Dear Dems, Going to the convention is a very, very bad idea
There seems to be a giddiness and excitement on the Dem side about the possibility that the nomination might not be decided by the convention.
Stop it. That's a horrible idea.
Think about how that would play out, all that fundraising money wasted on each other, giving a Dem candidate only 12 weeks to campaign against a Republican nominee who has been fundraising, organizing, and building a national image for 6 months.
Let's decide this thing by Ohio/Texas on March 4, or, at worst, Pennsylvania in late April, and then come together to defeat the real enemy.
No matter who the candidate is, I want to see them strong for the general, and it's going to take more than a few weeks to reunite, realign, and reenergize behind one candidate when this PRIMARY campaign is over.
If we have to, let's just flip a coin in May, because this battle, today's battle, is far less important than winning the White House.
Stop it. That's a horrible idea.
Think about how that would play out, all that fundraising money wasted on each other, giving a Dem candidate only 12 weeks to campaign against a Republican nominee who has been fundraising, organizing, and building a national image for 6 months.
Let's decide this thing by Ohio/Texas on March 4, or, at worst, Pennsylvania in late April, and then come together to defeat the real enemy.
No matter who the candidate is, I want to see them strong for the general, and it's going to take more than a few weeks to reunite, realign, and reenergize behind one candidate when this PRIMARY campaign is over.
If we have to, let's just flip a coin in May, because this battle, today's battle, is far less important than winning the White House.
posted by mikevotes at
8:16 AM
7 Comments:
I attended my caucus in Colorado and was impressed with the huge turnout (5X the people over 4 years ago in my precinct). I was not pleased with the divisiveness that I saw. My personal, with no data to back it up, observation was that Obama's supporters were a very mixed bag. I saw some idealism but I also saw a number who were just following a "movement" with no idea of the meaning other than the vague promise of change. I guess it seems like Obama may have galvanized the people who are really angry at the Republicans and the direction in this country. My son made an observation that this kind of anger is not good no matter which side it comes from. If it can be channeled into a willingness to work out the problems then it can fuel change but if it is simply directed at your opponents, it is a waste of energy.
I also witnessed and heard talk of Obama supporters who would not support Clinton with an intensity that I have seen in the political right.
Mike - I think you have it. If we Dems don't get it together, we are probably going to have McCain as our next president. It seems like a lame reason, but I went over to the Clinton side because I didn't feel comfortable with the Obama supporters. Part of me really wants to support him but I haven't found the substance yet. But as I have said before, I will support whichever candidate is nominated. Now I am worried that if it is Clinton, the Obama supporters will not go along.
Keep in mind that my observations are based on a small number of people so may not represent the big picture (how's that for covering my rear!!).
By
Ptelea, at 8:09 AM
That's the Obama coalition. The passionate, the excited..... There's a reason he stays vague on issues. Speaking policy will crack into his support.
Obama has become the symbol of anti-Bush sentiment.
In the end, though, I'm not all that worried about Clinton or Obama supporters not supporting the Dem candidate. There may be some Obama supporters who don't normally participate in politics who might go back to sitting on the sidelines, but, assuming we don't go to a convention decision, the Democratic candidate will start running against the Bush administration, and the Dems will unify.
Also, your reasons are yours, and I would guess your feelings about Obama supporters probably stems from your deeper concerns about the candidate. Both these candidates are strong, and either would make a great choice.
And again, I think there is a slice of Obama support that might go back to the sidelines if Clinton won, but, frankly, in this '08, post Bush/recession/war environment, that shouldn't matter.
My Clinton concern is more with the regularly voting independents who might be marketed back into Clinton hate.
PS. Thanks for caucusing. I'm a huge believer in turnout.
By
mikevotes, at 8:21 AM
I wish I had taken my camera but I will carry with me the image of this high school filled to overflow with passionate Americans - the windows all covered in steam! Some people complained about the chaos but all that does to me is encourage me to volunteer - in four years I plan to be my precinct captain :) I will report back on the county assembly next month. Getting involved at this level makes me realize that although the presidential level is seemingly out of our control, each individual can make an impact at this level. Don't forget how important your local politics are!
I didn't mean to sound anti- Obama. I believe he could do a very good job. Have you read his books? I have had several people recommend them to me.
By
Ptelea, at 8:41 AM
I've come to believe that Obama supporters complaining about being stuck with an Clinton candidate, or vice versa, is kinda like complaining about being stuck with the ugliest girl at a beauty pageant.
One look at the Republican nominee is all it'll take to unify the party.
There's only one thing I can think of that might actually fracture party unity: if one campaign truly tries to undermine the other in a "dirty" way. I sense a caged beast lurking in the basement of the Clinton campaign that could be unleashed if desperation sets in. I think we've heard the growl, if not seen the fangs, of this from time to time already.
The Dem nominee must be seen as legitimate, with no cloud hanging over his or her head. Otherwise things will get ugly.
While I'm an Obama supporter, if Hillary gets the nomination I'd vote for her in a heartbeat. Ok, maybe two heartbeats.
Mike. I agree your concern about regular voting independents.
By
-epm, at 9:09 AM
Ptelea, Without chaos, it can't be a good caucus. That's part of the charm.
And, I didn't think you sounded anti-Obama. I wasn't trying to critique you, those "concerns about Obama" I was talking about are in me, I'm just guessing/projecting they're in other people as well.
....
EPM, Yeah, the Dems are choosing between good candidates, the Republicans have settled on McCain.
There is a potential for a dirty Dem campaign from hre on, but I think that, to some degree, all the fuss about SC somewhat inoculated us. The Clinton camp is sort of on probation after that, so to go dirty would have a huge cost.
I really think this thing will settle out in the next month. It won't be officially decided, but the tea leaves will likely have been cast.
At that point, the dynamics will shift, the person behind will start to loosen their grip.
At least that's my hope.
By
mikevotes, at 11:29 AM
I don't think the potential for turning the campaign nasty is limited to the Clinton campaign. I was struck last night by the bitter tone in Obama's speech, whereas Clinton's was relatively gracious toward him (and for her, surprisingly eloquent.) I wonder if he was expecting to blow her out of the water and was disappointed that he couldn't.
I have read that the man has a rude, arrogant side, and I felt I was seeing it last night. There is something a bit messianic in his approach which I distrust.
Will MOST of the Democrats come together in the fall? Sure. But it doesn't take much to screw up the general election. Look at 1968, or God forbid, 2000.
By
Anonymous, at 12:26 PM
Fair point.
I think it's that the Clintons' reputation is one of sharp elbows. (And before you object, remember that she was touting her ability to fight with the Republicans on the stump for awhile there.)
On Obama, I don't think you can make those speeches if you don't believe there's something special about you.
And, I don't see a 1968, but it could be chaos. But again, I think it gets tipped well before then.
By
mikevotes, at 1:35 PM
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