You might not like Bernie Sanders, or you might even hate him

[Caliman73]

435. Racism is definitely endemic to the US...

However, it seems to be more institutional than individual, especially in regards to choice in politicians. Its practice is also less intense and virulent than in the past.

The powers that be fear socialism MUCH MUCH more than they fear a center left Black man. Remember that part of the strategy with President Obama was to label his policies "socialist" too. People do not understand socialism in general and they mix up socialism with communism and Stalinism or Maoism. Bernie embracing the Democratic Socialist moniker would have given the right plenty of ammunition to hit him with.

Like I said, I agree with much of what Bernie says, including some of his criticism of the Democratic Party. The problem I have with Bernie is that until very very recently, he did not talk about the variable of race with regards to his economic message. I also do not like the fact that he makes his problems with the Democratic Party very public and his support for the party seems to be contingent with them supporting all of his preferences which in this climate is ripe for exploitation by people who want to fragment and weaken the Democratic vote.

Bernie would likely have made a decent president and there is no doubt that Hillary would have made a good president. This is especially true when you compare to what we have. We have to gain back the levers of power to stop the damage that Trump and the Republicans are doing. This ongoing Bernie-Hillary war is not the way to do that.

Bernie needs to do his part by being more discreet about what and where he airs his grievances and the other side needs to tone down the vitriol.