Saw Bernie on CNN yesterday attacking Biden's record.

[boston bean]

It was the same ole same ole just a different name inserted.

It was not very uplifting. I do not think it will be effective.

[NYMinute]

1. Bernie's tired message is not resonating nt

[Honeycombe8]

2. So I guess they'll beat each other up, so the winner will be chewed up...

by the time the nominee is voted in.

[boston bean]

4. I almost always blame the first punch thrower.

The responses are a defense.

[True Blue American]

77. I doubt that Biden

Will respond. Why should he?

[sarabelle]

107. Bernie is not worth it, Joe. Just ignore him and do your own thing.

[George II]

9. That's what worries me, and that's the good thing about Biden, too. He's going right after trump.

A few other candidates have made comments about each other but stuck to their own message. Sanders unfortunately weaves his to opponent into his speeches and appearances more than the others.

[Skya Rhen]

24. Biden chooses to punch UP not down - he is looking right past Bernie and focusing on Trump...

[trueblue2007]

99. To paraphrase Michelle: when THEY GO LOW, WE GO HIGH. When Bernie goes low - Joe will go high.

[Kahuna7]

3. That's okay. At this point his attacks will help the other candidates...

not him.

[madaboutharry]

5. People are who they are.

There isn't any reason to think that a different Bernie Sanders was going to show up this time.

[left-of-center2012]

6. Biden attacks Trump

Bernie attacks Biden.

[ginnyinWI]

7. He's coming off like an old crank.

Really, in this age of a lunatic in the White House, any Dem candidate who attacks a fellow Dem candidate is going to look really bad! Aim the fire where it belongs, why don't cha?

[Cha]

8. Mahalo, Ginny!

[ginnyinWI]

10. Mahalo!

Now you've made me want to visit Hawaii again!

[Cha]

13. Aloha.. come on over.. the

weather is fine!

[Iamaartist]

19. Lucky you...

Weather in Mich been cold and damp...after last week a few days warm...

[NastyRiffraff]

90. He IS an old crank

I'll never forget or forgive his grumpy, pouting act at the Democratic Convention. He's a petty, whiny, petulant, peevish man who reminds me of the constantly griping uncle at the Thanksgiving dinner.

[trueblue2007]

102. Remember what Michelle Obama said .... when they go LOW, we will go HIGH

Remember this Joe. Don't sink to the other guy's level ....

[True Blue American]

108. When Joe came out and made his

Speech he had such a calming effect. It was like,” This is what normal feels like!”

I refuse to listen to explosive rants about others, any more!

End of story for me.

[olegramps]

11. Bernie supporters: Tell be the difference between him and Trump's tariff & trade treaty policies.

[comradebillyboy]

66. Bernie is probably more of a protectionist...

[Cuthbert Allgood]

79. Sanders came out unequivocally against Trump's policies.

Do you have some other knowledge?

[JaneQPublic]

12. Here's a link to the video...

https://www.purdueexponent.org/news/national/video_8a1e4080-8c43-556d-aedc-beb0a66d0228.html


I couldn't help but notice that on all of the issues Bernie listed to differentiate himself from Biden -- NAFTA, PNTR with China, TPP, and Iraq War -- Bernie is on the same side as Trump.

[comradebillyboy]

26. Pretty revealing isn't it. His anti-immigrant positions

are quite similar to trump's as well, just not so crudely stated.

[Hortensis]

85. There are huge cultural attitudes between Sanders

and Trump, but in other respects there are similarities.

Both lead populist movements antagonistic to existing government, with dominant social conservative elements who must be fed, though most of Sanders are probably relatively social con-light types.

Both draw significantly more white male followers than any other demographic.

They both won't condemn authoritarian, even dictator-controlled, nations, but with big left-right differences -- Sanders for failed socialist attempts even when lead by ruthless strongmen determined to hold onto power through repression and misery. But Trump specifically if the populace is terrified of a RW strongman too murderous to cross.

They both have proven willingness to interfere with the democratic process when the will of the majority didn't favor them, though President Trump's is of course demonstrated to far larger degree. Russia provided assistance to both, but Trump was the one Putin intended to elect.

[True Blue American]

109. A friend

On another board said he had watched Sanders out on street corners ranting when he was young.

I do not think Bernie ever left his Commune days. And his ties with Russia, spending his honeymoon there. What person would go to Russia on their honeymoon?

[Hortensis]

110. Sanders spent at least 10 years writing dogma that

apparently is mostly lost, but pushing himself everywhere, running repeatedly for elections. Ranting on streets of his town, passing out his tracts, would be totally consistent, and years of try-try-again finally got him a majority in a mayoral race. No one's ever accused him of not believing in himself.

As for who'd honeymoon in Russia, me, me, me, , although I'd prefer somewhere more culturally advanced for that. My aunt went with groups a couple times back in those days, when "deep state" KBG agents were cleaning their hotel rooms.

The Sanders were already married and on a working honeymoon after he joined Burlington in a sister-city program with...Yaroslavl, 160 miles nw of Moscow (love, Google). He would have been in his late 40s. He brought home video of him in a local gathering place where everyone dunks in hot and freezing water, switches themselves with branches, and then eats and drinks a lot in their underwear. Don't recall seeing Jane. Not Vienna, but seems to have been fun.

[True Blue American]

111. Thanks

I saw those pictures of Bernie eating with no shirt on. I do notice the pictures of Bernie’s house and History is not on line in Google now. If you see them,please let me know. I honestly never heard of Bernie until 2015.

But, no, I would not spend my time in Russia on a honeymoon. Mine was actually spent in Gatlinburg when it was a small sleepy town, because that was all we could afford then. but it was a lovely Motel with Swimming pool, something that was rare then.

My Husbands family had lived in Pigeon Forge since the 1700’s.

[Hortensis]

113. Memories... Wonder what officials he met

in sister cities in Russia, West Bank and Nicaragua remember about the envious wannabe revolutionary from pretty, peaceful Vermont. No doubt he gave them extensive benefit of his thoughts.

We honeymooned hiking and camping in the high Sierras. Our streams of melted snow were as private as anyone could wish but otherwise far less “honeymoonish” than your nice pool. 😮 Boy, we were really young then! Gatlinburg’s only a couple hours away now, and these days we’d choose your comfy motel and love it.

[BlueStater]

100. So being against the Iraq war is now a Trump position?

This place is losing its mind.

[backtoblue]

14. I've really cooled off to him

So far he's brought nothing new that I'm just crazy about.

After these last few years of anger and negativity from the orange squatter, I'm tired of it.

Bernie's recent tweet about the "democratic establishment" is not what we need right now. He got my primary vote before but not this time.

Obligatory disclaimer: I would get behind him 100 if he gets the nomination.

[JaneQPublic]

56. How much longer must Bernie be in the Senate before he's "Establishment"?

Between his time in the Senate and the House before that, he's been in Washington for 29 years, longer than some of the people he labels as "Establishment" Dems.

No doubt if Bernie were elected POTUS, he'd still deny being "Establishment."

Personally, I can't see why more of Bernie's 2016 supporters aren't abandoning him for Warren. Apparently, his core supporters are as devoted to him as MAGAts are to Trump.

[backtoblue]

63. Bernie filled a need to rage against the machine...

In 2016, we only had two real candidates to choose from. I was struck by Bernie's message and his "get off my lawn" way of talking was how I felt then. Honestly, I was disappointed when he didn't get the nomination. I put my heart to Hillary fairly quick and fell in line. I'm gonna admit right now that I cried after two election results that year...

He just hasn't added anything to his message since then that resonates with me. It could be that I really wanted Warren to run and he came and literally YELLED out much of her stances.

Now I see him as biting the hand that fed him. He wouldn't have had a chance at all if he had run 3rd party. By joining the democratic party he got the publicity needed to spead his message. He seems to be holding a grudge and fighting against the "establishment" that gave him a national stage.

I understand his appeal. I still have a soft spot for him, but he won't be my primary choice this time.

[JaneQPublic]

84. Thanks for the insight.

When you say, "biting the hand that fed him," I as a devout party Dem can fully empathize with these feelings... that Bernie gained his big rally crowds and millions in donations only because the DNC allowed him use of the party's microphones and schedule of televised debates.

[solara]

15. Wait a minute.. Didn't Sanders sign the pledge?

@ForeverLogical
Apr 25

"The only acceptable #Never is #NeverTrump. I pledge to support my candidates and not bash any other Democratic Candidates... United We Stand, Divided We Fall. #VoteBlueNoMatterWho #VoteBlue2020 #Democrats #DNC #Progressives #BlueWave

[mopinko]

17. that's what i thought. i hope one of our candidates calls him out.

or he gets a message from tom perez.

[LongtimeAZDem]

18. He signs lots of pledges

[dalton99a]

23. The fine print says not applicable to Democratic Establishment

[MrsCoffee]

29. Lol. Trust or believe anything Bernie Sanders says or pledges?

Ego over everything else.

Bernie is all about Bernie.

[True Blue American]

82. Ooops!

[True Blue American]

112. First one to sign.

[Iamaartist]

16. He seems grumpy most of the time.....

just my opinion.....

[dalton99a]

20. Bernie 2020: "Get off my lawn!"

[NurseJackie]

22. That's it exactly! "Old man yells at cloud."

[snowybirdie]

21. Thought he'd signed

that agreement not to bash other Democratic candidates? According to Rachel Maddow, he was the first one to sign.

[Kahuna7]

72. Did anybody really believe he would stick to that pledge??

I know I didn't.

[Alkene]

25. same ole same ole

n/t

[Cha]

30. NO It Isn't.

[Cha]

34. That's your opinion.. the

polls for our candidates disagree.

We appreciate that Joe Biden entered the race.

[Demsrule86]

46. Both CNN and Morning Cosult have Biden subtantially ahead in the their polls...and worse for

Sanders...47% of Black women back Biden in the Morning Consult poll and in the CNN poll 50% back Biden. Right now Biden is winning New Hampshire. The bashing of candidates which has worked for Sanders before will not work this time in my opinion.

[ehrnst]

58. Some candidates equate pointing out their problematic voting history with "bashing"

and get angry rather than admitting that they regretted anything they have ever done, while accusing others of being "flip floppers" or "pandering" if they actually do admit they have something to learn. Some candidates believe not having evolved on any issue for decades is not a sign of an inability to learn when new information or data comes to light as a good thing, and sometimes even deny that they ever did change on an issue during an election year.

To me, that's way more disqualifying than a candidate that admits their past mistakes, and expresses regret. Being able to accept fact checking from reputable journalists without attacking them is another neccessary characteristic that not all candidates in this race have demonstrated.

When a candidate has a history of proclaiming that anyone who disagrees with them in any way is ethically compromised, or corrupt and declares they are the only candidate who represents the people, then yes, that's bashing.

[True Blue American]

83. Did not work

In 2016 either.

[Demsrule86]

91. Not sure.

[LongtimeAZDem]

35. Disagree

[we can do it]

39. Nope.

[ehrnst]

43. How about those that voted for military intervention in Iraq twice?

In 1998 Sanders voted in favor of the Iraq Liberation Act of 1998, which said: “It should be the policy of the United States to support efforts to remove the regime headed by Saddam Hussein from power in Iraq and to promote the emergence of a democratic government to replace that regime.”

Later that same year, Sanders also backed a resolution that stated: “Congress reaffirms that it should be the policy of the United States to support efforts to remove the regime headed by Saddam Hussein from power in Iraq and to promote the emergence of a democratic government to replace that regime.”

Would that be a double disqualifier?

[ehrnst]

45. So, is that a double disqualifier or not?

Especially with so many other great candidates that don't have the same past transgressions.

You don't think that the 1998 intervention was an economic and humanitarian blunder?

“It should be the policy of the United States to support efforts to remove the regime headed by Saddam Hussein from power in Iraq and to promote the emergence of a democratic government to replace that regime.”

[ehrnst]

50. But is it a disqualifier?

Especially since there are, as you say, so many others without that past transgression on their record.

Are you applying the same standards to all candidates?

[ehrnst]

55. So you're saying that Biden and Sanders are disqualified to run in 2020?

Perhaps you shouldn't write them off so soon.

[Demsrule86]

47. Those great candidates and they are talented are polling in single digits...and Sanders is polling

substantially behind Biden.

[BannonsLiver]

53. Apparently it's not

You had better find something else.

[treestar]

33. It's not necessary

Why can't he just talk himself and his policies up? He doesn't need to compare.

[Cha]

37. Maybe because Biden

is the Front runner now and BS is the one getting "nervous".

Link to tweet

treestar!

[treestar]

40. Hi Cha!

You bet. And Bernie should not be saying that about the "Democratic Establishment." Not useful at all this time!

[Cha]

41. I know.. evidently he

can't stop himself.

[Chin music]

101. +1

[ehrnst]

105. That statement wouldn't last long here, would it? (nt)

[Cha]

106. You're right..

it shouldn't.

[dogman]

59. What is a Primary race?

It's all about comparison.

[tavernier]

65. Yup.

That it is. Joe is going after Rump. Bernie is going after Democrats, as per usual.

[dogman]

92. You have to win the Primary first.

Asked the difference, he explained. The statement of facts is not going after someone.

[treestar]

89. They don't need to diss the others

period.

[dogman]

93. Telling the truth is not dissing...

[treestar]

96. Spinning things negatively

is.

[dogman]

97. Facts are facts.

No spinning, FACTS.

[LanternWaste]

98. It's fun to pretend a biased narrative containing some facts is nothing but facts.

And I certainly get why you need to tell yourself there's no spin. I simply hope that before liong, you recognize the flaw in your overly-broad and unsupported premise.

[dogman]

103. Show me a lie.

Talk about an unsupported premise.

[we can do it]

78. Maybe because Elizabeth is defining her policies much better than BS?

He needs to criticize others or he has nothing to say.

[ehrnst]

60. When a candidate equates any difference from themselves as evidence of

ethical compromise, or then yes, that's bashing.

[gopiscrap]

69. welcome to DU

[33taw]

31. I'd like to see the candidates attack Trump.

Their policies will show themselves without beating up other Democrats. The debates will help sift through the differences. We have one goal - Destroy Trump.

[we can do it]

38. BS is no Democrat.

[Skya Rhen]

70. The difference is that Manchin and Schumer are permanently registered Dems and not opportunists

who only register as a Democrat during election time, in order to be able to use its infrastructure to their advantage.


Futher, I don't ever recall any of them (or their surrogates) encouraging their supporters to vote for Jill Stein - someone who is not a Democrat.

[ehrnst]

73. Bernie said that he ran as a Dem in 2016 because of the money and the media running as a Dem.

“We did have to make that decision: Do you run as an independent? Do you run within the Democratic Party?” He said. “We concluded – and I think it was absolutely the right decision – that, A, in terms of media coverage, you have to run within the Democratic Party.”
He added that to run a campaign outside the major two-party process, “you need… to be a billionaire.”

“The structure of American politics today is such that I thought the right ethic was to run within the Democratic Party,” he said.

You're welcome.

Why do you think Democrats would "lose 1/3 of the vote" if Bernie ran as an independent?

Only 51% of current Bernie supporters actually voted in the 2016 General Election for the Democratic nominee.

Only 42% of those who voted for Bernie in the 2016 Primary selected him as their top choice in the 2020 Primary.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaeldurkheimer/2019/04/17/5-weird-items-in-the-new-bernie-buttigieg-poll/#11071de47ddd

[ehrnst]

76. "I will voter for Bernie no matter what. I live in Kansas so I have the luxury of writing him in."

And have you seen Bernie's voting record on Russian sanctions?

You might be surprised.

And as far as "Democrats eating their own" it appears that an Independent is doing all the chewing on this thread.

[we can do it]

68. Very simply. I is not D

[ehrnst]

49. It should be the Democratic candidates main goal, shouldn't it?

It appears that it's not for some of them.

[we can do it]

36. Tired of the same old BS.

Divisive and nothing new to offer.

[Gothmog]

42. Who is surprised by this?

[BannonsLiver]

52. Bernie's message has become very stale

And I think he senses that it’s really looking like an uphill climb. I’ve noticed his supporters here have been are irritable as well. And also the number of spam ops by one of his biggest backers here has doubled. I sense desperation.

[awesomerwb1]

57. ShOcKeR!

If AnD WhEn BeRnIe LoSeS tHe NoMiNaTiOn, I have a feeling he and his operatives will make sure to dog whistle their fanatics, I mean supporters, to vote third party or trump, but not Democratic. Less doubt in my mind about it with every day that passes.

[we can do it]

80. oF cOuRse It Is AlWaYs SoMeOnE eLsE's FaUlT.

[prodigitalson]

61. I'm not gonna trash any of them but Sanders is just boring now.

And no that's not trashing him.

I'm leaning Biden now that he has had such a good entrance. I'm digging the public option and 15 buck min wage.

My top 3 are Joe, Kamala and Pete.

[TCJ70]

62. Are voting records off limits? N/t

[Uncle Joe]

86. Apparently. n/t

[samnsara]

87. shame on him

[dogman]

104. Nope, the truth is not shameful.

Denying it is. It's their record, run on it.

[Mr Tibbs]

88. Some pretty mild criticism

It's not an issue

[Gothmog]

94. From Harry Enten

Link to tweet

[Cha]

95. Thank you again..

And, once again.. it's not just Pres Obama's legacy it's Biden's, too.

Good advice from Harry Enten to BS.