Barney Frank: When I was in Congress, Bernie Sanders Wasn't Part Of The Legislative Process

[Cali_Democrat]

an interesting article.

I encourage you to read the whole thing.

Here's one part that stood out:

<...>

Sanders, it turns out, has little patience for reporters—or, for that matter, anyone who disagrees with him. Among his faults, this could be the one that most weakens his presidential bid. Former aides have called him strident and never satisfied, to the point of being abusive, especially during his first years in Congress. “Bernie is a very demanding guy,” Fiermonte tells me. “He has very high expectations, and he expects people to meet them. But he’s a good boss. I wouldn’t be with him otherwise.” Or, as more than one Vermont politician told me, “Bernie’s an asshole, but he’s our asshole.”

<...>

Many of his colleagues in Congress would recognize the stubbornness. “I admired him for his willingness to take stands for what he believed,” former Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank, a man not immune to professing unpopular opinions, tells me. “He went for the ideal, but he was not part of the legislative process. He chose to be an outsider.”

On Capitol Hill, Sanders has a reputation for being a pain in the ass. “Bernie believes that he’s right, and that what he wants is for the greater good,” says Houston consultant Susan Boardman Russ, formerly the longtime chief of staff for the late Vermont Senator Jim Jeffords. “Bernie is so certain that what he represents politically is unquestionably correct, therefore everyone should agree. Not much room for compromise…it was, ‘Play in my sandbox, or get out.’”

After Sanders’s 16 years in the House and almost nine in the Senate, there are not many legislators in his sandbox. Not a single major congressman, senator, or governor has endorsed him for president.


Read more:

http://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/article/2015/09/29/bernie-sanders/

[djean111]

1. My, my. First, an OP on Bernie's personal life in the '60's, and now Barney Frank is piping up.

Is there a new poll result or something?
Ah, sweet Hillary - no negative stuff. from her, personally.

[Cali_Democrat]

20. Bernie's personal life in the '60's?

I might have missed that one.

What are you talking about?

[a kennedy]

41. Here: info regarding Bernie's love life.......

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=7216566 Don't make me no never mind. Bernie's got my vote.

[MADem]

141. Dick Cheney did the same thing.

Fastest way to turn a 1A into a 3C in 1969.

I don't think anyone cares about the child's (he is now an adult in his mid-forties) mother, what made that a story was that this information was obfuscated in an obvious way in his biography, when it just didn't need to be.

It's not the great "moral failing" it was back in the old days. But, speaking of the 'old days,' Grover Cleveland had a similar incident in his resume, and he managed to overcome it.

[roguevalley]

164. grouchy man rails against colleague about

being a grouchy man. Poor Barney. He misses a microphone. His litany of bullshit is amazing and I like him anyway. However, his remarks are testing that mightily. Pot meet someone you want to be a kettle. Nice try, Barney.

[MADem]

24. Link? Barney is one of my favorites. nt

[kelliekat44]

95. I refuse to denounce Barney because he told what he knew of Bernie's legislative history when they

were in the House together. Must we trash our own fellow Dems because they do not support the candidate of our choice?

[MADem]

123. I won't either--and I find it odd that there's no link offered for that assertion.

The picture posted in this thread of Frank, too, is deliberately cruel and mocking.

Those kinds of tactics reflect poorly on the perpetrators.

[KoKo]

67. LOL's ...Barney Frank Complains that Bernie wouldn't Support the Banksters

who Crashed the Market caused Thousands to lose or raid their Dwindling 401-K's and Lose their Jobs, Homes and Ways of Earning a Living in the Financial Meltdown of 2008......and Barney Now Works for those Same People and he Mocks Bernie Sanders?

AYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

Says more about Barnie and his support for Hillary/Bill (Deregulation which Hurt the Common People: Welfare Reform/NAFTA,FCC Reform,Commodities Futures Regulation Reform, etc.)than it does as a critique of Bernie Sanders' years of Service in the US House and then Senate...and his Service as Mayor of Burlington, Vermont for years before that fighting against DLC and REPUB Doctrine.

[appalachiablue]

108. Barney's really laying it on thick here. He can do it with his new position working for

a private corporation as a board member of the New York-based Signature Bank and no longer in govt. service as head of the Senate Financial Services Committee. It's all very common and understandable, and like you say especially trying to denigrate Sen. Sanders.

Frank worked closely with Fannie and Freddie for years, and it was to his benefit that he left not long after the 2008 Subprime Mortgage Meltdown and Financial Crash. Smart man. Then going into the private sector in finance at a NY bank recently. No surprises there, happens al the time. He's representing a bank now, not the people.

[treestar]

181. You are deliberately avoiding the point

Does not work well with others. People have to have that in government. Everyone counts, not just those who are "correct." The "bully pulpit" is not enough.

[djean111]

189. You know what scares me? What exactly will it be that others will work with Hillary on?

War, fracking, TPP and other corporate trade agreements? Increase H-1B visas? More cluster bombs? A "more muscular" foreign policy? Maybe that's a plus for you, but not for me. it is like all Hillary and her supporters think about is money and power and winning, and the other stuff is incidental. Just policy. Just whatever a focus group says will get votes. From a Third Wayer, that is not what I will support.

That's MY point. I think the other DINOs will join the GOP in rolling back any remaining regulations on her Wall Street buddies, and I think we would see Chained CPI, at a minimum, inflicted under to guise of "strengthening Social Security". I do not think we would see Citizens United rolled back - Hillary loves Big Money.

No doubt Hillary can get things done. it is what she will get done that I do not like. And I don't think the GOP will be any better for her than they were with Obama. They hate her.

Is that enough points from me?

[FreakinDJ]

2. Who Would da thunk it - Another Bankster Sympathizer going after Bernie

[malokvale77]

75. ^^^ this ^^^

Another "I've got mine so fuck the rest of you schmucks".

[treestar]

182. So you're throwing him under the bus too?

For saying BS does not know how to work with others?

[Stellar]

4. Interesting read...thanks for sharing! nt

[BlueWaveDem]

5. And the presidency is all about building coalition and compromise.

[bunnies]

10. And suddenly Hillary is the darling Republicans will compromise with?

Theyve been hating her for decades but now theyre going to meet her in that warm, squishy, purple middle and cuddle? That talking point sucks!

[BlueWaveDem]

12. Who said Republicans? This article mentions

Bernie has no Democratic endorsements.

[bunnies]

15. Of course he doesnt.

The establishment is as the establishment does. But if our "Democrats" in Congress are so petty that they wouldnt work with Sanders as President then they have no business being elected officials. None.

[upaloopa]

22. The opposite is also true

[Cali_Democrat]

26. So...

how will Bernie get universal healthcare, tax hikes on the wealthy, and free public college without anyone in Congress working with him?

You do realize those policies would require legislation?

[Armstead]

32. Didn't you read the article you posted? Or just the juicy opening section?

If you didn't I suggest you do -- especially that part about him coming into into a totally hostile city government in Burlington, and winning them over with his effectiveness.

[Cali_Democrat]

57. Of course I read the article.

He's been in Congress for almost 25 years and none of his colleagues, not even a single Dem, are supporting him.

The US Congress is much different than Burlington Vermont.

Anyways...why do you keep following me around DU?

Why don't you just put me on ignore? Notice how it's always you replying to me and not the other way around?

[Armstead]

79. I don't follow you...Just posts

But you're welcome to put me on ignore if it bothers you so much

[MADem]

134. You're not the only one!

[workinclasszero]

82. "how will Bernie get universal healthcare, tax hikes on the wealthy, and free public college

without anyone in Congress working with him? "


He won't get any of those things done. He will just be all pure and rage at the Congress for 4 years.

Sounds good eh?

[hughee99]

119. People in congress like Obama, by comparison...

How did that work out getting all those things?

[CanadaexPat]

177. He's been clear it will take active public support.

Thus his comment expressing disappointment that Obama didn't follow through with OFA.

[passiveporcupine]

135. He has worked with other congress members

And gotten important legislation passed. Who endorses him or not is not an indication of congress not being willing to work with him.

[bunnies]

138. The people are with Bernie on these policies.

Its time for the people to demand what they want.

[workinclasszero]

151. Sure, I who have donated 25 bucks to my candidate of choice demands things vs

wall street scum/corporate america who donate MILLIONS demands MOAR!!!

Guess who wins that one?

The death of the fairness doctrine and the SCOTUS ruling for unlimited secret money in politics will kill democracy dead.

[bunnies]

172. We agree on those points.

No doubt about it.

[treestar]

184. lol they could elect people to Congress to do that

Why don't they?

Probably because they do not want what BS wants.

[bunnies]

187. The vast majority of Americans agree with Bernie on the issues.

If more people with a spine and conviction ran, Im sure they'd be elected.

[yeoman6987]

63. I admit I am a bit stund that the progressives in congress

are not endorsing him. Why?

[jeff47]

107. What's the upside?

Clinton is famous for keeping an enemies list. Sanders is famous for not keeping one.

Endorse Clinton now, and you get a positive check mark on her spreadsheet, which may lead to some help in the future if she wins.

Endorse Sanders now, and you get a big negative check mark on her spreadsheet, which may lead to her harming you in the future if she wins.

If Sanders wins, your Clinton endorsement won't hurt.

Also, Sanders is running an anti-status-quo campaign. As a result, his supporters really don't care about endorsements from Congress. They are the status-quo, after all.

So what's the upside to a Sanders endorsement now?

[riversedge]

178. i think you are paranoid and spreading crap.

[jeff47]

179. That isn't an upside for an endorsement. So what is one?

As for your claim of paranoia, "enemies list" has been mentioned by many people with connections to Clinton's past campaigns. Are all of them lying?

[bunnies]

139. How many progressive independents are there in congress?

Its all about the "D". Or have you missed that?

[cheapdate]

156. I don't know that progressives in congress

Are endorsing anyone yet. Are they?

[George II]

91. So who do you suppose the President should work with to get things done, Canadian Parliament?

"if our "Democrats" in Congress are so petty that they wouldnt work with Sanders"

As a Congressman and Senator, it's been the other way around.

[bunnies]

140. Ill stand with the principled one, thank you.

Id rather nothing get done than get sold out to the Republicans. YMMV of course.

[Gothmog]

171. Sanders refusal to negotiation or compromise is not a good thing

You have to compromise and negotiate in our system of congress. Sanders' refusal to legislate explains why he has no Democratic congressional endorsements

[treestar]

183. Or BS has no business being POTUS

Everyone else should yield because BS is "right." That never works. Others think they are right, too.

They will represent their constituents. That's their job, not to obey BS.

[bunnies]

188. They "obey" the monied interest who line their pockets.

period.

[Plucketeer]

116. And THAT makes Bernie all the more attractive (to me anyways!)

They endorse him - they lose their financing. That we can SEE this game being bared for all to witness will probably be our LAST chance to effect REAL change in our federal government.

[MADem]

29. Did you miss the Big Finish?

The brief mention of "Republican" appeal came at the end of the article--and wasn't targeting Clinton:

But how can you support a candidate who calls himself a Democratic socialist?

“I believe that we can have a small government that works for everyone,” Paul says. “Call me a Republican socialist.”

That may sound like a contradiction in terms, but, of course, so is Bernie Sanders.

[Capt. Obvious]

68. Even Dubya knew this

He couldn't go to war with just Republican votes.

[Art_from_Ark]

153. So he got Hillary to help hawk the goddam war for him

[tularetom]

6. And somehow it's supposed to be a condemnation of Sanders that politicians don't like him?

You might want to check some public opinion polls to see where congressmen, senators and governors stand.
Hint: It's somewhere to the south of used car salesmen.

[OilemFirchen]

55. No kidding.

Congressional approval rating is about 15% these days.

Say... isn't Sanders a member of Congress?

Ouch!

[senz]

62. Ohhh now tularetom, nobody cares about the "public"

or anything democratic like that. We're talking cronyism, you know ... the Establishment? That's all that matters. It's who you know, how much clout you have, how much money.

The "public," that's just, you know, all those peons out there. Anybody who's anybody knows they're nobody.



Thank you, tularetom, for trying to keep it real.

[nilram]

205. He's building a big coalition with the public.

Common people are playing in his sandbox and agreeing with his ideas. I think that counts more than governors, congressmen, and senators. With the enthusiasm of his supporters, I anticipate a change of guard in congress if Bernie makes it to the general election.

[fadedrose]

7. Somebody should have told Bernie

that he's supposed to pay in some way for endorsements....either cash, or a job for their cousins, or cabinet or White House posts for the endorsers...

[lame54]

8. "Not a single major congressman, senator, or governor has endorsed him for president."...

that's reason to vote for him right there

[BlueWaveDem]

9. Stagnation and gridlock. Change we can believe in.

[Fawke Em]

13. We already have that.

[lame54]

30. that's our current state...

are you defending the status quo?

[JackInGreen]

47. So the norm

Think Hill would have it easier? They'll allow us NOTHING. May as well shoot the moon.

[jeff47]

110. Which Democrat would deliberately sabotage Sanders?

'Cause that's what you're claiming if endorsements mean gridlock.

[Triana]

73. Bingo. That only tells us how utterly out of touch so-called "Democrats" are...

...with actual Democratic principles that Sanders adheres to. They either no longer recognize them or no longer support them. THAT is the problem.

[Worried senior]

11. Reminds me of Feingold

No one would sit with him at lunch.

My kind of guy.

[restorefreedom]

14. frank is for hillary

The sad thing is he seems to think being an outsider is going to hurt Sanders when is actually helping him. Clueless, completely clueless

[drm604]

16. When Republicans are uncompromising it's portrayed as a strength.

When Democrats are uncompromising they're portrayed as being difficult and impossible to work with.

Obama tried to compromise and found that it didn't work.

[99th_Monkey]

17. Barney must mean the bought & paid for US Congress, with a 14% public approval rating

And I'm supposed to be surprised by this? Actually, not so much.

Interesting how Barney is now showing his true colors, now that he's out of the public eye,
and working for the banksters.

[MADem]

18. Monomania...! Ouch.

I think it's catching--at least amongst some of his supporters.

http://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/article/2015/09/29/bernie-sanders/

But how will he react when the press inevitably pounces, as it did when fellow Vermonter Howard Dean ran for president in 2004? The permanent scowl lines etched onto his brow may show him to be the same humorless curmudgeon that he reveals to colleagues, reporters, and allies. “Bernie has no social skills, no sense of humor, and he’s quick to boil over,” says Chris Graff, who covered Sanders for 25 years as Vermont bureau chief for the Associated Press. “He’s the most unpolitical person in politics I’ve ever come across.”

“Exasperating and classic Bernie,” columnist Judith Levine wrote in Seven Days, Vermont’s alternative newspaper. “Man of the people treating the people like tiresome children, telling them what the issue is, instead of listening to what their issue, our issue, America’s issue is right now.”


....His monomania certainly hasn’t stopped him from rising in the polls. After Labor Day, Sanders held a 22-point lead over Clinton in New Hampshire and a 10-point edge over her in Iowa, according to a CBS News/YouGov poll. Which takes us to Sanders’s essential contradiction: He can reach crowds with soaring oratory, but, as Judith Levine points out, the business of being Bernie can make him seem disconnected and insensitive. Aides know he would rather bury himself in a budget than bounce a toddler on his lap. On the trail, Sanders has rarely seen a baby he wants to kiss, a hand he needs to shake, a back that would welcome a slap. With reporters or anyone who dares to ask, he stiff-arms questions about the source of his populist rage, his personal life, his influences, how he became a socialist, and his hopes and dreams beyond fomenting a political revolution. “Bernie has always been on a mission,” says Linda Niedweske, a former confidante who managed his first mayoral campaign. “He has no time for much else.”

That's the Achille's heel, right there. People make fun of how Clinton is stiff and of course, that classic, sexist put down, "shrill," but she's positively warm, cuddly and charismatic next to this guy.

I think when it comes to debates, some would do well to be careful what they wish for...!

[OilemFirchen]

64. He appears to be very much like his supporters.

It's no wonder he won't upbraid them.

[MADem]

77. Birds of a feather...? nt

[Armstead]

80. And you're such a jolly soul

[MADem]

88. Your go-to is to lob a personal insult? I wasn't being specific, but you helpfully offered

yourself as an example, is that it?

[Armstead]

94. No you lobbed a ridiculous and insulting generalization

and I simply pointed out that your own sense of humor and tolerance of opposing viewpoints is not exactly overflowing. If you're going to tar all Sanders supporters with that brush it's only fair to respond.

You may be a wonderful happy person in real life, but you're not exactly the essence of easygoing fun on DU.

[Phlem]

127. K&R!

[MADem]

130. No, I didn't--and your response to me basically proved the point--x2!!!

Surely you know the meaning of the word "some?" Pro-tip: It doesn't mean "all," and it doesn't even mean "most."

And if you'd read the article, you see that the comment was entirely appropriate--even more so given the context of your remarks in this very thread.

Your response to my comments was to attack me directly, to talk about "my" characteristics.

And then--it's not enough that you do it once, you double down in your next post!

You may be a wonderful happy person in real life, but you're not exactly the essence of easygoing fun on DU.

Heckuvajob, there! Not sure why you are so interested in and focused on my personality--it has nothing to do with the comments and observations in the article.

If your goal is to get me to lower myself to your 'personal invective' level, you've not succeeded.

[Armstead]

144. "birds of a feather"

Perhaps I should not have personalized it so much. I'm trying to get away from this tribal shit, and I slipped.

Instead I'll just say that description sounds like "some of" Sanders critics, who tend to be rigid and humorless

[OilemFirchen]

158. Lasted almost a day, did you?

Such dedication!

[WIProgressive88]

98. I'm willing to trust that people will vote based on policy and electing a president who will fight

for their interests rather than basing their vote on who has the better sense of humor or nicer smile.

[MADem]

118. I am not willing to make that bet. Too many times in the past, policy hasn't overcome optics.

Otherwise, Al Gore would have not had to worry about FloriDUH, he would have had it locked up before they got to that point...or, ignoring that debacle, shouldn't John Kerry, war hero, knowledgeable politician and statesman, have taken the vast majority of the votes simply based on policy?

Nope, "voting America" wanted to have another beer with the garbled, AWOL frat boy.

There are so many examples--Warmongering Reagan beat Peacemaker Carter? Newly anti-choice/pro death penalty GHW Bush beat pro-choice/anti-death penalty Mike Dukakis?

Policy was roundly defeated in both those contests.

Optics and money--that's what makes the sale. It's no use railing about it, those are the ground rules for this contest. It's been that way for a century or more. It would be nice to get money out of politics, but that's not going to happen with wishing.

It'll take as long to get it out as it did to put it in.

[WIProgressive88]

132. Good points, and I suppose you're likely right that I may be giving voters too much credit.

Oddly, though, I do think that in a way Bernie's grumpiness and blatant lack of charisma are part of his appeal. It makes him seem authentic, and, honestly, it's kind of refreshing.

Thanks for the thoughtful response.

[MADem]

136. I agree that his approach is unique and refreshing at this point in time.

And I do think his heart is in the right place. I don't think he's wrong on many issues, I just think he will have a very tough time breaking through without money, and I do think his personality could eventually work against him.

John McCain actually sold a version of that approach with his "straight talk express" and he tried like hell to be plain spoken and direct. Certainly, his idiotic choice of a running mate helped the wheels come off that bus, but he couldn't overcome the charm, the twinkle, the charisma, and the vigor of his opponent. McCain looked like he was lumbering and growling through the process, Obama looked happy and joyful and delighted to be in the mix.

Nice talking w/you, too!

[GeorgeGist]

147. Which of the Repubs do you think ...

have 'the charm, the twinkle, the charisma, and the vigor' the Hillary will need to overcome?

[MADem]

162. Which one do I think will get it? Hard to know because stumbles are possible.

However, on my short list are the following:

Jeb! (Not because he can debate, but because he has M-O-N-E-Y....HUGE PAC money, and his pockets are deeper than anyone else's.... he's just started running ads now in the NH market (well, AMERICA RISING PAC are running 'em) that are full of booming, uplifting music and bright colors that will make morons forget that his debate performance was uninspiring);

Rubio: He's young, he's hungry--and if he's smart, he'll try to "Stay thirsty, my friend" but not do the glug-glug like he did when he did the GOP SOTU rebuttal. His problem will be finding a sugar daddy willing to back him, I think. Without Big Money, he's toast. With it, he could do an end run if he says the right things and catches a break or two;

Kasich: Who? You ask. As did I. Then he started running ads heavily aimed at the southern NH markets (out of the Boston stations) and he rocketed to 2nd place. His ads were a bit quirky and attention getting (the tag lines are read by a woman who sounds like she could do a "We Are Eighteen" late night ad, the ones with the women in their underwear soliciting phone or internet sex--not really sure what they are marketing, I find them icky and tasteless--anyway, it's a high and immature-sounding voice). Aside from the weird narration, there are lots of bright colors, kids, flags, and Kasich looking into the camera acting and sounding like he is TELLING you that he is the only adult not just in the room, but in the nation. It doesn't matter what he says, it is the way he is saying it--very assured and confident and adult and purposeful. A lot of GOP voters who saw the thing seem to like it because he shot up in the polls. He needs more money, though, because he's slowed his roll on the ads, and as a consequence, he's dropping back in the rankings.

It's amazing to see the relationship between media buys and polling numbers--it's like fattening up the hogs for the slaughter.

I think Trump will be fucked over by the RNC, one way, or another. At the convention, they'll hold a gun to other loser candidates' heads, and force them to hand their delegates over to say, Jeb, or Kasich, or maybe Rubio, and between that and their version of "super delegates" they will deny him any hope of playing a role -- they'll happily take his money if he wants to contribute to the victory by a "classic" party member, though.

Fiorina doesn't have a prayer either. They're tolerating her because they want to fool women into thinking that they don't hate them.

Carson--same deal. I think it's freaky that he's getting any traction at all. He's like a space cadet. I think a lot of people are calling out his name as a goof. Or maybe they like his views on the Confederate flag...?

It's early days yet, though, and one stumble and the landscape changes. If you forced me to pick a candidate NOW and put down a five buck bet, I'd pick ..... (drum roll)


Jeb!


Why? Because it's all about the money, money, money.

[OilemFirchen]

166. Remarkably, those are my picks as well.

Well... maybe not so remarkably, as the three are the most obvious choices.

Their overriding appeal to the RNC? Florida and/or Ohio. On a bet, I'd venture a Kasich/Rubio ticket.

[MADem]

168. Hold your nose while watching this...this is the ad he is running in regular rotation

out of the Boston stations aimed at the southern NH markets--perhaps someone who lives in the southern Maine/northern NH markets can tell us if he's running that out of Portland and Concord as well--I'm guessing he is.

There is a shorter version of this thing that cuts out some of the slop, 30 seconds or so, but the same exhortative speaking clips and dramatic music are featured. I've seen it five times today. He's trying to move the poll numbers, make no mistake.

This is "his" PAC, apparently, and it's RIGHT TO RISE, and it seems like the goal is to tout Jeb! as a conservative.

I listen to the words he is saying, and in my mind I strip out the music and the reverb, and he sounds like a schmuck. I will be interested in seeing if this ad buy moves him up at all in the polls. I do think he has the most money, and maybe he thinks he can buy it this way...?

[treestar]

185. More reasons in that paragraph

about the babies - that he's no Obama.

[Cali_Democrat]

21. I think most people on DU know who Barney Frank is and what he looks like

What's your point?

[MADem]

163. Oh wow, look who got shown the door!

How nice that the air has been cleared --that photo he posted was straight out of Wingnut Central.

[MindfulOne]

23. This OP=$5 in my Bernie Donations jar.

Cali_Democrat, you're so consistently able to post "interesting articles" that you "encourage us to read the whole thing", and for this service I'm going to put $5.00 cash into my jar of monthly Bernie donations.

I had been doing $1 for each use of an anti-Bernie epithet, like "Bernista", but a lot of those people are over at another site soaking in their self-loathing, so I'm going to keep doing that $1, but add $5 for lame attempt you make to "enlighten" us.

[redstateblues]

36. So it's ok when Sanders supporters

Do exactly what you accuse cali of doing?

[MindfulOne]

61. I haven't seen many instances of made up attacks by Sanders supporters.

Hillary Clinton's bad deeds don't need exaggeration.

Look at this here:



It speaks for itself.

[Snotcicles]

111. Cali is a Sanders supporter. I think. nt

[MindfulOne]

169. Cali is, yes.

But this is a different member, not so much a Bernie fan.

[upaloopa]

42. I got an email from the Hillary campaign

using Bernie's rising poll numbers as a reason to contribute to her campaign.
So I guess we cancel each other out.

[MindfulOne]

59. I was getting one per day last week and this week asking for $1.

I had to mark them as spam to make them go away.

[thesquanderer]

66. In this case, he's right to "encourage us to read the whole thing"

because it also includes things like

Over the next six years, Bernie Sanders and his administrations began transforming Burlington into one of the best small towns in the nation, now ranked consistently among the top for quality of life, culture, jobs, and universities.

...

Professional oddsmakers put Sanders’s chances of winning the White House at 12 to 1. It’s no wonder that the political chattering classes expect him to flame out...Don’t bet on it.

...

“The wild card in the 2016 presidential race is social media,” Nelson says, “and Sanders is winning in that space.”

...

As the 2016 campaign comes into focus, the candidacy of Bernie Sanders looks less and less far-fetched. On the other side of the aisle, the top Republican candidates are losing badly to a brash populist who is campaigning to get money out of politics. The presumptive Democratic nominee is struggling to connect beyond her base, facing self-inflicted wounds over her private email server, and racking up 53 percent unfavorable ratings in a late-summer poll. Sanders may loathe reporters, he may be a curmudgeon to work for, and he may not have many friends, but this populist who doesn’t care for people may turn out to be voters’ best hope for palpable change.

[upaloopa]

25. Seeing the Sanders supporters I have, I'd say

the apples don't fall very far from the tree.

[Comrade Grumpy]

34. Congrats on being the first in the thread to attack "supporters."

That shit gets old. Maybe you should go play in your own clubhouse.

[upaloopa]

43. You are the one with the name grumpy

I guess I am right

[redstateblues]

76. Talk about being able to dish it out. This shit has been old

For a long time.

[MADem]

37. +1. nt

[randys1]

48. There is a huge difference. As obnoxious as Bernie can be, or whatever you want to

call his style, he knows that at the end of the day it is CRUCIAL the cons NOT get the WH.

And he will do everything in his power to prevent it, including NOT attacking Hillary now or ever.

If only all of his supporters would follow suit.

[notadmblnd]

27. so he's not part of the status quo

explain to me how that is a bad thing please?

[shenmue]

120. It's worse than that

If you can't put up with people who don't like you, you will make a shit president.

[notadmblnd]

159. He's been in congress for how many years?

I imagine his tolerance level for BS from associates is quite high.

Over the course of my career, there were many people who I did not like and I'm certain there were people who did not like me. It didn't make me or them shit employees. And just because I wasn't someone's cup of tea, didn't mean I couldn't work with them.

I still don't understand how it's a bad thing.

[Duppers]

125. Exactly. nt

[DanTex]

31. Basically a talker and not a doer. Not a big surprise.

[Armstead]

46. Did you read the article?

If not read the part about his experience as mayor of Burlington.

Not just a talker.

[DanTex]

54. He was a good mayor of Burlington, I'll give him that. I meant since he's been in congress.

[Armstead]

86. Very very few in Congress have "landmark" achievements

He's done a lot of things behind the scenes in the wheeling and dealing and the give and take, and he been a strong and constant voice for progressive causes -n stating truths that would otherwise have been ignored under the Dome. Its not his fault a majority of Congresscritters are too timid and/or corrupt to support things like universal health care, and that things everyone wants get bogged down in their mollases-caked wheels.

And, I think it is quite possible to extrapolate executive experience in one office to a larger scale.

[DanTex]

87. Especially Bernie.

As far as behind the scenes give and take, actually, as Barney Frank pointed out, no he hasn't done a lot of things behind the scenes. He's been unwilling to cooperate or negotiate, so he's been ineffective. He has been a strong voice, though, that's true. Which brings me to my original point: all talk and no action.

[Armstead]

90. OH Barney Frank is pushing a Clinton agenda -- and they probably had a clash of egos

All talk and no action? You just described 98 percent of Congress, fer fuck's sake.

[DanTex]

97. Barney Frank pushing a progressive agenda, as always. But under the bus he goes too.

[Armstead]

99. From his cushy banking office

[DanTex]

100. Dodd-Frank, the most significant financial regulation since the great depression.

Can you name a single provision of it without googling?

[Armstead]

109. Aware of its stated goals...and how toothless it has been

I'm not throwing Frank under the bus. Except that it is, er, dubious that he went from Congress into a bank. And we still have too big to fail banks, and they are raking it in more than ever....Not all his fault, but it added layers of bureaucracy, while keeping the basic problems in place.

By the way, are you aware that among his other tidbits, he said at one point that he was "appalled" by the Obama administration and stated flatly that Obama "lied" to the public about the ACA?

Just sayin, these things are seldom black and white, and one should consider the source of things. In many ways Barney is great, but he is in the Clinton camp, his sister has been in her inner circle, and he likes to say outrageous and frequently insulting things about his peers.

So I take his comments about Sanders with many grains of salt.

[DanTex]

117. So that's a no. I find that's common with Obama and Hillary bashers. No actual understanding of

the policy details. I'd refer you to a guy named Paul Krugman, but hey, what does he know, he doesn't post right-wing talking points on DU...
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/04/opinion/paul-krugman-dodd-frank-financial-reform-is-working.html?_r=0

Specifically about "too big too fail" (i.e. systemically important) banks, he says:

But Wall Street knew better. As Mike Konczal of the Roosevelt Institute points out, if being labeled systemically important were actually corporate welfare, institutions would welcome the designation; in fact, they have fought it tooth and nail. And a new study from the Government Accountability Office shows that while large banks were able to borrow more cheaply than small banks before financial reform passed, that advantage has now essentially disappeared. To some extent this may reflect generally calmer markets, but the study nonetheless suggests that reform has done at least part of what it was supposed to do.

[Armstead]

122. Oh I could give you many counter examples but I'm not going to bother

I'm aware of its basics, and all of the machinations that went into it, and all of the difficult of implementing it.

It's not a bad legislation, but it's certainly not the final word of what is needed. The basic fact is the Big Mega Banks are far too big and control far too much a share of our economy.

It is not healthy for the economy to have so much power in such few hands.

They should be broken up and some measure of diversity -- combined with tougher regulations -- restored.

I hate to say this yet again, but the situation we have to day has been created over the last 30 years by removal of restrictions and limitations that previously existed to keep the greed and power hungry tendencies of Big Banks and otehr Big Business within limits. And its not inevitable that we have to continue to tolerate it. Correcting that is not "unicorns" or socialism. But it does require the will to actually do it, instead of making excuses.

[DanTex]

126. No, don't bother, send them to Krugman instead.

It's not a bad legislation, but it's certainly not the final word of what is needed.

I agree with this, along with Hillary Clinton.

[Go Vols]

198. Bernie for Krugman a couple of years ago.

Maybe Bernie will give him the job this time around.

[jeff47]

114. So what was Clinton's landmark legislative achievement?

Which, btw, would not include co-sponsoring a bill. Because slapping a co-sponsor doesn't mean much other than you'll vote yes.

[Phlem]

128. Right

Cause an Independant get's all the support in our 2 party system?

Apples and Donkey Balls.

What you been drinkin dude?

[arcane1]

33. Well, if the ex-staffer for the ex-republican doesn't like him... n/t

[edgineered]

35. Pan: establishment lauds Bernie

Rave: see OP

[wendylaroux]

38. lol!! cali...

go Bernie!!!

[rosesaylavee]

39. thanks for the thread Calli_Democrat

I am leaning toward Bernie and I agree this POV or perception is something to consider. I like Barney Frank too - very grateful for contribution to the House during his time in office.

As for no endorsements, this is early yet for that and that may come in time. These are politicians after all and they sway with the wind. If it blows his way decidedly, they will be his bff in a heart beat. If it sways toward Clinton, they will reminisce about how they always supported her.

[Autumn]

40. The same Barney Frank who called Obama a liar? Yeah I really give a shit what he says

about Bernie, his Sister was a senior adviser to Hillary in her 2008 presidential campaign, the one she lost so yeah he's real objective. .

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/01/barney-frank-obama-lie_n_5642132.html?cps=gravity

[Bernblu]

44. This Hit Piece by Barney Frank

is not going to predispose me to vote for Hillary if she should become the nominee. Barney Frank may have pretended to work for the people but we know he was really working for his Third Way bankster donors. If Frank has criticisms of Bernie's issues he should state them. I would have more respect for an argument for Hillary based on this issues rather than this crap.

[frazzled]

58. It's not a hit piece by Barney Frank

It's an article written by a reporter in Boston Magazine, which is a monthly that has been published for 40 years. (The magazine claims a publication of 500,000 issues per month, its percentage of newsstand copies sold is among the highest of any magazine of any kind in the United States, and it has been named among the three best city magazines in the nation seven times in the last eight years by the City and Regional Magazine Association)

Barney Frank is mentioned in exactly one sentence in this rather longish article on Sanders, which you clearly did not read. Many others, including current and former staffers attest to Bernie's my-way-or-the-highway, grouchy demeanor--which can be read as either endearingly dedicated or paternalistic or alienating.

For those of you who have been posting ad infinitum about your right to criticize President Obama across the spectrum, you'd better get used to some criticisms of Bernie. It's patriotic, ya know. Give and ye shall receive.

[CajunBlazer]

199. So you're going to vote for the Republican nominee? (n/t)

[Purveyor]

45. Barney who? eom

[cherokeeprogressive]

150. You know... he's That Guy. That Guy who was reprimanded by a Democratically controlled HoR in 89.

They recommended a reprimand for Frank using his congressional office to fix 33 of Gobie's (his roommate) parking tickets and for misstatements of fact in a memorandum relating to Gobie's criminal probation record. The House voted 408–18 to reprimand Frank.

Of the 18 "nays", count B-1 Bob Dornan and Newt Gingrich amongst them. That means less than 18 Democrats voted against his reprimand.

That guy.

[CentralMass]

49. Having a short fuse îs something Barney has experience with.

Synonymous

[Marie Marie]

92. Exactly. I've seen Rep Frank be unnecessarily rude at times.

I mean I liked Barney in general but I do remember seeing him once or twice where I just sat back in my chair and wondered why he was being so nasty to someone who asked him a simple and fair question.

As far as what he had to say about Bernie, I see nothing there that changes my mind about supporting him - in fact, some of it makes me admire him even more.

[CentralMass]

133. i agree about my support for Bernie Sanders. i alo liked Frank overall but ther was always

an element of bullshit with the guy.

[MADem]

131. He never tried to take his charming personality to the White House, though.

His district knew him and understood him. He didn't translate to the national stage as "that guy you want to have a beer with."

[reformist2]

50. If that was supposed to be a hit piece, it's going to backfire.

Don't they get it???

We *want* someone who isn't comfortable compromising and wheeling-dealing, especially when that means giving the big banks and the 1% more and more advantages, while they throw crumbs our way.

Enough!

[JackInGreen]

51. Sounds like the boss

I'm not fond of, is horribly demanding, and has my utter respect and total loyalty. I'm in.

[NuclearDem]

52. And under the bus you go, Barney.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

53. Obviously, we need more outsiders.

[Uncle Joe]

56. I read your article and it says that Bernie has "permanent scowl lines" and that he is a

"humorless curmudgeon,"

That belief, shared by his supporters and by a Democratic electorate that’s loath to give Clinton a cakewalk to the nomination, has served Sanders well up to this point. But how will he react when the press inevitably pounces, as it did when fellow Vermonter Howard Dean ran for president in 2004? The permanent scowl lines etched onto his brow may show him to be the same humorless curmudgeon that he reveals to colleagues, reporters, and allies. “Bernie has no social skills, no sense of humor, and he’s quick to boil over,” says Chris Graff, who covered Sanders for 25 years as Vermont bureau chief for the Associated Press. “He’s the most unpolitical person in politics I’ve ever
come across.”

but he seems happy in this pic.

Democrats Victorious As Senate Passes CR That Keeps Planned Parenthood Funded



http://www.democraticunderground.com/10027216194

Perhaps it's because he's with Al Franken?

Thanks for the thread, Cali_Democrat

[Frustratedlady]

60. Ranking as low as Congress is, at the moment, not having many legislators in his sandbox,

may be a positive point.

Bernie is definitely an outsider, but remember...we want a fresh start and not the corrupt government we have now. It will take years to clean out the trash, but it can be done.

I don't care who wins the nomination, I will only vote for a Democrat.

[fredamae]

65. How does Bernie Do "A/B/C"?

Well, with us, of course. And the fact that voters recognize the Importance of also electing a sane - well intentioned Congressional majority. That means we have some serious house cleaning to do in both chambers. The GOP has 24 seats up. Where do you think we should start?
That's one of the attractions about Sanders is that He is Willing to consult With the People. He has Already invited us all to participate and is, in fact-trail-blazing the way to be more engaged in the process of "our government" as I write this.

Does anyone object to that?

[Todays_Illusion]

69. That is pretty cheesy of you Barney when no socially liberal legislation has been allowed

in Congress since about 1981. Barney was very much a part of the corporate sell out Democratic of the 90s right on up through the crash.

[Mnpaul]

78. But Bernie did get it done

Over the years, Sanders has tucked away funding for health centers in appropriation bills signed by George W. Bush, into Barack Obama’s stimulus program, and through the earmarking process. But his biggest achievement came in 2010 through the Affordable Care Act. In a series of high-stakes legislative maneuvers, Sanders struck a deal to include $11 billion for health clinics in the law.

The result has made an indelible mark on American health care, extending the number of people served by clinics from 18 million before the ACA to an expected 28 million next year.

As one would expect, the program was largely met with plaudits from patients and public health experts, but it has also won praise from even the biggest Obamacare critics on Capitol Hill. In letters I obtained through multiple record requests, dozens of Republican lawmakers, including members of the House and Senate leadership, have privately praised the ACA clinic funding, calling health centers a vital provider in both rural and urban communities.
https://theintercept.com/2015/07/06/gop-senators-support-sanders-obamacare-expansion/

Piss off Barney, even the Republicans are feelin' the Bern.

[Scootaloo]

70. And once he's out of congress, he jumps on a bank's payroll.

[Hiraeth]

71. Of course he was/is a pain in the ass because

[Triana]

72. If he was a Republican his stubborness, my-way-or-highway attitude would be an asset

Odd that double-standard.

Look, we NEED someone stubborn and absolutely UNCOMPROMISED and UNCOMPROMISING in our corner. Why? You fight fire with fire, that's why.

I WANT a BLAZING, UNcompromising, UNAPOLOGETIC liberal in the White House. It's TIME.

[malokvale77]

74. Why?

Was bernie not interested in going to the gym and making secret deals to enrich himself?

Would Barney Franks be married to his long time partner today if he had waited for Hillary to come around on civil rights?

[840high]

83. ...+1

[Bluenorthwest]

81. Barney's decision to exclude trans Americans from the ENDA tells me he's too willing to give up not

only ideals but basic justice. My respect for him was greatly diminished when he made that legislative compromise.

[m-lekktor]

93. exactly. I was going to post the same thing but I so your post.

[Bluenorthwest]

203. Of course the OP will never acknoweldge it much less discuss it.

But it is alarming to hear Frank whine about sticking to ideals when he could not even stick with his own community. Without inclusion of trans people, I want nothing to do with ENDA and Barney should have said the same. He was an active advocate for exclusion and chided others for having such terrible 'ideals' as standing with your friends and family.

Frank would do well to gain some ideals and the courage to stand up for them.

[m-lekktor]

204. yes to everything you said.

Barney Frank AND Human Rights Campaign can get on my nerves.

[lonestarnot]

84. So Barney doesn't like Bernie. Do we want a soap opera made for this? Hmmmf.

I do not agree with Barney's assessment.

[YOHABLO]

85. The reason no other legislators have endorsed Bernie is because they are chicken shits.

[Fearless]

89. Oh noes! The Third Way won't negotiate with Bernie Sanders!! Boohoo!

I think we've found the newest meme!

[Blue State Bandit]

96. “Bernie’s an asshole, but he’s our asshole.” I can live with that!

"He chose to be an outsider" Isn't that what we want?

"Not a single major congressman, senator, or governor has endorsed him for president." Yeah, and, what?

FAIL!

[smiley]

101. This article really helps me realize

that Bernie isn't a slimeball like all the other politicians. He'd probably have their endorsement if he was.

Go BERNIE!

[passiveporcupine]

102. It's about time we had someone demanding

standing up for the rights of the citizens. That is what it's going to take to push things through. That with a lot of citizens backing him up.

“Bernie is a very demanding guy,” Fiermonte tells me. “He has very high expectations, and he expects people to meet them. But he’s a good boss. I wouldn’t be with him otherwise.”

Nothing wrong with your boss having high expectations. As long as he is still a good boss, what is the beef?

Funny how if this was applied to Clinton, her supporters would say wow that is what makes her so great.

[orpupilofnature57]

103. The lack of endorsements from the dullard , Goon squad of the 1%, is a compliment to his

character , Voting record, and career as a civil servant . And it's not a " sandbox " it's our lives, and what have all those parasites done for any of us but 1% ?

[WIProgressive88]

104. “He has very high expectations, and he expects people to meet them. But he’s a good boss.

I wouldn’t be with him otherwise.”

Just thought this quote warranted some attention rather than being brushed aside for the purpose of highlighting the more negative portions of the piece...

[Snotcicles]

105. I'm just curious who spoke out in favor of gay marriage first, Bernie or Barney. nt

[wendylaroux]

152. ha!!

good one.

[Cleita]

106. You seem to think these points make him unattractive when in fact it's what

his supporters like about him. He doesn't care for today's media news models. Neither do we. Good, I'm glad he's tough on his aides. He wants results not brown nosing. He believes what he stands for and what he believes are what his supporters believe in. No triangulating allowed. That's refreshing. He has never gone along to go along. His first term in Congress he sent the lobbyists camped outside his office away and never invited them back. He can't be bought. I won't go on but what Barney doesn't like about him, we supporters do like about him. I don't care if no one in political office wants to endorse him because I really don't want their corruption to rub off on him.

[FloridaBlues]

112. Not surprised to read this always thought he might be a bit cranky

[dorkzilla]

113. Its so funny; every Bernie hit piece just makes me love him more

Shows his humanity, his foibles and the fact that he is NOT a cult of personality but the 100% bona fide real deal. He’s not going for warm-fuzzy rhetoric, doesn’t need to be loved, and is dedicated to the task at hand.

Bernie reminds me of my A LOT of my ex-husband...who had Aspergers. Everything I’ve seen of Bernie makes me pretty damned convinced he has Aspergers.

This article makes me more convinced of that than ever.

[appalachiablue]

137. Aspergers, very interesting.

[dorkzilla]

142. I’m not judging Aspergers “sufferers” at all

They just happen to be really bright and socially awkward. I don’t think its a malady, just hyper-intellectuals who have a hard time navigating social situations.

There is a correlation between Aspergers and high IQs. I’ll take smarts over fluff anytime.

and in case you’re wondering, my ex was an Aspy but he also had, according to his doctor, “the worst case of NPD” he’d ever seen.

[appalachiablue]

154. Yes I saw what you wrote about your ex, and know some main traits of the condition.

I didn't mean to appear judgmental either. For four years I've followed Bernie speaking with and helping callers weekly on Thom Hartmann's program. I've also observed him in countless media interviews, at rallies and have met him at a policy forum this year. With callers he's caring, helpful and warm but efficient. And Bernie has a good sense of humor and smiles more than people think on Stephen Colbert and elsewhere. Bernie's serious about very serious issues, but he loves people, you can see it.

At public fairs, parades and events he seems totally natural, personable and at ease to me. Same with the staff at big campaign rallies and the major crowds he walks through afterwards to say hello, shake hands and take photos.
Other than high intelligence I don't see any other prominent Asperger's traits like being uncomfortable or awkward around people in the least, not making eye contact, or being nervous or antisocial in any fashion.
There are varying degrees of course like many conditions but these are just my impressions as a non expert who could learn more.

[dorkzilla]

160. I could be, and often am, wrong

My ex is a public speaker too, and he can seem warm and natural and *IS* with his family and in small circles. Its the close personal relationships he has trouble with. He runs a successful business, too.

What I mean is at a distance he’s great, but the intimate side of him bristles at affection. Its just my opinion.

[appalachiablue]

167. Weird, I know someone very similar to that, maybe more severe- good at public speaking,

great at distance and highly intelligent. Outgoing, extreme extrovert, appears well adjusted and needs much stimulation from frequent socializing. Craves popularity and constant admiration.
Few quiet, introverted interests. Considered great by group friends, acquaintances and work colleagues.

Natural born, successful salesman/businessman, deceptive, secretive, skilled liar and cheat. Lacks empathy, and with close ones is mainly formal, distant, cold and adverse to intimacy.
Narcissist and probably psychopath personality disorder seem correct from my research.
Never thought of Asperger's, a neurological not psychiatric condition I believe. Should look into it more.

[dorkzilla]

173. You just described my ex-husband to the letter.

In the end he stole a great deal of money from me - I was the working spouse; he actually told someone he didn’t work because his wife was an heiress! When that got back to me, I asked him why then was it that *I* was the one working? Anyway he now runs a successful company and I’m still trying to recover financially all these years later.

He was such an oddball that I felt guilty leaving him until I heard from one of my best friends that he told her “I would have left her long ago except I couldn’t afford it”.

Nice guy.

[appalachiablue]

175. Wow, there's two of them? and no doubt many more. Sounds like a real piece of work esp.

the whopper about 'an heiress'. That sounds like notions of grandiosity (narcissist) as well as pure lying and fabricating. Some low life user, sorry you had to go through all that which must have taken some time getting over. What is 'a case of NPD' as the doctor said?

[dorkzilla]

191. the only long-lasting effect of that marriage is how the f*%K I even married him

His doctor said it was the "WORST case of Narcissistic Personality Disorder he had ever seen” (that is a direct quote and he emphasized “worst”). He also gave me kudos for sticking it out as long as I did without murdering him.

Like many narcissists, he was quite charming in the beginning, and asked me to marry him after 3 months. When I asked him why he wanted to rush things he said “I want you to marry me before you figure out what an asshole I am”; I thought he was kidding. It may have been the last honest thing he said to me.

I’m VERY happily re-married to the best guy ever now, and had I not gone through what I did, I may never have been in the right frame of mind to recognize what a gem I had found. Though we only got married this past Valentine’s Day, we’ve been together almost 9 years. I was recently diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and my husband is doing something my ex never would have considered...he’s really caring for me. I’m not at the point where I need a lot of physical help but the fatigue is overwhelming and he’s picked up the slack, and his sole focus is me. What a difference.

[appalachiablue]

193. NPD, worst case- ouch! and honest of the doctor. So glad you got away from that

person and found a true, loving and caring partner. That's terrific, congratulations Survivor!

[dorkzilla]

196. It came out at a “last ditch effort” meeting at his doctor’s office

He was a Cognitive Behavior Therapist and was getting no where with him, so they arranged for me to sit in on a session where the doctor said “Are you going to get on a suit Monday and go into the City with your wife and look for employment?” to which the dumb-ass replied “Nope, that’s not going to happen”. And the doctor LET HIM HAVE IT. That’s when it came out about the worst case of NPD and how I should be commended. He then said “Dorkzilla, I think you’ve done all you can, and its clear you’re never going to have a partner as long as you stay. My honest recommendation is to leave”.

It was surreal, but it gave me the strength to stop seeing him as a victim of his various illnesses and a recognize he was a straight-up grifter.

[appalachiablue]

197. Sounds like a good doctor, esp. being so definite and direct to your benefit. Cons, grifters

and NPD types can cause so much damage. There should be early detection tools for them! Glad you've recovered. Stay well!

[moobu2]

115. Looks like Bernie's a big fat loser.

I aint feelin the bern, wait a minute...no, still not.

[leftofcool]

146. LOL! Neither are his colleagues, obviously!

[JohnnyRingo]

121. Elephant in the room

Reading DU leads one to think 80% of voters are wildly avid about a Sanders candidacy, I've been told even conservatives are in his corner. Fingers of blame point to (the few) Clinton supporters and mass conspiracy by the media for not getting the other 20% on board the Bern wagon.

Perhaps he's not as popular outside the DUniverse than I've been led to believe. Personally, I'm not such a Clinton fan either, and have been awaiting a moderate democratic candidate to emerge who can take down the likes of a John Kasich, whom I believe to be the eventual GOP nominee.

[raindaddy]

124. Could we please hear from Dianne Feinstein next!

So Bernie was a pain in the ass because he supported the poor and middle class over Wall Street and the global corporations.
And Bernie stood on the sidelines while politicians from both parties played in the sandbox with the oligarchs.

And it's a badge of honor that not a single "major" politician has endorsed him considering the Republicans with the help of the neoliberal Democrats have over the last few decades established an economy that's destroying the middle class in this country.

Talk about living in a bubble, Bernie wasn't an insider, he was passionate and uncompromising when it came to his populist ideals.
He's everything that Frank and Hillary are not and that's why he continues to gain in popularity...

[ancianita]

129. Thanks. This is important. He'll have to address this issue, and I'm sure he will.

[Metric System]

143. "Not much room for compromise…it was, ‘Play in my sandbox, or get out.’" Reminds me of...

[Cali_Democrat]

145. Hmmm....who does it remind you of?

Are his initials TC?

[Flying Squirrel]

148. Good.

I don't want anybody to "compromise" with the Republicans anymore.

[Cali_Democrat]

149. So then how do we get progressive bills through the Republican Congress?

Keep in mind the GOP will have control of the house until at least 2020 because of gerrymandering/census.

[Flying Squirrel]

165. We wait.

What kind of question is that? You haven't seen how batshit crazy the Republicans are when it comes to Hillary Clinton? You thought you saw some obstruction with Obama, just wait till she's president. Nope, I'll take my chances with Bernie, I'm tired of corporate Dems stabbing me in the back, thank you very much. Fuck compromise, there's no compromising with these cretins. Take a hard stand for what's right and wait for the country to elect enough real Democrats to get it done.

P.S. If the 22nd Amendment had been repealed or overturned, and it was Bill Clinton running against Bernie Sanders right now, I'd be saying the same thing. Centrism is dead.

[napi21]

155. I think he has o endorsements from the Congress because they are ALL

part of an "exclusive group" (Dem or Pub) who stick together, kinda like the "Blue wall" with cops. They won't endorse Bernie because he's not one of them.

As to being stubborn, that's not always bad.

And "Being a very demanding guy with high expectations"...I only wish we had many more like him. He fights for what he believes in instead sticking to a damn party line.

[cherokeeprogressive]

157. Barney Frank? You mean the guy who was reprimanded by a vote of 408-18 in 1989?

408-18 in a House divided by a margin of 260 Democrats to 175 republicans? That guy? That guy who counted B-1 Bob and Newt amongst the "nay" votes?

Well fuck me runnin'... I guess I'll have to rethink my opinion of Bernie Sanders then.

[ChiciB1]

161. Sorry, Frank Jumped On Hillary Train Way Back!

He, the supposed Liberal is now doing DLC work! Unbelievable! Our Democrats are too afraid to go against Hillary and it sickens me.

Why are they all coming out with negative crap?? UMMMM, I wonder.

[Gothmog]

170. Sanders does not play well with others and would be a bad leader

The fact that Sanders does not play well with others explains why he has no endorsements from congressional members and why he would not be able to get any legislation through congress

[dmosh42]

174. Maybe because he wasn't in Wash. for the payoffs for legislation! Barney knows about that from.....

the banking industry. Oh yeah!

[coyote]

176. Wow...he is following his ideals of making everyone´s life better

instead of compromising with banks and corporations....and to add insult to injury, he is uncompromising about it. Horrible I tell ya, horrible!!!!

[treestar]

180. Which is exactly what you have to do as POTUS

No one wants to believe that, but it's so.

[PATRICK]

186. Maybe I am wrong

but the impression has been strongly given that even the progressive caucus among Democrats has been exceptionally poor in standing up for even the clearest issues of right and wrong against DINOs and the GOP. If that were not the case or perception by many then this would be a very valid complaint. Government bent over so far to compromise that not only is there zero or the most incremental progress on critical issues still has gifted us with gridlock and MORE opposition against minimal sanity.

Without a wholesale slaughter of self-replicating DINO's and more spine among sincere progressives the scary thing is that Frank is wrong though right about the Sanders position. We may need Sanders beyond any worry about his inability to play with the most dangerous incompetents and miscreants squatting over the survival of America and the human species.

[whatchamacallit]

190. Thanks for opening my eyes and changing my mind

Said no Bernie Supporter ever.

[yuiyoshida]

192. Someone who goes against the Corporate interests ...is not

going to have a lot of friends on Capital Hill. I am totally fine with that.

[CajunBlazer]

200. You don't make friends in Congress because you support the same polices, ......

that makes you allies on certain issues, not friends. There are many in Congress who have friends across the aisle with whom they differ on just about every issue. However, you don't make friends, even with those with whom share the same values, if it is always your way or the highway.

[Live and Learn]

194. Here is my read: Bernie Has a Backbone!

And you attempt to portray that as bad?

[CajunBlazer]

195. Ironic: Tne NRA helped Sanders get elected to Congress

From the article:

In 1988 he challenged Republican Peter Smith for Vermont’s lone House seat. He lost but came in with 38 percent of the vote—ahead of the Democrat. Two years later, Sanders challenged Smith again.

The race was neck and neck until the National Rifle Association weighed in. Smith had promised to vote against new gun control laws. But after hearing a recent high school graduate from Washington, DC, testify about her fear of gunfire on the way to school, Smith changed his mind. The NRA saw that as a betrayal and wanted him gone. “Bernie Sanders,” then-NRA official and now-leader Wayne LaPierre personally wrote to his membership, “is a more honorable choice for Vermont sportsmen than Peter Smith.”

Sanders supported an assault weapons ban, but he didn’t complain when the gun group dumped nearly $20,000 into the race against Smith. “Bernie let the NRA do his dirty work on that one to sink Smith,” the University of Vermont’s Garrison Nelson has said. Sanders ultimately beat Smith 56 percent to 40 percent. And so it was that the gun lobby helped Bernie Sanders become the first socialist elected to Congress since the 1950s. Sixteen years later, the people of Vermont elected him to the U.S. Senate.

[workinclasszero]

201. “Bernie Sanders,” then-NRA official and now-leader Wayne LaPierre personally wrote to his

membership, “is a more honorable choice for Vermont sportsmen than Peter Smith.”

Yeah, just let that sink in for a minute.

[mhatrw]

202. Doesn't Work Well With Political Prostitutes. n/t

Last edited Thu Oct 1, 2015, 10:52 PM - Edit history (1)

[Senator Tankerbell]

206. Most members of Congress are millionaires.

I'm not surprised they aren't fans of Bernie Sanders.

[Cali_Democrat]

207. So then who will Bernie work with to get legislation through Congress?

Tax hikes for the wealthy? That requires new legislation.

Universal healthcare? That requires new legislation.

Free public college? That requires new legislation.

Break up the big banks? That requires new legislation.

[Senator Tankerbell]

208. He has answered this question repeatedly.

I understand if you don't think his strategy will work, that's a reasonable position and you may be right, but let's not pretend he hasn't answered the question.

[mmonk]

209. We can f*cking tell.

[Cali_Democrat]

210. You need to be part of the legislative process if you want to influence which laws are passed. nt

[jfern]

211. Oh noes, the bankers don't like Sanders

[Cali_Democrat]

212. Bankers? This talks about how no one in Congress will endorse him

Are members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus bankers?

[jfern]

213. Barney Frank is a banker

[Cali_Democrat]

214. What about members of the CPC? Are they bankers? nt

[jfern]

215. No, and they aren't trashing him

[Cha]

216. Mahalo Cali