Can we stop the unnecessary "calls to join the leader" here?

[NV1962]

First, a disclaimer: I'm a hardcore Clarkie - and yes, I'll be campaigning with all I got for Kerry.

Now... Today's caucus here in Washoe County (in Reno) has been a wonderful experience. No - I'm not referring to the results: what was really out of this world was the very, very strong sense of a good-natured, friendly, feisty and festive, and above all: unified Democratic family.

That showed me two things. First, I should navigate less on the communis opinio of DU; out there, Democrats are coming together like a tight pack, united against Bush, with obviously a preference for who the nominee should be, but no problem whatsoever with either Kerry, Dean, Edwards or Kucinich. Damn that feels good.

Secondly, many (really many) Republicans have had it with the sorry excuse for a "Republican" occupant of the WH. Whether that translates in to Republicans not voting or actually voting against Bush (whether Dem or Libertarian or whatever "non-Bush" ticket) that doesn't matter - the objective is crystal clear: get the vote out.

I very much understand the sense of frustration among supporters of "non-Kerry" Dem candidates here on DU; heck, I had some of that myself until mid last week.

And that's where I come to the point: can we all, please, pretty please, lay off the "calls" on supporters to dump the "non-Kerry" candidates?

I'm not advocating for stopping to root for a candidate - I'm referring to some "in your face" calls to dump another. That is infuriating, and IMO very counter-productive, as it tends to elicit equally unproductive responses. Whether serious or not, I'm seeing an increase in votes for Bush in polls here - and that sends the wrong signal.

A leader doesn't call on potential followers to follow; a leader simply leads in the right direction.

We can beat Bush, we need to beat Bush, and if we can respectfully and honestly accept each other, we will beat Bush in November.

But we need to get the vote out, and silly "fishing" expeditions (i.e.: from the Kerry camp) don't exactly motivate. Noblesse oblige, so let's earn the votes.

Whaddayathink?

Edited to correct the most hideous typos, and the following: let the results of the primaries do what primaries are made for, and let's demonstrate that we're really the Democrats, as in advocating and demonstrating Democracy in action.

[MurikanDemocrat]

1. I agree. As long as other candidates are still running it's an unnecessary

tweak. I'm for getting behind the nominee in the GE, but I think asking people to get behind Kerry now for people that support other candidates still in the race is insensitive.

[lancdem]

2. I agree with you

and I'm glad to hear your very optimistic assessment of Dems being unified in ousting Bush. I've been reading about that a lot. It's great to see a firsthand account reinforcing that. :thumbsup:

[Frances]

3. Also better for Kerry

Bush will use every dirty trick in the book against Kerry or any Dem candidate so we should stick together for that reason.

Also as long as all of the candidates focus on attacking Bush and not each other, the primaries give Dems publicity that would cost millions to buy.

[NV1962]

4. Actually, I think "vigorous debate" is good

It's healthy, and brings arguments to a higher level of understanding.

Besides, elections and primaries without mutual criticism among candidates, even when from the same party, become a charate pretty soon.

My remarks were prompted by what I consider transparent "recruitment" efforts that, in effect, seek not to attract to but repel from a candidate.

But yeah, it's quite powerful to see "parallel attacks" where all Dem candidates broadside Bush... Which explains the GOP's panicky reactions, from "releasing" a bunch of irrelevant and inconclusive military records, to the outright hilariously self-destructive "attack" on special interest donations...

Let's keep sparring, we'll come out like CHAMPIONS come November.

A landslide isn't that far fetched anymore.

[HalfManHalfBiscuit]

5. Well, I think that rallying around Kerry, the Democratic nominee

Is somewhat logical for Democrats.

Bush is none too appealing.

[MurikanDemocrat]

8. For the GE, I agree. But not for the primary.

Many have put a lot of heart and soul behind their candidates of choice, and it is not appropriate to ask people to abandon their candidate of choice if he is still running.

[Adelante]

6. I hate all vulture pack threads

People can make up their own minds on these things. It's not like DUers don't know what's going on, who's up, who's down, who's sideways -- jesu.

[Chicago Democrat]

7. Because Kerry's gonna win;

I can vote for who I want.

[NightNurse]

9. Ashley Judd wanted my Kerry Button Last Night!

So I gave it to her. I got a picture of us together :pals: and an autographed "Playbill" (She's appearing on Broadway in 'Cat On A Hot Tin Roof')

Great Lady! Great night.