Innovative Democratic fundraising concept discussed on MSNBC

[DFW]

Two friends of mine have an interesting segment about how we can be prepared with an army of big and small donors for if and when the candidate of our choice declares. It's called Demstarter, and John lays it out how it works in this segment.

Both of them (Krystal Ball of the network and John Hlinko of LeftAction) favor Elizabeth Warren, but are up front about it, and discuss the rest of the field with a high measure of objectivity.

It's fresh and innovative thinking like this that will keep the White House for us next year.

[pinboy3niner]

1. More info and links:

Just launched: "DemStarter.com." Check it out:


DemStarter is a project of Left Action, with two goals: 1) Show potential Democratic candidates how much support they would have if they decided to run (and help convince them to take the plunge); 2) Give the eventual Democratic nominee a head start by taking pledges that can quickly be turned into donations once the campaign begins. Here's how it works:

1.Visit the DemStarter home page

2.Click on the potential candidate or candidates you'd like to see run, and fill in the amount you'd pledge to donate if they decide to run. You are not making a payment now, just a pledge.

3.If the potential candidate announces they are running, we will let you know where you can go to fulfill your pledge, and make a donation.

So if you have a candidate you'd like to see run, show them your support, and make it easier for them to do it!

http://leftaction.com/news/2015/demstarter-convince-your-favorite-democrat-run-president

[Sienna86]

5. Heading over to site.

Thanks for sharing.

[aspirant]

2. Why would you need a middle man?

Just go to the candidates website and make a pledge there.

[DFW]

6. Well, for starters, some people that many Democrats like aren't (yet) candidates

This site could give them an indication how much support for them is out there IF they decide to run.

Since NO ONE has yet formally announced, if John's site gains some traction, it might tip certain people toward running (or not running).

[aspirant]

8. How do I do

an anonymous pledge? This would still add to the dollar and person amount and give the same indication.

[RiverLover]

3. Love this!

Just pledged for Warren, who's in the lead at the moment.

Thanks for passing this on.

[Rhiannon12866]

4. Very interesting concept, thanks for passing this on!

[DFW]

7. John has always been an innovative thinker in this respect

He and Krystal are both Renaissance Weekend people (so am I), and it's a great cauldron for new ideas, just like this. John has the know-how to put this together, and Krystal has the forum to make it known to a wide audience. It was a perfect combination.

[Jim Lane]

9. Thanks! I pledged to both Sanders and Warren.

I doubt both will be in the race -- if, to my surprise, Warren gets in the race, then Sanders will defer to her. In the far more likely event that she doesn't run, thus leaving the race with no clear progressive voice, then Sanders will get in.

[DFW]

10. John's site is just for such contingencies

And it will demonstrate your support for both Sanders and Warren without you having to cover your pledge until one or both actually declares.