In between writing posts for TPC, I study, read, respond, and post on Twitter. There has been a very spirited (if you’re into childish name-calling and setting Dem against Dem) and no-holds barred feud between fierce Obama loyalists and those who criticize him, whether it be harshly, unfairly, thoughtfully, gently, or constructively.

I find myself somewhere in the middle. I often point out things about the president that seriously concern me, irk me, or worry me, but I also praise him when I feel he’s done something worthy of my 2008 enthusiasm. (I miss that feeling.)

However, no matter how disappointed I get, the GOP alternative is exponentially worse. I will vote for President Obama in 2012, because the thought of an even more conservative Supreme Court is so repugnant, and I will do everything in my limited power to prevent that, and/or any inevitable legislative GOP disasters, from happening.

Protest voting isn’t an option IMHO, because there is too much at stake. Voting against President Obama on principle may even be admirable but it’s also self-destructive. I’ve heard many a time how it might be “good for America” to learn its lesson by allowing a conservative to win the White House.

Really? At what cost? And didn’t we learn that lesson from 2001-2008?

It has been excruciating to watch the infighting among Democrats, those on one extreme or the other, pro-Obama tweeters that refuse to say a word against him and anti-Obama tweeters who are so angry, who feel so betrayed, that they claim they won’t vote for anyone for president, or will vote against him via a third party candidate where allowed.

Both sides annoy me, both sides make me cringe, both sides piss me off, both sides cause me angst and pain, both even occasionally make me tear up.  We should be able to have a civil discussion about all of this and more, unify somehow, and make sure a Republican does not win the presidency.

And we should not be afraid to express ourselves.

Name-calling, belittling, irrationality, condemnation: None of this is helpful. These mindsets have sloshed over into attacks on anyone who calls out the president, including Michael Moore, Glenn Greenwald, and others. Are these people not allowed to have an opinion that challenges those who fully embrace Obama?

And to those who continue to seethe and reject President Obama, are those who support him (even people like me who who express both frustration and approval) deserving of unabated condescension and vitriol?

If someone tweets kudos to Michael Moore, they get pounced on; if another tweets their adoration of the president, they get an earful. Please understand, I’m not talking about friendly venting or healthy debate, I’m talking about outright hostility and disparagement.

If there’s one thing we can take away, at least so far, from the Occupy movement, it’s civility and discipline. Throngs of diverse citizens have managed to gather in large groups without berating each other… at least that’s what’s being reported.

Here are some Tweets that I picked up in the last few minutes. Wouldn’t you know it? These are only mildly representative of what I’m discussing here, and some are more civilized and reasonable than what I’m used to seeing/receiving. Also, today they’re concentrating more on Moore rather than on the president. Timing is everything.

I’ve included both pro and anti views of both the president and Moore:

 If GOP gains WH, shouldn’t blame go mostly to Obama for failing to inspire by not delivering on his promises? I’ll not vote 4 GOP.

Just don’t feel like hero worshiping this time. Scandal free maybe but huge disappointment none the less

Admit it. It’s true! RT @GottaLaff: President Obama’s miracle: A scandal-free White House

Yet another betrayal that convinces me I was a dupe for volunteering 100s of hrs for Obama2008 =(

We had two years of pro lefties like @MMFlint pissing and moaning about Obama, enabling #GOP resurgence.

It’s self-appointed spokespeople like @MMFlint who split the left instead of unifying it around Obama.

the professional left = not your friend and damn sure not the 99%

 WAKE THE FUCK UP PEOPLE: @mmflint [Michael Moore] IS NOT PART OF THE 99%!!!! Stop your mooning over him, he’s just another opportunist trying to co-op

Dear @MMFlint, you don’t speak for me. I’m the 99%, I’m a lifelong die-hard Democrat, and I support @BarackObama 100%

Yes @mmflint is the 1% but he has been fighting against unfair capitalism for a while, and yes both parties are whores to rich.

Dear @MMFlint, study w/ @VanJones68. He could teach U abt advocating 4 progressive change w/out shitting on the Democrats.

How do you see him [Moore] f-ing up? He has legitimacy with both the movement itself & the populace with a proven track record that resonates.

@MMFlint: what a big hypocite….mr. millionaire at the occupy spouting out his hatred and poison.

@mmflint seems to have appointed himself leader of the #OWS movement. Opportunistic asshat.

@MMFlint stopping by? On the way to dinner. Such a nice multi millionaire fraud. Utter scumbag.

@MMFlint What do you have for them today, blankets infected with smallpox?

@MMFlint Thanks for Leading…!

13 more dead solders @BarackObama is doing a heck of a job.

I really wish I could have dug up some of the more emotionally charged ones (although, as you can see, I finally spotted a few), but that’s all I could manage to grab on a lazy Saturday morning.

I personally think Michael Moore has helped draw attention to Occupy Wall Street and its goals, which to me is a positive. And I don’t quite get why one can’t be critical of the left and of the president and still support them/him.

lets all split of [sic] into groups split the vote and watch the right run off with our lunch

Don’t both (left) sides see that this is exactly what they’re doing?

Come on, Dems, Occupy Respect.