Biden racks up endorsements as Sanders goes on the attack in U.S. presidential race

[rooster59]

Biden racks up endorsements as Sanders goes on the attack in U.S. presidential race

By Tim Reid and Simon Lewis

 

FILE PHOTO: Democratic 2020 U.S. presidential candidates Senator Bernie Sanders and former Vice President Joe Biden brush hands as they have an exchange in the tenth Democratic 2020 presidential debate at the Gaillard Center in Charleston, South Carolina, U.S. February 25, 2020. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo

 

(Reuters) - Two former presidential rivals endorsed Joe Biden on Friday in the latest sign that the Democratic establishment is coalescing around the former vice president to stop the candidacy of Bernie Sanders, who ratcheted up attacks on his rival ahead of crucial contests next week.

 

Former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and John Delaney, a former Maryland congressman - both onetime 2020 candidates - backed Biden, as did a slew of other Democratic officials in states soon to hold nominating contests.

 

Sanders, who is desperate to regain some momentum after Biden's strong 'Super Tuesday' showing this week, launched a full-throated attack on his rival, assailing Biden over his record on trade, abortion, gay rights and Social Security.

 

The pair contest six Democratic nominating contests on Tuesday, including the big prize of Michigan, with 125 of the 1,991 delegates needed to win the nomination at stake.

 

Sanders, a U.S. senator from Vermont who was until recently the front-runner in the party's race to face Republican President Donald Trump in November, now trails in delegates. A big win for Biden in Michigan would deliver another major blow to Sanders' hopes of becoming the nominee.

 

Ahead of Michigan's primary, the state's lieutenant governor, Garlin Gilchrist II, backed Biden, as did part of the state's United Food and Commercial Workers Union, and former U.S. Senator Carl Levin.

 

Four other states will hold primary elections on Tuesday: Idaho, Mississippi, Missouri and Washington state. North Dakota will hold caucuses.

 

At a news conference in Phoenix, Arizona, on Friday, Sanders dug deep into Biden's 40-year record. He criticized Biden for having opposed the rights of gay people to serve in the U.S. military and for voting against federal funding for abortions, stances the former vice president has since rejected.

 

"I was there on the right side of history, and my friend Joe Biden was not," Sanders said.

 

Sanders also lambasted Biden for supporting trade deals he said had been "a disaster for Michigan" and accused Biden of trying in the past to cut Social Security, the government-run pension and disability program.

 

Biden, who denies ever advocating cuts to Social Security, snapped back in a tweet on Friday: "Get real, Bernie. The only person who's going to cut Social Security if he's elected is Donald Trump. Maybe you should spend your time attacking him."

 

The exchange reflects mounting tension between the two White House hopefuls. The race became a tight two-way contest after U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and billionaire former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg ended their White House bids after disappointing showings in the Super Tuesday primaries.

 

Sanders, 78, said he would support Biden, 77, if he becomes the Democratic nominee but insisted that only he, not Biden, could "energize the American people" enough to beat Trump.

 

Warren's exit meant that what had been hailed as the most diverse field of candidates in U.S. history narrowed to a race for the nomination between two white, septuagenarian men. Tulsi Gabbard, a congresswoman from Hawaii with virtually no chance of winning, is the only other remaining Democratic candidate.

 

On Friday, the Democratic National Committee, which oversees the party's presidential debates, released new qualifying thresholds for the next debate in Arizona on Mar. 15. Candidates will need at least 20% of delegates awarded so far, essentially excluding Gabbard, who has won less than 1 percent.

 

Biden's Super Tuesday turnaround benefited as the Democratic Party establishment began mobilizing this week to try and stop Sanders, a democratic socialist. Former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota dropped out of the race and endorsed Biden.

 

The former vice president said at a private campaign event on Friday that his campaign had raised about $22 million over five days.

 

Biden also received endorsements on Friday in other states with upcoming primary contests, including from Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan in Washington state, and Ruben Gallego, an Arizona congressman.

 

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois are expected to soon announce endorsements of Biden, according to a source familiar with the matter. Illinois and Arizona vote on March 17, along with Florida and Ohio.

 

(Reporting by Tim Reid in Los Angeles, Simon Lewis in Washington and Trevor Hunnicutt in New York; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Rosalba O'Brien)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2020-03-07

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[keith101]

Why should the Democrats want to back Sanders , an independent who wants to be a Democrat every 4 years just so he can run for President .

[Baerboxer]

6 hours ago, keith101 said:

Why should the Democrats want to back Sanders , an independent who wants to be a Democrat every 4 years just so he can run for President .

 

Good question. But why would they want to back another late 70's old white guy whose showing ever increasing signs of dementia? 

 

Perhaps they have a plan. Biden is nominated but the DNC will select his running mate. A running mate who would be VPOTUS should they win; a running mate who would become POTUS should poor old Joe fall to mental, physical or both illness and be declared unfit; or have an unfortunate accident.

 

Now, I wonder who they might have in mind ........................................................ ??

[sirineou]

6 hours ago, keith101 said:

Why should the Democrats want to back Sanders , an independent who wants to be a Democrat every 4 years just so he can run for President .

Perhaps because the democrats should be more concerned about the country than they are about the party?

[sucit]

It is very obvious the democratic party is so concerned about Sanders that they are willing to concede the election to attain that goal. 

 

What is moderate about Biden?

 

He is a hawk who supported the Iraq war. The electorate hates that position.

 

He has made many statements about cutting social security. The electorate hates that position. 

 

The man cannot even speak. People tend to prefer presidents who can speak words coherently to represent them. 

 

Centrism or a moderate candidate is the one who supports the policies people want. People simply do not understand this yet because they are too busy being led around by the media. 

 

Nothing makes sense until you realize there is only one party in Washington. 

[ehs818]

12 minutes ago, sucit said:

It is very obvious the democratic party is so concerned about Sanders that they are willing to concede the election to attain that goal. 

 

What is moderate about Biden?

 

He is a hawk who supported the Iraq war. The electorate hates that position.

 

He has made many statements about cutting social security. The electorate hates that position. 

 

The man cannot even speak. People tend to prefer presidents who can speak words coherently to represent them. 

 

Centrism or a moderate candidate is the one who supports the policies people want. People simply do not understand this yet because they are too busy being led around by the media. 

 

Nothing makes sense until you realize there is only one party in Washington. 

 

At this point in time, either Sanders or Biden will be the Democratic nominee. If Sanders people follow the path they took last time and boycott the Dem party nominee, if that is Biden, there will be 4 more years of Trump, and the loss of the American system of government. Bidens supporters will vote Blue no matter who. Not true for Sanders supporters, who sadly, are prone to acts of violence and hatred, having threatened those that don't agree with their "my way or the highway" position.. I'm an Independent but have never voted for a Republican. If Bernies people mess this one up again, there will be hell to pay, and the world will suffer for it. As for making complete sentences, have you ever listened to Trump ramble. He's a mess!

 

Edited March 7, 2020 by ehs818

[sirineou]

13 minutes ago, sucit said:

It is very obvious the democratic party is so concerned about Sanders that they are willing to concede the election to attain that goal. 

 

What is moderate about Biden?

 

He is a hawk who supported the Iraq war. The electorate hates that position.

 

He has made many statements about cutting social security. The electorate hates that position. 

 

The man cannot even speak. People tend to prefer presidents who can speak words coherently to represent them. 

 

Centrism or a moderate candidate is the one who supports the policies people want. People simply do not understand this yet because they are too busy being led around by the media. 

 

Nothing makes sense until you realize there is only one party in Washington. 

That's absolutely right "Nothing makes sense until you realize there is only one party in Washington "

There is only one party. The Property Party, and it has two wings the Republican wing and the Democratic wing, but they are both committed in preserving the Status Quo 

[sucit]

24 minutes ago, ehs818 said:

 

At this point in time, either Sanders or Biden will be the Democratic nominee. If Sanders people follow the path they took last time and boycott the Dem party nominee, if that is Biden, there will be 4 more years of Trump, and the loss of the American system of government. Bidens supporters will vote Blue no matter who. Not true for Sanders supporters, who sadly, are prone to acts of violence and hatred, having threatened those that don't agree with their "my way or the highway" position.. I'm an Independent but have never voted for a Republican. If Bernies people mess this one up again, there will be hell to pay, and the world will suffer for it. As for making complete sentences, have you ever listened to Trump ramble. He's a mess!

 

It is difficult to have a conversation if you don't concede Biden has dementia. That is unprecedented. 

 

Reagan seemed to suffer from it, but only years after he was elected. 

 

He is quite obviously unelectable. Everyone knows this.

 

Supporting Biden was a move against Sanders. It is as clear as day. They are that afraid of things actually changing. 

[Cory1848]

1 hour ago, Baerboxer said:

Good question. But why would they want to back another late 70's old white guy whose showing ever increasing signs of dementia? Perhaps they have a plan. Biden is nominated but the DNC will select his running mate. A running mate who would be VPOTUS should they win; a running mate who would become POTUS should poor old Joe fall to mental, physical or both illness and be declared unfit; or have an unfortunate accident.

 

Now, I wonder who they might have in mind ........................................................ ??

If you’re fishing for Hillary, I don’t think it’s going to happen. However, it’s likely to be a woman, and bookies are already calculating odds for Stacey Abrams, Klobuchar, and Kamala Harris. I’d go for Warren as VPOTUS, but that’s probably a longshot ...

[Isaan sailor]

Slow Joe worries me.

• “150 million Americans killed by guns since VNM war”

• He looked forward to “Super Thursday”.

• He thought he was running for Senate.

[Nyezhov]

2 hours ago, jany123 said:

Meanwhile, the reality is that it’s trump that has serious mental issues, as described by multiple mental health professionals of good standing.... but let’s ignore that for some poo smearing, hey?

There is not one valid diagnosis of President Trump's, and anyone who purports to have such a diagnosis is an unqualiied or unethical practitioner. Lets ignore that for some poo smearing.

 

10 minutes ago, Tug said:

Have you listened to trump lately?

Yes tell me what compares to those gaffes of Mr. Biden.

[Chomper Higgot]

3 hours ago, sucit said:

It is difficult to have a conversation if you don't concede Biden has dementia. That is unprecedented. 

 

Reagan seemed to suffer from it, but only years after he was elected. 

 

He is quite obviously unelectable. Everyone knows this.

 

Supporting Biden was a move against Sanders. It is as clear as day. They are that afraid of things actually changing. 

Please provide a medical report to back your assertion.

 

[Chomper Higgot]

16 minutes ago, Nyezhov said:

There is not one valid diagnosis of President Trump's, and anyone who purports to have such a diagnosis is an unqualiied or unethical practitioner. Lets ignore that for some poo smearing.

 

Yes tell me what compares to those gaffes of Mr. Biden.

Well there is a medical report, which Trump has hidden.

 

And there is the matter of the unscheduled hospital visit which were were told (among other things) was an early partial medical that would be completed in February - February came and went, no medical was completed.

[wwest5829]

11 hours ago, keith101 said:

Why should the Democrats want to back Sanders , an independent who wants to be a Democrat every 4 years just so he can run for President .

Because of the policies he proposes. Raise the minimum wage. Institute a national healthcare program like all other developed nations have had for some time. Address the high cost of gaining more knowledge through higher education. Protecting Social Security/Medicare for retirees. All of which address issues of the working middle class. But hey! Far left ideas ...

Edited March 7, 2020 by wwest5829

[wwest5829]

4 hours ago, ehs818 said:

 

At this point in time, either Sanders or Biden will be the Democratic nominee. If Sanders people follow the path they took last time and boycott the Dem party nominee, if that is Biden, there will be 4 more years of Trump, and the loss of the American system of government. Bidens supporters will vote Blue no matter who. Not true for Sanders supporters, who sadly, are prone to acts of violence and hatred, having threatened those that don't agree with their "my way or the highway" position.. I'm an Independent but have never voted for a Republican. If Bernies people mess this one up again, there will be hell to pay, and the world will suffer for it. As for making complete sentences, have you ever listened to Trump ramble. He's a mess!

 

I fear a similar result as 2016. Bernie supporters will have no effect ... unless, there were so many of them that they should have changed the Democratic Party message of all their candidates. It is the policies Sanders has been calling for which addresses the pent up justified frustration/anger within the working middle class. In large measure it was this demand that brought Trump into the White House. A very poor bet based on his history but he was promising to address their issues while the Democrats promised more of the same. That is my reading ...

[jany123]

2 hours ago, Nyezhov said:

There is not one valid diagnosis of President Trump's, and anyone who purports to have such a diagnosis is an unqualiied or unethical practitioner. Lets ignore that for some poo smearing.

 

 

Personally, I find Dr Bandy Lee and the dozens of mental health experts on record, who have expressed opinions about trumps mental health, to be very credible and appropriately qualified, which makes their diagnosis credible.... now, with the smearing of Biden... no experts have given an opinion.

[khaowong1]

6 hours ago, Baerboxer said:

 

Good question. But why would they want to back another late 70's old white guy whose showing ever increasing signs of dementia? 

 

Perhaps they have a plan. Biden is nominated but the DNC will select his running mate. A running mate who would be VPOTUS should they win; a running mate who would become POTUS should poor old Joe fall to mental, physical or both illness and be declared unfit; or have an unfortunate accident.

 

Now, I wonder who they might have in mind ........................................................ ??

If your asking for who we think, I'm guessing Michael Obama. 

[JHolmesJr]

3 hours ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Please provide a medical report to back your assertion.

 

 

anyone who cant see that Biden has lost his mind in full public view on national TV is blind and needs to visit a medical

professional asap.

[Sujo]

41 minutes ago, jany123 said:

Personally, I find Dr Bandy Lee and the dozens of mental health experts on record, who have expressed opinions about trumps mental health, to be very credible and appropriately qualified, which makes their diagnosis credible.... now, with the smearing of Biden... no experts have given an opinion.

Not correct. Tucker carlson and hanity are experts. Well experts at something.

[Sujo]

30 minutes ago, khaowong1 said:

If your asking for who we think, I'm guessing Michael Obama. 

Who is michael obama?

[Purdey]

While I am not American, I feel sad that students and the sick have to pay through the nose for things that others get without fuss. Bernie seems a sincere man. The electorate often vote for the person who will hurt them most and I dont see how to change that. 

[candide]

To be honest (for once, ah! Ah!), the US are turning into a gerontocracy. I am not young any more so I can talk freely about it: Biden, Trump or Bernie are all a bit too old.

[Crazy Alex]

8 hours ago, sucit said:

It is very obvious the democratic party is so concerned about Sanders that they are willing to concede the election to attain that goal. 

 

What is moderate about Biden?

 

He is a hawk who supported the Iraq war. The electorate hates that position.

 

He has made many statements about cutting social security. The electorate hates that position. 

 

The man cannot even speak. People tend to prefer presidents who can speak words coherently to represent them. 

 

Centrism or a moderate candidate is the one who supports the policies people want. People simply do not understand this yet because they are too busy being led around by the media. 

 

Nothing makes sense until you realize there is only one party in Washington. 

He is also in the pocket of big banks.

[Crazy Alex]

6 hours ago, Isaan sailor said:

Slow Joe worries me.

• “150 million Americans killed by guns since VNM war”

• He looked forward to “Super Thursday”.

• He thought he was running for Senate.

And who is this "other Biden" that is running? Perhaps he meant Hunter, who is essentially running from the law.

[sirineou]

2 hours ago, Sujo said:

Thats funny considering what trump is. And what repubs have done for him

If I understood you correctly. 

The fact that the Republicans are worst does not excuse the Democrats. They both should be working for the country rather than their party. 

[candide]

3 hours ago, Crazy Alex said:

And who is this "other Biden" that is running? Perhaps he meant Hunter, who is essentially running from the law.

And, of course, you have proof of it. Lol !

[Crazy Alex]

1 hour ago, candide said:

And, of course, you have proof of it. Lol !

So you haven't read about him dodging his baby mama in court- first having denied the kid was his then resisting every move to hold him responsible for his child? Wow. I'd say someone has some reading to do.

[J Town]

Technically Biden could choose Obama to be his running mate. Then Joe could turn into the potted plant he is and Obama could run the country again.

[Nyezhov]

11 hours ago, jany123 said:

now, with the smearing of Biden... no experts have given an opinion.

Because real experts wouldnt. Without an exam.

[GinBoy2]

I've never registered with either party, always been NPA, until yesterday.

 

I've voted all over the map; George HW Bush, Clinton, GW Bush, Obama I even voted to recall Gray Davis and voted for Schwarzenegger as CA Governor, that was a mistake btw!

 

This time, I really don't care who it is so long as it isn't Trump. I never thought that we could ever have elected such a vile individual as Trump.

 

Yet here we are, so yesterday I became a Democrat just so I could vote for Biden as the Democrat to fight Trump, because all I want is someone who has a fighting chance of beating Trump.