All the king’s horses and all the king’s men couldn’t make Gonzalo a winning candidate

[Dolores]

Early on in the campaign, President Danilo Medina changed the rules for campaigning, allowing his cabinet members to campaign “after hours” for the ruling Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) presidential candidate Gonzalo Castillo. The government freely took advantage of the Covid-19 epidemic to step up procurement, purchasing billions in computers for public school students, appliances, food, propane, you name it. The goods were distributed even during curfew hours to “convince” people to vote PLD. Vice President Margarita Cedeño is Castillo’s running mate, and until the last month of the campaign, she was the director of government relief programs.

Don’t forget the government in the Dominican Republic is the largest employer. And the government decides who benefits from welfare programs. And the government has intelligence that tags most people living in the country...

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[user123]

But all the king's gold can.

 

[Caonabo]

Not only is Abinader looking strong, but so are the opposition candidates for senador and diputado.
I do not like to get ahead of situations as such, but we could be looking at a clean sweep across every office, just as in the municipal elections.
Those that believe that the ruling party possesses all the "gold", severely underestimate the "gold" possessed by the opposition party this time around.

 

[user123]

Who knows, maybe Danilo will let the opposition have 1 term then he'll come back looking like a saint, just like Leo looked after Hippo's term. He knows the next government will have a tough time navigating thru the global recession that's sure to come. Either way, whoever wins the rich will keep getting richer and the poor getting poorer.

 

[Mr Deal HD]

Who knows, maybe Danilo will let the opposition have 1 term then he'll come back looking like a saint, just like Leo looked after Hippo's term. He knows the next government will have a tough time navigating thru the global recession that's sure to come. Either way, whoever wins the rich will keep getting richer and the poor getting poorer.

Doubt it. I think he’s done. Set to retire from politics.

Oh and to your last point... you are correct, the Rick continues to get richer because most of the rich make better decisions (saving and investing) than most of the poor (spending on unnecessary habits). Most rich people today were poor and middle class before becoming rich or wealthy. 😉

 

[NotLurking]

Not only is Abinader looking strong, but so are the opposition candidates for senador and diputado.
I do not like to get ahead of situations as such, but we could be looking at a clean sweep across every office, just as in the municipal elections.
Those that believe that the ruling party possesses all the "gold", severely underestimate the "gold" possessed by the opposition party this time around.

Your point is well taken but don't forget who holds the levers of power. The ruling party has had ample time to amass money, power and influence the type few Dominicans have seen before. Just sayin'...

 

[NotLurking]

Who knows, maybe Danilo will let the opposition have 1 term then he'll come back looking like a saint, just like Leo looked after Hippo's term. He knows the next government will have a tough time navigating thru the global recession that's sure to come. Either way, whoever wins the rich will keep getting richer and the poor getting poorer.

With very few exceptions wealth creation and retention is a function of choices. Some choose to work, invest and save. Others choose to party, drink, fornicate and make babies. I think it is clear that the outcome of the above two groups will be vastly different. I suggest reading 'The Total Money Makeover' by Dave Ramsey as a practical guide and starting point to a healthy financial future or become a politician in DR.

 

[Andre14615]

Who knows, maybe Danilo will let the opposition have 1 term then he'll come back looking like a saint, just like Leo looked after Hippo's term. He knows the next government will have a tough time navigating thru the global recession that's sure to come. Either way, whoever wins the rich will keep getting richer and the poor getting poorer.

David Collado is next in line.

 

[JD Jones]

David Collado is next in line.

^^^^This^^^^

 

[Naked_Snake]

Who knows, maybe Danilo will let the opposition have 1 term then he'll come back looking like a saint, just like Leo looked after Hippo's term. He knows the next government will have a tough time navigating thru the global recession that's sure to come. Either way, whoever wins the rich will keep getting richer and the poor getting poorer.

Danilo is constitutionally disabled from ever running again, it even says so explicitly on the amendment inserted during the impromptu 2016 constitutional reform that allowed to run him at the time. The clause was inserted at the time in order to placate Leo's fears about Dani wanting to perpetuate himself in power. When Dani wanted to make another constitutional reform in order to eliminate this clause last year, Leo and other opposition figures made a ruckus at Congress, and when Dani sent the army to disband the protest, he received the now infamous Pompeo call to back the f*ck down. That's how Gonzalo ended up being his dauphin, and as things are standing right now, it is doubtful the PLD will get enough seats at Congress to allow said clause to ever be eliminated, so Dani's retirement seem to be a done deal for good.

 

[JD Jones]

Danilo is constitutionally disabled from ever running again, it even says so explicitly on the amendment inserted during the impromptu 2016 constitutional reform that allowed to run him at the time. The clause was inserted at the time in order to placate Leo's fears about Dani wanting to perpetuate himself in power. When Dani wanted to make another constitutional reform in order to eliminate this clause last year, Leo and other opposition figures made a ruckus at Congress, and when Dani sent the army to disband the protest, he received the now infamous Pompeo call to back the f*ck down. That's how Gonzalo ended up being his dauphin, and as things are standing right now, it is doubtful the PLD will get enough seats at Congress to allow said clause to ever be eliminated, so Dani's retirement seem to be a done deal for good.

My opinion is Danilo is done and won't be back, but don't think the constitution cannot be changed. It has been changed in the past.

In any case, Abinader will be the next president, and David will be a shoo-in for 2024.

 

[Naked_Snake]

My opinion is Danilo is done and won't be back, but don't think the constitution cannot be changed. It has been changed in the past.

In any case, Abinader will be the next president, and David will be a shoo-in for 2024.

I know, it's just that there is no chance in hell of it ever being changed to rehabilitate him. Leo will see to it that it remains standing for as long as any of them keeps breathing.

 

[Naked_Snake]

I know, it's just that there is no chance in hell of it ever being changed to rehabilitate him. Leo will see to it that it remains standing for as long as any of them keeps breathing.

It has become personal for them at this stage in the game.