Bernie is being Bernie, and plenty of Democrats don't like it

[Gothmog]

1. Great article

I was about to post it

Link to tweet

Among the numerous long-time Democrats with whom I spoke about Sirota (none of which either works for or endorses a particular candidate), there was a common theme. A veteran Democratic insider tersely said, “David Sirota has been operating as a vicious attack dog against every Democrat who has been a threat to Sanders and, now, he’s just being paid for it.”

An alumnus of the Obama White House tells me, “The value we have as former government officials, especially those who worked with media, is the light we can shed on how the system works and how it’s broken. That’s why we need to be especially careful to disclose any relationships or conflicts when commenting publicly.” The former staffer added, “It’s not hard to do and gives even more credibility to what you’re saying. By not disclosing, you’re perpetuating the same shadiness that Bernie decries. To really show he’s grown since the 2016 experience and has broader appeal, Bernie needs of show he can bring the party together after what will be a tough nomination fight."

In a similar vein, a veteran of multiple Democratic campaigns and progressive causes observed that Sirota’s reputation is unique even in the hard-hitting world of social media political operators. “He’s the perfect storm: self-righteousness, ideological zealotry, and bullying obnoxiousness.”

At a time when Democrats are decrying President Trump and his band of cronies for polluting political discourse, pitting Americans against one another and seeking to destroy political enemies by character assassination, Sanders’s hire seems decidedly off-key. Rather than condemn Trump’s tactics and appeal to voters’ desire for something better, more high-minded, Sanders suggests through this hire that his operation will be just as mean-spirited as the current White House’s. The prospect of replacing Sarah Sanders or Stephen Miller with Sirota doesn’t exactly fill one with joy.