I just got into a bit of a testy exchange with JamesB3, but it led me to a thought exercise. If you are a Dean supporter who is not also a yellow dog Dem and are considering sitting things out or voting another party in November, what might cause you to reconsider?
I actually don't think that there will be many such people in the fall--I really and truly don't--and I think the non-Dean people are overreacting to any sign of Dean or No one and irritating people like me in the process. (probably having post traumatic stress from Nader in 2000).
But, should the need arise. What would be the most effective arguments? Supreme court doesn't seem to do the trick. The two parties are different doesn't seem to do the trick. You are a stupid idiot doesn't seem to do the trick. And of course, since most of us don't influence what the Dem party does, there's nothing "real" (such as plank concessions or policy concessions) to offer except for arguments. So I (a Dean supporter, so if people think I'm a troll, too bad) thought I'd try to take a whack at it.
You, like I are outraged at the "mugging" of Dr. Dean. The press, his opponents, and his own party all seemed to be out to get him. And you, like I, may have never felt so strongly about a campaign or candidate before.
It's not over yet. The primaries aren't even over yet. Dean may concede, and it may be over for 2004, but the world doesn't end in 2004 (well hope not anyway). "Deanism" and Dean himself may rise again. It is early. We have no idea what will happen in the months between now and November. All I ask is not to let bitterness set your heart in stone. Keep an open mind between now and November. Invest in clothespins, if you think you might have to. But the presidential race isn't everything. There are other fights, political and not, to be fought. Fight the good fight, and I hope we see you in November, but if not, just make sure you fight the good fight for what you believe.
