It is one thing to criticize someone who is outright attacking the Democratic party, or otherwise putting forth the narrative that Democrats and/or Democratic leaders are somehow "corrupt" or "only working for corporations" and other pap.

It is quite another to bash someone simply because of a tribal identity.

Now here's the thing. I'm not telling you this because I think we should "move forward", ignoring the history of people who, for various reasons good and bad, ended up contributing to Trump being in office. I am certainly not telling you that bygones should be bygones, and we shouldn't care who stabbed who in the back.

Rather, I'm telling you this because you're supposed to be the grownups in this conversation. And you are better than that yourself.

So, unless there is some FRESH NEW ATTACK that needs to be rebutted, please don't go out of your way to attack any Democratic ally. Specifically, this means people who supported Senator Sanders in the primary (which they had absolutely every right to do) but then went on to vote for Hillary, and Senator Sanders himself, who endorsed the Democratic nominee and campaigned for her.

There are still differences, of course. Mostly about political strategy and a huge amount of misunderstanding about how hard it is to get something done when the nation is filled to the brim with racists and sexists. But making it personal, making ethical attacks, is the original sin of the Sanders campaign (since mostly walked back). So don't do that yourself.

It came out well. Everything I hoped for.

No, this isn't a solicitation. Please just enjoy the pretty picture.

And you win. Period.

Whether you win or lose a local race has very little to do with your positions. It has everything to do with introducing yourself.

Tell her to go knock doors.

Go to the state party. Get VAN access. Cut turf. Have her go to every Democrat and Independent's house. Wear out a pair of walking shoes.

She should have a little script. Maybe something like this.

<Ding><Dong> "Hi, my name is <mopinko's sister>. I'm running for <local office>, which is an election coming up. Because I want to be your representative on <county commission/state house/local city board>, I thought it would be rather unique if I asked people about what they want to see in the local metro area.

If you had one thing that you really want addressed around here, your #1 issue, what would it be?"

Smile. Have a pleasant chat.


By the way, you can canvass for her, just say you're canvassing on her behalf. List everything she's looking to do. Print up fliers for when people aren't home.

I've helped put three people in our local Legislature doing this through the summer. It works.