There is an interesting (and potentially important) change occurring on the ballots of states with tight Senate races. Legalization of marijuana issues are appearing on the ballots in places like Alaska and Oregon and are expected to draw in younger voters. This could be the margin that the Democrats need to reduce their expected losses. However, the Democratic leadership has followed the lead of President Obama in opposing (or at least not supporting) legalization efforts. The result is that the Democrats could benefit from the ballot pull of pot but do not appear to be capitalizing on the prospect.
Brookings Institution expert John Hudak expects an influx of potential young Democratic votes. All that is required is a couple seats to stay blue for the Democrats to keep the Senate — though Joe Biden might have to become a full-time member of the Senate in casting votes on ties. The GOP is widely expected to make gains in both houses but the pot issue could be a game changer in a couple of states. The GOP is counting on Alaska and Oregon.
These type of wedge issues have worked for the GOP with the gay marriage ballot issues in the past. Hudak says however that the Democrats are missing this “real opportunity” to use pot at the polls.
They seem to be trying to have it both ways in a political version of Bill Clinton insisting that he tried marijuana but “I didn’t inhale.”
fiver, People like Feinstein, a liberal from Ca., should be in favor of legalized cannabis. But, she gets big bucks from the vineyards. She will oppose legal cannabis but look for some Federal pork for those Napa vineyards after this earthquake.
Ca. should be like Colorado and Washington w/ total legalization. But the proponents made a HUGE mistake. Instead of getting the initiative on the ballot in 2008, when there were millions of young voters, they put it on the ballot in an off year, 2010. It’s all about timing. I don’t think any initiative will help the Dems in November. They’re screwed, and they know it. Well, the smart ones do. The cultists never do. That’s why they’re cultists.
Democrats, Republicans, corporations win either way.
Adjusted for inflation, median household incomes have been flat since 1965.
That means all growth since 1965 has growth in inequality, accruing to the top.
Because Democrats advocate growth policies just like Republicans, Democrats contribute to economic inequality just as well.
1pan•der verb \ˈpan-dər\
: to do or provide what someone wants or demands even though it is not proper, good, or reasonable
pan•deredpan•der•ing
Full Definition of PANDER
intransitive verb
: to act as a pander; especially : to provide gratification for others’ desires
— pan•der•er noun
See pander defined for English-language learners »
===============================================
Maybe both parties should seek to serve honorably instead. I won’t hold my breath.
Sure, the Democrats could use that move. But that isn’t really the point. Promoters of a professional match don’t care about the outcome of the match as long as it’s profitable.
And legalized marijuana could take a substantial bite out of Pharmaceutical, Liquor, and Law Enforcement profits.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tFNKNzevGUU
Obama has raided more medical marijuana facilities than Bush
FYI, I just left a comment that is hung up in a spam filter or something.
Elaine, The republicans have kept the measures off the ballot in all but three states.
These type of wedge issues have worked for the GOP with the gay marriage ballot issues in the past. Hudak says however that the Democrats are missing this “real opportunity” to use pot at the polls.
They seem to be trying to have it both ways in a political version of Bill Clinton insisting that he tried marijuana but “I didn’t inhale.”
———-
Wouldn’t it be considered playing politics for the Democrats to use this issue to get young voters to the polls?
Paul, you ain’t whistling Dixie.
I’m 37 years old and I have little interest in voting. My problem? There’s too much awareness. I’m tired of hearing non-stop commercials telling me the other guy is the devil. I’m tired of the constant calls that make me stop answering my phone for 6 months every two years. I’m just tired of not hearing any substance that isn’t tightly controlled messaging from focus grouped panels that ultimately give me no idea on the positions a candidate will take. But thank god I know what type of underwear they have or if they inhaled or not.
Even with an important issue on the ballot, it is hard to get young people out to vote. The other side is that it might drive a higher than normal older vote who would be against the pot legalization. Hot issues can drive both sides.
Annie, So out of the 33 states that will hold elections for the senate it is only on the ballot in 3. Only 2 are relevant because no senator in Florida is up for re-election in Florida. One would think the pressure would be on state legislators in red states to commit to put it on the ballot in 2016 .Looks like they did a good job in keeping it off this year………
Outlaw cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos. And pipe smoking. When some politician favors that I will vote for him/her/it. I say “it” because some folks these days are neither he nor her. I would vote against any judge on a ballot who smokes.
Justice, Bingo. Dems sold their souls to the devil for Bubba in the 90’s. And, that Faustian deal haunts them to this day. The cultists here would never admit it, but they know that’s the case.
Democrats are unfortunately spineless on this and other issues. Their failure to really fight for anything their base supports will ultimately result in their defeat even though the GOP won’t helpf this Democratic base either.
http://www.vox.com/2014/7/23/5929817/medical-marijuana-legalization-2014
DC and 3 states and a US Territory will vote on marijuana this year.
No marijuana issues on the ballot in Arkansas, North Carolina, West Virginia, Louisiana, South Dakota or West Virginia that I know of. These are the states where the democrats could most likely lose. Can’t think of a red state where marijuana has been legalized or is even available for medical use.
Reblogged this on sea-swoon.
“Less killing. More jobs.” might bring in more young people than legalized pot.
Just look at the comments from Harry Reid, it’s not going to happen.
Just like with the old guard in the GOP, until the DNC goes away or dies off from old age they aren’t going to change. Even the President has been so wishy washy he’ll never come out and say legalize it.
If the DNC wants to make inroads, Obama could fire the head of the DEA who has been openly critical of the slight changes made and put a new head in who realizes that fighting a war against legal marijuana is a losing proposition. Put your ground troops into the fight against drugs like heroin or meth that can do far more damage than a joint.