I’m frankly surprised they don’t have the space booked for a tournament, given that it’s a Saturday in February.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do we know if the St James is charging or parking during the rally and what they charge the campaign for use of the space? There is no charge for people to attend the rally. It is possible this might be an example of an private club donating their space to benefit his campaign. The campaign of the democratic socialist.

Are you saying that's akin to Buttigeg getting money from billionaires or the whole of Bloomberg's campaign?

No, I'm not making those comparisons -- that doesn't track. I'm saying it's an odd choice of venue, unless he intends to mock it while there.

BTW, I have zero problems with Bloomberg's billions. He earned them, he's giving it away for causes I support and if he is the nominee, that frees up DNC money for down-ballot races, so the pragmatist in me says I'm good with him running. At least we know it's HIS money and not dark money fueling candidates who are beholden.

Yes, you do sound like a Bloomberg supporter. Thanks for clarifying why you started this thread.

Actually it is perfect for Sanders. It represents his total lack of understanding of fiscal responsibility.

Anonymous wrote:Bernie or bust! I will definitely be there!!

Same, after my my workout, facial, and $30 St James smoothie.

Bernie or bust! I will definitely be there!!

Anonymous wrote:Do we know if the St James is charging or parking during the rally and what they charge the campaign for use of the space? There is no charge for people to attend the rally. It is possible this might be an example of an private club donating their space to benefit his campaign. The campaign of the democratic socialist.

Are you saying that's akin to Buttigeg getting money from billionaires or the whole of Bloomberg's campaign?

No, I'm not making those comparisons -- that doesn't track. I'm saying it's an odd choice of venue, unless he intends to mock it while there.

BTW, I have zero problems with Bloomberg's billions. He earned them, he's giving it away for causes I support and if he is the nominee, that frees up DNC money for down-ballot races, so the pragmatist in me says I'm good with him running. At least we know it's HIS money and not dark money fueling candidates who are beholden.

Do we know if the St James is charging or parking during the rally and what they charge the campaign for use of the space? There is no charge for people to attend the rally. It is possible this might be an example of an private club donating their space to benefit his campaign. The campaign of the democratic socialist.

Are you saying that's akin to Buttigeg getting money from billionaires or the whole of Bloomberg's campaign?

Glad I wasn’t planning on going to the st James tomorrow . Parking is a nightmare on regular weekend days and their lot is huge.

Anonymous wrote:We are members and it is very diverse. It’s a gym. If you are into sports and fitness it’s not that expensive. We pay $250 a month. That bring said I find having a political rally there really annoying.

$3,000 a year for a "gym" is insanely expensive and out-of-reach for the typical voter targeted by Sanders.

Anonymous wrote:Why was this moved from the regular Political forum? It’s not a local political issue as it is a rally for a national office. Jeff, are you trying to burying this in the local politics forum because it is pretty funny Bernie is holding a rally at the St James?

I'm the OP of the thread and I don't really have any objections. I think a case can be made for any forum, and the fact that it's in Metropolitan DC Local Politics means it will show up in Recent Topics.

For the record, I'm voting for one of the other Democrats. I just find this choice of venue to be bizarre. It's like the Sanders advance people are clueless. This place isn't the YMCA.


I am also curious as to the opportunity cost for the owners of the St. James.

Anonymous wrote:Where else do you propose that he have his rally?

As if the St. James is the only option? Give me a break. There are plenty of other places. It is insanely hypocritical. It's a weird place for a rally in general, but for a candidate that claims he's for the down trodden and average person, who claims to be a socialist, who is far, far left, the St. James is the complete opposite of everything his campaign claims to be. Whatevs.

Where else do you propose that he have his rally?

Anonymous wrote:Hilarious, the St James?! And where there? In the field house? In the gym? I am dying laughing at the irony. That place is insanely expensive. Who did the scouting for the venue should be fired.

Don’t forget to bring your $10 to valet park (which was the subject of its own thread a few weeks ago)!

LOL! Agreed. What a joke these primaries are.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just looked this place up on the internet. Are you seriously trying to say a gun in Springfield, VA is a bastion of wealth?

I assume you mean gym, and it's not a gym really, it's a place for rich people to spend all day. I mean, the "gym" has a spa and an ice cream shop. It costs like $600 to have a 10 person kids party there. It's insane.

Rich people don't spend their day or congregate in Springfield, VA. There is no massive accumulation of wealth there either. Are you saying people drive in from NW DC, McLean, etc to go to a gym and spa? I think a lot of you are just looking on the internet and being quite ignorant.

Yes, they do. I know people from Alexandria, Potomac, and DC that are members. I know more people from all over who are forced to go there regularly because of their kids' sports.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just looked this place up on the internet. Are you seriously trying to say a gun in Springfield, VA is a bastion of wealth?

I assume you mean gym, and it's not a gym really, it's a place for rich people to spend all day. I mean, the "gym" has a spa and an ice cream shop. It costs like $600 to have a 10 person kids party there. It's insane.

Rich people don't spend their day or congregate in Springfield, VA. There is no massive accumulation of wealth there either. Are you saying people drive in from NW DC, McLean, etc to go to a gym and spa? I think a lot of you are just looking on the internet and being quite ignorant.