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In reply to the discussion: Bernie Sanders remains one of Americas most popular politicians [View all]NurseJackie
(42,862 posts)289. Tha's nice for the "disenchanted or cynical". If there were actually more of those "voters"...
Hello, Alerter! This post contains my opinions about the best way to attract large amounts of NEW members to the Democratic party compared to continuing to soothe the hurt feelings of a small number of disaffected people. It doesn't smear anyone, it expresses my belief that Bernie is making a mistake and that our party needs someone in that "Outreach" role who has a better attitude about the party. No politician or group is being smeared. This concerns the activities in 2017, and has nothing to do with the primary.
... than there are of the middle-of-the-road and first-time voters, this might be a good plan. But there aren't. People who say such things are flattering themselves and inflating their numbers or sense of importance. Don't get me wrong... I'm not suggesting that subset of people aren't important at all (of course they are! Everyone is important, right?) Instead, I'm pointing out that they aren't more important and their lower numbers do not justify alienating a larger pool of potential members.
It's not traditional, I grant you that, but traditional is not enough these days.
I guess it all depends on whether someone is going after a very small and special audience or if they're pursuing a much larger one. Yeah, "I'll grant you" that pursuing the small group is indeed "not traditional".
I'll be honest: I was ready to leave the party after the primary and declare myself an independent, but Bernie kept me in the party. And now the DNC gets some of my money.
You were going to "leave the party", huh? I'm very glad you decided not to be fickle "me-first" crowd.
But it's clear for me to see that there are some here who are among that subset who remain disenchanted with the Democratic Party and derive a great deal of DELIGHT whenever Bernie slams and smears the party with his public declarations (such as how the party is "intellectually bankrupt", or some such.)
That subset ENJOYS hearing it and that's why they defend Bernie's "methods". His negative comments about the party is a continual validation of the things they still believe and it fans the flames of whatever inconsolable dissatisfaction they still have with the party. But, as happy as it makes them... and as satisfying as it may be to continually hear... it interferes and prevents him from fulfilling his mission of "Outreach". It continues to emphasize the division, in my opinion. Bernie's negativity does nothing to console or build bridges or to find common ground, it seems to me.
Base on my observations, his "target" audience loves it. For that specific groups, his negative words are a public "justification" and "validation" of all their unexpressed anger and pent-up outrage. It's a continual thorn in the side of the party. I imagine for them it's something to be viewed as great entertainment, and every sour word spoken about the party makes those guys grin and pump their fists in the air.
But, at some point, calmer heads will hopefully prevail. Eventually, I hope, they'll set aside whatever pleasure and enjoyment they're getting from this and do something ELSE that's better for the party. (Assuming that they're actually willing to give up their selfish pursuits and made rational decisions that benefit the party... and therefore put the party in a better position to defeat the GOP.)
I don't see the long-term benefit of continually needling the party and it's loyal members in that way. In my opinion, it's a flawed strategy (assuming that an actual forward-looking strategy is in the mix at all). Basically, it's just not a good return on investment. Sure, that are some malcontents to appease and coddle, but there are fewer of them, and they're fickle and unreliable. On the optimistic side, there are more MOTR and LOC voters to gain by taking a positive approach ... and this is a much more realistic way to pursue long-term growth and stability.
I guess everyone has different priorities. Personally, I believe the Party's interests are more important than my own "needs" or "vanities". I'll always put the Democratic Party first. I'm a LOYAL Democrat who has NEVER entertained the possibility of leaving the party to "send a message".
Any message that I have for our party can be best heard when calmly spoken from inside, not angrily shouted from outside.
----
Hello, Alerter! This post contains my opinions about the best way to attract large amounts of NEW members to the Democratic party compared to continuing to soothe the hurt feelings of a small number of disaffected people. It doesn't smear anyone, it expresses my belief that Bernie is making a mistake and that our party needs someone in that "Outreach" role who has a better attitude about the party. No politician or group is being smeared. This concerns the activities in 2017, and has nothing to do with the primary.
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Is Bernie the BEST person for the Democratic Party's "Outreach" mission? I think we can do better.
NurseJackie
Mar 2017
#8
Keith Ellison? At least he's a Democrat and doesn't trash talk the Democratic Party
KittyWampus
Mar 2017
#20
The quotes are so precise, I prefer the poster to prove their statements...
Talk Is Cheap
Mar 2017
#43
Indeed they are, which is why Democrats do their own homework, and don't make assumptions
synergie
Mar 2017
#200
In today's day and age with search engines, if one can't easily find "proof"....
George II
Mar 2017
#69
Sure the quote 'exists' - show me where an article with the original quote originated...
Talk Is Cheap
Mar 2017
#227
Not my job. Not everything that someone says is reported in an "article"....
George II
Mar 2017
#244
So (before I answer your question), let's look at what you said. You post the fact that....
George II
Mar 2017
#293
Just using your own expectation to show how sometimes not providing direct "proof"....
George II
Mar 2017
#296
Oh my god - you think personal information is the same as public info...
Talk Is Cheap
Mar 2017
#297
Actually they're quotes from several different pieces, and the citations are not difficult to find.
synergie
Mar 2017
#317
I see you could not be bothered to answer my question as to who you prefer to be the voice of Dems..
Talk Is Cheap
Mar 2017
#52
DU doesn't, but we have visitors who like to drop in and engage in rather rude
synergie
Mar 2017
#202
It's also comon practice to accept the information given, especially when it's described to you
synergie
Mar 2017
#315
Al Franken. Gets stuff done, and doesn't require rallies, book tours and a PAC. (nt)
ehrnst
Mar 2017
#328
Yeah: "Come try our pizza. It's horrible. We make the worst pizza ever. Buy some."
NurseJackie
Mar 2017
#94
No, some Party leadership is. Just seeing clickbait now about Donna Brazile admitting wrongdoing.
dogman
Mar 2017
#128
Human nature is what it is, and a successful "Outreach" ambassador would know how to...
NurseJackie
Mar 2017
#163
It is what it is. You're finding clever ways to insult me and to insinuate ...
NurseJackie
Mar 2017
#201
In my opinion, his "broad appeal" and "popularity" do not compensate for a negative sales pitch...
NurseJackie
Mar 2017
#106
He is consistent, and that is what is valuable. You can't talk out of both sides of your mouth
JCanete
Mar 2017
#124
Anyone who thinks some criticism isn't in order needs to remember who won in November.
beam me up scottie
Mar 2017
#137
We can do better. Al Franken's optimism and wit and wisdom would be a welcome change.
NurseJackie
Mar 2017
#206
There are plenty of cheerleaders who speak eloquently of the party's gloriousness
aikoaiko
Mar 2017
#285
Tha's nice for the "disenchanted or cynical". If there were actually more of those "voters"...
NurseJackie
Mar 2017
#289
People on both sides of these arguments are way too trigger happy with the alert button. nt
JCanete
Mar 2017
#97
Ok, but that doesn't address your post in this thread. I'm not looking for justification of your
JudyM
Mar 2017
#98
I hear you and can only respond that the edge continues, taken from the viewpoint of those who feel
JudyM
Mar 2017
#132
Don't worry, Lindsey Graham and John McCain will come to the rescue on Russia.
SMC22307
Mar 2017
#234
Um, no one is holding the working class in contempt, but as a resident from one of those
synergie
Mar 2017
#243
That's simply not true, but I see your concern is about only a certain segement of the
synergie
Mar 2017
#257
I think his appeal as an independent is more important than joining the party.
beam me up scottie
Mar 2017
#174
I don't care who gets them to vote for Democrats, if they're effective they're welcome.
beam me up scottie
Mar 2017
#191
Actually this thread and the posts rehashing the primary are all about Bernie.
beam me up scottie
Mar 2017
#107
Can you point out where you were asked to write a letter to Bernie? Thanks!
beam me up scottie
Mar 2017
#131
Again if people want to freak out every time the party is criticized that's their prerogative.
beam me up scottie
Mar 2017
#135
Interesting. It's almost as though you believe criticism isn't warranted.
beam me up scottie
Mar 2017
#150
Actually I don't. I have no idea why you keep claiming criticism is needless.
beam me up scottie
Mar 2017
#157
Except you didn't explain why his criticism is "inane and needless".
beam me up scottie
Mar 2017
#165
No, you really didn't. You just characterized his criticism as needless and expected me to agree.
beam me up scottie
Mar 2017
#177
Collaboration ... you know, you're right. I'd never thought of it that way.
NurseJackie
Mar 2017
#303
Sometimes, criticism of him is dismissed with false accusations of "refighting the primary"...
NurseJackie
Mar 2017
#119
It's maddening. Sometimes you have to talk in code and say things without saying them.
NurseJackie
Mar 2017
#207
Throwing out unhelpful comments about the Democratic party doesn't exactly "support our efforts"
KittyWampus
Mar 2017
#267
You haven't seen him mention those issues? Interesting cognitive bias.
beam me up scottie
Mar 2017
#274
Unfortunately gerrymandering and voter suppression will continue to be a problem in 2018 and 2020.
beam me up scottie
Mar 2017
#166
I have a very real concern that his words hit the mark. I'm not sure why we keep adhering to a
JCanete
Mar 2017
#83
what bothers me about Sanders thinking the Dem party is going down like the Titanic and that he
Fast Walker 52
Mar 2017
#193
I think that is valid. Of course it's not clear if its sustainable. What I think is clear though, is
JCanete
Mar 2017
#204
Who are these people who "control" the democratic party? Be specific so we can discuss this.
boston bean
Mar 2017
#56
Absolutely agree and look forward to seeing what his future plans for himself are. Everyone I know,
monmouth4
Mar 2017
#12
It seems ironic that he and Sen. King, both Independents, seem defend the ACA better than most Dems.
dogman
Mar 2017
#87
I believe you are correct. I wonder what the objectives are of people who promote the Fox poll...
NurseJackie
Mar 2017
#30
True -- but that has nothing to do with him being effective on both sides of the aisle.
KPN
Mar 2017
#32
Vermont is among a few states who don't ask for party affiliation when people register to vote...
George II
Mar 2017
#60
Meh. I remember seeing a similar poll during the primaries. He lost. Also a poll
seaglass
Mar 2017
#17
The problem with Bernie is that he is not a Democrat? That's not the problem. It's an asset.
tecelote
Mar 2017
#64
This is a post intended to cause division and to create posts that can then be
Demsrule86
Mar 2017
#74
Yes there is much to refute here regarding character and honesty but it's pointless
seaglass
Mar 2017
#148
This is a fascinating survey - Bernie, Planned Parenthood and the ACA are all viewed favourably.
beam me up scottie
Mar 2017
#84
I am SO glad you agree. I look forward to seeing your continued support for Bernie's efforts.
beam me up scottie
Mar 2017
#105
But it's Bernie . . . so it's not a good thing. Much better to fault him because he dared to run
Nanjeanne
Mar 2017
#109
It's a skewed Fox survey....why would anyone put any credence in a poll/survey...
George II
Mar 2017
#130
Can you point out how it was 'skewed' and explain how their methodology was faulty?
beam me up scottie
Mar 2017
#134
No, you didn't. You said you don't like the way they chose the categories.
beam me up scottie
Mar 2017
#142
I reviewed the survey more than once and I still don't see the bias.
beam me up scottie
Mar 2017
#153
FIRST example of bias is that only white politicians were included in the survey. Second example...
George II
Mar 2017
#292
As I said I've read it more than once and I still don't see how this is a bad thing.
beam me up scottie
Mar 2017
#209
Unfortunately the "findings" of that survey are centered around a very tiny sampling of politicians.
George II
Mar 2017
#301
You might want to tell Bernie and his staff, they chose not to keep the Democratic
synergie
Mar 2017
#281
"Besides Sanders, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Vice President Pence were the most popular
Cha
Mar 2017
#189
The same people who thought bible belt states would turn blue last year.
beam me up scottie
Mar 2017
#241
The premise that anyone in that survey would be "one of Americas most popular politicians"...
George II
Mar 2017
#290
Being popular with your base has nothing to do with winning elections.
democratisphere
Mar 2017
#277
So, fox viewers really like Bernie? That's an interesting survey have you looked at
synergie
Mar 2017
#280
The headline is grossly misleading - he's "one of Americas most popular politicians"....
George II
Mar 2017
#288