General Discussion

MH1

(19,141 posts)

23. I disagree (at least in some circumstances). Look at PA Gov this year.

Sat Oct 11, 2014, 08:41 AM

Oct 2014

The republican governor Corbett has been such a disaster for this state in so many ways, yes there are people who will come vote just to get rid of his sorry ass.

It does help that we have a credible Dem candidate running against him, who is capable of putting up a serious campaign with good ads. But I'll wager that most voters do not have a detailed understanding of his positions and don't even really care - the important thing is he's not Corbett, and he seems reasonable. Now, if our candidate were like "the rent is too damn high" guy or maybe even a Kucinich, THEN it might not work. People who are not wonks want someone safe, even if they're mostly voting against the other guy. But no, they don't necessarily stay home because there's no one on the ballot that "speaks to them" on issues they care the most about.

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People vote when they have something/someone to vote FOR. [View all] Le Taz Hot Oct 2014 OP

I agree! Voters went to the polls in 2008 and 2012 yeoman6987 Oct 2014 #1

Some States had good turnout and Democratic wins in 2010. Why? Bluenorthwest Oct 2014 #25

Turn out is always better for Presidential than for midterms. merrily Oct 2014 #116

Isn't the reason some promises aren't kept because... JaneyVee Oct 2014 #2

Cart before the horse. hobbit709 Oct 2014 #4

Sometimes. But too often Le Taz Hot Oct 2014 #6

Very few politicians are even willing to say people have been getting royally screwed. winter is coming Oct 2014 #69

Exactly! And now ConservaDems are nervous Teamster Jeff Oct 2014 #83

and voting FOR minimum wage and health care and media, election, and campaign finance reform certainot Oct 2014 #81

I agree on that the solution is not sitting it out, but I am not sure what the solution is. merrily Oct 2014 #120

In non-election years D candidates that have been disappointing Enthusiast Oct 2014 #170

+1 Doesn't matter the candidate. It only matters we unseat Republis ffr Oct 2014 #148

It's up to candidates to inspire voters to turn out. Blaming the voters is simply scapegoating. Scuba Oct 2014 #3

+1000 hobbit709 Oct 2014 #5

ditto a kennedy Oct 2014 #16

Then why walk your neighborhood canvessing? JoePhilly Oct 2014 #26

+1 treestar Oct 2014 #117

You have to inspire Caretha Oct 2014 #159

Wouldn't you think this board would be filled with walkers and talkers? JoePhilly Oct 2014 #181

the part about "We the People" treestar Oct 2014 #37

Or you could GOTV and cut thru the media that hides what Dems stand for. emulatorloo Oct 2014 #48

but the left has allowed a political atmosphere where many 'inspirational' politicians don't certainot Oct 2014 #84

+1 leftstreet Oct 2014 #94

and it's worse when they internalize it MisterP Oct 2014 #134

Precisely. Enthusiast Oct 2014 #171

I don't even have a congressional candidate to vote for. Fuddnik Oct 2014 #7

How can that be? treestar Oct 2014 #39

It happens more often than you might think Bjorn Against Oct 2014 #47

Geez treestar Oct 2014 #50

Democrats don't run anyone against Sanders, but that's a good thing, IMO. merrily Oct 2014 #127

Who's running against Jeb Hensarling? malokvale77 Oct 2014 #132

He's referring to Florida. Dr Hobbitstein Oct 2014 #61

Thanks for that info; I recall when DU was allowed to support Crist treestar Oct 2014 #115

Actually, Crist was the better candidate than the "New Democrat" who ran against him in 2006. Fuddnik Oct 2014 #150

+mc^2 MannyGoldstein Oct 2014 #8

K&R abelenkpe Oct 2014 #9

This election is as imprtant as 2016. We had better get as good as a Congress for the President.... marble falls Oct 2014 #10

If God had intended for us to vote, he would have given us candidates. Fuddnik Oct 2014 #12

I'm in the Texas Hill country, with an abysmal Sen Cornyn and a Teabilly Rep, Williams .... marble falls Oct 2014 #17

None of the above doesn't count in Florida. Fuddnik Oct 2014 #21

I just early voted in FL. Dr Hobbitstein Oct 2014 #62

I dropped off my absentees the other day too. Fuddnik Oct 2014 #151

So find something to vote for...nt SidDithers Oct 2014 #11

Offer up someone/something to for for . . . nt Le Taz Hot Oct 2014 #22

Do your own homework... SidDithers Oct 2014 #36

You need to quit making this about me Le Taz Hot Oct 2014 #40

there's always voter apathy and lazy voters and too busy voters and too-'principled' voters certainot Oct 2014 #113

Apparently the cure for voter apathy is, "find something to vote for." Apparently missed the rhett o rick Oct 2014 #149

When I am completely unable to budge someone like that... JHB Oct 2014 #13

If "None of the above" was on the ballot, I'd bet there'd be a lot of elections where he would win. hobbit709 Oct 2014 #15

Probably, but how would that help any? JHB Oct 2014 #34

And if it happened enough times maybe TPTB might notice the dissatisfaction. hobbit709 Oct 2014 #98

None of the above wins! Egnever Oct 2014 #130

And that helps illustrate to them how treestar Oct 2014 #35

Perfectly stated. 99Forever Oct 2014 #14

Peas Enthusiast Oct 2014 #172

Agree Completely Sadly The American Political System Has Grown Sclerotic cantbeserious Oct 2014 #18

Yes Mister Nightowl Oct 2014 #19

That is what we face in NC Lee-Lee Oct 2014 #20

I disagree (at least in some circumstances). Look at PA Gov this year. MH1 Oct 2014 #23

If you don't vote. Don't complain. Gore1FL Oct 2014 #24

+1000 Blue_Tires Oct 2014 #73

So, the Latinos you reference think that R control of the House HELPS immigration reform? MH1 Oct 2014 #27

No, from my conversations they don't think either party Le Taz Hot Oct 2014 #30

It's a political balancing act. As you know, control of the Senate hinges on a few totodeinhere Oct 2014 #54

I just think if we had more candidates Le Taz Hot Oct 2014 #63

+1 You nailed it. Enthusiast Oct 2014 #173

constructive thoughts treestar Oct 2014 #33

So should we engage GOTV efforts or not? JoePhilly Oct 2014 #28

"The Left" doesn't need to tell them "The Democrats SUCK," Le Taz Hot Oct 2014 #32

You did not answer my question. Should we canvass? JoePhilly Oct 2014 #56

I don't know who "we" is but what you do Le Taz Hot Oct 2014 #71

That's a weak dodge. JoePhilly Oct 2014 #79

I already answered that Le Taz Hot Oct 2014 #88

There isn't time to get a better candidate right now. JoePhilly Oct 2014 #92

I'm not here to tell you which path to take. Le Taz Hot Oct 2014 #99

Then why post on DU if Democratic values do not represent your interests? n/t Dr Hobbitstein Oct 2014 #67

Democratic Values. Le Taz Hot Oct 2014 #76

FDR believed in locking up Japanese-Americans in internment camps... Dr Hobbitstein Oct 2014 #89

And he was wrong to do that. Le Taz Hot Oct 2014 #96

Yes that was heinous, but it does not cancel out that he saved the country as it was circling the merrily Oct 2014 #122

I'm not throwing FDR under the bus... Dr Hobbitstein Oct 2014 #177

FDR is considered the third best President of any party, after Washington and Lincoln. merrily Oct 2014 #178

PLUS ONE, a whole bunch! Enthusiast Oct 2014 #174

When she loses will you blame the electorate or blame the candidate? yodermon Oct 2014 #162

You seem more concerned about who to blame, than of the JoePhilly Oct 2014 #179

US Supreme Court, voting rights, safety net. Reasons to vote. jwirr Oct 2014 #29

BS treestar Oct 2014 #31

Wow! Le Taz Hot Oct 2014 #38

So we do what - beg and beg treestar Oct 2014 #41

You need to stop making this about me. Le Taz Hot Oct 2014 #43

Not only that, but you've been instructed to "stay out of the process" NorthCarolina Oct 2014 #65

+1,000. totodeinhere Oct 2014 #55

holy FUCKING shit. You deserve the eternal Repuke majority you will inevitably end up with yodermon Oct 2014 #163

I challenge anyone to produce a perfect candidate, to produce a candidate who "keeps their Thinkingabout Oct 2014 #42

This is such an old, tired trick. Le Taz Hot Oct 2014 #46

OK, i see you have Warren for the 100%, what bill has she gotten passed and enacted into law? Thinkingabout Oct 2014 #58

She conceived of, lobbied for, and talked enough people, Le Taz Hot Oct 2014 #68

It may surprise you there are many candidates or potential candidates with their names in Thinkingabout Oct 2014 #82

I never promoted not voting. Le Taz Hot Oct 2014 #90

The title of your post indicates people will vote when they have something to they want. Thinkingabout Oct 2014 #128

Yes, and . . .? Le Taz Hot Oct 2014 #131

warren was kept out of the administration in the same way van jones was- with the left ignoring the certainot Oct 2014 #123

Yes, in fact, it is up to us to vote "for" whoever is closest treestar Oct 2014 #49

exactly, staying home, not voting or not making a vote for a selection on a ballot though Thinkingabout Oct 2014 #64

Cuomo or Astorino? I'm from the Bronx. No thonks. n/t Smarmie Doofus Oct 2014 #44

My state senate race is between Le Taz Hot Oct 2014 #53

Are you in the 4th CD? eridani Oct 2014 #154

No, the 22nd. Le Taz Hot Oct 2014 #156

22nd has always been tough for Dems eridani Oct 2014 #158

Which republican endorsed candidate are you going to chose? adirondacker Oct 2014 #80

I'm not allowed to advocate for a third party on DU. If I understand.... Smarmie Doofus Oct 2014 #106

! adirondacker Oct 2014 #119

The DLC/New Democrats/Blue Dogs Warpy Oct 2014 #45

OH GAWD.....more finger waving from people who tell us they are Democrats..... VanillaRhapsody Oct 2014 #51

I've not been a Democrat since 2004 and not claimed to be, Le Taz Hot Oct 2014 #57

then WHO among them DO you support? VanillaRhapsody Oct 2014 #59

I'm a Democrat in a State that gets pretty good turnout in most elections, we elect Democrats and Bluenorthwest Oct 2014 #74

I am sorry but I do not agree here......You are among a different kind of people there... VanillaRhapsody Oct 2014 #77

I've never even been to Vermont. Bluenorthwest Oct 2014 #87

Yes they are.....BUT they elected Bernie Sanders...... VanillaRhapsody Oct 2014 #95

Message auto-removed Name removed Oct 2014 #52

Well said marym625 Oct 2014 #60

If you don't have something to vote for BeyondGeography Oct 2014 #66

I understand what you are saying but tularetom Oct 2014 #70

When Obama chose to table immigration reform Le Taz Hot Oct 2014 #85

not voting is voting repub. republicans have been short circuiting democracy and the left ignores it certainot Oct 2014 #72

. stonecutter357 Oct 2014 #75

Then send a message to the GOP that they are no longer welcome. randome Oct 2014 #78

I'm not sure I understand how this is supposed to Le Taz Hot Oct 2014 #91

Does everyone need to be 'inspired' to do the right thing? randome Oct 2014 #101

Because the vast majority of people out there aren't like people on DU. Le Taz Hot Oct 2014 #104

I agree that what affects people's lives is important. randome Oct 2014 #108

Well, I don't at all agree that Obama has good political instincts Le Taz Hot Oct 2014 #110

The disconnect we're seeing in this thread is incredible. Marr Oct 2014 #112

A-FREAKING-MEN !!! marmar Oct 2014 #86

Anyone that intentionally doesn't vote this election = idiot. LostInAnomie Oct 2014 #93

Yeah, calling them "idiots" and "morons" ought to work. Le Taz Hot Oct 2014 #97

Post removed Post removed Oct 2014 #100

I rest my case. Le Taz Hot Oct 2014 #105

Your "case" was more unicorn and pony nonsense. LostInAnomie Oct 2014 #109

A perfect example of exactly WHY... 99Forever Oct 2014 #118

If they need to be "inspired" to do the right thing for their country... LostInAnomie Oct 2014 #124

You're a real class act. 99Forever Oct 2014 #125

vote or suck. the right is winning so don't vote. what brilliant logic. certainot Oct 2014 #126

EVERY election year we vote for one PERMANENT issue - The Supreme Court. blm Oct 2014 #102

now, because IDIOTS haven't been voting, we have another permanent issue- GLOBAL WARMING certainot Oct 2014 #129

Exactly!!! blm Oct 2014 #184

The remedy is not only putting up candidates. It's getting stuff done that helps people. merrily Oct 2014 #103

I have something to vote for LadyHawkAZ Oct 2014 #107

Look, during election season, trashing, undermining or depressing turnout for Dem candidates is JTFrog Oct 2014 #111

And if this is a TOS violation there has been plenty of time Le Taz Hot Oct 2014 #114

Very sad revmclaren Oct 2014 #164

K&R liberal_at_heart Oct 2014 #121

Seems that Democrats and Republicans have different standards alp227 Oct 2014 #133

I'm back at DU after a several month layoff where I read from time to time but wasn't posting Fumesucker Oct 2014 #135

It's like certain posters that make divisive threads right before election time Rex Oct 2014 #136

+1 You nailed it. Enthusiast Oct 2014 #175

This is true. But the questions is - why is it so hard to get people to do something about it? Chathamization Oct 2014 #137

Politics is a huge social minefield, it always has been but there are more and bigger mines now Fumesucker Oct 2014 #140

Yeah, but the average Joe could easily spend a few hours a year reading up on primary and local Chathamization Oct 2014 #142

You can't penetrate the first layer of the tightly interwoven sphere of pure bullshit in that time Fumesucker Oct 2014 #144

Well, that's true to some extent. That's why networks of progressives are useful. Each individual Chathamization Oct 2014 #146

The DC DEMS just can't help showing their 1% ways. And I'm pretty sure they don't care. They'll blkmusclmachine Oct 2014 #138

Pot will get them out. nt valerief Oct 2014 #139

That was the best vote I have ever made! L0oniX Oct 2014 #153

Wise truths. joanbarnes Oct 2014 #141

DON'T DECEIVE YOURSELVES.... cynzke Oct 2014 #143

Elections aren't cancelled because of voter apathy. SOMEONE wins and takes power. CakeGrrl Oct 2014 #145

HUGE K & R !!! - Thank You !!! WillyT Oct 2014 #147

Correct. Millions THOUGHT that had something to vote for back in 2008 ... DrBulldog Oct 2014 #152

They also vote when they have something/someone to vote against JohnnyRingo Oct 2014 #155

Very true. randome Oct 2014 #176

DU is NOT full of policy wonks JI7 Oct 2014 #157

+1 ... 1StrongBlackMan Oct 2014 #161

Too many people who just want attention Fumesucker Oct 2014 #182

I crack up at EVERY one of the self-congratulatory "DUers are sooo much more informed than Number23 Oct 2014 #185

Actually ... 1StrongBlackMan Oct 2014 #160

Howard Dean was RIGHT! contest everything. 50 state strategy. NuttyFluffers Oct 2014 #165

Try using the facts Tweedy Oct 2014 #166

I'm not a partisan. Le Taz Hot Oct 2014 #167

The facts are not propaganda Tweedy Oct 2014 #183

Anyone we put up that the Republicans hate Shankapotomus Oct 2014 #168

This is DU, the remedy will always be to berate people IronLionZion Oct 2014 #169

Astute observation! Shankapotomus Oct 2014 #180