Rumor for Obama supporters

[cali]

This is only a rumor, but I heard it yesterday from someone who has reliable information. I hesitated to post it because of its rumor status, but it conforms with the conventional wisdom here.

The rumor is that Bernie Sanders will endorse Obama before Iowa. I'd think that would be a helpful progressive endorsement for him.

[glowing]

1. Show of hands, How many people know of Bernie Sanders?

I've had him at my kitchen table when I was little... so, I know who he is.

[cali]

2. I think almost everyone on the left knows of Bernie Sanders

He's not at all obscure. He wasn't when he was in the House, and he's even less so now that he's in the Senate. Plus don't forget that Thom has him on every Friday on "Brunch with Bernie".

[Adelante]

7. Huh?

Everybody here knows who Bernie Sanders is.

It would be nice if this happens, too :)

[glowing]

16. I don't think everyone knows who a senator from VT is... Unfortunately,

due to our inadequate education, many people living in the United States do not even know where Vermont is. I have had some people ask me what country that is in. I have even had people from Massachussets ask me where VT is.

[Adelante]

21. Well, everybody knows who a former NC Senator is who had a place on a recent national ticket

It doesn't seem to be helping him outside Iowa as a candidate. If Bernie endorsed Edwards, it would be seen as a plus for Edwards, who isn't doing as well in that region or among independents as Obama is. Vermont is in New England where a lot of voters are independents; as you know, they're about a third of New Hampshire voters. So if endorsements mean anything, and they don't always, Bernie's has to be considered a plus for Obama in New England, I would think.

[tekisui]

3. Bernie is a real asset.

An endorsement from the country's only Independent Senator would be help Obama with the Progressives.

Clinton has been bragging about her Senatorial endorsements, so it would help if Obama could get some more before Iowa.

I have nothing but respect for America's Senator Sanders.

[EV_Ares]

4. If it is true, would be a great catch for Obama. A well respected

Independent Senator. Good timing as I would think Bernie would certainly have more credibility as an Independent than Joe Lieberman who is endorsing McCain. So, if Obama could get this endorsement, would certainly put him on good footing for the next primary in NH.

[proudmoddemo]

14. Technically

Lieberman is an independent too. So in reality, it's an endorsement from the country's only progressive independent Senator. Worth far more than Lieberman's endorsement, which might bring his wife along....

[davidinalameda]

5. wouldn't that hurt in the long run?

the repugs would keep hammering on the fact that he's a socialist and face it, the average person isn't going to take the time to research what exactly Sanders supports

just that he's one of those scary socialists

[tekisui]

6. He's a Socialist Democrat.

His record speaks for itself. He has done nothing but work very hard for the people of America. Everyone benefits from Sen. Sanders' work. If people are scared of Bernie, we're in deep shit.

If he does endorse Obama, it will be a big win, and an asset the whole way.

I wouldn't insult the intelligence of the Vermont voters who love their Senator.

[Renew Deal]

9. Didn't Bernie Sanders support the Democratic candidate in the past?

It's no different than any other year. Besides, the fight Obama needs to win is now.

[Renew Deal]

8. That would be good for Obama.

I wonder if it would help anywhere outside of Vermont.

[EV_Ares]

11. Basically, if it is true, the help would be more immediate going into

NH I think. Other than that, as you have said, he always supports the Dem candidate so that would be no different.

NH is where it would be most beneficial to Obama it would appear.

[Armstead]

10. I love Bernie

Even though he's technically an Independent, he's the best Real Democrat in Congress.

I'd kinda assume and hope that he'd go for Edwards. But if he goes for Obama, it'd make me more comfortable with Obama than I might otherwise. (I'd also hope Bernie asked for reassurances that Obama will support progressuve issues.)

[EV_Ares]

12. Yeah, with you on that one. Edwards is my choice first but I have no

problem with Obama and if it plays out that way, I can live with it just fine.

[glowing]

13. Strange thing with people in VT... they think people from the south

are still members of the Klu Klux Klan, that everyone owns a confederate flag, and if they are caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, they may be hung by a noose for being a Yank. I cannot tell you how many of my friends were absolutely scared for me to go to college in South Carolina. They couldn't believe I'd go down their with my VT, liberal ideas and live to see them on the semester break... I went to college in 1997 and graduated in 2001. My mom gave me a big lecture about shutting my mouth and not offending people. She didn't want me to get hurt.

So, there is this huge disconnect with people in VT about the south, and, in general, the entire Northeast area, what the south is really about. My mom now loves it and plans on buying a winter home in either of the Carolinas, depending on where I end up eventually (I'm in FL right now--until we have my step-son's custody worked out, we'll stay here... and we also just bought a home). Anyway, the people aren't nearly as bad as the politicians still make them out to be. Tourism is a booming industry, especially along the beaches and in the mountains. Southern hospitality is nice and its genuine. Also the food is to die for. You will fall in love with most of the people. (I can't say everyone down there is a gentlemen--there are still those rednecks, and some are still un-educated). At first, it almost seems fake... how can people be so nice.. training starts early and is ingrained in the children as they grow. It is No Sir, Yes M'am. Opening doors for women and men paying for the whole date entirely. Also, I had less conflict from my southern friends when I was dating a black man, than I did from my Northern friends. My Northern friends were openly bigoted and disgusted by my relationship with my boyfriend at the time... like I said I graduated in 2001. Eventually we broke up... he was a year ahead of me, and it was a college relationship, but we still remain friends.

Anyway, there is this disconnect in New England with Edwards... They still don't trust the southerners. They still have wild ideas of what happens in the south. And I don't really know how Edwards would really connect with the Northeast, other than to prove himself once elected.. much like Clinton did. I married a Carolinian gentleman. He dresses complimentary to me (we look good as a couple). He wears rings and a chain and a watch and a guys bracellet. Wear's a mean suit and tie, and a wonderful smile (dimples included--he's also part Native American, tall, dark, and boyishly handsome). He smells good. His hair has to be done when going places, or a hat is on his head. He cares about proper teeth maintenance and still maintains white teeth, even though he smokes. He's a great dad. Wonderful, strong, and stearn. He's the "man" of the house, but recognizes that without me, he wouldn't be where he is today without my strong influence (and he's not afraid to say so to anyone at anytime). He shares a lot of qualities I see in Edwards.. Perhaps why I trust him more than others. Edwards is listening to America and he's paying attention and he's not going to play politics this time (it didn't work before)... he's using his name status... but has really created policy and a back bone and a bigger heart this time around. I think he is angry. I think he does want real change. I do think he wants to try and make this world a better place for his children and my children too.

[EV_Ares]

15. Actually, people who are well educated do not still have those suspicions

to that extreme in 2007 do they? I mean, I understand how people in different parts of the country perceive others but just like you and I know those old stereotypes are dead now days. However, I am sure you have some rural areas where they might be alive and well but not that much any more.

In saying that, I really don't want another President from TX with the results we have had both dem and repub.

We do have the problem with Dems carrying parts of the south yet resulting from years past.

Just surprised it is to the extent you have mentioned.

[cali]

17. I don't know about that generalization. How long have you been gone

from Vermont? In any case, I completely doubt that Bernie is in any way basing any endorsement he does make, or where the person is from.

I think there's mutual mistrust of people from the south and new england. It's hardly a one way street.

[glowing]

22. I don't think he is totally basing his decision on bias towards the south

then again he is a bit older.. and the south went thru huge changes as far as slavery and civil rights are concerned. I would love to whole-heartedly support Obama, but some of his policy and his willingness to still sit down at the table with corporations that have starved this nations growth for too long bother me.

I never moved back to VT after college, but I visit as often as I can, and I still know what everyone is up to. (I'll actually be back again this summer--my sister is getting married and moving back--she live in NC and teaches, her fiance is back home in VT and she's taking a $10,000.00 pay cut for love). I do have parents and family that have lived there for a very long time. I think my family line dates all the way back to colonial times. (and I am getting a peice of my family land--eventually I'll build a cabin so all of my southern family and I can enjoy going up for vacations). I love the history of VT (I spent half my summer with the hysterical ladies at the historical society--I used to play dressup in the old clothes). VT was one of the first places that allowed slaves a "freedom" ticket.. While it was illegal to harbor or help the slaves federally, they didn't enforce it. I think people that move into VT have broadened people's horizons, but the native's still have distrust towards southerners, and anyone really who isn't native (gossip is golden--I think it helps keep so many of "you kids" in line)... My Grandma certainly couldn't understand why I'd want to go to school any further than a couple of hours from home, let alone all the way to South Carolina. My guideance councilor tried to make me apply to schools in the Northeast... I wanted out. And yes.. I did get a few Yank comments from Southerners, obviously not enough to marry one.

[EV_Ares]

26. That is true, just do not think the mistrust and bias is to the extent it

was expressed & no #s to back it up but most people I know do not have the old southern stereotype belief there used to be years ago & when I lived in the south for some time, the south is changing very much as well with a considerable # of "yankees" living there such as Atlanta, same with Dallas.

Agree, it is still there in places & some people but not nearly as extensive.

Regardless, as far as this post goes, the endorsement would be a plus and I think the importance of it is what it would do for Obama in NH. The rest of the country doesn't matter yet./

[Armstead]

19. I'm a hybrid -- A Yankee Southerner -- and see both sides of that

I grew up in New England, and live here now. But my family is very southern, and most of my relatives live in Virginia and North Carolina. In addition to spending a lot of time visiting when I was growing up, I lived in Virginia and went to college there for a number of years.

I think every region has simplistic stereotypes about other regions. (When I lived in Seattle, I had friends who thought that all of New England was like urban Long Island.)

[glowing]

23. This country is really quite big and stereotyping regions does happen...

not everyone will have the time or the money to actually visit each of our states or even some of our great cities to form an opinion for themselves. I know living in FL you either love it or hate it.. no in between. I hate it, am learning to tolerate it, and have become very active because of my gerneral disgust for the rampant corruption that is so blatent and disgusting.

[Nedsdag]

18. Obama over Kucinich?

WHOA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[cali]

24. I don't think endorsing Kucinich was ever a possibility for Bernie

He's a serious, no nonsense type of person, and I don't believe he thinks that Kucinich is a wise choice.

[glowing]

25. Obama would be progress away from the standard white man running the show.

Bernie really cant support Clinton. He's worked too hard against agendas and policies such as her own.. Like people keep saying. Edwards is like FDR and Obama is like JFK... its up to people to decide which they think is the better route for America... I think Edwards is needed to create the New "Green" Deal. We know we need to get away from Oil... And creating sound infrastructure that works for the modern world, subsidizing alt. energy, mandating money for good education, universal healthcare, and creating fair trade agreements... He has the work agenda... I think he's going to go through like a work horse.. Obama offers this Hope.. and its been a long time since people have felt inspired... He excites a young generation that usually only gets excited over MySpace and the AppleIphone. I really think that together they would make an unstopable and unbeatable team... Obama as VP, because the agenda and infrastructure has got to be there to really let the hope transcend... and Obama is young.. it would be 16 yrs of true progress.

[BeyondGeography]

That would be great

Bernie would only do that if he trusted Obama; it would say a lot about his integrity on the issues if it happens. Also helpful in NH.

Thanks for the heads-up.

[BeyondGeography]

20. Dupe