Bernie: "...the Inflation Reduction Act falls short... "

[867-5309.]

Link to tweet

[Fullduplexxx]

1. Major or nothing?

[BannonsLiver]

40. That's how that portion of the party works

Last edited Sat Aug 6, 2022, 02:21 PM - Edit history (1)

Either it’s 150 percent of what they want, or everything is terrible.

[ColinC]

48. Exactly. It has been the Bernie wing that killed nearly every piece of legislation

For BBB. Not the Manchin and Sinema wing.

[BannonsLiver]

49. Both can be true at the same time

But thanks for proving my point. Q.E.D.!

[ColinC]

62. Your point can only be proven with evidence.

Good luck finding evidence that Bernie or his "wing" unilaterally prevented legislation from passing in the same way Sinema and Manchin have. Somehow he has had the ability to criticize aspects of legislation he doesn't like, while showing no resistance to actually voting for it.

[walkingman]

2. A good start - hopefully if people turn out in Nov. We will have even better news in the future.

[lapucelle]

3. This is major legislation. N/T

[Scrivener7]

4. Oh, FFS. *Sigh*

[comradebillyboy]

5. Well Bernie, why don't you write a bill and get 50 Senators

to vote for it?

[stopdiggin]

8. precisely. the Senator has every right to pontificate

But everyone should make note, and highlight, that part of his speech where he says, "But I am voting for this bill .."

This is what we could get, Bernie. And what's more - you were there!

[PatSeg]

34. And this is how major legislation and change

has happened over the years. No one ever gets everything they want, so you go back to the drawing board periodically and make changes.

This is getting a bit tedious. Whenever something really good happens, there are always the few people who whine and complain, that "it isn't enough". Can't we just stop and celebrate our successes instead of raining on every parade? Anything could be better, that doesn't mean it isn't worth an applause, especially this close to the mid-term elections.

[Demsrule86]

41. The deal is set. Sen. Sanders can't change it. It can be sabataged but not changed. I suppose he

can vote against it. But I hope he won't.

[PatSeg]

47. Oh, I'm sure he will vote for it

but was it necessary to publicly complain about it? We need to be raving about all the accomplishments of this administration and Democratic congress, not grumbling about how it isn't good enough. I keep reading and hearing comments from republican voters and even some disgruntled Democrats asking "What has Biden done?" while complaining about inflation and gas prices. Whining is not good messaging if you want to win elections.

I generally hate time-worn clichés, but this one certainly applies right now: "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all". Maybe we could cheer and celebrate and show the world that Democrats actually get things done, while republicans tweet and do photo ops. We shouldn't be reluctant to flaunt our accomplishments.

[MrsCoffee]

82. That's where he feels he has found his "power".

There were times he told Harry Reid privately that he would not torpedo a bill but he would rail against it publicly. This was around the time that he "realized" he had "power" being an outside agitator.

But there have been instances where he has compromised on his own ideology. Like if it was one of his own deals.

“I would have written a very, very different bill,” Sanders said when the deal was reached. “Right now we have a crisis on our hands, and it’s imperative that we will deal with that crisis.”

That was his comment about the VA deal he worked out with McCain.

Apparently he doesn't realize we have a crisis on our hands now.

[PatSeg]

86. And I'm sure Sanders WOULD have written

a different bill and it is possible that it would have been better, but unfortunately a bill that can't be passed in Congress does not serve anyone.

I understand him publicly railing against a bill he plans to vote on, but it is bad politics to make so much anti-Democratic noise a few months before a crucial mid-term election. Maybe save the ranting until after November. There is so much at stake right now and lauding the many Democratic accomplishments should be a top priority. If republicans take back the House and the Senate, we won't see any progressive legislation for a very long time and essentially Biden will become a lame duck president.

"Apparently he doesn't realize we have a crisis on our hands now." Do you suppose he lives so much in his own bubble that he might not see that?

[Autumn]

6. Yes it falls short of what we need. Manchin and Sinema were involved in making sure of that. .

That's what the two of them do.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

13. Yup, you're EXACTLY right Autumn...

the Senate would be smart to follow Bernie's lead and maybe we would have more Senate Democrats to pass the major legislation that Bernie is touting.

[Demsrule86]

42. So we should pass nothing? This bill while not perfect has some good stuff in it...after the midterm

what if we don't have the house? We would get nothing.

[edhopper]

84. The Senate cannot folow Bernie's lead

it does not have the votes.
What ultra progressive candidate lost and in what State?

[RandiFan1290]

7. Don't take the bait, DU. nt

[Kingofalldems]

46. Yes, not hard to figure out what's going on.

[LakeArenal]

9. Bernie.... You are not helpful.

Am I allowed to say negative “stuff” about him since he’s NOT a Democrat. Not. Not. Oh
And one more thing.. He’s not a Democrat.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

14. Your right, Bernie is MORE of a Democrat; just look at his stellar progressive voting record.

[LakeArenal]

19. That's an opinion just as mine is.

And no I don't think he’s helpful at all.

I think he is a convenience democrat. Small D.

[treestar]

26. A big tent

Nobody is more of one than another.

[NYC Liberal]

32. Opposing progress in favor of perfection is not progressive.

Sanders is neither progressive nor a Democrat.

[PatSeg]

35. "Opposing progress in favor of perfection is not progressive."

That is quotable and certainly worth repeating.

[Tarheel_Dem]

71. "Opposing progress in favor of perfection is not progressive." Oh my Lord. That should be etched..

into a stone tablet. Wish I had said it.

[GoneOffShore]

85. An excellent variation on 'The Perfect is the Enemy of The Good'!

[Autumn]

21. Bernie is very helpful. More so than the democrats Manchin and Sinema

But yeah, he's not a democrat.

[LakeArenal]

22. Not at the moment he isn't.

[Autumn]

27. No he's not, but he makes a better Democrat than some democrats, like a certain couple of them.

[Tom Rinaldo]

10. It's the truth and so long as he votes for it I have no problem with him saying so

In fact I applaud him for doing so (assuming he votes for it anyway, which he will.) It's not Biden's fault that it falls short. It is still a significant advance but for the sake of most Americans much more is still needed. Best to use that as an incentive to elect more Democrats so that needed greater change is within reach.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

15. Yes, but when it comes to Bernie, regrettably, sometimes the truth takes a back seat.

[BannonsLiver]

50. You can say that again.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

52. Hahahaha, ok!! Yes, but when it comes to Bernie, regrettably, sometimes the truth takes a back seat.

[BannonsLiver]

54. No argument here!

[Tarheel_Dem]

72. I see what you did there!👌🏼

[LakeArenal]

31. It's my opinion. I don't like Bernie. I did a couple past lives ago but not now

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

53. Can't see why you say that...most peeps LOVE em some Bernie, includin me!!

[LakeArenal]

65. What are you trying to say?

I don’t like Bernie.

Especially after he and AOC said they were at war with the Democratic “Establishment”.

It’s a valid opinion because it’s an Opinion!!!

Not you and your peeps. But I have peeps that do like him and peeps who don’t.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

68. The truth is still the truth... and Bernie brings it every day like no other!

[LakeArenal]

78. No. Sorry it is still an opinion.

I think he brings contention and divisiveness.

He USED to bring it. He had used to have the best ideas. But now, my opinion is others carry that message better than he. Now he just throws bombs to bolox what is trying to get done.

That’s not truth. That’s an opinion. Just like yours is.

[Demsrule86]

44. That is a very good point. It does fall short. But we need to pass it. It is the best we can do.

[TxGuitar]

11. At least this time

we didn't let the perfect get in the way of the good.

[tinrobot]

12. Berine, why are you never happy with incremental progress?

We get that's not perfect. No legislation is ever perfect.

Stop pouring cold water on something that helps people. Jeeez.

[Autumn]

29. The problem with your incremental progress is that Republicans come along and

grab those little steps and shove them back.

[Demsrule86]

45. The didn't happen with the ACA...I can't think what the GOP has done like this but

no matter what we pass that can always happen.

[tinrobot]

57. And your Bernie-style bill means we strike out with Manchin/Sinema

Which leaves us with status quo and Republicans who will still try to shove that back.

Maybe we're not hitting a grand slam, but we're at least scoring runs. Take them.

[Autumn]

67. We strike out with Manchin and Sinema and get less than the status quo.

No one, and certainly not Bernie is saying don't fucking take it. We are saying it falls short of what is needed. And that is the truth.

[The Revolution]

60. So we should spare them the trouble

And pass nothing?

There's also nothing stopping them from reversing major legislation.

[mathematic]

16. "Dems are bad at messaging" because prominant figures shit talk major accomplishments

Things in this bill that many democrats (and non-democrats further to the left) have demanded for years:

-Corporate minimum tax
-Tax on stock buybacks
-Medicare given the power to negotiate drug prices
-Funding for projected 40% reduction to GHG by 2030
-Increased IRS funding to improve tax enforcement

It even includes deficit reduction, which is one of those things that always appeals low information swing voters, despite not being a big deal either way.

So why use this bill's passage as an excuse to say "no, it's not good enough", instead of "look at all these great things we're doing"?

So in 2 years, when Biden is running for term #2 and people are saying the dems don't do anything and you're flabbergasted at how misinformed they are remember this tweet.

[PatSeg]

36. Yes, especially right before the mid-terms

Tell the people how much good the Democratic party is doing for them instead of constantly saying, "Well, it could have been better". Words matter.

[Tarheel_Dem]

75. It's what a certain segment of the left does. Remember how Democrats wanted to.....

celebrate the passage of ACA? I don't know if you were around here back then, but you've never heard such bellyaching & pearl clutching coming from supposed "allies". Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi worked their butts off to get this bill out of the house, and when it was signed, the complaints started almost immediately. "The rollout was rocky". "It's a shit bill cuz we didn't get a public option". Some went so far as to call PBO "a piece of shit used car salesman".

I'm not sure why BS, with all his inherent powers of persuasion , isn't able to get his ideal pieces of legislation out of the Senate.

[Torchlight]

17. Sounds serious.

good lcuk

[honest.abe]

18. Thank you Bernie for throwing cold water on a major Democratic win.

[Bluesaph]

20. He just wants to be in the news

Ignore his negativity. What has he done lately? Ask him!

[we can do it]

23. The perfect is the enemy of the good.

[Zambero]

24. Something one might expect to hear from Susan Sarandon

Progress is measured incrementally, as determined by what is politically possible at any point in time. Certainly much remains to be done, and that will be more achievable by accentuating positive results. Perfection should never be the enemy of the good.

[nevergiveup]

25. Relax Bernie

we know how you feel and many of us agree with you but at the moment it is time to relax. Have a cookie, take a nap or go over to Sen. Grassley and give him a wedgie or whatever it takes to relax and lower your blood pressure. Thanks for all you do.

[treestar]

28. Bernie is bad at messaging

If he would do better we could get more wins.

[Scrivener7]

64. This. Every damn time.

[Tarheel_Dem]

76. +1. And it's the reason why he was never EVER going to be President.

[Kingofalldems]

30. If republicans don't like it it's a good thing.

[Vinca]

33. There is one thing you can say about Bernie: he'll never be satisfied.

He also doesn't appreciate the concept of getting what you can get when you can get it. Unless he has a magic wand to wave over Manchin and Sinema, he should STFU.

[PatSeg]

37. And the way to get more of what we want

is to get more Democrats elected to congress. All this complaining is not good for Democrats' image, especially before an important mid-term election. If we lose one or both houses, we won't see ANY progressive change for at least two years, which in turn will put the 2024 presidential election in jeopardy. We cannot afford to lose this upcoming election - democracy is at stake.

[onecaliberal]

38. This is NOT what we need. 🤦🏼‍♀️

[Tom Rinaldo]

39. A "Socialist" being disatisfied with how far this bill goes actually helps Democratic messaging

It undercuts Republican efforts to paint it as too "radical/" Republicans want nothing more than to cast the entire Democratic Party as under the thumb of the "radical far leftist wing" of the party. That is their messaging for the midterms. Republicans would love it if Bernie was pleased as punch with this bill.

[onecaliberal]

43. Everyone already knows it's scaled down. Otherwise they would have passed the full monte months ago

[PatSeg]

51. That's a good point

And meanwhile, this is how legislation almost always works. Experienced politicians know that or at least they should. They don't expect to get everything and often ask for more than they really want, knowing inevitably there will be compromise.

Yes, if Bernie was too effusive with his praise for the bill, republicans could easily label it Democrats' "extreme left-wing socialistic agenda". Of course, it would be best if he said nothing and just voted for the bill.

[mvd]

55. This is what I like about Bernie

He’ll vote for it and tout the good parts, but never lose sight of what should be. The bill is the best we could get right now, and I think Bernie realizes this. But never quit the fight.

[muriel_volestrangler]

56. I hope everyone noted "The good and bad of the Inflation Reduction Act" is Sander's tweet

and that he ends with

"M. President this more than 700-page bill after months of secret negotiations became public late last week. Now is the time for every member of the Senate to study this bill thoroughly and to come up with amendments and suggestions as to how we can improve it.

I look forward to being part of that process."

(text, if you don't want to listen to it all: https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/prepared-remarks-sanders-says-inflation-reduction-act-doesnt-meet-needs-of-the-american-people/ )

This is reasonable for any senator to say; he gets to suggest what he sees as improvements, just as Sinema did (though hers were done behind closed doors, after Sanders made this speech).

The many "all or nothing, huh?" or "he wants the perfect to be the enemy of the good" type posts above seem almost as if they didn't listen to, or read, him.

[edhopper]

87. And he has introduced amendment after amendment

that he knows can't pass for the bill to go forward, just to have Democrats on record that they opposed them. Even though that is not why they are voted down. They are voted down to pass the damn bill, something Sanders doesn't seem to care about. Or the Democrats holding onto the House and Senate.

[GoodRaisin]

58. I'm glad someone is keeping track of work we still have to do. Otherwise these things tend

to get lost or forgotten. And, he’s voting for what can be done now. Take what we can get now and keep on fighting for the majorities we need to fight off the special interests.

[peggysue2]

59. It's not that Bernie is off the rails and/or wrong in his complaints. But . . .

what he's doing here is absolutely not pragmatic (or helpful) when it comes to getting anything passed, anything at all.

The Democrats have been handcuffed because of two recalcitrant senators who up until this moment have refused to agree to anything worthy of a vote, anything remotely similar to Biden's agenda, the original Build Back Better Plan. The BBB vision was far more expansive in outreach and aid to the very people Bernie is talking about. But with a razor-thin majority in the Senate and two naysayers, it simply lacked the numbers.

We know this. Bernie Sanders knows this. Sorry, but this is an 'old man shouts at clouds' exercise.

Not helpful in the least!

Remedy? Enlarge our majority and make the Manchin/Sinema blockade irrelevant.

[NNadir]

61. Everyone and everything falls short of Bernie. After all, he thinks he should be President.

From my perspective, "Bernie" falls short for me, but that's my opinion.

The ability to compromise to get the possible, in order to assure that the impossible remains so, is a strength, not a weakness.

[AntivaxHunters]

63. Apparently wanting better things is bad now

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

69. Hard to believe, but nothing surprises me when it comes to undeserved Bernie bashing.

[betsuni]

70. What is "Bernie bashing"?

[Tarheel_Dem]

77. I guess it's the equivalent of "Sinema" and/or "Manchin" bashing, which happens all the time.

Trust me, I'm not a fan of either, but I do know without them, Mitch McConnell would be holding the gavel. Go figure.

[mvd]

92. I agree about the undeserved

Bernie has been working to get his plans enacted for a long time. But just like President Biden, he needs more votes. Even the President couldn’t get all he wanted with Build Back Better.

And he praised the American Rescue Plan up and down. He praises Democratic bills/laws a lot.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

93. He sure does, which is just one of many reasons Bernie is so popular with voters.

[Bettie]

73. Yeah, Manchin/Sinema are willing to give a few crumbs

we're supposed to say "thank you" and never, ever suggest that we could get anything more.

I'm glad something is being passed, but let's not pretend it is even close to being what Biden originally suggested.

But, god forbid anyone stand up and say "it could have been a lot better".

I'm still not convinced Sinema won't kill it in the end anyway, so there's that too. She's awfully cozy with the worst of the Republicans.

[MrsCoffee]

81. Difference between saying it could have been a lot better

and being destructive.

Republicans are using Bernie's "so-called inflation reduction act" pet name in their tweets and surely in upcoming ads. He tries to say both parties are the same. He rails against the democratic party except when he needs their infrastructure for his presidential runs.

Not seeing how he's helping here.

[betsuni]

96. Absolutely says both parties are the same.

[edhopper]

89. Apparently

complaining about a big accomplishment and trying to make the Democrats look bad is bad now.

[treestar]

90. It is one thing to wan them and a different thing

to criticize others for not getting it in the current political environment - with the current Senate. It is one thing to act as if Republicans don't have any seats or any power. Most of the Democrats in the Senate want these things. But they can't just have them with that many Republicans in the Senate.

People who want better need to convince voters to vote for progressive Senators, in states where they don't have them now. That's a tall order, so it is so much easier just to complain.

[betsuni]

66. I watched the clip without sound and imagined Larry David complaining about things.

[we can do it]

74. Once again the perfect is the enemy of the good.

[bigtree]

79. he's going to vote for the bill

...so, meh.

Link to tweet

Link to tweet

[gulliver]

83. Bernie's criticism will help the bill's image, intentionally or not

Manchin and Sinema being for the bill and Sanders criticizing it from the left will help inoculate it against Republican attacks. It's exactly the kind of bill Biden promised. Republicans are going to look bad voting against it.

[48656c6c6f20]

88. The Independent Senator from Vermont

Has never met a Democratic bill that he couldn't shit on. His disdain of democrats is nauseating, and makes one wonder why he isn't persona non grata at a website that promotes and supports Democrats.

[Nixie]

91. +1000

[Mr.Bill]

94. Maybe a little off topic

but let's not lose sight of how different things would be if a whole lot of people in Georgia hadn't waited in line for hours to elect two Senators. This is where our power comes from, and we can't afford to forget that in November.

[betsuni]

95. +1

[myohmy2]

98. this...

...Progressives want 'all or nothing' argument is a red herring...

...it's lack of Party discipline...

...if the Party would have unified around the agenda most Dems wanted we would have gotten the BBB...

...but we didn't...