OK, Lefties: You are out of Excuses. Bernie is in the race.

[riqster]

https://bluntandcranky.wordpress.com/2015/05/01/ok-lefties-you-are-out-of-excuses-bernie-is-in-the-race/

You have a Socialist running for the Democratic nomination in the 2016 presidential race. A motherf***ing SOCIALIST. So away with the all the talking points about DINOs, and Corporatcrats, and “no difference”, and many more. The man who is the most Liberal of all current politicos is going after the brass ring.

He has given the Left (and many Centrists, too) exactly what they have said they wanted. Now let’s see what you do.

Here’s hoping you get off your asses and GOTFV. If not, well, keep holding out for that rainbow pony that poops sparkly butterflies.

Anybody calling themselves a liberal who doesn’t gear up to vote NOW is a fraud and a nincompoop. Let’s see what happens.

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

1. You just made me think of something, GOTV is so important, maybe with Bernie running

we can register more voters.

[riqster]

4. Damn Skippy. GOTFV!

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

6. F ?

[riqster]

17. Well, that is up.to you.

It could be "fantastic", "fucking:....

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

18. then GOTFV get out the FUCKING vote LOL

oh wait, that is what you said

[riqster]

20. Yep. That is indeed the word I was thinking.

[yuiyoshida]

55. It could mean

Go OUT to Freaking Vote!

[riqster]

57. That works too.

[sabrina 1]

38. We're off to a good start, Bernie just raised $1.5 Million dollars in one day!

You don't have to worry, Lefties are going to be fired up now that they have a candidate worth getting out the vote for.

Remember, it was Lefties who GOTV for Obama in 2008.

Without the Left, which is so often forgotten by our leaders, Dems would not win an election.

Now maybe the party leadership can give Bernie the support they have been giving losing Third Way candidates and stop losing elections, like they lost the Senate and House that the Left won for them.

[riqster]

40. Here's hoping!

I am super excited.

[sabrina 1]

78. Yes, me too. For the first time in a long time. Just saw that on Reddit, which has millions of

members, he is outdoing all other candidates with readers, and supporters right now.

There is so much momentum already, I have to admit I didn't expect to see this much excitement and enthusiasm

[riqster]

98. I haven't been this excited about a presidential candidate since the 70's.

[Tarheel_Dem]

127. Well, for your sake & the world's, I hope it turns out very differently.

[riqster]

131. Oh, tell me.

My occupational therapist told me to specialize in lost causes.

[WhaTHellsgoingonhere]

77. Also an early youth endorsement: Occupy Wall Street

of course, he's got labor and many seniors have his back, too.

[sabrina 1]

79. Yes, who have been so active during the past couple of years, and all over the country.

And the organizers of that movement are brilliant. That is who is behind the OWS endorsement. So he has a ready made national organization ready to go to work for him.

And as you say, labor, who have been his main contributors throughout his political career.

[merrily]

116. Based on posts in DU, reddit and facebook, that has already been happening. And DNC has been

raising money off Sanders' announcement as well.

You're welcome, Democratic Party.

[leveymg]

2. We're not at the GOTV stage yet. We're in a race for the nomination. Different rules.

That bluntancranky post may have been meant as snarky, but it isn't funny. Simply antagonistic.

[riqster]

5. One word; "Primaries".

[AgingAmerican]

93. Three more words

"Haven't started yet"

Or this gem: "For almost another year".

OK, that last one was four words.

[riqster]

96. "Waiting too long" is another key phrase.

Early engagement by the activist community increases our chances of getting candidates we actually like.

[AgingAmerican]

122. He just announced a couple days ago

Nobody has waited too long lol

[riqster]

124. Bernie is not telling us to wait around and GOTV later.

[Major Hogwash]

85. Nope, you're not even in the same ballpark.

GOTV means just that, to get out the vote.
It doesn't just apply to General Elections!

[leveymg]

86. Go tell that to someone who didn't first knock doors for LBJ

and worked a Democratic Congressman's campaign while in HS, and a whole bunch since. I know GOTV, cutting walk sheets, and have hit over the walls in a lot of ballparks.

Punk kids.

[Major Hogwash]

88. "Punk kids."

[riqster]

100. I had no idea you could see through my keyboard to see my age! Wow!

But you need to tweak the technology a wee bit. Your age assessment, while flattering, is waaaaaaay off.

[leveymg]

121. More an observation about attitude than an age assessment

But, please take it as a compliment, either way.

[pnwmom]

90. You don't think Bernie needs a GOTV operation for the primaries? He needs it, and it needs to start

IMMEDIATELY.

It should have started months ago.

[riqster]

103. Damn straight. He's swimming upstream against a powerful current.

[Bluenorthwest]

3. I will very gladly wager you anything you wish that my State, District, County and precinct will all

have higher turnout in Primary and General than yours will. In fact, I am certain that we have had stronger turnout in the last few elections than you have had as well.
So first, you need to prove to me that you GOTFV ever, at anytime, for anyone. Let's see your stats from 2014.

[riqster]

22. Geography can be helpful. You are lucky.

Sneering at red state activists who aren't as lucky as you is not at all endearing. We bust our asses and know our chances are crap.

[jwirr]

24. If you state has a closed primary then you can vote and win. Sometimes that is all you can do by

voting. Win in the primary.

[riqster]

28. Ohio has a sort of closed primary.

You can switch, but have to declare it. Dems can win here if they get out and vote.

[jwirr]

35. Unfortunately we do not always do that.

[riqster]

36. Oh, tell me.

Buckeyes. Sheesh.

[Bluenorthwest]

66. It's not luck, it's the result of hard work and skill on the part of many good Democrats. Look at

the history of this State. It was not always Blue. The fact that you started this by challenging us to GOTV when we already do that, GOTV is part of why we ARE a Democratic state makes your reaction to my challenge seem craven.
Demanding that others GOTV when we already do and you fail to do so is not endearing. Your OP is hostile.

[riqster]

83. You have invented a new thing: "Blue State Privilege",

Just as noxious as white privilege, hetero privilege, male privilege, and just as clueless into the bargain.

[merrily]

117. +1 Hostile. Ya think? Full of false memes as well.

[kentuck]

7. But Bernie is a "sensible socialist".

He talks common sense. Most of the folks you mentioned talk bullshit.

[riqster]

19. Well, he is pretty damned close to a Truman Dem on paper.

I gotta love that.

[merrily]

119. He's a Democratic Socialist, as was Martin Luther King, Jr.

(According to wiki, anyway)

[NuclearDem]

8. What was that dig at rainbow ponies?

[riqster]

9. Apologies.

Last edited Fri May 1, 2015, 02:30 PM - Edit history (1)

My granddaughter is a pony person, after all.

[frazzled]

10. And the *DNC* just sent me a nice email about him

Headed "Bernie Sanders!" it reads:

For decades Sen. Bernie Sanders has fought tirelessly for the middle class

*Supporting equal pay for women

*Working to raise the minimum wage

*Protecting the right to vote

*Taking action on climate change

Now he is running for president.

Bernie is in. Are you?

(YES button to push)

So no more posts, please, about the DNC or how the party bosses are trying to keep him (or other candidates) out.

[ScreamingMeemie]

11. I don't donate to the DNC, preferring to focus my money on the grassroots and local

races that actually count in the grand scheme of things, but that's cool. Let's hope they stick to equal coverage for fundraising for all candidates. I ain't holding my breath. I never thought I'd do it, but I had to tell Emily's List to shut the heck up yesterday over the incessant, collection-notice-style campaign emails.

[djean111]

12. I am just assuming that the DNC wants to gauge interest and to collect donations.

I will donate straight to Bernie. But I will go and click on that Yes I am in for Bernie button.

[deutsey]

13. +1

[riqster]

21. I bet you're right.

[jwirr]

26. Actually donating to that letter does give them some idea what the grassworks is doing. I also

prefer to donate to the individual but one time to the DNC in a letter telling me about Bernie is one way of supporting him.

[merrily]

120. They are willing to use his candidacy to raise money, making it seem as though

monetary responses to that email somehow help Bernie in the primary when they only siphon money from him.

What does that have to do with whether the party was happy to have him challenge Hillary or not?

[cali]

14. You're right. Unlike HRC supporters, Bernie supporters will have

work to get him votes. Bernie's campaign can't afford the sophisticated machine and advertising that HRC's campaign can.

HRC is relying on corporate money. Bernie has to rely on the passion and dedication of his supporters and small donations.

[djean111]

15. Another thing, to build on that - Hillary supporters brag about how much money she has raised.

Doubties she needs anything from individual donations, really - at least that is what is inferred.
I prefer to not filter my little bit of money through Wasserman Schultz. And I can work for Bernie without the DNC.
Especially for the primaries.

[riqster]

16. Yep. We have what we've asked for, now we have to step up.

It would be nice to vote without holding my nose. Worth thr extra effort.

[AtomicKitten]

23. the grassroots will flex their muscles and

... borrowing a phrase from then Candidate Obama: "Nothing can stand in the way of the power of millions of voices calling for change."

I believed it then and still do.

[riqster]

31. Yep. We just need to show up.

[Agschmid]

34. Yup.

Work for change.

[SidDithers]

25. Blunt and Cranky rec...nt

Sid

[riqster]

30. Thanks sid!

[daleanime]

27. Sorry, no time to play today......

we've got work to do.

[riqster]

29. Right on.

I am working GOTV for Tuesday's election.

[Agschmid]

32. Kick.

[riqster]

33. Thanks.

Have a kitteh day!

[LittleBlue]

37. I agree, but don't think anyone should be shamed into supporting a candidate

Speaking as a Bernie supporter, I don't want anyone who supports him just because they've been browbeaten into doing so.

Come support Bernie because he's the most progressive candidate in the field. Bernie's uncompromising record of supporting the people should be persuasive enough.

[riqster]

41. I wish everyone would respond to positive messages like yours.

[TheKentuckian]

39. What in the world is Belligerent and Stupid going on about? What liberals are poo poohing Bernie or

calling him the same, similar, or in any way having anything in common with TeaPubliKlans?

Everything ever is a hippie punching opportunity for this vile dumpsterfire ever.

[riqster]

42. Were I to punch hippies, I'd be punching myself.

Secondly, if you think everybody here, or on the Left as a whole, is on board with Bernie, you really need to pay more attention. Sadly enough.

[Buzz Clik]

43. Are all "lefties" socialists?

If you aren't a socialist or don't support one, you are a corporatist or a DINO?

Geez, this reminds me of high school more than running a friggin' country.

And how about we wait, say, a year before we GOTFV?

[riqster]

45. GOTFV is 24/7/365 for people who focus their activism.

For example, I am spending lots of time on it now, because the teabaggers are trying to repeal school and MRDD levies. And there is a Teapubbie trying to oust a Dem in a special election.

We have got to GOTFV every election.

[Buzz Clik]

47. When you talk to people, but a lot of emphasis on the socialism ..

... and the part about Corporatists and DINOs . That will be a real motivator.

[wyldwolf]

44. yes, it certainly can be framed as a test

Ever since I can remember (at least as far back as my interest in politics), I've been told that if a 'real' Democrat would just run, a 'true progressive,' an invisible majority would arise and sweep him or her into office.

Here we have the embodiment of the 'real' Democrat. We're all about to find out if the left's romanticized or idealized perspective of electoral politics is the real deal or, as the author states, a "rainbow pony that poops sparkly butterflies."

Good luck Bernie.

[riqster]

46. Well said.

More polite than my version.

[LWolf]

48. I'm thrilled to have a reason to participate. nt

[riqster]

49. I am happy to be enthused.

[SomethingFishy]

50. And what's your excuse?

For attacking other Democrats who happen to like a different candidate than you?

Yeah we got what we asked for, and already donated 1.5 million in small bills. I know a bunch of people already dedicated to working for Bernie, we are on the move. Join us, or get out of the way. No need to act all superior.

[riqster]

51. Superior, schmuperior.

I am addressing those (and yes, they are out there) who have said they'd get off their asses if somebody like Bernie would run, and are STILL refusing to engage.

The stupid turlingdromes.

[Bluenorthwest]

71. Bernie announced less than 48 hours ago. Some Americans have jobs to attend to.

I think the first Saturday after a Thursday afternoon announcement is a bit too soon to condemn working people for not having secured the nomination as yet. STILL refusing, after a day and a half.

Do you have any support for your assertion that his recalcitrant cohort exists? Of course you don't. Because it is specious, fictional and crafted out of your own need for attention.

[BainsBane]

52. I'm actually hoping they don't get up off their backsides

because if they speak to the general public with the same contempt they have shown toward fellow Democrats on this site, they will sink his campaign. They're talking about writing him big checks. Let them stick to that.

[riqster]

53. Point. But I am always looking to boost turnout.

At the end of the day, numbers are all that matter when votes are counted.

[LeftyMom]

54. Linking every one of your blog posts on DU to increase your google pagerank is annoying. Stop it.

If I wanted to read your blog at www.nobodycares.whothehellhasablogspotin2015.org or whatever it is, I'd go read your blog.

[SMC22307]

56. ^^This^^

[riqster]

59. It's not a TOS violation.

I hate people crapping on Centrists, but hey, that isn't a TOS violation either. In a public forum, we all gotta cope with stuff we don't like.

And by the way, I get very few clickthroughs from here anyway. In fact, not that many people read my crappy little blog at all. When one advances a contrarian viewpoint, that is to be expected.

If my posts offend anyone, that is what the ignore button is for.

Oh, and I used to repost without linking; that got me alerted on.

[LeftyMom]

63. No, it's not a TOS violation, it's just rude to spam.

You admittedly get few clickthroughs, so you realize people are uninterested. You continue to link constantly to your blog.

Like I said, you're gaming google pagerank. Having links on a site with much higher pagerank, such as DU, increases the pagerank of your blog.

Basically you're putting flyers for your no-name business on the cars in the parking lot of a more popular shop. It's annoying, it's probably not getting you any more business, and it's pissing people off. Stop.

[riqster]

67. So far, you are the second person to object.

Out of how many DUers? C'mon. Ignore me if you are annoyed.

[Major Hogwash]

84. Not bad, considering there are 3 Billion people using the internet.

You must not be trying hard enough to piss people off!

[riqster]

95. I try very hard to not be unintentionally offensive.

[wyldwolf]

70. People on DU have been linking to their blogposts for years

You suddenly have an issue with it?

[riqster]

104. Only if they dislike the blog, as far as I can tell.

[flamingdem]

58. Give dough

or stfu!

I'm for Bernie cuz he's cool and a Vermonter. He's practical and won't ruin Hillary's campaign, then again it might get to his head and he'll Nader out. I'd rather have Hillary any day than a loss by Bernie no matter how cool he is and how relevant. You can haz your rainbowz, the repukes are just wayy too dangerous.

[riqster]

60. Bernie says he won't do a Nader.

I believe him and will support him based on that belief.

And yeah, beating the fuck out of Teapubbies is job 1. And job 2. And job 3. And......

[L0oniX]

82. Bernie won't even respond to Nader ...and never has.

[riqster]

97. What he has said is still music to my ears:

He will only run for the Democratic nomination.

I think he's being honest.

[davidpdx]

61. Sanders is the only creditable candidate who had the guts to run against Clinton

I respect him and will likely support him if given the choice between the two, but I'm under no illusion he'll win. The establishment and the money is already behind Clinton. I can tell you this is going to be another Bush vs. Clinton election. I'd bet on it. I'll also bet it won't be the last Bush vs. Clinton election.

[John Poet]

64. So far, at least.

[davidpdx]

65. I don't think anyone else is going to run other than Webb and O'Malley

Webb is already in, but he is way too conservative. O'Malley sounds like he may run as well. That would give us a grand total of 4 candidates (not counting any fringe or perennials). Still far from a competitive field.

[riqster]

105. Back in 2008, I worked for Kucinich.

Not because I thought he could win, but to push the party back towards the Left.

Bernie could win, but I'd support him even if he had no chance.

[Ken Burch]

62. And this OP helps the Democratic Party HOW?

[riqster]

68. By whupping a brick upside the heads of non-voters.

[Ken Burch]

75. And leaving non-voters with metaphorical skull fractures achieves what?

Bernie is in. Can't you just let this be a positive time?

[msanthrope]

69. Great OP....now the Left has to show up at the meetings! nt

[Major Hogwash]

89. We do show up at the meetings.

We're the ones who bring the doughnuts with the sprinkles on them.

[msanthrope]

92. Well....stop leaving before the League of Women voters need a ride back!! NT

[riqster]

106. Centrists bring bagels.

That cream cheese keeps us going for those GOTV sessions.

[librechik]

72. I hope he scares the granny panties off Hillary

Because without us, she doesn't have a base. And Bernie speaks to us.

[Paladin]

73. "Granny panties"? Stay classy, Bernie-ites. (nt)

[librechik]

74. Hillary's in the CFR. Now that's funny. And Dignified! (n/t)

[Orsino]

76. And everyone else is out of excuses, too. n/t

[riqster]

107. S'truth.

Fair point.

[True Blue Door]

80. Hear hear! No more excuses, no more buck-passing, no more whining, no more scapegoating.

It is our job to convince others to vote for Bernie Sanders, not other people's jobs to be impressed by what we say.

We have chosen him, so it's our responsibility alone that he succeed.

[LWolf]

99. I don't recall

all the excuses, buck-passing, whining, or scapegoating that you refer to.

That said, I didn't need the OP to tell me to "get off my ass." Given someone to work FOR, instead of against, I'll be busy every damned day.

[True Blue Door]

111. I've heard it often enough, especially in midterm elections.

Nobody turns out, and then it's the fault of (insert Party leader and/or President) for failing to entertain us enough into participating in sufficient numbers to win. Then of course it's their fault for being in the Minority or having a Congress that won't pass budgets, rather than ours for not electing one.

It's worse in presidential elections. I still hear people whining that Howard Dean was treated unfairly by the media, like we weren't fully aware going into it that that's what they do. It's definitely what they'll do to Sanders if he gets anywhere near Clinton in polling, so there will be no excuses.

[riqster]

113. Sad but true.

We need to bust ass to help Bernie succeed.

[True Blue Door]

118. Ideally would be if Obama's 2008 campaign messaging people were brought on board.

I had never in my life seen an operation so completely immune to media fuckery. They knew exactly which bullshit to crush immediately and which was best to ignore.

[L0oniX]

81. Correction: Democratic Socialist !

[riqster]

108. Good catch. I will try to remember that in the future.

[Number23]

87. Kicked, rec'd and fucking bookmarked too

[riqster]

109. Thanks.

[LondonReign2]

91. Liberals always vote, even when our choice is a tepid center right candidate

[riqster]

112. We need more than votes. We need active engagement throughout the cycle.

IMNSHO, Bernie is running in part because he sees an opportunity based on activism from the center and the left.

Imagine how many more good candidates we could have if we upped out game.

[mmonk]

94. The thing that bothers me the most of course is gerrymandering.

To me in states where it has been extreme, outcomes have been pretty fraudulent. The good thing about a Presidential election though, it's a way a gerrymandered voter can strike back at the Republicans because it's not determined by squiggly dishonest lines.

[riqster]

114. It makes it harder, yes. And I agree, senatorial and presidential races are opportunities.

[merrily]

101. blunt and cranky needs a nap, not to mention quite a few reality checks.

At least it's not Mr. or Ms Congeniality's post.

"lefties?" ugh.

[ucrdem]

102. You mean the candidate from Clinton Cash?

I don't see anything so very liberal about launching a campaign based on trashing the Clintons.

[Jester Messiah]

110. No excuse necessary, I'll be there bright & early on primary day. [nt]

[riqster]

115. Good on you!

[Jamaal510]

123. K&R

[IMG][/IMG]

[riqster]

125. Excellent graphic!

I had forgotten jeepers creepers. Thanks for the memory.

[Tarheel_Dem]

126. "keep holding out for that rainbow pony that poops sparkly butterflies."

[riqster]

132. No offense meant to MLP fans.

[TBF]

128. I was co-precinct leader to

Support Obama in 2008 because I thought he could win. I will do more for Bernie.

[riqster]

133. Yeah, it is easy to be motivated in this case.

[Orrex]

129. It seems like only yesterday...

Last edited Mon May 4, 2015, 02:52 PM - Edit history (1)

A number of Sanders' supporters here on DU were griping and insulting anyone who suggested that Sanders is a Socialist?

Do they now embrace that label? Or will they continue to insist on effectively pointless distinctions between "Socialist" and "democratic socialist?"


What a difference a day makes!

[TBF]

134. I've never had a problem with that label

[riqster]

138. Honestly, his positions are pretty reasonable, whatever the label one tags him with.

[Orrex]

139. Tell that to the Sanders supporters who spent their Sunday insulting me

Telling me how afraid I am, now frantic I am, and how panicked I am because I observed that the average voter doesn't readily distinguish between a "socialist" and a "democratic socialist."

Lots of level-headed, super-reasonable people advocating on behalf of the esteemed Senator, that's for sure.

[riqster]

140. Yep. Zealots are annoying little beasties.

Thank God we vote for candidates and not their supporters.

[Orrex]

141. Yes and no

If Sanders is looking for a groundswell, and if his advocates are of that type, then in order to attract voters he's going to have to overcome the impression that his supporters give.

[riqster]

142. Point.

[Marr]

130. You seem to be implying that the left usually sits on it's ass.

We're the ones who always GOTV and volunteer. In my experience, the group that is always so conspicuously absent from these efforts are self-described 'centrists'. But they're constantly yammering online about how the left is too lazy to help. It's so odd.

[polichick]

135. Exactly - the op is assholery.

[Marr]

136. They seem to have a near monopoly on that, for some reason. /nt

[riqster]

137. Well, when people from the Left say they'll sit it out if Hillary gets the nod...

It's fair to take them at their word.