The momentum argument is gone, so why is Bernie staying in the race?

[pnwmom]

What other reason does he have for taking "the fight to the convention?"

If he were worried about Hillary's sudden incapacity, he could simply suspend his campaign. But instead he's going to be trying to "persuade" the super delegates to reverse the outcome of the election, and the votes of the majority of pledged delegates.

Why? On what basis? Do national opinion polls count more than elections in his view?

[LexVegas]

1. Ego? Doesn't like losing to a female candidate? nt

[geek tragedy]

2. he's not campaigning to be the nominee anymore, he signaled that last

night.

it's about a movement now, apparently.

but he's stopped campaigning against Clinton and is resigned to her being the nominee

[Demsrule86]

20. I did not hear that

I heard he was planning on trying to flip the supers.

[geek tragedy]

23. he didn't mention the nomination. nt

[pnwmom]

28. But that's why he is trying to flip the supers. n/t

[geek tragedy]

29. he's not trying to flip them. he isn't calling any.

his only meeting with a super delegate is Obama, and that's to broker his ending of his campaign

[drray23]

80. interesting development today.

His campaign was supposed to be sending a letter to delegates to attempt to convince them to flip. They did not do it. It was postponed. That might be a sign he is attempting to land his campaign, hence the meeting with the president and harry reid tomorrow.

[pnwmom]

81. That's good news. Hopefully they can work it out. n/t

[Demsrule86]

77. What does going to the convention mean?

I am glad he did not send out the letters asking the supers to switch today. That is a good sign.

[geek tragedy]

79. Platform, process reform etc nt

[aikoaiko]

69. It's true. He is maximizing earned votes and delegates even though he cannot win. It's simple.

We see how his opponent lords ever net vote and delegate as more evidence of her agenda. By the same rationale, Bernie can and is trying to minimize the impact of her lead in the battle of agendas.

[AgingAmerican]

3. To drive you crazy

[CaliforniaPeggy]

4. He wants to have a greater say in the platform.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

6. Because he values doing the right thing.

[Demsrule86]

21. He is not doing the right thing

He lost and needs to concede and endorse...there is no point to his behavior...spite and anger.

[Stuckinthebush]

66. Indeed. He's doing the wrong thing

If he is interested in advancing his agenda, working to unify the party, and working to beat the true evil Trump.

This game has gone on long enough and he is losing support fast.

[Demsrule86]

74. I do not know what is up with Sanders.

Surely he can't believe he can get the nomination.

[msongs]

65. because his ego will not accept reality. because he is not and never has been a team player. etc nt

[BreakfastClub]

7. He can't handle losing? His ego is yuuuge? He thinks he can

still win somehow?? I don't know.

[morningfog]

8. "The fight" is not for the nomination.

He seems to be intending to stay in through DC next week and then take "the fight" to the convention in the form of his delegates and platform. I would bet money that he no longer contests at the convention. He wants to be able to say, I think, that he ran the entire race, won over 11 million votes, XXXX pledged delegates and his supporters should be heard. Not that he should be the nominee.

[NurseJackie]

13. Let's hope that's all it is.

He's not unintelligent, but I think he can be a bit short-sighted at times, and neglects to look around his immediate circumstances to see the broader picture and to directly acknowledge what's going on right around him.

It really is a shame that he chose to gloss over and skim past Hillary's historic nomination. It will be many years before we know for sure, but I suspect that the history books of the future will not overlook that small, but meaningful, detail.

Maybe he'll manage to pull it off and find a way to come out of this smelling like a rose, but I continue to have my doubts.

[morningfog]

58. Until he formally concedes it would wouldn't make sense to

congratulate her on the nomination. Hillary didn't congratulate Obama on his historic presumptive nomination status until she endorsed him.

[Demsrule86]

25. If he does not suspend or concede

He can screwel himself...the convention is no place for his crap.

[Scootaloo]

32. Actually it's exactly the place for it.

What do you think the convention is?

[Yavin4]

60. In modern times, the convention is for the party to promote its nominee as chosen in the primaries

It's a four night political ad for the party with the final night for the nominee.

[Demsrule86]

76. Actually it is not

One vote then out he goes if he has not conceded and endorsed. No speech and no platform.

[Scootaloo]

78. Not quite sure why Clinton's progressives hate Bernie's platform so much

[Voice for Peace]

85. for the same reason some people see Don Quixote as a fool.

I just watched this clip again and it made me weep. I had forgotten the ending.

I wanted to post it everywhere and say hey everyone, see, this is why Bernie's followers can't walk away. (Sophia Loren nails it.)

But then I remembered.. people think DQ was a fool. Some do. Lots don't. Peter O'Toole got it.

[John Poet]

9. Just to piss off all the Hill-Bullies.

That's not his reason, but it is mine.

[NurseJackie]

10. It's difficult to know for sure. I believe many of the theories that have been shared ...

... previously may be on the right track.

[Scootaloo]

33. Oh, I've seen all sorts of "awesome" theories from you and yours. Which ones in particular?

[anotherproletariat]

11. Clearly, he was denying reality for quite a while...

When looking at his reactions last night, and of many of his supporters this morning, you see utter shock at the defeat. I do not know how anyone can be surprised at a fate that was all but sealed on March 15. Part of this is because Sanders tried to keep his campaign going by instilling false hope in his supporters so they would continue to contribute to him as well as show up at his rallies. I really think he believed that the tide was going to turn, and miraculously a majority of people were going to put him over the top.

[democrattotheend]

12. He promised to fight for every last vote

And that is what he is doing. I am glad to see him give voters in DC some attention. Even though it's right there where they work, national politicians rarely stump for votes in DC.

I would like to see Hillary hold an event there too for DC voters, just to send the message that the party still values their votes.

After the DC primary, which I expect Hillary to win handily, I predict Bernie will concede. At the very least, he will not continue to criticize Hillary - he did not do so last night in his speech.

[geek tragedy]

26. yep, I think people are a little too primed to see

hostility from the other's camp

he's winding down, not immediately standing down, and people see this is as intransigence instead of cooling off

[onenote]

14. I'm not all that concerned by his staying in the race until DC has voted

But within a week after that, he should be signaling that he is suspending his campaign and engaging in discussions with the Clinton campaign and DNC about how they can all fruitfully work together to consider platform changes acceptable to both sides and move forward into the general election season ready to defeat Donald Trump and regain control of the Senate and House.

[pnwmom]

17. I agree. Finish D.C. and then move on together. But he seemed so furious

last night, I wonder.

[onenote]

18. He wears his emotions on his sleeve. Maybe not the best thing, but given last night's results

I'm willing to give him some time to step back and, hopefully, view the big picture and the fact that he now has the opportunity to move from outsider to leader within the Senate Democratic caucus if he gets on board and uses his campaign's resources (mailing lists etc) as well as his bully pulpit -- to support Democratic Senate candidates, even those with whom he doesn't necessarily see eye to eye on all issues.

[kpola12]

15. The Liberal, Progressive cause is bigger than Hillary or Bernie. That's why he's staying.

[TwilightZone]

16. It's also bigger than Bernie.

I know this may come as a shock, but most Democrats have been fighting for liberal, progressive causes for decades. This isn't our first rodeo.

[Demsrule86]

27. If Trump gets elected

there won't be a liberal , progressive cause...not with five picks for the courts. Bernie needs to stop feeling sorry for himself and move on.

[AntiBank]

19. FBI potentialities. If that admittedly unlikely shoe drops

he doesn't want to get "Bidened" by the Dem potentates. That and he wants a fair say in the platorm.

[pnwmom]

22. Merely suspending his campaign would allow for any sudden withdrawal.

And how does "fighting" Hillary's nomination all the way to the convention help him get a fairer say in the platform?

[AntiBank]

36. Staying in means a lot psychologically in terms of power projection

if Clinton was recommended for indictment. As for the platform, his concession is a bargaining chip. Love it or hate it, that's the way the game is played.

[pnwmom]

44. It isn't "how the game is played." What other candidate who has lost

by millions of votes, and hundreds of pledged delegates, has gone on fighting to the convention? Instead of conceding and joining the fight against the other side?

[aikoaiko]

71. Bernie resists convention when he has a cause.

It's a lifetime pattern.

[Lord Magus]

34. Refusing to suspend his campaign doesn't actually make him more likely to get the nom if the...

...indictment fairy actually does show up.

[AntiBank]

37. certainly doesn't hurt it

[Lord Magus]

40. It actually could.

If Bernie is perceived as trying to destroy the Democratic Party, they're certainly not going to give him the nomination even if Hillary somehow ceases to be an option.

[AntiBank]

50. one man's destruction is another redemption

Bernie will procede as he deems fit.

[MoonRiver]

24. Because of this?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/12512159595

[Demsrule86]

30. He needs money that was another reason

Thanks...when I see him bleeding these kids some of whom are unemployed, it makes me literally sick. I don't care how many times BSSers tell me how 'ethical' Bernie is , I don't believe it.

[Raster]

39. I know... he should be loading up on that sweet, sweet Goldman cash...

...you know, like the other candidate.

[Demsrule86]

75. Elections are expensive

And it is thanks to a Nader spoiler that we got George Bush and United which forces all candidates to raise money...Bernie could not name one instance where Hil helped out Goldman's...Bernie would have had to raise cash for the general too...of course, he does not now...but he spent a great deal of money and is in debt. I heard he has to pay for the Vatican trip out of his own pocket.

[Raster]

84. REALLY, Nader? You don't think those 200,000 registered Florida Dems...

...that voted for Bush* had anything to do with it?

That $750,000 Goldman cash is for services to be rendered.

[boston bean]

31. This kind of stuff coming from him is what makes it really hard for me to heal and let it go.

But I am trying! Really, I am trying!

[immoderate]

47. It could be "drama deficiency anemia."

It's emotional.

--imm

[merrily]

35. Gee we just haven't had enough of threads asking DU to read Sanders' mind as an excuse

for Hillary supporters to take a pointless, vapid pot shot at him.


None of you is hurting his feelings. None of you is changing a single mind, not a poster's, not a lurkers. None of you is impressing anyone over 11. You are not unifying the party against him. You are just looking desperate to be low.

Yet again.

[QC]

41. Agreed. Passive aggression is for cowards.

I have much more respect for those who just come right out with the snark and venom than those who try to pretty it up with an unconvincing display of naivete and concern.

[MFM008]

38. DC

Then nothing left

[immoderate]

42. What other reason could there be but to piss you off?

--imm

[larkrake]

43. are you that blind? the momentum has just begun

5 of his candidates won yesterday
You still think this was about the presidency- well, bless your heart

[larkrake]

45. national polls have Bernie ahead, you mean dem polls

[pnwmom]

46. That's what I'm saying. He seems to think those polls count more than elections. n/t

[Armstead]

48. There is one more primary and he said the people in DC have the right to vote

And he's not a quitter. You can admire or dislike that about him. But he wants to at least make sure the significant share of people who voted for m him are not unrepresented at the convention.

[HumanityExperiment]

49. Are you really looking for an answer?

Here ya go...

http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/08/politics/democratic-platform-fight/index.html

[pnwmom]

51. Doesn't the winner of the campaign normally get to write the platform?

Or does that only apply to male winners?

In what other elections has the 2nd place finisher felt this degree of entitlement?

Because, as you know, Bernie already has 5 spots on the platform committee -- one less than Hillary. This is five more than any other 2nd placer has ever had.

And I still don't see what this has to do with fighting to flip super delegates.

[HumanityExperiment]

55. winner...winner...chicken dinner...

people power... those energized rally goers, the ones that HRC supporters dismissed... This is how true power is displayed and now you are recognizing the beginnings of the results of that power

THIS 'Because, as you know, Bernie already has 5 spots on the platform committee -- one less than Hillary. This is five more than any other 2nd placer has ever had.'

I get it, you're inability to recognize that taking this fight to the convention matter, that article explains it, take another moment to re-read... it will sink in, I am sure you understand how Bernie is going to 'lock in' whomever is the nominee of the party to specific principles based upon the platform

[pnwmom]

56. "true power" sounds an awful lot like male strutting and bullying when you put it that way. n/t

[HumanityExperiment]

61. people power

to be dismissive of the millions that voted for and support Bernie is called what again?

Let's re-frame your point shall we...

[pnwmom]

62. The voters exercised "people power," but the losing side wants to overrule them.

That's not 'people power" -- that's bullying.

[HumanityExperiment]

64. 'entitled'

you're entitled to your own perception but your not entitled to your own facts...

the article clearly points out what's at stake in what's important to this movement, and how this movement will get that accomplished

energized people are making DEM establishment respond, proof is already on display by the amount of seats given to Bernie... more is to come

[Lord Magus]

67. Winning by 4 million votes is people power.

Just because Bernie's supporters are more likely to be part of a crowd of "energized rally goers" doesn't mean they're more important than the larger number of people who voted for Hillary. And just because Bernie has been given an unprecedented degree of input into the platform for a 2nd place finisher doesn't mean it's reasonable for him to demand still more concessions.

[HumanityExperiment]

72. was I referring to the nomination process?

'Just because Bernie's supporters are more likely to be part of a crowd of "energized rally goers" doesn't mean they're more important than the larger number of people who voted for Hillary.'

The article I linked and the reaction of the DNC says otherwise

'doesn't mean it's reasonable for him to demand still more concessions'

we will have to agree to disagree on that last point you posted... suffice it to say that the convention is going to be fun to watch

[davidn3600]

52. This is about a revolution to remake the Democratic party. It was never ONLY about the White House

The party's rigged primary system must change so outsiders have chance without having to kiss ass to rich, corrupt party insiders.

The old guard is dying. It's time for millennials to start making their mark.

The fact our DNC chairwoman is literally in bed with payday predatory lenders says it all. This party is a joke. Everything it claims to be, it is not. These people in the establishment don't give a fuck about the working class. They are bought and paid for. And those days will come to an end.

The polls are clear on both sides of the political spectrum....the status quo is no longer desirable. D.C. needs a shake-up. We need something different. Hillary is not different. She's more of the same.

[lanlady]

63. Remake the party? Why doesn't he just start his own?

He's been sitting on the sidelines for years, voting to rename post offices and other low-level activity. He's never been associated with any populist causes. Has he even written one editorial in his life? Made any sort of noteworthy speech outside of Vermont in the years prior to his campaign? Please explain to me what in the heck he's been doing for the past 74 years that he wants to "remake" a political party that he only joined last year.

Pardon me for thinking he's just a scold and a lazy opportunist. He has no right in an election year to throw bombs at MY party.

[Lord Magus]

68. +1000 -nt-

[Scootaloo]

86. So are you a Jacksonian Democrat?

'Cause the party has changed a lot, and has done so several times since the 1830's when it first took the big political stage. it's been remade again and again. Sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse.

[Raster]

88. You do realize, of course, that Senator Sanders is the founder of the Congressional Progressive..

...Caucus, one of the oldest and largest Caucuses in Congress? Nah, I bet you didn't, judging by the highly erroneous crap you spewing.

Take a look below at the company he keeps and EDUCATE YOURSELF at the work they have done.

And just maybe, instead of taking the David Brock slander as gospel, you might actually realize your own opinion, not some campaign, regurgitated slush.

YOUR PARTY??? Indeed.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congressional_Progressive_Caucus

Background
The CPC is committed to government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Their policy agenda is rooted in four core principles: (1) fighting for economic justice and security in the U.S. and global economies; (2) protecting and preserving civil rights and civil liberties; (3) promoting global peace and security; and (4) strengthening environmental protection and energy independence. Their fundamental fairness plan reflects national priorities that are consistent with the values, needs, and hopes of all Americans, not just the powerful and the privileged. Accordingly, the CPC also advocates "universal access to affordable, high quality healthcare", fair trade agreements, living wage laws, the right of all workers to organize into labor unions and engage in collective bargaining, the abolition of the USA PATRIOT Act, the legalization of same-sex marriage, US participation in international treaties such as the climate change related Kyoto Accords, strict campaign finance reform laws, a crackdown on corporate welfare and influence, an increase in income tax rates on upper-middle and upper class households, tax cuts for the poor, and an increase in welfare spending by the federal government.

Legislative history
The Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) was established in 1991 by six members of the United States House of Representatives: U.S. Representatives Ron Dellums (D-CA), Lane Evans (D-IL), Thomas Andrews (D-ME), Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Maxine Waters (D-CA), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT). Additional House Members joined soon thereafter, including Major Owens (D-NY), Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), David Bonior (D-MI), Bob Filner (D-CA), Barney Frank (D-MA), Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), Jim McDermott (D-WA), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Patsy Mink (D-HI), George Miller (D-CA), Pete Stark (D-CA), John Olver (D-MA), Lynn Woolsey (D-CA), and Nancy Pelosi (D-CA). Then-U.S. Representative Bernie Sanders was the convener and first CPC Chairman. Bill Goold served as Staff Coordinator for the Progressive Caucus in its early years until 1998.

[MariaThinks]

53. Personal pride or he wants trump to win? what else could it be?

[highprincipleswork]

54. He didn't say anything about trying to flip supers last night. He said, "the struggle continues".

That it does.

The struggle to represent the people Bernie inspired, who are only fighting for traditional Democratic values, as well as the existing Clinton supporters.

The struggle to make sure the Democratic Party is really one for the people.

All that can be easily done, unless the Democratic Party doesn't want to do it. In any case, the case for this is being presented by Bernie, and he is taking that at the very least to the convention.

[herding cats]

57. He's going to back Hillary for president

Listen to his speech last night. He didn't lay one dig on Hillary, only Trump.

He said:
"Our campaign from day one has understood some very basic points and that is first, we will not allow right-wing Republicans to control our government.

And that is especially true with Donald Trump as the Republican candidate.

The American people, in my view, will never support a candidate whose major theme is bigotry…who insults Mexicans, who insults…

… who insults Muslims and women, and African-Americans. We will not allow Donald Trump to become president of the United States."

Yes, he also said he they were going fight hard to win DC. Which is understandable if he's trying to keep his people engaged.

The wording of this statement is important I think:

"And then, we take our fight for social, economic, racial and environmental justice to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania."

Notice how he didn't say the fight for the nomination? Just the issues that matter to his supporters.

Then he went on to lay the groundwork to reconciling with the Democratic Party.

He said:
"Tonight, I had a very kind call from President Obama, and I look forward to working with him to make sure that we move this country forward.

And tonight, I had a very gracious call from Secretary Clinton and congratulated her on her victories tonight. Our fight is to transform this country and to understand — and to understand that we are in this together.

To understand that all of what we believe is what the majority of the American people believe."

It sounded like a speech by a politician who has accepted their loss, but is still trying to keep his supporters engaged and active in the process. He's letting his supporters adjust to the change, but he knows the primary race is over. He just doesn't want them to think he's not going to work toward the same goals for them as best he can, just not as the Democratic candidate for president.

In the end it's boils down to what he said about understanding we're all in this together, which was a nod to Hillary's we're stronger together, I believe.

I feel he's going to support Hillary after hearing that speech last night, and I wasn't that sure he was going to before it.

[Atman]

59. A LOT of people voted for him, and his ideas should be represented.

Hillary is a Wall Street darling, and most people understand that she has tons of political baggage. Bernie is just trying to be a voice for the millions of people who feel left out of the corporate media coronation process.

I will back Hillary, I will work for Hillary, I will vote for Hillary. But I really, really would have liked to see America break the chain of oligarchy. Bernie is right to stress that point.

[Lord Magus]

70. I find it rather offensive when the choice of over 16 million voters is called a corontation.

I believe the proper term is election.

[Atman]

73. I find it rather offensive when the will of millions is dismissed.

You have to admit, this is a coronation. Hillary should not ever been in such a tight race. She was the media/corporate pick from day one. It's embarrassing that the cranky old man from Vermont have her such a run. She didn't whittle it down from a field of seventeen -- she was the presumptive nominee from the very beginning. Bernie Sanders has every right to hold her feet to the fire.

[Lord Magus]

89. Dismissing the will of millions is what you're doing.

Over 16 million people voted for Hillary. That's not a coronation, it's an election. The candidate with 12 million votes doesn't beat the candidate with 16 million.

And this hasn't been a tight race. Just because it wasn't an over-on-Super-Tuesday demolition like many primaries have been in the past doesn't mean it was tight. That's the disconnect that many Bernie supporters seem to have. You think it was close, but the math says it wasn't.

[jack_krass]

82. Its a secret plan, aimed at pissing off jerky, sore winner types, and..

From the looks of this place its working exactly as expected.

[Voice for Peace]

83. He has 315,711,000 reasons

at least.

[Live and Learn]

87. To tick you off. Good for him. nt