Bernie Sanders campaign is a barometer for the future of the Democratic Party.

[kentuck]

Will the Bernie Sanders campaign end up being just a small blip on the screen or will he draw a large number of voters to his issue-oriented campaign?

If his campaign does well, even if he does not win, the Democratic Party cannot ignore those voices that support Bernie Sanders. The Party cannot continue to support the corporate agenda and the wealth-distribution agenda of the Big Banks and the international trade treaties. Changes will need to be made within the Democratic Party if Bernie Sanders does well in the primaries.

If the campaign were to falter, which I don't think it will, the Democratic Party leadership would see no reason to change the direction they are headed. In my opinion, it would be to the detriment of the country.

[libdem4life]

1. Seems this is snowballing from the people. Hillary needs to just listen to Bernie to find out the

pulse of the party. I just hope that the energy and excitement here on DU carries out in the General Public. The debates will be awesome.

[Thinkingabout]

2. Likewise, if he does not win and the voices of the supporters of the winner cannot be ignored.

[mmonk]

3. Yep. At least in my eyes.

I've been a Democrat since the 70's. This is the biggest issue out there right now in terms of strength of party going forward. This is an era where the Republicans are so stark running mad and looney but the Democratic Party is struggling and has a somewhat lost identity for the moment.

[HappyMe]

4. Yeah, I think the tide is turning.

It's a good thing. There may be a few that will have to be dragged, kicking and screaming. They can either get with the program, or get the hell out of they way.

We can't continue with the big money telling us what we want.

[Freddie Stubbs]

5. Depends on your definition of "does well"

Perhaps is he does as well as Dennis Kucinich he can get a job at Fox News.

[kentuck]

6. He will need to do better than that.

And I think he will.

The times have changed but voters do not see their Parties as changing with the times.

Kucinich was not able to change his Party, unfortunately.

[mmonk]

7. Obviously, this attitude or viewpoint is what we are talking about.

You are welcome to keep it but are things improving ignoring these issues? If not, then ask where the disenfranchised go. They usually give up, become cynical, and quit voting.

[RoccoR5955]

10. I Don't forsee that happening

I also don't see Bernie EVER taking a job at Faux News.

[MohRokTah]

12. I doubt he takes a single delegate.

I could be wrong on that but I am firmly convinced he'll not take a single primary.

[earthside]

8. I think it is the other way around.

The Clinton campaign is a barometer for the future of the Democratic Party.

If the Democratic Party takes the easy way, the conventional way, the establishment way, the center-right way, the "it's her turn" way --- and blithely nominates Hillary Clinton, that will send a clear message about what the party will be for decades to come.

There may be insurgent challenges for the presidential nomination and for U.S. Senate nominations -- but if the rank and file, base Democratic voters pick big money, old faces with old ideas and moderate to center-right positions on issues, then the Democratic Party will have become not a vehicle for change, but a defender of the status quo. If Clinton big money and the Clinton super-PAC succeeds in buying primary elections and caucuses, that will signal that Citizens United is here to stay.

A Hillary Clinton steamroller to the nomination will mean much lower turnout of younger voters and probably minority voters in November 2016. Running to become the first woman president is not going to be near enough. Clinton cannot generate the excitement and enthusiasm necessary to win. Yes, I think a Bush or Paul or Walker can beat Hillary.

I'm disappointed that Clinton is running at all -- it would be better for her to let new faces, new ideas and new energy become the 21st century Democratic Party.

So, it is less about Sanders and more about just how much the entrenched and wealthy and powerful dominate the Democratic Party of 2015-2016.

[kentuck]

9. Good points.

Perhaps it is true that familiarity breeds contempt?

You may be right?

[Snotcicles]

14. Point taken, We are products of our enviroment. We should also look at each of their enviroments. nt

[RoccoR5955]

11. Not if WE THE PEOPLE have anything to do with it.

All people have to do is listen to Bernie's platform, and they will know that it is not any third way, republican lite, or other right wing con job.

[Hiraeth]

13. ^ this ^ sadly, this ^