Sanders campaign privately urges restraint after Clinton attack

[JoeOtterbein]

Politico

Bernie’s aides and allies feel that Hillary Clinton is trying to bait them.

By HOLLY OTTERBEIN

01/21/2020 07:23 PM EST

Bernie Sanders’ campaign remained largely — and uncharacteristically — quiet Tuesday in the wake of fiery attacks by Hillary Clinton.

Privately, Sanders’ aides and allies feel that Clinton is trying to bait them after she reiterated in a Hollywood Reporter article that “nobody likes” the Vermont senator, and refused to commit to supporting him if he wins the primary. In her remarks, published two weeks before the Iowa caucuses, they see a political establishment that is trying to stop him as he rises in early-state polling.

Yet it was more important to regain control of its message after a week-long whirlwind featuring unplanned spats with Elizabeth Warren, Joe Biden and now his 2016 rival.

Sanders’ campaign told staffers internally to not discuss Clinton’s comments, and Sanders released a statement saying he is focusing on impeachment and that “together, we” will defeat President Donald Trump. His aides are also urging his online fans to volunteer for him instead of tweeting about Clinton.

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more great reporting at link

[apcalc]

1. I don't care. Too much else to worry about.

[Thekaspervote]

2. Agree!

[Aaron Pereira]

3. Good advice, nothing at all to be gained by getting into a mud slinging contest.

Voters in Iowa and New Hampshire want to hear about policy and facts on the record.