Here's why I think Sanders' momentum is a good thing:

[Ron Green]

In my state legislative district, in which I ran for Representative in 2012, there has been about a 1000-vote deficit in Democratic registrations since the days of the Spotted Owl and other “job killing” issues. My 4-term incumbent opponent could always count on a winning margin, so I went into the race not expecting to win, but to show up for the party and give people a choice.

What I found in the local party was disappointing: 7 or 8 people at monthly meetings, very little in the treasury, and an attitude of resignation. As I began to knock on my 6,000 doors that summer and fall, I was further shocked by apathy, and even antipathy, toward the Democratic Party brand. Many times I found myself facing questions about my ballot-mate Barack Obama regarding his religion and country of origin! From registered Democrats! I asked for help from the local Obama campaign with canvassing and phone calls, but that didn’t come through.

In startling contrast the 2016 cycle was a bounce from the springboard of the Bernie campaign. Although local Dems fielded no candidate for State Rep that year, the excitement and engagement within the county party was over the top: 75 to 80 people at monthly meetings, new energy for other local races, and a massive contribution of primary votes to Bernie’s win in our state.

This trend has continued, with organized neighborhood groups, canvassing and issues-based activities in our county that never existed in the past. There is still a local mistrust of the Democratic majority in the state capital, but the “Our Revolution” component has rejuvenated much-needed participation. Several excellent candidates for state and federal office are standing this year, based on the “revolutionary” approach to defeating not just Trump and Trumpism, but bought politics generally.

I have to think this effect has been repeated many times around the country, and I suggest the forecast of Doom in these pages could be overblown.

[Squinch]

1. Our Revolution got clobbered in 2018 nationwide.

[ananda]

2. It's Medicare for All FOR THE WIN !!!!!

!!!!

[juliuswest]

3. Thats really encouraging

There's a lot of doom and gloom on this site right now. Sanders biggest challenge right now is convincing voters that he will help down ballet races in 2020.

[brooklynite]

4. Meanwhile, imagine what it's gong to do for the Republican Party...

[Ron Green]

5. I can imagine several ways it could go, the most plausible being

continued fits of petulance and name-calling. But anything can happen; I didn’t imagine having to explain Obama’s citizenship to Democrats in 2012.

[SamKnause]

6. It is a very good thing.

He is bringing all the races together.

Poor blacks, poor whites, poor latinos, poor hispanics, poor Native Americans, etc.

He has been trying to do this for 40 years.

He has always had the same message.

A country and its government should take care of its people.

Does his message remind you anyone ???

[Ron Green]

7. That's the real test, isn't it? Do enough Americans want

a constant voice for struggling people from the White House, or are most voters willing to continue the shit show? It would be a real choice, not a cynical strategy.