'Bernie Mafia': Sanders Supporters Look to Seize Democratic Party Initiative

[Omaha Steve]

by ALEX SEITZ-WALD NOV 21 2016, 5:52 AM ET

As Hillary Clinton fades from public view, Bernie Sanders is not only still here — he's everywhere.

And the progressive organizations and operatives who rallied around his presidential campaign — "the Bernie Mafia," as they call themselves — feel as though they've finally won a seat at the adults' table in the Democratic Party while the Clinton machine retreats.

Video: http://www.msnbc.com/andrea-mitchell-reports/watch/sanders-future-with-the-democratic-party-812529731550 via @nbcnews

In the days since the presidential election, Sanders — who is an Independent and not officially a Democrat — has been promoted to the Democratic leadership in the Senate. One of his top allies, Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota, has become the front-runner to be the next chairman of the Democratic Party, which largely opposed him in the primary. And Sanders is already encountering "Bernie 2020" signs and T-shirts wherever he goes, while batting away reporters' questions about another presidential bid.

He's on a tour to promote his new book, and everyone seems to want his opinion on the election — especially since, during the primaries, he won many of the key Midwestern counties against Clinton lost in the general election.

FULL story: http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/bernie-mafia-sanders-supporters-look-seize-democratic-party-initiative-n686531