2020 Democratic Convention
Watch the DNC Convention
August 17-20, 2020
Sign up today to participate in The Democratic National Convention from home like never before! Oregon Democrats will have access to exclusive virtual events with National Speakers and other Democrats from across the country. The 2020 Democratic National Convention will be held from August 17-20, 2020. Events will be broadcast from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and convention Delegates will participate remotely. Sign up now to be the first to get access to these special events when the schedule goes live! Go to dpo.org, click 2020 or the banner at the top of the page. This should a dynamic convention, setting policy and platforms for the way forward.
Live stream can also be found at www.demconvention.com.
August 17-20, 2020
Sign up today to participate in The Democratic National Convention from home like never before! Oregon Democrats will have access to exclusive virtual events with National Speakers and other Democrats from across the country. The 2020 Democratic National Convention will be held from August 17-20, 2020. Events will be broadcast from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and convention Delegates will participate remotely. Sign up now to be the first to get access to these special events when the schedule goes live! Go to dpo.org, click 2020 or the banner at the top of the page. This should a dynamic convention, setting policy and platforms for the way forward.
Live stream can also be found at www.demconvention.com.
Biden/Harris in 2020!
Biden Names Kamala Harris as Vice President running mate
BIDEN-HARRIS: READY TO LEAD
Joe Biden is running to restore the soul of the nation and unite the country to move us forward. Joe knows more about the importance of the Vice Presidency than just about anyone, and he is confident that Kamala Harris will be the best partner for him to finally get the country back on track.
Since Donald Trump became president, he has made everything worse. He has pursued economic policies that reward wealth over work and benefited corporations and his buddies over working families. He has walked away from American leadership on the national stage. He has used division and stoked hatred for political purposes to pit Americans against one another.
Joe knows that we can’t just return to the way things were - we have to build back better. From her track record of managing through multiple crises to standing up for the people who need it most, Joe knows that Kamala will be ready to tackle the work that is needed to heal our country on Day One of the Biden-Harris Administration.
KAMALA’S BIO
The first Black and Indian American woman to represent California in the United States Senate, Kamala Harris grew up believing in the promise of America and fighting to make sure that promise is fulfilled for all Americans. Kamala’s father immigrated to the U.S. from Jamaica to study economics and her mother immigrated from India. Kamala’s mother told her growing up “Don’t sit around and complain about things, do something,” which is what drives Kamala every single day.
Kamala started fighting for working families in the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, where she focused on prosecuting child sexual assault cases. From there, she became the first Black woman elected as San Francisco’s District Attorney. In this position, she started a program to provide first-time drug offenders second chances with the opportunity to earn a high school degree and find a job.
In 2010, Kamala became the first Black woman to be elected California Attorney General, overseeing the country’s second largest Justice Department, only behind the U.S. Department of Justice. In this capacity, she managed a $735 million budget and oversaw more than 4,800 attorneys and other employees. As California Attorney General, Kamala fought for families and won a $20 billion settlement for California homeowners against big banks that were unfairly foreclosing on homes.
Kamala worked to protect Obamacare, helped win marriage equality for all, defended California’s landmark climate change law and won a $1.1 billion settlement against a for-profit education company that scammed students and veterans. Kamala also fought for California communities and prosecuted transnational gangs who drove human trafficking, gun smuggling and drug rings.
Since being elected to the U.S. Senate in 2016, Kamala has introduced and co-sponsored legislation to help the middle class, increase the minimum wage to $15, reform cash bail, and defend the legal rights of refugees and immigrants.
Kamala serves on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence that deals with the nation’s most sensitive national security and international threats. She also serves on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee where she oversees the federal government’s response to natural disasters and emergencies, including the Trump administration’s response to COVID-19.
On the Senate Judiciary Committee, Kamala has held Trump administration officials accountable and was a powerful voice against Trump’s conservative judicial nominations.
Kamala graduated from Howard University, where she was in the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, and earned a law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of Law.
Kamala has been married to her husband Doug for the past six years. She is the stepmother of two children, Ella and Cole who are her “endless source of love and pure joy.”
KAMALA’S PARTNERSHIP WITH JOE BIDEN
KAMALA’S RECORD OF RESULTS FOR WORKING FAMILIES
COVID-19 and Health Care
Economy & Workers
Criminal Justice
Education
Environment
Kamala Fighting for Women
Kamala Fighting for the Black Community
Kamala Fighting for the Latino Community
Kamala Fighting for the LGBTQ+ Community
Joe Biden is running to restore the soul of the nation and unite the country to move us forward. Joe knows more about the importance of the Vice Presidency than just about anyone, and he is confident that Kamala Harris will be the best partner for him to finally get the country back on track.
Since Donald Trump became president, he has made everything worse. He has pursued economic policies that reward wealth over work and benefited corporations and his buddies over working families. He has walked away from American leadership on the national stage. He has used division and stoked hatred for political purposes to pit Americans against one another.
Joe knows that we can’t just return to the way things were - we have to build back better. From her track record of managing through multiple crises to standing up for the people who need it most, Joe knows that Kamala will be ready to tackle the work that is needed to heal our country on Day One of the Biden-Harris Administration.
KAMALA’S BIO
The first Black and Indian American woman to represent California in the United States Senate, Kamala Harris grew up believing in the promise of America and fighting to make sure that promise is fulfilled for all Americans. Kamala’s father immigrated to the U.S. from Jamaica to study economics and her mother immigrated from India. Kamala’s mother told her growing up “Don’t sit around and complain about things, do something,” which is what drives Kamala every single day.
Kamala started fighting for working families in the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, where she focused on prosecuting child sexual assault cases. From there, she became the first Black woman elected as San Francisco’s District Attorney. In this position, she started a program to provide first-time drug offenders second chances with the opportunity to earn a high school degree and find a job.
In 2010, Kamala became the first Black woman to be elected California Attorney General, overseeing the country’s second largest Justice Department, only behind the U.S. Department of Justice. In this capacity, she managed a $735 million budget and oversaw more than 4,800 attorneys and other employees. As California Attorney General, Kamala fought for families and won a $20 billion settlement for California homeowners against big banks that were unfairly foreclosing on homes.
Kamala worked to protect Obamacare, helped win marriage equality for all, defended California’s landmark climate change law and won a $1.1 billion settlement against a for-profit education company that scammed students and veterans. Kamala also fought for California communities and prosecuted transnational gangs who drove human trafficking, gun smuggling and drug rings.
Since being elected to the U.S. Senate in 2016, Kamala has introduced and co-sponsored legislation to help the middle class, increase the minimum wage to $15, reform cash bail, and defend the legal rights of refugees and immigrants.
Kamala serves on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence that deals with the nation’s most sensitive national security and international threats. She also serves on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee where she oversees the federal government’s response to natural disasters and emergencies, including the Trump administration’s response to COVID-19.
On the Senate Judiciary Committee, Kamala has held Trump administration officials accountable and was a powerful voice against Trump’s conservative judicial nominations.
Kamala graduated from Howard University, where she was in the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, and earned a law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of Law.
Kamala has been married to her husband Doug for the past six years. She is the stepmother of two children, Ella and Cole who are her “endless source of love and pure joy.”
KAMALA’S PARTNERSHIP WITH JOE BIDEN
- Kamala Harris served as California’s Attorney General at the same time as Joe Biden’s son, Beau, was serving as Attorney General for Delaware. The two grew close while fighting to take on the banking industry. Through her friendship with Beau, she got to know Joe Biden.
- From hearing about Kamala from Beau, to seeing her fight for others directly, Joe has long been impressed by how tough Kamala is.
- Particularly on the Senate Judiciary Committee - which Joe used to lead - Kamala has distinguished herself as a fighter on behalf of the American people, on issues ranging from corruption, to women’s rights and election interference.
- Kamala doesn’t hesitate to take on powerful people and powerful interests, and that’s exactly the kind of leader Joe wants by his side to rebuild this country and restore the soul of the nation.
KAMALA’S RECORD OF RESULTS FOR WORKING FAMILIES
COVID-19 and Health Care
- Kamala has worked to address the racial and ethnic disparities resulting from the Trump’s administration’s failed response to the pandemic by introducing the COVID-19 Racial and Ethnic Disparities Task Force Act. Kamala’s legislation would establish a team of policy experts, regional leaders, and federal officials to develop policy and funding prescriptions based on demographic data to combat issues facing minority and underserved communities.
- Kamala has a record of taking on corporations who are defrauding the health care system. As Attorney General, she oversaw a $241 million settlement against Quest Diagnostics, for overbilling California’s insurance program for 15-plus years.
Economy & Workers
- Kamala took on the big banks on behalf of California homeowners and won a $20 billion settlement, the largest settlement of any attorney general in America.
- As District Attorney , she prosecuted companies that cheated workers out of their earnings and jeopardized their safety on the job. As Attorney General, she foughtfor California’s public employee unions. And as Senator, she stood against the harmful Janus decision.
- Kamala supports a $15 minimum wage, cosponsoring legislation to raise wages for underpaid Americans.
Criminal Justice
- Kamala, as San Francisco DA, championed a leading re-entry program to direct young people arrested for drug crimes into training and counseling programs instead of jail.
- Kamala’s Department of Justice was the first statewide agency to mandate a body camera program, launched implicit bias and procedural justice trainings, and created a public database, including data on deaths in police custody and arrest rates.
- As Senator, Kamala has championed sentencing reform, ending the cash bail system, and giving proper funding to public defenders.
Education
- As Attorney General, Kamala obtained a $1.1 billion judgement against for-profit Corinthian Colleges for predatory practices that saddled students with debt and useless degrees.
- Kamala co-sponsored Senator Elizabeth Warren’s bill to allow students with existing debt to refinance at the interest rates available to new borrowers.
Environment
- As Attorney General, Kamala took on big oil companies and went to court to defend the Obama-Biden Clean Power Plan and New Source Standards.
- As Attorney General, Kamala sued corporations like Chevron and BP for damaging the environment, and won. And, she sued corporations for their role in exposing Californians to excessive levels of diesel.
- As San Francisco District Attorney, Kamala created the first-ever unit focused on environmental justice.
Kamala Fighting for Women
- Kamala was the first woman elected to serve as both San Francisco DA and California AG.
- As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Kamala has grilled Trump’s extreme anti-choice judicial nominees, like Brett Kavanaugh.
- As Attorney General, Kamala cracked down on the sex trafficking of women into California and prosecuted sexual assaults. In her year in office, she eliminated the backlog of untested rape kits.
- And, as District Attorney, she worked with community leaders to establish a safe house for victims of human trafficking -- the first of its kind in San Francisco.
Kamala Fighting for the Black Community
- As a student at Howard University, Kamala was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) – the oldest Greek-letter sorority for black women. It was during her time at Howard that she joined protests on the National Mall against apartheid in South Africa.
- Kamala was the first Black woman to be elected San Francisco District Attorney and Attorney General of California, and only the second Black woman elected to the United States Senate.
- In the Senate, Kamala championed a bill to make lynching a federal crime.
Kamala Fighting for the Latino Community
- Kamala joined Congresswoman Veronica Escobar in leading the charge to demand that migrant children be released from HHS and DHS custody during the pandemic.
- While Attorney General, she ensured unaccompanied minors seeking refuge in the U.S. had access to pro-bono counsel.
- After Hurricane Maria, Kamala sponsored the COUNT Victims Act that provides FEMA more resources to calculate the death toll from a natural disaster.
Kamala Fighting for the LGBTQ+ Community
- As San Francisco District Attorney, Kamala established an LGBT hate crimes unit, dedicated to pursuing hate crimes against LGBTQ+ students.
- As Attorney General, Kamala refused to defend Proposition 8 in court. She also officiated the first same-sex wedding in California after the U.S. Supreme Court ended Proposition 8.
- Kamala has a 100% rating from the Human Rights Campaign.
Joe's Building His Platform
The first three planks of my economic recovery plan, Build Back Better, lay out how I’ll make historic investments in American manufacturing and innovation, in clean energy jobs and infrastructure that will meet the climate crisis head-on, and in building a caring economy that eases the burden on caregivers.
Each of these plans intentionally deals with systemic racism and advances racial equity in our economy. But that isn’t enough, so I’m laying out the fourth plank of Build Back Better -- advancing racial equity across the American economy, not just as part of the other pillars of Build Back Better, but in its own right.
For generations, Americans who are Black, Brown, Asian American, Native American, or immigrants, haven’t always been fully included in our democracy or our economy. Marjorie, here’s how my bold, practical plan will help build a stronger, more just, more sustainable economy -- where everyone is included in the deal.
To start, we’ll create a new Small Business Opportunity Fund. This fund will dramatically expand a successful Obama-Biden initiative that generated more than $5 in private investment for every $1 in public investment in small businesses -- particularly in hard-pressed areas. With a $30 billion initial investment, we will make sure that those with the best ideas are not denied the venture capital or financing they need because of their race or ZIP code.
And to further support Black and Brown small businesses, fifty percent of emergency small business relief would be reserved for the smallest businesses with 50 employees or fewer, including micro-businesses and sole proprietorships. This would help minority-owned businesses get life-saving loans before more well-connected businesses jump ahead in line.
Next, we’ll expand access to homeownership in Black and Brown communities.The homeownership gap is a cause and consequence of the racial wealth gap. That’s why my housing plan includes a $15,000 first-time home-buyer tax credit, expands affordable housing, and puts an end to systemic housing discrimination. This will remove barriers to homeownership that now hold back too many Americans of color on the pathway to the middle class.
And I’ll strengthen the Federal Reserve’s focus on racial economic equity. Under my plan, the Fed will aggressively target persistent racial gaps in jobs, wages, and wealth -- and revise its own hiring and employment practices to achieve greater diversity at all levels of the institution. So when the Chairman of the Federal Reserve provides a report on the health of the economy -- we’ll know if the economy is working for everyone.
These are just some of the real, concrete steps we can take to advance racial economic equity across the United States.This is progress we can make if we fight for it, together.
Each of these plans intentionally deals with systemic racism and advances racial equity in our economy. But that isn’t enough, so I’m laying out the fourth plank of Build Back Better -- advancing racial equity across the American economy, not just as part of the other pillars of Build Back Better, but in its own right.
For generations, Americans who are Black, Brown, Asian American, Native American, or immigrants, haven’t always been fully included in our democracy or our economy. Marjorie, here’s how my bold, practical plan will help build a stronger, more just, more sustainable economy -- where everyone is included in the deal.
To start, we’ll create a new Small Business Opportunity Fund. This fund will dramatically expand a successful Obama-Biden initiative that generated more than $5 in private investment for every $1 in public investment in small businesses -- particularly in hard-pressed areas. With a $30 billion initial investment, we will make sure that those with the best ideas are not denied the venture capital or financing they need because of their race or ZIP code.
And to further support Black and Brown small businesses, fifty percent of emergency small business relief would be reserved for the smallest businesses with 50 employees or fewer, including micro-businesses and sole proprietorships. This would help minority-owned businesses get life-saving loans before more well-connected businesses jump ahead in line.
Next, we’ll expand access to homeownership in Black and Brown communities.The homeownership gap is a cause and consequence of the racial wealth gap. That’s why my housing plan includes a $15,000 first-time home-buyer tax credit, expands affordable housing, and puts an end to systemic housing discrimination. This will remove barriers to homeownership that now hold back too many Americans of color on the pathway to the middle class.
And I’ll strengthen the Federal Reserve’s focus on racial economic equity. Under my plan, the Fed will aggressively target persistent racial gaps in jobs, wages, and wealth -- and revise its own hiring and employment practices to achieve greater diversity at all levels of the institution. So when the Chairman of the Federal Reserve provides a report on the health of the economy -- we’ll know if the economy is working for everyone.
These are just some of the real, concrete steps we can take to advance racial economic equity across the United States.This is progress we can make if we fight for it, together.
Joe Biden's Policy for Women
Biden Agenda for Women
Joe’s plan for women is comprehensive but here’s what you need to know: The plan will make sure women can fully participate in the economy and our country, and it’s about time. Because, all issues are women’s issues.
LINK: https://medium.com/@JoeBiden/the-biden-agenda-for-women-d4055e41822f
Joe’s plan for women is comprehensive but here’s what you need to know: The plan will make sure women can fully participate in the economy and our country, and it’s about time. Because, all issues are women’s issues.
LINK: https://medium.com/@JoeBiden/the-biden-agenda-for-women-d4055e41822f
Joe Biden's Policy on Racial Inequality
Joe Biden unveils ambitious plan to combat racial inequality in the US that focuses on providing assistance to minority small business owners and making housing more affordable for families of color. “America has never lived up to our founding promise — and we can’t rest until we finally do. My new plan will advance racial equity across the American economy and bring us closer to reaching our highest ideals.” --Joe Biden
LINK: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/28/us/politics/joe-biden-racial-justice-economy-plan.html?referringSource=articleShare
LINK: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/28/us/politics/joe-biden-racial-justice-economy-plan.html?referringSource=articleShare
Harney County May 2020 Primary Election Results
Harney County has 5311 eligible voters and 3344 of them voted. That is a whopping 62.96% turnout. The state of Oregon has 2,845,362 registered voters and only 1,320,789 voted; a shabby 46.42% turnout. So Harney, we did well in the category of "getting out the total vote". Now, I am sure there are varied opinions of "if your gal/guy won"; however, voting your choice is what is makes for a strong democracy and Harney County had a big voter response. The numbers listed below are from the SOS unofficial ballot returned record posted on May 20, 2020.
Here are some highlights of local results; Kristen Shelman is the new County Commissioner, Dan Jenkins is the new sheriff, and Rob Raschio is the new Circuit Judge. Isabelle Fleuraud ran a strong and diligent campaign but sadly did not prevail in obtaining the democratic candidacy for House District 60. Beth Spell, from Grant County, will be running against the incumbent in the November General Election. Thank you Isabelle for taking the initiative and running in a very difficult county to turn blue.
- Registered Democrats: 853-589 returned their ballots-69.05%
- Registered Republicans: 2609-2056 returned their ballots-78.80%
- Registered Nonaffiliated: 1529-534 returned their ballots-34.92%
Here are some highlights of local results; Kristen Shelman is the new County Commissioner, Dan Jenkins is the new sheriff, and Rob Raschio is the new Circuit Judge. Isabelle Fleuraud ran a strong and diligent campaign but sadly did not prevail in obtaining the democratic candidacy for House District 60. Beth Spell, from Grant County, will be running against the incumbent in the November General Election. Thank you Isabelle for taking the initiative and running in a very difficult county to turn blue.
2020 Democratic Presidential Candidates as of 8/10/19
in alphabetical order (age) (state)
Sen. Michael Bennet (54) (CO)
www.michaelbennet.com
Vice President Joe Biden (76) (DE)
www.joebiden.com
Sen Cory Booker (50) (NJ) www.corybooker.com
· introduced climate change bill in Senate August 8 - The Climate Stewardship Act of 2019 whichFocuses on Investing in Farm Conservation Programs, Reforestation, and Wetlands Restoration
Gov. Steve Bullock (53) (Montana)
www.stevebullock.com
Mayor Pete Buttigieg (37) (South Bend, IN)
www.peteforamerica.com
Fmr. Sec. HUD, Julian Castro (44)(TX)
www.julianforthefuture.com
www.billdeblasio.com
Fmr. Rep. John Delaney (56) (MD)
www.johndelaney.com
Tulsi Gabbard (38) (HA)
www.tulsi2020.com
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (52) (NY)
www.kristengillibrand.com
Sen. Kamala Harris (54) (CA)
www.kamalaharris.org
Fmr. Gov. John Hickenlooper (67) CO
www.hickenlooper.com
Gov. Jay Inslee (68) (WA)
www.jayinslee.com
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (59) (MN)
www.takeaction.amyklobachar.com
Mayor Wayne Messam (45) (Miramar, FL)
(no website found)
Rep. Seth Moulton (40) (MA)
www.sethmoulton.com
Fmr. Rep.Beto O'Rourke (46) (TX)
www.betoorourke.com
Rep.Tim Ryan (46) (OH)
www.timryanforamerica.com
Sen. Bernie Sanders (77) (VT)
www.berniesanders.com
Fmr. Rep. Joe Sestak (67)(PA)
www.joesestak.com
www.tomsteyer.com
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (70) (MA)
www.elizabethwarren.com
Marianne Williamson (67)
www.marianne2020.com
Entrepreneur Andrew Yang (44) (NY)
www.yang2020.com
Source: New York Times 8/10/19
HDCC/8/10/19
Sen. Michael Bennet (54) (CO)
www.michaelbennet.com
- A moderate Democrat known for seeking compromise.
- Is best known for being a part of the so-called Gang of Eight, a bipartisan group that crafted a comprehensive immigration reform bill in 2013.
- Announced in early April that he had prostate cancer, but has since had surgery that his staff called “completely successful.”
- SIGNATURE ISSUES: Has called for modernizing the economy in fields like artificial intelligence and increasing infrastructure spending.
Vice President Joe Biden (76) (DE)
www.joebiden.com
- Has run for president twice before.
- Is among the best-liked figures in the Democratic Party, known for his down-to-earth personality and his ability to connect with working-class voters.
- Regards 2020 as his last chance to run for president.
- SIGNATURE ISSUES: Restoring America’s standing on the global stage; strengthening economic protections for low-income workers in industries like manufacturing and fast food
Sen Cory Booker (50) (NJ) www.corybooker.com
· introduced climate change bill in Senate August 8 - The Climate Stewardship Act of 2019 whichFocuses on Investing in Farm Conservation Programs, Reforestation, and Wetlands Restoration
- Would be one of the most gifted orators in the field, running on a politics of uplift that could recall President Obama’s 2008 campaign.
- Enjoys a vast fund-raising base, thanks to longstanding connections to donors around the country.
- SIGNATURE ISSUES: Has been one of the leaders in the Senate on criminal justice reform, but his appeal would most likely center on his call to unify the country.
Gov. Steve Bullock (53) (Montana)
www.stevebullock.com
- Democratic governor of a state that Mr. Trump easily won in 2016.
- Known as a pragmatist who was able to win Republican support for liberal priorities.
- Came out in favor of an assault weapons ban, despite overseeing a state that prizes hunting.
- SIGNATURE ISSUES: Expected to make campaign finance reform a priority, while also pushing early childhood education and other policies aimed at reducing economic inequality.
Mayor Pete Buttigieg (37) (South Bend, IN)
www.peteforamerica.com
- Has an Action Plan to Combat the National Threat Posed by Hate and the Gun Lobby,” that calls for several gun control measures, including universal background checks, so called red-flag laws, bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and a national gun licensing system.
- Military Veteran
- Began to draw national notice after delivering an essay that counseled Democrats on how to recover from their defeats in the 2016 elections.
- Has embarked on a long-shot campaign that may test the appeal of a youthful profile over more traditional qualifications.
- SIGNATURE ISSUES: Has stressed his generational identity and called for policies on issues like climate change and economic opportunity.
Fmr. Sec. HUD, Julian Castro (44)(TX)
www.julianforthefuture.com
- Fmr. Mayor of San Antonio
- Released a plan titled “People First Plan to Disarm Hate.” Among other things, the plan would focus the F.B.I.’s investigative and enforcement resources on white supremacist terrorism and add $50 million a year in funding for State Department programs to disrupt “international networks of communication” used by extremists. Mr. Castro is also calling for the same gun laws as Mr. Buttigieg, as well as civil liability for gun manufacturers if their guns are used in crimes.
- Opted out of challenging Senator Ted Cruz for the Senate in the 2018 midterm elections.
- Once a rising political star, has struggled to find a role during the Trump administration.
- Money could be an issue, especially if former Representative Beto O’Rourke, a small donor magnet, also mounts a bid.
- SIGNATURE ISSUES: Has emphasized a platform of universal prekindergarten, “Medicare for all” and immigration reform.
www.billdeblasio.com
- Could credibly make the case that he has fused liberal policy feats like universal prekindergarten with falling crime and a sturdy economy.
- Past forays into national politics, like a progressive nonprofit and a halting endorsement of Hillary Clinton, have ended in disaster.
- SIGNATURE ISSUES: Is likely to run on his signature prekindergarten program and the city’s low crime rate.
Fmr. Rep. John Delaney (56) (MD)
www.johndelaney.com
- Was elected to the House in 2012 as a “pragmatic idealist,” in his telling.
- Has been running aggressively since 2017.
- Has already visited every county in Iowa, though it’s unclear if he has improved his long-shot prospects.
- SIGNATURE ISSUES: Has pitched himself as a bipartisan problem-solver, but has also endorsed liberal causes like universal health care.
Tulsi Gabbard (38) (HA)
www.tulsi2020.com
- military veteran
- Supported Bernie Sanders in the 2016 primaries.
- Has drawn condemnation for meeting with Syria’s president, Bashar al-Assad, whose regime has been accused of using chemical weapons against civilians.
- Has apologized for her history of anti-gay statements and her past work for an anti-gay advocacy group.
- SIGNATURE ISSUE: Opposition to American military intervention overseas, including in countries like Syria.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (52) (NY)
www.kristengillibrand.com
- Has a plan for Rebuilding Rural America which puts rural Americans back in the driver's seat
- Was once a congresswoman from a conservative House district (with positions on guns and immigration to match).
- Transformed herself into a progressive champion after joining the Senate in 2009, eventually becoming one of the leading liberal voices in President Trump’s Washington.
- SIGNATURE ISSUE: Has long placed women’s equality and opportunity at the center of her policy agenda
Sen. Kamala Harris (54) (CA)
www.kamalaharris.org
- Would bring a star power and history-making potential to the race that few other Democrats can match.
- One of few new Democrats to join the Senate after 2016.
- Quickly drew notice for her tough questioning of Mr. Trump’s cabinet nominees — and later, his Supreme Court nomineeBrett M. Kavanaugh.
- SIGNATURE ISSUES: Unveiled middle-class tax cut legislation last fall, and has championed a liberal civil rights agenda in the Senate.
Fmr. Gov. John Hickenlooper (67) CO
www.hickenlooper.com
- Fmr. mayor of Denver
- A political moderate with a record of success in a purple state.
- A former geologist who struck it rich when he opened a brewery in Denver.
- Will probably cast himself as someone who can attract support from a broad coalition, though some of his victories entailed cutting deals with the Republican business establishment.
- SIGNATURE ISSUES: Has stressed his record of consensus-building around issues like expanding Medicaid, gay rights and gun control.
Gov. Jay Inslee (68) (WA)
www.jayinslee.com
- A two-term governor known for his environmental policies.
- Has become one of the party’s most forceful climate advocates, calling on Democrats to embrace a green-energy jobs program.
- SIGNATURE ISSUES: Has made climate a centerpiece of his agenda as governor and as a national figure, campaigning widely in the midterm elections on a message of creating renewable energy jobs.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (59) (MN)
www.takeaction.amyklobachar.com
- Became a hero to many Democrats for her stern, cool questioning of Brett M. Kavanaugh during his confirmation hearings.
- Has called for Democrats to focus on reclaiming the swing states in the middle of the country.
- SIGNATURE ISSUES: Has championed legislation to combat the opioid crisis and drug addiction, and to address the cost of prescription drugs.
Mayor Wayne Messam (45) (Miramar, FL)
(no website found)
- Defeated a long-time incumbent to become his city’s first black mayor.
- Has taken progressive stances on guns, immigration and environmental issues.
- A first-generation American born to Jamaican parents, he is hoping to tap into the Caribbean-American community to help fuel his long-shot bid.
- SIGNATURE ISSUE: Has proposed canceling the more than $1.5 trillion in student debt owed by 44 million Americans.
Rep. Seth Moulton (40) (MA)
www.sethmoulton.com
- Won his congressional seat in 2014 after ousting a longtime Democratic incumbent.
- Has made his military service a key piece of his political brand.
- Helped lead an effort to oppose electing Representative Nancy Pelosi speaker in the new Congress.
- SIGNATURE ISSUES: Has stressed his four tours in Iraq with the Marine Corps and called for a new approach to foreign policy, national security and defense.
Fmr. Rep.Beto O'Rourke (46) (TX)
www.betoorourke.com
- Became a celebrity of Democratic politics in the Trump age, and narrowly lost to Senator Ted Cruz in 2018.
- Has delivered a message of national unity and red-state liberalism via constant social media livestreaming to voters inside and outside Texas.
- Any success in 2020 would draw from this viral appeal, particularly to younger Democrats, and from the small-dollar fund-raising army it has earned him.
- SIGNATURE ISSUES: Has focused on immigration reform, marijuana legalization and rural hospital access.
Rep.Tim Ryan (46) (OH)
www.timryanforamerica.com
- Joined Congress at age 29 and has positioned himself as a voice for blue-collar voters in the Midwest.
- Challenged Nancy Pelosi for House minority leader after the 2016 election, winning 63 votes to her 134.
- Once an opponent of abortion rights, gradually reversed his position and announced in 2015 he considered abortion a “personal choice.”
- SIGNATURE ISSUES: Renegotiating or enforcing trade deals; punishing Chinese currency manipulation; unions rights and workforce development.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (77) (VT)
www.berniesanders.com
- A self-described democratic socialist.
- Was the runner-up in the 2016 Democratic primary.
- Would begin a second White House race with a more extensive organization-in-waiting than any other candidate in the Democratic primary.
- Might face difficulties retaining the level of support he enjoyed in what was effectively a head-to-head race against Hillary Clinton.
- SIGNATURE ISSUES: “Medicare for all,” free college tuition and curtailing the influence of, as he calls them, “the billionaires.”
Fmr. Rep. Joe Sestak (67)(PA)
www.joesestak.com
- Fmr. Navy Admiral
- released a policy paper on “social and racial justice,” which includes a list of broad priorities — such as “oppose white supremacy and white nationalism in all its forms” and “always confront sexism, racism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, classism, ageism, and all forms of bigotry” — but no detailed proposals.
- Won a long-shot victory in the 2010 Democratic primary for a U.S. Senate seat in Pennsylvania.
- Delayed his announcement to help his daughter fight brain cancer.
- Was the highest-ranking military officer ever elected to Congress in 2006.
- SIGNATURE ISSUES: Combating climate change and restoring America’s place in the world.
www.tomsteyer.com
- Billionaire, fmr. hedge fund executive
- Reversed a previous decision not to enter the race.
- Started out as an environmental activist before airing millions of dollars in television ads demanding Mr. Trump's impeachment.
- Has flirted repeatedly with running for statewide office in California.
- SIGNATURE ISSUES: Fighting climate change, promoting renewable energy and impeaching Mr. Trump.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (70) (MA)
www.elizabethwarren.com
- fmr Harvard Prof.
- Has a plan to Invest in Rural America
- Has done some of the most extensive preparations for a presidential run.
- Attempted to dispatch questions about her Native American heritage by releasing the results of a DNA test.
- That effort raised questions about her readiness for a national bid.
- SIGNATURE ISSUES: Income inequality and what she sees as a middle class under attack from big corporations and political corruption.
Marianne Williamson (67)
www.marianne2020.com
- self help author; new age lecturer
- The author of more than a dozen self-help and spirituality books.
- Ran for Congress as an independent in 2014, and lost.
- Championed the rights of gay men with AIDS, founding a charity that now supplies meals to people with serious illnesses.
- SIGNATURE ISSUES: Has proposed $100 billion in reparations for slavery, with $10 billion to be distributed annually over a decade for economic and education projects.
Entrepreneur Andrew Yang (44) (NY)
www.yang2020.com
- Former tech executive who founded an economic development nonprofit
- released a proposal that also calls for a gun licensing system, universal background checks and red-flag laws. In addition, Mr. Yang’s plan calls on Congress to pass a law defining domestic terrorism as a federal offense.
- Is running a long-shot campaign on a proposal to establish a universal basic income funded by the government.
- Has drawn some media attention for highlighting tech issues like robotics and artificial intelligence.
- SIGNATURE ISSUE: Establishing a universal basic income of $1,000 per month for all Americans.
Source: New York Times 8/10/19
HDCC/8/10/19
Debate/Primary Calendar
2020 Presidential Election Calendar
Primary Debates
Democrats are holding 12 primary debates, including six in 2019. While President Trump already has one declared Republican opponent, there are no primary debates scheduled.
2019
June 26-27
Miami
First Democratic primary debate
To accommodate the large field, the debate was split over two nights. The forums were broadcast on NBC, MSNBC and Telemundo.
July 30-31
Detroit
Second Democratic primary debate
The second round of debates, also held over two nights, were broadcast on CNN, CNN International and CNN en Español.
September 12-13
Houston
Third Democratic primary debate
Candidates will need to meet a higher threshold to qualify for the third debate, and that could significantly reduce the number of participants. The forums will be broadcast on ABC and Univision and streamed on ABC News Live.
October
Fourth Democratic primary debate
November
Fifth Democratic primary debate
December
Sixth Democratic primary debate
Primaries and Caucuses
From the Iowa caucuses to Election Day, here is a look at which states vote when, and where the largest troves of delegates are at stake.
*The date for one or more listed events is tentative.
Primary dates as of May 13.
February 2020
DEMOCRATIC delegates
REPUBLICAN delegates
3 Mon.
Iowa caucuses*
Because these are the first votes cast, there is a lot at stake in terms of momentum and attention from donors and the news media. The results here will winnow the field.
41
40
11 Tue.
New Hampshire primaries*
Don't be surprised if only a few candidates are still standing after the votes are counted here.
24
22
15 Sat.
South Carolina Republican primary*
50
22 Sat.
Nevada Democratic caucuses
Another key early state with a high-turnout caucus, and the first one with a significant Hispanic population.
36
25 Tue.
Nevada Republican caucuses*
25
29 Sat.
South Carolina Democratic primary
This state will offer the first real indication of the candidates’ strengths with black voters.
54
March 2020
DEMOCRATIC
REPUBLICAN
3 Tue.
Alabama primaries
Super Tuesday accounts for about 40 percent of total delegate allocation.
52
50
Alaska Republican conventions*
28
American Samoa Democratic caucus*
6
Arkansas primaries*
31
40
California primaries
Because it has the largest delegate trove in the country, California is key to Super Tuesday.
416
172
Colorado primaries
67
37
Georgia primaries*
105
76
Massachusetts primaries*
91
41
Minnesota primaries
75
39
North Carolina primaries*
110
71
Oklahoma primaries
37
43
Tennessee primaries*
64
58
Texas primaries*
The second-largest delegate trove of the primary.
228
155
Utah primaries
29
40
Vermont primaries*
16
17
Virginia primaries
99
49
Democrats Abroad primary
13
7 Sat.
Kansas Republican caucuses*
39
Kentucky Republican caucuses*
46
Louisiana primaries
50
46
Maine Republican caucuses*
22
8 Sun.
Maine Democratic caucuses
24
Puerto Rico Republican primary*
23
10 Tue.
Hawaii Republican caucuses*
19
Idaho primaries*
20
32
Michigan primaries*
Midwestern powerhouses like Michigan and Ohio will test the candidates’ appeal among suburbanites, African-Americans and working-class whites. If the race is not decided on Super Tuesday, this could be a line of demarcation.
125
73
Mississippi primaries
36
39
Missouri primaries
68
54
North Dakota Democratic caucuses
14
Ohio primaries
136
82
Washington primaries*
89
44
12 Thu.
Virgin Islands Republican caucus*
9
14 Sat.
District of Columbia Republican convention*
19
Guam Republican caucus*
6
Northern Marianas Democratic convention*
6
Wyoming Republican conventions*
12
17 Tue.
Arizona primaries
If one candidate sweeps Arizona, Florida and Illinois, there will be immense pressure on the other candidates to exit the race.
67
57
Florida primaries
219
122
Illinois primaries*
155
67
Northern Marianas Republican convention*
9
24 Tue.
American Samoa Republican caucus*
6
T.B.D.
Wyoming Democratic caucuses*
13
April 2020
DEMOCRATIC
REPUBLICAN
3-5 Fri.
North Dakota Republican state convention*
29
4 Sat.
Alaska Democratic primary
14
Hawaii Democratic primary
22
7 Tue.
Wisconsin primaries
77
52
21 Tue.
New York Republican primary*
95
28 Tue.
New York Democratic primary
This may be last big delegate day of the race. If one candidate dominates every state this late in the primary, party leaders will likely move to get behind that person and seek to bring the race to an end.
224
Connecticut primaries*
49
28
Delaware primaries*
17
16
Maryland primaries
79
38
Pennsylvania primaries*
153
88
Rhode Island primaries*
21
19
May 2020
DEMOCRATIC
REPUBLICAN
2 Sat.
Kansas Democratic primary
33
Guam Democratic caucus*
6
5 Tue.
Indiana primaries*
70
58
12 Tue.
Nebraska primaries*
25
36
West Virginia primaries
24
34
19 Tue.
Kentucky Democratic primary
46
Oregon primaries
52
28
June 2020
DEMOCRATIC
REPUBLICAN
2 Tue.
Montana primaries*
16
27
New Jersey primaries*
107
49
New Mexico primaries*
29
22
South Dakota primaries*
14
29
6 Sat.
Virgin Islands Democratic caucuses*
6
7 Sun.
Puerto Rico Democratic primary
51
16 Tue.
District of Columbia Democratic primary
17
July 2020
13-16 Mon.
Democratic National Convention
Democratic officials chose Milwaukee as the site of the party's nominating convention, placing a spotlight on a key Midwestern battleground state.
August 2020
24-27 Mon.
Republican National Convention
The Republicans will hold their convention in Charlotte, N.C.
November 2020
3 Tue.
Election Day
Source: New York Time/8/10/19
HCDCC/8/10/19
Primary Debates
Democrats are holding 12 primary debates, including six in 2019. While President Trump already has one declared Republican opponent, there are no primary debates scheduled.
2019
June 26-27
Miami
First Democratic primary debate
To accommodate the large field, the debate was split over two nights. The forums were broadcast on NBC, MSNBC and Telemundo.
July 30-31
Detroit
Second Democratic primary debate
The second round of debates, also held over two nights, were broadcast on CNN, CNN International and CNN en Español.
September 12-13
Houston
Third Democratic primary debate
Candidates will need to meet a higher threshold to qualify for the third debate, and that could significantly reduce the number of participants. The forums will be broadcast on ABC and Univision and streamed on ABC News Live.
October
Fourth Democratic primary debate
November
Fifth Democratic primary debate
December
Sixth Democratic primary debate
Primaries and Caucuses
From the Iowa caucuses to Election Day, here is a look at which states vote when, and where the largest troves of delegates are at stake.
*The date for one or more listed events is tentative.
Primary dates as of May 13.
February 2020
DEMOCRATIC delegates
REPUBLICAN delegates
3 Mon.
Iowa caucuses*
Because these are the first votes cast, there is a lot at stake in terms of momentum and attention from donors and the news media. The results here will winnow the field.
41
40
11 Tue.
New Hampshire primaries*
Don't be surprised if only a few candidates are still standing after the votes are counted here.
24
22
15 Sat.
South Carolina Republican primary*
50
22 Sat.
Nevada Democratic caucuses
Another key early state with a high-turnout caucus, and the first one with a significant Hispanic population.
36
25 Tue.
Nevada Republican caucuses*
25
29 Sat.
South Carolina Democratic primary
This state will offer the first real indication of the candidates’ strengths with black voters.
54
March 2020
DEMOCRATIC
REPUBLICAN
3 Tue.
Alabama primaries
Super Tuesday accounts for about 40 percent of total delegate allocation.
52
50
Alaska Republican conventions*
28
American Samoa Democratic caucus*
6
Arkansas primaries*
31
40
California primaries
Because it has the largest delegate trove in the country, California is key to Super Tuesday.
416
172
Colorado primaries
67
37
Georgia primaries*
105
76
Massachusetts primaries*
91
41
Minnesota primaries
75
39
North Carolina primaries*
110
71
Oklahoma primaries
37
43
Tennessee primaries*
64
58
Texas primaries*
The second-largest delegate trove of the primary.
228
155
Utah primaries
29
40
Vermont primaries*
16
17
Virginia primaries
99
49
Democrats Abroad primary
13
7 Sat.
Kansas Republican caucuses*
39
Kentucky Republican caucuses*
46
Louisiana primaries
50
46
Maine Republican caucuses*
22
8 Sun.
Maine Democratic caucuses
24
Puerto Rico Republican primary*
23
10 Tue.
Hawaii Republican caucuses*
19
Idaho primaries*
20
32
Michigan primaries*
Midwestern powerhouses like Michigan and Ohio will test the candidates’ appeal among suburbanites, African-Americans and working-class whites. If the race is not decided on Super Tuesday, this could be a line of demarcation.
125
73
Mississippi primaries
36
39
Missouri primaries
68
54
North Dakota Democratic caucuses
14
Ohio primaries
136
82
Washington primaries*
89
44
12 Thu.
Virgin Islands Republican caucus*
9
14 Sat.
District of Columbia Republican convention*
19
Guam Republican caucus*
6
Northern Marianas Democratic convention*
6
Wyoming Republican conventions*
12
17 Tue.
Arizona primaries
If one candidate sweeps Arizona, Florida and Illinois, there will be immense pressure on the other candidates to exit the race.
67
57
Florida primaries
219
122
Illinois primaries*
155
67
Northern Marianas Republican convention*
9
24 Tue.
American Samoa Republican caucus*
6
T.B.D.
Wyoming Democratic caucuses*
13
April 2020
DEMOCRATIC
REPUBLICAN
3-5 Fri.
North Dakota Republican state convention*
29
4 Sat.
Alaska Democratic primary
14
Hawaii Democratic primary
22
7 Tue.
Wisconsin primaries
77
52
21 Tue.
New York Republican primary*
95
28 Tue.
New York Democratic primary
This may be last big delegate day of the race. If one candidate dominates every state this late in the primary, party leaders will likely move to get behind that person and seek to bring the race to an end.
224
Connecticut primaries*
49
28
Delaware primaries*
17
16
Maryland primaries
79
38
Pennsylvania primaries*
153
88
Rhode Island primaries*
21
19
May 2020
DEMOCRATIC
REPUBLICAN
2 Sat.
Kansas Democratic primary
33
Guam Democratic caucus*
6
5 Tue.
Indiana primaries*
70
58
12 Tue.
Nebraska primaries*
25
36
West Virginia primaries
24
34
19 Tue.
Kentucky Democratic primary
46
Oregon primaries
52
28
June 2020
DEMOCRATIC
REPUBLICAN
2 Tue.
Montana primaries*
16
27
New Jersey primaries*
107
49
New Mexico primaries*
29
22
South Dakota primaries*
14
29
6 Sat.
Virgin Islands Democratic caucuses*
6
7 Sun.
Puerto Rico Democratic primary
51
16 Tue.
District of Columbia Democratic primary
17
July 2020
13-16 Mon.
Democratic National Convention
Democratic officials chose Milwaukee as the site of the party's nominating convention, placing a spotlight on a key Midwestern battleground state.
August 2020
24-27 Mon.
Republican National Convention
The Republicans will hold their convention in Charlotte, N.C.
November 2020
3 Tue.
Election Day
Source: New York Time/8/10/19
HCDCC/8/10/19
