Sanders campaign privately urges restraint after Clinton attack

[brooklynite]

Politico

Bernie Sanders’ campaign remained largely — and uncharacteristically — quiet Tuesday in the wake of fiery attacks by Hillary Clinton.

Privately, Sanders’ aides and allies feel that Clinton is trying to bait them after she reiterated in a Hollywood Reporter article that “nobody likes” the Vermont senator, and refused to commit to supporting him if he wins the primary. In her remarks, published two weeks before the Iowa caucuses, they see a political establishment that is trying to stop him as he rises in early-state polling.

Yet it was more important to regain control of its message after a week-long whirlwind featuring unplanned spats with Elizabeth Warren, Joe Biden and now his 2016 rival.

Sanders’ campaign told staffers internally to not discuss Clinton’s comments, and Sanders released a statement saying he is focusing on impeachment and that “together, we” will defeat President Donald Trump. His aides are also urging his online fans to volunteer for him instead of tweeting about Clinton.

“A less petty, self-absorbed person would look at a devastating, embarrassing election defeat and thank her former primary opponent who, based on the record, went to extraordinary lengths to support her,” said Jonathan Tasini, the author of "The Essential Bernie Sanders and His Vision for America" and a national surrogate for Sanders in 2016. “Bernie, as he often does, sidestepped engaging in this nonsense, choosing to focus on the important matters at hand, mainly impeachment. Bottom line is that the more Hillary Clinton speaks, the less people care what she says and devalues her own role so I think it will have close to zero impact on the race.”

[JoeOtterbein]

1. Thanks for posting an article by the best Political Journalist in the...

...world!

[brooklynite]

2. Didn't run into her in Los Angeles...

Guessing she was in the Spin Room.

[JoeOtterbein]

4. I asked her to keep an eye out for you...

...Holly loves talking to voters about the election. You might run into her in the future. Thanks again!

[brooklynite]

5. Will be in NH the weekend before the Primary...

[JoeOtterbein]

7. I'm sure she will be there as soon as Iowa is over.

She was surprised she liked Iowa so much. Sounds nice.

[melman]

3. Laser focused

[Autumn]

6. Bernie's response that "on a good day my wife likes me" was perfect. They don't need to add anymore

to this nonsense. It's divisive, leave it to others. Bernie will stay focused like a laser. Many Democrats support Bernie and Hillary's opinion of him won't change how they feel.

[NYMinute]

8. They're smarting from the backlash over Zephyr Teachout's false and malicious op/ed

and

“A less petty, self-absorbed person would look at a devastating, embarrassing election defeat and thank her former primary opponent who, based on the record, went to extraordinary lengths to support her,” said Jonathan Tasini

Say WHAT? Did he see a different campaign than we all saw?

[samnsara]

11. guess they missed the dollar bill throwing and the shouts of 'coorporate whore' ?

..they got what they voted for...trump.

[NYMinute]

14. and three of Sanders' top campaign staff

advocating for and voting for Jill Stein?

[TheFarseer]

9. Good strategy

Learn from Tulsi. Don’t take the bait.

[MrsCoffee]

12. Yes please, learn from Tulsi.

Bow out now while the Dems still have a shot at winning this thing.

Best strategy ever.

[samnsara]

10. im afraid they will be mopping up messes all during the campaign because BS has signaled its OK..

..to do this. His inaction before and slow action this time has allowed some, with less than honorable intentions toward BS himself, to take over the messaging. Hes lost control of the base, again.

[emmaverybo]

13. No "spat" with Biden, just a one-sided attack based on lies about his position on social security

in an attempt to undermine his support among older Americans in general, and then specifically
older AA voters.

[BannonsLiver]

15. Nah they just have winners like Jon Tasinini do the dirty work for him.

[msongs]

16. not likely nt