Reply #48: That's what I'm saying. [View All]

[DNA]

Psychologically it's not unlikely. More often than not people will vote with the majority, especially when they think there's something very important at stake. You can't deny the Democratic party feels this now.

My proof? Polls showing stronger emotional/individual support for other candidates. The fact that so many groups waited to see who the frontrunner was before endorsing. The fact that exit polls show people vote for Kerry because of this "electability" issue and for other candidates based on their own personal ideology. The fact that most Kerry supporters stress electability. The fact that the polls and exit polls confirm my experience with Democrats I know. One friend didn't bother to vote because he knew Kerry would win and he wanted Dean. A neighbor felt she had to hold her nose and vote for Kerry even though she didn't like him but that seemed to be what everyone else was doing. Another friend worked for Kerry and told me she agreed with me on his weak points but she had so little faith in the American electorate in general that she felt we needed a decorated veteran in order to win over people who vote based on superficial issues. Another friend supported Kucinich but was worried he couldn't win so she voted for Kerry. Another friend voted for Dean because he was convinced he was the best candidate. Another friend didn't know who to vote for and was shopping around until someone gave her a clue. Another friend went to hear Edwards speak and was overwhelmed with the impression he made. I don't really know anyone who voted for Kerry because he matched their beliefs most closely or because he inspired them so much they couldn't help themselves. All the evidence I have tells me the exact same thing. Kerry was a product of groupthink. His selection was a self-fulfilling prophesy. An idea takes hold of the group and becomes dominant. I'm not saying it's bad necessarily. I don't think mayors across the country spontaneously decided to marry same-sex couples. That's groupthink too but I'm glad they're taking a stand. In the case of Kerry it's indifferent. Anyone can beat Bush at this point. If people want to believe only Kerry can there's no harm done. It could easily have gone another way. People might have decided, as they did earlier, that only Dean could beat Bush. They would have been right because in that case, like in Kerry's, the group would have taken over so only Dean would have been the nominee.