Elizabeth Warren: "I’m still cheering Bernie on"

[Autumn]

Progressive icon Elizabeth Warren still isn’t ready to endorse a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination. But she says she’s cheering on Bernie Sanders.

The Massachusetts Democrat’s comment came Thursday in response to a question about whether Sanders, a democratic socialist, should drop out of the race against front-runner Hillary Clinton.

‘‘He’s out there. He fights from the heart. This is who Bernie is,’’ Warren said, according to a video of the news conference. ‘‘He has put the right issues on the table both for the Democratic Party and for the country in general so I’m still cheering Bernie on.’’

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2016/03/25/elizabeth-warren-still-cheering-bernie/82253872/

[George II]

17. Nope - they didn't pop when Warren said that, and now almost six weeks later, they're....

....still not popping.

Things must be looking bleak if people have to dredge up offhand comments from March for solace.

I wonder what Warren would say here in May, now that 12 additional primaries/caucuses have been held?

[Autumn]

25. How about you take your nastiness elsewhere before I block you.

[fun n serious]

84. What is nasty about facts? nt

[Autumn]

112. Facts are fine. Get nasty with people posting in this group and get blocked.

Simple enough to understand but let me help you out anyway

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/nastiness
nas·ty năs′tē
adj. nas·ti·er, nas·ti·est
1.
a. Disgusting or repellent: a nasty odor rising from the garbage can. See Synonyms at offensive.
b. Unpleasantly cold or wet: nasty weather.
c. Archaic Dirty; filthy.
2. Morally offensive or indecent: a nasty film.
3.
a. Unpleasant or annoying: a nasty habit.
b. Mean or spiteful: Stop being nasty to each other.
4. Painful or dangerous; grave: a nasty accident.
5. Exasperatingly difficult to solve or handle: a nasty puzzle; a nasty problem.
n. pl. nas·ties
One that is nasty: "It is the business of museums to present us with nasties as well as with fine things" (Country Life).

[narnian60]

110. +1

[passiveporcupine]

24. This kind of snark is really not necessary

But what is necessary, is that we keep donating to Bernie's campaign. I know I felt defeated after NY, but he's not giving up on us and because he's not, I'm not giving up on him. Even if he does not end up our nominee, the longer he stays in the fight, the more people who join and support him, the stronger our message comes across. But I'm still fighting for him to win and I hope all you Bernie supporters out there are doing that too.

So, please, give what you can, whether it be donations or time to help his campaign. I've never given so much to a campaign before, because I'm low income and it's hard, but I'm going to be making another donation today because it takes us...all of us...to make this happen.

Please, reach deep inside yourself and give what you can.

[catchnrelease]

47. I donated last night

I'm not giving up as long as he's in the race. (We're retired, on a fixed income, and have a dog with cancer going through 'chemotherapy' which has been very expensive. But I found a little for Bernie so I can still have his back.)

[Fantastic Anarchist]

59. Best wishes to your doggy and the rest of your family.

Hope all turns out well.

[passiveporcupine]

61. I've very sorry to hear about your dog

I hope the chemo works. I know it's expensive. It was too expensive for me to help my cat. He was a beautiful big guy...15-year-old mostly white with a little orange (Angel Baby) who loved to hunt, and loved all people. He became hyperthyroid, so I just spent over $500 on him over the last six months treating him for that, and I could not afford to try chemo for his cancer. I knew he didn't have a lot of time left, but I lost him Monday to a coyote and I'm still crying. We usually don't have coyotes out here but this spring a really aggressive male who is not at all afraid of people, showed up with his mate, and they have a den up on the hill above me. I've never lost a cat to a coyote before, in eighteen years, and I'm just blown away by this. I'm totally freaking out over losing him this way, and I have four more cats and I'm so afraid to let them outside now. I'm locking them in at night and one girl, who is also a hunter, keeps me awake all night scratching on my door to get out. This is not going to be a fun summer.

I know what it's like having to make tough decisions on how to spend your money. But this race is so worth it. I wish I still had the confidence that we could win that I had before NY, but we've been fighting an uphill battle from day one for the dark horse.

But Hoop started a thread about this today that was wonderful and heartwarming and spirit lifting, and inspiring. And we need that now. Bernie is inspiring too.

[catchnrelease]

82. Coyotes here too

We're in Long Beach CA and the coyotes are really becoming more numerous and bolder. We now keep our one cat inside after dark. Even that is scary as the coyotes are out during the day now too. There are photos of them walking along the top of block walls and jumping in and out of backyards. Many people have reported their cats and small dogs being taken.

About 3 yrs ago there was a Bengal cat that had been left behind when his owners moved away. The rest of the neighbors fed him and he made the rounds to see who had the best menu. We kept trying to get him to come in and be an indoor cat with us. Even our cat who hates other cats was becoming used to him coming over the threshold. But he would never quite do it. Eventually one neighbor came and told us that he found the cat's remains on his lawn and we knew it was the coyotes. So sad, he was a really neat little guy and my husband loved him.

I'm sorry to hear that you have lost your kitty. It is truly heartbreaking.

I'm glad to hear that other people are still in it with Bernie.

[passiveporcupine]

83. Thank you.

I've done a lot of research since I lost my baby, and I will just put this out there for anyone who might have to deal with this. If you feed birds, you are attracting squirrels, and if you are attracting squirrels, you are attracting coyotes. I will no longer feed birds in summer here if we have any coyotes about. I will still feed them in winter, but the cats stay inside most of the time in winter. I will always feed my hummers.

Also don't leave food outside for pets, or wildlife of any kind. It will also attract coyotes.

[Urchin]

67. about your dog

Have you tried helping your dog with a ketogenic diet? Turns out cancer cells can only metabolize sugars, eliminating sugar from diet and substituting fat can destroy cancer cells because normal cells can live without sugars. Research it. Some good vids on YouTube. My own MD told me about it.

Here's a YouTube link about it. If you fast forward to around the 29 minute and 45 second mark, he soon starts to talk about a woman who tried the diet on her sick dog. Note, however, that the woman's experience is anecdotal (i.e., it might have been a case of spontaneous remission, and just a coincidence that it happened after she put the dog on the diet, but there's been many such coincidences):

[catchnrelease]

81. As a matter of fact I have!

Our regular vet is really open to alternative treatments. After she removed the initial growth on his leg, and found a mast (cancer)cell in a lymph node in his groin, she referred us to a veterinary oncologist, who is also open to trying different things. So the oncologist has tried various chemo meds, benedryl etc, and he has responded to some for awhile but then shows increase of symptoms again. Our regular vet said to also put him on tumeric caps, something called Quercetin, one called Myco-Immune which is an elixir of various mushrooms, and to eliminate any carbs that would be metabolized into glucose, as you said. I have read about glucose feeding cancer cells in the past, so I was glad to hear both vets agree with it. So he has been eating all meat canned food and a chicken thigh that has been boiled just a couple of minutes to kill any bacteria on the outside. He's loving that!

In addition to all that, he's been getting a couple of cc's of veterinary CBD oil twice a day. The oncol. said that while there are no studies showing results of using it either way, it is worth a try. I feel like my whole day revolves around what time he's supposed to be getting some kind of medication! But he's one of our kids, so what can I do? I honestly can't really afford it myself, but had a back up savings acct to use for just this kind of thing, so while it lasts we're going for it.

Unfortunately I noticed a new mass under his tail just last night, so will be calling the oncologist tomorrow to see what she wants to do about that. I think he is starting to fail overall, so I hope she won't recommend removing it surgically. I don't want to put him through that now. He is still mostly his normal self, with a great appetite so he's not ready to go yet, but I think that time is coming. His original diagnosis was at the beginning of Dec and the oncol. said 3-6 months with no treatment and maybe 6-12 with. So we're in that 6 month range. She has been pretty amazed at how he's bounced back a couple of times, but I guess this cancer is pretty aggressive.

Thanks for the video, I will watch it. And thanks to everyone for your good wishes for my pup.

[fun n serious]

85. I'm sorry about your dog

my beloved cat is going through the same thing. Peace to you and your family.

[catchnrelease]

90. Thanks

And peace to you as well.

[ChiciB1]

48. I'm Still Donating Monthly Even Though I'm Also Low Income..

Just had to pay for house insurances (here in FL they're separated out) but "might" be able to give something more. My Grand Daughter's Birthday is Wednesday & she's turning 21 and of course it's a BIG DEAL. I generally give her money so SHE can find something she wants, but was thinking of adding a charm or something else to go with it. I'm NOT giving up on him anyway and I see he didn't raise as much money last quarter.

I think he's the ONLY candidate that actually has paid his campaign workers a living wage. I've read all kinds of "stuff" about how he's crooked and takes money from who knows where, but I don't think other candidates pay all of their workers. If they do I haven't heard about it so can't say for sure.

[Fantastic Anarchist]

57. Well said.

He is still in this to win this, and your message cannot be stressed enough.

[JDPriestly]

80. And, please, although your state has voted, please make calls to the states that remain.

We are working here in California but could use your help. Thanks.

[PatrynXX]

87. I know how you feel

there's the false hope Hillary provides and says things can't be done (Red) shawshank. then then both Obama and Sanders the longstanding hope. Hillary is the anti Obama. in every sense of the word. I'm on disability for now. Temporary I hope. I didnt have Clinical Depression in 2008. That came on in 2010-2011 somewhere in there after dad went nuts. and pretty much called me every name in the book and also encouraged suicide what a nice role model. So I'll keep my other Hope. the one Hillary folks will never understand..

[Autumn]

26. Keep it nice please.

[Gregorian]

2. Wait until she starts talking that way about Hillary. Just wait. And wait.

[lunamagica]

6. She already has...

“Donald Trump clearly feels threatened by Secretary Clinton’s qualifications to be president so he’s attacking Hillary Clinton for being a woman. That’s what weak men do. It is an old story, and I don’t think the American voters will fall for it.” ~E. Warren

[Android3.14]

103. not an example of "talking that way"

It's obvious Warren likes Sanders on his policy and record. If she liked Hillary for those same reasons, she would state it. What her quote actually shows is that she is unhappy with Trump rather than happy with Hilary.

[lunamagica]

107. She praises Hillary

“Donald Trump clearly feels threatened by Secretary Clinton’s qualifications to be president so he’s attacking Hillary Clinton for being a woman"

She specifically points out Hillary is qualified to be president. If tis was only about Trump, she wouldn't have mentioned Hillary.

Try again.

[TIME TO PANIC]

3. K & R!

[RiverNoord]

4. Actually, I find a statement like this, so late in the contest, disappointing.

She's still hedging her bets due to some sort of broader future ambition.

That's the kind of political calculation that Hillary Clinton is a master of. It's not the behavior of a genuine leader.

So, yeah - disappointed.

[donnasgirl]

7. In the beginning

We were hoping Warren would be the Nominee, but with her hedging her bet as you say she has lost a lot of credibility with our family.

[Duckfan]

10. So her "principles" are still not credible with your household?

Just wondering.

[Autumn]

27. She hasn't lost any credibility. Many of us were sure she she would wait and endorse the nominee.

[ChiciB1]

50. I've NEVER Really Wanted Her To Endorse Either One Simply Because She

would immediately have a YUUUUUUGE Red target on her back. Elizabeth Warren has NOT changed who she is. I've believed from the very beginning that unless she had actually WANTED to run that she can do MUCH more good as a Senator. I have seen no change in what she's fighting for and still believe she's willing to fight for "we the people." One of the very, very few people in Congress that I still have faith in.

Unlike multiple other Congress Critters who I always "thought" were actually fighting for us even if I didn't see the results. I DID think they were working behind the scenes to change many of the terrible cuts that have been made to so many of us. BUT, this election has revealed the "true colors" of far too many that have in fact gone along with these cuts and funding that's been going on for so long.

I think after November they will find that the people of this country won't be so supportive of them. This election has opened the eyes of millions of people who THOUGHT Democrats were the Party of The People. I know I've learned a lot that I didn't know about people like Nancy Pelosi, Barney Frank, Howard Dean any many, many more.

For now I'm fine with Elizabeth Warren fighting against such a corrupt system. So far I feel she's still fighting the good fight and perhaps many entrenched Democrats might find that there will be some NEW Real Democrats who can join in the fight.

[TheBlackAdder]

68. +1000 She needs to avoid the polarization to be effective, and it helps her for 2020!

[Fantastic Anarchist]

71. I have not been naive (not saying you are)

I'm pretty cynical, and have my eyes wide open. Two things have happened to me, though:

I'm amazed by Bernie Sanders. I known about him for about a decade or so, and new he was the real deal. Yet, he still continues to amaze me. He is one of the most genuine and authentic politicians I've ever had the pleasure of supporting. Now, I'm an anarchist, so I usually stay out of party politics, which includes normally not voting. I did, however, vote for Obama twice. Thing is, I feel I've been let down which further cemented my cynicism.

Then along comes Bernie, and he compelled me to vote in the primary, and will do so in the General Election. I just absolutely feel that he will get things done for us.

The other thing that happened to me:

Though I know and knew about the various Congress-persons tendencies to put politics before the people, it was still astonishing to me to see some people who I admired and thought that they had our backs when it came down to brass tacks, though they still had to play the "game," well it was still astonishing to me to see some of these people absolutely dismiss us as if we never existed. This was and is an historic time, and they completely dropped the ball.

My eyes, though previously wide open, have become much wider, which I thought was impossible. I have become the very thing I tried like hell to prevent; disappointed, angry, sad surprised, and apathetic at the people, the process, the manipulations, and the whole political machinations.

The only thing keeping hope alive is Bernie Sanders. I will do what I can to get him elected, and if the Party betrays him and us, I will go back into the political wilderness, so that I can minimize how disgusted I am with the two-party system that has let so many people down. I'm through being hijacked by any of the various phrases that if we don't vote for whoever is chosen for us, that we will get a Republican president, and then being told that it will be my fault. No, turning your back on the people in favour of multi-national corporations who continue to pillage our country and its resources is not my fault. The blame resides with those who put political expediency before the people.

Edit: Sorry for any grammar or spelling errors as I texted the above on my phone. I hope I made sense.

[ChiciB1]

114. As A One Time Type Setter/Proof Reader Who Chastises Myself When I

make errors (and I do) I generally pick up on grammar/spelling errors. I use spell check which can also drive me crazy because I find at times it seems to change the word I actually typed. No matter, just one of my OCD things that gets in the way of too much.

It's been said that one should use the fewest amount of words to make a point and I fail miserably here too.

Regardless, I must say that your post is EXACTLY what I contemplated posting on another thread. I probably would have added more words and given more examples because it's what I do. Since most people don't use their own names when posting or even divulge much added personal information in their profiles, I don't know your age or sex. I can't say this has ever been an issue for me in the past but this time around I've been more curious. Because I'm a WHITE WOMAN who is almost exactly Hillary's age, her birthday is on the 26th of October (I think) and mine is on the 25th of October, I've been put into a demographic box that says I'm more likely to support her. Here's where I could write volumes as to WHY I do NOT, never have and feel highly insulted by being put into a "little box" like this.

YOU WROTE -- "Though I know and knew about the various Congress-persons tendencies to put politics before the people, it was still astonishing to me to see some people who I admired and thought that they had our backs when it came down to brass tacks, though they still had to play the "game," well it was still astonishing to me to see some of these people absolutely dismiss us as if we never existed. This was and is an historic time, and they completely dropped the ball." CLOSE COMMENT.

I've become more cynical than I ever thought possible especially because I've tried for too many years to give people the benefit of the doubt. I can't join in and become one of the Hillary "circular thinkers" for the sake of THIS Democratic Party or more importantly for this country. I want to shout WAKE UP or REMOVE YOUR BLINDERS but it's now crystal clear to me that this is impossible for so many Hillary supporters to do. I have no illusions that Bernie comes with some negative baggage and he's not PURE on every single issue because in fact he's human and doesn't sit on a pedestal.

Yes, even though I thought my eyes were wide open they're now opened wider as you say. So far Elizabeth Warren seems to be fighting back, it's my hope she will continue to do so because if things don't change we all have a lot to FEAR!

I could go on but I just wanted to say that what you posted is something that could have been said by me. I can't find anything I disagree with you at all and I've already made my decision about what course of action I'll be taking. My soul is mine to keep!

[Fantastic Anarchist]

117. Thank you so much for the kind words!

Yes, I am OCD about what I write, but I was on my phone, and just started going. Glad I made sense. It's definitely a compliment to hear that this is what you would have posted, as well. I'm glad I'm not the only one feeling this way, but I am dismayed that I do feel this way. I wonder how many others feel this way, too?

Again, thank you for the kind words.

[CobaltBlue]

78. Smart

Elizabeth Warren has the Democratic Party’s number.

Either she endorses the party’s eventual nominee—like the primaries’ leader Hillary Clinton (and does so when it would be irrelevant)—or she never endorses anyone.

I think this will work.

[Chicago1980]

38. She doesn't kiss the behind of your family.

She's free and willing to make her own decisions and doesn't have to bend to your personal will.

[donnasgirl]

42. You are correct

She doesn't, but we also have the right to our opinion about her not standing up for a Candidate, we would have more respect if she would choose one no matter who it is.

[CobaltBlue]

89. Do you feel Elizabeth Warren is not being respectful?

I sincerely hope not.

She’s smart.

Her Donald Trump Tweets nailed him. (“Loser.”)

Why should she do something, at this time (or earlier), which would not have been wise for her?

[donnasgirl]

95. Yes we feel she is not

Being respectful, we view it as sitting on the fence and when it's clear who will win then come out and endorse the obvious Candidate. My family made our choice early on and that is Bernie Sanders and for pretty obvious reason's, we as voters are tired of the wishy washy stance of any Politician.

[FlaGranny]

96. You feel that way

because she didn't endorse Hillary. I feel she is being very wise not to.

[donnasgirl]

99. I am disappointed to say the least

That she is not supporting the Candidate that is closest to her own views, after our primary was over here in NY we Registered as Independents and have left the Democratic Party for many reasons and will not be coming back until DWS is no longer in charge of the Party.

[kstewart33]

12. There's nothing wrong with acting on self interest.

Young people support Bernie, many loving the 'free college' plank in his platform.

Latinos support whomever is most likely to reject anti-immigrant legislation.

And so on.

Warren will do whatever she sees that best protects or enhances her influence in the Senate. That's self interest but also in the interest of the Democratic Party and the populace.

[George II]

18. Actually she said that about six weeks ago, this is an old story....

....one has to wonder what she'd say here in May instead of way back in March.

[ReRe]

22. So what do y'all think she's hedging her bets for?

An appointment in HRC's kitchen Cabinet? Or perhaps in a Bernie kitchen Cabinet? Tell us what she's "hedging her bets" for. I'd say she wants to stay in the Senate where she can do the most good for the country.

[RiverNoord]

113. Um.. I don't know what her ambitions are.

I like Elizabeth Warren's political stances, by the way. A lot.

But, if plainly supporting the first truly progressive major contender for the Democratic presidential nomination since... well... possibly ever, isn't part of doing the 'most good for the country,' then what is? Getting reelected to the Senate?

Sorry, but that doesn't fly for me at all.

[ReRe]

116. You lost me

I think we had a misunderstanding? Don't worry about it. Thanks for replying.

[dreamnightwind]

29. I actually agree with your post

She made her reputation as a fiery and fearless crusader for the little person, not as someone who plays all sides.

I heard reports earlier in the campaign that her staffers were out in the field working for Hillary. Not encouraging.

I was sporting a Warren image in my tag-line for a long time. When Bernie got in the race I was happy but was a little disappointed it wasn't Warren, because I saw her as a stronger candidate.

My perception has changed a lot over this campaign.

[mountain grammy]

39. And I thought she was the "only" candidate

But I was wrong. Bernie is a fighter and he's won over several million voters. I wouldn't mind seeing Warren as his running mate, though.

[dreamnightwind]

43. Yes Bernie has been an amazing surprise

I haven't seen anyone from the left run such a fierce and determined campaign ever, in my long life. Few people are willing to go up against power the he is, and of the few they are, most of them run token campaigns to get the message out, but don't really compete (that's what I expected from Bernie when he announced, a token leftist candidacy). Bernie was more than up to the task, absolutely amazing. Warren, on the other hand, seems to prefer much smaller fights that she can claim as victories, and was apparently unwilling to go up against the powerful Clinton machine.

I think there's a real chance she will run for VP with Hillary, though it's probably more likely Hillary will go with someone who appeals to her corporate donors more, and whose demographics will help her more in the general election (such as Castro).

[mountain grammy]

45. Every day, his stamina and energy amaze me.

I too, thought he would run a low key campaign, but wow. He absolutely should be our president and I'm still in it to win it.

[passiveporcupine]

64. She may actually prefer Hillary

but does not want to discourage Bernie's run. If so, I applaud her.

She just might be in this for the Democrats!

[dreamnightwind]

70. seems odd to applaud that

I don't think Warren as Hillary's VP is going to do much for us as far as getting any policies we want. It would be an empty bone to the left Hillary smashed.

[passiveporcupine]

76. I don't think Warren wants to be VP and I don't think

this country is ready to vote for a two woman ticket. Yes, some of us are, but not enough.

[Fantastic Anarchist]

62. I feel as you do.

In times like this, we need someone who will, without any hesitation, do what is right for the common good, and disregard political calculations.

The time to take action and to be a part of a real political and social transformation has long passed. Her decision may have been marginal, or it could have been significant with a real historical and epic magnitude. Either way, I feel the tremendous opportunity has been missed. I feel, in this regard, that there may have been too much word and not enough deed. I'm still fond of her and her work, but I'm puzzled by the fact that she knows that this is important, and that she is important to many people, and she may have let political calculations give pause in her ability to help a great number of people.

[canoeist52]

94. Closest to my take as well. I don't get the hesitation, from an issues-first politician.

[passiveporcupine]

63. I think she supports both of them

I don't know if she prefers one over the other, but she is not in this to take sides. She just wants to support dems over republicans.

I don't begrudge her not coming out for one over the other.

[onenote]

72. Not really "late" in the contest. She said this over a month ago.

Not sure why it is being recycled today.

[Overseas]

5. K&R. Well said.

[Dragonfli]

8. K&R

[Playinghardball]

9. Thanks for posting, Autumn

Hillary has to be pooping her drawers....

[George II]

20. Nope, that story is so old it was forgotten by most people back in March when she said it....

...in passing.

[Duckhunter935]

77. Why are you here?

[kstewart33]

11. She should cheer Bernie on.

Most Hillary supporters also support what Bernie is preaching. We just don't think he'd make the better president.

[JDPriestly]

14. Why don't you think he would make the better president?

[kstewart33]

33. JDP, there are several reasons.

Let me preface it with the point that I fully support Bernie's ideas and platform. I admire him for his consistency - he has advocated on the issue of income inequality and the poor for decades. Also, with the point I know a little bit about politics. In my twenties, I was a paid consultant to two Congressional campaigns and have been active for many years. However, today the dynamics have certainly changed.

First, I've done a good bit of research on Bernie's platform, and none of the planks have a chance of being realized. Mostly, it's the math in Congress. We could win a majority in the Senate. But the Repubs have an historic 58-seat majority in the House and it will require an unprecedented sea change in the election to overcome that majority. The right win caucus there has a stranglehold on the House, and they are not likely to lose members because of extreme gerrymandering that the Repubs has established in many Congressional districts.

But let's assume that the near impossible happens. We win both Houses. However, the Repubs control most of the state legislatures and I don't think that will change. State control matters with Bernie's platform. For example, his free college tuition program. According to Bernie, the states must pay one third of the total bill. That is many billions of $$$. There is no way that the Repub legislatures will pass it because they will see it as an abhorrent overreach by the federal govt. That is essentially what today's Republican ideology is all about.

There are other concerns. Bernie has no experience in foreign policy, and given the threats from abroad that we face today, that is a serious limitation. However, you could argue that Obama didn't have any either. But there's a difference. Bernie has no interest in foreign affairs; Obama did and was a quick study. In today's international climate, we need a president who is at least interested in the goings-on abroad. Bernie is strictly a domestic-driven public servant.

Bernie also has limited experience in working with people to get things done. If you put his and Hillary's vitas side by side, it is obvious that Hillary has a record of results. Bernie is a wonderfully talented advocate. He is an agitator. He does that best. However, he is not one to lead teams, or even join a team. It's not in his makeup. However, they call the president a chief executive for a reason. The president must execute a strategy to get things done. For all of her faults and I am clearly aware of them, Hillary has a record of getting things done. And a record of working across the aisle when necessary. Many Bernie supporters see this as corruption. I see it as an ability to actually execute and realize an agenda.

I also have ethical problems with Bernie selling an agenda to young people that he knows will not be achieved. He's been in Congress for 25 years. He knows the game. Most young people don't know much about the impossibility of his platform. They're young and full of hope. However, Bernie knows it. I've concluded that either he knows it's impossible and he is bluntly conning all of those young people sending him whatever $$$ they have, or he is blinded by his own ideology and he cannot see the reality of it. Either way, those aren't characteristics that I'd like to see in my president.

Also, I have to say that I have a problem with Jane. Do you wonder why Bernie has not released all of his tax returns going back even 8 years as Hillary has? I'd wager that it is because when Jane was fired by the Board of Trustees as president of Burlington College, she negotiated a $200,000 severance (commonly called in corporate America, a 'golden parachute'). Nice if you can get it, but she received the money as the college she led was struggling to stay alive. Taking that much money from a college with less than 300 students and many hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt? That's not exactly consistent with Bernie's message, and something that really rubs me the wrong way. That $200,000 payment is in their income tax returns.

Lastly, I do not think Bernie is electable. I've dug into Bernie's biography. There's too much for the Republicans to use against him in the general election campaign - relationships with Communists and Marxists, support for Fidel Castro and Daniel Ortega, and honeymooning in the Soviet Union during the Cold War, and much, much more. Now that may not matter to you or me, but it will with the many millions of voters who remember the Cold War, and many who have a problem seeing a conscientious objector as commander in chief of our military.

The Republican assassination squad will eviserate him and there will be little that Bernie can do about it. Consider that the Republicans have been quiet as a church mouse about Bernie throughout the primary season while their super pacs are spending millions on anti-Hillary ads in the primary states. Common sense dictates that they want Bernie in the general and they are keeping their powder dry just in case.

Wow, that's a post-full. Please don't reply that I'm an idiot or a member of the corporate cult class. Neither is true. I've just thought it through and come to a conclusion. I'll vote for Bernie in the general if he makes it, but my head is with Hillary.

[dreamnightwind]

44. You call Bernie a con?

OMG. To ignore with you, disgusting.

[Skittles]

69. LOL

classic

[SunSeeker]

60. I bookmarked this thread just for your post. You state exactly how I feel.

Thank you.

[passiveporcupine]

66. OMG...you are absolutely unreal

You pretend to be thoughtful and considering in your reply, but you throw all this trash out about Bernie that isn't true and you have nothing tangible to back it up...your fear and hatred for anyone who would challenge your chosen candidate is so apparent, it's just laughable.

I agree...off to ignore with you.

[dynamo99]

88. A lot of that is true.

It's foolish for people to pretend Bernie doesn't have vulnerabilities. I think that your recitation is a little overblown, though. Yes, the Repubs will try character assassination. But their own candidate will be vulnerable as well (and hopefully Dems will have their own sharp knives out), more so if it's Trump. In my view, this is one of the few presidential elections that Bernie would have a good shot at, because the Repubs are starting with their candidate in the penalty box. (Cruz is different than Trump, but not that much better if his own party colleagues call him "Lucifer in the flesh" and "the most miserable SOB I've ever worked with", sound bites one would expect to find in TV ads if he's the candidate. And if it's not Trump, Trump may well run anyway, or at the very least do what he can to turn his followers against the Repub nominee.)

There's no question that Hillary is competent, experienced, and smart.

The trouble is, she's also old-school Realpolitik, where "principles" are irrelevant. She's personal friends with Kissinger (a war criminal from the '60s), tight with Wall Street, a supporter (I believe) of the DLC and "Third Way" styles. She believes attacking countries and killing people is good (or at least she doesn't care about the deaths). She's not a right-winger, but neither is she a progressive. She might be able to swipe votes from Cruz, but Trump's votes will be harder to get, because Trump's supporters are mad at the insiders who they see as being the cause of their problems, and she is the consummate insider.

I just want to have a candidate I actually approve of. Ultimately, though, I think either Hillary or Bernie can beat either Trump or Cruz.

[kstewart33]

97. Thank you for responding.

And not throwing me to the wolves. I respect your views and agree that Hillary certainly has weaknesses.

I may be overstating Bernie's vulnerabilities, but I remember how rabidly effective the Republican assault was with John Kerry (the Swiftboaters) and Mike Dukakis (Willie Horton). Bernie has far more in his biography for them to work with. But your points about Trump are well taken!

And welcome to DU.

[c-ville rook]

105. "Let me preface it with the point that I fully support Bernie's...

...ideas and platform.I admire him for his consistency - he has advocated on the issue of income inequality and the poor for decades. ...

First, I've done a good bit of research on Bernie's platform, and none of the planks have a chance of being realized."


I am not trying to be overly pedantic about this but I am not sure the words "fully support" mean what you think they do.

As a Bernie supporter/primary voter, who is going to support Hillary in the GE because I understand the importance of trying to slow down before rocketing straight into whatever ravine Trump/Cruz represent. Let me say this attitude "nothing too positive can be done" that Hillary and her supporters have adopted is less than inspiring.

To put down the Hillary chestnut Bernie is not electable. That is not what the polls in April indicated. Granted that has probably changed since his path to the nomination is all but erased in the primaries -- but there is a difference. Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, Hillary has been laying groundwork since Bill left office for a run and it finally paid off.

What should scare everyone here is how quickly Bernie closed the distance on "our party's" likely nominee from a flat stop. I have never been a fan of the “me next school of political succession” -- it does not create winners. And I'd be in a fit if the GOP did not seem to be going full speed, in reverse off a cliff.

[kstewart33]

111. Oops. nt

I support his platform as ideals. Thanks for the catch. I should have been more clear than I was.

Against Trump, Bernie's numbers are better than Hillary's because he has not been thoroughly vetted. If his numbers hold after that happens (I doubt that will ever happen), that would be a very big deal.

I respect the power of inspiration, but I prefer results. I'd rather accept three steps forward than a promise that a mile is within reach, when it simply isn't true.

[JDPriestly]

13. Elizabeth Warren should endorse Bernie.

[Chicago1980]

36. She's not going to so get over it.

[JDPriestly]

79. How do you know? Do you have a link?

[4now]

15. This is an old article from back in March

[George II]

21. BINGO! Slow times for positive Sanders news I guess.

[Autumn]

28. Some of us missed it. You don't have to read it.

[4now]

31. I read it when it was still relevent - Its really old now

[onenote]

73. And some are misinterpreting as a current story.

Seems like pointing out that its old might prevent some people from making the same mistake.

[LiberalLovinLug]

16. K & R

[bjo59]

19. Warren will endorse whoever wins the nomination. She does not want to be placed

on Clinton's enemies list.

[StevieM]

40. There is no enemies list. Warren will endorse whoever wins the nomination because she wants

a Democrat in the White House. That is the only reason.

[dynamo99]

115. not the only reason

I don't know if Warren is interested in being president. Her interests and expertise seem to be mostly in the financial arena, and she's accomplishing a whole lot in the Senate. She'd make a fine Chair for the Senate Banking Committee, yes?

But if she is, she knows she's a newbie and still paying her dues. Which she is doing very well, aiding other candidates in fundraising. That creates IOUs that she can call in at a later date if she needs to. And she won't want to unnecessarily antagonize other powerful figures in the Democratic Party, which the Clintons indubitably are. Is there an "enemies list"? Maybe not, but people have long memories and can be vindictive, and nobody who is going to be a candidate wants the then-sitting President of their own party (or even their spouse) annoyed with them.

There's more to be gained (for Warren) in endorsing Hillary than Bernie (let's face it, the Establishment doesn't give a crap what DU denizens want, and every day makes Bernie a longer shot). But she's not endorsing either, at least until one has the nomination in hand. That strikes me as prudent. Don't piss off people who you'll need as allies later.

[ReRe]

23. K&R

Good to hear! Go Bernie!!!!!

[Kalidurga]

30. That is actually an endorsement. Cheering someone on generally means you are on their side.

[pnwmom]

32. This was from March, when an actual endorsement might have made a difference.

She never made one.

She clearly likes both Dems, since she signed a letter asking Hillary to run. (And she didn't write or sign any letter asking Bernie to run.)

[Chicago1980]

35. Way to make a stretch on that one to fit your feelings.

[Chicago1980]

34. She's not going to endorse until there's a nominee.

That should have been obvious a long time ago.

[onehandle]

37. Snippet of info from a month and a half ago.

Warren will never endorse Sanders, because there's nothing to endorse, and she's all politics.

[Autumn]

46. Of course she won't endorse Bernie or Hillary. She will endorse the nominee.

[Major Hogwash]

41. "He has put the right issues on the table both for the Democratic Party and for the country . . . "

Can't argue with that.

[RandySF]

51. March 25, 2016

[Autumn]

53. So? This group is for EW and it's something she said. Don't read it if you don't like it.

[RandySF]

54. Let's just not pretend it's a new statement

[Autumn]

56. Point out where I pretended it was a new statement please.

[onenote]

74. You didn't. But others seem to have gotten the impression it was new.

That's not your fault, but you shouldn't be upset if people point it out in response to comments that seem to think its a new statement.

[Autumn]

75. That poster didn't point it out to other people the response was to me. nt

[Fantastic Anarchist]

52. She could have helped him if she just came out and endorsed him.

I'm a bit disappointed in her because she could have endorsed him ages ago when he really needed her. I still am very fond of the Senator from Massachusetts, but in my humble opinion, she let him and us down by her hesitancy in supporting him.

[Autumn]

55. I understand why she hasn't endorsed anyone. She will endorse and support whoever

wins the nomination.

[Fantastic Anarchist]

58. Well, I'm disappointed, if in fact true, in her decision to wait.

[fun n serious]

86. Maybe she knows something others do not and chose not to endorse. nt

[Fantastic Anarchist]

91. Maybe that's just speculation.

Of course, she hasn't endorsed Clinton, either, so the same thing applies.

[fun n serious]

92. Yes. Speculation

It's what we do all the time.

[libodem]

65. WooHoo

[MrMickeysMom]

93. Joining the HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Hello to the Group!

[lonestarnot]

98. Me too Elizabeth!

[jwirr]

100. Thank you Elizabeth and so are we.

[djean111]

101. I am good with whatever Warren does - unless she were to be named as Hillary's VP choice.

That would not get my vote. Would just be pandering. And it would relegate Warren to dinner and funerals, and out of the Senate. The Third Way hates that Warren is in the Senate. According to them, in the WSJ, Liz Warren is "getting out of hand." Pompous assholes, the Third Way.

[Autumn]

102. That would be my line in the sand. The articles from March

but damn that just how I feel about Bernie.

[Skwmom]

104. Wow, isn't she a real fighter for the people. Cheering Bernine on.

With people like her we should return this to a government that works on behalf of the 99% in no time.

[KansDem]

106. You and me both, Senator!!!

[DhhD]

108. To me its all about the issues. Is this election about Progressive or Center, democratic principles?

Warren is supporting the stationary Democratic issues of Bernie Sanders. Hillary keeps moving Left on issue after issue. Clinton has stopped Ads in states that still remain to make voting decisions and has said that she has gone Left enough. When will Clinton become stationary on issues, like Bernie? And does Warren believe that Hillary will remain Left or go back to Center?

[DrBulldog]

109. Elizabeth Warren has not shown the courage I thought she had. We don't need cheerleaders.

We need activism and involvement and commitment. Like Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon.