Elizabeth Warren's surprising closing argument

[JoeOtterbein]

Politico

A candidate known for battling Bernie Sanders for the hearts of progressives is pitching her electability in the weeks leading up to Iowa.

By ALEX THOMPSON

01/09/2020 08:06 PM EST

Elizabeth Warren is often portrayed in media as a figure of the left-wing, locked in a battle with Bernie Sanders for the progressive base of the party. In fact, polling frequently shows she's the second choice not just of Sanders voters, but of Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg supporters, too.

Seeking a spark heading into the Iowa caucuses, Warren and her allies are making a surprising closing argument: That she’s best positioned to unite and excite the party — and is therefore the most electable.

It’s the first time Warren’s orbit has made the electability pitch so overtly. But the campaign has been quietly implementing that strategy since 2018, when Warren raised or donated $11 million to Democratic candidates and began drawing subtle distinctions with Sanders (She described herself as a "capitalist to my bones,” in contrast to Sanders preference for democratic socialism). Warren has also mostly abstained from attacking other Democrats in an attempt not to alienate supporters of other candidates. Her campaign staff reflects the approach, with a mix of officials from Sanders, Barack Obama, and Hillary Clinton’s past campaigns.

“She has gone above and beyond to convince establishment types that she is a team player and a Democrat,” said Ian Sams, the former national press secretary for Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. “I don’t think they see her as a left-wing extremist, and they respect her seriousness and policy chops.”

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more at link

[bluewater]

1. How is this surprising?

Hasn't Elizabeth Warren always been viewed as the more palatable of the two to the DNC?

[BeyondGeography]

2. Biden and Sanders supporters have nothing to say to each other

Apart from a few who’d rather not support a female. Many have Warren as their second choice. She is the candidate with the most plausible unity story.

[ritapria]

3. The second choice for President amongst Biden supporters (Accrding to Morning Consult)

are Bernie 29 % ..Warren 19% ...Buttigieg 12 % ….The second choice for Warren Supporters breakdown as follows :Bernie 33%..Biden 24% ...Buttigieg 12% .. Bernie , if he wins Iowa and NH, has a very high ceiling of support ….If Joe and/or Elizabeth falter early , lots of voters are prepared to come his way ...

[myohmy2]

4. this is...

...and has always been, the tension and struggle within the Party...

" (She described herself as a "capitalist to my bones,” in contrast to Sanders preference for democratic socialism). "

...many in the Party are heavily Capitalist while many in the Party are heavily Progressive/Socialist...

...historically, for obvious reasons, large-financial-wealth flowed more heavily and readily to the Capitalists who retain and maintain Party control...

...but with today's internet and social media, small-people-powered-wealth is now competitively flowing, some say overflowing, to the Progressive/Socialist's who now command and demand their day in the sun...

...besides, I'd like to think the Progressive/Socialists were and are the majority of the Party who have now found their voice with candidates like Bernie...

...we'll see...

...voting begins shortly, place your bets...

[blm]

5. So Warren gave other Democratic candidates 11million in 2018 and

some here have talked themselves into remaining outraged about her 2018 fundraising.