For N.H. Democrats, Bernie Sanders’ Candidacy Isn’t About A Victory, ‘It’s About A Choice’

[Capt. Obvious]

....

The self-described socialist from Vermont is a familiar face in New Hampshire, but it’s generally accepted that this Democratic presidential hopeful has very little chance of winning the election. He’s a long shot, but a long shot with the potential to shake up the race.

....

Anne Coughlin came from Concord to hear Sanders speak. She’s a fan, but she has some reservations.

“It’s kind of like a head and heart kind of struggle,” she explained. “My heart agrees with everything he said, but I want a candidate who can win nationally.”

And the candidate she’s referring to is Hillary Clinton.

In fact, some folks at this Sanders shindig are Clinton supporters, they just want to nudge her further to the left, especially on economic issues. Pam Lessard is sitting on one of the few sofa seats at the party.

....

Democrats in New Hampshire say a contested Democratic primary will influence the conversation on both sides of the aisle.

NH NPR

[merrily]

1. Yep, media is going to try to defeat Sanders. Same as Dean. No question.

All the more reason to vote for him.

In fact, some folks at this Sanders shindig are Clinton supporters,

No surprise. Much like DU's Sanders' Group. Wouldn't be a bit surprised if Anne were not one of them. Same kind of thing we've been seeing on DU for months: I really, really loves Berne, but he can't win the general. I am no fan of Hillary, but....

you get the picture.

[Enthusiast]

7. +1 a whole bunch!

[Cheese Sandwich]

2. This is a discouraging message.

"it’s generally accepted that this Democratic presidential hopeful has very little chance of winning "

Yeah true but it's also true that the media creates that acceptance by repeating that over and over. And they do it because Bernie is on the progressive left.

They don't constantly repeat that message for other candidates.

So like for example if Martin O'Malley runs the media won't begin every article on him by saying how little chance he has, even though he has much less support than Sanders.

[antiquie]

3. The deck is stacked for the establishment.

20% of delegates to the Democratic nominating convention are Superdelegates that are not obligated to follow primary voters choice.

The other reasons are money money money...

[mother earth]

5. It is ridiculous. I'm sick to death of MSM, they are propaganda & it is time to call them out on

their BS horse race tactics...why bother to have an election? May as well just have the media declare the coronation...oops, that's exactly what the bastards are doing.

[Enthusiast]

8. +1 a whole bunch!

[BrotherIvan]

9. He needs to win an early primary

Iowa made people take notice of Obama. Same for Bernie. People have to be given permission to vote for him. The person in the article is giving the same and only reason a lot of people support HRC (the loud minority at DU may be an exception) and that is that they think she can win and raise a lot of money. But in their hearts, they agree with traditional principles. He's got to win so this narrative that he's a fringe candidate can be put to bed.

[Autumn]

4. Then it's up to us to make sure Bernie is the candidate who will win nationally.

I will not give up my right to make a choice.

[Gregorian]

6. "nudge to the left"= campaign promise.

They think that if she can sound closer to Bernie than to the republicans then voters will feel easier about voting for her.

But the future of the candidate's possible presidency is being hindcast by what they have done before. That seems to be the best indicator, not campaign talking.

[sabrina 1]

10. I will say it again, and again if I have to 'you cannot nudge, drag or push someone to the Left.

Democrats ARE the Left, so why do even her own supporters feel she needs to be nudged over to the left? Doesn't that tell them something? Like maybe they should support someone who has always been on the Left?

And who says Bernie doesn't have a chance to win? I SAY HE DOES!

I hope this meme goes away because it's clearly a talking point, intended to crush enthusiasm and it is not true unless they succeed in crushing the enthusiasm people are feeling right now.