In a field this large, I think direct attacks are going to be difficult.

[SouthernProgressive]

It really took the first real one to see the potential consequences.

If any of our contenders unleash a real attack they will be met with the release of oppo research within the following days. The most difficult part, without a major error one will have no idea where the retaliation came from. It might even come from multiple places.

Lets take the Biden Harris dust up. So it wasn't that big of a deal but it was an opportunity for her competitors. In the following days the Intercept and AP came out with negative stories on her. They were then picked up by other outlets. We have now seen additional negative stories come out. Who benefits from Harris being attacked? Considering the original attack being against Biden I would say Warren and Sanders are the biggest beneficiaries. Interesting that the Intercept was one of the first out with the attacks on Harris.

In a field this large our people need to understand that direct attacks will be met with the release of oppo research in short order and we most likely won't have an idea of where the research was leaked from.

Party on. Fight the good fight. If you are going to throw poo please understand it is going to hit the fan and splat back all over you.

[MineralMan]

1. Attacking other Democratic candidates is going to

backfire, now or any time. Primary voters are not going to like it. Enough voters to make life difficult for the attacker. While some might praise such attacks, most voters will not, and its most voters who are going to choose our party's nominee.

We had our fill of that last time, and aren't going to like it at all this time. So, candidates - sing your own praises, but lay off the attacks.

Just saying...

Bluntly,
MineralMan

[SouthernProgressive]

3. I see many ways a Democrat can go after Biden in a debate...

That would be respectful and well received. I think Warren is in the best position to do it. She has already done it to Biden outside of debates on one or two occasions. The insinuation that comes with the more recent attacks is backfiring and won’t be appreciated.

[customerserviceguy]

2. Attacks may indeed backfire

but they have the potential to do two things. One, is raise a pile of money for a struggling low-tier candidate, and secondly is to gain some attention, and possibly pick a couple more percent off of the undecideds, allowing the candidate to survive to the next round of debates.

It may be like an addict, the drug they're shooting into their veins will hurt them, but the rush they get from it is all that matters now.