First OP since the election..."Fool me once, shame on you... [View all]

[Barack_America]

"...Fool me twice..."

I am still shell shocked over the election. I'm having trouble speaking to and forgiving people I know who likely voted for Trump. I doubt many of those relationships can be salvaged. I can't even hear these people out, "I voted for him, but I am certainly NOT a racist/bigot/sex abuser..." Whatever, you are what you vote for. Own THAT, sit with THAT, and then maybe we can talk.

But, as an early Obama primary supporter in 2008 and a fervent Sanders supporter this year, there's a particular pain in realizing the slow-motion train wreck I've been dreading for more than 8 years has finally happened. And it was just as brutal and horrific as I was fearing.

You are more than welcome to check my posts from 8 years ago, but I supported Obama early in 2008 because I witnessed, and understood first-hand, the visceral hatred of Hillary Clinton amongst the white working class of Michigan. I never felt comfortable in her ability to win this region in a general election, which is a big reason I again supported her rival this year.

Therein lies the frustration and anger...if I could see it, then how in the hell could the Democratic Party not have? And if they did realize Hillary's weakness in the rust belt, then why on God's green earth did they work so hard to sabotage a candidate that was compelling here? To secure their own influence and futures is the answer I'm left with.

And how does Hillary not campaign in WI once in the general election after being so soundly beaten there in the primaries? The arrogance of that decision in particular is astounding.

We can complain about Putin and Comey, and sure, their influence in this election is bullshit, and I am utterly baffled that Washington is not (metaphorically) burning over it.

But, if we cannot reconcile the fatal mistakes that the Clinton campaign and the Democratic Party brazenly committed not once, but twice, and with intent, then this party will never achieve a majority again.

Enthusiasm matters, the Midwest matters, populism matters, distance from Wall Street matters. Recognize this now, finally, or fade into obscurity.