Reply #54: Oh geez, not this shit [View All]

[MadHound]

Hell, I'm used to hearing this kind of meme from the Hillary supporters, "A vote for third party is a vote for the 'Pugs," and similar variations. Now we're getting the Democratic version here, "A vote for anybody but Obama is a vote for Hillary." Both statements are fallacies and farcical on their face, and such reasoning is neither logical nor meaningful.

First, it is a long way out still before the first primary, and a lot can happen between now and then. You admit that Kucinich is the best candidate out there, gee, what happens if everybody who thinks that way actually votes their conscience rather than overanalyzing and trying to be pragmatic. Guess what, Kucinich wins. In addition, who knows what will be turned up between now and then, what personal secrets of Obama's will be brought to light, what gaffe will he do that will bring him down as quick as Howard Dean? Still a long time out, and there's many a slip between the cup and the lip.

Second, this is still, at least nominally, a democracy, where we are free to vote for who we believe is the the right choice for us. Screw the polls, screw the pundits, when it comes down to the voting booth, it is just you, your beliefs and ethics, and your conscience in that booth, and you should vote accordingly.

Third, these kind of posts, and this kind of thinking are usually counterproductive, persuading people to dig in their heels rather than doing what you want them to do. Offering up this farce of political thought isn't going to win either you or Obama any friends or influence people. Contrariwise, it will most likely persuade the various partisans to tell you and Obama to shove off, and make your job that much more difficult.

Sadly though, it is this sort of fear mongering mindset that is becoming increasingly pervasive in this party. It is no longer so much a question of laying out a candidate's positions and policies, and extolling those virtues in order to persuade people. No, it is more fear-mongering and threats, trying to scare people into voting a certain way. Sadly, this very mode of thought is just another symptom of the party's ills, and another reason that people are leaving it in droves. Frankly, if this sort of mindset continues to pervade the party, then the Democratic party isn't long for this world and will go the way of the Whigs.