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Playinghardball

Playinghardball's Journal
Playinghardball's Journal
August 4, 2015

Concerned Veterans of America is a Koch Bros front, All Bullshit...

Veterans for Bernie ?@Vets4Bernie · 5h5 hours ago
Concerned Veterans of America is a Koch Bros front, All Bullshit. http://www.vetsforbernie.org #FeelTheBern #Vets4Bernie


August 4, 2015

This quote FITS Bernie Sanders!!

Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known. - Carl Sagan
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/c/carl_sagan.html




Found on #feelthebern
August 4, 2015

Bernie Sanders leads our High Five for July

For the first time in several months, the PolitiFact Wisconsin High Five wasn’t dominated by statements made by or about Gov. Scott Walker, a candidate for the Republican presidential nomination.

It’s not that Walker was absent from headlines -- he formally announced for president and began campaigning in earnest during the month -- but other candidates and groups were among those that drew the most clicks.

Here’s our High Five for July, our most-clicked items.

1) Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders at a July 1, 2015 rally in Madison said "the top one-tenth of 1 percent" of Americans "own almost as much wealth as the bottom 90 percent."

We rated his claim Mostly True. It was based on a finding from a study by two internationally known economists, and other economists we contacted supported the figure. The study has been criticized for not including Social Security in the wealth calculations.

Wealth, of course, is different than income. And someone with a nice, steady income can have zero wealth, if -- for instance -- he or she has a major home loan, a car loan, credit card debt or a combination of the above.

More here: http://www.politifact.com/wisconsin/article/2015/aug/03/bernie-sanders-leads-politifact-high-five-july/

August 4, 2015

Bernie Sanders gets cooler by the minute...



Bipartisan Report ?@Bipartisanism · Jul 31
#BernieSanders gets cooler by the minute. #FeelTheBern
August 3, 2015

When Republicans Nominate a Billionaire, Only Bernie Sanders Will Save Democrats

According to The Wall Street Journal, a New York billionaire is leading GOP candidates for his party's nomination. Should we take this poll seriously? Or, should we as a nation view a real estate tycoon known for xenophobic and nativist comments to simply be an anomaly in the polls? In the minds of many people, there's no way this reality television star can win, even though every current favorability poll has the man leading every other GOP challenger.

Conversely, while some observers disregard polls related to Republican candidates, it's bizarre that some Democrats view ever-changing nationwide polls pertaining to Hillary Clinton as gospel. Ironically, while Republicans have rallied around the brash communication style of their leading candidate (conservatives seem to relish comments like "They're bringing drugs" and "They're bringing rapists&quot , some Democrats feel that Bernie Sanders is too liberal to win a general election. It says something about both Republicans and Democrats when one candidate is overtly racist and basks in the adulation of conservatives, while another candidate boldly attacks "the billionaire class," yet is seen as unelectable by certain liberals.

A poll recently released by CNN/ORC found Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) walloping Donald Trump by about 20 points, beating Gov. Scott Walker (R-Wis.) and running in a statistical tie against former Gov. Jeb Bush (R-Fla.).

The huge margin that Sanders holds over Trump makes it clear that America is in the summer of Sanders, not the summer of Trump, cable news obsessions with Trump notwithstanding. The fact that Sanders beats Walker by six to seven points, depending on whether all voters or likely voters are counted -- a near-landslide margin in a general election -- makes it clear that the Sanders surge is more than a surge against Donald Trump, but move that makes him competitive with all Republican candidates.

Most interesting is the fact that Sanders is running dead even with Bush, which means that this poll, at least, refutes the notion that Sanders is not electable and supports the idea, instead, that Sanders could defeat any Republican.


The fact, however, is that Republicans might elect a billionaire as their nominee.

If you think this is merely hyperbole, and the GOP poll numbers are only temporary, then be sure to use such skepticism on polling that says Clinton's lead among Democrats is insurmountable.

Furthermore, not only did the Huffington Post write "Bernie Sanders' Appeal Has Doubled Among Americans Since March," but Gallop confirms this astonishing surge with a recent report titled "Sanders Surges, Clinton Sags in U.S. Favorability." As for a hypothetical matchup between current frontrunners, it will be difficult for Democrats to beat a billionaire with Clinton, especially since the former New York Senator accepted $100,000 in donations from the possible GOP nominee.

In addition, as The Hill's Brent Budowski writes in a brilliant piece titled "Sanders beats Trump by 20-plus points," the Vermont Senator does extremely well against every GOP possibility in a head-to-head matchup:

A poll recently released by CNN/ORC found Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) walloping Donald Trump by about 20 points, beating Gov. Scott Walker (R-Wis.) and running in a statistical tie against former Gov. Jeb Bush (R-Fla.).

The huge margin that Sanders holds over Trump makes it clear that America is in the summer of Sanders, not the summer of Trump, cable news obsessions with Trump notwithstanding. The fact that Sanders beats Walker by six to seven points, depending on whether all voters or likely voters are counted -- a near-landslide margin in a general election -- makes it clear that the Sanders surge is more than a surge against Donald Trump, but move that makes him competitive with all Republican candidates.

Most interesting is the fact that Sanders is running dead even with Bush, which means that this poll, at least, refutes the notion that Sanders is not electable and supports the idea, instead, that Sanders could defeat any Republican.

>snip>

Finally, just look at the GOP billionaire's exchange with Anderson Cooper (within the transcript of their CNN interview) to get a glimpse of why the GOP will have a much easier time against Hillary Clinton than Bernie Sanders:


COOPER: You are talking extemporaneously, why do you think Hillary Clinton is not talking?

DONALD TRUMP (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Well, Anderson, she has a lot to hide. She gets a subpoena on emails and she - I mean, from the United States Congress and she gets rid of the emails and her server and everything gone.

COOPER: She said yesterday in the interview she didn't get a subpoena.

TRUMP: Well, I mean, they said they issued a subpoena...

COOPER: But you used to donate, gave a lot of money to her over the years?

TRUMP: Sure, I was a businessman, guess I still am. But I was a businessman. I was with everybody. Everybody loved me. When I called them they always treated me well. And that's part of the game...

COOPER: Is that why you were donating money to people you donated to? Because you donated to Democrats I think in 2006. You gave $20,000 to the democratic congressional campaign fund.

TRUMP: Democrats and Republican.


More here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/h-a-goodman/when-republicans-nominate-a-billionaire-only-bernie-sanders_b_7923436.html
August 3, 2015

BERNIE DAMN SANDERS

Daniell Krawczyk ?@dkrawc · 18h18 hours ago
I fell in love with #FeelTheBern and funded the creation of this rap anthem for @SenSanders :




August 3, 2015

Bernie: July 29 Organizing Meetings Recap*



Xxx,

What our supporters pulled off Wednesday night was nothing short of historic. With more than 100,000 people at 3,500 events in every single state, it was the first step towards building the organization that will help make Bernie Sanders our next president.

This story from one of our hosts really captures just how special it all was:

"I met numerous new friends and neighbors I didn't know. Our area of Florida is generally very Red. We were all stunned at the number of people who turned out to support Bernie. Listening to people talk about why they are supporting Bernie was truly incredible. There was a moment when we all realized that we're in this together and really became excited about being here." - Matthew in FL

We're in this together, and it's time to get to work. Watch this video showcasing our first organizing meetings and tell us how you can help our campaign.

The stories behind some of the organizing meetings are just so inspiring. People are already bringing together their communities, connecting with strangers -- and even pulling each other's dogs out of the bayou!

"One lady was surprised to see two of her friends/colleagues at the meeting. As they embraced she said, 'I had no idea you guys were Bernie people!' While we all got a good laugh, it was also a teachable moment! You will never know who is a Bernie person, unless you engage them and ask!" - Tariq in Georgia

"A major highlight in our group was when Bernie spoke about free college education for all who wanted it. The response among our group was overwhelmingly tremendous as we also viewed on the screen. The excitement about the event was such, people hung around after getting to know one another, noshing and networking for another hour. We have never seen this kind of excitement among strangers coming together." - Herb in CA

"Feel the Bern salsa was a big hit - until the dog got some!" - Nick in CA

"Everyone couldn't stop applauding during Bernie's speech! It was a great mix of ages. I literally never met so many nice people. One lady brought me a pink t-shirt that says 'This Babe's for Bernie' with two thumbs up on it." - Margaret in OH

"It was wonderful! My guests, who ranged in ages from 10 to nearly 70, were all so engaged! We talked, laughed, I personally even cried when I told how much this campaign means to me...and got me a nice big awww...which brought me back to smiling." - Nancy in OH
"Our group was so motivated we decided we'll get together every two weeks and gather more and more people for our meetings." - Andie in TX

"Someone drove 100 miles to learn more about Bernie and walked out a supporter and caucusing in February. A 17-year-old volunteer took charge to lead the post video talk and did fantastic." - Thatcher in IA

"The best part of the event was having nine of us sitting in my backyard, total strangers, learning why we support Bernie. Essentially telling our journey. It was more than hearing someone's political views though, it was so very human and quite touching." - Griffith in UT
"We drew people in from other parts of the library!" - Lindsay in CO

"We had a couple of folks who came and were initially skeptical and just wanted to hear what Bernie had to say. After the video, they signed up to volunteer!" - Averi in CO

"One lady took the city bus across town and called from five blocks away saying she got too hot walking and please come get her. As it was over 100 degrees, we dispatched a car and a bottle of water immediately. She recovered and attended the meeting. People showed up. We ate Biscuits and Briskets for Bernie. We had some good wine. We watched the live feed on a big TV. During the broadcast it was as quiet as monks at church. People took it all quite seriously. They were attentive and engaged. A frank and spirited discussion of the issues followed. We left the meeting more strongly unified and with a sense of purpose. Everyone gave something and most volunteered for campaign work." - Matthew in TX

"We had a lovely backyard party planned...all set up with the proper number of tables and chairs, snacks, drinks, etc. Just as attendees were starting to arrive, the rain came. We had a torrential downpour that lasted well into the viewing of the speech. The energy of 20+ complete (wet) strangers crowded around a computer in my little family room (with a few additional laptops and tablets) was amazing. We hung on Bernie's every word...we applauded at every new idea he presented. What an exciting event." - Linda in MI

"We had snacks: 'Campaign Trail Mix'; We had games: 'Make Your Own Pocket Constitution' and 'The Pin the Presidential Seal on the Bernie Sanders' Podium Game'. Mostly, we had 27 very thoughtful, often questioning people who came from all walks of life, young first-time voters, educators, unemployed PHDs, a doorman, architects and students. Some knew of Bernie for decades, some just heard of him recently. All agreed on Bernie's authenticity." - Nora in WA
"We live in a town of around 550 people. To see 20 in my living room, many of whom I was just meeting, was amazing." - Hannah in CO

"We split into small groups to discuss what in our lives drew us to the Bernie campaign. It was heartbreaking to hear the multiple stories of medical debt that have wrecked families and relationships. I learned how easy it is to open my doors and let the magic happen." - Elliot in MN
"What I found most inspiring about the event was that I only knew two people there. I live so much of my life surrounded by folks from my generation, doing the same kind of work, with the same basic set of aspirations -- this event was different. It crossed walks of life, careers and generations, bringing people together with a common interest in transforming our country. It was so easy to do! People will jump on any opportunity to actually be part of our political process." - Jon in OR

"I invited just a few friends through Facebook. We were four and I hoped some would bring their spouse -- so my estimate was six total. After I got your email to consider making it public, I got brave and opened it up to the public the very last day. We were 16 people! Sixteen very, very enthusiastic people!!! The minute the first couple arrived, our black lab bolted out the door and went for a swim in the bayou. OH NO! Worst timing! I had to stay and wait for the other people to arrive and the first attendees spontaneously said, 'We got this, we will get him.' The guy actually fished our dog all the way out of the water and got back soaking wet! We were all joking, 'Hey, whatever needs to be done, we do it for Bernie!' We want more of this! It was awesome. Our next step is to build our own local Facebook group for Bernie and stay in touch and organize from there. We are dreaming big!" - Britt in FL

"A ninety-three year old wrote a song for Bernie's campaign, and arrived at the venue with copies of the lyrics to pass out. She and a family member opened our meeting with the group singing along with her. It was amazing. Our youngest attendee at 18 was there with her mother and very excited to have the opportunity to cast her first vote ever for Bernie." - Jerri in VT
"Huge turnout, the room was packed, and the energy was high. It was an awesome event. We even had the #1 news network in the area come out and interview me, and we made the nightly news! It was a great event, and am super pumped to keep the momentum moving." - Aaron in ND

Let's get to work. Watch this video from Wednesday's organizing meetings and tell us how you can help our campaign.

It’s an honor working alongside you in this movement,

Claire Sandberg
Bernie 2016


FEELTHEBERN



*Cross posted in the Video & Multimedia (Forum)
August 3, 2015

Ride with Hope

I use to work with Ward Foley's father and we meet Ward when he was a teenager. Ward was a great inspiration to all of us. He has written a interesting book titled, 'Thank My Lucky Scars'

(Email from one of our friends)
I’m sharing this exciting site, because I know you knew or heard about Duaine………….Ward is his 3rd son and I’ve told you how amazing he is. This is an exciting event he has pulled together and we can watch/read updates he posts! Think positive thoughts to/for everyone who is participating.

Hope you enjoy this….I know I will.

http://www.gofundme.com/wardfoley

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Name: California Kid
Gender: Male
Hometown: Northern California
Member since: Wed Nov 17, 2010, 02:02 PM
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