Why Bernie Was So Important
Out here in the blue blue state of Oregon and over there in the blue blue Northeast we are lucky. I get to vote for Jeff Merkley to be my Senator. The Northeast has their share of progressives. But in the red states and the red areas of the country Bernie was a jolt of energy and something rare and unusual. A super-left candidate and a chance to vote like a progressive for a chance.
I have floundered to understand the "Bernie or Bust" mentality because I routinely get to vote for Merkleys and Wydens. My Governor is a proud bisexual woman and I'm an openly gay Teacher of the Year. I take all that for granted because I live in a blue blue state. Bernie Sanders wasn't a life-line for me, he is one guy in a line of progressive candidates that I get to routinely vote for.
Think about that when you are trying to understand our Bernie or Bust friends. Bernie offered them something that probably only comes around once in a generation when you live in a red red state.
If we look at Bernie through those lenses, perhaps it will make things a little clearer. There is a reason so many Bernie Busters feel so incredibly connected to the candidate. It may be another generation before Missouri or Alabama gets to vote for such a progressive far-left candidate and if we remember that, then it is easy to understand why so many are having a hard time letting go.
To those people I say this: Bernie as President would have faced the same wall Obama faced. A red wall built by racism and division. I don't think he would have got much of what he had promised. But if Bernie can wrangle the power of his supporters and take them back to the Senate we have President Clinton in the Whitehouse and Sanders, Merkley and Warren with their followers bringing a chance for real change in the Senate. The new Bernie is incredibly powerful in his old job. Warren has been elevated to a level where nobody blinks at the Senator taking on the Republican party en masse. Merkley stood up to the establishment but continues to bring amazing work to the Senate.
Hang in their everybody. Bernie people, think of your voice that you fear you are losing--but instead picture it in the Senate. One Bernie tweet and Mitch and Paul will be inundated by progressives. Hillary fans, you won, do so gracefully (me included) and think of what Bernie is bringing to the party and the opportunity his followers bring in changing the Senate. O'Malley fans, your man... well...I'm not sure what he is going to do but I liked him anyway and wanted to include you.
As for Kaine. Holy cow. I was driving in traffic during his speech with tears running down my face. I had no idea who he was outside of being another Senator, but we all win with that choice.
Power to you all. Come together.
