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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsBernie Sanders lays out bold 10-point plan for Democrats
Bernie Sanders lays out bold 10-point plan for Democrats
https://www.alternet.org/bernie-sanders-lays-out-bold-10-point-plan-democrats
While affirming that he strongly disagrees with former Newt Gingrich, who led the GOP in the House in the mid-1990s, on virtually every issue, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) is calling on Democrats in Congress to rip a page of out the Georgia Republicans playbook by creatingand aggressively pushinga new progressive version of the Contract With America in order to galvanize the nation, offer real solutions to its most urgent problems, and go beyond being simply anti-Trump.
In stark contrast to Gingrichs original versiona radical right-wing agenda full of tax breaks for the wealthy, massive cuts to programs vital to working families, and racist and cruel bills to reform welfare and our criminal-justice systemSanders argues in a Washington Post op-ed on Thursday that Democrats should instead forge a vision that reflects the needs of working Americans centered on economic, political, social, racial and environmental justice.
While celebrating the Blue Wave in the midterms that saw Democrats reclaim control of the U.S. House and acheive major wins in state houses and governors mansions nationwide, Sanders writes that while it is clear a majority of the American people rejected President Trumps agenda benefiting the wealthy and the powerful, as well as his racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia and religious bigotry, it simply is not good enough for Democrats to just be the anti-Trump party.
If Democrats, he writes, want to keep and expand their majority in the House, take back the Senate and win the White House, Democrats must show the American people that they will aggressively stand up and fight for the working families of this country black, white, Latino, Asian American or Native American, men and women, gay or straight. This means addressing the crisis of a broken criminal-justice system and reforming inhumane immigration policies. But it also means fighting to expand a middle class that has been disappearing for more than 40 years, reducing inequality in both income and wealth which has disproportionately hurt African Americans and Hispanics and aggressively combating climate change, the most urgent threat facing our planet.
Me.
(35,454 posts)But the Dems have got this and you'll have to just bear with us not following Loser Gingrich's playbook.
Hassin Bin Sober
(26,608 posts)Me.
(35,454 posts)That Gingrich reference led me to believe otherwise. And yes, Nancy has this, thank you very much.
democrank
(11,230 posts)the Contract with America. Its a good idea. I welcome all the help we can get with a progressive agenda, including from Independents.
Me.
(35,454 posts)You'll find she has it all covered and doesn't need to copy anyone, and Rep. Cummings reiterated their plans this morning as the Sen, at the very same time, was handing out his thoughts for what the Dems should do on a different network. Our Dems leaders are smart people who know exactly what this past election was about and have been saying it over and over.
democrank
(11,230 posts)I welcome anyone willing to help....including Independents.
stopbush
(24,585 posts)Pelosi and the D leadership are WAY ahead of any idea Sanders might have.
And, following the 2016 election, a parade of would-be 2020 aspirants -- Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris, Kirsten Gillibrand -- signed onto Sanders' "Medicare For All" single-payer health care proposal. It's a role he played in 2016, albeit a somewhat unlikely one. Clinton, once she realized that Sanders posed a real threat to her chances, moved hard left on virtually every issue -- ensuring there was no space between her and the Vermont senator.
https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/29/politics/bernie-sanders-2020-analysis/index.html
lapucelle
(19,495 posts)It's nice to see them proven wrong.
JCanete
(5,272 posts)Cha
(303,109 posts)IT CAME.. Through the Democratic Party's Hard Work and they don't need BS telling them what to do.
calimary
(83,518 posts)lapucelle
(19,495 posts)from outside her caucus under advisement.
Given the fiery independent's efforts and record in outreach, I'm sure Nancy will know exactly what to do with his advice.
thesquanderer
(12,250 posts)Me.
(35,454 posts)he's in the Senate
thesquanderer
(12,250 posts)Me.
(35,454 posts)not the House Dems
George II
(67,782 posts)lapucelle
(19,495 posts)thesquanderer
(12,250 posts)My point was that BS caucuses with Dems (yes, yes, in the *senate*) and they seem happy to have him. So that kind of turns the question from "should Pelosi care about what an Independent says" to "should Pelosi care about what a (Dem caucus member) Senator says."
Me.
(35,454 posts)The Dems she cares about are in the House and it's their opinion that concerns her and why you don't have other Senators telling her what she should do.
thesquanderer
(12,250 posts)... I understand now that the concern (at least for some) is whether she should care what a Senator says, opposed to whether she should care what a non-Dem-who-caucuses-with-Dems says. Not the same thing.
GulfCoast66
(11,949 posts)She could give a damn about what a Senator wants her to do.
Let me edit. She could give a damn about what a non-Democratic party member in the senate wants her to do.
thesquanderer
(12,250 posts)Right, he's a Senator. Maybe she doesn't care about advice from a Senator, ok. But to your second point, the members of Congress value all those who caucus with the Dems, whether they call themselves Dems or Inds. Hence, Dems can give an Ind committee assignments (even positions of ranking member or chair), as they have done. This Dem bias against BS's Ind status exists among some here in the bleachers, but is not an issue for those actually in the game.
George II
(67,782 posts)InAbLuEsTaTe
(24,499 posts)Democrats embrace today... some only recently, after seeing the positive response of the voters to the positions Bernie has espoused. We need more leaders like Bernie who SET the agenda. It's one thing for politicians to take polls to decide what positions to advocate... it is quite another to take positions that shift polls in their direction, which is the sign of a true leader.
Power 2 the People
(2,437 posts)Bernie is leading us back to our true Democratic roots.
InAbLuEsTaTe
(24,499 posts)Power 2 the People
(2,437 posts)Now we are moving to the left where we should have always remained. FDR is our standard bearer not Joe Lieberman or any DLC,3rd way conservadem. We are the party of working people, not banks or corporations.
Small-Axe
(359 posts)The Clintons, Al Gore, Obama, Biden, and Pelosi (plus Democrats who are too mant to name) are the modern inheritors of FDR's liberal Democratic Party.
"Lurch to the right" is a smear of our party. Is this rot allowed here?
R B Garr
(17,336 posts)and thanks for correcting it. Its especially laughable in a vile way considering Clinton actually won. Bernie could have ran, but no one bothers to bring that up in context of the times. Only the Clintons get smeared, and its rot, you are right.
dawg day
(7,947 posts)Sounds like cult behavior, and we have enough of that with the GOP.
Bernie Sanders is one person. He says a lot of things, many of them good. Many of the things he says are said by others, including many serving as Democratic members of Congress.
Many of us are tired, as no doubt the Democrats in Congress are, of having every liberal or progressive idea-- including the many that have been fought for by others for decades-- attributed to Bernie Sanders, as if he's the only one who is brave enough to say it--
And as if "saying it" is all that really matters.
That many of us don't worship Bernie obviously is a problem for some, but maybe we're not all that good at worshipping.
This isn't about a single man, for goodness sake.
disillusioned73
(2,872 posts)it needs to be said - repeatedly..
The Joe Liebernisation must end...
tecelote
(5,140 posts)Exactly!
Small-Axe
(359 posts)True leaders build coalitions when they serve as legislators and develop comprehensive and well-vetted plans. BS has done poorly in this regard.
His populist positions are sometimes regressive, he seems to put little thought into the unintended consequences of his positions, and he has no record of real accomplishments.
Being progressive is about advancing progress.
The Democratic Party has liberal values and a record of genuine progress that shines brightly in comparison.
George II
(67,782 posts).....decades?
The agenda HAS been set, and has been in place for several years. It's known as the Democratic National Committee Platform. The Democratic agenda is set by Democrats.
George II
(67,782 posts)marylandblue
(12,344 posts)Me.
(35,454 posts)because unlike others, I believe him when he adamantly says he's not a DEm. What is he going to do should be the question.
realmirage
(2,117 posts)rather than tearing them down. We need all the votes we can get.
InAbLuEsTaTe
(24,499 posts)is non-stop around here.
area51
(12,074 posts)So I guess you've missed all the scolding and admonishing he's been doing regarding the Dems.
InAbLuEsTaTe
(24,499 posts)Cha
(303,109 posts)with names like "weak" and "elite" which he got Wrong.
Never heard that definition before except from patriarchs, you know the 'for your own good' kind.
Cha
(303,109 posts)like "weak" and "elite". It goes way beyond "scolding" in my opinion.
Me.
(35,454 posts)and the focus and support will be on them and believe me, they won't be kicking around those who they need to support them. It's the Nancy Pelosi school of thinking...honey rather than vinegar.
Nice to see you Cha...
Cha
(303,109 posts)Last edited Sun Nov 25, 2018, 07:07 PM - Edit history (1)
Not distilled vinegar.
Great Visionary Points, Me.
You, too,
Cha
(303,109 posts)realmirage
(2,117 posts)is pushing the Party to be better. To some it comes off as insulting, but I dont take it that way. I always want my Party to be challenged to be its best. I think there are things the Dem Party is doing well and there are areas where it could do better.
2 years ago was different, and I dont like things that were said any more than you do. But I dont feel like we can afford to hang on to that. This next election is so important that unity and striving for our top goals is more important than how I feel about the past. I feel like its logical that he has the largest base of followers and so Im just anticipating him as the front runner and the eventual nominee and Im ok with that because the alternative is obliteration under drumpf.
If its some other nominee than Ill be behind them 100 percent as well. I just dont see anyone like Obama who could swoop in and take the nomination. But anything can happen. Im open to all options including Sanders. This is just the way it is. I know that everyone will support the nominee whoever it is, I just dont think it wise to put deep cracks in the nominees before the general election. Been there done that.
Cha
(303,109 posts)to what our Democratic Party is doing.
Spouting.. "It is not good enough for Democrats to just be the anti-Trump party"
Nancy Pelosi encouraged candidates to forget about trump's day to day shite and concentrate on HEALTH CARE!
BS is Late to the DEMOCRATIC BLUE WAVE Party.
We Won on Health CARE It was about HEALTH CARE, BS.. Get with the Message!
realmirage
(2,117 posts)And its very important but there are other issues were losing the war of perception on like immigration and globalization to name just two. Sanders speaks to those issues better than most democrats.
The guy is on our side. I know ALOT of Sanders supporters who really liked him 2 years ago and they still like him. We need to realize these people want whats best too. We all have our strong opinions but at the end of the day we are on the same side.
Cha
(303,109 posts)R B Garr
(17,336 posts)empty underhanded attacks on Democrats. The midterm results prove you totally wrong. Democrats gained by focusing on keeping the health care already fought for, and he doesnt speak better than Democrats. This is the second election cycle that he was rebuffed in very liberal California.
The parroting of those empty promo lines gets really old.
George II
(67,782 posts)progressoid
(50,450 posts)George II
(67,782 posts)progressoid
(50,450 posts)George II
(67,782 posts)sheshe2
(86,230 posts)11. You should support Democratic allies
rather than tearing them down. We need all the votes we can get.
He is our ally and we are his, correct? Then by your own words he should not tear down his allies.
marylandblue
(12,344 posts)So presumably he has something to say, and Democrats can choose to agree or not.
InAbLuEsTaTe
(24,499 posts)Forget common sense... when it comes to Bernie, nothing stands in the way of a good bashing.
aikoaiko
(34,200 posts)He helps make the party stronger.
we'll soon see if House members do
InAbLuEsTaTe
(24,499 posts)Hassin Bin Sober
(26,608 posts)But wahhhhh! Hes not a Democrat!!!
Me.
(35,454 posts)OilemFirchen
(7,149 posts)I can't count the number of fawning Angus King threads on DU.
Actually, that's not true. I have counted them. I just can't divide by them.
Hassin Bin Sober
(26,608 posts)I havent seen any.
Which position does King hold in The Senate Democratic Leadership? I must have missed the announcement.
Thanks in advance.
George II
(67,782 posts)You may be surprised.
OilemFirchen
(7,149 posts)Can you show me links to Senator King criticizing, ostracizing, or belittling the Democratic Party?
BTW, Joe Manchin is Vice Chairman of the Policy & Communications Committee.
George II
(67,782 posts)....the 45+ Democratic Senators AND the Independent Senator from Maine, Angus King. But I don't remember seeing King lecturing the Democratic Party on what they should be doing.
InAbLuEsTaTe
(24,499 posts)But, of course, that will never be good enough for some people. It feels like it's "Bizarro World"!!
sheshe2
(86,230 posts)Or the Parkland students? Brady Bill.
InAbLuEsTaTe
(24,499 posts)sheshe2
(86,230 posts)He fought fearlessly. I think you should reread what happened and who actually sat on the board who helped push it through. This was a very poor and brown community.
Nor the Parkland students fighting for their lives. A school should not be a war zone and simple gun rights should be just that. Simple. A no brainer to fight for children's lives in a place that should be a safe haven for children, to learn, laugh and be given the right to actually grow up. To live.
Small-Axe
(359 posts)who were uncomfortable voting for African Americans.
sheshe2
(86,230 posts)Fact.
May that good man rest in peace. Would love to hear his words about today.
InAbLuEsTaTe
(24,499 posts)Small-Axe
(359 posts)Not a good look on a Democratic forum.
InAbLuEsTaTe
(24,499 posts)Democratic forum... but thanks for making that clear. Bernie sets a great example for Democrats to follow... why the constant need to disparage this fine man?
Small-Axe
(359 posts)Vs something BS said this week. I don't agree that he's a great example or one to follow.
InAbLuEsTaTe
(24,499 posts)The point is, I could cite a plethora of positions that some Democrats have taken that Wellstone wouldn't have agreed with, nor would Bernie. The exact timing of when those positions were taken is irrelevant and taking a quote out of context - as you did in Bernie's case - was EXACTLY the point of my previous post. So, you're really just making my case and arguing against yourself.
Small-Axe
(359 posts)Trump's tweets of this quote were widely reported in the mainstream media in 2016. I'm sure other sources helped push this 1996 out-of-context quote as well.
The BS quote wasn't out-of-context and it just happened. It is, unfortunately, in a pattern of what seem like significant gaffes on the issues around race.
InAbLuEsTaTe
(24,499 posts)Many of the same reasons that made Sen. Wellstone so popular.
betsuni
(27,123 posts)InAbLuEsTaTe
(24,499 posts)betsuni
(27,123 posts)Trump: "How quickly people forget that Crooked Hillary called African-American youth 'SUPER PREDATORS.'" It has nothing to do with anything.
InAbLuEsTaTe
(24,499 posts)never would. I said "KIDS," the words she used... many still AGREE with her. I don't think Wellstone would have agreed with her... if you think he would fine... my point still stands, that is, Wellstone would have disagreed with LOTS of positions other Democrats have advocated. I could cite dozens of other examples off the top of my head... and those wouldn't make those Democrats, or Bernie, any less worthy of our admiration.
betsuni
(27,123 posts)Nobody's fooled.
InAbLuEsTaTe
(24,499 posts)No need to twist Wellstone's well-known disagreements with fellow Democrats on a whole host of issues... he was an exemplary Senator.
betsuni
(27,123 posts)betsuni
(27,123 posts)JudyM
(29,485 posts)GulfCoast66
(11,949 posts)Hes not a member of the Democratic Party. And publicly criticizes them all the time.
And he has not gotten one thing done in his entire career. Can you tell me some important legislation he has sponsored in the past 30 years that has become law?
Talk is cheap. Results matter.
sheshe2
(86,230 posts)Umhmm1!!
Small-Axe
(359 posts)GulfCoast66
(11,949 posts)And I try to keep up with important issues.
Small-Axe
(359 posts)Eliot Rosewater
(32,256 posts)empedocles
(15,751 posts)Not a Gingrich style 'contract' [that was an ego driven Gingrich vehicle all about Gingrich].
And, we cannot assume trump will stay on the rails for awhile. trump may figure, December [before the Dems get rolling] is the time to try something really big, to promote/helptrump/ or damage/destroy Dems, etc. - A 'December Surprise'
marylandblue
(12,344 posts)He wants the negative attention so he can suck all the air out of the room. Better to put forth a group of legislative priorities. We can't run on just being not Trump. I think Pelosi agrees with that as she has discouraged talk of impeachment, and encouraged healthcare and the Green New Deal.
empedocles
(15,751 posts)Pragmatically, the case can be made that trump should first be thoroughly investigated and exposed. Then with necessary, wide popular support, impeached. This could force 'con Senators into very difficult situations. At some point Mueller will provide detailed, convincing evidence.
Until then, Democratic early agendas would tend to disappear in the Senate. Used too often for individual politician interests as seems to be to often the case now - often to the detriment of possible Democratic party accomplishments.
Pelosi, and seasoned hands, want a very, strong case against trump before using what political capital they have - for fear of failing to convict, [which could benefit trump, perhaps greatly]. Dems should not promote a large laundry list of proposals that will not go anywhere - that would just provide plenty of targets for 'cons to dilute popular dem support. A clear, defensible theme will be healthier imo.
[It may be a very unpredictable, wild year or two ahead].
Ponietz
(3,246 posts)In my view, the Rule of Law is the absolute bedrock of any free people.
It is the Truth that cuts through propaganda.
Justice, first, and fast.
qazplm135
(7,452 posts)or new.
Literally everything on that list is already a part of the Dem platform.
Not figuratively...literally.
Wintryjade
(814 posts)Well before we ever heard from Sanders.
sheshe2
(86,230 posts)George II
(67,782 posts)George II
(67,782 posts)....has already been fully debated here on DU.
pnwmom
(109,394 posts)Kentonio
(4,377 posts)He's one of the leaders of the progressive movement, and according to you he can't make suggestions about actions the house should make or else he's sexist? Ridiculous.
LanternWaste
(37,748 posts)When the irony (absolutely lost on you) is that the division is born of posters making that charge over and over. Absurdia Redux.
As allegations go, it lacks not merely evidence, but originality going back years ("you guys turned this place into the site of a practical civil war..." "pushing the them and us narrative" "when will you people wise up?"
"It's pathetic quite frankly."
Part II. Indeed.
Kentonio
(4,377 posts)Pretty confident I've heard that line of reasoning somewhere before.
democrank
(11,230 posts)Unlike Gingrich, some excellent points in your plan.
InAbLuEsTaTe
(24,499 posts)we can't win simply by tearing down the Nazi-in-Chief. We can do that, but, at the same time, Democrats need to start off the next Congress by passing in the House a bold progressive agenda and show voters we know how to lead, as Bernie has demonstrated. He's giving his Democratic colleagues wise advice... let's hope they take it.
realmirage
(2,117 posts)Good plan
SidDithers
(44,228 posts)Sid
aikoaiko
(34,200 posts)InAbLuEsTaTe
(24,499 posts)brush
(56,484 posts)Not to mention trump?
Reality is reality.
aikoaiko
(34,200 posts)If these ideas get enough support in red states, anything is possible.
brush
(56,484 posts)aikoaiko
(34,200 posts)The people need to see that we're fighting for them and that the McConnell and gang are fighting against.
At least I would prefer that we do so. I get the reality of the situation, but doing nothing because of mean ol Mitch is not acceptable.
brush
(56,484 posts)Last edited Sun Nov 25, 2018, 07:24 PM - Edit history (1)
aikoaiko
(34,200 posts)But I think it is a mistake to only be the anti-Trump party and we need to fight for things we think are important.
There could be a lot to be gained by painting McConnell and the GOP Senate as blockers after things pass the House.
brush
(56,484 posts)Me.
(35,454 posts)brush
(56,484 posts)JCanete
(5,272 posts)owners....and SHOWING every step of the way that we will fight those owners, rather than trying to thread the needle between the needs of both in the name of being statesmen, or worse, because we don't think we can win elections without their support. The people with money have enough firepower. They don't need our help finding a compromise between their interests and the needs of public at large.
Make it as black and white as it can be for the voter who is too easily led astray, and then beat the Republicans out of office with fighting rhetoric that doesn't back down and clowns the Republicans at every turn for betraying Americans. Doing battle with the republican base on the other hand, has always been the worst strategy possible.
Besides, do you think a more moderate means of approaching Republicans, like attempting to reach across the aisle, ever bears anything but poisonous fruit? What works is proposing big things loudly and then making the Republicans the reason why we can't get them done. They are the obstructers. Show the American people what they are standing in the way of. Repeat it over and over. Challenge them over and over. We shouldn't be on the defensive. We should be making them feel the need to reach across the aisle to us.
And every time they try to divide us on race and antiquated values call them out for what they are doing. Don't feed into their culture war by making it all about the culture war. Pull back the curtain and explain to the public that these are tactics of distraction. That Republicans don't want to focus on how they are stealing from the commons to pad their pockets. They don't want us to follow the money.
brush
(56,484 posts)and hold hearings in the House now that we have that power.
Come 2020 with all the dirty dealings of trump and the repugs exposed to the public we will have a great shot at not just holding the House but regaining control of the Senate (of course we have to also combat vote suppression and gerrymandering). Then we'll be able to deal.
Everything else until then is just "I want a unicorn theory."
questionseverything
(9,970 posts)as I recall that was the hc supporters favorite insult when we were asking for universal healthcare rather than insurance we couldn't afford to use
well if I am wasting my time on a democratic message board asking for healthcare instead of "insurance"
I guess it is my time to waste
brush
(56,484 posts)and McConnell can stop any bill from the Dem House going to the floor for a vote. Witness what he did to get Gorsuch on the Supreme Court, and Kavanaugh for God's sake. It ain't happening with repugs in charge. And then there is trump who can then veto.
Come 2020 we may have the Senate as well then we can push through universal healthcare, something we all want.
But let's be real, that's not getting through the repug-led Senate now.
questionseverything
(9,970 posts)so is your idea that the democratically controlled house will produce no legislation?
since mitch wont like it?
I don't think that is a good idea for trying to get re elected in 2020
Cha
(303,109 posts)stated he "didn't see coming.. ". Well it Did Come Through their Hard Work.. and the Democratic Party can handle their Own Business.
nolabear
(42,704 posts)He seems to expect the Dems, who already have structures and networks in place to move an agenda forward that I can guarantee isnt as immediately far reaching as his, to fall in line with him. Hed accomplish a lot more by trying to work with them to move things forward as much as they can while accepting the fact that it wont all happen at once.
Ill admit I dont like Bernie. He seems disconnected from the realities of the Democratic Party and for a supposedly more socialist Dem he cant seem to become willing to work with people. He just appears to want his agenda (which, again, is a good goal) to supersede the partys.
marylandblue
(12,344 posts)But maybe he feels now is his best moment to push progressive priorities and position himself or a protege for 2020.
Adrahil
(13,340 posts)He basically makes blue sky plans without having any practical implementation plan.
I now believe he does this party way more harm than good.
QC
(26,371 posts)Cha
(303,109 posts)Our Democratic Party is Doing BLUE WAVE FINE Without BS.
ismnotwasm
(42,383 posts)dem4decades
(11,758 posts)demmiblue
(37,670 posts)Cha
(303,109 posts)Party by calling it disingenuous names like "weak" and "elite".
Oh, and I don't care that BS is Not a Dem. We're doing BLUE WAVE FINE without him in our Party.
pnwmom
(109,394 posts)grantcart
(53,061 posts)Caucus with the Democrats and get preferred committee assignments. Neither are in the Democratic Party or its leadership and repeating it is stating a falsehood.
Hassin Bin Sober
(26,608 posts)disillusioned73
(2,872 posts)LuvLoogie
(7,438 posts)He tried to be a DH as a walk on.
question everything
(48,484 posts)wondered whether the first "goal" is to become a Democrat. I don't know why he still has admirers on these pages.
Maven
(10,533 posts)Attention seeking gadfly and non-Democrat has opinions. His time would be better spent knitting.
Made me laugh with the knitting
George II
(67,782 posts)LexVegas
(6,380 posts)violetpastille
(1,483 posts)Just curious.
Adrahil
(13,340 posts)elmac
(4,642 posts)because he isn't or hasn't run for president in a GE. But, i'm sure Fox news would disagree with me, hint, hint.
George II
(67,782 posts)...we should see his ENTIRE tax return, not just the Form 1040.
It's curious that after being in the House/Senate for 25 years at about $170K per year his 2016 net worth was only $350-500K, and now two years later it's $2M or more.
Cha
(303,109 posts)transparency.
Cha
(303,109 posts)MrsCoffee
(5,812 posts)Got it.
dsc
(52,504 posts)Hillary for instance in both 08 and 16. Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio, and Ted Cruz. Even Martin O'Malley showed 5 years.
George II
(67,782 posts)Cha
(303,109 posts)Wintryjade
(814 posts)he has walked away from the Democratic Party name.
NastyRiffraff
(12,448 posts)Only AFTER he used it. First in his presidential campaign, then in his Senate campaign. He's a grifter and so is his wife.
Wintryjade
(814 posts)Me.
(35,454 posts)we should by now have learned W's fool me once meme by now where he's concerned
Wintryjade
(814 posts)from us.
creeksneakers2
(7,521 posts)But I'm curious about what all of it would cost. It probably wouldn't be as popular if the public could be convinced that big tax increases for them would be needed.
PDittie
(8,322 posts)the cost of 10 or 15 F-35s. It probably would be even more popular if the public could be convinced that no tax increases would be needed.
InAbLuEsTaTe
(24,499 posts)R B Garr
(17,336 posts)office with a surplus. That surplus would have gone to his vice-president Gore, who was bold enough to introduce climate change policy when it wasnt cool and trendy. Gore was ridiculed and mocked; now others are trying to mimic him.
No rewriting history with omissions/distortions about Democrats.......
InAbLuEsTaTe
(24,499 posts)when, in fact, he seeks only to tax the rich. That's how you pay for things like Medicare for all - as Bernie has been advocating, even as a few of his Democratic colleagues have criticized him for taking that progressive position - or his climate change policy. So, no question Bill Clinton would agree with Bernie on his tax position, yes.
R B Garr
(17,336 posts)decades ago, but the all-or-nothing advocacy was more important. Not very progressive when examined now.
Al Gore championed climate change decades ago. No band wagoner there, he was the pioneer. Lets not distort history.
InAbLuEsTaTe
(24,499 posts)and the most progressive policy.
I couldn't agree with you more, however, about Al Gore, so, I'm not sure what your beef is. He is, without a doubt, the undisputed, heavy-weight champion of the world when it comes to climate change policy.
But then, there's nothing wrong with Bernie attempting to continue and complete what Gore started. Why you feel you have to denigrate Bernie with your "band wagoner" comment reflects badly... no doubt, the same could be said for any number of your favorite candidates, perhaps, even more so, in connection with positions that others in the past have championed.
R B Garr
(17,336 posts)tied to Bernie is just not accurate and not sustainable. Its absurd to imply that Democrats were against climate change when Clinton/Gore were elected 25 years ago. Your comment implying Bernie was ostracized over his climate change view is just false. No rewriting history.
You imply its only Bernies idea to tax the rich when Clinton actually did it 25 years ago. No rewriting history.
Universal healthcare 25 years ago was certainly progressive. Just touting single payer doesnt make you progressive if you reject other options along the way that could get you there. Public option is progressive. Rejecting Pre-existing condition clauses is progressive. ACA is progressive. Grandstanding isnt progressive.
George II
(67,782 posts)Each and every one of those have been in the "plan" (i.e. Platform!) since 2016.
Increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour and indexing it to median wage growth thereafter. (Check!)
A path toward Medicare-for-all. The Medicare-for-all bill widely supported in the Senate has a four-year phase-in period on the way to guaranteeing health care for every man, woman and child. Over the first year, it would lower the Medicare eligibility age from 65 to 55, cover dental, hearing and vision care for seniors, provide health care to every young person in the United States and lower the cost of prescription drugs. (Check!)
Bold action to combat climate change. (Check!)
Fixing our broken criminal-justice system. (Check!)
Comprehensive immigration reform (Check!)
Progressive tax reform (Check!)
A $1 trillion infrastructure plan (Check!)
Lowering the price of prescription drugs. (Check!)
Making public colleges and universities tuition-free and substantially reducing student debt. (Check!)
Expanding Social Security. (Check!)
He's missing a few though:
Nothing about organized labor, gun violence, racial equality / systematic racism, support of Veterans, protecting voting rights, and others.
JCanete
(5,272 posts)I guess its all gravy.
George II
(67,782 posts)....are pretty tasteless without the drippings from the roast.
JCanete
(5,272 posts)sheshe2
(86,230 posts)84. No, it's not gravy. Gravy includes ALL the ingredients not just some. Flour and water....
....are pretty tasteless without the drippings from the roast.
InAbLuEsTaTe
(24,499 posts)It's quite another to put one's political ass on the line and actually advocate vociferously to the electorate to enact those policies in trying to get elected, as Bernie has done, and to push others in the party to do the same.
johnp3907
(3,824 posts)So nice of him to Bernsplain the Democratic Party to us Democrats!
Response to Hassin Bin Sober (Original post)
johnp3907 This message was self-deleted by its author.
BaronChocula
(2,212 posts)At least he's being constructive. Just because it's Bernie doesn't mean it's wrong.
MrsCoffee
(5,812 posts)Otherwise....
Phoenix61
(17,356 posts)Maybe he should focus on his own party and leave mine alone. Just another old white guy running his mouth telling me what I should do.
lancelyons
(988 posts)Trumpocalypse
(6,143 posts)Is he really the best person to take advice from?
Ammar Campa-Najjar Defeated
Barbara Lee Won
Mike Levin Won
Joe Neguse Won
Sanjay Patel Defeated
Jesus Garcia Won
Marie Newman Lost primary
Liz Watson Defeated
Pete D'Alessandro Lost primary
J.D. Scholten Defeated
Greg Edwards Lost primary
Jessica King Defeated
Peter Welch Won
Randy Bryce Defeated
Me.
(35,454 posts)so not really surprised
SixString
(1,057 posts)Hassin Bin Sober
(26,608 posts)wryter2000
(47,148 posts)He needs to join the goddamn party.
kennetha
(3,666 posts)If you want to run in democratic primaries, you actually have to be and serve as a democrat?
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/391459-dnc-panel-adopts-rule-requiring-candidates-to-run-serve-as-a-democrat
VOX
(22,976 posts)But, since I'm NOT a Republican, far be it from me to tell them what to do.
pnwmom
(109,394 posts)its female leadership and many new members, on how to "keep and expand their majority in the House."
Why doesn't he concentrate on working his magic in the Senate? It seems that they could use more of that there.
Maven
(10,533 posts)So a real Democrat couldnt mount a credible challenge against him.
His remaining energy is devoted entirely to speechifying against billionayuhs and undermining Democrats. Who has time to legislate?
R B Garr
(17,336 posts)about Democrats??! What an opportunistic coincidence.
Small-Axe
(359 posts)George II
(67,782 posts)....at the Town Hall New York theater for a mere $6.00, and that price INCLUDES his latest $27.00 book!
https://www.vividseats.com/theatre/bernie-sanders-tickets/bernie-sanders-11-26-2901605.html
Small-Axe
(359 posts)grantcart
(53,061 posts)delisen
(6,349 posts)NurseJackie
(42,862 posts)MrsCoffee
(5,812 posts)He is really full of himself.
empedocles
(15,751 posts)George II
(67,782 posts)Wintryjade
(814 posts)Adrahil
(13,340 posts)Go away Bernie. You had your shot.
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)Cha
(303,109 posts)EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)JI7
(90,118 posts)Tom Rinaldo
(22,984 posts)In short it is to look first to the Democratic Party over the Republicans for policies that tend to support the mass majority of the American public. And look to Democrats whenever possible rather than support a third party candidate Those messages are pitched to Independents rather than to Democratic Party loyalists who almost always take those truths for granted.
Seriously, I don't know why the ranks of Independents keep growing (especially among the young) but they do. Loyal Democrats support Democrats, but loyal Democrats are not even a plurality of the electorate. Sanders, by choosing not to run for President as either an Independent or a Green, tells even idealistic leftist Independents to remain pragmatic enough to work with a coalition that can deliver the goods. By virtue of the choices he himself makes, he steers other non Democrats toward cooperation with the Democratic Party.
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)What plan? Talking is not a plan. Has he written out a plan for Independents and released it? If not, why not?
He's an Independent, not a Democrat, so why is he issuing agendas for a party he doesn't belong to when he hasn't bothered to lay out and communicate a plan for his own political faction?
Would he be receptive to a plan for Independents put together by Chuck Schumer or Nancy Pelosi or the DNC?
Tom Rinaldo
(22,984 posts)He issued a policy agenda that he wants the Senate Democratic Caucus to enact. He is a member of that.
InAbLuEsTaTe
(24,499 posts)For some, nothing he does to support Democrats and advance progressivism will ever be good enough. They even still go after his wife for alleged wrongdoing... even those things for which she was cleared, while they look the other way when it comes to others.
R B Garr
(17,336 posts)standards and that the actions seem to go against his own standards for others, like the $500,000 to a family members woodworking school?? Has that been returned? Weve been told its all about appearances of wrongdoing, but with the Sanders, it has to be like an actual conviction or something. Much different standards it seems.
InAbLuEsTaTe
(24,499 posts)R B Garr
(17,336 posts)When you have one set of standards for Democrats but dont adhere to them yourselves, thats hypocrisy, and its noticeable.
InAbLuEsTaTe
(24,499 posts)R B Garr
(17,336 posts)them is also doing it again. No more rewriting history.
InAbLuEsTaTe
(24,499 posts)in your refusal to acknowledge, as I have explicitly stated, Al Gore's leadership on the issue of climate change policy. In case you missed it, let me repeat what I said, and I quote:
"I couldn't agree with you more, however, about Al Gore, so, I'm not sure what your beef is. He is, without a doubt, the undisputed, heavy-weight champion of the world when it comes to climate change policy."
Your refusal to accept my full-throated acknowledgment of Al Gore's sterling record of advancing the cause of climate-change policy sounds more like rewriting history to me... unless your sarcasm escapes me, in which case you have my humble apologies.
R B Garr
(17,336 posts)climate change policies when 1) they arent Bernies policies and 2) Democrats arent against them. That is rewriting history. Of course you have to acknowledge Gores accomplishments because they are unmistakeable.
No need for me to link to your own posts. Those insinuations that undermine Democrats are a big fail with voters as weve seen with the election results, too. People arent buying it.
InAbLuEsTaTe
(24,499 posts)R B Garr
(17,336 posts)people note the Sanders double standards and hypocrisy and that she had been cleared as if thats all that matters for them while they hold others to different standards.
I figured you would ignore your own posts, though. Thats why I said theres no need to link to them to continue these excuses and denials.
InAbLuEsTaTe
(24,499 posts)First, you wrongly accuse me of "insinuating that Democrats were against Bernie's climate change policies when 1) they arent Bernies policies and 2) Democrats arent against them. That is rewriting history."
I say I insinuated no such thing... and I certainly did not. Apparently, you're the one who's "rewriting history," not me, by your citing post #202 of mine as the supposed source for that "insinuation" about Bernie's climate change policies. A careful reading of that post doesn't say anything - not a SINGLE WORD, not even a hint - about Bernie's policies on climate change... not even close. Good try though.
As you apparently recognize - and are now trying to change the subject - Post #202 only mentions critics of Bernie going after his wife for alleged wrongdoing for which she was cleared... you really think that insinuates anything about Bernie's climate change policies? Really?!
I see there is no point in trying to have a serious conversation with you, as you are intent on twisting my words beyond all recognition. Perhaps, you can find someone else who will play... sorry, I'm not interested.
Have a good evening.