Bernie Sanders is leading the Democrats into battle against Donald Trump on Jan. 15

[portlander23]

Last edited Wed Jan 4, 2017, 09:20 AM - Edit history (2)

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Bernie Sanders is leading the Democrats into battle against Donald Trump on Jan. 15
Quartz
Tim Fernholz

Sanders, whose run for the Democratic presidential nomination this year emboldened the left wing of the Democratic party, has seen his cachet rise in a party looking for leadership following Hillary Clinton’s defeat in November. Amidst the recriminations and a messy race to head up the party’s national committee, it hasn’t been clear who would be the face of Democratic opposition to Trump. Now, we have an answer.

While Sanders’ harsh critique of the millionaire and billionaire class turned off professional Democrats who benefit from the global economy during his primary run, the election results have convinced party leaders that they need to better articulate how their economic policies will lead to broadly shared prosperity. Schumer, hailing from New York, is known as a voice for Wall Street in his party, but is also a pragmatist who once wrote a campaign book about how he sought to appeal to middle-class families on Long Island.

Both Schumer and Pelosi, prodigious fundraisers themselves, will have noted Sanders’ ability to raise money in large quantities from grassroots donors for progressive causes. A spokesperson told Quartz that left-over dollars from Sanders’s presidential campaign will go toward organizing the Jan. 15 rallies.

The content of the events will be opposition to Republican budget proposals, which in past years have contained large cuts to the public health insurance programs Medicare and Medicaid, as well as to Social Security, the US public pension system. Such budgets have been a hallmark of Republican speaker of the house Paul Ryan, and at least some of the cuts—particularly to Medicaid, which is for the poorest Americans—have been endorsed by Trump.

Link to Bernie Sanders' press release

Link to Joint Letter to Congressional Democrats

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[lastone]

1. Many here hate Sanders because they think he was

The reason Hillary lost so my prediction is this thread will be trashed and that is shameful as he continues to bring people into the party by simply stating the truth.

Thanks for the info Portlander.

[portlander23]

2. Yes. there is a lot of irrational Bernie-hate

But if anyone is really going to complain about Bernie 2016 funds being spent on rallies to fight Trump and the GOP budget, that means they prefer Trumpism to progressivism.

[George II]

104. So, sir, how much "Bernie 2016 funds" have actually been spent on rallies to fight Trump?

[sheshe2]

114. Very good question George.

I await the answer.

[George II]

161. I think there may have been more "Bernie 2016 funds" spend on Bernie than Democrats....

....and I'm not talking exclusively about his primary campaign.

[dionysus]

174. You think he's laundering campaign money to enrich himself?

[fleabiscuit]

115. I'd hazard a guess that more was spent on cherry-picked D vs D primaries. Could be wrong.

[Madam Mossfern]

142. Well any Democratic primary

would be D vs. D..........no?

[fleabiscuit]

150. D vs. D, or D vs. d, or d vs. D? I recall some distinctions being made.

[George II]

181. Not always, as we saw this past spring.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

18. No hate here... LOVE me some Bernie!!!

Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!

[smirkymonkey]

35. Me too! I love Bernie!

He is truly for the people of America.

[stonecutter357]

180. Bernie & Elizabeth 2020? hell no.

[ananda]

28. Sanders had nothing to do with Clinton's loss.

The only blame lies on Donald Trump and the Reeps,
who criminally and traitorously stole the election!

[napi21]

103. AND worst of all, all the voters thaty the Pubs removed from the voting rolls, mostly

voters of color! I don't think anyone has the number of voters who were affected but I'm sure it's in the many thousands!

[fleabiscuit]

117. I think voter suppression was the main cause of the loss(es).

[zonkers]

30. DU has jumped the shark. Rife with operatives who have peculiar objectives. I will never understand

the Bernie Bashing. He is my man. Tirelessly on message.
on edit --- I vote Hillary. And I love her. And I am so sad about her losing.

[Kolesar]

88. I will never understand the Obama bashing. .... eom

[George II]

160. Nor the Clinton bashing (both of them, Bill AND Hillary) which was relentless during the primaries.

[Alekzander]

43. Well, that may be. I too supported Bernie but when that was over, I supported Clinton unlike some

who I felt was wrong to not vote. The results of doing that has been seen before.

Bernie certainly was not the cause for Hillary's loss. There are several factors I believe like the third party candidates, Comey, Russians but I personally feel the American Media was the biggest culprit. All you had to do was look at how much they daily talked about emails & anything else regarding the Clinton's along with their foundation which has done geat stuff all over the world. Take a look at how the media avoided criticism of Trump's State Attorney possible bribery to get them to drop investigations on his Trump University. They avoided discussing his misuse of his own charity, did not cover the Trump University issues much if any.

The media holds the biggest responsibility for a Clinton loss possibly or at least a big part of it.

As for Bernie, he can be proud of the primary race he ran & he has handled himself with class & he is a true fighter for the common man.

[Tarheel_Dem]

3. I hope "Democrats" have better sense than to follow. n/t

[LAS14]

7. Could you explain? I don't get your point.

[baldguy]

138. Sanders is not a Democrat.

If he really wants to be a leader he should JOIN THE FUCKING PARTY!

[Break time]

9. right

no sense in that the program they have had in place the last year or so has been so successful Had to add that so it would not be to hard for you to figure out....

[Calculating]

10. What?

Shall they just bow down before Trump or something?

[dionysus]

175. I guess he's not worthy enough to fight trump...

[CousinIT]

13. I hope they DO follow and emulate and join his fight.

Lots of people here seem to hate Sanders because he ran against Hillary and/or because he won't register as a Democrat. I don't care about either of those things. If he fights for what's right and what I believe are American and Democratic values as he consistently has done, then I support him and I think anyone else who calls themselves Democrats should join and emulate him. ALL of them. They had better not, if they hope to remain relevant, fail to follow his lead. This kind of fight is what's needed and right NOW.

[Tarheel_Dem]

17. Millions more of us rejected "The Bern". People like to forget that. I will never forget it.

I think Sanders & some of his more strident surrogates did irreparable damage to the party, and now to the nation. People like Susan Sarandon, Jeff Weaver & Nina Turner have much to answer for, and should be shunned, not embraced by the Democratic party. They all got paid, while the rest of us got played. Screw them, and the lying ass horse they rode in on.

As for calling myself a Democrat? I always have & I will continue to do so, unless the actual leaders of this party give over to Sanders and his ilk. They tried to burn the party down, and many of them did it with glee, and I certainly hope they're not being invited to address the problems they caused.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

24. "His ilk"? You mean the future of our democracy? Yeah, let's just throw all Bernie supporters under the bus, even tho we willingly supported Hillary in the general.

Great idea... NOT!!

[Tarheel_Dem]

34. His "ilk" Sarandon, Weaver & Turner. They are not "the future of democracy". Get over yourself.

They are among the most venomous assholes on the planet.

[tecelote]

42. We need to work on inclusion.

Division only helps the Republicans.

[Tarheel_Dem]

50. Fuck Susan Sarandon! Fuck Jeff Weaver! Fuck Tad Devine! Fuck Nina Turner! Include me OUT!

The above referenced assholes did more the "help the Republicans" than anything said on this board by me.

[Tarheel_Dem]

62. More personal attacks from Bernie's "followers"? I'm shocked! Shocked, I say!

NOT.

[panader0]

64. Don't worry hon, I voted for Hillary.

[Tarheel_Dem]

65. I ain't nobody's "hon", and never have been. Sounds like something Susan Sarandon might say.

[Tarheel_Dem]

74. The great thing about being free, black, and over 21 is that I get to hate whoever the fuck I want.

[sheshe2]

84. Hey sweetie!

I read that one...twas a not nice.

[Tarheel_Dem]

86. Where is this crap coming from? People keep telling me I should be glad Sanders is bringing people..

into the party, but the quality of the people matters a great deal to me. Racists & misogynists need not apply.

[sheshe2]

87. I am so with you on both accounts.

[brer cat]

100. plus a million!

[fleabiscuit]

116. +1

[bravenak]

97. AMEN!!!!

[JustAnotherGen]

148. Yes you do!

And Brava for you for saying it!

[Hekate]

80. The oldest and most reliable misogynist slur ever. Translation...

"All she needs is a good fk." And I read it here.

[sheshe2]

85. Yup...........................

Here on good old DU. I will stand for 'none' of that.

[Cha]

92. Wow.. all you have are insulting personal attacks. That's really sad.

[Me.]

105. And Lots Of The Same Subject

In different articles over and over and over and over............

[fleabiscuit]

126. You know what I always ask for.

Cha!

[Cha]

127. Flea! It's good to see

your friendly face!

I remember seeing this Vid.. how true! Thanking you!

[Cha]

109. Precisely!

[pangaia]

128. Well. I guess you told them..

[BainsBane]

107. Which is precisely why

Bernie is not a good choice to unite Democrats in opposition to Trump.

[portlander23]

27. The Democrats have already invited him into the party leadership

It's official. Are you out? Is it so terrible that Bernie is opposing Trump, and with the blessing of Pelosi and Schumer? Is there something he's saying that you think is wrong? Is he a terrible person for spending campaign money on fighting Trump?

[Tarheel_Dem]

36. I hate him with the heat of a thousand suns, and will never forgive him for how he used & abused....

the party that I've loved all my life. Pelosi & Schumer can lead this party, especially since they're actual members of it.

[portlander23]

39. Do you hate him so much

That you'd prefer no one rallying opposition to Trump rather than Sanders?

[JustAnotherGen]

149. You should be doing this

Stop looking for a hero - and save yourself.

You don't need some man in Washington DC to stand up for you. Start in your local government - run for an office where you can inflict pain on the right.

[Eleanors38]

66. "Heat of a thousand suns." Sounds like a re-make of "The Wrath of Khan."

[aikoaiko]

71. Well, Schumer invited Bernie into Democratic Leadership -- what ever will you do now?

http://www.latimes.com/nation/politics/trailguide/la-na-trailguide-updates-hold-democrats-elect-sen-charles-1479309559-htmlstory.html

Schumer will take over for the retiring Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada, who tapped his former lieutenant for the top spot. Sen. Richard Durbin of Illinois and Sen. Patty Murray of Washington kept top spots.

But Schumer also broadened the Democratic leadership tent with the intent of improving the party's standing with both its progressive wing and its working-class base, two groups whose frustration with the party and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton helped lead to President-elect Donald Trump's victory.

Joining the leadership team are Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who challenged Clinton for the presidential nomination, conservative Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin.

Populist Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts also kept a top spot.

[Tarheel_Dem]

75. The top two jobs are the leadership. Pelosi & Schumer. Everything else is window dressing.

[sheshe2]

132. Hey.

Warren. My Senator did not keep a top spot she was never about to lose it. The Senior Senator of MA has and will always been a winner in the Senate. She won it on day one! She never waited 30 years to get one.

She is my hot shit Senator. She has been on fire since day one.

Go Warren.....

Hey Elizabeth, thanks for the hug and pic. I luv ya!

[aikoaiko]

133. Warren is impressive. I'm glad she will be working with Bernie more in leadership roles.

Stronger together and all that.

[sheshe2]

135. and all that...

Warren is a strong woman. She has been on fire since day one. She never missed a beat. Great to see that Bernie caught the fire. She will show him the way.

Girls Rock!

[lapucelle]

153. Schumer split one committee into two, kept a Democrat in the more powerful senior

chairmanship and assigned Sanders a vague role that seems to involve all the heavy lifting with none of the concomitant influence on prioritizing the agenda.

Smart move.

[aikoaiko]

157. A foot in the door is all Bernie needs. Look what happened when they assented to his primary bid.

"What trouble could a Democratic socialist from sleepy Vermont do?"

[R B Garr]

159. He lost, so that's not a good analogy. In fact, Donald Trump called him a loser.

Donald called him a loser because he lost the primary, so he said he was No. 2, and Donald doesn't deal with losers. That's what the head of the GOP by way of this election said about Bernie.

edit for reviewers....: This was done when Bernie challenged Donald to a debate during the primaries. It was a real event and factual news cycle and this is what Donald called him. Thank you.

[aikoaiko]

163. LOL. You have a forest from the trees problem RBGarr.

Please proceed.

[R B Garr]

164. Your self-congratulatory post about Bernie is a contradiction

since he lost the primary. You asked what he could do, and the answer was that he lost. It wasn't my answer, though. It was Donald Trump's answer.

I do love how the only answer to anything questioning Bernie is made personal. A recognizable tactic.

[aikoaiko]

165. Is it personal? Only you can say.

I'm am criticizing your post that winning the primary is the only criterion for success.

[lapucelle]

166. I hate the crawling cockroach thing.

I expect he'll have at least one Democratic opponent in 2018. He should start looking for the tax returns now.

I'm sure you don't mind if I ignore you. The cockroach gives me the creeps.

[aikoaiko]

167. Not a problem.

[Cartoonist]

81. Pelosi and Schumer

That's impeachment off the table and no Benghazi like investigations.
That's why the repubs are in charge. They fight to win.

[fleabiscuit]

121. What ever are you even talking about?

[Cartoonist]

141. Quoting

You haven't heard them say that?

[lapucelle]

152. Schumer carved out new junior leadership positions for Sanders and Tammy Baldwin.

Suddenly we start getting press releases about a non-Democrat leading the Democrats into battle.
Who exactly is jumping the shark?

[RazBerryBeret]

41. yes, certainly...

do not "give over to Sanders and his ilk"... that would be ridiculous. Don't need his experience
or his drive
or his ability to work with people different than himself to get things done
or to be focused on a singular message that resonates with the majority of Americans.

pfffffttttt... who needs THAT?

We are doing so great as we are, shouldn't change a thing.
Hopefully Hillary will run again in '20.

[Raster]

44. Looking forward to that campaign...

...Hillary in 2020.

[Tarheel_Dem]

45. This is not about Hillary. I hope she enjoys her life as a private citizen. This is about the....

destruction of Democratic party institutions that was allowed, at the behest of Jeff Weaver, to be trashed is unforgiveable. Screw them.

[LiberalLovinLug]

79. Destruction of the party?

More like restoration of the party. Gods speed to him as well trying to drag the vindictive stale party members including you back to a real and powerful positive alternative. If it takes an "outsider" to do that then so be it.

You know, just like the Bernie or Busters had to leave and create their own board, maybe the Hillary or Busters should go do the same so those that are left don't have to put up with all the negativity

[Tarheel_Dem]

172. The Hillary faction is the core of this party & we ain't going no damn where. We're not the ones...

who go flying off to third party alternatives. We're not the ones who flirt with the possibility that the election of Donald Trump "might not be so bad". We are the party's backbone, and I guarantee if there's an exodus, it won't be us. Deal with that!

[LiberalLovinLug]

182. " the party's backbone"? Is that the same as a spine?

We're not the ones that have to make shit up about other Democrats like they "flirt with the possibility that the election of Donald Trump "might not be so bad" to make us sound superior.

And no one is calling for an "exodus". Geez. I've never seen such a bitter little group of sniveling butt-hurt whiners. Personally, excepting the fact that Donald fucking Trump is going to be President for at least four years with a majority of Rs behind him is what is frightening. That is the enemy, not fellow Democrats, liberals, progressives, or anyone else, whether they are officially Democrats or not, that can help find ways to connect the Democratic party to more voters.

Not accepting help from the Democratic party primary runner up because you are still steaming because you were wrong, we all were wrong, that Hillary was going to glide right in. And were already living in that future, and watching it yanked out from under you hurts. I understand that it would hurt more if you were behind her from the start. But there's a time to stop acting like children who can't have their chocolate cake and eat your broccoli or whatever it is that will help connect the party more with the 99%.

[BainsBane]

108. "Ability to work with people different from himself

To get things done." You'll have to educate me on that one. When has he done that and what got done?

[CousinIT]

67. You know what? If their NOT following his example & joining him COSTS AMERICA

it's SOCIAL SAFETY NET (which is inadequate to begin with), then they SHOULD follow and JOIN him. NOT doing so will COST. LIVES.

I'm not particularly interested in anyone's petty, snarling pissed-offedness at Bernie Sanders for "doing damage" to the party (allegedly - IMO they forced the party to focus on traditional Democratic platform and objectives and rightly so). I AM interested in SAVING Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and other social benefits the poorest of our citizens BADLY need and that will remain my #1 priority as I'm certain it is for most Americans - even those who voted for SHitler.

Eye on the ball. FOCUS. Leave the snarling about Bernie and the re-righting the damn primary behind and FOCUS.

[Tarheel_Dem]

70. I repeat. "Democrats" don't need Sanders to lead them anywhere. They have chosen Pelosi &....

Schumer (actual Democrats) to lead them. I'm gonna guess that plenty of stalwart "Democrats" will join forces with anyone to protect the social safety net, but they don't have to "be lead" anywhere.

[CousinIT]

72. Oh so it's about "he's not a "REAL" Democrat"

Oh jeeze.

[NanceGreggs]

91. Well, he's not.

By his own choice and his own words, he is NOT a Democrat. Are we supposed to just pretend he is?

[CousinIT]

146. No. But I would suggest that in the fury to denounce his non 'D' status, we all need to be careful

that we're not hurting ourselves - IMO that's all this spittle-flecked anger against him is doing. Dems should emulate and join him, not hate on the guy because no "D". It's petty and self-destructive.

[dionysus]

176. Who the fuck cares what he is? This isn't a fucking sporting event. Jesus, you guys are

acting like petty little kids for christ's sake.

You're mad because, angry over hillary's thrashing at the hands of trump, and unable to place a particle of blame on her or her campaign, you need to focus your anger on someone, and have chosen bernie and his supporters as that entiry to blame.

Bernie has brought a lot of young people into politics, people would be democrats, unless you manage to drive them away by endlessly shitting on them.

Now is the time to be an adult about things. Instead, people seem to hate bernie more than the real enemy, trump.

We need everyone we can get to defeat these gop clowns.

Sad. Just sad.

[bravenak]

113. It is with me. I will never vote for a non democrat again ever. I won't even listen to them.

With how his movement is STILL sending me hate mail in the baldest terms and the most racist of attacks, I can safely say that I want to never see him ever again. I have never been harassed this much over anybody but TRUMP.

[RiverStone]

119. Have you noticed how many state & federal House seats...

The Dems have lost over the last 4 election cycles? Why Pelosi and Schumer got the nod was about maintaining the status quo, not winning.

We need new, bold, and kick-ass no capitulation leadership!

The old guard inspires no one! I'm thrilled Bernie will remain part of the resistance.

[fleabiscuit]

123. You are looking at a fight between two parties, but there is actually a real third one.

And that third party spent a billion dollars this last election cycle, and have spent much more for many years right down to the local small town mayor races that helps get them what they want. KOCH

[JustAnotherGen]

137. No worries Tarheel

He'll be forced to take a back seat to Obama. Seriously. Obama ends his term, takes a little vacay - comes back refreshed and ready to LEAD.

He is fit to lead, has been the leader twice, and is much more 'relatable' to the majority of Americans.

[Tarheel_Dem]

169. From your lips......

[JustAnotherGen]

173. I believe it

He's not now nor has ever been a janitor. They might think they are going to hand him a broom and dust pan - but they are sorely misguided if they think that's the case.

[JustAnotherGen]

183. Obama is THE leader - check this out

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10028430625#

[Tarheel_Dem]

184. Great news!

[Warren DeMontague]

179. It's called a primary.

You're saying you wouldnt be nursing this ridiculous grudge if only Sanders had just always had a (D) next to his name?

Right.

What "actual leaders"? Pols like Debbie Wasserman Schultz who worked with Sheldon Adelson (a Republican) to kill a medical marijuana initiative in 2014 that ended up passing Florida last year with over 70% of the vote?

Gee, we could have used some of that 70%, in FL, I think.


The future of our party is people like Gavin Newsom, if we're lucky. We've let the out of touch Eastern Seaboard bubble people run things for too long. Time to look elsewhere.

[LAS14]

145. I couldn't agree more.

[alarimer]

171. Policies, not labels.

That's what I'm about. Why I cannot support a DINO like Manchin or Lieberman (before he was an I) but can support Sanders, especially in this effort, when it should be all like-minded hands on deck. I welcome anyone who will fight, whatever their label. I have a feeling Manchin will bolt at the first opportunity (if the Republicans offer him some cushy committee assignment, for instance). And there may be others.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

19. Yeah, let's give the Fuhrer-Elect a pass... NOT!! Bernie will lead the way in opposing that racist Nazi pig!!

Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!

[sheshe2]

99. Why do promote B&E

for 2020 with images of them 30 years ago?



They will be 80 and 75 when they run. I want younger candidates.

PS EW does not and never has want to run, she is my Senator and is making a huge difference as our senior Senator from Ma..

[Maru Kitteh]

134. Have you been writing Tweets for a certain old guy? Orange, in the news a lot,

is fond of saying something and then *cleverly* following it with . . . .NOT!

I only ask because your postings seem to favor his style.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

139. lol, I've been accused of bein a lot of things - mostly by my ex-wives! - but neva that I'm the Orange Fuhrer... must be showin signs of age, yes, as "... NOT" is an old phrase...

but then, again, I'm a youngin at heart... NOT!!

Geezo flip, you could call me a lot of things... call me an asshole, a prick, a shithead... but associate me with Cheetoh Face!! How low can you go?!... hahaha!!

[phleshdef]

37. They are likely foolish enough to agree with you.

[Tarheel_Dem]

38. Democrats don't need Sanders to lead the fight against Trump. Get over it. n/t

[phleshdef]

40. We need Sanders a lot more than we need you.

[Tarheel_Dem]

46. Wow, you went personal there, but I won't stoop to your level. I'm a Democrat, Sanders isn't.

[Tarheel_Dem]

51. Sanders is a "public figure". Not surprised you don't know the difference. n/t

[phleshdef]

55. That means nothing to me

That doesn't make him a different species

[Tarheel_Dem]

56. And he ain't a God either, but that doesn't stop some of you from trying to deify him.

[phleshdef]

60. I've never deified Sanders. Apparently you just can't deal with someone defending him.

For the record, I've spent more time defending Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama than I have just about anyone and if you were being as ridiculous towards them as you are him, I'd be saying the same thing.

[charlyvi]

47. That was a terrible thing to say

to a fellow DUer. Getting personal is no way to conduct a political disagreement.

[phleshdef]

49. If they can talk nasty shit about Sanders, they should be prepared to have nasty shit thrown back.

[sheshe2]

106. Hey phl?

Want to talk about nasty shit? A DEMOCRAT was vilified here on DU, a Democrat. In fact it was our twice elected President that I adore. In fact when I got here I had to go to a group in order to even talk about him. Vilified. Our President VILFIED on DU. DEMOCRATIC UNDERGROUD!

Oh I am sure you defended our DEMOCRATIC President when he was called a POSUCS here. You remember that correct? He was called a piece of shit used car salesman. Oh babe, that was rocked to the top of the page with almost 500 K and Rs. Poster started an apology later then doubled down on his hate, again K&R to the top of the page. So do not tell me how an Independent is treated here when so many vilified our sitting President and called the man a POSUCS. He was called that and no one was made to answer for it. It was allowed.

[dionysus]

177. Thats because will "never met a bottle of bourbon he didn't like" pitt had a sizeable

fan club here. I didn't like it, but i guess he finally teetered off somewhere else to stroke his ego...

[Cha]

89. No we don't. Tarheel is my friend.

[Gothmog]

93. Agreed

[bravenak]

101. Bullshit. He's like EIGHTY. People like me and Tarheel Dem will be around for much LONGER

If you need him more than you need millions of black voters, cool. Win without us. Let's see you do it. Because black voters, we just aint into him. And we are a big fucking part of this party and you cannot win without us. He rubs us the wrong way. Fuck that.

[sheshe2]

112. THIS

[Grey Lemercier]

140. We do not need Bernie at all. He has been a disaster with his

interloping in our party.

He fractured us badly.

[OnionPatch]

57. Yeah just throw away all those young energized voters.

Who needs em.

[Cha]

90. That's right, Tarheel...

So true...

[Tarheel_Dem]

94. I think the poster is confused about what qualifies as a "personal attack". Public figures like...

Bernard Sanders are fair game here. Lord knows we learned that lesson from the Obama trashers these past 8 years. If we have new rules, then I must have missed them. When Saint Bernard is given special status here at DU, please pm me.

[bravenak]

96. I know I do for sure

[Tarheel_Dem]

98. Millions of us didn't follow him down the Primary Road, so that gives me hope. The revolutionaries..

are loud, but they weren't loud enough to make us vote for Bernie Sanders. I hope Democrats in Congress remember that.

[bravenak]

102. Even my black friends who fucked around and got the berns are now sorry about it

It was only three people but they thought they had it going on with free shit. College kids in my classes. Now? They wish they had never heard of him. It's obvious where Trump got his ammo from.

[Tarheel_Dem]

130. The whole "the system is rigged" started with BS, but since Trump is much better at stagecraft, it..

worked for him to great effect. The disaffected BOB'er was of great benefit to DT, and he got his most effective talking points from the "aggrieved" Sanders campaign.

[bravenak]

131. Yep. DT got all his best lines from Sanders.

[lapucelle]

4. Actually it's Schumer, Pelosi, and Sanders.

It was smart on Schumer and Pelosi's part to include Sanders.

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/dc/democratic-leaders-organize-a-day-of-oppostion-to-obamacare-repeal

[elleng]

12. Yes, smart.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

20. Extremely smart... so what do they know that some here are missing?! hmmm?

[Tatiana]

122. Yes, very smart on Schumer's part. n/t

[lapucelle]

155. Isn't there a saying about keeping your friends close?

I forget the exact quote.

[seaglass]

143. It appears Bernie has some left over money - I wonder how much. Would have been nice if

he had been transparent and reported it instead of running out the clock to hide his finances. Personally I would rather see the left overs spent on financing candidates vs rallies but maybe he has enough to do both.

[lapucelle]

151. Is he allowed to use it for his senate run, or will he be using DSCC funding again?

http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/bernie-sanders-regular-luxurious-dscc-fundraising-retreats

[Bayard]

5. Bernie is still Da Man!

He may still be our Trump Card, so to speak. When Trumpets start seeing their Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid going down the toilet, Bernie may be their hero after all.

[CousinIT]

14. Trumpanzees are too damn stupid for their own good - and ours.

If Democrats are at all wise, they will join Bernie in a United Front to fight Trump's destruction of our social safety net. I for one am counting on them to do just that.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

21. Yesss! You would think this a fight we could ALL join in to unite our party. Bernie always leads by example!

[LAS14]

6. This is terrific news! The possibilities of a united front among..

... Democrats is really exciting from my point of view. Add Obama's statements at his press conference to this Sanders, Shumer, Pelosi combination. I hope they can think of something to do in Mass. I'll show up!

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

25. It sure is... deal me in!!

[BuddyCa]

8. Democrats are lucky they have him

[elleng]

11. Yes

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

22. VERY lucky!! We should thank our lucky stars Bernie is on our team.

[Justice]

15. This is what Bernie should be doing - focusing on planned Medicare and Medicaid cuts.

[LiberalLovinLug]

16. K & R

The turd way, triangulation strategy was only a temporary way to win. Sooner or later priorities change to the 1% over your traditional supporters, and two things happen. The Rethugs feel forced to move even further right, enabling someone like Trump to assend, and it alienates those traditional supporters.

I know this site has the word Democratic in it, but its the policies and principles that are more important than a letter. Too many traditional Republicans only see the letter, but Democrats don't have to fall for that, especially when a chance like this comes along.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

23. Yup, it caught up to us in the end... just like you knew it would, and others were warning about, including Bernie!

Make way... there's a new sheriff in town!!

Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!

[50 Shades Of Blue]

26. K & R

[JoeOtterbein]

29. Go Bernie!

[libdem4life]

31. Is it just my advanced years, or do I remember Bernie consistently out-polling the Orangutan

by double digits, while the other candidate managed to poll right about where it ended up +/- a point either way. (The Electoral College was not discussed much)

Heck, I may start reading and commenting here again before long. Not much left to fight for, but maybe???? Go, Bernie, Go!!!

And keep their bloody, slimy hands off my Social Security and Medicare and all of us who worked our asses off for it. We didn't spend it into the ground...unbridled and unprincipled politicians did that.

(Note: My son needed me to calm him down when he heard my benefits might be at risk...bless his progressive big heart.)

[murielm99]

32. He is not leading me anywhere.

And what is that bernie-worshipping website? I have never seen it.

Bernie has gone back to being an independent. He is not Democrat. I will look to the Democratic Party for leadership, thank you.

[Tarheel_Dem]

63. My sentiments exactly.

[zentrum]

33. Go Bernie!

FDR is back.

[Paladin]

52. Join the Democratic Party, Bernie. Then maybe I'll follow you. (nt)

[TheCowsCameHome]

53. Bernie stays and fights, even after a loss.

[safeinOhio]

54. I'm old, life time Dem.

Not because of the name, but because I'm for the little guy, not the crooked rich. I voted for Hillary because she better than trump. Before that I voted for Bernie because he didn't take $ from the bankers and Wall Street. All that $ is not free, it comes with strings. Bernies string were tied to me and folks like me that sent him some of my money.
Now Bernie is taking on trump when it should be her.

[fleabiscuit]

124. He rode in on a horse in shining armor on a road all purchased by Democrats. nt

[safeinOhio]

129. Purchased by Democrats like me at

$35 a pop.

[fleabiscuit]

136. That road was started long before you and I were around. nt

[Caliman73]

156. Explain please.

What do you mean on a road all purchased by Democrats?

Are you talking about the use of the the Democratic Party name? That was purchased by all Democrats including more progressive Democrats who have felt that since the 1990's the Party has moved away from supporting policies benefiting the middle class to those supporting the professional class. In that respect, Sanders was using policy and rhetoric used by one of the Democratic Party's best presidents, Franklin Roosevelt. Sanders emulated the populist rhetoric that Roosevelt, Kennedy, and Johnson used regarding the fight for economic justice. How is that not a Democratic value?

Are you talking about actual roads? Those are purchased by all people who pay taxes, including Republicans.

Explain please.

[Fantastic Anarchist]

58. He definitely is what we progressives need.

We need a strong and defiant message and action from the Left. Not some milquetoast triangulation from centrist corporate democrats.

[fleabiscuit]

125. That will work. As soon as the remaining 80 percent of registered voters get there too. nt

[ymetca]

59. I've never understood the visceral loathing for Bernie

by some Dems, nor the same for Hillary by other Dems. That's exactly what the Republicans want, is it not?

Neither one of them is perfect, nor even "ideal" for the job, whatever that means. But they sure as heck are a MILLION times better than that circus peanut with a bad comb-over on the other side. He's assembling a rogue's gallery of misfits and miscreants for rape and pillage as we speak. Before his crew is done, he'll be dispatching thought police and "pre-crime" thugs all over the place.

HRC better speak up now, and loudly. I know she got gut-punched, but her voice could still be the one that puts the biggest crack in Trump's pillar of woe he has planned for us.

[Eleanors38]

69. The Party re-made itself so as not to be attacked as "liberal/progressive." Some want to keep that.

[dionysus]

178. Well, some hillary supporters cannot admit any faults in her campaign, so

they need someone to blame. Bernie is that someone. Sonce the vast majority of his supporters voted for hillary, i don't get this visceral hatred.

[Generator]

73. All hands on deck!

Bernie didn't do it for me. He pissed me off. Annoyed me. But anyone and I mean anyone that truly from the heart opposes the monster before us-Trump is a friend of mine. Period. So YES! We need EVERYONE. NOW.

[LAS14]

83. The important part of the story is that the letter...

... announcing Bernie's initiative came from Shumer and Pelosi. United we stand. Divided we fall.

[BainsBane]

120. The letter doesn't refer to it as "Bernie's initiative"

It presents it as a Democratic initiative. If the point is unity, why do people here insist on making it about Bernie? The point in this thread and in many others is to promote Bernie, which undermines unity. As long as Bernie's supporters hold him above Democratic voters, unity is not possible.

[LAS14]

144. I'm a Hillary supporter. Was for years. But I want both sides of the...

... left to pool their resources. Having Shumer and Pelosi send out a letter about something Bernie will spearhead sounds like a great step in that direction.

[BainsBane]

168. I have no problem with the letter

I think it's a great idea. Casting it as about Bernie, however, as the OP does, is certain to undermine the effort at unity that the letter sought. The problem is that for too many, the only thing that matters is Bernie's career. When people make a point of presenting unifying actions in ways designed to deepen division, there should be no surprise that they succeed in doing precisely what they intend.

[Gothmog]

76. Has Sanders changed his FEC filing to run as a Democrat for Senate in 2018?

[Backwoodsrider]

77. any port in a storm

as the DNC boat is sinking nationwide

[fallrey]

78. My problem with Bernie

is that he undermined Hillary in a huge way and keeps that up to this day. In general, I am dismayed by Obama and Biden as well for doing the same post-election. The machismo has really gotten to me and I feel that the dem party hasn't figured out what it is doing. I get that Bernie inspires a lot of people but I don't like the way he did it, imo by disparaging Clinton using right (wrong) wing memes. And of course the dems will work with him, but he keeps promoting himself and doesn't really help anyone else much, again, imo. I have people I consider friends who believe some of those memes he hollered over and over and it really, really upsets me. Hillary is hugely popular. I don't know why she isn't out there in front right now, but she just took some heavy artillery and maybe she needs to think about it all. Maybe she wants time out. Maybe she isn't sure about having the backs of those who undermined her. Maybe she is seeing the lay of the landscape. This has been a huge setback for women and she has to be feeling that. I don't forgive Bernie for not producing his tax information and why is that ok with y'all? He did Trump's work for Trump before the Repub's had to, and why is that ok with y'all? Yeah, we need some leadership, that as Harry Reid says, isn't just older people. Bernie isn't that. I just can't be a Bernie fan and I donated significant money to him in the primaries because I thought he'd voice some important issues, but I lost interest when he consistently distorted Clinton's record and proved so insensitive to the importance of her candidacy.

[Me.]

158. Welcome To Du

[portlander23]

82. It is seriously depressing

That a small, but vocal, number of posters hate Sanders so much that it takes precedence over fighting Donald Trump. How does the saying go? Lead, follow, or get out of the way.

[Me.]

118. To Equate The Two Is Just Silly

And let's just see how much Sanders actually does, that poor guy in Florida is still waiting for Sanders to show up and campaign for him. So let's see if Sanders actually walks his talk.

[bravenak]

95. He aint leading me into a damn thing

I am a Democrat. I work with the Democratic party that I believe is not corrupt and is a benefit to all Americans. Some call us corrupt and then wonder why we are not praising them for trashing us for thirty years. I hope the books are selling so somebody can go home and sit down somewhere.

[LAS14]

110. Shumer and Pelosi signed the letter announcing this initiative.

[bravenak]

111. So what? They don't run me neither

[Gothmog]

154. Agreed

[Tarheel_Dem]

170. +1

[Arazi]

147. That's my guy! Go Bernie!

[realmirage]

162. Sanders is the only one I see with the right mindset

A lot of centrist Democrats have gotten too cozy with globalism and big corporations. This is why we're getting our ass kicked by blue collar voters. Sanders all the way, the spirit of the left rising up again