Democrats.....why are we gravitating to the unelectable?

Question

Clinton and Obamma do not have a chance. Edwards, maybe.

But we seem to ignore Biden, Richardson and those with a broad appeal.

Answer 1

because right or wrong, being a democrat is about IDEALISM...we must band together to choose a nominee that is inspiring AND electable against the crappy field of republicans. I agree that Edwards may be the best shot at getting the Republicans out of the Oval Office, but as a dyed-in-the-wool Dem, he's not my fav...

Answer 2

It's old news as it started in the 60s when the liberal wing turned Marxist. President Clinton showed the party how to win elections by pulling it towards the center (with strong opposition including his wife) but his demise allowed the party's left wing to reassume power. The candidates that truly want a centrist Democratic party never seem to win the primaries. President Bush was very beatable in 2004 but the candidate that could have won (Lieberman) got few votes while the radical leftist Kerry won. I'm not sure what the fix is.

Answer 3

First of all I disagree that Clinton and Obama do not have a chance. Most polls show them winning.
This "unelectable" nonsense is something the Republicans have come up with because they know the truth is the absolute opposite and are running very scared. I am not sure whether you are one of these mischeif makers or have just been taken in by them.

As for the other candidates being ignored - it is very early yet. Neither Clinton nor Kerry were run away favorites early in the piece.

Answer 4

I think you got it backwards, son. Who is Biden and Richardson? I don't even know their first names! So much for being "electable." To be electable, people have to actually know who you are!

I think Clinton, Obama, and Edwards are the top dogs in this campaign, and are the only ones who have a chance of even winning the primary. Out of all three of these, Hillary probably has the slimmest chance of winning in a general election, just because people who don't like her REALLY don't like her, and unfortuantely for her, its a pretty big group. Obama is my favoured candidate on the democratic side, so if their party wants my vote, they had better choose him. Edwards is a distant third, but he could pull it off.

Answer 5

Because candidates must also appear confident and charismatic -- otherwise, they seem unequal to the task of implementing policy no matter how good their ideas are, and thus voters won't "gravitate" towards them. Edwards is charismatic but often doesn't appear confident. Biden is confident but uncharismatic, and Richardson is both unconfident AND uncharismatic.

Answer 6

I dint know what to think the Dems seem to be cowards and appeasers and the repukes are just pure evil that and a huge hypocrites I feel ashamed to call my self a dem, the only 2 I really like are Kusinich and Edwards. Hillary chills my spine and Obamma doesn't look experienced. The republicans all have corrupt bigots and fundamentalists. I like Ron Paul but hes ant-abortion and we cant have that. I honestly cant understand why we self sabotage

Answer 7

I'm a disgruntled Democrat voting Republican next year...

After throwing away two shoe-in election, failing in Congress, it was no suprise to me that the Democratic party has discovered a way to lose another election. Her name is Hillary.

For shame.

In all seriousness, I do think this question deserves attention. I speculate the democrats depend on fringe activists more than the Republicans do. Democratic primary voters look for change, something that doesn't bode well in general election. The sum of it is that the kind of person who can do well in Democratic primaries is not the same as one who can win a general election, due to the way democratic primaries function.

Answer 8

I love Hillary and Edwards. Dont have any interest in anyone else. They are very electable...ha.ha..big joke between people to argue about politics. Everyone should have the right to different opinions without being treated like they are stupid. This subject just brings out the best in people doesnt it? I just hope it isnt a republican who gets in. Then we will have something to worry about. Peggy

Answer 9

The Republican's strategy has always been to divide and conquer. They always vote for their candidate so the Democrats should do the same no matter who he or she turns out to be. The Republicans are always a strong 50% of the vote so if the rest of us are divided among independents, green or whatever, they'll win again.

Answer 10

Seek the opinion of the super delegates of the DNC who are keenly watching the Elect ability issue. Presently both of your preferences - Biden and Richardson are off the target by miles.