Thread by @TheLoveBel0w

Advice for the Dem primary:

1. The reasons why you support a candidate should be much more compelling than the reasons why you don't support another. If you truly believe the facts are on your side, convince ppl instead of confronting/shaming them for not already being on board.

2. I'll say it again, the media's here to make a ton of $$$, not by informing you, but by feeding your confirmation bias. Outrage is more profitable than nuance, so be wary of articles that ignore policy for the sake of emotion. Stay curious, but don't be a sucker for rageclicks.

3. No politician is above questioning.

Knowing the difference between smears and valid questions asked in good faith is key.

The desire to shield politicians we like from vetting or even constructive criticism for "the sake of the greater good" is actually quite Trumpian.

4. Avoid the cult of personality; candidates are public servants, not Gods. It's never good for democracy when voters act less like concerned citizens and more like fans. These people are here to serve you, not the other way around. Never be afraid to hold them accountable.

5. Most Dems agree on the problems and want to fix them just as much as you do. So don't discount another candidate's base just because you slightly disagree on the solutions. Make an effort to understand why certain policies speak to them more than others. Find common ground.

6. You know why bots are such a successful tool during elections? Because being aggressive online also makes your own candidate look bad. Beware of bots, but if you see shit behavior or lies from a real person too, don't let it slide just because you support the same person.

7. Some people's politics are so caught up in who they should take down that they forget about who they should be elevating. Listen to the folks who need help and share their stories. Make the case for the policies you feel can help most. Advocates are more inspiring than trolls.

8. Stop prioritizing aesthetic over policy. A politician's voting record should always matter more than their tweets. If you're more concerned with your candidate's clapbacks or viral moments than whether or not they voted to keep bombing Yemen, you're doing accountability wrong.

9. EVERY candidate has past mistakes to answer for. The one you support is no exception. Being a true supporter means wanting your candidate to do better, so you should also take interest in if/how they've evolved on diff subjects instead of sweeping their mistakes under the rug.

10. You can be inspired by a politician, but never let them become your moral compass. You should also do your own research, because the moment you dunno where you stand on an issue without being told is the moment you go from being a critical thinker to just another follower.

11. When politics are treated like religion, voters become followers, dissent becomes blasphemy, accountability becomes heresy.

Elections should be about choosing which candidate can serve you and your country best, not choosing which altar to pray at. ALWAYS think for yourself.

12. The more you find comfort in echo chambers, the more performative your activism becomes. Challenge leads to growth, and opening yourself up to more info will only make you a more effective advocate. Preaching to the choir might feel good, but it's changing minds that matters.

13. Stop underestimating the value of your attention. If you're more aware of Trump's typos than of which industries are backing which candidates and why, you've undervalued your attention. Your focus can lead to change, that's why politicians are always trying to distract you.

14. Don't vote out of fear. The Dem primary should be about finding who will help ppl the most, not who will upset racists the least. If your liberal values are based on what you think conservatives will allow, then Republicans already won 2020. Don't be afraid to demand better.