2016 Postmortem
In reply to the discussion: Tens of thousands to leave Democratic party the day after their primaries in protest [View all]democrank
(11,095 posts)have a long history of looking down on what they consider the "left fringe" members. The Machine includes politicians, consultants, contributors and some in corporate media. They know the down-the-ladder Democrats will comply because they don`t want anything to upset the corporate-owned boat. No wave-making, ever. Right-leaning Democrats frequently and smugly remind the left they have nowhere else to go. That, of course, is dead wrong.
What usually happens is that the Machine exhibits a slight warming trend toward the "left fringe" as elections near and their votes are needed, but it`s short-lived, phony and shallow. Headquarters knows that the (D) has become more important than issues, so most anything the "leaders" do will be accepted....and excused....as long as they party stays intact.
Right-leaning Democrats are talking about how Hillary is WAAAAAAAAAAY ahead in delegates, has just about all the superdelegates, has the support of just about every power person in the party, maybe even in the world! Of course she does. She`s the party`s choice. The Machine`s choice. I expect her to be ahead, WAAAAAAAAAAY ahead. She`s hardly an unknown.
Bernie represents more than one election. He represents a movement. People in his movement know a win against the person chosen by the Democratic Machine will be very difficult.But, his movement is based on principles that he has talked about for years, principles the "left fringe" has always believed in. Since "we`re the change we`ve been waiting for", I`d be surprised if enthusiasm for that change evaporates after this election.