Edwards supporters - PLEASE THINK STRATEGICALLY...

[polichick]

We MUST take back the WH ~ unless we want MORE WAR, and possibly A DRAFT.

I was an Edwards supporter who waited until SC, and then switched to the candidate I think has the best chance to beat the Republicans. Bill Clinton's behavior made me see that I'd rather join with younger voters to move the country forward than to go back, and I'm figuring enough voters will feel the same way for us to win in November.

That's why I chose as I did. I'm not suggesting that you choose the same candidate, but I AM asking you to think strategically ~ to choose the one you think can beat the Republicans. Endless war and a draft are UNTHINKABLE!

[redqueen]

1. Is this necessary?

What did you think we'd do without your input? Close oureyes and pick one?

:wtf:

[MrCoffee]

3. Well, I was planning on voting Natural Law, but this post really turned me around on that

[polichick]

8. How many have already said they won't vote in the primary??

That's self-defeating!

[redqueen]

9. That's not necessarily true. It depends on your your perspective. (nt)

[SammyWinstonJack]

58. They have too keep digging at us. And before today, they ignored us.

:wtf: Indeed! Hell, before today, they laughed at us and now they want our support? Are they kidding?

[PatSeg]

73. Which is why people should choose their words carefully

Too many people on this board burned their bridges a while back. The behavior of a candidate's supporters DOES matter and treating fellow Democrats with respect is not only the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do.

My motto is never say anything you might want to take back later on. I can't say I've always been successful, but I've learned from experience when and where to hold my tongue.

[bobbolink]

2. This Edwardian is VERY STRATEGIC -- I won't vote.

Neither one of your "winning" candidates gives a rip about poor folk, so you can learn to get along in your elections without us.

So long...........

[Guava Jelly]

6. I don't believe that for a minute

Obama and Hillary were not my first choice.
Saying that I do believe they both care about the poor.
Neither one of them are a evil as many would portray them to be.
And they would both be better than President McCain.

[bobbolink]

11. I don't really care WHAT you "believe". Notice that NOTHING

in your reply expressed any caring or support for me.

BASTA!

Have fun with all your "strategery", but don't count on poor folks anymore. We've done more than our fair share, and earned nothing but your avoidance of us, and your disdain.

BASTA!

[Guava Jelly]

21. I'm sorry I forgot that it was all about you.

My bad.

:eyes:

[bobbolink]

24. No, you didn't "forget".... we poor folk have NEVER been a concern for you.

Now you can find out what it's like to see your "base" shrinking.

Obviously, you'll just snark your way out of it, rather than gain some humanity.

[Guava Jelly]

50. Buddy you know nothing about me.Or how full my wallet is.

and I have better things to do than get into a pissing contest with you.

[bobbolink]

55. I'm no "buddy", and you have no heart.

You are a perfect example of why so many have given up on the Dems.

Congrats on your accomplishment.

[Guava Jelly]

66. I have no heart...

you've got it all figured out..

[bobbolink]

72. Exactly! Which is why people are leaving the party in droves.

Now you can celebrate that.

Then, when your life turns upside down and you need people to care, you can remember the disdain you had for others.

[Name removed]

109. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[polichick]

126. It's too bad the response to your irrational remarks was deleted...

I agreed 100%!

[polichick]

10. That's completely self-defeating...

Unless you don't care if more of our kids get killed in meaningless wars.

[bobbolink]

12. Unless and until you can "care" about me, don''t expect me to care about your concerns.

Period.

And you can denigrate me all you want.. you REALLY think that brings me to your "side"?

Until you can learn some empathy and caring for others, you will find your party more and more alone.

[LowerManhattanite]

17. “your party”?

n/t

[bobbolink]

Yes, dearie, it's been MY PARTY for longer than you, you young ...........

Take your snark and shove it..

[LowerManhattanite]

41. You have NO idea how old I am, I didn't hurl venom at you...

...and you're being disturbingly irrational.

I pointed out a divisive piece of language you opted to use and you just LOSE IT.

I'd say calm down, but somehow I doubt you're capable of it right now.

Listen to yourself. God.

[bobbolink]

52. No, all you did was insinuate that I'm a RWer.

Which is against the rules, dearie.

Look in a mirror. All you said applies to you.

IN spades.

[Yuugal]

98. Sing it Bobbo!

Thank you for telling it like it is for us poor people.

This party can kiss my ass until they realize we exist. I'd like some economic stimulus too, except poor people don't exist in the Pelosi latte mindset so we aint getting any. But be sure to vote corporate dem or you're a freeper!

Give me a fucking break.

[polichick]

18. More poor kids are dying overseas than rich kids...

ANY Dem will end the war ~ ALL of them care. Sorry you don't.

[bobbolink]

23. Sorry you can't bring yourself to care about me, and the millions of others like me.

You're admitting you have one and only one issue.

Don't expect the rest of us to drop our issues for you.

[polichick]

29. Sorry, but you're making no sense...

I was an Edwards supporter because I DO care about people like you, but now it's clear that Edwards won't be our nominee. There's no point crying about it ~ we MUST think strategically enough for Dems to win in November.

[bobbolink]

32. What I'm saying makes NO SENSE to those who have no heart.

You only care about the party.... poor people can just go drown themselves, as far as your "strategy" is concerned.

[polichick]

40. Are you going to be better off if a Republican wins?? nt

[bobbolink]

53. How do you respond when people criticise you, reject your thoughts, tell you you are of

no consequence?

Do you jump up and say, "You're right, of course! Why, from now on, I'll just do it your way!"????

Drop the rejecting schtick, and get a heart.

Otherwise YOU have made the Dem party republican.

[polichick]

63. Sorry, once again you're not making sense to me...

This thread was a response to so many posts about opting out now that Edwards has left the race ~ it's about using strategy to beat the Republicans. I don't understand why you have a problem with that.

[bobbolink]

70. I don't understand YOUR problems. Had *you* said to *me* how scared you were,

and how you were hurting because the party had left you behind, and had no concerns for your survival, I would have cared.

I would have spoken up to my candidate, and to other supporters of said candidate.

I would have assured you that you weren't alone.

Was that really so hard for you to do?

But, NOOOOOO, you have to look down your regal nose at me, and show me just how much the party has turned it's collective back on me.

THEN you want me to care about YOUR issues...

NOPE.... find yourself some other voters, because many Dems are leaving the party.

I'm sure you will find that reason to celebrate.

AGain, I say...

Get a heart, and learn to care about others, rather than judging them.

[polichick]

83. Good grief - the party has turned its back on all of us...

It's still better than the Republicans ~ that's the point; we have to work together to beat them.

[bobbolink]

123. That's your opinion..... Can you allow others to have their opinion?

[polichick]

124. Who's stopping you??? You've attacked another poster as well with this ridiculous stuff...

At this point, I REALLY DON'T CARE ANYMORE. Buzz off...

[bobbolink]

127. You say you were an Edwards supporter?

With that lack of acceptance of others?

REally?????????????????

[cali]

13. yes, of course. Obama doesn't care about poor people. That's

why he spent 7 years working in the inner city as a community organizer and civil rights lawyer instead of taking the big bucks route.

I don't give a shit whether you vote of not- and so much for the nonsense about the "grownup" Edwards supporters- but I do give a shit about the lying.

[ChiciB1]

37. Oh, That Picture HURTS!!! But I'm With You bobbolink... YOU Speak The Truth!

Neither candidate, no matter how much they say it, or how much they try to out do what John Edwards really believed in, NEITHER ONE OF THEM, can come close!

Believe what YOU want... The Democratic Party has done such a turn around and I don't recognize it anymore! Just ask yourself right now, TODAY... how much are THEY fighting for "WE THE PEOPLE?"

I see so very very LITTLE! So go ahead and BELIEVE, but don't cry FOUL when you get the same stuff you have now!!!

And yes, you can say I'm just pissed now, I'll get over it! Or you can call me names and say "who cares" you don't support THE PARTY and we don't need you anyway. None of it matters what you say, I just got a call from a friend of mine YESTERDAY who just was kicked out of the place she lived in because she couldn't pay the rent. SHE'S living in her car now!! She's had two strokes, and can't afford a lawyer to fight for Disability! They turned her down!

Something is VERY VERY wrong with this!!!

[bobbolink]

51. You have me royally confuddled. You say you're with me, then say

I said a bunch of ugly things I never said, and never would.

I'm living in my car too, and I sure don't get much concern for that from those who want to shit on me because I WILL VOTE MY OWN BEST INTEREST!

[Yael]

86. I don't think she was talking to You-you, more the all encompassing "you"

:hug:

[bobbolink]

120. Ah, OK... the southern "y'all" would have worked?

~~~~chortle~~~~

:pals:

[ChiciB1]

145. Thanks For Explaining... Before I Finally Got To It! And Since I Live

in Florida... Ya'll is proper!!

[ChiciB1]

144. Oh, I'm So Sorry... The "You" I Was Speaking To Are The Others

who would attack YOU AND ME, for voting our conscience! After the first paragraph, I was directly my thoughts to ANYONE who wanted to attack me. I was expecting attacks because I "see" what is going on. I know people who are suffering, and I'm sick of those who think they're "holier than thou" because I don't want to bow down to THE POWER that runs this country.

Runs it right into the ground. I'm on YOUR side. I was just telling others that THEY could say what THEY wanted, but I don't care. To me, many of them have bowed down and compromised too much. To the detriment of the less fortunate. I followed Edwards because he spoke of what I believed in. And to be really truthful, I actually think I'm to the "left" of him. But he got my heart.

I can't vote for the other two... and as I said YOU, I actually meant the others here who attack US!

Sorry I'm so late in getting back to you, and so very sorry you misunderstood. I KNOW what you're going through, and I know you must feel hopeless! I sent my friend what I could, but she can't move here to live with me. It's just so UNFAIR and MONEY seems to be the ONLY thing that means ANYTHING!

I am planning to volunteer what time I can to help others who are in dire straits. I have my mother-in-law living here, she's 95 and has Alzheimer's and needs 24 hour care. We can't afford a Nursing Home, and we won't put her there anyway. I can only imagine how she would be treated if she has no money!!

Again, sorry if you misunderstood. I'm sooooooo on you side!

[Yael]

84. And now, she doesn't have a voice

:(

[bobbolink]

150. Thanks, Yael. It's amazing how easy that is for those with heart to hear that,

and how easy it is for those who are cold to attack me.

Then get all in a huff because I won't support their damned candidate, after they shit all over me with their coldness. (Cold shit?.... who knew....hehehe)

You're the best...... :loveya:

[bpeale]

57. i second that motion. you'll have to do it without me

[bobbolink]

147. There is a VERY LARGE group of people feeling and doing the same as me.

And, here we get spit on.

Rather than dealing up front with the problem in the party, they just exclude those who have the temerity to say the emperor has no clothes.

While Rome burns....

Oh well.... it's only the death of a political party, no biggie.

[SammyWinstonJack]

62. But they care about the corprats! More of the same!

They didn't care about our votes before today, so why now?

[kcdoug1]

118. Amen!!

at this point in time I cannot support The United States of America Inc. And that's what BOTH Hillary and Obama represent. There is no Federal Government now, just the Holy Corporation.


:-(

[CTyankee]

71. I wish you'd reconsider. Look, we're all hurt here, us Edwards people.

I can understand your hurt. I saw this coming a few weeks back, got really mad and depressed, and then started thinking really hard about who I could possibly support, who would be most likely to carry on at least some of Edwards' objectives or at least be halfway OPEN to JE's ideas. I think we have a real shot at that, perhaps with Obama. If we take ourselves out of the game completely and a Republican wins, well, it is almost unthinkable. You and I will be in worse, not better, shape if we do that.

Hey, I'll let you cry on my shoulder if you let me cry on yours...:cry:

[Yael]

96. I am listening with new ears and as un-biased as it can get

If all I hear is platitudes and terra terra, then I simply don't care which neck the big "D" nomination is hung on.

If one or both of these candidates starts stumping on John's message about poverty and the middle class, they will have my attention.

[bobbolink]

148. And WHO of the Obama supporters who have been taking delight in spitting on me,

are going to LOUDLY speak up to HIM on my behalf?

Have you seen ANY of the really ugly and hateful things said to me?

I'm done with being a martyr....

I climbed down off my cross.....

[in_cog_ni_to]

4. Bill Clinton's "behavior?" Would you like to explain that one? n/t

[Stop Cornyn]

5. I'm not at all sure that Obama is as electable as you presume he is.

[texastoast]

7. Sigh

Better than Hillary. I just want to cry.

[polichick]

22. If it's McCain it will be close, no matter who we nominate...

That's just my take, based on my feelings and experience ~ as I said, I'm not suggesting people choose the way I did.

[Stop Cornyn]

35. Hillary has higher negatives, Obama appears to fold under pressure. I see little advantage favoring

one over the other.

[Horse with no Name]

56. And if it is close

it can...and will...be stolen...again.

[OutsourcingSucks]

14. Why do you think republicans are supporting Barack Hussein Obama?

Out of good will? Its because he will be destroyed in the general election. When the attack ads start Barack Hussein Obama/Osama?? etc.. He wont win 1 state in the general election. Mark my words.

[polichick]

15. I'm not saying who Edwards supporters should choose...

Just hoping they'll think strategically, since it's now clear that can't have the president of their choice ~ rather than to opt out or waste their votes.

[cascadiance]

81. I'm thinking *strategically* that the Democrats are no longer a party that represents me!

And therefore I need to find something else strategically that makes better sense for me and the people of this country than the Korporations who currently run both parties. Anything I "strategically" do for the Democrats now is ultimately filtered and warped by Korporate power. NO THANKS!

[polichick]

104. Until there's a viable third choice...

We're stuck with the Dems and Republicans ~ I'll take ANY of the Dems over ANY of the Republicans!

[cascadiance]

121. Perhaps our interests may coincide now... But party loyalty for me now is OFFICIALLY DEAD!

If I see another party or option on the horizon that has a realistic chance of succeeding where they aren't allowed to now, I'll drop this party like a bad habit (that it's BEEN!). Sorry to say that, but I won't be giving my services away to it for free any more unless I see some tangible reward coming back. No more "Trust us! You'll like what we give you later!" BS! That stuff is now history! I'll trust 'em as far as I can throw 'em.

[polichick]

122. That's pretty much the way I've felt about the party for years...

It's just a matter of time before the Democratic party will be transformed OR a true progressive party will arise ~ CRITICAL MASS!

[BuelahWitch]

16. Geez the body isn't even cold...

:mad:

[polichick]

19. What body???

Nobody has died. This is politics ~ John Edwards knows about strategy, and has no doubt tried to cut a few deals before stepping down. He's not sitting around crying.

[Yael]

77. No shit

[ShadesOfGrey]

20. Now that the initial shock has worn off, I agree...

I'm now leaning Obama for strategic reasons. The right HATES the Clintons and even if they are not enthusiastic about their own candidate they will show up in droves to cast an anti-Clinton vote. This will hurt our other democratic seats up for election as well.

[polichick]

25. I felt really sad after SC...

But politics is a game of strategy, and we lose sometimes because we don't always play it with clear eyes. I actually like Hillary a lot, but I think you're right.

[BlackVelvet04]

26. No WAY will I support Obama in the primary.... n/t

[polichick]

30. I didn't say to vote for Obama - please read again. nt

[EndElectoral]

27. With Edwards out, there are no progressives running..I am undecided and will most likely write in

[Blackdog4241]

28. Thinking strategically is why...

We keep nominating the worst of our candidates!!!:mad: :banghead:

[Marrah_G]

31. I have thought stratigically- hence my support of Hillary now.

We do not all see things the way you do. Your opinion of the candidates does not make you somehow smarter and more enlightened then the rest of us. (that is the tone your post gave off)

I support you on your choice. You are involved in the process and that is what is important. I support you in your choices and I do not look down on you because they differ from my own.

I ask the same from you in return.

[polichick]

34. Good grief - you must not have read very carefully...

I didn't say WHO to choose.

[OzarkDem]

33. Clinton or Obama will be controlled by corporations

They will talk a good game, but we already have ample proof from their records in the Senate that they will do nothing to rock the boat or risk corporate donations for their next race.

They will govern pretty much the same as the GOP does, they'll just whine and make a lot of excuses for it.

Good luck, folks. My party has sent me a message loud and clear that I'm on my own and should become accustomed to lower expectations and standards when it comes to the leaders they select for me. Good luck. Do it without me.

Neither Clinton nor Obama will be significantly different from GOP candidates, they all have the same bosses. Same package, different wrapping.

I'll vote for Clinton in the GE if she makes it. Otherwise, I'm getting on with taking care of myself and my family.

[polichick]

38. They'll both be "significantly different from GOP candidates"

...by ending the war and finding ways to combat global warming ~ and in about a million other ways.

Your attitude is why I started this thread ~ why not think strategically and help decide which one can beat the Republicans, rather than opting out?? I can guarantee you that John Edwards will vote in his primary.

[OzarkDem]

80. Here's my offer

If they want me to help them with their campaigns they can call and offer me a job. Their local campaigns know how to get in touch with me.

[cascadiance]

85. Yup, they have to PAY to have us play for them any more! They should be used to that now!

with their Korporate Kronies! It should be their usual modus operandi!

I only do volunteer work for entities that will help ME and society, NOT Korporate Kronies!

[LittleClarkie]

36. Aw man, let them mourn a day or two before they have to make this decision

personally, when Clark dropped out last time, I still voted for him in the primary.

It's a tramatizing moment. Give em a day to breathe, eh?

[polichick]

39. Nobody has died...

I was responding to all the posts about how they're opting out ~ they didn't wait a day before posting them.

[LittleClarkie]

43. That's a natural response. And maybe you should have specifically addressed them

in the OP and not made it a broadcast to all of them.

[polichick]

44. I thought bringing up the war and draft issue was worth a thread...

Still do! There's way too much at stake for all this talk of folding/opting out.

[polichick]

42. JOHN EDWARDS WILL BE VOTING IN THE NC PRIMARY...

I guarandamntee it!

[cloudythescribbler]

45. Amen, polichick nt

[polichick]

48. I'm glad you see what I'm saying...

I didn't mean to offend anyone ~ just couldn't believe all the posts about people opting out when there's so much at stake.

[Tatiana]

46. Can people just have a moment to grieve and take it all in? Damn. n/t

[polichick]

47. This thread was in response to those saying they were opting out. nt

[polichick]

49. THIS THREAD WAS IN RESPONSE TO ALL THE POSTS ABOUT OPTING OUT...

Wish I'd put that at the top, but it's too late to edit.

Edwards made it pretty clear in his speech that he'll stay in the fight to put a Dem in the WH ~ hopefully we'll do the same.

[Name removed]

54. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[polichick]

68. And your screen name is LoveForPeace??? LOL

[Mike03]

59. Very Very Wise Words

I voted--prematurely, as it turns out--by absentee ballot for Edwards, after weeks of flip-flopping between Edwards and Obama. If I had waited just five more days, I would have seen Edwards drop out and the choice would have been more clear.

The tactical significance of the primary vote cannot be overemphasized, in my opinion.

I blew my vote; please don't make the same mistake.

[redqueen]

61. Some of us aren't in this only to stop Hillary. I'm still voting for Edwards

to hopefully get him some more delegates.

I don't care passionately about either of the other two, so it doesn't really matter to me which one of them wins.

[polichick]

65. I'm interested in stopping the Republicans, not Hillary. nt

[Mike03]

74. As a fellow Edwards fan, please explain to me

why it would matter at this point for Edwards to get more delegates?

I apologize, but my knowlege of the whole electoral college thing is not all that good. Since he has dropped out, what good does it do to vote for him?

I'm truly interested. He is my favorite candidate other than Biden, so if my vote does matter, I really want to know why.

[redqueen]

75. If Clinton & Obama are close enough in delegates at that point...

then whoever John endorses could swing things one way or the other... or if there's a brokered convention, he could hold even more of a bargaining chip with those delegates.

[Mike03]

93. Ah, thank you. That makes total sense.

Good. Maybe my vote might do some good afterall.

[redqueen]

100. My pleasure!

If you prefer Hillary or Obama, then by all means vote for one of them.

As for me I would vote Hillary, but there's just not enough difference between her and Obama to make me move from John. :hi:

[Mike03]

103. Redqueen, it's too late for me, because I voted absentee for Edwards,

but I'm just glad that maybe Hillary will be as good on health care as Edwards was. I know she tried her damndest to get health care through when she was First Lady.

I appreciate your opinion on who is closer to Edwards' view on this issue. And Krugman has also been really helpful.

[Mike03]

97. Redqueen, my vote had nothing to do with

stopping HRC. I would happily vote for her if she were the nominee. Truly, I don't understand the hatred or animosity against her. It's just that I preferred Edwards for his conviction and focus on health care, and Obama simply inspires me, and I think he could beat McCain, whereas I'm worried that Clinton might not.

There was not a single Democratic candidate this year that I was not proud of.

[redqueen]

105. Aw... it makes me so happy to see that!

I don't get the hatred for any of our candidates... it's like a sickness... I'd prefer Hillary over Obama... but I'd never trash Obama... I don't understand that kind of stuff. At all.

:toast:

[polichick]

64. Sorry about your vote...

My parents voted for Edwards in Florida ~ but they're thinking strategy now too. Get up, brush yourself off, but STAY IN THE GAME!

[Mike03]

60. Kick and Rec, by the way. NT

[jasmine621]

67. "Bill Clinton's behavior?"

Don't you mean the media portrayal of Bill Clinton's behavior?

[polichick]

69. No, I mean what I said...

I worked on his campaigns and still like both Clintons ~ but recently he's shown a side of himself that I'd hoped we would never see again.

But, in choosing Obama, I'm thinking of which one can beat McCain ~ and I hope all those posters who said they were opting out will rethink that. The goal is to beat the Republicans.

[UpInArms]

76. let me see ...

I am now going to "strategically" put you on my ignore list

buh-bye!

[Donnachaidh]

78. I'm voting for EDWARDS in the primary

To heck with *strategic* thinking - it's not necessary or applicable. Obama or Clinton means more political puppets, with a large list of paybacks to the corporations that funded their race to the White House.

And if you think either of them are going to stop the war once they are in the WH, I have a bridge I want to sell you.

[sellitman]

89. Anyone still voting for Edwards....

Is only letting others decide the outcome.

Not too bright if you ask me.

[Yael]

92. If one doesn't see a difference between Candidate A and Candidate B

then one doesn't really care which one one ends up with.

Not stupid at all, IMO.

[sellitman]

102. I haven't decided yet either......

I am not fond of either one

BUT ......before Tuesday I will make a choice.

I want no one else doing that for me.

[Yael]

106. I have the luxury to wax poetic. We vote in April

I had to come to the conclusion a long time ago that other people would end up picking the candidate for me to "live with".

I figured that we would have a nom by 2/5.

[pat_k]

79. You want strategic? How about this:

Edwards http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=4296135&mesg_id=4296135">gets back in the race as a champion for impeachment.

If he had the moral clarity and the guts to do it, it wouldn't be surprising to see Clinton and Obama lose 5-10% to him by the 5th.

Just imagine it. It would be non-stop "Edwards; Edwards; Edwards" The "Clinton v. Obama" narrative doesn't hold a candle to such audacity; such a slap in the face to the "powers that be."

The pund-idiots would be flabbergasted. "What is he doing?" "Is nuts? Reversing himself in a day?" . . . and all the while they'd be citing his REASON; playing the clip -- his realization that, whoever wins the nomination; whoever wins the Presidency; failure to confront the truth and say "No!" to torture will continue to drag us down; his conclusion that impeachment is a moral imperative and that continuing his campaign is the best way to champion the cause. . .

He would have them sputtering, heads spinning.

And all the while, he would be tapping into the pervasive anger at Bush that cuts across the political spectrum.

[polichick]

87. I could go for that strategy!

Actually, Edwards is a very bright and talented attorney ~ he knows all about strategy, and I wouldn't be surprised if he's still got a few cards to play.

[Wednesdays]

135. Someone already ran as the "impeachment candidate"

His name? Dennis Kucinich.

[Yael]

82. I have my strategy all mapped out

I will get up on the morning of April 22, put on my (soon to have) "don't blame me, I voted for Edwards" shirt, drive to the polling station on my way to work, vote for Senator Edwards, get my "I Voted" sticker, slap it on my chest and go to work.

Strategic enough for ya?

I have 2 other choices, which are about as inspiring to me as flipping a coin. You all can figure it out in August and just let the left half of the party know what line we are supposed to stand in to jump off the cliff with all the other wonks and lemmings.

[PatSeg]

88. People need a little more time to absorb

what has happened before they can think clearly. It is pretty difficult to think strategically while they are still in shock. It is not uncommon for people to react emotionally right now. Let them feel their emotions before asking them to make a commitment or choice that they are not prepared or able to make.

[Bluebear]

90. Sorry, Obama doesn't need gay votes, he has the Christian fundies he pandered to.

Enjoy your younger voters, they have no room for us old boomer gays.

[Yael]

91. And hope that they come out to the polls in November

as a group, they seem to forget about that part.

[Bluebear]

94. Oh, they'll come, and probably vote Republican

After all this.

[Yael]

99. !!!

:rofl:

True, true.

Heh

[readmoreoften]

112. I'm with you. I have no assurance whatsoever the man won't harm us.

I will not pull the lever for him.

[Raine]

95. I'll vote for Obama

I'm not enthused but as usual I'm stuck voting for the lesser of two evils. :-(

[polichick]

108. At least we have to beat the DEVIL on the other side! nt

[ClericJohnPreston]

101. You can think

like a DLC'er and become a Repub-lite.

Sorry, no takers here for the sell out express.

[Yael]

107. I hear ya.

[Malikshah]

110. You might wish to direct that at the snake pit that is the bloodied

arena between the two remaining candidates' supporters.

Leave Edwards folks out of the chastising condescension.

[readmoreoften]

111. Why is it strategic to vote for people who have little in common with my beliefs or interests?

Wouldn't it be more "strategic" to lodge a protest vote so that Dem candidates move to the left? Which is better: to have a Republican for 8 more years or to see America move so far to the right that the "centrist" Democratic candidate in 2016 is the candidate of "compassionate conservatism" while the Republicans are "friendly fascism?"

At this point not-voting seems like more of a vote: a vote that I no longer have any confidence in democracy in the United States whatsoever.

[VotesForWomen]

113. kucinich -> edwards -> clinton. nt

[polichick]

133. Ya have to be flexible when it comes to politics!

Kucinich ~ Edwards ~ Obama (and if Gore enters the race, I'm voting for him!)

[Two Americas]

114. you mean "don't"

We were thinking strategically. You are asking us to think tactically. Gaining the White House is a tactic in the larger fight. You are saying to stop thinking strategically. Strategic thinking has been rejected.

The SCOTUS arguments, the "at least they're better than Republicans" arguments, and all of the rest of the same old lesser of two evils arguments we have heard for 40 years are all in the realm of tactics. "Give up talking about the big picture and settle for small wins" is the message. That is all tactical thinking, and we should know by now that this comes at the expense of strategic thinking. It also comes at the expense of winning, ironically.

[Gloria]

115. Edwards in the primary....raise your voice!!

[RetroLounge]

116. Sorry, if those two are the best of the Democrats

I'll sit this one out.

My conscience say so.

RL

[cascadiance]

125. I wonder if ANY corporate media polls will poll whether a person will stay home...

... or not instead of voting, instead of being classified as "undecided" (implying the voter will decide later AND vote when they get around to it).

[surfermaw]

117. Did you take into consideration, tha M and Barrak Obama made two statements that started the race ga

game, mot Bill Clinton.

[polichick]

119. Okay my fellow Edwards people - I no longer have sympathy...

STOP FEELING SORRY FOR YOURSELVES AND GET YOUR SORRY ASSES IN GEAR ~ SO THERE!!! :P

[ClericJohnPreston]

128. I don't have a sorry ass

I'm offended by the remaining choices, especially Obama, a form over substance candidate. That would make him the exact opposite of John Edwards, who was all substance.

I guess you must have really been a strong Edwards fan, seeing how you took a whole hour between leaving one campaign to hawk another.

[polichick]

129. This is politics - it was clear after SC...

NPR reported this morning that someone in the campaign told them they knew the night of SC he was likely to drop out, but they wanted to see what happened in FL to be sure. I felt sad watching the SC results, and then looked at the choices later that night. Since there aren't many choices, it was pretty easy ~ my only goal now is to put a Dem in the WH instead of a Republican.

(I didn't "hawk" a candidate ~ just asked fellow Edwards folks to make a strategic choice. Honestly, all the whining about this is pitiful. But I'm glad you're ass isn't sorry!)

[Fox Mulder]

130. I'm going to support Edwards on Tuesday, no matter what.

I'm not supporting who the media wants me to support.

[polichick]

131. That's fine, as long as you don't whine if a Republican wins in Nov. nt

[Fox Mulder]

132. Oh yes...because a caucus = the general election.

:eyes:

[polichick]

134. You missed the important point of this whole thread...

We have a chance to nominate a person who can beat the Republican ~ or not. I'm not saying everyone should vote for the one I think will win, just that it's a good idea to be strategic if your first choice is no longer in the running.

[Bluebear]

136. My gay ass isn't sorry, it's just afraid of Obama and his pandering politics.

[polichick]

137. Then choose Hillary - just don't opt out!!

We can't afford to have people bailing now.

(I was kidding about the sorry asses, of course.)

[Bluebear]

139. I voted for Edwards already . . .

in New Hampshire. So for now my vote is over with anyway :)

[polichick]

140. You're lucky to have had the chance...

It'll probably be over before my state votes.

My parents voted for Edwards in Florida ~ at least someone in my family had a say!

[OzarkDem]

138. I'm not the self pitying type

Just experienced enough to know there's no reason to expend any more time, energy or expense trying to make a difference in what remains of the race.

We've been through this already with Gore in 2000 and Kerry in 2004. There are many intractable systemic flaws in Democratic politics, presidential races and media coverage at the national level. Democratic races and the people who manage them are not responsive and are often unable to see the mistakes they're making, let alone correct them. Their focus is on television ads and the 24 hour news cycle. We're at the level where there's little an individual can do to influence the outcome and any effort expended will have zero impact on how the chosen candidate governs. Their agendas will be abandoned and re-written if they win.

Unless the race between Repub or Dem tightens in the General, there's no need to do anything right now. Let it take its course and all of you true believers who are emotionally wedded to your candidates can do what you want. Leave the rest of us on the sidelines. We'll jump in to help, not if we think its needed, but only if we think it will help.

[polichick]

141. I share your view of this system...

I've been an activist for 30+ years ~ my only goal now is to make sure we beat the Republicans. I just hope people will still take part in their primaries and vote for the one they think could beat McCain. (imo he won't be as easy to beat as people think.)

I'm not a true believer, except to say that ANY Dem is better than ANY Republican in this race.

[femrap]

142. Young people are young...

inexperienced. And they are far OUTNUMBERED!!!! VOTES ARE COUNTED IN NUMBERS. Women outnumber men. BABY BOOMERS OUTNUMBER X AND Y.

YOU BE STRATEGIC. You do realize that the U.S. has states such as Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Texas, Florida, Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri...hell even Ohio and PA have become southern to an extent. My strategy sees a white woman who brings memories of good times, especially economically, to mind.

I know...she is isn't my first choice either. But I am not rolling the dice with a bunch of young people who have treated me like dirt and tell me I deserve it.

McCain will beat Obama. I believe HRC has a better chance. We disagree.

[struggle4progress]

143. Ab-so-lutely

[balantz]

146. What's the difference? I will vote Edwards Tuesday. The last two standing are the same

propped up by the machine, they are no more than cardboard cutouts.

This is all quite silly now as I can see they will install the one of their choosing.

The jig is up!

Long live the corpautocracy!

[OzarkDem]

149. A suggestion for your guy

Tell him to show us what he's made of.

Adopt John Edwards health care reform policy or forget Edwards voters.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x4313523