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I'm seeing an ugly phenomenon in the country right now, and it's reflected on DU.
A lot of the people who voted for bushco in 2000 and again in 2004 are now supposedly planning on voting Democratic in this election. Some of them claim to be excited about Obama's "message of hope." Others claim to be drawn to Hillary Clinton's experience and pragmatism.
Here's what I think - some of these supposed supporters don't intend to vote for either Hillary or Barack.
Scenario 1. There are longtime Republicans who claim to be supporting Obama. Their hatred for Hillary is visceral. The truth - they don't intend to ever vote for a woman or a black man with a Muslim-sounding name. They'll tear down Hillary as much as possible, hoping that Obama gets the nomination. Then they'll vote for the Republican in the general election.
Scenario 2. There are Republicans who claim to be supporting Hillary. They attack Obama, starting trouble over flag lapel pins and his church and his name, etc. They hope that Hillary Clinton will get the nomination. Then they'll vote for the Republican in the general election.
The fact is, bigots are bigots. They're generally not selective in their bigotry. If a person hates and fears gay people, they're unlikely to feel comfortable voting for a woman for president. They're unlikely to feel comfortable voting for a black man, or a person with a Muslim-sound name. These bigots may even be members of the same demographic. There are gay people who vote against their interest. Some women attack other women and won't support a female for president. Some black people will go to the polls and quietly pull the lever for the white guy. People who make bigoted decisions have issues - they have problems.
Don't let their personal problems become our problem. Don't let them sidetrack the Democratic Party. We are Democrats! Democrats stand for something. We don't call women bitches. We don't insinuate nasty things about other candidates. We don't play race cards. We don't abuse gay people and then pretend that they're "overreacting" when they stand up for human rights.
From now on, when I see a post or a thread that viciously, personally attacks a Democratic candidate, I'll know what to think.
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