It's great that Obama is bringing in new faces to the democratic party...

[WCGreen]

But if, in the long run, they are loyal only to Obama, then it does the cause, which like it or not is the democratic party, no good...

I was leaning heavily toward Obama after it became clear that Edwards was out of the running...

But now, I really don't know...

[OzarkDem]

1. Some are not so good

The divisive ones are of no use to Dem political activists.

[DJ13]

2. then it does the cause....no good...

Bullcrap.

Did the "Reagan Democrats" abandon the GOP after Reagan?

[WCGreen]

6. I'm talking about first time voters who, if they lose, will become

disillusioned...

It just seems to me that a lot of Obama's folks are focused almost exclusevily on Obama and could care less about the party itself...

And like it or not, the way we have a winner take all election process, you need to pay attention to the party structure from top to bottom and you can't storm out of the building if you don't get your, in the collective not the singular, way...

[MoJoWorkin]

9. If Obama is treated fairly and not cheated out of the nomination

if he wins the most pledged delegates---most of these new voters will stay. However, if they feel he won fair and square but due to the "old kind of politics," he was denied-- then woe be it to the Democratic Party for the future.
I have been active in Democratic Party politics for 47 years, and I will be so disgusted if they bamboozle him that I WILL quit the party. I have let the DNC know that, as well---not that I feel they will take what I say into account.

[Solon]

3. I don't like the way he courted a lot of people...

some of it was downright repulsive. And he hasn't improved since. Especially courting the homophobic vote.

[blm]

4. Come on old pal...you know you'd like to see some open government for a change.

Aren't you tired of the last few decades of the protection racket that's been going on?

[WCGreen]

5. For sure but I don't really think Obama will be all that different....

[sam sarrha]

13. link>>

http://zmagsite.zmag.org/Feb2007/street0207.html

[blm]

15. He called for Cspan cameras at ALL legislative negotiations so public can see

who is carrying water for any special interest or lobbyist.

And he's surrounding himself with open government advocates and the smartest most progressive team on national security issues, too - Richard Clarke, Gary Hart, John Kerry, Gen. Zinni.

Come on, fellow Cleveland lineral, wouldn't you like to see a mind like Gary Hart's working in the WH?

[WCGreen]

17. I'm not against Obama...

[blm]

20. hey...I'm just workin' ya nicely, WC. ;))))

giving you information that I think would matter to a traditional lib like me.

[WCGreen]

25. I know...

McCain has a lot of supporters in state like Ohio, to name one, that could swing the state his way...

All I really saying is we need to concentrate on the states we can win...

[LiberalFighter]

23. What will Obama do if elected President to bring about open government?

He can't force Congress to have C-Span televise everything. He won't have jurisdiction over Congress.

[blm]

32. He'll have allies in Congress and Senate who agree with his view of open government.

There ARE advocates for open government in DC. Their time is now.

[rox63]

7. My loyalty is to my country, not to any one man

I like Obama a lot as a candidate - but my loyalty is not to him as a person. My loyalty is to whoever would be best for our country. Of the remaining candidates, I think he is that person.

Edit to add: And I'm no youngster.

[Buzz Clik]

8. Oy. That OP leaves me speechless.

[WCGreen]

16. This is democratic underground....

I am loyal to the party...

[Buzz Clik]

18. And getting a Democrat elected President of the US is somehow contrary to the party?

damn.

just damn.

[WCGreen]

35. Either one is fine with me....

I mean even Obama said we have two likable candidates running for president...

[sam sarrha]

10. why are the Obamites all giggly and love bombing bigger than the Moonies..? anyone else notice that?

i was kidnapped by the Moonies for 2 weeks... just noticed, thought i'd share

[whatchamacallit]

11. Of course, blind loyalty is not a problem in the Clinton camp

:eyes:

[WCGreen]

28. I would venture to say that more of the Clinton folks, as the Obama

supporters are pretty vocal about telling us, are party hacks...

If that holds true, then I believe the Clinton supporters will stick around if she isn't the nominee...

Look I am not against Obama, I'm just pointing out what usually happens when neophytes are disappointed the first time out...

Over the last 35 years, I have seen it happen time and time again at all levels from City Council to Governor here in Ohio...

[Fresh_Start]

12. i hate they way they dismiss traditional democratic supporters

the democratic party will not survive if we split between the middle class and the struggling class.

[sandnsea]

14. They may stay in the Democratic Party

They just might not support Hillary, specifically, that's all.

[WCGreen]

30. I hope they would vote for her in the general...

Look, I will vote for either one in the general so my personal preference is really irrelevant to this particular discussion...

My guy took a powder a week or so ago so I am a free agent...

Although I have to admit, Obama is exciting...

Though I would wager good money that most of Clinton's bakcers will support whoever wins the nomination...

I am just not so sure about the Obama supporters...

[HeraldSquare212]

19. So there's a fact you acknowledge is good, and a possibility you think may be undoes that fact

So you may reject the actual fact because of the possible future development?

I'm not sure that makes sense, and I say that will all respect. Besides, even if your fear is correct, it can't be correct for all of the people he's bringing in.

[loyalsister]

21. I am not sure where this assumption comes from

they are loyal only to Obama.....

Contrary to this belief that it is about him, it is actually about ideas. If the party is smart, they will recognize and value these voters. With that, he will continue to have influence that will allow for bottom up change.
For those who don't understand, "bottom up" in politics begins with grassroots on to offices such as school board, state legislative offices, and congress.
Many of these voters who I have actually talked with, are ready to volunteer for those candidates and run for those offices bringing the ideas that they have gathered from Obama's campaign.

[WCGreen]

27. Past experience from dealing with candidate support...

People who come into the process because of a candidate and not a cause are more than likely to drop out if their candidate is defeated...

It's just from my personal experience...

[loyalsister]

33. Well, my current experience says otherwise

I know that in my state young people are running in primaries in August. Their volunteers are Obama volunteers. The thing is they will still have a way to fight the machine if....

[Radical Activist]

22. The party has no future if

we keep nominating candidates who don't appeal to young people. I remember what college campuses were like after 8 years of Bill Clinton and most green party campus groups were larger than college democrats. The party will die if we keep making that mistake.

[Jed Dilligan]

24. Name "the cause" of the Democratic party

and what it has done to advance that cause in the last 20 years.

[WCGreen]

26. Well, then run as an independent and see what that get's you...

Seriously, change the party from within...

I am worried that if Obama should lose, all that great enthusiasm he brings to the table will walk away and sulk...

If that happens, then the republicans win...

That is not an acceptable outcome for the party or the country...

[Jed Dilligan]

29. I think that a Clinton candidacy is a guaranteed lose

and yes, many of the independents and first-time voters and fed-up Republicans supporting him will not support her.

[WCGreen]

31. Then that is a shame....

[Jed Dilligan]

34. Right or wrong, the opinion of her is largely negative out in the real world.