I've wondered about this.

[democrank]

When I joined DU in 2003, we had many good, solid, discussions on issues. These issues were, generally speaking, the same issues folks around me were talking about. Today’s topics on DU seem less issue-oriented, or at least are not the same things friends, relatives, neighbors are talking about. There might not be a disconnect, but there is a difference, at least in my neck of the woods, which is quite rural and not wealthy.

It was 21 below zero here this morning....a Sunday morning....yet the logging rig came down the hill bright and early, it’s driver (who is sick) is just trying to make ends meet. A few days ago I talked with someone from a neighboring state who stopped taking needed drugs because he had to buy more oil for his furnace.

Folks struggling to survive have a limited amount of time and energy. Those I know are talking about meat-and-potatoes issues and not much else right now.

I believe the race is still quite fluid and most anything can happen.