Bernie Sanders To Speak At Liberty University

[YoungDemCA]

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Democratic presidential candidate and a self-professed non-religious person, plans to speak next month at Liberty University, the evangelical Christian college founded by Rev. Jerry Falwell.

Liberty is a popular stop for many Republicans seeking to bolster their appeal among evangelicals, but Sanders' convocation address will likely be a sharp contrast to that of Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who kicked off his presidential campaign at the Lynchburg, Virginia, school.

Sanders will join religious figures, comedians, athletes and lawmakers at the ceremony, billed as "North America’s largest weekly gathering of Christian students."

"Liberty University was kind enough to invite me to address a convocation and I decided to accept,” Sanders said in a statement on Wednesday night. “It goes without saying that my views on many issues -- women’s rights, gay rights, education and many other issues -- are very different from the opinions of some in the Liberty University community. I think it is important, however, to see if we can reach consensus regarding the grotesque level of income and wealth inequality in our country, about the collapse of the middle class, about the high level of childhood poverty, about climate change and other issues."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/atheist-bernie-sanders-to-speak-at-evangelical-liberty-university_55c2bdc6e4b0f1cbf1e3bd63?kvcommref=mostpopular

This is...interesting. I guess Sanders really does prioritize economic issues.

What do you think? Is this a good idea, or is he wasting his time with the white evangelical crowd?

[bobbobbins01]

1. I honestly don't know if its a good idea.

But it is most definitely a fearless idea, and one I respect a great deal. There is a lot of potential for things to go wrong here, but on the flip side maybe he's on to something.

[djean111]

2. Bernie was INVITED to speak by the university - why turn them down?

Or is this just another way to imply that he does not care about racial issues.

[dsc]

12. If were invited to speak at a Council of Conservative Citizens meeting

should he speak there too. Liberty is an anti gay madrassa of epic proportions. That is why he should turn them down.

[SonderWoman]

15. Not just anti-gay, but free speech gets checked at the door as well.

The school is a bastion of oppression and indoctrination.

[dsc]

20. No kidding

and they are in the top ten schools of generating student debt meaning we are subsidizing them as I type.

[Qutzupalotl]

89. But that's exactly why the indoctrination should be countered.

And he's just the guy to do it.

I don't expect him to sway many minds, but you have to admire the gumption to accept their invitation to speak. And who knows, he might surprise us again. At the very least, this will be the first time most of those students have seen and heard a real liberal explain his positions.

[djean111]

22. If he can open just a few minds to a different view, why not?

And I find it more admirable for someone to take their message into the lion's den than for someone to speak glowingly to Wall Street and tell the banks that we meanies are picking on them.

[dsc]

26. So you would be OK with a candidate who spoke to racists

all I can say is no wonder black posters here have problems with some Bernie supporters.

[djean111]

30. Depends on what that candidate spoke to racists ABOUT.

Why is it okay for Hillary to pander to Wall Street, for large sums of money?

[arcane1]

39. They are conveniently avoiding that point: they have no idea what he's going to say.

But by all means, they'll bash him anyway.

At least he's not changing the students $3,000 per person to hear him!

[Armstead]

40. Bingo! She can give supportive speeches to the banksters...that's okay with some

[George II]

42. Totally different issue and concept - but I guess whenever you can slip that in it's okay.

[djean111]

59. Yes. She was speaking to them for money. I understand that. n/t

[George II]

68. And Sanders is speaking to an auditorium full of right-wing homophobic, sexist.....

....racist, anti-semitic Christian zealots.

Which, by the way, is the subject of this discussion, not anything Hillary Clinton is doing.

But that takes the attention away from Sanders' horrible display of judgement.

[djean111]

73. You think he is going to tell them what they want to hear? Really?

Gee, I guess right up until now, you were supporting Bernie, mmm-hmmmm.
You should be happy about this. I hope you don't think that expressing your dismay will cause any of his supporters to switch to Hillary.
And I was pointing out the hypocrisy. I can't support someone so obviously in the pocket of those who helped ruin the economy.

[George II]

75. It doesn't matter what he says....his horrendous lack of common sense and good judgement....

....is an insult to all the people they hate, which are many.

[djean111]

76. Yes, let's not try to reach them or anything.

So - no need to exchange any further views - you vote for Hillary, I will vote for Bernie.

[George II]

99. I'm not a student of Liberty University nor do any of my views on the issues agree...

....with the espoused views of it's founder or the University. So his appearance at that school will have no effect on my choice.

However, if he speaks at an open event where people there are free to show up or not, what he says may mean more to his audience or me.

Sorry I couldn't agree with your absolutist conclusion ("no need....yadda yadda&quot

[Ron Green]

96. It doesn't matter what he says? Do you actually believe that?

The difference between Bernie Sanders and your candidate is that what he says DOES matter, because he's speaking from his core values. Assholes at Liberty University NEED to hear these things, because they are true. Your candidate's words, on the other hand, do not matter nearly as much as TO WHOM they are spoken, because this Kabuki play of "affinity for this group, disdain for that one" is the way the old corrupt politics works.

[ljm2002]

114. How much is he being paid to speak there?

Are you OK with a candidate who speaks to Wall Street banks at $250,000 a pop? Because tell you what, that doesn't scream "champion of the poor and downtrodden and people of color" to me. But maybe that's just me...

[dsc]

115. well I prefer the wall street speaker

to someone who is speaking to the leading producer of hate filled piles of poo. Make no mistake about it, the people in that audience are the ones who called their classmates faggot, picket abortion clinics, and target blacks for bogus arrests.

[George II]

41. He could make a HUGE, progressive political statement in his response when he declines.

That would make more news and do him more good than appearing there.

[artislife]

104. Why did Ted Kennedy go?

He was the Lion of the senate.

He was the face of the Party.

My old roommate was raised in a Texas Christian cult and went to a university like this. She is now posting Bernie sayings. She evolved once she got out on her own, even though she was married at 18 to a man from the church. She saw what life had to offer.

She still is not a complete progressive, but she likes plain speaking and people who are what they are all the time.

Ted Kennedy was always Ted Kennedy. I believe Bernie to always be Bernie. You may not agree on both of those.

That's fine.

[George II]

106. That was a totally different situation and he wasn't running for President, and he was.........

....representing HIS party.

There is NO comparison, and comparing Bernie Sanders to Ted Kennedy is offensive.

[artislife]

107. Whoa okay

backing away, nothing in my hands

[George II]

108. .

[kenfrequed]

3. I don't know.

I really am torn on this.

I admire his Chutzpah in marching into the lions den and going to speak to a crowd of evangelical, conservative, Christian activist students.

However, I also see there is a very large opportunity for the story of the day to be "Bernie Sanders was booed out of Virginia". The possibility of videos of him getting heckled and then getting a bit rattled is a bit high.

Somehow, knowing who Bernie is and how utterly fearless he is, this could be quite a show!

[bobbobbins01]

4. I don't think he'll get rattled

I don't think he was prepared for it at netroots, but here he knows what he might be stepping into, so he'll be ready. Its getting him some much needed publicity, so maybe speaking to those who wouldn't normally hear his message is the way to go. But like you, I'm torn, there is a lot that could still go wrong.

[kenfrequed]

7. His being ready will be all the difference in the world

Actually, I think the thing that could go most wrong would be if the audience reacts with hostile silence.

He might even win over some of them... who knows?

In any case, any other reaction will make for a pretty interesting show.

[winter is coming]

6. But isn't this where one of the GOP candidates (Cruz??) announced and the kids

were distinctly unenthusiastic? Yeah, Bernie might get booed, but it's an opportunity to give the students a different perspective. He might open a few minds. If the only thing he accomplishes is to get them to take the problem of climate change seriously, that would be huge.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

13. If they didn't boo Ted Kennedy they won't boo him.

He will get a polite reception.

[kenfrequed]

67. I think you are probably right...

But, times have changed a bit since 1983, the right wing has become fairly unhinged since then.

Still, even if they booed it would be a reaction of some kind from the crowd. I am more concerned about polite, angry silence.

The other possibility is that the right wing is nervous about Sanders (and in particular his message) and they will want to hand him a REALLY bad news cycle. In that case all they would have to do is allow their students and staff an 'exemption' from having to attend this manditory event on religious grounds.

It would be how they could try to say that Ted Cruz is pulling crowds better than Sanders. I dunno.

I guess any reaction is better than nothing.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

69. If you watched Ted Kennedy's speech he was jocular, inclusive, and welcoming.

eom

[DemocratSinceBirth]

5. Ted Kennedy spoke at Liberty University

[kenfrequed]

8. Hmm...

Good point.

[sufrommich]

9. The school actually banned democratic clubs on campus,fought

hate crime legislation because it interferes with their anti gay crusade,funds anti choice groups and has a history of ugly racism.So much vileness comes from that university that they have their own page at Right Wing Watch. Absolutely no legitimacy should be given to this hateful "school",nor should any democrat go anywhere near it.

[JackInGreen]

120. And leave those young

People alone with the vipers in charge with no shaft of light to look for, no challenge to the poison they're having pounded into them? I'd shine a light on a diseased dogs ass if I thought it would help.

[onehandle]

10. Why does the link text have the word 'atheist' in it? Is Senator Sanders an atheist now?

Last I heard he identifies as Jewish, but is not particularly religious.

[George II]

27. He never specifically said this as far as I could see - he says he's a non-practicing Jew.

[msrizzo]

11. My view....

I'm not supporting Sanders in the primaries, but I'll be very interested to see how he does and what he says. If he sticks to his message, then good for him. I feel like that school pretty much controls its students so they will do what they are told. If they boo him or in some way disrupt his presentation, then it will be on them, not him. The only thing he could do that would hurt him is to pander, and let's be honest....whether you are for him or not, Bernie Sanders is not gonna pander to Liberty University!

[SonderWoman]

14. Whaaaat? Nooooooo!

Don't do it Bernie! I'm a huge Bernie fan but this is unbelievable.

[Ron Green]

97. Are you sure about being "a huge Bernie fan?"

[artislife]

105. Hmmmm....might be something to that....nt

[JackInGreen]

121. Do you listen to Tom Hartmann?

Every year iirc he goes to the rights biggest conventions and challenges them on their ideals. I expect no less integrity from Bernie. Why would you be disappointed?

[DemocraticWing]

16. Liberty is trying to brainwash the next generation of right-wing nutjobs

It's a good thing that at least somebody gets to present an opposing view. Hopefully Bernie takes this opportunity and runs with it.

A person on the Liberty platform calling for full LGBTQ equality would be wonderful. It would be a great stride from 7 years ago when the Democratic Party proudly brought homophobes onto our platform.

[HassleCat]

17. No votes here

I'm sure he will not get more than five Liberty students to vote for him, but it's an important statement for a couple reasons. First, the appeal of progressive ideas does cross over into Republican territory, just as Sanders says with his remarks about the middle class. Second, it is unusual for a candidate to speak with people not already in his choir, vaguely religious pun intended, so it fits right in with Sanders' practice of marching to his own drummer.

[frazzled]

18. Because creationism, abortion rights, marriage equality ...

and an entire host of other issues can be overlooked as long as you can get these folks on board with some economic issues (fat chance of that anyway)?

It's the Howard Dean problem. Remember when he said he wanted to get the votes of those guys with confederate flags on their trucks because they were economically affected too? It's all too clear today what a gaffe that was: we'll overlook your white supremacy as long as you understand some economic stuff. No we won't. And women won't be happy either. And Jews and Muslims.

This is rather reminiscent of the recent gaffe Sanders made at the National Urban League conference the other week: he told the crowd there that he wanted to talk about his campaign platform first before he got around to what he called "their" issue (which was "Save Our Cities&quot . Tin ear, indeed.

It is increasingly clear that Sanders is becoming a single-issue candidate, and that's fine--but it simply is not a winning strategy. I think it's fine if he thinks he can go to Liberty University and ignore all their issues and talk about the economy and climate change. Good luck with that. But do not be surprised if it comes back to bite him, and if women, minorities, and others in the Democratic tent aren't so happy.

[sufrommich]

19. Yes,this won't sit well with huge groups of the

Democratic base.

[ljm2002]

116. And yet Hillary Clinton's weekly prayer meetings...

...that she used to have with The Family when she was a Senator, are just A-Okay with the Democratic base?

BTW, what is your personal opinion of Hillary's participation with The Family while she was a Senator? Were/are you okay with it?

[sufrommich]

117. I think the democratic base look at the flimsy accusations

about Hillary's "connection" with The Family the same way they look at the flimsy accusations against Obama regarding Rev.Wright,much ado about nothing and used as a cheap method to paint both with the same "guilty by association" brush.

[daleanime]

33. So we shouldn't talk to 'those' people?

[winter is coming]

62. Haven't you heard? Giving people the Big Ig is the best way to change their minds. n/t

[Armstead]

36. If he gets boed there, he still wins. Points for guts and principle.

And if they are at least receptive to his economic message, it pushes that needle a little further to the left.

Either way its a win....Unless Bernie were to go and say is opposed to choice, argues for the repeal of gay marriage, etc.

[Armstead]

44. Why (in your interpretation) don't women, minorities etc. have any problem with Clinton...

making big bucks for making speeches to elite gatherings of banksters and corporatists?

I think people are a lot less monolithic than that. Some will have a problem with Sanders appearance, some won't.

[KitSileya]

90. Exactly. He wants to work out a consensus with these people.

A consensus is an agreement, and these people will never agree to equal rights, reproductive rights, equal pay for equal work, and a host of civil liberties. So him going there just shows how cluelessly privileged he is as a white man - he doesn't have to compromise his dignity. Even his religion isn't a problem, because they support Israel because they think it's necessary for the end times to come. LGBTQUIA people, African Americans, women - Liberty University and its faculty and students working to deprive them of their bodily autonomy, agency and rights. There is no consensus to reach on equal rights. There is no consensus to reach on abortion and other reproductive rights. That's why they are rights. But Sanders is going to go there to try to make an agreement with them? That can only happen with economic issues and not inherent rights. So fuck him for giving them legitimacy and a platform.

[djean111]

100. Who said he was "going to make an agreement with them"?

He is going to tell them what he stands for. He is not going to compromise anything.

[KitSileya]

102. He did. That's what 'consensus' means.

It's something you agree on. He didn't say that he was going to convince them, so that means he's not going to try to change their positions while keeping his own. Consensus means that both move towards a compromise, but inherent rights like abortion and the right not to be discriminated against because of race, gender, sexual orientation cannot be subjected to compromise.

[djean111]

103. And you honestly think he would compromise on those issues? That's alarmist rubbish. n/t

[KitSileya]

110. Liberty University teaches its law students to deny people their rights because God

He is giving them legitimacy by going there, and there's absolutely no indication that he is going to talk about anything but economic issues. You can reach a consensus on economic issues, but there is no consensus to be had when it comes to abortion, when it comes to equal pay, when it comes to gay marriage and a host of other issues. If we had reached a consensus on gay marriage, we might at best have achieved civil unions, and that would have made it 3/5th solution, when it is a question of civil rights.

Unfortunately economic issues isn't the be-all and end-all of the problems America faces and core Democratic voters know that better than anyone. If Sanders think that he can entice Liberty University students to vote for him by reaching a consensus with them on issues other than economic ones, he is in for a rude awakening. I mean, I agree with him on his economic issues, but so far he is showing an alarming tone-deafness when it comes to issues beyond them. If he ignores social issues much longer, he will continue to alienate his core voter bloc. Is that worth it to court fanatics on the other side? To toss sure voters into the gutter just to court absolute theological fanatics?

[djean111]

111. I feel that he is going to speak truth to some very unpleasant people.

And he does not ignore social issues. That meme is getting pretty old.
Personally, I would not trust the candidate who only approved of gay marriage a couple of years ago.
Off to the debates now.

[KitSileya]

112. Well, we'll see when he actually does it.

I don't understand your comment about candidate who approved of gay marriage though. I suppose it's a dig at Hillary Clinton, because that seems par for the course in these debates. However, have I ever given you any indication that I support Hillary Clinton or any other candidate? I don't think I have. I am discussing Bernie Sanders on his own merits, and the main reason I do so is precisely because I do not support any candidate yet. I figure it is better to discuss these issues and try to point out weaknesses in candidates positions and campaigns now, than when they have already been nominated. The consistent insistence on getting digs in on Hillary Clinton when we are discussing Bernie Sanders is not endearing his supporters to me, I can tell you that.

[leveymg]

21. Shows a fearlessness and ability to speak to persons who disagree on issues.

Bernie is someone who is secure enough in his own beliefs to engage with opponents on their own home ground.

I can't see another major American politician of either party today who might be willing to do the same.

[sufrommich]

28. He's not going there to battle the enemy. He clearly states

that he's going there to find common ground based on economics.It's hardly "fearlessness",he's hoping for votes.

[Armstead]

32. And that's a good thing

[sufrommich]

37. No,it's not a good thing. Are you saying that Sanders has to go to Liberty

University to reach out to southerners disaffected economically? There's no other option? This is one of the most culturally regressive institutions in the U.S.,it stinks to high heaven.

[Armstead]

43. He doesn't HAVE to do anything. But I think it's a good idea to reach out

And out of the other sides of their mouths Clinton supporters criticize him for only talking to safe granola progressives.

I wish y'all would make up your minds as to the perimeters of "acceptable" political behavior that don;t apply to Hillary.

[sufrommich]

45. Let's pretend there's no happy medium between granola progressives

and Liberty University. I'll make a prediction,this is going to come across as insulting to pro choice voters,gay rights voters and people of color. He's basically saying that he's willing to find common ground on economics regardless of their racist,sexist,homophobic beliefs. Good luck with that.

[Armstead]

51. Let's put it this way....

First of all not all of life is politics. All issues -- social and economic -- have other dimensions that fall out of the familiar templates.

And it's not a binary chouice.

If people who have less than enlightened on some or all of the hot button social issues get pissed off about the stranglehold the oligarhy has over all of us, and I'd rather see the m maybe at least work with progressives to overturn that than have thee always assume the enlightened economics is anathema to their personal beliefs otherwise....That is what used to be called the Big Tent, coalitions, etc.

[arcane1]

55. If he had declined the invitation, the meme would be "Sanders is a coward!"

"How can he qualify as presidential material if he can't even speak to a bunch of kids who might disagree with him??"

[arcane1]

47. Nobody says he "has" to do anything. You're making that up.

Did Ted Kennedy "have no other option" than to speak at the same school? Did that "stink to high heaven" too?


Methinks you're trying too hard.

[sufrommich]

50. Kennedy wasn't running for president when he spoke there. He lectured

them on religious tolerance and the separation of church and state.Sanders admits that he's looking for common ground with vile bigots.

[arcane1]

52. LOL, you really need to try harder

[sufrommich]

54. I don't need to "try" anything. Let's see how this plays with

the democratic base.

[George II]

34. Or a lack of good judgement.

[leveymg]

81. If Bernie were a conventional triangulating pol, I'd agree, this might seem risky.

After all, conventional pols think they get elected because they don't dare having a hair on their heads getting blown out of place.

But, he's not one of them.

[NCTraveler]

72. If this is fearless on Sanders part.....

[leveymg]

79. How was their any risk to Hillary addressing a UN conference on women?

I don't understand why you think there is any equivalency?

[NCTraveler]

82. I was sure you wouldn't see. Thanks.

Sanders is fearless for speaking at a Christian college. Hillary is not fearless for saying this in the front yard of a country with a horrendous human rights record with respect to women. Well, many others as well. Nope, speaking to kids is what's fearless in your mind. lol. I take it you weren't around for this speech. We knew it was a big deal then. Don't dismiss it now for some cheap political points.

[leveymg]

91. Here's why I think the equivalency may be overstated.

There are obvious risks to a Presidential candidate going into the "lion's den" - potentially embarrassing footage of booing, mishandling of hecklers, actual assault, etc.

I think that the First Lady is to commended for her long record speaking in favor of women's rights, both here, before international bodies, and abroad in countries where human rights are not as well respected. She has done this on many occasions in the 1990s through the present. I like and respect her for this, and believe it is an unmitigated good thing.

Nonetheless, I don't think that being a spokesperson for gender equality in her ceremonial and appointed positions is quite the same thing or carries the same substantial political risks to herself as Sanders going to speak before a Liberty University audience. That Sen. Kennedy did it before doesn't diminish this as a brave act for a candidate. I hope you will agree that it shows some moxie on Bernie and Ted's part.

[NCTraveler]

93. There simply is no equivalency.

To claim their is equivalency is to completely ignore reality and extremely offensive.

You are drawing equivalence with Sanders speaking to kids at a Christian College, and with Hillary going into the front yard of a country with serious human rights abuses toward women and speaking without mincing words. Drawing equivalency is truly offensive. Some Sanders supporters will simply say anything as justification.

No, I would not use the words fearless or brave for what Kennedy or Sanders did or are doing. Come to my area and walk through St. Pete. I'll show you fearless and brave. None of the faces will be wealthy white men. I truly find it offensive to claim wealthy white men speaking at a Christian College to be either fearless or brave.

Kennedy was a brave man, as is Sanders. Not because they are speaking to a group of Christians. Kennedy because he would take on any one or any thing, often coming out victorious. Sanders because he is putting his social anxiety aside in order to promote positive change. Still, not fearless and I can put much greater fearlessness on display by thousands of Americans every day.

[Larkspur]

23. I see Bernie's campaign as trying to answer Thomas Frank's question, ...

"What's the matter with Kansas?"

I have no problem with any Democrat or Progressive speaking to conservative groups as long as they are trying to promote a progressive agenda to this group or educate these groups on what progressives ideals are. I they go to cave into these groups toxic ideals then I have a problem.

Also, it will be interesting to see how Liberty University treats Bernie. Will they listen or shout him down.

[George II]

24. WHY is he doing this????

Appearing before a captive audience of homophobic, sexist, right-wing Christian zealots?

I hope he realizes that the students that will attend don't have a choice - they are required to attend.

And I realize he says he's not a practicing Jew, but is he aware of this quote from Jerry Falwell, founder of Liberty University:

"God doesn't listen to Jews." (alternately quoted as "God doesn't listen to the prayers of Jews.&quot ?

A few more pithy quotes from Liberty University's founder:

"The ACLU is to Christians what the American Nazi party is to Jews."
"AIDS is not just God's punishment for homosexuals; it is God's punishment for the society that tolerates homosexuals."
"If you're not a born-again Christian, you're a failure as a human being."
"The abortionists have got to bear some burden for [the attacks of Sept. 11] because God will not be mocked."
"I truly cannot imagine men with men, women with women, doing what they were not physically created to do, without abnormal stress and misbehavior."
"The argument that making contraceptives available to young people would prevent teen pregnancies is ridiculous. That's like offering a cookbook as a cure to people who are trying to lose weight."
"The National Organization for Women (NOW) is the National Order of Witches."

And Sanders has agreed to appear at this University? I certainly hope he reconsiders and doesn't show up.

[dsc]

29. You left out the context of the abortionist quote

he was blaming 9/11 on them and on gays and others.

[George II]

35. Sorry, I thought I did included it, that was the point of the quote. Guess my C/P didn't work!

[George II]

38. The 9/11 part was in brackets, not parenthesis - those are ignored in this software. Here it is...

...the full quote:

"The abortionists have got to bear some burden for (the attacks of Sept. 11) because God will not be mocked. And when we destroy 40 million little innocent babies, we make God mad.

[ibegurpard]

25. No clue

Seems like a huge waste of time to me. Not only are they Christian fundamentalists but also free market fetishists. I can't imagine they would be receptive to ANY facet of Bernie ' s message.

[Armstead]

31. I think it's a great idea

Go straight into the Lion's den and bite the lion back.

[Nevada Blue]

46. yes, it's a good idea

Every one has a right to hear what he has to say.

These are university students - like it or not, part of the future of America. They need to be exposed to all points of view. They are currently being raised in a bubble.

There will be common ground, there will be opposing viewpoints.

But we must remember: no one is born homophobic, racist, or misogynistic. Those are taught (and learned) hateful mindsets.

Just think of the potential if he opens a few minds by speaking there.

[stevenleser]

48. I support him in this. I understand all the arguments against it.

It should be no surprise that I feel this way, but when the other side offers you a chance to argue your points in front of their audience, you jump at it.

Your goal in such a situation is of course to try and convert some folks, no matter how few, but even if immediate conversion doesn't happen, just present enough (which could be just 1 or 2) incontrovertible facts that cannot be resolved or explained away such that it shakes them into cognitive dissonance.

[sufrommich]

53. I wonder how many defending Sanders going to L.U. are the same

people who deride you for going on Fox News? Oh the irony.

[stevenleser]

56. Yes, quite a few defending him here, if I recall correctly, have criticized me for that.

And the arguments that they are using to support it are pretty much the arguments I have used to defend myself and they rejected them.

[arcane1]

57. So, you deride Sanders going to LU, so you deride this poster for going on Fox?

[stevenleser]

58. That works the other way too though, doesn't it? Which was I think her point.

Now of course it hasn't escaped my attention that people throw the Fox red herring at me when they are losing an argument with me, so it has to be taken with a grain of salt anyway, but it still is pretty interesting to see some of those folks defending Bernie here.

In fact, didn't you criticize me a couple of times for doing what is considered conservative media?

[arcane1]

60. Not that I recall, I'm not entirely sure who you are besides your DU name.

I've certainly never seen you on Fox.

[stevenleser]

63. In that case, my mistake. But it's not a DU name, it's my name. nt

[arcane1]

65. I figured that was your real name :)

[sufrommich]

61. Sanders is trying to win the democratic primary,by going to L.U.

Does that make sense to you? This isn't the general election,it's the primary,where appealing to the democratic base is all that matters. StevenLeser makes a living as a commenter.

[arcane1]

64. LOL you think he expects this one speech to win him the election?

Does that make sense to anyone? No, it's made-up.

Face it, if he had declined you'd be calling him a coward afraid of kids.

[sufrommich]

71. I certainly would not call him a coward for not speaking to L.U.

That doesn't even make sense. There would be nothing at all surprising about a politician running in the democratic primary turning down an invitation to speak at L.U.,nothing.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

49. Will he get paid as much as Hillary got for speaking to Goldman Sachs?

[Cali_Democrat]

86. Hillary spoke to Goldman Sachs?

[Luminous Animal]

88. Yes.

http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/06/hillary-clintons-goldman-sachs-problem

[ismnotwasm]

66. I don't think Sanders is stupid--not by a long shot

If he's chosen to speak at Liberty, he'll have a message, and since he stays consistent , I doubt it will new message. A good Economic Justice speech will resonate.

[SidDithers]

70. Liberty should be shunned and marginalized...

Not legitimized.

Sid

[OKNancy]

74. Can you imagine the uproar if this were Hillary Clinton speaking there?

She wouldn't be caught dead speaking at that disgraceful place.

[Buzz cook]

80. We don't have to imagine.

as my post below indicates. That is exactly why we shouldn't criticize Sanders for doing essentially the same thing.

[OKNancy]

84. False equivalency

I sure as heck will criticize Sanders. It's a dumb move. It's creepy.

[Buzz cook]

85. Why then

Supporters of Sanders are right to do the same to Clinton when she speaks at a venue that's not PC.

If Sanders gives the same kind of boiler plate speech he could give anywhere else, then that is the time to criticize where he spoke.

[ieoeja]

119. The 700 Club sure as heck is not false equivalency.

And Hillary appeared on the 700 Club in 2008.

[JackInGreen]

122. Shhhhhh

We shouldnt talk about that.

[Buzz cook]

77. Good for him and good thing it's not Hillary

Does anyone remember 2008 when Hillary Clinton had a candidate interview with the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review? In short she wasn't applauded for going into the lion's den.

If Sanders takes the opportunity to tell some uncomfortable truths it's well worth the risk of offending his more easily offended fanboys and girls.

[AllFieldsRequired]

78. Why would they want a truth teller there? Makes no sense. Cruz did his announcement

there and bragged about having thousands there, they were forced to be there, the students.

[JI7]

83. i think what matters is what he will say

[Faux pas]

87. Heard about it

on Rachel. I think it's a good thing for him to get a chance to open some of the minds of closed minded people.

[hollowdweller]

92. GOP snagged a lot of evangelicals using cultural issues. Bernie trying to bring them back economic

[DisgustipatedinCA]

94. He's in a bid to be President of ALL of the United States. Of course he can visit.

And of course he won't compromise his principles just because he's visiting a religious right wacko school. But he can talk with them all he'd like.

[Nevada Blue]

95. If one is to be inclusive in their POV, they can't just speak to the choir n/t

Like it or not, there are US Citizens attending LU and they deserve the opportunity to hear what Bernie has to say.

We can't just talk to each other - we all have to reach out to those who don't have enough information to make informed decisions.

[jeepers]

98. Bernie must give these people at Liberty more credit than most

I applaud him for believing that Liberty students have brains and can make decisions for themselves in spite of their heavy indoctrinations and their leadership.

I appreciate inclusiveness as opposed to elitism and exclusion

I admire his ethos of representing All the People

I trust Bernie. I think we are all in for a big surprise.

[AlinPA]

101. It shows his courage. I don't like the idea of his being there because they will will probably boo

him off the stage (or try to) and certainly insult him. That school is a pit for hatred, bigotry, ignorance and right wing politics.

[artislife]

109. He might be going there

because Hillary has already wrapped up the minority and women vote, according to some very reliable sources.


I am sure he will be talking to the men, only. The women, if there are any, will be in the audience only to ask the nearest available male if what Bernie is saying is good or bad. The will have their eyes modestly looking at the ground when doing so and they will be sure that the menfolk have finished their own conversations first.

[ljm2002]

113. One of the most outspoken scientists on climate change...

...is a white evangelical Christian woman, Katherine Hayhoe. It is possible and it is necessary to go beyond the standard political divides if we mean to achieve a viable political movement for change. If focusing on the hopelessly corrupted state of our economic and political system can unite people of differing persuasions, then I'm all for it.

Bernie Sanders has never wavered in supporting and championing civil rights, women's rights, gay rights etc., and his speaking at Liberty University will not change that fact.

[ieoeja]

118. Am I the *only* person who remembers Hillary appearing on the 700 Club in 2008?

She and Obama both appeared on the show. The only difference was their response to anti-gay rhetoric. Obama said, "you're wrong." Hillary changed the subject.

This shit is just standard politics. If Hillary or O'Malley were invited to speak at Liberty University, either of them would jump at the chance. In fact, don't be surprised if this thread is revisited when one of them does.

[Buns_of_Fire]

123. I think most of the risk is on LU's side.

If he's loudly booed (which I don't think is going to happen) LU gets the black eye, not Bernie. I see the worst as polite, but stony, silence -- with polite, but unenthusiastic, applause when he finishes up.

Any politician worth their salt will try to target their message to their audience. He's not going to spin it into a diatribe outlining the necessity of the separation between Church and State any more than Hillary would frame a speech before a Goldman-Sachs crowd pointing out the need for tighter regulation of the financial industry.