Sigh. How'd I let this happen?

[TDale313]

I swore I wasn't gonna get invested this time. Hillary was gonna get the nomination. All I want is someone to run who can challenge her somewhat- make it a race. Bring up my issues. Maybe Warren? Oh, damn, looks like she's not gonna run. Oh. Bernie's running. I really like him. He doesn't have a chance- I saw what they did to Dean- gave my heart and effort to that campaign and he was several shades more moderate than Sanders. But I can support him in the primaries. It'll be good for the party...

Fast Forward many months- many polls- thousands of posts telling us Bernie supporters to give it up already- much soul searching about why my feminist self is not supporting a Democratic woman with a real chance to win the presidency- donating, coming out on Facebook as a Sanders supporter- strained friendships with Hillary supporting real world friends who don't get it.

Somewhere along the line I've allowed myself to actually start hoping and believing and *desperately* wanting us to pull this off. Which- I realize, having gone through this before, is dangerous- but I believe the country needs Bernie, whether it deserves him or not. Are we smart enough to actually elect him? I sure hope so 🙂

[Voice for Peace]

1. Yup

During the '08 primary, I thought it wasn't possible for me to get any more obsessed. That was nothing. We have found an honest man. Even typing those words makes me weep. There is nothing mortal about Hope.

[TTUBatfan2008]

3. Real Hope...

Unlike a couple of corporate Presidents who both misled liberals. When you see Bernie overcome a ton of obstacles to become a legitimate candidate while Jeb Bush spent about $50m of corporate cash in Iowa and finished 3% in the polls, that gives you real hope that the TRUTH matters and the people of this country are not always so easy to fool.

Comes down to this, we have a man of integrity standing up for our sentiment...

[Liberal Jesus Freak]

2. Same here.

I was determined to quietly vote this year, watch old movies, refuse to join the fray. Instead, for the first time in my life I'm donating to a politician. And I desperately want him to succeed. I've not felt this strong as a feminist in twenty years. I'm even posting my views on Facebook (gasp) and have lost a few friends and family. It is worth it. Win or lose, I feel like I've found my progressive, liberal, feminist identity. I will never turn back and for that I can thank Senator Sanders!

[Voice for Peace]

16. Have you read the article by

the evangelical preacher comparing Bernie to John th'Baptist?

I was reading it aloud last night to an atheist friend and he wept. You've likely seen it but if not:
Run don't walk to Google "John Baptist Bernie Sanders" -- easy to find

(Bc your name)

[Liberal Jesus Freak]

20. No I haven't...

But I'll be running to Google shortly. Thanks

[Matariki]

22. Single Google result is this thread!

Do you have a link?

opps. only if you keep the quotes

[Voice for Peace]

27. I'm working from smartfone w REALLY slow access

But google "evangelical compares Bernie Sanders to John the Baptist" might work
Worth the trouble

[Matariki]

29. I found it. I was leaving the quotes around the search term

which only yielded this thread. It's pretty good, I get a little uncomfortable with his repeated refrain of 'wild haired jew', but still it's encouraging to see an evengelical make those points.

https://www.reddit.com/r/SandersForPresident/comments/3l4khz/transcript_of_biblical_argument_for_bernie_by_jim/

[Voice for Peace]

30. Thanks very much for the link

[passiveporcupine]

34. Yahoo politics has him labeled as an atheist. He is not an atheist.

That is in the linked article. Just wanted to correct the record.

When I was watching Bernie Sanders talk at Liberty University, I was just really shocked, and something kind of magical happened for me, because as I watched that guy stand up on that stage, here’s what I saw. I saw a wild-haired Jew crying out in a hoarse voice, in a very forceful and forth-speaking way, he was convicting the Christian leaders and religious leaders in that University and calling us out for being complicit in the abandonment of those who suffer: “The least of these.” And siding with the powerful and the rich and the masters of this world. And he was convicting us, and calling us out. And we scorned him, and we stared him down, and with sour faces we thought, ‘Who is this whacko? And why do all these people seem to follow him, seem to like him? This wild-haired Jew, crying out from the wilderness of the political Left, in his hoarse voice?’

When I heard Bernie speaking in that way, when I saw that guy on stage at Liberty University, I saw John the Baptist. I saw the wild-haired, roughly-clothed John the Baptist…crying out to the religious leaders, the Pharisees of his day,

http://www.elephantjournal.com/2015/09/is-bernie-sanders-a-modern-day-john-the-baptist-evangelical-christian-man-thinks-so/

Here is the link for those who want to read it.

So why is this evangelical Christian man’s statements on Bernie Sanders relevant?

Well essentially, it’s another fine example that Senator Sanders has something to offer everyone. He truly is a man for the people. He is a liberal candidate that even conservative Christians or religious folk can support (when typically, religious people tend to vote Republican).

It’s also noteworthy that Bernie Sanders is a man willing to step out of his comfort zone. He s willing to reach out and tell everyone what he’s all about.

[Voice for Peace]

47. Thanks, proactive porcupine! Nt

[passiveporcupine]

49. You are welcome

Thanks for bringing it to my attention. I'd not seen that.

[Utopian Leftist]

58. Technically, Bernie is a mystic:

I saw Bernie state that he respects his heritage and believes in God but does not have anything to do any more with organized religion. The definition of a mystic is someone who believes in God but does not practice any religion.

I am a mystic myself and I keep trying to explain to my atheist friend that I have more in common with him than I do with the religious majority.

[Paka]

4. Another one who has been there before,

and faced the terrible loss (McGovern). I kept voting, but dropped out of all political activity after that. I'm too old to hope for another chance and I know that if we don't succeed we almost certainly will not get another chance.

[Voice for Peace]

25. Incoming tide. The waves will keep coming in long after we're gone

It's as much about evolution as revolution: look at the beautiful young! Did you plant a seed of hope back then? Probably zillions.

One of my daughters (29) when we were discussing Hilary claiming Obama's legacy, said something I found revealing: "Obama's REAL legacy is Bernie Sanders."

Or it might have been: "Bernie Sanders IS Obama's legacy."

These kids will keep on being born. They get brighter and brighter, and every single one brings hope along. Hope can never age, be owned or ruined.

[alterfurz]

59. yes, the tide is turning...

...and while not many of us old-timers will be around to see it crest, it's consolation knowing that time WILL come.

Meanwhile, if I'm very lucky, I might get two more presidential votes, with Bernie x 2 boosting my lifetime W-L record to .500, and the country's batting average a little nearer to .300 -- here's hoping!

[marble falls]

50. That one really got me, too. I honestly thought McG had it in the bag ....

until the first Wednesday morning in Nov '72. It really took it out of me to ever work on another campaign.

[Hoppy]

5. I've popped Bernie about $100. so far. Another $50. will go in on Thursday.

Maybe he won't get the nomination. But the point is that I will have done everything I can think of to make it happen.

[TDale313]

6. Well, that's been my attitude.

Dammit, I have to try!

[DaGimpster]

7. I'm in this to win this, but..

.. the vitriol being presented is wearing on me.

[stillwaiting]

8. Put the worst offenders on ignore; Trash the HRC group

It's the only way I can come to DU still.

[Lazy Daisy]

9. I've tried that

but somehow it doesn't work. I've trashed the Hillary group but it still shows up, I've ignored people and they still show up.

[stillwaiting]

10. To ignore a person it's a two step process.

First click the ignore icon next to their username, and then click "Full Ignore" (there's no need to leave yourself open to being badgered by someone you've chosen to ignore via a Personal message.

For the HRC group, go to this link:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1107

and click on "Trash this forum".

I hope this helps. You will still see some posts on the Main page in the Trending and Most Recc'd groups. I don't normally visit threads from the Main Page. Go to the Latest threads or Greatest Threads listings from the tabs and visit links from there. You won't enter any HRC group threads and you won't see OP's from posters that you have put on ignore.

Hope this helps!!

[Fuddnik]

32. LOL. I tried it. "Hillary Clinton has been added to your trash can".

I hope it doesn't attract buzzards and raccoon's.

[chknltl]

37. Done. Thanks for headsup. nt

[LiberalArkie]

11. It works in the latest threads for me but not the main page, so I never click on the main page

I just go to the latest threads . I have GD-P and Hillary blocked

[stillwaiting]

15. I'd contact the Admins then.

Just know that from the MAIN page here at DU that posts from the HRC group and posts from posters that you have on ignore will be visible.

It's why I don't click links from the main page. I only visit links from the Latest and Greatest threads.

If you are seeing posts from the HRC group and posts from users you have ignored when you are in the Latest Threads or Greatest Threads sections of the website then let an Admin know b/c that's not the way it works for me and most of us!!

[ornotna]

24. You have to click "Full Trash" for it to be effective. n/t

[senz]

33. Just have to tell you this...

I cannot see your avatar without pausing for the tongue to come out! And it's very cool that you managed to put "Bernie" on the tip of its tongue, too.

[ornotna]

41. Thanks!

I customized it just for the primaries.

[DaGimpster]

13. I've started ignoring people/groups

but I really hate doing it. I like to hear all sides, but I'm at a loss for what they are trying to accomplish. I would apply this to anyone who's off the rails on the Bernie side too.

Don't mind me, I'm just having one of those nights!

[stillwaiting]

17. There are a number of Hillary supporters I don't have on ignore.

I have the over-the-top obnoxious ones that insult Bernie supporters on ignore.

I have zero desire to change their mind or to engage with them in any area of my life.

[tosh]

12. You, me and...

THOUSANDS more like us!

Let's do this thing!

[TDale313]

21. I really think we can! n/t

[840high]

14. ..+1

[marlakay]

18. Me too told hubby I wasn't getting involved

Next thing I know I went to debate party after we moved and found myself signing volunteer form. I think I will do a bit of registering.

Next thing I know I am in meetings with the leaders of our area planning all kinds of stuff, yes registering on campus, add to that phone banking, debate parties at bars, fund raisers at bars with bands. Putting up fliers, etc. Oh and the 5 day trip to Reno to canvass door to door with 3 others.


Yea not getting involved.....

[TDale313]

19. That's just awesome! Thanks for all your hard work. n/t

[mak3cats]

23. I feel your pain (tee hee)...

Seriously, I was a Deaniac who joined Kerry's army when Dean dropped out. Us Dean supporters were "welcomed" by the other campaign with condescension. (The person who ran the Kerry campaign locally then is now the county executive. Doing a really good job, but I will never forget his smirks that night. Maybe I should send him a link to this post.)

I'm in it to win it this time. If not, I'm no longer a Democrat.

[dae]

26. TDale, when this race is concluded please right a book. Your OP

can be the "Forward."
I'm serious!

[leftcoastmountains]

31. My first time to really care. I thought everybody else

was feeding the fat cats, with legislation made for them, etc.
When I heard Bernie was running I thought, wow can't be?! Can he
win? I first heard him on the Thom Hartmann show and liked him
from the start. Tuesday I'm going to buy another Newcastle
to get me through the night. My brother advised me to tune him
out for a week and give myself a break! But everything else pales
in comparison. If he doesn't make it, it's going to be tough!

[TDale313]

35. Yeah, it's gonna hurt if we can't pull this off.

I think we *need* this. OTOH I think a lot of good is coming out of this campaign and I hope some of this sticks even if Bernie doesn't win. The conversation has changed dramatically because of his participation.

Oh, and I think it'll be a fight, but I believe we can win.

[joanbarnes]

36. I feel the same way, I get it.

[ErikJ]

38. Hillary is a Corporatist first, woman second, Democrat 3rd. nt

[TDale313]

39. Unfortunately I think there's a lot of truth to that. n/t

[indivisibleman]

40. I think many of us

Have gone on a similar journey.

[bullwinkle428]

42. K&R. This really does read like you read my own mind.

[rocktivity]

43. Sounds like my game plan eight years ago

Last edited Mon Feb 8, 2016, 03:02 PM - Edit history (2)

I made my initial "investment" in Obama because Hillary was too much of a corporatist. I voted for him in my state primary though he didn't have a snowball's chance in hell. But I figured that it would be as close as I would come to voting for a black presidential candidate, and I would then switch my loyalties to Hillary -- no later than the first Super Tuesday, most likely, when his pipe dream of a campaign would be brought to a humiliating but merciful halt.

Substitute Bernie for Obama, anti-corporatist for black, and I'm right back where I started!


rocktivity

[TDale313]

46. let's hope it's a similar result.

🙂

[BigBearJohn]

44. just remember this:

[TDale313]

45. ...

I like that.

[jillan]

48. I swore off of DU forever. And I did for 2 years. Now

I'm right back to where I was in 2008. Except this time it is even worse (time wise).

I'm 60 & I finally found a candidate that speaks for me 99% of the time.

We're gonna do this people! We are going to take our country back from the oligarghs, and give it back to the middle class.

The times they are a changin.....

[Enthusiast]

51. Kicked and recommended!

[ananda]

52. Right with you there!

Thanks!

[99th_Monkey]

53. K&R nt

[U of M Dem]

54. There is nothing dangerous...

about getting your hopes up for the best candidate in the race.

The only danger is for democrats being complicit with more of the same-old, same-old establishment-backed, war promoting, and wall street supported candidate (HRC), staying home, or (much worse) resigning themselves to just go with the motions in actively supporting her royal highness.

[saidsimplesimon]

55. "I swore I wasn't gonna get involved this time."

Ditto, I lied to myself. We can pull this off, if we get out the vote in NH and all the primary states. The establishment candidate will put up the usual defensive moat of endorsements from well known and respected political figures.

We may be "dreamers". If not for US, what progress is ever made?

[Zorra]

56. I get it.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10141065596#post25

[valerief]

57. The bastards can take everything from us but our hope. nt

[beemer27]

60. I know what you are going thru!!!

Most of my friends around here are conservatives. They are not the mean "let em die" type conservatives that you see running for office. They are the old-fashioned "I miss the good old days" conservatives. We are mostly retired military. When us old guys get together for breakfast we usually talk a little about politics. I feel the Bern, and I am the only one. They all tell me that there is no way that America will ever elect a socialist. There is no amount of explaining that will convince them that Bernie is the right choice. All that I can do is vote for him. I live in the reddest of red states (Oklahoma) and know that he will not win here, but that is OK. I will vote for the best candidate instead of voting for the lessor of two evils. It will feel good for a change. He does have a chance of winning, and even if he doesn't, he has already shown that there are candidates that are not party hacks, and they do have a chance. Either way, I win.

[lovemydog]

61. That's cool.

I just try and stay away from those who act like loving Bernie's policy proposals means hating on Hillary or vice versa.

[emsimon33]

62. My sentiments exactly--after years of volunteering, etc. I stopped in 2014..but now..Bernie

I have hope that we finally get our Party back!

[pat_k]

63. I'm in the same boat, but fear how things could go if hopes are dashed

I think you reflect the sentiments if many. As much as a Sander's win would put me over the moon, it remains a long shot. And that makes me very concerned about the level of vitriol i'm seeing aimed at Clinton.

I yearn to experience the delight of watching Americans rally behind Democratic nominee Sanders, but if it is not to be, i'd be shattered to see those who have been disillusioneed with Hillary staying home in November. I hope we don't end up cutting off our nose to spite our face. That would be the ultimate tragedy.