Richard Painter tweets about Bernie, Clinton, and Putin...

[progressoid]

Link to tweet

There is way too much invective on line against Bernie by people saying he was not a “real Democrat” (whatever that means). Bernie and Clinton were both good candidates. Trump was an awful candidate. But Putin chose Trump. And people blame Bernie? Putin is laughing ....

and under the bus goes Richard Painter.

[tazkcmo]

1. Circular Firing Squad

Ready, aim, fire!

[ollie10]

5. More like Fire! Aim! Ready!

[jodymarie aimee]

3. a million times

YES...Painter is one brilliant fellow.

[rainin]

4. Painter must be reading DU. I've stopped opening Bernie threads

because it's so discouraging to see how many tribal dems we have. How is tribalism a winning strategy?

[brush]

8. Ahhh...who is the one always bashing the party?

As recently as last week.

[Kentonio]

19. What depressed me even more is that every one gets 100+ replies

[Lil Missy]

7. It's plausible Bernie could be a good candidate. We just don't need TWO at the same time!

It splits the vote - to mention the obvious,

[StrictlyRockers]

14. I totally agree.

Splitting the party is no way to win. Almost half the people who voted for a leftist candidate in 2016 voted for Bernie. It's like people are determined to lose again by alienating half the party. You really want to force 13 million voters to look elsewhere because you can't let go of your vitriol? Great job being a divisive splitter who is determined to lose again.

I'm only willing to support Bernie if it's clear that he has a very good shot at winning. I'm looking for a winner this time. If it's Bernie, so be it. I like his policies, and so does about half the Democratic party. Stop trying to alienate us and send us elsewhere if you want to win. Think strategically.

Like a lot of Bernie supporters, I'm not married to him, I just want us to win in two years, and he might be our best shot, like it or not. I'm going to wait to see how things pan out, and I am going to jump on the bandwagon of the strongest candidate, the one who I think has the best chance of winning, and then I am going to go super hard getting out the vote and volunteering for that candidate, whomever she or he might be.

[LisaM]

36. I think Bernie's whole purpose was to split the party.

The strategy seems to have succeeded beyond his wildest dreams.

[R B Garr]

41. +1000, nt

[NurseJackie]

53. You and I think alike.

[al bupp]

57. I am a Vermonter, and have sat in the same room as the man for several hours...

and I respectfully disagree. I think he ran on principle, and has remarkably democratic and progressive ideals.

[LisaM]

70. So you don't think the Democrats have principles, and progressive ideals?

I respectfully disagree with that.

[al bupp]

75. I never said that

I made an affirmative comment about Bernie, any sort of comment about Democrats in general or the Democratic Party. Your suggestion, ma'am, is yours not mine.

[LisaM]

84. You certainly implied it! I think he wants to disrupt the Democratic party.

Your comment was that you disagreed and that after meeting him you think that he has principles and is progressive. If you think the Democratic party does (which I do), then it's obviously a good fit for him. He chooses not to join. Based on what? His principles? His progressivism? The perceived lack of either or both in the Democratic party?

Have it one way or the other, but not both. I think he's a carpet bagger, and I think he would rather be known for splintering the Democrats than anything else. If that was his plan, it's been remarkably successful.

I am, and always have been, a very proud DEMOCRAT.

[al bupp]

103. You are drawing implications, ma'am, that I did not intend

I think he chooses to remain officially independent because it suits his temperament, background and Vermont politics (where even the Republican governor has to hew pretty far to the left). I think the plain facts of his voting record and that he caucuses w/ Democrats (and is the current Ranking Budget Member) shows that the official affiliation is fairly irrelevant to his practical affiliation.

I think he ran in order to urge the party more towards the progressive end of the political spectrum. To the degree that a split happened, and I very it has been largely over-hyped, and to continue to insist upon on it simply adds to it.

I want to affirm here, that while I did vote for Bernie in the primary, I was an enthusiastic Hillary supporter in the general, and urged everyone I knew to do so as well (which the vast majority did, but at some cost, sadly, to a few relationships). From where I sit, the Bernie voters who were most reluctant to do so, had never been registered Democrats, but rather also unaffiliated, progressive (even radical) independents, not likely to vote for Hillary regardless of whether or not Bernie had ever challenged her for the nomination.

I suggest that the best way to move forward is support the most pragmatic and progressive Democratic candidates possible. I think the evidence is that the US has broad-based public support for progressive ideals, such as equal rights, woman's rights, LGBT rights, health care, policing & prison reform, to name just few.

These are my opinions, and I respect yours, as well. Perhaps we will have to agree to disagree, hopefully, and in the name of unity, amicably, on some things which are probably of much less importance then the huge task in front of us of electing, at all levels of government, as many principled Democrats (and, if appropriate, like here in Vermont, democratic independents) as possible this fall.

[LisaM]

107. I think the party IS progressive. I think the platform was VERY progressive.

I'm tired of its being implied that I, and the Democrats, are not. Stop. Just. Stop.

[al bupp]

119. Agreed, and the platform was written in collaboration w/ Sanders' delegation, was it not?

IMO, the party has clearly not always been progressive enough. Certainly, the party can stand some criticism. That is the point discussion groups such as DU, and the primaries, where the case can made for where and why some principles & policies could and should be improved. If it's done respectfully, what is wrong w/ that?

[Sophia4]

142. Bernie is a policy wonk. He loves to chat with informed people about policy.

He is a great asset to Democrats. He has simply always run as an Independent, and in his 70s, why should he change now? I am a life-long Democrat and consider that Bernie is as much of a Democrat as I am.

The strange thing is that Democrats nominated a now non-Democrat, Lieberman for the vice presidency. He left the party. People change. The name of the party you say you belong to is rather meaningless. What you think and believe, your values are what matter to me. And I am a life-long, active Democrat.

When I table or canvass or call voters, I try to find points of agreement and make the encounter as positive as I can. I consider myself to be representing the candidate. I certainly would not stand at a table and make ugly faces when Republicans walk up to me. I familiarize myself with the issues so that I can politely and gently point out the flaws in their thinking to them. I have done a lot of this. Democrat love me; Republicans respect me and are friendly.

There is no point in arguing with someone who has made up their mind. You don't change minds very often by arguing. You change minds by pointing out that the person you are talking to really, underneath it all, agrees with you. That's how you win voters over.

[al bupp]

143. Well put and much agreed

I would like to add that the time I spent w/ Bernie was a round-table event he held w/ a group of high-school students that had been selected based on essays they had submitted on their topics of interest, of which my son was one.

It was a remarkable couple hours of discussion, where the students took turns discussing their essays and opinion on subjects from gun control to the economy, social justice and the death penalty. They did almost all the talking, and had a lively back & forth. It being Vermont, and Bernie sponsored contest, as you can imagine, the view points expressed were decidedly progressive. Nevertheless, it was heartening to hear such sentiments expressed by so many young adults.

I will add that there was practically zero grandstanding by Bernie, and I was very impressed by his demeanor and genuineness. I think we are lucky to have such a strong voice for progressive values, Democrat or not.

[JCanete]

88. no, that was not implied at all. Where was that implied? The post was contrasting principles to

your own characterization of Sanders, not to the democratic party. What is going on?

[LisaM]

98. I think Sanders has the goal of splintering the Democrats. Witness this very thread.

The person who disagreed with me (I'm getting a little ganged up on here, so can't remember who it was and I'm not going to go back and look) disagreed, citing as evidence that he once met Bernie Sanders for several hours and finds him to be progressive and a man of principles.

We all agree that Bernie refuses to join the Democratic party, a party that I consider progressive and principled.

So, in my opinion, a high profile person like Bernie who refuses to join the Democratic party either 1) thinks that the party is not progressive and/or lacks principle or 2) is choosing to splinter it. I don't think you can have it both ways. Either he's with us or against us I think he's poisoning the Democrats at this point. I have nothing else to add to this discussion. I am very proud to be a Democratic. I'm not going to be ashamed of my party any longer.

[JCanete]

101. with us or against us is a Bushism. I totally disagree with you that the world is as black and white

as that, or more importantly, that your version of with us, is my version of with us. With us, to my mind, is not painting a rosy untrue picture. I can still disagree with Sanders on points, and appreciate that he isn't just spewing contradictory propaganda about Republicans taking money but somehow democrats taking money are immune to its poison.

He hasn't splintered anything, so I find your assessment on top of it all to make little sense. I'll repeat, his voters voted for Clinton, at the same rate that Clinton voters voted for Obama. So where is your proof of splintering? What can you point to? Why hold onto this and continue to repeat it if you don't have anything to back it up?

[LisaM]

104. He has splintered the Democratic party and I am very capable of nuance, thank you.

Give me one good reason why Bernie won't join the Democrats?

I'm pointing to this very thread, and also, I can point to the convention, where his nasty supporters planted poison pills the whole week.

This is ridiculous. Every day I open up Democratic Underground, and a huge percentage of the threads I see start out "Bernie this and Bernie that".

If you think that the Democrats are progressive and principled (I do), and if you think that reflects Bernie Sanders' values, then why won't he join the very party whose nomination he sought?

[JCanete]

114. I get that you can point anectodatly to things as if that has greater significance. Some people were

pissed at the convention. It was overblown because of course the democratic establishment was going to be resistant to Sanders over Clinton, as a matter of preference, and that just went with the territory, but some people were surprised and upset. I can understand that. But you can't make a case for this having a negative impact on Clinton's candidacy going into the GE because these were Sanders supporters yes? And Sanders supporters voted how in the GE? What percentage turned out for Clinton? Why, the very percentage of Clinton voters who turned out for Obama. So the bitter hold-outs were the same percentage of bitter hold-outs who refused to vote for the first black president because Clinton was denied, and no more.

I think the democratic party has made some mistakes of direction. I think that its impossible to say what you're saying about an organization as large as the democratic party, because the party is made up of a whole lot of individuals. I feel differently about different democrats, as I'm sure you do. I myself identify as a democrat. It represents the most viable option that approximates my values. I'm pragmatic so I'd rather add my votes to steering this ship more progressively, which by the way, in my opinion, is the job of anybody who actually cares about the Democratic party...not simply saying its good and the bestest of the bestest but voting in a way that continues to keep it good. It is and will only be as good as we voters make it.





Yeah, I could back off of Sanders threads too if there weren't so much bullshit being flung around.

[R B Garr]

163. LisaM, you make excellent points and they are backed up by

simply watching or reading any variety or combination of media, print or otherwise. There are numerous indictments from Mueller about Trump and Bernie being helped by Putin to harm Hillary. The divisiveness that both male opponents had towards Hillary is why Sanders campaign was targeted for exploitation by the Russians.

Those are the facts, and for anyone to ask where you are getting info is just a tactic to quiet you. What you are talking about is all over the news.

[cannabis_flower]

175. I think the difference

is that Trump welcomed, encouraged, and solicited Putin's help. I don't believe Sanders did.

[R B Garr]

182. The divisiveness of both men towards her is what

attracted the help. Not if anyone knew or not, although were finding out lots of info. Still curious to hear about Tad Devine, who has Manafort connections.

[Greybnk48]

110. Agree al bupp. His vilification is absurd

for anyone who knows his history.

[JCanete]

87. yes and the evidence is right there for all to see...except for the fact that Sanders voters voted

for Clinton....so maybe everybody took his endorsement of her too seriously? That whole argument is wacky.

[MrPool]

112. Where you in the voting booth with him??

How do you know he voted for her he seems to love Trumps voters tho.

[JCanete]

115. that is a weird ass comment that first, has nothing at all to do with what I just said, but second,

is just clearly bullshit pulled out of your ass.

[MrPool]

121. You said he voted for her how do you know he did

with his petulant behavior.Saying she is unqualified for the job?

[JCanete]

124. I didn't say he voted for her. I said his voters voted for her, and that he endorsed her. She

Sanders statement about clinton was a retort related to Clinton's unwillingness to say that Sanders was qualified in an interview, which I believe he backpedaled on. Oh, the horror.

[MrPool]

129. Actually a fair point. the Horror is Tad Devine

and his missing Taxes. But I digress.

[aikoaiko]

96. If you believe that you have to ask why he didn't bail on the primary and run 3rd party.

Had he done so in April, Bernie would have easily acquired the needed signatures in all 50 states.

But he didn't because he still wanted Democrats to win.

Running third party would have cleaved the party.

[LisaM]

100. No, because then he couldn't have disrupted the convention.

I'll never forget the image of him sitting there glowering with his angry wife beside him and his followers with TPP taped across their mouths.

They couldn't have done that without being delegates to the Democratic National Convention. They were disgraceful as such.

It should have been one of the most joyous occasions of our lifetime, a progressive woman as our candidate! But instead, we were subjected to endless images of angry delegates (probably mostly from caucuses, and most likely not dues-paying Democrats) fomenting dissent and picketing the news anchors when they were breaking down the events of each day. Did you see Republican delegates doing that? Nope.

[aikoaiko]

135. Splitting the party with a glower -- thats some serious Jedi mind trick stuff. Obi-wan Bernie.

Protests at conventions are totally normal.

Boos at conventions at totally normal.

And yes the Republicans booed speakers at the convention -- did you watch it?

[tblue37]

145. When he speaks, Bernie's face is animated, but when at rest, it looks like a lot of old people's

faces, pulled down by age and gravity. I am not a nasty person, but if I am not speaking of making a conscious effort to avoid it, my 67-year-old face tends to make me look like a disapproving schoolmarm. Surely you've heard of RBF*. I have one, and I think Bernie does, too.

*
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=natural+resting+bitch+face&&view=detail&mid=0C9A0885F4F8A36EA75E0C9A0885F4F8A36EA75E&&FORM=VRDGAR

(Also called BRF)

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=natural+resting+bitch+face&&view=detail&mid=B9C74BF67737BA037EF7B9C74BF67737BA037EF7&&FORM=VRDGAR

[Sophia4]

141. Do you listen to his podcasts and speeches?

He mostly talks about the issues.

Young people like him a lot.

My neighborhood was the strongest pro-Bernie area in the country I heard.

I don't think his purpose was to split any party. I think he wanted to talk about ideas and policies. I think that is what he even now most interested in.

He campaigned strongly for Hillary once she had the nomination.

If the Democratic Party were perfect and extremely appealing to a high enough percentage of voters, especially in the crucial Midwestern swing states, Hillary would have won.

Since the weakening of the union movement and the horrendous amounts of money flowing into Republican coffers, it is so hard for Democrats to win. We need to be as united as possible. That means we have to forgive and forget.

I'm 75. I've been a Democrat all my life, and I have volunteered for many campaigns. This is the time to unite, not to criticize each other for what we perceive to be past mistakes. The past is gone. As Obama said, we have to move forward.

[shanny]

58. Hmmm. Maybe that's why we have primaries...

or did Bernie run in the general? I must have missed it.

[Lil Missy]

85. Bernie ran as third wheel during the Primary, and after it was clear he wouldn't win, sucking

the support away from the DEMORATIC candidate.

[shanny]

97. a third wheel? lol

Bernie came from a 60-point deficit, no name recognition and no money to garner 45% of the DEMOCRATIC primary vote. If you want the definition of a third wheel, look at Jim Webb.

Deal with it.

[Lil Missy]

116. And he lost.

Nuff said

[shanny]

125. yes he did

how dare anyone run for office in a democracy! the effrontery!

one thing: he didn't lose to tRump

[DownriverDem]

174. One more time

Bernie is not a member of the Democratic Party. That is why his supporters attacked Hillary big time. Think about it. There was more than one reason why Hillary lost and Bernie's supporters was one of them. Join the Dem Party Bernie or you will hurt the country.

[shanny]

177. one more time

Fewer Bernie voters deserted Hillary (10-ish%) than Hillary voters went for McCain in 2008 (25-ish%) (look it up). Yet Obama won in a landslide and Hillary, despite her popular vote total, did not.

Obama's race wasn't close enough to steal, Hillary's was. Why was that? Think about it; I'm sure you can figure it out.

[awesomerwb1]

9. "Interesting"

He's been posting stuff mildly to more critical of Dems for a while now.

There is absolutely no reason that he couldn't run as a Republican which not that long ago he was boasting he was.

I like to watch Richard on TV, I follow him on Twitter, and his criticism of cheeto and those around him is great to have from someone like him (GWB lawyer (disgusting)). But I am and always will be suspicious of people who suddenly become Dems to run for office.

If Painter were to win the seat, do you guys really think he'll vote like a liberal/progressive? Not me.

[StrictlyRockers]

16. This is not true. Bernie has never claimed to be a Republican.

Please stop lying to try to split up the party and trying to get another Republican to win again.

[awesomerwb1]

18. Goodness

I don't see how it's possible anyone would think I was talking about Bernie??? WTH

The entire post was about Richard Painter. Wow.

[dameatball]

24. I got it and I can misunderstand almost anything.

[awesomerwb1]

33. Hahah Thank you.

[dameatball]

40. The threads on DU move fairly quickly and it is easy to miss something.

[StrictlyRockers]

45. Yeah, my bad.

I totally misread that. Mea culpa.

[Cha]

73. I got it, too!

[StrictlyRockers]

93. Obviously you are way smarter than I am.

today

[Blue_true]

149. That was not a jumping the tracks, that was an airborning of the tracks.

I understood exactly who you meant.

[Cha]

72. Good Grief! Awesome's post was about Richard Painter!

Not BS.

[StrictlyRockers]

154. Thank you for pointing this out.

n/t

[Blue_true]

148. He was writing about Painter. nt

[pazzyanne]

27. And that is why this Minnesotan is not thrilled to have him running in

our election. He is not and will never be a Democrat, but he is more than willing to run as one to syphon off DFL votes to put a Republican in office. As I have said before, Minnesota is actually a purple state right now and this is how we could cross the line into red territory. If that happens, I am willing to lay the blame on those who torpedoed Al Franken. It is also of note that the National Republican Party is pipelining major money into our election this year. They know that enough money could swing the elections to them.

[geardaddy]

76. This Minnesotan either.

He will split the vote in my opinion.

[Blue_true]

151. I am not from Minnesota.

Exactly HOW will he split the vote? Doesn't he have to compete in a primary. Is the primary a top two jungle primary.

If he has to participate in a party primary, he splits nothing unless he loses and goes sour grapes.

[geardaddy]

178. You're probably right.

I just think that he doesn't really represent the DFL very well.

[Blue_true]

183. I don't disagree with your conclusion. Frankly Smith is a much better choice for democrats. nt

[Cha]

89. Al Franken on Tina Smith..

Link to tweet

pazzy

[oasis]

92. Al Franken's word is good enough for me.

Thanks Cha, for the reminder.

[Cha]

95. YES, Al Franken Endorses Tina Smith.. NOT Painter..

oasis

[pazzyanne]

120. Thank you, Cha!

I am praying that Tina comes out the winner in the primary. I know she will do a good job for Minnesota given the chance.

[Cha]

134. Sending my BEST WINNING VIBES for Tina Smith

in Minnesota!

[pazzyanne]

137. Minnesota and I thank you for the positive vibes.

We will keep fighting hard.

[True Blue American]

71. Painter is very articulate but we already have a Senator

That replaced Franken. But he is no more a Democrat that’s Bernie is.

Tina Smith
Amy Klobucher

minnesota senators 2017

[Blue_true]

147. I am suspicious of him also.

The person in Franken's old seat is a very solid progressive, I hope Minnesota democrats stick by her.

[oasis]

10. Sly way of winning over the Bernie crowd for his Minnesota senate bid.

Gotta hand it to him.

[awesomerwb1]

30. I agree. Great point.

[Cha]

74. No not obvious at all.

[MuseRider]

11. This continues to support everything

I have seen up to this point and I don't expect it to change, all the Bernie hatred and all the vitriol about him and what he says is right here. I have never heard a person in my real life say the things I see here. I know people who don't like him but they don't hate him with all the fire of the sun, they actually like him for the most part. Even my friends who worked tirelessly for Hillary who sat on the opposite side from me during the caucus that Bernie won do not hate him, they just liked and wanted her.

The derangement is here or maybe out among the DUers and their friends IRL. Certainly not enough to matter. He gets a lot of support from other D's and Obama is talking to him included in the Dems possibly running.

I do hope he does not run himself. We need youth and females. YMMV

[karin_sj]

25. Yes!

The Bernie hatred is way over the top and serves only to, once again, divide Democrats instead of uniting them. Interesting how this discord and derision is happening yet again in the months before an extremely important election.

[R B Garr]

48. Bernie said he would not endorse MY California Senator,

Feinstein. There is no excuse or reason for him to malign California politicians.

No need to cast aspersions and suspicions other than where the divisiveness is coming from. We know from the Mueller investigations that Bernie was helped to harm Hillary (Democrat).

[NurseJackie]

56. Well that's just insane.

48. Bernie said he would not endorse MY California Senator,
Feinstein. There is no excuse or reason for him to malign California politicians.

Well that's just insane.

No need to cast aspersions and suspicions other than where the divisiveness is coming from.

It's completely obvious to rational and mature individuals.

[R B Garr]

64. Yes, it is insane, NJ. Luckily the turn-about efforts are

very obvious. No need to malign yet more Democrats when we know where the divisiveness comes from.

[NurseJackie]

65. Smearing and maligning Democrats benefits only ONE party and ONE other individual.

...we know where the divisiveness comes from.

Smearing and maligning Democrats benefits only ONE party and ONE other individual. And, for obvious reasons that's all I'm going to say about that.

[R B Garr]

78. Yes!

[LanternWaste]

63. It's only constructive criticism when applied to any but Sanders.

It's only constructive criticism when applied to any but Sanders. When applied to our sacred cows however, it becomes hatred and vitriol, and evidence of derangement.

Every. Single. Time.

[MuseRider]

81. That is not what I said and I do not feel that way.

I was relating experience not an emotional response.

Anytime anyone disagrees is a time to learn but it always instantly becomes a total freak out on this site. Be it Bernie, Hillary, Obama and my god remember the Deanies and the arguments around his campaign? It never fails.

Say what you want about Bernie, I no longer care about those who react with vitriol nor do I care that there are people that hate him. I might come in to try to say something but I cannot stop insane amounts of hatred because we LOVE our candidates rather than like the way they want to govern. There is no way on this site to talk about a different candidate or to try to talk issues without being batted around by the mob. It goes on with all of them and it is stupid, emotional bullshit. I used to do that too but finally at my ripe older age do not care to fight with people who are "in love" (I actually read a post here one day where someone said, "I remember the very day I fell in love with Hillary&quot but I am totally certain it happens with all candidates by a certain type of person.

It makes this website unusable when hoping to create a party that serves us all. Good place for news though.

[kcr]

12. What bus?

The Republicans who only just switched to Dem to run bus? I was never on that bus, to begin with, so why should I care? A sane Republican isn't the same thing as a Dem. But I can't say I'm all that surprised by the overlap of Painter/Bernie fans.

[progressoid]

15. Right.

But there are a lot of people here who ride that fickle bus, "the enemy of my enemy is my friend until he becomes the enemy of my friend then he's my enemy again."

[kcr]

17. Yes and it's stupid.

People who do that are easy to manipulate. Richard Painter clearly understands that.

[Little Star]

13. I like Bernie just fine but I'm a Dem and I only vote for a Dem......

To each their own.

[Me.]

20. Seems To Me Painter Is Trying To Make A Case

for non Dems running as Dems

[pnwmom]

23. Painter has officially joined the Democratic party, unlike some people. n/t

[pazzyanne]

35. And that is a smokescreen based on what is happening

in Minnesota politics right now. This blue state is fighting for its very survival as a blue state, and we don't need Richard Painter playing the system.

[Me.]

86. Yes there Is That Too

[geardaddy]

184. +1 million

[Me.]

42. I Like Mr. Painter

and appreciate his anti-Comrade Trump crusade, his support for Franken from the get-go and his former position as W's ethics officer for it backs up his outrage at the current admin. But he still holds conservative views on a number of policies I believe after hearing him speak on various shows. In addition, I'm not forgetting that others have joined the DEm party for convenience and then backed out after there was no longer any advantage to be had.

[Cha]

77. And, making it poorly..

Me

[Me.]

108. Howdy

read this thread from the bottom up and see you putting up good points and I so agree with you.

[Cha]

111. Mahalo, Me.. Going deeper than

just Richard Painter's thoughtless tweet byte.

[Me.]

118. You Go Girl

[democrank]

21. K & R

I just glanced under the bus to see if Richard Painter was there yet

[bluedigger]

22. Don't know who Painter is, but we agree on this.

[klook]

26. Painter is a a Univ. of Minn. law professor who works with CREW

(Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington ) as Vice Chair and was instrumental in filing an Emolument Clause lawsuit against Donald Trump in January 2017.

Per Wikipedia, "CREW alleges that certain foreign payments that Trump receives are in violation of the U.S. Constitution's emoluments clause. The case was dismissed by the district court, which found that the plaintiffs lacked standing; CREW's appeal is pending in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit."

Said Painter at the time of the CREW lawsuit: "If Obama had tried that, we would have impeached him in two weeks."

From the Wikipedia article about him:

Painter was a longtime Republican, saying in 2017: "I've been a Republican for 30 years. There's no way that I would want to see the Republican Party stand up for covering up for Russian espionage and whoever in the United States has been helping the Russians. It's going to be a disaster for the Republicans. It's going to be a disaster for our country." In criticizing Trump and his administration, Painter said "We are well past the point where we were in 1973 (Watergate) with respect to clear evidence of abuse of power, obstruction of justice, and other illegal activities."

In March 2018, he announced that he was forming an exploratory committee to run for U.S. Senate in Minnesota, saying he was unsure whether he would seek office as a Republican, Democrat, or independent. In April 2018, Painter announced that he would run as a Democratic (Minnesota DFL) candidate for the U.S. Senate in the primary against Tina Smith.

[Uncle Joe]

31. Here you go bluedigger, a little more background info.

Richard William Painter[1] (born October 3, 1961) is an American lawyer, professor, and political candidate. Often seen as a commentator on MSNBC and CNN, Painter has been an outspoken critic of unethical behavior in Washington, DC. He is the S. Walter Richey Professor of Corporate Law at the University of Minnesota, and since 2016 has served as vice-chair of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), a bipartisan government ethics watchdog group.[2]

Painter is an expert in the areas of business, corporate, and government ethics.[3] From 2005 to 2007 he was the chief White House ethics lawyer in the George W. Bush administration. He is an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump.[4][5] Throughout 2017, he was involved in the CREW lawsuit against Trump, CREW v. Trump.

A longtime Republican, in 2018 Painter launched a campaign as a Democrat for the U.S. Senate in Minnesota, challenging recently appointed Senator Tina Smith in the DFL primary.[4]

(snip)

In January 2017, CREW filed suit against President Donald Trump for failing to sell off certain assets and place others in a blind trust, as all presidents have done for over 40 years.[18] Painter, vice-chairman of CREW, stated, "If Obama had tried that, we would have impeached him in two weeks."[18] CREW alleges that certain foreign payments that Trump receives are in violation of the U.S. Constitution's emoluments clause.[19] The case was dismissed by the district court, which found that the plaintiffs lacked standing;[20][21] CREW's appeal is pending in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.[22]

(snip)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Painter

[pazzyanne]

43. To simplify that, he is running for Al Franken's old seat

that wasn't suppose to be up for election this year. Richard Painter is NOT a representative for Democrats, no matter that he is now registered as a DFL member. He is a fox in sheep's clothing in the flock. Just my opinion.

[Uncle Joe]

51. Why do you believe that pazzyanne?

Is your opinion that he's a "fox in sheep's clothing in the flock" based on tangible evidence or is it more a gut or emotional feeling?

[pazzyanne]

123. This Minnesotan is not thrilled to have Painter running in

our election. He is not and will never be a Democrat, but he is more than willing to run as one to syphon off DFL votes to put a Republican (Painter) in office. Painter is not a fan of trump, but he has been a republican for over 30 years. As I have said before, Minnesota is actually a purple state right now and this is how we could cross the line into red territory. If that happens, I am willing to lay the blame on those who torpedoed Al Franken. It is also of note that the National Republican Party is pipelining major money into our election this year. They know that enough money could swing the elections to them

[pazzyanne]

126. Addendum: I am very aware of Painter and who

he has been for over 30 years. He has not changed his spots, he is only camouflaging who he is. If elected, he will be voting the republican agenda.

[Renew Deal]

28. Bernie worked against Hillary and to Trump/Russia's benefit long after his campaign was unviable

He created cover for republicans and Russians to interfere with the Democratic base.

[MrsCoffee]

37. Agree.

Nothing he has done since then, including voting against Russian sanctions, has made me believe otherwise.

[jodymarie aimee]

39. you sound like you are on FOX...

where is your proof? Of course Bernie was HRC's opponent...you do understand a primary, don't you?

[pazzyanne]

47. We in Minnesota are fighting the fight to keep Minnesota blue.

Richard Painter will not help us do that. As for proof, read the explanations of who Richard Painter is/ has been for 30 years as other posters have posted on this thread. And yes, I do know Richard Painter and do not believe for a moment that he will represent Minnesota as a Democrat (DFL).

[jodymarie aimee]

79. try living here in WI

I'd genuflect to Painter over Walker any day. Right now we have over 10 DEMS running against him...nuts....

[pazzyanne]

117. You can have Painter.

I'll even gift wrap him for you.

[Renew Deal]

49. Trump/Russia/Republicans benefited by Bernie dragging out the primary

They used it as a wedge to divide the party when it should have been healing from the primary. It was impossible for Bernie to win after NY in April. He hung around till June and even caused problems at the convention. This is not in dispute.

[comradebillyboy]

44. Well the Russians helped the Sanders campaign for that very reason.

[shanny]

59. ...

that is all

[Renew Deal]

62. You'll be OK

[shanny]

139. I need to keep better company.

[R B Garr]

150. Fox News also cannot accept the facts of the Russia

investigation. It’s amusing how much certain groups reflexively reject actual news if it doesn’t fit a limited narrative.

[disillusioned73]

179. I completely agree..

"It’s amusing how much certain groups reflexively reject actual news if it doesn’t fit a limited narrative."

[R B Garr]

180. Oh, I'm sure you do agree.

Indictment: Russians also tried to help Bernie Sanders, Jill Stein presidential campaigns.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2018/02/17/indictment-russians-also-tried-help-bernie-sanders-jill-stein-presidential-campaigns/348051002/

Trying to ignore the news around us is a fool's errand...

"The Russians “engaged in operations primarily intended to communicate derogatory information about Hillary Clinton, to denigrate other candidates such as Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio, and to support Bernie Sanders and then-candidate Donald Trump,” according to the indictment, which was issued Friday."

[MrPool]

127. So your calling Mueller a liar?

[shanny]

138. lol

btw "you're"

[MrPool]

158. Your spelling skills are masterful

however your ability to answer any questions not so much. lol lol lol
Didn't think it was that funny either. lol
Yeah that's not funny either....

[lunamagica]

67. This. No one has blamed just Sanders for what happened. But He was a factor. He didn't help at all

The Russia/Comey/voter suppression/Sanders combination was fatal. Remove one of those factors, and I believe Hillary would be in the White House now.

[JCanete]

90. utter bullshit. What was the cover? And again, people seem to need reminding, Sanders voters went to

Clinton. Those very people who were most paying attention to Sanders were not at all discouraged from voting FOR Clinton in the GE. Weird. He must be really bad at his nefarious intention of sewing discord and blowing up the party.

[sheshe2]

162. Yet many here admited that they did not vote for Clinton.

JCanete
90. utter bullshit. What was the cover? And again, people seem to need reminding, Sanders voters went to


Clinton. Those very people who were most paying attention to Sanders were not at all discouraged from voting FOR Clinton in the GE.

Just saying.

[JCanete]

172. you are saying that some fall into the margins of those who didn't vote for clinton, which

is a given, since in this election, as in any election, like the one between Clinton and Obama, some people don't come around. But since those numbers are about the same in 2016 and in 2008, this really is saying nothing at all about Sanders divisiveness, except that if he was so damn divisive, apparently people didn't get the memo.

[Cha]

91. No, you DON'T "sound like you're on fox".. as the

previous poster tried to insult you with that slur.

Thank You!

[Magoo48]

29. Yes, yes, and yes...

Sanders and Clinton battled; it didn’t workout for either of them. They are both continuing to battle, each in their own way. It’s time to move on to dynamic, younger candidates. It’s time for progressive and corporate Dems to hash it out and come out strong, and to do that, we must be able to speak freely about our differences....

[Dopers_Greed]

32. I agree that Bernie was a good candidate...and I voted for him the primary

But you can't deny that he ended up helping Trump win the general. Of course he's not the only reason, but...

He spent more time during the primary blasting the DNC than Republicans, and chose not to gracefully concede even after the math was impossible for him to win.

[Cha]

94. Thanks for your reality based analysis, Dopers_Greed.

[JCanete]

106. based upon what? I can deny that you have any evidence to that fact. What you stated doesn't prove

that at all. IF Sanders had had a negative impact, then where would you be most likely to see it? Probably with the very people who have been paying attention to him? Like maybe, those who went out and voted for him in the primaries? Like maybe if they had cut away from Clinton in the GE you'd have a case?

[sheshe2]

164. "Like maybe if they had cut away from Clinton in the GE you'd have a case?

You asked the poster for evidence:

JCanete
106. based upon what? I can deny that you have any evidence to that fact. What you stated doesn't prove


that at all.

IF Sanders had had a negative impact, then where would you be most likely to see it? Probably with the very people who have been paying attention to him?

You watched the convention, correct? You were paying attention then? You missed the booing and harassment? You missed John Conyers, who endorsed Hill booed.

**********note to alerters. the convention was waaaaaaay past the primaries*******

Like maybe, those who went out and voted for him in the primaries? Like maybe if they had cut away from Clinton in the GE you'd have a case?

Do you have evidence some did not cut away from Hill in the GE? Posters on this site said they did.

[JCanete]

171. So you don't have evidence that Sanders himself had any more impact for running than

anybody in a contentious election. Clinton supporters turned away from Obama at the same ratio, so who was the problem in that race?

You're pointing to people being pissed at the convention doesn't change the fact that most Sanders supporters voted for Clinton. It just made you unhappy. A boo is not a vote, nor is a vocal minority indicative of Sanders supporters at large or where those voters will ultimately place their vote, which we do have numbers for. We have facts there.

[R B Garr]

165. This is why you need to break down and read the Mueller

indictments. When you do, you’ll be able to see your attacks for the diversions that they are. Read about how the Russian’s targeted Bernie’s campaign and Trumps to harm Hillary. Your posts sound stuck in a pre-Mueller time. There are facts now that supersede your ruminations about who knows what.

[snowybirdie]

34. Richard Painter

is a long time republican

[Greybnk48]

38. SPOT. ON!

We get suckered into fighting with each other and it's counterproductive, exhausting, and embarrassing in its naivety.

[Gothmog]

46. I like Tina Smith better

[Greybnk48]

140. I do too. I trust her more than Painter with issues

dealing with women's rights, and programs for children. That is, having always aligned with the Democratic Party, she's more likely to be socially progressive on the issues I've mentioned as well as LGBT rights.

I hope she wins.

[YOHABLO]

50. I would think that Dems would welcome Painter into the Party. People do change their ideas.

[Cha]

105. Al Franken Endorsed the Real Dem in the race for

Senator from Minnesota.

Link to tweet

[BannonsLiver]

156. I do

The people of Minnesota will make their mind up on Painter. Nobody should have anything handed to them. She drew an opponent. There will be a vote. She will likely win. Her real problem comes in 2020 when she has to jump through another hoop to hold onto the seat and the GOP will put a better opponent forward. I don’t see that she’s done much with the opportunity so far, to be honest, certainly relative to voice Franken brought to the senate.

As for Painter I like his conversion but I need to see what he’s like if he loses the primary. I’m not there yet.

[NurseJackie]

52. ...

[johnnyplankton]

54. I've gotten very tired of the Bernie-bashing and the Hillary worship to be honest

Although I did vote for her with no hesitation.

[shanny]

60. +1 on all counts

[NurseJackie]

66. Nobody is doing that.

54. I've gotten very tired of the Bernie-bashing and the Hillary worship to be honest

Nobody is doing that.

[Cha]

68. Tired of the "hillary worship".. got any proof? Or is it

just something you're spouting off?

[Cha]

109. Is this what you call "Hillary Worship"?.. Appreciating that

she speaks out against Trump instead of bashing the Democratic Party?

Link to tweet

[MrPool]

113. But it's okay to bash Dems every chance he gets??

[Snotcicles]

146. Bernie doesn't bash Dems every chance he gets. Just stop with the hyperbole. Enough already. nt

[MrPool]

153. Okay my mistake every second chance he gets and we'll include

his surrogates that love going on Fox to do it on every interview.

[johnnyplankton]

55. I've gotten very tired of the Bernie-bashing and the blind Hillary worship to be honest

Although I did vote for her with no hesitation.

[MuseRider]

130. It bears repeating :-)

I agree with you but, you know, it never happens.

[dlk]

61. Painter is Not a Democrat but He is Running for Franken's Vacated Senate Seat

There is a reason for Painter's pronouncements. He did his part for the Bush Administration.

[tavernier]

69. Oh boy. Another Bernie thread.

I never get tired of those.

[Sophia4]

80. Thank you, Richard Painter.

What a lot of people don't understand about Bernie is that he is more interested in talking about the issues, getting information and discussion on the issues out in the public than he really is about winning some office -- even the presidency.

Bernie cares about people.

So do a lot of other politicians, and they are all good.

But Bernie likes to ask questions, discuss and talk about issues.

That is why I like Bernie.

He has his roll to play. And it is an important one. I don't think he cares all that much about who is or is not the president. I think he feels a moral calling to talk to the people about the issues that matter to our country.

That is why he campaigned for Hillary. That is why he is an Independent -- so that he is free to go his own way and talk about the issues without implicating the Democratic Party.

Richard Painter is right. It takes all kinds to make a world. It takes all kinds to make a democracy. There is room for everyone -- almost. Maybe Trump is an exception. In my view, he should have stuck to his tasteless hotels and scamming gamblers. That's where he belongs. Takes all kinds.

[Cha]

99. Richard Painter is running against a Real Democrat, Tina Smith, for Al

Franken's seat.

Al Franken Endorsed Tina Smith

Link to tweet

[Me.]

102. + 1 Million

[Sophia4]

122. May the best candidate win!

That is always my view on these things.

[Cha]

136. That would be the Real Democrat who Al Franken Endorsed.

[Blue_true]

157. That is Tina Smith.

Read up on the woman. She is a longtime solid progressive who fought for the right causes when fighting for them was not in vogue.

[Sophia4]

160. I will. Thanks.

[sheshe2]

166. So Richard is kinda like a new born Democrat?

Just yesterday he was a Republican.

A longtime Republican, in 2018 Painter launched a campaign as a Democrat for the U.S. Senate in Minnesota, challenging recently appointed Senator Tina Smith in the DFL primary.

So, you said:

Richard Painter is right. It takes all kinds to make a world. It takes all kinds to make a democracy. There is room for everyone -- almost. Maybe Trump is an exception. In my view, he should have stuck to his tasteless hotels and scamming gamblers. That's where he belongs. Takes all kinds.

So. Correct me if I am wrong. You will support the Republican that turned into a Democrat yesterday over the Democrat running for our Al Franken's seat?

[MuseRider]

82. I like Richard Painter.

Not sure I trust him to be an actual Democrat, that remains to be seen. I am never real happy when more Republicans come into the Democrats because it usually causes a shift to the right, even a small one is way too much these days. Still, I like him and I like what he says and think he is an issues guy and a good thinker.

[George II]

83. Regardless of his recent change in registration, Richard Painter has been a republican for decades.

[Bluepinky]

128. Yes, Bernie was a great candidate in 2016.

I voted for him in the primary and Hillary in the general election. I was devastated when Trump “won” the Presidency and still can’t get over it. That being said, Bernie or Hillary would have been great as President.

But Hillary had a lot of baggage, and I think Bernie may have fared better against Trump in the general election. A lot of people wanted change, and Bernie was seen as an agent of change, while Hillary was seen as status quo. Hillary was so vilified on the internet and by Republicans that some people would sooner have voted for a cantaloupe than for her.

I happen to believe that Hillary would have made an excellent POTUS, but there was too much going against her. Democrats need to choose the best candidate based on principles and platform, as well as electability.

[zentrum]

131. Thank you Richard.

[Gothmog]

132. Painter is not a democrat and I would support Tina Smith

[thewhollytoast]

133. What does it take to be a real Democrat?

Is it a right given by birth? Is there a test I can take that proves I'm not some marginal outlier? Is there some fucking potion I can drink to make me a pure fucking Democrat. Or, should I just vote my conscience on election day and hope the GOP doesn't steal another goddamed election, and get away with it?

Toast

[Blue_true]

159. If you want to know what a real democrat is.

Read up on Tina Smith's history and record as a progressive reformer. I really came close to alerting your post, the "vote my conscious on Election Day" in a critical race has come to mean one and only one thing.

[thewhollytoast]

168. True Blue I'm really sorry you feel that way. And I am not trying pick a fight.

Perhaps, it's that I grew up in a small town where every election cycle a very wealthy, well meaning, idiot would run for any position that was open. Whenever their name appeared on the ballot I'd grit my teeth, and have to leave the boxes blank. It was frustrating, but necessary.

In this last election I was a Bernie supporter during the primaries, but then I knocked on doors for Hillary and gave people rides to the polls on election day, and even pulled up yard signs after the whole mess was over with.

I was, and am, a good soldier. So, the next time you come really close to alerting on me, please fire away, pull the trigger. Maybe the Democratic party isn't big enough for me.

If DU isn't a place where I can speak, maybe I should just talk to myself.

Now then, if you doubt my boni fides I would have know that when I was 8 years old, playing on the floor of my father's office, I heard him on the phone with Dick Cheney when he was just a twerp in the House of Representatives, and he said to Dick, "Keep doing what you're doing and we'll wade into you with Dimes in one hand and Quarters in the other."

Apparently, cutting welfare was where dad's balls were full.

I was dyed in the wool. I had a smart, mean, father. He was true blue. I am true blue. And, I have the fucking shoes to prove it.

So, if you want to ask me out, ask me out.

Two words for you.

Frank Little.

[sheshe2]

167. "What does it take to be a real Democrat?"

You really need to ask that question?

[disillusioned73]

181. Just come here & ppl will tell ya...

Their voting record is fairly irrelevant & switching party association is only relevant in certain instances.. it's complicated - like I said, just check with the blue no matter who contingent and they will answer those tough questions for you..

[Honeycombe8]

144. "Sen. Bernie Sanders: 'I am an independent'"

He's an independent and calls himself a Socialist. He does not identify himself as a Democrat. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2017/10/23/bernie-sanders-i-am-an-independent/792186001/

So that is a factually true statement. Why would anyone have an issue with identifying Bernie as he identifies himself?

[YOHABLO]

155. Democratic Socialist .. I believe he refers to himself

[Power 2 the People]

152. Thank you Mr. Painter!

Shame it had to be a newly minted Democrat to state the obvious to all registered Democrats and Democratic leaning Independents. Anybody who caucuses with the Democrats and fights for Democratic ideals should not be bashed on this board. I was for Bernie all the way in 2016 but I voted for Hillary in the general because I am a Democrat AND PROUD!!!

[thewhollytoast]

161. Thank you p2p!

You said all of the things I wanted to say without all of the cuss words I was going to use. I admire your good temper. Welcome to DU!

Toast

[MarcA]

169. Agreed. And the usual trolls show up to disrupt and divide.

While falsely accusing others of doing the same.

[UCmeNdc]

170. If Bernie wins the Democratic Party's nomination for President I will Vote for him.

If someone else wins I will vote for them.

[Progressive dog]

173. Bernie is not presently a Democrat

and was not one except when he was running.
Trump still continues to attack Hillary and give Bernie fake sympathy.
Bernie's campaign used Putin stolen e-mails to attack Hillary and get rid of the DNC chair.
Those are facts and reasonable people can decide if Bernie is faultless.

[BlueJac]

176. K&R

[LostOne4Ever]

185. K&r! Nt

[Blue_Tires]

186. So when Bernie pisses on Dems and praises Trump I'm supposed to grin and bear it?

Bernie is above criticism now? Is that the direction we're going??

[progressoid]

187. I don't think that's what Painter said.

Also, Bernie has been praising Trump?

[Blue_Tires]

188. I'll just leave this here...

Link to tweet