We should not underestimate fear as a motivator
In a recent group meeting, one of the local party leaders, indirectly advocating for Hillary, said that we really, really cannot afford to lose in 2016. The fear in her voice was really striking. Some want a woman as president--any woman. Some want foreign policy experience--never mind the content. But many think that there is really nothing we can do about money in politics right now, and a Democrat who can raise a pile of money has to win first in order to do something down the line.
I was not in a position to have a chat with her, but I will be connecting with her at other events. My approach will be this. I intend to point out that no Democrat, even Clinton, is going to outdo a Koch-backed Republican in the fundraising department. Our only hope for winning is more effective organizing, from old-fashioned wardheeling to the latest in social media campaigns. What is the best motivator for large numbers of people engaging in that kind of outreach? Dutifully flogging yourself to go pick up a walk list because you are terrified of a Republican president? Or enthusiastically supporting a candidate who is vigorously advocating for all the issues that have long been a part of Democratic party platforms that have been mostly ignored by officeholders so far? I'll post the after-chat results later, I hope! I'm betting that this approach will be effective against the fear factor.
If Clinton gets the nomination, I'll be one of the dutiful self-flagellators. Just like in 2004, when most of the Dean and Kucinich supporters lined up behind Kerry. Canvassing was not fun, but I did as much of it as I could while still working a regular job. I so badly want to do outreach joyfully this time!
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end up backing a Dem who'll pass X, Y, 90% of W, and go beyond the GOP on Z
(plus there's the assumption that Clinton is "the electable one"
