The new "Get rid of Bush Base"

[KaraokeKarlton]

It seems that many people who post here have missed the fact that the "Base" has undergone a massive change. It's not the "ultra liberal" base who are going to decide who gets nominated to run against Bush. This is going to be THE biggest turnout for primary/caucus elections in recent history. So many are under the false impression that it is "The Base" they are familiar with who are rallying behind Dean. This isn't the case. For every past primary voter at a typical meetup, there are at least 2 who have never voted in a primary before. These people are NOT ultra liberals. They are people who have never been active in politics and many who have never bothered to vote or not done so consistently. Anyone who hasn't figured this out completely misses the power and strength behind Dean's campaign.

[Cha]

1. That's right, Good Point! I would imagine then that there are

going to be independents and even conservatives(I mean real conservatives) who will Now be voting in the primaries!

WOO HOO! History being made! :kick:

[Demobrat]

2. You shush.

Let them think whatever they want! The longer they can dismiss Dean's army as a bunch of left-wing fanatics the better for us. Then we can all jump up and yell Surprise!!!! on election day.

[KaraokeKarlton]

3. lol...that may be true

but those who are only supporting someone else because they don't think Dean appeals to swing voters really need to understand this. This will be my first time voting in a primary and I'm not even a democrat, I'm an Independent swing voter. ;)

[LoZoccolo]

4. Wait a second don't you have to be registered as a Democrat...

...to vote in primaries?

[Cremaster]

5. lots of registered democrats don't vote inthe primaries...

[newyawker99]

9. Hi Cremaster!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[KaraokeKarlton]

6. Not always

In Vermont and NH Independents can vote in either primary. And all Dean supporters are making sure they are allowed to vote for him in their state's primaries...even if they have to register Democratic to do so. Dean supporters will change party affiliations if they have to just to vote for him in the primaries.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

7. Depends on the state.

Some states allow crossover voting. It's known as open primaries. Like mine in Washington. Can't say I like it very much.

[meow2u3]

8. In PA, where I live, they have the "30-day Democrat" phenomenon

where if you're a non-Dem (Repuke, Green, Independent, etc.), you can re-register to vote Democratic 30 days before the primary, and then after the primary election is over, you can, if you choose, to go back to the party affiliation you had beforehand.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

10. Does it work the other way around?

I'm assuming it does but you never know these days.

[KaraokeKarlton]

11. Yep, I think that's the case in all states, too

There are ways for anyone who wants to vote in the primaries to do so. Between the typical base supporters Dean has, all the new primary voters who support him and all those foolish Republicans who are under the very misguided impression that he will be easy to beat, I don't see how he can lose the nomination. What's hilarious is that Republicans also think it's the "liberal" base who are helping Dean do so well. That may have been the case with those candidates they compare Dean to, but that's not the case this time. They are going to be in for one hell of a shock when they realize that they are actually contributing to the defeat of Bush. It's going to be absolutely beautiful! lol

[Atlant]

12. Not in NH

Undeclareds OR Democrats can both take a Democratic
Primary ballot.

Undeclareds OR Republicans can both take a Republican
Primary ballot.

Atlant

[HFishbine]

14. Depends onthe state

Over 20 states have some sort of "open" primary. In my state for example, I, as an independent can vote in either the repub or dem primary. I just tell them which one when I show up to vote.

[HFishbine]

13. Karlton

You're observations are not unreasonable.

About the latest KRC Communication poll of New Hampshire democrat and independent voters:

"In one of the more telling numbers, Dean had more appeal among those who voted for Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona in the 2000 New Hampshire GOP primary. More than half of McCain supporters - 54 percent - said they backed Dean and 15 percent supported Kerry. McCain beat George W. Bush in that primary, largely on his appeal to independent voters."

http://www.sacbee.com/24hour/politics/story/992263p-6966702c.html

[KaraokeKarlton]

15. Well, I go to a NH meetup since it's closer to where I live

And of all the people I've met, only a very small, small portion of them are what I'd call "really liberal". Most of them are just run of the mill moderates. A lot of Independents and moderate Republicans as well as lots of moderate Democrats.

[jburton]

16. There will be quite an increase in primary voters

And this is key. I mean think how paltry the primary turnout is. Most people who vote in the general election don't even dream of voting in the primary.

The majority of people at meetups are not the usual 'politicos' who have been active for years. Just 'regular people' who are motivated for the first time.

It's exciting!

[KaraokeKarlton]

17. Yes, it is exciting

And the best part of it is that the Republicans haven't realized that it's not really the "liberal base" that are driving Dean...it's really moderates, swing voters and some liberals, too. It's a pretty good mix all across the political board...except for the radicals on either side. You won't find many of those in the Dean camp, and the GOP is really clueless about what's really happening. As a result, they are all cocky and confident...and complacent. Not only will Dean win, but he will totally humiliate Bush. Just with those Dean has gotten involved, you are going to see Republicans voted out of so many seats all across the country. The GOP's head is going to be spinning over this...big time!