Scott has sought to distance himself politically from Walker, who pursued conservative, anti-union policies as governor. “I didn’t invite the speaker,” Scott said at a Thursday press conference in Waterbury. “But I felt an obligation to make sure that we welcome governor Walker to our state.
“Vermonters know me,” Scott added. “I’m a centrist and I’m open-minded and I’m willing to listen to other points of view, and that should be the message here.”
During the fundraiser, Scott and Walker sought to minimize their political differences. Scott thanked Walker “for coming here from America’s second-best state for cheese,” and spoke of their common hobby of motorcycling. He then spooled off his usual stump speech, emphasizing affordability and growing the economy — not mentioning issues such as abortion, marriage equality and union organizing rights, on which the two men differ.
Walker slammed Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) even as he predicted Sanders would be the Democratic presidential nominee. He claimed there is no difference between the democratic socialism espoused by Sanders and the socialism of the failed state of Venezuela. “We can never let that happen in America,” Walker said. “We were born free, we must remain free.”
The former governor compared wealth taxes proposed by Sanders and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) to redistribution of grades. “It’s like a young woman who gets all A’s having to give away some of her grades” to others who didn’t fare so well, he said. The comparison assumes every dollar was earned fair and square, and ignores the inherent advantages of wealth — especially when it’s inherited.
While the two men did their best to ignore or minimize their differences, the protesters outside sought to tie them together. Many brandished signs referring to “Phil Scott-Walker.” The protest was organized by several labor unions and progressive groups including Rights & Democracy.
Protesters made it clear that Walker was not welcome in their state. “I want Vermont to progress forward, not go backward,” said St. Albans resident Laura Walker, who stressed that she is no relation to the former governor. “Having read about [Walker], I can’t imagine he’d be a positive influence.”
Several elected officials took part in the rally. “This person the Vermont Republican Party is hosting is antithetical to everything I hold dear about being an American and a Vermonter,” said Rep. Mari Cordes (D-Lincoln). “If Phil Scott can stand against [President Donald] Trump’s policies, he can stand up to Scott Walker’s policies.”
Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman, a Progressive and Democrat, greeted protesters. “I’m surprised the Vermont Republican Party would bring this kind of Republican to Vermont, and that Phil Scott would attend,” he said.
When asked if it was fair to associate Scott with the much more conservative Walker, he replied, “Phil Scott has a fine line to walk, but he associates himself with the Republican Party. [The late senator] Jim Jeffords became an independent when he felt the party had left him. Apparently Phil Scott doesn’t feel the same way.”
Walker, whose first term in office was marked by numerous large-scale protests and a recall effort, was unfazed by the crowd outside. “When I see a rally, that’s when I know I’m in the right place,” he said.
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“…paid extra for a closed-door reception with the two governors.”
I find this so offensive. Do all politicians do this? Don’t they feel degraded?
A little perspective, Scott Walker seems to be further right than most including our governor, but Zuckerman and Bernie Sanders are further left than most.
Political extremists are a two way street despite what Walters writes.
The incestuous relationships that develop between Government sector Unions and Liberal Politicians is an unholy alliance and does not further the cause of the good of The People because it only winds up serving the self interests of the unions and the politicians whom curry favor with each other at the expense of The People.
Look no further then the Vt Statehouse and the teachers unions.
Forestgimp says that Walker and his fellow RWNJs, hating on teachers, taking rights away from LGBT Americans, destroying the environment, anti-science = the left as exemplified by Zuckerman and Sanders, wanting equality for all, affordable health care, a clean planet for our youth, and a safety net for our elders.
That’s today’s mushy mouth both extremes are equally bad puffery.
Leaterhune, this is exactly what Bernie is now starting to do in response to Biden’s fundraising. Guess it shows the Bern for what he really is
Vermont seems less appealing, on both sides, every day.
“…paid extra for a closed-door reception with the two governors.”
I find this so offensive. Do all politicians do this? Don’t they feel degraded?.
Seriously, you’ve never, ever, ever heard of paid, closed-door fundraisers by anyone on the left side of the political spectrum? Really?
The hope was that the internet would take money out of our elections and finally make each vote equal. Instead, just the opposite happened. Ironic given that communication is essentially free. Which means the money is being used not for communication but for favors.
Sanders is such a joke.!!!
Phil Scott is so 2 face it’s pathic. He and the rest of the liberals in Montpeculier are Fufgel and Ultracrepidarian. Oh and let’s not leave out the crook Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman.
Commenters like A_Trout are so trapped in their dogmatic liberal bubbles, they can’t perceive ANY validity to the other side’s arguments… this is part of the reason President Trump will be re-elected in 2020…