Reply #13: Because like it or not [View All]

[lastliberalintexas]

electability IS a concern. We don't live in la-la land, people.

I do like Kucinich (and for that matter, 8 of our candidates). But everytime I see one of these posts from DK supporters, I feel like I'm listening to someone who has never actually worked on a political campaign or in a political office.

And, sorry to say it, but with the current crop of neo-cons we have running the country, I don't want starry-eyed idealists running for office. Am I cynical? Yes. Do I think that's what it will take to beat the SOBs we are up against? Absolutely. But I think it's rather naive and/or idealistic to say that X candidate should be supported just b/c s/he is right on the issues. Like it or not, that is NOT the only thing that determines elections. Do you really think the American public is that interested or smart or informed?

In an ideal world, all these posts about DK would be correct. Until that day comes, I will support a candidate (through the primaries) I think has a chance in the general election.

I am very liberal. I have no delusions about where Dean stands on the issues, and I can admit that he is wrong on some (the death penalty comes to mind). But please understand that I do not see DK as the liberal savior either. I have strong misgivings about his voting record on choice and the flag burning issue. Those are not liberal positions at all. Do those 2 issues alone mean that you should stop supporting DK? Of course not. Just as 1 or 2 issues will not keep me from supporting Dean.

Support your candidate as best you can. And try to convert people who are open to information about your candidate (many off this board are completely uninformed). Just don't expect to be able to convert too many people here. After all, this board is full of people actually paying attention to the candidates, and they probably reached their choice just as you did- by looking at the candidates' positions, the strength of their campaign, their personalities, their voting/governing records, etc. Hopefully next November, we will all be supporting the same candidate- the one who can beat Shrub! :-)