Bernie Sanders is giving thought to primary Obama

[sasha031]

he just mentioned it on Hartman...

[jtown1123]

1. What?? holy crap this makes me so happy!!

[sasha031]

33. he said he is thinking about it

we should push him a bit, Bernie is a hero for so many of us.

[DocMac]

57. Do you have a link to e-mail Bernie?

I want to offer my approval.

[iwishiwas]

66. Thom show live chat here where folks are discussing it.

http://www.ustream.tv/thomhartmann#utm_campaign=synclickback&source=http://www.thomhartmann.com/tv/watch&medium=2423500

[DocMac]

119. Thanks!

[SusanaMontana41]

319. Welcome to DU!

:hi:

[Raksha]

120. Thanks for the video link. Very interesting...

[swilton]

179. Thank you for the link -

In the past when he had been asked questions about this, he was dismissive - he certainly didn't sound dismissive in this instance.

[gateley]

341. I assumed he didn't want to even consider it. Don't know if

I thought that because I heard him dismiss it, or if I just "heard" it somewhere.

Interesting!

[defendandprotect]

311. Did anyone mention a VP --- Alan Grayson? We need two strong anti-war candidates!!!

[midnight]

314. Thanks!

[grahamhgreen]

238. Right here!

http://sanders.senate.gov/contact/contact.cfm

[UnrepentantLiberal]

248. I wrote him. You can call him too: 1-800-339-9834

[defendandprotect]

312. Thank you -- !!! Imagine a president speaking for SS/Medicare -- against wars--!!!

[jtown1123]

115. Well, I have been saying I am writing him in if there are SS & Medicare cuts in the debt deal

[MrMickeysMom]

124. and I say, we should at on it...

Send a full message.

[iwishiwas]

61. more than happy. Elated.

[ecstatic]

140. The possibility of a repeat of 1980 makes you happy?

:eyes:

[Name removed]

151. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[ecstatic]

155. Who is "most of us?" Pres. Obama has an 85% approval among liberals

So are you referring to most of the other 15%? :shrug:

[Enthusiast]

157. Obama will not be re-elected.

He has tried to undercut social security and medicare. He's history. Now, think of an alternate candidate.

[ecstatic]

166. No other candidate will get my vote. I guess it's Bachmann then. Yay! nt

[davidwparker]

261. ... the better of two evils is still evil n/t

[bitchkitty]

360. So, if there is another Democratic candidate who

runs against Obama and wins, you won't vote for that candidate in the general?

[ecstatic]

374. Absolutely not. The firebagger clown wing will be on their own

because I'm sick of being aligned with idiots. Anyone who thinks a primary in 2012 would work is an idiot. Plain and simple. I'll vote in my local elections, of course.

[bitchkitty]

386. Firebagger clown wing? lol n/t

[Horse with no Name]

416. Touche'. Because I, too, am tired of being affiliated with

warmongering, elitist DINO's who have done nothing but ruin the party I love.

Cya later alligator!

[texshelters]

366. Why not?

are you putting one man above your principled positions and support of Democracy?

There is no other Democrat in the universe you could support.

If not, too bad.

I say, vote for my mom!

Peace,
Tex Shelters

[LooseWilly]

382. I'll vote for your mom...

I voted for mine in some election or other... but now that she's dead, well... let's just say Frank Zappa is the only dead candidate I've ever voted for for president...

[neoralme]

169. I agree with you, Enthusiast, but I think we have to go with

someone other than Bernie. However, if that what you all agree to, then that's who I'll vote for. We have to get a Democrat in the White House pronto before Grandma and Grandpa are living under the 405 freeway eating Friskies. I also have a plan to get the Republicans off the "no new taxes". We pull a modified Egypt. With Murdock in trouble and the Kochs scared about Ethanol, be a good time to do a Black Swan even.

[defendandprotect]

326. There are tons of democrats who aren't connected to the party and Koch Bros/DLC ...

who haven't been pre-bought and pre-owned by corporations ---

We need to be tossing up names -- thinking about this -- 2012 is not that far away --

and I'm certainly not going to give Obama another crack at this destructive agenda

he's been pushing!!

[Horse with no Name]

417. LLOYD DOGGETT!!!! N/T

[bluethruandthru]

344. [phone] n/t

[gateley]

346. It surprises someone would make such a definitive statement

like this. If nothing else, we've all learned we don't know what will happen, regardless of what may seem a slam-dunk. I couldn't believe Bush was re-elected. I know about the cheating/stealing, but enough people did vote for him to make it possible to pull it off.

You may be right, but you MAY be wrong, but you seem to be so positive.

[neoralme]

160. Are you out of your mind? Obama is step by painful step dissovling

the Democratic Party. When he takes SS and/or Medicare down, after starting the SS payroll reduction WHICH WILL NOT BE REPLENISHED, the party will have trouble getting people to run in it. That will be just the first step.

[ecstatic]

168. I don't think means testing is the end of the world. nt

[Chan790]

211. That used to be...

a "Get the fuck out of the Democratic Party!" position you just took there. Oh sad days are upon us if we fail to preserve any last ethic as uncompromisable or grounds for tent-shrinking. It renders being a Democrat meaningless and makes politics an act of rooting for laundry.

Means testing is a awful idea unless you like the idea of ending Social Security and Medicare. If that could be any clearer, it'd fit on a bumper sticker.

[ecstatic]

222. I think Warren Buffet

would be OK. Don't you?

[Chan790]

242. I think...

that a key first step in the GOP roadmap to killing those programs is means-testing in order to be able to claim they're entitlements that all Americans have unequal access to. Programs that enrich the poor at the expense of the middle-class...and they'll find the one middle-class conservative that means-testing really harms to parade out as proof...and they'll put him on the media circuit like they do with the other trained monkeys. (Remember Joe the Plumber?) Why do I think that?

Because when I was a College Republican being groomed to be one of those annoying "conservative disciple" clones the CRs and YRs place all over town, I got to intern at think-tanks and be sponsored for CPAC and work on that roadmap. :evilfrown:

Warren Buffett? I'd rather give benefits he doesn't need to Warren Buffett than provide the only necessary opening for Republicans to take needed benefits away from elderly people in poverty.

[LarryNM]

291. You Are Correct - Let Everyone Know What Means Testing Means

More paperwork and record keeping for recipients, more costs for all involved (unless someone profits from a "private" H&R Block style testing service), more convoluted and ever changing laws and regs ($$$ for lawyers to make the latest policy changes), more spying on your "I know they don't deserve it" neighbors, more "us"/non-recipients vs. "them"/recipients and more Confusion, Heartache, and Stress for all involved. People will be begging to get rid of it. Take it from someone who knows from working many years in "means-tested" programs. Alternatives, yes! They aren't/weren't perfect but SSA/Medicare/VA as is and those government programs of the past: WPA, CCC, bonds and those stamps with the tanks on them.

[defendandprotect]

309. Exactly --- it's RW propaganda -- which unfortunately Obama seems to adopt a lot of --!!

From FISA to TORTURE, from Tax Cuts for the rich -- to oil drilling --

and nuclear reactors!!

[Twostones]

331. Nope

[ThomThom]

247. a deal was made with everyone when we got a SS number

we expect the government to live up to the deal

[defendandprotect]

307. It is for these programs -- turns them into welfare -- and Clinton/RW have demonized welfare!!

[newspeak]

410. that's right then it can be claimed to be welfare for the unwashed

I remember in my european history class in college, the professor spoke about public daycare and other government services and why it passed is that EVERYONE-rich or poor- was entitled to the services.

You make SS means tested and the RW will then paint it as a burden on the deserving wealthy.

[gateley]

352. Edit - delete. Snarked at the wrong person. Sorry! nt

[tblue]

359. Ohmygosh, I'd forgotten about the payroll reduction.

It takes some real pretzel logic to defend this stuff time after time.

[swilton]

161. Obama has burned too many bridges -

There is a grass roots movement in this country - many of whom are not solicited in the opinion polls that you cite (some deliberately biased) who are waiting to be mobilized.

Many who worked to elect Obama and ensure he beat Hillary Clinton in the 2007 Primary will not do so in the future, regardless of what he says in his campaign


http://journals.democraticunderground.com/davidswanson/1167

[texshelters]

367. Obama doesn't care about progressives

He's got support of the MSM and banks and other moneyed people and the DLC and that usually would pull him through. That is why Obama thinks he can just dismiss the left.

Peace,
Tex Shelters

[savannah43]

162. What is his approval rate among Progressives?

Huh?

[ecstatic]

170. Liberals/progressives are terms that are used interchangeably

so there is no valid way to separate the two.

[dameocrat67]

231. but alot of people just think they are liberal or progressive if they

are kneejerk dems but dont support democratic policies.

[ecstatic]

And a lot of anarchists think they're progressive too nt

[dameocrat67]

237. a lot of anarchist do in fact support taxing the rich and social

security regardless of what the call themselves, so they dont have a coherant definition of anarchism. you prove my point.

These polls are shitty because they look at self described ideologies rather than liberal and conservative ISSUES.

[defendandprotect]

327. Obama is a corporatist --

and we can certainly separate that agenda out from liberals/progressives --

[Fuddnik]

176. zilch

[StarsInHerHair]

244. you're asking the wrong question: what is his approval rates among Millennials

& Baby Boomers? Add to that the disabled/other abled.

[markpkessinger]

289. I don't think we really know ...

... Unless you're alluding to that 85% approval statistic that has been floating around for months now.

[spooked911]

205. since when?

I suggest that it has fallen. Or that people are calling themselves liberals when they are not.

[Name removed]

220. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[dawg]

226. I will still vote for him if he is our nominee.

But I no longer approve. I'm barely left enough to be a bona fide liberal, and he's gone way too conservative for me.

[dawg]

225. I haven't been polled lately.

Have you?

[dameocrat67]

227. self described liberalism does not mean much

what about dems that actually get involved and know what the word liberal and conservative actually means.

[me b zola]

275. Yeah, kind of like "clear skies"

bush* named the policies to allow our airs to be fouled "clear skies". Thats what I think of every time someone backing the plan for means testing calls themselves progressive.

[FedUp_Queer]

282. Actually...no.

His approval among among liberals is now at 71%...a decline of 17.6% over the figure you cite. He has a disapproval of 54% with an approval of 45%. At this rate, he will lose the majority of liberals by this Fall. If he actually does cut social security, there goes the base. I, for one, already know I will never vote for him again.

http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2011/images/07/22/obama.aproval.pdf

[markpkessinger]

287. That statistic has been quoted for months here on DU

How old is the poll it was taken from? I bet if you polled liberals this week you'd get a very different result.

[Alameda]

300. His approval rating is falling drasticlly....

I for one am very disappointed in his actions....from the start....and it's just gotten worse. I gave money and time to help him get in. Now I'm feeling betrayed big time.

[texshelters]

365. True that, however

that was a poll with no other choices. Liberals might support Obama less if he had a progressive challenger.

Peace,
Tex Shelters

[Sherman A1]

387. Well, that may be the case in the polling you have seen

however, this liberal is not included in those numbers and is not particularly happy with the performance of our currently elected officials.

If the election was held today, I would either skip the top slots on the ticket or write in Mr. Sanders.

[RC]

411. Liberals or -- The DINO's in the Deomcratic Party

[roguevalley]

164. Really? Debating this doofus will push Obama left. It is a good thing.

[neoralme]

171. Well, yeah, but you can never tell if Obama is simply talking

to hear himself talk.

[roguevalley]

177. that's very true.

[Hawkowl]

251. Sure you can.

You can tell he's blabbing just to hear himself whenever his lips are moving. No, I am being serious.

[spooked911]

206. Sanders is a doofus?

Seriously?

[roguevalley]

420. no. Obama is the doofus. I was just so pissed when I wrote

this that it got out of order. Bernie sanders has my vote.

[Peregrine Took]

213. Are you referring to Bernie Sanders? Surely, you can't be speaking about

this great man so disrespectfully. You must be very young or.....

[roguevalley]

421. actually, in this post obama is the doofus. I was so pissed when

i wrote this that it wasn't clear. I love bernie, always have and hope he does this. I am also not very young.

[rhett o rick]

255. WTF??

[roguevalley]

424. relax. my remarks were unclear because I had just watched the

boob tube and was so pissed it got mixed up. Obama-doofus. Sanders-future president who gets my vote.

[defendandprotect]

315. Don't know what your definition of a "doofus" is ... but Obama has turned out to

be not only a huge tragedy for voters but for the Democratic Party --

if you have any interest in seeing it still stand!!

Obama has spent three years wrecking any chance we had for recovery after Bush --

and trampled universal health care -- MEDICARE FOR ALL.

On and on -- on and on -- for Wall Street -- !!


In other words -- I'd prefer someone on the left -- Bernie Sanders will more than do!

Would be wonderful having a candidate speak for humanity -- our homeless, our

unemployed, those without health care suffering so in America -- our disabled --

and against wars!!

[roguevalley]

423. Sanders would get my vote and the few pennies I can spare.

[RoccoR5955]

317. Doofus my buns, troll! n/t

[roguevalley]

422. I am assuming you are referring to me. Therefore let me

reiterate: obama is a doofus and that is being kind. Bernie Sanders would be the president we all thought we were voting for when we chose that doofus in the white house. I was so pissed when I posted that it wasn't clear. I am also not a troll. But thanks anyway, dad.

[sudopod]

192. What, you think I should vote for Kodos, instead? nt

[dameocrat67]

223. kennedy played no role

it was the iran hostage crisis and the fact the carter did not even bother the campaign.

[grahamhgreen]

239. Obama is on a path to severe defeat, anyway.

[defendandprotect]

328. ... and taking the party with him --- you'd think some other Democrats would try to

at least save the party?

[davidwparker]

259. So, was that because of the primary or did Carter just not

win? And, was Carter moving to the right and lost his base?

Maybe on the last question, that is why he lost. Same as O is working so hard to do.

[defendandprotect]

305. Carter was destroyed by the CIA and Reagan/Bush "October Surprise" ....

had nothing to do with Ted's brief challenge -- which, btw, looks now like

a frameup of him at Chappaquiddick --

What would you have done if you could have foreseen these last three years and

what Obama has done - would you have voted for him anyway, or tried to get

someone more liberal to run?

Meanwhile, the more you vote for the "lesser evil" the more you move the party

to the right and the Congress to the right.

Time for less fear-based thinking!!

This whole Congress -- and this administration needs to be overturned!

[totodeinhere]

353. No, the prospect of getting a bona fide progressive in the White House who stands up for us makes

me happy.

[roguevalley]

163. I would walk barefoot from Alaska to help him. He is what a dem was

once upon a time. Some of us are old enough to know that. Tell him via email, calls, etc. I love him.

[whathehell]

229. You are correct, Roguevalley..."He is what a dem was once upon a time" and should be NOW. n/t

[StarsInHerHair]

246. you can follow him on Twitter too & msg him there

[pnwmom]

270. You must want Bachmann or Romney to win.

All Sanders will do is erode support for Obama, and weaken him for the general election.

[FedUp_Queer]

284. Because Obama is SO different than Bush or the other Republicans.

[pnwmom]

285. Yes, he is. Did you watch the dueling press conferences today?

The differences couldn't be more striking.

[FedUp_Queer]

419. Style over substance, that's all.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but:

Who was it that authorized more drone attacks?

Who was it who expanded Bagram?

Who was it who backed down on the public option before he even started negotiating?

Who was it who went further than claiming states secrets privilege but claimed total immunity from suit?

Who was it who is now bombing Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Yemen AND Somalia?

Who was it who has prosecuted more whistle blowers than anyone?

Who was it who has deported more undocumented people faster?

Who was it who proposed cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security (but who's a damn democrat)?

Who was it who asserted the authority to order the killing of American citizens absent trial?

Who was it who is torturing a whistle blower, uncharged in a military jail?

Who was it who spoke so eloquently about indefinite detention?

You're right...HUGE difference.

[defendandprotect]

320. +1 --

We had this opportunity since '08 to RECOVER from W and rather Obama has taken us

backwards -- and into the blackness of the GOP agenda re SS and Medicare!!

PLUS the surge towards universal health care was trampled by Obama in his back room

deals with Big Pharma and private H/C industry -- and voters got the message and

stayed home in 2010!!


:(

[dgibby]

2. I love Bernie! nt

[polichick]

3. With himself as the candidate - or supporting someone else?

Up 'til now he's said that he doesn't want to run himself.

[bullwinkle428]

YES - Bernie himself.

[Gold Metal Flake]

20. NO! Not Bernie himself.

He did not say himself. He said the opposite.

[polichick]

26. Did he mention names?

[Gold Metal Flake]

58. No.

He can not primary Obama anyway unless he joins the Democratic party, as everyone here should know.

He said consideration is being given to the idea. He was NOT specific in any way, which, of course, is part of his style on any issue that may bring some action in the future.

My suggestion: stay tuned, stay alert, hope for something good. Bernie does not usually float trial balloons on something this important.

[Peregrine Took]

217. Probabaly someone who wasn't currently in politics. Grayson??? n/t

[Chan790]

224. Grayson's already jumped into a House campaign.

He's only waiting until after the redistricting to declare if it'll be FL-8 again or a new district for downtown Orlando expected to be created. I can't see him running for both at the same time. I'm considering taking a work-transfer to Orlando to volunteer for his campaign so I've been watching closely.

The House race likely means Grayson won't run for POTUS until 2016 or later, if ever.

[polichick]

23. Well, that's definitely news!

[xxqqqzme]

88. I did not hear him say that.

In fact he has declined to do that any time he has been asked.

He was speaking as using a primary challenge as a vehicle to force Obama to the left. Remind him there are millions of people waiting for a true leader to step up. He thought there were more of us at the center and left of center than there are tea baggers.

[Peregrine Took]

219. Me neither. People are hearing what they want to hear.

It would be great but no way, would he do it.

[swilton]

200. Yes, I definitely thought he was talking about himself

Because the question was this (my paraphrase) - Since you aren't going to run, what progressives would you recommend? - and Bernie's reply were these two points:

1. we are giving it some thought now - and I can't say anything more about this now

2. There are many progressives out there

[Peregrine Took]

216. NO!!!!!!! Not himself - he will try to find someone else. n/t

[rhett o rick]

256. You have a source? nm

[nashville_brook]

4. get the fuck out! omg.

:bounce:

please please please!

[Hell Hath No Fury]

He can't run as a D -

wonder if he is thinking about running as an "I" or about another Democrat truly primarying O?

[Renew Deal]

84. He could legally change parties.

There's plenty of time to do that.

[myrna minx]

5. I love Bernie, but he's not a Democrat. Did he say he was going to become a Dem,

or is he planning on running as an Independent? If so, I suspect there will be mass bannings here.

[jtown1123]

9. I guess he would have to? Otherwise, he can run as an I and it wouldn't be considered a primary

challenge

[handmade34]

42. he said he was thinking of

pushing someone else... not himself. Still. very big news

[Dept of Beer]

67. Now if he was Charlie Crist that would be different.

[Dawgs]

82. I'd gladly give up DU if it meant having a populist as a choice. n/t

[kath]

96. Me too.

Wish this place would realize just how far gone the Democratic party really is, and rename it "Liberal Underground" or "Progressive Underground".

[shireen]

110. +1 good idea! nt

[swilton]

185. +++

[harun]

308. Hell yeah.

[LWolf]

102. I don't care what his party affiliation is.

In my book, he's a better man, a better politician, and a better Democrat than Obama ever will be. He serves the party's values, whether he's a member or not. At least, he serves the values that make the Democratic Party worthy of support; perhaps not the "new dem" values.

The party of registration is really irrelevant when the politician serves the enemy instead of the party he's registered with. Support for such a "party member" is more destructive to the party, in the long run.

In my opinion, of course.

[Dappleganger]

122. He's more of a democrat than the one in office!!

[kath]

145. Only about a brazillion times more!

[whathehell]

235. Most decidedly, sir. Bernie is what the Democratic party was and needs to be AGAIN. n/t

[Cherchez la Femme]

130. We sure could use him in the Democratic Party!

[defendandprotect]

323. Bernie could run on the Dem ticket -- don't see why not ... he's a better democrat than most

of our Democrats -- PLUS, the news is out -- people want to overturn

this entire Congress -- and they're right!!

[aquart]

6. Pressure from the left is the only thing that might help.

But I would PREFER that he announce his intention not to run again if he touches the third rail.

[MrScorpio]

7. Is he going to join the Democratic Party first? nt

[polichick]

10. Guess he'd have to in order to primary him.

[mike_c]

8. that would be the best news EVER for this election....

Bernie 2012!

[mia]

11. Best news I've heard in a long time. n/t

[Stuart G]

12. This might be a statement to basically warn Obama .

Part of the game.

I hope that it isn't necessary for Bernie to do this.

[earthside]

70. If Obama is not primaried ...

... it is my prediction that he will be defeated in November.

The way things are going now, if the progressive base does not have some reason for becoming involved in the Democratic presidential nomination process, then they will have insufficient motivation to turn-out in key swing states to get Pres. Obama re-elected.

Indeed, Barack Obama will probably either win or lose the 2012 election within the next month. If he "compromises" on Social Security and Medicare, gives-in for more massive tax cuts for the rich ... and begins to prosecute medical marijuana cases, well, he isn't going to get re-elected.

[anamandujano]

117. He already said he doesn't care about another term, in other words

he considers himself a lame duck who can do whatever he wants.

He can probably get a good position with The Carlyle Group after he leaves office with his pension, security team and the Dem party a wreak.

[bvar22]

133. After cutting Social security and Medicare, he won't need another term.

It will be DLC Mission Accomplished.
Obama can cash out his chips and go home,
AND he gets to keep that Pure Bred Rich People's dog!
:party:

[Bette Noir]

181. There's no call to insult Obama's dog!

[bvar22]

212. I wasn't insulting the dog,

but DO you remember that that campaign hype about,
"I'm going to get a Shelter Dog.
A mutt just like me!"

[The Big Vetolski]

279. Zing! nt

[defendandprotect]

336. +1 ----

One of my major concerns about this nation is that we've identified the corporate

force, but I still fear the CIA/intelligence force behind all of this --

They'll be no revolution unless we know that our MIC is still under civilian control

and even just mentioning that calls for a :rofl: -- right?


CIA destroyed Carter, imo -- and they got the presidency with Poppy Bush -- they'll

be back for it!!

[tomp]

396. EXACTLY! this is obama's mission, no question.

the american people can be so easily fooled. wolf in sheep's clothing....again.

obama's legacy will be ugly.

as for a primary, i think any challenge to obama is appropriate, but i think third party is better.

[swilton]

I would welcome

the deal with Boehner failing - I would welcome the big three taken off the table. If that happens, I would not feel that it was because of anything that Obama did.

The behavior with Bohner with social security, medicare and medicaid was a Rubicon and I do not feel that the man is trustworthy. I would consider his presence as POTUS dangerous for the middle class and his behavior has made me unable to trust him. I could care less what he would promise from now on - or whether or not he is 'pushed' to the left...The fact that he would have to be 'pushed' to the left indicates to me that he should not be where he is in the first place.

[BigBearJohn]

391. my thoughts EXACTLY. I think Obama should run for relection as a Republican

[davidwparker]

264. He won't win VA again, so if he is nominated, my vote

wouldn't count anyway.

[xchrom]

13. Recommend

[fredamae]

14. That's what I heard, Loud and clear...

I do believe a great running mate would be Alan Grayson---Or????

[KamaAina]

21. Russ Feingold would work nicely as well

:thumbsup:

[Lorien]

28. Elizabeth Warren. This Nation needs her. nt

[fredamae]

38. Oh, HELL Yes! n/t

[CleanGreenFuture]

51. Oh my god! She's pissed enough to do it too!

[FormerDittoHead]

139. Bernie and Liz? In a fucking heartbeat. n/t

[avaistheone1]

197. Yes! Yes! Yes!

Then I wouldn't have a headache every morning when I wake up.

[defendandprotect]

332. Elizabeth Warren -- a big YES!! How about VP with Bernie Sanders ... ???

I'd take here for president -- provided she didn't get pre-owed by corporations

before running!!

[scheming daemons]

15. Wanna bet $100 donation to DU that he doesn't?

[Cleita]

16. He said the Democrats should primary Obama, not him.

He will never run for President because he knows it would be futile and he can do more good in the Senate. He has said so many times.

I say we draft Barbara Boxer. We get a woman and a REAL Democrat who will get progressive legislation done.

[sasha031]

25. he did mention on Hartman he is now thinking about it

Boxer is fantastic too.

[Cleita]

35. Not for himself. Damn I hope there is a transcript soon

so you can see for yourself. He said in order to pull him back from the right he needed a challenger in the primary. He never mentioned he would do it and he can't anyway because he's an Independent, not a Democrat.

[sasha031]

68. I want the transcript also

what happened is a caller called in stating that he knew Bernie would not challenge but if he could recommend someone.
I could of sworn I heard Bernie say he was thinking about it.

Bernie looks tired, maybe he himself was caught off guard.

Didn't mean to get everyone a false sense of hope.

[Admiral Loinpresser]

126. 1. Al Gore 2. Jerry Brown 3. Alan Grayson

Grayson is probably the only one of those three persuadable.

[Bette Noir]

190. Not Jerry Brown. Jerry Brown is a 2-faced dick.

When he was governor last time, and couldn't get a liberal agenda passed, he doubled down on the conservative agenda, with an attitude of, *I'll show you fiscal conservative,* that California hasn't recovered from since.

Schwarzenegger threatened to close state parks. Brown is doing it.

[defendandprotect]

335. No on Al Gore -- he gave the "nod" to Clinton to overturn 60 years of Welfare guarantees...!!

almost gave us the Lieberman Trojan Horse as VP --

served with the guy for years -- didn't know who he was?

Gore wants to be a good guy somewhere in his soul -- but to much elitism

left in him --

[Peregrine Took]

215. Amen! I've been trying to tell peope that. He would never run himself! n/t

[davidwparker]

265. Works for me. I want O to see a primary. n/t

[Enrique]

17. i'd love to see the debates

but Obama wouldn't have the guts. He knows Bernie would cut through his centrist b.s. with ease.

[polichick]

40. Sure would be fun watching - a major popcorn event!

[Solomon]

87. I'd love to see Bernie win so's I can watch him tarred and

feathered and thrown under the bus for failing to live up to the dream.

LOL

I can hear it now, "traitor"...

[defendandprotect]

337. +1000% ----

and WOW ... "centrist" seems to be way over on the right these days!!!

:hi:

[sasha031]

18. someone called in asking him who he would recommend

Bernie has suggested he have a primary opponent in the past, that's when Bernie said he was thinking of doing it.

[Lorien]

19. YES!!

Finally, someone to vote FOR as opposed to simply voting for the lesser of evils. I hope that he takes the plunge!

[Donnachaidh]

22. YEAH BABY!!!

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :party: :evilgrin: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :yourock: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

[Ganja Ninja]

24. Yes! Run Bernie Run!

:applause: :woohoo: :patriot:

[Lorien]

30. Join him on Facebook and urge him to run! nt

[Marrah_G]

27. Bernie- if you do it, I will work my ass off for you.

[scheming daemons]

31. I'm 100% sure you would.

It is the best way for you to get a GOP administration.

[polichick]

36. Hello! We've already got a GOP administration - that's the point.

[Name removed]

39. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[polichick]

43. I don't blame you! :)

[Name removed]

44. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Lucky 13]

55. I'm not a PUMA and I'm with Marrah

Voted for and volunteered for Obama since the moment Edwards dropped out. Do you remember me? Look it up if you have to.

I say primary his ass. It may be that Bernie is the only one with enough balls to do so.

He was my Senator for the two years I had the pleasure of living in Vermont and I'd work my ass off for that man.

[Name removed]

64. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

75. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Lucky 13]

105. I have never used "ignore".

Out of principle, I've wanted to hear all sides of the argument and make up my own mind.

But some dopes are just name-calling. It's so infantile and they reveal the emptiness of their position every time they do that.

On the other hand, I like watching people show their ass in public and there's plenty of that going on around here. :)

[BNJMN]

401. Also, do you have to use 'dope' as a negative thing? Sometime one person's 'dope' is another persons

blahblahblah, just pulling your leg!
Oh, I'm so funny, aren't I?

Anyhooters, people are tightly wound on political forums!

[BNJMN]

400. Not sure associating 'balls' with anything positive is acceptable speech. [nt]

[Name removed]

72. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[kath]

142. Yep - it's EXACTLY the point!

Helooooo, people - anyone who cuts SS, Medicare, or Medicaid is NO Democrat - period. No ifs ands or buts.

[davidwparker]

268. we already have one. Check the reality, not the campaign

hype.

[BlueCaliDem]

318. Exactly. Now I know

what they mean by "wide-eyed liberals".

I guess not every one learned the lessons of 2000.

If these liberal purists think President Obama has difficulty with this Congress to get anything through what makes them think a more progressive President will have more luck?

[Peregrine Took]

34. Me, too. And promise to donate more than I've ever given any candidate.

I would TITHE his campaign so much a month.

[Zorra]

29. Then our concerns about Obama must be well founded.

Bernie wouldn't even be thinking about this if the situation wasn't critical.

[MissDeeds]

113. That's exactly what I've been thinking

With the uproar coming from Democrats about possible SS, Medicare and Medicaid cuts, and the 'volcanic' meeting yesterday, I'd be amazed if there wasn't a lot of talk about a primary challenger. Our pols who have been in the House and Senate for years and have fought to protect those programs aren't going to sit by while Obama gives it all away, or at least parcels it off to placate the GOP. They are not going to risk four more years of this president's pandering to the right.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

32. That would be novel. A candidate to vote for without the usual nasal injury.

Haven't seen one of those since McGovern.

[ProSense]

37. He said the same thing

in March

<...>

"But if a progressive Democrat wants to run, I think it would enliven the debate, raise some issues and people have a right to do that," Sanders said. "I've been asked whether I am going to do that. I'm not. I don't know who is, but in a democracy, it's not a bad idea to have different voices out there."

<...>

Sanders isn't going to primary Obama. If anyone plans to, they need to step up soon.

[MrScorpio]

45. Yep, time's running out

If we want to shoot ourselves in the foot by primarying an incumbent, we might as well get it on.

[handmade34]

63. I believe the idea

is just to force Pres Obama to head back in the correct direction...

[freshwest]

152. I agree that is needed. And why the Commission on Presidential Debates needs to be eliminated.

The League of Women Voters did a better job. What we have for a presentation of full views has gotten ridiculous. Without opponents, even the major candidates never get a chance to see the other ideas would benefit the party.

That being said, and not addressing anyone here, I believe a lot of Democrats are falling for the myths created by what is a totally RW owned media machine, even if there are token progressive pundits put forth to draw their interest. So much has been skewed from Day One of this administration, that a GOP victory is almost assured.

IMHO.

[Peregrine Took]

47. And this is July and conditions are dire. We need a saviour. n/t

[MrScorpio]

53. All Praise (Generic Left Wing Savior to Oppose Obama Insert Here)! nt

[Enrique]

48. yeah, you're probably safe

but if Sanders did get in, your job would get a lot tougher.

[ProSense]

50. "but if Sanders did get in, your job would get a lot tougher."

If pigs could fly and shit were money!

[iwishiwas]

93. very soon. But the hedge would be that the MSM would love it

also. LOOOOOOOOOOve it. Bad reason to love it but hey, I will take it for this cause.

[Safetykitten]

41. NICE!

[theophilus]

46. I wish Sanders would do it himself. I think he could do a good job in causing a

positive discussion without being destructive to Mr. Obama's chances if Sanders doesn't win in the primaries. It could be a good thing.

[dmallind]

49. OK, let,s walk this dog

If by any wildly miraculous chance he actually does, including of course becoming a Democrat first, when the inevitable <5% vote total comes in for him, what will the DU wild-eyed sky confectionary bakers say? Will the media or the corporations, or maybe even election rigging, be the culprit as to why Americans refuaed to vote for a man who proudly embraces a philosophy that has not seen any better than a 20% popularity rating in more than 75 years? Hell there are some issues where I think he's better than Obama(and some where I surely prefer the latter too), but he has no more chance of being nominated for the presidency than I do - and I'm an immigrant.

[handmade34]

54. he is not considering a run himself...

just pushing someone else... this is a game called telephone

[JTFrog]

86. The official game of the new DU. n/t

[dmallind]

103. I know - responding to the hypothetical that I called "miraculous" in improbability. nt

[sabrina 1]

71. 20%?

I think you need to go take a look at the polls for the issues Bernie Sanders supports. I think you got it backwards.

He has no chance of being nominated NOT because of the issues, or the American people's willingness to vote for him, but because NO ONE has a chance for the WH unless they are supported by Corporate Amercica.

So, having a chance at the WH these days, is not exactly an endorsement. All it means is you have made a deal with Corporate America. Someone like Sanders or Elizabeth Warren or any of those people who would be wildly popular based on issues alone, would be a serious threat to Corporate America. Which is why this president did not fight for Elizabeth Warren, his friends on Wall St. did not want her.

I think you don't understand what has happened to this country. Our only hope is Congress. And even there, Corporate money will be spent to prevent any good candidate from winning.

[sasha031]

92. Sabrina, you are right on all accounts

I got so excited when I heard Bernie mention it on Hartman, perhaps I should of hesitated before posting.

Corporate america would destroy this wonderful man, he is too much of a treasure and his seat is safe in Vermont.
If we are to have the slightest chance we have to take back Congress.

As far as Warren stands, I hope the people of my great state are able to see through Brown, he is nothing but a corporate hack and phony, on top of that, not very bright.

[dmallind]

101. I think you don't understand the antipathy toward the word "socialism" nt

[defendandprotect]

342. Agree with you ... but we also have threat of CIA controlled government/MIC ....

that's the other end of this corporate control --

Corporations can't go anywhere without CIA/intelligence/MIC protection --

they're part of the same deal --

CIA destroyed Carter, imo --

and they gained control over government with Poppy Bush's presidency --

and probably Bush/Cheney --

they'll be back for it -- !!


However, the mood in America right now is to overturn ALL of Congress --

the public does understand what's going on with BOTH PARTIES --





:hi:

[Renew Deal]

85. Tasini got 17% of the vote against Hillary.

I can't imagine Bernie getting even close to that.

[dmallind]

107. Yes - and NY is more than a tad to the left of the nation as a whole

The middle three quarters of the country - and the bottom half outside CA - will stop listening the very first time any quote of Bernie's accepting or praising socialism is printed or aired. Doesn't matter a tinker's cuss how many issues they agree on on a discrete basis.

[Enthusiast]

156. Bernie's position on the issues is mainstream.

On the wars, on taxes, on social programs and health care his positions are held by a majority of Americans -a LARGE majority.

Yes, people don't recognize where they are on the political spectrum but they know they hate the insurance industry and Wall Street and they hate these wasteful wars that serve no purpose. The positions held by Bernie and most Americans aren't specifically socialist anyway, they're just REASONABLE.

[joeybee12]

52. Off to the greatest page with the best news I've had in a LONG time!!!!

[handmade34]

56. giving thought

to pushing someone else to do it!

[iwishiwas]

76. Perhaps.

[Lucky 13]

59. Do it Bernie.

The Democratic party needs some serious DEMOCRATIC leadership... not right-wing sellouts.

[montanacowboy]

60. Please please please

I will give my all for Bernie

[dbonds]

62. I would support this.

[Dept of Beer]

65. Must have been my email to him...

and the millions of others.

[iwishiwas]

69. Anything goes Friday: Call 866-745-2667 Call and ask THOM if Bernie

was serious--or his take on what Bernie said.

[CleanGreenFuture]

109. I called Bernie's DC office and his campaign office. Both say he's NOT RUNNING. Sorry.

[iwishiwas]

194. I tried the Thom show but had to leave. Thanks for update. Drats.

[ThomWV]

73. He Caucuses with Democrats, for my money he is a Democrat, I'd vote for him in a heartbeat

And campaign for him, send more money to him, and in general do everything I could to help him become President.

[trud]

189. Bernie is better than most of today's DINOs. n/t

[BanzaiBonnie]

74. If Obama and his advsors in DC keep dismissing us

by saying, "Who are they gonna vote for?" We may have to show him.


I'd vote for Bernie in a heartbeat.

[davidwparker]

269. +1

[glowing]

77. I hope he does just to move the coversqtion back into reality and away from theDC

Idiots. Their discussion of debt at a time when we need good paying jobs is so farfetched and off basis. Manufactured crisis to avoid the real job of running tue fluffy and being responsible for all of America's citizens and not just the few at the top who buy their way into the discussions to keep more $ for their greedy selves.

[white_wolf]

78. I hope he does.

I'd vote for him in a heartbeat. It'd be nice to vote for a real progressive instead of a corporate sell-out.

[femrap]

79. Can Strickland be

his VP?

[Name removed]

80. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[ThomWV]

132. I see it more as removing a cancer

[JTFrog]

137. Embrace the karma.... n/t

[MilesColtrane]

Obama is a cancer?

Wow

[Hand_With_Eyes]

407. Lately, yes

In his dealings with the GOP, yes.

[davidwparker]

271. the thread is about primary, not general. n/t

[JTFrog]

273. Duh...

I guess you aren't a history buff.

:shrug:

[Hand_With_Eyes]

406. "Split the party and hand the country back to the fucktards that drove it into the ground"

You just described what Obama has been doing for the last couple years.

[JTFrog]

415. Bullshit.

But like I said, I almost hope you get a chance to see what a fucking ridiculous comment that is.

Trip trap trip trap. :eyes:

[daa]

81. I love Bernie but Elizabeth Warren is polling 25% behind Brown nt

[Renew Deal]

83. Is he going to change parties?

:shrug:

[damntexdem]

89. I'll vote for him. I'll donate to him. I'll work on his campaign.

Did that for Obama in the primaries and election in 2008'; but now I've been betrayed and want to move on to Bernie.

[white_wolf]

90. If Sanders got the nomination I wonder how many of the DLC types here would support the

Republican candidate? I'd say a lot.

[socialist_n_TN]

286. Good question. And a reasonable guess at an answer

I say reasonable because look how many of them supported Crist last year over the ACTUAL Democrat in Florida.

[Fuzz]

91. I mentioned this a long time ago, a primary challenge from the left, but was told it would never

happen by the folks who responded to me.

I hope he does it.

[Hotler]

94. Will not matter. The elections are rigged. n/t

[kath]

99. True dat - until we have free, fair, transparent elections all the talk of primaries and "elections"

is pointless.

[defendandprotect]

345. Agree -- but the public wants to overturn ALL of Congress - both parties ... !!

Guess we're gonna find out --

Keep in mind that behind the corporate rigging that corporations go no

where without the protection of our MIC/CIA --

CIA destroyed Carter's presidency --

They gained control with the Poppy Bush presidency --

and probably Bush/Cheney ---

they'll be back for it!!

[Blasphemer]

95. I greatly respect Bernie Sanders but I think it unlikely that he'd do it

He won't be a third party candidate in the GE (unless there is also a legitimate 4th party, i.e., Tea Party, candidate) to avoid stripping votes that could lead to President Romney. And I don't think he would switch parties just to primary Obama. We shall see.

[meow mix]

97. k&r hope so

bernie 2012.. toss the faker.

[hifiguy]

98. Go, Bernie, Go!!

:applause: :woohoo:

[Raksha]

100. Wonderful news! That was my first thought...

unfortunately, my second thought was that he should stay out of small planes from now on. Paranoid? You're damn right!!!

[glinda]

104. Nice thought but he will not win.

[Lucky 13]

108. It's not really about if he can or would win.

There has to be SOMETHING there to keep Obama from pulling too rightward. Right now, there's nothing... not even a pretend sense of duty to the party. A primary might draw him left, if only temporarily.

But most of all, it sends a message.

[Raksha]

112. I'm not too big on "sending messages." To me the important thing

would be that it would give progressives something/someone to organize around. It could be the beginning of a movement, and eventually maybe a viable third party, a true Progressive Party. Right now there's a huge leadership vacuum on the left, with none of the previous leaders such as Howard Dean willing to directly challenge Obama.

[seabeyond]

106. i would vote for him in primary. i would be mad as hell if he ran independent in race

splittin up the dems, ensuring repug win

[swilton]

218. And you don't think that the Republicans haven't won with

this current debacle now ongoing in Washington? or with health care?

[seabeyond]

221. no. not even. not kinda. not close. nt

[CleanGreenFuture]

111. He's NOT RUNNING. Sorry .I called Bernie's DC office and his campaign office. Both say

that he has no intention of running.

ETA: Call and ask them yourselves. Here are the ph. numbers:

DC: 202-2254-5141

Campaign office: 802-862-1505

[corpseratemedia]

114. He'd have my vote.

[swilton]

116. He'd have more than my vote

Money, time, etc.

[emilyg]

118. Yes!!!!!

[Dappleganger]

121. He would most definitely have my vote!

[spanone]

123. uh, bernie is not a democrat.

p.s. only a democrat could primary a democrat....

as much as i love bernie he will never become president.

vermont is another planet...wish i lived there

[libmom74]

146. Yeah cause the

current DLC/3rd way POTUS is working out so well! :sarcasm:

[spanone]

150. i think it's working out better than you do.

[libmom74]

158. Well that's great for you.

It must be nice to not have to worry about depending on Medicare or Social Security, most people in the country these days are not as economically secure as you (or as you believe yourself to be). Obama working with the Repukes to dismantle the New Deal while giving EVEN MORE tax breaks to the ultra wealthy doesn't work well for most of us.

[fascisthunter]

404. are you well off financially?

because you seem to not be worried...

[JoePhilly]

125. Sure he is.

[adhd_what_huh]

127. Never!

[mckara]

128. Obama Needs a Leftward Push!!!

[stevenleser]

254. This would not cause that to occur. It would cause the opposite to occur.

Bernie would sew up the leftmost portion of the party, Obama would court the rightmost portion because those are the votes he would get in the primary.

[russspeakeasy]

129. Corporate america would never allow it.

[defendandprotect]

347. ---- not to mention the CIA/MIC ... corporations go nowhere without their protection....

they had the presidency with Poppy Bush --

and probably with Bush/Cheney --

They'll be back for it -- !!


In the meantime, we need to find out what's left of the democratic Dem Party and

our people's government -- !!

[russspeakeasy]

362. Excellent point defendand protect.

[bongbong]

131. Do it!

Do it to move Obama back to the center (from the center-right he now occupies).

But be sure to not fly on any planes, and to hire dozens and dozens of brutal bodyguards that have been vetted as non-PTB-plants.

[swilton]

154. No, don't do it to MOVE Obama

The only place Obama needs to move is out of the oval office - even if he had a primary challenger, who could believe him....been there, done that in 2008.

Do it to shake the country up - there is a latent grass-roots movement waiting to be catalyzed and put into action.

[LynneSin]

134. Primary good. If he goes 3rd party bad

3rd party - welcome to the world President Bachmann or President Perry

:scary:

[slay]

135. Will one of the Democrats PLEASE do the right thing and primary Obama?

i hope so. it's our only way out of this mess - otherwise it's 4 more years of SHIT with Obama or 4 years of SHIT with the other republicans.

[steelmania75]

136. I'm liking this. Bernie's the man.

[valerief]

138. WOW! He'd be a fantastic president. He'd probably be banned from the MSM though.

He's too good to US citizens.

I'll join the Bernie Party, though, in a heartbeat.

[ecstatic]

141. OK, let's pretend for a moment...

Let's pretend that Obama is successfully primaried next year... What path to victory would the new nominee have? He wouldn't have support from black voters, for one thing. Come up with a path to victory.

[Fearless]

143. Really? Would Black voters vote for who... Bachmann? Romney?

Vote to end SS/Medicare/Medicaid?

:rofl:

[ecstatic]

153. Nobody. Wow. You're very out of touch nt

[Number23]

293. +1 That comment is... surreal.

[Fearless]

340. So you're saying they will vote for a Black man because he's Black?

[ecstatic]

343. How cute. But in the off chance that the firebaggers (many of whom are racist)

succeed in removing the first Black President from the ballot, the result would be anger and apathy. Are you even from this country? How could you be so clueless about race relations? Do you remember what happened in 2008 after Bill Clinton started making his comments?

[WI_DEM]

165. No they wouldn't but they may not vote in large numbers either

which would be just as devastating, not only to the democratic nominee but congressional candidates.

[rury]

276. You are spot on...see post #274,

[rury]

274. No we would just stay home and the Repukes would win

[totodeinhere]

355. So you would really stay home and let Bachmann win? You would be

signing off on destroying this country once and for all. And all that out of pique because your candidate lost in the primaries?

[defendandprotect]

348. How about WOMEN turning out in force for Bachman, Romeny ... ??? :rofl:

[Justpat]

144. I just heard it too.

Please do it, Bernie!

[libmom74]

147. Please! Please! Please!

I will find a way to VT to help in any way I can if this is true.

[Enthusiast]

148. I think Bernie, like many of us, has finally lost any doubt

that Obama is in actuality a corporate president.

Many of us feel something has to be done unless we want another four years of enacting every piece of legislation favorable to corporations at the expense of the American people.

Bernie can see this. Many thousands of us feel the same.

[ananda]

149. What! A real choice?

Wow!

[Lucian]

159. A great K&R.

I'd follow behind Bernie over Obama anyday.

[whatchamacallit]

167. Some actual democracy finally? I'm all in! n/t

[dreamnightwind]

172. Do it Bernie!

Or get behind someone who will. At this point it is CRITICAL that the left primary Obama. Not only is he not putting into place the needed change for which we elected him, he's not even trying to! He argues against the needed reforms. He completely invalidates progressive positions, and he gives people little reason to believe in the Democratic Party, since his positions are only slightly different than those of Bush or Romney.

If nothing more, the primaries can be a national education campaign. Put the issues out there so they get heard and seriously considered in people's minds. Plant the seeds, see what grows.

Medicare For All. No more health insurance conglomerates. Government bargaining for drug prices. End the exotic financial derivative products. Place a transaction tax on all trades to slow the beast down. Bring back a tax structure that recovers money into the treasury from those that make a killing off of this system. Shrink defense until it's small enough to fit into a bathtub. Incarcerate less of our citizens, and give them affordable education and legitimate hope for decent jobs that will carry them through life. Quit allowing the banks to rob the treasury and stop the mass home foreclosures.

The solutions are obvious. And nobody that matters is fighting for them. Americans aren't even being told that these are the solutions, not by Obama. We won't get everything we want from anyone, the Repubs will oppose everything, but if the correct positions are articulated and fought for, the people will eventually understand and join in the struggle. It's the only way.

[truedelphi]

384. Actually Jon Stewart rather routinely suggests all the right solutions.

and Colbert, of course, suggests all the wrong ones, though most of us understand his real meaning.

[dreamnightwind]

418. Yeah, I rarely miss their shows

hardly the equivalent of a POTUS that takes on those issues, though. And as much as I like Stewart he is more centrist than I like, he too easily gets caught up in the "both sides do it" trap, false equivalence, splitting the diff between the White House position and the Repub position and seeing that center as the reasonable one, etc. But yes I'm a huge fan of both shows.

[truedelphi]

425. No you are right - Jon Stewart knowing things is not the same as the

POTUS knowing these things, and then acting on them.

But I think it is fair to say that Obama is smart enough to know everything that Stewart knows.

He just hasn't been promised anything by the Powers That Be in return for knowing those things and then acting on them.

He has, however, been promised a great deal for knowing the right thing to do and then doing a tap dance away from that.

On every single issue - from Monsanto and its genetically modified "Famine" foods, to the endless and corrupting wars, to the drug wars on states' rights and medicinal marijuana, to the EPA allowances for Corexit to dammage the Gulf while the fishermen and women suffered health effects, and on and on, Obama has enabled those whoa re among the forces of Darkness. All the kabuki theater and all the energy he has expended to give us just a smide more than we would have gotten under a President with a "R" after their name.

And of course, then there are all the many Obama appointments allowing for people like Geithner to help Bernanke in the nine to thirty one trillion dollars bank giveaways.

The only good hting I have seen from Obama is the stem cell issue. And given the way that the HC"R" efforts turned out, most of us will not be able to afford those treatments.

[graywarrior]

173. Like that will make things better.

He won't win...but Romney will.

[Jazzgirl]

174. When did Bernie Sanders become a Democrat?

He can't "primary" shit.

[cascadiance]

198. His best strategy would be to become one to do the primarying...

An independent run on Obama would be very hard for him to do AND to defend his senate seat at the same time. You know that the DNC, etc. this time around would run someone against him if he ran an independent campaign against Obama for president. Raising money for both campaigns and not having a split vote in the Senate giving the senate seat to a Republican would be a hard thing to do.

However, if he became a Democrat, he could run in the primaries against Obama, or at least THREATEN to until Obama started doing business more progressively. And then he wouldn't face a Democratic challenge in the general election for his senate seat in Vermont, and any Democratic challenger in a primary for his seat in Vermont would be toast.

It wasn't clear from what he said on Hartmann on whether he would himself run in that primary or work with someone else to help do a primary challenge against Obama. I think his main objective isn't necessarily to BEAT Obama to have a different candidate in the general election, but by challenging Obama, make sure that the progressive voice on issues in the election gets a platform, and not make it so that Obama goes to the extreme of "taking us for granted" to the point of becoming Republican Lite, which he's been doing a lot lately when he's feeling that we don't have any other choice, or no other choice is going to even be heard. An independent run in the general election would be more apt to do damage and give the Republicans the presidency too, whereas a primary, even if Obama wins, would serve to make sure that progressive issues are on the table so that Obama gets tested on his commitments to his base.

[ecstatic]

204. If Sanders switched parties for political expediency, wouldn't that be selling out?

:shrug:

[cascadiance]

260. I think it depends on how he does it. I don't think many in the "tea party" ...

consider themselves core constituency "Republicans" either. But they are running as Republicans to have a shot at winning seats in office. Had they been a separate party, they wouldn't have the political power they do today.

With our two party system today that doesn't allow for a system to provide too many chances for effective challenge from third parties, in some cases it might be needed to have a "sub party" caucus to help "take over" a party that's out of control and not serving what many feel are its constituency.

My guess is that Sanders himself isn't necessarily feeling like he's the one that will run himself, but I think he does feel like he needs to unite and be instrumental to find voices that will speak for his constituents well within the Democratic Party to challenge what many perceive as a corporatist power grab on our party.

[styersc]

175. Where do I send my check???

Bernie if you need a state chairperson in South Carolina, I'm your man!!!

A real democrat in the race...be still my heart.

[eilen]

178. He said he was warming to the idea of a primary

challenger, not that he himself would run. He said there were many good progressive leaders out there.

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

180. Would the corporate media allow a debate to be televised?

That's always a factor. They control whether a candidate is considered legitimate enough or not to justify a televised debate.

[Dont call me Shirley]

182. YES! I volunteer!

[MilesColtrane]

183. Maybe you heard what you wanted to hear, hmm?

Unrec because it would be embarrassing to have this on the Greatest Page when it turns out to be bullshit.

[JDPriestly]

184. Yea!!!!

We need a candidate who will get progressive ideas before the people.

That would be great.

[sce56]

186. IBTL

I'm amazed that this has that much attention with out being locked as people are talking about supporting a Independent against a sitting Democratic President. Shocked I tell you Shocked!


I wish we could draft him in the democratic party to be a Primary challenger to Obama. I'll also say that I did not support Obama until he had a lock on the nomination. I Have a sister that ran for local office and she was proud to be on the same ballot as Obama, She even went to DC for the Inaugural. She along with so many other progressives is now disappointed with him and his constant march to the right side.

[trud]

252. not locked

the mods may have seen the light, too.

[trud]

187. No.

I phoned his office. They said his position is someone has to primary Obama, but it won't be him personally. He would support a good candidate, though.

[dotymed]

397. IMO, Bernie is the one to give us actual change.

It would be a battle (money talks), but I cannot see a better contender than Bernie.

All Americans have to do is compare voting records; and Bernie can speak with the best of them.

He, not a proxy, could tilt the advantage back to real Americans.

[avebury]

188. I'd vote for Bernie in a heartbeat.

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

191. I wish Barbara Boxer could be coaxed into running

but I guess it would spell death to her chances of working with others in the Senate after that. She's got intelligence, great charisma, and true liberal credentials. I don't want Obama to lose the election. I just want a true progressive to run against him in the primary to force him to the left in the general.

[JoeyT]

193. While it would be amusing to see it happen,

I'm not sure how much good it would do.

As the sitting president, Obama has too much name recognition...It would be extremely difficult to take him out in a primary. As far as pushing him to the left goes, he's already proven he's perfectly happy to lie through his teeth in a primary and a general. So what, exactly, is to stop him from lying to the left until he wins the primary? (Before the shrieks begin: His promise of no mandates is what got him my vote over Hillary. So that's at least one vote his lies won him during the primaries.) He did it once, there's no reason he can't do it again.

[earcandle]

195. Please do!

[ClarkUSA]

196. Is he going senile? How can he "primary Obama" when he is a Socialist?

[ozone_man]

202. He can run as a Democrat?

After all, he caucuses with them and votes probably 95% of the time with them, and is much closer to what we all thought a real Democrat was/is. It's time to make a stand, and if Obama can't/won't do it, then someone else has to rise to the challenge.

[swilton]

207. He describes himself as a Social Democrat

a party popular in many European states....What does being a socialist have to do with being able to primary a candidate? There are ways -

[Rex]

209. Oh noes a socialist! LOL!

Looks like something Glenn Beck would type - OH NO A SOCIALIST! :eyes:

Some people are still looking for commies under their bed. :rofl:

[Faryn Balyncd]

199. If Bernie decides against it, we need to DRAFT HIM.

[swilton]

292. ++

I'm in! Maybe with someone with a voice in the WH the so-called Democratic Party would find its backbone - there is no/r. no leadership now.

[pam4water]

201. Yeah Bernie for President!

[DesertFlower]

203. i'd support him in a new york minute.

unfortunately he'd never get elected.

[checks-n-balances]

208. Great!!!!!

He will just need to make sure he watches his back 24/7 from now on. Corporate America hates him, I'm sure.

[Peregrine Took]

210. Again, I heard him say he would try to get someone to do it - not him. n/t

[Autumn]

214. I would love for him to run

I wonder who he has in mind or who he knows that might be considering it?

[Cali_Democrat]

228. Bernie!

:bounce:

[WillyT]

230. Great News !!! - K & R !!!

:bounce::woohoo::bounce:

:kick:

[Luciferous]

232. He was talking about supporting a candidate willing to primary Obama, not

running himself. I wish he would run!

[mlevans]

233. Good.

And let's have Grayson in the vp's slot.

[jwirr]

234. I love this man. I would vote for this man in the primary. That pains

me to say that because I want to support President Obama but he is going to have to go a lot further to convince me that he (Obama) supports me. I KNOW that Bernie Sanders supports me.

[grahamhgreen]

236. YEAH! WoooHooo!

[MessiahRp]

240. Dear God I hope so...

I will be on the Sanders 2012 train immediately!

[mother earth]

241. If this is true I will work my butt off for him & I think he will

win hands down. The outrage is ridiculous. We wanted hope and change and instead we have been swindled IMHO. I want a true progressive & I will wave my progressive, liberal, socialist flag proudly!!! Bernie rocks!!!:yourock:

(edited to correct spelling)

[Vidar]

243. That certainly makes my day. Bernie has the political courage & personal

integrity which have been so sorely lacking in Obama.

[swilton]

294. Furthermore, he has a track record

as well as eloquent/inspiring speeches....We've all seen it and been inspired by them.

[mother earth]

412. Yes, he doesn't just talk, he walks the talk. We need him.

[NuttyFluffers]

245. good. America celebrates being the land of options.

might as well live up to that. i want a better choice.

[dionysus]

249. thx for the chucks guys.

:rofl:

[Smarmie Doofus]

250. Sweet jesus that is beyond fantastic.

Kic, Rec,

[rhett o rick]

253. Did he say he'd run as a Democrat? nm

[on point]

257. Please please! I'm already going to write him in, just make it easier and a bigger option

[davidwparker]

258. oh, absolutely.

Let it happen. Obama could not win the primary at this stage, so why risk a general election with the losers on the other side and end up in a tight race ... you know how that one will play out in this land.

[ProfessionalLeftist]

262. He didn't say HE would do it. He just said he was considering finding someone who would. n/t

[MissDeeds]

277. Please Bernie

If you don't run, find a clone who will carry forth your integrity, values and vigor.

[colsohlibgal]

263. Go Bernie!

At the very least maybe he can finally push Obama left - much like RFK and McCarthy did to LBJ in 1968.

[The Big Vetolski]

278. LBJ quit in 1968, and we got Nixon. But only because RFK was...

assassinated and LBJ's VP the Hump got the nomination. Even then, it was REAL close.

[FreeStateDemocrat]

266. He's got my vote. Change can be good

[a2liberal]

267. K&R (n/t)

[HomerRamone]

272. If you think Romney would lose votes because he's a MORMON...nt

[hay rick]

280. Barack who?

Bernie hands down.

[AllyCat]

281. He did not say he was the one who would be the challenger, just that he thinks

progressives AND teapartiers alike can find common ground and end this miserable Presidency without a Repig getting into office.

[sagesnow]

283. How do I sign up to help? n/t

[Marnie]

288. Absolutely

Obama needs to answer questions about his forgotten promises, and be put on the spot to explain what his new set of promises is, so we will know what his is going to give away next.

The only way that happens is if he faces a challenge from within his own party and has to do the kind of grass roots campaigning that the Republicans are doing in the early primary states.

He needs to be made to reconnect to his base, or at least prove that he has totally abandoned us.
He doesn't need to do that if he is only challenged by Republicans.

He might be surprised how many pre-convention votes Democrats would give to progressive and liberal challengers in a primary run.

In short he needs to have his complacency shaken.

He is not a shoe in nationally and he should not be for the party either. Not after so many betrayals.


Oh and Obama, SS and Medicare are not Entitlements, and are investment savings accounts. They are a Trust and a Trust. Both of which you are betraying.

[Name removed]

290. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[swilton]

296. Love your thinking on how this could be done

It is really so disheartening to hear the doomsdayers' negativity.

Challenging Obama through the Democratic Party initially would be a positive by moving the party as a whole to the left. Then as you point out, if the challenger didn't win, at least he could go on the national ticket as an independent.

I recall Michael Moore's predictions after 2010....that there could be four candidates: two on the right - a tea party candidate and as Michael Moore put it, an adult (a la Romney, Bloomberg)....Then there's Obama who is essentially a moderate Republican - Moore predicted a challenge to Obama from the left and he also pointed out that the winner's of election in a four-way race wouldn't have to have 50%. US presidential elections have been won with less than 50%...the question then would be the electoral college.

[defendandprotect]

349. Agree that America wants to totally OVERTURN this Congress -- !!!

[dionysus]

369. LOLOLOL.. your slip's showin!

[dionysus]

371. "dear Barry"...."Obama goes down to defeat"... "And then we have President Romney"...

thanks for playing.

[CrawlingChaos]

295. YES!!!!

[Mathias Kohler]

297. Obama had momentum...

when he came into office, but not the courage to act. If he had said that he would compromise with republicans on every issue he never would have been elected. He takes his base for granted by moving right and thinking that everyone to his left has no where else to go.

Run Burnie.If you get the nomination not only will the Obama supporters have no place to go, all the liberals and progressives, Hillary supporters from 08 and traditional democrats will rally to your call. If the president is doing such a good job he can easily defend it.

[FreeBillClinton]

298. Where do I sign up?

[paparush]

299. Obama's standing with THIS left wing, liberal, progressive has fallen drastically.

I'd love to see Bernie join the fray.

Anyone to pull the dialogue back from this so called middle. The 'middle', today, is so fucking far to the right it makes me sick.

[southerncrone]

301. Sanders/Grayson!

:bounce:

[Grrrfun]

302. he'd get my vote

if he ran..

no more 3rd way dems please.

[relayerbob]

303. Good idea ...

Let's cut the legs out from under our President. Maybe he can provide the Goppers a ton of good oneliners, just like Teddy did to Jimmy. That worked out so well.

[defendandprotect]

304. That's great news -- !! Finally ... !!! Even to just be thinking about it --

And I notice that no Democratic Party member has come forward to challenge

him on this three years of destruction!!!

[tencats]

306. What Bernie said listen to it yourself at this link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3nqRsBVsFk&feature=player_embedded

Bernie Sanders Says It Would Be A ‘Good Idea’ To Primary President Obama

By Zaid Jilani on Jul 22, 2011

Today, while appearing on Thom Hartmann’s radio show, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) — who, while being an independent, caucuses with the Democrats — said that one way progressives can make sure Obama does not enact huge cuts to major social programs is to run a primary challenger against him. Sanders told a listener who called in to protest a debt ceiling deal that cuts Social Security that such a challenge would be a “good idea”:

SANDERS: Brian, believe me, I wish I had the answer to your question. Let me just suggest this. I think there are millions of Americans who are deeply disappointed in the president, who believe that with regard to Social Security and other things, he said one thing as a candidate and is doing something very much else as a president. Who cannot believe how weak he has been for whatever reason in negotiating with Republicans, and there’s deep disappointment. So my suggestion is, I think one of the reasons the president has made the move so far to the right is that there is no primary opposition to him and I think it would do this country a good deal of service if people started thinking about candidates out there to begin contrasting a progressive agenda as opposed to what Obama believes he’s doing. <...> So I would say to Ryan, discouragement is not an option. I think it would be a good idea if President Obama faced some primary opposition.

More at:
http://thinkprogress.org/special/2011/07/22/277124/bernie-sanders-primary-obama/

[harun]

310. Thanks! Makes sense.

[HCE SuiGeneris]

313. Net recommendation: +250 votes (Your vote: +1)

:kick:

[RoccoR5955]

316. FINALLY... I'd vote for Bernie in a nanosecond!

Even if it was to primary this President, who has proven, time and again, that he is no way progressive.
I had my doubts, when he first mentioned that he looked up to one of my most disliked presidents, namely Raygun.
If Bernie runs, he's got my vote!

[Egalitariat]

321. He'll finish behind Dennis Kucinich

[robcon]

324. Dennis was, by far, the most popular DU primaries candidate in '08 - almost 40%

But Dennis never got more than 4% of the Democratic vote in any primary.

Sanders would do about as well as Kucinich.

[Egalitariat]

329. I remember one of the late primaries where Dennis was excited to have finished 4th when there were

only 3 people left in the race.

I guess it creates a conduit for us to send a message.

I've never been to a sit-in; I'm more about tangible results.

[FreeBillClinton]

325. Kucinich isn't running

This isn't about defeating Obama, or at least it shouldn't be because that's not going to happen.

This is about giving progressives an avenue for expressing our displeasure with Obama... before most of us vote for him in the general election.

[wundermaus]

322. Kick his ass, Bernie!

[rucky]

330. He's an independent. Why primary him?

When he could just run?

[inna]

333. Draft Feingold. Love Bernie, but he won't run.

[tinwi]

357. We can't get him to run in WI again

There was talk about him challenging Walker in a recall but it does not look like it anymore.

[inna]

361. Well!.... Hopefully, he's "saving himself" for the big one, then!

[mmonk]

334. I missed the show today.

Wish that were true. To even hear the debates nationally with Bernie might make people think about what's been happening in this country.

[gateley]

338. Series, I think he would appeal to a number of people across

the board. Too bad he's got that pesky "socialist" in his party name -- that'll turn off a lot from the get-go.

[Twostones]

339. In the insurance industry....

you pay your premiums on time. I payed into my retirement system all my life and when i go to collect they cut my benefits? In the insurance industry that is called FRAUD. When Obama put social security on the table he became a partner in the republican FRAUD. He lost my vote and the vote of many others who depend on social security in their later years. He won't get re-elected. The voters will stay home unless they get a different candidate to run. The republicans know this. Why can't the DNC figure it out?

[treestar]

350. He would have to be a Democrat to do that.

[jillan]

351. He has my vote should he run.

:toast: :bounce: :party:

[Twostones]

354. Bernie Sanders won't run

Stop putting words in his mouth. He said he was thinking about helping to primary someone against Obama. Bernie does not intend to run himself. They need to change the wording on the title of this thread. It is misleading the way it is shown.

[tinwi]

356. I think he could win

[janet118]

358. I would so like to see that debate . . .

Bernie would have a platform. Progressive ideas in prime time? Pinch me. I wonder . . . if Americans heard someone making sense, would they know it?

[burrowowl]

363. If Bernie gets a lot of support

it might enable a more progressive (actually Democratic) platform for Obama to run on!

YAY! BERNIE!

[texshelters]

364. This makes me very sad, for I was so hopeful when

Obama was elected, and now I find myself rooting for Sanders to enter and ready to give him some money.

Peace,
Tex Shelters

[Mosaic]

368. I've been calling for Obama to be primaried

For about 6 months now. This is good news coming from the popular Senator. More power to him, and to us!!!!!

:toast:

[Bluenorthwest]

370. He'd have my vote.

Flat out no hesitation. Additionally, it would be valuable for him to run, just for the debates and to push the slippery Obama to have to work and tell another pile of lies to try to win.

[Lena inRI]

372. Primary NY Gov Andrew Cuomo. . .

. . .if he's a chip off the old block (former Gov Mario Cuomo), I guarantee he'd be a PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRAT. . .ya know. . .a Democrat like they used to be.

Listen to Cuomo Senior's famous 1984 speech. . .still resonates for us today. . .the more things change, the more they stay the same. . .

http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mariocuomo1984dnc.htm (video & transcript 8 min)

As for Cuomo Junior, his positions on many issues are a work in progress, but on certain core Democratic values, he's solid. . .workers/civil rights, public financing of elections, government-run health care.

http://www.ontheissues.org/Andrew_Cuomo.htm

So, Senator Sanders, please talk to the Cuomos. . .their time has come. . .before the Democratic Party self-destructs . . .

[udbcrzy2]

373. I would love that! My write in candidate:)

[CoffeeCat]

375. Thank you...I now have REAL hope...

...for REAL change.

[farmboxer]

376. Sanders Has my respect and vote!!!!!!!

I voted for someone to protect the poor/middleclass and he is the one to do such!!! Yeah, Bernie Sanders is a true American hero!!!

[iamthebandfanman]

377. its a great gesture

and sacrifice on his part if he does..
cause he does it for the sake of us on the 'nutty' left...

someone has to stand up for what we believe in, bernie knows itd be a good way to draw attention to our plites while at the same time pointing out that liberals arent happy with the president and his largely un-liberal policies.

so tired of the media and right wingers calling obama a socialist or extreme leftist. hes not. atleast this would rest that once and for all.

[The Doctor.]

378. Sorry, but as much as I love Sanders,

The PTB aren't going to let him near the WH.

When people grow up and realize what we're actually up against, then we can start dealing with reality.

Unfortunately, too many around here aren't willing to acknowledge that harsh reality.

[Divine Discontent]

383. yes, but it doesn't mean we give up. I understand the sentiment behind your post though.

[The Doctor.]

390. NGU.

At the same time, we must consider how lucky we are that we wound up with someone who is as much on our side as is possible in this climate.

I'd love to have a Dean, Grayson, or Kucinich in the WH, but even they would hit that same wall once there. That's why I hold out hope that this very bright man can effect some good while he's there.

So far, the results are mixed, but far better than most alternatives.

I hope we can weather the coming storm and right the system again, but it's still breath-holding time.

[Divine Discontent]

392. yes, it could always be worse... nt

[The Doctor.]

393. Hmmm. It wasn't that simple.

That's fine though. Yours is a truism in any case.

Any at all.

[Divine Discontent]

414. Simple, it is not.

This whole charade we are witnessing begs the greater question, "what does our country stand for?" If we're to judge it based on the last 3 decades, the answer is the protection of the rich. It is a doomed style of governing, for all it does is transfer all wealth to the rich and leaves most living paycheck to paycheck in groups.

He is a very intelligent man who must make the best decision - out of several poor options. We need tax rates back to WWII levels if we're going to be playing World Police (we shouldn't be, of course).

Best.

[Shining Jack]

379. K&R n/t

[eagertolearn]

380. He is the only one fighting for what is best for our country:)

[Raine]

381. I hope, if he does he'll have my vote!

:applause:

[jtrockville]

385. I'd vote for BS over BO.

[LooseWilly]

388. I'd vote for him...

in fact, I might put off registering third party just in case this becomes a possibility...

[yurbud]

389. he wouldn't even have to primary him--just run in general election

[mod mom]

394. Count me in as a full supporter!

[MrsBrady]

395. he said he and others were thinking of a candidate...

not that he would do it himself.

but he wouldn't give specifics. He said they had only discussed it.
I'm assuming 'they' are his colleagues and other democrats.

I heard it not once, but twice yesterday
on XM radio on the afternoon broadcast and then the repeat late in the evening

[lonestarnot]

398. Whoa!

Interesting.

[Boudica the Lyoness]

399. YES!

:)

[tavalon]

402. Well, we would probably still end up with President Bachmann,

but damn it, we've seen Obama's work and it isn't what we require from him. I think he would do well as, perhaps a Harvard professor on Congressional law. But as a President, he doesn't have what it takes to work with the difficult subhuman Republirats.

[Somawas]

403. I'm in. I'd like to vote for a real Democrat.

[fascisthunter]

405. I'd Vote for him

and if it isn't him, it will be the most progressive/liberal one, who runs against Obama. I've had enough of all the BS spin.

[HopeHoops]

408. Big mistake. He should wait until 2016 when the field is open and run as an Independent.

He could just be the first Independent to win the spot!

[RC]

409. He's got my vote

Just stay off small planes Bernie.

[KatyaR]

413. Do it, Bernie!

I'd vote for you in a heartbeat.