Cross Post from Bernie Sanders Group: TRNN: Should Bernie Sanders Run as an Independent?

[swilton]

This is an interesting debate and each side has well articulated his position. The argument seems to boil down to the issue that the Democratic Party has lost so much credibility that Sanders' running is a gift. Following this line, he has been/will become co-opted and his followers will have to vote for Hillary in a 'lesser of two evils' scenario between the Democratic Party winner and the Republican troglodyte....

My answer borrows from an earlier thread - something to the effect of Sanders has already won....The experience of even feeling like there is a political revolution that benefits the middle class is so healthy that even if Sanders loses, his campaign may become a point of departure and be the beginning of transformation.

[Kalidurga]

1. No

[MissDeeds]

2. +1

No

[MarianJack]

3. NO!

PEACE!

[cascadiance]

4. He shouldn't run in the general election as an independent...

But running as an independent in the Democratic Party primaries I think may actually help get more independent voters registering as Democrats to vote in the primary and later vote in the election for him too.

[merrily]

8. Judging by facebook, reddit, etc., he is not having trouble. Independents are registering or re-

registering as Democrats and reminding others to do the same. It's been a win for the Democratic Party.

Don't forget: He's been running as an Indie for about 40 years. If you've heard of Bernie at this early stage, you probably know that.

He caucuses with Democrats and Democrats don't support Democrats who run against him. On the flip side, being a Democratic Socialist in the US means working within both the Democratic Party and capitalism.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/12806844

For all intents and purposes, except for the letter in parentheses after his name, he has been the Democratic Senator from Vermont.

[Martin Eden]

5. Third Party ONLY IF ...

... there is Instant Runoff (ranked choice) voting.

[whereisjustice]

6. Hillary should run as a republican and move that party to the left rather than move our party

to the right.

[Fairgo]

7. Interesting question

If you run in the uniform, you are bound by it. Decide going in to embrace the party, or run as a third party. The first option signals that the party is salvagable, the second signals otherwise. I personally think he should run as a D...because i think there is still a chance that it is a viable option for the left. But I do see this election as a crossroads. The crises we face in the next four year cycle will be the terminus of shock doctrine or the crucible in which old values find new expression.