Bernie Sanders: Every candidate for president must answer the following questions...

[Playinghardball]

[Kelvin Mace]

1. The media will never ask these questions

since they are the 1%.

[libdem4life]

3. Quick question...let's say the MSM asks...then what?

[Kelvin Mace]

5. It will be fascinating to watch

how all the candidates avoid answering the question. That could be some Olympic-level gymnastics.

[libdem4life]

14. Pretty sure they all have those answers down...sadly.

[sabrina 1]

65. What do you think those answers might be? Eg Bernie, Sherrod Brown and Elizabeth Warren

among some other Dems, have already answered them. The answers are easy, so I'm not sure what way anyone could answer them in an evasive way.

[libdem4life]

66. Totally agree...can't imagine why this is so hard for some? It's standard Progressive

politics/positions.

[Takket]

73. "they are job creators"

That is the standard answer... as said "job creator" proceeds to write out a check for 40 hours @ minimum wage to a worker who promptly turns around and applies for welfare from the Federal government because they still don't have enough money for food and rent.

[Flatulo]

84. Don't you mean 29 hours?

[libdem4life]

90. What does this have to do with the MSN?

[Takket]

118. oops... nothing... i meant to reply to OP. Sorry.

[libdem4life]

119. ...

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

102. Exactly...Baby steps though, we must at least have someone asking the question.

The one percent, the Koch Bros, the Wall Street banksters, none of them have any plans to change the status quo in our favor, if anything they are working day and night to pile more misery on the 99%.

Bernie asks the question, and if enough of us repeat it and yell about it, the likely candidate, Hillary, may actually address it.

We have to make her believe that there are consequences, ONCE ELECTED, in ignoring us.

It can be done

[libdem4life]

105. Totally agree...she needs to give both Bernie and Elizabeth prominent places if she is the

winner...and take Julian Castro with her as VP. That will make a difference. I think she's getting the idea that we're not to be sidelined any longer.

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

106. There is NO benefit to her to ignore us IF we financially support her.

Get 50 million democrats to each send in $20 and guess what

[libdem4life]

107. Sorry, I don't know where to find 50 million Democrats, let alone how to collect money.

What is possible, however, is to put up a site on DU for donations...we all have some say here. But 50 million, not so much. Maybe send it to www.moveon.org. They are a great progressive non-profit.

I just wonder how many here would shell out the $20.

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

108. Problem is unless we are donating to a VERY big movement where we know our $20

will actually matter, as to this issue, then we wont do it.

Now, if the LAW was such that the ONLY way they could get money was from individuals with limits on what can be donated, then you have something

You could even allow terrorist organizations like ALEC and CATO to donate but limited to a small amount.

[libdem4life]

110. MoveOn.Org is a well-known Democratic fundraiser non-profit. I just went there and

they are behind Warren. Check it out. Donations are welcome there. http://front.moveon.org/

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

112. Familiar...well done

[arcane1]

33. And they're the recipient of those billions in advertising dollars

Citizens United was like Santa Claus to the media!

[L0oniX]

59. Well we don't want the common person who watches tv to start asking questions about what matters.

[libdem4life]

2. It's easy to come up with bullet points..even when they are true So, what, pray tell, is the a

answer? Proposing higher taxes on the wealthy? Like that would make it through Congress. Repeal the Republican-sponsored Citizen's United...that's what caused pretty much all of that.

Bernie is becoming a bit irritating. He has no economic support/background. There is zero chance of him becoming President or even the Nominee...I know, some say he could beat Hillary. Well, let him get the Nomination. If he's the Nominee, I'll vote for him amidst the Republican's cheering.

[Kelvin Mace]

4. The answer is to return the tax rates

to the pre-Reagan era.

Introduce a progressive capital gains tax which punishes speculation/day-trading and rewards savings. Start it at 90% for gains realized in less than 30 days, dropping to 5% for gains realized over 30+ years.

That would be a good start.

[Agschmid]

15. Why is savings more important?

[Kelvin Mace]

114. Because keeping money in one place fosters stability

in the market-place. Constantly moving it around for gain encourages speculation and speculation leads to bubbles and disaster.

By making speculation expensive (taxing it severely) people STOP speculating and invest for the long term. Companies fair better in that environment.

[libdem4life]

111. Totally agree. Now it just needs to get through Congress.

That's the fly in the ointment. I like increasing the SS tax income level...that would fund SS for years. Same issue.

[Kelvin Mace]

113. Remove the arbitrary cap

and subject ALL income to it.

[libdem4life]

115. Or at least up it $50,000 or more. But, oh the wailing and gnashing of teeth.

[cali]

6. nonsense. And yeah, sorry, he does have an economic background- more so than many members

of Congress. He was a Mayor, for one thing. He's been been deeply involved in economic issues for years and has proposed economic solutions. And very few people bring up the vital issues like Bernie does.

No, he doesn't stand a chance of becoming President. You seem to think that because of that he should shut up.

Ugh to the centrist defeatist corporate crap. That's what's easy.

[libdem4life]

17. No, I'm more toward the Socialist end of the spectrum and I don't believe in Fantasy.

What's easy, is wishful thinking. Maybe what would be more useful is to take one bit at a time and not try and reinvent the almost-oligarchic system we have. We are just shades from an Oligarchy, if that, but it took us centuries to get here. I agree with everything he says, but everyone knows it's not going to happen this year...maybe by the time Julian Castro becomes President. I read the story of how his mother had to reinvent her Extremely Left background to fit into politics and taught her sons the same.

So I didn't mean to dis Bernie and can see it sounded that way...and for that I'm sorry. What I'm discussing is coming up with things the nominee can do...whoever that may be. Real Deal things. Reforming the Tax System is not likely one of them. I'd like to repeal Citizen's United, but I'm afraid that ship has sailed as well.

We're all frustrated...the further Left you get, the more so.

[cali]

24. Reforming the tax system is very popular with the public

and you seem unable to name anything specific that you think a President can or should do.

and Bernie is a very pragmatic politician. He's my Senator and I'm quite familiar with him. There's a reason he's been able to get the votes of loggers and farmers and a lot of people who wouldn't normally vote for a liberal.

[libdem4life]

26. A lot of things are popular...most people don't even understand their own taxes, but when

you start being specific...like tax the rich...hell just moving up the income level for SS taxes...those go Nowhere Fast.

And yes, I did mention something specific...Julian Castro in 8 years. Status quo politicians are just that. It will take raising up a generation that don't find the word "Liberal" to be a pejorative. Heck they had to change it to Progressive already. Sill not quite sure the difference. That happened during my non political decade.

Again, nothing against Bernie...and his sincerity is without a doubt. We've got to start down-ticket...that and that Hillary will run with Julian are as good as I've got right now. Rosie Castro's biography is one of being aware that she was too far Left, and made the necessary changes to get elected to public office and politically school her sons to gain the attention of the National Democratic Power.

http://library.uta.edu/tejanovoices/interview.php?cmasno=123

[Maedhros]

7. It's very telling that Bernie irritates you.

If sticking up for the working class is so annoying to you, you may consider changing your user name.

[libdem4life]

18. What irritates me is Pie in the Sky. I'll ignore the insult. IMHO, I think that is why

Warren hasn't gotten into policy other than staying after the Corporations. She's on a major Senate Committee...and realizes it's one step at a time.

I think everyone should have a guaranteed income, good health care and higher Social Security for retirement. And to do that we should shutter most of the so-called DOD. We stand a chance of that before we do of taxing the rich and distributing income.

It's people in power that need to "get" these things. And it's going to take time to get a Real Progressive even near the White House. I'm solid for Left of Center Julian Castro and his former Way-out-there socialist La Raza Mother, Rosie.

[Maedhros]

27. Bernie is simply speaking the truth.

You should be applauding him, not chiding him.

[libdem4life]

34. Maybe if he got just a bit more specific...the Devil is in the Details. But Feel Good is OK, too nt

[ms liberty]

44. Maybe you should pay more attention to what Bernie says...

Because he has gotten specific, very specific.

[BrotherIvan]

47. +1

[DisgustipatedinCA]

9. "libdem4life"? I think not.

[libdem4life]

19. Sorry you feel the need to judge, but it's OK.

[libdem4life]

29. Well, this is clever. You want to have a discussion? Or just snark. Let me know. I'm good with it

and just happen to have the time today. Just do me a favor first and read my responses to my last 5 or 6 posts, if you have the time.

/s/ LibDem4Life

[Enthusiast]

13. A good candidate would take the issue to the voters. The people favor higher taxes on the wealthy.

Polls tell us that a majority of Americans want to raise taxes on the wealthy. That makes this issue a centrist issue, one we should win on.

[libdem4life]

22. With all due respect, the only people whose opinions count are the voters. They elect those who

would do their bidding. Those elected aren't very interested in just willy-nilly reinventing the status quo...seeing as how that's how they got there. Simple as that.

Pretty sure all the people would like guaranteed income, lower gas prices, and lower food prices, free tickets to Disneyland, etc. But the candidates don't have the power to do that.

[Enthusiast]

28. Yes. Voters!

That is why a candidate that would speak out in favor of a more progressive tax system would find favor with the electorate. The candidate that embraces populist issues will gain in support.

Higher taxes on the wealthy are not unachievable pie in the sky. Taxes are historically low for millionaires and billionaires in modern times. Trickle down is not popular. The Republicans even accused President Obama of engaging in trickle down policies.

[libdem4life]

32. But the majority of these unhappy voters still vote the incumbents. That's history.

Populism has not had a viable national candidate in, like Never? The House of Representatives is just that...representative of the voters in our country. You just have to count the Rs and Ds.

When "the people" do not like it, they will field and support candidates who already feel that way.

Not change their minds as Molly Ivins once said, "Dance with them what brung them." (Molly Ivins was a Texas, cowboy boot-wearin' ultra-liberal Shit Kicker" who wrote a book..."She can't say that, can she?" or something like that I have it but read it many years ago.

Down ticket isn't a sexy concept...but it's the only way.

[Enthusiast]

35. I disagree with you. It looks like everyone on this thread disagrees with you.

Maybe your ideas would find more purchase in the Hillary group.

[libdem4life]

36. Everyone on this thread? Go away? How original.

[WHEN CRABS ROAR]

42. Like I have said before.

It is time for a real progressive populist movement, but the message needs to be clear and not overly complex and it needs to be repeated over and over to drive it home into the minds of the people.

[libdem4life]

61. Absolutely. That is what populism it...simple, concise and not complicated. The Leaders

from all perspectives seem to like to complicate it. That has turned the average would-be voter off...not out of indifference, but out of the lack of relevance to their lives. Many are working 2-3 jobs just to feed their families/extended families. Who can blame them?

The PTB thrive when it's just too complicated...got to get to work at 7:am and pick up the kids, fix dinner and drop on the couch after dishes done. Plato's Cave. I know, I've been there. What do I do?

[eomer]

74. The problem is that politicians (almost all of them) only give lip service to the voters.

Because of the screwed up way our system is based on money and corporate media, politicians know they can get away with empty rhetoric to fool the voters and then cater their actions to the people with the money.

Nothing will change as long as people broadly can be so easily fooled by candidate Obama vs. President Obama and now candidate Clinton. The wealthy aren't fooled, they're the opposite - they get it that the populist rhetoric from Clinton now and from Obama in 2008 is just words to get elected, that what they're buying are actions and the words are a necessary scam on the voters that they can safely ignore.

[Liberalynn]

79. This is how I feel!

Nothing a politician says matters, only their record of actions.

[libdem4life]

91. And even they won't know until they are in the actual position. I'll vote for the Democrat

who is the most liberal...even if only in word.

[Scootaloo]

52. You know it's always interesting...

How the DU posters who spotlight their liberalness in their handles... are often the most consistently anti-liberal people on the board.

I wonder why that is.

I mean, who would ever think to challenge "BlueCaliLib" or "ProgNWDude4Kerry" or "LeftLibObama4eva"?

[libdem4life]

53. Well, as an old Liberal, one of the things in my Right Wing family that makes me even wierder

is what I think Liberal is all about. Always listening, thinking, agreeing or not, heck, even changing my mind with the appropriate input, but not letting Anyone tell folks what they Should Be Thinking.

That, to me, other than being champions for those who cannot champion for themselves, is what it means to be Liberal. I'm not sure what Progressive means, even after a few years of lurking and occasional posting. I had to wait until I was 21 to vote for McGovern. That's Old. So I'm doing my best to figure it all out.

Thankful to DU for the opportunity to do that...even those who take offense...absolutely none is meant.

[Enthusiast]

80. You didn't have to wait till you were 21 to vote for McGovern. I was eligible at 18.

Besides, after reading how you feel about the issues I have a very hard time believing you voted for McGovern at all.

I suggest if you don't mean to be offensive, try a little harder.

[libdem4life]

85. Three "you"s...pretty personal...oh, and I was born in 1948. Do the math and

I have only written positive things. My Sin was not being rude or personal to Bernie or any of the other upset posters.

"In March 23, 1971 a proposal to extend the right to vote to citizens eighteen years of age and older was adopted by both houses of Congress and sent to the states for ratification. The amendment became part of the Constitution on July 1, 1971, three months and eight days after the amendment was submitted to the states for ratification, making this amendment the quickest to be ratified.'


Edit: I started teaching school in 1971.

[L0oniX]

57. I eagerly await Hillary to bring up these points ...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[libdem4life]

64. Yeah, right. He's not really running...she is. There is plenty of time for you to awaken

from your.....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz We'll wake you when it's time. Oh, and I'm not invested in HRC, just waiting for the political cycle to start.

[L0oniX]

75. Awww I didn't mean to upset you.

[libdem4life]

88. Not to worry...A Liberal raised with Rightwingers devlops a pretty thick skin. Not easily

insulted. In fact, I stand up for someone's right to be insulting or snarky...what the heck. Beats getting angry or upset. One thing I haven't mastered is the one sentence zingers on here. Even in my family, we had discussions and exchanged ideas.

[sabrina 1]

67. I love Bernie, I love the questions he asks. And more importantly the ANSWERS he gives to those

questions.

What could possibly be irritating about asking people who are asking us to give them some pretty important jobs, to answer a few simply questions?

Do you think we should not question our politicians?

He's a great Senator, why do you think there is no chance he could become President? He speaks the TRUTH. About every issue of imporatance especially to Dems, and across the political divide on many issues.

Is speaking the truth a deterrent to becoming President?

A lack of Corporate Money is the ONLY deterrnet to Bernie, Warren, Sherrod Brown, among other great Dems becoming President.

And that is also the truth. Which raises another question, should we trust anyone who CAN raise the appropriate amount of money, now we are told, approx 2.5 BILLION dollars? Who would they be working for?

[libdem4life]

89. I'm a pragmatist...that seems to be forbidden in these parts. And about the money, is

right as I've brought that up many, many times...that's pragmatic. We, as people, can't go ten minutes without needing a corporation to provide services and goods. That's a fact. Same is true for politicians...and I covered this in an earlier post here.

I don't do Pie in the Sky. Sorry. Like saying never work for or buy anything from a corporation. Good luck with that. It's just that it gets to be a bigger necessity the higher one goes up the political ladder. I hadn't heard 2.5 billion. I know last time is was 1 billion.

Of course we all know that it was Citizen's United that make this possible.

The last sentence ... perhaps brighter minds than mine can answer the question...and it is a good one. There is a difference between party platforms and platitudes. Frankly, we are not far from Oligarchy...I've also stated that.

Good luck to us all...we're going to need it.

Peace out.

[sabrina 1]

96. My understanding of the word 'pragmatist' is someone who sees something that just is and cannot be

changed, so they work within that framwork to get the best possible results.

I agree with you that we have mountains to climb (my interpretation of what I think you are saying) to overcome the hurdles that have been built over decades to create the situation we are now in, where Corporations rule and money talks.

However where we disagree, and correct me if I'm misunderstanding you, is that we don't have to simply accept the situation.

Eg, so long as we are told that this is a democratic nation where people have rights, we have to assume that there are things we can do to combat corporate influence.

I agree we can't avoid everything that is Corporate controlled, but we can avoid some things. Eg, I don't buy products I know are produced by the Kock Bros. That isn't going to break them, but at least it isn't supporting them as I was doing before I know they were profiting from certain products I was buying.

So, in every way we can, no matter how small at first, it IS possible to begin the process of rebuilding a society that isn't dependent on Corporations, IF everyone participates even in a small way.

I don't believe it is 'pie in the sky' eg, to go along with the notion that the people have power, even if most of it has been taken away.

Giving up completely isn't an option imo.

[libdem4life]

99. Thanks for your post. It's a tough time to be an American. And to me, a pragmatist is

someone who sees an idea or situation fairly starkly and without emotion, then moves to the next logical step...a Plan, and then to take an action. Then it moves into Realism. I think that's where many of us, me included, are frustrated. What to do.

I do see Hillary as our best chance...at this moment in time. She or whomever gets the nomination, will go a long way, IMHO, to get Elizabeth and Bernie's expertise, experience and ideas out of the Democratic Fringe, and into the mainstream. It may not be until after the Primary, but I don't think either are looking to run, and a vibrant Democratic party needs a vibrant Left.

The next actionable event, I want to see Julian Castro as VP Candidate. That's setting Democrats up and steering toward the Liberal/Progressive left and securing the majority of Hispanic voters for years to come. Also, it puts Texas in play...maybe not purple yet, but in play.

To me, these are reasonable things that can happen...this year...and I'm sure there are more.

[liberal_at_heart]

122. That would be a reasonable argument if we hadn't been pushed so far back for the past 30

years. A dollar here or there will not even scratch the surface. We must fight and can win by the way for things like a living wage(Seattle passed a $15/hr wage), and not only protection of social services but an increase in spending for social services.

[ConservativeDemocrat]

8. No, there is really only one question:

• If you were elected President, what exactly would be your realistic, politically viable, plan to do something about it?

Note: pretending that Congressional Republicans will roll over and play dead, instead of rolling on the floor laughing at you, is not an acceptable answer, Bernie.

- C.D. Proud Member of the Reality Based Community

[DisgustipatedinCA]

10. Only one question? Based on what set of rules or guidelines? That you said so? No.

If all candidates answered the questions posed, that would do what's commonly referred to as Starting A National Conversation. Please provide the rationale for your attempted invalidation of the notion. Thanks.

[ConservativeDemocrat]

69. My rationale? Sure.

I'm interested not in how well someone engages in fire-and-brimstone rhetoric, but what skills they have to actually govern, not to mention the art of winning elections, which means convincing people that they can generally represent the country well.

But by all means, if you think these questions are going to get you a real "conversation", you can go to the Discussionist, post the same slide, and get all the "conversation" from all the "Obama is the second worst president, second only to Lincoln" teabaggers, and see if you can get their vote for Bernie. (You might have some success in getting them to lie about it - they're scared shitless of Hillary.)

It may not be a "national" conversation, but it would be a "website" one.

- C.D. Proud Member of the Reality Based Community

[okaawhatever]

11. +1,000 Answering those 3 questions will do zero about the issues. The question is, what is going

to be done? How will you go about getting the legislation passed?

It's sad when your candidate viability test can be answered by Romney with a yes for all 3 questions and it doesn't change his platoform one bit.

Thinking doesn't change laws. Action does.

[libdem4life]

20. From a Liberal Democrat...in spite of the recent, uh, responses...agreed.

[rhett o rick]

63. Spoken like a true conservative like you admit you are. Conservatism is what has

gotten us into this mess. Conservatives want to cut retirement, foodstamps and Social Security. Conservative Democrat is really a contradiction of terms.

[ConservativeDemocrat]

68. Rhett, I don't smear the liberal wing of the party

...why do you insist on smearing the other side of the party with your lies? Hell, not even the majority of Republican voters are in favor of cutting Social Security.

Insofar as your tired arguments about oxymorons, again I always need to remind you that there are more "Conservative" Democrats than there are "Very Liberal" Democrats (which is the constituency of the D.U.)


- C.D. Proud Member of the Reality Based Community

[rhett o rick]

81. It's not a smear to indicate that those that want to cut foodstamps are

conservatives. Same goes for cutting Social Security. Here's what a leading conservative, Alan Simpson, had to say: "Former Sen. Alan Simpson (R-Wyo.) demanded cuts in Social Security Wednesday"

The "reality" is that conservatives support big business and progressive support the 99%.

[ConservativeDemocrat]

93. You need to get your eyes checked

"Former Sen. Alan Simpson (R-Wyo.)". You clearly can't distinguish between the letter R and the letter D.

Look at item #1 on this list, and see if it might apply to you.

- C.D. Proud Member of the Reality Based Community

[rhett o rick]

97. Again you go for the distraction. Sen Simpson is a conservative and tyically wants to cut SS.

The conservative agenda is all over the internets and clearly states they want to balance the budget on the backs of the poor, our vets and seniors.

I know that Sen Simpson is a Republicon, but I still may need to get my eyes checked.

Focusing on Democrat vs. Republicon is a distraction. The class war is between the 1% supported by conservatives and the 99% supported by progressives.

We are in the mess we are today because the last 40 years of conservative policies.

Here is a conservative group discussing the conservative agenda http://heritageaction.com/agenda/

On health care, we can expose Obamacare for what it is: more out-of-touch, big-government interference in our personal health care decisions. We can persuade Americans that for all the benefits the law provides to insurance companies, it has done them little good. It is unfair, unworkable, and unaffordable, and it must be replaced with solutions that truly empower patients and their doctors with quality health care, affordability, and choice.

Here's another site telling us what the conservative agenda is: http://www.renewamerica.com/columns/garry/111216

What conservatives must realize in the current tax and budget debate is that their ultimate goal is a long-term goal. The goal is to reverse the New Deal legacy, which set in motion the unlimited growth of government and the attempted subjection of the private sector and free enterprise economy to the mandated controls of government bureaucrats. The goal, in my judgment, is not to escape from the years of 2011 or 2012 with absolutely no tax increases. The goal is to begin the long and arduous process of reversing nearly eighty years of political beliefs and entrenched cultural attitudes about the growth of government.

[ConservativeDemocrat]

100. When you're so far out in left field you need to see the stadium with binoculars

...maybe Democrats and Republicans seem exactly the same to you. So you can ascribe the statements made by extremists in the Republican party to Democrats with a straight face.

But for the vast majority of people who consider themselves liberal Democrats, they like Hillary just fine.

- C.D. Proud Member of the Reality Based Community

[rhett o rick]

109. I don't say Democrats and Republicons are exactly the same, never have and never will.

Again go for the strawman. Anything to change the discussion.

I said the class war is between the 1% supported by the conservatives and the 99% supported by the progressives.

Anyone can call themselves a Democrat as we've seen. It doesn't mean they follow Democratic principles.

[ConservativeDemocrat]

120. To "prove" your assertion that conservative Democrats want to slash Social Security...

...you started quoting a Republican. When I called you on it, you doubled down on the derp.

So it's not a "stawman" to say that you have trouble distinguishing Republicans from Democrats.

Either that, or you're a disingenuous ass.

I was merely giving you the benefit of the doubt. Get your eyes checked.

- C.D. Proud Member of the Reality Based Community

[RedCappedBandit]

86. The way you chose to read that chart is incredibly amusing.

[ConservativeDemocrat]

92. The way DUers who bash Hillary from the left are equally as so

Out in the real world, she's the liberal-favorite candidate. Only in here is she very nearly a Republican.

- C.D. Proud Member of the Reality Based Community

[stonecutter357]

70. this has to be against the tos.

Can someone ban this RWNJ?

[LanternWaste]

98. Pretending there is only one relevant question is.... irrational.

Pretending there is only one relevant question is.... irrational.

[ConservativeDemocrat]

101. It is the paramount question: can you actually walk the walk?

Bluster and diatribe doesn't help Americans any. And that was even if I entirely agreed with the good Senator.

- C.D. Proud Member of the Reality Based Community

[Enthusiast]

12. How can this be kicked enough?

[Agschmid]

16. Kick.

[Cheese Sandwich]

21. Hey would it be OK if I copied the bumper sticker from your signature line?

I want that too.

[mylye2222]

23. Bernie is desperately needed.

[Jefferson23]

30. Yes, they must answer and present a plan of action. K&R

[libdem4life]

37. Yes, that's what's missing. The Plan of Action.

[BrotherIvan]

48. Is this the only post on Sanders you've ever read??

Must be, because he has been *extremely* specific.

[libdem4life]

103. No, but I'm always open to learn. Seems most of the ideas I've heard and read about need

to go through Congress...and right now they aren't playing nice. Obama has had to wait until well into his second term to begin to make good on promises, via Executive Order, he felt he could accomplish much sooner.

And then there is the money issue. I think any Democratic nominee knows the reality of the pocketbook and where they have to go to get it. That it insults 1/3 or so of the Party, isn't worth walking away...that's what I see. Donors are pragmatic and want to put their money on the winner. It's an unholy relationship...Bernie (and I agree) used the word Oligarchy. That's the battle. That's why I was happy to see Hillary's first appearance with middle, lower-middle class people, average working folk. Many made fun of it, but I guarantee it was well received with that part of the base she HAS to get out to vote for her.

[JDPriestly]

31. Thank you. Bernie Sanders.

[AtomicKitten]

38. k&r

[lovemydog]

39. I believe every presidential candidate should be asked

these questions, and should answer them on the record. I want to see their reply, unadulterated, on camera.

I think Sanders should enter the race. I for one would listen to him very carefully. I also will vote for the most progressive candidate in the primaries.

[Rex]

40. Ouch! Those three questions seem to rub some the wrong way!

Gee, I wonder why?

[GoneFishin]

41. Kick. Go Bernie.

[Autumn]

43. Hurry up and announce Bernie. We got work to do

Rec

[Aldo Leopold]

45. Sanders - Feingold

That's my ticket. And I'm sticking to it!

[boston bean]

46. How does he think a Democrat will answer? nt

[Unexploded Scotsman]

49. DURec for That!

[blackspade]

50. good questions

[malthaussen]

51. Bernie, you're confusing ought with is.

He's right, of course, but I don't expect anyone to ask those questions, although the odd candidate might volunteer answers to one or all of them.

-- Mal

[MisterP]

54. with 2016 it'll be two families spending nearly a bil each

[IronLionZion]

55. Having Bernie in the race can shift candidates to the left

I hope he gets enough support to have his voice heard in debates and policy discussions in a way that makes Hillary earn votes from his supporters.

[L0oniX]

58. The shift would only be in what is said and not what gets done after the election.

[IronLionZion]

62. That's the spirit!

Why are you here?

[glinda]

56. Where does Climate Change stand in your priorities and do you believe it is happening?

[Novara]

71. This should absolutely be asked as well.

[RedCappedBandit]

87. The uber wealthy exploit the environment in the same way they exploit average people.

The issues of economic disparity and environmental justice are inextricable, thus, the environment along with the economy is at the very top of where our priorities.. should be.

[warrenswil]

60. The only question that *really* matters ...

... is: Do you support public funding for all election campaigns?
Legalized corruption on the scale we have it in the US is at the root of ALL our problems.
Without an end to campaign bribery, nothing will ever change.

[questionseverything]

95. actually private companies counting our votes is the root

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1805818671/computerized-election-theft-enough-already-lets-st

[Fantastic Anarchist]

72. Bernie Sanders has a chance to go down in history as someone who helped save America from itself ...

... if the People will help him.

Or, he has a chance to go down as someone who tried to help save America from itself, but was ignored.

This is a fork in the road, people.

[Abbraxus]

76. Not only each candidate for President...

also each member of the House and Senate... and their response should go on their permanent record.
While we are at it... no dancing around the questions either Only Yes or No is allowed. Any dancing around will be considered a Yes to the first two and a No to the last.

[Bigmack]

77. My favorite question:

How old is the earth...? Is it closer to 10,000 years...? or closer to 4.5 Billion years..?

"Ummmm... 10,000"

Bzzzzt.... NEXT!

[Historic NY]

78. How would he counter the Koch Bros......

its not going to happen as long as the minority is pushed aside and the Scotus agrees with the Majority.

[whatchamacallit]

82. They will be answered with lip service

While actual policy will maintain the status quo

[NYC_SKP]

83. no comment!

[Cosmic Dancer]

94. They already have their talking points

blaming income inequality on Obama and their brain dead legion believe the lie.

[Dark n Stormy Knight]

104. + about a million.

[woo me with science]

116. Happy to be the 200th Rec!

[liberal_at_heart]

117. K&R

[Zorra]

121. How can there be any doubt at all that Bernie should be elected POTUS?

There's no "real" competition.