Bernie Sanders would be EVISCERATED by the Republican attack machine in the general election.

[RBInMaine]

Socialist Communist Socialist Communist Socialist Communist Taxes Taxes Taxes Taxes Taxes Massive Expansion of Government Massive Expansion of Government Massive Expansion of Government Turning Us Into Europe Turning Us Into Europe Turning Us Into Europe!!!!! It will be a BLOODBATH the likes we have never seen in American politics.

The American electorate will not accept a self declared European type socialist proposing such a large expansion of government. It simply will never fly, and anyone who wants to delude themselves into thinking otherwise is in fact living sheer delusion and has no concept of the American political tradition.

Hillary Clinton is already vetted and tested. There is no piece of slime they can throw at her that she hasn't already had thrown at her. Her plans are progressive but more detailed, realistic, and doable.

I don't hear Bernie saying a word about expanding small business in the private sector and increasing wages in the private sector where the vast number of jobs are actually created. Every solution seems to be a government solution.

Sanders has very limited foreign policy experience in an election where foreign policy will be front and center.

Look at Korbin in the UK. The Labor Party is in the TANK. They don't trust him on the economy nor on foreign policy.

I think what Bernie says about some of the fundamental problems is spot on, but the massive expansion of government proposals simply will not fly. He would be decimated in the general election.

I would like a Bernie supporter to please explain to me IN DETAIL how he will deal with this onslaught that would happen if he was nominated. How will he SPECIFICALLY sell his massive expansion of government, deal with the SOCIALISTCOMMUNIST night and day attacks that are coming, and why he doesn't say anything about increasing jobs and wages in the private sector where most job creation occurs? How will he be imagined as being Commander in Chief of the military and head of our foreign policy?

I love Bernie. Good heart and means well. Saying many things that need saying. But president of the U.S.? Just ain't gonna happen. Now, Secretary of Labor, I can see that.

[beam me up scottie]

1. Lecture about how SOCIALIZZZZZT BERNIE SANDERS CAN'T POSSIBLY WIN #4386

Get some new material, this was boring months ago.

[RBInMaine]

2. Typical lame fingers in ears response instead of a thoughtful REAL response.

[beam me up scottie]

6. From your op: "Socialist Communist Socialist Communist Socialist Communist"

You've been obsessing over this for months, it's obvious that you're so terrified by those words that nothing Bernie or I say will help.

You'll just have to work through it.

Feel better.

[PonyUp]

50. Can we get rid of all red hearts?

That color skeerz me!!!

[beam me up scottie]

55. All this violent imagery, EVISCERATE, BLOODBATH, GUTS!!!

Somebody watched the Walking Dead last night and was inspired!

[djean111]

9. IMO you don't want a "thoughtful REAL response", you want people to do what you say and

support Hillary instead of Bernie.

Not going to happen.

[RBInMaine]

12. Again, fingers in your ears. No real response. You offer NOTHING.

[djean111]

22. I don't have to offer anything - you have been exhorting us to support Hillary for what seems

like a year, at least, and there are explanations for why Bernie's supporters are supporting Bernie all over this board. You do seem to be getting increasingly apoplectic because you are not being obeyed, though. If Hillary is such a lock, why not just sit back and enjoy? That's the mystery to me.

[Bohunk68]

28. +1,000 Pretty much the way I am seeing it also.

[frylock]

166. Garbage in, garbage out.

[tazkcmo]

90. Very impressed with yourself.

I see you're re-hashing all the stale talking points used at the outset of the primaries. Lazy and ineffective but at least you're pleased.

[Rocky the Leprechaun]

120. You want a response?

Fine.

Socialism is now being more accepted and accepted. The Red Scare is so '80s.

Don't like Socalism? Terrified of socialism? Get off Social Security, Medicare, our socialist roads, our socialist public schools, our socialist credit unions, our socialist air, etc. etc.

[djean111]

7. I know, right? It is like the wheels are coming off the keyboards. :-)

I think this is just what happens when authoritarians are not obeyed.

In any event - I have never mentioned Hillary to anyone down here in Florida and not gotten the "I don't like her" response. Or the "anyone but Hillary" response. Yeah, that's anecdotal, but a keyboard rant is not even anecdotal. It is just an opinion that others are declining to buy.

Here's the thing, though, about all the stuff the GOP has to use against Hillary - it still works, and people do not ignore it just because they have heard it before. And the dog-whistle stuff Hillary is using against Bernie is not going to energize those who are new to the political process because they like Bernie. IMO those people will just walk away if Bernie is not the nominee. They look stuff up, they don't care about her ever-changing campaign blather.

[beam me up scottie]

13. Good points!

Republicans will show up in droves to vote against Hillary, they despise her that much and the lack of enthusiasm about her from Democrats won't be enough to make up the difference.

This series of weekly meltdowns is amusing though.

[sarge43]

72. To be filed under "America will never elect a black man as POTUS" or "It's too Haaaard".

Last edited Mon Feb 15, 2016, 10:46 AM - Edit history (1)

Quoting the Army Engineer Corps: The difficult we do right away; the impossible takes a little longer.

[beam me up scottie]

75. Hillary 2016: NO WE CAN'T!

Seriously I think this is the 20th op from the poster on this subject.

Everyone needs a hobby I guess.

[sarge43]

119. Bless his heart. n/t

[virtualobserver]

3. The real question is how will they survive the attacks from Bernie.

Because many in the national Democratic party have gone along with so many of the horrific policies of the Republicans, they have no standing to criticize, or the courage to do so.

Polling shows that people agree with Bernie. Bernie will attack that machine with much greater force. Just as her connection to financial institutions which are funding her SuperPACS are now an anchor around Hillary's neck....the Billionaires who fund the machine will be a much bigger anchor around Republican necks.

[RBInMaine]

14. Thoughtful response, but how will be SPECIFICALLY respond to the SPECIFIC attacks?

He will have to respond to his calls for massive expansion of government, etc. How will be do it. It won't be enough just to counter attack. He will have to explain himself better than he is now.

[virtualobserver]

30. I realize that you haven't accepted his logic on this....

but he is framing this on fairness.

We bailed out the banks, therefore it is only fair for them to help the American people.
The Billionaires, who are now trying to buy our government, have benefited from policies that have transferred the wealth of this country to them, at the expense of the poor and middle class, therefore it is only fair for them to help the American people.

In order for us to be competitive economically in the world, we need a well educated population....our current system makes it impossible for some to acquire an education, and places a massive economic burden on those who do attempt it. This both unfair and against our national interest.

"He is a socialist" as an attack just won't cut it against that kind of framing.

[AgingAmerican]

113. His positions are mainstream and poll widely popular

He will respond the same way he has responded to Hillary's attacks. With simple truth and grace.

[mariawr]

91. DWS will backstab Sanders if he is the nominee. Count on it. nt

[hoosierlib]

4. Lol...she would be subject to the same attacks...

And the Iraq war vote, overthrow of Qaddafi and the current investigation into her email server...she's damaged goods

[RBInMaine]

15. Read the whole OP. She has ALREADY been attacked and knows how to handle it. He doesn't.

[djean111]

26. How she handles it is, in a way, not relevant.

How people feel when they hear those things is what counts. And the newer voters, the young ones, look all that stuff up; they do not just passively listen to talking heads and pundits and campaign blather. New paradigm.

[hoosierlib]

31. Again, she is damaged goods...

She turns off the very independents and moderates that Bernie attracts. Add a criminal referral or indictment and its a GOP landslide in November.

[cannabis_flower]

46. And if it's just

still all up in the air, it's almost as bad.

[Helen Borg]

36. She cannot defend herself against the facts.

She is bought by Wall Street money and other big corporations. It is true, she has no defense against that. Trump would EVISCERATE here on that.

[AgingAmerican]

114. Her campaign has been coming apart at the seams

[jeff47]

130. Her "handling" it has her as the second-least-trusted candidate in the race

Only Trump rates lower.

[John Poet]

180. DENY, DENY, DENY... Yes, Hillary knows how to handle it.

How will she handle it if the FBI recommends an indictment?

That's one thing Bernie doesn't have to worry about.

[pugetres]

5. Nothing in his four decades of running on his platform has prepared him for this...

thanks for the heads up! I'm sure he will make the necessary adjustments.

[RBInMaine]

18. Very liberal Vermont is NOTHING compared to the entire nation. He NEEDS the heads up.

[cannabis_flower]

48. Don't you think

he's already aware of what will be coming? I believe he's probably heard it all before.

[Kalidurga]

152. Bernie made Vermont liberal so thanks for the reminder of the power of Bernie!

[cali]

8. Bullshit. The Clinton Machine is doing its best. And FAILING.

[Helen Borg]

37. Yup. They are wasting millions of dollars

with lame attacks that backfire!

[haikugal]

158. They're part of the Bernie fund raising machine and they work for free!!

[Recursion]

10. Your right: Sanders would face an absolutely brutal campaign in the fall, and it will be tough

As I've said many times this is one of those "lesser evil" years, where you have to pick the candidate who will be slightly less exhausting to drag across the finish line.

The plus side is that the electorate doesn't really give a shit about policy.

How will he SPECIFICALLY sell his massive expansion of government

Just like he has been in the primary: with vague, optimistic platitudes and slogans devoid of any realistic numbers. Wonks (including me) will rip their hair out in frustration and normal people won't care. Unfortunately it's what works, and as I look at the field now I think it's our only play.

[virtualobserver]

17. Trump's attacks on Bush should be an eye-opener

If He would attack Bush for Iraq, he will attack Hillary.

He will attack Hillary for taking money for speeches and donations, while explaining that this is how he bought politicians.

If you imagine that it will be anything but a horror show when he goes after her, you might want to think again. She can barely stand the mild attacks from Bernie.

[Recursion]

20. Clinton lost me by *again* going 100% reactive. That's how you lose an election

She is incapable of seizing the initiative.

It's mid-February and I still don't know why she is running for President. And it's exactly why she lost 2008.

[Helen Borg]

39. Clinton has the facts against her.

The facts are that she is bought and that she has no convictions.

[RBInMaine]

19. Hillary is going LIGHT on him right now. Just wait until the R's get ahold of him. BLOODBATH!!

You are absolutely right. Bernie is a great guy. He is casting light on fundamental problems that must be addressed. But his massive expansion of government and wanting to transform the nation into a European styled socialist society means he will be DESTROYED in the general election.

[Recursion]

42. This is the second national campaign where she has been unable to seize the initiative

and it's why she lost me.

I can tell you why every other candidate on both sides but her and JEB! are running for President:

O'Malley (my original pick): Americans deserve to hope for a better and more just government and economy
Sanders: the super-wealthy have corrupted the political process to such an extent that Americans no longer feel any connection to government
Trump: America needs to be great (i.e. white and middle class) again
Rubio: America needs to lead, and needs a leader to do that
Cruz: The Constitution and Christianity are under assault from godless liberal masses
Fiorina: Washington DC is too afraid of transformation
Carson: An elite minority have convinced good Christians that they should be ashamed of themselves

What I can't tell you is why Clinton is running for President. Worse yet, I don't even see her campaign trying to get that out. And when they do, the closest I can come to an answer is "I'm experienced"... even that answer is about the past.

I think she has a worse chance of winning nationally than Sanders, because of that. I don't think either were our best possible picks, but since this is what we're stuck with, I have to back Sanders.

[Helen Borg]

44. Righto. She is just being nice...

Jeb Bush too. He is just being nice to Trump.

[cannabis_flower]

54. And Cruz and Trump are just being nice too!

[Cheviteau]

84. What Is It With You...

...and this massive expansion of government that you keep referring to? Expansion of Medicaid and Medicare? Weren't we all for that at one time in the past? Single payer and all. Eliminate student debt to free up money for young people to purchase their first home and a new car, perhaps? Sounds reasonable to me. That would put tons of money back in circulation instead of over-filling bank vaults for the super rich. Expand government by refurbishing of crumbling infrastructure - highways, bridges, airports, rail lines, and electrical grids...putting millions to work? Those kind of government expansions? What you're leaving out of the equation is the competition's messaging. Have you watched their debates? One of those clowns are going to put forth a coherent argument for why we should vote for him? Disclosure: I can vote for either of our candidates.

[DeGreg]

103. Interest choice of words....

Puts you right at home with militarism: Bloodbath, Destroyed. We get it, you're status quo all the way, it seems. "Massive expansion of government" oh really. Have you looked at the defense budget lately? Any idea how much is in the black budget? Any idea which corporations benefit from more military spending? Do you really think we ought to spend so much on how to kill people or is this just the business model for a government looking to privatize itself so leaders and friends can skim off the top and call it profit, and stuff their own pockets? You're argument sounds down right right. Got all the buzz words down. Is this the t-shirt you'd shoot out of your t-shirt gun? ––Hillary for Pres, cuz she knows how to kill like man.

[AgingAmerican]

121. There will be no bloodbath

They have nothing on him. His positions are widely popular and mainstream.

[thesquanderer]

123. It is Bernie who is going LIGHT on Hillary right now.

Heck, at a recent debate, she accused Bernie of helping the banks bring down the economy by voting for the CFMA deregulation, and he didn't even bother mentioning that it was Bill Clinton who signed it into law, so if Hillary had a beef with it, she was taking it up with the wrong guy. He lets plenty of stuff go by, staying much more focussed on his own message than on trying to score points against Hillary.

Even getting back to your original point, "There is no piece of slime they can throw at her that she hasn't already had thrown at her" -- she has never before had to run under her newest clouds (she always seems to have new ones). Bernie isn't making anything at all out of the email server in her house, the drip-drip-drip of the actual released emails (and who knows what's to come there, in terms of new ammunition the Republicans would be able to throw at her), the contributors to the Clinton Foundation and how many of them were from countries who got the arms deals they wanted... It's easy for us to see these things as non-issues, but the Republicans--and public at large once the Republicans frame them in a general campaign--may not. Bernie isn't touching them.

Meanwhile, the Hillary side is so desperate to find things to throw at Bernie that they just plain make things up. He was sexist by saying that people on different sides of an issue yell at each other. He had the nerve to not raise money for other Democrats, until he had the nerve to raise money for other Democrats. He may or may not have been the person in a picture ("we're not claiming he's not the fighter for civil rights he claims to be, but...&quot . He's going to take away your ACA coverage, your Medicare, etc.

As for : "Sanders has very limited foreign policy experience in an election where foreign policy will be front and center." There is not a single potential Republican candidate that has more foreign policy experience than he has, so this would not hurt him in the general.

As for: "I don't hear Bernie saying a word about expanding small business in the private sector and increasing wages in the private sector where the vast number of jobs are actually created." What about the $15 minimum wage? BTW, what is the Republican plan to expand jobs in the private sector? I'll tell you what it is: cut taxes to businesses. As if that's ever worked. Sanders will invest big in infrastructure, which not only provides jobs, but also functions as a stimulus to the economy which in turn strengthens local businesses. This is a big difference between the Democratic and Republican approach, and if you don't buy it, then you're in the wrong party.

Sure, the Republicans will harp on socialism, on turning us into Denmark. Meanwhile, when you actually look at the specific "socialist" proposals (tuition free public college, increased minimum wage, single payer heath care, making the wealthy pay more in taxes), most people actually favor all of these things.

Of course he'll never win over 100% of the electorate. But he only has to win over a bit more than half. The fact that a big chunk of people won't vote for Bernie OR Hillary in the general is a given.

[frylock]

167. WOLVERINES!!!

[RBInMaine]

23. Hillary has gone light on him. Just wait until the R's get ahold of him. BLOODBATH!!

Oh just wait, the R's will rail for SPECIFICS from him night and day, and they will destroy him on his desire to turn on into a European styled socialist society. It simply won't fly. He is shedding on light on important issues, but he is promising pie in the sky ideals without enough specifics. And it will be his DOOM.

[Recursion]

67. Oh, I'm not worried about the "we want specifics!" stuff

I don't think that's an issue. Voters don't care (witness every single Republican plan there is; people eat that shit up), and the press are too timid to actually call out bullshit numbers (even WaPo, who really dislikes Sanders, puts his absurd healthcare plan in a "critics charge... but supporters say" framework, which always comes out as a wash). Governance in the age of Twitter...

[Helen Borg]

71. Righto. She is just being nice...

Jeb Bush too. He is just being nice to Trump.

[frylock]

168. She went light on Obama too.

[jfern]

11. Lets see

The emails
Clinton Foundation pay to play
Support of $2 trillion Iraq war (if Trump is nominee)
Support of TPP (if Trump is nominee)
Long history of scandals and not being entirely truthful

That's a lot more BOOM!

[RBInMaine]

25. ALL has ALREADY been thrown time and again and she's still standing. Sanders will be DESTROYED!!

[Helen Borg]

47. She's badly bruised...

While Sanders is stronger than ever.

[jfern]

188. The Clinton Foundation hasn't been brought up much

And it's going to leave quite a mark if Trump attacks her from the left on the Iraq war and TPP.

[stone space]

16. When Democrats were running away from gay marriage, ...

...they were beaten about the head and shoulders with gay marriage from behind, as they ran away in the other direction.

But once Democrats stood tall on gay marriage, and refused to back down and run away, the beatings suddenly proved ineffective.

Perhaps there is a lesson here?

[RBInMaine]

27. ONE policy that took a real movement and YEARS to achieve. Bernie will be CRUSHED! Totally CRUSHED!

He is asking the country to transform virtually overnight into a European socialist society, and it isn't going to fly in the general election. They will DESTROY him.

[stone space]

80. Iowa adopted a longstanding platform plank of the Iowa Socialist Party from the 1970s and 1980s...

...when Judge Hanson's 2007 gay marriage running came down in the middle of the campaign leading up to the 2008 Iowa Democratic Caucus, and was later upheld unanimously by the Iowa Supreme Court in Varnum v Brian.

It's not European Socialism we are talking about here, it's Iowa Socialism.

And folks said that Bernie would be crushed here in Iowa, because of our supposed hatred for socialism.

He wasn't, and we don't.

[frylock]

169. virtually overnight!!1

RIGHT FUCKING NOW!

[Bluenorthwest]

43. Yeah the lesson is don't vote for candidates that openly oppose the rights of others for 20 years.

Vote for the candidate that has never once said any group of people should be denied rights because of his views or his religion. Do not vote for the DOMA defending candidate. That's the lesson. Learn it.

[PyaarRevolution]

21. You're missing a giant point.

Millennials don't give a damn about the Socialist dog whistle. They didn't grow up during the Berlin Wall and the U.S. is comparatively soft on China.
Oh sure, SOME of the older generation may respond but for everyone who's seen the debates and hear Bernie speak they know there's nothing terrifying about Bernie.
Conversely, Bernie will tear the Republican machine a new asshole. If you think he's going to play nice with them you obviously haven't really heard Bernie speak.

[RBInMaine]

33. Good points, but there aren't enough millenials to win the general election. So far the revolution

hasn't happened. And he needs to do be doing much more to produce a REAL movement than he has so far.

He can't just win with a young liberal base. He needs moderates too. He needs reliable older voters too. He needs all parts of the electorate. He isn't getting that now EVERYWHERE. And so far, turnout is DOWN from 2008, not up. Yes, it is still early, but he has a LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLONG way to go to achieve the kind of diverse electorate and LONG LASTING movement he would need to actually achieve his massive expansion of government.

[djean111]

40. So, again, why not just sit back and relax?

if you really think that ranting at Bernie supporters, who support Bernie because of actual issues, is going to result in a mass movement to Hillary, you are doomed to disappointment. And again, the reasons we support Bernie are all over this board. No one owes you, personally, any more of an explanation.

[Nay]

139. Bernie is gonna get plenty of normal Republicans' votes, if my

acquaintances and coworkers are any indication. DS is 31, a liberal, and all his friends are voting Bernie. Anyone disgusted with politics as usual (most moderates) will be voting for him. People who are indifferent voters are interested in him. This is not an election where the same old shit is gonna fly and voters trudge out to vote for Tweedledum or Tweedledee. The very existence of a Trump on one side and a Sanders on the other is a PIE IN THE FACE of politics as usual.

But as others have noted, if you truly think Clinton has a lock on everything, you should relax and enjoy the process. Most of us who have made up our minds that we are voting for Bernie have rock-solid reasons for doing that; we're not interested in continuing the same march down the road to hell.

We may lose or we may win, but for us it's time to vote for the person we actually want.

[PyaarRevolution]

157. I'm not saying that it's just them.

But they are a strong part of his base and those attacks won't work.

I'm closer to a Gen X'er though according to stats I fall under but that word doesn't work for me. I was alive and a child when the Berlin Wall was torn down and that term doesn't terrify me. I imagine most of the young Gen X'ers that doesn't work for either(late 70's).
My parents support Bernie and they're Baby Boomers. The Socialist dog whistle doesn't work on them either. I will grant you they've heard Bernie talk on Thom before.

[SheilaT]

162. Have you missed noticing that he is also doing very well with older voters?

I'm 67, and I'm strongly for Bernie. Lots of older people here on DU have chimed in saying the same.

And even in NH, where Hillary got a majority of older women, it was just over 50% of them.

So it's not a simple young people for Bernie, old people for Hillary and an assumption that there will be more older voters. Keep on mind older people are dying off. Sad, but true. And the number of people in this country between the ages of 20 and 30 is more than those 65 and older. Another reason older voters won't bail her out.

And now that she's doing so badly in Nevada, she -- or her campaign -- is suddenly declaring that another lily white state. Hmmm.

[Katashi_itto]

24. Thanks for the "Concern"

[RBInMaine]

34. YOU should damn be VERY concerned. Could I please have a substantive reply?

[Katashi_itto]

52. No. Seeing the nonsense you posted you don't rate one.

[RBInMaine]

62. I see you have your blinders on in a big way. Just dismiss what you don't want to hear.

[Katashi_itto]

66. No, there are lots of people that have responded to you. You ignored them or tried to talk over

them. I can see what you are. Your not worth it.

I just am not bothering.

[Ichingcarpenter]

29. eviscerate

eviscerate
ɪˈvɪsəreɪt/Submit
verbformal
past tense: eviscerated; past participle: eviscerated


1. disembowel (a person or animal).
"the goat had been skinned and neatly eviscerated"


synonyms: disembowel, gut, remove the innards from, draw, dress; More


2. deprive (something) of its essential content.
"myriad little concessions that would eviscerate the project"


3.SURGERY
remove the contents of (the eyeball).

I enjoy your posts they make me laugh for the wrong reasons.

[RBInMaine]

35. Yup, they will cut his POLITICAL guts right out.

[Katashi_itto]

77. Snicker...priceless. I love the use caps for emphasis.

I can just see op's sweaty palms slamming on the keyboard in false concern.

Bring's to mind Ted Cruz's similarly oily concern.

[Divernan]

68. RB is getting funnier by the day

With his ALL CAPS threats and warnings, he is the Clintonistas' version of Monty Python's Black Knight.

None shall pass!

Tis but a scratch, etc.

A little comic relief is always a good touch!

[hobbit709]

32. And the same attack machine would give your Anointed One a free pass? On WHAT planet?

[RBInMaine]

41. Try reading the WHOLE post. Oh they'll attack her brutally too, but she's ALREADY tested. He isn't.

She will be MUCH more prepared for her attacks as they have already attacked her for DECADES. She is a FIGHTER in a BIG way, will go on OFFENSE in a big way, and it will be VERY DIFFERENT ATTACKS.

They will not be able to attack her as a SOCIALISTCOMMUNIST who is TRYING TO TURN AMERICA INTO A EUROPEAN COUNTRY. They will not be able to attack her for such a MASSIVE EXPANSION of GOVERNMENT with MANY MORE TAXES.

THESE lines of of attack will DESTROY the Sanders campaign.

[Helen Borg]

49. I hate it too when the CAPS LOCK key gets stuck

[hobbit709]

51. MAYBE WE NEED TO BE TURNED MORE LIKE A EUROPEAN COUNTRY.

your points sound like they're out of the repuke playbook.
"MASSIVE EXPANSION of GOVERNMENT with MANY MORE TAXES. "

[chwaliszewski]

70. Let Me Get This Straight...

I should vote for Hillary because she stands a better chance of beating the Republican nominee than does Bernie. Hmmm. If Hillary can't beat Bernie for the nomination, what makes you think she can beat Trump or whoever in the general election?

[Fast Walker 52]

76. exactly.

[SheilaT]

163. What I don't understand is the assumption that just because she's been attacked before,

either she won't be attacked again on those points, or that she has somehow magically dealt with all of them.

Certain of her most obvious lies, like the gunfire at an airport thing, will come back to haunt her. Because she said it and it simply was not true. And that's just one.

[frylock]

171. Yes yes. Battle scarred. Fighter. Champion. blahblahblah.

[Ichingcarpenter]

58. The Banksters and Wall Street will give the anointed one

a free pass........... that's a sure thing.

Also

[hobbit709]

63. That pretty much sums it up.

[SammyWinstonJack]

134. That's our Hillary.

[Bluenorthwest]

38. Tell that to Jonny Capehart and Maddy Albright and Gloria the Transphobe

Bernie and his supporters are way better at dealing with smears than Team Capehart. Sorry. Next!

[Katashi_itto]

56. I don't find much to agree with you on but this is seriously one of them.

[Betty Karlson]

45. So would Clinton. The difference is: Sanders brings the voters who defeat the GOP numbers.

And Clinton would LOSE. House, Senate, White House: all lost to one woman's overambitious desire to maintain the status quo and be the alpha female. (Which she never was: she is a follower, not a leader.)

[Vinca]

53. The same thing will happen to Hillary. Don't be naive.

And there is no guarantee there won't be bigger shoes dropping down the road for her. I honestly wish she hadn't run this year because so many other people who might have run stayed out to make way for her. She's not doing as well as she expected to and we have no idea what might be on the horizon. I agree Bernie would have a very rough time and might well lose the general, but I don't see Hillary doing any better. This is the scariest election in my lifetime.

[hobbit709]

59. Naive implies the poster doesn't know what he's doing. He knows perfectly well.

[bec]

57. Here's the thing

The people who will by that communist bull shit are never going to vote for Bernie anyway. I don't think there attack machine will be effective.

[cantbeserious]

60. Predictably Spreading Establishment FUD

eom

[peacebird]

61. Even Slimeball David Brock's swiftboat attempts have been deflected easily, more easily than Hillary

has managed with the repub attacks on her.

I trust Bernie and his supporters to handle the Republican smear machine.

[GreatGazoo]

64. David Brock = "the Republican attack machine"

and guess who hired Brock?

The risk for HRC is not losing the Right or being the focus of more attacks from them but rather her continuing losses of voters on the Left.

Let us remember 2008 when HRC said of her rival:

He is naive and inexperienced on foreign policy, Mrs. Clinton suggested for months. Republicans have echoed the attacks.
...
“We could point to many, many examples during the debates where the words ‘irresponsible’ and ‘naive’ were applied to Senator Obama, but not by a Republican, but by Hillary Clinton.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/jun/19/gop-recycles-clintons-attacks-against-obama/?page=all

[asuhornets]

65. K & R....n/t

[vercetti2021]

69. Joy

Another thread I can trash

[EdwardBernays]

73. not even vaguely true

First, if you want to talk about Jeremy Corbyn, at least learn to spell his name.

Second, one of his planks is raising the minimum wage to 15/hr which is by definition "raising wages in the private sector".

Third, the red scare is long over - no one except Bernie haters are pretending that's a real issue.. voters certainly aren't rejecting him for those reasons... in fact you'd be hard pressed to find much evidence that voters are even considering the word socialism when they are choosing a candidate. On the other hand even some Republicans ARE embracing him, because he's trustworthy, and the ONLY candidate with a net positive approval rating.

Poll: More Democrats Now Favor Socialism Than Capitalism
http://www.alternet.org/poll-more-democrats-now-favor-socialism-capitalism

From the same poll:



Fourth, people know that raising taxes, and LOWERING THE COST OF HEALTHCARE is a NET INCREASE in their bank accounts... they're not scared of the propaganda Hillary and the Republicans are spinning.

There's not much to explain - in detail - people aren't buying the Bernie bashing, which has been happening for months, and because he's seen as the most trustworthy candidate out there that's not about to change any time soon. Which of course explains why Bernie does better against ALL the Republicans in national polls than Hillary.

What I don't know though is how a candidate like Hillary who is universally despised by the right, largely distrusted by her own party, and mired in scandal after scandal after scandal, can hope to energise her own base and beat an energised Republican base... especially as her last Presidential campaign ended in disgrace and this one isn't looking much better.

[Myrddin]

83. Corbyn...

...Thank you Edward

[SamKnause]

74. I call bullshit.

The Republicans hate the Clintons.

The Republicans hate Bill Clinton.

The Republicans despise Hillary Clinton.

Hillary and Bill have more baggage than the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Both have been caught lying repeatedly.

She is the 1%.

She is the establishment.

She is part of the problem, not part of the solution.

The list goes on and on.

[Bryce Butler]

93. ...

Well said.

[Sancho]

78. Bernie would lose badly like George McGovern did in 1972

He has no chance to win a GE.

The OP is correct about some of the issues that would be used to attack Bernie, but there is no way for him to beat a well-funded GOP candidate. Bernie would lose a landslide, whether you like him or not.

[leftupnorth]

95. Half the people who voted in that election

A) Were Suffering from an entire nation with PTSD from the Cold War propaganda.
B) Are long dead and gone.

It's a new day. Join the Revolution.

[Sancho]

101. I voted in that election - it was similar in many ways...

McGovern was a far left liberal from the frozen North - people were tired of war. He had an "economic" message.

The Democrats thought young people would create a revolution (with the new 18 year old vote).

Young people don't vote!! To vote in the FL primary for example, you have to be registered by TOMORROW (Feb. 16). There's been virtually no GOTV or campaigning by Bernie here. It's too late NOW.

Same thing would happen in the GE. Bernie would be trounced.

Reality is there no "revolution". Primary turnout so far is moderate, registrations are moderate at best. In 1968-1972 there was much more revolution in the streets than anything we see today.

The Democratic candidates have a couple hundred million in the bank (combined). Bernie would face a BILLION dollar war chest no matter who the GOP puts up.

[leftupnorth]

131. That was also 1972, and people were still limited to rotary dial telephones and newspapers.

The Internet is changing E V E R Y T H I N G.

Politicians can't lie without getting called out. Attack dogs don't go unchallenged. Conventional wisdom is rejected. New realities are created.

You can stand by and comment on how it's not going to work, or you can join us and restore the American Dream.

Either way, those who say it cannot be done shouldn't interrupt those that are doing it.

[jeff47]

135. And it was different in three critical ways.

McGovern was running against a popular incumbent.
The economy was doing well, which boosts incumbents in elections
The Democratic party attacked McGovern instead of Nixon.

Young people don't vote!!

NH says "Hi", and reminds you that they just had an election. Guess what? More 18-29 year-olds turned out than 65+.
IA says "Hi", and reminds you that they just had a caucus. Guess what? "the kids" turned out there too.

[Sancho]

146. Goodness, you are so wrong...just take the economy...look it up...

1971 YEAR IN REVIEW
HOME / ARCHIVE AUDIO / 1971 YEAR IN REVIEW
Economic Crisis

Published: 1971
Play Audio Archive Story - UPI

President Richard Nixon signs the message he gave to Congress in which he proposed a $1.1 billion revenue sharing program for rural America, saying it would provide orderly development of rural areas and help them stem migration to the cities. He delivered the message on Capitol Hill on March 10, 1971 in Washington. (UPI Photo/Darryl Heikes/Files)
President Richard Nixon signs the message he gave to Congress in which he proposed a $1.1 billion revenue sharing program for rural America, saying it would provide orderly development of rural areas and help them stem migration to the cities. He delivered the message on Capitol Hill on March 10, 1971 in Washington. (UPI Photo/Darryl Heikes/Files)
Announcer: As the year began, many people were asking, “How long can this continue?” They were referring to the economy of the United States. 1970 was the most inflationary year since the Korean War, and there seemed to be no relief coming. Prices of food and services, construction costs and wages, like a determined mountain climber, went higher in 1971. Taxes increased in kind and amount. A steamroller effect kept the trend going, and unemployment figures added to the woe. And people complained.

Senator George McGovern: "This Administration, which pledged to slow inflation and reduce unemployment, has instead given us the highest rate of inflation and the highest rate of unemployment in a decade."

Announcer: Senator George McGovern of South Dakota wasn't the only one to voice dissent with the Administration economy policy; but it was in what might have been a more objective frame of mind that Senator Mike Mansfield of Montana added his view.

[jeff47]

148. Wrong year, champ.

The 1972 election happened, not surprisingly, in 1972. Not 1971.

You flag 1971 inflation...guess what was down in 1972?

Also, inflation mainly pisses off Wall Street and banks. Most voters, especially in 1972, didn't give a damn about Wall Street and banks. Voters care far more about unemployment. Which was low. In both years.

[Sancho]

160. Don't be naive...

the campaign was in 1971...and I bought a house in 1972. I know what interest rates were...mortgages were between 10% and 13% in parts of the country!! It happens my brother was a bank manager so we had lots of conversations about inflation at the time. In fact, people had jobs and couldn't afford home payments!!

Of course, that preceded the oil embargo (1973), but gas was an issue even before the embargo.

Yes, we were voting for McGovern to get out of Vietnam (just like Bernie talks about Iraq). He was a liberal champion. Bernie would also face attacks from within the Democratic party. Notice all the endorsements he has now!! Some would simply not support him, and many would openly vote or oppose Bernie as President.

In the late 60s-early 70s employment was often low because there were 250,000 soldiers in Vietnam. The war was employing a million people - and with the cold war making bombs and planes - there were lots of jobs. Just like now, if a President downsized the MIC greatly, it would affect employment numbers. That's one reason Bernie would possibly face opposition from his own party on the idea of US imperialism as he described in the last debate.

Bernie would get clobbered, just like McGovern. He simply has too weak support legs, and a unidimensional platform in a highly polarized country. Combined with a self-imposed budget limit; it's all over but the fat lady singing at this point.

[jeff47]

161. The election was held in November, 1972.

That's why it's called "the 1972 election" and not "the 1971 election".

Secondly, oh mister worldly, is that the trajectory is more important among voters than the actual value. High inflation that is going down is good for incumbents. Low inflation that is going up is bad for incumbents. Even when that low inflation is lower than that high inflation.

So the fact that inflation went down during 1972 helped Nixon.

And again, unemployment is a far more important metric to most voters. Unemployment was low, both in 1971 and 1972. That helped Nixon. This remains true even if a war reduces unemployment.

I know what interest rates were...mortgages were between 10% and 13% in parts of the country!!

Which is why you highlighted interest rates and not inflation....oh wait, you did the opposite.

Notice all the endorsements he has now!! Some would simply not support him

There is a vast gulf between "not endorse"/"not support" and "actively campaign for Nixon".

He simply has too weak support legs, and a unidimensional platform in a highly polarized country. Combined with a self-imposed budget limit

When you throw out your strawmen, you should make sure they don't contradict each other. So what's this self-imposed budget limit? Isn't that unidimensional platform proposing a vast expansion of the budget?

[Sancho]

175. There is no straw man, I was there! I participated.

I know what happened to McGovern and a parallel can easily be made for Bernie. It happens I met Nixon (my father was a supporter - long story), and he was a liar and very good politician. As the issues surfaced leading up to the 72 election, McGovern stuck to his idealism while Nixon said whatever he needed to say to win. Even during the campaign, it was obvious that the GOP was ahead in the propaganda war. McGovern's operation was weak and he imagined a large younger vote that never happened (like Bernie).

There were political debates about inflation, but for most people interest rates on their credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages were one reason they voted, but not everything! Those economic issues were hot topics all through the early 70's, not just 1972. I don't think inflation going down helped Nixon so much because it didn't translate into obvious interest rates and prices, but McGovern did not have an economic plan that people believed in - he wanted out of Vietnam and wanted to feed the world. Nixon was tough on the Russians and made economic promises that were unrealistic. Regardless, people were certainly frustrated by the interest rates.

Yes, we saw campaigning all through 1971 and into the primaries of 1972. We were keenly aware of the election process after the 1968 Democratic convention, plus all the recent assignations, plus the 18 year old vote/protests on college campuses. Vietnam was the overriding topic for most families, but the cold war with Russia was also real! My family was not unusual and we had a bomb shelter in the back yard!

If you think that Bernie would get open support from the Democrats now, after all the years as an independent, you're simply out of touch with reality. Some (we don't know exactly how many) Democrats would not support Bernie any more than my pet schnauzer because they don't consider him a Democrat.

[SheilaT]

165. You do recall that McGovern was running against

a fairly popular incumbent President, yes?

Never forget that the '72 election occurred before Watergate blew up and destroyed Nixon. In fact, it can be very enlightening to go back and look at any sort of coverage of Nixon before early 1973, because first term Nixon is a totally different person than second term, Watergate embattled Nixon.

And then there was the whole Thomas Eagleton debacle. I don't know about you, but I was a young adult then, and once that happened, the writing was on the wall and there was no way McGovern was going to win.

Bernie is not going to screw up anything that badly.

So I just wish people here would stop throwing McGovern, or Mondale (another one running against a fairly popular incumbent) in our faces. It just makes you look like you really don't understand any of the history you're trying to cite.

[frylock]

173. 1972 called.

[cherokeeprogressive]

79. You sound like the narrator who does movie trailers.

Dramatic for effect.

[frylock]

174. In a world where Bernie Sanders would be EVISCERATED by the Republican attack machine..

only one battle scarred champion stands tall. That champion is HillRod.

[cherokeeprogressive]

184. On the nose LOL. nt

[99Forever]

81. Surrender Monkey Lecture v2999124733.1

[Fast Walker 52]

82. the fact is, Bernie is winning over the heart and soul of the Democratic party

-- that is the grassroots.

Maybe he won't win in a general election, but there's no evidence that HRC is a sure thing.

He's popular for a reason. People should vote for who turns them on, not on this electability crap.

[Odin2005]

85. And Hillary WON'T???

Our nominee is going to be called a fucking Communist no matter who it is

[MynameisBlarney]

86. ?

[jberryhill]

87. And the GOP will strew rose petals in Clinton's path instead

[dembotoz]

88. said better than i could

[Ms. Yertle]

89. In any normal presidential election--

I'd say you might be right, but, you know, Trump. Either Bernie or Hillary could trounce The Hairpiece without even trying.

[NurseJackie]

99. Kasich will be the GOP nominee, I believe.

[Ms. Yertle]

116. Trump is leading by a lot

and his followers are so insane that they will stay home if he isn't the nominee. Voices of reason in the GOP are being drowned out.

[leftupnorth]

92. Red baiting and FUD doesn't work on anyone under 40

Times are changing, the new guard doesn't swallow propaganda like the old guard does.

Everything is changing, and the forces of oppression and destruction are being challenged like never before by a fearless electorate.

Time to get with the program.

[sarge43]

105. The Red Menace schtick doesn't work with a lot of us oldsters either.

We were there and remember how it destroyed lives and careers. turned families and friends against one another, turned this country into a paranoid bully and, oh yeah, sucked us into a clusterfuck of a war.

Not playing this time. Way too old for this shit.

[anniebelle]

94. You're so right. . .

Why I remember 'them' telling us NO WAY WILL A BLACK EVER BE ELECTED ~ you can take that to the bank, they said. My, my, my.

[leftupnorth]

96. Mic drop. n/t

[BrainDrain]

97. In a word......

BULLSHIT!

[B Calm]

98. Anybody in America who calls himself a socialist is able to handle it.

[Shadowflash]

100. More from the supporters of the 'No We can't' campaign.

I'd rather vote for someone who will try rather than someone who is for the status quo and has already thrown in the towel before the primary is even over.

I can't vote for someone who thinks health care is not a right for everybody in this country and that higher education is only for rich people who can afford it, like themselves.

[bkkyosemite]

102. Delude huh? Delusion huh?

"anyone who wants to delude themselves into thinking otherwise is in fact living sheer delusion and has no concept of the American political tradition."

Obama has been called a "communist" a Marxist a non citizen, a criminal, a fascist etc.

Don't call me delusional!

[Bohemianwriter]

104. First of all.... How about stopping using republican buzz words...

as to portray your real intensions of not paying attention and stick to the red herrings?

Hillary is NOT vetted...

And her record is as dirty as a mobsters wrap sheet.

How do you explain how Hillary will be able to do anything with a republican congress that hates her?

How do you explain her bullshit sensitivities, whining about "artful smears" when the republican smear machine will be ten times worse?`

How will she hold her own against Trump and the fact that she and her supporters are doing their best to alienate Bernie supporters as well as independents in general?

Your "private sector" talking points are without substance. Just cheap REPUBLICAN talking points.

Which makes me suspect that the democratic party has been hijacked and held hostage by corporatists with republican economic policies as their agenda.

Both Labour in Britain and the Democratic party has been tainted by the Clinton's and their corporate money.

Bernie Sanders is merely taking the party back with Elisabeth Warren among others. Third Way democrats have no longer a role in corrupting politics. They will be deemed irrelevant the next few years...

[Jester Messiah]

106. I've heard this all before and I wasn't impressed the first time.

Bernie will answer their red-baiting with "Yes, and...? You got a point?" They never have an answer for that, or if they do it is laughably easy to debunk.

Hillary, on the other hand, is damaged goods and has more baggage than United. I'm pretty comfortable with my choice.

[Gothmog]

107. How will Sanders compete in a general election campaign?

I would love to know how Sanders would be viable in a general election campaign where the Kochs will be spending $887 million, the RNC candidate may spend another billion dollars and Bloomberg will be spending another billion dollars. That amount of money buys a ton of negative ads and these ads do work

[Uponthegears]

111. You got me

Geez, 3 billion dollars against us and we got nothing . . .

Well, heck, we Democrats might as well give up and go home now. It clearly doesn't matter who we run.

$3 billion? Holy moly . . . we're doomed.

Listen, do you have Hillary's personal contact information? I am having a barbecue next month and since we are giving up and no one else will want to hear her speak if she has zero chance of becoming president in the face of $3 billion of attack ads, I was thinking she could come over and talk to us about how to destroy a political party in 5 easy steps.

[Gothmog]

118. Sanders is bringing a knife to a gunfight

The Kochs are going to be spending $887 million and the GOP nominee will likely spend another billion dollars. Bernie Sanders is a good man but I doubt that he can compete against such financial resources. Some candidates are better able to raise the funds necessary to complete. President Obama blew everyone away in 2008 with his small donor fundraising efforts and that made it clear that he was electable. Jeb is trying to do the same on the GOP side with his $100 million super pac.

This article had a very interesting quote about the role of super pacs in the upcoming election http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jul/03/bernie-sanders-grassroots-movement-gains-clinton-machine

Harvard University professor Lawrence Lessig, who founded a Super Pac to end Super Pacs, said Sanders’ renouncing Super Pacs is tantamount to “bringing a knife to a gunfight”.

“I regret the fact the Bernie Sanders has embraced the idea that he’s going to live life like the Vermont snow, as pure as he possibly can, while he runs for president, because it weakens his chances – and he’s an enormously important progressive voice,” Lessig said.

President Obama was against super pacs in 2012 but had to use one to keep the race close. I do not like super pacs but any Democratic candidate who wants to be viable has to use a super pac, The super pacs associated with Clinton raised $24 million and so Clinton raised $70 this quarter.

This is still the primary process and I am still not convinced that Sanders is viable in a general election fight. Negative ads work and the only way to fight such ads is with your own commercials which require financial resources

[Uponthegears]

147. Oh, I get it

We MUST sell out to Goldman Sachs and Wall Street to win.

That's one heck of a slogan. Have you called Hillary's campaign?

I even have a great idea for a graphic. You could take the Goldman Sachs logo and put the words "WE OWN YOU" in bold right next to it . . . or do you think the words would look better just circled around the logo, kind of the "Great Seal of Politics as Usual?"

WE are hundreds of millions, they are a handful. If they think they can own us again, they are mistaken.

In the mid 30's, Lucy Parsons, a woman of color who many of our community still refuse to acknowledge as one of the most important figures history, explained the true balance of power:

"What I want is for every greasy grimy tramp
to arm himself with a knife or a gun
and stationing himself at the doorways of the rich
shoot or stab them as they come out.”

Keep your billions.

[QC]

108. Why do you post the same two or three things over and over and over? n/t

[bowens43]

109. ROFLMAO!!! yeah right, , you guys crack me up

[Respect 88]

110. Any opponent will be attacked by Republicans and Koch

Remember... if Hillary is nominated, ohhhhooooohhhhh my we are going to be sick of the emails, bengazi, money, infidelity and on and on....

Our collective support & activism for our Dem nominee will overpower the hate.

share the love! Love always wins.

[AgingAmerican]

112. Nobody cares about that

So what

[cosmicone]

115. Bernie will be defined by republicans way before he has a chance

to define himself.

His reddit/facebook/DU/KOS/twitter "revolution" will not be able to keep pace with the attacks.

In debates, he will not be treated with respect like Hillary did. He will be viciously attacked and being devoid of facts, policies, geopolitical knowledge, his standard message will fall flat. People are already wondering if the guy can talk about anything else other than his 1%-billionaire-millionaire-oligarch-corporations-tax-and-freebies "this is a recording" speech.

[Gothmog]

117. Why Bernie Sanders isn’t going to be president, in five words

The attack ads from this appearance on Meet the Press write themselves https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2015/10/12/why-bernie-sanders-isnt-going-to-be-president-in-5-words/

Meet the Press ✔ @meetthepress
CHUCK TODD: Are you a capitalist?@BernieSanders: No. I'm a Democratic Socialist.
8:33 AM - 11 Oct 2015

And, in those five words, Sanders showed why — no matter how much energy there is for him on the liberal left — he isn't getting elected president.

Why? Because Democrat or Republican (or independent), capitalism remains a pretty popular concept — especially when compared to socialism. A 2011 Pew Research Center survey showed that 50 percent of people had a favorable view of capitalism, while 40 percent had an unfavorable one. Of socialism, just three in 10 had a positive opinion, while 61 percent saw it in a negative light.

Wrote Pew in a memo analyzing the results:

Of these terms, socialism is the more politically polarizing — the reaction is almost universally negative among conservatives, while generally positive among liberals. While there are substantial differences in how liberals and conservatives think of capitalism, the gaps are far narrower.

...The simple political fact is that if Sanders did ever manage to win the Democratic presidential nomination — a long shot but far from a no shot at this point — Republicans would simply clip Sanders's answer to Todd above and put it in a 30-second TV ad. That would, almost certainly, be the end of Sanders's viability in a general election.

Americans might be increasingly aware of the economic inequality in the country and increasingly suspicious of so-called vulture capitalism — all of which has helped fuel Sanders's rise. But we are not electing someone who is an avowed socialist to the nation's top political job. Just ain't happening.

You can try to argue that the two terms are not the same but that will not stop the Kochs from running $200 milion to $300 million using that term in negative ads that would be very effective.

[B Calm]

156. Bernie's message of Predatory Capitalism will awaken them!

[Skwmom]

122. Clinton will be destroyed with the truth.

[LWolf]

124. Nope.

He can bring many more crossover votes than HRC, and he won't depress the Democratic vote, either.

That's why he consistently polls higher than she does in the GE, against every single Republican in the klown kar.

[redstateblues]

125. The last Democrat to run for President promising to raise taxes

Was Walter Mondale. He won ONE state. His home state MN

[jeff47]

138. Pssst...there was this more recent guy.

He promised to "Let the Bush tax cuts expire". This was widely attacked as a tax increase....since it was a tax increase.

How'd that turn out again?

[marmar]

126. Yeah, the socialist commie attacks worked out so well for them in 2008 and 2012.....

This post is as tonedeaf as the stories in the MSM. You really don't get it when it comes to the voter mood in this election.

[cherokeeprogressive]

127. This post is backward. It says "Bernie sucks Bernie sucks BERNIE SUCKS... but I love Bernie".

Normally posts from Hillary supporters go like this: "Listen, I love Bernie Sanders but... Bernie sucks Bernie sucks BERNIE SUCKS!"

This is truly a development that needs to be looked at. Odd, to say the least.

[kstewart33]

128. The most convincing evidence that RBI is right.

Are the millions of dollars being spent now by the Republicans on anti-Clinton ads. And not a peep about Bernie.

Logic would say that they want Bernie to win the nomination. Why would they want that?

Because of all the material in Bernie's tax plans and in his biography that they will use against him. The Republicans are very skilled in political assassination, certainly much better at it than Democrats. Look at the job they did on John Kerry and Michael Dukakis.

A sample of what they will predictably say: Bernie -
1. Is a draft dodger! And he will be the commander in chief of our troops?!
2. Praised Fidel Castro! He's a Communist! (yes, there's a clip on youtube).
3. Has Communist and Marxist ties! (old relationships).
4. Is a socialist, for geez sake - how is that American?!
5. Honeymooned with his first wife in the Soviet Union!
6. His socialist agenda will bury the middle class in taxes!

And that's just a sample of the dung that Republicans will throw at Bernie. Will they succeed? Look at their record.

[blue neen]

137. Agree.

Bernie hasn't really faced serious negative campaigning. The Republicans are keeping their powder dry...

[SheilaT]

170. No. They are not craftily attacking Hillary because they want Bernie to run against.

He simply isn't much on their radar.

As for a couple of your points: Which one of the Republicans currently still running served in the military? And some Hillary supporters are touting a Hispanic with the surname of Castro as her running mate. I hate to point this out, but that would be a terrible mistake, with all due respect to Mr. Castro.

And what all of the "Bernie can't possibly win and here's why" posts that are made, none of such posters seem to understand that Bernie pushes back with facts every time someone tries to lie about him. What an odd thing to do.

[kstewart33]

185. Sheila, respectfully that doesn't make much sense.

Bernie tied in Iowa and trounced Clinton in NH. And right now, he has the momentum. Why wouldn't he be on their radar? A Republican PAC has just spent about $4 million on anti Clinton ads that are running in Super Tuesday states. And not a peep about Bernie. Their silence is becoming deafening. Bernie's on their radar big time.

Mr. Castro is a member of President Obama's cabinet. Equating Mr. Castro's name with the man whom the US has been trying to depose for years, just doesn't make a lot of sense. And it's a long shot to think that Clinton will select a man with limited federal government experience and his previous government experience was being a city mayor. There are far more qualified Hispanics that she could select.

Bernie has yet to respond to any of the points that I listed. But he'll have to if he is a candidate in the general election. And there will be many more points that he will have to contend with.

In the Republican's eyes, his biography is a gold mine.

[SheilaT]

187. My take is that they still think Hillary is the Inevitable One.

So they are geared up to destroy her even before she gets the nomination.

It's also my opinion that there are still an awful lot of people out there who don't really know who Bernie is, although that number is growing smaller. Keep in mind that we who post on DU are unusual in the degree to which we pay attention to these things.

And if they're going to try to scare us with Socialist, imagine the field day they will have with the name Castro. If she were to select him, which I agree is a long shot.

Anyway, we simply see this differently, and that's just fine.

[jeff47]

129. So you think the Clinton attack machine is utterly incompetent?

If that's true, how do you expect Clinton to win the general?

Look at Korbin in the UK. The Labor Party is in the TANK.

You got the timeline backwards there, chief. The labor party tanked, and then the party elected Corbyn.

Btw, it's always a clue about the quality of analysis when you can't spell the person's name correctly.

I love Bernie.

Please stop lying. If you actually did love Sanders, you would have bothered to read his platform, and learn about his history. That would have answered your "questions" in this attack post.

[TransitJohn]

132. We'll lose in a cakewalk for the Repubs if Hillary's the nominee.

We'll get creamed if she's the nominee. Virtually all independents will vote against her, Dem voter turnout will be very low, and Repub voter turnout will probably be at an all time high to vote against her.

[Stuckinthebush]

140. You will get to test that hypothesis

Because she is going to be the nominee. The math isn't in Sander's favor.

[TransitJohn]

142. I know.

That's why it sucks that the Party and Hillary supporters are willing to wreck the country for another 8 years for Hillary's vainglorious egotistic quest.

[Stuckinthebush]

143. Egotistic? Vain glorious?

What is Bernie's quest, then?

[EndElectoral]

133. You do realize if Clinton wins the primary, GOP attacks dogs will be merciless.

With Bernie yes they'll hit taxes and spending as they do ALL Dem's and they will hit the socialist theme, but then what?

With Hillary she will be answering email, Bengazi, Honduras, Libya, her continual flip flopping, her Wall St. connections, and on and on it will go. If you think the Primary is hard for her, wait until the GE. She will be eviscerated with GOP attacks and many Bernie supporters (not all) will stay home

[Stuckinthebush]

136. Hell, the "Democratic" attack dogs are merciless

She's been through the hell fire before and is currently going through it. I have all the confidence in the world that she can handle it much better than Bernie.

[Zambero]

141. And Hillary?

There is a long-standing institutionalized hatred among Republicans for all things Clinton, and Hillary edges out Bill by a mile these days. Republicans have a negative laundry list a mile long ready to trot out against her with a non-relenting drumbeat, and I do not need to duplicate it here as everyone knows the details. What is the plan to deal with those issues? Unlike Hillary, Sanders comes across as honest. trustworthy and consistent with his message. Strangely enough, his level of support seems to increase with attacks against him, and he generates genuine enthusiasm with his message. He would have no problem going up against the likes of Trump or Cruz. Infusions of money and negative ads are not working all that well in 2016. If it did, Jeb Bush would be leading the GOP pack ahead of Trump and Cruz, which is not the case. Bernie's message resonates with people who have lost faith in the system and the establishment politicians who have let them down time and time again. I sense that Democrats would really around him in the general election, and with Trump or Cruz on the ticket he would draw a disproportionate share of independents and even a number of blue collar Republicans who cannot stand the current front runners. Latinos backed Romney 27% in the last election and any GOP nominee would be lucky to get 20% this go-round after scapegoating the Latino community as a basis for blocking comprehensive immigration reform. As of the moment, I remain undecided between Hillary and Bernie, but the specter of Hillary's baggage as it would be trotted out and portrayed by the GOP concerns me a lot more than any worries about name-calling toward Bernie.

[valerief]

144. You're freakin' hilarious! I hate to have to add you to my Forever Ignored Club, but, alas, I must.

[in_cog_ni_to]

145. Riiiight...just like he's been eviscerated by the Brock/Clinton machine.

People already know the real Bernie Sanders. While the corrupt corporate owned MSM spent the last 9 months ignoring him, people all over this country got to know who he really is. The GOP can't throw anything at him that won't be countered with TRUTH from the Internet, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, online News shows, etc. He's too popular and WELL KNOWN for the GOP commie/socialist /red baiting to work.

THE MOVEMENT IS REAL AND THE POLITICAL REVOLUTION IS NOT GOING AWAY.

PEACE
LOVE
BERNIE

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

149. EEEK!! A Socialist can't win!! We have to have someone Republicans will be nice to!!

[ChiciB1]

150. The Fact That Bernie Has Been Able To Get The Support

of many Indep. & moderate Repubs. and how people have been turned off by the nonsense from the Repub. candidates I'm not sure this type of name calling will work this time.

People seem to be SICK to death of the name calling, nasty attacks and venom filled bile they spew, it seems that FINALLY citizens could be sick to death of the mud slinging. The name calling and cat fight they see exposed during their debates that have no substance may hold very little water this time around.

Even so, Hillary will be called out for a wide array of issues. The ATTACKS, while very over the line to both could backfire this time. Even if you're a hard core Hillary supporter she's still not liked very much. My grand daughter came over this weekend and told me as soon as she got her absentee ballot here in FL said one of the MAIN reasons she voted for Bernie is because she really, really dislikes Hillary. She's only 21, but she likes what Bernie is saying on the issues, but even more she told me Hillary comes off as being "too uppity" and is more like a teacher scolding her.

The Socialism issue may not work so well coming from the other side.

[JPnoodleman]

151. Of course they will spare Hillary.....? /nt

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

154. Benghazi! Bosnia Snipers! Private eMail Servers! Bill and Monica!

No, of course they'll show her proper respect.

[JPnoodleman]

159. every Democrat magically becomes the most liberal uber socialist ever! /nt

[tularetom]

153. Is it my imagination or are your posts becoming even more deranged?

I worry about you sometimes. You should probably shut off your 'outer, go outside and get some fresh air and take a break from posting for about a month or so.

Or at least switch to decaffinated coffee.

[Kalidurga]

155. I like kittens.

defeatists not so much.

[frylock]

164. The vaunted Hillary attack machine can't even seem to make a dent.

So, nah. I look forward to your next panicked screed.

[Orsino]

172. And yet he seems to be weathering this Clinton attack rather well. n/t

[Cassiopeia]

176. Nobody will support Bernie.

All you need to do is look towards NH to prove that.

[thereismore]

177. Word salad EVISCERATED gobledykook

[nichomachus]

178. Exactly -- and they would be so kind to Hillary

Clinton has high negative ratings both nationally as well as within the party itself. She rates 51% “unfavorable” nationally as of February 7, 2016, worse than the 32% negative opinion registered in September 2011 and the 45% registered a year ago. CBS News found last October that 14% of Democratic voters declared they wouldn’t vote for her, with another 27% expressing strong “reservations” about her, and those numbers are likely to increase with her nasty attacks on Sanders. In other words, her bid to seek the highest office in the land has only increased the public’s dislike for her over time. She registers particularly strong distaste among voters in key swing states, such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, Colorado, Florida, Virginia, and Iowa, that the Democratic Party has to win secure a presidential victory. The key attribute attached to her that attracts so much negative attention is her lack of “honesty” and “trustworthiness.”

If she were to be the Democratic nominee, through the stealing of the nomination by loyalist super-delegates or by other means, the Republicans would launch a fury of attack ads reminding the public of her past lies and questionable official behavior. They will retell her fabrication about having to flee sniper fire at a Bosnian airport in 1996 as first lady, her shady Whitewater business deals while first lady in the Arkansas governor’s mansion, the remarkable claim that she and Bill were “dead broke” when they left the White House (their now net worth is $111 million), her use of a private email account for highly classified documents while secretary of state, presumably to discard those deemed embarrassing, her mishandling of the Benghazi assault on the US embassy, killing the ambassador, her Wall St. connections and huge speaker fees from financial houses, lies she told about her family tree and her own first name honoring the first man, together with his Sherpa guide, to scale Mt. Everest, unfortunately having been born 6 years before the feat, and other fibs, misdeeds, and issue flip-flops while in public office– enough to boost the Republican nominee and discourage Democrats from voting.

Why Hillary Spells Defeat for the Democratic Party

[mhatrw]

179. But Republicans will NOT attack Clinton on her corruption and untrustworthiness?

These are the people who called Obama a wild-eyed communist..

So they would vilify Clinton and a government expanding socialist just as they would Sanders. And they have a whole quiver of arrows to aim at Clinton in terms of here corruption and untrustworthiness. Independents simply don't like or trust Clinton., while they bot like and trust Sanders.

It's not as if Vermont Republicans have not tried to read bait Sanders. Those types of attacks just make him stronger.

[Demobrat]

181. We can't have socialized medicine

because the Republicans won't let us. We can't run Bernie Sanders because the Republicans will call him names. I'm starting to think HC really is the candidate of can't. Or more to the point - the candidate of let's not make the Republicans mad!

[workinclasszero]

182. Bernie equals McGovern/Mondale 2

After the republicans and their billionaire backers blanket the airwaves 24/7 painting Bernie as a commie/atheist/wild spender/TAXMAN/weak on defence/ a CinC wannabe that claimed CO status to avoid being drafted in the Vietnam war era when it was his turn...etc, etc, etc.

It will be a bloodbath for the democrats in the GE and this country will be doomed to have the republican president picking a judge for SCOTUS, day one and more later that will lock this country in chains of servitude for decades .

A Bernie Sanders running against Trump or Cruz would be an absolute gift to the republican party. They need Bernie to win bad so their appalling anti freedom, anti american candidate can win the GE.

Republicans all over are doing all they can to get bernie the democratic nomination. Its so obvious and sad that many in the democratic party are ready and willing to commit suicide so the republicans can once again destroy us all.

[Stargleamer]

183. Well, they would try to make him look like Stalin reincarnated

but let's face it, they will be vicious with Hillary too

[Fearless]

186. That is false.