San Diego, Calif.- San Diego Union-Tribune Columnist Michael Smolens joined me for a wide-ranging conversation about the many political issues facing the City of San Diego and State of California.

In our latest IVN Podcast, Smolens had strong comments on City Councilman Mark Kersey moving from Republican to Independent, the chance that the convention center expansion passes in March 2020, and the substantive changes needed for the 2020 ballot to avoid the same issue we saw in 2016 with NPP voters.

On Page D1, April 14, in the Portland Press Herald, the headline on Jim Fossel’s column states: “Simplification of tax code would achieve bipartisan goals.” The other, on Brian Klaas’ commentary, reads: “Can America survive scandal overload?”

San Diego, Calif.- San Diego City Councilman Mark Kersey announced on his Twitter page he is shifting political parties from Republican to Independent.

Over the past two years, Florida has experienced a flurry of activity aimed at opening our closed primary system to 3.6 million independent voters (called NPA for “no party affiliation” in FL).

They say it’s impossible to predict the future, but we all know that history has a way of repeating itself, and the pre-determined outcome of the 2020 race for the Democratic Party’s Presidential nomination is crystal clear to anyone who wants to be honest with themselves.

ALSO READ: DNC to Court: We Are a Private Corporation With No Obligation to Follow Our Rules

Everyday, we hear from another candidate that if only we elect them, they will unite the country and solve our problems.

<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span>

US voters have overwhelmingly said they want a third candidate in presidential debates. As we look ahead to 2020, it seems the bipartisan Commission on Presidential Debates will once again deny them the opportunity.

On Monday, five live CNN presidential town halls aired back-to-back. Dozens and dozens of ideas. Oh, and the imperative of who can WIN.

Chris Cuomo jumped on that in the very first hour with Senator Amy Klobuchar. Someone mentions Trump. Cuomo's suave transition:

“Well, that’s a good segue. Because, the policy ideas are only as good as your ability to put the into practice by winning the election.”