General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsDoes anyone in Washington, DC still read DU?
There was a time in the past when it was monitored by Congressional aides and assistants to glean any worthwhile ideas that might come from the "underground".
Does anyone know if that still happens or is most of the discussion now on DU just singing to the choir?
Does it serve any worthwhile purpose in regards to policy discussions?
Have we minimized ourselves into trivial pursuits?
LakeArenal
(28,845 posts)I swear a tracked two or three that joined the day Biden declared. Always had something positive on days Joe made announcements.
Sympthsical
(9,115 posts)I do think a few minor operatives post here. Sometimes the talking points come out fast and repetitively. But, for the most part, it's a pretty small community in the scheme of things, a little bubble floating on the internet. I came in because a friend posts here and asked me to join. It's interesting enough.
The site largely seems focused on whatever's happening on Twitter. I can't say I've read anything in regards to policy or friendly disagreement about major issues. It can pretty lock-steppy. I just interject when I disagree in part or whole. Otherwise, stroke stroke.
Nothing wrong with that, either. I subscribe to subreddits that are only one thing as well. Sometimes you don't feel like getting into it with people.
A true "underground" place isn't having a go at AOC or Bernie Sanders every ten seconds of the day. Just sayin'.
betsuni
(25,618 posts)after G.W. Bush became president, nothing else. It's a place for Democrats.
kentuck
(111,110 posts)....on the "democraticunderground", back in those days, as I recall. Back during the Carlos Jiacinto days, for those that remember?
DFW
(54,437 posts)A few of their employees do, but they are often campaign people who just try to spread "the word," even if it's letting everyone know what brand of toothpaste Sen. Sanders used last night, or some such vital detail, every ten seconds of the day. In fact, now that the election is history, even that has become sporadic.
I never look at Twitter, so I have no clue whether most content here comes from there or not. Mine sure as hell doesn't.
DU does occasionally get monitored, and sometimes something posted here is quoted, or referred to. Creative original thinking gets noted. Repetition of ANY already established point of view does not. A reasoned post based on "why I think we can win back Iowa's Senate seat, and here's how" would get noticed. "Nancy Pelosi is too old and needs to retire NOW," or the week's 198th post saying why capitalism is evil, will be ignored with a yawn.
enough
(13,262 posts)I think DU has changed so much, and the entire internet world has changed so much, that I doubt DU has any influence. It is now essentially a chat room for all us very nice elderly liberals. Its a great place to post when you or someone in your family gets the vaccine, and then again when you get the second shot.
I still love it and hope it never goes away
appalachiablue
(41,171 posts)DC checking in but I had to give up my 'operative' ways, Lol.
OAITW r.2.0
(24,610 posts)DU is known and the pulse is taken, pretty sure of that. Why? Cuz' real time news events happen here and people comment.
AZ8theist
(5,493 posts)Just not so "nice"....
JanMichael
(24,890 posts)Oh shit...
DFW
(54,437 posts)I joined in 2006 (I think!) when I was 54, and I just turned 69. Does THAT count as elderly?
Apparently, a lot of places think it's "senior," but they no longer give discounts because of it. Oh, well.
Sneederbunk
(14,302 posts)mitch96
(13,924 posts)NurseJackie
(42,862 posts)It's a fun pastime to socialize with other Democrats.
kentuck
(111,110 posts)...when people questioned whether "independents" were OK on DU so long as they espoused "progressive and democratic" ideas.
Gradually it became a place where Party loyalty became a litmus test for anyone posting on DU?
I do not know if that improved DU in expressing free and independent thought? I rather doubt it.
OAITW r.2.0
(24,610 posts)Seriously, Bernie or Joe? Both, cuz, the opposite is too bizarre to contemplate.
kentuck
(111,110 posts)...or, at the very least, would not vote for the Republican Party. That is the choice that should be offered to them, in my opinion.
OAITW r.2.0
(24,610 posts)Today, there is only one sane Party.
kentuck
(111,110 posts)OAITW r.2.0
(24,610 posts)Haven't got to this age without some idea of sanity.
samnsara
(17,636 posts)NurseJackie
(42,862 posts)When it comes to national politics, we have a defacto two-party system. The person who's elected President will come from ONE of the two parties. The Independent Party, the Socialist Party, the Green Party, the Birthday Party candidates are all jokes and spoilers.
When it comes to control of he two houses of Congress, neither will EVER be controlled by any party OTHER than the Democrats or the Republicans.
Party loyalty is vital. Egos are not.
bottomofthehill
(8,347 posts)Congressional Staff, yes.
brooklynite
(94,729 posts)From the dozens of House and Senate members (and staff) I've talked to, I've never picked up a DU "message".
kentuck
(111,110 posts)But always in ridicule.
leftyladyfrommo
(18,870 posts)Mat Drudge.
Celerity
(43,513 posts)friendly to younger cohorts, thus it hardly affects recruitment. If this board (and its model, tenor, and tone) was the primary outreach to younger voters, dog help the party and the nation.
Hotler
(11,445 posts)Hi Agent Mike.