2016 Postmortem

guillaumeb

(42,649 posts)

220. Are Democratic candidates subject to a litmus test?

Fri Aug 7, 2015, 03:44 PM

Aug 2015

Given that Sanders' positions fall well within Democratic positions, is the word "socialist" so offensive to some Democrats?
Sanders does call himself a Democratic Socialist.

If Sanders can energize more people to vote, given his positions on the issues, it is likely that the Democratic Party will be the beneficiary.

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There's nothing redeeming or politically valid in Sanders speaking at Falwell's Liberty University [View all] bigtree Aug 2015 OP

How about spreading the Sanders economic message to all voters? guillaumeb Aug 2015 #1

they can hear him from where he stands bigtree Aug 2015 #3

You mean our Democratic fold like speaking at Goldman Sachs for $200k tularetom Aug 2015 #9

Yeah, that. n/t dogknob Aug 2015 #88

But the symbolism of going to LU is quite strong. guillaumeb Aug 2015 #10

Yes ... The symbolism IS quite strong ... 1StrongBlackMan Aug 2015 #22

This looks terrible. Tone deafness clearly is an issue for this campaign. AllFieldsRequired Aug 2015 #43

So Sanders must only speak to the true believers, so to speak? guillaumeb Aug 2015 #55

Sigh...If Hillary did this, many Sanders supporters on this site would be SCREAMING AllFieldsRequired Aug 2015 #59

True. But I stand by my points about spreading the message beyond guillaumeb Aug 2015 #68

Don't think this is what Dean had in mind FloridaBlues Aug 2015 #123

Then we must disagree on this point. eom guillaumeb Aug 2015 #194

So it has to be at this location to make the 50 state visit a reality? Sheepshank Aug 2015 #210

Let me reframe your argument: guillaumeb Aug 2015 #216

no, you don't need to rephrase my own words. Bernie is not a DEM Sheepshank Aug 2015 #219

Are Democratic candidates subject to a litmus test? guillaumeb Aug 2015 #220

guillaumeb. sheshe2 Aug 2015 #163

True. But my point in this particular thread guillaumeb Aug 2015 #187

And your meaning is...? guillaumeb Aug 2015 #54

Liberty Union is ... 1StrongBlackMan Aug 2015 #87

are you sure ALL of them are racists and bigots? questionseverything Aug 2015 #156

I'm pretty sure there is 1 or, perhaps, even a 100 that aren't ... 1StrongBlackMan Aug 2015 #173

yes i do think it was a good lesson questionseverything Aug 2015 #190

I like myself and think myself reasonable ... 1StrongBlackMan Aug 2015 #193

A valid concern. guillaumeb Aug 2015 #195

Perhaps, a "reverse" Sister Souljah moment ... 1StrongBlackMan Aug 2015 #197

Correct. The mass attack on Sanders on AA issues mirrors 2008 attack on Obama on LGBT issues. ieoeja Aug 2015 #199

I think you miss understood my statement ... 1StrongBlackMan Aug 2015 #200

Then Hillary was wrongly not taken to task for doing worse. ieoeja Aug 2015 #203

Okay ... But this is not about HRC ... 1StrongBlackMan Aug 2015 #205

Bernie has not (to my knowledge) accepted to appear on The 700 Club. ieoeja Aug 2015 #206

Okay. n/t 1StrongBlackMan Aug 2015 #209

An interesting point for speculation, guillaumeb Aug 2015 #214

I'm not saying that this is Bernie's intent, merely ... 1StrongBlackMan Aug 2015 #215

Liberty University is about 49% white, 15% black, many Latino and Asian and international Bluenorthwest Aug 2015 #208

I'm not saying what President Obama did was fine. n/t 1StrongBlackMan Aug 2015 #211

LU might be predominantly "populated with racists and bigots..." guillaumeb Aug 2015 #188

So we've now limited our audience to the party faithful. winter is coming Aug 2015 #11

Absolutely! potone Aug 2015 #196

It is Chutzpah! kenfrequed Aug 2015 #20

Sanders doesn't owe me anything? bigtree Aug 2015 #25

Huh kenfrequed Aug 2015 #30

yes, Kennedy was reaching out to bigots bigtree Aug 2015 #40

Well thanks for the discussion kenfrequed Aug 2015 #45

Obama 08. Two vids. McClurkin at Obama event, Obama asked at forum about that screed. Bluenorthwest Aug 2015 #147

so you think that was wrong, but this is fine? bigtree Aug 2015 #150

are you having this much of a problem with potus negotiating with iran? questionseverything Aug 2015 #152

the old deflection switcheroo? bigtree Aug 2015 #155

Gee wiz straight man, you said Teddy was not there as a candidate in a Democratic Primary so Bluenorthwest Aug 2015 #161

clearly you can't defend this appearance on its merits bigtree Aug 2015 #167

I believe you want to talk about me, not the issue at hand. You rejected Teddy at Liberty because Bluenorthwest Aug 2015 #207

is there something about this sentence you don't understand? bigtree Aug 2015 #223

If HIllary did this you wouldnt be attacking her for it? I dont know you, but I KNOW AllFieldsRequired Aug 2015 #44

Well... kenfrequed Aug 2015 #49

OK, I may have responded to one of the few Bernie supporters here, other than myself, AllFieldsRequired Aug 2015 #51

Most of us are here to talk about Bernie kenfrequed Aug 2015 #60

Are you saying most people at Democratic Underground are here to support Bernie? AllFieldsRequired Aug 2015 #63

And... kenfrequed Aug 2015 #64

Are you saying more people here support Bernie than Hillary? If so, how many will still be here AllFieldsRequired Aug 2015 #69

Well... kenfrequed Aug 2015 #75

Agreed that Hillary will bring out the haters, but not more than Obama brought out. AllFieldsRequired Aug 2015 #77

And I think Bernie has a better shot kenfrequed Aug 2015 #82

My father got a bachelor's degree at Liberty when in his 50's. arcane1 Aug 2015 #41

No doubt the op thinks he's a racist too. beam me up scottie Aug 2015 #98

I look forward to you posting this reliably every time Obama or Clinton attend a National Prayer villager Aug 2015 #56

Wait for the damned speech bvf Aug 2015 #65

Liberty U in Lynchburgoffers a dirt cheap education, for some kids it is all about getting a diploma peacebird Aug 2015 #129

Indeed, look at how much effort is spent right here on DU to convince us this is a failed idea arcane1 Aug 2015 #39

+1 bvf Aug 2015 #50

Bernie steps out of establishment straight jacket, establishment supporters disapproves HereSince1628 Aug 2015 #58

+1 nt artislife Aug 2015 #104

Ted Kennedy spoke at Liberty University DemocratSinceBirth Aug 2015 #2

he'll be following other notable publicity seekers who spoke at convocations there bigtree Aug 2015 #12

So, Jeffress, Kennedy, and Sanders agree on everything, because they all spoke at the same location? arcane1 Aug 2015 #37

Did you have a problem with that right wing pastor President Obama invited to speak Armstead Aug 2015 #46

....x10 840high Aug 2015 #107

They are all connected to Kevin Bacon! immoderate Aug 2015 #62

The Ted Kennedy false equivalency versus topical reality is simply the best the supporters of this very bad move have. Fred Sanders Aug 2015 #164

Pandering for votes in an election season is all on Bernie Sheepshank Aug 2015 #217

It's not like they are voters artislife Aug 2015 #4

Post removed Post removed Aug 2015 #5

it's always the Hillary defense with Sanders supporters here bigtree Aug 2015 #14

If I told you what the fuck it means you'd accuse me of being a racist tularetom Aug 2015 #17

I know what it means bigtree Aug 2015 #19

OK, I probably shouldn't have used that expression in that context and I apologize for doing so tularetom Aug 2015 #32

O-tay? For what reason are you quoting Buckwheat from The Little Rascals? What are you snarking at bettyellen Aug 2015 #76

Yes, that expression was inappropriate and I've already apologized to the other poster for using it tularetom Aug 2015 #83

Well, if you were trying to disprove Sanders campaign(ers) issue of being "racially tone deaf" you bettyellen Aug 2015 #86

In other words you prefer patronizing and insincere to "racially tone deaf"? tularetom Aug 2015 #91

In other words- you're racially charged bit of snark was disturbing. Full stop. No need to blame bettyellen Aug 2015 #92

+ a million. I just can't anymore Number23 Aug 2015 #120

Is "Clinton dog-whistled first" a real answer? Not the first time I have seen shitty things excused bettyellen Aug 2015 #144

Not only that but the crocodile tears about "racist dog whistles" before deploying one himself Number23 Aug 2015 #168

that's not a Sanders' campaign issue AtomicKitten Aug 2015 #171

It's a real issue when people think "O-Tay" is a funny response. bettyellen Aug 2015 #186

He apologized. AtomicKitten Aug 2015 #204

People here (and everywhere) saying stupid shit like "O-tay" it ain't manufactured or a meme. bettyellen Aug 2015 #218

I didn't say THAT is the meme. I re-read what I wrote and what I wrote is clear. AtomicKitten Aug 2015 #221

I feel the same way when Hillary takes big money to assure the bankers that we are meanies to djean111 Aug 2015 #6

I see the OM HRC camps are annoyed at being out flanked. aikoaiko Aug 2015 #7

I'm not in the 'Hillary camp' bigtree Aug 2015 #15

Notice the OM which is your camp aikoaiko Aug 2015 #18

this is outflanking? bigtree Aug 2015 #21

He wants to serve all Americans. aikoaiko Aug 2015 #29

The nerve of him, wanting to convince people that don't agree, to agree arcane1 Aug 2015 #34

I don't agree that he's surrendering his values. cyberswede Aug 2015 #70

Don't throw me into that briar patch. DemocratSinceBirth Aug 2015 #35

What's he running for again? President of Everyone Left of Center? DisgustipatedinCA Aug 2015 #8

Maybe he should have chosen Saddleback n/t whatchamacallit Aug 2015 #13

You gotta LOVE the flaming hypocrites in this thread who were Puglover Aug 2015 #212

Yup whatchamacallit Aug 2015 #213

Unrecommended. Ron Green Aug 2015 #16

I'm glad you noticed this, too ... 1StrongBlackMan Aug 2015 #23

Yeah whatchamacallit Aug 2015 #26

Whoa there, big horse. Maedhros Aug 2015 #24

nice try bigtree Aug 2015 #27

It's not racist or bigoted to speak at Liberty University, either. Maedhros Aug 2015 #66

there is no 'race card' bigtree Aug 2015 #72

Saying that Sanders is making "it's a blatant bid for the votes of racists and bigots" Maedhros Aug 2015 #89

again, there is no race card. It's a deflection used to dismiss discussion of race issues bigtree Aug 2015 #94

I try to give you the benefit of the doubt, but I really can't. Maedhros Aug 2015 #96

ha! bigtree Aug 2015 #97

Jury results EvolveOrConvolve Aug 2015 #117

Oh shit....That's why I get a luukewarn feeling about O'Malley Armstead Aug 2015 #106

And this is why we will always be a split country yeoman6987 Aug 2015 #28

this supposes there's some validity in the religious zealots' bigotry bigtree Aug 2015 #79

I guess yeoman6987 Aug 2015 #113

Any self-respecting candidate would be charging $3,000 to hear him speak! n/t arcane1 Aug 2015 #31

Nah! I say go for it Bernie! Adrahil Aug 2015 #33

+1 DemocratSinceBirth Aug 2015 #38

+2 840high Aug 2015 #108

But you were OK with the president appearing on Fox Doctor_J Aug 2015 #36

lying about me being 'OK with the president appearing on Fox' bigtree Aug 2015 #53

There's a lot of stink coming off this OP. Comrade Grumpy Aug 2015 #42

well, take it all in bigtree Aug 2015 #57

"indefensible political act" - speaking to American college students? cyberswede Aug 2015 #73

I think it's a great idea. Maybe we can convert some of them. We have to try. Cheese Sandwich Aug 2015 #47

....! KoKo Aug 2015 #99

I really can't believe so many are having a hard time deciding why Bernie is speaking to Liberty Thinkingabout Aug 2015 #48

He's already HAD the largest audience among 2016 candidates. senz Aug 2015 #71

Bernie does not have the largest audience of the candidates, he is hoping to get the largest of the Thinkingabout Aug 2015 #74

"Bernie Sanders Continues to Draw the Biggest Crowds of Any 2016 Candidate" senz Aug 2015 #81

Where's the concern stemming from really? Juicy_Bellows Aug 2015 #52

Jesus reached out to the sinners. (if u believe all that stuff). was he wrong for that? Preaching to msongs Aug 2015 #61

...! KoKo Aug 2015 #101

Bernie has made it clear senz Aug 2015 #67

He's running for President for all Americans The empressof all Aug 2015 #78

Wrong. Sanders is NOT going there to "preach to the choir". He is going there to explain to them still_one Aug 2015 #80

talk about scrapping the bottom of the barrel.... mike_c Aug 2015 #84

Can't agree with this - KT2000 Aug 2015 #85

Yep, he's going right into the bubble with Truth, some may have never heard before. arcane1 Aug 2015 #105

How has freezing them out been working for ya? Qutzupalotl Aug 2015 #90

nice try tk2kewl Aug 2015 #93

well, he clearly doesn't oppose appealing for votes of students bigtree Aug 2015 #95

The nerve of him, trying to get misguided youth to see things more clearly. arcane1 Aug 2015 #100

People have been converted when hearing a message of CHARITY for THE PEOPLE... KoKo Aug 2015 #102

Both Bernie and the university are unabashedly on the record with opposing views on these issues tk2kewl Aug 2015 #110

the op is an opinion bigtree Aug 2015 #114

you know better tk2kewl Aug 2015 #174

just speaking there is giving validation to this group bigtree Aug 2015 #182

i disagree... tk2kewl Aug 2015 #185

The O'Malley speaking at the Third Way think tank TM99 Aug 2015 #192

Oh no, Sanders is trying to change the minds of people he disagrees with. Vattel Aug 2015 #103

Imagine that - horrible man 840high Aug 2015 #109

in other words bigtree Aug 2015 #111

He said why he was going. Why not take him at his word? Vattel Aug 2015 #116

I'm in favor of leaving the religious extremists out of the equation bigtree Aug 2015 #121

He's talking to people, trying to change their minds. Vattel Aug 2015 #128

and from where I sit bigtree Aug 2015 #138

I don't know what you mean by Vattel Aug 2015 #139

well, give it some thought bigtree Aug 2015 #141

Your cynical, negative view... ms liberty Aug 2015 #133

nicely stated Vattel Aug 2015 #142

Disagree with the OP HerbChestnut Aug 2015 #112

Can you wait until you hear what he has to say Motown_Johnny Aug 2015 #115

Some think they should shape their message for a narrow segment of the population. LWolf Aug 2015 #118

Nothing redeeming about Hillary's bigoted fundamentalist ties. Cosmic Kitten Aug 2015 #119

your response meter is stuck on 'Hillary' bigtree Aug 2015 #124

This is so sad. beam me up scottie Aug 2015 #122

you really think putting those words in my mouth is a defense against this appearance? bigtree Aug 2015 #125

Your screed about how Sanders betrayed us is all you: beam me up scottie Aug 2015 #127

it's like you believe I appeared on this earth just in time for this campaign bigtree Aug 2015 #134

I don't know jack about you and thanks to this op I don't ever want to find out more. beam me up scottie Aug 2015 #137

yeah, I'm shocked to find folks who haven't given an inch to ANY criticism of Sanders bigtree Aug 2015 #140

Au contraire, mon cher Turbineguy Aug 2015 #126

That's so very wrong. Bernie is going into the lion's den to convert the heathens. nt Zorra Aug 2015 #130

hmmm nadinbrzezinski Aug 2015 #131

Kennedy received a membership in the university, mistakenly mailed to him bigtree Aug 2015 #148

The point is that every candidate should be reaching nadinbrzezinski Aug 2015 #151

What next, a campaign rally before a mandatory audience at NRA HQ? No Democratic candidate Fred Sanders Aug 2015 #132

Ted Kennedy did. beam me up scottie Aug 2015 #135

Reaching back 60 years is the best defence I have seen yet. And that reminds me that these are the "Christians" that Fred Sanders Aug 2015 #145

He spoke there in 1983. Has it been 60 years already? beam me up scottie Aug 2015 #146

32 years ago makes your strawmen more erect? Going into the viper's den for what, is the issue. Fred Sanders Aug 2015 #149

I think the issue now is your credibility, Fred. beam me up scottie Aug 2015 #158

Show me your OP railing against Donnie 'gays kill children' McClurkin, surrogate to Obama 08 Bluenorthwest Aug 2015 #136

show me one post of mine 'berating' anyone for objecting bigtree Aug 2015 #143

Show me your OP treating that candidate to these high drama standards first, I asked first. Bluenorthwest Aug 2015 #157

what a bullshit standard bigtree Aug 2015 #165

Here sheshe2 Aug 2015 #153

you might imagine that you know the minds and hearts of the students there virtualobserver Aug 2015 #154

So many times we have been told Obama is the President of all the citizens of Autumn Aug 2015 #159

there's not one criticism of your candidate bigtree Aug 2015 #166

Sorry, your entire premise is false and a smear. TM99 Aug 2015 #169

No one said they were children, they are grown college students. Autumn Aug 2015 #175

Don't forget that O'Malley TM99 Aug 2015 #177

You won't get an answer to that. It's fine for O'Malley, Obama or Hillary to do anything Autumn Aug 2015 #179

O'MG! He spoke to a think tank! bigtree Aug 2015 #181

Both Obama and Hillary appeared on the 700 Club in 2008. ieoeja Aug 2015 #184

Your hypocrisy is on proud display. TM99 Aug 2015 #191

I spoke to a Girl Scout troop once about Engineering Careers, did that make me a Girl Scout? FSogol Aug 2015 #183

Way to miss the point. TM99 Aug 2015 #189

I didn't comment on Sanders, who can do whatever he wants, I commented on FSogol Aug 2015 #198

I have not smeared O'Malley. TM99 Aug 2015 #222

News flash: There are voters across the United States... MrMickeysMom Aug 2015 #160

I'm betting that he calls them out AnnieBW Aug 2015 #162

Even though I know Sanders supporters would.... NCTraveler Aug 2015 #170

I don't recall anybody trashing Hillary or Obama for their 700 Club appearances in 2008? ieoeja Aug 2015 #202

I'd do it and I'd throttle them with my Jesus. Probably not Sanders' exact tact but I bet it comes TheKentuckian Aug 2015 #172

Calling BS. 1. Va has open primaries 2. The Liberty network spreads far and wide underpants Aug 2015 #176

Do you suggest Bernie fredamae Aug 2015 #178

Hogwash. He was invited to speak there, and accepted. HooptieWagon Aug 2015 #180

Some people just want Bernie silenced AgingAmerican Aug 2015 #201