CA-SEN: Sanders wont endorse Feinstein

[RandySF]

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) says he will not endorse Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D) ahead of her primary in California.

Though Sanders has put himself in the middle of other primaries in this cycle, he’s steering clear of California, where Feinstein is being challenged from the left.

“It’s an issue for the people of California,” Sanders told The Hill.

Asked if that meant he would stay out of the race, Sanders responded, “yeah.”

While Sanders says the California race is for the people of that state to decide, on Thursday he announced that he would back liberal candidate Marie Newman in her primary challenge against seven-term Democratic incumbent Rep. Daniel Lipinski (Ill.).


http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/377619-sanders-wont-endorse-feinstein

[Eliot Rosewater]

1. Anybody surprised, raise your hand now!

[redstatebluegirl]

19. Nope, not one bit.

[trueblue2007]

40. I WILL REMEMBER THAT if he thinks he will run again. BERNIE DOESNT SUPPORT DEMS !!

WHAT THE CRAP KINDA LEADER IS HE. Diane Feinstein is a tremendous Democrat.
How dare he not support her. And he wants OUR support ???

makes me very upset and sad that our strong women are not being supported.

[Jim Lane]

70. If he endorsed Feinstein he'd be opposing four other Dems

At least I think it's four. I may be off by one or two in either direction. The point is that this is NOT a Democrat versus Republican race in which Bernie is callously disdaining a Democrat and thus letting a Tea Partier represent California, which is what some of the poutrage in this thread would suggest.

[EffieBlack]

75. That's never stopped him before

The OP points to one such instance.

[Jim Lane]

91. You're totally missing the context.

The argument you answered even though I didn't make it: Bernie didn't endorse Feinstein because he never endorses one Democrat against another.

Now for the actual context. In #40, trueblue2007 took the premise that Bernie didn't endorse Feinstein and leapt to the conclusion that "BERNIE DOESNT SUPPORT DEMS !!" There was an insinuation that Bernie doesn't support Democrats against Republicans. I refuted that by pointing out that Feinstein is running against other Democrats. There are five (or so) Democrats in the race. Anyone who endorses one of the Democrats is therefore failing to support four Democrats.

[Blue_true]

68. I agree with him on the Illinois race.

Neutral on the California race. I will open myself up for attacks with this, but I prefer that our party move on to younger officeholders.

[Sophia4]

83. I do too.

[murielm99]

2. He can join the Democratic party

or this is simply outside meddling.

Go do your job in Washington, Bernie. The people of California and Illinois don't need you to tell them what to do.

[Tom Rinaldo]

20. Did you even read the OP?

“It’s an issue for the people of California,” Sanders told The Hill.

Asked if that meant he would stay out of the race, Sanders responded, “yeah.”

That is what you call meddling? What would you have called it if he had instead endorsed Feinstein or her Democratic primary opponent?

[Eliot Rosewater]

41. We know EXACTLY what he is doing and WHY

[murielm99]

48. Of course I read the OP!

Why is he endorsing anyone at all? Under any circumstances? Who is he to do that? And you know damn well that he has made endorsements. There have been posts about it on this board. Whether he decides to endorse, or stay out of this race, he has meddled in other races that are upcoming.

My Senators, Durbin and Duckworth, do not gallivant around the country making endorsements and pronouncements. They go to Washington, do their work, and come home. Sanders, who is not a Democrat, should not even be asked this question. Maybe if he joins the party he might be entitled to an opinion, but he still should not be making endorsements or announcing that he will get out of the way. What an ego!

[BoneyardDem]

60. This not his consistence stance...he's already endorsed 2 Dems so far

https://ballotpedia.org/Endorsements_by_Bernie_Sanders

[EffieBlack]

76. But Illinois needs his input?

[RhodeIslandOne]

66. This is pointless

I'm no fan of Bernie, voted for Hillary in the primary, but if he endorsed Dianne, the same people would be saying it's none of his business as he's not a Democrat.

[EffieBlack]

77. So, why is he endorsing primary candidates in other states?

[RhodeIslandOne]

79. Maybe no one else is running in those primaries

Who knows? It’s pretty laughable to criticize him when even The California Democratic Party can’t come to a consensus.

[EffieBlack]

80. Who knows? Read the OP

[RhodeIslandOne]

84. You do realize Lipinski is practically a Republican, right?

I don’t know anyone on this board who shouldn’t want him gone in a heavily safe Democratic district with no legitimate Republican challenger.

Feinstein has a legitimate challenger who is apparently a fine Democrat. I’d prefer she win but I have no problem with good Democrats running for office, especially in a state where no Republican is ever going to win statewide. Let’s have a good primary with real choices.

And why do you want his endorsement any way? You clearly hate the guy. I’m not sure what you are asking for

[EffieBlack]

86. A "Democrat" who is "practically" a Republican is still a Democrat. Unlike Bernie ...

who is STILL not a Democrat but IS a hypocrite.

If he doesn't want to endorse Feinstein, that's his little red wagon. He should just say so. But it's laughable for him or anyone else to suggest that his refusal to endorse her has anything to do with a desire not to meddle in a Democratic primary, since that hasn't stopped him from getting involved in other primaries.

[BigDemVoter]

3. While I'm not one of Senator Feinstein's fans, I recognize that she is very, very powerful,

and a lot of that power has to do with her seniority. This will almost certainly be her last election. As much distaste as I have for her, I still want to see her continue in her role on the Appropriations, Judiciary and Intelligence Committees. . .

[Angry Dragon]

4. Who made Bernie the head of the Democratic party??............he is an Independent

Trump has not endorsed her either

[BoneyardDem]

59. Bernie had decided to endorse other Dems....so what gives, Bernie?

https://ballotpedia.org/Endorsements_by_Bernie_Sanders

endorsements so far.

[Drahthaardogs]

5. So Bernie does not meet the TOS here by supporting Democratic candidates

Kind of funny, and not in a ha ha way....

[David__77]

16. Nonsense. There are other Democrats running.

I’m a registered Democrat in California, and anticipate voting for another Democrat.

[Tom Rinaldo]

17. It's a primary, not the general election. A majority at the California Democratic Party Convention

literally voted to support someone other than Feinstein. Sanders is staying neutral. Why is that a problem?

[Me.]

22. As I UNderstand It The Party Didn't Formally Endorse Anyone

and while De Leon garnered more votes at the convention, statewide she is ahead of him by 30 points.

[Tom Rinaldo]

27. That's right, it didn't, nor did I say that it did, just that the Convention gave him more votes

Yup, I expect Feinstein will win, and I have no problem with Sanders staying out of it.

[Nanjeanne]

23. Uh because its Bernie. You looking for logic! 😀

[wasupaloopa]

32. The convention did not chose to support anyone in that race

[Tom Rinaldo]

38. Correct. Nor did I say that it did. No one got the needed super majority of votes

But Feinstein came in second there. That's just the facts, nothing more nothing less. I'm not arguing against supporting Feinstein, just pointing out that a minority of the Democratic Convention did. The Convention made no endorsement, and neither did Sanders. To read some of the posts on this thread one might get the mistaken impression that Bernie Sanders was out there personally organizing violent street protests against Diane Feinstein.

[EffieBlack]

78. I don't have a problem with him staying neutral

if he REALLY stayed neutral. But he's going around the country picking and choosing which primary candidates he's going to endorse and which he's not going to endorse. So withholding his endorsement of Feinstein is not staying neutral. He's making a statement against her by refusing to endorse her when he has no problem endorsing other candidates.

[trueblue2007]

42. i dont think DU should allow bernie stuff anymore. He doesnt support Democrats

and a great lady like Diane Feinstein should be supported.

[Eliot Rosewater]

45. Of course you are right but....... ....

[trueblue2007]

52. But what? Trashing Democratic Senator Diane is ok? Not in my book. Id love to vote 4 her

[Eliot Rosewater]

54. I support Dianne, big time. I am with you on this

[RhodeIslandOne]

85. Maybe we shouldnt allow California Democratic Party stuff either

[SidDithers]

6. I look forward to him not endorsing anyone outside of the state of Vermont...nt

Sid

[Cha]

50. lol

[BoneyardDem]

61. well...perhpas you can look forward to that on a future election cycle...he messed up 2018 already

https://ballotpedia.org/Endorsements_by_Bernie_Sanders

[Dawson Leery]

7. Feinstein has done more to promote social progress than Bernie ever will.

[Blue_Tires]

8. Yeah, I'm done with this guy

[R B Garr]

9. Heavens to Mergatroyd! How has she made it all these decades without him...

[NCTraveler]

10. He is all about red meat to his base.

Get a clue folks. He is desperately holding them together for a reason. The time for progressive state governments, parties and the DNC to make changes was last year.

[ismnotwasm]

11. Who?

[BoneyardDem]

12. Is that considered double talk?

Last edited Fri Mar 9, 2018, 07:53 PM - Edit history (1)

because frankly, that's how this article reads.
https://ballotpedia.org/Endorsements_by_Bernie_Sanders

[DrDan]

13. "It's an issue for Democrats" . . . that's what he should have said

[shenmue]

14. Who cares?

[lunamagica]

15. That's good news for Feinstein! His track record on endorsements is pathetic

[FarCenter]

18. Did Feinstein support Sanders? If not, why should Sanders support Feinstein?

Rather than supporting generally the Democrats running in the primary.

[Me.]

21. On One Hand & Then The Other

He won't endorse but he will endorse.

[leftynyc]

24. And why is this non-Democrat

getting involved in our primaries?

[ProudLib72]

25. Because once upon a time he was a Dem

Even though he isn't anymore, he still gets to tell Dems what to do and how to think... or are you one of those elitists?

[leftynyc]

26. I guess I am

since I don't give a crap what he thinks. To each his/her own.

[ProudLib72]

28. I don't understand why anyone would listen to him

He should be looking after his own house, namely Nina Turner. Now there is someone as nefarious as they get.

[leftynyc]

36. I tend to stay away

from bernie threads. My disgust simply shines through.

[John Fante]

29. The Democrats are only good enough for Bernie when

he's running to be their nominee. Otherwise, he's an independent, thank you very much.

I could do without him at this point.

[ProudLib72]

30. That is the reason he should not have been on our ticket in 2016

Run as an independent, remain an independent. Run as a Dem, remain relevant to the Dem party. I don't understand it. The only thing it has caused is divisiveness. And he seems to either be blissfully unaware of the divisiveness or not to give a damn about it.

[R B Garr]

34. He needs the divisiveness for his Anti brand. Now it

looks like Feinstein’s turn. Bashing Democrats is $$$$.

[RhodeIslandOne]

67. He actually ISN'T getting involved!

This is laughable!

[Blue_true]

69. Seems he considers himself head of the party. nt

[former9thward]

31. Bernie is just being a good Democrat.

The California Democratic party declined to endorse her and he is just following the official party position. It seems that many who attack him for not being a Democrat are in fact not being a Democrat themselves.

Feinstein loses California Democratic Party’s endorsement


https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2018/02/25/feinstein-loses-california-democratic-partys-endorsement/?utm_term=.0de3993b2969

[LanternWaste]

33. That's not accurate.

"he is just following the official party position...

That's not accurate. He's making an endorsement. The CA Democratic party is not endorsing the same. Hence, he's not following their position... unless of course, you broaden the definition of position to the point of meaninglessness.

Bless your heart. You do try.

[Jim Lane]

71. I fail to see the inaccuracy in the post by former9thward

You write, "He's making an endorsement." The OP is directly to the contrary. He's not making an endorsement.

You seem to think that "I'm not endorsing Feinstein" means "I'm endorsing her opponent." Even if she had only one opponent, that wouldn't make sense. It's particularly wrong here, where she has multiple opponents.

If you think he's making some kind of covert endorsement, please enlighten us as to whom he's supposedly endorsing.

[Wwcd]

35. One year of his long life he said he was a Democrat.

When asked why he joined the Dem Party his response was, "for Media & Money".

How is that being a "good Democrat", again?

Btw, is there a D after his name?
No.
Stop calling him something he won't even call himself.

[trueblue2007]

44. bernie IS NOT a Democrat!!!! No not post untruths.

[former9thward]

57. Refusal to endorse is the official party position.

Is it not?

[Me.]

56. Complete & Utter Nonsense

[former9thward]

58. Are you attacking the CA Democratic party?

[Me.]

62. Don't Be Silly

[former9thward]

64. i respond to posts with the same intelligence that they were made.

[Me.]

73. AS Do I

[Doodley]

37. I wouldn't be surprised if he ran as an Independent in 2020 and split the Democratic vote

[BannonsLiver]

39. It's always something with Bernie.

Got old about 2 years ago.

[PubliusEnigma]

46. Bernie isn't a Democrat. Hasn't he made that clear?

[beaglelover]

47. I live in CA and vote. I couldn't give one flying fuck if Sanders endorses the D nominee for

Senate or not. He can go pee up a rope for all I care.

[Jim Lane]

72. In California there is no "D nominee for Senate"

In most states with Senate races this year, there will be a Democratic nominee but there isn't yet. I know we have a nominee in Texas. Offhand I don't know of any other primaries that have been held.

"Feinstein is favored to be one of the top two finishers in a nonpartisan primary" does not equal "Feinstein has finished in the top two in the primary that hasn't been held yet" which in turn does not equal "Feinstein is the Democratic nominee." In 2016 there was no Democratic nominee, or there were two of them, depending on how you want to look at it. (I'd say there was none because California has abandoned partisan primaries except for President.)

[NastyRiffraff]

49. I'm sure Feinstein is really really worried about Bernie's endorsement

On second thought, she's probably relieved. His endorsement has been the kiss of death for several candidates.

[Stinky The Clown]

51. Can we please be over Senator Sanders?

Please?

[Me.]

55. BOOM!

[BoneyardDem]

63. drop that damn mic - god, if that isn't the hammer hitting that nail on the head.

[JCanete]

88. that is total fucking crap about him only employing a purity test on women. Utter crap.

Can you actually make that case, or do you just like saying shit that sounds good to you?


For that matter, are you even accurate that he has endorsed his own Son? Here's one of a couple articles I've found.

http://freebeacon.com/politics/bernie-sanders-very-proud-of-his-son-running-for-congress-leaves-out-endorsement/

I haven't seen anything more recent. If you have one, I'd love to see it.

[Jim Lane]

89. You're wrong. Dan Lipinski is a woman.

Well, I mean, she must be, right? Because Bernie endorsed Lipinski's opponent and Bernie applies his purity tests only on women.

I guess "Dan" is short for "Danielle".

[JCanete]

90. oops...well willing to admit when I'm wrong as I'm sure we all are here...heh

[mcar]

65. I ask again, why is this news?

I await several OPs on whether Angus King endorsed another state's senator or not.

[EffieBlack]

74. He really makes me sick

I can't believe anybody is still buying his crap.

[JCanete]

81. why should he at this stage? I don't at this stage.

[aikoaiko]

82. Thank you, Senator Sanders.

[ornotna]

87. Hillary Clinton has not endorsed Dianne Feinstein either

Get a grip people.