Democratic Primaries
In reply to the discussion: Will Bernie Sanders Split the Democratic Party in 2020? [View all]zipplewrath
(16,646 posts)I think that is the more accurate question. Last time around he was able to leverage the image (that had a bit of substance) that the "democratic establishment" as well as DWS and the DNC were "in the bag" for Clinton from early on. That created an "anyone but Clinton" option for a particular voter. To some degree, in some states and caucuses, that also allowed the participation of the independents that were of a similar inclination. This time around however, it isn't apparent that he'll be able to leverage such sentiments. There are plenty of options, even if one wants to paint Biden as taking over HRC's "establishment" role. Further, Bernie is in essence, the front runner this time and it will be hard to generate that "poor underdog" reputation.
He may behave the same way this time around, but it isn't clear he'll generate the support for it that he was able to the first time.
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided