FL-07: Justice Democrats endangering Democratic freshman in 50-50 seat.

[RandySF]

District 7 is also evenly split between Republicans and Democrats and will be extremely competitive in a general election, while Ocasio-Cortez’s district had a huge Democratic advantage in registration and the primary essentially determined the general election.

“It may not be exactly the same,” Richardson said. “But if I don’t try, what’s the point? … I really believe people need something to vote for, not just a ‘Democrat.’ … Any blue won’t do, in my opinion.”

Murphy, 39, who defeated longtime Republican John Mica in 2016, has carefully tried to balance criticism of Trump’s policies with attempts to reach across the aisle and work with Republicans.



http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/politics/political-pulse/os-ocasio-cortez-chardo-richardson-20180627-story.html

[Cha]

1. Oh right.. only the OR candidates will do, is that it, Chardo?

Well, I say you're wrong.

Link to tweet

[mcar]

2. I just came from a Democratic Women's Club of Florida board meeting

We are working our fingers to the Bone to make FL blue.

Then I read this.

WTF is a Democrat doing working against a solid Democrat in Florida? Florida, of all places. This state is pivotal in the midterms. We need all hands on deck.

Why the fck is AOC campaigning against Democrats instead of against Republicans? Please, spare me the "that's what primaries are for" 'splaining. I know what primaries are for.

I also know that I, and my sister Democrats in FL, are fighting Republicans.

This sickens me.

Have we learned nothing from 2016?

[RandySF]

3. This is not a district we can afford to play with.

[mcar]

5. It is not

I do not know what AOC is playing at. I have suspicions, though.

[Stinky The Clown]

9. I had a post taken down for saying what I think about her.

[RandySF]

13. People think I hate her but it's not true.

She's reckless and has a following and that's a bad combination.

[OnDoutside]

60. Yes, most don't know enough to hate her, but what they are seeing, is not helping the Democratic

Party. Someone needs to have a word with her in private. Soon.

[Cha]

15. I saw that.. and I

could see where you were coming from now.. by connecting dots.

The jury is still out but.. still "pinging".

[obamanut2012]

77. I was told I need to educate myself, and have no idea what I'm taking about

Because she is not only not supporting Clay or Sharice Davids (Native, LGBT, civil rights attorney), but is actively campaigning against them.

But I need ti educate myself about how I am wrong about AOS and Sanders' actions.

[bronxiteforever]

11. I have the same worries. Is she a cats paw?

[bigtree]

18. this post of yours is 'playing with it'

...one in a series.

You don't give a damn about the issues the other candidates have raised. You don't seem to care about issues at all.

The overriding theme in your series of posts has been opposition to a Democratic nominee, belying all of the talk about concern for the outcome.

This is just progressive bashing, both AOC and the candidates she supports, and their supporters. It's an abomination to our Democratic primary, and an abomination to this Democratic site which used to protect Democratic nominees from attacks.

AOC has done nothing more than support Democratic candidates in a primary season. The problem here is that she isn't supporting YOUR candidate. That's not an affront to the party or a threat, but this effort of yours here portends to be.

Thankfully it's just navel-gazing on a message board, and not some overriding party strategy, It's a self-defeating effort, and antithetical to everything our primary system is supposed to be about.

[GulfCoast66]

23. Bullshit!

Do you know this district? I do. I is right over from mine. AOC is supporting a primary challenger in one of the toughest districts we currently hold.

You know as well as I do a certain percentage of The challengers supporters will refuse to vote for our Democratic Congress person. Because they are establishment. And we may well lose that seat. This is not fucking Brooklyn!

Had she come in and supported a democratic party member of Congress facing a tough fight she may well have push them over the edge.

But I guess the endgame is not important. Only purity,purity, purity. Or should I say, who’s team people play on!

I have no doubt the incumbent but will win the primary. But if we lose this seat by less than 1% let’s have a discussion.

And by the way what do you mean by Progressive bashing? What the fuck is a progressive?

Seems to me to be considered a progressive you have to support a team and person.

Spare me your outrage. We are working hard here to to turn Florida blue and this does fucking help!

[bigtree]

25. never had a primary before?

...better start trying to draw in those opponents' supporters.

Not much time, certainly not time to screw that up demonizing these Democratic candidates.

I don't know what you expect to come from all of these histrionics and demonizing the Democratic primary opponents to your candidate, but it's completely antithetical to your candidate's cause to alienate these progressive supporters, many who had reservations, at least, about voting for the incumbent.

Do something which makes sense for your candidate. This isn't it.

[GulfCoast66]

28. What the fuck are you even asking?

That a candidate in a purple district In Florida embrace the politics of a Democratic Socialist? To satisfy a candidate from Brooklyn and a Senator from Vermont who is not even a Democrat? And neither one live in Florida.

This is the binary choice. A primary challenge means that there is going to be a certain percent of primary voters who vote against the incumbent stay at home in the general because of purity. This is the kind of district were 100 votes can make the difference.

Can you imagine if AOC and the independent from Vermont had come into the district in support of the Democratic candidate? It would likely push them over the edge. And help achieve a Democratic majority in the house.

I live in Florida. The action of AOC and Senator Sanders thru her has gravely imperiled a seat we hold. It’s starting to look like that might be the goal.

It is particularly galling because we are working hard to make our state blue again. To have people who have no interest in Florida working against us pisses us off.

[bigtree]

30. so you oppose her

...good for you.

Claiming that her advocacy for Democratic candidates in your state (that you don't support) 'gravely imperils' the seat is partisan hyperbole. Good luck with all of that.

[GulfCoast66]

34. Oppose her? Where did you get that idea? I support her for her race. In Brooklyn.

And I notice how rather than responding to my concerns in a constructive manner you created a factually incorrect strawman to attack.

I believe she is a great candidate for her district. As I believe her benefactor is a good representative for his state.

But they are endangering our hold on a Democratic held seat in Florida. Care to comment on that? Do you live in Florida? When it comes to Florida politics do you know WTF you are talking about?

Cause to most Florida Democrats this is more damaging than any anything a republican could do.

[bigtree]

36. 'more damaging than any anything a republican could do'

...appearing at a rally?

A primary challenge?

Ridiculous.

[GulfCoast66]

38. And once again you choose not to address the points I brought up but go to insults

Because that’s all you have.

Just insults; calling my points ridiculous.

I guess in your mind it is ridiculous to consider that to peel away one percent of the vote could give the seat to a republican. I guess it is ridiculous to consider if Sanders and his yet be elected protege campaigned for a Democratic House member in a tough district it could help us have a Democratic controlled house.

I guess it is ridiculous that we Floridians fighting to turn the state blue do not appreciate outsiders kneecapping our efforts. Especially when the head of the movement is not even a member of the Democratic Party.

I do not know where you live. But let’s make a deal. I won’t screw around with your local elections. Please don’t screw around with mine. This is a seat we have to hold.

[bigtree]

48. you're ignoring these primary opponents' supporters

...no one is screwing around with your election. Your candidate has a primary challenger. Deflecting that onto AOC is ridiculous.

Demonizing your candidates' opponent for merely running is more than absurd, it's anti-Democratic, but you go on. If you think all of this lashing out at that candidates' supporters helps, please proceed.

[mythology]

62. One could argue that blocking out those voices also discourages them from turning out

You hypothetically talk about potential consequences, but only on one side.

Studies have shown that close primaries in state legislatures don't impact the odds of winning the seat in the general and in some cases help.

[GulfCoast66]

90. This is not a state legislative race

But a race for Congress in a seat guaranteed to be decided by a percentage or two.

If Sanders and his disciple has come here campaigning for an endangered Democratic Congress person it could go a long way to helping us build a majority in the house.

[mcar]

64. This Floridian agrees with you 100%!

I guess it is ridiculous that we Floridians fighting to turn the state blue do not appreciate outsiders kneecapping our efforts. Especially when the head of the movement is not even a member of the Democratic Party.

[obamanut2012]

79. This Floridian does, too

[Cha]

32. Exactly, GulfCoast.. we've seen that before!

They will sit home 'cause if Stephanie Wins the primary she's been tainted with the all powerful ignorant slur of "establishment".

Like glenn fucking greenwald is trying to do to Sharice Davids in Kansas District 3.

Link to tweet

Thank You!

[GulfCoast66]

35. I am over their shit.

If I get banned from DU... Well I am active in my community, have a boat to fish on the the gulf and have a life that is not dependent on politics. But I am actually concerned for those who do not share my privilege.

Which is why I am a liberal. Not a progressive.

[Cha]

37. Mahalo! We Need Your

Voice on DU, too.. I hope you stick around.. I see no reason why you couldn't if want to.

I've been over the bullshit, too.. for years now.

Good description of a Liberal.. we've all seen how much "progressives" jill stein and susan Sarandon care about those less fortunate as they sit on their millions. they're in it for themselves not beating the gop.

[GulfCoast66]

39. Not going anywhere on my own choice.

I was new here during 16. It was ugly. So I kept my head down and watched all the misogynistic attacks on Hillary and all the good democrats get run off here until the aggressors fled to JPR once the primary was decided.

If that happens again I will not keep my head down. If I get banned...oh well. It is just a website. I will still keep fighting in the real world.

And we always have our boat to go fishing in the gulf!

And my 4K or so post pale against a veteran like you!

Have a nice evening.

[Cha]

44. Yeah, starting in 2002 during

the bush coup and the start of being a political junkie will do that to ones post count. It's almost embarrassing.

It was my first time on the computer, too.. I got one to go on DU. I remember going into work and saying I had "5000 posts!" on Democratic Underground.. that was when I lived in New York.

Let's hope it doesn't happen again.. I was right here, too.. so I know what you're saying. Who the hell knows what's going to happen down the road to 2020.. one thing for sure.. Anything Can and Will!

We just have to make sure the Dems Win! No matter how the gop, Russia, and others are attempting to make it harder by smearing good Dems.

[dansolo]

63. Apparently you can only be a progressive if you support Bernie Sanders

That seems to be the common thread for all these endorsements. I think this all has to do with Bernie's 2020 campaign. He wants more loyalists as elected Democrats.

[Cha]

96. Which is bullshit.

[obamanut2012]

78. yawn

[suprcali]

84. idealism

This plays well into the hands of republicans. There really is nothing better than to get lectured by outsiders in a purple state by people who sit in safe blue areas.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

6. "WTF is a Democrat doing ..."

AOC will be the Dem for one congressional district, but I don't think she's a Democrat. Democratic Socialist is something a bit different. I think it's a bit outside the large tent called Democratic Party.

[mcar]

8. I wish she would go home and leave us alone

[GulfCoast66]

21. You mean Democratic Socialist.

And they are doubling down from 16. Almost like they want that seat to go red.

It is 2 districts over from me. Any division in the Democratic Party and we lose this seat. Looks like that may have just happened.

[xmas74]

42. She is also campaigning against Lacy Clay in MO.

I was informed by a few posters that I should be excited about this primary race. Hell, one followed me around telling me I was stupid and obviously supported the evil establishment .

[obamanut2012]

80. I was told I needed to educate myself

Because I guess I am stupid and ignorant for correctly calling out AOS and Sanders.

[xmas74]

85. You too?

I've had several tell me the same. It's like a cult .

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

4. This sounds like one seat that AOC can flip to red.

Replacing a centrist Dem with a leftist Dem will probably had the seat to the Republicans.

But, it probably helps AOC's eventual presidential ambitions.

Hopefully, Murphy will survive the primary coup attempt.

[mcar]

7. Murphy is a solid Democrat

FL doesn't need AOC's interference. She should be fighting Republicans, not Democrats.

[calguy]

10. Seems to me that AOC is getting a little big for her britches

OK, she had an impressive primary win, but other than that?? She still hasn't been elected to anything and has never held office. Before she goes all around the country campaigning against democrats I would like to see her win a seat in congress and compile a record of accomplishment first. As of now all she has is talk and no accomplishments. Give me a record and I'll give you some credibility.

[Raven123]

12. I agree and have made the same point earlier

[beachbum bob]

14. I believe her ego is driving her just like it did sanders, and when ego replaces

the brain, we are in trouble. 2016 proved it.

[populistdriven]

16. this is sad news nt

[Power 2 the People]

31. I think she is on the right track

I truly believe Lieberman's endorsement of Crowley was an eye opener for me. Someone as corrupt as Lieberman going out of his way to preserve the status quo means it was definitely time for a change in NY14.

I think in the age of Trump it's time for aggressive progressives.

[rockfordfile]

50. Why is she working to put a racist republican in office?

[beachbum bob]

58. again each congressional district has its own dynamics and Cortez's message works in hers, but

would never work in mine...we are going to elect a democrat and it not going to be because of democratic socialism, it will be due to hard work and having a message that republicans are failing america and can't be trusted

[Cha]

47. Totally! And, joe lieberman endorsing Crowely was for Israel..

that's what Lie man was all about.

he's not a Democrat.. he's a fucking repub.

[still_one]

55. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

[Cha]

56. Yeah, don't be using

joe Lieberman's name to point to for any harbinger OR anything that a Democrat is doing for cripe's sake. That's just clueless.

[still_one]

57. you are right Cha

[rockfordfile]

49. That person is doing trump's work

[oberliner]

61. Big for her britches?

She is just trying to support candidates who share her ideals - and the candidates seem very happy to have that support.

[bigtree]

17. Murphy voted for 'Kate's Law'

...basically a canard that plays off of Trump's attempts to paint immigrants as a class of criminals.

"Civil rights groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, have strongly opposed 'Kate’s Law' (sponsor: Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-VA-6), calling it a “shortsighted and ill-conceived response” to the young woman’s slaying. They argue that it is blanket legislation that would penalize even those who come to the United States to escape persecution. Opponents also say that the bill perpetuates the false notion that undocumented immigrants are inherently criminals."
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2017/06/29/the-story-behind-kates-law-and-how-it-could-change-immigration-policies-in-the-u-s/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.18080efeffb8


The Trouble with Kate's Law
The legislation seeks to deter crime by undocumented immigrants, but it could end up dramatically swelling the U.S. prison population.
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/09/kates-law-mandatory-sentencing/403990/


...I'd like to think Democrats could respect people who disagree in our primaries. Looking at the number of DUers throwing progressives and progressive issues under the bus, I'm wondering what else is going to be sacrificed as people try and circle the wagons.

[moriah]

19. Disagreement and pointing out records is one thing.

Sadly Chardo has people running his Twitter who don't look at sources for Tweets, though fortunately when it was pointed out a Florida Trump-supporting/Murphy-hating Infowars troll was being reTweeted, they quickly removed the bait. That troll has been targeting Chardo to try to cause divisions, adding hashtags allegedly supporting him but the rest of his Tweets clearly indicate he is a Trump-humper trying to publish disinformation.

My comment was polite to him, congratulating him on his endorsement and wishing him luck but pointing out how reTweeting such unbased attacks from Conservatives-with-allegedly-supportive-hashtags could backfire regardless of who wins the primary.

Removed within half an hour.

[mcar]

20. Oh goody, now let's cherry pick each vote

to find something we disagree with to justify campaigning against a good Democratic in a tight district....

In fcking Florida! Where not every Democrat or Democratic leaning voter is "progressive."

[bigtree]

24. it's an example, pointing out that real people have real differences

...and this isn't what it's being portrayed as here.

It would be a more legitimate argument against the challengers if you did talk issues. Instead you present this partisan dichotomy where only the incumbent is supposedly inviolable and the challengers all subversive.

It's ridiculous and just dirt-dumb politics.

These supporters of these challengers comprise many folks who just may well have sat out the general election, save these appeals to issues which affect their lives and livelihoods. Reducing those interests and concerns into a DU grudge match against AOC is absurd and incredibly self-defeating to the goals that critics THEMSELVES cite as reasons to oppose her efforts.

The energy that AOC and these progressive challengers are generating in our primary are INCREASING interest in Democratic races, increasing the numbers of potential Democratic voters. It is the challenge and opportunity for incumbents, as it's been for decades of Democratic primaries, to either rail against Democratic opponents, or try and draw them into your own campaign.

Primary challenges help our party grow, both in new supporters for the general when the voting is done, and the advancement (hopefully) of the issues which propelled these challenges into being. They are an opportunity for incumbents to improve and respond to opposition within Democratic ranks with understanding and empathy.

I can see that some DU strategists believe railing against these Democratic candidates and their supporters is good strategy. I think it's divisive and counterproductive. Better to work toward the ultimate end where our forces unify behind the eventual nominee. Better that than spend time advocating against what is essentially the heart of our democracy, against the opportunity for people who disagree to contest alongside those in power for the chance to represent their district or state.

Remember, energy and enthusiasm can propel a candidate into office by expanding our voter base. Closing ranks with such zeal can alienate those potential Democratic voters. Most pols understand that. Does DU? Do they care?

[BlueWI]

46. Wise words.

Contested races can help turnout and gain the interest of new voters. Fear of open debate is problematic. We need new candidates and potential future office holders at all levels.

[mcar]

65. Isn't that what AOC is doing?

I can see that some DU strategists believe railing against these Democratic candidates and their supporters is good strategy. I think it's divisive and counterproductive. Better to work toward the ultimate end where our forces unify behind the eventual nominee. Better that than spend time advocating against what is essentially the heart of our democracy, against the opportunity for people who disagree to contest alongside those in power for the chance to represent their district or state.

She and her supporters and mentor are railing against Democratic candidates. I think it's divisive and counterproductive.

It's ridiculous and just dirt-dumb politics.

I couldn't agree more.

[bigtree]

70. they are actually campaigning for the seat, against republicans and in support of their initiatives

..what I'm talking about is what's occurring on this thread, what this series of anti-AOC threads are all about.

This isn't campaigning for your candidate, it's essentially campaigning against this DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE for having the temerity to appear at rallies for people who supported her own campaign..

The railing against her here is a hell of a difference from attending some rallies in support of a candidate in a primary. This DU effort is completely anti-AOC, anti-AOC supporters, anti-candidates AOC supports.

Acting like primary challenges are some threat to the party is just hyperbolic nonsense. This isn't just campaigning, it's a smear on AOC, the people she supports, and the people who support them.

[Kaleva]

22. Where in the article does it say that Murphy is in danger of losing the primary?

[AtomicKitten]

26. It's about getting money out of politics.

“We need to elect a corporate PAC-free caucus if we’re going to get things done," [said Ocasio-Cortez]

Richardson said Ocasio-Cortez’s victory means “people are finally ready for change. They’re ready to stop corporations from controlling legislation. … If anybody had the ability to win, it was her. And I’m feeling the same here.”

There are some major differences between his race against Murphy and Ocasio-Cortez’s race.

While pledging not to take any corporate money and getting outraised by Crowley by more than 10 to 1, Ocasio-Cortez still raised more than $300,000. Richardson has raised only about $25,000 so far to Murphy’s $1.8 million.

[brooklynite]

27. FL-7: Stephanie Murphy has $1.6 M in the bank. Chardo Richardson.....doesn't

Chardo Richardson doesn't have $1.6 M
Chardo Richardson doesn't have $160 K
Chardo Richardson doesn't have $16 K

...and it's safe to say that, after Crowley's loss, no other Democratic Incumbent is going to assume they can coast to the nomination.

[bottomofthehill]

41. Yes but it would be nice if she could spend that in a general to try to hold the seat

Instead of in a primary, so when she has a republican opponent she is broke

[aikoaiko]

29. This is what democracy looks like

I e subject line. You yank the chain of a certain group of DUers better than most.

[Cha]

33. If the Dems don't take back the HOUSE they will be NO Democracy!

[bottomofthehill]

40. Maybe Joe Crowley should stay on the Ballot

And maybe AOC should stay home and run for the seat that she won the Democratic Primary in before she find all over and injecting her style Democrat in every race. We need a foothold someplace ( the House) and maybe it would be best to take red seats instead of trying to change who is sitting in the blue ones. Being a freshman in the minority party sucks and she AOC may well learn that.

[moriah]

43. Maybe we shouldn't suggest spoiler candidates for the Democratic Nominee for NY14.

Love it or lump it, she won there.

Leave criticism of her road trip out of her own election, especially after Lie-berman is peddling this.

[bottomofthehill]

45. Maybe AOC shouldn't not support spoiler's

That bleed resources in already tight races. Her Dear Bernie stayed in after he could no longer win.

[rockfordfile]

51. I met some of those people and threw them the hell out

They have lied about their backing with regards to those trumptrash "justice democrats". Murphy is a good Representative. Considering the years with Mica.

[Cha]

53. Thank You for your

on the ground report, rockfordfile.

[ucrdem]

54. It does look that way.

As for the righteous attempts to explain away the obvious, we saw the same kabuki performed here in 2015-16 and we all know how that ended.

[kcr]

68. Pitiful how many post removedes we're responding to about this

They sure don't like us talking about the obvious, do they? Hits a nerve.

[quaker bill]

59. If it was not for some free media

in the Orlando Weekly I would never have known that Richardson was running to be my representative. I have seen just one or two Murphy ads. I do not think there really is much of a fight actually going on here.

Murphy ran a good campaign to beat Mica, but so did others who lost. She won in no small measure because we won the redistricting fight and as a result two large historically black communities were mapped into this district for the first time. Corrine Brown lost what was a very easy seat, but Murphy beat Mica. We now have 3 seats we can count on with decent candidates and a litttle effort, this is better than 1 sure bet and 2 longshots.

[DFW]

66. Some would think it's possible to negate Tip O'Neill's fundamental truth

"All politics is local."

A publicity-hungry primary winner boasting 16,000 votes in Brooklyn and a non-Democrat from Brooklyn who moved to Vermont think they are enhancing the progressive cause by endangering a vital seat in Florida that we barely hold in Congress. Or, so they say.

Neither of them have to face the local demographics of Florida 7. They come in, get their names in the papers, and disappear. Off to their next photo op. Let me guess--if we now lose that seat due to internal Democratic disarray, it will be because Murphy ran "a poor campaign," right? That IS the stock phrase to use on Democratic candidates whose campaigns have been sabotaged, isn't it? As if Florida, populated by a million Cubans who fled the "paradise" of Socialismo para siempre, is really going to perk up to anyone using the term, and then coupling it with "Democratic."

AOC is a candidate for Congress from New York City, not Florida. She will not help anyone by believing she is Jeanne d'Arc, and Sanders won't help her by convincing her that she is.

[bigtree]

71. she's not campaigning there by herself

...she's appearing at rallies for Democratic candidates who supported her own campaign.

It's ridiculous, all of the hair-pulling over this not only makes these incumbents look weak, it raises the question of whether they can hold these primary voters who have indicated support for their rivals.

That should be the focus here, but all some DU supporters of these incumbents seem to be able to do is demonize them. It's a shame, but it's also self-defeating and more pernicious than anything AOC is doing.

You do realize these candidates invited her to the state? If it's such an issue, if voters there are so dead set against her appearances, I'm sure you'll see that reflected in the support for the incumbent.

AOC and Bernie drew some 14,000 people total to rally for Democratic candidates in deep-red Kansas. That's bringing people into the party, a hell of an opportunity for the eventual winner to draw these folks in at general election time. This is an opportunity for these incumbents to either push off on these progressive candidates or work to embrace their supporters. It's really that simple.

Blaming AOC for that resistance to voting for the incumbent is weak and doesn't address the issue of why so many people are inclined to vote against them. Better solve that, instead of trying to wrap blame around AOC.

[kcr]

72. I love how some think that this tit-for-tat progressive movement is so magical

And for the people. Even though they fully admit these people are only campaigning for each other to repay a favor. Most don't actually openly admit it, but some do because they're ok with it. I'll gladly point out when that happens. Thanks for that.

[SidDithers]

67. Yup, I said as much yesterday...

in the "look at all the wonderful candidates AOC is endorsing" shitpile thread.

In the current political environment, there's no sensible reason to primary a first-term incumbent Democrat in a swing district. In this case, Murphy should be supported and strengthened.



Sid

[kcr]

69. She's going to flip them red! n/t

[SidDithers]

73. If FL-07 elects a Republican in Nov, that's squarely on Bernie and AOC...nt

Sid

[theaocp]

74. Heads, you win.

Tails, B&AOC lose. Nice deal, when the purists rule.

[SidDithers]

75. They put themselves into that race, against the incumbent...

they didn't have to do that. They made a conscious choice to do so.

Sid

[theaocp]

76. So, you'll support the Dem nominee, then?

I'd hate to have your lack of primary support get the Republican elected. Wait. Are you a voter in that district?

[SidDithers]

82. Absolutely. And if the Dem wins, I'll cheer...

And if the Dem loses, I'll blame Bernie and AOC for trying to fix something that wasn't broken.

Sid

[theaocp]

83. I'd think you'd blame the Republican and their associated voters.

What if the other candidate wins the primary and loses the general. Who's to blame, then? Apparently, you win every time.

[SidDithers]

87. If Murphy wins the primary but loses the general...

it's because Bernie and AOC influenced the primary.

If Murphy loses the primary and the Dems lose the race, it will again be because Bernie and AOC influenced the primary.

Any way it goes, Bernie and AOC chose this primary to exert their influence. They're responsible for what happens.

They could have not endorsed a primary candidate, or they could have thrown their ample support behind the incumbent Dem. They did neither of those things.

If the seat goes red, it will be because of Bernie's and AOC's actions. If Murphy retains her seat, it will be in spite of Bernie and AOC's actions.

Sid

[bigtree]

86. it would be squarely on the incumbent

...who would have failed to reel in these disaffected potential Democratic voters who were inclined to vote against them, no matter who stepped up to attract their votes in our primary.

So much worry expressed about not offending 'moderates,' and 'centrists,' hope they don't lose the opportunity to expand their base by working hard to draw these progressive voters into our Democratic coalition in November.

They can't all be subversive traitors to the party.

[SidDithers]

88. It's not about moderates and centrists...

It's about targeting a Democratic incumbent in a swing district.

Bernie and AOC have weighed in against the Democratic incumbent. They could have supported the Democratic incumbent, but chose to try to unseat her.

If the seat goes red, it's on them.

Sid

[bigtree]

89. that's bullshit

...but I defend your right to spread that here.

Our primaries are designed for challenges, even to incumbents. They should be prepared to defend their seats.

This plea for entitlement of the person in power in our country's primaries is anti-democratic, and a recipe for a static, stale party.

[radius777]

91. Exactly. It's one thing to try to make a point

(one that I don't agree with, as a center-left Obama/Clinton Dem) in a deep blue or deep red district... but to do that in a swing district is just political malpractice, as it endangers Dem chances of retaking the House (and saving the country).

[kcr]

92. It's clear some people just don't give a shit

I would love to live in that privileged world. How they can see this country being destroyed by Trump and STILL claim that this is just democracy! is just galling.

[Kaleva]

95. The headline of the OP is false and you fell for it.

Murphy is in no danger of losing in the primary. You'll note that the article doesn't even hint at that. No poll shows the race is even close to being competitive. As pointed out in another post in this thread, Murphy has far more money then Chardo Richardson.

Below is where Richardson stands on various issues. Being a DUer, you probably agree with all of them.

" Build a Renewable Industry Economy: Fully transition off of fossil fuels and build an all-renewable energy system within 10 years.

Education: Provide tuition-free education to anyone who meets the academic requirements at all public universities, colleges, and trade schools.

Minimum Wage: Raise the Federal Minimum Wage to $15/hr and tie it to inflation.

Universal Health Care: Implement Medicare for All to ensure coverage to all Americans

End Price-Gouging on Prescription Drugs: Lift the restriction on Medicare to negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies.

End School-to-Prison Pipeline: Discontinue aggressive zero-tolerance policies that lead to unnecessary arrest charges and create an antagonistic relationship between students and authorities.

End the War on Drugs: Legalize and tax marijuana. Decriminalize other drugs and disband militarized drug task forces. Invest savings in addiction treatment, drug diversion and mental health programs to keep people off drugs.

Expand and Protect Due Process: Develop Offenders’ Bill of Rights, repeal exception in the 13th amendment allowing for prison slave labor, improve prison facility standards, ensure the right to a speedy trial.

Keep Abortion legal and safe for all women while reducing abortions: Reduce the number of abortions by improving access to education, family planning, birth control, and more. Give women and families the freedom to make their own decisions while providing alternatives.

Roadmap to Citizenship: Create a swift, secure roadmap to citizenship for America’s 11 million undocumented immigrants.

Implement an Employment Verification System: Stop employers from hiring undocumented workers in the first place with E-Verify.[3]"

https://ballotpedia.org/Chardo_Richardson

[oberliner]

81. The article does not say that

In fact, the primary could make her a stronger candidate in the general. Richardson's campaign also brings more attention onto significant issues such as the influence of big money in politics.

[Kentonio]

93. If anyone on the left comes out against a Dem candidate in the midterms

Then they can burn in hell for it. In the primaries though, anyone has a right to run and support the candidate they want. Half the problems we have are down to people not feeling enough representation by the party. We MUST strengthen their bonds and show we’re a party that cares about the needs and wishes of the left.

If a moderate wins then that’s absolutely fine, it’s the will of the voters and then the responsibility falls on the progressives to support that candidate to victory. If we try and cut out the opportunity to even hold a primary though, then we’ll definitely see people sitting out the election. Primaries can strengthen us, not weaken us. They’re a great way of showing that the voters decide our direction, not a party establishment. We should embrace that.

[Kaleva]

94. +1