General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Is the (D) behind the name more important than the voting record? [View all]KPN
(15,634 posts)is not what he says he is -- that he's actually a democrat despite his registration as an independent. I HAVE on the other hand seen people defend his views, as well as his right to express those views about and influence the Party. Two different things.
As a 45-year member of the Party, I am unapologetic about believing and appreciating that supporting/promoting fundamental Democratic Party principles is more important than calling oneself a democrat. I happen to think and believe that Bernie is right about what's fundamentally wrong with the country, what needs to change, and where the Party needs to go in order to successfully foster those changes. So ... I welcome him ... and I find it shortsighted to bar or decline his leadership capacity on the condition he is/has been a registered member of the Party.
When it comes down to it, I suspect we basically differ on foundational and urgency of priorities for the Party. Bernie personifies a set of priorities/urgencies and, as a result, is an target. That's how it strikes me.