We need to see something unprecedented in politics. We need

[theophilus]

all of the Democratic Hopefuls to respect one another and not try to tear down the others. The mess (mass?) of Repubs in 2016 were not interested in helping the Republican cause going forward. They bit and clawed at each other and look what resulted. Bad.

Our seekers need to form the Testudo (look it up) and use their powers to shield the Democratic brand and, ultimately, the nominee. They can stab at the Republicans with different types of swords but all of them razor sharp. The end result will be the message of Difference decimanated throughout the land.

Each is working to obtain the nomination but each must work to strengthen the Democratic cause! That's my opinion, what do you think? Can we all work together for the good of the Nation?

[RKP5637]

1. "Each is working to obtain the nomination but each must work to strengthen the Democratic cause!"

Well said!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Indygram]

2. Beto pretty much says this during his stump speech every time

He also does NOT speak badly about any voters. He's all about unity.

[RKP5637]

3. Yes, IMO unity will win. If derisive behavior starts, that IMO is a recipe for disaster. n/t

[Hortensis]

4. We currently have 18 running, 3 likely to run, and

6 might runs.

The large majority, including all but one of the current leaders, are extremely similar in solid liberal positions and goals, and in support of the Democratic Party as the only means by which they can be achieved. Goal achieved.

As for the rest, it's too much to expect supporters of Schultz or Sanders or Gabbard, etc., to join when the whole point of those candidacies is to provide alternatives to all those liberal Democrats, whether dissident claiming the rest are irredeemably corrupt or far more conservative.

Bottom line, though, is that we're united far beyond what the media claim to sell papers.

And important to always keep in mind, we're NOT Republicans. There are huge differences in beliefs and practices between us and that intensely corrupt and bigoted party that make any comparisons bogus.

[Indygram]

5. Another reason I'm hoping Beto is the nominee is his proven track record with the youth vote

In Texas for his race the youth vote went up 500% for a midterm election. If that happened on a national level I don't see how Democrats could lose...and the down ticket races...can you just imagine?

[Hortensis]

6. A few years ago a statistician explained why a +5%

turnout among young citizens would mean a national revolution shifting power away from the rising fascism to protection of our liberal democracy, i.e., to the Democratic Party.

Unfortunately that didn't happen in time back then, but the midterms suggest it's happening now.

Imagine what we can do with a Democratic president, congress, majority of governors and state legislatures, and what judicial seats will be open in 2020... Yes!!! We can and will return to addressing our peoples' needs.

[artislife]

8. Thanks

Your posts and others similar helped me realize that Inslee doesn't have a shot and that Bernie isn't too old.

I have voted D since WJC and have voted in almost every mid-term and special election I can. I have been Blue voter, even though there are parts of my party that really don't care if I am a member or not. Somewhere in the last election I changed from being a true Democrat to a fringe voter in the eyes of the conscious center. And maybe I am. I just thought I was a progressive voter.

[Hortensis]

9. Democratic are unified behind a broad, big Democratic goals.

We have so much and so many to be proud of, and the field will sort as more and more of the Democratic electorate starts getting engaged.

Of course a party as broad as ours has its ideological outliers, like Sanders from the left and Tim Ryan on the right. Sanders is what he is and will do as he does. No number of posts here trying to boost him to the majority who don't approve of him will somehow make him win.

Addendum: When you put down one of our candidates, just do it without attributing your claims that they will lose, or other negativisms, to others. I like Gov. Inslee the more I read about him and at this point would be quite satisfied to learn he was going to be our next president. He's not in the top group now, but much will change as the primaries get going.

[Politicub]

7. I'm trying to live "be the change I want to see"

And, the change I would like to see is what you said in your post - that the candidates respect one another and not try to tear others down. My part of this is not being critical about dumb things.

I decided two days ago to not go negative. It’s so easy to succumb to the impulse to throw mud at candidates. But then I realized that there is so much negativity, getting into debates about trivial things has a multiplier effect on negative posts. Any negative contributions just become part of a nasty stew.

Reconciliation and unity get noticed. It’s different and novel. So, I am going to try and practice that from now on.