Bernie Sanders Endorses Independent Over Democrat in Lt. Gov. Race For California

[RandySF]

Imagine if Bernie didn't have to run as a Democrat.

Thanks to California's non-partisan primary, the Our Revolution endorsed Gayle McLaughlin can.

Why?

Because in California, (except for the presidential race), the rules are the same for every candidate and voter, regardless of party.

In fact, in 2010, California voters decided to get rid of party primaries altogether!

McLaughlin is the former mayor of Richmond, CA, and was a member of the Green Party, who has endorsed her statewide candidacy. In an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle, McLaughlin noted, "I decided that at a certain point I had to do a statewide race. If I ran statewide we could spread the Progressive Alliance farther and move it to a larger stage."

McLaughlin is one of 8 candidates vying for the post occupied by Gavin Newsom.

Democrats include Eleni Kounalakis and Jeff Bleich. David Fennell is the Republican choice and Tim Ferreira is running as a Libertarian.


https://www.google.com/amp/s/snaf.ivn.us/amp/news_articles/0c3f7fea-904c-445c-9fbc-613b5e22f9ee

[question everything]

1. He has a history of doing this

This is why I don't understand why so many want him to be the Democratic candidate for president. He is not a Democrat, never been a Democrat and has a history of supporting candidates running against Democrats. He even wished for someone to primary challenge Obama in 2012.

And why, on this board, do people alert when Sanders is being criticized, siting the rule of "not attacking Democrats?" This rule does not apply to him.

[unc70]

19. The DU rule explicitly applies to him

You may not agree with that DU rule, but the rule about "attacking" specifically includes Bernie Sanders. Criticizing is a different matter; one is free to criticize Sanders and one can criticize registered Democrats.

[Demsrule86]

24. Time to ask for that to changed in light of his going against a Democrat. He can no longer be

seen as supportive of the party.

[unc70]

29. No it is not time

Bernie infuriates me sometimes, but so do many traditional Democrats when they vote with the Repubs on some crucial issue. In neither case is attacking appropriate, though criticizing certainly is.

[Demsrule86]

31. He is supporting independents...former (maybe) Greens. It is time.

I would not like to see him trashed but he deserves no special status.

[Adrahil]

48. But Bernie is NOT a Democrat...

... and now he is explicitly working against the party. WTF?

[NastyRiffraff]

130. Exactly.

And it's time to acknowledge that, as Bernie himself has, many times. I do not and will not ever support a non-Democrat, and that includes Bernie Sanders. And I reserve the right to criticize the hell out of him.

[MrsCoffee]

49. It's past time.

[NurseJackie]

62. He's now working against the Democratic party.

[guillaumeb]

181. An excellent reply. eom

[Blue_true]

90. Be careful. You are on the edge versus site policy, which is not our business.

I think that it is ok to criticize Bernie within bounds. Personally, I am put out by him getting involved in primaries, no one else is doing that unless a candidate is running unopposed.

[Demsrule86]

124. No I am not actually. I am a Democrat...I have no use for non-Democrats...glad he votes with us

other than that he is Vermont's problem. I would never tell the site what to do-and I do my best to follow any rules...I may post to ask the Administrators my concern.

[Blue_true]

135. You have been pretty consistent pointing out the issues with Bernie

and the Our Revolution thing. I agree with you on 90% of where you are. But I see signs that DU may face some of the horrid divisions that took place in 2016, and if that happens, even people that are voicing principled concerns will likely get alert stalked, that is why I feel dancing on the edge of site rules can be a problem for a person.

[Demsrule86]

161. It will happen...Sen. Sanders had loyal supporters on DU who take exception to perceived

criticism.

[Blue_true]

187. I am afraid that we are headed there.

It was brutal to be in a common goals group and have someone with an opposite view come in and alert on posts. That really created a negative vibe that permanently affected relationships between DU people.

[Demsrule86]

194. We have new rules in effect to deal with this...I think they will hold.

This is a great site.

[Blue_true]

196. I hope so. Was really difficult. nt

[Demsrule86]

211. I know.

[SidDithers]

93. Abso-fucking-lutely...nt

Sid

[R B Garr]

96. It is way past time.

It's time to take him seriously about who he is and what he says about my party -- Now actively working against it.

[Eliot Rosewater]

101. In fact if the rule doesnt change, we will have less and less to talk about here.

[Demsrule86]

163. True that.

[krawhitham]

165. +1

[pnwmom]

32. It's against the rules to "viciously denigrate" Democrats or progressives like Sanders.

But constructive criticism is allowed. I don't think this qualifies as vicious.

[unc70]

69. That is consistent with my understanding

I agree that criticizing Bernie in this case seems mostly at an appropriate level. The whole California style of primaries makes me uneasy in general, but I know so little about the politics of any state but my own that I can barely have an opinion.

I have had similar concerns when Democratic leaders have essentially selected and funded primary candidates in my own state. Politics is always messy and frustrating. After nearly 60 years, I try not to get to distracted.

[Demsrule86]

164. Thank you Pnwmom.

[disillusioned73]

55. "one can criticize registered Democrats."

really?? That is news to me... seriously

[OnDoutside]

67. Is there a process for asking for that to be changed ?

[unc70]

79. You can always ask the owners

But you have to realize that DU is not a democracy. It is a business. I think the current rules are a pretty good balance that works most of the time. One thing you should keep in mind: While the owners favored Clinton in the primary season, a large majority of DUers initially favored Sanders and his policy positions. It would not be smart business to antagonize those members by changing the current rules.

[MrsCoffee]

97. If you haven't noticed that has changed dramatically.

He has a few cheerleaders left here, but too many democrats don't trust him anymore.

[unc70]

106. I see it differently

I see a relatively small group of very vocal opponents of Sanders who each post a lot. This group includes many from the old HRC primary group. Most of the time, I try to avoid getting caught up in one of those interminable threads (though failed this time).

Most of the Sanders supporters from the primaries I still see here. Most of us have always been more interested in policies than any particular candidate. Sanders gives a powerful voice to many of the issues I have always worked for within the party. That has not changed, but the party platform and national perceptions have changed.

Most Sanders supporters were and are less focused on him and more on the policies he promotes.

[MrsCoffee]

112. We definitely see it differently.

How anyone can keep defending him is beyond me. He is one of the least transparent and most hypocritical guy on the left at the moment.

Good luck with that.

[Demsrule86]

158. I see that completely differently... I think it is the man not the policies as they are

the same policies as the Democratic party.

[grantcart]

184. You need to get your eyes checked

Most Sanders are solely focused on him and post regularly on his every action

[LiberalFighter]

214. And Sanders focuses mostly on himself. IMO

[sprinkleeninow]

203. I guess I'm part of a group that is critical of Sanders and some of his

questionable actions. However, I have not previously vocalized in such numerous posts you speak of.

But now, this is one, from me.

[George II]

73. It doesn't apply to Our Revolution or Nina Turner (their President)

[Demsrule86]

159. Thank God...I would be in trouble.

[we can do it]

95. BS is no dem

[HAB911]

116. Jury nullification

[politicaljunkie41910]

122. Who decides what is a "criticism" and what is an "attack"?

One man's criticism is another man's attack. I agree that if Bernie is out there publicly endorsing non-Democratic candidates at the expense of a Democrat, than it may be time to revisit his designated status as a Democrat.

[NurseJackie]

201. Past time.

Overdue.

[Atticus]

202. It has been my experience that the difference between "attacking" and "criticizing"

often depends on whose ox is being gored. More than that I'd best not say.

[LiberalFighter]

213. The rule is explicit in the TOS.

Sanders is not a Democrat.

[NCTraveler]

143. Last count I saw he has been a Democrat for four very brief stints.

All involved running as a Democrat in the primaries. The times he won, he turned down the nomination.

[question everything]

147. So, why, again, are we willing to claim him as our own

Don't we have enough good people? It is one thing if someone used to be a Republican or an independent and then switched party. But not he.

[NCTraveler]

154. I'm not included in "we".

I don't mean that sarcastically toward you. Just stating my position. A number of states seem to be putting barriers in place to stop his deceptive practices. Not sure what Perez and Ellison will be willing to do.

[CaptainTruth]

2. Regardless of what anyone says or thinks, Bernie is not a Democrat.

Sorry if that hurts anyone's feelings, but it's a fact. Check his party registration.

Note: I don't hate him, I'm just tired of him being portrayed as a Democrat when he's not.

[unc70]

21. His "party" registration is nonexistent

No one in VT is registered as a Democrat or a Republican or anything else. There is no declaration of party when one registers in VT, so that cannot be the determining factor. It is a nit, but an important one.

[Demsrule86]

25. Same as Ohio....you still join the party which has nothing to do with state registration.

He is not a Democrat by choice not because he lives in Vermont...he could be a member of the Democratic Party...Democrats do run in Vermont you know.

[unc70]

41. Party registration is a complex mess

Not arguing about Bernie per se. He has always been straddling the fence with regard to party affiliation and caucus. But the "nit" of party registration has large implications in ways that are often ignored in discussions here.

The whole open vs closed primary argument glosses over several critical points, starting with the states like VT and OH have no concept of party registration. There are other issues like who pays the costs of holding a primary election, who decides who can participate, etc. Finally, there are the various SC rulings regarding primaries and particularly regarding the various open / closed aspects.

The individual states vary so much that any meaningful discussion is nearly moot. You mostly get naive and simplistic sloganeering.

[George II]

74. As I noted below, Party Registration and Voter Registration are separate and distinct.

[Tarheel_Dem]

188. Isn't Patrick Leahy, the other Senator from VT, a Democrat?

[pnwmom]

35. No, it isn't. He made a point of saying, after the election, that he was leaving the Democrats

and returning to his independent status. He is listed in the Senate, where it matters, as an Independent caucusing with the Dems.

[Demsrule86]

38. And he had promised to remain a Democrat...may be planning an independent run.

[still_one]

81. The best example is the great DEMOCRATIC Senator from Vermont, Patrick Leahy, who proudly

identifies as a Democratic, unlike some who use the "democratic label", out of convenience to serve their political ambitions.

The argument that registration in Vermont is ambiguous is bogus. There are plenty of Democrats in public office in Vermont, who go out of there way to carry the Democratic label. Howard Dean is another example.

Being from Vermont, and not identifying with the Democratic party is a choice based on how that person wants to be viewed

[Jim Lane]

109. That statement is false.

He did not "return" to his independent status because he never left it. Before, during, and after his campaign for President, he was listed on the Senate rolls as an independent who caucused with the Democrats.

[R B Garr]

121. It is not a false statement. We all saw Bernie run as a Democrat

when it suited him.

[arthritisR_US]

134. Key: when it suited him.

[pnwmom]

126. He RAN with the Democratic party label in the Democratic primaries. He SAID he had become a Democrat

He had to SIGN forms as a Democrat in many of the primaries and caucuses.

Then you are saying that he signed falsehoods. Too bad people didn't see through that then.

[Jim Lane]

141. Please don't put words in my mouth.

No, I am not saying that Bernie signed falsehoods.

For the rest, I am resigned to the fact that the Bernie-bashers will continue to believe whatever fits their unalterable animosity. It was a mistake for me to even try to discuss the subject. Bernie is Evil Evil Evil, was being paid by the Russians, and was probably waiting outside the Watergate building to drive the getaway car.

[stevenleser]

144. Is it that or is it that some people will make an excuse for Bernie no matter what?

See below Jim. Patrick Leahy has registered as a Democrat and has had no problems doing so.

Face the facts. Bernie wasn't a Democrat and was very antagonistic to the party, then joined the party because he needed the party to run for President, then as soon as that didnt work out he abandoned the party again.

These are facts. Its not bashing to say so.

[Gothmog]

186. The ballot application to be on the Texas ballot requires an affirmation

Again, I reviewed and work on the Clinton application to get on the Texas ballot in 2016

[Demsrule86]

160. Jim he did...I don't care one way or the other although I am pissed he endorsed an

independent candidate over three Democrats.

"Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders will remain with the party if he does not get the nomination, his campaign manager said Wednesday.

In an interview on Bloomberg’s “With All Due Respect,” host Mark Halperin asked campaign manager Jeff Weaver if the Independent senator will stay in the Democratic Party if he doesn't become the nominee.
“Well, he is a Democrat, he said he’s a Democrat and he’s gonna be supporting the Democratic nominee, whoever that is,” Weaver responded.

“But he’s a member of the Democratic Party now for life?” Halperin pressed.

“Yes, he is,” Weaver said."

http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/dem-primaries/277086-sanders-will-be-democrat-for-life-campaign-says

[Gothmog]

185. Then how did Sanders run in the Democratic Primary

To get on the ballot in Texas and most states, one has to state that they are a member of the party. I reviewed and work on the Clinton application to get on the Texas ballot as part of the Clinton Victory Counsel program. To get on a ballot one has to state that they are a member of the party in question

[Adrahil]

58. Sen Pat Leahy (D) VT doesn't seem to have a problem IDing as a Democrat.

Bernie could too, if he actually gave a shit about the party.

[George II]

64. Really? How about this:

http://docquery.fec.gov/pdf/851/201702020200050851/201702020200050851.pdf

1. Name of Candidate - Leahy, Patrick J.

4. Party Affiliation - DEMOCRATIC PARTY

People keep throwing out that "No one in VT is registered as a Democrat or a Republican or anything else", but that only applies to VOTER REGISTRATION, not candidate registration.

Voter registration is completely different from candidate registration.

[greatauntoftriplets]

82. Illinois doesn't have party registration either.

But that didn't stop Barack Obama.

[politicaljunkie41910]

3. Candidates are still listed on the ballot by Party affiliation. I haven't noticed any difference

from past elections. There is an NPP next to some candidates for No Party Preference, but other than that all remaining candidates have a party affiliation of either the usual typical parties like the Green Party, Libertarians, etc. Otherwise I see no difference. Now it used to be the two top candidates from each party in the Primary went on to the General Election, but they changed that in the last election to make it the two top candidates regardless of Party affiliation go on to the General Election. So the two top candidates can now end up being from the same party.

[RandySF]

7. McLaughlin is the NPP candidate.

There are four Democrats on the ballot that Bernie could have chosen form, but the senator who ran for president as a Democrat in 2016 did not choose any of them.

[George II]

65. Exactly. Sanders has registered to be a candidate as an INDEPENDENT. On the other hand...

...Patrick Leahy has registered to be a candidate as a DEMOCRAT.

Same office, same state, different affiliation.

[Hekate]

4. The "open" or "jungle" primary makes it very, very easy to split the Dem vote & LOSE to Repubs

Especially if somebody like Bernie Sanders anoints a fucking Green.

Maybe that was the idea all along, mm?

If I say what I am really thinking at this moment someone will slap my wrist.

[SunSeeker]

6. The top 2 (jungle) primary is a gift to Republicans.

We need to end it and go back to party-only primaries.

[padfun]

30. It is usually a gift for Dems.

In most cases, both candidates are Dems. The only time it is a gift for Repugs is when too many Dems are greedy and they all want a piece of cake. This system has given us all Dems across the board and a veto proof state assembly. I see too many of the other blue states electing Republicans to their offices yet nobody questions their systems.

When Arnold ran for Gov, there were 150 people who all wanted to run. And in our Repug areas like Modoc or Orange county, you can see the opposite of this. you can see Dems make a breakthrough.

It's not the system but rather the participants.

[Blue_true]

91. I agree with every word.

The jungle primary has given democrats control of the state, firm control. The results reflect the tone of politics most Californians seem to want.

[SunSeeker]

118. Dems win statewide because of our deepening blue state, regardless of the jungle primary.

The GOP have no hope in a statewide race in CA. It is all about the local Congressional races for the GOP. And when it comes to Congressional races in districts Hillary won, the jungle primary is helping those seats stay red.

[SunSeeker]

114. In a blue state, it is a gift to Repubs. It splits the Dem vote.

Yes, sometimes the Repug is so awful that we end up with two Dems coming out of a primary. Plus, in a deepening blue state, the GOP has virtually no chance at winning statewide anyway. It is all about the Congressional races for the GOP. But in a state with lots of Dem grassroots candidates, it assures one of the two candidates on the ballot will be a Repug in Congressional races. We have lots of Dem candidates in primaries because of Democratic enthusiasm, not "greed." The GOP knows this.

Remember how we ended up with Prop.14 in the first place. Back in 2009, Dems needed to pass a tax increase to shore up the state's Prop. 13-ravaged finances, made worse by our cratering economy due to the Bush Recession. In order to get the deal done, three Republicans in each chamber had to vote for it. One of the three GOP votes in the Senate, Abel Maldonado, refused to vote for the deal unless the so-called “open primary” measure was placed on the ballot as part of the deal.

GOP Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger then pushed the ballot measure, raising millions of dollars to pass it. And Maldonado, who campaigned for its passage, was rewarded with an appointment as Lieutenant Governor.

We saved our economy, but we got stuck with the Jungle Primary. And now Prop. 14 is the GOP's ace in the hole to keep their Congressional seats in districts Hillary won.

[Cha]

9. That better NOT happen.

Hekate

[dalton99a]

42. +1

[JCanete]

148. how, top 2 go to runoff right? or am I misunderstanding how the california system works?

[Hekate]

153. Yes, which means you could end with a runoff of 2 Repubs...

...right? The GE ballot would offer only those two choices. Republican A or Republican B. Take your pick, because the runners-up of whatever parties will not be shown.

Third Party runs historically draw votes away from Democratic candidates. Third Party candidates have zero chance of making it to the top two. All they ever do is split the Dem vote.

I don't know how we ended up with this mess, whether our fearless legislature did it or whether it was a Proposition on the ballot (I rather suspect the latter; there are so many of them no one can keep track). But it was a very very bad idea.

[JCanete]

155. that sounds incredibly unlikely though. I don't really like this system either. I think it pushes

our politics to the middle, because if you have a progressive and more centrist in the GE more conservative voters, ie republicans, may go for the centrist, but two repubs getting to the top when splitting their own vote?

[SunSeeker]

5. I'm voting for Eleni Kounalakis. She's endorsed by Kamala Harris and NARAL.

And she's a Democrat!

[Cha]

8. Good Luck to Eleni Kounalakis,

SunSeeker!

How's her chances?

[SunSeeker]

100. She is one of the two heavyweights in that race according to the Sacramento Bee.

Both of whom are Democrats. So, I imagine it is pretty decent.

[Cha]

175. Mahalo!

[ehrnst]

52. Good. (nt)

[musette_sf]

172. Me too n/t

[deurbano]

212. Yes! My daughters and I attended a fundraiser for her last week in SF!

[PaulX2]

10. Bernie Is A Roosevelt Democrat

He supports the platform more than the party. It's ok by me. I understand different areas need different candidates. Progressives can't win everywhere. Progressive values can though.

[RandySF]

11. He endorsed a Green over four Democrats.

[Cha]

18. Well, that's no surprise. He better not mess up

this election and a repub gets the job.

We'll see what happens.

[still_one]

92. McLaughlin endorsed Jill Stein for president in 2016. That speaks volumes

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Jill_Stein_presidential_campaign_endorsements,_2016

I will be voting for JEFF BLEICH who is endorsed by people like Ted Lieu, Jackie Speier, Adam Shiff, and those who are proud to identify with the DEMOCRATIC PARTY

[Hekate]

12. "Progressive values" will not win if third party candidates split Dem votes & bring us Trump ...

...instead of Hillary and Dubya instead of Gore. That is a fact that should be blindingly obvious by now to everyone who professes to be on our side. It is definitely obvious to the GOP, which is why the GOP secretly funnels money to Greens like Nader.

[SunSeeker]

119. Exactly. nt

[Hekate]

13. Bernie Sanders is not a Democrat

[catbyte]

14. Very rarely. Jill Stein received 51,463 votes here in MI; Trump "won" by 10,704.

So much for those "progressive values" winning in Michigan. It was a goddamned crime.

[GaryCnf]

23. And 60,000 Wayne County Democrats

Who came out in 2012 were so uninspired in 2016 that they stayed home.

60,000 lost votes in just one city . . .

Was that Sanders' fault too?

[pnwmom]

37. Voter ID and other forms of suppression reduced Democratic turnout.

It wasn't that they were uninspired. You see how much you want to stand in a line for hours to vote, or to spend a couple days trying to get the correct ID, if you don't have a driver's license or came from out of state.

[GaryCnf]

50. Actually

Wayne County voters were well versed in overcoming Michigan's discriminatory voter ID laws and did so again in 2016. They were also able to beat back a new and even worse law after the election.

You would be surprised to see what inspired people will do to vote.

https://rewire.news/article/2016/12/14/michigan-republicans-abandon-discriminatory-voter-id-law/

[R B Garr]

66. There was an active campaign against Hillary, and not just

from the Republicans. That’s how people became “uninspired”. She was lied about and badmouthed. That was the whole plan. Seriously, this is all common knowledge now. The investigations into the campaigns against her are all over the news.

[GaryCnf]

108. And "not just from Republicans?"

People in Wayne County were not "discouraged" by Jill Stein, or Sanders, or even the pukes. Wayne County voters don't fall for bullshit. The county broke for us by 36% in 2016.

LOYAL Democrats.

[R B Garr]

117. Hillary was badmouthed and not just by Republicans. That is now common

knowledge. Jill Stein was subpoenaed to produce her policy platforms that were responsive to the Russians. These are now facts. The whole campaign against Hillary was waged not just by Republicans. Badmouthing candidates is meant to turn people against them. You like to call it "uninspired." Sabotaged is more like it.

[GaryCnf]

123. I won't argue with this

Because it is absolutely true.

The question isn't whether an unprecedented war of dirty tricks was waged against Secretary Clinton. Only a fool would deny it. There isn't really even a question whether it cost enough votes to make a difference. With the margins in MI, PA, WI, it would take an even bigger fool to deny that. She was most certainly robbed.

None of that, however, has anything to do with whether we could have STILL won if we had not left 60,000 votes on the table in Wayne County and places like it while we were actually increasing turnout in more suburban locales, why that happened, and what we can do about it NOW in the next election.

(An aside here, I have recently been "educated" -- THANKS BRDS -- and I know that what I believed was the ONLY way to change that outcome was not only NOT the only way, but maybe even the WORST way, so I am not saying I have this figured out. I do think, however, that the Party did a brilliant job over the last 3 weeks of the Doug Jones race so it can be done so long as we don't go on living in denial.)

[George II]

89. What does that have to do with the 51K who voted for Stein? There are a number of reasons...

....why 60,000 less voters turned out in 2016 vs. 2012. That's irrelevant in this discussion. Had 30,000 of those who voted for Stein voted for Clinton (assuming many were RFers anyway and would vote for trump without Stein on the ballot), Clinton would have won.

So what did Stein accomplish? What does the Green Party accomplish?

People always turn to the "yeahbut" of lower turnout. Again, there are many factors that contributed to that and Clinton's loss, much of it republican/Flynn collaborating Jill Stein.

[GaryCnf]

120. How is this entire "if not for stein" or "if not for bernie"

BLAME GAME is not exactly the same thing?

Here's something we can deal with or not, and I hope it is the former:

We had GREAT, in fact near record, turnout EXCEPT in places like Wayne County. 2016 apologists want to blame every other factor BUT low turnout in urban areas. It is whistling past the graveyard.

The only good thing is that the fact is that, while many here may not, the Party gets it. When the Alabama version of the 2016 campaign (let's call it the Pedo-Gate campaign) left us behind in the polls with three weeks to go, somebody at the Party smartened up enough to start encouraging LOYAL Democrats to turn out for Doug Jones and sent people to Alabama who could carry that message. In just three weeks they rescued that election.

[progressoid]

131. "whistling past the graveyard"

Yep. Only on DU it's more like screaming past the graveyard.

[Cha]

34. And, jill stein LIED her damn head off to get her

votes. Shameless LIAR.

Jill Stein: Swing-State Voters Should Still Vote for Me Even If It Means Donald Trump Gets Elected

Hasan called her out for:

•pretending she might win, despite polling at only 3-4%

•denying that a progressive should be more alarmed by Donald Trump than Hillary Clinton

•dismissing any personal responsibility to “get out of the way” of those working to stop Trump

•rejecting the advice of prominent fellow Green Noam Chomsky to swing-state Greens to vote against Trump by voting for Clinton

•immaturely insulting the man she asked to be her running mate, Sen. Bernie Sanders, who now passionately urges voters to stand with Clinton, by suggesting he’s not acting on deeply held principles but rather that he’s someone who has “drunk the Kool-Aid.”

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2016/10/09/jill-stein-swing-state-voters-should-still-vote-for-me-even-if-it-means-donald-trump-gets-elected-2/

[catbyte]

45. I think she was in cahoots with the trump campaign from the get-go.

[IMG][/IMG]

[Cha]

46. Me too.. I don't care how much

she jabbers away that it was oh so innocent.

[catbyte]

47. And how. No way does a dumbass like her get as far as she did without a LOT of,

ahem, "help" from highly questionable sources. And this 2015 dinner shows where that help came from.

[George II]

54. Ya think? I don't think there's any doubt about it.

[thegoose]

204. Susan Sarandon can play her in the TV movie

About the 2016 election. She'd love that.

[Cha]

16. BS is an Independent. The Democratic Party has an

Excellent Platform.

Raise Incomes and Restore Economic Security for the Middle Class
□ Raising Workers’ Wages
□ Protecting Workers’ Fundamental Rights
□ Supporting Working Families
□ Helping More Workers Share in Near-Record Corporate Profits
□ Expanding Access to Affordable Housing and Homeownership
□ Protecting and Expanding Social Security
□ Ensuring a Secure and Dignified Retirement
□ Revitalizing Our Nation’s Postal Service

□
Create Good-Paying Jobs
□ Building 21st Century Infrastructure
□ Fostering a Manufacturing Renaissance
□ Creating Good-Paying Clean Energy Jobs
□ Pursuing Our Innovation Agenda: Science, Research, Education, and Technology
□ Supporting America’s Small Businesses
□ Creating Jobs for America’s Young People

□
Fight for Economic Fairness and Against Inequality
□ Reining in Wall Street and Fixing our Financial System
□ Promoting Competition by Stopping Corporate Concentration
□ Making the Wealthy Pay Their Fair Share of Taxes
□ Promoting Trade That is Fair and Benefits American Workers

□
Bring Americans Together and Remove Barriers to Opportunities
□ Ending Systemic Racism
□ Closing the Racial Wealth Gap
□ Reforming our Criminal Justice System
□ Fixing our Broken Immigration System
□ Guaranteeing Civil Rights
□ Guaranteeing Women’s Rights
□ Guaranteeing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Rights
□ Guaranteeing Rights for People with Disabilities
□ Respecting Faith and Service
□ Investing in Rural America
□ Ending Poverty and Investing in Communities Left Behind
□ Building Strong Cities and Metro Areas
□ Promoting Arts and Culture
□ Honoring Indigenous Tribal Nations
□ Fighting for the People of Puerto Rico
□ Honoring the People of the Territories

Protect Voting Rights, Fix Our Campaign Finance System, and Restore Our Democracy

MOre...
https://www.democrats.org/party-platform

[Demsrule86]

26. Sen. Sanders is not a Democrata of any sort...his actions in endorsing an independent instead of a

Democrat clearly demonstrates that. Roosevelt was a Democrat...a great Democrat. I admire him greatly. I don't admire Sen. Sanders.

[Eliot Rosewater]

103. Plus open primaries will ALWAYS help EVERYBODY but the Democratic party in ANY state

they exist.

It is proven over and over.

This is a problem.

[Demsrule86]

162. I hate them...we dodged a bullet in 08 when the long primary orchestrated by "limbaugh"

ended up helping us... Pres. Obama had campaign infrastructure in virginia which turned that state blues a few years earlier than expected. Ohio has them.

[mcar]

57. No, he's not

[Adrahil]

61. Roosevelt understood the importance of the party in our system.

And if Sanders does not, he is unfit for leadership.

[George II]

76. No he isn't. That's like saying trump is a Lincoln Republican.

[greatauntoftriplets]

86. Teddy Roosevelt?

[Me.]

98. Nope...Not A DEm, Roosevelt Or Otherwise

Ask him

[treestar]

105. The 1930s are long gone, however

FDR did not have to deal with the type of Republicans of today.

[Blue_Tires]

113. At least Roosevelt never lost track of who the real enemy was...

[Hortensis]

15. Sanders is as usual semi-serious about causing trouble for Democrats

not Republicans.

McLaughlin seems a sincere and well meaning person, and she managed to be elected mayor of a sizable small city, took some inspiring if not totally competent actions on important issues (I might well have voted for her to battle Shell Oil myself, though, sadly, Shell won), and was then reelected. She was on the city council after that.

Before, "McLaughlin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology, with graduate study in psychology and education. She has worked as a postal clerk, teacher, caregiver for the elderly, and tutor/clinician for children with learning disabilities. She has also worked in the capacity of support staff for various not-for-profit health and educational organizations. She has lived in Richmond since 2001." (Wickipedia)

And the Green Party? I was very interested in joining when it first formed, but perhaps a whole 2-4 weeks in, its competent, environmentally oriented organizers were already tragically overwhelmed with an influx of the kinds of radical/extremist whackadoodles whose involvement guaranteed nothing would get accomplished. I recognized the quarrelsome wingnut chaos syndrome, been there before. And so it was and is.

McLaughlin did finally leave the Green Party in 2016, but apparently only to vote for Sanders, given what we learned about his various deficiencies and behavioral issues, not an endorsement for me. Same for her supporting Jill Stein before that. Really?

Really, Sanders? She can't be elected, can only pull a few votes after badmouthing Democrats. 2016 all over again? No remorse? No shame?

[Demsrule86]

27. +1000

[Eliot Rosewater]

104. Exactly, one could just listen to those old radio shows every Thursday I believe it was

most of the time was dedicated NOT to attacking the GOP or the KGB but the DNC.

[Hortensis]

169. And by that we know leftist radical/extremists by personality.

Attacking Democrats (or destroying their own party the few times they briefly managed to get it together enough to form one) is one of about 3 major defining characteristics.

Sigh. Over on other threads are people I suspect are passionately pushing for a failing impeachment gesture for sure out of irresponsible self indulgence, but for some because it might destroy the Democrats' blue wave in November. Understanding that one is supporting that requires insight, though, and admitting it degrees of honesty and good judgement that are not characteristic.

[scardycat]

17. Bernie Sanders is not a Democrat

and he is turning into a Ralf Nader.

[RandiFan1290]

20. DU backed a 3rd party candidate for Florida's Senate seat in 2010

Split the vote and helped to elect Marco Rubio.

[Demsrule86]

28. You would think people would have learned there lesson...usual suspects gave us Rubio.

[honest.abe]

215. Your memory fails you.

The Dem candidste Meek was consistently polling around 20% and had no chance to beat Rubio. Our only reasonable hope of stopping Rubio was throwing our support to Crist who would caucus with the Democrats if he won. If all Dems had voted for Crist he would have won and we would have had another Independent "Democratic" Senator like Sanders.

[TheSmarterDog]

22. Splitting the support of liberals & progressives only helps the Republicans.

[democratisphere]

33. Bernie is not a Democrat. Bernie is an Independent.

No surprise he supports an Independent over a Democrat. Democrats should not be supporting an 80 year old Independent for President in 2020!

[Snotcicles]

53. Should change the name of this site to DemocraticPartyUnderground.

That would be more applicable.

[disillusioned73]

60. Take the "underground"

part out as well..

[RandySF]

152. Actually m, there is a rule about supporting Democrats

[Snotcicles]

197. Democratic, is an adjective. You can be democratic and not be a Democrat. nt

[RandySF]

198. Feel free to test it.

[Snotcicles]

199. Thanks, but I don't need your permission. Or was that a threat? nt

[OilemFirchen]

200. Support Democrats

A proper noun. As found here:

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=termsofservice

[kstewart33]

156. That's a good idea. nt

[Demsrule86]

166. How would it be different than what it is now?

[vi5]

36. I'm confused....don't the voters still decide?

If that person doesn't win then who cares.

If they do then they won the primary according to the rules.

Did they also pass a rule where Bernie gets more votes in the California primary than anyone else?

Also, aren't we constantly hearing on here that Bernie isn't a Democrat? So if that's the case then why does it matter if he doesn't endorse a Democrat in the Democratic primary? I believe the phrase I hear often is that "We don't need him."

So....sounds like this is proceeding in a way that everyone on here always talks about wanting and being the case.

I wish people would make up their mind.

[Demsrule86]

39. There is real danger we could lose the seat with this endorsement.

[Demsrule86]

40. viewing primaries as an end to themselves is a big fault in the Democratic party...splitting the

vote hurts Democrats...the idea is to field a candidate who can win. I would argue Sanders has no business endorsing anyone in a primary...nor do Democrat Leaders for that matter.

[disillusioned73]

70. I thought the idea..

was to field the best candidate.. that represents the people that they wish to represent..

[Demsrule86]

167. The idea is to find the best candidate who can win...if we nominate a candidate who can't

win, there is no point. Electability should be considered.

[Tavarious Jackson]

43. He rails against democrats endorsing people.....

It's the hypocrisy

[NurseJackie]

59. He receives all the benefits of being a "Democrat" with NONE of the responsibility...

... if you know what I mean. And I'll just leave it at that for obvious reasons.

[still_one]

94. ding ding ding, we ave a winner!!!!!!!!!!

[SidDithers]

142. So much this...

You've described it perfectly.

All the benefits with none of the responsibility.



Sid

[vi5]

146. What?

He has a problem with Democrats endorsing people?

I was unaware that was a position he held, that Democrats shouldn't endorse people.

[kcr]

157. It's THUMBS on the SCALES!!!111

Let the people decide! Rigged! RIGGED! But he can endorse away of course.

[Tavarious Jackson]

176. Yes he does, Big time nt

[QC]

63. You'll never get a good Two Minutes Hate going with that attitude!

[disillusioned73]

68. Democracy is a hell of a thing....

Du has become the place for uber loyalists.. policies are irrelevant, "Blue No Matter Who" even if they vote with republicans - it's cool, no problem.. I sometimes wonder what happened to the anti-war contingent of this party, then I go on twitter & realize this site isn't representative of the majority of the left.. thank goodness

[StuckInTexas]

125. A few posters still blame progressives for 2016

To be fair, it really is just a handfull of posters who bully the board. But yeah, as a LONG time lurker who is progressive, I feel less welcome here sometimes than I do canvassing for Beto in a deep red part of Texas. I used to browse the board for a morale lift, but it's been pretty bad since 2016.

[progressoid]

133. So true.

Hell, there are some who still pick at the Ralph Nadar scab.

[disillusioned73]

140. " I used to browse the board for a morale lift,"

yeah, this place does the opposite now

Good on you for canvassing in red country Texas - i feel your pain..

[vi5]

150. Didn't you get the message....

People who advocate us going after progressive voters who used to staunchly vote Democrat but have been disappointed in their rightward shift are unrealistic.

But people who advocate us continually going after "moderates" and "independents" whose numbers are miniscule and most of whom will never, ever no matter what vote for a Democrat are realists, offering a rock solid solution to our problems.

[Demsrule86]

168. That is nonsense...We are all progressives first of all ...there is no 'progressive' wing of the

party. Tired of hearing this...not true. There are some who think they are the holy grail of progressives and look down on everyone who does not practice progressivism based on their rigid ideology... Progressives like me actually want to win elections and create progressive policy instead of debating it endlessly...when there is no chance of even getting our bills to the floor.

[StuckInTexas]

174. I think the overwhelming majority of people on this site understand game theory and the need to win

elections. In fact, I would venture to say posters here vastly underestimate the average intelligence of most democratic voters. Alabama needs a centrist. West Virginia needs a centrist. But what frustrates the more progressive oriented (and yes, we are a HUGE tent with people all along the political scale) is the rigid opposition to change from those in our own party, even when the election is in a progressive demographic. I don't wish to derail the thread, but an example would be the backlash against suggesting it may be time for Feinstein to not run again in California. Because suggesting her views have become dated and no longer really reflective of a state as progressive as California somehow means we don't appreciate he incredible contributions to our country. We as a party value the person too much over the policy lately. I think the more centrist Democrats in our party don't really understand why Sanders was as popular as he was. It's not about the who, it's about the what and the why. Progressive policies when polled on outside of the context of, well politics, have proven to be VERY popular. I could go on and on of why that is, but that's a thread to itself (mostly the demonization of all things liberal by Faux News, but we've shot ourselves in the foot a few times as well).

As I mentioned earlier, I volunteer when I can, and I live and work with some of the most conservative deplorables in the nation. I'm talking about people so vile, they don't want to put you (as a "librul&quot in the gas chambers, they want to put you directly in the ovens so they can hear you scream first. There is not a week that goes by that I do not hear racial slurs, the wish of genocide on muslims, and the general death of all liberals. This is not hyperbole, I literally hear this almost daily. Even the most deplorable of these red hats agree with some of the most progressive policies social policies such as single payer healthcare when you explain it to them one on one and outside the language of politics. My point being is our most liberal policy ideals ARE our strengths. Obama won on the message of Hope and Change, because people really do realize on a fundamental level that business as usual is FAILING. I think the majority of this country is ready to embrace a modern version of a New Deal much more than what current conventional wisdom states.

/rant off, back to lurking for the most part, vote in november like you life fucking depends on it, because it quite literally may

[Demsrule86]

195. I hope you are right...16 was a shit show.

Interesting post. Welcome to DU.

[R B Garr]

210. Your Feinstein example and the way you describe it

really tips your hand. California is very progressive. Bernie lost here. Feinstein remains very popular despite the efforts to slime her with generic Revolution talking points.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

182. Sorry you've been made to feel unwelcome ... I can relate.

And thanks for your work on the Beta campaign.

[R B Garr]

71. I bet you are not confused at all.

It sounds like you think a third party splitting Democrats is okay because.....Bernie!

[vi5]

149. I thought we were talking about the Democratic primary?

I thought voters decided? I'm not sure how if there are say 5 people in a race, that the third party person can possibly split enough of the vote, any more than the other 4 do?

[R B Garr]

170. Bernie understood and decided to use the Democrats.

I bet you remember that.

[vi5]

171. I remember him running in the Democratic primary...

...I also remember him voting with Democrats on progressive legislation a lot more of the time than quite a few actual Democrats.

For example, was it Bernie who insisted the ACA be watered down in order to get his vote? Or did he vote for it even after a bunch of people with D's after their names threw their little temper tantrums to make it more corporate and less consumer friendly?

But something tells me that doesn't matter because......well just because!!! Or something.

[R B Garr]

173. This was about Independents splitting the party.

Why bring Obama into it. Just sliming people with “corporations” didn’t work in California and is a bit vacuous at this point. Bernie lost here.

Anyway, this is about Bernie endorsing a non/Democrat. It really is not confusing. Sabotaging Democrats by endorsing a non-Democrat is certainly not helping Democrats. We can drop that pretense now, thank you,

[RandySF]

77. The point is

He wanted our party's nomination in 2016 and for us to change our process in order to make it easier for him in 2020, but he endorsed an independent for a crucial statewide office in California.

[Blue_Tires]

115. This would all be 100% valid *IF*...

Bernie didn't appoint himself as the de facto head of the party and dictate policy from the outside while constantly flinging shit at the Obamas, Clintons and any other Dem who fails his purity test...

Try a little harder next time.

[vi5]

145. Really? What policy has he dictated?

And if he literally holds no position within the Democratic party then he literally holds no power.

If people are worried that more people might listen to him than actual Democrats then maybe that's as much of an issue with...you know.....the Democrats? Just an idea.

If he doesn't have any position of power within the Democratic party then he has no power over anything, right?

[jalan48]

44. How far apart are the Dems and McLaughlin on issues? Are her ideas popular?

"McLaughlin’s independent candidacy is highlighted by her fierce opposition to Citizens United, advocating for Single-Payer Medicare, Free College in California, and the Fair Share Tax or Millionaires Tax."

“With the support of Bernie and Our Revolution, we are going to win this race and take the people’s movement to Sacramento. For too long, corporate contributions and lobbyists have set the agenda in the Capitol – it’s time for thousands upon thousands of us across this beautiful state to say ‘No’ to corporate rule and ‘Yes’ to our shared power.”

[lapucelle]

56. Is McLaughlin benefitting from organizations funded by dark money anonymous donors?

"501(c)(4): Also known as “dark money groups,” these make up some of the most relevant political nonprofits today. Technically deemed “social welfare organizations,” these groups can’t have political activity — such as making ads advocating for or against candidates — as their “primary purpose”; this has unofficially been interpreted to mean they must spend less than 50 percent of their activities on politics or elections. But they can raise unlimited amounts of cash from individuals and organizations alike — without having to disclose who contributed that money."

https://sunlightfoundation.com/2016/02/17/a-glossary-of-campaign-finance-in-the-u-s/#501(c)(4)

https://sunlightfoundation.com/2016/08/26/bernie-sanderss-new-political-group-wont-have-to-disclose-its-donors/

[disillusioned73]

80. I am not in California..

but that sounds like a solid start to a progressive platform.. a state like California should not have any problems with having the bluest of the blue represent them.. states like Cal & NY should be leading the way, I am here in red country PA begging for them to lead..

[lapucelle]

88. She's a Green, Jill Stein voter who is supported by a dark money group.

The Blues are the Democratic candidates.

[disillusioned73]

102. Well, like I said, I don't live in Cal.

So these "dark money" claims can be researched by ppl that actually have to vote..

As far as issues listed on her platform:

Single-Payer ‘Medicare for All’
Free College California
Split-Roll Proposition 13 Reform
No-Fracking in California
Oil Severance Tax
Millionaires Tax
Aid to California Cities for Sustainable Development
Defend Immigrant Rights
Building Affordable Housing
Defending Public Education and
Opposing the Privatization Education and the expansion of Charter Schools
Supporting Union Organizing
Campaign Finance Reform

[lapucelle]

132. Unlimited money from anonymous donors is the very definition of "dark money".

"Our Revolution, launched this week to continue the movement that his campaign started by raising and spending money to support “candidates in lockstep with Sanders’ ideals.” But it’s disappointing many who agreed with Sanders’ call for getting money out of politics because as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, the group would not be required to disclose its donors."

snip=============================================================================

"A 501(c)(4) is technically a “social-welfare organization,” and can receive unlimited, undisclosed contributions., It can spend money on electionsproviding it isn’t the group’s “primary purpose,” which is usually interpreted to mean that the group can’t spend more than 50 percent of its funds on elections (but some do, and get away with it)."

snip=============================================================================

"But without releasing the identities of contributors, it’s hard for the public to know whether that really is true. A group that decries the influence of money in politics should know that donor disclosure matters. Even as a 501(c)(4), Our Revolution could set an example for other nonprofits that spend on elections and choose to reveal this crucial information. Without doing that, it’s just another dark money group."

https://sunlightfoundation.com/2016/08/26/bernie-sanderss-new-political-group-wont-have-to-disclose-its-donors/

"501(c)(4): Also known as “dark money groups,” these make up some of the most relevant political nonprofits today. Technically deemed “social welfare organizations,” these groups can’t have political activity — such as making ads advocating for or against candidates — as their “primary purpose”; this has unofficially been interpreted to mean they must spend less than 50 percent of their activities on politics or elections. But they can raise unlimited amounts of cash from individuals and organizations alike — without having to disclose who contributed that money."

https://sunlightfoundation.com/2016/02/17/a-glossary-of-campaign-finance-in-the-u-s/#501(c)(4)

[Doodley]

51. It's all about Bernie.

[comradebillyboy]

129. That's why his colleagues in the Senate loath him.

He's never willing to be a team player. Barney Frank's criticism of Bernie from his days in the House still rings true.

[arthritisR_US]

136. They are not alone in their loathing.

[still_one]

72. Let's be very clear about who McLaughlin is. She endorsed JILL STEIN for president in 2016

Make no mistake about it, McLaughlin is Green Party through and through, and is only
running with the label of NPP or independent for political expediency. It should not surprise anyone that she is being endorsed by Ralph Nader, the "our revolution gang", and others who went out of their way to undermine the Democratic nominee in 2016, and encouraged people to NOT vote for the Democratic nominee.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Jill_Stein_presidential_campaign_endorsements,_2016

I will be voting for JEFF BLEICH who is endorsed by people like Ted Lieu, Jackie Speier, Adam Shiff, and those who are proud to identify with the DEMOCRATIC PARTY, not like some who use the Democratic party only to further their political ambitions:


Federal officials
Chris Coons, U.S. Senator (D-DE)
Adam Schiff, U.S. Representative (D-CA-28)[22]
Jackie Speier, U.S. Representative (D-CA-14) [23]
Ted Lieu, U.S. Representative (D-CA-33)
Ro Khanna, U.S. Representative (D-CA-17)[24]
Don Beyer, U.S. Representative (D-VA-8), former United States Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, and former Lieutenant Governor of Virginia
Howard Dean, Former chair of Democratic National Committee, former Governor of Vermont, and former Lieutenant Governor of Vermont [25]
James Clapper, Former Director of National Intelligence[26]
John Berry, Former Director of Office of Personnel Management and Former United States Ambassador to Australia
Eileen Donahoe, Former United States Ambassador to United Nations Human Rights Council
John Roos, Former United States Ambassador to Japan
Karl Eikenberry, Former United States Ambassador to Afghanistan
Denise Bauer, Former United States Ambassador to Belgium
Doug Hickey, Commissioner General of USA Pavilion at Expo 2015
State legislators
Henry Stern, California State Senator (D-27)[27]
Marc Berman, California Assemblymember (D-24)[28]
Local officials
Tom Butt, Mayor of Richmond, California[29]
Gabriel Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem of El Cerrito
Josh Fryday, Mayor of Novato, California
Jeff Adachi, San Francisco Public Defender
Matt Haney, Member of San Francisco Board of Education[30]
Susan Wengraf, Berkeley Councilmember[31]
Tim Farley, Contra Costa Community College District Vice-President
Sarah Pearson, Pediatrician and President of Piedmont Board of Education
Bob Foster, Former Mayor of Long Beach, California
Roberta Achtenberg, Former Member of San Francisco Board of Supervisors
Bevan Dufty, Former Member of San Francisco Board of Supervisors
Abe Friedman, Former Mayor of Piedmont, California
Tom McCormick, Former Mayor of Orinda, California
Community leaders
Thelton Henderson, First African-American lawyer in the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and Senior United States District Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California
Esta Soler, Founder of Futures Without Violence
Evan Wolfson, Founder and President of Freedom to Marry
Drucilla Ramey, Chair of Equal Rights Advocates Board of Directors
Amy Rao, Vice Chair of Human Rights Watch
Debi Hemmeter, Co-Founder of LeanIn.Org
Lateefah Simon, President of Akonadi Foundation and Member of Bay Area Rapid Transit District Board of Directors
Sergio C. Garcia, California Attorney and first undocumented immigrant admitted to the State Bar of California[32]
Sierra Club California

[Cha]

75. Really? Well she can't be very smart then,

can she?

Jill Stein: Swing-State Voters Should Still Vote for Me Even If It Means Donald Trump Gets Elected

Hasan called her out for:

•pretending she might win, despite polling at only 3-4%

•denying that a progressive should be more alarmed by Donald Trump than Hillary Clinton

•dismissing any personal responsibility to “get out of the way” of those working to stop Trump

•rejecting the advice of prominent fellow Green Noam Chomsky to swing-state Greens to vote against Trump by voting for Clinton

•immaturely insulting the man she asked to be her running mate, Sen. Bernie Sanders, who now passionately urges voters to stand with Clinton, by suggesting he’s not acting on deeply held principles but rather that he’s someone who has “drunk the Kool-Aid.”

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2016/10/09/jill-stein-swing-state-voters-should-still-vote-for-me-even-if-it-means-donald-trump-gets-elected-2/

Mahalo for that, still_one

[still_one]

83. They are very deceptive, and they play a rebranding game hoping to play on the gullibility of people

[Cha]

87. 3rd party Sleazy Grifters on a grand

scale.

[Me.]

99. Bammo Bingo

[Cha]

177. ..

It's disgusting!

Me

[Eliot Rosewater]

107. a certain group is dedicated to destroying

the D party and then taking on the R party with what they say is a new platform.

It wont be new though, since the D party platform now is the same they promote, they either just dont know it or they know it and their agenda is even uglier.

That is what this is all about, it was what past activities were about as well and it worked, look who is in the WH.

[Cha]

178. Right.. it's all fake 3rd party shit like jill putin's pawn

stein.

[Eliot Rosewater]

179. I had hoped the obviousness of it would be clear now, but not so I guess.

This is a simple math lesson

ANY vote
ANY comment
ANY written post

that does not completely support ANY democrat, is in fact supporting the other side.

BASIC math

[ismnotwasm]

78. This most likely means the Democrat will win

Thank God.

[still_one]

84. Jeff Bleich

[RandySF]

110. We need to coalesce for sure

[heaven05]

85. no surprise here

really. vote please. everyone that can. we can win by irrefutable numbers. fight voter suppression and denials for american citizens.

[Blue_Tires]

111. "Imagine if Bernie didn't have to run as a Democrat...."

Oh I'm sorry, I MUST have missed something...

Please point out the law that says Independents aren't allowed to run for office... Go ahead, I'll wait.

Or is someone holding a gun up to Bernie Sanders' head? The Democratic Party holding his family hostage, or what??

[Maven]

127. This is great news!

A Bernie endorsement is the kiss of death for any candidate.

[Gothmog]

128. Who is surprised by this?

[workinclasszero]

138. Not me

Standard operating procedure for Bernie isn't it?

Eternal opposition to democrats except where it's for his personal advantage.

[dalton99a]

209. +1

[onecaliberal]

137. Straight democratic ticket period unless you want more dumb fuck republicans.

[arthritisR_US]

139. +1000. No third party phoneys.

[JCanete]

151. oh the horror...and what a horrible candidate, fighting against the choke-hold that the fossile fuel

industry has had on government in Richmond....and having an impressive record doing it to boot. A progressive record a progressive makes.

[pnwmom]

189. A progressive should run as a Democrat, unless that progressive likes the idea of being a spoiler.nt

[JCanete]

190. the one good thing about the california primary system is that that's highly unlikely right?

[pnwmom]

191. No, it could easily happen. n/t

[JCanete]

206. how?

[pnwmom]

207. Here's how.

The open primary demands a lot more of voters. Anything could happen.

And it was designed by a Republican lawmaker with their interests in mind.

http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-ca-top-two-primary-changes-analysis-20180319-story.html

The top-two primary has maximized voter choice while minimizing the power of parties and interest groups to foresee the eventual outcome. Voters have the power — and sometimes the burden — of sorting through what can be lists filled with dozens of names.

"It's such a loose and open system that it can produce quirky results," said Eric McGhee, a researcher at the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California.

The top-two primary was crafted in the dark of a winter night in 2009, a concession by Democrats in the California Legislature to a single Republican lawmaker in exchange for his support of a state budget package.

[ucrdem]

193. If she helps a Republican get elected I imagine Chevron will be very happy.

Do you think this hasn't crossed their minds?

[JCanete]

205. Right, that's her strategy after this long fight against them. This is california. Remember how the

primary system works here?

[ucrdem]

208. Read your voter information guide.

They just went out. I've received my local (county and local), though not my state-wide guide, and the "top-two" system is explained on page 5. Apparently it was approved by Prop 14 in 2010. Personally I don't remember voting on it but California ballots can be long.

As for McLaughlin: if it's not her strategy, what is her strategy? If she hasn't perceived that her Bernie-branded run could have the effect of knocking Dems out of the general election, she shouldn't be running in the first place. And if she has perceived it, why is she is she willing to accept that outcome?

[Civic Justice]

180. Sounds like a "vote splitting scenario"

[calimary]

192. DAMMIT, Bernie!

Haven’t you disrupted enough for awhile? Keep on building and pushing conflict citing options that encourage us NOT to pull together as a united front against our adversaries. See what that gets you and your movement (with its many interesting and indeed worthwhile ideas). More republi-CONS squeaking by into power!

How’s that working out for everybody, ‘eh?