Bernie Sanders: I see areas where I can work with Trump

[Jose Garcia]

Source: Politico

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders extended an olive branch Thursday to President-elect Donald Trump, offering to work with the incoming Republican administration on infrastructure and trade policy.

“I don’t think it makes sense to say, ‘No, we’re not gonna work in any way in any form with the Trump administration,’” Sanders told MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” “Trump has talked appropriately about a collapsing infrastructure: our roads, bridges and water systems. If he is prepared to work with us on rebuilding America’s crumbling infrastructure and creating millions of jobs and doing it in a way that doesn’t privatize our infrastructure or give tax breaks to billionaires, yes, let’s work together.”

In a break with his party, Trump has proposed a $1 trillion infrastructure spending plan, a proposal Democrats have expressed a willingness to work with him on. And, despite Sanders' progressive positions on the left and Trump's hard-line views on the right, both espoused similar views on trade.

Sanders credited the president-elect for talking about what he referred to as America’s “failed trade policy” on the campaign trail, particularly NAFTA and trade relations with China.

Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2017/01/bernie-sanders-can-work-with-trump-233532

[BeyondGeography]

1. He wants Trump's voters

He's being a fool.

[guillaumeb]

3. SO are you advocating for permanent obstruction, and a refusal to work across Party lines?

Embracing the GOP strategy?

[BeyondGeography]

4. Until I see one scintilla of rationality and good will, yes

Why are you for extending an olive branch to an undependable lunatic?

[guillaumeb]

7. If working together is a good for the country in this case,

not working together would be a bad for the country.

And much depends of course on the details of the infrastructure plan.

[BeyondGeography]

9. The infrastructure plan will be a big, fat giveaway to private equity

and a ripoff to taxpayers. Forgive me for being cynical, but have you seen his Cabinet appointments?

[guillaumeb]

12. WHich is why I mentioned that the DETAILS of the plan are important. eom

[BeyondGeography]

18. Which is also why Bernie should take a pass on bipartisan bonhomie with Team Robber Baron

Repealing ACA is the first of many steps toward lining the pockets of the wealthy. There won't be any federal money left for infrastructure, which the GOP is opposed to in principle anyway. Privatization will be the solution to all our problems. You really don't see this coming?

[guillaumeb]

19. I see Eisenhower building the Interstate Highway system.

And again, the details are vital. If the plan is a tax giveaway to connected companies, I would expect Sanders to denounce it as such and walk away.

[BeyondGeography]

24. 60 years ago there was such a thing as reasonable Republicans

Now the whole party has become an existential threat. The sooner our leaders acknowledge that fact as their daily starting point the better we'll all be.

[guillaumeb]

28. As I just replied to another:

The GOP obstructed for 8 years and Obama was blamed.

And many voters believed that Obama was to blame. I have no faith that suddenly these low information voters will have a moment of clarity and see that the GOP is to blame.

[Generator]

47. This x a zillion!

Wake up Dems the wolves are going to eat you.

[former9thward]

55. Who do you think builds infrastructure?

It is always private equity and always has been. Government provides the financing but they don't build anything. Private contractors do.

[BeyondGeography]

63. Private contractors and private equity aren't the same thing

See Bayonne's KKR water rates for details:

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/24/business/dealbook/private-equity-water.html?smprod=nytcore-ipad&smid=nytcore-ipad-share

Chicago's parking meters are another fun example:

http://www.afscme.org/news/publications/newsletters/works/works-fall-2013/chicago-parking-meters-an-outsourcing-fiasco

[Dustlawyer]

83. I agree Bernie and the Democrats should make the attempt, but I know

that Trump will not do anything that isn't a windfall for business and privatization. Then Bernie and the Democrats can honestly say we tried to work with them and they were only focused on stealing the American people blind.

To the people that are continually critical of Bernie's efforts to build a populist Democratic Party and a 50 state strategy, it seems that you prefer corporate control over the Party and it's politicians. You seem to prefer that Democratic politicians spend the majority of their time in small private fundraisers. I would caution you that the Democratic Party is about to leave you behind.

We are tired of the corrupting influence of the money in our politics. Like it or not the democratic Party is about to have a much needed make over. If you cannot get over the butt hurt of the election and the Primary I suggest you spend some time reflecting on why you believe attacking Bernie is good for our Party. Obviously the Democratic leadership, with whom he is working, believes he is on the right track. Elizabeth Warren believes he is on the right track and she and the others know Bernie much better than me and you.

I know, I am putting on the flame retardant suit as I type, have at me

[guillaumeb]

87. Agreed. The party must be a populist party. ie for the people, or it can be

a corporatist party similar to the GOP. It cannot be both.

[Eleanors38]

103. A real dilemma looms for Democrats over Medicare...

The GO Per corporate right wing wants to smash the health plan, whereas DTs says he will not cut it back. Of course, tRump is a serial liar, but if he holds to his position, guess who he will call on to defeat a GOPer Corp. plan? And if a GOPer plan to smash fails as in this scenario, who will benefit politically?

[bowens43]

88. well how about for the sake of the american people?

there are places progress can be made it would be stupid not to take advantage when we can.

[Jose Garcia]

5. It worked for the Republicans

They pretty much opposed everything Obama did. They were rewarded with the House in 2010, the Senate in 2014, and the White House in 2016.

[guillaumeb]

8. Is your response an indication that you believe that the GOP strategy is a good one? eom

[Jose Garcia]

11. Good for the country? No. Good for Republicans? Yes.

[Generator]

50. And if you don't believe what is good for Democrats

is good for the country then what is the point of being on this site? (I'm not saying You said that though) Resistance is our only way to stop this from being normalized. This being HATRED and working with foreign governments and having zero accountability to Americans.

[Walk away]

42. I think it's a lot better than publically kissing a maniac's ass!

But everyone has their own approach to politics.

[guillaumeb]

54. Characterizing Sanders' approach in that fashion is not really helpful.

And I do not feel id describes either his intent or how it will be publicly perceived.

Time will show.

[blue cat]

96. We don't have to work about it anyway

The dems are going to cave to get along.

[guillaumeb]

100. We should hope this will not happen.

History IS a guide.

[rogue emissary]

72. They didn't pretty much, they blocked everything.

Obama was lucky to get the ACA through congress. When the last of the moderate repubs were there.

It's crazy we keep hearing how Democrats need to change and we're doomed if we don't. So soon as some of Democrats suggest taking a page out of the Repub's playbook. The message mutates into we need to be careful and we shouldn't obstruct . . . blah blah blah.

[mtngirl47]

102. No Republicans voted for the ACA

in either the Senate or the House. The Senate vote was 60 for which included 58 Democrats and 2 Independents. The House vote was 219 for which was all Democrats. 34 Dems voted against it in the House.

[rogue emissary]

117. Thanks for the correction.

[TexasBushwhacker]

119. And they lost seats in the House and the Senate in 2016

Trump won because of voter supression and the Electoral College, not because he got more votes.

[geek tragedy]

6. GOP strategy was a good one. It worked. nt

[guillaumeb]

10. And the country is not working at this point.

So please explain how each side refusing to work together is a good idea.

[shawn703]

16. The Republicans will be blamed for not fixing anything when they had the chance

And they'll be swept out of power.

Our country already has policies too far to the right. Republicans successfully obstructed the Democratic attempts to move policies to the left the last six years of Obama's term. Now the Republicans are in power, and Democrats should work with them to move the country further to the right? Nope, we should hold firm and not give any ground like they refused to do.

[guillaumeb]

23. The GOP obstructed for 8 years and Obama was blamed.

And many voters believed that Obama was to blame. I have no faith that suddenly these low information voters will have a moment of clarity and see that the GOP is to blame.

[cstanleytech]

31. Being bipartisan on infrastructure spending and trade is hardly moving the country farther

the right unless the Republicans try to get the Dems to cut things like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid or some other social program or pass restrictive federal abortion laws.

[INdemo]

44. It doesnt work that way with Republicans

for example in 2010 midterms..Democrats got blamed for the huge deficit and high unemployment..which was to say.. They claimed the deficit under Obama had risen to 2 Trillion (not true) but they were able to make voters believe them..The Republicans were able to blame Bush's financial disaster on Obama and thus they reclaimed control of the House..

Just one example here..Republicans have ALWAYS blamed Democrats for their legislative actions that have caused economic disasters and this is no different..
Republican voters know that a Republican Congress screws everything up but these voters have been taught from birth to blame the Democrats.

[bowens43]

89. not likely. That is not how it works.

If dems obstruct dems will get the blame. Bernie isnt talking about moving the country further to the right.

[geek tragedy]

21. Republicans don't believe in working with us, they believe

in accepting our surrender.

[guillaumeb]

27. SO the Democrats should simply refuse to vote for anything proposed?

Allowing the ad agency types in the GOP to brand the Democrats as the do-nothing Party.

The same low information voters who believe that the ACA and Obamacare are two different programs will only see the do-nothing part and will not understand the reasoning behind it.

In my view.

[geek tragedy]

36. voters blame the party of the president for everything.

if the place looks like a dysfunctional mess, that benefits the minority party.

[BlueCaliDem]

79. Exactly. Haven't people learned from the Dubya Bush years?? Do they actually believe that

the disinterested American voting public CARES what Congress does?? Most don't even KNOW what Congress does, and appear to believe that the president is some kind of benevolent dictator who can do and say whatever he wants. The economy crashed, house values went upside-down, jobs disappeared at alarming rate, and we were headed for the Great Recession. What did the disinterested, a-political American voting public do? Voted for a little known Senator with the funny name because he wasn't of the same Party as the sitting president. And they voted straight Democratic ticket and swept Dems into power - for less than two years.

[JustAnotherGen]

20. +1000

[nycbos]

14. I think the point is that guys like Sanders...

... have a narrative that if "we just address the economic anxiety of Trump voters we will win them over."


Trump is a guy that said "wages are too high" and all of a sudden he is the "voice of the working class." In this case Mr. Sanders is a fool.

[guillaumeb]

17. Sanders has addressed the inconsistencies of Trump's various messages.

He is well aware of Trump's past behavior and record. So I disagree with your analysis.

[LanternWaste]

58. An insightful and supported analysis such as...

So I disagree with your analysis...."

An insightful and supported analysis such as the emptiness of "Conway is her last name. Con way. The way of the con. The name says it all."?

Your grasp of analysis is... unique.

[guillaumeb]

62. The post you reference was intended to be humorous and ironic.

Meaning not to be taken as serious. As I actually mentioned if you read the entire, very long post.

(Hint: The very long post part was also meant to be taken humorously.)

Your grasp of humor is.....interesting.

[Generator]

52. Wow you nailed it!

He thinks if we didn't fixate on that "damn first woman president thing" we would have won. He's a fool.

[angrychair]

74. I am

I doubt in the way you mean.
I strongly advocate for every Dem and Ind to vote "abstain" on every single vote brought to the floor of the house or senate.

I think they should work to change republicans minds and caution republicans on their agenda while a given bill is in committee but when it comes time to vote on their crazy ass agenda to the full house or senate, every vote should be "abstain" which ensures that every crazy ass bill passed to achieve their agenda is 100% owned by them.
They are forced to own their own legislation, without a single. It's for or against from anyone else.

[guillaumeb]

76. That is one way to force the GOP to own their legislation.

Whether or not the media or the low information voter segment notices this is another matter.

[elmac]

77. Yes

we need to obstruct these monsters all the way. Do to them what they did to Obama for 8 years. Their obstructionism helped them control 100% of the Federal government and 60% of the states. This is what Americans want and we should be just as mean and nasty as the American people want. Bernie is WRONG!

[guillaumeb]

81. Obviously my opinion is the minority in this thread.

And while I understand your points, what if Trump proposed Medicare for All as a solution for the shortcomings of the ACA?

Not to say that I think he would do so, but what if he did?

[madokie]

45. You are being the fool

Bernie knows as well as I do that tRump will work on Infrastructure in a sense that he wants to privatize it. I know that, Bernie knows that, most Democratic Party members know that, why don't you?
This is Bernie's way of calling him out on this.

Nothing personal in what I typed OK

[BeyondGeography]

48. No worries...but the time for freelance footsie play with R's is over

It's useless. Americans had a reasonable President for eight years and they rewarded his tormentors with full power. Time for them to show us what they've got without any help from us.

[madokie]

59. Complaining about Bernie isn't the answer

for the fear of getting a reply removed I'll not say what i'd like to say concerning Bernie, hillary and the primary as it was

[BeyondGeography]

67. We need unity; Bernie could start by joining the party

The party could start by joining with Bernie. Maybe if he identified himself as Democrat it would be easier.

[madokie]

69. That isn't a concern to me

What's important is where his heart is and its with me. I'm a died in the wool, cut to the bone, yellow dog Democratic Party member in case you wonder

like I tell my 'religious' neighbor, I have a better chance of getting into 'your' heaven than you do because I live right even though I'm a non religious person. Don't believe a word of the bible when it comes to a god and all that.

There is no God. When I die it'll be no different that the bug that hit my windshield, I'll simply be dead, no longer living.

[Kahuna7]

99. Bingo! He's also being a tool. nt

[dionysus]

132. Take bernie out of the picture. If trump actually does stuff rebuilding infastructure, that's a GOOD

Thing. However, i am not holding my breath.

Let us not be douchebags lime the GOP and obstruct for the sake of it.

In the rare event a republican proposes something good for the nation, we should help them, before they realize what they're doing amd reverse themselves.

[BeyondGeography]

135. Wait and see

Meantime, I really don't see the point of unilaterally announcing our good intentions when nothing of the sort has come from the other side in many years.

[dionysus]

136. Well, thats basically what he said. It was a tongue in cheek "ill work with him if he doesnt

Burn the house down in the process" isn't anything to make hay over unless one's hilding a grudge.

There is so much bitterness over the lrimary, people are parsing every word the guy utters looking dor a gotcha, as if he were some rethuglican.

On the one hand, you got pppl who keep bringing up the "he would have won" argument, while others act as if he tried to destroy the party, some ppl even spamming the board saying "thisbis all so he can sell his book and get rich"

The whole thing is ridiculous at this point, it really is.

People spending more time bickering about bernie amd blaming this and that for losing the election than talking about trump and hownto defeat the re thugs in 2 years...

[Cha]

137. It's normalizing him..

you're certainly not being "a fool".

That was rude and wrong.

[blue cat]

2. Where is Bernie

On a compromised presidency? Just asking.

[radical noodle]

13. Read about Trump's infrastructure plans

http://thehill.com/policy/transportation/306847-five-things-to-know-about-trumps-infrastructure-plan

http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/economy-budget/311960-trumps-infrastructure-plan-does-not-equate-to-liberal

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/trumps-big-infrastructure-plan-its-a-trap/2016/11/18/5b1d109c-adae-11e6-8b45-f8e493f06fcd_story.html?utm_term=.6fa666ef5347

[Dopers_Greed]

15. He can and did work with Trump

In trashing the Democrats during the election

[Cha]

124. Yep

[Fresh_Start]

126. +10000

yep

[ThirdEye]

22. Before people start attacking Sanders again...

Keep in mind that the devil is in the details. That's why Bernie clarifies with such statements as "doing it in a way that doesn’t privatize our infrastructure or give tax breaks to billionaires."

Those of us on DU and almost certainly Bernie himself all know that Trump isn't going to meet Bernie's minimum standards for an acceptable bill. For the time being, it's critical that we don't publicly assert that assumption. We can't convert the non-racist non-homophobic Trump voters that once voted for Obama by batting them over the head with reason and logic. Instead, we have to slowly show (not tell!) them that we represent a better path towards the same end: jobs and a less corrupt government. They have to come to that conclusion themselves. Obstructing absolutely and right out of the gate on everything will simply solidify their current opinions.

(given the scope of the topic I'm skipping social values. If one doesn't believe in gay marriage or wants to deport every illegal immigrant, well we'll have to agree to disagree with them. On infrastructure and other topics there's plenty of overlap.)

[Blanks]

37. Good job...

That is exactly the key to what Sanders said "doesn't privatize ... or give tax breaks...".

That's not the same as selling out, I'm confident that he will stand firm on these things because they are consistent with his message.

It's a much better stance than just opposing their every move.

[jmowreader]

71. Which means he won't be working with Trump. Good find.

[The Polack MSgt]

105. Why would the 87 non-racist former Obama voting Trumpsters matter?

If there are many more than that I would be shocked.

Supporting racism is racist. Voting for a racist agenda is supporting racism. Trump voters committed a racist act and therefore are proven racists.

I don't believe for a second that there is a measurable percentage of the Cheeto Horde that ever voted for Obama. It's this era's "I have black friends" political lie

[ThirdEye]

106. Doesn't make any sense to me either

I don't mean to imply it makes sense, but those people exist. There's even more that didn't vote or voted for someone other than Trump or Clinton. They also need to be shown we're worth their vote.

[Gothmog]

25. Sanders wants to sell books to Trump supporters

[ThirdEye]

32. I've seen you post this before, seems like a theme

If you think Sanders is driven by a profit motive more than anything else, you are misinformed about his personality and his values. It's simply not true.

[Gothmog]

118. Sanders got into the Democratic primary process for money and media coverage

Sanders admitted that he was running for media coverage and money http://www.politico.com/blogs/2016-dem-primary-live-updates-and-results/2016/03/bernie-sanders-independent-media-coverage-220747

Bernie Sanders on Monday told NBC’s Chuck Todd that he ran as a Democrat to get more media coverage.

During a town hall-style event in Columbus, Ohio, the independent Vermont senator said, “In terms of media coverage, you have to run within the Democratic Party.” He then took a dig at MNSBC, telling Todd, the network “would not have me on his program” if he ran as an independent.

Money also played a role in his decision to run as a Democrat, Sanders added.

“To run as an independent, you need — you could be a billionaire," he said. "If you're a billionaire, you can do that. I'm not a billionaire. So the structure of American politics today is such that I thought the right ethic was to run within the Democratic Party.”

This does not inspire a great deal of trust

[ThirdEye]

142. oh geez

Obviously he is referring to the money required to run a nation campaign, not money to enrich himself personally.

[Gothmog]

143. Denial is not just a river in Africa

Sanders used the media coverage to get twice the number of appearances on the Sunday talk shows and now is busy selling his book

In May, Sanders has to update his FEC report and it will be interesting to see if he or Jane made money off of the campaign

[ThirdEye]

144. You lack objective evidence to assert your claims...

... while the actual records happens to include plenty of evidence that Sanders is an ideologue.

[Gothmog]

145. Sanders is out to sell books

Lets see what the May FEC reports tell us

[ThirdEye]

146. It would be silly to say he doesn't want to sell his book

and sell as many copies as possible. It would even be silly for me to assert he doesn't want the money it generates.

Just to be clear, my point is that he wrote the book as part of pushing a message, first and foremost. He did not run for president or put himself in the limelight after the election to enable himself to write a book that makes him a ton of money. Intent matters.

[NWCorona]

35. Here's an article that might interest you.

Sanders Democrats claim victories in California delegate elections

While the numbers are still being tallied, a group led by the California Nurses Association and other self-described Bernie Sanders-progressives are claiming it won a majority of the delegate slots chosen over the weekend, as well as the bulk of the 80 executive board seats up for renewal.

“We have the momentum and we are confident we will have a majority,” said Don Nielsen, director of government relations for the CNA.

Among the new delegates are dozens of nurses, he added.

Still recovering from the stinging loss to Republican President-elect Donald Trump, which came after a bruising primary between Hillary Clinton and Sanders, the elections of seven men and seven women in each of the state’s 80 Assembly districts could have broad implications for the future: Delegates choose party leaders. They endorse in elections, and they can influence the agenda.

http://sacbee.relaymedia.com/amp/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article125506244.html


It's not all about book sales but I do wish him success in that as well.

[R B Garr]

51. Let's hope we don't see more of this unnecessary divisiveness associated

so strongly with his campaign:

Quote from article:

"Still, others warned not to make too much of the slates’ victories.

Tweeted RL Miller, chair of the Environmental Caucus: “Please remember that (the California Democratic Party) is already progressive...”

New York is already progressive. So is California. Let's hope that people are not angered any more than necessary by dividing already progressive states into Sanders Dems vs. anyone else. I've been called enough names as have others, and I'm sure they are as sick of it as I am. Absolutely nothing has been gained from it outside of ego/emotional gratification for those fighting amongst other Democrats. But in practical terms, fighting already progressive people is just damaging.

[NWCorona]

66. Newton's 3rd law keeps coming to mind but you are right.

I should be a better person and let the sour stay sour. Nothing I say will ever change their minds.

I definitely don't want to stoke the Sanders vs Dems divide.

[Gothmog]

116. It will be interesting to see if the Sanders people will put in the hard work to be active

I was not impressed with the Sanders delegates at either the Texas Democratic Convention or the National Convention. It takes hard work and the ability to get along with people to make a difference in a political party. The Sanders delegates at the National convention lacked these qualities.

As for your article, it may take a couple of cycles to change the California party http://www.pe.com/articles/party-822920-state-democratic.html

It’s not clear how many of the 1,100 state delegate seats up for grabs were won by progressives. But liberals statewide say their slates dominated in elections held in each of California’s 80 Assembly districts Jan. 7 and 8.

The district-level delegates – each district elects seven men and seven women – receive two-year terms and make up a third of the 3,200 or so delegates to the state party’s governing body, the Democratic State Central Committee. The other two-thirds come from central committees in California’s 58 counties or are appointed by Democratic elected officials and nominees.

Delegates from all categories will gather in Sacramento at the state party convention in May to choose party officers. They also approve the party platform in even-numbered years, as well as official party endorsements of candidates, as needed.

The party enjoys far more power in California than in Washington, D.C., or in many states. Democrats make up a plurality of the state’s registered voters and hold all statewide elected posts, a supermajority in the Legislature, 39 of the state’s 53 House seats and both of its U.S. Senate seats.

I will be curious to see if the Sanders delegates will be willing to put in the hard work to get control. Again, I was not impressed with the Sanders delegates at either the Texas State Democratic or National Convention. One of the Sanders delegates at the national convention could not control himself and was shouting obscenities at random people until he was finally removed.

[NWCorona]

121. The proof will be in the pudding. I do agree with you that it takes hard work.

Thanks for the reasonable reply.

[Gothmog]

122. I have been very active in Texas democratic politics for a while

It takes a great deal of work and there are both encouraging and discouraging event. I am happy that Harris County has the first Democratic District Attorney in 36 years and I am sad that a friend lost his race. I did get a Trump supporter arrested for trying to vote twice and I am hopeful that our new DA will go after a tea party election judge who knowingly violated the election code.

It takes a great deal work to change the party and I will be surprised if the California bernie people pull it off. There were some real nasty people in the Calif. bernie delegation at the national convention.

[NWCorona]

123. I've always wanted to vist Huston. I've met some really cool people from tha area

Good job on that Trump supporter lol!

[souledout2JC]

26. I don't buy it. I don't buy anything he says as long as his lips are moving.

Everything that has come out of that tweeter's mouth has been reflected in his phone tweets ans he uses the phone as a platform for POLICY and whatever other trash is on his mind. He has been a pathological nut job for so long he doesn't even know which end is doing the talking anymore. I bet if we ever get that phone away from him he may
have some kind of a breakdown. The guy isn't working on all cylinders!

[Phoenix61]

29. I think it's a great strategy

We know that the details will be unacceptable. This will allow Bernie to say he is trying to cooperate. That he wants to cooperate but he just can't because he is looking out for the good of the people.

[ThirdEye]

33. Exactly (eom)

[riderinthestorm]

38. Yup

[grantcart]

85. agreed

[Coolest Ranger]

30. and I'm suppose to like and support this man

sighs no, just no

[ThirdEye]

34. You're not supposed to anything

We have the benefit of knowing Bernie's record. He isn't suddenly compromising his values. This is clearly a medium to long-term strategy to pull people towards Bernie's long-standing platform.

[riderinthestorm]

41. 13 Ds just voted with Rs to prevent lower pharma prices

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10028464071

It was an amendment proposed by Amy Klobuchar and Bernie Sanders....

Bennet (D-CO)
Booker (D-NY)
Cantwell (D-WA)
Carper (D-DE)
Casey (D-PA)
Coons (D-DE)
Donnelly (D-IN)
Heinrich (D-NM)
Heitkamp (D-ND)
Menendez (D-NJ)
Murray (D-WA)
Tester (D-MT)
Warner (D-VA)

The knee jerk Bernie hate on DU is ridiculous

[Coolest Ranger]

49. To which I would respond

the amount of Hillary Hate is just as ridiculous

[Fresh_Start]

127. those democrats voted for a better version which passed

they wanted added safety measures, that is a good thing

[R B Garr]

57. Exactly, I think they label that "third way" and "mainstream"

when the Clintons et al suggest working with the opposition party. Amazing how the tables turn so quickly if it promotes a favorite politician.

[Mike Nelson]

39. I have a personal guideline...

...which is not negotiable. Anyone who partners with Trump is someone I will vigorously oppose. That being said, I trust Bernie is merely thinking about agreeing with something from the Trump group if it advances the Progressive/Democratic cause.

[still_one]

40. While the first reaction might be WTF, Schumer, President Obama, and other prominent Democrats have

made similar statements. The ACA for example, if they actually wanted to replace it with an improved paradigm, such as Medicare for all, there is no reason not to go along.

The hard reality though is that trump is a pathological liar. He can't be trusted. Just look at who he is choosing to be part of his team, and that should tell you everything you need to know about trump.

[LenaBaby61]

111. The hard reality though is that trump is a pathological liar. He can't be trusted.

SO true ^^^

The pisser-in-chief is a hideous, pathological LIAR who only wants to benefit himself, his crime family, 1 %'ers and the ruskies/putin his blackmailer. There's nothing I've seen where there is any benefit to the poor or working class, and my bet is that ANY infrastructure bill is going to be a HUGE give away to the rich and his buddies.

Okay, then you look at the fact that the pisser-in-chief is at the MERCY of his boy toy Putin tang, his puppet master who can and WILL blackmail him if he doesn't do what he wants him to and pisser-in-chief KNOWS this. The man has no morals or ethics, is only appointing swamp monsters to his cabinet of deplorables. WHERE are the good policies? I've seen nothing so far that benefits the working-class people, only the RICH or potentially the ruskie oligarchs (Who owns him--ALL leads BACK to russia) and his blackmailer putin tang, and if all those things weren't bad enough, the pisser-in-chief has a NAZI like Bannon as his right hand man, and Bernie will be right there WITH him because the NAZI is tRumputin's right-hand-man. YIKES!!!

NO WAY I'd ever trust a pathological, racist, perverted POS like him, but if Bernie wants to go there, it's all on him.

[still_one]

113. I agree with with everything you said

[6000eliot]

46. Nobody with any sense should want to work with this monster,

nor should he or she participate in the normalization of him and his Nazi cabinet. BTW, has Bernie said ANYTHING about Russian interference with the election? I haven't heard about it.

[Generator]

56. Nah, he blames Hillary

[Cha]

141. Yeah, so what kind of strategy is that?

[Arazi]

61. Yes, many times over the past few weeks

At the town hall most recently

http://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2017/01/10/bernie-sanders-town-hall-russia-hacking-sot.cnn

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.romper.com/p/bernie-sanders-calls-trump-a-pathological-liar-discusses-russian-hacking-29214/amp?client=dist-ms-android-sprint-us

During a prime-time CNN Town Hall broadcast on Monday evening, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders called Trump a "pathological liar," a stark label that has prompted vociferous reactions on social media platforms. During the one-hour discussion with Sanders, which was moderated by CNN anchor Chris Cuomo, Sanders said of the president-elect, "We are dealing with a man who in many respects is... how can I phrase this?... you know, a pathological liar." Given that Sanders was assigning a psychological disorder to the former reality television star who will soon be the chief executive of the world's most powerful country, Cuomo interjected to confirm.

"The man was elected by the American people, he's the next president of the United States — and you're comfortable with that description?" Cuomo asked. "Unfortunately, that's a reality," Sanders said.

Snip

Sanders didn't mince words on other topics either, saying that Trump "ran a campaign whose cornerstone was bigotry. It was based on sexism, on racism, on xenophobia." On the topic of Russia's involvement in the 2016 presidential race, Sanders said, "I think the evidence is overwhelming... this was a way for them to help elect the candidate of their choice, Mr. Trump."

Sanders' comment was in response to a recent declassified intelligence report that drew on findings from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the National Security Agency, and the Central Intelligence Agency. The report concluded with "high confidence" that "Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an influence campaign in 2016 aimed at the U.S. presidential election." The reality of Russia's involvement in the U.S. election has been difficult for many to understand, and Sanders' message seemed to be that action must be taken. "It's something that we've got to deal with," he said.

[6000eliot]

65. I do not hate Bernie.

I do partially blame his pouting supporters for the election of Orange Hitler.

[bowens43]

90. so obstruct in all cases just because???

really? tell me again what the difference is between democrats and republicans

[6000eliot]

91. I suppose we could all just be good Germans, but you know how history views them.

[YoungDemCA]

53. IMHO Sanders is making good faith efforts to reach out to *some* of Trump's voters

And hoping to drive a wedge between Trump voters and the austerity-loving, Randian Republican assholes in Congress, and furthermore, between Trump voters who maybe could be won over or "see the light", so to speak, and the hardcore "Alt-Right"/white supremacist and misogynistic types who form the core of Trump's support and for whom the label "deplorable" really does apply.

He could very well be naive or misguided in these efforts, but I don't for a second believe for a second that he has bad intentions here.

[Generator]

64. I don't think he ever has bad intentions either

HOWEVER I think he is dismissing the danger the sociopath monster that is Trump. We need a leader to get people in the streets every day to de-legitimize this election. He WON'T do that. He thinks it's fair and square because after all, those poor Trump people only voted their pocketbooks. I disagree with him. He will accomplish nothing. Resistance it the only answer. I wish it was easier than this. I don't think he gets it. The very nature of politicians is they think voting is going to change things and legislation will change things. That is over. I don't know if people get that yet. The minority is ruling the majority in this country. The things the Republicons want are not even what the people that vote for THEM want. This country isn't even a Democracy in my opinion anymore. Our elections are a sham. We cannot change this country by voting anymore something else is going to have to do it.

[lark]

60. Bernie, Bernie, Bernie!

You have been co-opted and brainwashed if you think Drumpf will do anything at all good for the working class. yes, he wants infrastructure improvement, but he basically wants to hand over our roads to the oligarchs for about 20 cents on the dollar and wants to turn all these roads/bridges into toll roads/bridges. This does not help American workers, it only helps the rich. I lived in a city with all bridges being toll bridges and it was freaking awful! You are also a fool to trust Drumpf to renegotiate NAFTA and improve worker protections. He'll just find a way to enrich the oligarchs even more, he will not help the working class, not one bit.

Looks like my support of Bernie just ended with him bending over for Drumpf. So sad!

[Arazi]

68. Bernie's being very strategic here. See post #22

[lark]

73. Maybe?

We'll see what he does with the infrastructure/privatization scheme Drumpf is already promoting. If he supports that bill, I am totally done with him and will regret my vote for him in the primaries.

[dionysus]

133. Oh the melodrama!

[Cha]

138. Thank you, lark!

[Cryptoad]

70. Just one more reason

why I dislike Bernie,,,,, list is gettin long.

[Cha]

139. I know, right

[50 Shades Of Blue]

75. *"IN A WAY THAT DOESNT PRIVATIZE OUR INFRASTRUCTURE OR GIVE TAX BREAKS TO BILLIONAIRES"*

[elmac]

78. We must never, every give in to these monsters

doing so will be the demise of the Democratic party. Giving in will only help the fascists get reelected and destroy our future chances.

[get the red out]

80. He may find out

That talk of failed trade policy ends now that Trump has been elected.

[MFM008]

82. He should have phrased it better

Like" I'll work with the bloated bag of pig shit when it benefits us....."

[Lint Head]

84. So you can work with a traitor?

[dogman]

94. See post #41.

30% of Dems broke with their leader. Who are the traitors?

[Lint Head]

98. This is about what Bernie said. People who voted for Trump were blinded by fascism.

Read The Works of Henry Wallace 1944 the vice president of the United States. He says it all.

http://newdeal.feri.org/wallace/haw23.htm

[bowens43]

86. Very sensiable approach. trump is the president. No way around it

to obstruct just for the sake of obstructing would be stupid much like the republican congress.....

[Justice]

92. Who has said: No, were not gonna work in any way in any form with the Trump administration.'?

Sanders makes it sound like people (Dems) are saying this. Who is saying that?

I would ask Sanders that question.

[murielm99]

95. Oh. I get it now.

If Sanders says it, it is okay. Even if it means working with a traitorous, racist, misogynist, lying, stealing shitbag like trump.

Bernie says it is okay, so everything is okay.

[dionysus]

134. A lot of the ppl in this thread are preaching total obstruction

[StevieM]

93. I'm not Bernie's biggest fan but he didn't do anything wrong here. He is simply saying

that if Trump proposes something he agrees with then he will support it.

I think there is little reason for optimism. Trump may have given lofty speeches about this stuff but his policies will be quite limited. Congress will never pass most of this stuff and Trump has bigger priorities.

The main goal of Trump is the same as the main goal of Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush--cutting taxes on the rich.

[ehrnst]

97. But could not accept $13 an hour from Hillary for a minimum wage. (nt)

[Zambero]

101. Work on showing him the door, Bernie

[yurbud]

107. corporate Democrats reached across the aisle to work with Baby Bush on issues that HURT us

[yurbud]

108. like when he reminded Trump about his SS, Medicare, & Medicaid promises, this underlines

Trump's differences with the GOP and promises that were popular but unlikely to be kept.

And if Trump actually does it, great!

[ismnotwasm]

109. Of course he does

He was the "reach across the aisle" king--often runnning interference between Democrats and Republicans. He was well known for it. Did anyone honestly think this would change because the PeeTus?

[monicla]

110. He is ready to work with Trump for good causes, but other Democrats no

http://www.vocativ.com/392631/sanders-canada-amendment-booker/

[ismnotwasm]

115. One of those Democrats is my Senator

This is an odd vote for her and I'm very curious what was actually in the amendment to make her vote no.
I like to do that before slamming Democrats.

[fleabiscuit]

128. Yes. We have to double our vigilance to not jump to conclusions.

There were not enough democrats to pass that anyway.

[Fresh_Start]

129. she voted for a better version of the amendment which included more safety measures

your Senator is still one of the good ones.

[EarthFirst]

112. Meanwhile, 13 Democratic colleagues voted against a Sander's sponsored Pharma bill... n/t

[cstanleytech]

130. I doubt it would have passed even if they had voted yes

and if it had it would have partially bailed out the GOP by making them look reasonable and not like the self centered greedy assholes with the ethics of pond scum that we all know they are.

[SteamAddict]

114. I love you Bernie but

How about working with Congress and work with the intelligence agencies to make them realize we have a traitor as POTUS, and let's get some articles of impeachment going, day one!

[ucrdem]

120. He seems out of touch.

[Cha]

125. I see what you

did there.

No kidding!

[CentralMass]

131. Perhaps he could help him with his impeachment

[RandiFan1290]

140. I trust Bernie

More than any scumbag Reagan 'Democrat' that is trying to trash him.