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BooScout

(10,406 posts)
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 05:43 AM Oct 2015

What exactly will not voting for the nominee accomplish?

For those of you who say that you won't vote for the nominee if he/she is not your candidate....can you please explain to me what it is you hope to accomplish by doing so?

I seriously want to know. At one time a few years back, I myself seriously considered not voting for the nominee because I was so angry after the primaries and I was not inclined to compromise.....but after having doing a bit of soul searching I came to the conclusion that sitting out the GE or voting for a third party candidate or republican was not an option. Social issues in particular and the SCOTUS were too important and what finally convinced me to cast my vote for the nominee.....and amazingly, I wound up really liking the nominee.

So in all seriousness, I would like some thoughtful answers on this. What will not voting for the nominee accomplish?

155 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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What exactly will not voting for the nominee accomplish? (Original Post) BooScout Oct 2015 OP
Well, what did YOU think it would accomplish, BooScout? Scootaloo Oct 2015 #1
At the time.... BooScout Oct 2015 #2
Right. And you were angry because... Why? Scootaloo Oct 2015 #6
Looking back.... BooScout Oct 2015 #9
new Republican President enid602 Oct 2015 #74
If you perceive someone as a Wall St shill FreakinDJ Oct 2015 #3
If you perceive someone as a Wall St shill The CCC Oct 2015 #15
You can still vote and have bitching rights. Fawke Em Oct 2015 #64
You know, the last time my state voted for a Democratic ticket Art_from_Ark Oct 2015 #145
Good advice for millions of mellinials FreakinDJ Oct 2015 #73
Stupidity there geek75 Oct 2015 #41
I'm not the one pretending it isn't true FreakinDJ Oct 2015 #76
There are two factions currently vying for power TM99 Oct 2015 #4
Yep. SusanCalvin Oct 2015 #8
That is your choice. TM99 Oct 2015 #26
what rights will you be wiling to give up that you are dsc Oct 2015 #20
The fear of losing abortion rights TM99 Oct 2015 #25
spoken as a male dsc Oct 2015 #28
Although I am firmly pro-choice thesquanderer Oct 2015 #46
I think he should give up what those he thinks should be wiling to give up dsc Oct 2015 #51
You know nothing of my past TM99 Oct 2015 #55
you have yet to state what rights you would be willing to give up dsc Oct 2015 #57
This is nonsense. TM99 Oct 2015 #63
Abortion is a right.... BooScout Oct 2015 #100
Legally speaking TM99 Oct 2015 #104
Sort of.....but.... BooScout Oct 2015 #114
Another poster shared in this thread TM99 Oct 2015 #121
I saw that.... BooScout Oct 2015 #126
I tend to agree with it TM99 Oct 2015 #132
I'm going to repeat to you something the dean of the law school at my undergraduate Alma Mater said. Chan790 Oct 2015 #65
really dsc Oct 2015 #72
When Dubya Bush was in the White House and the Republicans controlled both Houses of Congress . . . Major Hogwash Oct 2015 #142
Exactly. +1 n/t Chan790 Oct 2015 #143
^^^^^^^^^ + 1,000 ^^^^^^^^ Indepatriot Oct 2015 #36
I am Gen-X as well. TM99 Oct 2015 #59
Nicely stated. edgineered Oct 2015 #47
Not giving in to blackmail. I don't begrudge those who choose to give in. It's their vote. GoneFishin Oct 2015 #5
Post removed Post removed Oct 2015 #27
What blackmail geek75 Oct 2015 #43
Try rereading your first sentence. jeff47 Oct 2015 #79
Then go ahead allow in Trump geek75 Oct 2015 #95
And yet more blackmail. jeff47 Oct 2015 #96
It is telling that you should need to point that out. GoneFishin Oct 2015 #149
Nope. Tired of voting against. 840high Oct 2015 #152
Thank you. +10 840high Oct 2015 #151
Not voting achieves nothing. Talking about not voting... joshcryer Oct 2015 #7
"Who else are those f*cking retards going to vote for" depressed turn-out. Betty Karlson Oct 2015 #10
Progressive voters turn out. joshcryer Oct 2015 #37
Usually people who vote green or other artislife Oct 2015 #110
This is true. joshcryer Oct 2015 #144
All the major dems are now for gay rights geek75 Oct 2015 #44
Are they? pinebox Oct 2015 #106
Jury results Capt. Obvious Oct 2015 #147
Who says they won't vote for the nominee? Motown_Johnny Oct 2015 #11
Post 12 and 14 rpannier Oct 2015 #18
I've seen well over twenty people make the claim. NCTraveler Oct 2015 #22
I Will Vote For The Candidate Of My Choosing Via Write-In Ballot If Necessary - That Is My Right cantbeserious Oct 2015 #12
Ditto. SoapBox Oct 2015 #39
I'll take the DNC over the RNC geek75 Oct 2015 #45
^^^^^this^^^^^ nt restorefreedom Oct 2015 #48
If you think that is the only thing that is accomplished by the election of a republican onenote Oct 2015 #60
Allow everyone to vote as they please in the elections. edgineered Oct 2015 #148
Yes!!!! 840high Oct 2015 #153
What will not voting for Sanders accomplish? Broward Oct 2015 #13
The exact same result as not voting for HRC or O'Malley ... 1StrongBlackMan Oct 2015 #34
^^^^THIS^^^^ joshdawg Oct 2015 #50
This is simply not true: Fawke Em Oct 2015 #113
Yeah, well, just look what happened in the mid-terms. joshdawg Oct 2015 #150
But what if it actually wouldn''t lead to that result? thesquanderer Oct 2015 #56
Which district is solidly Blue enough where we (Democrats) can afford your strategy? ... 1StrongBlackMan Oct 2015 #99
I would suggest looking at the most current polling before anyone did this. thesquanderer Oct 2015 #108
Voting for someone who has a plan vs captain obvious sound bites? tia uponit7771 Oct 2015 #58
I despise blackmail, loyalty oaths and those who promote them Android3.14 Oct 2015 #14
BINGO!...sort of BrainDrain Oct 2015 #19
I despise blackmail, loyalty oaths and those who promote them The CCC Oct 2015 #21
Wrong! TM99 Oct 2015 #29
Depressing the vote is the Republican's key strategy. joshcryer Oct 2015 #38
You are right geek75 Oct 2015 #49
Then the Dems need to support a candidate that excites the voters (Hint - It isn't Hillary) Android3.14 Oct 2015 #52
That is what primaries are for. joshcryer Oct 2015 #77
I sure hope so. This primary season has been such a corporate cluster fuck Android3.14 Oct 2015 #91
And the disaffected "send a message" left can succeed where the gop's ... 1StrongBlackMan Oct 2015 #102
Exactly; but, ... 1StrongBlackMan Oct 2015 #101
...^ that 840high Oct 2015 #154
It is a game to some... NCTraveler Oct 2015 #16
You mean the Republicans, right? You sure as hell aren't describing Bernie supporters. GoneFishin Oct 2015 #94
I agree that those who believe they are so pure that they will be sitting out the election.... NCTraveler Oct 2015 #124
My Purity Will Be Intact rpannier Oct 2015 #17
There is nothing to accomplish by voting FOR the Dem nominee, IF ... Martin Eden Oct 2015 #23
How would a Clinton presidency delay change? onenote Oct 2015 #67
By keeping the neoliberals in power within the party. jeff47 Oct 2015 #84
jeff47 provided the answer Martin Eden Oct 2015 #107
The entire situation we are in is the result of people not voting... randr Oct 2015 #24
Yup and we can start reversing it geek75 Oct 2015 #53
I contend the people saying this are voting - just not for the Fawke Em Oct 2015 #70
Then perhaps our party should do something different to attract voters jeff47 Oct 2015 #85
Who said that? nt LWolf Oct 2015 #30
Sound and Fury signifying Nothing Jan Bunson Oct 2015 #31
my primary vote is for Bernie FreedomRain Oct 2015 #32
I'm not sure who I will vote for yet Loki Oct 2015 #33
I will vote for my candidate in the primary and vote against the GOP in the general. Vinca Oct 2015 #35
It'll teach those meanie Democrats a lesson. JoePhilly Oct 2015 #40
Don't expect to accomplish anything other then keeping my integrity intact. bowens43 Oct 2015 #42
Groovy for your integrity onenote Oct 2015 #68
My vote won't make the slightest different on those issues... Lizzie Poppet Oct 2015 #105
So you really hope most people don't feel like you do. onenote Oct 2015 #115
I doubt I need to hope that, regardless. Lizzie Poppet Oct 2015 #131
A serious answer to your question thesquanderer Oct 2015 #54
if you're right and a Democrat can win without the votes of Sanders' supporters onenote Oct 2015 #62
Because it's only true in some states. (n/t) thesquanderer Oct 2015 #80
So basically you are saying you hope most voters don't think or act like you do onenote Oct 2015 #92
Please don't put words in my mouth. thesquanderer Oct 2015 #97
In some states it really doesn't matter!! Fawke Em Oct 2015 #61
Then why ever vote in those states? onenote Oct 2015 #69
Down ticket races and kvetching rights. eom Fawke Em Oct 2015 #71
Also, if you strongly support a candidate... thesquanderer Oct 2015 #86
there have been so many good reasons given by others restorefreedom Oct 2015 #66
Hopefully make the party realize "who else you gonna vote for?" is a terrible strategy. jeff47 Oct 2015 #75
Maybe Nader will get in the race redstateblues Oct 2015 #89
I apologize that reality does not conform to your political views. jeff47 Oct 2015 #93
Yet in the end, you really don't want a republican to get elected and would prefer a Clinton win onenote Oct 2015 #118
I get no say in the matter. jeff47 Oct 2015 #120
So your answer is yes, you'd prefer Clinton to a repub. onenote Oct 2015 #127
No, it's prefer to an insane Republican, and "won't matter" versus a moderate Republican. jeff47 Oct 2015 #128
Right Alittleliberal Oct 2015 #122
Here is the theory HassleCat Oct 2015 #78
What does promising to vote for any nominee even one that is compromised achieve? CBGLuthier Oct 2015 #81
People who don't vote are selfish. Their "principles" are more important than other people's lives. seaglass Oct 2015 #82
I can compromise, but capitulation is more difficult Boomer Oct 2015 #83
Debbie Wasserman-Schultz doesn't control my vote davidn3600 Oct 2015 #87
It's your vote. If you're not going to use it for yourself, why waste it? randome Oct 2015 #88
I always vote artislife Oct 2015 #90
very nicely said edgineered Oct 2015 #146
I will keep my dignity. YabaDabaNoDinoNo Oct 2015 #98
I'll tell you why pinebox Oct 2015 #103
It does seem the the Democratic Party needs artislife Oct 2015 #111
I think the point here is that once we get to the general election onenote Oct 2015 #117
One in the same pinebox Oct 2015 #119
I guess you're one of those that doesn't see any difference between onenote Oct 2015 #125
Nope i'm one of these pinebox Oct 2015 #134
My member of Congress was not among the 89 who voted for that cut onenote Oct 2015 #135
However many Dems were pinebox Oct 2015 #136
"There's not much chance a radical RW judge would get through Congress" onenote Oct 2015 #137
Look pinebox Oct 2015 #138
My candidate is Bernie Sanders onenote Oct 2015 #140
Clinton, 2008 concession speech Tarc Oct 2015 #109
My sentiments as well.... BooScout Oct 2015 #116
Accomplish? About the same thing I would "accomplish" by voting for the label. Tierra_y_Libertad Oct 2015 #112
Total control of the federal government.... workinclasszero Oct 2015 #123
What has holding our nose and voting for the less crappy candidate accomplished? 99Forever Oct 2015 #129
Constitutionality of same sex marriage. Health care reform (even if flawed). onenote Oct 2015 #133
Not supporting the Democratic nominee only helps the GOP Gothmog Oct 2015 #130
I don't believe that. 840high Oct 2015 #155
People who make these types of threats … NurseJackie Oct 2015 #139
IF Hillary is elected... Ino Oct 2015 #141

BooScout

(10,406 posts)
2. At the time....
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 05:52 AM
Oct 2015

When I was considering it.....I don't think I was thinking much beyond my anger. I remember being mad as hell and bitterly disappointed. It took me awhile before I could talk myself into actually voting in the GE. In the end, I knew I didn't want a Republican in the WH....and would if nothing else, vote to try and prevent that.

BooScout

(10,406 posts)
9. Looking back....
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 06:51 AM
Oct 2015

I was angry mostly because my candidate didn't win. At the time I remember giving myself a lot of reasons for not voting for the nominee.....but I think, in my case, I wanted revenge.

It took a lot to convince myself that revenge was not the way to go forward. I will also say the my preferred candidate helped convince me to get out and vote when they swung behind the nominee and supported him.

enid602

(8,524 posts)
74. new Republican President
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 09:26 AM
Oct 2015

The stakes are much, much higher this time. If anything a President McCain would have been much more subdued, following the Bush excesses. But a new President McCrazy on steroids will be following a black president. It's a wet dream for Republicans. Remember how Reagan gutted the Department of Energy right after inauguration, scaled back taxing of the wealthy, and built up the Defense establishment at a fevered pace.

The CCC

(463 posts)
15. If you perceive someone as a Wall St shill
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 07:11 AM
Oct 2015

If nothing else it gives me bitching rights. But thank you for giving having so much trust in me to make the decisions for you.

Fawke Em

(11,366 posts)
64. You can still vote and have bitching rights.
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 09:11 AM
Oct 2015

But, if you're in a solidly red or solidly blue state, you can vote Green or Independent or whatever and it not make a hill of a beans of difference - expect to your conscious.

Art_from_Ark

(27,247 posts)
145. You know, the last time my state voted for a Democratic ticket
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 08:26 PM
Oct 2015

that didn't include at least one Southerner, was 1948*.

*If you count Kentucky as "South", then it would be 1944. And if you include Missouri as "South", then it would be 1940.

 

geek75

(102 posts)
41. Stupidity there
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 08:39 AM
Oct 2015

Most of our first choices are Bernie. The primary winner could be Bernie, Hillary, Biden or someone else.

But if it comes down to Hillary - Trump if someone doesn't see a difference and lets Trump win you'll be wishing for Hillary every day. I'm hoping Bernie all the way but will vote democrat in the general always.

 

TM99

(8,352 posts)
4. There are two factions currently vying for power
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 06:31 AM
Oct 2015

within the Democratic Party. The minority position - neoliberal/New Dems/Third Way - has gained control yet they are not popular and they often lose on the local and state levels. The majority position - traditional FDR progressives - have loss national control yet they are popular on the local and state levels. Progressive issues poll well and win well vote after vote.

If another New Dem gets the primary nod, the only way to reject that position instead of tacitly approving it is to vote against the nominee. Yes, the Democratic Party may lose. And if it does, then it will have to respond to why it loss in order to win again. If the neoliberalism is rejected, the Party must head back towards the progressive left.

Honestly, I do not think there are enough principled voters for that to occur. Party loyalty in the two party system for the last 35 years pretty much assures that registered Dems will vote for the candidate with the D after their name.

Now there are only about 30% of registered voters currently in the Democratic party. So this election may be very very different. Left leaning, progressive independents will decide this election. We are not beholden to the two party loyalty model, and in fact most of us are sick to death of it and its consequences.

That is why I have said that Clinton is a poor choice for a nominee even if Sanders were not in the running. She is not trustworthy. Her history is riddled with scandal -fairly or unfairly. She is the epitome of what Truman called the Democrat acting like a Republican. There is zero enthusiasm for her or those policies any longer. Many are burned on 'Hope & Change' only being a marketing slogan to get elected and not an actual governing style. I could go on and on. I just do not see her winning the general.

Grimes and Davis were losses on the local level that were bad. But Clinton losing like that on the national level will be very bad. And the DNC, DWC, and the Third Way have only themselves to blame.

I vote on principles and policies. I am a progressive independent who has registered Dem only to vote in the primary in a semi-closed state. I always vote.



SusanCalvin

(6,592 posts)
8. Yep.
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 06:41 AM
Oct 2015

I'm still going to vote for her if she is the nominee. But the party machinery has serious issues.

 

TM99

(8,352 posts)
26. That is your choice.
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 07:57 AM
Oct 2015

I might argue with you. But in the end I always respect the right to vote as one sees fit.

And yes, we agree the machinery has serious issues, perhaps well beyond repair.

dsc

(52,130 posts)
20. what rights will you be wiling to give up that you are
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 07:25 AM
Oct 2015

apparently willing to see others give up? If abortion rights are eliminated in wide swaths of this country are you going to be willing to forgo sex or at least take in some unwanted babies. If you are god forbid raped are you going to be willing to find a child of your rapist to carry for 9 months and then face the choice of either putting it up for adoption or giving your rapist some ability to enter your life for the next 2 decades? If you are married will you divorce your wife if marriage equality is eliminated? If Obama care goes down will you be wiling to give up your health insurance in solidarity?

 

TM99

(8,352 posts)
25. The fear of losing abortion rights
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 07:56 AM
Oct 2015

has been going on my entire life and I am a half a century old soon.

And attacks on abortion rights has occurred during GOP and Dem administration.

Roe v. Wade will not be easily overturned as has been demonstrated so no that alone does not sway me.

ACA is a health insurance mandate. It has been good for some, and it has been shitty for others. I personally have seen its negative effects. Going back to the way it was previously will not be that different for me or many of the others I know.

Again, I am not someone who acts out of fear. That is not the way to vote or to be engaged in politics. Both sides use and rely on the electorate to follow them where ever they want to go just by dangling a few fears in front them. Whether it is Dems and the supreme court/abortion fears or the GOP with feminazi's implementing Marxist PC control and taking away all of the guns.

I will add that the marriage equality question is one you really don't want to use as an argument. Had we not had the New Dems, from Nunn to Bill Clinton to Hillary Clinton to Obama, DADT & DOMA would not have existed. And we would have made cultural changes much sooner. Obama didn't begin to shift until just before his 2nd turn, and Hillary just came around a few years ago. My sister and her now wife suffered for 20 years under Democrats equally as much under Republicans.

thesquanderer

(11,954 posts)
46. Although I am firmly pro-choice
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 08:48 AM
Oct 2015

I don't think it is the moral obligation for every voter to make that subject a priority... and I don't think one needs to be female to have a respected opinion on the subject, either. Women over 50 aren't at risk of needing abortions either, should their opinions be irrelevant? I'm not saying that personal impact can't be a factor in someone's opinion, or that it's not worth taking that into account or discussing it, but I think it's wrong to just dismiss someone's positions out-of-hand based on their gender or whatever.

dsc

(52,130 posts)
51. I think he should give up what those he thinks should be wiling to give up
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 08:52 AM
Oct 2015

instead of dismissing the fears. He seems very willing to write checks that others have to pay for.

 

TM99

(8,352 posts)
55. You know nothing of my past
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 09:00 AM
Oct 2015

or my history.

Take your petty judgements and sexist bullshit elsewhere.

And maybe you might wonder why tactics such as this rarely work.

dsc

(52,130 posts)
57. you have yet to state what rights you would be willing to give up
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 09:02 AM
Oct 2015

I think it is a very fair question. You are more than willing to have others give up rights so which rights are you willing to part with?

 

TM99

(8,352 posts)
63. This is nonsense.
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 09:11 AM
Oct 2015

What rights?

Abortion is not a 'right'. You can be pro-choice and recognize that reality.

You still fail to address how the New Dems protected the rights of LGBT civil rights for the last 30 years when in actuality they worked actively against them with DOMA and DADT.

As a bi-racial man, I really don't think you want to get into a debate with me about 'rights' and what I am willing to give up considering what I already have had to deal with just because my skin is not white.

BooScout

(10,406 posts)
100. Abortion is a right....
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 11:05 AM
Oct 2015

It falls under Women's Rights. It our right to choose. My body, my choice, my right.

 

TM99

(8,352 posts)
104. Legally speaking
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 11:14 AM
Oct 2015

Roe v Wade came down to privacy rights.

I may agree with both the legal argument and the inherent right of women to choose.

But the arguments concerning the overturning of Roe v. Wade (which are not sound) are to take abortion as one thing out of that context and use it to beat either side with it as a political tool.

That I disagree with.

Does that make more sense when worded like that?

BooScout

(10,406 posts)
114. Sort of.....but....
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 12:03 PM
Oct 2015

I think you and I disagree on the substance of the issue. It's my opinion that what is the core or Roe vs Wade is very much threatened. A woman's right to chose is most definitely being taken away from us by the Religious Right with their control of the Republican Party. Law after law that limits a woman's ability to have an abortion if she deems it necessary is being taken away from us. These laws are eventually working their way through the courts while they are challenged (and while they are being challenged our rights are often taken away or curtailed severely). If once the appeals make their way to the top of the tier and the SCOTUS is not leaning left because someone who is to the right was appointed by a Republican president then it's my opinion that it could be disastrous for Women's Rights and in fact set us back decades.

I feel the same way with the issue of voting rights and the environment and in fact with most issues that come before the SCOTUS. The next President is most likely going to set the direction of the Supreme Court for the next two or three decades. It's too important for me to ever not vote in the GE for a Democrat....whoever it may be.

 

TM99

(8,352 posts)
121. Another poster shared in this thread
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 12:24 PM
Oct 2015

that Roe v. Wade is pretty solid and it won't be overturned no matter how the court swings.

Yes, a Democrat could give us a strong left leaning court but it is no guarantee. After all, we can thank Biden for Justice Thomas.

BooScout

(10,406 posts)
126. I saw that....
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 12:36 PM
Oct 2015

...and I disagree with that premise based on my reasoning above. It was interesting to me that the reasoning given in that argument was based on the teachings of a very conservative professor. It's pretty obvious to me that Roe vs Wade is threatened on a daily basis.....just look what they are trying to do with Planned Parenthood....that alone scares the hell out of me.

As to Biden.....I agree with you there. His handling of Anita Hill and the Thomas affirmation was despicable not to mention his recent comments that "Abortion is always wrong".....and I don't care what Biden's vote on the issue of abortion is.....when someone makes statements like that then they are not a supporter of Women's Rights. Period.

Btw.....I am enjoying this exchange. It's nice to just discuss things for a change.

 

TM99

(8,352 posts)
132. I tend to agree with it
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 01:52 PM
Oct 2015

and I still strongly support choice and privacy.

Yes, I have two younger sisters. And yes, I have experience with an abortion with a fiancee in college. It was a medical necessity even if we did not want it. And having the right to make it was paramount.

I am just not a single issue voter. If I was a woman, I am certain I would think differently. I get that. But I am not, so I own that I take into consideration numerous issues, and I am not as concerned with this one as others.

And yes, it is nice to discuss this without rancor. Thank you.

 

Chan790

(20,176 posts)
65. I'm going to repeat to you something the dean of the law school at my undergraduate Alma Mater said.
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 09:11 AM
Oct 2015

(This man is not coincidentally (to his job (it's a pontifical university) or my quoting him) a superstar of conservative jurisprudence and legal theory. Though I disagree with him on most issues, his perception of the political arena is exceptional. He's also annoyingly anti-bullshit...he's rather vocal about "movement conservatives" needing to stop referring to everything to the left of center as socialist before they lose all credibility or make socialism appealing.)

You ready?

"The time to overturn Roe v. Wade has come and passed. It's a dead-letter issue of activists everywhere; as close to settled law as something so controversial can be. Conservatives use it to rile up the religious base of the GOP to vote; Democratic moderates use it as a hedge guard to keep liberals in check ("if we let the liberals make decisions, America will reject their extreme progressive values & liberal economics and we'll lose the 'baby' of moderate social gains with the bathwater.&quot ; Democrats, as a whole, use it to rile out voters in Presidential years.

All for what? It's never going to be overturned or substantially-curbed. Democratic leadership knows it, Republican leadership knows it--even if the GOP managed to end legal abortion, it would end them as a viable party as they were swept out in the next series of elections only to see reproductive choice reinstated and their opportunities on the issue ended.

It's time to end the charade and tell values conservatives that we're not going to pretend to wage this fight, it only harms us (the GOP) at the ballot box."


Fortunately for us, the GOP doesn't listen even to their own smart people...and the GOP leadership still knows they really don't want to end or impair abortion access--they just want to talk about curbing abortion access. The same is true of healthcare reform...it's a nuclear football they want to talk about to rile up the conservative base but they never want to "go off" because it will end them.

dsc

(52,130 posts)
72. really
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 09:20 AM
Oct 2015

wanna bet on this? Frankly I think the current one will gut Roe V Wade by upholding Texas' law which is a defacto ban on abortion for most of the state. Kennedy has yet to find a restriction on abortion he feels is an undue burden and I don't think he will be finding one soon. Simply upholding the requirement for admitting privileges would make abortions impossible to obtain in wide swaths of the country. Yes, the words Roe V Wade will exist but that is about all.

Major Hogwash

(17,656 posts)
142. When Dubya Bush was in the White House and the Republicans controlled both Houses of Congress . . .
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 04:00 PM
Oct 2015

. . . not 1 single bill was presented in either House to overturn Roe v Wade.
Such a bill as that would have been sent by the fastest courier in Washington D.C. straight to President Bush's desk, and signed before lunchtime that very day!!

So, why didn't it happen?

Because the Republicans have been huffing and bluffing about overturning Roe v Wade for over 30 years!!
In the early part of this century, the Republicans were caught with their pants down, looking like deer caught in the headlights . . . they were paralyzed.
They had the power, they had the majority in BOTH Houses of Congress, they had Dimson in the White House --- they controlled the federal government!!

So, why didn't they pass a bill into law to overturn Roe v Wade?

Because it would have removed the single, most effective wedge issue the Republicans use every 2 years when they run for office against Democrats who defend Roe v Wade!!

The Republicans are chickenshits!!
The entire GOP party is made up of chickenshits!!!

 

Indepatriot

(1,253 posts)
36. ^^^^^^^^^ + 1,000 ^^^^^^^^
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 08:27 AM
Oct 2015

I would add, I have two young children, and the continuation of the status quo is terrifying to me. If the "shit is gonna hit the fan" better now than later. I'm 54 yrs-old, and had the promise of a great nation yanked from under my generation by the GOP nut jobs and their Third-Way enablers. It's Bernie or nothing for me. Period. I will vote for my local LIBERALS, but if HRC gets the nod she'll go to battle without my financial or, more importantly, my volunteer help. I worked my ass off to help President Obama get elected, but will not lift a finger for Hillary. I know at least a dozen active liberals who feel the same.

 

TM99

(8,352 posts)
59. I am Gen-X as well.
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 09:05 AM
Oct 2015

We are the forgotten generation.

Between the glut of Boomers who created this mess and the upcoming mass of Millennials, we are overlooked.

So many of us are saddle with debt - from credit to education loans to medical debt. We have lost jobs or see no prospect for advancement. We were sold out on 401K's and private investment options and now bullshit like no COLA's increases and means testing of Soc Sec are promoted by Dems as well as the GOP who wants to completely gut the system.

I am done playing the game.

edgineered

(2,101 posts)
47. Nicely stated.
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 08:48 AM
Oct 2015

The risk of beating someone relentlessly and unmercifully is that the pain from being beat will be replaced by many things far worse: desire for revenge, suppressed feelings, hardened heart, etc.

We've been beaten enough. Although we have begged you to stop you wouldn't, you punished us more. Now you are not trusted enough to help and no one wants to wear the shame of being the weak victim that you taught everyone to hate.

GoneFishin

(5,217 posts)
5. Not giving in to blackmail. I don't begrudge those who choose to give in. It's their vote.
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 06:31 AM
Oct 2015

Mine is mine. And I won't feed the political blackmail machine any longer.

Rahm Emanuel asked rhetorically "where else are they going to go?". That confirmed 100% what I already knew, which is that they don't give a shit about democratic principles.

I will never vote Republican, and I will vote Democratic on down ticket races. But I won't give in to corporatist blackmail. I just won't play that game.

Response to GoneFishin (Reply #5)

 

geek75

(102 posts)
43. What blackmail
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 08:44 AM
Oct 2015

Do you need to go through a Trump presidency to get it where Trump takes away our freedoms? We already suffered through eight years of Bush. Trump is much worse.
Common sense is voting for the best realistic option available. Bernie in the primary and I hope the general. Regardless the democrat in the general. Not because it's a democrat, but because whoever it is will be much much much better than Trump.

jeff47

(26,549 posts)
79. Try rereading your first sentence.
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 09:40 AM
Oct 2015

And this time, realize you are doing the blackmail that the poster describes.

 

geek75

(102 posts)
95. Then go ahead allow in Trump
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 10:21 AM
Oct 2015

and I hope you don't have any Hispanic friends of family because Trump will deport them. Sometimes votes have to be against someone.

jeff47

(26,549 posts)
96. And yet more blackmail.
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 10:30 AM
Oct 2015

How about giving voters a reason to vote for a Democrat instead of against a Republican.

 

Betty Karlson

(7,231 posts)
10. "Who else are those f*cking retards going to vote for" depressed turn-out.
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 06:57 AM
Oct 2015

Taking progressive voters for granted achieved nothing.

Sitting on the fence on gay rights, health care reform, et alia, achieved nothing.

EDITED to add: turn-out is a two-way street.

joshcryer

(62,265 posts)
37. Progressive voters turn out.
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 08:27 AM
Oct 2015

Disaffected independents, disappointed moderates, and the youth don't turn out.

And note I'm talking about turn out in general, in 2012 the Green Party got more votes than it had gotten since 2000. So even the disappointed progressives still voted. But overall turnout is depressed by this "there's nothing to vote for" rhetoric. And that's exactly what the Republicans depend on. The Republicans can only win if they depress the vote. That's their only lasting strategy. It's not Democrats making people have to show ID at the polling station, it's not Democrats doing all sorts of polling subterfuge. It's the Republicans.

Turnout is key.

If we had 100% turnout the Democrats would never lose an election and Congress would have supermajorities of Democrats.

But nope, the meme must be hammered home. There's nothing good to vote for. Don't vote. Stay home. Sit home. Don't do anything.

Then the people on the left saying it go off and vote for their token third party candidate and feel oh so good about themselves for being pure. While Congress goes rightward and nothing gets done.

 

artislife

(9,497 posts)
110. Usually people who vote green or other
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 11:32 AM
Oct 2015

still vote for local dems more often or not.

It isn't all for one and one for all.

Which is what is kind of pissing off the Democratic Party.


I will vote for the Dems locally, I vote in a repubican district on the east side. I vote for the most left on everything.

joshcryer

(62,265 posts)
144. This is true.
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 06:31 PM
Oct 2015

But even then the local guy loses due to those same leftists talking down the vote. That's what happened in 2010 & 2014.

 

geek75

(102 posts)
44. All the major dems are now for gay rights
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 08:46 AM
Oct 2015

Trump is anti gay, anti abortion, and a xenophobe. No democrat is close to that.

 

pinebox

(5,761 posts)
106. Are they?
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 11:18 AM
Oct 2015

I'm not so sure but this may be worth checking into to see if they've all changed their minds. Granted it's 2 years old.

Gay Marriage Rights: The 10 Democratic Senators Who Still Say No
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/26/gay-marriage-rights_n_2957319.html

Capt. Obvious

(9,002 posts)
147. Jury results
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 08:41 PM
Oct 2015

On Mon Oct 19, 2015, 05:31 PM an alert was sent on the following post:

"Who else are those f*cking retards going to vote for" depressed turn-out.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1251&pid=700419

REASON FOR ALERT

This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate.

ALERTER'S COMMENTS

"Who else are those retards going to vote for?" No one said that, so the quotes are disingenuous. And "retarded"? Really?

You served on a randomly-selected Jury of DU members which reviewed this post. The review was completed at Mon Oct 19, 2015, 05:36 PM, and the Jury voted 3-4 to LEAVE IT.

Juror #1 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: Nice language!
Juror #2 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No idea why this was alerted. This sentiment is somewhat widely held here at DU.
Juror #3 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: You should have just left the alert at the use of retards. Your claiming that use of quotation marks as a hide worthy annoys me.
Juror #4 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: "Et alia" is used incorrectly here. It means "and others" in the sense of people or names. "Et cetera" is the correct phrase here. The misuse of Latin phrases is annoying but not offensive.
Juror #5 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #6 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: Agree with the alerter. Pick a different word next time.
Juror #7 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: hiding ""retards" needs no explanation, does it?

Thank you very much for participating in our Jury system, and we hope you will be able to participate again in the future.

 

Motown_Johnny

(22,308 posts)
11. Who says they won't vote for the nominee?
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 07:01 AM
Oct 2015

I keep seeing these accusations but I don't see anyone claiming that they won't vote for whoever is nominated.

Are the former PUMAs just projecting their actions onto others?



 

NCTraveler

(30,481 posts)
22. I've seen well over twenty people make the claim.
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 07:31 AM
Oct 2015

It's pretty common here and not east to miss. All but on has been a Sanders supporter. Yes, they are PUMA-like. You nailed it.

cantbeserious

(13,039 posts)
12. I Will Vote For The Candidate Of My Choosing Via Write-In Ballot If Necessary - That Is My Right
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 07:02 AM
Oct 2015

What would I accomplish; my vote starves the corrupt DNC DLC Third-Way Beast of power.

onenote

(42,374 posts)
60. If you think that is the only thing that is accomplished by the election of a republican
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 09:08 AM
Oct 2015

you must live in a bubble.

edgineered

(2,101 posts)
148. Allow everyone to vote as they please in the elections.
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 09:04 PM
Oct 2015

Pass out pencils in the parking lot of your local polling place.

 

1StrongBlackMan

(31,849 posts)
34. The exact same result as not voting for HRC or O'Malley ...
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 08:22 AM
Oct 2015

the unthinkable ... a republican President.

joshdawg

(2,637 posts)
50. ^^^^THIS^^^^
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 08:51 AM
Oct 2015

If one does not vote for the Democratic nominee, republicans win.
If one votes third party or write-in, republicans win.
If one doesn't vote, republicans win.
If one votes for the republican, the country loses..............big time.

Whether it's Sanders, Clinton, or any other Democratic candidate who gets the nomination, they have my vote, plain and simple.

Fawke Em

(11,366 posts)
113. This is simply not true:
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 11:53 AM
Oct 2015
If one does not vote for the Democratic nominee, republicans win.
If one votes third party or write-in, republicans win.
If one doesn't vote, republicans win.
If one votes for the republican, the country loses..............big time.


My state is SOLID RED. I can vote for the Green candidates for president and vote for Democrats down ticket. Chances are that the ONLY Democrats who will be elected are the ones in my city, which is a Blue City in a Red State.

I could vote for the Democratic nominee, but Republicans would still win (in my state).

Your premise just fell apart.

joshdawg

(2,637 posts)
150. Yeah, well, just look what happened in the mid-terms.
Tue Oct 20, 2015, 03:06 AM
Oct 2015

My premise still stands.
Don't vote and republicans win.
Vote third party and republicans win.

Republicans will vote all or most of the time every election. Democrats get a little complacent or lazy or whatever and when they don't vote, guess what................republicans win.

 

1StrongBlackMan

(31,849 posts)
99. Which district is solidly Blue enough where we (Democrats) can afford your strategy? ...
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 11:04 AM
Oct 2015

For example, if all (or a decided majority of) Bernie supporters in NY or Mass. follow your "send a message" strategy; NY or Mass. turn from solidly Blue to purple (or worse, red-leaning). Right?

thesquanderer

(11,954 posts)
108. I would suggest looking at the most current polling before anyone did this.
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 11:20 AM
Oct 2015

But my guess is that Hillary would easily win New York in the general even without the votes of those Bernie supporters who would even consider not voting for her in the general.

If it's at ALL close, then no, don't do it. I had no problem with Nader running, but I wouldn't endorse voting for him in Florida. (Though I'm not one of those who lays the Florida issue entirely at Nader's feet, either.)

And again to clarify, it's not "my" strategy, it's something I see as reasonable. Personally, I support Bernie, but I expect Hillary to win the nomination and I expect to vote for her in the general, even though I'm in a solidly blue state. I generally prefer Bernie's positions and think he has deeper true convictions about them, but I still think Hillary would make a good president.

That said, as unlikely as Bernie is to get the nomination, I do think he would be the stronger candidate in the general. (See my post #30 at http://www.democraticunderground.com/1251700505 and also post #139 at http://www.democraticunderground.com/1251697741 ) So to the extent that "winning in November is the thing," I think HRC supporters should really consider that in more depth.

(edited to add the first URL that was accidentally left out)

 

Android3.14

(5,402 posts)
14. I despise blackmail, loyalty oaths and those who promote them
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 07:10 AM
Oct 2015

Suppose there are only two restaurants in town, both of them shitty (but one slightly less shitty). You know what we receive by supporting the slightly less shitty restaurant? Shit.

You know what we accomplish by not patronizing those establishments? They go the fuck out of business, and we build better restaurants.

 

BrainDrain

(244 posts)
19. BINGO!...sort of
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 07:22 AM
Oct 2015


It's my vote and if I decide I can't hold my nose hard enough to keep the stink out, then NO I won't vote for someone "Just because they would be better than a republican". That's like saying "I'll take hot bamboo under the finger nails instead of the thumb screws." Android is right, if we don't vote for the crap they hand us, then eventually they will stop handing us crap. BUT, and this is a big BUT, we the people, as a group, must make "them" and by them I mean the third-wayer's etc etc., understand that we mean it, and you know what, there are always other places to go to, whether they believe it or not.

The CCC

(463 posts)
21. I despise blackmail, loyalty oaths and those who promote them
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 07:27 AM
Oct 2015

About 47% of the patrons will go to the Republican restaurant, and about 47% will go to the Democratic restaurant. Both restaurants will do quite well without your patronage. The remaining 6% decide which will get the most patrons. Your not patronizing either does nothing, but make sure the Republican restaurant stays in business.

If voting doesn't matter why are Republicans so hell bent on trying to keep you from it?

 

TM99

(8,352 posts)
29. Wrong!
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 08:01 AM
Oct 2015

Actually 30% of all registered voters are Dems and another 30% are GOP. Both will not get all 30% of those patrons either.

The remaining 40% will decide whether either stay in business.

 

Android3.14

(5,402 posts)
91. I sure hope so. This primary season has been such a corporate cluster fuck
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 09:59 AM
Oct 2015

It is difficult to see how the process is expressing a democratic ideal with the corporate takeover of the Democratic Party.

 

1StrongBlackMan

(31,849 posts)
101. Exactly; but, ...
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 11:08 AM
Oct 2015
If voting doesn't matter why are Republicans so hell bent on trying to keep you from it?


It is (largely) NOT them, that the republicans are trying to keep from voting. They are hell-bent on keeping those that will definitely vote Democratic from voting ... while they sit back and hope the others will follow DU's advice to send a message.
 

NCTraveler

(30,481 posts)
16. It is a game to some...
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 07:20 AM
Oct 2015

And is completely based in white privilege and ego for most. Abortion isn't a big deal to them because traveling hundreds of miles is easy for them. Racial equality doesn't matter to them because they live in neighborhoods that simple don't have these problems(Remember NRN, "we already solved that problem&quot . The kicker is that their money isn't Gates like money and won't be enough to protect them from the thirty plus more years of the continued conservative Supreme Court they are going to give us.

The rest are no different than the LIV's Rand attracts who vote against their best interests. When we talk about LIV's, this wishy washy group is often exactly who is being discussed.

 

NCTraveler

(30,481 posts)
124. I agree that those who believe they are so pure that they will be sitting out the election....
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 12:28 PM
Oct 2015

if Hillary wins in the primary aren't Sanders supporters. Right wingers. Stupid. Self-centered. Might be a stray Sanders supporter in there but for the most part they are trolls.

rpannier

(24,304 posts)
17. My Purity Will Be Intact
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 07:20 AM
Oct 2015

Because it's all about me...

Or something like that

To paraphrase Barry Goldwater who correctly lamented the close bonds being developed between the Republicans and fundies, "...Politics and governing demand compromise. But these ... believe they are acting in the ..., so they can't and won't compromise...."

Martin Eden

(12,802 posts)
23. There is nothing to accomplish by voting FOR the Dem nominee, IF ...
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 07:40 AM
Oct 2015

... you live in a solidly Red or Blue state. In which case, be sure to vote in the important congressional & local races, and vote for the best candidate (possibly 3rd party) for POTUS. I would love to see a real challenge to the stranglehold of the Two Party system, though for that to happen we need Instant Runoff Voting.

Many of us older voters are sick and tired of having to hold our noses when casting ballots. We've had enough of voting for candidates we don't believe in, just to keep the R out of office. Voting for the establishment/corporate candidate serves to reinforce that power structure when we desperately need to wrest political power away from them.

Hillary Clinton forever lost my vote in October 2002 when she voted to give GW Bush authority to invade Iraq. There is absolutely no reasonable excuse for it, and the consequences have been beyond disastrous. Furthermore, her recent speech at the Brookings Institution clearly reveals she is very much a hawk and likely to continue our horrible and costly course of militarism in the Middle East. Add to that her close ties to Wall Street and her neoliberal/DLC political roots, she is pretty much the epitome of what is wrong with the Democratic Party today.

Voting for Hillary Clinton goes against everything I believe we need to accomplish in changing the disastrous course of our Party and our country.

Nevertheless I would hold my nose and do it if there was the remotest chance of the Republican presidential candidate winning my home state of Illinois because that would be a bigger disaster, at least in the short term. Something tells me a bigger disaster is necessary to spur The People into the kind of political revolution this country needs, but I'm not ready to cross that threshold yet.

A Hillary Clinton presidency would delay the despearately needed change, and make it harder to accomplish the needed change through the Democratic Party because it would reinforce the faction that has to be eradicated.

onenote

(42,374 posts)
67. How would a Clinton presidency delay change?
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 09:15 AM
Oct 2015

When a republican presidency would accelerate change in the wrong direction: voting rights, gay rights, abortion rights, and on and on. Moreover, with the almost certain opportunity to name one or two justices to the SCOTUS, those rights would be set back for a generation. At least.

Do you think there are a lot of repubs out there that think a Sanders presidency would be preferable to a Bush presidency because it would "delay" the change that they'd get if only Trump or Cruz or Carson was elected?

jeff47

(26,549 posts)
84. By keeping the neoliberals in power within the party.
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 09:47 AM
Oct 2015

We have to clean out our own party, regardless of what is going on in the Republican party.

Martin Eden

(12,802 posts)
107. jeff47 provided the answer
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 11:18 AM
Oct 2015

Also, you apparently ignored the big IF in my subject title as well as the text of my post in which I explicitly stated I'd vote for the Dem nominee IF there was the remotest chance of the Republican winning my home state of Illinois.

Your question is predicated on a false assumption.

 

geek75

(102 posts)
53. Yup and we can start reversing it
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 08:53 AM
Oct 2015

by voting.

If anyone you know is not registered, time to register. The prospect of xenophobe Donald Trump should be enough. Very scary.

Fawke Em

(11,366 posts)
70. I contend the people saying this are voting - just not for the
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 09:18 AM
Oct 2015

Red or the Blue team.

They are voting third-party.

jeff47

(26,549 posts)
85. Then perhaps our party should do something different to attract voters
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 09:48 AM
Oct 2015

instead of relying on "AHHH!! Scary Republicans!!".

 

Jan Bunson

(35 posts)
31. Sound and Fury signifying Nothing
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 08:06 AM
Oct 2015

I think that those who "threaten" to not vote for the OTHER candidate are engaging in hyperbole in order to impress on the OTHER's constituency how much they don't favor that candidate.

Those threats are just that.
Nearly every person here will vote Dem next November.
No matter what they say now.

Don't let it get to you.

This is the only OP on this issue that will post a reply to.
Thanks for the opportunity.

FreedomRain

(413 posts)
32. my primary vote is for Bernie
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 08:15 AM
Oct 2015

In the GE, I probably would vote for the democratic nominee whoever she or he may be. and certainly down ticket, unless I have reservations about the fitness for office of a particular candidate. These rarely happen, but when they do I just vote Green party or even a Republican if they are exceptional-very rare indeed

What I hope to accomplish with this is to vote my preference like any other voter. (And I certainly respect the choice of other voters who vote party line no matter what, or oppositely withhold their vote for a candidate they cannot stand.) It seems like you are asking for some kind of strategic goals. I find these not generally worth it, the signal you are trying to send is so likely to be lost in the random noise of the data. I guess i do keep that somewhat in mind though when voting for a Green party candidate, hoping they get the percentage they need to qualify for matching funds, or auto-listing on ballots. I like having that voice represented. Again, it is usually the Dem candidate with a better chance of actually implementing Green policies anyway.

Loki

(3,825 posts)
33. I'm not sure who I will vote for yet
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 08:17 AM
Oct 2015

I'm leaning toward Hillary , but I love the ideas that Bernie is bringing to the table. But I also know, neither nominee would EVER tell me to stay home and not vote for my party's nominee. As a Democrat, I recognize the absolutely predictable disaster that would await this country should we allow a Republican to be President, control the House and Senate. Lincoln alluded to it in one of his speeches about out nation never being conquered from foreign enemies from across the ocea, but we will be the masters of our own demise by suicide. The election of a Republican President in this kind of political atmosphere would be catastrophic. I'm not selfish enough to think that by not voting, I'll teach someone a lesson, no I will have to take responsibility for the pain that will be directed toward the people who will have the least ability to protect themselves against the Republican onslaught of their own brand of domestic terrorism. And don't fool yourself, no one will be safe or unaffected.

Vinca

(50,170 posts)
35. I will vote for my candidate in the primary and vote against the GOP in the general.
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 08:22 AM
Oct 2015

It's a shame this wasn't like the last 2 elections, but those were an exception to the norm. I'm glad I lived to see one election (2008) that caused me to sob with joy on election night.

 

bowens43

(16,064 posts)
42. Don't expect to accomplish anything other then keeping my integrity intact.
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 08:42 AM
Oct 2015

We are in this mess because we have accepted that we will vote for the lesser of two evils. After voting a straight Democratic ticket in every election since 1976 I'm done with that. Hillary, IMO is NOT an acceptable choice for President. I wouldn't vote for her any sooner then I would vote for trump or cruz or one of the other unacceptable candidates.

onenote

(42,374 posts)
68. Groovy for your integrity
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 09:16 AM
Oct 2015

Not so much for voting rights, women's rights, abortion rights, gay rights, etc etc etc.

 

Lizzie Poppet

(10,164 posts)
105. My vote won't make the slightest different on those issues...
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 11:15 AM
Oct 2015

...or any others. While I'll track the polls to be sure there aren't too many people who feel like I do, there's basically no way in hell my state's Electors go to the Republican. I don't have to hold my nose and vote for a Third Way corporatist in order to avoid effectively voting for an even worse candidate.

onenote

(42,374 posts)
115. So you really hope most people don't feel like you do.
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 12:06 PM
Oct 2015

Do I have this right? You actually do want the Democratic party nominee to win, but unless enough other people are willing to vote for the Democratic nominee (either holding their noses or enthusiastically) you don't want to affirmatively support that result.

If that's your idea of integrity, so be it.

 

Lizzie Poppet

(10,164 posts)
131. I doubt I need to hope that, regardless.
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 01:34 PM
Oct 2015

There's damn little chance of my state going "red." While I actually woudl like to see the anachronistic Electoral College abolished, one of its few good points is that in cases like Oregon, it frees those who might truly despise that "lesser of two evils" candidate from having to make a choice that makes them feel dirty and traitorous to their own principles.

Sorry, but "slightly less of a corporate tool than the Republican" isn't a choice I will make unless I genuinely have no choice. The lack of a competitive race in my state would allow a different choice.

thesquanderer

(11,954 posts)
54. A serious answer to your question
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 08:56 AM
Oct 2015

and basically the same as I posted to someone else who asked the same question...

If you're in a swing state, I agree, vote for the Dem no matter who it is, for a host of reasons, not the least of which is that we can't afford to have a Republican appoint the next Supreme Court justice.

But you know, if you live in New York or some other state that is definitely giving its elecoral votes to the Dem candidate no matter what, then there's no risk that not voting Dem is actually going to help put a Repub in the WH.

In that case, when there are no "real" stakes, someone might easily prefer to use his or her vote to send a message, by voting for the Green candidate or whatever. Or even just stay home, because they don't want to be part of a perception of an even bigger popular vote win for the victor. Maybe you'd prefer that the candidate who doesn't sufficiently support your views win, but not necessarily by margins that indicate overwhelming support. Maybe it's worth doing what you can to help send a message about the direction you really want the country to go in. At least as long as you're not really helping putting a Republican in the WH.

onenote

(42,374 posts)
62. if you're right and a Democrat can win without the votes of Sanders' supporters
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 09:11 AM
Oct 2015

then what incentive is there for the party to move in the direction wanted by Sanders' supporters?

onenote

(42,374 posts)
92. So basically you are saying you hope most voters don't think or act like you do
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 10:02 AM
Oct 2015

Since if they all did (i.e., if they withheld their support from the Democratic candidate in the GE), the Democratic candidate would lose and it seems you don't want that to happen. So, essentially, you want the Democratic candidate to win, but aren't willing to actually lend your affirmative support to that happening so long as enough other are willing to do so. Regular profile in courage.

thesquanderer

(11,954 posts)
97. Please don't put words in my mouth.
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 10:40 AM
Oct 2015

I was explaining what I see as a reasonable position, not saying what I would do. Personally, although I support Sanders, I expect that Hillary will win the nomination, and I expect to vote for her in the general, even though I live in a solidly blue state.

That said, if someone in a solidly blue state sees polls that assure him that blue candidate X will win, but he really sees candidate X only as the lesser of two evils--or really wants to show support for the Green party or whatever in those cases where it is viable and/or non-destrctive to do so--then I think not voting for candidate X in that situation is perfectly defensible. I would not sarcastically accuse that person of demonstrating a "regular profile in courage." Any more than I would accuse someone who votes for someone they don't care for as being a hypocrite. Either way, there is a bigger picture to look at.

Fawke Em

(11,366 posts)
61. In some states it really doesn't matter!!
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 09:09 AM
Oct 2015

Solidly red or solidly blue states are going to give their Electoral College votes to the Republican or the Democrat, respectively, so, sadly, you vote doesn't do much anyway.

The only states were your vote may count (if tallied correctly) is in the swing states.

thesquanderer

(11,954 posts)
86. Also, if you strongly support a candidate...
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 09:48 AM
Oct 2015

...there is a political/PR advantage for that candidate if s/he wins by a bigger popular vote margin than a smaller one. (Well, I guess that's a variation of kvetching rights... but for the candidate rather than the voter!)

restorefreedom

(12,655 posts)
66. there have been so many good reasons given by others
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 09:13 AM
Oct 2015

i will add one more thought.

with the mounting evidence that Wasserman Schultz is rigging the game for Hillary, she's the one you have to talk to you if you don't like the results of the general. Every piece of democratic machinery is coming together to pave the way for Hillary to get the nomination. And then they want to turn around and blame us if that nominee loses the general. nope. If you guys truly believe that Hillary deserves the nomination because of her attributes, then you should be just as angry at this game rigging is anyone else. Should be able to win the nomination based on merits. some of us refuse to play a rigged game. decades of participating in rigged games is how we've gotten into the situation in the first place and lost our democracy.

when the fight is fixed, and a nonprogressive corporate hawk is shoved down our throats due to an unfair democratic process, then the entity that did the shoving has no right to complain about the results afterwards. they OWN the results of the general.

jeff47

(26,549 posts)
75. Hopefully make the party realize "who else you gonna vote for?" is a terrible strategy.
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 09:26 AM
Oct 2015

They didn't get the message in 2000, 2002, 2004, 2010 or 2014.

redstateblues

(10,565 posts)
89. Maybe Nader will get in the race
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 09:58 AM
Oct 2015

Maybe we could undo all the good that Obama has done. Of course I'm sure that all the Obama haters on DU would disagree that he has been a good President. Democratic Underground ain't what it used to be.

jeff47

(26,549 posts)
93. I apologize that reality does not conform to your political views.
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 10:07 AM
Oct 2015

But keep going with blaming the voters for terrible strategy by candidates. I'm sure that will totally change the outcome of the terrible strategy.

onenote

(42,374 posts)
118. Yet in the end, you really don't want a republican to get elected and would prefer a Clinton win
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 12:12 PM
Oct 2015

over a repub win. Right?

jeff47

(26,549 posts)
120. I get no say in the matter.
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 12:19 PM
Oct 2015

If Clinton is the nominee, she can't win my state (NC).

It's a rural-urban divide swing state. To overcome the rural voters who always vote, you need a large urban turnout. Obama got that in 2008, and failed in 2012.

Clinton has no chance of doing that. The Republicans are so excited to vote against Clinton that I expect we'll need mops to clean up the polling booths.

So the only "say" I get is in the primary. If Clinton is the nominee, I get no choice in the general - my state will be giving its electoral votes to the Republican.

(Sanders or O'Malley would still have a hard time in NC, but not impossible. And since there are easier states to win in order to get to 270, they're unlikely to campaign here to change that)

I'd prefer Clinton to an insane Republican. I don't see much space between her and a moderate Republican. Both are going to seek out a "warm purple space" to placate the insane members of the Republican party.

And given Clinton's track record, and support for the bad parts of her husband's administration, I'm going to be the bargaining chip thrown to the wolves.

onenote

(42,374 posts)
127. So your answer is yes, you'd prefer Clinton to a repub.
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 12:36 PM
Oct 2015

"I'd prefer Clinton to an insane Republican."
I'm curious which "non-insane" Repub you think is running for President and whether you think this so-called "moderate" would appoint the same folks to the SCOTUS as Clinton.

jeff47

(26,549 posts)
128. No, it's prefer to an insane Republican, and "won't matter" versus a moderate Republican.
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 12:40 PM
Oct 2015
I'm curious which "non-insane" Repub you think is running

At this point, I don't know. The Republican field is currently trying to out-crazy each other.

whether you think this so-called "moderate" would appoint the same folks to the SCOTUS as Clinton.

Yes, the party that "cleared the road" for a massively conservative serial sexual abuser totally has the upper hand on SCOTUS nominees.
 

HassleCat

(6,409 posts)
78. Here is the theory
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 09:38 AM
Oct 2015

By voting for the candidate the DNC gives us, we reinforce the authority of the DNC to choose a succession of candidates just like what they have been giving us since 1980. If we want candidates not so closely tied to corporate interests, candidates willing to stand up for traditional Democratic values, we have to reject what the DNC forces upon us. Only when the "authorized" candidate loses by a big margin in the general election will we get something different.

So far, there is no indication this theory is any good. We have been losing seats in congress, governors, state legislators, county and local officials for the past 35 years, and the candidates we offer to the voters have been consistently afraid to challenge Republican social Darwinism as public policy. Our only chance to change things is to nominate someone like Bernie Sanders and elect him to office. It doesn't have to be restricted to the presidency. We can, and should, change the party by electing progressives at all levels of government.

CBGLuthier

(12,723 posts)
81. What does promising to vote for any nominee even one that is compromised achieve?
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 09:43 AM
Oct 2015

More of the same old shit. Like Kodos and Kang on The Simpsons, go ahead fools you are stuck with the two party system.

seaglass

(8,170 posts)
82. People who don't vote are selfish. Their "principles" are more important than other people's lives.
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 09:46 AM
Oct 2015

I have never voted for a candidate that I have not compromised my beliefs for.

I am against drone warfare and don't want innocent blood on my hands. Which viable Democratic candidate supports my beliefs?

It would feel so much better to sit home on my ass (whoops I mean principles) and teach those Democrats a lesson for not agreeing with my priorities! Who cares if the result is electing a Republican, it's not my responsibility to care about the harm they would cause, it's the Democrats fault for being a bunch of sell-outs!

Voting is the LEAST we can do.

Boomer

(4,159 posts)
83. I can compromise, but capitulation is more difficult
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 09:46 AM
Oct 2015

Bernie Sanders doesn't just reflect my values, he's also the last small ray of hope that we can wrestle our country back from the financial oligarchy.

At least for now, Clinton is the only other viable candidate likely to win the nomination and voting for her is akin to hammering in the last nail of the coffin on democracy. She may throw a few social issue crumbs my way, but she'll protect the fundamental structure of rapacious capitalism. Her base is Wall Street/bankers.

I'll vote, but this is the first election where the thought of not-voting really does cross my mind.

 

davidn3600

(6,342 posts)
87. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz doesn't control my vote
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 09:49 AM
Oct 2015

...and neither do Hillary supporters trying to use the GOP to scare me into voting for Hillary.

 

randome

(34,845 posts)
88. It's your vote. If you're not going to use it for yourself, why waste it?
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 09:58 AM
Oct 2015

Why not help out those who prefer Clinton to Sanders?
[hr][font color="blue"][center]A ton of bricks, a ton of feathers, it's still gonna hurt.[/center][/font][hr]

 

artislife

(9,497 posts)
90. I always vote
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 09:59 AM
Oct 2015

My state sends me a ballot each and every time along with a voter's pamphlet. It is so easy to sit and study the measurements, look up bios on judges and read about the candidates. It is a shame that every voter in every state doesn't have such an easy time voting.

NCtraveler said it was basically like White privilege to sit out the vote if unhappy with the candidates. Not each voter, but generally those who do not vote are of this class. And this poster is not the only one to post this viewpoint and I understand it.

Going back to my ballot, sometimes there is no information on candidates for some job at the Port or where ever. I used to just pick one based on name or intuition or closing my eyes and putting my finger down. About 7 or so elections ago, I thought about that. It was silly. So from then on, if I didn't know or saw no difference, I didn't mark that part of the ballot

Getting to White privilege or being unaffected by who is in office, I will state that I am a Latina Xer. I have no husband, no family wealth, run a business that keeps me fed and housed but not much else and I am empathetic to all who suffer.

We all have issues that are important to us. Scotus, women's rights, civil rights, income equality, ERA, food, climate, national security, veterans affairs, children, animals....you get my drift.

What happens is that we see the opponents as not being interested in our issue and we use that issue to instill fear if our candidate does not get elected. When the supporters do not "care enough" about our issue, we see them as selfish, greedy and privileged because they are not affected by our issue.

My issue? First-the health of the planet.

I think we have run elections, the government and this country in short term goals. We have done nothing that affects the land in terms of long term care. We have a crumbling infrastructure, contaminated ground water, poisonous food supply, a policing department that is geared to squelching the people instead of serving the people, wars against each new mushroom of terror that pops up around the world.

The issue is that this election is people looking at 8 years ahead or people looking at 100 years ahead.

Short term, any dem will do. It will help keep the crisis of electing a new Scotus member, keep Roe v Wade intact, maybe get some criminal justice for the genocide of the African American community and maybe get a few more dems elected down ticket.


Long term, one will do. There needs to be an incredible shift in the this country to actually challenge the structures in place in our energy platforms, our economic platforms, bio diversity, policing, foreign policy, education, civil rights, immigration due to war, climate change and the natural patterns of movement.

So when we are arguing with each other about this election and why we think one side is greedy and selfish and the other side is myopic and simplistic, we have to ask ourselves if we are 8 years ahead or 100 years ahead people. And remember that there is merit and shittiness to both visions.

edgineered

(2,101 posts)
146. very nicely said
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 08:36 PM
Oct 2015

We will never be a concern to establishment type politicians as long as we accept one piece of corn at a time, like a pigeon in a cage. What you said.

Short term, any dem will do. It will help keep the crisis of electing a new Scotus member, keep Roe v Wade intact, maybe get some criminal justice for the genocide of the African American community and maybe get a few more dems elected down ticket.
 

pinebox

(5,761 posts)
103. I'll tell you why
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 11:13 AM
Oct 2015

This is one thing that really makes up a big difference between Bernie supporters and Hillary supporters.
Many of Bernie supporters are sick of the system. We're indy voters, not Dems and we're fed up with the 2 party bullshit. Want an example? Look at what's happening with the DNC right now. That sort of stuff not only screams corruption, it screams "typical politician" and that is exactly what is wrong with things.

We see Hillary not as an answer but part of the exact problem which we're facing. Her wavering positions with whatever way the wind blows, her decades of controversy dating back basically to the 70s, her stances on the issues are literally to conservative, on and on. We're fed up. Plain and simple.

This below says it all exactly what I & myself are all about. We refuse to vote for the "lesser of 2 evils" when there are other choices with who represents us. No status quo.



 

artislife

(9,497 posts)
111. It does seem the the Democratic Party needs
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 11:37 AM
Oct 2015

Bernie's supporters more than they need the Democratic Party as it is.

This might be something to keep in mind, for them.

Sure, a lot will come and vote for the big D in November 2016, but a lot won't. It won't be disappointing their party, they may feel like it isn't theirs to begin with.

onenote

(42,374 posts)
117. I think the point here is that once we get to the general election
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 12:09 PM
Oct 2015

the choice is essentially binary: either a Democrat gets elected or a repub. If you don't support the election of the Democrat you are helping elect a repub. Maybe it's not the Democrat you wanted. I want Bernie to get the nomination. I'll vote for him in the primary. But if he doesn't get the nomination, I will be supporting Clinton. Because I couldn't live with myself if I didn't help elect a Democrat and defeat a repub.

onenote

(42,374 posts)
125. I guess you're one of those that doesn't see any difference between
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 12:33 PM
Oct 2015

Thomas, Scalia and Alito on the one hand and Kagan and Sotomayor on the other.

Which is truly sad.

onenote

(42,374 posts)
135. My member of Congress was not among the 89 who voted for that cut
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 02:23 PM
Oct 2015

And I made sure he knew before hand where I stood on the issue, which was against the cut.

So, let's get back to the point you ignored. Simple question. Do you see a difference between the members of the Supreme Court appointed by repub presidents and the ones appointed by Democratic presidents? And do you think that there will be no difference between a SCOTUS justice appointed by a president Clinton than one appointed by a President Jeb Bush (or any of the other repubs running for office?

 

pinebox

(5,761 posts)
136. However many Dems were
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 02:40 PM
Oct 2015

If you honestly think my vote matters, you're sadly mistaken. I'll vote whomever I feel like voting for and who best represents me as a person. Also are you forgetting that Roberts was appointed by Bush and he's let much of the high profile cases stand and awarded Obama victory? There's not a chance that a radical RW judge would get through congress.

You speak of how there's a huge difference but in reality, let's not leave out Hillary's Walmart and Monsanto ties either. Not to mention her refusal to back a national minimum wage of $15/hr. Thanks but no thanks.

onenote

(42,374 posts)
137. "There's not much chance a radical RW judge would get through Congress"
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 02:57 PM
Oct 2015

I guess Scalia (confirmed before Roberts), Alito (confirmed after) got in without being confirmed. Must have missed that.

And apart from the first ACA case, in what high profile case did Roberts provide the deciding vote? You indicated that it was "much" of them so it shouldn't be hard for you to name a few. In fact, I'm curious as to what other high profile cases he awarded Obama a victory by voting with Kagan, Sotomayor, Ginsburg, and Breyer and against Scalia Thomas and Alito?

Do you think the same sex marriage case was not a high profile case?

Here are a couple of other cases where Roberts was on the losing side with Kagan, Sotomayor, Ginsburg and Breyer and on the winning side -- cases in which the appointment by a repub president of a replacement for any of those four would have undoubtedly changed the outcome of the case:

Affirmation of authority of voters to move redistricting from legislature to independent commission.
Affirmation that housing discrimination lawsuits can proceed without proof of intentional bias against minorities.
Invalidation of a law requiring hotels to maintain a guest register subject to police inspection at any time.

Here's a thought: the oldest member of the Court is Ruth Bader Ginsburg (82) and the most likely to leave office next. After that, you have Scalia and Kennedy, both 79. And then Breyer (77).

By the way, just to make sure we're on the same page -- we're talking about what happens if Bernie (who I support) doesn't end up being the nominee and Clinton does.

 

pinebox

(5,761 posts)
138. Look
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 03:10 PM
Oct 2015

You vote for whomever you wish to vote for but I'm not supporting this. End of story.
I'm putting my trust in a candidate who's a proverbial weather vane and is trustworthy as a rattle snake with how often she changes positions. You say gay marriage but in reality until recently, you're candidate was against it. Nope. I want change, not bullshit status quo of the 1%.

I'll vote Green Party.

onenote

(42,374 posts)
140. My candidate is Bernie Sanders
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 03:27 PM
Oct 2015

Said so right there in my message. I'll be voting for him in the Virginia primary.

But we're talking about what happens if Bernie doesn't get the nomination. At that point, my candidate becomes the Democrat, whether its Clinton or Biden or O'Malley -- because the alternative -- the election of a repub -- is unacceptable because of what it will mean. You, on the other hand, become petulant, consequences be damned.

What consequences? Change. Change and then some.

You'll get a Supreme Court that won't hesitate to reverse the same sex marriage decision
You'll get a Supreme Court that will elevate "religious freedom" to a point where it trumps (no pun intended) all other Constitutional rights.
You'll get decisions upholding limitations on abortion.
You'll get decisions extending Citizens United even further.
And so on and so forth.

That's not change I can live with.

Tarc

(10,472 posts)
109. Clinton, 2008 concession speech
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 11:22 AM
Oct 2015
"Now, I understand that we all know this has been a tough fight, but the Democratic party is a family. And now it's time to restore the ties that bind us together and to come together around the ideals we share, the values we cherish, and the country we love.

We may have started on separate journeys, but today our paths have merged. And we're all heading toward the same destination, united and more ready than ever to win in November and to turn our country around, because so much is at stake."


This is a sentiment that I'd love both Clinton and Sanders supporters to embrace, as either one candidate or the other will be calling on their supporters to throw their support to the other one sometime next year.


BooScout

(10,406 posts)
116. My sentiments as well....
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 12:09 PM
Oct 2015

....and fwiw, it was this speech that at the end of the day convinced me that I had to vote for Obama in 2008.

 

Tierra_y_Libertad

(50,414 posts)
112. Accomplish? About the same thing I would "accomplish" by voting for the label.
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 11:43 AM
Oct 2015

Nothing. Want "realism"? Here it is.

I've voted in 27 federal elections including 12 presidential elections.

I've voted mostly for Democrats, never for a Republican, and 3rd parties a few times.

In not one of those elections "accomplish" anything. My vote didn't decide the outcome of any of them.

I expect the same to be true in 2016.

Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.
John Quincy Adams

 

workinclasszero

(28,270 posts)
123. Total control of the federal government....
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 12:25 PM
Oct 2015

All three branches by the batshit insane republican party.

99Forever

(14,524 posts)
129. What has holding our nose and voting for the less crappy candidate accomplished?
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 12:45 PM
Oct 2015

Beyond handing our treasury and control of our government to the .01%?

I WILL always vote my conscience.

onenote

(42,374 posts)
133. Constitutionality of same sex marriage. Health care reform (even if flawed).
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 02:00 PM
Oct 2015

Lily Ledbetter equal pay legislation. Removal of restrictions on embryonic stem cell research. Iran agreement. Expansion of SCHIP program. Net neutrality rules. Affirmation of authority of voters to move redistricting from legislature to independent commission. Affirmation that housing discrimination lawsuits can proceed without proof of intentional bias against minorities. Invalidation of a law requiring hotels to maintain a guest register subject to police inspection at any time.

That's just a partial list of legislation that Obama signed that would not have been signed, or Supreme Court decisions that would not have been made, if people hadn't "held their noses" and voted for him against McCain and Romney.


Maybe your conscience could live with those results.

Mine can't.

NurseJackie

(42,862 posts)
139. People who make these types of threats …
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 03:20 PM
Oct 2015

… do so because they know they're in a weak position, or they suspect that their preferred candidate may be vulnerable, and isn't as strong as they'd like him/her to be.

In spite of their claimed justifications for doing so (ie: sending a message, taking a stand, personal conviction, etc.) the whole thing seems to be a way to feel more important and more in control. It appears to me that these types of declarations are a plea for attention.

That's not to suggest that they're not serious. No doubt, those who make such threats are 100% serious and will probably follow-through with not voting. We should take them at their word.

They're angry and frustrated, they fear that their candidate will lose. They feel like they've lost control over the outcome of the primaries, therefore, the only remaining thing they can control are the reactions of those around them.

Typically, they make their declaration and refusal to vote for the "other" candidate. Next, they sit back and enjoy all the "atta-boy" validations, and the "how-dare-you" lecturing posts that follow.

This type of behavior can best be compared to a toddler's tantrum at the candy rack in the grocery store. They know they've lost the battle, but their tantrum gets them the consolation prize of extra attention and feeling important.

Any parent knows that when you respond to this type of behavior, it only encourages more of the same. So, why bother? It's probably best to ignore people like that, no matter WHO they threaten to not-vote-for.

They know exactly what they're doing, and they know what kind of reactions will follow. They understand precisely what the consequences are of losing an election, they don't need any lectures or reminders. But it's more important to them that they receive attention, especially negative attention.

They're afraid, and they want like-minded supporters to offer them comfort. Also, they feel powerless and vulnerable, therefore, they want YOU to feel powerless to control their actions. want to make YOU to feel vulnerable and worry about the outcome of the general election.

Ino

(3,366 posts)
141. IF Hillary is elected...
Mon Oct 19, 2015, 03:35 PM
Oct 2015

the chance that she would get primaried in 4 years is very low. So we would be in for 8 years of her, or she'd be replaced by a Repuke after 4 years.

If she's not elected, then after enduring a Repuke for 4 years, we can try again with some other Democrat.

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