General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Is the (D) behind the name more important than the voting record? [View all]wildeyed
(11,243 posts)and also how to do electoral math if they want to be truly influential in party politics. Bring the votes and you win the day. It's that simple. They seem to want the party to give them power they haven't earned. Doesn't work that way. I don't really care much about internal party politics. If Sanders coalition can win by getting the most votes, more power to them. But the way they try to shame others into voting their agenda is ineffective and annoying. They should try another tactic next time. Just my .02.
As far as the other thing, I vote for Republicans all the time in local races because I respect them and/or think they are effective at what they do, even if I don't go along with their ideology 100%. I never do that in state or national races because liberals need every single vote there. But locally, Democrats control everything, so my vote is extra. Even if the Rep wins, Dems still control the show. Plus they need a bit of shaking up since they have so much unchecked power. My vote does not make me less liberal. It's a calculated choice when I split a ticket. It is no different if you are from West Virginia. If you know your state and senate is safe GOP, but you like Manchin and want to shake up your leaders a bit, it makes sense. Doesn't make the voters less conservative.
I think Manchin's seat is 'endangered' anyway. So soon the Democratic Party Purity Police can be happy that another DINO has fallen to a Rep and we are one seat farther from having any actual political power to enact our pure and progressive policies.