Did any of the candidates Sanders and AOC campaigned for win last night?

[EffieBlack]

None of the ones I know about did, but there may be others.

[NCTraveler]

1. One was running unopposed, if I remember correctly. nt

[Hortensis]

23. OC backed 2 who won out of 6, but only one sorta impressive.

Two out of 6 might not seem so bad, but Rashida Tlaib is a mainstream Dem who served in the state legislature, endorsement welcome in a big-tent way.

The sorta impressive is more for its uniqueness than achievement: James Thompson, of Bigtree's post below , a political newbie who was a Republican until 2016.

He didn’t necessarily agree with everything Ocasio-Cortez or Sanders believe in, but... Thompson said he had a message for the haters. “They can just shut their pie hole”...

The people of that district have chosen, and, hey, it is a Democratic win (I think) in Kansas.

[bigtree]

55. UNITY!

...smgdh

[Hortensis]

56. We're quite a political family. UNITY!

[OilemFirchen]

2. Yes.

James Thompson, KS-4.

[bigtree]

7. the rally where Sanders and AOC drew over 5,000

Ben Terris at WaPo:

____It’s one of the top theories among Democrats that the way to win back majorities in Congress is to move toward the center, maybe peel off some moderates or at least not freak them out so much that they vote Republican in 2018. Thompson doesn’t buy it.

“They’re going to call me a socialist anyway,” he said he told Ocasio-Cortez. “You might as well come out so we can all have a good time.”

...after the rally, Thompson couldn’t agree more. He had hundreds of newly registered voters, he said. He had donations pouring in. His daughter finally got to meet one of her old heroes, and one of her newest heroes.

He didn’t necessarily agree with everything Ocasio-Cortez or Sanders believe in, but he doesn’t think voters care as much about each individual issue as much as they just want someone on their team, someone who fights for them.

Yes, more people were taking to social media to call him a socialist, he said. But with 5,000 roaring fans still in his ears, Thompson said he had a message for the haters.

“They can just shut their pie hole,” he said. “Because that was a good time.”

read: https://t.co/B92lLN9mR8

[OilemFirchen]

12. Color me unimpressed.

The dynamic duo attracts a crowd comparable to the audience of an Eagles cover band, and wins, in your words, a lackluster primary.

Thus starts the Revolution, I guess.

[bigtree]

16. for a Democrat in that area

...it was a big deal.

Pay attention.

This was Pompeo's district.

[OilemFirchen]

21. I am paying attention.

That's apparently why you're having a problem with me.

Let's be clear. A Democrat won the Democratic primary? That's a "big deal"?

Can we throw in that, as of two years ago, he was a registered Republican? That he has no legislative experience? That he lost his one and only election?

This is the hill on which you'll die?

[bigtree]

22. Pompeo's old district

...

There is no hill, and no one is dying.

[LisaM]

52. Wait, what?

The guy was a Republican two years ago? Look, I'm all for political evolution, but, once again, it seems that the real goal is to divide the Dems.

[kstewart33]

27. Bernie isn't doing that well.

His candidates have lost more often than they have won in the primaries. The energy seriously lags what happened in the 2016 campaign.

For me at least, it's good news because I fear that a strong Bernie run will again split the Democratic party and increase Trump's chances for winning re-election. We must be completely unified to do well in November and especially in 2020. And looking at his Congressional history, Bernie isn't a unifier.

[heaven05]

40. very UNimpressed with this

we got our candidate, the most qualified candidate over the top yesterday in spite of a certain faction tearing at her to bring her down. DID NOT WORK. As usual, optics are used over substance of which there is none. Always been that way. Optics, no substance. Everything they are touting as their 'New Deal', Democrats have been fighting for since I started voting in 1968. I look at voting records, very unimpressed there. I want quality fighters, not optics that look good and deliver NOTHING. Have a good one. GOTV. November is right around the corner bye.

[bigtree]

42. lol at how you talk about GOTV

...while dismissing campaigns which brought potential Nov. votes to our party's doorstep.

Such shortsighted, self-defeating advocacy.

I'm glad this isn't some winning Democratic campaign posturing against defeated Democratic rivals like this. Just DU.

Like I've said, "the Party's fine, sit down and shut up and vote" isn't the best strategy for drawing in voters looking for change. It's a recipe for a static electorate and a static candidacy.

[heaven05]

44. you don't know what you're talking about

the reason we have trump is evident and show the immaturity of a lot of voters WHO WHINED and sat out the vote. Keep trying to fool people, you might get a few. WE WILL GET OVERWHELMING NUMBERS, like to admit it or not. MY candidate won because we worked on getting an overwhelming vote against factional divisiveness. Shortsighted? Nah we're playing the long game also. We'll have the vote out again for our candidate in November in spite of factions and their pettiness and ego-driven politics. All optics, no substance. You can't shame a winner.

[bigtree]

46. so much us and themism from people here claiming to want unity

...this defensive posture is amusing. It's as if you've never experienced a contested primary before.

Who's arguing that your candidate won't win? You're actually projecting something I've not done in this primary. I haven't opposed ONE Democratic candidate. No attack posts, not accusatory threads, no spreading campaign bullshit about Dems, no concern posts about a threat of defeat, no self-righteous concern posts about whether someone will 'work within the party.'

Such reckless disconnect. Again, glad this isn't the actual campaign.

[heaven05]

49. you make me laugh

that's it. Post #102 in the Ocasio- Cortez and DU thread says it all, simply. Maybe it will be understood. Have a good one

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

54. Are yousurprised bigtree? Same old story... same old song and dance!!

[pamdb]

3. sanders et al

Not in Michigan, thank goodness. It would have handed the election to Schuette.

[SkyDancer]

31. Yes in MI

AOC endorsed Rashida Tlaib who won last night in her Dem primary in MI-13.

Link to tweet

Link to tweet

[heaven05]

45. Hope she works

with the Party.

[Blue_true]

48. Tlaib is a very much highly liberal mainstream D. She welcomes support from people like Bernie, but

she has a history as a proven D. Congrats to her on effectively winning Conyers' seat, barring no huge surprise.

[roody]

4. Yes.

[bigtree]

5. they were longshots

...most running against seasoned politicians.

So much for all of the hair-on-fire nonsense about the challenges and AOC spoiling something or the other.

What these primary challenges did was bring new and newly energized voters to, what had been, a lackluster primary process. Record Democratic voters at the polls in Michigan, for example, as these challengers brought many new and newly energized voters to Democratic party primaries. It's now up to winners to capitalize on those votes.

I like Gretchen Whitmer's appeal to her rivals:

She commended them for their efforts throughout this campaign season and said she was proud to be on a Democratic ticket, “with the most diversity in state history.” Whitmer said, adding that she is opening the door to El-Sayed and Thanedar for future teamwork.

“There is a place for you as we move forward. I appreciate your spirit and your energy, I appreciate your ideas and what you have meant to this party,” she said.

[theaocp]

8. I'll actually listen to that kind of unification.

Many here could learn by listening to her inclusive words. Thanks, bigtree.

[bigtree]

9. most politicians understand what's at stake

...and will work to gather in all of these Democratic voters into their own campaigns.

Watch how the nominee, Whitmer, works some of her rivals' message and platform into her own campaign. That's how you expand your voter base.

It's also the way initiatives for change are propelled into the political debate, advancing with the candidate, hopefully to a position where they can be considered into action or law.

[Hortensis]

15. She doesn't have our luxury. Thanedar's a

hugely questionable character who may be invited to big fundraisers but otherwise will have to buy a ticket if he wants to tour the governor's mansion.

El-Sayed otoh. If Democrats think he has potential and the ability to cooperate and work for his goals from the center of power, perhaps he'll be offered a position to help him develop a record to run on.

[OilemFirchen]

10. Yeah, maybe.

What these primary challenges did was bring new and newly energized voters to, what had been, a lackluster primary process.

It's also possible that the tone of these primaries introduced an unnecessary level of negativity that may harm the victor in the GE. It's also an open question whether the "new and newly energized voters" will translate into new and energized votes.

Time will tell.

[bigtree]

14. kinda leaning against evidence

...to set up this new hurdle.

Face it, there isn't any real damage that you can point to. Primary challenges both energize and expand the voter base.

They also help advance initiatives into the political arena, that is, if the winner understands how to draw those voters into their own campaigns.

There's really no one left to blame (though some invariably will) if they can't capitalize on the record turnouts.

[OilemFirchen]

17. There actually is historical evidence.

I'll invite you to study the 1968 elections, where an "insurgency" (of which I was a part, BTW) gave us Richard Nixon and a bunch of new Republicans down-ticket.

Please excuse me for the flashback.

[bigtree]

19. so 1968

...it's always been an uphill battle to advance progressive interests and initiatives. With so many voters sitting out these elections, it stands to reason that there's a well of progressive voters who can be energized, if candidates are willing to stick their necks out in these red states and appeal to them.

This looks to be a success, so far, in breaking the 'moderate' model for getting elected in this district.


Your take on '68? The one where hippies are blamed for electing Nixon? That one always makes me laugh. Thanks.

[OilemFirchen]

24. Who has been elected to represent this district?

Pardon my confusion.

[bigtree]

25. well

...I can see you're doing your part.

[OilemFirchen]

26. How so?

I live in Ohio.

[heaven05]

43. you are right

partly in 2016 we got trump because so many of these "energizers" sat out the vote. Nah, the optics are great, their substance is lacking. I believe nothing they say until they start working with the Party not against it like those "insurgents" of 68. Nixon-trump all because some voters couldn't be adults step up for THE party and forget the minor leader of a minor faction, Using optics, lacking in substance or original thought.

[heaven05]

41. There's always a place

but that it, working within the framework of the Democratic Party, not some minor faction of the Democratic Party.

[Cha]

6. Dunno, but Thank Goodness Gretchen Whitmer, Sharice Davids,

and Lacy Clay

Link to tweet

Won!

[Gothmog]

11. Bernie and his army are losing 2018

Our Revolution did not have a good night https://www.politico.com/story/2018/08/08/bernie-sanders-endorsements-2018-elections-767403

Bernie Sanders is sputtering.

Two years after his defeat the 2016 presidential primary, the Vermont senator has amassed a growing string of losses in races in which he has intervened. Beginning last year, Sanders-backed candidates faltered in an Omaha mayoral race and a nationally watched House race in Montana.

Then came Rep. Tom Perriello’s loss in Virginia’s gubernatorial primary, and in June, the drubbing in Iowa of Pete D’Alessandro, a top adviser to Sanders during his 2016 Iowa caucus campaign. Cathy Glasson, endorsed by Sanders’ successor group, Our Revolution, fell short in Iowa’s gubernatorial primary, as did Peter Jacob and Jim Keady in two New Jersey House races. Dennis Kucinich lost in Ohio.

Tuesday night brought Sanders and his army their latest blow, with a pair of high-profile losses in Michigan and Kansas.

[George II]

13. Some won, more lost. Hard to tally who those two campaigned for, but using Our Revolution's...

....endorsements as a guide, in contested primaries:

4 of their candidates won - Thompson and a state representative candidate in Kansas, Tlaib and a state senate candidate in Michigan.
8 of their candidates lost - Welder in Kansas, El-Sayed, Friday, and three local candidates in Michigan, and Apple and Bush in Missouri.

They also backed four who were unopposed.

[Hortensis]

18. Are you not counting the unopposed candidates?

Pretty sure they'll include them in their tallies since the need to those numbers is highly likely to be the main reason for their endorsements. No need for investment of time or money would be a nice plus.

[George II]

20. Yes, I left them out but they do list them on their "2018 Election Results" page.

[Hortensis]

33. :) Wish they'd reclaim Lincoln from the GOP while they're at it.

[pnwmom]

36. They backed Sarah Smith here in WA and lost (to incumbent Adam Smith, no relation.) n/t

[George II]

37. To be honest, it was a late night last night, I didn't look at the Washington results yet.

[pnwmom]

38. They won't be final for a while anyway, because ballots were still being mailed in yesterday.

But it looks great so far.

[George II]

57. Got a chance to review the Washington results:

Brand New Congress endorsed Gasque and Sarah Smith, both lost
Justice Democrats endorsed Gasque and Sarah Smith, both lost, and Jayapal (a VERY effective incumbent), she won
Our Revolution endorsed Gasque who lost and Jayapal who won.

They also endorsed a total of 7 state legislature candidates and a county commissioner - four won, three lost

[oberliner]

28. 2 out of 5

[SkyDancer]

30. More than that

James Thompson, Jamie Schoolcraft, Matt Morgan, Rashida Tlaib, & Robert Davidson all won their primaries last night.

[LanternWaste]

34. Inaccurate.

[SkyDancer]

29. Yes.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez endorsed candidates James Thompson, Jamie Schoolcraft, Matt Morgan, Rashida Tlaib, & Robert Davidson all won their primaries last night.

I am unsure but I think she endorsed Bell in St. Louis too but don't quote me on that. I haven't looked into it.

[heaven05]

32. some

Last edited Wed Aug 8, 2018, 04:40 PM - Edit history (1)

sorry I get carried away with my hopes sometimes. but at least Davis and Wittmer won. The back and forth in Kansas was a nail-biter .

[KPN]

35. Yep. Good news.

[leftstreet]

39. Maybe that's not the right question

...given the odds of longshot candidates winning


The better question would be 'how was turnout in areas where Sanders and AOC campaigned?'

Did they bring more voters to the polls? Were those new voters, non-voters, Indy voters, etc?

[EffieBlack]

47. Actually, it WAS the right question

If you think a different question might elicit a different answer more to your liking, have at it. But the fact that my question results in an answer you don't like doesn't mean I asked the wrong question.

[bigtree]

50. I like your frame better

...the expectations game for AOC has run the gamut, from claiming she's a spoiler, to she's an ineffective campaigner.

The results, consistent with most primary challenges, were an increased Dem voter presence at the polls, more money into Dem campaigns (especially in the ones where her candidates won), and the potential to expand our voter base in November, if these nominees manage to draw these rivals' voters into their own campaign effort.

Consistent with most primary challenges. I've actually witnessed many a campaign worrying about the lack of a challenge to generate interest, and worried about the potential of a static electorate of folks who would vote.

[Gothmog]

51. Democratic Party's liberal insurgency hits a wall in Midwest primaries

This makes me smile https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/democratic-partys-liberal-insurgency-hits-a-wall-in-midwest-primaries/2018/08/08/422f0140-9a50-11e8-8d5e-c6c594024954_story.html?utm_term=.209bbc9ca5bf

Candidates backed by Emily’s List, which endorses women and sometimes clashes with the left, bested left-wing challengers in three southeast Michigan districts; at least two are seen as toss-ups in November.

And in Kansas’s 3rd Congressional District, Brent Welder, a Sanders-backed labor lawyer who was viewed as the most liberal candidate in the race, was bested by attorney Sharice Davids, whose win Tuesday night makes her the state’s first gay and Native American congressional nominee.

“This is a fantastic night for centrist Democrats,” said Jim Kessler, senior vice president for policy at the center-left Third Way think tank. “We nominated the right candidates who can win House seats and governor’s mansions for the Democratic Party. There’s a quiet enthusiasm in the middle. There’s a quiet voice that people are not hearing in the media, but it’s loud at the ballot box.”

[jillan]

53. Yes Effie. 11 Bernie endorsed candidates won last nite.

Bernie endorsed candidates that DID win last nite:

Pramila Jayapal WA
Rashida Tlaib MI
Mark Bignell MI
Victor Minjares WA
Erin Frasier WA
Jessa Lewis WA
James Thompson KS
George Hanna KS
Michela Skelton MS
Curtis Wylde MS
Adrian Plank MS