2016 Postmortem
In reply to the discussion: Bernie & down ticket Dems. I'm going to break your kitchen sink on this artful smear as well. [View all]senz
(11,945 posts)Though a constant, outspoken advocate for minority rights, Bernie never stepped out of his legislative role until last spring when he saw that a status quo candidate had the nomination wrapped up -- and decided to challenge her because the stakes really are too high this time.
As for his leadership skills, after four successful terms as Mayor of Burlington, he chose the legislative route and has performed it very well while sticking to his strongly held values and principles.
But in less than a year, he has shaken up Democratic politics, gained the enthusiastic support of millions of Americans, shaped Hillary's "policy positions," and has turned the conversation in this country around. Hillary doesn't even have it in her to do that. Bernie has done it in less than a year. It IS yuge. That's leadership.
Now try to understand this:
"The cause" is not the Democratic Party machine.
The cause is economic and social justice, fairness, a decent break for working people, peace, and environmental sustainability. The Democratic Party can get behind that or not. But the people will push forward with or without it.