Bernie's recent blunder will cost him

[Cali_Democrat]

He should have at least said that he wanted to join the Democratic party so he could expand it and make it better. Instead he said that he ran as a Dem so HE could get more money media coverage. So it's all about HIM.

He really fucked that one up.

This is probably why so many Dems haven't endorsed him.

[lumberjack_jeff]

1. It seems to me that tens of millions of Democrats have endorsed him. n/t

[livetohike]

4. Not quite. Even fewer will when the reality of a potential Trump Presidency is looming. n/t

[Cali_Democrat]

11. Was this before or after his recent comments?

Besides, Hillary was already pulling in way more Democratic voters than Bernie.

Independents are the ones that have been putting Bernie over the top in states like Michigan and New Hampshire.

[lumberjack_jeff]

20. You overestimate the average democrat's indignation at the slight to DWS.

The party is better for his "hijack" of it.

[840high]

33. Yes. My group of

friends doesn't care if Bernie has a D or R or I after his name.

[lumberjack_jeff]

46. I care that he's a D because:

a) The odds of a republican winning the white house become all but certain if he ran as an independent
b) The party needs to change to meet the needs of its members. Clinton, Dean and Wasserman-Shultz won't let that happen without a fight.

[Hortensis]

77. True. Crossover conservatives too.

But, you know, Cali, I welcomed Bernie on our ballot because I'm one of the many liberal Democrats who felt we needed to move farther left. As long as he does not win, I will be pleased.

And if he were to become our nominee, unlikely as that's looking, I would back him, but taking real comfort in the legal limitations imposed on our presidents and feeling fairly sure Congress and the Constitution would be strong leashes on his extremist tendencies.

Of course, it's too likely that many people going a little "wild" by voting for him would stupidly "balance" their vote by denying us control of the Senate, and the House, meaning he'd be lucky if he could build modestly on what Obama has started.

Compare that to electing Hillary with a genuinely likely Senate majority and far stronger representation in the House...! I do wish he'd drop out now and start supporting her and the Democratic Party he owes so much to in the general election.

We'll see.

[gcomeau]

2. So many **establishment members** haven't endorsed him...

...because his actions give the lie to their half hearted protestations that they're fighting the good fight for progressive principles.

[Perogie]

3. Hillary did the same thing. What's your point?

[immoderate]

5. Ahh, yeah....

--imm

[Eleanors38]

18. Or...

[uppityperson]

6. Meh. He ran as a Dem because he knew 3rd party candidates split votes and don't get coverage

or money enough to run a strong campaign. Unfortunate but true.

Do you really think Democrats don't endorse him because he's running as a Democrat, but would if he ran as an Independent?

[MineralMan]

7. Bernie is honest to a fault.

I believe him. As for this hurting him, I doubt that very much. He's a career politician, after all. The Senate's a good gig, but being President is even better. I'm betting everyone in the Senate would like to have that promotion.

It's a long, tough haul, though, and there's no assurance of a win. A lot of work goes into it. Many people have had disappointment in that quest.

[virtualobserver]

8. Telling the truth isn't a sign that you've "really fucked that one up".

Lying is......and boy Hillary certainly has.

[LondonReign2]

23. Amazing, isn't it? They are so enamored of Hillary's lies they think that is the way

everyone should operate.

[lumberjack_jeff]

47. Exactly.

This is reflective of what Clinton has trained us to expect of a proper politician.

[marew]

48. +1! n/t

[mathewsleep]

9. If you care more about the label

than the policies, you are a bad liberal.

[CalvinballPro]

10. I think the 26 years in Congress calling the people he chose to caucus with "just as corrupt" has...

...more to do with the lack of Congressional endorsements than anything else. The old expression, "Don't shit where you work," holds true in the House and the Senate, apparently.

[Voice for Peace]

49. And yet he is the best-liked member of Congress

[CalvinballPro]

51. You base this claim on what now?

[Arazi]

60. Its pretty well known. Here's just one article

http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/07/bernie-sanders-is-a-loud-stubborn-socialist-republicans-like-him-anyway/450597/

But rather than earning the frustration and ire of his peers in the vein of other Senate hard-liners such as Sen. Ted Cruz, Sanders has managed to be respected — even liked — by much of the chamber, according to members on both sides of the aisle.

The entire article is great

[mythology]

69. And yet when given the choice of who to endorse

The vast majority of them have endorsed Clinton. That action speaks louder than an article.

[roody]

81. They know where the gravy train flows.

[onehandle]

12. Will he remain a 'Democrat' if he loses the nomination?

[hollysmom]

13. I don't know, most people accept he told the truth.

so what, change the political system if you disagree, make people get tattoos on their foreheads saying what party they are in from birth. UI mean like DWS would be a republican for life,. as she is in reality and Rahm Emanuel would have Asshole tattooed on his forehead. and so on.

[Ferd Berfel]

14. NO it won't

not that many people are concerned about 'The Holy Party" They are concerned about the issues and what Bernie and We can do together to crush the Corporatists Agenda. Which hopefully includes teh DLC Third Way Blue Dogs

not even a blip on most peoples radar

[Attorney in Texas]

15. I KNOW! I cannot BELIEVE he said that the Reagans started a national conversation about AIDS! How

could anyone say something so stupid!




























Oh ....



















That wasn't Sanders?



















... nevermind.

[Motown_Johnny]

16. You have a much higher opinion of the Democratic Party than I do.

I respect the fact that he doesn't really want to be a part of it.

It needs reform, badly.

DWS is proof positive of that, all by herself.

[libtodeath]

17. The desperate email meme of the day.

[nadinbrzezinski]

19. Popcorn

pass it

[Else You Are Mad]

21. Well...

Simply put, in order to be a viable candidate, one needs to run in one of the two major parties. It would have been political suicide for him to not run as a Democrat. That is not scandalous, it is just common sense on his part.

[Svafa]

31. Not to mention

how bad for everyone it would be if he had run as an Independent and split the blue vote, handing the GE to repukes.

[casperthegm]

22. It won't cost him my vote

Does he oppose Citizens United?

Did he vote against he war in Iraq?

Is he in favor of marriage equality?

Is he in favor of reinstating Glass Steagall?

Does he take money from Wall Street?

Does he support fracking?

Is he for healthcare for all?

Does he smear his opponent, calling her a one issue candidate?

Labels of independent or democrat don't matter. What a candidate's record and beliefs are is what matters. So often I see posts with a bunch of rhetoric but no actual issues addressed. Well here you go. If these issues don't represent what a democrat is, or at least should be, I don't know what does.

So what if it got him the coverage he needed? He needs coverage to get this message out so that we can see the clear contrast between a true progressive democrat and one who is a lap dog for Wall street and the establishment.

[Nanjeanne]

24. Anyone who watched and heard what he said knows that this is media spin & not what he said

He made a joke when Chuck Todd asked him - he said "I wouldn't be on your program" - that was the extent of that. His whole response was about the way we have a 2 party system and that it was necessary for him to run within the Democratic Party.

Makes sense to me. And is very very accurate. Anyone who knows Bernie knows he has always caucused with the Democrats and supports the real values of the real Democratic Party. The Dems in Congress are certainly happy to have him caucus with them - vote mostly with them - and actively work against the Republicans. Aren't you?

If he ran as an Independent - I would certainly vote for him - but he would be risking pulling lots of votes from Hillary. This way - if he loses - he is supporting the Democratic ticket. Would you rather he run as an Independent? Clinton would certainly lose if he did. You should be grateful he isn't interested in splitting the Dem ticket and causing Hillary's immediate loss.

[Dragonfli]

42. He has always caucused with the Democrats,he is more a Democrat than most in the party re issues

An independent in name only in many ways

He caucused with the Democrats for, 16 years in the United States House of Representatives, 10 years in the United States Senate;

where he served on many committees Representing the Democratic party such as the:

Committee on the Budget (Ranking Member)
Committee on Environment and Public Works
Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety
Subcommittee on Green Jobs and the New Economy
Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
Subcommittee on Energy
Subcommittee on National Parks
Subcommittee on Water and Power
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Subcommittee on Children and Families
Subcommittee on Primary Health and Aging (Ranking Member)
Committee on Veterans' Affairs (chairman)

He has every right to expect respect from those he served with such loyalty and in so many capacities.
The Democratic party must consider him a true blue ally to have given him seats on so many commitees.

He was also a founder of the Democratic Progressiuve caucus.

It appears to me the only one's that are offended by his Independent status are all the Moderate Republicans that are far less honest and register as "Democrats" while voting for Republican policy, those "Democrats" are most often both conservative and liars, among them Hillary Clinton.

[NurseJackie]

25. GAME CHANGER!!! I've ALWAYS felt this way about him! It's good to get confirmation that ...

... I wasn't just being overly and unfairly suspicious of him or his motives.

[libtodeath]

39. *

[BainsBane]

26. I doubt it will cost him voters

I think the ones who care about that have already factored it in. It may well hurt him with superdelegates though. And of course you're right about endorsements.

[ibegurpard]

27. OK

You run with that. It will resonate with maybe a few Hillary supporters beyond this site and that's about it.

Meanwhile no one died on our watch in Libya...

[farleftlib]

28. What a joke

Nobody cares which letter he puts after his name or why, except Hill fans and they don't count.

Now about the Reagans being the heroes of the AIDS era....

[Kall]

29. If you say so.

[HERVEPA]

30. Wow. Talk about a ... (see below)

[Bluenorthwest]

32. Hillary: "I can see Nancy Reagan from my house!!!"

"It may be hard for your viewers to remember how difficult it was for people to talk about HIV/AIDS back in the 1980s and because of both president and Mrs. Reagan — in particular Mrs. Reagan — we started a national conversation, when before nobody would talk about it, nobody wanted to do anything about it, and that too is something I really appreciate with her very effective low-key advocacy. It penetrated the public conscience and people began to say, hey, we have to do something about this too."

You might not get that this is like saying Trump soothed racial tensions or that you proudly stand with David Duke, civil rights icon but that's exactly what it is like.

I doubt the basic decency of anyone who would say that and of anyone who does not flinch at supporting such a candidate.

[cherokeeprogressive]

34. Not all about HIM. It's about making the country a better place with any means at your disposal.

Isn't that what ALL politicians claim to be doing?

[morningfog]

35. Quite the opposite. It is not all about him,it is about the movement.

It would never go without joining the party and correcting its course.

[JFKDem62]

36. No, this will not hurt him. nt

[Bjornsdotter]

37. I voted person, not party

....I don't really care what party he runs under.

[Tom Rinaldo]

38. I am the Democratic Party - along with tens of thousands of others I serve on the local level

I Chair our Town's Democratic Committee so I can say this officially. I not only register Democratic, I not only vote Democratic, I have a say (a tiny one) in our Party's County Convention - and theoretically in matters higher up than that. My Party does not make it easy for me to participate in matters beyond my geographic base. Our conventions for the most part are per-orchestrated. Like any organization I am sure that if I invested enough personal energy into it I might rise some in the ranks. Instead I invest the time I have into building the Democratic Party in my Town so that we can win local elections. I do a lot of grunt work for the Democratic Party, and I am not complaining - but I have no illusions about what it is, it largely functions as a social ladder.

I am in a tiny minority of voters who actually invest some energy into the machinery of a major political party, rather than just working for candidates who I personally support. Our Party is a vehicle that must be kept in running order to help accomplish certain aims, but it is not some fantastic mystical embodiment of our highest societal ideals. The Democratic Party exists for us, not the other way around.

I am proud to have Bernie Sanders running as a Democrat. For me at least it offers some validation that the Party that I labor for is actually promoting something of importance and lasting value, that it actually is providing the logistical machinery needed for an individual who I actually believe in to mount a strong campaign for President.

Thank God for that. I am tired of helping keep a political party going that far too often turns its back on the reasons why I initially registered, in my youth, as a Democrat in the first place.

[farleftlib]

44. ^Bravo!^

Well said.

I've remained a Democrat long after the party has become unrecognizable to me and left me as it marched farther and farther to the right. We have as much say as anybody who is and isn't welcome in the party and I personally believe Bernie is giving us old-timers a taste of what it used to mean to be a Democrat. Hillary misses the mark by miles, as did her husband.

[TheCowsCameHome]

40. *sniff* Do I smell desperation in the air? *sniff*

Yes, I believe I do.

[DefenseLawyer]

43. I smell something

[Cheese Sandwich]

41. I love how the Democrats are basically telling independent socialists to GTFO

Great strategy guys.

[retrowire]

54. That is essentially what we're witnessing.

It's really funny actually since Independents are the majority. We finally see a reason to join the Democratic Party and they want us out. Well god damn. lmao

[So Far From Heaven]

45. I don't give a rat's a$# why he got in. I've been waiting since Nixon

to get a decent liberal candidate. Viva la revolucion! It's about time.

[marew]

52. Way past time! n/t

[retrowire]

50. My wife and I voted for Bernie today!

Because he's sincere and trustworthy. Hillary on the other hand! :/

Sorry about Hillary's untrustworthiness and proven record of doing whatever she can for herself! Damn!

[JackBeck]

53. He's always caucused with the Dems and the Dems have appointed him to committee chairs.

I look forward to Sanders bringing the Party back to the economic and social justice beliefs that first attracted me to the Party.

It was ultimately the Clintons that made me question why I was even giving the Dems the time of day.

[whatchamacallit]

55. Sorry, not the fuck up you wish

Only braindead party loyalists give a rat's ass about this heinous label betrayal.

[ThePhilosopher04]

56. Not gonna hurt him one bit. But your concern

is duly noted.

[LanternWaste]

57. It's effective triangulation meant to garner a wider and more diverse voting base.

It's effective triangulation meant to garner a wider and more diverse voting base that would otherwise be the case. It also gives him far more access to the Democratic machine and its infrastructure that would be otherwise. I see that as effective politicking rather than a "f*ck up."

[NurseJackie]

62. Triangulation... good effective politicking! Got it.

Except for all those times it's hurled at Hillary as another example of how evil and manipulative and cynical and weathervane-y she is. Other than that, it's all good.

[TCJ70]

58. So I guess you aren't going to vote for him now...

...big surprise.

[Warren DeMontague]

59. What, did he say that Nancy Reagan was a quiet early leader on AIDS, too?

[Skwmom]

61. The Democrats who are endorsing Clinton know full well they are endorsing the status quo b/c it has

been working out well for them. The people - not so much.

[N.Y. to Paris]

63. That's funny.....

I'm sorry, but I must speak...very rarely
do I speak on here cause I won't get into
pissing contests with people, but again, I'm
sorry.....your candidate has more fucking
baggage than LAX and you post this? Really?
"oh, he really fucked that one up" Yeah, it's
"all about him"..... Unbelievable....
You obviously haven't heard a word or FELT
a word he's said....
Well, this Dem is supporting him over the
Corporate Schmooze Queen a million times
over.... What could possibly change with her?

[nadinbrzezinski]

65. Thanks for the laugh, more baggage than LAX

that is some flair with words right there.

(And you are correct to boot)

[N.Y. to Paris]

66. You're Welcome nadin

I'm a big fan of yours, but I'm obviously more of a reader.
I'm on here every day and I love it, there are many on here
that I'm a huge fan of....I learn here...Be Well!

[nadinbrzezinski]

67. You too, waiting for returns

from some of the panic (undertow) I am seeing, we might see a few Michigans all over again.

[beedle]

64. OMG, Burnie went and told a truth

and this time it was a truth that was obvious, logical, and aligned with the reality of federal politics. What will the voters think? An honest politician? Is he trying to ruin the system?

I can understand though how Hillary supporters might find this shocking and a bit disgusting ... something to do with breaking out in hives if someone slips and gives a straight answer.

[asuhornets]

68. Yep..

Hopefully Hillary can finish him tonight...He hardly every give Democrats credit for anything.

[shawn703]

70. Most people don't care

Those that do already support Hillary.

[Vinca]

71. You're calling THAT a blunder? I'm smelling a little desperation in the faux scandal dept.

[Autumn]

72. Ya think?

that will appeal to more than will be upset by it.

[cyberswede]

73. I know some candidates view telling the truth as a liability...

but not Bernie.

[Cali_Democrat]

74. At least he admits that he's selfish

I do have to give him props for that.

[cyberpj]

75. If he HAD run as Independent his Yuge support would split Dems from Hillarious and Repubs would win.

Are you too young to remember Nader?

You should be grateful he gave her a fair game.

He did Dems a favor by allowing a real choice between someone with a true Dems heart and soul and someone else with the heart and soul of a Republican.

Now it's up to the voters.

[itsrobert]

76. He's been beating up on Democrats to get votes

This is a short term gain for him. Why would the Democrats holding the SuperDelegate votes choose him after he basically trashed them, the President, and the party?

[DrDan]

78. still no one in the Senate has endorsed him, right?

[Logical]

79. LOL, you are so silly at times I am not sure you are not just messing with us. nt

[Blue_In_AK]

80. Lots and lots of "Democrats,"

myself included, couldn't care less about labels.

[senz]

82. +1000

[amborin]

83. IF he did say that, then he opted for TRUTH rather than political EXPEDIENCY;