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Yavin4

(37,182 posts)
Mon Jan 6, 2025, 11:19 AM Jan 2025

The Democratic party should start presidential primary debates in June.

Yes, June. June 2025. Putting on early primary debates wouldn't cost any money to any campaign. It's a great way to introduce candidates to voters. Also, a great way to establish the party away from Trump. The debate should be open to all who want to participate. The party should do polls to limit the number of candidates.

The debates can continue throughout the summer. Do one once a month in a different state. Keep doing this until 2028.

56 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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The Democratic party should start presidential primary debates in June. (Original Post) Yavin4 Jan 2025 OP
I think that is a great idea. walkingman Jan 2025 #1
I think it's debateable BoRaGard Jan 2025 #2
Yes...This!! Ars Longa Jan 2025 #42
Honestly, (and unbelievably) I think this is not crazy. Trump got wall-to-wall coverage for every damned hlthe2b Jan 2025 #3
Yes, but... regnaD kciN Jan 2025 #51
It cannot be one person. The primaries aren't for three plus years. It must be many. hlthe2b Jan 2025 #55
If TFG can spend four years campaigning, so should we... Alice B. Jan 2025 #4
At least our candidates won't be campaigning to avoid jail Marthe48 Jan 2025 #16
That depends entirely on the whims of Orange Julius Caesar 0rganism Jan 2025 #38
I believe with all the crazy stuff that is going to happen- Ars Longa Jan 2025 #50
So start the infighting before the midterms JI7 Jan 2025 #5
That DeepWinter Jan 2025 #6
Were Trump voters burned out from 2021-2024? Yavin4 Jan 2025 #8
Trump didn't participate in primary debates JI7 Jan 2025 #9
No, but Dem voters were Fiendish Thingy Jan 2025 #37
Infighting early on is not a bad thing. Yavin4 Jan 2025 #7
The media isn't going to promote anything other than put things in a bad light JI7 Jan 2025 #11
Infighting only feeds the "Dems in disarray!" Narrative Fiendish Thingy Jan 2025 #36
Democrat-bashing. Establishment vs anti-establishment, evil centrist/moderate vs purity progressive, age wars, betsuni Jan 2025 #41
Exactly, even the short period where Harris was vetting the VP running mates JI7 Jan 2025 #43
Disagree. it is way too early. We need to win the next race, not fight about the last couple we lost. n/t FSogol Jan 2025 #10
No. It's not early at all. Yavin4 Jan 2025 #13
Except in the last 60 days before an election, debates are a terrible communication tool Fiendish Thingy Jan 2025 #35
Lame Duck intelpug Jan 2025 #52
Concur w the disagreement. 1. Adjust platform 2. Get great candidates for House/Senate 3. Win House and Senate 2026 dutch777 Jan 2025 #19
Risk of the public tuning them out this early Scipio Africanus Jan 2025 #12
Not a fan of that.... BUT..... Happy Hoosier Jan 2025 #14
Do you actually think that the reichwing corporate media whores will niyad Jan 2025 #34
What it will do is begin the fundraising process earlier also JI7 Jan 2025 #15
I don't think it fundraising ever stops Marthe48 Jan 2025 #18
It's a good idea Marthe48 Jan 2025 #17
Agree -- campaigning might be the only thing that keeps Dems out of prison 0rganism Jan 2025 #39
Voters are already fatigued from 2024 Blue_Tires Jan 2025 #20
I'm still burned out from th '24 election and want nothing to do with politics for a long while, especially fundraising. SheilaAnn Jan 2025 #21
Might as well Rebl2 Jan 2025 #22
They definitely should. sop Jan 2025 #23
People have politics fatigue pinkstarburst Jan 2025 #24
What evidence do you have that voters are fatigued? Yavin4 Jan 2025 #25
The fact that millions of Biden 2020 voters stayed home in 2024. Nt Fiendish Thingy Jan 2025 #33
No. Keep the focus on Trump & Republicans for the midterms Jose Garcia Jan 2025 #26
It will piss off Republicans. Emile Jan 2025 #27
I think that is too soon. Quiet Em Jan 2025 #28
I'm all for trying something different. flvegan Jan 2025 #29
That is pretty much a horrible idea. Voltaire2 Jan 2025 #30
Terrible idea. Fiendish Thingy Jan 2025 #31
Exactly! betsuni Jan 2025 #40
Virginia Governor Elections and NYC Mayor Elections are This year JI7 Jan 2025 #32
Too soon ThePartyThatListens Jan 2025 #44
He needs done the same as he did to Biden Blue Full Moon Jan 2025 #45
Trump spent four years acting like a president in exile waiting to be rightfully restored to power. sop Jan 2025 #47
The republicans have never been held accountable. Blue Full Moon Jan 2025 #49
Too soon. Give everything a chance to go to hell first. It's not going to take long. If Democrats start so soon, Vinca Jan 2025 #46
Hell to the NO BannonsLiver Jan 2025 #48
So, let Trump have the entire spotlight for the next 4 years Yavin4 Jan 2025 #53
Sorry but the idea is utterly absurd BannonsLiver Jan 2025 #56
Maybe Canada will decide to invade and annex the US canetoad Jan 2025 #54

Ars Longa

(142 posts)
42. Yes...This!!
Mon Jan 6, 2025, 04:26 PM
Jan 2025

(If we all remember, Trump started right away and was constantly in the media!)

hlthe2b

(109,267 posts)
3. Honestly, (and unbelievably) I think this is not crazy. Trump got wall-to-wall coverage for every damned
Mon Jan 6, 2025, 11:30 AM
Jan 2025

thing he did, said and thought for 4 years. Granted a lot of that was his "criming" and our feeble attempts to hold him accountable, but it meant he was on the minds of Americans for 4 years. Even if a lot of that attention was bad. It didn't' matter.

But, regardless, potential Dem Presidential candidates need to start talking and taking on this administration--objectively destroying them on their attempts to dismantle the social safety net and their lies--while likewise getting name recognition for just that.

regnaD kciN

(26,983 posts)
51. Yes, but...
Wed Jan 8, 2025, 12:30 AM
Jan 2025

…is there any potential Democratic candidate out there who would be able to command that same wall-to-wall coverage for four years?

Alice B.

(482 posts)
4. If TFG can spend four years campaigning, so should we...
Mon Jan 6, 2025, 11:31 AM
Jan 2025

But this requires a unity I’m terrified we’ll never achieve.

0rganism

(25,011 posts)
38. That depends entirely on the whims of Orange Julius Caesar
Mon Jan 6, 2025, 01:21 PM
Jan 2025

If his majesty's bowels act up overnight, maybe it's time for another purge.

The coming years won't be like anything we've seen before. We're about to learn how much we really had to lose.

Ars Longa

(142 posts)
50. I believe with all the crazy stuff that is going to happen-
Tue Jan 7, 2025, 11:39 PM
Jan 2025

there is going to be quite a national groundswell for an alternative.
We (Dems) should be ready with national forums/debates
with our presumed leaders, (Newsome?, Beshear?, AOC? ect..) giving
quick,smart, non-idiotic answers to a beleaguered nation!

JI7

(91,789 posts)
5. So start the infighting before the midterms
Mon Jan 6, 2025, 11:32 AM
Jan 2025

how about focusing on the elections that will come up ?

 

Yavin4

(37,182 posts)
8. Were Trump voters burned out from 2021-2024?
Mon Jan 6, 2025, 11:40 AM
Jan 2025

All he did was campaign for four years, and look at the Republicans now. The lesson is that people want to hear from and engage with their elected leaders even in off years.

If the Democrats only talk to voters in the Fall of an election year, don't be mad if they tune you out.

 

Yavin4

(37,182 posts)
7. Infighting early on is not a bad thing.
Mon Jan 6, 2025, 11:38 AM
Jan 2025

One, it helps to promote the party. Two, getting all of the bad blood out of the way early allows time for the wounds to heal. Three, what better way to promote the mid term elections than free media talking about a presidential debate in your state.

JI7

(91,789 posts)
11. The media isn't going to promote anything other than put things in a bad light
Mon Jan 6, 2025, 11:42 AM
Jan 2025

and you are totally ignoring the midterms.

Fiendish Thingy

(19,112 posts)
36. Infighting only feeds the "Dems in disarray!" Narrative
Mon Jan 6, 2025, 01:12 PM
Jan 2025

And gives the media an excuse to write about the Trump administration as competent and disciplined.

betsuni

(27,800 posts)
41. Democrat-bashing. Establishment vs anti-establishment, evil centrist/moderate vs purity progressive, age wars,
Mon Jan 6, 2025, 02:12 PM
Jan 2025

digging up and creating fake scandals from the past and insult nicknames, elite elite elite elite, whining about being anointed by the establishment and corrupt rigging and money (OMG a fundraiser in a WINE CAVE??????? *sets hair on fire*). All that crap is old stupid and annoying. But helps get Republicans elected, that's the goal.

JI7

(91,789 posts)
43. Exactly, even the short period where Harris was vetting the VP running mates
Tue Jan 7, 2025, 02:20 AM
Jan 2025

resulted in negative posts of possible picks. And that decision was only up to her and at a time when we should have been prepared to back whoever she picked.

And then there will be all the fake groups making their demands.

There is no way I want to start on that right now.

FSogol

(47,299 posts)
10. Disagree. it is way too early. We need to win the next race, not fight about the last couple we lost. n/t
Mon Jan 6, 2025, 11:41 AM
Jan 2025
 

Yavin4

(37,182 posts)
13. No. It's not early at all.
Mon Jan 6, 2025, 11:46 AM
Jan 2025

We have a lame duck president of the opposition party. Additionally, the Democrats are out of power entirely. We have nothing else to do other than talk to the American people directly. Presidential debates are one the best political communication methods.

Fiendish Thingy

(19,112 posts)
35. Except in the last 60 days before an election, debates are a terrible communication tool
Mon Jan 6, 2025, 01:11 PM
Jan 2025

Did you watch any of the debates with 10+ candidates on stage?

There’s only time for zingers and gaffes, not substantive exchange of ideas.

intelpug

(126 posts)
52. Lame Duck
Wed Jan 8, 2025, 12:45 AM
Jan 2025

If you take the long view all president's are lame duck's since the most they can hope for is eight years. True, Trump can only look forward to half that however I would not call him a lame duck until about part way into the last year of his term. He do's not have eight but, four years is not the same as forty day's or so, He has a lot of time now to make new mischief for unfortunately the foreseeable future

dutch777

(4,315 posts)
19. Concur w the disagreement. 1. Adjust platform 2. Get great candidates for House/Senate 3. Win House and Senate 2026
Mon Jan 6, 2025, 11:57 AM
Jan 2025

At best this monthly Dem Prez primary debate would be a stunt ignored by most voters. At worst it could really turn even more people away from Dems due to too much noise. Adjust platform priorities and messaging and have our public facing folks voice that. At all opportunities point out the key Trump promises he is not even addressing with a real plan-- inflation, domestic terrorism, supporting US manufacturing (other than by tariffs), containing bird flu, etc. Look at the most successful 2024 Dem House/Senate candidates that ran in toss up or Trumpist districts but one and find the "secret sauce". Seek out highly viable candidates for 2026 House/Senate runs. Make sure local and state Dem party orgs are staffed and working to a plan that is not just the old boys club BS. Basically, keep and strengthen Dem relevance to the voters.

12. Risk of the public tuning them out this early
Mon Jan 6, 2025, 11:44 AM
Jan 2025

I like the idea of starting dialogue in order to counter what Trump will do. But I suspect some of the stronger candidates won't emerge until after the midterms.

Happy Hoosier

(8,894 posts)
14. Not a fan of that.... BUT.....
Mon Jan 6, 2025, 11:48 AM
Jan 2025

I do think we need a deisgnated "Shadow government" that will be on all the shows criticizing Trump every step of the way. We need a constant narrative how Trump is fucking up. ALL the time.

niyad

(123,340 posts)
34. Do you actually think that the reichwing corporate media whores will
Mon Jan 6, 2025, 01:10 PM
Jan 2025

give Dems the same access and time as the fascists they have been drooling over all these years?

Marthe48

(20,510 posts)
17. It's a good idea
Mon Jan 6, 2025, 11:55 AM
Jan 2025

All Dems that will be targeted by traitor and goons should announce their campaigns right now, so that they can't be arrested for crimes, tried, convicted and jailed by the court system because they are active candidates.

Worked like a charm for traitor.

I'm only being a little sarcastic. traitor actually committed crimes, while any Dems arrested will be victims of an out-of-control megalomaniac.



0rganism

(25,011 posts)
39. Agree -- campaigning might be the only thing that keeps Dems out of prison
Mon Jan 6, 2025, 01:29 PM
Jan 2025

We've never lived through the kind of whimsical brutality that's heading our way.

 

Blue_Tires

(57,596 posts)
20. Voters are already fatigued from 2024
Mon Jan 6, 2025, 12:00 PM
Jan 2025

And the media wouldn't even care unless we had some bullshit celebrity anti-candidates.

Besides, right now the white house doesn't matter anywhere NEAR as much as the midterm elections in 2 years... That's what we need to focus on.

SheilaAnn

(10,371 posts)
21. I'm still burned out from th '24 election and want nothing to do with politics for a long while, especially fundraising.
Mon Jan 6, 2025, 12:01 PM
Jan 2025

Rebl2

(16,183 posts)
22. Might as well
Mon Jan 6, 2025, 12:01 PM
Jan 2025

start debates well ahead of election.
Trump is still doing rallies. He’s doing one the day before Inauguration Day.

sop

(13,815 posts)
23. They definitely should.
Mon Jan 6, 2025, 12:09 PM
Jan 2025

I would like to see likely Democratic candidate(s) involved in town hall-type forums throughout the country, taking questions from local voters, and, if multiple candidates are participating, having open, informal conversations about issues. I believe voters are tired of formal debates, with candidates at lecterns arguing and talking over one another, moderators posing gotcha questions and the media controling the whole process.

pinkstarburst

(1,688 posts)
24. People have politics fatigue
Mon Jan 6, 2025, 12:12 PM
Jan 2025

But I do think we need to jump into it RIGHT after the midterms.

And as for the debates themselves, I would love to see them format them differently this time. Last time with 20 people in the debates and 10 per night up on stage, it was a zoo. I turned the early debates off after only a few minutes because it was just people shouting over each other with no moderation. You couldn't even hear what was being said. I really disliked that so many people got in just in the first place because it allowed people with no chance like Marianne Williamson and Tulsi Gabbard (we see how that turned out) to get a microphone and would rather they have higher standards to qualify and ALSO rank and divide the candidates and split them by night.

I would like only the top 6 democratic candidates based on polling to debate each other so that stage isn't as crowded. Most likely one of them will be the candidate anyway, and I would rather not have some doesn't have a chance person taking wild soundbite shots at Harris or Buttigieg or Newsom every 30 seconds, or a wild zoo of everyone screaming over each other so no one can hear anything. The rest of the field could be divided up over 2 nights if we have 20.

 

Yavin4

(37,182 posts)
25. What evidence do you have that voters are fatigued?
Mon Jan 6, 2025, 12:15 PM
Jan 2025

Yes, voters are tired of news about Trump, but the debates are about charting a future after Trump. If the Democrats only talk to voters in the month before election day, then don't get mad when they don't show up.

Quiet Em

(1,820 posts)
28. I think that is too soon.
Mon Jan 6, 2025, 12:20 PM
Jan 2025

Our society is very ill. We are close to hitting rock bottom. I think we need to let the dust settle for a bit before we can consider how we recover. Leaders will emerge, there is no need to force it.

flvegan

(64,916 posts)
29. I'm all for trying something different.
Mon Jan 6, 2025, 12:20 PM
Jan 2025

Obvious reasons being obvious.

If that means starting the political discussions sooner rather than later, then lets do so. Might also be a good way to shine some light on the negative things the Stinky DJT party is doing since the MSM isn't going to bother.

Voltaire2

(15,367 posts)
30. That is pretty much a horrible idea.
Mon Jan 6, 2025, 12:44 PM
Jan 2025

The presidential campaign 'season' is already far too long.

Fiendish Thingy

(19,112 posts)
31. Terrible idea.
Mon Jan 6, 2025, 01:06 PM
Jan 2025

Nobody would watch, for starters, and I’m guessing no candidates would participate this early, other than Marianne Williamson types who have no chance.

For the next two years, the spotlight should be completely focused on the corruption and incompetence of Trump 2.0, and the suffering it causes.

Then, in fall 2026, Dems can campaign for the midterms with the following slogan:

“HAD ENOUGH?”

JI7

(91,789 posts)
32. Virginia Governor Elections and NYC Mayor Elections are This year
Mon Jan 6, 2025, 01:06 PM
Jan 2025

and a few other important statewide elections.

 
44. Too soon
Tue Jan 7, 2025, 06:49 AM
Jan 2025

It's better for the Democrats to be united than n their fight against Trump at this time.

Start there.

Blue Full Moon

(2,062 posts)
45. He needs done the same as he did to Biden
Tue Jan 7, 2025, 08:19 AM
Jan 2025

File for the presidency. Then every foreign issue that comes up. The candidate calls the foreign leader and derail tRump plan. Russia, North Korea his owners it won't work on. Give press conferences at the same time as his. Need to hold massive rallies all 4 years. Give some hope.

sop

(13,815 posts)
47. Trump spent four years acting like a president in exile waiting to be rightfully restored to power.
Tue Jan 7, 2025, 03:24 PM
Jan 2025

Blue Full Moon

(2,062 posts)
49. The republicans have never been held accountable.
Tue Jan 7, 2025, 05:29 PM
Jan 2025

Interfering with Iranian hostages. Interfering with the withdrawal and treaty with Vietnam. Interfering with the hostages and cease fire with Netanyahu. I am sure there's more.

Vinca

(51,942 posts)
46. Too soon. Give everything a chance to go to hell first. It's not going to take long. If Democrats start so soon,
Tue Jan 7, 2025, 08:40 AM
Jan 2025

Trump will blame that distraction on his massive failure. It would be good for potential candidates to get their ducks in a row starting now. Make a plan, find staff, etc.

 

Yavin4

(37,182 posts)
53. So, let Trump have the entire spotlight for the next 4 years
Wed Jan 8, 2025, 12:50 AM
Jan 2025

without any Democratic presence at all.

Yeah, great plan.

BannonsLiver

(19,054 posts)
56. Sorry but the idea is utterly absurd
Wed Jan 8, 2025, 12:58 PM
Jan 2025

Last edited Wed Jan 8, 2025, 01:39 PM - Edit history (1)

And beyond that, your goals, such as they are, can be accomplished without having a goofy 4 year long primary. I

canetoad

(18,931 posts)
54. Maybe Canada will decide to invade and annex the US
Wed Jan 8, 2025, 01:08 AM
Jan 2025

And give you a sane, workable, fair system. One that is not electioneering for three years out of four; one where the political realities do not mean the utter destruction of any hope of bipartisanship.

Sorry, but this is one of the most divisive, impractical suggestion ever. The US is in a constant state of election; this is why you are so divided.

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