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mikehiggins

(5,614 posts)
Sat Apr 9, 2016, 06:38 PM Apr 2016

Don't the Sanders supporters understand the facts on the ground?

I see constant amazement and surprise that all hands are on deck opposing Senator Sanders' campaign. That constantly amazes and surprises me to no end.

Let me spell it out in clear, concise terms that anyone can understand.

EVERYBODY IS AGAINST US.

That is what was meant by "the Establishment" back when this started.

It means anyone with any stake in keeping things going the way they are is going to oppose Sanders like he was going to take money out of their pockets. Well, yeah, he will.

He is going to shake up the system and everyone who has a stake in the system is going to do anything they can to derail his campaign.

And keep in mind that HRC has NO NEED to do anything herself. Everyone who sees the threat Sanders presents to the way things work at this point in time will do whatever they think they need to do to put a stake through the heart of that threat. HRC doesn't have to call Brock to start up memes and such. He is an expert at it. She doesn't have to tell the Blue Review to attack like a rabid pit bull. The owner will do it all on his own. None of these surrogates and spokespeople and liars need any direction from the top. She doesn't have to tell low level election workers to materialize boxes of surrogate forms, almost all overwhelmingly in her favor.

All HRC need do is stumble along in her bubble of praise from her supporters, go plead for bucks from big dollar donors and give quick, pithy rehearsed responses to any question she deems worthy of her attention. Same as it ever was.

All that stands against the Leviathan is a bunch of those "little people" who have to learn about the issues in this campaign from going to a Sanders rally, and then start spreading the word among their friends and relatives and coworkers. THAT is the only path open to Sanders because ALL of the media is in the tank. The mistake is thinking they are in the tank FOR HRC. The reality is that they all have a stake in things going along the way they have been, the way they have become comfortable with since the news stopped being a public service and became Entertainment Tonight. The New York Times? Capehart's Washington Post? What's left of the magazines and daily newspapers?

The pundits now claim that HRC has to move to win over the hearts and minds of the Sanders supporters (and the army ant like network of small donors nourishing the campaign). That would actually be easy to do, in theory, assuming anyone believes any commitment she might make (which is, of course, another question) to work for free tuition, to work to clean up Flint (remember Flint?), put an end to our disastrous (ok, her) disastrous involvement in the Middle East, move towards single payer health care, and break up the hold the wealthiest interests have on our political process, no matter what side of the aisle you're talking about. Simple enough. That was generally the Democratic platform before Bill Clinton and the rich guys on the Third Way front turned politics away from working for the people to standing by the table hoping for scraps.

I have no idea how this is going to turn out. Our only hope, failing a Sanders nomination, is that the GOP will put forth a candidate that even their own voters can't tolerate. What a sad state of affairs.

So, Sanders folks? Stop talking to the trolls and idiots around here and get out on the streets, make phone calls and email friends. There is nothing here for us.

59 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Don't the Sanders supporters understand the facts on the ground? (Original Post) mikehiggins Apr 2016 OP
Sanders is, the very definition of "the establishment". I can't just shrug it off cause he wants to. seabeyond Apr 2016 #1
Can y'all get your story straight? GeorgiaPeanuts Apr 2016 #3
Oh, I didn't know your definition of establishment is Democratic party. seabeyond Apr 2016 #5
One can fight against the establishment while being part of it. beam me up scottie Apr 2016 #9
So what does that make Hillary Silver_Witch Apr 2016 #19
Clinton is not portraying herself as anything than what she is, a politician. Sanders is, however. seabeyond Apr 2016 #20
No he is not Silver_Witch Apr 2016 #25
Clinton is running for herself. pangaia Apr 2016 #26
I'm sure his motives are totally altruistic. He COLGATE4 Apr 2016 #32
He's already been beatified as St. Bernardo of the Poor and Downtrodden. Surya Gayatri Apr 2016 #35
Don't take those posts to literally. pangaia Apr 2016 #44
Oh, the hero worship seems pretty sincere--last, best hope for humanity, etc. etc. Surya Gayatri Apr 2016 #45
I'm anxiously awaiting the canonization. At the rate his COLGATE4 Apr 2016 #58
And That noretreatnosurrender Apr 2016 #28
Their memes always cancel each other out, it's fascinating. beam me up scottie Apr 2016 #8
He's spent 25 years in one of the most exclusive clubs in the world - the US Congress Lucinda Apr 2016 #4
I know, right? Lol. Nt seabeyond Apr 2016 #7
You know who was also a sell out? northernsouthern Apr 2016 #12
+1 draa Apr 2016 #21
Psst: Mr. Smith was a fictional character. NuclearDem Apr 2016 #22
Whaaaaaaaaa? northernsouthern Apr 2016 #24
Fiction noretreatnosurrender Apr 2016 #30
typical Sanders Camp ad hom uponit7771 Apr 2016 #47
I Defer to Your Expertise noretreatnosurrender Apr 2016 #50
So's Bernie, that's why it's so appropriate anigbrowl Apr 2016 #51
I thought you meant the HRC Group on DU. TheCowsCameHome Apr 2016 #18
I don't think you understand how the term 'establishment' is being used. pangaia Apr 2016 #27
Well, to be fair, given his record of legislative COLGATE4 Apr 2016 #33
Bull shit libtodeath Apr 2016 #37
Nu uh. I have the definition on my side. How about you? Lol. seabeyond Apr 2016 #38
"Nu uh" is not what mature people use as an arguement so get back to me libtodeath Apr 2016 #39
How about the definition of entitlement, or is that not "intelligent" enough for you? seabeyond Apr 2016 #40
That would be the definition of Hillary wouldnt it? libtodeath Apr 2016 #41
Certainly, in respects. She too has a bit of non establishment being a woman. But ya, Clinton isn't seabeyond Apr 2016 #42
The podium bird told them he wasn't "establishment" cause of his hair uponit7771 Apr 2016 #46
Bah hahahah, that is a hoot. I just walked away from another hoot. Funny, funny. Nt seabeyond Apr 2016 #48
Bernie Is The Only Antidote For The Corrupt Nation Once Known As America cantbeserious Apr 2016 #2
You can't be serious. COLGATE4 Apr 2016 #34
Deadly Serious cantbeserious Apr 2016 #43
And absolutely correct yourpaljoey Apr 2016 #54
The guy who voted to give corporations immunity is an antidote for corruption?! REALLY?! A podium.. uponit7771 Apr 2016 #49
This intolerant thread perfectly exemplifies why President Obama compared Sanders and his followers Trust Buster Apr 2016 #6
You're gone. 99Forever Apr 2016 #14
No, I'm not going anywhere. The President's analysis is correct. But, you're free to go. Trust Buster Apr 2016 #16
Impressive demonstration of magical thinking there anigbrowl Apr 2016 #55
Wanna see some more magic? 99Forever Apr 2016 #59
Trust Buster, you raise the key point. Who is more likely to win GE, Clinton or Sanders? philly_bob Apr 2016 #17
Nods. They think McGovern losing was a DNC conspiracy...No he just didn't get enough votes.. Henhouse Apr 2016 #52
Hey...Bill and Hillary met while they were working on the McGovern campaign in 72 n/t Henhouse Apr 2016 #56
I'm not against you, I've even voted for the guy. Agschmid Apr 2016 #10
Silly inflated myths of persecution Sheepshank Apr 2016 #11
Bernie is going to need all of us to azmom Apr 2016 #13
HUNGARIANS for Bernie !! pangaia Apr 2016 #29
Thanks Mike for reminding us of what is important. I almost didn't click on the link 2cannan Apr 2016 #15
Good luck trying to understand it. It's cray cray. nt boston bean Apr 2016 #23
Great OP noretreatnosurrender Apr 2016 #31
Agreed! And there's lots to do if you can't phone or canvass riderinthestorm Apr 2016 #36
50 replies and I only see 9 Milestone Apr 2016 #53
There are no facts, only interpretations. Friedrich Nietzsche Tierra_y_Libertad Apr 2016 #57
 

GeorgiaPeanuts

(2,353 posts)
3. Can y'all get your story straight?
Sat Apr 9, 2016, 06:41 PM
Apr 2016

Either he is an establishment Democrat or he is not a Democrat and is just an independent trying to hijack the Democratic Party.

 

seabeyond

(110,159 posts)
5. Oh, I didn't know your definition of establishment is Democratic party.
Sat Apr 9, 2016, 06:44 PM
Apr 2016
3. often Establishment An established social order, as:
a. A group of people holding most of the power and influence in a government or society. Often used with the.


I consider a white man, three decades in govt pretty well hits the definition.

beam me up scottie

(57,349 posts)
9. One can fight against the establishment while being part of it.
Sat Apr 9, 2016, 06:46 PM
Apr 2016

While others who are part of the establishment use it to their advantage in million$ of different way$.


 

Silver_Witch

(1,820 posts)
19. So what does that make Hillary
Sat Apr 9, 2016, 07:38 PM
Apr 2016

A white woman with more than three decades involved in Corporate America and Politics?

 

seabeyond

(110,159 posts)
20. Clinton is not portraying herself as anything than what she is, a politician. Sanders is, however.
Sat Apr 9, 2016, 07:44 PM
Apr 2016
 

Silver_Witch

(1,820 posts)
25. No he is not
Sun Apr 10, 2016, 11:09 AM
Apr 2016

You do know Bernie is a politician right? Hillary is also a politician. All Bernie is doing that is different is trying to encourage us all to vote for change from the established ways of failure for the lower and middle-class to trying to make it better. Simply as that!

COLGATE4

(14,732 posts)
32. I'm sure his motives are totally altruistic. He
Sun Apr 10, 2016, 12:19 PM
Apr 2016

wouldn't be in it first and foremost for himself like every other presidential candidate who longed to be President in the history of the republic. When is the canonization?

 

Surya Gayatri

(15,445 posts)
35. He's already been beatified as St. Bernardo of the Poor and Downtrodden.
Sun Apr 10, 2016, 12:27 PM
Apr 2016

You can find pics in his supporters' posts showing St. Bernardo in his robes with miter and scepter.

COLGATE4

(14,732 posts)
58. I'm anxiously awaiting the canonization. At the rate his
Sun Apr 10, 2016, 07:32 PM
Apr 2016

supporters are attributing miracles to him he's going to beat Mother Theresa for an expedited sainthood.

Lucinda

(31,170 posts)
4. He's spent 25 years in one of the most exclusive clubs in the world - the US Congress
Sat Apr 9, 2016, 06:41 PM
Apr 2016

Cracks me up every time he talks like he isn't a part of it.

 

northernsouthern

(1,511 posts)
12. You know who was also a sell out?
Sat Apr 9, 2016, 06:51 PM
Apr 2016

That Mr Smith when he went to Washington! Sure he was an outsider at first, but then we see him yucking it up on the floor with the people he was supposedly there to bring a message too. Did he stay an outsider, no you can clearly see in the picture below he is INSIDE the building!



And here you can see he is clearly drinking on the job!



Shame on you Mr. Smith! Supposed outsider! Everyone knows that the only way to be an outsider is to never be part of the system! If he wanted to be one he should have never ran for office to serve his people!

 

northernsouthern

(1,511 posts)
24. Whaaaaaaaaa?
Sat Apr 9, 2016, 10:20 PM
Apr 2016

Fictional??????



That completely negates my entire point! I need to switch my delegate vote at once when I go to the convention! Next you are going to tell me that the editor Pinocchio for the WaPo is also fictional?

But don't tell him if it is true, it will make him sad...

pangaia

(24,324 posts)
27. I don't think you understand how the term 'establishment' is being used.
Sun Apr 10, 2016, 11:16 AM
Apr 2016

Being a member of congress does not in and of itself make one a member of the establishment.
The same as being 'rich' doesn't make one a good or bad person.

It is ones attitude and behavior towards human beings and the planet we live on that determines that.

COLGATE4

(14,732 posts)
33. Well, to be fair, given his record of legislative
Sun Apr 10, 2016, 12:21 PM
Apr 2016

accomplishments (i.e. laws proposed and passed) maybe he really isn't.

libtodeath

(2,888 posts)
39. "Nu uh" is not what mature people use as an arguement so get back to me
Sun Apr 10, 2016, 12:49 PM
Apr 2016

when you have something intelligent to say.

 

seabeyond

(110,159 posts)
42. Certainly, in respects. She too has a bit of non establishment being a woman. But ya, Clinton isn't
Sun Apr 10, 2016, 12:58 PM
Apr 2016

denying her establishment nor creating them as evil.

uponit7771

(90,367 posts)
49. The guy who voted to give corporations immunity is an antidote for corruption?! REALLY?! A podium..
Sun Apr 10, 2016, 03:16 PM
Apr 2016

... bird tell you that too!?

 

Trust Buster

(7,299 posts)
6. This intolerant thread perfectly exemplifies why President Obama compared Sanders and his followers
Sat Apr 9, 2016, 06:44 PM
Apr 2016

to the Tea Party. You have neither the votes to win an election nor the votes in Congress to dictate to the rest of the country.

 

anigbrowl

(13,889 posts)
55. Impressive demonstration of magical thinking there
Sun Apr 10, 2016, 03:25 PM
Apr 2016

I fear fall will be a depressing time for you.

philly_bob

(2,419 posts)
17. Trust Buster, you raise the key point. Who is more likely to win GE, Clinton or Sanders?
Sat Apr 9, 2016, 06:59 PM
Apr 2016

My guess is Sanders, but that's just a guess. I'd like to see some reliable studies.

Henhouse

(646 posts)
52. Nods. They think McGovern losing was a DNC conspiracy...No he just didn't get enough votes..
Sun Apr 10, 2016, 03:24 PM
Apr 2016

Sad but true....

azmom

(5,208 posts)
13. Bernie is going to need all of us to
Sat Apr 9, 2016, 06:51 PM
Apr 2016

win New York. Let's get to work people.

Latinos for Bernie! Si se puede!

2cannan

(344 posts)
15. Thanks Mike for reminding us of what is important. I almost didn't click on the link
Sat Apr 9, 2016, 06:53 PM
Apr 2016

because I thought it was another one of the Bernie bashing threads. I'm going to make another donation right now.

noretreatnosurrender

(1,890 posts)
31. Great OP
Sun Apr 10, 2016, 11:23 AM
Apr 2016

In addition to the excellent advice in the OP I would also add get bumper stickers on your cars and signs in your yards for visibility. Start writing factual and civil letters to your local newspapers. It doesn't matter if you subscribe to the newspapers you need to get Sanders message out any way you can. Before you get on DU again do something in the real world first.

 

riderinthestorm

(23,272 posts)
36. Agreed! And there's lots to do if you can't phone or canvass
Sun Apr 10, 2016, 12:38 PM
Apr 2016

There's data entry, bring food, host out of state campaign workers, deliver yard signs, etc.

Its going to take all of us!!

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