Dems: Why ARE you voting this Tuesday?

[bondwooley]

OK, enough about the enthusiasm gap and apathy. We all know why a lot of Democrats aren't voting on Tuesday, even if we don't all agree.

This outside poll is asking Democrats why they are voting.

Is to give MSNBC anchors a chance to lighten up? Or because someone has to protect America from the crazies?

What does the voting DU community have to say about it?

Original poll at: http://www.pledge-drive.com/lesterandcharliesurvey.html

Let's hear it!

[ScreamingMeemie]

1. Because I would really like to do my part to restore Texas to blue again.

[HopeHoops]

2. Because it is a moral obligation of a US citizen.

And on top of that, to try to keep out the fucking teabaggers and other Republicans.

[Ineeda]

3. Simple answer: because it's my right and my responsibility. n/t

[emulatorloo]

4. My state rep is a great Democrat. There is a teabagger running against him. He has been "TARGETED"

by one of those anonymous Big Dollar groups.

My Democratic governor has done an excellent job.

[bondwooley]

20. The "targeting" thing really sucks...

... and it's one of the reason we should vote and stand up for our own choices, not the choices of others!

[Subdivisions]

5. I'm not voting Tuesday...

Because I already done did early.

[JustFiveMoreMinutes]

18. Ditto... and because in Nevada.. Sharon Angle is on the ballot

... egads man, that is scarey in itself!!!

[HipChick]

6. Because of this..

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x9415670

[nadinbrzezinski]

7. Keep the crazee contained

[Fire1]

103. Pretty much. n/t

[LiberalEsto]

8. I'm not

because I voted a week ago with Maryland's first Early Voting.
All Democrats.
Why would any reasonably sane person vote for anybody else?

[bullimiami]

9. IM NOT VOTING TUESDAY!

Because I already did today.





Vote early.
Vote often.

[bondwooley]

21. ; ) n/t

[PeaceNikki]

10. Feingold and Barrett

We cannot afford to lose Russ and send a mumbling, bumbling tebagging fool to DC to represent WI. And Scott Walker is a smarmy evil prick while Barrett is a stand-up wonderful man.

My congressman is a lost cause.

[DrDan]

11. to keep Rubio out of Washington

[NRaleighLiberal]

12. Because I can. Because I strongly support what the Democratic Party stands for.

Because if I don't, then I feel that any complaining by me afterwards would make me a hypocrite.

So, just a few reasons!

:hi:

[Tiggeroshii]

13. I too voted.

And the reason I voted is because I -like many others are scared shitless of the Republicans taking control of congress. That's why I'll be spending the whole next two days getting out the vote. AS SHOULD EVERYBODY ELSE!!! ;)

[BlueIris]

14. Oregon deserves to have functional government, even if those in it aren't perfect.

And while I strongly disagree with many of the decisions made up at the top lately, I don't think my Oregon Democratic representation deserves to be punished for mistakes made in D.C.

Also, no Diebold here. I really enjoy knowing my votes will count, regardless of what political party benefits.

[classof56]

26. Amen to that!

I abosolutely love vote by mail and it's my opinion it would resolve voter issues nationwide. Also couldn't agree more about our incredible state deserving a functional government. So far I think we've been doing quite well, and when Kitzhaber is back on the helm, our ship of state will continue to run smoothly.



:fistbump:

[JoePhilly]

15. My reasons ...

1) The Dems have always been incredibly weak. In the last 2 years, they have passed legislation that, while not fully what I want, shows them trying ... I want MORE from them, and I want to let them know that the steps they took, while definitely not sufficient, are a start ... and that, if they KEEP moving left, I'll still support them. If I run from them when they have to accept reality (this country is DIVIDED), then all I have told them is that I will not support them when they need me.

2) The GOP has gone nuts. All you have to do is look at what happened when Bush became President over Gore. Iraq war? Tax cuts for millionaires creating record deficits. Attempts to privatize Social Security. The GOP has already gone global. America is dead to them. American corporations should be able to put their money in a foreign country, and then still get the protections of our country? The GOP advocates a return to a feudal system. The monarchs control the wealth, the warriors fight the wars, and the peasants fight for the scraps.

[bondwooley]

40. Joe, you've nailed it! nt

[JoePhilly]

41. Thanks.

I think the infighting among Dems is stupid. At least publically.

We should fight over drinks. Try to understand where we differ on tactics (which is where most of the fighting is), and then join arms an go after the our real enemy.

[onethatcares]

16. because if I don't vote for the candidates that I feel support my agenda

I have no reason to tell anyone what should be happening here in the divided states of America.

Of course you know what I'm voting for.

I'm one of those bleeding heart liberal hippies that really thinks America can be a leader in the world.

[classof56]

17. Because the right to vote is also one of our greatest privileges as Americans.

The fact that I intend to never vote for another republican aside, I feel it is my duty and an honor to cast my ballot.

Lots of other reasons, having to do with caring about the future and preserving our liberty. I'm extremely disappointed in those who don't vote, Democrats or republicans, but if they choose not to, that too is their right. I think, however, that by not voting they foreclose their option to complain when things don't go their way, but maybe that's just me.

:dem:

[GoCubsGo]

Nope. It's not just you.

I couldn't not have said what you just said any better.

[classof56]

77. Just read your reply and I sincerely thank you!

What a great way to start my morning!

[GoCubsGo]

67. Nope. It's not just you.

I couldn't not have said what you just said any better.

[timtom]

19. I must do whatever I can to send the Republican party back to

the Nineteenth Century, where they belong!

[lpbk2713]

22. Ever heard the "all for the want of a nail" parable?

That's my main reason.

[EmeraldCityGrl]

23. Because it's the one thing I do that pisses off the right

more that any sign, t-shirt, campaign donation or letter to the editor. It's the one thing they pray for, that I will not vote.

[scrubthedata]

44. That's the perfect antedote to voter apathy.

I'm not kidding. Our votes terrify them, and they *should* be terrified.

[bondwooley]

66. With you on that n/t

[gratuitous]

24. Because as much as the Democrats have let me down

It's still preferable to the horror that will be visited on the nation and the world by more Republicanism.

[bondwooley]

33. Amen to that. nt

[de novo]

108. I feel just the same.

I will default to being frustrated over being horrified.

[WCGreen]

25. I vote because it is contract renewal time...

The have only missed one election since 1976 and that was a municipal election that I didn't have a stake in. I was at Ohio State and I didn't feel informed enough to vote on the local issues.

I vote because of all the people who sacrificed so much down through the centuries so that I, and most of my fellow citizens of age, can participate in the election process.

[Mudoria]

27. I voted because I always vote

It's one right granted me that I feel responsible and duty bound to do. I may be disappointed in some things my party has or hasn't done but the alternative is terrible. Any one out there thinking of sitting it out to "teach them a lesson" should really consider the consequences.

[bondwooley]

47. Responsibility is not only the best argument, but the absolute truth. n/t

[Lucian]

28. So the Tea Party doesn't get elected.

That's my motivation. Not because I like a certain candidate over another.

I really don't like anyone this year I can vote for. The Democrats are looking too much like Republicans these days and it's really frustrating. This may become my favorite color in 2012...

[justabob]

29. Perry v White, Broden v Johnson

The governor's race is the main reason, but I have the bonus of voting against Broden for congress as well. That is not to say there aren't other important races, but those two are the primary reasons I will be voting.

[notesdev]

30. Because I like the illusion

Even though I know the big corps have already bought out all the candidates on both sides and will continue to run the show as always... I vote so no one can say that I didn't register my opinion.

[emulatorloo]

34. Have you missed all the Chamber of Commerce stories and Karl Rove crossroads stories?

The billions the big corps are spending is to DESTROY the democrats, with every lie in the book.

[bondwooley]

36. I don't mind so much that corporations are buying the politicians ...

... that's normal and we can vote against those politicians.

What's sick is that under Citizens United they can now buy the voters, not just the politicians!

[notesdev]

39. I've seen them

however, I am also aware that there is just as much money on the other side as well, including an obscenely illegal campaign loan in the amount of $32 mil that was just extended from BofA to the DNC/DCCC not two weeks ago. Make no mistake, Democratic officeholders are every bit as much in the tank for the corporatists as the Republicans are. Every bit - there's not even wiggle room to be had.

[bondwooley]

52. No wiggle room at all?

I've worked for Dems and Repubs and the unspoken principles were quite different. Granted, that was many years ago.

[notesdev]

76. 'fraid not

many years ago things were different... from the Clinton era forward, however, that's no longer been the case. Voting records don't lie - corporate giveaways are bipartisan affairs now.

[emulatorloo]

85. Did you miss all the votes where Republicans BLOCKED anti-outsourcing legislation?

[notesdev]

96. Blocked a politically posturing useless measure you mean?

Probably isn't anyone here more anti-outsourcing than I am. Unfortunately the way business in done in DC these days they can title a bill "The ALL OUTSOURCERS MUST DIE!!!!1! Act of 2010" and when you drill down into the details it does the opposite, or something on another topic entirely.

A good read on the anti-outsourcing charade:

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/government/get-angry-congress-cant-even-agree-to-mildly-discourage-outsourcing/9487

[AsahinaKimi]

31. I ALREADY VOTED !!

So I don't have to vote Tuesday.. We only get one vote right? Um..okay. Are you sure? Oh okay.. then I am done here. Bye!

[Pathwalker]

32. Because I CAN vote, thanks to all the work and struggles

of the brave suffragettes who worked so hard for me to have this right. I will not dishonor their hard work by voting for Republicans.

[Johnny2X2X]

35. I'd vote anyway

but, the Republican Party is truly scary now. All of these Tea Baggers have no idea that they are voting for candidates who could very well lead us further down the road to Tyranny.

[bondwooley]

38. Or by whithholding your vote to let others vote for Republicans and take the lead! Yes! n/t

[krabigirl]

37. Against eMeg and for prop 19. Also to keep fiorina out of the senate.

[Retrograde]

62. And to preserve the state parks and keep oil companies from trashing the state's clean air measures

And because a friend's running in a local race :)

[scrubthedata]

42. Karl Rove needs to know that in America, our politicians might be for sale, but the voters are not!

[saras]

43. easy

Well, after figuring out all the initiatives, referendums, and local issues well enough to vote on them, where it matters profoundly, it's a pretty easy job to go and and vote for whoever's against the sociopathic nutjob running for office. And in my district, voting against the sociopathic nutjob means either voting a solid Democratic ticket or writing in people who aren't even running.

I admit, though, that for any office that had someone running unopposed, I wrote in names out of the phone book, in alphabetical order.

[bondwooley]

46. That's a great story!

Personally, I see write-ins as a waste in most cases - but if the nut is running unopposed, that's a different story! Where abouts are you?

[saras]

56. Where? USA

I agree that nearly all the time write-ins are a waste as far as getting a candidate into office. BUT - even if they're not a nut, the very idea of a candidate running unopposed offends me - it shows how hard it is to get a genuinely representative candidate into the system.

But the voting system is profoundly flawed - sometimes the only message we can use it to send is "everyone else in the same election had 61% voting for them. You had 32%, with no opposition." If there are enough write-in votes on a local, unopposed office, it makes the news just for that reason alone, even if the write-ins aren't all for the same person.

I'd prefer the ability to vote "none of the above" and have it count if we got a majority, but I'm not holding my breath waiting for THAT option.

And before someone tells me I should get more involved in electoral politics myself, I have - repeatedly. I end up getting told by people nominally on my side to get out again, because although I will vote for the lesser of two evils, or the less evil of two lessers, I won't actually work to support evil, even if it is "my" side.

As far as voting anti-corporate, you vote for corporations with dollars. The only effective way to vote against them is to see that they don't profit from you. But how you do that, and how comfortable you are approaching the boundaries of various laws, is your private business. Nonparticipation is a good, safe start.

[Codeine]

45. Because voting is my responsibility.

I firmly believe anyone NOT voting should be subject to a significant fine.

[w8liftinglady]

48. I voted Oct.18-first day of early voting...I'm pumped...to see perry leave the gov's house

[Iggo]

49. Because it's Election Day.

:patriot:

[lapislzi]

50. I am voting to keep my very fine Congressman in office

John Hall has been on the right side of every issue for the past four years. He has brought jobs to the district and helped veterans. I can think of no better person to represent ME than my Congressman...for whom I continue to campaign tirelessly.

[SalmonChantedEvening]

51. Because I always vote. Every year since 1988.

Next question. :)

[bondwooley]

57. Next question...

Assuming you were 18 in 1988, then I'm curious: a lot of people I've met in your age range have been amazed that there's an election on Tuesday. Any insight as to why that is?

[SalmonChantedEvening]

60. Actually, I was 30.

I didn't believe in voting until the late 80's. Iran-Contra got me into following politics, and the rise of the right helped change my mind about voting.

At the very least, I'm cancelling one of Their votes out. At the best, I'm voting my conscience. Most of the time, they are one and the same.

Edit:

Answer. Apathy is an American Tradition. Every generation suffers with it.

[bemildred]

53. Because I always vote. nt

[whatchamacallit]

54. "Heigh-Ho, Heigh-Ho, it's off to vote we go"

As much as I'd like to teach the democratic party a lesson about relying on votes they didn't earn, that's a luxury we can't afford right now.

[Incitatus]

55. I already voted. The Democrats may be disappointing, but the Republicans are fucknig insane. nt

[deacon]

58. Because if the GOP has their way we'll all be eating beans 7 days a week n/t

[bondwooley]

118. Even that might be too "rich" for us! n/t

[Rochester]

59. Because I want Pat Quinn as my governor and Alex G. as my senator.

[tnlefty]

61. I won't be voting on Tuesday...

as I've already voted and to try to do so again would be illegal.:bounce:

[MadMaddie]

63. Because to many Blacks and their supporters lost their lives

for me to not vote. They sacrificed their lives to ensure that I evaluated all of the issues and made a wise decision. They sacrificed so ALL of us could participate in the political process.

By not voting you have made a choice. It's not just your life that is impacted it's millions of Americans that are impacted.

Get Out and Vote!

Oh yea, we have mail in ballots. My partner and I turned ours yesterday.

[bondwooley]

65. Thank you for that! n/t

[MadMaddie]

95. My pleasure!

Welcome to DU!:hi:

[tavalon]

64. Don't forget to update your avatar to "I Voted"!

It's a DU tradition. During the month of beating up on the left by the administration, they almost got me mad enough not to vote, but I found a way around it and it didn't hurt that everything batshit crazy crawled out from under a rock and called itself "Tea Party". That ain't no party I want to be party to, ya know?

[bondwooley]

124. Where do I get that graphic? n/t

[Jack Rabbit]

68. Because I have Barabra Boxer to vote for / / /

. . . and Carly Fiorina, Meg Whitman and a fist full of corporate sponsored ballot initiatives to vote against.

[scarletwoman]

69. I always vote. Just like I always file my taxes. And voting is much more pleasant. (nt)

[CommonSensePLZ]

70. Because it's a chore that has to be done

Cuomo's set to win governor in New York (having trouble finding his platforms, but I heard he said something anti-labor, so not sure how to feel about that except that it was obvious he'd be governor someday), my district's not up for vote...

New York seems to have a complicated senate run this year (love the name of the "rent is too damn high" party lol)

[Lugnut]

71. I have the right to vote.

It's also my duty to do so. I believe every vote is important and I have never failed to cast mine. I always hope it keeps the wackos from winning.

[Volaris]

72. I am voting Democratic next Tuesday because

--The warmongering, religious, PUBLIC-government-hating IDIOTS who have hijacked my Republican party, (you know, the one that freed the slaves and USED to believe in things like equal rights and the idea that government was useful)need be sent the message that they are NO LONGER allowed to abuse the intelligence of the smartest of us simply to garner the votes of the dumbest. While I am not looking forward to seeing some of the cowards that sit the DLC get re-elected (they are not Progressive enough, IMHO)I believe that a Democratic electoral landslide is the ONLY way that the GOP will finally stop listening to lowest common denominator. Jerry Falwell, Ronald Reagan JPMorgan and (hopefully sooner rather than later, Dick Cheney) are all dead and gone, and there ain't no coming back. Good Riddance to the lot of 'em.
--Because "Astroturf is a Petroleum product." and always has been
--Because they would like to do what democrats do, only don't know how. My conservative friend likes to say that the only reason the current President IS the current President, is because African-Americans voted for him in record numbers. I tell him that I'm willing to accept that as a valid statement of reality, as long as he is willing to stipulate that the only reason MICHEAL STEELE is the chairman of the RNC is BECAUSE the current President IS the President, and they thought they should have one, too, so as not to appear completely ass-backwards to the millions of kids in this country who will not accept what grandma tells them about "those people". This is when he shuts up about it.
--Because multi-million dollar donations from the Chamber of Commerce do not qualify as publicly-funded elections.
--Because racking up a credit card bill into the Trillions of dollars to fund at least one illegal war and Occupation does not qualify as Fiscal Responsibility. These people claim to be able to balance the budget AND lower my taxes, and not tell me what part of government they would make smaller, all while supporting a debt-based, mostly PRIVATELY run Monetary System? Bullshit and Fuck You.

There are other reasons, but mostly those. As always, arguments and critizems(sp) are welcome, and happy voting come Tuesday. I'll be there, fighting for what we believe in. I know that others here have their reservations, and you are not alone. But if I, as a self-described, self-professed and self-actualized Progressive Republican am willing to do it, I think come Wednesday morning the only people NOT disappointed with the Media Narrative will by You, Me, Rachel, Keith, and Lawrence.
Have a great weekend, and thanks to ALL here who keep this place interesting, and intellectually challenging.

[bondwooley]

74. Thanks for this post -

- Don't give up the fight!

[Raine]

73. Because CA is a blue state and I want the reTHUGS

to learn there's no way it hell it's going red ... ever! :mad:

[mucifer]

75. what is there some sort of election on Tuesday? I didn't hear about it.

[bondwooley]

78. LOL! n/t

[JamesA1102]

79. Because I first voted 30 years ago and haven't missed

a major election or primary since. Voting is part of being a good citizen and American to me.

[The Green Manalishi]

80. Voting Democratic (over Republican)= gnawing off a finger instead of my gonads

Still painful but not nearly as much so.

[bondwooley]

83. These days the Democrats only has to stay and inch...

... to the left of wingnuts to be considered liberal, but it's the best shot we've got.

[livetohike]

81. I have not missed an election since 1972 and I don't plan to

miss one now/ever. My father and all four grandparents always stressed that the right to vote was a sacred thing. They immigrated from a country where they didn't have that opportunity.

I don't take it for granted.

[Contrary1]

82. Because I vote in every election. n/t

[seabeyond]

84. because i want a dem gov in texas. nt

[ecstatic]

86. There's a slight chance we could

win the governor seat back... We also had some important amendments to vote on this year. :shrug:

[bondwooley]

87. Rally the troops - getting TX to swing for Dems would be a loud signal! nt

[roamer65]

88. ...as usual...I am voting anti-Rethuglican.

Becuase I hate them.

So I end up voting for Rethuglican-lite.

[B Calm]

89. Because a vote for republicans would mean I support giving tax cuts

to the rich bastards that sent our manufacturing jobs overseas and I want to see the Social Security retirement age raised to age 70. I'll be voting for a Straight DEMOCRATIC TICKET

[AngryAmish]

90. I am not voting on Tuesday - no way, no how

See it would be a felony, even in Chicago. I voted weeks ago.

[bondwooley]

121. ;-) n/t

[ChiciB1]

91. To STOP RUBIO! But I Already Voted... n/t

[TheKentuckian]

92. It is my duty, obligation, responsibility, and privilege as a citizen

I feel no personal connection between voting and my enthusiasm to vote for candidates.

It's nice and all but so far removed from the point I barely grasp the conversation from a clinical perspective and am saddened by it.

[kenny blankenship]

93. I live too close to my polling station to have an excuse.

Still though, there's no point in it. My Representative's seat is so safe, I didn't even know his challenger's name until I went hunting for it on the intarnets. The other races are firmly in Puke control and I don't expect those offices will go Democratic anytime soon.

[tomg]

94. Two simple reasons:

It is my right as a citizen and it is my obligation as a citizen.

Why did I vote Democrat (already voted)? I might be unhappy, but I am not insane.

[bondwooley]

100. Unhappy but not insane - Good description! n/t

[dhpgetsit]

97. I voted because

We can't afford to lose DeFazio.
I also support Wyden and John Kitzhaber.

[dhpgetsit]

101. I'm very proud of DeFazio

And he has been targeted by a billionaire hedge fund manager who is pouring ungodly sums into advertising (through a front group) for a complete wacko.

http://www.alternet.org/rss/breaking_news/306539/hedge_fund_manager__revealed_as_source_of_anti-defazio_attack_ad/

[lonestarnot]

98. We've made progress in spite of them, be damned if I'll throw in the towel now!

[bondwooley]

105. I wish more people could remember the "progress" the part! n/t

[mmonk]

99. Self defense.

[Unvanguard]

102. To keep Pat Toomey out of the Senate

and, more broadly, to keep Mitch McConnell and John Boehner as far away as possible from control of Congress.

[mstinamotorcity]

104. Because I can't stand the lie that

the Tea Party is something new. The Tea Party is THE REPUBLICAN PARTY.

[bondwooley]

107. Well, the GOP on steroids :-) n/t

[old mark]

106. People think this is unsophisticated, but it is the American thing to do - I will be

exercising another of my constitutional rights, doing something many people on earth can not do - adding my small part to selecting the people who will govern my country.

I feel sorry for those who have the right to vote and refuse to use it for whatever reason. They are irresponsible, and in their own way, they are as bad as the republicans in congress who are deliberately obstructing any effort at making things better.

mark

[bondwooley]

110. That's not unsophisticated at all! n/t

[Blue_In_AK]

109. I'm voting because I'm sick of Republicans

and we have some really great Democratic candidates here this year. There is no reason not to vote in Alaska.

[madokie]

111. Because I'm a Dem and gave up 15 months of my life for this country

plus I like to vote

[chillspike]

112. I'm voting because Republicans are wrong

and I don't want them to win.

[BlueCollar]

113. I'm not voting Tuesday

I voted early...

Screw the "enthusiasm gap"

[bondwooley]

117. "Screw the enthusiam gap" is right! n/t

[olegramps]

114. I am not voting Tuesday, I already voted mail ballot.

Straight Democratic ticket. I used to be an Independent, but after Reagan I never again voted for any Republican for any office. Republicans are the enemies of the Republic.

[Hepburn]

115. California Voter:

For Brown

For Boxer

For 19

Against 23

I voted absentee ballot ~~ marked, sealed and mailed the day after I got it.

Voting because Nutmeg and Carly are revolting, oil companies suck and pot will bring need bucks to the state.

:hi:

[olegramps]

116. What has always bothered me is that so many of the poor don't vote.

[Rhythm]

119. I'm holding my nose, but going to the polls...

Our (D) candidates for the House-1 and Senate here in WV are DINOs at best; I can't stand either Manchin (egomaniac corporatist hack running for Byrd's Senate seat) or Oliverio (WV-1's anti-gay, anti-reproductive-choice "Dem" candidate), but the races are close, so i have no choice but to stifle my gag reflex and vote for the slightly-lesser of two evils in each race.

One of these days, i will live in a place where i can feel good about casting my vote. Maybe in Vermont, where i could vote for Sanders.

[blindpig]

120. So I can vote for Alvin Greene

the Democratic candidate for US Senate.

Look out DeMint, you've met your match.

[bondwooley]

123. LOL! OK, in all seriousness, what is the "tempature" in your state over this election? n/t

[negativenihil]

122. Because it's my civic duty? n/t