Bernie says he'll fulfill all state requirements: If that means declaring himself a Democrat,

[cali]

he'll do it.

<big snip>

“We’re going to fulfill all the rules,” Sanders said, “I made the decision that the best way to be effective in this campaign, the best way to win was to do it through the Democratic primary process. We will meet all of the requirements of all of the states, including New Hampshire,” he said.

In almost every way, Sanders’s first day on the trail contrasted sharply with Clinton’s first trip to the state last month. Clinton held a series of small and often scripted events, one a roundtable in a quiet warehouse staged with a table and chairs and a place for reporters to watch.

<snip>

Sanders took the microphone, unfolded notes scratched on a piece of yellow legal paper and said he’s the one with ideas to win.

<snip>

“This is someone who could actually keep a lot of young people like me in the fold” of the Democratic Party, said Chace Joe Jackson, 23. “Our generation just isn’t going to have anything like the world that came before us and actually enjoyed the American middle class for what it was.”

<snip>

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/bernie-sanders-says-he-will-register-as-a-democrat-if-needed-for-primary-fight/2015/05/02/39dc71f6-f02d-11e4-8666-a1d756d0218e_story.html

[Erich Bloodaxe BSN]

1. Sigh. If he can do it,

I guess I can do it, to vote in the primary.

[oberliner]

5. Is it so unpleasant to register as a Democrat?

Why the sighing?

[Baitball Blogger]

9. Well, if his area is anything like mine...

The Democrats in my area who have any prominence at all have a closer relationship to the Republicans in their chosen "professions" than they do to Federal level Democrats. That is, except for those who can boast a special tie to the White House.

I wouldn't become a member of a local Democratic party simply because the ones who tend to lead them are also part of the co-mingled corruption that is infecting our neighborhoods.

On the other hand, there is a progressive organization that keeps calling for my support and as soon as I confirm its legitimacy I will probably start with them. They happen to be proponents for gay rights, which is not something that directly affects my life, but if they are committed progressives, then they would be the first to show an interest in recruiting my support around here.

[brooklynite]

10. Or, you could get your friends together and try to take control of the local Party organization...

Is it easy? No. Who said it should be?

[Baitball Blogger]

13. You must live in a progressive area.

I live in a red community. I assure you that as soon as I find a progressive who has the time and desire to organize, we'll get right on it.

What a pair we will make. Just me and the next loco who thinks they can take on the entangled tendrils between city government and white dominated private organizations that have strong political ties to both parties.

No prob.

[brooklynite]

14. So, accepting that the situation is hopeless is a better approach?

[Baitball Blogger]

15. On the contrary.

I am an army of one and my choice of weapon is the pen.

Most people are either in denial or too blind to see that there is a flow of corruption between city government and private organizations. And then, there are the drovers who know it too well and do what they can to steer people away from ever discovering how all the pieces come together between the public and private sector to create a chaotic atmosphere in our communities.

I am motivated to define the dimensions of this dragon because first you have to give it form in the minds of people who refuse to see it. And once formed, it will be easier for others, who come behind me, to understand the formidable foe they are dealing with.

So, it may be too late for me to enjoy the benefits of a fair and nurturing society, but that doesn't mean I can't add my contribution to show how poisoned this society is so that no one will mourn its loss when it's gone.

[Erich Bloodaxe BSN]

12. Because it sends the wrong message to the party.

The nuanceless message the party takes from more people signing up as democrats is that they, as a party, are moving in the right direction. I left the party to do my part to send the message that the party had left me by moving to the right, so I was going to leave to remain where i was on the left.

[Jefferson23]

2. Not surprised but recomend nonetheless. n/t

[donnasgirl]

3. Cali i am not sure how old you are

My youngest daughter ( 25 ) is in college in up state NY, ( Cornell ) she is studying to be a veterinarian and almost every weekend her and her friends come home, for the first time I can see they have an interest in politics which make me extremely proud. I and my husband have been talking to these young people for the better part of two years to please get involved with the process but time and time again they tell us what's the use, now that Bernie Sanders has thrown his hat in the ring they are showing an interest ( Thank God ) because as they say there is now a clear choice and for these kids he is the only one who interests them and will be working on his behalf.

[cali]

4. I have a 28 year old son who leans toward

well, anarchy. He's a Northeast Kingdom boy, born and bred. Of course, he's a long time Bernie supporter like all his friends and the guys (including women, of course) he grew up with.

[donnasgirl]

6. I understand his frustration with

The Country but Anarchy is not the answer or at least I hope so.

[rhett o rick]

7. Sen Sanders is a true candidate for the people. For a very long time he has given weekly

unscriped interviews (Brunch with Bernie) with Thom Hartmann on his radio show. Thom says that Sen Sanders is the only politician that is willing to go on w/o a script or prepared questions.

[backscatter712]

8. Bernie stated before he's not going to pull a Ralph Nader and be a spoiler.

So he's running as a Democrat, and Hillary's going to have to get used to the fact she's going to have to earn the Democratic nomination if she wants it.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

11. There's no party registration here in Washington State either.

Candidates may state their party affiliation on the ballot if they choose.

[BrotherIvan]

16. This is a GREAT article

It goes to the heart of the argument that the winner is the one with the most money. You can't buy this kind of enthusiasm and you can't fake it.