General Discussion

kentuck

(111,094 posts) Wed Mar 14, 2018, 10:45 PM Mar 2018

Are "Conservative Democrats" good or bad for the Democratic Party? [View all]

The close victory by Lamb in PA has generated some debate about whether he won as a conservative Democrat or as a moderate Democrat? Does it really make a difference so long as he votes with his fellow Democrats 80%-90% of the time?

Would it be possible to win back the "conservative Democrats" that went to Reagan during the 1980's? How much "purity" are we willing to surrender in order to grow the Party?

Is it even fair to call these candidates "conservative" if they are only representing the people in their districts? How much compromise are we willing to make with our political ideology? Is it really "compromise" or is it accepting the reality on the ground?

I think these are questions we need to address as the Democratic Party.

Just my opinion.

134 replies

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Highlight:

Are "Conservative Democrats" good or bad for the Democratic Party? [View all] kentuck Mar 2018 OP

Left leaning moderate is now conservative. JFC. LexVegas Mar 2018 #1

Some think 16 means that the 'establishment' lost and now we need a universal message, and very Demsrule86 Mar 2018 #70

Which conservative issues did Lamb run on? leftstreet Mar 2018 #2

gun control is the only one I can think of marylandblue Mar 2018 #6

He is for background checks...he is a fine candidate and the kind we need to win. Demsrule86 Mar 2018 #29

Background checks poll at around 90%, so that's a winner marylandblue Mar 2018 #34

He can't in that district... so Background checks is a start. What would you get from a Republican? Demsrule86 Mar 2018 #49

I'm fine with that marylandblue Mar 2018 #55

And the only way to take back Congress is with moderates. If you look at the map, it is clear. Demsrule86 Mar 2018 #71

I keep saying this same thing. MOST Democrats ARE moderates. Gotta make room for 'em. tonyt53 Mar 2018 #106

I couldn't agree more. Demsrule86 Mar 2018 #107

Excepting some social issues (gay marriage),Moderate Dem in 2018 equals Moderate GOP in 1978 Fiendish Thingy Mar 2018 #118

How long have you been living in that cave? The issues you listed ARE what Democrats want. tonyt53 Mar 2018 #133

Been there, done that Fiendish Thingy Mar 2018 #134

AT this point if a democrat has to wear a pink leotard Eliot Rosewater Mar 2018 #128

Background checks poll at 90% and we cant get them passed. Get it? Squinch Mar 2018 #89

Conor Lamb is pro-choice FakeNoose Mar 2018 #91

Any politician who would legislate anti-choice Freddie Mar 2018 #127

The question of what some call identity politics is a factor here. David__77 Mar 2018 #3

It is a win lose thing...I can accept a guy who personally opposes abortion but believes in Demsrule86 Mar 2018 #72

The only way we will defeat Trump is a coalition of left and center marylandblue Mar 2018 #4

Someone posted 'Dems, cobbling together....' sprinkleeninow Mar 2018 #62

Yes, it is the only way. We won't get everything we want, but we will get some good stuff. Demsrule86 Mar 2018 #73

complicated. there have to be some lines - equality in all respects, women's rights, more. NRaleighLiberal Mar 2018 #5

He ran on economic issues marylandblue Mar 2018 #10

I'm talking about in general - as far as PA, agreed. NRaleighLiberal Mar 2018 #20

Interesting, that... MountCleaners Mar 2018 #86

It doesn't matter what our party 'stands for' if we don't have a majority. Demsrule86 Mar 2018 #31

+1 Iahotdog Mar 2018 #51

It also doesn't matter if we have a majority if they don't vote Ferrets are Cool Mar 2018 #98

If they vote with the Democrats most of the time...it sure beat a GOP type who never votes with us. Demsrule86 Mar 2018 #110

I would have voted for Lamb, just as I voted and campaigned for Doug Jones here Ferrets are Cool Mar 2018 #114

Me too...and they will most of the time I think...but they won't all of the time...they are from Demsrule86 Mar 2018 #119

Me too...but he had a reason as he hails from a red state...some on our side in safe states and Demsrule86 Mar 2018 #125

The party platform states clearly what we stand for, and our goals. ehrnst Mar 2018 #105

The word 'conservative' has been misused for years, elleng Mar 2018 #7

I don't really think what kind of Democrat he is as long as he votes with fellow Democrats. CaliforniaPeggy Mar 2018 #8

Thank you! CaliforniaPeggy...n/t Upthevibe Mar 2018 #59

Agreed. There is also no such thing as a perfect political party. democratisphere Mar 2018 #61

You cut to the Chase...indeed that is what we need...the truth is we need warm bodies to Demsrule86 Mar 2018 #74

I hate guns, gunners, and positions that enable any of that. I am thrilled Conor Lamb won even as Stinky The Clown Mar 2018 #9

It is what it is still_one Mar 2018 #11

Post removed Post removed Mar 2018 #12

I don't know if you've seen this thread, but it will enlighten you as to Conor Lamb's positions: CaliforniaPeggy Mar 2018 #14

Both Proud liberal 80 Mar 2018 #13

Which we will never do without moderate Democrats like Lamb...hold either branch of Congress Demsrule86 Mar 2018 #32

All politics is local. herding cats Mar 2018 #42

Oh please...we won PA because Trump is disliked and Democrats were energized. They Demsrule86 Mar 2018 #46

Im not disagreeing with you. herding cats Mar 2018 #50

Sorry... I misunderstood...yes I advocate for Howard Dean's strategy. I was a Deaniac too...love Demsrule86 Mar 2018 #52

I thought so! herding cats Mar 2018 #54

I agree...get the most liberal people you can in district where they can win...but we absolutely Demsrule86 Mar 2018 #68

The 50 state strategy dansolo Mar 2018 #64

That is true...I will never understand why that was done. Demsrule86 Mar 2018 #67

I get what you are saying now...yes not nationalizing elections helps tremendously. Demsrule86 Mar 2018 #69

Dont get me wrong Proud liberal 80 Mar 2018 #58

We are limited in the majority...no doubt, but I think there are broad areas of agreement. And the Demsrule86 Mar 2018 #76

IMO not good, but sometimes needed mvd Mar 2018 #15

They should run in district that fit their ideology ...not in red districts. Demsrule86 Mar 2018 #33

They should run. I fully support this! herding cats Mar 2018 #47

That's pretty much what I think mvd Mar 2018 #53

I agree. herding cats Mar 2018 #56

No problem! Really enjoyed the posts mvd Mar 2018 #132

In moderate states like Virginia...some true progressives ran in districts that it appeared they Demsrule86 Mar 2018 #77

The fact that even the furthest right Democratic in the House or Senate votes with us about 75% mythology Mar 2018 #16

Don't think this is accurate PDittie Mar 2018 #122

Lala Labeling tirebiter Mar 2018 #17

He seems like a moderate Democrat to me. kentuck Mar 2018 #19

My belief is that: Hayduke Bomgarte Mar 2018 #18

Id prefer a radical leftist Nevernose Mar 2018 #21

Right. But that stuff must stay local and the I hope the Party.. mvd Mar 2018 #39

I think Virginia offers us an example of how true progressives can win in moderate states. Demsrule86 Mar 2018 #79

The narrower range of people we "allow" the smaller share of the population we appeal to. Binkie The Clown Mar 2018 #22

Well said, Binkie! kentuck Mar 2018 #26

Excellent post. Demsrule86 Mar 2018 #35

Best post of the night. GulfCoast66 Mar 2018 #43

+10000 Demsrule86 Mar 2018 #80

Any "conservative democrat" is better than any republican. X_Digger Mar 2018 #23

In a two-party dominated political system Zambero Mar 2018 #24

so true...we have gotten some of the best most important legislation this way...going back to Demsrule86 Mar 2018 #81

What "middle" are the Republicans "inclusive" of shanny Mar 2018 #103

They encompass no middle Zambero Mar 2018 #117

The Republicans have been kicking our butts for decades shanny Mar 2018 #124

Lamb runs as a young Joe Biden & Docreed2003 Mar 2018 #25

+100 kentuck Mar 2018 #27

TY Docreed2003 Mar 2018 #28

Yep...he is like Sherrod Brown and Tim Ryan. Demsrule86 Mar 2018 #36

You rocked it! 👊 sprinkleeninow Mar 2018 #63

He doesn't sound like Bernie. But they really aren't much different if you look at their platforms kcr Mar 2018 #120

Oh I agree a thousand percent... Docreed2003 Mar 2018 #121

I will accept all Democrats. apcalc Mar 2018 #30

+100 Demsrule86 Mar 2018 #37

If it comes to pass, Will my Rep vote to impeach NotASurfer Mar 2018 #38

Maybe not...but we can get Trump out in 20 if we work at it. Demsrule86 Mar 2018 #40

That would be like a Sheriff that declined to go after the bank robbers because... kentuck Mar 2018 #41

Yes it is. GulfCoast66 Mar 2018 #44

I agree. There is no point in impeachment without conviction. Demsrule86 Mar 2018 #82

If you don't have the votes to convict than what? Demsrule86 Mar 2018 #48

Well, I am represented by a conservative Democrat and I am damned thankful for him. Still In Wisconsin Mar 2018 #45

100 percent agree! lkinwi Mar 2018 #85

Winner! FakeNoose Mar 2018 #94

In TN our only hope to defeat Marsha Blackburn is moderate Democrat redstateblues Mar 2018 #57

I hate that woman...every time she opens her mouth... I turn off the TV. Demsrule86 Mar 2018 #126

See CaliforniaPeggy Post #8.... Upthevibe Mar 2018 #60

Like Lieberman RandiFan1290 Mar 2018 #65

You ever consider that if we had not primaryed Lieberman...we might Demsrule86 Mar 2018 #84

How childish. nt RandiFan1290 Mar 2018 #92

Childish? Ok whatever. What did primarying Lieberman give us in terms of policy? Demsrule86 Mar 2018 #112

If you want to win elections Trumpocalypse Mar 2018 #66

We have to have candidates who fit the district/state. Vinca Mar 2018 #75

Location, location, location. Funtatlaguy Mar 2018 #78

Even leaving aside the already mentioned arguments Hav Mar 2018 #83

I am a Democrat and quite liberal...but I hate so called free trade... I live in Ohio Demsrule86 Mar 2018 #87

You replied just as I wanted to self-delete so I'll leave it Hav Mar 2018 #90

Ok...glad you like him. I am so pleased he won. Demsrule86 Mar 2018 #111

ALL F*CKING democrats are good for the party ESPECIALLY conservatives ones where they are needed beachbum bob Mar 2018 #88

They're bad for America zipplewrath Mar 2018 #93

You think if we take back congress the moderates will meekly go away? GulfCoast66 Mar 2018 #130

If it gets us back in the majority, hell yes! mcar Mar 2018 #95

Political purity is bullshit. DinahMoeHum Mar 2018 #96

"Does it really make a difference so long as he votes with his fellow Democrats 80%-90% of the time? Ferrets are Cool Mar 2018 #97

They're integral to being the big tent party of America. Hortensis Mar 2018 #99

+1000 TheSmarterDog Mar 2018 #102

I've been saying this for years.... vi5 Mar 2018 #100

Back when I was growing up in the 70s NewJeffCT Mar 2018 #101

As long as their goals align with the platform they are better than the most liberal of Rs. ehrnst Mar 2018 #104

A more operative question: mn9driver Mar 2018 #108

If they aren't bought by the same money the Republicans are, they're good for the party. Orsino Mar 2018 #109

Yes. H2O Man Mar 2018 #113

who is the "Conservative Democrats" ? stonecutter357 Mar 2018 #115

Joe Biden seems to think some are worth endorsing ehrnst Mar 2018 #116

Good, both in the short and long term. cemaphonic Mar 2018 #123

I really don't buy the narrative of "conservative Conor Lamb" Tarc Mar 2018 #129

I am conservative on many issues but not enough to make me vote for any republican.The Democratic demosincebirth Mar 2018 #131