With such animosity amongst supporters of different candidates..

[KennedyGuy]

does anyone see hope for a united party regardless of who gets the nomination?

[LynneSin]

1. You cannot judge what happens in DU with the rest of the world

If that were the case Howard Dean would be president right now

[KennedyGuy]

2. True..but supposedly, DU is representative of the Democratic party

[TwilightZone]

4. Supposedly? No, not at all.

If DU were representative of the Democratic Party, Dennis Kucinich would be our nominee.

[Tom Rinaldo]

6. Not to anyone actually paying attention

At best DU represents the passionate heart of left of center Democratic activism. Some would dispute that also, but DU clearly is not representative of the Democratic party.

[dmallind]

8. Hell no

ANY comparison of DU prevailing opinion with that of the people at large always reveals huge gaps. This place is overwhelmingly far left. When Kucinich gets 2% in most polls and is outraised by a Libertarian wackjob more than 40 to i using the same fundraising tool in the real world, and yet is the darling preference of a sizeable plurality here that says all you need to know.

[Solar Power]

9. I think it is a larger problem..

I think the polarization of society has infiltrated our party. One group hates another, and that is all right. Do we really think that this animosity will do us any good?

..And to me, it does appear to be real. It is getting very nasty. The other side knows it will come together because they hate us more.
And they have their agenda, to help the rich, powerful, and the corporations.
..Do we have overriding issues too? Does it work that we know we have got to get health care for all.. This inside the party hatred of different factions really helps them, not us. And they know it. If we tear ourselves apart, they can win.
..And that is all they need, the chance to win, which they do not have now..If we are not careful, we will lose. Stranger things have happened in U.S. HIstory...believe me..................................Solar

[emilyg]

18. No it's not.

[Kucinich4America]

5. If we didn't have DLC criminals in this party, a corrupt corporate media, and DIEBOLD

Howard Dean WOULD be president right now. And we would all be much better off because of it.

[Donnachaidh]

3. Depends on how you use the word *united*

If you mean *lockstepping like a Republican* united - NO.

Diversitry is the beauty of the Democratic party. And once the smoke clears and a Democratic President is sworn in, I believe we'll get back to listening and working together as a party. Until then, just grin and bear it. :evilgrin:

[KennedyGuy]

7. By United..I mean, will enough of us agree to elect a president..

or will enough of us splinter to ensure a republican victory..

[Solar Power]

10. As I pointed out...

Yes we can splinter, using your words. Stranger things have happened. And the Repugs are counting on that, so that they can have a fighting chance, because they don't have one now....

[Solar Power]

11. And we do not need to help the Repugs out...

[Donnachaidh]

12. are you basing your argument on factions here in DU?

Because we have NO way of seeing in the hearts and minds of people offline. And to automatically assume they are acting like the rabid factions here is just silly. People WILL make their own decisions, and will vote their choice.

I get the impression from your post that you think we need to decide on *a* candidate now. It's 11 MONTHS till the election. There is plenty of time for people to research and figure out who they want to vote for.

The *we've got to decide NOW and push our candidate down people's throats* is VERY Rovian - and one of the lockstepping moves of the GOP. Is this what you are advocating?

[KennedyGuy]

15. Let me help you with your reading skills...

I Said..."does anyone see hope for a united party regardless of who gets the nomination"?
In the english language..that implies that the primaries are over and the party has selected a nominee..
The question asks..will we be able to come together and support that nominee..whomever it may be..
No where there is a suggestion shoving anything down anyones throat or implying lockstep..
Keep your Rovian notions to yourself..

[Donnachaidh]

20. touched a nerve?

Guess the truth makes one jumpy?

[AndyTiedye]

13. No

[JohnnyLib2]

14. After following these things since 1960, I say "maybe."

Democrats have come together after terrible rifts before, but nothing is guaranteed these days. We can-not-overlook the manipulations of voters and systems in the past 8 years.

[Onlooker]

16. I think it's mostly Obama supporters

Some Obama supporters are in constant attack and manipulation mode on this site. It makes it difficult for those of us who support him with a little objectivity and balance. The Hillary supporters occasional post something dishonest, and the Edwards' supporters are the most dignified and fairminded.

[ellacott]

19. I'm sorry but Hillary supporters are just as guilty

Everyone who doesn't support Hillary are not all Obama supporters. I've seen some pretty mean stuff posted regulary about Obama.

[Bitwit1234]

17. I have nothing against Obama personally

I find it offensive the way his supporters bash and flame Hillary Clinton for no reason at all. How they post the same flaming messages over and over. SO I DING DONG ON OBAMA. I hope it makes them mad as hell and they see they flame and vile and hate they are posting.

If Obama had only waited a few years to run, he surely would have made a much better candidate. But now with the qualifications of the other candidates he looks more air head than ever. And he wouldn't have gotten a boast is Oprah had not bussed all those students in and started the American Idol campaigns for the young and empty headed.

There is no way he would win this election and most people that support him because he gives good speeches, really realize that deep down.