General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Supporting the values of the Sanders movement is not "refighting the primaries". [View all]NurseJackie
(42,862 posts)... I think many people gave him the benefit of the doubt (in spite of all his previous anti-Democratic party rhetoric of the past) and were glad that at long last he'd made a commitment to the party. "Welcome aboard, glad to have you here" was what many were optimistically thinking.
After our nominee had been chosen, if Bernie had remained a Democrat, then people may have given him more respect and more consideration ... but, it became clear that his foray into the party was merely for his own benefit, and not because of any genuine, sincere, or lasting commitment to the party. He's fickle... and that's not the way to build a long lasting and trusting relationship.
So... the party let him in once. His campaign staff misbehaved, they were appropriately punished, the party restricted database access (also appropriately) Bernie sues, bla-bla-blah (you were there) and ultimately he breaks up with the party. (To date other people? It's not you, it's me?)
I don't think the party will trust him. Fool me once and all that. The bridge has been burned, and even if someone let him back in as a courtesy, he's really done nothing to convince anyone of his commitment to our party. He's just a "good-time" lover... the guy who shows up when he's in town, but can't be bothered to call any other time (and afterwards he'll trash talk you behind your back).
Besides, I think all this speculation will be for naught anyway... just listening to him and watching him, I get the feeling he's ready to retire. It doesn't seem like his heart is in it any more. He's going through the motions, but I think he's spent. Physically and emotionally.