Fetterman urges Democrats to talk like 'regular' people instead of talking about 'oligarchs'

[Celerity]

‘American Oligarchs!’ MSNBC’s Stephanie Ruhle Clashes With John Fetterman On Trump Helping Rich Allies

https://www.mediaite.com/tv/american-oligarchs-msnbcs-stephanie-ruhle-clashes-with-john-fetterman-on-trump-helping-rich-allies/

Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) pushed back as MSNBC’s Stephanie Ruhle pressed him to criticize President Donald Trump’s relationship to billionaires like Elon Musk. In the extended version of their Tuesday MSNBC interview for The 11th Hour, Ruhle noted that Trump’s administration is the “wealthiest in modern history” and asked Fetterman if we are creating “American oligarchs.”

Fetterman suggested Musk and others aligning themselves like Trump are motivated by more than just simply making money. He also urged Democrats to begin using language that doesn’t involve words like “oligarch.” “I would just ask democrats to start talking like a regular person. Most people don’t know what an oligarch is,” the senator said.



snip

[synni]

1. Clueless! - nt

[Johonny]

103. Yup, Oligarchs are what real people are talking about

[dutch777]

2. Not a bad point but oligarch is easier to say than fat cat rich white guy with a bad comb over.

[Bobstandard]

27. 'Rich fucks' works for me. nt

[atreides1]

3. What a tool

[sop]

4. I'm worried for Fetterman.

[BonnieJW]

62. His hoodies

Sucked all the oxygen out of his brain

[harumph]

5. I'd like to convey some "regular language" to the good senator...

but we have working guard rails on this site.

[lame54]

6. Do you know what an asshole is?

[bluestarone]

7. Glad that at this point, there is only

ONE john fetterman.

[Think. Again.]

10. Look into jared golden from Maine.

[Celerity]

25. & Henry Cuellar (under indictment for bribery, money laundering, working on behalf of a foreign government, conspiracy)

Forced birther (votes that way), Biden and Pelosi basher, campaigned/fundraised for racist, climate change denier Rethug John Carter against his Dem opponent, voted with Trump almost 70 per cent of the time in Trump's first 2 years, amongst the top House recipients for big oil and private prison donations, etc etc.

[Autumn]

96. Dem leadership knew what was going on.

Top Dems thumbed their nose at women's rights with Cuellar endorsement
The Democratic Party claims to support women's bodily autonomy, but its leadership backed a staunch anti-abortion candidate in a contentious primary.

If establishment Democrats have some grand strategy behind endorsing a conservative, anti-abortion, gun-loving Democrat during a time of rampant gun death and widespread attacks on women’s bodily autonomy, we’ve yet to hear it.

Nonetheless, top House Democrats like Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland and Democratic Caucus Chair Hakeem Jeffries of New York all lent their endorsements to incumbent Rep. Henry Cuellar in the primary for Texas’s 28th Congressional District. On Tuesday, a recount affirmed Cuellar eked out a victory over progressive challenger Jessica Cisneros by a mere 289 votes.

Cuellar has maintained support from Democratic leadership, despite his home being raided earlier this year as part of a federal investigation. (His attorney has said Cuellar is not the target of the probe.) The raid, along with Cuellar’s conservative record, had progressive lawmakers fuming over his endorsements — and for good reason.

As the Democratic Party touts its stances on abortion rights and gun safety, Cuellar is an outlier. He’s voted against expanding federal abortion rights and believes the procedure should only be available in cases of rape, incest and danger to life of the mother. And as progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York laid out in a series of tweets in May, Cuellar has been endorsed and heavily financed by the National Rifle Association, which opposes just about every gun safety measure introduced in Congress.

https://www.msnbc.com/the-reidout/reidout-blog/henry-cuellar-nancy-pelosi-abortion-rcna34732

[Celerity]

97. Absolutely. That left a very bitter taste in my mouth.

That seat, in it's entire history, has never once went Red, and was gerrymandred more Blue post 2020.

Cuellar's endorsement, plus his fundraising/campaigning for the MAGAt POS John Carter (in a sort of competitive seat against a good, solid Dem, MJ Hegar, whom Cuellar ratfucked, Carter only won with 50.6% of the vote) was actually attempted to explained away by some of the prog-haters.

Can you imagine what would happen if AOC went and endorsed and fundraised for some Rethug House candidate (or some third party spoiler) against a Dem in the general? Those same people who excused away Cuellar would flay her alive. Some those same anti-progs also tried to excuse away Manchin, when he endorsed Concern Collins over the Democrat Sara Gideon, in the ME US Senate general, plus Manchin helped that POS Collins fundraise via mailers, etc).

[Autumn]

99. It did me too. I have never felt the same since that happened.

[RJ-MacReady]

8. I have my issues with him

But in this point he is correct. No more scripted answers no more politically correct answers. Speak planely and off the cuff. One of thr biggest issues people had with Kamala was appearing too scripted. People are stupid and it's time Democrats acknowledge this.

[Think. Again.]

14. There really is only certain words to use...

...to name certain things, like "oligarch".

[RJ-MacReady]

16. I agree

But again voters are largely stupid and can't read about a 6th grade level according to a study.

[whathehell]

29. No, you could substitute something like..

'Dictatorship by the Uber Rich or Super Rich..They'd get the idea.
I'm not a fan of Fetterman of late, but he's absolutely right about the need to be understood by people you're trying to win over..That should be patently obvious.

[Think. Again.]

35. Dems DO use those phrases also, a lot.

...what fetterman is trying to do is to take the importance and seriousness out of our messaging.

An "oligarch" is a serious threat to Democracy, a rich asshole sounds relatively harmless.

[whathehell]

47. I rarely, if ever hear those words used by Dems

I understand how serious a threat to democracy oligarchs are, but one fails to get that across if the listener doesn't know what an "oligarch" or "oligarchy" is.
To the average person, "dictatorship" sounds just as threatening as the "o word", and its closer to its meaning than "rich asshole".

[Think. Again.]

51. This all seems very petty, but...

...as I mentioned, fetterman is trying to water down the messaging by using more bland and commonplace words for things that are far from bland and commonplace.

[whathehell]

64. I'm sorry, but I disagree..

Fetterman aside, a number of other more reliable democrats have given the same advice...We must remember that everyone is not a college graduate and many are unfamiliar with terms like "misogyny" or "oligarchy". Sure, they can be 'explained', but in the short run it's easier and more practical to use commonly used words like "sexism" or "dictatorship'.
Our goals must be kept in mind...We're not holding a salon where people are competing to speak the most erudite language -- We're trying to get votes

[Think. Again.]

65. And a number of other strong Dems...

...are pushing very hard for a unified resistance and opposition to the fascist take over of the U.S., which fetterman has AGREED to with his "yes" votes for rightwing extremists that are simply not qualified for the cabinet positions he has voted for them to have.

[whathehell]

71. Uh huh, and as I said, I'm not a fan of Fetterman's

I simply agreed with one of his statements, one that is totally unrelated to the actions you mention above..

[travelingthrulife]

73. Been there, done that. It won't matter what words are used, people will complain

loudly about Democrats when it is the GOP doing the damage. They are a cult.

[whathehell]

74. Yeah, I've 'been' and 'done' a lot too, but I'm

afraid I don't align with that pessimistic assessment. Have a good one.

[58Sunliner]

110. It's gaslighting and definitely "both sides" bs.

[ChazII]

75. I also agree with you. n/t

[58Sunliner]

108. Too scripted? She thought through her answers, she is educated, what was she supposed to do?

Pretend to be stupid? Open mouth, insert ass like DT?

[Happy Hoosier]

9. What a disappointment

I had high hopes for him. He's become Joe Manchin.

[617Blue]

11. Please switch parties so the media will ignore you.

[Solly Mack]

12. Are regular people anything like real people?

I think maybe I'll stick with the irregular people and the unreal people.

[WinstonSmith4740]

13. OK...

How does does "selfish, ego-maniacal, evil dicks" sound, John? I'll bet people understand all those words.

[bob4460]

17. He has got to go

These backstabbing so-called Democrats was the reason why all the good legislation get shot down, he is the new Manchin , so he has be primaried

[poli-junkie]

18. I want to know why Fetterman went down

to Merde de Lago? What quid pro quo’s were exchanged? Ever since then he’s been slinking toward MAGA…

[Yavin4]

19. He cares more about big money donors than voters.

He's messaging big money donors here.

[Kid Berwyn]

20. How about "Billionaires"?

Is it OK to talk about them?

Asking for the former government of the USA, We the People.

[hlthe2b]

21. Yes, he has a minor point, but I honestly do not believe most Americans' vocabulary ended in 1st grade...

especially after decades of hearing about Putin and his oligarchs that kept him in power. Yes, I know we are currently an all too shallow and undereducated society, generally speaking- caring more about celebrity culture and prepared, targeted political memes than most anything else, but... Fetterman, is that all who you surround yourself with? I absolutely do not believe that is the overwhelming population of Pennsylvania...

[Wanderlust988]

22. Fetterman is actually correct.

I heard Bernie on TV complaining that the USA was headed for a kleptocracy. I'm an educated person and I found myself looking up the definition of it. The man does have a point! We need to start using plain language to get our point across.

[BannonsLiver]

24. Agree. Much of DU is a bit out of touch on plain language.

From what I hear outside our bubble the most common terms seem to be “rich assholes” or “greedy rich assholes.”

I don’t hear “oligarchs” from people IRL very often.

[Think. Again.]

28. ....and the dumbing down of America continues.

[Wanderlust988]

83. Yep, the most voters are dumb, so you need to appeal to them. We need to stop speaking like professors

[Think. Again.]

90. Hmm, call them dumb then say you're trying to appeal to them.

[RJ-MacReady]

94. They are dumb

And yes we also need to appeal to them I don't see the issue here.

[58Sunliner]

113. We don't speak like professors. Even maga knows what an oligarch is.

[Wiz Imp]

37. My first thought was to call them rich bastards.

Fetterman is right about another thing. Some rich people (Musk & Trump for example) do care about more than money. At this point, I think the power is even more important to them (because they think they can use it to make unlimited amounts of money.

[DFW]

87. I'm no fan of Fetterman's and I speak nine languages

But I agree here. You preach to the choir if it’s the day before election day and you’re up by fifteen points. If you’re fighting for your political life, you speak their language or your message risks falling on too many ears who won’t relate to your message.

[58Sunliner]

112. Bernie has said it numerous ways. Plain language is what?

[The Third Doctor]

23. Fetterman should STFU

[spanone]

26. I urge Fetterman to STFU..

[RainCaster]

30. I find "oligarch" to be more kind than "motherfucker"

Just a thought.

[robleb]

31. The picture of...

unstable mental health. Go away Fetterman!

[clevergrrrl]

32. That guy does not look healthy

Ive always thought his body morphology is messed up. I think thats the real reason for the sweats

[H2O Man]

33. He is such

a disappointment.

[Phoenix61]

34. Bernie is packing them in on his anti-oligarchy tour.

Seems quite a few know exactly what the word means.

[Initech]

36. Should we call them treason weasels instead?

[RockRaven]

38. If "regular people" don't know what an oligarch is, maybe THAT is the fucking thing

which needs to change, not other Democrats' word choices.

[Celerity]

43. +100

[BannonsLiver]

49. I'm not holding my breath.

[JI7]

67. If you are waiting for people to become more educated that's not going to happen

[DFW]

86. But who is going to force them to change?

We’re not going to force anyone, so then who?

[Doodley]

39. Instead of answering the very serious and relevant question, he seemed to attack the interviewer for using the word

oligarch, and that is also a direct attack on Bernie Sanders' Oligarchy tour, and then he conflated Trump's attempt to turn America into an oligarchy with benevolent billionaires who support Democratic values.

[Bettie]

40. Perhaps he would prefer Robber Baron?

Rich asshole? Selfish dickhead? I can think of many more, but Fetterman must hang exclusively with people without any education.

Or is he just trying to curry favor with the orange man in hopes of getting some special favor or something. He really does seem to want to suck up to Orange and the Muskrat.

[Sorceress]

41. That's the problem...

The fact that Americans don’t even know the definition of an oligarch is part of the problem.

[bluesbassman]

42. Well he got one thing spot on, Musk and the oligarchs around 46 1/2 are motivated by more than making money.

They want to destroy our democracy and government, vest all power in their hands, and control as much of the population as they can.

[Bread and Circuses]

44. I Never like him, the hoodie and ripped shorts was his costume....to hide his BS

[PortTack]

45. FU!! Why don't you talk like a democrat? Or were you always just a gop in disguise?

[ananda]

46. Arrggh.. that's rich coming from a Trumpbud.

Sheesh

[Vinca]

48. Does he realize he's telling us to talk down to people? I'm really over this guy.

[poli-junkie]

50. In this clip Fetterman has such

disorganized thinking. Is that a result of his stroke? His Joe-six-pack persona is refreshing coming from a senator, just saying.

[Celerity]

54. he has never remotely been the same since the stroke, I am not a medical doctor, but I do not think one needs a medical

degree at all to see he is damaged goods

Gang Of Four - Damaged Goods ·

Entertainment! LP

℗ 1979 Gang Of Four

[Cheezoholic]

52. Like a trailer park drunk who hits the lottery me thinks theres some big right wing cash tickeling his wallet

When you become a Senator there is so much money thrown at you any more unless you have very strong morals and fortitude it is so easy to turn to the dark side. I think their are forces at play here behind his curtain that we may not see.

[no_hypocrisy]

53. God, is he delusional.

[bucolic_frolic]

55. Ok. Pennsylvania doofus said what?

Make it so they's can understand it.

[SamKnause]

56. Corrupt rich fucks works for me.

[maptap22]

57. We are criticized for calling them stupid

and now we have to treat them like they are??? Oligarchs is not a difficult word and there is a thing called “google” if they are stumped. 🙄

[flamingdem]

58. He is not officially

a Putin party supporter. Sad to see.

[Passages]

59. He has no agenda here, none.

[Voltaire2]

60. Redacted.

[delisen]

61. Sometimes we have to learn new words. Humans can do this.

The ability to learn new words is useful in defending and maintaining a democracy.

John Fetterman, you are in a unique position to teach this word to Pennsylvanians.

You may find that many of them already have this word in their vocabulary.

[Blue Owl]

63. Let's not help MAGA dumb the country down even more

[CentralMass]

66. Send that man a case of chapstick.

[Captain Zero]

68. This MeatHead is my biggest donation regret

Who knew.
No balls at all.

[Comrade Citizen]

69. OK, I'll call them white trash with cash. nt

[BlueKota]

107. I like this a lot

[ShazamIam]

70. Dear Pennsylvania, Democratic party, please primary this not very Democratic leaning imposter. nt

[alarimer]

72. Most Dems aren't as dumb as you, Fetterman.

I'm sorry if the words are too big for you.

[claudette]

76. And I would

urge Fetterman to stop talking like a magat.

[Raven123]

77. Bernie is doing just fine using "oligarchs" in his rallies

I would suggest Fetterman do the same. The more it is used and defined, the more people would understand it. If necessary, I am sure Bernie would explain it to John.

[claudette]

78. By now

most people with a brain know the meaning of that word so it’s an accurate description of Dumpy’ and Eloon

[Raven123]

80. Here's an idea. Fetterman and Sanders should hold simultaneous rallies

Any bets on who draws more attendees?

[claudette]

81. No bets

😊 We’re both on the same side !!

[dchill]

79. I would urge Fetterman to talk like a Democrat...

...but I've ceased to believe he has it in him.

[milestogo]

82. Fetterman should talk like a Democrat and vote like one.

[Quixote1818]

84. How about using the term robber barons? Seems a bit more self descriptive. nt

[LudwigPastorius]

85. So, Fetterman says he would sit down and have a beer with anybody who "talked straight"?

How can he possible reconcile that with the congenital liar Trump?

Not to mention, the fact that Trump is also a felon, racist, insurrectionist, sexual assailant, thief, and general shithead....

I agree with another poster that Fetterman doesn't seem mentally "all there" in this interview.

[Buns_of_Fire]

88. He may be right, but "filthy rich sleazeball motherfuckers"

won't make it past too many editors.

[Babajida]

89. It's actually a smart way to tie the current administration to Russia

And wtf happened to Fetterman?

[eShirl]

91. I'd be pleased if all Democrats talked like AOC. n/t

[malaise]

92. I've been finished with him ages ago.

That is all

[eShirl]

93. bloodsuckers, leeches, vampires, parasites, the economic elite

[eShirl]

95. He'd rather sit and bitch instead of jump in and help.

[Emile]

98. Deliberate Dumbing Down of America.

[Butterflylady]

100. I don't think he will run again....

He doesn't care for being a Senator. That's why he was diagnosed with severe depression. He needs to resign.

[walkingman]

101. A very outspoken and disappointing Representative.

[Hope22]

102. John you are wrong. The folks filling the seats for Bernie seem to understand the word just fine!

Get with the program. You are a complete disappointment.

[SSJVegeta]

104. Oligarch is a word that has not been incredibly relevant to American vocabulary until recently

But now that it is, it should and will be a household term.

[BlueKota]

105. Hey John let me simply things for your illiterate

magat besties! 🖕 I understand reading and language comprehension is not fundamental for the vast majority of them.

Funny how so many of them condemn immigrants for not using and understanding English correctly when most of them are barely capable of those things themselves.

[travelingthrulife]

106. He said that to avoid the question. He loves Trump and the oligarchy.

So Americans can't learn 'new' words? I know I learned it in high school.

[Hornedfrog2000]

109. They must of hacked Johns

Onlyfans account and found what hes been watching? Little kompromant? Remember how Russia hacked republicans in 2015 before the election? A round of golf for linsey graham certainly turned him around quickly too.

[Rebl2]

111. I guess

Fetterman thinks adult Americans are to dumb to look up or know what an oligarch is. Fairly sure most adults know what they are.

[BeyondGeography]

114. Can we go with "pirates"?

Or does Fetterman think we should avoid the issue of the billionaire-iocracy entirely?

One point about oligarchy, if Bernie is going to stick with this term he should at least learn how to pronounce it: Oh-ligarchy not Ah-ligarchy.

[58Sunliner]

115. He is avoiding the questions, and is talking like a gaslighting republican-we are "hyperventilating, performative."

We shouldn't call Trump a fascist because "we have 48 months". I guess we should wait till when?? He is downplaying the seriousness of what is happening and the risk to the US. RESIGN.