Obama Supports Bernie on the Issues and is Critical of Hillary

[senz]

On Feb. 16, 2016, President Obama attended a summit of leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations at Sunnylands in Rancho Mirage, California, where he gave a speech followed by a press conference. During the Q & A period, a reporter reminded him that “Hillary has been casting herself as the rightful heir to your legacy and the one, the candidate who will be the keeper of your legacy, while also saying the Bernie Sanders has been disloyal to you. Is she right?”

President Obama gave a politically careful reply, saying that he “knows Hillary better than I know Bernie because she served in my administration and she was an outstanding Secretary of State. And I suspect that on certain issues she agrees with me more than Bernie does. On the other hand, there may be a couple issues where Bernie agrees with me more. I don’t know. I haven’t studied their positions that closely.”

He then went on to list the principles that Democratic voters believe in. Every principle listed by President Obama perfectly matches Bernie’s long-held stands on the issues and several made subtle -- and not so subtle -- criticisms of Hillary Clinton.

The President said:

Here’s what I have confidence in — that Democratic voters believe in certain principles. They believe in equal opportunity. They believe in making sure that every kid in this country gets a fair shot. They believe in making sure that economic growth is broad-based and everybody benefits from it, and if you work hard you’re not in poverty. They believe in preserving a strong safety net through programs like Social Security and Medicare. They believe in a foreign policy that is not reckless, that is tough and protects the American people but doesn’t shoot before it aims. They believe in climate change. They think science matters. They think that it’s important for us to have some basic regulations to keep our air clean and our water clean, and to make sure that banks aren’t engaging in excesses that can result in the kind of thing that we saw in 2007 and 2008. So there’s a broad convergence of interests around those issues.

President Obama listed six major principles that Democratic voters believe in:

1. They believe in equal opportunity. They believe in making sure that every kid in this country gets a fair shot.
   
   
2. They believe in making sure that economic growth is broad-based and everybody benefits from it and if you work hard you’re not in poverty.
   
   
3. They believe in preserving a strong safety net through programs like Social Security and Medicare.
   
   
4. They believe in a foreign policy that is not reckless, that is tough and protects the American people but doesn’t shoot before it aims.
   
   
5. They believe in climate change. They think science matters. They think that it’s important for us to have some basic regulations to keep our air clean and our water clean,
   
   
6. and to make sure that banks aren’t engaging in excesses that can result in the kind of thing that we saw in 2007 and 2008.

Closer examination:

1. “Equal opportunity, every kid in this country gets a fair shot.” Bernie has long been a solid advocate educational fairness for children and youth. As an advocate for universal childcare and prekindergarten, in 2011 Bernie introduced the Foundations for Success Act, which would have awarded a grant to ten states allowing them to create an Early Care and Education System. In 2014, together with John Conyers, Bernie proposed a youth jobs and job training program for disadvantaged young Americans. Bernie is the only candidate to propose tuition-free public colleges and universities.

2. “They believe in making sure that economic growth is broad-based and everybody benefits from it, and if you work hard you’re not in poverty.” This is a direct reference to income inequality. Income inequality is the central issue of Bernie’s economic platform. Throughout his campaign, Bernie has proclaimed, “No one who works 40 hours a week should be living in poverty.” Bernie is the only candidate who proposed increasing the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour. Bernie has always fought against trade policies that export millions of jobs, while Hillary was a vocal proponent of the job-killing NAFTA, WTO/GATT and, until recently, the TPP. He has long fought for workers’ rights, for the right to collectively bargain for better wages and benefits, for a living wage, and gender wage equality.

3. “A strong safety net through programs like Social Security and Medicare.” Strengthening and expanding Social Security and Medicare are Bernie Sanders’ core issues. He has worked to preserve them his entire legislative career. He has fought against any reductions to these programs, no matter which party suggested them.

4. “A foreign policy that is not reckless” and “doesn’t shoot before it aims.” Hillary Clinton and President Obama hold deep policy differences on foreign affairs. Her recklessness as SOS has caused serious, long-lasting problems in several countries, most notably Libya, Syria and Honduras. Her reckless actions could mar the president’s legacy. Bernie Sanders has been correct in resisting every failed U.S. intervention in recent history and his foreign policy proposals take a wise, cautious approach that is closer to the President's.

5. “Climate change. Basic regulations to keep our air clean and our water clean.” Bernie’s environmental record is excellent. In the first Democratic debate, Bernie was the only candidate who said climate change in answer to a question about the worst problem facing the world today. Hillary’s backers include some of the worst polluters in the world. As Secretary of State, Hillary urged fracking for other countries.

6. “To make sure that banks aren’t engaging in excesses that can result in the kind of thing that we saw in 2007 and 2008.” The banking excesses that caused the crash of 2008 were a result of Bill Clinton’s elimination of Glass-Steagall. Bernie led the fight in 1999 to defend Glass-Steagall's provisions and currently is a co-sponsor of the Elizabeth Warren/John McCain bill to reinstate those provisions. Hillary opposes the restoration of Glass-Steagall. Bernie has a well-thought out set of reforms for Wall Street excesses. Bernie favors breaking up the big banks. Hillary does not. Wall Street is the largest contributor to the HRC campaign and was also the primary audience for her secret speeches.

Video and transcript: http://www.shallownation.com/2016/02/16/video-president-obama-press-conference-tues-feb-16-2016-rancho-mirage-california/ (The Q&A is at the end, this segment starts around 32:30)

[tonyt53]

1. You left out the most important part!

HRC, while Secretary of State, worked for Obama. She did what he told her to do. Or do you not know that?

[senz]

3. Did you not read the links referencing their foreign policy disagreements?

[NWCorona]

4. Actually she when behind his back and had a side deal with Sid against Obama's wishes

[RufusTFirefly]

15. If that were so then Kerry's tenure would be as hawkish as Clinton's

It hasn't been.
I have major disagreements with Kerry, but he seems to understand the concept of diplomacy.

[senz]

37. Kerry and Hillary are night and day as SOS.

He is focused, effective, and doesn't leave messes all around him.

[RufusTFirefly]

39. Yup. So much for the "just following orders" meme n/t

[840high]

40. Nope. She went behind his back.

[Thinkingabout]

2. Interesting on your #7, Sanders is now going with Hillary on Dodd Frank, he was not able to give

The section like Hillary did but at least he has moved in her direction. He has also moved to her position on SS, this is good.

As far as the title of Obama being critical of Hillary, he was equally critical of Sanders.

[Armstead]

5. Quite an impressive post -- Kudos for the thought and research

[senz]

8. Thanks, Armstead

I first saw the video in February and immediately noticed that Obama had essentially listed Bernie's issues and included some digs at Hill. But the entire video is of a speech followed by a news conference, very long, and there was no transcript. When the transcript was put up on that website, I thought about an OP -- but, as with RA, my hands hurt and I was fatigued, etc.

Much more can be added to what I said. I hope people will add to it with intelligent comments.

[amborin]

6. excellent compilation, thanks for posting!

[senz]

50. Thanks, amborin

I could have done better, so if you feel like adding anything, please feel free.

[tularetom]

7. He talks a good game but his own record is somewhat spotty when it comes to these principles

1.. Equal opportunity - ok, he's probably good on that one.

2. Income inequality - Obama favors the TPP and TTIP, which will tilt the scales against American workers.

3. Safety Net - He was ready to give away SS as a bargaining chip to Boner during budget negotiations. And don't forget the cat food commission.

4. "American Exceptionalism" - He knew she was running a rogue operation as SofS and did nothing to stop it.

5. Climate change - he has at least tried on climate change, given that his hands are somewhat tied by congress.

6. Breakup the banks - Summers, Geithner, Rubin. Obama is damn near as bad as Clinton on this. He just talks better.

He may agree in principle with Sanders on a lot of these points, but his own record shows he has no credibility.

[senz]

9. I still believe that Obama would have done more of these things

if he had realized how hopeless it would be to mollify the Republicans and if TPTB hadn't twisted his arm.

Bernie, of course, has no such illusions and so far seems impervious to arm twisting.

I still love Obama. People are people, everyone is different.

[Maven]

11. So Hillary is a willing tool of the establishment, but Obama siding with the establishment

at almost every turn was not his fault. It was the faceless powers that be who twisted his arm. Got it.

[senz]

14. Obama doesn't hang with the 1% and doesn't trade political influence

for millions of dollars.

So far, he may have given in at times, but he's not flat-out corrupt.

[Maven]

55. Um, he doesn't?

http://americablog.com/2011/04/obama-attending-a-few-35800-per-person-fund-raisers-with-wall-street-tonight.html

http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/219582-reporters-kept-out-as-obama-attends-50k-per-plate-fundraiser

http://www.fa-mag.com/news/n-y--banker-hosts-obama-fundraiser-at--20k-per-plate-17731.html

[bettyellen]

49. Nailed it, Maven....... the standards are always different for Clinton.

[RufusTFirefly]

16. My guess is that it's much more the PTB than the Republicans

In the rare cases where they're at odds with the PTB, the Republicans can be relatively easy to shove aside.

[Punkingal]

10. Excellent OP!

Thank you! I believe Obama doesn't really like Hillary, deep down, but of course he will never admit that. Maybe someday in a book he will.

[RufusTFirefly]

18. I agree with you. I think he adopted LBJ's philosophy

"It's better to have your enemies inside the tent pissing out than outside the tent pissing in."

[senz]

27. lol, that is so LBJ

I've heard Obama's SOS deal with Hillary as "keep your friends close and your enemies even closer" -- but LBJ was wonderfully earthy, as well as compassionate, and I miss him.

[seabeyond]

12. Bullshit.

[libdem4life]

13. Based on ..... ?

[Tarc]

17. Like most African-Americans though, Obama still trusts Hillary to carry this stuff forward

rather than Bernie.

[senz]

19. Doesn't sound like it if you read what he said ...

I've long thought that neither he, nor Michelle, nor Malia, nor Sasha can stand Hillary Clinton.

She was unforgivably racist and defamatory toward him in 2008.

[Tarc]

22. The difference though, is that both Obama and Clinton are genuine, committed party members

Both were able to set aside their differences in 2008 and see the big picture.

PS - Don't drag their kids into it. Show a modicum of class, please.

[senz]

23. Hillary is not "genuine" anything

except maybe genuinely money-and-power hungry.

Those "kids" are intelligent young ladies who can spot a phony when they see one.

[Tarc]

26. lol, dodging the point to take continued potshots

We'll see where Sanders stands when it comes time to concede at convention time. If he actually wants to have a future with the party, then he'll work with her to do whatever possible to hammer Trump at every turn this fall.

If not, I'd probably kiss any plum committee assignments, ore even chairs if the D's retake the Senate, good-bye.

[senz]

29. Bernie's main concern is for the American people.

He would be more than willing to trade "party perks" for a better life for US.

I'll bet that makes no sense to you, but I wish it did.

[Tarc]

35. Too bad he can't trade em for, y'know, enough votes to win an election

Seeya in the funny papers...

[senz]

36. Ohhh, you must be one of those Hill Bros

Baiting, taunting, playing oneupsmanship games.

It's gets old, Tarc. Why don't you try to be more substantive? Then maybe you'd get less hostility and more respect.

That would be a good thing.

[Tarc]

52. There are certain groups of people that I do not desire to have respect from

The ones that fire off a litany of

"War Criminal"
"Emailgate"
"Benghazi"
"Fracking fracking fracking"
"Where's the transcripts?"
"She flipped coins in Iowa!"
"She disenfranchised Arizona!"
"She disenfranchised New York!"
"She's frumpy!"
"She's shrill!"
"She didn't get a Vatican invite!"
"Hotsaucegate!"

on and on and on.

Most Sanders voters will be with us in the fall, and the tiny contingent that isn't can go pound sand.

[okasha]

42. CDS is in full bloom tonight, I see.

I love the smell of desperation after a long day's work.

[senz]

44. Ahh, well I love glimpsing

into the character of Hillary supporters.

Validates my choice so well. Thanks!

[okasha]

47. Congrats on keeping your job.

[senz]

51. Sweetie I'm a little old retired lady. :)

And you'd better get up off the floor, straighten out your clothes, sit down, and be nice.

[okasha]

53. Congrats on keeping your part-time job.

I bet you did a great, if fact-free, writing sample.
Sixteen million, dearie, and we all know who got a piece of it.

I'd call myself a little old retired lady, too, if I weren't an artist. Artists don't retire. We just keel over at the easel when the time comes.

[senz]

54. If you're happy with yourself

then why the putdowns?

[okasha]

56. Congrats on keeping your part-time job.

I bet you did a great, if fact-free, writing sample.
Sixteen million, dearie, and we all know who got a piece of it.

I'd call myself a little old retired lady, too, if I weren't an artist. Artists don't retire. We just keel over at the easel when the time comes.

[Uncle Joe]

20. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, senz.

[YouDig]

21. Obama is right. Hillary and Bernie agree on those core principles.

I agree with them too.

[senz]

24. Those are Bernie's core principles

and not so much Hillary at all, so your best bet is to vote for Bernie.

That's what I plan to do.

[YouDig]

25. And Hillary's. Like Obama said.

[senz]

32. You sure are trying hard to fit Hill in with Bernie's views.

She doesn't fit well under any of them but the ones about banks and foreign policy are the most glaring.

[YouDig]

34. Obama disagrees with you, as do I. Next time, if you want to quote Obama to support your case,

don't pick a statement where he says the exact opposite of what you are trying to sell.

[senz]

43. Nope, just read the OP -- and think.

Thinking is good.

[YouDig]

46. I read the actual Obama part. The rest was nonsense.

[JaneyVee]

28. Apparently they voted the same 93% of the time.

And some of that 7% Hillary was to the left of Bernie. Guns for example. Immigration reform for example.

[senz]

30. Hill's been running for president ever since she left the WH.

[JaneyVee]

31. 2008?

Bernie's been running for president since 1980 something.

[senz]

33. You must make it up as you go along

because that is absurd.

[Progressive dog]

38. Imagine that, Bernie agrees so much with the President

that he wanted to have him challenged in primaries in 2012. Number 6 really takes the cake for twisting the truth. I don't suppose Bernie fans would care that President Obama has had 7 years to propose going back to an outdated law, such as Glass Steagall. He did sign Dodd-Frank and unlike Bernie proved at the Daily News, I'm sure he knows what's in it.

[senz]

41. That's when the President slipped, temporarily, on #3

when he wanted to reduce Social Security payments but changed his mind when liberals/progressives like Bernie pushed him back to the left. See, it works.

I took #6 as not only backing for Bernie but a warning for Hillary. You don't really trust Hillary on the big banks, do you?

[Progressive dog]

48. The president is much closer to Hillary on how to

actually moving forward. Actually getting stuff done requires thought and effort, not just complaints.

[Onlooker]

45. Desperate Bernie post of the day

Obama clearly supports Hillary. Like it or not, Hillary's stands on climate change, Wall Street, foreign policy, and other matters is far more similar to that Obama's than are Bernie's.

Bernie would do away with Obama's signature health care reform, opposes Obama's support for fracking and offshore drilling (and Bernie has no idea how we'll get our energy needs met if we stop both of those), does not agree with Obama's actions on Wall Street, opposes Obama's strong regional support for the Arab Spring, etc.

[nolawarlock]

58. Thank you for saving me the trouble of saying it. nt

[Betty Karlson]

57. K&R. Remember when Obama specifically forbade Clinton to consult Blumenthal on foreign policy?

She ignored him from her first day on the job. And somehow, she thinks she is entitled to loyalty?