I cant believe 40% of DU are still "undecided" in our poll.

[oldsoftie]

The question is, "If the primary were held TODAY who would you vote for"
So you 40% couldnt make a choice of ANYONE if the vote were held TODAY? Which means right now, today, you wouldnt vote in the primary? Of course you would! So WHO would get that vote?
As tuned in as DU members are, everyone pretty much knows where most of the candidates stand on most issues. You STILL cant pick one to vote for TODAY?
Sorry to ramble, it just worries me that the largest group of DUers cant pick a person if the vote was TODAY.

[Hortensis]

1. Okay. I'd recommend you not bother being worried, though.

None of us have a duty to "commit" prematurely for DU's little poll. For me choosing "undecided" is a deliberate position and one of strength, not weakness. I feel "committing" to someone who could turn out to be a no-go is at best just a harmless game, but when it's driven by foolishly strong partisanship downright stupid, and even distinctly immoral.

Plus, since I trust the overall good sense of Democrats to rid our field of bad choices, my own top criterion will be electability against the Republican candidate and long coattails to sweep hundreds of Democrats into office on, and only time and events will reveal that.

In any case, hope this little explanation helps ease your worry. You can be sure I'll be picking a candidate to vote for before my state's primary.

[SallyHemmings]

8. Well stated!

My position is I will support the Democratic nominee with time and money.

[Hortensis]

12. Strong and beautifully succinct stand.

Sign of principles already defined and deployed.

[lark]

29. Even though I picked Joe as my starting avatar, I will support the nominee no matter who.

My first choice rarely wins, and I'm ok with that. I know in general I am far to the left of the population. This time I went with winnability because i think it's that critical to our even staying a constitutional democracy and I think Joe is the person who can beat drumpf. IF he falters and someone else wins the right to represent us in the general election, I will work my tail off for that person and do my best to help them get elected to save the country.

[Joediss]

41. Me too

Me too

[DBoon]

62. Supporting one candidate may be interpreted as not supporting others

Whoever is nominated gets my support

Many of our candidates are persuasive, intelligent, compassionate and support solid progressive positions

If we had a Yellow Dog option, i would pick the dog. I would vote for a yellow dog over the current white house occupant any day.

[thesquanderer]

20. No one has asked anyone to "commit." It's a simple question:

All it asks is, literally, "If I were to vote in a presidential primary today, I would vote for..."

I doubt many would answer "I would stay home and not vote for anyone." You would vote for *someone*, right? The poll simply asks who that would be. It doesn't ask you to commit to anything. You could change it tomorrow. I've already changed mine twice.

[Hortensis]

26. :) Sure, just a relatively frivolous game then.

Oldsoftie's intent may also be to nudge people to get a more defined picture, even if it just DU. I'm curious myself.

I imagine the only people who are really bothered about this, though, are our more zealous Sanders supporters. We know they've always needed to believe his support is larger and broader than it is, and they flood DU with posts to "prove" it. But Sanders' intransigent 8% on this little exercise is a direct refutation. Given their zealous involvement, I also suspect it's fairly close to accurate and wouldn't move much even if all the undecideds did choose a candidate.

[oldsoftie]

49. Yes, just a curiosity of where the numbers would fall given the way the poll is worded.

Obviously everyone here would support whoever the eventual nominee is (at least I would HOPE thats the case). I just thought at this stage the "undecided" would be 10% or less, instead of holding steady at 40.

But my post is not an indictment of anyone who hasnt posted a pick either.

[dawg day]

58. I would, if forced to choose among at least 12 I like, choose Harris.

Fortunately, I don't have to choose. I learned in 08 that my initial enthusiasm doesn't have to be exclusive.

[Hortensis]

65. I suspect we'll see movement after the debates begin.

We talk a lot about primaries here, and reportedly more people are paying attention earlier. But correct or not, right now it feels like I assume the first 30 laps at Daytona must. Still plenty of time to go get the sunscreen from the car and hit the snack bar.

However, about voting for our nominee I'm not at all undecided. That's a given.

[oldsoftie]

67. Yes, and the first one isnt too far out!

[oldsoftie]

48. Yes, thats all my intent was. Just a simple question; not a commitment! Thanks.

[Hortensis]

66. Sorry I came off so aggressive, a misdirected reaction

to excessive partisanship. I do apologize. We're of course squarely on the same page with most about all this.

[oldsoftie]

68. Thats OK, not a problem at all. Thank u!

[JI7]

90. some people might change their mind every few days

especially if there are a few they are learning towards.

[KPN]

27. This

[lillypaddle]

34. That's my position, too

well said.

[MaryMagdaline]

55. Even though I picked Inslee, I am comfortable with our Democratic list of candidates

If Florida is close in the primary, and if Inslee has no chance, I may throw my support to my 2nd or 3rd choice to help get them the nomination. I don't know who my 2nd or 3rd choices are, but I'm not sweating it. I will be proud to vote for any Democrat this year. There is only one I would not vote for (Tulsi Gabbard) except of course, in the general election.

I think some of the undecideds are interested in watching the debates to see if a new star arises. I'm excited, even though I have a first choice. I am looking forward to seeing the rising talent in the Democratic Party.

[LibFarmer]

61. +1000 nt

[Otto Lidenbrock]

2. It's way too early to commit

We haven't had a debate yet and the first primary is still several months away. I'd vote for whoever the nominee is in the end but have no preference as of yet.

[Srkdqltr]

3. It is more than a year until the election.

A lot of things can happen in that time. I don't see any reason to have a firm choice at this point.

[Delmette2.0]

42. I agree.

I don't have the time or energy to track so many candidates. And it is way to early to start all this. Seroiusly, almost most 1 1/2 years to campaign?

[Agschmid]

4. I think a good portion of DU doesn't even come to this specific forum sometimes.

So there wouldn’t be a reason to commit necessarily.

[Hortensis]

10. Oldsoftie, may I suggest donating as a far more meaningful

way of supporting candidates? Our "discretionary" spending is limited these days, but we've sent small donations to 3 low-ranking candidates we hope far more than expect will become viable, or at least be able to continue taking their particular Democratic messages around the nation and onto the debate stages.

[Opel_Justwax]

5. The first election isn't until 2020. I'm in no hurry to decide.

[oldsoftie]

51. True, although its likely to be down to the wire by the end of March because of Super Tuesday

I think whoever leads at that point will win simply because the numbers will be so hard to overcome. 2020 primaries are front loaded more than in the past

[irisblue]

6. I've elimitated several of the announced candidates

Last edited Thu May 30, 2019, 10:10 AM - Edit history (1)

And donated to Castro, so that he gets on the debate stage. I think he needs to be seen at a national level.


If the election was on June 1st, 2019, I would make a choice.
National Election is 3 November 2020.

[4139]

7. Post again October 15th.... need 4 debates before thinking of narrowing down.

[FM123]

9. I am going to wait until after the debates in Miami...

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

11. What's the rush?

[LonePirate]

13. I am down to two choices. It is a coin flip for me but we have about nine months until Iowa votes.

[irisblue]

14. John Edwards, his history with & for me.

And his inability to keep his penis behind a closed zipper, was a giant problem for me. I agreed with many of his political positions, campaigns revel many things about a candidate.

He was my 1st choice in '08, I gave money & went to state level events for him. When he was on the '04 ticket w/Kerry, I voted for him as VP.


I joined DU in 2010, the '12&16 campaigns here were, intense. The '20 one I expect will be wild

[oldsoftie]

50. Good point

[MGKrebs]

15. I have a choice, but I don't want to get into having to defend my choice

at this point. It's way early, and the people taking sides already often seem a bit aggressive in challenging their opponents.

[oldsoftie]

74. You are correct on that! Its a good point. nt

[MBS]

16. I think it's healthy that so many are undecided.

To me, it shows that people want to actually learn about all of the candidates in depth – to "kick the tires" a little – before going all in.
Personally, even though I've made my own choice for now, I'm really waiting for the debates, along with other events and information that will no doubt emerge in coming months, to investigate more. Nothing is really final in my mind until I cast my primary vote next year.

[hlthe2b]

22. I agree

Being undecided hardly means DUers do not likely have their "favorites" or top 4 or 5 list, but it implies they wish to be open to what these candidates bring to the debates and the campaign process. Nothing wrong with that. The election is not being held today, despite the premise of the poll.

[loyalsister]

17. Campaigns are long

The primary in my state isn't until March. I don't know who will be left to choose from by then. I have been ruling them out slowly, and have changed my mind more than once.
It was easy with two or three serious candidates, but this time it requires more thought and there is still time for someone to surprise us.

[mtnsnake]

18. I can't believe 60% of DU are "decided" already

this early in a campaign with over a year to go when we have such a large pool of fantastic candidates.....without there being even one debate yet and without even getting to know and hear each candidate much more intimately than we already have.

[LongtimeAZDem]

19. Because it's about who we would vote for if it were held today; we can change our minds later

[mtnsnake]

25. Yes, you are right, but "undecided" is an option in the poll

and since I don't know who I'd vote for if the primary was held today, I'm sticking with "undecided" for now.

[LanternWaste]

21. If the vote were held today, I'd make my choice more quickly and vote for that candidate.

However, as the process does not begin for almost a year, there is ample time to choose with zero consequence to waiting.

I'm leaning towards some candidates and leaning away from others. But... well, early days.

[hlthe2b]

23. I'd note that all three of our DU admins count themselves "undecided" currently, (though they may

have additional reasons for doing so on the site)

So, it hardly equates to a lack of commitment to our candidates in general.

[WePurrsevere]

24. That may be what the Sig line thing says but in our profile...

All it says is, "My 2020 Candidate Preference". I simply don't have one yet and with a year to go I refuse to feel pressured into choosing one at this point.

Personally I don't make such an important choice lightly and without gathering as much information as I can and this includes watching how they handle themselves and others during debates and interviews.

That said, once the primary is done who I chose to vote in the primary for won't matter. Come Election day 2020 I will vote for the candidate with a 'D' next to their name. Even if they're not my favorite the only way to get Trump out of power is to set aside our differences, work together and get enough D votes that it's a friggin anti-Trump landslide to overcome any of Trump's buddy Putin tampering with our process.

[oldsoftie]

75. I see. I didnt know there was a difference. Thank you.

[TreasonousBastard]

28. Well, it's NOT being held today, so I have no reason to commit to a candidate...

at this point when I might have to change my mind at some point in the future.

Candidates drop out, situations change, new information comes out...

How many of the current Biden supporters supported someone else before he threw his hat in there?

[redstatebluegirl]

30. I think there are so many good candidates lots of people are waiting a while.

I made my decision early because I really like Joe and think he can beat Trumper, but I totally understand waiting. I also think there are a few Bernie supporters who have remained undecided because they want to run under the radar for a while on this site. Just my opinion since a couple of them are clearly Bernie supporters.

[jberryhill]

31. Other people are so annoying, aren't they?

[Me.]

32. Why Such A Lather

People will decide when they want to, just as you have

[bitterross]

33. Just because you'd like to know my opinion doesn't obligate me to give it.

It doesn't even matter what we think TODAY. There haven't even been debates yet.

Sure, I have an opinion. It's not your right to extract it through a poll though. Sorry if you don't respect my right to keep my opinions to myself.

[Shrek]

35. I blame the phrasing of the question

It's simply incoherent to offer "undecided" as a response to "if you voted today, whom would you choose?"

I don't there there's a voting booth anywhere in which "undecided" would be an available choice.

[MontanaMama]

36. Believe it!

I’m truly undecided and happy the primary isn’t being held today.

[Demit]

37. I can't believe you would demand an answer to a hypothetical.

If the vote was today, we wouldn't have seen the candidates in debate. If the vote was today, we wouldn't have seen how candidates handle themselves in town halls. How they handle questions from potential voters. How they hold up over the long haul of a campaign. It's a frivolous hypothetical. An amusement, I guess to spark discussion, but still.

[oldsoftie]

53. It was never a demand, just a curiosity. Simply because of the wording thats all.

If it just said "your preferred candidate right now" a large number of undecideds would be totally understandable.

[SouthernProgressive]

38. Some might not want to because it automatically becomes a part of the argument.

"But you support...."

"Well tell me what your persons position is?"

These things often distract from meaningful discussion.

[oldsoftie]

52. Thats a very good point. Especially seeing how some can get!!!

[snowybirdie]

39. I choose

to not make up my mind until I see them matched up in a debate forum. Much is revealed when they have to speak under pressure.

[kacekwl]

40. The election is not today so

I choose not to bite on such questions.

[BannonsLiver]

43. So what?

Worry about yourself.

[Funtatlaguy]

44. I vowed to stay uncommitted until at least 2 debates.

[mitch96]

45. My take, even for a hypothetical question is there is insufficient information at this time.

We have, what 18 months/74 weeks to election???
To me it's like trying to predict when and where a hurricane will hit when it's just a rain storm off the coast of Africa.. Need more info..
I have decided to vote for any democratic candidate that gets the electorate to
VOTE HIM OUT..
M

[aikoaiko]

46. I'm waiting for some debates to decide, therefore I am undecided.

[solara]

47. I cant believe you are so worried about the "40% undecided" in our poll

Of course if the primary were held right now, I would have a vote, but it isn't and I am taking my time to sort it all out - to listen to everyone and to learn.

"As tuned in as DU members are, everyone pretty much knows where most of the candidates stand on most issues. You STILL cant pick one to vote for TODAY?"

This is DU, please quit quasi-shaming those of us who wish to take our time. For me it isn't that I "STILL cant pick one to vote for TODAY" It is that I don't WANT to yet, I am not ready to declare right now.

"it just worries me that the largest group of DUers cant pick a person if the vote was TODAY." My question is why does this worry you so much that you had to make an entire post about it?

Geez

[oldsoftie]

56. Because it takes like 45 seconds to make a post? Not that big a deal.

I'm not sitting around worrying that half of DU isnt going to vote "D" in 11/20

It was just a simple curious question.

geez is right.

[dawg day]

54. I will vote for the nominee--

I don't want to get entrenched and loving one and hating all the others. I very much like Harris and Warren, more or less equally, also like Booker, Beto, Buttigieg. (The three young BEES.0 I would vote for any of the others.

My state's primary is so late most of them will have dropped out and there will be only one or two left. I don't want to waste energy and donations when I can use them to greater effect in the general. I have also learned that for me, getting passionate about one candidate makes me a bit stubborn and impolite-- and that's silly, considering how many of the candidates I find more than acceptable.

I suspect most of the undecided are like me, pretty pleased with the gang and waiting for some to drop out.

[dlk]

57. Some of We Who are "Undecided" Would Like to Keep Our Preference Private-That Shouldn't Be a Problem

Should it?

[Runningdawg]

59. I'm at the point that vote wavers from day to day

Today, I am a Liz fan but tomorrow it could be someone else. In the end it will be a simple choice - Theocratic dictatorship or freedom.

[zipplewrath]

60. I'd be unprepared

IF the vote were held today, my most honest answer would be that I wasn't prepared. I'm not prepared because the vote ISN'T today and so I haven't spent the time or energy to make that decision.

[MineralMan]

63. Why can't you believe that?

There it is, right up at the top of the page. So, it's easy enough to believe, it seems to me. DUers can either pick a candidate or remain undecided. It's easy enough to do.

I believe it.

[AmandaRuth]

64. some of us are waiting for debates

the only thing I know, is I won't be voting free riding bernie

[solara]

70. Me too. I'm waiting for the debates and I'm very excited

that we have so many really good, strong candidates. So far, I have eliminated two candidates - but if either of them win the nomination, I will vote for them. 2020 is definitely Blue No Matter Who.. gotta get the traitorous illegitimate dictator wannabe out of the Oval Office and out of power. Frankly, I don't think trump or pence will make it to election 2020, I think the trump political party dam is gonna break big time, but that could just be wishful thinking on my part.

[earthshine]

69. I don't accept your premise -- that I must choose now. I refuse.

[oldsoftie]

72. OK, that made me LOL. "I refuse". I love it.

You dont HAVE to choose!
I just thought that on a site like this most would have a favorite they'd pick just for the fun of seeing how it all ends up compared to what WE thought

[LanternWaste]

71. Why specifically are you surprised and worried by this?

What in particular leads you to believe that the percentage should be lower?

[oldsoftie]

73. Its an innocent, simple question. Just figured most on THIS site would have a favorite in mind.

People here arent like the general electorate. People here are consumers of politics and issues on a much larger level than the average Joe. So i just figured that most would also have a favorite out of all those running.
Anyone who HASNT picked:
1- i dont think they're crazy
2- I dont think they wont support the eventual nominee

Not worried, but yes, surprised.

[LisaM]

76. I had my heart broken in 2008 and again in 2016.

Let's just say, I'm afraid of commitment this time. I don't want to get vested in someone and then have all my hopes dashed again.

[Skittles]

77. bring on the debates

[dem4decades]

78. If the primary was held today we would have had some debates already.

Pretty simple.

[IADEMO2004]

79. You're not the boss of me.

[oldsoftie]

80. HA!!

[IADEMO2004]

85. 2008 caucus night I was Biden Clinton Obama

My Biden group wasn't viable. Clinton group leader humorless a-hole, sorry no sale. Obama group leader smiled tapped her signed copy of "Audacity of Hope" book then added her husbands name to the group.

[Rstrstx]

81. If "Ham Sandwich" were an option I'd choose that

Any one of them, even Gabbard, are infinitely better than Trump

[dsc]

82. but the election isn't today so I haven't bothered to do research etc

The fact is, at most, 5 or 6 of these candidates will be on the ballot when I vote in March. I figure Biden, Sanders, Harris, Warren and Pete right now. If that is the line up, then I likely would be in Harris or Warren's camp.

[Phentex]

83. There are too many good ones!...

It's tough for me to choose right now. Each time I do a little research, I like what I'm hearing from several of them.

[Algernon Moncrieff]

84. I think people are still waiting to see who else might come in and who drops out

Both here at DU and nationally.

538 seems to be consensus around 5 names right now (Biden, Sanders, Warren, Harris, and Mayor Pete). I'm hoping that a lot of the 1-3%ers (one of whom I currently support) drop out ~ October if they can't start building some momentum.

In Iowa, I've seen bumper stickers for Yang and billboards for Tulsi, but they are nowhere to be seen in the Iowa polling.

[RLG]

86. I'll make my decision in November of 2020.

Therefore, I will remain undecided.

[The River]

87. I'll Decide a Few Weeks

before I actually vote in the California primary. I expect
those with no chance will be gone by then or soon after.
I think it's a healthy sign that the DU majority is thoughtful
enough to take their time and not rush to judgement. I applaud
them.

[JI7]

88. what does it matter to you ? we aren't voting today

many people might change their mind daily among their favorite candidates.

[yardwork]

89. You seem to misunderstand what Undecided means.

[pbmus]

91. I support every single one of our democrats....

Because everyone of them is a zillion times better than a puker...

[susanr516]

92. Honestly, my favorite changes from day to day

This week, I'm waffling between two of them. However, there are 6 others that could sway me. Seriously, if I made a choice today, I'd probably change it at least once a week. The second reason is that I came into this election cycle 100% committed to support and work for the Democratic candidates, no matter what. So I guess I have a sort of a generic "I'm voting for the Democrat" point of view, which makes it easier to delay committing to any one of them.

[Blue_true]

93. People are waiting for debates.

I have ruled out several candidates, but want to see the others present their case.

[dalton99a]

94. "Sir, you must decide NOW"

[Iggo]

95. I like all of them.

Go Dems!