Welcome to the big leagues? Really?

Oh the poor poor dear, what shall he ever do?

...railing against the strawman that gun control advocates were somehow against 'hunting and target practice' and that 'urban' advocates of gun control couldn't possibly understand 'rural' folks' affinity for using firearms as recreation.

The comments appeared directed at O'Malley, in particular, who came out strongly for gun control in the wake of the Charleston shootings. Sanders, who also supports gun control in many instances, wanted to differentiate himself from O'Malley on this issue. Hard to see what progressive Democratic constituency he was aiming at, though. The 'hunting and fishing' dog whistle mostly appeals to moderates and conservatives.

In light of his comments, it's not surprising to find O'Malley allies hitting back, if only to highlight their candidate's unequivocal stance on gun control. I'd have rather they didn't do this because of the wedge it'll place between O'Malley and Sanders camps here at DU, but I suppose it had to happen at some point. This is a campaign.

I was only responding to the "oh dear, what shall Bernie ever do" insinuation of the OP.

Of course they are hitting at each other, what else are they supposed to do when they are trying to achieve the same goal?

I could not care less where it started or how it started I was only replying to the stupid insinuation that somehow O'Malley or anyone else has more experience or that Bernie cowers before them. It is stupid, I reacted, big whoop.

EDIT: I have to edit because the OP edited and now my response just looks stupid. Oh well.

...me? I'm in the uncomfortable position of a real contest now, with no illusions anymore of comity between the O'Malley camp and Sanders' to keep supporters here at DU from dividing too sharply.

Bernie and O'Malley both have experienced pols advocating political moves to them. Both are pretty experienced, themselves, as well. Pols gonna politic. Sway it is.

Angry gun toting white men vote too.

I seriously doubt he was caught off guard.

The usual candidate slap fight. None of them will be immune.

Frankly, I'm a little surprised by this ad.

It's pretty harsh.

O'Malley hasn't been getting much attention (that I know of) so this will provide that attention.

I think it was a big mistake on O'Malley's part. It will not convince any current Sanders supporter to switch, and won't do much to pull votes from Clinton, either. It's the wrong way for O'Malley to go, and is going to backfire on him. That's only my opinion, of course. I could be wrong, but I don't think so.

on him.

O'Malley is still going nowhere, because contrast to Bernie, O'Malley is just another New Democrat in the mold of Ms. Clinton.

They may just be trying to get a rise out of him.

I mean he's only been in politics for how many years now?

I wonder how much of this PACs funds are coming from Hillary supporters.

between those PACs are drawn.

and no evidence. Those are the best.

Comparable to this, I would say.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=6892110

You will have your proof soon.

Edit: Shit. Someone actually made the claim three minutes before I posted this. You truly can't make this shit up!

Thanks for removing yourself from my consideration, Mr O'Malley.

Damn, that was quick and easy.

And this is nothing compared to what will come later on

And no sir, "others do it too" doesn't make it any less shitty. I expect this trash from Republicans,, not Democrats.

So, explain to me again about the higher moral ground that separates the major parties.

...insinuating that 'urban' gun control advocates are somehow against 'rural' folks and their 'hunting' and 'target practice.'

Sanders: 'Urban America has got to respect what rural America is about,' including guns

Splitting with fellow Democratic presidential candidate Martin O'Malley, Sanders said on National Public Radio that urban candidates don't understand the cultural value and importance of gun ownership, adding that they are "terribly mistaken" if they think gun control will end violence.

"I think guns and gun control is an issue that needs to be discussed," he said on Thursday's Morning Edition. "Let me add to that, I think that urban America has got to respect what rural America is about, where 99 percent of the people in my state who hunt are law abiding people."

Following the Charleston, S.C. church slayings, O'Malley said "I'm pissed," and called for tough gun control. Hillary Clinton also endorsed a lesser form and White House spokesman Josh Earnest blasted the ownership of "assault weapons."

But Sanders, who represents a largely rural state, said gun control is not the answer to curbing violence.

"If anyone thinks that gun control itself is going to solve the problem of violence in this country, you're terribly mistaken. So, obviously, we need strong, sensible gun control and I will support it. But some people think it's going to solve all of our problems. It is not," he said.

I have guns and I hunt, but I don't think anyone in their right mind needs an assault rifle, period. I am all for banning them for civilian use. No matter what anyone says, you don't need an assault rifle to hunt deer, or any other game. I have to go along with O'Malley on this. Bernie is right, it's not the ONLY way to stop gun violence, but it's a damned good start if you ask me.

...and their desire for gun 'recreation.'

Neither do I think they were arguing that gun control would solve everything, However, like you, I think that more can be done with stricter, more accountable background checks and several more assault rifles which are unnecessary.

but would have voted with Bernie on giving gun manufacturers protections from victim lawsuits.

I think Bernie's stance on gun control is fine. But if he gets criticized for his previous stances, so be it. That's politics.

I have a lot of respect for both guys, but lets cut the bullshit of trying to be condescending to Bernie.

Saying welcome to the big leagues to a sitting US Senator. Jesus.

edited to add: That was quick (the change of title)

Guess some people just have a one track mind!

Bernie is not. At least he voted against the Brady Bill.

There was a poll about 6 months ago and I think a large percentage was for some gun control ie background checks. Not sure about the other things you mentioned.

... who also had a more neutral stance on gun laws in his own state too, but advocated more regulation elsewhere where states have felt their situations needed it. He didn't lose the nomination because of this stance.

http://www.ontheissues.org/2004/Howard_Dean_Gun_Control.htm

...I'm not feeling this at all.

Oh, and the suggestion that this is on behalf of Clinton ignores the several attacks on Hillary already past the wire by O'Malley, most notably, the 'dynasty' hit.

“Recently, the CEO of Goldman Saches let his employees know that he’d be just fine with either Bush or Clinton,” O'Malley said at his Saturday announcement. “I bet he would. Well, I’ve got news for the bullies of Wall Street. The presidency is not a crown to be passed back and forth by you between two royal families.”

“I’m glad Secretary Clinton’s come around to the right position on these issues,” said O’Malley, according to Talking Points Memo. “I believe that we are best as a party when we lead with our principles and not according to the polls.”

“Leadership is about making the right decision and the best decision before sometimes it becomes entirely popular,” said O’Malley.

...nationally, it might get him some exposure, but the people both campaigns need to convince aren't as solid as our forum's support might suggest.

Who knows what the impact will be? I'm just bummed that it'll drive a wedge between two mostly compatible groups here at DU. I guess that was inevitable if this was going to be an actual contest. Netroots should be more interesting, though.

I can understand the panic on Wall Street now. They really are scared he will fuck up their free lunch!

I'm betting this won't dissuade Bernie voters that much. Most Iowa democrats are pro 2A....

The problem with super PACs is that they are formed without approval of a candidate and operate independently of the candidate's campaign. It would be presumptuous to conclude that O'Malley had "Generation Forward" make this ad. They do not need or want his approval for what they do. Here is what O’Doherty, the founder of "Generation Forward" said early on:

because after seeing a few things tonite, I want to be able to go back and refer to it. (I was doing some research about Super PAC here on DU.)

Bernie's vote on the Brady Bill is one of the problems I have with Bernie, I am not the only one feelin mg this way. Again we have another shooting and nothing has been done since the one before.