Time To Map Out Plan B. #BernieOrBust (Updated)

President Sanders is Plan A. I am not giving up on Bernie. Will vote for him next week here in CT.

But realistically, his chances are getting long, especially with the Clinton Crime Machine engineering the primaries and presumably the convention as well. 126,000 voters purged from the rolls in Brooklyn. Oh c'mon, it is no coincidence that Taint Follows Hellery where ever she goes. What other districts were engineered I wonder? But don't worry. Mayor de Blasio (a Clinton endorser) said there will be an "investigation". Holding my breath in 3.2.1...

Anyway, Bernie will have a tough time with any of these closed primaries. Independents can't vote. Independents are his real strength and it's 40% of US voters. Think about it. Bernie has about half of registered Dem voters. If you add Independents to that, Bernie supporters could crush either of the two Neo-liberal parties (Dems, Repubs) in the general election.

But Bernie will not run as an Independent. He said publicly that he will support the ultimate Dem nominee. And we know he is a man of his word. And I will never vote for Hellery.

So to finally destroy both of the Neo-liberal parties, the Revolution needs to prepare itself to walk away. The Green party is the obvious choice. But I'm open to other suggestions.

Forget Trump
I know some will say vote Trump. But he really is the sociopath that you see. And he could care less about the working class.
Read this (Vice 2014) before you mistakenly vote for Trump.

Should the Revolution walk away from the Dem Party after the convention? I know what my answer is.

===========
Update 2:10 PM
If your plan B is to vote Green if Bernie is not nominated, be aware that the Green party needs petition signatures to get on the ballot in the states below. This link has info on the petitions.
http://www.jill2016.com/ballotaccess?utm_campaign=ballot_vol&utm_medium=...

We are already on the ballot in these 21 states (including the District of Columbia):

AR, AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, HI, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MS, NM, NY, OH, OR, SC, TX, WI, WV

We need your help collecting nomination signatures in the following states:

AK, AL, CT, DE, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NV, OK, PA, RI, SD, TN, UT, VA, VT, WA, WY

H/t to Olinda for this info.

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they have been anything but GOP lite

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Citizen Of Earth's picture

in the Dem party. With all the endorsements for neo-liberal Hellery, that fantasy has been buried in a shallow grave.

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Donnie The #ShitHole Douchebag. Fake Friend to the Working Class. Real Asshole.

I should not have been, but the reaction to Hillary in 2008 gave me some hope

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wilderness voice's picture

but chugging down the kool aid with gusto. The very worst for me was seeing the professionally done pandering by brand new diarists welcomed with enthusiasm. People embracing being played. If folks want to support Hillary that is bad enough, but to so readily embrace their own manipulation leaves me with a feeling of disgust deep down in my soul.

I am appalled how quickly what I used to think of as my internet hangout turned into something else entirely.

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one of those newbies. Stupid, unbelievable story. And the Hill supporters were lapping it up. I want a job writing that crap. They're right up there with soap operas.

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I also got a snotty email reply when I tried to warn them that their continued tolerance of those Astroturf diaries would cost them long time users. I know that I'll never darken their doorstep again.

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one of those newbies. Stupid, unbelievable story. And the Hill supporters were lapping it up. I want a job writing that crap. They're right up there with soap operas.

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quickly. I think it started with Obama. I was an ardent supporter, but as soon as he got in office he began showing his true colors. Full cognitive dissonance bloomed among a sizable contingent there because he was their team.

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Howard Dean, Bill De Blasio, Sherrod Brown, Al Franken, John Yarmuth. I also used to admire Cecile Richards, Gloria Steinem, and George Clooney. (I was disabused on the subjects of Barney Frank and Charlie Rangel some time ago.) But they march in lockstep as surely as Reagan's Republican Party ever did. They're for money. Principles mean nothing. I'm 62 years old and realizing that I have been a damned fool all my life.

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Twain Disciple

The Clintons have destroyed most of my progressive heros.

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Citizen Of Earth's picture

And I agree it is coming and will be awful.

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Donnie The #ShitHole Douchebag. Fake Friend to the Working Class. Real Asshole.

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Unabashed Liberal's picture

Rep Mark Pocan (WI), the Vice-Chair of the CPC (Congressional Progressive Caucus), who will 'unite' the Dem Party at the convention.

Supposedly, this is 'why' neither of them have made an endorsement.

(I have already heard Rep Pocan on both XM Radio and on Cable News urging Dems to 'tone it down'--so, they could very well be right on this.)

Time will tell . . .

(Music City) Mollie, C99P & Daily Kos
elinkarlsson@WordPress


"The standard of living of the average American has to decline. I don't think you can escape that."--Paul Volcker, The New York Times, October 18, 1979, Page 1.

“If we can divide the electorate this way, we can have them expending their energies fighting amongst themselves, over issues that for us, have no meaning whatsoever."--USA Bankers Magazine, August 25, 1924

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Everyone thinks they have the best dog, and none of them are wrong.

They sold out on their own. Remember, you have to sign the Devil's book - he/she can't take you against your will. John Yarmuth, my Congressman, seriously did not need to do this. He was so liberal in 2006 when he first ran that the DSCC(Rahm in charge at the time) would not help him - they said Louisville was too conservative to elect him. Yarmuth's victory speech included plentiful scorn at national Democrats would thought you couldn't "run as a Democrat and win." Well, he's been there ten years now and has endorsed the Clinton machine. He, more than anyone else, has been a disappointment to me.

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Twain Disciple

Redstella's picture

I used to think I would see the revolutionary changes in my lifetime -first in the late 60's, then with Obama, now with Bernie, but now I think not. There have been major shifts, feminism ( we used to wrangle on whose job housework is -answer -it's everybody's), mix race couples could not marry ( now same sex couples can) marijuana is legal in some areas( hooray!) ( I am starting to sound like MP-what have the romans done for us?)

But, as for changing the system from capitalism to socialism -I don't think the American people want it enough. Maybe there are more buy-ins or fantasy buy-ins than we thought. The young people get it. We oldsters don't. It's like people on limited income voting republican -same stupid.

The really bad thing about delaying the revolution is the environment will be worse, the world will suffer more from our imperialism ( war mongering) - there will be many more repercussions that will ultimately make Americans suffer too. We cannot get away with no price tags on our behaviour much longer. How do you feel about the rest of the world reviling Americans? We will find out - maybe sooner than we think.

So, I am beginning to believe that it will not happen in my lifetime ( I will be 68 this year). Still it is important to work towards the new day for us and the world. Go Bernie!

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He was told to fuck off in 12 different languages in 12 different positions.

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"Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich."--Napoleon

Amy is next up in 2018 and Al is next up in 20 freaking 20 , 2020.
We can save our state house here but the US Congress and Senate are pretty well set.
With one major exception. the Congressional seat held by (R) Erik Paulsen could flip Dem IF (D) Terri Bonoff can beat him.
I've never been a big fan of Bonoff but would vote for her over Paulsen of course.
Fortunately my congressional seat is held by K. Ellison.
Unfortunately I very likely won't be here to vote against Franken in 2020.

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With their hearts they turned to each others heart for refuge
In troubled years that came before the deluge
*Jackson Browne, 1974, Before the Deluge https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SX-HFcSIoU

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I'd rather have 6 tons of coffer piling dropped on my foot, than vote for Drumph!
That did hurt much worse. ;}

In the GE i can still vote Bernie as a write-in. I really can't vote for her.
Four to eight years of another Clinton would only mean a slower decline for poor, working poor and mid-class. Democracy would definitely take a hit as the DNC and RNC tighten up a bit more to prevent indies from mucking things up again.
We might get a bone or two on LGBT issues, but only because it hasn't been the wedge they thought it was going to be. Guns, Immigration and Abortion? Forget that, those are "keepers" that will get your grand kids out to the poles.

To be honest, it's going to have to get worse before it gets better. Bad enough that we shake this narcissistic era and stop chasing material bling as TEH American Way.

*3 shots of Jack helps (4 might lead one to pull the wrong tooth).

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21st Century America: The distracted, superficail perception of a virtual reality.

Tommymac's picture

Each state is different, but most if not all require that an interested party HAS TO OFFICIALLY REGISTER (by a certain deadline) as a write in candidate in order for those Write In votes to actually count.

Otherwise they get thrown away uncounted.

Just sayin' - if he does not do that then Green or nothing is the only way to go.

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FEEL THE BERN: "But such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks, and all it wants, is the liberty of appearing." - Thomas Paine
"Here I Stand, I can do no other." - Attributed to Martin Luther, 1521

Citizen Of Earth's picture

has past in some states to get write-ins on the ballot. Not sure how many, but I assume it's very late in the game now.

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Donnie The #ShitHole Douchebag. Fake Friend to the Working Class. Real Asshole.

Tommymac's picture

in some states, but not sure if that includes write-ins, who are just individuals who are interested in being a candidate with no party backing at all...election lawyers will need to step up...

Regardless, it will be an uphill battle to get Bernie on ballots in all 50 states in November, unless the Greens choose him.

If the anger holds, The Political Revolution may very well turn into another kind of Revolution in the fall...

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FEEL THE BERN: "But such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks, and all it wants, is the liberty of appearing." - Thomas Paine
"Here I Stand, I can do no other." - Attributed to Martin Luther, 1521

Raggedy Ann's picture

But in my state, it is the law that no write-in candidates are allowed in a POTUS election. That only leaves me the choice to vote Green Party, which I will do. Of course, our own ex-Gov Gary Johnson is running as a Libertarian. So, I've got two choices.

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"The “jumpers” reminded us that one day we will all face only one choice and that is how we will die, not how we will live." Chris Hedges on 9/11

He has said that numerous times. May I suggest that you not vote for Gary Johnson. I have a bumper sticker (not on my car) that says, "Veto Gary Johnson." He was the veto king. For eight years nothing happened in NM. Our Dem legislature passed many, many important bills, and that fool veto all of them. The man needs to stay high and leave us alone.

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Alphalop's picture

The DNC machine hadn't actively worked to deny him the vote.

I didn't expect them to help him, but the shit they have pulled? If I was Bernie I would tell them, "That ship sailed when you started playing dirty pool."

If they won't live up to their end of the deal why should Bernie?

Regardless if whether he endorses her or not, I imagine very few Sanders supporters will vote for her.

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"I used to vote Republican & Democrat, I also used to shit my pants. Eventually I got smart enough to stop doing both things." -Me

I plan to take a closer look at him. Stein is my first choice, but The Green Party isn't on the ballot in Georgia. Libertarians are the only ones who have managed that feat.

And having voted Libertarian will give me much more cred when arguing against right wing bullshit with my countless conservative musician "friends" on Facebook.

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Citizen Of Earth's picture

I can never understand that contradiction. I know a few myself. I guess I associate music with Joy. And that does not come to mind when I think of conservatives. Smile

Of course there are a lot of country music flag wavers, sooo whadoiknow.

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Donnie The #ShitHole Douchebag. Fake Friend to the Working Class. Real Asshole.

I'll be voting Green as well. If Hillary needs our votes, she's already lost.

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Please help support caucus99percent!

I know it won't be counted as an official vote for Bernie, but it won't spoil the rest of the ballot (the only thing i was worried about).

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21st Century America: The distracted, superficail perception of a virtual reality.

OLinda's picture

So nice to see you here. Smile How're you doing?

Another thing about a write in like that is, as you say, it is not counted. Since it's not counted, it's not recorded, so no one ever knows about it. Can't even make a statement that way.

I'm still trying to figure out what I might do if Bernie doesn't make it. Not voting for prez at all, at least, I believe is counted and recorded. It will show in records as no vote if the rest of the ballot has votes. Or a Green vote maybe. Still hanging on to hope that I don't have to make that decision.

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Hope it's not an embarrassment that i call you that. You've always been helpful and kind to everyone @ the Orange so it just feels right.

As to the write-in; it too just feels write for me. I'm not looking to make a statement, it's more like i'm voting my conscious.

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21st Century America: The distracted, superficail perception of a virtual reality.

from the Democratic Party now. The endorsement of a corrupt and weak candidate in Hillary being the main example, but also because I see every day on Daily Kos Dems dismissing voter fraud and turning their backs on all kinds of issues that I thought the party stood for. The revolution will have to take place outside of the Party... it has no where else to go.

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"Without the right to offend, freedom of speech does not exist." Taslima Nasrin

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Citizen Of Earth's picture

for the Neo-liberal Dem Party. It's a wasteland. Think Jonestown koolaid.

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Donnie The #ShitHole Douchebag. Fake Friend to the Working Class. Real Asshole.

To win PA, Bernie needs to win Philly big. That's going to be tough, tough, tough considering the entrenched powers that control the Dem machine there.

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dance you monster's picture

. . . Philly is assuredly Clinton country. Philly has been for the Twofer since 1992. Partly the machine (and the unions that brings with it), partly the minority votes, partly a meeting of the minds with socially liberal upscale urban voters and suburbanites. The same pattern that made NYC Hillary's will make Philly Hillary's. There are some suburban areas that could have been turned with a longer and better effort, but in PA Bernie will be relying on the rest of the state. Honestly, that does not look like a realistic shot at the win.

I was just polled yesterday in PA (by a Virginia firm) for my views of the November races, and unsurprisingly Sanders never came up. So it was an Establishment-inspired and -solicited poll. In that light, it was intriguing that the questions about the Senate race here only pitted Toomey against "the Democratic nominee." So there's no confidence on the part of the Beltway Dems that they have a Senate candidate as reliably winning as Clinton is expected to.

The Senate race in PA is going to be more bloody (if a lot of mostly Meh actually has corpuscles), with staggeringly massive funding coming in to propel the corporate-friendly, Clinton-lite Katie McGinty into a credible battle with Sestak, who at least holds some chance of modestly progressive activity. The Inquirer, Philly's newspaper, endorsed Sestak despite the DSCC's and Philly machine's support for McGinty. Interestingly, Fetterman, the Senate candidate who endorsed Bernie, just got the endorsement of a Harrisburg newspaper.

So we have what will probably be distraction in PA for another week. I agree with the diarist that it is past time to consider where we take this Revolution from here.

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Tommymac's picture

Been busting my ass on the ground for both Joe and Bernie since July...crucial down ballot race in PA next week.

Hope the party hack doesn't bring out the blackbox hacks...I've worked the PA machines in several elections as Majority Inspector at the polls and they are kludge as far as security goes.

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FEEL THE BERN: "But such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks, and all it wants, is the liberty of appearing." - Thomas Paine
"Here I Stand, I can do no other." - Attributed to Martin Luther, 1521

dance you monster's picture

I met Joe in his first race for Congress, when he campaigned in my yard. I just prefer Fetterman. McGinty would be the concrete poured into the gears of change.

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Tommymac's picture

before Jane Sixpack will take him him seriously.

Pittsburgh TV stations keep dogging him about his tax issues too.

He needs to run for a State Level position first IMO.

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FEEL THE BERN: "But such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks, and all it wants, is the liberty of appearing." - Thomas Paine
"Here I Stand, I can do no other." - Attributed to Martin Luther, 1521

lunachickie's picture

the Dem Machine there is corrupt to beat the band. Plus Old Money loves them some Hillary, for some stupid reason...

Sanders might carry the rest of the state, though, and maybe even Pittsburgh. I'm hearing rumblings from home--it depends on if the corruption is as entrenched there as it is in the eastern half of the state. Their Mayor is pretty non-Corpo-friendly, IIRC in reading about him (Bill Peduto--unless he's been Got since the last time I looked)....

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Tommymac's picture

Mixed bag - some like him some hate him. Seems like an ok guy but has pissed a lot of people off. He got to be mayor because he kept running and running and running. Definitively a creature of the local Establishment to a large extent. I live just outside city limits so I don't pay too much attention to him in the scheme of things - too much else to fight for.

The DNC machine in Western PA works just fine unfortunately. I have been working the streets since July for Bernie and Sestak - made a lot of progress but the local D committees are for HRC, and as long as we have diebold voting machines in PA a true progressive has a huge uphill battle.

Trump is surprisingly strong in the area, though rural area outside of the Burgh is called Pennsyltucky.

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FEEL THE BERN: "But such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks, and all it wants, is the liberty of appearing." - Thomas Paine
"Here I Stand, I can do no other." - Attributed to Martin Luther, 1521

lunachickie's picture

got one ear to the ground, thanks to some savvy family members. There's scuttlebutt that The DNC machine in the western part of the state has some large holes these days (that the one in Philly will never have, though, sad to say). That could be a factor. I've been working the phones off and on since the beginning of the year--it's definitely a mixed bag, but PA progressives from the 'Burgh need to dig deep and find a way to work harder. A Sanders win is an attainable goal in Allegheny County, absolutely.

All the same, it's a good thing delegates are apportioned! Oh, and all that support for Trump? (facepalm) I went to high school in Pennsyltucky. Trust me, it's not limited to the southwestern part of the state anymore Wink

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Lookout's picture

I've wondered, at least in red states like mine, if the people could take over the state democratic party. I bet very few people participate. The party is weak to nonexistent in Alabama. In machine states like NY, I understand that's unrealistic.

It could be powerful to take the berniecrats to the next level and build a progressive party. There's already a working families party active in several states.

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“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

Citizen Of Earth's picture

But I think it's too late to get it on the ballot for 2016 (I think). It is probably the best long term goal or work to build the Green party into Bernie's vision.

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Donnie The #ShitHole Douchebag. Fake Friend to the Working Class. Real Asshole.

featheredsprite's picture

The GPs are already on the November ballot in a bunch of states and working on more. That's an important plus right there.

Would it be helpful if someone from the Greens wrote a post here and we could have a discussion?

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Life is strong. I'm weak, but Life is strong.

SnappleBC's picture

or darned close... close enough to not matter. That's why my plan looks something like this:

Vote Green in November. I feel strongly that we do better to vote Green than write-in Bernie. The platforms are nearly identical. The message doesn't get so easily lost by being unreported... if nothing else the Green party will report it. And as a bonus, we blow some wind into the sails of a 3rd party. I'm pretty convinced that if half of America wrote-in Bernie Sanders you wouldn't know a thing about it. Who would count that? Who would report it?

Start floating names for 2020 run. If enough people decide, like me, to go Green then the Green party is legitimized and the name is obvious. If, on the other hand, too many people write-in Bernie or simply don't vote then we need to look forward to trying again in 2020. But this time we already have the movement, a lot of organization, all we need is a name. And the name that's appealing to me an awful lot is:


Tulsi Gabbard

As far as I'm concerned, she's already demonstrated more than enough movement street cred. She's young. She's got cajones. She's served in the military but her stance on that says, "Yeah, war is hell. We should avoid that shit". And if all that isn't enough, she's a pretty surfer girl for crying out loud. If I can convince enough other people we can get a "Run Tulsi Run" campaign going January 2017. Then we'll have four freakin' years to overcome the low name recognition problem and get the word out.

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A lot of wanderers in the U.S. political desert recognize that all the duopoly has to offer is a choice of mirages. Come, let us trudge towards empty expanse of sand #1, littered with the bleached bones of Deaniacs and Hope and Changers.
-- lotlizard

Unabashed Liberal's picture

in Hawaii. (while she was a Honolulu City Council Member)

***Edited to add the link on Gabbard.***

I posted a blurb on this at Evening Blues several weeks ago.

Don't have time to find my original post, but here's a blurb from a quick search:

She also introduced Bill 54,[43] a measure that authorized City workers to confiscate personal belongings stored on public property.[44]

The measure overcame opposition from the ACLU[45] and Occupy Hawai'i,[46] and a potential conflict with Hawaii's constitutional law, Kānāwai Māmalahoe, which protects "those who sleep by the roadside". Bill 54 passed[46] and became City Ordinance 1129.

and,

As a state representative, Gabbard opposed LGBT rights, including same-sex marriage and civil unions.

When voting against legalizing civil unions, she stated: "To try to act as if there is a difference between 'civil unions' and same-sex marriage is dishonest, cowardly and extremely disrespectful to the people of Hawaii who have already made overwhelmingly clear our position on this issue. … As Democrats we should be representing the views of the people, not a small number of homosexual extremists."

In August 2004, she defended her then-Republican father's anti-LGBT work, and called supporters of U.S. Congressman Ed Case "homosexual extremists."

Gabbard experienced a "gradual metamorphosis" during and after her overseas deployments, stating that "some of these experiences living and working in oppressive countries, not only witnessing firsthand but actually experiencing myself what happens when a government basically attempts to act as a moral arbiter … it really caused me to take a look at myself and the way we’re doing things here at home, locally, and nationally." She subsequently opposed the Defense of Marriage Act, arguing that "marriage is a bond of love, and it's spiritual and metaphysical in nature. It's a sacred bond, and that is not an area where government should be involved."[21][22]

Here are her very briefly stated stances on Social Security and Medicare:

Medicare and Social Security

Gabbard supports full funding for Medicare and Social Security and opposes any efforts to reduce benefits.[85]

and,

Government-sponsored healthcare

Gabbard is in favor of allowing Medicare to negotiate with prescription drug firms, stating that, on average, that would save US taxpayers "around $14 billion a year".[103]

Which is not to say that she should not be considered as a potential progressive leader--but I'd, at least, vet her very carefully.

Hope folks take time to read the entire entry. I wanted to post this before 'soundbites' defined her.

I've seen this happen many, many times. It's partly how we wound up with ultra conservatives like Claire McCaskill, Amy Klobucher, and Tammy Duckworth, etc.

Heck, I recall Al Franken interviewing the first two Senators on Air America (casting them in a very favorable light). IIRC, we even sent money to fund Klobucher's campaign. Whew! Can't imagine doing that now!!!

Again, this is not to say that she's totally unacceptable--just that 'new' promising progressive leaders need to be carefully vetted. I think that she can be an asset as an advisor on military matters (for Bernie, or any progressive), but not necessarily be the person one would want for their US Rep or Senator. (if that makes sense)

Have a good one!

Mollie


"We must stop looking for our salvation in strong leaders. Strong people, as Ella Baker said, do not need strong leaders. Politicians, even good politicians, play the game of compromise and are too often seduced by the privileges of power.

. . . Integrity and courage are powerful weapons. We have to learn how to use them."

Chris Hedges--Author, Journalist, Activist

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Everyone thinks they have the best dog, and none of them are wrong.

SnappleBC's picture

I certainly agree that the vetting needs to happen with care and deep suspicion and yeah, I let how impressed I was with her actions stepping down from the DNC to endorse Bernie get the better of me. Still, it's a conversation we need to start having... not necessarily in a rush but I'd like to get our 2018 and 2020 runs going earlier than Bernie did so we weren't having to overcome so much ignorance on the part of voters.

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A lot of wanderers in the U.S. political desert recognize that all the duopoly has to offer is a choice of mirages. Come, let us trudge towards empty expanse of sand #1, littered with the bleached bones of Deaniacs and Hope and Changers.
-- lotlizard

Unabashed Liberal's picture

been burned (or fooled) by politicians, so many times in the past, that I almost reflexively check out lawmakers or candidates that I know nothing about.

In fairness, people 'can' change. So, maybe some of Rep Gabbard's past views/actions are nothing to worry about (today), since (hopefully) we all live, and learn. Certainly, I don't question her ability to give Bernie sound military advice. And, it is admirable that she left the DNC to assist his campaign.

Have a good one!

Mollie
elinkarlsson@WordPress


"I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive."
----Gilda Radner, Comedienne

Thumbnail of 'Lily' for Signature Line.png

National Mill Dog Rescue

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Everyone thinks they have the best dog, and none of them are wrong.

lunachickie's picture

I was NPA for a long time--hell, once upon a time, years ago, I was Libertarian until they lost their way--I have no problem walking away from the corporate hell of that allegedly Democratic Party.

People need to turn their fucking televisions OFF. If they're not going to do that, they have to--ALL OF US HAVE TO--stop letting ourselves be manipulated and psychologically beat down. That is what media and "party leadership" are in cahoots to do. Fuck them, and fuck their noise. They've awakened the Beast. It's up to us to keep it walking upright and fighting.

Signed, respectfully, Down but nowhere near the general vicinity of Out,

your loving luna

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Tommymac's picture

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FEEL THE BERN: "But such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks, and all it wants, is the liberty of appearing." - Thomas Paine
"Here I Stand, I can do no other." - Attributed to Martin Luther, 1521

Yes. Because sometimes a thumbs up is not enough.

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Haikukitty's picture

We could take over the party - but remember, it took the GOP neocons a good 10 years or more to take over all the local county governments and move their way up. Progressives have passion, but they don't tend to have that obstinate stubbornness and unshakeable faith in their own rightness that makes them persevere no matter what. And of course, we also don't have the Koch's money behind us, so we'd have to be self-funded.

But I've considered that it might be smart for those of us who are motivated to start running for local county positions, there's plenty that are uncontested, FFS.

But again, it takes organization, and where does that come from?

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ChemBob's picture

since the Lewis Powell memo in the late 60s. They've been playing the really long game and it was working until Drumpf and the theocrat Cruz came along.

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Haikukitty's picture

Didn't realize it was quite THAT long, and was too lazy to google it. Thanks, ChemBob.

Yeah, so that really puts it into perspective, doesn't it? Not having fanaticism on our side, for the most part, makes it hard to follow a course for 50 years.

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The Tea Party has had great success taking over the Republican Party. The reason is that they had billionaire expertise and money, but mainly because the Republican Party is WEAK. While the idea is appealing the Clinton machine Democratic Party has the expertise, money, MSM control and on and on... The are a POWERHOUSE that will not be reformed.

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mimi's picture

when it is for the greater good of the people and Sanders must understand that supporting the Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton once he loses the primaries is a form of betrayal of all his moral political principles he has campaigned on so far.

It would be an honorable decision for him to break his pledge, because the pledge is a sell-out of what he stood for his whole life.

I would feel even more betrayed, if he would support the Democratic nominee and would not continue to run as an independent.

What the fuck are all these pledges for? It's a sign of a deeply manipulated mind of the populace and idiotic to value a pledge higher than your own moral political conscience.

I want an independent movement and party to evolve out of this FUBAR election campaign.

Go Indie, Bernie!

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lunachickie's picture

go pack sand after the convention. He's never going to get anything more done in Congress anyway, unless they still need his vote. I think at this point, he's pissed off too many of the Insider Players simply by dint of the fact he exposed the rampant corruption that permeates our Federal and State governments on multiple levels.

When I say "not get anything more done", I don't mean malicious, it'll be very subtle. Phone calls will stop being returned. People will forget to do things on his behalf. Stuff like that. So he's got nothing more to lose at this point.

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flowerfarmer's picture

That's a very good point, Luna.
He has burned many bridges and the tendency of the MIC to hold a grudge is well documented.

I hope he goes indy or that Jill Stein will chose him as her running mate- wouldn't that be interesting....

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If Bernie reneges on this pledge to support Hillary he will be demonized as dishonest and a liar who just used the Democratic Party for his own egotistical purposes. And a maniac who will get Trump elected. This will severely damage his greatest quality; trust and honesty. If his integrity rating falls his career is over.

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Citizen Of Earth's picture

I give that low chances. But hey, Maybe Hellery will finally piss him off so bad that he will. Smile

Bernie worked hard to start this Revolution. It's real and it is Yuge. And I thank him for that. If we have to take it elsewhere due to total corruption of the Dem Party so be it.

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Donnie The #ShitHole Douchebag. Fake Friend to the Working Class. Real Asshole.

I just hope the corruption, something, will be the "red line" Bernie won't cross! The only way to change the Democratic Party, is to get it out of the clutches of the Clintons and their sycophants! Think it would be too disappointing to all if Bernie bowed to pressure to support the letter D. Also, don't think it would be honestly FAIR to the millions of people who funded a campaign to get RID of what Clintons represent. Would feel like a betrayal to me.

Cent Y spoke about the possibilities last night. Upheaval in the republican convention - glad they go first. Maybe Trump runs as Independent. So much still not decided.
The Democratic party left me when it was taken over by the DLC, Clintons. I've been an Independent, and feel NO LOYALTY to the letter D.
Don't think Green Party is a viable solution, too narrow in scope, and not open enough to include all the people who have been drawn to Bernie Sanders.
For me most important to get rid of the Clintons. Not more Clintons in the WH.
Remember ABC: Anyone But Clinton

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SnappleBC's picture

Don't think Green Party is a viable solution, too narrow in scope, and not open enough to include all the people who have been drawn to Bernie Sanders.

Platform

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A lot of wanderers in the U.S. political desert recognize that all the duopoly has to offer is a choice of mirages. Come, let us trudge towards empty expanse of sand #1, littered with the bleached bones of Deaniacs and Hope and Changers.
-- lotlizard

lunachickie's picture

In what way would that the Greens platform not dovetail with Sanders' vision? Can you be more specific?

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to include those drawn to Bernie's issues. In fact their platform is a damn fine one, and should be reviewed by every lefty in the US.
http://www.gp.org/platform

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lunachickie's picture

just sayin' (big conspiratorial wink goes HERE)

Smile

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Alphalop's picture

to go.

With a new party there is no old baggage or preconceived notions, and a LOT of independents view the Greens as too "Tree Huggy" and single focused.

Not that this is true, but perception does matter, and rather than spend time trying to change peoples views of an existing party I think it may be easier to sell them on a brand spanking new progressive party with new leaders and fresh energy.

But this is just my thoughts at this time, that being said I fully intend to vote for Jill down here in Florida if Bernie isn't on the ballot.

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"I used to vote Republican & Democrat, I also used to shit my pants. Eventually I got smart enough to stop doing both things." -Me

Unabashed Liberal's picture

is 'a Democrat for life,' and will support the Democratic Party nominee.

I'll try to find and post it--if one is available. It happened on today's Bloomberg TV show, 'With All Due Respect,' at about minute 5:25 to 5:30, right before I left to walk 'the B.'

I, too, had speculated (because of Tad Devine's earlier comments) that 'maybe' Bernie would bolt from the Party, and run as an Indie.

Apparently, I was wrong.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Okay, just found the video, here you go.


"Bernie Sanders Is a Democrat For Life Says Campaign Manager Jeff Weaver."

[Sorry it won't embed.]

This is in keeping with what Jane Sanders told Rachel--that Bernie would support the Democrat nominee, just as he would expect the nominee to support him, if he were to win. (she was interviewed by Rachel, two weeks ago last Thursday, IIRC)

(Music City) Mollie, C99P & Daily Kos
elinkarlsson@WordPress


"The standard of living of the average American has to decline. I don't think you can escape that."--Paul Volcker, The New York Times, October 18, 1979, Page 1.

“If we can divide the electorate this way, we can have them expending their energies fighting amongst themselves, over issues that for us, have no meaning whatsoever."--USA Bankers Magazine, August 25, 1924

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Everyone thinks they have the best dog, and none of them are wrong.

lunachickie's picture

I said it once, but I'm going to say it again (mostly because I think I meant to reply to this and didn't manage to do it right, ha ha!); what the hell did anyone think Weaver or Sanders would say to Mainstream Media Whores before the primaries conclude? "Yeah, I'm not endorsing any of these corrupt people?"

Really? Um, maybe not...

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www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggFitmOTSok
In this interview with Cenk Uygur, Bernie lists demands the Democratic establishment would have to satisfy in order to gain the movement's support. Bernie has been negotiating issues for his entire career. We need to see what he can extract. If it's not enough fuck'em.

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We know Hillary will agree to anything, remember, she is a liar.

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Dhyerwolf's picture

not to sign the TPP. If he's going to aim big, he may as well go for the gold. Sure, they may not stick to their word, but at least put them on record (and if they don't agree, they don't get his support which they'll likely need to win the GE).

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Home of WS thinks trade is a good deal. Problem is all the people that voted for Hillary won't benefit from it one bit.

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"Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich."--Napoleon

accommodate any, nevermind all, of Sanders' demands.

And I think he knows it.

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The earth is a multibillion-year-old sphere.
The Nazis killed millions of Jews.
On 9/11/01 a Boeing 757 (AA77) flew into the Pentagon.
AGCC is happening.
If you cannot accept these facts, I cannot fake an interest in any of your opinions.

lunachickie's picture

and the corruption.

Meanwhile, these interviews don't mean a damn thing until after the convention. What's he going to do, with a couple of yuge states remaining for the vote yet, say "Yeah, fuck those Dems, I won't endorse them, they're crooked bastards..."???

Use yer heads, people!

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I don't see how the democratic party can be salvaged. I first began to get this suspicion after Obama betrayed us, but my eyes have really been opened by this primary. It's not just the behavior of party officials and elected officials, but also the mindset of so many democratic voters. It's a lost cause. They're intoxicated by identity politics and unable to see anything beyond that.

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lunachickie's picture

wouldn't they? When is their convention, does anybody know?

I like that idea, put Dr. Stein on as VP--they can't miss. But "legally"--which of course is a term I use very loosely now, since we're talking about American elections--isn't there some kind of deadline to get him on the printed ballots as one?

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Citizen Of Earth's picture

But I think there is some bad feelings between Stein and Bernie. I don't know what started it, but that would be an issue. Unfortunately. Hey fences can get mended tho.

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Donnie The #ShitHole Douchebag. Fake Friend to the Working Class. Real Asshole.

mimi's picture

between them are more important to them than to unite movements of both into one united, as both stand for same political issues.

At least both of them would have to explain why they refuse to unite.

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Citizen Of Earth's picture

after the primaries. These primaries are an excellent tool to gauge the size of the Revolution. IMO, it's best that he continue the primaries until the end. At that time, we will all see how many brothers and sisters are fed up with the status quo. That's the time to walk.

Bernie's 'promises' should be tempered by knowing he has to keep allegiance with the Dems or party loyalists won't vote for him even if they like his ideas.

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Donnie The #ShitHole Douchebag. Fake Friend to the Working Class. Real Asshole.

mimi's picture

he should go indie AFTER he has lost the Democratic primaries, not before.

And how are you "gauging" the "revolution" or how many brothers and sisters are fed up enough with the status quo to know if it's time to walk? As if those "numbers" would reflect anything. I wonder how you can call it a revolution, if people have first to look at their supposed fellow revolutionaries to see if they are really "up to it" and first need to make some spread sheets calculating the chances of enough people joining them in their revolution.

If you are principled enough you walk no matter what the "gauging results" would be, imo.

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Haikukitty's picture

in each state and its a good way to gauge the support his ideas have nationwide, where the strongholds are that might make the most sense to start working in.

I don't think its a matter of not being "up to it", its a matter of gathering as much information and support as possible. While its all well and good to say you'll fight your revolution alone, its not likely to be successful without a whole lot of other people who are on the same page.

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mimi's picture

and decisions on the basis of your political conscience dependent on how many others have the same and voted accordingly for Sanders, or in other words would you give up your principles because not enough people have the same as you have?

I just believe (coming from a parliamentary democracy in Germany) that this way of waiting to see if you have enough people to support the same goals, is the reason why a "revolution" is not going to take place.

I mean either you fight for your goals, because you are convinced they are the right ones, or you don't. I don't understand why you have to consider what others think and if they are with you or not. I believe it's the US political system that makes you so "calculating" that it leads to cage in any quasi revolutionary movement before it even started. And that I think is harmful to the democratic values the US system is claiming to have.

I don't mean to criticize any for their views, just try to clarify why I commented the way I did.

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Haikukitty's picture

I'm just saying I don't think COE meant they would only act if others did, and I'm certainly not saying that, but simply that to let the process play out gives it momentum when everyone can see that fully 40-50% of the progressives are of like mind. Its not that we shouldn't act either way, its simply a gathering of intel and forces to help enable the most effective course of action.

I don't mean considering what others think in order to decide to act, i mean knowing who your allies are when you do act.

We may end up disagreeing on this - because the American system is very entrenched, and you really need as much information and organization as you can get to be heard. And also, there's revolution and revolution. I don't think America is at the point of open revolution, more social revolution. But if that is blocked, I fear things might change down the road, and I'd much prefer that they allowed people's voices to be heard peacefully. I'm not a big fan of violence.

Edited: to fix the dreaded you're vs. your typo.

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mimi's picture

an impatient outsider that I have a hard time to accept that one has to gather "intel and forces to help enable the most effective course of action". Don't take my cranky impatience as what it looks like. I know being confronted with the reality of implementing "revolutionary changes", I get very silent and humble, because that's what the system demands and when the forces on the ground hit you in their reality, all big words don't mean much.

Coming to think of it, when was the last revolution that lead to change and was not violent and where was that?

It feels to me as if I have not witnessed revolutions, just wars. But I have never tried to find out before, if there were non-violent revolutions, who brought about long-term changes in a country that one could call successful towards a democracy that respects civil and human rights. And with long-term I mean several decades and generations worth of a civil, democratic and free society.

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Green Party is established, and is really Jill Stein.
Expect they thought Bernie should run with them instead of the Democrats.

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lunachickie's picture

and there was no mention of "bad feelings". She extended a hand, actually...

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The Greens have reached out to Sanders for YEARS, and even more so lately, and have not gotten one single reply from him. I doubt it's from any personal animosity as much as from a calculated decision to stay connected and caucusing with the Ds (and since his run, I think that theory is vindicated). Dr. Stein has not even too long ago had some nice things to say about him publicly.
http://truthinmedia.com/green-partys-stein-seeks-collaboration-sanders-c...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTqwof5VvbA

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