Pointers and Predictions: 2020 Presidential Election (Democratic Primaries)

Back in July, I said there were 10 candidates I was interested in. Of those 10,  Kirsten Gillenbrand, Kamala Harris Beto O'Rourke and Cory Booker have dropped out. Since then, Michael Bloomberg and Deval Patrick have entered.  They join Michael Bennet, John Delaney, Tom Steyer and Andrew Yang.

So first we'll analyze the remaining 6 from my original 10. I'll give some pluses and minuses. Then I will answer whether I would vote for them or not. And by answering would I vote for them, I don't mean against Trump. I mean if I was voting in the primaries, would I consider voting for them. Right now, I'd vote for any of them against Captain Orange.

After my top 6, we'll see where the others fit in,


Joe Biden- Pluses- As former Vice President and former head of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Uncle Joe has as much experience in the arena as anybody who has ever run. A fundamentally decent man who I believe would restore the White House to a place of decorum and respect.

Minuses- It may not be politically correct to say, but at 78 on inauguration day 2021, his time may have come and gone. Has a tendency to talk himself into a box, which will hurt him especially against a blowhard like Trump.

Would I Vote for Him?: Absolutely. He would need to surround himself with some young and up and coming people, but there is going to be a lot of cleaning up to do and he's got the tools to do it.


Pete Buttigieg, Pluses-Love his message of trying to understand Trump voters rather than dismissing them as ignorant racists. Served in the Iraqi War. Would be America's first openly gay President.

Minuses- Being mayor of Notre Dame doesn't exactly jump out on a Presidential Resume. Has been criticized by minorities in South Bend for being out of touch.

Would I vote for him? Definitely. I know it's hard to understand how Trump could convince people who were down on their luck that Trump actually cares about them. But that's how he won. Buttigeg understands that better than anyone else running in my opinion.

Tulsi Gabbard- Pluses. Another war vet. And I know it may not be politically correct to say it, but I will because I mean in in the only the most complementary and respectful way possible. I think she's really good looking.

Minuses- Has taken criticism for meeting with Syrian President al-Assad, who has used chemical weapons against his own people. Also has a thin resume.

Would I vote for her? I have a couple of friends who really dig her. I need to know to find out some more about her, the meeting with al-Assad is a concern. But being a war vet is a plus, so yes I would vote for her.

Amy Klobuchar-Pluses: Of all the candidates, she seems like the most down the middle, has ideas that are actionable and affordable.

Minuses-Not the world's most exciting speaker. Might have trouble getting support from more left wing members of the party. Also comes from a state that put a pro wrestler in the governor's mansion a comedian in the Senate, and whose baseball team can't beat the Yankees in the playoffs.

Would I vote for her?-The more I read about her and more I hear from her in the debates, the more I like her. Yes, I would vote for her.

Bernie Sanders-Pluses. He was the one who really got this movement started. With the deck stacked against him, he gave Hillary a run for her money in 2016.

Minuses- But I think 2016 was his time to shine. It's not so much that's he's old, it's that other candidates have taken his mantle and are doing a better job of running with it.

Would I vote for him? Reluctantly. Like I said, he started a movement, he's probably better off being king or queen maker than being the king himself.

Elizabeth Warren- Pluses. I like that she has detailed plans. Excellent at working a crowd and exciting her base. I like some of her ideas.

Minuses-Doesn't really explain how she's going to pay for some of these programs. I'm all for her raising corporate taxes and taxes on the wealthy, but that's only going to generate so much revenue.

Would I vote for her?-Like with Tulsi, I have a couple of friends who really dig her. Because of how much I respect those friends, I've given her some more attention. Like with Bernie in 2016, I have no idea how she'll get some of her proposals through Congress, but I'd like to see her try it. Yes I would vote for her.

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Michael Bennet: Pluses- A strong education advocate.

Minuses- Looks like he's having issues raising money. Not getting much coverage. Actually supported funding for Trump's border wall.

Would I vote for him? Not enough information about him.


Michael Bloomberg: Pluses-A businessman who actually successfully transitioned into politics. No, I didn't agree with everything he did as mayor, but he did keep crime low and improve the schools.

Minuses-I'll never forgive him for the crap he pulled to get himself a third term. Can't see him doing well in the south. Then again, I didn't think Trump would win down south either.

Would I vote for him?  I really didn't like how he got his third term here in NY, but I also know his upside. I don't think he has a prayer, but yeah I'd vote for him.


John Delaney-Pluses- His Netflix comedy specials are hysterical and I enjoyed his work on SNL.
Wait, whoops That's John Mulaney. I don't know a thing about this guy.

Minuses- Nobody knows who he is or what he stands for.

Would I vote for him? Based on what? He wants everyone to give one year of national service upon their 18th birthday. Good luck with that pal.-UPDATE-Mulaney, um I mean Delaney ended his campaign on Thursday.

Deval Patrick- Pluses- Is tight with President Obama, who put together a brilliant campaign apparatus in 2008. A two term governor of Massachusetts and with Booker and Harris having dropped out, the party's only African American running.

Minuses- Entered the race very late and has had trouble gaining momentum. Also worked at Bain Capital. Isn't that where Mitt Romney worked and everyone thought that was icky-poo.

Would I vote for him?  I would. But I'm afraid his late start is going to cost him.

Tom Steyer- Pluses-A hedge fund founder who now wants to fight corporate influence in Washington. Also wants to aggressively fight climate change.

Minuses- Can a hedge fund honcho relate to the little guy? Many of his plans are similar to Warren's, which again begs the question, How?

Would I vote for him?  Have to admit, I was impressed by some of his answers during the debate in Iowa. Also like his plans for fighting climate change. I need more info, but I'm leaning towards yes.


Andrew Yang- Pluses- He'll give all of us $1,000 a month
Minuses- He's going to give everyone $1,000 a month.
Would I Vote for Him?  He's have to pay me up front.


OK, so since I'm still registered with the GOP, my choices are going to be Captain Orange, Joe F-cking Walsh, or former Massachusetts governor William Weld. I will let you know who we go with when the New York Primaries arrive here in April.

If I was in Iowa or New Hampshire (and a registered Democrat) I'd have it narrowed down between Old School Joe, Mayor Pete and Amy Klobuchar.  I trust Biden the most, like Buttigieg's message, and am most intrigued by Klobuchar. The former VP would get my vote.

But I don't think he will be the one to face Captain Orange in November. I know Bernie is winning bigly in Iowa, and he might pull it off there. But I'm predicting come July 16, in Milwaukee, the Democrats will be raising a mug full of Schlitz to their nominee, Bernie's protege/sparring partner Elizabeth Warren.