Election is referendum on Trump, but also on leftist Democratic positions - Pignanelli and Webb
The 2020 election focus has mostly been on President. Donald Trump — especially impeachment, the economy, foreign relations and his combative and unpredictable personality. But the Democratic presidential race is picking up steam and the positions of Democratic candidates are also attracting attention. All of this will affect politics in Utah.
What is the impact of the Democratic presidential debates and town halls, both nationally and in Utah?
Pignanelli: “It’s autumn. The days are getting shorter, and so is the life expectancy of all but the strongest presidential campaigns.” — Anthony Zurcher, BBC
Viewers of last week’s debate were witness to a modern medical miracle. Several of the candidates apparently underwent a successful spinal implant operation. This is the most plausible explanation for the moderates’ newfound strength to openly challenge the liberal lions — especially Sen. Elizabeth Warren.
Until Tuesday night, the hurtling trajectory of the Democratic Party to the extreme left seemed unstoppable. But Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Mayor Pete Buttigieg served notice that wild fantasies of expanding government programs must be accompanied by credible funding mechanisms. This open split with the frontrunner provides a safe harbor for rational Democrats in red states. Although progressives will grumble, candidates representing Utah’s minority party now have permission to craft a persona that appeals to the mainstream voter.
Whether through a spine stiffener, eating spinach or consuming strength hormones, Utah Democrats can replicate efforts of the recent debate’s practical contenders in pushing back against pressures from the left.
Webb: The 2020 election will mostly be a referendum on Trump. But smart voters will also consider the big picture being illustrated by the far-left Democrats and what they promise — lots of free stuff at the cost of skyrocketing taxes, an exploding deficit, socialized health care, wide open borders, abortion at any point in a pregnancy, draconian regulation on businesses, harsh gun restrictions, destruction of the energy industry, and arch-liberal judges.
Sure, I could spend all day listing the things I don’t like about Trump (although I do like some of the things he’s done). But anyone obsessed with Trump’s many faults also needs to consider the alternatives. And, in my opinion, they are worse.
I think the country can handle another four years of Trump. The economy is doing great. Never-ending wars are actually winding down. But I’m not sure the country can survive four or eight years of Elizabeth Warren, whose policies would spell economic ruin.
Americans who like their jobs, higher wages, lower taxes and economic freedom are smart enough to know that all that free stuff, the big-government solutions, the nationalizing of entire industries, will reverse the great economic times we’re enjoying.
Navigating these political shoals is tricky for Utah’s congressional delegation, particularly Rep. Ben McAdams. Will he embrace his party’s presidential frontrunner? Will he vote to impeach Trump? He’s tiptoeing on a political knife edge.
On the Senate side, Sen. Mitt Romney obviously dislikes Trump. But will his dislike help enable an Elizabeth Warren presidency?
Utah Sen. Mike Lee garnered headlines by demanding that presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke “take back” his statement that religious organizations which do not recognize same-sex marriage should lose nonprofit status. Will such statements by Democratic candidates on that and other topics like guns, health care and immigration hurt them in Utah?
Pignanelli: Lee performed an immense service to the country … and Democrats. Somebody has to stop the world’s oldest political party from self-immolation. Most presidential candidates are groveling before leftist special interest groups, declaring outrageous claims to secure their support. This is resulting in expressions of support for decriminalizing illegal border crossings, student loan amnesty, increased taxes, mandatory gun buyback programs, punishing traditional organized religion, etc. Americans, including mainstream Democrats and independents are very uncomfortable with such obsequiousness. They are more interested in hearing ideas to promote jobs and security.
Lee is signaling that caution and rational behavior must be exercised, because the opposition is watching … and remembering.
Webb: A thoughtful, centrist, highly-qualified Democratic candidate could probably defeat Trump. But the Democratic nomination process (and the impeachment process) has been co-opted by the far left. That is the Democrats’ biggest problem and it’s why Trump has a reasonable chance to win.
Former Vice President Joe Biden is fairly well-liked in Utah. Will he survive the nomination process?
Pignanelli: During the debate, Biden offered a flimsy response to the Ukraine controversy involving his son that failed to alleviate anxiety. The impeachment process will continue for many months, every day of which will remind voters of Biden’s connection to this debacle, thereby strangling his campaign.
Webb: Biden is the most reasonable Democratic candidate, although he has been forced to pander to the far left to try to win the nomination. Unfortunately, Biden is too old, not sharp enough, and not purist enough to satisfy the liberal Democratic base and win the nomination.