General Discussion

rainin

(3,246 posts)

205. I don't understand why supporting a primary challenger is punishing the party.

Fri Dec 29, 2017, 12:36 PM

Dec 2017

And I don't understand why this helps Republicans. If I were a Republican, I would be working like hell to unseat Orrin Hatch. In fact, many decent Republicans are. He is a sitting senator, but the body would be better off without him.

Primaries aren't supposed to be predetermined. That's what you are arguing for. You're asking democrats to pre-ordain the incumbent. How is that a moral ask of a democrat or anyone else?

It sounds like you are more deserving of that Senate seat than any of those Franken ousters. You care more about the future of the Democrats in the Senate than they did. If they had cared that we are in a battle for our very existence, they wouldn't have gone after Franken like they did.

Let's pave the way for Democrats who will act in the best interest of the party.

Edit history

Please sign in to view edit histories.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

221 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

Well, I just told my first fundraising call for a Democrat to f*** off. Hated to, but...... [View all] DFW Dec 2017 OP

Some things are better kept to one's self. Tarheel_Dem Dec 2017 #1

I know, but.......... DFW Dec 2017 #4

I think it's awful to use DU's bandwidth to essentially suppress enthusiasm in a critical midterm. Tarheel_Dem Dec 2017 #7

Agree with you 100% Tarheel SCantiGOP Dec 2017 #11

"I will support and vote for all Dems that have a chance to win a seat". Tarheel_Dem Dec 2017 #16

I do not see DFW's post as "part of a faction trying to increase the divide within the party." pangaia Dec 2017 #43

This isn't about a "pushy fundraiser", and you & I both know it. n/t Tarheel_Dem Dec 2017 #96

Oh. Well, then, Mr/Ms Dem, uh.. well, er, carry on sir, madam. pangaia Dec 2017 #98

I see it as part of a faction that will increase the divide with the party. Just read the post...you Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #188

But why even bring this up? Does it help our efforts or perhaps the opposite? Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #111

Hardly my intent DFW Dec 2017 #14

Who are you gonna support in the primary?? Does she have a democratic opponent?? boston bean Dec 2017 #62

How in the world am I supposed to know at this point DFW Dec 2017 #68

You say you will support once primaries over and you seem rather intelligent so lets cut to the boston bean Dec 2017 #70

That would be my guess DFW Dec 2017 #73

So, in essence you would have contributed to her re-election when she runs against a republican. boston bean Dec 2017 #74

I WILL support a Democrat in the general election DFW Dec 2017 #77

Tammy wont have a democratic primary challenge. boston bean Dec 2017 #78

That's a solid-gold bottom line for the general. :) Hortensis Dec 2017 #132

I wasn't even looking to the 2020 presidential primary DFW Dec 2017 #133

Are you sure you understand what you call a fiasco? Hortensis Dec 2017 #141

Well in all likelihood the GOP will pick off a challenger and we lose the seat...doesn't make sense. Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #164

Agreed . Her losing her seat is not going to "show her" Fullduplexxx Dec 2017 #46

I am so sick and tired of the Sarandon types trying to "teach us a lesson". It doesn't hurt them... Tarheel_Dem Dec 2017 #97

Extreme righteous intolerance of what others want Hortensis Dec 2017 #129

I couldn't agree more. I know liberals in my personal life, and the selfish foot stomping shit.... Tarheel_Dem Dec 2017 #147

:) Couldn't agree more. Hortensis Dec 2017 #160

100%, Tarheel. Very well said. Hortensis Dec 2017 #127

+1000. nt ecstatic Dec 2017 #193

ME and MOST of my friends no longer just send our monies to .... LenaBaby61 Dec 2017 #36

I'm with you, DFW. Our local blood bank used to be staffed by nice retired ladies ... Hekate Dec 2017 #80

For me, I was interested to hear DFW. trof Dec 2017 #35

Good for you. You did exactly the right thing. Glorfindel Dec 2017 #2

I will support every one of them--AFTER they win their primaries DFW Dec 2017 #6

+++ Thanks... pangaia Dec 2017 #44

I hear ya. old guy Dec 2017 #58

Primary challengers who win primaries in states like Wisconsin often lose the general. Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #112

"It makes me wonder what the purpose of this OP is." Tarheel_Dem Dec 2017 #151

Yep...didn't they learn anything from 16? Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #174

And we may lose seats because of the primaries but I am sure a Repuke will be better than Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #165

Nor will I give a dime........ ProudMNDemocrat Dec 2017 #3

"The DSCC is going to be hurting in 2018." Tarheel_Dem Dec 2017 #9

Agreed. Big picture. CurtEastPoint Dec 2017 #10

Oh I'm not at ALL surprised at beating up Democrats NastyRiffraff Dec 2017 #24

You've got it all wrong dansolo Dec 2017 #52

you don't see your own purity...if you attack Democrats because they did something you didn't like.. Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #175

It's getting harder and harder to distinguish between allies and enemies these days. nt Tarheel_Dem Dec 2017 #95

They always find a reason to bash Democrats...no one could be angrier with what went on with Franken Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #170

A lot of it is a cry for attention NastyRiffraff Dec 2017 #186

True that...and I would swear that some spouting this...were on the other side a few weeks ago. Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #189

I will vote for Democrats as always tymorial Dec 2017 #31

"However I cannot and will not support the notion that punishment without investigation ... LenaBaby61 Dec 2017 #41

+1. Completely agree. n/t FSogol Dec 2017 #144

Me too...this is truly disgraceful. Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #166

You know I am pissed about Al Franken. But I will support any Democrat for his or her re-election... Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #113

I will vote for Democrats....... ProudMNDemocrat Dec 2017 #115

well I am sure if we fail to take a majority, your Minnesota Dems will be well better than nothing. Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #167

I think Al Franken would have been unhappy with you. boston bean Dec 2017 #5

You're probably right DFW Dec 2017 #8

I think this entire temper tantrum about Franken is going to harm democrats more than help. boston bean Dec 2017 #12

Principle vs. Pragmatism DFW Dec 2017 #15

Tammy Baldwin is a fine democrat. boston bean Dec 2017 #18

Then send her some money ChubbyStar Dec 2017 #20

Alright. boston bean Dec 2017 #61

principle vs pragmatism Part II SCantiGOP Dec 2017 #19

"Voting for" and "shelling out a requested $500 to" are two very different things. nt Gore1FL Dec 2017 #25

No argument with that SCantiGOP Dec 2017 #32

Telling some one to eff off and politely declining are two very different things. boston bean Dec 2017 #59

It sounds like it was their decision to stay on the phone to argue about it. Gore1FL Dec 2017 #87

I agree totally treestar Dec 2017 #137

Principle v. Pragmatism is what gave us Donald Trump onenote Dec 2017 #107

Principle won in 2016 too supposedly...all those principled people who couldn't vote for Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #168

Ask Al Franken about who harmed him. TheCowsCameHome Dec 2017 #53

Perhaps senate democrats should have thought of that dflprincess Dec 2017 #90

It wasn't the Franken supporters who started the tantrums Drahthaardogs Dec 2017 #118

But to be fair I have seen no...let's say Gillibrand supporter advocate helping to elect repukes... Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #176

I completely disagree on the money. Drahthaardogs Dec 2017 #180

Give money to the Democratic party if you want a majority. Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #181

I agree that any D is far far better than an R Drahthaardogs Dec 2017 #185

Well we can agree on that anyway...have a happy new year. Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #190

You can donate how you choose...however electing individuals with no thought towards Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #201

You are right, but apparently adding another Senate seat Drahthaardogs Dec 2017 #202

That is what the GOP plan was and how could anyone fall for it. Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #171

It is our right and our obligation to support rainin Dec 2017 #13

Wow, elect GOP types why that will show them for sure...sarcasm. Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #172

Did you read my comment carefully? rainin Dec 2017 #195

Sorry in this environment...a sitting Democrat should not be primaried...and the idea that a Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #199

I don't understand why supporting a primary challenger is punishing the party. rainin Dec 2017 #205

Donors are not cows to be milked twice a day dembotoz Dec 2017 #17

If past performance is any indication DFW Dec 2017 #21

What a reasonable post. Our elected will not always please us 100%, but come on...are we to Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #173

Oh look-you've been accused of throwing a "temper tantrum" flotsam Dec 2017 #22

K&R ChubbyStar Dec 2017 #23

Russia wins this round. :( nt Irish_Dem Dec 2017 #26

LAWD. Here we go again. underthematrix Dec 2017 #27

I doubt that Al Franken would appreciate your demonstrating support for him in this manner. nt pnwmom Dec 2017 #28

GOOD POINT Kirk Lover Dec 2017 #81

Good point ... nt Fullduplexxx Dec 2017 #105

True, he was the one who decided to resign treestar Dec 2017 #138

100% correct. Tarheel_Dem Dec 2017 #153

Post removed Post removed Dec 2017 #29

Just hang up. left-of-center2012 Dec 2017 #30

I have an idea, pretend you are in a cafe in Germany in 1920 and Eliot Rosewater Dec 2017 #33

If one could see Hitler and what he would do after 1933 in 1920... ck4829 Dec 2017 #49

Are you suggesting that Tammy Duckworth's Dem primary challenger is Hitler? Gore1FL Dec 2017 #88

Tammy Duckworth is a Senator. Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #114

I stand corrected. My point, however, remains unchanged. nt Gore1FL Dec 2017 #125

Primary challengers which could cause us to lose seats and lost the opportunity for a majority in Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #116

So did you give your $500 to Duckworth? Gore1FL Dec 2017 #124

People are allowed to do a great deal of stupid shit...but if we don't get back to the business of Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #154

It's never a dumb move to participate in politics. nt Gore1FL Dec 2017 #155

That is where you are wrong...all those fucking Stein morons get a participation trophy and so do Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #177

And if they didn't vote how would things be better? Gore1FL Dec 2017 #214

They should have voted for Hillary... for everyone who turned out to vote for Stein...she Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #215

If they voted for Hillary, that would have been great. Gore1FL Dec 2017 #217

The original post referred to Tammy Baldwin in Wisconsin who has a very tough fight to Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #212

Bravo. nt Gore1FL Dec 2017 #213

Thanks, Always interesting to talk to you...I don't agree about Greens but we agree more than Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #216

Let's defeat Trump and the GOP in 18 and 20, indeed! nt Gore1FL Dec 2017 #218

Yes we can...fired up and ready to go. Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #220

Then you are part of the problem. Egnever Dec 2017 #206

I have the solution...the problem is those who refuse to vote for Democrats...and incumbents have an Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #211

Dear god where did that come from Eliot Rosewater Dec 2017 #142

Your post is where it came from. Gore1FL Dec 2017 #148

I mean...you can only vote for the 'pure' and we won't send money or help to 38 Senators Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #178

I heard Cokie Roberts on weeekend show saying how if the Democrats want Eliot Rosewater Dec 2017 #184

You are right...we need to be Democrats...the big tent...there have always been differing views Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #191

I am suggesting that any primary opponent...risks the seat and this is not the year for primary Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #150

So donate to her. Gore1FL Dec 2017 #156

Not the point...shouldn't have to donate for a primary...should be able to donate for the general... Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #161

Democracy is so much easier if you just silence people, isn't it? nt Gore1FL Dec 2017 #162

Democracy won't exist if we don't start winning elections...and those attacking Democrats perhaps Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #182

Nader didn't stop Gore from winning FL. The SCOTUS did. Gore1FL Dec 2017 #197

Yes he did...there would be no need for SCOTUS had the asshat Nader not run..and the same can be Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #198

Perhaps Gore should have reached out to the Greens, too. Gore1FL Dec 2017 #203

Fuck the Greens who need to change their name as they have caused massive environmental damage Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #204

I relate. ananda Dec 2017 #34

I tend to agree with OP, but aeromanKC Dec 2017 #37

i NEVER give over the phone.. i tell them that and if they persist i hang up.. samnsara Dec 2017 #38

I feel the same way. We need to protect Democrats. Not support running them out of elected office... Honeycombe8 Dec 2017 #39

Wisconsinite here - going to cut her some slack elfin Dec 2017 #40

I agree elfin! lkinwi Dec 2017 #82

Bravo, DFW! cp Dec 2017 #42

Just more dems sabotaging the dems chances in 2018 Fullduplexxx Dec 2017 #45

I happen to know DFW personally--my husband and I have met and talked with him. CaliforniaPeggy Dec 2017 #92

No offense to you but youre a biased source his actions say otherwise Fullduplexxx Dec 2017 #104

Really...interesting but not relevant...we are discussing a post. Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #183

This message was self-deleted by its author Ken Burch Dec 2017 #47

Yes, because dividing up Democrats will lead to certain victory in Putins satellite state. VOX Dec 2017 #48

Party Before Anything Ghost Owl Dec 2017 #106

welcome to du. niyad Dec 2017 #157

Divide and Conquer is the GOP s favorite strategy McCamy Taylor Dec 2017 #50

I don't blame you, DFW. TheCowsCameHome Dec 2017 #51

Cool story bro XRubicon Dec 2017 #54

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAA!!! Plucketeer Dec 2017 #55

Looks like some Dems will not be happy until more senators are lost in protest. Sneederbunk Dec 2017 #56

I hope you didn't tell the person, who is probably a volunteer to f**k off literaly, because if you still_one Dec 2017 #57

Obviously I used no such language DFW Dec 2017 #64

So it wasnt really about Franken at all?? boston bean Dec 2017 #66

My disinterest in contributing was definitely related to Franken DFW Dec 2017 #69

So, it wasnt the amount. It was Franken. And you didnt like the guy who asked. boston bean Dec 2017 #72

Give it a rest DFW Dec 2017 #75

So you wont support 38 dem senators. Ok. I think that is just really a really bad way to support boston bean Dec 2017 #76

I have no doubt the poster will support Tammy Baldwain or any Democrat against the still_one Dec 2017 #84

He did say he'd support them, just not in primaries. n/t Beartracks Dec 2017 #99

good. I understand the sentiment, but am glad you didn't take it out on the person answering the still_one Dec 2017 #83

Post removed Post removed Dec 2017 #60

Right. Because it is morally correct to fuck up Democrats who have disappointed us... GulfCoast66 Dec 2017 #63

Nope. We must continue to slit oir own throats. Putin is laughing his ass off. Just how dumb are boston bean Dec 2017 #65

I am sure they would take the $500 from you instead of the OP if you called them. Gore1FL Dec 2017 #89

Boom ChubbyStar Dec 2017 #93

I think it was the Baldwin campaign, wasnt it? spooky3 Dec 2017 #126

Either way. Gore1FL Dec 2017 #134

Exactly BB Evergreen Emerald Dec 2017 #130

Putin laughs a lot at many of the things we do, not just in fundraising ck4829 Dec 2017 #143

Hopefully 16 taught us we can't just run a candidate with a D Egnever Dec 2017 #208

From what I read here, not much. GulfCoast66 Dec 2017 #210

Good for you! Raine Dec 2017 #67

If she loses the primary which many here seem ok with... GulfCoast66 Dec 2017 #71

I would not primary any sitting Democrat because of Franken. Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #163

K and r! cwydro Dec 2017 #79

I'm with you DFW! Va Lefty Dec 2017 #85

I have hung up on pushy callers myself Vogon_Glory Dec 2017 #86

Thanks to Senate Democrats dflprincess Dec 2017 #91

The fact that you came here to tell us suggests that you didn't "hate" telling them off... brooklynite Dec 2017 #94

Gods, you people. DFW is a respected member of DU and active Democrat. He received the equivalent... Hekate Dec 2017 #100

Thank you! I get so freakin tired of the same bullshit over and over... Raster Dec 2017 #103

If I had received this call I would have said I don't respond to phone solicitation and hung up brooklynite Dec 2017 #122

Sure you wouldn't have come here to talk about it. Because we're not a community al all, right? Hekate Dec 2017 #152

+1 spooky3 Dec 2017 #128

+2 SixString Dec 2017 #131

Definitely sounds like someone needs to find treestar Dec 2017 #139

For the next 11 months, we have to be very careful about what we post online ecstatic Dec 2017 #194

You should hate to. f*** off is a bit overboard. tirebiter Dec 2017 #101

purity in primaries usually results in losses onenote Dec 2017 #108

Exactly, how many people will take that before they quit volunteering? FSogol Dec 2017 #145

Believe me, not all are volunteers Hekate Dec 2017 #149

I'm stunned that you're getting so much grief on this thread. aikoaiko Dec 2017 #102

I would consider this a playbook on how not win an election. Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #187

Of course DFW is a minority -- s/he actually donates to Democratic candidates. aikoaiko Dec 2017 #192

I don't give to those who call..I give directly to the DNC and individuals...I have no problem with Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #200

The important thing is that you hated telling someone to fuck off. LanternWaste Dec 2017 #109

Cool story. NCTraveler Dec 2017 #110

My husband got a call from the Dems and he said nope, no$$ cuz of Franken nadine_mn Dec 2017 #117

So your goal is to "teach em a lesson" by helping them to lose? brooklynite Dec 2017 #121

I'm in Minnesota so check yourself nadine_mn Dec 2017 #123

But who is the primary candidate? treestar Dec 2017 #140

Oh almost forgot...your first 'fundraising call' ...how many do you generally tell to fuck off? Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #119

First I'll just say.... quickesst Dec 2017 #120

Tammy Baldwin has a BIG repuke target on her chest Greybnk48 Dec 2017 #135

Can you figure out who to call treestar Dec 2017 #136

REC, I'm with you all the way. Every chance to show those who railroaded Franken R B Garr Dec 2017 #146

And electing Republicans is what the GOP hoped their bullshit would do... Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #169

GOOD for you!! niyad Dec 2017 #158

I hope you did not really say Eff off to the guy. That seems a bit much. Tipperary Dec 2017 #159

DFW saidsimplesimon Dec 2017 #179

The comments on this thread are amazing. rainin Dec 2017 #196

Nah it's two people Egnever Dec 2017 #207

Yes! I couldn't agree more. n/t rainin Dec 2017 #209

A friend who is a senate staffer says the hostility is unbelievable Sen. Walter Sobchak Dec 2017 #219

Must be nice. MrsCoffee Dec 2017 #221