ABC: Bernie Sanders’ Vatican Trip Before NY Primary Could Help Him

[GeorgiaPeanuts]

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/bernie-sanders-vatican-trip-ny-primary/story?id=38424709

"I think it's a really smart move," ABC News political analyst Matt Dowd said today.

The trip to the Vatican, where he will be attending a conference on the importance of building what Pope Francis has called a "moral economy," switches up his schedule and, as a result, his talking points.

"Other than two or three events where he's saying the same thing, it gives him a news hook," Dowd said in an interview. "In the aftermath, everyone will be asking him about it."

In addition to altering his routine, the event could also pick up some new support among Catholic voters, Dowd said.

"It gives him a lift, [and] puts him in a context of being a big leader," he said.

It also helps that Sanders' rival, Hillary Clinton, is headed out of the state for part of the weekend, as well. She is flying to California for fundraisers later today, including a closed-door event hosted by actor George Clooney and his wife, Amal.

[LiberalFighter]

1. Coming out of the mouth of a Bush political strategist.

[GeorgiaPeanuts]

4. True, but that dumbass Dubya beat Gore and Kerry... YMMV nt

[revbones]

5. Would that make it any less true? nt

[Maedhros]

13. That may be - but is his analysis accurate or inaccurate?

Please show your work.

[Punkingal]

2. Yes it could, but the nice thing is, that isn't why he did it.

He did it because of who he is.

[riderinthestorm]

3. Priceless! Whatever this trip cost, the result is priceless. nt

[CoffeeCat]

12. I am enjoying these very positive articles

and also the videos as well.

I can't wait to watch the evening news!

So nice to have some real journalism--reporting the facts and what is happening with Bernie in Vatican City.

Onward!

[msongs]

6. that's why he went there. PR. good move on his part. lock up the anti-gay vote nt

[revbones]

7. Didn't Clinton already do that with her AIDS comment

or supporting DOMA until 2013?

[GeorgiaPeanuts]

8. I'm gay and he has my vote locked up...

#ByeHillicia!

[Joob]

9. He didn't do this for the election. This has always been his values.

[CoffeeCat]

10. I think once Bernie landed in Vatican City

everything improved. The media there has been so kind and he has received such a great reception from the people.

These positive stories have been wonderful.

I applaud the media for reporting positively on his trip.

Happy for Bernie that he is able to spread this important message on the world's stage. A reporter compared Bernie's trip to Vatican City to Obama's trip to Berlin.

When you're able to attract attention to the important issues of income equality, social justice and global climate change--that is a positive thing. I am sure that Bernie is thrilled, as those issues are at the core of his entire campaign.

I hope he is enjoying the trip.

[Tarc]

11. The Sanders camp has some weird ideas on how to appeal to blocs of voters

A bunch of crafted sound bytes, angry-handwaving, and a photo op is really all there ever is. Inroads into the black community? Invite "Killer Mike" onto the stage. Make a play for a few Catholic votes? Charter a jet for a 10,000-mile round-trip cup of coffee at the Vatican.

"To the African-American community, the reason you should back me is that I will do ______________________."

"To the Catholic community, the reason you should back me is that I will do ______________________."

Those blanks never quite get filled in...

[mhatrw]

14. Clinton is the one shooting blanks.

Sanders is the one advocating for real change toward both social and economic justice.

[Jitter65]

15. This is pretty damn close to Palin saying she could see Russia from her hours. nt