Bernie Sanders' mass email yesterday: 'If I run' (full text)

[Eric J in MN]

Last edited Fri Dec 28, 2018, 06:32 PM - Edit history (3)

Let me take this opportunity to wish you a very happy holiday season and a wonderful new year.

Whenever I am asked about running for president in 2020, I answer that if I am the best candidate to beat Donald Trump, then I will probably run. That is the truth.

If that happens, the political, financial and media elite of this country will stop at nothing to defeat us. You know that. We’ve lived through it together once before. Our ideas terrify them. So what they will do is try to divide us up with attacks — some old, some new — and our political opponents will spend obscene sums of money on ads to defeat us.

I just did not expect the attack ads to begin before I even made a decision. But they have…

Right now, a group of Wall Street Democrats known as the Third Way is running ads in early primary states — Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada — calling me out by name and saying our ideas, like Medicare for all, are a path to defeat in 2020.

They not only want to discourage or defeat a Sanders candidacy, they want to make sure that the progressive agenda is not advanced by anyone. They want us to go back to their failed corporate approach which has led to a massive level of income and wealth inequality, a bloated military budget and a failure to address the crises of climate change, a broken criminal justice system and inhumane immigration policies.

Last time we ran, we made the financial elite pay a price for their attacks on our progressive agenda. It is just as important we do it again today:

Make a $3 donation to our campaign to help us fight back and send a message that we will NOT let the political and financial elite of this country buy this election and scare candidates from supporting a progressive agenda.

Our agenda terrifies the political and financial establishment of this country.

But the truth is, their agenda should terrify all of us.

Our ideas will lift people out of poverty, they will guarantee health care as a right for every man, woman and child, and they will make certain that every person in this country with the ability and the desire can get the education they need, regardless of the income of their family.

Ours is not a radical agenda. It's the agenda the American people want.

Their agenda, paid for by wealthy campaign contributors, has led to record levels of inequality, a health care system that costs more per capita than any other developed nation while leaving millions uninsured and underinsured, and grotesque amounts of student debt that rob many of our young people of their futures.

Theirs is the agenda that made Donald Trump possible. Ours is the agenda that will defeat him.

And that’s why it’s so important progressives stand up to their attacks today:

Make a $3 donation to our campaign as a way of saying we will NOT let the political and financial elite scare candidates from supporting a progressive agenda. Make them pay a price for their attacks.

In 2016 we faced the kitchen sink. If we run again, you should expect no less. But the political revolution is stronger and larger than ever, and they will be no match for us if we’re in this fight together.

In solidarity,

Bernie Sanders

"Third Way" is the name of the group running an anti-Bernie ad.

Update: I don’t agree with this ad by Third Way, but since people were curious, here it is:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DveCtd-U8AAPLMm?format=jpg&name=900x900


Update 2: If that link doesn’t work for you, I got the image of the ad above from this tweet:

Link to tweet

[vlyons]

1. I have to agree with Bernie about the 3rd Way folks

They may call themselves Democrats, but to me, they are Ayn Rand-lite.

[Demsrule86]

9. Send me a link for this group...not familiar. i would remind you, we don't win without a big

tent that includes moderates.

[dflprincess]

13. Moderate Democrats are fine

Those who, once upon a time, woukd have been called "Rockefeller Republicans" need to fix their own party, not drag ours even further to the right than it has drifted over the years.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

26. Hopefully, this presidential cycle, we'll get back to our progressive roots...

it's sure looking that way.

[Demsrule86]

201. I look at the senate and where we need votes and I don't see that at all.

We will not win without some moderates. I sincerely doubt a super progressive candidate could take the presidency...maybe s Sherrod Brown but no one else.

[Demsrule86]

239. I hope for a win period. We need to win the Whitehouse and the Senate.

We won't do that without a big tent. I would remind everyone that the reason we have the house is winning with mostly moderates in red and/or purple areas.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

241. Yes, winning is key and a "big tent" is an ABSOLUTE must...

and no question, local races require different strategies... unlike a national election.

Just hope the "big tent" is big enough for those who are not willing to accept the status quo and who promote progressive policies that seek economic equality, among other human rights and dignity for all. That is the key to winning on a national level.

[Demsrule86]

248. I agree. But they should consider the alternative. There are at least two children now in Trump's

concentration camps dead. They would be alive had Stein not taken votes in key states or progressives stayed home or even in some cases voted for Trump as a better alternative. He was not clearly. It is stupid not to vote for the Democratic candidate whether they agree with all your ideology or not in any general. Trump certainly has set back the progressive movement a generation with his court picks. Thus those who found Clinton 'unacceptable' helped elect Trump. And we will pay for this for many years.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

251. Couldn't agree with you more about the court picks, especially the Supreme Court...

if we don't get this next election right, we're fucked for decades.

[Demsrule86]

287. Hey I promise you if Sen. Sanders becomes the nominee he will have by undying devotion and I will my

ass off for him...and then some. We have to beat Trump. Honestly, that is my only concern. And I want the Senate so we can get judges...never getting judges without the Senate now thanks to McConnell.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

295. I hear ya Dems... the alternative is just too hard to fathom.

Can't stop thinkin' how different the world today, and our future, would've been if everyone had that same attitude about supporting Hillary in 2016... can only hope we learned something from that sobering experience.

[Demsrule86]

305. It is vital we win...last time was bad enough but this...a debacle. Perhaps the end of our

progressive agenda for a generation. I can't imagine anything more horrible.

[Hekate]

49. No linky forthcoming, is there? Just a phrase thrown around to smear... Democrats

Kind if the way the GOP turned "liberal" into a dirty word so we had to start using "progressive."

Language is a funny thing, guys. You'd think people on our side wouldn't do that to Democrats in the Big Tent.

[shanny]

188. lol

never heard of Third Way? Even wiki has heard of them...and no, they aren't "Democrats" ...unless the likes of LIEberman qualify. If that's your guy, have at it.


btw: except in certain circles (not gonna opine as to what those circles are) "liberal" is not and never was the same as "progressive"

[marylandblue]

69. Here us a link

https://www.thirdway.org

Main stated difference with Sanders is they want Obamacare for All rather than Medicare for All.

On other issues, they are more hawkish on foreign policy and friendlier toward Wall Street.

[ucrdem]

74. I see a handful of old articles, but nothing like an attack ad.

Example:

"Senator Sanders’s Record on Guns"

Published March 7, 2016

https://www.thirdway.org/third-way-take/senator-sanderss-record-on-guns

Senator Sanders (I-VT) has two major problems in his gun record. They happen to be on the two most important pieces of gun legislation of the past 30 years. He opposed the 1993 Brady Law . . .

[marylandblue]

91. True, the site has not been updated lately, one person's criticism is

another person's attack ad.

But I think you get the picture. They are moderate Dems and view Sanders as too far left, except on guns, and too divisive overall. A lot of Clintonites angry at Sanders. I think they are going to back Biden, Booker or Harris, depending on who polls best in a few months.

There will also be a lot of progressives competing for the same space as Sanders. All he really has in his favor right now is name recognition and a loyal base.

[ucrdem]

99. So "Third Way is running ads" is an honesty malfunction?

Because a website is not an ad.

[marylandblue]

103. Well I don't know what's going on

I haven't seen the ads and I can't find them online. But I am sure that the battle lines are being drawn for a primary season that will be nastier than the average DUer likes.

[Eric J in MN]

135. Here is the ad by Third Way

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DveCtd-U8AAPLMm?format=jpg&name=900x900

[Eric J in MN]

134. Third Way is advertising on Twitter

The ad:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DveCtd-U8AAPLMm?format=jpg&name=900x900

[ucrdem]

138. Whatever it is the links don't work.

Where is it from?

[Eric J in MN]

140. I got it from this tweet

Link to tweet

The lower left image on my machine.

[ucrdem]

142. Okay thanks. Yes buried in Sirota's message is a picture of a tweet.

The links still don't work and it doesn't actually name or picture Bernie, but yes, there is a grain of truth in that mountain of exaggeration. The problem is that Sanders is still running against Hillary, and the Democratic party, at least for purposes of raising money.

[Eric J in MN]

167. 'Sanders-style politics' named him. NT

NT

[ucrdem]

173. It doesn't name him personally. It's also not an attack.

And if there's a more objective way to communicate the failure of his hollow political promises to win the Nebraska race I don't know what it is.

[Demsrule86]

207. And disagreeing is an attack? I don't agree with much of Sen. Sanders beliefs.

I like Medicare for all but believe it is not possible so we get a public option and improve the ACA which people like and it will be difficult to demonetize. I don't agree with his views on identity politics or his recent comments about how being hesitant to vote for a person of color does't make you racist are somewhat shocking...yes it does exactly that. I don't want the big banks broken up or Wall Street destroyed ...just want sensible regulation...so one can disagree without attacking. I find these 'I am a victim editorials to be divisive and just plain wrong.

[Me.]

275. POt/Kettle

Seems it's ok if he vilifying people... like Beto

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

274. I prefer "Bernie's Way."

[TexasTowelie]

280. I prefer Milky Way.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

296. Love 'em... used to trade my 3 Musketeers bars for Milky Way's at Halloween.

[lapucelle]

301. "A lot of Clintonites angry at Sanders"? Where did you get that from?

Have they sent out solicitations for money crowing about making people "pay the price"?

[betsuni]

302. "Clintonites"

What's that?

[LongtimeAZDem]

306. It's another term for "Democrats". /nt

[Demsrule86]

204. I don't see that as an attack...and I don't see having a different viewpoint

as an attack either. I myself believe Medicare for all will not happen so we need a public option and to improve upon the ACA...I still see no attacks....just a different Democratic point of view that fits within the Democratic tend that Sen. Sanders and his supporters don't like so who is attacking who?

[Me.]

270. The ACA May Be The Best Option

Medicare for all became sidelined by the potential of an ACA and single payer doesn't look like a viable option.

“So single-payer advocates looked instead to make a breakthrough in the states. Bills have been introduced from Hawaii to New York; former Medicare chief Don Berwick made it a key plank of his unsuccessful primary race for Massachusetts governor.

Vermont under Shumlin became the most visible trailblazer. Until Wednesday, when the governor admitted what critics had said all along: He couldn’t pay for it.

( Also on POLITICO: Vermont bails on single-payer health care)
“It is not the right time for Vermont” to pass a single-payer system, Shumlin acknowledged in a public statement ending his signature initiative. He concluded the 11.5 percent payroll assessments on businesses and sliding premiums up to 9.5 percent of individuals’ income “might hurt our economy.”

https://www.politico.com/story/2014/12/single-payer-vermont-113711

[Demsrule86]

284. I agree..with a public option for those who don't have good exchanges and for those who's states

didn't expand Medicare.

[George II]

105. I'd like to see a direct reference to the actual ads that are supposedly running.

[yardwork]

109. I would too.

[Demsrule86]

208. I haven't seen any...and I looked.

[George II]

212. Me too, no luck. One wonders why anyone would be running ads in 2018 for caucuses...

...or primaries in relatively small states more than a year ahead of time.

Until I see otherwise, I guess that claim is just not true.

[Demsrule86]

216. Using the usual divisive tactics for fund raising if you ask me...and it so bad for our efforts to

oust Republicans and Trump.

[SMC22307]

152. thirdway.org

Third Way
1025 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20036

Closest Metro: Farragut North Metro

[Demsrule86]

200. And where are the attack ads?

I can't find them...simple disagreement is not an attack. We will be the big tent party or we will lose.

[SMC22307]

218. "Simple disagreement is not an attack." Exactly.

Same as when Sanders criticizes, right? This big tent better band together, lest everything go to the top with crumbs left for the rest of us.

[George II]

223. The question is, where are the attack ads that Sanders accused "Wall Street Democrats" of running?

As of now they're nowhere to be found. One wonders if they ever were run in the four states mentioned.

But in one sense you're right, criticism is not an attack. On the other hand, name calling (i.e., "Wall Street Democrats", "political, financial, and media elite", etc.) is and we should all avoid it. Those characterizations of good Democrats are indeed divisive.

[SMC22307]

230. Raising the retirement age, chained CPI, means testing,

creating optional private retirement accounts (have at it, Wall Street!) -- are those "good" Democratic policies? I agree with Bernie in that they are not, and those pushing those harmful policies need to be called out.

It's gotten to the point that average Americans can no longer afford to live in many American cities. The "political, financial, and media elite" certainly can afford to, though. Bernie's right to call out the growing inequality as well.

I haven't looked for the ads. If they don't exist, then it was wrong to claim that they do. If they do exist, then no one should be surpised when Sanders claps back. See how easy that was?

[ucrdem]

265. Link?

Thanks!

[SMC22307]

281. Link for what?

Backatcha!

[ucrdem]

283. The "attack ads" Bernie mentions.

[SMC22307]

289. I've said elsewhere in this thread...

that I haven't searched for the ads. If they don't exist it was wrong to say that they do; if they do exist, don't be surprised when Sanders claps back.

[Demsrule86]

285. Link?

[SMC22307]

286. Link for what? (n/t)

[Demsrule86]

288. I would like to know who is advocating the stuff you were talking about because they suck.

[Demsrule86]

238. Everyone needs a place at the bit tent or we all get crumbs-right you are!!!

[ucrdem]

264. Fine but Bernie claims to be the victim of "attack ads" from "Wall Street Democrats" in the email.

In the absence of such ads we appear to have an honesty malfunction.

[Just a Weirdo]

21. Third Way Democrats are poison and always has been poison.

They need to go, like now. They do not advance anything but Republican-lite legislation that does not help the people.

I'm backing Bernie on this one. Biden is Third Way. Sorry, folks.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

30. No question! And forget about reaching out to Rethugs for the sake of bi-partisonship...

Any candidate who advocates for "working with the other side" and compromising our principles will not get very far, as we've already started to see. Fuck that!!

[Demsrule86]

211. I would remind you that someone else advocates reaching out...to Trump voters.

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders urged Democrats to reach out to President Donald Trump’s supporters to promote a progressive agenda that includes guaranteed health care for all Americans as part of a strategy to rebuild the party.

Sanders told a boisterous crowd Tuesday night in Louisville that Trump has reneged on his promises to working-class voters. He said Democrats should reach out to disillusioned Trump supporters as the out-of-power party tries to recover from last year’s election losses.

http://fortune.com/2017/04/19/bernie-sanders-trump-supporters-healthcare/

[Hassin Bin Sober]

221. I guess you missed the part about "compromising our values"

I mean, it was right there in black and white...


Can you really not tell the difference between explaining to the other side how programs like Medicare For All or increased minimum wage will benefit them

Vs.

Let’s reach across the aisle to “reform” entitlements by cutting social security and raising the Medicare eligibility age.


Seriously?

[Demsrule86]

229. I didn't miss it...what values are ours by the way?

For example, I am pro-choice, yet Sen. Sanders supported several anti-choice candidates and our revolution went so far as to lecture others on how we needed to 'accept' that. I consider pro-choice a Democratic value. It is in our platform after all. Or how about the comments concerning those white voters who are 'concerned' about voting for a Black candidate not being racist. I say they are racist s fuck. I find the fund raising letter divisive. And we all don't have to adopt his 'values'. We will never win without moderates and this election is too important to pretend otherwise. This is why Sen. Sanders will never get my vote in any primary.

[progressoid]

240. Did you support Tim Kaine? Or Bob Casey?

Joe Donnelly, Daniel Lipinski, Colin Peterson, et. al.; are all pro-life Dems.

Then there is this little gem from Chuck Schumer...

http://commentsfromleftfield.com/media/schumer.mp3

Chuck Schumer:

"So I called up Governor...our number one target is Rick Santorum...let him go back to wherever he lives, Maryland, you know you heard about it, he is Pennsylvania but he tried to get exempt from the school tax there cause he lives in Maryland even though he is a registered citizen of Pennsylvania. In any case I called up the Governor of Pennsylvania, Governor Rendell, I said who is the best candidate to beat Santorum. He said there is only one person who could beat him but, A he won't run, and B you wouldn't want him to run. I said, why wouldn't we want him to run? He said he's pro-life. He's a deeply religious Catholic man: Bob Casey.

"I said, those days are over Ed. Yes I'm pro-choice, but we need the best candidate. We can't insist that every democrat check off 18 different issues before they get (unintelligible) we could do that, we can't anymore. And so, we persuaded, Harry using his very...Harry has amazing insights into people...and we together persuaded Bob Casey to run.

[Demsrule86]

249. I wouldn't support Lipinsky or Peterson in a primary as we could get Democrats who are pro-choice

elected. AS for Donnelly, he is the best we can do. I consider this an important issue. Sen. Sanders and our revolution have lectured us on abandoning identity politics including abortion rights. I am against this and despise our revolution. Also, I believe Sen. Sanders should reconsider. Civil rights are not negotiable.

[progressoid]

272. "Civil rights are not negotiable."

Yet Donnelly, "is the best we can do." So, it's non negotiable. Except when it is.

It's OK to have a pro-life Dem Senator from red state Indiana. But it's not OK for Bernie to endorse a pro-life Dem candidate for mayor in even redder Nebraska (where, it should be noted he would have had virtually no effect on pro-choice/pro-life policy. That's the NE unicameral and Governor's thing).

Nothing inconsistent about that.

[Demsrule86]

282. The Nebraska guy had made it so women could not get an abortion using insurance while in state

office. Donnelly did nothing like that...Heath Mello had a long trail of voting for and even sponsoring anti-choice legislation. Legisltation that passed in Nebraska and hurt women. And Sen. Sanders should never have endorsed him...never.

[progressoid]

293. You sure about Donnelly doing nothing like that?

Donnelly Announces Support For Pro-Life Changes To Health Reform Bill
Press Release
By: Joe Donnelly, Sr.
Date: Nov. 7, 2009
Location: Washington D.C.

Today Congressman Joe Donnelly announced his support for a pro-life amendment to the Affordable Health Care for America Act that would explicitly prohibit federal funds from being used to support abortions. The bipartisan proposal strengthening the bill's prohibitions on funding for abortion was negotiated by Representatives Bart Stupak of Michigan, Brad Ellsworth of Indiana, Joseph Pitts of Pennsylvania and other pro-life members, and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and approved for floor consideration by the House Rules Committee.

"I am pro-life and have always opposed any federal funding for a procedure which deeply divides our nation. I have always said we need real health reform that secures accessible and affordable care for both those who have insurance and those who do not. Ultimately, I believe meaningful reform is about honoring the sanctity of human life--ensuring decency in care for both the living and the unborn. With that in mind, I have worked with my pro-life colleagues for weeks to get a stronger anti-abortion amendment added to the bill. On September 28, I joined pro-life colleagues from both sides of the aisle in sending a letter to the Speaker of the House asking for a vote on the Stupak amendment, and today we will have that vote. I urge my colleagues in the House to support the Stupak-Ellsworth-Pitts-Smith-Kaptur-Dahlkemper Amendment."

The amendment to the underlying bill, H.R. 3962, would apply traditional prohibitions on federal funding for abortions, commonly known as the "Hyde Amendment," to new initiatives created by the Affordable Health Care for America Act. Named after late pro-life Illinois Congressman Henry Hyde, the amendment has been renewed every year since 1976 by Congress and prevents annually-appropriated federal funds from being used to support or provide abortions. Specifically, the new pro-life amendment would permanently apply the Hyde prohibitions to both the public option insurance plan that would be created by H.R. 3962 and also private insurers who participate in the new insurance exchange.

He voted YEA for this crap...

Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (20-week ban)


01/29/2018
Senate Roll Call No. 25
115th Congress, 2nd Session

The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (S. 2311), sponsored by Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), is a bill to generally prohibit abortion after 20 weeks fetal age (22 weeks of pregnancy), with certain exceptions. This bill was developed from model legislation developed by National Right to Life in 2010 and enacted by a number of states. On January 29, 2018, the U.S. Senate conducted a roll call vote on whether to advance this legislation (the companion bill, H.R. 36, had already passed the House of Representatives). Fifty-one (51) senators voted to take up the bill (pro-life), but 60 votes were required, so the bill did not advance. The bill was supported by 48 Republicans and three Democrats. Forty-six (46) senators voted against advancing the bill (two Republicans and 44 Democrats). One Republican and two Democrats were absent.

https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=115&session=2&vote=00025

And there are more...https://votesmart.org/candidate/key-votes/34212/joe-donnelly-sr/2/abortion#.XClVZ81MFaS

https://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/congressional-scorecard#IN/443/

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

253. You're dead balls on, as usual.

[SMC22307]

227. "...to promote a progressive agenda that includes guaranteed health care for all Americans..."

The link you posted is from April 2017. Democrats took back the House in November 2018 because many voters accepted that Dirty Don *did* renege on his promises to working-class voters. Insanely priced health care and bullshit tax "cuts" were top factors. As we saw during the midterms, reaching out to disillusioned voters (Trump or otherwise) is a winning strategy. Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin came back into the fold. Why reject something that works?

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

252. I'll take votes for universal healthcare for all from anyone in any party...

it's a basic human right and the majority of Americans (Democrats, Rethuglicans, and Independents) support it. I'm thankful Bernie has made it one of the centerpieces of his progressive agenda when others, including fellow Democrats, we're highly critical of him for it.

[lapucelle]

303. Universal coverage has been a core Democratic party platform goal since 1992.

From the 1992 platform:

All Americans should have universal access to quality, affordable health care—not as a privilege, but as a right.

https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/1992-democratic-party-platform

[Trumpocalypse]

117. I'd rather have a Democrat

than a independent who regularly attacks the Democratic Party.

[Just a Weirdo]

119. Except Bernie is trying to pull Democrats to the left

Not shifting to the right.

Third Way is about the right wing Dems that loves Republican lite policies. Thirdway.org/about click on honorary members. And be shocked. All of them listed are right wing Dems. You can see Mccaskill is listed and ousted

[Trumpocalypse]

124. The Democratic Party is a big tent

We should be open to all ideas and not impose ideological litmus tests imposed by an independent.

[Cha]

162. NO, BS is only attacking Democrats by calling them

"the party of the elite" like he did November 16, 2016 on cnn.. and he continues on and on.

BS isn't helping anything.. Sorry, dude. The Democratic Blue Wave is made up of all kinds of Dems across our Nation.. they're the reason we have a Democratic Majority now.. Not BS.

[betsuni]

165. Just when I thought Third Way was out, they pull it back in.

DAMMIT.

[Cha]

169. It's the Democratic Blue Wave Party that

Swept over our Nation and gave us a Democratic House Majority to Fight trump's Fascism.. NOT "BS' mass emails"!

BlueWave!

[Gothmog]

191. We are planning for the next cycle now

[Cha]

192. Cheers to our House Democratic

Majority who are fighting for our Future!

Not trying to Divide us.

[Cha]

158. You have No idea what you're talking about, justaWeirdo..

Joe Biden is a strong Democratic Leader.

BS is a 3rd party Divider.

Sorry, folks. Not sorry.

[apcalc]

178. I'm with you Cha. He is a divider.

[Snotcicles]

209. DLC 2.0 nt

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

257. Time for a change... even my former blue-dog Democrat grandfather realizes this.

It's a new generation's party... we should embrace it.

[OhZone]

79. Bernie aint a Democrat either. nt

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

254. Really?! Didn't know that!! Thanks for the millionth reminder.

[stonecutter357]

203. lol 3rd Way !

[ismnotwasm]

2. If he runs it will be as an independent, right?

[leftofcool]

5. They better not let him run on a Democratic ticket.

[Just a Weirdo]

22. Too late. The time to DQ him was in 2018.

He won the Democratic side for his U.S. Senate, so he is technically eligible for 2020 Democratic primaries.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

32. Nothing wrong with that!! Bernie attracts both Democrats AND Independents...

last I checked, that was a GOOD THING!!

[Just a Weirdo]

35. Yup. The independents are KEY.

The Dems seem to forget that important sector.

[leftofcool]

37. They will flock to Beto if he decides to run

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

43. It just amazes me... there are more Independents than either Democrats or Rethuglicans.

Bernie, who for all intents and purposes, IS a Democrat - given he caucuses with them and votes on their side more than the average Democrat - offers the best of both worlds.

[Hekate]

56. Many Independents out IRL are too ashamed to call themselves Republicans.

And as for BS -- thanks for the votes, but based on his speaking record he exists mostly to be a gadfly at Democrats. His proud refusal to be a Dem himself means he will never ever ever count toward our gaining any kind of majority in the Senate. Never.

[violetpastille]

94. I always thought

an Independent is a Republican that is sexually attracted to Democrats and knows they won't make any progress with "I almost voted for Obama."

"Don't worry. I'm an Independent."

[brush]

120. Too many new, actual Dems to wanna re-do 2016 all over again.

Harris, Beto, Brown, Castro, Klobuchar—think I'll go with one of them.

[Cha]

166. BS attacks the Democratic Party as

the "party of the elite" like he did November 16, 2016 on CNN.. making it all about himself and how "humiliated" he was.. and he's still going at it.

BS is the Divider and is Not the best of anything.

[all american girl]

236. I find that rich coming from a man who owns 3 houses

I've got a less than 2000 sq feet house in Northern Virginia. He doesn't speak for me when he does his identity politics crap. White working class men are "ordinary Americans, the rest of us not so much. I'm done with him. I'm done with berners being ugly for for having a different opinion. I very liberal, but I'm pragmatic.

Can I just say...this Third Way stuff. I remember hearing about this a long time ago, but never paid attention. I got to the point I thought it was just a phrase being used. After the 2016 election, and the berners using it all the time, I thought it was them thinking they were cleaver with the insults. So, it really is a thing? Who knew

[Cha]

237. I hear ya, all american girl!

It's beyond bizarre that he talks about the "financial elite" to describe the Democratic Party when he qualifies.

On November 16, 2016 he got on CNN and called our Democratic Party ".. the party of the Elite.. " and made it all about himself.. how "humiliated" he was. It was so disheartening. We were all hurting from what we now know was a stolen rigging in of the monster, traitor trump.

As for the 3rd way.. I did see this about the "attack ads on BS in Iowa"..

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=11599831

Meanwhile, The Democratic Blue Wave Party Swept the Midterms so that we have a Democratic House Majority! All Kinds of Democrats All Over the Nation Did That.. Not BS' "mass emails".

[Cha]

164. NO, We Dems don't Forget Anything..

We Won The Democratic House Majority getting all kinds of VOTES Across the Board.

It is you who forgets that.

[Hekate]

50. But it seems BS is defining who is a True Democrat for the rest of us. I'm confused.

[OhZone]

83. I read that as "attacks" and yeah - he does.

Oh well.

[George II]

161. And all of our Democratic candidates attract both Democrats and Independents, except that....

....committing to and working with Democrats for a much longer time as Democrats they're likely to attract more than one who hasn't done so.

[Cha]

163. Too Late for BS to run as a Dem he Switched

back to 3rd party as fast as he could.

[dubyadiprecession]

65. He'll get steamrolled by Biden.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

256. Let's see... may the best candidate win.

[trueblue2007]

118. NO BERNIE, DO NOT RUN.... your time is over.

you aren't even a Democrat. And WHY IS THAT??
I'm tired of Bernie putting down our dems.

[JCanete]

197. Please define "they." nt

[Eric J in MN]

31. If Bernie runs it will be in the Democratic Primary again. NT

NT

[leftofcool]

38. He can't, new rulz

[BlueCaliDem]

39. Will Bernie finally release his tax returns for 2015-2019 at the very least?

Or will he do as tRUmp continues to do--0 transparency.
Will he finally stop trying to rig primaries (as he did in Vermont: running as a Dem in the primaries to keep other Democrats out and then quickly switching back to Independent when he won the Democratic nom)?
Above and beyond, I'd like to see his tax returns. I'd like to know how he was able to buy a cabin on the lake for $600,000 IN CASH right after losing the 2016 primary.

[Eliot Rosewater]

53. Great question.

[ismnotwasm]

45. So he switches back to Democrats in the primary

When do you think he will make this decision? I’m assuming the decision to run, and the decision to switch parties will come at the same time.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

279. Certainly the "Big Tent" is big enough for Bernie; the alternative-an Ind. run-would be catastrophic

[guruoo]

40. And split the vote? nt

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

255. Why would people want that?! That would be a disaster for us...

Much better to be the "big tent" party, n'est-ce pas?

[ucrdem]

263. Highly doubtful. nt

[ucrdem]

262. I don't think that would be a problem. I wish he'd done it last time.

His career is built on the value of his swing vote in Congress and the threat of his leading voters into a 3rd party. But we're also supposed to believe he has multi-party appeal, and I do, so my strong suspicion is that if his bluff is ever called, the net effect will be negligible. But he'll never do it, of that I'm sure.

[MrsCoffee]

3. Lulz.

Not one penny from me.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

51. 300 pennies from me.

[leftofcool]

4. No thanks Bernie. I will be voting for Beto or another Democrat in 2020

[CentralMass]

6. I hope that he runs.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

46. Reading the "tea leaves," it's looking good!! Go Bernie!!

Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!

[CentralMass]

194. +1

[Demsrule86]

215. No, I want to win.

[Demsrule86]

7. I find this very divisive and not one dime will I send him. No one is ever 'progressive'

enough for him...hopefully he doesn't run or gets knocked of quickly in the primary. I find a Sanders run dangerous to our chances in 20.

[violetpastille]

97. Bernie is not progressive enough for me.

John Lewis is my ideal of a progressive. tbh.

[GulfCoast66]

148. The Bernie delegation proved what they think of John Lewis.

Who, I totally agree is an ideal democrat as well as the greatest living American.

[violetpastille]

187. +1 I will never forget

[GulfCoast66]

190. Nor will many of us.

It should be one of the first political ads when primary season starts up. It would seal the deal immediately.

Some things are unforgivable.

[Demsrule86]

217. I won't forget either.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

266. Agree with you there... would love to see John Lewis throw his considerable hat into the ring!!

He could be the ideal candidate.

[violetpastille]

268. I was looking up the net worth of our Congresspeople.

John Lewis doesn't owe anything and he doesn't own anything.

Seems like an ideal leader to me!

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

269. Okay, well there's 2 votes already!!

[FSogol]

8. Really? "we made the financial elite pay a price for their attacks" How?

Also, anyone have a copy of an anti-Bernie attack ad from the Third Way Think tank? Third Way, which is a pretty powerless, tiny group was used as a major boogie-man in the last election.

[cwydro]

10. I'm pretty sure Bernie is one of the financial elite.

Where are his tax returns ?

[BlueCaliDem]

44. I'd like to know, too. WHERE ARE BERNIE SANDERS' TAX RETURNS.

Unless and until he releases these to the public--I'll make it easy on him and only ask for his tax returns from 2015-2018--I can't and won't trust him to be anything other than a spoiler for Democrats.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

47. I agree, Bernie should release at least his federal tax return, but only IF he decides to run...

let's wait and see if he does first.

[BlueCaliDem]

62. His people are already emailing presidential campaign fundraising letters. He's going to run.

Link to tweet

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

106. That's fine, but, we should at least wait til Bernie makes it official before

demanding he makes public any tax return.

[Adrahil]

14. Apparently he made sure Clinton lost. NT

[Eliot Rosewater]

55. Proof? Yeah, dont hold your breath.

[Andy823]

151. I agree

I too remember the "third way" boogieman crowd. The followed third way Many, or comrade Manny, not sure who he really was, but he wasn't who he claimed to be here on DU. Seems like some of the same crowd has returned to DU to continue their "agenda" of stirring things up using the same tactics they used before they left for their new home on JPR.

[GulfCoast66]

183. As we predicted they would.

Not going so well this time though.

[Adrahil]

12. Same Old Shit.

Same old divisive Bernie. I guess won’t be happy until he has made sure Democrats lose the Presidency again.

[Eliot Rosewater]

58. You win the internet for today. If Dems win the WH some independents dont have as loud

a voice. Waiting for people to do the math.

[honest.abe]

261. He goal is to prove he is right.

By ensuring Democrats fail.

[aikoaiko]

15. He's practically begging us to put a solid progressive candidate.

A progressive candidate who is as strong on economic justice as social justice.

[Eliot Rosewater]

59. Would you like to wager a bet that he will run, no matter who else does?

The ONLY caveat to this is how many states will he be FORCED to supply with tax returns or will the party require it or will he run as an independent, I will admit those could have an effect on my prediction.

What I am certain of and would be willing to bet a FIVE FIGURE AMOUNT is if he was allowed to run as a D and would NOT have to disclose tax returns he would run NO MATTER WHO ELSE DOES.

Of that I will bet many dollars.

[aikoaiko]

68. Maybe you're right.

Still, I hope we have a strong candidate who can inspire those who want economic justice and social justice.

[Eliot Rosewater]

73. WE have a bunch of them already:

Kamala Harris
Joe Biden
Amy Klobuchar
Elizabeth Warren
Beto O'Rourke
Nancy Pelosi
Rep. Raul M. Grijalva
Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton
Markey
Lee
Franken

I could go on and on

[aikoaiko]

75. We'll see if they can bring it on the campaign trail.

So far they aren't saying much as national candidates.

The one I think has the most potential is one of the least likely to run -- Al Franken.

[Eliot Rosewater]

77. Agree on Franken. Maybe if ONLY dedicated DEMOCRATS make noise about running, from the left

maybe that would make it easier for those folks on the list.

[GulfCoast66]

150. Social Justice is economic Justice.

And the message that they are not the same is why he will not win Southern primaries.

Racism and Misogyny are rooted in economic oppression.

The entire history of African Americans here in the south is their economic explanation.

And that is why many of us are inherently suspicious of self titled progressives. Historically too many of them have been willing to leave exploited minorities out of progressive legislation. The most striking examples are segregated schools and even more the exclusion of African Americans from Social Security in the 30s. White Southerners supported progressive legislation until Johnson expanded the programs to people of color.

Many of us know it could happen again. Especially when all we heard about in the year after the election were poor left-behind whites. And we heard that from the left as well as the right.

[aikoaiko]

176. I tend to agree with you about the roots of social injustice being economic.

Of course some economic injustice is not about racism or misogyny.

[WeekiWater]

16. This is horrific. I appreciate so much about him yet he does garbage like this.

Train-wreck of a statement using George Bush and Don the Con's method of fear all while being a victim.

And to any who weren't clear on this before, including me, he removed all doubt that the attacks against Beto are supported by him. I didn't think that was the case before. With this tragic piece of self promotion he removed all doubt. He is the ring leader behind the attacks on a damn good democrat.

"In 2016 we faced the kitchen sink."

A comment based in white male privilege while holding the mentality of a victim. Did he see what Clinton endured? Not even close to comparable.

[Cosmocat]

61. yeah, that didn't sit well with me

I voted Bernie in the primary.

But, once he didn't make it, he was a mixed bag.

And, he didn't get 1/100 of the republican full treatment because they were 100% focused on Hillary coming in and never lost sight of her because she had a solid lead throughout - in fact, they took it easy on him, propped him up a bit to try to split the party/voters ...

[WeekiWater]

113. I had a great amount of respect for many of those who...

Threw their support behind Sanders in that primary. Few wanted to enter against Clinton. If anyone should have it was someone to her left on economics. I am of the belief that a two party systrm can only be healthy if there are challenges and fights from within. I wish Sanders flew under the Democratic Party banner but also feel he was the right person to challenge Clinton. I say this as a strong Clinton supporter.

No matter the approach, we should find it positive that the party is shifting to the left and I see zero reason we should lurch right on any issue.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

278. You're making WAYYYY too much sense!!

[George II]

102. More than once in that email (I got it yesterday and was appalled) he complains about others...

...being "divisive" yet some of his comments are equally divisive.

This is NOT the way to attract Democrats to his campaign.

Also note he keeps talking about "Democrats" yet he STILL hasn't done anything about becoming one himself.

[WeekiWater]

104. I believe his funding would dry up if he stopped attacking Democrats. NT

[Maru Kitteh]

195. Putin supported Stein's efforts because she undermined the Democratic Nominee. . . .

It is no stretch to imagine Putin will use other "useful idiot" non-Democrats to harm our nominee in the 2020 election, either.

[WeekiWater]

199. Putin got away with it.

So far the reprocussion have pretty much been limited to somewhere around twenty-five indictments by Mueller. Pretty much no personal or political ramifications. Of course he will do it again. He has a history of doing it in many countries. That said, I think there is a far more damaging element from within Sanders support and among Sanders rhetoric. Please note that I am only talking about this one aspect. As a whole, Putin is far more damaging.

[Cha]

115. Of course, the attacks on Beto are

supported by him.. they started at BS' The Gathering.

For the record.. I haven't respected him since he thought it was a good idea to primary President Obama in 2012. 'Course he didn't want to do it.

[WeekiWater]

116. I was a bit slow on the uptake with this one.

No one can be slow to the point they don’t get it after reading this. I expect his current base to lash out wildly. Seems they were given the green light.

[Eric J in MN]

126. That doesn't make sense.

Bernie Sanders responded to an ad by Third Way. Therefore, he must have told David Sirota to write a negative article about Beto O’Rourke?

[WeekiWater]

144. If that's how you see it.

I’m good with it,

[LovingA2andMI]

228. As Former Berniecrats..

The use over and over again of the word "Our" instead of "We" seriously disturbs Us. The Ego is oozing though this so-called "Letter To Supporters" and it's disturbing.

We need a newer face on the scene that can take the Progressive message. We are okay with Beto BUT looking into his votes and his near billionaire monetary status thanks to his Spouse, is concerning.

With that, rising potential Candidates for 2020 like Stacey Abrams, Andrew Gillum, Jeff Merkley, Amy Klobuchar, Kamala Harris and Eric Swalwell are attracting our attention WAY MORE than Bernie and at this point Beto.

Lastly, this letter and other actions over the past year, seals the deal on Bernie. We are not interested in the least of supporting another Bernie Sanders Candidacy for President in 2020.

[WeekiWater]

242. I respect the battle between he and Clinton.

I think it was more important than a lot of people realize. I have zero issue with a Sanders vote in that primary. I say that as someone who was big in the Clinton corner. In a two party system there should be fights like that. I do wish Sanders would have done more campaigning in the general but I want to keep my comments here directed at the fact I have no ill will toward anyone who was strongly in Sanders corner based on ideological and strategic differences.

I appreciate the names you have mentioned. Some seriously good people.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

259. I agree that Beto's votes - are we allowed to mention them? - are concerning...

but, maybe he can adequately explain them away. Guess, we'll see if he decides to run in 2020. Frankly, I think he needs more seasoning. There are more progressive candidates out there who reflect our values, who will no doubt run, especially if Bernie bows out gracefully.

[redstateblues]

17. Victim mentality-Fear is a strong motivator

[LongtimeAZDem]

18. We need to stop posting emails promoting third-party candidates who attack Democrats

I think I read something about that in the TOS.

[AlexSFCA]

20. I like many of his ideas but please dont run

he polarized and alienated too many people. And by the way, I was not sure what third way means and was reading about it last night and it’s pretty reasonable position. Bill Clinton was following it which produced the best economy and record budget surpluses.

[still_one]

23. This is exacatly why Sanders will NOT be the Democratic nominee. He is too divisive, and people do

not forget what happened in 2016

As for his comment how bigger and better they are than ever, his midterm endorsements did not do well at all, and that is a preview how well he will do if he decided to run in 2020

Oh, he’ll have become a Democrat again, which no doubt after he loses the primary again he will run away from the Democratic label, and call himself independent

We will have a new face someone who was NOT part of the 2016 election

[Me.]

27. The Bait & Switch He Did In Vermont

was/is a disgrace

[Eliot Rosewater]

63. Is it time for his base to ask this question:

"Comments like this are clearly going to DIVIDE the Democratic party, that is now beyond debate. What reason would he have to DIVIDE the party?"

Will they ever ask this question?

[Me.]

93. Why Would He Take On A Campaign Manager

who was a one time Manafort partner?

[Eliot Rosewater]

98. Or vote against

sanctions or Magnitsky?

Why dont people ASK THEMSELVES WHY

[Me.]

107. Oh The Endless Questions....

[Maven]

85. As I recall, his flock accused a certain candidate of "rigging" the primary

When in fact, that’s exactly what he did in Vermont.

Funny, isn’t it?

Accuse your opponents of that of which you are guilty. Very Trumpish.

[Me.]

92. And I Believe That Wasn't The First Time It Was Done In Vermont

also, they ALL take Pac money of one sort or another

[sprinkleeninow]

80. Jeez. Oh my God, my poor head.

Not this still.

He'd better not be able to get on the Dem primary ticket according to the new rules. 😏

I didn''t 'mind' him way early on, but since his demeanor after Hillary got the nod, that did it for me in most respects. Turn-off.

[Me.]

24. Money, Money, Money

Always asking, you'd think he was a charity.

[roody]

202. Yes, three whole dollars.

[JudyM]

210. !

[Me.]

213. Don't Kid Yourself

There have been millions of those three dollars as well as the $1.50 he scoops up when he sends out fundraisers for others.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

267. Better than soliciting corporate PAC money.

[Me.]

271. But They All Take PAC Money

including BS and AOC, it just depends on who the PAC is on whether or not it has a negative connotation.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

273. Nope, they do not all take corporate PAC money... they should be applauded.

[awesomerwb1]

25. What are Bernie's initials?

BS

The folks supporting BS are divisive to the point where they will cut their noses to spite their faces. They'll waste their votes on "protest" votes and some will even vote republican and when the Dems lose they'll blame a "weak" candidate because he/she wasn't "progressive" enough.

[emulatorloo]

28. Sorry, I'm not buying you Lobster Sliders this time

Nor am I going to pay Levi and Carolina’s salaries.

I supported you in Primary 2016. Looking elsewhere this time.

[Demsrule86]

29. I checked into this a bit and other than the fact that moderates don't support Sanders

I find no attacks...if someone else does please feel free to send me a link. What Sen. Sanders is going to get this time is a thorough vetting assuming he runs...that is not an attack but what all candidates face. I sincerely hope he doesn't run. Already, I see division being created. We don't need this...as Trump must go down...I doubt RBG can continue for six more years.

[emulatorloo]

34. His voting record will be examined carefully as well as the continuous gaffes/tone-deaf statements.

[Hekate]

33. Someone asked for a link to "Third Way Democrats" in order to understand BS animus. Linky?

I've scrolled all the way down and have seen no link to help out a reasonable question.

[comradebillyboy]

52. Third Way Democrats, corporate Democrats, neoliberals...all cheap insults that

have lost any meaning. The purity police use these terms to smear anyone who isn't an independent junior senator from Vermont.

[Hekate]

57. Yeppers

[Eliot Rosewater]

66. Lost meaning but NOT lost effectiveness in DIVIDING democrats.

Which is the purpose of course.

[emulatorloo]

70. This article from Alternet exposes Bernie's smearing of Democrats as a dishonest 'branding strategy'

Progressives Can Do Better Than Bernie Sanders' Duplicitous 'Democratic Socialism'

https://live-01.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/progressives-can-do-better-bernie-sanders-duplicitous-democratic-socialism

[Eric J in MN]

129. Bernie is referring to a group named 'Third Way.'

That’s what the group calls itself.

[SMC22307]

153. thirdway.org

Third Way
1025 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20036

Closest Metro: Farragut North Metro

[Eric J in MN]

127. Here is a link to the ad by Third Way

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DveCtd-U8AAPLMm?format=jpg&name=900x900

[Demsrule86]

219. That is a tweet not an ad. And it is accurate in that a guy who voted to gut the ACA

won. This is the Eastwood vs Bacon race in Nebraska...that is the attack? Really.

[G_j]

206. Here?

democraticunderground.com

[SidDithers]

36. PT Barnum comes to mind...nt

Sid

[Eliot Rosewater]

67. Tell me how in the FUCK can it be SO OBVIOUS to you, me and a few million others

what he is doing, yet really good people who are on our side dont?

[Maven]

89. The lure of Free Stuff For (Mainly White) People

is too strong for many to resist.

[violetpastille]

101. +1

[mountain grammy]

185. what do you mean by "free stuff "

Tuition free higher education? Medicare for all?

[Hassin Bin Sober]

222. We used to have to go to right wing sites to hear how Democrats want "free stuff"

One stop shopping is so much more convenient

[mountain grammy]

225. True that!

Amazing how the right wing talking points are used here without question. We all know tuition free college and Medicare for all aren't "free stuff" like conservatives would want everyone to believe. We just believe our taxes should support these programs for ALL Americans.

Free stuff????? Sounds like my right wing brother in law.. wonder if he's on DU now?

Can't get a response from the "free stuff" poster, so guess we'll never know what was meant by that.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

277. It's incredible... since when did basic human rights become a demand for "free stuff"?

Perhaps there's a "Fourth Way" I haven't heard about??

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

258. Yeah, like the basic necessities of life that are morally fair and just.

Nope, guess the richest nation in the history of the world can't have that... no, the corporations won't stand for it!!

[snowybirdie]

41. Has Bernie

Become a Democrat yet?

[lunasun]

48. Last time we ran, we made the financial elite pay a price for their attacks on our progressive agend

Huh?
Also any links from early primary state paid ads against him?

[still_one]

60. Who does he refer to as the "financial elite"? Those who didn't vote for him I suspect. It is

not a very smart thing to start out with such a divisive message

His interrview during that time in the NY Daily News spoke just how much he DOESN'T know or all the years he has been in Congress


https://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/transcript-bernie-sanders-meets-news-editorial-board-article-1.2588306

[Cha]

189. And who's he accusing of

"attacking his progressive agenda"? It was incorporated into the Democratic Platform.

[saljr1]

54. People, we need a democratic candidate that can win in 2020 and I supported

Bernie in 2016 dishing out over 2 grand for his campaign but I can't support him this time because I believe he can't win. He will not run on independent ticket because that will assure a Trump victory(splitting the vote) . My first two choices are Amy and Beto.

[empedocles]

64. At this point we Dems do not need this very sharp competition and intramural sniper shots.

We need a solid, limited legislative agenda - and full support for the experienced Pelosi.

[SharonClark]

71. Third Way is probably pushing the wrong agenda, but

I'm in the biggest media market in Iowa and I've seen no such ads.

[MuseRider]

72. I would prefer he do what he is doing now.

The run last time put him and his ideas out there and on the map and he has made very good use of his popularity to keep his ideas in the media and minds of the people. He has spoken Democratic ideals over and over and I believe this is his best gift to all of us. The longer these things are in the minds of the people the closer we are to getting them. He seems to work well with others who are Independents and Democrats and as I have said before it does not seem like the Democrats have much of a problem with him, it is people here who can't seem to find much else to do but live for Bernie bashing. Whatever. If he runs I will send him some money but would hope for a younger, female person of color (that would be my ideal) who closely runs with ideas like his. That person would more likely get my vote but Bernie I will support as much as I can until the day he quits working for the people.

[R B Garr]

76. 📒No to that right above. We need to win elections,

not just talk about things his own state has rejected, and couched in all of those ideas are the undermining messages that it’s Democrats to blame for not getting it for anyone. No more — we don’t need anymore smearing of our party .

[Maven]

78. LOL. The Independent (TM) Grifter is back for more of your small bills.

If he runs, he’ll get destroyed. Everything that should have been used to disqualify him in 2016 but wasn’t, will be.

[George II]

81. I googled "third way ads Iowa", got zero hits.

Why didn't he mention anything specific about the ads? Do they really exist?

BTW, as far as "Wall Street Democrats", if you go to his Senate Personal Financial Disclosure you'll see that he and his spouse have hundreds of thousands of dollars invested in "Wall Street" corporations.

[peggysue2]

82. Bernie answered his own 'what if' question/statement

Whenever I am asked about running for president in 2020, I answer that if I am the best candidate to beat Donald Trump, then I will probably run.

You are not the best candidate, Senator Sanders. Nor would you beat Donald Trump in 2020, anymore than you would have beat him in 2016.

As a Democrat I will vote for our 2020 Democratic candidate. Period, close quote. That will not be you since your slide back to independent status. No more piggy-backing a party for $$ and media attention, which you did in 2016 by your own admission. No more dividing a major party for your own purposes or demeaning Democratic candidates to serve your own agenda.

Btw, the victimhood market has been cornered by the Trumpsters. You 'faced the kitchen sink?' Who is writing these emails for you? A non-English speaker? Someone might throw the kitchen sink at you by the sheer vetting requirements this time out. As in tax returns and explanations on dubious votes or lack there of. Sanctions anyone?

So, please. Save your breath and everyone's time. We have an election to win. You can either help our Democratic candidate beat the living daylights out of the Imposter-in-Chief and his Putin-loving acolytes. Or,

you can get out of the damn way.

[OhZone]

86. This! :) nt

[Me.]

132. The Days Of His Bait & Switch Candidacies

are over. Excellent post.

[OhZone]

84. I'll vote for almost ANY Democrat -

I won't vote for a Republican or an Independent.

[MineralMan]

87. Poor Bernie! People are being mean to him.

Take it from me, Bernie: You're not the best candidate to run against Trump. Not even close. Stick with your Senate seat.

[cwydro]

90. This. nt

[kcr]

96. He's dooming himself. He needs a new campaign, not a rehash of 2016

This will only resonate with his core, dyed-in-the-wool Busters, and they won't be nearly enough. Everyone else will think it only helps Trump, and they'll be correct, and he'll be done before he even starts. He should have hired new consultants.

[EffieBlack]

100. This is one of the reasons why people are sick of him

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

108. This is the line that bugs me

Last time we ran, we made the financial elite pay a price for their attacks on our progressive agenda. It is just as important we do it again today:

Who's the financial elite he's referring to? Certainly not wealthy Republicans. They're making out like bandits under Trump.

[JI7]

111. maybe he is referring to Clinton losing

[Cha]

121. Yes, he was out there on cnn Nov 16, 2016

calling our Democratic Party the party of the elite. That's his buzzword for us. Making it all about himself.

Always Divisive.

[Eric J in MN]

133. I think Bernie means that

...he spread a message to break up the Big Banks.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

136. So how did he make them pay?

Things have gotten easier for the big banks with the ascendency of the Republicans because Dodd-Frank has been rolled back and what has not is not enforced.

[Eric J in MN]

139. I think Bernie means that eventually the Big Banks

...will be broken up, partially because he spread the message.

[Demsrule86]

220. No past tense...he is referring to something that happened in 16 ...it could be losing the election

not sure.

[yardwork]

110. Does anyone have a link to these ads he's talking about?

[Eric J in MN]

125. Link to the Third Way ad

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DveCtd-U8AAPLMm?format=jpg&name=900x900

[yardwork]

128. Thanks. Anyone know who this organization is?

[Eric J in MN]

131. The group calls itself 'Third Way.'

This is their website:
https://www.thirdway.org/about

[yardwork]

143. Never heard of them. I think that Bernie is making much too much of this.

[kstewart33]

114. It's not going to work this time.

This time around, tough questions will be asked about Bernie's positions and actions on gun rights, his tax returns, his Amber alert vote, etc., and his largely lackluster record in the US House and Senate. And the media won't be showing him all the love they did in 2016.

It will be difficult for Bernie to differentiate his positions from the other progressive candidates. And if he declares himself a Dem candidate this time around, that alone will sink him with many Dem voters.

[betsuni]

122. THEY WILL STOP AT NOTHING NOT EVEN THE KITCHEN SINK

[Cha]

123. lol.. he doesn't know what

a "kitchen sink" is, yet.

[betsuni]

130. He won't know what hit him.

I'm sure he doesn't know that the Democratic candidate in the last election was the first one in history in which the majority of donors were women and the average donation was under $100. But no, hide under the bed, Wall Street Democrats are coming with kitchen sinks. Ridiculous.

[Cha]

137. Gaslit buzzwords.

Cool about Hillary!

[NastyRiffraff]

141. I took the opportunity

to opt out (again!) of Sanders' emails. I hope it sticks this time.

[betsuni]

145. So you'd have to follow Third Way on Twitter to see the ad?

I don't get it. From the links I see an article and some tweets.

[brooklynite]

147. There is no ad...

Just a post comparing the policy positions of two House candidates

Just like there's a post supporting Nancy Pelosi for speaker, advocating for dealing with Climate change, supporting ranked-choice voting...

[betsuni]

149. Thanks, didn't think so but thought it was me.

He shouldn't run if he's getting this worked up about nothing.

[Eric J in MN]

168. No, advertising on Twitter means a tweet

.. appears in the timeline of people not following the account. I added the tweet to the bottom of my OP.

[ucrdem]

174. You didn't add the tweet, you added Sirota's picture of a tweet.

It's still not clear where it came from or who received it.

[brooklynite]

146. A Twitter post does not constitute an "ad"

[Eric J in MN]

170. Third Way paid for the tweet to appear

..in the timelines of people who don’t follow them. So it’s an ad.

[Eliot Rosewater]

154. Here is his admission he meant to divide the party and interfere with stuff

Last time we ran, we made the financial elite pay a price for their attacks on our progressive agenda. It is just as important we do it again today:

And as I have tried to say a few hundred times, stay tuned, gonna happen again.

I am now NOT talking about what HE ADMITS HE DID, I am talking about how he is THREATENING TO DO IT AGAIN!

Someone on DU should daily post a thread linking to that line in that email...I say a new thread daily.

[LongtimeAZDem]

155. +1 /nt

[betsuni]

156. I think the "attacks on our progressive agenda" are the same as the "vilifying" ads.

Not real.

[Eliot Rosewater]

157. We cant saw we were not warned that it is happening,

Right there in black and white, a PROMISE even.

[Eric J in MN]

171. I added a link to the ad to the bottom of my OP. NT

NT

[betsuni]

175. I didn't see anything vilifying.

A spokesperson for Third Way says, "By far the important question the Democrats should be asking is which candidate and which set of ideas has the best chances of beating Trump. The midterms proved conclusively that the Sanders ideas fail that test."

If that or similar is a vilifying attack, then I'm the Queen of England with a golden-hued antique French piano in the living room. It's not like they called Bernie corrupt and an elitist beholden to Wall Street and wealthy donors without a shred of evidence or anything.

[Cha]

232. Wow.. is that all the so-called "attack"

ads for BS were?

I guess that dose of information is not settling well with those who call them attack ads.

[George II]

159. What does he mean in that email when he refers to the "financial elite", and what.....

....is the so-called "price" they paid "last time we (rhetorical "we", I guess) ran"?

[Eric J in MN]

172. I think Bernie means that he spread a message

...about breaking up the Big Banks, and eventually they will be.

[GulfCoast66]

184. We get you think that.

And that is fine. But there is absolutely no evidence that was his intention. There is no movement to break up big banks.

This is a fact based site. It is fine you think that is what he meant. Now please show us evidence that was his intention.

[Eliot Rosewater]

224. U huh

[Cha]

186. BS needs to look in the mirror before

he accuses anyone of "financial elite".

Last time we ran, we made the financial elite pay a price for their attacks on our progressive agenda. It is just as important we do it again today:

So going to make Democrats "pay a price again today" is he? What "price" does he have in mind?

Who made attacks on his "progressive agenda"? Wasn't it incorporated into the Democratic Platform?

He was on cnn November 16, 2016 calling my Democratic Party "the party of the elite".. making it all about himself.. how he was "humiliated". All he has are empty buzzwords.

[Me.]

214. The Price Currently Is The $3.00

he keeps asking for in his emails and the dollar fifty he skims off money requests for other people.

[Mike Nelson]

160. Sure sounds like he's...

… running, to me!

[aikoaiko]

177. Thank you keeping the pressure on, Bernie.

You may very well end up being the best candidate to take on Trump in 2020.

[NurseJackie]

179. Nonsense. Trump would easily defeat Sanders.

You may very well end up being the best candidate to take on Trump in 2020.

Nonsense. Trump would easily defeat Sanders.

[aikoaiko]

180. That's what some people say.

[NurseJackie]

181. They all know that we can do better.

180. That's what some people say.

Yep. They all know that we can do better. All I'm saying here is that the vast amount of Democratic talent we have to draw from, our pool of resources, is so much greater than anything one man has to offer.

[aikoaiko]

182. I think we do have a very promising pool of candidates, but until they start speaking as national...

...candidates we don't really know what is what and who will rise to the top.

I'm waiting for them to start speaking and acting like national candidates.

I hope the top contenders come out strong after the new year because there is currently a vacuum.

Bernie has his weak spots and even deficiencies. I recognize that, but we know what we're getting.

I would be very happy to see a stronger candidate emerge because surely that person will beat Trump.

[Chemisse]

300. I'm very excited to see the new people come out as candidates.

I think Bernie will sink to the bottom of the candidate pool, because we all recognize now that the very last thing we need is division among the Dems.

His rhetoric resonated in 2016 because many of us resented having a single choice, a great candidate except that half the country hated her right out of the gate, and we also wanted more left-leaning ideas to prevail.

Bernie's divisive rhetoric hasn't changed, but we have. A lot. The Trump presidency has been devastating - scarring even. Now the most important thing is to end it, preferably with a progressive candidate, and we must be strong and united to do so.

[Maru Kitteh]

196. He's the Bob Dole of the Democratic Party - Except he's not a freakin' Democrat, of course.

Bob Dole was a Republican. There's that.

[marlakay]

193. Sounds to me like Trump will win again if we

Allow different parts of our party to divide us.

I am on the left side I like Bernie, but I also like Beto. I like quite a few who want to run.

The problem isn’t us as we will debate and tear the factions that try to divide us apart.

The problem is those people in those states that don’t pay close attention and will believe the ads and in disgust may not vote at all.

We have to pull together and stay together on this site so we can fight against all the groups trying to divide us.

[stonecutter357]

205. lol

[pamdb]

226. Bernie

Do. Not. Run.

[nini]

231. He knows there's still money to be made off donations

Putin is happy too.

[TexasBushwhacker]

233. There are attacks from BOTH sides

Are they coordinated with the potential candidates? I certainly hope not. But until Sanders tells his Berniebros at RootsAction to back off their attacks on Beto O'Rourke (just one example), I'm going to assume he's okay with them. Since the DLC/Third Way haven't been pushing a particular candidate that I'm aware of, and no one has yet announced they will run, I can't really hold them responsible for what the DLC says against Bernie. But when someone does, I will be very concerned about anyone aligning themselves with DLC/3rd Way.

United we stand. DIVIDED WE FALL

[Eric J in MN]

243. I don't want any politicians to tell their supporters

...not to criticize their opponents.

Criticizing politicians is a valid part of democracy.

[betsuni]

247. Calling Democrats "liberal elites and people who have money" "extremely weak"

an "absolute failure," beholden to wealthy donors and corporations, not caring about the working class, etc., is not criticism. Where is the proof of any of his attacks? What is the point of calling Democrats and Planned Parenthood establishment?

[Joe941]

234. Donated. Thanks.

[Eric J in MN]

244. Thanks for donating. NT

NT

[honest.abe]

235. This makes me ill.

If he runs as an Independent then we are totally screwed and its 4 more years of Trump.

I am sorry but I am beginning to despise this man.

[Eric J in MN]

245. If Bernie runs it will be in the Democratic Primary, again. NT

NT

[honest.abe]

246. No way he runs again in Dem primary.

Last edited Sun Dec 30, 2018, 09:43 AM - Edit history (1)

New rule will require all candidates to be members of Democratic Party and run and serve as a Democrat.

[Eric J in MN]

290. He'll agree to those conditions if he runs for president, again. NT

NT

[honest.abe]

294. I doubt it.

He's got too large an ego to do that.

[Snotcicles]

250. I would be happy to have a Democratic House and Senate with a Democratic Socialist administration.

[Devil Child]

260. I will strongly consider Sen. Sanders if chooses to run

Go Bernie!

[SHRED]

276. Tax returns?

Aren't we still waiting for him to release them in full?

[Me.]

292. Never Gonna Happen

if there was ever going to be transparency regarding them we would've seen them by now. Perhaps he thinks he can get away with it again and don't forget he'll be running as indie as he isn't a dem

[earthshine]

291. I support Bernie. Perhaps, after the debates, I'll choose someone else, but as of now ... nt

[Cha]

297. BS Attacking The Democratic Blue Wave Party that

is the reason we now have a Democratic House Majority and are able to Fight the Fascists on one Important Front besides Robert Mueller!

[Eric J in MN]

298. Bernie Sanders did rallies across the US for Democrats

...before the midterms.

He did a rally for Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) for Governor even though he supported a different candidate in the Democratic Primary. She won.

[Cha]

307. So? He's now Attacking the Democratic

Party..

Last time we ran, we made the financial elite pay a price for their attacks on our progressive agenda. It is just as important we do it again today:

Just as he did right after the rigging in of trump on November 16, 2016 when he called my Democratic Party "the Party of the elite".

[DFW]

299. Is this going to be the new norm now?

Running long posts by candidates not even of our party seeking donations of money?

What's next for DU? Posts with links to contribution sites for the re-election campaigns of Joni Ernst and John Cornyn?

[LongtimeAZDem]

304. +1 /nt