General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsDivisive Myths to Bash Ralph Northam and Democrats in VA
Myth #1. He's moderate or conservative because he voted for George W Bush twice.Here's what Northam said:
Ever since I first ran for public office, I have fought for my values: commonsense gun reforms, protecting our environment, defending womens access to reproductive health care, fighting for equal rights for the LGBT community, and economic opportunity for all Virginians.
At the time, I didnt pay much attention to politics. Knowing what I know now, I was wrong and would have voted differently. I became politically engaged after becoming fed up with insurance companies affecting my patients and learning my Republican senator said a child with disabilities was possessed by demons, which deeply offended me as a father and a doctor.
So, I decided to run for office on the issues I cared about: fixing our healthcare system and cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay. I stood up for implementing commonsense gun reforms, ensuring the LGBT community was given equal rights, and defending womens access to reproductive health care.
If there is a lesson Democrats should take away from 2016, its that voters sometimes vote against their values. Usually, they are doing it because they arent aware that they actually share the same values as the Democratic party. As someone who made that realization when I became engaged, there is no better person to reach these people than me.
Still not convinced? Consider this: We only know he voted for Bush because he told us. His vote was secret and no one would know. Northam told us the truth even though the truth could have hurt his campaign.
Myth #2. Tom Perriello was more liberal and fought "tooth and nail" for Northam
Tom Perriello wasn't bashed by Bernie haters. Sanders didn't have much support in VA. Most Virginians like Perriello, but he doesn't have as good as a track record in statewide elections and didn't get much support in the primary. Northam is completing a term as Lt Gov and has much better name recognition in the Democratic strongholds (No VA, the Exburbs, Norfolk, Newport news, and Richmond).
Perriello was a help during the campaign, much like Obama and Biden, but "fighting tooth and nail"? He appeared at a couple of events and recorded a robo-call in his district. Hardly, tooth and nail.
Btw nothing Perriello's record shows he is more liberal that Northam. Perriello is weak on women's health issues, abortion, and guns. Both have a mixed record on Democratic issues. Sanders' support was more of a contrarian, "there must be something wrong with elected officials" than anything the candidate's records show.
Myth #3. Northam attempted to distance himself from African American LT Gov Justin Fairfax
It is untrue that Justin Fairfax's "face disappeared from Northam campaign literature the moment it looked like white voters were slipping away."
About 6 weeks before election day, an environmental group paid for a mailing, but only supported Northam and Herring since Fairfax didn't take a position on their issue (I forget whether it was offshore drilling or the NG pipeline). GOP ratfucker Michael Steele and Bierbart attempted to use this issue to strip off black voters from Northam and depress turnout. Fairfax ran on and didn't care about the issue. Fairfax's face and name appeared on all party literature that I saw and they had joint appearances all over the state including rural areas. The extremely likable Fairfax, at age 38, is a rising star. He'll be governor one day.
Myth #4. Northam is against sanctuary cities
Ralph Northam cast the deciding vote in favor of sanctuary cities that let illegal immigrants who commit crimes back on the street, the narrator says.
But the claim, which suggests Northam cast a vote allowing for the establishment of so-called sanctuary cities, does not provide the complicated context behind the vote.
Northam, the lieutenant governor, presides over the 40-member state Senate, and only votes when theres a tie.
Senate Majority Leader Thomas K. Norment (R-James City) initially voted against the ban. It was an odd move for the GOP leader to break from his party, but it set up a tie forcing Northam to go on record on a contentious issue.
Northam voted against the bill, and Gillespies campaign promptly put out a statement condemning him for it.
The bill came for another vote, and passed with Norments support. Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) vetoed the legislation.
Asked if he deliberately voted against the bill to force a vote from Northam, Norment walked away from reporters.
Complicating matters further: Virginia technically doesnt have sanctuary cities.
Here's a synopsis of how the issue went:
Sanctuary cities (of which there are none in Virginia) are cities where the local police force does not pester residents about immigration or residency status.
The GOP is pretending that Sanctuary City means that law enforcement won't arrest or process warrants for criminals accused of actual crimes because they are in a Sanctuary City.
If a warrant came out for someone accused of assault in a Sanctuary City, that person would still be sought out by local law enforcement and arrested.
Sanctuary cities only provide a respite for people who have overstayed work or tourist visas or who snuck into the country, as long as they are law abiding.
This "outrage" is a mental exercise attempting to damage Northam with the Latino community. In reality Northam enjoyed a lot of support from Latinos. Contrast with Gillespie who treated Latinos like murderous animals.
Myth #5. Democratic Socialists won the day.
Despite some last minute ratfucking by Democracy for America (DFA) a group started by Howard Dean who resigned when they attacked Northam, Democrats won big. Yes, a self-proclaimed Democratic Socialist won, but he appeared on the ballot as a Democrat. Yes, local candidates didn't receive much money from the national democratic groups, but that is the case in every local election. You must be able to raise a certain threshold to prove your worth. Some candidates can do this, but other candidates, replace cash with grassroots action and knock on a lot of doors. This grassroots paid off and it is disingenuous for outside groups to claim victory for other's hard work.
Conclusion, Northam is a decent, honest candidate. He is progressive and has the best interests of Virginians in mind. The Democrats enjoyed a good election and made some unexpected gains in the House of Delegates thanks to awesome candidates, grass root organizing on the local level, and the public's general dissatisfaction with all things Trumpy. We won because we talked about the our issues and the values that are important to us. The GOP lost because they spent their time parroting Trump, talking about how Danica Roam goes to the bathroom, and treating Latinos like dangerous animals.
Bring on 2018, it will be our year if we can avoid the clowns who want to divide us and GOTV.
shanny
(6,709 posts)justiceischeap
(14,040 posts)1) Northam has a track record on guns, LGBTQ issues and womens issues that were much more progressive than Pierrello.
2) People in VA knew Northam. He had the advantage of being a known quantity in a purple state thats increasingly gone blue because of NoVa. Hes one of us. And Va. couldnt afford to take a chance on an unknown quantity.
It obviously worked out well.
FSogol
(45,526 posts)Hortensis
(58,785 posts)"The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity."
From his The Second Coming, of course.
Thank goodness we have not actually all lost all conviction yet, and the passionately intense factions left and right, with their rule-or-ruin antagonisms, are mere minorities. A majority of Virginia's electorate still recognize the great value of electing people who want to serve and can appeal to a broad reach of the population, and that is a very comforting victory for democracy.
ehrnst
(32,640 posts)Greybnk48
(10,176 posts)I'm VERY in tune to politics in the U.S., been around and involved since the 60's, and I don't know where this "far left" shit is coming from. Russian bots? Who?
Sanity Claws
(21,852 posts)I wouldn't be surprised if it were the latter. It's a great way to split the party - use disparaging terms against a section of the party.
FSogol
(45,526 posts)poutrage.
NurseJackie
(42,862 posts)poutrage.
PS: Thanks for posting this. It's important to keep a bright light focused on these things.
comradebillyboy
(10,175 posts)murielm99
(30,761 posts)I talk to some people in real life, johnny-come-latelys to the party, who are very thin-skinned and yet very passionate. A lot of them are in the newer grassroots organizations. They are easily led by anyone who says they are "far left." I think a lot of them are leftover BS followers. They have no idea how politics work.
We have to keep doing what we are doing. OPs like this one help. GOTV and sensible behavior will win the day, in most cases.
FSogol
(45,526 posts)delisen
(6,044 posts)Each became Democrats because they value democratic principles.
I am all for converts. Both Northam and Warren have good track records.
Kentonio
(4,377 posts)Erm, you literally just posted a thread designed to attack those on the left of the party. I was mad at DFA for their nonsense attack on Northam too, but then you throw in lines like "Yes, a self-proclaimed Democratic Socialist won, but he appeared on the ballot as a Democrat.".
So basically you're not just attacking those who didn't support Northam, you're making a general attack against the left wing of the party. Perhaps if you don't want division, you might begin by not creating it yourself?
Just a thought.
FSogol
(45,526 posts)Enquiring minds want to know!
Greybnk48
(10,176 posts)and it's not from us! It's the fucking Russians, or trolls.
If by "far left" you mean a handful of pimply-faced, self-proclaimed anarchists, give me a break. Their numbers are about the same as the Republican "million moms." A handful of idiots.
Eliot Rosewater
(31,121 posts)but will do so with gusto.
Will insist every person they know do also.
Will provide rides to the polls, will call out ANYONE who is attacking democrats.
Hell, you dont even have to be "left" these days to vote for ANY democrat. You just have to be sane.
Kentonio
(4,377 posts)I'm on the left, and I'm sure he has positions I don't personally agree with, but I've never felt any need to attack him. He's sure as hell a million times better than that GOP asshole he ran against. I think its just a small number of people who will always find a fight even if they have to go looking for it. We seem to have a few of those here.
Greybnk48
(10,176 posts)Kentonio
(4,377 posts)radical noodle
(8,013 posts)The poster was simply stating the facts. We have to understand that a lot of people do not pay attention to these qualifiers like we do. They wanted to vote for a Democrat, and that's what they did.
Kentonio
(4,377 posts)They could just as easily have only voted that way because the candidate was offering a Democratic Socialist message that they particularly liked. Quite simply, we don't know which of those was the case and in what numbers.
The only thing we can say for certain is that him being a Democratic Socialist didn't prevent people voting for him in winning numbers, which is something we hear claimed from time to time when it comes to running socialist candidates.
SandyZ
(186 posts)I heard nothing different from what every other Democratic leader and the base discuss. Can you tell me what Democratic Socialist message he had?
Kentonio
(4,377 posts)I'm sure if you're that interested you can find it with a little effort.
SandyZ
(186 posts)FSogol
(45,526 posts)SandyZ
(186 posts)Democratic Platform. I am not seeing the "difference".
radical noodle
(8,013 posts)Do you have even a clue what most people think about and talk about? If you want to believe that "Democratic Socialist" messages are why he won, I may have some swamp land to sell you. His message was a Democratic message, he did it well, and he won. It was a great win for Democrats.
underpants
(182,879 posts)I knew it was bull crap.
Thanks lots of good info.
ismnotwasm
(42,008 posts)renegade000
(2,301 posts)Perriello did fight tooth and nail for VA Dems (and by extension Northam). There's video of him rallying the troops in pretty much every competitive district. It didn't get any media attention, but if you follow the VA political blogs it's out there. I don't think it's constructive to bash him because we'd be in much better shape if he's the sort of self-styled "progressive" that takes hold vs. the "progressives" that seem more interested in bashing Dems than the right-wing.
jalan48
(13,883 posts)The outrage many of us shared during those eight years about the Bush Administration was not unlike the outrage many of us share today against the Trump Administration.
"At the time, I didnt pay much attention to politics." --Sorry, with all the carnage, the deaths of hundreds of thousands of innocent people and the torture- I don't buy it. How could you not know what was going on? If his statement is true I find it more than distressing.
BTW, my opinion has nothing to do with wanting to divide. Ask yourself, if ten years from now the person our Party chooses to be a gubernatorial candidate said he/she voted for Trump what would you say?
IronLionZion
(45,528 posts)I do have few lefty friends who repeated the lie that Northam was racist but they quickly backed down when challenged with the nuanced facts.
It looks a little silly when white lefties tell me, a brown child of immigrants, that I'm supporting a racist because of the sanctuary cities issue. I enjoy pointing that out to make them squirm. Also, what else is a liberal supposed to do? Not vote? It's idiotic and very unhelpful. I won't be supporting DFA anymore and took my info off their calling/email list a few years ago.
FSogol
(45,526 posts)NCTraveler
(30,481 posts)Years ago both groups would find themselves trashing Democrats but would sound completely different while doing so. These days they sound damn near identical to one and other. For one, Republicans found out they can lead this specific group that claims to be the "left" around by their ignorant little noses. Second, and it simply needs to be stated, they often share the same goals.
FSogol
(45,526 posts)their ignorant little noses."
Yup, we see that happened.
NCTraveler
(30,481 posts)These are supposedly from people on the left. They are talking about HA Goodman.
"I know the Hillary people say all kinds of awful things ABUT him but everything he said was pretty much the truth."
"Thank You For Sharing This Good News" - Talking about HA Goodman attacking Clinton
"I think he's a strong voice for Bernie and should be embraced for that reason alone. "
"He tells it like it is..."
https://www.democraticunderground.com/1280127372
"He's right and I will proudly write in Bernie if Hillary is the nominee." In response to Goodman telling people how to vote.
"I am a Democrat who does not support Hillary Clinton. And I am not pretending."
"I agree, voting for Hillary is embarrassing"
"Just because we don't vote for Hillary, it does not mean we are voting for Trump."
https://www.democraticunderground.com/12511545400
NCTraveler's take:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/12511777776#post3
Goodman today:
https://twitter.com/HAGOODMANAUTHOR?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
FSogol
(45,526 posts)In the 2nd, all of HA(w) Goodman's defenders are ppr'ed or no longer posting.
That has to be Russian troll farms or GOP opposition research. That can't just be the seriously deluded.
NCTraveler
(30,481 posts)Member since: Sat Jan 22, 2011, 06:44 PM
Number of posts: 13,039
Member since: 2003 before July 6th
Number of posts: 41,600
Member since: Sun Nov 8, 2009, 12:16 PM
Number of posts: 18,791
Member since: Thu Jul 29, 2004, 04:37 AM
Number of posts: 1,732
Member since: Thu Jan 21, 2016, 04:30 PM
Number of posts: 2,052
FSogol
(45,526 posts)KPN
(15,650 posts)FSogol
(45,526 posts)Now there is one supporting him too.
IronLionZion
(45,528 posts)KPN
(15,650 posts)I suppose it's a matter of perspective as always.
You did strike my funny-bone though with that one.
Wounded Bear
(58,706 posts)As is usual, things are never as "bad" or as "good" as they seem. Real life can be kind of messy.
Me.
(35,454 posts)Or is their use of a D just a convenience? Would the socialist have won if that term was on the ballot next to his name rather than the convenience of a D? Will some ever understand that being weak on women's health issues, abortion, and guns will not garner you the votes of the greater part of the base? Will it ever be understood that the concern regarding money is only EQUAL, not greater than, the concerns attached to so-called cultural issues which is the term used to distract from rights, civil and otherwise?
DemocraticWing
(1,290 posts)Northam is a self-described fiscal conservative who pandered to racists by promising to attack sanctuary cities. The Latinx activists that have confronted him on this issue will continue to do so, and should unless and until he takes a more progressive position.
The Democratic Socialist won a swing district after the Democratic Party told him he would never win. His campaign was primarily staffed and managed by DSA members. If the Democratic Party knew what was good for it, they would embrace the Left.
FSogol
(45,526 posts)Eliot Rosewater
(31,121 posts)I wonder how much longer divisiveness will be allowed here at DU.
Weird, since that is EXACTLY how trump stole the election.
You would think by NOW it would be not tolerated here.
BainsBane
(53,066 posts)which says a lot about their priorities.
FSogol
(45,526 posts)they are thrashing out anyway against the party.
BainsBane
(53,066 posts)even knowing Moore is a pedophile.
This was a guy who convicted the murderer who blew up the four little girls in Birmingham, and they cynically try to pretend he's racist simply because they hate the party.
Eliot Rosewater
(31,121 posts)attacking Jones.
Me.
(35,454 posts)or maybe they don't like a D after their names but can't figure out where else to go that would be even half effective.
ehrnst
(32,640 posts)at the finish line, when the candidate was 44 points ahead.
So that was a bright spot for them.
Too bad articles that predicted big losses were already written.
LexVegas
(6,094 posts)Gothmog
(145,554 posts)Madam45for2923
(7,178 posts)Myth #1. He's moderate or conservative because he voted for George W Bush twice.
Here's what Northam said:
Northams full statement on his votes for Bush:
Ever since I first ran for public office, I have fought for my values: commonsense gun reforms, protecting our environment, defending womens access to reproductive health care, fighting for equal rights for the LGBT community, and economic opportunity for all Virginians.
At the time, I didnt pay much attention to politics. Knowing what I know now, I was wrong and would have voted differently. I became politically engaged after becoming fed up with insurance companies affecting my patients and learning my Republican senator said a child with disabilities was possessed by demons, which deeply offended me as a father and a doctor.
So, I decided to run for office on the issues I cared about: fixing our healthcare system and cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay. I stood up for implementing commonsense gun reforms, ensuring the LGBT community was given equal rights, and defending womens access to reproductive health care.
If there is a lesson Democrats should take away from 2016, its that voters sometimes vote against their values. Usually, they are doing it because they arent aware that they actually share the same values as the Democratic party. As someone who made that realization when I became engaged, there is no better person to reach these people than me.
Still not convinced? Consider this: We only know he voted for Bush because he told us. His vote was secret and no one would know. Northam told us the truth even though the truth could have hurt his campaign.
Myth #2. Tom Perriello was more liberal and fought "tooth and nail" for Northam
Tom Perriello wasn't bashed by Bernie haters. Sanders didn't have much support in VA. Most Virginians like Perriello, but he doesn't have as good as a track record in statewide elections and didn't get much support in the primary. Northam is completing a term as Lt Gov and has much better name recognition in the Democratic strongholds (No VA, the Exburbs, Norfolk, Newport news, and Richmond).
Perriello was a help during the campaign, much like Obama and Biden, but "fighting tooth and nail"? He appeared at a couple of events and recorded a robo-call in his district. Hardly, tooth and nail.
Btw nothing Perriello's record shows he is more liberal that Northam. Perriello is weak on women's health issues, abortion, and guns. Both have a mixed record on Democratic issues. Sanders' support was more of a contrarian, "there must be something wrong with elected officials" than anything the candidate's records show.
Myth #3. Northam attempted to distance himself from African American LT Gov Justin Fairfax
It is untrue that Justin Fairfax's "face disappeared from Northam campaign literature the moment it looked like white voters were slipping away."
About 6 weeks before election day, an environmental group paid for a mailing, but only supported Northam and Herring since Fairfax didn't take a position on their issue (I forget whether it was offshore drilling or the NG pipeline). GOP ratfucker Michael Steele and Bierbart attempted to use this issue to strip off black voters from Northam and depress turnout. Fairfax ran on and didn't care about the issue. Fairfax's face and name appeared on all party literature that I saw and they had joint appearances all over the state including rural areas. The extremely likable Fairfax, at age 38, is a rising star. He'll be governor one day.
Myth #4. Northam is against sanctuary cities
Ralph Northam cast the deciding vote in favor of sanctuary cities that let illegal immigrants who commit crimes back on the street, the narrator says.
But the claim, which suggests Northam cast a vote allowing for the establishment of so-called sanctuary cities, does not provide the complicated context behind the vote.
The Republican-controlled General Assembly considered legislation in February to ban sanctuary cities, or localities that refuse to help detain and deport people who are in the country illegally.
Northam, the lieutenant governor, presides over the 40-member state Senate, and only votes when theres a tie.
Senate Majority Leader Thomas K. Norment (R-James City) initially voted against the ban. It was an odd move for the GOP leader to break from his party, but it set up a tie forcing Northam to go on record on a contentious issue.
Northam voted against the bill, and Gillespies campaign promptly put out a statement condemning him for it.
The bill came for another vote, and passed with Norments support. Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) vetoed the legislation.
Asked if he deliberately voted against the bill to force a vote from Northam, Norment walked away from reporters.
Complicating matters further: Virginia technically doesnt have sanctuary cities.
Here's a synopsis of how the issue went:
Sanctuary cities (of which there are none in Virginia) are cities where the local police force does not pester residents about immigration or residency status.
The GOP is pretending that Sanctuary City means that law enforcement won't arrest or process warrants for criminals accused of actual crimes because they are in a Sanctuary City.
If a warrant came out for someone accused of assault in a Sanctuary City, that person would still be sought out by local law enforcement and arrested.
Sanctuary cities only provide a respite for people who have overstayed work or tourist visas or who snuck into the country, as long as they are law abiding.
This "outrage" is a mental exercise attempting to damage Northam with the Latino community. In reality Northam enjoyed a lot of support from Latinos. Contrast with Gillespie who treated Latinos like murderous animals.
Myth #5. Democratic Socialists won the day.
Despite some last minute ratfucking by Democracy for America (DFA) a group started by Howard Dean who resigned when they attacked Northam, Democrats won big. Yes, a self-proclaimed Democratic Socialist won, but he appeared on the ballot as a Democrat. Yes, local candidates didn't receive much money from the national democratic groups, but that is the case in every local election. You must be able to raise a certain threshold to prove your worth. Some candidates can do this, but other candidates, replace cash with grassroots action and knock on a lot of doors. This grassroots paid off and it is disingenuous for outside groups to claim victory for other's hard work.
Conclusion, Northam is a decent, honest candidate. He is progressive and has the best interests of Virginians in mind. The Democrats enjoyed a good election and made some unexpected gains in the House of Delegates thanks to awesome candidates, grass root organizing on the local level, and the public's general dissatisfaction with all things Trumpy. We won because we talked about the our issues and the values that are important to us. The GOP lost because they spent their time parroting Trump, talking about how Danica Roam goes to the bathroom, and treating Latinos like dangerous animals.
Bring on 2018, it will be our year if we can avoid the clowns who want to divide us and GOTV.
Blue_true
(31,261 posts)To the Sanders apologists, making four appearances to support the Dem when forty are needed is fighting tooth and nails. They have a strange view of reality.
Va Lefty
(6,252 posts)"Instead of doing what most primary losers do, which is go somewhere to sulk and not be helpful to the nominee (e.g., Brian Moran in 2009), Perriello garnered everyones attention and respect with what he did, both at a state and national level. In helping so many of the Democrats House of Delegates win their elections, Perriello now has built relationships all over the state..."
In many districts this race was driven by down ballot candidates. Perriello was a invaluable assist to The entire ticket.
http://bluevirginia.us/2017/11/winners-and-losers-virginia-elections-2017
FSogol
(45,526 posts)Ken Burch
(50,254 posts)1) It's divisive to keep attacking Perriello after he lost and to minimize his role in helping elect Northam. If the guy isn't in the race any more, there's no good reason to keep doing talking points against him. It's not as though it was offensive that Perriello even ran. Perriello lost. Probably he deserved to lose. You don't need to keep going after him OR deny him any particular credit for helping Northam.
2) It's divisive (and a strawman) to imply that anyone claimed Democratic Socialists were the ONLY winners or did better than any other sort of Democrat. It was simply pointed out that they did as well as "moderates" and are a major part of the Democratic coalition. It doesn't hurt the party to give Democratic Socialists SOME bragging rights, and there aren't THAT many people who'd vote for us but ONLY if we make a big show of being just as much against the Left as we are against the Right.
Why would you do such a bitter OP when Tuesday was a big night and Northam WON?
FSogol
(45,526 posts)I didn't, I said he was a help during the campaign, I also said he was liked by most Virginians.
I used no talking points against him. His voting record isn't a talking point.
Never said it was.
Deserve to lose? I didn't say that. Perriello is a good guy and would make a good Governor. Northam served as Lt Gov and is in everyone's mind, as I pointed out. That puts him ahead of Perriello and the primary voters agreed.
I haven't gone after him or denied him credit, I said he helped Northam. People who want to divide us, are you following Ken?, want to make this about Perriello. It wasn't.
LOL, nice try, but check out some of the bash Northam and praise the socialists threads on the greatest page.
Why would you do such a bitter OP when Tuesday was a big night and Northam WON?
Bitter? Thanks for the chuckles Ken!
NurseJackie
(42,862 posts)FSogol
(45,526 posts)It is just a typed version of "I know you are, but what am I" or in this case: I'm not divisive, you're divisive!
Or as Trumpy would say:
Its pretty clear..., Clinton continued, as Trump interrupted: Youre the puppet!
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-internet-cant-get-over-donald-trumps-response-to-being-called-a-puppet/
ehrnst
(32,640 posts)Eliot Rosewater
(31,121 posts)herding cats
(19,567 posts)He behaved like a true person of the people, he supported the winning Democrat well after the primary. I hope to see him go far in Party in the future.
Don't let people divide us on this. The Democratic people of Virginia stood as one against the RW just as we all should. I'm proud of them one and all!
ehrnst
(32,640 posts)https://www.democraticunderground.com/10029840239
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10029839475
So, yes, there are those claiming election day for Democratic Socialists.
ehrnst
(32,640 posts)brer cat
(24,605 posts)JustAnotherGen
(31,880 posts)Excellent post!
Dawson Leery
(19,348 posts)Many people do change over time.
I know many who voted Republican as their families had done so for generations.
Many of them left the party over the past decade.
Between the Bush II disaster and the rise of over white nationalism, the GOP is losing self identified partisans.
Northam and Crist belong in the Democratic Party.
sharedvalues
(6,916 posts)Instead of
"Myth #1. He's moderate or conservative because he voted for George W Bush twice. "
"Truth #1. He's a liberal who didn't pay attention to the news much in 04, voted for Bush, and now regrets that vote."
SandyZ
(186 posts)lunamagica
(9,967 posts)Response to FSogol (Original post)
SixString This message was self-deleted by its author.