General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: So can we get rid of the stupid "progressive vs establishment" false dichotomy now? [View all]zipplewrath
(16,646 posts)Not here at DU of course, but here in Florida, as we approached the primary, there was alot of discussion about Gillum versus Grahm. As you suggest, there really wasn't a "factional" brawl. But there were many conversations in the last week that went roughly something about "I like Gillum, but I want someone who would win". Trust me, people did notice him more after Bernies endorsement, but some of that was just timing. People really put off paying much attention at all. About the time alot of democratic voters were doing the whole "I guess I'm gonna have to make some sort of choice" is when Bernie showed up. It seemed to help Gillum alot. But in the conversations it wasn't Hillary vs. Gillum. It was Gillum vs. Grahm. And that wasn't a "progressive vs. establishment". It was alot of "I like what Gillum is saying, but the establishment seems to think Grahm is more electable". They also liked his "executive branch" experience.
Gillum won for alot of reasons. And he won even though a significant number of people with whom I spoke chose to vote for Grahm, even though they "liked" Gillum. I actually see that as a strength for him. (by the way, he has to choose a running mate. Grahm might wanna stick close to her phone). But one of the reasons he won, are the reasons I hope he campaigns upon. They are the kinds of reasons I've seen democrats with these special elections. The candidates go out and campaign on local issues. Here it is red tide, medicaid expansion, the Parkland shooting, and education. The Puerto Rico situation can also be leveraged. But it WON'T be about the Donald except to the degree that DeSantis makes it as such. And Gillum can hopefully make that work in his favor. Something to the effect of "fighting for Florida, not Trump".
I can tell you what it won't be about though. It won't be about Hillary vs. Sanders.