BERNIE DECLINES DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION - WILL HE DO IT AGAIN?

[TomCADem]

Here is another question that Bernie Sanders will refuse to answer. In Vermont, Bernie runs in the Democratic primary. However, when he wins the nomination, he renounces the party. In 2020, Bernie is running in the Democratic primary like he did in 2016. Of course, but we all know that once he lost to Hillary, he declared himself an independent.

However, Bernie will supporters will quickly point out that he signed a loyalty pledge this time around. Yet, AFTER signing that pledge, Bernie also filed campaign finance documents to run for relection in the Senate...as an independent.

So, if Bernie was to run and win the Democratic nomination, will he once again renounce the Democratic party even as he runs for President as the Democratic nominee? He has done it before multiple times. Why should we trust Bernie now to not try to profit and elevate himself by bringing down and attacking his would be Democratic allies?

Bottom line: Immigration, gun control, support of Russian oligarchs (Magnitsky Act). Bernie has gotten a free pass on many hard questions.

https://www.sevendaysvt.com/OffMessage/archives/2018/08/21/bernie-sanders-declines-democratic-senatorial-nomination

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has officially turned down the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate, according to the Vermont Secretary of State's Office.

Sanders, who took home nearly 91 percent of the vote in last week's Democratic primary, informed the state last Friday that he would decline the nomination, according to elections director Will Senning. Neither the candidate nor the Secretary of State's Office announced the move at the time, though it hardly comes as a surprise.

A longtime independent, Sanders has sought the Democratic nomination since he first ran for the Senate in 2006, in order to prevent another candidate from taking the ballot line. Each time he has declined the nomination upon winning it. His staff made clear from the start of this year's campaign that this time would be no different.

On Tuesday, the Sanders campaign sent a second letter to the Secretary of State’s Office turning down the Vermont Progressive Party’s nomination. While Sanders did not appear on the Progressive primary ballot, he received enough write-in votes — 434 — to win that party’s nomination, too.

[cwydro]

1. Ugh.

I dare not comment.

[TomCADem]

2. NPR: Bernie Sanders Files To Run As A Democrat -- And An Independent

Again, just to show that I am not making this up, here is NPR's story about Bernie quietly filing to run in 2024 as an independent shortly after he signed his pledge to support the Democratic party. You can't make this up, but will Bernie actually be held accountable?

Elizabeth Warren would be far better President than Bernie who has made a career of attacking and undercutting his would be Democratic allies like he did to Vermont Democrats in 2018 when he turned his back on them and declined the nomination that he sought. If Bernie does not want the Democratic nomination, then he should not run in the Democratic primary.

https://www.npr.org/2019/03/04/700121429/bernie-sanders-files-to-run-as-a-democrat-and-an-independent

Bernie Sanders filed Monday to be a candidate for the Senate in 2024 — as an independent.

But last month, Sanders filed as a Democrat for president.

It's not unusual for candidates to file with the Federal Election Commission for re-election to their current office, which allows them to begin raising money. Most candidates file shortly after Election Day, in fact.

But with Sanders, it creates the odd situation of having a high-profile presidential candidate file to run for two different offices with different parties, just as the Democratic Party is adopting rules mandating presidential candidates take something of a loyalty pledge.

[cwydro]

3. That is just plain weird.

Seems like there oughta be a rule or something. Smh.

[Perseus]

18. I don't see the problem

Not sure what the problem is if Bernie Sanders decides to stay as an independent when running for Senate in Vermont. Maybe he believes in "don't fix it if it ain't broken"? It has worked for him to run as an Independent in Vermont, so why change it?

The way I see Sanders as a Democrat or an Independent, what difference does it really make? His views are progressive, his mistake was his answer when asked if he was a socialist "if free education, free healthcare is socialism then that is fine, call me a socialist." (not verbatim), and that has labeled him as a socialist and given people who do not agree with him leverage to attack him, even with people who do not have the faintest idea what socialism is, and lets face it, 90% of the country has no clue about socialism, one which Bernie Sanders is not.

Anyway, not sure I understand the problem with that piece of news, it looks like someone is trying to make mountains out of molehills.

[TexasTowelie]

44. The issue is that by seeking the nomination and declining it afterwards

it keeps a faithful Democrat off the ballot to run against him. The voters are then left with either electing a Republican, Bernie as an independent, or some other third party candidate.

Would Bernie be able to win a general election if there was another Democrat on the ballot who also received financial support from the national Democratic Party or DSCC? Probably so if he as popular as his supporters claim, but nobody can be certain about that. On the other hand, there could be other Democrats that are equally or more progressive than Bernie on specific issues such as gun control and certain aspects of criminal justice reform. Meanwhile, those Democrats aren't provided the opportunity to present their alternatives in the general election which have higher voter turnouts than primary elections.

I can't classify the problem as "making a mountain of molehills" when voters are denied viable options for alternative choices in the general election or being able to choose among a progressive, a moderate, or a conservative.

[Me.]

46. Exactly, It's A Scam Worthy Of The Betrayer In The WH

and what the heck is wrong with those Vermonters that allow him to do this? Time after time.

[TomCADem]

68. So Bernie Is Exploiting the Democratic Party for Personal Political Gain

He runs for the Democratic nomination with no intention of accepting it. The whole idea of a primary is to win your party's nomination so that voters can have a choice. If Bernie wants to be an independent, then run as an independent, rather than being dishonest about it and running for the Democratic nomination.

This is the thing. Bernie has made himself bigger than the movement he hopes to lead. The Democratic party is a movement, a political association. Yet, selfishly, to frame himself as being above partisan concerns, he declares himself an independent even as he shamelessly use Democratic Party resources to advance his agenda. It is even more shamelessly self-serving then Ted Cruz who is well known for attacking his Republican colleagues for not being pure enough. Bernie takes it a step further by abandoning the party repeatedly.

[gab13by13]

6. Allow me,

We Democrats have better people to bash than Bernie Sanders. He just may be our nominee.

[TomCADem]

9. The Fact That You Consider Bernie's Own Words and Actions Bashing...

...then that is telling. A Bernie supporter could try to defend Bernie's actions, but instead, a simple recitation of the facts is dismissed as bashing.

There are candidates who have had to deal with actual lies. Joe Biden with the Ukraine. Elizabeth Warren with Trump's Pocahantas attacks. Hillary Clinton with pneumonia gate.

Yet, we simply ask about Bernie's own statements and actions, and that is being too harsh, because he might be our nominee? Really?

If Bernie Sanders can't be held accountable for his actual words and statements, then how can he be our nominee? If you can't respond to truth, how will you deal with Republican lies?

[PhoenixDem]

19. +++++++

[TheRealNorth]

80. So you are advocating expelling Bernie?

Like it or not, Bernie has significant support among the Democratic base. All your Bernie bashing puts a sour taste in their mouth and only helps Trump.

[George II]

16. You should be telling that to the person that repeated bashed the Democratic establishment.

[vsrazdem]

24. +++

[still_one]

34. True, but that doesn't stop Sanders from "bashing" establishment Democrats so perhaps he should

reflect on what you said

[oldsoftie]

35. Your candidate has a far better chance at it than Bernie.

[Me.]

47. So You're Ok With What Has Been Going On?

[KPN]

76. Thank you.

[TexasTowelie]

29. Wise decision. nt

[calimary]

86. No kidding. Double Ugh!

[Hav]

4. No, I don't believe he'd pull the same stunt

should he win the Dem primary. There is nothing to gain but much to lose. A Presidency without a Dem candidate would be a major event.
Not sure what he believes he gains for doing this for the Senate, whether it makes him feel all mavericky and independent. But it's largely a useless act so that there isn't a real Dem in the election to make it a 3 way race. Nothing would change if he'd just run as a Dem but for some it's appearance over substance.

[George II]

5. If he's already running for reelection in 2024 I guess he's not confident of winning in 2020.

[aikoaiko]

12. Bernie is not ready for long walks in the woods if he loses.

He still has work to do.

[gab13by13]

7. Threads like this are upsetting.

Why not a thread about Trump's Christmas party at Mar-a-Loco on taxpayer dollars?

[TomCADem]

15. Bernie slams Democrats' 'corporate wing' as it warms to Warren

You do know that Bernie Sanders campaign has constantly attacked Warren as well? Bernie himself has claimed that Warren is part of the Democratic party's corporate wing:

https://www.politico.com/story/2019/06/19/sanders-warren-2020-election-1370530

Bernie Sanders on Wednesday lashed out at the “corporate wing of the Democratic Party,” seizing on a report that centrists in the party are coming around to Elizabeth Warren as a compromise nominee if the alternative is Sanders.

“The cat is out of the bag. The corporate wing of the Democratic Party is publicly ‘anybody but Bernie,’” Sanders wrote on Twitter, sharing a POLITICO story headlined: “Warren emerges as potential compromise nominee.”

“They know our progressive agenda of Medicare for All, breaking up big banks, taking on drug companies and raising wages is the real threat to the billionaire class,” Sanders added.

POLITICO’s report details how many moderate Democrats, united in their opposition to Sanders, are increasingly gravitating toward Warren as a more acceptable general election rival to President Donald Trump who could still harness the energy of the party’s progressive coalition.

Elizabeth Warren is not the same as Bernie. Elizabeth has not made it a career of elevating herself by attacking her would be Democratic allies. Let me ask you this: What is the difference between Tulsi Gabbard and Bernie Sanders? Yet, one is hated and the other is seen as a legitimate favorite to win the nomination.

[Perseus]

23. Bernie seems to point out the good and the bad, and we should listen

This thing that many people have that Democrats can only say good things about Democrats is wrong. When someone does something wrong, regardless of the party they represent, then it must be pointed out, there is so much wrong to point out about republicans, but that doesn't mean that Democrats don't screw up once in a while as well, are we supposed to remain quiet about it? Why?

Please show some of what you call bashing from Bernie that is not true? He seems to point out the obvious, and Democrats should listen and fix where it needs fixing.

[pnwmom]

41. When Bernie does this it hurts party turnout if he'a not on the ticket. nt

[Hassin Bin Sober]

63. Well let's make sure he's on the ticket!

[pnwmom]

66. Being afraid of his disloyalty is the worst reason I can think of to back him for the ticket. nt

[still_one]

36. He also has a tendency to repeatedly denigrate what he characterizes as "establishment Democrats"

[Perseus]

38. Is he wrong about that?

[TomCADem]

43. Does He Ever Defend Democrats? Ever?

He uses "establishment Democrats" as a pejorative for the Democratic party. You never see him actually praising any portion of the Democratic party.

Bernie's brand is to promote a false equivalency between Republicans and Democrats and suggest that he is neither.

[still_one]

45. Yes, and his appointment of Briana Joy Gray to a high position in his campaign demonstrate his

divisive strategy, where the real enemy in the upcoming election are the republicans not what HE classified as “establishment” Democrats

[Me.]

48. He's Been A Senator For How Many Decades?

paycheck and all which makes him part of the establishment. So pretending he's not is just another illusion.

[KPN]

77. FALSE. Stop propagating and outright lies.

He has not and did not attack Warren. He stated the obvious and clear truth. The centrist and economic conservatives in the party obviously have an anybody but Bernie mentality. He criticized the economic centrists and conservatives in the party - not Warren. As well he should. Their record deserves criticism in my book.

[TomCADem]

89. So, Who Are These Democratic Boogey Men That Bernie is Referring To?

Bernie repeatedly slams the "Democratic Establishment" but when it comes time to name names, he cowardly declines to do so. He seeks all the benefits of the Democratic party, he asks for endorsements from other Democrats, but then he bashes a made up boogie man of the "Democratic Establishment." Does he mean President Obama? Does he mean Nancy Pelosi? Then let us see him trash them in the middle of a debate as part of the Democratic Establishment that he often complains about. Because don't worry, Russians and Republicans will have no problems filling in the blanks left by Bernie.

[oldsoftie]

37. Because this is the Democratic Primary forum

[Cha]

73. How funny.. I posted

practically the same thing. lol

[oldsoftie]

83. HA! Well, the jokes kinda write themselves

[Cha]

85. No, kidding!

[Cha]

72. Because This is Democratic Primaries! And, we're

Vetting!

[DaDeacon]

8. The "LOUD" whisper campaign continues...

Is he a "real" Democratic party member...etc.. here is the real question: Is he addressing issues that "Real" that the Democratic party should be supporting?

[TomCADem]

20. Susan Sarandon Appears to Snipe at Elizabeth Warren While Introducing Bernie Sanders at Iowa Event

Bernie Sanders is like Ted Cruz who elevated his position by attacking Republicans for not being conservative enough. Bernie Sanders is even worse, because he repeatedly renounces the party he hopes to lead. What I find odd is how Bernie supports are silent on this thread, while folks who identify as Warren supporters rush to Bernie's defense even though Bernie's campaign has frequently targetted Elizabeth Warren for not being pure enough. For example, Susan Sarandon at an Iowa event:

https://www.thedailybeast.com/susan-sarandon-appears-to-snipe-at-elizabeth-warren-while-introducing-bernie-sanders-at-iowa-event

During her introduction of Senator Bernie Sanders at a campaign event in Cedar County, Iowa on Monday, Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon took what appeared to be a swipe at his primary progressive competition for the 2020 presidential nomination.

“When people know and when they hear the senator’s policies, when they see his track record, when they know how authentic he is and how he has been fighting for these issues for so long, he is the only one who has that reputation,” Sarandon said from the stage. “He is not someone who used to be a Republican. He is not someone who used to take money—or still takes money—from Wall Street. He is the real deal.”

You would think that Bernie's campaign would not be in the position to accuse anyone of not being a loyal Democrat. I think Warren would be a far better president than Bernie. Don't you agree?

[DaDeacon]

22. Blah blah ... Issues please NOT purity test. N/T

[TomCADem]

31. So, Why Do You Support Warren Over Bernie?

I am happy to jump into the issues. Even more to the point, you identify yourself as a support of Warren. Why Warren over Bernie? Can you succinctly list three reasons why you would vote for Warren over Bernie as you note in your avatar?

[DaDeacon]

65. Sorry afk ... sure will.

1. I think she is moderate enough not to scare away people who hear the word socialist and then sh*t there political paints.

2. Planning planning planning ...a good mojortity of what she would like to do is documented and scalable a big plus over Bernnie's ideas without the same amount of planning at this point.

3. Last point, she seems in better health.

[TomCADem]

67. I Think Elizabeth Warren OVer Bernie For Several Reasons

I have to say that Elizabeth Warren's book, Two Income Trap, is one of my all time favorite nonfiction books. It was written long before she ran for office and really explained the plight of everyday Americans as well as the impact of consumer laws, or lack thereof, on American families. Separate and apart from loving her book, I think she would be a far superior President for several reason.

1. Humility - Warren understands that she is part of a larger movement. She is part of the Democratic party. She is not bigger than the movement she hopes to lead. Even as she has criticized some Democrats, she has been willing to serve as the Director of the Consumer Protection Agency formed under President Obama. She also strongly supported Hillary against Trump in 2016. I fear that Bernie is going to try tank Democratic chances by making the DNC convention all about him again.

2. Gun Control - Bernie voted against the Brady Bill and voted in favor of immunity for gun makers. Now he is trying champion overturning a law he helped pass. Warren has been a consistent supporter of gun control.

3. Immigration - Warren has proposed far reaching immigration reform. Bernie is all over the map sometimes echoing RW talking points against "open border" policies, other times trying to portray himself as a champion for immigration rights. Of course, Bernie's opposition to immigration reform in 2007 helped create the situation we are in now. To add insult to injury, Bernie attacked President Obama for not taking executive action to fix a situation that he helped spawn.

4. Russia - Bernie voted against the Magnitsky Act. He voted against Russia election sanctions in 2017. The Russians helped Bernie in 2016 with a social media campaign and they appear to be doing so again. Yet, Bernie's campaign has actively tried to minimize the roll played by Russia, and he has employed staff that had actively adopted Trump talking points on Russia. Warren, of course, voted in support of protecting the integrity of U.S. elections.

[PatSeg]

78. Also Warren is

more persuasive and personable than Sanders. I think she is more capable of reaching voters.

[TomCADem]

53. Do You Support Warren or Bernie?

I would prefer Warren over Bernie any day of the week, yet I see this effort to group them together as though they are the same. They are not. Bernie has built his campaign of building a false equivalency between established political parties. Like Trump, he claims he is separate and apart from the political process that he relies on. Bernie's surrogates operate by attacking would be Democratic allies, including Warren:


https://mobile.twitter.com/shaunking?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1208542276273790976&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.democraticunderground.com%2F1287391153

[Cha]

75. oh yeah.. sarandon drags on EW.

[aikoaiko]

10. If he did decline, wouldn't the nomination go to a runner-up or someone selected new?

Either way, Bernie is an impressive liberal.

[TexasTowelie]

50. I will not vote for Bernie in the general election if he declines the Democratic Party

nomination and I will definitely vote for the alternate choice selected by the party. Unfortunately, it will also split the vote which means that Trump will be reelected. I only vote for Democrats.

[thesquanderer]

11. Who cares? He caucuses with Dems, they even give him leadership positions.

He votes more consistently progressive than numerous "true" Dems do (i.e. the blue dogs).

If he's not president, then whether he chooses to run for re-election to the Senate as a Dem or Ind makes no real world difference.

[Hortensis]

21. That was an "honorable" position created to signify respect

for those Democrats who liked him. Sanders doesn't just not lead any of his colleagues, he doesn't even lead himself to perform the official goal of that position. Quite the contrary: instead of bringing people into the party, he badmouths it as like the Republican Party.

Huge surprise I assure you. But again, it was strictly a gesture of acknowledgement to Democrats.

[Perseus]

33. Can you please point out to a link with Sanders bashes to the Democratic party?

I would love to see that. The ones I have heard of it was Sanders pointing out issues that should be corrected, not bashing, but if you know of bashing then it would be great to learn.

For example, I am not happy that Biden said "America needs the Republican party"...my goodness, what an endorsement to republicans, why would he say that?

I become irritated when I hear Biden talk about Moscow-Mitch and he calls him "Mitch", as if McConnell is his friend, and when I hear him say that "only him" can negotiate with republicans (he really doesn't know that, Pelosi seems to be doing a great job at it), and we all know that is fantasy on his part. Despite all that, if he is the nominee he will have my full support.

So many things that can be pointed out about each one of our candidates, but any one of them will be far better than the creature we have in the WH today, and any of the cronies that support him.

[betsuni]

69. He bashes the Democratic Party all the time.

"My own feeling is that the Democratic Party is ideologically bankrupt."

"They have no ideology. Their ideology is opportunism."

"The business model, if you will, of the Democratic Party for the last 15 years or so has been a failure. Over the last 30 or 40 years the Democratic Party has transformed itself from the party of the working class to a party significantly controlled by a liberal elite which has moved very far away from the needs of working families in this country."

"The Democratic Party has been dominated by wealthy campaign contributors. They gotta open the door to people who take showers at the end of the day, not the beginning of the day."

"Certainly there are some people in the Democratic Party who want to maintain the status quo. They would rather go down with the Titanic so long as they have first-class seats."

"It wasn't that Donald Trump won the election, it was that the Democratic Party lost the election. We need a Democratic Party that is not a liberal elite but of the working class of this country; we need a party that is a grassroots party, where candidates are talking to working people not spending their time raising money from the wealthy and powerful."

"In real terms, what the Democratic Party campaign program is about is: We're pretty bad, but they're worse, vote for us."

"I don't want to offend anybody, but the Democratic Party cannot continue to be just the party of the liberal elite and people who have money. It has got to be the party of the working class."

"It is not good enough to have a liberal elite. I come from the white working class, and I am deeply humiliated that the Democratic Party cannot talk to where I come from."

"And I think what Trump was able to do was pick up on the failures of the Democratic Party that did not talk about the fact that hard working descent people saw their jobs going to Mexico or China or people cannot afford to send their kids to college or afford child care or afford housing that they desperately need."

"Last time we ran, we made the financial elite pay a price for their attacks on our progressive agenda. In 2016 we faced the kitchen sink. If we run again, you should expect no less."

All he does is call the Democratic Party corrupt and elite. The Democratic Party is the party of the working and middle classes. People with the least amount of money voted for the Democrat in the last election. He says Democrats never talk about the working class, but the word used most in our last candidate for president's speeches was "jobs." He blames Democrats for what Republicans do. False equivalency. He thinks 90s trade deals cause jobs to go overseas, when deindustrialization began in the 60s. The "problems" with the party he points out do not exist. Who does it help? Not us.

[TomCADem]

70. BERNIE SANDERS BLASTS DEMOCRATIC ESTABLISHMENT

This is a standard Bernie talking point to blast the "Democratic Establishment." Bernie likes to demonize the Democratic party and paints with a broad brush:

https://www.newsweek.com/bernie-sanders-abortion-defeat-donald-trump-climate-change-democratic-1429833

Vermont Independent Senator Bernie Sanders went on the offensive against the Democratic Party "establishment" Sunday, claiming that only his 2020 presidential campaign understands it has to do more than just defeat President Donald Trump.

* * *
The senator pushed back against Todd's suggestion Sanders was merely offering the same platform that got him defeated in the 2016 primaries by Hillary Clinton. Among many topics touched on during the interview, Sanders said he does not support any restrictions on abortion, and views the subject as medical, rather than political.

"There are millions of people who are sick and tired of that Democratic establishment," Sanders said, noting several recent polls which showed him ahead of Trump in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin.

"We took on the entire Democratic establishment, we took on the Democratic National Committee, we took on every Democratic governor, we took on every Democratic mayor, and we ended up winning 22 states and 13 million votes and in fact bringing forth an agenda that transformed the Democratic Party."

[The Valley Below]

13. Should Sen. Sanders renounce his affiliation to the Democratic Party

immediately upon losing the nomination, I personally will be able to live with his decision without rancor, a sense of surprise, or feelings of loss.

It is his decision alone.

As is my lifelong membership in our party my own decision to make.

I'm proud to be a Democrat.

[Perseus]

28. I am a proud Independent, I am a proud citizen of the USA

I look at the issues that Sanders is fighting for, they are all progressive, I look at the issues that other candidates are fighting for, at their fantasies about negotiating with the other party, I try to put everything together, analyze each one of them, listen closely to what they say, including gaffes they all commit, and then as a citizen I decide what is good for the country, what is good for the citizens of the USA and what is good for the World.

I definitely do not want more of the same, I definitely do not want any of the old thinking, if we are to reverse the damage the republicans have inflicted on the country and the World we must find people with progressive ideas, with bold ideas and not "slow accomplishments" because evil doesn't wait as we have all witnessed from this administration, evil works fast they don't believe in slowly implementing their agenda, they go for it and they are very effective about it, what many people think to be incompetence is not, they are very competent, they are just evil and do things that hurt us all.

So Bernie Independent or a Democrat doesn't matter much, his views, his agenda is what we all need to look at, as well as the views of the others, their agendas, and their fantasies.

In my humble opinion, this news is just an attempt to trash Bernie Sanders, nothing else. We should all strive to be USA citizens first, there have been good republicans in the past and bad Democrats as well, and we should not be fanatics lets leave the fanatism for sports, politics is serious business and our decisions affect us all.

[Scoopster]

14. He can't decline something he'll never win. n/t

[PhoenixDem]

17. Infuriating n/t

[gab13by13]

25. What is the center of the Democratic party?

Is it what the DNC tells us or what the people tell us?

Maybe we should try running a moderate?

[vsrazdem]

26. OMG - The sky is falling.

[David__77]

57. Tempest in teapot.

...

[TomCADem]

71. It Does Not Bother You At All?

Bernie signs a pledge, then immediately acts contrary to the pledge?

Then again, look at Trump supporters, and it becomes understandable.

[handmade34]

27. ...

it would be a great mistake if Sanders became our nominee

[Perseus]

30. Some people think it would be a huge mistake if Biden becomes the nominee

Who is right?

[handmade34]

40. I am

no sense arguing about it online though...

my ideology is not a factor in my opinion, rather a pragmatic understanding from living a long reflective life

[Perseus]

42. The other people say THEY are right in thinking Biden would be a huge mistake

Time will tell who is right, I just hope we all make the right choices.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

82. Yes, just can't support a candidate who behaves the way Joe does.

Bernie/Elizabeth or Elizabeth/Bernie 2020!!
Either way, they're stronger together & can't be bought!!
Jump on the Bernie Bandwagon & join the revolution!!

[oldsoftie]

84. What, NOT crazy?

[calimary]

87. Oh?

[PatrickforO]

32. This is for his Senate seat, not the presidency.

I get tired of the Bernie bashing. He may well be our nominee, and if he is he can count on my support. Whomever we select as nominee will have my support.

This is mountains out of molehills. Bernie's platform would materially benefit most people in the US, just as Warren's would. I'm MUCH more inclined to be looking at that than splitting hairs about why he might have made that choice - necessary at the national level because of all the money required - third party people go nowhere. In Vermont, he has been an I for years and that works in that state.

Now, I'm a true-blue Democrat. I am. Have been for years. But I am an American before I'm a Democrat. And I'm a father and grandfather before any of that. But it is the father and grandfather that is looking at these candidates. I've been supporting Warren, because like Bernie, I believe her platform to be the best for the people of this nation, and most importantly for my children and grandchildren. Honestly, I don't care one whit if the guy is not 'absolutely loyal.' Honestly, I'd rather than ANY of the candidates be more loyal to the country and its people than the party.

Sorry, but that's really the way I feel. The party gives access to the ticket and you have to be an R or a D to even have a chance to be elected president. The Democratic party is better, but it is not God. Sorry if that offends anyone, but if I had the slightest feeling that Warren would put party over country and people I would NOT support her. And that's why I'm not a Republican, among many other things. I hate that they put party over country and people.

[SCVDem]

39. I hope I'm wrong,

but I see a redo of the Bernie Bros. debacle of 16, fueled by energized russians exploiting the divisiveness Sanders creates.

The other candidates don't give me that feeling.

[redstatebluegirl]

49. I think he might, I don't trust him anymore.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

51. Bernie is such a meanie they made him part of the Senate Democratic Leadership

Best with sound on:

Link to tweet

[George II]

55. Are you familiar with the function of that leadership position?

[NurseJackie]

60. It's not as impressive as the name of the committee suggests.

https://www.democrats.senate.gov/dsoc

In the context of their world and duties, the word "outreach" has nothing to do with GOTV and other volunteer or fundraising activities associated with the Democratic Party... as many others appear to believe (based on their woefully ill-informed comments).

Anyway... it now belongs to someone else. He's not even part of it any more.

[TomCADem]

56. Ted Cruz Chairs Committees

That does not mean Cruz is a team player. Indeed, even Cruz does not habitually leave the Republican party. Bernie exploits the Democratic party while attacking and abandoning it repeatedly.

[Thekaspervote]

52. I've had this thought for a long time... thank goodness he WON'T be the nominee

[msongs]

54. bernie sanders, party of one nt

[NurseJackie]

58. Too many games. I can't trust that type of behavior.

A candidate who tries to use loopholes and manipulate the system like that is someone that will not get my vote (no matter how popular he or she may be.)

[OldRed2450]

61. Our nominee

should be someone honest with integrity.

[NurseJackie]

62. Well said! Thank you.

Honesty. Integrity. Someone who respects others and who has the temperament and demeanor to be the "Leader of the Free World".

The candidate that end up selecting will be someone who honors and respects and is loyal to the Democratic party (not someone who resents and demeans the party... not someone who wants to "destroy to rebuild" the party for some perverse and self-serving reasons) and so therefore, he or she will need to demonstrate to me what their true priorities are, and convince me that they can be trusted.

[Cha]

74. Oh yeah!

[Autumn]

59. Probably. He's an Independent who caucuses with the Democrats and I'm sure he will remain

an Independent.

[brooklynite]

64. Perhaps OUR REVOLUTION will Primary him?

They seem to like going after Incumbents in Democratic Primaries...

[Mike Nelson]

79. I think he's said he...

... will switch to a "D" to run for President in the general election, if he wins the primary contest. Last time I think he switched early, then switched back to "I" ... it's probably better this way.

Let's hope we all get together and wholeheartedly support the Democratic nominee. None of our candidates should run as a third party - of any kind!

[Gothmog]

81. sanders has filed to run for Senate in 2024 as an independent

[calimary]

88. And he's currently running to be the standard-bearer of which party in November?

Um... gonna need some help here...

I am trying very hard to stay objective and keep the ol’ eyes on the ol’ prize. Whoever carries the “D” into the last battle is my guy/gal. Don’t care at this point.

Even Bernie.

And if it’s Bernie, I will support him. But with a very heavy heart. I’m feeling a vague sense of discouragement even thinking about the prospect.

The Asset is already blurring and muddying the “brand” and using the reference “socialist/communist” with his tweet trash-dumps. Trash tweets. This hit me awhile ago. He’s gonna bring out all the “-ists” and confusing the issue so the listener or reader winds up frustrated, annoyed, sick of it, and throws up their hands and checks out, with a “Fuck-it! Fie on both their houses!” type of reaction. It’s baggage we do not need to have to lug through the fall campaign.

If it’s Bernie, I’ve already declared I’ll vote for him. But I would hope that, by then, he’d at least have the decency to stop dumping on the party that will have nominated him.