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brooklynite

(93,871 posts)
Fri May 27, 2016, 01:34 PM May 2016

Sanders camp: Maybe Trump is 'chickening out' of debate

Politico:

The Bernie Sanders-Donald Trump debate could be one of the biggest televised events of the year. But whether it will even happen is a different story, Sanders’ campaign said Friday, accusing Trump’s camp of dragging its feet.

Sanders’ campaign planted the idea of a debate between the Vermont senator and the real estate mogul during Trump’s appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” this week. Trump seemingly agreed and later put a $10 million price tag on the primetime event — for charity.

Sanders campaign manager Jeff Weaver told CNN on Friday that the process for setting up a debate with Trump ahead of California’s June 7 primary is progressing.

“There have been some communication between the campaigns. A number of networks have put forward proposals, including some that would put seven-figure amounts into charity,” Weaver said. “You know this, seems to meet the parameters of what Donald Trump suggested he'd be willing to do.”


This is the first data point I've seen on Sanders' ability to campaign against Trump, and I'm not impressed. The debate won't happen (it never was going to), Trump won't be hurt; Sanders won't be helped.
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virtualobserver

(8,760 posts)
1. you have spent too many hours in the spin room.....
Fri May 27, 2016, 01:39 PM
May 2016

Bernie isn't campaigning.....He is probing Trump.

Trump wants to do this......His people do not want him to do it.

Bernie is poking his ego.

MADem

(135,425 posts)
3. Interesting perspective. My view is that Trump is dragging Sanders down to his level.
Fri May 27, 2016, 01:43 PM
May 2016

Which I believe is somewhat unfortunate for his 'brand,' but it does wonders for Trump's, at least amongst his fans.

 

virtualobserver

(8,760 posts)
4. If this debate actually happens. I guess we'll find out.
Fri May 27, 2016, 01:53 PM
May 2016

I believe that Trump hates being out of the spotlight, so he wants to do this.

His political people see it as a risky move....more potential downside than upside.

Attacking Trump does not damage Bernie's brand.

emulatorloo

(43,982 posts)
5. I think you are right about his political people. I think Trumps motivation is to
Fri May 27, 2016, 02:06 PM
May 2016

try to pick up disaffected Bernie voters by pretending some of his positions are the "same" as Bernie's (which as we know is unmitigated bullshit)

I think Bernie's motivation is to continue the kinds of attacks Sen Warren against Trump.

Trump people must be worried that Trump's fake aligning w Bernie's positions will result in a backlash.

JMHO

MADem

(135,425 posts)
6. It's not about "attacking" Trump. Calling him an asshole is fine, in fact, it's encouraged.
Fri May 27, 2016, 02:23 PM
May 2016

He deserves to be attacked.

In fact, the expert at jerking his chain is none other than my own Senator Warren. Thing is, though, she doesn't stoop to his level. She just tells him, flat-out, no mincing words, what a cretin he is. HIS response to her makes Trump look weak and whiny. He can't win with her--she holds the high ground. Even when he comes back with the Pocahontas crap, he looks like he's talking back after an asswhuppin'.

It's the whole "bring it on" "Game on" "chickening out" verbiage that reminds me of the World Wrestling Federation--it's clownish.

"Clownish" is Trump's stock in trade--he doesn't run from it, he embraces it. And there are a cadre of wingnut mouth-breathers out there who just love this kind of "down in the mud" stuff. They've hoped for this for some time, even making up gifs (these are not new, they are months old) that illustrate their enthusiasm:

v




 

virtualobserver

(8,760 posts)
8. I understand your viewpoint, but....
Fri May 27, 2016, 03:11 PM
May 2016

Bernie is trying to get him to debate.

The "chickening out" tactic is designed to motivate him to actually go through with the debate, so that he can then go after Trump before a large national audience.

Twitter wars have limited value, even if they are covered by the news shows.

MADem

(135,425 posts)
2. Trump will stop the faux sympathy WRT Sanders if they keep that stuff up! LOL!
Fri May 27, 2016, 01:40 PM
May 2016

I don't see this debate ever happening but I am getting a kick out of the sideshow.

It's making both candidates look like Big Time Wrestling characters. Who will be the first to throw a chair, I wonder?

http://www.cbsnews.com/live/video/trump-the-sanders-debate-was-a-joke/

This exchange is starting to remind me of this film:

lagomorph777

(30,613 posts)
7. Trump is terrified of Sanders. He has been counting on having a weak opponent, and now
Fri May 27, 2016, 02:24 PM
May 2016

all of a sudden, the weak opponent seems to be sinking like a stone.

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