This is not a trick or troll question - I really want to know [View all]

[nadine_mn]

Why do Democrats, Progressives, and in this question, DUers in particular, find it necessary to get so nasty during primary season towards the other Democratic candidate?

It is not just this season of Hillary vs Bernie, it happens every election cycle. The same nasty comments ["Not a REAL Democrat" "Corporate Shill" etc] directed towards the candidates, the same nasty insults hurled at supporters and the same wringing of hands about loss of civility.

Very few logical arguments are presented - it is just a slur of name calling. Each side complains the other side started it or is nastier. I will be honest, I was a Hillary supporter over Obama. But come election time I voted for Obama - both times. Because whatever reservations I may have had, they paled in comparison to any Republican. And you bet, there are a lot of times I am super proud that Obama is our president and a few (mercifully few) times I have shook my head. But no candidate is going to be the perfect candidate for me (except...ME!). And to be even more honest, I am a Bernie fan, but dammit I also would love Hillary to be president. I would be happy for different reasons for either, and most importantly any Democrat is better than the GOP.


Has anyone been convinced to change their support of a Democratic candidate because of angry comments directed at them and their choice of candidate?

I know it is just a few vocal people who are getting all fired up, a lot of DUers just kind of ignore it or stay away from DU until primaries are over. And yes there are trolls...but come on, we all know there are some long time DUers who are passionate Democrats that have some switch flipped in them come primary season and the ugly comes out.

I am not calling out anyone, both sides are guilty and not just this time around. And I know there are genuine differences on policy to discuss, that is not what I am talking about.

I really want to hear from those who feel the need to get personal - why? what do you hope to accomplish? are you just angry? do you think you will change their mind?