Sanders Rebuffs Pressure to Drop Bid as Clinton Meeting Set

[Purveyor]

Source: Bloomberg

June 14, 2016 — 2:55 PM EDT Updated on June 14, 2016 — 4:37 PM EDT

Bernie Sanders has no plans to concede defeat in the Democratic presidential race to Hillary Clinton when Tuesday’s final primary is done, rebuffing pressure from his colleagues in the Senate and from party officials.

In six weeks remaining until the Democratic convention, Sanders said he intends to keep promoting the tenets of his platform: curbing big money in politics, reducing income inequality and raising taxes to make health care a universal entitlement.

Sanders made clear he’s running less a campaign for the Democratic nomination than an effort to overhaul the Democratic National Committee leadership and its rules, which he’s repeatedly said have favored Clinton.

“The time is long overdue for a fundamental transformation of the Democratic Party,” Sanders said at a news conference in Washington. That includes replacing the Democratic National Committee leadership, requiring all primaries to be open to independents and Republicans and doing away with the superdelegates that were a crucial base of support for Clinton.

Read more: http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2016-06-14/sanders-rebuffs-pressure-to-end-campaign-as-clinton-meeting-set

[geek tragedy]

1. then no prime time speaking slot during the convention, fair is fair

neither candidate will be addressing the convention before the nominating begins.

winner gets to deliver an acceptance speech, loser gets to watch the winner speak

[Renew Deal]

5. And get rid of his seniority in the Senate

It's fraudulent anyway.

[deadchicken7]

26. Really? FFS...

Seriously, he's doing this to ensure that the party doesn't do its typical swing-right-for-the-general BS. And to your claim about being "fraudulent": a.) he was selected by Democratic leadership BEFORE he ran as a Dem, so then contact your congresspeople since they approve of his seniority; b.) why the HELL are you stifling debate? The entire issue here is that the LEFT is a BIG F***ING place, with most of us NOT HAVING ANY TYPE OF VOICE. I'm a socialist and Bernie is the closest voice I have, and HE'S STILL TO MY RIGHT. Realize that we're not a homogenous group here and that the CONVERSATION is what's important.

I am getting real sick of this BS.

[pangaia]

30. You only have 4 posts and your screen name is deadchicken..

What could you possibly know?



ON THE MONEY.

GO BERNIE !!!!!!!!!!!

[deadchicken7]

46. Hiya

Yeah, I prefer to lurk and read the news and journals, but FFS (becoming my favorite and most common acronym), it's gotten bad--2008 was damn-near pleasant comparatively--and I just can't stand having my beliefs and my issues ostracized, just because I'm (or, at least, I perceive it to be) not in lock-step with...whomever. It doesn't matter because I will not have my beliefs dictated.

I am a socialist, but I've always identified Democratic because, in the world of US realpolitik, that philosophy doesn't matter and, because of that, MY BELIEFS DO NOT MATTER. I've choked that down for all of my adult life. It's a shitty situation, but like all shitty situations, I dealt with it.

This year I finally got a candidate that was--not completely, but generally--within field goal distance of what I believed. That excited me. I donated to Bernie, in addition to my itemized party donation--I've never done that before.

Yes, I know that douches on the Bernie side antagonized Hilary's side and vice versa. You know what? F*** all those a*******. I harbor absolutely no ill will towards Hilary or the honorable elements of her campaign, and, again vice versa. Who I have an ENORMOUS grievance towards are the assholes (not censoring this time) who condescendingly and pejoratively call me a "loser", "uber-leftist&quot again, notice the German...), and the ever lovely "troll." That is the reason that I don't read at DailyKos anymore, however, I've always loved DU and Skinner (and the other wonderful admins) have always kept this a welcoming, if contentious place.

I don't need people to "worship" "st." Bernie. I don't need people to think that Hilary is the most qualified person in the history of anything to do anything. In fact, I don't need anything from anyone. What I would like--and what would be a really GOOD F***ING IDEA as the only thing that passes for left in these parts--is for all of us to desist in the bullshit ad hominem and ad informationem attacks. Yes, Hilary is the presumptive nominee; however, the arrogance that a small portion of her supporters have vis-a-vis the left wing of the caucus is ENTIRELY COUNTERPRODUCTIVE. To wit: I would say the same to Bernie's asshole supporters in the same breath.

Fact of the matter: the Presidency is the Democratic Party's to lose--FFS, DO NOT ALIENATE YOUR ALLIES. When there's only two options, people will always find another, to everyone's peril.

[pangaia]

52. Good read. Well said.

I am too lazy to be so thorough, But I agree..

I am not an "...ist" anything, I have learned, , but Bernie Sanders is almost the only truly honest... what's the word???, well, Democratic politician in my lifetime.

I mean there was RFK,.... but... anyway you know what I mean...

I trust the guy 100%, whatever he does.


BTW, since you are deadchicken7,, are there 6 others I don't know about?

[SusanCalvin]

62. Great rant, thank you.

[mahannah]

69. excellent

[840high]

89. Excellent rant.

[chknltl]

93. Well and nuff said. nt

[samson212]

115. Wow, thanks for posting!

Well said. I'm also quite tired of the vitriol. Why can't we just talk about policy, without belittling our fellow Democrats? Why am i not allowed to be excited about finally having an option to vote for a politician who's ideas are similar to my own?? Anyway, I have hope that this attitude is on its way out.

[FailureToCommunicate]

188. 6 years here and only 6 posts. I admire your restraint. And your thoughts when you do post!

[JudyM]

71. ... LOL!

... "and your screen name is deadchicken..."

[Paka]

72. Thank you!

The negativity for a true dedicated Statesman wears very thin. You put it nicely.

[lewebley3]

165. Sanders just being a Jerk: the campaign was about him and Jane only

[AlbertCat]

171. the campaign was about him and Jane only

I think you have confused him with the other candidate.

[libdem4life]

174. This one's a lost cause.

[bjobotts]

175. You're a mindless shallow being to have that attitude which ignores reality. He won 47% of dem votes

If independents were allowed to vote in dem primary he would have won the nomination. Sanders has already succeeded in transforming the dialogue of the dem party to get back to its roots and not the moneyeyed lobbyists catering for wall street money. He had to be talked into running and said from the beginning that his goal was to represent working man's interests, the middle class and the working poor more than gaining power...which he has done. Your comment is about the stupidest comment I've read this election cycle.

[noiretextatique]

191. +1000 mindless, shallow being

Is correct. I have never seen anything of sudstance from this poster.

[lewebley3]

199. You are ignoring reality: Sanders was rejected by a large majority of the people.

[libdem4life]

173. Go get em...dead or alive !!!

[swhisper1]

179. thank you. spot on

[Doctor_J]

111. And who is that going to hurt?

[roody]

132. Explain please

[lewebley3]

166. Sander was not supported by Senators because he is so self centered.

[libdem4life]

176. Here's another one...where do you get these? Sanders works fine

in the Senate supporting bills with the Dem Caucus...in case you didn't know.

Also important for the information challenged, all candidates are self-centered. Otherwise they would not be candidates. Oh, and all want to win. And some go so far as to want to change the entire conversation.

I'll await a reasoned, intelligent response...not on The List.

[lewebley3]

201. Sanders gained much bigger swelled head , the more famous he became. He

is not about helping the American people.

[libdem4life]

203. As I thought...blather on.

[swhisper1]

181. my God do some homework. The Senate is very fond of Bernie. He got amendments through for them

and gets along with all of them and much of the House. They cannot openly support him and expect the DNC to support their next election, so they fell in line. That is what politicians do, always thinking about their next race.He does not resent their forced choice.

Tell me lewbley, which senator is not horribly self centered? name one please. At least Sanders does speak up for the people and troops, he has a soul.

If you think the Senate supports Hillary then wait for support for legislation. She wont find it. They dont like her, they never gave her a voice in the senate- she was allowed to name a street. To them she was a joke. Her election was a joke to get there, and a gift. This election was a gift she nearly lost .

[lewebley3]

198. The wouldn't support him: even the Senator from VT nor the Governor of VT

[Mojorabbit]

194. What a crappy comment. nt

[Purveyor]

6. Convention is going to be a 'sleeper' with most likely the lowest

ratings in the history of convention coverage unless there is something of interest to watch.

Hillary isn't it.

[geek tragedy]

7. Obama, Biden, Bill, Warren, nt

[TwilightZone]

8. Ah, come on. Only two very popular Democratic presidents? Who would tune in for that?

This place just keeps getting funnier. Now, the convention that's been all they could talk about is going to be ignored by everyone. Uh, huh.

[geek tragedy]

12. Obama's final big speech in office, I imagine he'll bring his A game

That Bill Clinton fellow is known as a good speaker as well.

Joe Biden, there's always the "what's Joe going to say" factor, as well as the fact he'll probably deliver the best insults of Trump.

[TwilightZone]

17. haha, no kidding

It might be worth it for Joe on Trump alone.

[greiner3]

67. And where's Carter

Oh, wait he's a Bernie supporter

[geek tragedy]

76. Did he endorse? nt

[LiberalFighter]

105. He must like to make stuff up.

[PatrynXX]

109. with a possibly floor fight

I have my doubts. Meanwhile votes are still being counted so why would he.

[seabeckind]

54. I thought it was the Bernie people

who were bullies and my way or the highway.

If Hillary people can't handle criticism within their own family, they're going to be eviscerated in the real world.

Much better to build a wall.

[geek tragedy]

57. Hillary was criticized during the primary. The primary is over in 78 minutes.

the purpose of the convention is to help the nominee win the general.

Bernie needs to give something to get something.

[seabeckind]

59. Aww gee, I always learned that the convention

was where the nominee was chosen. You know all those people with flags, funny hats, cheering.

Then there was the dark horse business.

Just WTF did you learn history and political science?

[geek tragedy]

64. have you been asleep the past 28 years?

national conventions are coronations, infomercials to promote the candidate who won the primary voting.

Clinton is the presumptive nominee, because she won. If Bernie refuses to acknowledge that she's won, then he won't get treated like a member of the team.

All he has to do is say "Hillary won, and I will do what I can to help her defeat Donald Trump" and presto he gets treated like a member of the team!

He can still fight for stuff on the platform and getting rid of superdelegates, all he has to do is stop pretending that he is seeking to be the nominee at this point.

[seabeckind]

70. Ahh, the argument to tradition.

It's always been that way.

That doesn't make it right.

Note this word: presumptive.

Just what do you think that means?

Take your time.

[geek tragedy]

75. presumptive nominee means the same thing as president-elect

it means the substantive matters have been resolved, just a matter of paperwork and formalities.

Clinton won the voting, therefore she's the presumptive nominee now and will be the official nominee when the convention rubber stamps her nomination


She won the voting--that makes it right.

Bernie can contest the nomination, it's his right, but that means he doesn't get to speak at the convention seeking to undermine the presumptive nominee. Technically, neither candidate will be allowed to address the convention before the voting, if you're a stickler for minutiae.

Obama will speak on Hillary's behalf in prime time, so will Biden and Bill and whomever the vice-presidential nominee is.

If Bernie wants to contest the nomination, I'm sure his supporters will get sweet speaking slots at 2:00 in the afternoon.

[seabeckind]

80. No it doesn't

Not even close.

I'm not even sure you know what president-elect is.

No, I'm certain you don't know.

[geek tragedy]

84. lol, yes the president elect is the person who won the voting, i.e.

won states with enough electoral votes to ensure a majority of votes in the electoral college.

the presumptive nominee is the person who wins the most delegates by getting the most votes.

the president-elect becomes the president when he's inaugurated

the presumptive nominee becomes the nominee at the convention

Choose a narrative--should Bernie be treated as someone who's on Team Hillary as she fights to defeat Trump, or is he someone who's still trying to take the nomination away from her?

Both narratives can't hold.

[seabeckind]

86. Good for you.

Now go read what you wrote.

Notice any difference? You might double check the "most" word.

Particularly: Is the person who won the most delegates prior to the convention the nominee? Make sure you include when some delegates vote.

(as I thought about it): Extra credit: what happens if the electoral college doesn't yield the required number of votes? Does the one who got the most win the presidency?

[geek tragedy]

94. all delegates vote at the convention, just like all members of the electoral college

vote in December.

spare us the #Berniemath

So, I will mark you down as a member of the camp that says "Clinton should treat Sanders like someone trying to undermine her" rather than "Clinton should treat Sanders like an ally."

[seabeckind]

100. Aww, can't do the math cause the asterisks cause you problems?

I figured as much.

More fun at the pep rally than doing reading.

[geek tragedy]

108. I do math just fine.

If you want to talk about the various ways to provide inputs for a Discounted Cash-Flow model in order to provide fair value estimates for illiquid assets, I'm sure we could have a great conversation.

Similarly, if you want to debate whether base or compound correlations are more appropriate for valuing collateralized debt obligations, go ahead and give us your take.

[1StrongBlackMan]

149. Wow ... It takes a special pair for that poster ...

to be so wrong AND so arrogant in his/her wrongness.

[geek tragedy]

150. people who are never wrong about anything tend to develop an ego nt

[1StrongBlackMan]

152. LOL.

[lanlady]

192. It's called democracy

The person who gets the most votes wins.

[seabeckind]

195. That isn't what the rules say.

There are conditions.

[rhett o rick]

125. They will hold a vote to see who is the winner.

[geek tragedy]

145. Clinton won. She won the voting. It's over.

Sanders isn't even pretending he has a chance of being the nominee.

[Dustlawyer]

142. All he has to do is give up any leverage he has to then go fight for his issues in the platform.

Doesn't sound like a winning strategy. Hillary hasn't offered him anything and you say he must give up his fight so she will.

She negotiated her SOS deal and then conceded but Bernie cannot!

[mountain grammy]

143. Exactly!

[geek tragedy]

144. Clinton didn't cut a deal to become Secretary of State.

that's a zombie myth

[w4rma]

153. She cut a deal to become Secretary of State AND for Obama to pay off her millions in campaign debt.

Yes, she went far into the negative in her primary campaign in 2008. She didn't, however, use her leverage for *any* positive policy position change. It is always about self-promotion with the Clintons.

[lewebley3]

168. You are right: Sander seems have a swelled head: he lost by a lot

[swhisper1]

182. revisionist history I think

[lewebley3]

167. Sanders has lost any being a jerk: he is all about Sanders

[AgingAmerican]

137. Hillary supporters calls for REVENGE® are comical

[lewebley3]

169. Sanders showing he has no understanding that the American people are fighting

fascism. Sanders only cares about Sanders

[AgingAmerican]

172. Corporatism = Fascism

[lewebley3]

200. fascism=equals Trump: He doesn't want the people to rule: he wants to rule alone

[libdem4life]

177. Fascism. Brilliant. Like all others.

[Herman4747]

163. Yeah, give that spot to Henry Kissinger instead!

Hey, she likes Kissinger much more.

[lewebley3]

170. She has worked hard for the American people

[swhisper1]

183. when? doing what? I'm speechless

[midnight]

2. Too much work done to not move on...

[RobertEarl]

63. Bernie, and we, are in it to win it

Let there be no mistake or any doubt.

[Duval]

73. Yes. nt

[bluestateguy]

3. Who? Oh him? He's still running?

As of 8PM tonight, the primaries are over.

Although my hat's off to him for a hard fought race.

[McKim]

114. The Primary is Not Over in Cali

Pardon me, but all the votes have not yet been counted in California.

[Orrex]

160. But it's over everywhere else, so California is a mathematical footnote

In fact, it's been effectively over weeks. That's unpleasant for people in states with later primaries, but it doesn't change the fact that at some point during the process the race is decided, after which subsequent votes have a lesser impact.

[Renew Deal]

4. Another Sanders ego outburst.

When it comes to Bernie Sanders, it's all about him.

[virtualobserver]

9. no, it is about the rejuvenation of the Democratic party....

As it is now, they are the other party of business and money.

[Renew Deal]

10. When did he start caring about the party?

He's been badmouthing it constantly and has refused to join.

Even Bernie's campaign has admitted that his problem is his outsized ego.

[stopbush]

25. Right. It's the Democratic Party, not the democratic socialist party.

It's not an über-progressive party. It's a big tent.

Those who complain that the Ds aren't progressive enough miss the fact that there are people of many stripes in the D party.

You want an über-progressive party, go form your own party. Don't try to reshape the Ds into something they've ever been. You'll just send people screaming for the exits.

[deadchicken7]

34. That's disingenuous

You know damn well that the US is locked in a two party system--there is practically no way to introduce another party without: 1.) A party collapsing on itself or, 2.) we switch to a parliamentary system--which will not happen in my natural lifespan to be sure.

Maybe, I don't know, realize that, yeah, the Democrats aren't an uber-progressive party, while, at the same f***ing time realize that THERE ARE S***TON OF PEOPLE OUT THERE WHO ONLY HAVE THE SMALLEST PARTS OF THEIR BELIEFS REPRESENTED.

I'm sorry that my uber (nice choice on using German there, by the way) - leftist ways are such a pain for a centrist party. If there was ANYWHERE else to go I might consider, except there isn't.

Reap the whirlwind, as they say.

[1StrongBlackMan]

151. That is simply not true ...

You know damn well that the US is locked in a two party system--there is practically no way to introduce another party without: 1.) A party collapsing on itself or, 2.) we switch to a parliamentary system--which will not happen in my natural lifespan to be sure.

to introduce another party just requires a lot of sustained hard work over several election cycles. But I can understand why people would think it impossible ... it's that sustained hard work over several election cycles thing.

[choie]

36. An über progressive party?

This is a party of third way DLCers that have done nothing to advance the betterment of working and low income people, but plenty to increase their own wealth and that of their corporate cronies.

[stopbush]

40. Really? Clinton and Obama did nothing for the lower and middle classes?

So, what was the Medicaid expansion in the ACA all about?

Regurgitating Sanders' "no one supported the middle class until I decided to run for president" BULLSHIT is a bit convenient.

[fbc]

39. The Democrat party? That's what republicans call it.

It's meant to be disrespectful.

But that is the problem with the democratic party today: too many moderate republicans. Go fix your own party and stop trying to hijack ours.

[stopbush]

41. Typo. Fixed it. Yeah, that drives me crazy as well.

Sorry. A little sloppy blogging from work...

[ozone_man]

123. FDR did that once,

make it a progressive party that is. But, he would be branded as an outsider now, maybe even a socialist, with ideas of Social(ism) Security and such, medical care (Medicare) for all.

A party that cannot adapt with the times, will whither and die eventually. The Republicans and Democrats both. I think there is more hope for the Democrats to change from the boss Tweed party that it is/was, but you never know. TR was a Republican, and a damned good one.

[arikara]

189. Big tent, yah right...

right leaning neo-liberal tent that is. The current democratic establishment has no use for the left and doesn't even make any pretense to represent the interests of the people. That will prove to be a huge mistake because the movement is big and growing.

[virtualobserver]

127. You mean the unsourced article about Bernie?

An outsized ego? In Politics? You must be joking?

[livetohike]

50. How is allowing Republicans to vote in a Democratic primary

rejuvenating the party?

[greiner3]

74. Why have restrictions to any voting

But that's a progressive idea. Republicans and their restrictions to voting

[livetohike]

82. If one wants to vote for the Democratic candidate in the

Democratic primary, then they should register as a Democrat. Is that too much trouble. The distance between Democrats and Republicans is wide. What is an Independent? Someone whose ideals don't fit either party?

[All in it together]

157. Sure only Democrats should vote in our primary, just let anyone change their registration

The day of the primary or register for the first time, instead of making it nearly impossible to change in some states or being kicked off the Dem party rolls just in time for primaries. What did happen in Brooklyn by the way?

[Amimnoch]

112. It's called a Primary.

Primaries are to determine the candidates to represent each party in a General election.

Democrats should determine which candidate in the Democratic Primary represents them in the General.

Republicans should determine which candidate in the Republican Party represents them in the election.

Green Party, and every other political party should have their party members determine who runs in their parties respectively in their primaries to represent them in the General election.

If you want everyone to vote in the primaries.. Why the fuck even have primaries in the first place. Just have a GE and be done with it?

[druidity33]

141. True, but...

to be fair i think registered Independents should be able to vote in the 1 of those.

[Orrex]

164. Independent sort of means "independent," though

As in "independent of the parties." As such, registered Independents declare themselves independent of the parties' inner workings, so there's no reason at all to let them participate.

Let them register with a party, hold their own primaries, or wait until the general election. They want to have it both ways, claiming to be Independent while actually involving themselves directly in the parties' electoral strategy.

[druidity33]

193. "there's no reason at all to let them participate"

That right there is an attitude that turns people away from Party politics. What if by including them and listening to their voices, that might make them want to join our party? They'll be voting for one candidate or the other, might as well give them the incentive to vote for ours...

again, just my 2 pennies.

[Orrex]

196. Your objection doesn't make sense

If people want to join the party, then they are welcome. If they are not in the party, then why should they get to steer the party's course? I can't think of a single good justification for that.

It's the ol' "milk and the cow" situation: the privilege of voting for a nominee comes with membership in the party, at least in closed-election states, so if you give non-members that privilege, then why would they join?

They'll be voting for one candidate or the other, might as well give them the incentive to vote for ours...

Well, yes and no. They probably won't be voting "for one candidate or the other." They'll most likely be voting for the candidate that they picked for themselves months in advance of the election. And as far as giving "them the incentive to vote for ours," well, the other party would have the exact same option and opportunity, so the incentive from either side cancels out the other's.

I confess, though, that when you frame it as a scramble to placate the so-called Independents, you're buying into exactly what people suspect about Independents, that they want it to be "all about them," and to hell with the party that won't adequately prostrate itself before them.

[pangaia]

31. No, It has absolutely nothing to do with him.

He is doing this for the sake of human beings.

[Geronimoe]

11. Winning at least 46% of Dem votes

means he should to be taken seriously. Otherwise the party could see a big exodus of members. Already only 29% of Americans are registered as Dems.

[George II]

14. He didn't win 46% of Democratic votes.

[Renew Deal]

15. 42%

http://www.thegreenpapers.com/P16/D

[TwilightZone]

18. 29% is old data. Dems are at 36% and have been the largest voting bloc in the US since December

http://elections.huffingtonpost.com/pollster/party-identification

[frazzled]

21. Hold on a minute

What does pushing your principles forward (which is fine in itself) have to do with not suspending the campaign, conceding, or ... most importantly ... endorsing the winning candidate? Once you've lost, what leverage does that gain you? I should think it diminishes it.

Did Hillary Clinton, who actually won the popular vote in the 2008 primary (48.0% to Obama's 47.3%), though not the pledged or total delegates, vow to fight on to the convention and demand to change the party's rules (even though the caucus races hurt her chances) or prescribe its platform? She conceded and forcefully endorsed Obama 4 days after the last primary.

There's nothing special about Bernie Sanders's also-ran status. The threats of a "big exodus" are not impressive. Everybody's playing nicey-nicey to Bernie right now, but if he takes it too far, you're going to see some pushback. He's not all that.

In my book, if Sanders does not unequivocally endorse, it's worthless. The crazy portion of his minions will take his fight against Trump as a pass to vote for some loser like Jill Stein. But all the sane ones (which is most) will stick with Hillary anyway.

It's a sign of very poor character if he continues to fight conceding and endorsing. We wouldn't tolerate a losing NBA team refusing to shake hands after the game with the winner. And we shouldn't support Sanders if he fails to adhere to the same sportsmanlike character. This is about the COUNTRY, not his agenda. And yes, the Democratic Party really doesn't owe him anything. They're just giving everyone time to calm down and refocus before that is made clear.

[pangaia]

35. I resent you calling me a 'minion.' It is insulting and cheap.

[choie]

37. Clinton got to be Secretary of State

If you don't think there was an agreement between her and Obama, you're a political naïf

[choie]

38. This isn't a fucking basketball game

this is our future that is riding on this election.

[appalachiablue]

92. + 1 Beat me to it. I detest sports analogies and beat to death pop terms.

Now it's Occam's Razor, before that 'wheelhouse', 'window of opportunity', 'icon' and more. Lack of originality is misery.

[McKim]

117. I Very Much Resent the Sports Analogy

I very much resent referring to an election in which millions of people's lives in the Middle East hinge on the results, using sports analogies. It cheapens and diminished the importance of the consequences of choosing the right president. We have seen 1,275,000 and counting deaths in the Middle East and selecting the right leader is a serious matter. It is not a game to win or lose, it is an important choice of monumental
importance.

[pandr32]

44. Well said

[Gene Debs]

107. Your second to last paragraph is a real winner. Three insults for the price of one. Sanders'

supporters are "minions," they're insane, and Jill Stein is a "loser." This is the kind of attitude that Clinton has always had and will continue to have—namely, belittling anyone who doesn't fall in line and give Veruca Salt what she wants and is clearly entitled to. That'll really win over the people you need.

And for what it's worth, for you to refer to Jill Stein as a "loser" makes me think of no one more that Donald Trump. He belittles good and worthy people in exactly that way all the time. I'd take one Jill Stein over a platoon of Hillary Clintons any day of the week. At least Jill Stein stands for something besides herself.

[cstanleytech]

47. Sorry but to be honest coming in 2nd no matter what % you are at usually is just a

foot note in the history books at most and thats what it will probably end up being for Bernie at this point and sure it sucks and I am sorry for him but at this point I feel that if he pushes on it to much it risks doing to Clinton what Nader did to Gore except this time we have an even worse option than Bush but rather we face a potential presidency of Trump.

[Wednesdays]

53. Yes, I can tell you are very sorry.

nt

[cstanleytech]

77. Yes and I can tell how well you will fit once the new DU rules............or can I?

Actually I cant since I havent checked your posting history just like you havent checked mine or you would have been aware that until now with so many of the election results in I never once suggested that Bernie should concede but of course it didnt stop you from making a snarky comment.

[greiner3]

90. DU rules notwithstanding

I for one will kick the DU habit and find another site where the owners and THEIR minions don't play gods; Shiva being the most prominent.

[cstanleytech]

129. When you joined did you even bother reading the rules for the DU?

This is the Democratic Underground and during the election we are not supposed to advocate in favor of any 3rd party candidate but now if the candidate you supported doesnt win your going to take your ball and go home? Not much of a Democratic if really are going to do that.

[George II]

13. So says the guy who never wanted to be a Democrat.

[Triana]

16. GOOD. n/t

[Saviolo]

19. Playing this tune on repeat:

It comes down to the media. The media is only covering things that are, by their own metric, interesting. That's why they've give millions of dollars worth of free advertising to Trump in the form of news cycles and column inches, because the general media-consuming public is interested in the crazy antics that are coming from the orange fascist.

Right now, with Bernie still in the race, the media can point to the Democratic race as interesting because it's still being contested. Has Hillary pretty much clinched it? Sure. But that makes a less interesting headline than "Bernie remains in the race until the Convention!" The media wants to build an interesting narrative in order to push advertising sales and bring in viewers and readers, and it's far easier to build that narrative on conflict.

As soon as Bernie steps down from the contest (path or not), the Democratic side of the aisle will be officially boring to the media, and they'll go right back to covering the scandals and crazy talk spewing from the GOP candidate. Cue more millions worth of free advertising in the form of think pieces and news cycles dedicated to the latest crazy shit that Trump said.

Me, personally, I love a good boring election. That's how elections should be. Policies, ideas, nothing that fits into a catchphrase. But the media needs there to be conflict to sell the story. If, in the GE, Hillary is -way- ahead of Trump, the media will still build the narrative about the close race, because they need it.

It has less to do with who we figure will tune in, and more to do with what the media thinks is exciting. Have Obama, Biden, and Bill Clinton all speak at the convention, and no Bernie, and the TV stations will picture a snoozefest of a love-in for Hillary, regardless of what they're actually saying. There's no tension for them to sell, and they'll give it the least amount of attention they possibly can.

[MariaThinks]

20. he's only making himself irrelevant

snatching failure from what could have been a huge success.

I don't think him running any longer is helping him in any way. I don't even think it's going to hurt Hillary anymore. I think it's a waste of his time and money - which could be spent better from a tighter relationship with Hillary.

[BlueMTexpat]

78. +1!

Hillary doesn't need him. He won't be hurting her at all. But he could be dooming himself to irrelevance in the future.

[Joe Chi Minh]

185. Why are Hillary and her supporters almost beside themselves with

anxiety for Bernie to drop out ? While affecting a hilarious nonchalance, as you are affecting Maria, not to speak of a concern for Bernie to profit from cosying up to Hillary. They are politically chalk and cheese. He might as well cosy up to a Republican. Bernie is not a politician in the customary sense. He needs politics' 'art of the possible' to have a moral dimension. Just winning, just gaining power even, are not the be all and end all, as they are with 99.999 % of politicians.

Bernie had two sorts of counterparts in Britain in Lloyd George and Aneurin Bevan, though cynicism got to the former in the end. But for most of Lloyd George's career, political opponents (and Hillary is effectively an unequivocal, political opponent of Bernie) had to cosy up to him. I believe Aneuren Bevan who introduced the NHS after WWII, remained a firebrand until his retirement. He had received death threats, excrement through his letterbox, etc. Soon, however, the doctors realsied the NHS afforded them a secure, regular income.

It would have been difficult for Aneurin to 'mend bridges' with the Tories, having called them out for what they were and have become again, i.e. 'lower than vermin'.

Are Hillary's supporters and their 'wheels' of the 'deep state' scared that Hillary might be obliged to drop out on whatever grounds at a critical juncture ? They must have some serious reason to be so exercised by his refusal to effectiveiy condone her platform, and to be fearful of his becoming next in line for the presidency - assuming Hillary wins, that is.

[oberliner]

22. Democratic primaries should be open to Republicans?

That doesn't seem like a great idea.

[jiminvegas]

45. It does seem like a good idea

to someone who is not a Democrat.

[oberliner]

147. Exactly

I don't understand why anyone would oppose letting Democrats pick the Democratic nominee (and letting Republicans pick the Republican nominee for that matter).

[azurnoir]

51. umm are you actually promoting the Operation Chaos theory?

IMO it is ridiculous to to claim Republicans would/have flocked to the polls to decide who would be the Democratic Party's candidate, I suppose in CT theory's it could be said Democrats flocked to the polls in Republican primaries to make sure Trump would be the nominee because we all know Hillary wil defeat him with ease, right?

Reality check here either is quite unlikely as it would have to be done in such massive numbers to actually sway an election that it becomes ridiculous to think that it happened or will happen

[oberliner]

55. I am promoting the theory that Republicans shouldn't vote in Democratic primaries

I don't think they should have a say in deciding who the Democratic nominee is.

[azurnoir]

81. again that Republicans will vote in Democratic primaries in such great numbers to choose who

the Democratic candidate is called Operation Chaos or so I've been told and it's ridiculous too, just as ridiculous as claiming the opposite that Democrats voted in Republican primaries in such numbers that they choose the republican candidate, it would mean large swaths of either party giving up their vote for their parties candidate, or why bother

[oberliner]

87. I don't think Republicans should vote in Democratic primaries in any numbers

Republicans should not have any voice in determining who the Democratic nominee is, in my opinion.

[azurnoir]

95. There actually is no way to stop small numbers from either party cross voting

unless of course you're promoting all states requiring party affiliation stated on voter registration

[oberliner]

146. Yes, there is

Closed primaries. Democrats vote in Democratic primaries. Republicans vote in Republican primaries. Independents who wish to vote in one primary or the other make sure to register as either a Democrat or a Republican by the deadline in order to do so.

[azurnoir]

161. IOW requiring one to declare your political leanings on a government form

not in my state. I consider such a thing offensive, moreover back when Bush was in power many folks here were a tad apprehensive about having to declare their political leanings, it's almost amusing now to see it being promoted as a good thing

[Orrex]

197. How quaint!

Last edited Thu Jun 16, 2016, 01:25 PM - Edit history (1)

Do you really think that your voter registration is the only way for a determined agency to identify your political leanings?

Even if that were true 15 years ago, it's all but irrelevant now. Take a look at the map of your congressional district, and I can just about guarantee that you're gerrymandered with surgical precision regardless of your vaunted "Independent" status. No one is waiting for you to check the "Democrat" box, so you're clinging to an illusion of anonymity.

[Cryptoad]

23. Praying for a FBI intervention??????

[Adrahil]

24. Meh. Don't care anymore.

If Bernie wants to remain relevant, the window is closing very soon.

[stopbush]

27. The window is closed.

Sanders is standing outside fogging up the window with his "I'm not quitting" breath.

Hot air will cloud your view.

[padfun]

88. It worked for Hillary in 2008

She was pretty far behind Obama and still didn't concede until the day before the convention, and she was 200 votes behind in both pledged and supers. And did she remain relevant? Only if you consider the Secretary of State as relevant.

[Adrahil]

98. Clinton conceded June 7, 2008

6 weeks before the convention.

Bernie's window is about a week.

[padfun]

102. OK, my bad

[forjusticethunders]

148. "pretty far behind" = Hillary slightly up in the popular vote and less than 100 behind in delegates

#BernieMath

[padfun]

158. Only if you use Hillary Math

Which is, Count Michigan when Obama wasn't on that ballot. Lose that and Obama is way up.

And more Hillary math is when counting popular votes, don't count the states with Caucuses that Bernie won.

[arcane1]

28. "The time is long overdue for a fundamental transformation of the Democratic Party"

Preach it!

[MFM008]

29. lets not operate on rumors

lets see what happens after today.

[procon]

32. If he's switched from campaigning to promoting Party reform,

he should formally suspend his efforts to become the nominee.

Still, he's been an actual Democrat for a few months and rather than working for real change, he seems more interested in a frivolous personal feud with Party leaders, infighting with his colleagues in Congress, and badmouthing Hillary, than achieving anything worthwhile.

[pandr32]

43. Agreed

[CrowCityDem]

33. We've all moved on. No one is going to pay any attention to him. He'll look sad and alone.

[McKim]

119. Don't Kid Yourself

Don't kid yourself, Senator Sanders is very much not alone.

[Night Watchman]

42. Only 16 Recs? Good!

Looks like people are Waking Up to Reality!

[Fuddnik]

49. I just made it 26

[dreamnightwind]

58. I rec'd it for you

Thanks for the reminder.

[840high]

91. I made it 49 recs.

[stupidicus]

48. good for him and as he darn well should, but Hillary supporters like things as they are

and are almost as resistant to change as their rightwing cousins

http://www.politicususa.com/2016/06/14/bernie-sanders-demands-democrats-unreasonable.html

[seabeckind]

56. I think it's getting much harder to tell them apart. n/t

[stupidicus]

96. yep, and has been for quite some time now

to those of us to the left of the constantly moving rightward in DC, ideological center dividing line.

[840high]

103. Yes it is.

[Laser102]

60. He doesn't have to concede. He LOST!!! If he is going to be nasty, then he gets nothing!!

I would like to see some changes to our platform as well. Closed elections, and no more caucus states. If you like our stand on the issues, then register as a democrat. Pick a side and stop using our party to pee on.

[seabeckind]

66. Nasty? Like wanting:

to curb big money in politics,

reduce income inequality

raise taxes to make health care a universal entitlement.

Is being nasty?

So what do you want? Any of those?

It isn't Bernie that is saying we need these things.... It's all those people who supported him.

Like me.

[Laser102]

79. Let's start with the acknowledgement that he lost. All of the issues you mention will be in the

platform. We are after all, Democrats. These are our issues. Nothing new here.

[seabeckind]

83. But he hasn't lost, has he?

The fat lady don't sing till the convention.

How do you know what'll be in the platform? What he is saying is that he won't quit till the convention and the reason why is because the platform doesn't exist yet.

Sorry if that conflicts with your purchase of the outfit for the coronation ball.

[Laser102]

120. I assume the platform will have the same values and ideals that make us democrats. The point is

it would be nice if Bernie, in the spirit of forming that platform would be less militant and more lets get some things done. As far as the coronation ball goes, how did you know about my outfit?

[seabeckind]

128. Militant? Seriously?

I guess you have little real world experience.

OTOH you really seem to have missed a lot of the negotiations in the platform business. He had to argue very strongly to even get a representation on the platform committee.

With DWS they seemed to go with having Hillary send in a list and they'd rubber stamp it and then head for the lounge. Whatever Lola wants... I'm sure there would be some strongly worded "cut that out" to the bankers while we ignore repeal of the Gramm acts.

As far as the outfit I figured you were going to coordinate with the shoes since you anguished so much over their choice. Just a lucky guess.

[Sunlei]

101. No, I expect Senator Sanders, Mrs. Clinton, Biden, Obama, all of our great people to work together.

unlike the republican disaster.

[840high]

104. There's only 1 candidate peeing

on our party.

[Laser102]

121. Yes. I know.

[LisaM]

61. Open all primaries to REPUBLICANS?

Yes, look how well they functioned voting in their own primaries....

[still_one]

65. Hillary will still be the nominee, and the Democratic Party will still go on regardless. He lost

the primaries because more Democrats voted for Hillary

Deal with it

[Metric System]

68. Who?

[sangfroid]

85. So we keep the same old guff

"We won, you lost, deal with it." Until after the Convention and they start needing donations and warm bodies to do door to door and telephone banking and polling, not to mention votes, then the progressives will hear all the sugary crap about how the Hill Side loves and admires Bernie and his supporters, so come on over and work for the least evil and besides, who else you gonna vote for? Green?

Wow, so enticing.

[840high]

106. It won't sway me.

[Danmel]

97. In the immortal words Ferris Buehler

You're still here? It's over, go home!

[jalan48]

99. Good for Bernie! The people's champion.

[Doctor_J]

110. I'm sure her ridiculous speech yesterday didn't do much to win his support

He still has hope for the party and the country, and won't give up the ghost until it's official.

[RandySF]

113. .

[Laser102]

122. LOL!

[TeamPooka]

118. Saying shit like "long overdue" is disingenuous from a guy who avoided any political party until it

was convenient for his personal agenda.
But now he really really really cares about Democratic Party structure and procedures.

[Equinox Moon]

124. Thank You Bernie!!!!!

[Silver_Witch]

126. May I suggest that you not just read headlines...

...but rather read and digest the whole article.

What is wrong with this statement?

"If I want you to vote for me I’m going to have to make the case to you that I am the best choice for you and your family. That’s called democracy.” He added that he was looking forward to the meeting “very, very much".

This is what Bernie said and what he meant. There was nothing about rebuffing or rejecting or not agreeing with Clinton after he meets with her.

You are just trying to make conflict where there is none.

Your Candidate Won - get over it and move on.

[anigbrowl]

130. I'd be a bit more sympathetic if he'd been a Democrat for longer

But I can't help thinking of the neighbor who moved in recently and now wants to be building supervisor. I guess he feels that if he's not getting the nomination and the chance to refashion the country, the next best thing would be to refashion a major political party. Or maybe it's just the bargaining phase.

[Gene Debs]

133. He's more of a sterling example of traditional Democratic values than anyone else running, whether

he's belonged to the party or not.

[mrr303am]

138. He definitely is, Bernie never campaigned for Republican Presidential candidates.

[Doctor Jack]

131. The substance of the article doesn't seem to match the title

[Sand Rat Expat]

134. I respect Bernie's dedication.

But... whether the process was "fair" or not, that's the way the process is. When he threw his hat into the ring for the nomination, he implicitly agreed to abide by the rules of the process. It seems to me that what he's doing now is being the guy at the poker table who refuses to believe that three of a kind beats two pair. You can argue all you want, but the rules of the game say the former wins, and that's that.

I agree with him, some parts of the nomination process stink. The superdelegates in particular I could do without. But the nomination process has always used supers, and he agreed to take part in the process knowing that the supers were a factor. He went in fully aware of how the game is played, and though he fought hard, I just don't see how he can hope to win. I wish he had, but he didn't. If I saw a viable path to the nomination for him, then that would be different. But I don't.

Dragging it out all the way to the convention isn't doing him or the Democratic Party any favors. It's not doing our chances in the general any favors. All it's doing is giving the Republicans loads of ammo to start lobbing Hillary's way the moment the lights go out at the convention. All it's doing is making the Republicans look (and I type this with bile in my throat...) like they have their shit together, while the Democrats are snarking and sniping at each other nonstop.

I know that, especially during primary season, low-count posters are looked at askance on DU. I've lurked for a lot of years. Take my comment or leave it, I'm nobody special.

But the time has come for the primary to be over, so the Party can coalesce and make sure we don't have to watch, aghast, as Trump is sworn in next January. I'd like to think there's no possible way America could vote him in, but... well, Bush "won" two elections. That being the case, I'm not willing to take chances.

It's time to realign the weaponry at the real target.

[carburyme]

162. Totally Agree

+1000000


Bernie....IT. IS. OVER!


From a low-count poster to another!

[SCantiGOP]

135. "No plans to concede defeat."

Well, I know people who haven't conceded the Civil War yet, so he has a right to be as deluded as they are.

[Uncle Joe]

136. Good.

Thanks for the thread, Purveyor.

[hopemountain]

139. "to the stars and beyond!"

bernie and the campaign are focused on a platform of social, economic, and environmental actions that will ensure a future for all of us and our families - a safe and just planet.

[DrBulldog]

140. It's obvious. Bernie is waiting for the indictment.

[apcalc]

154. Ok , lets move forward.

He'll do what he wants, she'll do what she wants.
We can hope all will work together against the defeat of Trump.
End of story.

[RandySF]

155. Why? Does he want to squeeze in one more European vacation?

Or is he hoping to score tickets to the NBA finals?

[rocktivity]

156. He should drop out in exchange for what?

Eight years ago, Hillary didn't drop out for nothing.


rocktivity

[niyad]

159. bernie is behaving like a spoiled brat throwing a temper tantrum. it is not attractive.

[libdem4life]

178. Say and scoff and whatever all you will, but a good percentage of the

American people want him to Stay In The Race. This is just about the Democratic Party and Hillary Clinton and the DNC. Sanders reluctantly got in the race because no one else was willing to endanger their Establishment credentials.

Since he didn't have any, he was free to find a good chunk of those Americans who are sick and tired of same-old, same-old. Now he's messing with the Establishment and the want to shame him out of his deeply held beliefs and those of us who join him.

He's definitely taking one for what used to pass as real Democrats. Trust me, he doesn't go home and preen before the mirror basking in his brilliant ideas. Pretty sure he's amassing the support of those he attracted into a national movement.

Personally, if he can do it, he's far more effective NOT being the President, although I wish he were.

Trump is on the ropes, and Hillary has likely won the Nomination. There's a long way to November and I think it gives him the opportunity to continue "community organizing" with his standards and newly discovered candidates, as well, who believe as he does.

[Purveyor]

180. A good percentage of the people want another choice. FFS both presumps have negative ratings over

55+%.

How the hell could either of them lead this nation successfully with such disdain being held by the populace?

[libdem4life]

184. It's true. But, as is obvious, the Establishment picks both the candidate

and the "leading the nation" part. I'm more convinced than ever that the President is increasingly just a token leader Not saying it doesn't count...the Bully Pulpit is still in use and has power. But it must be used with caution...and probably pre-approved by Beltway Edict.

The National Committees, especially the DNC. are the only favorability rating that counts. Dems have the SDs to keep the peasants in line. Republicans...don't know...but they will find a way to get rid of Trump, I have no doubt. He is beyond embarrassing and a wake-up call as to what "the real base" wants. Their Peasant Group, i.e. the Tea Party, went a long ways into their Establishment, but the Long Knives are out now.

I think this is going to be an election season to Really Remember.

[maindawg]

186. Go Bernie

We want universal health insurance though Medicare for all. Imagine, 250,000,000 people in the same pool ,run by an agency that already exists. It does not have to be created. It does not need time to set up, it exists. It works well , and it belongs to the American taxpayer,citizen. Why we access it ?

So Bernie wants that. Tell me , why you don't.

Open primaries, honest elections oh my , you hate that any too ?

[ConsiderThis_2016]

187. He has said he'll do everything to stop Trump...

did he say he would help Clinton? A principled individual as he is, if the third way dems don't adopt our progressive desires and wishes, it'll be interesting to see where he plants his flag.

[swhisper1]

202. he planted his flag with the people long ago

and will act accordingly

[Geronimoe]

190. I'm so use to Democrats capitulating on everything

especially during Bush's two terms (Impeachment is off the table). However Bernie is really a fighter and an independent. A Bernie Bro, if you will.