Daily Archives: February 25, 2020

2020-02-25: News Headlines

RT (2020-02-25). 'Delete his entire campaign': Bloomberg gets roasted after tweeting, then scrubbing, fake Bernie quotes praising 'despots'. rt.com Billionaire-turned-Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg has taken a severe thrashing on social media, after his campaign posted, and then deleted, fake Bernie Sanders quotes hailing alleged "despots. " | Bloomberg's social media team took aim at the Vermont senator with a series of tweets mocking his factually accurate statement that literacy in Cuba skyrocketed under Fidel Castro. | The official 'Team Bloomberg' Twitter account shot off a series of posts in which they imagined what Sanders perhaps thinks of other "famous despots." The fake quotes included flattering remarks about Stalin ("[he]…

RT (2020-02-25). 'Cringeworthy' Biden attack ad ahead of South Carolina vote says Sanders didn't back Obama's 2012 run, Twitter collectively groans. rt.com Hoping to sink Democratic frontrunner Bernie Sanders ahead of the South Carolina primary, a new ad from former VP Joe Biden accused the Vermont senator of a plot to run against Obama in 2012 — but netizens had trouble buying it.

RT (2020-02-25). Biden slips up about running for SENATE, instead of president in latest gaffe. rt.com Talking silver while aiming for gold isn't the best idea during the closely watched Democratic race, but former vice president Joe Biden did just that, downgrading his political ambitions from president to… senator. | Known for a series of gaffes, some of which have been branded disturbingly weird, Biden produced a new one while trying to win public sympathy in South Carolina. While the opening part of his outburst sounded like conventional self-promotion at first, the rest raised more than a few eyebrows. | "I'm Joe Biden, I'm a Democrat candidate for the United States Senate. Look me over, if you like what…

RT (2020-02-25). Merkel rival Merz joins CDU party leadership race. rt.com German conservative Friedrich Merz, an erstwhile rival of Chancellor Angela Merkel, confirmed on Tuesday that he will run for the leadership of her Christian Democrats (CDU) at a party congress on April 25. "I have decided to run again for…

W. T. Whitney, Jr. (2020-02-25). For the climate: protecting the Commons and fixing Democracy. mronline.org Climate change, unchecked, promises planetary disaster. All forms of life are threatened. Scientific evidence strongly suggests capitalistforms of production and consumption gave rise to climate change in the first place and have allowed the process to advance. |

RT (2020-02-25). 'Bang-bang-bang': Bloomberg says he'd DRONE his critics & shield banks if elected president in leaked audio. rt.com Billionaire Democratic hopeful Michael Bloomberg vowed to "defend the banks" and jokingly suggested that he may hunt down his political rivals with Predator drones if elected, a leaked 2016 audio clip has revealed. | The Bloomberg campaign has confirmed the authenticity of the recording, which captured a speech he gave at a closed-door Goldman Sachs event at Yankee Stadium in June 2016. The clip was posted online by a self-styled disgruntled former Goldman executive several days ago and has since made the rounds. | Bloomberg's opening remarks can only help to fuel concerns within the progressive wing of his…

Aaron Maté (2020-02-25). The Russiagate Racket targets the Bernie Sanders surge. thegrayzone.com With a familiar playbook of evidence-free, anonymously sourced red-baiting, the forces behind Russiagate try to stop Bernie Sanders' primary success….

Paul Street (2020-02-25). The "Liberal" Media's Propaganda War on Bernie Sanders. counterpunch.org Last week, three days before the Nevada Caucus, MSDNC's Stephanie Ruhle had on an old friend, former Diamond Resorts CEO Stephen Cloobeck, a major Democratic Party funder, to speak from Las Vegas. Asked about one of Ruhle's favorite topics, the menace of "socialist Bernie Sanders," Cloobeck called Sanders "an anarchist" who "would love to burn down the United States" " (When asked if he would support Trump if Sanders is the nominee, Cloobeck growled "anyone but Bernie, anyone but Bernie."). She later gleamed while one or her many Republican guests, Jeb Bush's former campaign manager, called for Michael Bloomberg…

Roknich (2020-02-25). Bernie Sanders San Antonio Speech. indybay.org "We're gonna win the Democratic Primary in Texas, says Bernie Sanders, while Nevada gives him all her delegates. (video and audio))…

Norman Solomon (2020-02-25). As a Corporate Tool, Buttigieg Is Now a Hammer to Bash Sanders. indybay.org To Mayor Pete, a real progressive looks like a nail…

Dean Baker (2020-02-25). What If Buttigieg Said That He Doesn't Accept the "Fashionable" View That Climate Change is a Problem? counterpunch.org To my knowledge, he hasn't said anything like that, but Buttigieg did say that he doesn't accept the "fashionable" view that current deficits are not a problem. When he made this comment, many progressives denounced him for supporting deficit reducing policies that will slow growth and raise unemployment. Since most plans for deficit reduction also

John Eskow (2020-02-25). What Will You Do If the Democrats Steal It from Sanders? counterpunch.org "If Hillary gave up one of her balls and gave it to Obama, he'd have two." —James Carville "Well, you know, James Carville is well-known for spouting off his mouth without always knowing what he's talking about. And I intend to stay focused on fighting for the American people because what they don't need is 20 more years of

WSWS (2020-02-25). The show trial of Julian Assange begins. wsws.org The first day of the British court hearing yesterday to determine if WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange will be extradited to the United States left no doubt that what is taking place is a legal travesty that threatens both Assange's life and fundamental democratic rights.

Party for Socialism and Liberation, Sonoma (2020-02-25). Democracy And Class Society. indybay.org A'Roma Roasters Coffee and Tea | 95 5th St, Santa Rosa, California 95401…

WSWS (2020-02-25). Sanders on "60 Minutes" spells out willingness to use US military power. wsws.org The Democratic presidential frontrunner said he would go to war in support of NATO and other US military allies, and to defend Taiwan against China.

Michael Hudson (2020-02-25). The Democrats' Quandary: In a Struggle Between Oligarchy and Democracy, Something Must Give. counterpunch.org To hear the candidates debate, you would think that their fight was over who could best beat Trump. But when Trump's billionaire twin Mike Bloomberg throws a quarter-billion dollars into an ad campaign to bypass the candidates actually running for votes in Iowa, New Hampshire and Nevada, it's obvious that what really is at issue

Jack Rasmus (2020-02-25). The Nevada Caucus and the Desperation of Democrat Elites. counterpunch.org The events of the past week—beginning with the TV debates of the candidates on February 19 and culminating in the Nevada Democrat Party caucus in Nevada on February 22 this past Saturday—show a growing desperation in the ranks of the Democratic Party's corporate-driven leadership as the Sanders campaign has assumed a clear lead in the

WSWS (2020-02-25). German right-wing and far-right parties suffer defeat in Hamburg state election. wsws.org Four days after the right-wing terrorist attack in Hanau, the Christian Democrats and Free Democrats, the parties that formed an alliance with the far-right Alternative for Germany to elect the minister president in Thuringia, lost large numbers of votes in Hamburg.

sputniknews (2020-02-25). Assange Hearing: Trump Was "Aware" and "Approved" of Pardon Offer, Defence Team Says. sputniknews.com In 2017 Republican congressman Dana Rohrabacher reached out to Julian Assange to offer a pardon to the WikiLeaks publisher, if he could prove Russia wasn't involved in the DNC Leaks. Rohrabacher and US President Donald Trump have both since stated that the offer wasn't on Trump's behalf.

Staff (2020-02-25). Time for Both Major Parties to Own the Immigration Crisis. truthdig.com The relative lack of talk on the campaign trail about immigration points to a bigger problem shared by Democrats and Republicans.

pip.hinman (2020-02-25). Direct democracy could have saved Gandolfo Gardens. greenleft.org.au

Mark Gruenberg (2020-02-24). AFT endorses Warren, Biden, Sanders — for now. peoplesworld.org WASHINGTON—Citing responses from more than 300,000 members, union town halls, regional forums, and meetings with state and local members and leaders, the Teachers (AFT) board endorsed Sens. Bernie Sanders, Ind-Vt., and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and former Vice President Joe Biden for the Democratic presidential nomination — for now. But regardless of who wins the Democratic …

Jim Naureckas (2020-02-24). Bernie Sanders Plunges to First Place. fair.org Remember when the big winner of New Hampshire was third-place finisher Amy Klobuchar (FAIR.org, "Bernie Sanders may have come first in New Hampshire, but Amy Klobuchar won," Bloomberg (

Staff (2020-02-24). "A Stupendous Victory": Bernie Sanders Wins Nevada After Heavy Organizing in Latinx Communities. democracynow.org Senator Bernie Sanders scored a decisive victory Saturday in the Democratic presidential caucuses in Nevada, riding a wave of support from young voters, union members and Latinx voters, who strengthened his status as front-runner. His win shows the potential for the nation's largest minority group to reshape the next stage of the Democratic presidential race. In the next four weeks, six more of the 12 states with a large Latinx population will vote in the Democratic primary. On Super Tuesday, Texas, California and Colorado go to the polls. Arizona, Florida and Illinois will vote on March 17. We speak with Erika A…

Staff (2020-02-24). Sanders & Socialism: Debate Between Nobel Laureate Paul Krugman & Socialist Economist Richard Wolff. democracynow.org As Bernie Sanders's runaway win in Nevada cements his position as the front-runner for the Democratic nomination, the Democratic Party establishment and much of the mainstream media are openly expressing concern about a self-described democratic socialist leading the presidential ticket. His opponents have also attacked his ambitious agenda. Last week during the primary debate in Las Vegas, Bernie Sanders addressed misconceptions about socialism. Invoking the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Sanders decried what he called "socialism for the very rich, rugged individualism for the poor." | For more, we host a…

Eric A. Gordon (2020-02-24). 'Unelectable' Bernie Sanders scores overwhelming win in Nevada caucuses. peoplesworld.org LAS VEGAS, Nev. — After slim popular vote victories in Iowa and New Hampshire, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders achieved frontrunner status in the drive for the Democratic nomination for president by scoring an impressive win in the Feb. 22 caucuses here. Final tabulation of the vote awaits official certification, but at press time Sanders won …

RT (2020-02-24). MSNBC host Scarborough says Warren and Klobuchar should drop out to help 'consolidate efforts' against Sanders. rt.com MSNBC's Joe Scarborough has added his voice to the network's recent anti-Bernie Sanders chorus, arguing that Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar should drop out of the race in order to "consolidate efforts" against the frontrunner. | The 'Morning Joe' co-host said that, despite how well she has done, "people are talking" about how Minnesota senator Klobuchar, who finished third in the New Hampshire primary, should "get out of the race." | He then moved onto Warren, who "finished weak" in the Nevada primary. Scarborough said "a lot of buzz on Twitter" was suggesting she should throw in the towel too. | Not every…

Glen Ford (2020-02-24). Bloomberg wants to swallow the Democrats and spit out the Sandernistas. mronline.org If, somehow, Bernie Sanders is allowed to win the nomination, Michael Bloomberg and other plutocrats will have created a Democratic Party machinery purpose-built to defy Sanders—as nominee, and even as president. |

Peter Bolton (2020-02-24). Bernie Sanders is in pole position with Nevada win. But the establishment push-back will now begin in earnest. thecanary.co Bernie Sanders has just solidified his status as the front-runner in the contest to choose who will face Donald Trump in the presidential elections later this year. Though these are exciting times, there's also a rocky road ahead. Because the establishment campaign to discredit him in every way possible will now begin in earnest. | Third democratic victory in a row: | On 22 February, Sanders

Staff (2020-02-24). Bernie Sanders Releases Plan for Guaranteed "Child Care and Pre-K for All" truthout.org Now running as the presumptive front-runner in the Democratic presidential primary, Sen. Bernie Sanders on Monday morning unveiled a sweeping new proposal that would guarantee high-quality child care and then pre-kindergarten education to every child — regardless of income or status — in the United States. | Citing figures that show the average American family with young children spends $10,000 per year on childcare — a burden that eats as much as 35 percent out of the annual bu…

Staff (2020-02-24). Who Is Funding the Anti-Bernie Sanders Super PAC? truthout.org Several outside groups are trying to slow the momentum of current Democratic presidential frontrunner Sen. The campaign against Sanders originated with hybrid PAC

teleSUR (2020-02-24). Bloomberg To Unleash Massive Media Attack Against Sanders. telesurenglish.net Mike Bloomberg's presidential campaign plans to unleash a massive media operation against presidential candidate Bernie Sanders after the Vermont senator's resounding victory in Nevada, according to CNBC, which broke the story Monday. | RELATED: | Bloomberg's campaign, which has already spent over US$500 million on media ad buys, have been discussing how they will use the billionaire plutocrat's ‚Ä&atild…

David Goodner (2020-02-24). How Bernie Can Provide a Better Version of the Hope and Change Presidency of Barack Obama. commondreams.org Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) speaks during an event to introduce the Raise The Wage Act in the Rayburn Room at the U.S. Capitol January 16, 2019 in Washington, DC. The proposed legislation, which will gradually raise the minimum wage to $15 by 2024, is unlikely to pass in the Republican-controlled Senate. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/sanders_mcconnell_mitch_mcconnell.jpg

Staff (2020-02-24). Bernie Sanders Wins Nevada After Heavy Organizing in Latinx Communities. truthout.org Senator Bernie Sanders scored a decisive victory Saturday in the Democratic presidential caucuses in Nevada, riding a wave of support from young voters, union members and Latinx voters, who strengthened his status as front-runner. His win shows the potential for the nation's largest minority group to reshape the next stage of the Democratic presidential race. In the next four weeks, six more of the 12 states with a large Latinx population will vote in the Democratic primary. On Super Tuesday, Texas,…

Staff (2020-02-24). Headlines for February 24, 2020. democracynow.org Bernie Sanders Wins Nevada Caucuses by a Landslide, Calls for MSNBC's Chris Matthews to Resign After He Likens Sanders's NV Win to Nazi Takeover of France, Global Coronavirus Cases Surge, Trump Touts Defense Deal, Praises Modi at Massive Indian Rally, In Afghanistan, U.S. and Taliban Start Partial Truce, Iran: Conservatives Pick Up Bulk of Parliament Seats After 1,000s of Candidates Barred from Running, Outrage After Video Shows Israeli Bulldozer Removing Body of Killed Palestinian, Teck Resources Withdraws Application for Contested Alberta Oil Sands After Sustained Protests, Reports: Trump Admin Out to Purge Dis…

Staff (2020-02-24). Paul Krugman and Richard Wolff on Bernie Sanders's Democratic Socialism. truthout.org As Bernie Sanders's runaway win in Nevada cements his position as the front-runner for the Democratic nomination, the Democratic Party establishment and much of the mainstream media are openly expressing concern about a self-described democratic socialist leading the presidential ticket. His opponents have also attacked his ambitious agenda. Last week during the primary debate in Las Vegas, Bernie Sanders addressed misconceptions about socialism. Invoking the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Sa…

Diane Archer (2020-02-24). Here's What 22 Separate Studies Found: Medicare for All Would Cost Less Than the For-Profit Status Quo. commondreams.org Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., speaks during an event to introduce the Medicare for All Act of 2017 on Capitol Hill on Sept. 13, 2017. (Photo: Yuri Gripas/Reuters) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/medicare_for_all_not_medicare_for_some_0.jpg

Staff (2020-02-24). Los Angeles Honors Kobe, Gianna Bryant With Public Memorial. truthdig.com LOS ANGELES — The Latest on the public memorial for Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna in downtown Los Angeles (all times local): | 11: 25 a.m. | WNBA great Diana Taurasi has told the crowd at Kobe Bryant's public memorial that watching the Lakers star play inspired her. | Bryant, who was known as the "Black Mamba," nicknamed Taurasi the "White Mamba." | Taurasi says Bryant had a competitive fire that ran through his veins and a willingness to work hard. | Monday's memorial for Bryant and his daughter Gianna has drawn a sellout crowd to Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles. | The event began with Beyonce…

Andrew Bacevich (2020-02-24). Going Off-Script in the Age of Trump. commondreams.org President Donald Trump's address to the nation regarding border security is shown on a television screen in Times Square, January 8, 2019 in New York City. A partial shutdown of the federal government extended to 17 days following the president's demand for $5.7 billion for a border wall while Democrats have refused. (Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/trump_corporate_media.jpg

TCFBDAF (2020-02-24). Environmental Voter Guide. Democratic Candidates 2020. globalresearch.ca The Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund evaluated each candidate on four key environmental issue areas: | saving wildlife, protecting public lands, ensuring environmental justice and ending the climate crisis. | We evaluated every candidate polling above 1% in the latest national …

Eleanor Eagan (2020-02-24). As the Primary Race Heats Up, Candidates Forget Principled Campaign Finance Stands. counterpunch.org At this time last year, newly declared Democratic primary candidates were racing to outdo each other with escalating promises to shun big money support. Contenders vowed not to take corporate PAC money, to reject lobbyists' dollars, to discourage super PACs, and to tell fossil fuel executives, "no, thank you". Now, however, many seem to be

Fight Back (2020-02-24). Tampa students rally for justice for Jamee Johnson. fightbacknews.org Tampa, FL – Tampa Bay Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) held a rally at the University of South Florida calling for justice and all victims of police brutality, highlighting Jamee Johnson, a Black man who was murdered by officers in Jacksonville. At the February 19 protest, about 15 students promoted the need for community control of the police through police accountability councils. They also demonstrated for their ongoing campaign to increase Black enrollment at USF. | With chants saying, "USF shame on you! Black lives matter too!" the students used the rally to reach out to the student body about the wa…

Suzanna Danuta Walters (2020-02-24). Elizabeth Warren Is Running an Unapologetically Intersectional Campaign. thenation.com Elizabeth Warren Is Running an Unapologetically Intersectional Campaign…

Julia Conley, staff writer (2020-02-24). Amid Right-Wing Effort to Smear Sanders Over Cuba Comments, Campaign Issues Reminder That Obama Said the Same Thing. commondreams.org Sen. Bernie Sanders' campaign defended the 2020 presidential candidate's recent comments on former Cuban leader Fidel Castro on Monday as conservatives and centrist Democrats whipped up outrage over Sanders' praise for the high literacy rates in Cuba under Castro's leadership, which lasted from 1959 to 2008. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/gettyimages-5390379001.jpg

Juan Cole (2020-02-24). MSNBC's Chris Matthews Epitomizes Corporate Democrats' Bernie Derangement Syndrome. commondreams.org Democratic presidential hopeful Former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, Pete Buttigieg (L) speaks with journalist Chris Matthews (R) in the spin room following the ninth Democratic primary debate of the 2020 presidential campaign in Las Vegas, Nevada, on February 19, 2020. (Photo: Bridget Bennet/AFP via Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/screen_shot_2020-02-24_at_3.54.24_pm.png

RT (2020-02-23). Blitzkrieg Bernie? Sanders' victory in Nevada like NAZI invasion of France — MSNBC's Chris Matthews. rt.com MSNBC's Chris Matthews has compared Bernie Sanders' win in the Nevada caucuses to Adolf Hitler's WWII takeover of France. As Sanders pulls ahead of the pack, the media has labeled him a nazi, a communist, and a Russian stooge. | Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders declared a resounding victory in Saturday's Nevada caucuses, the third major showdown of the primary season. With some results still outstanding on Sunday morning, Sanders has won just over 46 percent of the vote, more than doubling the score of former Vice President Joe Biden, currently in second place with 19 percent. | After a strong showing in Iowa an…

RT (2020-02-23). 'Don't let them take it away!' Trump congratulates 'Crazy Bernie' as Sanders wins big in Nevada. rt.com Evoking painful memories, US President Donald Trump has expressed hope that his potential Democratic contender won't be robbed of the nomination this time, as Bernie Sanders heads for a decisive victory in Nevada caucus. | "Looks like Crazy Bernie is doing well in the Great State of Nevada. Biden & the rest look weak, & no way Mini Mike can restart his campaign after the worst debate performance in the history of Presidential Debates," Trump tweeted. | Looks like Crazy Bernie is doing well in the Great State of Nevada. Biden & the rest look weak, & no way Mini Mike can restart his campaign after the worst deba…

The Canary (2020-02-23). Bernie Sanders wins Nevada and pulls further away from rivals. thecanary.co Bernie Sanders has won Nevada's presidential primary election and pulled further away from his rivals after strong showings in Iowa and New Hampshire. | The 78-year-old, a self-described socialist, cemented his position as the Democratic frontrunner with support from the state's large Latino community. | Mr Sanders left Nevada earlier on Saturday to rally supporters in El Paso, Texas, where he told the crowd US President Donald Trump was "a pathological liar running a corrupt administration". | "When we come together there is nothing we can't accomplish," Mr Sanders added. | The win builds on the Vermont senator'

Fight Back (2020-02-23). "We want to show the DNC that the people have the power," says Milwaukee coalition. fightbacknews.org New York, NY – On February 22, a Wisconsin delegation invited a conference of nearly 60 organizations to join a major protest at the Democratic National Convention taking place in Milwaukee in July. | The members of the Coalition to March on the DNC made their announcement on the second day of the United National Antiwar Coalition (UNAC) national conference. The UNAC conference is a major gathering of international solidarity and anti-oppression activists from across North America, taking place at the People's Forum in New York City. | The coalition is calling on all progressive, left, democratic and socialist or…

John Nichols (2020-02-23). Bernie Sanders Hits the Jackpot. thenation.com Bernie Sanders Hits the Jackpot…

RT (2020-02-22). 'Totally sane': Dems can't make up their minds about who is a supposed 'Russian agent'. Trump? Bernie? Or… both? rt.com Former presidential candidate Eric Swalwell performed mental gymnastics on CNN to defend Bernie Sanders over alleged help from Russia, claiming Moscow does it in order to help its 'agent' Donald Trump. | The Democrats' overuse of Russian collusion conspiracy theories appears to be collapsing in on itself. First Trump supposedly worked with the country to meddle in the 2016 presidential election — something there is still no actual proof of, despite the extensive Mueller investigation — and now even Dems like Sanders are facing accusations of getting help from Moscow. | Thanks to a Washington Post <...

Eric Zuesse (2020-02-22). How Bernie Sanders Will Destroy the Deep State if He Becomes President. dissidentvoice.org Joe Lauria at Consortium News headlined on February 21st, "Apparent US Intel Meddling in US Election With 'Report' Russia is Aiding Sanders", and he noted that, If the story is true and if intelligence agencies are truly committed to protecting U.S. citizens, the Sanders campaign would have been quietly informed and shown evidence to back …

RT (2020-02-22). Bernie Sanders takes early lead in Nevada Caucus based on first preference polling. rt.com Early preference polling shows Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders is a clear favorite for caucus-goers, though it is still too early to call a true victor in the race. | Entrance poll results from ABC, CBS and others show Bernie's frontrunner status in the race for the Democrat Party's presidential nomination could hold strong in the third major votes for the battling candidates. | CBS reports that six in 10 caucus goers interviewed by them support a government-run, single-payer health care system, a signature part of Sanders' campaign promises, as well as that of contender Elizabeth Warren, though she did not far…

RT (2020-02-22). Trump mocks 'fake news' for running 'Russian Sympathizer Bernie' smear, but doesn't miss a chance to score points. rt.com It seems Donald Trump is yet to decide whether he would rather lampoon left-wing media for adding Democrat frontrunner Bernie Sanders to Team Russia or take the opportunity to mock his potential rival in the November poll. | Just a day apart, two steaming-hot scoops landed in the US media cycle. First, the New York Times said Russia was helping Donald Trump to get reelected. Then the Washington Post claimed Russia was helping Bernie Sanders's campaign. All based on anonymous sources, innuendos, and other traits with which even casual followers of the 'Russiagate' saga are all too familiar. | One of the princip…

RT (2020-02-22). 'US democracy at work': WATCH Nevada caucus ties being determined by a deck of cards. rt.com Ties at Nevada caucus sites are being determined by drawing from a deck of cards, and the bizarre videos are leaving folks scratching their heads in bewilderment. | Videos are coming in from Nevada caucus sites as votes are counted to decide who will win the third big battle for delegates in the race to win the Democrat Party's presidential nomination, and it's made people aware of a special piece of equipment being used by precinct captains — a deck of cards. | While questionable videos showed ties at caucus sites in Iowa being determined by coin tosses, Nevada is appropriately looking to a deck of card…

Eds. (2020-02-22). Politicizing water in Chile. mronline.org Chile is today in the midst of an unprecedented constituent process 30 years after the return of democracy, where the possibility of a new constitution has opened a discussion about what sort of country we want, and which rights should be enshrined in the drafting of this fundamental document. |

Fight Back (2020-02-22). Group planning march on DNC heads to New York to build support. fightbacknews.org New York, NY – Organizers with the Milwaukee-based Coalition to March on the DNC are attending the national conference of the United National Antiwar Coalition (UNAC), to build support for a major protest at the Democratic National Convention in July. | The Coalition to March on the DNC is a broad coalition of left and progressive forces who plan to bring popular demands to the 2020 Democratic National Convention, slated to take place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The march will be held on the opening morning of the convention, Monday, July 13. | "All eyes will be on Milwaukee when the people's movements protest outsi…

Fight Back (2020-02-22). Minnesota progressives say 'Don't vote for Amy Klobuchar'. fightbacknews.org Minneapolis, MN — Minnesota progressives are urging voters around the country to reject Democratic Party contender Amy Klobuchar. | Jess Sundin, a leader in the fight against police crimes says, "Amy Klobuchar is a racist. When she was Hennepin County District Attorney, she always sided with law enforcement against the interests of community members. She never charged a single cop in 40 cases of police murder of civilians. She sent an African American child, Myon Burrell, to prison for life, despite evidence that he was not involved in the crime she prosecuted him for." | Sundin continued, "The people of He…

Fight Back (2020-02-22). Minnesota Governor Walz flees protesters demanding action against killer cops. fightbacknews.org Minneapolis, MN – When Minnesota Governor Tim Walz appeared at the University of Minnesota to reflect on his first year of governing, he was confronted by angry community members demanding that he call for the prosecutions of killer cops across the state. Family members of police murder victims were joined by Twin Cities Coalition for Justice 4 Jamar, UMN Students for a Democratic Society, SMASH students from Minneapolis South High School, and others. | Shortly after Walz and the event moderator were settled into two cozy armchairs on a stage at the front of a packed auditorium, one person rose from the middle of…

RT (2020-02-21). 'Russians helping Sanders!' MSM takes abrupt break from anti-Trump frenzy for a 'never Bernie' moment on the eve of Nevada caucus. rt.com As Bernie Sanders surges to the front of the pack for the Democratic nomination, the Washington Post has dropped an anonymous "bombshell" claiming that Moscow seeks to help him as well as its "puppet," US President Donald Trump. | On the word of "people familiar with the matter,"

Staff (2020-02-21). Malcolm X's Daughter Ilyasah Shabazz on Her Father's Legacy & the New Series "Who Killed Malcolm X?" democracynow.org Fifty-five years ago today, Malcolm X was assassinated. The civil rights leader was shot to death on February 21, 1965, at the Audubon Ballroom in New York City. He was only 39 years old. Details of his assassination remain disputed to this day. Earlier this month, Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance said he was considering reopening the investigation, just days after a new documentary series about the assassination was released on Netflix called "Who Killed Malcolm X?" It makes the case that two of the three men who were convicted for Malcolm X's murder are actually innocent and that his uncaught killers wer…

Staff (2020-02-21). Headlines for February 21, 2020. democracynow.org Roger Stone Sentenced to 40-Month Prison Term, Trump Lashed at Intel Chief over Warning of Russian Meddling in 2020 Election, Germany Mourns Victims of Right-Wing Terror Attacks, Suspect Arrested in Stabbing at London Mosque, U.K. to Close Borders to "Unskilled" and Non-English-Speaking Immigrants, Protests Erupt as Acting ICE Director Challenges New York Pro-Immigrant Laws, Mexican Radio Journalist Murdered in Ciudad Juárez, February Flowers Bloom in Moscow Amid Record-High Winter Temperatures, 28 Arrested in Seattle Protesting Chase Bank Fossil Fuel Ties, Rail Blockades Continue as Protests Grow Against Coastal…

Elie Mystal (2020-02-21). Trump Has a New Strategy for Fighting Corruption—Make It Legal! thenation.com Trump Has a New Strategy for Fighting Corruption—Make It Legal!

Sasha Abramsky (2020-02-21). Trump Has Dropped the Pretense of Playing by the Rules of Democracy. thenation.com Trump Has Dropped the Pretense of Playing by the Rules of Democracy…

Karina Piser (2020-02-21). Sochie Nnaemeka Wants to Take On Corporate Democrats. thenation.com Sochie Nnaemeka Wants to Take On Corporate Democrats…

Staff (2020-02-20). Bernie Sanders Says "Will of the People" Should Decide Democratic Nomination, Not Party Insiders. democracynow.org As the primary season heads into the Nevada caucuses on Saturday, we unpack the ninth Democratic presidential debate in a roundtable on the tensions at work on the Las Vegas debate stage. Senator Bernie Sanders, currently the front-runner in the race, said the candidate with the most delegates should become the nominee; all his rivals on stage suggested they would be open to a brokered convention, with superdelegates and other party insiders potentially deciding the nomination. | We continue our discussion with Katrina vanden Heuvel, editorial director and publisher of The Nation; Raquel Willis, journalist, activ…

Staff (2020-02-20). Bloomberg Takes Debate Stage for First Time & Struggles to Face His History of Misogyny, Racism. democracynow.org Tensions flared at the ninth Democratic presidential debate in Las Vegas on Wednesday. Senator Bernie Sanders sought to defend his position as front-runner in the Democrats' nomination fight, and former Vice President Joe Biden, former Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Senator Amy Klobuchar tried to attract more supporters. Senator Elizabeth Warren led a night full of attacks on the new person on stage: billionaire former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg. Bloomberg faced questions about his vast wealth, his defense of stop-and-frisk and his treatment of women. | We host a roundtable on the debate and Saturday's Nevada c…

Staff (2020-02-20). "Most Important Issue for Most People": Split on Healthcare Continues to Define 2020 Race. democracynow.org Healthcare continues to be a central issue of the Democratic nomination fight, with Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren repeating their calls for Medicare for All on the debate stage Wednesday night while their rivals proposed more incremental approaches. | We continue our roundtable discussion on Wednesday's Democratic debate in Nevada. Our guests are Katrina vanden Heuvel, editorial director and publisher of The Nation, America's oldest weekly magazine, and a columnist for WashingtonPost.com; journalist and activist Raquel Willis, executive editor of Out magazine, who has endorsed Senator Elizabeth War…

Ben Norton (2020-02-20). Bloomberg surrogate was PR guru for Brazil's extreme-right leader Bolsonaro. thegrayzone.com Former Michael Bloomberg aide Arick Wierson, who is pushing the billionaire's 2020 presidential campaign and attacking Bernie Sanders, helped elect…

Staff (2020-02-20). Headlines for February 20, 2020. democracynow.org Democratic Contenders Take Aim at Billionaire Michael Bloomberg in Nevada Debate, Protesters Interrupt Nevada Debate to Demand Immigration Discussion, Michael Bloomberg Made Transphobic Remarks in 2019, Bloomberg Campaign NDAs Could Prevent Reporting of Abuses, U.N. Warns of Unfolding Humanitarian Catastrophe in Syria's Idlib, German Far-Right Gunman Kills 10 in Frankfurt Suburb, China Expels Wall Street Journal Reporters over "Racist" Op-Ed, Trump Taps Ally Richard Grenell as Director of National Intelligence, As Roger Stone Faces Sentencing in Federal Court, Trump Hints at Pardon, Julian Assange's Lawyers: Trum…

Fight Back (2020-02-20). Minnesota House subcommittee passes bill to end local jail contracts with ICE. fightbacknews.org St. Paul, MN – On February 19, the House Subcommittee on Local Government voted to pass House File 3060. HF 3060 is a bill that would end contracts that local jails in Minnesota have with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain people facing civil immigration charges. Currently several county jails in Minnesota have contracts with ICE to hold hundreds of immigrants facing deportation. | The bill, sponsored by democrat Representative Fue Lee, who represents part of north Minneapolis, will now advance to the Government Operations Committee. | Before voting on the bill, the committee heard testimony fr…

pip.hinman (2020-02-20). May 1 Movement launched in Sydney. greenleft.org.au

pip.hinman (2020-02-20). Barrister says 'democracy at stake' in Assange trial. greenleft.org.au

Alan MacLeod (2020-02-20). Cop-Hating Vandals or Pro-Democracy Activists? – Depends whose police are being protested. fair.org The "cop-hating vandals" poured glue on three turnstiles and "placed large stickers throughout the subway station" (New York Post, The New York Police Department (NYPD) can generally rely on corporate media as allies on controversial police issues. A case in point was the New York subway protests earlier this month, in which the activist group

Staff (2020-02-19). Latinx Group Mijente Backs Bernie Sanders in First-Ever Presidential Endorsement. democracynow.org In its first-ever presidential endorsement, the Latinx and Chicanx organization Mijente endorsed Bernie Sanders on Tuesday ahead of the Nevada caucuses. The group tweeted its decision, saying, "We know that in 2020, Trump's potential re-election is a life-or-death threat for us, for our people, and for our planet. This moment demands a historic mobilization. That's why Mijente is uniting with the movement to elect @BernieSanders." A video accompanied the announcement. After the contests in Iowa and New Hampshire, where the electorate is overwhelmingly white, Nevada is the first election with a diverse population.

Staff (2020-02-19). Yale Study Says Medicare for All Would Save U.S. $450 Billion, Prevent Nearly 70,000 Deaths a Year. democracynow.org As the Democratic presidential hopefuls prepare to take to the debate stage tonight, we turn to a central issue of the campaign: Medicare for All. In a new study, Yale scholars have found that Medicare for All will save Americans more than $450 billion and prevent 68,000 deaths every year. The study in The Lancet — one of the oldest and most prestigious peer-reviewed medical journals — found that Medicare for All, supported by Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, will save money and is more cost-effective than "Medicare for All Who Want It, "a model supported by Pete Buttigieg. Sanders referenced the…

Staff (2020-02-19). Bloomberg Gains in Democratic Primaries, But Has History of Hostility to Unions Key to Voter Turnout. democracynow.org We continue our conversation with Marcie Wells, activist and waitress who is a member of the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 in Nevada, and Hamilton Nolan, labor reporter with In These Times. Nolan says 2020 had been "the most promising election year for organized labor in a long time," with Democratic candidates releasing platforms with strong labor protections. But Michael Bloomberg's entry into the race threatens to upend the Democratic Party's pro-worker shift. The billionaire former mayor of New York has a long track record of hostility toward organized labor, particularly teachers' unions, whom he has comp…

Staff (2020-02-19). Nevada Culinary Workers Union Member: I Would Trade My Union Healthcare for Medicare for All. democracynow.org The third presidential contest of the primary season takes place Saturday in Nevada. One of the state's most coveted endorsements is from the Culinary Workers Union, which represents some 60,000 workers in the restaurant and hospitality industries in Las Vegas and Reno. Its membership is 54% Latinx. But last week they decided not to endorse any of the candidates. Nevada is a "right to work" state, and the Culinary Workers Union has attracted members by offering them healthcare. It has said it supports "choices" in healthcare. The mobilization of service employees could be critical to winning the Nevada caucuses.

Staff (2020-02-19). Headlines for February 19, 2020. democracynow.org Trump Falsely Claims He Is "Chief Law Enforcement Officer" of U.S., Trump Issues Clemency to White-Collar Criminals and Political Allies, Democratic Presidential Candidates to Take Debate Stage in Nevada, Resurfaced Video Shows Bloomberg Calling for Cuts to Medicare and Social Security, Death Toll from Coronavirus Surpasses 2,000 People, Afghanistan: Ashraf Ghani Declared Winner of Presidential Election, U.N.: 22 Killed, Including 14 Children, in Massacre in Cameroon, Somali Broadcast Journalist Abdiwali Ali Hassan Assassinated, North Carolina Court Temporarily Blocks Discriminatory Voter ID Laws…

Staff (2020-02-18). "Worth the Price?" New Film Shows How Biden Played Leading Role in Push for U.S. to Invade Iraq. democracynow.org The Democratic presidential candidates face off in Las Vegas Wednesday night ahead of the Nevada caucuses. Nevada could be a decisive state for candidates who performed poorly in Iowa and New Hampshire, including former Vice President Joe Biden. As Biden hopes for a comeback, a new short documentary sheds light on his extensive role in the Iraq War — an issue that has been raised repeatedly on the campaign trail. Biden has apologized for supporting the war, but the new film, directed by the Center for Economic and Policy Research's Mark Weisbrot, exposes Biden's central role in pushing for an Iraq invasion.

Staff (2020-02-18). Journalist: Harvey Weinstein's Defense Team Is Waging a War Against the #MeToo Movement. democracynow.org A jury of seven men and five women meet today in New York Supreme Court to begin deliberations on whether to find disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein guilty of sexual assault. The case has drawn international attention amid the #MeToo movement. If the jurors find Weinstein guilty, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. Weinstein has been accused of sexual misconduct by more than 100 women but in this case faces five charges based on evidence relating to two main accusers. One woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, alleges she was raped by Weinstein in a New York hotel, for which he has been charged wit…

Staff (2020-02-18). Ambra Gutierrez Recorded Harvey Weinstein Admitting Sexual Assault in 2015. Why Wasn't He Charged? democracynow.org Irin Carmon is a senior correspondent for New York magazine who has followed the allegations against Harvey Weinstein. She just published her new profile on Ambra Battilana Gutierrez, a Filipina-Italian model who reported Weinstein to the New York Police Department in 2015 for allegedly groping her during a meeting at his Tribeca office. At the urging of police, she wore a recording device for an arranged meetup at a Manhattan hotel and got Weinstein to admit on tape that he groped her and sought unsuccessfully to get her to come to his room. Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance decided not to pursue the case…

Staff (2020-02-18). Headlines for February 18, 2020. democracynow.org 2,000+ DOJ Ex-Officials Call for AG Barr to Resign as Judge Calls to Review Status of Roger Stone Case, Bloomberg Qualifies for Dem Debate as More Evidence of Past Comments Draw Ire, Calls Mount for Manhattan DA to Resign over Case of Alleged Sexual Abuser OB-GYN Robert Hadden, Prominent Wuhan Doctor Dies from Coronavirus as Cases Top 72,000, Pakistan Suicide Bomb Kills At Least 8 at Religious Rally, Mexican Protests Take Government to Task After Murder of 7-Year-Old Girl, Second-Strongest Storm to Hit North Atlantic Lashes United Kingdom, Mississippi Residents Displaced, Homes Inundated from Torrential Rains, Fl…

Staff (2020-02-17). How Bloomberg-Funded Center for American Progress Censored a Report on NYPD Surveillance of Muslims. democracynow.org Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg's self-funded campaign has flooded the airwaves with political advertisements, with the billionaire former New York City mayor having already spent more than $400 million on TV, radio and other ads — far outpacing other campaigns. But it's not just Bloomberg's unprecedented campaign spending that has raised eyebrows. As The New York Times reports, Bloomberg has also kept potential critics quiet by making major donations to progressive causes and advocacy groups around the country over the years. This may have played a part in obscuring Bloomberg's checkere…

Staff (2020-02-17). How Billionaire Michael Bloomberg's Deep Pockets Have Let Him Win Friends and Buy Influence. democracynow.org With the Nevada caucuses less than a week away, many Democratic candidates are courting voters in state and increasingly targeting their attacks on a new challenger — billionaire Michael Bloomberg — whom they are accusing of buying his way into the election. In the lead-up to Super Tuesday on March 3, when voters in 14 states go to the polls, Bloomberg has spent an unprecedented $417 million of his own $60 billion fortune on advertising. He's also paid meme influencers to share sponsored content on Instagram, and hired thousands of on-the-ground political operatives to work in more than 125 offices ar…

Staff (2020-02-17). "They Have Not Relented": U.S. Maintains Support for Yemen War as Saudi Airstrike Kills 31 Civilians. democracynow.org In Yemen, 31 people were killed in U.S.-backed Saudi airstrikes over the weekend, including women and children. The strikes in the northern al-Jawf province came just hours after the Houthis said they had shot down a Saudi fighter jet in the same area. The United Nations called the drone strike "shocking." The deadly strike follows a recent uptick in violence in northern Yemen and comes as the war there hits a five-year mark. More than 100,000 have died, and far more have been displaced, since the conflict began in 2015. On Sunday, the United Nations said the Houthis and U.S.-backed Saudi and United Arab Emirates…

Staff (2020-02-17). Headlines for February 17, 2020. democracynow.org Americans Aboard Cruise Ship Repatriated as 71,000 Global Cases of Coronavirus Confirmed, 1,100+ Ex-DOJ Staff Call on Attorney General Barr to Resign, Sen. Klobuchar Can't Say Name of Mexican President, Sen. Sanders Calls Out Bloomberg on Campaign Trail, Bloomberg's Company Faced Years of Sexual Discrimination and Harassment Lawsuits, LGBT Activists of Color Call Out Pete Buttigieg for Ties to Big Money, Conservative Positions, Airstrikes Kill 31 People, Including Children, in Yemen, Intensifying Syrian Gov't Offensive Has Displaced 800,000 Civilians Since December, Airstrike Kills 8 Civilians in Afghanistan as U…

Julie Hollar (2020-02-14). Pundits Look to Bloomberg as Their Anti-Sanders Savior. fair.org Coming out of the first two Democratic primary states, with Bernie Sanders leading in votes and Pete Buttigieg leading in delegates, who is "starting to dominate the national political debate like no one in the past five years other than President Donald Trump"? | According to NBC's Jonathan Allen (

Staff (2020-02-14). Rep. Rashida Tlaib: Trump's "Racist" Plan Would Legalize the Theft of Palestinian Land. democracynow.org We continue our conversation with Congressmember Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, the first Palestinian-American woman elected to Congress. She responds to President Trump's Middle East plan, under which Israel would gain sovereignty over large areas of the occupied West Bank, Jerusalem would be under total Israeli control, and all Jewish settlers in the occupied territory would be allowed to remain in their homes. Tlaib says the plan was formulated with a "racist lens" that ignores Palestinian lives and aspirations. Tlaib says she wants people "to know what the human impact is of taking people's land, taking people's…

Staff (2020-02-14). One Billion Rising: Eve Ensler & Taína Asili Mark V-Day and Campaign to End Sexual Violence. democracynow.org This Valentine's Day, people around the world are taking to the streets to protest violence against women and girls. From the Philippines to India to Italy to Bolivia, thousands of women in more than 100 countries will reclaim public space through dance and performance as part of a global movement called One Billion Rising. The movement takes its name from the shocking statistic that one in three women across the planet will be beaten or raped during her lifetime. One Billion Rising started on Valentine's Day 2012 and has continued to grow every year since. Participants say they won't stop dancing until violence…

CounterSpin (2020-02-14). Jim Naureckas on Democratic Primaries, Nina Luo on Decriminalizing Sex Work. fair.org Media…

Paul Kawika Martin (2020-02-13). Peace Action: Senate Reclaims War Powers to Thwart Iran War. peaceaction.org Washington, D.C. — February 13, 2020 — In response to the Senate passing the bipartisan bill — S.J.Res.68 — that would thwart President Trump from going to war with Iran and end any current hostilities, Paul Kawika Martin, Senior Director for Policy and Political Affairs at Peace Action, released the following statement: "It's about time …

Bernie Sanders (2020-02-08). Hasan Sits Down With Bernie Sanders. zcomm.org Interview on aging and retirement in America…

Tyler Durden (2020-02-04). Biden Threatens Lawsuit to Halt Release of Real Iowa Caucus Results. theantimedia.com American democracy—ain't it grand?>

Norman Solomon (2020-02-02). War with Iran Is at Stake—and Democrats' High Jumps Over Low Standards Aren't Helping. zcomm.org The huge crisis with Iran is more dangerous because so many Democrats have been talking out of both sides of their mouths…

Various Contributors (2020-02-01). The Times They Are a-Changin: Bernie Sanders. zcomm.org Sometimes it feels like our world is falling apart, but real change is all around us…

Jon Rainwater (2020-01-31). House Votes to Rein in Trump's Iran War Powers While Ending Endless Wars. peaceaction.org Washington, D.C. — January 30, 2020 — In response to two high-profile war powers votes on the House floor today, Peace Action released the following statement: "Our nation's endless wars are on autopilot, with Trump fitfully grabbing the steering wheel until his attention wanders somewhere else. Today's votes are a step toward Congress reclaiming its …

Paul Kawika Martin (2019-07-18). Diplomacy Instead of a Disaster in Iran. peaceaction.org Washington, D.C. — July 18, 2019 — In response to reports of the U.S. shooting down an Iranian drone, Paul Kawika Martin, Senior Director for Policy and Political Affairs at Peace Action, released the following statement: "Because of the Trump administration's policy of maximum provocation towards Iran, America stands on the precipice of another blunderous …

Peace Action (2019-07-11). Peace Action Endorses 'the Squad' — Ocasio-Cortez, Omar, Pressley and Tlaib for Congress. peaceaction.org Washington, D.C. — July 11, 2019 — Peace Action, the nation's largest grassroots peace organization, has endorsed four progressive champions for the House of Representatives in the 2020 election, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for New York's 14th district, Rep. Ilhan Omar for Minnesota's 5th district, Rep. Ayanna Pressley for Massachusetts' 7th district, and Rep. Rashida Tlaib …

Paul Kawika Martin (2019-06-28). Most Senators Oppose War with Iran Without Congressional Approval. peaceaction.org Washington, D.C. — June 28, 2019 — In response to the Senate voting 50-40 in favor of an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to block funding for military action against Iran without congressional approval, Paul Kawika Martin, Senior Director for Policy and Political Affairs at Peace Action, released the following statement: "Because …

2020-02-25: Social Media Postees

Please be social by posting these 'POSTEES' on social media!

The Russiagate Racket targets the Bernie Sanders surge
Aaron Maté | thegrayzone.com | 2020-02-25
With a familiar playbook of evidence-free, anonymously sourced red-baiting, the forces behind Russiagate try to stop Bernie Sanders' primary success….
thegrayzone.com/2020/02/24/the-russiagate-racket-targets-the-bernie-sanders-surge/

'Delete his entire campaign': Bloomberg gets roasted after tweeting, then scrubbing, fake Bernie quotes praising 'despots'
rt.com | 2020-02-25
Billionaire-turned-Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg has taken a severe thrashing on social media, after his campaign posted, and then deleted, fake Bernie Sanders quotes hailing alleged "despots. " | Bloomberg's social media team took aim at the Vermont senator with a series of tweets mocking his factually accurate statement that literacy in Cuba skyrocketed under Fidel Castro. | The official 'Team Bloomberg' Twitter account shot off a series of posts in which they imagined what Sanders perhaps thinks of other "famous despots." The fake quotes included flattering remarks about Stalin ("[he]…
rt.com/usa/481619-bloomberg-sanders-despots-tweets-delete/

Bernie Sanders San Antonio Speech
Roknich | indybay.org | 2020-02-25
"We're gonna win the Democratic Primary in Texas, says Bernie Sanders, while Nevada gives him all her delegates. (video and audio))…
indybay.org/newsitems/2020/02/23/18830952.php

The "Liberal" Media's Propaganda War on Bernie Sanders
Paul Street | counterpunch.org | 2020-02-25
Last week, three days before the Nevada Caucus, MSDNC's Stephanie Ruhle had on an old friend, former Diamond Resorts CEO Stephen Cloobeck, a major Democratic Party funder, to speak from Las Vegas. Asked about one of Ruhle's favorite topics, the menace of "socialist Bernie Sanders," Cloobeck called Sanders "an anarchist" who "would love to burn down the United States" " (When asked if he would support Trump if Sanders is the nominee, Cloobeck growled "anyone but Bernie, anyone but Bernie."). She later gleamed while one or her many Republican guests, Jeb Bush's former campaign manager, called for Michael Bloomberg…
counterpunch.org/2020/02/25/the-liberal-medias-propaganda-war-on-bernie-sanders/

'Cringeworthy' Biden attack ad ahead of South Carolina vote says Sanders didn't back Obama's 2012 run, Twitter collectively groans
rt.com | 2020-02-25
Hoping to sink Democratic frontrunner Bernie Sanders ahead of the South Carolina primary, a new ad from former VP Joe Biden accused the Vermont senator of a plot to run against Obama in 2012

As a Corporate Tool, Buttigieg Is Now a Hammer to Bash Sanders
Norman Solomon | indybay.org | 2020-02-25
To Mayor Pete, a real progressive looks like a nail…
indybay.org/newsitems/2020/02/24/18831030.php

Biden slips up about running for SENATE, instead of president in latest gaffe
rt.com | 2020-02-25
Talking silver while aiming for gold isn't the best idea during the closely watched Democratic race, but former vice president Joe Biden did just that, downgrading his political ambitions from president to… senator. | Known for a series of gaffes, some of which have been branded disturbingly weird, Biden produced a new one while trying to win public sympathy in South Carolina. While the opening part of his outburst sounded like conventional self-promotion at first, the rest raised more than a few eyebrows. | "I'm Joe Biden, I'm a Democrat candidate for the United States Senate. Look me over, if you like what…
rt.com/usa/481604-biden-gaffe-candidate-senate/

What If Buttigieg Said That He Doesn't Accept the "Fashionable" View That Climate Change is a Problem?
Dean Baker | counterpunch.org | 2020-02-25
To my knowledge, he hasn't said anything like that, but Buttigieg did say that he doesn't accept the "fashionable" view that current deficits are not a problem. When he made this comment, many progressives denounced him for supporting deficit reducing policies that will slow growth and raise unemployment. Since most plans for deficit reduction also…
counterpunch.org/2020/02/25/what-if-buttigieg-said-that-he-doesnt-accept-the-fashionable-view-that-climate-change-is-a-problem/

The Democrats' Quandary: In a Struggle Between Oligarchy and Democracy, Something Must Give
Michael Hudson | counterpunch.org | 2020-02-25
To hear the candidates debate, you would think that their fight was over who could best beat Trump. But when Trump's billionaire twin Mike Bloomberg throws a quarter-billion dollars into an ad campaign to bypass the candidates actually running for votes in Iowa, New Hampshire and Nevada, it's obvious that what really is at issue…
counterpunch.org/2020/02/25/the-democrats-quandary-in-a-struggle-between-oligarchy-and-democracy-something-must-give/

The show trial of Julian Assange begins
wsws.org | 2020-02-25
The first day of the British court hearing yesterday to determine if WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange will be extradited to the United States left no doubt that what is taking place is a legal travesty that threatens both Assange's life and fundamental democratic rights.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2020/02/25/pers-f25.html

Sanders on "60 Minutes" spells out willingness to use US military power
wsws.org | 2020-02-25
The Democratic presidential frontrunner said he would go to war in support of NATO and other US military allies, and to defend Taiwan against China.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2020/02/25/sand-f25.html

Democracy And Class Society
Party for Socialism and Liberation, Sonoma | indybay.org | 2020-02-25
A'Roma Roasters Coffee and Tea | 95 5th St, Santa Rosa, California 95401…
indybay.org/newsitems/2020/02/23/18830980.php

Merkel rival Merz joins CDU party leadership race
rt.com | 2020-02-25
German conservative Friedrich Merz, an erstwhile rival of Chancellor Angela Merkel, confirmed on Tuesday that he will run for the leadership of her Christian Democrats (CDU) at a party congress on April 25. "I have decided to run again for…
rt.com/newsline/481630-germany-party-merkel-merz/

For the climate: protecting the Commons and fixing Democracy
W. T. Whitney, Jr. | mronline.org | 2020-02-25
Climate change, unchecked, promises planetary disaster. All forms of life are threatened. Scientific evidence strongly suggests capitalistforms of production and consumption gave rise to climate change in the first place and have allowed the process to advance. | Source…
mronline.org/2020/02/24/for-the-climate-protecting-the-commons-and-fixing-democracy/

What Will You Do If the Democrats Steal It from Sanders?
John Eskow | counterpunch.org | 2020-02-25
"If Hillary gave up one of her balls and gave it to Obama, he'd have two." –James Carville…
counterpunch.org/2020/02/25/what-will-you-do-if-the-democrats-steal-it-from-sanders/

Oligarchs and Resisters
Nigel Clarke | dissidentvoice.org | 2020-02-25
By now, we've all seen the utter obliteration of Michael Bloomberg in the last Democratic debate, an individual used to a room full of yes-men finally out from behind of his money and into the arena of give and take. And take, he did; if he was a mop, the floor would have been spotless. …
dissidentvoice.org/2020/02/oligarchs-and-resisters/

'Bang-bang-bang': Bloomberg says he'd DRONE his critics & shield banks if elected president in leaked audio
rt.com | 2020-02-25
Billionaire Democratic hopeful Michael Bloomberg vowed to "defend the banks" and jokingly suggested that he may hunt down his political rivals with Predator drones if elected, a leaked 2016 audio clip has revealed. | The Bloomberg campaign has confirmed the authenticity of the recording, which captured a speech he gave at a closed-door Goldman Sachs event at Yankee Stadium in June 2016. The clip was posted online by a self-styled disgruntled former Goldman executive several days ago and has since made the rounds. | Bloomberg's opening remarks can only help to fuel concerns within the progressive wing of his…
rt.com/usa/481597-bloomberg-audio-drones-banks/

German right-wing and far-right parties suffer defeat in Hamburg state election
wsws.org | 2020-02-25
Four days after the right-wing terrorist attack in Hanau, the Christian Democrats and Free Democrats, the parties that formed an alliance with the far-right Alternative for Germany to elect the minister president in Thuringia, lost large numbers of votes in Hamburg.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2020/02/25/hamb-f25.html

The Nevada Caucus and the Desperation of Democrat Elites
Jack Rasmus | counterpunch.org | 2020-02-25
The events of the past week–beginning with the TV debates of the candidates on February 19 and culminating in the Nevada Democrat Party caucus in Nevada on February 22 this past Saturday–show a growing desperation in the ranks of the Democratic Party's corporate-driven leadership as the Sanders campaign has assumed a clear lead in the…
counterpunch.org/2020/02/25/the-nevada-caucus-and-the-desperation-of-democrat-elites/

Assange Hearing: Trump Was "Aware" and "Approved" of Pardon Offer, Defence Team Says
sputniknews.com | 2020-02-25
In 2017 Republican congressman Dana Rohrabacher reached out to Julian Assange to offer a pardon to the WikiLeaks publisher, if he could prove Russia wasn't involved in the DNC Leaks. Rohrabacher and US President Donald Trump have both since stated that the offer wasn't on Trump's behalf.
sputniknews.com/uk/202002251078395679-assange-hearing-trump-was-aware-and-approved-of-pardon-offer/

Sanders & Socialism
Richard D. Wolff | zcomm.org | 2020-02-25
Source: Democracy Now! As Bernie Sanders's runaway win in Nevada cements his position as the front-runner for the Democratic nomination, the Democratic Party establishment and much of the mainstream media are openly expressing concern about a self-described democratic socialist leading the presidential ticket. His opponents have also attacked his ambitious agenda. Last week during the Read…
zcomm.org/znetarticle/sanders-socialism/

Time for Both Major Parties to Own the Immigration Crisis
Staff | truthdig.com | 2020-02-25
The relative lack of talk on the campaign trail about immigration points to a bigger problem shared by Democrats and Republicans.
truthdig.com/articles/time-for-both-major-parties-to-own-the-immigration-crisis/

Direct democracy could have saved Gandolfo Gardens
pip.hinman | greenleft.org.au | 2020-02-25
environment Sue BoltonIssue 1255 Australia Gandolfo Gardens MelbourneFebruary 25, 2020Residents put in a huge effort to save the historic Gandolfo Gardens, in the Melbourne suburb of Coburg. But they w…
greenleft.org.au/content/direct-democracy-could-have-saved-gandolfo-gardens

Bernie Sanders Releases Plan for Guaranteed "Child Care and Pre-K for All"
Staff | truthout.org | 2020-02-24
Now running as the presumptive front-runner in the Democratic presidential primary, Sen. Bernie Sanders on Monday morning unveiled a sweeping new proposal that would guarantee high-quality child care and then pre-kindergarten education to every child

"A Stupendous Victory": Bernie Sanders Wins Nevada After Heavy Organizing in Latinx Communities
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-02-24
Senator Bernie Sanders scored a decisive victory Saturday in the Democratic presidential caucuses in Nevada, riding a wave of support from young voters, union members and Latinx voters, who strengthened his status as front-runner. His win shows the potential for the nation's largest minority group to reshape the next stage of the Democratic presidential race. In the next four weeks, six more of the 12 states with a large Latinx population will vote in the Democratic primary. On Super Tuesday, Texas, California and Colorado go to the polls. Arizona, Florida and Illinois will vote on March 17. We speak with Erika A…
www.democracynow.org/2020/2/24/latinx_voters_primaries_nevada_bernie_sanders

'Unelectable' Bernie Sanders scores overwhelming win in Nevada caucuses
Eric A. Gordon | peoplesworld.org | 2020-02-24
LAS VEGAS, Nev.

Paul Krugman and Richard Wolff on Bernie Sanders's Democratic Socialism
Staff | truthout.org | 2020-02-24
As Bernie Sanders's runaway win in Nevada cements his position as the front-runner for the Democratic nomination, the Democratic Party establishment and much of the mainstream media are openly expressing concern about a self-described democratic socialist leading the presidential ticket. His opponents have also attacked his ambitious agenda. Last week during the primary debate in Las Vegas, Bernie Sanders addressed misconceptions about socialism. Invoking the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Sa…
truthout.org/video/paul-krugman-and-richard-wolff-on-bernie-sanderss-democratic-socialism/

Bernie Sanders Plunges to First Place
Jim Naureckas | fair.org | 2020-02-24
Remember when the big winner of New Hampshire was third-place finisher Amy Klobuchar (FAIR.org, 2/14/20)? | "Bernie Sanders may have come first in New Hampshire, but Amy Klobuchar won," Bloomberg ( 2/12/20) declared (the media company, not the billionaire candidate who owns it).
fair.org/home/bernie-sanders-plunges-to-first-place/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bernie-sanders-plunges-to-first-place

MSNBC host Scarborough says Warren and Klobuchar should drop out to help 'consolidate efforts' against Sanders
rt.com | 2020-02-24
MSNBC's Joe Scarborough has added his voice to the network's recent anti-Bernie Sanders chorus, arguing that Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar should drop out of the race in order to "consolidate efforts" against the frontrunner. | The 'Morning Joe' co-host said that, despite how well she has done, "people are talking" about how Minnesota senator Klobuchar, who finished third in the New Hampshire primary, should "get out of the race." | He then moved onto Warren, who "finished weak" in the Nevada primary. Scarborough said "a lot of buzz on Twitter" was suggesting she should throw in the towel too. | Not every…
rt.com/usa/481582-joe-scarborough-msnbc-sanders/

Bernie Sanders is in pole position with Nevada win. But the establishment push-back will now begin in earnest
Peter Bolton | thecanary.co | 2020-02-24
Bernie Sanders has just solidified his status as the front-runner in the contest to choose who will face Donald Trump in the presidential elections later this year. Though these are exciting times, there's also a rocky road ahead. Because the establishment campaign to discredit him in every way possible will now begin in earnest. | Third democratic victory in a row: | On 22 February, Sanders won the state of Nevada in the Democratic presidential primary ra…
thecanary.co/us/us-analysis/2020/02/24/bernie-sanders-is-in-pole-position-with-nevada-win-but-the-establishment-push-back-will-now-begin-in-earnest/

Bloomberg wants to swallow the Democrats and spit out the Sandernistas
Glen Ford | mronline.org | 2020-02-24
If, somehow, Bernie Sanders is allowed to win the nomination, Michael Bloomberg and other plutocrats will have created a Democratic Party machinery purpose-built to defy Sanders–as nominee, and even as president. | Source…
mronline.org/2020/02/24/bloomberg-wants-to-swallow-the-democrats-and-spit-out-the-sandernistas/

How Bernie Can Provide a Better Version of the Hope and Change Presidency of Barack Obama
David Goodner | commondreams.org | 2020-02-24
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) speaks during an event to introduce the Raise The Wage Act in the Rayburn Room at the U.S. Capitol January 16, 2019 in Washington, DC. The proposed legislation, which will gradually raise the minimum wage to $15 by 2024, is unlikely to pass in the Republican-controlled Senate. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/sanders_mcconnell_mitch_mcconnell.jpg
commondreams.org/views/2020/02/24/how-bernie-can-provide-better-version-hope-and-change-presidency-barack-obama?cd-origin=rss

Bernie Sanders Wins Nevada After Heavy Organizing in Latinx Communities
Staff | truthout.org | 2020-02-24
Senator Bernie Sanders scored a decisive victory Saturday in the Democratic presidential caucuses in Nevada, riding a wave of support from young voters, union members and Latinx voters, who strengthened his status as front-runner. His win shows the potential for the nation's largest minority group to reshape the next stage of the Democratic presidential race. In the next four weeks, six more of the 12 states with a large Latinx population will vote in the Democratic primary. On Super Tuesday, Texas,…
truthout.org/video/bernie-sanders-wins-nevada-after-heavy-organizing-in-latinx-communities/

Bloomberg To Unleash Massive Media Attack Against Sanders
telesurenglish.net | 2020-02-24
Mike Bloomberg's presidential campaign plans to unleash a massive media operation against presidential candidate Bernie Sanders after the Vermont senator's resounding victory in Nevada, according to CNBC, which broke the story Monday. | RELATED: | Bernie Sanders To Skip AIPAC Conference On Political Reasons | Bloomberg's campaign, which has already spent over US$500 million on media ad buys, have been discussing how they will use the billionaire plutocrat's ‚Ä&atild…
telesurenglish.net/news/mike-bloomberg-campaign-to-media-attack-bernie-sanders-20200224-0025.html

Sanders & Socialism: Debate Between Nobel Laureate Paul Krugman & Socialist Economist Richard Wolff
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-02-24
As Bernie Sanders's runaway win in Nevada cements his position as the front-runner for the Democratic nomination, the Democratic Party establishment and much of the mainstream media are openly expressing concern about a self-described democratic socialist leading the presidential ticket. His opponents have also attacked his ambitious agenda. Last week during the primary debate in Las Vegas, Bernie Sanders addressed misconceptions about socialism. Invoking the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Sanders decried what he called "socialism for the very rich, rugged individualism for the poor." | For more, we host a…
www.democracynow.org/2020/2/24/paul_krugman_richard_wolff_socialism_debate

Who Is Funding the Anti-Bernie Sanders Super PAC?
Staff | truthout.org | 2020-02-24
Several outside groups are trying to slow the momentum of current Democratic presidential frontrunner Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) by spending millions on ad buys, as he continues to dominate the polls. | The campaign against Sanders originated with hybrid PAC Democratic Majority for Israel, a pro-Israel moderate group, that spent over $1.4 million a…
truthout.org/articles/who-is-funding-the-anti-bernie-sanders-super-pac/

Here's What 22 Separate Studies Found: Medicare for All Would Cost Less Than the For-Profit Status Quo
Diane Archer | commondreams.org | 2020-02-24
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., speaks during an event to introduce the Medicare for All Act of 2017 on Capitol Hill on Sept. 13, 2017. (Photo: Yuri Gripas/Reuters) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/medicare_for_all_not_medicare_for_some_0.jpg
commondreams.org/views/2020/02/24/heres-what-22-separate-studies-found-medicare-all-would-cost-less-profit-status-quo?cd-origin=rss

Los Angeles Honors Kobe, Gianna Bryant With Public Memorial
Staff | truthdig.com | 2020-02-24
LOS ANGELES

MSNBC's Chris Matthews Epitomizes Corporate Democrats' Bernie Derangement Syndrome
Juan Cole | commondreams.org | 2020-02-24
Democratic presidential hopeful Former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, Pete Buttigieg (L) speaks with journalist Chris Matthews (R) in the spin room following the ninth Democratic primary debate of the 2020 presidential campaign in Las Vegas, Nevada, on February 19, 2020. (Photo: Bridget Bennet/AFP via Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/screen_shot_2020-02-24_at_3.54.24_pm.png
commondreams.org/views/2020/02/24/msnbcs-chris-matthews-epitomizes-corporate-democrats-bernie-derangement-syndrome?cd-origin=rss

Going Off-Script in the Age of Trump
Andrew Bacevich | commondreams.org | 2020-02-24
President Donald Trump's address to the nation regarding border security is shown on a television screen in Times Square, January 8, 2019 in New York City. A partial shutdown of the federal government extended to 17 days following the president's demand for $5.7 billion for a border wall while Democrats have refused. (Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/trump_corporate_media.jpg
commondreams.org/views/2020/02/24/going-script-age-trump?cd-origin=rss

As the Primary Race Heats Up, Candidates Forget Principled Campaign Finance Stands
Eleanor Eagan | counterpunch.org | 2020-02-24
At this time last year, newly declared Democratic primary candidates were racing to outdo each other with escalating promises to shun big money support. Contenders vowed not to take corporate PAC money, to reject lobbyists' dollars, to discourage super PACs, and to tell fossil fuel executives, "no, thank you". Now, however, many seem to be…
counterpunch.org/2020/02/24/as-the-primary-race-heats-up-candidates-forget-principled-campaign-finance-stands/

Environmental Voter Guide. Democratic Candidates 2020
TCFBDAF | globalresearch.ca | 2020-02-24
The Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund evaluated each candidate on four key environmental issue areas: | saving wildlife, protecting public lands, ensuring environmental justice and ending the climate crisis. | We evaluated every candidate polling above 1% in the latest national …
globalresearch.ca/environmental-voter-guide-us-2020-primary-elections/5704560

Why I'm backing Jo Bird and Lauren Townsend for Labour's NEC elections
Pascale Mitchell | thecanary.co | 2020-02-24
The ballots have dropped for Labour's NEC (National Executive Committee) elections. We, the grassroots members, have been nominating candidates in our CLP (Constituency Labour Party) meetings. Jo Bird has 117 nominations and is backed by Labour Left Alliance, Jewish Voice for Labour, and the Labour Representation Committee. Lauren Townsend has received 141 nominations and is backed by the Campaign for Labour Party Democracy and Momentum. | So…
thecanary.co/opinion/2020/02/24/why-im-backing-jo-bird-and-lauren-townsend-for-labours-nec-elections/

Tampa students rally for justice for Jamee Johnson
Fight Back | fightbacknews.org | 2020-02-24
Tampa, FL – Tampa Bay Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) held a rally at the University of South Florida calling for justice and all victims of police brutality, highlighting Jamee Johnson, a Black man who was murdered by officers in Jacksonville. At the February 19 protest, about 15 students promoted the need for community control of the police through police accountability councils. They also demonstrated for their ongoing campaign to increase Black enrollment at USF. | With chants saying, "USF shame on you! Black lives matter too!" the students used the rally to reach out to the student body about the wa…
fightbacknews.org/2020/2/24/tampa-students-rally-justice-jamee-johnson

Elizabeth Warren Is Running an Unapologetically Intersectional Campaign
Suzanna Danuta Walters | thenation.com | 2020-02-24
Elizabeth Warren Is Running an Unapologetically Intersectional Campaign…
thenation.com/article/politics/elizabeth-warren-intersectional-campaign/

Amid Right-Wing Effort to Smear Sanders Over Cuba Comments, Campaign Issues Reminder That Obama Said the Same Thing
Julia Conley, staff writer | commondreams.org | 2020-02-24
Sen. Bernie Sanders' campaign defended the 2020 presidential candidate's recent comments on former Cuban leader Fidel Castro on Monday as conservatives and centrist Democrats whipped up outrage over Sanders' praise for the high literacy rates in Cuba under Castro's leadership, which lasted from 1959 to 2008. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/gettyimages-5390379001.jpg
commondreams.org/news/2020/02/24/amid-right-wing-effort-smear-sanders-over-cuba-comments-campaign-issues-reminder?cd-origin=rss

Bernie Sanders wins Nevada and pulls further away from rivals
The Canary | thecanary.co | 2020-02-23
Bernie Sanders has won Nevada's presidential primary election and pulled further away from his rivals after strong showings in Iowa and New Hampshire. | The 78-year-old, a self-described socialist, cemented his position as the Democratic frontrunner with support from the state's large Latino community. | Mr Sanders left Nevada earlier on Saturday to rally supporters in El Paso, Texas, where he told the crowd US President Donald Trump was "a pathological liar running a corrupt administration". | "When we come together there is nothing we can't accomplish," Mr Sanders added. | The win builds on the Vermont senator'…
thecanary.co/us/2020/02/23/bernie-sanders-wins-nevada-and-pulls-further-away-from-rivals/

'Don't let them take it away!' Trump congratulates 'Crazy Bernie' as Sanders wins big in Nevada
rt.com | 2020-02-23
Evoking painful memories, US President Donald Trump has expressed hope that his potential Democratic contender won't be robbed of the nomination this time, as Bernie Sanders heads for a decisive victory in Nevada caucus. | "Looks like Crazy Bernie is doing well in the Great State of Nevada. Biden & the rest look weak, & no way Mini Mike can restart his campaign after the worst debate performance in the history of Presidential Debates," Trump tweeted. | Looks like Crazy Bernie is doing well in the Great State of Nevada. Biden & the rest look weak, & no way Mini Mike can restart his campaign after the worst deba…
rt.com/usa/481490-trump-congratulates-sanders-nevada/

"We want to show the DNC that the people have the power," says Milwaukee coalition
Fight Back | fightbacknews.org | 2020-02-23
New York, NY – On February 22, a Wisconsin delegation invited a conference of nearly 60 organizations to join a major protest at the Democratic National Convention taking place in Milwaukee in July. | The members of the Coalition to March on the DNC made their announcement on the second day of the United National Antiwar Coalition (UNAC) national conference. The UNAC conference is a major gathering of international solidarity and anti-oppression activists from across North America, taking place at the People's Forum in New York City. | The coalition is calling on all progressive, left, democratic and socialist or…
fightbacknews.org/2020/2/23/we-want-show-dnc-people-have-power-says-milwaukee-coalition

Bernie Sanders Hits the Jackpot
John Nichols | thenation.com | 2020-02-23
Bernie Sanders Hits the Jackpot…
thenation.com/article/politics/sanders-nevada-results-jackpot/

How Bernie Sanders Will Destroy the Deep State if He Becomes President
Eric Zuesse | dissidentvoice.org | 2020-02-22
Joe Lauria at Consortium News headlined on February 21st, "Apparent US Intel Meddling in US Election With 'Report' Russia is Aiding Sanders", and he noted that, If the story is true and if intelligence agencies are truly committed to protecting U.S. citizens, the Sanders campaign would have been quietly informed and shown evidence to back …
dissidentvoice.org/2020/02/how-bernie-sanders-will-destroy-the-deep-state-if-he-becomes-president/

Bernie Sanders takes early lead in Nevada Caucus based on first preference polling
rt.com | 2020-02-22
Early preference polling shows Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders is a clear favorite for caucus-goers, though it is still too early to call a true victor in the race. | Entrance poll results from ABC, CBS and others show Bernie's frontrunner status in the race for the Democrat Party's presidential nomination could hold strong in the third major votes for the battling candidates. | CBS reports that six in 10 caucus goers interviewed by them support a government-run, single-payer health care system, a signature part of Sanders' campaign promises, as well as that of contender Elizabeth Warren, though she did not far…
rt.com/usa/481484-sanders-leads-nevada-caucus/

Trump mocks 'fake news' for running 'Russian Sympathizer Bernie' smear, but doesn't miss a chance to score points
rt.com | 2020-02-22
It seems Donald Trump is yet to decide whether he would rather lampoon left-wing media for adding Democrat frontrunner Bernie Sanders to Team Russia or take the opportunity to mock his potential rival in the November poll. | Just a day apart, two steaming-hot scoops landed in the US media cycle. First, the New York Times said Russia was helping Donald Trump to get reelected. Then the Washington Post claimed Russia was helping Bernie Sanders's campaign. All based on anonymous sources, innuendos, and other traits with which even casual followers of the 'Russiagate' saga are all too familiar. | One of the princip…
rt.com/usa/481452-trump-mocks-russia-sanders/

'Totally sane': Dems can't make up their minds about who is a supposed 'Russian agent'. Trump? Bernie? Or… both?
rt.com | 2020-02-22
Former presidential candidate Eric Swalwell performed mental gymnastics on CNN to defend Bernie Sanders over alleged help from Russia, claiming Moscow does it in order to help its 'agent' Donald Trump. | The Democrats' overuse of Russian collusion conspiracy theories appears to be collapsing in on itself. First Trump supposedly worked with the country to meddle in the 2016 presidential election

'US democracy at work': WATCH Nevada caucus ties being determined by a deck of cards
rt.com | 2020-02-22
Ties at Nevada caucus sites are being determined by drawing from a deck of cards, and the bizarre videos are leaving folks scratching their heads in bewilderment. | Videos are coming in from Nevada caucus sites as votes are counted to decide who will win the third big battle for delegates in the race to win the Democrat Party's presidential nomination, and it's made people aware of a special piece of equipment being used by precinct captains

Minnesota Governor Walz flees protesters demanding action against killer cops
Fight Back | fightbacknews.org | 2020-02-22
Minneapolis, MN – When Minnesota Governor Tim Walz appeared at the University of Minnesota to reflect on his first year of governing, he was confronted by angry community members demanding that he call for the prosecutions of killer cops across the state. Family members of police murder victims were joined by Twin Cities Coalition for Justice 4 Jamar, UMN Students for a Democratic Society, SMASH students from Minneapolis South High School, and others. | Shortly after Walz and the event moderator were settled into two cozy armchairs on a stage at the front of a packed auditorium, one person rose from the middle of…
fightbacknews.org/2020/2/22/minnesota-governor-walz-flees-protesters-demanding-action-against-killer-cops

Politicizing water in Chile
Eds. | mronline.org | 2020-02-22
Chile is today in the midst of an unprecedented constituent process 30 years after the return of democracy, where the possibility of a new constitution has opened a discussion about what sort of country we want, and which rights should be enshrined in the drafting of this fundamental document. | Source…
mronline.org/2020/02/22/politicizing-water-in-chile/

Minnesota progressives say 'Don't vote for Amy Klobuchar'
Fight Back | fightbacknews.org | 2020-02-22
Minneapolis, MN

Group planning march on DNC heads to New York to build support
Fight Back | fightbacknews.org | 2020-02-22
New York, NY – Organizers with the Milwaukee-based Coalition to March on the DNC are attending the national conference of the United National Antiwar Coalition (UNAC), to build support for a major protest at the Democratic National Convention in July. | The Coalition to March on the DNC is a broad coalition of left and progressive forces who plan to bring popular demands to the 2020 Democratic National Convention, slated to take place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The march will be held on the opening morning of the convention, Monday, July 13. | "All eyes will be on Milwaukee when the people's movements protest outsi…
fightbacknews.org/2020/2/22/group-planning-march-dnc-heads-new-york-build-support

'Russians helping Sanders!' MSM takes abrupt break from anti-Trump frenzy for a 'never Bernie' moment on the eve of Nevada caucus
rt.com | 2020-02-21
As Bernie Sanders surges to the front of the pack for the Democratic nomination, the Washington Post has dropped an anonymous "bombshell" claiming that Moscow seeks to help him as well as its "puppet," US President Donald Trump. | On the word of "people familiar with the matter,"
rt.com/usa/481439-bernie-sanders-russia-democratic/

Malcolm X's Daughter Ilyasah Shabazz on Her Father's Legacy & the New Series "Who Killed Malcolm X?"
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-02-21
Fifty-five years ago today, Malcolm X was assassinated. The civil rights leader was shot to death on February 21, 1965, at the Audubon Ballroom in New York City. He was only 39 years old. Details of his assassination remain disputed to this day. Earlier this month, Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance said he was considering reopening the investigation, just days after a new documentary series about the assassination was released on Netflix called "Who Killed Malcolm X?" It makes the case that two of the three men who were convicted for Malcolm X's murder are actually innocent and that his uncaught killers wer…
www.democracynow.org/2020/2/21/malcolm_xs_daughter_ilyasah_shabazz_on

Trump Has a New Strategy for Fighting Corruption–Make It Legal!
Elie Mystal | thenation.com | 2020-02-21
Trump Has a New Strategy for Fighting Corruption–Make It Legal!
thenation.com/article/politics/corruption-trump-warren/

Trump Has Dropped the Pretense of Playing by the Rules of Democracy
Sasha Abramsky | thenation.com | 2020-02-21
Trump Has Dropped the Pretense of Playing by the Rules of Democracy…
thenation.com/article/politics/trump-justice-democracy-dictatorship/

Sochie Nnaemeka Wants to Take On Corporate Democrats
Karina Piser | thenation.com | 2020-02-21
Sochie Nnaemeka Wants to Take On Corporate Democrats…
thenation.com/article/politics/sochie-nnaemeka-wfp/

Brexit, Blexit, Drexit
James Lamont | dissidentvoice.org | 2020-02-21
You Brexit, You Bought It (February 6th) Rich man's club. Free market trade bloc. Undemocratic distant decision-making bureaucracy. All describe the EU, and yet the comfort these truths provide in the face of the UK withdrawal from the union is bittersweet. Growing up in it, an international identity of a positive nature developed, whether accidental …
dissidentvoice.org/2020/02/brexit-blexit-drexit/

Bloomberg surrogate was PR guru for Brazil's extreme-right leader Bolsonaro
Ben Norton | thegrayzone.com | 2020-02-20
Former Michael Bloomberg aide Arick Wierson, who is pushing the billionaire's 2020 presidential campaign and attacking Bernie Sanders, helped elect…
thegrayzone.com/2020/02/19/arick-wierson-bloomberg-pr-bolsonaro/

"Most Important Issue for Most People": Split on Healthcare Continues to Define 2020 Race
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-02-20
Healthcare continues to be a central issue of the Democratic nomination fight, with Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren repeating their calls for Medicare for All on the debate stage Wednesday night while their rivals proposed more incremental approaches. | We continue our roundtable discussion on Wednesday's Democratic debate in Nevada. Our guests are Katrina vanden Heuvel, editorial director and publisher of The Nation, America's oldest weekly magazine, and a columnist for WashingtonPost.com; journalist and activist Raquel Willis, executive editor of Out magazine, who has endorsed Senator Elizabeth War…
www.democracynow.org/2020/2/20/nevada_democratic_debate_part_2

Bernie Sanders Says "Will of the People" Should Decide Democratic Nomination, Not Party Insiders
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-02-20
As the primary season heads into the Nevada caucuses on Saturday, we unpack the ninth Democratic presidential debate in a roundtable on the tensions at work on the Las Vegas debate stage. Senator Bernie Sanders, currently the front-runner in the race, said the candidate with the most delegates should become the nominee; all his rivals on stage suggested they would be open to a brokered convention, with superdelegates and other party insiders potentially deciding the nomination. | We continue our discussion with Katrina vanden Heuvel, editorial director and publisher of The Nation; Raquel Willis, journalist, activ…
www.democracynow.org/2020/2/20/nevada_democratic_debate_part_4

Bloomberg Takes Debate Stage for First Time & Struggles to Face His History of Misogyny, Racism
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-02-20
Tensions flared at the ninth Democratic presidential debate in Las Vegas on Wednesday. Senator Bernie Sanders sought to defend his position as front-runner in the Democrats' nomination fight, and former Vice President Joe Biden, former Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Senator Amy Klobuchar tried to attract more supporters. Senator Elizabeth Warren led a night full of attacks on the new person on stage: billionaire former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg. Bloomberg faced questions about his vast wealth, his defense of stop-and-frisk and his treatment of women. | We host a roundtable on the debate and Saturday's Nevada c…
www.democracynow.org/2020/2/20/nevada_democratic_debate

Cop-Hating Vandals or Pro-Democracy Activists? – Depends whose police are being protested
Alan MacLeod | fair.org | 2020-02-20
The "cop-hating vandals" poured glue on three turnstiles and "placed large stickers throughout the subway station" (New York Post, 2/5/20). | The New York Police Department (NYPD) can generally rely on corporate media as allies on controversial police issues. A case in point was the New York subway protests earlier this month, in which the activist group Decolonize This Place…
fair.org/home/cop-hating-vandals-or-pro-democracy-activists/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=cop-hating-vandals-or-pro-democracy-activists

Minnesota House subcommittee passes bill to end local jail contracts with ICE
Fight Back | fightbacknews.org | 2020-02-20
St. Paul, MN – On February 19, the House Subcommittee on Local Government voted to pass House File 3060. HF 3060 is a bill that would end contracts that local jails in Minnesota have with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain people facing civil immigration charges. Currently several county jails in Minnesota have contracts with ICE to hold hundreds of immigrants facing deportation. | The bill, sponsored by democrat Representative Fue Lee, who represents part of north Minneapolis, will now advance to the Government Operations Committee. | Before voting on the bill, the committee heard testimony fr…
fightbacknews.org/2020/2/20/minnesota-house-subcommittee-passes-bill-end-local-jail-contracts-ice

Barrister says 'democracy at stake' in Assange trial
pip.hinman | greenleft.org.au | 2020-02-20
civil liberties Pip HinmanIssue 1254 Australia WhistleblowersFebruary 20, 2020February 24 is the first day of Wikileaks' founder Julian Assange's extradition hearing at Belmarsh Prison in London. The United States government will argue for his extradition to the US.
greenleft.org.au/content/barrister-says-democracy-stake-assange-trial

Yale Study Says Medicare for All Would Save U.S. $450 Billion, Prevent Nearly 70,000 Deaths a Year
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-02-19
As the Democratic presidential hopefuls prepare to take to the debate stage tonight, we turn to a central issue of the campaign: Medicare for All. In a new study, Yale scholars have found that Medicare for All will save Americans more than $450 billion and prevent 68,000 deaths every year. The study in The Lancet

Latinx Group Mijente Backs Bernie Sanders in First-Ever Presidential Endorsement
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-02-19
In its first-ever presidential endorsement, the Latinx and Chicanx organization Mijente endorsed Bernie Sanders on Tuesday ahead of the Nevada caucuses. The group tweeted its decision, saying, "We know that in 2020, Trump's potential re-election is a life-or-death threat for us, for our people, and for our planet. This moment demands a historic mobilization. That's why Mijente is uniting with the movement to elect @BernieSanders." A video accompanied the announcement. After the contests in Iowa and New Hampshire, where the electorate is overwhelmingly white, Nevada is the first election with a diverse population.
www.democracynow.org/2020/2/19/latinx_groups_back_bernie_sanders

Nevada Culinary Workers Union Member: I Would Trade My Union Healthcare for Medicare for All
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-02-19
The third presidential contest of the primary season takes place Saturday in Nevada. One of the state's most coveted endorsements is from the Culinary Workers Union, which represents some 60,000 workers in the restaurant and hospitality industries in Las Vegas and Reno. Its membership is 54% Latinx. But last week they decided not to endorse any of the candidates. Nevada is a "right to work" state, and the Culinary Workers Union has attracted members by offering them healthcare. It has said it supports "choices" in healthcare. The mobilization of service employees could be critical to winning the Nevada caucuses.
www.democracynow.org/2020/2/19/nevada_caucus_healthcare_culinary_union

Bloomberg Gains in Democratic Primaries, But Has History of Hostility to Unions Key to Voter Turnout
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-02-19
We continue our conversation with Marcie Wells, activist and waitress who is a member of the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 in Nevada, and Hamilton Nolan, labor reporter with In These Times. Nolan says 2020 had been "the most promising election year for organized labor in a long time," with Democratic candidates releasing platforms with strong labor protections. But Michael Bloomberg's entry into the race threatens to upend the Democratic Party's pro-worker shift. The billionaire former mayor of New York has a long track record of hostility toward organized labor, particularly teachers' unions, whom he has comp…
www.democracynow.org/2020/2/19/hamilton_nolan_michael_bloomberg_organized_labor

"Worth the Price?" New Film Shows How Biden Played Leading Role in Push for U.S. to Invade Iraq
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-02-18
The Democratic presidential candidates face off in Las Vegas Wednesday night ahead of the Nevada caucuses. Nevada could be a decisive state for candidates who performed poorly in Iowa and New Hampshire, including former Vice President Joe Biden. As Biden hopes for a comeback, a new short documentary sheds light on his extensive role in the Iraq War

Ambra Gutierrez Recorded Harvey Weinstein Admitting Sexual Assault in 2015. Why Wasn't He Charged?
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-02-18
Irin Carmon is a senior correspondent for New York magazine who has followed the allegations against Harvey Weinstein. She just published her new profile on Ambra Battilana Gutierrez, a Filipina-Italian model who reported Weinstein to the New York Police Department in 2015 for allegedly groping her during a meeting at his Tribeca office. At the urging of police, she wore a recording device for an arranged meetup at a Manhattan hotel and got Weinstein to admit on tape that he groped her and sought unsuccessfully to get her to come to his room. Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance decided not to pursue the case…
www.democracynow.org/2020/2/18/harvey_weinstein_trial_new_york

The Day Democracy Died
The Founding Fathers | zcomm.org | 2020-02-18
Some of the Founders and Framers of the Constitution did more than turn over in their graves… they actually resurfaced to sing "The Day Democracy Died."
zcomm.org/zvideo/1029329/

Journalist: Harvey Weinstein's Defense Team Is Waging a War Against the #MeToo Movement
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-02-18
A jury of seven men and five women meet today in New York Supreme Court to begin deliberations on whether to find disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein guilty of sexual assault. The case has drawn international attention amid the #MeToo movement. If the jurors find Weinstein guilty, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. Weinstein has been accused of sexual misconduct by more than 100 women but in this case faces five charges based on evidence relating to two main accusers. One woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, alleges she was raped by Weinstein in a New York hotel, for which he has been charged wit…
www.democracynow.org/2020/2/18/irin_carmon_harvey_weinstein_trial_nyc

John Pilger: Julian Assange must be freed, not betrayed
Susan Price | greenleft.org.au | 2020-02-18
civil liberties John PilgerIssue 1254 Britain Julian Assange extraditionFebruary 18, 2020On February 22, there will be a march from Australia House in London to Parliament Square, the centre of British democracy. | People will carry pictures of the Australi…
greenleft.org.au/content/john-pilger-julian-assange-must-be-freed-not-betrayed

How Billionaire Michael Bloomberg's Deep Pockets Have Let Him Win Friends and Buy Influence
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-02-17
With the Nevada caucuses less than a week away, many Democratic candidates are courting voters in state and increasingly targeting their attacks on a new challenger

How Bloomberg-Funded Center for American Progress Censored a Report on NYPD Surveillance of Muslims
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-02-17
Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg's self-funded campaign has flooded the airwaves with political advertisements, with the billionaire former New York City mayor having already spent more than $400 million on TV, radio and other ads

"They Have Not Relented": U.S. Maintains Support for Yemen War as Saudi Airstrike Kills 31 Civilians
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-02-17
In Yemen, 31 people were killed in U.S.-backed Saudi airstrikes over the weekend, including women and children. The strikes in the northern al-Jawf province came just hours after the Houthis said they had shot down a Saudi fighter jet in the same area. The United Nations called the drone strike "shocking." The deadly strike follows a recent uptick in violence in northern Yemen and comes as the war there hits a five-year mark. More than 100,000 have died, and far more have been displaced, since the conflict began in 2015. On Sunday, the United Nations said the Houthis and U.S.-backed Saudi and United Arab Emirates…
www.democracynow.org/2020/2/17/us_backed_saudi_airstrikes_yemen_war

Pundits Look to Bloomberg as Their Anti-Sanders Savior
Julie Hollar | fair.org | 2020-02-14
Coming out of the first two Democratic primary states, with Bernie Sanders leading in votes and Pete Buttigieg leading in delegates, who is "starting to dominate the national political debate like no one in the past five years other than President Donald Trump"? | According to NBC's Jonathan Allen ( 2/12/20), that's former New York City mayor, erstwhile Republican, and billionaire Michael Bloomberg, who has won no national delegates and is cur…
fair.org/home/pundits-look-to-bloomberg-as-their-anti-sanders-savior/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pundits-look-to-bloomberg-as-their-anti-sanders-savior

One Billion Rising: Eve Ensler & Taína Asili Mark V-Day and Campaign to End Sexual Violence
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-02-14
This Valentine's Day, people around the world are taking to the streets to protest violence against women and girls. From the Philippines to India to Italy to Bolivia, thousands of women in more than 100 countries will reclaim public space through dance and performance as part of a global movement called One Billion Rising. The movement takes its name from the shocking statistic that one in three women across the planet will be beaten or raped during her lifetime. One Billion Rising started on Valentine's Day 2012 and has continued to grow every year since. Participants say they won't stop dancing until violence…
www.democracynow.org/2020/2/14/v_day_one_billion_rising

Rep. Rashida Tlaib: Trump's "Racist" Plan Would Legalize the Theft of Palestinian Land
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-02-14
We continue our conversation with Congressmember Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, the first Palestinian-American woman elected to Congress. She responds to President Trump's Middle East plan, under which Israel would gain sovereignty over large areas of the occupied West Bank, Jerusalem would be under total Israeli control, and all Jewish settlers in the occupied territory would be allowed to remain in their homes. Tlaib says the plan was formulated with a "racist lens" that ignores Palestinian lives and aspirations. Tlaib says she wants people "to know what the human impact is of taking people's land, taking people's…
www.democracynow.org/2020/2/14/rashida_tlaib_trump_middle_east_plan

Jim Naureckas on Democratic Primaries, Nina Luo on Decriminalizing Sex Work
CounterSpin | fair.org | 2020-02-14
Media…
fair.org/home/jim-naureckas-on-democratic-primaries-nina-luo-on-decriminalizing-sex-work/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=jim-naureckas-on-democratic-primaries-nina-luo-on-decriminalizing-sex-work

Peace Action: Senate Reclaims War Powers to Thwart Iran War
Paul Kawika Martin | peaceaction.org | 2020-02-13
Washington, D.C.

Hasan Sits Down With Bernie Sanders
Bernie Sanders | zcomm.org | 2020-02-08
Interview on aging and retirement in America…
zcomm.org/zvideo/1029014/

Biden Threatens Lawsuit to Halt Release of Real Iowa Caucus Results
Tyler Durden | theantimedia.com | 2020-02-04
American democracy–ain't it grand?>…

Biden Threatens Lawsuit to Halt Release of Real Iowa Caucus Results

War with Iran Is at Stake–and Democrats' High Jumps Over Low Standards Aren't Helping
Norman Solomon | zcomm.org | 2020-02-02
The huge crisis with Iran is more dangerous because so many Democrats have been talking out of both sides of their mouths…
zcomm.org/zmagazine/war-with-iran-is-at-stake-and-democrats-high-jumps-over-low-standards-arent-helping/

The Times They Are a-Changin: Bernie Sanders
Various Contributors | zcomm.org | 2020-02-01
Sometimes it feels like our world is falling apart, but real change is all around us…
zcomm.org/zvideo/the-times-they-are-a-changin-bernie-sanders/

House Votes to Rein in Trump's Iran War Powers While Ending Endless Wars
Jon Rainwater | peaceaction.org | 2020-01-31
Washington, D.C.