CNN Town Hall Went Deep on Climate Crisis—but Was Anyone Listening? view post on FAIR.org by Julie Hollar Given the Democratic National Committee’s refusal to allow its party’s presidential hopefuls to take part in a televised climate debate, CNN (and, later this month, MSNBC) agreed to host “town halls” on the climate crisis—events with one candidate at a time on stage, fielding questions from network hosts as well as network-selected audience members. CNN‘s climate crisis town hall (9/4/19) showed that, when it’s not setting up mock combat among candidates, the network can actually provide thoughtful and substantive discussion about critical policy issues. Over the seven hours, the ten candidates were spared the ridiculously short time limits enforced in televised debates that require superficial answers. Environmental activists and other interested and well-informed citizens were given the opportunity to ask probing questions about specific plans, and to force candidates to answer for their past (and present) climate-related stances. A New York Times headline (9/5/19) treats a tax on carbon as a dirty word. (The online version of the story is here.) But it’s not enough. Viewership for a town hall will never approach that for a party-sponsored debate—which is in part ensured by the lack of media hype and coverage. CNN averaged 1.1 million viewers across the seven hours of the town hall (TheHill.com, 9/5/19), compared to an average of nearly 10 million across the two nights of its debates (Hollywood Reporter, 8/1/19). Neither the Washington Post nor USA Today published write-ups of the event in their print editions the next day; the New York Times ‘ write-up (9/5/19) played up the drama, focusing on one policy issue that it deemed “controversial”—the idea of a carbon tax (the “T-Word,” as the headline put it). Given that lack of coverage combined with low viewership, what impact will the town halls make? The media hosts of the upcoming debates ought to view them as a foundation for asking more climate questions in the debates, question that—now that candidates have established their positions in much more detail—can probe deeper. The danger, however, is that instead they’ll take the town halls as a free pass to ask fewer climate-related questions, claiming the issue has already been covered. And while we can hope for debate questions as informed as the ones CNN audience members asked at the town hall, many of the questions lobbed by CNN hosts themselves—like those from the first two debates—give us little reason to expect it. The moments in which CNN hosts tried to be “tough” on candidates were largely based on Republican talking points, like how much their plans would cost (ignoring how much inaction would cost), and whether Americans would be “forced” to drive electric cars or give up meat. CNN‘s Anderson Cooper questions Sen. Bernie Sanders at the climate town hall. Anderson Cooper, for example, followed up on an audience question about how Bernie Sanders would fund his climate plan by pressing Sanders, “Would you guarantee to the American public tonight that the responsibility for $16.3 trillion, which is a massive amount of money, wouldn’t end up on taxpayers’ shoulders?” Meanwhile, CNN‘s Chris Cuomo asked Elizabeth Warren: “Do you think that the government should be in the business of telling you what kind of lightbulb you can have?” These echoed the framework both CNN and NBC used for their debate questions, which—across issues—leaned on right-wing assumptions and talking points (FAIR.org, 7/30/19, 8/2/19). Audience questions, on the other hand, were informed and useful, bringing some refreshing assumptions about things like the need for “massive industrial mobilization” to solve the climate crisis and frequent references to race- and class-based impacts of climate disruption. It’s remarkable—and commendable—that they were given a platform by CNN. But we need more of that in the more widely viewed debates. Messages to CNN can be sent here (or via Twitter @CNN). Please remember that respectful communication is the most effective. Feel free to leave a copy of your message in the comments thread of this post. Featured image: Sen. Elizabeth Warren at CNN‘s climate town hall.

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Now, we strike

The DNC just undermined a whole generation Join the student-led US Climate Strike now!  #StrikeWithUs We just got word that Tom Perez and the Democratic National Committee voted to block a climate debate. I can’t begin to tell you how outraged I am, so I’m going to keep this short. Our political system is failing us, and it’s failing a whole generation of people fighting for a better world. With this setback and a climate denier in the White House, there’s no other choice.  We strike. Are you with me? Join the student-led, nation-wide climate strikes starting on September 20th now. Let me tell you about the student-led climate strikes and why they’re a beacon of hope for the future. Starting September 20th, young people and adults around the world will strike to demand that politicians take transformative action to address the climate crisis. Led by students, ten of thousands of people will walk out of school and work to join mass marches, rallies, music concerts, sit-ins, and nonviolent direct action. Together, we’re demanding that those in power make a choice. Are they with the young people who stand to lose the most from climate disaster? Or will they stand with the fossil fuel companies, climate change deniers, and the Trump administration’s catastrophic policies? Join the student-led climate strikes now. Since Trump took power, we’ve seen environmental regulations get slashed and the EPA gutted. We’ve seen climate denial take center stage. We’ve seen the people who are the most vulnerable and marginalized in this country get hit the hardest during climate disasters. We’ve seen blatant violations of people’s human rights — whether it’s being held in cages at the border, getting harassed in the street because of their sexuality or identity, or being forced to breathe in coal pollution. But, I know just how powerful we are and I’m not giving up hope. Let’s create a world where we take care in everything we do, instead of destroying the earth and hurting one another.  Will you join me in striking this September 20th? It’s time to rise up, Vanessa Butterworth and everyone here at Greenpeace Greenpeace never takes a dime from corporations or governments. Everything we do is thanks to the generous support of people like you! DONATE NOW

FOCUS: Bill McKibben | Seeing Red? Think Blue

It's Live on the HomePage Now: Reader Supported News URGENT APPEAL FOR IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE - We are not getting the basic donations we need to pay the bills. When we say urgent, we mean urgent. These are the worst fundraising numbers we have ever seen. The time is now to confront this. With urgency and resolve. - Marc Ash, Founder Reader Supported News Sure, I'll make a donation! FOCUS: Bill McKibben | Seeing Red? Think Blue  Bill McKibben, The New York Review of Books McKibben writes: "On Friday evening, the Democratic National Committee reversed a decision it had made two months ago: the committee would now welcome money from fossil-fuel corporate PACS." READ MORE Contribute to RSN Become a Fan of RSN on Facebook and Twitter Update My Monthly Donation

RSN: Matt Taibbi | As the DNC Adopts New Rules Seemingly Targeting Future Bernies

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RSN: Matt Taibbi | As the DNC Adopts New Rules Seemingly Targeting Future Bernies

RSN: DNC Signals Its Opposition to Bernie Sanders in 2020 Early

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RSN: DNC Signals Its Opposition to Bernie Sanders in 2020 Early

RSN: The Smear Campaign Against Keith Ellison Is Repugnant but Reveals Much About Washington

It's time to grow up and behave like adults!

You don't have to be on any 'side' to know that Israel is WRONG! 

Israel is the largest US Welfare recipient. 

How has Israel advanced PEACE? 


And agree or disagree with those positions, it is an indisputable fact that Israel receives far more in U.S. aid than any other country yet continually does exactly that which numerous U.S. presidents have insisted it not do, often to the detriment of U.S. interests. And many prominent foreign policy experts — including David Petraeus — have warned that excessive U.S. support for the worst actions of the Israeli government endangers U.S. national security by alienating Arabs in the region and fueling support for anti-American terrorism. The idea that a member of Congress is not permitted to debate these policies without being branded an anti-Semite is sheer insanity: malicious insanity at that.

It's Live on the HomePage Now: 
Reader Supported News

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FOCUS: Glenn Greenwald | The Smear Campaign Against Keith Ellison Is Repugnant but Reveals Much About Washington 

Glenn Greenwald, The Intercept 
Greenwald writes: "Ever since he announced his candidacy to lead the Democratic National Committee, Keith Ellison, the first American Muslim elected to the U.S. Congress, has been the target of a defamation campaign that is deceitful, repugnant, and yet quite predictable." 
READ MORE

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This & that....

Debra Fox Sullivan shared Naeem Sal's post.

 Girl Du Jour's photo.

Azar Brannan shared Brian Dye's post.

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http://nypost.com/2016/03/29/de-blasio-cronies-demand-hillary-debate-bernie-in-new-york/

Mauricio Garzon Hey Republicans, democrats and independents! Bernie supporter here. I'm one of the 99%, just a hard worker, but I just wanted to talk to you for just a second. Just hear me out, that's all I ask.

There are two sides. The 99% side, and the 1% side. Maddow can pick her side, and live with the label "SELLOUT", just like anyone else who shills for the 1%. To Hillary: It's not the hours you put in, but what you put into the hours that count. At last America will be having an honest President, an inspiring leader, US Senator Bernie Sanders, who knows and understands what justice mean for every American.

Also for republicans, we need to talk about the Trump. Yup, that's right. It's pretty much in the bag at this point. Donald Trump is going to be your nominee, and very possibly our next president. I'm sure that makes a lot of you pretty happy, but I also know a lot of you are really not too thrilled with the way things have turned out. There seems to be quite a split in the Republican party right now. And as you probably noticed, we Democrats have our own little civil war brewing.

If there's one thing you guys and Bernie supporters can agree on is that none of us trust Hillary Clinton. And that's what makes this whole mess so concerning. I'm not just speaking for myself here when I say I really, really don't want to have to choose between Trump or Clinton. In fact, a lot of us Bernie supporters have sworn to write-in Sanders if it comes to that.

But here's the thing; I know you guys don't care for Bernie. Socialism, socialism, blah, blah, blah... But this socialism it's not against capitalism democratic it's totally different to the one we used in this moment and is called "capitalism plutocratic" believe me. We can agree to disagree about socialism. I'm not here to win you over on it. What I am here to do is tell you that most of the polls comparing the candidates in the general show that Bernie Sanders can beat Donald Trump by a significant margin. They show Hillary can best him too, but just barely. It'd basically be a toss-up. But as we already said, Trump or Hillary... take your pick, we're still screwed.

That's why I'm asking you to support Bernie Sanders. He's honestly the most trustworthy, and least harmful candidate we can muster. I know you don't agree with many of his plans, but let's be realistic, it's not like he'd get elected and the next day we're all Socialists. Congress will have its work cut out for it opposing all the things he wants to propose. Plus, Bernie wants to get us out of the Middle East and stop being the world's self-appointed police force. Can you think of a better way to prevent radical extremists from holding a grudge against us?

A lot of us Bernie supporters are Independents. That means we don't just blindly agree to all the policies the Democratic Party structures itself on. There are many Independents that actually agree with Republicans on a number of issues. Bernie himself has prided himself on being able to work with members of both parties to achieve compromises.

So, long story short. Bernie needs your help. America needs your help. Republicans, Democrats, Independents... Let's work together, just this once to keep Trump and Clinton from sitting in the Oval Office. Go to your state's open Democratic primaries and caucuses, and stack the vote for Bernie.

I support Senator Bernie Sanders for every single reason he is running for president!! 1. Climate change is real and it's being caused by human activity! 2. End citizens United that's the big money campaign contributions (super packs) 3. Universal healthcare 4. tuition free universities. 5. Fix our broken criminal justice system 6. Raise the minimum-wage 7. The income inequality is out of control 8. Everyone pay their fair share of taxes 9. End overseas tax havens 10. Legalization of marijuana 11. Commonsense responsible gun legislation 12. Real immigration reform 13. If it's going to be sold in the United States it has to be made in the United States 14. Bring our jobs back 15. Transform our energy system 16. No more wars 17. Reestablish broken treaties with the Native Americans 18. Leave a clean habitable planet for our future generations. 19. Fix our crumbling infrastructure. End the industrial military complex and their irresponsible spending. I could go on and on and on. Let's just say I haven't heard anything come out his mouth I don't agree with. If you disagree with anything he stands for.

Please feel free to share this post.

Sorry, just couldn't help myself. Had to post. Lol!

‎Andre Watson‎ to Bernie Sanders is my HERO

23 hrs · 

She will as soon as he "changes his tone" LMAO!!!!
‪#‎GrowUpHillary‬ ‪#‎FeelTheBern

Occupy Democrats's photo.

Occupy Democrats

December 15, 2015 · 

Kudos to Robert Duvall for seeing the light.

Read more here: http://thebea.st/1NnMMW6

Satire site!

Donald Trump says he’s never forgiven the Muslims for killing Jesus

Easter is a time for remembering that Muslims killed Jesus, according to Donald Trump.

“People ask me why I don’t like Muslims, and I say ‘duh’, it’s because they nailed Jesus to the cross with those Muslamic nails of theirs. Page 545 of the Bible I think it is, there in black and white, Muhammad Pilate and his henchmen killing Jesus.”

“I don’t hear other candidates reminding Americans that Muslims killed Jesus. Is this yet another thing Hillary has conveniently forgotten? Lyin’ Ted Cruz says he’s a Bible man but he hasn’t mentioned it either – has he even read page 545??”

“The reason no one talks about the Muslims killing Jesus is political correctness, plain and simple. Well I’ve never worried about being political, and I’ve never worried about being correct, I just say what I think” said Trump.

Trump’s comments saw his popularity soar to new highs, and it now seems increasingly likely that come November, the White House will turn a hideous shade of orange.

WE THE PEOPLE ARE WITH YOU TULSI GABBARD!

SANDERS-GABBARD https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=980889148626903&set=a.903584433024042.1073741834.100001174814905&type=3&theater

Amir Parvez with Bernie Sanders 

· 

"As a veteran of two Middle East deployments, I know firsthand the cost of war. I know how important it is that our commander-in-chief has the sound judgment required ….. to know when to use America's military power--and when not to use that power. 

As vice chairman of the DNC I am required to stay neutral in Democratic primaries, but I cannot remain neutral any longer. The stakes are too high.

That’s why today …. I’m endorsing Senator Bernie Sanders to be the next president and commander-in-chief of the United States . 

We need a Commander in Chief who has foresight and good judgment. ….. Who understands the need for a foreign policy which is robust in defending the safety and security of the American people. Who will not waste precious lives and money on interventionist wars of regime change. Such counterproductive wars undermine our national security and economic prosperity.

As elections continue across the country, the American people are faced with a clear choice. We can elect a president who will lead us into more interventionist wars of regime change. Or … we can elect a president who will usher in a new era of peace and prosperity.

With this clear choice in mind, today I am resigning as Vice-Chair of the DNC so that I can strongly support Bernie Sanders as the democratic nominee for President of the United States.
And now, I ask you … Stand with me …. And support Bernie Sanders."
-Tulsi Gabbard

‪#‎ImWithHer‬ ‪#‎FeelTheBern‬ ‪#‎Bernie2016‬
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UM8F4EuUbw