Friday Open Thread [4.8.16]

Filed in National by on April 8, 2016

CALIFORNIAField–Clinton 47, Sanders 41
CALIFORNIAField–Trump 39, Cruz 32, Kasich 18
MARYLANDWash Post/Univ. of Maryland–Trump 41, Kasich 31, Cruz 22
MARYLANDWash Post/Univ. of Maryland–Clinton 55, Sanders 40
NATIONALThe Atlantic/PRRI–Trump 37, Cruz 31, Kasich 23
NATIONALThe Atlantic/PRRI–Sanders 47, Clinton 46
NATIONALNBC/SurveyMonkey–Clinton 51, Sanders 42
NATIONALMorning Consult–Clinton 47, Sanders 39
NATIONALMcClatchy/Marist–Trump 40, Cruz 35, Kasich 20
NATIONALMcClatchy/Marist–Sanders 49, Clinton 47
NATIONALMcClatchy/Marist–Clinton 50, Trump 41
CALIFORNIAField–Clinton 59, Trump 31
PENNSYLVANIA–U.S. SENATEQuinnipiac–Toomey 47, Sestak 39 | Toomey 47, McGinty 38

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“Cruz would be the most extreme right wing nominee in modern American history. He is deeply out of sync with a large majority of voters on social issues. His role in shutting down the government is anathema to most Americans. If Republicans nominate Cruz, they concede any claim to the center whatsoever.”

— Democratic pollster Geoff Garin, quoted by the Washington Post.

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Bernie is deescalating
. I suppose his internal polling showed that he was losing voters.

The conflict began when Hillary Clinton implied Sanders wasn’t a real Democrat and hadn’t “done his homework” on his pet issue: breaking up big banks. Based on headlines, Sanders took Clinton’s remarks to mean she’d said he wasn’t qualified to be president, and he shot back that maybe she wasn’t qualified, either.

Having successfully driven Sanders to a boiling point, Clinton then backed off, saying she’d take Sanders “over Donald Trump or Ted Cruz anytime.” But the question remained: If Sanders thought Clinton so “unqualified,” would he endorse her if she won the nomination in July?

The answer, it seems, is yes. During an interview with CBS on Thursday evening, Sanders assured anchor Charlie Rose that he “thinks the idea of a Donald Trump or a Ted Cruz presidency would be an unmitigated disaster for this country.” He went on, “I will do everything in my power and work as hard as I can to make sure that that does not happen. And if Secretary Clinton is the nominee, I will certainly support her.”

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President Obama did something yesterday that may take some thunder out of Bernie Sanders’ campaign, and I am not talking about fully endorsing Hillary Clinton’s qualifications to be President. Matt Yglesias:

[T]he Obama administration has been quietly undertaking a series of tough, obscure, progressive economic policy measures that seriously threaten the bottom lines of America’s once untouchable banks.

Just this week came announced rules on tax inversions and financial advising, along with hints of a substantial crackdown on shell companies.

None of this is as dramatic or easy to explain as a few CEOs being dragged off in handcuffs, but it adds up to a big agenda that — if sustained by the next administration — could do a lot to cut into the size of the American financial sector.

Read the whole thing. These are all steps in the right direction that shrink the banking sector, rather than just breaking up banks. Enforcing these rules and regulations, and making them law when we have a Democratic Congress, and then passing Hillary’s plan on shadow banking, are how we regulate the banks and corporate America.

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Sen. Bernie Sanders, “an enthusiastic fan of Pope Francis’s work, plans to step off the campaign trail next week to speak at a conference hosted by the Vatican on social, economic and environmental issues,” the Washington Post reports.

Said Sanders: “I am grateful to the Vatican for inviting me to talk about an issue that is very dear to my heart, which is how we create a moral economy that works for all of the people rather than just the top one percent.”

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“Donald Trump’s campaign is increasingly falling into disarray as the Manhattan billionaire braces for a loss in Wisconsin that could set him on course for an uncertain convention floor fight for the Republican presidential nomination,” Politico reports.

“As the final stretch of this hard fought GOP primary bogs down into a delegate fight among party insiders and operatives that likely won’t be decided until the July convention in Cleveland, Trump’s singular star power appears to be no longer enough—and his campaign’s months-long lack of attention to other fundamentals is emerging as a hindrance to his ability to clinch the nomination outright.”

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David Plouffe is asked if Bernie Sanders has a shot?: “Negative. In fact, Hillary Clinton has strengthened her hold on the nomination in the most recent contests. Because for every state that holds a contest, more delegates come off the board, and the percentage of remaining delegates Sanders has to win grows larger. The hill Bernie Sanders has to climb becomes more and more steep. Like a sheer, rock cliff.”

“I believe Hillary Clinton has zero chance of not being the Democratic nominee. But she still is going to lose a bunch of states to Bernie Sanders the rest of the way into the clubhouse. Here’s my sense of how the race will play out from now to June.”

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William Galston on why the odds have risen for a Democratic victory: “Candidates seeking to succeed a two-term incumbent of their own party face an uphill battle. All other things being equal, political scientists find, such candidates can expect to fall short of the incumbents’ re-election vote share by at least 4 percentage points. Applied to the 2012 results, this metric would yield a 47% share for this year’s Democratic nominee.”

“On the other hand, demographic trends favor the Democrats. As the nonwhite share of the electorate increases, Democrats can expect their baseline to shift upward by 1 or even 2 percentage points in each four-year cycle—a significant gain, but not enough to counter the third-term disadvantage.”

“It is at this point that factors specific to 2016 come into play. To begin, the American people’s assessment of Barack Obama’s performance as president has been rising steadily. From a low of 43% approval as recently as December, it has increased to an average of 49% today… Another potential plus for the 2016 Democratic nominee is the economy’s improving condition… Since its recessionary low, the economy has added more than 13 million jobs, and the unemployment rate has fallen by half.”

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First Read: “There’s another potential problem for Sanders as the Democratic contest heads into New York, which is Clinton’s home state but also where Sanders grew up: New York is a closed primary, which means that the independents that he won 72%-28% in Wisconsin won’t be able to vote. And the deadline to register as a New York Democrat ended on March 25. Of the 16 Democratic remaining primaries, just three are completely open contests.”

Good. Since these independents have shown they are not on board with any Democratic down ballot revolution (see Wisconsin Supreme Court), it is high time that Democrats decide this Democratic primary race. If Bernie Sanders really wanted a revolution, he would have convinced these holier than thou independents to register Democratic and really take over the party. But these purists can’t be bothered. It would make them unclean.

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“I am looking forward to working with her closely.” — Hillary Clinton, in an interview with Morning Joe, on Sen. Elizabeth Warren serving in a Clinton White House.

You know what would make Bernie Sanders and his supporters irrelevant right quick? Naming Warren as Clinton’s VP.
I dismissed the idea of a Clinton-Warren ticket before because the ticket would be two women. But why should that be a consideration? It’s been two men for 239 years.

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Matt Yglesias says the media is biased — in favor of Sanders.

To Sanders fans, this naysaying [that Bernie cannot win the nomination] is just more evidence of the anti-Bernie bias in the media.

The truth is exactly the opposite. The media has a systematic self-interested bias toward exaggerating how close the race is. Sanders supporters are a minority of Democrats, but they are still a large number of people, and they avidly read and share content about Sanders’s big fundraising hauls and his wins in low-population states.

Television networks want people to tune in to their debates and town halls, which they are much more likely to do if they think something is at stake. And Sanders’s big fundraising has been transformed into big advertising dollars, which is literally money in the pockets of media companies.

The media loves Bernie Sanders!

And so do millions of voters. But somewhat more voters like Hillary Clinton, which is why she’s been ahead of him in national polls from the beginning and why he keeps falling further and further short of the delegate totals he needs to win.

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Rebecca Traister responds Sanders campaign manager Jeff Weaver’s sexist attack on Hillary:

It was a small comment, in every sense. A throwaway bit of nastiness coming from a campaign manager in the late stages of a long and hotly contested primary battle. But the line, which overtly cast Clinton’s political ambition as a destructive force and framed her famous drive and tenacity as unappealing, malevolent traits, played on long-standing assumptions about how ambition — a quality that is required for powerful men and admired in them — looks far less attractive on their female counterparts, and especially on their female competitors.

Bernie Sanders must fire Jeff Weaver today.

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“If Donald Trump wants to ward off defeat at a contested convention, he’s got more than just a vote of the delegates to worry about,” Politico reports.

“Every aspect of the Republican National Convention is a potential tripwire that motivated anti-Trump forces could deploy to waylay the mogul — from major processes to invalidate whole slates of delegates to minor inconveniences, like seating arrangements for delegates inside the arena, which could complicate negotiations if the convention becomes a free-for-all.”

“If Trump continues to lose local delegate fights at a rapid clip, he’ll be walking into a convention arena stacked with hostile delegates working to deny him the nomination. And those delegates can work arcane procedures and rules in ways large and small to impede his path.”

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  1. puck says:

    “T]he Obama administration has been quietly undertaking a series of tough, obscure, progressive economic policy measures”

    Obama: Feeling the Bern!

  2. puck says:

    ““I am looking forward to working with her closely.””

    That’s what you say when you are unable to win her endorsement.

  3. mouse says:

    So how about the Pope’s new position that people should not follow dogma and the church moving away from it’s black and white punitive posture. The haters aren’t going to like this.

  4. aaanonymous says:

    “You know what would make Bernie Sanders and his supporters irrelevant right quick? Naming Warren as Clinton’s VP.”

    You realize, one would hope, that if Elizabeth Warren were running nobody would have cared about him in the first place? That if Warren were running he wouldn’t be?

    Everything you say about Bernie supporters actually fits you best. Your absolutist rants are the main sore point on this blog. You should try to get a grip on your competitive instincts, because they’re turning you into an asshole.

  5. aaanonymous says:

    Also of note: It’s been well-noted that Obama is in the “don’t give a fuck” stage of his presidency. Maybe that’s why he’s finally moving unilaterally on the banks. I don’t expect to see this sort of move by Clinton until late in her second term, either. Winning is still everything.

  6. pandora says:

    Nothing matters unless you win. And the nature of the job and your agenda (especially if it’s a BIG agenda) will require a second term.

  7. Ben says:

    He went on, “I will do everything in my power and work as hard as I can to make sure that that does not happen. And if Secretary Clinton is the nominee, I will certainly support her.”

    So we’re done with that now, right? They have both vowed to support each other. No need for these hair-brained that “one of them” is going to Nader the election? Or can we expect more “Molotov Cocktail” posts, as El Som called them.

  8. Dorian Gray says:

    Poll should read “Which album is best?”

  9. Delaware Dem says:

    Yes, Ben, we are done with that flare up. For now. It all depends on how the campaign progresses. Should Bernie return to the argument that Hillary is not qualified or is unfit to be President, then I will respond in kind. Such arguments deserve harsh responses.

  10. Delaware Dem says:

    And as a fig leaf, I including a positive Sanders story today, about his trip to the Vatican.

  11. Ben says:

    Good. Now let’s get back to what’s important…. 2 people actually think Bat Out of Hell is better than DSOTM. No doubt Trump Supporters.

  12. Ben says:

    I appreciate the gesture, but the Vatican just reaffirmed that divorce is evil and it still isnt a fan of the gays. Not the best timing.

  13. Brian says:

    Ben, sometimes I like to click the controversial response in those polls. Just ’cause. I’m not saying I’m one of the BOOH clickers, but I ain’t saying I’m not either.

  14. Brian says:

    @pandora “Nothing matters unless you win. And the nature of the job and your agenda (especially if it’s a BIG agenda) will require a second term.”

    Not necessarily. Bernie could lose the nomination but the visibility he’s gained during the campaign and the awareness he’s raised with a sizable chunk of the population of some of biggest problems we’ve got as a country aren’t going to vanish.

  15. Brian says:

    “You know what would make Bernie Sanders and his supporters irrelevant right quick? Naming Warren as Clinton’s VP.”

    Unless many of Sanders’ supporters are also Warren supporters.

  16. aaanonymous says:

    @pandora: Ever hear of Barry Goldwater? Probably not. He got stomped in ’64, killing the conservative movement in its cradle.

    @Brian: That’s all of them, isn’t it? Hasn’t he said he’s running because nobody else would challenge her?

  17. Ben says:

    VP is about as useful as a bucket of warm you-know-what. I want Warren on the Supreme Court or Treasury Secretary…. or even better… Fed Chair.

  18. MarkH says:

    @Ben..Not one of the Bat out of Hell voters (Born to Run for me) but I would’ve voted for The Wall if it was available

  19. Prop Joe says:

    Nothing on this blog…. No post, no comment… Has ever made me think that there is no real hope for mankind more than this statement: “2 people actually think Bat Out of Hell is better than DSOTM.”

    I weep for whatever misguided soul cast that vote… Trump Supporters, maybe. Piss-poor taste in music? Definitely.

    [for those not carrying their Federation-issued detectors, that was sarcasm.]

  20. Dave says:

    “I appreciate the gesture, but the Vatican just reaffirmed that divorce is evil and it still isnt a fan of the gays. Not the best timing.”

    Still, life is so much more enjoyable when the glass is half empty. It truly makes one want to jump out of bed in the morning and start their day!

  21. puck says:

    When Pink Floyd comes on the car radio, I change the channel so I don’t fall asleep.

  22. aaanonymous says:

    @Dave: I’m with the late, esteemed G. Carlin: “I see a glass that’s too big.”

    @puck: Dude, you’re supposed to listen to it on headphones, not in the car.

  23. Delaware Dem says:

    Puck should be ashamed for repeating these outlandish smears against Pink Floyd Progressives. 😉

  24. Ben says:

    See now, When any song from DSOTM comes on in the car, I too change the station… but that is because the album… and every song on it… is meant to be listened to in order, all the way through. I almost deleted Pandora (the service) because they played Brain Damage and didn’t go into Eclipse.

  25. aaanonymous says:

    @DD: If this blog is so progressive, why aren’t Gentle Giant and Curved Air on that list?

  26. puck says:

    “you’re supposed to listen to it on headphones”

    I thought you were supposed to listen to it on drugs.

  27. Ben says:

    Enjoyable as “i hear it may be” on drugs… the lyrics.. especially in Time.. are pretty critical of letting your days waste away high and unproductive. Roger Waters, and to a lesser extent, the rest of the band were really affected by Syd Barrett’s drug-fueled decent into mental illness and were not themselves big users. yes, im a superfan.

  28. puck says:

    As the years go by the Who has fallen off my playlists. I guess I was supposed to die before I got old. On the other hand, I am liking Zeppelin more now, a lot more. And I was in high school in the 70s.

    “Bat” is well-produced and is a lot of fun. What’s not to like?

    Bruce? A few songs are on my top singles list, but no whole albums.

    Some of Elton John’s power-pop stuff is great, but his ballads make me puke.

    Eagles – a hat tip to the songwriting, but the music just doesn’t do it for me.

    Floyd? ’nuff said. I was also never a big Beatles fan, but now I am really liking some of their solo work.

  29. Ben says:

    Now that I look at that list again…. why Led Zep II and not IV?

  30. aaanonymous says:

    @Ben: I don’t think the drugs caused Syd’s illness. I think he was schizophrenic and was using the drugs to cope. He broke down at the usual age of onset, and his behavior since has been consistent with such a condition.

  31. aaanonymous says:

    @AQC: Krugman misunderstands. The reason for breaking up the banks isn’t practical, it’s political. Smaller banks = less powerful banks. It’s not about the specifics, it’s about the general condition of our politics.

    Let me post this link again, because I think Hillary’s Helpers (TM) ignored it last night:

    https://www.publicintegrity.org/2016/04/07/19521/how-citizens-united-helping-hillary-clinton-win-white-house

    The Center for Public Integrity, the non-profit founded by Delaware native Chuck Lewis, is unimpeachably good-government. As such, it’s not interested in who wins, but in how the game is played.

  32. Ben says:

    They certainly weren’t the cause, but it surely sped up the process. If the accounts the biographies I’ve read of the group are accurate, he was living with some pretty abusive people who would, according the accounts, lock him in a closet if he was having a bad trip….. predisposed or not, that would be pretty traumatizing.

  33. Jason330 says:

    “Now that I look at that list again…. why Led Zep II and not IV?”

    I once read an article about how II was seminal. The beginning of the 70’s, etc, etc.. the real reason… Not a big fan, so I may have blown that one.

  34. Ben says:

    Dont get me wrong… II is great…. every Zep album is great… even Houses and In Through the out Door. But for landmark albums that define the band, I have to go with the home of Black Dog, Rock and Roll, and “the big one”.

  35. An outstanding public servant is moving on. Even though there have been many times that I’ve disagreed with the Markell Administration’s budgetary priorities, Ann Vasalli has provided extraordinary public service to the people of this state–and has made monetary sacrifices to do so. I don’t think anyone could have done better in addressing the 2009 budget crisis. I wish her nothing but success as the new COO at St. Andrew’s School. From the Governor’s Office:

    Budget Director Visalli to Depart Administration with Legacy of Responsible Governance and Investments in Delaware’s Future
    Chosen in national search to be COO at renowned St. Andrew’s School

    “Dover, DE – Director Ann Shepard Visalli will conclude her tenure leading Delaware’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) next month following more than seven years leading the Markell Administration’s efforts to balance challenging budgets while making key investments that have strengthened the economy, improved the education system, and enhanced quality of life throughout the state. Visalli, who has worked with Markell for 17 years and previously served as his Deputy State Treasurer, will become the newly established Chief Operating Officer of the prestigious St. Andrew’s School in Middletown.

    After becoming Governor Markell’s first Cabinet appointment in January 2009, Visalli immediately began work addressing a record budget shortfall as a result of the Great Recession, working to find millions in savings and protect critical funding for the most vulnerable Delawareans. Her efforts have enabled the administration to support numerous key initiatives even while presiding over the lowest budget growth of the last 40 years. When adjusted for inflation and population, Delaware’s General Fund budget has actually shrunk.

    “I cannot thank Ann enough for her service to the citizens of Delaware and her leadership of OMB – especially during such challenging times for our state’s budget,” said Governor Jack Markell. “Ann has never been afraid of a challenge and she certainly has overcome many since the start of my Administration, finding savings for taxpayers while maintaining key services, and ensuring we have invested in the areas like education and workforce training that are vital to our success in the new economy.”

  36. I LIKE Gentle Giant. And I’m not the biggest prog-rock fan by any stretch.

    BTW, I’m assuming this is a ’70’s list.

    Otherwise, ‘Moondance’ by Van Morrison and ‘The Band’ by the Band would be at the top of my list. ‘Are You Experienced’ wouldn’t be far behind. Don’t get me started…

  37. Ben says:

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/bill-clinton-welfare-reform_us_5707cbf4e4b0c4e26a227a34

    Bill Clinton RREEAAAALLLYYYY needs to go away. I am saying that as someone who wants the eventual DNC nominee to be as strong as possible going in to the General election. He either lying or insanely misinformed.
    Now, I realize HRC didnt sign those bills, I realize she didnt kick people off welfare and try to claim she lowered the poverty rate… But he is stumping for her and if he is suggesting she will govern the way he did…… that raises some serious concerns doesn’t it?

  38. Dave says:

    I saw the on the DSOTM tour (70s?) at Winterland (San Fran). But honestly, that didn’t hold a candle to the Queen concert in 80 (I think) at Oakland Coliseum. It might have just been the contact high though.

  39. Delaware Dem says:

    AAA– Much to the delight of some, I do not control everything on DL. As such, I did not post that poll. That was the doing of Jason or El Som. Their failure to include your progressive choices no doubt casts them as corporatist whores. LOL.

  40. SussexAnon says:

    Bernie Sanders is attending a luncheon with the Pope on the same day Hillary Clinton is attending a $2700 a plate fundraiser hosted by a Goldman Sachs executive.

    I am certain this is Bernies fault somehow.

    http://usuncut.com/politics/bernie-sanders-pope-clinton-fundraiser/

  41. Oh, gawd. I claim no credit for that poll.

    BTW, Dave, if you’re a Queen fan, you’re gonna want to check out Volume 2 of my Best Tunes of March, coming probably tomorrow. You. Won’t. Be. Disappointed.

    But you may well be amazed. Just sayin’.

  42. Delaware Dem says:

    Maybe the Pope will convince Bernie that in order to have income equality we must do away with reproductive freedom and marriage equality. Maybe Bernie will strike a deal. Because hey, income inequality is the only issue worth caring about.

  43. Delaware Dem says:

    Hey El Som, Bryon Short has filed for reelection in the 7th RD. I guess the Carperdyne Industries Carneycom Division conspiracy is false.

  44. Ben says:

    That will surely be happening while Bill Clinton is explaining to a group of inner-city kids how they should be thanking him for their lower poverty rates after being kicked off welfare.

  45. SussexAnon says:

    Perhaps you should read the article, DD

  46. Could be, DD. But right now, according to the DOE website, Short’s still listed as running for Congress, and he’s not yet listed as running for reelection.

    I’ll check back later to see if there’s a change.

  47. Dem19703 says:

    Would Catholic colleges be free, then, too? Could I get a refund for my Jesuit education, or would it not be retroactive? I know how much the Vatican likes to give back money…

  48. puck says:

    In 2004 George W. Bush went to Rome to seek support in his election. I think this Pope is going to feel the Bern.

  49. Ben says:

    I hope the Pope stays out of it. Religious leaders’ opinions have no place in our political process. Im not too thrilled Sanders’ is even going. Let’s hope he stays far, far away from BiBi.

  50. pandora says:

    Not getting the Pope thing, but, as usual, there’s a controversy.

  51. Delaware Dem says:

    I get why Sanders is going. But I thought Sanders was invited by the Pope. If that is the case, I cannot possibly fault him for going or saying yes. It’s like being asked to do something by the President: you can’t say no. BUT, if Sanders sought to be invited, or demanded an invitation.. oh boy, now that is fucking can of worms.

    And then there is the whole other side of the coin: as Ben noted earlier, the Church today reaffirmed their positions on gay marriage and birth control. I am sure these topics may in fact come up at the meeting with the Pope. And that is a potentially lethal mindfield.

  52. pandora says:

    Yeah, there’s a controversy. The Catholics in charge are arguing over correct invitation procedure. Ridiculous? Of course. Eating up another news cycle – good and bad. Of course.

    Ben’s statement is correct.

  53. liberalgeek says:

    The elections website now shows Bryon Short as filed for the 7th.

  54. SussexAnon says:

    Right, because this Pope only ever talks about gay marriage and abortion. He doesn’t talk about corruption, inequality, the environment or the soulessness of capitalism.

    He is not all gay marriage, all abortion all the time. He is not an American for God’s sake.

    Meanwhile, Hillary with be in Hong Kong at a fundraiser hosted by her campaigns Chief Financial Officer who was a former partner in Goldman Sachs before heading up the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. You know, that revolving door of Wall Streeters become regulators works SO well.

    Yeah, lunching with the Pope is the controversial event next weekend. Taking the Pope conference off the table, how AWESOME is it for Hillary to be lunching at another $2700 a plate fundie hosted by a former wall streeter? That’s down with the people, and where Liberal Democrats want our leader to be, right?

  55. SussexWatcher says:

    Short is listed on the DOE site now as simultaneously running for Congress and the 7th District. C’mon, can’t anyone there shoot straight?

  56. That really sucks for the people who in good faith filed for an open seat. Will be interesting to see if they all step aside.

  57. Delaware Dem says:

    Relax there, SW. They probably haven’t officially received a withdrawal of candidacy from the FEC or something.

    As for the Sanders Papal visit… it comes 4 days before a do or die primary. If Sanders loses New York, his campaign is over. I cannot imagine his staff is pleased.

  58. Dave says:

    I wouldn’t give too much play to the Sanders going to Rome. The invitation was extended by the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences for a academic level conference. Yes, there will be a nice, but not extravagant, luncheon with the Pope. There is no planned private audience with him. He isn’t there to seek the Pope’s blessing, nor would he receive one even if he were.

    Here is the conference booklet. Bernie is listed with the “Other Participants”

    No story here.

  59. mouse says:

    That’s it, I’m mailing him a check

  60. pandora says:

    But it’s really not smart politics. I know you’re all dying for me to tell you why!

    First, Bernie should have turned down the invitation – mainly because just being invited is the positive part of the story. Attending the event gets trickier, from a political strategy position, because:

    1. He’s giving up valuable campaign time in a state he must win
    2. He can’t campaign from the event unless he wants to risk being accused of politicizing it. So, it will be pretty much a media black-out.
    3. After he attends the event he still can’t really use it to his advantage because if he does he might risk the Pope making a statement that distances himself from our Presidential race.

    There’s not a lot of upside for Bernie past being invited, but there are potential and real (giving up campaigning) pitfalls. If only team Sanders had asked me!

  61. SussexAnon says:

    Word on the internet is that Trump was also invited to the Vatican.

    For an exorcism.

    And Hillary is going to be in Hong Kong for a fundraiser? It’s as if they are both abandoning their posts?

  62. Dave says:

    @El Som “Dave, if you’re a Queen fan”

    I’m interested…about not just what you include, but what you exclude. Obviously Bohemian Rhapsody (which if everyone knew how that song was recorded would be in awe) and for our current times “Under Pressure” (kudos to Bowie). But hey, I’m not trying to influence any ones lists.

  63. Dave, check back tom’w for my Best of March List Vol. 2. I think you’ll be delighted.

  64. pandora says:

    Yeah, leaving NY is dumb because it matters so much.

  65. Delaware Dem says:

    Yeah, it now looks like the whole Vatican thing is just an academic conference. Sanders is not speaking nor meeting with the Pope. If that is all the case, doesn’t Bernie have something better to do? Can’t he send an emissary or official to relay his thoughts and good wishes?

    If I were a Bernie supporter, I would be quite livid right now. Bernie is ducking out of the NY Primary four days before the vote to … do what exactly? Maybe to give him the excuse that he didn’t really compete in NY.

  66. c'est la vie says:

    Sean Barney yesterday released a policy agenda to address gun violence: http://www.seanbarneyforcongress.com/addressinggunviolence. The response from gun advocates on Delawareonline’s Facebook page is scary.

  67. SussexAnon says:

    And if I were a Hillary supporter I would be totally cool with her going to Hong Kong to attended a $2700 a plate fundraiser hosted by a former Goldman Sachs partner and current CFO of her campaign.

    I am sure they will talk about income inequality, corruption and the environment, right? Or will they discuss things they are sympatico with Hillary on?

    Nothing to see there. At. All.

  68. pandora says:

    LOL! Meanwhile the Vatican isn’t known for concentrated wealth and dubious investments.

    This is such a stupid game.

  69. Delaware Dem says:

    Hey, SussexAnon, I decided to check out your assertion that Hillary is going to Hong Kong for a fundraiser. Guess what? It’s a lie. Apologize.

    She is not going to Hong Kong.

  70. pandora says:

    Looks like there’s a fundraiser for her, given, hosted and attended by her supporters. She’s not on the schedule for that event.

    Come on guys. Let’s do better than this.

  71. SussexAnon says:

    The article I have (and linked to) says she is going to Hong Kong. If she isn’t and the article is wrong, I apologize. I shared my link. Mind if you share yours?

    It could be held at the Olive Garden in Times Square, it still does little to help Hillary’s image as being tight with bankers.

  72. pandora says:

    LINK

    Be sure to click on the Hong Kong event and read what it is and who’s attending.

  73. Brian says:

    http://www.politico.com/story/2016/03/hillary-clinton-george-clooney-fundraiser-221207

    That one says she’ll be at a fundraiser in LA on 4/15 with the Clooney’s. $177k a head to sit at their table.

    4/16 has her at the Clooney mansion. Admission there is a much more reasonable $33k per head.

    This game is tiresome. But let’s keep it going!

  74. SussexAnon says:

    Got it. Thanks, Pandora.
    Found an article on TheHill.com about the fundraiser, too.

    Still waiting to hear how awesome it is that Hillary is tight with Wall Streeters.
    Don’t answer it, it’s rhetorical at this point. The silence from previous asking is enough of an answer.

  75. Delaware Dem says:

    And there is that artful smear again, SussexAnon. Suggesting that Hillary is being bribed because she is taking donations from people working for banks or investment firms and lawyers. And with that character attack, you imply she is corrupt, and then you say she is a criminal. The Bernie Sanders campaign is the most dishonest campaign I have ever seen. They can’t even be honest about being dishonest.

  76. pandora says:

    Nice deflection. You posted your Hong Kong falsehood all over this thread and you still pivot away from the point you insisted on making several times. It was obviously really important to you – a gotcha moment.

    I have friends and family that work, and do very well, on Wall Street. Several are even Bernie supporters. *gasp!* You guys do paint with an extremely large brush. Bet you get upset when people lump Sussex Countians all together.

    Hillary has connections to Wall Street. Okay. We know. That bothers you. That’s fine.

    A piece of advice: Ditch that website. That article was beyond slanted. Which, again, is fine if you see the bias and double check them.

  77. ben says:

    Why was it enough evidence to prove Romney was on the take?

  78. Liberal Elite says:

    Romney was stealing workers’ pensions. Legal yes, but still dirty rotten stealing.

  79. aaanonymous says:

    I can’t vouch for the authenticity of this story about a real Clinton fundraiser in Colorado a couple of days ago, but it was on the local electronic TV machine out there:

    http://www.dailykos.com/story/2016/4/7/1512436/-Clinton-campaign-uses-noise-machine-to-stop-reporters-from-hearing-fundraiser

    That’s a nice optic. Nothing to complain about here, kids. Move along.

  80. Ben says:

    That’s why he is the Boss.