Why my candidate gets attacked more than yours.

[Qutzupalotl]

Who is my candidate? It doesn't matter. Listen...

We've all seen the posts complaining about the haters. Nearly all say that their chosen candidate is sustaining the majority of attacks from DUers. But are they really?

First of all, nobody is looking at a representative sample. Certainly no one is reading every post on every thread. We may think we're clicking on threads at random, but really we're far more likely to open threads that mention our chosen candidate, or their chief rivals. Well, guess who else shows up on those threads? That's right, detractors and supporters. And they have it out. Elbows are thrown. Which brings me to my second point...

Each of us is far more sensitive to attacks on our preferred candidates. When someone smears a candidate you've written off, you're not likely to see it as an attack. You tend to agree; you see it as simply factual. But when someone criticizes your candidate, your attack-o-meter clicks; at some point it becomes "the last straw." You wind up with a distorted picture of what's going on.

So what can be done? Here are a few suggestions:

1) When you see an unfair attack, try switching around the candidate names; if it's still unfair when reversed, then say so. If it's not, accept that the criticism might be valid.

2) Remember that our zeal can mislead us by presenting a distorted view of the whole, for reasons cited above.

3) Remember that ugly smears reflect more on the poster than on you or any candidate. You don't get sullied until you enter the mud pit.

4) Remember that the lamest Democratic candidate is still far better than the best Republican.

5) There's always the ignore feature.

6) Channel that anger. Post a thread listing all the reasons why your candidate is great, without mentioning the other candidates. That will break the vicious cycle and make DU a better place.

[blondeatlast]

1. Those that need to read this the most...

won't.

But as an undecided voter, I heartily applaud, kick, and recommend this wisdom. thank you.

[babylonsister]

2. Nice sensible post you have there. So I shall recommend it! Thanks! nt

[Occam Bandage]

3. Very astute. These paragraphs:

First of all, nobody is looking at a representative sample. Certainly no one is reading every post on every thread. We may think we're clicking on threads at random, but really we're far more likely to open threads that mention our chosen candidate, or their chief rivals. Well, guess who else shows up on those threads? That's right, detractors and supporters. And they have it out. Elbows are thrown. Which brings me to my second point...

Each of us is far more sensitive to attacks on our preferred candidates. When someone smears a candidate you've written off, you're not likely to see it as an attack. You tend to agree; you see it as simply factual. But when someone criticizes your candidate, your attack-o-meter clicks; at some point it becomes "the last straw." You wind up with a distorted picture of what's going on.

explain about 90% of the belief in a "LIBERAL/CONSERVATIVE MEDIA OUT TO GET US."

[Bucky]

4. I'm now convinced that your candidate is a DINO, a shill, a hate-filled puppet of Manchurian Corp

I cannot document these beliefs, but I will state for the record that your candidate, whoever it is, is the spawn of Satan.

[Qutzupalotl]

5. LOL

Okay, full disclosure. I'm leaning Biden right now, but bounce among him, Obama and Edwards depending upon what time it is. We're lucky to have such a strong field. Really, they're ALL good, but I think a few might lose in the GE.

Have you noticed that the Biden supporters here are some of the nicest people you'll ever meet online? They do their candidate proud, which is one reason I'm warming up to him. I hope that doesn't change as he moves up in the polls.

[slipslidingaway]

6. K&R Well said, especially #1 :) n/t

[PATRICK]

7. Regardless of who....

the tallest tree(the frontrunner) attracts all the lightning.

Lack of progressive purity hits the litmus blotter.

Engagement by the POLITICIAN in tough politics steps on sensitivities.

People have other favorites.

There are good people not running.

The purest populist, progressive, change candidate is not universally supported(DK).

Into that formula where the single, possibly unitive names can't make a difference, comes both the inevitability of grousing and the marginalization of left-left support- again. Fortunately, this time, the far right can't get together on anything either.

Before we take the frustrations out on the candidates who will have little reason to forward our divided base, let's look in the mirror and remember WE have to unite not around a candidate but around an agenda that will be extraordinarily difficult no matter WHO gets to be POTUS in the Bush aftermath.

[gateley]

8. K&R -- Well put! Thanks!! nt

[K Gardner]

9. Most excellent post. No flamebait, just truth and responsibility.

A rare and refreshing read around here :-) Thank you.

[Catherine Vincent]

10. Great post.

But I'm afraid it won't help. Lots of stubborn folks on this board. :hi:

[The Magistrate]

11. Well Said, Sir

Being the position of fielding alerts protesting attacks on candidates, it is my experience that every candidate is assailed by some real beauts, and that none get a free pass here.

[Qutzupalotl]

12. Oh, and I forgot...

7) Kick positive threads!
:-)