1992 is notable because it's the only time I supported the winner from early in the nomination process.
In 1996, I had my own Trump-voter moment and persisted in my support of Bill Clinton because I wanted to believe that despite my disgust for his demonization of Monica Lewinsky his policies were "worth it." I did not work in the campaign that year, a first for a Presidential campaign in my life. I remember thinking we could do worse than Bob Dole.
In 2000, I found fault with Gore for the distance (and his smug holier-than-thou tone) that he placed between himself and Clinton, and I frankly found Bill Bradley to be a more agreeable candidate. I worked for the Democratic party that cycle, not for the campaign. In 2004, I supported Howard Dean, even post scream, and continued the kind of work I did in 2000 for the party (volunteer organization online).
In 2008, I was an early supporter of Bill Richardson but I switched to Obama when he did. In 2012, I supported Obama, largely because of the Affordable Care Act. In 2016, for the first time in my life, I contributed the individual maximum to the Sanders campaign.
If you're wondering, Hillary Clinton had my full-throated support for her 2000 Senate race. I wish she still held that seat. She was a gifted legislator. She did not enjoy my early support for the Presidential nomination (in any of her campaigns) because I don't think she ever came to terms, in public, with her position of privilege by virtue of marriage. I don't only mean political privilege, but personal privilege, financial privilege, and a sense of baked-in institutional privilege.
This lack of introspection makes me suspicious of anyone's capacity for excellence as an executive (while not posing so much of a barrier for an advocate or legislator). This is why I wish she was still in the Senate, serving alongside Chuck Schumer as my Senator. I know this criticism of her seems comically reductionist while we have a blithering idiot as President, but those were different times.
I wrote all that to prepare you for evaluating the awesome power of my choice in 2020.
My first choice has already dropped out, you've never heard of him, his name was Richard Ojeda. He was from West Virginia and a strong union supporter. He dropped out because he wasn't willing to take money from people for what he knew would be an unsuccessful bid, confirming his worthiness in my view. I only bought a t-shirt from him, but it was $30, so I hope he got some money from that.
I support Senator Klobuchar at this time because I think she would make a good executive. She is introspective and possesses the humility necessary for effective governance as an executive. That's what I am looking for in a President, not someone who parrots my latest opinions. I want my policy advocates to be well-represented in the Congress; I am happy enough with Rep. Espaillat, Senator Schumer, and Senator Gillibrand (in that order).
So, I'm sorry Amy, I support you. However, that support is provisional as I learn more about Pete Buttigieg. So, there's hope, I still may switch, so you still have a shot at winning the nomination.
As for the rest of them (one of whom will likely win the nomination), here's the bottom lines:
- Joe Biden - only for one term, you're old. It happens to us all.
- Cory Booker - you're out in front of your skis. I'd like you as a VP.
- Pete Buttigieg - get your ass on TV. We need you. I'd like to take you off this list and write you some checks.
- Julian Castro - your campaign is a transparent grab for political significance. Please stop using our primary system this way. I like your politics, but this is silly, a waste of resources, and helps no one.
- John Delany - see Julian Castro
- Tulsi Gabbard -- see Julian Castro
- Kirsten Gillibrand -- see Julian Castro
- Kamala Harris -- you have a lot to answer for as a prosecutor. Your campaign is worthy, but stand behind your positions, not your ethnicity.
- John Hickenlooper -- you haven't made the case.
- John Inslee -- hang in there. You're a truth-telling Cassandra. Frankly we need you in Congress working with Rep Ocasio-Cortez.
- Wayne Messam - you haven't made the case.
- Beto O'Rourke - you remind me of Barack Obama in 2004. It's too soon. Do something first.
- Bernie Sanders - see Joe Biden. We had our chance, my good friend.
- Elizabeth Warren - Please please please hang on to your Senate seat. We need you there.
- Marianne Williamson - I love you more than I can say, but see Julian Castro.
- Andrew Yang - you haven't made the case.
Given my history of picking winners, the ultimate Democratic nominee will likely be in this last group. They will likely find their way to the nomination without my support. Just FYI
