Has Any Presidential Candidate - Repug Or Dem - Endorsed Bernie's Suggestion For Debates?........

[global1]

Have any of them made any comments negatively about Bernie's suggestion?

I think Bernie's suggestion for debates is sound and makes a lot of sense - but I also think that none of the other candidates would agree with it. So I'm curious if any of them endorsed this suggestion and like it?

[Lil Missy]

1. What was the suggestion?

[global1]

3. Check Out This Link Of Bernie's Letter To The DNC......

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10141107611

[Kalidurga]

2. I haven't heard anything like about that.

I do have an suggestion in addition to holding pre-primary debates. I think that if the media won't do it maybe a college or two could sponsor some debates and see if a cable channel might air the debates. I am thinking MSNBC might do it.

[MADem]

4. I think it's a fine idea. Don't know if the national committees or debate

sponsors would buy off, but I know I'd watch the things if they did them!

[yeoman6987]

5. I doubt the republicans would go with it after 2012

Where their debate schedule hurt many of the candidates or so they believe that.

[merrily]

6. If anyone wants to sign Bernie's online petition for more debates, here is the link.

https://go.berniesanders.com/page/s/debates?source=em150605c

[sabrina 1]

8. Thank you, I think it's an excellent idea, especially since we are being told that the debates will

controlled and any candidate who participates in a free debate will be punished. I think that is what prompted Bernie to make this request.

It is ludicrous to try to 'protect' candidates from allowing the public to see where they stand on the issues.

As he said, 'the Republicans get away with murder' because the voters don't realize what they are up to and debates would expose them for what they are.

[merrily]

9. Yes. Moreover, elections are not about only candidates. The 1st Amendment includes a right to know.

The whole concept of public education is based on the need of a citizenry that votes to know and the need of a society in which citizens vote to have its citizens know.

[sabrina 1]

10. Yes, things have been turned upside down in this country. Elections in a democracy are about the

PEOPLE. Candidates are merely other people applying for a job. And if you want a job you better have your records ready to show the employer or don't expect to get that job.

Of course we don't live in a democracy anymore. Money rules this country right now.

Bernie is TEACHING the people that it doesn't have to be that way by publicly challenging the 'system'.

Because he is a real leader. We have so few of them.

[merrily]

11. Shall we say, there are leaders and then there are leaders.

Some leaders know very well how to lead, but following them would not be a good idea.

[sabrina 1]

16. One thing that distinguishes a good leader from a bad leader, is the ability to foresee

the results of a bad decision, iow, good judgement, and then the courage to put that judgement into action. Bernie has more than demonstrated his Judgement and his Courage when he accurately predicted the harm that would be done if the US invaded Iraq and then voted against it, and furthermore the threat to our Constitutional Rights the Patriot Act posed, and once again had the courage to vote against it.

He's the first candidate since 9/11 who imo, due to his good judgment WHEN IT WAS NEEDED, who has a record to prove that he is not just spouting words, he stood by those words when it was not easy to do so.

[merrily]

17. Voted against Gramm, Leach, Blilely, aka repeal of Glass Steagall as well.

I'm guessing he also voted against DOMA, though I haven't checked.

Of course, I don't agree with every single vote of his, but that is never going to happen with any politician. Hell, even if I were in office, I'd probably have to take some votes I didn't like. So, it's funny that people who have been posting to me about a ponies and unicorns for years now impute Bernie's votes on every issue to me. In any event, I do agree with a lot of his votes and I can't think of many votes that are more important than war votes and human rights votes.

[sabrina 1]

19. He did vote against DOMA, one of only approx 60 to do so. He supported Gay Marriage in line with his

consistent view that ALL AMERICANS are ENTITLED to equal rights under the law.

20 years ago when he supported Gay Marriage, few Dems had even begun to 'evolve' on the issue.

Again demonstrating that foresight I mentioned above. Too bad his colleagues, beholden to their corporate funders, have been so unwilling to support him and the few others, when their 'judgement' was most needed.

I support him for all of the above reasons and because we so desperately need a real change before it is too late.

[ZX86]

18. The idea that the parties dictate the parameters of debates is absurb.

The customers (i.e. voters) should be making those decisions. When you apply for a job you don't decide when and where your interview will be and who gets to interview you. What questions can be asked and who else is allowed to apply for the job.

Debates should be sponsored by non-partisan civic groups and a wide variety of news organizations from different political persuasions. Political parties should have a role to play but should not be the final arbiters.

What is also very disturbing is the recent habit of a single moderator who is chosen purely on their status of being a media celebrity. There used to be a panel of journalists from various backgrounds and media outlets asking questions. Having one White, rich millionaire, asking other White, rich, millionaires questions of concern to the billionaires that fund the lot of them is a joke.

[sabrina 1]

20. Yes these people are applying for a job, they don't seem to remember WHO their potential employers

are likely to be.

It is absurd to tell those from you are seeking employment that you will not provide them with your qualifications for that job,

THAT will likely not even get you an interview, let alone get you the job.

[jwirr]

12. Already done. The whole idea was to get some of the debates in areas that are not used to seeing

Democratic presidential candidates - like Texas. The idea of mixed debates was to create more interest in a time when so many are dropping out of the system and no longer vote. IMO this is a great idea and would help any nominee. But apparently what we think once again does not matter.

[merrily]

13. Well, Bernie is fighting for it. At the very least, that is shining a light on the issue.

[jwirr]

14. THAT is why we love him.

[merrily]

15. Yes, one of many reasons!

[raouldukelives]

7. I am always in favor of more intelligent discourse. Our future demands it. Now more than ever. nt