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So would everyone posting these "he almost didn't lose" threads feel better if (Original Post) Still In Wisconsin Jun 2017 OP
Agreed! I am tired of moral victories. hrmjustin Jun 2017 #1
I'm tired people thinkng it is oh so easy to flip DEEP RED districts. An 18point shift is GOOD NEWS! LBM20 Jun 2017 #37
No one said here it was easy. hrmjustin Jun 2017 #39
LOL NurseJackie Jun 2017 #63
I am frustrated and expressing it. hrmjustin Jun 2017 #70
Right because some how we snap our fingers and win deeply red states...I don't understand...how Demsrule86 Jun 2017 #46
I never said it was easy so please don't put words in my mouth.i live in a red district in a blue hrmjustin Jun 2017 #50
I do too... Demsrule86 Jun 2017 #56
I agree and know what you are saying. hrmjustin Jun 2017 #69
I wept last year because I knew what this would mean. Demsrule86 Jun 2017 #71
yep. I just don't get the stupidity of the American voter. hrmjustin Jun 2017 #72
We could make this easier if we would all agree that we are ALL going to vote Eliot Rosewater Jun 2017 #77
I vote for every Democrat every election...I wish we could all agree. Demsrule86 Jun 2017 #80
I know damn it...why I believe we should win Texas and if we don't it is the DNC's Demsrule86 Jun 2017 #54
I don't feel better True Dough Jun 2017 #2
And why did we have special elections? Phoenix61 Jun 2017 #8
0-5 is skunked. n/t Still In Wisconsin Jun 2017 #10
Yes it is. True Dough Jun 2017 #29
Well tell me how exactly would you have won these seats? Demsrule86 Jun 2017 #48
Continue making sense please and thank you. :-) n/t seaglass Jun 2017 #76
We closed gaps. That is huge when presidential elections are only a few applegrove Jun 2017 #3
Close losses are no different than huge losses. Still In Wisconsin Jun 2017 #9
Still waiting on your solutions. blue neen Jun 2017 #11
Two posts down. Still In Wisconsin Jun 2017 #16
"We're probably stuck with TRUMP for seven more years"? blue neen Jun 2017 #18
Oh come on. KPN Jun 2017 #22
Bernie Sanders endorse every candidate except one...he thought they were good candidates. Demsrule86 Jun 2017 #49
You're advising giving up on the short term and rolling over for SEVEN YEARS? pnwmom Jun 2017 #62
You are wrong. If we closed gaps by 15 points that will be a blowout applegrove Jun 2017 #20
Feel free to wallow all you like leftynyc Jun 2017 #43
Not true at all Bradical79 Jun 2017 #68
Agreed secondwind Jun 2017 #78
The disgraceful excuse of a human in the White House will get what's coming to him. BlueStater Jun 2017 #4
You keep telling us that in thread after thread. blue neen Jun 2017 #5
Build from the ground up. Build strong LOCAL apparatus, like the Repubs started Still In Wisconsin Jun 2017 #13
And that's exactly what the Democrats did in GA-06. blue neen Jun 2017 #17
I'm quite aware. And I am also aware that this can take years-decades really. Still In Wisconsin Jun 2017 #19
Interesting back and forth. KPN Jun 2017 #25
Yeah because we have thirty years to build without ending up in a fascist country...perhaps Demsrule86 Jun 2017 #51
LO had some great comments on the Ossoff race Phoenix61 Jun 2017 #6
"It was an expensive, hard fought race"? Mike B Jun 2017 #24
Did you read that article? Phoenix61 Jun 2017 #27
Atlanta profited Not Ruth Jun 2017 #32
You left out the fact that outside groups spent far more on Handel. pnwmom Jun 2017 #35
Gee leftynyc Jun 2017 #44
Absolutely! KPN Jun 2017 #26
Are you kidding me? Warpy Jun 2017 #7
Post removed Post removed Jun 2017 #14
Maybe. I don't drink so I can't relate Warpy Jun 2017 #15
Bingo! We REALLY need to think of the bigger picture instead of being so negative secondwind Jun 2017 #79
Because I am not a negative person Motownman78 Jun 2017 #12
Haha. Almost didn't lose!" KPN Jun 2017 #21
so negative...what exactly do you hope to accomplish? Demsrule86 Jun 2017 #52
Presidents never appoint cabinet members from competitive states/districts Azathoth Jun 2017 #23
And why is it only a moral victory when a centrist almost wins? Fait Accompli Jun 2017 #28
The other ones are one thing Wabbajack_ Jun 2017 #30
And an expensive price for a moral victory. We need to choose OnDoutside Jun 2017 #31
Congressional Elections are Held every 2 Years plus special elections as in this case JI7 Jun 2017 #33
here's a thought Softail1 Jun 2017 #34
they voted for Trump also so lets not pretend this is about something we clearly know it isn't about JI7 Jun 2017 #38
Huh, so we need to be PC with them? ck4829 Jun 2017 #40
Here is as thought...no. I will call them out on their racism...the voted for a candidate Demsrule86 Jun 2017 #58
And math is math is math. Can people please stop the non-reality posts that we can magically LBM20 Jun 2017 #36
That's right! Keep using that stick to beat down Dems and help the GOP. kcr Jun 2017 #41
Aren't you a ray of sunshine! Adrahil Jun 2017 #42
Right because we always win that district. Demsrule86 Jun 2017 #45
a little honesty would be nice bigtree Jun 2017 #47
They'd probably feel better if irrelevant and petulant questions were kept to oneself. LanternWaste Jun 2017 #53
Right! Polly Hennessey Jun 2017 #55
And anyone who spreads despair and hopelessness is helping the other side. pnwmom Jun 2017 #57
and I question their motivation. Demsrule86 Jun 2017 #59
And to answer that we need to ask pnwmom Jun 2017 #67
Exactly right...division is what they want which they must know will elect the GOP. Demsrule86 Jun 2017 #73
Well, since there will never be another election, ever... Orsino Jun 2017 #60
I think the cheese stands alone. Phentex Jun 2017 #61
I agree. It's like watching Red Sox fans the day after the 1986 World Series ended celebrating their jcmaine72 Jun 2017 #64
Dammit Mookie... Still In Wisconsin Jun 2017 #66
"participation trophy" NCTraveler Jun 2017 #65
If you're a Democrat in Wisconsin... yallerdawg Jun 2017 #74
Wisconsin was part of the blue wall. It is now a deep red state. Still In Wisconsin Jun 2017 #75
we cannot deny a loss, however DonCoquixote Jun 2017 #81
 

LBM20

(1,580 posts)
37. I'm tired people thinkng it is oh so easy to flip DEEP RED districts. An 18point shift is GOOD NEWS!
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 06:20 AM
Jun 2017

NurseJackie

(42,862 posts)
63. LOL
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 12:32 PM
Jun 2017

Yet the level of disappointment and dramatic hand-wringing... and all the recriminations coming from many around here suggest something entirely different. They may not have used those words (ie: "it will be easy&quot but their consternation and excessive emotional outbursts indicate that—however unrealistic—this was indeed their belief and expectation.

The people you're rushing to defend didn't have to say those exact words... the evidence speaks for itself.



Demsrule86

(68,347 posts)
46. Right because some how we snap our fingers and win deeply red states...I don't understand...how
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 11:23 AM
Jun 2017

so many people can be so divorced from reality.

 

hrmjustin

(71,265 posts)
50. I never said it was easy so please don't put words in my mouth.i live in a red district in a blue
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 11:27 AM
Jun 2017

state and city so I know how hard it is to get rid of them thank you.

 

hrmjustin

(71,265 posts)
69. I agree and know what you are saying.
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 01:05 PM
Jun 2017

Last night was just frustrating and it reminded me how I felt election night last year.

Eliot Rosewater

(31,096 posts)
77. We could make this easier if we would all agree that we are ALL going to vote
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 01:52 PM
Jun 2017

for ANY democrat in November, 2018, no matter what, as if life on the planet itself is at stake,

Which it will be.

Demsrule86

(68,347 posts)
54. I know damn it...why I believe we should win Texas and if we don't it is the DNC's
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 11:31 AM
Jun 2017

Last edited Wed Jun 21, 2017, 12:05 PM - Edit history (1)

fault and I want scalps...I need my fainting couch ...all is lost.



True Dough

(17,090 posts)
2. I don't feel better
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 01:01 AM
Jun 2017

I've seen a couple of posts from Republican-leaning friends (well, one is a full-blown Republican) gloating that Dems are 0-for-5 in special elections.

It's unfortunate, but what can one do? I'm sure not joining the conspiracy crowd that insists the elections were stolen. Just comes off as sour grapes.

Phoenix61

(16,949 posts)
8. And why did we have special elections?
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 01:09 AM
Jun 2017

Because the people that held those seats were tapped by this administration. They didn't tap people that held vulnerable seats. They tapped people who held invincible seats. So no, we haven't won but we didn't get skunked either.

 

Still In Wisconsin

(4,450 posts)
16. Two posts down.
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 01:15 AM
Jun 2017

You're welcome.

Also, develop more candidates, recruit better people... basically build from the GROUND UP. We're probably stuck with TRUMP for seven more years, so let's work long term!

blue neen

(12,306 posts)
18. "We're probably stuck with TRUMP for seven more years"?
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 01:18 AM
Jun 2017

What is your deal? Join an Indivisible Group in your hometown or nearby. You'll feel better.

Demsrule86

(68,347 posts)
49. Bernie Sanders endorse every candidate except one...he thought they were good candidates.
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 11:26 AM
Jun 2017

I think Ossoff was a good candidate but wasn't going to win a deeply red state...consider that no matter what Democrat who ran would lose...cutting their margins was about all we could do.

pnwmom

(108,925 posts)
62. You're advising giving up on the short term and rolling over for SEVEN YEARS?
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 12:14 PM
Jun 2017

Whose team would LOVE for us to do that?

Wake up. There won't be any long term if we give up on the short term.

applegrove

(118,006 posts)
20. You are wrong. If we closed gaps by 15 points that will be a blowout
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 01:35 AM
Jun 2017

Last edited Wed Jun 21, 2017, 02:44 AM - Edit history (2)

for us in 2018 across the country. GOP lost today. You help only the GOP in your desire to make this loss really hurt democrats.

 

leftynyc

(26,060 posts)
43. Feel free to wallow all you like
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 11:12 AM
Jun 2017

These were not vulnerable seats (the reason these particular candidates were picked to work with donnie). There are purple and even red seats that were decided in 2016 by MUCH less than the 23 points that price won by in November. There are 70 seats in that category and we only need 24. THAT should be the focus. Don't want to listen to republican friends, try not having any because that works great for me. This "woe is me" crybaby crap is boring and pathetic.

BlueStater

(7,596 posts)
4. The disgraceful excuse of a human in the White House will get what's coming to him.
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 01:04 AM
Jun 2017

I don't know when it will happen, but I'm confident it will.

Until then, however.

blue neen

(12,306 posts)
5. You keep telling us that in thread after thread.
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 01:05 AM
Jun 2017

What are your solutions to the problem? Let's hear the suggestions!

 

Still In Wisconsin

(4,450 posts)
13. Build from the ground up. Build strong LOCAL apparatus, like the Repubs started
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 01:12 AM
Jun 2017

in the 1970's. Stop trying to live by the "one big strike" strategy and drawing to inside straights.

blue neen

(12,306 posts)
17. And that's exactly what the Democrats did in GA-06.
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 01:16 AM
Jun 2017

They worked on that ground game: calling voters, going door to door, working on get out the vote and early voting. They got results, and in 2018 they'll get even better results.

"Indivisible" groups are meeting all over the country, building strong local apparatus. You should check one out.

 

Still In Wisconsin

(4,450 posts)
19. I'm quite aware. And I am also aware that this can take years-decades really.
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 01:30 AM
Jun 2017

I'm not talking about opening a couple campaign offices in strip malls and canvassing. I'm talking about grooming and running candidates for city council, school board... hell for effing dog catcher.

KPN

(15,585 posts)
25. Interesting back and forth.
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 01:48 AM
Jun 2017

I may have had too much wine but I think you are both right. We didn't win. It's discouraging, almost demoralizing, we're feeling despair -- some of us. We also need a strategy. A long term one. One that shapes rather than just tries to win on the battlefield. This isn't a basketball game, it's a war (hopefully a peaceful one). We need to work on controlling the battleground. Then maybe we can win.

Demsrule86

(68,347 posts)
51. Yeah because we have thirty years to build without ending up in a fascist country...perhaps
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 11:27 AM
Jun 2017

a better solution exists.

Phoenix61

(16,949 posts)
6. LO had some great comments on the Ossoff race
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 01:05 AM
Jun 2017

The repubs thought it was going to be an easy win and it wasn't by a long shot. It was an expensive, hard fought race. What does that say about those races that are vulnerable? The general gist was any seat that wasn't won by a repub by 20 points is vulnerable. We need to get organized in every state. Not later, now and develop a campaign strategy. We can worry about the candidate later and tweak the strategy then.

 

Mike B

(19 posts)
24. "It was an expensive, hard fought race"?
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 01:44 AM
Jun 2017

It was only expensive for Jon Ossoff. His campaign spent $23.6 million, compared to Handel who only spent $4.5 million. Our party is taking a brutal beating in these elections, and all we can do is sit back and discuss how satisfied that we are for coming in second place? This type of thinking is part of the reason we are sliding downhill.

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/06/20/us/politics/georgia-6th-most-expensive-house-election.html

Phoenix61

(16,949 posts)
27. Did you read that article?
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 01:55 AM
Jun 2017

Handel had support from PACs that spent 25 million on advertising. The special elections were all for seats that were solidly republican. So yes, I do think we did well. Way better than anyone expected. If we can do that well in solid repub areas I think there is every reason to think we will win in swing areas. The dem party dropped the 50 state strategy and we are paying for it now.

 

Not Ruth

(3,613 posts)
32. Atlanta profited
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 04:27 AM
Jun 2017

"An Atlanta television station added a 7 p.m. newscast to profit from the deluge of ads in the race"



pnwmom

(108,925 posts)
35. You left out the fact that outside groups spent far more on Handel.
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 06:05 AM
Jun 2017

She had 18.2 million versus his 7.6 million.

And she was very well known statewide -- in politics since 2003 and most recently Secretary of State -- he was a nobody.

 

leftynyc

(26,060 posts)
44. Gee
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 11:13 AM
Jun 2017

16 posts and all you're doing is LYING about how much money was spent on Handel on her race. Interesting.

Warpy

(110,900 posts)
7. Are you kidding me?
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 01:09 AM
Jun 2017

Please don't forget this is Gingrich's district, about as blood red as you can get, yet Ossoff was within 3%.

You might be feeling wounded but rest assured, the GOP strategists are stunned it was this close, especially with the lousy weather holding the vote down, something generally in their favor.

Response to Warpy (Reply #7)

 

Motownman78

(491 posts)
12. Because I am not a negative person
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 01:12 AM
Jun 2017

and think in the long term. 20% of Repub voters in 2016 voted Dem. That is a huge step forward. Do you think Kasich would be screwing up enough to let us make a gain that big?

Azathoth

(4,603 posts)
23. Presidents never appoint cabinet members from competitive states/districts
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 01:41 AM
Jun 2017

This is a district that voted for Tom fucking Price by 24 points.

Competitive in this district means a win in any swing district.

 

Fait Accompli

(40 posts)
28. And why is it only a moral victory when a centrist almost wins?
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 02:01 AM
Jun 2017

Quist had the highest percentage of the vote for a Democrat in a Montana house race in the past four election cycles. I didn't hear much talk about a "moral victory" after his loss.

JI7

(89,172 posts)
33. Congressional Elections are Held every 2 Years plus special elections as in this case
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 04:36 AM
Jun 2017

whether he won or lost there would be another election in 2018 . how we view that future election would depend on the results of this election.

 

Softail1

(56 posts)
34. here's a thought
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 05:58 AM
Jun 2017

maybe we should think about the words we use when describing the other side a little...I have seen threads making fun of Handles face...and her weight. We are becoming experts at thinking up new and exciting derogatory descriptions, and keep losing these elections. I'm as pissed off as anyone about it, but we NEED some of these "deplorables" to vote with us once in a while, and call me crazy, but insulting them daily might not be the best strategy. Maybe...MAYBE that could help....

JI7

(89,172 posts)
38. they voted for Trump also so lets not pretend this is about something we clearly know it isn't about
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 06:22 AM
Jun 2017

Demsrule86

(68,347 posts)
58. Here is as thought...no. I will call them out on their racism...the voted for a candidate
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 12:06 PM
Jun 2017

who said people don't need a living wage.

 

LBM20

(1,580 posts)
36. And math is math is math. Can people please stop the non-reality posts that we can magically
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 06:18 AM
Jun 2017

win DEEP RED districts.

kcr

(15,300 posts)
41. That's right! Keep using that stick to beat down Dems and help the GOP.
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 11:07 AM
Jun 2017

Good thinking. Your strategy is WAY better!

 

Adrahil

(13,340 posts)
42. Aren't you a ray of sunshine!
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 11:09 AM
Jun 2017

Yeah, he lost. I'd rather he won. But he did shave the margin of victory down considerably. I was one who always thought we were chasing fool's gold there, but there ya go.

Demsrule86

(68,347 posts)
45. Right because we always win that district.
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 11:22 AM
Jun 2017

It is unbelievable that we lost a district that is so us...believing the core Democratic values and all...yes I am being sarcastic because while I hoped we might win ...I knew it was a long shot. We have come close in very red districts and that means something...we shall have to see if the GOP gerrymander holds in 18.

 

LanternWaste

(37,748 posts)
53. They'd probably feel better if irrelevant and petulant questions were kept to oneself.
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 11:30 AM
Jun 2017

They'd probably feel better if irrelevant and petulant questions were kept to oneself.

Yet thinking about, I'm sure we'd all feel better were that actually applied...

Polly Hennessey

(6,745 posts)
55. Right!
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 11:42 AM
Jun 2017

A loss is a loss- period. No nuance. You win or you lose. You come in first or you come in second. History has already told us - "To the victor go the spoils." How hard is that to understand.

pnwmom

(108,925 posts)
57. And anyone who spreads despair and hopelessness is helping the other side.
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 12:06 PM
Jun 2017

The REALITY is that this was Newt Gingrich's old district and a long shot at best.

The REALITY is that the Rethugs were divided over 11 candidates in the primary but for this run-off they -- not surprisingly -- joined together behind the party's nominee.

The REALITY is that pushing people's face in a loss doesn't help them to heal or to take positive action.

So what is the goal behind your OP? Because it appears you want to make people feel worse, and that's not going to help anyone -- except the other side.

Demsrule86

(68,347 posts)
73. Exactly right...division is what they want which they must know will elect the GOP.
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 01:09 PM
Jun 2017

Some who call themselves Progressive (they are no such thing) hate Democrats.

Orsino

(37,428 posts)
60. Well, since there will never be another election, ever...
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 12:10 PM
Jun 2017

...shrinking GOP electoral majorities can't possibly be significant.

jcmaine72

(1,773 posts)
64. I agree. It's like watching Red Sox fans the day after the 1986 World Series ended celebrating their
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 12:36 PM
Jun 2017

team coming within one out of winning the Series in game 6. Sometimes, a knee to the groin is just that...a knee to the groin, without anything redeemable or salvageable to take from the experience.

 

NCTraveler

(30,481 posts)
65. "participation trophy"
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 12:43 PM
Jun 2017

Hmmmmmm. I've seen that trotted out somewhere before. Next up, a strike at liberal elitists.

Seems the world is binary to you and has something to do with "participation trophy's".

yallerdawg

(16,104 posts)
74. If you're a Democrat in Wisconsin...
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 01:11 PM
Jun 2017

you know what you speak of - loss after loss after loss...

And Wisconsin is a part of the "Blue Wall?"

 

Still In Wisconsin

(4,450 posts)
75. Wisconsin was part of the blue wall. It is now a deep red state.
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 01:46 PM
Jun 2017

It's like being a Packer fan from about '75 or so up until the early/mid 90's- loss after loss after loss, as you said, and the strategy/methods never change. The state party is in shambles. The entire thing has to be re-built from the ground up, because the state is no longer the progressive bastion it once was. Winning Wisconsin at this point would/will be like winning Kansas- a long term project.

DonCoquixote

(13,615 posts)
81. we cannot deny a loss, however
Wed Jun 21, 2017, 03:39 PM
Jun 2017

If you expect we can get a winning record without a few hard losses, you are supporting magical thinking. It will take races that we know we do not have a shot of winning, but that we know will make them bleed cash, exert effort, and say the stupid things that we can remind people of. It will take time. Now, we can take the lesson and stop thinking Republicans have any spine, but appeal to the independents. THE GOP loves Trump, even if, indeed, because he acts like an abusive husband that beats his wife to an inch of her life and still demands dinner be on the table. We need to make the Trump votes less relevant by getting bigger numbers, not by hoping they will finally see the light. However, crying because we have not done magic in a year, is not the way to win. This will be ugly, and long.

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