anti-Semitism, homophobia, transphobia are real in this country. They are age-old forms of hate with new fuel. And we need to speak that truth so we can deal with it.
Let’s speak the truth that too many unarmed black men and women are killed in America. Too many black and brown Americans are locked up. From mass incarceration to cash bail to policing, our criminal justice system needs drastic repair. Let’s speak that truth.
Let’s speak truth. Under this administration, America’s position in the world has never been weaker. Democratic values are under attack around the globe. When authoritarianism is on the march. When nuclear proliferation is on the rise. We have foreign powers infecting the White House like malware. Let us speak truth about these clear and present dangers.
And let’s speak the biggest truth, the biggest truth of all: In the face of powerful forces trying to sow hate and division among us, the truth is that as Americans we have much more in common than what separates us. Let’s speak that truth.
So, let's not buy into that stuff that they are trying to peddle. Let's never forget, that on the fundamental issues, we all have so much more in common than what separates us.
You know, some say we need to search to find that common ground. Here’s what I say, I say we need to recognize that we are already standing on common ground.
I say we will rise together or we will fall together as one nation, indivisible.
And I want to be perfectly clear: I'm not talking about unity for the sake of unity. Hear me out. I'm not talking about unity for the sake of unity.
I'm not talking about some façade of unity.
And I believe we must acknowledge that the word unity has often been used to shut people up or to preserve the status quo.
After all let’s remember: when women fought for suffrage, those in power said they were dividing the sexes and disturbing the peace.
Let’s remember: when abolitionists spoke out and civil rights workers marched, their oppressors said they were dividing the races and violating the word of God.
But Fredrick Douglass said it best and Harriet Tubman and Dr. King knew.
To love the religion of Jesus is to hate the religion of the slave master.
When we have true unity, no one will be subjugated for others. It’s about fighting for a country with equal treatment, collective purpose and freedom for all.
That’s who we are.
And so, I stand before you today, clear-eyed about the fight ahead and what has to be done—with faith in God, with fidelity to country, and with the fighting spirit I got from my mother. I stand before you today to announce my candidacy for President of the United States.
I’m running for president because I love my country. I love my country.
I’m running to be president, of the people, by the people, and for all people.
I’m running to fight for an America where the economy works for working people.
For an America where you only have to work one job to pay the bills, where hard work is rewarded and where any worker can join a union.
I am running to declare, once and for all, that health care is a fundamental right, and we will deliver that right with Medicare for All!
I am running to declare education is a fundamental right, and we will guarantee that right with universal pre-k and debt free college!
I am running to guarantee working and middle class families an overdue pay increase. We will deliver the largest working and middle-class tax cut in a generation. Up to $500 a month to help America's families make ends meet.
And we’ll pay for it by reversing this administration’s give aways to big corporations and the top one percent.
I’m running to fight for an America where our democracy and its institutions are protected against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
Which is why I will defend this nation against all threats to our cybersecurity.
We will secure our elections and our critical infrastructure to protect our democracy.
And we will honor our service members and veterans – so no one who has served this country has to wait in line for weeks and months to get what they are owed when they return home on first day.
I’m running to fight for an America where no mother or father has to teach their young son that people may stop him, arrest him, chase him, or kill him, because of his race.
An America where every parent can send their children to school without being haunted by the horror of another killing spree.
Where we treat attacks on voting rights and civil rights and women’s rights and immigrant rights as attacks on our country itself.
An America where we welcome refugees and bring people out of the shadows, and provide a pathway to citizenship.
An America where our daughters, where our sisters, where our mothers and grandmothers are respected where they live and where they work.
Where reproductive rights are not just protected by the Constitution of the United States but guaranteed in every state.
I’ll fight for an America where we keep our word and where we honor our promises.
Because that’s our America.
That’s the America I believe in.
That’s the America I know we believe in.
And as we embark on this campaign, I will tell you this: I am not perfect. Lord knows, I am not perfect. But I will always speak with decency and moral clarity and treat all people with dignity and respect. I will lead with integrity. And I will speak the truth.And of course, we know this is not going to be easy guys. It’s not going to be easy.
We know what the doubters will say.It’s the same thing they've always said.
They’ll say it’s not your time. They’ll say wait your turn. They’ll say the odds are long. They’ll say it can’t be done.
But America’s story has always been written by people who can see what can be unburdened by what has been. That is our story. That is our story.
As Robert Kennedy many years ago said, “Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.”He also said, “I do not lightly dismiss the dangers and the difficulties of challenging an incumbent President, but these are not ordinary times and this is not an ordinary election.” He said, "At stake is not simply the leadership of our party and even our country. It is our right to moral leadership of this planet.”
So today I say to you my friends, these are not ordinary times. And this will not be an ordinary election. But this is our America.
And here’s the thing. It’s up to us.
It’s up to us. Each and every one of us.
So let's remember in this fight we have the power of the people.
We can achieve the dreams of our parents and grandparents.
We can heal our nation.
We can give our children the future they deserve.
We can reclaim the American Dream for every single person in our country.
We can restore America’s moral leadership on this planet.
So let’s do this.
And let’s do it together.
And let's start now.
Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America.
http://www.ktvu.com/news/transcript-kamala-harris-kicks-off-presidential-campaign-in-oakland
Kamala Harris had 20,000 at her rally yesterday. Very impressive. And to see the comments from those on the right tell me they are worried about her. Apparently they are still mad that she asked tough questions to Kavanaugh. When they are mad at you for doing your job, you must be doing something right. Still not my first choice, but I'm starting to think that she will be one of the top 2 or 3 contenders for the nomination.
Kamala Harris had 20,000 at her rally yesterday. Very impressive. And to see the comments from those on the right tell me they are worried about her. Apparently they are still mad that she asked tough questions to Kavanaugh. When they are mad at you for doing your job, you must be doing something right. Still not my first choice, but I'm starting to think that she will be one of the top 2 or 3 contenders for the nomination.
The Right should be afraid of her.....I think people relate to her and her life story and know she's a sharp, tough, experienced attorney who not only has a very impressive record as a prosecutor, but has successfully administered large organizations of professionals. In other words, qualified to run a branch of government (unlike the current occupant of the White House).
Also, as witnessed in her questioning of Kavanaugh, she's also thoughtful, calm, and determined. One other thing in her favor is that the Right hasn't had a decade or two to demonize her like they did Hilary Clinton. In this sense she's similar to Obama. They couldn't successfully demonize him and they may not be able to do so with Kamala Harris.
However, I'm sure Newt, Rush Limp dick, Coulter, etc. are all digging for something they can throw at her and hope sticks.
