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In reply to the discussion: Sanders booed by House Democrats [View all]davidthegnome
(2,983 posts)He has said from the beginning that he is in this until the convention - and it seems that he intends to keep his word. While I realize that that is a highly unusual thing for a politician to do... perhaps House democrats and others should take Sanders at his word when he says such things. In the past, I have thought to myself (and said, here) that I think it's time for him to concede. Now though, I'm not so sure. It seems likely to me (though not certain - I do not have a functioning crystal ball) that Clinton will go with a more safe, moderate choice for Vice President, which in itself will not destroy the progressive movement, but it will certainly not do it any favors. There is also the question of the quality of people she will fill her cabinet with - if she does as Obama did before her... anyone who is not troubled by the overwhelming (and growing) power of the corporate and wealthy elite just isn't paying attention.
We are facing a time of economic inequality so severe, that has brought on so much suffering and despair... Sanders hopes to do what he can to counter this. Perhaps he believes he can do more if he stays in this thing until the convention. Perhaps he believes he can win concessions in regards to more progressive agendas.
It's no joke that a small percentage of our population owns most of the wealth of our Country. It's no joke that people making billions of dollars pay less taxes than people making 80 grand a year. It's no joke that corporations seeing record profits have nonetheless received large amounts of yearly tax relief. It is no joke that we have people like Arne Duncan heading up so called "education reform" - and it is no joke that this has had a very negative effect on public education overall - particularly when we consider the lack of funding.
There are still, I think, genuine questions to be asked about what Clinton will/would do as President. I believe they should be asked - and I do believe, as a liberal democrat, that we should engage in this debate as much as we can, to accomplish as much as possible for the poor, the working poor, the middle class - and so on.
I have no reason to think that Sanders will not endorse Clinton either at - or after the convention. He has, however, vowed to remain in this thing until then. Perhaps he intends to keep his word. Constructive criticism is one thing, but accusing Bernie of self obsession when he is, in fact, doing nothing more than keeping his promise to his supporters... well, that doesn't seem constructive to me.
His message remains, I think, idealistic, progressive, noble... and, I think, on the right side of this debate.
It's not just a matter of personality preferences and such things. My political views are largely a result of my life experiences. When you have no health insurance (and no way to get it), health problems that get worse every year, no access to higher education, debt relief, or even, really, the proverbial snowball's chance of progress in your own life... then someone like Sanders might speak very loudly to you. Perhaps his message will resonate more strongly than it would in, say, someone who has a relatively positive economic perspective in regards to their own circumstances.
With that being said... I do not realistically expect a great amount of change in the next few years. I am one of those people who will likely continue to fall between the cracks and escape the notice of pretty much everyone - including politicians. I continue, however, to put my Faith in the message that Sanders has brought, in the movement that he has helped lead. Unfortunately... I believe it will take decades (that it is possible we do not have) for true progressive reform to take root in this Country.
When it ultimately comes down to a choice between Clinton and Trump in the general... I will happily crawl over broken glass to vote for Clinton. She was not my preference, primarily because of economic hardships in my own life and in the lives of those close to me. I do believe that Sanders is a greater advocate for poor and working class Americans. However... I also realize that the American people have spoken as to their preference, overall. So yes, Clinton will almost certainly be the nominee, but I do not see how Sanders is doing any damage to her campaign by remaining in this thing until the end. If anything, he is demonstrating his loyalty to and faith in the causes to which he lays claim.
Just my ten cents.