I've been a member of DU for 7 years and I'm sensing something I haven't seen for 7 years of DU....

I'm sensing Unity. I'm sensing that for the first time in 7 years all DU seems not only on the same page with this election but with the same enthusiasm. There's just something different about this election that I never felt with 2004; in fact the last time I really felt this was 1992 (which yes there was no DU but the excitement was just the same).

Am I the only person that is feeling this? I drive around and I'm seeing an overwhelming support for Obama. I hear people talk about him at work - talking positive about him. And here at DU, well we have Nader and McKinney both running on 3rd party progressive tickets and I see no one shouting "Damn this ticket I'm voting 3rd Party".

Something has changed. The Obama/Biden team is an inspiration that even I admit I couldn't quit get with a Kerry/Edwards or even a Gore/Lieberman ticket of elections past. There is truly a high level of excitement I thought I would never see after this primary season. But truly this year we are united as ever to take back this party!!

:woohoo:

:)

we do have some fine candidates!

but honestly, I think there was something missing with Kerry & Edwards. I always though Biden was cut from the same cloth as John Kerry but I was wrong. There is just something about Joe that makes him really seem like one of us that Kerry didn't quite have.

I am saying it now eveyday. I love Joe!!!

O8)

people hoodwinked about how vulnerable the US was, and he used the fear card mercilessly. I'm hoping Americans 'get' that they were compromised and are now even angrier.

but I think there is such an overwhelming amount of support AND new registration that for republicans to steal this election would be too obvious. And if it's too obvious it could spell trouble for this country and a stolen presidency of McCain/Palin.

I may live and work in blue Northern Delaware but we have plenty of people who come to work from red havens of MD, NJ and PA (Northeast Maryland, Southern Jersey and Suburbs of Philly). Four years ago I still hid that I was actually interested in politics because there were so many Bush supporters around. But now, there is no hiding. Even a dieheard Bush supporter I've known for all the years I've been working here is disappointed in the republican ticket and is not sure how he'll vote (I told him go Obama/Biden and then find better contenders in 2010).

There is a change. The polls may not show it but then again the pollsters stick with likely voters, eliminating all those new voters and occassional voters that are starting to perk their ears up and listen.

This just all feels good!

Yes, I have a good feeling about this election, but I had a good feeling about the Kerry campaign too. And it was partly due to voter caging and other election shenanigans that he lost.

We must absolutely overwhelm the opposition!

Now make sure it doesn't happen again, no matter how good the poll numbers look. So far, it looks way too close for comfort.

Everybody make sure you can vote! Check on your voter registration status, find out the i.d. requirements, and help your family and friends do the same. A week or so ago, I saw an interesting post on a DU discussion thread. The person proposed making October 1 National Make Sure I Can Vote Day. I like that, and I encourage everyone in the DU blogosphere to help out with the effort.

Did you know that they did five polls of very limited areas after the Democratic convention and ten times that in larger areas after the Republican convention? We have a phrase here that says, "Lies, damn lies and statistics." I've taken the liberty lately of changing that to, "Lies, damn lies and polls."

on the economy, on the occupations, on the media lies and distortions, on the election electronics fraud, etc.

The tide had better come in and wash away this corruption in 2008, or else hello bankruptcy and police state USA.

this to happen. But, whatever..it's HERE!

with what is being called the worst week on Wall Street since the Great Depression, his total disgrace will certainly now be complete.

We will be successful this time. We have an exciting and energetic team, who will show us all how to get the job done.

Obama has got to win this.

You can really tell that he's farkin pissed off! I love it :D

that they would not 'politicize' Iraq war for the election. Sounds like a NOBLE promise? Unfortunately, that promise kept him and others very subdued when it came to backing up Kerry who was pretty much out there on his own but for a few lesser known Dem surrogates.

Plus....Obama and Biden don't have Bill Clinton and the best known Dems doing highprofile book tours where they support and DEFEND Bush on terrorism and Iraq war decisions that Kerry was criticizing at the time.

So....anyone want to weigh in how they Joe performed in 2003-4 to back up Kerry. compared to how Kerry has been out there backing up Obama?


Get REAL, everyone - most of the Dem party DIDN'T FOCKING SHOW UP to take on Bush out of FEAR of sticking their necks out when Bush and Rove were at their most powerful.

Yeah, 2008 is different - - not as many Dems are AFRAID of Bush and Rove since a few brave Dems spent 2002-2004 attacking him and then a category 5 hurricane hit this country.

Those who DID stick their necks out happen to be the ones who REALLY brought Bush down, and they did it with 90% of the media aligned with Bush at the time.

Dems had NO MEDIA before the 2004 election. Even KO was restrained by MSNBC back then. His special comments didn't start till summer 2006.

n/t

As of yet. :shrug:

Joe is a blessing to our party! A gem, a treasure, an asset. The guy's voice is like a balm on a sore spot. Go - Joe - GO! Go Obama GO! We're up to our eyeballs in quicksand and these guys are a hefty lifeline thrown to us. Grab on! Pull ourselves up! Yes, we can! :woohoo:

We have great candidates, and the opposition is truly evil and would continue the destruction of the country.

Thet should unify even us Democrats, at least till after November.

Mark

so do other generations. We cannot let them down, or the world for that matter. When we unite we can do anything.

there is real good energy out there. Just the people who turned to smile at me when I walked into the grocery store wearing an Obama shirt. People see hope. I'm canvassing this weekend, I hope to see more.

This is now my 5th election that I have been involved in. You are right, this time it feels special. In 1992, I felt a real sense of pride. I'm feeling it again. I also remember watching Clinton's inauguration and crying. He was my guy and I voted and I felt it was great that my guy finally won (after living through Reagan and Bush 1).

for the nomination. Barack has a little of Jack, a little of FDR and a whole lotta Bobby!

This pair up I adore. I want OB shirts...I want to hang out with them. These guys are almost like the zeal people get when Castro walks the streets of Cuba. I feel the same way for Obama/Biden. You WANT to listen to them and you DO believe in them. They're straight talkers, not flippity-floppies and if they change their minds, they say they change their minds and why. It's great to have that kind of relationship with a politician and one who is nearly President.

Obama seems like the kind of President that will have a BBQ on the lawn of 1600 and invite the nation. You know you'd all go. Why because there's community.

this nation has seen in the last 35 years on open government issues, and who uncovered and exposed more government corruption than any lawmaker in modern history.

Anyone 'not so much' about Kerry in 2004 has little grasp of what has been going on in ths country the last 4 decades.

Glad you're excited now, but, this nation NEEDED John Kerry.

Kerry for some reason. Never mind that Kerry has been one of Obama's best surrogates, but that's not good enough for some (not all) Obama supporters.

Amazing how crickets seem to chirp after every post.

I thought he was something of a douchebag even back then, but I had no inkling of the colossal nature of his douchebaggery.

He's a douchenozzle, the part that actually goes into the orifice. In this case, McCain's withered gummy orifice.

I spent more time campaign for Ed Rendell in his primary run against Bob Casey than I have for any other election since 1992. Time for a change with me!

But I am glad that Obama trusted his instincts and picked an attack dog in Biden for VP. Very smart move! :patriot:

When it comes to politics, the goal is simple.

Governance is messier.

praised by half of us and ridiculed by the other half. But until then at least we are clear what our goal is.

Obama & Biden are exactly the folks we need to get this country back on track. I'm proud to be part of the unity here!

-app

:toast:

I feel it too. There's still the momentary panic (uhm .. last week), but even then, I think the majority of people "stayed steady" and ... are really excited AND committed.

We CAN change the world :)

Unity is a nice thing.

I remember quite a bit of unity back in 2001, though. Of course, we were united in our outrage at the stolen election.

Now we are unified in HOPE and OPTIMISM... whole different ballgame, there.

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

of support that just erupted after Obama chose Biden. After the fighting over our preferred candidate, then over our preferred VP pick, it took my breath away at how strongly and enthusiastically and immediately we all came together as one.

I think this ticket is magical, for a myriad of reasons, and it just gives me so much hope. I TRUST both of these guys so much. I know our future will be in good hands.

is exactly how I'd describe it!

Obama and Biden inspire me. Each for different reasons, but I'm inspired by them. If I didn't live in a solidly red state, I'd hitch up the baby stroller with some o-08 stuff and hit the pavement for them.

:hi:

It's at the Riverfront, right across the parking lot from Obama HQ.

Runs through the 20th.

Polka for victory.

the DE Dems want to bus us to the Philly suburbs to campaign and well, I'm a Philly girl at heart so I'm working with the Center City Philly dems to campaign this year.

Never did the polish festival, wasn't that by St. Elisabeth's near browntown originally?

Much larger in the new space.

:dem:

it was often reluctantly. But I agree with LynneSin, tis is VERY similar to the '92 vibe. That one worked out well.

especially after the Hillary-Obama split. Man, that was hard to go through!

I think what really helps unity is success. We really feel we've got something going on this election. And the other side's got nothing.

:party:

:woohoo:

to see a tide turn, just ask the president :)

Everyone seems to be on board.

It's great to see you, Lynne -- I thought of you when Biden was named the VP nominee.

I am taking vacation time around the election, to work my ass off before Nov 4, and the day after to CELEBRATE! I am getting a reputation as the "go to" person for voter registration for the new immigrants (nurses) at work. The enthusiasm of these new citizens to get involved in the voting process warms your heart.

Not only to Joe and Barack need you but so will Al. I'd love to get that nimbicle Norman out of office!

:bounce:

I must have been trying to fire everyone up back then. This time, it's EVERYONE ELSE in my office that is talking politics 24/7. I've been afraid to even let myself hope, but I have to admit I'm feeling it too. I'm terrified and nervous and hopeful and despondent and proud and ashamed and astounded all within a five minute time span. But sometimes I allow myself to imagine a future where that beautiful family is living in the White House (after they've thoroughly scoured it), working their butts off to help heal this country. We have a long road ahead, full of trials and sacrifice, but I think we just might be able to turn this country around if Obama wins in November.

a time when I felt like I was from outer space.

:hug:

I may very well be from outer space. But the very good and kind part of outer space! :toast:

GOBAMA!! :applause:

Nothing could have energized Democrats and sane people everywhere as much and as quickly as Sarah Palin has. McSame's naming of this corrupt, ignorant, arrogant trollop as his vice presidential candidate has been an amazing catalyst. The PUMA who lives two houses down from me stopped holding her breath, took down her Hillary sign, and replaced it with an Obama sign.

On the other hand, the guy at the end of the street put up a McCain-Palin sign -- but he also has a "Boycott France" bumper sticker on his car. It kind of tells you the caliber of the McCain supporters.

I kept hearing this chit-chat about how these supporters were all too willing ot support McCain because they felt 'abandoned' by the democratic party with the Obama nomination AND Barack picking Joe Biden. And I suppose there was hope that McCain might pick a pro-choice republican like Ridge, Giuliani or Lieberman that could make voting for McCain ALMOST justifiable. But once McCain picked Palin, all but the stupidiest idiots (who I highly doubt were true Hillary supporters or democrats) realized that a vote for McCain was a vote to kill the rights to choose what is best for our body probably for the next couple of decades.

Palin was suppose to win those Hillary Supporters over to our team but I guess he underestimated just how intelligent her 18million voters really are. Because for 99.99999999999% of those supporters - they know there is a difference between Hillary and Palin.

on board, since we've heard their cutting blather and lies for so long we recognize it immediately when it spews from those highglossed lips.

base) LOL She really did. It was such an insult to name her. I was giddy the first day he named her and then I saw how the media reacted and I couldn't believe it. It still rankles me that they fawn over her.

Lie long enough and eventually even the MSM turns on you. Who knew?! Obama is cool and confident right now and I believe will be from here on out. He has a powerful message and coming from a man with integrity that message finally means something.

As of today, Spain has become the "New France" in McCain's shrinking mind.

In '92 you may recall we ran a candidate who probably would not have won if not for the third party candidacy of Ross Perot.

The last time the party was this energized and unified was Bobby Kennedy, 1968.

YES WE CAN!

The # of votes that Clinton and Bush won in 1992 were almost identical to what Clinton and Dole had in 1998. Many of the people who voted for Perot in 1992/1996 were people who registered for the first time ever to vote.

I think really it was a bit of both that helped Clinton to win.

The Audacity of Hope!

We have an outstanding team. It's hard to imagine it being any better.

I'm in Awe! :patriot:

For the first time my daughter and her young friends are very interested in the election. They just cannot believe that anyone could possibly think of voting for McCain when they have an Obama to choose from on the list. He has really made an impact on them - his convention speech affected them very much in a most positive way.

and I'm liking it! :hi:

And I agree, we just might be able to pull this one off!

It feels so good to have come full circle through the primaries; after allllll that went down and being such a huge Hillary supporter- that I'm now 100% supportive of Barack Obama and feeling SO excited and SO enthusiastic is just an AMAZING place for me to be.

I LOVE Barack & Joe!!! I CAN NOT wait to see them in action, in the White House!!!

And Michelle! I love her now tooooo! haha GO DEMS!! :toast:

I would have loved to have seen her as president but honestly, I think VP wasn't her fit - I think she can do more as a US Senator than as a VP.

Counsel or AG maybe

:toast: :bounce: :woohoo:

sense relief and sanity are just around the corner.


I know I, for one, cannot even look at pix of Obama campaigning without tearing up like a sap. It isn't due to my blindly worshiping him, it's because I know this long national nightmare we've endured is ready to give way to some marvelous, once- thought impossible, changes.

I'm tired of seeing people who basically agree on at least 75% of the issues FIGHT!! Go DU!!!:bounce:

I first started by loving Joe, then I switched to Barack. Now I have them both on one ticket and couldn't be happier!

:applause:

To me it's the perfect ticket! I don't think Biden could have brought the hope and enthusiasm that Obama does, so I couldn't be happier.

...feeling it. Isn't it great? !! :)

Plus, Biden is our best VP candidate since, well, Al Gore.

I agree. Best since Gore. :thumbsup:

Because though we'd had 12 republican years before that, they weren't ANYWHERE near as bad as the 8 ones this time.

I will never forget the joy I felt up on learning Clinton won that year...

....and on a whim on election night we decided to go visit the republican HQ. Mind you the Dems office was a bit 'worn' so to speak but many a fond memories of that place. The republican office was this big fancy new building with all the bells & whistles. It was such joy to go to their party and see all the sad, depressed faces knowing that the Reagan years were DONE!!! It took alot of effort to not giggle and give ourselves away.

I'm not inspired, I just hate the Republicans.

One big reason I'm not is that taking back this party (from whom, btw?) doesn't mean a damn thing unless the party takes back this country. That won't happen as long as people are focused on making the party smaller.

And that was a typo - I meant to say take back this country.

I don't like crowds anyway. And I can't psychologically afford to get my hopes up after last time.

But things are looking better for Barack n' Joe than they were last week, there is that.

ah maybe you and I are not on the same page when it comes to old Rock n Rollers...
but me, my family, and I are all on the same page when it comes to Mr. Obama as our President
and Mr. Biden as our next Vice President.

There is no doubt.

Tikki

there was TONS of whining about kerry - I don't think people were convinced as much with him (no offense to JK)

There was dissension in the ranks over "electability." We kept hearing that word until I wanted to scream. I'm not seeing that kind of crap this time.

We've won two presidential elections over the past eight years. This time, we need to win so big it can't be taken from us.

And we're talking near 50 years now.

Respected the others, really liked some. But these two? Most inspirational, and the two I see having the absolute best chance of doing more than inspiring - of rolling up sleeves and actually getting things done.

One on Palin got 18,000 views. When I first joined DU in 2004, to get a couple of thousand was amazing. Now 18,000 views and no one makes a comment because it is just routine, to be expected.

Somethings happening here, what it is isn't exactly clear....

... Everyone is cringing--

Bad things come in 3s... IKE, the market-- What will the trifecta be?

The ticket looks damn good in that light...

And it's a wonderful feeling! This is what wins elections: people united behind one cause. And we cannot let up! Keep spreading the truth. It's a powerful thing.

as coming from "inspiration"- Obama wasn't my first, second or third choice but I would vote for a ham sandwich over that piece of shit McCain so yes Obama has my support by not my enthusiasm

I had Biden, Edwards and Richardson all ahead of him.

My enthusiasm is unity against a common foe. I never fell into the "inspired" group... not in the least.

You say in one sentence what it takes me a whole post to say. :rofl: :hug:

a sense that we've come to this precipice and...

like a jolt of lightening...

we all jumped off the couch at the same time when Obama yelled, "ENOUGH!"

I could feel a collective sigh, a collective closing of eyes, and a collective "thank you!"

Yes.... something has changed.

And... should you drive through Vermont, you'll see my bumper sticker.... ENOUGH!

who are not going to just roll over and let the opposition have its way. They are hitting back, big time, all the time. And I couldn't be happier or prouder of my party! :kick:

Shocking! :rofl:

We are united against a common foe... pure and simple. I knew this day would come!

I am, however, missing a lot of fine DUers who were run off en mass by the in-fighting earlier in the year. They would have been good allies right now... I hope we learn from this fiasco.

It's a feeling that unity and caring will solve many of our problems.

AND we're gonna pull them into the mudpit where they belong.

I've said for a long time now that as bad as things have gotten in the past 7 years, I think that Bushy is the best thing to have happened to our democracy in a long, long time. So many people have come to their senses (granted, not all have) and realized that this is indeed a government BY the people and that WE are those people. I guess it's the whole rock bottom thing and oh yeah, we're there.

on your first post. There is an abundance of first time voters,people getting involved & donating for the first time.:hi:

all to be so appealing.

:loveya:

This country is in grave danger. We may never recover from the damage done by these criminal traitors. Another four years will be our complete ruination.

...party progressive tickets and I see no one shouting "Damn this ticket I'm voting 3rd Party"."

That's because those people have been tossed out. (As well they should be...)

I agree that this is the most charismatic and competent pair of candidates that we've had in a while.
That makes it all the more disturbing that the poll numbers are anywhere close to where they are.

As bad as things have been, and as they continue to go, it shouldn't even be close.


Let's win this. Yes We Can!!

but you still saw the threads on a regular basis.

Just because the old ones are gone doesn't mean new ones can't be found

This IS an exciting ticket, we're not settling for less than we truly want.

that unless they start to become reasonable, we want them all out.

although I haven't been here nearly as long. I fully expected Al Gore to win in 2000 because he was following a successful legacy albeit a beaten up and bashed one. I was aghast when the election was stolen from him. But I was worn out from all the in-fighting, the constant legal suits, the constant blather on the radio ridiculing and mocking President Clinton. I was ready for the shoe to be on the other foot and to hear Bush and the Neocons be bashed for awhile. I had a sense of dread in the 2004 elections. I didn't know much about John Kerry, and wasn't terribly inspired. I don't know how I knew, but I just knew, the Republicans were going to steal the election, again. I had a terrible feeling of resignation and regret. I wasn't surprised when the Chaneybush cheated and lied their way into the WH again in '04. I feel differently now and can visualize Obama and Biden in the White house for the next 8 years. i'm very energized and excited!

should bring about nothing but unity. Any Dem who votes third party this time is certifiable.

Gobama! I am very optimistic :).

This country can not afford another Scalito or "Fathead" Thomas taking our rights away.

Optimistic here too. :) :hi:

Can you imagine the kind of justices Palin would want :scared:.
:hi:

Really scary. :scared:



Hang in there. We are almost home! :hi:

Unity is in the AIR....we gonna kick ass

Unity is Fair and Balanced

Unity is for the COMMON GOOD

Unity is where the answers are

Unity is the Solution

it's too bad that it brings up a lot of revisionist history and slamming Gore and Kerry, two good Dems just to promote Obama/Biden. Why can't we just celebrate them all? :shrug:

but there was a certain something missing with those 2 that I have only found for Clinton, Dean and now Barack. Something that says, I'll give all that I can but somehow, someway I'll reach deep down inside and find a way to give even more!

It's just the revisionist history that is being brought up in this thread by others to praise Obama/Biden that is discouraging.

Me thinks that people are forgetting that Obama/Biden have Democrats standing with them, and defending them every single day, something that Gore and Kerry didn't have. Gore and Kerry did not have Dean as DNC Chariman either, and the times we are living are far more different than 2000 and 2004.

I love the Obama/Biden ticket (see my reply above), but if people are going to knock other Dems that had a harder road than they did, and who are the biggest supporters of the Obama/Biden ticket, then I don't want any part of that.

I am here to support both Obama/Biden and help get their message out, not rehash 2000 and 2004 and brag on them at the expense of other good Democrats.

Maybe I am just young and thin skinned and new to all this (I joined in November, 2004). :shrug:

throughout his entire term or without Gore as VP?

Clinton made ME think he would finally open the books that Reagan and Bush administrations had been stonewalling for years. Clinton got into office and SIDED with Reagan and Bush's secrecy and privilege instead of YOUR and my right to open and accountable government.

Clinton was great.....for BushInc. They couldn't have strengthened and returned stronger than ever without his cooperation.

This nation and our party would have been better off if Gore or Biden had run in 1992, especially since Bush wanted to lose anyway to avoid certain impeachment after the release of the Dec 1992 BCCI report.

Voters in Arizona hate John McCain. If he happened to be in office four years earlier we never would have had the Central ARizona Project (CAP). Without that ARizona would be out of water TODAY.

He calls things earmarks that are vital to a states survival. He would veto projects that are the lifeblood of communities. He's a teetering old man out of touch with reality. He needs to shrivel up and blow away for the good of the U.S.A.

If his extreme regime of neo-cons and lobbyist are voted into power, I pity Spain. Sounds like he thinks our NATO ally is a terrorist threat. Talk about out of touch/out of mind!!!!

For the first time in 7 years I've felt like things CAN change; like we CAN make a difference; like there is a light at the end of the long dark tunnel.

I don't think I'd feel that way with anyone else except Obama/Biden. I'm proud to be a Democrat and talk about it every chance I get - even to people I don't know very well. It's contagious!

That's how we win this thing - that's how we take back this country.

:toast:

Been a long time coming, but it does feel great!

L-

Can you imagine the excitement when Obama is sworn in. I'm taking the day off from work and going to a party somewhere!

I know there are naysayers and I've been surprised at some of my dem friends who are very upset still regarding HRC and refusing to vote.

I have always felt like the Dems this year had great candidates in either HRC or Barack.

I'm fighting hard for Obama. I've never been involved in a campaign before because I've never felt as strongly about a candidate as I do now. I hate to call people I know on the telephone, but I've made 100s of calls for Obama and Biden now. For me this election feels like the fate of my children's future rests on the point of a pin - all of our futures do and I'm going to fight with everything I have to get Obama and Biden into the White House.

I can't stress how important it is not to give up. Please volunteer a bit with your local dem party. Even just 5 phone calls makes a world of difference. Some people in my voting area didn't know the polling location had changed due to construction on the school. If I hadn't made the calls, they wouldn't have known where to go.

Go Barack! Go Joe!

:dem:

We will not be stopped this time. The Death Star has GOTTA go.

:woohoo:

And here at DU, well we have Nader and McKinney both running on 3rd party progressive tickets and I see no one shouting "Damn this ticket I'm voting 3rd Party".

That's because it's against the rules and is tantamount to ordering a pizza, and has been for several years now. Which is fine, and perfectly acceptable for a site called, you know, Democratic Underground. The problem is that anything less than utter enthusiasm for Obama, or having issues with or questioning anything he says or does, is also tantamount to ordering a pizza. Anything less than blind, unthinking devotion gets you hounded off the board, regardless of how long you've been here (because Good Democrats don't ask questions of our candidates or party leaders, goddamnit, that is the behavior of Freeper trolls on Rove's payroll). The reason why you've never seen this kind of "unity" and "enthusiasm" on DU is because in 2004, people were allowed to not like Kerry and still be welcome on DU so long as they were committed to putting the Democratic candidate in the White House. Remember "Anyone But Bush"? That was hardly a ringing endorsement of Kerry, but we believed--and rightfully so--that despite people having a personal distaste for Kerry (and I was one of them), getting the Coke Monkey out of office was far more important. Furthermore if the enthusiastic Kerry supporters convinced Skinner to ban everyone who wasn't wild-eyed and waving Kerry/Edwards signs, there might have been about 5, 10 people left on the board.

It's easy to think the whole world is singing your song when you're smack in the middle of the choir, is what I'm saying. I'm not saying that the enthusiasm is entirely manufactured, or that people aren't genuinely excited about Obama. A lot of very good Democrats are, and for many good reasons. But what I'm saying is that it's sort of like how you never hear about people dying at Disneyland, and all you see are the smiling, happy faces of the guests and "cast members". If a DUer so much as questions Obama's choice of tie at a rally, the Unitycoats come out with the torches and pitchforks demanding to see your papers, so to speak. There is no dissent allowed, period. Even if you preface your criticism by saying you were a Obama supporter from the beginning, have voted Democratic your entire life, and have been here forever, your motives are questioned. And god help you if you supported Clinton or Edwards, clearly you are just a PUMA trying to stir up shit. You couldn't possibly be committed to getting the Dem in the White House. Obviously there are some people who are concern trolls, but not everyone is. Liberals are SUPPOSED to question everything, including (especially) people we support. That's why we're liberals. I don't know what the fuck is going on here anymore, really, aside from a really scary kind of groupthink.

(Cue a chorus of posts accusing me of being a PUMA and crying about why won't I just pet the Unity pony. I'll sit back and laugh, really, while I get back to stuffing GOTV envelopes.)

And I can tell you are not a troll b/o your post count. I've been lurking around since before the 2004 election (hence my name) even though I havent signed up and done many posts until recently. It can get really trying when there is a very tight primary race. I came back here on and off between election and more so during the middle of the recent primary and I have to say I was astonished by how each side was hounded. I sent up peace offerings and because it was particularily wicked against Hillary I did some poems about how Obama would not want this, etc and got ridiculed and called a troll. Unfortunately we do get the payback for that cruelty when many bitter people end up going to the other side just out of pride and vengeance. Not everyone, just some.

Having said that. It should be noted that Skinner did set a deadline where all the bitching would cease. He gave I think it was a week or two for everyone to get it out of their systems and then they would need to step in line. I think that was a wise decision. Maybe not the most fulfilling. I mean I was a Wesley Clark '04 and this year undecided leaning toward Obama voter. But I have seen where the complaining goes on and on until the election and the 'fire up' feeling is forfeited by people who cant let go and look forward. The trolls take over gleefully.

Everyone wants an "I'm sorry". When you put your heart and soul into a primary it is tough - it really breaks your heart when it doesnt go the way you had hoped. It's easy to listen to all the like-minded friends sending nasty emails about the other guy, it's easy to pump up that resentment. But you know what? Sometimes there is something more important than our pride. Sometimes you just have to suck it up. Because THAT is what the Repugs do. They suck it up. They have all or nothing primaries not any of this feel good divide up the states stuff. They are impenetrable with their fanatic adherence to party first. Skinner gave people time to vent which is probably more than the right does this close to an election. I mean the Repugs are brutal. One of my email accounts actually got spammed--still is being spammed for me posting an opinion at W Ketchup when it first came out. They are freaks with this shit. This place is mild.

But it does seem, in general, like most people are happier with this ticket than tickets past. I think it would have been true with Hillary Clinton also. (maybe not on DU, but among Democrats in general). People are sick of the past eight years with these greedy, bigoted, fuckers at the helm.

the tutelage. I used to be a republican, now I am a yellow dog dem. Thanks for helping me to come over from the dark side LynneSin. Yes I agree, I am sensing the same thing in my six years!

:toast:

I think we were pretty much united by this time in 2004. The animosity toward Bush was off the charts; hard to tell where that left off and pro-Kerry began.

.

Every day there's another person belittling somebody over the primary wars, even now. I don't see unity.

...is UNACCEPTABLE. It always HAS been, it's just that NOW we have a historic OPPORTUNITY to shut the door on the most oppressive organization in the history of the world.

Yes, the republican party is FAR worse than the Nazis, then the legions of Genghis Khan, or any entity on the planet today. The world's misery is 100% the responsibility of policies put out by American Republicans.

Our chance comes when we control the Executive Branch, and if we can secure a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate, we have an UNPRECEDENTED opportunity to negate ANY rules what would even allow the republicans to have a PULSE. Keep in mind that without their blatant voting violations of the past three elections (actually, several before then, but previously undetected to a high degree), the republicans would NOT have unleashed their vitriol on the rest of the planet.

The republican party must be COMPLETELY, UTTERLY, and UNAMBIGUOUSLY DESTROYED. Every republican of note MUST be held accountable for their felonious actions; actually, most of their actions would merit capital offenses if our progressive system were as just as theirs.

But after we take over, we MUST as a minimum:

1. Return fairness in tax rates. Everyone pays; rich pay a higher rate, and we set a MAXIMUM INCOME RATE, in which 100% of all income earned/stolen once. That limit should be no more than 10 million dollars.

2. Nationalize EVERY industry with over 50 employees. Create citizen boards to ensure company adherence to what the PEOPLE want, and NOT good ol' boy boards that allow the companies to siphon dollars to select few shareholders.

3. Create and enact a comprehensive energy plan. COMPLETELY socialize ALL energy companies for starters, including their bank accounts and their practices. Automatically audit EVERY oil executive and prosecute every impropriety to the fullest extent of the law.

4. Ensure that ALL people have health care, and just as importantly, ensure that NO person ABUSES the system by "buying" better health care. All people should not only have access to health care, ALL people should have access to the SAME LEVEL of health care REGARDLESS of wealth.

5. Enact the fairness doctrine for broadcast media. Ensure that progressive voices have the same impact as nazi-like firebranding sleazeballs such as Rush Limbaugh.

These are just starters, and COMPLETELY DOABLE within the first two years. If done correctly, we can ensure that republicans become absolutely impotent at the federal level, and we institute laws that severely limit republican influence at the state levels. By 2010, we will FINALLY be in position to re-enter the world in good graces, with a provable, non-republican presence.

UNTIL IT IS BANNED....the republican party IS, HAS BEEN, and ALWAYS WILL BE....AMERICA'S ULTIMATE HATE CRIME. Destroy it ASAP!!

intelligent, constitutional lawyer, a great speaker and every other accolade I could offer.

I just don't trust the system. Know what I mean?

I see more McCain stickers every day. It makes me feel sick.

Thankfully at least most (half?) of the people at work seem not to be struck dumb, and realize how asinine it is to even consider voting for anyone but Obama. Sadly, most can't vote.

...if we don't win, our country, and our planet are doomed. But that's me.

The way the Dem party works is with UNITY. There is no "taking it back" in any sense because it is democratic and the Democratic party. What has changed is the majority view. It's that simple, it is national and international, it happened before Bush and 9/11 stole their way into America, and it is no longer suppressed by feuding fundamentalist reactionaries.

This excitement is unmatched since 1968, frankly, albeit I'm not as excited as then largely due to youthful exuberence and political naivete. It is rather difficult to get excited about Change when another $85 billion just disappeared from the change drawer, after a week-end when the change drawer got its biggest hit in history. That wasn't small Change!!

my bad

Gore and Kerry both excited me more. Clinton and Obama were the only candidates the mainstream media were going to give air time to, partly because both had qualities to mobilize the Republican base against them, and partly because their limited experience as statesmen would make it easier to keep them in check after taking office.

But McCain/Palin is such a joke, there seems to be nothing to worry about. Except for the whole ATM voting machine thing, of course.

bumperstickers, but one "Terri was murdered." We need signs and bumpersticker in Florida!

The only nervousness I'm personally feeling is around whether they will steal it or not (I believe they can, I just don't know if they will). Silly manipulated polls aside, in a fair fight, Obama has a landslide and he brings so many in on his coattails, it will make thugs heads spin. "In a fair fight" is the only thing that makes me nervous.

but thanks for pointing out "THE CHANGE."

And don't demonize those that disagree with us

:tinfoilhat: :tinfoilhat: Seems the wheels are coming of the straight talk bus!! McCain is for it, is against it, is for it, is against it... WFT Dam ya need a program with all the re writes and re writes and re writes. shit McCain is just winging it and he can't remember he changed his position from one second to the next!!
:puke: :puke: :wtf: :dunce: :nuke: :sarcasm:

overwhelming disasters of the last 8 years, the Dems know this one is critical.

nm

:grouphug: :pals:

is something very real about Obama. He seems more like everyman. He speaks like everyman. I understand him. I am certain he is very capable of high rhetoric, but it is his down-to-earth, I'm like you, person to person attitude that is very heartwarming. I was a Hillary Clinton supporter and now I am an Obama supporter because I have been listening to him. He doesn't promise pie-in-the-sky for all of us. He is simply someone I can believe in.

--was based on Obama's superior grassroots organizing. 2004's so-called "coordinated campaign" was a disaster in my state, with everybody tripping over everyone else's feet. This time it's much smoother. We've done more voter registration and support identification work this time, and it's far better organized.

one big happy family!!! D.U. has the greatest people even when we disagree.

I will proudly vote Obama in November.

...for all this gosh darned unity!

:evilgrin:

:applause: :woohoo: :bounce:

:applause: :woohoo: :bounce:

The worse thing is the realization that McCain/Palin would do more harm to our country than Bush/Cheney.

Biden as VP was like a big fat toke to me - I just knew everything was going to be OK.

:thumbsup:

... pivotal as now.

4 Nov 2008 is a definitive decision moment in the history of the Republic.

We won't get a replay opportunity.

Peace,
Bob

:banghead:

and I don't want to ever see another coup again. Bush has almost destroyed America.

I remember in 2004 I sensed in the force that Kerry was not going to win... This time is different.

2008 will not be like 2004.

Great post, and great spirit boost.

Not so much Anybody but McClown but pro-Obama which is good to see and is a sign of the increased enthusiasm.

and when the rallying cry is ABB we're basically shooting ourselves in the foot!

John McCain voted 95%+ with Bush and is 72+ yeara old and Sarah Palin is NUTS! (did dinosaurs walk with man!?yabba fuckin yabba doooooo)

if we don't hold the line, the odds drop from slim to almost none. McCain/Palin and their lunatic posse. This is not only the same regime but an even less competent and sane version.

I'd hope everyone that loves America can reach as far as they can and at least hold on to the rim. We've been in the toilet forever, eight years ago the country hit the flusher and if we don't at least TRY to come up now it will be too late. It may still be, but hell if we don't try. Too much blood, sweat, and tears have gone into giving us this legacy.

How dare we just let it go?

Fight and be smart, fits any adversarial situation. Its a sprint to the election we must win and then the real effort begins but we have to leave it on the floor to earn the opportunity.

Fight and be smart and we will take them down!

Back in the day there were Democrats and Republicans. They disagreed, but coexisted. Nowadays if you are a Dem and you express your political view, you get shouted down or physically assaulted. I believe in the Constitution, especially the First Amendment. I have learned not to get out of control. I do extensive research, so I can defend my point of view if necessary.

I am convinced that Dems and Repubs are wired differently. Repubs react more physically and like to engage in groupthink. Individual or original thought is strongly discouraged by these people. They are very concerned about what others think about them, and have no clear idea of right and wrong. They think in a straight line. They seem intellectually lazy and seem incurious and unwilling to really think for themselves. Original ideas have a very low priority. Drugs (and alcohol) probably do these people a lot of good, artificially keeping their ids in line. They seem perpetually unhappy and really like to control someone else even though they themselves are often out of control. They seek external sources of pleasure and happiness, and seem unable to generate those things from within.

Dems, on the other hand (and some independents too) think a lot more independently than Repubs. It seems we don't really give a damn what others think about us or our ideas, and we seem to roll with things better. I think we are more at ease with reality, and do not try to control it near as much as a Repub. We think more holistically, in "circles". Frankly, there's not much out there worth going into psychological overdrive. Life is less serious and not as much about consequence. Experience has shown us how to be more patient and to have more realistic expectations as to what life will give us. We like to receive; we don't like to take. We are a very large group of individuals.

Will Rogers had it right when he said, "I don't belong to an organized party- I'm a Democrat!"

Being a Democrat is more of an idea to me than it is a political affiliation. To me, it means that I have a tacit understanding of what is right and wrong, and this understanding guides my life.

Go Obama

And I see zero hope of either of those, nor any restoration of the Constitution, nor any repeal of the Patriot Act, nor any redemption or atonement for the failure of Congress to strongly oppose Bush's policies or appointments or nominees.

The beat goes on.

As for Nancy, I suspect there's more to the lack of impeachment that meets the eye. Any prosecution we do now would be pardoned by Bush (and hell he could then resign after Dick was pardoned and Dick could pardon him) PLUS impeachment would never ever get past anything more than a hand slap.

I'd like to see what Nancy Pelosi would do the next 2 years before I hang her out to dry.

and that plenty of Democrats were strategically tainted with insider knowledge of Bush crimes.

Let's not give Karl Rove that kind of credit for insight on how to manage organized crime. Let's not have the skepticism of the Founding Fathers who ruminated gravely on every possible conspiracy scenario that Madison and Jefferson could think of to ensure checks & balances for each possibility.

Let's break out the ridicule for the Founding Fathers. Whatta bunch of Tinfoil clowns.

Let's make it happen!

too bad it took a completely inept president to do it.

right in the kisser; no time-outs, no excuses. RIP GOP.

at this point, only Obama can save us from a deranged disaster of a McCain presidency.

Like I told the wife, if this one gets stolen again or a verifiable majority of idiots vote for more of a worse country, this family is getting passports and peeking over the borders.

My gut feeling is that the damage done to America is now so far reaching and blatant that it can't be ignored. We have gas prices, lost jobs, bungled hurricanes, home forclosures, etc., to thank more than exciting candidates. I dread the superhuman uphill battle they have ahead of them to clean this shit up, but if they can it will cement the Democratic Party for another 70 years like FDR did.

depending on whom you ask. for one thing, i'm not inspired by Biden any more than i was inspired by Lieberman in 2000 (in fact, i'm *less* inspired).

it's just that there is this almost palpable sensation of urgency that.... McWorse/Palin should not, cannot, must not win this election.

wasn't it Pat Buchanan who said that McCain, if elected, will make Cheney look like Gandhi?...
well, not only that, but... he will make Bush look like a f*cking FDR.

it's that bad, these people are really awful. this whole thing reminds me of "The Great Unraveling" (take-over by the right-wing extremists in times of crisis) predicted by Paul Krugman.