Monday, September 14, 2015

Bernie Sanders tells an audience of Liberty University students that on the pro-life issue Republicans are hypocrites.

So as you can hear the moderator ask Sanders this student's question "You've talked in your campaign about how it's immoral to protect the billionaire class at the expense of the most vulnerable in society-children.  A majority of Christians would agree with you but would also go further and say children in the womb need out protection even more. How do you reconcile the two in your mind?"

You then hear the heavily indoctrinated audience go wild at this question, however Sanders response not only challenges their thinking, but seems to have earned more than a few converts to his point of view.

Here it is in its entirety:

“I do understand that. but I do also understand this is an area where we disagree. I do understand and I do believe that it is improper for the United States government, or state government to tell every woman in this country the very painful and difficult choice that she has to make on that issue.” 

Just listen to the applause and voices raised in agreement, most of it sounding female, in response to that statement.

“And I honestly don’t want to be too provocative here, but very often conservatives say, ‘Well, you know, get the government out of my life! I don’t want the government telling me what to do.” 

“But on this very sensitive issue on which this nation is divided. A lot of people agree with you, a lot of people agree with me.  But my view is I respect absolutely a family that says, ‘No, we are not going to have an abortion,’ I understand that, I respect that. But I would hope that other people respect the very painful and difficult choice that many women feel they have to make and don’t want the government telling them what to they have to do.” 

More applause, and female voices raised in agreement. 

“ But...but..I want to take that question a step further David. We do disagree on that issue no ifs, ands, or buts about it.  I respect your point of view I hope you respect my point of view. But here's where I hope we have common ground."

"Now I'm not trying to be partisan. During my remarks, I have not. But I'm going to be partisan for a moment, because I want to lay this on your shoulders."

"I am the ranking member of the US Senate Budget Committee.  That means I lead the Democrats in opposition. Republicans control the House and the Senate."

"Now I want to tell you what was in the Republican budget that passed a number of months ago months ago.” Check it out if you think I'm not telling you the truth. When you talk about issues of children, understand the Republican budget threw 27 million people off of health care, including many children, at a time when many families cannot afford to send their kids to college."

"And I am running on a program by the way that says every public college and university in America should be tuition free."

More applause.

"But at a time when families cannot afford to send their kids to college Republican's budget cut 90 million  dollars in Pell grants over a ten year period. At a time when children in America are going hungry, the Republican budget cut billions of dollars in nutrition programs, including money for the WIC program, which goes to low income pregnant women and their babies. And to add insult to injury in that budget, the Republicans provided over $250 billion over a 10-year period in tax breaks to the top two tenths of one percent."

"I don't think that is a moral budget." 

Now remember that Sanders made these remarks in front of an audience of conservative Christians, at the university founded by freaking Jerry Falwell.

And not only did he make these remarks unflinching, but he got far more than a tepid response from the crowd.

I have to say that after seeing this my advice to the Clinton campaign is that they better bring their A game, because Bernie is knocking it out of the park.

(H/T to Raw Story.)

51 comments:

  1. Anonymous2:13 PM

    Unless all of these wingnuts come out in 2016 and vote for Bernie Sanders it's all just a waste of time.

    And wingnuts aren't allowed to think for themselves.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'd go as far to say that if Bernie could get a commitment from Elizabeth Warren to serve as VP, his candidacy, and election, would be a lock. I'm all for that.

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  3. Now that I have stopped screaming at the computer, because that tepid response says it all, hypocrites, a nice young batch

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous2:47 PM

    This is getting very interesting. I like this guy. Unfortunately I can't vote.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous2:51 PM

    It ain't over till the Fat Lady sings...#FeelTheBern

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous3:08 PM

      That's right! Remember that young unknown black man that nobody thought could possibly win back in early 2008? Yeah, that one!

      We can do it!!

      Mildred

      Delete
  6. A majority of bible-thumpers 'would agree' that ...our children are more important than tax cuts for Republican Party donors.

    Why not 100%? Lord have mercy!

    ReplyDelete
  7. His remarks are spot on - and not being covered or reported.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Anonymous3:04 PM

    It doesn't matter. Those voters on the fence between Hillary and Bernie are the intended audience. If some of these brainwashed kids break out and start thinking for themselves, great—the country will be better for it. But for the moment Bernie is changing minds in the middle, where preconceptions had painted him a crazy radical. For the first time, instead of the wacko commie, a lot of people are seeing a thoughtful, competent candidate who seems like he might be able to handle the job he's seeking better than anyone else who's running.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous5:45 PM

      That's something that Vermonters have known for years.

      Delete
  9. Anonymous3:17 PM

    I used to feel that although I loved Bernie,it was a waste to promote him,because he could not win. Not so much anymore.I will vote for him in our primary here.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anonymous3:21 PM

    The relatively positive reception that Sanders received at Liberty U does not surprise me. There are definitely certain issues which conservatives can get behind Sen. Sanders on so depending on which clown the GOP ultimately ends up as the nominee it's conceivable that Sanders could garner republican votes if he were the nominee. I don't think that would be the case with a Clinton run.

    Sheesh

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anonymous3:22 PM

    http://www.nytimes.com/politics/first-draft/2015/09/14/bernie-sanders-makes-rare-appeal-to-evangelicals-at-liberty-university/

    ReplyDelete
  12. Anonymous3:32 PM

    Bernie Sanders has my vote.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Anonymous3:34 PM

    I like Bernie a lot and will vote for him in the primary, He has gotten my attention years ago with the "brunch with Bernie" on Tom Hartman's radio show.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Anonymous3:41 PM

    A voice of reason in a sea of fools.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Anonymous3:42 PM

    It's good to know Bernie will hold fast on abortion rights. There's much more that can be said in defense of abortion rights but he quickly moved away from the topic. Perhaps, it wasn't the right time or place or, perhaps, he's not fully versed in women's equality issues. I don't know.

    I cringe whenever I hear a politician make a moral argument for their positions. Liberty U. teaches that taxes and government programs are immoral so he scored no points. He brought up morality and the golden rule during his speech. I long for politicians to challenge the very notion of morality-based/faith-based policy and then support their policy agenda based on what objectively makes our society safer and stronger.

    Neil deGrasse Tyson provides a blueprint.
    "It seems to me that the way you govern people is you base governance on things that are objectively true; that are true regardless of your belief system, or no matter what the tenets are of your holy documents. And then they should base it on objective truths that apply to everyone."

    http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/03/31/neil-degrasse-tyson-defends-scientology-and-the-bush-administration-s-science-record.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous5:51 PM

      I worked with a Liberty graduate and asked her what the problem was regarding the role of government. Her answer was to the point: God is first, family is second, church is third and government is a last resort. In fact, in their view the fact the government provides welfare shows it imposes its will on the church. The church should provide, not government. So if your family is unable to help in a crisis or you don’t attend a church, you are simply out of luck. So Christian, huh?

      Delete
    2. Anonymous5:51 PM

      Great overview, by the way.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous6:44 PM

      5:51 -
      Well, according to them, if you don't go to church (and the RIGHT kind of church, mind you), you're going to hell. I suppose they figure you might as well start suffering now.

      Delete
    4. That young lady's church wants to provide welfare instead of the government expressly so that they can DENY food and services.

      They want you to join the church or sign a pledge or whatever. They want to control you the way they *say* the government controls you.

      Like if you want to eat, better become a "insert religious affiliation here".

      That's what the missionaries do in Mexico and other countries. They convert them by providing money and food as a charity but the families can read between the lines. Convert and go to their church or you'll be cut off.

      Delete
  16. Anonymous3:46 PM

    Totally OT, but I seem to remember a certain someone doing something similar involving wolves...

    Please follow up on this, Gryphen.

    https://www.yahoo.com/tv/s/alaska-tv-show-cast-production-firm-face-charges-170812589.html?nf=1

    PMom_GA

    ReplyDelete
  17. Anonymous4:02 PM

    I have a Bernie question if any of you want to help.

    I've heard him repeatedly say that a big difference between himself and Obama is that he, Bernie, won't abandon his supporters after the election. He says that Obama, once elected, said 'okay, I'll take it from here.'

    What's his basis for saying this? I don't get it. Pres. Obama has frequently talked about not being able to enact his policies alone and about needing continuing support. What about OFA and their ongoing efforts? What specifically does Bernie plan to do to keep his supporters involved?

    Thanks in advance.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous4:19 PM

      One thing I remember he said was he would hold the banks accountable. This was a big deal in a Rolling Stone article by Taibbi a year after the election when the president didn’t hold them and the insurance industry to the fire regarding bailouts after the downturn. I think the president felt heath care reform was more possible.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous4:20 PM

      That is his opinion on the matter. As a person that voted for President Obama twice I did realize that he was very much a moderate candidate, not conservative, not liberal, but smack in the middle. I think quite a few people figured the black guy must be a raging liberal. That said, I will always vote for the democratic candidate no matter who it is since one of the basics of the GOP platform is to take my rights over my own body away from me.
      And the above is only my opinion, and I am sure others have their own opinions as well.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous4:30 PM

      4:10 and 4:20, Thanks for responding. I should clarify. Bernie was specifically talking about keeping his supporter network going. He wasn't referring to being accountable.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous5:28 PM

      @anon 4:20pm

      That does not change my response at all

      signed 4:20pm

      Delete
    5. As a retired teacher I can answer that in two words:

      Arne Duncan.

      Delete
  18. Anonymous4:19 PM

    Okay yeah, but look at his face! Would you vote for a face like that? I mean do you see that face as president of the greatest nation on Earth?? Come on, people!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous4:36 PM

      Seriously? I could not give the teeniest tiniest shit what a candidate looks like.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous4:36 PM

      I know you're being silly in a Trump-like way but, yes, I like Sanders' face. I'll vote for him if he's the Democratic nominee though I lean toward voting for Hillary in the primaries and think she'd be a better president. I don't like Sanders' brand of populism or his moral arguments. And I figure if he turns me off, he'll likely turn off a lot of independents.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous5:26 PM

      Yes I would.

      Delete
    4. I don't care what he looks like, and the man can certainly never be attacked on his character, but there's other things to consider.

      People fairly wondered in 2008 whether John McCain would last out even as a one-termer, and Sanders is already 74. Trump, Clinton and Bush aren't far behind at a respective 69, 67 and 62. (Joe Biden is 72.)

      After a vigorous 'young' president, seen frolicking at least in his first term, shirtless on vacation, the geriatric state of the likely nominees is worth at least a little worried pondering. Obama was the first president younger than myself; now the likely group are all older again. And who lives forever...?

      Delete
    5. Channeling Trump?

      I don't think the posters got the joke.

      Delete
  19. 'Niques4:46 PM

    I really think everyone is missing the point. This is not about Bernie vs. Clinton. This is about a democratic discussion no longer on the defensive. This is about moving that dialog to the left. Speaking truth to power and finally BEING the Democratic party it should have been all along. President Obama led the way early on, and our candidates - our representatives - are both following that lead. Hillary and Bernie are speaking to the people . . . not together, but certainly not as adversaries. Add Elizabeth Warren to the mix -- not as president or as VP, but EXACTLY WHERE SHE IS -- doing what she does best! We are a team!! We are the Democratic Party, and we are pro-the people. Lets just keep the conversation going, and enjoy it -- we are hearing what we want to hear! Let the Republican clown car take each other out. For now, let's just be Democrats, showing everyone how it should be done. Respectfully. ON THE SAME PAGE because we WANT THE SAME THINGS! I see Democracy in action. And I see the bad guys, the bullies, the bigots and the hateful on the right eating their own.

    We do, indeed, live in interesting times.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous6:52 PM

      For the first time in a long time, the Democrats are proactive while the Republicans are reactive.

      Our side is taking the lead and talking about important issues, not fighting for who can make the most outrageous comments and rule this news cycle, only to be outdone by someone even more crazy the next.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous12:27 AM

      Sorry 6:52, I don't see democrats taking a 'principled' lead or leadership on anything. They are more of an example of the inmates running the asylum.

      Delete
  20. Anonymous5:09 PM

    Ari, filling in on Maddow's show, reported that the cheers for Bernie's pro-women/pro-choice message came from Bernie supporters who followed him to the venue, not from Liberty U. students. I'm disappointed if this is accurate.

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    1. Anonymous5:25 PM

      5:09 PM:
      I would be disappointed as well.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous6:18 PM

      Ron Paul's supporters seem to have found a home.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous8:41 PM

      Why on earth would you be disappointed? In whom? It's certainly not a reason to be disappointed in Bernie. And if you are, you are typical of a good portion of the Democratic base - fair weather friends.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous11:23 PM

      I thought the event was a convocation for students...a closed event. I jumped to, and felt encouraged by, the conclusion that cheers for Bernie's stance on abortion rights came from some brave female students. I was disappointed to learn I'd probably misplaced my hope in the students.
      --5:09pm

      Delete
  21. Bernie Sanders Warns Christian University Students: Republicans Idolize Money

    “When you talk about issues of children, understand the Republican budget threw 27 million people off of health care, including many children, at a time when many families cannot afford to send their kids to college. At a time when children in America are going hungry, the Republican budget cut billions of dollars in nutrition programs, including money for the WIC program, which goes to low income pregnant women and their babies. And to add insult to injury in that budget, the Republicans provided over $250 billion over a 10-year period in tax breaks to the top two tenths of one percent.”—Bernie Sanders

    Watch the entire Liberty University speech on YouTube: https://youtu.be/p5ZB8Lg1tcA

    ReplyDelete
  22. Frosty7:05 PM

    I like Bernie above all the other candidates of either party. He's honest almost to a fault. I don't have to wonder if he is telling the truth. I also like his message.

    However, no matter which Dem wins the election for president, they still have to deal with the teabagger idiots in Congress.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Anonymous7:51 PM

    TRMS stand in host covered this event tonight by saying that the applause was from The Bernie Sanders supporters bused in for the event. :-). MSNBC is the new Fox"lite."

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous8:43 PM

      So what? It was open to his supporters as well, wasn't it? He didn't pay them to be there did he? I am sure there are people who do not support him attending his rallies. What a pointless discussion.

      Delete
  24. He did exactly what politicians need to be doing, talking to all Americans. For the majority in attendance at Liberty, probably didn't give his speech a second thought, but at he least he spoke to them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What I'd like to know is, were they required to attend like they were for Rmoney?

      Delete
  25. Anonymous2:54 PM

    To me this is an extremely hopeful sign....it means that we need to talk to each other, honestly, but truly talk, not insult and attack.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Anonymous4:19 PM

    I bet there were some LU students who were cheering inside. Can you imagine going rogue on that campus?

    ReplyDelete
  27. Ooo, that's gotta hurt. But then, the truth often does when you are a hypocrite.

    Republicans can't say they want small government and then want to cram it in your uterus. They can't say the love them unborn babies and then take food out of their mouths, relegate them to ignorance and deny them healthcare when they are sick.

    I love that Bernie not only has no qualms about speaking the truth, unpopular though it may be, but he also has the facts to back up what he says.

    I hope the moderator was smart enough to shut up and move on rather than challenge him. Bernie is polite, but he won't budge an if you end up road kill, he'll wipe his shoes and move on.

    ReplyDelete

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