A few reminders about the Democratic presidential primaries, and the general election to come.

This has been a long, intense primary season both here on DU and elsewhere. I get the feeling that a lot of people are feeling a bit fatigued by it all. Nerves are frayed, tempers are short, and some of us occasionally post things on DU that we know we should not (and end up regretting later).

At this point we don't know how much longer this primary season is going to last. It's been going on for quite a while now, and the DU admins feel that the time has come for us to post a few reminders. None of this is new. Some of you will know it already, but some of you will not.


THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW NOW, WHILE THE PRIMARY IS STILL BEING CONTESTED.

I think the most important thing you need to know is that (contrary to what some may say), this website still has rules and the moderators work very hard to enforce them. But you need to understand how those rules are enforced. Rule enforcement here on DU depends to a large extent on the active participation of the community. If you see a rule violation, you need to click the Alert link on that post. The alert link appears in the bottom left corner of every post when you are logged in to DU. This website gets tens of thousands of new messages posted every day, and we do not pre-screen or systematically post-screen any of them. If nobody clicks the Alert link, the offending post will almost certainly remain on the website.

The same goes for alleged trolls. If you think someone is a troll, you need to click the Alert link on one of their posts to let the moderators know. The moderators have access to a great deal of information about each person who posts here. Chances are, if you think someone is a troll, then that person is probably already on the moderators' collective radar screen. But alerts often provide useful information, so you are encouraged to send them. Keep in mind that the moderators may not ban a person as quickly as you might like -- in fact, they might not ban someone at all. It is their job to be fair to everyone, to weigh all the evidence, and to come to a consensus before taking action.

Many rule violations (like personal attacks against other members of this website) are obvious, but some are very subjective. During primary season, the moderators' most difficult job is deciding which attacks against Democratic candidates or their supporters should be shut down. After much trial-and-error, the DU administrators have come to the conclusion that during primary season we should give our members a fair amount of leeway to discuss the primary candidates, their supporters, and their positions -- whether those discussions be positive or negative. Obviously, this approach is not perfect, but for a number of reasons we believe it is the least bad of many imperfect options. You would be wise not to take this as a green light to post a bunch of inflammatory crap. Be advised that we do have minimum standards, as many former members learned only after it was too late.

Having done this job for more than seven years -- including one previous presidential primary season -- the DU administrators are realistic about our ability to unilaterally make things "better" here on DU. (We can't.) So if you are waiting for the administrators and moderators to swoop in and ban all the perceived "trolls" (who curiously all seem to support the candidate that you do not), you will be sorely disappointed. My advice is that you try to skip past the first four stages of presidential primary grief (denial, anger, bargaining, and depression), and jump straight to acceptance: During primary season intra-party squabbling is both inevitable and perfectly normal. Democratic Underground -- and the Democratic party as a whole -- will be fine.


WHAT WILL HAPPEN HERE ON DU WHEN WE HAVE A PRESUMPTIVE DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE.

Let me be clear: We expect our members to support the Democratic nominee for president. This expectation has been written into our rules since as far back as 2002, and we aggressively enforced this rule in 2004 after it became clear that John Kerry was the presumptive nominee. In other words, this is not a secret. If you are at all shocked or surprised by this, then you have not been paying very close attention. Don't even bother trying to convince us otherwise. This was decided long ago, we've already heard all the opposing arguments over and over a thousand times, and we're not going to change our policy. Here is how this will work:

At some point between now and the Democratic convention in August, one of the two remaining Democratic front-runners will drop out of the race, and the remaining candidate will become the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee. When we have a presumptive nominee, the time for fighting on DU will come to an end. The squabbling will not drag on until the "official" nomination at the convention in August. The transition to general election mode begins when we have a presumptive nominee. And we have no doubt that the vast majority of our members -- regardless of which candidate you support in the primaries -- will be glad to move forward and support the nominee.

We understand that not everyone will be prepared to immediately put the primaries behind us. There will be some jerks on the winning side who insist on gloating. And there will be some sore losers on the other side who will want to keep attacking the nominee. Once we have a presumptive nominee, those people will have one week to get it out of their systems. We believe that a one-week transitional period is more than fair for those of you who cannot switch gears easily or quickly. After this week-long adjustment period, we're done.

At that point, the moderators and admins will step in and shut down the primary infighting. The vast majority of people on this site will be glad to be done with the primaries. Sadly, a very small number of bitter partisans will not be able to let it go, and will likely be removed from this community. Few people will miss them when they are gone.

As usual, we will continue to permit constructive criticism of the Democratic nominee and of other Democratic candidates and officeholders. We will also continue to permit sincere, non-disruptive expressions of ambivalence toward the nominee. But we will not permit politically motivated attacks designed to tear down the Democratic presidential nominee.


Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope it addresses many of the questions that you have about the presidential election. If you have any questions, please feel free to post them in this thread and we will do our best to respond.

Thank you for your understanding, and thank you for being a part of our community.

David Allen ("Skinner")
Democratic Underground Administrator

:kick:

A wonderful plan and I look forward to peace being restored once again.

a lot.

Thanks again for everything
:toast:

and we can get back to bashing Republicans and winning the White House, Congress, Senate and ultimately the Supreme Court in 2008.

If we do, it will not happen until after the general election in November.

I'm thinking something palindromic this time, like 2002, or maybe 1991...

Looks like ??? Rachel Maddow? Correct me if I'm wrong.

Palindromic? You mean like: MADAM, I'M ADAM (Biblical introduction to Eve in the Garden of Eden) I used to know a lot more of those.

Peace, love and happiness,

Radio Lady Ellen in Oregon

How bout obama and kerry campaign? think its possible kerry did endorse him.

:toast:

I wish I could photoshop.

simple things sometimes are the best

to relieve ourselves. Ye Gods and little fishes. They're even talking about the Oregon primary "counting" in May 2008.

:sarcasm:

It's gettng pretty out of hand with all these states having primaries earlier and earlier. What B.S. I am wondering if this system (including the electoral college) truly represents us. What do you think about the popular vote? Would that be more effective?

Besides, Oregon is very pretty, so on that alone, they should have some weight in this primary.

Or the one before? I kind of dropped out of it after my guy, Howard got flamed out. This is definitely a one of a kind election, though. I got a stupid forward from a misguided friend that featured Ken Blackwell (wasn't he the Election Supervisor in Ohio?) as a columnist for a New York paper (forget the name), where he just delineates all of the reasons why we shouldn't vote for Obama. Those reasons are why I would vote for him! Duh. I actually prefer Hillary, but whomever gets the nomination will get my full backing!

The last election, at about 2 in the morning, while we were waiting on Wisconsin, an ambulance pulled up in front of our house. I was thinking, just wait a few minutes, we might need you!! They were helping someone else, but what a strange coincidence. Just another election casualty??

:hi:

:woohoo:






















psst!:sarcasm:, Mike.

Gotta go on a Depends run, thanks alot!! Haaaa

just for the first week:evilgrin:

Personally, I can't wait until we get a nominee, and the partisan hacks on both sides can STFU.

What's STFU? luv your Hunter S.T. thing

:crazy: :bounce: :banghead: :woohoo:

Thanks for spelling it out for all of us. :D

I like this sentence:

"We will also continue to permit sincere, non-disruptive expressions of ambivalence toward the nominee." :P

:kick: & Recommended

I remember feeling this way last time too, but it didn't last sooooo looooong!

:P

"Once we have a presumptive nominee, those people will have one week to get it out of their systems."

You'll make a good dad (if you're not one already).

That kid of his is about a year old now (or more)

He's the guy who owns the site. And he is a dad.

First, I want to thank you for all of the hard work you do moderating this forum.

In terms of deciding which threads to lock in GD:P before we have a presumptive nominee, can we make a rule to close threads that attack not just the candidates but the voters who support them?

It's one thing to say "Barack Obama is an empty suit who doesn't have enough experience and hasn't accomplished much." It's another thing to say "Obama's supporters are all spoiled college kids who are too stupid or lazy to actually read about the issues." Of course, this goes for both candidates; I have seen supporters of both candidates attack groups of voters who support the other.

In my opinion at least, attacking the voters who support the other candidate crosses the line, and I think you should consider closing such threads.

I think that's sufficient.

But at this point I think it is safe to say that we are going to continue enforcing the rules as we have done for the past year. When they are aware of them, the moderators will lock threads that cross some arbitrary line. But there will not be a blanket prohibition against threads about supporters. We tried that in the past, and it was a nightmare to enforce. The moderators did the best they could, but our efforts were not well-liked, and inevitably led to charges of bias in favor of one candidate or another.

something respectful about Hillary Clinton and something truly raunchy about her supporters. I'll hold myself back. O8)

The people that post would self-regulate themselves! If they get too obnoxious, the only thing to do is ignore them. If no-one pays attention, maybe that will defuse the effect. In an ideal world, that is...

A big thanks to you, Skinner, Elad & all our poor overworked mods!

"...those people will have one week to get it out of their systems."

LOL! You hear that Obamabots?!

All you have to do is forbid all Obama supporters from posting negative stuff about Hillary starting now. Hillarites would cease fire as they spend most their time defending Hillary. The vitriol and lies should be stopped and Hillary should be treated with the respect of a fellow Democratic candidate. This place would heal in an instant.

Thought I'd get that in before it's a 'no no'. :D

Draft Gore.

Seriously, though, thanks for the rules. I only lurked here during the last election.

You know it, Swampie! Kooch For Prez!!!

BTW, Dennis is whupping the pants off his Dem challenger right now:

Kucinich 55%
Cimperman 29%

http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Ohio_Release_022708.pdf

Big smiles here. GOOOO Dennis!

GEAUX DENNIS!!!!! :kick:

Now that is something both Obama and Clinton supporters can agree on! :evilgrin:

:toast:

She is so HOT!

In November I'll write-in the name of the man who would be the best president. My vote is MY vote, and no attempts at coercion, threats or asinine demands will change that fact.

:kick:

I know that I, for one, will be glad when we have a presumptive nominee, regardless of who it is.

allowing of derisive sig lines, was a good system. I think the not allowing of things like -bots, -aniacs,etc was also a good idea. It made people think twice. From where I am sitting, the actions of both candidates' supporters have not done much to convince the average Joe voter who stumbles upon this site to leave with a good feeling with regard to voting for the Dem candidate. Both "sides" have said equally reprehensible things about the candidates and their supporters.

It was a good system then and led to more productive discussions.

On personal attacks-I see more and more of them let go these days. I cannot help but realize that the "Gee your name suits you" (which cannot and should not be taken in any other way other than what it is-personal attack, and one that used to be deleted) was allowed to remain yesterday due to the fact that I gave out what I got. Why? Because it is the mood that has been generated by the decided allowance of these types of behaviors.

Thank you

Apparently the moderators were unable to come to a consensus. Personally, I would have deleted it. But I would be the first to admit that sometimes context provides some gray areas, and people do not always agree on what crosses the line. If you had sent me an email, I would have overruled them and removed it. Maybe you did but I haven't read it yet.

Having said that, I think replying "Fuck you" is not in any sort of gray area whatsoever. It's an incredibly easy judgment for the moderators to make, and they made the only decision they could.

I don't know what else to say.

But, I had, in the past, always stood by in support but an attack is an attack. That used to happen all the time (the MrsGrumpy thing)and immediately get deleted as it doesn't fit into a gray area. For what it is worth, I freely admit I have lost all tact in dealing with some people. I guess it's who I've become. But, with that person, I'd do it all over again.

:hug:

:kick:

It cannot come soon enough.




Peace:thumbsup:

v

Thanks for this site and to the mods, for the restraint you show and for erring on the side of caution with regard to not stifling open discussion.

a presumptive nominee. Some people need to be told, and some people think that has already happened.

And many thanks to the other admins and Moderators.

after we have a presumptive nominee, may we advocate FOR other Dem candidates if we don't disparage the nominee? Example: "write in Dennis Kucinich!" ?? (Not that I want to, but I'm curious)

that it won't be allowed.

All Nader threads were locked last primary season, and anyone who pushed it more than once or twice was banned.

Other Democrats are not the Democratic nominee.

:wtf: as I've said a lot lately.

So we can finally unite and build a good front to the Puke machine. The longer this drags out, and the more we push back against each other, the harder it will be (for some) to get over it and move forward together.

enthusiastically respond to this thread with comments like, "yea, I can't wait until we join hands and fight together for our beloved nominee" after gloating and taunting and rubbing everyone's face in shit day after day.

That outta be rich.

I think it's natural to distrust them considering we don't know where their actual votes may be going in November.

I believe our enforcement of all forms of bigotry has been consistent for a while. The clueless are given a few chances to get a clue, but the malicious are not.

it's just that they can post something overtly sexist--"her thighness" and such--and other people pile in and try to one-up each other with sexist stuff.

I know the mods have a tough job...I appreciate them handling a particular problem I had earlier this week.

It just perterbs me that there's any argument about sexism on DU. Even cali, an Obama supporter has a thread up about it right now...so it's here and it's distressing.

Thanks for responding to me.

I actively want to see it because I so want to pounce on it. It is deplorable and has absolutely no place here. I hate the way the actions of a few tarnish the group of Obama supporters here.

I do try to freak out on it when I do see it.

... that as one candidate has been starting to lose, that candidates supporters have been reaching for a bigotry argument with which to attack the supporters of the other candidate. May I propose something which is really what you said in your OP? Per the rules it would seem these cries of sexism shouldnt even be here. If people believe something is sexist, they should hit the alert button and let you and the other mods decide. If an item is sexist or otherwise bigoted, and we alert you guys about it I have 100% confidence it will be removed.

I think going around accusing large swaths of DUers of being sexist is a personal attack that is unwarranted, inappropriate, and unnecessary. There is an appropriate remedy in the face of a bigoted post, the alert button.

and it's gotten worse through time. My complaints about it have nothing to do with one candidate winning and the other losing. I don't complain about sexism because I support one candidate over the other. I say this because it's true.

If I see something sexist, then I alert. If you've "missed" the sexism, then you're ignoring it--because it's here.

And I don't accuse "large swaths of DU" of being sexist...I point that at the person who makes the remarks, and the others who giggle about it.

It's obviously a problem being noticed by other Obama supporters...cali's thread is proof of that. It has nothing to do with candidate preferences. We should unite in denouncing any kind of bigotry at DU...including sexism.

this is about DU policy and I suggested a remedy that I think is completely in line with what Skinner was saying.

by a poster claming not to be "sexist" Uh Huh. And the posts about menopause and "female emotionalism" are escalating. Something needs to be done.

I'm not joking, either. These posts are still here.

You are saying all of "those people" are sexist.

"Those people" to whom Maddie is referring are the people who are constantly making references to Senator Clinton being menopausal or PMSing, or making other remarks like "out come the claws", etc....so, yes, I guess "all of "those people" are being called sexist.

the difference between PMS and menopause and do not care either. Maybe we should hit the alert button much more than we have on those types of posts.

The something isnt dozens of threads accusing Obama supporters of sexism and attributing all of Hillarys problems to that.

I'm not going to argue with you here.

it just might be a duck. If you aren't making sexist comments, or supporting sexist comments, why would that post offend you? Attacking Hillary as a woman is below the line, criticizing her politics, totally fair. Same goes for Obama, except substitute race.

lark

So if you actually believe that pointing out blatant sexism is a personal attack, you should have no problem hitting the alert button.

a problem here but the sexist and ageist attacks on Hillary Clinton show how deep those forms of hatred are.

I haven't seen any racist attacks on Barack Obama, though there may have been some that were quickly deleted. I attribute that to the fact that people here think racism is wrong.

Why don't people here think sexism and ageism are wrong?

If you're a young white male, you're never going to wake up black or female, but someday you will wake up old.

(Unless you're first beaten to death by an older woman who has had enough of the shit you're always saying and doing to disrespect women and older people.)

:evilgrin:

I have had enough of discrimination against women and against older Dems. I never blamed my parents' generation for the country's problems. I didn't like much of their music but I liked, and still like, a lot of people of that generation. I liked my grandparent's generation, too. I also like my kids' generation and kids younger than them, as long as they're not asshats. I don't like asshats of any age, sex, ethnicity, skin color, or hair color.

I will also remember to do what I can to help the mods out.

Thank you.

It is the gloating that pushes me very close to breaking the rules sometimes. I'll come back after that first week if BO becomes the nominee. Won't be able to stand the gloating at that point.

And thanks for ignoring some recent PM's from me. I was upset seeing some things around here at the time.

:wow:

You're slipping CP :hi:

I don't always do that!

I don't feel as though I know him well enough for such a familiarity!

:P

now I realize that I am also one of the privileged! :hug: That is wonderful!

The adults won't do it at all.

'Course, the adults haven't been the ones causing the problems in the first place.

:spank:

The gloaters as well as the sore losers will be outta here after the week's grace period? If so, VERY cool.

My preference is that everyone figure out how to control themselves and knock it off. But if someone leaves us with no other choice...

Sounds like a good plan to me.:)

Definitely needed.

And Elad, and everyone else!

Skinner, thanks for making this post.

I see it is already "lost" in the GDP, although yes it is on the front page of DU.

Would you please "pin" it to the top of the GDP forum?

ALso, the primaries brought alot of new people who clearly have NEVER read the
rules here.

Commonly seen:

Lots of duplicate threads (by both sides of argument),
Non GDP threads,
Calling other DUers trolls, or freepers,

The rules are long, and people are able to sign up without reading them,
so its understandable. Still it would be nice if people either read them, or
had a short version of them.

Thanks for all you do, and for the guidance.

I'll pin it later.

Call it my small contribution to easing the cesspool that has become GDP.:kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick:

Yep, as a veteran of the '04 (and soon to be '08 wars), this is exactly what I was expecting.

Hawkeye-X

I can't wait until it's time to focus on the GE, or waiting to see who the VP will be, etc. This is going to be the most exciting GE of my lifetime, in my opinion, and I've never been so juiced up to start working towards Dem victory! That's what all of us here should keep in perspective at all times: 8 years (in the end of it all) of sheer hell from bush is coming to an end. We have a chance in November to help make things right again. This time, we can do it. This time, we can do it in sweeping fashion. Once the primaries are over, we all have one hell of a job to do in getting the voters out in waves like we've never before seen. It's gonna be a hell of a ride!!!

or if Hillary is the VP on the ticket.Just wondering? :shrug:

Hillary is the nominee or if Hillary is the VP on the ticket.
Just wondering? :shrug:

Thank you Mr. Skinner!

with what I'm sure is a challenging website particularly during the primaries, thanks for the thread, Skinner.

I suspect the supporters of the losing candidate are gont to want to pitch a fit over whether or the courtesy of the VP nod should be extended. It is going to be the same argument again in a different form. And it would not seem to be tamped down by the imposition of these well thoughbt out rules.

people may still rant about the outcome, though ...

:P

Thanks, Skinner. I don't envy you and the Mods your jobs.

I was wondering how that would be dealt with here since I joined after the last primary.

Oh, and this line is a classic, "Few people will miss them when they are gone." :thumbsup:

candidate supports holding the republics accountable? Almost by default, a thread supporting impeachment would be a not-so-subtle plug for DK, who is a Democrat not the nominee.

DUers aren't required to agree with the nominee on everything.

And at TWO weeks out...start sending them to Tomb Stone Territory !

We can still go to town on the republican nominee after we have ours, right?;)

:thumbsup:

Thanks, Admins and Mods!

It's gotta be like herding cats, lots and lots of meowing, hissing, spitting cats! Thanks for a job well done, and for this reminder!

:kick:

:loveya:

Thanks!

~PEACE~

And another k&r.

:shrug:

Anti-Eye Spy Hotwire bias by the Admins (All 3).

I thought he was saying we will all need to unite behind Lee. :shrug:

Skinner you rock..:headbang:

I love this site I always will.. and I am so grateful for you and everyone here. I learn so much on DU. And the negative stuff never has to be a part of my experience here if I don't want it to be.

So thank you for that and for all the rest.



INVESTIGATE IMPEACH INDICT IMPRECATE INCARCERATE :patriot:


Go DEMS! :kick:

for all you guys do....

I love the idea of a one-week adjustment period! That's *more* than generous, while acknowledging and understanding that there's going to be some process in shifting gears, for some.

Yup, DU and the party will be fine. :)

(And glad I'm not! :evilgrin:)

NGU.

:evilgrin: :evilgrin: :evilgrin:

:kick:

It's been so ugly that I have been staying away and I miss this site.

The other day a self-proclaimed registered Republican started a thread about being fed up with them (the Repubs) and voting
for a Dem in the primary and the GE. The supporters of the other Dem candidate were saying that he could not post on DU
since he is a Republican. I was wondering if that is a hard and fast rule? How can we attract new voters to switch if we do not
make them welcome and support them to change sides? I wasn't sure if those who wanted him not to post were correct about the rules
or whether they were saying that just to shut him up since they didn't like his choice?

Thank you for all you do! I can't wait until we have a nominee!!! I am so excited about this election and the chance to rid ourselves
of these awful people who've been running things for FAR TOO LONG!




:-)

We really all need to welcome that poster. I saw the thread title. I did not read it, but I am disappointed if some of my fellow Clinto supporters want to shut him or her out of voicing his/her opinion FOR a Democrat.

What with all the talk of superdelegates, etc., isn't it possible the nominee will be decided in Denver and not before?

Primary infighting ends when we have a nominee -- either presumptive or actual.

I'ma gonna run off and light a candle that this ends Tuesday. :pray:

...there is light at the end of this tunnel... :D

...I have been amazed to see how this has all played out. I have been lurking here for a long time, and couldn't believe my eyes over the past few weeks. I'm still pretty convinced that it has all been inflamed, in part, by freeper trolls just trying to drum up more divisivness.

We all need to realize who the real enemy is, and there have been many encouraging developments (Siegelman/Rove connection, missing Cheney emails, impeachment proposals, etc.) that have been drowned out by all the bullshit.

United we stand, divided we fail and hand over the nation to fascism. Democrats, Independents, and "eyes opened" Republicans must stand together.

When asked, for example.

Apparently, this primary season is all wrapped up and we are expected to support Obama from now on. I did double check the rules and they do say that. Skinner's post made it clear we are to support him as soon as Hillary is forced to concede before some of us even get to vote at all in the primary for our state. I get so sick of never getting a say in who the nominee is. I might be pushing for NC to move it's primary up sooner as my next political activity. :grr:

I think Obama will wrap it up soon, but I don't have a crystal ball and I could be wrong. Skinner will be expecting us Obama supporters to support Mrs. Clinton if she wins the nomination.

Please do push for this! If enough of us do then maybe something will be done!

Given the fact that John McCain has made clear that he intends to continue most of George W. Bush's disastrous policies, at home and abroad (including his Iraq policy); and given the fact that both Democratic frontrunners have pledged to overturn most of George W. Bush's worst policies (including his Iraq policy); I think most progressives will eventually come to their senses and support the Democratic nominee, whoever it is.

Having said that, here is the answer to your question: A sincere, non-disruptive statement of intention that does not advocate others do the same would probably not be a problem. If it goes beyond "non-disruptive" or goes into advocacy, then it would likely be a problem.

you will be in violation of the rules. That is a bit different from being conflicted about whether to vote for the nominee or not show up on election day.

presumptive nominee will be either Obama or Clinton, isn't it divisive to post positive posts about Nader?

Obviously, we're still in the primary, so some people are going to say "If so-and-so doesn't win the Democratic nomination, I'm voting Nader in November." For now we should let them say that. It's just posturing, and they don't really mean it. They'll come around once a nominee is chosen.

But if someone is basically pro-Nader, and has no intention of supporting either Democratic nominee, we don't need that here.

Would it be incredibly childish to post a "Happy Birthday Ralph Nader" in GDP?:evilgrin:

B-)

:thumbsup:

just how freakin' AWESOME you are? :yourock:

Thanks for all you do and for giving us a "home".

I'm going to enjoy going to town on McCain.

Start early!

:hi:
He's just such a big, easy target.

But the Republicans didn't put up anyone difficult. I was amazed. Well, maybe, not amazed. I'm not sure they have anyone tough to beat at this point, but still.

Romney would've been a better contender for the Repubs, IMHO. Even though Romney is an idiot, he'd still have an edge on McCain.

He's pretty short, ya know!

I can't wait for all the hate to dissipate. I hid GD:P but it still spills over to other places. I can't believe there are times I feel the need for a shower after being on DU. Heart breaking.:cry: I don't remember 2004 being this bad but maybe that is because time has past since then.

I'm new as a member here, but I'm not new to being a lifelong Democrat who knows when and how to bury the hatchet, smoke the peace pipe, and unify the party for the general. I've stayed out of the primary fight many times, simply because someone has to be ready to broker the peace between warring factions. Although I liked John Kerry in 2004 for the nomination, I could have been happy with Dean or Edwards, and never took sides before Iowa and its immediate aftermath.

This time, I favored Edwards until he pulled out, and when he did, I jumped in all the way for Obama. It was not just my decision, but that of my adult sons, who both worked full time and very hard for Kerry-Edwards in Florida the last three months of the campaign in '04. We all like Obama, and think he's the one to lead the party back to greatness.

I have worried a long time that we were not going to get enough young people to revitalize our party. I am so invigorated by what has happened with the youngsters. It's exciting to know there are two generations behind me who will take up the banner and carry us forward.

When the end comes for one or the other, I won't gloat and I won't pout. I'll accept it, like I always have. I wanted Kennedy. I got Carter. I wanted Jesse Jackson. I got Mondale. I wanted Al Gore. I got Mike Dukakis. Just as I quickly shifted to Obama from Edwards, I'll quickly shift from Obama to Clinton, if she wins.

This is my team, and I am in it for the duration. I'll die a yellow dog Democrat, and I'm damn proud of it. We gave the United States Social Security, Medicare, and Welfare. We gave students loans. We gave the United States Civil Rights. We are the home of all who don't have a home. We are "the others." We care about the weak, the infirm, the downtrodden. We care about the prisoners and former prisoners. Republicans talk about having values, but we live values.

I'm big tent, and that's how I'm staying. Until it's over, I'll fight for Obama, but when it's over, I won't crow and I won't go away mad.

ANy time I hear of "Yellow dog" I always think of Old Yeller, and we all know he didn't have too happy an ending.

What does the term mean?

"I admit," he stated blandly, "that I said then what I now repeat, namely, that when the Democratic party of Kentucky, in convention assembled, sees fit in its wisdom to nominate a yaller dog for the governorship of this great state, I will support him — but lower than that ye shall not drag me!"

Read more

Thanks to your hard work, we have a forum where we can discuss and learn. Reminding everyone of the rules, sadly, is needed from time to time.

:applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:

Now that's a surge I can support!


Sonia

I hope all is well with you.

What's funny is that I come across ten times as many Obama supporter threads that break rules than other supporter's threads.

Funny that.

I'm not endorsing Hillary or Obama. I will endorse the nominee.

Lately, I have felt that I was losing my mind or objectivity and my reasoning here. I wanted you or other admins/mods to please delete my account here. I even begged you, but no one would do it.

As you say, for certain things will get better in the months ahead. But it is also our responsibility to use DU wisely and with more judicious care and caution.

Thanks again for this post. It means a lot to me, and I'm sure it means a lot to others who were experiencing great self-doubts right now.

myself, I really needed to see a post like this.

:kick:

:bounce: ;) :bounce:

I'm not too happy with a lot of the posts lately, and this place has turned into a total warzone with many of the same Karl Rove talking points being thrown by both sides. So many personal attacks, untrue and misleading information, and a lot of just total bullshit is posted. Even some racist and sexist posts about Hillary and Obama. It's gotten kind of nutty around here.

This thread hopefully will remind both sides of the rules, and I can't wait for our party to pick a nominee. So we can come together, and fight McCain--not each other.

So again, I say thank you!

regarding that Skinner. i think its funny that you know where to find me when you want my money, but any other time, forget it.

That might work.

:P

Or not?

i do not want my name to be part of the numbers they are so proud of. i want it ended. and i don't want to hear any more about how i should support DU, but otherwise they don't want to hear from me. i won't give them another dime so all you folks better chip in to make up for me.

:wtf:

Bye now.

:hi:

:rofl:

Kidding! (I better be careful or they'll do it)

sorry, but you don't get a say