Weekend at Bernie's

After taking a considerable amount of heat from the black populous, Senator Bernie Sanders will have the grandest stage of all to re-introduce himself and his platform during tonight’s Democratic debate. With all the events and topics of concern that have recently emerged in our nation, some would suggest that there has been a resurgence in certain prejudices and biased decisions as they relate to specific groups of people. Tonight, Bernie Sanders looks to make his mark in the Democratic nomination race by addressing these issues head on.

Two months ago in Seattle, Washington, Senator Sanders was to attend two events in which he would speak at. The first of those which was a rally on Social Security, never saw the light of day. Shortly after Sanders took the stage, a number of protesters from Seattle’s Black Lives Matter chapter welcomed themselves over the barricades and joined the Senator on stage. After seizing the microphone the co-founders of the chapter, Marissa Johnson and Mara Willaford offered us their thoughts on issues of late as they pertain to the black community. What undoubtedly spoke louder than Johnson’s initial words were the unrelenting boos from the crowd. Johnson remained cool like the other side of the pillow, and made her point to the Senator, stating,

"I was going to tell Bernie how racist this city is, filled with its progressives, but you already did it for me, thank you…Now that you've covered yourself in your white supremacist liberalism, I will formally welcome Bernie Sanders to Seattle.”

This isolated incident in Sanders’ campaign trail highlights the pressures that not only he, but all candidates face when it comes to addressing the issues of racial equality and how many feel the racial see-saw has fallen out of balance. Jeff Weaver, Sanders’ campaign manager, gave us a preview of what the Senator looks to discuss during the debate stating,

"I think we're going to talk about issues of importance to the black community…"I think we're going to talk about criminal justice reform. I think we're going to talk about dealing with systemic racism. I think we're going to talk about many of the economic issues that are important to African-American voters.”

Sanders has maintained a strong position for the advancement of the working class, and how paramount it is that efforts continue to be made that promote the growth of the middle class both economically and socially. The Senator continues to walk the walk rather than simply talking the talk, as he recently met with Black Lives Matter activists to discuss the issue of police brutality in minority communities, as well as march with NAACP leaders at the Journey for Justice Rally held in Washington D.C.

Perhaps tonight’s debate will help serve as the extra boost Sanders needs to get over the hump and take a piece of Hillary’s poll numbers pie. Whether or not he booms or busts remains to be seen, however one thing is for sure, if Sanders continues to pick up steam the way he has leading up to this point, we could be looking at a much tighter race for the Democratic nomination than the numbers suggest.



Sources and Polls:

Campaign manager: Sanders using debate to connect with black voters

Black Lives Matter protesters shut down Sanders event in Seattle

Bernie Sanders joins NAACP Journey for Justice March

2016 Democratic Presidential Nomination (polls)

"Joe, run."

Tis’ the eve of the first Democratic debate and the media front is anything but quiet. Hillary Clinton maintains her lead in the polls (45%) over Bernie Sanders (25%) and Vice President Joe Biden (17%), but both Sanders and Biden have continued to gain ground on the former Secretary of State. In efforts to continue progress in the polls, the group called Draft Biden plans to release a new ad that features the Vice President and focuses on the struggles and grit of working class citizens in America.

This release comes one week after the same group (Draft Biden), pulled an ad due to it “treading on sacred ground.” The previous ad highlighted the adversity and painful losses Vice President Biden has overcome during his tenure as a politician, such as the loss of his first wife and eldest son. As many gave their opinions on the ad and its message, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest voiced his support for the ad and Vice President Biden stating,

"You don't serve in the United States Senate for multiple decades and rise to the position of vice president of the United States without having a powerful story to tell…And certainly Vice President Biden's personal story is as powerful as any story in American politics. And he also has a uniquely powerful way of telling that story and using it to inspire other people.”

In a one minute and forty five second clip focusing on the working class and their struggle to make ends meet, Biden gives his personal testimony that relates to the images shown. A signature line that sticks with the viewer at the end of the ad is heard when Biden states,

"You never quit on America. And you deserve a president who will never quit on you,"

The release of this new ad could give Biden and his supporters a much needed push as the nomination race intensifies. Clinton has struggled to expand her lead with Sanders and Biden slowly but surely making headway in the polls. While the Vice President won’t be an active participant in tonight’s debate, his presence will continue to be felt with the release of this ad.



Sources and Polls:

On Eve of Democratic debate, Draft Biden releases ad

Draft Biden pulling ad on vice president's personal story

Democratic Presidential Nomination Standings

Draft Biden New Ad

He Said, She Said.

In a new campaign ad set to roll today (Tuesday, October 6th, 2015) on national TV networks, Democratic front runner Hillary Clinton is taking advantage of a regretful comment House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) let loose last week on Fox News. The subject of the comments McCarthy made dealt with the 2012 terrorist attack in Benghazi, Libya where four Americans lost their lives, including Ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens. More specifically, his comments were aimed at revealing the true purpose of organizing the Benghazi Special Committee.

"Everybody thought Hillary Clinton was unbeatable, right? But we put together a Benghazi special committee, a select committee, [and] what are her numbers today? Her numbers are dropping. Why? Because she's untrustable. But no one would have known any of that had happened."

McCarthy's comments couldn't have come at a more critical time on a multitude of levels, especially considering he has his eyes on becoming the next Speaker of the House, a position that has been left void as a result of John Boehner's resignation. His main opposition for the position, fellow Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R- Utah), stated

"I think it's a total mischaracterization of the good work that's been done on the Benghazi committee."

The Benghazi Committee is paid for by taxpayer money and has been repeatedly defended by Republicans declaring that the purpose of the committee is to seek the truth about the 2012 terrorist attack. Republicans also maintain the position that the committee is nonpartisan, and their chief concern is to seek the truth, nothing more.

While McCarthy tried to backpedal with a follow up statement stating, "it was never my intention to ever imply this committee was political, because we all know it is not," Clinton had her own two cents to offer.

"Well, I have to say that now that they have admitted it's a political, partisan committee for the sole purpose of going after me -- not trying to make our diplomats who serve in dangerous areas safer -- that's up to the Congress." 

With Clinton set to testify before the Benghazi Committee on October 22nd, it appears McCarthy has given her more help than harm. While Clinton continues to hold a strong percent of the votes for the Democratic nomination (currently sitting at 41%), her reputation and campaign continues to take shots from those all around her. Bernie Sanders and Vice President Joe Biden remain in the 2/3 positions in the polls respectively, though they may continue to see an increase in their numbers as Hillary can't seem to avoid hitting media coverage potholes. Plenty remains to be resolved in the Benghazi case as well as the Democratic nomination, but if there's one point Hillary and her team want to drive home as a result of this new ad, it's that "The Republicans finally admit it."



Sources and Polls:

Kevin McCarthy And His Benghazi Gaffe Star In Hillary Clinton's New Ad

Hillary Clinton's New Ad - "Admit"

Pentagon says ISIS linked suspect in Benghazi attack killed in airstrike

Democratic Nomination Polls as of 10-6-15