If Sanders is lying, why doesn't Warren say so? (Washington Post)

[Skya Rhen]

<Snip>

It is no stretch to imagine that Sanders, desperate to keep his progressive rival out of the race and sharing that widespread concern (however illogical and baseless) that Clinton’s gender determined the outcome in 2016, could have said he didn’t think a woman could beat Trump or that a woman would be disadvantaged running against Trump.

Second, Sanders chose to deny saying anything to that effect. He either forgot the remark — because it was such a commonplace sentiment at the time — or now is lying about the exchange. He needs to be pressed on the issue, asked why Warren would make something up and why others would raise the exact same accusation with CNN reporters. Sanders, whether it is never facing up to the ludicrous cost of his programs or never being forced to account for the result of his scheme to evacuate all troops from the Middle East or nix all trade deals, has the knack of escaping the level of scrutiny that other candidates face. He should not be allowed to skate by, implicitly calling Warren a liar.

Third, Warren needs to stop treating Sanders like a friend who needs to be sheltered from criticism. She needs to show she can take on a male opponent with the ruthlessness required to beat Trump. Her effort to sidestep conflict — “I am not here to try to fight with Bernie” — shows a naivete and lack of killer instinct that should concern voters. If Warren is never going to take it to Sanders, how does she expect to win this thing? She might ask President Ted Cruz, who wouldn’t take on Trump in the 2016 primaries, for fear of offending Trump supporters, until it was too late. Warren needs to show the same talent that Klobuchar does in taking on Sanders on his fantasy of Medicare-for-all.

In sum, no one comes off looking well here. The CNN moderators ducked their responsibility. Sanders thinks he can get away with calling Warren a liar. Warren needs to show some killer instinct. The only winners on this issue are Biden, Klobuchar and former South Bend, Ind., mayor Pete Buttigieg.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/01/15/if-sanders-is-lying-why-doesnt-warren-say-so/

[TwilightZone]

1. I suspect because she thinks that other issues are more important.

If so, I'd have to agree with her.

It's basically a catch-22.

If she calls him out for lying, the issue won't die and will continue to suck up valuable media time that she'd more than likely prefer to use to discuss issues.

If she doesn't, there will be articles like this.

[redqueen]

2. Agree. The media just wants a fight to report on.

Voters want solutions to their problems.

[Mike Nelson]

3. I think everyone has...

... figured this out... I know I have.

[C_U_L8R]

4. Senators don't outright call each other liars.

Decorum.

[ehrnst]

11. Some just have surrogates do that. (nt)

[Pachamama]

5. Because Warren has class and cares about the Democratic Party

I believe her

[ehrnst]

12. +1000.

[George II]

6. She pretty much did so in her statement a day or two ago:

“Among the topics that came up was what would happen if Democrats nominated a female candidate. I thought a woman could win; he disagreed.”

[Me.]

7. Diplomacy

I thought refusing his extended hand was a pretty direct comment on the situation and shown so often already you can't miss it.

[ritapria]

8. Bernie is Not Lying

Elizabeth loved Bernie at a CNN debate held this summer …..The conversation where Bernie allegedly told her a woman could not get elected took place in 2018 ...Bernie was her dear friend and esteemed colleague 6 monhs ago ….Now Elizabeth can't stand Bernie - won't shake his hand ...This situation is painfully obvious ...Bernie has passed her by in the polls ...6 months ago, when her campaign was red hot , all was well ...Elizabeth has burned her bridges with the Progressive Movement...

[beastie boy]

9. Then, the question becomes: if Sanders is not lying, why doesn't Warren say so?

She's had many opportunities to clear Sanders.

[ehrnst]

10. Also, she should smile more.

[The Valley Below]

13. Not shaking his hand said it all.

[Gothmog]

14. Good editorial