A quick reminder. I'm being kept pretty busy at the moment, so I haven't had time to read anything today, let along even check in except to get this diary published (thus the lateness). So feel free to share what you're reading. I should be back for the weekend.
This is a quick thought dashed off to give you something to talk about, should you want.
As everyone here is well aware, one of the lines you don't cross at the GOS is the principle of electing more and better Democrats. Key word being Democrats. This is a site for electing Democrats. Not Greens. Not Libertarians. Very definitely NOT Republicans. Democrats. The rule is pretty firm, right?
Now, this makes sense when we consider the standard electoral situation in most cases. Democrat vs. Republican and sometimes a third party (usually on the left). Our system makes third party candidates into leeches, which sucks, but that's how it works. So the rule of electing Democrats makes sense in that context. We stick together so we make sure we're defeating Republicans. I can get behind that.
But what if the Democrat is the third party candidate? Let's say a Democrat decides to enter a race against Bernie Sanders and some Republican. Now, as you know, Bernie may caucus with Dems, but he's made it very plain that he's no Democrat. Even so, he has broad support within the progressive community, and a large portion of this site. (Or maybe I've misread things? Feel free to correct me, as always.)
Who would you vote for? What if you knew yours was the deciding vote? If you knew it wasn't the deciding vote? Would you volunteer for the one you vote for? Would you advocate for them on Daily Kos? What other questions does this bring up? Feel free to make all kinds of assumptions about which office they're running for.
Reminders:
1. Site rules are very clear. Daily Kos is about electing more and better Democrats. Not candidates from any other party. Democrats.
2. Bernie Sanders: Not a Democrat.
Okay, so maybe not the best conversation starter, but hopefully it'll give you something to think about.
A Perfect Conversation is a group for republishing diaries that:
A) Challenge the DK conventional wisdom.
B) Provide information which may lead to new ideas.
or
C) Push for action that is innovative or not just playing defense.
The point is not to agree (or disagree) with these diaries. It's about challenging ourselves to rethink our political philosophies, activities, and issue positions.
I've been out, so nothing Republished or Recommended today. :(
Chapter 3