An invitation to protest Paul Ryan:
Initially, there was enthusiasm.
But the critics soon began piling on.
They tore each other apart over how they ought to best show their support for Obama.
The thread turned into a debate about protests and passion in American politics.
The difference between effective organizing, and political involvement that is simply self-gratifying.
One individual brought MLK and the Selma marches into the conversation.
There were attempts at de-escalating the argument.
But the internal bickering ultimately turned some Obama supporters off for good.
"This is how elections get lost," wrote one listserv member.
