This is one thing I know to be true

[excringency]

18. This, times 1000

Please consider el_bryanto's point. In 1980 Teddy Kennedy fought Carter all the way to the end of the convention. There were many hurt feelings and intransigent stances taken. While Carter probably would have lost even without a challenge from Kennedy (Iran hostages, economic woes, etc.), this did allow for a Reagan landslide. That brought with it coattails that led to a Republican Senate and a house with Republican gains coupled with Dixiecrats who in effect gave Reagan a compliant Congress despite Tip O'Neill. I fervently hope this election cycle brings with it the possibility of the beginning of the end of the recent conservative era begun with Reagan's presidency. That cannot occur without a wave of united Democratic voters headed to the polls to elect not only a president, but also a House and Senate. With regard to wanting a real change and voting one's conscious, might I suggest we work the three non-election years as well to change the makeup and focus of the Democratic Party. Politicians will follow the votes, and if we can change the views of the majority of the rank and file we won't have to defiantly vote our conscience as part of a losing cause the next time.