New Rule: If you are "Undecided" you don't get to bash any of the candidates

[Dream Girl]

What do you think? I am frankly a bit suspicious of the "undecideds" who are jumping on Biden. Who are they? Where did they come from?

[unc70]

1. Maybe from same place as bashers of Sanders, Warren, ...

[DonViejo]

2. There are DU juries and MIRT to deal with that sort of stuff. eom

[pangaia]

3. New rule. If you HAVE a favorite, you are not allowed to bash other candidates.

[Shrek]

4. "Undecided" shouldn't even be an option

If the primary were held today everyone here would vote for someone.

[marylandblue]

7. I would vote for the Democrat, but that wasn't as an option, so I took my second choice.

[DonViejo]

11. But the primary isn't today is it? The first primary election is 8 months away.

[marylandblue]

21. By the time of Maryland's primary, the race will probably be over.

Can we get an option of "ratify the presumptive nominee?"

[DonViejo]

25. Why does the criteria for choosing the Party's nominee have

to be different on DU?

[marylandblue]

31. It doesn't have to be anything, but I was responding to the post who didn't like "undecided"

And offered some tongue-in-cheek alternatives. Other possibilities are, "I choose randomly," "I'll decide in the voting booth," "I sent in an absentee ballot and forgot who I voted for," and "It's all rigged anyway!"

[DonViejo]

33. Ah, ok. Thanks for the explanation 👍

[dawg day]

55. I had an elderly friend (long time campaign volunteer) who would say, "I'm a yellow dog Democrat!"

She explained that this meant, "I'd vote for a yellow dog if he got nominated."

That's me, especially this year. So maybe instead of "Undecided", I should be for "Yellow Dog."

I'm not sure how that helps or hurts anyone around here, but what I mean is... if the candidate you support wins the nomination, I'll enthusiastically also support that person.
And I think many of the Undecideds would agree. So maybe when you see "Undecided," you should think, "Oh! That person is in support of my candidate!"
Because we will be... in August 2020-- for sure.

I'd just rather not undermine anyone who might eventually be the one I support. Learned that in 2008 when I said some intemperate things about 'that youngster still wet behind his ears" who sure showed me up (because he ended up winning and winning my eternal esteem too).

[pnwmom]

20. But the primary isn't being held today. Why should anyone be expected to choose a favorite

before we've had the debates? Is there no point to the debates?

[Shrek]

65. Because that's the way the DU preference question is phrased

If the primary were held today, how would you vote?

"Undecided" is non-responsive because the question is predicated on the idea that you will cast a vote. I suppose it's remotely possible that someone might refuse to vote if the primary took place today, but I doubt it.

[pnwmom]

66. So what? No one is required to answer that in order to post here. You only have to

Last edited Thu Jun 27, 2019, 01:35 AM - Edit history (1)

declare for a candidate if you want to go into one of the closed groups.

[DBoon]

27. and we have secret ballots, so that vote is not DU's business

I am undecided because support for one candidate implies non-support for the others.

We have many fine candidates and I would not want to diminish them by selecting only one

ON EDIT: I thought I was undecided, then noticed my pick....

[spooky3]

58. I have had a "favorite" for some time, but I don't want to

Be changing my DU preference frequently, as the debate and other info is likely to affect my choices.

I disagree with my “favorite” on several key issues, but I believe s/he has integrity, intelligence and a record of great achievement. These matter more to me than some policy position differences among Dems.

[Hassler]

5. I Agree. I'd like none of us to be cracking on any of the Dems.

One of whom we'll need to vote for in 2020, but would prefer making the positive case for your candidates. The more Biden gets trashed, the more likely I will be to support him and not the ones doing the trashing.

[marylandblue]

6. I'm suspicious of Biden supporters who are undecided.

Who are they? Where did they come from?
I suggest the rule be that if you are undecided, you don't get to say anything good about any candidate.

[guillaumeb]

37. Cleverly done. eom

[Kind of Blue]

71. Brilliant!

[FBaggins]

8. No thank you

There’s already a rule against bashing democrats.

You don’t need to have a #1 in order to be worried about a few of the less-appealing (to you) candidates. I think most would prefer to hear potentially damaging info from someone who isn’t doing it to help their preferred candidate.

Or is it that you think other DUers are lying??

[Demit]

9. I think I'll let the admins make the rules.

[Sherman A1]

24. Precisely

I wasn’t aware the OP was left in charge of the forum?

[question everything]

10. People here don't like "new rules"

They don't even like friendly suggestions; it is "micromanage, weird and authoritarian."

But I agree that if one chose not to stand up and be counted one should not expect to be taken seriously expressing an opinion - pro or con - on any candidate.

[pnwmom]

18. Why can't someone who likes SEVERAL candidates, as I do,

(including Amy, by the way) have as much right to express her opinions as someone who has already picked a single favorite?

[DonViejo]

29. BINGO!!

Thank you for saying that.

[democrank]

43. Perfect, pnwmom.

Thank you

[potone]

35. Why?

I think it is very early to make a firm decision about any candidate. The debates are just beginning. I think it is better to keep an open mind.

[More_Cowbell]

12. The candidate forums are safe spaces for people who don't want to see criticism

As for there not being a category for "I'll vote for whichever Democrat wins the nomination," I think the vast majority of us will end up doing that.

[elleng]

13. No 'bashing.'

[tulipsandroses]

14. Explain Bashing

Because I don't get some of the fragility I see

Criticism is not always bashing to me. I think some people are hypersensitive to any criticism of their chosen candidate.

Everyone has a right to their opinion. Some people have legitimate concerns about a candidate and I think it matters because after we beat Trump, some things are going to matter a whole lot.


I understand people have concerns , but how do you determine who legitimately is still waiting to make up their mind?

Speaking for myself - I have not made up my mind. All of them are great candidates in my book. Any one of them can beat Trump. HOWEVER, They all have strengths and weaknesses and NONE of them are above Reproach in my book

I will remained undecided until someone has convinced me they are the right candidate. Until then, I will criticize and question. I thought that is what you do in a Democracy. No?

[Bradshaw3]

51. Excellent points n/t

[Triloon]

15. why?

to accomplish what?

[pnwmom]

16. I'm often accused of bashing Biden because I don't agree with the view that he's the inevitable

and best choice, or that he's the only one who can win the swing states.

Even if you believe the polls -- and I think it's too early to take them seriously -- there are several candidates besides Biden who are beating Trump.

Who am I? Someone who has as much right to my opinion about any of the candidates as you do to yours.

[Laffy Kat]

17. I am and I don't.

Saving ALL of my time, energy, and money for the nominee. This will probably be the most important election for the remainder of my life and I am treating it that way.

[LarryNM]

19. I am suspicious of those Biden supporters who push the only Biden

can beat trump narrative, are fragile to criticism of their candidate
and want to silence undecideds. Who are they? Where do they come from?
Are they really supporting Biden?

[TheCowsCameHome]

22. Thanks for telling me what to think and do.

Much appreciated, Donald.

[Hoyt]

23. Seriously? Each candidate represents the Democratic Party. If one says or proposes

something ridiculous, it impacts the Party nationally and locally.

[Politicub]

26. How would you propose enforcing the rule?

Some real gripes that people have with a candidate will be perceived as bashing by the candidates' supporters.

Commenting on what is in the news about a candidate is also considered bashing by others. We're DU members. We like to talk and share our opinions. I had a meltdown when I couldn't commiserate with people after the 2016 election. News is happening all around us. We have opinions about it. We aren't creating the news unless a member is great at making memes or something.

While it's a good idea in theory -- wouldn't the world be great if everyone were positive and it was happy-time every day? -- I don't see how it makes sense on a discussion forum.

[Peace06]

28. Bashing Dem candidates

I do not think any one of us should be bashing ANY Democratic candidate. We MUST stick together. Everyone here knows why; now more than ever. But, also to preserve common decency and respect for all.

[left-of-center2012]

30. Thanks for the chuckle

Being told what the undecided can and can't do by supporters of candidates
has me ROTFLMAO.

[emmaverybo]

32. I am sure Biden bashers have a widespread presence on every liberal Democratic Party forum,

comment section, and social media platform where they do not promote a rival candidate, but
exist purely to echo MSM’s campaign to erode Biden’s lead.

I 100% support comments that contrast Biden’s record, qualifications, or policies to another candidate, even to a progressive agenda.

But I see a concerted and constant effort aimed at nothing but undercutting Biden with Black, young, and female voters or where those descriptors intersect.

I am more than a little suspicious.

[guillaumeb]

34. The word "bash" shows bias, in my view.

If I point out what I feel are shortcomings of any particular candidate, that does not mean I will not vote for that candidate if she/he is the nominee.

It simply means I disagree with that candidate's position on a particular issue.

[democrank]

44. Holy cow!

Some rational thoughts on “bash”

[guillaumeb]

53. Thank you.

Sometimes rational thoughts come out when I speak.

Sometimes.

[Dream Girl]

36. Ok it was half in jest, but really if you can't decide, why would you constantly be posting

Biden posts? It just makes me wonder...There are quite a few undecideds who are posting lots of "research" about Biden. They don't have much to say so it seems a bit coordinated. Like they have a compendium of Biden stuff all ready to go. They just post and go. Almost like they are pulling it from somewhere.

[guillaumeb]

54. Perhaps these posters are merely aware of Biden's history.

Agreed?

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

38. Insulting rule.

I'm undecided because I like many of the candidates (including Biden) but it's too early to decide which of them I like best. The primaries don't start until next winter and I don't get to vote until March - so what's the hurry? And who are the "undecideds" and where do we come from? Are you suggesting that we are not "legitimate" posters, or trolls, Russians, or what? Speaking for myself, I've been a DU member since 2003 and have more than 72,000 posts, and I do rather resent the suspicion that somehow I have an ulterior motive or shouldn't be here just because I haven't picked a candidate. Come back and ask me again in January. I'll still be here and I still won't be a bot, a troll or a Russian.

[ecstatic]

39. I think Undecideds are overthinking things. This vote is not final.

Last edited Wed Jun 26, 2019, 08:11 PM - Edit history (1)

If the primary were held TODAY, who would you choose? I've changed my selection 3 times. lol. Really, it's not that serious.

That being said, I'm firmly in Warren's camp now. Her leadership on impeachment was unmatched. My anger and emotions were running so high that anyone who stuttered or played games when asked about impeachment pretty much lost my vote on the spot. I can't see myself changing my mind between now and the primaries. We'll see though...

[Voltaire2]

40. Uh no.

[Fiendish Thingy]

41. We are Russian bots

Seriously, just because we haven’t decided who we are for (I have 3-4 I am excited about, and Joe ain’t one of them), doesn’t mean we don’t know who we DON’T want as the nominee.

You can take your “Rule” and...

[KayF]

42. you still won't know who they are or where they came from

i don't see the point

[randr]

45. How about a rule to stop making rules

We have almost a year and a half to the election. Most Americans will not engage for at least 12 months. I am not at all happy that so many people are already "running". Those who would choose to lead need to spend their time and our money wisely. A series of town hall meetings for them to hear our concerns and ideas would be time well spent. After 12 months we would have some idea of who will work hardest for our goals. I have made an early pick only to possibly persuade others to lean toward a younger progressive candidate.
While I am on it I also have a strong sense of how we failed in the last go round.
I was a delegate for Bernie and ultimately voted for Hillary, facts I am proud of.
In hindsight a thought keeps haunting me. Time was that there were certain protocols. A Vice President who served a two term administration successfully, was often the choice in the next Presidential election. Had this been the case I certainly believe Biden would have defeated Trump, chosen Hillary as VP, and at this point may be stepping down; handing Hillary the helm.
Hindsight is no foresight but I keep wishing we had a solid footing and tradition to rely on that served us better than the mad rush to the finish I feel swept up in.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

46. *waves*

I picked "undecided" because there wasn't an option for "yeah, whoever's the last one standing when the general comes." I don't love any of the candidates -- I don't invest that level of emotion into presidential candidates anymore. And I've worked enough campaigns that I know I need to limit the resources I have for presidential races to the general election only. During primary season, I can have much more of an effect on local and state races.

And during primary season, I think it's actually really important to focus on a candidate's negatives. Where are their weaknesses? What will the other side exploit? Now is the time to hone in on our faves and find out where they're problematic -- we don't want any surprises a year from now. I've said it before and I'll say it here: Testing out responses and talking about a candidate's problems helps inoculate them if they happen to be the general candidate.

I've complained about Warren's DNA test, Biden's handsiness, Sanders being Sanders, Harris' cop background (I think? maybe it was somewhere else), Beto's inexperience and Buttigieg's weakness on race -- and my account's almost under review because of it. I've been accused of being a bot and a Russian and a troll and have gotten some nasty DMs. But I vote in every election, and I vote D every time.

[Autumn]

47. Are you one of the admins? They make the rules. I see a lot of complaints about

bashing, usually when you post a candidates own words. It's called vetting.

[4now]

48. I am not concerned

If the candidates can't handle the heat then they shouldn't be there.
I can't stand candidates that whine like trump does.

[bdamomma]

49. I am

Undecided but I will not hiss on any Democratic candidate, we need to win PERIOD, And I will support whoever that nominee is, our country will be no longer if tRump steals it again.

[jberryhill]

50. Let's stir up suspicion and resentment among allies

And see how that plays out.

[Dream Girl]

63. Wat prompted me to post this are the undecideds who post negative articles

No comments, maybe a headline at most, no discussion and they are conveniently “undecided”. I’m not referring to undecided folks who have cogent clearly stated opinions. Truthfully I’m always a bit suspicious of those who only post an article. It’s like their English is maybe not that great.

[Renew Deal]

52. it's too early to settle on a candidate

[demmiblue]

56. Lol... who even recs this drivel?!

[dflprincess]

57. I am undecided

(though finding myself leaning Warren).

I am suspicious of anyone, undecided or not, whose posts are aimed strictly at tearing down another candidate.

It is legitimate to say, "I support candidate A because...." or "I disagree with candidate B on this issue because..." When done right, posts like these and factual responses refuting the OP can be informative.

It is not legitimate to constantly slam a candidate because they are not your candidate.

There are some people in the field that I really, really hope drop out after these debates but if one of them rises to the top, that's who I'm voting for in November 2020.

[aikoaiko]

59. That's not how this works. That's not how any of this works.

[bitterross]

60. Old rule. YOU do not get to make the rules. I'll post what I want to post.

I'll post what I please about whom I please when I please.

[Dream Girl]

62. I'm scared of you!

[bitterross]

69. No reason to be.

I'm a nice guy. I will stand up for myself and others though. Like the Constitution says about enemies "foreign and domestic."

Just because you're on DU doesn't make you my friend. When you start to go against the rules, like Trump does, then you become my enemy.

[LiberalFighter]

61. I am giving preference to Buttigieg now

just to have someone to support at this early stage. I've met him a few times and live in the state. But it doesn't necessarily mean I will support him later on.

I'm not about to jump on Biden or any other Democrat. Although some should begin considering to bow out soon.

[Lunabell]

64. I'm going to change to undecided

just to piss you off.

[dansolo]

67. Just because I haven't picked a favorite yet

Doesn' mean that I haven't eliminated some of them already. I reserve the right to criticize any off the candidates if I disagree with them.

[cwydro]

68. Nah, I'm happy with the admins making the rules.

Geez people, don’t be so thin-skinned.

[Act_of_Reparation]

70. In summary.

What do I think? No.
Who are they? Rory Calhoun.
Where did they come from? Ypsilanti.