My Contention Is That There Are 2 Types Of Democrats

[ThomWV]

This poll is not for first time voters.

Two types of Democrats, the first votes in Primary elections, the second doesn't. Primary elections are an easily measured benchmark of participation; its binary, you either do or you do not, have or haven't.

[babylonsister]

1. My first primary was last year; I decided I'd

change my affiliation from Ind. to Dem. (a requirement in TX) because it was that important.

[Buzz Clik]

2. Very profound. I have observed a similar trend in DUers concerning this poll:

they have voted in it or they have not.

[NC_Nurse]

3. Our's doesn't matter.

It's in May. The nominee is always a done deal by the time our primary happens.

[ThomWV]

4. Interesting response - ours doesn't either, but we vote anyway

West Virginia is one of the late states too. That is surprising when you consider that as a very small state that is far enough to the south to enjoy better campaigning weather than some of the other purse-snatchers we'd be prime meat for an early Primary, that would bring much needed money to the state.

Our vote doesn't do anything to decide who the winner is, but it may go some distance in keeping the winner honest. No candidate worth his or her political salt goes through life not prying into which of their opponents views gets traction with the constituents back home or paying a lot of attention to the vote counts for their opponents. If a very conservative Democrat has already been picked by the Party before we get around to voting then you can bet I will vote for the most Liberal candidate still on the ballot, just to show the powers that be that there is still strong support for the more liberal view. Its just a reminder that we must be appeased.

[muffin1]

5. Not only do I vote in Democratic primaries,

I also vote in the Repuke primaries. I'm not sure all states allow this...anyone know? In the 2000 election I voted for McCain the Republican primaries; I knew even then I did not want that asswipe shrub to win.

[Yael]

7. You pick one or the other, or you are allowed to vote in both?

[muffin1]

9. Both.

I live in Virginia, and I was quite surprised that it was allowed. I voted for Gore in the Democratic primary, and McCain in the Republican- lesser of the many evils, I felt. Obviously, I have NEVER voted in a general election for anyone but a Democrat.
This year's Republican primary will be a lot more difficult. McCain is no longer the "maverick" he once was, and really, the thought of ANY of them winning is sickening. Have to give this one a lot of thought!

[Yael]

10. Lucky you. I would like to have the right as well

Here, you can only vote in your own primary, no indies allowed.

I am Dem, so I vote Dem. I would like the personal satisfaction of pulling the lever for the most unelectable (R) on the slate though. :evilgrin:

[muffin1]

11. That was my feeling this year

maybe Tancredo, or Hunter? But then I think, if I'm going to get stuck with a repuke again (NOOOOOOOO! PLEASEEEEEE!), I should pick the one least likely to make me :puke: if he should win. Shit, this is going to be tough.

[Yael]

13. Ron Paul doesn't have a shot in hell

But it would send an anti-war message out. (Or perhaps convince him to try the Nader/Perot split the vote thing)

[muffin1]

14. That's a thought...

:smoke:

[mmonk]

6. True.

[Echo In Light]

8. Other crucial distinctions among Dem's

1) Liberal/activist-minded. Interest in genuine liberal philosophies. Understands and embodies various anarchist/socialist libertarian traits: humane, pro-individual rights, in favor of less or no centralized state power. Is able to acknowledge that convergent interests do come together and conspire to carve a bigger slice of the pie for themselves. Knows the definition of fascism.

2) Strictly abides the prevailing definitions of "their party," as established by right-wing corporate interests. Feels guilty when criticizing "the war:" these Dem's will always play into the right's hands by offering the disclaimier of "supporting the troops," not understanding that the right does not - those magnet ribbons are a pro-war effort. Believes the mainline U.S. media actually does have a "liberal" bias. Like the right, is anti-intellectual unless the "intellectuals" are carefully packaged "experts" with vested interests. Humanitarianism isn't a high priority, so, Iraq is "wrong" not because of the lies, immorality and mass murder, but because America's role in the equation is perceived as that of not winning. Agrees with the right-wing that nationalized health care is "socialism" without understanding the various types of socialism. In general is very much so shifted-to-the-right without understanding the 24/7 propaganda effort of the past three decades which has led to that. Prefers the mainstream, corporate-friendly Name Brand candidates. And in keeping with the right's framework, fiercely disagrees with the notion of "conspiracy;" for these Dem's conspiracies do not exist, even though it is a criminal charge tried in our courts year round.

Gee, which of these two forms of "Dem's" do you suppose has the majority?

[Richard Steele]

12. Our city is so heavily Dem, the primary pretty much -IS- the local election. nm

[slackmaster]

15. I view voting as a civic duty

I've never failed to vote in any government election in which I was eligible to vote, including primaries.