Sander's supporter's Delegates Call Biden Foreign Policy Team 'A Horror Show' And Ask For New Hires

[still_one]

"One of Joe Biden’s strongest pitches to voters as he seeks the presidency is his breadth of foreign policy experience, from his time as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to his extensive diplomacy as vice president.

But a new letter that’s being circulated among delegates to the Democratic National Convention is raising alarm bells about the circle of advisers who would likely form Biden’s foreign policy team if he becomes president. A widely circulated message promoting the letter, which is already signed by more than 275 delegates — almost all of whom were pledged to Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) — says Biden’s current circle is “a horror show” of advisers with track records of supporting “disastrous” U.S. military interventions.

The letter, obtained by HuffPost, attacks the “poor judgment” of former Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice, who’s rumored to be on Biden’s short list of vice presidential candidates, and Antony Blinken, Biden’s long-time chief aide on foreign affairs, as well as several other prominent advisers who would likely be in line for cabinet-level appointments in a Biden administration."

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/biden-foreign-policy-dnc_n_5f2adbd3c5b64d7a55ed7fd7

This is a "widely circulated message"? It seems to me I have seen this show before, where a certain group wants to get public attention, instead of working behind the scenes, and if things don't go THEIR way, what are they going to do?

They are attacking Susan Rice and other potential VP nominees according to this article.

Joe Biden not only is the presumptive nominee, he won by a huge majority

If they want to make a divisive public spectacle of this, I don't have many nice things to say about them, and this pattern of behavior follows from the disgusting and vulgar statements Nina Turner said about Joe Biden

[stonecutter357]

1. lol

[SoCalNative]

2. They need to all go away

and be shipped off somewhere so that they aren't part of the convention and platform.

[agingdem]

8. muzzle them, suspend all their social media accounts

and then they can join Nina Turner and Susan Sarandon as they sail the River Styx...

[Celerity]

85. Who would suspend their social media accounts? Twitter is not going to do so, nor is Facebook. Also,

on what basis would the bans be done for?

from the article:

The message notes that Blinken co-founded a company called WestExec Advisors, which was involved in a Pentagon effort to enhance drone warfare,

and that another Biden advisor, former Defense Department official Michèle Flournoy, worked at Boston Consulting Group for years, during which the firm increased its contracts with the military by many millions of dollars.

It also highlights Avril Haines, a former CIA deputy director who is unpopular on the left for her role in redacting a report on President George W. Bush’s use of torture and her role in President Barack Obama’s program of targeted killing;

former Obama aides Samantha Power and Jake Sullivan, who supported the president’s intervention in Libya’s civil war;

Nicholas Burns, a former diplomat in the running for secretary of state, for supporting the invasion of Iraq and condemning whistleblower Edward Snowden;

and Amit Jani, who runs Asian American outreach for Biden and has links to right-wing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

I do not think you will get far with having people banned from social media for being critics of political policies and the people who pushed them.

[agingdem]

92. because this is not like any other election in our lifetime...

because they do not have the sway to make demands...because their Bernie is not a Democrat..because when they take to social media to whine and stamp their feet they sound petty and it undermines their "cause"...because they and their
"boy" inflicted damage in 2016 and continued to spew their "impossible dream" in 2020 until it became obvious no one was listening... right now they have to sit down and shut up..

[Celerity]

93. That is not what I asked. I asked who would ban them, and under what legal justification.

The last time I checked, despite Rump and the Rethugs' most fervid wishes, political speech was still a protected constitutional right.

[DFW]

91. If Nina Turner and Susan Sarandon are on that boat

They might want to reconsider that trip across the River Styx.

The might get turned back as undesirable elements when they reach the far shore.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

14. You're kiddin right??

[SoCalNative]

18. Absolutely not

they are a blight on the Democratic party.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

21. No, they are positively impacting the Democratic Party's strategic move to the left...

They should be credited for what will no doubt be an overwhelming victory in November!!

[msongs]

28. they sound like a cult hoping for the resurrection of a certain outvoted politician nt

[George II]

46. There IS no "Democratic Party's strategic move to the left". That simply does not exist!

[Doremus]

59. Sadly true.

It's okay to try though?

Us and our big old tent.

[George II]

60. Some on the left have said our tent is too big, and don't think Biden belongs in "their" tent....

THAT is sadly true.

[Doremus]

63. Hmmm haven't seen that particular thing on this board anyway since the primaries.

99% of it is vitriol aimed at the "far" left, which is what I consider myself and the reason I notice it.

[StrictlyRockers]

64. I consider myself far left.

The factionalism on this board limits us from accomplishing more and making the Democratic Party better than it is.

[Doremus]

65. Agreed.

The rule of the tent is shut up and vote the way you're told. This year it's a no-brainer, but you'd think once in awhile there could be a discussion about issues without being called names and ridiculed.

[StrictlyRockers]

110. You're totally right.

The way to win is definitely not by pointing fingers at your allies and alienating them.

You'd think the people on this board were determined to shun the left until they feel awful enough to go vote Green Party. That really feels like their objective. I do not feel welcome here. See ya in December.

[LanternWaste]

68. As well as the factionalism originating from these particular delegates.

But I can certainly understand your desire to ignore it as such...

[Demsrule86]

75. Like in 10 in 14 when we were message voted out of power in the House and Senate.

No thanks, I will take the win with moderates in the House and our opportunities lie in red and purple states this year in the Senate...moving left would not help anyone...primary is over now get on board the Biden train or go away.

[Doremus]

82. "get on board the Biden train or go away"

This is a prime example. You don't want to discuss issues? Just vote and shut up?

Reading comprehension isn't the greatest anymore, so to recap, I have already stated that voting this year is a no-brainer. Since I've already conceded that, is a discussion of the issues a violation of a secret party oath or can we behave as adults and speak civilly about things that would include how to improve the party so that more people can benefit from government policies?

[Demsrule86]

86. They are choosing to go away by attacking Biden...our only chance of ending Trump.

So I was so incredibly angry last time in 16...this time even angrier-I am sick of this show and they lose influence as they are not dependable...get out and support Biden or we will find a way without you. Why not win a few hearts and minds which they have massively failed at instead of using what amounts to blackmail to get their way. And they are just pissed because their guy won't be the nominee...well at least they can't cause a ruckus on the floor this time.

[StrictlyRockers]

98. I think I get it now

It's a purity test here. You're not allowed in my party unless you think exactly the same way I do. I get it now.

[George II]

104. Nobody said that, but is it helpful to call Biden's foreign policy team a "horror show"?

[Demsrule86]

108. I will take any vote period...but when you act in a way that helps Trump...it goes beyond

purity...seems to me that they are the ones with a 'purity' test and will simply continue to lose influence with this sort of behavior.

[George II]

100. Discussing "the issues" and bashing Biden's policies do no good at this time. After November....

....the issues can be discussed and hashed out.

The primaries are over. This issues were discussed for almost two years. Biden is our nominee. The (Democratic) people have spoken. They prefer the policies and positions of Joseph Robinette Biden, Jr.

If voting is a no-brainer, what's to be accomplished at this time by a fringe of delegates whose candidate got about 1/4 of the popular vote and delegates. Nothing but division and weakening of our candidate and our party. It's time to pull together and work together and WIN. Imagine the policies that will result if Biden does not win.

I remind everyone of what Sanders' campaign co-chair said just last week (in Atlantic Magazine) about the November election and OUR candidate:

“It’s like saying to somebody, ‘You have a bowl of shit in front of you, and all you’ve got to do is eat half of it instead of the whole thing.’ It’s still shit’, ”

https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2020/07/how-trump-could-win-reelection/612205/

That certainly isn't "behaving as an adult" or "speaking civilly".

Do we want someone like that dictating policy to our candidate? Do statements like that "improve the party"? A resounding NO!

[Demsrule86]

73. Instead of beating up on Democrats perhaps they could actually go after Republicans and earn

their say by winning elections...playing musical blue chairs decreases their influence. And if they are unreliable partners...the party will move to the middle...already have to some extent with the House takeover.

[LanternWaste]

66. Do you have data supporting your point?

Or simply another sUrGiNg!!! response?

[Demsrule86]

69. No they are not...Trump is the enemy not Biden...suspend their social media and tell them

to take a hike. Nice to see you by the way...been a while.

[agingdem]

23. Yes..

they're rabid...this isn't a normal election cycle..this isn't about the "soul" of the Democratic Party...this election is about survival as a democracy...so, yes, they have to shut up and sit down or go away...

[Cuthbert Allgood]

44. But fuck them if they don't vote Dem, right?

You can't have it both ways.

[SoCalNative]

52. I'd rather they didn't vote at all

if they are so unhappy that their candidate didn't make the cut. Again.

[NurseJackie]

58. I'm sick of saboteurs.

[Demsrule86]

76. They fuck themselves I would think. Look at what happened last time...you could say they 'won'

if causing Hillary to lose is really a win which it was not. They should understand that Trump is the threat not Biden...and if they don't stop we will win without them.

[jalan48]

83. Yeah, it's the old fuck off but remember to vote. It really energized the voters last time around.

[Cuthbert Allgood]

84. It's solid persuasion, for sure.

But those that are saying they should just go away and not vote will say something different if that happens (and, from the numbers, we know that Sanders supporters turned out 4 years ago).

[George II]

105. Calling Biden's people a "horror show" is "solid persuasion"? I don't think so.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

99. 👍

[George II]

101. Did anyone say anything like that? What do you think about Sanders supporters and delegates...

...calling Biden's foreign policy team a "horror show"? Is that constructive or destructive criticism? At least Joe Biden has an extensive foreign policy portfolio.

How do you feel about the Sanders campaign's national co-chair calling Joe Biden "half a bowl of shit"?

I'd be interested in your answers. Thanks!

[Demsrule86]

103. Nothing would have energized that sort...and even with all of Trump's death and

destruction, they are still not on board...they wanted one guy and they will never get him...so they can go away as far as I am concerned. But in the end, they won't like the result because they will have less influence.

In order to have influence, you have to be willing to work with the party at some point. I am totally sick of them...and I agree in terms of ideology with much of what they say...but to do this only helps Trump...so I don't give two damns about those making demands they have not earned...and we need to enlarge the party to make up for their disloyalty...and that is a shame.

[awesomerwb1]

3. They can all go........

[Baltimike]

4. I call on Sen Sanders to fully rebuke this shitshow. nt

[LisaM]

7. Good luck.

I feel as if I've been in this movie before.

[Baltimike]

15. We've surely seen this shitshow before, but we babied them last time

This time, they get the what for

[stopdiggin]

31. agreed. sorry, you guys lost (by a wide margin)

you do not get to dictate policy.
Oh -- and there's snacks laid out in the lobby if you want to partake ....

[Baltimike]

33. we even let Sanders write the rules for this time around and he STILL lost

I will not entertain ONE IOTA of a brokered convention bullshit anything

[George II]

47. It won't happen. He hasn't even commented yet on what his campaign co-chair said....

....about the November election. This is an EXACT quote from Atlantic Magazine a week ago:

Nina Turner, a co-chair of the Sanders campaign, told me she has no appetite for the choice she faces: “It’s like saying to somebody, ‘You have a bowl of shit in front of you, and all you’ve got to do is eat half of it instead of the whole thing.’ It’s still shit.”

His NATIONAL campaign co-chair!!

https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2020/07/how-trump-could-win-reelection/612205/

[Baltimike]

49. That's why I called it a shitshow. nt

[George II]

54. But she represents the people who demand that we "respect" them...

... respect is earned!

[Baltimike]

61. That's why Sen Sanders needs to denounce that SHITSHOW and she can go to hell. nt

[MrsCoffee]

5. Useful idiots.

[PatSeg]

6. If you're not helping,

you are part of the problem. I wish these people would just go away.

[Kahuna]

9. They have a lot of doggone nerve. They seem to believe..

that Bernie is co president. He isn't.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

16. Bernie has the 2nd most delegates...he & his supporters have every right to express their opinions.

[octoberlib]

25. And Joe has every right to ignore them. He won.

[murielm99]

27. Bernie lost.

They can express their opinions without dividing the party. I don't see them doing anything positive here.

[Kahuna]

32. Twitter is a sewer. It isn't for the faint of heart. nt

[DFW]

87. Wait, they were expressing an opinion (supposedly, anyway)

They never said they had any intention of doing anything positive.

[Kahuna]

30. They can express their opinions without trying to take over. R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

It needs to be earned.

[George II]

50. He has only 27% of the delegates, barely one quarter, but Biden has a MAJORITY...

....of both pledged delegates AND a majority of popular votes. There's no doubt about who's voice Democrats (and many independents AND republicans) are interested in.

[LanternWaste]

72. No one is arguing otherwise.

He and his supported have every right to express their opinions as well as posters on this thread have "every right" to express our disenchantment and disgust with his staff's lack of professionalism and unity in a critical election.

[Old Terp]

109. Yes, Bernie's staff and delegates have been vile and disgusting.

[Demsrule86]

77. No they don't they lost. Biden has been more than fair they should fuck off.

[Atticus]

96. They absolutely have the right to express their opinions, but not to insist that their

preferred policies be adopted.

[George II]

102. Calling Biden's Foreign Policy team a "horror show" isn't merely expressing an opinion....

There's a right way and a wrong way to do it. But the bottom line is, opinions notwithstanding, Joe Biden calls the shots.

[llashram]

10. at it again?

Go, Joe, you'll be light years better than any other candidate or wannna be candidate or dictator.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

11. Poor Judgment? WTF? Rice?

[raging moderate]

20. Do they have her confused with Condoleeza Rice?

One wonders.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

29. They must

[stopdiggin]

37. gives you an idea of where this crowd is coming from

and WTF is about the size of it ---- "horror show" indeed.

----- --- --- --- -----

[Proud Liberal Dem]

39. Unfortunately

There seems to be small contingent of Sanders supporters whom want to control everything or they just won't play ball with anybody.

[mcar]

12. So much for unity

And, how much does the media want contention in the Democratic party? It's been one thing after another the past few days.

[Happy Hoosier]

13. LOL... Just another day in paradise, amiright?

The fucking nation is collapsing and these idiots are moaning an bitching about this crap.

GTFO

[ismnotwasm]

17. "A Sanders aide declined to comment on the letter."

Why not?

[still_one]

22. Probably because he or she needs Sanders' approval what to say

[ismnotwasm]

42. That certainly makes sense

Hopefully Bernie can make a inclusive statement that forestalls divisiveness while maintaining his influence.

[redstatebluegirl]

19. BS needs to do more to settle these people down.

This is all we need another 2016 fiasco. Go home and let those of us who know how to win elections save the republic from total destruction.

[octoberlib]

24. Sanders lost so too bad, they're sad.

[stillcool]

26. it's just squeaky wheel noise...

being amplified for effect. Just like the "Tea Party".

[Thekaspervote]

34. Blah blah blah!! You lost ..you don't call the shots

[Iggo]

35. Don't care.

[crickets]

51. Good point. nt

[aikoaiko]

38. This is what democracy looks like.

What's the big deal?

[BannonsLiver]

74. Agreed

You’d think these people would have processed Bernie’s second primary defeat by now and would let the winner do his thing. I agree, what’s the big deal.

[LiberalFighter]

40. To hell with them. Less than 10% of the delegates.

[frazzled]

41. Same 275 who were raising a stink about something else

Can't remember what already, but it was posted and discussed several weeks ago.

Ooooh, 275 delegates out of 3,979 total. It's not going to be a groundswell of sentiment. Fine, write letters to express your views, but don't think that representing less than 7% of the party makes you the "base."

I'm glad the convention will be wholly virtual.

[still_one]

53. Excellent post!!!

[George II]

43. Some people are just not happy, no matter what happens. I just shake my head.

[Budi]

45. 💙 JoeBiden 2020

[BGBD]

48. I trust Biden

way more on foreign policy than I do Bernie.

[George II]

55. If Biden's foreign policy team is a "horror show", what is Sanders' foreign policy team?

Oh right, he doesn't have one.

[still_one]

56. LOL

[NurseJackie]

57. Haaaaa!

[Stinky The Clown]

62. Oh look, its Senator NottaDem

[DFW]

88. Merry Olde New England

Where Biden Hood and his merry men (and women) are still harassed by his nemesis, the Senator of Nottadem.

Plus ça change, as they say..........

[betsuni]

67. Same types who couldn't mention President Obama without yammering on about drones

and how he was, like, totally going to do WWIII for fun. You'd say something nice about Obama and get a comment about how you must like dead children. And of course drones disappeared after Obama left office. Somehow it's only an issue for Democrats. The rule is to always think the worst about Democrats. Light your hair on fire and scream about warmongers that exist only in your imagination.

Sanders has said that if he were president he'd use drone warfare and special forces as a last resort, just like any president.

[Demsrule86]

78. These people are allied with Republicans not us Screw them.

[betsuni]

81. If people can't tell the difference between Republicans and Democrats, then politics is

too hard for them and they should spend their time on something else.

[Demsrule86]

89. +10000 You would think with Trump in office, these folks would feel some responsibility

for what happened in 16, but no. Here they go again. And I for one am over it. I am a progressive in my views...always was but I want to win. And I have news for these folks Biden is a progressive. They still want a certain someone as their candidate and are brimming with rage. At lease as I said in another post, we won't have to watch as great Democrats are booed by these folks who accomplish nothing positive...last time a DUer here ...her young daughter was called the 'C' word at the convention ...so over this shit.

[BannonsLiver]

70. I can feel the latent misogyny from here.

[betsuni]

94. +1

[Takket]

71. The thing about losing is you don't get to call the shots

OP is right. Take it behind closed doors and don’t try to turn voters off from Biden.

[Crunchy Frog]

79. Fuck them. Sanders lost the nomination.

[Cha]

80. they LOST.. they need to deal with that.

[MineralMan]

90. Or what, Bernieites? Or what?

Biden or Trump. Choose one.

[denem]

95. The Kremlin thanks them for their service.

[AmericanCanuck]

97. I suppose their dictionaries don't have the word "unity" in them

[honest.abe]

106. "horro show" ??

Absurd. I cant take this seriously with using a term like that. None of the examples they gave would remotely classify as "horrific".

I think they are just trying to get attention since they have lost almost all their influence now that Bernie is gone and Biden is cruising to victory.

[Gothmog]

107. Who cares what these delegates think?

I really do not care