General Discussion

bvar22

(39,909 posts)

257. Blaming the voters for "not turning out" is lazy and unproductive.

Mon Mar 31, 2014, 06:43 PM

Mar 2014

When the troops are NOT motivated,
it is ALWAYS a Failure of Leadership.

The BEST way to motivate voters is to given them something to be motivated about.
Voters are not going to motivate themselves. That is a fact.
Get used to it.
It is the Primary Job of Leadership to motivate the voters.

While Blaming the Lazy Voters may make you feel good,
it won't solve the problem.
If Leadership is willing to address its shortcomings,
THEN the problem can be solved.

The troops were MOTIVATED in 2008,
[font color=white]......[/font][font size=4]Obama's Army for “CHANGE”, Jan. 21, 2009[/font]

....but instead of marching at the head of his movement... his Army for Change,
the President abandoned the Field of Battle to the Republicans for their entire Teabager Summer of Shame and their ridiculous Townhall Meetings.

Instead we got THIS:

OK. You guys just go home.
We don't need you now,
especially those loudmouthed Professional Leftists!

THAT is NOT the way to motivate the voters.
Getting all chummy with the Republicans "seeking bi-partisan approval" didn't help to motivate the voters expecting "CHANGE".

We will ALWAYS have "lazy" or "stupid" voters.
That isn't going to just go away.
The people we elect to head our Party NEEDS to address this fact,
NOT the lazy voters.

Harry Truman knew how to motivate the voters:

[font size=3]
"I've seen it happen time after time. When the Democratic candidate allows himself to be put on the defensive and starts apologizing for the New Deal and the Fair Deal, and says he really doesn't believe in them, he is sure to lose. The people don't want a phony Democrat. If it's a choice between a genuine Republican, and a Republican in Democratic clothing, the people will choose the genuine article, every time; that is, they will take a Republican before they will a phony Democrat, and I don't want any phony Democratic candidates in this campaign."
---President Harry Truman

QED:2010[/font]

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It's time to get over Obama. [View all] grasswire Mar 2014 OP

Agree. And theoretically we can all agree that NSA excess is bad, TPP is bad, cui bono Mar 2014 #1

It's Sunday night. I understand. grasswire Mar 2014 #2

Yep. Plus I just finished eating a huge fritatta! cui bono Mar 2014 #6

LOL! ProSense Mar 2014 #3

It's clear that most Democrats and progressives are aware of what he has done. grasswire Mar 2014 #8

Hate to break it to you ProSense Mar 2014 #18

as I wrote.... grasswire Mar 2014 #40

"Obstructionism from Republicans just because they hate him." ProSense Mar 2014 #48

Well going over what he HAS actually accomplished in the face of historic obstruction and disrespect kelliekat44 Mar 2014 #88

Hear, hear!!! Stellar Mar 2014 #137

a great quote DonCoquixote Mar 2014 #200

How so? cui bono Mar 2014 #213

first off DonCoquixote Mar 2014 #238

I've known for some time the agenda has been to PUNISH the public for the way they voted. Spitfire of ATJ Mar 2014 #225

We have been told over and over again that the President cannot do the things we expected him to do sabrina 1 Mar 2014 #166

Not so much about ignoring but give up on trying to influence his decisions. rhett o rick Mar 2014 #170

So is there Republican obstructionism or not? cui bono Mar 2014 #210

Amen, ProSense!! rury Mar 2014 #101

Thanks as always ProSense!! rury Mar 2014 #99

...and who do the progressives have as an alternative? brooklynite Mar 2014 #4

I have no idea. grasswire Mar 2014 #13

*Your* version on what is the "right side of history"? BlueCaliDem Mar 2014 #55

From the OP: cui bono Mar 2014 #216

So basically Phlem Mar 2014 #286

When POTUS is fighting for what we believe in I will support him in that endeavor. cui bono Mar 2014 #287

The DREAM Act failed in the senate by a few measly votes, cheapdate Mar 2014 #86

:thumbsup: BlancheSplanchnik Mar 2014 #96

Acckkk! "THe Dreaded LIsT!11" Number23 Mar 2014 #106

It's wierd. Conservatives fully recognize and understand cheapdate Mar 2014 #110

Complete BS Glitterati Mar 2014 #150

Ahhh . . . how is it complete BS when . . . brush Mar 2014 #201

The whole damned argument is BS Glitterati Mar 2014 #203

You seem to be missing something in what the op was saying brush Mar 2014 #219

Really? So the 39 million LEFT UNINSURED Glitterati Mar 2014 #220

I've never seen anyone so negative brush Mar 2014 #243

Too sad that you prefer to fight Glitterati Mar 2014 #249

Yeah, well . . . take your own advice brush Mar 2014 #255

The irony is thick Glitterati Mar 2014 #260

The election of Barack Obama has dragged the racists cheapdate Mar 2014 #270

I wasn't trying to make that point Glitterati Mar 2014 #273

Unquestionably true. cheapdate Mar 2014 #291

WOW Mr Dixon Mar 2014 #164

+100 x100 Right on cheapdate! Auntie Bush Mar 2014 #228

I'm sure the 1% will have it's corporate 3rd way centrist puppet ready. L0oniX Mar 2014 #186

Would that be the "puppet' that 17 million Democrats voted for in 2008? brooklynite Mar 2014 #196

They'll have a list of them, Reich, Clinton, Biden, Shweitzer... harun Mar 2014 #247

...and yet, Howard Dean is endorsing Clinton brooklynite Mar 2014 #252

Now there's a ticket that will put the Bush family back in the White House... Walk away Mar 2014 #265

See post 246 harun Mar 2014 #289

Until we fix Citizens United, Karl Marx with Che as VP still would not bring change harun Mar 2014 #246

Again with the dismiss President Obama? VanillaRhapsody Mar 2014 #5

I live in North Carolina. WorseBeforeBetter Mar 2014 #9

Primarily because? VanillaRhapsody Mar 2014 #12

LOL! I have no doubt he'll have a "strongly supportive following." WorseBeforeBetter Mar 2014 #22

I LIVED in SC for 15 years....I think I understand VERY well... VanillaRhapsody Mar 2014 #45

He/she was on a thread the other night, about obamabots. sheshe2 Mar 2014 #69

Isn't "Obamabot" a term being cheered by some on DU now? WorseBeforeBetter Mar 2014 #141

It is you who are using the word as a pejorative, not sheshe2. delrem Mar 2014 #274

Do you live in NC? Do you vote in NC? Do you pay taxes in NC? WorseBeforeBetter Mar 2014 #138

This thread is not focussing on the problems. It's focussed on Obama. randome Mar 2014 #142

Are those "Obamabots"? You *do* know that's the label CONservatives BlueCaliDem Mar 2014 #53

Have you met Democratic Underground? VanillaRhapsody Mar 2014 #73

A BOG-approved blogger uses it. WorseBeforeBetter Mar 2014 #144

It's kind of like the term "sheeple" tarheelsunc Mar 2014 #81

A BOG-approved blogger uses it. WorseBeforeBetter Mar 2014 #146

It is called "owning the term" perhaps you have heard of other words used as perjoratives VanillaRhapsody Mar 2014 #158

Proud emoprog here. WorseBeforeBetter Mar 2014 #163

Never used that word have I? VanillaRhapsody Mar 2014 #165

I second this: Jamaal510 Mar 2014 #90

Right now, Obama is the least of my worries. WorseBeforeBetter Mar 2014 #148

Smarty-what's-her-name thinks it's OK... WorseBeforeBetter Mar 2014 #143

BS! She decided to own the term....you are being disingenuous....to say the least VanillaRhapsody Mar 2014 #159

MOST BLACK PEOPLE DON'T USE THE N WORD brush Mar 2014 #205

I KNOW that...most Obama supporters do not use Obamabots either... VanillaRhapsody Mar 2014 #283

Sorry. I stand corrected. nt brush Mar 2014 #284

No Problem....I understand....they were certainly TRYING to play it that way...no doubt about that.. VanillaRhapsody Mar 2014 #285

Didn't we have this conversation the other night? sheshe2 Mar 2014 #78

We did indeed, and we'll keep having it. WorseBeforeBetter Mar 2014 #149

Do black people use the N word? Does that mean White people can call them that? VanillaRhapsody Mar 2014 #160

You are looking at the little picture. Why not ask the right questions? A Simple Game Mar 2014 #206

and THAT is not what this is about.... VanillaRhapsody Mar 2014 #211

If this isn't about race, don't bring up the subject. A Simple Game Mar 2014 #230

It is about what the phrase "owning the term" means....Jeebus on crutches... VanillaRhapsody Mar 2014 #232

Yes. vanilla can be and is used as a racist term, please try to catch up. n/t A Simple Game Apr 2014 #295

FYI I never called it racist....I asked a simple question VanillaRhapsody Mar 2014 #212

And you are having a conversation with someone that doesn't A Simple Game Mar 2014 #227

Yes because that makes it convenient doesn't it? VanillaRhapsody Mar 2014 #229

Glad you agree with me. A Simple Game Mar 2014 #231

I don't have a right to decide that for them do I? VanillaRhapsody Mar 2014 #233

So it is up to black people to decide if they want to use the N word with each other, A Simple Game Apr 2014 #296

You got it right Thespian2 Mar 2014 #161

The NC GOP destroyed decades of progress in a matter of months WorseBeforeBetter Mar 2014 #167

Good luck in ousting Harper.. 2banon Mar 2014 #276

I think you're being trolled. n/t delrem Mar 2014 #268

Ahhh . . . nearlly 7 millions sign ups for Obamacare disagree with you brush Mar 2014 #202

978,316 NCDems Did Not Vote in 2010 otohara Mar 2014 #217

Not this Democrat. And Dems outvoted Rs in straight-ticket voting... WorseBeforeBetter Mar 2014 #248

Blaming the voters for "not turning out" is lazy and unproductive. bvar22 Mar 2014 #257

It's The Dems "Voting Against Our Own Interest" otohara Mar 2014 #288

VR sees secret Republicans everywhere at DU DisgustipatedinCA Mar 2014 #279

whatever you say... grasswire Mar 2014 #10

Yes it certainly will..... VanillaRhapsody Mar 2014 #14

I agree. Obama will do whatever RobertEarl Mar 2014 #7

and NO ONE will run for or against the policies of Obama in the midterms... VanillaRhapsody Mar 2014 #16

Are you in effect saying that Obama could be replaced by a robo-pen, delrem Mar 2014 #85

No RobertEarl Mar 2014 #92

^^^^^ delrem Mar 2014 #107

I would Doctor_J Mar 2014 #254

A bit of nuance is required! delrem Mar 2014 #264

Fact is, Doc RobertEarl Mar 2014 #266

we we we Whisp Mar 2014 #11

they'll never get over him.. he's their favorite whining trigger. Cha Mar 2014 #24

OMG! sheshe2 Mar 2014 #75

Noooooooooooooo. sheshe2 Mar 2014 #72

DU's perpetually disgruntled are going to "get over" Obama? JoePhilly Mar 2014 #15

no one should "get over" failures and omissions grasswire Mar 2014 #19

So does that mean fewer OPs attacking Obama? JoePhilly Mar 2014 #21

:::shrug::: grasswire Mar 2014 #27

when OPs about progressive candidates out number the attack OPs, JoePhilly Mar 2014 #37

But your post is not criticism. It's an attack. treestar Mar 2014 #38

it is a pure statement of fact. grasswire Mar 2014 #44

Republican Congress treestar Mar 2014 #58

We shouldn't be focused on "compelling" President Obama to do anything. BlueCaliDem Mar 2014 #62

funny, I thought when he took office he said we should Doctor_J Mar 2014 #68

I apologize that Obama isn't a dictator jeff47 Mar 2014 #245

Indeed it is. sheshe2 Mar 2014 #80

The Obamacare enrollment surge ProSense Mar 2014 #20

+100 JoePhilly Mar 2014 #25

+ 200 BlueCaliDem Mar 2014 #46

Let me make that +300! nt sheshe2 Mar 2014 #82

Yes, it's terrible that Obama didn't reverse 50 years of Conservative work. jeff47 Mar 2014 #17

yes, I agree grasswire Mar 2014 #23

No, you don't agree. jeff47 Mar 2014 #41

Excellent catch, jeff47! BlueCaliDem Mar 2014 #50

Dead on: "a passive-aggressive attack while pretending to be noble" alcibiades_mystery Mar 2014 #74

Same group. ProSense Mar 2014 #91

Always. nt Bobbie Jo Mar 2014 #171

Spot on, Jeff nt Hekate Mar 2014 #117

ah, a mind reader. grasswire Mar 2014 #129

No, I'm reading what he wrote. That's why I quoted him. (nt) jeff47 Mar 2014 #175

Divide and conquer. blue neen Mar 2014 #26

"It's Time to get over Obama, Now Let Me Shit All Over Obama..." alcibiades_mystery Mar 2014 #28

only in your mind grasswire Mar 2014 #31

Yeah, whatever alcibiades_mystery Mar 2014 #36

!! Number23 Mar 2014 #108

Nah. (nt) Control-Z Mar 2014 #43

Thread win. JoePhilly Mar 2014 #47

I'm leaving for a while to watch lovely PBS. grasswire Mar 2014 #29

I think I see the problem here. . . ucrdem Mar 2014 #33

I said PBS, not NPR. grasswire Mar 2014 #49

Where there's smoke there's fire. nt ucrdem Mar 2014 #59

What the living fuck? DisgustipatedinCA Mar 2014 #282

Big fan of BBC World on the local PBS station. WorseBeforeBetter Mar 2014 #152

I started looking beyond Obama the day he did this: bvar22 Mar 2014 #30

Hey, it was obvious. LOL! n/t ProSense Mar 2014 #61

Translation: hasn't read a paper in six years. nt ucrdem Mar 2014 #63

Wow! I never saw that before. Holy Shite! Was that turd dropped from Rahm (no doubt)? n/t 2banon Mar 2014 #89

Same here. Marr Mar 2014 #104

You are full of it and it's your problem. lumpy Mar 2014 #112

I just want to say one more thing to you. You had no faith in Obama since the beginning, lumpy Mar 2014 #118

Yes, that's what I said. Marr Mar 2014 #178

well stated U4ikLefty Apr 2014 #292

Shutting Out the Democratic Wing of the Democratic Party for cabinet appointments... bvar22 Mar 2014 #207

I caught that too. bvar22 Mar 2014 #209

about obamas time in illinois questionseverything Mar 2014 #250

bvar and marr, I have to admit that I was totally starry eyed with O in 2004 2banon Mar 2014 #267

Kerry was SUCH a disappointment. bvar22 Mar 2014 #275

Indeed.. 2banon Mar 2014 #278

I threw up my hands at the announcement Le Taz Hot Mar 2014 #140

I was gobsmacked. thought maybe, Obama was gonna make the fuckers fix what they broke 2banon Mar 2014 #269

Where's crappy Clapper? L0oniX Mar 2014 #188

dunno, what have you heard? 2banon Mar 2014 #272

Yes, that was a pretty big clue. polichick Mar 2014 #193

Trash thread. greatauntoftriplets Mar 2014 #32

Seriously. Careful what you wish for. ucrdem Mar 2014 #34

It is time to support the ACA and GOTV treestar Mar 2014 #35

I know that. grasswire Mar 2014 #51

Amazing that Jamaal510 Mar 2014 #94

Yes, please do. Whisp Mar 2014 #39

I was just going to say, those perpetually in ODS mode are the first who need to get over it. nt stevenleser Mar 2014 #77

I'm sure we'll see a significant decrease in OPs attacking Obama now. JoePhilly Mar 2014 #151

And a corresponding increase about issues instead of personality. randome Mar 2014 #157

Alert fail: Skip Intro Mar 2014 #42

Frankly speaking whether I agreed with the OP or not davidpdx Mar 2014 #119

What on earth? BlueCheese Mar 2014 #122

for some it is Tiger Beat Skittles Mar 2014 #132

Yep it's a bad indicator of what this site is becoming or could be headed for. L0oniX Mar 2014 #189

Well, I've read your posts... BlueCaliDem Apr 2014 #294

THANK YOU JUROR NUMBER 6 Skittles Mar 2014 #131

Thanks for leaving DevineBovine Mar 2014 #235

I was never hung up on him in the first place. Deep13 Mar 2014 #52

Same Here brooklynboy49 Mar 2014 #64

I was Doctor_J Mar 2014 #66

I actually teared up when I cast that first vote for Obama. grasswire Mar 2014 #177

When Olbermann flipped the west coast blue, I got disoriented. Spouse was sobbing Doctor_J Mar 2014 #208

I literally - LITERALLY - cheered when Obama was elected. Maedhros Mar 2014 #182

Unrec. nt darkangel218 Mar 2014 #54

And... Ya Know... Maybe Focus On Stratgies That Help In 2014/2016... WillyT Mar 2014 #56

OFFS madamesilverspurs Mar 2014 #57

Don't worry, we can multi-task. JaneyVee Mar 2014 #60

probably the only dem who can get elected president in 16 is hrc Doctor_J Mar 2014 #65

I hate to quote Nancy, but... brooklynboy49 Mar 2014 #67

There are some medications that are great for depression. lumpy Mar 2014 #115

I like Obama. Always did. Brigid Mar 2014 #70

I like him too. And I love Michelle. grasswire Mar 2014 #124

I have only one thing to say frazzled Mar 2014 #71

Thanks flamingdem Mar 2014 #76

That's the thing: Maedhros Mar 2014 #184

I'm glad you said it, frazzled.. only they'll never get over Obama.. there too much money to Cha Mar 2014 #100

Polls that show how much in the minority these guys are get screamed at, peed on Number23 Mar 2014 #114

They should just start an ODS Support Group on DU and try to help each other get over Obama.. Cha Mar 2014 #130

Thoroughly agree. Disgusting, however that is the New American way especially with kids lumpy Mar 2014 #120

I like American Idol and The Voice. L0oniX Mar 2014 #190

+1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lady Freedom Returns Mar 2014 #191

This. joshcryer Mar 2014 #218

Yeah, to hell with all those people who stood for hours to vote, and would do it *again.* n/t freshwest Apr 2014 #293

Focus on policy. The Democrats desperately need focus. Maedhros Mar 2014 #79

Several of us are trying to organize around a set of policies every Dem should be able to support BlueStreak Mar 2014 #97

Every politician with a D next to their name should be on board with this. Maedhros Mar 2014 #109

But in reality most using the "D" are NOT on board with this BlueStreak Mar 2014 #136

Agreed. The Democratic Party has abandoned its ideals in an effort to avoid confrontation Maedhros Mar 2014 #187

THAT's what I'm talking about. grasswire Mar 2014 #125

you said what I was trying to say.. grasswire Mar 2014 #126

Instead of "getting over" the President, how about USE him? tarheelsunc Mar 2014 #83

Good point! We can't let a bunch of Republican Trollz win flamingdem Mar 2014 #95

why would you think that Obama should be part of the campaign strategy? grasswire Mar 2014 #127

I should get over the best president in 60 years? mwrguy Mar 2014 #84

Excellent Post, grasswire 2banon Mar 2014 #87

eloquent, succinct, empowering! Whisp Mar 2014 #113

thank you, 2banon grasswire Mar 2014 #128

Agreed. crim son Mar 2014 #93

He has almost three years left in his transformational rury Mar 2014 #98

Yes. The complainers who have given up on Obama because he hasn't been able to full fill their lumpy Mar 2014 #123

The phrase "hasn't been able to fulfill their every political desire" is not accurate. Maedhros Mar 2014 #192

Incessant Bellyaching Dinos mrchips Mar 2014 #102

Thanks mrchips...Some people are whining defeatists...continually, no matter what. lumpy Mar 2014 #116

Obama allowed Teabaggers to define his signature legislation. WorseBeforeBetter Mar 2014 #153

Obama is not the problem mrchips Mar 2014 #162

As has been pointed out numerous times before, Maedhros Mar 2014 #195

NIMBY mrchips Mar 2014 #221

But liberals and progressives turned out in 2010. Maedhros Mar 2014 #223

Give me a break! mrchips Mar 2014 #239

You have absolutely nothing worthwhile for me to read. Maedhros Mar 2014 #241

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/03/10/954909/-Turnout-a-little-data# mrchips Mar 2014 #242

Facts mrchips Mar 2014 #240

Those of you in States that lost in 2010 hold the blame for that. The entire West Coast Bluenorthwest Mar 2014 #226

This OP is garbage in, garbage out! rury Mar 2014 #103

It is Democratic Leadership who is out of phase, not Democrats... pragmatic_dem Mar 2014 #105

I Hear Ya GW... Just Wondering How Many Here Plan To Vote For Obama In 2014/2016... WillyT Mar 2014 #111

RESISTANCE IS FUTILE! BrotherIvan Mar 2014 #121

Good advice Android3.14 Mar 2014 #133

^^^^^ grasswire Mar 2014 #179

Ah jeez BumRushDaShow Mar 2014 #134

time to sort out priorities G_j Mar 2014 #135

So you dislike Obama. What do you plan to do about that other than whine? randome Mar 2014 #139

Where did I say that I dislike Obama? grasswire Mar 2014 #183

Well, no one is 'keening' about the President. randome Mar 2014 #185

keening grasswire Mar 2014 #199

Agreed...totally BrainDrain Mar 2014 #145

"So it is past time to stop expecting change. " NCTraveler Mar 2014 #147

the ACA and LGBT rights and gains are massive Hopes and Changes. Whisp Mar 2014 #156

I just don't get it. NCTraveler Mar 2014 #168

As someone pointed out in another thread Puzzledtraveller Mar 2014 #234

I agree that politics based on cults of personality will always lead to... elzenmahn Mar 2014 #154

Speakin of Blanche Lincoln, bvar22 Mar 2014 #215

I contributed to Halter's campaign when he was running against Blanche... elzenmahn Apr 2014 #298

the disappointment is in fact turned right around and plugged into the cultishness to feed it MisterP Mar 2014 #236

You know warrior1 Mar 2014 #155

Obama is President for another 34 months. Martin Eden Mar 2014 #169

Change: ProSense Mar 2014 #172

Myopic. Skidmore Mar 2014 #173

I voted for Democratic change. Octafish Mar 2014 #174

your support means a lot, Octafish. grasswire Mar 2014 #180

Well Said Octafish! 2banon Mar 2014 #281

+ 1,000,000,000... What You Said !!! - K & R !!! WillyT Mar 2014 #290

Interesting... CFLDem Mar 2014 #176

grasswire, thank you for the focus on 2014 and beyond. saidsimplesimon Mar 2014 #181

I was over Obama by 2010. obxhead Mar 2014 #194

Doesn't ProSense Mar 2014 #198

"So it is past time to stop expecting change. " Peacetrain Mar 2014 #197

It's time to get over ODS. SunSeeker Mar 2014 #204

Obama bashers kardonb Mar 2014 #214

It may be early to ruminate on it, but it will happen LiberalLovinLug Mar 2014 #222

I wish I could recommend this a thousand times me b zola Mar 2014 #224

Message auto-removed Name removed Mar 2014 #237

In your argument for change, Obama doesn't matter neffernin Mar 2014 #244

It would be a victory, and I would eat crow.. grasswire Mar 2014 #253

To that note I fear we will never match the GOP as a deliberative mass neffernin Mar 2014 #258

well said grasswire Mar 2014 #262

The more posts I read like this..... Cali_Democrat Mar 2014 #251

WHEN did the "Change!" happen??? blkmusclmachine Mar 2014 #256

Sanders/Ellison. I know Senator Sanders isn't a Democrat. idendoit Mar 2014 #259

Only the PINOs need liberal and progressive losses. gulliver Mar 2014 #261

Let me say this BrainMann1 Mar 2014 #263

OK. nt Zorra Mar 2014 #271

This is about 2008, isn't it? It wasn't his turn? ucrdem Mar 2014 #277

I was never a Hillary supporter. nt grasswire Apr 2014 #297

Transparent? liberal N proud Mar 2014 #280