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Post by ozziegiraffe on Jan 12, 2024 7:27:22 GMT -5
Who gets to vote in the primaries where the candidates are chosen?
I find the American election system mind-bogglingly confusing.
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Post by Liiisa on Jan 12, 2024 8:23:42 GMT -5
The default answer to any question about the US is: it depends on the state, because laws differ from state to state.
So: some states' primaries allow anyone in that jurisdiction to vote in a given primary. Then in other states, you have to be a registered party member to vote. There are some primaries called "jungle primaries," where there's a big slate of candidates, and you just choose one. (I prefer it to be at least party-defined, so that there's a little control over whether complete maniacs get into the general or not, but that doesn't matter with the Republicans these days since they're all maniacs.) Oh! Then some states have ranked choice voting, so you just say what your top two are or something. All depends on the state.
I remember in the 1984 primary, a bunch of my friends registered Republican so they could vote against Ronald Reagan, though that didn’t work and he won anyway.
I think this is all I have to say on this topic. Thinking about the 2024 election is nauseating.
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Post by tinaja on Jan 12, 2024 10:23:16 GMT -5
In my state you don't seem to have an official party registration. One year I wanted to tilt votes against a Republican candidate in the primary. It had no impact. It was a non presidential or governor year. Back to voting Democrat. You are correct. Very confusing.
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Post by vinnyd on Jan 12, 2024 10:57:34 GMT -5
The way the jungle primary works in California is that everyone from whatever party is on the ballot and the top two candidates face each other in a runoff. They might or might not be from different parties. I think it's the same in the other states with jungle primaries, but I haven't checked.
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Post by Liiisa on Jan 12, 2024 11:25:45 GMT -5
Thank you Vinny; all I knew was that it sounded like a chaotic mess.
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Post by ozziegiraffe on Jan 12, 2024 20:04:18 GMT -5
We have a tv program called Planet America here, accurate, but very tongue in cheek, which attempts to explain what’s happening in America. That is what prompted my question. One of the hosts is a former member of The Chaser. I was surprised to learn that he attended Sydney Grammar School! en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chas_Licciardello
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Post by Phar Lap on Jan 16, 2024 15:43:38 GMT -5
It’s official - I definitely need new glasses. I read the thread subject as “American Erection Question”!
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Post by Q-pee on Jan 17, 2024 15:16:39 GMT -5
Meh, Iowa.
Not that I want any of them running anything but ya know.
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Post by fishface on Jan 17, 2024 15:49:55 GMT -5
It’s official - I definitely need new glasses. I read the thread subject as “American Erection Question”! Me too! I was going to make a joke...something about one dickhead being welcome at least but I thought best not. Sometimes I think North Sentinel Island may have its good points.
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Post by tzarine on Feb 4, 2024 12:59:29 GMT -5
election season has started fasten your seatbelts
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Post by Liiisa on Feb 4, 2024 13:05:23 GMT -5
I've upped my Tums consumption rate in anticipation
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Post by tzarine on Feb 4, 2024 14:45:15 GMT -5
fasten your seatbelts, its gonna to be a bumpy year
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Post by sophie on Feb 4, 2024 14:46:28 GMT -5
That made me laugh, Liisa!! I feel like I’m on the sidelines getting a huge container of popcorn while I’m watching but we have some of our own idiots to watch, plus we have family in the states, so we’ll be affected indirectly.
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Post by Q-pee on Feb 5, 2024 3:12:26 GMT -5
I'm vaguely watching the outcome of the various trials one of the candidates is tied up in...
It'd be the best soap opera ever if it weren't true.
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Post by kneazle on Feb 5, 2024 4:03:12 GMT -5
I know our choices weren't overly inspiring last year and we managed to give racists too much power but in a country of over 300 million people is there no one but these two old guys? I mean they've both done the job and neither have been great.
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Post by jimm on Feb 5, 2024 6:20:07 GMT -5
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Post by Liiisa on Feb 5, 2024 7:11:31 GMT -5
I know our choices weren't overly inspiring last year and we managed to give racists too much power but in a country of over 300 million people is there no one but these two old guys? I mean they've both done the job and neither have been great. Biden actually has done a very good job considering all the maniacs in Congress that he has to work with, but for some reason the media doesn't find reporting on policy achievements as interesting as the circus. But yeah, it's ridiculous. I think people went for Biden last time because they wanted the safest bet (white guy), and they're continuing with the safe bet (white guy). And I mean, I can't think of many prominent Democrats (who are white guys) who'd want to do it. Adam Schiff, maybe, but he's the subject of a number of right-wing conspiracies because of the impeachment trials. Oh, and the reason the Republicans can only think of that old guy? Because they're a cult now. Things are bad right now.
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Post by Q-pee on Feb 5, 2024 7:57:24 GMT -5
For the 2020 election I looked at the line up for the Democratic nominee and it was exciting. Such a great mix of people running. So I was disappointed that we ended up the old white dude.
But he's done a reasonably good job. It would be insane to change horses now - particularly as the most likely option would be Kamala and I don't think she would win against the orange menace (she should... but then Hilary should have as well)
And whoever is running the social media has been doing some great work, the snark level on the POTUS account on insta has been dialed up and I am here for it.
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Post by Liiisa on Feb 5, 2024 8:34:26 GMT -5
Exactly Q (lol Dark Brandon)
It would be better for the country if we could elect someone young and dynamic, but right now it’s not a safe proposition considering.
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Post by tzarine on Feb 5, 2024 15:46:43 GMT -5
gov gavin is waiting in the wings. he's actually dynamic, nice lookinh & super ambitious
i know people were disappointed bout the old white dude
the orange menace is scary
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Post by Liiisa on Feb 5, 2024 17:02:52 GMT -5
I have a hard time trusting Gavin Newsome because he used to date that conservative maniac woman who's with Don Jr. now. I know that shouldn't affect my estimation of his political ability, but what can you say.
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Post by tzarine on Feb 5, 2024 18:46:46 GMT -5
I have a hard time trusting Gavin Newsome because he used to date that conservative maniac woman who's with Don Jr. now. I know that shouldn't affect my estimation of his political ability, but what can you say. you mean the kimberly? yes she's w donny now! en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kimberly_Guilfoyletrue. he's totally part of cali power structure. gretchen whitmer of michigan is an interesting figure.
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Post by Liiisa on Feb 5, 2024 18:58:57 GMT -5
I love LOVE Gretchen Whitmer! I just am so worried about whether the idiots of this country would vote for anyone other than a White Dude.
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Post by Webs on Feb 5, 2024 21:13:18 GMT -5
I'm hoping the orange menace has a stroke before the summer.
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Post by groo on Feb 5, 2024 21:25:33 GMT -5
A stroke of what?
.... or whose?
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Post by psw on Feb 5, 2024 21:55:05 GMT -5
I still regret that the doctors at Walter Reed hospital when the Tangerine Toddler had the plague were able to secure some uncertified, unapproved, off-label meds to save him. Then he flipped them all off, demanding a victory lap around the grounds in the presidential limo. Infuriating, to say the least.
A stroke of lightning would be fine, or apoplexy or whatever else is handy. Maybe a baseball bat to whatever is left of his brain. I'm sure a line would form to deliver the fatal blow. Or lace his Big Mac with some choice fentanyl. Other suggestions welcome. I'm not picky, just results-oriented.
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Post by Liiisa on Feb 5, 2024 22:14:14 GMT -5
I'm hoping the orange menace has a stroke before the summer. Me too! I mean honestly with his lifestyle it's amazing that he's still lurching around.
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Post by sprite on Feb 6, 2024 12:37:57 GMT -5
That made me laugh, Liisa!! I feel like I’m on the sidelines getting a huge container of popcorn while I’m watching but we have some of our own idiots to watch, plus we have family in the states, so we’ll be affected indirectly. What I find worrying is how much of the American right-wing craziness is seeping north of the border, and being parroted even when it doesn't fit the local situation. I always think any country needs a balance of conservative and progressive voices to balance each other out, but the drumpers are just obsessed with ridiculous things.
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Post by tzarine on Feb 6, 2024 13:59:49 GMT -5
gavin newsom once threw candy to tzarevich it was the sf chinese new years parade & he was tossing sweets to the crowd
cornel west is running as a 3rd party candidate i wish gretchen would run
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Post by Liiisa on Feb 6, 2024 14:58:01 GMT -5
West is being a performative idiot — he’ll only drain votes from the Dem ticket. I don’t like it but people have to accept that this is a 2-party country. It’s good for people to compete in the Dem primary but please now is not the time for fooling around w 3rd parties!
I read someone castigating the current Dem attitude as “we’re the Biden or Death party,” but it’s kinda true
Sigh
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