Pierce on Sanders and the completely expected hippy bombing.

[kpete]

Shoot me.
Things in Politico That Make Me Want to Guzzle Antifreeze, Part the Infinity
In which an ambitious young man is betrayed by his editors.

BY CHARLES P. PIERCE


(where are the hippies and/or dreadlocks?)

Just shoot me right now.

These weren't your everyday Americans who came out to support Bernie Sanders on Tuesday. The self-described democratic socialist kicked off his long-shot run for the White House in his adopted hometown of Burlington, a lakeside city full of characters who might not have passed the pre-selection process for Hillary Clinton's tour of round tables...In the afternoon, a "people's assembly" of hundreds of Sanders supporters gathered in City Hall Park, where dreadlocked guitarists played in the morning and patrons browsed at the nearby Hempest, which advertises itself as the largest organic hemp product store in the world.

I don't know Jonathan Topaz, nor do I know much about his work. His bio is that of a smart, shining young man out of the Ivy League with a pretty cool name, but this passage should be a career-killer. What, pray tell, young Jonathan, do "everyday Americans" look like? Perhaps like the Duggars of Springdale, Arkansas? The hayshaking Bible-banging cultists whom I saw gather in Iowa earlier this spring? Sheldon Adelson? But Jonathan should not bear the punishment alone. Every editor, sub-editor, and researcher who read this and didn't say, "Holy hell, this is some cheap bullshit right here. It's beneath even our standards!" also should find their careers taking on water.



http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/news/a35253/politico-drops-the-hippie-bomb/

[cali]

1. Yes! I felt just the same way and commented likewise (though no where near as eloquently)

when someone posted that piece of slanted shit here this morning.

[Agschmid]

14. I posted it last night.

And it's not really all that slanted...

3 paragraphs Cali, that's all.

[cali]

20. I'm not criticizing you. I'm knocking the extemely slanted piece.

Pierce is spot on. It was that bad. That you can't see it, is your thing. Others clearly do.

[Agschmid]

22. That seems to be a thing around here.

[rhett o rick]

64. This isn't the worst Politico hatchet job on Sen Sanders. I'll have to look to see

if I can find the one that I thought was totally outrageous. I hope this isn't a trend for Politico.

On edit: Here is one of the worst pieces of "neo-journalism" I've seen in a long time.

http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0210/Dem_senators_spent_weekend_with_bank_energy_tobacco_lobbyists.html

[orpupilofnature57]

84. +1000 !!!!

[ReallyIAmAnOptimist]

61. Same here, Cali...

... I read it, thinking what a patronizing/marginalizing write up...
The columnist is probably so young he still knows everything.

[cilla4progress]

2. Frank Luntz's legacy

- hard at work. Label and dismiss.

Hey - I graduated from U Vermont in Burlington! Wonderful place. Go Bernie!

[trumad]

3. I agree with Charles....

This is the Al Gore'ing of Bernie Sanders.

[LondonReign2]

62. Unlike Al, I expect Bernie to fight back vociferously

It may not win him the nomination, but it is going to be a hell of a show. The media isn't used to a politician speaking the truth.

[malthaussen]

4. Strap in, dude, it's going to be a long ride. n/t

[djean111]

5. What is fascinating to me is that Bernie seemed surrounded by the people who actually live there,

for the most part. And that having a few carefully selected and hand-picked token not-Vermonters was what would have been acceptable.
Oh, but if he had done that, that attacks would be about how he carefully assembled his crowd and/or the people standing with him. I am sure both possibilities were planned for, just in case. The outcry started seconds after the announcement.

[Lordquinton]

66. He covered that base with his dig at Hilary's "hand picked"

Because he has to smear as much of his santorum as he can.

[Lordquinton]

79. what?

Holy non-sequitors batman!

[djean111]

82. I apologise if the Santorum remark was not directed at Bernie. But it is still creeps

me out.

[Lordquinton]

88. it was directed at the author

Writing a hit piece on Bernie, but had to force in a jab at Hilary to cover his bases and also let us know that if the croud had been "typical americans" the article wouldn't read much differently in tone.

[djean111]

90. I do apologise. Sincerely.

[Lordquinton]

104. No worries

Tensions are high between the groups.

[deutsey]

6. Come on, Jonathan, why so reserved?

Here's a glossary you can use for future smears of Sanders' supporters:

"tax-hiking, government-expanding, latte-drinking, sushi-eating, Volvo-driving, New York Times-reading, body-piercing, Hollywood-loving, left-wing freak show"



I think "everyday Americans" for Jonathan probably look a lot like his Ivy League pals and their social circles.

[kpete]

7. You forgot

hummus-eating & Birkenstock-wearing


peace to you deutsey,
kp

[upaloopa]

8. I think they don't drive Volvos.

You don't need a Bernie if you drive a Volvo.

[deutsey]

9. They don't let facts get in the way of a good smear

This classic hit is an oldie-but-a-"goodie" from 2004:

''Howard Dean,'' the husband says, ''should take his tax-hiking, government-expanding, latte-drinking, sushi-eating, Volvo-driving, New-York-Times-reading'' -- at which point the wife interrupts to finish the sentence -- ''body-piercing, Hollywood-loving, left-wing freak show back to Vermont, where it belongs.''

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/11/us/the-2004-campaign-political-points.html

[Doctor_J]

12. They mean a 1972 Volvo 240 DL

With 327,188 miles on it. Those are the Sanders voters.

[upaloopa]

24. Ok

[cali]

75. you don't think Ben or jerry

can afford a Volvo?

[Doctor_J]

11. easy now

I have no body piercings.

[madfloridian]

17. Hey deutsey, here's the video of that infamous ad...

[kenfrequed]

30. Holy crap!

Any Democrat that makes use of that kind of an ad in a primary should be frigging ashamed! Talk about screwing your own party strategically for tactical gains. Sheesh.

[Duppers]

49. No *Democrat* would use that ad even in a primary.

https://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/summary.php?id=D000000763

^^^ Club for Growth is a propaganda tool maker for wingers.

[kenfrequed]

54. Too true!

Very frustrating when organizations with money do this. There ought to be laws against this behavior!

[mountain grammy]

33. They look like uniformed assholes..

instead of actors.

[zeemike]

53. Good actors know how to get into character.

It is all in the hair and close...and the uncomplicated mind is not hard to crack.

[deutsey]

59. A classic hit, wasn't it?

At least it focused on the issues that matter to "everyday people."

[RoccoR5955]

29. Uh, I think more of them drive Prii than Volvos...

Just FYI- Prii is the plural of Prius.

[Dont call me Shirley]

65. Tree-hugging, nature-loving, long-haired-dirty-hippies...

[JaneyVee]

10. The fact that the author can't tell the difference between...

"Hundreds" and thousands (5000+) is enough to shred his credibility permanently.

[Agschmid]

16. Except he then says thousands...

Like two lines down.

Your outrage is showing...

[daleanime]

27. So he says both figures?

[Agschmid]

28. Lol wait what... We are expressing outrage about an article people haven't even read.

Oh DU...

[daleanime]

31. So he didn't?

And what outrage? Seems fairly mild to me.

And honestly with my reading list there is nothing from the quote that makes me want to add it to the pile. I having a hard time getting caught up already.

[Agschmid]

41. I'll let you do the leg work, should you choose too.

I'm waiving that flag too...

[JaneyVee]

38. Even worse hyperbole. Must need editors and proof readers.

[Doctor_J]

13. The people in the photo look like real Americans. were the hippies in a cage off to the side?

[deutsey]

23. They were smoking pot and dancing nekkid in the water

It was like Woodstock all over again, man.

[Paka]

94. Good one.

[Gregorian]

100. Except they're all 75 years old now.

Have started smoking pot again, and now want their country back. No bellbotoms.

[Thespian2]

103. Close

Some of us long-haired hippie freaks are even a little older...most of us know what democratic socialism is...and we like Bernie...best choice for America...

[Enthusiast]

105. Embrace it!

[Eleanors38]

37. Why, you didn't see the BELLBOTTOMS??

[drm604]

55. They were at the hemp store.

The existence of which is apparently somehow relevant to the Sanders campaign.

[Rex]

15. The M$M will never accept a Wall Street non-conformist.

Howard Dean didn't even show that kind of threat in 2000...and they destroyed any chance he had as soon as they could. You don't look toward corporate media propaganda and think, "gee one day they will stop this horseshit and see the light"...not a chance. They like their fat paychecks and will say anything their corporate masters tell them too.

Bernie Sanders isn't part of the Great Paycheck Machine, he spent his time in Congress doing the Peoples business and NOT trying to get rich and powerful.

Those are things that scream uncontrollable and he might end up being a total disaster for the 'financial market' which lets face it, is use to committing mass fraud and then getting a reward. I don't think Sanders will follow that model.

[Agschmid]

18. FFS!

The outrage over this article is OTT!

[cali]

21. Why are you so over the top angry and defensive is what I don't get.

You didn't write that piece of shit.

[Agschmid]

25. Because I'm supporting Bernie positively...

But that is hard as heck to do around here, good thing DU isn't the real world.

[cyberswede]

32. What does the criticism of an article have to do with you supporting Bernie positively?

IF you post an article on DU, people will disagree with it. Guaranteed.

[Agschmid]

35. Ask the people in my thread who said they don't believe I support sanders...

Because I posted an article that I felt had a favorable view of the day's events, Burlington is what it is and I love it for that. The constant snarling and fighting if something isn't perfect gets old.

But you are right that's DU.

[cyberswede]

44. Sorry you're catching shit from people

...but I gotta say I agree with Pierce about that Topaz article - to say that those who came to Bernie's kick-off weren't "everyday Americans" is pretty stupid.

But then, a friend of mine met with Hillary in a coffee shop during her bus tour. Some folks here said the people who met with Hillary weren't regular people, either.

[cali]

77. have I said anything like that? no.

[Agschmid]

78. Wasn't in reference to your post.

You and I still seem to have respect for each other, I hope that continues.

[orpupilofnature57]

85. Sure,, freedom of speech , right ?

[TM99]

98. The article obviously

is open to more interpretations than yours.

That's why I personally had some misgivings. Pierce nails every complaint I did.

You addressed them after the fact. That's good.

[Agschmid]

39. Or just ask the person right below...

Here we go again.

[whatchamacallit]

34. I don't buy it

You say it... but I don't buy it.

[Agschmid]

36. No worries luckily I'm not selling anything.

[BrotherIvan]

56. You're acting like Charlie Pierce read your thread and is dissing you?

LOL.

[onecaliberal]

19. First of all it was thousands. We have photographic evidence.

The writer is small and petty. I guess Bernie should have gone to a college where they threaten to fine the students, and held them hostage to make his announcement.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

26. OMG!!! People sitting on the grass!!! A guy with a BEARD!!!! HIPPIES!!!!

I bet NOBODY in that crowd uses Vitalis either!!!

Or goes to work in a suit and tie!!!

PASS OUT THE BONGO DRUMS!!!!

[NRaleighLiberal]

40. It is hard to realize how much the media, finance, you name it - do NOT want a Bernie presidency.

If Sanders continues to capture the imagination (and...hope!) of people, we will witness a breathtaking attack coming from all sides.

Are you ready?

[arcane1]

81. A lot of eyes are going to be opened by this campaign, and they will remain open thereafter.

[nikto]

97. I agree, and it will really be an education in what the elites can do

We have to see it as a learning experience and use it, on an ongoing basis, to illustrate the fact
to the many politically naive and uninitiated folks in all our lives,
that our world is largely controlled by a relatively few elite fuck$ with way too much time
and money on their hands.

And that Bernie is absolutely not on the economic elites' side.

[RufusTFirefly]

42. Mission Accomplished

The more time we spend arguing about Bernie's legitimacy and whether his supporters are representative of the American public, the less time we spend talking about his actual platform, which could go a long way toward making this country a more civilized, equitable, and sustainable place.

What Bernie believes

Income and wealth inequality: In the United States today we have the most unequal wealth and income distribution of any major country on earth -- worse than at any time since the 1920s. This is an economy that must be changed in fundamental ways.

Jobs and income: In my view, we need a massive federal jobs program which puts millions of our people back to work. We must end our disastrous trade policies. We need to raise the minimum wage to a living wage. And we have to fight for pay equity for women.

Campaign finance reform: As a result of the Citizens United Supreme Court decision, American democracy is being undermined by the ability of the Koch brothers and other billionaire families. These wealthy contributors can literally buy politicians and elections by spending hundreds of millions of dollars in support of the candidates of their choice. We need to overturn Citizens United and move toward public funding of elections so that all candidates can run for office without being beholden to the wealthy and powerful.

Climate change: Climate change is real, caused by human activity and already devastating our nation and planet. The United States must lead the world in combating climate change and transforming our energy system away from fossil fuels and toward energy efficiency and sustainability.

College affordability: Every person in this country who has the desire and ability should be able to get all the education they need regardless of the income of their family. This is not a radical idea. In Germany, Scandinavia and many other countries, higher education is either free or very inexpensive. We must do the same.

Health care: Shamefully, the United States remains the only major country on earth that does not guarantee health care to all people. The United States must move toward a Medicare-for-all single-payer system. Health care is a right, not a privilege.

Poverty: The United States has more people living in poverty than at almost any time in the modern history of our country. I believe that in a democratic, civilized society none of our people should be hungry or living in desperation. We need to expand Social Security, not cut it. We need to increase funding for nutrition programs, not cut them.

Tax reform: We need real tax reform which makes the rich and profitable corporations begin to pay their fair share of taxes. We need a tax system which is fair and progressive. Children should not go hungry in this country while profitable corporations and the wealthy avoid their tax responsibilities by stashing their money in the Cayman Islands.

[JEB]

51. THANK YOU! Bookmarking. eom

[polichick]

43. The dirty fucking hippies were right the first time too...

That's exactly why they were maligned.

[cyberswede]

45. Straight up.

[tiredtoo]

46. Well i don't know about anyone else here but

I did not click on the link. do not want to show any support. I am going to buy a Bernie shirt but with my limited funds i am hesitant. Want my money to support Bernie, not some shirt company. Whacha ya all think?

[arcane1]

83. You can donate to his campaign directly.

Any amount counts!

[tiredtoo]

96. I have done so

and will continue to do so. Just would like a Bernie shirt, not sure how much of that money goes to Bernie.

[IDemo]

47. If you can't find a UFO sighting by a candidate, go for the hippies

re: Tim Russert asks Kucinich about UFO's at debate.

[Ikonoklast]

48. Politico: Created, funded, and run by Republicans.

Politico: Pure Crap.

[Mbrow]

50. Gee that's funny

I'm blue collar, union member, Navy vet, gun owning, working guy and my wife and I love Bernie. We have set up a monthly donation thru Act Blue with a tip for them and I hope like hell that even if he doesn't win he will push the issues that need pushing to the point that most Americans will see them in spite of the MSM.

[Madmiddle]

52. We Vermonters are way more realistic and understanding

than the rest of the non-Hippy nation. Sorry we're care about other people and understand when we're getting fucked over. Fuck Hillary Clinton and her gawdamn lies and deceptions. She's a wolf in sheeps-clothing and as Bernie Sanders makes sense she chimes in as if she's the same. She not. As far as calling Vermonters hippies, Fuck you>>>

[Jack Rabbit]

57. That looks like the park on the Fourth of July in my town

But then, I guess we aren't typical Americans in California.

[BeanMusical]

58. Kick and R.

[JDPriestly]

60. Can't open the link and see the article.

[RichVRichV]

63. First they ignore you.

Then they laugh at you.
Then they fight you.
Then you win.


We're starting to move out of stage one and into stage two.

[MisterP]

67. reminds me of a Matt Groening story: he was in Morocco and the customs agent refused to let him

leave the country, "Heepee, get haircut"; after exploring his options and agonizing he gets a buzz cut; the agent yells, again "Heepee, get haircut"

it's the same with "get a job!" being shouted even at people leaving work: it's just to reinforce the us vs. them (ditto them all being on Federal assistance while denying it--it just doesn't HAPPEN to good people like them)

[AtomicKitten]

68. "hundreds" ??? No dipshit, thousands.

k&r

[Agschmid]

69. Yes the author said thousands...

Did you read the article or just joining in with the outrage brigade?

[AtomicKitten]

70. It's in the excerpt. Large as life.

No, I didn't read the article nor the thread (I'm busy). Nor did I make up what was written in the excerpt. You want to defend the author of that crap? Knock yourself out.

I'm in no mood for your snottiness. Do us both a favor and take it elsewhere.

[Agschmid]

71. Do me a favor and read the article not just to excerpt.

Cherry picking what you want to hear sucks.

[AtomicKitten]

73. Bite me. (Edited.)

Last edited Wed May 27, 2015, 05:51 PM - Edit history (1)

On edit: I read Pierce's piece and Topaz's piece.

Kpete's OP good as usual.
Pierce is bang on correct.
Topaz is hippy punching plain as day.
My comments unchanged.
Your comments like a pack of teacup chihuahuas nipping at ankles.

[Agschmid]

74. Classy.

Refuse to read an article but then decry the contents... makes a whole lot of sense.

[TheNutcracker]

72. Now look at thread for Tampa Bay Times!! Not putting his story online AT ALL!

I contacted Media Matters:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10026736028

[WHEN CRABS ROAR]

86. The average everyday American in our little town of 1200 persons in Oregon

wears tie dye, you see it everywhere.

[nxylas]

87. He didn't mention drum circles

My bingo card thus remains incomplete.

[Vattel]

89. Damn, they look so normal I am afraid they would be boring.

[KamaAina]

91. Has the Politico writer ever even heard of Burlington?

In Burlington, those are "everyday Americans"!

[hifiguy]

92. Charlie brooks no bullshit.

None whatsoever.

[BrotherIvan]

93. Nice that he's on the right side too

[AndyTiedye]

95. my reply

So the hippies support Bernie Sanders. Topaz talks about this as if it were a bad thing.

The hippies were right all along, and still are.

[Gregorian]

99. This is what we've come to. And they really are going to try everything.

We're going to see the 90% tax answer that he nodded affirmative to, coming back. He didn't say it, but they'll try to hang him with it.

Every time one of these smears shows up, I think Bernie just stays on message, and wins.

[whereisjustice]

101. wow. read that article. what a fucker. young jonathan is quite the hippie puncher isn't he?

[WinkyDink]

102. The word you want is "hippie." "Hippy" means to have big hips.