General Discussion

tabbycat31

(6,336 posts)

70. It depends on the location

Sun Oct 26, 2014, 06:08 PM

Oct 2014

IN my jurisdiction, the local (school board, council, mayor) races are 'nonpartisan.' (They used to be held in April/May but were moved to November to save on election costs). Even though the candidates might be affiliated with a political party, they can't run under their party's banner (or column on the ballot). We had a Democratic mayor for awhile (and a very liberal one) and she stepped down after her term ended in January 2013 (she decided not to run again and lost her battle with cancer in May of this year). She was the last Democratic elected official in this town as the current mayor and council are all GOP.

These nonpartisan races are a good opportunity for Democrats everywhere to build their bench (I'm personally considering running for council in 2016). Because if you run for a higher (partisan) office and already have a title and track record, you're a lot more credible as a candidate. Podunk mayor Joe Smith running for state assembly sounds better than Joe Smith running for state assembly. Especially if the citizens of Podunk love their mayor.

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Can someone please explain to me why the Republican Party still enjoys [View all] KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 OP

Because a fair number of Democratic "leaders"... 99Forever Oct 2014 #1

I was on another thread here just a few minutes ago and said Republicans had KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #2

They mostly racist, bigoted and don't like minorities and they especially don't like those who try kelliekat44 Nov 2014 #128

That's an interesting question. MineralMan Oct 2014 #3

Well, as you know, I really despise Republicans and have my entire adult voting life, going KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #6

I didn't know you despise Republicans. How would I elias49 Oct 2014 #74

Well, GummyBearz Oct 2014 #77

Yeah, I hadn't considered the 'doppelganger' effect. Here's the thing though. The KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #78

I liken they way they talk to Gloria Nov 2014 #125

Good points. I try to shy away from comparisons to Nazi stuff, just because KingCharlemagne Nov 2014 #136

Frank Luntz is the master at this YoungDemCA Nov 2014 #148

Fairly simple.. they started a strategy in the 60's by taking local school board elections Peacetrain Oct 2014 #4

That is a very interesting article (about, among other things, confirmation bias KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #9

Excellent point Freddie Oct 2014 #14

Exactly... it is a well used ploy.. Peacetrain Oct 2014 #17

It depends on the location tabbycat31 Oct 2014 #70

That's Happening RobinA Nov 2014 #133

It is so blasted confusing.. and they hide their true Peacetrain Nov 2014 #149

Good points, and fascinating article! YoungDemCA Nov 2014 #146

When I first read that in 2010 it was on DU Peacetrain Nov 2014 #150

I think I know the answer... walkingman Oct 2014 #5

Hey, stop insulting Neanderthals! :) KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #7

Message auto-removed Name removed Oct 2014 #106

"Childishly dismissing the issues white people face" - and what 'issues' would those KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #107

Message auto-removed Name removed Oct 2014 #108

With what attitude, pray tell? KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #109

Message auto-removed Name removed Oct 2014 #110

This message was self-deleted by its author KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #111

Well, you never did explain exactly what 'issues' white people face. I'm KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #112

Message auto-removed Name removed Oct 2014 #117

Sigh. I think we're done. KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #119

Message auto-removed Name removed Oct 2014 #120

What A Soecial Little Snowflake You Are, Fella.... The Magistrate Oct 2014 #121

East Asians and Native Americans have more Neanderthal DNA than Whites Just Read It Oct 2014 #75

GOP (White Party) Tears walkingman Oct 2014 #79

Neanderthals Vote Democrat Just Read It Oct 2014 #81

Large swaths of the electorate can't even tell you who the vice president is. OffWithTheirHeads Oct 2014 #8

Interesting. Suggests that the media now serve only to confirm folks' pre-existing KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #10

Close. The media confirms folk's pre-existing bias if that bias is right wing. Leftist positions... Scuba Oct 2014 #105

This cannot be repeated often enough. hifiguy Nov 2014 #154

Because some new voters... butterfly77 Oct 2014 #11

I don't think continued support for Republicans can be laid exclusively at the KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #13

Not exclusively but.. butterfly77 Oct 2014 #16

Yeah, as regards your point about 'new voters,' I think family traditions KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #18

In the case of newly naturalized voters.. butterfly77 Oct 2014 #21

Despite today's polarization, politics is quite nebulous when it comes to which side some will pick Populist_Prole Oct 2014 #12

That is a damned fine and thoughtful response. Do your ideas lend themselves to any KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #15

Well yes. Practical steps but seemingly maddeningly just out of reach Populist_Prole Oct 2014 #23

I like the way you think and approach issues, instead of simply throwing up your hands KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #28

The rock bottom support for Republicans is 27% or so.. Fumesucker Oct 2014 #19

The last sentence of your excerpt is the keeper! The 'Crazification Factor'. Gawd, I KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #22

The Republicans run as the party of straight, white, economically secure Christians. DemocraticWing Oct 2014 #20

Excellent analysis. I would add though that 'straight, white, economically secure KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #24

A certain amount are nuts, but not all of them. DemocraticWing Oct 2014 #26

Voting is hardly just about logic. I don't understand why this is such a mystery to you cali Oct 2014 #25

Yeah, my wife constantly gives me shit for indulging my Spock-like tendencies to the KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #30

How often do you really see Dems pushing hope, empathy and love? Erich Bloodaxe BSN Oct 2014 #34

Not often enough, I suppose. I think some of that massive support for President Obama in 2008 was KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #48

A lot of people are apolitical. lpbk2713 Oct 2014 #27

The truth of what you write is really sad. - nt KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #31

It has taken several decades rock Oct 2014 #29

It's frankly terrifying, isn't it? - nt KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #32

Indeed, it's like having a large gathering of zombies rock Oct 2014 #36

Yep. Goes to show that well-tested propaganda works effortlessly on the masses. BlueCaliDem Nov 2014 #156

Because half the population is of below average intelligence? Erich Bloodaxe BSN Oct 2014 #33

I think you may have a point (or two). It's not for nothing that Melville's KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #35

+1 Populist_Prole Oct 2014 #40

News media protects Republicans and reports their talking points uncritically emulatorloo Oct 2014 #37

It's maddening, isn't it? The contant false equivocation and tu quoque tropes KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #49

The polls are not a true representation of the American electorate. Dont call me Shirley Oct 2014 #38

because 30% of the population are bigots and vote Republican because they believe Republicans VanillaRhapsody Oct 2014 #39

And isn't that a sad commentary on our electorate (or at least 30% of it)? I think KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #45

can't get shit done because the 30% on the fringe refuse to compromise.... VanillaRhapsody Oct 2014 #54

Yes, you are very correct, there are a lot of rock bottom people who vote Thinkingabout Oct 2014 #53

“Socialism never took root in America because the poor see themselves Tierra_y_Libertad Oct 2014 #41

That is a great quote! I wonder what Steinbeck would say were he alive today. He'd probably KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #46

Your post only makes sense if you think DU is representative of the American public. former9thward Oct 2014 #42

Sigh. If only it were so. I suppose I feel that Republicans represent the (economic) interests of KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #65

By use of operatives such as Limbaugh, Hannity and others............. wandy Oct 2014 #43

Because the Democratic Party has been demonized customerserviceguy Oct 2014 #44

Excellent survey and analysis. "Scared mushy-middlers" - that's a new demographic. Not KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #51

Most people in this country are pretty much in the base customerserviceguy Oct 2014 #61

As I could have expected, awesome analysis. I think it somewhat begs the question, though, which KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #63

Where do you live? customerserviceguy Oct 2014 #66

West side of Los Angeles. (Maxine Waters' district - Yay!) If I lived in a small rural town, I KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #69

There you have it customerserviceguy Oct 2014 #71

guns scarystuffyo Oct 2014 #47

"Clean up on aisle 47" elias49 Oct 2014 #76

RW media bias. DCBob Oct 2014 #50

They own the media and have locked up the racist vote nakocal Oct 2014 #52

there are a lot of stupid, easily-led people Skittles Oct 2014 #55

MSM maced666 Oct 2014 #56

Because 25% of the population are complete idiots CanonRay Oct 2014 #57

All other things being equal, Dems should equally appeal to half of that KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #68

TEEVEE GNEWZ. subliminal memes. pansypoo53219 Oct 2014 #58

media ownership. spanone Oct 2014 #59

Logic is just a nice sounding word that confirms our prejudices. AngryAmish Oct 2014 #60

Well, logicians might disagree with your characterization of KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #62

You pick a side and you fight on that side AngryAmish Oct 2014 #64

Taxes demwing Oct 2014 #67

That shithead Romney never did release all or even most of his tax returns, did he? This KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #73

This message was self-deleted by its author SidDithers Oct 2014 #72

People don't want the government intruding Harmony Blue Oct 2014 #80

And yet, the U.S. government under Bush was wiretapping the phone conversations of U.S. KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #82

That's a programmed cliche to lure gullible voters. CakeGrrl Oct 2014 #90

The tragedy is that we know that there will be other entirely preventable KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #98

many people agree with republicans on many things, take forced Ebola Quarantine JI7 Oct 2014 #83

In 1932, after more than three years kiva Oct 2014 #84

I guess it goes to show there's truly nothing new under the sun. That is one hell of a KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #91

You're welcome. kiva Oct 2014 #95

That's such an easy damn answer.. Cha Oct 2014 #85

Exactly. The GOP now literally owns the media. CakeGrrl Oct 2014 #86

And, now the M$M have their little mediawhore Chucky Todd feeding the public Bull$hite on Sunday Cha Oct 2014 #89

A little historical perspective: I think the resentment at the so-called 'liberal media' dates back KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #97

They have the M$M on their side 24/7 Rex Oct 2014 #87

You know, I've been thinking about this and I remember, during the aftermath of KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #93

The M$M made sure protesters of the Iraqi war were minimized. Same with OWS. Rex Oct 2014 #100

Many reasons Prophet 451 Oct 2014 #88

This is a mini-masterpiece. It really deserves to be a thread of its own and I hope KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #101

At your suggestion, I've done so Prophet 451 Oct 2014 #103

Thanks. Looks like your new thread is receiving the response I expected. Just out KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #122

Eep, sorry. I missed this Prophet 451 Nov 2014 #124

Ah, no worries. I had completely failed to take into account the 'tourism' component. The KingCharlemagne Nov 2014 #138

Do not get upset over things like this, it is like asking why is the sky blue? Black Bug Oct 2014 #92

Wow. That's a great first post (and great advice). I've been an activist since about 1977-8, but KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #94

Ha I was born in 77 Black Bug Oct 2014 #96

I believe if the truth was known madokie Oct 2014 #99

4 issues. Don't they just go with one? I mean 4. Good gawd that's too many for them to ponder. lonestarnot Oct 2014 #114

Yep. treestar Oct 2014 #118

Any one of the four is all it takes madokie Oct 2014 #123

I'm not a sociologist, so I don't really know. ZombieHorde Oct 2014 #102

Simple DonCoquixote Oct 2014 #104

Isn't that the sad truth? I would add they 'play' to people's ignorance and use KingCharlemagne Oct 2014 #115

I think it may have something to do with team inculcation. We have been inculcated with team lonestarnot Oct 2014 #113

Thanks for responding. Yeah, the atavistic urge runs deep, that's for sure. I've seen KingCharlemagne Nov 2014 #140

They support their candidates treestar Oct 2014 #116

1- the party of Big Business, very much so, and 2- the "establishment party", moreso than Dems steve2470 Nov 2014 #126

Much as I like, admire and even venerate Abe Lincoln, the Republican Party has KingCharlemagne Nov 2014 #141

Because their base votes reflexively against Democrats Scootaloo Nov 2014 #127

This is so insightful that it almost deserves a thread of its own (hint, hint :). It is a very KingCharlemagne Nov 2014 #143

In the NJ 7th JustAnotherGen Nov 2014 #129

Because America is a very conservative country. Donald Ian Rankin Nov 2014 #130

Not true. Way more voters vote democratic. Get your facts straight! B Calm Nov 2014 #131

"Marginally", not "way". Donald Ian Rankin Nov 2014 #132

Hey, thanks for responding. The words 'conservative' and its siblings seem KingCharlemagne Nov 2014 #139

This Is My Question RobinA Nov 2014 #134

media - the infamous Lewis Powell memo in 1970 rurallib Nov 2014 #135

I'm lazy so, if you get a chance, can you please expound a bit on KingCharlemagne Nov 2014 #144

Sorry this took so long to reply rurallib Nov 2014 #168

Thanks for the detailed backgrounder. I knew Powell's name sounded familiar - big suprise, he was KingCharlemagne Nov 2014 #169

This to me is also an example of rurallib Nov 2014 #170

Fear! n/t Tom_Foolery Nov 2014 #137

They successfully repackage weak, mean and stupid oligarchy... Orsino Nov 2014 #142

Hey, thanks for responding. Yeah, money certainly has an insidious effect KingCharlemagne Nov 2014 #145

Public financing of elections, and a media fairness doctrine. Orsino Nov 2014 #147

because brainwashing works, especially when you put a ton of money into it. unblock Nov 2014 #151

Few could dispute the overall validity of your general observation. Are you by KingCharlemagne Nov 2014 #153

well it's certainly true that human views can be manipulated; unblock Nov 2014 #158

I like the way you think and the cut of your jib. I find myself unable to laugh at their KingCharlemagne Nov 2014 #160

Ignorance upaloopa Nov 2014 #152

I like your one-word answer about as much as I like any response on this thread, i guess. It's KingCharlemagne Nov 2014 #155

I'd expand slightly on your answer, which is basically correct. hifiguy Nov 2014 #157

This article may help. area51 Nov 2014 #159

Great article with lots of quotable quotes. My fav was the last one (by Chip Berlet, of KingCharlemagne Nov 2014 #161

The human animal is gullible. Notafraidtoo Nov 2014 #162

Hey, stop insulting monkeys! :) Your post brought to mind this oldie-but-goodie: KingCharlemagne Nov 2014 #163

The real battle is between "centrist Dems and progressive Dems (Socialists and other points left)." kentuck Nov 2014 #164

Thanks for responding. Your lengthy post brought Will Rogers famous quip KingCharlemagne Nov 2014 #165

I actually think that it might be advantageous... kentuck Nov 2014 #167

It's not a mystery. True Blue Door Nov 2014 #166

+1 YoungDemCA Nov 2014 #171

kick kentuck Nov 2014 #172