One Thing is Clear: Leading Democratic Primary Candidate Are Getting Looked At

[MineralMan]

very closely by a wide range of people. It appears that there is not going to be an easy road in things like selecting campaign staffers and associates. The interest in this primary race is high, and the investigative vetting is fast and furious.

There won't be any passes for the leaders in the race. Everything they do is going to be thoroughly checked and reported.

That may come as a surprise to some of them, I think. Caution is advised.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

1. More like just ONE democratic candidate... gee, guess who?

Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[MineralMan]

2. Actually, no. The moment Joe Biden announces, we will

begin immediately to hear about anything questionable from his past. For every candidate who is in the top three or four positions in polling, investigations will ensue and we will see a continual list of stories about anything negative about them.

It's not going to be a quiet primary season, I'm sure.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

3. So, why's Bernie bein bashed incessantly for EVERYTHING he's done, while other candidates are not?

Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[MineralMan]

4. Because he's running for President. And it's not "bashing."

It is revealing information that might affect people's decisions. For me, it has to do with judgement, and things like the David Sirota hiring have my shaking my head and wondering about that decision.

Do not confuse disclosure of information as bashing. It is not. Instead, it is essential for good decision-making.

If you have negative facts about other candidates, you're welcome to post them. Others are doing so.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

7. OK, so long as we're usin the SAME standard for ALL candidates... fine, that's reasonable.

So, I expect you won't complain when Biden's voting record, past positions he's taken, and a whole host of questionable actions of his are brought up for debate here, right?

Like his vote for the Iraq War Resolution?

Or, the fact that Biden not only voted for the Crime Bill, but he wrote the damn thing and said by he was PROUD of it?

Or, the way Joe treated Anita Hill - today a HEROINE of the MeToo movement - during the Clarence Thomas confirmation hearings?

That's all fair game, right? Because, using for Biden the same standard you're using for Bernie, and I quote: "he's running for President. And it's not 'bashing.' It is revealing information that might affect people's decisions... Do not confuse disclosure of information as bashing. It is not. Instead, it is essential for good decision-making. If you have negative facts about other candidates, you're welcome to post them. Others are doing so."

As long as the same standards applied to Bernie also apply to all the other candidates, I'm fine with that. I think Bernie will come out MILES ahead... but, as you say, better to let the voters decide after ALL facts are known.


Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[George II]

11. He's not being "incessantly bashed" for things he's done, he's being vetted and criticized...

...for things he has NOT done, for example:

The most obvious these days is failure to release income tax returns for several years
His repeated failure to vote for Russia sanctions
His failure to vote for the Magnitsky Act
His repeated failure to vote for increased gun controls (Brady Bill several times, banning guns on Amtrak, holding gun manufacturers responsible for the products they sell)

etc.

These are facts, they're not subjective. The record is out there, and compared to some other candidates it's not "progressive"

[MineralMan]

12. No, I won't complain about anything that is true.

I already knew all of those things about Biden. Did you know about David Sirota? It's new stuff that's being revealed.

You seem to think I'm a Bernie hater? Why?

I'm not.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

30. Fair enough MM... I respect that.

Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[George II]

5. Two major things, not "bashing" but questioning the reasons behind:

Continued refusal to release several years tax returns even though it's been looming out there for years
Recent hires of several questionable people who outwardly speak of voting for Jill Stein last time around and who have been bashing (to use your word) Democrats for a long time.

These two things do not instill confidence in the candidate.

None of the other candidates have done things like this, which is probably why other candidates aren't being "bashed" (again, your word)

[dalton99a]

6. He just hired two senior staffers who voted for Jill Stein and constantly attacked Democrats

And you don't want anyone to say anything at all?

[Hortensis]

59. None of the other candidates would or

will be hiring anti-Democratic despicables. (Well, question left open for Tulsi Gabbard.)

So InA and any others are just going to have to get used to talk about the one candidate who is. It won’t be going away, and we’re not just talking about DU.

”Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in 2016 anymore.”

[samnsara]

36. haven't you heard what Bidens been going thru lately?..

...and Amy ('bad boss')... and Kamala ('questionable ruling record')... and OMG BETO was a high school hacker..and he LOST.....Swallwell ( 'bad hair in high school')...Warren ( 'omg that NA thing')...Beurigaga ( 'well we cant even pronounce his name and hes ONLY been mayor of a small town')...and Kristen ( that Al thing) ....so no i dont think BS has had more negative press than others. They have all been dumped on. And to the point.. i think they have ALL been dumped on too much....and for really insignificant things. But hes got a professional history the others dont have so there are more things to focus on.

Any of our candidates would do a GREAT job... they are all highly qualified and who ever gets the Dem nom will be THE person i vote for.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

40. Oh, okay, so it's just that there are more things to focus on when it comes to Bernie. Now I see!!

So, people shouldn't complain when we focus on LESS things, when it comes to other candidates... makes sense I guess.


Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[marylandblue]

52. Bernie is crusty and combative by nature

People like that always generate more criticism. But don't complain too much. We learned in 2016 that there is no such thing as bad publicity.

Voters will decide if we need to see his tax returns. Not pundits and political junkies.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

56. "Crusty and combative"... wow, that's a new one!! THAT splains it... VERY creative!!

Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[marylandblue]

60. If you think that's bashing, it isn't.

I can be a nasty SOB myself. I try to save it for special occasions, like dealing with insurance companies. It doesn't win me friends in customer service, but usually the check does get in the mail.

So I see what Bernie is doing. If it works for him, more power to him.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

61. Okay, I see what you're saying... all the best.

btw, I very much do like your preferred candidate, Mayor Pete... nothing but GOOD things to say about him. I wish him the best of luck!!


Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[patricia92243]

65. You're being polite - lol.

[marylandblue]

66. I don't bash the candidates.

[bobbieinok]

50. Anita Hill hearing AND making student loan debt continue after going bankrupt

Besides being unable to understand today's dem young women in House.

[MineralMan]

51. Old news. Not an election killer.

[bobbieinok]

53. For women after Kav hearing? And people with massive student loan debt?

Not so sure about that.

For me (79YO), he's too old. The campaigning itself is very energy demanding.

[MineralMan]

55. We'll see. Once he declares his candidacy.

We'll see. It's too early yet to know how people are going to receive him.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

62. I don't think age is a factor when it comes to Joe Biden. Like Bernie, he still's gotta lotta energy

and tread on the ol' tires.


Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

57. I look forward to hearing Joe's explanation for all that.

Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[dalton99a]

9. When Joe announces, there will be lengthy articles on the front page

They've been working on it

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

10. That's great... vetting is good I thought!! Or, does that only apply to Bernie?!

Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[Hassin Bin Sober]

13. Wait until people find out how one of our candidates from Texas got his first congressional seat.

Oh boy! It was what I like to call “a reverse AOC”. AOC, a Latina, using small donor money, primary’d a wealthy white dude out of a predominantly minority district.

[MineralMan]

16. Oh, all dirt will get shaken out of the primary rug, no doubt.

With all those candidates, there will be work enough for everyone looking for it. In the end, I hope we end up with a nice, clean rug.

[George II]

22. They started "vetting" (i.e., bashing) O'Rourke starting the day he made his formal announcement....

....and started on Biden weeks ago and he hasn't even announced yet.

I suspect there's fear in the air!

[MineralMan]

24. Yes. I noticed that. It's expected.

In fact, people were bashing Kamala Harris even earlier, starting the day after she announced. We shall have equal-opportunity bashing of Democrats right up to the convention, and perhaps even after, if history is any guide.

Democrats need to be ready for it, and undaunted by it, I think. Some of it will come from Republicans. Some of it will come from the Russians, and some of it will come from people who claim to be on the same wide we are. All of it will be designed to reduce our commitment to elect Democrats to office.

I hope we learned that lesson and will not fall victim to it again.

[George II]

26. Yes, and more:

Gillibrand is "bashed" for torpedoing Al Franken (right or wrong)
Booker is "bashed" for being bought and owned by "Big Pharma" (entirely wrong!)

It seems the only ones that have escaped so far at the candidates at the bottom of the list poll-wise.

[dalton99a]

27. And don't forget that "nasty woman boss" Klobuchar

[MineralMan]

29. That's hilarious. Amy Klobuchar clearly has no chance

at the presidential nomination, more's the pity. Apparently, she's a tough boss lady. Seems to me that we actually need someone tough in the White House. I wish she had a better chance. I've met her and talked with her several times. I like her. Pretty much everyone likes Amy.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

28. No, I think Mineral Man made it clear that it IS vetting.

Let's get all the "dirt... shaken out of the primary rug" like MM says... and may the best candidate win!! (Good luck to yours.)


Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[MineralMan]

31. Yes, it is "vetting." And this is the time to do it.

Trouble is that some folks will continue to do it, even after the convention - even when someone has the nomination. That was proven last time. Maybe we can get it all out of our systems before we have a nominee, and then get behind that nominee and bash the other side, instead.

I don't think you quite understand me yet, but you will, I'm sure.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

32. To the contrary MM... I'm AGREEING with you!! I even commend you for your position on vetting.

How is that not clear??


Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[MineralMan]

38. And the next time I point out a stumbling block Bernie Sanders

has put in front of himself, your commendation will end abruptly, I predict.

I have just two goals - to get a Democrat elected to the White House and to regain a majority in the Senate. I don't much care which Democrats win either. If I criticize a primary candidate, it is because I think that candidate is doing something that hurts his or her chances to win next November.

I've dismissed a number of current candidates already, and am focused only on those who have some reasonable chance at the nomination. You will find me discussing any flaws in any of them that is material to their electability. Nobody is immune, frankly, from criticism when they do stupid things or make stupid choices.

Come November, 2020, I will be voting for the nominee with the (D) following that nominee's name, as always. Until then, if a candidate looks to me like someone who will lose in November, that candidate will not have my support. Nothing else matters to me in presidential elections. Nothing.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

42. Yes, that's EXACTLY why I can't support Biden in the PRIMARY... but, I would NEVER

discourage him from running. Indeed, just the opposite... I very much WANT Joe to run because he adds to the debate and, certainly, with his loyal service as Obama's VP, he's EARNED that right. But, do I think Biden has a better chance than Bernie of defeating the Pee-resident... absolutely NOT!!


Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[dalton99a]

44. Amen to that.

[peggysue2]

46. They started before O'Rourke made his official announcement because . . .

the star quality the man exhibited during the Texas race was a definite threat. Still is. And will continue to be a reason for high anxiety.

Joe Biden will have the Big Guns leveled at him as well because his poll numbers are strong and he has the experience, the seasoned hand other candidates lack.

Elizabeth Warren will continue to be nailed because as a progressive candidate, she has the best track record and can articulate policies in a clear and reasoned manner.

Kamala Harris has been criticized for her prosecutorial background (as if POC don't want safe, crime-free communities) because she is a star in her own right and has a clear voice on the issues.

All of our top-tier candidates will be clobbered from the Left and the Right because they can win the primary and send the Trumpster packing. Though I wasn't thrilled with the primary season starting this early, it does mean that all the 'stuff' out there will be exposed and thereby diluted over time.

That's a good thing because the electorate will get tired of hearing the continuous whine and accusation chatter and focus on the individual candidates, narrowing it down to the electability factor. Which IMHO is the most important quality a candidate can bring to 2020: Beat the living daylights out of Donald Trump and his odious enablers.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

48. If that's fear other people must be in absolute terror since they never stopped "vetting"

[George II]

49. Nope.

[George II]

21. That "wealthy white dude" you're referring to has a net worth of about $450,000. That's about....

....20% the net worth of your candidate. And it's below the median in Congress last year.

Perspective makes all the difference.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

45. The figure is $9 million. Most of it gifted from mom in the form of real estate. A shopping center.

Father in law is worth $500 million.

On the video where he says we need to pay more in to social security and retire later, he says he wants social security to be around “for his kids” - something tells me his kids won’t be relying on social security in their old age.

No one wants to hear a trust-fund recipient tell them they need to tighten their belt. At least I don’t.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

63. Well said!! Bernie too will have somethin to say about social security and the 1%ers, just a feelin.

Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

23. Wait a minute HBS... are you saying we should use the same standards that have been applied to AOC?!

How dare you?!?! You can't be serious!!


Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[beachbum bob]

14. I take the view the media will do all they can to discredit each and every democratic candidate

the media is no friend of democrats, not for decades

[MineralMan]

15. "The Media?" Which media?

That's way too broad a category to make any sense at all. Try a narrower brush, maybe...

[beachbum bob]

17. the broad media, take what happen to Howard Dean and multiply by 100x

the intent is to stop any all populism from rising and being sure any democratic candidate is weakened for the general election. That was done to Hillary and is over looked (vs comey/russian trolls/email controversy which dominated). The media was no friend to democrats in 2016 and still isn't

[MineralMan]

18. "The Broad Media?" Again, you have named something you

cannot define. Where there is dirt, someone will publish it. That doesn't mean that all media have it in for Democrats.

You lump too much into one category when you use broadbrush language.

As for populism, Donald Trump is one of the best examples of a populist campaign in recent history. Perhaps a trip to the Wiktionary site would be worthwhile. I think you're using words incorrectly here.

[beachbum bob]

19. all cable news, all newspapers and magazine...thats the broad media and they are no friends of ours

a concerted effort was made to end John Dean's run where the "yell" was enhanced in sound level vs what actually was heard in the crowd that night. Played over and over to do ONE thing, end his run.

[shanny]

43. yep.

They broadcast the sound from his mic, which filtered out the background noise of the crowd and made it seem as if he was screeching like a mad man into a vacuum. Over and over. And all this, coincidentally, after he said that absolutely the big media conglomerates should be broken up.

You are absolutely right that the broad media is not on our side.

[patricia92243]

25. Candidates will be vetted and then the GOP will twist facts and the real bashing will begin.

I dread it for Pete Buttigieg. Vetting is acceptable and should be done. I shudder to think how the GOP will twist everything til he looks like an ax-murderer.

[MineralMan]

33. Well, after the convention, the Republicans are bound to go after

our nominee. That's expected. What's unexpected, but what happened in the past election, is that some people who claimed to be on our side kept going after the nominee. Now, that's unacceptable, I think.

We have a system. Let it work. Once you know the field, pick a team and root for it. Only one team can win. We have to hope it's the one we're cheering for.

[patricia92243]

35. I agree and hope this time the DU rules will prohibit it from happening.

[MineralMan]

39. DU doesn't matter, really.

DU doesn't elect Presidents. We just chatter about it. It's the broader audience that concerns me. If DU decided elections, Hillary Clinton would be President right now, and none of this crap would be going on. But, DU doesn't decide. We just post messages on an internet site that is read by a few thousand people at most.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

64. Again, you're right... why it's not worth getting too worked up over anything that's said here.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.


Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[peggysue2]

47. x1000!

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

37. Mayor Pete's the bomb, good luck goin after him if he's our nominee;he'll take em apart limb by limb

Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[marylandblue]

58. I am supporting Buttigieg in large part because of his media savvy.

I think the substance of the attack matters less than the candidate's response. A good response shuts the criticism down. IMHO, Buttigieg gives the best responses. That's why I think he will rise to the top.

[Eliot Rosewater]

34. Good. the cream rises.

A. I only vote for Democrats

B. I will NOT support someone who does NOT disclose tax returns and this includes my current person I am supporting

C. I will NOT say ONE WORD that tears down any REAL Democrats, any REAL liberals...I want to WIN

[Firestorm49]

41. Well at least, at this point, we're keeping the Republicans confused.

[McCamy Taylor]

54. They are looking at each other and the Kremlin is looking at the ones they fear the most.

But this is normal for an election that Dems expect to win.

[Cha]

67. Same for Bernie Sanders #Justsayin'

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