Here is an excerpt courtesy of Rolling Stone:
I've been watching the debates and town halls for the past two months, and Sanders' righteousness knocks me out. My heart is with him. He has brought the Occupy Wall Street demonstrations to the ballot box.
But it is not enough to be a candidate of anger. Anger is not a plan; it is not a reason to wield power; it is not a reason for hope. Anger is too narrow to motivate a majority of voters, and it does not make a case for the ability and experience to govern. I believe that extreme economic inequality, the vast redistribution of wealth to the top one percent — indeed, to the top one percent of the one percent — is the defining issue of our times. Within that issue, almost all issues of social injustice can be seen, none more so than climate change, which can be boiled down to the rights of mankind against the oligarchy that owns oil, coal and vast holdings of dirty energy, and those who profit from their use.
Hillary Clinton has an impressive command of policy, the details, trade-offs and how it gets done. It's easy to blame billionaires for everything, but quite another to know what to do about it. During his 25 years in Congress, Sanders has stuck to uncompromising ideals, but his outsider stance has not attracted supporters among the Democrats. Paul Krugman writes that the Sanders movement has a "contempt for compromise."
Every time Sanders is challenged on how he plans to get his agenda through Congress and past the special interests, he responds that the "political revolution" that sweeps him into office will somehow be the magical instrument of the monumental changes he describes. This is a vague, deeply disingenuous idea that ignores the reality of modern America. With the narrow power base and limited political alliances that Sanders had built in his years as the democratic socialist senator from Vermont, how does he possibly have a chance of fighting such entrenched power?
I have been to the revolution before. It ain't happening.
On the other hand, Hillary Clinton is one of the most qualified candidates for the presidency in modern times, as was Al Gore. We cannot forget what happened when Gore lost and George W. Bush was elected and became arguably one of the worst presidents in American history. The votes cast for the fantasy of Ralph Nader were enough to cost Gore the presidency. Imagine what a similar calculation would do to this country if a "protest vote" were to put the presidency, Congress and the Supreme Court all in the hands of the extreme right wing that now controls the Republican Party.
I love this line, " I have been to the revolution before. It ain't happening."
I love it partly because it reflects the argument I made to my daughter just the other night, and also because it is undeniably true.
I think a lot of us here well remember the revolutions from the past that perhaps we also supported with all of our hearts, only to have those hearts broken as once again the revolution fizzled out with only minor changes taking hold.
The thing you learn over time is that change is slow and incremental. We are always moving toward progress, but it never comes as quickly as we want.
That is not to say that Bernie Sanders will not have an impact, he will. Just like the Occupy Wall Street protesters had an impact even though many have labeled the movement a failure.
However OWS helped give rise to Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. Though on a more unfortunate note there are those who think they also paved the way for Donald Trump.
However as Jann Wenner so eloquently says this is not the time for a revolution.
Instead it's the time to make sure we hold onto the White House, and increase our numbers in Congress.
And let's face it, the person with the momentum to do that is not Bernie Sanders, it's Hillary Clinton.
P.S. Make sure to click the link at the top to read the entire Rolling Stone article. There is a lot there, and I only shared a relatively small sample.
Hilary is more of a neo-con than Bernie. Her speech at the AIPAC convention made her sound positively dangerous.
ReplyDeleteBetter to obsess about our southern border than the Middle East.
http://www.shakesville.com/2016/03/this-is-getting-real-old-sanders.html
Delete"I'm not big on being a leader" says Bernie to the Young Turks...
I'm really beginning to believe this blog is heavily monitored by the RWNJ troll factory...ie Anon 2:22. Doesn't take 2 seconds before you see an anti-Hillary post here.
DeleteYou should be more worried about Isis recruits and domestic terrorists than mexicans.
Delete4:00pm
DeleteI agree. Hopefully Homeland Security will be checking more carefully anyone that is traveling from the Middle East and any European travelers that are from a Middle East background.
I think we can exercise due diligence and stop people from coming here that should not be here.
We can't be too careful as we are already full of christian evangelicals that do things like blow up abortion clinics and kill doctors that provide abortions. We don't need another level of religious crazy here in this country, we're full up on that.
Thanks for posting that link to Shakesville (and to Gryphen for having it on his blogroll). I read it this morning. Bernie has some great ideas, but the more I read about him as a person, the less I like him.
DeleteAwwww, shucks...I'm not big on being a leader. I just want to be President of the United States.
Delete3:57 OR whenever there's Hillary article, you'll soon see posts from people who just don't like her, for reasons of their own. Your post reminds me of c4p, disagreement doesn't mean "heavy right wing monitoring." Most political junkies are dense and tiresome.
Delete5:26 - so why do you post here daily? Were you assigned here by Ole Bern Bern?
DeleteAnon 2:22, you're at the wrong blog. Amen, Gryph, or whatever the atheist version of amen is...
ReplyDeleteOMG, I forgot. This is the mob-think blog where differences of opinion are discouraged.
Delete3:19 is that why you post here daily?
DeleteTop 5 reasons Alaska should enjoy next weekend with Bernie
ReplyDeletehttp://midnightsunak.com/2016/03/24/alaskans-caucus-bernie/
It's a bummer because at his heart Bernie is an Independent, just like I am and I'd be forced to register as Democrat to participate in our caucus.
DeleteSo many of us proud Independents and Undeclareds can't participate in our Dem Caucus. I've contacted the Democratic Party of Alaska to try to have this changed for many years but to no avail, but you go registered Dems and get out the vote for him, even though us, with his independent nature will not be allowed to vote.
I'm able to participate in all of the Republican primary events, as an independent, but not in the Democratic primary, which really makes no sense as most progressive leaning people tend to be independent or undeclared rather than the conservatives.
Join the party. We don't bite, @3:06.
Delete3:41pm
DeleteI used to be a registered democrat but it serves me better here in AK to be registered "undeclared" and I'll leave it at that. I can't vote in the Dem caucus every 4 years but in the end it doesn't really matter up here as we all know how our 3 electorals will vote.
Caucuses are party events. If you want to vote for a party leader, join the party.
DeleteBernie joined the party for his own benefit. You can too.
Lots of us are very independent-minded, but register as Democrats because we want to participate in the party that most closely aligns with our ideals and where we can help make a difference.
DeleteHillary Clinton has my vote! She has the experience and knowledge that far surpass Bernie.
ReplyDeleteDon't get me wrong, I do like Bernie. He's just not been a successful 'doer' while in Congress.
Anger is an easy and volatile source of energy, but...It is like heating your house by burning newspaper...You always need more.
ReplyDeleteOT? Al Gore? dRumpf Ignorance:
ReplyDeletehttp://thinkprogress.org/climate/2016/03/24/3762641/donald-trump-bad-climate-denial/
I don't agree with this article. Nothing new said here, I have heard all these arguments before.
ReplyDeleteGetting the corrupting money out of politics is what needs to be done before we can change anything!! Hillary is not going to do that.
Even though Bernie may not get the nomination I am still very excited to vote for him on Saturday!
He's a math-challenged candidate, that's for sure.
Delete@3:18. Please tell us how Bernie is going to do it then?
Delete@Maple,
DeleteHere you go...
AS PRESIDENT, I WILL:
Only appoint Supreme Court justices who will make it a priority to overturn Citizens United and who understand that corruption in politics means more than just quid pro quo.
Fight to pass a constitutional amendment making it clear that Congress and the states have the power to regulate money in elections. I have been a proud sponsor and leading champion of such an amendment in the Senate.
Fight for a publicly financed, transparent system of campaign financing that amplifies small donations, along the lines of the Fair Elections Now Act that I have been pleased to co-sponsor, and an effective public financing system for president.
Insist on complete transparency regarding the funding of campaigns, including through disclosure of contributions to outside spending groups, via legislation, action by the Securities and Exchange Commission, Federal Election Commission, and Federal Communication Commission, and an executive order requiring government contractors to disclose their political spending.
Fight to eliminate super PACs and other outside spending abuses.
Work to aggressively enforce campaign finance rules.
more...
https://berniesanders.com/issues/money-in-politics/
http://midnightsunak.com/2016/03/24/clinton-announces-cast-high-profile-alaskan-supporters/
DeleteIn other words, @5:56, Bernie's plan is complete fantasy and ignores the GOP's control of the House and Senate. Got it.
DeleteLove this endorsement! Go Rolling Stone!
ReplyDeleteI second you Jesse.... My enlightenment came all the years of Reagan then Bush. And going further back having our wages frozen by Tricky Dick. And the more I think back to say VietNam and trying to save the world from communism, I get really really mad with the BS.
ReplyDeleteHey Gles, I'm with you. I also remember registering Democratic to vote (with stars in my eyes) in 1970 (?) for Joe Duffey (he lost). Also "got clean for Gene" a few years before (but not old enough to vote). Even voted for Ralph Nader once. But Jesse is right- the revolution ain't happening. This giant ship of state can't turn on a dime. Once step at a time is how progress happens.
Delete-meh
Thank you, Gryphen.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jann Wenner.
Stop these scumbags>
ReplyDeletehttp://www.politicususa.com/2016/03/24/donald-trump.html
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/03/23/revealed-newt-gingrich-s-secret-trump-campaign.html
"Because you see, Gov. McCrory, Hitler was wrong."
Deletehttp://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/03/24/north-carolina-lgbt-rights-wiped-out-with-lie-that-boys-could-use-girls-bathrooms.html
"But it is not enough to be a candidate of anger. Anger is not a plan; it is not a reason to wield power; it is not a reason for hope. Anger is too narrow to motivate a majority of voters, and it does not make a case for the ability and experience to govern."
ReplyDeleteRemember, this applies to Donald Trump even more so. Not only are his supporters extremely angry but they are violent as well.
Yes, I like everything the Bern stands for but my heart is with Hillary. Hopefully she will appoint Sanders in an influential position.
I agree with all the reasons this Rolling Stone article 100% !! This time around Bernie is not the one. Put your vote where it's going to count. We can't afford to lose.
Totally agree 3:58! Bernie supporters are sounding worse than Trump supporters. Just way too many negatives hurled at Hillary these days. If Sanders gets the nom I will support and vote for him as a true progressive. It's truly nauseating to read that BernBots will not vote if he doesn't get the nod. We have to stand united. Anger is not the answer. Hillary is the best candidate for 2016.
DeleteWe need Bernie to stay in the Senate!!
Delete
ReplyDeleteBernie Sanders Lays Out His Requirements For Endorsing Hillary Clinton
He stressed he’ll fight for the Democratic nomination “until the last vote is cast.”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/bernie-sanders-hillary-clinton-endorsement_us_56f45bf0e4b014d3fe22b4a7
Go Bernie!
DeleteBernie seems to be just one more cult of personality.
DeleteGo Bernie--back to the Senate!
DeleteGlobal Forecasting Service Rates Trump As High Threat To World Security And Economic Stability
ReplyDeletehttp://www.addictinginfo.org/2016/03/24/global-forecasting-service-rates-trump-as-high-threat-to-world-security-and-economic-stability/
Captain America reminding us what being American truly is
ReplyDeletehttps://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t34.0-12/12527795_10209051595390239_1665876188_n.jpg?oh=c68476f2cf618cd3ddd57ecfae8d0f75&oe=56F6A0BA
I want the Hillary (Pres)/Bernie (VP) ticket. I want Hill to do amazing, practical things. I want Bernie to keep talking and inspiring us all, incl Hill. I want Warren in the mix wherever she thinks it's best. Go Dems!
ReplyDeleteShe needs someone younger than Bernie as a VP and from a different part of the country.
DeleteThank you Rolling Stones
ReplyDelete+1000
Hillary Clinton/Judge Sarah Palin
ReplyDelete2016
CLINTON/WARREN 2016
ReplyDeleteI am against either Warren or Sanders as VP. The VP has to follow the lead of the President, not speak out on their own. It is the way to shut either of those two up. No, if Bernie is not the Nominee, its back to the Senate where they can continue to fight the good fight.
DeleteGo home Bernie and enjoy whatever days you have left. Go home and enjoy your wife and grandkids.
ReplyDeleteI have always questioned if Bernie Sanders believes in what he is saying, where was Bernie Sanders in
ReplyDelete2012?
2008?
2004?
2000?
1996?
1992?
and on and on
74 year old Sanders woke up in 2016 and now wants to be president?
You have not done your research. Here is one of his filibusters with the very same positions he holds now...
Deletehttp://www.c-span.org/video/?297021-5/senator-sanders-filibuster
2012 - in the U.S. Senate
Delete2008 - in the U.S. Senate
2004 - in the U.S. House of Representatives
2000 - in the U.S. House of Representatives
1996 - in the U.S. House of Representatives
1992 - in the U.S. House of Representatives
and on and on - Bernie Sanders didn't just "wake up in 2016 and want to be president". He has served his city, state and country for the last 40 years. He made the decision to run for president because he wants to get the Citizen's United ruling overturned. He also wants all Americans to have health care, education and a living wage.
That's not what the OP is saying 5:45. The question is, why didn't Sanders run for President before now?
DeleteBernie cracks me up, he is a career politician who is against career politicians.
DeleteIf he wants to get rid of Citizens United etc, he is in Congress, where they WRITE the laws. What has he been doing?
It seems like his answer to everything is a "political revolution". We don't need a revolution we need to keep the Republicans out of the W.H.
I want concrete answers not slogans.
It appears he can't or doesn't have concrete answers. Just slogans- free college, wall street is bad, blah blah.
Also Hillary wants Citizens United overturned, health care, education and a living wage as well as equal wages for equal work. At least she discusses the issues without slogans.
Recently I said the same to a few of the people I know who write for The Nation: Bernie is a career politician if there ever was one! He's a very slick politician, too.
DeleteGreat question and if you do a little research, you'll find that Bernie first talked about running for President AND about a political revolution THIRTY years ago. Kind of makes this year's campaign seem phony, IMO, especially since in 2012 he wanted someone to primary President Obama. Why didn't he run then? He was likely afraid of losing black supporters permanently and knew that a loss would take him out of the running for '16, at least with the black voters, because he dared to run against our first black President.
DeleteBernie is hardly the saint everyone thinks he is. I laugh when he said he's never run a negative campaign when he's said plenty about Hillary that has been negative.
http://www.thepeoplesview.net/main/2016/3/18/me-first-why-bernie-sanders-voted-against-protecting-children
http://www.thepeoplesview.net/main/2016/3/8/tunnel-vision-sanders-unfit-to-lead
Anger does not make a President
ReplyDeleteHe has every right to be angry and you should be too, unless you're rich.
DeleteBernie Sanders is not running on anger. Just because Rolling Stone says it doesn't make it so.
DeleteDonald Trump? Now he's running on anger. Anger and hate and fear. And it seems to be working for him.
What if I'm a rich woman and/or a rich person of color. Do I have a right to be angry?
DeleteBernie Sanders is in the top5% but it's not obvious as he hides his assets in his wife's name. He's been making a six figure salary for over 25 years and he expects us to believe he's only worth $250 to $250k at the age of 75? His wife was making six figures also and when she resigned from her job at the college in VT, she received a lump sum payout worth close to $800k. If his figures are correct, I sure as hell don't want him as President, because he knows NOTHING about economics.
DeleteWhy didn't he run four years ago for the Dem nom against Obama?
ReplyDeleteFor that matter, why didn't he run 8 years ago or 12 years ago, etc?
Good questions!
DeleteI posted an answer above, please check it out. Thanks!
DeleteWould any of us be surprised if Bernie Sanders decided not to endorse Hillary Clinton after he loses the nomination?
ReplyDeleteHe has his adoring fans and with a flick of his finger he can instruct them to take their balls and whine on home.
Would any of us be surprised if Bernie Sanders decided not to endorse Hillary Clinton after he loses the nomination?
Delete--------
No, I would not be. He was on Jimmy Kimmel the other night and seemed to get some digs at Hillary in.
On the same day that a new poll found Bernie Sanders edging Hillary Clinton 49%-48% nationally, the Sanders campaign announced a big rally in Madison, Wisconsin on Saturday.
ReplyDeleteAccording to Bloomberg Politics, “The collection of enthusiastic first-time voters, those under 35, men, and self-described independents that he’s leaned on to win in states like New Hampshire and Colorado are keeping Sanders in the race, as is his message singularly focused on addressing income inequality.”
The Sanders campaign is looking to build on their momentum by rallying progressive voters in Madison ahead of the critical Wisconsin primary:
http://www.politicususa.com/2016/03/24/bernie-sanders-build-national-poll-lead-big-rally-wisconsin.html
These polls are meaningless when there has been no opposition research released on Sanders. Once that happens, all bets are off and if you think it wouldn't or that the GOP doesn't have anything, you're in for a real surprise.
DeleteThis is an election, not a coup.
ReplyDeleteOf course it's an election and not a coup. That's why Bernie Sanders is out campaigning for votes, not the violent overthrow of the government.
DeleteNice endorsement! I used to like Bernie, but the more I see and hear him, the less I like him. His supporters online are becoming more like Trump fans every day, and some are reaching creepy peepond levels of undying devotion.
ReplyDeleteAgree + 1000
DeleteCheck out the Democratic Underground forum. There you will find a surfeit of Clinton fans who could give Trump fans a run for the money.
DeleteBTW, have you seen any photos of the Sanders palling around with the Trumps, or is it just the Clintons who do. Guess they don't think he's that bad, then.
Exhibit A @ 8:21
DeleteGood article. It'd be nice if Heather could grow the fuck up. But that ain't happenin' either.
ReplyDeleteI use to like Bernie, but recently I realized he's a career politician. Wasn't he unemployed when he ran for mayor? He found his niche. Then I remembered my yardstick for measuring candidates intentions. What do they do when the cameras aren't filming? Do they help out at soup kitchens? Are they on non-profit boards? Do they donate to a variety of charities? THEN, I remembered a career politician who failed at business and became mayor of a city called Wasilla and was anti-establishment and for the everyday people when she ran for governor. THEN I read an editorial from BS hometown that elaborated on how he did not get along with his staff. Domineering and illogical. No leadership or teamwork skills. And I thought, oh no, this guy hasn't been properly vetted like SP wasn't. I hope and pray that Hillary wins the nomination. At best we will get a dufus like George Bush or an egomaniac like SP was as governor. Thank God she was not VP.
ReplyDeleteThat's Jann Wenner, a wealthy, powerful publisher. Of course he supports Clinton. She'll protect his privilege. I'm more interested in knowing who Matt Taibbi supports. Because going by his reporting on her, he's got her pegged as a tool of the vampire squid overlords.
ReplyDeleteI use to like Bernie, but recently I realized he's a career politician. Wasn't he unemployed when he ran for mayor? He found his niche. Then I remembered my yardstick for measuring candidates intentions. What do they do when the cameras aren't filming? Do they help out at soup kitchens? Are they on non-profit boards? Do they donate to a variety of charities? THEN, I remembered a career politician who failed at business and became mayor of a city called Wasilla and was anti-establishment and for the everyday people when she ran for governor. THEN I read an editorial from BS hometown that elaborated on how he did not get along with his staff. Domineering and illogical. No leadership or teamwork skills. And I thought, oh no, this guy hasn't been properly vetted like SP wasn't. I hope and pray that Hillary wins the nomination. IF BS was president, at best we will get a dufus like George Bush or an egomaniac like SP was as governor. Thank God she was not VP.
ReplyDeleteI use to like Bernie, but recently I realized he's a career politician. Wasn't he unemployed when he ran for mayor? He found his niche. Then I remembered my yardstick for measuring candidates intentions. What do they do when the cameras aren't filming? Do they help out at soup kitchens? Are they on non-profit boards? Do they donate to a variety of charities? THEN, I remembered a career politician who failed at business and became mayor of a city called Wasilla and was anti-establishment and for the everyday people when she ran for governor. THEN I read an editorial from BS hometown that elaborated on how he did not get along with his staff. Domineering and illogical. No leadership or teamwork skills. And I thought, oh no, this guy hasn't been properly vetted like SP wasn't. I hope and pray that Hillary wins the nomination. IF BS was president, at best we will get a dufus like George Bush or an egomaniac like SP was as governor. Thank God she was not VP.
ReplyDeleteAnyone who thinks the Republican Congress is going to pass any Clinton policy, is stupid.
ReplyDeleteAnd Sanders has a chance, right?
DeleteCognitive dissonance.
Anyone who thinks the Republican Congress is going to pass any Clinton policy, is stupid.
ReplyDeleteAnyone who thinks the House won't be in play in 2016 is also stupid.
DeleteHillary can get policy passed more than Bernie She at least has respect from House and Senate Dems who will do their best to get Rs to co-author or vote their way. Bernie doesn't have the respect nor is he a Dem. He used the Dems... he admitted it would get more media coverage plus he didn't have money to build a platform.
DeleteSo, Bernie will have all his policies zoom through a republican congress?
DeleteCognitive dissonance.
Right, Hillary will get all her proposals passed. Thanks for proving my point idiots.
Delete4:23 - the House will also be in play but Bernie will not be President. What is it about math that you cannot grasp?
DeleteFor one thing that's supposition on your part, not facts. Enjoy your delusion.
DeleteBeing president is a lot of work. Too much work for old 74 year old Bernie.
ReplyDeleteIf you were 74 years old and you didn't want to retire and stay home with your wife you would run for president too.
ReplyDeleteI would love free health care and education. etc. But waking up alive would be nice too. Bernie doesn't have the experience or temperament to deal with 2 am world crisis. We are a global community like it or not. A stock market crash, nuclear North Korea - goodbye free education, health care, building inrastructure; hello war.
ReplyDeletewrong, now is the time to support Bernie.
ReplyDelete