”I think Sanders has been outrageously McCarthyite on that…. I mean, yes, McCarthyite in the sense that it’s guilt by association. ...What Sanders basically says is, “They’re trying to bribe you.” Well what do they get for money? He shows nothing.”
Former US Rep., Barney Frank, SLATE Interview, March 30, 2016
Thanks to CatM for calling my attention to this March 30th SLATE interview with former US Representative, Barney Frank. The entire article is worth a read — Mr. Barney Frank has a number of wicked-smart criticisms of Bernie Sanders.
However, this diary is focused on one of those criticisms:
Bernie Sanders’ “Artful Smears” and innuendo in relation to Hillary Clinton’s speaker fees.
For months, Sanders’ supporters have repeated unsubstantiated claims that Hillary’s speaking fees and donations from various business sectors somehow “prove” she’s been bought and paid for by Wall Street, corporate lobbyists and other industries they hate.
This narrative originated with Bernie Sanders, himself.
Hillary called Sanders out on his “Artful Smears.” And when she challenged Sanders to provide proof, Sanders had nothing to offer.
But that doesn’t stop his supporters from pushing the “bought and paid for” narrative.
In the linked interview, the amazing former US Rep., Mr. Barney Frank, precisely articulates what the Sanders campaign is doing — McCarthyite guilt by association.
Though Frank focuses his comment in relation to Hillary’s speaker fees, going forward, I will use this phrase in response to any “artful smear” from the Sanders Camp which they fail to substantiate with proper sources.
I encourage other Hillary supporters to do the same.
Full interview here: www.slate.com/...
Friday, Apr 1, 2016 · 11:01:05 PM +00:00
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DaisiesArePretty
UPDATE #2:
Thanks to a Sanders supporter who provided a source for this Barney Frank quote from 2012 (emphasis mine). Source: m.thisamericanlife.org/...
“If the voters have a position, the votes will kick money's rear end any time. I've never met a politician-- I've been in the legislative bodies for 40 years now-- who, choosing between a significant opinion in his or her district and a number of campaign contributors, doesn't go with the district.
And I have had people tell me-- and we talk honestly to each other, we don't lie to each other very often. You don't survive if you do. As chairman of a committee, I'd be lobbying for votes. I have had members say to me, Mr. Chairman, I love you. Barney, you're right. But I can't do that politically because I'll get killed in my district. No one has ever said to me, I'm sorry, but I got a big contributor I can't offend.”