Sanders supporters: you want the Democratic Party to be more progressive?

[Txbluedog]

Then start at grassroots civic engagement. Show up and vote in every election, even if it is for dog catcher. Have your voices heard. The establishment cannot ignore you if they know that you are actually going to show up and vote against them.

[Thinkingabout]

1. Good move.

[Renew Deal]

2. I agree with this

Saying "OMG we need to start a third party" just dilutes the "progressive" pool. It leaves the party to everyone else while at the same time accomplishing nothing with the third party.

[niyad]

3. but. . .they went to rallies!!

[Txbluedog]

8. This is not helpful

[andym]

4. Voting is great, but running is even more important

We need more progressives running and winning.

[peace13]

5. Encouraging Democrats to start another party....... Pretty sure you broke a rule there.

Skinner would love you thinning the herd. Hey love it or leave it. I'm pretty surprised you didn't add pack your bags and don't let the door hit you.

[geek tragedy]

7. this person is advocating involvement in the Democratic party

at the local level.

[Txbluedog]

10. Read carefully, never talk about starting another party

[TwilightZone]

14. Where do you see the OP encouraging anyone to start another party?

It is clearly the exact opposite of what you appear to have seen.

[HumanityExperiment]

6. perception

Or... Bernie can run for president and still accomplish getting a progressive movement that causes the establishment to contend with in a very public and expedited fashion

[ancianita]

9. We know all that. Dean got it started. Establishment party politics shut that down.

Showing up is the most important thing progressives should persist in doing. I agree with you there.

I remember the age of these Berners, and how stressed out they can be over making an independent cut into their effort for politics.

They're better than I was, and long may they run.

[tonyt53]

11. So, what exactly is "more progressive"? Please explain.

If you mention universal healthcare, well Hillary started on that one over 25 years ago. If you say free college tuition, well Hillary has not pushed that, as really, it is unreasonable in a country of this size, but she has pushed for student debt forgiveness for years. If you mention $15 minimum wage, you are ignoring the fact that she isn't against it, but has instead said it has to be based upon the location. $15 an hour in NYC won't do much, but $12 an hour in many part of the country sure will. If you say she will start wars, then you are denying our role in the world. We won't take anybody's shit and we won't let them shit on our allies. That in no way means we will invade another country based upon lies. Finally, there is no "establishment". there are Democrats that are fighting every day for the average person in this country - a fight against a GOP majority in Congress. Obama will be the first to say that the fight isn't easy.

[Lord Magus]

12. And if you can't find a progressive candidate to vote for in a local election, RUN FOR IT YOURSELF.

That is how a "revolution" happens. From the ground up, not from the top down.

[Wellstone ruled]

13. We hear this story each and every cycle.

Show up at your Primary or Caucus and get involved. This Third Party crap is just that,crap. It has cost us,Democrats,many a Congressional Seat and what is more important,State and Local Representation.

Mr. Sanders is teaching the USA a lesson in basic Civics. And,like Hubert Humphrey,he has awakened the sleeping giant to the betterment of our Nation. Living in a Tea Billy neighborhood,wonderful to see Bernie bumper stickers and T-shirts,in and around the Community.

[virtualobserver]

15. I disagree. Revolutions only happen when you have powerful leadership.

The American revolution was started with a national congress. The Third Way infiltration of the Democratic party was started with top level members of the party.

Coherent local grass roots engagement can only occur with national leadership.

[onehandle]

16. I was told here yesterday by one of them that they've been doing that for over 35 years.

And that they refuse to vote for Hillary.