Democrats, Americans, Will Come Together in 2004, Right?

[quam]

Thousands of messages, perhaps more, demonstrate Democrats strongly rally around his or her candidate of choice and harshly defend such candidate, now.

Maybe there should be a thread to discuss, for a moment, what it would be like to rally behind the one selected candidate.

Americans are extremely friendly, giving and hard working people. At the same time, the country's health feels bleak and difficult. It has certainly seen better times. There is constant war and social agendas are advanced by the government. The government freely spends our tax dollars and borrows enormous amounts with no constraints. Many countries, long allies, are now considered enemies. The government offers little or no glimpse into the nation's future and direction, and even the government's contract with its people, the Constitution, feels weak.

If there was a commercial now from the Democratic Party, it could be akin to the 1984 commercial by Apple Computer (QuickTime). Except, the ending may read:

On July 26, 2004,
the Democratic Party will announce
a candidate.
And you'll see why 2004
won't be like "1984."

and... a donkey would replace the Apple logo.

[Cappurr]

1. Frankly....I have my doubts

This country is so divided and so angry.....I've never seen it like this except during Vietnam. But this time, it isn't about a war....it's an "us" vs. "them" mentality. There is stridency and hate on talk radio and tv 24/7. Our Congress and Senators are vicious to their opponents. I don't know....I could be wrong....but I think it all started in 92 when Clinton won. The right wing went into high gear and have spread hate all over this country.

[Ellen Forradalom]

2. All the more reason for Democrats to pull together.

I expect that once the convention is over all this bickering will be forgotten. There is too much at stake. I intend to join with my Democratic brothers and sisters and fully support the nominee.

[Hippo_Tron]

5. Yup...

Republicans were pissed beyond belief that we replaced the first Bush. Newt Gingrich started making up crap about Clinton and started the "Republican Revolution", which really = congressional redistricting was done in the Republicans' favor.

[RichM]

3. No, I don't think so. Not "Democrats" -- and definitely not Americans.

As far as Americans go - that's the easier question. I'd bet that the nearly 50-50 split will remain in force.

There is a greater chance of unity among "Democrats," depending on how you define that. If you define it to be those to whom party loyalty is very important, sure, most Democrats will support the nominee. If you define it as those who have tended to support Democrats for most of their lives, but who also have an independent streak in their political behavior -- many of these people will not rally to the candidate, especially if the candidate is mediocre or an outright Republican-Lite, as will most likely be the case.

[JVS]

4. I'm not sure