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2016 Postmortem

2016-06-21T15:46:02+00:00

Source: Common Dreams: http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/20/bernie-sanders-leverage-isnt-going-anywhere-deal-it Some politicians and commentators say that Bernie Sanders is losing leverage because he hasnt conceded the Democratic primary to front-runner Hillary Clinton. To believe that is to misunderstand both the candidate and his supporters. Sanders received a mandate in defeat that most politicians never achieve in victory. The calls to surrender reached a fever pitch before the last primary even ended. We were told that Sanders was being stubborn, that he was rapidly losing influence. It was even said that all of the conventions prime-time speaking spots would be taken soon if he didnt concede soon, as if they were reservations at Nobu and he had no pull with the maître d. If Bernie were denied a prime-time slot at the convention, chaos would ensue. You can be sure that whenever and however the deal is struck, theyll make room for him at a peak viewing hour. The Clinton teams impatience is understandable, even if it lacks a certain grace. But theyre misreading both Sanders nature and the nature of the negotiations now underway. So is The New York Times Nate Cohn, who tweeted: A fun thought experiment: Imagine Sanders winning but Clinton refusing to endorse unless he adopted her views, etc. That thought experiment would make sense in a typical primary campaign. But this year is different. Even without context, the raw numbers are impressive. Leverage? As New Yorkers used to say, I got your leverage right here: &emsp; ● 12 million votes. &emsp; ● Victory in 22 states. &emsp; ● 45 percent of pledged delegates. &emsp; ● A history-making small-dollar fundraising campaign that outraised his well-heeled opponent.

Post removed Tue Jun 21, 2016, 11:46 AM Jun 2016

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Post removed (Original Post) Post removed Jun 2016 OP

I agree Armstead Jun 2016 #1

"This year is different". No, it's not. Bernie has less leverage than Clinton did in 08. CrowCityDem Jun 2016 #2

It depends on which path he chooses jzodda Jun 2016 #3

Armstead

(47,803 posts)

1. I agree

Reply to Post removed (Original post)

Tue Jun 21, 2016, 11:48 AM

Jun 2016

I hope your post passes muster

CrowCityDem

(2,348 posts)

2. "This year is different". No, it's not. Bernie has less leverage than Clinton did in 08.

Reply to Post removed (Original post)

Tue Jun 21, 2016, 11:49 AM

Jun 2016

All he has is more appetite to use it for himself.

jzodda

(2,124 posts)

3. It depends on which path he chooses

Reply to Post removed (Original post)

Tue Jun 21, 2016, 11:50 AM

Jun 2016

Leverage in this case comes with an expiration date.

If he's not on board by the time of the convention then I would imagine his leverage will go down. If he leaves the convention without strongly endorsing HRC then I would imagine it goes down even further.