Feeling Depressed? Worried That Trump Will Win?

[MineralMan]

Please keep it to yourself. We're in the final stretch of the 2020 campaign and election. Don't discourage those who have still not voted early or who are going to the polls on Tuesday.

Here's the thing: You don't know what will happen. Neither do I. Nobody benefits from doomsaying except Donald J. Trump.

Instead, why not encourage people to go and vote if they haven't already? I voted on September 25. My ballot has been accepted and will be counted, if it already hasn't been. Minnesota started counting absentee ballots last week, so I imagine mine has already been tallied.

I'm encouraged by the high count of early voters. In Texas, it has already reached the level of TOTAL votes in 2016. That's encouraging, not discouraging. Similar counts are coming out in other states.

THIS IS NOT THE TIME FOR NAYSAYING, DAMMIT!

[Wounded Bear]

1. K & R...nt

[BannonsLiver]

2. +1

Ignore the concern trolls and doomers.

[Demsrule86]

13. Good advice.

[Turin_C3PO]

3. Personally,

I have to wonder about the motives of those who are constantly predicting doomsday scenarios. It does no good and besides that, the likelyhood of Trump winning or stealing the election are very small.

[MineralMan]

4. Well, some are just panicky and worried.

Others, however, have a different motive, no doubt. Either way, we should all be ignoring posts that are negative about voting. They do no good, and can cause some to simply not bother to vote at all.

Doom and gloom posters should just STFU, in my opinion.

[Demsrule86]

10. I've seen a couple who I believe do not belong here despite the fact they have

been here a while...multiple OP's ...nothing but handwringing. At some point you have to wonder why...Seems like their motive is not fear but to demoralize others.

[MineralMan]

12. I'm sure you're right in some cases.

I pay no attention to some people who post frequently and almost always negatively.

[Demsrule86]

23. I have been trashing the OP's and putting the worst on ignore.

[ThingsGottaChange]

144. Explain those other motives, please

And god damn, we are panicky and worried. Do not tell us how to feel and which posts to ignore. Who the hell are you?

[MineralMan]

166. Who am I?

Just another DUer, posting my opinion on this discussion forum.

[Demsrule86]

170. some may be hidden trolls...not many but a few.

[Ms. Toad]

18. Exactly the same thing was said to those of us who expressed concerns in 2016.

The good it might have done then was to prepare people for the ultimate outcome. It serves the same purpose now.

Personally, I'm feeling more optimistic than I was in 2016 - but I am not arrogant enough to believe the election is all in the bag, or that concerns aren't warranted.

[Turin_C3PO]

41. I'm not,in general,talking about

posters who are concerned about this election. I’m talking about the few who always post negative things and never appear in threads that are positive. Don’t you think that’s a little suspicious?

[Ms. Toad]

75. No. I take people at face value until they (specifically) have proven they are not trustworthy.

The exact same thing was said to those of us who were legitimately concerned in the last election - and kept posting concerns about notbeing over-confident, or complacent.

We were labeled "concern trolls," a fair number of us alert-stalked, etc. You may make distinctions (or think you are making distinctions), but I promise you that most weren't. Any suggestion that we might not win painted a bulls-eye on our backs.

So suggestions that people with concerns this time should just shut up about it strikes me as being cut from the same cloth that was so destructive last time.

[Turin_C3PO]

107. This isn't 2016.

A lot of people were over confident but there were many factors and data showing that the election wasn't in the bag. It's much different this time around. Democrats are extremely motivated. Turnout will be high. Biden is killing it among independents. The early vote is huge. Unless, something goes catastrophically wrong, Trump will leave the White House on Jan 21, 2021.

[Ms. Toad]

114. So you say -

But there are still reputable entities that have identified clear paths to electoral victory for trump.

Attempting to shut down people discussing those - and discussing concerns he might pull it off, again, because it isn't happy talk is offensive. It is no different than those who insisted on shutting down similar voices in 2016.

[Turin_C3PO]

116. His path is very narrow. Anyway, I'm not trying

to shut anything down. People can post what they want. I can give an opinion on those posts.

[Ms. Toad]

132. No problem with that -

My response was to an attempt to shut down conversation that wasn't happy talk. This was one of (at least) two such threads today.

[cwydro]

72. Thank you.

Last edited Sat Oct 31, 2020, 08:41 AM - Edit history (1)

This is the second OP I’ve seen today essentially telling people what they can or cannot post.

This is a discussion board. This is a Democratic” discussion board. Unbelievably, free speech is being discouraged.

Maybe some of the doom and gloom types just want reassuring and are coming to this community to get that. Instead they’re being scorned. Smh.

[Ms. Toad]

77. Yup. I'm realy tired of it. n/t

[Turin_C3PO]

91. Well,

I'm certainly not saying that people can't post what they want. I'm not for stifling opinions. I'm just noting that certain people seem to only go negative. I understand being worried about the election. There is a chance we lose or its stolen. I doubt it but it's not impossible. I'm saying that there's a pattern with certain posters. But I'm not for banning discussion.

[jg10003]

148. yes, thank you

[Dorian Gray]

153. Of course people are worried and anxious...

that's a no-brainer after the last election. And people are bound to express it here. You are so right that the OPs telling people what they can and can not post aren't helpful.

I do get if it goes so far as "what's the point of voting" to express that that negativity is self-defeating. But, as you said, it's a discussion board. Either respond to those posts or ignore them.

And if it's a repeatable problem that's so bad you think it may be a professional infiltration purposely set to demoralize, then report the post and see what admin thinks.

There are ways to handle it all. Chastising those who feel anxious or depressed is not the path that will bring us together right now.

[Demsrule86]

26. Yup, agree. And my husband just got a job on Monday after being out of work for

seven months...I can't take the negativity right now...there was one that was hidden that opined the presidency was lost but as long as we take the Senate, we would be fine...I did not have anything to do with the hide but I was happy to see it go.

[True Blue American]

105. Yay, great news!

We are all pleased for both of you. Are we seeing the light at the end of the tunnel?

[Demsrule86]

171. God I hope so...the economy is bad. My hubs recruiter told him 200 to 300 applications

for every job.

[LakeArenal]

5. Whew. The Subject line made me think.....

Yay. Joe’s gonna win. Landslide brings trump down.

[lagomorph777]

6. I've been blocking a lot of doomsayers this morning.

[Laelth]

7. Oh, Mineral Man.

I hear you. I really do, and though I am not your target audience, here, as I am convinced that Biden will win and have no desire to be a “naysayer” at this time, you must know, by now, that when it comes to public, political discourse in a democratic republic like ours, I operate on the assumption that MORE SPEECH is better than LESS SPEECH, and any call for LESS SPEECH sets off alarm bells in my pro-First Amendment, pro-Constitutional, pro-American mind.

How’s that for a sentence?

Peace, my friend and adversary.

-Laelth

[Mike 03]

11. I agree with this.

I don't want someone here not to post an important story or anecdote that might not be "happy" because they are afraid of offending someone's sensibilities. There's a lot of breaking news right now, not all of it is upbeat, some of it involving voter intimidation, lawsuits, etc...

But I love MineralMan's posts, and have told him so in other threads. His predictions all year have panned out, and he often brings calm and reason to agitated minds.

[Laelth]

19. People are (rightly) frightened.

They’re worried. They want reassurance. Why not come to DU to express your deepest fears? Here, people on your side can talk you down. It’s therapeutic. Or, perhaps it depresses other DU members and doesn’t help the cause in the long run. I don’t know.

Still, given the choice between MORE SPEECH and LESS SPEECH, I have to choose the former.

Perhaps it’s the Southern gentleman in me, but there’s something distasteful about telling other people to “shut up.”



-Laelth

[Native]

38. Agreed, 100%. DU is our haven. It's our safe space, and for some of us, the only place...

I live in a very red community, if I start to go off the rails, I know I can at least count on DU to bring me back in focus. It's bad enough I have to wear a muzzle in my community if I don't want to be attacked, I shouldn't have to wear one on DU too, and it's the last thing I'd want to impose on anyone else. Trolls? I've been here since 2002. The DU community has mad skills ferreting out the trolls. No need to punish or muzzle the rest of us.

[Laelth]

43. +1 n/t

-Laelth

[Demsrule86]

172. Of course and it is understandable to be worried. I worry. Who doesn't? But there are some who

celebrate every bit of bad news while ignoring good news. I think a few just really don't like Biden and supported a different candidate. Thus, bad new makes them feel vindicated on some level. They want Biden to win but maybe not in a landslide. And a few are right wing trolls who have managed to stay hidden.

[c-rational]

81. Oh Laeith. Tis not what you say but how you say it. I may agree that in public discouse more

speech is better, but this is not a public forum. All good coaches know the power of a good pep talk. We are on a forum of like minded people. DU is a team. I say lets go get em.

[Silent3]

104. +1 n/t

[Sherman A1]

127. Agreed

[barbtries]

8. it's a stressful time.

hopeful and terrifying. personally my feelings all are over the map but i won't bother you with them.

[Demsrule86]

9. No, I am not depresses despite the bullshit on MJ this morning...we will win, and maybe

we are looking at a landslide.

"once in a lifetime The longed-for tidal wave Of justice can rise up, And hope and history rhyme”

Seamus Heaney

[mcar]

14. +1000!

[Ms. Toad]

15. Yeah - we only want happy talk. Just like 2016.

The down side of the nonsense I'm seeing this morning suggesting only happy talk should be allowed is that it encourages the same kind of cultural shunning and public condemnation as happened 2016, when those of us expressing concerns turned out to be correct.

As you said - no one knows what will happen. Suppressing one side of the conversation does no one any good.

Yes - encouage people to go out to vote, but stop trying to stomp on what may well turn out to turn out to be realistic concerns about the outcome.

[MineralMan]

17. I remember 2016 on DU very, very well, Ms. Toad.

Yes, I do. Better than you might imagine.

I'm afraid that I must, once again, disagree with you.

[Ms. Toad]

20. You obviously don't remember it well,

if you are discouraging people from discussing their concerns that are anything less than happy talk.

[greytdemocrat]

149. Don't waste your time with him.

Trump could very easily win Tuesday.

And then the excuses will begin.

[cwydro]

160. I remember quite well that the OP posted something similar in 2016.

A prediction that Hillary would win with no problem.

[cwydro]

159. Again, just stunning to see people discouraging free speech here.

Smh.

[Demsrule86]

174. And constant bad news demoralized voters and reduces the numbers of those who vote.

Being optimistic is always good and is it really necessary to cherry-pick polls and post the worse which is what happens quite often? And most are truly shitty polls or outliers.

[crimycarny]

16. That goes for pundits as well

It’s soooooooo predictable that I find it almost amusing that some of the pundits who are making their “does this spell trouble for Biden?” think they are being insightful. THEY DO THIS SAME THING EVERY ELECTION. Pundits always try to make it a horse race but some are worse than others. I just change the channel as soon as I hear a pundit tee up one of these “uh oh” segments. Chris Cuomo is one of the worst, IMO, so I don’t watch him these days.

At this point there is nothing positive to be gained from doomsaying. Everyone stressed out enough as it is, why drain more energy? Messages of empowerment and hope are much more motivating. So those are the posts I read.

[MineralMan]

24. I agree. However, those pundits are not DUers.

They certainly get quoted by DUers, but they have their own demons to deal with, and I have no voice in their world.

DU is my home for political discussion. So, that's where I post my thoughts about politics.

Many pundits live to stir up controversy. That's how they keep people interested in their rambling opinions. Most are no better at what they do than some posters on DU are. They just have different platforms.

[cilla4progress]

21. I respect MM too -

but I think folks should feel free to share their worries and concerns here in this community, free of judgement.

Just as others are free to just simply not read the post and move on, yes?

Why should folks have to sanitize or pre-digest their posts for the comfort of others, is my objection.

If you don't approve of an OP, just don't open the thread!

[MineralMan]

28. Anyone who posts on a political discussion forum should be prepared

for people to contradict them. It's part of the point of having a discussion forum.

Why should anyone withhold their judgment of posts that center around negativism? I will not do that. I read a lot of posts on DU. I reply on only a fraction of threads, though. Generally, I post OPs that contain my own opinion, based on a wide range of information and sources.

Every post made here is a public statement and subject to responses from any other DUer. That's the nature of the forum. So, my disagreement with doomers and gloomers should be expected. I promise that my disagreements will be posted.

[SWBTATTReg]

64. Ditto.

[cilla4progress]

102. Yes, but,

you are asking others NOT to post their own opinions and statements.

Anyway, agree to disagree...

[patricia92243]

36. Totally agree, but sometimes the headline is misleading. Then I close it.

[a kennedy]

22. Thank you, this is just what I needed......

[LAS14]

25. I see that I'm an outlier here, but I think it should be perfectly fine for...

Last edited Fri Oct 30, 2020, 01:13 PM - Edit history (1)

... committed DUers to express whatever they happen to be feeling about the election. We shouldn't have a culture of "don't say that." I used the word "committed," because I don't want to say it's OK to express racist or xenophobic or misogynistic feelings. But feeling worried about an election??? Yeah, it's OK to share.

[patricia92243]

27. I post what I want, when I want, and where I want. People are

welcome not to read it.

DU is for POSTING.

[MineralMan]

29. So do I. Yes, indeed, I do.

You are welcome to follow your own advice.

[patricia92243]

33. Didn't realiaze by the headline what it was about, or I certainly would

have followed my own advice.

[USALiberal]

46. And alert it! nt

[scipan]

122. Come on now. You want people to alert simply based on

Posting something that engenders fear or anxiety?

How about only if it's a right wing meme or not factual?

I get most of my news from DU. I want the bad as well as the good. And there is a chance I can do something to counteract it by spreading it to the people who can make a difference.

[cwydro]

167. For what reason can you alert on a post expressing anxiety?

Really can’t believe those against open and honest discussion on a DEMOCRATIC board. Smh.

[Beringia]

30. Sounds very authoritarian to me

[MineralMan]

31. Does it? What authority do you suppose I have?

I'm not aware of any authority at all.

[LAS14]

34. Authoritarian can be an attribute of someone who thinks they can/should...

...prescribe other people's behavior even though they have no real authority to back it up.

[Beringia]

37. It also brings to mind family dynamics, of don't criticize anything or else. Can come from

well intentioned people.

[MineralMan]

42. Uh, no. I am aware that I have no authority, nor do I want any.

I make suggestions. I do not give anyone orders, because I am not in a position to do so, nor do I want to be in such a position.

I don't even alert on posts, except when someone makes a personal attack.

I post opinions. I'm perfectly happy if you don't agree with them. That's of no consequence to me at all.

Do I think doomsaying has negative results? Yes, I do, and I said so. You disagree. We both have a platform where we can do that.

[LAS14]

52. OK, here's the difference. It's great to disagree with people's opinions. What's not..

... so great is to pressure people (even with a "please" ) to not express their feelings. Or, come to think of it, to pressure people not to express their opinions, instead of simply disagreeing with their opinions.

[MineralMan]

57. "Feelings" are simply emotional responses.

That's why we have a cerebral cortex as part of our brains. Instead of using just our primitive emotional brain, we can use the rational parts of our brain to find ways to deal with those emotions.

That is what I am recommending. That is why my post contains positive information.

[LAS14]

73. Yes. True. But emotional responses are as legitimate on DU as the most cerebral opinion.

BTW - I edited the post above to include this.

Or, come to think of it, to pressure people not to express their opinions, instead of simply disagreeing with their opinions.

[Beringia]

84. I agree

[Beringia]

35. Don't you try to have some authority. I thought you did.

[MineralMan]

39. Not at all. I know full well that I have no authority.

I use words like "please." I make suggestions. I post my opinions. I cannot compel anyone to do anything at all on DU.

Some people do not like my suggestions. Sometimes they even ask others to vote to hide my posts. Irony is funny, isn't it?

[Demsrule86]

173. No you didn't...

[LAS14]

32. To me too. nt

[SlogginThroughIt]

40. C'mon man people are freaked the fuck out.

Nobody here looking for comfort to ease their anxiety is going to change anything.

Is anyone here really not going to vote for Biden or other dems downticket? Even if there was a g
person or even a group here trying to sow discord is it going to work on us? Theart oir enthusiasm? On the flip side you are going to deny people that are looking fir reassurance from this community? C’mon. Thats harsh and not what a forum community is for.

[Laelth]

48. +1 n/t

-Laelth

[MineralMan]

55. Being freaked out is an emotional response.

It's not a reasoned or rational response. There are good reasons in this election season to feel positive. I shared some of them in my post. Instead of spreading the emotional reaction of being "freaked out," why not share the positive information that is out there?

We all have emotions. We also have the ability to use our brains to overcome negative emotions and convert our behavior into action toward positive goals.

Being "freaked out" is a negative emotional response that can override reason. It's not a useful response, really.

[c-rational]

60. Well said, and completely agree. Rational response vs. a negative emotional response...why do

I feel attuned to this

[MineralMan]

63. Thanks.

[SlogginThroughIt]

67. So what?

Community is where you go when you are having an emotional response. Stop dictating how others deal with their feelings. If you can’t handle that then maybe you don’t do well in a community. There is a difference between people looking for support and people looking to spread disinformation.

[treestar]

121. They could be looking for reassurance

but on the other hand, sometimes their posts cause the anxiety that needs to be reassured.

[Johnny2X2X]

44. I am excited, but anxious

The state of the race is steady and the risk of a major shift is all but gone. trump is going to lose badly. The only risk left is theft, which I think is minimal, or the polls being insanely off in the swing states, which I think is a marginal risk right now.

Excited because everything looks as good as it possible could, anxious because there's still a window for Trump.

[SophieJean]

129. Thank you.

You have said exactly what I'm thinking.

[Rice4VP]

45. I have trashed many threads the last few days

[nolabear]

47. People think not being hopeful will help them. It actually hurts them.

I go shrink now and again and I will now.

The limbic system is primitive. An imagined threat creates the same stress chemicals as a real one. Likewise created optimism and pleasure creates the same endorphins and boosting chemicals as real pleasurable or successful events.

The first makes us vulnerable to an array of ills from heart problems to rapid aging to addictive behaviors, and more. It makes us fight when we can’t flee. We often fight with the wrong people.

The second helps us bond together to strengthen one another and spread out the load. Over time we seek others out and create bonding mechanisms like art and music for when we actually can’t be together. It also helps us rally our forces to create what we want and need. It’s hate’s worst nightmare.

At this point doing whatever practical we can to influence the election is good. Doomwatching will not make anything easier. Just the opposite. It takes away our bonds and our hope, just as though we are already lost.

Don’t do that to yourself. Four days. Be strong. Be optimistic. Don’t let them have you.

[MineralMan]

49. Exactly. Negative emotions can overpower reason and rationality.

That's why we have a cerebral cortex. We need it to get past our limbic system responses.

Thanks.

[calimary]

162. Good post! I especially like your last paragraph.

“Don’t do that to yourself. Four days. Be strong. Be optimistic. Don’t let them have you.”

BE STRONG.

[yardwork]

164. Thank you for posting this.

[BainsBane]

50. The GOP does not benefit from propping up

people's feelings. Nervousness can motivate. It prompted me to pick up an extra GOTV shift this weekend. What is most dangerous, and most suppresses votes, is the "we have it in the bag" ethos that some insist on enforcing around here.

Winning matters. Working to turn out the vote matters. What doesn't matter is nurturing the feelings of people who say they are confident but can't bear to let others say they are frightened.

If the people who spent 2016 calling everyone who was nervous a "concern troll" actually volunteered to turn out the vote, Clinton would be president today.

[MineralMan]

51. See, that's really the same thing I'm saying.

Negative emotional responses to situations can block beneficial actions. You react to nervousness by taking action. That is a reasoned response.

That's why my post also contained positive information about this election.

[Sucha NastyWoman]

53. Not depressed at all, but certainly anxious

[MineralMan]

59. Converting anxiety into action is the best possible answer.

Even if it is nothing more than making sure your vote has been cast and will be counted, it will help not only your anxiety but it will also help Joe Biden win.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

54. Thank you for posting this.

I am likewise getting heartily sick of the OH MY GOD ALL IS DOOM! posts.

A friend who lives in Pennsylvania, where current polling shows Biden ahead by some 7 points just posted this:

Our noble state legislature has set it up so that, if the count is close, they can keep demanding recounts, and if they can delay the final count until 8th December, they will be allowed to appoint the electors. We all know who those crooks will vote for. ALSO, they can investigate any "fraud" and question the validity of the elections...again, allowing them to appoint the electors. Pennsylvania is one of the states where there is a real possibilty of armed militias showing up to intimidate voteres. Guys, we are going to be screwed over by the stinking, cheating, lying Republicans like never before. Damn the lot of them.

I did post back, asking what degree of closeness triggered a recount. And asked if the legislature will even be in session in November and December. This is, unfortunately, a man who is all too likely to post something without bothering to check for accuracy. I did tell him that in most states a specific degree of closeness triggers an automatic recount. Otherwise, the party requesting must pay for the recount. I don't know if that's true in PA, but if he thinks that if Biden is ahead by even four percentage points that a recount will occur, I feel certain he's wrong.

[MineralMan]

61. Yes. Each state has a threshold for automatic recounts.

That varies from state to state. A larger margin makes recounts a waste of time, so the person demanding the recount has to pay all costs for that recount if the results don't meet that threshold.

[AmericanCanuck]

56. K&R

[bucolic_frolic]

58. There are reasons to be optimistic

Knock-your-socks-off numbers of 18-29 voters, already. This generation is anti-Trump.

Suburban white women turning against Trump.

Older voters abandoning Trump.

Latina and Black voters turning out, Texas on the Beto Express.

Stacey Abrams with weekend appearances in NC, and hasn't she had a Run Silent, Run Deep strategy? Been invisible for months. But you know she's been working every day of the week.

Trump's only hopes are higher new registration among uneducated older white men, low turnout among Latina 20 somethings, vote suppression, and litigation.

And he would have to pull this off in almost all swing states. All. I mean like 18 of them. I'm not banking on FL or PA or IA, but we are ahead enough to get them, and Dems do have many other options to go over 270.

So from a solid cynic and skeptic and pessimist, chin up and march!

[MineralMan]

62. Yes. There are plenty of such reasons, it seems to me.

Those reasons should build excitement to vote, and seem to be doing so.

[mdbl]

65. I am still not over my depression from 2016

I still voted!

[Native]

118. PTSD

[geomon666]

66. After that headline, I thought you were going to offer me drugs.

What a disappointment.

[MineralMan]

68. Sorry. I have no drugs to offer.

Nor am I a healthcare professional who can prescribe them. All I have is advice, which people can take or not.

[birdographer]

69. I think

that Biden will win! I am so lifted up by the extremes people are going to to get their Biden vote counted. Black voters in Ohio waiting in line 10 hours. The gigantic line in Harlem that people waited in. The people putting on entertainment for voters waiting in line. One drop box for a Texas county of almost 5 million people? No problem, we got this. We are going to show the rest of the world that real Americans love America and will do what we have to to save her. My husband is a bit of a hand-wringer, but I truly believe we will prevail.

[MineralMan]

70. I think you're probably right. I'm also encouraged

by the huge early voting numbers. People WILL VOTE!

[iluvtennis]

71. Agree, no one but trumpty dumpty benefits from doomsaying. You gotta claim what u want, I claim Joe

[Polybius]

74. I'm one of the biggest realists here, and even I think there's almost no way he can win

I'm not the type to say we will win if I don't think so. I thought Bush was going to win in 2000 and 2004, and was cautious in 2012 and nervous in 2016.

With that being said the math just isn't there to win. Even if he does poll better than the polls look, he just has no chance to win WI and MI. Sure, he could still win without those states, but he is not winning every other one that he won in 2016. NC, FL, PA, and AZ are not all going to him. He will lose at least one of those. More likely 3 out of 4. Even if everything goes perfect for Trump, he'll get to 250 EV's. My prediction is he gets less, probably 220-230 EV's.

[MineralMan]

76. +100

[Polybius]

80. Thank you!

I forgot to include that I strongly disagree with the flip side as well: Those or say Biden will win 45 states, win by 20 points, or over 400 Electoral Votes. I am very fair. I equally criticize that side just as much when they post that kind of overestimation here.

[C Moon]

78. Maybe DU can create a page for people who want to share their anxiety about the election.

I'm certainly feeling good about the upcoming election.

[Piasladic]

157. Good idea

I early voted, but I'm still freaking out.

I went to bed early in 2016, woke up from a nightmare and turned on the TV. I saw a red wash. I went back to bed thinking it was still my nightmare/would be better in the morning. It wasn't, and DU was down. I'll never forget.

Maybe it's the gross, little red town I live in. I haven't left the hovel since early voting the Wednesday before last, so when I ventured into town, I noticed new things like, "When did they build that?" or "I guess they were serious about destroying that green space."

I had to go into town today for things I really needed, and at the main street crossing... Dumpabilia everywhere... People on the corner in front of the kiosk selling crap (I wondered how my crazy neighbor was able to festoon his yard so easily; now, I know) and waving dump signs. At first, I didn't understand; there was so much honking I thought there was an accident or I was making an illegal right turn. Nope. Just dumpsters making a brain-dead ruckus. It was so fucking depressing.

[Harker]

79. Yes. Just say no. n/t

[vercetti2021]

82. Exactly

Like I have my reservations here and there a little bit of nerves hit once in awhile. But I can't afford to live in constant fear that he's going to win again because I just don't believe it's going to happen. I see too many Doom and Gloom house on here and it's very discouraging

[grantcart]

83. What is the number 1 reason not to worry?

Because the wide spread angst against Trump among Dems, Independents and some Republicans is so damn intense that everyone is going yo get their vote in.

Trump will get 62 million.

We will get 85 million.

[MineralMan]

86. Exactly, and that is evidenced by the huge number of early votes

already cast in states that offer early voting. People are casting their votes in numbers that cannot be ignored.

Trump has his base. Biden has just about everyone else.

That's why I'm not worried, depressed, or alarmed about the outcome. I've been encouraging people I know who are just sometimes voters to vote in 2020. A number of them already have, and they did not vote for Trump. I've also talked to a number of people who voted for Jill Stein in 2016. Every one of them has already voted in 2020 for Joe Biden. Most voted in late September, when absentee ballots arrived.

This is not 2016. It will not end like 2016 ended. I believe we've got this!

[mvd]

85. Being overly negative serves no purpose

But being very anxious and having concerns are natural. If Trump wins or the Supreme Court steps in to give him the win, that would be the final nail in our country IMO. A lot is at stake. For me, I have some innate depression but am more anxious than depressed over the election. Depression in a big way would come if a bad result.

[MineralMan]

88. We will deal with those possibilities if they happen.

Right now, we can act to prevent them from happening by making the vote an overwhelming one.

[mvd]

92. I'm feeling hopeful about Biden. He should win

But, the fact I don’t know for sure has me quite nervous. We also have a resident of the WH who cares nothing about the country - only power. Positive threads help, and I look for them at DU.

[Meowmee]

87. I don't think expressing concern here

Is going to stop people voting, most people don’t even know about du. I believe it was said here and elsewhere that overconfidence overall in 2016 could have depressed dem turnout.

[MineralMan]

89. We lost in 2016 because too many people simply did not like Hillary Clinton.

It is that simple. Some did not vote. Others voted for third party candidates in states that swung the election. None of that is in play in 2020. There is no Jill Stein in 2020. There is no blind hatred for the Democratic candidate among Democrats, like there was among some Democrats in 2016.

I personally know about a dozen 2016 Jill Stein voters. I have talked to them all. All of them have already cast their ballot for Biden. Every last one of them. Things are different in 2020. Very different.

[Meowmee]

90. Thank you for your opinion on that

I agree with some of it but not the premise. I was actually addressing your thoughts that people expressing concern here would depress voter turnout.

[MineralMan]

96. I see. Well, never mind then.

I'm not really that concerned with the few thousand people who read DU regularly. They won't change the outcome. It's more of an attitude thing that reflects what is going on in society in general.

As if we didn't have a life-threatening pandemic going on that is causing anxiety and depression. We apparently need other reasons to be anxious and depressed, too.

Do you know what I'd rather people do? I'd rather they communicated with friends and acquaintances who are not DUers and talk with them about reasons to vote for Joe Biden. I'd rather they checked in with people they know and find out how they're voting and maybe give them reasons to vote and to vote for Democrats.

I'm not concerned about how DUers vote. They'll vote reliably for Biden, with a few notable exceptions. I'm concerned that negative emotional responses will keep them from helping others find reasons to vote for Biden. Negative emotions can be paralyzing. The best prevention for that is communication with others, and not just on DU.

"Hi, Bill. It's good to talk with you. Have you voted already? No? I dropped my ballot off a week ago at my local library. Do you know where you nearest ballot drop-off is? I can look it up for you right now."

Doing that will help relieve anxiety far better than reading about other people's anxiety, I'm pretty sure.

[Meowmee]

99. For some this is their lifeline according to them

Maybe they don’t have other reliable people to vent to. Maybe they have dump supporting family members etc. Anyway we can always trash the threads or ignore them if we don’t want to read it.

[Aussie105]

93. the fear comes from realizing what is at stake.

The same fear makes people determined to vote.

[MineralMan]

110. It does for some people.

For others, fear is paralyzing.

[cab67]

94. there's a difference between being worried and being discouraging.

I consider myself to be guardedly optimistic - the numbers are certainly on our side, at least. But if the modern Republican Party has shown us anything, it's a pathological inability to accept any sort of defeat. It's gone to great lengths through voter suppression, gerrymandering, and court stacking to win despite losing. And, at the state level, Republicans tried to pull all kinds of shit during a lame duck session to hamstring the incoming Democratic governor. So yeah, I'm apprehensive.

This hasn't stopped me from doing everything I can to get people to vote.

[LiberalLovinLug]

113. This

Frankly I don't see how any Democratic voter can be 100% sure about victory. Especially after 2016.

I too am "guardedly optimistic". I think Biden will win. But because of shy Trump voters, voter suppression, troll farms, Fox News, and dare I say voting machine manipulation, it will be close. But I feel that this time, there is so much opposition to Donald Trump, including from fellow Republicans, that it will be too much to overcome, even with all the cheating.

But that doesn't mean I am not saving a little space in my stomach to try and handle the gut-wrenching shock and dismay IF the worst happens. Its a human response to living through November 2016. I cannot allow myself to be cheering quite yet.

[AlexSFCA]

95. There is a valid reason to be concerned about proper ballots counting

in PA and FL in particular. There is a very valid reason to be concerned that trump may be ahead on election night as PA said it will take several days working 24hrs a day to count all the mail ballots. I am not going to force myself to be optimistic, let alone prepare celebrating on election night. I am preparing for the scenario that trump will declare himself a winner on election night.

[LanternWaste]

97. I've got no problems with sincere concerns being voiced.

But I get it... you want a pep rally rather than discussion.

More of the "Enough! That is quite enough!" unity classes hosted by the "I've never seen so much leather in one place..." guy.

[MineralMan]

98. ..

[NNadir]

100. I actually don't care what anyone says. He's going down...

...big time.

I am confident that he will either escape for asylum or else die in prison.

[MineralMan]

101. Yes, I think so too.

Now, I wait.

[Nululu]

103. Never borrow trouble

Don't worry about things that haven't happened.

[Brainfodder]

106. Nope Trump shouldn't have a chance, except for this vote suppression malarkey.

Including gerrymandering, ballot box limits, vote role purges, messing with USPS.

Tolerance for this BS should be 0.

Make this nightmare END: Flush the turd...... Nov 3rd!

[TomSlick]

108. Amen. It's go time.

If you have not voted - go vote. If you voted by mail, check and make sure your vote has been received. If not - go vote. If you have voted, encourage your friends, relations, and neighbors to go vote.

[MineralMan]

109. +100

[warmfeet]

111. Spot on.

I think we will win big. We still need to focus on getting out the vote, however.

Let's get everyone to vote. The more that vote, the more we win.

[bluestarone]

112. AGREE!

Would be nice to have THIS weekend only of good news or stories! I do get down at times, and A GOOD NEWS weekend would help me a lot!! (especially THIS weekend) TY MM.

[GusBob]

115. So it seems as if there are questions about voting problems

specifically in South Florida and possibly in PA

we know that is happening

Is it doom and gloom to post and discuss on these issues?

[brewens]

117. Everybody's doin it! Vote and know you had a hand in throwing Trump out! Big celebration

when Biden wins. You don't want to have been on the sidelines.

[Captain Stern]

119. How about you post what you want, and the rest of us post what we want?

We've got a jury system that seems to be working pretty good.

If you think what somebody posted breaks the forum rules, DON'T keep it to yourself....alert on it.

If what somebody posted doesn't break forum rules, and you disagree with what they said, then how about instead of telling them to not post their opinions, you encourage them to post them, and then try to change their minds?

That seems like something that might work in a forum called 'General Discussion'

[MineralMan]

133. I have control over what I write, but

None over what others write. I don't want any, either. So, I'm doing exactly what you suggest.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

120. Like the free speech message

[spanone]

123. ⭐️⭐️⭐️K&R ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Dem2]

124. Hear! Hear!

Also, it's not the time to be stirring up old rivalries within the Democratic Party IMO.

[Olafjoy]

125. Hi! Arizona here. I saw what I wanted to see today.

In 2016, when I left work at ASU at 6 pm on election night, I walked by the major voting site on campus and there wasn’t a soul around. Fast forward to 2018. Walked out of work same time, same voting site, lines to vote were 4 hours long. Just saw same lines today. Super long. Looks good. Legal marijuana on the ballot. I was thinking the kids would turn out.

[DonaldsRump]

126. To those criticizing Mineral Man, I only have 2 words to say that perhaps he is too shy to say

. .


(Ok, so I have some more words: MM is one of the most prescient folks on DU. No one is perfect, but MM is extremely astute. I'm like him: extremely hopeful. 2016 sucked, but THIS IS NOT 2016. If Trump steals this election, that is an entirely different story. But he won't. Does anyone really think that Harris County/Houston TX is voting in unprecedented numbers that they love Trump? All the signs are there for a rout.

And to MM, i do have to say you have an amazing gift of the word. You are able to paint in word pictures amazing detail for even the most mundane of events. That takes real genius. To you, kind Sir, i will only say: . . )

[MineralMan]

130. You're far too kind...

[Sherman A1]

128. People have a right to their opinions and concerns just as you do

and I find this type of post calling for those with such concerns to not be able to express them to be far less than helpful.

This OP is simply wrong on many levels and I would encourage you to rethink it and retract it.

[MineralMan]

131. I think before I write.

[DonaldsRump]

134. Not at all.

Can those who are REALLY concerned please SPECIFICALLY state their basis for concern? There are enough "concern trolls" out there who, without any validity/basis whatsoever, are claiming "woe is me/us."

I've served a few terms on DU's MIRT, and we, as DUers, whether on MIRT or otherwise, need SPECIFICS about concerns. Not the "look what happened to HRC in 2016 and it can happen again" kinda' stuff. If you have a specific concern, please state your basis for that concern. I am sure that there are tons of people on DU who can action it.

MM has absolutely no reason to retract anything.

[Sherman A1]

137. I completely disagree with your OPINION

[DonaldsRump]

138. Cool! No worries with that!

I would reiterate: other than mentioning worry and fear, what exactly is the concern for those who don't think that Joe and Kamala will win or win in a landslide?

I am not being facetious. I am asking what is the SPECIFIC basis for fear in light of the very clear polling. There may be reason to be concerned. However, just being concerned, without specifics, is meaningless.

[cwydro]

165. "Please state your basis."

Really dude?

How about you don’t tell others how to post. Dayum, you sound like a teacher in a 4th grade classroom giving instructions to students. Remember now children, show your work!

I don’t think you realize how you sound in your efforts to so fervently rah-rah for MM.

[DonaldsRump]

168. Good one!

You're the one telling me how to post! Dayum!

No one is rah rah about anything except to tell why one is nervous or frightened...

Dayum, dude, speaking of 4th grade, don't act like you're still in it.

[hurple]

135. Fine

Feel free to stick your head in the sand and not acknowledge the reality that he does still have a chance... slight, and shrinking daily... but there is still that chance.

And rather than be wracked with grief and shock and despair, I am mentally preparing for the worst.

[DonaldsRump]

136. An asteroid can hit you right now....

So woe is we.

Exactly how is that sticking your head in the the sand? There is a chance for ANYTHING.

What EXACTLY is your fear based upon?

[calimary]

140. Actually planning for either outcome as far as our Indivisible asks.

There WILL be a Supreme Court one. MAN OH MAN will there be a Supreme Court one! Either way!

Either we roar at our Dems who survived the election - to stay strong if we didn't prevail, and not to lose hope; and go balls-out with our ideas to rebuild the country and rebalance the Supreme Court, if we DID prevail.

It's important to start thinking - HOW do we do this? HOW do we make sure whatever republi-CONS survive understand WHO'S THE BOSS, DAMMIT!

Lean in HARD. And lean in, STARTING RIGHT AWAY!

Our asks - for each week - start on Tuesday. So we'll always be trying to work ahead, accordingly.

[gulliver]

139. Voting for Biden/Harris is all upside.

At worst, you are guaranteed to be able to live with yourself and look your family and friends in the eye for the rest of your days. That's priceless in itself. And in a victory, you get to dance in the streets with the victors as one of them.

[BobTheSubgenius]

141. You are entirely correct.

Anyone that has that level of doubt at this point needs to suck it up, and hold their outward calm and confidence together for 4 more days.

[Upthevibe]

142. MineralMan....I like your attitude! I support your suggestion 100% n/t

[ThingsGottaChange]

143. You are basically saying that you can post your opinion

but, others can not. That's it in a nutshell. I don't know who put you up on your squeaky clean pedestal but you do NOT have the right to tell others what the can say in regards to their concerns and worries about the election. People need to discuss their fears, etc. That's why they come to DU. Did you forget the free speech thing? Remember it in the future, please.

[DonaldsRump]

151. There are very specific terms of service on DU

Free speech applies to the government's affecting speech. It clearly DOESN'T apply to private websites that have very clear rules.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but saying, for example, "oh, gosh, I'm scared Biden is going to lose Florida" is useless. However, stating that "oh gosh, I'm scared Biden is going to lose Florida because he is underperforming in Miami-Dade" allows the many totally clued-in DUers to point to the many posts here or news articles that give clear guidance on the issue.

Sure, many of us ARE nervous. But saying that on DU helps no one. However, saying I'm nervous because of the example above (for example) is something where DUers are world-class experts in resolving.

You are entitled to your opinion, the OP is entitled to his, and I am entitled to mine.

[onetexan]

145. Agree. Stay positive. The young vote & the momentum is with our side

we can do this!

[notinkansas]

146. The youth vote could sneak up on them!

Young people don't answer calls from unknown numbers, so the polling results could be a lot worse for 45 than the polls are showing.

[orangecrush]

147. It's the time for kicking their asses with votes

Don't be scared or depressed.

Get ANGRY

AND GET YOUR ASS OUT AND VOTE, IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY!

[MFM008]

150. i VOTED

Ive done everything I could, and Im in a pretty good place on the feel of this election.
i think we will take it,
I think it will be big,
there will be bad surprises for the GOP.
very bad.

[DFW]

152. I have been incredibly impressed by the turnout in Texas

If you had told me a year ago that Texas was in play, and that the Republicans would need to spend more than $4.99 for Trump and Cornyn to keep their jobs, I would have said someone is wasting money.

Now, they're having to spend ten million times that, and their efforts are STILL not guaranteed to succeed.

There is a blue wind blowing along the Red River this year.

[Cha]

154. Totally Agree.. It's "Depressing" to see

those OPs & posts.. So I trash 'em.

We don't need that.

[Sunsky]

155. Phew! I saw the title and was ready to hit the trash button

But instead, I'll agree 100%. I have no tolerance for such posts and won't even waste time on them. Some are very attention-seeking and trollish even from long-standing members.
I don't have a problem with posts pointing out real-time issues with ballots, the voting process, etc. It's those emotional, re-living 2016, doomsday posts, that get me quick to hit the ignore button.
Even though I'm sure that most of us are nervous, we should go into this election with a positive spirit, positive energy. Nervous but hopeful/ optimistic and eager for Trump to be known as a "has been", that's my vibe going into the 2020 election. Biden was not my first choice but I must commend him on the phenomenal job that he did. The rest is up to us (the voters), to show and a vote, and to motivate others to vote. Pessimistic posts will do the opposite.

[samplegirl]

156. That's to dark way to dark

I won’t even entertain those thoughts!

[hamsterjill]

158. I have legitimate concerns and history will back me up.

Gore lost and Hillary lost. I wholeheartedly and completely believe that both times, there was outside interference. I don’t discount the fact that it could happen again.

To me, that is a motivator. Trump has set up a backup plan in case he loses. It’s obvious. To deny that he’s going to try something is completely naive. It very well may come down to a fight of some kind. If that’s the case, I hope Dems are prepared to fight harder than they did in 2000 and 2016.

Another four years of this shit will doom this country.

So, YES, there’s a lot of anxiety and stress. I’m not going to sugarcoat it, and I’ll post what I want as long as it meets DU terms.

I hope Biden wins in such a landslide that a clear message is sent. But that has not happened yet. When it is official and a done deal, I’ll be happy to post pictures of flowers and sunsets. Until then, I will continue to live in reality.

Edited to add: I live in Texas. Don’t underestimate the Trumpers. They are rabid with hate right now and they are also voting in record numbers.

[cwydro]

163. Well said.

[Roisin Ni Fiachra]

161. All we can do is do our best.

Worrying about, or feeling depressed about what may happen, is a harmful waste of time and energy.

If things go south, we adapt, and do whatever we gotta do to save our country, our children, and our planet from fascist destruction.

Enjoy the day, it's all we have.

[KansasKali]

169. Stiff upper lip as the British would say.

And remember Guy Fawkes if things go bad.