The campaign of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) officially served the Democratic National Committee on Thursday with a lawsuit over the decision to suspend the campaign's access to voter data after a staffer viewed confidential information back in December.
A source told The Hill the move was "very procedural" as Thursday was the deadline to file paperwork given to the campaign by a federal judge.
The DNC temporarily revoked the campaign's access in mid-December to all voter information after a staffer inappropriately accessed voter data compiled by Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign.
Of course the Sanders campaign DID regain access to the data, and one of their staffers was fired, which sort of illustrates that there was wrongdoing on the part of the campaign. Though of course nobody is accusing Sanders himself of doing anything unethical.
However I find myself a little confused as to why an incident since resolved would inspire the Sanders campaign to file a lawsuit simply because time is running out for them to do so.
I mean I confess to not having any legal training which might make this seem reasonable, but from a purely public relations point of view this seems like something that just makes it easier to point out that Sanders is NOT a Democrat and that he does not always respect or support the Democratic party.
Bernie: sit down.
ReplyDeleteHow completely dismissive of you! Kind of Trumpish. Bernie and his supporters have a right to participate in the process, just like your chosen candidate.
DeleteFirst of all, Bernie's people stole info causing the DNC to put a stop to their access. Blaming the DNC is like blaming Jordan for having her face in the way of Track's fist.
DeleteAnd to Anon 10:34 am, No, Bernie does not have the right to unrestricted access to the DNC's computers since his people were stealing and spying with it. Also too, Bernie isn't even a Democrat, he certainly could have run under his own party's platform instead of stealing from the Democratic party. Fuck Bernie and all you Bernie Bros.
10:51, I don't interact with the "also too" crowd. Not every Bernie supporter is a Bro. You make me want to sit it out, if Hillary gets the nod. I hate to reward assholes like you. Learn to argue as an adult.
DeleteYou took the words right outta my mouth 10:51am! Bravo!
DeleteNot "people", a person. How is Bernie responsible for that, beyond taking the appropriate steps? If Hillary had a staffer who went rouge, I would only expect her to handle the situation and apologize. You are a piss poor representative of Hillary supporters, but I will not assume that they are all just like you.
DeleteAnyone who sits out voting for a Democrat this election season is VOTING FOR TRUMP.
DeleteVoting for Trump is a mighty fine show of the kind of "true" Democratic Party supporter you are.
@ anon 1:25 pm, There is only one Democrat running for the presidency.
Delete10:34: can we call a truce, and all unite and get behind the one Democrat that has the best chance of winning in Novemer? I'm not being totally dismissive of Sanders; however, our best chance in November is Hillar-let's unite and get behind her. OK? Please. I'm not dismissing Bernie it's just that his tone had come and gone - years ago! Hillary 2016!
DeleteI believe that the author of the HRC piece was correct when you said that he found Bernie too self-righteous! That was a great article.
ReplyDeleteThe more I learn of Sanders, the less I like him. He needs to not only sit down, he needs to shut up as well.
ReplyDeleteNot into democracy, are you?
DeleteI think he's doing this because he really is a grumpy old man.
ReplyDeleteBeaglemom
Oh BeagleM, you speak the truth! Sanders has no sense of PR, has done no political organizing that might support his campaign, and has only his heartfelt [and worthy] campaign speeches to run on.
DeleteAnd don't forget his legal team! He cares a lot about them.
Delete7:04, the same could be said of the legal teams that have made millions off the Clinton's over the years.
DeleteThis type of attack does not help us assure a Democratic win.
It can set precedent fro future campaigns. Let's say the staffer was a plant (which is a possibility - not saying it is what happened in this case.) In the future, anyone could infiltrate a campaign in early stages, and sabotage a campaign if the DNC continues this practice.
ReplyDeleteAnd that in a nutshell is exactly why the suit was filed, It's something less and less Democrats are leaning towards these day especially those of the Clinton kind " Doing the right thing for future candidates " The Clintonites are scared to death, They've damn near been shamed into not using the superdelegates for appearances of cheating and Bernie is quickly catching up on pledged delegates, Lets see how Alaska goes today bahahahahahaha Feel the Bern baby : )
DeleteHere's an article that helped me understand that although there will be Bernie wins for the next few weeks, he cannot win the Democratic nomination. Hold tight, HRC supporters. It's all for a "protest" vote. https://www.rawstory.com/2016/03/all-out-warfare-is-about-to-break-out-between-bernie-sanders-supporters-and-the-political-press/
Delete4:45 -- you are right.
DeleteHere is another first-hand account of a Bernie rally.
"The enthusiasm, optimism and hope were palpable."
Bernie Sanders, the Man Who Rewrote the Rules of Political Attraction, Woos California (San Diego)
"This crowd didn’t believe in Bernie Sanders as much as they believed Bernie Sanders."
"The other candidates begin their pitches with “I”; Sanders begins with “This campaign.” While Donald Trump proclaims, “I will take care of women,” Sanders says, “This campaign” will stand with women as they fight for their right to earn equal pay for equal work.
The best line of the night came after the candidate noted that Wal-Mart employees are forced to use billions of dollars in public assistance because the corporation pays its low-level workers so poorly. Sanders exclaimed that it’s time for the Waltons, the family that owns much of Wal-Mart, “to get off [corporate] welfare and start paying their workers a living wage.” And the crowd goes wild.
My own evolution toward voting for Sanders has been a tortured one. I always agreed with him on the issues but worried about electability. My friends in the black political class will also privately support Sanders but firmly assert that once Republicans spend $500 million calling Sanders a “communist,” the current polls showing his advantage over Trump will evaporate.
"But as I watch the Republican Party self-destruct, I see an opportunity for this election to represent a giant leap for American-kind. I actually relish a fall campaign that pits a fascist against a [Democratic] socialist. Finally, a real choice. I’m voting for Bernie Sanders."
http://www.alternet.org/election-2016/bernie-sanders-man-who-rewrote-rules-political-attraction-woos-california
Carolina Berner6:41 AM,
DeleteWell, if you can't win fairly, change the rules mid-process. It's amazing how the Democratic primary process worked for Barack Obama (a DEMOCRAT) but all of a sudden doesn't work for a pseudo Democrat. Why didn't he run as an independant or a republican if the Democratic party is so unfair?
7:09 , So you're saying that Sanders won't win because the media will not give him credit ???? Where have you been ? They haven't given Sanders anything, and as far as the pundits predictions, Remember Michigan : )
DeleteVoted for Bernie in the primary; will vote for the Democratic candidate in November. That is all.
DeleteIsn't it fascinating that a Sanders staffer did this and was fired, and Sanders HAS access to everything he wants, and the media has been, basically, silent on this? If a Clinton staffer had accessed Sanders data-hoo boy! Look how underhanded she is-she's trying to cheat-see, she cannot be trusted!! There is such a double standard that it would be funny were this election not about saving the very basis of this nation.
ReplyDeleteExactly!!
DeleteSeen this today?
DeleteBNR - 'Super-Sized Crowds For Sanders In Seattle & Portland' & 'Bernie Works For More Wins'
Have a look at pics of his huge rallies (mostly unreported).
It's the youth that who driving his campaign: they are the ones that are going to live in Hillary's future and want something nourishing to can get passionate about; they want to believe things can change -- they want a revolution in favor of humanity, not money. Hillary, to them, represents Wall Street and she could lose if she is nominated.
I say let Trump and Bernie fight it out for the soul of America.
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/3/26/1506399/-BNR-Super-Sized-Crowds-For-Sanders-In-Seattle-amp-Portland-amp-Bernie-Works-For-More-Wins
Not many of us Bernie supporters here on IM, but we can't be shut out or IM will be as close-minded as right-wing media.
DeleteI will support Bernie until there is no Bernie.
DeleteQ
There is no Bernie. A little Birdie told me.
DeleteAnonymous6:20 AM
DeleteCountering your opinion is not shutting you out. Are you then closed minded about Hillary or is it only Hillary defenders who are close-minded?
It doesn't matter how many people show up for his rallies. It matters who shows up to vote.
DeleteIt doesn't matter just what you say. It matters what everyone who votes says.
I'm in my 50s. Is my vote less important than the "youth vote?"
DeleteWill I not be living in the future?
Thank you @7:46...I am 66 & my vote counts! I have never missed the opportunity to vote since 1968. Youthful support but where's their votes?
DeleteThis is silliness. Unless there is voter fraud, no vote is more or less important. Age, gender, race, income don't affect the impact of one vote over another.
Deletewell 8:45 a.m. a lot of them are being shut out, especially the college students as there is confusion about where they are registered to vote.
DeleteSorry 11:18 I don't buy it.
DeleteThese kids grew up on the internet and cell phones. ALL voter info is online.
If they can't figure out how and where to vote, then it reflects on them, not on any voting system.
A lot of those young folks looking to be energized and inspired act as if they are watching a reality show and picking their favorite character, not choosing a competent leader for our country.
DeleteAnonymous11:18 AM,
DeleteThe comment was about Sanders supporters being "shut out" on IM not at the vote.
I think there is much more to this story. It is called dirty elections. And whom? whom is the brightest? ugliest? sleazy clown of all? Well Yes, there is the answer folks. Rollin don john frump across the country. Bernie is just one of many that have been set up by the frump pac. It is clear as flint water. Sneaky RNC and their shorty fingers magic campaign.
ReplyDeleteOr maybe it was a couple of eager staffers who exploited something they shouldn't have.
Deletehttp://www.salon.com/2016/03/25/hillary_clintons_dirty_politics_bernie_sanders_is_experiencing_the_same_nasty_tricks_that_clintons_campaign_dealt_obama_in_2008/
DeleteEvery single one of the voting irregularities David Plouffe (Atlantic article) complained about in 2008 have been experienced by the Bernie Sanders campaign.
"History is repeating itself in 2016."
"If loyal Democrats believe Sanders supporters who refuse to vote for Clinton will eventually come around if Clinton wins (like Clinton supporters did in 2008), they should reevaluate their optimism. I state the case for writing-in Bernie Sanders, if Clinton wins, in this YouTube segment.
"Rest assured that more attempts at blatant voter suppression and “dirty politics” will result in far more than 33% of Bernie Sanders supporters refusing to vote for Clinton. I explain in this appearance on CNN International with John Vause that Clinton could get indicted, and in another appearance on CNN International that none of Trump’s schemes would pass Congress.
"If we see more attempts at voter suppression in the future, even the fear of Donald Trump won’t be enough to sway millions of voters, disenchanted with Clinton’s “dirty politics.”
@ anon 7:47 am
DeleteEvery campaign has eager staffers, that is not an excuse to break the law and steal.
Barbara - PUMA? (In this election) = IDIOTS!
DeleteI completely agree, 10:57.
DeleteHe's a good guy. He is engaging a lot of young people and that is a positive thing.
ReplyDeleteHe said he will bow out if he needs to, for Queen Hills.
How condescending can you be. Will he be King Bernie if he wins? Or is this just another demeaning sexist comment, subtly equating her hard-winning of the nomination to a beauty pageant queen?
DeleteMost of his "young people" are not even registered to vote. That's what was reported from AZ/ Flagstaff, as one example.
DeleteI guess "bowing out" means the same thing as not getting enough votes to win.
Delete@7:49, it wouldn't make sense tobow out while leading.
DeleteThis sounds like a case for Judge Payme.
ReplyDeleteLol!
DeleteLOL.
Delete:)
DeleteMildred
Drawing lines in an already insane political arena of us vs them , is not supportive of the good fight. Some of us are not in the camp of Clinton, as you may be. She I not all unicorns and rainbow farts.
ReplyDeleteNeither is Bernie.
DeleteI like Bernie and like how he has changed shifted the conversation left in the Democratic primary, but I am under no illusion about him. He will not magically fix everything and republicans will not magically turn out to vote for him.
Deletehttp://www.investors.com/politics/editorials/bernie-sanders-the-bum-who-wants-your-money/
Honestly, I cannot stand him now. An old broken record. Thank God the bird made him change it up.
DeleteWhy is he still demanding Hillary release the transcripts of her speeches? Was he too busy yelling when she said No the last 100 times?
ReplyDelete-------------------
Sanders hit former Sec. of State Clinton for her super PACs and again called on her to release the transcript of her speeches to Wall Street. The Democratic candidate said that his campaign is doing well because they are listening to the American people, not special interest contributors.
http://www.politicususa.com/2016/03/26/massive-crowd-20000-safeco-field-bernie-sanders-hours-wa-caucus.html
I think the key words were "to Wall Street"? These are speeches made to private groups of "supporters" behind closed doors, so I doubt Bernie or anyone who wasn't invited could have heard what she promised them, regardless of how loud or quiet we were.
DeleteI too, would like to know what Hillary tells the Wall Street Gang behind closed doors, but I doubt his efforts will produce anything. But, kudos to him for trying
Go Bernie!
Q
Anonymous7:08 AM,
DeleteWhy do say that she "promised them" something? Why do you accuse someone of something illegal without any proof? Just because someone speaks to bankers doesn't mean they make promises to them. What is it exactly that you think she promised them?
7:58, Let me go on record as saying I will vote for Hillary, if she is the nominee.
DeleteI am not saying or implying that anything sinister took place. However, when ever any candidate speaks to special interest groups behind closed doors, it is concerning and a big part of Bernie's stand is that Hillary is owned by Wall Street. It would be helpful to know what she says when speaking to them.
Q
Q. You yourself wrote she promised them something. To me that is both saying an implying that something sinister took place.
DeleteBernie and his supporters constantly saying that Clinton is "owned by Wall Street," is doing a lot more than implying something sinister is going on.
I'm sure you understand that if she releases any transcripts, every single thing she said, from "it's great to be here" to "have a great day" will be thrown up as proof that she is a Wall Street shill.
7:58, since when is it illegal to make campaign promises? Your statement makes it seem that claiming she makes promises would imply that she was behaving illegally, which is nonsense. All candidates make 'campaign promises'.
Delete8:36, I don't think promising to work to accomplish goals is in of itself "sinister". I simply want to know what if anything, was promised. That whole "transparency" thing that politicians love to campaign on...
DeleteI can't speak for anyone but myself, but I can assure you that I would not read criminal activities into every word she spoke. I voted for Bill twice, would seriously consider voting for him again, if given the opportunity and have NO problem voting for Hillary, if she is the choice. However, until the choice is Hillary, I am supporting Bernie. I respect your right to support whomever you choose.
Q
Remember the video leaks of W calling the 1%ers his "base"? Or the video of Mitt insulting the 47%? Both were talking behind closed doors to groups. Each had a great impact on voters Often we learn who our candidates really are not by what they say in public, but rather what they say behind closed doors.
DeleteQ, I appreciate that.
DeleteUnfortunately, many Sanders supporters have turned this into a fight between good and evil.
It flows from BOTH CAMPS, 11:02.
DeleteAnonymous11:54 AM,
DeleteNo, it doesn't. Just like both parties are not equally responsible for the impasse in congress. Stop with the false equivalencies.
I've never in my life read any Clinton supporters call Bernie Sanders evil, but I certainly have read quite a few Sanders supporters using that specific word to describe Hillary Clinton.
DeleteThere is criticism coming from both sides, but the literal "good vs evil" is all in flowing from the Sanders camp.
The point of Sanders suing the DNC, is that the Sanders staffer which illegally accessed information on the Clinton side was RECOMMENDED by the DNC for the Sanders team to hire.
ReplyDeleteSanders is suing the DNC under the impression of conspiracy by the DNC to stage this event right before an election debate/primary/caucus. This staffer was planted by the DNC to stage negative publicity events on the side of the Sanders campaign, allowing the DNC to shoehorn Clinton for the Democratic nominee.
The DNC is a shill.
What BS.
DeleteYour comment makes very little sense, both the writing and what you're trying to say.
DeleteNo, 6:58 is pretty accurately describing what the Sanders campaign believed happened but I'll elaborate.
DeleteSanders and Clinton campaigns have contracts with the DNC to support and access the data. Sanders campaign hired someone on recommendation from the DNC and the company that provides voter data services to the DNC. On a day when a flaw/fault/error in the software caused the data for both campaigns to be wide open to each other, this guy looked at Clinton campaign info, made searches of Clinton campaign info.
Sanders campaign believed this couldn't be a coincidence and the guy was planted and the data error was orchestrated to give the DNC cause to lock the Sanders campaign out of the data it was paying for, essentially destroying the voter data capability of the Sanders campaign. In other words, that this was a deliberate rat-fucking by the DNC.
While none of this appears in the filings in the case, this is the underlying conflict with the DNC. And this is the reason the DNC and the Sanders campaign agreed to an independent audit of the event.
Not my business to get in the middle of your cat fight but:
Deletehttp://gawker.com/bernie-sanders-adviser-says-dnc-fed-them-staffer-who-st-1749781960
Why is it so hard for Sanders supporters to see any of the guy's character flaws?
ReplyDeleteWhat makes you think we don't?
DeleteSo tell us what they are, 8:18.
Delete(and, "cares too much about other people" isn't one of them)
Right, 8:31. I will write a laundry list of the character flaws the candidate I support has! Heck, no. What concerns me may not concern someone else. Would you write a list of Hillary's character flaws for others to mull over, perhaps giving them reasons to rethink their choice? Not smart!
Delete@8:31, your writing style comes across as very bullying. It reads much like many of the posters on c4p. Just like the Bernie bros who try to bully people into supporting Bernie, your style is not doing Clinton any favors.
DeleteI don't think you understand what the word "bullying" means.
DeleteI'm sorry I came across as bullying. I'd like to have a real conversation about the candidates without the rhetoric. I know lots of Sanders supporters realize he isn't perfect. There's just so much divisiveness and absolutes.
DeleteI'm apologizing not because I'm afraid of alienating Sanders voters to the point where they won't vote for Clinton, but because my exasperation came out as rudeness.
9:39, you are very annoying. Buy a dictionary.
Delete@9:49, :)
DeleteI apologize and that's your response, 10:15?
Delete@9:39 & 10:34, I am 10:15. I was not the one who you apologized to, but just appreciated your apology. (But, you kind of ruined it with your 10:34 response!). Perhaps you need to take a break?
DeleteOops, I typed the wrong time. Another apology is in order, an even bigger one this time. I'm very sorry.
DeleteI can't wait for this election cycle to be over. It does make me very, very tired.
Gryphen wrote, "just makes it easier to point out that Sanders is NOT a Democrat and that he does not always respect or support the Democratic party."
ReplyDeleteI heartily disagree! I am a staunch Democrat, but I know both parties are flawed and I do not treat my party like "our beloved leaders". If Bernie feels that the Democratic Party has treated him unfairly, he has every right to challenge them and it hardly reflects on him as a loyal party member.
The alternative is much more frightening to me and I am surprised that anyone who calls them self a Democrat would expect Bernie to get in step and play by Party rules, if they think the rules are wrong.
Q
How were the rules wrong?
DeleteOn the whole, I agree with your statement taht if there is something unlawful in the process he has a right to sue. But the problem is the self-righteousness of someone who is not a Democrat but is not above using/hijacking the Democratic party to run for president and then turning around and suing them.
DeleteI heartily agree, Q. "Team" playing and the stubborn loyalty some people have can be a detriment to voting in the best people for the job. Look at the GOP, we've seen presidential candidates who call Trump a liar, unstable and worse, yet they will back him if he's the nom. It's crazy. If we had people voting for the best candidate, as we saw many Republicans do in 2008, we'd be far better off as a country. I would do the same in that position.
DeleteI know it's pretty improbable, though, with all the technicalities of majority/minority ruling in the senate and congress. But let's at least call out insanity when we see it and try to avoid a catastrophic mistake.
Mildred
Hijacking the Democratic party? The Sanders campaign pays the DNC a lot of money for data services. The DNC denied the campaign access to its own data within a week or two of the Iowa caucuses and NH primaries. The campaign has every right to seek justice for breach of the contract to provide services. The fact they're still negotiating to settle shows there probably is a there there that the DNC wants to smooth over.
DeleteGood to see you commenting! I seriously considered asking if other IMers had seen any posts that I missed. You had me worried.
DeleteInteresting times, aren't they?
Q
Anonymous8:08 AM,
DeleteHe has been an independant during his entire time in congress but now decides to run as a Democrat. He is not a Democrat. Why run for the party nomination? Rather hypocritical and self-serving of him don't you think?
Oh bullchit @7:44 when you have a de facto two party system, running under one of the two clearly polarized flags is the only option. What, you want a Nader? Which gave us GWB? In politics Don Quixote is just a money and vote waster.
Delete"In politics Don Quixote is just a money and vote waster." Doesn't that describe Bernie? How is he going to accomplish anything he promises? More and more he is becoming the Trump of the left. All talk with no real plan for getting it done.
DeleteThen explain why. 12:55, Hillary is morphing into Bernie, more and more as the campaign drags on? He must be doing something right.
DeleteIs Bernie morphing into Hillary because he changed him mind about liability for gun manufacturers and sellers?
DeleteIs he morphing into Clinton because he's become more attentive to the specific plights of minorities and women?
She must be doing something right.
So they campaign caught with their hands in the cookie jar are still suing? What a joke Bernie Sanders has become. He's milking supporters for all they are worth -- and paying Ted Devine 800,000 for one months work. I hope you Bernie fans are happy to help create what you would so fiercely label an oligarch!
ReplyDeleteThe hand that got caught in the cookie jar was recommended to the Sanders campaign by the DNC.
DeleteSo what? Not everything is a conspiracy.
DeleteThe independent audit will show whether it is or it isn't. Who would object to an independent audit?
DeleteI've liked what Bernie had to say for many years. However, it is now like a broken record, and I'm tired of hearing it.
ReplyDeleteBernie, instead tell us how you are going to get a belligerent congress to enact the laws needed to pay for the pie in the sky revolution. In other words, we KNOW what needs to be done; now tell is HOW you will get it done.
I question how any Democrat will accomplish anything in the current environment.
DeleteI imagine Hillary will deal with the same Congress? Perhaps we should raise the white flag and all vote Republican?
DeleteYou're a fool if you think that Congress is going to be any more acquiescent to Hillary's plans.
DeleteSanders will just put Amendments on everything. He can do that as president, can't he?
DeleteHillary is willing to compromise to ultimately make thing better, just like Obama is. That's why some people hate her (and him) and why some people like her (and him).
DeleteThat's all you've got, eh Gryph? I think this election is causing your grey matter to shrink.
ReplyDeleteThis post shows either you don't understand the law or you're knowingly helping to spread another smear of Sanders.
ReplyDeleteSanders filed suit in December, not on Friday. Friday's filing was a response to the judge's order to show cause in the Dec case telling the Sanders campaign it hadn't properly served the DNC and that "failure to effectuate service or to satisfactorily respond to the present order by [Thursday], may result in the dismissal of this action, without further notice".
The suit sought restoring access to the data and $75,000 in damages for breach of the contract to provide data services to the Sanders campaign. When the access was restored, the parties also agreed to an independent audit of the data problem. Remember, during the time in question, the data for both campaigns was wide open to both sides. The audit results aren't in yet.
Sanders has the right to keep the case open while they try to settle it and not have the judge dismiss it on a technicality that the other party wasn't properly served. In the filing, they wrote that both sides "continue to engage in cooperative discussions in their efforts to resolve the pending litigation" and will keep the court updated on those discussions.
I think TPM and others who wrote articles like these framing Friday's filing as "filing suit" are deliberately counting on people not understanding what's really going on and viewing Sanders in a negative light. It worked and it's disgusting.
He should drop the suit.
DeleteThe Sanders campaign would be stupid to close the suit before the independent audit agreed to by both parties are complete.
DeleteNo, one of the reasons in the US for lawsuits is to change things, unless the DNC does that the lawsuit should stand.
DeleteThe reason for lawsuits is to seek justice.
DeleteNonsense, 8:51. As you've read here on this blog, lawsuits can be used to tie up another person's life or assets, to intimidate, to bankrupt, to smear. They're also used for closure.
DeleteTime is not running out to file a lawsuit it has been ongoing for months with negotiations for a settlement from the DNC in the background which the DNC claims is going well. This was the Sanders people serving the DNC due having to show cause and a 90 day requirement. Why had they not served them yet, usually that means they expect to not have to continue with the lawsuit, instead expecting to be successful with a settlement. Please understand what this means, the DNC did wrong. Just because you belong to an org does not mean you go along with wrongdoing. I certainly would not, ever. In this case both sides are very busy, thus slow progress. Most of the public will buy that article of BS because they get their info from the MSM rather than read truthful articles.
ReplyDeleteBecause the "cause" is all based on the illegal activity of Bernie's staff.
DeleteSo what is a "truthful article"? I am curious as to what you consider an unbiased source of truth.
DeleteI don't want to hear any Bernie supporters complaining about gun if he is the Dem's nominee. He was against the Brady bill.
ReplyDelete