Bernie Sanders

PBass

(1,537 posts)

166. Defending his positions against challenges is a never-ending process. That's NOT unfair.

Mon Jul 27, 2015, 01:36 AM

Jul 2015

If Bernie thinks he is above criticism, or past being questioned, or tired of explaining his record to fresh sets of ears, he's not going to last through the campaign. Because he's going to be taking a LOT of flak, from all sides, from here on out. If that's a problem, then Bernie might not be presidential material.

His "decades of work are in the past" because this is a brand new election, with contemporary issues and problems. At this point the vast majority of Americans have no idea who Bernie Sanders is, or what he believes. Bernie's great record is largely unknown to national voters, and it doesn't give him a pass from challenges on ANYTHING. He is starting from scratch now. Bernie's going to have to explain his point of view and defend his positions, right up until election day. It's not going to be a "coronation for Bernie" either, no matter how much his supporters think he deserves it. Bernie's going to have to fight for every inch, just like everybody else. If he can do that while appearing calm and "presidential" then maybe he can win. He'll have to work extra hard to win over black voters, since many black voters already planned on voting for Hillary, before Bernie even decided to enter the race.

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No matter how Bernie adjusts his message, it won't be enough. Not ever. [View all] madfloridian Jul 2015 OP

I JUST posted the same! SoapBox Jul 2015 #1

Great minds...lol madfloridian Jul 2015 #5

You know, I have been searching and searching chervilant Jul 2015 #36

Are you kidding? RoccoR5955 Jul 2015 #45

This message was self-deleted by its author a2liberal Jul 2015 #119

Not A Damn Penny To TrumanTown Jul 2015 #162

Thank you. It isn't easy staying ahead of all the lies. senz Jul 2015 #211

You're welcome a2liberal Jul 2015 #216

As opposed to the dozens and dozens Le Taz Hot Jul 2015 #106

I agree with you. Lifelong Protester Jul 2015 #37

Desperation is setting in. The Oligarchs can't let Sen Sanders win. rhett o rick Jul 2015 #111

I believe this racial antiBernie meme is orchestrated by HRC's campaign. nt kristopher Jul 2015 #195

Maybe this is why she stored up all that money - to knock off the competition early. nt senz Jul 2015 #214

This HAS TO be the case. Plucketeer Jul 2015 #208

Could not agree more passiveporcupine Jul 2015 #31

the funny part about this is those same people are all passiveporcupine Jul 2015 #80

She is definitely the 'me too' candidate AgingAmerican Jul 2015 #204

One Suspects That It Is About The HRC Campaign And HRC's 1% Patrons Feeling The Bern cantbeserious Jul 2015 #2

One suspects it's about the money. zeemike Jul 2015 #48

+1 daleanime Jul 2015 #174

Must Not Let 'The Little People' Think They Actually Have a Voice! Myrina Jul 2015 #177

If only there was a cure for greed. zeemike Jul 2015 #180

always about the money. yep. Hiraeth Jul 2015 #190

Correct, it will never be enough. He should move on now and let his record speak for itself. pa28 Jul 2015 #3

Off message? madfloridian Jul 2015 #13

Perhaps spending too much time trying to persuade people who can't be persuaded. pa28 Jul 2015 #23

You made my point. madfloridian Jul 2015 #24

I couldn't agree more. Ed Suspicious Jul 2015 #4

A lot of Bernie's problem is people still don't know him. Cleita Jul 2015 #6

It's about Bernie's willingness to discuss class - TBF Jul 2015 #7

Like I have said before. WHEN CRABS ROAR Jul 2015 #27

Exactly, it does need to be repeated over and over Divernan Jul 2015 #47

Candidates pretty much always give the same speech. SheilaT Jul 2015 #51

He's giving it tonight in Louisiana - TBF Jul 2015 #147

Yep! daybranch Jul 2015 #32

There is a post here today in GDP where a they posted an edited section of that interview. Snotcicles Jul 2015 #8

I trashed the whole GD:P thread a while ago n2doc Jul 2015 #11

Here is how you bring one to a complete stop. Look at #'s 101 and 103 Snotcicles Jul 2015 #15

Facts don't matter to some n2doc Jul 2015 #21

Some just don't care if the water is starting to get too hot for most of us. A Simple Game Jul 2015 #42

Can't please everyone n2doc Jul 2015 #9

You got it doc. Primary season is a marathon and not a sprint. Tommymac Jul 2015 #178

"but if you say it's not about the supporters that's just a sign that it really IS about them!" MisterP Jul 2015 #10

Exactly. madfloridian Jul 2015 #12

You're right, for some. TDale313 Jul 2015 #14

It already is a positive for him. madfloridian Jul 2015 #17

What I like about Bernie is he has never been afraid to talk about issues to the national media. Snotcicles Jul 2015 #20

And he absolutely refuses to let tools bvf Jul 2015 #108

Yep. he's got this. nt Snotcicles Jul 2015 #113

bernie's message is fine...for those who choose to hear it noiretextatique Jul 2015 #16

I believe as howard Zinn pointed out daybranch Jul 2015 #49

i tend to agree noiretextatique Jul 2015 #53

well said... icarusxat Jul 2015 #171

Mad Floridian ... Trajan Jul 2015 #18

Ti-i-i-i'm is on ourside. nt Snotcicles Jul 2015 #22

~~Yes, it is...~~ n/t bvf Jul 2015 #72

Bravo Snotcicles Jul 2015 #88

Fuck this "nothing-but-the-best-for-the-oppressed" attitude. . . DinahMoeHum Jul 2015 #19

Exactly. K and R NRaleighLiberal Jul 2015 #25

Your tomato pictures....yum madfloridian Jul 2015 #26

Our are just coming in. Surprised that DUers are not beating a path to my driveway NRaleighLiberal Jul 2015 #28

If I lived closer I would be beating that path for sure. madfloridian Jul 2015 #38

I've got my own 'maters, thank you! Le Taz Hot Jul 2015 #107

he's talking about the unmentionables. and worse, finding common ground. magical thyme Jul 2015 #29

Bernie can handle it, and so can I. mountain grammy Jul 2015 #30

Exactly... madfloridian Jul 2015 #33

Bernie won't be stopped. n/t Elmer S. E. Dump Jul 2015 #34

"Not ready to leave DU just yet"..... DON'T YOU GO!!!!! NO!!! loudsue Jul 2015 #35

Indeed!!! chervilant Jul 2015 #39

I agree with this. If Madflorididan left, Lifelong Protester Jul 2015 #40

This message was self-deleted by its author heaven05 Jul 2015 #50

Where did the "poor victim" talking point come from? I am just curious. madfloridian Jul 2015 #52

This message was self-deleted by its author heaven05 Jul 2015 #59

Hmm I could swear I was posting the Bernie forum. madfloridian Jul 2015 #61

This message was self-deleted by its author heaven05 Jul 2015 #68

Then there is no reason to keep his supporters on defense all the time. madfloridian Jul 2015 #71

This message was self-deleted by its author heaven05 Jul 2015 #78

People will be more supportive if you don't attack them first. madfloridian Jul 2015 #79

Please forgive me, but maybe I am one of those "bad" Bernie supporters nikto Jul 2015 #96

This message was self-deleted by its author MerryBlooms Jul 2015 #102

I'm a host, delete your comments. Autumn Jul 2015 #114

Thank you so much for stepping in. MerryBlooms Jul 2015 #136

I just sent madfloridian a message asking her to be a host. PMing her makes it stalking Autumn Jul 2015 #138

Shitcan the bullies and their backslappers- I'm totally good with that. MerryBlooms Jul 2015 #139

This crap is getting old. Autumn Jul 2015 #140

No worries, you are in a reality based group :) Babel_17 Jul 2015 #70

We are at war against the oligarchy and their corporate political party puppets. L0oniX Jul 2015 #41

You know, L0oniX, I'm an old lady and I'm with you. If Bernie doesn't win, there is Nay Jul 2015 #56

I hear that. Like wise ...I will be spending more time out sailing my little Sunfish and... L0oniX Jul 2015 #120

I'm getting to be old too and - LiberalElite Jul 2015 #142

Don't worry, If Hillary wins the nomination zeemike Jul 2015 #57

they really don't think that nonvoters are unsatisfied with the "choices" offered them: MisterP Jul 2015 #60

And that dissatisfaction is not just in Dems and independents. zeemike Jul 2015 #66

there's few Americans indeed that won't find at least one thing appealing in Sanders' promises MisterP Jul 2015 #75

And the Republican establishment wants the same thing. zeemike Jul 2015 #86

that's how the fundies got to be the loudest voice in the GOP, even if it's the corpos that benefit MisterP Jul 2015 #92

Yep, and that coalition has lots of money to spend zeemike Jul 2015 #112

evidently it started under Ford when he wanted to bring in technocrats for the economy MisterP Jul 2015 #117

I'm sure they won't be blaming the oligarchy. L0oniX Jul 2015 #121

Oh hell no, they are the job creators. zeemike Jul 2015 #123

Yea ...I heard about those non-paying interships that mostly won't be leading to any real jobs. L0oniX Jul 2015 #124

Well those are entry level positions. zeemike Jul 2015 #127

You might want to modify your post ...we do get trolled by pc nannies. L0oniX Jul 2015 #129

And here I thought this was an adult site. zeemike Jul 2015 #132

There is one reason I would come back in if Bernie loses - to tell them "I told you so" down the jwirr Jul 2015 #64

...when we are in another war or 2 and SSDI gets cut 20%. L0oniX Jul 2015 #122

Exactly. jwirr Jul 2015 #130

People with a false sense of entitlement can get rather nasty... RufusTFirefly Jul 2015 #43

Post removed Post removed Jul 2015 #44

You accuse a group of "open racism and bias when it comes to people of color" madfloridian Jul 2015 #54

This message was self-deleted by its author heaven05 Jul 2015 #65

You sent emails to the DNC about some Bernie supporters? madfloridian Jul 2015 #74

This message was self-deleted by its author heaven05 Jul 2015 #81

I am glad you are impressed with Sanders. madfloridian Jul 2015 #94

What's the old saying? bvf Jul 2015 #103

No, you are not leaving. The next time that person post in here they will be blocked Autumn Jul 2015 #133

It is sad that you have to keep stressing "some" awoke_in_2003 Jul 2015 #82

+100 heaven05 Jul 2015 #83

And this back at you awoke_in_2003 Jul 2015 #87

"The guilty dog barks first." madfloridian Jul 2015 #95

Hey mad awoke_in_2003 Jul 2015 #98

Thanks, but that "guilty dog barks first" means anyone who speaks first or a lot.. madfloridian Jul 2015 #104

Good point... awoke_in_2003 Jul 2015 #149

Yes, please stay with us, MF! BuelahWitch Jul 2015 #193

You are in a protected group I suggest you step back with your attack Autumn Jul 2015 #128

Thank you, Autumn. MerryBlooms Jul 2015 #135

What attack? awoke_in_2003 Jul 2015 #151

Your comment to the now deleted post Autumn Jul 2015 #153

That was a bit flippant awoke_in_2003 Jul 2015 #157

"Bernie is adjusting to and tweaking his campaign" aspirant Jul 2015 #97

Bernies supporters are openly called racists, in the Sanders "safe haven"! delrem Jul 2015 #89

What are you doing to make the other Democratic candidates jump through hoops like you are jwirr Jul 2015 #91

There's a certain group who will parse and nitpick every word, and deliberately misconstrue. ColesCountyDem Jul 2015 #46

Yep, there are some in both camps awoke_in_2003 Jul 2015 #84

Yes, quite vocal. ColesCountyDem Jul 2015 #110

I don't either. nt awoke_in_2003 Jul 2015 #150

"Politics" is about far more than just policy Babel_17 Jul 2015 #55

This is no time to leave DU 99th_Monkey Jul 2015 #58

That's why I've put as much of the Third Way contingent on ignore that Zorra Jul 2015 #62

Sanders had to know this would happen Orrex Jul 2015 #63

The Democratic Party is far more factious than the GOP. Everyone wants ''something'' and YOHABLO Jul 2015 #137

dr. king's point ellennelle Jul 2015 #67

Very thoughtful post. madfloridian Jul 2015 #76

This guy spits truth! Ed Suspicious Jul 2015 #85

Thank you. jwirr Jul 2015 #99

Yes economics is the root, BUT I fear this reasoning is too indirect for most voters to see john978 Jul 2015 #105

This is why the leaders of both Bernie's campaign as well as BLM movement need to realize this... cascadiance Jul 2015 #191

+1 The only thing that has ever trickled down from the top is hate. raouldukelives Jul 2015 #181

Fuckin A! TheKentuckian Jul 2015 #215

^^^ this ^^^ malokvale77 Jul 2015 #69

I am a Bernie supporter awoke_in_2003 Jul 2015 #90

Kick FloriTexan Jul 2015 #73

Thank you. Vinca Jul 2015 #77

Every failed meme and messy smear only confirms what he really is: the real thing. leveymg Jul 2015 #93

50 states actually exist aspirant Jul 2015 #100

Kicked and recommended to the Max! Enthusiast Jul 2015 #101

I disagree, at least in respect to Bernie and Hillary. Both of them are being scrutinized heavily. still_one Jul 2015 #109

+1 n/t. bvf Jul 2015 #116

Bernie DID A JOB on "Chuckie T" today on MTP! KoKo Jul 2015 #115

This was alerted on and I'm not going to lock it. Trolls will be trolling. L0oniX Jul 2015 #118

What the hell is SJWs? Autumn Jul 2015 #126

Social Justice Warriors. n/t winter is coming Jul 2015 #143

What part of the OP is from SJW? "SJWs have no place on DU" was what the alert said. Autumn Jul 2015 #144

Beats me, but I've seen a strong uptick in bullshit alerts in the past few weeks. n/t winter is coming Jul 2015 #148

I don't even know what that is? madfloridian Jul 2015 #152

Now that you are a host you will see some interesting alerts Autumn Jul 2015 #155

I looked it up. Not very nice. madfloridian Jul 2015 #154

Well the alerter has been on a time out. I guess they must be bored Autumn Jul 2015 #156

doesn't sounds like the pro-Sanders side MisterP Jul 2015 #158

Not to be contrarian too much... uriel1972 Jul 2015 #161

Thanks, I never heard of it before. madfloridian Jul 2015 #163

Glenn Beck is a huge opponent of Social Justice. Just to give you some perspective. Enthusiast Jul 2015 #173

I thought it was a dating site member catagory. L0oniX Jul 2015 #184

The goalposts will keep shifting. winter is coming Jul 2015 #125

nevermind V0ltairesGh0st Jul 2015 #131

You got that right! nt valerief Jul 2015 #134

You need a reality check. PBass Jul 2015 #141

That was my point. That no matter how hard he tries, it won't matter. madfloridian Jul 2015 #146

Defending his positions against challenges is a never-ending process. That's NOT unfair. PBass Jul 2015 #166

Never mind. madfloridian Jul 2015 #167

This group is for supporters of Bernie Sanders. smokey nj Jul 2015 #169

"His "DECADES OF WORK" are in the past" Oh ...so a track record means nothing. Fail! L0oniX Jul 2015 #185

I think we need to keep in mind that this is not about Bernie. wilsonbooks Jul 2015 #145

He can't win the general. His general election weaknesses are obvious to everyone, including McCamy Taylor Jul 2015 #159

She "can't win" in the GE. aspirant Jul 2015 #160

He will win and it will be in a very big way - umm why you here again? udbcrzy2 Jul 2015 #164

This group is for supporters of Bernie Sanders. Your post is inappropriate smokey nj Jul 2015 #165

Bernie is running to win and protect the American people, not Hillary Clinton Autumn Jul 2015 #175

You might want to use the sarc tag or you may be blocked from posting here. L0oniX Jul 2015 #186

As usual, well said! Is BLM really an astroturf organization? emsimon33 Jul 2015 #168

Indeed ...I'm beginning to think BLM is nothing but a hit squad with no consern for a track record. L0oniX Jul 2015 #187

I think there are three things here which overlap but are not identical. winter is coming Jul 2015 #207

This is how we know that this manufactured shit storm isn't really about BLM. Maedhros Jul 2015 #170

You'd better bloodywell JackInGreen Jul 2015 #172

Another alert by the same person. As one host to another my opinion is that we Autumn Jul 2015 #176

I got to LOL at the alerter. Been blocked from here and on a time out for nastiness and yet... L0oniX Jul 2015 #188

Which is why I alerted on each of those alerts hootinholler Jul 2015 #200

I look forward to zentrum Jul 2015 #179

I look at his candidacy from a broader historical perspective, and it's not so bad DFW Jul 2015 #182

"No other candidate is being scrutinized so closely" oberliner Jul 2015 #183

Context is everything. Try reading the whole sentence... L0oniX Jul 2015 #189

I vote for the second suggestion, Alex, for $200 BuelahWitch Jul 2015 #194

I keep hearing that RoccoR5955 Jul 2015 #192

Well, Bernie is an Independent katmille Jul 2015 #196

Bernie is running as the Democratic candidate RoccoR5955 Jul 2015 #197

Quibbling over Independent v. Democrat is deeply stupid. [n/t] Maedhros Jul 2015 #202

Bernie has always caucused with Dems. If you don't like that I suggest you try another forum. L0oniX Jul 2015 #203

i hope that bernie learned an important lesson when those activists asked him to say her name. psychmommy Jul 2015 #198

So BLM didn't do their homework yet Bernie's the one you hope learned a lesson? winter is coming Jul 2015 #210

Bernie wasn't addressing our issues. psychmommy Jul 2015 #219

PERFECT simulacrum of the coyly-pretending-not-to-get-it, ever-so-CONCERNED "discussing this MisterP Jul 2015 #212

I have no idea what u just said. psychmommy Jul 2015 #220

Good, so support and promote Bernie in your own way aspirant Jul 2015 #213

I don't speak for black lives matters. psychmommy Jul 2015 #221

Die hards are by nature pretty challenging. lark Jul 2015 #199

My issue. My issue! MY ISSUE!!! HassleCat Jul 2015 #201

Thanks for clearly stating what the "Bernie Backlash" is NOT about. staggerleem Jul 2015 #205

Not me. madfloridian Jul 2015 #217

Don't let it get to you too bad. zomgitsjesus Jul 2015 #206

I'm tired of the same old CORPORATE type of President! BlueJac Jul 2015 #209

I wouldn't worry. The political class has made their choice so naturally they sabrina 1 Jul 2015 #218