General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Are there really people on DU who won't vote for the Democratic candidate if [View all]bbmykel
(282 posts)Senator Clinton forfeited my support when she chose political expediency over leadership and voted for the Iraq war (as, of course did Kerry and Edwards--not a glorious moment for Democratic "leaders"
. Would Howard Dean have even been possible if any one of them had stood up and lead an opposition?
What I have learned since 2004 via places like DU but mostly the Democratic Party itself is that I am no longer Democrat. I would have once believed that was unthinkable. What I am is a Liberal, and proud of it. I will support individual candidates (mostly Democrats, I'm sure) that are proud liberals. I don't owe anyone blind allegiance.
Now, before anyone gets too riled up, let me point out that my vote virtually counts for nothing. I live in California and any Democratic nominee for President that is fighting for California has probably already lost so I do have the luxury of "voting my conscience". If I was in a swing state, I honestly would have a tougher time figuring out what to do.
Also, once I realized that I really wasn't a Democrat anymore (after all Rahm Emanuel called people like me "retards" or some such thing so it's not like I was wanted), I really do try to respect this space and not post much, but I did want to answer what sounded like a sincere question.