Sanders launches 2016 presidential campaign from Clinton's left

[NYC_SKP]

Source: Associated Press via ReadingEagle.com

[font size=6]Sanders launches 2016 presidential campaign from Clinton's left[/font size]



The Associated Press Tuesday May 26, 2015 11:00 AM

BURLINGTON, Vt. — Challenging Hillary Rodham Clinton from the left, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders formally launched his Democratic presidential campaign on Tuesday by vowing to start a "political revolution" to address core economic issues, massive student debt and the role of big money in politics.

Already in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination, Sanders was opening his campaign with a kickoff event — complete with free Ben & Jerry's ice cream — in Burlington, the place where he won his first election by beating a longtime incumbent Democrat by 10 votes to become mayor.

"I know what I believe," Sanders said in a fundraising email hours before his launch that pushed back against "the billionaire class" trying to buy the election. "That's why today marks the beginning of our political revolution."

Sanders, a self-described "democratic socialist," is trying to ignite a grassroots fire among left-leaning Democrats wary of Clinton — a group that pined for months for Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren to get in to race. Some still do.
- See more at: http://readingeagle.com/news/article/sanders-launches-2016-presidential-campaign-from-clintons-left#sthash.ck11IL0v.dpuf

Read more: http://readingeagle.com/news/article/sanders-launches-2016-presidential-campaign-from-clintons-left

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Here we go, baby!

Watch his video at 5:00pm Eastern:

https://berniesanders.com/news/bernies-announcement/

[polichick]

1. The "revolution" will take time and lots of people...

But it has surely begun!

[bobthedrummer]

2. K&R for Bernie n/t

[peacebird]

3. K&R for Bernie!

[brooklynite]

4. Why does this read like it was pre-written from a Press Release?

The announcement isn't until this evening.

[SoapBox]

23. It's no longer happening "this evening", it's in just 30 minutes.

How exciting.

[elleng]

5. Anyone object to leading with 'from Clinton's left?'

How about 'Sanders launches Presidential campaign,' and letting the facts speak for themselves???

[Maedhros]

7. It's the definining feature of his campaign, so I'd say it's accurate and reasonable. [n/t]

[elleng]

9. It may be accurate,

I'm not sure its the defining feature of his campaign. 'Reasonable,' imo, would be to let we the people decide. Glad to hear your thoughts, Maedhros.

[Maedhros]

10. Why is it unreasonable to state a fact in a headline? [n/t]

[elleng]

12. I think it's editorializing in a headline,

to which I object.

[LiberalLovinLug]

30. I agree too

They seem to pounce on any opportunity to use the word "left" at every opportunity. This after decades of demonizing the word into the American consciousness, along with "liberal" and "socialist". When in fact Sanders is probably closer to an FDR Democrat, what used to be described as a moderate Democrat. It is more accurate to say Hillary will be fighting Bernie "from the right".

How many times have you heard a Republican candidate running against another candidate "from the right"? Maybe because they are all so far right already but you never hear for instance, Ted Cruz will enter the race "from Jeb's right".

[Scootaloo]

51. It's not.

sanders is to the left of Clinton. That's just a plain political fact, sort of like how Clinton is to the left of say, Feinstein. and all three are to the left of Cruz.

Alignment on the political spectrum is a notable fact, not an editorial opinion

[cui bono]

52. Exactly.

And if a fact is taken as an insult, then whoever is insulted should take a look at why that is.

[erronis]

16. I agree. The less "leading" we do is the best. Leave that to the other candidates.

[elleng]

17. Yes, I agree,

the 'others,' repugs may do it, and msm surely will.

[NYC_SKP]

11. Actually, I didn't look for that headline deliberately. First I got a text message about the launch

Then I checked LBN for an earlier post, found nothing.

Then I did a Google search for fresh news related to it, and this is was the first thing (at the time) to grab with the freshest posting time and an AP sticker.

I would prefer it had not had that additional editorial element but LBN rules require verbatim headline use.

[elleng]

13. Capisco, SKP!

[grahamhgreen]

18. Though true, Bernie is square in the center of the country - a fact they don' want people to realize

[Mnpaul]

39. No, only liberals like his policies

From the article:

Sanders' disdain for big money in politics is also shared by liberals.

I would like to see how many Americans share that disdain.

[Jester Messiah]

19. Fair point, that's a wide open space.

That's like saying "from his campaign headquarters in the United States."

[blm]

6. Political Revolution….

"...vowing to start a "political revolution" to address core economic issues, massive student debt and the role of big money in politics."

The REAL Deal, unlike the RandPaulPollution.

[JEB]

8. Hip hip hurrah!

[LuvNewcastle]

14. A whole lot of people in this country

want to express themselves and speak out about where we're headed as a nation. I think this campaign could provide an avenue for people to work at and feel like they're doing something positive to change the horrible future we have waiting for us. If we can get the campaign off the ground, I think it will draw in all kinds of people.

[swilton]

15. 1,000 K&R

[Spitfire of ATJ]

20. The media can't mention Bernie without mentioning Clinton.

[NYC_SKP]

27. That's true of the media, and it's an insult to Bernie Sanders.

And he keeps it classy when they keep needling him for comments.

Last week he said, "I don't know, I don't work for her."

[arcane1]

35. Naturally. Conflict is their #1 product n/t

[Spitfire of ATJ]

38. Jon Stewart exposed that. It got "Crossfire" cancelled.

[WillyT]

21. K & R !!!

[Jack Rabbit]

22. K/R

[SoapBox]

24. 30 minutes and counting down!

The TV machine is on and ready.

[silenttigersong]

25. Bernie

[red dog 1]

26. K&R

Anyone know when he'll actually become a Democrat?

[kenfrequed]

29. He is running as a Democrat.

He caucuses with Democrats and is running for the Democratic endorsement. If you disagree with him on his policies I wish you would just say so.

[red dog 1]

36. "If you disagree with him on his policies I wish you would just say so"??

As a matter of fact, I AGREE with him "on his policies"......ALL of them...I fully support him!
and you're right, "he caucuses with Democrats"
However, how can an INDEPENDENT run for the DEMOCRATIC nomination?
That's all I asked.
There's no need fro you to get nasty.

[kenfrequed]

37. I apologize.

I have been seeing that line used way too often by detractors and people overly enthusiastic about supporters of another candidate. I apologize for getting defensive about it. It was wrong of me.

Personally, I have always liked Bernie's scrappy independence and how he could make the principled stand from the left. I always saw it as a positive.

[kenfrequed]

28. I disagree with the headline

I don't like it when the media frames this race as any particular candidates "Hillary's left" etc.

I am a strong Bernie Sanders supporter and putting it in these terms suggests he is a spoiler or projects the idea that she is moderate.

[NYC_SKP]

32. I do too, but LBN rules require posting the actual title as it appears in the article.

He's his own candidate, he's plenty!

[kenfrequed]

33. True!

I just disagree with the headline from the news story itself, I totally get that those are the rules.

The media in this country likes to make this a horse-race and a lot of the various outlets don't like getting too bogged down in horrible things like 'policy issues.' Personally I blame the owners and editors.

[CANDO]

31. I voted!

With my wallet! Gave a $5 contribution online, and more to come. So go Bernie! Anyone who can afford $5 bucks, go to his website and vote with your wallet!

[bigdarryl]

34. Bernie Sanders is behind in the polls against every republican running

[rhett o rick]

49. So what is your point? Seriously, what is your point? nm

[bigdarryl]

54. The point is if he gets out of the primary he doesn't matchup well with

The top tier republicans.

[rhett o rick]

57. The only way he will win the primary is that he will have millions of supporters that

will take him to the presidency. If the American people can resist the billions of dollars the billionaires will throw at the race to elect HRC, I think they can resist the lies of the Republicons. Right now it looks like HRC is the candidate of choice for the Plutocrats.

[JudyM]

40. Very happy he's in - and running as a dem - so we don't have another Naderesque "loss" n/t

[DCBob]

41. Reality check: "Several leading Vermont Democrats were notably absent"...

"including Sen. Patrick Leahy, Gov. Peter Shumlin and former Gov. Howard Dean, all of whom are supporting Clinton."

[workinclasszero]

43. Awesome

Hillary is well liked by most democrats

[NYC_SKP]

44. They do that until they don't. Like Donna Brazile in 2007-2008. nt

[DCBob]

45. I trust Howard Dean's judgement on this.

Surely he knows Bernie very well and if Howard backs Hillary then that's good enough for me.

[PufPuf23]

42. Thank you Barnie Sanders. Stay the course. Demand Party support.

We need a like-minded VP candidate, hopefully ASAP.

Why?

Bernie Sanders is likely too old for two terms.

A like-minded VP ASAP would could share the burden of this campaign.

A Bernie Sanders entering office in January 2017 would be more physically able for "good presidenting" sworn into office well-rested.

Common Bernie, I don't have that many election cycles left myself.

[Judi Lynn]

46. Bernie's the one. n/t

[sheshe2]

47. Well...

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders formally launched his Democratic presidential campaign on Tuesday by vowing to start a "political revolution" to address core economic issues, massive student debt and the role of big money in politics.

I know he is only starting out here, yet where is he on social justice? He speaks only of economic justice here. The two go hand in hand or we have nothing. One is not good without the other. I want a revolution that includes social justice. I do not believe in trickle down justice, nor should Bernie.

[NYC_SKP]

48. If you like Hillary Clinton on Social Issues, you'll Love Sanders!

Bernie Sanders on the issues:

Voted YES on reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act. (Feb 2013)
Voted NO on Constitutionally defining marriage as one-man-one-woman. (Jul 2006)
Voted NO on making the PATRIOT Act permanent. (Dec 2005)
Voted NO on Constitutional Amendment banning same-sex marriage. (Sep 2004)
Voted NO on protecting the Pledge of Allegiance. (Sep 2004)
Voted NO on constitutional amendment prohibiting flag desecration. (Jun 2003)
Voted NO on banning gay adoptions in DC. (Jul 1999)
Voted NO on ending preferential treatment by race in college admissions. (May 1998)

Rated 100% by NARAL, indicating a pro-choice voting record:
Rated 100% by the HRC, indicating a pro-gay-rights stance. (Dec 2006)
Rated 97% by the NAACP, indicating a pro-affirmative-action stance. (Dec 2006)
Rated 93% by the ACLU, indicating a pro-civil rights voting record. (Dec 2002)
Recognize Juneteenth as historical end of slavery. (Jun 2008)

ENDA: prohibit employment discrimination for gays. (Jun 2009)
Prohibit sexual-identity discrimination at schools. (Mar 2011)
Endorsed as "preferred" by The Feminist Majority indicating pro-women's rights. (Aug 2012)
Enforce against wage discrimination based on gender. (Jan 2013)
Enforce against anti-gay discrimination in public schools. (Jun 2013)
Re-introduce the Equal Rights Amendment. (Mar 2007)
Constitutional Amendment for equal rights by gender. (Mar 2001)

http://www.ontheissues.org/senate/bernie_sanders.htm#Civil_Rights

Senator Sanders compared to Secretary Clinton:

Sanders:

Rated 93% by the ACLU, indicating a pro-civil rights voting record. (Dec 2002)
Rated 100% by the HRC, indicating a pro-gay-rights stance. (Dec 2006)
Rated 97% by the NAACP, indicating a pro-affirmative-action stance. (Dec 2006)

Clinton:

Rated 60% by the ACLU, indicating a mixed civil rights voting record. (Dec 2002)
Rated 89% by the HRC, indicating a pro-gay-rights stance. (Dec 2006)
Rated 96% by the NAACP, indicating a pro-affirmative-action stance. (Dec 2006)

http://www.ontheissues.org/senate/bernie_sanders.htm
http://www.ontheissues.org/Hillary_Clinton.htm

[sheshe2]

50. Skp.

I like you a lot, you have been a friend here. Please do not keep throwing that link at me.

This is not just about two candidates. This is about social justice. A vote by a candidate is not good enough for me. I want to see passion for the rights of PoC not to be shot in the back. I want to see them rail over a woman being sent to jail for a miscarriage.

Conservative Mississippi Seeks To Toss Women In Prison For Miscarriages

Women who miscarry a pregnancy could face imprisonment if Mississippi has its way. The state Supreme Court is set to rule on whether or not the state can arrest women for delivering a stillborn or losing a pregnancy any time throughout the nine-month period of time a fetus is developing.

According to Mother Jones, the current case involves a woman named Nina Buckhalter, who was arrested in 2009 for giving birth to a stillborn baby. Devastated, Nina named the baby Hayley and was arrested two months later for manslaughter. The grand jury found that the 29-year-old woman “willfully, unlawfully, feloniously” killed “a human being by culpable negligence” because she had a trace amount of methamphetamines in her system.

If the state Supreme Court rules that Nina can be prosecuted for having a stillbirth, it opens the door for Mississippi to charge any woman who has a miscarriage for murder. Mississippi is the one conservative state at the epicenter of the war against abortion. Anti-abortion activists and politicians have made effort upon effort to define a fetus as a human being so they can charge women who have abortions with murder, therefore making abortion illegal.

snip

Last time I checked, inconclusive evidence does not land people in prison and we certainly should not jail women who lose pregnancies through no fault of their own. Miscarriages and stillbirths happen naturally all the time. We shouldn’t punish women for losing pregnancies. That’s the kind of thing that belongs in the Middle Ages, not 21st century America.

Read More http://www.addictinginfo.org/2013/05/23/conservative-controlled-mississippi-seeks-to-toss-women-in-prison-for-miscarriages/

[NYC_SKP]

56. We agree.

I'm sorry that yesterday I was kind of piled on with work to be done, last minute stuff.

Of course you're right, we are barely treading water on these social matters even as we lose our grip on other matters like fair trade, minimum pay, etc.

I hope that cui bono's examples are something that represent passion for women and women's rights, and I'm sorry that I couldn't find these to post myself.

[cui bono]

53. Here's a link to a great rant about women's rights:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/12803170


And here's an OP about him fighting for civil rights:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10026614874


There was an OP about him fighting for LGBT rights as well, don't have a link for it but I think it was posted around May 3 as well.


Bernie has been and is currently fighting for the people on ALL fronts. I don't know where this idea started that he is weak on social rights, he is anything but that. He's always spoken out for and tried to legislate for social justice. He's the whole package.

[Scuba]

55. "Clinton's left" includes the middle and a chunk of the right. Sheeeeze.