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Joe BidenCongratulations to our presumptive Democratic nominee, Joe Biden!
 

Don1

(1,652 posts)
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 02:50 PM Apr 2020

Joe's Call for Unity and Positivity

“Bernie has an incredible following,” Biden said. “He’s maybe one of a half dozen people in American history who may not be the nominee but has had an impact on American politics in a significant way, in a positive way."

"If I'm the nominee I can tell you one thing — I would very much want Bernie Sanders to be part of the journey. Not as a vice presidential nominee, but just in engaging in all the things that he's worked so hard to do, many of which I agree with."

https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/491519-biden-says-he-wants-sanders-to-be-part-of-his-presidential-journey

Make no mistake. Russian trolls are online trying to cause division in the Democratic Party! They want division and to push Bernie supporters away from Biden and so they will attack both sides and cause a schism. They want Trump to win.

Biden, on the other hand, understands that some few anecdotes and invalid stories (like Bernie was responsible for the Iowa app failure or Bernie supporters hate John Lewis) are completely ridiculous. He sees the value of recognizing Bernie as a positive force and committing to do something with progressives that is positive.

Biden understands that he needs a broad coalition of independents, moderates and progressives--which include Bernie's supporters. He understands that the numbers are so much in his favor that negative attacks only serve to push Bernie supporters away at this point.

Biden has policies that are a 1000 times better than Trump's. Vice President Joe Biden understands primary politics right now and how to proceed in a constructive, positive way.
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
69 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Joe's Call for Unity and Positivity (Original Post) Don1 Apr 2020 OP
So What Are You Doing, Sir, To Promote Unity Here? The Magistrate Apr 2020 #1
This thread promotes unity. Don1 Apr 2020 #3
Great question! RandiFan1290 Apr 2020 #4
Posting nonsense like "what happens if Biden dies?" is not promoting unity. TwilightZone Apr 2020 #7
Yes, my thread asking what happens if Sanders dies was ALL ABOUT UNITY. Don1 Apr 2020 #9
Oh, honey! Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! NurseJackie Apr 2020 #15
Laughing is unconvincing. Don1 Apr 2020 #18
I'm not trying to convince. NurseJackie Apr 2020 #20
In that case, great job! Don1 Apr 2020 #23
Thank you! NurseJackie Apr 2020 #24
Any time you want to post something unconvincing, I am all ears. Because I read responses usually. Don1 Apr 2020 #25
I already told you... NurseJackie Apr 2020 #29
you've got some explaining to do. Don1 Apr 2020 #30
That's Lucy, Sir, Who Has Some Explaining To Do The Magistrate Apr 2020 #31
You're on your own. NurseJackie Apr 2020 #33
. TexasTowelie Apr 2020 #52
+1. I don't know who they think they are fooling. HarlanPepper Apr 2020 #21
No One But Themselves, Apparently, Sir The Magistrate Apr 2020 #48
We Will See If You Stick To It, Sir The Magistrate Apr 2020 #8
You didn't answer the question. Don1 Apr 2020 #10
The Questions Stand As Asked, Sir The Magistrate Apr 2020 #13
No it doesn't, it promotes divisiveness. It's not OUR job to promote unity.... George II Apr 2020 #51
Two short paragraphs from the opinion piece, then a diatribe psychoanalyzing Biden... George II Apr 2020 #12
It Is Rather An Unseemly Blend, Sir The Magistrate Apr 2020 #62
I think he is stating "kiss our ass because we like it" DenverJared Apr 2020 #32
FOR YOUR INFORMATION! Don1 Apr 2020 #65
Pleased To Hear It, Sir The Magistrate Apr 2020 #66
Great message underpants Apr 2020 #2
You should point out in that OP what's from the article and what are you own words and opinions.... George II Apr 2020 #5
I am glad to see this. Gore1FL Apr 2020 #6
Here's another example of what you call "few anecdotes and invalid stories", this one from.... George II Apr 2020 #11
as you can see in this thread, no matter what Joe says it won't help mikelgb Apr 2020 #14
Not True At All, Sir The Magistrate Apr 2020 #16
This thread is not an rejection of a desire for unity, it is a reaction to what some feel may be LongtimeAZDem Apr 2020 #22
How much it helps is a continuum. Don1 Apr 2020 #28
This is the smart thing to do ibegurpard Apr 2020 #17
Yup! Don1 Apr 2020 #19
It Is A Little More Complex Than That, Sir The Magistrate Apr 2020 #27
I swear I'm not being condescending, Sir mikelgb Apr 2020 #34
By All Means, Sir, If You Think You Can Manage It, Try... The Magistrate Apr 2020 #40
Sir! yes, Sir! mikelgb Apr 2020 #41
My Goodness.... The Magistrate Apr 2020 #47
Sanders needs to implore his supporters not to pull a 2016, and give us trump for 4 more years. Hoyt Apr 2020 #26
with joe reaching out so graciously, that shouldn't be a problem! questionseverything Apr 2020 #57
Here are a couple of more tweets from David Sirota. Interesting that when he was hired.... George II Apr 2020 #35
It gives me hope knowing Biden is the one running this and not you. nt Gore1FL Apr 2020 #36
Running what? At least I'm not making things up or psychoanalyzing Biden. George II Apr 2020 #37
Fair Warning, Sir The Magistrate Apr 2020 #38
Thanks for the warning, but rest assured I'm not. As they say, "this isn't my first rodeo"!!! George II Apr 2020 #39
Well, I Haven't Seen Him Take Up Replying To Himself Yet The Magistrate Apr 2020 #43
The Biden quotes are ample enough. Gore1FL Apr 2020 #42
Any Advice For The People Who Up Those Tweets, Sir? The Magistrate Apr 2020 #44
See #45 below - they're from two of Sanders' top paid employees, Sirota and Gray. George II Apr 2020 #46
Tweets from Sanders' OWN National Speech Writer/Communications Director/person who works for him.... George II Apr 2020 #45
I care more about what Biden has to say. Gore1FL Apr 2020 #49
Read the OP and the sweeping assumptions about (and psychoanalysis of) Biden, and... George II Apr 2020 #50
I am more concerned about what Biden has to say. Gore1FL Apr 2020 #53
Your Concerns Are Your Own, Sir, And Nobody Else's The Magistrate Apr 2020 #56
Exactly! Don1 Apr 2020 #58
A Better Analysis, Sir, More Suited To The Actual Situation The Magistrate Apr 2020 #60
I've had to hide two people in the last two days who argues against unity for dozens of posts Gore1FL Apr 2020 #61
You're equating DU members to Russians here? George II Apr 2020 #67
There are those who seem to be inexplicably working a similar angle Gore1FL Apr 2020 #68
Some some and some. Don1 Apr 2020 #55
Either The Man Runs His Campaign Or He Does Not, Sir The Magistrate Apr 2020 #59
"The troops are the mirror of their officer." - I like that! George II Apr 2020 #69
Actually What He Is Doing, Sir, Is Making Clear Sanders' Message The Magistrate Apr 2020 #54
:) Don1, Democrats have never been so united. Joe is speaking to Sanders' Hortensis Apr 2020 #63
Hear Hear, Ma'am! The Magistrate Apr 2020 #64
 

The Magistrate

(95,244 posts)
1. So What Are You Doing, Sir, To Promote Unity Here?
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 02:55 PM
Apr 2020

Will the booming cease, of every utterance Sanders or some supporter of Sanders manages to get into print or on tape?

Are you going to acknowledge the slurs and smears Sanders' campaign spokespeople, and many of his supporters, engage in to this day?

Are you going to call on Sanders to concede the contest for the Democratic nomination for President, so that a unified general election campaign can commence in full earnest?





"From Bernie’s perspective, dropping out of a race once you have no chance of winning is peculiar behavior that can only be explained by the work of a hidden hand. For most politicians, though, it is actually standard operating procedure. Only Sanders seems to think the normal thing to do once voters have made clear they don’t want to nominate you is to continue campaigning anyway."





"When things are not called by their right names, what is said cannot make sense. When what is said does not make sense, what is planned cannot succeed. When plans do not succeed, people become uneasy. When people are uneasy, punishments do not fit crimes. When punishments do not fit crimes, people cannot know where to put hand or foot."

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Don1

(1,652 posts)
3. This thread promotes unity.
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 02:58 PM
Apr 2020

What are YOU doing to promote unity here?

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

TwilightZone

(25,467 posts)
7. Posting nonsense like "what happens if Biden dies?" is not promoting unity.
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 03:27 PM
Apr 2020

Your intent is clear.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Don1

(1,652 posts)
9. Yes, my thread asking what happens if Sanders dies was ALL ABOUT UNITY.
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 03:43 PM
Apr 2020

My post asking what happens if Sanders dies was 100% beyond a doubt about UNITY. Nothing else, nothing more.

I implore you to see reason and help stop the negativity.

Unity and positivity is the path forward.

You've been saying that the primary is over for the last month.

If that's true, then why continue to create a schism????

What is YOUR intent?

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

NurseJackie

(42,862 posts)
15. Oh, honey! Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 04:21 PM
Apr 2020
My post asking what happens if Sanders dies was 100% beyond a doubt about UNITY. Nothing else, nothing more.
Absurd. No it wasn't.



If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Don1

(1,652 posts)
18. Laughing is unconvincing.
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 05:04 PM
Apr 2020

I asked Bernie supporters if they would support Biden.

I asked Biden supporters what they would do to guarantee progressives had due influence.

Both of these things likely need to happen for Unity to be achieved.

Laughing about it is not only unconvincing, it is counter-productive to unity.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

NurseJackie

(42,862 posts)
20. I'm not trying to convince.
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 05:06 PM
Apr 2020
Laughing is unconvincing.
Irrelevant. I'm not trying to convince.

Laughing about it is not only unconvincing, it is counter-productive to unity.
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Don1

(1,652 posts)
23. In that case, great job!
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 05:08 PM
Apr 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Don1

(1,652 posts)
25. Any time you want to post something unconvincing, I am all ears. Because I read responses usually.
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 05:12 PM
Apr 2020

Thank you, too.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

NurseJackie

(42,862 posts)
29. I already told you...
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 05:21 PM
Apr 2020
Any time you want to post something unconvincing, I am all ears. Because I read responses usually.
I already told you... and you know perfectly well that I'm not trying to convince you of anything. I see exactly what's going on. I'm not deceived. I'm a lot smarter than I'm being giving me credit for.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Don1

(1,652 posts)
30. you've got some explaining to do.
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 05:29 PM
Apr 2020

what the heck are you talking about???

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

The Magistrate

(95,244 posts)
31. That's Lucy, Sir, Who Has Some Explaining To Do
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 05:37 PM
Apr 2020

Mrs. Ricardo. Her explanations often ended up with her over Ricky's knee....

Ms. Jackie stands in no need of explaining anything to you.






"When things are not called by their right names, what is said cannot make sense. When what is said does not make sense, what is planned cannot succeed. When plans do not succeed, people become uneasy. When people are uneasy, punishments do not fit crimes. When punishments do not fit crimes, people cannot know where to put hand or foot."

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

NurseJackie

(42,862 posts)
33. You're on your own.
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 06:26 PM
Apr 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

HarlanPepper

(2,042 posts)
21. +1. I don't know who they think they are fooling.
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 05:07 PM
Apr 2020

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

The Magistrate

(95,244 posts)
48. No One But Themselves, Apparently, Sir
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 09:38 PM
Apr 2020



"When things are not called by their right names, what is said cannot make sense. When what is said does not make sense, what is planned cannot succeed. When plans do not succeed, people become uneasy. When people are uneasy, punishments do not fit crimes. When punishments do not fit crimes, people cannot know where to put hand or foot."
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

The Magistrate

(95,244 posts)
8. We Will See If You Stick To It, Sir
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 03:30 PM
Apr 2020

My mind is open to the possibility you will, and that is certainly the outcome I would prefer.

The questions posed point to what would seem to me clear signs of unity, that anyone joining in a coalition behind Mr. Biden in the efforts of the Democratic Party to turf out the cheap thug Trump, and the gravedigger of the Senate, McConnell, should have no difficulty answering with yes, yes, and yes, respectively.

Like respect, comradeship is earned, and ought not be granted lightly, or on mere profession of desire. Actions must follow, behavior may need to alter.





"When things are not called by their right names, what is said cannot make sense. When what is said does not make sense, what is planned cannot succeed. When plans do not succeed, people become uneasy. When people are uneasy, punishments do not fit crimes. When punishments do not fit crimes, people cannot know where to put hand or foot."

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Don1

(1,652 posts)
10. You didn't answer the question.
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 03:44 PM
Apr 2020

What have you done to promote unity?

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

The Magistrate

(95,244 posts)
13. The Questions Stand As Asked, Sir
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 04:00 PM
Apr 2020

You may answer them or no as you please, of course. They are quite reasonable questions, however. You are claiming a change of heart, even in present circumstances, a change of coat. Why you have difficulty answering them escapes me. It seems unity requires ceasing to promote Sanders in rivalry with our Party's nominee, strongly dissociating oneself from the smears and slurs employed by Sanders' campaign and remaining supporters, and agreement that Sanders ought to cease campaigning for Mr. Biden's nomination. Certainly no one who does boom Sanders against Mr. Biden, who gives countenance to slurs and smears against him, and wants Sanders to continue campaigning for the nomination, can hardly be said to be in union with Mr. Biden, and those who support him.

The concept of 'unity' between factions hostile at their cores, as rivalries for a single nomination must be, is not a simple concept. It is certainly not a concept involving fuzzy bunnies and big group hugs. A path of retreat for the opposing faction must be left open, but sufficient pressure must be applied that retreat seems an attractive option. We all have our aptitudes and our varied skills, and take up accordingly roles we are best suited to in seeking a shared objective.





"When things are not called by their right names, what is said cannot make sense. When what is said does not make sense, what is planned cannot succeed. When plans do not succeed, people become uneasy. When people are uneasy, punishments do not fit crimes. When punishments do not fit crimes, people cannot know where to put hand or foot."

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

George II

(67,782 posts)
51. No it doesn't, it promotes divisiveness. It's not OUR job to promote unity....
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 11:09 PM
Apr 2020

....it's the job of the candidates. One is doing so, the other is eerily silent while his campaign staffers and surrogates and supporters continue to divide OUR Democratic Party.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

George II

(67,782 posts)
12. Two short paragraphs from the opinion piece, then a diatribe psychoanalyzing Biden...
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 03:56 PM
Apr 2020

..interpreting what he "thinks". BTW, I gave a few easy to find examples of Sanders' people continuing to denigrate Joe Biden.

We're almost ready to see another round of "Biden has dementia" tweets from that gang.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

The Magistrate

(95,244 posts)
62. It Is Rather An Unseemly Blend, Sir
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 09:53 AM
Apr 2020

Rather like a cherry juice drink touted as 10% real juice, in which the juice is apple juice, and the flavors and colors added artificially.

What lends it real humor is the claim angry opposition to Sanders stems from Russian influence. Or else owes to people simply being negative....





"From Bernie’s perspective, dropping out of a race once you have no chance of winning is peculiar behavior that can only be explained by the work of a hidden hand. For most politicians, though, it is actually standard operating procedure. Only Sanders seems to think the normal thing to do once voters have made clear they don’t want to nominate you is to continue campaigning anyway."




"When things are not called by their right names, what is said cannot make sense. When what is said does not make sense, what is planned cannot succeed. When plans do not succeed, people become uneasy. When people are uneasy, punishments do not fit crimes. When punishments do not fit crimes, people cannot know where to put hand or foot."

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

DenverJared

(457 posts)
32. I think he is stating "kiss our ass because we like it"
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 06:07 PM
Apr 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Don1

(1,652 posts)
65. FOR YOUR INFORMATION!
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 11:59 AM
Apr 2020

I emailed the Sanders campaign on March 17th asking them to concede.

I also emailed them on Monday night/Tuesday morning in the very early AM writing to them about the critical need to concede.

Your posts attacking me have not been helpful. Your posts attacking Sanders supporters are not helpful to the Biden campaign.

Joe Biden knows what he is doing and that's why he said these positive, unifying things.

It's time for YOU to join Joe Biden.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

The Magistrate

(95,244 posts)
66. Pleased To Hear It, Sir
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 12:07 PM
Apr 2020

A rather combative way to communicate it, but no matter.

This is a good day, and the first decent thing Sanders has done in a long time.

You may well like the man. That is your privilege.

I do not like him at all, on grounds that seem more than sufficient to me. That is my privilege as well.

We shall see what his further conduct is, and what choices his more ardent supporters make going forward.

At this point, it seems we have an armistice, but not a surrender, and certainly not an amnesty.





"When things are not called by their right names, what is said cannot make sense. When what is said does not make sense, what is planned cannot succeed. When plans do not succeed, people become uneasy. When people are uneasy, punishments do not fit crimes. When punishments do not fit crimes, people cannot know where to put hand or foot."

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

George II

(67,782 posts)
5. You should point out in that OP what's from the article and what are you own words and opinions....
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 03:14 PM
Apr 2020

For example, that highlighted sentence is NOT from Jonathan Easley's piece. Is it yours?

Also the bit about "some few anecdotes and invalid stories" is also not in the linked piece, that's your reading of Biden's mind. They're not "some few anecdotes" or "invalid stories", there are MANY such items, and they come not just from social media but from some of Sanders' own staffers and surrogates. They are NOT "completely ridiculous", they're real and destructive.

Below are two examples (although one is from three years ago, but Sanders hired her anyway into his top echelon). Are you trying to say these don't exist? I could find more - from Sirota, Turner, Orfalea, etc., but it's just not worth it.

Getting back, I wish you'd delineate your words from the words in the link you provided.






If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Gore1FL

(21,128 posts)
6. I am glad to see this.
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 03:15 PM
Apr 2020

I've been arguing on DU for some time; the fact that I had to argue for this always amazed me.

Nonetheless, Go Joe! I hope you change opinions here.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

George II

(67,782 posts)
11. Here's another example of what you call "few anecdotes and invalid stories", this one from....
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 03:50 PM
Apr 2020

....the Sanders Campaign National Press Secretary.

Don’t let conservative Democrats turn electability into a liability just because they need to prop up their deeply vulnerable candidate.


"Conservative Democrats"? "Deeply vulnerable candidate"? This is just two days ago.


If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

mikelgb

(6,021 posts)
14. as you can see in this thread, no matter what Joe says it won't help
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 04:07 PM
Apr 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

The Magistrate

(95,244 posts)
16. Not True At All, Sir
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 04:22 PM
Apr 2020

Everyone is welcome to support Mr. Biden. That is all anyone who supports him wants: for everyone to profess support for him, and to act in support of him. Profession of support means little without actions in support. It is not my habit to cite Scripture, but the Epistle of James makes the sound point that profession of faith means little without works to show for it. Some activities simply are not compatible with supporting Mr. Biden, and people who have engaged in them ought not to have any difficulty forswearing them in future. Anyone who has had occasion to mend a familial or marital rift will be quite aware of this basic fact of human behavior, that for forgiveness and amnesty and the restoration of peace, behavior must change, and the destructive behaviors causing the rift must cease, and be seen to cease.





"When things are not called by their right names, what is said cannot make sense. When what is said does not make sense, what is planned cannot succeed. When plans do not succeed, people become uneasy. When people are uneasy, punishments do not fit crimes. When punishments do not fit crimes, people cannot know where to put hand or foot."

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

LongtimeAZDem

(4,494 posts)
22. This thread is not an rejection of a desire for unity, it is a reaction to what some feel may be
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 05:07 PM
Apr 2020

nothing more than a cynical and disingenuous use of Biden's words to deflect criticism of Sanders.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Don1

(1,652 posts)
28. How much it helps is a continuum.
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 05:17 PM
Apr 2020

Like most things, things come in degrees. Many Biden supporters and Bernie supporters recognize the need for unity. Some don't and some might be paid to be negative or might be paid to split the party or just might be negative people or who knows. Diversity is life. However, over time, the more that Bernie and Joe have good communications with each other, and the more supporters tell each other to play nice, it will get better. It takes effort. It also takes effort to deconstruct negative attacks and doing so shows that Bernie and Joe have a lot more in common than distinctions people try to make in primaries. I get constantly attacked on here for promoting unity but I have faith it will get better to some degree over time. It is actually needed to beat Trump.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

ibegurpard

(16,685 posts)
17. This is the smart thing to do
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 04:32 PM
Apr 2020

Thankfully his campaign has rejected the slash and burn tactics advocated by so many on this forum. There will absolutely be some holdouts but olive branches are far more effective than scorched earth.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

Don1

(1,652 posts)
19. Yup!
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 05:06 PM
Apr 2020

Joe Biden knows what he's doing!

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

The Magistrate

(95,244 posts)
27. It Is A Little More Complex Than That, Sir
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 05:17 PM
Apr 2020

Last edited Tue Apr 7, 2020, 08:27 PM - Edit history (1)

'Good cop, bad cop' is not just for interrogation rooms on teevee shows.

Mr. Biden is doing exactly what the most ardent advocates of what you call 'slash and burn tactics advocated by so many on this forum' expect him to do. He is a professional politician and behaves as a professional of long practice and polished skill. I doubt anyone supporting Mr. Biden here expects anything less of him. He must conduct himself in such a manner that, if adherents of Sanders' continue slurs and smears against his candidacy, it will be obvious to all who is in the wrong.

You may have noticed, however, a slew of stories coming out just recently alleging malfeasance with money by Sanders and his campaign and such supporting bodies as 'Our Revolution'. Mr. Roosevelt famously opined that in politics nothing is coincidence. Mr. Biden, and the Democratic Party, want Sanders stood down out of the race. While Mr. Biden stands above it all, a beckoning beacon of forbearance and statesmanship, by others Sanders is being 'shewn the instruments' by which his discredit and destruction could be encompassed, should he continue to misbehave and disrupt. Both carrot and stick are being held before St. Bernard of Burlington, and he may choose among them for himself. He may have one or the other, but he will not get both.

Persons who comment on forums like this, and in other online venues, may be likened to irregular forces, to a light cavalry, which engages in vexation of an opposing body, and accordingly can go much further than would be acceptable for the regulars actually associated with the official campaign. Indeed one of the many sins of 'Bernie' is that his regulars, people actually on staff of his campaign, conduct themselves in a manner in no wise different from the wildest of the internet irregulars. Forum commentators serve to give indication of just how far employment of the stick might go, without losing the support of an energetic body of volunteers. I do not, for example, really expect the Party will boot Sanders from its Senate caucus (even though it is my view they ought to), and I will not protest unduly if the Party refrains from that action. But it is helpful to have that idea in the air, for it to be known that course has vociferous support. It gives the threats necessary to increasing the attractiveness of the carrot more force, more solidity.





"When things are not called by their right names, what is said cannot make sense. When what is said does not make sense, what is planned cannot succeed. When plans do not succeed, people become uneasy. When people are uneasy, punishments do not fit crimes. When punishments do not fit crimes, people cannot know where to put hand or foot."

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

mikelgb

(6,021 posts)
34. I swear I'm not being condescending, Sir
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 07:57 PM
Apr 2020

Yessir

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

The Magistrate

(95,244 posts)
40. By All Means, Sir, If You Think You Can Manage It, Try...
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 08:26 PM
Apr 2020




"When things are not called by their right names, what is said cannot make sense. When what is said does not make sense, what is planned cannot succeed. When plans do not succeed, people become uneasy. When people are uneasy, punishments do not fit crimes. When punishments do not fit crimes, people cannot know where to put hand or foot."
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

The Magistrate

(95,244 posts)
47. My Goodness....
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 08:35 PM
Apr 2020

"A bore is someone who deprives you of solitude without providing you with company."

But it cannot stretch on too long, I am doing burgers and deep fried potatoes for the womenfolk tonight, and must start soon.





"When things are not called by their right names, what is said cannot make sense. When what is said does not make sense, what is planned cannot succeed. When plans do not succeed, people become uneasy. When people are uneasy, punishments do not fit crimes. When punishments do not fit crimes, people cannot know where to put hand or foot."

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Hoyt

(54,770 posts)
26. Sanders needs to implore his supporters not to pull a 2016, and give us trump for 4 more years.
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 05:16 PM
Apr 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

questionseverything

(9,651 posts)
57. with joe reaching out so graciously, that shouldn't be a problem!
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 12:08 AM
Apr 2020

I think the former vp handled it very well

we all must concentrate on beating the current

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

George II

(67,782 posts)
35. Here are a couple of more tweets from David Sirota. Interesting that when he was hired....
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 07:58 PM
Apr 2020

....early last year he was "National Speech Writer", then became "Communications Director", now he just says "I work for Bernie Sanders".

Still think there are "few anecdotes and invalid stories"?




If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Gore1FL

(21,128 posts)
36. It gives me hope knowing Biden is the one running this and not you. nt
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 08:08 PM
Apr 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

George II

(67,782 posts)
37. Running what? At least I'm not making things up or psychoanalyzing Biden.
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 08:21 PM
Apr 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

The Magistrate

(95,244 posts)
38. Fair Warning, Sir
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 08:25 PM
Apr 2020

You may be in for a long, long exchange....

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

George II

(67,782 posts)
39. Thanks for the warning, but rest assured I'm not. As they say, "this isn't my first rodeo"!!!
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 08:26 PM
Apr 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

The Magistrate

(95,244 posts)
43. Well, I Haven't Seen Him Take Up Replying To Himself Yet
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 08:30 PM
Apr 2020

So there's that....

Be well, Sir, and stay safe!

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Gore1FL

(21,128 posts)
42. The Biden quotes are ample enough.
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 08:29 PM
Apr 2020

Random tweets aren't an argument.

Just be nice like Biden wants. We need unity in the fall.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

The Magistrate

(95,244 posts)
44. Any Advice For The People Who Up Those Tweets, Sir?
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 08:31 PM
Apr 2020

"Enquiring minds want to know!"

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

George II

(67,782 posts)
46. See #45 below - they're from two of Sanders' top paid employees, Sirota and Gray.
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 08:35 PM
Apr 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

George II

(67,782 posts)
45. Tweets from Sanders' OWN National Speech Writer/Communications Director/person who works for him....
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 08:34 PM
Apr 2020

....aren't "random tweets", nor are tweets from Sanders' own National Press Secretary.

They speak for the campaign, they speak for Sanders, they ARE Sanders.

"Just be nice like Biden wants", as Sanders' campaign continues to spit out venom about Biden. You're lecturing the wrong people.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Gore1FL

(21,128 posts)
49. I care more about what Biden has to say.
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 10:57 PM
Apr 2020

You are coming up with examples to undermine Biden's message. I am not sure why exactly. It's also weird to vilify Sanders and some of his supporters and then use those as examples on why your should be allowed to behave just as badly.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

George II

(67,782 posts)
50. Read the OP and the sweeping assumptions about (and psychoanalysis of) Biden, and...
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 11:06 PM
Apr 2020

...the continued divisiveness of Sanders staffers.

I'm coming up with examples of SANDERS campaign people trying (unsuccessfully, as it turns out) to undermining Biden's message.

I'm not "behaving just as badly" (that's insulting), I'm pointing out what Sanders people continue to do every day, if not every hour.

I notice you don't have a single comment about what they're saying. Why is that?

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Gore1FL

(21,128 posts)
53. I am more concerned about what Biden has to say.
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 11:24 PM
Apr 2020

We need Sanders supporters to win in November. Biden realizes that as evidenced by the quotes presented in the linked article.

I am glad it's him running this and not you. He realizes that you need votes to win, and you don't get them through antagonization. You are literally coming up with reasons to not be unified in November; behaving just as badly is apt.

I don't care what Sanders or his staff are saying. He's not going to win. I am much more concerned with helping the candidate that will get the nomination to win in the fall.

Again, it is clear that Biden is much better at this than you. I am going to follow his lead.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

The Magistrate

(95,244 posts)
56. Your Concerns Are Your Own, Sir, And Nobody Else's
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 11:54 PM
Apr 2020

When you address the continued attempts to divide and smear coming from the Sanders camp, your claims of wishing unity and comity may be taken seriously.

It is nonesense to pretend what Sanders and his staff say means nothing, and is not a factor going forward. It matters in two chief ways.

First, by trying to stoke an ever higher heat in devotees of his doomed campaign, Sanders increases the chances they will prove disloyal in November. He is doubtless aware of this, just as you are aware of it, though you pretend not to be.

Second, when Sanders and his staff press attack lines that are likely to be used by the christo-fascist right in the general election campaign, he adds to the credibility enjoyed by the christo-fascist right in making these charges. The media, in its eagerness to perform rituals denoting 'balance' will take note that these charges originate on the left, and so can be said to represent a bipartisan critique of Mr. Biden. Without such contributions by Sanders and his staff, the attack lines of the christo-fascist right could readily be written off as partisan swill, even by the pundits and talking heads of the commentariat. Again, 'Bernie' is doubtless aware of this, and there is not the slightest doubt in my mind that, despite your risible posturings otherwise, you are as aware of this as I am.


"I should like to take you seriously, but to do so would be an affront to your intelligence."





"When things are not called by their right names, what is said cannot make sense. When what is said does not make sense, what is planned cannot succeed. When plans do not succeed, people become uneasy. When people are uneasy, punishments do not fit crimes. When punishments do not fit crimes, people cannot know where to put hand or foot."

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Don1

(1,652 posts)
58. Exactly!
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 12:27 AM
Apr 2020

To put this another way, consider a cost benefit analysis.

Playing Nice Strategy
Benefit: relative gain of progressive vote/Sanders supporters
Cost: ZERO. THE GAME IS ALREADY WON.

Going Negative Strategy
Benefit: ZERO.
Cost: relative loss of progressive vote/Sanders supporters.

======================

The Going Negative Strategy at this point in the game is not only irrational, it supports a completely different goal: Trump wins.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

The Magistrate

(95,244 posts)
60. A Better Analysis, Sir, More Suited To The Actual Situation
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 12:54 AM
Apr 2020

Last edited Wed Apr 8, 2020, 01:36 AM - Edit history (1)

Playing Nice Strategy

Action required to implement strategy: Sanders ceases to contest the nomination, calls on followers to support Mr. Biden.

Benefit: greater loyalty to the Democratic Party by supporters of Sanders, better chances for victory over the cheap thug Trump, and the gravedigger of the Senate, McConnell.

Cost: Sanders must give up illusions he can revolutionize the Democratic Party, and the nation's political life. Since he is in fact incapable of doing either of these things, there is no material cost, although Sanders may suffer some personal unhappiness.


Going Negative Strategy

Action required to implement strategy: Sanders continues to press campaign, engaging in slurs and smears and trying to rile up followers for a blackmail showdown at the convention. In other words, Sanders continues on his present course.

Benefit: Personal gratification to Sanders, derived from continued posturing as leader of a movement that will revolutionize the Democratic Party and the political life of the nation.

Cost: To Sanders nothing, he can indulge his illusions for a few more months. To the Democratic Party and the country, the cost is an increase to the chance the cheap thug Trump and the gravedigger of the Senate, McConnel, will be retained in power by the result of the general election, through the defection of supporters whom Sanders has whipped into an unthinking frenzy of hate for Mr. Biden and the Democratic Party by his smears and slurs and impotent revolutionary posturings.


That, I would submit, is the actual 'cost/benefit analysis' which faces Sanders and his supporters at this juncture of the campaign against the cheap thug Trump and the gravedigger of the Senate, McConnell.

Make your choice, Sir. If you want unity, if you want comity between the factions, the choice you ought to take yourself, and the choice you ought to urge on Sanders, and on any who support Sanders, is an obvious one.





"When things are not called by their right names, what is said cannot make sense. When what is said does not make sense, what is planned cannot succeed. When plans do not succeed, people become uneasy. When people are uneasy, punishments do not fit crimes. When punishments do not fit crimes, people cannot know where to put hand or foot."

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Gore1FL

(21,128 posts)
61. I've had to hide two people in the last two days who argues against unity for dozens of posts
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 02:06 AM
Apr 2020

It astounds me how deep the hatred runs; who needs Russians when there DUers who prefer to reflexively attack potential support?

I am with you (and Biden). Unity over division.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

George II

(67,782 posts)
67. You're equating DU members to Russians here?
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 12:39 PM
Apr 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Gore1FL

(21,128 posts)
68. There are those who seem to be inexplicably working a similar angle
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 12:57 PM
Apr 2020

I don't know their motivations, however, so I cannot directly correlate bad behavior with Russian trolling.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

Don1

(1,652 posts)
55. Some some and some.
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 11:39 PM
Apr 2020

Some staffers are going negative. Some aren't. Some supporters are calling for unity. Some aren't. Some staffers are even asking Bernie to concede. That's a diverse group of chaos, not a monolithic conspiracy!

Some Biden supporters here are for unity. Some want to keep attacking in a primary that is all but over except in the surrender terms of a concession. I even asked you in another thread how you all could provide assurances of working together. I got essentially: Biden is king. And now essentially: "but they started it!"

But none of that is from Biden! Biden is way way smarter than that! He's been doing politics since the 1970's. He is a role model in how to do politics in the primary right now.

Bernie's campaign is probably chaos right now.

VP Joe Biden is leading by example!

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

The Magistrate

(95,244 posts)
59. Either The Man Runs His Campaign Or He Does Not, Sir
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 12:28 AM
Apr 2020

If he does, he is responsible for what his subordinates do and say, and if he does not like what they do or say, he must fire them or otherwise rein them in. If he does not do this, their speech is his speech, their acts are his acts.

If he does not run his campaign, if he has no control over his staff, then not only is he incompetent as a leader, but he is not a man any deal can be struck with, because he hasn't got anything he can deliver beyond his own person. It is not even a question of trust, he simply is incapable of delivering on a deal struck, whatever his intention may be.


"The troops are the mirror of their officer."





"When things are not called by their right names, what is said cannot make sense. When what is said does not make sense, what is planned cannot succeed. When plans do not succeed, people become uneasy. When people are uneasy, punishments do not fit crimes. When punishments do not fit crimes, people cannot know where to put hand or foot."

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

George II

(67,782 posts)
69. "The troops are the mirror of their officer." - I like that!
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 01:06 PM
Apr 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

The Magistrate

(95,244 posts)
54. Actually What He Is Doing, Sir, Is Making Clear Sanders' Message
Tue Apr 7, 2020, 11:36 PM
Apr 2020

Which is not one of unity, but of division.

Peace and unity, like the tango, takes two....





"When things are not called by their right names, what is said cannot make sense. When what is said does not make sense, what is planned cannot succeed. When plans do not succeed, people become uneasy. When people are uneasy, punishments do not fit crimes. When punishments do not fit crimes, people cannot know where to put hand or foot."

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Hortensis

(58,785 posts)
63. :) Don1, Democrats have never been so united. Joe is speaking to Sanders'
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 10:12 AM
Apr 2020

Democratic supporters, of course, not because he thinks they need to be wooed to vote Democrat, but rather to respect them as members whose hopes and ideals matter.

As for Sanders' hostile anti-Democratic base, of course any who might decide to turn for rather than against him would be very welcome, every vote a victory for us and a loss for the party of wealthy authoritarian white men.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
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