Let's talk about the 2006 Primary Campaigns here on Democratic Underground

[Skinner]

The Democratic primary season has already begun here on Democratic Underground, and recent events in the Ohio Senate race have given us our first taste of the type of disagreements we might expect to see here. I thought that now would be a good time to post a thread explaining the way DU will be handling the upcoming primaries, and to give you some idea of what you can expect from DU during primary season. This applies to all DUers -- those who were here during the 2004 primaries as well as those who have joined since.

First let me give you a quick idea of where I am coming from personally. I feel very strongly that primaries are the time for fighting, and general elections are the time for coming together behind the Democratic nominee. I see no point in continuing a primary fight after the primary is over. It seems counter-productive and emotionally draining to me. Once a Democratic nominee is chosen, that person gets my support. Period.

What can you expect from Democratic Underground in 2006?

At this point we don't have any intention of instituting special primary rules beyond what we already have in the DU rules. I suggest that people take some time to read the rules and find out what they say about supporting Democratic candidates. Here's the short version: We expect DU members to support Democratic candidates in general elections. If you want to work for the defeat of any Democratic candidate in a general election, please do so on someone else's website. Our rules and our public statements on this issue have been clear and consistent for at least four years, so if you are surprised by this you haven't been paying particularly close attention.

We've now been through two election cycles on DU and I think we (the admins) have a petty good idea of what we can expect in 2006, and a pretty good idea of what works and what doesn't work with regards to rules and enforcement.

Managing expectations

Those of you who were here during the 2004 primaries will recall that it was an extremely unpleasant time for the members and moderators alike. We instituted strict new rules in an attempt to keep the fighting to a minimum, but the result was that members didn't just get mad at each other, they got mad at the moderators too. After much trial-and-error, we have come to believe that piling on new rules does very little to fix the perceived "problems" -- while simultaneously making people very angry.

2004 was our first presidential primary season, and we have learned a lot since then. Perhaps the most important thing we learned is that there are many things that are simply out of our control. If you plan on spending any time here during the election season, you would be wise to accept that fact.

Let me be clear: Occasionally this primary season is going to get ugly here on DU. Since these are mid-term elections, they shouldn't be as bad as 2004 was (thankfully). But if you are the type of person who pays attention to politics, and cares about the direction of our country and our party (and if you're on DU, you probably are) then rest assured that you will find plenty to upset you on Democratic Underground during the next nine months.

Democrats will pick sides and get into arguments and sling mud and say mean things about other peoples' candidates. There is very little I can do to change that fact, because that's what happens during a political primary. If you can't handle people saying mean things about your primary candidate, then you probably shouldn't be spending so much time on a discussion forum devoted to politics. Remember that your happiness is your own responsibility. You always have the option of not clicking on threads you don't like, using the ignore function, or even logging off of Democratic Underground for a while.

When the primaries are over

We understand that people get emotionally invested in primary campaigns, and we understand that people may feel extremely disappointed -- or even personally wronged -- when a particular candidate does not win the Democratic nomination. We will give you the space you need in order to deal with your disappointment. But we will not let you disrupt this website indefinitely just because you're upset.

There will come a time after every primary election where the supporters of the losing candidate(s) will have to get past the disappointment, accept the outcome, and start thinking about the general election. Going back in time is not an option; we can't re-fight a primary that has already been decided. We need to come together and support the Democratic nominee in all these races because this is going to be a tough fight.

Which brings me to another important issue: Supporters of winning candidates need to be gracious in victory. If you dance around pointing fingers and rubbing it in your fellow DUers' faces, then you are going to make it very difficult for your candidate to win in November. You need to give the supporters of other candidates the room they need to deal with defeat, and then you need to extend the hand of friendship. Supporters of losing candidates should not be required to kiss your ring or your ass in order to earn the right to support your candidate. Don't make them apologize for supporting someone else. Don't be a jerk. Do what you can so other people will *want* to support your candidate.

One more thing

Right now, things couldn't possibly look worse for the Republicans. If Democrats can figure out how to capitalize on GOP failure (still a big if), then this could be a huge year for our party. I'm really looking forward to the election season. And I look forward to supporting Democratic candidates, together with all my friends here on DU.

[dubyaD40web]

1. 2006 is the "Year Of The Donkey"!!!

Go Dems!!!

[question everything]

2. Well stated, Skinner

I would add one more point: politics is the art of compromise - whether we like it or not. Those who "stand on principles" (depends which, of course) lose elections. Just look at the California Republicans.

We all have our own "litmus tests" but the final goal is to take back the Senate and the House so that there will be no more Roberts and Scalito. So, yes, when come November we have to go out in force and vote for the Democratic candidate. Yes, even Joe Lieberman (OK, I am ducking) is pro-choice.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

3. thanks for the reminder, Skinner

Basically, campers, play nice. I think if we can all do that, it will be to our benefit and the benefit of the Democratic Party.

[crispini]

4. Question:

What about DU'ers posting things that can proven to be false about other people's candidates? I'm not talking about allegations where an event occurred and can be interpreted in a couple of different ways, I'm talking about allegations which are quite simply untrue.

In addition, said poster does NOTHING else at DU except post said allegations. :think:

[NMDemDist2]

16. the rules state:

Do not call another member of this message board a liar, and do not call another member's post a lie. You are, of course, permitted to point out when a post is untrue or factually incorrect........

You are permitted to post polite behavioral corrections to other members of the message board, in direct response to specific instances of incivility, provided that your comments are narrowly focused on the behavior. But you are not permitted to make broad statements about another person's behavior in general, and you are not permitted to post repeated reminders about another person's mistakes.

so you can point out the truth and the incorrect facts in someone's post but seems like discussing the poster's history of such behavior is not allowed. however, I'd hit alert and point it out so the mods can track if there is, indeed, a pattern of behavior so they can address the poster if needed on such behavior :shrug:

[Skinner]

18. Great question.

I have always said that the DU moderators are not the "truth police" and it is not their job to sort through and decide whose spin is fair and whose is not. You are wise to recognize that there are situations in political campaigns where "an event occurred and can be interpreted in a couple of different ways." That happens all the time, and I don't see it as our job to sort through it all. The message board medium is (to a degree) "self-correcting" and when someone posts something that is highly questionable or outright wrong, I would hope that others would post responses to set that person straight.

HOWEVER: If a person is maliciously spreading allegations that are simply false, we reserve the right to step in and make that person stop.

But I think everyone needs to understand that in the context of a political campaign "truth" can be a very subjective thing.

[hlthe2b]

5. Ahh, almost time to "open the gates of hell" and...

unleash the jackals, eh, Skinner?


I still feel the residual heat from the 04 incoming missiles!

[LynneSin]

6. Primaries: Get Rid of bad Democrats! General: Get rid of Republicans

When Howard Dean was out of the race, I gave myself about 1-2 weeks of mourning and then jumped on the John Kerry bandwagon.

The enemy is not each other - it's republicans and ultimately we need to get rid of them first and foremost!

[Nebraska_Liberal]

11. What if...

What if I have a certain Democratic Senator that has a 100% approval rating from the Christian Coalition, below 20% from the ACLU, and is 100% for big business and 100% against labor? Are you telling me I should vote for this guy? Oh yeah, he was the first Democrat to come out in SUPPORT of Alito. In my eyes he is just another enabler. I don't wanna vote for this enabler and send my state Democratic party the message that supporting this guy is ok.

It looks like I will vote socialist or green in my senatorial race.

On a happier note, I gave money to a REAL democrat running for the Senate in RI!

[LynneSin]

14. Outside of Vermont....

I'd still vote for the democrat. Because even Joe Lieberman will count towards a democratic majority AND having Harry Reid as the majority leader plus putting people like Ted Kennedy, Pat Leahy, John Kerry and other great progressives in chairman positions.

The only reason for the Vermont exception is because we know that Bernie Sanders will win and that he will vote with the "D" partyline

BTW, Ben Nelson would do the same (wait, which Nelson is that you have in Nebraska)

[Nebraska_Liberal]

19. Its ben.

Its Ben. In my opinion he is scum. I understand that politics is compromise, but im not going to vote for someone who's views are so far from mine just so that he can enable Bush.

[LynneSin]

21. Consider this

YOur vote isn't for Ben but for leadership change in the Senate (although mind you, I think it's pretty darn hopeless at times).

I'm not to keen on Tom Carper but I'd rather have Harry Reid as the majority leader than Bill Frist (or whatever fundie nutjob replaces him).

However, if Ben is going to win in a landslide then it probably doesn't matter. However, I think what SKinner is trying to say is that we are here at DU to help get democrats elected, not members of other parties. I think Bernie Sanders is the only non-democrat anyone supports here because of his longstanding alliance with the democratic party.

[Nebraska_Liberal]

24. This really doesn't say anything though...

I mean, how is the Nebraska Democratic Party going to take me seriously in the primaries if I just fall in line and vote for this idiot in the general? I don't really take the Nebraska Democratic Party all that seriously because they don't have the balls to stand up and run someone else against him in the primary. If he isn't supporting Democratic ideals why support him?

[LynneSin]

29. You have a point but....

how are we going to end this war and stop the republican corruption along with a possible impeachment if we don't have a majority.

Right now every single democrat could jump on board, ban together and say they want to stop the war including your Nelson and the war will not end. Majority means that party controls what the entity votes on and what gets buried into committee.

Perhaps for this one election, especially if the race is tight, you might consider making an exception. Anyhow, with states starting to line up to ban abortions, the democratic party we should all be more worried about is who is running our own states. That's the fight I would want to be taken more seriously on rather than the USSenate where maybe we could make a difference.

One final side note: If democrats had a majority in the senate, Alito probably would not have gotten out of committee. There would have been more dems on committee than republicans and the vote went straight partyline. Even with all the bad democrats in the US Senate, Pat Leahy (Judicial CHair) is quite fussy to who gets a seat on that commitee.

[Skinner]

30. No offense, but...

...the Nebraska Democratic Party isn't going to take you seriously if you sit the general election out either. Just saying.

Furthermore, it's not the Nebraska Democratic Party's job to run a primary opponent against Nelson. If Nebraskans want to run a primary candidate against him, they need to do it for themselves, rather than sit back and wait for the party to do it for them.

[Gman]

104. Just goes to show many people don't understand the primary process

It's not the party that "picks" candidates. It's the voters of that party that pick the candidate. Local, state and national parties are completely neutral to the primary outcomes. However, they may have 'druthers as to who wins.

[november3rd]

89. I know of whom you speak

I guess the DNC can't put together a primary on that guy. I don't know what makes Nelson a Democrat, other than he wrote it on his application.

If we can't primary him, we need to work some kind of grass roots lobbying effort with Kos, Move-on, whoever ... and pressure him into moving a little more mainstream on his positions ("mainstream" means liberal, now).

That's what the Repukes did. When somebody wouldn't stand up for the party, the party worked to change them or find a replacement.

I've never eaten roast elephant for breakfast, but I see it's on the menu this November and I can't wait to taste it!

[klook]

20. Hear hear!

I agree 100%. Or to quote Molly Ivins (and many others), vote your heart in the primary and your head in the general.

[jpgray]

31. Exactly

Even if your D is scum, it's scum that goes towards majority, and that goes towards important things like committee chairs, sustaining a filibuster, and other mildly important things. The primary is definitely the place to expend your energy to promote progressive values, but in most cases (excepting Vermont, for example) working for the Democrat will benefit the country more overall.

[IsItJustMe]

80. Good point

I know several Democrats that voted for Nader in 2000 because they thought Gore was more of the same. After seeing how close the election was and seeing what four years of chimps rule has done to America, they did not do the same thing in 2004.

It's all relative.

[Mabus]

7. K&R

:patriot:

[davsand]

8. Remind me not to volunteer to be a Mod...

Those guys do a heck of a job and Primary season is just SO ugly...

I do hope that the factions left over from the last Primary will behave. I am STILL seeing posts that use terms like Deaniacs and Clarkies and Kerry Lovers. Can't we ALL just get along?????


Laura

[johnnie]

9. Are there elections coming this year?

:shrug:

[WilliamPitt]

23. Are you serious?

November. Midterms. Congress up for grabs. Welcome aboard.

[johnnie]

25. LOL

No, I'm not serious.

[WilliamPitt]

26. *whew*

:P

[MaineDem]

10. Good luck to the administrators

I wish us all peace and understanding but I'll settle for spirited debates and lots of elephant butt kicking!

Buckle up; it's gonna be a bumpy ride.

:kick:

[H2O Man]

12. The time to

try to move candidates to the left of the party is now. A couple of times, I've posted links to a good article from The Nation on this topic here. I will, for example, donate time and money to people who challenge the conservative democrats for the right to run in the general election. I'll always vote for a democrat over a republican in the general election, of course.

[mdmc]

13. THE BIG IF

UAE find OBL = GOP wins.

Thanks for the primary primer!

[BOSSHOG]

15. A suggestion for those of us in Red States

I live in Mississippi. Trent Lott is running for reelection. So far, no dem has announced. Trent is most likely a sure bet. If you are in such a situation, consider adopting a candidate in another state you can support with a few bucks. Nothing would make me happier in 06 then ricky santorum GOING DOWN so I'm sending a few bucks to Casey. I also send 10 bucks a month to Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. They put the money where the chances of winning are.

Just a thought from a liberal teammate. Now lets kick ass this year.

[blindpig]

35. excellent idea

I have no great hope for any change in SC this year unless the national party can fashion a killer message. But Richard Pombo, that bastard must go down!

[PegDAC]

87. SC Elections

Is Graham up again this year?
:puke: :puke: :scared:

[sandnsea]

43. What about Congress?

I think these elections are much better to get a Dem message out because they don't have the intensity of a Presidential, and in your case, even a Senate election. People aren't quite so defensive, they've really got nothing at stake. So those of us who have absolutely nothing up for grabs, like me, have the time to inject a little money into local Mississippi politics, just to help lay a foundation for 2008. It'd be worth a little seed money, for sure.

[brer cat]

44. Excellent idea. Here in GA is little hope

but we can send our spare change where it can make a difference.

[TygrBright]

48. Geeeeeeez... Trent Lott (R-Scary Toupees) is running unopposed??

Can't MS Dems even run a TOKEN candidate? Donald Duck, or something? Dayum....

disappointedly,
Bright

[Hippo_Tron]

66. I think he has token opposition, damn shame he didn't retire too

Mike Moore (D) would have been the frontrunner to replace him.

[wildeyed]

52. Excellent idea.

Another thing to do, support local candidates. I am in a red state/blue county. I have become very interested in local issues and candidates because that is where I can really make a difference. And someday when the demographics shift enough, or the ditto heads get tired of being lied to, we will have a well developed local progressive network to fall back on.

[Lasher]

78. I like that winning strategy

On the other side of the coin, Senator Byrd is certain to win re-election here in West Virginia. I have already donated to support him, but maybe I need to look around for someone else to help now.

[IsItJustMe]

81. He was 15 points behind in the last poll. Hope is alive.

[TahitiNut]

17. 2004 included the Presidential Primaries

Thankfully, 2006 does not. Yeah ... I remember it. Six months moderating. Ouch! I might recover soon. :silly:

[DemExpat]

86. Recover soon?

Just in time to moderate for the upcoming primaries?

:crazy:

:hi:

DemEx

[TahitiNut]

90. Well, if we could get most of the same folks together ...

... my arm wouldn't need too much twisting. You, MrsGrumpy, Punkingal, Laz, Lithos, UGRR, et. al. made it as much of a joy as it could be! Most of my favorite people on DU ... some really awesome folks with diligence, conscience, and integrity. Wowza.

To the Mod Squad All-Stars --- :toast:

[WilliamPitt]

22. Let's go let's go!

:toast:

[pacalo]

27. Excellent! That is my thinking 100%.

I supported Wes Clark during the primaries & I didn't particularly care for John Kerry during the primary debates. However, once John Kerry got the nomination, I made it a point to learn more about him & I became a staunch fan of his after learning what a remarkable life he has led.

It's best to keep an open mind throughout the selection process, and to remember that our candidates are Democrats for a reason: They are the true representatives of the people's interests, & the fact that they care more about the people & this country makes them as patriotic as one can be. (I get so tired of hearing how cohesive the Republicans are; in fact, the media chides the Democrats for not being as cohesive. Democrats are problem solvers -- the thinking party -- & they choose to lead with common sense rather than keeping in lock-step with policies that are destructive to the country & to the people.)

[underpants]

28. Traficant in '06!!!!!

Oh sorry. :yoiks:

[0007]

72. BTW how is James doing these days? Is he still in the joint

[Swamp Rat]

32. This year the Democratic party will overthrow Republican rule

The Republicans will be defeated on all fronts and the impeachment of Bush will soon follow. :)

:kick:

[wildeyed]

53. From your lips to god's ears!

:kick:

[GaYellowDawg]

33. Great job.

First let me give you a quick idea of where I am coming from personally. I feel very strongly that primaries are the time for fighting, and general elections are the time for coming together behind the Democratic nominee. I see no point in continuing a primary fight after the primary is over. It seems counter-productive and emotionally draining to me. Once a Democratic nominee is chosen, that person gets my support. Period.

Thanks, Skinner. I've tried a number of times to say this, but never this well.

[brer cat]

47. I think this was Skinner's best point.

I was appalled in 2004 (when I was still lurking) that the battles continued long past the primaries (and some are still going on.) It only feeds the opposition to continue in-fighting.

I'm GA too yellowdog, and I'm seeing a lot of * supporters ready to jump ship. They need to hear a unified message...our tent is huge and we need to respect everyone under it. Else we lose.

Spring today in NO GA mountains!

[The Magistrate]

34. Well Said, Sir!

"Cry Havoc, and let loose the dogs of War!"

[derby378]

36. Couldn't have said it better myself

Thanks, Skinner! We're with you to the bitter end, ya big lug! :loveya:

[Ninga]

37. Those of us who troll the Ohio Forum have already experienced

much kvetching and spirited and down right vicious "debate" on candidates.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING, IMO, IS THAT WE DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO GET PEOPLE OUT AND VOTE IN THE PRIMARY.

Especially when (like Ohio) there isn't any primary opposition for governor and senator.



Ohio's primary is May 2nd.


Are there any in March? Which states are holding their's in May or June???

[Weembo]

88. Texas is next week, although we don't have a lot on the burner

[minvis]

98. Illinois

is on March 21st. Less than 3 weeks away.

[in_cog_ni_to]

38. Sounds good, Skinner!

I'm so happy we won't have "those rules" to deal with...that was not fun.:( I've got my new flame suits ready. BRING-IT-ON! :bounce: I'm looking forward to kickin' some repuke ass in the primaries. I just wish we didn't have evoting machines to worry about.

[Jersey Devil]

39. Good job! Let's stick together and kick some elephant ass

Boy, are we overdue!

[bear425]

40. This is the part I liked the best...

I see no point in continuing a primary fight after the primary is over. It seems counter-productive and emotionally draining to me. Once a Democratic nominee is chosen, that person gets my support. Period.

I wholeheartedly agree. Thank you, Skinner.

[geckosfeet]

41. Great guidelines. Seems like you could formalize them as a

subset of the rules called, oh say, Civility: Election Year.

But I expect the majority of DU'ers are reasonably mature adults who have been through a campaign or two.

I would like to pick a bone about the "things couldn't possibly look worse for the Republicans" statement - don't take anything for granted with these liars (sorry about using the liar word). Fight like its a tie game in the third period and you just pulled your goalie. The * people are weakening the US and have fragmented the global political landscape for years to come.

[Lasher]

42. If you don't have an objective, you probably won't achieve it

My objective is to do whatever I can to help Democrats regain control of Congress this year. I am doing my best to stay focused on this objective. All other goals are secondary.

[connecticut yankee]

45. Sorry --

I cannot stand Joe Lieberman, and I am supporting Ned Lamont in his bid to win the Democratic Primary in Connecticut.

If Ned is not successful, I cannot vote for Lieberman. I never have (except when he ran for Vice-President). I will just not pull the lever for Senator, which is what I've done in the past.

I think Joe is a disgrace to the Democratic Party!

[Hippo_Tron]

67. Then encourage Loell Weicker to caucus with the Democrats

That way you will be able to vote for someone who is anti-war and supports the democratic leadership during the general election (if Lamont doesn't win the primary).

[connecticut yankee]

77. Lowell has stated

that he is a Republican. He will not run as a Democrat, although he has hinted that he'll support Ned Lamont if he wins the nomination. He's also hinted that he might run as an Independent.

[skyblue]

101. Lowell's Campaign Money

If Lowell does not use all his campaign money where will it go? If Lamont does not use all his campaign money where will it go? BTW Lowell was a former tobacco lobbyist.

[radio4progressives]

46. Excellent Post, Excellent Tone, Great Points, and Good Timing..

Thank you for posting this important heads up!
:applause:

I'll try very hard to remember these words of wisdom! I wasn't here during the 2004 primaries, because i was strictly active on the Kerry Forum.

But I remember things got heated up especially on the Iraq War issues, especially as the campaign kicked into gear following the VP pick.

49. thanks for the guidance n/t

[Cleita]

50. You can count on me not to join the primary infighting.

The circular firing squad just doesn't appeal to me. It often makes me hate some DU'ers that I usually like.

[President Kerry]

51. exactly right..

Just one more thing I'd like to add. People PLEASE don't advocate voting for a 3rd party (greens, independents, whatever) WHATEVER your frustrations and motivations - many of them very valid. PLEASE DON'T DO THAT. By taking away democratic votes, you're destroying the mission of this site. This year is way to important for all of us.

[Just Me]

54. Thanks, Skinner et al.

It's definitely gotten pretty,...uh,...stressful here at DU from time to time. However, I am impressed at and grateful for how DU has evolved.

[Mr_Spock]

55. Thanks Skinner. I just gave money to several candidates per Kerry email

I hope that we will all be extra generous this election season - I know I feel like it's a no-brainer any more - I've had enough Republican "rule" for one lifetime.

[Name removed]

56. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[democrank]

57. Thanks, Skinner.

Let`s hope we gain some ground in `06.

[cyberpj]

58. A Freudian slip? - "a petty good idea of what we can expect in 2006"

Excellent post Skinner. Points well made - and taken.

Just couldn't resist the Freudian slip remark...

[Laurab]

62. Lol I noticed that too

and thought the same exact thing!

[Skinner]

74. LOL

:D

[IsItJustMe]

82. I emailed you about but you might want to leave it in.

[Neil Lisst]

59. Just what I like to hear. Close ranks behind the nominees.

I'm totally focused on the general elections. Whoever wins the Dem primary is fine by me, as long as they earned it.

[KoKo]

60. No trouble from this NC'linian...Our Primaries are going to be pretty

quiet. I can't see DU'ers getting into much fights except where there are competing Dem Candidates in "Swing/Contentious States," for the Mid-Terms.

Now...the '08 Elections...if you guys are still here (given the efforts to get rid of Blogs and Websites on the Left are going) then I expect there to be some BIG STUFF that you and Mods are going to have their hands full on.

But, that said, many of us RADICAL DEMS might have already left the party by that point. I hope not...but it might be what is "in the cards." :shrug:

Thanks for your "Position Statement for DU Policy" on this ...though. It's always good to know the "Rules" in advance. :-)'s

[daveskilt]

61. fight until its over - isnt that democracy?

I mean isn't the point that the majority supported candidate is the one that wins and we all support? hey my guy didn't win in 04 but I campaigned hard for kerry - who I campaigned hard against when he was in the primary. seems sensible to me.

[Mojambo]

63. That is outrageously reasonable!

Here's to a good primary season and beyond.

[Redneck Socialist]

64. As a veteran of the 2004 Primary Wars...

I would like to point out that Ignore and Ignore Thread are your friends.

That being said I don't expect that 2006 will approach anywhere near the vitriol of 2004. With no national candidate running there is less common ground for us to fight over. It's pretty hard for me to get worked up over some guy that I've never heard of running for a congressional seat out in Colorado or where ever.

[upi402]

65. Nothing is gonna upset me really

except DINO's!
:evilgrin:

[WillyT]

73. Me Too, LOL !!!

:evilgrin:

Hi Skinner!

:hide::scared::wow::scared::hide:

:hi:

[InvisibleTouch]

68. I wish the election was tomorrow.

Right now, things couldn't possibly look worse for the Republicans.

If the election were held tomorrow, we'd be in good shape. I want to believe the rethugs are on a downward spiral now, but there are still lots of dirty tricks and media spin they can pull between now and November. Makes me more than a little nervous.

Having said that, I totally agree with your post, Skinner. I'm amazed that the 2004 primaries are still being re-fought here at times. People get emotionally involved, of course. I was emotionally involved. I was a Deaniac who became a passionate Kerry/Edwards fan when I was able to get over my disappointment and actively look for reasons to support the nominee, rather than looking for sour-grapes reasons to snipe at him. Ultimately we're all on the same side, and I hope we'll try to look for the positive aspects of our nominees, rather than hunting out the perceived negatives.

[corporatemedia]

69. In the primaries there are many candidates. In November there is only....

the Democratic Party

[VolcanoJen]

70. I'm callin' you from somewhere deep in Ohio....

... and I really, really appreciate that "gracious in victory" part, Skinner.

It still stings a little in Ohio... this state has been kicked around a little over the last few years, and I think this senate race is more intense if you're actually here, and if you supported the other guy. I'm personally invested and I know lots of DUers are well-acquainted with this gut-punch feeling I currently hold in my stomach.

Your message is loud and clear, though... and I'll never forget the '04 primary season. Ouch... it's déjà vu all over again, as Yogi Berra once said.

[mirrera]

71. Remember that the mud we sling is GOP fodder...

I just want to add that praising one's candidate can be done without tearing down someone elses. We are picking a TEAM. If we start putting down someone that ultimately wins the primary, we have then tarnished our candidate. Let us not do the republicans' job for them. I think people need to remember that for all the DINOS the Democrats still bring in some wonderful progressives on their coat tails. All the staff and other positions. Bush alone would be bad enough, but it is the scoundrels that have slipstreamed their way into the apperatus that is destroying the world. I myself think we need more then 2 parties, but we sure as hell won't be able to push for things like instant runoff voting, with the Republicans in power. We have more chance of making the Democratic party better WHILE they are in the majority. Lets remember the goal...



http://NoBullshiRt.com

[skyblue]

99. GOP Fodder

If we start putting down someone that ultimately wins the primary, we have then tarnished our candidate.

Agreed.

[cmd]

75. My pledge

On May 3 I will go to work for the winner of the Ohio 18th district. If my primary candidate does not win, I will support whole heartedly the one who does. In the meantime, I will keep to positive messages only about Democratic candidates. cmd

[LWolf]

76. Very sensible. From my limited experience,

I don't know how much I'll involve myself in a primary again. I became a Democrat 4 years ago just for that reason; because as a lifelong independent I'd never been able to be part of choosing who showed up on my ballot. After a couple of years of time, energy, and $$, I didn't feel any different in '04. I felt like the whole primary ritual rolled right past me without every coming up for air or thought. I remember the primary wars here at DU and outside DU, as well. For all of the constant posts supporting or attacking one candidate over another, I remember very few people who actually changed their minds because of what someone on DU, or any campaigner outside of the candidates themselves, said. It seems kind of like wasted energy to me.

I'll be looking pretty carefully at where I put my energy this time around. Arguing with people at DU got me nowhere. Supporting my "best" candidate out in the real world got me the PDA. I think I'll spend the energy out in the real world, with the candidates themselves.

[ScreamingMeemie]

79. Let's not. It gives me a horrendous eye twitch: moderating memories.

;) :hi:

[TahitiNut]

91. Listen to the Doorkeeper Superstar!

Cheney could learn more than a thing or two from Ms. Whack-A-Mole! :silly:

:hi:

[VolcanoJen]

92. You too, eh?

Those memories give me a headache right behind my twitching eye, actually... :-)

[hairamerican]

83. 2006 PRIMARY SEASON

GREETINGS FROM THE GREAT STATE OF FLORIDA FROM A FIRST TIME POSTER!

WELL SAID, SKINNER.

THE MOST IMPORTANT POINT IS TO UNITE BEHIND THE NOMINEE TO GET THESE GUYS OUT OF OFFICE.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

93. Welcome to DU!

Enjoy your stay in our crazy, addictive little village!

:hi:

[Longhorn]

106. Welcome to DU!

:hi:

[silvershadow]

84. very well said.

[kentuck]

85. Agree ....and also...

I think we should put our effort into spreading the message that the 2006 election is the time to make a change. We can't wait until 2008. We need to unite as Americans, not just as Democrats or Republicans.

[Stevepol]

94. I'd like to repeat my prediction for the 04 elections:

I said before the election, if the votes were counted fairly, the Dems would win the White House and would gain seats in Congress. I was I believe proved right when Kerry, according to all the exit polls, won by a near landslide, about 3% to use a minimum estimate or 5M votes. My prediction for the 06 elections: If the votes are counted fairly, the Dems will make strong gains across the country.

The fact that Kerry didn't win the cyber vote was to be expected and was predicted by everybody with even a nodding acquaintance with the machines. These voting machines are not made to count votes: they are made to steal elections and they work like a charm.

So as a corrolary of my prediction: if the votes aren't counted properly and fairly, and I don't have much hope that they will be, the Dems will lose a couple more seats just as they did in 02, when the wide-scale fraud started.

[Zomby Woof]

95. I do solemnly pledge

I mean, I SWEAR on my stack of dirty coffee cups, that I will be the exemplar of civil and constructive behavior and discussion from now until the end of the primaries.

It is my gift to the mods, who need the patience of a million Jobs.

[Brothaman2k]

96. Why knock eachother?

Have some real fun, bash a republican!

:headbang:

[Zomby Woof]

97. Welcome to DU!

As for your question, keep it handy to be asked again come the winter of '08. :hi:

[mmonk]

100. All I can say is be active

and fight the good fight by helping out the candidates you support.

[FSogol]

102. Nice post Skinner, I have one humble suggestion

During the 2005 Virginia Governor's race, the day before the election and on election day there were dozens of defeatist posts with the theme of: "they control the voting machines so there is no way to win". These posts essentially told people here not to waste their time voting. While I understand the concerns with unverified voting machines, what is gained by encouraging people here to not vote? Can we do something about these types of posts, at least on or around election days?

Thanks and keep up all the good work.

[Gman]

103. Sounds good on paper

Let's see what happens.

I don't think anyone that's been around here for more than 2 years will be surprised at what goes on.

In any event, I've got very low expectations for the conduct around here because none of us belong to an organized political party. We're Democrats!

[Strawman]

105. That's totally fair and sensible

And it doesn't just have to be left to the mods and the admins to push this. Reasonable people can swarm threads with this behavior and counter it by smothering it or if they notice that certain individuals just consistently get off on taking on the entire community seemingly for its own sake, deprive their disruptions of oxygen by ignoring them. As long as there is a week or so to vent after the primaries, I think this is a good policy. That's usually how long it takes me to remind myself not to let the "perfect become the enemy of the good" to borrow form Howard Dean.

[Neil Lisst]

107. Good luck to all candidates! If you lose, make your best deal ...

... and get behind the Dem who beat you.

Maybe you get help retiring your campaign debt, maybe you get help in the future, but don't ruin what you've accomplished by going home. The party devotees notice those things.

If you lose in the primary, accept your loss and get back in the game ASAP.