Whoever thought putting the DNC Leadership Debate on CNN in that format should be drummed out of the party.
1) Why were lesser-known or unknown candidates invited who have absolutely no support/zero chance? Some threshhold could have been established.
2) The lack of preparation by some of the candidates, even major ones, was glaring. I was shocked that for the person who will likely be the talking head voice of the party, many of the answers lacked coherence (with a couple notable exceptions). Some of this is the fault of the moderators who…
3) Made it impossible to have a coherent debate with so many voices/candidates on the stage.
Watching that debate made me fear for the future of the Democratic party. I don’t have a dog in the race, and don’t care to get in the middle of it. The fact that the DNC didn’t have a replacement or emergency election rolled out prior to Trump’s inauguration tells me they lack the sense of urgency they need to have. Whatever strategy the next chair enacts needs to have started on Nov. 9th, or Jan. 21st at the latest. I was just shocked that none of them conveyed to me that they understand how dire the situation is.
My grades:
Rep. Keith Ellison: B- I didn’t really hear a cohesive organizing strategy, or a wonkish understanding of the legal entanglements of Donald Trump. I heard a little of both, but maybe its the format, but I didn’t feel inspired or that Ellison is really going to be able to connect with people.
Tom Perez: C Huge disappointment. Sounds like a mid-level government bureaucrat (maybe because that’s what he is?) who will not play well on talk shows and did not seem very fast on his feet.
Jaimie Harrison: B Brought some fresh energy and had some good answers on why we should fight Trump. Felt like maybe a little too young.
Pete Buttigieg: A- The only performance that gave me hope. In part because he spoke in complete thoughts and sentences. Seems like the only real believer in a 50 state strategy.
Sally Boynton-Brown: C- I am sure she is a nice person. We don’t need a nice person.
Jehmu Greene: B Probably came across the best on TV, but needed some more knowledge/substance. That can be learned, but wish she had some more wonk behind her other skills.
Who were those other two guys?
The Air Force guy: B+ Actually did a nice job on a couple answers.
The election lawyer: F I’d be all for an all-out election lawyer as DNC chair. But not this guy.
Overall, I guess I was disappointed Ellison ad Perez weren’t prepared enough and did not come across well. I think its the format, again, the shitshow of a debate… whose idea was it?