For N.H. Democrats, Bernie Sanders’ Candidacy Isn’t About A Victory, ‘It’s About A Choice’

[Capt. Obvious]

....

The self-described socialist from Vermont is a familiar face in New Hampshire, but it’s generally accepted that this Democratic presidential hopeful has very little chance of winning the election. He’s a long shot, but a long shot with the potential to shake up the race.

....

Anne Coughlin came from Concord to hear Sanders speak. She’s a fan, but she has some reservations.

“It’s kind of like a head and heart kind of struggle,” she explained. “My heart agrees with everything he said, but I want a candidate who can win nationally.”

And the candidate she’s referring to is Hillary Clinton.

In fact, some folks at this Sanders shindig are Clinton supporters, they just want to nudge her further to the left, especially on economic issues. Pam Lessard is sitting on one of the few sofa seats at the party.

....

Democrats in New Hampshire say a contested Democratic primary will influence the conversation on both sides of the aisle.

Blind Link

[Erich Bloodaxe BSN]

1. The self-defeatists frustrate me the most.

Unable and unwilling to take the chance to strive for something better, because they're afraid to lose. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

[NYC Liberal]

2. I agree with you. If you're going to support a candidate, then SUPPORT them.

I support Hillary, but Sanders supporters should get behind him and actually try to win. If you start out with the attitude of "We're going to lose" then it's just as you say – it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy

[HappyMe]

4. The merry band of Sanders supporters here

are in it to win it. It ticks me off when people have that defeatist attitude. We aren't treating this as a window dressing campaign by any means.

[NYC Liberal]

9. And I'm glad. Honestly. I hate defeatist attitudes.

I'm all for a competitive primary. Hopefully we'll have a few more candidates. Not a clown car like the Repugs but enough to have a good debate and give voters a choice. It will only help whoever eventually becomes the nominee.

[JoePhilly]

3. Obama had to get past this same obstacle.

For Bernie to win the primary, he'll have to get Clinton supporters to be sure he can win the general.

This is just a fact.

Sanders supporters would do well to recognize this reality.

Attacking Clinton does nothing to convince people that Bernie can win the general.

[onyourleft]

5. Oh, absolutely.

It's a "let's just stick with the status quo or we might lose." I don't believe we are going to move forward in this country by electing the same families over and over. How about some new, fresh ideas?

[True Blue Door]

6. Exactly. Some of these people clearly don't even want to win.

I hope that Bernie exploits their stupidity, and the stupidity of those who dismiss him from the other side as well.

"Never so dangerous as when the world thinks nothing of you."

[MineralMan]

7. This is the attitude that Sanders must overcome.

That task is complicated by attacking Hillary Clinton. Clinton supporters are not going to be changed by that. Such an approach will backfire badly. Senator Sanders has made it clear that he will not use attack strategies. His supporters should pay attention to him. Really.

[kentuck]

8. The underdog position is ideal in politics...

Because, once you can gain momentum, there is usually a huge wave of support. Bernie is sitting in a very good position right now, imo.

[libdem4life]

10. You put my feelings into words. At this point, Hillary has a lot to lose, and little to gain.

[winter is coming]

11. We've seen this movie before.

[bunnies]

12. What a pantload.

Two people is NOT "NH Democrats". Everyone I've met at Sanders events are in it to WIN.