Since it is Everyone Talks About Beto and Hates Liberals/Left/Whoever Day, a few thoughts to maybe create a more productive conversation.
First, the vast majority of Democratic voters don't care who the nominee will be so key that in mind as we move forward into 2019.
First, the vast majority of Democratic voters don't care who the nominee will be so key that in mind as we move forward into 2019.
Second, the fact that everyone is talking about Beto does perhaps make him the frontrunner. He's sucking up all the oxygen. On the other hand, the fact that everyone is talking about Beto and not Abrams or Gillum reflects the racism that infects every white person.
Third, the fact that Beto didn't win in Texas is completely irrelevant to the conversation about him moving forward. Context and place matters, especially in American elections.
Fourth, the fact that we know almost nothing about Beto's positions on critical issues and that some of them may be bad should be concerning!
Fifth, an almost stereotypical group of nominally left writers attacking Beto all at once can also be seen as, well, notable.
Sixth, it is entirely possible that many Bernie dead-enders complaining about Hillary's people "clearing the field" were projecting, as they want to clear the field for Bernie. See all the anti-Gillibrand articles at once last year.
Seventh, it is also entirely possible that someone like Beto is a useful tool for the Clinton/Obama people to maintain control of the party. That should be concerning!
Eighth, we are all fighting the same oppressors and those oppressors are not Neera Tanden. Nor are they Bernie Sanders. Keep your eyes on the prize that matters without also understanding that internal battles over policy are important too.
Ninth, if your major source of political engagement is listening to angry people on Twitter yell at each other, go do some real organizing, join your local Democratic Party committee, walk a picket line, get with some real people!
Tenth, there are lots of good possible candidates for the Democrats to nominate! Let's actually see what they believe in before either attacking or embracing them. It's way too early to get on the Beto train and it's way too early to attack Beto. Let's have a real honest debate!
In conclusion, Twitter is the worst technology in human history. It rewards and amplifies who is the biggest asshole, whether Trump or a DLC centrist or a leftist. Can we use this technology without rewarding assholes of any stripe?
