Did Bernie Sanders Just Violate Senate Ethics Rules?

[Cali_Democrat]

Last edited Tue Jul 14, 2015, 08:30 PM - Edit history (2)

Bernie Sanders Trolls Hillary Clinton Outside Her Meeting With Senate Democrats
Igor Bobic
Posted: 07/14/2015 5:24 pm EDT

WASHINGTON -- As former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met with Senate Democrats at their weekly lunch meeting on Tuesday, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), one of her rivals for the Democratic presidential nomination, seized the spotlight to air out where the two differ on contentious issues in the Democratic Party.

While Democrats listened to Clinton's presentation behind closed doors, Sanders strode unannounced to nearby microphones typically used by leadership of both parties and proceeded to gamely "welcome" her back to the Capitol.

<...>

Sanders' decision to call out a presidential candidate in a forum generally reserved for Senate business raised questions over whether he violated ethics laws. Officially, Senate guidelines bar its members from using official resources or equipment for the express purpose of aiding their campaigns. Sanders didn't solicit money or votes at his Tuesday press conference, but his remarks were clearly a broadside against his Democratic rival.

The senator, however, rejected the notion that he broke any rules. When a reporter inquired if his remarks were made at a proper forum, Sanders replied, "I’m not campaigning here. You’re asking me questions about it." Sanders, however, brought up his disagreements with Clinton on his own.

<...>

Moreover, a spokesman for his presidential campaign later emailed reporters a transcript of his remarks, further raising questions as to whether his impromptu press conference was more of a choreographed campaign stunt.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/07/14/hillary-clinton-bernie-sanders_n_7796560.html?utm_hp_ref=politics

[hrmjustin]

1. Not the end of the world but he should not have done that.

[bvf]

36. Why not?

Details, please.

[hrmjustin]

39. From what i understand you are not allowed to use that room to aid your campaign.

He decided to differentiate how he and Clinton are different. I think his assistants should have been more careful but as i said not the end of the world.

[bvf]

50. So merely pointing out differences between

their views equates to "aiding" his campaign?

Interesting take. Really interesting.

IOW, you're saying that anything said in contrast to your chosen candidate's views works against her.

Nice!

[hrmjustin]

53. Not me, the author of the piece.

I have no issue with what he did.

My point was his staff should have paid more attention.

[bvf]

58. I was addressing your words directly.

If you want to walk them back, don't let me stop you.

[hrmjustin]

59. Whatever. Have a nice night.

[bvf]

66. Lol.

[boston bean]

67. uh, using the room and microphone to discuss differences in terms of the campaign IS

campaigning.

Jeeper dee creepers!

[hrmjustin]

68. Yeah but i said it so.... n/t.

[boston bean]

69. You can't even say the most innocent thing w/o being attacked

and ridiculously so, imho.

Love ya! Have a good night!

[hrmjustin]

70. Yep. Rest well my friend.

[bvf]

78. "In terms of the campaign"?

Please elucidate.

[boston bean]

79. did you read the OP? Cause if you did, I can't imagine why you are asking me this question.

[bvf]

84. I did. You're reaching.

But it's not surprising. At all.

[boston bean]

85. Yes, I'm reaching, reaching for my glasses to figure out what it is you might be reading

that is prompting these questions and responses.

[bvf]

97. Perhaps you're due for an eye exam

and an update to your prescription, then.

[boston bean]

98. Just went, all is well, but thank you for the kind advice. nt

[Sheepshank]

129. Just stop the petty personal swipes

It's a discussion board and people have differing opinions. That used to be ok. It's not necessary to try and belittle someone because they don't March lock step with Bernie

[1StrongBlackMan]

82. Yes ... That would be known as "campaigning". n/t

[bvf]

92. Please review ##39&50

and tell me whether you think the latter wasn't a reasonable response.

[1StrongBlackMan]

105. I guess that would depend on what one considers reasonable ...

your response was moderated, even keeled and completely off point.

[bvf]

110. Given the nonsensical nature

of the post I was responding to, I submit my response was quite on point.

If someone wishes to characterize disagreement as de facto argumentative advantage (as the poster obviously did), that's not my problem.

[1StrongBlackMan]

114. Yes, of course. n/t

[shaayecanaan]

156. As opposed to Clinton's purely social visit, I suppose? nt

[1StrongBlackMan]

157. You don't suppose she might have been talking ...

About that other small matter ( that she put us on the road to accomplishing) and needs the Democrats in Congress to hang tough?

[shaayecanaan]

159. Apparently not...

the Congressional Black Caucus, for example, really wanted to talk to her about poverty:-

“The black caucus has a myriad of issues it cares about, so we’re going to use every minute that we can to have a conversation with her about our agenda,” said North Carolina Rep. G.K. Butterfield, chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus. “Persistent poverty is an example and we want to make sure she recognizes and embraces the question of persistent poverty. That’s going to be the lead item we talk about.”

Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2015/07/attention-starved-hill-dems-eager-for-hillary-embrace-120068.html#ixzz3fxrdLtiS

What a pity you weren't there to point out the error of their ways, eh?

[quickesst]

107. Hmmm...

And here I've been under the impression that pointing out differences in candidates platforms was a major part of campaigning to the benefit of one candidate over another. Silly me. You just made two statements that had nothing to do with each other. The OP subject is about what Bernie said. Not his or Hillary's supporters. Putting words into someone else's mouth, IMO is a bit dishonest. If someone meant "other words", Why wouldn't they use other words? "IOW"

[bvf]

111. What?

[quickesst]

116. What?

[bvf]

120. Yeah. What.

[quickesst]

126. Just reread....

....post# 39, 53, 67, 69, 85, and 82. Pretend I said one or all of those. Much easier.

[JDPriestly]

133. Point is. Bernie supporters like me like Bernie's approach, his

willingness to go out there and set the record straight.

Microphones were there. Soeone asked Bernie a question. He answered, and now the Hillary fans are jealous because Bernie got a word in edgewise and talked about the issues that are very important to the American people right now.

[quickesst]

153. Hillary fans....

....are jealous. WOW! Right through the heart!

[George II]

168. I seriously doubt that Clinton supporters are "jealous" in the least.

[JDPriestly]

132. I think that making comments about his use of the microphones makes

Hillary's campaign look petty.

It is embarrassing for Hillary.

Bernie just looks like he is very, very smart and knows how to make a good thing out of something difficult.

Hillary is getting treated like a queen. She came to Congress to campaign. Why shouldn't Bernie respond to her presence. Other senators were responding to her presence in front of cameras. Why shouldn't Bernie?

It's Hillary who was a guest in the Senate, not Bernie. He is a member of the Senate and the ranking member of I believe the Budget Committee. Isn't he in that capacity a member of the leadership of the Senate?

A lot of to do about nothing from the point of view of ordinary citizens like me.

Saying something about this makes the Hillary campaign look really desperate. Sanders did the right thing for his campaign. He comes out looking like the fighter he is. Hillary comes out looking petty and, to use a Southernism, peevish.

That's my opinion.

Go, Bernie.

[George II]

169. It was a meeting between Hillary Clinton and Senate Democrats.

[George II]

166. Read the article, please.

[bvf]

181. I did.

I said as much earlier.

Read the thread, please.

[1StrongBlackMan]

80. Well, the first candidate HRC/Bernie salvo has been fired! ...

But it's going to be okay on DU because ... well ... Bernie.

[hrmjustin]

83. Lol. I don't see it a huge thing but if it were Hillary the sky would be falling.

[1StrongBlackMan]

100. Agreed and agreed. ...

This was just a free media opportunity (gotta advertising budget to maintain!).

But, anyone calling foul on that would likely call a stroke for his/her opponent stepping on their own line, in a Sunday morning walk-on round.

ETA: He/she would be technically correct; but, I probably would buy him/her a beer and a hotdog at the 19th hole ... maybe, just a beer.

[JDPriestly]

134. If it were Hillary, Bernie supporters would not be paying attention.

We are watching our candidate, not Hillary. She gives some nice speeches, but she is relatively boring.

And Bernie is always doing something interesting.

I remember once I was sitting in a hotel lobby at a Democratic state convention waiting for a ride. (I'm an older woman so I can sit alone in a hotel lobby and nobody usually thinks anything about it.) This young man next to me was also waiting for something in the lobby and he asked me what I was there for. I explained that I was there attending the Democratic Convention. He looked perplexed and said to me: Democrats are boring.

Well, Bernie is not boring. That's why he is drawing big crowds, and that is why he may well win this election. He isn't boring. He has a bee in his bonnet as people used to say. He cares more about doing what is right for America than about staying away from the bosses' microphones. And that is exciting for a change. He is standing up for those for whom most of Congress does not stand up.

Bernie is great, and these petty little, fussy little, boring little, nit-picking criticisms only make him seem less boring and more alive and more dedicated to helping the American people.

Try to make your candidate less boring if you want her to win. Just try. I know it is hard, but try. Bernie doesn't have to try to be exciting. He just is.

[London Lover Man]

2. That's a real stretch...

To welcome Clinton back to the Senate floor?

[hrmjustin]

3. He spelled out the differences between them. But it is not the end of the world.

[daleanime]

51. True....

[hrmjustin]

5. And politico just likes to cause issues for our side.

[Cali_Democrat]

6. The author is from Huffington Post. nt

[hrmjustin]

8. Yep, my mistake.

[daleanime]

54. And true.

[Lil Missy]

4. meh

[Scootaloo]

7. Putting the "huff" in huffpo n/t

[99th_Monkey]

12. +10 ~nt~

[zappaman]

9. Give him a break.

He hasn't been in the Congress long enough to know every little detail...

[boston bean]

10. lol

[hrmjustin]

13. Lol.

[pa28]

11. Desperation level . . . rising.

[kath]

99. Ha! You just made me think of that old Johnny Cash song "how high's the water momma? 6 feet high and

Risin'!

maybe threads started by certain posters should have a Desperation Rating.

[pa28]

102. Something is getting deep and it's not water.

By January I'm sure we'll all be seeing grainy 35 year old footage of Bernie going through the express checkout lane with 17 items.

He's a scary, scary man.

[restorefreedom]

112. lol. n/t

[kath]

130. he really is! I think I'm gonna run and hide under my bed!

[kath]

147. You should go post the express lane thing in this thread:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1251445821

it's a real fun one!

[Trajan]

176. Hilarious ..

That made my day ... Thanks ...

[840high]

117. Certain posters - absolutely right.

[Betty Karlson]

135. That was my first thought too. n/t

[DanTex]

154. Totally. I wouldn't have thought Bernie would stoop to abusing the Senate floor for a campaign

speech for at least a few more months.

[99Forever]

14. Precisely what "Senate Ethics Law" would that be?

Last edited Tue Jul 14, 2015, 09:13 PM - Edit history (1)

Please cite and link it.


Thanks.

[Cali_Democrat]

19. From the Senate Ethics Committee:

Senate space, equipment, staff time, and resources generally should not be used to assist campaign organizations.

Page 150....

http://www.ethics.senate.gov/downloads/pdffiles/manual.pdf

[London Lover Man]

20. Did Clinton use Senate space, equipment, staff time and resources to pull her appearance today?

Yes, she did. And for official campaign purposes.

So what ethics did Bernie break again?

[Cali_Democrat]

22. She's not a US Senator

She was in the Senate today because she was invited as a guest by Dem leadership.

Ethics rules only apply to Senate members if I'm not mistaken.

Hillary hasn't been a Senator since 2008.

[99Forever]

24. Ahh I see. So, she doesn't have to act ethically.

Well that's certainly in her wheelhouse, as it seems no other forms of ethics are very high on her priority list either.

[Cali_Democrat]

41. Again...

She's not a member of the Senate.

The Senate ethics rules don't apply to her.

They only apply to Senators and their staffers.

[99Forever]

47. Well no shit Sherlock.

I responded with exactly that in mind.

[Cali_Democrat]

48. You seem angry. nt

[99Forever]

55. Gee...

... I fucking wonder why.

[Cali_Democrat]

57. Relax

It's only a discussion board.

Discussing possible ethics violations committed by Presidential candidates is a legitimate topic of conversation IMO.

[boston bean]

64. It is, don't let anyone bully you into thinking otherwise. nt

[BooScout]

93. Do you need another hug.....

All this angst cannot be good for you.

[mythology]

128. Actually no, you said she didn't act ethically

not that she didn't act in accordance with the Senate ethics rules. One is a point of order for a particular government body that only applies to members, the other is a slur against her character. It's not a particularly subtle distinction.

But I'm sure you felt cheeky saying it and then pretending to be innocent afterward.

[99Forever]

144. Bullshit.

Typical neoliberal "the rules don't apply to us" crap. No wonder almost nobody trusts any Clinton.

Tell me again why I would want this person in the White House again?

[MADem]

95. She was also carrying water for the President in that meeting.

Part of her charge up there was to motivate Democrats to stick with the President on this Iran nuclear deal--I can't imagine anyone seeing anything "unethical" about that.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Hillary Rodham Clinton praised the nuclear deal with Iran on Tuesday as an "important step," saying the agreement would end up "putting the lid on Iran's nuclear program."

Clinton was on Capitol Hill for a series of closed-door meetings with congressional Democrats, where she's been detailing her early work on the landmark agreement and expressing her support for the final deal — the result of nearly two years of intense negotiations.

House Democrats who met with Clinton described her as a strong backer of the program, which aims to curb Iran's nuclear program for more than a decade in exchange for billions of dollars in international sanctions relief.

..."She's one of two of the most important, most influential voices in this debate, the other being President Obama," said New York Rep. Steve Israel, who met with Clinton on Tuesday morning. "Her opinion is critically important, profoundly important."

http://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2015/07/14/clinton-backs-iran-nuclear-agreement-as-important-step

Basically, she was up there to help Obama bigfoot any Dem stragglers who thought about voting with the GOP back into their cages. It's just not a smart idea to try to trip up both the POTUS and the Democratic frontrunner--in fact, it's a sure ticket to not getting any DHCC or DSCC money when election time comes around.

[Cha]

121. Basically, she was up there to help Obama bigfoot any Dem stragglers who thought about voting with

the GOP back into their cages. It's just not a smart idea to try to trip up both the POTUS and the Democratic frontrunner--in fact, it's a sure ticket to not getting any DHCC or DSCC money when election time comes around."

Thank you for this vital point, MADem.

[JDPriestly]

136. She was there to campaign and those who invited her were using

government facilities to help her campaign. That was the nature of the visit.

[AtomicKitten]

146. Exactly and it apparently didn't go as planned.

[99Forever]

25. Oh and BTW. counselor...

Those are rules, not laws.

[Cali_Democrat]

40. The author characterized it as a law...but I would have to agree with you

These are ethics rules which apply to Senators and staffers. Only the Senate can determine whether or not the rule was violated.

This is a discussion board and I'm just discussing.

I apologize if that offends you.

[99Forever]

49. Any jackass that doesn't know the difference between a rule and a law...

... has all the credibility of a Sarah Palin.

[Bobbie Jo]

65. I applaud your civility

But some folks are just going to be an ass regardless.

[BooScout]

96. That happens alot....

When bugs crawl up their butts.

[Cha]

123. "I apologize if that offends you." yeah, it's really too bad when the facts offend some..

they really need to get over themselves.

[Vattel]

27. so the Dem leadership violated the rule?

"Senate space, equipment, staff time, and resources generally should not be used to assist campaign organizations."

[Buns_of_Fire]

45. Pretty tacky move by the "leadership", I must say.

They knew what she was there for. They also knew that a member of The Club was opposing her for the nomination. THEY'RE probably the ones who should be brought up on ethics charges for putting everyone in that position.

[SwampG8r]

63. Then everyone who did attend

Also broke this "rule"

[MADem]

125. No. They weren't campaigning. Neither was Clinton.

She was carrrying water for POTUS re: the Iranian nuclear deal, and the vote to reject it that Boehner was calling for.

[JDPriestly]

137. And how do you know that?

How do you know what she was there for or, as you suggest, that the president sent her?

[AtomicKitten]

148. She was campaigning.

Excerpt from OP's link:

The caucus lunch did threaten to prove a bit awkward for Sanders, who briefly stopped by. Because he caucuses with Senate Democrats, Sanders was present in the room while Clinton laid out her case for why she should be her party's standard-bearer in 2016. But he downplayed any drama, telling reporters that he and the former secretary "said hello."

[arcane1]

56. "Generally" can be interpreted as making this OK, but also a good headline.

[HooptieWagon]

15. He's a sitting Senator, she's not.

[Cali_Democrat]

17. That's the problem...from the article:

"Senate guidelines bar its members from using official resources or equipment for the express purpose of aiding their campaigns. "

[HERVEPA]

30. Just what the hell do you think Hillary was doing????

[Cali_Democrat]

42. Hillary is not a Senator. nt

[HERVEPA]

74. Sorry

Hillary was certainly within the spirit of the law.

[Autumn]

87. Meeting with some senate democrats

who were aiding her presidential campaign?

[MADem]

124. She was there to make it clear to the House and Senate caucuses that the POTUS expected them

to vote as a bloc on the issue of the Iran nuclear deal. This has been covered by the media, it shouldn't be a surprise to anyone who pays attention.

She wasn't there to campaign--her focus was the nuke deal, and the upcoming vote where Boehner has said he intends to derail the process.

He can't do that without Democratic help--he would have to pick off enough disgruntled Democrats to override Obama's wishes (Obama has promised a veto if Boehner succeeds, but that's looking less likely, thanks to Clinton's intervention).

She was acting as a Presidential enforcer. She does have some skin in that game--she worked that issue from the ground up since she took over at State following the 2008 election. She did as she was asked and apparently did so in a rather rousing and unifying fashion.

She does have clout and gravitas with legislators in the Democratic caucuses of both chambers , and that is why Obama called her last night and asked her to go give them some 'guidance' on the matter of the upcoming vote.

[JDPriestly]

138. Again, were you there behind closed doors with the senators?

How do you know what she was there for or even what she did once the doors were closed?

[MADem]

167. Because I know how money works on the Hill. And people talk OTR.

It's not "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington." If Obama wanted someone who was simply an overenthusiastic rah-rah cheerleader for the Iran deal, he would have asked someone like Sanders to go preach to the choir (Sanders REALLY likes the deal, FWIW). But that's not what Obama wanted or needed. He wanted someone who knows how to herd cats, twist arms, and compel votes to pay them a visit; someone who knows how the money game is played, and how the money is distributed (and who has experience, herself, distributing money on the Hill) to push the conversation. Sanders, who, as I said, really likes this deal, has no CLOUT with the caucuses because he has never vote counted, nor has he raised money for, or given a dime to, any of his peers (count up his endorsements from both the Senate and the House caucuses...add them together, and you come up with ZERO).

It's carrot and stick. Obama's a lame duck--he has no (really big, anyway) sticks. He has a few carrots, sure. Clinton's an up-and-comer, and will very likely be the nominee and the party leader...which gives her both carrots AND sticks. She was the ideal water carrier in this regard. It's not all altruism, either--her fingerprints (and thus, her SECSTATE legacy) are all over that Iran deal, just ask Jake Sullivan if you don't believe me.

[AtomicKitten]

149. "she worked that issue from the ground up"

Or as reported she "played a role in getting the process started."

Her role according to you has grown just within this thread. I fully expect later in this thread to read she single-handedly wrote the agreement and wrestled those opposed to the ground.

Proceed.

[beam me up scottie]

151. Lol!

Good eye!

[MADem]

172. A bit rheumy, if you look at post 170.

I guess starting to work on the issue weeks after the SOS was confirmed isn't "ground up" enough for you?

... indeed!

[MADem]

170. Ha ha ha! You have no idea how much your post means to me!

I love it when people prove to me that they don't have a grasp of the issues--it saves me time, so thanks for that!

She has been working this issue since she picked up her SOS portfolio:

http://www.cleveland.com/world/index.ssf/2009/10/hillary_clinton_to_press_russi.html

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/jul/22/clinton-iran-nuclear-umbrella-gulf

Who appointed this woman...in 2011? http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/27/politics/wendy-sherman-iran-negotiations-state-department/

Here--this timeline might help you most of all. Read it backwards, scroll way down until you hit this bit:

April 8, 2009
U.S. Joins Regular Iran Talks
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton announces that the United States will participate in talks with Iran involving five other nations: Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/11/20/world/middleeast/Iran-nuclear-timeline.html#/#time243_7218

You need to dig your foundation before you can start building your house....

Now you enjoy that popcorn!

[AtomicKitten]

178. Kerry/Zarif recommended for Nobel Peace Prize.

http://en.trend.az/iran/politics/2417082.html
http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/07/14/420267/Zarif-kerry-nobel-SIPRI

[MADem]

179. That would be great were it true!!!

Of course, the headline doesn't match the actual story--typical IRNA/PRESS coverage (they lie, you know--very ham-handed in their propaganda, poor things; they haven't quite learned that a light touch is best).

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and his US counterpart John Kerry could be possible candidates for the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize over Iran's nuclear accord, a Swedish peace institute director says.

How nice that Mr. Rauf thinks they have a shot at the award. I would like to see someone recognized for this--even though it took quite a village to bring it home.

Obama 'could be' a possible candidate too. Keep in mind, it's easy to be nominated (remember this? http://humanevents.com/2007/05/30/rush-limbaugh-for-the-nobel-peace-prize/ ) , harder to be selected.

That said, anyone involved in this achievement -- to include the SECSTATE who got the ball rolling and who hired two of the critical players in the process--Jake Sullivan and Wendy Sherman--deserves enormous praise for the work that they did, not carping and nitpicking.

[AtomicKitten]

150. That's quite a tale you've woven, but not what was reported.

Clinton spoke after meeting with House Democrats on Capitol Hill in Washington. She didn't specifically urge members to support the deal or discuss the potential challenge of protecting it against Republican congressional majorities that appear broadly opposed to it, several Democratic lawmakers said.

<<snip>>

She told House Democrats the deal was the fruit of work she began as secretary of state aimed at freezing and rolling back much of Iran's nuclear program, according to Connolly. “She thinks it's a very positive development,” he said.

Link:
http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2015-07-14/hillary-clinton-aide-iran-nuclear-deal-really-significant-

[MADem]

162. She didn't HAVE to "specifically" say a word.

Not that anyone--including those intrepid Bloomberg reporters--were 'behind closed doors' when everything was said, in any event.

I assume you know how campaign largesse within the House and Senate Democratic caucuses is distributed?

People who don't play ball don't get help. That's what's going on here. Some things don't have to be spelled out.

[Autumn]

158. But of course she did. Even though

several Democratic lawmakers said she didn't urge members to support the deal or discuss protecting it against republicans . Maybe she will urge them to support it in ...10 days?

[MADem]

160. You can quote them, of course...? nt

[Autumn]

161. Of course I can quote them.

[MADem]

163. Say, what district do you represent, then?

Give us every detail of what went on behind those closed doors...!

[Autumn]

164. That's so cute. I posted what was reported, you pulled something out of....

thin air...! keep trying.

[MADem]

171. No, it's not 'cute' at all--and wasn't intended to be that, either! nt

[JaneyVee]

16. Saw a tweet saying he went to the Senate meeting and...

And remained quiet with a grumpy look the entire time. At least he attended though.

[ForgoTheConsequence]

18. The Sideboob Gazette is getting ridiculous.

...

[Iliyah]

46. "Sideboob" really

[ForgoTheConsequence]

180. Are you really offended?

If so take it up with Huffington Post and stop crying about it.


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/sideboob/

[madokie]

21. R U series

you guys are fucking desperate.

[BooScout]

23. I don't know about ethics laws...

But his display was pretty sad. Sort of like crashing a party he wasn't invited to.

[peacebird]

26. You guys seem pretty sad and desperate. I guess the coronation isn't going as planned? Again....?

[cantbeserious]

28. ^^^ THIS ^^^

eom

[BooScout]

29. No...it's about where I expected it at this point.....

I also expect Hillary to take the nomination and don't expect to see too much of Bernie after the early spring.

[WillyT]

31. + 1,000,000,000 - What You Said !!! - ROFLMAO !!!

Desperate times call for...

Wow !!!

They really are scared.

[JaneyVee]

34. The only people who ever thought there was going to be a coronation are...

Now using the fact that they were wrong against people who never thought there was ever going to be a coronation in the first place? Yeesh! That is some rampant persecution complex.

[Trajan]

37. Not going to try and parse that one

Eek

[JaneyVee]

43. Crazy thinking requires crazy rebuttals.

Bernie supporters were the only ones whining about a pretend coronation, Hillary supporters understood that there will be no coronation, that there will be primaries. Then when Hillary supporters were proven correct about there not being a coronation, Bernie supporters pretend that anyone but themselves ever believed there would be a coronation.

It's confusing because it's delusional, but I hope that cleared it up a bit.

[boston bean]

71. lol! nt

[JaneyVee]

73. They need to feel right, even when proven wrong.

[boston bean]

77. mmmm hmmm....

[freshwest]

76. An old media theme used to inflame.

It's not like media wants to inform us of issues. They just go for the outrage.

[Trajan]

101. The Coronation gambit

Is a metaphor ... Nothing more

[JDPriestly]

140. What does "a coronation" mean?

When we speak of a coronation we are talking about the constant reminders that we are given that Hillary is ahead in the polls and that she is going to win and that Bernie has no realistic chance. That statement is repeated ad nauseum on DU.

And it may or may not be true.

But the attitude of Hillary supporters that, hey, Hillary WILL be the candidate in 2016 and that the primaries are just a formality is what is meant by the "coronation" view of Hillary's candidacy. It's here on DU every day.

I'm sure it is very comforting to Hillary fans. The inevitable Hillary is the coronation view. The primary is just a process but there is no real contest is the view. That's a coronation. The election of Hillary is to her fans a foregone conclusion.

I disagree. Bernie has the momentum and is gaining. His views are different from Hillary's on important issues, and I believe his views are what the American people really want. It is a matter of getting them out there so that people can learn where his views differ from Hillary's. It is in the interest of the American people that that information be widely disseminated.

[peacebird]

152. Yes, and the attitude that she is inevitable is constantly presented to dishearten Bernie's folks

Here and in the MSM, but it's not working.

He is the real deal!

[JDPriestly]

139. That's what we Bernie supporters like about him.

The "party" in Congress and the White House id being run and paid for by the oligarchs, by folks with money who make the rules to enrich themselves at the expense of our country.

Part of the point of Bernie's campaign and a great deal of the reason that we like him so much is that he is not the one who gives the "party" for the oligarchs to which WE are not invited.

Bernie's campaign is like inviting the American people into the parties, the exclusive parties given for the oligarchs and the political class. That's one of the things that is so appealing about Bernie.

Note that he spoke into microphones outside the Caucus room. That, from the point of view of those of us who don't live in and can't go to D.C. where the candidates should be speaking, not in some sort of party to which we are not invited and that we are not allowed to attend or watch.

We like the fact that, like us, he is treated like an outsider. We feel estranged from our government, and Bernie understands that and is telling us that he wants us to be there in that caucus room. He represents our desire to be a part of the political process and not just told that we shouldn't crash the party, the party to which the oligarchs are invited.

[Vattel]

32. "Mar. Cantor! Mrs. Cantor! Johnny used pencil sharpener without getting permission!"

[Thinkingabout]

33. Huumm, now how many of the Congressional member has endorsed Bernie?

Bet he did not convince any endorsements today. He needs to get a professional campaign team to advise him.

[Agnosticsherbet]

35. The is an appearance of an ethics rule violation,

But only the Senate can make that rule and I suspect they will let it slide.

[madfloridian]

38. Will the Senate host every candidate? Or just Hillary? How about Bernie or O'Malley?

Will they be invited to a discussion of issues?

[Cali_Democrat]

44. I don't know. Try contacting Dem leadership:

http://www.reid.senate.gov/contact

https://pelosi.house.gov/contact-me

[BooScout]

89. Maybe someone will start a petition, lol

[boston bean]

90. to make them take back the meeting, maybe?

There is no way that many congress people support her over Bernie! I demand a re-meeting with Bernie!

LOL

[arcane1]

60. Doesn't that meant they would be using their space "to assist campaign organizations"?

Or was she there for something totally unrelated to her campaign?

(Rhetorical questions, I'm not asking you specifically )

[boston bean]

72. Bernie is amongst his peers all the time. I'm sure if they feel a need to

have a meeting they might do it off site or something, cause obviously there are Senate Ethics Rules that prevent it, because he is a sitting Senator.

[BooScout]

86. Bernie came to the party....

To try and get some attention by riding on Hillary's coattails....epic fail on his part....bless his heart.

[boston bean]

88. It sort of does give one a glimpse into his thought process.....

I'll let others say what they think it is...

[madfloridian]

91. Bless both their hearts...having to face all the daily attacks. Bless them both.

Oh, BTW Bernie has a right to be at the party. He has voted with them regularly.

[oasis]

109. I'ts not like he sneaked in dressed like The Hamburglar.

Give the guy a break.

[JDPriestly]

141. Actually, he did a smart move.

Hillary's coattails? I think Hillary is riding on Bernie's coattails by trying to accuse him of violating ethics rules. She is profiling herself. If it weren't for the controversy her campaign is making about this, her visit to the Senate would be too boring for the news.

Her big problem is being boring. Bernie is a fascinating, interesting candidate. So she is using his coattails, that is the spontaneity and excitement of his campaign to try to get attention for her visit to the Senate which was a nice cozy meeting but of not much interest outside the Senate.

[underthematrix]

94. Rep Cleyburn said the CBC wanted to hear from the other

candidates as well. But I don't think there's a lot there for anyone other than HRC. They are her people. During 2008, most of their initial support went to HRC then some switched to PBO. The chances of them going with someone other than HRC are slim to zilch. I don't see that happening. The same with the Hispanic and Asian caucuses.

[silenttigersong]

52. Wow

Calling him a troll ,thats really low.

[Historic NY]

61. OOPS......

he should know better emailing a transcript.....

[Buns_of_Fire]

104. But at least it didn't include a picture of him in his underwear! nt

[MoonRiver]

62. Pretty lame. Glad he got called on it.

Maybe Bernie's ego is getting a little out of control, lol!

[frylock]

118. Bernie's ego

[JDPriestly]

142. Maybe Bernie's desire to serve the American people is getting him

a lot more love and respect than the Hillary campaign can understand.

Bernie is the least egotistical candidate for the presidency in my lifetime.

[Cha]

75. It's all good.. he said he "wasn't campaigning.." lol

"When a reporter inquired if his remarks were made at a proper forum, Sanders replied, "I’m not campaigning here. You’re asking me questions about it." Sanders, however, brought up his disagreements with Clinton on his own."

uh huh.

[cherokeeprogressive]

81. He stole a little of her spotlight and her supporters are PISSED. Okay. Be pissed, then get over it.

[frylock]

119. this

[Bobbie Jo]

174. Not really

The coverage I've seen of the event didn't even mention Bernie.

So no, he didn't really steal anything.

Meh...

[cherokeeprogressive]

175. 175 replies, and recs from a predictable bunch of Hillary supporters.

Someone begs to differ.

[Bobbie Jo]

177. The DU bubble

It's a discussion board.

Discussing, etc....

Bernie didn't steal anything here. No one is "pissed," miffed, or anything else.

It happened, discussion ensued. That's pretty much it.

eta: Actually, the only evidence of "pissed" in this thread is one chronically pissed Bernie supporter. Other than that, nadda.

Meh...

[PowerToThePeople]

103. Uh oh.

[karynnj]

106. I wonder if he spoke to the leadership who gave HRC the platform

I understand the issue that you can't use your government office for campaign purposes, but giving HRC a forum to speak to all the Congressional Democrats -- and then saying it is "unethical" to give a sitting Senator the same thing somehow seems unfair. Take it a step forward, can O'Malley and Webb do the same thing?

[Joe Turner]

108. If Hillary would start talking about her positions on the Big Issues

she wouldn't need to be called out. She seems afraid of saying anything that might rankle the big money machine behind here i.e. the banks and fortune 500. I think the HRC strategy is to have her surrogates and press flacks do her talking while she works the power brokers and smear artists. All HRC really wants is power and that is an awful reason to run for president.

[restorefreedom]

113. and we are to believe

that there was no campaigning in that closed door meeting.

mm hmmmm.

[AgingAmerican]

115. When you have nothing to attack with

You attack with......nothing.

[ibegurpard]

122. lol

Good luck generating any outrage outside of the political staffer/consultant bubble with this non-story.

[PatrickforO]

127. Bold move. I don't see any ethics violation.

He said he wasn't campaigning.

Are people really gonna make a mountain out of this molehill?

Really??

Because I can think of a HELL of a lot worse that Clinton has done, beginning with getting fired from the Watergate investigations for ethical violations. And everybody thinks they want her as president with her 'clear eyed capitalism?'

What about Obama with his secret TPP that's going to cost hundreds of thousands of American jobs but he's gonna ram it down our throats anyway?

H.W. and definitely W. And what about that Cheney? SURE there were WMDs in Iraq...

What about all the members of Congress that are in the pockets of Wall Street, and have become filthy rich in 'public service?'

What about Eric Holder, who is now a 7 figure lobbyist after studiously NOT prosecuting any Wall Street lizards for gross criminal malfeasance?

I mean, I can't even see bringing up some little piss ant thing like this. Bernie walking up to some mikes and talking don't amount to a hill of beans.

[JDPriestly]

143. According to Snopes, Hillary was not fired from the Watergate investigation.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/clintons/zeifman.asp

I am a Bernie supporter, but it is very unfair to repeat all these ridiculous lies about Hillary and especially to repeat them on DU.

Please read the Snopes article and edit your post. The person who claimed at some point that he had fired Hillary did not have the authority to fire her. She did nothing wrong. She was an employee who obeyed the instructions of her boss.

Please check your facts. We like to share the truth with each other on DU.

[CTBlueboy]

131. Funny

HRC supporters talking about ethics haha lets not even go there

[Cha]

145. "Bernie Sanders Trolls Hillary Clinton Outside Her Meeting With Sen Dems" She was invited.. bernie

didn't rain on her parade.. I don't care what he or his supporters think.


Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton walks with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of Calif. on Capitol Hill in Washington on Tuesday.



http://www.politico.com/story/2015/07/hillary-clinton-support-iran-deal-120088.html

[shaayecanaan]

155. Of course, none of that was campaigning nt

[George II]

165. I doubt it was a violation of SENATE ethics rules, but....

.....it was a violation of civil ethics and civility.

[TransitJohn]

173. As an ardent Bernie supporter, I think he fucked up

Generally, you're supposed to avoid not only a conflict of interest, but the appearance of a conflict of interest, as they teach me in my yearly corporate ethics refresher.