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n2doc

(47,953 posts)
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 09:36 AM Jul 2014

The GOP self-destruction is complete: millennials officially hate conservatives


Ana Marie Cox

Conservatives are stuck in a perpetual outrage loop. The reappearance of Todd Akin, the horror-movie villain immortality of Sarah Palin, the unseemly celebration of the Hobby Lobby decision – these all speak to a chorus of "la-la-la-can't-hear-you" loud enough to drown out the voice of an entire generation. Late last week, the Reason Foundation released the results of a poll about that generation, the millennials; its signature finding was the confirmation of a mass abandonment of social conservatism and the GOP. This comes at a time when the conservative movement is increasingly synonymous with mean-spirited, prank-like and combative activism and self-important grand gestures. The millennial generation has repeatedly defined itself as the most socially tolerant of the modern era, but one thing it really can't stand is drama.

Republicans were already destined for piecemeal decimation due to the declining numbers of their core constituency. But they don't just have a demographic problem anymore; they have stylistic one. The conservative strategy of outrage upon outrage upon outrage bumps up against the policy preferences and the attitudes of millennials in perfect discord.

We all can recognize the right's tendency to respond to backlash with more "lash" (Akin didn't disappear, he doubled down on "legitimate rape&quot , but it seems to have gained speed with the age of social media and candidate tracking. The Tea Party's resistance to the leavening effect of establishment mores and political professionals has been a particularly effective accelerant. Palin's ability to put anything on the internet without any intermediary has rendered her as reckless as any tween with a SnapChat account. Akin's whiny denouncement of Washington insiders is likely to make him more credible with a certain kind of base voter. The midterms are, as we speak, producing another round of Fox News celebrities, whether or not they win their races: the Eric Cantor-vanquishing David Brat, Mississippi's Chris McDaniel and the hog-castrating mini-Palin, Jodi Ernst of Iowa.

The fire-with-fire attitude of hardline conservatives has its roots in the petulant cultural defensiveness adopted by the GOP – especially the Christian right – during the culture wars of the 90s. Their siege mentality bred an attitude toward liberals that saw every instance of social liberalization as proof of their own apocalyptic predictions and conspiracy theories. Gay marriage will lead to acceptance of beastiality and pedophilia. "Socialized medicine" will lead to the euthanizing Grandma. Access to birth control will lead to orgies in the streets.

more

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jul/14/gop-self-destruction-millennials-conservatives-backlash
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The GOP self-destruction is complete: millennials officially hate conservatives (Original Post) n2doc Jul 2014 OP
let's welcome Tod Akin back and give him the biggest platform to speak on samsingh Jul 2014 #1
Tod Akin's well informed views are shared by many Bernardo de La Paz Jul 2014 #78
repugs and the taliban have a lot in common samsingh Jul 2014 #83
Nothing to say but.... Awesome! :) Pholus Jul 2014 #2
+1000, lol. closeupready Jul 2014 #22
"the horror-movie villain immortality of Sarah Palin" - Great comparison. DetlefK Jul 2014 #3
...and the hog-castrating mini-Palin, Joni Ernst Blue Owl Jul 2014 #65
I'm hoping that even some of those gerrymandered districts will flip in disgust. MoonRiver Jul 2014 #4
We'll see. EEO Jul 2014 #5
What you said. eom littlemissmartypants Jul 2014 #10
Yes. MoonchildCA Jul 2014 #24
There's a real disconnect between the Republican party's desire to be mainstream CanonRay Jul 2014 #6
That's what happens when you assemble the bigest pile of marks seen... Salviati Jul 2014 #14
OK, everybody... Now let's figure out a way to get them to come out and vote this November! world wide wally Jul 2014 #7
Republicans suicided their own party. Sunlei Jul 2014 #8
It ain't suicide until they're (electorally) dead... JHB Jul 2014 #32
Those with huge monetary resources trying to drag the Republican Party into LibertarianLand Ikonoklast Jul 2014 #36
They ain't dead, they just smell that way. Eleanors38 Jul 2014 #72
The Lesser Undead Always Smell Like That AndyTiedye Jul 2014 #90
LU: Sounds like a derivative offering. Eleanors38 Jul 2014 #93
This ... 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2014 #9
Atrrition. It works, but sucks that it's so slow... AtheistCrusader Jul 2014 #11
It Doesn't Work, as Long as the Mighty Slime Machine Keeps Creating New RWNJs Every Day AndyTiedye Jul 2014 #89
What's the next progressive immigrant population to go mainstream conservative? Eleanors38 Jul 2014 #108
kick samsingh Jul 2014 #12
Social conservatism is dead. Some of them just dont know it yet. nt stevenleser Jul 2014 #13
It only matters if the Democratic Party gets out the vote this fall. Tommymac Jul 2014 #15
Eggzactly. Attitudes matter, but votes count. riqster Jul 2014 #21
K & R L0oniX Jul 2014 #16
And they're not fond of the Dem party either... polichick Jul 2014 #17
As a Millennial in the South (of all places), Hosnon Jul 2014 #18
That's fantastic news lovemydog Jul 2014 #76
They won't, haha. Hosnon Jul 2014 #85
Some will. I'm going to try and do what I can to make sure others lovemydog Jul 2014 #87
They may hate Conservatives, but proReality Jul 2014 #19
Yes yes yes. Rod Beauvex Jul 2014 #67
Ask Them What is Libertarian about Banning Abortion and Birth Control AndyTiedye Jul 2014 #88
:D Rod Beauvex Jul 2014 #99
Now let's get them to the polls this November ! riqster Jul 2014 #20
Remind them at every turn The Wizard Jul 2014 #53
Good point. riqster Jul 2014 #79
Great Article.. abakan Jul 2014 #23
Decay sometimes produces hardened slime that won't come off. randome Jul 2014 #26
What we need is a giant sandblaster.... abakan Jul 2014 #28
That's why the movie 'The Birds' was so effective. randome Jul 2014 #30
That's what is to be expected of miniature tyrannosauruses. nt tblue37 Jul 2014 #71
It doesn't matter! Enthusiast Jul 2014 #25
Of if the TPP Agreement is completed. :( factsarenotfair Jul 2014 #31
I agree. We shouldn't be happy to see our system turn into a one-party system. rhett o rick Jul 2014 #49
I could see this coming years ago so I'm not surprised. deafskeptic Jul 2014 #27
Yes we do. conservaphobe Jul 2014 #29
That's why Democrats need to be very clear on what they stand for and MEAN IT BrotherIvan Jul 2014 #33
To answer your question: 1 move leftward... Eleanors38 Jul 2014 #73
Obama ran on the Left and won both times BrotherIvan Jul 2014 #74
The "leaders" of the Democratic Party want NOTHING Eleanors38 Jul 2014 #77
Hasn't Been Since 1972 AndyTiedye Jul 2014 #109
Pretty much the case. I not only made thousands of McGovern Eleanors38 Jul 2014 #110
Self destruction assured and Texas goes Blue! GOLGO 13 Jul 2014 #34
Yep, we sure hate them sakabatou Jul 2014 #35
You don't have to be a Millennial to hate them. This baby boomer hates them with a passion! calimary Jul 2014 #42
Already have by mail sakabatou Jul 2014 #47
Destruction is not complete until... Z_California Jul 2014 #37
Kids are sick and tired of the Republican's trying to destroy their happy dreams of the future. blkmusclmachine Jul 2014 #38
Honey, we MUST get divorced right now!!!! HockeyMom Jul 2014 #39
What Young People Want: perdita9 Jul 2014 #40
Let's nail these fuckers shut once and for damn all. libnnc Jul 2014 #41
Amen!!! calimary Jul 2014 #43
My thoughts exactly. Millennials need to apply their GOP disconnect ffr Jul 2014 #100
How do these millenials fit into the "1/3 of the country wanting to impeach POTUS"? SleeplessinSoCal Jul 2014 #44
Nice to know they finally did something right libodem Jul 2014 #45
So will they put their asses in voting booths? Are they prepared for GOP stunts like all-day lines? Hekate Jul 2014 #46
I always thought it was just a matter of time. lpbk2713 Jul 2014 #48
This message was self-deleted by its author Adam051188 Jul 2014 #50
Encouraging, but... IkeRepublican Jul 2014 #51
Completely agree. 2banon Jul 2014 #56
Okay, okay... you win... IrishAyes Jul 2014 #62
#51 a #56: Vanadium steel-hard truth. The GOPers Eleanors38 Jul 2014 #75
So you also think we're whupped no matter what? Then why fight at all? IrishAyes Jul 2014 #91
Who wants to "lick boots?" Know thine enemy, Eleanors38 Jul 2014 #94
Stand alone comments about the overwhelming power of the GOP tend IrishAyes Jul 2014 #95
Think how you wish, I am not your enemy. Eleanors38 Jul 2014 #96
Then why mislead weaker minds in the wrong direction IrishAyes Jul 2014 #97
Damn right IkeRepublican Jul 2014 #106
What we lose track of is the threat looks bigger than it is Eleanors38 Jul 2014 #107
Sounds to me that the poster is saying we will have to fight and oppose to win TheKentuckian Jul 2014 #98
That's a rather convoluted sentence, btw. IrishAyes Jul 2014 #103
Everything is convoluted when one refuses to comprehend. Seems straight forward to me (but I wrote TheKentuckian Jul 2014 #104
I didn't say 'unclear'. I said 'convoluted'. IrishAyes Jul 2014 #105
They Get to Do That Because They Own the Media AndyTiedye Jul 2014 #68
And unfortunately, most millennials don't bother voting bullwinkle428 Jul 2014 #84
It;s not just millennials The Wizard Jul 2014 #52
from your keyboard to gods ears. k&R BootinUp Jul 2014 #54
Let's Hope They Start To Vote En Masse cantbeserious Jul 2014 #55
Kicked and recommended. Uncle Joe Jul 2014 #57
The Question is: will they vote? I have my doubts. YOHABLO Jul 2014 #58
I love you Ana Marie.... DeSwiss Jul 2014 #59
Thank goodnesss! I worried that the public temper tantrum that is the RW today was becoming Dark n Stormy Knight Jul 2014 #60
thanks for bringing up fiscal conservatism! alp227 Jul 2014 #92
Conservatives have a special way with the young... nikto Jul 2014 #61
Voting advice from The Experts... nikto Jul 2014 #63
Great sig line. IrishAyes Jul 2014 #64
Thanks! nikto Jul 2014 #66
Which won't do us any good unless we give them solid reasons to vote for Democrats n/t eridani Jul 2014 #69
Agreed 100% Fearless Jul 2014 #70
Didn't people say similar things during the late 60s and early 70s? Threedifferentones Jul 2014 #80
If only-- yellowwoodII Jul 2014 #81
WELL THE SOCIALLY TOLERANT MILLENNIALS BETTER..... cynzke Jul 2014 #82
They Also Hate Voting otohara Jul 2014 #86
I suppose we better give them something to vote FOR. bravenak Jul 2014 #101
The GOP is doing a great job of alienating key demographic groups Gothmog Jul 2014 #102
Finally myself seeing this in person Populist_Prole Jul 2014 #111

DetlefK

(16,423 posts)
3. "the horror-movie villain immortality of Sarah Palin" - Great comparison.
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 09:42 AM
Jul 2014

But I think it's more like: "You haven't seen the last of me! I will get my revenge in next week's episode/outrage! Muhahahaha!"

CanonRay

(14,038 posts)
6. There's a real disconnect between the Republican party's desire to be mainstream
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 10:33 AM
Jul 2014

and the fact that being crazy is the path to money an power in Republican circles. It's a death spiral. Somebody like Akin or Palin can earn a more than comfortable living spewing forth their rot on Fox and talk radio, which in turn makes all Republicans look insane and makes them intolerable to younger generations, minorities, etc. Even the stupidest ideas have a place in Republican ideology because the speaker can make a nice buck off it.

Salviati

(6,002 posts)
14. That's what happens when you assemble the bigest pile of marks seen...
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 11:39 AM
Jul 2014

... since the exit door of a PT Barnum show. It's a feeding frenzy for grifters.

JHB

(37,133 posts)
32. It ain't suicide until they're (electorally) dead...
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 12:48 PM
Jul 2014

...and it ain't past tense until it really is past tense.

It just make it all the more important to GOTV to make sure the nutters actually do lead them to disaster.

Ikonoklast

(23,973 posts)
36. Those with huge monetary resources trying to drag the Republican Party into LibertarianLand
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 01:45 PM
Jul 2014

created the Tea Party Torpedo...except they programmed the proximity fuse to only detonate only when
impacting anyone designated a RINO, no matter how conservative.

 

1StrongBlackMan

(31,849 posts)
9. This ...
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 11:08 AM
Jul 2014
"No drama Obama" was the millennials' spirit animal – his popularity has sunk with the economy, but also with the administration's escalating rhetoric.


Can't be right ... We want our politicians to fold their arms and yell loudly at republicans!

And this:

Today, under-30 voters show a distinct preference for Hillary Clinton (39% according to Reason, 53% according to the Wall Street Journal), and no wonder: she's as bloodless as Bill was lusty, as analytical as Bill was emotional.


Can't be right, either!
 

Eleanors38

(18,318 posts)
108. What's the next progressive immigrant population to go mainstream conservative?
Thu Jul 17, 2014, 02:53 AM
Jul 2014

If it's the Latino population, then all that talk about changing demographics helping Democrats is just yellowing newsprint.

Tommymac

(7,263 posts)
15. It only matters if the Democratic Party gets out the vote this fall.
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 11:40 AM
Jul 2014

The batshit crazy right wing-nuts definitely will.

polichick

(37,152 posts)
17. And they're not fond of the Dem party either...
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 11:44 AM
Jul 2014

...which makes Bernie Sanders "revolution" perfectly timed.

Hosnon

(7,800 posts)
18. As a Millennial in the South (of all places),
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 11:45 AM
Jul 2014

I can tell you that the GOP has a big problem.

Except for those who are very interested in politics, most people under 40 I encounter would be mortified to be identified as a Republican/conservative. And, yes, it's primarily because of the gay issue.

proReality

(1,628 posts)
19. They may hate Conservatives, but
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 11:45 AM
Jul 2014

in my experience the younger generation thinks Rand Paul's Libertarian ideas are just ducky. I'm having a heck of a time convincing my grandchildren that he's an idiot and a phony.

Rod Beauvex

(564 posts)
67. Yes yes yes.
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 11:57 PM
Jul 2014

Nice to see someone point this out. Even if they don't like Ron/Rand Paul, a lot of the younger crowd still like libertarianism.

AndyTiedye

(23,500 posts)
88. Ask Them What is Libertarian about Banning Abortion and Birth Control
Tue Jul 15, 2014, 04:38 PM
Jul 2014

These "Libertarians" want a government small enough to fit in a woman's vagina.
The younger Ron/Rand Paul fans need to be made aware of this. Methinks most of them don't want it there.

Rod Beauvex

(564 posts)
99. :D
Wed Jul 16, 2014, 02:51 AM
Jul 2014

"....want a government small enough to fit in a woman's vagina...."

This is a great line. I think I will be holding onto this one.

riqster

(13,986 posts)
20. Now let's get them to the polls this November !
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 11:51 AM
Jul 2014

And they can get closer to a government of their liking.

The Wizard

(12,482 posts)
53. Remind them at every turn
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 08:10 PM
Jul 2014

that Republicans favor the end of Net neutrality and if they get complete power access to the net and the ability to text will be severely limited.
Telling them they can't text at will is like telling gun nuts Obama is coming for their phallic compensation.

abakan

(1,815 posts)
23. Great Article..
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 12:09 PM
Jul 2014

I love what it says, but why is it taking so long for the GOP to self destruct? Can't come soon enough for me..

REC

 

randome

(34,845 posts)
26. Decay sometimes produces hardened slime that won't come off.
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 12:17 PM
Jul 2014

It's easier to sop up spilled milk than it is to clean it once it's dried.
[hr][font color="blue"][center]Birds are territorial creatures.
The lyrics to the songbird's melodious trill go something like this:
"Stay out of my territory or I'll PECK YOUR GODDAMNED EYES OUT!"
[/center][/font][hr]

abakan

(1,815 posts)
28. What we need is a giant sandblaster....
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 12:24 PM
Jul 2014

I love your sig. I breed birds and can attest to the attitude ascribed. I am bit often but I never let the little heathens close to my eyes because they will take them out...

 

randome

(34,845 posts)
30. That's why the movie 'The Birds' was so effective.
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 12:32 PM
Jul 2014

[hr][font color="blue"][center]There is nothing you can't do if you put your mind to it.
Nothing.
[/center][/font][hr]
 

rhett o rick

(55,981 posts)
49. I agree. We shouldn't be happy to see our system turn into a one-party system.
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 06:56 PM
Jul 2014

The smart conservative ideologues are now helping shape Democratic policy.

deafskeptic

(463 posts)
27. I could see this coming years ago so I'm not surprised.
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 12:22 PM
Jul 2014

When some troll on another forum started posting everyday about how awful Obama was (this was after the 2008 election), I figured if he was any example of the tea party, that party would alienate a whole generation and other groups if demographics were any example. I also thought that even some RW folks would be repelled by the Tea Party because it was so extreme even for them.

That troll was so obsessed Obama and so negative about anything he did that it became a joke in the words of one liberal poster: "His message is the same: Obama bad; Tea Party good." I think most members who posted there got turned off on the Tea party as a result.

I seem to be right on all counts if recent trends are any example.

BrotherIvan

(9,126 posts)
33. That's why Democrats need to be very clear on what they stand for and MEAN IT
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 12:57 PM
Jul 2014

I think the last few years have made most people extremely cynical because the country is not changing course economically. So it's time for Democrats (real Democrats) to put a stake in the earth and stand up for something. They need to figure out how to get around attack ads and lots of corporate money. They are selling what people want, but they are too timid to do it. (Or too beholden to corporate interests so they should be culled as well as Republicans.) They need to figure out how to get the Third Way out of the party.

Millenials have not experienced a true Democratic Party with true Democratic Values. If there was a real one that delivered good jobs, good education without going into debt forever, real healthcare, and equal treatment of all people, it would win every election as the old fundies die out. No right of center bullshit necessary.

Many who still vote for Republicans but who are not religious whackos do so for a couple of reasons: family tradition; cultural identity; and the lure of low taxes. But more and more don't wish to be associated with the clown car, so they need an excuse to flip. Democrats don't really define themselves clearly, and allow Fox and hate radio to put their smears on them.

But, I wonder. All of these things are evident. But for some reason, the party chooses to ignore them. I wonder why?

 

Eleanors38

(18,318 posts)
73. To answer your question: 1 move leftward...
Tue Jul 15, 2014, 01:46 AM
Jul 2014

by the Democrats will threaten corporate power, which the Party has been courting in the smelly backseat of the Beltway for some decades. It MUST not be shown as threatening to the Corporate State, it MUST not. Further, the Party has NO LEADERSHIP, and is hostile to leadership as a notion, and to any views left of Jimmy Carer.

Face it folks! The liberal/progressive/left is quite alone on the political landscape, and as evidenced by the "atmosphere" of DU, it is both incapable and ignorant of how to form a movement.

BrotherIvan

(9,126 posts)
74. Obama ran on the Left and won both times
Tue Jul 15, 2014, 01:52 AM
Jul 2014

This country wants Democratic ideas. They vote for them. Unfortunately, the leaders still feel beholden to corporate interests once in power. It's not the left that has the problem, and by the left I mean what used to be basic Democratic fundamentals, it is the leaders who do not care about what the people want. Big Difference.

 

Eleanors38

(18,318 posts)
77. The "leaders" of the Democratic Party want NOTHING
Tue Jul 15, 2014, 02:19 AM
Jul 2014

to do with even LBJ liberalism, which has been off the radar for over 40 yrs. The "left" has been OUT during this time, and for good reason: It no longer has a home, refuses to recognize it, and has long lost the ability to organize and take control. If we are the "left," then for years we have exhibited an unholy talent for losing, being used and discarded, and for stale jokes about herding cats. That's on us, not a bunch of smug, center-right corporate stateists who somehow lead us by the nose before kicking us out.

It's on us. There's no party to run home to, anymore

AndyTiedye

(23,500 posts)
109. Hasn't Been Since 1972
Thu Jul 17, 2014, 06:04 AM
Jul 2014

George McGovern's devastating loss was the end of the Left as a viable political force in the US.
We only had one chance.
Except that because of Nixon's dirty tricks, we never really had a chance at all.

If there was a chance of it coming back, their trotting out Ralph Nader to sink Gore's campaign put an end to that.

It's too bad because we really need a Left right about now.

 

Eleanors38

(18,318 posts)
110. Pretty much the case. I not only made thousands of McGovern
Thu Jul 17, 2014, 11:19 AM
Jul 2014

signs, I made the silk screen for them (in Austin).

GOLGO 13

(1,681 posts)
34. Self destruction assured and Texas goes Blue!
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 01:04 PM
Jul 2014

These are things that take time of course. But it's gonna happen.

calimary

(80,700 posts)
42. You don't have to be a Millennial to hate them. This baby boomer hates them with a passion!
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 06:06 PM
Jul 2014

Make sure you VOTE, sakabatou! You and all your friends! Everybody you know! We can't fix this shit if too many of 'em are crowding into the corridors of power. We have to shut them OUT. And KEEP THEM OUT! Otherwise they get in and obstruct and turn everything to shit, and squander your tax money on their own lazy mooching (has anyone seen any of THEM doing any actual work to solve our nation's many problems?) and saying "no" all the time.

 

blkmusclmachine

(16,149 posts)
38. Kids are sick and tired of the Republican's trying to destroy their happy dreams of the future.
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 02:08 PM
Jul 2014

Question is, can the Democratic Party woo these young people long term, or will the Democrats crap out? Seeing how Obama abandoned these young people post-election, I put the Party's prospects at less than 50/50.

 

HockeyMom

(14,337 posts)
39. Honey, we MUST get divorced right now!!!!
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 02:22 PM
Jul 2014

Our gay daughter just married a WOMAN!!!!!! Gay marriage will destroy "traditional" marriage! I never could understand their logic on that one. They are totally ILLOGICAL.

My husband and I are celebrating our 40th Anniversary August 24th. My daughter and her wife are celebrating their 1st Anniversary August 5th. Now I will grant you that a Mixed Marriage of Democrat and Republican can/will put strains on a marriage, two gays (relatives, friends, neighbors, let alone STRANGERS) getting married will not destroy YOUR "traditional marriage."

Millennials? My younger daughter, SIL, and their friends are what is the big deal about Marriage Equality? Marry whoever you love.

perdita9

(1,142 posts)
40. What Young People Want:
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 05:16 PM
Jul 2014

For their gay friends to have the same rights they enjoy

For the environment to be protected

For women to have access to affordable and easily accessible birth control

For everyone to be covered by healthcare

For affordable training programs/college

For jobs with decent wages

Republicans stand in opposition to all of those things

calimary

(80,700 posts)
43. Amen!!!
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 06:12 PM
Jul 2014

Lots of stories about the GOP dying or the GOP on life support. Well, they sure still seem plenty alive and well enough to me. Unfortunately. I'll rest a little easier when they're fully GONE. OVER. DONE with.

grover norquist wants the United States government shrunk down so small it can be drowned in a bathtub. I want the same thing - for the GOP - AND the teabagger movement too. Let's shrink the CONservative movement down so small that IT can be drowned in a bathtub.

That can only be done by outvoting them so consistently and decisively that it isn't close enough to cheat, and hopefully it'll take them a generation or more to regain power - ANYWHERE.

ffr

(22,649 posts)
100. My thoughts exactly. Millennials need to apply their GOP disconnect
Wed Jul 16, 2014, 03:55 AM
Jul 2014

It's where the rubber meets the road. Get these people not only fired up against GOP drama, but voting that way too!

NO
MORE
REPUBLIS!

SleeplessinSoCal

(8,998 posts)
44. How do these millenials fit into the "1/3 of the country wanting to impeach POTUS"?
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 06:16 PM
Jul 2014

2/3 of Republicans want impeachment. But how many is that actually given their shrinking numbers. I'm more concerned about the 1/3 figure. Where are these people getting their info? And who are they?

Hekate

(90,202 posts)
46. So will they put their asses in voting booths? Are they prepared for GOP stunts like all-day lines?
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 06:29 PM
Jul 2014

Because I am telling you, there IS NO BACKLASH without MEANINGFUL ACTION.

lpbk2713

(42,696 posts)
48. I always thought it was just a matter of time.
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 06:49 PM
Jul 2014



I figured give them enough rope and they would hang themselves.
The voters would eventually see them as the party of the wealthy
and the privileged with a few useful idiot laggards in tow.

Response to n2doc (Original post)

IkeRepublican

(406 posts)
51. Encouraging, but...
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 08:04 PM
Jul 2014

Gen-Xer's were supposedly disgusted with Conservatives back in the 90's. Well, that didn't last. The same will go for the millenials.

Conservatives aren't about bringing in young people. They are about exploiting the rational concerns of 40-somethings-and-older, then manipulating them into serving the bastards who cause all the bullshit that creates rational concerns. And they do a damn good job of it.

I hate to be a Debbie Downer here, but these bastards haven't gotten where they are without refining and manipulating their tactics with one fall swoop. It's been in the works since Nixon and it's gotten a hundred times more effective, vicious and deceptive since then.



 

2banon

(7,321 posts)
56. Completely agree.
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 09:09 PM
Jul 2014

this is article might inspire a burst of hope and enthusiasm, and it might even be based on reason and logic, but it doesn't take into account the reality of how that party came into power and has remained in power despite Democratic Party "wins".

IrishAyes

(6,151 posts)
62. Okay, okay... you win...
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 11:07 PM
Jul 2014

You and IkeRepublican say it's so, so it must be so. We might as well all give up and stay home since it's useless - useless, I tell you! Thanks for saving me the trouble of voting at all. At least I won't appear foolish.

Thank you for your service.

 

Eleanors38

(18,318 posts)
75. #51 a #56: Vanadium steel-hard truth. The GOPers
Tue Jul 15, 2014, 02:02 AM
Jul 2014

are FAR more sophisticated at holding power. As was said, they are the epicenter of governance even when they don't win. And they have more energy and relentless persistence than a porno star paid by the minute.

IrishAyes

(6,151 posts)
91. So you also think we're whupped no matter what? Then why fight at all?
Tue Jul 15, 2014, 06:10 PM
Jul 2014

That seems to be the general thrust in all these statements. Doom, gloom, and hopelessness designed to discourage - uh, wait a minute! Could that be the true purpose? Keep those stoopid libruls home so the reel branes can run the show? If we can't win everything all the time or immediately root out all evil, then don't even try because it's hopelesssssss????

If my post sounds like a call out, IT IS. I'm horrified by the defeatist, vote suppression ideology being pushed here.

You can admit that the GOP is ingrained and harder to get totally rid of than toenail fungus w/o adopting such a defeatist stance. So please, save your breath trying to teach me or any other real Democrat how to lick boots.

 

Eleanors38

(18,318 posts)
94. Who wants to "lick boots?" Know thine enemy,
Tue Jul 15, 2014, 09:23 PM
Jul 2014

is what I'm saying, and know we have to hit faster, more decisively and more radically -- just to get back to a late 60s outlook. It's not the policies and ideology as much as an attitude and a determination. The bastards don't think we are tough; our own centrist, corporate "leadership" doesn't think we are.


IrishAyes

(6,151 posts)
95. Stand alone comments about the overwhelming power of the GOP tend
Tue Jul 15, 2014, 09:35 PM
Jul 2014

to sound defeatist. We can't afford any of that. It's unfortunately also a common dark propaganda technique and doesn't reflect well on the speaker. If you'd included some of that rah rah in the previous comments, I wouldn't have reacted so. Think about the appearance of your message as well as your intent, because I can guarantee you that too many marginal supporters or even fence sitters are easily influenced to stay home.

 

Eleanors38

(18,318 posts)
96. Think how you wish, I am not your enemy.
Tue Jul 15, 2014, 09:51 PM
Jul 2014

It is vital to acknowledge the opposition's strengths, and our own deficiencies. The only thing more important is speed. I guarantee you this: Get one big victory; one successful boycott, a big union shop, a big-ass demonstration leading to a huge upward shift in wages, and the smell of crotch will be so strong, folks will get over their just-so cynicism, and demand more.

Just One.

IrishAyes

(6,151 posts)
97. Then why mislead weaker minds in the wrong direction
Tue Jul 15, 2014, 10:59 PM
Jul 2014

by way of stand alone pronouncements of enemy invincibility? That's where you err. Trust me, I know a thing or two about dark ops. Even if you don't intend that effect, it happens. Remember which road is paved with good intentions? While YOU might have a fully developed game plan in mind, your more casual listeners don't necessarily know that and will be negatively influenced by what many of them perceive (or even mis-perceive) as defeatist. At some point intent becomes irrelevant in the face of effect.

IkeRepublican

(406 posts)
106. Damn right
Thu Jul 17, 2014, 01:20 AM
Jul 2014

The only way to defeat an aggressor is to know what makes it tick. And you can't find that out by going all hog wild and accusing others of "giving in". That distracts from the issue, causes severe lack of focus and is essentially an aggressor's wet dream.

 

Eleanors38

(18,318 posts)
107. What we lose track of is the threat looks bigger than it is
Thu Jul 17, 2014, 02:41 AM
Jul 2014

when it is not actively opposed. Over the yrs of being in DU, I've found the greatest frustration of members can be summed up in one expression: Why don't we/Democrats fight back? Good question, one I have tried to answer. All the pip squeak extremists, the hate radio, the locked-in mechanical success of the Louie Gohmerts is Not due to the all-powerful politics of the GOPer. It is due to lack of opposition. The enemy has taken the castle because the draw bridge is down, and the inhabitants have little idea what to do about it, and no notion of leadership. In this shitty siege, the tiki torches of the far right now loom like gas giants.

TheKentuckian

(24,949 posts)
98. Sounds to me that the poster is saying we will have to fight and oppose to win
Tue Jul 15, 2014, 11:38 PM
Jul 2014

and that you consider the state of affairs now seriously contesting the TeaPubliKlans.

It isn't defeatist to accept the strategy, tactics, focus, devotion, or energy is not going to carry the day, it is only by accepting something isn't working can winning occur save by chance or overwhelming advantage from the jump.

IrishAyes

(6,151 posts)
103. That's a rather convoluted sentence, btw.
Wed Jul 16, 2014, 10:26 AM
Jul 2014

Here's a simple way to understand MY point based on reality: Use the stick AND carrot. Never the stick w/o the carrot in simultaneous full view.

For the last time: Painting the enemy as all-powerful w/o concurrently presenting the solution appears - and will often be absorbed as - defeatist. That's what a stand-alone one-note statement does in what passes for the mind of the easily led. That's what was happening when I first raised objection.

Don't tell me that's not how things work. I've used it myself to encourage defeatist attitudes in the opposition's base. Call me subversive if you will; I know what works and how it works. Every conservative or 'independent' sheeple you can hoodwink into staying home on his/her stupid lazy fat ass amounts to a vote FOR us. I know what buttons to push with people, best of all when they don't have the foggiest notion of what I'm doing.

TheKentuckian

(24,949 posts)
104. Everything is convoluted when one refuses to comprehend. Seems straight forward to me (but I wrote
Wed Jul 16, 2014, 07:43 PM
Jul 2014

it), so what is unclear?

IrishAyes

(6,151 posts)
105. I didn't say 'unclear'. I said 'convoluted'.
Wed Jul 16, 2014, 09:35 PM
Jul 2014

Which it is, and therefore poor composition. Perhaps that Byzantine methodology suits your purpose, however. You and several other posters seem determined to twist my words every which way and insert your own misinterpretations. This is but the latest example. Surely it couldn't be on purpose, could it? I'd be shocked, I tell you - shocked.

But I'll tell you what I am already: tired of it. Go bug somebody else. I'm not fueling your game any further.

AndyTiedye

(23,500 posts)
68. They Get to Do That Because They Own the Media
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 11:57 PM
Jul 2014

The nonstop barrage of GOP propaganda on the airwaves is very effective. Devastatingly so, especially in the long run.

The Wizard

(12,482 posts)
52. It;s not just millennials
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 08:06 PM
Jul 2014

Normal Americans have had it with these radical extremist anti American hosebags.

 

YOHABLO

(7,358 posts)
58. The Question is: will they vote? I have my doubts.
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 10:04 PM
Jul 2014

I don't think millennials pay that much attention to politics. Only in sound bites. I don't think they understand the consequences of this far right crowd taking power. They make the assumption that it's the same ole same ole .. both parties controlled by an oligarch of corporations. So why bother to vote? This is what I am hearing. They look at Libertarians as a viable choice because they preach .. gov't out of the lives of people. But we all know that will never happen. We need gov't otherwise we have chaos and anarchy. Millennials don't seem to see the long term. They, after all, are the generation that wants "things now", and they want it fast. I hope they will hit the polls, we need them desperately.

 

DeSwiss

(27,137 posts)
59. I love you Ana Marie....
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 10:16 PM
Jul 2014

...but this was totally uncalled for: ''Dinesh D'Souza, the Oliver Stone of the Tea Party....''

- K&R!

Dark n Stormy Knight

(9,760 posts)
60. Thank goodnesss! I worried that the public temper tantrum that is the RW today was becoming
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 10:18 PM
Jul 2014

acceptable! Of course, I'm not happy that fiscal conservatism is seen as way cooler than social conservatism, as both are awfully unfair, but at least it's a start.

alp227

(31,962 posts)
92. thanks for bringing up fiscal conservatism!
Tue Jul 15, 2014, 06:13 PM
Jul 2014

"Socially liberal, fiscally conservative" is the hip new thing for the 30-and-under crowd who don't really like the Democrats but are really disdainful of Republicans. They get tricked into accepting "limited government" in EVERYTHING from reproductive rights to businesses. Never mind that businesses sometimes need...gasp!...to follow laws like human beings do!

Threedifferentones

(1,070 posts)
80. Didn't people say similar things during the late 60s and early 70s?
Tue Jul 15, 2014, 07:40 AM
Jul 2014

That young people were on average so much to the left that Republicans would never be able to adapt for the future?

I hope this article is correct, but I remain unconvinced, and I am of the generation in question.

yellowwoodII

(616 posts)
81. If only--
Tue Jul 15, 2014, 08:20 AM
Jul 2014

If only more of them would vote. Unfortunately, they are, I think, discouraged by their observations on the futility of voting.

cynzke

(1,254 posts)
82. WELL THE SOCIALLY TOLERANT MILLENNIALS BETTER.....
Tue Jul 15, 2014, 09:28 AM
Jul 2014

get off their butts and vote this November. Otherwise is won't matter. If the millennials stay home, they will allow the "SOCIALLY INTOLERANT" CONSERVATIVE Low info voters to elect the right wing religious extremists who will legislate away all of the hard won progress made in the last decades... all with the help of the millennials.

 

otohara

(24,135 posts)
86. They Also Hate Voting
Tue Jul 15, 2014, 12:11 PM
Jul 2014

especially in midterms and special elections.

They sure did show us in 2010, yep!
It will take decades to undo the damage in several states because they said, meh...

 

bravenak

(34,648 posts)
101. I suppose we better give them something to vote FOR.
Wed Jul 16, 2014, 06:05 AM
Jul 2014

We 're not as bad as the other guys doesn't seem to work.

Gothmog

(144,005 posts)
102. The GOP is doing a great job of alienating key demographic groups
Wed Jul 16, 2014, 06:55 AM
Jul 2014

The 2013 autopsy prepared by the GOP is being ignored

Populist_Prole

(5,364 posts)
111. Finally myself seeing this in person
Thu Jul 17, 2014, 12:17 PM
Jul 2014

As in, 18-19 year old offspring of a few of couples I know. Two of the couples are fairly conservative, one of them has become sharply more conservative than the "live and let live" centrists they were.

It's all I can do not to openly snicker at them at the annoyance they express about their kids social/political....and even economic attitudes. Typical, "where have we gone wrong?" and "what do theses kids know" curmudgeoning that makes it clear the next generation doesn't buy the BS of their generation.

The latter couple I mentioned even more so. They take it to a new level of bitterness, especially the father. I can sense his frustration that despite all his anti-Obama drumbeat, his kids's private christian education, that the kids is definitely NOT a chip off the old block. He said he was furious that his kids said his parents were bigots and related to me "these kids today don't know shit!". Talking to the kid, I find him a better critical thinker than his parents. You really do sense that these people know damned well they're dinosaurs and they are panicking.

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