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Friday, April 13, 2018

NextGen America Hosts Unusual Debate For Dem Congressional Candidates


Last night, I attended a Congressional debate starring the six Democrats who want to represent the Lehigh Valley in Washington. Though I had a ticket for the Iron Pigs opener against Louisville, I thought I owed to the six Democrats running to be there. Also, it was at Fegley's Allentown Brew Works, a wonderful place. I was lucky enough to say Hi to Rich Fegley and his lovely wife Diane.

This event, called "Keeping Up with the Candidates," was hosted by NextGen America This group was created in 2013 by billionaire Tom Steyer "to prevent climate disaster, promote prosperity, and protect the fundamental rights of every American." The group has really focused on attracting both the young and the forgotten. Despite a $5 admission fee, I'd say there were at least 150-200 people there. The alcohol was flowing freely, and the crowd was feeling raucous and was actually encouraged to be that way by State Youth Jarrett Smith. Even when candidates were answering questions.

Morganelli hung in there, and told the people there that they make a ripple when they stand up for themselves. Quoting Robert Kennedy, he said "those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest wall of oppression and resistance."

Parts of the debate, which included an "either or" session, were fun. Unanimously, candidates picked WaWa over Sheetz, the Eagles over Giants, Yoccos over Potts (except for Ruggles) and Musikfest over the Allentown Fair.

But other parts were silly. Candidates were encouraged to get goofy in their closings, and Rev. Edwards led everyone in Gospel music.

In an event like this, it's nearly impossible to get nuanced takes on issues. Let me give you snippets from each candidate.

David Clark - Donald Trump has set the bar of morality so low that even the Devil himself is on higher ground.

Rick Daugherty: He mentioned several times that he has the best job in the world and thinks that a Congressional job is lousy.

Greg Edwards: "College is no longer a pathway out of poverty. It is a pathway into it."

John Morganelli: Since he has been DA, the office has gone from one female assistant DA to over 50% female, along with African Americans and Hispanics. He supports health care for all, fixing student debt and protecting Medicare and Medicaid.

Roger Ruggles: Supports unions and was surprised to discover recently that only six percent of the private work force is union.

Susan Wild: Told the mostly young audience that they are worse off than their parents were, but "I will never run from a fight. I head for a fight every time I see one.".

The audience was packed with Greg Edwards and Susan Wild supporters, who cheered their candidates while booing down John Morganelli when he tried to explain why, unlike the other candidates, he thinks local authorities should cooperate with ICE.

"May I explain?" he asked. But the mob was unwilling to listen and shouted him down. This is what always kills me about supposed progressives. They hold themselves out as enlightened but are intolerant of views that differ from theirs. Moderator Smith made no effort to stop this display of intolerance.

Later, Morganelli complimented the mostly young audience for being interested, even though they shouted him down. He said they are sending ripples, and quoting from Robert Kennedy, said "those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest wall of oppression and resistance.”

113 comments:

Anonymous said...

We get it your mancrush was treated poorly. You didn't need to pen and close with his staged Kennedy quote. Give it a rest already.

Anonymous said...

I love the term “progressive”.
It’s so hip and cool.

Anonymous said...

What is the Dems order on their ballot. Who is first.

Anonymous said...

these people are nutty, the candidates should not even attend an event, if wild wins this nomination, it is the fault of these narrow minded individuals. Morganelli is a sworn prosecutor and must follow the law. imagine if he didn't follow the law what would they be saying then?

Anonymous said...

The local Dem party is so loopy that those who can walk and chew gum have outsourced themselves to the upper-middle class Harrington family to AstroTurf the operation.
Is it wasn’t for Trump hate and the sky is falling gun hating repeal the 2nd they would have nothing but pink hats.

Anonymous said...

There is no functioning Democratic Party in the third largest city in Pennsylvania, unless you count the Mann Mob, Pawlowski survivers and the halfwits on the sinking ASD board.

Anonymous said...

The good news for John is that young people don’t vote. We hear stories every year about getting out the youth about. But with the rare exception of young evangelicals who came out to reelect George W. Bush, it almost never happens. Republicans register in smaller numbers, but will crawl over broken glass during an ice storm took vote. Democrats register lots of people, but they're easily distracted by shiny objects on election day. They should serve beer at the polls. There’s a classic tradition picking up cars and vans and buses full of voters pulled from barstools.

Anonymous said...

"But the mob was unwilling to listen and shouted him down. This is what always kills me about supposed progressives. They hold themselves out as enlightened but are intolerant of views that differ from theirs."


And this is surprising because? Have you been watching what's been going on nationally?

This is what the modern, democrat party has become. They'll scream for tolerance and bipartisanship when it's to their advantage but have no intention of actually practicing those qualities.

Too bad that it took them attacking your guy for you to realize it. And that other democrats won't realize it unless the mob turns on THEIR candidate.

Anonymous said...

Jerry Springer should have been there to gin up the crowd. Sounds like most of the audience was three sheets to the wind. How many of the young, enebriated darlings drove home under the influence? Guess Morganelli wouldn't prosecute since they were in Lehigh Co.

Anonymous said...

Anon 6:22 said: "Democrats register lots of people, but they're easily distracted by shiny objects on election day."


Or people will just register Democrat to get the pushy campaign workers off their doorstep, without any intention of actually coming out to vote for them.

What do today's "progressive" Democrats really have to offer? Anger and hate? Failed solutions and promises of more government in your life?

I'm no fan of Trump, but unemployment is down, and down to record lows among minorities. Taxes are down and (despite progressive democrat hysterics) government income is at record levels. Bad trade deals are being reworked to benefit AMERICAN workers.

The so-called "progressives" don't want to move you forward, they want to take you back to when things were worse. When they're in power, their idiotic solutions don't work and actually do more harm than good.

I wouldn't get out of bed to vote for that either.

Anonymous said...

Wild's official email account sent me a request to attend a prior debate and vocally cheer her on, so at least one candidate explicitly encourages mob shout-downs. I was forced to block the emails from her due to the volume of messages.

Anonymous said...

There aren't many JMs in the Democratic Party, anymore. The party keeps punching left, as Rs keep punching right. This is a solid D district, now. There's no need to accept a moderate in order to beat either, very weak R opponent in November. This will be a layup for whomever Ds choose.

Anonymous said...

How can you be surprised, you seem to have an delusion into what the democratic party is, it is for no borders, free benefits for all, redistribution of wealth and assets even by force. Denial of civil and individual rights if it is in the cause of their agenda. My father was a Roosevelt and Kennedy democrat. He died a Reagan republican. The democratic party most definitely is ideologically closer to Marx than to Franklin and Jefferson.

Anonymous said...

Morganelli retweets Michelle Malkin and Breitbart. That tells you everything you need to know about John Morganelli.

Its sad, really.

Anonymous said...

Even the most conservative Democrats would never propagate Malkin's ideals. Would Joe Manchin EVER retweet Malkin or Breitbart? Would the most liberal Republicans such as Susan Collins?

The answer is no.

Anonymous said...

This is why we can’t have nice things.

Anonymous said...

Any candidate who retweets Michelle Malkin gets my vote.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Like I said before, I disagree completely with Michelle Malkin, but do like her writing. If you only surround yourself with people who agree with you, you become close minded quickly. Thay is obvious with you.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"There is no functioning Democratic Party in the third largest city in Pennsylvania, unless you count the Mann Mob, Pawlowski survivers and the halfwits on the sinking ASD board."

That may be, but considering Rs have failed to win a seat in years, your comment proves they must be in even worse shape.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"This is a solid D district, now. There's no need to accept a moderate in order to beat either, very weak R opponent in November. This will be a layup for whomever Ds choose."

You are completely out of your mind. This race is rated a toss up by Crystal Ball. It is a district that Clinton or Trump (can't remember which one) won by just one point. The people at that debate reflect the far left of the party. Most people who consider themselves Dem, like myself, are far more moderate.

Nothstein has hurt himself by slurring the LWV, a group that supports good government and opposes the gerrymander. But a liberal Dem will be chewed up and spit out in the general. That's just the way it is. If you want Dems to retake the House, you need to vote for Morganelli.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"Wild's official email account sent me a request to attend a prior debate and vocally cheer her on, so at least one candidate explicitly encourages mob shout-downs. I was forced to block the emails from her due to the volume of messages."

I received that email before the 69 debate, but she wasn't encouraging a mob shout-down. Be fair.

What happened last night was a mob shout down, and it was encouraged by the very tolerant and progressive sponsors of the debate. It demonstrated their own hypocrisy.

Anonymous said...

Like I said before, I disagree completely with Michelle Malkin, but do like her writing. If you only surround yourself with people who agree with you, you become close minded quickly. Thay is obvious with you.

I specifically named two conservative writers who are worthy of being read. You disregard this and attack a straw man. Michelle Malkin is no different than Ann Coulter.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"How many of the young, enebriated darlings drove home under the influence?"

The booze was flowing freely and the crowd was raucous.

Anonymous said...

What specific areas are you pointing out that LV voters prefer a moderate over a progressive? I think you are projecting your own values and the values of people you hang with on other voters.

Anonymous said...

The booze was flowing freely and the crowd was raucous.

I was amused that Steyer's group held this event specifically for youth voters yet excluded 18-20 year olds by the venue choice. Guess they're not tuned in to then #neveragain movement.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"I specifically named two conservative writers who are worthy of being read. You disregard this and attack a straw man. Michelle Malkin is no different than Ann Coulter."

In your opinion. I like her writing. I disagree with her, but like her and believe it is important to seek out and read views that differ from mine. It is easy to read David Brooks bc he is actually very moderate. You demonstrate your own intolerance. Now drop this bc this is not the topic of discussion and you have no right here to continue an OT discussion.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"What specific areas are you pointing out that LV voters prefer a moderate over a progressive? I think you are projecting your own values and the values of people you hang with on other voters."

I am pointing to reality. You are in lala land. If you take the precincts in this new district and tally the votes, just one per cent separated Trump and Clinton. The people in that room do not reflect and are far from he values of those in the Lehigh Valley. There really is not much difference between mainstream Ds and Rs. You will find out the hard way.

Bernie O'Hare said...

I have deleted two comments from someone with a Michele Malkin fetish.

Anonymous said...

"What happened last night was a mob shout down, and it was encouraged by the very tolerant and progressive sponsors of the debate. It demonstrated their own hypocrisy."


So tell me, which Progressive candidate(s) (Edwards and/or Wild) tried to quiet their supporters so that Morganelli could be heard?




Anonymous said...

This is the result of years of college professors and liberal groups pushing the idea that you should shut down and quiet your oppositions ideas and speech. If they disagree they are not worth listening to, they are labeled all the things we have been taught to hate. It is going to become clear in the upcoming election, that you do indeed reap what you sow.

Anonymous said...

I'm a super voter (voted in every election except one since I was 18). Here's the problem with Morganelli as I see it. I would have respect for his "position" on immigration if I didn't think that he has held this position more for political purposes than out of an actual belief. I know, this seemingly doesn't make sense because he is running as a D. Yet whenever there is an election beyond district attorney he is suddenly in the public talking about ICE or "getting tough" on illegals.

(side note: I am not close to Morganelli nor do I work in or around the courthouse. I do pay attention to local, State and national media and have a good understanding on the issues. I see what IMHO a well informed voter would see. So the argument that he has this in his heart or if you only were around his work on a daily basis is irrelevant to me. He has been a public figure for almost 3 decades so we should have a good idea of where he stands and not have to just believe what those close to him tell is is or is not true.)

If I saw some consistency on this issue I could get beyond my disagreement with Morganelli on most of what he purports to believe. The only consistency I have seen is he rolls immigration out when he runs for higher office. His "stance" on this issue doesn't show that he is "willing to work with Republicans" or he is some kind of free thinker. No. What it shows is that he found an issue that in his mind he feels he can exploit to achieve a higher office, not out of a core believe, but instead out of political calculation.

I can vote for someone who doesn't line up with me on all the issues but not cannot vote someone who is more politician than genuine. Morganelli is more politician. We deserve better.

Anonymous said...

Please.
These carnival events aren’t “debates”.
Does the English language count for nothing?

Anonymous said...

Ruggles?
Daugherty?

This is farce not debate.

Bernie O'Hare said...

1:24, you obviously do not follow local government as you pretend. Morganelli has consistently been opposed to illegal immigration for decades.

Anonymous said...

This is an early debate on a U.S. house seat, can we just imagine what is to come, especially in the next presidential primary. I really am concerned that our country will not survive what is going on. We must also consider not just the pre-election politics, but now the post election politics. The election used to put all this crap to bed at least till the next election, but now it is never-ending.

Anonymous said...

The fraud inherent with the Lehigh Valley For All bunch is contained in the name.
This partisan clique will do everything in their power to stack the deck against Morganelli.
This group should be exposed for who and what they are, and spare us the “progressive”
nonsense.

Anonymous said...

Everyone who has ever owned a gun of any sort has the blood of innocent children on their hands.
Ban AR15s and save the world.
Support your local PROGRESSIVE.
It ain’t much, but it’s all they’ve got.

Anonymous said...

Lehigh Valley For All appears to connect Susan Wild to the Mann Mob.
This is more than a little distressing.
Tara Z looks connected to this front group as well.
What’s the deal here?

Bernie O'Hare said...

The debate I discussed above was NextGen America. LV4All is completely different. Yes, they are progressive, but I have every confidence that the debate organizers will be fair and that no one will be shouted down. I really appreciate that they are doing this. Democrats will have at least 4 debates, in addition to some of the earlier party get togethers. My favorite,John Morganelli, was willing to put himselfout there even though he knowshis views on immigration are right of center. That's courage. Republican Nothstein will only debate in front of the GOP. Tells you something, doesn't it?

I respect and admire Susan Wild and certainly understand why many support her. As for Tara Z, she and are friends on Facebook but are not friends. I have had one conversation with her, and that was during her campaign. I have no idea who she supports for Congress. if she supports Susan, that is her right and I would not hold it against her. Though I think John is the only Democrat who can beat Marty Nothstein, people need to make their own decisions.

Anonymous said...

I think the "shout down" was merely a by-product of this goofy event. Who holds a "debate" at a bar and invites the "youth vote" and doesn't expect shit like this to happen? Morganelli supporters are going to be old crotchety guys like BOH who can't stand what happened to the demographics of the valley. It's deep-seeded and needs to go away if we ever want to move forward. This will never again be PA Dutch land.

Anonymous said...

The NorCo Dem Party is run by a bunch of sleepy, uninspiring, old school hacks.
The Lehigh County Party is a bit more lively but lacking authentic leadership (the Allentown party peeps are criminally incompetent).
Yes, the Mann Mob is always lurking in the wings.
Dem Party politics in the Valley has essentially been privatized, out sourced to Lehigh Valley For All, run by Clinton era folks with leadership provided by an upper-middle class, suburban, LV transplants, Kathy and Tom Harrington.
LVforA is largely a family operation, ready to jump start the sons plotical career.
They work hard but lack depth or purchase amoung working class and blue collar voters.
I would be curious where their funding comes from.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Factually, you’re wrong. Centrists will determine the outcome here. I have already pointed our twice that only one percent separated Trump and Clinton in this new district. Lehigh County may have been Dutch, but not the rest of the valley, but your ethic slur and ageism are noted.

Anonymous said...

I don't know how many Blue Dog Dem's are left in the area. In Northampton County I know Seyfried, Heckman, Morganelli and a couple others are left; however, they are all getting up there in age. I am not sure if there are any young moderate Democrats around.

Anonymous said...

@2:57 shows the contempt, and lack of understanding, the “progressive” D’s have for blue collar, rural and native born Lehigh Valley families.
These people ooze a sence of superiority and entitlement. They learned nothing from the Clinton train wreck in Pennsylvania.

Anonymous said...

3:09 BOH - You are in denial. By the way, I am partly PA Dutch like most natives of the valley so an ethnic slur? Please. Ageist? I can be because I'm old however my thinking didn't remain arrested in 1973 liberal hatred. The Trump/Clinton election has absolutely nothing to do with this year's election. How did that metric serve Saccone in the 18th? Why not try listening to opposing opinions instead of shouting everyone down and deleting posts?

Anonymous said...


@2:57 shows the contempt, and lack of understanding, the “progressive” D’s have for blue collar, rural and native born Lehigh Valley families.
These people ooze a sence of superiority and entitlement. They learned nothing from the Clinton train wreck in Pennsylvania.


Do I have contempt for people who voted for Donald Trump and hate immigrants so much that they use that as the reason to vote Republican or for Morganelli? Damn right. By the way, I AM a native, probably older than you, and have issues with blue collar workers. I don't play that horseshoe division game you guys are playing. I welcome everyone to the valley from manufacturing workers to those educated at our universities. You create the inferiority in your own mind.

Anonymous said...

The “progressives” are clearly smarter,better, and more righteous people.
How could they not be rewarded for their superiority?

Anonymous said...

Golly those progressives are fine people.
Ask them, they’ll tell you.

Anonymous said...

“I welcome everyone”, as long as they agree with my position.

“I’m probably older than you.”
LOL!!!

Anonymous said...

“I welcome everyone”, as long as they agree with my position.

As long as they don't sneer with disdain at minorities? Sure.

Bernie O'Hare said...

But you can sneer at Dutchies or seniors.

Anonymous said...

So called "Blue Dog" democrats are not part of the new reality in the Lehigh Valley. Time for fresh young new blood! Strong young women like Wild, Zirinski and Zanelli are the future of the Valley!

Anonymous said...

I already told you I can because I am one. But you don't discuss, you make remarks.

Anonymous said...

Scratch a Progressive, underneath you find a Fascist.

Anonymous said...

BOH and his minions act as if supporting Wild is some sort of hippie drug-crazed McGovern candidacy. This is what I meant by 1973 thinking.

Unknown said...

It seems like most all of the “progressives” have issues with blue collar people.
At least @3:40PM is honest about it.

Anonymous said...

Hopefully, the Democratic Party of my youth is big enough for old and young alike. Let us not become Trump type exclusionary people. I am fearful we may catch the alt-right flu.

Anonymous said...

Progressives know that it's critically important to shut down opposing thoughts. This is from Rules For Radicals. It's an essential part of the playbook that provides party unity and purity. It's difficult to fathom the Democratic nomination going to someone with a long record of anti-immigrant positions. Those immigrants are future Democratic voters and they need to be courted and their votes won.

Bernie O'Hare said...

4:05, I have not attacked Wild or any other Dem running. I attacked the childish behavior of shouting down a candidate simply bc his views are not yours.

Bernie O'Hare said...

4:16, stop with your tea party bullshit. You are an extremist on the right.

Bernie O'Hare said...

4:00, what you are is anonymous. I will draw whatever conclusion I want so long as u remain that way, and I know many people who are self-loathers.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Comments like 3:58 come from partisan Rs, trying to stoke the flames.

Anonymous said...

@4:05
On the contrary, Ms. Wild would appear to be a middle-of-the-road, machine, middle class, suburban, Clinton DNC Democrat.

Anonymous said...

Ruggles and Daugherty deserve to be subject to ridicule. They are clowns.

Anonymous said...

Maybe the "independent" tea party can hold a debate. Bring your own confederate flag and AR.

Anonymous said...

Sadly, I as a Dem do hear more and more of what 3:58 said in party circles.

Anonymous said...

Ban AR15s.
End world hunger.

Anonymous said...

4:33 I'm surprised that any Democrat these days would want to be a Clinton Democrat. Even the party wants her to shut up.

Anonymous said...

They don’t call themselves “Clinton Democrats”. They call themselves “progressives”.
Language matters.

Anonymous said...

Bernie, I must ask the question as to feet on the street being genuine tangible commerce. Than there is the traffic congestion trix to returning the one way in and one way out venue.

This makes it seem as if there is more people than there really is, when the facts of more vagrantz being move from one tenamant to another. This all happening on the federally funded HUD tax dollars?

Anonymous said...

Hey, Lehigh Valley for Everyone isn’t for everyone.

Anonymous said...

Morganelli's campaign is living in a delusional time warp. They don't seem to understand that the old time conservative Democrats are gone from the Rural and Suburban areas. They are more or less attempting to target a Phantom and only pissing off the voters that are there now. Democrats that are just as Progressive as any other Democrat or ever more so

Anonymous said...

“Progressives...”
LOL!!!!

Anonymous said...

“Progressives...”
LOL!!!!

November is going to be dismal for you, LOL

Anonymous said...


Susan Wild: Told the mostly young audience that they are worse off than their parents were, but "I will never run from a fight. I head for a fight every time I see one.". really? maybe because they are afraid of real work!!!!

Anonymous said...

Bernie, I think you are placing a bit too much stock in the median voter theorem. It works if all voters are equally excited about their candidates, but in this political climate, basically any Democrat should have an edge, not just a conservative Democrat like Morganelli. In the House and Senate special elections since Nov. 2016, votes have swung towards the Democrats by 3-31%, and the 15th is already a swing district.

Anonymous said...

"John Morganelli: Since he has been DA, the office has gone from one female assistant DA to over 50% female, along with African Americans and Hispanics."

How many African American and Hispanic ADAs are employed today? What are the percentage of African American and Hispanic defendants charged in Norco vs. their percent of the population?

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Bernie O'Hare said...

As I have mentioned several times, the debate referred to here was hosted by Next Gen America, not LV4All. So I have deleted and will continue to delete these anonymous attacks from jealous Rs. I will add here that LV4All did try to be inclusive and feached out to Rs for next week’s debate. That is something that General Lee Snover and her party hacks failed to do.

Bernie O'Hare said...

10:04, I love how you demand that I research your question but lack the common courtesy to even say who you are.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"On the contrary, Ms. Wild would appear to be a middle-of-the-road, machine, middle class, suburban, Clinton DNC Democrat."

I'd say this is a fair statement. I consider her a moderate. Rev. Edwards is very liberal, and that's ok. I would like to think the Dem party had a lot of room for varied opinions.

Anonymous said...

Republican candidates are now judged on their loyalty to Donald Trump, who owns the Party. While Democrats are judged on how much they favor illegal immigration and gun control.
Sadly, the middle of American conscious is not being represented. It is now a nation of MSNBC and Fox News, the extremes are running things.

Anonymous said...

I love watching the inter-party one-upmanship over racial identity politics. "I have a black friend." "You should have more."

Anonymous said...

What @ 10:31 said.

sezary said...

Sounds more like a promotion for Fegley's Allentown Brew Works than it does a substantive debate.

“…John Morganelli, was willing to put himselfout there even though he knowshis views on immigration are right of center. That's courage.”

I was in attendance when John Morganelli spoke regarding the role of ICE and the impact of illegal immigration from his perspective as DA of Northampton County. That night he received a standing ovation from the audience. He addressed a monthly meeting of the Lehigh Valley Tea Party.

It is interesting that John Morganelli putting himself out there knowing his views on an issue would not agree with the majority of the crowd and the crowd was called to task for not being tolerant of differing viewpoints. Why were Senator Marco Rubio and NRA spokesperson Dana Loesch not seen for their courage for doing the same thing? Why was the crowd not called to task for being so intolerant? The issues may be different, but the principle is the same.

I am not talking about BOH specifically but pondering about the general state of what passes for discourse today.

Just wondering.

Anonymous said...

I’m not Trump.
Ban the AR15.
Shout “progressive”.
Bonus points for being a woman.
Double bonus for being a gay woman.

Anonymous said...

Annon 12:35. Sop much hate in your heart. Find Jesus.

Anonymous said...

Pretty soon the candidates will be in a chicken wired protected stage, like in The Blues Brothers, and the lefties can throw beer bottles at them as a fun event. Middlebury College and Berkley are good examples of the intolerant left. I am a life long Republican but I believe that Morganelli is an accomplished public servant and, you would think, deserves some respect from an interested and curious crowd - but they are not interested nor curious when they shout down a candidate and deny themselves the information they need in order to cast a well thought out vote.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like what happened to candidates back when the affordable Care act was discussed in town halls. The teabagger republicans went so wild police had to provide protection. But that was different. Your boy Trump has encouraged this behavior of tell it like it is or better like you want it to be. This is the new normal. Trumps America!

Bernie O'Hare said...

Excuse me, but the problem here is intolerance and it exists on both sides of the political spectrum.

Anonymous said...

Bernie, you are right. I guess I am amazed at how the alt-right seems to see their intolerance as patriotism and the left as intolerance. Sad state of affairs.

Patriot2 said...

Bernie is right about progressives lack of tolerance to other opinions they disagree with. These are the same people who have yard signs saying “no hate here” like the LV4all. Morganelli is the only candidate of the 6 that can defeat either of the Republicans as the Trump Dems will not vote for any of the 5 Left wing nuts in the race. Republicans will be energized to vote to beat them as well more so than Morganelli.

Anonymous said...

So Ruggles is a “left nut”?
Go away, Sleepy.

Anonymous said...

Edwards is the only candidate remotely “left”
of center.
The term “progressive” doesn’t mean shit.
NextGenDems are dopes.
People are stupid beyound belief.

Bernie O'Hare said...

7:45, Ruggles was an R. I think his ideology depends on his audience. He is running to draw votes away from John in Easton.

Anonymous said...

So patriot2 claims the left is intolerant by being intolerant and making fun of their views. Yeah, that is the new "normal" in the alt-right republican party.
Being a republican now a days is not about your republican principles, it is about complete loyalty to Donald Trump, the leader. Those are not my words but conservative Arizona republican senator Jeff Flake's words.

Peter J.Cochran said...

Morman ,Jeff Flake is a vocal critic of President Trump. - Prof.Ruggles in my opinion ,is more likely to unlikely run just to interfere with John’s votes in Easton . What’s the point ? Votes in 3 rd ward in mid’s That amount to anything in Easton - So what ? Is the Professor signaling that he wants out of classroom.? He about 65 looks 50:who knows ,I highly doubt he has time to run just to play games with John in Easton . 3,500 votes in whole city in mids. Maybe not Evan that .

sezary said...



"Excuse me, but the problem here is intolerance and it exists on both sides of the political spectrum."

Yes, it certainly does. The comment from Anonymous at April 14, 2018 at 3:58 PM is a good example. I can feel the hatred for Trump oozing from his comment. Agree, disagree, like, not like; hatred and intolerance are hatred and intolerance and they are not political issues. They are issues of the heart. IMHO

Anonymous said...

Morganelli is playing two cards as political hacks usually do. Giordano is retiring from the Norco Judicial system and Morganelli's girlfriend Lisa Boscola will hold the judicial seat open depending what happens on his Congressional race. He looses she appoints Johnny to the bench. The people of Northampton County deserve better. It's time these people are removed from the sty!

Bernie O'Hare said...

You clearly have no idea what you are talking about, although your personal animus for Morganelli is noted. In case you haven’t noticed, Republicans hold the Senate. They will never agree to the appointment of a Democrat. Also, John would simply be unhappy as a judge, just like Emil. This is just complete horseshit you pulled out your ass.

Anonymous said...

So called "Blue Dog" democrats are not part of the new reality in the Lehigh Valley. Time for fresh young new blood! Strong young women like Wild, Zirinski and Zanelli are the future of the Valley!

I'm not a Susan Wild supporter, but think she deserves more respect than lumping her with the crack pot candidates Zirinski and Zanelli.

Bernie O'Hare said...

I believe that comment you quoted comes from the Rs.

Anonymous said...

Bernie, you are being unfair. Someone said Zirinski was the top council vote getter in Northampton County. That means that there has been a major paradigm shift in the electorate.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Someone? Is that code for you talking out your ass again? Because your are. The top vote getter was Lamont McClure, and he has endorsed Morganelli. The top vote getter in the Council race was Ron Heckman, and old white guy who isn't even that good looking. So much forthe argument that old white guys are out.

Now you could have checked the elections results yourself, but you'd rather post lies. People like you waste everyone's time.

Anonymous said...

Bernie at 8:59, now that is funny. Not sure if Heckman will laugh but funny none the less.

Anonymous said...

Dr. Ruggles is the sort of person we need in Washington. He is HONEST and intelligent. Has common sense and empathy. Everyone should check out this viable candidate!!

Bernie O'Hare said...

Calling him viable is completely dishonest. He is running solely as a spoiler.

Anonymous said...

Dr. Ruggles is the sort of person we need in Washington. He is HONEST and intelligent. Has common sense and empathy. Everyone should check out this viable candidate!!

Said no one, ever. Is that you Roger?

Anonymous said...

Yes, it certainly does. The comment from Anonymous at April 14, 2018 at 3:58 PM is a good example. I can feel the hatred for Trump oozing from his comment. Agree, disagree, like, not like; hatred and intolerance are hatred and intolerance and they are not political issues. They are issues of the heart. IMHO

You've got to be kidding. President Trump is the most corrupt President in any of our lifetimes - it is beyond the pale. Grifters and shelters under federal investigation for crimes ranging from conspiracy to money laundering to obstruction of justice. To find someone's "hatred" of Trump as odd or unbecoming is hiding from the truth.

sezary said...

I do not like or agree with all of our current President's behavior or policies. I do not hate him. Hatred and intolerance are hatred and intolerance and they are not political issues. The most corrupt of our lifetime...that is an opinion and would still be no excuse for hating the man who is Donald Trump. Again, hatred and intolerance are hatred and intolerance no matter by whom they are perpetrated, and they are not political issues. IMHO No, I am not kidding.

sezary said...

The simple fact that there was a response to my post regarding hate and intolerance, in defense of "hatred" of our President, speaks volumes.

sezary said...

Anonymous at April 16, 2018 at 1:47 PM

"Dr. Ruggles is the sort of person we need in Washington. He is HONEST and intelligent. Has common sense and empathy. Everyone should check out this viable candidate!!"

While making public comments at a public meeting, Dr. Ruggles rolled his eyes and chuckled during my comments. That behavior does not exude empathy for opinions with which he may disagree. He did not even pretend. In all fairness, he did apologize when I confronted him afterwards.

Anonymous said...

Shame no one from Monroe County also ran. Just to really upset everyone.