Some much-longer-than I expected thoughts on the Democratic primary

It feels like I should call this post "my very preliminary thoughts on the Democratic primary", but with something like 25 people running is that ridiculous? Anyway, in the scheme of things it's still way early, but with the first debate coming up soonish, and many thoughts swirling around in my head, I wanted to set them down in some sort of order. Especially since, unlike most other topics relating to politics, my local friend circle has not been discussing this issue at all, which feels kind of weird, really. Maybe we're all avoiding the topic because of our trauma from last time.

Anyway. So I haven't decided on a candidate yet, but there are folks I'm more and less interested in, and a few "oh hell noes". Of course, it should go without saying that I will support whoever gets the Democratic nomination, because I would support a fiery hat of bees over the current occupant of the White House. But I feel compelled to say it anyway, because it seems like almost any time someone expresses an opinion about the candidates, the trolls descend to demand the disclaimer -- especially if it's a negative opinion about one of the white dudes, funny how that works. So anyway, disclaimer made, and here we go.

( Roughly in order of my current interest in them as of this writing. )

If you don't want to talk about this yet, I entirely understand, but I also welcome conversation. Who do you like, and why? We can also talk about who you don't like, but overall I'd like to keep the conversation more positive. One thing I'd rather not get into is this nebulous (and usually sexist and often racist) concept of "electability". You know what makes someone electable? If we elect them. That could be anyone at this point. We've got a long ways to go, and whoever we choose can win, if we do the work to get them there.