Biden reaches deal to let Sanders keep hundreds of delegates

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By STEPHEN OHLEMACHER and BILL BARROW

WASHINGTON (AP) — Presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden has agreed to let former primary rival Bernie Sanders keep hundreds of delegates he would otherwise forfeit by dropping out of the presidential race in a deal designed to avoid the bitter feelings that marred the party in 2016 and helped lead to Hillary Clinton’s defeat.

Under party rules, Sanders should lose lose about a third of the delegates he’s won in primaries and caucuses as the process moves ahead and states select the people who will attend the Democratic National Convention. The rules say those delegates should be Biden supporters, as he is the only candidate still actively seeking the party’s nomination.

However, in a memo obtained by The Associated Press, the Biden campaign says it will work with Sanders and state parties to fill those positions with Sanders supporters. The joint memo from the Biden and Sanders campaigns was being sent to state Democratic parties on Thursday.

“We must defeat Donald Trump this fall, and we believe that this agreement will help bring the party together to get Trump out of the White House and not only rebuild America, but transform it,” the two campaigns said in a joint statement.



FILE - In this March 12, 2020, file photo Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden speaks about the coronavirus in Wilmington, Del. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)


Read more: https://apnews.com/1250a619e0c8195fad1aa6aea08c63c8

[warrior1]

1. dear god

why does he need to have his hand held all the time? I can't imagine a woman needing this reassurance 24/7.

[KPN]

11. I know. Why does Biden have to use a classic Obama SOP: looking for and settling on a

win-win solution? Just nuts right?

[mahannah]

26. "woman"?

[MrsCoffee]

2. Why?

Why put people in there that are likely to start some shit at the convention. Bernie and his ego gonna just keep things divisive.

SMDH.

[katmondoo]

5. Bernie helped give the election to Trump

I have always believed this from 2016 until today.

[cstanleytech]

37. Well...........its true it did help Trump but there was a number of other things that contributed to

it as well so its not just Bernie.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

57. They might start shit IF there is a convention.

The whole thing might be a big Zoom conference, with maybe a few insiders arguing policy details in a smoke-filled room. Ok, not "smoke" filled, maybe just filled with a fog of disinfectant.

Point is, do we actually need a convention?

[Renew Deal]

3. The thing to understand with Bernie is you will never make him happy.

You can claim the high ground, but it won't accomplish anything.

[sarcasmo]

4. 2016 part two.

[Chicago1980]

6. Biden people need to get over it and deal!

Stop whining about the decision.

He's doing it for party unity.

[llashram]

7. Party unity?

tell that to someone who doesn't know or care about the truth, the reason why and the political reality of having a potus such as we currently suffer with and...die... from his incompetence. I know who should quit whining and my absolute knowledge is unshakable in its truth of who that should be

[GemDigger]

8. Biden is, Sanders is not.

My opinion...SSDD.

[George II]

9. He's doing it under threat of party DISunity. In a sense Biden's campaign is being blackmailed.

[LiberalLovinLug]

28. I don't see why there is still such a disconnect

This is not a contest strictly between two men, and their own personal biases or wishes. It is naive to think that. There has been a battle behind the scenes in the party for over a decade now. With Sanders, the stalwart of the left wing, coming in second twice in a row in the primaries. The rise of the squad, AOC, other progressives having more of a voice. Its not a pissing contest between two old men. Its much larger than that. I don't know if you are just pretending not to understand that or what.

Forget about ones own personal opinions on the men themselves. Sanders is too mean and radical! Biden is too handsy and corporate! or whatever. Take a step back to see the forest. Just pulling a number from my butt, I'll say there are something like 30%, and that's a conservative minimum, of the party that is truly disappointed that Warren and Sanders couldn't win and advance their platform in their totality, and will be needed to be assured that their concerns, once championed by Warren and Sanders, will not be just dismissed citing an all-or-nothing first-past-the-post result.

Its not about the two old men, its about actual real live Democratic voting humans, and making sure they feel included at least partially. Its politics. And its human nature too. You can't fight that. Its just the way it is. You don't think, with a different result, Sanders wouldn't have had to make all kinds of assurances to the conservative wing that he tone it down and not scare Wall Street and cause an unnecessary panic and give Fox News ammunition, or turn off big donors to their own campaigns?

It's not being "blackmailed" to be smart and know as a politician you have to at least appear to listen to all corners of your own party, not just your most ardent supporters. I say good on Biden! There is anger and frustration still in much of the Sanders support community. (Imagine if results were switched) Its not as easy as snapping ones finger and telling someone to get over it, you lost, fall in line.

What I see, and am encouraged by, is seeing both men, give and take. Willing to come together. Sanders with his early endorsement, and praise and commitment, and now this from Biden. I think both men and their camps, understand the need to bring the party together. Even if they both hate each other behind the scenes, which I don't believe, its still the smart move by Biden, politically.

[George II]

35. That's all well and good, but simultaneous to magnanimously compromising.....

....with the Biden campaign (in which he's given up virtually zero), Sanders is circulating a petition about and fundraising off the decision of the NYS Board of Elections, misrepresenting what happened, and bashing the New York State Democratic Party (which had nothing to do with the NYS BOE). The DNC also had nothing to do with it.

Makes one skeptical of the sincerity of his negotiations with the Biden campaign.

[LiberalLovinLug]

40. I'd like to see proof this was put out AFTER this agreement.

And if not, good on Sanders. Especially if, as you believe, there has been "virtually zero" compromising, which, in the end, would have to come from the winner right?. A good chunk of the party would be very disappointed if Sanders didn't react. And Yang's supporters as well I presume. It would be foolish to ignore those voices. Those delegates, no matter how small in number, were expected by Sanders and Yang for at least a few more voices in the mix. Of course they should react. And please. If you don't think the DNC along with the New York State Democratic Party had an influence in that decision, I have a swamp to sell you.

And again with the thinking that its just about them. "Makes one skeptical of the sincerity of his negotiations with the Biden campaign." What would he have to gain by negotiating insincerely? He represents a large part of the party. If by now, he hasn't convinced you he is sincere about standing up for progressive values, after over 30 years, nothing will I guess.

[George II]

41. Like I said, it came out while they were in "negotiations". The email that I received was dated:

Wednesday, April 29 2020 at 2:13 PM. I'm sure the two campaigns didn't begin their discussions at 2:14 PM yesterday.

[LiberalLovinLug]

42. So nothing was agreed on yet. Thanks.

This was a case of veering from the norm by the New York State Board of Elections. They made the first move. To admonish Sanders (and Yang) for daring to criticize this unnecessary action happening where they'd lose delegates/influence, is hard to understand.

[George II]

43. The OP subject reads "Biden reaches deal...." What I said was that while he was in negotiations...

...with the Biden campaign he sent out an email asking people to sign a petition calling on the NYS BOE to change their decision, and asking people to send him more money. That could make one skeptical of the sincerity of his negotiations.

And you'll note that in his email, as is typical for him, he bashes the DNC and the New York Democratic Party, neither of which had anything to with the decision of the Board of Elections, which is a GOVERNMENT board, not affiliated with either the DNC or NY Democratic Party.

The NYS BOE acted totally within the scope of State law. What "veers from the norm" is that a candidate who has suspended his campaign is complaining about a primary in which he's no longer active. If he (and Yang) were concerned about "losing" delegates, they should not have suspended their campaigns.

So, summing up, he's negotiating with Biden for concessions in the name of "unity", and at the same time is sending out fundraising emails bashing the DNC and the New York Democratic Party.

Have a great day!

[LiberalLovinLug]

45. Before a deal was reached. Again , thanks.

You say "bashes". I say calls them out for unnecessarily changing rules at the last second which would have resulted in less delegates (influence) when hammering out the final platform. If that's "bashing" you have a very loose definition.

And if you don't think the Democratic party, has any connections or influence with the NY Board of Elections, in a heavy Democratic district, made up of mostly Democrats, then I have another swamp which might peak your interest, after you bought the first one.

Its not Sanders, negotiating with Biden for concessions on policy even. Its fighting back against an unpredicted attempt, for all intents and purposes, a blatant theft of delegates. Even if you are right, there is no influence at all from the DNC, there would still be the APPEARANCE of conflict. THEY caused the problem. Whether they were trying to pull a fast one or not, I applaud Biden for recognizing what you seem to not get. We need the whole tent to vote this time. And continually picking fights with Sanders/Warren supporters, even after you have won!, is not helping.

[Rollo]

56. Well said...

Biden and Sanders are said to have had a good working relationship when he was VP and Sanders in the Senate, and also when both were Senators.

The best way to unite the Dems is to accommodate the Sanders supporters. I expect Biden will gently guide the more volatile element of Sanders' base to work towards a positive outcome: which is removal of Trump from office, and taking back the Senate.

Anything less will be a disaster for America.

[KPN]

13. You expect them to settle for a win-win solution?

[LanternWaste]

20. Ten bucks says you fail to see the hypocrisy in invoking unity...

while simultaneously instructing "Biden people" what we "need" to do.

Nice job, Chad.

[TomCADem]

31. I Think We Accepr Tbat Bernie's Delegates Will Target Black Speakers

it is.big tent so unfortunately we may have Bernie supporters again booing black electeds when they speak.

[cstanleytech]

38. Nice to know Bernie will remain as a registered Democrat. Thanks for the heads up.

That should also go a long way to smoothing out the ruffled feathers he raised when he bailed on the party after the 2016 elections.

[BComplex]

10. Very smart move on Biden's part.

I know democraticUnderground tends to be heavy on the conservative side of the party, but they cannot deny that MILLIONS of people support Bernie Sanders and his positions on many things. The liberals in the democratic party are ready to have a voice....which they (we) have been denied since the 1980's. It's time to bring all elements of the party together, and that is what Joe is doing.

[KPN]

14. THIS -- more than smart, wise move.

[BComplex]

15. That's the better word for it.

Biden has definitely become a wise older statesman. I'm glad he's in this fight.

[elleng]

18. Yes.

Thanks

[question everything]

23. NO! First, DUers are certainly to the left. You should have been here in 2016

But this time many realize that the Sanderistas caused us the 2016 elections, probably will. That this time we have to unite the country, not just the party.

Many independent and former Republicans realize that removing Trump transcends ideology and Biden, with no leftist ideology appealed to most as, yes, the compromise.

But now we will lose it.

I just emailed the campaign to express my disappointment.

[Marrah_Goodman]

55. The same was said about the Hillary backers in 08

This happens every primary it seems.

[mysteryowl]

27. Spot On! All of it!

I know democraticUnderground tends to be heavy on the conservative side of the party, but they cannot deny that MILLIONS of people support Bernie Sanders and his positions on many things. The liberals in the democratic party are ready to have a voice....which they (we) have been denied since the 1980's. It's time to bring all elements of the party together, and that is what Joe is doing.

[oldsoftie]

39. What? DU is the "conservative" side of the party?

I bet thats news to a few hundred thousand members

[SharonClark]

44. You think DUers are on the

‘conservative side’ of the party? How did you reach that conclusion?

[mysteryowl]

50. This is my experience as well.

It was very telling to me when I tried to interact with people on the primary forum.
No one was willing to compromise and enfold with the progressive wing of the party. I stopped trying.

[BComplex]

51. They still aren't willing to interact with any civility. They trash a political icon who got the

second most votes from Democrats in the primary; a person who has caucused with the Democrats for most of his political life and who has so many ideas that appeal to tens of millions of voters, but somehow they think that they're going to win over a bunch of gun-toting MAGA rioters if they push Bernie to the side. They act more like Bernie is the enemy. Then they think they aren't CONSERVATIVE? I guess it's part of the new crazy that we all have to live through in this country.

[Marrah_Goodman]

54. I agree

[drray23]

16. this wont end well

It wont have the desired effect of party unity. It will just create chaos at the convention. That is, if we even have one.

[Haggis for Breakfast]

49. I'm with you, drray23.

There is no end to this pleasing or compromising with Bernie and his people. Give them something, they want more. And more. I do not see the benefit of allowing BS to keep hundreds of his delegates. What I do see is them trying to circumnavigate the process and pull some egregious stunt on the floor of the convention. Appeasement has a history of catastrophic failure.

Get over it, Bernie. YOU are NOT the person who will win the election against trumpie. Put on your big boy panties and deal with it. You didn't get what you wanted out of life -- get in line and join the club. There are millions of us in that queue. Stop delaying the inevitable and get with the program.

We have ONE goal ---- Defeat trumpie. You are not part of the solution. Get on board or get out of the way.

I do not trust Sanders any farther than I can throw him. DO NOT FORGET: His campaign started this whole Tara Reade thing. Now, why would anyone who wants to help Biden have done that ? This was also the same man who thought that a sitting, incumbent president -- Obama -- should be primaried.

Bernie - whose side are you on besides you own.


P/S Don't pile on me because I don't care. I have never liked nor trusted Sanders.

[McKim]

17. Please Come Together

Please come together! We have all been influenced by the extreme fighting and hatred floating around in the public sphere for the past 3 years. Take a keep breath, Biden supporters. Are you still fighting the primary or the election of 2016. Let’s reframe this. As a former Sanders supporter who is now firmly in the Biden camp, I see this as an opportunity for the progressives to have their voices heard about platform issues. Health Care for All and College for All can be the cornerstones of a better country. This move by Joe is allowing the Sanders supporters to have more of a voice in the platform. This is a wise move and I welcome it.

[question everything]

19. Very disappointed

A simple math: there are more moderates, independents and disillusioned Republicans than there are Sanders supporters. We may lose the non Sanders if they will conclude that a Biden Administration may be Sanders light.

Honestly, as soon as I got the stimulus check I started writing a check for Biden campaign - I always use the postal service but decided to wait...

[TalenaGor]

21. help me understand this...

does keeping delegates mean - keeping their votes? or does it just mean the people keeping their jobs AS delegates but they vote for Biden?

sorry for the newbie question lol

[beastie boy]

22. Key phrase: "he would otherwise forfeit by dropping out of the presidential race"

I am sure part of the deal is for Bernie to officially drop out before the convention. Right now, the status of Bernie's campaign is a mere "suspension". Bernie can keep it this way until the end of the convention, keep his delegates anyway, and wreak havoc on the remainder of the primaries and the convention.

Joe's move appears overly conciliatory, but it sure beats the alternative. We don't want things getting out of control at the convention. Besides, having two officially (even if only nominally) viable candidates contesting the outcome of the nomination creates bad and divisive optics.

[Baclava]

24. Kumbaya, my Lord, kumbaya... sing along

[Tom Rinaldo]

25. So many people here second guessing Joe Biden

Poor guy hasn't spent enough time in politics obviously to know a smart move when he sees it. Fortunately he has plenty of supporters here on DU who are willing to set him straight

I expected Biden to know how to best unify our Party, and he is doing everything right to do so. It's one reason why, as a Sanders supporter, I have always kept an open mind and held a positive attitude toward Biden even though I differed with him on some policies. So I am not surprised to see Biden rise to this occasion. Just like I was not surprised that Bernie suspended his campaign and gave a warm endorsement to Joe. Sometimes it seems like some supporters of both men are more interested on fixating on conflict than are our leaders. This agreement will help guarantee a relatively positive Democrat Convention, not jeopardize one.

[The Magistrate]

52. It Strikes Me As Foolish, Sir, But It Will Probably Work Out All Right

The stars seem aligned, the settled hatred for the cheap thug ought to pull everything through regardless.

But Sanders deserves no more accommodation than any blackmailer, or hostile take-over vulture....


"Once you pay the Danegeld, you never get rid of the Dane."



"Defeat of a dangerous enemy is something to be for."

[Roy Rolling]

29. Bernie versus Biden Supporters

Dial it back a notch, the primary is over. I was a Sanders supporter early in 2016, and a Biden supporter late in 2020. I didn’t get my first choice either election.

But I didn’t whine and carry on about it, I got humbled.

Seriously, you need to have some faith in something bigger than yourself. Only by serving others will you ever lead.

The mission is DEFEAT TRUMPISM. Now find a place both of you can do some good. 😂😂

[jalan48]

30. It's not just Sanders, it's his tens of millions of supporters who support him because of his

positions on the major issues facing the country. Biden understands that turning this into a sports-like, winner take all approach will be a big failure.

[BComplex]

32. That's so true.

I just wish everyone had enough faith in Biden to see the wisdom in what he is doing.

[Devil Child]

33. Much better approach for building unity than cancelling a primary

I appreciate this effort by the Biden campaign.

[JudyM]

46. Party unity is the necessary 1st step, so it was a wise move.

[Thekaspervote]

34. What are talking about here...the convention..as if there will be any kind of live convention

[LizBeth]

36. Sanders has so shown us what kind of man he is. Soon. It will soon be over and we will not have

to pander to such an ego.

[concreteblue]

47. About ego....

I am just glad Joe realizes he shouldn't pander to his supporters' egos.

[LizBeth]

48. That makes absolutely no sense.

[Brainfodder]

53. Meanwhile Death Count Donnie.... and all the corrupted Republicans.....

Haven't any high ground at all?



Easy reusable K&R message, perhaps ^?