The Democratic National Committee (DNC) is still attempting to spin out of the scandal over the recently leaked emails showing that, as long claimed by critics, it was undermining Bernie Sanders and rigging the process for Hillary Clinton during the primaries. It would seem obvious to most of us that not only should Debbie Wasserman Schultz resign, but a number of DNC officials fired for the emails, particularly DNC CFO Brad Marshall. Yet, the DNC is been largely quiet and clearly hoping that Democrats simply do not care if they have been directly misled by the DNC, which sought to engineer the win for Clinton. It may be right. Many Democratic voters (like many Republican voters) seem to have simply accepted that politicians lie to them and that people who are demanding honesty from leaders are naive (or do not see “the bigger picture”). The DNC is clearly hunkering down to see if “this too shall pass” with voters. While Wasserman Schultz has given up her speaking role at the convention, she is clinging on to the chairmanship of the party. Update: Wasserman Schultz has resigned but there is still little media attention to Marshall, Davey, and others at the DNC who actively plotted against Sanders).
The sheer mendacity of the Democratic leadership in these emails is breathtaking. At the very time that these officials were denying allegations that they were undermining Sanders at every turn, Marshall and his colleagues were secretly doing exactly what they were publicly denying. However, Marshall was particularly disgraceful in his effort to use Sanders’ faith against him. He pushed for an attack on Sanders as an agnostic or atheist. That should not sit well with the millions of agnostics and atheists in this country — one of the fastest going segments of the population.
Marshall wrote that “for KY and WVA can we get someone to ask his belief. Does he believe in a God. He had skated on saying he has a Jewish heritage. I think I read he is an atheist. This could make several points difference with my peeps. My Southern Baptist peeps would draw a big difference between a Jew and an atheist.” This went to various DNS communications directors who were also busy denying that any secret effort against Sanders.DNC CEO Amy Dacey responded “Amen” Both Dacey and Marshall have been part of a concerted denial of such efforts and both should have been fired with other officials involved in these exchanges.
Marshall’s apology only magnifies the problem. He wrote
“I deeply regret that my insensitive, emotional emails would cause embarrassment to the DNC, the Chairwoman, and all of the staffers who worked hard to make the primary a fair and open process. The comments expressed do not reflect my beliefs nor do they reflect the beliefs of the DNC and its employees. I apologize to those I offended.”
Really? You send an email to other DNC officials suggesting an attack on a Democratic candidate’s religion and, after being caught, you say that it does not “reflect my beliefs”? This was not some aside at a party but an email sent to other party functionaries. Moreover, Marshall makes no mention of the fact that he, Dacey, and Wasserman Schultz were denying such a secret campaign against Sanders at the very time that these emails were sent. The very fact that the DNC did not immediately dump Marshall, Dacey and others is telling. Indeed, they should have been let go when these emails were sent, let alone after they were forced to acknowledge their dishonest and disgraceful conduct.
What do you think?
I cannot get into any of Hillary’s emails.
Trump is commissioning a Pokemon game with himself at the main Poke guy. He admitted this in an email to his cohorts in Florida and wants it available ASAP. He is paying for it personally.
This too shall pass.
Not without some political Dulcolax to help give birth to the giant turd that this episode exemplifies.
I will be curious to see whether Professor Turley will provide guidance on Mr. Trump’s Acceptance Speech or not–I did a brief search on his website and did not see any as of now.
Might as well vote for Gus.
http://www.ourcampaigns.com/images/candidates/b4/C4191D0000-00-00.jpg
@ bam bam
“I’d get rid of DWS for sporting greasy, curly worms from her scalp.”
Mr. Turley, you really should admonish readers who post such remarks. Sure, they have a right to free speech. But that does not mean that whatever a person says should go unchallenged or uncriticized. Such remarks about a person’s appearance are a form of bigotry, add nothing of substance or use to a discussion or debate, and should be condemned for the prejudice they display.
Strange, but had they used different or personal email accounts, it wouldn’t seem so egregious as it could leave room to think that they had compartmentalized; that perhaps in their official DNC roles they may have been neutral, but merely expressing personal views. Probably not, but possibly. They couldn’t even bother to use a their personal email account for this?
While it is shameful, it’s important to note that this is just a small display of where the culture and society is at this point. There is a serious breakdown and we are at an important and precarious historical juncture. This amoral, if not immoral, mentality is hardly confined to these people and this segment. It is, unfortunately, systemic. It is a function of mass societal ignorance, the breakdown of accountability (which subsumes the breakdown of the rule of law, a critical juncture being the lack of accountability of many in the Bush administration for war crimes) and the ensuing reaction throughout the world since leading toward social detachment (and the symptoms are ever-increasing detachment (self-ism), fascism, base materialism and general ignorance).
Do not give up on Sanders yet.. He was forced by the DNC to endorse HRC.. But he has not conceded. Remember your history.. FDR too was forced to endorse his opponent without conceding, and he went on to win the election..
Yes Autumn, hidden is the financial fraud but the evidence is actually in plain sight.
Of possible interest: “Clinton Cash” is being aired on Breitbart.com today at 2 PM EST and 8 EST PM
http://www.breitbart.com/clinton-cash-movie/
Don’t know if I will watch it. I am already so nauseated with the DNC/Clinton(s) shenanigans
@Justice Holmes
Are you familiar with the hashtag #whichhillary? It’s as funny as “#hillarymademewhite”
I’d get rid of DWS for sporting greasy, curly worms from her scalp.
@sandiasingh
What is wrong with you Hilbots? Don’t you have any integrity whatsoever?
@Paul
re: ” If I were Bernie, I would take my people and go home.” No, go over and join Jill Stein and the Green Party
Justice Holmes,
Did you every see the recurring figure in Reno 911 whose always doing something which is obviously over the top crazy? When he gets caught in the act, his response is always: “You don’t know me! You can’t judge me!” Maybe that’s the right tactic in this situation?
Of course this staffer will not lose his job! He fits right in. “I said it but I don’t believe it” ” I support it but I don’t.” Sounds like a Clinton speech! And now reflects exactly the kind of plan espoused by her running mate. “I’m pro life but I’m not.” “I’m Catholic but don’t worry.” “I love workers but hate unions.” “Whoops, did I say that I didn’t mean it and it does not reflect the beliefs to which I will admit.” Or how about I’m sorry you were offended but that’s really your problem!
Yep, this staffer fits right in!
The level of contempt for citizens is astonishing! Of course they should be fired. I have no idea why anyone who doesn’t love power for power’s sake would keep on defending the DNC. The Democratic party is completely willing to disenfranchise it’s members. Not one of the major players is worthy of anyone’s loyalty.
What you see in the e-mails is anything that will manipulate voters. Hispanics are brands, let’s go get some gays for the party, we’ll tell the progressives one thing at the platform committee because it’s not binding, here’s how to scare Dems with Trump, preachers don’t like atheists and so on. It’s not just a religion card they’re playing here. It’s taking voters of every kind and manipulating them for their own purpose. That is repulsive. And yes, I’m quite certain Republicans do this and it’s equally repulsive when the RNC does this.
My advice is to immediately withdraw support and loyalty from all parties which hold you in contempt, manipulate you and take away your rights.
I think they should fire them all, but then who would run the party? We have know for a long time the DNC was in the bag for Hillary, the emails just confirm it. If I were Bernie, I would take my people and go home.
Totally agree, Mr. Turley. I am a strong Democrat who voted for Sanders in the primary and will vote for Clinton in the general. This is unacceptable by any party.
It would behoove people to remember that any words you say on a computer or device are there forever and very easy to hack. Quite juvenile behavior for the DNC.
Yes, and DWS needs to go.
Trump has an email out today saying that Wasserman is gay and that Sanders is gay and that she does not like him because he is a gay male.