Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search
 

hellofromreddit

(1,182 posts)
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 05:18 PM Mar 2016

I am a democrat today only because of the Bernie Sanders campaign

I see comment after comment, stating that "Sanders hasn't been a democrat for long enough to do X."

How long after becoming a democrat should I consider myself a worthless nobody?

126 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
I am a democrat today only because of the Bernie Sanders campaign (Original Post) hellofromreddit Mar 2016 OP
That depends on how long you hang around after Sanders concedes. Only you have that answer. Trust Buster Mar 2016 #1
I love my new DU - Ignore Edition -- welcome to the list SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2016 #7
Then you're not here to truly debate. Off to your bubble. Trust Buster Mar 2016 #9
A lot of people aren't here to debate. And many that do want to debate morningfog Mar 2016 #41
I don't have anyone on ignore and have done nothing that justifies being ignored. Trust Buster Mar 2016 #44
No one cares whether you have anyone on ignore. morningfog Mar 2016 #95
Other than your asshole response to the original poster? HERVEPA Mar 2016 #107
What was it about my response that offended you specifically ? Trust Buster Mar 2016 #112
Condescending and Sanders conceding bullshit. But you knew that. HERVEPA Mar 2016 #113
That's my opinion. You're too sensitive. Trust Buster Mar 2016 #114
It's called taunting. Unnecessary, immature, and stupid. HERVEPA Mar 2016 #118
Not taunting at all. It reflects the math. Trust Buster Mar 2016 #119
Your wording is taunting. Get a clue. HERVEPA Mar 2016 #120
And I think you're being too thin skinned. This is a political forum. Trust Buster Mar 2016 #121
Taunting sucks anywhere, political forum or not. HERVEPA Mar 2016 #122
Using the term "concede" in regards to a losing candidate is not taunting. It reflects the math. Trust Buster Mar 2016 #123
Oh just -- ---- -------- HERVEPA Mar 2016 #125
Oh, yes. Bam! JudyM Mar 2016 #88
Yesterday, I noticed that the tread I was reading had scores of posts, but 1monster Mar 2016 #73
If I'm not mistaken, I believe the ignored named OP do appear on the front page. (if that person 2banon Mar 2016 #98
Yes, but these are showing up in GDP and Greatest Forums. It's no 1monster Mar 2016 #99
I think that's what happens.. not sure. 2banon Mar 2016 #102
Skinner's blanket amnesty reset all those who had been on time-out. Since so many were Hillarians Kip Humphrey Mar 2016 #126
You cannot have things both ways hellofromreddit Mar 2016 #8
The song remains the same, only you can determine how long you'll be a Democrat. Trust Buster Mar 2016 #10
Are you here to discuss or to throw slogans and talking points at me? hellofromreddit Mar 2016 #13
Sanders is only a Democrat for this campaign. If you feel the same about yourself, then you Trust Buster Mar 2016 #17
Sanders is a FDR Democrat, just because the Democratic party angstlessk Mar 2016 #24
No, he was registered Independent until he needed the DNC infrastructure for his campaign. Trust Buster Mar 2016 #26
Be is more of a Democrat, as I recall what is a Democrat angstlessk Mar 2016 #27
Why exactly is that a problem? revbones Mar 2016 #31
He's insulted and belittled the Democratic party mythology Mar 2016 #42
Hmmm revbones Mar 2016 #89
And they don't deserve it? tech3149 Mar 2016 #108
So what? Voting for a label? Give me a break. snowy owl Mar 2016 #38
A label ? Do you know what it takes to develop a party infrastructure ? Do you know how Trust Buster Mar 2016 #39
Just like your local country club snowy owl Mar 2016 #47
So I take it that your comment about sticking around wasn't meant as a jab? hellofromreddit Mar 2016 #30
Look, I can only speak for myself. I value those that are Democrats and don't hack away at Trust Buster Mar 2016 #37
It's what passes for "debate" these days Fairgo Mar 2016 #20
Those that brag about the size of their ignore list aren't tolerant of different opinions. Trust Buster Mar 2016 #28
Uninformed opinions are like styrofoam peanuts Fairgo Mar 2016 #33
Wow, you sure told me. Enjoy your self segregation. Trust Buster Mar 2016 #35
That's a steaming load. Lizzie Poppet Mar 2016 #50
Party over principle... HumanityExperiment Mar 2016 #21
I totally agree...Eisenhower looks like a lefty compared to todays Democrats! angstlessk Mar 2016 #25
review of DU posts... HumanityExperiment Mar 2016 #36
So is this election about you or the millions of Latinos and Muslims Trump will round up Jackie Wilson Said Mar 2016 #51
That has nothing to do with what I said hellofromreddit Mar 2016 #58
Right or wrong, are you one of those who cant vote for Hillary? Jackie Wilson Said Mar 2016 #59
Then what are you doing here? hellofromreddit Mar 2016 #60
Why am I here supporting both Democratic candidates? Jackie Wilson Said Mar 2016 #61
No. Why are you in this discussion? hellofromreddit Mar 2016 #62
Oh that, yeah, you are right, I am sick and tired of people who dont care Jackie Wilson Said Mar 2016 #63
I still don't see what that had to do with my comments. hellofromreddit Mar 2016 #65
Your post begins with the word "I" - that and the content of the post I assumed you Jackie Wilson Said Mar 2016 #70
Several others have asked me about myself hellofromreddit Mar 2016 #76
Still all about you. Not just you, not picking on you, but every single one of you Jackie Wilson Said Mar 2016 #78
Follow this link hellofromreddit Mar 2016 #81
You could have and should have said that right up front. This is not a game, but to some Jackie Wilson Said Mar 2016 #82
I agree that this is not a game hellofromreddit Mar 2016 #87
You have proven your point Boomer4Bernie Mar 2016 #106
Oh! So you hate puppies? H2O Man Mar 2016 #92
Actually, I STILL don't think he's a big D Democrat. Adrahil Mar 2016 #75
Conceding requires losing the nomination - something that is as yet uncertain. Betty Karlson Mar 2016 #16
Thank you.... daleanime Mar 2016 #101
Welcome Redditee .... Trajan Mar 2016 #2
Same here. Guess we count for squat. GreenPartyVoter Mar 2016 #3
We all count more or less the same treestar Mar 2016 #117
Those comments are coming from people who whine that jillan Mar 2016 #4
Not all. I don't care if Sanders endorses Hillary or not. Trust Buster Mar 2016 #11
It wouldn't help anyway. dchill Mar 2016 #29
Whatever. Trust Buster Mar 2016 #32
This is primary battle banter on the internet - don't take it too seriously blm Mar 2016 #5
Principle over party... RepubliCON-Watch Mar 2016 #6
Have you been through the super secret initiation? Armstead Mar 2016 #12
From reddit? Lemme guess, you previously supported Ron Paul? Metric System Mar 2016 #14
No. hellofromreddit Mar 2016 #15
Yes, reddit is the hive mind. Goblinmonger Mar 2016 #45
Ad Hominem Boomer4Bernie Mar 2016 #110
You're using an intellectually dishonest argument. DisgustipatedinCA Mar 2016 #116
Something you and Bernie have in common then.... pkdu Mar 2016 #18
What were you registered as before and why? Who did you LuvLoogie Mar 2016 #19
I will not answer those questions hellofromreddit Mar 2016 #46
Well most Bernie supporters feel that theirs is the more principled choice. LuvLoogie Mar 2016 #67
That's sensible hellofromreddit Mar 2016 #72
My short response is that it matters more why an elected official LuvLoogie Mar 2016 #86
Who has said you were a worthless nobody? Tanuki Mar 2016 #22
hell I've been a Dem all my life...and after five minutes on DU with some Hillary people... tokenlib Mar 2016 #23
Lovely sentiment. Rec. MerryBlooms Mar 2016 #49
A lot of nasty Hillary supporters here. Typical stuff from the right wing. Broward Mar 2016 #34
another plug for principle over party snowy owl Mar 2016 #40
Policy over labels. /bye VulgarPoet Mar 2016 #64
Damn right I'm an emotional voter. My husband's friends just lost her SSI, and my son liberal_at_heart Mar 2016 #77
You say that as if it's a bad thing. Broward Mar 2016 #80
How long after becoming a democrat should I consider myself a worthless nobody? DJ13 Mar 2016 #43
I've been a Democrat since I turned 18 in 1981 MerryBlooms Mar 2016 #48
Isn't Bernie still running as an Independent ? OhZone Mar 2016 #52
Yes and yes, but he is keeping his word about not risking a 3rd party run for president Jackie Wilson Said Mar 2016 #71
Well, that's good! OhZone Mar 2016 #84
To me, the question to ask is "Why are you only a Democrat now?" guillaumeb Mar 2016 #53
Me too!! dana_b Mar 2016 #54
The fact that Bernie Sanders monicaangela Mar 2016 #55
Immediately if you are a Sanders supporter. NorthCarolina Mar 2016 #56
I am a member of the Democratic Party because i believe in the party. hrmjustin Mar 2016 #57
"Politicians come and go" 2banon Mar 2016 #109
Lets see...what kind of Democrat will you be after Bernie loses the Primary Sheepshank Mar 2016 #66
You cannot have things both ways hellofromreddit Mar 2016 #79
until the primary ends 0rganism Mar 2016 #68
That's a good take on it I think. snowy owl Mar 2016 #97
Right. Just forget about decades of the New Deal, civil rights, labor rights, baldguy Mar 2016 #69
Fact: The ACA passed because like thousands of times before Bernie voted with onecaliberal Mar 2016 #74
Bernie Sanders has had Democratic values Duppers Mar 2016 #83
Funny. I've been a Democrat since 1960. MineralMan Mar 2016 #85
You have to absolutely guarantee that you will vote for any (D) without question. Tierra_y_Libertad Mar 2016 #90
He was Independant until a few months ago... XRubicon Mar 2016 #91
Interesting question & thread. H2O Man Mar 2016 #93
right, the party that's shriveled to, what, 26% of the electorate? MisterP Mar 2016 #96
"Amendment King", co-founded largest Democratic caucus in house....nt blueintelligentsia Mar 2016 #94
From me the life time Democrat you are worth a hell of a lot jwirr Mar 2016 #100
Pretty sure that the Democratic Party will be adopting most of Bernie's platform... DemocracyDirect Mar 2016 #103
And you and he both won't be won tomorrow if he loses. Yeah, we got that. nt Jitter65 Mar 2016 #104
I am a Democrat and choose to Jenny_92808 Mar 2016 #105
Infiltrators Boomer4Bernie Mar 2016 #111
I have always been a Democrat treestar Mar 2016 #115
Well I was a Democrat for well over 40 years Autumn Mar 2016 #124
 

morningfog

(18,115 posts)
41. A lot of people aren't here to debate. And many that do want to debate
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 06:24 PM
Mar 2016

have no interest in assholes.

 

morningfog

(18,115 posts)
95. No one cares whether you have anyone on ignore.
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 10:32 PM
Mar 2016

And who are you to say whether you should be on ignore?

Quit trying to dictate to others.

You've done plenty to be ignored.

1monster

(11,012 posts)
73. Yesterday, I noticed that the tread I was reading had scores of posts, but
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 07:09 PM
Mar 2016

I could only see about 15 to 20 of them.

So, just for a look see, I logged out and opened DU without logging back on. I perused the same thread again, and saw all of the responses. After reading about ten, and found that the non-ignore version of DU was really harshing my mellow (to use a dated term ).

I'm back on the Ignore version and enjoying DU much more.

(Does anyone else have the problem of some of the ignorees somehow slipping off the ignore list and back into the feed? It seems I've ignored a few posters two or three times and and they still don't stay hidden?)

 

2banon

(7,321 posts)
98. If I'm not mistaken, I believe the ignored named OP do appear on the front page. (if that person
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 11:32 PM
Mar 2016

created the OP) That's what I remember explained to me once when the same thing happened to me.

1monster

(11,012 posts)
99. Yes, but these are showing up in GDP and Greatest Forums. It's no
Sat Mar 26, 2016, 12:49 PM
Mar 2016

biggie. Maybe if you click on the OP on the front page, it takes the poster off the ignore function?

 

2banon

(7,321 posts)
102. I think that's what happens.. not sure.
Sat Mar 26, 2016, 01:09 PM
Mar 2016

but I've had the same experience from time to time. I remember last year I had put Pro Sense on ignore at some point after she seemed to stalk me with her blue links that had nothing at all to do with the discussion.

But I'd still see her posts on the front page. I haven't seen her op's in quite sometime, don't know if she changed her identity and M.O. but she doesn't even appear on my "ignore list" anymore.

Kip Humphrey

(4,753 posts)
126. Skinner's blanket amnesty reset all those who had been on time-out. Since so many were Hillarians
Sun Mar 27, 2016, 10:37 AM
Mar 2016

I'm still catching stragglers and adding them back into my ignore list.

 

hellofromreddit

(1,182 posts)
8. You cannot have things both ways
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 05:25 PM
Mar 2016

Sanders is constantly judged for having not been a democrat long enough. No regard given to the future.

I get tarnished with the same brush, but I'm supposed to believe it's about the future with no regard to the past?

 

Trust Buster

(7,299 posts)
17. Sanders is only a Democrat for this campaign. If you feel the same about yourself, then you
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 05:33 PM
Mar 2016

have your answer. That's common sense.

angstlessk

(11,862 posts)
24. Sanders is a FDR Democrat, just because the Democratic party
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 05:41 PM
Mar 2016

went right of the Eisenhower republicans does not require REAL LIBERALS to claim their mantle!

angstlessk

(11,862 posts)
27. Be is more of a Democrat, as I recall what is a Democrat
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 05:46 PM
Mar 2016

Than probably 80% of those who call themselves Democrats...SORRY TO DISAGREE!

 

revbones

(3,660 posts)
31. Why exactly is that a problem?
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 05:47 PM
Mar 2016

I see you throw it out over and over, but you have yet to state why that's supposed to be an issue for anyone.

 

mythology

(9,527 posts)
42. He's insulted and belittled the Democratic party
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 06:25 PM
Mar 2016

If you're confused go tell people you know that they are ideologically bankrupt and that it would be hypocritical of you to join them among other insults and then ask those people to help you.

I'm guessing some of them would suggest you made your bed and can lay in it.

If it's crappy when Crist did it for politically opportunistic reasons, then it's crappy when Sanders does it for politically opportunistic reasons. It's not like Sanders has apologized for his insults.

 

revbones

(3,660 posts)
89. Hmmm
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 09:04 PM
Mar 2016

You said "No, he was registered Independent until he needed the DNC infrastructure for his campaign." and I asked why that was a problem. That's insulting and belittling the Democratic party?

So in your mind, if you are a 'good' Democrat that means that you have never sad anything bad about the Democratic party and are not allowed to going forward?

Is that it?

tech3149

(4,452 posts)
108. And they don't deserve it?
Sat Mar 26, 2016, 01:34 PM
Mar 2016

To borrow from Helen Mirren "just grow up!"
Sanders is running as a Democrat because our two party system makes any other choice self defeating. Just ask Jill Stein.
If you think that Sanders insults and belittles the Democratic party without just cause I would say you are the victim of ideological blindness that is impervious to any argument I could offer.

snowy owl

(2,145 posts)
38. So what? Voting for a label? Give me a break.
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 06:17 PM
Mar 2016

What does it matter? Trivial and stupid. We are not voting for a label. Well, maybe you are.

 

Trust Buster

(7,299 posts)
39. A label ? Do you know what it takes to develop a party infrastructure ? Do you know how
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 06:22 PM
Mar 2016

much special interest money it took to build that infrastructure, fund campaigns ? Sanders walked right into it and benefiting while claiming that he's against special interest money.

snowy owl

(2,145 posts)
47. Just like your local country club
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 06:31 PM
Mar 2016

Parties are not country clubs although they are starting to act like it. Stop buying labels and exclusivity and look intellectually at the issues. If you still like HIllary, vote for her. Keep the status quo going.

 

hellofromreddit

(1,182 posts)
30. So I take it that your comment about sticking around wasn't meant as a jab?
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 05:46 PM
Mar 2016

It certainly felt like one. But you still have not addressed the question.

It appears that I am a valued swing voter until I'm a faithless new member. So which is it?

 

Trust Buster

(7,299 posts)
37. Look, I can only speak for myself. I value those that are Democrats and don't hack away at
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 06:01 PM
Mar 2016

fellow Democratic candidates. I don't value those that have attacked Hillary as bad as I've ever seen Republicans attack her. A lot of Sanders supporters claim they're Independents. Only you can decide if you want to stick it out.

Fairgo

(1,571 posts)
33. Uninformed opinions are like styrofoam peanuts
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 05:49 PM
Mar 2016

they take up space and they are not a satisfying snack.

And hey, wanna see a magic trick? Abra cadabra ...
.
.
.
POOF
.
.
.
You just disappeared.

 

Lizzie Poppet

(10,164 posts)
50. That's a steaming load.
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 06:41 PM
Mar 2016
No one on my Ignore list is there for anything other than being rude, condescending, untruthful, or suchlike. I have no problem debating issues with Hillary supporters than can actually manage to behave like adults.
 

HumanityExperiment

(1,442 posts)
21. Party over principle...
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 05:38 PM
Mar 2016

There are those that stake their territory on party and there are those that stake their territory upon principle

HRC is republican light so the 'party' and her supporters have shifted to the right away from the core principles that have defined the Democratic party all these years

So what's being presented here is either you put on the 'blue jersey' and play for the 'team' or you're 'out' of the 'party'...

angstlessk

(11,862 posts)
25. I totally agree...Eisenhower looks like a lefty compared to todays Democrats!
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 05:43 PM
Mar 2016

I only hope Bernie can restore the FDR core to the Democratic party

 

HumanityExperiment

(1,442 posts)
36. review of DU posts...
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 05:56 PM
Mar 2016

I would like to agree with ya but reviewing many DU posts, and especially those of HRC supporters, of late makes one winch thinking the breadth of shift right the Democratic party has taken

Jackie Wilson Said

(4,176 posts)
59. Right or wrong, are you one of those who cant vote for Hillary?
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 06:50 PM
Mar 2016

Dont answer me, I dont care anymore.

I am so sick of this shit.

 

hellofromreddit

(1,182 posts)
62. No. Why are you in this discussion?
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 06:56 PM
Mar 2016

You claimed to be sick of this shit and told me that you didn't care about my response.

Seems a strange way tp use a discussion board.

Jackie Wilson Said

(4,176 posts)
63. Oh that, yeah, you are right, I am sick and tired of people who dont care
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 06:57 PM
Mar 2016

if American Muslims and Latinos are rounded up by the millions and kicked out of the country.

Jackie Wilson Said

(4,176 posts)
70. Your post begins with the word "I" - that and the content of the post I assumed you
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 07:06 PM
Mar 2016

were one of those who wont vote for HRC no matter what, and you are not answering when I ask if that is so.

And as to the why, if you truly dont understand the why, then, wait, sure you do.

Maybe you dont care what happens to others if Trump or Cruz are elected, but you sure as hell understand it.


I have read many of your posts in this thread, I keep seeing me/my/I....


 

hellofromreddit

(1,182 posts)
76. Several others have asked me about myself
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 07:25 PM
Mar 2016

Hence the pronouns. In fact, your entire response is about me, so it's hard to address it without referring to myself.

Discussions in the abstract don't go far around here because people prefer to have some kind of focus in their discussions--be it a person, event, etc. By the design of my OP, I'm that focus in this thread, so many of the comment chains look like this one.

You never actually asked me if I would vote for Hillary. You only insinuated that I'm willing to endorse some of the more vile ideas pitched by the republicans. That's not how to get an answer if you truly want one.

Honestly, I'm appalled at the level of discourse around here. Only incendiary threads get any traction--I intentionally made this one much more aggressive than it originally was to see if that would work as expected and it did. The drive-by insult flavor of comments (which is how you chose to introduce yourself to this discussion) is also disappointing. Instead of allowing you and others to steer me towards that same level of pettiness, I've been asking questions and pushing back.

With that said, you have still not addressed the fundamental question in this discussion: how long are new democrats not actually democrats in your eyes?

Jackie Wilson Said

(4,176 posts)
78. Still all about you. Not just you, not picking on you, but every single one of you
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 07:28 PM
Mar 2016

"Hillary will never get my vote" are the same in this one regard.

It is embarrassing to think that many liberals think like this, but I suspect most of you arent liberals.

I mean jesus christ man, that you would even hesitate to say you would OF COURSE vote AGAINST the GOP!

 

hellofromreddit

(1,182 posts)
81. Follow this link
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 07:34 PM
Mar 2016
"Hillary will never get my vote" are the same in this one regard.

It is embarrassing to think that many liberals think like this, but I suspect most of you arent liberals.

I mean jesus christ man, that you would even hesitate to say you would OF COURSE vote AGAINST the GOP!


Tell me what else you assume you know.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1107&pid=77598

Jackie Wilson Said

(4,176 posts)
82. You could have and should have said that right up front. This is not a game, but to some
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 07:35 PM
Mar 2016

seems so.

Some of us dont care about all the other bullshit, and care only about making sure the GOP does not take the WH.

 

hellofromreddit

(1,182 posts)
87. I agree that this is not a game
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 08:21 PM
Mar 2016

I was very careful to give you no reason to attack me, so you simply made one up.

Your behavior is exactly why I hate political parties. They breed it, they cultivate it, and the leaders happily use it as a weapon to divide us for their benefit, not ours.

There is no reason for us to fight with one another during the primary. There is no reason for us to fight with the republican voters during the general. There is near-endless common ground to be had, even with the people you imagine you hate, but people utterly refuse to even look--they'd rather fight among themselves WHEN THEY LITERALLY HAVE NO REASON AT ALL.

The "BernieBros" problem is fucking made up.

All this conspiracy theory bullshit about Hillary rigging the primaries is fucking made up.

Absolutely every single goddamned thing everyone in this forum is fighting about is fucking made up. They're little more than shit being tossed around in a cage full of angry monkeys.

If you would drop that crap long enough to listen, consider, and offer an honest response, you'd make a ton of headway on each and every issue you care to discuss. You are clearly intelligent--I've read quite a few of your comments--so I know you can help fix these problems, but you have to get away from this petty sniping first. Are the republican candidates pushing insane policies? Yes. Should republican voters pressure their leaders to NOT push insane policies? Yes. Will we talk them into that by calling them "repukes" and taking cheap shots? No. Will we change the minds of those republicans by fighting ourselves here? Absolutely not. Millions of people dropping the bullshit and actually holding leaders to account is the real way to fix things. Simply trading off the majority in congress every few years while we call people name does nothing.

The one and only thing I'm genuinely afraid of for this country's future is the ability of political parties to make people think that they should fight with one another instead of fighting with the assholes who do the damage. Bush retires to his ranch, the democrats in congress straight-up refuse to prosecute obvious war crimes, you fight with me, and my old friends and everyone else who died in Iraq continue to rot in the cold ground. You think maybe some of that energy needs to be redirected just a tad?

If Bernie gets elected, good, I like him. If Clinton gets elected, good, I like her. If Trump gets elected, well I'll cope. Either way, I'll write letters, I'll make calls, I'll talk to people in person, I'll join protests, etc. to relentlessly pressure THEM. It's my job as a citizen. But I will not be herded into attacking my compatriots.

Not even the assholes.

Boomer4Bernie

(3 posts)
106. You have proven your point
Sat Mar 26, 2016, 01:30 PM
Mar 2016

I (probably like you, @hellofromreddit) have not even decided whether or not to vote for Hillary. However the flavor of many of the comments in this thread certainly does not help to persuade me.

I wonder how I would be regarded by these so-called loyal Democrats. I registered as a big D 45 years ago. Is that long enough? But wait, I changed to Independent when the big Ds swung too far to the right. So I think I would not be considered sufficiently loyal.

So perhaps the question is: What is a big D Democrat? Is it someone who follows the party no matter how much it reshapes itself? Or is it someone who believes in a set a principles? I didn't join the big D when it was a deep south segregationist party; I joined when it was antiwar, liberal, great society. I'll be damned if I will follow it if it morphs into a totally corporatist, big-money tool.

Right now, I still have hope for the party; thus I've been voting D. If I lose that hope?

Oh, and don't bother muting me. I'm leaving. This isn't the open, interesting, supportive, dialoging group I was looking for.

 

Adrahil

(13,340 posts)
75. Actually, I STILL don't think he's a big D Democrat.
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 07:14 PM
Mar 2016

Yes, he's joined the party, but it was for convenience, just like caucusing with Dems in the Senate.

It's not really a matter of how long he, or you, have been a member of the party. Its matter of if he (and you) are committed to the success of the party, even if you don;t get your own way on every issue.

Certainly, the party does not represent me on every issue, but I recognize that perfect can be enemy of "good enough for now."

 

Betty Karlson

(7,231 posts)
16. Conceding requires losing the nomination - something that is as yet uncertain.
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 05:32 PM
Mar 2016

Do you only count unhatched chickens, or are there more shell-covered fouls you list as though they have already taken flight?

treestar

(82,383 posts)
117. We all count more or less the same
Sun Mar 27, 2016, 09:14 AM
Mar 2016

We each have one vote.

What is it with the victim complex? How does it attract any votes? I'm certainly not changing to Bernie so some DU poster won't feel like a victim. Like the OP. Do people really think politics is about them and everyone else catering to them? If people need personal attention they need to get it from their personal relationships. A political party is not effective for that.

jillan

(39,451 posts)
4. Those comments are coming from people who whine that
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 05:23 PM
Mar 2016

Bernie is not a Democrat and then turn around and whine because they don't think he will eventually endorse the Democratic nominee.


It's very confusing

blm

(112,873 posts)
5. This is primary battle banter on the internet - don't take it too seriously
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 05:23 PM
Mar 2016

because not one person here can say anything that effects your basic priorities in life and how you vote in a voting booth.

I've been here almost 15 years and I can guarantee you that none of the banter in the last 3 presidential primaries had any effect on my personal views or who I am as a person. Have made some wonderful friendships with likeminded people, though. And even had/continue to have warm relationships with those who were rooting for the opposition. We are adults who knew how to come together afterwards and unite to stop our mutual opposition - The GOP and its fascist agenda.

 

RepubliCON-Watch

(559 posts)
6. Principle over party...
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 05:24 PM
Mar 2016

Is the ethical way to go. No timeline determines your affiliation, only what you associate yourself with and what values you hold as your subjective worldview.

 

Armstead

(47,803 posts)
12. Have you been through the super secret initiation?
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 05:28 PM
Mar 2016

No one is eligible until then....(Hint, it involves cat food and a fork.)

Boomer4Bernie

(3 posts)
110. Ad Hominem
Sat Mar 26, 2016, 01:52 PM
Mar 2016

That remark is known as an Ad Hominem attack. It is neither civil nor convincing. Take a look at the chart at https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Name_calling&oldid=690435186 to learn better methods of discourse.

LuvLoogie

(6,823 posts)
19. What were you registered as before and why? Who did you
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 05:37 PM
Mar 2016

vote for previously and why? What do you know if the Democratic party? I can't really comment on your motivation until I know where you are coming from.

LuvLoogie

(6,823 posts)
67. Well most Bernie supporters feel that theirs is the more principled choice.
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 06:59 PM
Mar 2016

I have no problem saying that I have always voted for the Democrat except for one Republican County level State's Attorney candidate one time in the early 90s. I voted for the Democrat after that.
I voted for Hillary in 08, then Barack ever since. I voted for Carter, Mondale, Dukakis, Clinton, Gore and Kerry.

Your refusal to answer raises skepticism as to why you would become a Democrat for Bernie's sake. So it's hard to knock that chip off your shoulder while you're standing behind that cyclone fence.

 

hellofromreddit

(1,182 posts)
72. That's sensible
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 07:08 PM
Mar 2016

I chose to not answer because it's my position that my past should not be a factor in party membership. But a lot of people around here don't feel that way, so any answer I offered up could only be a distraction as people attempt to fight over it.

I don't think that my choice is necessarily more principled, though my principles have fueled my choices. I'm open to the possibility that I'm wrong.

It seems to me that these standards of "true party membership" that people have been inventing as of late can only accomplish the exact opposite of the party's stated goal of growth. Exclusive clubs by their nature are small, and small political parties are generally ineffective.

I don't exactly have a chip on my shoulder over it--I just wanted to talk about it and incendiary posts seem to be the only ones that get traction here.

LuvLoogie

(6,823 posts)
86. My short response is that it matters more why an elected official
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 08:04 PM
Mar 2016

or candidate is a party member.

The candidate represents the party platform or his/her own in a general election. General elections only require one's eligibility and registration, not affiliation, in order to vote.
Generally stated, the Democratic party is a network of like-minded individuals who seek a consensus toward common viable goals achieved through governing policy and legislation. In a majority rules government those goals and aspirations are run through a binary filter of yes and no votes.

I state this because, Bernie has come to the conclusion that the best vehicle for his principles is the Democratic party. He seeks its nomination for the Presidency. So does Hillary.

As there are other members of the party besides yourself who seek to choose our nominee, our candidate is to be determined. As a Democrat I have every confidence that either candidate will SUPPORT Democratic principal's. So I will vote for whomever is the nominee. I believe, however, that Hillary is the candidate that will better PROMOTE Democratic principles.

So the question of membership motivation has to do with Democratic solidarity over the long haul. It's a legitimate question placed to Bernie and his never-before-Democrat supporters. And the question is really one you should ask yourselves. Where do you go from here?

tokenlib

(4,186 posts)
23. hell I've been a Dem all my life...and after five minutes on DU with some Hillary people...
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 05:40 PM
Mar 2016

..I feel like a worthless nobody. But then I go to the FDR memorial in DC at night and get tears in my eyes too.

I also see Bernie as more of a Democratic soulmate than both Clintons, Harold Ford, DWS, Debbie Stabenow and a few more New Dems all put together...

liberal_at_heart

(12,081 posts)
77. Damn right I'm an emotional voter. My husband's friends just lost her SSI, and my son
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 07:27 PM
Mar 2016

will be applying for SSI next year. Not at all sure he'll even get approved. I'm tired of Democrats spending money on war and then caving to cuts to social services.
My mantra: Family over party. Don't like it. Too bad.

DJ13

(23,671 posts)
43. How long after becoming a democrat should I consider myself a worthless nobody?
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 06:26 PM
Mar 2016

That depends on how long it takes you to consider voting the "lesser of two evils" in a GE if Hillary is the nominee.

MerryBlooms

(11,711 posts)
48. I've been a Democrat since I turned 18 in 1981
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 06:33 PM
Mar 2016

I'm a Sanders supporter. I am happy to welcome all Democrats and encourage ALL to vote, no matter who you're voting for in this election season. I'm also a Democrat who votes straight ticket, no matter what... which is sometimes frowned upon.
There is no such thing as a 'worthless nobody'.
Welcome.

OhZone

(3,212 posts)
52. Isn't Bernie still running as an Independent ?
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 06:44 PM
Mar 2016

for his Senate reelection?

And hasn't he attacked the Democratic party and he's still attacking.

Oh well.

Jackie Wilson Said

(4,176 posts)
71. Yes and yes, but he is keeping his word about not risking a 3rd party run for president
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 07:07 PM
Mar 2016

You can take that to the bank, by the way, he is a man of his word.

guillaumeb

(42,641 posts)
53. To me, the question to ask is "Why are you only a Democrat now?"
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 06:44 PM
Mar 2016

Were you previously uninvolved in electoral politics?

monicaangela

(1,508 posts)
55. The fact that Bernie Sanders
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 06:45 PM
Mar 2016

Has decided to run as a democrat rather than as an Independent appears not to be appreciated by some.

 

hrmjustin

(71,265 posts)
57. I am a member of the Democratic Party because i believe in the party.
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 06:46 PM
Mar 2016

It is not based on one individual politician. Politicians come and go.

 

2banon

(7,321 posts)
109. "Politicians come and go"
Sat Mar 26, 2016, 01:45 PM
Mar 2016

they sure do. the question regarding politicians, Where (professional life) do they come from? and where are they going? defines what they're about.

And then you have those that come back again and again.

think dynasties.

"believing in the party" to me is like "believing in the bible"

what does that even mean?

Not saying you do, but generally it seems to me is about demanding loyalty which is an undemocratic construct. Policy Issues be damned. Brad Loyalty just cuz.

doesn't work for a lot of people.

 

Sheepshank

(12,504 posts)
66. Lets see...what kind of Democrat will you be after Bernie loses the Primary
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 06:59 PM
Mar 2016

...perhaps that will be more telling than you telling us you only joined because of Bernie.

 

hellofromreddit

(1,182 posts)
79. You cannot have things both ways
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 07:28 PM
Mar 2016

Sanders is constantly judged for having not been a democrat long enough. No regard given to the future.

I get tarnished with the same brush, but I'm supposed to believe it's about the future with no regard to the past?

0rganism

(23,819 posts)
68. until the primary ends
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 07:05 PM
Mar 2016

seriously, there's a lot of bad blood thrown around now, (imho) due mostly to the intra-party scuffling associated with the primary campaign. this is hardly DU at its most hospitable.

however, there is a big up-side to the current "civil war": the differences between priorities of economic progressives and the Democratic party establishment are being directly highlighted. as a result of the Republican dysfunction, it is quite likely that the Democratic party can achieve a decade or more of dominance and become "the" de facto centrist party by absorbing some key players and principles from the dying GOP. this suggests a socially liberal, economically moderate (the "Bernie wing" of the party will have a lot to do with keeping this from tilting too far to starboard) and hawkish foreign policy positions -- similar to how it is now, but more intense due to tensions arising between the influx of opportunistic tax haters and Sanders' priority planks (which will likely be in the party platform after the convention). the big losers will be the hardcore social conservatives, who have cast their lots with Trump or Cruz, and for their efforts will inherit a broken shell of a political party unable to enact any of its atrocious policy positions.

snowy owl

(2,145 posts)
97. That's a good take on it I think.
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 11:26 PM
Mar 2016

Parties have changed over the decades. I can see the DLC and now the DNC being more centrist right and becoming the conservatives of the future while the progressives become under whatever name the party of the true left. Of course, that is tantamount to starting a new party...

But people better get their heads out of the loyalists column or we are going to see more travesty and inequality in the near term. People seem to have to experience the gutter before they are willing to take themselves out of it.

 

baldguy

(36,649 posts)
69. Right. Just forget about decades of the New Deal, civil rights, labor rights,
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 07:05 PM
Mar 2016

environmental protection, consumer protection, voting rights, gay rights, health care, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc, .....

Sanders may have been an ally for many of those things - but he hasn't been a Democrat. Instead he chose to sit on the sidelines.

And, because of that - Sanders hasn't been a Democrat for long enough to be of any influence & build a coalition which is an essential part of winning a national campaign.

onecaliberal

(32,373 posts)
74. Fact: The ACA passed because like thousands of times before Bernie voted with
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 07:10 PM
Mar 2016

Democrats. I don't give two shits what her supporters spew. They are shape shifters just as she is. At least we sanders supporters stand for people and not corporations

Duppers

(28,088 posts)
83. Bernie Sanders has had Democratic values
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 07:40 PM
Mar 2016

from back when Hillary was a Goldwater girl.

So to hell with our critics here.

MineralMan

(146,116 posts)
85. Funny. I've been a Democrat since 1960.
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 07:47 PM
Mar 2016

I've been through good times and bad. I've seen awful Republicans elected. I remain a Democrat, and note for Democratic candidates in every election. Welcome to the party. I hope you're able to stick around for five decades, too.

 

Tierra_y_Libertad

(50,414 posts)
90. You have to absolutely guarantee that you will vote for any (D) without question.
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 09:09 PM
Mar 2016

At least that's the (un)democratic opinion of party Purists.

XRubicon

(2,212 posts)
91. He was Independant until a few months ago...
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 09:12 PM
Mar 2016

He is using the party that he said he didn't want to be part of to get elected.

H2O Man

(73,232 posts)
93. Interesting question & thread.
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 09:28 PM
Mar 2016

A lot of people on DU are limited to viewing the Democratic Party within the rigid definition provided by the "establishment" wing of the party. But that isn't so.

We Sanders's supporters are just as much part of the Democratic Party as anyone else. They have a degree of control on the corporate money and making their own rules. But we are changing that. We do not limit our thinking to the guidelines they suggest.

MisterP

(23,730 posts)
96. right, the party that's shriveled to, what, 26% of the electorate?
Fri Mar 25, 2016, 11:14 PM
Mar 2016

and that's not even counting those adults who never bothered to register anymore

jwirr

(39,215 posts)
100. From me the life time Democrat you are worth a hell of a lot
Sat Mar 26, 2016, 12:51 PM
Mar 2016

more than some in our party.

I want to build a party around people like you and if we cannot take over this one than I will follow you to the new rebuilt one.

 

DemocracyDirect

(708 posts)
103. Pretty sure that the Democratic Party will be adopting most of Bernie's platform...
Sat Mar 26, 2016, 01:11 PM
Mar 2016

Regardless of who gets the nomination.

So you are a real Democratic Party member now.

 

Jenny_92808

(1,342 posts)
105. I am a Democrat and choose to
Sat Mar 26, 2016, 01:30 PM
Mar 2016

help change the Democrats from the inside. Go Bernie!

I was just hidden because I said the RW repubs harm us. So I suspect that we have been infiltrated by wrong-doer RW republicans and DU owners endorse it.

Boomer4Bernie

(3 posts)
111. Infiltrators
Sat Mar 26, 2016, 03:50 PM
Mar 2016

Do you think most of the ad hominem attacks and put-downs are by paid trollers? If so, I should stay and not let them take over the group.

treestar

(82,383 posts)
115. I have always been a Democrat
Sun Mar 27, 2016, 09:09 AM
Mar 2016

Never thought about it as being all about me. Thus I have never felt like a worthless nobody over it. I really don't see that Bernie is. all That. I would not change my general outlook over Bernie. He is just not a big deal to me.

Latest Discussions»Retired Forums»2016 Postmortem»I am a democrat today onl...