General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsSenator Bill Nelson (D-Fl) was interviewed earlier about the latest school massacre,
and his robotic response was cold and unfeeling, and he showed no sympathy to the victims. The only thing he could think to sayf was to recite a list about how the shooter might have legally purchased a gun so it's OK. He implied that as long as the shooter had legally obtained his murder weapon of choice, then guns are fine. Move along, we don't need to change any gun laws. Oh, and so sorry about all those dead people.
Chuck Todd just had him on, and Nelson acted befuddled and asked why he was being interviewed again? Then he doubled down and repeated his spiel about legal guns, nothing to see here, and says he is waiting for voters to demand action before he looks at the gun issue. Is he really that clueless? He went on to bemoan the fact that he has to be concerned about his own safety these days. Boo-hoo, dude!
I'm not from Florida, but this guy is supposed to be a Democrat, but what an embarrassment!
SoCalMusicLover
(3,194 posts)But for Democrats like Nelson, we're supposed to just be glad that they identify as Democrats.
Take what we can get.
janterry
(4,429 posts)He was my Senator for a long time. It's true, I would have voted for someone more liberal. But Florida is a weird state. So many very conservative pockets (I mean deep south conservative). There are parts of FLorida that would vote for a real left wing liberal.
But then there is the Panhandle. Oh, and that silly little town that outlawed Satan.
Given the makeup of FL. - Nelson is sort of expected. I voted for him every time (and if I still lived there, would vote for him again).
SoCalMusicLover
(3,194 posts)It took a pedophile to get a Democrat BARELY elected in Alabama. Too bad the Democrats aren't like the repub cult, voting party above all else.
dewsgirl
(14,961 posts)obamanut2012
(26,142 posts)George II
(67,782 posts)....he was still in a state of shock, and his questions were rhetorical, essentially "why do I have to be interviewed again" as if we should do something about things like this instead of conducting interviews after they happen.
That OP is a terrible (and very inaccurate) spin on the interview. Of course in a "New York minute" someone had to attack him.
still_one
(92,422 posts)William769
(55,148 posts)Why are republicans targeting his seat?
I swear, I don't understand people sometimes.
still_one
(92,422 posts)William769
(55,148 posts)mcar
(42,376 posts)This is making me crazy today.
Bill,my fellow Floridian!
Gothmog
(145,619 posts)George II
(67,782 posts)janterry
(4,429 posts)votes pretty middle of the road.
His race is VERY important - and he could lose. Every year he runs - it feels close - and if he runs against a big name (even unfeeling Scott - he gives a really terrible interview, btw)
it's going to be close.
Sophia4
(3,515 posts)Many of them voted Democratic for years. So there must be a strong block of real Democrats there. It's a matter of exciting them and getting them out to vote, isn't it?
mcar
(42,376 posts)Yes, Nelson is stiff as a speaker but he really gave it to Republicans for doing nothing when Democrats try to pass gun control legislation.
He is a good senator for FL, he's my senator and he has my full support. He's up against a tough reelection campaign if Gov Voldemort runs against him. This is not the time to criticize FL Democrats.
BTW, Rubio is posting bible verses on Twitter in response. How about we say bad things about him?
SoCalMusicLover
(3,194 posts)Phoenix61
(17,019 posts)mcar
(42,376 posts)SoCalMusicLover
(3,194 posts)The fact is that Democrats occasionally are moderate, or exhibit conservative views, while there is no such animal in the repub party. They stick with their conservative right wing base whenever it matters.
When the repubs have a 51-49 majority, it's a solid block. Right down to the so-called moderates like Susan "Dumbshit" Collins.
When the Democrats hold a 51-49 majority, it might as well be a repub majority, since there are several Democrats who will cross over when they feel like it. Repubs NEVER do such a thing.
mcar
(42,376 posts)So let's talk about the nuances of Democratic politics.
SoCalMusicLover
(3,194 posts)Try 60 Dead in Las Vegas. Did that matter?
Try 20+ Kids Under Age 10 Dead. Did that matter?
The Democrats won't even get an inch on this subject, not to mention they raise it for a day or two, then it goes away.
mcar
(42,376 posts)SoCalMusicLover
(3,194 posts)I'm just pointing out that these Conservative Democrats are ending up hurting us, while there is no such thing in the repub party.
Morally that might be a good thing, but politically it's hurting us since the repubs ALWAYS stick together, while we don't.
mcar
(42,376 posts)You are slamming the Democratic senator. Children are dead.
This is just unseemly.
SoCalMusicLover
(3,194 posts)Nothing will change that. It has nothing to do with Nelson specifically.
appalachiablue
(41,177 posts)procon
(15,805 posts)stuff like this keeps happening over and again. There's a lot of apologetic excuses given for Nelson' record, but not a word addressing his apparent indifference to the victims -- 17 now! -- of today's massacre. He gets a pass and that level of callous apathy is rare coming from most Democrats.
obamanut2012
(26,142 posts)He is PRO GUN CONTROL.
Eliot Rosewater
(31,121 posts)can plainly be seen.
obamanut2012
(26,142 posts)He is being so compassionate and resolute.
He went over LEO's head during the FTL Airposrt shooting and released info (not anything to compromise anything), because he said locals had a right to know what was happening, so they could protect themselves.
SCott has a huge amount of Koch money pouring in, and may well beat Nelson this year. He is my Senator. I live in the PBC/Broward area, and he is a good guy.
mcar
(42,376 posts)Voldemort in the senate is not a prospect I can deal with.
George II
(67,782 posts)....you're familiar with his record?
obamanut2012
(26,142 posts)I live here, where the shooting happened, I watched it all live on TV.
Eliot Rosewater
(31,121 posts)mcar
(42,376 posts)I'm a good ways away from that part of Florida, Eliot, but my SO is a public school teacher. This is yet another awful day in the United States of NRA.
But yes, let's slam Democrats.
Eliot Rosewater
(31,121 posts)It is an agenda, conscious by some, not by others, but it is an agenda.
Gothmog
(145,619 posts)Phoenix61
(17,019 posts)obamanut2012
(26,142 posts)He is also my Senator, and I live and work very near Parkland, and have coworkers who had their kids at that school today.
mcar
(42,376 posts)George II
(67,782 posts)Because Rubio isn't a Democrat.
Like you I saw the CNN interview, he looked like he was stunned and still in a state of shock. Amazing how quickly some jump on the bandwagon and criticize.
mcar
(42,376 posts)I just find this so ....gaah!
Sorry, I ran out of words.
csziggy
(34,138 posts)It is NOTHING like the OP characterizes it.
Here is the link: http://www.msnbc.com/hardball/watch/sen-nelson-suspect-pulled-fire-alarm-so-he-could-start-shooting-1161865795829
Sen. Nelson comes on about half to two thirds of the way through.
Here is Chuck Todd's interview with Sen. Nelson:
http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/watch/sen-nelson-on-school-shooting-south-florida-is-hurting-1161768003668
Again, the interview is NOTHING like the claims in the OP.
mcar
(42,376 posts)Phoenix61
(17,019 posts)Do you have any idea how red it is here? Look up Mark Gaetz. Bill is actually a good senator although he is short on charisma. Strong on the environment but Florida is staunchly pro-gun. Trayvon Martin ring any bells? Or how about our wonderful, but unconstitutional, stand your ground law. Twitler and the Koch brothers are backing our current governor, Rick Scott, in his run against Bill. Bill's statement that until the citizens of the state of Florida want a change in the gun laws, he's not going to pursue it. That is actually his job, to advocate for the wishes of his constituents. Our weather might be like Cali but our politics are more like the Carolinas. I wish it were otherwise but it's not.
I was in Tally for about 16 years. ITA.
I think a lot of the time people think of FL as Orlando. (or vacation-land).
Phoenix61
(17,019 posts)who was married to a white man. They rented a house in Mexico Beach which is in the panhandle of Florida. Locals call it LA, Lower Alabama. Anyway, I asked her what the hell was she thinking when she mentioned the across the street neighbor with the Confederate flag in his window. She said she thought Florida was like South Beach Miami. Anyway, her and her sweet husband moved back up north.
janterry
(4,429 posts)he's black and she's white. He won't drive with her outside of Tally (they've lived there for about 20 years).
He just doesn't think it is safe. I agree with him........
George II
(67,782 posts)PoindexterOglethorpe
(25,902 posts)If you obtain a gun legally, it's up to you how you use it or how many people you kill. If you obtain it illegally, then shame on you.
Didn't the Las Vegas guy get all his guns legally? Come to think of it, nearly (maybe all) of the high profile murders and massacres are done with legal guns.
So why do we even bother to cover these stories? Why not rank them with auto accidents? In 2016, the most recent year I found statistics for, more than 37,000 died in car accidents. I realize that most of the time only one or two people die at a time, but that's still about a hundred a day. And we don't freak out about those deaths, do we?
Except, of course, there's a sense that auto accidents are part of the landscape, that every time you get into a car you're acknowledging the risk. We haven't yet come to think that just going off to school in the morning entails some unknown and small risk of being murdered. Maybe we should, especially if there is never going to be a rational attempt to limit guns in this country.
SoCalMusicLover
(3,194 posts)This is 100% reality. It's why EVERY SINGLE SCHOOL now has to have procedures for active shootings.
It IS no different than getting in a car. Chances are good that you'll survive, but there's still that chance despite doing everything right, you will die unexpectedly.
PoindexterOglethorpe
(25,902 posts)Not the day to day reality of it.
mcar
(42,376 posts)He is for gun control but because he's not a great speaker he needs to be slammed on this Democratic board?
This Floridian suggests you delete this thread.
Cha
(297,723 posts)Nelson is in favor of gun control, a risky stance in FL. Is now the time to slam him?
Cha
(297,723 posts)Bill Nelson, who is in favor of Sensible Gun Laws.
Thank you, mcar!
procon
(15,805 posts)My opinion, yeah? I'm sorry you have a Democratic like Nelson. You don't have to agree, isn't that nice? But don't try to silence me just because I disagree with you.
BoneyardDem
(1,202 posts)that of course is your prerogative.
procon
(15,805 posts)with the victims. He made the same statements in two separate interviews, and you're defending him; good to know where your priorities are.
George II
(67,782 posts)....at him minutes after a tragedy.
procon
(15,805 posts)Not his previously professionally written speeches or his record, just his lackluster response to the victims in the three interviews I saw him give today. Other Dem politicians managed to express human sympathies today.
George II
(67,782 posts)....What do you have against Nelson? You'd prefer someone like Rubio or Rick Scott?
procon
(15,805 posts)and she seemed to be able to express her feelings about the victims today. Lumping Nelson in with Rubio and Scott seems a bit extreme, and you probably should rephrase, but since I don't know how they responded, I really can't comment.
procon
(15,805 posts)That was such a weak retort, I'm giving you 10 points just for chutzpah alone.
George II
(67,782 posts)...to Wolf Blitzer. From what we've seen here, you probably think he's a spineless weakling.
procon
(15,805 posts)I commented on Nelson's lamentable lack of empathy toward the victims, and you hold up a reporter who actually reacted (yes, I watched, too) with very sincere and genuine human compassion, and I'm supposed to think that's being unmanly??? Take your time, this is obviously a very convoluted prognostication.
George II
(67,782 posts)procon
(15,805 posts)George II
(67,782 posts)procon
(15,805 posts)Nighty-night.
mcar
(42,376 posts)Express deep sympathy and excoriate Rs for blocking sensible gun control. I really don't know what you are alluding to.
I watched him make three interviews on MSNBC that were so markedly different than any other Dem politician, he stood out for neglecting to mention the victims. That's what I commented on, and if that makes you feel defensive, it's really not my problem.
BYW, I saw what you did. Good show!
BoneyardDem
(1,202 posts)that you happen to see one or two interviews and your interpretation is the sum total of this man's work? As I'd mentioned before, you went off half cocked, doubled and tripled down and are digging in your heels. Slamming Dems is a great assistance to those with an interest in election meddling. I wish "dems" would put this type of repeated energy (look at all of your responses on this thread alone) into trying to demolish Republicans.
mcar
(42,376 posts)By suggesting you delete a thread?
I suggest you look up the definition of silence.
procon
(15,805 posts)I'm off to mourn 17 dead children and not slam Dems.
Gothmog
(145,619 posts)mcar
(42,376 posts)gets an apparent pass here but Nelson didn't do a great interview so he needs to be slammed.
Gothmog
(145,619 posts)George II
(67,782 posts)Gothmog
(145,619 posts)Rick Scott was an asshole last night. Why does anyone want to help Rick Scott beat Senator Nelson?
mcar
(42,376 posts)As he's been a nightmare gov. Anyone who is not fully supporting Sen Nelson has questionable motives, IMO.
obamanut2012
(26,142 posts)I have staff whose kids were in that school today, and a friend who just found out their neighbor was killed there today.
I am proud of Bill's response. People on here need to stfu/
mcar
(42,376 posts)We had a single student shooting (kid attempted suicide in his classroom) at his school a few years ago.
They were on lockdown for hours. He was able to text me so I knew he was OK.
He's got 2 years to retirement. I fear it will happen again.
Odd that some think it's a great idea to slam our Dem senator today but give Rubio a pass.
renate
(13,776 posts)Something like this is just too big and tragic to take in all at once, but to think that your friend's neighbor is just one of seventeen makes it more real and more awful. Or more unreal, in a way.
This is such a sad day, all over again, till the next time.
Me.
(35,454 posts)is that they just can't win...with their supposed base. Never good enough, tough enough...not ferocious enough and on and on. I wonder if it has occurred to anyone that it just may be that this man is deeply upset by what's happened and is just trying to hold it together.
BoneyardDem
(1,202 posts)seems to be a pattern.
I've said it once and I'll continue to say it, purists suck.
recognizing the reality of what it takes to keep a Dem in office in certain districts, speaking with those constituents that actually live in this man's district (just look upthread)...I'll take their opinion over your opinion. Any Dem is better than a lock step, marching Republican.
Thank you BoneyardDem!
obamanut2012
(26,142 posts)I live in this part of Florida, and Nelson's response to both this and the FTL Airport shooting was swift, compassionate, and professional. He also makes sure the info gets out to us ASAP during crisises.
I am proud he is my Senator.
And no, he is not a Republican or DINO. People need to stop that divisive garbage.
CreekDog
(46,192 posts)dewsgirl
(14,961 posts)procon
(15,805 posts)demand gun control. This is a total cop out:
http://news.gallup.com/poll/226871/snapshot-americans-dissatisfied-gun-laws.aspx
Go help Nelson, he needs to know the public is waiting for action.
Gothmog
(145,619 posts)Would Rick Scott be a better senator compared to a real Democrat like Senator Nelson?
Response to procon (Original post)
Name removed Message auto-removed
obamanut2012
(26,142 posts)I live here. I watched it all happened live.
Nelson is a good Senator.
procon
(15,805 posts)why senators won't talk about guns. He says no one has the backbone to stand up to the gun lobby. Truth, that! We can expect no action -- again --- from most of our 'good Senators', but thankfully there will always be some better Democrats who will have the backbone to push for gun control laws in the wake of these repeated mass murders.
guillaumeb
(42,641 posts)Waiting for how many more gun massacres?
George II
(67,782 posts)guillaumeb
(42,641 posts)George II
(67,782 posts)mainstreetonce
(4,178 posts)I don't want to hear about "don't criticize D public figures"
obamanut2012
(26,142 posts)I live here, as in the area it happened, I have watched this unfolding -- Nelson is doing a great job. He is also very pro gun control. He is a great Senator for FL.
mcar
(42,376 posts)zipplewrath
(16,646 posts)Unfortunately, the rules here say one cannot criticize democrats.
George II
(67,782 posts)I saw him, he was visibly shaken, and yet someone has to come there to read his mind and criticize him.
He NEVER said it was "OK", he was pointing out that with Congress' inaction the shooter might have legally purchased the gun, which was NOT "OK"!!!! And he was ruing the fact that nothing has been done, rhetorically saying "why am I being interviewed again", implying interviews won't solve this problem. And he didn't say what you claim he said, he was giving EXAMPLES of security problems these days, and it was a rhetorical
Of course, when there's an opportunity to bash a Democrat, someone does it. WHY do this?
procon
(15,805 posts)Mine is somewhat different, but you ask 'Why', meaning criticize a fellow Democrat who is so nonplussed you want him excused for being almost catatonic? Because, when other Democrats are speaking to this matter throughout the day, they are talking about the victims, the people, and even how to help people like the shooter to avoid future incidents. They were all concerned about people first, and that difference was distinctly notable.
Scurrilous
(38,687 posts)Last edited Wed Feb 14, 2018, 09:53 PM - Edit history (1)
http://miami.cbslocal.com/2018/02/14/president-trump-high-school-shooting/Didn't sound befuddled to me.
yardwork
(61,712 posts)They ought to think about their lives.
Awsi Dooger
(14,565 posts)That's the sad reality dating to Hurricane Irma and until November
Motley13
(3,867 posts)Rick Scott (God help us)
Tommy_Carcetti
(43,199 posts)Now?
Really?
Now?
You're not from Florida, so do us a favor and butt out for the time being.
Sheesh.
Cha
(297,723 posts)mcar
(42,376 posts)GulfCoast66
(11,949 posts)That he does not support someones Medicare for all scheme?
Cause your attack on him is pretty pathetic otherwise.
procon
(15,805 posts)in the interviews I watched, is not an attack, it's an opinion. Pissed, is being attacked by someone who doesn't know the difference, but thinks that's good enough to insert some self righteous, pissant casus belli.
GulfCoast66
(11,949 posts)But when someone on DU attacks the only statewide elected member of the Democratic Party in my state...that is a true casus belli. And that member has an F rating from the NRA.
Especially when that member of my party faces a tough re-election campaign against a super rich Skelator.
So are there any other Democratic politicians in tough races you want to attack.
And you can bet that I will continue to be a pissant anytime you or anyone attacks an at risk Democratic politician.
You have a very nice evening.
William769
(55,148 posts)CreekDog
(46,192 posts)William769
(55,148 posts)Gothmog
(145,619 posts)JI7
(89,276 posts)GulfCoast66
(11,949 posts)Not figuring it out...just confirmation.
Have a good night.
sprinkleeninow
(20,264 posts)'Sherlock Holmes', aka G.C.,may have detected a something something.🕵
CreekDog
(46,192 posts)whoops. be careful not to let folks here know what you think of liberal ideas.
radical noodle
(8,013 posts)he's far left. Rick Scott is running against him. Nelson is normally a reliable Dem, but he was probably trying to watch what he said because Rick Scott will pick out words, rearrange them, and play them back in a convoluted way to try to get his seat. Most Florida folks are for sure gun lovers.
brooklynite
(94,745 posts)FWIW, I had a private meeting with Sen. Nelson last week; I know what his position on guns is; you apparently do not.
procon
(15,805 posts)So, yeah, I kinda do expect politicians to show a little humanity in the wake of such a tragedy, so I don't know why he talked about guns instead.
ProfessorGAC
(65,212 posts). . even if he named each victim, first and last name, plus their birthdays and favorite color.
This OP is needless pot stirring and you have yet to make a case as to why you're grossly exaggerating to complete your personal narrative.
Gothmog
(145,619 posts)Gothmog
(145,619 posts)Senator Nelson did a great job this morning.
Gov, Rick Scott was an asshole last night. Scott will be Senator Nelson's opponent in November.
Why are members of this board attacking Democrats? Do these posters want to help a republican asshole win this seat?
mcar
(42,376 posts)AlexSFCA
(6,139 posts)He votes with dems, it is the ONLY thing that matter.
obamanut2012
(26,142 posts)I live here, very close to the shooting, I have coworkers who were directly affected by death. Nelson did not do what the OP states.
Nelson is a good Senator, a good Dem, and has been very compassionate during this.
The OP is WRONG.
murielm99
(30,765 posts)I watched his interview and did not come away from it feeling the way you do. I thought he did just fine.
We need to support our Democrats, not undermine them.
I have been here long enough to remember when Daschle was in the Senate from South Dakota. Many DUers called him a pink tutu Democrat, glossing over his strong liberal credentials. Who represents South Dakota now? Thune, who takes a lot of money from the NRA, upwards of $717,000. (I got different dollar amounts from different sources).
If you cannot support Democrats, what are you doing here?
Gothmog
(145,619 posts)Gothmog
(145,619 posts)mcar
(42,376 posts)tavernier
(12,406 posts)but on this you are wrong.
I AM a Floridian, an active member of the Democratic Party, and a party representative to many conventions and events. Ive met Bill Nelson and never seen nor heard him befuddled.
He is not an embarrassment... sorry, cant say same of your OP.
dembotoz
(16,844 posts)he has been interviewed a lot....
some were i admit a little weak but most were quite good
i would vote for him in a minute