Congrats to Hillary from a Bernie voter!

[eissa]

Some history: I was an early Obama supporter in '08. Always considered Hillary too hawkish for me, and was never able to get past her Iraq vote. This election cycle, I was on board the Bernie train from the start. Though I didn't think Hillary would lose this time around, I thought it was important to have a strong challenger from the left. As Bernie began to win, I became excited that he might actually pull through. However, as her delegate count began to mount (as Obama's did around the same time in '08) and it became clear that this was not going to be another upset, I braced myself for the inevitable.

That's when I began to get a little disturbed with the vitriol on our side. The "Bernie or bust" crowd became more vocal, and it seemed my social media became bombarded with more attacks on Democratic politicians than on Trump. If Bernie won a state "the people had spoken," but if Hillary won "the fix is in." I still supported my candidate, but his supporters began to really turn me off. Days before the California primary, I was fortunate to attend a Bernie rally. Got in early and in the front row and was lucky enough to shake his hand! But the comments by many of the attendees left me heartbroken. People repeating right-wing talking points, and vowing to vote for Trump instead of Hillary. The whininess and conspiracy theories that abounded startled me. After a year of supporting Bernie, I was actually considering changing my vote just days ahead of the primaries. But I didn't. I voted my conscience. I still have tremendous respect for the man. But I'm a Democrat, and I never had any intention of not voting for our nominee.

Watching Hillary give her speech last night gave me goosebumps. I'm proud that my party made this historical choice. She received the most votes, she is the legitimate nominee, and I'll support her in November.

[ALBliberal]

1. I completely agree

I too am a Bernie supporter but in the last weeks I began removing myself from the harsher rhetoric. I am proud of Hillary and strongly support her candidacy. I am fairly certain Bernie will choose a healing path for the large majority of his followers that want what is best for the country.

[eissa]

3. I'm confident he'll do the right thing in the end

He has his legacy to think of, not to mention his colleagues in the Senate to return to. The last thing he'd want to be known as is another Nader-type spoiler.

[ALBliberal]

5. He's a patriotic gracious man. He will do the right thing and I believe

he will choose the way forward with input and support from President Obama.

[boston bean]

2. Nice post.

[democrattotheend]

4. Seconded (or thirded, I guess)

Like you, I am a Bernie supporter and was an Obama 2008 supporter, but I don't hate Hillary, and I am frustrated with the Bernie or Bust crowd.

I have not had the chance to watch Hillary's speech yet because I could not get a live feed working last night, but I look forward to watching it tonight. I am excited about the historic significance of her victory. And other than her hawkishness, I would be excited to have her as president. She is smart, tough, very well versed in policy, hardworking, and brings a lot to the table.

[Surya Gayatri]

6. K & R most enthusiastically. Thanks for posting.

[auntpurl]

7. Great post!

Someone said in the Hillary group last night that (paraphrasing) the less vitriolic Bernie supporters have been victimised as much as Hillary supporters. You couldn't really speak up for fear of being attacked. Of course you don't want to be lumped in with the same group that would consider voting for Trump!

Very gracious post. Thank you for your support, and your words.

[Sheepshank]

8. Thank you for that lovely and gracious post.

[BootinUp]

9. The majority of Bernie supporters agree with you. nt

[JudyM]

10. If you say so.

[eissa]

14. If they believe in Bernie's message, they do

He's always said this is about "we not me." That revolutions do not start from the top-down. So the fight continues. We push for more progressive candidates at the local and state levels, where real change is made. We do what the teabaggers have done to their party, but hopefully with better results: we move it back to its leftist roots, makes changes to the platform that better reflect our values, push for our legislators to enact laws that align with our principles. This is bigger than the presidency, and what we should continue to advocate for.

[LuvLoogie]

11. Thank you for posting..

[NurseJackie]

12. Great post.

[oasis]

13. Democrats like you are valuable assets to the Party.

[seabeyond]

15. What an excellent and grounded post. And you got to experience a very interesting and exciting

primary, topping it off, seeing him up close and shaking his hand. Something to always remember. Good for you. I wish we were able to have had a primary, with your attitude. Then on the other hand, I would not have gained the same insight I did with this one.

I am glad you can comfortably enjoy the GE race with Clinton. I really think it is going to be a sight to see. That is the biggest bummer for me, those still so angry, is a missed opportunity to enjoy this race. I think it is Clintons race.

[LAS14]

16. Thanks! We may all move on yet!!