General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: There seems to be a fundamental misunderstanding of what Sanders goals are [View all]KTM
(1,823 posts)Who is this "They" you refer to ? Im a people... as a matter fact, I am also a lifelong Democrat. I voted for Obama, twice. I cried the first time he got elected, I was truly overjoyed. I've spent eight years defending him against baseless crap, lies spewed out by conservative media and parroted at the pub by ill-informed ditto-heads.
I have *also* criticized him many times. I think he should have pushed for single payer. I think he should have shuttered Gitmo. I think his support of the TPP was the wrong path for the country's future. And yes, I think accepting a huge corporate speaking fee tarnishes his image - and by extension that of the party - in the minds of many of the new voters whose support we most certainly will need. Whether I personally think he should or should not have spoken is irrelevant - I still recognize that to many others, it looks bad, and I understand why they feel that way.
You make this statement that *seems* to impute the notion that "Real Democrats dont criticize Obama/The Party." Those "real democrats" are your monolithic "They." That is nonsense. Look back at the primary, regardless of which candidate you supported, and recognize that almost half of the party didn't agree with you. We are not a They.
*This* Democrat understands that in a contest between two very conservative options, the more liberal will get my support, even if I still disagree with them on some things.
*This* Democrat understands that saying "IF he does this, then that is the right thing to do" isn't praise.
*This* Democrat understands that calling out something you disagree with, even when someone you like did it, is how you support a cause.
And *this* Democrat thinks its craven and cowardly to attempt to snuff out criticism for fear of reproach.