I think it is a big myth and lie that "liberal / far left " voters sit out elections.

[howard112211]

I take it that pretty much everyone here on DU voted. Furthermore, I suspect "liberals", in the sense of poltical activists or people who at least take an active interest in poltics, pretty much ALWAYS vote. There is no turn-out problem with liberals. These are the people who will go and cast a vote, even if they know that the politicians stink. And I take it that the overwhelming majority votes democrat, plus a very small proportion who votes third party and pretty much always does so.

The "enthusiasm gap" does not come from liberal activists. It does not come from third party voters either. It comes from people who are potentially swing voters. The kind of person who may or may not be registered to vote, and who will vote for or against the ruling party, based on how much he/she feels like the ruling party is persoally affecting their lives. Like a buddy of mine, whose interest in politics is quite slim (and I tend to avoid the topic because his wife is a potential tea bagger and I don't want to disturb the peace) but who, out of the blue, once told me that he "had hoped Obama would punish the bankers".

So don't go around and blame liberals, because it is simply not true. These are the people who will always take an interest in politics, no matter what. They are not the reason elections are lost. The reason is the disconnect between the party, and the average person who, justified or injustified, feels like they are not getting their share of the cake.

[whyverne]

1. Apparently it was the independents again.

Are there actually people who voted for Obama last time and Rand Paul this time? I guess there are, according to the polling. It also appears that low voter turnout figured in many democratic defeats. The "Enthusiasm Gap" was real, but based on deceit. I empathize, I've never had much luck dealing with liars either.

[Smarmie Doofus]

2. I'd have to agree. I'd never sit out the chance to vote...

... for the 'lesser of two evils'. Most people I talk to feel the same way ( At least after a certain age.)

Where I think they ( the party elite; we used to call them 'bosses' in the old days) lose us is at the $$$ and activism end of it.

These two commodities are in short supply and require enthusiasm.

Apparently this is the way they want it.

So be it. It is what it is.

[Warren Stupidity]

3. It always was a myth

The crap fest here and from the white house that simultaneously held that we were insignificant and wrecking everything was just total bullshit. We are part of the loyal Democratic base, the base that goes out and votes every damn election, the part that does so knowing full well that there is very little chance of any real change.

This election was lost over the economy and the corporate media has spun that into a whole lot of irrelevant nonsense that will now be shoved down our throats by Triangulating Clintonianism Part II. Our only real hope is that the radical right take-over of the Republican Party will so alienate voters that 2012 will be yet another about face by the very confused 'middle'. That is one dangerous opportunity.