if Bernie enthusiastically endorses the Democratic nominee

[loyalsister]

will his supporters follow his lead? I'm leaning toward Martin O'Malley, but I am definitely going to support our nominee.

[cali]

1. use the search function

This has been asked a dozen times. There are several polls. I'm tired of answering and I think those asking have an agenda.

[loyalsister]

14. Mine was a broad general question about the political dynamic

not specifically directed at DU supporters. I asked because I am speculating that these candidates could present a primary that is competitive, as well as unified. It would be to all of our benefit if we supported our candidates in the same spirit.

I am interested to see if Bernie can help bring some voters who have had reservations about Hillary into the process if they are excited about what the two candidates have in common.

I think that, and a desire to pull the debate to the left may be why he's running. He's smart enough to know that he can't possibly raise enough money to win with the way money in politics operates right now. More and more people are saying they want to see some serious reforms, but unfortunately negative ads work. The more there are without counter ads, the more effective they are going to be. One great thing about Bernie is that he doesn't seem to have the stomach for the ugliness a national campaign will bring out. Too bad it's a liability.

[Aerows]

19. Your question really seems to boil down to -

"I wholeheartedly support Hillary Clinton, think there is no hope for anyone else but her to win, so are you going to go all in for Hillary before she even wins the Primary, since she is going to win anyway?"

I support Sanders. I'm going to continue to support Sanders. I'm not going to be cajoled, badgered, leadingly questioned, slyly convinced over to "Hillary Clinton the inevitable" until Hillary Clinton is the nominee. That's what the Primary is for.

I will wholeheartedly support the nominee. It isn't Hillary Clinton yet, and since it isn't, I am free to vote for anyone on the Democratic ticket that I choose to vote for.

I hope that answers your question, since I suspect that most folks feel the same way.

[loyalsister]

24. I am leaning towards O'Malley and said so in my OP

Bernie winning the GE would be awesome, but I don't think it's possible. The need for big money to be able to begin to compete in national elections is a sad fact right now.

The fact that Hillary is raising a lot and has a number of PACS on her side does indicate that she is going to be a very strong candidate in the primary. I am not interested in convincing anyone who to vote for in the primary. I just want us all to unite behind our nominee. It's possible to start now if we can get over worrying about which primary candidate others support.

[TBF]

48. Why are you supporting O'Malley if you want us all to "unite"

behind Hillary? This is absurd. Especially over a year before the election.

Good lord.

[Agschmid]

50. They didn't say they wanted us all to unite behind Hillary...

Where did they say that? I agree the OP is "meh" but it clearly didn't say that.

[bettyellen]

45. Why would you suggest an O Malley supporter is "all in"'for Hillary?

Any reason you are inferring this person is lying about where their support currently lies?
I'm seeing loads of this, and it's getting pretty weird. I'm undecided, but fed up with the the bizarre innuendo.

[Aerows]

47. Because when someone says

"I'm an O'Malley supporter" a day after they have been posting in support of Hillary Clinton, I'm rightfully suspicious.

Support Hillary, I will too - if and when she is the nominee.

[Agschmid]

52. Well good thing O'Malley just announced, now they actually can support him.

Before that he wasn't running for anything.

[Aerows]

56. I like him

I really do. We have a great set of candidates. Picking between them is difficult, because they all bring great things to the table.

[Agschmid]

58. He's a hunk.

Yup I went there.

[Aerows]

60. Not really the reason I'd vote for

... well, anyone.
I like his message, and I like Bernie Sanders, too. I supported Hillary Clinton in the 2008 primary.

[Agschmid]

61. Yah clearly not the reason I vote for people either, see my candidate.

But woof... O'Malley.

Swoon.

[Aerows]

62. Not into hunky men

Physically fit, hunky women? It wouldn't necessarily sway me, but I won't lie - I'd look!

In any case, I have to evaluate on something other than looks .

[Agschmid]

63. Unfortunately we all do.

Night.

[Aerows]

65. I see

nothing unfortunate about looking at candidates further than skin deep.

[Agschmid]

67. It was sarcasm...

[JonLP24]

77. He clearly was running before he officially announced anything

Campaign Finance Complaints Filed Against 4 Presidential Hopefuls

WASHINGTON — For months, White House hopefuls from both parties have been raising millions in unlimited contributions at upscale fund-raisers from Manhattan to Palm Springs, Calif. — all without officially declaring themselves candidates and becoming subject to federal caps on contributions.

Only a few of some 20 would-be presidential candidates have even bothered to set up the exploratory committees that were once a time-tested way to declare interest in the White House — and that set off their own fund-raising restrictions.

But two leading campaign finance groups charged on Tuesday that the spread of these unofficial campaigns in recent months was not only deceptive, but also illegal.

The groups, the nonpartisan Campaign Legal Center and Democracy 21, filed formal complaints with the Federal Election Commission against four undeclared candidates for president: Jeb Bush, Scott Walker and Rick Santorum, all Republicans, and Martin O’Malley, a Democrat. Both organizations favor more restrictive regulations governing how political money is raised and spent.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/01/us/campaign-finance-complaints-filed-against-4-presidential-hopefuls.html?_r=0

[bettyellen]

54. was it saying they supported Hillary of defending her against the vitriol here?

Because those are two very very different things.
Im dismayed at how many people claim I support Hillary too. its fucking bizarre how people are looking for people to alienate. I've got to say, I doubt they are capable of helping their own candidate. Too much anger clouds their thinking.

[Aerows]

59. We have 3 candidates to choose from

and each of them brings something to the table.

I appreciate having a choice between three good Democratic candidates.

[bettyellen]

66. That's exactly how I feel too. im not sure why so many are paranoid and throwing out weird

Accusations of trolldom or double secret Hillary support. Misery loves company, but I will be denying those assholes the pleasure of mine.
Lol!

[Aerows]

69. It doesn't mean

that people suddenly got amnesia and forgot what was posted several times over, either.

Like I said - we have 3 candidates at this point, and all of them have something to offer.

That fact does not mean that we all have to favor the same offerings equally - apparently, not all of us do, since we are having a primary.

[bettyellen]

70. I'm not able to get pissed at anyone for who they support or assume that are lying about it....

Have seen a LOT of it here. Much of it (not you) downright paranoid and nasty. I'm waiting at least a few months to sort out my thoughts on the three, when they'll be a fuller portrait. Not nearly as invested emotionally as some here, that's for sure. I usually do a few weekends of (out of state) phone banking for whoever I like since it's all over by the time it gets to my state.
I just hate all the rudeness here, reminds me of exactly why so many acquaintances have zero interest in discussing politics. Bums me out.

[Aerows]

71. Can't say I don't have ardent

opinions with regards to politics, public policy and civil rights.

I'm okay with the idea that some don't feel the same sense of urgency to change things.

I'm also okay with those that do not have the same opinions as I do.



It changes my opinions and my ardency ... not one iota.

[bettyellen]

73. Well there is no urgency for me because there is jack shit I can do till January really....

I am really psyched about the debates though. Really looking forward to them, despite my cynicism.

[Aerows]

75. I think we are going to have

some phenomenal debates, and I look forward to them!

[Agschmid]

68. +1

[PowerToThePeople]

43. You are incorrect

I am interested to see if Bernie can help bring some voters who have had reservations about Hillary into the process if they are excited about what the two candidates have in common.

I think that, and a desire to pull the debate to the left may be why he's running. He's smart enough to know that he can't possibly raise enough money to win with the way money in politics operates right now

Bernie is NOT trying to draw supporters in for the HRC train.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2015/04/29/bernie-sanders-interview-democratic-presidential-race/26576639/

(snip)

"I am running in this election to win," he said. "We've got a long path forward. Most people in America have never heard of Bernie Sanders. More than 90% of Americans have heard of Hillary Clinton. ... I will absolutely be out-spent. But I do believe we have a chance to raise significant amounts of money through small, individual contributions."

[Cali_Democrat]

25. You could try just not even replying to this post....

...if you're so tired of answering the question.

The world will not come to a crashing halt.

[MADem]

26. +1. nt

[MineralMan]

30. You needn't answer every question.

If you find it tiresome, I'm sure someone else will answer. I'm not even sure the OP was asking you a question, anyhow, at least not specifically. Maybe I missed something, though.

[kenfrequed]

2. I support Bernie first

When Bernie Sander's poll numbers are rapidly going up I think it is really silly to talk about it like he has already been defeated. He answered that question and most of his supporters have answered that question.

[daleanime]

3. You know, every time I find one of these will you vote for posts I hate it....

because they are not interested in who I am, my concerns, my passions, or what I am willing to work for. They're only concern is "will you submit?".

[loyalsister]

15. I'm not a politician, so I have nothing to offer

My thoughts are not about particular individuals. I am making guesses and asking others opinions because I am brainstorming about how this can be a truly productive primary.
I see ways that it can be, and I hope to see it follow a positive trajectory because it could have a positive effect.

[TBF]

49. "A truly productive primary"

I know - how about we each support the candidate who we think brings the most to the table?

How is that for "brainstorming"?

Is that enough for you or must I include "Hillary" in the sentence to bring it into the "productive" realm.

Honestly, this is tiring.

[Orsino]

22. Yes. On a par with the brain-dead MSM questions for dark horses:

"Would you accept a VP slot?"

[MADem]

31. I will vote for the Dem nom...no matter who wins it.

I have no problem 'submitting.'

I don't really care if unnamed 'others' don't support my primary choice, either. Their 'interest' or lack thereof in my concerns or passions doesn't drive or motivate me at all.

I don't mind 'confessing' that, either.

[daleanime]

35. No passion?

My condolences.

[MADem]

37. I want a capable, intelligent, thoughtful chief executive,

who understands both the domestic and international scenes, and has the brains, experience and connections to effect change.

I don't need passionate speakers touting pipe dreams that Congress won't pass. That kind of approach delivers a failed reelection attempt and a lame duck first term.

George W. Bush was pretty passionate,after all. Plenty of people are still accepting condolences for the hell that ass wrought on the world.

[daleanime]

39. Passion must be guided by intelligence...

Intelligence must be moved by passion.

Missing one makes you weaker, not stronger.

And Bu$h as passionate person?

Not trying to be snarky, but my response took two minutes to write and 20 minutes worrying about it's tone, It's been a long day and I've got stuff to wrap up before I sleep. Have a great night!

[MADem]

40. Bush was passionate--he wanted to wipe his ass on the Constitution, after all!

Not a very intelligent wish, but certainly one that was fraught with verve!!

We don't always get the two in tandem,even when they are present in the same person. Look at the smart (though mendacious) Nixon. He wasn't stupid, and was passionate about his place in history AND 'winning.' Put that in one package and what did we end up with? A hot mess!

I'll take a little smarts, a reputation for advancing goals of women and minorities around the globe, a reasonable amount of that vision thing...and the connections to make it all work.

But I'll vote for the Dem nom!! Whosoever that may be!!!

[magical thyme]

4. I will vote my conscience. Satisfied? nt

[peacebird]

8. Me too

[99Forever]

13. Exactly. +1,000,000

I don't do pledges in the name of expediency.

[TBF]

51. Same here -

but I doubt that is going to satisfy the "brainstorming" crowd ...

[MuseRider]

72. Same here

besides, we owe no one this information. It is ours. I vote how I vote and I am certain some here would disapprove but it is nice to know that I really don't give a shit what they would think anyway. God, I am already so tired of this crap. I think I may have to go away again for a while. It is like Junior high.

My vote is no ones business and if you all have to get so jumpy over it then jump away and have fun. I can easily live with my votes, I gave up holding my nose long ago.

[magical thyme]

5. If O'Malley enthusiastically endorses the Democratic nominee

will his supporter follow his lead?

[FSogol]

10. This one will. I've vote for whoever gets the Democratic nomination.

[loyalsister]

16. Actually there is no enthusiasm required

I mentioned in the OP that I will definitely vote for our Democratic nominee.

[DisgustipatedinCA]

46. You forgot an S. Or did you? :)

[Agschmid]

53. Yes.

[magical thyme]

6. If Hillary enthusiastically endorses the Democratic nominee

will her supporters follow her lead?

[Agschmid]

55. Yes.

[magical thyme]

7. If "fill in the blank" enthusiastically endorses the Democratic nominee

will his/her/it supporters follow his/her/its lead?

[Agschmid]

57. Yes.

[Erich Bloodaxe BSN]

9. I don't do anything 'because it's Bernie'.

I'm not about personalities.

I support Bernie because of the principles he currently and has in the past espoused. If he turns from those principles, he loses my support.

So he could support 'enthusiastically' anyone he wants, and it has no effect on whether or not I will support that person.

That will depend instead upon that person, and their record on those principles.

[daleanime]

36. +1

[MuseRider]

74. +2

[TheKentuckian]

11. My support is individually given, non transferable, and subject to recall.

[DanTex]

12. That is the question. Part of it will depend on how enthusiastically Bernie campaigns for her.

If he comes out full force, he could really unite the party behind her. But if he just goes through the motions of endorsing her, some of the Hillary bashers may stay home.

Which means that, ultimately whether Bernie helps or hurts Hillary's GE chances remains to be seen.

[loyalsister]

17. I agree

I am hoping very much that these candidates will basically create a unifying campaign even as they flesh out their differences.

I think a primary driven by a sincere commitment and mutual desire to serve us well would give our nominee a strong entrance to the general.

[cali]

18. lol, dan.

If Hillary is the nominee and she loses us the White House, that's her fault and her supporters. Period. I'll vote for her if she's the nominee but it has fuck all to do with what Bernie does. Better a corrupt corporate centrist hawk dem than any republican.

[DanTex]

20. How is this funny? I thought this would be uncontroversial.

If Bernie campaigns vigorously for Hillary, it will help her chances, if he just goes through the motions, then it can hurt her. I'm glad to hear that you'll vote for her, but, you know, I wasn't talking about you specifically.

[peacebird]

29. That is the question. Part of it will depend on how enthusiastically Hillary campaigns for him.

If she comes out in full force, she could really unite the party behind him. But if she just goes through the motions of endorsing him, some of the Bernie-bashers may stay home.

Which means that, ultimately whether Hillary helps or hurts Bernie's GE chances remains to be seen.

[geek tragedy]

21. a bit early to ask such questions nt

[Rex]

23. if X enthusiastically endorses the Democratic nominee

will his supporters follow his lead? I'm leaning toward Y, but I am definitely going to support our nominee.

Support XY&Z, don't be a hater.

[Jester Messiah]

27. It bespeaks a certain desperation that these threads keep popping up.

If you're really worried about it, the best solution is to ensure that the nominee is somebody that a significant portion of us don't find objectionable.

[MADem]

32. Odd that people would let this kind of thread bother them.

Who cares?

Answer the question or not...why even try censoring or scolding the asker? Petulance conveys an impression, too.

Hide thread works too....

[Jester Messiah]

33. It's just interesting, that's all.

Revealing, one might say.

[MADem]

34. That's certainly an accurate observation! nt

[hrmjustin]

28. I think most will. A handful may not but that is their right.

But i think the party will be united.

[peecoolyour]

38. Most Democrats will.

But I encounter a LOT of people on social media who probably wouldn't be interested in 2016 at all had Bernie not entered the race.

So I wouldn't count on their votes should Bernie lose.

As for me, I'll hold my nose and do it.

[m-lekktor]

41. Politician endorsements don't influence my vote.

Neither do movie stars etc. I can think for myself!

[DCBob]

42. What if he doesn't endorse the Democratic nominee?

Or gives a tepid endorsement?

[bigwillq]

44. I'm not the type of person to do something because a politician told me to

I'm not voting for Hillary in the GE.
I am open to voting for any other DEM besides Hillary in the GE, including Bernie.

[DesertFlower]

64. i will vote for bernie in the primary,

but will support whoever the candidate is.

[Scootaloo]

76. i already enthusiastically support Bernie Sanders. n/t