I see that a lot of Sanders supporters are outraged that Clinton surrogates dare question Bernie’s record following the recent negative trend in the Sanders campaign rhetoric.
Well, it’s pretty simple: Hillary Clinton is winning the Democratic primary in commanding fashion. As such, she has more power to dictate the boundaries of the race and respond forcefully to her opponent’s strategic choices.
When the Clinton campaign suggested Sanders strike a more positive message rather than attempting to tear down the likely Democratic nominee, it was met with derision. That’s a pretty ironic start to this saga from a candidate and supporters claiming to campaign on a higher ground.
Then it got much worse. The Sanders campaign pushed a massive lie about Clinton’s fundraising. They put Rosario Dawson front and center to push the bullshit FBI investigation angle. While this line of attack is despicable in the first place, it’s that much worse coming from Dawson, who abandoned President Obama two months into his presidency for not Tweeting enough. Surrogates speak for the campaign. Sanders is having a bad week on that front.
What, exactly did Bernie think would happen when his campaign ramped up negative attacks on Hillary? Does Secretary Clinton seem like the type to turn the other cheek forever? Do her surrogates?
Well, you know what they say: “play stupid games, win stupid prizes.”
I like Bernie and think he’s one of the more trustworthy, honest politicians out there. But he is a politician, complete with many of the perceived shortcomings he and his supporters rally against.
He has his fair share of terrible votes that he doesn’t like to own up to. His tax plan would be devastating for many middle class families. He is ignoring his pledge to help fundraise for down-ballot Democrats.
And as the whole world can see, Bernie is as capable of running a negative campaign as any other politician.
I hate to end on such a sour note, so I’ll say this:
Both Hillary and Bernie are incredibly intelligent human beings and politicians. They both know the recent tone will hurt the Democratic nominee’s chances in November. Hopefully the next peace offering won’t be derided and the campaigns can head back to the positive messaging we desire in a Democratic primary.
