Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

TygrBright

(20,733 posts)
Mon Nov 26, 2018, 08:42 PM Nov 2018

The Qualifications This Democrat Seeks in a 2020 Presidential Nominee

First, and most important: Family values. The candidate I support must understand that the well-being of families of ALL types and configurations, of all races, faiths, national or ethnic origins is the most important concern of the Federal government. This certainly includes basic security (especially security from Russian propaganda, economic and political manipulation) but also educational and economic opportunity and - MOST CRITICAL - breathable air, drinkable water, sustainable food production from the earth for generations to come.

Second, and almost as important: A character appropriate for leadership of a complex and diverse people. The candidate I support must have maturity, compassion, intelligence, and an innate sense of ethical grounding. They must be able to weigh the benefits of a compromise against the costs- especially the non-monetary costs. They must be able to see the long-term as well as the short-term possible outcomes of a policy. And they must be able to make difficult decisions when competing interests and priorities among their supporters are at stake, and communicate effectively their reasons for a particular decision.

Third, and very important indeed: Political viability. This is a complex quality that balances experience and accomplishments against charisma and communications skills. It includes a "clean closet", a minimum of burned bridges, and enough humility to acknowledge what they don't know as well as what they do know. It strikes a balance between standing up firmly for core principles, and being flexible in accommodating differing agendas and priorities.

Fourth, and also important: The candidate should be in some way symbolic of the end of white heterosexual Christian patriarchal privilege. This doesn't mean that I won't support a caucasian male under any circumstances. It does mean I'd prefer someone who isn't a caucasian male, and if a caucasian male does want my support, their experience and their record should demonstrate their clear commitment to ending the privilege that comes with their gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, etc. "Clear commitment" including risks taken and accomplishments already achieved.

I do realize that I'm unable to get everything I want. While I've listed these qualifications in a rough order of importance, that doesnt' mean that I wouldn't weight them differently in combinations unique to distinct individuals.

Some of the definitions of terms I've used are also pretty individual to me as well- my definition of "innate sense of ethical grounding" will probably have ramifications that others may not have. But I'll know it when I see it.

hopefully,
Bright

5 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
The Qualifications This Democrat Seeks in a 2020 Presidential Nominee (Original Post) TygrBright Nov 2018 OP
My shorter list: maxsolomon Nov 2018 #1
Right! jcgoldie Nov 2018 #2
Well written and I agree. saidsimplesimon Nov 2018 #3
Might I suggest Values Families... 3catwoman3 Nov 2018 #4
I liked this Andy823 Nov 2018 #5

jcgoldie

(11,582 posts)
2. Right!
Mon Nov 26, 2018, 08:49 PM
Nov 2018

At this point I'll take the win and work out the kinks later. It is not any time to nitpick. Sane, rational, liberal... can win. Give me that.

saidsimplesimon

(7,888 posts)
3. Well written and I agree.
Mon Nov 26, 2018, 08:50 PM
Nov 2018

Thank you for sharing these thoughts. I also believe we Democrats will elect the next President in 2 years time. Lots of work to do before and after the Democratic primaries are over.

3catwoman3

(23,812 posts)
4. Might I suggest Values Families...
Mon Nov 26, 2018, 09:35 PM
Nov 2018

...instead of family values?

The latter has been fully co-opted by the far right.

Andy823

(11,495 posts)
5. I liked this
Mon Nov 26, 2018, 11:35 PM
Nov 2018
"They must be able to weigh the benefits of a compromise against the costs- especially the non-monetary costs. They must be able to see the long-term as well as the short-term possible outcomes of a policy. And they must be able to make difficult decisions when competing interests and priorities among their supporters are at stake, and communicate effectively their reasons for a particular decision."

It can't be the "my way or the highway" kind of thinking. If you can't get along with others, you don't need to be running for president.
Latest Discussions»General Discussion»The Qualifications This D...