It's OK To Lose

[berni_mccoy]

... the Primary.

Yes, you heard me correctly. It's OK. Because whatever happens, as long as we don't kill each other before the convention, one of these Democratic candidates will be the next President. Yes, I have my preferenace and if you've read my posts you will know who that is. But that isn't what this post is about.

This post is about what happens *after* your candidate loses. Are the massive number of voters who are turning out going to sit out the general election because *their* guy or gal didn't win? I sure as hell hope not. Because, if things keep going as they have in the primary, if we carry the excitement and momentum through to the general election, you will have Democratic voters coming out 2-to-1 in almost every state. I don't want to jinx it, but, look at the Democratic vs. GOP turnout. Look at the fundraising numbers. America Wants Change. America Wants a Democratic President. Americans want Universal Healthcare. Americans Know Humanity Has Caused Global Warming. Americans Know the Injustices Created by the Bush Administration. Americans Know That Republicans have Single Handedly Lost the War on Terror. Americans Know the Truth About Unemployment.

The bottom line is that Americans are Done With the GOP and that the Democratic Candidates offer a choice light years beyond any Republican.

[Fredda Weinberg]

1. k&r

[mondo joe]

2. The Obama campaign has made plain that they don't need my vote. I was

traded in, in order to pander to some religious bigots.

I fully expect Obama to win the primary, and probably the GE. But since he won't need me to do it, I can feel fine about sitting out.

[gateley]

8. mondo joe,

You sound like a petulant child. Please think of the big picture, for you, me, your family and our country.

[mondo joe]

15. I'm thinking of the big picture. I'm thinking of the separation of church and state. I'm

thinking of the harm done to my family.

I'm thinking the great uniter doesn't need my vote. Do you disagree?

[gateley]

17. Yeah, kind of. I understand what you're saying, but regardless of

whether or not HE needs your vote, WE need your vote, so I'm being selfish here.

I'm sincerely sorry that happened and I don't like it either. I'm not an Obama supporter, and that was one of the things that left a bad taste in my mouth. I'm not a Hillary supporter either, and won't be thrilled voting for either, but I'll do it to add one more vote to our fight against the Republicans.

And separation of church and state? Honestly, how do you think that would go with another four years of an R in the White House? :scared:

[David Zephyr]

12. You were not "traded in".

And I want you beside me, if and when you find it within your heart and mind to. That situation upset me, too and I posted a lot about it at the time. I believe it was addressed and I know you don't yet. I would be proud to have you with us. We need you and your voice. Barack is a good and decent man who will fight for you. He's lectured those very bigots on our behalf. I wish that happened in white churches which constitute nearly 80% of the country. I'm still waiting for that day to come.

And I know this, should you ever come over to Barack, no one could be a better advocate than you.

[ruggerson]

14. If you want us beside you stop posting idiotic threads about how Clinton needs to quit

[MonkeyFunk]

18. No kidding

the mean-spiritedness of a lot of Obama supporters really makes it harder for me to support him. At this point, I'll vote for him, but that's about it.

Like Mondo Joe, I don't feel like I'm a part of his unity message.

[mondo joe]

16. A campaign reaching out to religious bigots doesn't need my vote.

I'm choosing my words carefully. If the goal is crossover appeal, the point is to win those other voters. Their vote mor than balances out mine.

Do you disagree?

[David Zephyr]

23. I disagree somewhat, but not for the reasons you may think.

If those "cross over voters" (as you call them which was very diplomatic of you, by the way) are aware and know that they are voting for a candidate that supports gay civil rights, wants to equalize all federal benefits for gay unions enjoyed by married couples, supports hate crime laws to include GLBT Americans, and who has promised to end 'D.A.D.T.', then it is them that are surrendering their bigotry and coming to your side and my side. I do hope I chose my words as well as you did.

Their votes don't 'balance out' yours, I think that they would underscore your positions. Our biggest obstacle in our march for civil rights has come from a very stubborn and vocal crowd of certain churchy people, both white and black. Never has their voting block been so in turmoil as in this election. What if we not only win the election, but also bring along some of these more stubborn knuckleheads along in tolerance. I think that there are so many within the evangelical churches who are sick of being told to hate gays because they now have children, bothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins and teachers who are gay who they love. They are in a box. Many will stay in that box, but there are more and more that are sick of suffocating in that box and who want a way out.

In any event, they are moving our way if they are willing to support a pro-gay candidate. Sometimes, people just need an "out". Even if Obama loses to Clinton (yes, it is still possible, but not probable), I think that many of those "cross over voters" will come our way for her because of his inroads and reaching out. I want to believe its possible.

[spag68]

3. Dem. votes

I for one hope you are right. We need to get rid of some of the worst of the rethugs, whatever else happens.

[NastyRiffraff]

4. The purpose of the Primaries is to choose a nominee who best represents the party and its electorate

Is it an imperfect process? Sure. I'm all for reforms in the future, particularly regarding rotating primary dates and taking a hard long look at caucses. But we are where we are, and flawed though they are either Clinton or Obama will be HOPEFULLY our next president. The alternative is unthinkable.

My candidate may lose. Yours may lose. But somebody will lose the primaries...that's the POINT. May not be who you want to lose, but there it is.

Let's unite behind the nominee, if only to prevent a McCain presidency, then hold his or her feet to the fire. Whoever that is has asked for our votes. A vote is not a mandate to do whatever he/she wants.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

5. It's OK to lose in the primaries

It's not OK to lose in the GE.

I don't have as much faith as you that the Democratic candidate (either one) is a sure win in November. One thing the bush years have taught me is to never underestimate the stupidity of the American voter.

Whichever one does come out on top, we will still need to get our people to the polls in force in the GE to assure victory.

Other than that I loved your post and the sentiment behind it. :hi:

[BooScout]

6. I beg to disagree.........

People here seem to be under the impression that it is guaranteed that the Democrats will be in the WH next year no matter who wins the Democratic nomination. .........well that sort of thinking is naive and foolish. Nothing is a lock. To take anything for granted in political America is dangerous.

[maddiejoan]

7. Obama decided

He needed the vote of some feeble minded religious homophobe more than mine.

So he's got that goin' for him.

[gateley]

9. maddiejoan, I appreciate your sentiment - I sincerely do. But who do you think

would better serve the GLBT community and others whose rights have been ignored? Obama (IF he's the nominee) or McCain?

[maddiejoan]

10. I don't plan on voting for McCain

I live in New York.

If Obama is the nominee, I'll write in my first choice.

Dennis Kucinich.

[gateley]

11. My concern is (not that you asked) that if there aren't enough votes

supporting our nominee, regardless of the reasons, that it would make it that much easier for the Reps to fuck with the votes again, and give us McCain as "the peoples' choice".

This might be a non-issue - it might be Hillary who wins the nomination.

I honor your decision, but if McCain gets the nod, I really really don't want to hear complaints from people who didn't support the Dem nominee.

Peace.

[maddiejoan]

13. Then I guess if Obama is the nominee

He'll have his work cut out for him, but hey --he's the great uniter right?

[mondo joe]

19. Indeed. Funny how the arguments keep shifting - hes the uniter, he'll win easily, every

poll shows him winning independents and republicans..... but if a few alienated LGBT people don't vote for him it will be a disaster?

[maddiejoan]

21. I just hope his Health Care Plan

will include my cure!

[mondo joe]

22. You won't need a health plan - Obama can cure you Benny Hinn style - be prepared to faint

though!

[NashVegas]

20. Oh, Don't Even Start This Shit

If you cannot be civil to those who are supporting other candidates during the primaries, you cannot expect them to support your cause when it's all over but the shouting.

[CreekDog]

24. but don't lose your dignity and scruples in the process

that's all i ask. :hi: