Seriously, if I read one more comment or diary obsessing about President Obama's debate performance or that PEW Poll that seems to have every one so very, very scared, I'm going to puke!
It's October 9th, the debate was on October 3rd. We get it, President Obama had a crappy debate. Now let's move on! But, but, but the PEW Poll!!! It's scary!!! Yeah, the PEW Poll wasn't a good result for Team Obama, but then again, any poll that contains results from October 4th and 5th, the days Romney's numbers spiked, will show a favorable result for Romney. Anyone who is freaking out about polls needs to take two aspirin and read Nate Silver's Advice.
I am seriously shocked at how off the cliff some of the users here have become after last Wednesday night and people logging on to DKOS to post the following is not only counterproductive, it's flat out wrong:
so many working hard and Obama shows up unprepared. The worst was that it was not even clear if he wants to be president for another 4 years. Does he? So many are working hard for the campaign, donating the little amount of money they can spare and Obama shows up unprepared. Ok, yes this can happen to anyone as busy as Obama, but can we please see two very different next debates? Obama's dreadful performance has been demoralizing for many of us. If he does not want to fight, why do we?
So people are ready to give up on the guy because of one bad debate?! Wow, with supporters like that . . .
Nope. This chair really was empty. See, many later winners have lost their first debate before, but never as badly as Obama lost this one. Very damaging.
Wow!!! How inspiring!!!
Looks like the tide has turned thanks to Obama's total failure in last week's Presidential debate, and from what I have seen from the Obama campaign since then, it doesn't look as if he will recover.
Okay, that was from an actual troll diary today, but not much different from hundreds of comments that have been posted here by regular users.
So, is all of this handwringing for days helpful? No, not at all. It's not constructive criticism and it's not going to help motivate people to get out the vote.
However, if you are like me and are sick of indulging in non-stop defeatism, erm, "Constructive Criticism" at DKOS, join me over the orange squiggle to find out what can help.
1. Help Get Out the Vote in your area. Find your local Democratic HQ and inquire about how to help President Obama and local, state, and congressional candidates. More times than not, you can help out with various projects that fit around your time schedule if your time is limited.
2. Sign up to offer people rides to the polls on election day, if your schedule permits. Election day is still far enough in advance to where you could possibly schedule off work with an employer.
3. Donate to OFA or to Individual Candidates.
I volunteer for my local Democratic Headquarters here in Lexington, Kentucky, and it really helps to blow the media/internet narratives away. Interaction with people in the real world helps to dispel many of the memes you read online. Sure, Obama is most likely not going to win in Kentucky, but my Democratic Rep., Ben Chandler, needs re-electing along with state reps and other officials.
Getting out and canvassing does a world of good for the old psyche after reading nothing but negative reactions online. I challenge everyone to put the laptop down for a month and help Get Out The Vote for President Obama and Democrats. It's not going to hurt you and you might actually have a good time doing something positive!