POLL: Will you vote for the Democratic nominee?

[democrattotheend]

Just to take measure of how many people claim they won't vote for the nominee if their candidate does not get the nomination. I don't want this to turn into a flame war, but that's probably wishful thinking.

It'll be interesting to take this poll now and then again after the election. I posted a poll a few weeks ago asking how many people didn't vote for Kerry in 2004, and it was a very small number, despite all the drama here in 2004.

I thought it would be useful to break this out into people who live in swing states versus people who live in states that are not likely to be competitive, to see if those who say they won't vote for our candidate are more likely to live in states that are less likely to be contested.

So feel free to post comments, but there is no need to get nasty.

[terrya]

1. Let's put it this way...I live in Illinois

[democrattotheend]

4. Probably not too competitive

Especially if Obama gets the nomination.

[Zookeeper]

2. I will support the Democratic nominee. Period.

And I live in a state that usually votes blue, but the Rethugs now consider it up for grabs.

[democrattotheend]

5. Me too

I live in Virginia and I think we have a chance to turn it blue, and there is no way in hell I would jeopardize that.

If Clinton gets the nomination but Obama had more pledged delegates, I'd have a hard time, but I would still vote for her.

[TexasProgresive]

That's the spirit. n/t

[democrattotheend]

29. Yay, another CWA member!

Which local are you part of?

[TexasProgresive]

67. 6171 in Texas 30+ years

How about you?

[MethuenProgressive]

81. Local 1362 20+ years here

Until Lucent sent my job to Oaklahoma.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

48. Sorry, but not if it's Hillary or if she's the VP (I'll write in Gore). . .

Hillary is kryptonite to Obama's "Superman" status.

[gateley]

3. Thus far, all of the Obama supporters are willing to support Clinton if she gets the nom.

:yourock:

[democrattotheend]

9. Just got one who won't

Who lives in a swing state, no less. GRRR!

[Skoods]

6. I live in Pennsylvania now but..

will be living in Massachusetts in November. Yeah, I know, leaving a battleground state for the blue-est of blue...although Obama is neck and neck with McCain in Massachusetts right now.

[democrattotheend]

8. Yeah, that poll was WEIRD!

I'm going to have to see several more polls before I start to believe that Massachusetts could be in play.

[democrattotheend]

10. Keep your PA registration if you can

Change after the election. Changing to MA is a waste!

[Skoods]

49. haha I know..

But i'm transferring up there for college...so it's unlikely i'll be able to take off a couple days of school just to trek down to PA to vote.

[union_maid]

7. I live in NY

I expect NY will go strongly for either Obama or Clinton and so will I.

[democrattotheend]

11. This poll has been up for 17 minutes

and has yet to turn into a flame war. Impressive!

[casus belli]

63. My flame war response....in Mad Libs.

You stinking pile of (noun). It is obvious by your (insulting adjective) post that you are a (form of bigotry). I swear my heads about to explode from the smell of this (animal) shit. Take your (human appendage) and shove it up your (human orifice).


;)

[democrattotheend]

12. Kick

[elocs]

13. I live in Wisconsin and will proudly vote for the nominee of the Democratic Party.

Compared to McCain I could proudly vote for either of our candidates. Each of us do not get to construct the perfect candidate who exactly reflects our personal beliefs.
I am a Democrat and will support and vote for the Democratic nominee.

[JPettus]

74. Hear Hear!

I have seen what happens when the Repugs control both Congress and the White House. I do NOT believe that both parties are just the same, regardless of who the nominee is (I think we would live in a *vastly* different reality in this country had * not stolen the election in 2000) and while I would like to believe that this is not really a two party system, the events of the past several elections prove different.

IMO, a vote for anything other than the Straight Dem ticket is a vote for more Repug hell. It may be unintentional, but whether someone writes in a candidate they like better as a symbolic vote, or whether they vote for Nader as a symbolic vote, they are voting to continue the policies of the Republican party as they have been expressed under Bush and as are being espoused by McCain.

no flame wars intended, just my two cents worth.

[democrattotheend]

14. Stats so far

Highly unscientific, and need more votes. But here's what we have so far:

40% of Clinton supporters at DU won't vote for Obama, compared with 3.5% of Obama supporters who won't support Clinton.

In swing states, 36% of Clinton supporters won't vote for Obama, and 6% of Obama supporters who live in swing states won't vote for Clinton.

About 13% of DUers, and 15% of DUers in swing states won't support either candidate in the general election.

Will update later after more votes come in.

[Flabbergasted]

15. By not competitive you mean it is almost assuredly solid Red or Blue?

Such as TN is red CA is Blue = no competition?

[democrattotheend]

16. Unlikely to be in play

I don't want to go as far as to say your vote won't matter.

And I'd classify Tennessee as a state that could potentially be competitive, though Republicans are definitely favored. But New York would be an example of a state that is "unlikely to be competitive", as would, say, Wyoming.

[Flabbergasted]

18. Got it

[democrattotheend]

26. Feel free to ask about a state if you are unsure

And I will give you my opinion about whether or not it is in play.

[Flabbergasted]

30. How about the State of...

Delusion?

I've been wondering?

[democrattotheend]

32. Good question...how many electoral votes?

[Flabbergasted]

33. Well there is no quantifiable figure but it is somewhere between a little and off the deep-end.

[Monty__]

17. I voted for the "other" option

I live in Illinois, so likely not competitive, but support neither Clinton nor Obama. I supported Edwards and will vote for whoever is the Democratic nominee.

[democrattotheend]

19. I wanted to add options for Edwards supporters

But there were not enough poll choices available.

[Monty__]

22. Understandable

My head was spinning reading the options you put up there.

[democrattotheend]

23. Sorry!

Tried to make it as precise as possible. Wanted to break out those who would vote for McCain versus those who would stay home, vote Nader, or write someone in. But again, not enough options.

[Monty__]

28. No need to apologize

I got it, it was just a lot to take in.

[Johnny__Motown]

20. Another option. I will vote for the legitimate candidate, not someone who steals it. (live in MI)

[democrattotheend]

21. So would counting MI be stealing it, or not counting MI?

I know Michiganders on this forum are split on this, so define stealing.

[Johnny__Motown]

39. The rules were clear, the delegates would not be counted, Even Hillary is quoted saying that,

It seems pretty clear to me.


Rule breaking = stealing

[democrattotheend]

42. I agree

I just wasn't sure what you meant. I know there are a lot of strong feelings on both sides of this.

[pampango]

64. Voted "other". I live in Ohio so a competitive state. More important than who

is nominated is how he or she is nominated.

As long as the process is "fair" (and each of us gets to define what "fair" means in this context) I will be happy to vote for either. I can imagine scenarios involving Michigan, Florida, and superdelegates that would strain my intention to vote for the nominee.

Even if the nomination is not done "fairly", I will be PROBABLY still vote for the nominee (lesser of two evils and all that), but they would not get my financial support or my time. I want the candidates to not feel too secure about my vote in that event, though, so that they are less likely to fracture the party.

[Zorra]

24. I'll support whichever of the twins gets the nomination, and don't give a shit

which one gets nominated.

[democrattotheend]

25. Were you an Edwards supporter?

[Zorra]

41. Kucinich, then Edwards. Howdja guess?

;-)

[Thrill]

27. I have a Republican friend who always says

unlike Democrats. Republicans will stick by their candidates whether they like them or not. Its unreal how even with the country as low as it can possibly go with George Bush. Democrats are again to stubborn to stand unified. And we wonder why a Democratic Congress never stands up to the Republicans even when they have the majority. lol. Because they know they can't depend on their voters to stick with them. Unreal.

[democrattotheend]

31. Kind of sad

But I am not too worried. A lot of us Deaniacs were pissed off after the 2004 primaries, but everyone I talked to who was a Deaniac voted for Kerry. There was a time when I said I wouldn't vote for him, but of course I did in the end, and volunteered.

[wellstone dem]

34. SCOTUS nt

[democrattotheend]

35. Failed foreign and economic policies

[Cheeseburger Walrus]

36. I live in TX...

support Obama, but will vote for a tree stump if it's the Dem nominee. Hopefully, we can pick up some extra seats here and there, as well.

[democrattotheend]

37. Tree stump for president!

Although "generic Democrat" has always been my favorite candidate. (S)he outpolls most Democrats!

[TheDoorbellRang]

43. I hear those stump speeches are awesome

:D

[democrattotheend]

44. As good as Obama's?

[TheDoorbellRang]

45. Sadly, no. I hear their delivery tends to be wooden

bada bing!

[Cheeseburger Walrus]

47. Ouch!

[Grown2Hate]

46. But some Democrat somewhere will find PROOF that that stump

lied about what kind of tree is used to be... that's why you can't trust trees to begin with. ;)

[margotb822]

38. I support Edwards

but I will support any Dem before I let another Republican in the WH!!!

[democrattotheend]

40. That's the spirit! n/t

[workinclasszero]

50. Missouri here

I will hold my nose and vote Hillary if I have to, but it will be sad knowing that the rethugs will rule over us for another 4 years.

[footinmouth]

51. I'm in NY

and I will support the Democratic nominee, whomever it may be.

[Withywindle]

52. Illinois, not competitive.

And in Chicago at that!

I support Obama but I'll happily vote for Clinton if it comes to that.

I'm a tree-stump Democrat.

I'm a dead-possum Democrat.

[democrattotheend]

55. Have you ever met Obama in person?

Back when he was a state senator or something?

I'd love to know what he's like behind the scenes...how politicians conduct themselves when the cameras are off is important to me. From what I have heard about Obama behind the scenes I have heard very positive things, but I'm curious if you or anyone else has any stories.

[Withywindle]

56. Sadly no.

I've heard him speak, though, back before he was quite the rock star he is now. His charisma really is off the scale even in small informal settings. His gift for making people feel listened-to is like Bill Clinton's, but his charisma is kind of a different sort. He's actually pretty nerdy in a lot of ways. I think he's a law/policy geek of a similar sort to Gore and Kerry at heart, but just has a real way of making that an attractive trait even to people who aren't usually attracted to that. (I may not be the best judge of this, because I am, but that's how it seems to me.)

After the Senate election, well, it was all over on the "small, informal" front here. Went to see him and Durbin and Jan Schakowsky and a few others speak about Social Security back in the winter of '05 and there were three overflow rooms. The average age of the crowd was about 25. I was thinking, "wow, who'd've thought all these college kids would be so passionate about this issue...oh wait, I know."

[LostinVA]

53. I am fucking TIRED of these constant "loyalty oaths" on here

How many do we have a day? How often do we have to be subjected to it? It's beyond offensive. I don't have to prove my progressive cred to anyone on here.

UGH.

[democrattotheend]

54. It's not a loyalty oath

Just a way of trying to consolidate all of the "I won't vote for x if I don't get my candidate" threads.

[LostinVA]

79. No, it is a loyalty oath thread, and I'm tired of them

[NMMNG]

58. As many as they want

You know who defines "progressive cred" nowadays. :eyes:

[BringBigDogBack]

57. This poll sucks.

Really. Really. Sucks.

Voted competitive, will support both.

Hope this is just sour grapes from a few of the Hillary supporters. If not, you need a checkup from the neck up.

[democrattotheend]

60. The poll, or the results?

I tried to make the poll as uninflammatory as possible.

I am a little disappointed in the results, especially the fact that over half of the Clinton supporters who have voted said they won't vote for Obama if he is the nominee.

[BringBigDogBack]

61. yea, sorry. results suck

not the poll. :)


edit: love your sig!

[Tresalisa]

59. I voted 'another option'.

I live in a state that has already voted and which was won by Obama, I voted for Dennis Kucinich in my primary, I do not favor one candidate over another as far as Obama or Clinton, and I will vote for the Democratic nominee in November.

Let's put a Dem in the WH in 2008!!!!!

[Lilith Velkor]

62. Fuck your loyalty oath.

[democrattotheend]

65. As I said before, I did not intend it as a loyalty oath

I have just seen lots of threats not to vote for one of the candidates and I was curious how widespread the sentiment was. I have a background in political research and like conducting polls (though obviously this poll is not scientific) because I find the results interesting. If I wanted to post a loyalty oath I'd ask people to post a comment promising to support the nominee.

[elizm]

66. I will vote for/write in Obama. Period. nt

[Florida22ndDistrict]

68. RE: Will you vote for the Democratic nominee?

I Live in one of the most competitive states, in one of the most competitive districts in my state and will support neither if they are the nominee if they do not count my vote as it was cast on primary day. Disenfranchising millions of party members will guarantee the party loses my vote in November and that of many of my family, friends, and coworkers.

[LWolf]

69. Other:

I've never supported either one of them, don't plan to support either one of them, and am appalled at the way this primary race has unfolded.

[dysfunctional press]

70. i only need one hand to hold my nose if i'm forced to vote for hillary with the other.

ultimately, it boils down to a supreme court thing.

[Breeze54]

71. Aren't you getting tired of posting these stupid polls on DEMOCRATIC U?

:eyes:

[Honeycombe8]

72. None of the above. It depends on HOW the winner wins. By usurping the voters' choice? Or fairly?

That is the heart of the matter.

If the Clintons lose, according to the voters' votes, but win by strongarming superdelegates or getting Michigan and FL delegates counted, it might split the Dem. Party and cost them the election in the fall. That would be because there would be a sense of unfairness about it, and voters might well think, well if my vote doesn't count, why bother?

[democrattotheend]

76. Good question

I was going to include a disclaimer about that in the poll to assume the person won fairly, but everyone has a different definition of what constitutes winning fairly (some people think Florida and Michigan altering the results would be unfair, others think not seating them and letting that impact who gets the nomination is unfair). Neither candidate can get to 2,025 with pledged delegates alone, so both will have to rely on superdelegates to put them over the top.

I would have a hard time voting for Clinton if I felt she did not win the nomination fairly (though I would probably suck it up anyway), but I have my definition of fair and so does everyone else. So I guess assume she wins it in a way that you consider fair.

[GOPBasher]

73. I live in MI, competitive, support Obama but Would vote for Clinton

if she's the nominee. I vote Democratic, period. I'm not a Republican enabler.

[Marrah_G]

75. These polls have been beaten to death- I'm not answering another one.

[Political Heretic]

77. I hope I read that right. I will vote for Clinton if she is the nominee.

and I live in a state not likely to be competitive.

[ihelpu2see]

78. If Sen. Hillary uses MI and FL delegates to win at a brokered convention. I will

go to work for Nader, since any Dem. will take CT. But I will work hard for Nader if Sen. Hillary works that hard to screw the progressive populists in the party.

[MethuenProgressive]

80. Every time this has been posted over the last year I vote Yes!

Real Democrats will vote for our nominee.
HilaryHaters won't.

[Independent-Voter]

82. In a competive state, support Obama, and no way in hell would vote for Hillary

Same as:
My mom
wife,
sister,
brother in law
brother
brother's boyfriend
4 business partners
etc, etc, etc


If anything, she's proven to be a uniter, not a divider.

Hillary is the absolute worst candidate the dems could possibly put up for the GE. She's Bush in a pantsuit, and possibly the most divisive, corrosive politician of the last 25 years. Republicans hate her, Independents/Unaffiliated voters are lukewarm or hate her, and hell, even a fair number of Democrats hate her.

[IdClaire]

83. Is Georgia competitive?

we haven't voted Dem since 1992.