Biden accuses Sanders campaign of releasing 'doctored' video, calls it a lie

[George II]

INDIANOLA, Iowa (Reuters) - Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden accused rival Bernie Sanders’s campaign on Saturday of disseminating a “doctored” video which falsely shows Biden supporting the privatization of Social Security, and called on the Sanders campaign to disown it.

Former Vice President Biden, who had just been asked at an Iowa campaign event about rumors that he wants to cut Social Security, said he does not want to cut the government-run retirement and disability program. He then lambasted the campaign of Sanders, a progressive standard-bearer and rival for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Biden said “Bernie’s people” had put out a “doctored video” that appeared to show him agreeing with Republican former House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan that Social Security should be privatized.

“It’s simply a lie, that video is a lie,” Biden said. “I’m looking for his campaign to come forward and disown it but they haven’t done it yet.”

After Biden’s comments, his campaign said the candidate was referring to recent claims by Sanders that Biden has proposed cutting Social Security in the past. The Sanders campaign has pointed to a speech Biden gave to the Brookings Institution think tank in 2018, when Biden said of Ryan’s plan to reform the tax code: “Paul Ryan was correct when he did the tax code. What’s the first thing he decided we had to after? Social Security and Medicare.”

The Sanders campaign first quoted Biden from this speech in a recent newsletter.

What seems clear from a video of the speech is that Biden was actually mocking Ryan for the proposal. He leans into the microphone and says in a deep, menacing stage whisper: “Social Security and Medicare.” Biden then goes on to say – in remarks not disseminated by the Sanders campaign – that the tax code needs to be reformed so enough revenue is raised to save Social Security and Medicare.

PolitiFact rated the Sanders newsletter as false. Reuters asked the Sanders campaign to respond to Biden’s allegation, but there was no initial response.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-biden/biden-accuses-sanders-campaign-of-releasing-doctored-video-calls-it-a-lie-idUSKBN1ZH0MM

[Bayard]

1. Aww, come on Bernie

We don't need this! Make your ads about the real opponent--tRump.

[kstewart33]

58. Not surprising.

Bernie's spokespeople occasionally step over the line.

[calimary]

159. Occasionally?

[kstewart33]

160. Yep, I was generous. nt

[Duppers]

74. Kinda think Bernie actually didn't authorized this

But if he does not disown this immediately, Bernie is in big trouble.

[mcar]

86. How many times can he get away with that claim, though?

This kind of nonsense is a feature, not a bug, of his campaign, I'm afraid.

[Blue_true]

87. The lie has been out for more than a week and has gotten plenty of press coverage.

Yet, Senator Sanders has not disowned it. What about the concept that if an ad is to directly call an opponent into question, the candidate whose campaign puts out the ad must approve it.

[Gothmog]

92. sanders has tried this stunt before

Link to tweet

[onetexan]

129. DNC should have never allowed BS to run on their ticket

Disgraceful!

[Sloumeau]

2. this smacks of desperation. eom

[Thekaspervote]

4. It certainly does

[NurseJackie]

26. They're afraid of Biden.

Very very afraid.

[Butterflylady]

49. Trying to scare seniors is really low.

[paleotn]

81. That it does.

Seems a pattern is emerging.

[Thekaspervote]

3. Sirota with an okay from the top. It didn't work in 16...but hey

[Ninsianna]

6. Shakir doubled down.

[George II]

9. Here:

Link to tweet

[SergeStorms]

21. That's low....

it seems Bernie is taking shots at all the front-runners. Democrats are nice enough to give you a platform on which to run for president, and this is how you repay them? Just how desperate are you, Bernie?

[still_one]

103. +++

[trueblue2007]

41. that just makes me sick. He is acting like Trump

[George II]

44. Not quite - trump doesn't act that he's a Democrat.

[Rebl2]

73. That's what

I was thinking. Why is he doing this or allowing it to be done!

[Zolorp]

124. At least Trump was openly Republican in his anti-Democratic Party BS.

[getagrip_already]

5. how very russian of them....... n/t

[RandySF]

7. Who would have done that?

In 1999, in Philadelphia, there was a crowded Democratic primary for mayor. Three of the candidates were African American: John White, Dwight Evans, and John Street, all of them friends going back years. But the race got intense early, and David Sirota, then working as the deputy campaign manager for Evans, was part of an effort to cut down White’s support: creating a bogus website, purporting to be the official home page of the White campaign, and using it to promote a racially charged quotation, deliberately taken out of context.

The ruse was soon discovered. Evans, who is now a Democratic member of Congress, fired Sirota. He called Sirota “overzealous” at the time. “I do not want this race to be about race,” Evans said in 1999, calling the site in question an example of “dirty tricks.” The website took a comment that White had made in a broader interview with a Spanish-language weekly, Al Día, and presented the line as if it were an anti-white slogan: “The black and the brown, if we unite, we’re going to control this city.” Local reporters in Philadelphia received emails directing them to the site as though it were part of John White’s campaign.

White, according to news reports at the time, was speaking about the increased political clout African Americans and Latinos could have if they worked together as a coalition. That was February. By the fall, Sirota was hired as the press secretary for Bernie Sanders, then in the House. He was hired by Sanders’s then–chief of staff, Jeff Weaver, who went on to manage Sanders’s 2016 presidential campaign and remains a senior adviser to the 2020 campaign.

https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2019/03/bernie-sanderss-new-speechwriter-has-controversial-past/585547/

[George II]

11. Sirota didn't bother to apologize until 20 years later, a week or two before Sanders hired him.

[The Valley Below]

8. The constant lying looks really bad.

[yardwork]

10. These tactics are turning off a lot of voters.

[Blaukraut]

20. I had actually warmed toward Sanders since '16

Even though I am, and will remain, an E-Dub supporter, I softened toward Bernie after being very put off by his campaign and supporters in 2016. It looks like I may have been premature in giving him the benefit of the doubt this go-around.

[trueblue2007]

43. you have been It looks like I have been premature in giving him the benefit of the doubt

fool me once shame on you.... fool me twice.

As far as I am concerned, BS does not get any more cnance. He has burned his bridges,.

[Ninsianna]

162. He hired actual trolls.

[aikoaiko]

37. Not according to the RCL average of polls. Bernie's at a high (20.4%)

And creeping up ever so slightly for the last 2 weeks.

Those averages were updated today.

[at140]

54. Bernie may be creeping up, but still is behind Biden

by significant amount in national polls.

[aikoaiko]

55. 8 points, but I do respect Biden's lead.

His national polling is like a heartbeat moving from about 26% to 30% to 26% to 30% etc.

[Cha]

12. Good on Biden.. Go Get 'em, Joe!

Link to tweet

[George II]

13. PolitiFact:

"In 2018, Biden lauded Paul Ryan for proposing cuts to Social Security and Medicare."
— Bernie Sanders on Tuesday, January 7th, 2020 in newsletter from the Bernie Sanders campaign



"We rate this statement False."

[Cha]

14. YES, a BIG FAT FALSE!

Thank you, George!

[SergeStorms]

25. I wouldn't like it.

I'm so sick of Trump's lies, that if we added yet another layer of bullshit on top of that I'd probably be turned off to politics altogether. I'm not liking this desperate side of Bernie.

[Rebl2]

77. No it

would not be entertaining! It would sickening. Our politics is poison enough as is, we don’t need even more lies.

[Gothmog]

16. politicfact calls sanders claims false

Link to tweet

[SunSeeker]

17. What a dishonestly edited video! Like shit my right wing inlaws post on Facebook.

The Sanders Campaign should apologize.

[Dukkha]

18. Knock it off Dems this is what the enemy wants

The enemy being Russia. Divide and conquer with propaganda and fake news.

[pnwmom]

23. Not Dems in general. Bernie's campaign. Biden has the right to defend himself. nt

[George II]

24. "Dems" aren't doing this, Sanders' campaign is doing it.

[squirecam]

36. Exactly

Nt

[elleng]

56. zacly

[Grins]

19. Not again...

Truth Upfront: I VOTED FOR BERNIE in the Virginia primary.

I won’t do that again. Not because of Bernie, but because of the people around him who do crap like this ALL THE TIME. Lies, threats, and venom. This is another one, and Bernie has not come down on his people who do this.

I’ve had it. Buh-bye, Bernie.

[LiberalFighter]

39. The people around Sanders are bad. I don't trust them.

[Gothmog]

95. Who would want liars like Sirota and Stein voters like Turner and Grey in the white house?

[PatSeg]

22. Why not just hire Karl Rove for Pete's sake

This is the sort of dirty tricks that he was famous for. I was under the impression that Democrats were suppose to be better.

[The Valley Below]

29. He's got David Sirota. What's the difference?

[PatSeg]

31. Apparently not much

My main concern, however, is what kind of judgment went into hiring someone like that? And not just once, but twice?

[The Valley Below]

32. We should ask Tad Devine.

[NurseJackie]

35. I know! Right?

They are so afraid of Biden!

[PatSeg]

65. And it is quite possible

that in the end, all these political dirty tricks will backfire on them and maybe even help Biden. Democrats as a rule don't care for this kind of politics.

[NurseJackie]

99. Yes. DEMOCRATS... Exactly.

[independent think]

27. Biden Needs To !take Clear His Views On Social Security

Biden Needs to make clear his views on Social Security. In the past he was part of an administration that put forth the Grand Bargain that would have hurt seniors. He seems to be more concerned about deficits than struggling seniors. A video that Bernie produced wouldn't have traction if there wasn't some truth to it.

[George II]

33. He has, many times. It's on his website. Why should HE have to make his views clear....

...every time an opponent distorts his views?

[ehrnst]

34. That does not excuse other candidates from misrepresenting his statements with altered videos.

When Trump says something that isn't true about someone else, do we put the burden on the person who has been maligned for "not being clear" first on what they said or did? If the Trump supporters said, "Trump wouldn't have said it if there wasn't some truth to it," would you nod your head and agree?

Like the RW latched onto that video slowed down to make it look like Pelosi was slurring her words?

We have higher standards than that, I hope.

[squirecam]

38. Bernie

Needs to stop hiring campaign staff that push lies against Dems.

[groundloop]

46. That's a bullshit statement (by a brand new DU member nonetheless)

Those comments were taken out of context, PERIOD. My respect for Bernie just took a nosedive.

[Gothmog]

52. He had

Link to tweet

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

114. HE CAN'T... JOE'S PAST WILL COME BACK TO HAUNT HIM!!

Bernie/Elizabeth or Elizabeth/Bernie 2020!!
Either way, they're stronger together & can't be bought!!
Jump on the Bernie Bandwagon & join the revolution!!

[redstateblues]

121. Desperate move by Sanders

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

125. Maybe, maybe not... maybe the truth lies somewhere in the middle.

Bernie/Elizabeth or Elizabeth/Bernie 2020!!
Either way, they're stronger together & can't be bought!!
Jump on the Bernie Bandwagon & join the revolution!!

[Demsrule86]

133. No...the truth is the truth. Never understood those who use lies to

Prove 'truth'...it can't be done

[Eko]

157. Sounds a lot like a

alternative truth lol.

[SharonClark]

153. So the Sanders campaign should throw shit against the wall and see if it sticks?

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

154. Yes... but I don't trust the people who are around Joe advising him to give him good advice.

Bernie/Elizabeth or Elizabeth/Bernie 2020!!
Either way, they're stronger together & can't be bought!!
Jump on the Bernie Bandwagon & join the revolution!!

[FloridaBlues]

30. Not surprised dirty politics from the Sanders campaign

[BuffaloJackalope]

40. We already have the Republicans around to do absolutely any damn thing to keep their guy in power.

We don't need Democrats to do it too.

[we can do it]

45. Sick and tired of the BS.

[kimbutgar]

47. Bernie really is going low this campaign season

Why he will not get my primary vote.

[liberalla]

48. This pisses me off. I hope Bernie cleans this up and fast.

[George II]

57. They won't. His campaign manager has already commented on what Biden said today....

...doubling down on Sirota's dirty work:

Link to tweet

[Cha]

50. KR!

[Gothmog]

51. I am glad the Joe Biden is calling out this lie from the sanders camp

Link to tweet

[nini]

53. Not shocking

I caught on to Sander's shit long long ago.

[Wawannabe]

59. Note upthread of here that there is one lone

Sanders supporter that has any response to this OP. I did not agree with that supporter of course.

Where did they go?

[Time for change]

76. See my sesponse # 69

[Wawannabe]

82. Note that I said UPthread in my response

Welcome to the conversation.

[Time for change]

89. I wasn't accusing you of mis-stating anything

I just wanted to emphasize the other side of this issue.

[Hav]

60. Why is Bernie's campaign so dishonest?

And why do they think their electorate is too stupid to realize they are being fooled?
We already see the eroding effects of a Presidency with a blatant disdain for the truth. They have created alternative facts as a euphemism for their lies. I thought that only worked with Trumpers who are too ignorant to recognize that they get misled with lies. It would be catastrophic if we followed their model.

[dlk]

61. Pathetic and sad

If your message/candidate is so weak you feel you have to release doctored videos of your opponent, you’ve already lost. It’s time to pull up stakes and go home.

[Pepsidog]

62. If true, Bernie is wearing out his welcome. If true.

[Time for change]

75. I doubt it is true

See my response # 69

[yaesu]

63. the news cycle has slowed down enough so MSM can cause more infighting while giving their

golden orange boy tRump a break.

[NYMinute]

64. Go get him Joe. Take off the gloves.

[33taw]

66. Bernie needs to control his team better.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

126. Maybe Joe needs to control his policies better.

Bernie/Elizabeth or Elizabeth/Bernie 2020!!
Either way, they're stronger together & can't be bought!!
Jump on the Bernie Bandwagon & join the revolution!!

[33taw]

127. This is not about Joe, just like Ukraine is not about Joe.

[evertonfc]

67. Sanders has very bad

people in his campaign. It worries me who he would surround himself with if elected. I expect few of them to support our nominee if it isn't Sanders

[58Sunliner]

68. That's disgusting and completely unnecessary.

[Time for change]

69. This article seems to contradict itself

If it is true that, as the article states, "What seems clear from a video of the speech is that Biden was actually mocking Ryan for the proposal" with that "deep menacing stage whisper", then what purpose would there be for the Sanders campaign to use the video against Biden? And what need would there be for Biden to claim that the video was doctored?

As for the claim that the video was doctored, what evidence do we have of that other than that Biden claims that it was? I will believe that it was doctored if and when I see evidence to that assertion.

As for the claim of the Reuters article that it is clear that Biden was actually mocking Ryan, I have seen the video and it is not at all clear to me that Biden was mocking Ryan. That may or may not be true. It is completely unclear to me what the purpose of Biden's deep menacing voice was at that point in the video. Here is a video that contains that portion of the Biden video in question less than one minute into the original video -judge for yourself:

As for Biden's statement that "the tax code needs to be reformed so enough revenue is raised to save Social Security and Medicare", it is a well known Republican myth that Social Security needs to be "saved" because it is running out of money, which Republican frequently use as an excuse to reduce Social Security benefits. In the video, Biden says nothing about HOW "the tax code needs to be reformed..." He seems to me to be supporting that Republican myth, perhaps for the same reason.

Lastly, the more important point than this one video is that Biden has in fact been advocating cuts in Social Security for several decades:
https://theintercept.com/2020/01/13/biden-cuts-social-security/

There is so much evidence for that that the doctoring of any specific video should be completely unnecessary for any political opponent.

[George II]

70. You're countering the premise of the OP with a TYT video????

[Time for change]

88. That is very disingenous of you to suggest

I countered your OP with 6 paragraphs, 5 of which have nothing to do with the TYT video. You know that, but have not responded to any of it.

The only purpose of the TYT video is to show a relevant portion of the video that is the subject of your OP.

[Demsrule86]

107. TYT videos are always anti-Democratic trash.

[Time for change]

110. You responded to nothing I said in my response

TYT is a highly respected news organization, and they are definitely pro-Democratic and anti-Trump.

But that has nothing to do with my response to you and Politifact's highly biased article.

[SidDithers]

112. And an article from Greenwald's Intercept...

Sid

[tishaLA]

71. No lingering questions about Sen Warren's veracity at this point, huh?

Looks like those snake emojis can scurry back from whence they came.

[George II]

72. Bazinga!

[Tiggeroshii]

78. Except it was not doctored.

Who cares about facts though, right?

But the video in question — of Biden’s 2018 remarks to the Brookings Institution think tank — was not doctored by Sanders, whose campaign this month stepped up criticisms of Biden’s record on Social Security.

Sanders’ campaign did say in a recent campaign email that “Biden lauded Paul Ryan for proposing cuts to Social Security and Medicare” — which PolitiFact said Sanders’ campaign got wrong. But there is no evidence that the campaign doctored any video.

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/01/18/joe-biden-falsely-attacks-bernie-sanders-100811?fbclid=IwAR0868JpMQWRywhQF6_V5-Hid8xuDayrLqvKd8bbac6VcaeI-GqkxkcO90o

[George II]

79. Deleting minutes off the both the beginning and the end, and presenting just 19 secs is DOCTORED....

David Letterman used to do a comedy bit like that about once a week.

[Tiggeroshii]

80. No evidence Sanders campaign doctored it. Which is the Biden accusation

[George II]

84. So why do they keep posting it instead of the entire video? Who edited (doctored) it? ....

There IS evidence that they're tweeting it and retweeting it dozens of times in the last three days - Gray, Sirota, and Faiz have done so.

In fact Sirota tweeted it two more times in the last half hour or so. He's SOOO proud of his work.

Not "doctored", but the video is ~120 seconds (deleted), plus 19 seconds (posted), then ~120 seconds (deleted)

Nah, that's not "doctored"!!

[Blue_true]

91. It was put out by the Sanders campaign, whether or not that campaign

doctored it is immaterial. The video tells a lie.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

116. WHO NEEDS EVIDENCE WHEN BERNIE BASHING IS INVOLVED?!?!

Bernie/Elizabeth or Elizabeth/Bernie 2020!!
Either way, they're stronger together & can't be bought!!
Jump on the Bernie Bandwagon & join the revolution!!

[Time for change]

100. Showing a portion of a video to make a specific point does not necessarily mean that it was doctored

It may or may not mean that.

If someone wants to make a specific point that they believe is shown in a 19 second portion of a very long video, they would generally show only the relevant 19 seconds rather than the whole thing. Showing the whole thing would make it less likely that people would listen to it.

If there is material in the omitted portions of the video that contradicts the point that the distributor of the video is trying to make, that would mean it was doctored.

[George II]

102. It was a 4+ minute speech on the floor of the Senate. Sanders' campaign posted only 19 seconds....

...which didn't include Biden's ultimate point.

David Letterman used to do that as a comedy bit. This wasn't funny.

[Time for change]

111. So what did the full video say that contradicted the statement by the Sanders campaign?

[George II]

113. Biden was mocking Ryan, but that was cut out because it didn't fit the narrative.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

117. The fact Joe's claiming the video's doctored & doesnt wanna discuss substance tells you Joe's done.

Of course, there are SEVERAL videos showing Joe wanted to cut Social Security AND Medicare benefits with Bob Dole... guess those were "doctored" too!! RIIIIIGGHHT!!


Bernie/Elizabeth or Elizabeth/Bernie 2020!!
Either way, they're stronger together & can't be bought!!
Jump on the Bernie Bandwagon & join the revolution!!

[Wawannabe]

83. No evidence so it never happened.

OK. Taken your word for it.

[Blue_true]

90. It is a lie when the full statement a person makes is not presented.

Only the part that tries to show that person in a bad light is presented.

The tax code needed (and now needs to be even more) to be revised, as Biden pointed out. What Bernie's campaign left out was Biden going after Ryan for trying to reduce Social Security and Medicare as part of that revision.

[Gothmog]

93. In the real world, facts can be checked and I trust the fact checkers

Link to tweet

[Time for change]

96. In my opinion

It is highly questionable that PolitFact is correct in saying that the Sanders campaign got it wrong. Biden definitely lauded Ryan for his tax plan. The PolitiFact article says that it is clear that when Biden appears to praise Ryan for going after Social Security and Medicare, that it is clear from Biden's "menacing stage whisper" that Biden is actually mocking Ryan's proposal. I find that a highly questionable conjecture. But that is Politifact's sole rationale for saying that the Sanders campaign got it wrong, other than Biden's unsubstantiated claim that the video was doctored.

[Hav]

128. No, he didn't laud Ryan, that is the whole point of Bernie's dishonesty

Bernie is lying and misleading about the context of Biden's comments. Biden pointed out that the Repub's tax cuts create deficits and then they argue that social programs need to be cut because there is no money. That is something you can understand from the speech even while ignoring Biden's tone when he delivered these comments. The only change Biden hinted at was in a remark concerning the top 1%. Bernie's dishonest attack dogs cut the video right before that point because that wouldn't have fit the narrative. Apparently, they believe that their followers won't think for themselves or check the lies they distribute.

[Time for change]

142. Biden said "Paul Ryan was correct when he did the tax code...."

If you don't want to consider that lauding, that's your choice.

[Hav]

147. You seriously think he lauded Ryan when he ridiculed him

for racking up deficits only for Repubs to then go "Oh, no money left, looks like we need to cut social security"?
The only change Biden specifically mentioned in that speech was regarding the top 1 % (that they don't need it). That's the part right after the cut that Bernie dishonestly decided not to show to his faithful followers.

Biden agreed that you need to do something about the tax code to save SS (as opposed to letting it die). But you didn't get the context that shows Biden in complete opposition to Ryan's views because you put your trust in the distorted 20 second version of Bernie's camp. Biden talked about the need of a change towards a progressive tax code and that we need to do something about a tax code that is skewed towards the 1%. And that's not my interpretation of what Biden meant in that 20s clip, these are the words deliberately left out by Bernie's lying attack dogs. If you think talking about the tax code in absolute disagreement with Ryan is lauding him, then that is your choice as well.

[Gothmog]

97. Again your claims are false

Link to tweet

[Demsrule86]

108. It was changed enough to change the meaning...and Politfact said it was a lie.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

115. THAT'S CORRECT... BUT THEN NEVER LET THE FACTS GET IN THE WAY OF A GOOD BERNIE BASHING!!

Bernie/Elizabeth or Elizabeth/Bernie 2020!!
Either way, they're stronger together & can't be bought!!
Jump on the Bernie Bandwagon & join the revolution!!

[mcar]

85. Someone seems desperate

PolitiFact rated the Sanders newsletter as false. Reuters asked the Sanders campaign to respond to Biden’s allegation, but there was no initial response.

[Time for change]

109. When politifact says there was no initial response, how long did they give the Sanders campaign

to respond.

If it was a very short time, then Politifact is highly unethical for publishing this before receiving a response. Why didn't they say anything about how long it gave them to respond?

I find the Politifact conclusion to be highly biased (see my response # 69).

From what they tell us, they could have given the campaign 10 minutes to respond, then published it, and then received a full response anytime later, which could explain fully the Sanders campaign view of this issue.

Why would they specify "initial" response rather then give some time frame? I don't recall that term ever being specified in a news article.

[OilemFirchen]

119. Good lord.

Two whole sentences, and you fucked that up:

PolitiFact rated the Sanders newsletter as false. Reuters asked the Sanders campaign to respond to Biden’s allegation, but there was no initial response.

Are you fer realz?

[Time for change]

141. What the fuck do they mean by no INITIAL response?

[Demsrule86]

134. The video is a lie...excerpted and doctored...so Biden must be a damned

saint if they have to resort to lies.

[Time for change]

140. We know it's doctored because Biden says so and Poilitifact agrees with him

even though they present no evidence to that effect.

[Demsrule86]

145. The evidence is the real video and there are transcripts as well...you certainly could check if you

wanted to...I did...and it is a pack of lies.

[texasfiddler]

94. The Sanders campaign keeps inspiring me

To give another substantial donation to the Biden campaign.

[Gothmog]

98. Keep in mind, @PolitiFact rated Sanders' claim FALSE.

Link to tweet

[George II]

101. Guess what? They didn't disown it, they claimed it in spades. Campaign Mgr. Faiz doubled down!

[still_one]

104. They are using the tactic if you repeat a lie enough people believe it

[George II]

106. In the immortal words of George Costanza:

[still_one]

120. +++

[Demsrule86]

135. I have had enough of That with the current guy.

[still_one]

137. Hopefully people are seeing him for who he really is

[Gothmog]

118. I saw

sanders has hired some very questionable staffers. Does anyone want Sirota, turner or Grey in the whirhouse?

[still_one]

105. Taking things out of context is doctoring it

[Tarheel_Dem]

122. I don't know why anyone would be surprised. Look at BS' campaign staff.

[Zolorp]

123. That's two of his fellow candidates accusing him of being a liar in roughly as many days.

Bodes ill for the Senator from Vermont.

[Eric J in MN]

130. Biden advocates 'adjustments' and means-testing for Social Security

...in the video, but that isn't mentioned in the Reuters article.

Link to tweet

?s=20

[Hortensis]

131. "Science Confirms The Obvious: Political Extremists Think

They Are Right And You Are Wrong"

The study, which implicated extremists on both sides of the political spectrum, analyzed the extent to which being extremely conservative or extremely liberal correlated with feelings of belief superiority.

Belief superiority doesn't just mean you think your opinions are correct, it means also believing it's the only valid opinion, and that all other opinions or attitudes are inferior to yours. "They don't just take a side, they actually believe that everyone who disagrees with that view must be wrong," lead author Kaitlyn Toner explained.

https://www.popsci.com/article/science/science-confirms-obvious-political-extremists-think-they-are-right-and-you-are-wrong/

Interestingly, regarding brain function, some people lack the normal ability to evaluate their own thinking processes, thus are literally unable to consider if they could be wrong and tweak as needed.

Anyway, when everyone else is always, disastrously, wrong, doesn't that justify truthless tactics by the few who are always right? Maybe even confer a duty?

[Mike Nelson]

132. It is misleading and...

... despicable, but stuff like this is in the playbook and others have to do more in responding. If this is organized, look for more tidbits that call Biden's support for Social Security programs into question. He has a long history and there are likely more things the campaign can dig up... Biden needs to have stories and images showing his support for SS. Most Iowa voters are not going to believe any Democrats are in favor of "privatizing" or "saving" (translation: ending) SS... but I guess there is a group of primary voters vulnerable to this threat. There are relatively small groups of voters in the small and caucus states, probably seniors. The contest will get uglier...

[Demsrule86]

136. Biden does. But it disqualifies Sanders in the primary for me.

I don't like this sort of thing. Apparently Sanders can't win on policy.

[Mike Nelson]

138. He's already not...

... getting my primary vote, tho I will vote for him if he goes up against Trump. I am leaning toward Pete... started as a Kamala leaner. I'm in CA, so my votes don't count much. I should move to IA or WI

[Demsrule86]

146. I am voting for Biden...and your vote does count...if Biden doesn't win or do well in California we

we could get all sorts of trouble at the convention from Sanders supporters. I suggest, voting for the nominee... so we have a clear winner by then we should know who will win.

[Mike Nelson]

151. As soon as the winer is clear...

... I'm on board. I hope it's early. I do expect Sanders to stay in and accumulate all the delegates he can, whatever happens.

[Demsrule86]

152. Sanders will do that...but if there is a clear winner, he won't get far.

[Time for change]

144. Here's a link to a summary on Biden's attacks on Social Security

https://theintercept.com/2020/01/13/biden-cuts-social-security/

[Demsrule86]

149. Let me fix this...here is a link to the pack of lies from a doctored video summarized (more lies)

by the Democratic hating and Biden despising liars at the Intercept? Please, I wouldn't go on that site for any reason.

[redqueen]

139. Reason # 362812629399375 why most people dislike and distrust politicians

or even hate them - and politics.

Biden hasn't engaged in any of this crap (unlike most others) and I truly respect that about him.

[Tom Rinaldo]

148. Misrepresenting the full context is wrong. Period.

From what I can tell from reading this thread that is what was done to Biden here. I oppose doing so, always have, always will, whether by a politician who I generally hate or one who I generally love.

[Demsrule86]

150. Thank you Tom...you are the kind of supporter any candidate would be proud to have...a person

of integrity. I would be very unhappy with Biden had he done this too.

[scipan]

156. I agree. Sirota should have corrected this a week ago. N/t

..

[Gothmog]

155. sanders is losing and so has to rely on doctored videos

Link to tweet

[Progressive dog]

158. An apology from Bernie will come only

if forced.
Senator Warren had a problem at the last debate with truthfulness from Bernie. She wouldn't shake his hand and told him why. Desperation doesn't make lying O.K..

[Cha]

161. Krugman..

Link to tweet