Trump, Sanders explore staging unusual presidential debate, bypassing Clinton

That's it: I'm done with Sanders.

I was done with Sanders for a minute. But then I thought about it.....why not? Putting him next to Trump would be putting the differences between the parties on full display. Clinton will still be the nominee anyway, but maybe we can include more of Sanders' platform. And maybe Clinton can take some notes.

I would love to see this, but Trump will back out. He has nothing to gain from it. This will hurt Clinton badly, since she pretty much asked for it by refusing to debate Sanders before such huge primaries in New Jersey and California. Meanwhile, Trump will be destroyed in a real debate on issues with Sanders. Sanders is the only one that stands to benefit from this.

“Smart and bold move by Sanders,” Democratic strategist Brad Bannon said. “The Clinton people are furious but Bernie wins points for being so aggressive.”

Even smarter move by Trump.

And maybe Clinton can take some notes.

. . .much needed notes.

“I think it would get very high ratings. It would be in a big arena.”

Trump says he would love to debate with Saders. But for Hillary, its her kryptonite. I just hope sander's goons aren't as bad as Hillary's thugs who will show up at that venue to cause trouble.

Anything and everything to make Hillary look worse than what she really is.

It is so pathetically sad that all these women will vote for Clinton just because she is a woman, and not based on her record of lies and deceit.

I think people should earn their rights to vote by taking exams.

“I’d love to debate Bernie, but they’ll have to pay a lot of money for it,” he said.

If ever some had still doubt about the real motivation behind his campaign.

I would love to see that.

And I am impressed that the US elections this time produced some genuine characters who are both not part of the scripted, corrupt, lying political establishment like the Clintons.

A communist dinosaur, and politically incorrect, loud, straight-talking TV character who gobbles up all the hate that the media throw at him and only seems to get stronger --- bring it on!

"A communist dinosaur"

Democratic socialist. Why can't people get this right? Trump called him a communist and his chimps started shrieking but I expect better on JT.

This dinosaur does seem to be popular with the younger generation getting screwed by other dinosaurs.

Superlib, I'm with you. Comparing ideas and strategies has marked the Dem race to date, while hurling childish insults has the GOP's. I'd love to see if Trump can switch gears to discuss substantive ideas or whether he will stay to form and invent some infantile moniker for Sanders.

shaking some of the sclerota off the old system.

Reckless, I was trying to remember the word "sclerota" the other day but couldn't. Thank you! Guess I'm getting sclerotic.

Give the People what they want:

An Epic Sanders vs Trump Debate.

Similar to the Lincoln - Douglas debates in 1858. Though both were running for the Senate seat from Illinois, the debates garnered national attention on the slavery issue, and helped give Lincoln a name when he ran for President in 1860. Lincoln lost but he was able to use that as a stepping stone.

Bernie has nothing to lose by doing this. Trump, could lose something if Bernie gave a good debate but he has his parties nomination. And if he does do badly, and the polls show a shift to Bernie or Hillary, then those who are #Never Trump would have a reason to draft a third choice prior to the GOP convention.

If ever some had still doubt about the real motivation behind his campaign.

In a way, Trump is playing the networks. They will make millions off advertising for the debates, and he is saying if you are going to get that much money, off a tv show close to a long weekend, and the summer re-runs are on, why should they make a few bucks off his name? Make them give it to a worthy charity. He is not asking for campaign donations from the debate, but for a charity donation. Any network that would take him up on this, would probably see their charity donation covered after the first commercial break.

This is just a stunt by two stunt men because stunts are all they have left.

Trump should have just declined instead of lying about actually debating Sanders.

Besides, what will Trumph say at a debate that would be meaningful?

This should be great, need to get my popcorn, smart and great strategic move on Trump. The individual empowerment self-reliant candidate going up against the socialist, suppressed massive entitlement loon.

In a way, Trump is playing the networks. They will make millions off advertising for the debates, and he is saying if you are going to get that much money, off a tv show close to a long weekend, and the summer re-runs are on, why should they make a few bucks off his name? Make them give it to a worthy charity. He is not asking for campaign donations from the debate, but for a charity donation. Any network that would take him up on this, would probably see their charity donation covered after the first commercial break.

I Agree

Would love that. The thought of 'me, me, me' Hillary filthy on the sidelines an added bonus.

"communist dinosaur. Democratic socialist. Why can't people get this right? Trump called him a communist and his chimps started shrieking but I expect better on JT."

@jimizo, I think many ppl in the us (and elsewhere in the new world) don't make the distinction between 'communists and socialists. For many if you dont want the rich to get richer and the poor poorer you're a communist.

"This should be great, need to get my popcorn, smart and great strategic move on Trump. The individual empowerment self-reliant candidate going up against the socialist, suppressed massive entitlement loon"

Bass, your conversion to Trump is truly damascene. Could you take us through the reasons why you initially thought Trump supporters were lunatics ( this is key because many still do ) and now I can imagine you colouring your hair orange.

Your story would be very illuminating in helping us understand the Trump phenomenon.

Anything that bypasses Clinton is fine with me.

"@jimizo, I think many ppl in the us (and elsewhere in the new world) don't make the distinction between 'communists and socialists. For many if you dont want the rich to get richer and the poor poorer you're a communist."

Very true. I just wonder why Trump gets a pass. After all, he did say he was going to increase taxes on the top earners. It's probably just his usual off-the-cuff, half-cooked drivel but the rightists here did go a bit quiet about this.

Where have you buys been??? This debate happened already. I guess Japan restrict access until late. I was there... and it was worth every single minute of the 42 minutes i spent watching.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Poi5x0E2CM

Very true. I just wonder why Trump gets a pass.

I don't think Trump is getting a pass, I think it's just in the liberal mindset that he does, but no one has been on the burner as much as Trump has. Also, what do you think Bernie is going to talk about besides robbing Paul to give to Peter, that's pretty much a Sanders cadency, the man knows nothing else but socialism. We already have one fool in the White House that's a socialist, do we need another?

After all, he did say he was going to increase taxes on the top earners. It's probably just his usual off-the-cuff, half-cooked drivel but the rightists here did go a bit quiet about this.

I'll put it to you like this, all three say benign things at times when the day is long. Welcome to the world of politics, I think Trump is far better at the game.

@Jimizo,

Very true. I just wonder why Trump gets a pass. After all, he did say he was going to increase taxes on the top earners. It's probably just his usual off-the-cuff, half-cooked drivel but the rightists here did go a bit quiet about this.

Another soundbite another lie.

Masterstroke Mr Bernie Sanders! A win-win for both you and Trump as it pushes Clinton to the side-lines. And whatever time it is broadcasted I'd set my clock to get up and watch it. Should Bernie - and he should - wipe the floor with Donald, then many in the Democratic party will be starting to ask questions. I want the Dems to win but really, Hillary Clinton? Just because it's her turn?

change,

Thanks for the hilarious link! That Trump guy's impression was spot on!

Nobody needs to give Trump a pass. He has been making himself unelectable by the US electorate with his combination of offensive, baseless slurs and wildly impractical policy pronouncements for months now. The fact he's won the Republican nomination says more about the quality of the other candidates than it does about Trump, who is a ludicrous joke.

I don't particularly like Hillary, but at least she has a sense of decorum and political experience at the highest levels.

Trump will be destroyed in a real debate on issues with Sanders.

You are kidding right? Trump has talked investors and financiers, people who are not exactly fools, out of millions. He has swam with the sharks for decade, and has gotten his way in just about everything he has ever done, mainly through his use of language and strength of character (for better or worse). Sanders is a career politician, a man who has spent his life making empty promises and spending other people's money. Sanders has made a lot of deals, but don't ever expect him to bring those up; like most politicians, these deals have benefitted himself and big donors more than the people.

I doubt a 74 year old career politician could destroy anything but Fixodent and Depends.

I am waiting for the Hillary/Trump debate, that will be something to watch.

goldorak:

" Would love that. The thought of 'me, me, me' Hillary filthy on the sidelines an added bonus. "

Me too, me three! It is beyond me that there are still people who are would be comfortable with Billary in the White House. Good grief.

frontcenter:

" Nobody needs to give Trump a pass. He has been making himself unelectable by the US electorate with his combination of offensive, baseless slurs and wildly impractical policy pronouncements for months now. "

Actually, he has not. If you sift through the showmanship and campaign slogans, the things he proposes are simple, and common sense. Control the borders, stop picking fights with Russian, stop stupid nation building excercises in the Middle East, and stop the out-of control globalization. Who in the world can be against that, except the globalists and their indoctrinated media.... which I suppose you have been reading.

This shows voters that he is not afraid to confront his adversaries, unlike Hillary, cutting her out of the picture is sending a very loud message.

He has swam with the sharks for decade, and has gotten his way in just about everything he has ever done, mainly through his use of language and strength of character (for better or worse).

Key word here is "his way." He managed to recover, but he left his partners in debt and his employees jobless when his businesses went bankrupt on multiple occasions. I think someone said The Art of the Deal is the only book with four Chapter 11s.

He's managed maintain the wealth he was born with, but he would've been much better off if he simply invested his inheritance. So no, he's not the great business decision-maker he claims to be. He's just great at saving his own skin.

Sanders has made a lot of deals, but don't ever expect him to bring those up; like most politicians, these deals have benefitted himself and big donors more than the people.

You clearly know nothing about the man. He lives the most frugal lifestyle of any politician and has refused money from big donors for the exact purpose of not owing them anything. His campaign was financed by the people, and that's who he'll be working for.

I doubt a 74 year old career politician could destroy anything but Fixodent and Depends.

I admit that's pretty funny, but it's a low blow. Also Trump is only 5 years younger.

The last month Bernie has been on fire with his voters and they seem to be a passionate (often mis-directed, if not violent) bunch. Trump is just steam-rolling (added NRA etc) and even picking up die-hard (often corrupt) party "open" delegates.

In a NYC/NJ battle vs Vermont it is not much of a match. Trump & Bernie vs party corruption is a great match and may put both over even though Trump has already steamrolled his Repub corruption and maybe Bernie can win against his Dem (superdelegate) corruption also.

For Bernie he has to get over those Dem "super-delegates" and get them to commit to his side. Also just getting his people to register to vote and understand the stupid party and general election laws. Educating the potential Bernie voters is the most difficult task and could actually take 4 more years, but the seeds have been planted.

So Trump vs Bernie vs Political Corruption probably in LA, California even though Las Vegas (MGM Grand) would be the better venue (more hotels and activities) for a fight like this and many inland empire (LA flat landers) goto Vegas on the weekend anyway.

You clearly know nothing about the man. He lives the most frugal lifestyle of any politician and has refused money from big donors for the exact purpose of not owing them anything. His campaign was financed by the people, and that's who he'll be working for.

The problem is, Sanders socialist income redistribution dreams will never come to fruition in the US. It would completely and totally put this country in a depression and wipe out the middle class. He's never mentined anything on how to resolve our debt, how to create higher paying wage jobs, how to cut spending and cut massive entitlements, what does he want to do about the Middle East? What's his foreign policy altogether? Liberals think they know Trump so it's ok to pigeonhole the man, but if you say anything about Bernie, it's, "you know nothing about the man" I reject that notion!

So Trump vs Bernie vs Political Corruption probably in LA, California even though Las Vegas (MGM Grand) would be the better venue (more hotels and activities) for a fight like this and many inland empire (LA flat landers) goto Vegas on the weekend anyway.

MGM Grand would be better no doubt about that.

Key word here is "his way." He managed to recover, but he left his partners in debt and his employees jobless when his businesses went bankrupt on multiple occasions. I think someone said The Art of the Deal is the only book with four Chapter 11s.

I don't think this is going anywhere. Trump had dramatically different strategies behind his investments than Romney but even if he had been a 'corporate raider' turnaround specialist like Mitt at Bain Capital, who had a way higher percentage of bankruptcies he would still win by virtue of being a much superior candidate at a different time.

Trump is asking for too high a price, at least $10-15 million for charity

Unless a wealthy intervener ponies up the cash upfront

Otherwise, this debate would happen

If it raises that amount of money, then good it's for charity, but there shouldn't be a minimum necessary

Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Bernie Sanders on Thursday explored staging an unconventional U.S. presidential debate

Trump won't agree to this.

His mental incompetence and marketing department won't allow a meeting between a genuine intellect and Trump's racism.

Senator Sanders will make Trump eat his own words and Trump won't expose himself to a world audience as the ignorant bigot who welcome Holocaust Denier David Duke as his supporter.

Senator Sanders may welcomed dismantling the stupidity and arrogance of Donald J. Trump, but Trump cannot answer Senator Sanders on why Trump refused to condemn the racism of David Duke, Holocaust Denier and Grand Wizard of the KKK.

Worst, for Trump's racists, they cannot accept that Trump would answer for his stupidity unless it means Trump gets to punch the Senator in the face, the way Trump and his bigot tribe of racists handles all his detractors.

The problem is, Sanders socialist income redistribution dreams will never come to fruition in the US. It would completely and totally put this country in a depression and wipe out the middle class.

And about Trump's plan to raise taxes? See you are giving Trump a free pass in exactly the same way you decried. If you are concerned about Sanders' tax plan, you MUST be concerned about Trump's! I mean, he came right out and said the rich would have no problem paying more in tax.

He's never mentined (could improve employment by hiring an editor for you) anything on how to resolve our debt,

What's his foreign policy altogether? Liberals think they know Trump so it's ok to pigeonhole the man, but if you say anything about Bernie, it's, "you know nothing about the man" I reject that notion!

And how about Trump? Do you know him? Is he pro-life or prochoice? Is he for higher or lower taxes? Is he for increasing minimum wages or decreasing them? These are only a few of the issues he has backtracked on over the course of the election cycle. You've no idea where he stands on issues, and that alone is reason enough to vote against Don the Con.

"You've no idea where he stands on issues, and that alone is reason enough to vote against Don the Con." - comments

The voting American does know where Donald J. Trump stands on racism, he's for it if it gets him elected.

Bigotry? Trump LOVES bigotry as long as Trump gets his cut from Hate.

So, Americans know Donald J. Trump. A racist bigot who has crafted a campaign of hate since his racist campaign of five years against the skin color of the sitting President when Trump endlessly promoted racial hatred with FOXNews in tow.

Collaborators in Hate. Disgusting.

Trump is asking for too high a price, at least $10-15 million for charity. Unless a wealthy intervener ponies up the cash upfront. Otherwise, this debate would happen. If it raises that amount of money, then good it's for charity, but there shouldn't be a minimum necessary

Most of the great matches UFC, Boxing make $100-200 million. Conner McGregor stepped away for a bit, Rousey is out, WWE sucks and there is nothing going on right now. Network TV is pretty bad etc.

Trump can easily put Bernie over and unify both of these divided and corrupt parties. That is a match that people are willing to see. Can Bernie go over with the fans and make that turn against Hillary and the corrupt Democratic Party? Can Bernie even take a punch? -or hobble like Hillary. Economically/Business wise Bernie and his Wife are disasters -OK, everyone understands that, but can he get people behind him and unify and make some winning (for all) policy. Bernie has to step-up now or his ring career is over. As a politician this is it for Bernie and his true opponent is weak (Hillary).

Hmmm. The other day Lewis Farrakhan endorsed Mr.Trump -- I bet you screaming liberals didn't see that coming... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eF9kGtyGec

I mean, he came right out and said the rich would have no problem paying more in tax.

Takeda-san, one has to parse Trump's verbal catastrophes closely to get a clue as to what he means (if, in fact, he means anything, and if, in fact, he doesn't contradict himself the next day).

He did NOT mean that he would raise taxes on the 1%; he meant that they would perhaps receive a lesser tax cut tjan he had initially suggested. Put another way, imagine your boss tells you he'll cut your salary by 20% but the next day says it will only be by 15% and congratulates you on your raise.

The last month Bernie has been on fire with his voters...

No, Bernie has not been on fire. He has no particular message other than to tax and spend even more than his predecessors, who have already taxed and spent far too much. The only solutions Bernie has proposed so far is to further increase the size and scope of the government, to give more power to politicians, cronies, and further monopolize more of the national economy. In other words, he wants to make what is already bad even worse.

The only reason why Bernie is doing well is because Hillary is not. Hillary is a spiteful and vindictive biatch on steroids, and is as likable as a rabid hyena with projectile dysentery. Hillary has supporters, but she has no friends. And the more people get to know Hillary, as a person, or candidate, the less they like her. Bernie is doing what he has always done, buying votes with other people's money. This formula almost always works, at least until he runs out of other people's money. Too bad that the other people he is planning to make pay are America's main employers, salary payers, and already pay 90% of all taxes collected. But southeast Asia still has lower costs, and if Bernie turns up the heat any more, those with the money will join the others who have already moved their companies, jobs, and wages elsewhere.

The democrat party threw Hillary under the bus back in 2008, putting their energy behind Obama instead. After 8 years of Obama, the powers that be know that Obama's party has little chance of keeping the presidency, and Hillary was to be their sacrificial lamb in the next election. Bernie is making the sacrifice a little more bloody, but as I have said before, America is not going to elect a 74 year old self proclaimed socialist to be president. The man is too old to serve in the military, too old to be trusted to keep a drivers license for more than 2 years. After his first term, he would be nearly 80, who are people kidding? The democrat party does not want Hillary, they want Elizabeth Warren, and they will put their weight behind her in 2020 or 2024.

In the meantime, get ready for at least 4 years of the Pomeranian-haired president.

Sanders have been offering to talk to media talk shows he is the only one who can beat Trump. Ome

station tried to have discussion but could not find anyone to discuss with him so now he want to talk with Trump. Now we all know Trump is payed $10 million at least.Trump and Hillary shows are profitable than beauty contest ?

"June 7, when Clinton is likely to clinch the nomination."

Are the Democrats really that dumb?

"Clinton, who backed out of an agreement to debate Sanders before the California vote, said she did not think a Trump-Sanders showdown would happen.

“This doesn’t sound like a serious discussion. I’m looking forward to debating Donald Trump in the general election. I really can’t wait to get on the stage with him,” she told CNN"

Har! Oh, the arrogance of the woman knows no bounds! If this debate happens, she will lose the California primary to Bernie, and then some of her Super Delegates may well switch their votes to Bernie at the convention, even if she's not indicted for her security breaching email server.

Last month, Sanders had more campaign fund than Clinton or Trump. This month $5million left. Unlike Trump or Clinton, his campaign workers have to be paid by money maker media. He used to live on his wife's income before he became Independent Senator. He needs to tell his strategy in detIl how he will defeat Trump in detIl beside learn Iraq does not pronounce Iran.

Hmmm. The other day Lewis Farrakhan endorsed Mr.Trump -- I bet you screaming liberals didn't see that coming...

Good comments Tatanka. But a few "Chinese Americans" (driven by Trumps tycoon, business-like edge) are endorsing him too:

http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-asian-voters-20160527-snap-story.html

The Chinese Americans are there legally. They can vote. They're very motivated to be successful business people. They're educated too. Unlike the "illegals" from south of the border. Offering nothing to America.

@Wc626 They are actually Americans --- born in USA,

There is Trump. Rally in Fresno. Large banners with Bernie and many are insulting each person entering, by looking at protesters' clothing, I concluded they are not from Calif. Places from other kind of summer weather. They assumed Fresno is same as Los Angeles.

American non-partisan, independent voters like myself would look forward to a debate like this. Aging communist vs. aging capitalist.

Will have to see if any network is willing to pony up the cash that Mr. Trump is asking for. Either way, it was a great political strategy to link the multi-million $$$ requirement to a distribution plan among women's' support groups nationwide. A form of redistributing wealth that I agree with

Bravo, Mr. Trump. . . .

But then I thought about it.....why not?

Because Trump the Republican nominee, and Sanders is not only NOT the Democratic nominee, it is unclear whether, at best --- and most likely NOT that --- Sanders is cooperating at present with Clinton, and the DNC.

@Texas:Networks are more interested in Shouting match of Hillary and Trump than Sanders who haven't got slightest idea on international trade Both Hillary and Trump know what they are talking. Don't expect hand out.

The voting American does know where Donald J. Trump stands on racism, he's for it if it gets him elected.

Did he say that?

Bigotry? Trump LOVES bigotry as long as Trump gets his cut from Hate.

But Hillary supporting the BLM is ok, right. That kind of racist bigotry is acceptable?

So, Americans know Donald J. Trump. A racist bigot who has crafted a campaign of hate since his racist campaign of five years against the skin color of the sitting President when Trump endlessly promoted racial hatred with FOXNews in tow.

And yet, everyone you have seen so far that has created carnage, brutalized people, using thuggery tactics and acted like total irrational incompetent childish fools were ANTI-Trump supporters.

Collaborators in Hate. Disgusting.

I agree

Looking at real numbers, the Donald J. Trump bigot bus isn't as big as Trump would have Americans or the world believe.

Totaling 11,677,003 votes for Trump, the picture isn't one of support for Trump.

Fourteen million Republicans voted against the racism Trump has promoted since day one of his campaign.

Trump may crow and some may wonder if Americans are as prejudiced as Trump has promoted them to be.

Trump's eleven million are ready to blindly follow Trump's parade of bigots.

There is little doubt, however, of 130 million American voters, Trump appears exactly as he has for the past five years of his 'birther' racism campaign.

Trump is a bigot and promoted racism and there's no way a majority of Americans will vote that trash into the White House.

Sadly, Trump has damaged all Americans with his racist appeals. No wonder some are angry that Trump, subject of a forty million dollar fraud prosecution, spring boards racism as his leverage to dictatorship.

Worst, the GOP-tea has decided to be the Party of Bigots Trump has created with the help of FOXNews. Or, maybe, at long last the Republicans will walk away from the trailer trash buying Trump's Chinese made hats and tee-shirts. Or, maybe the Republicans are just cowards like their presumptive Bigot in Chief.

Right rioters moved from Fresno to San Diego where there are more Hispanic living. Trump is not going to debate with Sanders. Rioters trying to crime, throwing bottles against cops. Trump supporters ... they just attend rally. no wonder media do not blame Hillary people. She fight against Trump with TV ads. Her TV ads are with six languages.

Rioters trying to crime, throwing bottles against cops.

Would anyone expect anything less of those goons & thugs?

Rioters trying to crime, throwing bottles against cops.

Ever heard of the "World Worker's Party?" It is a well-funded socialist group which sends these people to various events to wave flags, throw bottles, and cause mayhem. These people are the worst kind of fools, they are ideologues; people who believe in causes and movements. Ideologues are the easiest people to fool and manipulate, and they are loved by the powers that be because you don't even have to pay them, all you have to to is arouse their beliefs and hatred with half-truths and lies.

News item ... Clinton ad has six different language versions.

News item ... San Diego, California, Federal Judge will green light prosecution for November trial on forty million fraud case against Doanld J. Trump.

Zaphod, so is stating his intention to ban Muslims from entering the United States "showmanship"? Apart from the fact that it would be impossible to impose such a ludicrous restriction, do you think it wise to antagonise every single member of a worldwide religion with more than a billion adherents, the enormous majority of whom wish no harm to anyone?

It doesn't stop there - he is also promising to repeal the (limited) progress that the USA has made under Obama towards stopping global warming through human-induced climate change, on which there's a broad scientific consensus Worldwide, by taking advice from unqualified and politically-biased advisors. His tax reform policy is admirably simple but cuts tax for everybody with no clear accounting for how such a huge reduction in tax revenue would enable him to cover existing govenment commitments, let alone increase spending on the military and looking after veterans. It's economically illiterate, just a joke. Nothing he is saying has been properly throught through, nor does it stand up to intelligent scrutiny. His policy statements are like a right-wing wish list thrown together by a committee of idiots.

Apart from baiting right wing audiences and character-assasinating his fellow Republican contenders (not too difficult when you are running against fundamentalist nutters such as Ted Cruz) we haven't heard very much convincing evidence from Trump about how anything he proposes will make America "great" again. In truth, he will make your country a laughing stock and hasten its demise. That's not something I want to see.