Democratic Party

As State Of The Union Address Occurs, Donald Trump’s Ratings Are Rapidly In Decline!

Ronald 65 Comments

President Donald Trump is about to give his State of the Union Address to a joint session of Congress this Tuesday, February 24, just as public opinion ratings demonstrate that he is rapidly declining in support among many voter groups.

As it is, his ratings have been, depending on the poll, as low as 36 percent positive, and at best 40 percent.

The issues of the economy (Affordability), the Epstein Files Scandal, the horrors of ICE, the Health Care cuts, and now, the Supreme Court rejection of his tariffs, are all weighing on him, as he lashes out at his critics, and has personally attacked the Justices who rejected his tariffs, particularly two of his own appointments—Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett—along with Chief Justice John Roberts.

Also, Trump’s aggressive foreign policy is also alienating many voters, and his unstable rants and attacks on his critics alarm many Americans.

Various groups that made the mistake to support him in the Presidential Election of 2024 are turning strongly against him.

This includes:

White Women
Latinos
Working Class Non White Voters
Young Men
College Educated Suburban Voters

The strong Democratic gains in the off year elections in November 2025, and the gaining of seats in state legislatures and other offices in areas traditionally Republican in special elections, is also an alarm bell in the night for the upcoming Midterm Elections of 2026.

Even with mid decade redistricting occurring in Texas and elsewhere at Donald Trump’s insistence, the likelihood of Democrats taking back the House of Representatives majority, and even having a growing possibility of regaining the Senate majority, is seen as strong.

We are seeing Americans alarmed at the threat of interference by the Trump Administration on the issue of the right to vote, and attempts to restrict those who can vote.

This includes the fear that ICE might have agents at voting locations, which would be a massive threat designed to intimidate voters.

Analyzing Age Of Democratic Presidential Nominees 1828 To The Present!

Ronald Leave a comment

The issue of age has been in the forefront of Presidential politics, as a result of the clear decline in office of both Joe Biden and Donald Trump, the two oldest Presidents ever elected.

When Ronald Reagan was elected in 1980, just weeks short of age 70 at the Inauguration in January 1981, it was a controversial issue, particularly right after the failed Assassination attempt of March 30, 1981, which clearly had some effect on his health over time, as signs of early Alzheimers seemed evident to many in Reagan’s last two years, including to his son Ron Reagan.

It had been pointed out that Dwight D. Eisenhower, leaving the Presidency in January 1961 at age 70 and three months, had stated that no one older than himself should be President.

But as it turned out, we have now had three “elderly” Presidents in the past half century—Reagan, Trump, Biden.

This issue has caused this author and blogger to conduct research on the age of Democratic Presidential nominees, whether winner or losers of the Presidency, going back to the beginnings of the Democratic Party under Andrew Jackson in the 1828 Presidential Election through the Presidential Election of 2024.

The record shows the following for all Democratic Presidential contenders, including first time for those nominated more than once. Altogether, 36 individuals have been Democratic Party nominees, but only 15 have ever been elected President, including two who first succeeded upon the death of the incumbent President—Harry Truman after Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Lyndon B. Johnson after John F. Kennedy.

1828–Andrew Jackson—61
1836–Martin Van Buren–54
1844–James K. Polk–49
1848–Lewis Cass–66
1852–Franklin Pierce–48
1856–James Buchanan–65
1860–Stephen Douglas–47
1864–George McClellan–38
1868–Horatio Seymour–58
1872–Horace Greeley–61
1876–Samuel Tilden–62
1880–Winfield Scott Hancock–56
1884–Grover Cleveland–47
1896–William Jennings Bryan–36
1904–Alton Parker–52
1912–Woodrow Wilson–56
1920–James Cox–50
1924–John W. Davis–51
1928–Alfred E. Smith–55
1932–Franklin D. Roosevelt–51
1945–Harry Truman 60 Upon Succession
1952–Adlai Stevenson–52
1960–John F. Kennedy–43
1963–Lyndon B. Johnson–55 Upon Succession
1968–Hubert Humphrey–57
1972–George McGovern–50
1976–Jimmy Carter–52
1984–Walter Mondale–56
1988–Michael Dukakis–55
1992–Bill Clinton–46
2000–Al Gore–52
2004–John Kerry–61
2008–Barack Obama–47
2016–Hillary Clinton–69
2020–Joe Biden–78
2024–Kamala Harris–60

Of course, age longevity and overall good health is much improved over what it was in the 19th and 20th centuries, but the clear indication is that most Democratic Presidential nominees were under the age of 60 when first nominated for those who had more than one nomination.

Nine of these Democratic nominees were in their 60s, and only Lewis Cass in 1848 (66), James Buchanan in 1856 (65), and Hillary Clinton in 2016 (age 69), were above the age of 62.

And all by himself is Joe Biden in 2020 (age 78)!

So the two oldest Democratic nominees were the last two who ran against Donald Trump, the oldest Republican nominee, although both Clinton and Biden had tried for the nomination of their party when younger, Clinton in 2008 at age 61, and Joe Biden in 1988 at age 46 and again in 2008 at age 66.

Nine of these Democratic nominees were in their 30s and 40s, with the youngest being William Jennings Bryan in 1896 (36) and George McClellan in 1864 (38), and six of the other seven being elected President–James K. Polk in 1844 (49); Franklin Pierce in 1852 (48); Grover Cleveland in 1884 (47); John F. Kennedy in 1960 (43); Bill Clinton in 1992 (46); and Barack Obama in 2008 (47). Only Stephen Douglas in 1860 (47) failed to win the Presidency, and ironically died just four months after the inauguration of his opponent, Abraham Lincoln.

The remaining 17 Democratic nominees were in their 50s, with only five winning the White House—Martin Van Buren 1836 (54); Woodrow Wilson 1912 (56); Franklin D. Roosevelt 1932 (51); Lyndon B. Johnson 1963 upon Succession (55); and Jimmy Carter in 1976 (52).

In summary, 15 Democrats have been elected President, with 11 of them being in their 40s or 50s, and the only exceptions older are: Andrew Jackson (61); James Buchanan (66); Harry Truman (60) upon Succession; and Joe Biden (78).

So in conclusion, it is clear that the best strategy for the Democratic Party in 2028 is to nominate a candidate ideally younger than 61, or at the most age 64, but with 11 potential nominees being in their 50s in 2028, as compared to 4 between 39 and 49 in 2028, and 4 between 61 and 64 in 2028.

James Talarico And Andy Beshear: Two Devout “Legitimate” Christians Who Inspire For The Future Of Relationship Between Government And Religion!

Ronald 4 Comments

Texas State Senator James Talarico is competing for the Democratic Senatorial nomination against Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, and he has become a national sensation, due to his charisma, personal presence, and his liberal Christian views, espousing the teachings of Jesus.

CBS preventing him from being interviewed by Stephen Colbert on his show, leading to the interview being posted on YouTube, and gaining 6 million views at this writing, has made his attempt to gain a Senate run against three Republican contenders, including Senator John Cornyn, suddenly gain massive support.

His decency, compassion, and empathy, all true Christian values, make him someone to watch and root for, not only for flipping a Senate seat to Democrats, but also as a potential national figure in the short and long term, if he can be successful.

And it must be recalled that in July 2025, the podcaster Joe Rogan, who has often been supportive of Donald Trump although at times a critic, had the then mostly unknown James Talarico on his podcast, and made the astonishing statement that Talarico should run for President, a stunning statement!

The same decent, compassionate, and empathetic Christianity of Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, who has managed to hold the Governorship in a heavily Republican state for two terms, makes Beshear a person on the short list of potential Democratic Presidential nominees for 2028.

At a time of hypocrisy of the white Christian nationalist right wing that has backed MAGA Republicans and Donald Trump, it is inspiring that we can have those who are “religious” in a true sense, which includes an open mind toward others who are of different religions, and those with no religious beliefs, and offer themselves as alternatives for America’s future.

This includes support for immigrants; women; racial minorities; and people of different genders and sexual orientation–a tolerance equivalent of the teachings of Jesus.

This author and blogger is very enthused and optimistic about the role of Talarico for the Senate future, and for Beshear for the Presidential future, as models of what America should strive for, whether or not, either individual succeeds in his future political ambitions.

The Passing Of Jesse Jackson, A Civil Rights Icon And First Serious Black Presidential Contender!

Ronald 4 Comments

The news of the passing of the Reverend Jesse Jackson, a Civil Rights Icon and close adviser to the Reverend Dr Martin Luther King, Jr, at age 84, is a reminder of his prominence and significance in the Civil Rights Movement, and as a Democratic Presidential contender in the 1980s.

Jackson was a charismatic, inspiring preacher and second place finisher in primaries in 1984, when behind Walter Mondale, and again in 1988, when behind Michael Dukakis.

Jackson was present when King was assassinated in Memphis on April 4, 1968, and spent decades carrying on the King tradition of non violence, and commitment to progressive causes.

Jackson was the first serious black Presidential candidate, and drew great respect, although he was criticized for his scandalous private life romantic scandals, nothing anymore seen as unusual, although more so decades ago.

Jackson led the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, a nonprofit social justice organization that rallied people of all backgrounds around promotion of civil and human rights.

Jackson was eloquent and charismatic, and united people of all races, as well as sexual orientation, a pathbreaking change in the Democratic Party.

It can be asserted that without Jackson’s Presidential runs in the 1980s, there might not have been the future of Barack Obama.

And Jackson also helped to free hostages in various nations, due to the respect and fame that he brought in his negotiations with foreign governments.

Jackson’s impact remains part of the Democratic Party and progressive tradition, as the best hope for the future of America!

The Issue Of Age And Potential Democratic Presidential Contenders In 2028

Ronald 7 Comments

The issue of age is a consideration as Democrats plan for the upcoming Presidential nomination process for the Presidential Election of 2028, once the Midterms in November are resolved.

With the last two Presidents being the oldest nominees and Presidents in American history, and the reality of signs of aging that have been exposed about both Joe Biden and Donald Trump, age is definitely an important consideration.

So this author and blogger has done research into the present age of the list of 25 potential contenders discussed two days ago on this blog.

Of course, the age of all 25 will increase by three years until the inauguration on January 20, 2029, so that is a consideration beyond the momentary statistics at this point of time.

Presently, there are two potential contenders who are in their late 30s–Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (36) and Jon Ossoff (39), so Ocasio-Cortez would still be under age 40 at the time of the inauguration, while Ossoff would be early 40s at nearly age 42, still in either case, the youngest President in American history.

Six of the potential Presidential contenders are presently in their 40s, bringing back the memory of John F. Kennedy, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama. Presently, they are Pete Buttigieg (44), Ruben Gallego (46), Wes Moore (47), Andy Beshear (48), Elissa Slotkin (49), and Ro Khanna (49). Of course, by Inauguration Day 2029, only Buttigieg and Gallego will still be under 50.

Eight of the potential Presidential contenders are presently in their 50s, including Jared Polis (50), Josh Shapiro (52), Chris Murphy (52), Gretchen Whitmer (54), Cory Booker (56), Raphael Warnock (56), Josh Green (56), and Gavin Newsom (58). All would still be under the age of 60, except Newsom, on Inauguration Day 2029.

Finally, nine of the potential Presidential contenders are presently in their 60s, including Mark Kelly (61) Kamala Harris (61), JB Pritzker (61), Jon Stewart (63), Jamie Raskin (63), Adam Schiff (65), Rahm Emanuel (66); Chris Van Hollen (67), and Mark Cuban (67).

So both Chris Van Hollen and Mark Cuban would be past the age of 70 on Inauguration Day, and Adam Schiff and Rahm Emanuel would reach age 70 during their four year term in office.

It is likely some of this long list of 25 contenders will end up not announcing, but this analysis of age is enlightening for discussion!

Kentucky Becomes A “Wild Card” In Opposition To Donald Trump

Ronald Leave a comment

Who would think that the state of Kentucky, the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, would become a “Wild Card” in opposition to Donald Trump’s agenda in various ways?

This is the state of Senator Rand Paul, a well known libertarian, who has expressed strong disagreement with Donald Trump’s agenda in a number of ways.

It is the state of Congressman Thomas Massie, who has become a thorn in the side of Trump on a number of issues, most notably on exposing the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.

It is the state of former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has done such damage in so many ways, but now in his last years in the Senate, has become an open critic of Trump on a number of matters.

And it is the state of Democratic Governor Andy Beshear, who has managed to keep the Governorship for two terms, and has shown courage and principle in fighting the dominant Republican Party in his state.

Texas Senate Primary On March 3 A Crucial Moment For Both Political Parties

Ronald 8 Comments

What may be the most crucial Senate race of all in 2026 is the Texas race, where Republican Senator John Cornyn is being seriously challenged by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and African American Congressman Wesley Hunt; and where Democratic African American Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett is being challenged by Texas State Representative James Talarico, with the upcoming primary to be on March 3, less than a month from today, and if a runoff is needed, on May 26.

Cornyn has been in the Senate since 2002, and is now 74 years old, and has held leadership positions in the Senate, including Senate Republican Whip from 2013-2019. Not considered “Conservative Enough”, he is facing a tough intraparty battle with Ken Paxton, embattled and hardline MAGA conservative often praised by President Donald Trump, although so far, Trump has remained neutral in this intraparty battle.

Paxton has been shown to be corrupt in his dealings and rhetoric, and was impeached by the Texas House Republicans, although found not guilty by the Texas Senate Republicans. He is considered highly corrupt and outrageous in utterances, and also was revealed to be cheating on his wife, who now has filed for divorce.

Congressman Wesley Hunt, 20 years younger than Paxton, and thirty years younger than Cornyn, is a “wild card” in the primary race. A military veteran who graduated from West Point (the US Military Academy), and remained in the military for eight years, he would represent a modernization of the Republican Party in Texas, and could help decide whether Cornyn or Paxton win the nomination, and with an outside chance with three candidates, that he could pull off an upset. If no candidate gains a majority in the primary, there will be a runoff.

A major “revolution” in Texas Republican politics would be if, somehow, Hunt could win over both Cornyn and Paxton, and even more so, if he faced Jasmine Crockett, making for two young African American politicians with vastly different viewpoints as the finalists in the Senate race. However, if Texas State Representative James Talarico, who is only 36, was to run against Hunt, that would also be a major “revolution” in Texas politics.

The “youth” movement would be served by Hunt and Crockett, both born in 1981, and Talarico, born in 1989, rather than the old, stodgy leadership of Cornyn, or the corrupt leadership of Paxton.

The thought at the moment is that if Paxton wins the Republican nomination, it would make it easier for Crockett or Talarico to win the Senate seat, while if Cornyn won the nomination, he would have an edge over either of them.

But Talarico has done well in public opinion polls, and could be the most exciting Senate candidate of the 2026 Senate cycle, if he can triumph over Crockett.

If either Crockett or Talarico can win the Senate race, it would be a sign of a likely takeover of the Senate majority by the Democratic party.

Trump’s Desire To “Nationalize” Elections Means Push To Fix And Control Election Results: An Alarm Bell Danger To American Democracy!

Ronald 23 Comments

“Free and Fair Elections” are the lifeblood of American democracy, and of any democracy around the world.

Without such processes, it means authoritarian controls and dictates the lives of 340 million Americans.

Elections have always been held, conducted, and results counted, by state and local governments, never by the federal government.

But now, Donald Trump is calling for “nationalizing” elections, focusing on 15 states, those that are seen as “Swing” states, and also counties, that have produced results that are unfavorable to Donald Trump and his policies and beliefs.

Trump has already claimed “voter fraud”, without any evidence, that although he lost the state of Minnesota in three national elections, that actually, he won that state, and the results showing his loss were “fixed”, when that is exactly what he wishes to do in that “Blue” state and others.

Clearly, Trump is terrified that if the Democrats gain control of either or both chambers of Congress in the Midterm 2026 Elections, they will pursue investigations and subpoenas into his administration’s actions, and would likely move to impeach him and many of his Cabinet Officers for malfeasance.

Trump is clearly desperate to eliminate his rivals in the Democratic Party, and to defeat the small number of Republicans who have dared to challenge him.

This is a threat that has been perceived for a long time, and now, with the seizure illegally by FBI agents of election records in Fulton County, Georgia, and the involvement of the Director of National Security Tulsi Gabbard in the action, is extremely alarming, and totally outside of her area of responsibility.

It is clear that Donald Trump has no scruples, and will do everything illegally to control the election results for 2026 and 2028, until and when he is stopped dead in his tracks by legal actions of his critics.

This is an alarming threat to the upcoming elections and the rule of law!

Amy Klobuchar Becomes 4th Sitting Senator In 2026 Running For Governor Of Their States

Ronald 1 Comment

The announcement by Minnesota Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar that she is running for Governor, makes her the fourth sitting US Senator who is choosing, if the voters agree, to transfer from the legislative branch to being Chief Executive of their state governments.

The other three sitting Senators taking the same path are:

Michael Bennet (D) Colorado
Marsha Blackburn (R) Tennessee
Tommy Tuberville (R) Alabama

Klobuchar has been in the Senate since 2007, and if she were to fail to win the election this fall, she would keep her seat in the Senate, secure until 2030. She is a national figure, due to her run for the Presidency in 2020. The odds are heavy in her favor to win the Governorship of a state strongly “Blue”, and to succeed Tim Walz.

Michael Bennet has been in the Senate since 2009, and would keep his seat until 2028 if he lost the Governorship, but is heavily favored to win what is a largely “Blue” state. He also was a Presidential contender in 2020.

Marsha Blackburn has been in the Senate since 2019, and would keep her seat until 2030 were she to lose the Governorship race, which is unlikely. She also served in the House of Representatives from 2003-2019.

Tommy Tuberville has been in the Senate since 2021, and his former football coach background insures that he will, very likely, win the Alabama Governorship, just as his one Senate term ends in 2026.

With the likelihood that all four Senators will win their state Governorship election, and adding the nine Senators who are retiring from the Senate at the end of 2026, that means at least 13 Senators will be newly elected this November.

This does not include the contended Senate seats, which could bring about up to another 4-8 newly elected Senators.

So we are witnessing what could be one out of every five Senators being new to the body, and as it is now, at least one of every eight!

There have been, historically, 2,018 Senators, and after these meidterm elections, they will be greater than 2,030 in number!

New Hope For Democratic Senate Gains In “Red” States Texas And Florida

Ronald Leave a comment

The Democratic Party has 47 seats in the US Senate, and with a growing chance to regain the majority.

The hope is that they can gain at least four seats and become the majority.

The two strongly “Red” states of Texas and Florida now are seen as adding to the potential of Democratic majorities in the Senate, and maybe more than just four seats.

Texas polls indicate James Talarico is leading Jasmine Crockett, and the thought that he might be able to win the Democratic nomination, with his “liberal” Christianity view, and a more measured personality than Crockett. This gives hope that he might defeat Senator John Cornyn, or his leading rival in the Republican primary, State Attorney General Ken Paxton.

And now, great news that the state of Florida will have a real race for the US Senate, instead of appointed Senator Ashley Moody having the likelihood of no major challenger.

Former Army Lieutentant Colonel Alex Vindman, who served on the National Security Council under President Donald Trump, announced his candidacy for the Democratic Senate nomination, giving real hope for a possible gain of a Senate seat in the Sunshine State.

Vindman resigned after revealing that Trump tried to bribe Ukrainian Persident Volodymyr Zelenskyy to give “dirt” on Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, leading to the impeachment of Trump by the House of Representatives, although not convicted by the Senate.