Hillary Clinton's letter to Bernie thanking him for his help in 2016.

[HerbChestnut]

Last edited Sat Dec 7, 2019, 02:14 PM - Edit history (1)

Given Hillary Clinton's recent comments about Bernie and the thread on this forum that now has over 300 replies, I think it's only fair to post a 'Thank You' letter Hillary sent to Bernie toward the end of the GE and some videos regarding his work campaigning for her.

Link to tweet

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Also, here's Hillary speaking at a rally in North Carolina where she spend some time thanking Bernie for his efforts on her behalf. Starts at 1 minute 57 seconds.

And finally, here's a segment from Maddow where she also praises Bernie for his efforts during the GE, highlighting that he did 14 events in 5 days for her, and that was just the beginning.

Link to tweet

EDIT: Now people are saying he didn't endorse Hillary soon enough. Two things. First, he endorsed her on July 12th, before the convention.

Second, here's what Hillary had to say about candidates sticking it out until the end of a primary.

Link to tweet

[LongtimeAZDem]

1. Oh, not that old chestnut again

[BootinUp]

2. Lol, some chestnuts should be roasted, well roasted. nt

[HerbChestnut]

3. Look, I'm not happy that this needs to be posted.

But fair is fair. If there's going to be a thread with 300 replies about how Bernie didn't do enough for Hillary in the GE, then people need to see the other side of the coin.

[OldRed2450]

13. Someone who voted for Jill Stein tweets that?

You want me to take that seriously?

[HerbChestnut]

14. Briahna Joy Gray didn't write Hillary Clinton's letter.

Hillary Clinton wrote Hillary Clinton's letter. So yes, I want you to take that seriously.

[redqueen]

16. LOGIC

[Hassin Bin Sober]

20. Attack the source when they have absolutely zero argument and the source has no bearing anyway.

[booley]

76. this right here

Funny how Sanders not being a registered Democrat never bothered anyone until he ran in a primary against Clinton.

[OldRed2450]

21. Joy Reid?

I'm talking about Briahnna Joy. Bernie and his campaign threatened the convention. Are you serious now? Hillary's letter is common courtesy. If Bernie is the nominee, I hope he gets the same treatment. I think that's fair.

[HerbChestnut]

24. Oops! Got the names confused, will edit.

[still_one]

52. Exactly

[George II]

27. But she DID cut the date off. Twenty two days before the election was October 17.

[George II]

22. That one letter is being used to misrepresent what actually happened. Why did he disappear....

....for six weeks after the Convention closed? If you recall, when Barack Obama won the nomination in 2008 Hillary Clinton was out on the campaign trail 2-3 days after the Convention closed.

[HerbChestnut]

35. I don't know. You'd have to ask Bernie and Hillary.

Maybe that was a strategic decision. All I know is Bernie did dozens of campaign events for her leading up to the GE, including in states that for some reason Hillary decided not to visit.

[NurseJackie]

39. It was one final opportunity to show TRUE COURAGE AND LEADERSHIP.

After the convention he missed a golden opportunity to use those SIX WEEKS to promote healing, forgiveness and unity. It was a critical time for his supporters to be encouraged to accept defeat gracefully and to move on by supporting the party's nominee. That was very odd... the behavior looks very much like sour grapes. It was one final opportunity to show TRUE COURAGE AND LEADERSHIP.

Sadly, none of those things happened. Instead, it seems that some people placed a higher value and importance in stewing in their own resentment, or trying to soothe their hurt feelings. That's the danger of pride and vanity.

I'll never forget Jane's election-day tweet either. She was basically giving everyone "permission" to vote third party. It could also be easily interpreted as giving her followers permission to vote for Trump. One thing is certain, her election day tweet did not promote unity or encourage her followers to vote for Democrats or for our party's nominee. She just couldn't help herself.

[TexasTowelie]

49. Bernie had a book to write and money to collect.

He didn't want to wait in case people decided that reading Bernie's account of the primaries wasn't important enough to purchase the book. The date the book was released was strategically timed to be just after the election, but before the time when some people purchase Christmas gifts.

[ChiTownDenny]

4. Puhleeze.

Bernie seems desperate.

[grantcart]

64. It's not Bernie who is desperate its those posting daily devotionals.

[NurseJackie]

82. Perfect!

daily devotionals

[SidDithers]

5. What was the date on the letter?...

"Next 22 days" means it was written sometime around the 2nd week of October.

The Democratic convention was in July, and then Bernie promptly took 2 months off, before doing a bit of campaigning in September.

Don't gaslight us about how much Bernie campaigned for Hillary in 2016. We were paying attention at the time. We know the truth.

Sid

[MrsCoffee]

11. Thank you.

[TexasTowelie]

50. +1

See post #49.

[The Valley Below]

53. +2

[George II]

54. It was conveniently cut off, hoping that most people who read the tweet didn't notice that...

...22 days before the election it was already October 17. Plus, it doesn't indicate if it is a "thank you" for one single event or several events.

[calimary]

71. Yep.

[Gothmog]

87. Thank you for the facts

[ismnotwasm]

91. Yup.

[StevieM]

6. Bernie and his supporters are deliberately misrepresenting her comments.

She said that it hurt her that he didn't endorse her sooner. And indeed it did.

It was insane that he stayed in the race for so long after the voting had ended and she had clearly defeated him.

[SidDithers]

7. Exactly...

They primary was effectively over on March 15. Bernie kept campaigning against Hillary for at least another 3 months.

Then vanished for almost 2 months after the convention.

Sid

[evertonfc]

8. It's almost 2020

who gives a rats hairy ass about the dynamic between those two then. It's an old fight and time to move on

[HerbChestnut]

12. Agree, completely.

Some people just can't let it go. The only reason I posted this thread is because the topic has become an issue in the primary all of a sudden, and it's only fair that people get to see all perspectives. Personally, I wish 2016 was put out to pasture.

[redqueen]

17. Thank you. This is all being drug back up again because Stern's question was SO IMPORTANT

🙄

[LakeArenal]

57. You give a rat's ass? You do.

You can’t claim a no rat’s ass when you posted the thread. Geez. Talk about both sides of the mouth.
You “want 2016 in the pasture”.
Not.

[TwilightZone]

60. And, yet, here you are perpetuating it.

Might want to look in the mirror.

[HerbChestnut]

61. The irony is not lost on me.

But Bernie catches a lot of flak on this forum, and I only felt it fair to defend him on this issue.

[treestar]

31. Bernie is running again

So his behavior is up for analysis.

[oasis]

43. Those who wish to "move on" are free to do so. Others may want

to take the measure of a candidate according to his/her past actions.

[MrsCoffee]

9. Because Hillary will always be that classy.

Does not negate reality.

But please proceed....

[Midnight Writer]

78. Exactly. This is just evidence that Clinton sought Party unity by not dissing her "Democrat" rival.

And if Bernie wins the nomination, I am confidant he will have Clinton's support (as well as mine), if he accepts it.

In the competitive Primaries, everyone should feel free to choose their candidate and to argue the reasoning behind their choice.

But once the Primaries are over, we need all to come together for the greater good, even if it rankles on some level.

[OldRed2450]

10. Joy says Bernie wants the same support?

That's fair. Lol

[George II]

72. Sounds fair. Take a month off, make a few half-hearted appearances in Sept and Oct, and then....

....get your spouse to tell people on Election Day that it doesn't matter who you vote for.

I'm in for that.

[OldRed2450]

77. Indeed.

Talk about voting for the lesser of two evils, bus people to the convention to protest the nominee. I'm all for that.

[JoeOtterbein]

15. BAM!

Thanks for posting the truth!

[George II]

18. I saw that on twitter a couple of days ago. Why did she cut off the date?

Also, the Convention closed on July 28, his first appearance for her was on Labor Day - about six weeks later.

[HerbChestnut]

23. They appeared on stage together for the first time on July 12th, before the convention.

I remember this speech getting quite a positive reaction around here at the time.

[George II]

25. Right, less than two weeks before the Convention opened, and a full MONTH after the last primary.

So what's your point?

[HerbChestnut]

26. Must be tiring moving those goalposts all the time.

[George II]

28. WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?

[Hassin Bin Sober]

29. Bazinga!

[KPN]

19. Thank you for injecting some realism ... not that some will see it for the opposite. But that's

okay. We all have our own perspectives. Good stuff. Thanks again for posting.

[Wawannabe]

30. To be fair I have just one question for you.

Do you live in the US and can you vote here? I cannot see this in your profile and yesterday someone from Canada was impersonating a US voter here and stirring the pot.

US citizen? Or not?

[HerbChestnut]

32. Yes, I am a U.S. citizen. Seriously?

[Wawannabe]

38. Thank you for the reply

I only asked because I cannot determine from your profile.

[SidDithers]

33. WTF does that have to do with anything?...nt

Sid

[Wawannabe]

37. I explained in my ask.

Yesterday someone from Canada WHO CANNOT VOTE IN THE US was doing a lot of pot stirring. Since I can’t see where the OP writer is from I ask a legit question.

[George II]

47. Apparently sending thank you letters is something Hillary did quite often:

https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS725US725&sxsrf=ACYBGNQOSjcJ5jXhwOzP8l9h2BbKP_sbkg:1575738370939&q=hillary+clinton+thank+you+letter&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi28u7ugqTmAhWymuAKHRByDbAQsAR6BAgJEAE&biw=1280&bih=597

[TexasTowelie]

55. I think it has some relevance

since foreign interference in the 2016 U.S. elections occurred and because foreign interference is a topic in the impeachment trial and 2020 election.

[seaglass]

40. People outside the U.S. are allowed to post here. Talk about stirring the pot.

[Wawannabe]

42. I didn't say outside the US

I said US citizen.

I had a legit question and asked it. No pot stirring but the OP is...

[seaglass]

45. It doesn't matter non US Citizens are allowed to post here. Lots of people stir the pot.

Your question was uncalled for.

[Wawannabe]

48. I disagree. nt

[TexasTowelie]

59. Yes, people outside of the U.S. are allowed to post on DU.

However, with the issue of foreign interference being part of the 2016 election and the allegations in the impeachment hearings it does become relevant when a member in a foreign country posts about what America "deserves" even if no malevolence is intended. It becomes a legitimate question when we have to consider outside influences on the elections. We've lost our innocence after the dirty tricks pulled by Trump and the Republicans so I don't blame anyone for being wary.

It's unfortunate that our members from foreign countries fall under the microscope, but when someone starts advocating for major structural changes and the promotion of socialist ideas it does raise eyebrows.

[helpisontheway]

34. Well, I watched his supporters try to destroy the first days of our convention. I do not recall

Bernie speaking out forcefully against it. In fact, his loyal lapdog Nina was front in center with the Burn or Bust crowd. There was Nina and Susan Sarandon stirring shit up.

[booley]

79. putting aside Sanders himself moved to have Clinton announced the nominee

There was some stuff that happened before and during the convention that gave Sanders supporters the distinct impression that the system was .. less than honest.

Michigan Super Delegates. New York purging the rolls. The Bernie Bros throwing chairs lie.

I know none of these will sway you. I could give other examples and they wouldn't' sway you. You don't appear to think Sanders supporters argue in good faith and probably don't care to understand why they may feel the way they do.

But it's there none the less. So from the Sanders campaign's POV there were very good reasons to protest at the convention.

It's a political convention. People can do that.

And personally I think when we ignore these problems, it only comes back to haunt us later.

[redqueen]

89. I'm honestly surprised this side hasn't been brought up before.

Some people here seem to act like Sanders'supporters had no reason at all to be hostile.

As if.

[seaglass]

36. Lol. Hillary is gracious. BrieBrie is high if she thinks Hillary voters forgot what happened.

This is Bernie's only play for Hillary voters - vote blue no matter who - even if it makes you

[Sloumeau]

44. Bernie Sanders both did things to help Hillary Clinton...

...and to hurt her. His waiting so long to back her definitely hurt her, and Hillary Clinton said so. After waiting so long, and probably after noticing how pissed off so many Democrats were getting about how Bernie Sanders was not helping Hillary, Bernie finally got around to backing her. Hillary thanked Bernie for the help he eventually gave her. That does not mean that he did not hurt her before he helped her.

Hillary Clinton backed Obama very soon after it was totally clear that Obama was going to win. It was because of class acts like that that so many backed her in 2016. More people voted for Hillary than Bernie in the 2016 Primary, and a whole lot of us remember how he dragged his feet in backing her. In my mind, it is the main reason why I believe that Bernie Sanders will not win the 2020 Democratic Primary--because the majority of us who voted for Hillary remember how he dragged his feet and how it hurt her. We remember it very, very well. The letter that you posted will not change that. If Bernie somehow manages to win the nomination, we who supported Hillary will vote for him. We will not do what many Bernie voters did and vote for some third-party candidate or Donald Trump. We are fiercely loyal to our party, and because of that, we will show the respect to Senator Bernie Sanders that neither Senator Bernie Sanders nor some of his fans showed to Hillary Clinton.

[seaglass]

46. Well, this for sure was a great post! n/t

[NurseJackie]

56. Great post.

We are fiercely loyal to our party, and because of that, we will show the respect to Senator Bernie Sanders that neither Senator Bernie Sanders nor some of his fans showed to Hillary Clinton.

Great summary.

[Docreed2003]

62. +1

[HerbChestnut]

63. Bernie endorsed Hillary before the convention.

And then there's this.

Link to tweet

[Sloumeau]

67. Here's what people need to keep in mind about the 2008 Presidential Primary

The Democratic Presidential Convention took place Aug 25, 2008 – Aug 28, 2008

( Internet link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_Democratic_National_Convention )

When did it become pretty clear that Obama was the nominee?: June 3, 2008

When did Hillary Clinton's aides let reporters know that Hillary Clinton was ready to concede?: June 4, 2008

( reference: The Wikipedia.com entitled, "Hillary Clinton 2008 presidential primary campaign" in the section entitled, "Obama becomes the presumptive presidential nominee"

Internet link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillary_Clinton_2008_presidential_primary_campaign#Obama_becomes_the_presumptive_presidential_nominee )

While it is true that Hillary waited to make her concession speech, she allowed her aides to tell reporters that she was ready to concede the day after it became clear that she had no chance to win, so everyone in the Obama camp and a lot of the members of the Democratic Party breathed a collective sigh of relief. However, some Hillary fans took longer to adjust to the idea of Hillary losing than others.

In the Vox.com article entitled, "Bernie-or-Busters are nothing like PUMAs" (Internet link: https://www.vox.com/mischiefs-of-faction/2016/7/28/12302406/bernie-or-busters-nothing-like-pumas ) we learn that there were Hillary fans in 2008 that did not want to give up just like there were Bernie fans in 2016 that did not want to give up. However, there were some important differences:

The yardstick that I and many other political observers have been using is the example of Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential bid. The contest between Clinton and Barack Obama was considerably closer than this year's Clinton/Sanders contest, with Clinton having enjoyed an early advantage in national public opinion polls and endorsements. The 2008 contest was also far more negative than this year's was, with the candidates frequently questioning each other's likability and fitness for office.

It was obvious by spring of 2008 that that math was against Clinton. By the beginning of June, when the last of the primaries were held, she had come up short, and Barack Obama was the presumptive nominee.

But it was still nearly three months until the convention, and many of her ardent supporters were not prepared to give up. They were angry with Obama and his team. They felt he hadn't treated Clinton respectfully, that he'd won unfairly due to a number of disputed delegate counts in Michigan and elsewhere, and that Clinton was the true choice of the party's voters. Several of them created an organization called PUMA (officially, People United Means Action; unofficially, Party Unity My Ass) and threatened to vote for John McCain in the fall.

Judging from public opinion polls and my own observations on the convention floor, Clinton's most ardent backers overwhelmingly followed her enthusiastic endorsement of Obama. PUMA's threats never materialized. No Clinton delegates led a walkout during the convention or tried to shout over speakers.

Because Hillary had allowed her aides to tell reporters back on June 4 that she was ready to concede, she gave her supporters time to be mentally prepared to switch to Obama by the time the convention happened more than 2 months later. When Hillary gave a concession speech to Obama during that convention in August 2008 that was downright glowing, all of the Hillary supporting PUMAs fell in line. The Vox article thinks that the Bernie supporters were different because they were more activists than Democrats. However, I think the Hillary supporters falling in line by convention time was more because of the aides telling reporters so early that she was ready to concede. This gave Hillary's supporters time to accept the fact that Obama had won and to be ready to switch by convention time. Hardcore advocates need time to adjust, and Hillary's leak through reporters gave people the time that they needed.

[Lexee]

75. That is a good article and explanation. Thank you for that. I enjoyed reading.

[Sloumeau]

80. Thank you very much. You are very welcome, and Klobuchar rocks. :)

[Lexee]

81. Yes she does.

I really am a bit of a switch hitter. Not so much now that Harris stepped out. But still, I am between a couple of our primary candidates.

Klobuchar rocks.

[OilemFirchen]

58. Where's the corresponding letter from Senator Sanders to Secretary Clinton?

Surely there was reciprocity expressing the same sentiments, right?

[Hassin Bin Sober]

66. Wait, what? She campaigned for him?

[OilemFirchen]

88. Weak.

He could even have cribbed her thoughts:

Dear Hillary,

Thank you for your kind letter.

I agree that here has never been a more important election in our lifetimes. It's who we are as a country. It's our values. It's our future. In America we respect and lift each other up, and celebrate our diversity. It's what makes us the greatest country in the world. And that's at stake in this election too.

Congratulations on your victory. I look forward to campaigning diligently on your behalf for the next 22 days.

All my best,

Bernie

Most polite people know how to pen a follow-up thank you note.

Where is his?

[Hassin Bin Sober]

90. You or I have no idea what communications took place

Weak af, indeed

[OilemFirchen]

92. That's obviously untrue.

We have a tweeted copy of Secretary Clinton's letter to Senator Sanders, so we have some idea of their communication - likely the entirety of it.

[Lexee]

65. I was there. I saw what happened.

The best I hoped with Sanders was that he got out of HRC's way.

[EveHammond13]

68. we saw what happened. don't mansplain to me.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

69. These are inconvenient truths that smash a bullshit narrative.

We have receipts!

[StevieM]

70. But Sanders is responding to a narrative that was never delivered.

HRC never said that he did nothing to help her.

She said that he took his time in conceding the race and endorsing her.

[George II]

73. It's a letter sent to him on October 17 for a few appearances. Hillary Clinton is classy enough....

....to send out thank you letters to many people:

https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS725US725&sxsrf=ACYBGNQOSjcJ5jXhwOzP8l9h2BbKP_sbkg:1575738370939&q=hillary+clinton+thank+you+letter&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi28u7ugqTmAhWymuAKHRByDbAQsAR6BAgJEAE&biw=1280&bih=597

[Peacetrain]

74. I am going to share with you a bit of unasked for advice...

No matter how much you want to hit the other side, because you feel your side is being maligned..

A. get your facts straight

B. get your dates straight

If you do not have those two things in perfect sync.. it is never going to work out.

[HerbChestnut]

85. Not sure what you're referring to.

[lapucelle]

83. This is a tweet from the feed of a 2016 Jill Stein voter.

Who on earth would ever trust the judgement of a Trump enabler?

[HerbChestnut]

84. Hillary wrote the letter, not Briahna.

[lapucelle]

86. A Jill Stein voter wrote the tweet using a letter to spin a storyline.

Bribri worked right up until election day in 2016 to make sure that the Democrat wasn't elected.

Jill Stein voters disgust me. This one especially so.