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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsMcCaskill asked black leaders to push back on criticism of her campaign. No one would.
http://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article207197629.html"African American leaders in Missouri are frustrated with what they see as Sen. Claire McCaskill’s lackluster engagement with minority voters.
Frustrated enough that they refused to sign a letter pushing back against comments made last month by Bruce Franks, a prominent black activist and state legislator from St. Louis, who called on McCaskill to “show up” and earn the support of minority voters in her state.
“I’m going to vote for Claire, but Claire is going to have to bring her ass to St. Louis,” Franks said to applause at a town hall he hosted Feb. 17.
In response to Franks comments, McCaskill had asked African American elected officials in Kansas City and St. Louis to sign the letter."
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still_one
(92,116 posts)officials to sign a dumb ass letter committing their support.
Again, assuming the rendition of the article is accurate, all she needed to do is go into the African American community and tell them why they should vote for her, and what she would bring to the table.
If she had done that it would have been a non-issue, now she has made this an issue that didn't have to be
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)McGaskill has been focusing much of her energy on attracting white working class voters while pretty much ignoring minority voters. Apparently she didn't have time to reach out to these black constituents but assumed she could get what she needs from them without having to actually waste any of her time with them.
TheDebbieDee
(11,119 posts)And instead of motivating her base to come out and vote FOR her, she spends her TV time placating republican voters who will NEVER vote for her. And she never throws out any red meat that would fire up her base - SHE PUTS DEMS & PROGRESSIVES TO SLEEP!
Listening to her talk on any of the issues, she's so nice and quiet and polite you can't even tell she's a Democrat! And she gives me the impression that she thinks PROGRESSIVE is a dirty word...
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)And black leaders and voters are BEGGING her to help them turn out the vote for HER and she not only ignores them, but insults them.
And some DUers actually defend that and criticize the black voters for not being nice to her.
Hortensis
(58,785 posts)in the first place. She was "the most endangered Democrat" in 2012, expected to LOSE by double digits until Akin's "legitimate rape" comments gave her a path to victory -- women, including women of color of course.
Obviously she needed to somehow make black Missourians happier. But regarding your recommendation, if it were you and losing meant being unable to accomplish any of your goals, would you really embark on an experiment of trying to draw people who didn't vote in 2016 (2016, for god's sake!!!), or would you try to improve on the strategies that pulled you through in 2012 and 2016?
Before you answer:
* Neither fish nor fowl, McCaskill in the past had to appeal to some on both right and left to win, but as a result few really strongly support her.
* 5 million voters are white, a majority conservative
1 million total are POC, 714K black (and HALF of those are conservative by personality)
* McCaskill will win urban blue areas by a lot of wasted votes (i.e., a million more than the 1 extra vote needed to defeat her Republican opponent). There are severely diminishing returns on "over" campaigning for blue votes in urban areas, white or any other color, previous voters or new. To keep her seat she must also appeal outside big cities.
* Will anti-trumpers who didn't bother to vote against him in 2016 come out for a conservative Democrat in the 2018 midterms?
* Of course POC at 19%or so of the population have power are using their leverage on McCaskill. 
How big will it translate into, though, and what should they negotiate for? Her committtes are Armed Services (Airland; Cybersecurity; Personnel); Finance (International Trade, Customs & Global Competitiveness; Taxation & IRS Oversight); Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs
This isn't support for McCaskill's blue dog record (46% vote in line with Trump agenda). I am saying, whether she followed your strategy or the one she is, maybe the one thing McCaskill could do that would make voters like her more would be to lose and let MO be represented by 2 Republican senators. Failing a new Akin showing up like a gift from god, of course.
TheDebbieDee
(11,119 posts)ANYTHING to rile up folks to vote FOR her. The low-info Dems may not even show up to vote for her if she continues to put everyone to sleep!
She needs to throw out some red meat to us - support raising the minimum wage, control healthcare prices, improve education resources.
I just sick of quiet, polite Dems - Dems who are too polite to fight for what I want!
Hortensis
(58,785 posts)that'll rile black people up to vote for her? Come on. All responsibility shifted onto her to "magic" people into doing what's they're supposed to?
Setting aside what the hell what those magic words COULD be, people who are going about their lives without looking or listening would have to fall over them and be jarred to attention. HOW does McCaskill accomplish that? HOW does she make the media cover her magic words at all, much less the dozens of times needed for enough people to notice for it to be even a little event?
But back to what this magic would be, if what Trump and the Republicans are doing doesn't rile people up, what the hell could McCaskill do that would top legislative baseball bats swinging at our heads?
For instance, right now the pubs are planning to destroy the VA. 20 million vets to be screwed over, a disproportionate number of them black, everyone's tax dollars stolen.
Just maybe it's our JOB, including blacks, to rile ourselves up, to be angry, to be inspired by what we can accomplish if we try. No magic words, just facing horrible reality and doing something really great about it. And for sure blacks should leverage their power to do great things, but not because some white woman's magic words inspired them to.
Itm, maybe there's something, not riling but of interest, in this:
... The ads say that McCaskill has “led the effort to make the VA more accountable.” ... Jon Stoltz, an Iraq war veteran and chairman of VoteVets, said that McCaskill “has one of the most welcoming offices when it comes to veterans, and she takes what we say to heart.” ...
The groups running the ads are symptomatic of the many that have popped up since the 2011 Citizens United Supreme Court ruling that groups can run millions of dollars in campaign advertising without divulging their donors. They are often referred to as “dark money.”
McCaskill has criticized such groups and has backed legislation to overturn Citizens United. Her spokesman, John LaBombard, on Thursday reiterated that position.
“Until the legislation she’s championed to require disclosure passes, she’d love to see these groups do the right thing and embrace transparency. “And in the meantime she’s told Missourians to ignore ads that aren’t paid for by the candidates themselves and will continue doing so.”
http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/new-ads-praise-mccaskill-on-veterans-issues-but-she-wants/article_a56827db-7531-5806-95fe-ec8f7da279ac.html
In 2017, Congress passed the Arla Harrell Act, which was named after a World War II veteran from Macon, Mo. For years the VA had denied his claims for health problems Harrell said came from exposure to mustard gas experiments at Missouri’s Camp Crowder.
The law shifted the burden of proof from the veterans to the VA, and required the VA to review all claims it had rejected from veterans who said they were exposed to mustard gas or lewisite.
McCaskill, D-Mo., had taken up Harrell’s cause with the VA, and that led to legislation after the VA continued to deny Harrell’s claims, even when McCaskill’s investigators dug up more supporting evidence of mustard gas experiments at Camp Crowder.
http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/mccaskill-says-va-has-reversed-itself-and-paid-claims-to/article_5ec0bde1-041d-5e18-8d3a-4f5c6c5d878e.html
I know, unexciting, imperfect, but there's no magic substitute for educating ourselves about the candidates. Not that this is more than a little start.
TheDebbieDee
(11,119 posts)She needs to motivate low-info Dems to come out and vote for her and she can do that by speaking up abt kitchen table issues for EVERYBODY! Issues like raising minimum wages, reining in health care costs, etc.
As for the other items in your post, I'm sorry but TL; DR...
Hortensis
(58,785 posts)we're going to accomplish as we Make America America again. And what I said goes for people of every color. It's OUR job, not McCaskill's, to figure out what what we should be fighting for.
Fear makes people more conservative. People don't believe violent crimes have gone down for the past 40 years. Make sure all the people you know believe it, and they'll be that much less in thrall to those who prey on the weak and ignorant.
Make them understand that while clueless, fearful weaklings have been moaning about the end of democracy, democracy has exploded around the planet and has been hugely involved in the staggering drop in severe poverty -- both as cause for and result of. PROOF that we have reason for our pride and optimism.
Be sure and tell them the average life span on this planet is now 71.5 years! How can that be?! 
This is real, so find a friend of any color and pass it on. AND that it's because of all the things people like us -- represented by Democrats in this country -- do right. Make them proud to be part of such enormous progress!
And just imagine where we'd be and who and what others would vote for if they believed in reality?
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)Ignore minority voters at your peril. It is they - not the mythical Trump voter who's suddenly going to start voting Democratic if you keep asking them real nice - who are going to get you over the finish line.m
You'd better stop ignoring them and get with it before it's too late.
still_one
(92,116 posts)comments were entirely distorted and misrepresented regarding trump voters, and now she effectively demands African American leaders to sign a letter of support from her.
Effie, you are right on about the "mythical trump voter starting to vote Democratic". It isn't going to happen.
She better move her ass right now and visit the black communities, telling them what she is going to do, but even more important, listening to what they say
samplegirl
(11,474 posts)More people should of kept track of the way she voted.
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)to business as usual.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)Are you always so sweet in making invitations? I bet you get a lot of takers if you asked people to come to a party like that!
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)ollie10
(2,091 posts)EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)You don’t seem to care what we think about the way Trump voters talk to and about us. In fact, you keep saying we shouldn’t even bring it up. But now, suddenly, not only are you concerned about civility - even though saying a politician needs to bring her ass somewhere is hardly uncivil - but you are suggesting that a veteran politician is such a pearl-clutches that such language would driver her away from her own constituents.
I’m starting to think you may have an agenda ...
ollie10
(2,091 posts)Hortensis
(58,785 posts)We are all expected to tend to our own manners here, not those of others.
Civility
No personal attacks or flaming
Do not personally attack, insult, flame, threaten, bully, harass, stalk, negatively call-out, ascribe ugly ulterior motives to, or make baseless claims about any member of this community. Do not post in a manner that is hostile, abusive, or aggressive toward any member of this community.
Why we have this rule: Civility begets quality discussions. Democratic Underground members are highly passionate about politics which means discussions can get heated -- but they don't need to get nasty. There's no reason why a community of intelligent adults who agree on a majority of political issues can't have a conversation without insulting each other or resorting to other anti-social behaviors.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)"I’m starting to think you may have an agenda ..."
I might add that my entire point is that I think the use of foul language is being disrespectful towards McCaskill, towards women in general, and to readers. It diminishes the entire conversation
Hortensis
(58,785 posts)things to say, and if you discussed the issue instead of attacking her you might have, you know, broadened your understanding of what others are thinking.
Do we choose to understand the political context in which we live so we can act wisely or instead just steam ineffectually with the kind of hostility of ignorance that we deplore in others?
ollie10
(2,091 posts)
Bradshaw3
(7,505 posts)Being accused of having an agenda and responding with "mine is electing Dems" is not a lack of manners or violates the TOS. The orginal question does.
BeyondGeography
(39,367 posts)Meantime, we can ponder the response from the same people here if some local leader in Milwaukee said Hillary needed to “get her ass” to WI in the fall of 2016.
atreides1
(16,070 posts)But it got her attention, didn't it!
ollie10
(2,091 posts)But is it effective?
NCTraveler
(30,481 posts)Few things could be more clear than that.
tazkcmo
(7,300 posts)A better one is a an entitled employee and frustrated employer. we aren't inviting her to a party, we're demanding better job performance from our employee who has a track record of looking a lot like our competition.
This isn't a party.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)It is more than using the foul language. This is a threat.
You're right. My metaphore was imperfect.
A better would be we have a Democratic Party. We can use foul language at each other and threaten each other....that is our constitutional right.....but it is not a good way to win elections.
Of course McCasskill would be wise to reach out to all her constituents. But making threats and using foul language....that belongs in 2nd grade play grounds. No, actually, it doesn't even belong there.
NCTraveler
(30,481 posts)
ollie10
(2,091 posts)or else?
NCTraveler
(30,481 posts)This is too funny.
A threat?
tazkcmo
(7,300 posts)Directed at McCaskill, not voters. A threat your boss might express when dissatisfied with continued poor job performance. Do a better job or you'll be fired at the next opportunity to do so. That's the threat.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)tazkcmo
(7,300 posts)No, duh. You forgot "next available opportunity". 2018, unfortunately, is not such an opportunity due to what's at stake right now. Even I am not so stupid to support a Democratic primary opponent this time and I can get pretty stupid. She's fortunate that's the case but hopefully the next time she's up for re-election we will be in a better position to kick her sorry ass to the curb or maybe she'll just retire. Hope that clears it up. 2018? No, we're stuck with her if she doesn't continue to display entitlement and hubris like that mentioned in this article thereby alienating people's patience that's are already worn thin. 2024? We'll see.
Demsrule86
(68,539 posts)governor. And I am sure all on this board will rejoice when Clair loses and we have one less Democrat in the Senate...and the GOP rams their shitty agenda through (sarcasm). I am sure the Republican will be just wonderful (sarcasm). You have a choice...Democrat or Republican.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)Demsrule86
(68,539 posts)
jrthin
(4,835 posts)
Cha
(297,100 posts)Hillary certainly didn't do it.
Demsrule86
(68,539 posts)their toxic policy through, it will be too late for all of us including those who foolishly helped the GOP. It will as always under GOP governance be worse for people of color....that is the epitome of cutting off your nose to spite your face. We are voting for a majority without which nothing can be done.
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)who still enjoys tremendous support among many Democrats, particularly African Americans?
If McCaskill can criticize our most recent standard-bearer without being accused of dividing the party and making it easier for the GOP to win, surely a black supporter can tell her that “she needs to get her ass to St. Louis” without being attacked for expecting his senator to respond to all of her constituents.
Demsrule86
(68,539 posts)reelected than you go girl. Hillary is not running for anything.
Demsrule86
(68,539 posts)is what she has to do to get elected...you go girl. Hillary is not running for office.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)McCaskill was the first sitting lawmaker to endorse Hillary.
She didn't trash Hillary last week. She said she should "be more careful" talking about Trump voters.
In my opinion, she was right.
In her India speech, it was unnecessary for Hillary to go off whining about Trump voters. It was a distraction. What was worse, she used a very unskillful use of words in her speech and many thought she was writing off entire states and groups of voters.
McCaskill was asked about this....and this illustrated why Hillary's comments in India were counterproductive. McCasskill will not be the only Democrat running for office in 2018 who will be distracted from their message to answer questions about a few lines in a speech that were unskillfully prepared.
Do the math. Trump's approval numbers have been consistently lower than the numbers who voted for him. Obviously, some now don't approve of him anymore. We don't have to reach out to them or coddle them, but implying that they are all idiots or racists or whatever for making that mistake in 2016 is not going to help, it will turn off voters who could otherwise vote D this time around. They are NOT NOW Trump supporters!
JI7
(89,244 posts)voters if she is seen as too pro minority like Hillary.
still_one
(92,116 posts)ollie10
(2,091 posts)Are we talking about unprotected sex?
NCTraveler
(30,481 posts)Why is unprotected sex on its own stupid?
Some people just don’t stop thinking about sex. Amazing how misplaced it is here.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)NCTraveler
(30,481 posts)Bringing sex into it? I miss how that rises to a great level of maturity.
BTW, you completely avoided the question. The question directly related to you bringing unprotected sex into the conversation.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)and it was meant to mock the stupidity of using F words as if they were meaningful
NCTraveler
(30,481 posts)There’s no reference point which would be necessary.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)What the poster meant was that it was stupid, and was patting self on back for being so astute as to be able to use the F word.
i didn't think it made them astute. Rather immature.
So I used the other meaning of the word fucking, actually the original meaning, ie sexual intercourse. And, this is my opinion and not everyone agrees, but unprotected sex is at least often stupid. Do I have to spell it out to you? Rather poor joke, but using the F word makes you look like a fool or a child
NCTraveler
(30,481 posts)You find bringing unprotected sex into the conversation to be mature? You find associating POC with Trump to be mature?
Transparent.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)Claire is a woman.
"she better move her ass right now" is a semi-abusive comment towards a woman. I guess it could be even worse, but this is a pretty disrespectful way to address a woman.....or a man for that matter
Need I remind you she is also a DEMOCRAT?
GaryCnf
(1,399 posts)But get over this "women are part of our base." When you take out black women (who vote like black people of both genders, not like women), women are part of Trump's base. Democratic women are part of our base because of the mountain of work they put in, not because of how women vote.
Black people, however, are part of our base and Claire has been miserable when it comes to invigorating them. She attacked the Ferguson protestor. She defended the Bob McCulloch grand jury whitewash. We are going to need another Akin miracle because pandering to conservatives don't work.
Good Democrats need to plead with her to reach out to black Missourians, not enabling her bad decisions
ollie10
(2,091 posts)Good luck with that one!
More than that, how can you justify semi-abusive language like that towards a woman? Or a man, for that matter? We treat dogs and cats with more respect, usually
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)
ollie10
(2,091 posts)I made it clear I did not want to converse with you
WhiskeyGrinder
(22,316 posts)Iggo
(47,547 posts) Demsrule86
(68,539 posts)of Missouri loses if the Republican wins...and they may very well get a working majority if this happens in other states...this is nothing but a refusal to recognize that it is hard for Democrats to win in red states...they have to get votes from POC and from whites as well...but unless we support them, we don't get a majority and we bring nothing to the floor. So choose...to send a message and remain in the minority, or choose to elect Democrats who may have different views and win a majority and get bills to the floor...we have no seat at the table right now. Thus, holding candidates 'feet top the fire' is foolish and self-defeating.
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)So she should campaign to both and not to just one while the other group just watches from the sidelines.
If her campaign can't figure out how to allocate its resources and the candidate's time to reach out to both groups, she needs to get better campaign staff.
Demsrule86
(68,539 posts)I am overly concerned, but I see a right wing SCOTUS that could end Roe v Wade,recriminalize homosexuality and even repeal civil rights. The house is on fire. We need to unite behind all our candidates....even those we really don't care for. Great discussion by the way. I appreciate your point of view also.
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)Demsrule86
(68,539 posts)a shot at statewide elections and are faithful voters...we need to return that tenfold. My future is son-in-law is Black, and recently he and my older daughter went to help the younger daughter who drives like a bat out of hell...she had hit potholes in Youngstown and was stranded on 680. My daughter was terrified when the cops came that they would shoot T. They told him to keep his hands in sight. He told me later his Mother told him put your hands on the steering wheel and don't move them. It was very scary. After a minute or so the cop was fine and was actually nice ...but those first few minutes were terrifying. He is a big kid, played football in high school. When we walk down the Street, I hear people locking their car doors. I want to drag them out of the car and slap them. This is intolerable and must be stopped. I would like to see murderous cops tried in federal court with a change of venue. My eyes have been opened to what white privilege really is...since T came on the scene...he is a wonderful young man and deserves better. He messed up at school his Dad wanted him to be an engineer, and he hates it. So his Dad stopped paying. Now he is going back for computers and the school is making him go to community college. That is ridiculous. I know for a fact my younger daughter's friend partied her brains out left school and was taken back six months later. I wanted to go to the Dean but my daughter won't let me. He has to work twice as hard and be twice as good and no mistakes because you don't get that many chances when your skin is dark...It is horrible and I am ashamed that this goes on in this country. It has to change. So I will never understand fully but I have seen things that shock me and disappoint me. Somehow I thought after we got our first Black President...everything was fixed. But it is not. We have to do better.
LenaBaby61
(6,974 posts)The Supreme Court's already GONE 5-4 right with Gorsuch on there, and lower courts across this country are being packed with racist, right-winged nut-jobs.
The Damage is done.
Demsrule86
(68,539 posts)a test case...the damage is not done...They don't have the votes yet.
BeyondGeography
(39,367 posts)Good times for the blue team in MO.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)Does the speaker really want McCaskill to go to St Louis? Does he really think that threatening her and using mean words is the way to go?
I think it must be difficult being a politician. Sometimes even your so-called supporters can be rude as hell.
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)Trump supporters can call us names, treat us, our leaders and our candidates like shit, and bleat endlessly about the wonders of a racist president, but not only are our candidates are supposed to chase them around the state begging for their votes, kiss their asses and tell them it smells delicious and we Democratic voters better not utter a word of criticism that might offend them ... but black voters telling the Senator they helped put in office and who desperately needs their votes but hasn’t bothered to show up that she needs to bring her ass to their community are waaay out of line?
Wow.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)Do you find, when you are not talking on the internet, that using such language is an effective method of getting results? Or do people just recognize that you are being rude?
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)You’ve been falling all over yourself defending Trump supporters and trying to shut down any criticism of them, because it might offend them. Yet you now dive headfirst into this thread to attack black voters for saying a bad word and insist that this is not “an effective way to get results.”
In other words, black voters are supposed to shut up while our leaders kiss Trump supporters’ asses, no matter how obnoxious or offensive they are, but when those same leaders ignore us, we’re still supposed to shut-up, or at least not get too uppity in our language if we want them to pay any attention to us.
You know we can see you, right?
ollie10
(2,091 posts)I would advise you simply that using foul language is not particularly effective. That's all.
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)You’ve been all over this board defending racist Trump supporters and telling me, a black woman, and other Democrats that we need to bite our tongues and not say anything to offend the sonthat politicians like McGaskill can get their votes. But now yo’re acting like you’ve got the vapors because a black Democratic voter said ass.
So, we can’t criticize Trump voters because it might offend them. Our candidates can’t ignore Trump voters because it might offend them. A one Democrat can’t say “ass” to McGaskill because that might offend her and justify her ignoring an entire demographic.
But it’s fine for YOU to criticize McGaskill’s black constituents and you don’t seem to be the least bit concerned about offending THEM. It’s fine for McGaskill to ignore her black constituents and they better not call her on it - or at least not be all uppity in their language - because it might offend HER.
Gotcha. And I’ll be sure to remind you of your hypocrisy the next time I see you trying to lecture anybody about not offending your beloved, delicate, valued Trump supporters.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)When you have reached the point where you are inventing things I have said, it just shows how weak your arguments have been.
Demsrule86
(68,539 posts)frustrated with this...but you won't get a better candidate in Missouri and if some on our side vent their snark on her...people of any color...she loses and the GOP wins. Thus, keep your eye on the ball. We will be in serious jeopardy if the GOP does well in the Senate. There are seven conservadvems up for election in the Senate. If we lose all seven, the GOP will have 60 votes with pence. So no matter how annoyed you are if Claire and others lose, it will be devastating. What this person did is dampen down the vote which is not a good thing to do. I have to note that Dems don't do enough for people of color is a GOP meme used to divide us...because it is the only way they win. Don't fall for their lies.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)You simply musrepresent. That's crooked, not straight
Demit
(11,238 posts)That sounds like more than so-called support to me.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)What her supporter did was divide the party. He could have spoken to her or the campaign, expressing his wishes for her to make more appearances in the black community. But by using this foul language in public, the Republicans must be jumping for joy!!!! Sometimes I wish Democrats were more effective at winning elections. It gets tiresome to lose.
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)vote.
How do you reconcile your sudden concern that voters - at least black ones - behave themselves if we want the people we elected and who need our vote to treat us with respect with your consistent demand that those same leaders overlook the hatefulness of Trump supporters in order to try to earn their votes?
Why do you insist that Trump supporters be treated with greater understanding and respect than black Democratic voters?
ollie10
(2,091 posts)If you would like to converse with me, please be civil and please don't lie about what I have said.
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)Despite you calling me a liar.
But we both know that insisting that we treat Trump voters with respect and kid gloves so that they’ll vote Democratic has been your steady mantra around here. Funny thing, though - you never call them to account for what they say about us and our leaders, instead telling us we are wrong to criticize them for it because that is offensive and counter-productive.
But the minute a black voter - one man - criticized a Democratic politician for ignoring his community, you jump all over HIM because he said “ass.” No criticism of McCaskill for ignoring them - in fact, you make HER the victim. No effort to understand why this man is frustrated. No demand that she do a better job of reaching out to him and his community. No insistence that she look past the word “ass” and realize she needs those votes. Nope - just criticism of the black guy who you think stepped out of line.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)I would object..
But she hasn't.
You continue to say I have said things about Trump voters that I have not said.
So you think that is..er...honest?
Demsrule86
(68,539 posts)And the more Democrats they kick out of the Senate, the better the policies towards them will be (sarcasm). They are foolish...and that sort of attitude is how we got Trump..what is Claire supposed to do when the Democrats don't have the House, the Senate or the presidency...and they simply make it worse for themselves if they elect a Republican. A few more votes in the Senate and Trump will get his opiod bill containing the death penalty for drug dealer which really mean a death penalty for Black and Brown men because we all know that is what it is all about. Trump said basically take a chance because 'it can't get worse' during one of his speeches...but that is a lie, the more power voters give Republicans, the worse it will get in Missouri and everywhere else.
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)Now be quiet while I go beg votes from the people who voted in a racist for president.
Demsrule86
(68,539 posts)She has always has to thread the needle with both Black supporters and White supporters...Trump won Missouri Decisively and they elected a Republican governor. You may think it doesn't matter if she loses, but she voted with us on every bill except the Dodd-Franken bill which when I looked at it left 95% of Dodd Franken intact. That won't be the case if she loses and other conservadems lose and the GOP gets 60 votes in the Senate which could happen with Pences tie breaking vote. You can get as snarky with me as you choose but the bottomline is POC are always more at risk under Republicans. Are Democrats perfect no but they are much better than Republicans...I get a 'vote to send a message to Democrats' in your posts, but I fail to understand how sending a Republican to the Senate sends any sort of message...I also fail to see how once you do this, we get the seat back for for quite a while...years probably.
Demit
(11,238 posts)If Claire McCaskill doesn't know how to show that she wants *everyone's* votes, she's not very good at being a politician.
Demsrule86
(68,539 posts)I mean it is not like the welcome Nazis and White Supremacists...oh wait. I heard this same nonsense in 16, it gave us Trump. I would have thought people would have learned from the Trump debacle, but I guess not. You want things to get better, vote Democratic...even for candidates you don't like...you are voting for a majority without which we can do nothing.
Demit
(11,238 posts)He just wants his senator to show his community a little respect.
I'm not sure what you mean by "this same nonsense" in 16. What is the lesson the black community should have learned from the Trump debacle? That's an honest question.
Demsrule86
(68,539 posts)EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)Funny that it was supposedly Hillary’s fault that she didn’t get stronger support from white working class voters because she allegedly didn’t reach out to them enough. But if McCaskill doesn’t get full support from black voters after she ignored and insulted them, it’s THEIR fault that she lost.
I can only imagine what people would have said if Hillary had ignored a significant group of white voters and when they insisted she show up, she tried to get them to sign a letter of support instead. We all know what the reaction would have been - and it would have involved language stronger than “ass.”
Demit
(11,238 posts)Demsrule86
(68,539 posts)Democratic to survive in the next couple of years...and Claire McCaskill is the best you will do in Missouri, and we need her for a majority. Trump carried that state that is the reality. The worst Democrat is better than the best Republican and Claire voted with us for everything except Dodd- Franken which I didn't think was that bad. I provide a link for her votes. So if you all think this is a time for message voting, you are wrong.
https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/congress-trump-score/claire-mccaskill/
Demit
(11,238 posts)Bruce Franks clearly said that McCaskill has his vote, so he's not message voting or encouraging anyone to message vote.
The issue is that McCaskill wanted a show of support from other black leaders against HIM. Really, that's a bridge too far. SHE's the one being divisive, trying to get black leaders to publicly censure one of their own. I don't know if it was a deliberate attempt to court white voters, a signal to them, but it was at the very least a clumsy maneuver on her part.
Demsrule86
(68,539 posts)had to ask for support either...they should have offered it unless they think a GOP in the Senate would be a good thing. They didn't have to censure anyone...just saying they support her and not commenting on the what was said would have been sufficient...their refusal could have terrible consequences for Missouri and for the Country if the Republican wins election. I don't think people understand how much trouble we are in as a party and as a country if we don't keep the GOP from attaining a governing majority in the Senate in 18...there are 7 red state Democrats up for election...do the math. I would also point out that if we lose this seat, it is unlikely we will a majority in 20 which means even if we elect a Democratic president, we won't get SCOTUS justices,a public option and a chance to end the terrible tax cut... also immigration. We get nothing if we don't retake the Senate.
Demit
(11,238 posts)But this—she shouldn't have had to ask for support??? A politician shouldn't have to ask for support?? Now you're really starting to annoy me. I think I'm done here.
Demsrule86
(68,539 posts)have offered support. And I don't talk down to people. I don't argue with people I don't respect. I am very concerned with the Senate (every year is a struggle but this year is more than difficult), we are vulnerable as there are 7 conservadems up for re-election. I don't doubt you know this. But consider the consequences if Claire McCaskill loses. I do my best to point out this is a must win year and so is 20.
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)We're just supposed to get on board while our leaders go out of their way to reach out to people who probably won't vote for them anyway - and certainly won't vote for them if they think the candidate is too close to us.
Demit
(11,238 posts)is to disrespect the black ones? That's what her bonehead move says loud and clear to me.
You know, I remember when George W Bush, at the end of one of the presidential debates against Kerry, turned to the audience and said, "I'm asking for your vote." It struck me odd at the time, not presidential, more like what a local candidate says when he goes door to door. Then I realized it was kind of shrewd. There's a humbleness to it. Voters respond to that. What Claire McCaskill is exhibiting is haughtiness. That's not good.
NCTraveler
(30,481 posts)I see what you are doing. Bad form.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)Geez, that is the sort of language and tone that I would expect from donald trump!
NCTraveler
(30,481 posts)And please don’t compare our base to Donal Trump. What a horrid reference you just made. You just elevated yourself past dog whistle territory.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)You don't say......
Why be like him?
Demit
(11,238 posts)And the word 'ass' is used on tv all the time. So better have your smelling salts ready if you watch any tv.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)English is our language. Why say what we don't mean?
Demit
(11,238 posts)No one is going to say it was a joke because it wasn't a joke.
The legislator used a slang term that is well-known in the English language. There are all different ways to communicate in the English language, and he chose to speak in the vernacular, as many people do these days when they are not giving formal addresses to an audience or in some other kind of formal situation. I think you are overreacting in the extreme. It must be very tiring for you to live in the modern world.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)McCaskill in particular.
Surely more respectful words could have been used.
Demit
(11,238 posts)You've got to prove you know your ass from your elbow. Stumble too often in a campaign, on Election Day you might go ass over teacup. Now, excuse me, I have to get my ass in gear and go food shopping.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)her anus from her elbow.
How respectful. I am sure the Rs will say something similar. They probably thank you for doing their job for them!
Demit
(11,238 posts)Excuse me for my foul language! For you, I'll amend that to tight anus.
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)Yet she was still expected to reach out to them and campaign for their votes and she did. When, despite her best efforts, some of them didn't vote for her, SHE was blamed for not doing enough to earn their votes.
Did you ever criticize those voters for being disrespectful to her because "no one wants to be talked to like that" and they were making it less likely that she would reach out to them, or claim that it was THEIR fault that she didn't get their votes?
ollie10
(2,091 posts)We can do that by fighting each other, dissing our candidate for not reaching out to various parts of our base enough, use foul language at her and semi-abusive tone towards each other.......sorry, but in my opinion (and I could be wrong) this would not be effective.
In McCaskill's case, we have a shot to win but MO is a pretty conservative state by and large.
We aren't going to win by forming a circular firing squad and pulling the trigger.
I have little doubt McCaskill will reach out to all the parts of her base. Wouldn't it be more effective for our ultimate goal to win in November to go a little easier on the foul language and have a little more respect for McCaskill?
Put another way, wouldn't the Rs be happy if the various parts of our base all ganged up on McCaskill for not being pure enough?
Rs being the Republicans AND the Russians.....
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)letter supporting her (or, more accurately, saving her from her own bad judgment without her having to address it herself) than I am by one - ONE - of her supporters saying she needs to get her ass to his community.
You have spent a lot of time and energy today criticizing him for saying ass (OH, the HUMANITY!) and insisting that he must show unity, etc. But you haven't said one word of criticism about McGaskill's tone-deaf treatment of this community. And this comes on the heels of your harsh criticism of Hillary Clinton - who's not even running for anything - for speaking uncomfortable truth about certain Trump voters, ostensibly because you're sure that they won't vote for Democrats because Hillary Clinton isn't being nice enough to them. In your view, it's perfectly fine to diss Hillary Clinton for being dismissive toward white voters, but it's wrong to criticize McGaskill for being dismissive toward black voters.
You are very quick to come to the defense of Trump supporters and of McGaskill, whose neglect of African-American voters you argue is justified by the need for her to appeal to Trump supporters and other white voters - while being just as prompt in your criticism of black voters for not being more understanding and patient with McGaskill as she ignores them because they need to "have a little more respect for" her so that we can win in November.
And please don't complain about a "circular firing squad" since you are very eager to fire shots at anyone you think might offend certain white folk.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)Over and over, you misrepresent what I have said.
1) I did not just criticize him for using one word. It is the context of what he said and what you said: ""she better move her ass right now". I don't know how you talk in real life...this is just an internet thing....but in the real world, you use things like that people will think you are rude, arrogant, pushy, and vulgar.
2) my harsh criticism of Clinton? I did not attack Clinton. I said several times (not that you listened or even tried to) that I admire her, voted for her and think she would have made a fine president. My disagreements are with whether her India speech was helpful to us politically (they weren't). So you can go ahead and take this as a personal attack on Hillary. But you won't be being honest.
3) I don't think McCaskill has been dismissive of black voters. What has she said to warrant that charge?
4) I do not come to the defense of Trump supporters. What I have done is simply point out there are some FORMER voters for Trump who now DON'T SUPPORT him. We don't have to coddle them, but at the same time, if we go out of our way to call them racists, or idiots, or such...we are going to scare them off. Instead of going out of our way to lash out at them, we need to focus our campaign on what we are going to do and criticize Trump, not the people who don't like him any more.
5) Criticism of black voters? Not from me.
I don't even know why I am responding to you. Time after time, you have misrepresented what I have said. I have little doubt you will continue to misrepresent what I am saying now. And in the future. So if you want to have a discussion, let's discuss. But if you can't discuss without misrepresenting what I am saying, this is just ugly on your part.
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)1) I did not just criticize him for using one word. It is the context of what he said and what you said: ""she better move her ass right now". I don't know how you talk in real life...this is just an internet thing....but in the real world, you use things like that people will think you are rude, arrogant, pushy, and vulgar.
OK, one sentence, with the word "ass" in it. Said by one man. Once. And then attributed to the entire community to the degree that McCaskill tried to get several prominent black leaders, including a U.S. Congressman, to sign a letter denouncing his comment.
2) my harsh criticism of Clinton? I did not attack Clinton. I said several times (not that you listened or even tried to) that I admire her, voted for her and think she would have made a fine president. My disagreements are with whether her India speech was helpful to us politically (they weren't). So you can go ahead and take this as a personal attack on Hillary. But you won't be being honest.
If Hillary keeps on making speeches like that one and alienates a few million voters who would otherwise be in play....all we have to do is to stop saying stupid things that alienate them so our get out the vote efforts will pay off more. I don't know about you, but I think saying that Hillary says "stupid things" that could "alienate a few million voters who would otherwise be in play" is pretty harsh criticism. Or did you mean that as a compliment?
3) I don't think McCaskill has been dismissive of black voters. What has she said to warrant that charge?
Seriously? Ignoring entreaties by black political leaders to campaign in their communities but then asking them to sign a letter criticizing another black politician for saying the same thing, just in blunter language, is dismissive, not to mention insulting to expect black people to go around denouncing other black people on your behalf. If you can point to an instance in which she asked a group of white people to sign a letter denouncing something that a white man said, please have at it.
4) I do not come to the defense of Trump supporters. What I have done is simply point out there are some FORMER voters for Trump who now DON'T SUPPORT him. We don't have to coddle them, but at the same time, if we go out of our way to call them racists, or idiots, or such...we are going to scare them off. Instead of going out of our way to lash out at them, we need to focus our campaign on what we are going to do and criticize Trump, not the people who don't like him any more.
As I said, you get far more worked up about the feelings and sensitivities of Trump voters than you come even close to exhibiting for black voters who you seem to think should be more "understanding" toward people who offend them.
5) Criticism of black voters? That must be some wacky weed you are smoking, you are hallucinating!
I'll just leave that here and let your numerous posts speak for themselves.
I don't even know why I am responding to you. Time after time, you have misrepresented what I have said. I have little doubt you will continue to misrepresent what I am saying now. And in the future. So if you want to have a discussion, let's discuss. But if you can't discuss without misrepresenting what I am saying, this is just ugly on your part.
I have not misrepresented anything you have said. If you want to claim that you don't intend your words to mean what they say in plain language, that's fine. But anyone reading your posts and my comments about them can see that there's no "misrepresentation" involved at all.
GaryCnf
(1,399 posts)But we agree here, every word.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)You are probably a nice person in real life. And we probably agree on an overwhelming number of issues. We are both Democrats.
I do find it extremely irritating that I have to over and over try to clarify what I have said.....after you have tried over and over again to put a slant on it.
I will just leave it at that. I see little point in continuing our conversation. I wish you well and have a good day
Demsrule86
(68,539 posts)EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)Do you realize you are totally embodying the point I’ve been making? That black voters are expected to sit down and shut up while our candidates go chasing around after the elusive Trump voter - because you’re “absolutely certain her opponent will help them out. {sarcasm}”
Lining up with racists to put a racist president into office isn’t a dealbreaker, but telling the senator you put into office but who has ignored and insulted you while she seeks support from the voters who helped elect the racist that you expect her to show up and ask for your vote is worthy of criticism.
And you wonder why black voters are pissed.
Demsrule86
(68,539 posts)difficult Senate battle. It is foolish. Without this seat we won't get a majority in 20 either which means no SCOTUS justices even if we win the presidency. You have to consider our political situation. Roe is hanging by a thread and don't kid yourself, the GOP will put justices in that will repeal the Civil Rights Act as well...so much is at risk here. No one should do anything that makes Claire McCAskill or a any red state Democrat more vulnerable.
Demsrule86
(68,539 posts)She is the best we can do.
beachbum bob
(10,437 posts)makes no sense to give republicans any advantage at all. Childish games by some liberals, progressives cost democrats the presidency in 2016
Lee-Lee
(6,324 posts)Democratic politicians all too often treat minorities and organized labor as the safe bets. So since they assume that vote is locked in they don’t have to do anything for them but not be as bad as the other side.
Even the quote above, where he admits he is going to vote for her but then says what she needs to do. Well, if you said she has your vote then in reality nothing you say about what you want her to do after matters- because she has the one thing she needs from you already and you told her.
So, why would she use time or money reaching out to your or political capital to go forward on an agenda you want, when she has your vote? She needs more votes than just yours, so she’s moving on to the one she isn’t sure she has locked down.
But as long as policians in competitive districts know that some voting blocks are pretty well their without trying much, and on our side that’s minority voters and organized labor, they won’t do much for us because they have nothing to gain. Because they know that all they have to do for those voters is not be as bad as the other guy.
Now if you get into districts heavily Democratic where the primary decides the race or it becomes a race between two Democrats, then you have candidates and office holders who have to do things pst talk or they get thrown out, because voters have a choice between two acceptable candidates.
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)votes of everyone in his community. He wasn’t ordering her around, he was giving her political advice - that if she wants to energize his community and get voters out on Election Day, she’d better show up and engage.
I suspect he felt he HAD to say she had his vote to avoid being accused of trying to undermine her, to show where he was coming from - like when gun control advocates feel the need to preface everything with “I’m a gun owner myself.”
More from the article in the OP:
“The state is large and diverse, but she might need to take the campaign into the repair shop in the black communities,” Cleaver said. “I think if people see that she’s actually trying to win them over then I think it will be a benefit to her re-election.”
The few events McCaskill’s campaign has done in minority communities have been on short notice and not in the neighborhoods that need the most attention, Franks said. Franks said he reached out to McCaskill’s office after she held a town hall on Jan. 27 at Harris-Stowe State University, an historically black public university in midtown St. Louis. The campaign called him back on Monday.
“If I need to fly to DC to meet with you, I’ll do it, so I can help you engage the community,” Franks said he told the campaign. “But I’m not going to do it for you.”
He said he wants to help McCaskill.
“But you have to want to help yourself,” Franks said. “You’ve got to want to win this race. I’m just asking you to show up, like I would any politician.”
Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article207197629.html#storylink=cpy
Lee-Lee
(6,324 posts)And she’s done so because of the reasons I outlined above- she knows he and voters like him will, end the end, largely hold their nose and vote for her anyway even if she pushes them aside because she’s not as bad as the other options.
His words and frustrations are just the byproduct of that decision having already been made and put into action.
It’s not that there is the “impression” she is taking them for granted. It’s that when it comes down to decisions on how to focus her efforts to win the most votes she is doing exactly that, because she knows she can.
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)Yes, engaged voters will vote for her no matter what. But those aren't the voters she needs to try to reach. There are plenty of voters who will vote Democratic if they are energized and mobilized and get the help they need to get to the polls. But if they're ignored, they're less likely to go out and vote at all. Politicians who ignore them are really missing a bet.
The activists in that community know this and that's what they're telling her - but it sounds like she's not listening.
This is something I've seen and dealt with for decades and it's very frustrating.
Here's the drill - I can do it in my sleep:
A candidate needs votes from a diverse range of voters. They hire mostly white campaign consultants and staff and a Deputy Campaign Manager whose job is outreach to black voters. The local activists and politicians, including a Congressional Black Caucus Member, if there is one, who know their community better than anyone, meet with the DCM and give them their best advice on how to generate the strongest possible turnout in the community. They remind them not to wait until October to start doing GOTV - they must start the effort as soon as possible. This includes putting resources and time into getting out the vote, but the earlier they start, the easier the lift. They also urge that they come up with a few dollars to pay Hattie and Joe, two community residents who know the community like the back of their hands, are powerful influencers, and are experts at GOTV. The outreach person goes back and shares this with the campaign but is ignored, for the reasons you note in your post.
Time passes and the community people and local politicians keep contacting the campaign to ask and then beg for time and resources. Nothing. The outreach person keeps pushing from within. Nada. The community folk hear that the candidate has an event in a nearby community. They contact the campaign and ask if she can swing by the church to talk to potential voters. They don't know that the outreach person has already been advocating for this but got nowhere. They end up talking to the 23-year-old scheduler who tells them the candidate would love to do it but just doesn't have the time and maybe she can send a letter they could read at the event? That night they see the candidate on television giving a speech at the nearby VFW, then bowling an impromptu game at the nearby bowling alley with the guys afterward. They have trouble explaining to their constituents why they have so little influence with the candidate and, if they have so little sway that they can't even get her to stop by their church 5 minutes away, why should they listen to them about who to vote for?
This is repeated several times during the next few months. Then comes October and the poll numbers start tightening. The campaign calls the local organizers and tells them they're sending in a couple of field staff to do GOTV. And that afternoon, two 21-year-old white kids who are interning on the campaign during their senior year in college show up, set up shop, get out their maps and start telling people what to do. The local Congressman tries to tell them what works best and again urges the campaign to hire Hattie and Joe to help. Crickets.
Hattie and Joe come in and pitch in, even without being paid, and do their best to help the two kids who are being paid figure out what the hell is going on. Maybe they can pull in the votes they need. Maybe not.
This happens across the country in cycle after cycle - not everywhere, but enough places that it's a problem. The local minority communities are often ignored, the leaders - including Members of Congress - are ignored and undermined but then everyone blames the black voters for not turning out.
In this instance, Congressman Cleaver and Mr. Frazier are trying to tell McCaskill what she needs to do to generate the support she needs in their community and they're being ignored. On the other hand, she's not taking white voters for granted and no one's telling them that they need to vote Democratic, regardless whether anyone campaigns in their communities, because that's what's best for them. She's in their neighborhoods asking for their vote and I'll bet her campaign is pumping money into the effort while the black community is just being taken for granted.
As I said, she better straighten this out soon or she's going to find herself in a world of hurt in November.
Demit
(11,238 posts)I've experienced it as a local volunteer/activist. Right down to the young people who fly in from out of state to get their seasoning because they want to work in politics and need to be noticed by the higher ups in the organization.
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)hatrack
(59,583 posts)Last edited Thu Mar 29, 2018, 11:39 AM - Edit history (1)
We have solid expectations that Claire can count on the support of minority voters in St. Louis and Kansas City.
We have minimal expectations that she may be able to peel off some Shitstain voters in rural counties.
But in a mid-term election, it comes down to turnout, and her best likely investment of time is going to be spending more time in KC, SL, Columbia and (secondarily) Joplin and Springfield. Barring another "legitimate rape" Republican nominee, her best hope is that GOP voters stay home. Unfortunately, that's a needle she can't move in her favor.
Fine, visit rural counties, meet with constituents - after all, it's the job. But neglecting the two biggest cities in the state for whatever reason - hoping that you'll be able to carry McDonald or Oregon Counties? - Bad freaking idea.
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)
It's also bone-headed in this day and age when people around the country can see it happening in real time.
WE CAN SEE YOU, Senator.
moose65
(3,166 posts)Mid term elections are BASE elections! Democrats need to learn to play to their base in these off-year elections, and turn out our OWN voters instead of trying to woo some mythical "middle of the road" voter.
McCaskill is a very good politician, from what I've seen of her. She could connect with disaffected white DEMOCRATIC voters as well as independents and of course, people of color. But she needs to concentrate on getting out the vote in the St. Louis area and the Kansas City area and other more friendly turf. She doesn't need to waste her time courting Trump voters - it's a recipe for defeat.
bullwinkle428
(20,629 posts)as an opponent. May not be so fortunate this year in terms of a match-up.
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)Just as Allegheny county was the sweet spot in the PA-18 race.
Exotica
(1,461 posts)PoC were the voting bloc who most drove him to victory
GaryCnf
(1,399 posts)That 3 weeks out from the Alabama special election, the black vote was NOT going to turn out. It was then that Doug Jones' campaign figured out he couldn't win with the Pedogate campaign being pushed by the DC crowd and went back to his Klan busting roots with heavy hitters from the black community paving the way. It was an amazing turnaround.
Claire's problems are much deeper. She isn't just ignoring black voters during her campaign, she's often opposed their interests and concerns ever since she got in.
People who act like the it's the black community who needs to apologize are about ready to cost us this seat.
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)Not only are some people, including a few right here on DU, insisting that the black community must apologize for demanding respect (aka, being too "uppity), something that no other demographic is expected to do, they are also being held accountable and expected to both apologize for and denounce the comments of one black politician - again, something no other demographic is ever called on to do.
Hell, Donald Trump says horrid things from sunup to sundown and all through the night, but his supporters aren't called on to apologize for him. In fact, we're not even supposed to hold them accountable for VOTING FOR him and are told that we have to understand, reach out to and never ever ever say anything that even suggests that we blame them for the debacle they helped create.
Meanwhile, a black politician is accused of using sexist and "abusive" language because he said that his Senator needs to "get her ass back" to his community to campaign, black political leaders were told to sign a letter denouncing his comments, and when they refuse, they're called "divisive" and their constituents are being blamed in advance for not being team players, and worse.
And THAT's happening on a supposedly progressive site.
SaschaHM
(2,897 posts)This will be the 3rd time that black voters go out and vote for a candidate who ignores their issues to burnish their "centrist/moderate" creds and somehow it's on them and not the white voters she's been playing to for 12 years. The nerve. The real question should be "Why are the white voters, who's interests Claire has represented primarily not showing up for her?" What's wrong with white voters?
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)job in connecting with them.
But when black voters don't turn out, it's THEIR fault for not being more loyal and politically pragmatic. They're grown - why should she have to follow them around, holding their hands, whispering soothing words to encourage them to vote for her.
Jeez . . .
NCTraveler
(30,481 posts)That only works if you have a history of communication and willingness to listen.
This isn’t PA-18 where it’s hard to find a black person.
Come on McCaskill. You know better. Start talking to our base.
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)I haven't heard that one in a long time.
Demsrule86
(68,539 posts)to win is very foolish and self-defeating. With Republicans in charge, this is what you get.
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10142025308
spicysista
(1,663 posts)You're better than this. Show up, and we will show out! Swallow your pride, go talk to your constituents, and listen to them. We can win this. 2016 should have taught everyone to leave nothing to chance.
Show up! It's not asking for too much.
GaryCnf
(1,399 posts)It's easy for white folks to talk about party loyalty because they get the vast majority of what they want, both in terms of legislative advocacy on their behalf, and political power, when any Democrat wins.
So when I hear folks say stuff like "Republicans will give you worse" to black folks who are getting almost nothing, not even f'ing respect, from McCaskill, all I can reply is "How nice it must be to vote for someone who will fight for you. That privilege doesn't mean you have the right to tell us how we have to turn out for someone who WON'T fight for us."
"Bring her a** to St. Louis" is being kind. She needs to be begging for forgiveness.
#FergusonRemembers
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)
Cal Carpenter
(4,959 posts)
underthematrix
(5,811 posts)
loyalsister
(13,390 posts)I don't know if she saw it coming but that's where she's at. I hope it doesn't get nasty, but it probably will.
mountain grammy
(26,614 posts)And talk the talk, even in Missouri.
Tatiana
(14,167 posts)She should have engaged with African-American voters early and with vigor.
Did she just realize that if she relies on just white working class voters, she may lose the election? She also needs to be reaching out to those college-educated white women. Let them mount a public defense.
gulliver
(13,180 posts)I'm a St. Louisan, and I don't give a crap whether she visits St. Louis or not. She's an excellent Senator.
SaschaHM
(2,897 posts)election.), then you need to campaign for them. Yes, many are energized, but like other voters regardless of race, you need to give them something to vote for.
Frankly, this is a problem of McCaskill's own making. 12 years as a Senator and she hasn't solidified a large part of the base in her state even though they showed up for her twice and probably will show up for her again.
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)Can you believe you even have to explain this?