# The "Far Left" is already being demonized **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [November 7, 2020, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-far-left-is-already-being-demonized/924994 "2020-11-07T17:53:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 12
**Author:** ![DemonTree](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/demontree/32/8646_2.png) [@DemonTree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DemonTree)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2020, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-far-left-is-already-being-demonized/924994/221 "2020-11-09T18:50:15Z")
> [@FlikTheBlue](#): > > That lady is a perfect of example of the type of voter who likely voted for Trump this year but who probably stayed home in 2008, 2012, 2018, and probably even in 2016. People like her were energized to come out and vote for Trump and ended up voting straight ticket R. IMHO this is likely why the Democratic congressional candidates didn’t do as well this year as they did in 2018. That’s plausible, but Biden also got a lot of new voters. Why d’you think they didn’t help the Democratic congressional candidates more? > [@GreenWyvern](#): > > From Yanis Varoufakis I agree with that. Voters don’t want to go back to business as usual, left and right both want change. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2020, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-far-left-is-already-being-demonized/924994/222 "2020-11-09T18:51:57Z")
And who cares? Tenn went heavily for trump anyway. If Mitch goes super obstructive, he will have to pay. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2020, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-far-left-is-already-being-demonized/924994/223 "2020-11-09T18:54:33Z")
> [@DemonTree](#): > > That’s plausible, but Biden also got a lot of new voters. Why d’you think they didn’t help the Democratic congressional candidates more? There’s an incredibly important piece that is getting left out of the GOTV narrative: Democrats deliberately hobbled themselves in order to save lives. Republicans didn’t. Democrats across the nation decided not to engage in mass rallies, door-to-door canvassing, and other in-person activities that have a proven track record of improving voter participation. Democrats took the science seriously and decided that winning the election wasn’t worth causing more COVID outbreaks. Republicans claimed COVID was a hoax and used every GOTV tool that works. Yes, Republicans won a lot of races this time. Democrats need to recognize that–but also need to recognize that they were fighting with one hand tied behind their back. In 2022, that’s not gonna be the case. ---
**Author:** ![FlikTheBlue](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fliktheblue/32/10972_2.png) [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2020, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-far-left-is-already-being-demonized/924994/224 "2020-11-09T18:56:54Z")
> [@DemonTree](#): > > That’s plausible, but Biden also got a lot of new voters. Why d’you think they didn’t help the Democratic congressional candidates more? Because many of Biden’s new voters were moderate Republicans who voted for Republicans on the rest of their ballot. ---
**Author:** ![Ann\_Hedonia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ann_hedonia/32/319_2.png) [@Ann\_Hedonia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ann_Hedonia)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2020, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-far-left-is-already-being-demonized/924994/225 "2020-11-09T18:57:09Z")
They are several that are members of the Democratic Socialists of America. You’re never going to market the the difference between a Democratic Socialist and a socialist. I think you should use different words. ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2020, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-far-left-is-already-being-demonized/924994/226 "2020-11-09T18:59:20Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > And who cares? Tenn went heavily for trump anyway. > > If Mitch goes super obstructive, he will have to pay If that’s your attitude, why are you so mad at the so called far left? The people they’re staring away won’t vote Dem anyways. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2020, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-far-left-is-already-being-demonized/924994/227 "2020-11-09T19:02:48Z")
Yeah, “socialist” is a dirty word due to the commies using it, not to mention the nazis. Just stop trying to show everyone “socialism” is good (which it is) just drop the term altogether. ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2020, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-far-left-is-already-being-demonized/924994/228 "2020-11-09T19:03:36Z")
> [@Ann\_Hedonia](#): > > They are several that are members of the Democratic Socialists of America. > > You’re never going to market the the difference between a Democratic Socialist and a socialist. I think you should use different words. Is this the American Exceptionalism argument? Americans are exceptionally stupid and can’t understand the difference? 😉 FWIW, I’d have agreed with you quite strongly on this 10 years ago. Nowadays I believe I have seen a softening in the American gag reflex when it comes to that term. I think in a generation it will finally die. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2020, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-far-left-is-already-being-demonized/924994/229 "2020-11-09T19:03:48Z")
I am not. I am mad at Mitch. The Progressive wing of the party has some good ideas, which have translated into planks. ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2020, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-far-left-is-already-being-demonized/924994/230 "2020-11-09T19:05:36Z")
We are in agreement then – and while I’m not familiar enough with the issue to weigh in on whether your specific idea is good or plausible, I AM in favor of pressuring Mitch, even at the cost of Kentucky voters. ---
**Author:** ![Ann\_Hedonia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ann_hedonia/32/319_2.png) [@Ann\_Hedonia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ann_Hedonia)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2020, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-far-left-is-already-being-demonized/924994/231 "2020-11-09T19:07:04Z")
I don’t think we are nearly there yet. I think we’re slipping in the other direction, actually. ---
**Author:** ![Thing.Fish](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thing.fish/32/9168_2.png) [@Thing.Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thing.Fish)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2020, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-far-left-is-already-being-demonized/924994/232 "2020-11-09T19:07:04Z")
I’m not sure if we added any new DSA members to Congress this cycle, but last Congress there were three; AOC, Tlaib, and Chicago’s own Danny Davis, all of whom handily won re-election. Also, of course, there’s Bernie Sanders, who isn’t a DSA member but identifies as a socialist. I’m not sure if there are any other Congress members in that category. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2020, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-far-left-is-already-being-demonized/924994/233 "2020-11-09T19:07:29Z")
I am sure Joe has some clever ideas on what to do. Better than mine. One thing tho- the term “defund the police” has to go away. ---
**Author:** ![DemonTree](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/demontree/32/8646_2.png) [@DemonTree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DemonTree)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2020, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-far-left-is-already-being-demonized/924994/234 "2020-11-09T19:12:09Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > Yes, Republicans won a lot of races this time. Democrats need to recognize that–but also need to recognize that they were fighting with one hand tied behind their back. In 2022, that’s not gonna be the case. Ah, I hadn’t appreciated that. > [@FlikTheBlue](#): > > Because many of Biden’s new voters were moderate Republicans who voted for Republicans on the rest of their ballot. This will have the opposite effect next time to the above, though. No Trump = no boost for Biden. ---
**Author:** ![Thing.Fish](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thing.fish/32/9168_2.png) [@Thing.Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thing.Fish)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2020, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-far-left-is-already-being-demonized/924994/235 "2020-11-09T19:12:17Z")
Just checked. Newly elected Missouri Representative Cori Bush is a DSA member, and also awesome for multiple other reasons. [Democratic Rookie of the Year right here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgWLt7BhR0c) ---
**Author:** ![Ann\_Hedonia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ann_hedonia/32/319_2.png) [@Ann\_Hedonia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ann_Hedonia)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2020, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-far-left-is-already-being-demonized/924994/236 "2020-11-09T19:14:39Z")
Hey, I agree that the accusations of “socialism” are stupid and meritless and handed to anyone with a D after their name. I saw dumbasses on Twitter smearing Michael Bloomberg as a socialist. Michael freaking Bloomberg. But when you’re trying to counter that dumbassery, it doesn’t help when there are members of your coalition that are self-referred Democratic Socialists. Sometimes you have to soften your rhetoric to sell your ideas. ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2020, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-far-left-is-already-being-demonized/924994/237 "2020-11-09T19:14:45Z")
A lot of it will come down to what kind of political leverage he has. The good thing about Biden is that he can see a lot of different angles to play. I think his experience, as it was with Pelosi’s in the House, can come into play. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2020, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-far-left-is-already-being-demonized/924994/238 "2020-11-09T19:19:14Z")
> [@Ann\_Hedonia](#): > > But when you’re trying to counter that dumbassery, it doesn’t help when there are members of your coalition that are self-referred Democratic Socialists. How many of them do that? Sanders? Who has been in politics for 40 years? I think dems need to find another scapegoat. ---
**Author:** ![Thing.Fish](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thing.fish/32/9168_2.png) [@Thing.Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thing.Fish)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2020, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-far-left-is-already-being-demonized/924994/239 "2020-11-09T19:20:31Z")
I agree. During the primaries, I thought that one of the biggest points in Biden’s favor is that, when he walks into the White House and starts trying to repair the chaos which four years of criminality and incompetence have wrought on the Executive branch, he will have the advantage of knowing personally what a functional White House is supposed to look like. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2020, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-far-left-is-already-being-demonized/924994/240 "2020-11-09T19:29:59Z")
> [@Ann\_Hedonia](#): > > But when you’re trying to counter that dumbassery, it doesn’t help when there are members of your coalition that are self-referred Democratic Socialists. > > Sometimes you have to soften your rhetoric to sell your ideas. Saying “it doesn’t help” misses the point: does it hurt? Do you have any evidence that these slanders work because of a grain of truth to them? This is more abuse-victim-mentality. You’re not going to prevent the abusers from abusing by changing your behavior. That’s putting the focus in exactly the wrong place. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-far-left-is-already-being-demonized/924994.md?page=11) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-far-left-is-already-being-demonized/924994.md?page=13)