Bernie, "I am not a Democrat"

[Sheepshank]

He was, when he arrived in Washington, the only one of the 535 members of Congress who didn’t identify as either a Democrat or a Republican.

“I am extremely proud to be an independent,” he told the Associated Press seven months into his congressional career. “The fact that I am not a Democrat gives me the freedom to speak out on the floor of the House, to vote against both the Democratic and Republican proposals.”

The flip side at first was this: “He screams and hollers,” Rep. Joe Moakley (D-Mass.) said to the AP at the time, “but he is all alone.” Rep. Bill Richardson (D-N.M.) called Sanders “a homeless waif.” Said Rep. Barney Frank, in ’91: “Bernie alienates his natural allies. His holier-than-thou attitude—saying in a very loud voice he is smarter than everyone else and purer than everyone else—really undercuts his effectiveness.”


Read more: http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2015/08/bernie-sanders-2016-democrats-121181#ixzz3qI2ZzHiI

And nothing has changed. Bernie has never changed his announcement and walked anything back. ...and this article will explain why, in part, he has an obvious lack of endorsements from his fellow House compatriots.

[Thinkingabout]

1. K & R

Gotta work with others sometimes.

[MannyGoldstein]

2. How else could we get wars passed? nt

[bravenak]

5. Bernie will just use drones.nt

[99th_Monkey]

13. But in a more restrained & limited manner, less than Obama.

[bravenak]

16. Safety Drones!!! Freedom Drones!!!

[99th_Monkey]

73. Hillary never saw a military engagement she didn't like.

Why won't you own that? .. oh, never mind, that's right, it's because you'd need to
stop sniping at Bernie for leaving a scaled-down drone option on the table.

[redstateblues]

83. Just right drones!

[bravenak]

130. Socialism drones? No. Not those. I know. Safety NET drones.

[TheKentuckian]

165. An easy focus point to put torch to his feet on because the areas are few as I can recall

Plus, it isn't like Clinton isn't going to utilize drones (most likely with less hesitation and restraint, perhaps far less), air strikes, missiles, arming radical fuckwads, and troops too.

[bravenak]

166. At least we can just stop pretending he would never do anything war like.

[JonLeibowitz]

169. I don't know where that claim is being pretended

There is a difference between being strong and national defense and never seeing a foreign conflict you don't like. I am firmly in the camp that we must keep drones on the table as a part of our national defense, but carefully consider the scope of their use and the extent to which we are violating international law in doing so. Bernie seems to agree with me in taking a sensible position on the use of drones.

You can be strong on defense and not advocate for needless war. "Walk softly but carry a big stick"

Curiously, Hillary has chosen a different approach. More power to her, but she will not earn this democratic voter's vote for doing so.

[bahrbearian]

174. Well there is your reason to like him.

[beam me up scottie]

25. Drones are better than boots on the ground.

But some people prefer Hillary's support of sending troops to fight unnecessary wars.

It's not even worth arguing with them.

[sheshe2]

90. He said he would put boots on the ground. nt

[beam me up scottie]

115. In Syria? Link?

We're discussing unnecessary wars, perhaps your definition is different.

Why should we put boots on the ground In Syria?

[sheshe2]

121. No...

As you well know he made a general statement that he would indeed put groups on the ground.

Sleep tight, gotta go.

[beam me up scottie]

124. So do you agree with boots on the ground in Syria?

Because Bernie wants to avoid war unless absolutely necessary.

Your candidate on the other hand, never met a war she didn't like.

[sheshe2]

86. Yes, his words. nt

[bravenak]

99. I wish we all had the same facts.nt

[bravenak]

128. Exactly. I do not think they know him very well.nt

[Thinkingabout]

44. Jump in there, by those who vote to bomb and by who vote for military action.

Some needs to sell wars so they can justify the F-35 program and manufacture of drones.

[beam me up scottie]

119. Some people laugh at the thought of more killing:

Get back to me when Bernie yuks it up at the thought of war.

[tecelote]

168. +1000!

[sheshe2]

131. Ouch~

[tecelote]

66. Keep telling yourself the killing doesn't matter.

You'll sleep better.

---

Bernie may not rule out drones and some military action but he is working for peace. Hillary is bought and paid for by the same people who bring us endless war.

We have an opportunity to end this carnage. How can you support it?

[Cha]

152. BS is no better than anyone else. In fact Hilary is the best one running for President.

[Autumn]

3. Autumn,"I am not a Democrat".

I did re register as one so I can caucus for Bernie in the primary. After Bernie I will become an Unaffiliated again

[ejbr]

10. +1 n/t

[Sheepshank]

11. But for others to posture and pout when others say Bernie is not a Dem

is silly

[99th_Monkey]

17. To make this an "issue" is silly and doesn't serve the espoused purposes of the Democratic Party

His allegiance is 99% aligned with the Dems, who he's caucused with & voted with
more than some other "good Democrats" I could name.

[Autumn]

20. He has the label of Democrat now and the head of the Democratic party says he is a Democrat

so for now, he is a democrat. Of course the posturing and pouting about Bernie's party affiliation I have seen is by Hillary supporters. The label does not matter to me, Bernie has been a more reliable democrat when it comes to his voting than a lot of democrats.

[Tommy2Tone]

191. Reliable maybe...but he is and never will be a Democrat

and I vote Democrat.

[Autumn]

192. I vote for the one who best represents my interests n/t

[aspirant]

195. Then throw him out of the party

[WillyT]

32. + 1,000,000,000 - Thank You !!!

[Paka]

87. I have a number of close friends doing just that this election.

During a number of stretches throughout my life I have been registered as an independent as I have been fed up with both parties at times. After this primary season I anticipate being back Unaffiliated.

[Autumn]

141. I switched after over 40 years a Democrat. Jamie Dimon whipping votes on Obamas behalf

on the Senate floor was the last straw for me.

[pacalo]

4. Those who are supporting Bernie won't care about endorsements.

If those giving out endorsements were truly honest, they'd be wearing their own corporate sponsors' labels for all to see.

[pacalo]

68. Misterhighwasted...

I like your name, but you are wrong. Bernie is definitely not for sale.

[pacalo]

78. You really need to learn more about Bernie.

Your 'reaching' is looking awkward.

[pacalo]

104. Blanket statements are a dime a dozen.

Could you back this up with specifics?

And I agree with all the fellow Senators who have tried to work with him.

[sheshe2]

138. Uuuum~

I like your name, but you are wrong. Bernie is definitely not for sale.




You really need to learn more about Bernie.

Your 'reaching' is looking awkward.




you just posted these meaningless images to MisterHighWaisted.

OMG!

You said....

Star Member pacalo (23,663 posts)
104. Blanket statements are a dime a dozen.

Could you back this up with specifics?

And I agree with all the fellow Senators who have tried to work with him.

I am laughing here, and trust me I needed one. You ask Mister to back things up with specifics when you post an image of a person gulping water. Then gets the cap stuck in their mouth and an awkward goat lapping water and YOU WANT SPECIFIC ANSWERS from them. LMFAO!

Do you see the silliness of your response? This is precious. You out did yourself here. Bravo or Brava.

I guess this is what discussion has become on DU. Your response does not deserve an answer. It was rude.

[pacalo]

143. Oh my.

That's the first time you've ever been rude to me & it wasn't even about you. Maybe instead of taking everything so personally, you should take a break. You're not the same sheshe I had come to know.

[sheshe2]

146. Mister is my friend. I know them well.

I was defending them. I know it wasn't about me, yet you did not need to be so rude to them. It is a message board, I am allowed to speak. I am allowed to defend a friend when I deem it necessary.

No, I never have been rude to you. I like you, yet maybe you are the one that needs the break, I have never seen you post something so rude. Your comments make me sad.

[pacalo]

147. It wasn't meant to be rude.

I was having fun with misterhighpants when I could have been justified in giving him a truly bona fide rude remark. I stated my opinion about how Bernie Sanders cannot be bought & misterhighpants brought it on. However, instead of taking it personal, I had fun with him.

No, when you take it personal when people aren't satisfied with politician A & are more drawn to politician B, you need a break.

[sheshe2]

149. I am sure you do not have bona fide...

credentials to analyze me.

I have handled a situation with a grace and calm the last few months. So can your concern about my abilities. You were being condescending to me before and still are.

As for Mister, you were having fun at their expense. That does not put you in a pretty light.

[pacalo]

150. Oh, brother. n/t

[bravenak]

132. This is why I felt that The Peter Principle fit so well.

[juajen]

159. It does indeed!

[redstateblues]

85. a demi god perhaps?

[Human101948]

179. Oh oh!

Royals win World Series

http://www.usatoday.com/videos/news/nation/2015/11/02/75028240/?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=FeedBlitzRss&utm_campaign=usatodaycomnation-topstories

[Armstead]

71. You might dislike him. But he aint for sale.

If he was as for sale as the others, he'd have become a waffler and a Corporate Toady and a ConservaDem a long time ago. He could be a rich man if he chose to sell his House and Senate seat to he highest bidders, and take a ride on the revolving door.

"Let Banks form monopolistic empires and swallow up the economy? Sure as long as they pay me to give $300,000 speeches once in while."

"Media monopolies? Hey great, as long as I get a seat on the board when I leave the Senate."

"Private health insurance holding everyone hostage? Okay, as long as they fill my campaign coffers."

[jtuck004]

125. " he'd have become a waffler and a Corporate Toady and a ConservaDem a long time ago ..." < If he

only had some leadership ability, like they do.

[jtuck004]

184. President Sanders actually walks with the people. Flip flops, sandals, tennis shoes- the shoes don't

make the candidate. I will vote for him. I don't really give a flying rat's ass what kind of shoes they wear, I listen. And he never referred to our neighbors with no income as" deadbeats".

If that's the kind of "consistency" you like, well, everyone has their own standards, I guess. I will never, ever cast a vote for such arrogance and self-righteousness.

I would have voted for the jet too, btw. Mostly because of the string of politicians we have had who like to start wars. Until we solve the problems they created, we will have that need.

You take care - there will be nothing else I want to read from you.

[bahrbearian]

172. Yeah, he is for sale but not to the highest bidder

Just to the 99%, Hillary is working for the !%

[bravenak]

6. He is not a Democrat.

He needs to be vetted carefully.

[Dr. Doolittle]

9. He is the true Democrat as he follows all Democratic principles

even if he stayed out of the party because he saw the party shifting to the right. He had to jump in when he saw that there was no difference between a Clinton and the random Republican.

[bravenak]

12. Lol. No.

[Dr. Doolittle]

15. Please expand further on why you don't think Bernie espouses true Democratic principles

while the Democratic Party has lurched to the right since 1980. So you want to buy the corporate propaganda that they are selling you, then I respect your choice but feel sorry about it.

[bravenak]

18. The Democratic Pary was the party of Slavery. No. He does not stick to Democratic principles.

[VanillaRhapsody]

35. I find it fascinating that people think just believing in elections

is what being a member of the Democratic party means!

[bravenak]

160. This is fabulously stupid!! I love it.

[freshwest]

200. I'm gonna steal your 'fabulously stupid!!' You made me ROTFLMAO! n/t

[bravenak]

203. Yes! Steal it!!nt

[tecelote]

69. Things change...

[freshwest]

201. Since they've taught their voters all that is evil, it should be posted at all GOP meetings!

Someone needs to picket Ryan, Paul, etc. with those signs and ask how they'll make America great again! Really like the part about expanding Social Security...

[ColesCountyDem]

30. ...

[zappaman]

133. Welcome to DU!

[ForgoTheConsequence]

24. Hillary supporters are out alerting in full force tonight, 0-7 that's gotta hurt.

AUTOMATED MESSAGE: Results of your Jury Service
Mail Message
On Sun Nov 1, 2015, 07:55 PM an alert was sent on the following post:

He is the true Democrat as he follows all Democratic principles
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1251&pid=755460

REASON FOR ALERT

This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate.

ALERTER'S COMMENTS

First post is Hillary is no different than a Republican. Really? First post?

You served on a randomly-selected Jury of DU members which reviewed this post. The review was completed at Sun Nov 1, 2015, 07:59 PM, and the Jury voted 0-7 to LEAVE IT.

Juror #1 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #2 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #3 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #4 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #5 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: Another nonsense alert from a Hillarista. Pathetic.
Juror #6 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: Argue the point instead of running to a jury.
Juror #7 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given

Thank you very much for participating in our Jury system, and we hope you will be able to participate again in the future.

[BlueCaliDem]

151. Yep. eom

[Kip Humphrey]

93. "their loyalty goes back generations", shame that doesn't apply to Hillary either.

[VanillaRhapsody]

171. Says who? Someone supporting an Independent

No hypocrisy there at all...

[eridani]

27. The vetting includes his no voter on the Iraq War

Clinton did more than vote for it--she strenuously advocated that others do so as well Because she knew we could trust the chimperor to do the right thing.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/01/12/435624/-A-golden-oldie-Hillary-s-floor-speech-to-invade-Iraq#

So it is with conviction that I support this resolution as being in the best interests of our nation. A vote for it is not a vote to rush to war; it is a vote that puts awesome responsibility in the hands of our President and we say to him - use these powers wisely and as a last resort. And it is a vote that says clearly to Saddam Hussein - this is your last chance - disarm or be disarmed.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-bromwich/hillary-clinton-votes-for_b_66174.html

Yesterday, by a vote of 76-22, the Senate passed the Kyl-Lieberman amendment in
support of military actions against Iran. Except for the following.

Biden (D-DE)
Bingaman (D-NM)
Boxer (D-CA)
Brown (D-OH)
Byrd (D-WV)
Cantwell (D-WA)
Dodd (D-CT)
Feingold (D-WI)
Hagel (R-NE)
Harkin (D-IA)
Inouye (D-HI)
Kennedy (D-MA)
Kerry (D-MA)
Klobuchar (D-MN)
Leahy (D-VT)
Lincoln (D-AR)
Lugar (R-IN)
McCaskill (D-MO)
Sanders (I-VT)
Tester (D-MT)
Webb (D-VA)
Wyden (D-OR)

John McCain and Barack Obama did not vote.

[bravenak]

34. It includes everything.

Relationships built. Votes casted. Bills sponsored by himself. Bills he cosigned. Significant legislation passed. Leadership ability. Foreign policy experience. Domestic policy experience. Delegates that can be gotten. Coalitions built. Community organizational skills. Appeal to broad demographics. Charisma and ability to draw the most voters. Much more. Not just one vote tyat is the most important thing to a small small demographic. Not everyone thinks the IWR vote makes or breaks this thing. Most do not.

[eridani]

48. How does Clinton attract the 63% who did not vote in 2014?

Relationships? Llike with Henry Kissinger?

http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/09/hillary-clinton-henry-kissinger-world-order




Like with the people who crashed our economy?
http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/11/why-wall-street-loves-hillary-112782#ixzz3qIHdp8nN

But here’s the strange thing: Down on Wall Street they don’t believe it for a minute. While the finance industry does genuinely hate Warren, the big bankers love Clinton, and by and large they badly want her to be president. Many of the rich and powerful in the financial industry—among them, Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein, Morgan Stanley CEO James Gorman, Tom Nides, a powerful vice chairman at Morgan Stanley, and the heads of JPMorganChase and Bank of America—consider Clinton a pragmatic problem-solver not prone to populist rhetoric.

Their Senate records are actually not that different (her greater absenteeism is due to the 2007-2008 campaign)

https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/hillary_clinton/300022
https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/browse?sponsor=400357

[bravenak]

100. Nobody attracts them.

[BlueCaliDem]

163. He refers to himself as a "Democratic Socialist". I mean, the root word "Democrat"

appears in the first part of the title so it can fool a lot of people into believing he's "somewhat" of a Democrat. And yes, he voted 98% of the time with Democrats, but that was political strategy, and it's why the DNC is allowing his bid to run for the Democratic Party presidential nomination.

[font color="red" size="5" face="face"][center]But make no mistake.[/center][/font]

Bernie Sanders is 100% Socialist. He self-identifies as a Democratic Socialist.

As a Democratic Socialist, he'd love to wipe Capitalism off the face of the Earth and have government take over everything, including banks. That's what happens in a democratic socialist country.

Listen to his stump speeches. Although well-couched in feel-good rhetoric, and making use of the confusion between what a social democracy is - as Denmark is -and a democratic socialist country is - which is closer to what Russia is - Bernie is cleverly advocating socialism (government shouldn't be working for the 1% but for the people), and not advocating working within the capitalism framework currently in the United States (already a social democracy, thanks to the SSA, Medicare, the VA, the PPACA, SSDI, SSI, UEI, SNAP, etc. - although it can use some serious improvements and strengthening - which is what Hillary Clinton is advocating).

Denmark, Holland, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, and yes, the United States...are all social democracies that use a combination of capitalism (people can actually still own and operate businesses) with a social safety net. Democratic socialists - which Bernie self-identifies with - believes that the economic contradictions inherent to capitalism can only be solved by transitioning from capitalism to socialism.

[bravenak]

164. This is ONE HUNDRED PERCENT the way I see it.

Yes. He voted Dem. He wanted to keep them from running too hard against him. But to paint him as this saint and democratic icon?

I just cannot take it.

[BlueCaliDem]

167. Thanks to VanillaRhapsody's explanation of Democratic Socialist and Social Democrat - which,

I believe, most Democrats actually are - it's easier to see what Sanders is doing. His ideological views are closer to the Democratic Socialists of America than to the Democratic Party which is, for a large part, made up of Social Democrats.

VanillaRhapsody explains what Democratic Socialist means here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1251&pid=753805

I give an explanation defining Democratic Socialism and Social Democracy in a post here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1251&pid=754614

And DemocratSinceBirth breaks it down in even simpler definitions, explaining that "Social Democracy and Democratic Socialism are not synonyms": http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1251&pid=753581


Sanders is not a Democrat. He's a Socialist disguised as a Democrat.

[bahrbearian]

173. Real Democrat's vote for War, hang around Kissinger.

[bowens43]

7. Neither is hillary...so what?

[artislife]

14. LOL!

[yuiyoshida]

29. Where are we supposed to go sign up for the

Democratic Blood oath?

[deutsey]

45. Bingo!

[Triana]

52. *SNAP*

[Hydra]

92. That's what I was gonna post

It doesn't bother anyone that She isn't one, but that (D) beside her name makes it all fine.

Remember when Arlen Specter(Asshole) did that?

[HerbChestnut]

8. So what?

He's running in the Democratic primary and stands for Democratic principles. The DNC could have denied him the opportunity if they wanted, but they didn't.

[Sheepshank]

23. You are so right...so what if Bernie is not a Dem?

I think it would be great if you could convince the Bernie Supporters here of that.

[Autumn]

41. Since the leaders of the democratic party say he

is a democrat, running in the democratic party presidential primary perhaps you should write them a strongly worded letter of protest and convince them that he is not a democrat. As for me? I take it as a plus that he is not a democrat.

[Sheepshank]

43. Nope...thenDNC has never said that Bernie is a Dem..and neither has Bernie

I will gladly walk back my statement if those situations are corrected.

[Autumn]

56. All I found was this from DWS

https://www.democrats.org/Post/375

DNC CHAIR STATEMENT ON BERNIE SANDERS’ 2016 ANNOUNCEMENT APRIL 30, 2015
Washington, DC – In response to Bernie Sanders’ announcement that he will run for president in 2016, DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement:

“Democrats welcome Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders as the second candidate to officially seek the Democratic Party’s nomination for President in 2016. Senator Sanders is well-recognized for his principled leadership and has consistently stood up for middle class families. Throughout his service in the U.S. House and Senate, Bernie Sanders has clearly demonstrated his commitment to the values we all share as members of the Democratic Party.
?
“The Democratic Party appreciates the contributions that Senator Sanders, Secretary Clinton, and other candidates will make to a healthy dialogue about the future of our party and our nation. There is a distinct contrast between Democrats who are on the side of middle and working class families and Republicans who are concerned with the very rich and wealthy corporations. Over the next year, the discussions we have during our respective nominating processes will help make that choice clear.”

[Sheepshank]

62. As I'd said before somewhere on DU today

Polite, gracious and courteous DNC

[Autumn]

113. Polite, gracious and courteous and obviously a liar in your books if she's calling Bernie a democrat

when you just know he isn't,

[ucrdem]

116. The point is that she avoids making any such claim. Read it again. nt

[Autumn]

120. I read it n/t

[sheshe2]

157. Your bolding

the second candidate to officially seek the Democratic Party’s nomination for President in 2016.

Well, seeking the Democratic Party sure doesn't make you one.

Lol~

seek
[sēk]
VERB

attempt to find (something):
"they came here to seek shelter from biting winter winds"
synonyms: search for · try to find · look for · be on the lookout for

[Autumn]

158. Saying one is a democrat doesn't make one a democrat.

Bernie Sanders has clearly demonstrated his commitment to the values we all share as members of the Democratic Party.

? I take it as a plus that Bernie Sanders is not a democrat.

[sheshe2]

162. Cool...

Runs on our ticket and takes all the advantages. Refuses to call himself one.

And~

Introducing Bernie Sanders the Hypocrite
Aug 15, 2015 6:50am PDT by Dave in AZ

Just 9 years ago Bernie won the Vermont Democratic primary for the 2006 Senate race as a write-in candidate — there was no serious opposition — but he declined to accept the nomination. Why? Because he's always insisted he is NOT a Democrat. In fact, he has said that it would be hypocritical of him to run as a Democrat:

"It would be hypocritical of me to run as a Democrat because of the things I have said about the party."

snip

- Rep. Barney Frank

In a recent interview with Politico Sanders was asked that since he was running for the Democratic nomination for President why not become a Democrat? He wouldn't answer the question, responding instead with:

"I’m running for the Democratic nomination. I will meet all the regulations and requirements. I look forward to doing that."

That, Bernie, is what we call dodging the question.

In a Presidential election the entire slate of Democratic candidates run as a team, From President to U.S. Senate and House candidate to Governors and state legislators. And that Democratic team is vitally important in 2016. We need to win back the Senate. We need to win dozens and dozens of House seats and put a serious dent in Boehner's House of Cards. We need to win Governorships and state legislatures so Republicans can't gerrymander the crap out of things in 2020. Will Bernie care anything about that? No, I think it's very clear that Bernie is running for himself, he's been doing that for 30+ years. I honestly just don't trust him and his motives. After all, it was Bernie himself who said it would be "hypocritical" of him to run as a Democrat. I'll take him at his word.

- The quotes and other information is from the Politico article: Can Bernie Sanders Win the Love of a Party He Scorns?

Read More http://m.dailykos.com/story/2015/08/15/1409803/-Introducing-Bernie-Sanders-the-Hypocrite

[Autumn]

189. So anyone from any party is eligible to run in a Democratic party primary?

Seems to me someone should fix that. Wouldn't want to have to vote for a Bush should one decide to run in the democratic party I like what Skinner had to say

If it's any consolation, I really think this is in a gray area. I do not know the exact details of Bernie Sanders' relationship to the Vermont Democratic Party. My understanding is that he never actually ran in a Democratic primary, although he may have won the Democratic nomination a few times without running for it. Whatever the specifics, there does seem to exist a tacit agreement to not give him any serious Democratic opposition. So the question of whether Bernie Sanders is a Democrat is something of a red herring -- he isn't a Democrat but when he runs for congress he has the support of the Democratic establishment in Vermont and Washington DC. And he is running for the Democratic presidential nomination. So for all intents and purposes he is a Democrat, and I don't really see why anyone on DU would consider his party affiliation to be a worthwhile argument. Having said that, I wouldn't have voted to hide this, as it seems to be a close-enough description of reality. But that's just my opinion.

I guess there is no reason to argue it so Maholoho to you and have a wonderful day

[DianeK]

19. your point??

[Sheepshank]

36. A Bernie supporter says they have been following me around for 2 days

....and they have seen me write this same topic on several threads. I thought I may as well put it up as an OP and then I can just link to it in the future.

So many here keep arguing that he is a Dem. They posit the idea that since the DNC is allowing Bernie on the Dem ticket, that he is now suddenly a Dem. The DNC has never said that Bernie is a Dem, Bernie has never said he is a Dem, in fact he has made it very clear that he is NOT a Dem. That was the point of my OP

[Baitball Blogger]

21. Because, lord knows we aren't accustom to Democrats who vote against Democratic issues.

[moobu2]

22. I dont think Bernie has the temperament to be POTUS either.

[Joe Turner]

42. Sure, much better to have a duplicitous POTUS

that will cave every time to the Status Quo than fight for the interests of the American People. We don't anyone to rock the boat since everything is going so swimmingly well these days.

[BlueCaliDem]

154. You *do* know that the U.S. president doesn't have the powers of a dictator, right?

Sanders can't "fight" for the interests of the American people, as he sees it, because he'll need that pesky Congress to go along with him, and that's going to be a tall order if they don't share his socialist vision for America.

Bernie is a self-proclaimed Democratic Socialist. He never refers to himself as a Social Democrat. Yes. There is a difference between the two, and the one Sanders claims to be terrifies the vast majority of Americans. He's a full-blown, unapologetic Socialist and would very much like the government to take over everything, eliminating capitalism in its entirety. Not even Denmark is that socialist!

From Wikipedia:

Democratic socialism is a political ideology advocating a democratic political system alongside a socialist economic system, involving a combination of political democracy (usually multi-party democracy) with social ownership of the means of production. Although sometimes used synonymously with "socialism", the adjective "democratic" is sometimes added to distinguish itself from other models of socialism which democratic socialists perceive to be undemocratic.

~~ snip ~~

Democratic socialism rejects the [font color="red"]social democratic view[/font] of reform through state intervention within capitalism, seeing capitalism as inherently incompatible with the democratic values of freedom, equality, and solidarity. Democratic socialists believe that the economic contradictions inherent to capitalism can only be solved by transitioning from capitalism to socialism, by superseding private property with some form of social ownership, with any attempt to address the economic contradictions of capitalism through reforms only likely to generate more problems elsewhere in the capitalist economy

[Rosa Luxemburg]

155. Hillary is too vague and indecisive to be POTUS

[DCBob]

26. It is remarkable someone who loves to bash Democrats and refuses to call himself a Democrat..

now wants Democrats to vote for him to lead the Democratic party.

[eridani]

28. He loves the stuff in the Dem party platform a lot more than many Ds n/t

[DCBob]

33. If he is so in love with the Dem party platform he should call himself a Democrat.

[NanceGreggs]

106. Isn't it, though?

BS just wants the money and support that can be gained by aligning himself with the same party he has demeaned throughout his entire political career.

I guess when he says he's a man of the people, what he really means is he's a man of the people who can further his political ambitions - those same people he is too good to be one of - except when convenient.

[DianeK]

31. i still don't get the point..

i vote my heart..bernie has my vote because there will be no significant change without it...hillary is all about hillary..i am so tired of ego candidates

[Sheepshank]

37. Then you haven't opened your eyes to Bernie..this is all about his ego. Nt

[RiverLover]

67. You need to open -your- eyes, this is all about him standing Up for People amongst a purchased DC.

He's been fighting for US ag the establishment for a long time. Dependably & without waver.

[VanillaRhapsody]

38. ANYONE....anyone who runs for office....has ego...

no one running for office is a saint.

[Joe Turner]

39. In today's political world

one cannot trade horses so to speak with bought politicians without becoming bought themselves. Bernie chose to speak clearly about the corruption in congress. Naturally most politicians can't stand a person that tells the truth. Barney Frank never showed much character and his comments are hardly a surprise.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

40. Big Deal....to some.

To others, labels are just labels signifying little if anything.

[jkbRN]

49. Typing lessons, please.

Starting with a compromise is what HRC always does, we need a leader who starts with starts with an ideal that aligns with Americans want. Starting with a compromise will only mean that what the negotiations would end up being further right than the initial proposal. Whereas, starting with the ultimate ideal, will lead to compromises that end up looking like HRCs initial plan. There is a reason the GOP has leaned further right is because of centrist democrats, conservatives still need something to fight for, so what do they do? Go even fuuuuurther right. Use your logic, people

[Sheepshank]

54. Yes, you may benefit for some lessons. Nt

[jkbRN]

55. Lol, aw,

Aren't you just too witty?

[jkbRN]

47. This narrative is old,

Find something better to do with your life. The fact that you go out of your way to make sure democrats on a democratic forum know that Bernie ran as an independent and caucuses with the democrats is SEVERELY PATHETIC.

Also, why would Reid appoint Bernie as chairman of the budget committee? Lmao seriously. Hahahahhahaha. Bernie is more of a democrat than HRC--check the voting records and get a new talking point, my friend.

[Sheepshank]

59. My friends don't insult me, so you can exclude that platitude in the future.

As for Bernie caucusing with the Dems, it's not that hard to figure it out.

He presents almost no bills whatsoever. He does find the time to co-sign. No energy or actual time commitment required for co-signing anything.

So here we are. Bernie who attemps to stay relevant by voting and co signing. Who the fuck is he supposed to align with? The Republicans with whom he is philosophically the opposite...or the Dems that are a closer match? There aren't too many Indies in the house for him to play with. So he aligns with many Dem platforms.

He is not a Dem, he likes their platform better than the other party...that's all it is. He will not party build, and while that is not important to some, it is important for the Dems future viability against the Republicans. He will arrest that momentum, initiated by Obama, back at least 3 election cycles.

[jkbRN]

112. Why not this time? Oh, wait, you are attempting to use another talking point LOL sad.

Hahahhaha. I'm sorry, he has introduced numerous bills, he has also cosponsored a lot of them. Not to mention all of the amendments he was able to pass in the House.

Please, stop, and do some research.

Also, there is nothing wrong with being an independent and caucusing with democrats, ESPECIALLY given HOW CORRUPT both parties are, I give him high honors for that, not shame. Shame should be placed on the representatives and government officials purposely keep independent parties shunned, and not given the same rights as dems or repubs. I don't know how you back a party that is blatantly corrupt, while demonizing the person who is our only hope to fix it. Pathetic.

[Sheepshank]

142. Really....do tell about these numerous bills. And even more importantly.....

.....how about a lovely list of Bernie Sponsored bills that passed and enacted. Hint, you may need a magnifying glass.

Making such statements are best bolstered by some links and facts.

Part of the reason is he isn't a leader, he doesn't get very much done. It's why he would be ineffectual as POTUS

[jkbRN]

144. Ah, I didn't know you were incapable of doing your own reseach,

here are some links to get you started:

https://www.congress.gov/member/bernard-sanders/S000033

http://www.alternet.org/election-2016/bernie-gets-it-done-sanders-record-pushing-through-major-reforms-will-surprise-you

I'm sorry but I will not support a candidate that starts with a compromise which is what HRC does, if you start with compromises where do you have to go with a right wing congress? only FURTHER right, anyone that knows how to govern, never starts with a compromise unless what they really want that right wing legislation. If you start at what you would ideally wanted, and then make a few compromises, then the legislation will look a little more like HRC's current proposals, but any democratic president should know better than to start with compromises.

[Sheepshank]

145. As I said Bills introduced and passed...poor poor record

I don't think that first link bolsters your argument at all. fwiw, you do know the difference between a resolution and a bill right? Again, a magnifying glass will be needed to find any bills he has sponsored (introduced) and passed into law. I give up looking at your list after looking through 7 pages.....fucking waste of time

[Warren Stupidity]

50. Wow, I haven't read about this bullshit here for hours. nt.

[Kalidurga]

58. I remember the good old days when it was just Republicans that put party before principle.

I don't care what party Bernie is in or was in or wasn't in. He is fighting for Democratic principles, unlike some people who would rather play identity politics.

[RichVRichV]

60. According to that article Bernie made that statement in the early 90s.

That means every statement Hillary has made since then is fair game in this thread.

Are you sure you want to go down this road?

[workinclasszero]

61. Can Bernie Sanders Win the Love of a Party He Scorns?

Can Bernie Sanders Win the Love of a Party He Scorns?
The long, troubled history of Bernie Sanders and the 'ideologically bankrupt' party whose White House nod he now seeks.
By MICHAEL KRUSE

http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2015/08/bernie-sanders-2016-democrats-121181_Page2.html#.VjbDXp_nbqA

[Capt. Obvious]

122. I'm surprised this hasn't been posted before

[beam me up scottie]

126. LOL!

[workinclasszero]

135. I posted it before but as you can imagine

The Bernie fans didn't rec it or comment much on the thread.

[NurseJackie]

181. This is the kind of stuff that will drive the remaining "undecided" voters toward Hillary.

[Rilgin]

64. Just how does one become a member of the Democratic Party?

Please enlighten me and anyone reading this thread on exactly how one becomes a member of the democratic party. More importantly what constitutes proof or recognition of your status as a Member of the Democratic Party. None of the hypocritical people on this board will ever answer because the answer is you are a member of the Democratic Party if you register to vote as a democrat or run for office declaring yourself a democrat. No one can say anything different.

Being a democrat or republican is purely self identification. If I register as a democrat when I register to vote, I am a democrat. What I said or was before has nothing to do with it. There is no test one has to take to join the democratic party (or for that matter the republican party). That is why the DNC recognizes him as a candidate in the Democratic Party Primaries.

You might want to google, "how do I join a political party". You will get the answer. It will not be an answer that supports this obnoxious OP and all the sycophantic responses. Of course you will not come back and apologize or say you were wrong.

The second Bernie declared himself as a democratic party candidate for President he is a democrat as much as anyone on this thread and as much as I am even though I have had democratic party on my registration for 36 years. Being a member of a political party is not binding. It is a current status and is not affected by my past nor does it restrict my future.

You can say he was an independent in the past even though for most of this is irrelevant. You could also opine that he may leave the Democratic Party in the future based on the past. However, this would be at least accurate or an expression of an opinion. Bernie was, in fact, an independent who caucused with Democrats. However, this was in the past not in the present as the OP asserts. Right now he is a member of the Democratic Party. With any degree of truth, you can not say he is not a member of the democratic party now. This is inauthentic, wrong and you should be embarassed posting such falsehoods.

The OP and all the people who claim that Bernie is not now a member of the Democratic Party should be embarrassed.

[Sheepshank]

65. I don't think it's by making the statement "I am not a Democrat".

Several widely read Leftie publications have opined the same question and statement I made in the op. Bernie knows this question is out there, and Bernie could very easily clear this up. He doesn't clear it up for a very good reason.

[Rilgin]

72. Right, snark and no answer

You know it does not matter what you say in the past. In the US being a member of a political party is a current affiliation.

But you know that already. Your response says you know that saying something does not make you a member of a political party. Why dont you say what does make you a member?. I will even give you a link to help you.

My google search is "How do I join a political party". The first link referring to the United States is as follows. You just will not like the answer because it points out how inauthentic your posts are.

https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20081111021942AAMYiPA

Will help you further. Bernie ran for office as a Democrat not an Independant. This means his current affiliation is Democratic Party. That is what joining a party is in the US. It is a current affilation. So question how deep his commitment is to the Democratic Party since he just joined it. However, lose the meme that he is not a member of the Democratic Party. He is as much a member of the Democratic Party as you are (if in fact you put that down on your registration form as your current affiliation).

However, you know that you are posting groundless in authentic attacks already. You should be embarrassed continuing to post snark rather than posting truthful answers.

[ucrdem]

74. The answer is in the filing requirements of each state. But candidates need to declare

one way or the other in most states including Vermont:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1251&pid=649650

[Rilgin]

79. You think he did not declare when he submitted forms to run as a Democratic Party Candidate?

Did you even stop to think about what you posted. That is the point. It is a self identification and Bernie is now a member of the Democratic Party regardless of his past affiliation and regardless of what he might do in the future. He declared himself on many many many many forms (not just a single registration to vote form) as a democratic party candidate.

Party Affiliation is not a tattoo. It is a current affilation. You and I are free to change it at any time. So change the wording of your attacks away from something that sounds good but is absolutely a lie. You can certainly have an opinion about his allegiance based on the fact that he was an independent before. That is an opinion.

The problem is that you and all the other posters want to assert as factual that he is not a member of the Democratic Party since it sounds better that way. However, it is totally inauthentic to our political system and all such posters should be embarrassed.

[ucrdem]

80. In 25 years he hasn't yet declared as a Democrat in VT or any other state that I'm aware of. nt

[merrily]

82. Vermont is the only state in which his declaration matters and he has declared in the only way

Vermont law allows. Stop the deceit.

[ucrdem]

91. He has several options including Democrat per 17 V.S.A. §2356:

https://www.sec.state.vt.us/elections/frequently-asked-questions/state-candidates.aspx#

[merrily]

101. He's done it. Suggesting otherwise would be ze loco, no, mon ami?

However, your original issue was whether he had declared as a Democrat or not, not whether he had qualified as a candidate. Hope moving the goal post was not too difficult. They make them on wheels now, you know.

[ucrdem]

107. He's filed, yes , but never declared as a Dem to my knowledge. nt

[merrily]

110. Yes, he did and your knowledge has nothing to do with Vermont law.

[Rilgin]

197. He filed in Arkansas today according to another post

And the Arkansas Filing again, has a box for Party Affiliation as a Democrat. When will you acknowledge that party affiliation is self selected and is a current status. There is no formal national method. Bernie is a democrat now because he is running as a Democrat. That is all that is required. The declarations you require do not exist however, what forms he will sign this year will record his current affiliation.

I think Hillary's policies are those of a moderate corporate republican. However, I would not question that she is a member of the Democratic Party and a right to do so in the United States and I have nothing to do with it.

www.sos.arkansas.gov/elections/.../Candidate_Info_form%2012..

[Rilgin]

108. You would be wrong.

He is on the ballot in New Hampshire despite issues in June last year caused by the fact that Vermont Voter Registration Forms do not contain a box for Party Affiliation. There was a question of how anyone can be a member of a political party if you are from Vermont. These got worked out. FYI, Howard Dean was also not a registered member of the Democratic Party because he was from Vermont.

New Hampshire's candidacy form requires the candidate to state their party affilation. Bernie is running in New Hampshire as a member of the Democratic Party. The chairman of the New Hampshire Democratic Party has stated that he will be on the ballot despite the fact that he had no prior voter form showing that affiliation. In other words, his application will be taken as a sufficient declaration of his current affiliation with the Democratic Party. The same as with Howard Dean who had the same issue. The DNC has also accepted Bernie as a member of the democratic party entitled to run as President in the Democratic Party primaries. It does not matter what he previously was or said. If he is running as a candidate in the Democratic Party he is a member of the Democratic Party.

So again, your post is wrong. He, like all Vermont people and members of other open states, do not sign up as members of any political party when they register to vote. However, Bernie is currently a Democrat no matter what he was in the past and you are being inauthentic because you think it is a permanent concept.

So just admit you are wrong and stop attacking with inauthentic and untruthful memes.

[ucrdem]

109. Great. How about a link? nt

[Rilgin]

196. Here are some links and further points.

http://elections.virginia.gov/Files/Forms/Candidates/PresidentialPrimary-SBE-545B-Consent-Declaration.pdf

It is for Virginia. Why Virginia. No reason at all other than it was easy to find in an internet search. "how do i become a candidate for a primary".

Please note that Bernie has publicly declared he is running for President as a Democrat. This is on his website as well as every statement he has made in months. So he will be signing a lot of similar forms. When he signs this form and others like it (if he has not done so already) he will be signing forms acknowledging that he is a member of the democratic party now (as I have posted) rather than an independent.

It is also easy to find links on how his former status as an independent in a state that has no party registration to vote will affect his getting on the ballot in various states. Some of these articles including even the article in the link you posted state that this is a technical anomaly based on open primary states but is never used.

Here is a link found by searching "how do i become a member of the democratic party"

http://www.ehow.com/how_2050541_join-democratic-party.html. Note that as I have said it is a self selection process and there is no other imput. The method is how you register to vote. In open primary states that is an impossibility because there is no box. This has been noted in other articles which you will find them yourselves. I found one article containing quotes of one of Bernie's campaign manager discussing these issues and stating that Bernie will have to declare his affiliation as a Democrat.

So quit twisting words. In the US political parties are an individual choice and your attacks on him seem to imply its a permanent state. He is now a democrat once he self selected to run as a Democrat. Since he is running for the Democratic Party candidacy which I think even you might not twist the facts enough to challenge, he is a Democrat. You might not like him as a Democrat just as I do not like Hillary as a Democrat. I think she is closer to a corporate moderate republican politically on policy but I would not factually challenge that she has just as much right to self select the democratic party as I do or as Bernie does.

Also, note that in Virginia according to the form he will be or has agreed to a sore-loser law which would prevent him later for running as an Independent. Not all states have these laws apply to presidential candidates but some states do and it means in Virginia and I saw Michigan, if you apply to be a candidate of a party, you are no longer an independent. You can find your own links on what a sore loser law is.

I have already said I was in error factually in that I believed that he had already signed a declaration in New Hampshire but pointed out that the article you posted noted that Vermont has already accepted that he is a democratic party candidate and the New Hampshire Democratic Party chair has stated that will be good enough. You have pointed out he will sign the New Hampshire one this week and if he wants to be a democratic party candidate will or has signed other similar ones. However, you have avoided the substance of the declaration and meaning of what it means to be part of a political party in the US to continue a baseless claim.

Here is the language of the New Hampshire declaration form which you have pointed out has to be signed this week. The link is to a download from New Hampshire government site. sos.nh.gov/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=8589945862

"I, ___________swear under penalties of perjury ” I further declare that I am domiciled in the city (or town or unincorporated place) of _________, county of _________
state of ___________, that I am a registered member of the ___________ party; that I am a candidate for nomination for the office of president to be made at the primary election to be held on the _______ day of _________; and I hereby request that my name be printed on the official primary ballot of said ___________
party as a candidate for such nomination."

[ucrdem]

114. As of Oct. 28, he hadn't filed in NH:

http://www.wmur.com/politics/sanders-moves-to-clear-up-possible-questions-about-eligibility-for-nh-primary/36071532

[Rilgin]

148. You are correct with regard to New Hamshire as of now.

See how that easy it is to acknowledge an error. He has not filed the candidacy form in New Hamshire yet. I thought he had but it is due friday according to that article.

However, he has been accepted in Vermont Sanders "received confirmation that he is a qualified candidate in the March 1, 2016 Democratic presidential primary in his home state of Vermont".

In Vermont he is a member of the Democratic Party and is on the ballot as a Democrat which proves it even though no Vermont politician has registered to vote as a democrat.

Further, with regard to New Hampshire, the issue is not that he will not declare as a democrat, the issue has only related to him being a citizen of Vermont which has an open state primary system. This technicality was acknowledged as only a technicality by the head of the New Hampshire state democratic party. Of course he will still have to submit the form by friday.

The state’s party chairman has assured the public, “At the end of the day, Sen. Sanders will appear on the New Hampshire Democratic Party ballot.” Cite below. Of course you know better than the head of the Democratic Party in New Hampshire.

vn.us/2015/06/30/3-biggest-hurdles-bernie-sanders-will-need-clear-finish-race/

[Bonobo]

70. If you believe that, then "Democrat" is nothing more to you than a team to root for.

Consider me NOT a member of your team in that case.

To me, ideas and ideology are what define a Democrat.

[corkhead]

77. So what. He's running as one. Get over it.

[Sheepshank]

94. You got it all wrong, mate. I'm over the fact that he's on the Dem ticket as an Independent.

It's the Bernie crowd that need to get over the fact that Bernie isn't a Dem and doesn't t want to be a dem.

[jfern]

105. If he wins the Democratic primary, he will be the Democratic nominee

And if elected, he will be a Democratic President. Period.

[jfern]

129. You keep telling yourself that

[INdemo]

84. If Hilaary was honest with voters

She would confess in all honesty
"I am not a Democrat"
With Hillary's corporate ties and right wing ideology she should not be running as s Democrat.

[merrily]

88. The OP got nowhere on another thread, so he or she started a new one, all the while insisting

that he or she does not care about the issue enough to make one phone call, which would lay this bs to rest.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1251752079

LOL!

[Sheepshank]

96. Glad to see you followed me over here

I was wondering how long it would take. Did you notice that I referenced you upthread?

[merrily]

98. Nope, I didn't notice and I didn't follow you. Got here out of Latest Threads. Haven't read all the

bs on this thread and probably won't.

[ucrdem]

95. Vermont election law requires major, minor, Independent, or self-named party affiliation:

https://www.sec.state.vt.us/elections/frequently-asked-questions/state-candidates.aspx#

[Sheepshank]

139. That's a great back up info...thanks

[Rilgin]

198. Of course you didnt follow the link to the forms page for what that means.

If you did, you will find what that means is the Candidate gets to choose. Not you, not me. Not Vermont. Not Hillary. Not DU. It means that Bernie gets to choose his affiliation. Now stop digging yourself a hole. In the US party affiliation is what you choose now. It is not a permanent concept. You are free to leave a party if you do not like its policies or members or later join one for any reason at all. Others have nothing to say about your affiliation, they can make their own decision if the party is still what they want to affiliate with.

Ever since he declared his candidacy as a Democrat he is a member of the Democratic party. Stop with the inauthentic attacks based on factual untruths.

[jfern]

103. That year, Bernie was one of 6 founders of the Congressional Progressive Caucus

Today they have 69 members.

[ibegurpard]

111. Neither is the head of the Democratic Governors Association

Since we don't have partisan registration in Montana. He did run as one though and is running as one again...which is what Bernie is doing running for President as a Democrat.

[MisterP]

118. in labels, no; in policy, yes--and that's the crux of his appeal

there's trillions at stake in convincing Americans that it's not what in your heart, but on your lapel pin that's what matters

[AzDar]

123. Ahhh, I love the smell of stone-cold desperation on a cool autumn evening...

Feel That BERN

[aspirant]

127. When the DNC and DWS throw Bernie out of the party

because he is not a Dem, then all bets and statements are off

If Bernie then runs as an independent, Hillary is absolute toast and should withdraw for the betterment of the nation.

[workinclasszero]

134. How can someone who isn't a democrat be thrown out of the party?

Would Bernie supporters like to see a third party run from him if Hillary Clinton wins the nomination?

[aspirant]

136. Thrown out is unwelcome in Dem debates and on Dem state ballots,

then the game has been changed and Bernie supporters will revolt

[RBInMaine]

170. He isn't being thrown out of anything. Does the paranoia ever end?

[aspirant]

175. I glad you agree he's running as a Dem

[boston bean]

210. He is running on the dem ticket. He is not a democrat.

[frylock]

140. gooble gobble

[Cha]

153. Maybe just because he isn't a Dem isn't the only reason BS doesn't have many endorsements from

those who have worked in the same place he has all those years.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

156. He is actually more of a Democrat than many of the so called Democrats in Congress

[Live and Learn]

161. We must all be labeled according to some here. No thanks. nt

[Vinca]

176. If the Democratic Party doesn't want Bernie to run under their banner, they should say so.

They should run ads informing the public that Bernie isn't a Democrat. They should search their rules and regulations for a way to oust him from the Democratic ballot. Do it and don't let the fact Bernie is more like FDR than any Democrat in recent memory get in the way. I will cast a primary vote for Bernie whether he is a Democrat or an Independent and I'm sure a whole lot of other people will, too.

[Sheepshank]

180. No one said that political expediency should be ignored

There was a strategy for Bernie to run on the Dem ticket and keep his "I" designation. And there was a strategy for the DNC to accept his request to run on the Dem ticket as an "I".

Since the political expediency works for both of them why would anyone take the advice you are giving? I really enjoy the art of negotiating and haggling. I enjoy the subterfuge, the back and forth parlaying, the give and take and the wiley pressing of a direction without the opposition realizing they are being maneuvered..... and the process you describe, isn't it.

[aspirant]

185. He's running as a Democratic Socialist on the Dem Ticket

Expose this secret strategy with proof or do your job and have him thrown and maneuvered out of the party as an Independent.

[Sheepshank]

186. I have already proven plenty on this thread.

as for this being my job....wtf does that mean?

[aspirant]

187. Secret Strategy remains unproven

A prover's job is never done. Throw the I's out of the party

[Sheepshank]

188. see, you still don't get it. I really don't care that I's are running on the Dem ticket

I simply appears that too many here are pretending that suddenly makes an "I" into a "D". It doesn't.

ps, thanks for bumping my thread...I think it's my most successful one yet.

[aspirant]

190. Bernie is a Dem running on the Dem ticket, if you think he is a pretender

then throw him off the ticket

"I really don't care that I's are running on the Dem ticket", then you aren't a real Dem, thanks for letting me expose you.

[Sheepshank]

193. so you are still completely missing the point

I've already verbalized my understanding that there are political strategies at play, up thread a couple of times. And since I don't feel like repeating myself to some person who continues to play word games and refuses to have an intelligent converstation about the thoughts actually expressed, then I suppose we are done...yet again.

[aspirant]

194. You again have no point

Unproven secret strategies you just make up. "done...yet again"

[cantbeserious]

177. Personally - I Am Tired Of Being An Afterthought To The DNC DWS DLC Third-Way Party Establishment

That is why I am an independent progressive.

Much like Bernie.

[Scuba]

178. Hey, if a pro-war, pro-Wall Street, pro-fracking, pro-H1B Visas woman can be a Democrat ...

... so can Bernie Sanders.

[wendylaroux]

202. Hillry changed her party too

can't poor old Bernie? Don't be so mean.

[Sheepshank]

205. In a way. She was never old enough to vote when she switched parties. Of course he could switch

But she has made it very clear which party she belongs to. Bernie has not. Bernie has never said that he is now a Democrat. The fact of the matter is that he has gone on record clearly stating that he is NOT a Democrat, and has never announced anything different. There are many many people that would be happy to know he will call himself a Dem and has switch parties, he knows this, but still doesn't do it.

[wendylaroux]

206. he has always voted with the democrats though,

Bernie is a good person. Hillary is a good person too.

[Sheepshank]

208. Not always...mostly

But Demcrats are generally on the right path so it would make sense for a good person to align themselves philosophically with the better political choices. Bernie is a good person too.

[LiberalArkie]

204. According to Jeff Weaver his campaign Manager Bernie is registered with the Democratic Party

as a member


Campaign U.S. presidential election, 2016
Candidate Bernie Sanders
U.S. Senator (2007–present)
U.S. Representative (1991–2007)
Mayor of Burlington (1981–1989)
Affiliation Democratic Party
(serves as Independent in Senate)
Status Announced: April 30, 2015
Formal launch: May 26, 2015
Headquarters 131 Church Street Suite 300
Burlington, Vermont
Key people Jeff Weaver, campaign manager[1]
Symone D. Sanders, press secretary[2][3]
Receipts US$41,463,783 (2015-09-30[4])
Slogan A Future To Believe In
A Political Revolution Is Coming
Not For Sale
Website
www.berniesanders.com

[Sheepshank]

207. Would certainly be nice if Bernie himself would clear this up, until then.....

http://blogs.rollcall.com/hawkings/bernie-sanders-2016-proud-non-democrat/

Updated 11:05 a.m. | When Bernard Sanders declared his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination, he joined a lengthening roster of gadflies who have run in order to push the party to the left.

So will it matter that he is not now, never has been and does not plan to become an actual Democrat?

http://www.pressherald.com/2015/05/03/bernie-sanders-backtracks-on-party-registration/

Announcing his candidacy Thursday outside the U.S. Capitol, the Vermont senator rejected any suggestion that he register as a Democrat. “No,” Sanders said, “I’m an independent.”

http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/10/politics/bernie-sanders-democrat-or-independent/

A Democratic National Committee aide says the fact Bernie Sanders isn't a registered Democrat might not be a presidential problem for him
The party defines "bona fide Democrats" as someone "whose record of public service, accomplishment, public writings" comport with the party
Sanders has been an independent since the 1980s, but has caucused with the Democrats since coming to Congress in 1991

Each of these articles were from earlier on this year, but I've not found anything that has change or that Bernie has done to change his party affiliation since these articles were written.

[LiberalArkie]

209. Sanders could not register in Vermont as a member of the Democratic Party.

If Sanders could register as a Democrat, he would, but that isn’t how things work in Vermont. Sen. Sanders has had a long and close relationship with the Democratic Party. Sanders is a friend of both President Obama and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid. Sanders has such a good relationship with the Democratic Party that he was given an important promotion to Ranking Member on the Senate Budget Committee.

Just like Patrick Leahy is not a Democratic Party member.

I was informed that in some states you have to be a member of a party to run, so he will be going to those states to join. It just has never been an issue before. Harry Reid considered him enough of a Democrat to make him Ranking Member on the Senate Budget Committee.

I think he wanted to be classified as more Liberal than a lot of the Democrats in the House and Senate. Just by what he called himself you knew that he is to the left of Jim Webb.

[Sheepshank]

211. The first link in supplied had Bernie mentioning that he would register as a Dem

......If it was necessary to get onto the ballot in all 50 states.

So, he could register, he could declare, he didn't do either.

[Smart Brother]

212. Neither was Teddy Roosevelt or Eisenhower.

But a vote between either one of them and Hillary Clinton could've been the first time I've ever voted for a Republican based on some key issues (e.g., breaking up the banks, war for profit (military industrial complex), marginal tax rates). Then again, I voted for Obama twice, and he tried his best to out-Republican Bill Clinton for six years.

And that is the real reason why Clintonian Democrats like Richardson and Frank say these things about Sanders. Because he's more concerned with violating his principles than being liked by them, while they have no problem with Democrats trying to out-Republican the Republicans in the mad rush for corporate donations. Sanders makes it impossible for their positions to be considered truly "left," which isn't what they or their corporate contributors would prefer.

I don't care what Frank or Richardson thinks.

Get back to me when the Progressive Caucus drags Bernie Sanders' name through the mud the way Clinton loyalists do.