When Rubio wins on Tuesday,

[PhilosopherKing]

will those who voted for Meek instead of Christ be happy with their votes?
There is a time to be idealistic and there is a time to be pragmatic. Now is the time to be pragmatic and vote for Crist.


Flame away.

[Name removed]

1. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Yeshuah Ben Joseph]

2. While I appreciate your write in vote for Me

I must regrettably decline, as I'm not a Florida resident. Or even a US resident, for that matter.

[Kurovski]

46. !

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[blondeatlast]

101. I love you, even when I do eat your flesh and drink your blood. nt

[CatWoman]

146. you guys are killing me!!

:rofl:

[sally cat]

174. That's hilarious. Thanks for putting a smile on my face.

[JanetLovesObama]

3. I feel that is was very selfish

for Meek not to pull out. He does not have a snowball's chance in hell of winning so:

HELLO SENATOR RUBIO ! (barf)

[Zhade]

90. I don't EVER want to hear anyone on DU ever demand we vote for the Dem again.

Anyone who advocates as you just did, and then demands party loyalty, is a hypocrite.

[Codeine]

130. Why anyone? Most of us are not advocating for Crist.

Some of us feel it should be tombstone-worthy, in fact.

[bear425]

4. Since I'm a Democrat, I am happy with my vote for Meek.

And you? Are you a Democrat?

[PhilosopherKing]

6. You didn't answer the question directly,

Will you be happy when Rubio wins?

[PhilosopherKing]

9. I am a true blue Democrat

who does not want Rubio in the Senate.

[sabrina 1]

60. I think you asked the wrong question.

The question SHOULD have been, 'when Rubio wins on Tuesday, will those Democrats who voted for Crist, Republican Governor turned Ind, be willing to admit that NOT supporting the Democrat and encouraging Democrats to vote for the Republican, was not very good strategy.

[PhilosopherKing]

82. I would pose that same question

if Crist was running a distant third and Meek was the one on Rubio's heels. But that's not what the numbers say.

[smokey nj]

5. Never thought I'd see the day when Democrats who voted for the Democratic candidate would get bashed

on DemocraticUnderground.

[PhilosopherKing]

7. Answer the question

Will you be happy when Rubio wins?

[tnlefty]

41. Will you be happy?

As smokey nj pointed out the democratic candidate has rec'd less support on a supposedly democratic board. I've felt bad for the citiizens of FL facing this choice for quite some time, but your confrontational tone is crap.

Although, since this is the 2nd time in the past few years when certain folks within the Dem establishment have supported an Indie (Lieberfuck and now Crist), they should expect no loyalty from me anymore.

[PhilosopherKing]

64. If the numbers were there for Meek

I would be behind him 100% as I am behind McAdams in Alaska over is opponents. The numbers are there for McAdams to win.

[tnlefty]

73. I thought that McAdams is behind in that race, although he's

gained in polling during the past couple of weeks, but this post still doesn't take away from your confrontational tone, and purely flamebait, divisive OP.

Democrats who voted for the Democrat in the race shouldn't be slapped around in a post here. It's a tough choice in FL, but you seem to delight in being a jerk. Will those who voted for Crist be happy with their votes if Rubio wins?

I don't think anyone will be happy if Rubio wins, but I'm not calling out the voters in FL period and despite your stating otherwise, the OP does just that.

[PhilosopherKing]

79. A difficult choice must be made in Florida on Tuesday

If you think I'm being a jerk, that's fine. It's not my intention to be a jerk about this topic but I strongly feel that the only way Rubio can lose is if Dems hold their noses and vote for Crist. If you can give me a scenario that Rubio will lose that doesn't involve voting for Crist, I'm all ears. I don't see one.

[tnlefty]

86. It is exactly your intention...your OP was aimed directly at

DEMOCRATS who voted or are planning to vote for the rightful DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE.

Voters in FL have already voted by absentee ballots and early voting. What you refuse to 'see' is that scenario...

I'm not calling out FL voters who may have voted for Crist, but you're just stirring up divisiveness and shit.

[PhilosopherKing]

88. I think my OP is asking a tough, honest question

How will we FEEL Wed morning with Rubio as senator from Florida? I'll feel like crap. But knowing that it may have been prevented by Democrats holding their noses and voting for Crist warrants what I consider asking a tough question on DU. If I'm a jerk because of it, so be it.

[tnlefty]

92. No, your OP was meant to be divisive...

and you're advocating for Crist over the Dem nominee, and you're doing it after some voters have already voted, but carry on, it's late and I'm off to bed.

Oh, and I don't know about 'we' as I've never tried to pit FL voters against each other. I've realized that it's a tough decision for them. The bigger question is how will FL residents feel? I'll try to be supportive, are you gonna kick them in the teeth?

[PhilosopherKing]

102. you're taking this too personally

It's not about you, it's not about me. It's about keeping Rubio out of the senate, which would be good for everybody in America.

[sabrina 1]

116. You know what would be really nice? If just once voting was

about doing the right thing. 'It's about keeping Rubio out' and it failed. Maybe if for once this party's leadership would focus in the real reasons why we have elections, do what is right, they might be surprised at how things turn when you are not so terrified of losing you are willing to compromise everything. People like sincerity and honesty. This 'strategy' has turned off a lot of people as it should.

I would just love to belong to a party that keeps its eye on the ball confident that they are right on the issues, because voters get that kind of sincerity.

If 'winning' is all it's about, and issues don't even get discussed, then why bother at all? I'm into politics to get people elected that I think I can trust to look out for those who elected them. I know we will not always win, but when we do, it will a real win, not a compromise.

Dems look desperate, scared, and that doesn't inspire confidence in voters.

[tnlefty]

167. I'm taking this personally? I didn't start a divisive post

going after FL democratic voters. I've never taken sides in this, but your corrosive tone and tone deafness is tiring. Hopefully you'll spin yourself out soon.

[blondeatlast]

159. Not your intention? Then you certainly chose your tone and words as porrly as possible. nt

[Zhade]

118. The numbers aren't there BECAUSE people gave up on him for Crist!

Jesus!

You pro-Crist people are being played like a fucking fiddle, and you can't even see it.

[sabrina 1]

65. Are you voting for the Republican?

I don't think you have a right to criticize a Democrat for voting for a Democrat. Maybe if you had done that also, Meek might have won.

[PhilosopherKing]

70. The numbers aren't there for Meek.

Robert Kennedy Jr came out for Crist. Why? Because the numbers aren't there for Meek.

I'm not criticizing Democrats for the sake of criticism. I'm trying to keep Rubio out of the Senate. That's all.

[sabrina 1]

113. I understand keeping Rubio out.

And at this point, the numbers aren't there for Meek. But months ago if an all out effort had been made to support Meek, well the worst that would have happened is things would be exactly where they are right now. Otoh, with some enthusiasm and money, things might have been different. The mistake was in thinking that many Democrats could ever bring themselves to vote for a Republican. It was bad strategy.

[blondeatlast]

160. Yup; when Crist entered as a 3rd party, the FL Democrats and the DSCCC

should have increased their Florida efforts. It was they who lost the race, not Meek, who was a GREAT candidate.

[mcollins]

131. [handclap] nt

[bullwinkle428]

8. +1

[Odin2005]

25. Its OK as long as the other guy is to the right of the Dem apparently.

Support one to the Left and you get TSed.

[smokey nj]

29. Funny how it always works out that way, isn't it?

[DemocratSinceBirth]

35. Or The President Is Friends With A Moderate Republican Who Became An Independent

~

[ChiciB1]

104. +1000... n/t

[DemocratSinceBirth]

125. I Ended Up Voting For Meek

But I empathize with those who voted for Crist to stop Rubio. It wasn't an easy decision.

I don't know if I would have voted for the "Shove It" candidate.

However, it does illustrate there are always exceptions to the rules.

[ChiciB1]

127. Yeah, I Saw That At Another Thread & It Took Quite Some Time To

finally make up my mind. In fact I just sent off my absentee this past Monday. Most of my family lives here and we have been Democrats all our life, but in the end most of us felt we had to let go of absolute loyalty because of Rubio.

It wasn't only his politics, but what it would mean for Jebby that turned us. Also Rubio is so arrogant that the thought of him winning is abhorrent! I would also like to add that even though I live in Sarasota county (Super Red) I just happen to live in a small community that have more Democrats than Repukes. Almost to a person they tell me they have or will vote for Crist. What would be more than sad is IF it really does get close in the end, I'm afraid I'm going to become extremely depressed.

NEVER, have I crossed over that I can think of, but this is ONE time I felt it was actually necessary given how Meek NEVER caught on. With Rubio we are going to be SO SCREWED, and I don't think that people from other states really understand this. Calling me a traitor or even a ConservaDem is ridiculous because in fact I AM a LIBERAL. I was always to the left of Clinton and definitely to the LEFT of Obama! And so it goes with my family too.

THAT is one myth that I can say simply isn't true, LIBERALS are voting for Crist. But then seeing posts here LIBERALS are shit anyway. I don't care, I just know what my heart tells me. So many others have said it should have been Crist to drop out, but he always polled above Meek and I never felt that way.

Enough for this rant right now. I FEAR what Tuesday may bring!!!

[tnlefty]

56. + 2

sad though it may be...

[ibegurpard]

68. it's irony overload

[Iggo]

171. Egg-fucking-zackly.

Unbelieveable.

[bullwinkle428]

10. I'll answer your question with a question. Tell me which issues

you would expect Crist to vote differently from Rubio.

[PhilosopherKing]

12. Answer my question first and I'll tell you why

Rubio must lose on Tuesday.

[kick-ass-bob]

14. You know, this is the reason candidates lose.

When people start voting against something instead of for something else, shit falls apart and you end up getting what you are hoping against all hope against.

"Who must win?"

That's the correct question. This bullying bullshit does no good.

[liskddksil]

27. Education

Crist stood up to Jeb Bush and the untested merit-pay schemes, and protected teachers when he vetoed SB6.

[bullwinkle428]

50. Really? CC would have the cojones to stand up to Jim DeMint's

Zombie Army? Why does my magic 8-ball say "highly doubtful"?

[DemocratSinceBirth]

123. Jim DeMint Is A Feckless Clown

Standing up to the BFEE took brass ones. Crist paid with his career.

[Skidmore]

153. So why do we have a Democrat supporting a Republican opportunist?

Charlie Crist wants to be a Democrat, he could actually become one and run as one. Until he joins the party, then he is not deserving of the support of its members or their trust.

[ChiciB1]

132. ABORTION, OFF SHORE DRILLING, Just Two That Come To Mind.

Also the Social Security issue is on the front burner. Raising the age to 70 is one thing Rubio has stood strong about, and in a state FULL of retirees! But then, THEY have their SS so THEY probably don't give a shit!

I live in one of the richest counties here in Florida. It was once the richest per capita, but now it's probably 2nd or 3rd. I have never been one of them, far from it, but many, many hard working people who do landscaping, or work as waiters or waitresses will tell you that so many of them are THE WORST tippers ever! My daughter once worked at a high end hair salon and her tips were crappy. She has since gotten a degree as a cardiac nurse and is working on becoming a Nurse Practitioner, but I remember her telling me stories about how stingy they were.

My son is a landscaper and many, many times he will bid a job for people who have money and when they get there, they have been asked to do "extra" work that wasn't included in the bid! My son FINALLY got the message and started telling them it would cost more! Many actually got offended. I'm not saying all are that way, but a large segment do expect MORE!

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

11. It doesn't matter

Florida politically couldn't run a two car funeral. This has been the most talked about Senate race for two years, and four days before the election, suddenly someone decides to talk Dem/Indy coalition. Too late.

People will be begging for Mel Martinez back after they get a load of this shitbag Rubio.

[WolverineDG]

13. I understand the dilemma faced by my fellow DUers in Florida

& I don't think we should engage in bashing Meek or Crist supporters.

dg

[PhilosopherKing]

17. I'm not bashing Meek supporters

I want to appeal to their pragmatic side. The numbers indicate Meek can't win. Crist has a chance. That's all.

[smokey nj]

21. Yes, you are.

[PhilosopherKing]

24. No I'm not.

[kick-ass-bob]

33. When you end your post in "flame away"

you already know that you are.

[PhilosopherKing]

37. I don't think so

I've read DU long enough to know that I will get the responses I have gotten so far.

[Dappleganger]

55. Thank you.

You've just confirmed that you're trolling for comments.

[PhilosopherKing]

59. I'm not trolling for comments

I don't want Rubio in the Senate. That's all.

[Change has come]

76. Bingo. n/t

[Dappleganger]

53. YES, you are.

And I find that highly offensive and should not be allowed on "Democratic Underground". What you do with your vote is your concern but keep your pragmatism to yourself when it comes to voting for a republican.

[PhilosopherKing]

61. If you find it offensive

then you have very thin skin. I want Rubio out of the senate. That is my intention for this post.

[Dappleganger]

106. Yes, I find voting for and pushing others to vote for a repuke OFFENSIVE.

And I will not apologize for that.

[PhilosopherKing]

108. Be offended

Don't apologize for anything. Just make sure Rubio is not the next senator from Florida. If you think voting for Meek will accomplish that, I hope you're right.

[sufrommich]

19. I agree. I'd hate to be a Florida Democrat right now. It's a

real dilemma with real consequences.

[VMI Dem]

15. Jesus Crist.

[tnlefty]

69. I'd vote for him...

now that you mention it! :evilgrin: The OP is just divisive flamebait, no more, no less, but divisive.

[PhilosopherKing]

72. That's not my intention

I want Rubio out of the senate.

[tnlefty]

74. Again, most people with 2 brain cells to rub together don't

want Rubio in the senate, but you're trying to call out FL voters who may have voted for the democratic nominee as much as you try to deny it.

I'm certain that any FL democrats who voted for Crist will be having an 'oh shit' moment should Rubio be heading to the senate, but I refuse to question their votes or call them out as you are doing with democrats who voted for the party's rightful nominee.

Since you mentioned 'flame away', this has been rather civil for you hasn't it who joined Oct. 18th with no other info. in your profile. An OP full of confrontation, divisiveness and begging for flames isn't usually a good way to start out here, but c'est la vie.

[PhilosopherKing]

93. If you look more closely

I became a DU member Oct 19 2008. That's two years ago. So if you think I'm some kind of troll, think again.

As far as calling out DU'ers who don't vote for Crist, I consider it tough love. If you consider me a jerk for doing so, c'est la vie.

I've read DU long enough to know that even when you start or contribute to an OP that is relatively benign, there are sensitive people out there who will criticize you anyway. I was simply anticipating this reaction with my "flame away" comment on this sensitive topic.

[ChiciB1]

134. You Could Also Call It A "Pick Your Poison" Moment! I VOTED For Crist

and I stand by it. It was an AWFUL decision to make, but I personally blame the State Democratic leaders here, run by Karen Thurman who has persona issues of her own she should be working on. I won't say more, but many here know what I mean.

THEY should have looked to present a stronger Democrat to run! THEY knew about Jebby and his "golden boy" Rubio a LONG time ago. So go ahead and blame the citizens of Florida if you want, but THEY put us in a very vulnerable situation!

So, I can also say... FLAME AWAY! And I've been here since 2004, not a newcomer!

[tnlefty]

170. Projection much?

I'm not accusing you of being a troll, and I've stated my thoughts about your OP and subsequent posts.

Your Op was hardly benign, nor belign in any stretch of the imagination, but have fun.

[glen123098]

16. Rubio is gonna win.

Even if one of the non tea party candidates dropped out, 100 percent of their votes, would not go to the other candidate. Some will refuse to vote, or vote 3rd party. There is no forseeable way for Rubio not to win. Charlie Crist is a Lifelong republican who has only pretended to be moderate for about a year, because the very extreme wing of his party kicked him out. He is in it for himself and noone else. He will probably caucus with the republicans, because they best support his views. So if you vote for Crist, you are voting for a lifelong republican who will not win. How pragmatic is that?

[PhilosopherKing]

20. I don't believe in your assessment of Crist.

He embraced the stimulus plan because he knew it was the right thing to do. He knew it could hurt him politically but he did it anyway.

[Odin2005]

18. If you think that Crist is gonna be different from Rubio in any way that matters....

...you are fooling himself. Crist is a cynical opportunist.

Oh, and Meek is the Dem candidate. It pisses me off that it seems that it is OK to oppose the Dem nominee here as long as the other person is to the right of the Dem. sickening.

[PhilosopherKing]

22. Wrong

Crist could vote for an Obama nominee for the Supreme Court. Rubio would not. I believe that.

[Odin2005]

23. You know that how?

[PhilosopherKing]

32. He embraced Obama's Stimulus plan

That means he's reasonable. By the way, I said he 'could' vote for an Obama nominee not 'will'.

[Odin2005]

36. DOH, I forgot about that.

[ChiciB1]

135. See My Post #132 Above. n/t

[DemocratSinceBirth]

34. Because He Put Liberal African Americans On The Florida Supreme Court

~

[blondeatlast]

161. Or Crist could vote the way the Republicans who finance his campaigns tell him to.

He's an opportunist--and I'm not optimistic about him.

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

28. Except that's not what's happening

People are considering Crist because Meek has no chance. I think it's moot now anyway. Rubio has won.

And by the way, the other Dem candidate who's being knocked the last few days (Caprio) is because he's chosen to run to the right of the Independent including saying "Screw Obama".

[Hassin Bin Sober]

42. I think BECAUSE Crist is a political opportunist maybe the deal should be made.

Offer him some sort of bone to caucus with the Dems and vote our way on some of the big issues. It's not like they haven't done slimy deals with Lieberman and Nelson. At lest we know he's a snake from the get-go.

On the other hand, it's easy for me to say since I don't have to pull the lever. It would just be nice to take out one of their prize assholes.

[LLStarks]

66. Have you even heard Crist slamming Rubio over the past few weeks? nt

[RagAss]

26. Did you mean to type "Christ" ?.....The name is Crist.

[PhilosopherKing]

30. Out of habit

:)

[Joanne98]

31. Rubio in the senate is the same thing as Bush! I can't believe Meek is sticking us with this!

He needs to DROP OUT!

[Change has come]

77. Because he suddelnly becomes President???

What? Um...What?

[Fla_Democrat]

38. I may not be happy....

but I wont feel ashamed for voting for the Democratic candidate. Ya see, it's a habit I am loathe to break.

:smoke:

[smokey nj]

40. I feel bad for all of you down there and I don't envy the choice you have to make.

:hug:

[PhilosopherKing]

43. Understood, but

do you think that Meek has a legitimate chance to win?

By the way, I've never voted for anyone but a Democrat. But I know that if I was faced with a Rubio-type in my state and the polls were not showing the Democratic candidate with a chance to win, I would seriously consider voting for the anybody-but-Rubio-type.

Also, it appears that McAdams in Alaska has a chance to win. You know what? I would vote for McAdams and not the write-in candidate. Why? Because he can win. This is what I mean by being pragmatic.

For the record, I'd love to have Meek in the senate. But the numbers just aren't there.

[Fla_Democrat]

78. What do you know, about Chain gang Charlie?

Seriously, have you ever heard of him before a few months ago? Know his history.. you do realize.. he was elected governor... as a Republican... right? I mean, he has been around for a while, and yet, he was 'red' enough to win. Hell, until he saw himself slipping, saw where the wind was blowing, he was still 'true' to his party. Only when he saw that he was getting his ass handed to him in an upcoming primary, did he have an awakening.

Now, I understand that all the Johnny come latelys' are singing his praises... like he is the second coming... Hmmm, maybe that is why the misspellings to Christ. My question is... if he betrayed his old friends when the political winds shifted... why do people think he will be a loyal supporter of a political faction he has been against until just very recently?

If the winds shift, don't be surprised if it blows ol Chain gang Charlie back to where he was.


http://www.indigenouspeople.net/snake.htm

The Little Boy and The Rattlesnake
The little boy was walking down a path and he came across a rattlesnake. The rattlesnake was getting old. He asked, "Please little boy, can you take me to the top of the mountain? I hope to see the sunset one last time before I die." The little boy answered "No Mr. Rattlesnake. If I pick you up, you'll bite me and I'll die." The rattlesnake said, "No, I promise. I won't bite you. Just please take me up to the mountain." The little boy thought about it and finally picked up that rattlesnake and took it close to his chest and carried it up to the top of the mountain.

They sat there and watched the sunset together. It was so beautiful. Then after sunset the rattlesnake turned to the little boy and asked, "Can I go home now? I am tired, and I am old." The little boy picked up the rattlesnake and again took it to his chest and held it tightly and safely. He came all the way down the mountain holding the snake carefully and took it to his home to give him some food and a place to sleep. The next day the rattlesnake turned to the boy and asked, "Please little boy, will you take me back to my home now? It is time for me to leave this world, and I would like to be at my home now." The little boy felt he had been safe all this time and the snake had kept his word, so he would take it home as asked.

He carefully picked up the snake, took it close to his chest, and carried him back to the woods, to his home to die. Just before he laid the rattlesnake down, the rattlesnake turned and bit him in the chest. The little boy cried out and threw the snake upon the ground. "Mr. Snake, why did you do that? Now I will surely die!" The rattlesnake looked up at him and grinned, "You knew what I was when you picked me up."

[PhilosopherKing]

87. I like your anecdote

I use it as well to describe Republicans in general. But I think Crist is a harmless water snake compared with Rubio who is a full-flegged rattlesnake.

[Fla_Democrat]

103. Well, hell, if you 'think'

that, maybe I should see if I can get my absentee ballot back. :eyes:

No, on second thought, I will go with what I 'know', over what someone, anyone, 'thinks'. :smoke:

I see an eastern diamond back and a canebreak... and my name isn't Bill Haast... I'm not loving either one of them.

[PhilosopherKing]

109. I can tell you this much.

Rubio would not embrace the stimulus plan the way Crist did, and he certainly wouldn't hug the president either. Nor would he veto the anti-teacher legislation the way Crist did. Relatively speaking, Rubio is far worse than Crist.

If you voted for Meek, fine. I hope he wins.

[ChiciB1]

136. WHICH HE WON'T! Crist "Might" Have A Chance, MEEK DOES NOT!

Argue snakes and snails all you want, but it doesn't change the numbers!

RUBIO EQUALS BUSH! It's just that simple for many of us, and I DON'T want to be a person who helped yet ANOTHER BUSHIE screw us ever AGAIN!

But it may be too late. Too many Democrats have already voted for Meek, but CC has governed more moderately than I ever thought possible. And he HAS appointed moderate judges too, and black ones also. It's NOT a race thing IMO, but some see it that way.

Done for now, I've had my say and I have voted too!

[Fla_Democrat]

141. I did, and I do, too

See, something we can agree on. :smoke:

[DonCoquixote]

39. Yes

Because I know that if Crist wins, we will set up a strategy that the GOP will use to ensure that NOBODY is who is more liberal than Barry Goldwater wins.

1) Find a Republican
2) Fund them, and have a "falling out" with the teabaggers, who will be energized by this.
3) make sure the left vote is split.

I tell you this, if Crist wins, we will see a pattern that will be repeated Over and over again, and it will ensure that no one does anything to the left, period.

[bullwinkle428]

44. "Smartest Kid in Class" award for this post! Fantastic point.

[DonCoquixote]

62. Thanks

I considered doing this as an op, despite the flames, but look at the people who could probably fit this "independent" category.

Evan Bayh
Mary Landrieu
Max Baucus

What people do not realize is that we need to whip the Blue Dogs into shape, NOT THROW THEM A LIFELINE!

[DemocratSinceBirth]

71. "More Tears Are Shed Over Answered Prayers Than Unanswered Ones"

Bayh retired, The Democrat running to replace him is losing by twenty points.

We can't beat a guy who likes to have hookers dress him up in diapers for Louisiana's Senate seat. You know, the one not held by Mary Landrieu.

After Tuesday the Blue Dog will be extinct along with our majority in the House.

[blondeatlast]

163. Really, you should. I'd comment and rec. nt

[DonCoquixote]

166. ask and ye shall get

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x9410669

[Hassin Bin Sober]

45. Now there's a image that will fester.

[smokey nj]

51. +1

[PhilosopherKing]

54. I don't give the GOP that much credit

The GOP deals in bumper sticker slogans and simple Willy-Horton style, race-bating politics. As we have seen this election cycle, why would they stray from this?

[DonCoquixote]

63. Because

If Meek does not win, this pattern will be shown to work effectively, and one thing about the GOP, when they find something that works, they run with it.

But I'll raise you, who in the hell thinks we only have to worry about the GOP? Thanks to Citizens United, a case whose verdict Charlie agreed with, there is nothing stopping any foreign government or corporation from pouring however much money they want into mischief.

You want to see what sort of "independent" candidate the Saudis can buy? H mm, what about the Chinese? Oh, I have one, Walmart!

[tnlefty]

81. Yep, and if this OP wasn't pure, divisive flamebait, then why wasn't

it posted as an appeal (still :puke:) prior to ballots being mailed out and the beginning of early voting?

Early voting ended here today, I don't know about FL, but FL voters have already voted by absentee ballots or early prior to this divisive post.

[blondeatlast]

162. Indeed--I'll bet that both the Libertarian and Green Party candidates for Senate in AZ

are getting some "interesting" funding.

[Dappleganger]

47. And there's a time to be a democrat.

I will not apologize for my voting for a good democrat, EVER.

If you are taunting those of us who plan to do so, please go crawl back into your pragmatic hole. Do you realize that if democrats decide to not show up at the polls we get Rick Scott as governor?? There is more than one race on Tuesday, or are you that short-sighted.

[PhilosopherKing]

97. I'm not short-sighted at all.

The only reason for Meek to stay in the race is to give Alex Sink a boost. I recognize that the decision of whether to vote for Meek or Crist is not that black and white and having Rick Scott (Medicare defrauder) as governor is a truly frightening scenario.

Dude, I'm not here to get personal with you, I'm here to make a case for keeping Rubio out of the senate. If asking people how they would feel about their vote for Meek Wed morning after a Rubio win is too harsh a question, then so be it.

[Dappleganger]

111. I am not a dude.

You should go post this on your republican forum if you want the affirmation you're so desperately seeking.

[Kurovski]

122. Just an aside here...

"Dude" has evolved into a unisex term.

[Bluenorthwest]

48. Crist said Sarah Palin was more qualified than Obama

Vote for that if you like, but it means what it means. Both of the Florida Republican candidates are Palin endorsing Baggers. Both of them. The only non Palinite is the Democratic candidate, Kendrick Meek.

[PhilosopherKing]

57. He said it

I don't think he meant it. In fact, I'm sure many Republicans were disgusted with the Palin pick but stuck with her anyway, towing the party line.

[Fla_Democrat]

96. Wow, so uhm

You think he would say something, he didn't believe, if it would help his political career. Where have I heard that before? :smoke:

He said it

I don't think he meant it.

[apocalypsehow]

158. "I don't think he meant it" - Wow, and you're psychic to boot. Can you get Dione Warwick's autograph

for me? :thumbsup:

[AtomicKitten]

49. I voted for Christ and all I got was the Holy Ghost. nt

[Yeshuah Ben Joseph]

75. The Holy Ghost isn't a Florida resident either.

Neither of Us are running.

[Kurovski]

52. I'd always vote for the gay candidate.

[ChiciB1]

105. AND, That He Is... So What? n/t

[Kurovski]

107. So buttons.

I'd date him if he asked.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

124. He's Not A Bad Looking Man And I'm Strg8

~

[Kurovski]

143. See how things can get?

:rofl:

[Yeshuah Ben Joseph]

139. Does that include self hating closeted gay candidates who would likely vote against gay civil rights

I don't seem to recall Charlie having such a good record on LGBT issues in Florida despite the fact that his closet is practically see-through.

[Kurovski]

147. Two Very liberal friends (one gay) who live in FLA have been wrestling with that.

It's a toughie, Lord. Rubio is hideous, Crist is awful. and what's his name is impotent at this point.

It's up to Floridians (and you of course). I honestly don't know what I'd do if i lived in FLA.

My guess is activists could work with Crist, and get curbstomped and a "fuck you" by Rubio's crew.

Certainly you see that kind of change coming, that choice coming in the terrible shift our country faces?

[Yeshuah Ben Joseph]

148. Dad & I make it a policy not to interfere in elections

Which should have been obvious enough given the outcome of another Florida election about 10 years ago :(

It's sort of like the Star Trek "prime directive" thing. We let you mortals go on with this insanity, even when you don't even have to be omniscient to see the outcome.

[Kurovski]

149. RE: election 2000...

So that whole "God will get you for that" thing just ain't so. I thought as much.

[Yeshuah Ben Joseph]

150. Oh eventually of course.

We got William Rehnquist, didn't We? ;)

[Kurovski]

151. I should be dwelling for a moment on my own mortality, but...

:rofl:

[LLStarks]

58. There are so many delusional people on this site that think Meek will magically win or net 2nd place

[Change has come]

80. Perhaps you'd be happier...

Over at the Independent Republican Underground? You certainly appear miserable here.

[ChiciB1]

137. WELL, We ARE Pretty Miserable Down Here In Florida... Can It Get Worse? n/t

[Zhade]

91. Maybe you'd be happier voting Republican!

Oh, wait -- YOU ALREADY ARE.

[PhilosopherKing]

95. I've never voted Republican

Never will unless it is the only viable choice against a teabagger like Rubio.

[Zhade]

119. If you're voting for Crist, you are. Oh, sure, the LABEL has changed, but that's all.

Sucker born every minute.

[ibegurpard]

67. vote for a republican over a republican

how pragmatic of you...

[PhilosopherKing]

84. Crist is a former "old-school" Republican, Rubio is a

Tea-bagger nut-job, and Meek is running a distant third. I think the "pragmatic" thing to do is to deny the tea-bagger nut-job a seat in the senate in this scenario.

[PopSixSquish]

89. An "Old School Republican" Who is Still a Republican

Only the party affiliation was changed to protect the guilty...

[Ineeda]

83. After struggling with this choice - pragmatism vs. conscience,

I decided to vote Dem because I needed to be able to sleep at night and hold my head up during the day. Meek dropping out would never have advanced a progressive agenda and I would never support that. In any case, it's too late for that, what with our heavy early voting and mail-in votes well underway.

[Stinky The Clown]

85. "Shame on you for voting for the Democrat"

Nice.

:eyes:

[PhilosopherKing]

94. It's not a question of shame

It's a question of whether Rubio is in the senate or not.

[Blasphemer]

98. What is most disconcerting is that Dems are at great risk in these 3 way races

i.e. Lamont/Lieberman and perhaps Murkowski/Miller/McAdams. In the CT election, the Democratic vote was split and the Democrat lost. With a split GOP vote, a Democratic candidate should be able to win, right? That doesn't seem to be the case, though. Somehow these teabaggers are making the "not quite as evil" Republican look like the moderate choice. It is not a good trend.

[Zhade]

120. It's almost as if... it could be manipulated... NO!

Ya think?

[MilesColtrane]

99. How is a pragmatic vote for a candidate who won't commit to caucus with Democrats...

different than a vote for a candidate who won't caucus with Democrats?

[PhilosopherKing]

100. I suspect he won't commit to the Dems because

he can still syphon off a few Repub votes and Indies who aren't too keen on voting for a candidate who pledges to caucus with the Dems. Believe it or not, the Dem brand right now is a little tarnished unfortunately and some candidates want to steer clear of the label. It's sad but it's true.

[MilesColtrane]

110. So, it's like he's playing chess, and he's several moves ahead of everyone else?

It's dicey enough trusting politicians who make promises on the record.

To trust those who can't even commit to a party and its platform seems insane.

[ChiciB1]

138. If Crist Would Say He Will Caucus With Dems Right Now It Would Be

at his own peril! Personally, I have a feeling he's more Independent than many here know. Plus there is that "gender" thing going on. As a Repuke he has tried to hide it for way too long.

Perhaps he's had a mid-life crisis and is finally coming to terms with it. AND let's not forget... the Repukes stabbed him in the back with the help of JEBBY! And from my perspective, it was done so Jebby can further himself and what he's always wanted. To be POTUS!! And that's nothing to be taken lightly, NOT EVER!

[ChiciB1]

142. Oh My, Your From Texas Too! I Grew Up In Texas Myself & go Back For

class reunions, and it always depresses me! But I have many good friends that I went to school with so I do go back.

Plus I have ONE sister who told me recently (the only non-Democrat) out of my 5 sisters who's a Repuke, that she honestly BELIEVES that Obama is the ANTI-CHRIST, and that he is NOT a citizen. Denial much??

I couldn't believe my ears, but she was serious as a heart attack! We don't talk much politics, we just cant go there. But I love her and we DO actually get along very well. Just have to tip-toe around certain issues.

Okay, I'm going to stop reading the posts, need to get away for now.

[DemocraticPilgrim]

112. Democracy allows for voting as we wish, I don't feel it's idealistic just if folks pushed a boat out

this far they want to ride it home, figuratively speaking. Would I like them to go to Crist though sure it works.

[OmahaBlueDog]

114. Six of one - meet half dozen of the other

Crist won't be much better than Rubio, who won't be much worse than Mel Martinez.

If Meek wants to drop out, that's his call. Otherwise, everyone needs to get out there and at least TRY to save the state from Scott.

[Radical Activist]

115. I'll be disappoitned in Democrats letting themselves be manipulated by polls.

It was a masterful exercise from the day Crist started his campaign as an independent. Democrats didn't have the courage or conviction to simply vote for their own candidate. People will realize the mistake they made when Meek does better than expected and they realize that he could have won.

[Zhade]

121. GodDAM but you nailed it.

Total setup job, this.

[yawnmaster]

117. If I were in a similar situation, yes, I would be happy with my vote.

I might not be happy with the outcome, but I'd be happy with my vote and those are two different things.
And I would not have to live with the dirty feeling that often comes with being "pragmatic".

[Cleobulus]

126. all I know is that since you are still here, DU needs a name change...

To either Republican Underground or Conservative Underground, because it sure as hell isn't Democratic or Progressive.

[ecstatic]

128. or why don't democrats vote for democrats

and republicans vote for republicans? The vote should be split between Rubio and Crist... not Meek and Crist. Wow @ Florida!

[bullwinkle428]

129. Your majesty, did you ever consider the effect a Meek drop-out

would have on the black vote in Florida?

[Tatiana]

133. Well, we have something similar at play in Alaska right now.

Murwhatshername lost the Republicant primary to Miller. So she decides to run as a write-in.

Her strategy was to convince Dems in Alaska that McAdams had no chance, so they had to vote for her to stop Miller.

Dems are starting to come home to McAdams and now he's moved from third to second place, with Miller now in third.

McAdams can only win if the Dems get behind their Dem candidate and I believe he will pull it out.

The strategy should be to force the conservatives to split their vote, while we consolidate our base and pull in a number of moderates/independent voters.

Now I don't know how well this would work in Florida, but I think the idea of Dems dropping out to support Republicans sets a bad precedent.

[laundry_queen]

140. I think you are right.

As a Canadian, with a multi party system, this is pretty standard for us - voting for anyone who will keep out the conservatives, whether we like them or not. There comes a time when it is more important to stop the country from moving rightward than party loyalty. But that's just this Canadian's opinion.

[Barack_America]

144. Giving up on principle is how Dems got themselves in this fucking mess.

We're in big trouble when we start confusing "idealism" with "principled".

[Obamanaut]

145. I voted (early) last week. "Christ" was not one of the choices. nt

[Vickers]

152. Fuck that...I will never, ever, EVER vote for a Repuke.

Unrec for even suggesting it.

[GSLevel9]

154. better to be principled in defeat...

[nadine_mn]

155. Voting shouldn't be about keeping someone OUT of office but putting someone in

At first I agreed a bit with Meek bowing out then realized Dems shouldn't just vote to keep Rubio out. That is a throwaway vote.

Meek's low numbers shouldn't be reason to vote for Crist but a reason for Dems to get out there and remind voters that Crist is a Republican who switched parties when it suited him (hmmmm where have we seen that before)

[Name removed]

156. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[csziggy]

157. Yes, because I have voted for the one candidate in that race I can support

Crist despite the "I" behind his name in this election is still a Republican. And unless things change drastically, the only way I will ever vote for a Republican is if someone fills the ballot out with my cold, dead hand. I would not vote for a Republican if they held a gun to my head.

I've felt this way since before I could vote, since the 1968 Presidential election, so I doubt my opinion on this will ever change.

[JoePhilly]

164. Dems were ALWAYS going to lose Florida.

I'm not sure what the big fight is.

If Crist won the GOP primary, he would have beaten Meek in the general.

Crist LOST the GOP primary to Rubio ... and if Crist dropped out then, most Crist voters would still vote GOP, Rubio ... and so, Rubio wins over Meek.

The debate between DEMS on Crist verus Meek is DUMB.

The only reason the Debate exists is that, practically speaking, Crist is more moderate than Rubio. But if we are realistic, no Dem was going to hold this seat.

So that's it. Meek would not have beaten Rubio, or Crist head to head. I wish the reality was other. But it is not.

Fortunately, I don't live in Florida. I won't have to pick between Meek and Crist ... but it may not matter.

And so, my point is that Dems are debating about a race we were not going to win ... but we now debate about how to minimize the power that the GOP gets. Rubio is nuts, Crist might be moderate.

The reality is that Dems are not going to decide this FL election. Republicans will. Former Crist voters are moving to Rubio.

[Baalath]

165. I don't think the debate should be centered on if Dems could have won

The debate is if it is a good thing if someone tried to push a black man out of an election to help a white ex repub win.

Isn't that the real debate?

[JoePhilly]

176. not from where I sit.

I don;t care what color either of them is, its irrelevant.

[AlabamaLibrul]

168. When Rubio wins on Tuesday, blame Nader. And, like, hanging chads and stuff. And Pat Buchanan! n/t

[24601]

169. OK, Rubio likely will win as all the polling indicates. It won't even

be close - so the numbers of DU voters aren't going to tip the balance either way. A vote for Meek is not a vote for Nader and shouldn't be confused with one. Nader didn't run as a Democrat. If one spirals down into "the ends justify the means" where does it end? There are other differences too. For example, Nader is much older and is white.

[pgodbold]

172. They won't listen. They can't fathom it. Florida is lost to a rabid teabastard. One of the worst. nt

[MadHound]

173. When Rubio wins on Tuesday

Will those who voted for the Republican Crist over Meek be happy with their votes?

Worse yet, when Crist decides to screw all of us in the Senate, will those who voted for Crist instead of Meek be sorry for their votes?

[ddeclue]

175. MEEK is the only Democrat in this race. If you want to advocate for the Republican or whatever he

claims to be now then don't post it here.