2016 Postmortem

You know what, I was pissed, but mainly because of her followers.

I did end up voting for her. I felt horrible after I left the polls, though. But you know what, I did the right thing for my daughter, wife, mom (who by the way left the pres open), sisters, country, and frankly, myself. I again voted for the lesser of two evils. I voted for her because the opposite was repulsive. I even sat in my car at the polling station, read the projections for MI, which had her up 9 points, but because I had seen so many of his signs in the outskirts of my town I voted for her.

And as I looked back at my disgust for her over the final few months of the campaign I thought back to how I felt about her prior to the primary season. I recalled how I would honk my horn and give the thumbs up to people who had "Ready for Hillary" bumper stickers on their cars, and I recalled how I was ready for her.

And then Bernie entered the race. I am a long time listener of Thom Hartmann, and became familiar with Bernie from his Friday shows. I agreed with most of what he said and threw my hat into the ring for Bernie. I really believe his vision was the best for the country. I was all in for Bernie during the primary, as were many DUers. The hatred immediately displayed towards him on this site was unbelievable. I have been a member here for over 8 years, and a daily lurker since the summer of 2004, and had never witnessed the display of disdain toward anyone other than W in all those years. I was as disgusted by the content displayed by her followers as hers were with Bernie's.

When Manny was banned I was shocked. I couldn't believe that someone who really was such a big part of DU was banned, it blew my mind. The primary was still going on and he was expressing his feelings in ways that were not much different from the language on the other side. So yeah, I was pissed and at the time I was not gonna give her my vote. Even if she had FDR as her VP.

But as I said above, I reflected on how I felt about HRC in the years leading up to the primary. Did I believe she was a flawed candidate because of all of her baggage? Yes I did, and still did/do. But that being said, I also defended her regarding the Bengazi witch hunt bullshit. Hell, I even passionately defended her to my republican mom the Sunday before the election with regard to all the work she has done for decades for women and children, and the great humanitarian work the Clinton Foundation has done around the globe. I was still unsure of my vote or no vote at the time. I was really divided, but it really wasn't about her, it was about the people who were so mean to me and other supporters of Bernie on this very website. But I got past it and cast my vote for her despite all of the crap I endured on here.

So kill me for saying something in July in the heat of my rage. My rage was not directed at her, but at those here who were so horrible to anyone who wasn't for her initially. I was told more than once that my vote wasn't needed and to not let the door hit me on the ass on my way out of here.

So I was pissed, and still am. But I stepped back, put my adult brain on and cast my vote for her. I am glad I did, and would never have voted for anyone else. Stein showed she was clueless, Johnson was never an option, and the other? No fucking way!

You know, this post was supposed to have been made on election night, but we all know what happened to DU that night. I don't apologize for what I said in July, because at the time that is how I felt. So congrats for your fishing expedition, and thanks. It allowed me the chance to explain my thought process the past 5 months.

I doubt that you've read this far, it's pretty freaking long, but that's my story. I don't even recall the post you commented on, but I will say I stand by that too, if I remember the thread correctly.

Peace