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Politically Direct with David Bender

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David Bender's four-decade career as a political activist began at the tender age of twelve when he took a "leave of absence" from the seventh grade to become a full-time volunteer in the presidential campaign of Senator Robert F. Kennedy. He was present on June 4, 1968 when Kennedy was assassinated at the Ambassador Hotel shortly after claiming victory in the California primary.

Four years later, as a high school reporter, Bender covered the presidential campaigns of Richard Nixon, George McGovern and Hubert Humphrey. He was literally a "boy on the bus," traveling in the company of such journalistic greats as Walter Cronkite, Eric Sevareid and David Broder.

Subsequently, Bender became an aide to the legendary liberal activist Allard K. Lowenstein, the former New York congressman who was also a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement and later in the anti-Vietnam War movement.

In the early eighties, David Bender was one of the first field organizers for the Human Rights Campaign Fund (now HRC), the national political action committee of the gay and lesbian community. Later, he served on the board of GLAAD, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.

David Bender has also been deeply involved in both the television and music industries, serving first as a senior executive in the production company of musician Stephen Stills and later, as vice president of Tom and Roseanne Arnold’s television production unit. After Bill Clinton was elected in 1992, Bender was asked to become the Democratic National Committee’s liaison to the entertainment industry.
When the late John Kennedy launched George magazine in 1995, he chose David Bender as its first West Coast contributing editor. Citing Bender's more than thirty years of experience in politics, government and entertainment, Kennedy said, "As long as I've known David Bender, he has been involved in public issues. I think what he's been able to do, rather uniquely, is kind of meld a lot of different worlds and channel them into public issues, whether it be Washington, New York or Los Angeles - particularly within the entertainment industry. I can't really think of anyone who has done it longer or as well as he."

In 2003, David Bender returned to politics as a senior advisor in the presidential campaign of Vermont Governor Howard Dean before joining Air America Radio as its political director during the 2004 election.

David Bender is also the author or co-author of four books, including "Stand and Be Counted," a chronicle of artist activism in the music industry, written with musician David Crosby.

Comments

(50)

So the difference between the SHRUMster and DB, is what? BHO???

By SingSingJune 7, 2008 - 3:54am

So the difference between the SHRUMster and DB, is what? BHO???

By SingSingJune 7, 2008 - 3:55am

Treasury Dept chart - June 6, 2008

David Bender was on The Rachel Maddow Show yesterday (Friday, June 6, 2008) and mentioned a chart published on, I think, the US Treas Dept's website. He described it as correlating Bush's tax cut events (and resulting rise in the public debt) with either the decreasing value of the dollar or the rise in the price of oil.

Anybody have the URL for that chart? After me, I want everyone in America to see it and understand it.

RMilnes

By rmilnesJune 7, 2008 - 3:44pm

David - you are a great guy - but I cannot support you

going on strike in the 4 - 7 slot because of the treatment of Sam Seder.

By totallyJune 8, 2008 - 12:34pm

Ditto

In addition to being on strike between 4 - 7 p.m. on Sundays, I'll be on strike from 9:00 a.m. - 7 p.m., Monday through Friday and all hours on the weekend, except for when Ring of Fire is on.

By jamieob256June 8, 2008 - 1:01pm

nope, sorry david bender

It'll take a while to get over the snub of Sam. AAR still has a chance to make it right, then maybe I'll check your show out. Good luck though.

By KthCJune 8, 2008 - 2:36pm

thanks for acknowledging Sam

Sam endorsed you on his website. Hillary could learn about graciousness from Sam. anyway I appreciate you and do not hold what AAR management did to Sam against you.

By alyssaeJune 8, 2008 - 4:10pm

David Bender is a good guy and I'm HAPPY FOR HIM

I AM SUPER CONFIDENT SAM SEDER IS OK WITH THIS!!!

Do us proud, David, you big lovable political bear!

Tim the Wellstone Democrat

Listening on WCPT Chicago and XM sattelite

By Wellstone DemocratJune 8, 2008 - 4:12pm

Remember people, its just (THE WORST) radio spot

No HONOR, at all to be on Sunday 3-6

CAN YOU SAY FOOTBALL?

Can you say Nap Time???

Sam is Happy happy happy....

David, make gold from this straw

Tim the Wellstone Democrat

Listening on WCPT Chicago and XM sattelite

By Wellstone DemocratJune 8, 2008 - 4:14pm

Talk at LEAST 2 Minutes about PAUL SIMON

Senator Durbin, you are only a senator because of him? What about Obama? Isn't OBAMA the inheritor of HIS LEGACY?

I think Paul is really happy about Obama

Tim the Wellstone Democrat

Listening on WCPT Chicago and XM sattelite

By Wellstone DemocratJune 8, 2008 - 4:17pm

Durbin ... ADMIT IT ... YOu are responsible for Obama running?

(GREAT BIG HUG)

Tim the Wellstone Democrat

Listening on WCPT Chicago and XM sattelite

By Wellstone DemocratJune 8, 2008 - 4:18pm

Hebrew questiion: What does Baruch adonnai mean?

Tim the Wellstone Democrat

Listening on WCPT Chicago and XM sattelite

By Wellstone DemocratJune 8, 2008 - 4:19pm

Hebrew answer

It means "Blessed be God." Being a former Orthodox Jew, I can tell you that most blessings (Brachot) in the Jewish religion start with "Baruch atah Ad-nai" (not supposed to write out God's full name) which means "Blessed are you, God."

Nice fun Jewish fact, I suppose. :)

"And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make." - John Lennon

By BobCubTACJune 10, 2008 - 4:01am

How hard was it for Rahm Emmanuel to endorse Obama?

Tim the Wellstone Democrat

Listening on WCPT Chicago and XM sattelite

By Wellstone DemocratJune 8, 2008 - 4:19pm

Thank you!

Thanks, Tim and everybody for joining in. I miss Sam too but I'm going to try and do him proud. Let me hear from you guys today on line and on the phone!

By David BenderJune 8, 2008 - 4:49pm

Mention Franken

David, I haven't heard the show yet (when does the podcast go up?) so if you didn't mention Al Franken getting the DFL (Democratic Farmer Labor Party) endorsement Saturday, I hope you will. I was present the state convention, and my impression is that his struggling campaign seems to be finding its feet again, or at least Franken is back to the strong candidate he seemed to be last year. Minnesota is a winnable seat, but the incumbent is tough, and the GOP wants no one defeated more than Franken except Obama --- and I'm not sure they don't want to beat Franken first. They'll pulling out all the stops in a campaign based purely on personal attack; not one issue yet. I hope you'll give listeners help in knowing how to respond to the attacks, and encourage them to help Franken if they can.

In fact, in general I think the presidential race gets over-covered, and I'd like to hear more about down-ballot races.

The Raven's Blog: May the Better Bird Win
http://www.ravensblog.net

By ericfJune 9, 2008 - 1:38am

VP question

David, stop asking about the VP and let the Clinton for VP drop. You know as well as I do that usually the VP is not designated until close to the convention. You are not helping with this. Let Obama have the time to vette and make his own choice.

By PatConnorsJune 8, 2008 - 5:23pm

VP choice

I am a Sam Seder and Rachel Maddow listener but you are going to lose me if you keep it up with this VP-Clinton stuff.

By PatConnorsJune 8, 2008 - 5:26pm

Wimps!

Rachel Maddow is a lipstick lesbian and David Bender is a drama queen. They're wimps of the highest degree. I doubt Rachel even knows what a curve ball is. These two are like Nellie Olsen. Whining and crying because Clinton wouldn't quit. She just wouldn't go away when the going got tough. Us Democrats are so weak and pathetic that we can't handle a little street ball. Boo hoo. Why won't she kiss Obama's gold ring?

Well Nellie and drama girl, let me tell ya, the reason Hillary is so well liked is because she isn't a quitter. She isn't a Kerry, a Dukakis or a Mondale. Hillary is the Alamo, The 300 and Brave Heart. On the other hand, Nellie and Drama Girl are wimps and quitters. They're the wimps that in the face of certain defeat choose to throw in the flag rather than get a bloody nose.

I just pray that Obama doesn't pay any attention to either of these two glee club members. We've got a battle ahead of us, and live or die we need to make sure the Republicans walk away from this missing a few teeth.

Veteran For Obama!

Oh yeah, hugs and kisses David, Love ya

By prangerJune 8, 2008 - 5:24pm

Covering all the bases

I voted for Clinton, but...

I don't think the VP slot is the best place for Clinton. Obama can effectively control the White House so we need to concentrate on Congress. Currently we have two wimps controlling things. Clinton can effectively control the Senate and provide some sorely needed strong arm politics. Pelosi is a wimp and unable to handle herself in a street fight.

I see Webb or Nunn as better options for the VP. Yes, the bastard Nunn supported DADT, but I think he has seen the light on that one.

By prangerJune 8, 2008 - 5:35pm

I say no to Hillary Clinton as Vice President

I don't think the VP position should be a consolation prize for the person that lost. Also, I think it is the height of arrogance to try and hold the winner hostage by using the popular vote metric. The metric for the Democratic primary was delegates and Barack had the majority to win. I have never heard this meme in any other primary. Hillary Clinton latched on to the popular vote meme when she started to lose.

The Clintons suck all of the air out of the room. Barack Obama was not even able to have the historic win to himself. Most of the media was breathlessly talking about the VP position for Hillary Clinton. It's all about the Clintons all the time.

If Barack chooses Hillary Clinton, I think it will make him look weak. If he needs Hillary Clinton to win, then why is he running for President. Hillary Clinton is now using the 18 million that voted in the primary as a bargaining chip. She is obviously not telling her surrogates not to discuss the VP position. I love the way the surrogates are saying the VP decision is for Barack to make, but at the same time they keep saying they would like to see Hillary as VP.

I say no to Hillary Clinton for VP. I think Barack should ask her to head up the Health Care initiative. That makes sense to me. Barack should pick a VP that he is comfortable with. That is a very personal decision.

By JackyNNYCJune 8, 2008 - 5:37pm

thanks

I completely agree. I do not trust Hillary. Her campaign was disgusting. Just a week ago she was talking about RFK being assassinated in June. It is time for Hillary to step back.

By alyssaeJune 8, 2008 - 5:56pm

that click you heard...

was me shutting off the stream. You insist on talking about VP-Clinton and I don't want to hear it. It is pundits like you and those on cable that keep this talk going.

By PatConnorsJune 8, 2008 - 5:44pm

VP

To Pat and others on the VP question: it's on EVERYBODY's mind and there is no question that major Hillary supporters are talking her up today...hard to ignore

By David BenderJune 8, 2008 - 5:53pm

VP

It's not on my mind! I think Mark Green is pushing you guys to keep her alive. I didn't hear the rest of your show. I'll try you again next week, but hopefully HRC will be old news.

By PatConnorsJune 8, 2008 - 7:43pm

Damn David, does she really

Damn David, does she really have to kiss the gold ring? Are you the cheer leading captain that stomps her feet demanding the other cheer leaders fawn all over her?

For someone who's been in politics for four decades you sure haven't learned anything from the playbook of the winning team. But then again, the Dems have only had the White House three times in the past 40 years. I wonder why?

By prangerJune 8, 2008 - 5:53pm

Love the pom-pom imagery!

But you're not addressing my question..do you think she's started running a very subtle (and potentially very effective) "non-campaign campaign" for VP?

By David BenderJune 8, 2008 - 6:02pm

No to Clinton as VP

No, I don't think she is running for VP, and I don't think she would help the ticket as VP. Bush is an idiot and needed Cheney. Obama is capable of reading and writing and having his own opinion. Clinton as VP would be a distraction.

Her skills can best serve the country in other areas. A strong Senate leader coupled with a strong President is a winning combination.

By prangerJune 8, 2008 - 6:10pm

Pranger, you sound just like a Republican

Who cares how many times it is mentioned about Obama's potential mate? As David astutely and correctly said, it is on everybody's mind. Don't you believe in people being free to speak their minds? If not, then you must be a Republican.

Besides, if all of the other pundits are talking about it, then what difference does it make if David does? If anything, he is helping the discussion along by lending his own unique voice borne out of 40 years of political experience. If you don't want to listen to him, fine, that is your own choice. But quit acting like he has to bow down to your wishes. For each person who doesn't want to hear him discuss Barack's VP options, I can guarantee you that there are at least two who do, myself included.

"And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make." - John Lennon

By BobCubTACJune 10, 2008 - 3:54am

VP Choices

Clinton has a strong primary following, however I have serious concerns over her viability as a VP choice. First, she has the greatest negative polling percentages and would energize the Republican base. Second, she has not been vetted and according to the WSJ--the Clintons will not disclose their library fundraising. Third, she is currently slated to be deposed in the Paul vs. Clinton election fundraising fraud case that will be sure to be headlines and talk points for McCain. Fourth, the Appalacian support she received in the primary historically moved to the Repbulican candidate in the general--so her following is fairly overstated. Fifth, I trust that progressive woman will come to Obama in the fall when they truly look at McCain's record vs. Obama's. We don't need to

My take on the VP choice is contrary to the oft mentioned need for military credentials. To quote the early 90's refrain...its the economy stupid. I see Jon Corzine, Evan Bayh or Mark Warner all having the economic bona fides to make them stronger VP choices than the Clinton, Clark or Webb. Strengthen this part of the ticket and debate McCain on his weakness and the issue that will still be the most important of the election.

By tnygesJune 8, 2008 - 5:54pm

Another reason no Clinton on Ticket

If you do a deep dive into the Texas, Indiana and Ohio results; the influence of Operation Chaos is quite apparent. So again her numbers are inflated. You have to believe the right wants her on the ticket.

By tnygesJune 8, 2008 - 5:59pm

Clinton as VP

Obama simply cannot take on Clinton and all that comes with her. This country needs a fresh start, a new direction, and a President who makes personnel decisions on what is best for the country, not to satisfy whiney Clintonistas who somehow don't understand that Obama didn't "do" anything to them. He beat Clinton fair and square. Their victimhood is pathetic.

By lynMadisonJune 8, 2008 - 6:05pm

No Whining here

Lyn, there are always going to be sore losers and arrogant winners. I've run across very few Clinton supporters who will not be voting for Obama. I think this divide is more a product of the media.

I do agree with you on the point of wanting a new direction for this country. I believe this country is desperate for a leader that ask them to sacrifice for their country beyond going to the mall. After 9/11 when Bush told us all to go shopping he effectively told us we weren't important. That our contribution wasn't necessary. We need a leader who's upfront about the hard road ahead and a leader that expects us to step up to the plate and do our part.

Veterans for Obama!

By prangerJune 8, 2008 - 6:23pm

I think you're probably

I think you're probably right about the media's influence on the conversation about Clinton as VP. I am greatly encouraged by the sure way that Obama seems to have stepped up his control of the party. My friend Harry, an old pol who retired after being Donna Shalala's chief of staff during her tenure at UW-Madison, believes that Obama may be the most gifted leader in a generation.

By lynMadisonJune 8, 2008 - 6:50pm

1 more reason hillary should not be vp

Mark Penn!

By alyssaeJune 8, 2008 - 6:06pm

Great Show

and this is coming from a huge Sam Seder fan.

By alyssaeJune 8, 2008 - 6:24pm

Thanks Alyssae!

This is lots of fun! Keep it coming!!

By David BenderJune 8, 2008 - 6:30pm

AAR knows how to play us.

Okay, AAR could not have picked a better host for damage control after Sam's show was cancelled.

It is always great to hear from you, Mr. Bender. I was looking forward to your show as soon as I heard you were firing it back up. I hope this show will be a mainstay for AAR.

By AntillectualJune 8, 2008 - 6:47pm

Caroline Kennedy as VP

That is a dream ticket.

By alyssaeJune 8, 2008 - 6:53pm

AAR knows how to play us.

I agree with Antillectual -- Mr. Bender is a great alternative to Sam Sedar. I love David and Rachel together, but if we can't have that -- each with their own show is good.

By peggyvetJune 8, 2008 - 9:54pm

Bender is no Seder

I think Bender is a smart voice, just not a voice I enjoy listening to. Cancelled my AAR premium membership. NovaM here I come!

By shawnfassettJune 8, 2008 - 10:47pm

Glad you're back

David, I'm thrilled you are back doing PD. Though do wish we didn't have to lose Sam to get you. As for the guy who called you & Rachel Nellie & the Queen-are you serious? If HRC had shown as much backbone with the Bush Administration as she has bitching about DNC rules that she agreed to- maybe she would have won. She's only a fighter when it strokes her ego; or she has something to lose; in this case, power that somehow she thinks she is entitled to. I'm still not sure how being married to a President qualifies you to be president or vice-president but I think about things like that. I am a white, working-class middle-aged woman and trust me she didn't get my vote. All I had to do was look at her voting record to know she's not on my side.

By gr8shoesJune 9, 2008 - 12:42am

Welcome back, David

However, I missed your show today, so I hope they hurry out with the podcast.

Just glancing over the comments here...I have to agree with those who say "no" to Hillary Clinton for VP. Though she seems like the obvious choice on the surface since she can ensure the entire Democratic electorate comes out to vote, she has some real problems with the Republicans. I think she has a bullseye on her back AND I MEAN THAT FIGURATIVELY, and that KKKarl Rove and the Republican dirty tricks committee have been chomping at the bit to get at her. I do think there's a cabinet position for her somewhere -- is there a Health, Education and Welfare office anymore? She could put together the health plan (hers was better than Obama's anyway) and fix education, both strong suits for her. Claire McCaskill would be a better VP choice if Obama decides to put a woman on the ticket, or Sam Nunn, who would reasssure conservatives that Obama was serious and concerned about national security. Not that I have any great love for Sam Nunn, but you gotta hope that Obama's VP will have less of a role in day to day political affairs than Bush's.

Regarding Sam Seder -- I have great hope for the guy. I think he's moving forward in his career, and I hope he stays at Air America for a long time. The new website is far more useful and informative than the old one, and Sam is responsible for all the active blogging used on the site, as well as many of its other features. His contract was up for Seder on Sunday; maybe there are other things in the works as far as a show for Sam. We'll see. He's got a lot of fans here, and deservedly so.

--

Dave

Support Peace

 

By dschermJune 9, 2008 - 1:55am

While I wait for Sam's next M-F gig

I guess I'll see what David has to offer. It'll have to be via podcast though. Which, BTW, have yet to be posted. What's up with that?

Post the podcast. It's 11:00 PM already!

Thank you,
Richard Liberty
Santa Cruz, CA

By Richard LibertyJune 9, 2008 - 2:09am

Podcast - Politically Direct

Yes what happened to the Podcast for Politically Direct? It should be out after the broadcast. Can't list to the show live since the ADs eat of the brandwidth. If you want me to rescribe to premium podcasts at least get them out on time.

By sharon adlerJune 9, 2008 - 11:40am

Podcast?

YooHoo!

When is the podcast going up?

For once I am caught up for the week and need my AAR fix.

By janeaustinJune 9, 2008 - 2:13am

Waiting for the podcast here

Waiting for the podcast here in W Central FL too.

I've been a Bender fan for quite awhile = ) & I notice all the old PD 'casts are up in the OnDemand section....

Y'know what I think? Since the 2 candidates have already conferred - & I'm guessing that won't be that last time either - I think they'll decide what they're gonna do & we'll support it if we want victory in Nov. - all the rest is just hot air, as far as I'm concerned

I want to hear more Sam Seder on AAR - sincerely hoping there'll be another slot for him soon - & I wouldn't mind some more Hal Sparks while they're @ it - I thoroughly enjoyed his stint last week on the Afternoon show; he's so smart, upbeat & FUNNY! (& he said Hillary Clinton for the Supreme Court - great idea, IMO)

Best wishes for the 'new' show, Mr. Bender = )

By pinellasJune 9, 2008 - 11:04am

Podcast!

Hooray! Podcast's up.

By janeaustinJune 9, 2008 - 2:49pm

Welcome back, David!

I haven't listened to your first show back yet, but I definitely intend to soon. Working a lot of overtime now makes it more convenient to listen while I'm in the car, but I will find some time. It's just great to have you back again as a full-fledged host. Of course, I also appreciated hearing your many insights on shows like Ring of Fire and The Rachel Maddow Show. You always add intelligence and an extra understanding of what lies beneath the issues to any program you are on. Unlike some others posting on here, I really enjoy your deep baritone voice.

And I agree with Wellstone Democrat: You ARE a big, lovable political bear! :)

Regards,
Bob

"And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make." - John Lennon

By BobCubTACJune 10, 2008 - 2:24am

Ugggh...The AP-Yahoo gets it wrong, AGAIN!

They just printed the following: "According to the AP-Yahoo survey, the New York senator is viewed significantly more favorably than Obama by many white Democrats, Hispanics and Catholics. She carried all those groups decisively against Obama in this year's Democratic primaries, exit polls of voters showed."

That is categorically NOT TRUE! While Clinton DID, in fact, carry the Hispanic and Catholic votes, she DID NOT carry the "white Democratic vote" overall. The only major "white Democratic votes" she carried nationally were women (particularly those age 60 and over), non-college graduates and rural. That's IT!

I HATE it when major media groups get it wrong like this! Here's the full link: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080609/ap_on_el_pr/clinton_as_veep;_ylt=ArB...

"And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make." - John Lennon

By BobCubTACJune 10, 2008 - 5:12am

Comments

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