The focus groups we really need to see.

[Funtatlaguy]

I don’t care about the people that voted for both Obama and then Trump. If they are considering voting for Trump again, they are either racist, sexist, or insane.

The people I want to hear from are those that voted for Obama but then either voted third party or didn’t vote in 2016. I want to know which of our 2020 candidates they would vote for and which would make them stay home again.

I’d especially like to hear from these type of voters in a focus group in either Milwaukee, Detroit, or Philadelphia. So, those of you with media contacts, please do pass along my request. 👍🏻☝🏿🤲

[Blue_true]

1. That would be a powerful and valuable poll.

It seems unlikely that Trump will get that group if they vote, so knowing their size provide valuable information for our party.

[Hortensis]

6. Almost a quarter of Sanders' voters decamped to Trump or

a third party. Only very low 2% of them refused to vote, suggesting a degree of emotional involvement well above that of the average citizen. And many of the same people are promising to do it again, very righteously (!) even while the Republicans work to destroy all they claim to be for.

I think a political psychological evaluation meant to be informative would be a far more valuable contribution to public discourse than a round table where they once again get to spin their behavior for themselves.

That goes for all the rest of us. Most people have no real idea what liberalism and conservativism are, and that leave the electorate wide open to toxic manipulation.

[Indygram]

2. In Sioux City at Beers With Beto last night there was a man who wrote himself in

Because he could not bring himself to vote for Trump or Clinton in 2016. He said he was open to voting for someone else this time and he was very impressed with Beto O'Rourke. He is really the ONLY candidate who is running a campaign of HOPE and unity. That Hope is what made Obama so appealing. Too many of the candidates want to "attack Trump" or "fight." America is SICK of that crap. Average voters want a POSITIVE and HOPEFUL message and to heal the volatility in the country. I'm personally so sick of the negativity and nastiness that I immediately tune out anyone who starts pushing the negative stuff or attacking. I just want no part of it. This is probably why Beto is really the only one I like.

[Funtatlaguy]

3. Very interesting. But, I feel just the opposite way.

I think right now the most important quality our nominee should have IS to be a fighter.
Trump and his minions are so corrupt.
I don’t think that nice can beat him.
I want a mean ole bastard/male or female that will go toe to toe with the lying narcissist.

[Indygram]

4. I have over 30 years experience dealing with narcissists

And if Democrats try to beat Trump by attacking him they are going to lose. Narcissists thrive on and feed off people attacking them directly. It fuels them and they LOVE it because they are at their most energized, confident and perform at their best when they are fighting with and attacking another person. What throws a narcissist off balance is to starve them of attention. You tell the truth loudly and proudly to everyone who will listen and you ignore the narcissist. When they are ignored they will become insecure because they no longer control the narrative and are no longer able to distract. If Democrats don't figure this out Trump will be re-elected. To eat away at Trump's support Democrats need to tell the truth about the policies and actions while doing their best to just keep his name out of their mouth. If he says "illegals are invading our country," then it needs to be countered with, "Immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers built our great country and continue to contribute to our success." This is where Beto is one of the few getting it right. He doesn't allow Trump or his opponent to distract him from his message.

[Funtatlaguy]

5. You may be right. Honey or Vinegar? Which is the right approach.

[Indygram]

8. Neither, really

Trump was able to bring new people in by appealing to their anger, frustration and fear. (I'm not including those who he appealed to on hatred and racism, those are lost causes) He made those disaffected people feel like he heard them and was listening to them and that he cared. He didn't, obviously, but they THOUGHT he did. That is why they are so loyal to him...because they are still frustrated, angry and afraid. Beto tells people that he does not care who they voted for before. He doesn't care what their party is, what their religion is, who they love, etc. He wants to hear them, listen to their concerns and have a conversation. He does NOT pander to those people at all. He still talks about racism and immigration and abortion and all the progressive policies. He is able to present them in a way that makes sense.

Beto IS the one who listens, hears and cares for everyone. He is exactly what those rust belt Trump voters who also voted for Obama THOUGHT Trump was. Beto really IS that person. That is why I am convinced that Beto is the best candidate to nominate. He can appeal to the Trump voters who are not a complete lost cause while also being progressive enough not to drive away progressives. He's the right balance.

[Demsrule86]

7. I send a giant fuck you to those who voted for third party...and it comes down to states...

If they are not convinced and deeply ashamed of their vote...they are not 'our people'.