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Cheezoholic

(2,643 posts)
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 05:40 AM Mar 2022

Heard some disturbing things on Hartman's program this week

and on DU for awhile now and amongst like minded folks I know. Thom did a rant about getting physically involved in the Democratic party using Bannon pushing this on the other side. Not the first time he's ranted about this. Agree with him totally. He immediately started taking calls from those who have had it with the inner workings of the DNC top to bottom. I agree with him, if you don't like it fix it. I agree with them, there's a ton of house cleaning to be done across the board.

But right now, at this moment, and I wish Thom would've spoke more about it, the Democratic party needs to be unified. All of us. We can't be infighting with what's at stake in less than 8 months.

If we can't at least retain what we have in Nov its over folks. i heard people on his show saying they wouldn't vote because the party is corrupt. Have seen it here. Guess what, we lose in Nov you won't have a party to worry about and you will never again have a vote period.

Screw 2024, right now we need to win 2022 period. Then we can talk about party reform. If we lose in Nov, truly we are screwed from that point on. I honestly believe that

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Heard some disturbing things on Hartman's program this week (Original Post) Cheezoholic Mar 2022 OP
Post removed Post removed Mar 2022 #1
Yup. Thank you! Beakybird Mar 2022 #2
Will Rogers said it best: Conjuay Mar 2022 #200
That joke hit its sell-by date 70 years ago. If we can't unify NOW in 2022, the party is over... Hekate Mar 2022 #217
You have an obsession about this fact that is older than 5 years old Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #4
Bernardo please stop the personal attacks on me. I'm entitled to my opinion. FreepFryer Mar 2022 #7
Your opinions are way off base, gab13by13 Mar 2022 #13
+1 n/t ChazII Mar 2022 #72
Thank you so much. Seems as if someone here has a personal axe to grind Ferrets are Cool Mar 2022 #106
personally, I think his refusal WhiteTara Mar 2022 #165
You have a right to your minority opinion. live love laugh Mar 2022 #188
Your opinion that he is a spy is unfounded Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #17
I asked you to stop making (Nasty) personal attacks. And I never called him a "spy" (Nt) FreepFryer Mar 2022 #18
You implied it and put your toe over the line with "relationship with Russian military" Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #22
I've pointed to facts. You've just pointed at me and been nasty. (Nt) FreepFryer Mar 2022 #25
5 years ago we knew what Russia and RT were doing to undermine our election and nation. FreepFryer Mar 2022 #21
Again you go with the spy accusation, calling him an "agent" with no evidence. Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #24
His show was on Russia Today, a branch of Russian Military Intelligence. Now banned in the USA. nt FreepFryer Mar 2022 #28
+1 eShirl Mar 2022 #30
Still no evidence & certainly not current. Books? He wrote 30. Podcasts? Hundreds. You have nothing. Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #36
Hartmann has never been banned in the USA. Your title smears. It's all you have, a smear Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #37
Welcome by some. Not by others. We'll see. (Nt) FreepFryer Mar 2022 #38
That's right.. Not everyone thinks Cha Mar 2022 #202
... sheshe2 Mar 2022 #234
There's nothing personal in the response to you. live love laugh Mar 2022 #186
Just because he signed up on Democratic Underground doesn't make his profiting pnwmom Mar 2022 #57
Why did Russia want to promote Thom? gab13by13 Mar 2022 #59
To give the network credibility with Thom's progressive fan base. nt pnwmom Mar 2022 #62
exactly. WhiteTara Mar 2022 #194
Why has nobody succeeding in cancelling Hartmann on DU after more than 5 years? Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #78
Why? Because of people like you WhiteTara Mar 2022 #167
Aloha! Cha Mar 2022 #203
aloha WhiteTara Mar 2022 #210
You too, White Tara.. Mahalo! Cha Mar 2022 #211
I'm not aware anyone has tried. I haven't seen him post anything pnwmom Mar 2022 #181
Exactly. . . . nt Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #182
I don't know about being "a positive force," but he apparently has not crossed the line... Hekate Mar 2022 #218
Trumpism is older than five years. And this is a direct consequence of what happened in 2016. Beastly Boy Mar 2022 #83
Funny how nobody provides links or quotes of Hartmann carrying Russian water or tRump water Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #102
That's a deflection Beastly Boy Mar 2022 #130
+1000 nt jrthin Mar 2022 #134
+1000. He lost me when he started bashing HRC..enough said PortTack Mar 2022 #170
+1 betsuni Mar 2022 #216
I remember that bashing LetMyPeopleVote Mar 2022 #236
Bravo! Cha Mar 2022 #207
Because that wasn't the issue. The issue was that he condoned the network pnwmom Mar 2022 #183
Without links it's just a smear campaign. live love laugh Mar 2022 #189
He didn't have to. WhiteTara Mar 2022 #195
A Reality Check.. Refreshing.. TY! Cha Mar 2022 #204
What is your goal? You consistently for years now harangue about KPN Mar 2022 #65
Understanding sources of news is crucial. Hartmann's past is not fiction. RT is disinformation. (Nt) FreepFryer Mar 2022 #76
Understanding sources of news is important. Key word: understanding, not making stuff up KPN Mar 2022 #91
I just explained it. RT means he is no voice for my party. That opinion is my right to have. (Nt) FreepFryer Mar 2022 #99
You've still provided no evidence of what he has said and written Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #103
That's not a purpose. You haven't explained anything. Seems like you simply want to KPN Mar 2022 #111
Not at all, we can disagree vehemently on Hartmann without it automatically being my bad faith. FreepFryer Mar 2022 #113
+1 JustAnotherGen Mar 2022 #229
✔️ live love laugh Mar 2022 #190
He was a willing host of a show on the Russian propaganda network, helping to legitimate the network pnwmom Mar 2022 #199
Wow. I've got to jump in here. Eyeball_Kid Mar 2022 #84
I appreciate the good faith you attribute to those w this concern. Thanks eyeball. FreepFryer Mar 2022 #90
I'm sure Hartmann calling the Ukrainian leadership Neo-Nazi was a complete coincidence. FreepFryer Mar 2022 #114
I remember this - it turned me off to his Opinions JustAnotherGen Mar 2022 #230
I agree judesedit Mar 2022 #105
Nice rant Ferrets are Cool Mar 2022 #112
+1, uponit7771 Mar 2022 #150
Hartmann only left RT when DoJ wanted people on RT to register as foreign agents. NightWatcher Mar 2022 #197
Oh, horseshit. Magoo48 Mar 2022 #97
It's deserved. Trust is earned. And being supported by RT wasn't the way to earn it (Nt) FreepFryer Mar 2022 #101
1st out of the gate of course! Ferryboat Mar 2022 #3
I think you mean to reply to FreepFryer, not to the OP. . . .nt Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #5
You are right. The quote ( I don't remember who said it.) overleft Mar 2022 #6
Please explain specifically what you are talking about. gab13by13 Mar 2022 #14
I believe it is attributed to Ben Franklin. niyad Mar 2022 #60
niyad is correct. That's Franklin... paleotn Mar 2022 #96
What does this mean: eShirl Mar 2022 #8
Excellent question. Bothsidesism and sideways calls for political violence. Feels Russian (Nt) FreepFryer Mar 2022 #9
No no no, gab13by13 Mar 2022 #16
It means attending meetings, door knocking, internal lobbying, speaking rather than posting, etc. nt Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #15
So where does the Bannon stuff come in? eShirl Mar 2022 #19
Bannon pushes attending meetings, door knocking, internal lobbying, speaking rather than posting, Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #27
I just think it's weird to use Bannon as an example to model. eShirl Mar 2022 #32
Bannon is also known - among his base - as a leader and organizer. intheflow Mar 2022 #137
Bannon (equals sign) Satan eShirl Mar 2022 #146
Yeah, "Bannon" is Not Any Cha Mar 2022 #206
Using Bannon as an example for anything leaves a stink. He explicitly wants to overthrow the US. Hekate Mar 2022 #221
He's a Russian tool who only stopped being a tool when DoJ wanted people on RT to register for FARA NightWatcher Mar 2022 #10
+1 betsuni Mar 2022 #12
Your evidence is Hartmann saying the GOP is stupid more than 5 years ago. :eyes: Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #29
"Physically involved"? What "inner workings of the DNC"? betsuni Mar 2022 #11
Simple, but those with prejudice against TH can't imagine speaking at meetings, shaking hands, Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #20
"Prejudice against TH" "remember his show's relationship to Russian Military Intelligence" FreepFryer Mar 2022 #23
No, I don't remember Thom ever backing Russia, remind me please. gab13by13 Mar 2022 #31
Again, you give no evidence, least of all current evidence from his writings / podcasts / books. nt Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #33
No evidence? That's hilarious. I'm realizing now you're just naysaying. FreepFryer Mar 2022 #34
You are the naysayer wanting to cancel Hartmann. Ball in your court. You have no evidence Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #39
"Cancel", eh? Hardly. Wow, that one is a classic right wing BS move. Thanks for the chuckle (Nt) FreepFryer Mar 2022 #41
Still you provide nothing he ever said or wrote. You have nothing. . . nt Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #42
As I told you in another thread, you dont get to demand actions of others. FreepFryer Mar 2022 #44
You feel you are privileged because you are demanding actions of others, but nobody else can Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #50
I've done no such thing, you're flatly wrong. "Canceling" is bullshit. Have a great day! (Nt) FreepFryer Mar 2022 #51
Hmm. Thirty Books. sheshe2 Mar 2022 #235
Then I'm also naysaying, gab13by13 Mar 2022 #40
No, you don't understand the argument at all and are reduced to misrepresenting it. . . . nt Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #43
Thanks for correcting my obvious ignorance! (nt) FreepFryer Mar 2022 #45
You are welcome. . . . nt Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #46
The evidence is that he took Russian money MontanaFarmer Mar 2022 #64
Ah, the Bernie spectre is resuscitated again as a reason to fear Hartmann. . . . nt Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #71
Show us that he took MONEY, your allegation. PROVE IT. You can't. It's a dishonest smear. . .nt Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #74
How can he prove Democrats are corrupt? betsuni Mar 2022 #86
I think that's a lie. I think you misread the OP, for whatever reasons, laxness possibly among them Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #110
"The neoliberal system Reagan and Clinton pioneered is collapsing under its own weight of corruption betsuni Mar 2022 #132
What is it with people can't provide links? And that is not what is claimed Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #138
Hartmann thinks the Democratic Party is corrupt, supports populism. betsuni Mar 2022 #142
SAME text I posted links for you twice. And it does NOT SAY what you think it does Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #151
He says the Democratic Party is corrupt. betsuni Mar 2022 #154
Wrong. He says the * Neoliberal system * is corrupt. Read: Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #156
He says Democrats are neoliberals and corrupt. betsuni Mar 2022 #158
But your links don't say that. And your text ignores Democratic populists. . . . nt Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #159
Yes my link does. Liberal Democrats aren't populists. betsuni Mar 2022 #160
Nope. Bernie Sanders does not view liberals as a roadblock. He is liberal. Or you think he is a CON? Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #162
Who said Bernie said liberals are a roadblock? Where? betsuni Mar 2022 #164
Sanders is a liberal populist Democrat. You said populists can't be liberal or Democratic AND Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #171
Bernie is a democratic socialist, a populist, he is an independent. He is not a liberal Democrat. betsuni Mar 2022 #213
Um. RT hasn't disclosed his salary, strangely. MontanaFarmer Mar 2022 #88
Your allegation, ball in your court, put up credible links. . . .nt Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #98
The US government asking all contributors on RT to register MontanaFarmer Mar 2022 #108
RT used to be popular on DemocraticUnderground around that time. Condemn DU? Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #115
Yes, guilt by choosing to be MontanaFarmer Mar 2022 #123
Still no credible links to anything he has said or written. And you continue to walk back the MONEY Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #127
Asking for people to take control of the DNC like MontanaFarmer Mar 2022 #135
You smeared with "took money". Invoking Bannon is what-aboutism at best and diversion. . nt Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #139
Thom invoked Bannon. Not me. MontanaFarmer Mar 2022 #144
Bannon has nothing to do with your indefensible smear that Hartmann TOOK MONEY. . . . nt Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #155
Does working for someone not indicate "taking money?" MontanaFarmer Mar 2022 #174
You are missing that he wasn't "working for them" Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #176
There's no burden of proof for me to meet, sorry. MontanaFarmer Mar 2022 #185
You said MONEY. You haven't provided any evidence of your smear that he TOOK MONEY Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #116
It's not a smear. He worked for RT. That's a fact. I'm not trying MontanaFarmer Mar 2022 #126
You said "took MONEY", and provide no evidence. That is one of the smears. . . . nt Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #128
Democrats are accused of "taking money" all the time as if campaign contributions betsuni Mar 2022 #225
Why are you still fighting the 2016 primary? Emile Mar 2022 #87
This message was self-deleted by its author betsuni Mar 2022 #92
I'm not. MontanaFarmer Mar 2022 #94
Lumping all Bernie primary voters not voting for Clinton IS REHASHING the 2016 election! Emile Mar 2022 #168
Wasn't what i said. MontanaFarmer Mar 2022 #172
I went back and reread your post and the key word "some" Emile Mar 2022 #175
My post never said Bernie primary voters didn't vote for Hillary. MontanaFarmer Mar 2022 #184
I know, it's a shame because many Bernie voters did vote for her. Emile Mar 2022 #187
I agree. The vast vast majority did, MontanaFarmer Mar 2022 #191
True the vast majority did, but this is what you said: Bernie primary voters not voting for Clinton. Emile Mar 2022 #192
Again, not what i said. MontanaFarmer Mar 2022 #193
Post 94 Emile Mar 2022 #198
OK you're correct. I said it MontanaFarmer Mar 2022 #205
His words are his words. Nothing to do with "prejudice." betsuni Mar 2022 #47
It is prejudice to imagine Hartmann means violence by "physical" INSTEAD of normal meet-and-greet.nt Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #48
No it's not, freedom of speech means you don't get to regulate interpretations, that's Russian. FreepFryer Mar 2022 #49
But you are "Russian" (your term) because you want to regulate interpretations of Hartmann Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #53
But what does getting "physically involved in the Democratic Party using Bannon pushing this betsuni Mar 2022 #52
It means attending meetings, door knocking, internal lobbying, speaking rather than posting, etc. nt Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #55
BANNON. eShirl Mar 2022 #58
Have you listened to any of his pod casts? gab13by13 Mar 2022 #70
Bannon's? No. eShirl Mar 2022 #73
It's the myth that the Tea Party was "grassroots" and that there will be an alliance betsuni Mar 2022 #75
He's always pushed for local involvement.. grassroots mountain grammy Mar 2022 #122
Exactly. . .. nt Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #124
Trump was a genuine Fascist Racist movement JustAnotherGen Mar 2022 #231
OK now I get it, gab13by13 Mar 2022 #26
Bingo +1 Emile Mar 2022 #35
+1 Tommymac Mar 2022 #121
+1 leftstreet Mar 2022 #166
I listen to some of Thom Hartmann's program and Stephanie Miller on the Progressive doc03 Mar 2022 #54
+1. Some are doing everything they can to silence & deny one of the strongest Left voices. nt Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #56
Democrats are not always right about everything, gab13by13 Mar 2022 #66
No they're not. I live in Connor's district vocally and visually supported him in his first campaign Tommymac Mar 2022 #212
PACs are not allowed to collaborate with campaigns. TexasTowelie Mar 2022 #237
Mostly agreed. Not too far left for me. Liberal In Texas Mar 2022 #107
I'll stick with Urban Radio - Joe Madison and company JustAnotherGen Mar 2022 #232
Thom has a 50 year history of speaking for Progressive multigraincracker Mar 2022 #61
Thom Hartmann is a good Democrat... BlueJac Mar 2022 #63
Thank you all Traildogbob Mar 2022 #95
+1000 Liberal In Texas Mar 2022 #125
The same rant Traildogbob Mar 2022 #145
+1 Celerity Mar 2022 #220
I heard that segment ybbor Mar 2022 #67
The county I live in was nearly 100% controlled by Democrats 20 years ago, now every single doc03 Mar 2022 #77
Well said, gab13by13 Mar 2022 #80
Those who claim the "party is corrupt" must explain why they think so, they need to provide proof Escurumbele Mar 2022 #68
I've been asking for years for evidence the party is corrupt and it never comes. betsuni Mar 2022 #79
Exactly what I want to know.. that's Cha Mar 2022 #209
lol fuck putin ! stonecutter357 Mar 2022 #69
Yep and All his Enablers to his fucking Death Squad.. Cha Mar 2022 #208
I listened to him once on Sirius mcar Mar 2022 #81
I hope you are right, gab13by13 Mar 2022 #104
I live in a county that was pure Democrat when I got here in '92 mcar Mar 2022 #141
Divided we fall DownriverDem Mar 2022 #82
+1. (Nt) FreepFryer Mar 2022 #85
His rantings indicate his lack of understanding of how the party works. LiberalFighter Mar 2022 #89
Hartmann is not a friend of liberal democracy, he is not a friend of the US Constitution, and he is Beastly Boy Mar 2022 #93
Of course he is a friend of the Democratic party! Emile Mar 2022 #100
He is a populist. Populists don't particularly care about the parties they happen to affiliate with. Beastly Boy Mar 2022 #131
Hate to say this, gab13by13 Mar 2022 #140
FDR and Ted Kennedy weren't populists, they were liberal Democrats. betsuni Mar 2022 #143
They were liberal Democratic populists. The three appellations are not incompatible at all Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #153
No, not populists. Liberal Democrats. betsuni Mar 2022 #157
FDR and Ted Kennedy are not populists. Beastly Boy Mar 2022 #163
Not a friend of liberal democracy or the Constitution? Liberal In Texas Mar 2022 #109
I get this nonsense from the likes of Bannon and Trump Beastly Boy Mar 2022 #136
Populism is neither bad nor good. It's a method. Liberal In Texas Mar 2022 #147
Populism is antithetical to liberal democracy. Beastly Boy Mar 2022 #149
Nonsense. Populism is democratic and frequently liberal and Democratic Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #161
You like the word "nonsense" a lot, don't you? Beastly Boy Mar 2022 #169
Good start, but you lost me in the middle at equating populism with disregard for law Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #173
Please, Don't drag FDR into this! He is not a populist, he is the establishment Beastly Boy Mar 2022 #177
You haven't tried to prove that smear by anything he wrote or said, despite ample access Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #118
I can gauge the damage he has done without contributing a single penny to his royalties. Beastly Boy Mar 2022 #148
Your excuse is hollow and avoidable. Still not evidence from what he said or wrote. . . . nt Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #152
Your definition of evidence appears to be exceedingly narrow. Beastly Boy Mar 2022 #178
My mistake. I thought we were discussing Thom Hartmann. . . . nt Bernardo de La Paz Mar 2022 #179
Very observant. We do indeed. Beastly Boy Mar 2022 #180
Reading The Comments Here... GB_RN Mar 2022 #117
Posts 90 & 114 might help provide a few bits of context. Agreed, RU and the GOP is the threat. nt FreepFryer Mar 2022 #119
In summary; gab13by13 Mar 2022 #120
Well, I see we are all on the same page. BlueJac Mar 2022 #129
I like listening to Hartmann Farmer-Rick Mar 2022 #133
He left RT when he was required to register as a foreign agent. Hortensis Mar 2022 #233
We bdamomma Mar 2022 #196
Hartmann has been advocating for grass roots involvement in the Democratic party SalviaBlue Mar 2022 #201
Wow ..... Cheezoholic Mar 2022 #214
1965. What has that got to do with anything? betsuni Mar 2022 #215
Nothing, it has nothing to do with it Cheezoholic Mar 2022 #219
your reply reminded me of this slice of absolute superbness from the end of the noughties Celerity Mar 2022 #222
I gotta thing about suburbia Cheezoholic Mar 2022 #224
The Business - Suburban Rebels Celerity Mar 2022 #226
Woke my partner up lol Cheezoholic Mar 2022 #227
oopsie! (it is after 1 pm here) Celerity Mar 2022 #228
Apathy and defeatism is blaming Democrats for what Republicans do. betsuni Mar 2022 #223

Response to Cheezoholic (Original post)

Conjuay

(2,168 posts)
200. Will Rogers said it best:
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 01:51 PM
Mar 2022

"I'm not a member of an organized political party - I'm a Democrat."

Hekate

(95,208 posts)
217. That joke hit its sell-by date 70 years ago. If we can't unify NOW in 2022, the party is over...
Sun Mar 27, 2022, 04:15 AM
Mar 2022

Just as the OP pointed out. Over. Done. Finis. Pau. Kaput. Buh-bye.

Bernardo de La Paz

(51,202 posts)
4. You have an obsession about this fact that is older than 5 years old
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 06:02 AM
Mar 2022

You too can judge a person by their character and writings and recorded media, rather than five year old guilt by association.

RT is banned in 2022. Hartmann used their studio and distribution until 2017, but all that time was distributed on other media including Democratic Underground.

Get over it.

FreepFryer

(7,086 posts)
7. Bernardo please stop the personal attacks on me. I'm entitled to my opinion.
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 06:07 AM
Mar 2022

Hartmann is highly problematic, and we are not expected to ignore his longstanding relationship w Russian military intelligence.

They don’t pay for nothing.

gab13by13

(25,371 posts)
13. Your opinions are way off base,
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 06:32 AM
Mar 2022

there is no better advocate to saving our democracy than Thom Hartmann. IMO Hartmann should be given Rachel's cable news spot, there is none better. Bashing Thom because he was on RT getting his message out is a far cry from implying that he had a relationship w Russia.

These sudden attacks on Thom make me wonder why. Thom Hartmann is my favorite democractic advocate, we need more voices like his.

WhiteTara

(30,202 posts)
165. personally, I think his refusal
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 10:11 AM
Mar 2022

to leave RT (He was on there for a very long time AFTER 2017) indicates his political leanings.

I find everything he says tinged with Russian propaganda.

Bernardo de La Paz

(51,202 posts)
17. Your opinion that he is a spy is unfounded
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 06:42 AM
Mar 2022

Guilt by association is bad enough but making a huge leap to "longstanding relationship w Russian military intelligence" is worse and more wrong.

You have no evidence that there has been a "relationship" at any point over the past five years (5 years).

By extension, you would be accusing DU of being in bed with Russia by your guilt by association because DU allows (correctly) Hartmann (who you accuse of carrying Russian water today) to post on DU and his podcasts to be shared here.

The objective fact is that you have an obsession because anytime I see a posting referencing Hartmann, there you are tarring him. I'm sorry you object to the word "obsession". Perhaps "fixation" or "compulsion" or "preoccupation" would suit better. I'm not attacking you personally. I'm attacking your preoccupation.

Bernardo de La Paz

(51,202 posts)
22. You implied it and put your toe over the line with "relationship with Russian military"
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 06:50 AM
Mar 2022

The best you can offer is 5 years old and it's rather bogus guilt by association even then.

Identifying your fixation with Hartmann is not attacking you. It is attacking your fixation.

FreepFryer

(7,086 posts)
21. 5 years ago we knew what Russia and RT were doing to undermine our election and nation.
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 06:47 AM
Mar 2022

It was hardly an innocent time to be an agent of Russian disinformation.

Bernardo de La Paz

(51,202 posts)
24. Again you go with the spy accusation, calling him an "agent" with no evidence.
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 06:51 AM
Mar 2022

Despite ample opportunity, you have NEVER presesented any evidence that he is spreading Russian disinformation.

FreepFryer

(7,086 posts)
28. His show was on Russia Today, a branch of Russian Military Intelligence. Now banned in the USA. nt
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 06:54 AM
Mar 2022

Bernardo de La Paz

(51,202 posts)
36. Still no evidence & certainly not current. Books? He wrote 30. Podcasts? Hundreds. You have nothing.
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 07:02 AM
Mar 2022

Bernardo de La Paz

(51,202 posts)
37. Hartmann has never been banned in the USA. Your title smears. It's all you have, a smear
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 07:04 AM
Mar 2022

Hartmann is welcome on DU.

Take it up with the admins and give your obsession a rest. Your fixation. It is not an attack against you. It is an attack against your single-minded preoccupation.

pnwmom

(109,629 posts)
57. Just because he signed up on Democratic Underground doesn't make his profiting
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 07:45 AM
Mar 2022

from his appearances on Russia Today okay.

Bernardo de La Paz

(51,202 posts)
78. Why has nobody succeeding in cancelling Hartmann on DU after more than 5 years?
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:16 AM
Mar 2022

Answer: Hartmann is a positive force for Democrats and progressives.

WhiteTara

(30,202 posts)
167. Why? Because of people like you
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 10:16 AM
Mar 2022

We tolerate your opinions, but you are being way, way too defensive and it makes me to think deep down you know he's not our friend.

pnwmom

(109,629 posts)
181. I'm not aware anyone has tried. I haven't seen him post anything
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 12:18 PM
Mar 2022

that in itself would have gotten anyone banned.

Hekate

(95,208 posts)
218. I don't know about being "a positive force," but he apparently has not crossed the line...
Sun Mar 27, 2022, 04:26 AM
Mar 2022

… sufficiently to ever be asked to leave. His account’s public record shows his last post was Nov. 22, 2021, thus has has zero posts hidden in the past 90 days. He self-deleted whatever it was he said.

Someone who never causes trouble here, and has no hides, isn’t going to be evicted.

Edited to add: Taking RT’s paycheck was a major red flag for me — if I knew better, he as a journalist certainly did. If he comes around bashing Dem candidates, that will not be tolerable.


Beastly Boy

(11,297 posts)
83. Trumpism is older than five years. And this is a direct consequence of what happened in 2016.
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:21 AM
Mar 2022

Don't deny Hartmann's place in the history of that election. He co-produced his program with RT, he was paid by RT, and he remained on their payroll way past the tome of joint US intelligence agency report publishing evidence of Russia's interference in the US election on Trump's behalf, a report that mentioned RT by name, if I recall.

Sorry, there is no getting over it. I will joyfully stop obsessing about this when we no longer suffer the consequences of the Trump presidency. I am very much looking forward to this day, but I am not holding my breath.

Bernardo de La Paz

(51,202 posts)
102. Funny how nobody provides links or quotes of Hartmann carrying Russian water or tRump water
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:30 AM
Mar 2022

But they endlessly assert it.

It's not as if he didn't write 30 books or make hundreds of podcasts. You'd think with all that out there they'd be able to provide reams of evidence to back their smears.

But perhaps they are only smears.

Beastly Boy

(11,297 posts)
130. That's a deflection
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:56 AM
Mar 2022

Hartmann's employment at RT is a fact that does not require a Hartmann quote. Hartmann's relentless criticism of Hillary is undeniable (I am not blaimong him for expressing his views here, he has every right to do so). RT's strategic use of content produced by Hartmann in their campaign to undermine Hillary's candidacy has been confirmed by all five US intelligence branches in their published report. Just because a donkey does not acknowledge pails of water on its back doesn't mean he is not carrying water.


LetMyPeopleVote

(155,396 posts)
236. I remember that bashing
Sun Mar 27, 2022, 06:36 PM
Mar 2022

I have never paid attention to Hartman but got pissed when he bashed Hillary

pnwmom

(109,629 posts)
183. Because that wasn't the issue. The issue was that he condoned the network
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 12:21 PM
Mar 2022

by his presence on it -- even during the Georgian war, when the propaganda station was claiming that Georgia was the aggressor.

Hartmann himself didn't say that. But he gave the network legitimacy, and increased its fanbase, by using its platform.

KPN

(16,160 posts)
65. What is your goal? You consistently for years now harangue about
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:07 AM
Mar 2022

Thom Hartmann being a willing agent of Russia with zero factual evidence. What is your purpose in consistently attacking perhaps the most effective promoter of Democratic progressive thought, ideas and goals on America’s airwaves over the past two decades? What good are you trying to accomplish? The unsubstantiated smears are tiring and seriously make me wonder what your goal is. I see none of value. I see the opposite frankly.

FreepFryer

(7,086 posts)
76. Understanding sources of news is crucial. Hartmann's past is not fiction. RT is disinformation. (Nt)
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:15 AM
Mar 2022

KPN

(16,160 posts)
91. Understanding sources of news is important. Key word: understanding, not making stuff up
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:25 AM
Mar 2022

unsubstantiated allegations and endless character attacks based on nothing but a perception. Thom Hartmann is a legitimate and, quite frankly, powerful voice for our party. Your harangue every time his name comes up serves no useful purpose that I can see. As I said, I have to wonder why you keep driving this wedge.

FreepFryer

(7,086 posts)
99. I just explained it. RT means he is no voice for my party. That opinion is my right to have. (Nt)
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:28 AM
Mar 2022

Bernardo de La Paz

(51,202 posts)
103. You've still provided no evidence of what he has said and written
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:33 AM
Mar 2022

Bibliography

1992 (first edition): ADD: A Different Perception. Underwood Books. 1997. ISBN 1-887424-14-8.
1993: The Best of the Desktop Publishing Forum on CompuServe. Peachpit Press. 1993. ISBN 1-56609-064-4.
1994: ADHD Secrets of Success: Coaching Yourself to Fulfillment in the Business World. Select Books. 2002. ISBN 1-59079-017-0.
1994: Focus Your Energy: Hunting for Success in Business. Pocket Books. 1994. ISBN 0-671-51689-2.
1995: ADD Success Stories. Underwood Books. 1995. ISBN 1-887424-03-2.
1996: Beyond ADD. Underwood Books. 1996. ISBN 1-887424-12-1.
1996: Think Fast!. Underwood Books. 1996. ISBN 1-887424-08-3. by Thom Hartmann and Jane Bowman, with Susan Burgess
1997 (2004 revised ed.): Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight. Three Rivers Press. 2004. ISBN 1-4000-5157-6.
1998 (2004 revised ed.): The Prophet's Way. Park Street Press. ISBN 0-89281-198-6.
1998: Healing ADD. Underwood Books. 1998. ISBN 1-887424-37-7.
2000: Thom Hartmann's Complete Guide to ADHD: Help for Your Family at Home, School and Work. Underwood Books. 2000. ISBN 1-887424-52-0.
2000: The Greatest Spiritual Secret of the Century. Hampton Roads. 2000. ISBN 1-57174-166-6.
2003: The Edison Gene. Park Street Press. 2003. ISBN 0-89281-128-5.
2004: What Would Jefferson Do?. Harmony Books. 2004. ISBN 1-4000-5208-4.
2004: We the People: A Call to Take Back America. Coreway Media, Inc. 2004. ISBN 1-882109-38-4.
2004 (revised ed.): Unequal Protection. Rodale Books. April 24, 2004. ISBN 1-57954-955-1.
2005: Ultimate Sacrifice: John and Robert Kennedy, the Plan for a Coup in Cuba, and the Murder of JFK. Carroll & Graf. 2005. ISBN 0-7867-1441-7. by Lamar Waldron, with Thom Hartmann
2006: Screwed: The Undeclared War Against The Middle Class and What We Can Do About It. Berrett-Koehler. 2006. ISBN 1-57675-414-6.
2006: Walking Your Blues Away: Practical Bilateral Therapies for Healing the Mind and Optimizing Emotional Well-Being. Park Street Press. October 19, 2006. ISBN 1-59477-144-8.
2007: Cracking The Code: How to Win Hearts, Change Minds, and Restore America's Original Vision. Berrett-Koehler. 2007. ISBN 978-1-57675-458-0.
2008: Legacy of Secrecy: The Long Shadow of the JFK Assassination (by Lamar Waldron with Thom Hartmann). Counterpoint. 2009. ISBN 978-1-58243-535-0.
2009: Threshold: The Crisis of Western Culture. Viking. 2009. ISBN 978-0-670-02091-1.
2010 (second edition): Unequal Protection: How Corporations Became "People" – And How You Can Fight Back. Berrett-Koehler. 2010. ISBN 978-1-60509-559-2.
2011: Rebooting the American Dream: 11 Ways to Rebuild Our Country. Berrett-Koehler. 2010. ISBN 978-1-60509-706-0.
2013: The Crash of 2016: The Plot to Destroy America—and What We Can Do to Stop It.
2013: The Last Hours of Humanity: Warming the World to Extinction. Waterfront Digital Press. ISBN 978-1-939116-47-5.
2019: The Hidden History of Guns and the Second Amendment Penguin Random House ISBN 9781523085996
2019: Hartmann, Thom (2019). The Hidden History of the Supreme Court and the Betrayal of America. ISBN 9781523085941.
2020: The Hidden History of the War on Voting: Who Stole Your Vote and How to Get It Back Berrett-Koehler Publishers ISBN 9781523087785
2020: The Hidden History of Monopolies: How Big Business Destroyed the American Dream. ISBN 978-1523087730.
2021: Hidden History of American Oligarchy: Reclaiming Our Democracy from the ruling class. ISBN 978-1523091584.
2021: Hidden History of American Healthcare : Why Sickness Bankrupts You and Makes Others Insanely Rich. ISBN 978-1523091638.

KPN

(16,160 posts)
111. That's not a purpose. You haven't explained anything. Seems like you simply want to
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:39 AM
Mar 2022

be divisive.

FreepFryer

(7,086 posts)
113. Not at all, we can disagree vehemently on Hartmann without it automatically being my bad faith.
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:41 AM
Mar 2022

Unless you see Democratic values differently than many of us do.

pnwmom

(109,629 posts)
199. He was a willing host of a show on the Russian propaganda network, helping to legitimate the network
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 01:51 PM
Mar 2022

by his presence, and attracting his fan base to the network.

That's the evidence. And he did this even during the war on Georgia, when the network was claiming that Georgia was the aggressor -- not Russia. He should have taken a principled stand and left.

Eyeball_Kid

(7,584 posts)
84. Wow. I've got to jump in here.
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:21 AM
Mar 2022

Hartmann did, indeed broadcast on Russian TV for a time. My guess is that it was a business decision made at a time when it appeared that Russia was relatively benign, and that his pro-democracy themes, of broadcast within Russia, would benefit those inside Russia in their own quest for a better quality of life. I've been listening to Hartmann for decades. I've never heard him say anything that would engender suspicions that he was anti-democracy or pro-Russian or pro-Putin. Hartmann has been as consistent as the atomic clock in that regard. He's always looked unfavorably toward corporatism, corruption, and the Republican Party. IMO, Hartmann is there to remind us that our own "democracy" has multiple weaknesses... BECAUSE IT DOES. And he's always done what he can to point the way toward more equitable self-governance.

I'm nearly the same age as Hartmann. He's talked about his education, training, and background at irregular times on his broadcasts. I've always seen him as a harder working, (even luckier), more talented, and maybe even more intelligent version of myself. Our educational backgrounds are similar, as are our reasoning abilities and moral sensibilities. Maybe it's just that our vocabularies are similar. In any event, there is no better person, IMO, in public media who can articulate the strengths and weaknesses of our methods of self governance, and what we can do to make it better.

A good question to ask Hartmann is why he left RT when he did. My best guess is that Russia was turning more belligerent and was poisoning its citizens because they opposed Putin, and Hartmann didn't want to be associated with any of it. I appreciate the motivations of some to aggressively identify those who are surreptitiously or visibly enabling authoritarian and fascist movements domestically or internationally. The spread of fascism is real and there are numerous reasons that the fascist movement has taken hold in the US. But, IMO, those who are pointing a finger at Hartmann as another propaganda arm of Putin or the GOP or right wing whackery are barking up the wrong tree.

So there's my "rant" for this morning.

FreepFryer

(7,086 posts)
90. I appreciate the good faith you attribute to those w this concern. Thanks eyeball.
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:24 AM
Mar 2022

Is there any link to his own explanation of why he remained on RT, prior to and during 2016’s election?

There were already clear signs...



Thom Hartmann Sticking with RT despite Resignations over Putin's Actions in Ukraine
March 10, 2014

In the wake of last week's on-air resignation of Russia Today (RT) anchor Liz Wahl over the Russian government's actions in the Ukraine, Thom Hartmann announced on his RT program today that he is editorially independent and "we value the relationships" with organizations like RT.

"I own my own show," Hartmann said in an apparently prerecorded segment at the beginning of today's episode of "The Big Picture". Referring to "the drama at RT," he said, "it seems important to clarify my status and position." He claimed that he has "total editorial independence" and "nobody at RT has ever in any way tried to influence our content."

Wahl charged RT with exerting strong if indirect control over the content on the cable news channel, which is widely regarded as pro-Putin. “In order to succeed there you don’t question," Wahl said. "In a way you kind of suppress any concerns that you have and play the game.” Wahl also made her feelings clear. “It actually makes me feel sick that I worked there,” she said. “It’s not a sound news organization, not when your agenda is making America look bad,” Wahl said, adding that RT fools "hipster generation" Americans into believing Kremlin propaganda.

Hartmann did not address the crisis in Ukraine on his television program, but during his radio program earlier in the day he discussed the situation with Stephen Cohen, who has written recent pieces in The Nation magazine entitled "Demonizing Putin" and "Distorting Russia." During the interview, Hartmann and Cohen accepted as fact the conspiracy theory thatsnipers on the side of the new anti-Russia government fired on their own side in the main square in Kiev so that the now-ousted president Viktor Yanukovych would be blamed.

Hartmann and Cohen also referred the new anti-Russian Ukrainian government as "extremists." "The extremists came to power sharing, they are sharing power now," Cohen said, to Hartmann's agreement. "Obama unwisely keeps declaring the government in Kiev as legitimate," Cohen added.



https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2014/3/10/1283668/-Thom-Hartmann-Sticking-with-RT-despite-Resignations-over-Putin-s-Actions-in-Ukraine

FreepFryer

(7,086 posts)
114. I'm sure Hartmann calling the Ukrainian leadership Neo-Nazi was a complete coincidence.
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:42 AM
Mar 2022

This 2014 talking point delivered by Hartmann on RT is of course purely coincidental to the same Russian big lie selling their war on RT to the Russian people in 2022. I’m sorry for even doubting it.

Same link as above:

Hartmann suggested that the new anti-Russia government in Ukraine were neo-Nazis. "If you listen to the words of these guys in the cabinet, if you listen to the words of the party, they are openly antisemitic, they are openly nationalistic, they are open aggressive," Hartmann said. "Some may think calling them Nazis is a slur, some of them wouldn't refer to themselves that way, but some of them embrace swastikas."

https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2014/3/10/1283668/-Thom-Hartmann-Sticking-with-RT-despite-Resignations-over-Putin-s-Actions-in-Ukraine


JustAnotherGen

(33,777 posts)
230. I remember this - it turned me off to his Opinions
Sun Mar 27, 2022, 03:31 PM
Mar 2022

Seemed to take sides with the Russians. I also kind of blame him for accusations from the Left that if we didn't love Russia - we were Russophobes

NightWatcher

(39,360 posts)
197. Hartmann only left RT when DoJ wanted people on RT to register as foreign agents.
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 01:35 PM
Mar 2022

His job was to put a "friendly" face on RT. He gave RT credibility (look around at how many people here are still supporting him and ask yourself how many people who have been paid by Russian propaganda channels are posters on DU or are still considered "progressive" democrats?).

He also advocated for Bernie and that was seen by and in russia. His job was to siphon off just enough voters from Hillary...and it worked (see trump).



https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/production-company-registers-under-foreign-agent-registration-act-agent-russian-government

Production Company Registers Under the Foreign Agent Registration Act as Agent for the Russian Government Entity Responsible for Broadcasting RT

Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Dana J. Boente announced today that T&R Productions, LLC (T&R), a Washington, D.C., corporation, registered today with the Department of Justice under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) as an agent for ANO TV-Novosti, the Russian government entity responsible for the worldwide broadcasts of the RT Network (RT). The National Security Division’s FARA Registration Unit is reviewing T&R’s filings for sufficiency.

“Americans have a right to know who is acting in the United States to influence the U.S. government or public on behalf of foreign principals,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Boente. “The Department of Justice is committed to enforcing FARA and expects compliance with the law by all entities engaged in specified activities on behalf of any foreign principal, regardless of its nationality.”


Magoo48

(5,519 posts)
97. Oh, horseshit.
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:26 AM
Mar 2022

Hartmann is an insightful American progressive and not anyone’s tool. He is as outraged by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as any of us who love freedom.

He consistently speaks of the fascist threat to Democracy and building a stronger Democratic Party.

The people who don’t agree with him are usually so called moderates and centrists who generally prefer the shuffle and lateral slide approach as opposed to trudging forward with direct actions.

“No to be trusted” is an unfounded and undeserved slander.

FreepFryer

(7,086 posts)
101. It's deserved. Trust is earned. And being supported by RT wasn't the way to earn it (Nt)
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:28 AM
Mar 2022

Ferryboat

(1,053 posts)
3. 1st out of the gate of course!
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 06:01 AM
Mar 2022

This talking point has been debted in the past to the point of flogging a dead horse.

Thom like most of us have made mistakes. Pointing out that Bannon advocates taking over at the local level (school board) up through the party to drive the the agenda.

OP is right, after 2022 we are screwed unless we get out the vote.

So take your vote and sit it out like a cry baby or do the work to GET OUT THE VOTE !

Bernardo de La Paz

(51,202 posts)
5. I think you mean to reply to FreepFryer, not to the OP. . . .nt
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 06:03 AM
Mar 2022

Last edited Sat Mar 26, 2022, 06:37 AM - Edit history (1)

overleft

(393 posts)
6. You are right. The quote ( I don't remember who said it.)
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 06:03 AM
Mar 2022

"We either hang together or we shall hang separately." is what we have to keep in mind. Keep our petty differences in check and defaet the larger foe. The gqp.

gab13by13

(25,371 posts)
14. Please explain specifically what you are talking about.
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 06:37 AM
Mar 2022

What is it that Thom said about the DNC that is terrible? I don't expect an answer. Maybe Thom's suggestion was helpful not hurtful?

I'm sorry I missed that episode I usually listen to Thom, he is one of the few who gets it.

paleotn

(19,456 posts)
96. niyad is correct. That's Franklin...
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:26 AM
Mar 2022

paraphrased a bit over the years, but the gist is the same. Spoken after the declaration of independence. From the British view, a signed document admitting to treason, so, yes, they would have all had a date with the gallows if captured.

eShirl

(18,848 posts)
8. What does this mean:
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 06:10 AM
Mar 2022
getting physically involved in the Democratic party using Bannon pushing this on the other side.

FreepFryer

(7,086 posts)
9. Excellent question. Bothsidesism and sideways calls for political violence. Feels Russian (Nt)
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 06:16 AM
Mar 2022

gab13by13

(25,371 posts)
16. No no no,
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 06:41 AM
Mar 2022

you took out a snippet of what Thom said, if you actually listened to Thom's segment I want to know more. Stop with the Russian bs, if you want to bash Thom you are going to have to explain what he said that was so terrible, don't hide behind his being on RT.

Does Thom want the DNC to fight harder? OMG how Russian of Thom. Do I need the sarcasm thingy?

Bernardo de La Paz

(51,202 posts)
15. It means attending meetings, door knocking, internal lobbying, speaking rather than posting, etc. nt
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 06:38 AM
Mar 2022

Bernardo de La Paz

(51,202 posts)
27. Bannon pushes attending meetings, door knocking, internal lobbying, speaking rather than posting,
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 06:53 AM
Mar 2022

... because it has an impact.

It works for Democrats too.

eShirl

(18,848 posts)
32. I just think it's weird to use Bannon as an example to model.
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 06:59 AM
Mar 2022

Bannon is known for riling people up and playing dirty.

intheflow

(29,047 posts)
137. Bannon is also known - among his base - as a leader and organizer.
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 09:11 AM
Mar 2022

He's been very effective getting conservative GQPers to run for local elections, one of the most successful public figures to do so, using the might of his microphone. Hartmann is using the most effective (for the right) example of what Democrats need to do to take back our government, using the power of his microphone.

Hekate

(95,208 posts)
221. Using Bannon as an example for anything leaves a stink. He explicitly wants to overthrow the US.
Sun Mar 27, 2022, 04:40 AM
Mar 2022

NightWatcher

(39,360 posts)
10. He's a Russian tool who only stopped being a tool when DoJ wanted people on RT to register for FARA
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 06:20 AM
Mar 2022



https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/posteverything/wp/2017/09/20/rt-wants-to-spread-moscows-propaganda-here-lets-treat-it-that-way/

His job was to convince enough Bernie voters to not vote for Hillary and he did just that and helped get trump elected. He did his part, whether he knew it or not.

Bernardo de La Paz

(51,202 posts)
29. Your evidence is Hartmann saying the GOP is stupid more than 5 years ago. :eyes:
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 06:54 AM
Mar 2022

Perhaps you believe that the GOP is not stupid.

Perhaps you believe that the Russians want Americans to believe the GOP is stupid.

Otherwise, it would be foolish to post a screenshot of him saying the GOP is stupid.

betsuni

(27,299 posts)
11. "Physically involved"? What "inner workings of the DNC"?
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 06:20 AM
Mar 2022

What the hell does that mean? He calls Democrats both-sides corrupt neoliberals all the time. Claims FDR was a populist! That Trump was a "genuine populist movement in American history."

Bernardo de La Paz

(51,202 posts)
20. Simple, but those with prejudice against TH can't imagine speaking at meetings, shaking hands,
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 06:46 AM
Mar 2022

... knocking on doors, etc.

Bernardo de La Paz

(51,202 posts)
33. Again, you give no evidence, least of all current evidence from his writings / podcasts / books. nt
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 06:59 AM
Mar 2022

FreepFryer

(7,086 posts)
34. No evidence? That's hilarious. I'm realizing now you're just naysaying.
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 07:00 AM
Mar 2022

“Yes, his show was produced and broadcast for Russia Today for years.”
“Yes, Russia Today is a proven arm of Russian Military Intelligence created and dedicated to countering US perception and power abroad.”
“Yes, Russia Today is now banned in the USA and across the world for this disinformation campaign”

But

“How dare you be concerned about Hartmann, he left RT, and as of yet has not been forced to disclose the financial and editorial details of his relationship and arrangement with Russia Today!”

And there’s something wrong w me for even asking.

Do I understand your argument correctly?

Bernardo de La Paz

(51,202 posts)
39. You are the naysayer wanting to cancel Hartmann. Ball in your court. You have no evidence
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 07:07 AM
Mar 2022

The best you come up with is a 5 year old smear.

But despite his 30 books you can't point to anything he has said or written.

Despite having 5 years.



FreepFryer

(7,086 posts)
41. "Cancel", eh? Hardly. Wow, that one is a classic right wing BS move. Thanks for the chuckle (Nt)
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 07:09 AM
Mar 2022

FreepFryer

(7,086 posts)
44. As I told you in another thread, you dont get to demand actions of others.
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 07:15 AM
Mar 2022

I’ve pointed to facts and you’ve just cast aspersions and made false characterizations of what I have said.

You have less than nothing.

Bernardo de La Paz

(51,202 posts)
50. You feel you are privileged because you are demanding actions of others, but nobody else can
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 07:22 AM
Mar 2022

You demand that DemocraticUnderground .com cancel Hartmann.

You demand that DU members cancel Hartmann, not post his stuff or refer to him except negatively.

sheshe2

(88,091 posts)
235. Hmm. Thirty Books.
Sun Mar 27, 2022, 05:41 PM
Mar 2022

How many have you read cover to cover? Can you point to anything he has said in all those books?

gab13by13

(25,371 posts)
40. Then I'm also naysaying,
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 07:08 AM
Mar 2022

you produced no evidence. My claim is that years ago when Thom worked for RT he actually bashed Russia, I remember the episodes.

You have given no evidence why Thom Hartmann is pro-Russia other than he supported Bernie Sanders and if that makes Thom pro-Russia there are 10's of millions of Democrats who are pro-Russia.

MontanaFarmer

(746 posts)
64. The evidence is that he took Russian money
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:06 AM
Mar 2022

to broadcast a talk show, at a time when Russian disinformation was very actively being used to try to elect their preferred candidate. He's no better than Ed Schultz, who was once a voice in our party more powerful than Thom. Is this circumstantial? Not really, as we see Thom, a Bernie acolyte, working for Russia, at the precise time Bernie primary voters were being encouraged to not vote for Hillary, by a coordinated effort that included Russia. Now we're going to follow this person's advice on how to treat the Democratic party? No thanks, I'm out.

Bernardo de La Paz

(51,202 posts)
74. Show us that he took MONEY, your allegation. PROVE IT. You can't. It's a dishonest smear. . .nt
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:13 AM
Mar 2022

Bernardo de La Paz

(51,202 posts)
110. I think that's a lie. I think you misread the OP, for whatever reasons, laxness possibly among them
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:38 AM
Mar 2022

The OP wrote:
i heard people on his show saying they wouldn't vote because the party is corrupt. Have seen it here.


Somehow you transform that into Hartmann saying it.


betsuni

(27,299 posts)
132. "The neoliberal system Reagan and Clinton pioneered is collapsing under its own weight of corruption
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 09:00 AM
Mar 2022

and bloated, obscene wealth ... ." The Democratic Party is "sabotaged by the neoliberal old guard who're still deeply embedded in their wealthy and corporate donors' Citizen's United cocoon."

Thom Hartmann says Democrats are corrupt all the time. You must not be very familiar with him. He supports populism.

Bernardo de La Paz

(51,202 posts)
138. What is it with people can't provide links? And that is not what is claimed
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 09:15 AM
Mar 2022

Why is it such a great difficulty for all these people pumping out this stuff against Hartmann to provide the links.

We have to do your work for you, because we are even handed:

https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2021/11/3/2061984/-Last-Night-s-Election-Proves-America-is-Standing-on-the-Edge-of-a-New-Populism

And the second quote, we have to dig it up the link for you.

"neoliberal system Reagan and Clinton pioneered is collapsing"

https://hartmannreport.com/p/america-is-standing-on-the-edge-of

So, having done your work for you, we can address your point:

I think it is a reasonable criticism to say that the Democratic Party is too beholden to wealthy donors. It is debatable. But it is certainly a point held by many on here on DU. Do you condemn them for "sabotaging" the Democratic Party?

Essentially Hartmann is saying that the party could do better by taking a more populist way. That is not carrying Putin's water. It's a reasonable discussion of strategic direction.

But more exactly Hartmann was not attacking the Party with the second quote. He was saying that the populist Sanders part was being sabotaged by other parts. Do you feel there is truth to some of that?

But the Democratic Party as a whole missed it, although progressives within the Party totally understood what’s going on and have worked hard to have the Party meet this progressive populist moment. But they’re being sabotaged by the neoliberal old guard who’re still deeply embedded in their wealthy and corporate donors’ Citizen’s United cocoon.


The neoliberal system Reagan and Clinton pioneered is collapsing under its own weight of corruption and bloated, obscene wealth; like flowers coming out of a cow patty, two new populist movements have been birthed.


Do you feel that anyone who writes here on DU against neoliberals is sabotaging the party?
Do you feel that Clinton had no part in a neoliberal (whatever that is) orientation of parts of the party?
Do you feel that neoliberals should be universally condemned or universally praised or is there room for debate about positions in the middle of that spectrum? Debate including Hartmann's position?



But rather than have that discussion about the direction of the Democratic Party, FreepFryer chose to derail the thread with the first post by attacking the man, not his words.

Bernardo de La Paz

(51,202 posts)
151. SAME text I posted links for you twice. And it does NOT SAY what you think it does
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 09:44 AM
Mar 2022

Here are the five paragraphs that mention "corrupt" or "corruption". Three highlight tRump corruption, one discusses a court ruling, and one highlights NeoLiberal corruption. Neoliberals are not allowed to be discussed or attacked or supported?

None of the five mentions call the Party corrupt.

1: Courts
The big break between Americans and their government began in the late 1970s when the US Supreme Court, in the Buckley and Bellotti decisions in 1976 and 1978, ruled that when billionaires and corporations (even foreign corporations) bought US politicians it was no longer corruption or bribery, but instead was First Amendment-protected "free speech."


2: tRump
While Trump's racist and paramilitary base gets most of the attention, he represented a genuine populist moment in American history, one in some ways like Andrew Jackson's (and just as ignorant, brutal, and corrupt). His puppet-master, Steve Bannon, was and is a Goebbels-level populist PR and political arts practitioner, both intellectually and morally.


3: Neoliberal system
The neoliberal system Reagan and Clinton pioneered is collapsing under its own weight of corruption and bloated, obscene wealth; like flowers coming out of a cow patty, two new populist movements have been birthed.


4: tRump cabinet
It should have been shockingly obvious to Democrats that something new had taken hold when the American people were willing to overlook Trump's 20+ rape and sexual assault charges, his bankruptcies and fraud convictions, his ties to Putin and attempt to bribe the president of Ukraine, his incompetent handling of the Covid pandemic, his payoffs to porn stars, the wild corruption in his cabinet as member after member was busted for self-dealing (5 criminal referrals), and his Big Lie about the 2020 election and fascist assault on the


5: tRump is corrupt
The simple reality is that Americans are so desperate to once again have politicians—even corrupt ones like Trump—who they believe care about them and act on their behalf that they'll overlook almost any character flaw and even major felonies.


You'll have to try again.

Bernardo de La Paz

(51,202 posts)
156. Wrong. He says the * Neoliberal system * is corrupt. Read:
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 09:50 AM
Mar 2022

"The neoliberal system ... is collapsing under its own weight of corruption"

It's very plain and clear.

betsuni

(27,299 posts)
158. He says Democrats are neoliberals and corrupt.
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 09:53 AM
Mar 2022

Populists put the Democratic Party into the "Them" corrupt immoral evil category and love the words neoliberal, corporatist, elites, establishment.

betsuni

(27,299 posts)
160. Yes my link does. Liberal Democrats aren't populists.
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 09:59 AM
Mar 2022

Populists view liberals as the true roadblock to progress.

Bernardo de La Paz

(51,202 posts)
162. Nope. Bernie Sanders does not view liberals as a roadblock. He is liberal. Or you think he is a CON?
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 10:01 AM
Mar 2022

Bernardo de La Paz

(51,202 posts)
171. Sanders is a liberal populist Democrat. You said populists can't be liberal or Democratic AND
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 10:55 AM
Mar 2022

... and you said populists view liberals as roadblocks.

Since you said you think populists view liberals as roadblocks then logically you must think Sanders (a populist) views liberals as roadblocks. But your logic is circular and self-contradictory. Sanders (a liberal populist) is expected (by you) to view liberals (including Sanders) as roadblocks. By your logic Sanders views himself as a roadblock.

Assuming:
Populists view liberals as roadblocks

Sanders is a populist
thus

Sanders views liberals as roadblocks
but

Sanders is a liberal
* self-contradiction

The only conclusion that remains is that the assumption is untrue, that populists can't be liberal Democrats or that populists automatically view liberals as roadblocks. Those two things are untrue.

betsuni

(27,299 posts)
213. Bernie is a democratic socialist, a populist, he is an independent. He is not a liberal Democrat.
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 05:36 PM
Mar 2022

I'm surprised you don't know who Bernie is!

MontanaFarmer

(746 posts)
88. Um. RT hasn't disclosed his salary, strangely.
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:23 AM
Mar 2022

But he was paid by Russia Today to produce content, correct? Or are we thinking he was in their production studio and being broadcast on their airwaves for free?

MontanaFarmer

(746 posts)
108. The US government asking all contributors on RT to register
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:35 AM
Mar 2022

under FARA isn't good enough? There's a whole US state department public document at the top of a Google search but ai can't link to a PDF.

Bernardo de La Paz

(51,202 posts)
115. RT used to be popular on DemocraticUnderground around that time. Condemn DU?
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:43 AM
Mar 2022

Guilt by association is weak tea at best and five year old weak tea.

People seem to be unable to attack the man for what he says and writes. So they attack him by association. It's the same kind of guilt by association attack that attacks Bill Clinton for flying on Epstein's plane (which he in fact did).

By the guilt by association theory we shouldn't listen to anything anyone in the Clinton family says or writes.

Let's not start cancelling Clintons on DU and stop trying to cancel, eject, smear, or disrupt Hartmann on DU.

MontanaFarmer

(746 posts)
123. Yes, guilt by choosing to be
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:49 AM
Mar 2022

associated with a Russian propaganda outlet. If the democratic party ran the way Thom is advocating, TODAY, not 5 years ago, we'll be a permanent minority and shut out of most states completely. Large swaths of the country (geographically), which we need, are closer to Jon Tester, Joe Manchin etc than we on this site care to admit. If you want a picture of what it might look like, watc Nevada this fall after the folks thom is pressing to take over the DNC have a shot at running things there. We're in trouble there after being fairly dominant for years. I think Thom's rhetoric is dangerous today, and i question his motivation given his past ASSOCIATION with Russian propagandists.

Bernardo de La Paz

(51,202 posts)
127. Still no credible links to anything he has said or written. And you continue to walk back the MONEY
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:53 AM
Mar 2022

Link to something he is "advocating TODAY" (your emphasis) that would make Democrats a "permanent minority".

All these smears and nobody is able to back them up.

MONEY? Nope. Crickets.

"Agent"? Nope. Crickets.

"TODAY" should be easy. So far there are crickets.

MontanaFarmer

(746 posts)
135. Asking for people to take control of the DNC like
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 09:04 AM
Mar 2022

Steve Bannon. The topic that started this thread. That's dangerous rhetoric imo.

MontanaFarmer

(746 posts)
174. Does working for someone not indicate "taking money?"
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 11:01 AM
Mar 2022

What am I missing here? Does Lawrence O'Donnell take money from MSNBC? Tucker from newscorp? Lemon from CNN? You're correct, I can't produce Thom's pay stubs from when he was broadcasting on RT but seems a fair assumption he was paid for his time, no? And what is RT again? A Russian propaganda outlet. Failing to see the smear.

Bernardo de La Paz

(51,202 posts)
176. You are missing that he wasn't "working for them"
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 11:07 AM
Mar 2022

He used their studio. That's not "working for them".

They used his content, unedited on their network. That's not "working for them".

Since you can't produce evidence, drop the TAKING MONEY smear.

I don't know, maybe he did take payment for his content. I doubt it, but it is possible. You, however, have provided no evidence and still maintain the assertion as if it were the truth. Maintaining it is the smear. You have presented no evidence.

MontanaFarmer

(746 posts)
185. There's no burden of proof for me to meet, sorry.
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 12:27 PM
Mar 2022

Seeing things like Thom referring to the anti-russian government in Ukraine, circa 2014, as "neo-nazis" does make one wonder the motivation. https://m.dailykos.com/stories/2014/3/10/1283668/-Thom-Hartmann-Sticking-with-RT-despite-Resignations-over-Putin-s-Actions-in-Ukraine

Having Stephen Cohen on, a Russia apologist, makes one wonder. All circumstantial, agreed. Certainly good enough for a discussion on a board. The fact that you think no money changed hands between Thom and RT goes way beyond straining credulity, but i clearly won't convince you otherwise.

Bernardo de La Paz

(51,202 posts)
116. You said MONEY. You haven't provided any evidence of your smear that he TOOK MONEY
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:44 AM
Mar 2022

People with cases don't have to resort to such smears.

betsuni

(27,299 posts)
225. Democrats are accused of "taking money" all the time as if campaign contributions
Sun Mar 27, 2022, 05:46 AM
Mar 2022

go right into their pockets instead of what it actually goes to, paying for things. Accused of corruption, it's a smear and bullshit.

Response to Emile (Reply #87)

MontanaFarmer

(746 posts)
94. I'm not.
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:26 AM
Mar 2022

Bernie lost. Then trump won. Russia played a part in that, that's the impetus for this conversation. Bernie primary voters not voting for Clinton played a role in trump winning. Thats not relitigating the primary that's called disgussing true things that happened.

Emile

(30,689 posts)
168. Lumping all Bernie primary voters not voting for Clinton IS REHASHING the 2016 election!
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 10:27 AM
Mar 2022

MontanaFarmer

(746 posts)
172. Wasn't what i said.
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 10:58 AM
Mar 2022

What i said were that some did not, which was a factor in trump winning. Russia was involved in the disinfo campaign/ratf##*ing that targeted those voters. If you feel that lumps in every bernie primary voter i feel like that's on you, not me.

MontanaFarmer

(746 posts)
184. My post never said Bernie primary voters didn't vote for Hillary.
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 12:22 PM
Mar 2022

"Were being encouraged not to vote for Hillary." And i also never said all. There was a coordinated effort including the trump/Russia nexus to depress the vote. Someone else in the thread noted that that crossed with Thom's time working for RT. Those things are all true.

MontanaFarmer

(746 posts)
191. I agree. The vast vast majority did,
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 12:46 PM
Mar 2022

and many donated and worked on her behalf. My point was not to say they didn't, which i never said. My point was that during this time of RT having US talk show hosts on air there was a major vote depression operation run by Russia going on here, targeting Bernie primary voters. While limited in its success, that empty headed con artist Jill Stein got votes she would not have without that effort.
While not the entire cause, those stein votes helped trump run the table in the rust belt. Others didn't vote at all. Ditto re: trump's win.

Emile

(30,689 posts)
192. True the vast majority did, but this is what you said: Bernie primary voters not voting for Clinton.
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 12:50 PM
Mar 2022

As a Bernie voter that ended up voting for Clinton, I was offended!

MontanaFarmer

(746 posts)
193. Again, not what i said.
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 12:55 PM
Mar 2022

I said "Bernie primary voters were being encouraged not to vote for Hillary." Unless you're referencing a different post. Big difference from saying they/ you didn't.

MontanaFarmer

(746 posts)
205. OK you're correct. I said it
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 02:42 PM
Mar 2022

as a response to a response to post 64, but you're right i could/should have qualified it. Didn't mean "all," meant "those who didn't, " but point taken about how i wrote it.

Bernardo de La Paz

(51,202 posts)
48. It is prejudice to imagine Hartmann means violence by "physical" INSTEAD of normal meet-and-greet.nt
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 07:18 AM
Mar 2022

FreepFryer

(7,086 posts)
49. No it's not, freedom of speech means you don't get to regulate interpretations, that's Russian.
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 07:20 AM
Mar 2022

Especially when an ostensible progressive (formerly of Russia Today) invokes one of the architects of the insurrection in so doing.

This is basic shit, Bernardo.

Bernardo de La Paz

(51,202 posts)
53. But you are "Russian" (your term) because you want to regulate interpretations of Hartmann
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 07:26 AM
Mar 2022

You want to regulate DU's interpretation by lobbying incessantly to get DU to forbid his presence here or any reference to him that does not mention the five year old guilt by association RT thingy and go on to denounce him as an "agent".

Give it up.

betsuni

(27,299 posts)
52. But what does getting "physically involved in the Democratic Party using Bannon pushing this
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 07:26 AM
Mar 2022

on the other side" mean?

Bernardo de La Paz

(51,202 posts)
55. It means attending meetings, door knocking, internal lobbying, speaking rather than posting, etc. nt
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 07:32 AM
Mar 2022

gab13by13

(25,371 posts)
70. Have you listened to any of his pod casts?
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:10 AM
Mar 2022

He does a fantastic job getting people to vote, does my saying that make me pro-Bannon?

betsuni

(27,299 posts)
75. It's the myth that the Tea Party was "grassroots" and that there will be an alliance
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:14 AM
Mar 2022

between left-wing and right-wing populists.

mountain grammy

(27,369 posts)
122. He's always pushed for local involvement.. grassroots
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:49 AM
Mar 2022

The GOP's been doing it for years and it's working for them in areas where it used to work for Democrats.

The difference is the GOP appeals to people's worst natures and the Democrats used to appeal to daily bread and butter issues. Then they kept going and we quit. I live in a red area. Democrats that run here get no support from the state or national party as I was told by a local Dem when I gave him some $ to get a few signs printed. We work like hell, but the republican bullshit is prevalent. They held a wake at the bar for Rush because that's where they get their "news".. disgusting.

Elections are won at school board meetings and local town meetings. Democrats need to be visible and vocal.

JustAnotherGen

(33,777 posts)
231. Trump was a genuine Fascist Racist movement
Sun Mar 27, 2022, 03:35 PM
Mar 2022

Him calling it populist puts him in the same league as Woodrow Wilson.with me.

gab13by13

(25,371 posts)
26. OK now I get it,
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 06:52 AM
Mar 2022

Thom supports Russia because he backed Bernie Sanders. It took me a while. People here are still fighting the 2016 primary.

Hey you Thom bashers, I was a Bernie supporter also, I dare you to call me pro-Russia.


Here's another reason someone can call me pro-Russian, I plan on voting for the populist candidate John Fetterman in Pa. over the moderate Conor Lamb. Why not do a thread on that one?

I finally figured out these anti-Hartmann threads, that even spell his name wrong. These threads are meant to get progressive and moderate Democrats fighting, and that is what will divide Democrats.

doc03

(36,918 posts)
54. I listen to some of Thom Hartmann's program and Stephanie Miller on the Progressive
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 07:31 AM
Mar 2022

Channel nearly every day. I find Stephanie Miller's program more entertaining but Hartmann is
the best advocate for democratic values on that channel. Sometimes both are a little too far
left for me. I guess some people can't handle a little constructive criticism. This is a major
reason the right dominates talk radio, the left parses every word our own say to find something
to disagree with. I would like to see Hartmann on TV again. Who else do we have? People complain
they hate this one or that one for bothsiderism. There are two sides Democrats are not always right
about everything.

Bernardo de La Paz

(51,202 posts)
56. +1. Some are doing everything they can to silence & deny one of the strongest Left voices. nt
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 07:38 AM
Mar 2022

gab13by13

(25,371 posts)
66. Democrats are not always right about everything,
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:08 AM
Mar 2022

If the DNC backs Conor Lamb in the Pa. Senate race that's its decision. I know this that John Fetterman is who I am voting for, regardless of a DNC endorsement and I am not alone. Fetterman is leading Lamb 2 to 1 in a 3 man race where the 3rd party is a liberal candidate who should take votes away from Fetterman.

I have nothing bad to say about Conor Lamb, he is a fine candidate, but I'm not donating money to the Pa. DNC, I'm donating directly to Fetterman, does that make me bad?

Tommymac

(7,334 posts)
212. No they're not. I live in Connor's district vocally and visually supported him in his first campaign
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 03:59 PM
Mar 2022

But damn if I didn't write him a torrid letter scolding him about his PAC doing the hit on Lt.Gov Fetterman. Not good behavior this year in particular. Unity is everything.

Lamb needs to reign in his PACs and campaign on the issues in the primary and stop this attempt to demonize progressives. He is not ready yet to be a Senator IMHO, and his campaign now reflects that fact.

He has never had my vote or support for the Senate - I've been supporting John since before he announced. Financially and on the ground. I think it was a bad decision for him to run this year. He's young - Id take him over Bob Casey anyday.

Vote John Fetterman US Senator 2022


#GOTV2022

TexasTowelie

(117,454 posts)
237. PACs are not allowed to collaborate with campaigns.
Mon Mar 28, 2022, 01:49 PM
Mar 2022

Therefore, Lamb cannot reign in the independent political activity of PACs as you suggested.

Liberal In Texas

(14,599 posts)
107. Mostly agreed. Not too far left for me.
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:35 AM
Mar 2022

His show is on daily on Free Speech TV.

I won't speak for him, but back in the RT days it is my belief that he was looking for someplace to do a long form TV broadcast about contemporary issues not someplace to disseminate Russian propaganda. Trying to find a network to broadcast progressive ideas was and still is problematic. I don't know for sure, but I don't believe he was paid by them, I think he paid them for air time.

Thom is a national treasure. He is also a DU poster. I wonder about the rule to not personally attack another DUer being ignored frequently around here. I also wonder what ulterior motives this Hartmann bashing might be evidence of.

JustAnotherGen

(33,777 posts)
232. I'll stick with Urban Radio - Joe Madison and company
Sun Mar 27, 2022, 03:44 PM
Mar 2022

They "Progressive Channel" hosts don't really understand people like me. Black Women Democratic Party members are side bars - not the base on that station. I've tried too many times to listen with positive intent.

I love the constant pressure on Urban to Get Out The Vote! The hosts are right . . . once again black women are going to have to save America in 2022. *sighs*

Try listening/calling into Joe Madison sometime - he will get you fired up to dominate the Right!

multigraincracker

(34,267 posts)
61. Thom has a 50 year history of speaking for Progressive
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 07:56 AM
Mar 2022

Democrats. Corporate Democrats hate him and look hard to discredit him.

BlueJac

(7,838 posts)
63. Thom Hartmann is a good Democrat...
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:00 AM
Mar 2022

He does not deserve to be trash on this site. Bitching about Democrats does not build a strong party. The DNC has made plenty of their own mistakes in the past. It is time for party unity! The post makes sense to me. K&R

Traildogbob

(10,176 posts)
95. Thank you all
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:26 AM
Mar 2022

That are speaking up for Thom. The man has more historical facts than 20 encyclopedias. We have very few voices in media that fight for democrats compared to White Wing radio and TV. Oh shit, I said Fight!!😱😱 I might be pushing Russia and trumpism violence?
Damn John Fugelsang, he might be a Russian Christian. He knows way to much about the BuyBull.
I’m sick of the Hartmann bashing. Spend some time on Bannon, Jones and Tucker, and that prick at the Natzeeeeee Rally Marginal Trailer Queen spoke at. Now there’s some Russian pushing BS.
Ya wanna bash some Russian Democratic spies, rant about Tulsi Gabbert. Just my opinion. I will keep listening to Thom, my ears, my choice.
Ya hate Thom, do as I do to any right wing Russian humpers. Don’t tune in.
Tucker Carlson, that’s a Russia media Darling. Betting he gets more Pooty media time than Hartmann.

Liberal In Texas

(14,599 posts)
125. +1000
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:50 AM
Mar 2022

I'm really starting to wonder if we don't have some long term trolls that manifest themselves when the Hartmann bashing starts.

Traildogbob

(10,176 posts)
145. The same rant
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 09:29 AM
Mar 2022

Is becoming once a week. But ya know, they are free to speak. I back that. I will do as I do to Fox, OANN, News Max, Bannon, Jones or any Q crap. Stay as far away as I would from a trump Natzeeee Jamboree with a thick mist of Covid soup swirling around from the rabid screaming and worship of the REAL Russian asshat. Like one of Stephanie Miller’s famous sound bites Chris pulls up,
“Take that line of crap down to the corner store, cause we ain’t buying that bullshit here at this 5 and dime.”
Putting Thom anywhere near a Russian threat on the level of Carlson, Traitor Green, trump and his aged spent sperm, and all his minions like Flynn and Manafort, is ridiculous.
They really think Thom’s once a week openly gay congressman taking calls for an hour would be allowed anywhere Putin’s airways?
Thom is a brilliant Mind and I am damn glad to have him in our battle for democracy against the billionaire corruption.
Fox, Carlson and everything trump are full blown, in our face Russian butt lickers.
I hope the Hartmann badgers are not getting paid in Russian currency……….., no wait, I hope that is exactly the case.

ybbor

(1,605 posts)
67. I heard that segment
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:08 AM
Mar 2022

Those who are bashing it have no understanding of the message. He was saying that the left has to use the same tactics the right has been using since Newt began pressing it in the 90s. We need to take control of our party at the local level: school boards, town councils, dog catcher.

While I was listening to his use of Bannon’s words, I was aware that he was sharing them to show what is happening on the other side. How they are organizing.

The GOP stressed taking control at the local/state level. Controlling state houses that draw up districts so that they control the majority of seats. Here in Michigan the statewide positions are all Dems, but the house and senate are controlled by Rs due to this local level concentrated effort.

Thom is the biggest proponent of small d democracy I have known. This twisting of the word physical to mean anything other than to put your physical body/mind into the “game” is ridiculous. He is a pacifist as far as I can tell. He would never advocate for violence.

His use of the Bannon sound bite was to show how the other side is organizing at the very elemental level and how we need to follow suit. He is correct!

Rant over.

doc03

(36,918 posts)
77. The county I live in was nearly 100% controlled by Democrats 20 years ago, now every single
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:16 AM
Mar 2022

elected office is held by a Republican. Our Congressional seat was held by Democrats for decades now
we have a Republican and the way Republicans have gerrymandered the district we won't ever get rid of
him unless maybe he gets caught having sex with a 6-year-old. Since his head is up Trump's ass he would
probably be excused for that.

gab13by13

(25,371 posts)
80. Well said,
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:19 AM
Mar 2022

Steve Bannon does a good job getting Republicans involved in politics, in getting them to vote, my saying that does not make me a Stever Bannon lover.

This post reminds me of the Merrick Garland threads where people want DOJ to do more and are blasted for it. Thom Hartmann wants the DNC to do more.

Escurumbele

(3,643 posts)
68. Those who claim the "party is corrupt" must explain why they think so, they need to provide proof
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:08 AM
Mar 2022

Too many people throw one-liners without supporting them, enough of that. If you can't explain yourself about what you claim then stay quiet, otherwise it is just trolling.

betsuni

(27,299 posts)
79. I've been asking for years for evidence the party is corrupt and it never comes.
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:17 AM
Mar 2022

Enough is enough. It's shameful and only helps Republicans.

Cha

(305,823 posts)
209. Exactly what I want to know.. that's
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 03:41 PM
Mar 2022

a GD Broad Brush to Smear the Democratic Party with.. you know the party that is on the Front Lines Fighting Against the Fucking Fascists.

💙💛


mcar

(43,619 posts)
81. I listened to him once on Sirius
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:19 AM
Mar 2022

As soon as he started on a Dems suck diatribe, I was out.

These losers suppress votes. They do it every midterm.

gab13by13

(25,371 posts)
104. I hope you are right,
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:34 AM
Mar 2022

all we have to do is be rah rah and hope that GOTV overcomes rigged elections. We shall see.

I vote in a district that will never see a Democrat win today when we had Democrats win back in the 70's, something went wrong, ignoring that isn't the answer. Why back in the 70's I was elected for 2 terms to borough council as a Democrat because I was involved in my community, standing up for the interests of the townspeople. I organized people to attend council meetings to get things done, maybe that is what Thom is talking about. I had to get physical to win.

mcar

(43,619 posts)
141. I live in a county that was pure Democrat when I got here in '92
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 09:19 AM
Mar 2022

There always was a wingnut faction - back then it was the UN Helicopters and the virulent hatred of Bill Clinton.

Then came Rush, Fox, and Jeb Bush - and gerrymandering - and I watched my county slowly go red. It's now so red a Democrat doesn't have a chance here.

Yes, I stand up. I helped to found a Democratic Women's Club chapter here and it's one of the state club's big success stories. We have an active Democratic Party and lots of clubs and caucuses. We phone and text bank, knock on doors, do GOTV drives, etc. That's what local parties do.

What we don't do it continually run down the Democratic party to make people believe voting isn't worth it. That's voter suppression; that's what I've seen happen from so-called progressives for decades.

DownriverDem

(6,678 posts)
82. Divided we fall
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:20 AM
Mar 2022

I'm a proud member of the Democratic Party. We must focus on beating the repubs. Infighting is no way to beat the repubs.

LiberalFighter

(53,512 posts)
89. His rantings indicate his lack of understanding of how the party works.
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:23 AM
Mar 2022

He demonstrates that he doesn't know the structure which consists of the precinct members, county parties, district parties, and state parties that are part of the DNC. Each state party elects DNC members to the DNC.

As for electing Democrats to Congress and local government that is primarily on the candidate with the assistance of the county/state or state/national party. If a candidate doesn't run a good campaign or have good staff to run their campaign it will be difficult.

Beastly Boy

(11,297 posts)
93. Hartmann is not a friend of liberal democracy, he is not a friend of the US Constitution, and he is
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:25 AM
Mar 2022

friend of the Democratic Party.

Beastly Boy

(11,297 posts)
131. He is a populist. Populists don't particularly care about the parties they happen to affiliate with.
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:58 AM
Mar 2022

gab13by13

(25,371 posts)
140. Hate to say this,
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 09:19 AM
Mar 2022

I am voting for the populist John Fetterman in Pa. Conor Lamb is a good man, liked by the DNC, but Fetterman is going to win in a landslide.

Yeah, we need to stop electing populists like FDR and Ted Kennedy and start electing more moderates like Joe Lieberman who cost Democrats the public option, and Kristen Sinema who cost Democrats the voting rights and BBB bills.

Our Democratic party is in big trouble if people are bashing Thom Hartmann, keep doing what you are doing Thom, I will keep listening to you. I particularly liked your segment last week bashing Reagan and blaming not taxing the rich as a cause of our putting our democracy in danger.

Bernardo de La Paz

(51,202 posts)
153. They were liberal Democratic populists. The three appellations are not incompatible at all
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 09:48 AM
Mar 2022

FDR was called a "traitor to his class" by 1 percenter richies.

Beastly Boy

(11,297 posts)
163. FDR and Ted Kennedy are not populists.
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 10:01 AM
Mar 2022

They are the definition of establishment politicians in a liberal democracy. Just because their policies were popular with voters, doesn't make them populist.

And, call me a middle-of-the-road establishment neoliberal incrementalist, I would rather vote for Sinema and lose BBB than vote for Deedra Abboud and lose the Senate majority along with the entire Democratic agenda.

Liberal In Texas

(14,599 posts)
109. Not a friend of liberal democracy or the Constitution?
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:38 AM
Mar 2022

Where on earth do you get this nonsense from? Have you ever listened to his show?

Beastly Boy

(11,297 posts)
136. I get this nonsense from the likes of Bannon and Trump
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 09:08 AM
Mar 2022

Populism is antithetical to liberal democracies. If, especially in light of Hartmann's recent comments mentioned in the OP, you still want to argue he is not calling for populist tactics to push the boundaries of the US Constitution in the same way Trumpism does and the Tea Party did, I am all ears. State your arguments so I can respond to them. Don't dismiss mine as nonsense.

Liberal In Texas

(14,599 posts)
147. Populism is neither bad nor good. It's a method.
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 09:31 AM
Mar 2022

pop·u·lism
noun
a political approach that strives to appeal to ordinary people who feel that their concerns are disregarded by established elite groups. -Oxford Languages

He is not pushing "the boundaries of the US Constitution in the same way Trumpism does and the Tea Party did." What an ignorant thing to say. His idea is to suggest if people want change they need to get into the party mechanisms is to try and push the more staid and corporate dems into doing more for the average joe. You know, those fringe populist ideas like universal health care and taxing the wealthy.

And I certainly dismiss this equating Thom Hartmann with Banon and Trump as pure nonsense based on nothing but your opinion.

Beastly Boy

(11,297 posts)
149. Populism is antithetical to liberal democracy.
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 09:41 AM
Mar 2022

"Bad" or "good" are subjective labels. To a populist, whatever their background, it is always "good". That's the problem with advocates of populism: they, and only they, get to define what is "good" and what is "bad". Not the voters.

Bernardo de La Paz

(51,202 posts)
161. Nonsense. Populism is democratic and frequently liberal and Democratic
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 10:00 AM
Mar 2022

Populism is not the exclusive domain of any wing, left or right, socialist or libertarian, conservative or progressive.

Populism is by definition a subset of democratic activities.

When populists win elections by receiving the most votes that does not make them or the election or the voters anti-democratic.

Populists are not inherently authoritarian or fascist. They can be but it is a gross error to automatically align populism with "bad".

Beastly Boy

(11,297 posts)
169. You like the word "nonsense" a lot, don't you?
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 10:33 AM
Mar 2022

The elections don't make populists anti democratic, and the elections are not the only means for a populist to gain power. It's what happens after take power that makes them anti-democratic.Just look at 1/6. Sometimes insurrections succeed. Sometimes populists succeed in undermining democratic pinciples, democratic institutions, majority rule, or all of the above. What makes a populist a populist is not party affiliation, but the fact that they don't consider themselves bound by the established rules and institutions that govern liberal democracies. This is the central thesis of populism, no matter what plitical or ideological wing it comes from. They get to define whose vote counts or not, who "the people" are and who the "enemy of the people" are. This is what I saw one of the leftist sources advocating for calling it "extra-parliamentary" methods of government That's why saying that populism is antithetical to liberal democracy is not nonsense. It's a historical fact.

Bernardo de La Paz

(51,202 posts)
173. Good start, but you lost me in the middle at equating populism with disregard for law
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 11:00 AM
Mar 2022

Your point about insurrections by populists as other means to power is good and of course the Jan6 example is spot on.


tRump had and has disregard for the law, so he fits that mold of populist.

But the other populists like Sanders and FDR should not be thought of as having disregard for the law.

Historical fact.

Beastly Boy

(11,297 posts)
177. Please, Don't drag FDR into this! He is not a populist, he is the establishment
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 11:32 AM
Mar 2022

And Bernie made it clear in’16 that, as President, he doesn’t intend to govern by consensus, he intends to govern by the power of executive office while dismissing the legislative branch to the greatest degree possible.

Bernardo de La Paz

(51,202 posts)
118. You haven't tried to prove that smear by anything he wrote or said, despite ample access
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:47 AM
Mar 2022

Bibliography

1992 (first edition): ADD: A Different Perception. Underwood Books. 1997. ISBN 1-887424-14-8.
1993: The Best of the Desktop Publishing Forum on CompuServe. Peachpit Press. 1993. ISBN 1-56609-064-4.
1994: ADHD Secrets of Success: Coaching Yourself to Fulfillment in the Business World. Select Books. 2002. ISBN 1-59079-017-0.
1994: Focus Your Energy: Hunting for Success in Business. Pocket Books. 1994. ISBN 0-671-51689-2.
1995: ADD Success Stories. Underwood Books. 1995. ISBN 1-887424-03-2.
1996: Beyond ADD. Underwood Books. 1996. ISBN 1-887424-12-1.
1996: Think Fast!. Underwood Books. 1996. ISBN 1-887424-08-3. by Thom Hartmann and Jane Bowman, with Susan Burgess
1997 (2004 revised ed.): Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight. Three Rivers Press. 2004. ISBN 1-4000-5157-6.
1998 (2004 revised ed.): The Prophet's Way. Park Street Press. ISBN 0-89281-198-6.
1998: Healing ADD. Underwood Books. 1998. ISBN 1-887424-37-7.
2000: Thom Hartmann's Complete Guide to ADHD: Help for Your Family at Home, School and Work. Underwood Books. 2000. ISBN 1-887424-52-0.
2000: The Greatest Spiritual Secret of the Century. Hampton Roads. 2000. ISBN 1-57174-166-6.
2003: The Edison Gene. Park Street Press. 2003. ISBN 0-89281-128-5.
2004: What Would Jefferson Do?. Harmony Books. 2004. ISBN 1-4000-5208-4.
2004: We the People: A Call to Take Back America. Coreway Media, Inc. 2004. ISBN 1-882109-38-4.
2004 (revised ed.): Unequal Protection. Rodale Books. April 24, 2004. ISBN 1-57954-955-1.
2005: Ultimate Sacrifice: John and Robert Kennedy, the Plan for a Coup in Cuba, and the Murder of JFK. Carroll & Graf. 2005. ISBN 0-7867-1441-7. by Lamar Waldron, with Thom Hartmann
2006: Screwed: The Undeclared War Against The Middle Class and What We Can Do About It. Berrett-Koehler. 2006. ISBN 1-57675-414-6.
2006: Walking Your Blues Away: Practical Bilateral Therapies for Healing the Mind and Optimizing Emotional Well-Being. Park Street Press. October 19, 2006. ISBN 1-59477-144-8.
2007: Cracking The Code: How to Win Hearts, Change Minds, and Restore America's Original Vision. Berrett-Koehler. 2007. ISBN 978-1-57675-458-0.
2008: Legacy of Secrecy: The Long Shadow of the JFK Assassination (by Lamar Waldron with Thom Hartmann). Counterpoint. 2009. ISBN 978-1-58243-535-0.
2009: Threshold: The Crisis of Western Culture. Viking. 2009. ISBN 978-0-670-02091-1.
2010 (second edition): Unequal Protection: How Corporations Became "People" – And How You Can Fight Back. Berrett-Koehler. 2010. ISBN 978-1-60509-559-2.
2011: Rebooting the American Dream: 11 Ways to Rebuild Our Country. Berrett-Koehler. 2010. ISBN 978-1-60509-706-0.
2013: The Crash of 2016: The Plot to Destroy America—and What We Can Do to Stop It.
2013: The Last Hours of Humanity: Warming the World to Extinction. Waterfront Digital Press. ISBN 978-1-939116-47-5.
2019: The Hidden History of Guns and the Second Amendment Penguin Random House ISBN 9781523085996
2019: Hartmann, Thom (2019). The Hidden History of the Supreme Court and the Betrayal of America. ISBN 9781523085941.
2020: The Hidden History of the War on Voting: Who Stole Your Vote and How to Get It Back Berrett-Koehler Publishers ISBN 9781523087785
2020: The Hidden History of Monopolies: How Big Business Destroyed the American Dream. ISBN 978-1523087730.
2021: Hidden History of American Oligarchy: Reclaiming Our Democracy from the ruling class. ISBN 978-1523091584.
2021: Hidden History of American Healthcare : Why Sickness Bankrupts You and Makes Others Insanely Rich. ISBN 978-1523091638.

Beastly Boy

(11,297 posts)
148. I can gauge the damage he has done without contributing a single penny to his royalties.
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 09:35 AM
Mar 2022

And, by extension, the damage inflicted on the US Constitution and liberal democracies worldwide by Trump's presidency.

Friends don't do this to friends, no?

Beastly Boy

(11,297 posts)
178. Your definition of evidence appears to be exceedingly narrow.
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 11:41 AM
Mar 2022

Surely you are not suggesting that evidence ought to be limited to what Hartmann wrote, disregarding all else as inadmissible!

Yet this is exactly what you have done here.

Beastly Boy

(11,297 posts)
180. Very observant. We do indeed.
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 12:11 PM
Mar 2022

A subject not at all limited to, and at times quite separate from what Hartmann wrote.

GB_RN

(3,208 posts)
117. Reading The Comments Here...
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:45 AM
Mar 2022

I gotta say, we are fucking MASTERS of the circular firing squad.

That being said, I have never once seen any evidence that Thom Hartmann is any friend of Putin's, a tool of the FSB (the successor to the KGB) or the GRU (which is the Russian military intelligence agency). I have only seen him bash the GOPQ and advocate for progressive causes.

Just my two cents.

FreepFryer

(7,086 posts)
119. Posts 90 & 114 might help provide a few bits of context. Agreed, RU and the GOP is the threat. nt
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:47 AM
Mar 2022

gab13by13

(25,371 posts)
120. In summary;
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:48 AM
Mar 2022

Democrats must nominate moderate candidates, progressive candidates are Russian tools.

Is that the gist of this thread designed to get Democrats to fight with one another?

BlueJac

(7,838 posts)
129. Well, I see we are all on the same page.
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 08:55 AM
Mar 2022

Infighting will lose everytime. 2022 is huge, 2024 is gigantic and a must win!

Farmer-Rick

(11,532 posts)
133. I like listening to Hartmann
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 09:00 AM
Mar 2022

He makes me think.

Yeah he was on RTs platform when Russia was trying to get TFG elected. He made a mistake. But Russia conned a lot of people.

And it was legal back then. The US apparently approved of RT or they wouldn't have allowed it.

He caught on afterwards. Too bad he couldn't see through the manipulations by Russia back then.

But a lot of people were conned back then. Sometimes the bad guys do manipulate you no matter how on guard you are.

But we need to work together and quit finger pointing if we are going to beat the GOP.

Hortensis

(58,785 posts)
233. He left RT when he was required to register as a foreign agent.
Sun Mar 27, 2022, 04:17 PM
Mar 2022

Not when he realized Russia was working hard to defeat Democrats and elect tRump and Republican majorities all over the country.

Or when he was astonished (MUST have been astonishing, right?) to discover that his long-time employer was the Kremlin's main propaganda dissemination organ.

Those who want to beat the Republicans should get serious about not helping them.

bdamomma

(66,716 posts)
196. We
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 01:10 PM
Mar 2022

need to be unified, do we really want McConnell to take the control again, and the rest of those traitors

2022 first step and then 2024. Let's move forward not back.

SalviaBlue

(3,031 posts)
201. Hartmann has been advocating for grass roots involvement in the Democratic party
Sat Mar 26, 2022, 02:05 PM
Mar 2022

Long before anyone knew Bannon’s name; long before and long after after he rented studio space from RT.

His tag line on every show is something like: “Democracy is not a spectator sport. It's about all of us getting involved, everybody needs to get active … Tag. You're it!"

betsuni

(27,299 posts)
215. 1965. What has that got to do with anything?
Sun Mar 27, 2022, 03:24 AM
Mar 2022

Last edited Sun Mar 27, 2022, 04:16 AM - Edit history (1)

Five years ago isn't 1965. Hold feet to the fire. Authentic. Moral. No double standards.

Cheezoholic

(2,643 posts)
219. Nothing, it has nothing to do with it
Sun Mar 27, 2022, 04:28 AM
Mar 2022

I have a hard enough time treading shallow water with the obvious anymore. My OP wasn't about TH, it was about this shit. There is something greater at risk than who is right. The fucking tiger, not the fox, is at the door. My OP was about apathy and defeatism, not Thom Hartman. I dont give a flying fuck what anybody thinks about Hartman. Maybe theres too many who have eaten the golden eggs the goose laid. Maybe there's too many not willing to sacrifice their 2 car garage and cookie cutter suburban house too prevent these fuckers from putting people worldwide at even more jeopardy than they already are. Trust me, read history, if we fall here, in this half assed fucked up vulnerable experiment in democracy we have, if we lose it, the loss of life in Ukraine will pale to what will happen. It's bad enough now, a new dark ages will prevail if we let it fall arguing our petty differences when WE are the only thing between a free world or a world dominated by dictators and filthy rich motherfuckers.

Celerity

(46,802 posts)
222. your reply reminded me of this slice of absolute superbness from the end of the noughties
Sun Mar 27, 2022, 04:49 AM
Mar 2022


Maybe theres too many who have eaten the golden eggs the goose laid. Maybe there's too many not willing to sacrifice their 2 car garage and cookie cutter suburban house too prevent these fuckers from putting people worldwide at even more jeopardy than they already are.

Celerity

(46,802 posts)
226. The Business - Suburban Rebels
Sun Mar 27, 2022, 06:02 AM
Mar 2022


Label: Secret Records (8) – SEC 11
Format:
Vinyl, LP, Album, Gatefold
Country: UK
Released: 1983
Genre: Rock
Style: Punk, Oi







Celerity

(46,802 posts)
228. oopsie! (it is after 1 pm here)
Sun Mar 27, 2022, 06:16 AM
Mar 2022

Here is another of my favourite songs from The Business (from their first demos, never on a proper album, and one of the incredibly rare Oi! 'love' songs, most are almost always about having a ruck, and/or getting on the lash, or politics)

The Business - Unevenly Pretty





cheers

betsuni

(27,299 posts)
223. Apathy and defeatism is blaming Democrats for what Republicans do.
Sun Mar 27, 2022, 05:05 AM
Mar 2022

Sometimes TH promotes this and is wrong, sometimes his information is correct and he's great. American culture is individualistic and selfish, but money isn't automatically corrupting for everyone. Americans can be very generous. The Democrats Party isn't corrupt.

There's a hungry tiger (Republican) in the room, and people freak out about the kittycat (Democrat) in the same room. Why doesn't the kittycat stop the tiger from killing everyone? Let's not vote for the kittycat in the next election, teach it a lesson.

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