General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: A Short Note On The Democratic Party And The Progressive Left.... [View all]The Magistrate
(96,043 posts)In '64 and in '80. Indeed, the modern Republican party is in large part composed of such defectors.
The left certainly bolted in '68, even as the 'dixiecrat' bolt of '64 continued its course.
A small but in the event crucial portion of the left bolted on 2000, with Nader.
Here in Illinois, Mr. Ryan became governor in consequence of a state bolt by the left against a downstate nominee for governor, Rep. Poshard, something of a social conservative, though pretty solid on questions of trade and campaign finance reform.
At present, however, it is an exceedingly common comment from the left, in the form of prediction edging into threat, that such and such an action or policy or nominee will lead the 'real Democrats' to sit on their hands and fail to show up at the polls. You know this is true, being a regular poster here. Apart from 'the gun club', I am not aware of any substantial body of comment here in which the taking of a left or progressive position, or nomination of a left or progressive candidate, is greeted by statements tantamount to threats not to vote for the Democrat, or even vote against the Democrat. I will acknowledge that for a couple of figures in the past, Reps. Kucinich and McKinney, such comments could doubtless be found.