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In reply to the discussion: I am a Democrat [View all]

Tom Rinaldo

(23,013 posts)
38. Thank you. Some most excellent thinking out loud. Certainly no apology called for.
Tue Sep 19, 2017, 02:30 PM
Sep 2017

I decided on my part for this OP not to make a direct case for how Bernie helps advance a progressive agenda in association with Democrats. I kept it to stating what to me should be obvious. In a nation where there are more Independents than Democrats, saying that someone is not a Democrat is not grounds to be dismissive. Democrats don't hold a patent on the truth. You make some good points and raise some good questions. Like I said above, noting that someone who shares common ideals with many progressive Democrats is not him or herself (as the case may be) a Democrat should not end a discussion. It is a starting point for exploring how Democrats can secure a stable working majority of the electorate with fewer than a third of it identifying as Democrats. And also if and when pressure from the outside can be productive.

By the way I agree with a whole lot of what you said. This is not a topic that is exhausted with a single thread. Here is an OP I posted in April. I haven't revisited it since then so I can't promise in advance that I still hold to every opinion that I expressed at the time:

"I Support Bernie Sanders Remaining an Independent"
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10028949746

I am a Democrat [View all] Tom Rinaldo Sep 2017 OP
Thank you! TDale313 Sep 2017 #1
When they share? So there are circumstances where you will vote GOP or independent? Eliot Rosewater Sep 2017 #6
Sure there are jl_theprofessor Sep 2017 #16
The open question is whether Person X is bringing about important and desirable social changes, or Expecting Rain Sep 2017 #2
Thank you. Ken Burch Sep 2017 #3
This touches on a section of Secretary Clinton's book I found particularly interesting. Pacifist Patriot Sep 2017 #4
Bernie saw no alternative to hitching on to the Democratic collective LuvLoogie Sep 2017 #5
That progress was built on the blook sweat and tears of the likes of Norman Thomas also. Tom Rinaldo Sep 2017 #7
My response not completed, edited to add more after LuvLoogie Sep 2017 #9
Well said and spot on! Nt Ninga Sep 2017 #10
I wouldn't know where to start.. humm pangaia Sep 2017 #15
it's blisteringly truthful though... JHan Sep 2017 #21
Bernie continues to bash AND RandomAccess Sep 2017 #19
THANK YOU, Tom, elleng Sep 2017 #8
THANK YOU. crim son Sep 2017 #11
Ive stepped away from the shitshow on DU over this. Focusing my attn locally right now riderinthestorm Sep 2017 #12
Bravo! LiberalLovinLug Sep 2017 #13
K&R. n/t ms liberty Sep 2017 #14
Thank you democrank Sep 2017 #17
The Democratic Party is the only way to enact progressive change ...and criticizing them which Demsrule86 Sep 2017 #18
That simply is not true Tom Rinaldo Sep 2017 #25
+ 1000 & thank you RandomAccess Sep 2017 #20
Unfortunately when the criticism seems mostly negative & delisen Sep 2017 #30
Well RandomAccess Sep 2017 #31
As I said, this may vary around the country regarding delisen Sep 2017 #32
"If one side believes that there is no difference between the Democratic Party and the Republican... Tom Rinaldo Sep 2017 #33
I also consider it a force for good RandomAccess Sep 2017 #36
A B S O L U T E L Y! Lyricalinklines Sep 2017 #22
Great post! Martin Eden Sep 2017 #23
We see Bernie very differently. Madam45for2923 Sep 2017 #24
That is probably true, but the point I am trying to make is not tied soley to that Tom Rinaldo Sep 2017 #26
It'd more true if he was not telling us plus reminding us. Believe me, I have no interest in him. Madam45for2923 Sep 2017 #27
I appreciate your thought-out post. moriah Sep 2017 #28
Again I want to thank you. MuseRider Sep 2017 #29
Thank you. Some most excellent thinking out loud. Certainly no apology called for. Tom Rinaldo Sep 2017 #38
That was an excellent thread too. MuseRider Sep 2017 #39
Bravo!! Duppers Sep 2017 #34
It's a big tent. Orsino Sep 2017 #35
thank you. Joe941 Sep 2017 #37
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