Cory Booker: Women's march is 'not a Republican or Democrat thing.

[TomCADem]

Source: LA Times

New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker believes the women's march represents bipartisan issues.

"This is about responding to misogyny, bigotry, racism all of those things that are undermining who we are," he said in Washington, D.C.

"This is not a Democrat or Republican thing. This is actually something we can all unify around."

Read more: http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-pol-womens-march-live-cory-booker-women-s-march-is-not-a-1485028604-htmlstory.html

---

Once again, somewhat surprised that there are no Republicans who are being supportive.

Edit to note that there are some Republicans who are setting partisanship to support women's rights:

http://www.wcsh6.com/news/politics/national-politics/some-republican-women-join-the-womens-march-on-washington/389365673

Some Republican women join the Women's March on Washington

PITTSFIELD, Maine ( NEWS CENTER) — On this Inauguration Day, women across the country and here in Maine are mobilizing to March on Washington Saturday.

This is not billed as a protest march, but rather one of unity.

The message: women's rights are human rights and need to be protected.

All are welcome to join in — men, immigrants, minorities, LGBT, and people of all faiths and parties in a show of the strength of our country's diversity.

[TomCADem]

4. NPR - As Pharma Jobs Leave N.J., Office Space Ghost Towns Remain

I think the essence of elitism would be for Cory Booker to turn his back on his constituents in the interest of preserving his national aspirations. New Jersey heavily depends on jobs in the pharma industry as noted in this 2014 NPR story. It is one thing if Booker was voting on a bill that really is not all that relevant to his State. But, we are talking about an industry that is central to his State. Does not mean we have to agree with his decision, but his job is to be responsive to the needs of his constituents.

http://www.npr.org/2014/07/30/336337115/as-pharma-jobs-leave-n-j-office-space-ghost-towns-remain

New Jersey used to be known as "the nation's medicine chest," but over the past two decades, many of the state's pharmaceutical industry jobs have dried up or moved elsewhere, and left millions of square feet of office space, warehouses and laboratories sitting empty.

One of those sites is the 116-acre corporate campus of the Swiss drugmaker Roche in Nutley, N.J. There are dozens of buildings on this campus, 10 miles west of midtown Manhattan. In fact, there are enough bio and chem labs, offices and auditoriums to fill up the entire Empire State Building. But since December, all of that space — 2 million square feet of it — has been vacant, the laboratories dark and the sidewalks deserted.

"When this was a thriving site, this sidewalk would have been busy with folks walking up and down," says Darien Wilson, one of just 38 Roche employees still working at the site as the company tries to sell the property. "We had great amenities for people, like on-site child care. You had dinners to-go where you could order food by lunch and take it home with you if you were working late. We had dry cleaning," she says.

Five years ago, Roche acquired Genentech, moved its management to San Francisco and started to slowly withdraw from New Jersey. That's a pretty typical story for what's been happening in the state. In the past 20 years, New Jersey went from having more than 20 percent of U.S. pharma manufacturing jobs to less than 10 percent.

[BeyondGeography]

2. Happy talk

It's a fucking war, Corey. Wake up.

[TomCADem]

6. Cory Booker: I Refuse To Remain Silent Under President Trump

I think Cory is not awake, but he has been leading.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/cory-booker-i-refuse-to-remain-silent-trump_us_58822acee4b096b4a2313683

In an interview with MSNBCs Brian Williams on the eve of Trumps inauguration, Booker criticized Trump for his lack of transparency and the nominees hes picked for his cabinet.

When you have a president himself who hasnt allowed the kind of transparency weve seen with the Republican and Democratic presidents in the modern era, he said. Somebodys who really hiding much of his financial information, potential conflicts, which on day one could put him in opposition to what we understand the Constitution to be requirements for a president. It makes me very sobered about the realities we have with a lot of his cabinet picks.

* * *

I refuse to remain silent. I think thats one of the worst things that we could do. As James Baldwin once said, Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed unless its faced. And I think its important that even when we see they have the votes that we speak up, that we stand up, that we let people know whats going on and try to activate and engage the public in a level that might not be used to doing in keeping an eye on this presidency.

Booker had several specific criticisms of Trump, including his refusal to acknowledge issues like minimum wages, education access and environmental regulations. He also mentioned Trumps alleged ties to Russia and urged authorities to continue to look into their relationship.

[BeyondGeography]

7. Anyone can criticize Trump; it's the Republicans we need to defeat

Call the problem by name: The REPUBLICAN Party! For 35 years and counting. Whichever leading Democrat figures that out first will get the nomination in 2020.

[TomCADem]

11. Bernie Sanders is 'prepared to work with' Donald Trump

Again, I am not sure why we are attacking Democrats. How is what Cory said different from other progressives?

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2016/11/09/bernie-sanders-prepared-work-donald-trump/93570734/

Sen. Bernie Sanders campaigned hard for Hillary Clinton in the final weeks leading up to Tuesday's election, but the next day he expressed his empathy with the anger that won Donald Trump the White House and offered to work with the president-elect on policies that benefit working families.

“Donald Trump tapped into the anger of a declining middle class that is sick and tired of establishment economics, establishment politics and the establishment media," Sanders said in a statement Wednesday. "People are tired of working longer hours for lower wages, of seeing decent paying jobs go to China and other low-wage countries, of billionaires not paying any federal income taxes and of not being able to afford a college education for their kids — all while the very rich become much richer."

The economic frustrations of working-class Americans were the dominant theme of Sander's primary campaign against Clinton. Some critics have said that Sanders would have been a stronger candidate against Trump that Clinton because he understood that working-class anger.

“To the degree that Mr. Trump is serious about pursuing policies that improve the lives of working families in this country, I and other progressives are prepared to work with him," Sanders said. "To the degree that he pursues racist, sexist, xenophobic and anti-environment policies, we will vigorously oppose him.”

[BeyondGeography]

16. That's dumb, too

And so is not joining the Democratic Party when you're in a leadership position. And yammering on and on about how the system is rigged without calling out Republicans. See that, I'm not a Buster. Voted for HRC, in fact.

There is no audience for unity right now. We need to draw distinctions between the parties, not force-feed the public with narratives that are unsupported by reality.

[TomCADem]

19. I Think We Need To Highlight The Issues...

...if we just turn this into a personal, partisan attack, then Trump and the Republicans will win. If you are suggesting that we just focus on trashing Republicans, rather than addressing the issues that matter and affect Americans, then we will lose.

[BeyondGeography]

23. I am suggesting you don't take a great day for progressive values and water it down with pablum

[TomCADem]

28. In His Interview, He Repeatedly Slammed Trump's Extreme Policies...

I am not sure how you can listen to his interview, and come away with the idea that he is suggesting that both parties are the same. He strongly spoke in support of progressive values.

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid3688749016001?bckey=AQ~~,AAADW0fLrjE~,LYy0aySaVACe66ugiBR5AtAO4ZZLpa-J&bctid=5291876585001

[Generator]

36. Everything you say!

Bingo. Bingo and Bingo. CAN WE HAVE OUR ONE DAY? Thank you. Now go watch Netflix Republicons like we did yesterday.

[hollowdweller]

39. That SOUNDS good.

In word.

Now lets see something in DEED.

[The Liberal Lion]

13. Amen

[SamKnause]

3. Bullshit !!!

The only party trying to take away our rights is the Republican party.

Fuck unity.

The Republican party needs to be destroyed before they destroy this country.

I don't want to live in a police state theocracy run by Wall Street.

[Generator]

37. Exactamundo

[Feeling the Bern]

5. "But don't talk about revolution, that's going a little bit too far." "And I'll send all the money

you ask for, but don't ask me to come out along."

So love me, love me, love me, I'm a liberal.

"Oh, but I've grown older and wiser, and that's why I'm turning you in."

[TomCADem]

8. Wow, have I suddenly jumped on Russia Today or Free Republic?

A prominent Democrat supports the March, and suddenly everyone starts attacking? Wow.

[Feeling the Bern]

10. A prominent Democrat put his foot in his mouth by saying it isn't a Democratic or Republican

thing, trying to placate both sides.

This is the same spinelessness we are getting tired of seeing. Democrats aren't trying to put us back to pre 1869 (you know, when Wyoming became the first place where women could vote).

Republicans are. Call a spade a spade, Cory. Put all this at the feet of Republicans, grow a spine, and lead. . .not wet your thumb and figure out the direction the wind is blowing.

Amazing how I am not the only one criticizing his political flag act yet I am the only one you respond to.

[TomCADem]

14. The Co-Chair of the March Said The Same Thing...

...and has taken pains not to have the march be seen as a purely Democratic rally. I think if Corey Booker were to try to claim it as such, there would be a lot of backlash.

[Feeling the Bern]

17. so we're back to the "both sides do it" mantra.

We really learned nothing as a party or a people.

Screw it if it's looked that way. Present our side honestly! You like the ability to control you body, ladies? You like the dual wage system where you make anywhere from $.58 to $.78 on the dollar of a whie man's salary? You like being denied the right to have certain jobs?

We liberals fought for equal rights, women's rights, suffrage, ending the glass ceiling, ending the dual wage system, contraception not being illegal, women having the right to sue and be sued, women having the right to own property, women having the right to not be sexual harassed at the workplace. . .WE did!

Not them! We did! Wear that pin well. STOP BEING AFRAID OF SAYING THE FUCKING TRUTH!!!

[TomCADem]

20. Then You Agree With Me That Focus Is On Issues...

...I thought you were suggesting that Democrats try to claim that this is some purely partisan campaign rally, which would be a lie. Now, I think it is okay to note our positions and how they align with the interests of women. But, to try to claim that is a entirely a Democratic rally would be dishonest.

[Feeling the Bern]

21. I do believe using this as an opportunity to slam these worthless Republican pig MFers

is being wasted big time!

[George II]

9. The wife of an ex-republican party chairman here in Connecticut, who was also.....

....one of Linda McMahon's top aides when she ran for the senate a few years ago, marched today.

[retrowire]

12. When they don't want to accept your meaning

they'll reinterpret it as what they want to hear.

[Feeling the Bern]

22. It is the responsibility of the speaker to be understood

if there is a change the reinterpret, the speaker screwed up. That is prose and debate 101.

[TomCADem]

24. He Seemed Pretty Clear To Me...

Cory Booker's full comments were pretty hard hitting...

http://bcove.me/bnn99hsw

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid3688749016001?bckey=AQ~~,AAADW0fLrjE~,LYy0aySaVACe66ugiBR5AtAO4ZZLpa-J&bctid=5291876585001

[Feeling the Bern]

25. Please stop following me. You have targeted each of my posts. This is almost like the "S" word.

[TomCADem]

26. You Do Know That You Are Responding to My OP?

Not the other way around. Also, you will note that I have started similar threads with respect to other Democrats to give them props for standing up for women, rather than trying to tear them down.

[Feeling the Bern]

27. When Cory comes out, uses this opporunity to slam the Republican for their misogyny

then he has my praise.

Until then, walking the tight rope as to not to offend gets my ire. Stand for something or just be quiet.

[TomCADem]

29. He DID Specifically Slam Trump for His Mysogyny, Racism and Hate...

...of Muslims. So, does he have your praise, now?

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid3688749016001?bckey=AQ~~,AAADW0fLrjE~,LYy0aySaVACe66ugiBR5AtAO4ZZLpa-J&bctid=5291876585001

Cory Booker was hardly suggesting that both sides are equal. Again, anyone reading this, please listen to the interview to draw your own conclusions. I don't think many folks could reasonably listen to the interview and conclude that Trump is not being slammed for his sexist comments.

Likewise, Booker and Sanders both introduced a bill to block Trump's efforts to create a Muslim registry:

https://mic.com/articles/164598/sens-cory-booker-bernie-sanders-introduce-bill-to-block-donald-trump-s-muslim-registry#.lSYka2aB6

Sens. Cory Booker, Bernie Sanders introduce bill to block Donald Trump's Muslim registry

Democratic Sen. Cory Booker is introducing a bill that would prevent President-elect Donald Trump from creating a Muslim registry. The bill, according to the Washington Post, is sponsored by several key Democrat senators including Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Jeff Merkley, to name a few.

The legislation would prohibit federal government agencies from establishing any kind of "immigration-related" registry based on religion, race, age, gender, ethnicity, national origin, nationality or citizenship. The bill would block a program similar to the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System, a database built by Trump transition team member Kris Kobach in 2001 under the George W. Bush administration.

On Dec. 22, President Obama dismantled the NSEERS program to prevent the incoming Trump administration from using it to track Muslim immigrants.

[Feeling the Bern]

30. Moved the goalposts. We're talking about women and today.

[TomCADem]

31. And Today In That Interview, Booker Expressly Slammed Trump...

...and his attacks on women. Play the interview if you do not believe me. If that was a field goal kick, then you would say that Booker's comments split the uprights to use your terminology?

http://bcove.me/bnn99hsw

Or, do you disagree with Booker's comments attacking Trump's efforts to dismantle Planned Parenthood, Trump's attacks on women, Trump's mysogyny. He noted that Trump got to the White House by demeaning and degrading Americans. Do you disagree with his comments strongly condemning such hate emanating from Trump?

If so, then we just disagree.

[Feeling the Bern]

32. Condemn them all. And that link is blocked where I live.

Great Firewall of China.

[ffr]

15. Oh that little march in D.C. today?

Number attending Washington Women's March overflows march route
http://www.kob.com/new-mexico-news/madonna-curses-president-trump-at-womens-march/4377487/

750,000 march in Los Angeles




http://abc7.com/news/750000-attend-womens-march-la-organizers-say/1713822/

This is what happens when they mess with our democracy.

[loyalsister]

41. Exactly

It's quite possible and even likely that there are some republicans in those crowds. I know for a fact there there were some at the march in my small city.
It would be dumb for us to reject potential common ground out of spite based on club membership.

[busterbrown]

18. The fuck it isnt!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10028508923

[Barbara2423]

33. Cory Booker you are wrong.

Keep thinking that way and watch the Democratic party lose again.

[TomCADem]

34. Wow. Are You Saying Republican Women...

...don't get raped or that if they do they deserve it?

This was not a march about women supporting either Hillary or Democrats. This is about people, including many progressive Democrats like Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Cory Booker supporting women in the Trump era against his assault on women's rights.

Amazing the degree to which oppose this idea.

We cannot take the support of women for granted and assume that this march was a Democratic rally.

[YOHABLO]

35. Booker is getting that ''centrist'' ideology together for 2020 I see. Oh by the way Mr. Booker:

I don't think it's the Democratic Party that's trying to take away a woman's right to choose, or closing up Planned Parenthood. No the Republican Congress wants to keep women barefoot and pregnant .. and in their kitchens.

[TomCADem]

38. Cory Booker: It's now time to fight

Yeah, because centrists typically testify against fellow Senators seeking to be appointed AG. He is strongly pro-choice, marriage freedom, against climate change, opposes the repeal of the ACA, strongly supports gun control, supported DACA and comprehensive immigration reform, supports protecting voting rights, and supports increasing taxes for the wealthy.

What I think is crazy is that I listed Cory Booker, and several other Democrats who were supportive of the March, yet most of the responses on this thread have been to attack Cory Booker, a progressive Democrat. Booker has been among the most vocal critics of Trump, yet folks on the "left" are trying to shut him down. Personally, if a Democrat is fighting Donald Trump, we should support his efforts to support us.

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/315225-cory-booker-its-now-time-to-fight

Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) urged Americans not to “curl up, give up or shut up” in an emotional Facebook post published the morning of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.

“This is not a time to curl up, give up or shut up,” Booker wrote. “It is time to get up; to stand up, to speak words that heal, help, and recommit to the cause of our country.”

In a historic move, Booker recently testified against Trump’s nominee for attorney general, Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.). Booker became the first sitting senator to testify at a confirmation hearing against another senator. Many speculated Booker’s decision to testify against Sessions could have been a first move toward a potential 2020 presidential bid.

“We had an election defeat, but we are not defeated,” Booker wrote. “We hurt, we fear, we may even regret that we did not do more. But character is not defined, forged or built in good times. The fire of adversity forges our steel.”

[loyalsister]

40. Good for him

Most Democrats in office know that if ever there were a time when republicans might have buyer's remorse and join Democrats on some key votes, it is now. Demonizing them and being unwelcoming will lead people who might have been ready to resist to dig in out of spite.
Identifying people who don't agree with every single thing we do and say as enemies is Trumpism. I'm glad Corey Booker is behaving like an adult.
Thanks for posting.

[Cha]

42. Nice to say.. wonder how many women joined the Marches

that were repubs?