Bernie Sanders Itinerary in Rome Will Not Include Pope Francis Visit

[geek tragedy]

Source: New York Times

It looks as if Bernie Sanders’s brief Roman holiday will not include a meeting with Pope Francis.

In a routine briefing with reporters in the Vatican press office on Thursday, the spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi, was asked if the pope would meet with academics and politicians, including Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who are participating in a Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences conference on Friday.

“There won’t be a meeting with the Holy Father,” Father Lombardi said.

A papal encounter was always going to be a long shot for Mr. Sanders, whose trip is not on an official visit to the Holy See. The politician was never scheduled to have an audience with Pope Francis, and the conference is not exactly the “high-level meeting” that the Sanders campaign billed it as in its news release about the trip. But as recently as Wednesday, Mr. Sanders was still hopeful for a face-to-face with the pontiff


Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/politics/first-draft/2016/04/14/bernie-sanders-itinerary-in-rome-will-not-include-pope-francis-visit/?_r=0

---

Sad trombone.

[onehandle]

1. So it's basically a mini-vacation.

Odd, since he will have Lots of vacation time soon.

[geek tragedy]

2. The NY Times could do a "24 hours in Rome" travel column based on this. nt

[MADem]

25. I know some great places to eat in Roma! LOL! nt

[geek tragedy]

28. it's really hard to find a bad one. nt

[MADem]

36. Even the McDonald's by the Spanish Steps serves "speciality" fare! nt

[geek tragedy]

44. i was really jonesing for an Egg Mcmuffin after an early arriving train into Termini

McD's had a giant sign over the counter advertising it--this was like 8:45 in the morning.

I ordered one and the woman just said "Nooooooooh!" and waved me off.

Ah Rome.

[mac56]

56. You are pathetic.

[mac56]

104. Okay

[sus453]

136. knr

[Mojorabbit]

124. The article says a meeting was never on the agenda

so the article is really a waste of space isn't it? He will speak as he intended about a subject important to him and he will get media attention for it. Win Win.

[BlueMTexpat]

127. Not really a waste of space because

Bernie himself has said that he was hoping for a meeting with the Pope - as late as Wed night to the WaPo.

I guess that he was expecting Sachs to pull off a miracle that was never in the cards.

Bernie also has spun the conference into something much more important than it really is and the encyclical they are discussing has absolutely zilch to do with Pope Francis. It's all John Paul II - a thoroughly "Establishment" Pope with a strong dislike for socialism.

I can see heads exploding if Hillary had pulled a stunt like this. But hey, IOKIYABS after all.

[Mojorabbit]

139. I am not following closely but it really seems like a lot of noise over nothing. nt

[Blue_Adept]

3. Certainly no surprise

I'd rather the Pope stay out of our politics anyway, especially during an selection/election process.

[Gothmog]

81. The Pope got burned by the Kim Davis incident

I am not surprised that the Pope does not want to get involved in US political campaigns

[BlueMTexpat]

128. + a million! eom

[brooklynite]

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[MADem]

27. OMG, that is hilarious! nt

[Funtatlaguy]

108. No matter who you support

that is funny as hell, I mean heaven, no wait , purgatory......lol....

[stonecutter357]

5. "You're meeting with the Pope?" "Yup".

[DesertRat]

90. I heard Sanders say that on the View

Where did he get that from?

[leftcoastmountains]

93. Nope try watching video again.

He says invited to Vatican to speak. Joe says so you've been invited to speak
at Vatican? Sorry no controversy there. But you guys will try and try again won't you?

[stonecutter357]

99. seems legit !

[DesertRat]

100. Wrong video. Here he is on the View

Joy says, You're meeting with the Pope? Sanders nods and says YUP.

[Android3.14]

116. Strawman and Hilary

It is pathetic. Her giggleheads keep stomping around trying to make it sound as if Sanders is claiming all sorts of things, when he is being his usual modest self.

Sanders - "I'm going to Disney Land."

Hillary supporter - "Sanders is a big mean liar because Walt will not rise from the dead and take him for a joyride on his personal train."

Sanders - "Uh, no. I'm going to Disney Land. I'll probably visit Epcot Center."

Hillary supporter - "Sanders is making a mistake, because he will not be allowed to play the leading role in the next Star Wars movie or French kiss Princess Fiona like he said he would."

We all know what the issue is. The Vatican didn't just overlook Hilary, she was never on the radar, and there's a reason for it. And that is why they are spinning-spinning-spinning.

You guys are a hoot, and if you elect her, then you deserve what she is going to do to you. For the rest of us, we'll just have to continue waiting for someone with ethics, intelligence, and grace and hope the same yahoos don't gather together again behind the candidate with a "this space for rent" where her soul once resided.

[stonecutter357]

117. someone with ethics like bernie and his bro's

Gimme a fucking Break!....

[mac56]

119. "Giggleheads."

[pnwmom]

122. The Pope specifically agreed by saying "yup" to the question of whether he'd be meeting the Pope --

- a non-fact he had clearly fed to the ladies on the view during the break, so they were ready to ask it immediately.

The video is at the link. What is pathetic is continuing to deny what he said.

The issue is that Bernie Sanders, like Kim Davis before him, made a move to publicize himself via the Pope.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10141414274#post3

[Android3.14]

125. I looked at the video. They did not ask him if he'd be meeting the Pope.

Hillary Giggleheads lie.

[pnwmom]

126. You didn't look at THIS video, or else you are deliberately stating a falsehood.

“You’re meeting with the Pope?”

“Yup.”

“Pope Francis has invited Bernie to visit him in the Vatican.”

[Android3.14]

129. Ah, well. Then you should point people to the proof from the beginning

I stand corrected. He did say "Yup."

Your candidate still is an awful puppet of corporations.

And Bernie is going to the Vatican because he is not a puppet.

[pnwmom]

131. Bernie going to the Vatican is his version of a Hail Francis Pass.

Maybe he'll get a ton of favorable publicity and get some votes from Catholics. That's his aim for going to an esoteric theological conference examining a Catholic encyclical that is 25 years old.

[Android3.14]

141. I hear that Sanders met the Pope.

I hope you find use growth from this experience.

[Democrats Ascendant]

6. It'll be good for Sanders to get some time away from his more aggressive supporters

Lol, sad trombone!

[geek tragedy]

7. Will Rosario Dawson and Cornel West and Tim Robbins be joining him? nt

[Democrats Ascendant]

10. Only a pope could forgive their hatefulness and vitriol!

[longship]

23. Only a Pope would forgive Hillary's supporters theirs. nt

[MADem]

29. Grr, grr! LOL! She wasn't the one who said "Yup." nt

[Plucketeer]

114. When you are looking

for some good Crow recipes - we can help you.

[Democrats Ascendant]

41. Hyperbole much?

I agreed with the listing of the three specific Sanders supporters, not ALL Sanders supporters (of which I count myself, though I support Clinton first).

*Look how loud I'm yelling!!* Yawn.

[roguevalley]

110. in the end, pope turned down bill and hill swagfest

That is the base of their sad

[Iliyah]

8. Over $300,000 plane trip with a media entourage

The last I heard on the internet.

[stopbush]

13. Wow. That's a YUGE expense!

[Mira]

14. Hillary could bring that in

with one and a quarter speeches to the right people.
"That's what they offer...."

[MADem]

17. If Bernie leaves the Senate, he'll be able to make some money on the circuit, too.

He won't pull in Clinton money, but then again, he doesn't have "Clinton experience." He's been a back bencher for a quarter century, essentially--not a leader.

Still, he will be able to make himself a nice payday for a few years, if he'd like, before the bloom is totally off his rose. He could probably clear a low 7 figures for a book advance, too, assuming he's got some good photographs of his early years that can be included, that have not yet been released.

[Human101948]

20. Hillary is the perfect example of a woman piggy backing on her husband...

Without having been First Lady she never would have been elected as Senator from New York.

[LanternWaste]

30. just after noon to come across DU's first Post Hoc Ergo Prompter Hoc fallacy of the day.

It took until just after noon to come across DU's first Post Hoc Ergo Prompter Hoc fallacy of the day. Slow morning, I guess...

(space provided free of charge below to rationalize your fallacy is in fact, something completely different)

[Human101948]

35. Latin is a dead language...

and usually used by pedantic blowhards to impress others who actually don't give a shit about their useless knowledge.

[MADem]

32. No--Bill is a perfect example of a charismatic guy serving as "front man" when the brains of the

outfit was being denigrated for her changing hairstyle or other personal attributes.

Everyone knows who the smartest one is.

Try to keep up.

[All in it together]

82. Never cared who was smarter,it's who really cares and understands the needs of Americans

And that's Bernie.

[MADem]

83. I don't think Bernie cares about anyone but Bernie.

I used to think he was more of a "for the people" guy, but everything he's done in recent weeks has convinced me to the contrary.

This latest debacle with the "W" word, and his mealy-mouthed slow response to it, is just the latest example.

He's going to have to live with the reputation he has made for himself.

[Human101948]

98. Sure, and I was for Hillary until I dsicovered she raked in $28,000,000 last year without a job...

She's going to have to live with that.

[MADem]

101. Oh, reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeealllly? nt

[Plucketeer]

112. Yup!

Hillary Who???

[Mira]

21. Sometimes

a bit too much information sounds defensive

[MADem]

33. ?

[JDPriestly]

92. He has been either a mayor or a member of Congress since 1980 with a few years off between

being a mayor and a member of Congress. What's more, he did it on his own. He did not hold onto his wife's apron when he ran for office. He ran on his own.

I'm a woman, but Hillary does not have the years of experience in Congress that Bernie has.

We shall see if she gets 86% of the votes of New York Democrats. That's about the percentage of the votes of Vermont Democrats that Bernie got.

Politicians should represent their constituents. When a politician's constituents are happy with his or her representation of them, then that politician is doing an excellent job.

And it seems that Vermont Democrats whom Bernie represents love him. Met a couple of them at a small local Bernie rally. Vermont Democrats love Bernie. That's the proof that he does not just have experience but that he can be trusted and that he as a politician earns the respect of his constituents.

[Duval]

18. +1

Spot on, Mira.

[SoapBox]

68. +1000

Her money grubbing, knows no bounds.

[KittyWampus]

74. I'm pretty sure Sanders could too… if only he'd release his tax returns

[Mira]

86. Im shocked

to read this. I can barely believe you are serious.

[BlueMTexpat]

130. You really don't think that he should

release his tax returns?

[Mira]

133. Of course he should release them.

I was shocked at the poster thinking there would be anything remotely equivalent in comparison to the ones of the Clintons, that was interpretation anyway.

I think the tax returns, prepared by Jane Sanders herself, will be released in time and about as interesting as a potted plant. I believe it when they say there is no there there, that they are coming, and that they are a bit busy at the moment.

[BlueMTexpat]

135. "the ones of the Clintons" -

The Clintons have released eight years' worth of tax returns. What do you find bad about that?

Bernie has released only his 1040 for 2014 - which is not what he submitted to the IRS - and there is nothing on record to show that he has ever released any returns before, although he claims that he has. As for the tax returns being about as interesting as a potted plant, well ... hmm.

Why all the subterfuge about 2014 and false claims of having released prior returns? It is the lack of attention to details like this that does not inspire confidence. He's known that he wanted to run for President for a while.

[Mira]

138. Actually, I disagree with some of your premises

but I'm anxious now to watch the debate.
Things that will be discussed are more critical, IMO, and time will tell how this shakes out. I think it is nothing akin to the unreleased Romney returns, and maybe not potted plant, maybe chopped liver is more like it.
We can talk about it when the time of release comes. I've been wrong before.

[geek tragedy]

24. still not sure how the campaign can legally pay for it.

and if it does, not sure how that expenditure can be justified.

[nichomachus]

77. Sounds like a Hillary speech

except, of course, for the media part. All of Hillary's sweetheart speeches to her Wall Street owners are secret.

[FighttheFuture]

94. Wait! You mean the MSM will actually follow Bernie for a change? WOW!

[MADem]

9. ....trip is not on an official visit to the Holy See.

This looks to be a very expensive waste of time.

I cannot wait to read the post-mortem on this campaign--I hope someone writes an in-depth book; it will sell like HOTCAKES.

If someone could give it the PRIMARY COLORS treatment, we'd really get the inside scoop.

Someone had to come up with this idea (Sachs? Or was he just the "helper?&quot and someone had to PUSH it, because it wasn't a slam-dunk...it had to be forced, as we've learned from Lady Archer.

I get the distinct impression that Sanders wasn't the "pusher" in this--he seemed clueless as to who actually invited him to that Academy within the confines of Vatican City, because he plainly had the idea that "the Pope" had invited him to "the Vatican" and he said as much, twice.

[geek tragedy]

11. this has Sachs-Weaver written all over it nt

[brooklynite]

12. Halperin/Heilemann will be doing another GAME CHANGE sequel...

[MADem]

16. That's where the money is--in the post-mortems! nt

[Democrats Ascendant]

15. Agreed - that'll be interesting

I'm sure Devine or some other corporate Democratic *ahems* will cash in on this


Sanders stands for some good things, but NY was his last shot, and it's a shame he'll end his campaign under such an ugly cloud when he could have bowed out or faded on a positive note....

[Hekate]

19. Bernie has no control over his own campaign at this point.

Good gods, look at the Dr Song outburst in front of a crowd -- which Sanders has "disavowed" via Twitter, which is not a form of communication to be taken seriously.

And this Vatican thing -- that should be monumentally embarrassing. I don't think Bernie made it up by himself. It really has the feel of something someone inside the campaign did, and being Bernie, when he's questioned he doubles down.

[MADem]

43. You know what's HILARIOUS about that Doctor Song Hot Mess?

That guy (who owns shares in a BIG PHARMA company--no shit, Berg Pharma, here in MA, look it up) is an EXTREME hypocrite. First, because he's PART OF THE PROBLEM in his business practices, and second, because a guy named BILL CLINTON schlepped all the way to NORTH KOREA to rescue HIS sister-in-law from a brutal dictator.

And he's gonna get up in a damn park in NYC and call that guy's wife the "W" word?

The horse HE rode in on, if you ask me!!!

[LAS14]

57. Yes. That's why I question his judgement in..

... not overhauling the staff that has led him astray on this but also on the 'experience' flap.

[longship]

26. What is a waste of time is making much ado about an invited Vatican visit.

That is a waste of space on a forum where more important things are discussed.

And no. Calling out pettiness is not a waste of time.

Let it go, MADem.

[LiberalFighter]

40. The bigger picture is not revealed without the bits and pieces.

It is all tied in.

[MADem]

42. I think it is LAUGH - worthy. If you do not agree, HIDE THREAD is your friend.

I will continue to laugh my ass off at this boneheaded, half million dollar mistake by Bernie and Company.

Bandwidth is free--but charter flights to Rome--before you deal with hotel rooms, meals, security, transportation, etc. -- will cost a LOT of $27 donations. Write a check and hit that HIDE THREAD button.

You're the one who needs to "Let it go." You don't like my POV--which is, in case you're not clear, "Well Deserved Mocking" --so YOU are trying to censor me.

I won't be shushed or shamed--I'm having too much fun laughing at the frigging sanctimony and hubris.

[longship]

47. Nobody's trying to shush you, MADem.

Because, believe it or not, I rather like some of your posts and normally click through.

But I am one of the opinion that ridicule is sometimes deserved, as when Hillary Clinton supporters go all apoplectic about a little finch, or about a Vatican invite. Those justly deserve ridicule, no matter how Hillary supporters spin them.

What possible objection could you have to a little finch or a Vatican invite other than some silly, childish tantrum due to petty jealousy?

Here:
BIRDIE SANDERS!
Pffftpffft!

See? More deserved ridicule.

Get over it.

[MADem]

61. Excuse me, you are, with you're FROZEN "Let it go" exhortations.

You're going on about "ridicule" and saying how deserved it is....but then the shoe pinches when it's on the other foot. And you talk about "childish tantrum due to petty jealousy?"

I think this is the funniest thing that's happened in the campaign in some time--the craven pandering, the ham-handed attempt to co-opt the "religious Catholic" vote, the pisspoor planning, the Papal Pie in the Face, carving out a ten minute window out of the pee/coffee break!

The only thing that surprises me is this--that a head hasn't yet rolled off the Bernie dais. Maybe after they add up the cost of this debacle, it will.

[longship]

89. Ridiculous concepts deserve ridicule.

Like going apoplectic over a little bird, or over a fucking Vatican invite.

I do not have dignify any malignment by Hillary supporters of these matters except by ridicule. If this is all they have, they have nothing. There are so many more important issues than birds and Vatican visits. And god, rhetorical arguments don't help either.

The extent that advocates play these silly, infantile games is the extent that they deserve the ridicule. After all, we are allegedly talking about the selection of a President of the United States. Pray tell that Hillary supporters are not going to hang her candidacy on her position on a little birdie or on Bernie's Vatican invite. The extent that they have to do that, is the extent to which they are in real trouble. It would be then safe to say that Secy Clinton does not deserve the nomination.

I will not say, please proceed because that would damage our party's chances in November. Instead I implore you. Please stop. It does no Democratic candidate any good.

Please, let's leave birdies, Vatican, word mincing, etc. to the GOP.

As always, my best to you.

[longship]

22. No surprise there.

It's a conference, not a Pope visit.

Of course, the Hillary supporters will portray it as something sinister. Screw them. He was invited, so he is going to attend.

[Helen Borg]

31. Hillary must be furious she was not invited instead.

[geek tragedy]

34. Hmmm, dinner with George Clooney and

a campaign stop in the biggest state in the country, vs. a 10 minute talk right before "coffee break" at an academic seminar regarding Catholic theology.

[brooklynite]

37. Winning the NYS Primary and pretty much knocking Sanders out of the race....

....will probably sooth her angst.

[LiberalFighter]

38. Maybe the Pope's emissaries wanted the Sanders there so they could personally

chastise them for Jane's real estate scam that also involved Catholics????

[berniepdx420]

39. Where is hillary while Bernie is in Rome... oh and what is the conference actually about... ??? I

don't expect serious answers to these questions.. Because your Agenda's are set and facts be damned..

[geek tragedy]

45. Hillary will be campaigning in California, which is a place in the United States

where Americans vote.

[berniepdx420]

46. I've tried to find one post from you that is not snarky.. haven't been able to yet.. ok.. so

hillary will be in CA.. doing what exactly ? Also what is the event about that Bernie is attending in Rome.. ??

[geek tragedy]

50. she will be attending a big fundraiser in the evening

that will benefit her campaign, the national DNC, and state Democratic parties.

And will feature George Clooney.

And then she'll spend the next day campaigning in California.

http://www.kcra.com/news/presidential-politics-heats-up-in-california/39018700

The event in the Vatican is a closed academic conference of about 40 people on a 25 year old papal encyclical, with the subject focusing on economic justice and Catholic theology.

[berniepdx420]

52. Great ! Thanks ! almost snark free but not quite.. you are quite good at it.. polished I would say

oh how much $ to attend the Hillary fundraiser ?

[geek tragedy]

54. a lot more than I could afford.

But I'm glad that money will be going to help elect a Democrat as President and also helping the national and state Democratic parties.

[berniepdx420]

58. So.. you are lambasting Bernie for attending a Global conference on social, economic and

environmental issues while hillary is holding an insanely expensive fundraiser attended by the super wealthy... come on .. let's be serious geek... you seem to have a witty mind .. you might want to consider using it for good..

[geek tragedy]

60. Not morally offensive, just incompetent and foolish

and reflecting poorly on the judgment he'd use while in office.

[berniepdx420]

73. You know better than that... sharp words.. ouch.. speaking of judgment.. what are your thoughts on

hillary's Iraq war vote for starters.. I would describe her vote using the exact words you used to describe Bernie's attendance on a Global economic and environmental conference... Her vote for the Iraq war was incompetent, foolish and reflecting poorly on the judgement she'd use while in office.

[geek tragedy]

75. her vote was a terrible mistake, and she's said so. nt

[berniepdx420]

76. Your brain works well ... obviously.. but it must hurt a bit to do what you do.. mental gymnastics

to further entrench the status quot..

[PassingFair]

144. Not just terrible...

Unforgivable.

[geek tragedy]

145. In 2004 it wasn't nt

[stonecutter357]

49. +1

[azurnoir]

51. and the rich pay BIG bucks to Hillary's campaign

[geek tragedy]

53. I think raising money for the campaign, campaigning in delegate-rich

California, and having dinner with George Clooney beats talking about theology in a conference room at the Vatican library.

[azurnoir]

55. yep I hear the very poor in the US tend to be too b usy surviiving to vote and certainly don't

contribute to campaigns so why should a candidate bother with them, right? ,

[geek tragedy]

59. how many poor people is Bernie going to be meeting

at the Vatican?

How many people will be fed by the $200-$300K he's blowing on a 10-minute pep talk they managed to squeeze in between one round of discussions and "coffee break?"

(What's the carbon footprint on this Roman holiday, anyways?)

[azurnoir]

62. and how much of what Hillary rakes in will she be contributing to the poor?

[geek tragedy]

63. she'll be spending it to prevent Ted Cruz from being elected President. nt

[azurnoir]

64. she'll be spending it to become POTUS herself

[geek tragedy]

66. same difference.

also the money will be spent to help Democrats defeat Republicans in local and Congressional races.

[azurnoir]

67. how much will Tim Canova or Keith Ellison be seeing ?

[geek tragedy]

71. Neither Canova nor DWS will get money at this stage.

Whoever wins that primary, plus Ellison, could get $$ if their seats are at risk in November.

[azurnoir]

72. of course not -thanks

[Peace Patriot]

48. The New York Slimes feels the frozen landscape at the center of...

...the 9th and last circle of the Inferno, the circle of treachery, where Lucifer, frozen in ice, flaps his gigantic wings in the icy wind getting nowhere.

Better to feel the Berne, Slimes! At least you know you are alive and salvation is possible.

[SoapBox]

65. Isn't Hill in Hong Kong at the fundraiser coordinated by a former Goldman exec?

The fundraiser open only to those that have committed $2700, on the same day Bernie is in Rome?

THAT is where she was supposed to be!

[geek tragedy]

70. She will be in California tomorrow night raising money

for her own campaign, and for the Democratic party, and having dinner with George Clooney.

Then she'll spend Saturday campaigning in Los Angeles, which is a place in California where Americans will vote to send delegates to the Democratic convention.

She will not be in Hong Kong--not everything you read at usuncut.com or Daily Kos is true.

[wordpix]

69. I don't get why he's going at all

If he wants the pope's blessing, apparently he won't get it so what is with this trip ? What will it accomplish?

[RealAmericanDem]

79. He's going to meet with the Pope. He said so.

It's just a secret which is my the NYT missed it.

[blm]

78. Can't Democrats find the positive aspects of this visit? Be proud he is going

there to speak. No candidate from GOP would bother with the issue, at all.

[Gothmog]

80. Thanks for posting

[Phlem]

84. Yep! Just as bad as this!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/12511717607

or this

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1017&pid=355426

Wait, not!

[geek tragedy]

85. I hope you don't take next Tuesday too hard. nt

[Phlem]

87. Nice deviation from the subject and lack of refutation means

you agree. Damn Pesky facts.

Great News! I'm passed this election already!

I will still work for Sanders until then, but I will respect the rules here.

Will I continue to expose Hillary's lies and corruption, yes I do believe so since it all stretches back to her 1st run. Been there done that.

But I understand if you can't look past the female and see the politician.

We are in desperate need of a woman president, but we all know gender doesn't matter when your a Wall Street Thug.



Have a great day!

[geek tragedy]

88. You are the one hung up on her gender.

I know this will come as a complete shock to you, but women sometimes are just the better person for the job, and more qualified than the man.

That lots of people are voting for her because they think she's smarter and better prepared than the junior Senator from Vermont.

Not because of her gender, but because of her ability to do the job.

Hopefully you'll be on our side in November, Bro.

[Phlem]

91. "You are the one hung up on her gender"

So wrong on that.

But hey, you know all I guess.

I just remember all the lies she told and how she behaved the first time.

Still a self serving opportunist.

So NOT interested in running the country as much as getting filthy fucking rich working in the public service sector.

[RiverNoord]

95. For the life of me, I can't figure out why some Hillary Clinton supporters on DU

find this thing so worthy of mockery.

Hillary Clinton officially declared her candidacy for the Presidency on April 12, 2015.

On March 19, she delivered her last megabucks speech, for the present, at least, to the American Camp Association of New York and New Jersey (a trade association for summer camp owners/managers). She was paid $260,000 for that one-hour speech. She received $1,474,000 in 2015 for making 6 one-hour speeches. Almost half of that amount was for 3 speeches delivered to Canadian business interests (2 in one day) - for those she received $674,500.

Hillary Clinton left the office of the Secretary of State of the United States on February 1, 2013.

Less than a year later, she launched a massively profitable business of paid speechmaking. Her first paid speech since leaving the State Department was on January 6, 2014. GE paid her $225,500 for a one-hour speech in Boca Raton, Florida.

In 2014, she would be paid a total of $10,512,000 for the delivery of 44 one-hour speeches.

Here's a list of some of the organizations that engaged Mrs. Clinton for paid speeches:

Carlyle Group (the world's largest private equity firm)
KKR (nearly the world's largest private equity firm)
GTCR (a smaller private equity firm - its assets are only around $11 billion)
Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd, LLP (a San Diego-based securities law firm)
Association of Corporate Counsel
Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers
National Automobile Dealers Association
Deutsche Bank AG
Ameriprise

How about parties that might not care for an American single-payer health care system?

Drug Chemical and Associated Technologies
(on their site today - "DCAT members and their guests are invited to enjoy a relaxing day of golf and networking at the exclusive TPC Jasna Polana's award-winning, championship golf course. Following golf, all members and their guests can wind down at the course's clubhouse for a celebratory dinner and awards banquet.&quot

Pharmaceutical Care Management Association
Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society
Premier Health Alliance
Novo Nordisk A/S (large Danish company with major holdings in pharmaceuticals and 'Industrial Biotechnology')
Biotechnology Industry Organization
California Medical Association (she only got $100,000 for that one as she spoke via satellite)
National Council for Behavioral Healthcare
Caridovascular Research Foundation (It's not what you'd think... And, if it was, there probably would be better ways to spend $275,000 than to pay Hillary Clinton for an hour of talk)
Advanced Medical Technology Association

Well, you get the point. These are just a few. But, during the same time, Bill Clinton was also raking it in. And the number of 'global capital management' organizations that paid for his speeches is mind-boggling.

Now, my point. If none of the above bothers you - if you honestly think that the many millions of dollars your preferred candidate took for these speeches simply represent the honest work of a dedicated public servant in between jobs, then how the hell is Bernie Sanders' uncompensated visit to the Vatican for a conference on global inequality a laughing matter? Is it because he's a sucker for not getting paid?

If the list of organizations providing a phenomenal amount of money to Hillary Clinton while it was well known that she was almost certain to shortly seek the office of the Presidency doesn't concern you, then you're either willfully blind or simply lacking in rudimentary common sense.

I've also read posts from Hillary Clinton supporters indicating that the Vatican should not be involved in American politics during an ongoing presidential primary campaign period. I guess I would have to agree with that. I'd also assert that enormous multinational 'private equity' organizations should not be involved in American politics, period. Or trade associations representing nearly every sector of the healthcare/health insurance industry. Who is likely to really influence American politics - the companies that provided millions to a major candidate for the office of the Presidency, or... the Vatican's Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences?

[geek tragedy]

96. same reason people reacted to McCain's decision to suspend his campaign

to head to Washington to address the financial crisis.

It was a bizarre move.

[RiverNoord]

97. Thanks for responding to my post without reading it.

I posted it less than a minute before you replied.

And that's not it and you know it.

[geek tragedy]

103. "she has a right to make money"--Bernie Sanders

Yes, I read the stuff about paid speeches. I just don't find them that big of a deal. neither does Bernie Sanders.

And this Vatican stunt is truly bizarre. Scheduling a $300K trip to a foreign country, using up 2/4 campaign days before a primary he absolutely needs to win, in order to speak for 10 minutes during the coffee break at an academic conference regarding theology?

People find the process interesting. This is one of the more inscrutable episodes.

[Phlem]

111. "in order to speak for 10 minutes during the coffee break at ......

Yes, I can see how everyone will focus on that other than be concerned about electing a self serving opportunist as President.

Never mind the fact that it actually might be important to him and his beliefs.

Should he be fundraising in a foreign country instead?

[geek tragedy]

113. Clinton isn't leaving the country.

She's going to campaign and fundraise (for herself and other Democrats) in California. And have dinner with George Clooney.

I'm sure the coffee will be fantastic.

[RiverNoord]

118. OK.

Democrats who aren't concerned about millions of dollars that are legally provided to their candidates by extremely powerful global business interests might as well kiss the party goodbye.

You don't just walk away from a power structure that merges corporations and politicians like that. Policies of the United States federal government become just commodities to be bought and sold by the people in control of enough money to participate in the market.

There's been lots of talk over the years about 'overturning Citizens United' or a Constitutional amendment that specifies that corporations do not have the same rights to participate in the political process that citizens do. If you don't care about that, then I get it. You're not concerned about the influence that really big money has over our government.

However, if you've ever agreed with the position that something has to be done about 'Citizens United,' but don't find this form of corruption a big deal, then what's the point? Why not just be done with it and fully legalize bribery?

And Bernie Sanders doesn't consider Hillary Clinton's paid speeches that big of a deal? I see your quote from almost a year ago, but he's definitely revisited the issue.

I'll be clear about myself - I decided well before Bernie Sanders declared his candidacy that I could not possibly vote to elect Hillary Clinton to the office of the Presidency. It was because of her crystal-clear long-term record of corruption. Not that she's alone in that, but she's perfected the process to a level not seen in the federal government in decades - maybe ever. She sells her services as a facilitator of business opportunities and is rewarded with wealth as a result. The most profound aspect of this in her case is that she bases her whole candidacy on her experience doing exactly that. She's accomplished very little in public office other than facilitate business deals, and people are sold on the concept that she can 'get things done.' Sheep to the slaughter! Except that sheep don't seem to think ahead about things like what the world will be like for their children or grandchildren, how and whether they will be able to make a living, or, especially, whether they will be able to live with some degree of dignity or not.

Sure, everyone has a right to make money - legally. There are all sorts of commercial activities that we prohibit because the social harms of the activities outweigh the benefits for those who may benefit commercially from them. Sexual exploitation of children, robbery, kidnapping, fraud, counterfeiting - all of these activities are potentially highly profitable to those who possess the necessary skills to be successful in them.

Here's the funny thing - none of those are mentioned in the Constitution. Bribery, on the other hand, is. It's equated with treason as one of the impeachable high crimes for public officials. 'Corruption' was in earlier drafts, but it was considered covered by 'bribery' and dropped. And the really, really big problem with bribery is this: it's defined by law. The very people who are the best at reaching high political office through bribery are the ones who define it. That's why we have so many creative ways, explicitly legalized, to bribe officials.

People watching the race for the office of the Presidency who consider a 'stunt' of Bernie Sanders visiting the Vatican (your description of the trip is an example of how much of a game you consider the process - it misrepresents what is happening through hyperbole) are like a person who's glued to a television special on the Kardashians while others are making casual trips in and out, hauling away everything the person owns (except the TV, of course).

[geek tragedy]

120. "I see your quote from almost a year ago, but he's definitely revisited the issue. "

yes, because he is a politician and thought it could help him win.

I'll be clear about myself - I decided well before Bernie Sanders declared his candidacy that I could not possibly vote to elect Hillary Clinton to the office of the Presidency. It was because of her crystal-clear long-term record of corruption. Not that she's alone in that, but she's perfected the process to a level not seen in the federal government in decades - maybe ever.

Blah blah Hillary Clinton is history's greatest monster, most corrupt creature to ever walk the earth. Blah blah blah dee fucking blah. Can lurk on Free Republic if I want that kind of brilliant editorial content

Go ahead and throw a few more dense paragraphs of finger-wagging sanctimony and hateful vitriol if you want. You obviously enjoy it, and at least one of us should derive some benefit from this conversation.

See you after November.

[RiverNoord]

123. I don't 'enjoy' this at all.

I do it because when I look at myself in the mirror, I don't want to see 'if only you'd bothered to care when it counted' looking back.

If you really find what I wrote to be appropriate for Free Republic, and that it's 'finger-wagging sanctimony' and 'hateful vitriol,' then the only thing you were looking for in what I wrote were things that you could isolate as hateful anti-Clinton rhetoric.

I expect I've voted for at least twice as many Democrats as you have during your life (an educated guess), and I've never voted for a Republican although I was raised in a North Dakota quite Republican household. You'll scan this briefly, because you aren't the type to let someone else get the last word without at least deciding if you'll lose more face by responding or not. And so I'll just ask this and be done - for the sake of your future, and the future of your country, please find some time, some day, to think about what all that money is buying, and whether it really affects you.

[tabasco]

102. I'll tell ya' what's bizaare....

somebody who sits at a computer around the clock, 24/7, posting negative imbecility on an internet message board.

[left-of-center2012]

105. He's attending a conference - not tea and crumpets

If he didn't attend, Bernie haters would scream:
Sanders disrespects Catholics!

[geek tragedy]

106. no, we'd say "cutting his losses, this was a mistake to begin with"

we'd also laugh

[Lizzie Poppet]

107. Neither will Princess Weathervane's evening of accepting bribes.

[forest444]

121. And hiding transcripts.

[glowing]

109. After all the stink up and dust up over it all, I'm not surprised

that a photo/ meeting type of situation could now occur. Just goes to show you how dirty the "right-ward" thinking types in this country and within the Vatican use an occasion that most would view as a positive event and twist it into a pretzel where now it's all political and it means nothing.

Well, I still think it's quite nice to see a Jewish progressive man who is promoting a moral economy in his campaign (and has his entire life) and is refusing to be bought by corporations and the wealthy and privileged, to receive and invitation to this event at the Vatican. It obviously means quite a bit to Bernie as well. And it's too bad others had to jump all over the invitation and the Pope as a "bad thing" because in the long run, coming together and promoting the 99% in a peaceful and meaningful manner is the only way we will ever remove ourselves from a war mentality and he only way we will, worldwide, take on the environmental issues that are catastrophic for all of himanity. It's just so sad how the media and these opponents have to act like jealous ninnies and use lies and innuendos and nasty business all around to make a positive bad! Just leaves a nasty taste in my mouth all the way around the way in which this amazing opportunity and event has been turned away from the conversation that effects so many people. There was NO reason to make very important issues into a political attack. How much do they really care about people, the 99%, the environment, a fair economy, a global response to these very important topics? Me, me, me! Disgusting attitude just because one believes they own the inevitable White House Presidency turn.

[nyabingi]

115. Haha!

The Hillary supporters are trying their best to make light of Bernie's trip in any way possible.

They absolutely can't stand the fact that he will be getting international attention for this trip as a respected member of society while Mrs. Clinton will be rubbing elbows with the super rich folks at a fundraiser.

Nothing but pure jealousy lol!

[baldguy]

132. So, Sanders lied when he said he'd be meeting the Pope.

Why are the uncompromising purity advocates up in arms over this?

[geek tragedy]

134. many people believe that simple lies are more credible than complex truths nt

[Enrique]

142. simple lies complex truth, that's fancy

which one is this?

Sanders was with his wife, Jane, who said Pope Francis was joined by Argentine Bishop and Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, Marcelo Sanchez Sorondo. A spokesman for the Vatican confirmed the meeting and said they spoke about foreign policy and climate change before the pontiff headed to the Greek island of Lesbos.

[geek tragedy]

143. Complex truth, the Vatican said the meeting wasn't supposed to be public

so more like a Kim Davis thing than a blessing.

[left-of-center2012]

137. When did he say he'd meet the Pope?

Got a link?
No?

Not surprised.

[baldguy]

140. Joy Behar: "You're meeting with the Pope?", Sanders: "Yep."

[JoFerret]

146. And it didn't

Bernie ambushed the Pope in the foyer of the hotel. He stalked the pope for a handshake. Claimed it was a meeting. Got slapped down by Pope Francis.

Bumbling ineptitude at best. Fraudulent campaigning at worst.

And who pays for the trip? Was it political? if so Pope says those who think that need a shrink.
If not political then campaign and all those 11,000 $27dollar contributions need to be repaid by Sanders personally. #PopeGate indeed

Interesting to see hoew all this plays out. As more facts emerge and the dust settles.