Washington Caucases

Submitted by earthling1 on Sat, 03/26/2016 - 3:08pm

First of all, let me introduce myself as a recent DailyClinton refugee.
While I greatly regret abandoning many friends and people I respect, I can no longer tolerate the behavior and abuse that I have received there. The verbal climate here is much more acceptable and many of the names here I recognize as people I have both agreed and disagreed with over the years. IIRC almost always repectfully.
With that said, I feel comfortable submitting my first essay here.
It's about my first Caucasus ever, here in Washington state.
While this is not my first time voting (spent four decades voting in California and then Oregon ), the thought that I would be sitting around a table trying to convince my neighbors to vote for my candidate of choice was....shall we say, quite new to me.
The turnout was phenomenal. I never thought that there was that many Democrats in what I always considered a Red county (Clark). Happy to say 63 voters showed up from my precinct alone. The only neighbors I recognized were from over my back fence and we quickly began talking together.
After preliminary votes were counted, it resulted in 53 votes for Sanders and 10 for Clinton. At this point, we were invited to comment on our choice and attempt to convince others to vote with you.
A gentleman to my left stood and, with a small piece of paper from his wallet, ticked off many of the positions Bernie Sanders would take to D.C. including breaking up the big banks and making big businesses pay their fair share of taxes.
Another man across the table implored Sanders supporters to back Clinton should she win the nomination. While everyone agreed that Trump must be defeated, I had to speak up.
I told them that Trump was now moving to Clintons left on issues of the TPP and pledged to bring back jobs from overseas. He has denouced NAFTA as a failure and has noted numerous times of her corporate connections.
I gave a heartfelt opinion that Trump could defeat Clinton in the G.E.
Surprise surprise. The gentleman across the table who spoke before raised his hand and said he wanted to change his vote toBBernie Sanders.
Final tally. ....54 Sanders 8 Clinton 1 uncommitted
I changed two minds today , just by summoning up a small amount of courage to speak my convictions.
Yay!

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Comments

Submitted by Hillbilly Dem on Sat, 03/26/2016 - 3:15pm

Thanks and what a great first diary.

I have been over at LD's BNR and caucus liveblog. I hate to get over-hyped, but it looks like Bernie's poring it on in Washington!! Most precincts feelin' the Bern, many are going for Bernie 70/30 and even higher!

—

"Just call me Hillbilly Dem(exit)."
-H/T to Wavey Davey

Submitted by earthling1 on Sat, 03/26/2016 - 3:34pm

Thanks for the kind welcome

From one hillbilly to another (born in West by god Virginity.)

—

Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.

Submitted by Hillbilly Dem on Sat, 03/26/2016 - 7:45pm

Same here!

North of the Mason-Dixon line, in the Northern Panhandle.

—

"Just call me Hillbilly Dem(exit)."
-H/T to Wavey Davey

Submitted by PastorAgnostic on Sat, 03/26/2016 - 3:17pm

Question:

A. If Sunday starts off each week on a calendar, why is it called the weekend?

B. If increased pressure makes water boil, why are ocean depths so cold?

C. If you lead a camel to a coffee urn, will it add one hump or two?

D. If you call company staff inhouse lawyers, what do you call outside counsel?

Submitted by earthling1 on Sat, 03/26/2016 - 3:59pm

Heh heh.

A Because Sunday is on one end and Saturday is on the other.
B Because it's not being watched
C Neither, it will spit in the urn
D Overpaid
Virtual hazing is so easy. I love it.
Thanks wholly man.

—

Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.

Submitted by PastorAgnostic on Sat, 03/26/2016 - 6:20pm

Grate answers!

On edit, it should be

Holey, man.

Kinda like 2001, a space odd, ah, sea. It's fool of holes!

Submitted by UntimelyRippd on Sat, 03/26/2016 - 5:43pm

uh ... increasing pressure will not make

water boil ... exactly the opposite.

thus, longer cooking times in Denver.

—

The earth is a multibillion-year-old sphere.
The Nazis killed millions of Jews.
On 9/11/01 a Boeing 757 (AA77) flew into the Pentagon.
AGCC is happening.
If you cannot accept these facts, I cannot fake an interest in any of your opinions.

Submitted by PastorAgnostic on Sat, 03/26/2016 - 6:15pm

Pressure increases temps. Always.

Water boils slower in Colorado only because legal pot causes folks to keep staring at the pot. To keep staring at the pot. To keep staring at the pot. To keep staring at the pot.

And they keep proving ye olde grandma's tail that wags so well: a potted watch never boils.

Submitted by on the cusp on Sat, 03/26/2016 - 3:17pm

Good for you!!!!

An inspiring first diary, as well.
Hope you will feel at home here, and feel free to give your opinion without censor.

—

"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981

Submitted by earthling1 on Sat, 03/26/2016 - 3:42pm

Thank you on the cusp

—

Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.

Submitted by shaharazade on Sat, 03/26/2016 - 3:25pm

Thanks I appreciate your

reporting of what went on inside your caucus. Welcome to this 99%caucus. I live in Oregon and have heard that Bernie is cleaning up. It's fun to read about actual voters changing their minds by listening to other ordinary people's reasons. Everybody get all wierded about caucus's but I find them fascinating as they seem to really be grass root. Go Bernie go WA!

Submitted by earthling1 on Sat, 03/26/2016 - 4:54pm

I too got a little freaked.

After watching the caucus voting in New Hampshire's primary. I thought it was a strange way to choose a candidate.
But, I got to meet and even shake hands with other kindred spirits who live all around me. Who knew?
Just across my back fence. Behind the Chevron on the main drag. The house where the garage burned down.
Until now, I had thought most all of my neighbors were conservatives ( my 2008 Obama yard sign was repeatedly vandalized.)
Even for this old dog, I've learned something new.
Again, Yay.
Thanks for the kudos. And I really like your writings, Shaharazade.

—

Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.

Submitted by Alphalop on Sat, 03/26/2016 - 3:30pm

Awesome first Diary and welcome aboard!

If you want to join us I am posting updates in my poll watchers thread.

Glad you made the transition! I think you will find it to be a much friendlier environment here.

Currently for Washington:
Statewide results
5/72 precincts (6.9%) reporting
Bernie Sanders
110
75.3%
Hillary Clinton
36
24.7%
146 total votes

—

"I used to vote Republican & Democrat, I also used to shit my pants. Eventually I got smart enough to stop doing both things." -Me

Submitted by earthling1 on Sat, 03/26/2016 - 3:41pm

Thanks for the stats and the gracious welcome.

—

Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.

Submitted by 2andfro on Sat, 03/26/2016 - 3:37pm

Way to dive in here!

I'll never live in a caucus state (in OR now) and appreciate hearing first-hand accounts from caucus-goers. Love hearing about the 2 votes influenced as well. Welcome to this safe and respectful harbor.

—

"It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society." --Jiddu Krishnamurti

Submitted by earthling1 on Sat, 03/26/2016 - 4:26pm

Thanks 2andfro

Have been admiring your work for a while.

—

Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.

Submitted by Raggedy Ann on Sat, 03/26/2016 - 3:40pm

Nice essay, earthling1, and

welcome! Thank you for standing with and for Bernie. His message resonates. I find the caucus process so interesting. Thanks for educating me further on it.

—

"The “jumpers” reminded us that one day we will all face only one choice and that is how we will die, not how we will live." Chris Hedges on 9/11

Submitted by earthling1 on Sat, 03/26/2016 - 4:56pm

Thanks R.A.

—

Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.

Submitted by Pat K California on Sat, 03/26/2016 - 3:50pm

I tell yu', Earthling:

It was a treat to "live blog" my brother's first trip to a caucus in Western Washington this morning! I've never lived in a caucus state myself, so I was really curious about what goes on. I made him text me and send pics the whole time he was there.

Caucuses seem so much more "hands on" than primaries ... definitely more human-focused. I hope if I ever wind up in your situation, that I will have the courage to speak up like you did ... changing minds and hearts, one vote at a time. Good job!

—

"Long term: first the rich get mean, then the poor get mean, and the rest is history." My brother Rob.

Submitted by ValleyForger on Sat, 03/26/2016 - 3:51pm

Great diary and story.

I caucused in the 11th LD this morning (South King County suburb of Seattle). Even in this area of middle class suburbia Bernie was carrying the day. My precinct split 13 to 3 in favor of Bernie. Aggravatingly, the delegate split was only 2 to 1 in favor of Bernie due to the 15% viability rule. It shows how important it was for you to speak on behalf of Bernie and sway those two citizens. Had you been in my precinct, we would have gone 3 to 0 for Bernie.

In addition, we are going to be very angry if our "Superdelegates" back Clinton in spite of this landslide of rank and file Democrats in favor of Bernie Sanders.

Submitted by Deja on Sat, 03/26/2016 - 3:55pm

Question about WA caucus process

I live in TX where we vote, but either go to a Dem only or Rep only polling place, or, like I have to do, announce to the entire room in a deep red, rural area, that I want a Dem ballot. (So much for secret ballots/votes, but that's a diff. subject.

So, does one in WA have to apply to be able to caucus? Why so many at the rallies, but so few at the caucuses? I guess, can you please explain the whole process before you vote in the caucus?

Submitted by Pat K California on Sat, 03/26/2016 - 4:07pm

I didn't know much about caucuses either ...

until I live blogged my brother's caucus-going experience this morning in Washington State (city of Kent near Seattle). No, you don't have to apply. In WA, all registered Democrats or independents can go to a caucus. WA really does things right, in my opinion. My brother actually pre-registered on line beforehand, then made a printout of his form and brought it with him to the caucus. That was it.

The one downside of a caucus is the time commitment. So many people simply don't have the three hours to spare on a Saturday morning. Goodness knows, it was a miracle that my brother and his wife managed to rearrange their busy schedules to make it. It was a last minute thing for both of them. In fact, if the caucus had started on time, my sis-in-law would not have made it inside the building before they shut the doors. It was the long lines that held things up for an hour that allowed her squeak in at the very end.

—

"Long term: first the rich get mean, then the poor get mean, and the rest is history." My brother Rob.

Submitted by Deja on Sat, 03/26/2016 - 4:24pm

Thanks, Pat

I understand the time constraint, but surely they spent 3 hours getting to, standing in line to get into, finding a seat, hearing the speech, getting out of the venue, then getting home or somewhere else in regards to a rally. Just seems like a wasted opportunity to me.

But I'm so grateful for the ones like your brother, and this author for doing it!

Thanks again for explaining it.

Submitted by earthling1 on Sat, 03/26/2016 - 4:50pm

This was a Democratic primary only

Washington Republicans will decide sometime in May IIRC.
Any registered voter can just show up and sign in as a Democrat.
And the chief cook and bottle washer, I think his name was Hewhohas the Microphone, said this was the biggest turnout he has ever seen. I don't know how many there are in my precinct, but 63 of us showed up. If every precinct sported 63 dem voters the aggragate would approach "rally" numbers imho.

—

Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.

Submitted by Gerrit on Sat, 03/26/2016 - 3:55pm

Welcome to c99 and great first article :=)

—

Resilience: practical action to improve things we can control.
3D+: developing language for postmodern spirituality.

Submitted by earthling1 on Sat, 03/26/2016 - 5:02pm

Thanks Gerrit

—

Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.

Submitted by UntimelyRippd on Sat, 03/26/2016 - 3:57pm

Well, of course Sanders is going to win big.

Demographics and all that, y'know (bold mine):

It's about my first Caucasus ever, here in Washington state.

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Submitted by whyvee on Sat, 03/26/2016 - 4:32pm

Inslee, Cantwell and Murray are HRC pledged...

They better, with the enormous turnout for Bernie, make damn sure they do not superdelegate their way to Hillary! I have already emailed our Governor to let him know I will not be happy if he goes with HRC.

Submitted by ValleyForger on Sat, 03/26/2016 - 4:52pm

Amen to that whyvee.

I still bristle when I think of Maria Cantwell voting for the AUMF (unprovoked invasion) against Iraq. If Inslee and Murray, et al, support Her Worship HRC then they will hurt themselves dearly in elections to come. Republicans have the majority in the Washington State Senate and they are very close to majority in the Legislature. If the "Superdelegates" ignore this landslide for Bernie then they better get used to being the minority party in Olympia.

Submitted by dkmich on Sat, 03/26/2016 - 4:35pm

Welcome.. you will like not having to keep your back to the wall

Nice to hear something positive about a caucus.

—

"Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich."--Napoleon

Submitted by mouselander on Sat, 03/26/2016 - 5:46pm

Excellent!

Thanks much for the interesting peek at the inner workings of the WA caucuses, and welcome to the Great Blue Place! Over the course of the last 5 weeks or so there seems to have been a steady exodus of the non kool-aid drinkers. Truly, I think far and away the best way to hit back at Moulitsas and his goon squad is to simply vote with your feet (fingers, I guess in this case) and just leave. Deny Kos the (money) clicks, and deny the bullies -- whose conduct is sanctioned and encouraged by the New Rules -- their whipping boys. Just wait -- if they don't have any more Sanders supporters to victimize, it won't be long before they start tearing into each other. And it couldn't happen to a nicer bunch of douche bags.

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inactive account

Submitted by lizzyh7 on Sat, 03/26/2016 - 6:13pm

I made it up here in WA to my caucus

I did not get to sway minds though, we only had one young woman uncommitted. Majority was for Bernie, but there were a number of Hillbots. I went to Safeco last night, and wasn't sure I'd even make it this morning - 3 hours on my feet was harsh for this middle aged desk dweller - but I got there. I did leave early, but stayed long enough to get my ballot thing counted. I am not sure final results, I imagine maybe 60-40%?

There were more older people, and when one guy started with the Socialist thing and how America would never elect one, and how taxes would be massive and no one would vote for that, I got myself out of there. Tired and cranky is NOT the way to win supporters! I knew I might simply interrupt someone, not cool.

I am glad I went though, and would do it again. And my sister's been watching the results on the tube and it looks great for Bernie up here!!

—

Only a fool lets someone else tell him who his enemy is. Assata Shakur

Submitted by RantingRooster on Sat, 03/26/2016 - 11:52pm

Cool,

and welcome.

—

C99, my refuge from an insane world. #ForceTheVote