Raddatz' questions weren't conversational. Instead, her leading questions were confrontational. Sanders kept his composure and answered effectively, explaining that his votes against both Iraq wars were correct.
Most countries in the world were united against Iraq each time, so Iraq would have eventually succumbed to the pressure, Sanders said. That would have saved hundreds of thousands of human lives, and trillions of dollars that could have otherwise been invested in the nation's infrastructure and education. Our nation's funds would have been distributed across the country, instead of to the few who profit from the military-industrial complex.
Bernie's answers were spot-on. Raddatz had to resort to a predictably condescending attack, implying Sanders is a weak, pacifist dove. "Can you imagine Iran or Russia signing some sort of agreement in the future, given your record on your reluctance to use force?" Raddatz asked. "Because there is always that threat of force. But they may look at you and say, 'Bernie Sanders wouldn't do anything about this.'"
A sly smirk made clear that Sanders understood exactly what was going on. He knew the military-industrial complex's narrative was at work in Raddatz' question, so his answer was simple.
"I think they would be making a very, very big mistake," Sanders responded. "I believe the United States should have the strongest military in the world. We should be working with other countries in coalition. And when people threaten the United States, or threaten our allies, or commit genocide, the United States with other countries should be prepared to act militarily."
Sanders then reminded Raddatz that our country's recent acts of war have proven to be wrong, and destabilized the world.
Raddatz then tried to create a rift between President Obama and Sanders by asking if the White House hopeful supported the drone program, given his recent votes. He gave an answer right down the middle: In effect he will support the drone program where it works, and would not where it would cause more harm.
This clip is an example of how the corporate media, influenced by the military-industrial complex, attempt to inject themselves into politics. They seek to effect a particular outcome, and they must be called out every single time.
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