Keep in mind that most voters' preference on candidates is unrelated to policy

[Recursion]

There have been multiple depressing studies showing this. Most voters are no more likely to vote for a candidate whose policies they support than one whose policies they oppose. It's frustrating, it's mystifying, but it keeps being true.

I try to keep this in mind during primary season. There's not really such a thing as "too far left" or "too far right" from a policy standpoint. People vote tribally, and even form their policy preferences after the fact based on their preferred candidate's positions.

[empedocles]

1. Agree somewhat

[Midnight Writer]

2. Agree completely.

Careful, though. I have been thoroughly blasted in this forum for saying the same thing.

It seems other people vote based on non-policy, but the folk here are as rational as Spock.

[MineralMan]

3. More's the pity, too.

[squirecam]

4. I like

My choice both personally and policy wise.

But I understand. If forced to choose between an awful personality with campaign surrogates I disliked, or someone I disagreed with more on policy, but wasn’t so bad personally, I could see making the choice on personality, depending on the two individuals.

[redqueen]

5. It's true. Many don't grasp issues well enough and go with their 'gut'

and that usually means going with someone they like.

And on that note...

Link to tweet

[Recursion]

6. Good call!

[floppyboo]

7. If most people voted with their gut, this would be a cake walk for Bernie

Even this latest mamoth poll, while citing a drop-off for Sanders after this last week of Warren/Biden/Clinton slights, has him as most favorable.
If you dig into the CNN poll, he's ahead on issues, has the majority of People of color (all ages) more women, more independents.
But you'll never here that from the people whose jobs and status are at stake - and they control a large part of the messaging.

Also, I'm wary of the term 'tribalism'. The first in a recent spate of books on tribalism came out shortly after the 2016 election. It is exactly the king of paradigm people like Cambridge Analytica would like us to buy into, stake and ground, and then Fight! Fuck them. Tribalism only works when you divide people into small enough interest groups. I think I saw a number like 2300 population where it is still relevant - ig. NOWHERE outside of small rural communities where the EC is easier to win.

Bannon is evil and is still very much at it.

[Demsrule86]

9. That is simply not true...Bernie is fading if you look at the most recent trends and polls.

[Demsrule86]

8. I voted for Obama in 08 despite his views on trade. Policy isn't that important to me. I support

a range of policy. Basically I want to move forward with what we can...some of the policy people here are willing to die on a hill for...simply isn't going to happen. I would like to see improvements to the ACA including a pubic option, judges and judges and judges...which won't be possible without winning the Senate. I would like to see student debt put back into the bankruptcy law., I would like to see Trump's tax cut rescinded. I would love to see an immigration bill, to move forward on climate (what we can get) so specific policy fixes does not interest me. I want the wars to end and our standing in the world improved.

I want to see the ERA get through and Trumps BS that it has expired rescinded. This is a small sample. I want civil rights and gun laws addressed in some fashion and protection for LGBTQ enacted...but this is all general and I don't have one issue that I must have to vote for any candidate and it's like Geometry, there is more than on method possible to achieve the policy we need...I am open to solutions and don't need a ironclad plan.