I'd be more impressed by Bernie supporters if they didn't parrot GOP McCarthyist campaign innuendo

[Bill USA]

and invective in attacking Hillary. It seems like almost all the posts promoting Bernie do-so by attacking Clinton using the same innuendo that the GOP use in their McCarthyist campaign against Clinton.

Any use of such McCarthyist tactics is repugnant and just turns me off to your appeal. I might add that my impression of Bernie Sanders is that he would consider such tactics as reprehensible, too.

So, Bernie supporters, can you make a case for your candidate ..... without ravaging Clinton?

[reddread]

1. I cant tell you how many times Ive seen that happen here

[rock]

2. Or if I may reframe your question

If Hillary was not running/did not exist, why should we vote for Bernie?

[Armstead]

74. Here

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1251&pid=637438

[ibegurpard]

3. Are Bernie supporters running for something?

Clinton is my (distant) 2nd choice despite the odious behavior of a number of her "supporters" on DU.
What do you have against Volvos anyway?

[roguevalley]

65. given the hillary site where people here go and

mock people at DU I find all the angst driven can't we all just say the same things together posts hilarious. A stroll through that dumpster sorta blows your appeal out of the water.

[AgingAmerican]

106. They advertised that site here, starting in August

And when people took up their invitation, they got caught with their pants down and went into site scrubbing, damage control mode.

Those evil Sanders supporters!!

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

4. I don't see any Bernie supporters accusing Hillary of being a Socialist (read RED!) or

being too radical to be elected.

Speaking of McCarthyism.

[NanceGreggs]

9. How does one "accuse" BS of being a socialist ...

... when he identifies himself as one? That's like saying there are people "accusing" Hillary of being a Democrat, "accusing" Howard Dean of being a doctor, or "accusing" the pope of being Catholic.

A recent survey showed that 50% of those polled said they would NOT vote for a socialist. That makes BS's self-identification as a socialist an issue in his quest for the nation's highest political office.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

15. There are lots of Democrats who are Socialists and are accused of being too radical.

And, Hillary identifies herself as a "moderate" who many Democrats and Independents won't vote for.

[NanceGreggs]

28. So again ...

... how is one "accusing" BS of being a socialist, when he self-identifies as one?

That is the topic that YOU raised - and has nothing to do with whether Hillary describes herself as a moderate or not.

Is BS a self-identified socialist or not? And if that's the term he affixes to himself, how is one using his own self-identification an "accusation"?

[AgingAmerican]

108. He doesn't self identify as a 'Socialist'

Your position is a prime example of Hillary supporters projecting McCarthyism.

[cyberswede]

16. I think that TyL meant that in order for it to be McCarthyism against HC, there would have to be...

accusations that she's a pinko.

[Z_California]

19. Intellectual Dishonesty

Socialism (Read Red) vs. Democratic Socialism. Painting Bernie as a Socialist (Read Red) is an example of McCarthyism. Which makes your post, as a Hillary supporter, an example of the projection of this OP.

DU members are smart enough to know the difference (and you are too) so while you may think you're scoring points, you're actually losing credibility and earning plenty of ignores I would guess.

[NanceGreggs]

36. Well, I really don't care about "ignores".

Do you think that anyone who refers to BS as a socialist means "read red"? Do you think that's what BS means when he calls himself a socialist?

DU members may be smart enough to know the difference - but the vast population of voters don't. That's why BS's self-identification is politically problematic.

What it seems to come down to is anyone who isn't pro-Bernie means "he's a communist" when they refer to his being a socialist - and anyone who is pro-Bernie means something entirely different.

His self-identification IS an issue among the voting populace. And pretending it isn't doesn't make the problem go away.

Bernie is going to need more than the votes of "smart enough to know the difference" DUers, isn't he?

[Armstead]

66. Obama - a Muslim Socialist Foreigner follower of Jerimiah Wright & communist community organizer

Didn't hold him back.

[NanceGreggs]

68. Obama never described himself ...

... as any of those things.

BS has described himself as a socialist.

You do understand the difference, don't you? It's pretty simple stuff.

[Armstead]

70. Doesn't matter

Thee same people who bought that bullshit about Obama (and still buy it) will never vote for any Democrat, because they see all Democrats as liberal socialists -- and Clinton is the biggest liberal socialist of them all.

Anyone with an open mind will not give two hoots, whether Bernie is a self-described socialist or not. They care about the platform, "what's in it for me?" and whether they trust a candidate to be a straight shooter,

[NanceGreggs]

71. If you don't understand ...

... the difference and why it matters to a lot of voters, there's no point in attempting to discuss it further.

[Armstead]

73. What matters is the peception

It doesn't mean jackshit whether the candidate describes themselves in those terms or not. It's how they are labeled and perceived.

What YOU fail to understand (or choose not to accept) is that the same people who would be scared off by "socialism" already associate that with all Democrats, and especially Clinton. They think she is the ultimate Big Spending Liberal Socialist.

Do you ever listen to the wingnuts who call into talk radio, or even C-Span. Anyone who is not a true conservative is a liberal socialist. Including the most mainstream moderate Democrat.

It's not an insurmountable problem for Democrats, as the election of Obama proved. But, again, it really doesn't matter whether that label is self-defined or placed on a candidate.

[AgingAmerican]

109. That, and

He doesn't self identify as a 'Socialist'. He is a Democratic Socialist.

[redstateblues]

127. There's huge difference between calling oneself a Socialist

and being called a Socialist. Bernie is, Obama isn't. Pretending it won't matter in the GE is the height of naiveté. The Rs will turn out in huge numbers to keep a Socialist out of the White House. All the DUers that pooh pooh it do so at their own peril. Polling says 50% of the electorate won't vote for a Socialist. Bad place to start.

[Armstead]

130. OKay to keep the pitchforks at bay I guess Sanders should drop out,

I guess we shouldn't call any Democrats liberals eitehr. Conservatives really hate liberals too.

Hell let's just call every candidate a "No Position Common Sense Eunuch" and maybe a few people might vote for the nominee.

[AgingAmerican]

107. He doesn't identify as a Socialist

He identifies as a Democratic Socialist. There is a huge difference, as anyone who knows how to use teh Google knows.

[John Poet]

123. Fifty percent of those polled

were probably far-right Fox News viewers who wouldn't vote for Hillary, either...

and Bernie's a self-identified "democratic" socialist, as you well know.

[RBInMaine]

134. You are learning that the Tea-Left is almost as bad as the Tea-Right. They're out of reality.

[NanceGreggs]

136. More than almost.

But it's fascinating watching it happen in real time - a little further away from reality with every passing day.

[Lil Missy]

33. He IS a Socialist. I don't get your point. n/t

[AgingAmerican]

110. He is a Democratic Socialist

Not a 'Socialist'. There is a huge difference.

[Blue_In_AK]

133. Exactly.

For instance, calling Adolf Hitler a National Socialist did not in any way make him a Socialist.

[Bill USA]

37. uh, Bernie declared proudly he is a 'socialist' although I'm sure he doesn't mean it in the

classical sense of the word. By the way, I really like the guy (and agree with pretty much everything he is for). But as I have said before (many yrs ago) to friends who were ardent supporters of very laudable people: "No matter how much you love a certain candidate, you have to be able to convince enough of the voters to get him in the office. This means you have to take a hard look at your candidates ability to get the most votes in the general election."


What do you think the Repugnants will do with Bernie's declaration that he's a socialist, or a Democratic socialist. Do you expect them to 'play fair'?

[Armstead]

72. All Democrats are socialists

There is a substantial portion of the population who assume that all Democrats are big-spending, government loving liberal socialists. They'll vote Republican, even if Zell Miller were nominated.

Democrats and liberals will vote for whomever the Democratic nominee is, if for no otehr reason than to block the GOP.

People who are non-partisan are more likely to care about specific policies and stances, how those will affect them, and whether they trust the candidate to watch their back. Sanders record in Vermont indicates he does well at that.

[AgingAmerican]

111. He proudly declared he is a Democratic Socialist

Not a Socialist. Your McCarthyism is duly noted.

[beam me up scottie]

5. That's calling the kettle black:

According to HC supporters Bernie is a racist, a gun nut, a Republican man with his head between women's legs, who protects the minutemen militia, pedophiles, racist cops, has rape fantasies and thinks that orgasms prevent cancer.

[Warren Stupidity]

10. did you have a point?

[beam me up scottie]

49. Apparently it went WHOOOOOOOOOOOOSHing over someone's head.

[Z_California]

13. Where did your Red Scare Bernie minion come from again?

[beam me up scottie]

50. People too ignorant to know the difference between Communism and Democratic Socialism?

EEEEEEEK!!!

Bernie's gonna take my stuff!!!

[hifiguy]

20. It's nice that you saved all these links, bmus.

They prove just who is saying what. Not that it will dent the consciousness of some.

Nothing's as satisfying as hoisting a lying liar on their own petard.

[1StrongBlackMan]

32. I didn't click on all the links ...

well, actually ... I only clicked on the "racist" link, expecting (perhaps, hoping) to finally see where a DUer called Bernie a racist.

You do realize there was a tiny little anniversary thing going on ... this weekend. Black Lives do Matter.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-33839261

Hillary Clinton was aware of it and addressed it. Did Bernie Sanders?

Many Black people are aware of the words Schwartza and/or Shvatsa, and they are aware of what race of people are most likely to use these words.

If Sanders is really running a Presidential Campaign then the idiots who are running his campaign should have noted this, addressed this, and had Bernie speak to the anniversary.

This whole Lord of the Flies thing going on with Sanders supporters and Black Lives Matter is a bit disturbing.


A Jury voted 6-1 to hide this post on Mon Aug 10, 2015, 12:37 AM. Reason: This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate. When the original post in a discussion thread is hidden by Jury decision, the entire discussion thread is automatically locked so new replies cannot be posted. Hide post

Perhaps, you could point me to the place ... I must have missed it.

[beam me up scottie]

51. Have it bookmarked for times like this. I'm sure I'll use it again.

[Mnpaul]

29. I was expecting snark

then I realized they were serious. Damn, what a let down. As snark, this would be Manny worthy.

[beam me up scottie]

53. Breathtaking isn't it? But there's no Bernie hate here, nope.

[1StrongBlackMan]

30. I clicked on the first hot link, and then, through to the hidden post ...

expecting to finally see where a DUer called Bernie a racist ... maybe I missed it.

Perhaps, you can point out where it happened?

[Vattel]

88. sheshe2 said that Bermie doesn't care about POC. That would pretty much entail that he is racist.

[1StrongBlackMan]

89. Where did She say that? I keep hearing the claim that DUers have called Bernie a racist ...

but no one seems to be able/willing to point me to WHERE anyone has said that ... or even that Bernie doesn't care about PoC.

It's getting to the point of being a DU myth ... that DU believes, yet no one can point to its origin and no one cares about its validity.

[Vattel]

90. I haven't seen anyone on DU actually use the word "racist" to describe Sanders.

But there have been plenty of irresponsible claims about Sanders that, if true, would entail that he is a racist, at least if that term is not used in a very narrow sense. For example, it has been suggested by multiple Hillary supporters that Sanders believes that we have overcome racism. Only a racist could believe that the United States has overcome racism.

[1StrongBlackMan]

99. Then ...

I haven't seen anyone on DU actually use the word "racist" to describe Sanders.

Then, why did you (collectively), constantly claim, and defend the allegation of, what is clearly not true (i.e., that someone has called Bernie a racist)? Even if, people make "irresponsible claims" that YOU INTERPRET AS someone "entail(ing)" that he is a racist, isn't that what you are choosing to hear, and then promoting as fact, even in the face of the accused denial?

For example, it has been suggested by multiple Hillary supporters that Sanders believes that we have overcome racism. Only a racist could believe that the United States has overcome racism.

Even if you take issue with that cherry picked, and out of context, statement in your example, your conclusion is inaccurate/inappropriate ... (a white person) believing that we have overcome racism, does not make them a racist ... rather, it makes them naïve, or out of touch, but not necessarily racist.

I'll give you another example of what you (collectively) might consider an "irresponsible claim", that has morphed into an oft repeated, but equally false, claim ... "Bernie prioritizes economic justice over social/racial justice." This has been interpreted (by Bernie supporters to mean, "Bernie doesn't care about Black people."

No.It.Doesn't ... it means that Bernie prioritizes economic justice over social/racial justice, and until recently, his platform and lack of speaking to racial justice issues, was evidence of that fact ... regardless of his historical support for racial justice, his NAACP Scorecard, or his having marched with Martin.

[Vattel]

100. You can pick on the particular example and claim that it would reveal ignorance and not racism,

fine, but my first example will suffice to make the point even if my second one didn't. As for the silly criticism of Bernie as prioritizing economic justice over social justice, I agree with you that one can prioritize economic justice over social justice and still care about black people. That is kind of obvious. But the criticism is still a lame one. Way more black people die due to racial inequalities in economic opportunity than due to racist cops or unequal voting rights or other purely social injustices, and so I am happy if Bernie prioritizes the first over the second.

Edited to add: I don't see any conflict between promoting economic justice and social justice. Indeed, the two are intertwined. So which gets emphasized the most in Sanders' campaign speeches doesn't really matter anyways. He has been supporting both his whole career.

[TeacherB87]

6. I'm a Bernie supporter and I agree!

They don't need to do any of this to make a salient case in favor of Bernie.

[Maedhros]

26. Then you're in luck, because they don't! [n/t]

[Bill USA]

43. thank you. I guess you realize you stand out from the group for your reasonableness. BTW, I agree

with just about everything Bernie says. My only concerns are what will the GOP do if he is our candidate. You can't count on the GOP to play fair. Many ardent supporters are not able to take a hard look at how electable their candidate is.

[Left Ear]

61. Take a look at the clown car candidates

and compare it with either Bernie (best) or Clinton (marginally better than any of the clown car candidates).

And then you tell me who wins. There are already comparsion polls out there and Bernie does significantly better. Bernie will do even better after the debates on October 13th.

[eridani]

86. They have quite a bit of ammo against Clinton as well. Clinton does not make up for it by--

--appealing to the alienated 63%. Sanders does.

[Maedhros]

7. I don't believe that YOU even believe what you posted.

Every day on DU brings another petulant foot-stamping post about how "Bernie supporters" use "Right Wing" talking points to "attack" or "bash" Hillary.

Absolute unadulterated bullshit.

Nobody is using "McCarthyite" tactics.

Unless you can:

1. Post examples of "McCarthyite" tactics.
2. Prove that they are what you say they are using reasoned analysis.
3. Prove that they are the norm, and not isolated incidents

then there is absolutely no reason to take what you say even the tiniest bit seriously.

We criticize Hillary for her actions and policies because we don't want a President that holds those positions. Period.

So - can you make a case for your unsubstantiated claims?

[Eko]

39. The majority of Sanders supporters

are not using "McCarthyism" tactics, but to say that nobody is would be a stretch.

[Bill USA]

45. "Post examples of "McCarthyite" tactics" .. Seriously, I wouldn't have time to do anything else!

It would be easier to give links of Bernie posts that were NOT examples of personal attacks, innuendo, shouting about things that really aren't even relevant to whether someone would be a good president.

[Maedhros]

81. Why is it that EVERY SINGLE TIME a poster is called out for posting hyperbolic nonsense,

and is asked to provide EXAMPLES, the poster DECLINES TO DO SO?

Sorry, you have no credibility and should hang your head in shame.

[frylock]

122. This is the classic excuse used when you have nothing..

just provide 3 examples. That should be a simple task if they're so prevalent.

[Gman]

8. His supporters are the biggest reason I can't support Sanders

I won't be associated with that. Early on I actually considered supporting Sanders. But not for long once the right wing talking point ints and the useless accusations started. The BLM fiasco sealed it, if it wasn't already.

[edgineered]

21. To say that you won't be associated with that rings false.

Poll after poll on this site show Bernie supporters as a large majority. And yet here you are associating with us. Get it?

[daleanime]

22. ........

[Snotcicles]

23. I don't beleive for a second you ever considered supporting Bernie Sanders. nt

[840high]

34. The last time I decided not to support

a candidate because of his supporters was - NEVER.

[Bobbie Jo]

77. You never loved him!

I see someone beat me to it.

[Warren DeMontague]

82. !!!!!

[LondonReign2]

94. You weren't going to support him anyway, so it hardly matters how you perceive his supporters

[frylock]

125. Cool story.

[Cheese Sandwich]

11. McCarthyist

[Z_California]

12. Take 2 drinks!

For those playing the "Bernie supporters (but not Bernie) are bad because..." drinking game:

1 drink for the "Bernie supporters (but not Bernie) are bad because..." OP and 1 for the abject projection and hypocrisy of HRC supporters invoking "McCarthyism" as the "because".

Un-fuckin-believable

[Maedhros]

27. And 1 drink for each "I'm a Bernie supporter, but I agree that Bernie supporters are horrible!" post

[RichVRichV]

78. I'm not sure this is a good idea.

If we took a drink every time Bernie was attacked through his supporters we'd all be too drunk to respond to anything.... and suffering from alcohol poisoning.

[Buns_of_Fire]

118. Next step: "I won't support Bernie because his supporters drink too much." nt

[Vattel]

120. nice

[DisgustipatedinCA]

14. I've made such a sting case for Sanders that I've sent him money twice.

I don't care to try to influence you, but be assured that Sanders has met all of my personal criteria.

[randys1]

17. Bernie barely talks about Hillary and still manages to be kicking ass in many polls.

Seems like some of his supporters would notice that.

[daleanime]

18. McCarthy is hammering Hillary on her War votes?

I think I hurt my jaw.

[NanceGreggs]

24. The Hillary-bashing began on DU ...

... from the day BS announced. And as you can plainly see, it continues unabated.

One can only wonder why, if BS is such a viable candidate, his supporters immediately adopted the tack of "let's bash HRC" instead of "let's promote Bernie's accomplishments" - such as they are.

As for the McCarthyist tactics, along with the links to RW publications, RW pundits, and RW "news" stories, there are a lot of posters here who have more than a passing familiarity with those things. And it shows.

[Capt. Obvious]

25. Some people say that's typical of cult behavior

amirite?

[NanceGreggs]

63. In many respects, it is.

That becomes particularly evident when self-professed progressive Democrats start parroting RW propaganda, simply because people they think are supporting the same candidate do so.

"The enemy of my enemy is my friend" - or so some people are stupid enough to believe.

[LondonReign2]

124. That went woosh, didn't it

[ibegurpard]

31. spare us your sanctimony

The "Bernie doesn't care about black people" started the day he announced.

[Alittleliberal]

41. Bullshit

People have rightly been criticizing pro-war, pro-wallstreet and pro-drug war politicians in both parties for far longer then Bernie's campaign. Many of us like him because he has for YEARS been one of the only voices fighting for progressive causes. FOR YEARS. The projection is not fooling anyone Nance.

[ronnykmarshall]

46. It was sitting on the back burner from 2008

The same players and same crap from 2008. And it's funny because many of them attacked Obama when they didn't get their pony and sat out 2010.

I was HAPPY to support Barrack Obama in 2008 after Hillary lost and endorsed him. Even with the attacks and insults, I sure as hell wasn't going to sit back and watch Grumpy Grampy and Dumb shit Palin win. And I will say this ... if Bernie gets the nomination, I'll vote for him. I can't say the same for many of the #BernieOrBust crap I've seen here and on Facebook.

[NanceGreggs]

64. A lot of the people here ...

... who say they won't vote for Hillary wouldn't vote for a Democrat under any circumstances, whether it's HRC or Bernie.

[AgingAmerican]

117. The Bernie-bashing began on DU ...

... before BS announced. And as you can plainly see, it continues unabated.

As for McCarthyism, this thread is full of it from Hillary supporters, yourself included.

The hypocrisy and lack of self awareness is stunning.

[silenttigersong]

35. Yes I too am anxious for a Real Debate

between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders.Which if you were paying attention you could easily demise from the intelligent posts citing the diffs between the two.So ,if you are inclined you should go to Bernie's web site then Hillary's and compare and contrast your views,rather then being so obtusely abhorrent with likening Bernie supporters with the GOP when in fact Hillary Clinton aligns more closely to some of the GOP.

[Armstead]

38. I doubt that you would

I guess you don't read many posts.

I'd say the ratio of "McCarthyist" posts about e-mail and Benghazi are vastly outnumbered bu those based on much larger issues, and from a perspective very different than the GOP.

And yes there is a fair share of Clinton criticism -- just as there is a lot of Bernie bashing. But the context is generally much bigger based on more fundamental issues.

People are tired of corporatism status quo politics as usual, and tired of watching the GOP make continual gains in the Big Picture while the Democrats are usually in a defensive crouch and fail to challenge them on meaningful levels, regardless of which party has the reins of power.

[Fearless]

40. You're not actually saying anything, you know that right?

You're name dropping McCarthy and hoping that everyone recoils in horror.

[ronnykmarshall]

42. Thank YOU!!!

And now wait for flinging of poo.

The HRC bashers have been throwing around the right wing talking points (aka horse crap) about the whole email "scandal" practically foaming at the mouth that it was true.

[Maedhros]

83. PROVE IT.

Post examples of "right wing talking points" being posted by Bernie supporters.

YOU CAN'T, BECAUSE THEY DON'T EXIST.

[MoveIt]

96. darn Bernie supporters, needing proof!

Hillary supporters know deeply that Hillary deserves to win, and all resistance to her ascent is (R)epublican in it's motivation.

[ronnykmarshall]

131. You don't have to shout!

Good DAY Madam/Sir! Huuurph!

[Maedhros]

137. Apparently, I do.

No matter how many times a Hillary supporter is asked for evidence to back up their allegations, they never seem to provide it. Ever.

Which leads to the only possible conclusion: all such allegations are utterly false.

[Aerows]

44. I'd be more impressed by supporters of candidates other than Bernie Sanders or Martin O'Malley

if they would talk about the positions their candidates have on the issues. So far, I've seen O'Malley supporters discuss the issues. I've seen Sanders supporters discuss the issues. Hell, I've (unfortunately) seen Trump and Bush supporters discuss issues.

If you are wondering why no one is debating Hillary on the issues, it's because it's pretty murky where she stands in the eyes of the American public.

All of that could have been avoided if we would have already had a debate, but that is still 13 days away.

[demwing]

85. I'd be more impressed by Hillsry supporters if they became Bernie supporters /nt

[artislife]

47. I would be more impressed with H

If she weren't so wrong on the issues. I don't care about her supporters as a whole. Some are good, some are bad and some are not impressive.

I am glad some have moved on and I guess I am sad some haven't.

Whatever.

[LWolf]

48. Oh. Well:

1. I haven't been trying to impress you, and the primary race is not about me, but the candidates.
2. I see plenty of positive posts about Bernie every single day that don't mention HRC.
3. I oppose Hillary Clinton. I have no problem criticizing her on issues and record. I don't need "GOP McCarthyist" anything to do so. She's a neo-liberal. That's enough.
4. I've never started a post about HRC.
5. I rarely open a thread about HRC, and if I do, I rarely comment.
6. As a matter of fact, when I do, it's almost always in a post attacking Sanders, or, ludicrously, his supporters.
7. HRC can't compete on issues and record. I am sorry that the best a few of her campaigners can do is make a career out of attacking Sanders supporters.

[Logical]

52. LOL, we don't really care what your opinion is, but carry on. nt

[HassleCat]

54. Seems Bass Ackward to Me

McCarthy made his name identifying people as communists. When various people make a point of saying Sander can't win because he's a socialist, it reminds me of Joe McCarthy.

[AgingAmerican]

115. All throughout this thread

Hillary's supporters are defending the OP with McCarthyism.

[HassleCat]

119. I'm not getting their point

If the attacks on Clinton are unfair, they're unfair, but they don't seem like McCarthyism.

[AgingAmerican]

121. McCarthyism is red baiting, AKA COMMIES!

Which is exactly what her supporters are doing in this thread, in defense of this OP.

The whole shebang is pretty absurd.

[Autumn]

55. I don't have an urge to impress you or any other Hillary supporter.

You support Hillary, I don't. I find nothing impressive about her or her supporters.

[Doctor_J]

57. The republicans are calling Clinton too conservative, hawkish, and corporate friendly?

Do you have a link to that? Doesn't sound right.

[reddread]

58. exactly.

do they think we are that stupid?
how sad for them.

[cherokeeprogressive]

59. I'll make the case. He's more like me.

[HooptieWagon]

62. Don't need RW/Fox, when Hillarys own words will do.

"Hard working white people" - Hillary Clinton.

[PowerToThePeople]

67. Typical 3rd way

Accuse those you are against (true liberal Democratic members in this case) of doing what you ARE doing.

[MoveIt]

80. Yup, some straight up Lee Atwater level Bullshit

Rovian tactics of attacking of opponents strengths, regardless of the facts, her campaign learned the wrong lessons.

[Armstead]

69. Sanders has identified and is bringing attention to the need to solve a core problem

He is addressing a problem that most people instinctively or clearly recognize, but have felt powerless to change. And he is proposing a way to bring positive change.

That problem is the obscene concentration of wealth into a smaller and smaller segment of the population, while a majority of the population is losing financial ground. The related problem is the obscene concentration of power into the hands of a handful of mega corporations and billionaire owners and investors who have taken over control of the government and are undermining the fabric of democracy.

That has been steadily occurring for over 30 years, and unless we reverse course, we will be the equivalent of a Third World Oligarchy.

We can reverse course and create a more balanced economy and restore a greater degree of democracy and improve the quality of life for everyone if we join together to press for substantial reform of the system so that it provides more benefits for everyone, and not just the few.

There, did not mention Clinton once.

[Fearless]

75. You've said nothing. You're trying to start a Red Scare?? Really?

I thought we were better.

[PatrickforO]

76. Sure. Here you go...

Americans are pretty unified on the bread and butter economic issues that Bernie has made the core of his campaign.

In fact, a recent poll by the Progressive Change Institute, shows that Americans overwhelmingly agree with Bernie on key issues like education, health care and the economy.

Like Bernie, 75 percent of Americans poll support fair trade that "protects workers, the environment and jobs."

Seventy-one percent support giving all students access to a debt-free college education.

Seventy-one percent support a massive infrastructure spending program aimed at rebuilding our broken roads and bridges, and putting people back to work.

Seventy percent support expanding Social Security (and paying for it by lifting the payroll tax cap).

Fifty-nine percent support raising taxes on the wealthy so that millionaires pay the same amount in taxes as they did during the Reagan administration.

Fifty-eight percent support breaking up the big banks.

Fifty-five percent support a financial transaction or Robin Hood tax.

Fifty-one percent support single payer health care, and so and so on.

Pretty impressive, right?

And here's the thing - supporting Social Security, free college, breaking up the big banks, aren't "progressive" policies, they're just common sense, and 60 years ago they would have put Bernie Sanders smack dab in the mainstream of my father's Republican Party.

[Puzzledtraveller]

79. No comprendo.

[Zorra]

84. Pointing out facts and truth is simple reality, not McCarthyist campaign innuendo.

Lying about people for purposes of painting Bernie and Bernie supporters as racist?

That's definitely employing McCarthyist tactics.

[Vinca]

87. Can we expect the same from your side? I doubt it.

I'm trying to remain civil, but I've seen a whole lot of Bernie bashing here that makes the McCarthy era look like the good old days.

[treestar]

91. They can't because they aren't really supporting BS

they are the same people who trashed Obama the last 7 years. They hated Hillary before BS even thought of putting his hat in the ring. They were attached to Elizabeth Warren and insisted she would run not matter what she said. Then BS came along and became the convenient focus they could latch their anti-Democratic, anti-Hillary hatred to.

[Bluenorthwest]

92. You know what McCarthy did was accuse regular citizens of being disloyal socialists.

Which is what you are doing.

[uponit7771]

93. No

[SwampG8r]

95. Sure you would

No really I believe you

[Chan790]

97. There is no reason to not ravage Clinton.

She's exceptionally unfit for public office. Too out-of-accord with the pulse of the nation on too many issues, not a good campaigner, hasn't done a good job in her past offices, insincere, honestly strikes me as less intelligent than her educational credentials would suggest...I can go on.

Clinton supporters are either blind or the tittering masses in the fable of The Emperor's New Clothes...I just haven't figured out which yet.

Recently, I called her the Inspector Clouseau of politics...that may have been too kind even. She's inept, unqualified and ill-suited to her past positions as well as her future ambitions but seemingly willful-blindness and past undeserved plaudits prevent many supporters from seeing it in the present tense. (A lot of the remainder don't care...they just like her anyways or think it's time for a woman President.)

[FlatBaroque]

98. Thanks, Bill

I have been racking my brains trying to figure out how I could impress you.

[hollysmom]

101. I would be so much more impressed with people from DU of they would stop attacking each other.

[HooptieWagon]

102. McCarthyism = red-baiting.

The only red-baiting on DU is from Camp Weathervane.

[Trajan]

103. Bill

What a specious assertion . ... You should know better ...

Bye bye Bill ..

[Cleita]

104. Got all your dog whistles together there didn't you?

[AgingAmerican]

105. Projection

A lot of 'Bernie can't win because of 'Socialism"' McCarthyism going on here today.

This is pure projection

[AgingAmerican]

112. Most of those defending the OP

Are using McCarthyism to do so. The hypocrisy and lack of self awareness is just stunning.

[hrmjustin]

113. I hate to see rw links used to attack any of the Democratic Party candidates.

[Ino]

114. In other words...

[AtomicKitten]

116. Here, kitty kitty.

[upaloopa]

126. That isn't going to happen. Everyone of them

knows that the only way Bernie has a chance is it knock Hillary out.
So they will continue to carry water for the repubs.

[djean111]

128. "knows that the only way Bernie has a chance is it knock Hillary out" - you know - like a primary?

Or were we supposed to carry water for Hillary?
Do you really think it is "carrying water for the republicans" to criticize Hillary's policies? Was she supposed to be above the fray?
The only way your statement makes sense is if the primary was just supposed to be ceremonial or something. And - isn't it carrying water for the republicans to try and knock Bernie out?

Hillary is a candidate, not a special snowflake.

[Aerows]

129. I'd be more impressed by Hillary Clinton supporters

if they would stick to the issues instead of repeatedly launching attacks, both personal and otherwise, against supporters of other candidates. If you are relegated to personally attacking supporters instead of boasting about your candidate's superior platform on the issues, what does that say?

[panader0]

135. I'm on socialist security....

Go Bernie!