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ancianita

(42,096 posts)

211. Of course that's always the justification for Citizens United and altruistic donations through

Sat Feb 19, 2022, 10:31 AM

Feb 2022

corporations. Don't ask me to play detective, but we're aware of evidence that quid pro quo, legal or not, follows such altruism. Of course donations alone do not corrupt any candidate of either party. Yet we've not seen any money in politics that doesn't create an air of temptation; why else would Americans want money out of politics. Small favors, expediencies, etc. add up; corruption creeps i.

Justice Democrats do not have a superPAC; they have a PAC. The difference is that the PACS disallow both corporate and labor donations, and the anonymity that dark money (oligarchic or corporate) uses through superPACs.

How anyone, not just Democrats, finds out who dark money donors are in superPACs is a problem, yes. How anyone would conflate the appearance of corruption and actual corruption, seems exemplified by what Democrats are right now considering, as they process a bill to disallow stock trading by congressional members and spouses. Re corruption, is there a shred of evidence that explains why the bill's timing is now?

To save everyone the wasted time and cost of corruption investigations, eliminate money in politics so as to eliminate both temptation and evidence of corruption. Corporations should never have created politics as a horse race to bet on to begin with.

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Exclusive: Top House Democrat Unveils Plan to Beat Back Progressive Rebellion [View all] ificandream Feb 2022 OP

how about a plan to beat back manchin and sinema? Javaman Feb 2022 #1

So damn true. ificandream Feb 2022 #3

If you mean beat them at the polls wryter2000 Feb 2022 #13

+1 jcmaine72 Feb 2022 #18

Absolutely. Peregrine Took Feb 2022 #28

Its always been a mix of ideals & visions. Budi Feb 2022 #40

Exactly.. Thank Goodness for Cha Feb 2022 #67

The three that got recalled might have been 'progressive' The Mouth Feb 2022 #60

Exactly right...their priorities were completely screwed up. Renaming schools and doing nothing Demsrule86 Feb 2022 #117

Maybe you mean Kurt Vonnegut The Mouth Feb 2022 #122

That is similar. But in college I read a short story that I was surprised to see was authored by Demsrule86 Feb 2022 #155

He's a weird cat, for sure The Mouth Feb 2022 #184

Perhaps the fact that Sinema and Manchin aren't up for re-election... brooklynite Feb 2022 #126

I hope they find someone to replace Sinema wryter2000 Feb 2022 #143

What I would like to know is why does Mark Kelly have a progressive challenger in the primary? Demsrule86 Feb 2022 #156

Now there's a concept. lagomorph777 Feb 2022 #139

I'll Put My Trust In Hakeem Me. Feb 2022 #2

Just curious ... why? ificandream Feb 2022 #4

Because he's putting Progressive in their place. Autumn Feb 2022 #5

Not at all. But they need to understand the reality of who wins elections. oldsoftie Feb 2022 #8

I think the far left is the future of this party. ificandream Feb 2022 #9

Yes. What is called the far left is the future. Autumn Feb 2022 #11

Whether we older Americans like it or not ... ificandream Feb 2022 #123

More liberal does not equate to "far left" brooklynite Feb 2022 #128

Good point .... ificandream Feb 2022 #129

Our young progressives have fire and know how to fight back. They don't go along to get along. Autumn Feb 2022 #146

Very true. ificandream Feb 2022 #149

There is no evidence that this is the case. However, there is evidence that many if not most Demsrule86 Feb 2022 #157

What? You think these Reps and Senators in their 60's to 80's are going to be there forever? Autumn Feb 2022 #167

Nope but you live in a future you somehow think will happen. I live in the present ...I am worried Demsrule86 Feb 2022 #183

+1000. wnylib Feb 2022 #209

THat May Be But It Isn't Now Me. Feb 2022 #23

"we don't need someone coming along and messing things up, perhaps even losing it by primarying KPN Feb 2022 #36

No one...should be challenging an incumbent this year. This is a midterm and we need to try to Demsrule86 Feb 2022 #158

I disagree when applying that thinking universally. And I'm okay with challengers in some strongly KPN Feb 2022 #185

What in particular leads you to believe that? Torchlight Feb 2022 #62

No data, but .... ificandream Feb 2022 #66

The exact same thing could be said of the moderates Torchlight Feb 2022 #72

Out of Trump but not in the House or Senate. former9thward Feb 2022 #90

All three of those were challengers to incumbents. I donated to two of them. They won and ancianita Feb 2022 #86

I just hope Katie Porter wins her seat again personally. Demsrule86 Feb 2022 #159

I do not. Primarying Democrats is madness in a midterm year. Demsrule86 Feb 2022 #105

...assuming the younger generation ever decides to start voting. brooklynite Feb 2022 #127

There is no future JustAnotherGen Feb 2022 #186

"They don't know us and they don't care to know us" listening to anyone else is out of the question betsuni Feb 2022 #194

Take a look at the recent Buffalo mayoral race. wnylib Feb 2022 #210

+1 betsuni Feb 2022 #218

I'm 52 years old and I'm way more AOC than Jeffries Withywindle Feb 2022 #224

So why is Jefferies concerned about Progressive's running in primaries if it's the Centrist's jalan48 Feb 2022 #10

Because primary elections don't draw as much as the regular. oldsoftie Feb 2022 #22

If more progressive candidates can win in deep blue districts what's the issue? jalan48 Feb 2022 #30

Losing seats in purple districts. oldsoftie Feb 2022 #37

The way I see it individual's run for office with differing opinions on the issues. Letting the jalan48 Feb 2022 #39

The way I see it is we desperately need to hold the house and senate for judges and everything Demsrule86 Feb 2022 #118

3O to 40 AoCs would be a dream. LuvLoogie Feb 2022 #45

Only if they can win elections. I tell you at this moment AOC would not win a primary in New York. Demsrule86 Feb 2022 #164

Here's an example. summer_in_TX Feb 2022 #99

And that in a nutshell is the problem. Howard Dean match districts/states with candidates and he was Demsrule86 Feb 2022 #165

Yes he was! summer_in_TX Feb 2022 #205

Right. It makes no sense. ancianita Feb 2022 #43

Maybe it's really about money and not offending/losing big, more conservative donors. jalan48 Feb 2022 #44

Would you please name one conservative donor besides Big fossil donors? Because we have ancianita Feb 2022 #47

Goldman Sachs? jalan48 Feb 2022 #50

Is that a guess, or do you have a link? ancianita Feb 2022 #51

This is from Open Secrets jalan48 Feb 2022 #52

Thanks. ancianita Feb 2022 #53

YW jalan48 Feb 2022 #54

He doesn't want to lose . And no doubt, the Gop will try to pick the primary candidate sure to lose. Demsrule86 Feb 2022 #109

In a deep blue district? jalan48 Feb 2022 #113

Texas is not deep blue in any district OK? We should primary no one this year...it is Demsrule86 Feb 2022 #116

If I may ask, who is your Congressperson and who is challenging him/her? jalan48 Feb 2022 #120

I just helped elect Shontel Brown ...a Democrat and defeated Hillary/Democrat hating Nina Turner. Demsrule86 Feb 2022 #166

Thanks for supporting and working for candidate's you believe in. jalan48 Feb 2022 #178

It was a pleasure. Shontel is wonderful. Demsrule86 Feb 2022 #181

In many of those primaries Republicans can vote and help field a Democratic candidate they know will Demsrule86 Feb 2022 #119

Primaries weaken incumbents...it also costs money that could be spent on the general. I do not Demsrule86 Feb 2022 #160

I disagree. Let the voter's decide.That's why we have primaries. jalan48 Feb 2022 #179

I am sorry. I am truly pissed that Mark Kelly faces a progressive challanger who might weaken Demsrule86 Feb 2022 #180

This doesn't apply to deep blue districts, though. JudyM Feb 2022 #16

Look Where Defund The Police Got Us Me. Feb 2022 #25

81 million showed up to tell America that they want the progressive Biden-Harris package. ancianita Feb 2022 #34

Kennedy would be run off today. Just watch the polls. oldsoftie Feb 2022 #41

Fine. ancianita Feb 2022 #46

Thats just it; have there been ANY? Because I don't know either. oldsoftie Feb 2022 #55

Right? We haven't, so why do people here put 'standalones' out as a viable option for Progressives. ancianita Feb 2022 #58

It is a 50 50 Senate. Perhaps they should adjust their expectations. And how does primarying Demsrule86 Feb 2022 #161

Biden-Harris did not run as AOC type progressives. former9thward Feb 2022 #91

They did. They ran as Bernie type progressives. Bernie's & Biden's transition teams collaborated ancianita Feb 2022 #93

You are WRONG LetMyPeopleVote Feb 2022 #102

Nope. I'll assume you used all caps for EMphasis and not yelling. ancianita Feb 2022 #115

Joe Biden-"I'm not Bernie Sanders" LetMyPeopleVote Feb 2022 #130

Thank you for your on-the-ground history of in-party dynamics. It's eye-opening. ancianita Feb 2022 #136

Bernie is a populist, Biden did not run as a populist in any way. betsuni Feb 2022 #103

Not according to Bernie. Of COURSE Biden didn't run as a populist. Trump did. ancianita Feb 2022 #106

You are still wrong LetMyPeopleVote Feb 2022 #131

Nope. ancianita Feb 2022 #135

Trump right-wing populist, Bernie left-wing populist. betsuni Feb 2022 #141

Biden did not run as a Bernie Sanders type progressive. Why would he? Sanders lost the primary. Demsrule86 Feb 2022 #162

I know he didn't. You're right. ancianita Feb 2022 #199

What exactly is a "Bernie type progressive"? As for the transition teams collaborating... George II Feb 2022 #169

I'm not arguing what a progressive is by who was progressive. I only care that progressives, ancianita Feb 2022 #200

Actually, aren't they self-described as rebellions? Wasn't that Nixie Feb 2022 #215

No. I haven't seen evidence of their doing so. Unless you can link their doing so, ancianita Feb 2022 #216

Unfortunately, you are still trying to rewrite history. Nixie Feb 2022 #217

Not at all. ancianita Feb 2022 #219

Still a little skewed way of looking at the reality Nixie Feb 2022 #220

But your calling "attempts to stifle criticism of their "branding" as *denial* is the perfect view ancianita Feb 2022 #221

Wow, the scripted name calling, the passive-aggressive references to Nixie Feb 2022 #222

+1 betsuni Feb 2022 #232

I want what you say to be true. But it isn't. We can barely field a majority in the House and Senate Demsrule86 Feb 2022 #121

Fine. I get your fair points. Just remember that current progressives were seen the same way ancianita Feb 2022 #124

I think Fetterman is a great candidate. Like Biden he can attract moderate voters and talk Demsrule86 Feb 2022 #163

What proposals would those be? Magoo48 Feb 2022 #61

What is that place, exactly. If there is no progress, then what. ancianita Feb 2022 #31

If there is no progress people don't show up to vote. One would think that's obvious. Autumn Feb 2022 #33

IF? Are you trying to say there's been no progess from this Biden-Harris administration? ancianita Feb 2022 #35

LOL whoosh !!! Autumn Feb 2022 #38

That's all you've got. ancianita Feb 2022 #48

Thank You Me. Feb 2022 #57

YW, Me. ancianita Feb 2022 #59

Thank you, ancianita. sheshe2 Feb 2022 #81

... ancianita Feb 2022 #82

... sheshe2 Feb 2022 #89

Well then they get they get right-wing government. And they get nothing. Demsrule86 Feb 2022 #110

Then you win those elections that can be won, and accept that we won't get everything we want...and Demsrule86 Feb 2022 #168

Is that your opinion? lagomorph777 Feb 2022 #140

Progressives are the future. It's their world I can't wait to see them in charge. Autumn Feb 2022 #147

I don't see that happening anytime soon, and the GOP can stop it if they continue to win. Demsrule86 Feb 2022 #170

It's up to Dems to make sure the GOP doesn't win. A lot of young voters out there. Dems need to Autumn Feb 2022 #173

You can't the stop the GOP if you can't win in red and purple districts...thus you must field Demsrule86 Feb 2022 #182

(cough cough) Hakeem Jeffries has been a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus for years. George II Feb 2022 #192

(cough cough) yourself George. That is exactly what Hakeem Jeffries is doing. Autumn Feb 2022 #193

A member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus is "putting Progressives in their place" betsuni Feb 2022 #195

Lulz. The things you read on the internet, eh? George II Feb 2022 #196

AGREED UT_democrat Feb 2022 #230

Because he's absolutely correct. Budi Feb 2022 #19

Yup, he is a pain in the butt. Demsrule86 Feb 2022 #171

Hakeem Jeffires will likely succeed Pelosi as speaker LetMyPeopleVote Feb 2022 #101

If the progressive candidates win say the Texas primary and other places, can they win the General? Demsrule86 Feb 2022 #107

I just said.. Thank Goodness We Have Cha Feb 2022 #68

Indeed Me. Feb 2022 #78

Ohh Mahalo! Cha Feb 2022 #80

I agree Cha. We need to win. Demsrule86 Feb 2022 #108

Above All We Need to WIN! Cha Feb 2022 #137

We have to win...everytime a GOP wins we get dragged further to the right...and honestly there is Demsrule86 Feb 2022 #172

No, I did Not know that.. Cha Feb 2022 #189

I have & will continue to donate to Team Blue PAC. Budi Feb 2022 #6

We're doing so well, why change? jalan48 Feb 2022 #7

This is no time for more Susan Sarandons wryter2000 Feb 2022 #12

Seems so obvious, but . . . empedocles Feb 2022 #20

Three is Never a "time for Cha Feb 2022 #69

I can't watch her movies anymore n/t wryter2000 Feb 2022 #125

I understand that all too well.. Cha Feb 2022 #138

I can't watch Kevin Spacey, either wryter2000 Feb 2022 #142

I know.. it's a shame. Cha Feb 2022 #144

I hope this brings to light the truth of Waleed Shahid, Max Berger, Zac Exley & Saikat Chakrabarti's Budi Feb 2022 #14

absolutely... Johnyawl Feb 2022 #27

Not even sure where they fall on the spectrum after reserching their origins. Budi Feb 2022 #29

Thank you for the names; can you also post research links? ancianita Feb 2022 #49

Only here on DU would Jeffries be considered a centrist. bottomofthehill Feb 2022 #15

Thank you... Johnyawl Feb 2022 #24

His ADA numbers are to the left of many of the DU darlings. bottomofthehill Feb 2022 #64

+1 Me. Feb 2022 #26

Rep Hakeem Jeffries is NO Cha Feb 2022 #70

I like Realist. bottomofthehill Feb 2022 #71

Absolutely.. We Won the House Cha Feb 2022 #73

Great post! I heard on Morning Joe a new name Nixie Feb 2022 #74

+1000 sheshe2 Feb 2022 #84

I guess being a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus makes him a centrist... George II Feb 2022 #191

Support ought to be more selectively determined than just "incumbent," IMO. JudyM Feb 2022 #17

Depends on where the challenger arrives in the spotlight from. Budi Feb 2022 #21

Sorry, we need to protect all of our incumbents in a midterm. Demsrule86 Feb 2022 #174

House caucuses work as state and party teams. Hortensis Feb 2022 #201

K&R ... and I agree with you fully. KPN Feb 2022 #32

Oh please. It works both ways, judging by the last couple elections. Budi Feb 2022 #42

Or How About Targeting Republicans Me. Feb 2022 #56

Exactly. The truth of their purpose is in the Party they challenge & the Party they never touch. Budi Feb 2022 #63

Beautifully Put Me. Feb 2022 #65

Al this, well said. sheshe2 Feb 2022 #198

Who? KPN Feb 2022 #132

This is a great idea by Jeffries. Enough is enough. Nixie Feb 2022 #75

This message was self-deleted by its author traitorsgalore Feb 2022 #76

Huh? So McAuliffe wasn't to the left enough so voters chose a candidate to the RIGHT of him? George II Feb 2022 #85

No it is not. It makes no sense to pick the right... Demsrule86 Feb 2022 #111

Oh, please. Phony baloney. The party SUPPORTS INCUMBENTS as a matter of princple. Hortensis Feb 2022 #77

I may have missed it, but I didn't see anything that said Team Blue PAC has a "Plan to Beat Back George II Feb 2022 #79

Yep. Where this "Progressive Rebellion" characterization comes in sounds weird, even suspect. ancianita Feb 2022 #87

:) "Weird" would be not knowing that Shahid and his types are avowed Hortensis Feb 2022 #202

Wonderful... ibegurpard Feb 2022 #83

Are you familiar with groups like Justice Democrats, Brand New Congress, Courage to Change? George II Feb 2022 #88

I'm not, but I intend to be. Thank you for the names. ancianita Feb 2022 #204

You're welcome. They've been going after incumbent Democrats since the were established... George II Feb 2022 #206

So is everyone here also familiar with the DCCC blacklist? Can you explain why progressive PACs' ancianita Feb 2022 #207

Where is the evidence of corruption? How do people employed by corporations or other industries betsuni Feb 2022 #208

Of course that's always the justification for Citizens United and altruistic donations through ancianita Feb 2022 #211

Justice Democrats are a superPAC. betsuni Feb 2022 #212

Link it. ancianita Feb 2022 #213

All you have to do is Google. They have a Carey Committee superPAC betsuni Feb 2022 #214

No, Jeffries. This is the mindset that gave us Trump. intheflow Feb 2022 #92

So what do you have to say about Justice Democrats, Brand New Congress (same founders).... George II Feb 2022 #96

A majority can't be alienated. intheflow Feb 2022 #98

I hate to break it to you but you are not part of a majority. It was moderates that gave us the Demsrule86 Feb 2022 #175

Hmmm mahina Feb 2022 #94

And For Right Now You've Made The Most Important Point Me. Feb 2022 #95

We can progress with moderates but can't if we nominate those who lose the election Demsrule86 Feb 2022 #112

Hakeen Jeffries is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and he's an ACTIVE member..... George II Feb 2022 #97

I am on the Justice Democrats email feed LetMyPeopleVote Feb 2022 #100

It's hilarious when JDs get hysterical about Democrats raising money to beat Republicans. betsuni Feb 2022 #104

And, who all funded the Tea Party? Cha Feb 2022 #134

Koch Industries grassroots! betsuni Feb 2022 #151

They might very well Cha Feb 2022 #152

This is from yesterday's email LetMyPeopleVote Feb 2022 #154

What egos, eh? Team Blue PAC isn't "targeting JD candidates", they're SUPPORTING INCUMBENT... George II Feb 2022 #188

"Targeting" them -- always the victim of the big bad establishment out to get them, poor dears. betsuni Feb 2022 #197

First of all.. so sad they're Cha Feb 2022 #133

Thanks for posting their dubious emails. It's way past time Nixie Feb 2022 #150

No thinking to the left of center allowed. nt Hotler Feb 2022 #114

Left of Center? Their stated goal is to takeover the Dem Party from within. That They are not Democr Budi Feb 2022 #145

We have to win elections...and consider that why would the Democratic Majority want more Demsrule86 Feb 2022 #176

"Why are members of the hard-left targeting progressive members of Congress, and then trying betsuni Feb 2022 #148

+10000 Well said! Demsrule86 Feb 2022 #177

Democrats fight Democrats over where they stand LetMyPeopleVote Feb 2022 #153

the brainchild of Zack Exley, founder of Brand New Congress and Justice Democrats. LetMyPeopleVote Oct 2022 #233

Sounds good to me! JustAnotherGen Feb 2022 #187

TY Gen! Cha Feb 2022 #190

Remembering the Pew Political Typology quiz posted here and its lessons. Hortensis Feb 2022 #203

Message auto-removed Name removed Feb 2022 #223

By fighting off "progressives" the party is writing off the people who should be our base Withywindle Feb 2022 #225

I guess I'll probably get alerted on for this, but I have to spot a pattern Withywindle Feb 2022 #226

Just about everyone calling for forgiving student debt knows that Biden can't... George II Feb 2022 #227

Exactly TY! The Dem Party Deals Cha Feb 2022 #228

Of course, It's "an issure".. We want Cha Feb 2022 #231

Perfect UT_democrat Feb 2022 #229