BREAKING: The Democratic power structure, from top to bottom supports Hillary

[cali]

And damn straight, skippy, that includes the DNC. It also includes dem affiliated think tanks. Evidently, the only people who don't know this are some Hillary supporters. I'm not saying it shouldn't- well, except for the DNC, which is supposed to remain neutral, and could do a better job pretending it's impartial. In any case, Clinton supporters should be happy as this kind of help from the DNC, Think Progress, Media Matters, etc., is invaluable. But the denial that this is true? Laughable.

[hrmjustin]

1. The DNC should stay out of it for fairness.

[cali]

3. that would be nice, but it's just not how it really works.

And honestly, I get it from their perspective

[Rex]

7. Or support ALL the democratic candidates...not rocket science.

I will never get the division from our party leaders...at a time when we need to be unified THE MOST.

[randys1]

64. I was looking for a link or some sort of official announcement, dont see one

The truth is Bernie becomes stronger with every passing day, and I honestly believe the more the establishment does not support him, the more the rank and file will.

I adamantly support WHOEVER the candidate is on our side.

[kentuck]

2. But do the Democratic grassroots support the Democratic power structure?

...is the question.

[Scuba]

20. Certainly the grass roots do not support the policies pushed by the party powers.

[pnwmom]

4. It's hardly surprising that the "Democratic power structure" supports a candidate

who was a Senator and a Secretary of State, and who opinion polls consistently show has the support of a solid majority of Americans.

[cali]

8. no. it's not, but there is a lot of denial that the DNC is functioning as if she were an incumbent

[truedelphi]

39. Thanks, cali. This discussion is important.

And I tried during 2012 to point out that any of us who consider themselves to be "grassroots" needed to be carefully following what went on in terms of the Republican Party primaries, and the Ron Paul supporters meeting an unenviable fate, due to the entrenched interests of the "R" party.

When you followed those goings on, it was astounding to note the cheating that went on with Paul's libertarian supporters having their votes dismissed, and not counted, and false results announced etc.

But my call to pay attention to both the tremendous knowledge of the primary process that the Paul supporters demonstrated, and what happened to them in the end, all that was seen as a call for voting for Paul, which was not my intent.

It is very hard for the grassroots people in either party to takeover the established and controlling interests, and we need all the available lessons on how to do this.

Clicking our heels and saying three times "I want Bernie Sanders" is not going to do it.

We need to know how to take advantage of the primary process, and all its very intricate protocols and processes, and that knowledge and ability has to come about right now, and not in 2016.

[AgingAmerican]

10. While pretending her main Democratic rival doesn't exist....

That's the surprising part. It's the sort of shit the Republican party does to it's candidates.

[pnwmom]

11. How are they doing that? Bernie's going to be in the debates, right?

And O'Malley?

[AgingAmerican]

24. By pretending he doesn't exist

They are trying NOT to have debates with him. Why do you think that is?

[pnwmom]

35. Not true. The Democratic party has Bernie's photo on their official site right beside Hillary.

That's a pretty funny way of pretending he doesn't exist.

http://www.democrats.org

And he will be participating in all of the debates, along with the other candidates.

Why are you pretending otherwise?

[Jumpin Jack Flash]

41. Then why the exclusivity and the limit of only 6 debates?

It's not enough, and the exclusivity rule only benefits one candidate.

[pnwmom]

44. Because six debates is plenty for the vast majority of Democrats.

Only DUers and other unusually active political people have an unlimited appetite for them.

It's an insult to Bernie to act as if he can't get his strengths across in 6 debates. Have you ever seen him debate?

[Jumpin Jack Flash]

48. Apparently it doesn't insult Bernie, but Bernie is correct

about the need for more debates.

28 debates in 2008 on *BOTH* sides.

Why not now?

[pnwmom]

54. 28? And how many people watched more than a handful? I'd still like to know

why you think Bernie can't get his message across in half a dozen debates, as one of only 4 (so far) candidates?

[AgingAmerican]

74. Debates are Democratic

It's how Democracy works. If you want to choke the debates, then there are ulterior motives.

[pnwmom]

75. The ulterior motive is save money that can be better spent against the Rethugs.

Bernie will have plenty of time to make his case against that very small field.

You don't seem to have any real confidence in his ability to come across well. He's an excellent debater. You're not giving him enough credit.

[awoke_in_2003]

98. I support Bernie

But the argument that having only six debates helping Hillary is nuts.

[AgingAmerican]

5. A Libertarian friend of mine

We met for breakfast on Sunday. Politics came up and he said he is excited to support Bernie. He kept comparing Bernie to Rand Paul and said that Bernie is more realistic and seems a lot more grounded.

He said it is odd finding himself supporting a Socialist, which is something he has opposed most of his adult life. He said that Bernie is probably our last realistic chance to slow down or stop what this country has become.

I was pretty surprised to hear this coming out of him.

[tiredtoo]

47. Glad to hear that

I have been reaching out to many libertarian friends in an effort to gain their support for Bernie.
Carry on, carry on.

[Volaris]

55. I'm not.

I'm of the opinion that most Paul supporters, simply didn't know they had somewhere else to go.
And before Bernie's entrance into the race, they didnt.
If word spreads that indeed they do have that place now, that's the difference between winning and losing the General.
The Primary fight is on us.
Let's make it happen.

[AgingAmerican]

73. He said he supported Paul on two issues

Domestic spying and foreign conflicts.

He admitted that Paul is a crackpot on a lot of other issues.

He was impressed that Bernie doesn't have to turn and twist in the wind on issues. He believes what he says and walks the talk.

[MineralMan]

6. Hardly surprising. Most Democratic Voters Do, Too.

It's a tough thing to overcome for challengers, I think.

Good luck to them. I hope it's an exciting primary race.

[GoneOffShore]

90. Interesting. All the Democrats I've talked to here in Philadelphia are supporting Bernie.

And I talk to a lot of Democrats.

Plus almost every independent I've spoken to is supporting Bernie.

So, here I am in Philadelphia, with a large Democratic majority, and you're saying "most Democratic voters" support Ms Clinton.

I guess I don't get out enough. Or I'm talking to the wrong people.

The sentiment that I'm hearing is that HRC has too much baggage, feels she's entitled to the nomination and has the backing of the big banks.

She'd make a great Supreme Court Justice as a friend to big business.

As President, she'd really continue the slide that Bill put us on when he signed NAFTA, et. al.

[MineralMan]

94. Your sample is too small. That's why we have

companies that do polling. Look at the polls of Democrats.

[Tarheel_Dem]

9. As do the actual voters. You know, us rank-n-file "Democrats"? Get outside the echo chamber.

[hootinholler]

12. The real question is

Will the DNC sandbag Bernie after he wins the primary?

They have sandbagged so many candidates for the house, especially in the midterms.

[Nay]

87. Yeah, that's what I wonder, too. God knows that any Dem who ran against

Eric Cantor here in VA never got a dime from ANY national Dem organization. Even when Cantor got ousted by fellow RWer Brat, nobody from DC supplied his Dem challenger with even a penny. Brat was supplied with about $10 million from the Pub Party's national organizations. Why does that happen? Until we find out why, we will keep losing.

[hootinholler]

88. Ask Schultz

I know nothing!

[Art_from_Ark]

95. LOL

[Kingofalldems]

13. Isn't this basically the same OP as the earlier one?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10026804252

Freaking non stop attack on Democrats. Getting old, and not fooled BTW.

[cali]

14. why no.

[dembotoz]

15. we went thru something similar in wisconsin with an annointed candidate against walker

and we all know how well that turned out

[NCTraveler]

22. One was posted from a pc.

The other from a tablet.

Completely different.

[Kingofalldems]

23. I get it.

That's the only difference.

[boston bean]

16. "damn straight, skippy, that includes the DNC"

hmmmmm..........

[NCTraveler]

17. Really wouldn't be surprised if the "Democratic power structure"....

Had warm and fuzzy feelings over one of the most prominent and steadfast leaders we have in the party. With few exceptions, Hillary has been well within the party platform and is one of the loudest voices for positive change in the country. Hillary has shown up countless times for lesser known candidates attempting to help them catapult to the next level. She lends her time, money, and support to continue to build the party. Yet some are shocked that she would be loved and even given a slight hand by those she has successfully supported for decades. I fully expect, at points, that O'Malley will also gain favor. I have no clue why this would shock anyone. The "Democratic power structure" supports those who want it to grow.

[Eleanors38]

18. i'm so-o-o-o surprised. nt

[Cali_Democrat]

19. The primary/caucus voters will decide the Democratic nominee, not the DNC power structure

I have faith in the Democratic primary voters. They are extremely well-informed and knowledgeable about politics.

May the best candidate win.

[Angry Dragon]

21. It is so nice to have the people in power telling us who to vote for

[MoonRiver]

29. Nobody is telling you anything except cali.

I'd like to know where the evidence is that the DNC endorses Hillary Clinton.

[peacebird]

78. The chair of DNC publicly called Bernie "crazy" this week. Last week the finance chair of DNC

Held a fundraiser for Hillary - which goes against DNC rules for impartiality.
The DNClinton wants its coronation, and appears a little surprised by the reception to Bernie thus far.

[pnwmom]

37. The DNC is featuring Bernie on their main page right next to Hillary

along with O'Malley and Chaffee.

Where on their site are they telling you who to vote for?

http://www.democrats.org

[JoePhilly]

40. Bastards are trying to TRICK us!!!!

[nichomachus]

25. Democratic power structure

From Goldman Sachs all the way down to Caterpillar Tractor, Inc.

[CentralMass]

26. DNC <- Do Not Call

[onecaliberal]

31. DNC<<<--- Do Not Contribute!

[CentralMass]

32. fI think I like yours better

[peacebird]

79. DNC- Democrats Nominate Clinton

[Jackpine Radical]

85. Democrats Nominating Clinton

[elleng]

27. No shit, sherlock.

[hifiguy]

28. Nice that they are trying to make the primary voters' minds up for us

before the campaign ever gets fully underway.

To hell with them.

[on point]

30. My guess is they are all looking for positions in her administration. Ambition before the 99%

[DemocratSinceBirth]

33. She has served our party tirelessly for four decades...

She has served our party tirelessly for four decades so the support shouldn't be surprising.

[davidn3600]

36. So in other words...she's entitled to the nomination?

What the hell kind of democracy is this?

[DemocratSinceBirth]

82. See #81./NT

[cantbeserious]

62. And That Confers Her A Coronation

eom

[DemocratSinceBirth]

81. I don't think I said she's entitled to a coronation./NT

[cantbeserious]

83. Maybe Not One Specifically - Judging By Other HRC Supporters - This One Has That Impression

eom

[Jumpin Jack Flash]

93. Sure as hell sounds like one..

4 RED FLAGS ON CORONATION OF ONE HILLARY CLINTON BY DNC

1) DNC Treasurer organized a fundraiser for Clinton in violation of the party rules
2) Implemented EXCLUSIVITY rule for debates - No Democratic Party has ever done this up now. It is normally used in Republican debates. It now prevents candidates from going outside of the 6 SANCTIONED DEBATES (when there was at *LEAST* 28 debates)
3) DNC Member called Sanders 'crazy' and has not resigned yet of party ethic violations.
4) DNC refusing to start debates early or add any additional debates beyond the 6 sanctioned ones

I can think of more, but the DNC Powers that Be are not representing me or my interests. They are currently representing corporatist or Third Way interests, continuing their failed center-right policies that every American said "If we wanted that crap, we'd vote Republican - now let's get us some real mainstream Democrats", giving yet the center-right DNC another reason to shift to the right, and blame the voters.

That means shifting to the left, and I don't mean Hillary giving lip service to the left, and go back to center-right. Doesn't work that way.

[MohRokTah]

70. Not to mention she has been networking with the Democratic Party on a national basis during...

that time.

Is it an wonder she has built numerous personal relationships with nearly all prominent high level members of the party?

Bernie Sanders has been involved in politics for as long, yet he has never built those relationships because he has never in his career had to deal with internal Democratic Party politics.

[Jumpin Jack Flash]

91. Guess who else served the people tirelessly for five decades?

That's right. Bernie Sanders.

#FeelTheBern!

That man has more principles in his little finger than Clinton will ever have in her entire life.

[RadiationTherapy]

34. Power serves power with the goal of power.

Orwell. I mean, "Oh, well."

[pnwmom]

38. The DNC features Bernie on its main page along with Clinton, Chaffee, and O'Malley.

http://www.democrats.org

But it's hardly surprising that many individuals in the DNC support Hillary, as she has strong national support.

[BainsBane]

42. Their role is to support Democrats

Why would you expect them to be neutral in a race between a Democrat vs. someone who isn't? There is a reason people rise up through the ranks of the party. They establish relationships and allegiances. There is nothing illicit about it.

[DanTex]

43. Yes, she has a lot of support from a lot of Democrats. Why?

Mainly because she's the only one who can beat the GOP in 2016. It's not some kind of corruption, as you seem to be insinuating, she's simply the best candidate, and Dems know that.

[davidn3600]

45. Oh bullshit....

Mainly because she's the only one who can beat the GOP in 2016.

What data do you have to back up that statement? Show me the facts.

I don't want party leaders picking candidates for us. That's not their job. We are supposed to vote for who we want to have nominated for President. The DNC is supposed to be neutral and support who the PEOPLE want.

[frylock]

52. it's just a gut feeling..

kinda like diarrhea.

[ConservativeDemocrat]

57. It's called "polling"

Hillary beats every Republicans. Bernie doesn't. Period.

Don't believe me? Here's a Washington state poll of Bernie vs Walker. They come in tied at 35% each. Clinton comes in at 49% to 38%. Big difference.

And mind you, this is before the Republican smear machine has put him through the ringer like they've constantly bashed Hillary. She's nearly above 50% on her own even after all that.

No. You can talk about feelings, and hopes, dreams, ideals, and even engage in a bit of lying about Hillary... but you can't argue against cold hard facts.

- C.D. Proud Member of the Reality Based Community

[davidn3600]

72. So no Democrat but Hillary can beat the Republicans?

That's what you are saying?

If that's true, then this is a pretty damn weak party that appears to be only being kept afloat with identity politics.

[olddots]

46. remember the Payola scandal from the 50s?

not much has changed in the world of hype .

[truedelphi]

63. That is a very decent analogy.

Of course, the notion of bundles of cash going into one's pockets is sometimes a quaint notion.

Instead, our modern day politicians get promises of jobs for relatives, and even jobs for themselves.

Look at how Ed Rendell went from selling out the people of PA on the fracking issue to becoming the holder of a top position in a TX energy firm.

[MohRokTah]

69. Worst analogy EVER! eom

[jwirr]

49. That does not surprise me. Now a question: how are the DNC and the same type of groups from the

House and Senate related?

[KT2000]

50. in other words -

the Super Delegates will install Clinton at the convention.

[FarPoint]

51. Just get over it....the deal was struck in 2008.

I supported Hillary then as I do now. We had to suck it up then....we have been compliant and dutiful.

I personally really like and admire Bernie Sanders. He is everything I want in a leader...but....he does not have the network of support required to win the game of Thrones in the USA.

[frylock]

53. the deal was struck in 2008 after Clinton tanked in the debates..

weird.

[FarPoint]

59. If that's the way you see...fine with me.

The deal was sealed at the Democratic Convention...in my opinion.

[frylock]

61. yes... after the debates.

the more Clinton talks, the less people like. that's why she's focused so much on listening.

[FarPoint]

65. So, that's how you see it.

I'm backing a smart, savvy seasoned candidate. A winner.

[frylock]

67. everyone likes a winner

[yeoman6987]

71. Not true

President Obama won the caucuses and Hillary won the primaries. If Hillary took the caucuses, we would have had president Clinton for eight years. She will be more aware of caucuses this time and with primaries her easy wins, she will get the nomination.

[davidn3600]

77. If we are striking deals 8 years in advance

Maybe it's time to start re-thinking my party affiliation.

Was the voters part of this "deal?" Who made this deal?

Or is this stemming from Hillary's obsession to get the Clinton dynasty back in the White House?

Will there be a deal in the future for Chelsea that we don't know about?

How far in advance has the DNC mapped out our nominees for us?

[HereSince1628]

84. You say that like it's a fact. Why should there have been a deal at all?

Participation in that sort of deal making clearly short-circuits democracy and leaves me disliking the participation and all the participants.

I've always looked a comments about such a deal as urban tin-foil wrapped legend. If its really true, the game is rigged and there is no point for a believer in democracy to vote, except against establishment dems who cooked it up.

[FarPoint]

89. That's how I read the fallout from the Democratic Convention in 2008.

The first clue, for me was the Democratic Black Caucus started throwing mud at Bill Clinton around Feb..2008.
It was Congressman Clyburn (SC) who began the revolt.

Overall, it was not a smooth transition, as resistance had its moments I sense....ultimately, the full deal was sealed as the nominee became Barack Obama by the end of the day and delegate voted were cast. Think back..it was festive.

[FSogol]

56. When I see posts and threads like this, I realize that most people on DU are not involved in their

local party politics and don't really understand what the DNC does. Here's an excellent article on how all of our candidates started their runs for the presidency by trying to build up the party during the 2014 midterms. This will probably come as a surprise to most folks here:

http://iowastartingline.com/2015/01/20/iowa-pole-position-how-democrats-set-up-caucus-runs-with-2014-visits/

[Chathamization]

92. Yep, almost everyone ignores party politics and the DNC merely reflects the decisions we've made

There was a strong push here by reform minded activists to retake our local state committee, but they got almost no attention or support and most of the reformers lost to incumbents (who had broken the bylaws and suspended elections for two years).

It's difficult enough even getting people to pay attention to who's running for council (which is the equivalent of state senator here) or when the election is; almost impossible to get people to pay attention to the politics of the state committees (where a lot of the DNC members come from).

[MohRokTah]

58. Okay, so tell me how much networking and relationship building Bernie Sanders did

within the Democratic Party over the past three decades?

Oh, yeah, that's right.

HE DIDN'T DO ANY!

So now you're complaining about it?

[sabrina 1]

60. True, but there is another power structure within the Dem Party and that is the voters.

Looks like they are beginning to exercise that power which so often in the past they chose not to do.

Who does a political party serve? What is its purpose?

When it isn't serving the people who keep it going then why would the people be a part of it?

And that is what is happening, nearly 10% of the Dem base have left since 2008, with approx 5% now registered as Independents. You would think this would matter to a party that is supposed to be representing their members.

But Bernie has given the PEOPLE a choice so maybe those who left the party will return to vote for him. I've already seen this happening btw.

[FSogol]

68. Source for those 10% and 5% facts? n/t

[Doctor_J]

66. Nooo...the media HATES Hillary!!11!!1!

One of the top five dumbest memes in DU history.

[cantbeserious]

76. I Will No Longer Settle For The Lesser Of Two Corporate Evils - Go Bernie Go

eom

[peacebird]

80. Me either, let's get busy getting his message out!

[TheNutcracker]

86. The DNC has power? Really? Just more primary shenanigans from the DNC...

[raouldukelives]

96. To be fair anyone tied to Wall St supports Hillary, or at the very least, not Bernie.

If not in spirit, in the only way corporations care about, financially.
We ain't seen nothing yet.

[awoke_in_2003]

97. Same thing in 08, too. nt