I am writing this diary because their has been a growing discussion about the differences between Clinton supporters and Sanders supporters. For the record I voted for Clinton in both the primaries and in the general election. But I have been listening to Sanders voters and I am coming to the conclusion of two things, one is this disagreement is several decades old it actually predates Clinton and Sanders and that it is not as superficial as some in the party are saying.
While I encourage anyone to research and discuss I hope that people give respect to opinions that we do not agree with, and that is why I am writing this diary because while I do not agree with many of the opinions of Sanders supporters, I think they have the right to be heard. When I hear the Sanders supports I hear voices from the past, Tom Harkin 1992 campaign, or Jesse Jackson 1988 and 1984, Ted Kennedy 1980, George McGovern 1972, Gene McCarthy 1968, or Henry Wallace 1948 supporters. Just as with Clinton supports I hear Bill Clinton, Hubert Humphrey, Lyndon Johnson, and Harry Truman supporters. It may not be a perfect match but to me the similarities are easily seen.
I also see that many of these people have a very different view of this country than I do. I am a believer in American exceptionalism I believe that we live in the greatest country ever formed. I believe in the words of Irving Berlin that God does indeed bless America. While I would not say every Clinton supporter would use my words, so it is not necessary to literally pick them apart, I can find that there is a theme that as our candidate said “ America has always been great, just needs to be whole again”. I have found that many Sanders supporters do not agree with that theme, they see a very flawed America that needs something more than slight reboot, they need something alot more fundamental. If I am to believe, and any one else is to believe, in the greatness of our country these people have the right to speak. I do not agree with them, but our greatness comes from the fact that we allow the full right to disagree and if we need to hear them out even if we do not plan on changing our minds.
In conclusion I think it is healthy for the party to acknowledge the differences and learn more about them. Most likely it will not change many minds, and that is not the real purpose, but it will give the party a better chance to understand where the other person is coming from.