Sanders’ rise fueling internal fight as some Democrats fear a November wipeout

LA Times ^ | 1/30/20 | JANET HOOK, MARK Z. BARABAK

[Libloather]

DES MOINES — With Sen. Bernie Sanders gaining traction, his rivals for the presidential nomination and other top Democrats have begun aggressive efforts to slow the favorite of the party’s progressive wing, fearing he may become unstoppable and cost Democrats their shot at retaking the White House in November. There are risks, however. The attacks may backfire by galvanizing Sanders’ fervent supporters, who embrace him precisely because he is an anti-establishment figure.

The result is that days before voting in the 2020 race kicks off with Monday’s Iowa caucuses, Democrats are turning their fire inward just as President Trump is enduring an impeachment trial in the Senate.

Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Ind., stokes anxiety about a Sanders victory in a plea for donations. Former Vice President Joe Biden throws shade in a new Iowa ad saying, “This isn’t the election to take a risk.” Third Way, a centrist Democratic group, sent a panicky memo to hundreds of Iowa Democrats warning against a Sanders nomination.

In one of the most assertive moves, a Democratic political action committee is airing a statewide TV spot questioning Sanders’ ability to beat Trump and raising the issue of his health by reminding viewers of the 78-year-old candidate’s heart attack in October.

[Libloather]

They could go pay-per-view on fight nights. Cage matches - three rounds.

[RayChuang88]

If they deny Sanders the nomination, the Left will split into two parties, the Progressives and Democrats. Ouch.

[17th Miss Regt]

Third Way, a centrist Democratic group, sent a panicky memo to hundreds of Iowa Democrats warning against a Sanders nomination.

"He is a Bolshevik and we are Mensheviks! He must be stopped!"

[samtheman]

Hornet’s Nest Alert.

Sanders is a wimp.

His supporters are anarchists looking for a fight.

[cgbg]

Attacking Sanders based on his health is amusing—a tactic that will certainly backfire on senile Joe Biden.

[Huskrrrr]

There ain’t enough popcorn in the World for watching this development.

[cnsmom]

The question is who will author the What Happened Sequel?

[Jeff Chandler]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YusHyd-duQ

[N. Theknow]

But all the polls say he can beat President Trump!

Could they be wrong? /s

[CMailBag]

Santa Bernie Mondale

[SunkenCiv]

"Bernie Sanders? B.S.!"

• Democrats Panic As Many Realize Bernie Sanders Might Win Nomination
• Establishment Democrats' Dilemma: How to Do In Bernie Sanders Without Alienating His Young Voters
• Sanders allies in new uproar over DNC convention appointments (John Podesta was added to committee)
• Sanders supporters fume as Clinton allies named to key Dem convention committees
• Sanders supporters fume as Clinton allies named to key Dem convention committees
• Sanders' rise fueling internal fight as some Democrats fear a November wipeout

[Drango]

Wait till Bernie wins Iowa...then they will feel the bern in their lower sphincter.

[SMARTY]

I think it’s too late for that. At this point, it doesn’t matter who they field.

I think they know it, too!

[SamAdams76]

Democrats are turning their fire inward just as President Trump is enduring an impeachment trial in the Senate.

Enduring?

This is Trump at his triumphant New Jersey rally the other night. And he's got another big one happening tonight in Iowa. The president is riding high and having the time of his life!

[cuban leaf]

I understand their concern, but none of the other contenders are anybetter.

Frankly, I think the democrats’ best chance is for Romney to come home and run. He’d win the D nomination easily. :)

[cuban leaf]

Frankly, I think the only chance the D’s have is to off Trump.

[samtheman]

Really. They used the “enduring” in the wrong sentence with “Trump”.

The correct sentence should be:

“Trump’s enduring legacy for a safer and more prosperous America is driving up his support numbers in the polls.”

[Leaning Right]

> Wait till Bernie wins Iowa...<

Back in 2016 there were six tied Iowa delegate votes that were decided by a coin toss. Hillary won all six tosses. Bernie was the loser each time.

The Dems need to find and reactivate that coin-toss guy.

[Wizdum]

Doesn't matter who the Dim candidate selected.
The impeachment fiasco is going to re-elect Trump in another landslide including downticket.

NO ONE with an IQ above room temp believes the Dim party lies anymore.

The swing in control of the House will be historic.

[libertylover]

enduring an impeachment trial

I noticed that too. It's way over into the wishful thinking lane.