The coming Democratic primary is sure to be divisive

[andym]

Why? Past history-- every contested primary since at least 1992 has been (well 2000 was somewhat milder-- Bill Bradley did not get much traction). On DU, just look at the attacks in 2004, 2008, 2016 and continuing sniping about Bernie Sanders even now two years later. The second reason is the sheer number of expected candidates will create a huge division among Democratic voters about whom to choose. It's not going to be a picnic, as the inevitable attacks begin, bolstered by outside forces interested in sowing division.

What needs to happen? Democratic voters need to hold their tribalistic urges in check, so that later there can be a unified front against Trump no matter who the eventual nominee. Everyone should begin the what if game right now with each of the candidates running (as they declare). What if so an so actually wins the nomination? How will I feel and what will I do to help him or her win?

[Vinca]

1. Let's fight like hell and then support whoever comes out on top 100%.

No whining, no third party, no staying home.

[Adrahil]

2. I'll vote for whoever gets the Nom.

Nut make no mistake... we’re in for more villifying of the party and as with last time, we’ll be damaged goinginto the general. I had hoped some had a learned a lesson,but recent fundraising emails suggest quite the opposite. Jeebus help us all.

[hedda_foil]

3. Thank you andym. The best way to lose the election is by beating up on our own candidates.

That's playing into the Russo-Reptilian hands and divides us at DU during the most stressful times. Let's try to say what we like a out candidates we favor and avoid beating up on those other DUers support. Work hard for your favorite. And Let the primary process sort of out. Then work your heart out for our candidate. We have a country to save here folks.

[Scruffy1]

4. A heated primary would be a good thing.

Nothing improves a good politicians performance like competition and the media coverage it brings would be a great benefit. Of course Democrats will support whoever gets the nomination. We always have and always will. I think when you have a dominant candidate all too often their campaign goes into the don't rock the boat mode and forgets how to go on the attack and take calculated risks.

[moondust]

5. Indeed.

Remember the PUMAs? (Party Unity, My Ass)

Fortunately, circumstances are different now with so many good candidates and a common depraved enemy so the risk may not be as great, but still something to watch out for. GOPutin could still try to stir up this kind of uncompromising divisiveness.

[gratuitous]

7. I think the PUMA thing was a dry run for Russian interference

Their ignorant insistence that one female candidate was interchangeable with another was totally ludicrous, comparing Hillary Clinton's talent and experience with Sarah Palin, and trying to make Palin a suitable substitute for Clinton. It was so amateurish and ham-handed that I can't think of anyone who really took the PUMAs seriously. Certainly nobody took them seriously after Biden got done carving Palin up into little pieces at their lone debate.