Kicking each other?

[liberalcommontater]

Is it possible that most of the negatives the Obama folks see in the Clinton campaign and visa versa stem from our disgust with Bush and his crowd? Consider someone like myself who supported Edwards and now Clinton. I am predisposed to cut her a break if she exaggerates or nails Obama with a negative. However, I am much more offended when the attack comes from the Obama camp and is aimed at my candidate. I think this dynamic is at work on both sides and so my question is, is the fuel for it our common desire to replace the Republicans in the fall? We want the Republicans out so bad that we see any threat to to our candidate as evil? Even to the extent that Obama is evil or Clinton is evil?

Are they not just two politicians trying to differentiate themselves from each other?

Wouldn't we really rather have either of them than more Republican misrule?

[lisa58]

1. I think it's just how anyone views a competition when they...

...have taken a side.

We've all taken a side against the Republicans and obviously this administration (which is why it used to be lots and lots of fun to visit DU - we were all on the same side).

You always forgive your side for doing something negative or unethical if it makes your opponent look bad or gives your side an advantage - human nature.

[liberalcommontater]

2. Sure

but it sure seems we have lost sight of the prize.

I pray we don't wake up the day after the election wondering...Gore lost in 2000 after the Clinton years, Kerry lost in 2004 after Bush's blunders, and now Clinton/Obama lost to McCain after 8 years of Bush and McCain's promises to continue them. What a nightmare.

[lisa58]

3. Once this primary season is over...

...the common cause will take over and it will be up to us to not be sore losers or winners and get excited about the other candidate.

Everyone will see how much is at stake.

[liberalcommontater]

5. I sure hope so.

[Bensthename]

4. True dat. I think the problem is the length of time to get a nominee.

Back in the old days the candidates had to travel to cities to give the speeches so all could hear them. Now with electronic media we know more about each candidate then we really care to know.. It does not take that long to decide on a candidate and learn their views, policies, and experience. Same with the other candidates. So, we pick our candidates and then watch videos and gossip news tear each other down... Then we start getting caught up in flag pin debates and gotcha sound bites..
In todays times the length of the campaigns should be cut in half at least..

[phrigndumass]

6. The repubs need to be beaten in the GE ...

... and I believe either of our Democratic candidates can accomplish that.

K/R

[JohnnyLib2]

7. I agree with your thoughts, in many instances.

Seems like BushCo has contributed greatly to a downward trend in the country's trust of politicians. The turn in popularity of Bush's Iraq policy reflects a huge drop in trust.

OTOH, this primary season seems to have more obvious pep rally/we are better than you/rah rah elements than ever.

Frequently, there is talk of "your candidate will cause our nominee to lose to McCain." I don't recall much of that kind of discussion in past elections.

Recommended

[JohnnyLib2]

8. I just referred to this OP on another thread.

Hope that's ok. JL2

[liberalcommontater]

9. Anytime

[Armstead]

10. I appreciate your even-handedness but I disagree

Every time I've tried to take a "whichever one wins, at least they are a Democrat" attitude. But Hillary keeps setting me off with her inexcusable (IMO) antics.

Clinton is needsly inflaming the inevitable divisions during a primary by trying to bolster the GOP's case, rather than simply offering a comparison and contrast with Obama.

Her tone -- and her willingness to recycle right-wing propaganda -- is what bugs me.

If this were between Edwards and Obama, it would probably be passionate -- but I don't think it would be so destructive and vindictive.

[liberalcommontater]

11. I guess we agree, kind of

I have read interpretations of Senator Obama's and his surrogates' comments nailing Senator Clinton. Many of these comments leave a false or misleading impression (imo). My point is not to argue any of the particulars, but to agree that I have found it difficult to warm up to him just as she is making it difficult for you.

BTW my first choice was Edwards. I find your comment about an Obama / Edwards race intriguing. As with at least 50% of political races we will never know what might have been.