# It's time for the Democrats to send a clear message to the Republicans! **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [April 5, 2008, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-for-the-democrats-to-send-a-clear-message-to-the-republicans/444073 "2008-04-05T13:40:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Shayna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shayna/32/17976_2.png) [@Shayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shayna)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2008, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-for-the-democrats-to-send-a-clear-message-to-the-republicans/444073/21 "2008-04-05T16:42:51Z")
[QUOTE=ElvisL1ves] I do hope to see fewer remarks in the future misconstruing my persistence in The Fight. [/QUOTE] I have _never_ misconstrued your persistence in “The Fight”. Stop making false allegations against me. This is rude. > [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > And for the other one as well - you might have mentioned that. No, I mightn’t have. I’m under no obligation to support your candidate, much as you might like it. > [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > It’s disappointing that the (effective) enfranchisement of the voters of Pennsylvania and Indiana has come at the expense of the disenfranchisement of those in Michigan and Florida, but that’s still fixable even now. Utter nonsense and rubbish. One has nothing to do with the other at all. What an absurd thing to say. > [@ElvisL1vies](#): > > But yes, generally, the more people who have a real say, and therefore have a real stake in taking an interest in the election early, the stronger our democracy is. But a discussion about rotating the primary schedule, which I support, is off-topic. What are you talking about? If you want to talk about a rotating primary schedule, start a thread about it! > [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > Except if you’re in Michigan or Florida. Utter poppycock. I’m not going to rehash this tired argument with you. You’ve proven unwilling to listen to logic and reason on the subject anyway. ---
**Author:** ![Santo\_Rugger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e95f7d/32.png) [@Santo\_Rugger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Santo_Rugger)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2008, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-for-the-democrats-to-send-a-clear-message-to-the-republicans/444073/22 "2008-04-05T17:20:03Z")
This is different than the other threads, how? ---
**Author:** ![Mosier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ea924/32.png) [@Mosier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mosier)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2008, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-for-the-democrats-to-send-a-clear-message-to-the-republicans/444073/23 "2008-04-05T17:26:22Z")
I don’t give a damn what the “Democrats” want. I’ll be voting for Obama if he’s the nominee, because I like the person. The party has actually begun to irritate the piss out of me since we gave them the house and senate and they did not a damned thing with it. I have no special urge to kick Republicans out or get a Democrat in anymore. They really are nearly exactly the same. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2008, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-for-the-democrats-to-send-a-clear-message-to-the-republicans/444073/24 "2008-04-05T18:11:47Z")
[QUOTE=Santo Rugger] This is different than the other threads, how? [/QUOTE] Because several posters are agreeing with **Elvis**. How often has that happened? 🙂 **Elvis** please note, the reason so many of us are saying at is precisely because the negativity, the tear down each other tactic, has dialed back. _So long as the continuation of the process is not significantly hurting the prospects for the final nominee and for the party overall come November_ we have no problem with Hillary plugging along, no matter how futile her chances. Our calls to end it will rise again if the race gets knee-capping again. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2008, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-for-the-democrats-to-send-a-clear-message-to-the-republicans/444073/25 "2008-04-05T18:14:14Z")
[QUOTE=Phlosphr] I have been thinking for a while that the time has come to send a real clear message from the democratic constituency of the US to the republican party. That message is clear. Rally behind Barack Obama to win this election for the democrats! The issue that is central to this country in this democrat’s view is to get a dem elected in the fall [/QUOTE] Phooey on this. I am _so_ tired of people wanting to get a \_\_\_\_\_ elected, whether they fill in the blank with “woman” or “black man” or “Democrat” or “Republican.” Can’t we please elect someone, not because of what category they fall into, but because they would make a good president. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2008, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-for-the-democrats-to-send-a-clear-message-to-the-republicans/444073/26 "2008-04-05T18:31:51Z")
[QUOTE=Phlosphr] This from a Clinton Supporter. [/quote] 😕 Apparently not! ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2008, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-for-the-democrats-to-send-a-clear-message-to-the-republicans/444073/27 "2008-04-05T18:33:50Z")
[QUOTE=Thudlow Boink] Can’t we please elect someone, not because of what category they fall into, but because they would make a good president. [/QUOTE] Fine. We’re down to three choices. McCain is a very good man who would make a very **bad** president, at least in the current international situation. Now we’re down to two. Take your pick. ---
**Author:** ![Phlosphr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2008, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-for-the-democrats-to-send-a-clear-message-to-the-republicans/444073/28 "2008-04-05T18:37:02Z")
[QUOTE=Thudlow Boink] Phooey on this. I am _so_ tired of people wanting to get a \_\_\_\_\_ elected, whether they fill in the blank with “woman” or “black man” or “Democrat” or “Republican.” Can’t we please elect someone, not because of what category they fall into, but because they would make a good president. [/QUOTE] The only reason I have been campaigning for Barack with my time and money is because I believe he will make the best president. My **OP** was my take on building support behind a singular candidate, but I can wait until the end of the primary season just like everyone else. > [@](#): > > > [@](#): > > > > Quote: > > Originally Posted by Santo Rugger > > This is different than the other threads, how? > > Because several posters are agreeing with Elvis. How often has that happened? > > Elvis please note, the reason so many of us are saying at is precisely because the negativity, the tear down each other tactic, has dialed back. So long as the continuation of the process is not significantly hurting the prospects for the final nominee and for the party overall come November we have no problem with Hillary plugging along, no matter how futile her chances. Our calls to end it will rise again if the race gets knee-capping again. I’ve always been sort of a catalyst for bringing people together 😃 And I should say I have no problem with Hillary plogging on until she’s really, really, done. My point in the **OP** was really to illustrate a union I hope to see coming soon down the road, a united front against the republicans. Sure I’d like to see it sooner than later, no question, but I don’t really mind Hillary plugging a long until the exit door hits her in the nose. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2008, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-for-the-democrats-to-send-a-clear-message-to-the-republicans/444073/29 "2008-04-05T18:46:08Z")
Hmm. More Obama witnessing. The two Democratic candidates are really pretty darn close, so expecting everyone to just drop their support for Hillary and rally around Obama is nonsensical. Sure, Obama looks like he has the lead, and has the best chance of getting the nod. But you’ll note that even he isn’t calling for Hillary to drop out. Let this thing play out and quite biting your nails! ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2008, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-for-the-democrats-to-send-a-clear-message-to-the-republicans/444073/30 "2008-04-05T18:50:44Z")
[QUOTE=ElvisL1ves] Ooohhh, so _that’s_ who the half of Democratic voters who support her have been thinking, to the extent they’ve been thinking at all. I’d been wondering about that. She obviously hasn’t done a damn thing to “make it on her own”. Thanks for clearing that up for us. It all makes sense now. Yep, just another bashfest in the borning here. Shoulda been obvious from the OP. Carry on. [/QUOTE] Nope, being a former First Lady had nothing to do with all the Democrats in New York stepping aside for her_first_ elected position, US Senator. Nope, she was just so incredibly skilled she got to skip state legislative service, state senates, and US House service and it had nothing to do with her name. She is to the government what Yoko Ono was to music. ---
**Author:** ![Phlosphr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2008, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-for-the-democrats-to-send-a-clear-message-to-the-republicans/444073/31 "2008-04-05T18:51:50Z")
[QUOTE=John Mace] Hmm. More Obama witnessing. The two Democratic candidates are really pretty darn close, so expecting everyone to just drop their support for Hillary and rally around Obama is nonsensical. Sure, Obama looks like he has the lead, and has the best chance of getting the nod. But you’ll note that even he isn’t calling for Hillary to drop out. Let this thing play out and quite biting your nails! [/QUOTE] BTW - Mrs.P is right here reading her book while I’m typing…so my BP is fine. 😃 I agree by in large. I really do, but I’d be remiss to say that I wouldn’t like a united front sooner than later. I can wait until we get it, and I will. ---
**Author:** ![Terrifel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c68b51/32.png) [@Terrifel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terrifel)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2008, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-for-the-democrats-to-send-a-clear-message-to-the-republicans/444073/32 "2008-04-05T19:06:07Z")
[QUOTE=Phlosphr] I have been thinking for a while that the time has come to send a real clear message from the democratic constituency of the US to the republican party. That message is clear. Rally behind Barack Obama to win this election for the democrats! The issue that is central to this country in this democrat’s view is to get a dem elected in the fall, and that dem is Obama. He raised tens of millions more than Clinton, he’s more popular than Clinton, he’s won twice the states as Clinton, he’s got more pledged delegates than Clinton, and the superdelgates are banding behind him, while they are leaving Clinton’s Camp. The message is clear we need to send an immediate message to the republicans that we will beat them in the fall. The time is now Pennsylvania and the remaining states - let’s send a message. Anyone care to discuss? [/QUOTE] Yeah. What exactly is the “clear message to the Republicans?” Because you don’t actually seem to mention any Republicans anywhere in your message. You mention Clinton five times, though. If it makes you feel any better, the Democratic constituency of the US has already sent a clear message to the Republican party. That message is: “We don’t particularly mind throwing away another election. In fact, we sort of enjoy it. This time, we’re seriously leaning toward nominating a mulatto with a crazy white grandmother. He obviously can’t run on a bipartisan platform now that his ‘God Damn America’ religious background is in play. But he’s the best we could do. Shoot us again, please.” ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2008, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-for-the-democrats-to-send-a-clear-message-to-the-republicans/444073/33 "2008-04-05T19:09:41Z")
Regarding the OP: The Dems can send the Pubs a clear message by winning the **general** election. Not before. ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2008, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-for-the-democrats-to-send-a-clear-message-to-the-republicans/444073/34 "2008-04-05T19:09:46Z")
[QUOTE=Terrifel] If it makes you feel any better, the Democratic constituency of the US has already sent a clear message to the Republican party. That message is: “We don’t particularly mind throwing away another election. In fact, we sort of enjoy it. This time, we’re seriously leaning toward nominating a mulatto with a crazy white grandmother. He obviously can’t run on a bipartisan platform now that his ‘God Damn America’ religious background is in play. But he’s the best we could do. Shoot us again, please.” [/QUOTE] May I ask, is that somehow worse in your mind than nominating a woman that 99% of Republicans, 50% of independents and, frankly, about 25% of Democrats absolutely despise and wouldn’t vote for in a general election if you paid them? ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2008, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-for-the-democrats-to-send-a-clear-message-to-the-republicans/444073/35 "2008-04-05T19:11:41Z")
[QUOTE=Thudlow Boink] Phooey on this. I am _so_ tired of people wanting to get a \_\_\_\_\_ elected, whether they fill in the blank with “woman” or “black man” or “Democrat” or “Republican.” Can’t we please elect someone, not because of what category they fall into, but because they would make a good president. [/QUOTE] As far as Dems and GOPers are concerned, I have to disagree. The gulf between what a Dem or a Pubbie President might do is far greater than the intra-party variation among persons who, late last year, still had a plausible shot at the nomination. The reality is that one’s party affiliation is the major component of what _makes_ a President good or bad, depending on one’s philosophy of government. We’re essentially converging on a parliamentary system, with each party embodying a fundamentally different political philosophy from the other. For that reason, until the political landscape changes considerably, it is only natural that I would want _any_ Dem, rather than _any_ Republican, and that people with a more conservative governing philosophy than I would want the reverse. ---
**Author:** ![Phlosphr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2008, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-for-the-democrats-to-send-a-clear-message-to-the-republicans/444073/36 "2008-04-05T19:12:14Z")
[QUOTE=Terrifel] Yeah. What exactly is the “clear message to the Republicans?” Because you don’t actually seem to mention any Republicans anywhere in your message. You mention Clinton five times, though. If it makes you feel any better, the Democratic constituency of the US has already sent a clear message to the Republican party. That message is: “We don’t particularly mind throwing away another election. In fact, we sort of enjoy it. This time, we’re seriously leaning toward nominating a mulatto with a crazy white grandmother. He obviously can’t run on a bipartisan platform now that his ‘God Damn America’ religious background is in play. But he’s the best we could do. Shoot us again, please.” [/QUOTE] Normally, that kind of post would make me want to flame - but not today. It’s the worse case scenerio for dems, one some republicans hold close to what they wish will really happen. Not me. I have no doubt Barack will be able to surpass McCain in the general. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2008, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-for-the-democrats-to-send-a-clear-message-to-the-republicans/444073/37 "2008-04-05T19:18:22Z")
[QUOTE=RTFirefly] We’re essentially converging on a parliamentary system, with each party embodying a fundamentally different political philosophy from the other. [/QUOTE] That is **not** a defining characteristic of a [parliamentary system](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parliamentary_system). ---
**Author:** ![Terrifel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c68b51/32.png) [@Terrifel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terrifel)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2008, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-for-the-democrats-to-send-a-clear-message-to-the-republicans/444073/38 "2008-04-05T19:18:38Z")
[QUOTE=jayjay] May I ask, is that somehow worse in your mind than nominating a woman that 99% of Republicans, 50% of independents and, frankly, about 25% of Democrats absolutely despise and wouldn’t vote for in a general election if you paid them? [/QUOTE] No, it isn’t. ---
**Author:** ![Sam\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2008, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-for-the-democrats-to-send-a-clear-message-to-the-republicans/444073/39 "2008-04-05T19:44:17Z")
Man, if Democrats want ‘to show Americans a positive alternative to the toxic politics of race’ they’re doing a horrible job of it. If anything this whole thing is showing just how much identity politics have infested the Democratic party. If anything Hillary is the one who has stayed out of identity politics. I haven’t seen her invoke her status as a woman as a reason why she should be elected, or told people to vote for her as an agent of change for women. I’d give her some credit for that. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2008, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-for-the-democrats-to-send-a-clear-message-to-the-republicans/444073/40 "2008-04-05T19:57:06Z")
I haven’t heard Obama say people should vote for him because of his race. I’ve certainly heard supporters of both candidates mention race and gender as factors in their decision to support one of them, but that’s a different issue. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-for-the-democrats-to-send-a-clear-message-to-the-republicans/444073.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-for-the-democrats-to-send-a-clear-message-to-the-republicans/444073.md?page=3)