Stop the Bashing!

[Cane4Dems]

I get the passion that both Hillary supporters and Bernie supporters have for their respective candidates- that's great! That's what democracy is all about!

But it's getting disheartening to see the constant back and forth between the two camps (and I'm not saying that everyone is doing this) about each other's candidates. As a young liberal in my 20s its disappointing to see the personal attacks being levied by both sides- this is the side of politics that makes people in my generation want to just sit on the sidelines. I could imagine this type of behavior on a conservative site, but for people on this site to resort to that type of behavior is sad.

I don't see any value in tearing down each other's candidate- and do you honestly think your negativity towards the other candidate is going to convince undecided voters like me to choose one candidate over another? Yes constructive criticism is good....but resorting to personal attacks serves no purpose at all.

Rather I think it would be great if people were posting more positive posts or posts with informative information about why their candidate deserves the nomination over the other (and yes I know people are doing that- to those that are I commend you)

Let's remember at the end of the day we are all democrats. We need to remain united. At our core we each share similar views or otherwise we would not be on this site. And remember the endgame- to prevent a republican from taking the white house.

Personally I have not made a decision yet regarding who I will be voting in the primary for. I like both Hillary and Bernie. But I do know one thing for sure- regardless of whoever wins our nomination I damn sure will spend my time trying to help them win the election.

note: if anyone is offended by this post just ignore it. Have a great monday!

[HFRN]

1. it's time to start bashing the bashers nt

[FSogol]

9. Chuckle.

[Frances]

2. Agree 1000%

The negative comments about Dem nominees really turns me off.

The worst Dem is better than the best Repub is something we should all keep in mind

[Le Taz Hot]

3. And another newbie

DEMANDING!!1!!!111!! that we all just get along.

News flash: These are the primaries. Gird your loins 'cause it's not going to stop.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

4. Define bashing. Is having an honest discussion over policy, strategy, and behavior

considered bashing? If I tell the truth that Hillary Clinton, her husband Bill, and their surrogates made racist and derogoratory statements about blacks back in 2007 and 2008, for which they never apologized for, is that bashing.

[Agschmid]

5. No but calling someone a "Racist Witch" sure is...

Poor form.

[Admiral Loinpresser]

19. +1 n/t

[still_one]

6. Absolutely. Some folks fail to recognize while there could, and probably should be disagreements,

and discussions, but name calling, stereotyping, etc. is not the way to persuade people to your position.

Good OP, I hope it has some positive effect

[jeff47]

7. What's bashing? And bashing is not always bad.

Some consider discussing the unsavory parts of Clinton's track record to be "bashing". But it is an important part of her record. Just like the good parts of her track record.

Others consider discussing Sanders's low polling to be "bashing". But it too is an important part to discuss. Just like momentum and crowd size is too.

IMO, one of the best ways to evaluate candidates is what they are "bashed" with. Consistently hit on a narrow range of subjects? Then that's a good area to look into and make sure you are comfortable with those "bad" positions.

Attacks sprayed like a shotgun on a massive variety of subjects, with zero or very thin information? Then that candidate's opponents are desperately looking for something to "stick".

Let's remember at the end of the day we are all democrats.

Bashing will happen in the general election no matter what. It's better to find these weaknesses in the primary, so that the candidate can do better when attacked on those subjects by the Republicans. We don't need more "for it before I was against it" moments.

We are all Democrats, and the "losing" side of the primary will still back the Democrat when it matters. Despite the bashing.

[JaneyVee]

15. Here's an idea:

Put as much effort into defeating the unsavory record of Republicans. They are the enemy, not our candidates.

[jeff47]

22. When a Republican appears on my Democratic primary ballot, I will.

Until then, when talking about the Democratic primary, the details of the unsavory record of Republicans isn't terribly meaningful. Instead it's us just sitting around talking about how superior we are.

[Jamastiene]

8. I think it has gotten out of hand, very early for DU.

Usually, DU is not in full swing quite this early. Primaries on DU are some of the most knock-down drag-out fights I have ever seen. I would like for it to be tame for once, but I doubt that will happen.

I'm too old and tired for it at this point. I feel much the same way as you do about both candidates. I don't dislike either of them. I have friends on both sides too. It's weird being in the middle for once. I'm usually heels-dug-in, fighting tooth and nail. I just don't have it in me this time around. I do plan to vote for Sanders in the primary here in NC if he is still on the ballot by the time NC has our Democratic primary here, but would have no problem voting for Clinton in the general. I've voted for her before, back on '08. I would have no problem doing it again.

[CanonRay]

10. I like Bernie, but I have great respect for Hillary as well

and I will not be joining bashing either. Whoever wins the primary is my man/woman. What's the alternative folks...Ted Fucking Cruz? Let us not forget who we are in all the respective rah-rahing.

[JaneyVee]

14. A voice of reason.

[zappaman]

20. +1

I like O'Malley as well.

[99Forever]

11. Compare and contrast is what primaries are about.

Calling honest attention to a candidate's history is not "bashing" no matter how much you or anyone else dislikes it. It's using critical thinking in order to not repeat the mistakes of the past.

[JaneyVee]

12. Meanwhile, Bernie will endorse HRC and vice-versa.

[nadinbrzezinski]

13. Oh just wait

it has not even gotten started.

This place will get much, much, much, much uglier.

It is that hyper partisanship that is getting (gotten) out of control, and the eternal campaign cycle.

I rarely look at the primaries side of the house, but once the real "fun" starts, I am outta here.

[Dawgs]

16. Sorry. I enjoy the back and forth. n/t

[DemocratSinceBirth]

17. These pleas for comity fall on deaf ears.

Folks are gonna do what folks are gonna do.

[Maedhros]

18. I don't "bash" Hillary, I just point out how her past actions and policies are horrible.

It would be "bashing" if I threw out ad hominem attacks or false assertions, but I'm not doing that.

[elleng]

21. AND include Martin O'Malley in the discussion.

Failing to do so leaves us all handicapped, and ignorant of the best and most accomplished executive in the running.

FOR EXAMPLE, Martin O'Malley

1. Ended death penalty in Maryland
2. Prevented fracking in Maryland and put regulations in the way to prevent next GOP Gov Hogan fom easily allowing fracking.
3. Provided health insurance for 380,000
4. Reduced infant mortality to an all time low.
5. Provided meals to thousands of hungry children and moved toward a goal for eradicating childhood hunger.
6. Enacted a $10.10 living wage and a $11. minimum wage for State workers.
7. Supporter the Dream Act
8. Cut income taxes for 86% of Marylanders (raised taxes on the rich).
9. Reformed Maryland’s tax code to make it more progressive.
10. Enacted some of the nation’s most comprehensive reforms to protect homeowners from foreclosure.

Mother Jones magazine called him the best candidate on environmental issues.
Article here:
http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2014/12/martin-omalley-longshot-presidential-candidate-and-real-climate-hawk