Yes, the Tone of the Sanders Campaign Matters, and Yes, It's Too Ugly

[riversedge]

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Yes, the Tone of the Sanders Campaign Matters, and Yes, It's Too Ugly http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eric-schmeltzer/yes-the-tone-of-the-sande_b_9601978.html #p2 #ImWithHer



Yes, the Tone of the Sanders Campaign Matters, and Yes, It’s Too Ugly

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eric-schmeltzer/yes-the-tone-of-the-sande_b_9601978.html
04/04/2016 09:03 am ET | Updated 19 hours ago


Eric Schmeltzer



..............But, lately, something has changed. Senator Sanders has increasingly gone after Secretary Clinton not on policy disagreements, but on who she fundraises from. The implication does not need to be spoken - “Hillary Clinton’s corrupt and on the take.”

In fact, the change in communications strategy was crowed about by Sanders senior advisor Tad Devine, who proudly let the Washington Post know that the campaign was now poll testing negative messages against Secretary Clinton.

A Green Light From the Candidate

As for Senator Sanders himself, he has taken to using words that tie to personal characteristics, like “corrupt” and “obscene” to describe Secretary Clinton’s fundraising.

And the candidate who used stop his crowds from booing Senator Clinton’s name, has started to allow boos about her ring through his event halls.

Given the opportunity to distance the campaign from booing audiences, Sanders campaign manager Jeff Weaver refused, simply noting that Hillary Clinton is more “conservative.”

Sanders and Weaver stand in contrast to President Obama, who has shut down booing at rallies by saying “Don’t Boo, Vote!” so often that you could get sick of watching videos of him saying it.

If candidates (and Presidents) are ultimately the ones who set the example for their supporters, Senator Sanders seems to have given the green light to his supporters to let loose on Senator Clinton — and not on policy.

From campaign surrogates falsely accusing Secretary Clinton of being under FBI investigation, to many posts from supporters on any social media timeline there is an increasingly bitter, personal tone about Secretary Clinton emanating from the Sanders side of the ledger . What’s worrisome is just who is prodding them on.

This week, this post popped up on Facebook, shared and liked by a number of Sanders supporters (the avatars of those sharing are small,but pictures of Sanders):

.........................

A quick scroll through the advertised page in the graphic revealed this ugly meme:

...................

Then there’s is this meme being shared by Sanders supporters - sometimes posted in article form, linking to a piece from right-wing Breitbart news.
.................

The question, which very few supporters seem to ask, is just who named Secretary Clinton the “most corrupt” politician? Well, that would be the right-wing group, the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust, founded by a George W. Bush appointee, and GOP candidate for office.

Whether it is ugly memes and false charges like these, or others spreading through the political landscape, a disturbing pattern is emerging that seemed impossible just a few months ago: Sanders supporters are increasingly embracing and spreading right-wing propaganda.

“Bernie or Bust,” or Bust Goes the Senate?

The increasing personal animus towards Secretary Clinton, from Sanders supporters, and the recent lack of willingness from the candidate to calm down those backing his campaign has more people joining the so-called “Bernie or Bust” movement, every day..................

..................
XXXXXZZZZZ

And the latest*********Sanders camp sends out a nasty passive-aggressive memo and plays the VICTIM CARD!



http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/hillary-clinton-bernie-sanders-agree-debate-brooklyn/story?id=38150919


.................On Monday the two campaigns finally reached an agreement.

“Brooklyn. April 14. It's on.” Clinton national press secretary Brian Fallon tweeted tonight.



The Sanders campaign —- which moved a rally they had scheduled for that night -— confirmed the debate too, but not without taking a not so subtle shot at Clinton.

"Fortunately, we were able to move a major New York City rally scheduled for April 14 to the night before,” Sanders spokesman Michael Briggs said. "We hope the debate will be worth the inconvenience for thousands of New Yorkers who were planning to attend our rally on Thursday but will have to change their schedules to accommodate Secretary Clinton’s jam-packed, high-dollar, coast-to-coast schedule of fundraisers all over the country.”

[mcar]

1. Sanders is risking his reputation with this strategy

and showing himself to be just another obfuscating politician.

[CalvinballPro]

32. I'd use the past tense on all the verbs you did, because it's already over. nt

[Armstead]

2. Oh fuck this Rovian meme

It is not ugly. FUCKING PERIOD

If Clinton and her campaign and supporters are that goddamn sensitive, and delicate she has no business running for city council, much less president.

But in reality, it's the same goddamn sleazy strategy she used against Obama in 2008....I hope the results are the same.

[CalvinballPro]

34. If you know enough to know that this is from 2008, you should also know it was a losing strategy

By co-signing Sanders adopting this strategy, you're basically admitting that he's already lost.

It's about damn time.

[Loudestlib]

3. From the camp that swifboated a civil rights record.

[riversedge]

5. You get 4 Pinnochios for your post

[Lizzie Poppet]

33. From a profoundly unreliable source.

You (and you candidate) have zero credibility in matters of honesty.

[riversedge]

61. Not in my opinion.

[AgingAmerican]

52. The meme of the day

"Pinnochio"

[immoderate]

58. Astounding! I have NEVER seen so many Pinocchios flying around!

I am reluctant to raise my head. Might get hit by a flying Pinocchio.

--imm

[CalvinballPro]

36. You can't swiftboat something that doesn't exist.

[Loudestlib]

40. Yeah, I mean really, what does this guy know about fighting for civil rights?

[CalvinballPro]

45. Funny how quick his involvement ended after that arrest.

And not a peep from him on civil rights in the 40+ years since. Black leaders in Vermont are on the record saying he refused to meet with them.

At least you used one of the real pictures of Bernie instead of all the other ones where your side claimed "any white guy near Dr King" was actually Bernie.

[Loudestlib]

47. Which is it Calvin?

You said he didn't have a record on civil rights now you say it's too old. So, which is it?

[scscholar]

51. Wind in the willows. Wind in the willows.

[AgingAmerican]

54. So you admit it exists

After saying it doesn't exist

[jillan]

4. You meant to say Hillary didn't you? It wasn't Bernie that was yelling at

an environmental activist looking like Jan Brewer pointing her finger in the face of this young girl. Or going on national TV to insult Bernie supporters. So please do not give me this crap.

[riversedge]

7. The post is about Sanders. You must have misundertood.

[jillan]

11. And you must misunderstand how hateful your candidate looks to the rest of the world. To everyone

But Hillbots.

Jan Brewer Hillary Clinton they look the same to me.

[Armstead]

13. That's sexist because they are both women

(just in case needed)

[jillan]

20. lol. I know I'm a woman who purposely trashes other woman. Lol.

[Sheepshank]

18. what a nasty, contemptable idiotic comparison

comparing any RW extremist to a Democrat. Talk about Rovian tactics.

Perhaps you should explain in what way they are the same...and if Hillary is the Nominee, what would stop you from voting for any Republican in this case?

[jillan]

25. What Hillary did is no different then what Jan Brewer did

Sticking and waving a finger in the face of somebody to show a sign of disrespect.

[Sheepshank]

29. oh give me a fucking break...you are walking it back

Bernie was just as finger wagging, just as demeaning at the last debate.

You attempted to draw a political comparison...and there just isn't one to be had. You should be ashamed for trying to promote such dibble.

[jillan]

42. What Hillary did is exactly the same thing Jan Brewer did. They both

Stuck their finger in the face of somebody they had no respect for. I am not talking about their policies I am talking about their inability to act professional. And trying to compare that to somebody who talks with her hands is Hillaryous.

[CalvinballPro]

38. Like Bernie at EVERY debate so far? Oh, right, it's always different when Bernie does it. nt

[frylock]

50. Oh, right, it's always different when Bernie does it.

[whathehell]

30. LOL.

[Sheepshank]

12. article after article posted here on Du regarding BSers nasty over the top actions

articles from well respected outlets and fairly lesser known blogs. Not so much about Hillary supporters.

Seems like Bernie likes what his followers have been doing and rather than try and move things in a different direction, decided to jump right in and join them in the muck.

[Armstead]

17. Yes like the ever respected Blue Nation Review and the "sold its soul" WaPo

I know there are respected outlets that publish critical articles about Clinton and Sanders too...But the most of the fertilizer for these memes about "nasty Bernie" come from the same digestive systems

[Sheepshank]

21. Regarding the actions of the supporters, Bernie's crowd gets the lions share of public smacking n/t

[Armstead]

27. Yes his supporters are such brutal nefarious bullies. -- Look at these horrid people

Millennial Bernie bros

[DemocracyDirect]

37. Haha. Why is Bill in one of those pictures?

Is this like Where's Waldo?

+1

[Armstead]

39. Ooops...That was from a joke page. Thoght I had the undoctored version. Repost...I took Mr Bill out

I took the one with Mr Bill out

[DisgustipatedinCA]

43. Yeah, and every time you post a lying pile of fuck like Brock, guess what will happen?

The SAME THING. Maybe curtailing the vicious lies might just help a little. Or maybe it's way too late for all that.

[HumanityExperiment]

6. Shorter...

politics is hardball...

buckle up buttercup, supporting your candidate effectively over these next 22 primary votes is going to get a lot tougher

[Armstead]

19. I can stand up to Trump......But that Bernie is such a meanie. My fainting couch please.

[Skwmom]

8. Morning Joe: Trump already has a nickname for Clinton. If Clinton can't handle Bernie how will she

Last edited Tue Apr 5, 2016, 10:55 AM - Edit history (1)

handle Trump?

[whathehell]

41. I'm a Bernie supporter, but I must say that I have faith in Hilary's ability

to handle bullies, especially the dumb ones....Bernie's not a 'bully', he's just a strong, truth-telling opponent.

Trumpy has a nick name for her? Good. Let it be a particularly sexist one so his ratings among

women, even RW women, can fall even FURTHER than they have already -- Trump's a buffoon

and Hilary's handled worse than him.

[nc4bo]

9. LOL NOW I get it!! Camp Sanders must praise HRC and her policies! Yeah, that's it!

Because......OBVIOUSLY......if Camp Sanders tells the truth about Hillary Rodham Clinton and any other 1%er greedy fuck out there, he is being NEGATIVE, UGLY, SPITEFUL, SEXIST, RACIST, HATEFUL, EVIL, DISGRACEFUL, DISINGENUOUS, HORRIBLEAWFULTERRIBLE.

NOW.....I get it.

Tell the truth, shame the devil! Go Bernie!

[kristopher]

28. O! IC.

[riversedge]

60. No, you do not get it, You missed the point Completely.

................ LOL NOW I get it!! Camp Sanders must praise HRC and her policies! Yeah, that's it!.........

[bahrbearian]

10. And Trump for the Win, because Hillary can't take it, its too much. "No I can't".

[KPN]

14. Seems to me the other way around

especially since Hillary, you and all her supporters think she's got this thing in the bag.

Shouldn't you all be asking the question: What can/will Hillary/we do to bring Bernie supporters on board for the GE?

But no, as always and usual, having trouble with the forest for the trees.

[PufPuf23]

15. This is a projection of the Clinton campaign strategy on to Sanders.

Hillary Clinton blew her chance in campaign 2008 because of the same sleaze tactics regard to Obama.

Clinton should have learned from 2008 and the general premise that people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

Clinton hired sleaze thrower extraordinaire in David Brock.

The criticism of Hillary Clinton is from the left and is based upon her well documented actions, often video-taped. post 2000.

I am glad to see Sanders respond. (and without the nastiness and lies).

[WhaTHellsgoingonhere]

16. LOL!!!! You guys want everything on your terms. Only you can heap ridicule and insults and demand

opposition to zip it and fall in line.

Sorry you didn't take the high road now, aren't you...

[SidDithers]

22. DU rec for all the best reasons...nt

Sid

[LuvLoogie]

23. Bernie rides the coattails of discontent in a borrowed bus.

A life of resentment, peaking in its nihilistic feedback loop otherwise known as The Revolution.

[cosmicone]

24. Unless Sanders bows down in the end and grovels for mercy

He should become persona non-grata in the senate and stripped of all plum committee appointments.

What is he going to do? Vote with the republicans?

[frylock]

59. #bowdownbernie

Classic example of the lack of self-awareness that we've come to expect from Hillary Supporter.

[revbones]

26. Bizarre post given the tone of the Hillary campaign

and all the negative memes coming out from there. Especially weird given that all the "negativity" from Bernie's camp is just pointing out actual positions and actions of Hillary and not the same as that coming from Hillary followers...

[IdaBriggs]

31. It's only slander if it's not true. nt

[Orsino]

35. Democracy has been bought and Schmeltzer's worried about tone.

Finally, someone is willing to speak up for the Establishment.

[geek tragedy]

44. A divisive, angry campaign that does not respect

voters.

[Scuba]

46. I agree with Hillary and her surrogates. The truths about her are "ugly."

[beedle]

48. Wow, more 'tone policing'

oh, and some random posts from twitter.



...., and then they attack you, ... - Mahatma Gandhi

[felix_numinous]

49. Corruption is ugly, people are angry

and passionate about their candidate. There is a difference between being uncivil towards each other and just venting and presenting the issues that are out there. Debunking is what we do well here to get to the truth, but we shouldn't kill the messengers! We sorely need to face the future with our eyes open.

Most of us have made up their minds but there are people who haven't and a good honest and lively discussion is what elections are all about.

Cheers!

[Politicalboi]

53. I guess the Iron Lady is made of aluminum

At least Bernie doesn't cheat like the Clinton's do. He doesn't lie like the Clinton's do. This is an election, get thicker skin.

[blm]

55. I don't think so. I DO think both sides are acting WAY too precious out there and here at DU

between the two groups.

For being a reasonable person who urges fairness and discernment from both sides, I have been blocked from both groups. Go figure.

Preciousness is not a desirable trait in politics.

[hollysmom]

56. who knew Hillary was such a delicate flower that the mild things from Sanders Camp is hurting her

she should be a loverly candidate when the republicans get at her.
after all it is a not as if someone she is connected to did not describe Sanders as a bad husband (an out of context clip) or that he is a liar about his campaign funds, which wa a lie.

I sure hope this does not make women candidates be seen as (legitimately) unattackable because they are too sensitive, it might just disqualify them from a job.

apparently Sandeers was only "allowed" to run if he complimented Clinton and kissed her feet. D W-S probably didn't make that clear enough to him - it was not like he really was supposed to have a chance to win or anything and can show the differences.

[Vinca]

57. There's a whole lot of amnesia on this site about the 2008 campaign.

Hillary is not a saint by any stretch of the imagination. Politics can get testy and she can definitely give as well as she might be getting.