Prediction: Gen Colin Powell will endorse Hillary Clinton at the Democratic convention.

[DCBob]

I also suspect a few other big name "Republican" Sec of Defense Generals will do the same.. including Robert Gates, Chuck Hagel and William Cohen.

Hillary has alot of connections in the military from her years as Senator and of course as SOS and has developed great respect from them.

I am sure these Generals fear the damage a "Commander in Chief Trump" would do.

[kcjohn1]

1. Or maybe moderate republicans endorsing one of their own?

[elehhhhna]

33. Right? Then he can endorse her at the Republican convention.

She such a fucking bridge builder.

[doc03]

2. How about Colin Powell for VP n/t

[HERVEPA]

3. How about his cover-up on My Lai massacre. How about his lying to the UN

[oldandhappy]

9. The UN thing was awful, agree

[La Lioness Priyanka]

19. no, powell just recently became a democrat

so no.

[ShrimpPoboy]

26. It isnt popular on DU

But that would be an unbeatable ticket IMO

[elehhhhna]

35. How bout war crimes for 400, Alex?

[dinkytron]

77. Thank you. I want no one with the taint of yellow cake on their hands. Duped or not.

Fuck the old guard.

[Scuba]

67. Nope, she's already got her guy all lined up ....

Jeb!

[Katashi_itto]

4. One sell out deserves another i suppose

[brooklynite]

5. Well no, I don't know if Clinton will be able to squeeze them in...

...what with all the Democrats who'll be supporting her.

Maybe Senator Sanders won't be there for his slot.

[sufrommich]

6. That would be something.nt

[DCBob]

12. And BTW, there is no way they would do the same for Bernie, if were the nominee.

They would see him almost as risky as Trump.

[oldandhappy]

7. Repubs supporting each other!

[peace13]

8. Remember when he lied us into the Iraq war.

Check the video, he hemmed and stuttered and this from a man who was always so smooth and self assured. Wonder what they had on him. He would be a poor choice for endorsement!

[HERVEPA]

10. Respect for or from Powell and Gates are not positive qualities

http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a14035/colin-powell-it-worked-for-me-8834861/

[Sheepshank]

92. not necessarily for Democrats, but may likely sway many Republicans

...who may have opted to sit out the election with Trump (or Cruz) as their only Republican option. I am pretty sure that once they realize they are not the only ones making the vote switch, it becomes an easier decision.

[Renew Deal]

11. None of those would be a major stretch

But I also don't think they'd matter much.

[DCBob]

13. It would matter to moderate Republicans who already dont like Trump.

Sort of give them "permission" to go "off the reservation".

[NurseJackie]

14. Did Wesley Clark enorse Hillary? I think he did. He did, right?

Not to brag or anything (okay, I'm bragging!) but ... except for the uniform, this man looks a lot like my husband.

[DCBob]

15. Not sure.. but I am sure he will if he hasnt yet.

He's one of my favorites!

[NurseJackie]

20. Just checked! YES!! He's there!!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Hillary_Clinton_presidential_campaign_endorsements,_2016

“Supporting Hillary is an easy decision for me. I know she’ll steer us straight at home and represent us right abroad,” he says. “We all know that Hillary would make the best president for our country.”

[DCBob]

25. Great!

[Waiting For Everyman]

16. You can forget Gates, he wants her indicted.

He was interviewed about whether he thinks Hillary's private server did damage to National Security. He was ultra emphatic that he has no doubt her system was hacked by at least 4 other countries. There are some others of similar stature I could name of the same opinion.

[Marr]

50. Oh-- well, u-uh... then his opinion doensn't matter!!!

[ghostsinthemachine]

17. That would help her campaign? Powell is a bigger war criminal

Tha everyone, except for Bush, Cheney, and Rice.

[DCBob]

22. Powell is still a very popular on both sides of the political spectrum.

He has something like 70-20 approval rating.

[ghostsinthemachine]

30. Well I wish him hung by the neck until dead, as the book says, for treason

His bullshit to the UN is something he should be killed or at least imprisoned for life over. Piece of shit he is.

[DCBob]

34. He was duped by Cheney and gang just like many others.

I have forgiven him for that.

[ghostsinthemachine]

37. No he wasn't.

He knew that he was lying and lied anyway. Hell I knew that was lies and I am just a hippie with a computer.

[beltanefauve]

81. Millions of us

all over the world weren't fooled. We smelled bullshit a mile away. But the insiders couldn't see the forest from the trees? Doubtful.

[frylock]

94. Gullible idiots were duped.

[DCBob]

95. Like Joe Biden and John Kerry and most of the Senate Democrats.

[frylock]

96. Gullible idiots were duped.

[nolawarlock]

70. Hmmmmm.

Does this mean Bernie has suddenly become pro-death penalty while I was hidden away?

[ghostsinthemachine]

73. I personally support the death penalty

For treason. The second we string one of the traitors up, then the traitors will stop selling this country out like Powell did. He's a ducking traitor.

[nolawarlock]

74. That's interesting ...

... because the death penalty is one of the few places I strongly disagree with Hillary on. I don't ever believe in it. I get war is one thing. When we're at war, bullets fly and people die, but the death penalty is something else to me. It really boils down to Increase Mather's statement in 1692 that essentially ended the Witch trials of Salem...

"It were better that Ten Suspected Witches should escape, than that one Innocent Person should be Condemned."

Well, at least you stand by your views. That's commendable. If I see one more person suddenly become all pro-gun just because they're a Bernie supporter, I think I'm going to scream.

[ghostsinthemachine]

75. Nuance

I am against the ,,DP except for acts of treason, which is what Powell did
And I disagree with Bernies stance on guns.

[nolawarlock]

76. I worry even about treason...

... heck, I worry especially about treason, since it would seem that would be one of the most likely crimes to be falsified for political purposes.

[firebrand80]

86. Careful nt

[Warren Stupidity]

18. That would be sensible. As a sensible centrist I think

having another Very Important Person Who Now Claims They Were Fooled by those idiots and charlatans in the Bush administration helps legitimize Clinton's excuse. And that is very important if we are going to keep our perpetual war going.

Just consider me another sensible centrist for Clinton.

[AzDar]

21. That would be a positive? Damn.

[DCBob]

24. Yes it would.

He is a very popular and respected on both sides.

[AzDar]

40. The man for whom covering up a War Crime wasn't enough, so he went and committed one of his own?

THAT guy is 'respected and popular on both sides'... of what? Hell?

[DCBob]

43. Last I saw he had about a 70% approval rating.

That's quite "popular" on any side.

[AzDar]

52. Reagan was popular, too...So are the Kardashians. Hard to imagine any Progressive with a passing

knowledge of history would welcome any endorsement from a War Criminal just because it was 'popular'...
One of the many reasons I'm not, nor ever could be... a Hillary 'supporter'.

[Else You Are Mad]

23. So, someone....

That was an integral part of war crimes will be doing this? I guess Kissenger will be there supporting her too...

This should not be acceptable to any true Democrats!!

[arcane1]

27. Just what we need, pulling "bad cops" over to the "good cop" side of the game.

It would be more transparent, I'll give it that.

[RufusTFirefly]

28. Colin Powell. What a standup guy! Always tells the truth

Except when it's inconvenient



White House Fellow under Nixon
Helped to delay the investigation into the My Lai massacre.

He'd be perfect!

[Android3.14]

29. Mr. Yellow Cake would be a bad thing for a warmonger trying to hide her mongering

This would be a poor choice for her campaign.

[Live and Learn]

31. Hell, all Republicans should endorse her. I would if I were sick enough to be a Republican. nt

[TM99]

32. Good lord, you are serious

aren't you?

Powell who pushed 'yellow cake' at the UN.

Gates who was intimately involved with the Iran-Contra scandal.

Hagel who voted for the Patriot Act, both Bush tax cuts, against Campaign Finance Reform, and another cheerleader like Clinton for Bush's illegal invasion of Iraq.

And Cohen who whose Cohen Group is a huge MIC advisor in the Middle East and China.

Jesus, y'all are moderate Republicans and after this primary, the masks will complete come off won't they!?

[DCBob]

36. Its about defeating Trump dude.

If Powell brings us a chunk of the Republican vote then I say give him the stage.

[TM99]

38. Typical neoliberal New Dem dribble -

we don't care if we compromise our principles, ethics, positions, etc. as long as we got a chance to win.

Yes, we know, that's why Clinton hired the Brock machine.

[DCBob]

42. Just having him endorse her doesnt mean we have to compromise on anything.

You would refuse his endorsement?? If that is Bernie's thinking as well then that is just another reason we cant afford to have him as our nominee... just another example of "perfect is the enemy of the good".

[TM99]

47. Just more pithy platitudes.

No, endorsements from four men involved with some of the worst GOP wars and illegal actions in the last 40 years are not something most leftists would want.

But as I said, you are just a moderate Republican from a different era.

[RufusTFirefly]

39. Right! I'm sure there will be absolutely no strings attached!

It amazes me how the Sanders supporters are the ones who have to keep fending off accusations that they're delusional.

[frylock]

45. And people wonder why the Party is dying.

[DCBob]

48. Losing is dying.

This is about winning in case you weren't aware.

[frylock]

49. 30% membership and shrinking is dying.

Enjoy your victory in battle while you can.

[NewImproved Deal]

84. "Let them eat (Yellow) Cake!"

[link:|

[TM99]

85. No shit! n/t

[JackRiddler]

41. What a nightmare.

[Electric Monk]

55. Oddly appropriate, though, in a way. nt

[frylock]

44. Sure. Why not bring back the whole gang!

[Marr]

46. Wow, you guys don't even try to hide it anymore, do you? /nt

[whatchamacallit]

51. And this is a point of pride?

Wtf happened to the Democratic Party...

[Meldread]

53. What I find funny here is the hypocrisy.

On the one hand, Sanders supporters are saying that he will bring Independents and Republicans into the party, and that is why we should have open primaries. On the other hand, Hillary is condemned for potentially having some Republicans cross over to support her in the general election. It's a really hypocritical double standard.

[pmorlan1]

57. Oh My

Bringing in rank and file Republicans is one thing but you want to bring in the Republican leadership. You don't see a difference?

[Meldread]

58. Why would you assume there is a difference?

You are making the assumption that rank and file Republicans are somehow misinformed and mistaken about their party identity. They are Republicans for a reason.

Sanders and Clinton appeal to two separate groups of Republicans.

Clinton appeals to the Republican intellectuals, who tend to be more liberal on social issues, but favorable to pro-business policies and hawkish foreign policy. They would support Hillary because they would hope she would embrace a more pro-business and pro-hawk foreign policy.

Sanders appeals to less educated Republicans, who tend to be socially conservative, but more economically progressive. They would support Sanders because they would hope he would embrace a more economically progressive domestic policy, while ignoring the rights of minorities (blacks, immigrants, and LGBTQ people).

I don't consider the coalition big enough to include either group, and would prefer that they stick with their own kind. I would not want either group to have a seat at the table, because I am a liberal, and I am not willing to compromise on either issue.

However, that is not the message that Sanders supporters have sent. They have opened the tent door, and they are welcoming them in--then they are complaining over the fact that Hillary may do the same.

[pmorlan1]

59. So are you saying

there is no difference between rank and file Republicans and their leadership?

[Meldread]

60. Is that what I said?

Here is what I said:

Clinton appeals to the Republican intellectuals, who tend to be more liberal on social issues, but favorable to pro-business policies and hawkish foreign policy. They would support Hillary because they would hope she would embrace a more pro-business and pro-hawk foreign policy.

Sanders appeals to less educated Republicans, who tend to be socially conservative, but more economically progressive. They would support Sanders because they would hope he would embrace a more economically progressive domestic policy, while ignoring the rights of minorities (blacks, immigrants, and LGBTQ people).

Republican intellectuals tend to be part of the Republican leadership, or at least highly influential over it. That is why so many Republican rank and file are angry, because they care about different issues. The Republican leadership is more focused on hawkish foreign policy and pro-business policies, while the rank and file are more focused on xenophobia, bigotry, and discrimination. Occasionally the leadership throws them a bone, but now they want more and their economic desires are also bubbling up to the top. This is what Donald Trump is harnessing.

So, is there a difference? Yes. However, both should be an anathema to us, and shouldn't be welcomed into the party.

[pmorlan1]

61. So if Republicans should not be welcome

do you think the Clinton supporters should try to convince Sanders supporters to join them?

[Meldread]

62. Of course.

Sanders supporters are liberal. The Democratic Party is a coalition party much like the Republican Party--when you only have two parties in the system, that is inevitable--but it is the political party that best supports the liberal agenda. Sanders understands that which is why he caucuses with the Democrats in the Senate, and it is why he has constantly said that he will support Hillary if she is the nominee.

I understand the anger and frustration directed toward Hillary. Sanders supporters are not saying anything I didn't say back in 2008, when I supported Obama over Clinton. All of the criticisms offered then are still valid now.

Primaries are always contentious. In 2004 we had the PUMA threatening to bolt from the party as well. They eventually came around and voted for Obama, when they saw the alternative. I trust that the Bernie or Bust folks will do the same once they see the alternative.

The truth of the matter is the political parties are more polarized than they have been in generations, and it is not by accident--it is because there are real and substantive differences between them. That is why I do not want to open the door to Republicans.

[pmorlan1]

63. Thank you for your comments

I do, however, think it's too late to close the door on Republicans. They are already here.

[Meldread]

65. You're welcome.

I am rather hopeful for the future for the liberal movement in this country. Simply look at the demographic trends and the future voting blocks. I am hopeful that Clinton will be the last centrist Democrat that we run as President.

Our efforts should be turned toward state, local, and congressional elections. We need to begin running and electing true liberals in the Democratic Party. That way when it comes time to run someone for President again, we'll have someone everyone in the party can easily rally behind.

[Luminous Animal]

66. Difference is, she gets support from high profile Republican war criminals.

Bernie is seeking the support from every day people.

Bernie, in a New York second, would reject any endorsement from a war criminal. Hillary embraces their support.

Gotta ask, Meldread, did you protest the Iraq war? Powell was instrumental in selling it to the UN with a pack of lies.

[Meldread]

68. I am aware of Powell's crimes.

I did protest the Iraq War. I joined DU around that time. I remember well how we were treated, and how we were referred to as traitors. In 2008 I even used images of corpses of Iraqi Children and U.S. Soldiers against Hillary Clinton. Clinton and a entire slew of other Democrats bare just as much responsibility for the Iraq War as Powell.

However, that was not my point. My point was that Sanders is also reaching out to Republicans, and his supporters are bragging about it. It is just from a different wing of the Republican party. Here is what I said to another poster just above you:

Clinton appeals to the Republican intellectuals, who tend to be more liberal on social issues, but favorable to pro-business policies and hawkish foreign policy. They would support Hillary because they would hope she would embrace a more pro-business and pro-hawk foreign policy.

Sanders appeals to less educated Republicans, who tend to be socially conservative, but more economically progressive. They would support Sanders because they would hope he would embrace a more economically progressive domestic policy, while ignoring the rights of minorities (blacks, immigrants, and LGBTQ people).

My preference is that we keep all of these people out of the party. I am a liberal, and I want to push for a liberal agenda. Not welcome people to the table who would seek to compromise it away.

[Luminous Animal]

69. So you support Republicans who have the power to prop up regimes that execute subversives.

And do it wholesale. And they supply weapons and money to those who continue, as a policy of state, to hunt and imprison and execute women and gays and those who agitate for democracy.

More hawkish and more pro-business go hand in hand. After all, as Hillary points out, Iraq is now a business opportunity on the backs of millions of dead, dying, displaced, ill, underfed and ill housed human beings.

What? Socially liberal only applies to those who reside in the U.S.? Black and brown lives are irrelevant when we want to open up business opportunities?

I have worked and taught and led social justice classes and seminars and have changed the mindset of those less educated socially conservative republicans and I didn't have to lie and kill millions of people while doing so.

[Meldread]

71. Apparently you have a reading comprehension problem.

As my post clearly states:

I did protest the Iraq War. I joined DU around that time. I remember well how we were treated, and how we were referred to as traitors. In 2008 I even used images of corpses of Iraqi Children and U.S. Soldiers against Hillary Clinton. Clinton and a entire slew of other Democrats bare just as much responsibility for the Iraq War as Powell.

...

My preference is that we keep all of these people out of the party. I am a liberal, and I want to push for a liberal agenda. Not welcome people to the table who would seek to compromise it away.

[Luminous Animal]

72. Nope. Read it right. You support Republicans who advocate massive misery to black and brown

people around the world. Who have the power to reign misery to black and brown people around the world.

On a massive scale.

But, you've a problem with powerless individual republicans. K.

[Meldread]

82. Actually, I don't, but I do find it interesting...

...that you are openly admitting that you are more than happy to throw the entire LGBTQ community, the African American community, the Immigrant community, and those who care passionately about gender equality and a woman's right to choose under the bus. Why? Because you'd prefer a small handful of Republican votes who might agree with an economically populist agenda.

Don't try and play the 'you must hate black and brown people' card with me. I'm the one rejecting ALL Republicans and Conservatives. You are the one opening the gates and laying down the welcome mat.

It must be nice to be white, American, and cis-gender, and heterosexual. All that privilege must be a heavy burden for you to carry around on your shoulders.

[nadinbrzezinski]

80. I support none but sure I am all for it

fits the party realignment taking place

It will give more signals to those who's vote you do not want to stay home.



Hey, I freely admit that the Ds will get a new influx of republicans. This shocks me in the least.

[ibegurpard]

91. votes vs turning out fucking party over to Republicans

Learn the difference please.

[Meldread]

98. Um, no. There is no difference.

I spent my entire life watching Democrats pander to the religious right, hoping to poach some votes from the Republicans. They try and throw those bigoted and racist fucks a bit of economic populism, and then they sell all of the minorities THAT ARE THE BACKBONE OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY down the river. We watched Bernie Sanders do the same within the very heart of one of the most evil institutions in the United States: Liberty University.

It is not just a matter of voters vs leaders. It is a matter of allowing people who are dangerous to the economic and social ambitions of the liberal agenda into the coalition.

It is wrong when Hillary opens that door. It is wrong when Bernie opens that door. The problem is that liberals refuse to unite and condemn the action, but instead follow stupidly and blindly behind their chosen candidate, creating excuses as to why it is acceptable. That is why this hypocrisy is a problem--it's not the criticism of Clinton, it's the acceptance of Sanders when he does it.

As a consequence, because so many (though thankfully not all) Sanders supporters support his out reach to Republicans, they cannot stand on the ethical high ground and condemn Hillary without being hypocrites.

[EndElectoral]

54. Apropos...I imagine they couldn't get Kissinger.

[Luminous Animal]

64. Jeez. Another war criminal notch on her weapon contracts.

[Live and Learn]

78. Well there is an endorsement to treasure? nt

[nadinbrzezinski]

79. Fits with party realignment

sure

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

83. Lots of similar "Foreign Policy Experience" in that couple.

All lousy.

[lumberjack_jeff]

87. In marked contrast to the support of active duty military

and veterans



http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/election/2016/03/14/military-times-election-survey-donald-trump-bernie-sanders/81767560/

[DCBob]

88. The fact that Trump leads in this poll tells you everything you need to know about it.

Its garbage.

[lumberjack_jeff]

89. Active duty military prefer Trump over Clinton 2.5:1

Sanders only trails Trump by a small margin.

Facts you don't like ≠ "garbage"

[DCBob]

93. Yes.. its garbage.

[ibegurpard]

90. Great we're openly ceding

The Democratic convention to Republicans now.
And you cheer...

[TheKentuckian]

97. The convention is to be a war criminal and spook reunion?

Powell should be under a jail from his Vietnam treachery much less his lying us into Iraq.

Who would have guessed that "pragmatic" just means amoral and without conscience?

By the time you folks are done the party will support virtually everything it was once opposed to. Just the secular/inclusive wing of the Republican party but just as horrid on all other fronts.