Comparing 2008 to 2004

[Akno21]

It must be at least a year since I started a thread, but here goes. On the Democratic side, whether for Obama, Clinton, or even Edwards, to an extent, there seems a genuine adoration for those candidates among their supporters. Obama voters really believe in Barack Obama; they vote for him because they want to see him elected President. Hillary's not quite at that level, but clearly to many demographic groups (mainly ones that aren't represented on this board), she represents a unique candidate (as a woman) and thus receives devoted support not seen since at the very least, her husband back in the 90s. Supporters of these candidates really are FOR these candidates, not against anyone else.

In 2004, I got the sense no one really cared about John Kerry. The election may well have been George W. Bush vs. Generic Democrat. Kerry was entirely unspectacular; he didn't do anything terribly stupid to lose the campaign (sure, he made mistakes, but nothing on a George Allen level), but he didn't help himself much either. His platform was standard liberal fare - a Massachusetts senator, yes, but not a radical socialist by any means. He didn't represent a larger vision for America - he was just the candidate Democrats decided had the best chance to defeat Bush. In the end, Bush received 286 electoral votes, the Democrat received 251. Kerry was just a name next to the letter (D).

Bear in mind I'm only 17; I've only experienced 2000 and 2004 before 2008. But this time around on the Democratic side, there seems actual excitement for our own candidate, whomever it may be. There was still tremendous excitement among Democrats in 2004; Kerry did fine fund raising wise and turnout largely increased, although not enough among the young voters he needed. We still had energy, but it was completely anti-energy. Few gave their time with the goal of getting John Kerry in the White House; people stood outside voting booths with signs, made phone calls, and went door-to-door to defeat Bush. Even in 2006, the entire emphasis seemed to be on getting rid of those pork-barreling, corrupt, Mark Foley-like Republicans. As long as there was a (D) next to the name of their opponent, vote for him/her.

This is different - Obama and Clinton, for different reasons, are two very inspiring candidates of whom the party can rally around and genuinely support. (Perhaps I shouldn't say that about Clinton, judging by the hatred most Democratic forumites very openly spout)

[Adlai Stevenson]

I think your right.  I am genuinely enthusiastic about Obama, even though I don't live in America.  This election seems so important and different and a chance to make a break with the past.  I really hope he can win.  I think your right in that for a long-time the Democrats have been anybody but the Republicans...I hope with the advent of Obama this is changing. 

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

In 2004 Democrats chose the person they thought would have the strongest chance of beating Bush, and in hindsight... they probably did. In 2008 Democrats aren't really thinking too much about the Republicans yet, which is fine since the Reps are in a bigger mess than the Dems. One of the downsides of having two candidates with strong support is that it takes the focus off November.

You're right, people weren't passionate about Kerry. People are passionate... verging on the fanatical about Obama and Clinton's support is strong (but the forum isn't representative of the Party). What I was afraid of is starting to happen, when you have two candidates with strong support the fights are unavoidable (they were going to happen eventually, no matter who started them) - and the divisive nature of the arguments are hurting. It's even worse when they're almost line-ball on most issues (yes Iraq I know I know) - there's nowhere to go but the character. We risk greatly the chance that the negative campaign is being ready made for the Republican attack machine, by fellow Democrats.

I'll say this from my own perspective. Once the nominee is clear (Clinton or Obama) all Democrats need to cut the s**t and start fighting to keep the Republicans out of the White House... because no matter how much you'd like to believe four more years of the Republicans will make people SO SICK they'll be crying out for your candidate (yes I know who that's targeting... just responding to comments), if eight years of the worst Presidency in history wouldn't do it?