Do people really not GET the psychology of candidate support?

[eridani]

I'm thinking of 2004 here, when Kucinich stayed in the race until the end, long after it was mathematically impossible for him to win. Even after Kerry had the delegates required to win, in my caucus state we increased the percentage of Kucinich supporters at every step. That was because there were plenty of war opponents and supporters of single payer health care who wanted to go to the national convention and make one last stand on these issues before lining up to be good yellow doggies in the general election.

The Dean campaign didn't add many delegates after he dropped out, but quite a few of those he had already won stayed solid in their support out of loyalty to Dean personally, and to the new style of campaigning that he beta-tested that year.

All of the supporters of these delegates were solidly committed to working for Kerry after the national convention.

Given that history, I don't really get why people are telling Clinton to drop out. Even though mathematically she can't win, her supporters will certainly want to do one last hurrah in Denver for their candidate before getting down to work for the nominee. I think they deserve that much, myself. I think that allowing the process to play out will solidify the support from all Dems in the general election.

[eridani]

1. .

[Forkboy]

2. I haven't wanted her to drop out because as a Kooch fan I know how that felt.

Sure, I'd love this mess to just end one way or the other, but that's not up to me. When the times comes McCain will be the target and we'll beat him like a narc at a biker rally.

[Two Americas]

3. K and R

Thanks, eridani.

It was nice to read your thoughtful comments after seeing yet another taunting and belligerent thread "whaddya gonna do, vote for McCain?"

The loyalty tests and demands for conformity have no place in the Democratic party - they are much more destructive than the supposed crimes of treason that they are directed at.

As always, almost everyone will eventually work for the nominee. Even were that not true, taunting and ridiculing and bullying people is not a very effective way to get them on board, is it?

[cboy4]

4. I don't have a problem with her staying in....I have a lot

more confidence than others that counting all of the votes isn't as detrimental to the Party as others are claiming.

[eridani]

5. Since when have we ever counted all the votes in presidential primaries?

Never, is when. The race was finished in March 2004, and by this definition all the states voting later than that were "disenfranchised">

[Lilith Velkor]

6. I think it's partly because of sexism

and partly weariness of triangulation, which Obama gets a pass on for some reason.

[AllentownJake]

7. Damage is

She's taking money that could be used in the General or her supporters could give to Senate and congressional candidates and spending it on her farewell tour through PA, IN, and NC. Damage is going negative in PA a state we need to carry in the GE like she did today against Obama. Damage is that she has some of her supporters so riled up they are flocking to NY to embarass themselves on Friday by banging pots with spoons outside the Today show on Friday which not only embarrases her but embarasses the party.

[rodeodance]

8. thats lame---Bill C. went till June---people had somebone back then-now they cry over anything!

[AllentownJake]

9. 1992 and 2008

Are far different races my friend...with far more at stake. If you don't see that I feel sorry for you.

[rodeodance]

10. There is a lot at stake from my point of view: "If you don't see that I feel sorry for you."