This started off as a comment to WindDancer13’s Odds and Ends, but got too long and I really want to see what is next. Not sure this merits a separate essay, but exposure to enhance feedback on the usual next move may be helpful.

It appears that the basic m. o., right and left, is an orchestrated gang assault accusing the opponent of doing exactly what is being done to them. It is very basic, really, and on a sophistication scale is somewhere between kindergarten and 5th grade. Perfected by the Repubs, in this case it goes like this:

1.) The Gang Leader (GL) red baits the target in a national debate.
2.) The MSM plays along.
3.) Gang Member 1, a former Governor and Presidential candidate, accuses the target of advocating "chaos" (read anarchy) in regards to the health care of all Americans.
4.) The MSM plays along.
5.) Gang Member2, a notoriously liberal and well respected former Congresman, author of the post banking rip-off financial reform legislation, accuses the target of being Joe McCarthy. This inoculates the GL from blow back for future red baiting. (After all, it is the TARGET who is a McCarthyite.)
6.) The MSM plays along.
7.) The GL furiously attacks the target as a doctor commie rat in the national debate just before the NY primary.
8.) The MSM refuses to allow any rebuttal from the target.

If this turns out to be mere supposition, then so much the better. We have heard chatter about the kitchen sink and there is no reason whatsoever for $hillary to hold back now: if she loses NY she is toast.

I haven't seen an effective follow up from the Repubs after a gang attack so maybe this is all there is? Can anyone point out what the usual next move that $hillary might make after this tactic? Just more assassination of Bernie's character?

Thank you.

As an aside, Bernie's got this coming as he must know. It might be more effective coming from a "fellow" Democrat than from a frothing-at-the-mouth Repub, but surviving it now may go a long way towards inoculating him during the general election.