Where does the rancor and name calling begin?

[catnhatnh]

Here:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1251494520


Before a candidate even announces a run those who support him are called pushers and hypocrites(They're Lying Partisans!). They are guilty of wishful thinking(They're Delusional!) and anyone supporting him is walking into a trap (They're Stupid!).

This tells me much about what drives the division of DU.

[DanTex]

1. I'm pretty sure it didn't start this morning.

[el_bryanto]

2. If you know the answer why not just say it?

My belief though is this.

Some people are very concerned about losing election, seeing a more retrograde Supreme Court, and watching the rights of woman, blacks, immigrants, and others getting chipped away at. Those are justifiable and understandable concerns. So they are upset that some people at DU support candidates who they believe are less likely to win the general election.

Others are concerned that we have a party that has not stood up for Democratic values as much as we would like; they have caved, particularly on issues of regulating the wealthy and of civil liberties, again and again. They want a candidate who will fight for democratic principals, and they are willing to risk losing the election to get that person as the nominee.

There are some obvious lines of attack between these two groups, and people have charged down those lines of attack (including myself at times). It's easy to accuse those who are mostly concerned with winning elections of being sell outs. It's easy to accuse those who are mostly concerned with economic policy/civil liberties of being insensitive to the concerns of women and blacks and other minorities.

Bryant

[winter is coming]

7. "they are willing to risk losing the election to get that person as the nominee"

I don't think this is an accurate characterization. I'd say they don't believe that only a status quo candidate is electable. Some seem to think that any Dem we run can beat the GOP clown car. Others seem to believe that in this climate a status quo candidate will actually do worse than a more progressive one.

[el_bryanto]

8. That could be; I don't think that's necessarily realistic, but I can see both those arguments. nt

[Erich Bloodaxe BSN]

3. I've been very suspicious of a number of posts/comments I've seen from that particular user.

It might or might not be deliberate, but there seems to be a pattern of throwing gasoline on the fires.

[olddots]

4. for the millionth time.

Cyberdisinabition .the medium becomes a new form of message with little regard for other's feelings .

[NCTraveler]

5. It began today? nt.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

6. It's primary season...as usual.