2016 Postmortem

MellowDem

(5,018 posts)

100. The progressive left is overwhelmingly white...

Reply to 1StrongBlackMan (Original post)

Tue Jul 7, 2015, 12:15 AM

Jul 2015

and not that numerous, but very engaged and active, from what I have seen. That could make it tough for Bernie to reach out to minority voters, as he's pretty darn progressive. That's his starting base.

It's not really his fault though, or anyone's, just a matter of history, geography and segregation to some degree, and it's pretty devastating to me to see a candidate that I think will be by far the best candidate for everyone, minorities included, be attacked for optics that are really in no one's control.

Heck, to see other candidates supported on here with much worse track records, even with track records of blatant race baiting, being supported because of optics, because of the willingness to put on an act and genuflect to every constituency, that has always made me despair at our democracy, and it seems to be your primary concern, counting the white faces, wondering when Sanders will get the right optics, and missing everything substantive, IMHO.

If this is your big concern, I don't really care, because it's a shitty concern. If you're waiting for the magic words and act to "get to play", you'll have plenty of candidates to choose from. Hell, I'm sure Bernie will try his best as well, as much as he can while trying to keep a modicum of integrity hopefully. But honesty doesn't suit optics very well in politics.

If it really is the concern of lots of voters too, and we have lots of evidence out there to suggest it is, whatever color, hue, orientation, etc., very few people vote in the primaries and very few people vote on policy, they want candidates they can identify with, etc., then we are well and truly fucked anyways. Because optics can easily be manipulated, we've seen it before, and we'll see it this election. Policies won't matter much, optics will.

It's strange to me, to see this on here, to see something that has been a cancer on our democracy and so brazenly used by the right to divide and conquer, to see identity politics so cherished and defended on this site. Just... Fuck. Your post is shameful.

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Bernie's crowd in Portland, ME ... [View all] 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2015 OP

I got a question for you. nadinbrzezinski Jul 2015 #1

Type a little slower ... 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2015 #11

You made my point nadinbrzezinski Jul 2015 #19

I think you misunderstood the OP Jim Lane Jul 2015 #174

And the OP is wrong in making that argument nadinbrzezinski Jul 2015 #180

That was perfect. malokvale77 Jul 2015 #51

I got no candidate but I look at this fully. nadinbrzezinski Jul 2015 #56

What does that mean? n/t 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2015 #62

Not this again RobertEarl Jul 2015 #2

Yes this again! ... 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2015 #16

No you and I have not RobertEarl Jul 2015 #21

There is a site search box brer cat Jul 2015 #31

Only reason not to repeat is... RobertEarl Jul 2015 #35

Not everyone who repeats themselve all the time brer cat Jul 2015 #41

Is that why he won't c+p, even. Not even a link? RobertEarl Jul 2015 #46

Kinda like you. (nt) malokvale77 Jul 2015 #55

So I see. 840high Jul 2015 #107

Because he likes to? tazkcmo Jul 2015 #167

He shouldn't. cui bono Jul 2015 #256

If budget is the issue, why not campaign in LA instead of Oregon? pnwmom Jul 2015 #208

Sorry the surging underdog is not campaigning as you prefer. morningfog Jul 2015 #3

He don't want to play madokie Jul 2015 #4

Yes you are ... 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2015 #64

Haven't seen a suggestion yet. tazkcmo Jul 2015 #172

Geez, you do not have to explain yourself on here! akbacchus_BC Jul 2015 #254

Sweet Jesus-- you are telling actually an African American man "he just wants to complain"? ismnotwasm Jul 2015 #124

Do you know what the demographics of Maine is? madokie Jul 2015 #138

And many of them are not voters....or citizens. MADem Jul 2015 #161

It is amazing to watch and it happens EVERY GOD DAMN time a Black person brings it up randys1 Jul 2015 #228

this is disappointing bigtree Jul 2015 #152

Excellent point - Bernie should be all things to all people and right away, too! Peregrine Took Jul 2015 #7

LOL ... 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2015 #70

Seems to be that's what all of Bernie's supporters want of HRC. Just saying what's good for the Fla Dem Jul 2015 #160

Is it asking too much that Bernie hear what the mainstream of PoC are saying ... 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2015 #20

Then the location is irrelevant, if that is your complaint. morningfog Jul 2015 #26

Yep, the location would be irrelevant; but for the reception his message receives... 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2015 #53

Now that is just unfounded absurdity. morningfog Jul 2015 #68

Thank you for proving the "Why Bernie is missing Black folks" point ... 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2015 #76

Run yourself silly with this. We'll see what happens morningfog Jul 2015 #80

Then explain why he was scheduled to speak in Charleston? Luminous Animal Jul 2015 #91

Excellent point, to which the OP has no response. Divernan Jul 2015 #157

You may be right about Bernie - but bread_and_roses Jul 2015 #190

Who appointed cranky old you as "the mainstream of PoC"? Comrade Grumpy Jul 2015 #65

Okay ... LOL ... 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2015 #84

I never claim to speak for anybody but myself. Comrade Grumpy Jul 2015 #226

When I saw screen shots of Bernie's rally, my first reaction other than being WOWED by the numbers randys1 Jul 2015 #243

straight out of the mouth of the priv. It's Just as much a CLASS analysis as it is Race analysis it 2banon Jul 2015 #247

"Get to play" MoveIt Jul 2015 #5

It means what you think it means ... 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2015 #8

Minorities RobertEarl Jul 2015 #9

He surging everywhere he goes. morningfog Jul 2015 #12

"get to play" was ambiguous and still is. MoveIt Jul 2015 #18

Exactly the same demographic that surged initially for Obama shaayecanaan Jul 2015 #153

LOL whathehell Jul 2015 #225

...was 9,000 people by most estimates. You go, Bernie! TheCowsCameHome Jul 2015 #6

The OPs complaint seems to be geographical. morningfog Jul 2015 #10

Exactly right. Owl Jul 2015 #14

How about Bernie speaks to anyone that comes to see him? TheCowsCameHome Jul 2015 #15

+10,000 MissDeeds Jul 2015 #164

The implication is that Sanders is deliberately avoiding non-white voters and crowds arcane1 Jul 2015 #17

Yes absurd ... 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2015 #85

So you are implying he is a racist? AgingAmerican Jul 2015 #132

Does that mean the whole state is racist, or he's just racist for going there? arcane1 Jul 2015 #185

Those numbers are for the population of Portland, LWolf Jul 2015 #13

I would love if he were to veer out of white liberal havens, for a weekend ... 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2015 #24

Social Justice? RobertEarl Jul 2015 #28

See ... I tell you ... You ignore and ask a obtuse question ... 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2015 #58

What do you think of Michelle Alexander. nadinbrzezinski Jul 2015 #66

Who is Michelle Alexander? n/t 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2015 #86

Best way is for her to speak for herself. nadinbrzezinski Jul 2015 #90

Thank you for linking that video. It was very moving. delrem Jul 2015 #133

And I speak with folks of at least two different nadinbrzezinski Jul 2015 #179

Thanks for the post. Since Michelle Alexander's major work came out in 2010, "The New Jim Crow: appalachiablue Jul 2015 #259

He cancelled his Charleston S.C. rally in order not to politicize the tragedy. He also directed his Luminous Animal Jul 2015 #87

I'm sure he will. LWolf Jul 2015 #181

How about Detroit? LA? Chicago? pnwmom Jul 2015 #209

I'm sure he'll be there. LWolf Jul 2015 #239

I have no idea where she's been. But her poll numbers with minority voters are very strong. pnwmom Jul 2015 #240

Yes. LWolf Jul 2015 #242

They can't leave it alone, sheshe2 Jul 2015 #22

To Juror #9 ... 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2015 #29

They are clueless and remain so. sheshe2 Jul 2015 #40

+1 NCTraveler Jul 2015 #169

I disagree about the response to Charleston Jim Lane Jul 2015 #170

Nope...politicking this nadinbrzezinski Jul 2015 #182

Jury Results, 1StrongBlackMan.. Cha Jul 2015 #23

Youn were on it too. sheshe2 Jul 2015 #34

Yes, I was and proud to be there. Cha Jul 2015 #38

Are you kidding me, someone alerted this thread? Iliyah Jul 2015 #39

Of course they did.. they can't handle 1StrongBlackMan's voice on DU. Cha Jul 2015 #45

Nailed it. sheshe2 Jul 2015 #59

Yup. zappaman Jul 2015 #67

They want us silenced here. No doubt in my mind. nt. NCTraveler Jul 2015 #171

Of course.. they're all about freedom of speech until it comes to censoring Cha Jul 2015 #173

Race statistics for Hillary's home town Cheese Sandwich Jul 2015 #25

And yet, she talks about social justice ... disconnected to economic justice ... 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2015 #33

You have a link to her talks? RobertEarl Jul 2015 #52

Answering stuff you have no attention of palying attention to is hard work ... 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2015 #60

Thanks!! RobertEarl Jul 2015 #63

Post removed Post removed Jul 2015 #78

I detect a bit of disrespect? RobertEarl Jul 2015 #89

That doesn't mention race at all BainsBane Jul 2015 #235

Like Hillary says RobertEarl Jul 2015 #236

Sure, but everyone's life is not the same BainsBane Jul 2015 #244

Nope, not forgetting that women and POC deserve a level playing field. I understand why its not a bettyellen Jul 2015 #269

New thing called "Google" zappaman Jul 2015 #71

Hillary's real home town (Park Ridge, IL, not Chappaqua) has not dissimilar stats BUT... Gidney N Cloyd Jul 2015 #168

He went to Oregon? Why? BainsBane Jul 2015 #27

Maine Cheese Sandwich Jul 2015 #30

Sorry, my mistake, but same question BainsBane Jul 2015 #32

Part of some kind of a strategy Cheese Sandwich Jul 2015 #36

Must be for fundraising purposes BainsBane Jul 2015 #37

Maybe. Cheese Sandwich Jul 2015 #42

I agree. It is a part of some kind of strategy ... 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2015 #92

So what's your opinion of Bernie Sanders? Cheese Sandwich Jul 2015 #93

He likes Sanders' passion. frylock Jul 2015 #98

That's cool. Cheese Sandwich Jul 2015 #103

I'd go see Neil open for Bernie.. frylock Jul 2015 #110

You know where Bernie Sanders should go Cheese Sandwich Jul 2015 #115

Yes, that would be a good event for Bernie. delrem Jul 2015 #136

What makes blacks particularly "less receptive" to Bernie's message? Ed Suspicious Jul 2015 #150

.. corkhead Jul 2015 #205

Portland media market overlaps W/southern New Hampshire. Divernan Jul 2015 #159

Portland Maine, next to NH and Vermont.... Bluenorthwest Jul 2015 #50

Has Sanders had a major event in South Carolina yet? Renew Deal Jul 2015 #43

It depresses me that you are posting this about Bernie, virtualobserver Jul 2015 #44

The entire premise is bullshit. morningfog Jul 2015 #72

I'm so sorry; but, I don't particularly care ... 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2015 #94

Define those interests. Ed Suspicious Jul 2015 #151

One of the saddest ironies. raouldukelives Jul 2015 #165

Not Good Enough, Bernie! Part 27? MannyGoldstein Jul 2015 #47

Spin the straw man, manny ... 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2015 #95

Not Good Enough, Bernie Supporters! nt MannyGoldstein Jul 2015 #141

What do you mean "minorities"? ibegurpard Jul 2015 #48

I refuse to term myself a "minority", i.e., powerless victim. n/t 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2015 #96

well we weren't talking about you were we? ibegurpard Jul 2015 #104

No ... I am speaking for myself, One strong Black man ... 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2015 #112

Yes you're speaking for yourself ibegurpard Jul 2015 #114

Oh FFS TM99 Jul 2015 #49

Oh FFS ... 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2015 #97

So you don't deny that TM99 Jul 2015 #119

The Third Way� don't want to talk about economics AgingAmerican Jul 2015 #134

Well how about this? TM99 Jul 2015 #143

This is exactly it. cui bono Jul 2015 #233

I guess when you only have one card in your hand, you have no choice but to keep tossing it out. Bonobo Jul 2015 #54

Creative way to work in Bobbie Jo Jul 2015 #57

You have a great imagination. nt Bonobo Jul 2015 #61

No, I have great common sense. Bobbie Jo Jul 2015 #69

You can see my post below, but if you have great common sense, it is pretty obvious. Bonobo Jul 2015 #75

It's pretty obvious, alright. Bobbie Jo Jul 2015 #88

Post removed Post removed Jul 2015 #101

Post removed Post removed Jul 2015 #106

Nope, I didn't say anything but the truth. nt Bonobo Jul 2015 #109

Going for an encore? Bobbie Jo Jul 2015 #111

If I am so wrong, so terrible, refute what I said. Don't attack me personally. Bonobo Jul 2015 #113

Honestly Bobbie Jo Jul 2015 #118

That's what I thought. You actually can't refute Bonobo Jul 2015 #122

I know, huh ... 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2015 #102

. Bobbie Jo Jul 2015 #123

What card would that be? zappaman Jul 2015 #73

The meme that Sanders is only appealing to white voters as a campaign tactic. nt Bonobo Jul 2015 #74

Nice dodge. zappaman Jul 2015 #79

Nice try! Bonobo Jul 2015 #83

oh hey you fessed up! zappaman Jul 2015 #137

This message was self-deleted by its author 1000words Jul 2015 #77

Sherrif John Brown always hated Bernie. nt Bonobo Jul 2015 #81

This message was self-deleted by its author 1000words Jul 2015 #82

Perhaps, you would feel better if I didn't vote/advocate "based on my race", huh? 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2015 #99

Vote however you like. Bonobo Jul 2015 #105

Jury results. edbermac Jul 2015 #130

Who cares. 840high Jul 2015 #116

Exactly, vote however he wants. But if he wants to keep intimating that Sanders is a racist, Bonobo Jul 2015 #117

So true. That's why this 840high Jul 2015 #120

It would be nice if you would advocate for everyone's interests and not just your own. cui bono Jul 2015 #234

Are you accusing an African American of playing the "race card'? ismnotwasm Jul 2015 #125

African Americans never play the "race card"? bvar22 Jul 2015 #248

You mean the "come out and say it" card, you're missing that out of your deck you know that right? uponit7771 Jul 2015 #140

Self-Reflection is good. NCTraveler Jul 2015 #175

The progressive left is overwhelmingly white... MellowDem Jul 2015 #100

Okay. ... 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2015 #108

Okay. ... MellowDem Jul 2015 #121

Is there no room for the concerns of Black people? ismnotwasm Jul 2015 #126

This message was self-deleted by its author 1000words Jul 2015 #127

Oh don't worry about me darlin. ismnotwasm Jul 2015 #128

Jesus... MellowDem Jul 2015 #129

That's precisely what they're trying to do. ibegurpard Jul 2015 #131

The OP has been insulted, his concerns dismissed ismnotwasm Jul 2015 #135

you make good points bigtree Jul 2015 #145

I agree it's very disturbing ismnotwasm Jul 2015 #187

Good post, in a sea of swarming sharks smelling blood, it might sink though sadly... AuntPatsy Jul 2015 #183

No doubt ismnotwasm Jul 2015 #188

The OP is snarky as hell... MellowDem Jul 2015 #253

"a shitty concern" BainsBane Jul 2015 #241

What you and he don't get... MellowDem Jul 2015 #252

No one has said he doesn't care about black people BainsBane Jul 2015 #258

No one has said Sanders doesn't care about black people? "NOT GOOD ENOUGH, BERNIE", appalachiablue Jul 2015 #260

I saw BainsBane Jul 2015 #263

I've seen all these points numerous times on this forum, SOS. With Sanders I see 'a candiate appalachiablue Jul 2015 #264

Okay, then why are you so appalled by criticism of Sanders BainsBane Jul 2015 #266

You ascribe views to me I don't have... MellowDem Jul 2015 #262

Self-described? BainsBane Jul 2015 #265

It matters... MellowDem Jul 2015 #268

Anyone else think he's running away from gun issues!? uponit7771 Jul 2015 #139

Not at all...he just spoke about it on cnn bobbobbins01 Jul 2015 #149

100% stonecutter357 Jul 2015 #154

No. Ed Suspicious Jul 2015 #156

four electoral votes bigtree Jul 2015 #142

I don't understand what "get to play" means mainer Jul 2015 #144

its nonsense MoveIt Jul 2015 #184

When they show up. There aren't any Whites only signs. mmonk Jul 2015 #146

Thank you. There are no "White Only" signs at Bernie's rallies. whathehell Jul 2015 #162

Bernies made his solidarity all citizens pretty darn clear many times explicetly..... marble falls Jul 2015 #147

Excellent post. mmonk Jul 2015 #148

Good rebuttal to the talking points OP. GoneOffShore Jul 2015 #163

K&R! stonecutter357 Jul 2015 #155

As a black man, what would you like to hear from Bernie that would address your concerns? Ed Suspicious Jul 2015 #158

I'm shocked that you didn't get an answer.. frylock Jul 2015 #220

He didn't get an answer because 1SBM was locked out of the thread on an idiotic hide. Squinch Jul 2015 #246

The OP has had ample opportunity over the last several weeks.. frylock Jul 2015 #249

I attempted to discuss a similar issue two weeks ago. NCTraveler Jul 2015 #166

If you have a problem with lack of diversity in the early primary states, HooptieWagon Jul 2015 #177

At what point did I say a complete lack of diversity... NCTraveler Jul 2015 #178

I hear you RoccoR5955 Jul 2015 #176

The primary schedule was set by the DNC, not the candidates nadinbrzezinski Jul 2015 #186

Pro tip: The primary schedule is not set by the DNC Brother Buzz Jul 2015 #191

Yes, and they actually work with both parties nadinbrzezinski Jul 2015 #192

California moved its primary from February to June for monetary reasons Brother Buzz Jul 2015 #193

And both state parties were part of the negotiations on that one nadinbrzezinski Jul 2015 #194

Negotiations? republicans dragged their feet a bit and Democrats were tepid with the change Brother Buzz Jul 2015 #197

You forget I live in this state nadinbrzezinski Jul 2015 #198

Can I assume you were disappointed, too? Brother Buzz Jul 2015 #206

I was. I wish we had more say. zappaman Jul 2015 #216

I'm suddenly thinking of the NFL's new point after touchdown rule. Brother Buzz Jul 2015 #227

Yup, but none asks me nadinbrzezinski Jul 2015 #230

I love it when people correct her LordGlenconner Jul 2015 #196

So are you nadinbrzezinski Jul 2015 #199

Ahh yes LordGlenconner Jul 2015 #201

Even more irony nadinbrzezinski Jul 2015 #202

Educational from Ron Paul?!?!?! RoccoR5955 Jul 2015 #223

Fuck Ron Paul. zappaman Jul 2015 #229

If you are interested in how nadinbrzezinski Jul 2015 #231

The only thing that Ron and Rand Paul ooze for me RoccoR5955 Jul 2015 #237

And at this point I would say I am fully sorry nadinbrzezinski Jul 2015 #238

I'm a minority; he's speaking to me ram2008 Jul 2015 #189

The real problem is the message, they want it shut down and clear limits set for the future as well. TheKentuckian Jul 2015 #245

I read most of this thread. Does it make any difference to anyone that the NAACP has given jwirr Jul 2015 #195

I have high regard for the NAACP bigtree Jul 2015 #203

Thank you. I knew about the divide in Ferguson MO - just did not realize that it involved the NAACP. jwirr Jul 2015 #204

I'm sure it has some relevance bigtree Jul 2015 #210

You are so correct about our millnnial generation. When I want to know what to think on any issue jwirr Jul 2015 #212

Yeah we should rely on DU posters ibegurpard Jul 2015 #211

what the hell are you talking about? bigtree Jul 2015 #213

joan walsh ibegurpard Jul 2015 #215

that crap you posted has zero to do with me or anything I was discussing with this poster bigtree Jul 2015 #217

what garbage ibegurpard Jul 2015 #219

wow bigtree Jul 2015 #221

likewise ibegurpard Jul 2015 #222

You forgot whathehell Jul 2015 #224

You "need to stick to pushing O'Malley." zappaman Jul 2015 #218

Yet these are the same young leaders nadinbrzezinski Jul 2015 #232

I'm so sorry, 1StrongBlackMan onpatrol98 Jul 2015 #200

Hey darlin! So good to see you again. Number23 Jul 2015 #251

Hey!!!! onpatrol98 Jul 2015 #257

Girl... En Vogue is one of my favorite groups of ALL TIME. Number23 Jul 2015 #261

I think most POC can figure out which candidate best reflects their interests. immoderate Jul 2015 #207

of course they can ibegurpard Jul 2015 #214

Did you expect him to import PoC for his speech? "The pattern" is this: magical thyme Jul 2015 #250

You have explained that you use quotes for progressives to indicate they are not *real* cui bono Jul 2015 #255

Nate Silver is basically making the same point as you about Bernie's base Tatiana La Belle Jul 2015 #267

KIck for reality and a wakeup call... LA......... we love ya Ichingcarpenter Aug 2015 #270

L.A. has put that false narrative about separation definitively to rest. villager Aug 2015 #271

I think your OP is despicable. delrem Aug 2015 #272

Now be nice. Race-based attacks are all they have. It takes time to invent & distribute a new smear arcane1 Aug 2015 #273