Thanks for the kick.

Everyone has reasons for voting for who they choose. I'm interested in reading, listening & sharing with people here. The debates will help me decide my vote in the primary. I'll vote for the Democrat in November. Have a good weekend!

and skipping the threads trashing them. I don't see the point of such threads, frankly, during primary season.

I will vote for a yellow Dawg before I'd vote Republican (or third party).

Whoever gets the nomination, I will vote for them. And work for their election.

But here's the deal. Currently the theocratic GOP has:

* a majority of the state legislatures
* a majority of the governorships
* a majority in the US House of Representatives
* a majority in the US Senate
* a razor thin majority in the US Supreme Court

So, forgive me, but since my birth, in 1948, the 2016 election is the most important one of my lifetime. Because if we do not win the White House, and have not turned around our deficits in the states and in Congress, the country may be utterly fucked. We may be already, given today's know nothing, do nothing Congress. Many of the states are already fucked.

The solution is to see politics as local. We need more Democratic wins in the local elections if we are going to turn things around. The White House is essential, but not sufficient.

R&K for MM

offices. Those I have a chance to influence. I have next to zero influence on the presidency. With luck, the candidate for President will bring out plenty of Democratic voters and help the races lower on the ballot.

State and local races matter most to most people's lives. That's why my focus is there in each election.

not get the nomination. Too many people care too much for that to happen next year. Primary voters vote to win in November.

I don't see any possible way that she creates enthusiasm with the people that stayed home in 2014.

And, it can't be denied that she's perceived as the status-quo, which is exactly what we don't need if we think we're going to get more than the reliable Democratic voter to get to the polls in November. And we do.

Then there's also the problem of charisma. She just doesn't have it the same as Obama or Bill. And, that goes a long way when a lot of the states she needs to win will be close.

The last thing is her approval/disapproval numbers. They are not great for someone that is so well known. Her latest numbers have her approval no greater than low 40's. Her disapprovals are in the 50's and climbing.

That doesn't mean I think Bernie or O'Malley could do better. I don't actually.

Turnout will be similar to 2012, I think. Yes, she does represent the status quo, if by that you mean Barack Obama's presidency. Not a bad standard to continue, especially if we can improve the Democratic position in Congress. As for charisma, I think you underestimate her, really.

We shall see, I suppose. I foresee her being the nominee. I can't see a path that leads in any other direction, frankly.

She might have more charisma than I think, but I doubt it. I've seen her a couple of times and came away surprised at how little she energized the crowd. That was in 2008 so maybe she's better now. Based on what I've seen on video, I don't think so.

I think you're going to be shocked at how many people can't stand her. It won't be good.

Can't even garner more than 5% of the minority vote is somehow going to round up the 65 million people it takes to get into the White House?

I already said that I'm not sure that Bernie or O'Malley could do better.

Hard to believe that's necessary.

Democratic Presidents make progress. Republicans want to set the clock back. Those two things are true, which is why I'm a Democrat.

I will be glad when the nominee is clear. Then, this destructive stuff will stop on DU. Can't wait...

Someone just likes to prattle on.

Support one or more of our potential nominees, I think MM is right to voice this perspective.

None of our potential nominees can get everything we want, but any of them will get us more than any if the GOP candidates.

I have my choice. Others have theirs. I respect their right to make their own choices. It would be nice if they could do the same.
And absolutely, I will be voting for the Democrat in November.

feel. DU is not representative of Democrats in general, I have discovered.

this same perspective.

and the republicans will just walk right in, (and yes, I will say it - Jeb Bush will be their nominee certainly not trumpster dumpster)....thank you for righting the ship..I remember this divisive debate in the Democratic party during the 2008 elections...

Remember the PUMAs..

..PUMA ("People United Means Action&quot was a political action committee in the United States that opposed the Democratic Party leadership and the nomination of Sen. Barack Obama as the Democratic candidate for President in the 2008 presidential election.

PUMA began as an effort of supporters of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton who believed that Clinton should have been the Democratic nominee.

According to PUMA, "We [were] protesting the 2008 Presidential election because we refuse to support a nominee who was selected by the leadership rather than elected by the voters."

It is good to have open debate, however, dividing the party is not the answer....

and then Sanders in the General.