If we want to engage YOUNG PEOPLE in the election, then the DNC absolutely

[pnwmom]

Last edited Fri Jun 7, 2019, 11:52 PM - Edit history (2)

should be having a debate devoted to climate change.

It is incredibly stupid and short-sighted for them not to be planning this.

We can and should be positioning ourselves to be THE party to address climate change, in a serious and determined way. This is not just one of many issues. It has to be the PARAMOUNT issue because we only have a few years left to address this before it's too late.

https://www.vox.com/2019/4/22/18510953/climate-change-2020-bernie-sanders-donald-trump-harvard-poll

The growing focus on climate change could preview an important issue in the lead-up to the presidential election: 73 percent of young voters disapprove of the approach Donald Trump has taken on climate change, and their support is seen as pivotal in 2020.

https://www.motherjones.com/environment/2019/06/jay-inslee-says-he-may-defy-the-dnc-on-a-climate-change-debate/

Washington Governor Jay Inslee says he won’t rule out participating in a primary debate on climate change, a move that—if he followed through—could risk his being barred from participating in the formal Democratic National Committee sponsored debates.

“I cannot rule out any other debate that would highlight both the necessity of defeating the climate crisis and calling for the candidates to step up to the plate,” Inslee said in an interview with Mother Jones on Thursday, while calling from the road in Seattle, Washington. “Sixty-second sound bites, which is all you’ll be able to get in a party debate, is grossly inadequate to the task.”

Inslee claimed the DNC is “trying to eliminate an opportunity to have a debate” by effectively “blacklisting candidates who want to have one.”

“You have to understand how constricted the opportunity for a full discussion for this will be when we’re talking about mobilizing and rebuilding the entire economy to decarbonize over the next couple decades,” he said. “You can’t describe the mobilization of the economy in 60-second sound bites.”

SNIP


ON EDIT:

Here is the link to the DNC's contact page.

https://my.democrats.org/page/s/contact-the-democrats-democrats-website

[uawchild]

1. Let's HAVE that debate!

The consequences of climate change that can occur in the next 50 years are just staggering.

When I read about the effects of methane released by thawing permafrost during that time I am just gob-smacked.
It approaches civilization ending impact.

Old people like myself might not live to see that, but our children and grandchildren will.

We simply can't keep ignoring the science and keep on burning so much fossil fuel. We can't.
It's like stretching that rubber band, eventually you reach the inflection point where the band just snaps.

Business as usual has to change. Now.

Let's, gasp, have ONE WHOLE DEBATE on the issue, and, yes, I am rolling my eyes at those that think an ENTIRE debate on this one issue is going too far.

[Karadeniz]

2. This was stupid of DNC. Maybe a letter campaign.

[appalachiablue]

3. Hold a climate change debate!

[Turin_C3PO]

4. I agree!

It’s my number one issue and I’m kinda youngish (35).

[Princetonian]

5. My teenage son is a Biden supporter. 2020 will be the first time he gets to vote.

First and foremost, he wants to support a candidate (and eventually a ticket) that can beat Trump.
A debate solely devoted to climate change is not necessary to garner his attention.

[pnwmom]

8. It is an important issue to many young people. They're going to be the ones who will suffer.

https://www.vox.com/2019/4/22/18510953/climate-change-2020-bernie-sanders-donald-trump-harvard-poll

The growing focus on climate change could preview an important issue in the lead-up to the presidential election: 73 percent of young voters disapprove of the approach Donald Trump has taken on climate change, and their support is seen as pivotal in 2020.

[LibFarmer]

26. So .. if there is no climate change debate

will they be voting for Trump? Or staying at home? That will surely reverse the climate change.

[pnwmom]

27. Without a climate change focus from the Democrats, some percent of people may vote GREEN

because that party is crystal clear on its stand.

And a few percent voting Green is enough to guarantee us a loss.

[LibFarmer]

30. Whoever the nominee is, he/she will have climate change

in the platform and as a major issue in the campaign.

We don't need a special debate at the primary level.

[pnwmom]

32. There is a wide variation in Democrats proposed plans for dealing with climate change.

We DO need a debate on which is the best.

[LibFarmer]

34. So what?

The election will not be won over climate change as the central issue. It is a peripheral issue.

[pnwmom]

36. You're wrong. Dealing with climate change is a life-and-death struggle for the planet,

and by Jan. 2021 we'll have spent six years sliding BACKWARDS -- suffering more hurricanes, and more tornadoes, and more floods, and more fires, and watching more and more species die off.

If it's not the critical issue of the election, it's because leaders, like those in the DNC, are failing to do their job.

[LibFarmer]

37. What has that got to do with the primaries?

And even more so, what is one debate going to solve?

80% of the Democratic voters are not going to vote based on climate change in the primaries and whoever the nominee is will have a great climate change team incorporating major policies of many candidates who didn't get the nomination.

It is a non issue as far as primaries are concerned and bandied about by people who want to pull Biden down from his lead.

[pnwmom]

38. It should be the leading issue in the primaries for the same reason it should be the leading issue

in the general election.

Why are you so defensive about Biden's plan? Is it because you don't think it's adequate? Are you aware that he finally did propose a strong one a few days ago?

[BlueWI]

61. We'll, Biden supports a debate too.

Is he trying to reduce his own numbers?

[emmaverybo]

43. The life and death struggle is about keeping us from a Third World War and how to deal with

a mad man who might launch a nuke at us.

[yardwork]

49. My sons who are in their twenties say we need bold change to win.

They will vote for Biden if he's the nominee but they say many others their age will not.

They tell me that we need a candidate that makes bold promises for significant change.

[GulfCoast66]

6. Any democratic candidate in any debate can talk climate change.

If that moves democratic voters then it will be a winner.

And if we do have a debate about climate change, will all the other things included in the much touted Green New Deal be off limits?

Or is an excuse to only talk about it?

[pnwmom]

7. Why should the other things be off limits? It's part of THAT version of a climate change plan. nt

[GulfCoast66]

9. So you really want a debate on the Green New Deal?

Cause if nothing is off limits, well, it’s just a debate.

As it should be. No limits. No set subject

[pnwmom]

10. The Green New deal vs. the other plans people have for addressing climate change.

All the candidates should be able to present and explain and debate each other's plans.

[JI7]

13. debates don't give enough time to do that

[pnwmom]

14. That's funny. They're saying the topic of climate change can be squeezed in on a debate

with dozens of other issues -- but you're saying a single debate devoted to climate change isn't time enough.

I agree, it isn't. But we'll be lucky if we get it.

[JI7]

15. yes, debates usually aren't the place to actually get into details .

[pnwmom]

17. When have we ever before had a 10 year window to make the changes needed

to save human and animal life on the planet?

[JI7]

18. this is why something like a town hall would be a better place

they can actually focus on the issue and get into the details.

[pnwmom]

21. In a debate about climate change plans, they could focus on the issue and get into the details. n/t

[Indygram]

11. Climate Change town hall yes...a whole debate...no

It will be included in the other debates.

[pnwmom]

16. Your candidate has a detailed plan. Why wouldn't you want him to have time to present

and discuss it?

There is no other issue that's more important than the survival of human life on the planet.

[JI7]

19. he wont have time to present and discuss it in a debate

that's why he does town halls and other events where he can actually get into those things.

[pnwmom]

20. Sure he would. And there is no other issue more important to debate. nt

[GemDigger]

39. I don't agree. Russia, China, Wikileaks, voting suppresion, womens rights, corrupt republicans.

Those are JUST as important. If we have to learn Russian or Chinese we are screwed, if we don't deal with voter suppression we are screwed, if we don't get this crap straight with abortion we are screwed, if the GOP remains in control we are also screwed.

There are MANY issues just as important as climate change.

[JI7]

12. young people can get behind Jay Inslee and actually do something to help him win the election

Obama lost every primary debate .

[GulfCoast66]

22. Debate rules will start to consider what young people want...

When young people actually vote. Which they have never, do not, and will not do in the foreseeable future.

Tailoring our message to a group that does not vote is a sure way to lose.

And don’t give me the crap about giving them a reason to vote. They have reasons. But they are young.

If you want to win you target your message to those that vote.

[Turin_C3PO]

23. Young people DID show up in the midterms.

Our blue wave needs young people. We ignore them at our own peril, IMO.

[GulfCoast66]

24. No, they really did not.

There numbers were up, but still trailed the General population as far as increases.

We won due to older Millennial voters and suburban women and college educated voting for Moderate Democratic Candidates in republican held districts concerned about health care. Climate Change had Jack Shit to do with our win and will not in 2020.

Replay 18 and we win. Moderate positions except a strong message about no one having to declare bankruptcy for health issues and we win in a landslide.

[Turin_C3PO]

25. I agree, I'm just saying it is possible to increase youth turnout.

Maybe not a huge turnout but every little bit helps, especially in swing states. And, frankly, climate change is an issue that HAS to be dealt with, even if only 1% of the public cares. It will be an existential threat and that’s not hyperbole.

[JI7]

28. my point is that those who claim to be so concerned should support Jay Inslee

get out there and campaign for him. nothing is stopping them from getting involved.

[Turin_C3PO]

29. True.

My hope for him is that a position like Climate Czar is created.

[pnwmom]

33. If you support Jay Inslee then you should support his call for a real debate on climate change.

Not five minutes squeezed in here or there among dozens of other issues.

[JI7]

40. debates are 5 minutes squeezed here and there with mostly gotcha type stuff to bring down

some candidate .

[pnwmom]

41. It wouldn't have to be if the 60-90 minutes was devoted to plans for addressing climate change.

A debate centered around the topic of climate change would allow the discussion to go into much more depth.

It feels like we're talking in circles.

[JI7]

42. there are over 20 candidates. that's less than 3 minutes for each candidate

[pnwmom]

44. There are not 20 candidates on the same night. They'll be divided over two nights for each debate.

And how many minutes would each candidate get if there was only 15 minutes allotted to the topic during the debates?

[JI7]

45. that's why i recommend Town Halls where they can actually talk about the issue

[pnwmom]

46. How would 10 candidates be any better able to address the topic in a Town Hall?

I think they should all be discussing their plans, not just a couple of them.

[GulfCoast66]

35. The young will show up or they won't.

And if they do they will vote overwhelmingly Democratic. But they seldom show in numbers to sway the election and won’t this time.

Candidates have limited time in the public eye. If our candidates focus on what won us 2018 we will win again.

All Americans, including the upper-middle class like me live in fear of a healthcare crisis that can wipe out a lifetimes of saving for retirement. That is where we win. Republicans want a ‘Lord of the Flies’ society most Americans reject

Climate Change mitigation will be the result of any Democratic Candidate becoming president.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

47. a climate change debate can fire voters up

A climate change debate can get all those youngsters from 18 to 40 fired up to vote.

[JI7]

48. if they care about climate change that much they should already be supporting Inslee

and involved in the campaigns.

are they aware that Trump removed the US from the Paris treaty ?

[pnwmom]

54. Wrong. Until the debates, many people don't start choosing among candidates. n/t

[wasupaloopa]

31. I think of the two parties, we are concerned about climate change.

I may add, young people are important. So is every other voter.

Nobody gets anything if we don’t win. We need young people, old people, middle age people, left, middle and right people to win.

[marylandblue]

50. I 100% agree that Climate Change should be a leading issue, but it isn't.

It should have been the leading issue in 2000 when Al Gore ran on it. Instead we were more concerned about which candidate was a better beer drinker.

People are really stupid. A climate change debate won't change that. People who don't care won't tune in. The media doesn't understand the issue, so the soundbites won't be about who has the best policy, they will be about who got a minor fact wrong.

And God forbid if Inslee is correct on something that the media doesn't want to hear. Then he'll be dragged through the mud while climate scientists vainly rally to his aid.

Sorry that's how it is. I say this as someone who has been concerned about this issue longer than AOC has been alive.

[stonecutter357]

51. I think all the candidates are on the same side of Climate Change !

[MineralMan]

52. Which of the Democratic primary candidates do not care about climate change?

I can't think of any. So, all are going to speak about the need to address it as a top priority, if they are elected.

Are there differences in the candidates' approached to the issue? Of course. Do we know which approach will work the best? We do not.

So, a debate on climate change will put 24 people or so on stage saying that climate change is a major problem that must be dealt with. 24 people or so will sketch out the approach they will take if elected. In the end, though, all will be for taking measures to do something about it.

Where is the controversy in this? How will candidates distinguish their approach from those of others?

This can be dealt with as one topic in the other debates just as well as in a separate debate, since all candidates see it as a major problem.

[pnwmom]

53. That isn't the issue. Their plans vary widely. Your question is like saying,

which of the Democrats don't care about a healthy economy? Of course they all do. The question is how best to get there.

[MineralMan]

56. That's going to be up to each candidate to present.

In a candidate debate, only the surface of any of it would be addressed, and everyone would sound pretty much alike, really, since all recognize the issue and its importance. In a debate format, there won't be time to present solutions and explain why one is better than the other. In the end, the audience would come away knowing that all of the candidates take it seriously and are working on ways to help, but the audience will also be confused by the range of solutions presented. They'll be no better able to choose a candidate than they were before.

It's up to the candidates to formulate and explain their ideas for those who want to examine and compare ideas. That done on websites, in speeches, and in other forums. The debate format is not ideal for presenting and comparing complex problems and solutions. There is simply not time.

[pnwmom]

57. The reason there wouldn't be time is because it would be presented as one of "dozens" of issues

according to the DNC.

That's precisely why it deserves its own separate debate. To make sure it has the time.

It's irrational to suggest that because 15 minutes in a broader debate isn't long enough to discuss climate change, then 60-90 minutes in a single topic debate wouldn't be any better.

[MineralMan]

58. As far as I know, only one candidate is asking for a single-topic debate,

and that's not going to make it happen. There are 24 candidates. I'm sure each of them would like to make their top-priority issue the subject of a debate, because they know that issue better than others.

That's too many debates, and they wouldn't attract much of an audience, which is the reason debates are about multiple topics. Such debate attract a far large audience, since everyone can expect their favorite topic to be part of the debate.

Every candidate will have an opportunity to shine on some topic. Then, viewers can go and learn more about that candidate's views, ideas, and proposals if they choose.

Further, not all YOUNG PEOPLE, as you put it, consider climate change to be the the most important topic. For many, that topic is student loan debt. Should there be a debate on that topic, too?

[pnwmom]

59. Sanders has backed the idea of a debate devoted to climate change. So has Warren,

O'Rourke, Bennett, Castro, and Gillibrand.

So has Al Gore. He's run for President before and he knows how important this issue is and how important a thorough debate would be.

https://www.politico.com/story/2019/05/29/climate-change-democrats-2020-1465563

Democrats across the ideological spectrum want their party to dedicate one of its presidential primary debates to climate change — despite the risk of exposing their own divides.

At least five presidential candidates have backed fellow presidential contender Jay Inslee's idea for a climate-centric debate, in a sign of the issue's growing profile among Democratic voters.

But a public debate might also force Democratic contenders to confront policy differences they have so far papered over, including how quickly they would push the U.S. to shift away from the fossil fuels that provide union jobs. The candidates would also face pressure to offer specifics on their position on the Green New Deal, the ambitious progressive climate resolution that Republicans have sought to tar as an expensive socialist boondoggle.

SNIP

The idea for a primary debate dedicated to climate change has been gaining traction since Inslee first proposed it in April. Fellow contenders Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) have also backed the idea, as has former Obama Cabinet official Julián Castro. Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), who recently unveiled his climate pitch, told POLITICO he thought such a debate would be "great."

https://www.motherjones.com/environment/2019/06/jay-inslee-says-he-may-defy-the-dnc-on-a-climate-change-debate/

The progressive campaign to pressure the DNC to hold its first-ever sanctioned climate change debate first took shape in April. I originally reported that a number of groups, including Friends of the Earth, Credo Action, Greenpeace, Sunrise Movement, and 350.org, planned to ramp up the pressure on the DNC to finally devote the primetime opportunity to an issue that got short-shrift in the last cycle. Since then, about a dozen candidates, including Inslee, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Beto O’Rourke have joined the call.

SNIP

The reaction to this announcement was swift and critical. On Twitter, Al Gore called it a “mistake to refuse to hold a #ClimateDebate.” Elizabeth Warren chimed in with her disappointment: “Gov. Inslee is exactly right. Climate change is the biggest challenge we face. Every candidate running for president should have a serious set of policies to address it, and should be eager to defend those proposals in a debate.”

Inslee and the climate activists angling for more debates will argue that climate change isn’t as singular a topic as the DNC claims. It is intrinsically linked to the economy and national security—both themes of past DNC-sanctioned debates. Despite that, climate continues to be treated more as a niche issue by major TV networks and party officials.

“The DNC has said they won’t hold a climate debate because climate change is just a single issue,” Prakash says. “Try telling that the families who can’t afford to rebuild after the Camp Fire in California, the farmers in Iowa whose crops have been destroyed by floods, or the black and brown babies in Detroit who can’t breathe. Climate change is not just a ‘single issue’—it’s an existential threat that impacts every aspect of our lives.”

[aikoaiko]

55. Agreed. Candidates need to take charge of this.

If the DNC is afraid, they need to do their own event on addressing climate change.

[BannonsLiver]

60. Oh sure another forum will draw them to the poll in droves

I didn’t need much motivation in 1992 when I cast my first presidential vote to bounce poppy bush out of the WH. Why isn’t getting rid of the Orange Hell beast enough? Our species is doomed.