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Democratic Primaries

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BeyondGeography

(39,284 posts)
Wed Sep 18, 2019, 04:05 PM Sep 2019

Joe Biden Believes in the Good Will of Republicans. Is That Naive? [View all]

Mitch McConnell, the Senate Republican leader and self-described “grim reaper” of liberal legislative dreams, settled into a routine of sorts during Barack Obama’s second term whenever he felt he was cornered by Democrats. Mr. McConnell would rise from his chair in the Capitol, walk to his scheduler’s desk, smile a tight smile, and ask: “Can we get Joe Biden on the phone?”

...”I’ll work with Mitch McConnell where we can agree,” Mr. Biden said this month — adding that on some issues, like gun control, there was no room for compromise. That he could agree with Mr. McConnell on anything is a controversial statement for any Democrat to make these days. But in a sprawling field of 20 candidates, Mr. Biden stands out for his enduring belief in the good will of congressional Republicans. He insists that the G.O.P. has been bullied by President Trump but that civility and compromise will return to Washington once Mr. Trump is gone.

It’s a view that has been branded as naïve and wistful by some Democratic rivals as well as by the ascendant left wing of his party. That criticism is particularly pointed with regard to Mr. McConnell, whose decision to block Mr. Obama’s nomination of Merrick B. Garland to the Supreme Court in 2016 elevated him from mere obstructionist to arch-villain in the eyes of many Democrats.

The criticism has only intensified in recent days as Mr. McConnell has rebuffed Democratic calls to quickly move ahead with gun control legislation and lashed out at Democrats for reviving attacks on Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. As a result, many in the party say, Mr. Biden’s comfortable relationship with the Senate leader is not only out of date, but dangerous.

...During a follow-up meeting in the Oval Office in early 2013, Mr. Obama pressed Mr. McConnell to work on a long-term budget package before the 2014 midterms, when he would be running for re-election in Kentucky, Mr. Reid recalled in a recent phone interview. Mr. McConnell said that was impossible — Republican primary challengers could use it against incumbents.

Mr. Biden responded by saying, “Mitch, we want to see you come back,” Mr. Reid said.

More at https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/18/us/politics/joe-biden-mitch-mcconnell.html?searchResultPosition=1
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
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Nothing in that article talks about Biden's present opinion of republicans or McConnell... George II Sep 2019 #1
Because Glenn Thrush just wrote it? BeyondGeography Sep 2019 #2
What he says in that article is irrelevant in 2019. George II Sep 2019 #3
Did Biden denounce his postions from 2012-2014? bluewater Sep 2019 #4
Was he asked to denounce positions from 2012-2014? George II Sep 2019 #7
So he didn't? Then why are you saying his positions are irrelevant? bluewater Sep 2019 #8
7 years is ancient history these days! Hassin Bin Sober Sep 2019 #10
Bazinga! bluewater Sep 2019 #12
Goodwill is disqualifying LanternWaste Sep 2019 #52
Oh so now, Joe has to denounce any and every opinion he had...going back how long I wonder. Demsrule86 Sep 2019 #21
No, his supporters just can't deny that those are Joe's positions HeartlandProgressive Sep 2019 #24
sure they can...you have nothing current...and I for one want a candidate who will try to work with Demsrule86 Sep 2019 #27
so Biden's supporters can deny he said what he said and meant it? HeartlandProgressive Sep 2019 #29
Why don't you just post something positive about your preferred candidate? ehrnst Sep 2019 #43
do you follow this advice yourself? HeartlandProgressive Sep 2019 #67
It's your advice, Hon, not mine. Got called out on committing your own 'selective outrage" ehrnst Sep 2019 #68
Of course Biden should denounce goodwill. LanternWaste Sep 2019 #51
A bit, yes... someone should ask Joe if he still hold those views... InAbLuEsTaTe Sep 2019 #5
Exactly! Hassin Bin Sober Sep 2019 #13
RethugliKKKans are not our friends... Joe needs to get this. This is fuckin' war!! InAbLuEsTaTe Sep 2019 #18
A war we won't win...What is you plan? Demsrule86 Sep 2019 #22
Of course that would be naive...the right wing fascists have no good will Submariner Sep 2019 #6
Dead balls on!! Fuck RethugliKKKans!! InAbLuEsTaTe Sep 2019 #19
if there is one thing all of us should have learned by now, even the dumbest among us, is that yaesu Sep 2019 #9
Mitch McConnell quotes wysimdnwyg Sep 2019 #11
I read the entire article OKNancy Sep 2019 #14
It wasn't meant to...Joe the person is a good guy BeyondGeography Sep 2019 #15
OK, say we nominate Biden based on the belief that only he can beat Trump. What if in2herbs Sep 2019 #16
If Trump isn't the nominee, we need a centrist candidate even more. Doodley Sep 2019 #81
There's no way he is naive treestar Sep 2019 #17
Oh please keep it up...all this complete foolishness only helps Joe...but again if we don't ever Demsrule86 Sep 2019 #20
This message was self-deleted by its author jcgoldie Sep 2019 #23
I looked carefully...nothing in there about Biden ending the filibuster BeyondGeography Sep 2019 #32
He won't annouce it...for heavens sake. But mark my words if that is the only way he will get Demsrule86 Sep 2019 #33
That's in the past. Everytime he reaches BACK he gets in trouble. These present-day repugs... brush Sep 2019 #25
We can do nothing until we have a majority...and trying is not a bad way to begin...I admire Joe Demsrule86 Sep 2019 #34
You do mean trying to get a majority in the Senate, right? Counting on repugs is a dead end. brush Sep 2019 #40
I mean both...there are two years before we can possibly get the Senate...and it is hard to win Demsrule86 Sep 2019 #44
We're fighting with them now and have been so what's the difference? We have to hold the House... brush Sep 2019 #63
I don't know that he thinks they will cooperate...but we need to try...I think it will continue to Demsrule86 Sep 2019 #65
Naive is a kind word to describe it. LonePirate Sep 2019 #26
No it isn't...and I prefer Biden's way of thinking...but feel free to make er your views on Demsrule86 Sep 2019 #35
You can prefer Biden's way. The rest of us live in a reality where Repubs oppose us at every turn. LonePirate Sep 2019 #36
So we throw up our hands and give up...just spend four years accomplishing nothing? We won't win Demsrule86 Sep 2019 #45
The presidential candidates have to campaign on flipping the Senate or they will accomplish nothing. LonePirate Sep 2019 #59
I think there will be pressure to get some stuff done...if not we try and run on the do nothing Demsrule86 Sep 2019 #66
Yes. He should seen how they have been acting lately, with rump and them running roughshod... SWBTATTReg Sep 2019 #28
Mr. Biden Illegal Sep 2019 #30
So what is Warren's plan for dealing with a Republican Senate! redstateblues Sep 2019 #53
haven't heard anyones Illegal Sep 2019 #75
That is one of the things that disqualifies Biden. Buzz cook Sep 2019 #31
I don't agree, since Dems know that he'll get great talent and expertise from the best in government ancianita Sep 2019 #41
Biden is not the only candidate Buzz cook Sep 2019 #72
You don't get to disqualify Joe. Sorry redstateblues Sep 2019 #55
So no right Buzz cook Sep 2019 #71
So was it only the color of Obama's skin ... GeorgeGist Sep 2019 #37
That was my first reaction BeyondGeography Sep 2019 #39
What a nasty thought...you should delete that ...don't see any indication that Biden thinks his Demsrule86 Sep 2019 #46
I don't think he does, actually. The man isn't stupid. Blaukraut Sep 2019 #38
If the GOP holds the Senate, they will not DeminPennswoods Sep 2019 #42
And...it has always been true. Demsrule86 Sep 2019 #47
I guess I just don't share your DeminPennswoods Sep 2019 #50
Civility and compromise were gone long before Trump. I can't think of a single living Republican Autumn Sep 2019 #48
They'd pay a terrible political price for doing that BeyondGeography Sep 2019 #49
Trusting the goodwill of Republicans, is how we got where we are now. Meadowoak Sep 2019 #54
Elizabeth Warren was a registered Republican well into her 40s. Is That Naive? stonecutter357 Sep 2019 #56
to learn and turn Illegal Sep 2019 #74
Cool Story, Bro , ! stonecutter357 Sep 2019 #85
If you don't, then democracy is dead and... zaj Sep 2019 #57
So what is the correct response to someone who has succumbed to being bullied? greymattermom Sep 2019 #58
There... DemocratSinceBirth Sep 2019 #60
The problem on this point is that part of his strength is he doesn't do that BeyondGeography Sep 2019 #61
Until the Democrats hold the presidency, House, and the Senate mn9driver Sep 2019 #62
My worry about Joe is... Otto Lidenbrock Sep 2019 #64
Joe is open to work down the aisle and find common ground, just like Barack Obama. Gothmog Sep 2019 #69
Yeah, how'd that work out? BeyondGeography Sep 2019 #70
It's a political play. Same as the primary candidates BootinUp Sep 2019 #73
'Good Will'? - pragmatism at play empedocles Sep 2019 #76
Yes!!!!!!!!!!!! Faux pas Sep 2019 #77
Naive beyond understanding. dchill Sep 2019 #78
The GOP has been rotten to the core for 50+ years. Biden is severely out of touch with reality. Garrett78 Sep 2019 #79
Biden and Dems will Need Some Independent Votes to Win - Why Question A Candidate Being Open Indykatie Sep 2019 #80
Heres the deal with Republicans Docreed2003 Sep 2019 #82
Good points BeyondGeography Sep 2019 #83
This might be what you meant... pbmus Sep 2019 #84
There's too many brainwashed and angry GOP voters. Buckeye_Democrat Sep 2019 #86
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