Why Bernie Sanders just picked up a historical endorsement from Occupy Wall St

[sabrina 1]

Last edited Fri May 1, 2015, 09:56 PM - Edit history (2)

Why Occupy is Endorsing Bernie Sanders

On Thursday, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders became the second candidate to officially launch a 2016 bid for the Democratic nomination for president. Sanders, who is an Independent in the Senate who caucuses with Democrats, is the first to directly challenge Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination. Sanders formally announced his candidacy with an email to supporters and the media, and he later held a press conference

......

Though Occupy Wall Street has political aspirations -- such as campaign finance reform and solving the student loan debt crisis -- the group has so far been wary of directly engaging in the electoral process. "Unlike their Tea Party counterparts, activists from Occupy Wall Street largely wrote off electoral politics as a means for effecting change, rejecting partisan politics as hopelessly corrupt," the New Republic explained.

The endorsement, then, not only shows there is some grassroots support for Sanders, which could potentially force Hillary Clinton further left, but it is also marks a shift in Occupy to a more organized progressive movement.

"We are activists and organizers trying to build a broad, effective movement for democratic change," People For Bernie reads. "We come from different backgrounds, and were inspired by different issues and fights for peace, rights and the planet. Our goal is a government that carries out the will of the people, and not serve to increase the profits of the 1 percent at the expense of the rest of us."

"To that end we support Bernie Sanders in his bid to become the presidential nominee of the Democratic Party," it continues. "We stand firmly behind Senator Sanders as the strongest progressive challenger to Hillary Clinton in the race right now - the bold alternative."

At the bottom of the above article you can vote to support Bernie

There was some confusion about an OWS endorsement reported by Thom Harmann which was reported in this OP by DUer Bvar Thom Hartmann: Occupy Movement Has Endorsed Bernie

The confusion stems from the fact that Occupy has avoided endorsing Political Candidates and also because many who are part of the Movement, had not yet heard of the endorsement, such decisions are usually made in General Assemblies and rarely nationally.

Here is the site where those questions are answered and OWS members and other groups and individuals are hungry for real change across the country can sign up with this grassroots movement started by some of the original organizers of OWS, in their first endorsement of a Political Candidate, Bernie Sanders:

THE PEOPLE FOR BERNIE SANDERS

We Are People for Bernie

We are activists and organizers trying to build a broad, effective movement for democratic change. We come from different backgrounds, and were inspired by different issues and fights for peace, rights and the planet. Our goal is a government that carries out the will of the people, and not serve to increase the profits of the 1% at the expense of the rest of us.

To that end we support Bernie Sanders in his bid to become the presidential nominee of the Democratic Party. We stand firmly behind Senator Sanders as the strongest progressive possibility in the race right now. His commitment to our values is one of long standing commitment. Sanders is the bold alternative.

As a truly progressive candidate for the Democratic Party nomination, Senator Sanders has the chance to inspire millions of Americans with policy proposals that put the interests of the 99%, front and center.

Franklin D. Roosevelt called out the “economic royalists” of his day. Senator Sanders is picking up the banner. He answers to “We the People” and not to the corporate and financial sectors. Bernie brings the kind of leadership that is necessary to building a real, living democracy.

The initiators of this letter are veteran grassroots organizers of Occupy Wall Street, and are joined by many energized brothers and sisters we have met along the way. In September 2011, our efforts changed the narrative of American politics, helping to focus it on the issues of our time: inequality, surrender to the power of concentrated wealth, the corruption of our democracy by moneyed interests, and the need for solutions as radical as our problems.

We are signing as individuals hoping to kickstart a small ‘d’ democratic movement. People For Bernie won’t be a corporate-style, staff-driven, controlled-message, top-down enterprise. It will reflect diverse constituencies from a broad range of movements, which in many cases haven’t seen the Democratic Party as a home for their deepest aspirations. It will reflect our commitment to fundamental change, not just a change of faces at the top of the political pyramid. People for Bernie it will reflect the urgency of more and fiercer grassroots political activity at the base.

We call on all other progressive forces to unite behind Sanders so we can have a united front in this important campaign.

Grassroots for Bernie!



Thanks Occupy!

Edited to add (thanks Cali) Bernie's website where we can donate and sign up to help him win this race:

https://berniesanders.com/

I like his notation: Paid for by Bernie 2016/not the billionaires!

[1000words]

1. Occupy the Whitehouse!

Go Bernie.

[MissDeeds]

3. Good one!

[sabrina 1]

5. I like that! That could be a logo for the grass roots for Bernie!

[1000words]

13. Bernie now has a formidable grassroots network

What the naysayers fail to understand is, truly productive discussions are being had ... the good work continues.
It's just being done quietly, away from the nonsense of internet trolls and forum distractivists.

The seeds are sown. They are spread far and wide ...

[sabrina 1]

16. The winds of change are blowing. And OWS brought attention to those changing winds, then went back

to the work of continuing to bring about the changes that must happen in this country if it is to survive as a nation for the people.

The organizers of OWS were brilliant. They changed the entire dialogue and now they are taking the movement in new direction, after waiting for someone they could get behind, they are changing direction and you are right, this is a formidable endorsement, which many may not yet realize.

What a compliment to Bernie though from people who had all but given up on finding someone who truly recognizes the issues that are facing the people.

Remember they got the Unions on board with OWS among many other grassroots organizations.

I'm hoping the Unions will endorse Bernie as they have not been too thrilled with the way things are over the past number of years.

[1000words]

41. I don't see how Bernie wouldn't get union endorsement.

His TPP stance alone, gives me confidence.

[sabrina 1]

42. I have a feeling Bernie would not have stepped into this race if he didn't have the support he

would need to give him a real chance at winning. He asked us to let him know if we wanted him to run. It is more than possible that som of the Unions have already promised to endorse him IF he runs.

Eg, most of his political donors ARE from unions, so they've been supporting him already for years.

[bvar22]

79. After the Obama/Clinto Administrations, UNIONS don't have a home, and KNOW it.

...I hope the UNIONS have found one now.

[sabrina 1]

89. Most of Bernie's donors are Unions, and individuals. No big Corporate Donors. I have a feeling he is

expecting those donors to endorse him.

The bigger unions, I would think they would get behind someone who has supported them.

He may have had some indication that the will. He's too smart to run without having some assurance that he won't be wasting his time, or just in it to 'drag Hillary to the Left'. He's smart enough to know that even if that worked in the campaign, it means nothing once the election is over.

So I'm thinking he is going to go after the Independent vote, now at 42% of registered voters.

And he is far more likely to get that vote. He has referred to what a huge voting bloc it is, so he's definitely aware of it.

And he will most likely reach out to Unions.

[rhett o rick]

17. There is a revolution just waiting to happen. We've seen signs not only all around the country

but all around the world. The 99% has had it with the Plutocratic Oligarchs and their political puppets.

[sabrina 1]

21. Starting in Greece, which Bernie himself noted when he explained why we 'must support Geece's New

Government' when he wrote to Yellen, demanding a Federal Reserve Bailout for Greece. He explained why, but not sure if he got any response to that letter.

From Bernie Sanders at Huffpo:

The Fate of Europe and the World May Rest in Greece

The real concern, apparently, is that democracy may go too far for austerity advocates to continue imposing their economic ideology from a distance: in Spain, Portugal, Finland and elsewhere, the patience of citizens is wearing thin as a growing number of them awaken to the stark reality that, while the very rich get much richer, the austerity programs their governments dutifully implemented are the cause rather than the cure for what ails their economies. If Syriza succeeds in rolling back the EU-mandated measures, it could encourage dissident political movements in other parts of Europe; the right-wing governments in Europe's periphery are terrified of a Greek success at the negotiating table.

Syriza's recent electoral success was a clear indictment of the budget-strangling policies that left Greece mired in a depression for the last five years. Back at the beginning, money that should have been used to protect Greek families and rebuild Greek communities was instead used to protect the holders of Greek government debt -- mainly French and German banks. But it wasn't enough.

In 2010, Greece reached the point that it could no longer service its foreign debt, and it turned to its European partners for help; that help arrived in the form of more debt and a mandate to cut wages, pensions, public investment and social security benefits, while raising the VAT and upping taxes on tobacco, alcoholic and luxury items. The result: Greece's finances got worse as real GDP collapsed and unemployment rose to more than 25 percent. With incomes falling and unemployment rising, the deficits the government faced only grew bigger. By 2012, Greece needed another infusion of cash to stay afloat and, once again, a loan was made on the condition that the government remain steadfast in its commitment to reducing government spending. The Greek economy continued to slow, youth unemployment climbed to an unbelievable 50 percent, wages declined and many Greeks lost their access to electricity, health care and other basic necessities of life.

Greek voters finally rejected the old political order and looked for a new party to restore dignity and economic viability to their tiny nation-state -- and empowered a progressive coalition government led by Syriza that is pro-Europe, pro-America and determined to save their country.

He makes too much sense sometimes.

[rhett o rick]

27. I can't see how Clinton is going to be able to dispute what he has to say. nm

[libdem4life]

28. Bernie is our Yanis? Really like that. n/t

[sabrina 1]

29. Could be. If we make it happen. It's up to the people in the end. If we keep saying 'but he can't

win' then he won't. Self fulfilling prophecies are defeatist.

Greece finally had had enough of the neo-liberal Austerity (for the people) policies that have wrecked their working class.

Spain appears to be following them with Portugal and Ireland, economies also wrecked by Wall St stooges in Europe, not far behind.

So to say 'we can't win' is simply programming that needs to be overcome.

The time seems ripe now for a major shock to the status quo and history shows that sometimes the right people step up right when they are needed.

That is how I view Bernie and Warren, voices in the political wilderness, but breaking through the noise and actually being heard.

He said he would run if WE wanted him to. And he has kept his word. It will be tough for him so we do need to believe he can win and work like never before to make it happen.

I believe it can happen!

[libdem4life]

36. Absolutely.

[daleanime]

9. Sweet!

[liberal_at_heart]

20. Absolutely!

[sorechasm]

56. Bernie to Occupy: Whitehouse!

Sincerity sells as deception fails.

[MissDeeds]

2. Well deserved

K&R

[cali]

4. thanks, sabrina!

[panader0]

6. cali--where do I donate?

I found his "official campaign" site but it said 'coming on 5-26-15"

[cali]

8. hey, pan. right here:

there's a red (orange?) donate button on the upper right hand side of the page. And thanks!

https://berniesanders.com/

[sabrina 1]

10. Thanks, is it okay if I add that to the OP?

[cali]

19. Of course. Great idea.

[sabrina 1]

23. Thanks, just edited to include it.

[panader0]

15. Done--and I like his contribution rules.

Contribution Rules
1.This contribution is made from my own funds, and funds are not being provided to me by another person or entity for the purpose of making this contribution.
2.I am making this contribution with my own personal credit card and not with a corporate or business credit card or a card issued to another person.
3.I am not a federal contractor.
4.I am at least eighteen years old.
5.I am a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted permanent resident (i.e., green card holder

[sabrina 1]

18. I really like that too. He is making it clear he doesn't want any of those tricky Corporate Citizens

United donations. He probably wants to make sure that no one can accuse him of hypocricy should any of them try to play some dirty tricks by contributing, then accusing him of taking Corporate money.

[sufrommich]

22. These are standard contribution rules. The first one

is what landed Dinesh D'Souza in jail,he made a contribution through a third party.

[Scootaloo]

30. I wish I had the money to spare

Right now I'm scooting by on the skin of my teeth, though

[sabrina 1]

33. He needs volunteers also, so for those who can't afford to give money, which I know Bernie more than

anyone else running so far, understands, can still help get him elected.

I know what you mean, but the good news is he has raised a million and a half in just one day so far. More than any of the Repubs.

I'm going to tell everyone I know about him because he won't have the big corporate money to get the coverage the corporate candidates can buy.

It's just great to have a candidate you can actually be enthusiastic about for a change.

[deutsey]

7. K&R

[BrotherIvan]

11. But he can't win!!!

He doesn't have enough money!!!

[sabrina 1]

14. Yes. He. Can!

Lol! Worked before, why not again?

[bvar22]

82. Just as long as we ditch "Hope & Change".

That one is so OVER.

[sabrina 1]

88. True!

Campaign rhetoric v the candidate's record.

That's easy this time. We have the records.

[BrotherIvan]

12. JK, Go Bernie!

[mother earth]

24. K & R nt

[malthaussen]

25. Good job, thanks, Sabrina.

This could be an interesting election for a change.

-- Mal

[Enthusiast]

26. I am so fucking amped over this!

[sabrina 1]

44. Me too Enthusiast!

[lovemydog]

31. +1

[Jack Rabbit]

32. K/R

Thank you, Sabina.

[sabrina 1]

43. You're welcome, Jack Rabbit!

[SamKnause]

34. Great news !!!!

I back Bernie 100%.

I back Occupy Wall Street 100%.

This gives me hope.

[sabrina 1]

35. I know what you mean. Bernie in the race has already made a difference.

Those organizers of Occupy were brilliant, having them now organizing a grass roots support group for Bernie should be a huge boost to his campaign.

[PowerToThePeople]

37. Just became a monthly donor to his campaign.

#WeNeedBernie

[woo me with science]

38. Hear, hear!

We are the 99 percent!

[betterdemsonly]

39. This is a really pleasant shock.

I never thought I would see the day when ows would endorse a candidate.

[sabrina 1]

40. I know, there wasn't anyone they felt represented them until now. It's a great tribute to Bernie.

He was so supportive of them from the beginning. And so was Elizabeth Warren, and in NY our AG used to meet with them and they supported him when he was pressured by the Banks and the WH to sign the 'let Wall St. out of jail free card' which he did not want to do.

I love that it's the original organizers who were the brilliant people behind the whole movement.

[Zorra]

45. ^Up-lifted^

[sabrina 1]

46. Definitely!

[marlakay]

47. Matt Taibbi said tonight Wall Street was scared of Occupy

Thats why they had to shut it down. People were telling him they were freaked out it would work.

I saw him speak tonight locally, i knew he wrote a book based on rich/poor divide i didnt know it was based on bail out melt down and how much evidence they had on fraud and everyone involved were shocked they didnt get into trouble.

And how one guy from new york went to worst prison for one joint.

[sabrina 1]

48. I know Matt Taibbi is right about that. Wall St was terrified of OWS, and still are. And they

sent out their 'army' of cops and NG, and brutally attacked unarmed, peaceful protesters, falsely arresting thousands of people. And when it spread to Europe, the same thing happened. The police are now Global, protectors of the top 1%. It was remarkable to see the Paris cops eg, dressed exactly the same way US robo cops were, beating up OWS protesters there too.

But OWS never went away, they moved on to a different phase. Social Justice movements always frighten those in power for some reason.

And now they are organizing again, it seems, doing something for the first time, endorsing a political candidate.

They are fantastic organizers and brilliant at getting their message out so they will be a huge asset to Bernie. He supported them from the beginning.

Great you got to hear Matt Taibbi in person. And it is criminal that none of those crooks on Wall St were ever prosecuted. He did a great job of documenting their crimes, in Rolling Stone.

[merrily]

51. Yes. the banks were soiling their linen. Link

http://www.rawstory.com/2011/12/banks-leaked-email-admits-occupy-movement-could-impact-our-industry/

[Pooka Fey]

49. Wow! More great news!

This is huge!

[Autumn]

50. This is wonderful. Please cross post this in the Bernie Sanders group

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1280

You can just feel the momentum growing.

[merrily]

52. OWs took great pains to say it was not affiliated with any Party. Now, it endorses Sanders. That's

impressive. It's also very good for the Party.

[midnight]

53. Nice to hear from Occupy Wall street...

[Erich Bloodaxe BSN]

54. Ahhhhh, so this is why the other OP out now slamming OWS

as a bunch of wealthy young white males.

[sabrina 1]

58. Yes, that is exactly the reason for the false smear of OWS.

I can't help wondering why any campaign would have to sink to playing the race card again, unless the candidate is unable to talk about what really matters to the voters.

I guess we are going to see a lot of negative campaigning which is a shame.

[KingCharlemagne]

62. Her campaign (and Bill specifically) descended to it in 2008, so should any of us

be that surprised this time around?

[sabrina 1]

66. Well, only in the sense you would think people would learn that to do this didn't work out

so well the last time. But I guess some people never learn, I keep giving people more credit than they are due I guess.

[raouldukelives]

55. K&R nt

[NYC_SKP]

57. K/R But WTF: "Sanders, which could potentially force Hillary Clinton further left..."

I'm so fucking sick and tired of this meme.

First, "further left" implies that she's left, which she clearly is NOT.

Second, I don't support him to move her anywhere, I support him to win, to trounce her.

Finally, she doesn't listen to anyone but the rich and her overpaid advisers, I sincerely doubt she can be moved to the left.

Go Bernie!

[sabrina 1]

59. Looks like it's a talking point, intended to suppress enthusiasm for a great candidate.

When you see something repeated over and over again, you have to assume it's a tactic.

On the good side, it shows acknowledgement that Bernie is as serious candidate who cannot be taken lightly.

But yes, you can't drag someone to a position they do not hold.

Bernie can win this and that is how his supporters should be thinking, and ARE thinking.

[NYC_SKP]

60. He can, he can win this. Just off the phone with a state delegate.

My best friend is going to Anaheim for the state convention and I was sharing that observation.

He agrees, Bernie can win.

His negatives, "socialist" label and age, aren't as powerful to the typical voter at Clinton's are.

And his messages are always clear, his history consistent, and he hits the issues that Independents and many if not most registered Republicans can relate to.

More than anything, however, is the simple fact that he doesn't use that horrible political form of speech that uses catch phrases but says nothing.

You know what I mean, rhetoric without substance, without passion. That is 100% Clinton and a true, too, of most of the GOP, though they seem to use fear and bigotry more than any Dems.

We can do this, Bernie can win.

[sabrina 1]

64. Bernie most definitely can win. Which is why we are already seeing the desperate

attempts to smear him and his supporters already. THEY know he can win.

And yes, I do know what you mean about the same old rhetoric with no substance: 'We need to work on equality' etc.

As you say, Bernie offers solutions, he is a straight talker which is so refreshing to voters.

Listening to him talk about issues makes you want to jump and clap because it has become so rare.

Go Bernie, YES. HE. CAN! win!

[DirkGently]

61. Thanks, Sabrina. And thanks again for pointing out

... the ludicrous and creepily racist attempted re-framing of OWS, the strongest progressive mass movement in decades at the time, from a sad cadre of what I can only presume are self-appointed HRC spin doctors on the site.

You are my DU hero.

[sabrina 1]

63. Thanks Dirk, but when you have the facts on your side, it's really not that hard to slap down the

lies. I guess we'll be seeing more of that sad kind of negative campaigning.

It's a shame, and I have to say that if I could not defend my candidate on the issues, but had to veer off into far left field to try to find some way to distract from the candidate's poor showing on the issues, I would question my support for that candidate.

Thankfully Bernie's supporters don't need to do that.

He has asked for a campaign on the issues.

I hope Hillary asks the same of her supporters.

[marym625]

65. K&R!

[Overseas]

67. K&R. Glad to hear it.

[lewebley3]

68. Yes: The Right wing newspapers are going use Bernie bash Hillary!

They want the GOP take the white house for business,

Sanders and followers suddenly like corporation and banks, now the Wall St journal
endorsed Bernie, and Wall Street journal people are now their new best friends.

Like I said I will stick with a loyal Dem, Sanders campaign designed to bash Hillary:
I am sure one of the Billionaire will be sending Bernie and his followers a check soon.

The GOP would dumb not to, they know Sanders followers are capable shooting the
Dem chance to win the white house in the foot.

[sabrina 1]

69. Is this meant to be Satire? I don't want to waste time arguing against something

so bizarre if it was intended to be satire. You might want to include the sarcasm tag so people don't take this seriously.

[JDPriestly]

70. Right-wing newspapers will bash Hillary no matter what.

Sanders is sticking to the issues and trying to avoid personal attacks.

The press will twist every word he says. The press will twist every word Hillary says.

But Hillary or at least Hillary's aides know that Sanders' entry into the race is not about Hillary but about his intention to make sure that America's prosperity is shared fairly with the middle class working people who create it.

This is not a fight between Hillary and Sanders. This is a fight between the oligarchs and Sanders.

Let Hillary get her policy stands on issues like TPP and the XL pipelines, on breaking up the big banks, on police brutality, on race, on the quality of our food, on fair practices in our economic system (like truth in advertising, testing of chemicals and drugs), on women's and children's and family's issues such as education, cost of higher education, childcare, health, etc.

Let hers be compared to Bernie's and let the best ideas and the best candidate win.

The media will try to make this about two personalities. That's fun. But that is not what Bernie is about. He is about making America a better place for the 99%. We need Bernie.

I think you will find when all is said and done that Hillary doesn't know where she stands on a lot of issues and Bernie does. Hillary is waiting to see which way the wind blows on the TPP, hoping that program which was negotiated in part while she was secretary of state, will pass so that she won't have to take a serious stand on it. That's the kind of cowardly, back-handed way she will handle unpopular poliices.

Bernie on the other hand is openly and vocally anti-TPP.

We are going to see that scenario repeated over and over. Bernie will take a strong stance on an issue that is consistent with his very clear values, and then Hillary will take a stance her advisers tell her is safe and will sell.

Let the press do what it will. Bernie Sanders has won many an election in which his opponent was well funded. Bernie is the real deal. He talks about what he thinks, not what some well paid advisers tell him the public wants to hear. How refreshing!!!

[lewebley3]

71. His followers are not sticking to the facts and issues they are making personal attacks!

If Dem's dont' think smart about winning the white house,
being right on the issues won't matter!

We all know where Hillary stands xlpline and tpp: It is lie to say she hasn't told us!!

American people know where she stands, it only Bernie Sanders followers claim
not to know her positions.

[marym625]

73. This from someone who can't abide by group rules.

Please link to Hillary stating she is against the TPP.

[lewebley3]

78. Google it !! Are the group rules now that the Dem underground belong to just Sanders!

This board is for all Dems not just Bernie followers, why don't you go to his
Web site. Bernie's supporters don't speak for all Dems!

But they are trying too!

[marym625]

83. What?

Sorry, but your reply is non responsive. Nowhere did I say anything about having to support anyone.

If you make a claim, you should support it.

[sabrina 1]

74. You're free to tell us where she stands. You have not done that so far. So, how about the CPI, cuts

to SS. Bernie not only opposes that right wing policy, he has taken the opposite, Democratic position, RAISE SS benefits.

So here's your chance to tell us where Hillary stands on just that one issue. Complaining about another candidate's supporters isn't going to win any votes for yours.

[marym625]

76. Don't forget the wonderful welfare reform

That has left so many children going hungry

[sabrina 1]

81. Yes, and again, we do not know where Hillary stands on that. I remember being told

that they were going 'fix' that legislation.

And that is the problem for Hillary now, with Bernie so clear on where he stands it only highlights the fact that she is not so clear.

[Agschmid]

75. The Dems are thinking "smart" by having a primary to select the best candidate.

[JDPriestly]

77. Bernie's positions have been pretty secure for years.

He did not even vote for the first Gulf War much less Bush's Iraq War.

Hillary voted for Bush's Iraq War.

Hillary has been speaking to a lot of rich people in recent years, so maybe they know where she has stood. But she hasn't talked to rank and file Democrats that much so we don't know. She did not have a blog or website until she announced -- as far as I know.

Bernie has been speaking up, taking the risk of speaking out, for years.

No.. I really don't know where Hillary stands on the issues. I think a lot of her supporters assume she agrees with them, but where has she been? Not talking in public much in recent years. Not about the TPP or the XL pipeline or how to break up Wall Street banks or helping out the Greek people. She spoke to unions but her speeches were lackluster. Elizabeth Warren got all the excitement and attention.

Hillary has problems with her candidacy. I hate to have to tell you that, but she lost in 2008 for good reasons. She is a nice person. But that does not make her the winning candidate.

A lot of Hillary supporters have what is called an idee fixe, an obsession with the idea that only Hillary can win in 2016. Her poll numbers are high, but that obsession is not to be trusted. She could easily lose in 2016 for some of the same reasons she lost in 2008.

Let's see how the primaries go.

[lewebley3]

85. Bernie could take any position he wanted! He didn''t have responsibility of Running the Country!

Its easy to sit as ideologue in congress, when you come from
state with very few people and very few GOP;

Hillary and Obama have taken on fights for the Dems against the GOP
and have won a few rounds against them for the American People
Bernie is nice man, if he get enough votes on anything Hillary would sign it!

Hillary is most qualified person ever to run for President, and she will put
as must of Dem agenda through as she, and can out smart the GOP, she
has never lost to GOP.

[JDPriestly]

90. Bernie was at least the mayor of a town and has won many elections

against Republicans and others. He voted against the First Gulf War as well as the War in Iraq. He has proved his good judgment.

Hillary was never in charge of so much as a school board in terms of government entities. She voted for the War in Iraq in spite of Code Pink women who had been to Iraq and warned her against it.

Hillary does not have as much experience as Bernie in actually governing and being in charge.

At the State Department she had so many employees most more knowledgeable than she. Bernie has had to learn right from wrong for himself.

Whether Hillary is the best qualified will become evident during the debates. I strongly support Bernie.

As I pointed out, Bill Clinton reappointed Greenspan, a libertarian who was close to Ayn Rand's circle to run the Fed. That shows poor judgment to me. And voting for the War in Iraq showed poor judgment and the inability to foresee the likely consequences of an action.

I think Hillary is a good person. I agree with her on many things. I do not think she is our best candidate. And her connections with big corporations, with India, with the military-industrial complex, with the State Department during the negotiations of the TPP and the XL Pipeline and numerous other activities are very, very troubling for me.

Hillary has not shown herself to be an original thinker or a particularly good problem-solver.

[sabrina 1]

91. How is voting for the GOP War in Iraq, 'outsmarting the GOP'?

She ran for one election. Her opponent in NY (I am in NY) was a replacement for Giuliani, who knew that NYers had had enough of him so he backed out of that race, was so weak a candidate, I don't believe even Republicans wanted him.

Bernie is going to win this primary. No one has outsmarted the GOP as much as he has.

No one knows where Hillary stands on the issues, such as the TPP or the CPI, both hugely important to the American people.

When are we going to hear from her on the issues? We KNOW where Bernie stands which is why support for him grows by the day, but we do not know where Hillary stands.

[lewebley3]

92. Everyone knows where Hillary stands on the issue!

Hillary's being a Dem leader, didn't start with running for the Senate:
She was signing up Dem votes in Texas when she was real young for
the party! She was liberal before it was cool to call it progressive.

Hillary is against the TPP, but is not her fight: its Obama's

Alan Grayson said he supports Hillary, and he is working against the TPP!


Hillary is not a former employee that bash's her ex boss: She is dependable a
Dem:

We only have one President at a time: Hillary respects him even if she might disagree,
Sanders followers don't respect loyal Dem's that have taken on the responsibilities
of running the party and the country!

The like talker!!

[sabrina 1]

95. Hillary has not taken a position on the TPP. She has stated she 'will wait and see'

before stating where she stands. And we do not know where she stands on cuts to SS via Chained CPI. Because she has not stated her position on the most important issue.

Bernie otoh, has been outspoken on both issues.

So we know where he stands.

[JDPriestly]

80. Please give me links to Hillary's statements on the TPP and the XL

pipeline prior to her announcement that she will run for president.

I must have missed her statements on those issues.

Please also give me links on her statements on breaking up the too-big-t-fail banks that precede her announcement of her presidential campaign. I missed those too.

Thanks.

[Purveyor]

72. Thank you for posting Sabrina. You are one of the best! K&R eom

[bvar22]

84. This is a HUGE endorsement!!!!

The YOUTH across the country will be motivated by Bernie and an OWS endorsement.

[sabrina 1]

86. Exactly! It will provide a huge activist GOTV army for Bernie.

They've already proven how effective they are at organizing, and how knowledgeable they are of major issues.

Bernie supported them and their message very publicly back when other politicians were waiting to see whether or not it would be politically 'correct' especially those who depend on Corporate funding.

He had no such fears, being that most of his funding comes from Unions and individuals.

I am excited to see this new phase for Occupy now that they have found a candidate they can support.

[Zorra]

87. +1 nt

[WhaTHellsgoingonhere]

94. Rut Rho! Will it be Bernie who gets the youth vote?

Maybe they should stay home