Sanders grapples with missed opportunity in Democrats' economic plan

[Hortensis]

34. To my mind his 30 years in DC appear as almost nothing but failed opportunities

to achieve what he wanted to. A few years ago Sanders told a newly elected congressman (according to the latter) that serving in congress was a complete waste of everyone's time, which I take to mean he shares my evaluation but applies it to everyone.

This isn't about ideology but about expectations based on past performance: Over 30 years he typically voted for Democratic legislation he usually criticized bitterly, but was unable to gain acceptance and support for ideas he considered much better and constantly advocated to everyone who'd listen.

My observation is that over that 30 years in DC Sanders has demonstrated one outstanding personal talent and one legislative ability: A talent for energizing political speaking, charismatic populist leader type, which we saw in 2016. And ability to rename post offices; if I recall, he has two such successes on his record.

So, based on performance it's not realistic to expect that he might belatedly "leverage" positive change to this bill. At this point the Repubs, and he, are offering amendments that are instead expected be rejected during the "votarama" period before passage. The usual purpose is to create soundbites for to promote selves in reelection campaigns and to attack opponents.

(Btw, anyone else remember that Sanders did not use his power as budget committee head to insist on a minimum wage increase to $12 from $7.25 (!), which both Manchin and Biden suggested they could support? Huge missed opportunity that did not transform the lives of the millions still living on $7.25.)