Graham PLATNER!

[orangecrush]

Last edited Wed Jun 10, 2026, 08:05 AM - Edit history (2)

SAY!

HIS!

NAME!!!

?si=umnw_xSlKj-WnHK_


"When in this world the headlines read
Of those whose hearts are filled with greed
Who rob and steal from those who need
To right this wrong with blinding speed
Goes Underdog! Underdog! Underdog! Underdog!

Speed of lightning, roar of thunder
Fighting all who rob or plunder
Underdog. Underdog!"

[QueerDuck]

1. I appreciate the enthusiasm, but I worry that this kind of messaging works against us.

If our goal is to win over the broader electorate in a purple state/district, aggressive "us vs. them" posts tend to alienate the very people we need to build a winning coalition.

We have a lot of work to do to bring voters into the tent for November. Posts that feel more like taunting than bridge-building create unnecessary friction within the party. I would love to see this energy channeled into more productive outreach --- like the block-walking or voter registration drives that actually win elections --- rather than internal conflict.

[orangecrush]

2. Just taking a victory lap

No reason to taunt anyone, be won in a landslide.

?si=Xgwc51jk1ScpS9Ge

?si=qnrTyyHO7OhkC7qr

[QueerDuck]

3. So, my interpretation was correct. Thanks for confirming.

And if, as you say, there is "no reason" to taunt, then why do it? What greater good is being served? Victory laps feel good in the moment, but they create unnecessary friction that we simply cannot afford.

My point isn't to diminish the win, but to highlight that the tone we set today dictates our ability to organize tomorrow. The heated primary is over. Let the flames die down. Time to let go of resentments rather than to feed and stoke them and pour gasoline on the embers. I think it's best to make sure our online presence reflects the unity we need to win the seat.

When we have a general election to win, every post that prioritizes a divisive taunt over actually promoting unity makes our job in November that much harder. Why risk the coalition for a victory lap? It is worth considering the cost of that division.

[orangecrush]

4. Bye

[leftstreet]

5. It's a new world. Taunting works

Whether it's smart or not, who knows.

If Trump taught us anything it's that the anti-establishment-throw-the-bastards-out position appeals to voters.

But in the case of progressives and leftists, it's wrong to assume the taunts are directed at GOPer voters.

[QueerDuck]

9. You're right that "anti-establishment" energy is a powerful motivator...

... but at the same time, there is a clear distinction between challenging the status quo to build something better and simply picking fights for the sake of it... or primarying stalwart, effective Democrats simply because they are incumbents.

When we taunt our own coalition partners, we aren't "throwing the bastards out", we're actually just shrinking our own tent. We also risk losing the institutional knowledge and experience that actually gets legislation across the legislative finish line.

Progress is rarely made by those who hold out for perfection. Instead, it is made by those who understand how to build coalitions, cultivate friendships, and embrace the difficult compromises necessary to inch closer to our goals. There is more value in achieving meaningful change than in walking away with nothing but the pride of refusing to budge.

We can absolutely channel that energy into productive work, like pushing for stronger policy or better representation, without making the process unnecessarily toxic. But... time will tell which path people choose.

[leftstreet]

11. Do voters feel there's been much progress?

You make good points. But maybe they're less relevant in these times.

I think we're seeing, on both sides of the aisle, voters believing coalition partners with institutional knowledge haven't done jack shit to make changes for the working classes.

The long era of red vs blue, liberal vs conservative is probably over

US vs THEM

[QueerDuck]

12. Here's the thing... people like to falsely blame the Democrats but this is wrong.

It’s important to remember exactly who holds the levers of government right now. The opposition currently controls both chambers of Congress, which means they hold the keys to every committee, every hearing, and every vote that reaches the floor. To suggest that the Democrats (the minority party) hasn't done "jack shit" and is responsible for the legislative output when they lack the procedural power to bring anything to a vote is to fundamentally misrepresent how our government operates.

If we are serious about addressing the frustrations people feel, we should be directing that energy toward the party that actually controls the agenda, rather than tearing apart our own coalition. Blaming Democrats for the current gridlock isn't just misguided... it obscures the reality of who is in charge and makes it that much harder to organize the necessary shifts for November.

ON EDIT: Furthermore, promoting this narrative serves to suppress Democratic voter turnout, which ultimately only benefits the GOP. We need to focus on organizing the necessary shifts for November, not fueling the narratives that keep us out of power.

[tsktsk]

8. MAGA

If you stated this to a mouth breathing MAGA nut they would look at you like you were a problem.
KISS = Keep It Simple Stupid.
No talk Bad be good. ok

[H2O Man]

10. We can't risk

supporting candidates who say out loud the same things that everyone I know has been saying. That is dangerous, I tell you! Look at AOC. We were warned how darned extra horrible it was when she dared do a primary against Crowley, who was the definition of "safe." Now, just because AOC that can communicate democratic values to young people makes her even scarier. Double-scarier, if not triple-scarier! I still can't sleep after hearing her talk about medical coverage and education for all. That's surely a dangerous path to tread, and it's important to support candidates of all stripes and polka dots that steer us away from such nonsense.

[leftstreet]

6. DURec

[orangecrush]

7. Thank you