There has been a great deal of talk about who will or who will not vote ABB come November if [insert candidate here] is elected. It happened when Dean was on top, it happened when Clark entered and had his molment in the sun, and now we face the same debate over John Kerry.
Here is some sage advice...
The bulk of the comments and diaries dedicated to this subject are insulting snarky and frankly do more damage to party unity, than you 'compassionate uniters' realize that you are doing.
How not to win friends among soon-to-be-disenfranchised [insert candidate here] supporters...
- "You have been duped by [insert candidate here], so suck it up and join us." - None of us were duped. Every candidate in this election was loved by his or her supporters for well intentioned and well thoughtout reasons. RESPECT THAT!
- "You must pledge ABB. Do you or do you not!?" - This is not facism. I pledge nothing, nor would I be bound by such a pledge were I to make one.
- "[insert candidate here] MUST drop out and support [insert candidate here]." - Primary seasons are not mislabled. It is a season because it takes a while, and so that a large number of democrats get to weigh in on the candidates. Anything else would be undemocratic.
How to win friends among soon-to-be-disenfranchised [insert candidate here] supporters...
- Point out strengths of the eventual nominee. For every snarky comment, or Diary dedicaded to bashing the eventual nominee, his supporters should be peppering this and other sites with positive news and accomplishments.
- Provide links to other projects and races going on in the country, so that those Democrats who do feel disenfranchised can remain active without nessisarily having to work for [insert candidate here]. Anger at the nominee is very natural, especially considering the immensely talented crop of candidates this cycle. 527s, PACs and Senate and Congressional races are good starts.
- Let go of the notion that any of these candidates are 'bad people.' Lieberman got a lot of flak this cycle, but truth be told, he is ON OUR SIDE They all are. Don't like [insert candidate here]? Well, s/he supports 'Roe v. Wade' the enviornment, public education, health care...
You are all correct that the time is coming soon, to put aside our differences and unite against a common enemy, but be very careful in the ways that you demand someones support. We are not the same. We do not share all of the same values, and just because you believe one person is right, does not mean that [insert candidate here]'s supporters see it that way.