2016 Postmortem

virtualobserver

(8,760 posts)

145. even a kompassionate klansman would be tough to accept

Sat Aug 1, 2015, 10:01 AM

Aug 2015

but seriously, anarchist and klansman are terms that are many orders of magnitude more objectionable.

Republican?......It isn't the label that turns me off....just every word that comes out of their mouths.

It isn't that I don't agree with the assertion that some will be put off by the socialist term, but those people consider Democrat and Socialist to be equivalent terms.

This thread is entitled "Does anyone really think the GOP wouldn't hammer Bernie about being a socialist 24/7?"

They have been doing that to President Obama for eight years.
It didn't stop him from being elected and re-elected.

My problem with this thread is its conclusion that the results of a poll are written in stone. Leaders persuade people to do necessary things that they haven't thought of. That changes poll numbers and it wins elections.

The "leaders" of the Democratic Party, with their poll crafted messages, are endlessly scanning the thoughts of the people. Then they try to merge those thoughts with the requirements of their donors, and they spit back out to us a toothless, sanitized

solution

to our problems.

I can't resign myself to supporting an approach this weak and calculating unless I am absolutely forced to do so.

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Does anyone really think the GOP wouldn't hammer Bernie about being a socialist 24/7? [View all] DanTex Jul 2015 OP

And is anyone scared yet? daleanime Jul 2015 #1

Not to mention other attacks on other things. leftofcool Jul 2015 #2

How about the honeymoon in communist Russia? I'm sure that will play great! DanTex Jul 2015 #3

even "communist Russia" is an ancient concept virtualobserver Jul 2015 #45

It would be great advertising for Socialism MannyGoldstein Jul 2015 #4

We already have socialism fadedrose Jul 2015 #5

Yes we do....do you think ANY Republican admits that? Sheepshank Jul 2015 #120

Fire and police departments, public schools, TexasBushwhacker Aug 2015 #137

We ALSO socialize this - MrMickeysMom Aug 2015 #165

That label has become as scary as a monster B movie from the 50's nt Xipe Totec Jul 2015 #6

You sure about that? 52% of Americans wouldn't consider voting for a socialist. DanTex Jul 2015 #7

We can argue opinions, or you can post a link to support your fears. nt Xipe Totec Jul 2015 #18

Here's the poll. DanTex Jul 2015 #31

Bernie loses somewhere between 38 and 45 states if nominated. Possibly even more. stevenleser Jul 2015 #54

more imaginary statistics virtualobserver Jul 2015 #105

No, they won't. 50% of people in the US will not vote for a Socialist. That stat is out there. stevenleser Jul 2015 #109

that poll is unattached to Bernie, and it is not chiseled in granite. virtualobserver Jul 2015 #125

So Bernie is the Magic (Democratic) Socialist? n/t 1StrongBlackMan Aug 2015 #131

that poll is using the generic term- socialist virtualobserver Aug 2015 #132

I think you are wishfully thinking ... 1StrongBlackMan Aug 2015 #140

even a kompassionate klansman would be tough to accept virtualobserver Aug 2015 #145

Step outside of your nuanced self ... 1StrongBlackMan Aug 2015 #146

The beauty of self-describing is that you can provide a complete description virtualobserver Aug 2015 #147

Me either...very good post btw. nt haikugal Aug 2015 #152

I can't believe you just did that...I don't know if I should laugh or cry...really? haikugal Aug 2015 #151

I hadn't thought of that when I posted. n/t 1StrongBlackMan Aug 2015 #160

Are these all landline users, too? artislife Aug 2015 #133

So Hillary supporters aren't going to vote for Bernie? neverforget Aug 2015 #136

Message auto-removed Name removed Jul 2015 #29

First, 63% of Americans didn't consider voting for anyone who ran in 2014 demwing Jul 2015 #95

Aren't a lot of the people the same ones who wouldn't vote for a woman? artislife Aug 2015 #135

That means 48% would to me. Scruffy1 Aug 2015 #161

...... daleanime Jul 2015 #19

Hammer them with- ruffburr Jul 2015 #8

Good plan. "Corporatist fascism", it just rolls off the tongue... DanTex Jul 2015 #11

Could backfire HassleCat Jul 2015 #9

Ya - they might hold up Europe's Free Healthcare as an example FreakinDJ Jul 2015 #10

+1 daleanime Jul 2015 #22

Interesting how Bernie uses Scandinavia as an example when convenient... Sancho Jul 2015 #130

I can't wait for them to start telling people what Bernie wants to do for the people. Bring it on Vincardog Jul 2015 #12

Anyone who thinks that the 'Socialist' label... BooScout Jul 2015 #13

Beyond naive, it's delusional. DanTex Jul 2015 #15

If I used that word.... BooScout Jul 2015 #21

"Obama is a Socialist." That's what the GOP's been saying for years. Armstead Jul 2015 #79

Obama never said "I'm a socialist". Huge difference. DanTex Jul 2015 #84

No it makes no difference. Armstead Jul 2015 #89

Of course it does. DanTex Jul 2015 #91

Let me ask you a simple and direct question. Armstead Jul 2015 #93

Afraid, no. But the GOP has managed to turn it into a bad word in national politics. DanTex Jul 2015 #114

Half of America equates .... BooScout Aug 2015 #163

Message auto-removed Name removed Jul 2015 #38

You would do well to read up on him.... BooScout Jul 2015 #44

Message auto-removed Name removed Jul 2015 #49

alrighty then... BooScout Jul 2015 #50

Do you think if Sanders is the nominee he would have full support from the 'Establishment' PoliticAverse Jul 2015 #53

Yes. Would you care to float an alternative? DisgustipatedinCA Jul 2015 #58

Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it Gothmog Jul 2015 #57

MCGovern made a big mistake alright� Raine1967 Jul 2015 #116

Well dang.... BooScout Jul 2015 #117

Back in the McGovern days, a kid could walk right out of high school and into brewens Jul 2015 #52

+1 Go Vols Jul 2015 #83

^^^ this ^^^ nt Nevada Blue Jul 2015 #94

Damn Skippy azmom Jul 2015 #115

This Ain't 1972 demwing Jul 2015 #85

To me, at least, this is a poor analogy. Scruffy1 Aug 2015 #162

Are you honestly expecting anyone to switch support to Hillary because of that? djean111 Jul 2015 #14

Not really artislife Jul 2015 #16

That makes him stronger. That's his real secret weapon. Cheese Sandwich Jul 2015 #17

LOL, vulnerability to attack ads is a "secret weapon" now. Almost as powerful as not being DanTex Jul 2015 #23

It may not be a bad thing. Many people who were brainwashed about Cleita Jul 2015 #20

You think that having to educate a public who has had "socialism bad" drilled into them for decades, DanTex Jul 2015 #26

They called Obama a socialist, and we know how well that worked in the last two elections virtualobserver Jul 2015 #43

A socialist with Saddam's middle name. Remember how dems tried to scare us from Obama? arcane1 Jul 2015 #64

I do believe that was Hillary, wasn't it :-) emsimon33 Jul 2015 #127

*chortle nt artislife Aug 2015 #134

"....who might have been born in kenya" Armstead Jul 2015 #82

But Obama never said "I'm a socialist". DanTex Jul 2015 #87

It doesn't matter......the term has lost its pop.....even "Communist China" virtualobserver Jul 2015 #103

Not according to polls. DanTex Jul 2015 #104

Polls say that Hillary is "untrustworthy"....... virtualobserver Jul 2015 #106

Her poll numbers against the GOP candidates are good. Not sure what this has to do DanTex Jul 2015 #107

who do you think that people would prefer...a socialist, or someone who is untrustworthy? n/t virtualobserver Jul 2015 #108

Well, obviously in this instance they prefer Hillary by a huge margin. DanTex Jul 2015 #110

we will see - Bernie is creeping up in a number of state polls virtualobserver Jul 2015 #124

Nothing is worse than ignorance and false premises. Cleita Jul 2015 #47

Thank you for pointing out that socialism and capitalism are economic systems, not types of Stardust Jul 2015 #119

I had the evils of socialism pounded into me Paka Jul 2015 #48

The GOP already calls Clinton "Hitlery". Do you really think the GOP likes Clinton? PassingFair Jul 2015 #24

Of course they hate Clinton. They'll hate any Dem. DanTex Jul 2015 #28

I think people are ready for democratic socialist policies. PassingFair Jul 2015 #32

Policies, maybe, but not for a person who says "I'm a socialist". DanTex Jul 2015 #37

He's running as a "Democrat" not a "Socialist" nt PassingFair Jul 2015 #69

He's on record saying "I'm a socialist". Many times. And he only became a Democrat recently. DanTex Jul 2015 #71

A progressive democrat by any other name wouldst smell as sweet. PassingFair Jul 2015 #75

Smell as sweet, yes, but not as electable. DanTex Jul 2015 #81

Negatives ads work and the Kochs would spend a great deal attacking Sanders Gothmog Jul 2015 #25

Ya think Americans won't hammer the GOP about Healthcare ??? FreakinDJ Jul 2015 #27

Why would they need to? We've got you. Comrade Grumpy Jul 2015 #30

Who cares what the GOP does or thinks? AgingAmerican Jul 2015 #33

They hammered Barack 24 X 7 on the topic. Scuba Jul 2015 #34

That's because he didn't say "I'm a socialist". He said "I'm not a socialist". DanTex Jul 2015 #39

Yeah, 'cause GOP voters always listen to what Dem candidates say. Scuba Jul 2015 #42

I'm counting on it hootinholler Jul 2015 #35

They already have. So what is your point? Let them show how out of touch they sabrina 1 Jul 2015 #36

No, no, no they have not. DanTex Jul 2015 #41

Socialism vs Social Democracy � What�s The Difference? notadmblnd Jul 2015 #40

Excellent! n/t TexasBushwhacker Jul 2015 #56

They've been trying this forever; hasn't worked yet. Scuba Jul 2015 #46

Do Republicans flinch from "Conservative" or "Capitalist" or "Rightwing?" No, they embrace them. leveymg Jul 2015 #51

Heck no, that'd be #1; elleng Jul 2015 #55

They only attack Hillary, not Sanders. NCTraveler Jul 2015 #59

I still can't believe Nixon won. Everybody I know voted for redstateblues Jul 2015 #62

And everything always happens the same n/t arcane1 Jul 2015 #67

Who cares? I have to deal with bullshit people every day. If I let them control what Zorra Jul 2015 #60

Bingo....I wish Democrats would take that to heart as a party Armstead Jul 2015 #86

certain Democrats ibegurpard Jul 2015 #90

Maybe more people will understand socialism Politicalboi Jul 2015 #61

Reminds me of "They'll go after "Hussein" and his blackness" and similar crap arcane1 Jul 2015 #63

2008: Does anyone really think the GOP wouldn't hammer a black Democrat with a Muslim African name? Depaysement Jul 2015 #65

Yep. This OP is the same FUD bullshit the Clinton crew gave us in 2008 arcane1 Jul 2015 #68

The term has lost 95% of its 'bite' from 50 years ago, like the term'Redskins'... 4139 Jul 2015 #66

Pew Survey: Young Americans Favor Socialism over Capitalism (you're right!!!) fbc Jul 2015 #72

Yes, young Americans. But not all Americans are young. The overall impression of socialism DanTex Jul 2015 #78

I hope so, it's time to get rid of the stigma attached to the word "socialism" fbc Jul 2015 #70

How about first getting rid of the stigma, before squandering a presidential race by DanTex Jul 2015 #73

Because people like you have been fighting ibegurpard Jul 2015 #80

Double Plus Good. Armstead Jul 2015 #92

What, me? What did I do? I'm not moving the party to the right, I'm a progressive Dem. DanTex Jul 2015 #111

GOP? How about we start right here at DU demwing Jul 2015 #74

They same way they hammer corporatist Obama for it? ibegurpard Jul 2015 #76

Hell, they always call Obama a Socialist already. Armstead Jul 2015 #77

Yes, in fact this is part of why more and more people want socialism fbc Jul 2015 #88

Ah yes, "The GOP" (wink wink nudge nudge) Scootaloo Jul 2015 #96

I have got to say, Scootaloo Aerows Jul 2015 #113

^^^This!^^^ beam me up scottie Jul 2015 #121

Perfectly said! arcane1 Jul 2015 #122

Ha! Wonderful response to the pearl clutching...I salute you!!! nt haikugal Aug 2015 #157

Wealth Daily, which I won't link to, called Hillary "The Great Socialist Warmonger" Agnosticsherbet Jul 2015 #97

Obama was able to make fun of them for that because he never said "I'm a socialist". DanTex Jul 2015 #98

The accusation of "Socialist" is used to flog voters to the polls by Republicans. Agnosticsherbet Jul 2015 #101

That's because he was far from being a Socialist. Bernie thankfully, IS and THAT is why sabrina 1 Jul 2015 #123

Is "Liberal" still a dirty word for Democrats too? Armstead Jul 2015 #99

And Alison Grimes ibegurpard Jul 2015 #100

They have already started. But that is all you would hear about if he was the nominee. And as you stevenleser Jul 2015 #102

Shaking in my boots - TBF Jul 2015 #112

This thread is weak. Ron Green Jul 2015 #118

I agree that it will play well with the Fox crowd emsimon33 Jul 2015 #126

Problem is... malokvale77 Jul 2015 #128

If anyone remembers,the Swift Boat attacks on John Kerry who is a war hero then be prepared for the Thinkingabout Jul 2015 #129

pure fantasy to think America's gonna elect an avowed socialist ericson00 Aug 2015 #138

The Republicans would bury Bernie in the general moobu2 Aug 2015 #139

Did anyone here think Democrats would bitch, whine, and moan about attacking other candidates davidpdx Aug 2015 #141

Yeah, I've noticed that about Bernistas. They smear Hillary all day long, and then someone points DanTex Aug 2015 #142

I was talking about you davidpdx Aug 2015 #144

Exactly, and the over-reactions are very telling. Bernie didn't exactly R B Garr Aug 2015 #166

It's an election. Scruffy1 Aug 2015 #159

I think the gop has inadvertently changed the definition by calling Pres. Obama a socialist. nc4bo Aug 2015 #143

Explain how the GOP can have an investigation on that trumped up offense? Autumn Aug 2015 #148

So what. It's losing it's efficacy. marmar Aug 2015 #149

The way FDR and the Greatest Generation were Socialists. Motown_Johnny Aug 2015 #150

So WTF, man? The GOoPers would call ANYBODY DinahMoeHum Aug 2015 #153

They would... SidDithers Aug 2015 #154

'Nothing they've tried has stuck'? CanadaexPat Aug 2015 #155

Nearly 160 replies. Ten recs. Ed Suspicious Aug 2015 #156

I seem to have misplaced all of my fucks so I have one to give right now. TheKentuckian Aug 2015 #158

They "hammer" because they have nothing else... MrMickeysMom Aug 2015 #164