General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Does everyone agree that this is the real split in the Dem party? And at DU? [View all]loyalsister
(13,390 posts)But there are some very real differences in the perception of Democrats. Someone with 30 yrs. in politics running against a guy who successfully created an image of himself as a nonpolitician was a perfect storm to validate a perception that everything that was wrong with the Obama administration was the process of "politics as usual." Gridlock, government shut downs, all of the partisan animosity produced during the Clinton years was because of the "establishment" politicians.
The argument that was successful was that he didn't need money from special interests, and he was so much NOT a politician that he didn't monitor his language (just like some of his voters wished they could do). The lack of self monitoring convinced some people that he just didn't care about the input of "special interests."
It's disturbing that so many voters weren't concerned about his character. At the same time, serious character flaws are regularly forgiven in our culture. Particularly if someone thinks they have something to gain by doing so.