I can happily vote for every candidate announced except for maybe three of them.

[WeekiWater]

As a pretty critical voter I think that is pretty amazing. I'm extremely happy about the current state of the party. The three or so I wouldn't be all that happy to vote for I wouldn't necessarily be voting for them begrudgingly if they win the primary. I would still call it a good vote. I don't often find myself in this position. It's a great feeling.

Not all of us are "haters." I think that is one of the most abused words. It is used to the point I wonder how sheltered of a life some must lead. How many have actually experienced hate, outside of their own? I'm pretty critical of Biden and Sanders. Hate plays no role. It's not even on the spectrum of hate/like. With Sanders there is a little emotion involved on my part but that is not hate. With Biden it is strictly policy. I really like him as a person.

Anyway, what an awesome field. Too big? I want to say yes but I actually think there are a number of people we are running who are up for the job. That's a great statement about the party. I like the idea of a bigger field outside of the debate aspect. That will work itself out as we go along.

In my opinion primaries should be rough. Any stone left unturned is a failure. Any rough areas should be discussed over and over again. It's not hate. It's getting ahead of the game and immunizing our candidates for the general. Promote your candidate and be open to discussing the things you don't like about other candidates. I also talk about what I really like about other candidates. Don't limit yourself. It doesn't help.

On a last note. If your candidate has done something so toxic that it isn't even allowed to be discussed on DU, you probably shouldn't be supporting him. It must be something pretty bad and others won't be so kind.

[Rorey]

1. For me, there are 5 or 6

But the only scenario I can imagine in which I won't vote for whoever gets the nomination is if I die before the election.

[WeekiWater]

3. Stick around my friend, stick around.

[watoos]

4. Well said,

you said it way better than I did.

[Blue_true]

9. Don't die, because then republicans will accuse you of voting while dead.

It's one of those magical claims that they make, sort of like me saying a fairy-dust cloud will pass in front of your house in an hour and when you walk outside, you will find nothing but solid gold pound-weight bars. Of course my prediction is BS, but so is the republican's claim about democrats voting while dead.

[watoos]

2. Every one of our candidates is way better than Donald Trump.

I will proudly and gladly cast my vote for whoever wins.

How's that for some love? I don't have anything negative to say about any of our candidates even though none of them are perfect.

[Sherman A1]

11. Well,

A cardboard box is way better than Donald Trump, but I digress......

[LanternWaste]

5. At this point, 'haters' simply refers to criticism of sacred cows.

It's nothing more than a throw-away line designed to allow the speaker a thin veneer of cleverness and the pretense of making a rational point. It allows the faithful flock the opportunity to boast of their oppression.

Yeah, primaries are rough... and anyone who cries foul in regards to political races is naive. But at this point, the cry of 'haters!!!' is simply a little boy crying wolf. Again.

[BlueWI]

10. I actually think hater is a fair phrase sometimes.

It applies to postings that lack clear content or references to issues, that focus on exaggerated personality characteristics, and that repeat generally known facts for the sole purpose of cementing an impression or fomenting discord.

It is common oppositional behavior on the internet that is weaponized by bots and troll farms.

Your references to faithful flock and sacred cows are common in the broad brush tactics of "hater" posts. These terms imply that those who disagree with content-free hater posting simply have thin skin. It's necessary sometimes to resist incivility in order for better quality conversation to be supported on anonymous platforms.

Generally, I don't refer to others as a hater in a conversation, but they exist.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

6. I could happily vote for two primary candidates...

Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[Wounded Bear]

7. Not a fan of the "hater" label, and I agree with the general tone of the OP...

Since Gov Inslee threw his hat in, I'm a little torn, but I still want to see a woman/POC at the top of the ticket. Is that strong enough for me to vote against my Gov? Maybe.

It helps that the women/POC's on the slate are pretty good quality candidates.

Yeah, there are a couple on the list that I would have to "hold my nose" for in the general, but I won't vote for Trump and there are painfully few Repubs I could imagine voting for under current conditions.

[Cha]

8. Well said!

"On a last note. If your candidate has done something so toxic that it isn't even allowed to be discussed on DU, you probably shouldn't be supporting him. It must be something pretty bad and others won't be so kind."