Sanders eyes 'bigger' 2020 bid despite some warning signs

[DonViejo]

By STEVE PEOPLES
today

BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) — An insurgent underdog no more, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is laying the groundwork to launch a bigger presidential campaign than his first, as advisers predict he would open the 2020 Democratic presidential primary season as a political powerhouse.

A final decision has not been made, but those closest to the 77-year-old self-described democratic socialist suggest that neither age nor interest from a glut of progressive presidential prospects would dissuade him from undertaking a second shot at the presidency. And as Sanders’ brain trust gathered for a retreat in Vermont over the weekend, some spoke openly about a 2020 White House bid as if it was almost a foregone conclusion.

“This time, he starts off as a front-runner, or one of the front-runners,” Sanders’ 2016 campaign manager Jeff Weaver told The Associated Press, highlighting the senator’s proven ability to generate massive fundraising through small-dollar donations and his ready-made network of staff and volunteers.

Weaver added: “It’ll be a much bigger campaign if he runs again, in terms of the size of the operation.”

Amid the enthusiasm — and there was plenty in Burlington as the Sanders Institute convened his celebrity supporters, former campaign staff and progressive policy leaders — there were also signs of cracks in Sanders’ political base. His loyalists are sizing up a prospective 2020 Democratic field likely to feature a collection of ambitious liberal leaders — and not the establishment-minded Hillary Clinton.

more
https://apnews.com/dd5a05f91f174f2f8ac4ec9e8da36b9f

[SidDithers]

1. ...

Sid

[leftynyc]

2. If he truly thinks he can use

the Democratic party again, he's very, very, very mistaken. If he wants to run, let him run as an independent.

[Kentonio]

9. Why don't you actually think before coming out with this stuff?

What exactly do you think would happen if a hugely popular progressive ran as an independent? You do understand that it would basically hand the election straight to the Republicans right?

Ffs..

[treestar]

11. Then Bernie would not do it

He wouldn't want that result, right?

[Kentonio]

14. Of course he wouldn't, which is why he didn't last time

But that's also why he has to be allowed onto the Democratic platform. Unless we think progressives just shouldn't be allowed to have any voice at all?

[octoberlib]

3. ........

Link to tweet

[VOX]

4. .......

N/t.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

5. How about NOPE.

[Mike Nelson]

6. I'm with...

… the group thinking Bernie should not run. However, if he feels he is the one to defeat Trump/Pence, it's his duty to run. Same with Hillary - in 2016 and now. I'll happily vote for the nominee, but think there are so many fine contenders! I'm wondering what Bernie's process is... can he just run as a Democrat, again, or does the Party have to okay his inclusion?

[Adrahil]

8. The problem is, Bernie always thinks he's rhe guy.

He's like the guy in your office who endorses your idea and then claims to be the leader for that idea.

[Cha]

7. Yeah, BS is Not "the front runner".. and

of course "The Gathering" was enthused.. cornel west, SS, cenk, gabbard etc etc etc.

I've seen so many online activists who just say NO.. he's too divisive.

[Gothmog]

10. I look forward to seeing his tax returns

[Cha]

17. As so would a lot of us.

[ismnotwasm]

12. Nope.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

13. Time for a new generation of leadership.

[Demsrule86]

15. I doubt he can win a primary...voted for him last time...won't this time. My entire

family feels this way...including three millennial. I want nothing to do with a candidate who ran in 16. I like Hillary better but would not want her to run either. I will vote for whoever wins the Democratic primary period-this would include Sanders. But I sincerely do not believe he can win a general. I am hoping Sherrod Brown runs...although I fear the loss of a Senator.

[BannonsLiver]

16. Sounds like weaver is just as delusional and out of touch with reality as he was in 2016

[Trumpocalypse]

18. Voted for Sanders in the 16 NY primary.

Will never vote for him again. At this point, all he does is divide the left.