While you focus on tit for tat bullshit (both sides), I'm

[themaguffin]

focused on seeing the nominee kick the GOP's ass.

Both Bernie and Hillary are a means to a policy end. I support the policies ultimately and care about
seeing someone from our party elected to push our policies and just as importantly make Federal appointments
including the Supreme Court.

I like them both. I hate this gutter bullshit.

Are Bernie and Hillary different?

Of course.

Is Hillary going to be FDR? Nope. Far from it. Is the shameless corporate shill portrayed by many. Nope.

Is Bernie going to accomplish all of goals which require a Congress that has demonstrated nothing but obstruction
to a fairly moderate Obama - no way.

Is he as unrealistic as some portray? I don't think so, other than the Congress part, which is a big issue though.

In any case, I can easily support either as nominee and know that we can work towards our policy goals and also get
the right people appointed.

We can't afford ANY of the GOP candidates to pick any judges and push any of their regressive policies.

[metroins]

1. I agree

I can support either candidate.

I do not understand the hateful rhetoric coming from both supporters.

The goal is to get some progress the next 8 years....not help elect Donald.

[procon]

2. You've mirrored many of my own thoughts.

I like both Clinton and Sanders. Many of their published policy statements share similar, common goals. They differ in the ways they plan to accomplish their policies, but there are some gaps that gloss over the hurdles of getting anything accomplished with a GOP majority in congress dead set on continuing to obstruction even routine government functions in their zealous hatred of Democratic presidents.

I want to know how Clinton and Sanders plan on running the government when the Republicans are determined to break it. How will they get their cabinet picks approved, or the next Supreme Court justice, let alone get funds for major public works projects or advance vital social programs? Can we curb the military industrial complex, develope a long term energy policy, really get serious about climate change, and stop the foreign adventurism that only serves to make us enemies rather than allies?

To all the ardent fans; look, I remain unaligned, so just tell me more facts about your candidates. And please stop telling the opposition they're _______(fill in the epithet of choice) for being more skeptical or pragmatic and not seeing the world through the eyes of a true believer. If you can't reiterate your own candidate's strengths and discuss their weaknesses with honesty and probity you're wasting your time and stealing potential voters away from your favorite candidate. Do try, it's important that a Democrat wins.

[brush]

3. Nailed it!

[Orsino]

4. That's cool. What does "focused" mean...

...when we don't yet know which nominee to help?

Primaries are where we dissect issues so as to prepare responses for the general. We dig, debunk and prepare talking points so as to be able to win hearts and minds later. It's how our candidates prepare, and how we educate ourselves.

[themaguffin]

5. it means not losing site of our larger goal and NOT focusing on

bullshit petty issues between Bernie and Hillary.

[Orsino]

6. It also means examining the pettiest of fake issues...

...because we know exactly what happens in general elections. It behooves us to be ready with good answers.

[themaguffin]

8. We can't stop wingnuts, but we should be better than them

and not fight among ourselves over every little bullshit thing. It doesn't mean that campaigns and supporters
don't highlight differences, but I think adults here grasp what I'm saying...

[Orsino]

10. Well, it is just a message board.

Officially, at least, we should be better. In practice, well, we practice free speech.

I like to think we're getting it out of our system here.

[ScreamingMeemie]

7. Fight FOR your candidate; not AGAINST the other candidate.

So much of the good is being swallowed up by supercilious crud here.

I can almost hear the angry clacking of the keys through my screen as each new post goes up.

[FSogol]

9. Amen.

[99Forever]

11. So since...

...you seem uninterested in comparing and contrasting the candidates, why precisely are you are you posting on the primary discussion board?

[themaguffin]

13. please no straw men. I didn't say that AT ALL

[99Forever]

15. That exactly what I got from your post.

What am I missing?

[tblue37]

17. Please. I am an avud Bernie supporter, too, but I don't like to see Hillary demonized, and

I sure don't want Bernie smeared. We can critique HRC's poitions, votes, and actions without making her out to be a monster.

[Motown_Johnny]

12. We also can't afford someone who may be a disaster in 2020.

It is not reasonable to assume that Hillary's approval will go up after 4 years as President. It is far more reasonable to assume they will take a serious hit.

2020 is a census year and we need to undo as much of the gerrymandering done in 2010 as possible. Trying to hold the White House for a 4th straight term will be extremely difficult. We need someone who is more likely to be able to hold the office than Hillary Clinton. The (D)s running for state offices will need coattails.

We also need someone who will not appoint crazy RW judges in 2021. We all need to try and see the bigger picture here. Our goals for 2020 need to be part of the political calculation for 2016.

[themaguffin]

14. wrong thread

[tblue37]

16. KnR- rec #5--to the greatest page. nt