“My deeply felt emotional truths are so sincere, they can change the mathematical laws governing arithmetic.”
Kind of an alarmingly widespread problem on the left. I have never found a way to break through it. Always ends up like the “what you say/what your dog hears” Far Side cartoon.
It’s a “Everyone I meet is in someway my superior and from him,or her I can learn”,thing.
“California’s unusual “jungle primary” system.” In reading the article, I admit I am not sure what the exact issue is.
At first I read it as the better Democratic candidate is possibly not chosen and a weaker one is up against the Republicans.It looked like a problem of dilution. But when they say boxed out in reference to this line
"He was boxed out of the general election as two Republicans squared off in a district "
It almost sounds like a Democrat was not able to go against them. Can someone explain that a little better?
I’m confident that local grassroots will be able to identify the leading D candidate and spread the word that this is the person to back. Guys like Ted Lieu can move the needle on twitter. Kos can endorse.
It’s a different world these days, people are much more aware. And don’t forget, there will be more than one R candidate, in all likelihood, so Rs face the same problem. See this, from LA Times:
Royce’s announcement could leave Republicans scrambling to get behind one candidate before the March 9 filing deadline. There is no shortage of conservative candidates here.
Who’s egos? Those of entitled and entrenched party leaders who want to decide who we get to vote for? Or those of the meddling upstarts who think they’re going to change the world? Or maybe California voters use this as an opportunity to start seriously considering Ranked Choice (Instant Runoff) Voting?
I hate the initiative process and what it has turned into. Nobody knows what they are voting for or against.
In the primary, all candidates from every party are on the ballot. The top 2 vote getters then run against each other in the general. It doesn’t matter if the top 2 vote getters are both Republican, or if they’re both Democrats – heck, they could both be Green party candidates – the top 2 primary winners run against each other in the general election. That’s the system California has been operating under since 2011 – a system that was approved by the voters in 2010 – and it’s an awful system.
I live in Royce’s district and my brother lives in Isssa’s. There are several Dems running for Royce’s seat.
Oh, that is nasty. And thank you for the explanation.
Is it your view that this “non-partisan blanket primary” system gives third-party candidates a fairer shake?
This is what happens when the state party isn’t needed to fund candidates and does little to promote likely leaders. It is both a blessing and a curse.
Totally agree. I tell signature collectors that the only initiative petition I will sign is the petition to end the initiative system. It sucks!
I’m just really enjoying watching the R’s run for the exits. Even a turd like Issa can’t stand the idea of serving under the genius.
So this is an “all-purpose, shining pearl of wisdom” thing rather than something that actually relates to the article?
I was wondering how long it would take for a “clouds and shadows” story to make the front page.
This is ridiculous piffle.
No, because there is always the stigma associated with “wasting your vote” on a third party candidate, “because then two Republican’ts will make it to the General Election!” And money. It usually boils down to money…
First, off, in CA-25, the top 2 Dems in that race: Bryan Caforio and Katie Hill, are very well funded. One of them is getting into the top 2. In fact, the risk that incumbent Steve Knight doesn’t make it into the top 2 might be slightly higher than a Dem not making it. The Dem enthusiasm is high and people will be voting. Not sure about the GOP (another reason why I think Knight might bail. He might have to spend a lot of money just to get the base out for primary).
Second, there’s no way Mike Levin doesn’t make it into the top 2 in Issa’s district. He has been a big presence, has a lot of money, the support of Adam Schiff and CA Dems and is one of our stronger Congressional candidates. In fact, Issa’s departure will make it harder for the GOP to guarantee that they get a spot.
The fallout from Royce leaving will be hard to assess, but that’s a district where whites make up only 32% of the electorate. Dems will figure out how to get into the top 2. The simple way is once you have a favored Dem candidate get other prominent Dems to endorse them and the voters will flock to their best known choices.
OT but not really…
This is the more important story…
Medicare and Social Security aren’t “entitlements”
MEDICARE AND SOCIAL SECURITY AREN’T WELFARE
Ryan is out to steal your money folks…all that cash out of your paycheck that goes to “fisa tax”…that’s Social Security and Medicare.
He’s got his $1.5 trillion hole in the budget he wanted and now he’s blaming you, me, and any non-rich person for it.
I’m fucking angry at him …that Wisconsin weasel.
We have several years before we’re in trouble with these two programs. But there is a way out the GOPers won’t take. Just remove the fisa salary cap and charge rich folk on what they make over $150,000/yr. That’s right. Everything over about $150,000/yr is not taxed for Medicare or Social Security.
I’m on an all day burn now goddammit…
If Dems don’t begin articulating what they’re for, what their affirmative program is, they’ll surely blow these opportunities.
If our Dem leaders are really fretting they are worse than I thought.