From Russia With Love

Just in the last hour, it was reported that Russia is trying to help - wait for it - the Bernie Sanders 2020 Presidential campaign.

Why might they do so?  Sanders' winning the Democratic nomination would be music to Donald Trump's ears.  That music would have the refrain Just label Bernie a socialist, again and again, and you'll be back in the Oval Office on January 20.

Is Biden Back?

Today, in trying to blunt the effect of his poor performance in last night's Democratic Presidential debate, former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg stated the person who won the debate was Donald Trump.

I agree with Mr. Bloomberg, but not in Mr. Trump considering Bloomberg his most dangerous adversary.  It's my feeling that the bickering and sniping among the Democratic candidates were what gladdened Mr. Trump's heart.  They were doing his insulting for him.

But there was a bright spot in the proceedings, and in the race overall.  A poll released this afternoon showed former Vice President Joe Biden in first place, ahead of Senator Bernie Sanders in 2nd, and businessman Tom Steyer in 3rd,  in the upcoming (Feb.28) South Carolina primary.

I'm heartened by that, in particular because, during the debate, Mr. Biden seemed to be the only adult in the room.

Birds of a Feather

In addition to seeking revenge on any who stood against him during the impeachment investigation and trial, Donald Trump appears to be trying to reinforce his base, by championing folks he recognizes as like minds.

Today, Mr. Trump:

• commuted the sentence of former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich, stating that the governor  had already served more than enough time in prison, and that he seems like a very nice person, [though] I don't know him
• pardoned Bernard Kerik, the former New York City police commissioner, who had been convicted of tax fraud and lying to the government
• pardoned Michael Milken, an investment banker known in the 1980s as the junk bond king, who had fought for decades to reverse his conviction for securities fraud
• pardoned or commuted the sentences of eight others

Applicable cliches abound.  In addition to the subject line for this post, how about:

• It Takes One to Know One
• Peas in a Pod
• Pot, Meet Kettle
• Have You No Decency

Hateful and Offensive

That's how Senator Elizabeth Warren, herself a Democratic Presidential candidate, described the behavior of Rush Limbaugh toward one of her rivals for the nomination.

In response to Trump. Limbaugh, and their tweets in general, Warren said homophobic attacks against @PeteButtigieg are hateful and offensive. We will not tolerate this in the Democratic presidential race, and we will fight together against the hate and bigotry that Donald Trump promotes and rewards.

One point to affirm  here is the need to speak out in defense of those who might otherwise be victimized  As important, in my mind, is the realization that, whomever eventually wins the Democratic nomination, we must all fight together against the hate and bigotry that Donald Trump promotes and rewards.  Hate and bigotry have played a big role in getting Mr. Trump where he is today.  Let's try to ensure he's no longer there after January 20th, 2021.