Whoever I vote for in the primary,

[lovemydog]

it will be in spite of, not because of, some of that candidate's more fanatical supporters here. Except O'Malley. I like most all the posts of his supporters here.

Rabid supporters who constantly criticize another candidate, or tag-team or try to bully other members here, or who don't concede why someone may vote for another of our three excellent democratic candidates, appear unable to empathize with other points of view that exist among the left and / or within the democratic party.

[GitRDun]

1. I'm with you

I've stopped reading most of them. For some, if I just see the author's name I don't bother.

It's upsetting that we can be so odd in here that we see our hyperbolic rhetoric as somehow more righteous than, say....Fox news.

Hillary, Bernie and Martin are my allies. I can give half a dozen reasons to vote against each of them, but in ALL cases, they are better than the BEST Republican.

Maybe it's just a part of being human, but I sure think we can do better....

[lovemydog]

5. Yes, Hillary, Bernie and Martin

are my allies too. So is President Obama for that matter.

If we had a majority like them in the House and Senate, we'd be a lot better off now and in the future.

[NanceGreggs]

2. True that.

I have to admire the O'Malley supporters here. Their "hey, take a look at our guy - he has some great things to say!" attitude speaks volumes about their enthusiasm for their candidate-of-choice, and the fact that their support is based on that candidate's positives, rather than on the negatives of others in the race.

Thanks to the O'Malley contingent here, I actually HAVE been led to investigate what it is he has to say - and have been duly impressed with his stance on many important issues. As a result, I (a staunch HRC supporter) would definitely see O'Malley as my second choice rather than my third.

His supporters here on DU should be commended for their efforts on his behalf - and reminded that those efforts have not been in vain. Through their efforts, I have been educated about O'Malley, and - despite the fact that he, in all probability, will not be the Democratic nominee this time around - consider him to be "someone to watch" in whatever political endeavours he undertakes in future.

[lovemydog]

6. So true Nance.

I'm impressed with his supporters and with his specific, liberal and detailed plans. And his managerial experience. I suggest anyone interested check out the O'Malley group here, which has good information and links to his team's position papers and web site.

[BootinUp]

3. Primary contests are really never pretty

unless they really aren't competitive. And the anonymous factor of a forum like this only amplifies it.

[lovemydog]

7. Yup, great point.

I've read about and watched documentaries on the 1968 and 1972 primaries and conventions. That's some really contentious stuff going on at those times.

[bravenak]

4. O'malley supporters are awesome.

I think I will be happy after this is over.

[lovemydog]

8. Yeah, both he and his supporters

have something we've discussed before: optimism.

And now for some realism. I don't expect it to get much better here after the primaries are over. Unless we focus on the optimistic or reasonable folks and less on the constantly negative ones. I suspect the constantly negative ones will continue being hostile toward democrats and anyone who doesn't agree with them.

I didn't mean for this to be a super pro-O'Malley post! I'm still leaning toward voting for Bernie. But I respect and appreciate anyone (like you) who can argue for or against another candidate while still being friendly, witty & conversational.

[bravenak]

9. Hell, I would take anybody at this point just to get it over with, lol!

But I still want an Omalley/Clinton partnership. I like him. And bernie will kick Rand Paul's ass in the Senate. I want that. Rand irritates. Kick Ted Cruz's ass too I hope

[lovemydog]

10. LOL.

That would be cool.

Rand Paul is so weird. I like him on reducing military spending & intervention, but on absolutely nothing else. Ted Cruz reminds me of Eddie Munster. Creepy looking but without any humor. All of his political stances are abhorrent to me.

[Raine1967]

11. lovemydog: Thank you, and a sincere thank you to everyone

with such positive posts in this thread!

[lovemydog]

12. Hey thank you Raine1967.

And to all who help bring civility to the passionate debates around here.

[elleng]

13. Ditto, Ditto Raine and everyone.

[lovemydog]

14. Hey, thank you for sharing so much information

on O'Malley. And for being respectful toward undecideds and supporters of other democratic candidates.

[elleng]

23. You're welcome!

I love your dog too!!!

[berni_mccoy]

15. The primaries are a difficult time here.

And I can't say it will get better after the election. As someone who supported Obama during the 2008 primaries, some of the most vocal Hillary supporters continued to denigrate him after the election. After most of the Obama supporters left, right around the time the ACA passed, many never came back as DU became as heavily anti-Obama. I stayed away until this election cycle to show my support for Bernie and ironically I'm on the same side as many of the most vocal anti-Obama people.

[lovemydog]

17. Thanks. I guess we can keep speaking with each other as

individuals here. We're each so different. I'm happy to discuss things with supporters of any candidate. I'll support the democratic nominee. I enjoy kicking the tires of every candidate and talking about about issues of our day.

[MoonRiver]

16. Thank you for the plea for civility!

I'm agreeing with everyone that the O'Malley folks have been very polite, yet effective, when discussing their candidate. He is definitely my second choice, and part, but no where near all, of the reason is his supporters here.

It's not very long until the first primaries, so hopefully DU can soon get back to being a sane and safe place for ALL Democrats.

[lovemydog]

19. You're welcome, and thanks to all who discuss with civility.

The primaries will be fascinating. There's so many polls but the most important is how people vote.

I'm looking forward to the next democratic debate Saturday, December 19, Manchester, New Hampshire on ABC. I wish the party had scheduled more debates as I'm a political nerd and really enjoy them.

I'm also looking forward to presenting the case for our democratic nominees!

[aidbo]

18. I saw an O'Malley supporter kick a puppy once.

But it was a complete accident and they were heartbroken about it. Gave the pup a treat to make up for it too.

True story*






*not a true story.

[lovemydog]

21. I've heard a Hillary supporter will raid a homeless shelter on Thanksgiving.

Steal all the food and distribute it to bankers.

I've heard a Bernie supporter is forcing everyone to eat kale and recite the communist manifesto.

True stories*




* Not true stories.

[NurseJackie]

20. Until recently, I'd have been inclined to agree with you 100%

Now, I'd agree with you just 50%. (And I guess that's a good thing anyway.)

As they say...

[lovemydog]

22. LOL. Yeah, don't agree with anyone 100%.

I've heard Hillary will take that apple and bonk liberals on the head with it.

I've heard Bernie will take over the apple industry.

I've heard O'Malley will cut the apple in two and throw it out along with all the good apples.

Don't believe anything I said here.