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niyad

(132,563 posts)
Thu Mar 19, 2026, 11:20 PM Mar 19

Serious question: We have an excellent rule about not bashing Democratic

officials. But what options are available when a Democratic official is bashing us?

83 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Serious question: We have an excellent rule about not bashing Democratic (Original Post) niyad Mar 19 OP
it's better to criticize specific behaviors instead of general dislike msongs Mar 19 #1
Yes. Criticizing after a specific vote, action, comment seems fair game... hlthe2b Mar 19 #4
You seem to have missed the point of the question. niyad Mar 19 #6
Well, I've seen some sanity applied to that rule. I've yet to see comments about Fetterman hlthe2b Mar 19 #2
Oh, they are being alerted on, which is what led to my question. niyad Mar 19 #7
Do you know if they are being hidden? I've made some careful critiques of public figures based on hlthe2b Mar 19 #10
The few with which I am familiar have not been hidden that I know of. niyad Mar 19 #16
Fetterman's current voting record soldierant Mar 20 #36
I know several Republicans--each of whom worship Trump while denying it... Orrex Mar 20 #61
EXCELLENT!!! niyad Mar 20 #64
They are alerted FoxNewsSucks Mar 20 #43
Schumer, the Dem leader whom presided in the Senate over ALL of Biden's historic legislative accomplishments? bigtree Mar 20 #70
I don't disagree. The point is that I don't think expressing disagreement with a vote, comment or hlthe2b Mar 20 #78
One OP about him was definitely alerted on yesterday senseandsensibility Mar 20 #76
And how does that rule apply to people who call themselves Democrats Bluetus Mar 19 #3
That's a great question leftstreet Mar 19 #5
Thank you. niyad Mar 20 #65
Well, when a supposedly registered democrat goes on Fox News and accuses us of "Trump Derangement Syndrome"... Initech Mar 19 #8
I presume you mean Fetterman.... RussBLib Mar 19 #9
You are quite correct. I wish I could say I was shocked by that remark, niyad Mar 19 #13
Sometimes you have to put up with it, other times not Pototan Mar 20 #51
From your keyboard to the ultimate administrator! niyad Mar 20 #66
He certainly votes with Republicans now. ananda Mar 19 #14
Some people on this board who have known him for a long time say niyad Mar 19 #19
That wouldn't surprise me at all. ananda Mar 19 #20
This message was self-deleted by its author jfz9580m Mar 20 #48
I used to blame the stroke but now don't think so MustLoveBeagles Mar 20 #72
I've been trendng that way too. ananda Mar 20 #74
I remember when bashing the then God Garland would get you in trouble here yaesu Mar 19 #11
Garland isn't a Democrat, though, LuvLoogie Mar 19 #15
LOL, who cares yaesu Mar 20 #28
Right on ABC123Easy Mar 20 #80
Reasonable question. yellow dahlia Mar 19 #12
Huh? The rule about not bashing Democrats is clearly (almost) never enforced. Wiz Imp Mar 19 #17
I specifically asked about Democratic officials bashing us. niyad Mar 19 #22
???? Wiz Imp Mar 20 #59
Exactly. MorbidButterflyTat Mar 20 #30
Never Cirsium Mar 20 #53
Some people see even mild criticism as Bettie Mar 20 #58
jury nullification. mopinko Mar 19 #18
I think there is a Blue_Roses Mar 19 #21
I've been dinged ...even though I am very careful.. Bread and Circuses Mar 19 #23
I am not criticizing the jury system, which has worked remarkably niyad Mar 20 #27
I know. I simply wanted to support the DU management 🌷 Bread and Circuses Mar 20 #29
F Fetterman? SSJVegeta Mar 20 #24
Are there other Dem officials bashing us? Not sure I can handle more. niyad Mar 20 #35
F Fetterman SSJVegeta Mar 20 #62
Good question. LoisB Mar 20 #25
EarlG already adressed this question. He said that the rule is not absolute regarding obvious Democrats not acting in .. marble falls Mar 20 #26
I obviously missed that in the ongoing onslaught of horrors, but I niyad Mar 20 #31
If they are off Democratic Party ideals and the criticism is specifically about issues and not about personal stuff ... marble falls Mar 20 #33
Thank you. I am running out of poppets. niyad Mar 20 #34
I assume this is in regards to Fetterman JMCKUSICK Mar 20 #32
None for me, apparently. Iggo Mar 20 #37
That is one reason I like my poppets! niyad Mar 20 #38
What's a Poppet, lol JMCKUSICK Mar 20 #40
Known in some circles as voodoo dolls. Which reminds me, I need more pins. niyad Mar 20 #42
That's funny, I have the New Orleans Voodoo Tarot Card deck lol JMCKUSICK Mar 20 #55
That is one I do not have in my collection. Will have to check it out. niyad Mar 20 #67
That and the Witches Tarot are the two decks that JMCKUSICK Mar 20 #73
It is always wonderful when one connects so deeply with a deck. I have used niyad Mar 20 #82
... Celerity Mar 20 #57
VERRRRRY NICE!!! niyad Mar 20 #68
They need their feet held to the fire. Blue Full Moon Mar 20 #39
Or possibly other portions of their anatomies! niyad Mar 20 #44
I don't know, y'all, but I think we're working with a pretty nebulous term LearnedHand Mar 20 #41
Some very good points. niyad Mar 20 #45
Wording and context are important. Aussie105 Mar 20 #46
Hard to do when one is disappointed in their entire existence. niyad Mar 20 #47
Voting matters Ialwaysvote Mar 20 #49
All true, but that does not address the question I asked. niyad Mar 20 #50
Yeah, I think it does. Ialwaysvote Mar 20 #54
"But what options are available when a Democratic official is bashing us?" LudwigPastorius Mar 20 #52
The TOS As Written Are Clear. ColoringFool Mar 20 #56
Great question malaise Mar 20 #60
From a completely practical perspective. Prairie_Seagull Mar 20 #63
Good morning. Then poppets it is!!! niyad Mar 20 #69
As others have already indicated Prairie_Seagull Mar 20 #77
One of the things that makes DU great is its jury system run by the members. NNadir Mar 20 #71
I generally have no problem with our jury system, and I have been on many niyad Mar 20 #83
The posters and juries here have a pretty good feel for when rogue officials are NOT with the party Takket Mar 20 #75
Fetterman ABC123Easy Mar 20 #79
Let's look at the rule. Bluetus Mar 20 #81

hlthe2b

(114,014 posts)
4. Yes. Criticizing after a specific vote, action, comment seems fair game...
Thu Mar 19, 2026, 11:28 PM
Mar 19

But, expressing general dislike or more, no.

hlthe2b

(114,014 posts)
2. Well, I've seen some sanity applied to that rule. I've yet to see comments about Fetterman
Thu Mar 19, 2026, 11:26 PM
Mar 19

that might even include suggested primary for him, juried and hidden. Not sure if they are even being alerted, but... And that is one example. Schumer seems to likewise come in for justified criticism per DU juries.

I actually hope this level of sanity holds.

hlthe2b

(114,014 posts)
10. Do you know if they are being hidden? I've made some careful critiques of public figures based on
Thu Mar 19, 2026, 11:32 PM
Mar 19

comments, votes, stances--didn't cross the "threshold" whatever that might be.

soldierant

(9,354 posts)
36. Fetterman's current voting record
Fri Mar 20, 2026, 12:30 AM
Mar 20

is so inconsistent with his record as Mayor - I can't help wondering whether his stroke took more out of him than anyone thought - including him.

Orrex

(67,124 posts)
61. I know several Republicans--each of whom worship Trump while denying it...
Fri Mar 20, 2026, 06:58 AM
Mar 20

and they have all said independently that Fetterman's stroke "knocked some sense into him."

In each case, I've answered: "Pretty much proves that Conservatism is the result of brain damage."

bigtree

(94,301 posts)
70. Schumer, the Dem leader whom presided in the Senate over ALL of Biden's historic legislative accomplishments?
Fri Mar 20, 2026, 10:46 AM
Mar 20

...FOUGHT ALL OF THEM THROUGH, DESPITE TWO REPUBLICAN FRIENDLY MEMBERS IN HIS SLIM MAJORITY?

Amazing how people are able to successfully sell the notion that already elected Dems are going to vote for someone to lead THEM in their respective chambers who doesn't demonstrate an ability to bring Democrats together at voting time.

That's not going to work by them voting in some ultra-progressive or some ultra conservative Dem. They vote for the center, because that's the makeup of the party that advances progressive legislation in the slim majority voters provided Democrats before whingers convinced Dem voters to stay home because they didn't get their way on something or the other.

We're here hating on Dem leaders like Schumer because he's not able to stop the republicans in power because Dem voters didn't bother to equip Democrats to effectively fight them.

That's not any of our Dem leaders' fault. Should be obvious, but the bullshit performative demands on the Dem minority are from people who don't understand either their role or the rules of Congress which enable a majority and stifle minorities.

They come up with some fanatical projections to demand from our minority, and are essentially demanding that Schumer and other Dem leaders convince THEM to vote against the republicans. It's fucking insanity.

hlthe2b

(114,014 posts)
78. I don't disagree. The point is that I don't think expressing disagreement with a vote, comment or
Fri Mar 20, 2026, 01:35 PM
Mar 20

strategy on one issue or another rises to the level of "attacking/bashing a Democratic official." And the OP is likewise bringing up the issue when some Dem politicians actually attack their Democratic supporters (as Fetterman did recently).

EarlG has apparently posted something along those lines too (marble falls mentioned it upstream but I will eventually try to find the actual posting--sorry I'm on a IPhone right now, so I can't search readily).
https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=21110425

senseandsensibility

(25,003 posts)
76. One OP about him was definitely alerted on yesterday
Fri Mar 20, 2026, 11:59 AM
Mar 20

because I served on the jury. I voted that it did NOT break DU rules. I generally avoid those threads, but I have yet to see any comments about him that are out of bounds. He can dish it out to us, so he can take it as far as I'm concerned. At least most of the comments I have seen have substance to them, unlike his broadbrush insult to us of having trump derangement syndrome.

Bluetus

(2,840 posts)
3. And how does that rule apply to people who call themselves Democrats
Thu Mar 19, 2026, 11:27 PM
Mar 19

but actively work against when the entire party is trying to accomplish? If the entire Senate caucus votes a certain way except for one guy, and it is the same guy every time (speaking hypothetically, of course), does the rule allow any flexibility?

Initech

(108,815 posts)
8. Well, when a supposedly registered democrat goes on Fox News and accuses us of "Trump Derangement Syndrome"...
Thu Mar 19, 2026, 11:32 PM
Mar 19

He can go fuck all of the way off and shove it up his ass.

Yes, we hate him. Yes, he is a failure. Yes, he failed us on every level. Yes, he is the biggest danger and threat facing the United States right now. You're brainwashed and in a cult. Deal with it.

RussBLib

(10,641 posts)
9. I presume you mean Fetterman....
Thu Mar 19, 2026, 11:32 PM
Mar 19

…charging that Dems all have Trump Derangement Syndrome? Or was it someone or something else?

He really does sound like a Republican with that remark.

https://russblib.blogspot.com/?m=1

niyad

(132,563 posts)
13. You are quite correct. I wish I could say I was shocked by that remark,
Thu Mar 19, 2026, 11:37 PM
Mar 19

but I had already blown up about his defense of his vote for his friend.

Pototan

(3,148 posts)
51. Sometimes you have to put up with it, other times not
Fri Mar 20, 2026, 01:29 AM
Mar 20

For instance, the best we could ever do in West Virginia was Joe Manchin. He'd vote with us 50% of the time, but he caucused with the Democrats. West Virginia is 70% MAGA. You are not getting anyone to the left of Manchin elected there.

But Arizona and Pennsylvania are quite different. We were fooled by Sinema. That's a swing state and we can elect a more loyal Democrat than her, and we did.

The same thing about Pennsylvania. We could easily have elected Connor Lamb, but Penn. has a closed primary, so the more progressive candidate won, John Fetterman. How's that working out?

This time around (2028) that closed primary system will work against Fetterman. As long as only one (or maybe two) candidates run opposed to Fetterman, he'll be out in the primary. We can elect the primary winner in Penn. without having to have a piece of shit like Fetterman represent the Democrats from Penn.

ananda

(35,192 posts)
14. He certainly votes with Republicans now.
Thu Mar 19, 2026, 11:40 PM
Mar 19

I wonder if he's always been a Republican
or whether the stroke affected him.

niyad

(132,563 posts)
19. Some people on this board who have known him for a long time say
Thu Mar 19, 2026, 11:49 PM
Mar 19

he has always been this way.. Others I know in other areas say the same, that the stroke had nothing to do with it.

Response to ananda (Reply #14)

MustLoveBeagles

(16,483 posts)
72. I used to blame the stroke but now don't think so
Fri Mar 20, 2026, 11:07 AM
Mar 20

Of course I don't know the severity of Fettermans stroke. My husband had two minor ones and he changed in some ways but not drastically. Maybe the stroke destroyed his filter and revealed what was there all along.

yaesu

(9,336 posts)
11. I remember when bashing the then God Garland would get you in trouble here
Thu Mar 19, 2026, 11:35 PM
Mar 19

my how times have changed

ABC123Easy

(291 posts)
80. Right on
Fri Mar 20, 2026, 01:57 PM
Mar 20

I've received some awful hateful replies after having the nerve to speak ill of Garland. You'd think Garland was a demi-god or something the way some have defended his every move......or complete lack of moves.

yellow dahlia

(5,960 posts)
12. Reasonable question.
Thu Mar 19, 2026, 11:35 PM
Mar 19

There may be some nuances in the rule, which can't all be accounted for in the rule book.

BUT! When someone (for example) accuses folks in a certain group of having TDS, perhaps the folks in the group could take issue. Fair!?

AND! There might be some who call themselves Dem officials, but don't act like it. If they are sabotaging the party - what then?

Asking for a friend.

Wiz Imp

(10,031 posts)
17. Huh? The rule about not bashing Democrats is clearly (almost) never enforced.
Thu Mar 19, 2026, 11:45 PM
Mar 19

Some days, there may be a dozen or more threads that are absolutely nothing more than Democratic bash fests. They never get hidden. So clearly the option seems to be bash whoever you want because you won't get hidden for it.

Wiz Imp

(10,031 posts)
59. ????
Fri Mar 20, 2026, 06:50 AM
Mar 20

You asked what options are available. If the rule gainst bashing Democrats is never enforced, that answers your question.

Cirsium

(3,945 posts)
53. Never
Fri Mar 20, 2026, 02:02 AM
Mar 20

A dozen or more threads that are absolutely nothing more than Democratic bash fests? I have never seen that.

Bettie

(19,714 posts)
58. Some people see even mild criticism as
Fri Mar 20, 2026, 06:48 AM
Mar 20

"bashing".

Even "why did (insert name) vote THAT way on (insert thing they voted on)?" and you'll get an alert for bashing.

mopinko

(73,734 posts)
18. jury nullification.
Thu Mar 19, 2026, 11:46 PM
Mar 19

i think it’s pretty much always been the way that juries dont hide posts that r legit. if it’s in the news, w a reputable source, it usually stands. if it’s true, it usually stands.

the rule gets applied to bogus bs posts. sorta the definition of libel. if it’s true, it cant b libel.

Blue_Roses

(13,884 posts)
21. I think there is a
Thu Mar 19, 2026, 11:52 PM
Mar 19

finely line. When a Democratic Official works against theìr own party it's fairgame, but I don't mean by bashing them.
I mean by calling out the behavior. It let's those of us who aren't familiar with them see what we are up against.

Bread and Circuses

(2,078 posts)
23. I've been dinged ...even though I am very careful..
Thu Mar 19, 2026, 11:58 PM
Mar 19

I try NOT to use names of people when I discuss their behavior, votes, or donors.

I think we can criticize because we are citizens and we want defend our democracy. Alas, some people report posts that have simply stated the facts. I think the DU jury system is good.

DU has a difficult job because we don’t want this nice community to turn into X.

niyad

(132,563 posts)
27. I am not criticizing the jury system, which has worked remarkably
Fri Mar 20, 2026, 12:08 AM
Mar 20

well. I am concerned about a fairly new and rapidly increasing problem, and how best to deal with it.

marble falls

(71,950 posts)
26. EarlG already adressed this question. He said that the rule is not absolute regarding obvious Democrats not acting in ..
Fri Mar 20, 2026, 12:08 AM
Mar 20

... our interests, and that the criticism not be personal attacks, but on policy.

niyad

(132,563 posts)
31. I obviously missed that in the ongoing onslaught of horrors, but I
Fri Mar 20, 2026, 12:16 AM
Mar 20

specifically am asking about Democratic officials bashing, personally attacking, US.

marble falls

(71,950 posts)
33. If they are off Democratic Party ideals and the criticism is specifically about issues and not about personal stuff ...
Fri Mar 20, 2026, 12:21 AM
Mar 20

... it's OK. As in criticismabout Fetterman calling us TACO deranged and not about Fetterman's IQ (for example) no rule is being broken.

JMCKUSICK

(6,081 posts)
32. I assume this is in regards to Fetterman
Fri Mar 20, 2026, 12:17 AM
Mar 20

and it is a great question.

Can we create a DINO class?

Iggo

(49,939 posts)
37. None for me, apparently.
Fri Mar 20, 2026, 12:30 AM
Mar 20

I’ve seen a few threads I wanted to participate in, but I know I’d better not.

JMCKUSICK

(6,081 posts)
73. That and the Witches Tarot are the two decks that
Fri Mar 20, 2026, 11:41 AM
Mar 20

I have had wonderful reading success with.

I read cards intuitively for some years back in the 90's and early aughts. Amazing psychic connections with both decks.

niyad

(132,563 posts)
82. It is always wonderful when one connects so deeply with a deck. I have used
Fri Mar 20, 2026, 06:45 PM
Mar 20

the original round Motherpeace deck for many years. That deck is difficult for many, because of its size, but it will always be my favourite, and not just because Vicki signed it.

LearnedHand

(5,504 posts)
41. I don't know, y'all, but I think we're working with a pretty nebulous term
Fri Mar 20, 2026, 12:53 AM
Mar 20

“Bashing” is not really well defined, and because of that it’s left up to what each person views as bashing. What one person views as constructive criticism the next views as bashing. I wonder if it would help all of us if we had a common understanding of the term, with examples.

I’m just making this next part up, but using the Fetterman scenario described above, the example could look like this:

- Expressing frustration that he is voting against (and insulting) Dems, NOT BASHING.
- Hoping he doesn’t run again or is primaried, I DONT KNOW. THIS NEEDS DEFINITION.
- Accusing him of having been a plant all along, probably BASHING.

Aussie105

(7,937 posts)
46. Wording and context are important.
Fri Mar 20, 2026, 01:03 AM
Mar 20

You can say you are disappointed in someone if you outline reasons for doing so.

eg 'I am disappointed sometimes with Aussie105 because he blathers on too much about topic XYZ.'

niyad

(132,563 posts)
47. Hard to do when one is disappointed in their entire existence.
Fri Mar 20, 2026, 01:09 AM
Mar 20

And, I have no problem with you blathering on about xyz. It's the uvw ones! Seriously though, I do understand.

Ialwaysvote

(22 posts)
49. Voting matters
Fri Mar 20, 2026, 01:24 AM
Mar 20

Support the Democrat who represents your values and can win. Democrats represent all different people with different interests and needs. Having the majority in Congress really matters.


LudwigPastorius

(14,747 posts)
52. "But what options are available when a Democratic official is bashing us?"
Fri Mar 20, 2026, 01:30 AM
Mar 20

You see a lot of Democratic officials here bashing other DUers?

Prairie_Seagull

(4,701 posts)
63. From a completely practical perspective.
Fri Mar 20, 2026, 08:38 AM
Mar 20

No human being is perfect and many dems could be 'bashed' for one thing or another. I believe to soften this TOS item would change the nature of DU.

IMO.

PS Morning DU.

Prairie_Seagull

(4,701 posts)
77. As others have already indicated
Fri Mar 20, 2026, 01:32 PM
Mar 20

Our jury system works pretty well. When I am chosen to serve, unless I feel someone is trolling. I will generally let it slide. I see that others do something similar. This is a feature not a flaw. Again IMO.

NNadir

(38,093 posts)
71. One of the things that makes DU great is its jury system run by the members.
Fri Mar 20, 2026, 11:00 AM
Mar 20

I frequently serve on juries and I try to be reasonable. I try to be reasonable when serving on MIRT.

I rarely alert myself - although I did so recently with my alert being rejected.

If I see a post that clearly identifies Fetterman or Schumer I try to be reasonable about it. I often disagree with the former and am disappointed in his tenure, greatly disappointed. As for the latter, of course even considering that I consider myself to not be far left, I would prefer AOC in his seat, but concede he knows the ropes. Experience sometimes counts.

I draw the line when someone announces that they will not vote for the Democrat because of x, y or z issue. We saw that in the disastrous last election with respect to the tragedy of Gaza. The results are in for that affectation. It didn't quite work out as the anti-Biden/Harris types might have thought. Gaza may end up as a resort for billionaires built on the graves of former inhabitants.

There's constructive criticism and there's vitriol. Hopefully, we can distinguish the difference. I am not happy with every Democrat. If I lived in Massachusetts, I would vote for Ed Markey although I deplore his views on addressing the climate tragedy. If I lived in PA and Fetterman was the nominee, I'd have to vote for him. If however if Fetterman or Schumer were primaried, I would not object and would view criticism of them in that vein as fair.

I believe some criticism of our leaders is justified, and I trust my fellow DUers to stand in judgment of what crosses the line. I say this as a long term veteran of this space who has been dinged many times for my views.

I hope my comments and my votes on juries are fair. We all have to be balanced and try to remain under control of ourselves in what are clearly the worst times our nation has seen in nearly a century. It's difficult but it can be done.

niyad

(132,563 posts)
83. I generally have no problem with our jury system, and I have been on many
Fri Mar 20, 2026, 07:12 PM
Mar 20

during my years here (I remember one particularly contentious day, I think I served on six, although that may not be a record!). I was just wondering if we are going to have problems if we are going to be getting attacked by our own (supposedly) employees.

Takket

(23,721 posts)
75. The posters and juries here have a pretty good feel for when rogue officials are NOT with the party
Fri Mar 20, 2026, 11:58 AM
Mar 20

Example: Fetterman.

ABC123Easy

(291 posts)
79. Fetterman
Fri Mar 20, 2026, 01:53 PM
Mar 20

Does Fetterman still count as a Dem?

If I can't bash Fetterman then I don't want to be here anymore.

Bluetus

(2,840 posts)
81. Let's look at the rule.
Fri Mar 20, 2026, 04:42 PM
Mar 20

I think the rule that applies here is

Do not post disrespectful nicknames, insults, or highly inflammatory attacks against any Democratic public figures. Do not post anything that could be construed as bashing, trashing, undermining, or depressing turnout for any Democratic general election candidate, and do not compare any Democratic general election candidate unfavorably to their general election opponent(s)


"Do not post disrespectful nicknames, insults," OK so far, I think. We don't need to give Fetterman, or anyone else, any nicknames.

"or highly inflammatory attacks against any Democratic public figures". This starts getting into the weeds. Many of us no longer consider Fetterman a "Democrat". And what is a factual criticism to one person may be an "inflammatory attack" to someone else. I would say the same thing about Gabbard, Manchin, Sinema, Cuellar, Wiener or Menendez. There are people who call themselves "Democrats", but are so corrupt, criminal or out of touch that they seriously damage the reputations of EVERY legitimate Democrat. These people do not deserve the benefit of protection from this rule, IMHO. It is literally less than 1% of people trying to operate within our party. I named 7, 4 of which are no longer in any office, so we are talking about 3 out of about 260 if anybody ever really considered Gabbard a Democrat. Maybe we need to have an "excommunication list" for these few who are beyond the pale.
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