Bernie Sanders Warns Democrats They May Not Win in 2016 Without Him

[n2doc]

Taking his outsider message into the heart of the Democratic establishment, Senator Bernie Sanders, the Vermont independent, challenged hundreds of the party’s leaders on Friday to embrace his candidacy, warning that the huge crowds of supporters he has drawn may not vote for Democratic candidates in 2016 unless he is at the top of the ticket.

Mr. Sanders, who has been gaining ground in the polls, was warmly complimentary at first in addressing the Democratic National Committee’s summer meeting here, crediting the party faithful for fighting on behalf of working people and low-income Americans.

But he soon turned pointed, suggesting that the Democrats’ electoral losses in 2014 – when Republicans won control of the Senate – could be repeated if the party nominated a traditional politician.

“My friends, the Republican Party did not win the midterm election in November: We lost that election,” Mr. Sanders said. “We lost because voter turnout was abysmally, embarrassingly low, and millions of working people, young people and people of color gave up on politics as usual and they stayed home. That’s a fact.”

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http://www.nytimes.com/politics/first-draft/2015/08/28/bernie-sanders-warns-democrats-they-may-not-win-in-2016-without-him/

[djean111]

1. Can't be said enough -

“We lost because voter turnout was abysmally, embarrassingly low, and millions of working people, young people and people of color gave up on politics as usual and they stayed home. That’s a fact.”

[Live and Learn]

2. But we only want 'registered' Democrats per some here. nt

[merrily]

13. Really? Because more than half of Massachusetts voters register "unenrolled."

Not sure why Democrats would not want Massachusetts electoral votes.

Also, in Vermont and several other states, it's impossible to register as anything but a voter. Why would Democrats not want those states?

What an odd sentiment!

[SoapBox]

4. Ditto.

And as much as Pukes and Baggers don't give a crap about the masses...it appears that the DNC and Commander DWS, don't care either.

It feels like she's just giving millions and millions of us Dems the finger.

[merrily]

12. Why can't you just accept that the DNC knows better than you do?

Surely, you don't think the routs of 2010 or 2014 had anything to do with the DNC, did you?

[Le Taz Hot]

5. That can't possibly be

because I heard that it was because that progressive activists stayed home. (Which is really funny because activists NEVER stay home. They may not vote for the lesser-of-two-evils candidate, but they DON'T stay home.)

The reality is that the Electorate is not amused. Nor inspired. But let's blame it on the voters.

[monmouth4]

3. And he would be right...n/t

[Demeter]

6. I don't know, Bernie--You are talking Truth to Congenital Liars

Knowledge to Intentional Idiots

and

Democracy to Fascists.


Not sure it wouldn't be better to leave them in the dark and manipulate their meager minds into acquiescence....

[Babel_17]

7. What an amazing day

And I have to give credit to O'Malley for righteously earning a grimace from DWS.

The comments section at the New York Times is another revelation in this campaign where they just don't stop coming.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/29/us/politics/bernie-sanders-faces-skepticism-from-democratic-insiders.html?_r=0

Call the DNC and tell them you want open debates, beginning in September. 202-863-8000. Tell them you will not contribute $ until they lift their new rule banning debates outside the DNC. and at least match the number of debates Republicans have scheduled. Our Democracy is as stake.

[merrily]

11. If Bernie weren't running, I'd be posting in the O'Malley group daily.

As it is, I've rec'd quite a few posts there.

[Babel_17]

14. I just praised him in their thread

Since we're supporting a classy candidate I felt obligated.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/12812925#op

[eridani]

17. Their platforms have a great deal in common, IMO

Sanders has the lead in the "fire in the belly" department, though.

[Enthusiast]

8. We will lose without Bernie in 2016.

The country will lose without Bernie.

[MisterP]

9. "we'll tell you openly we'll collaborate with the Pubs after pretending to back what you need,

then blame you whenever the Pubs win, and there's nothing you can do about it so just sit there and take it while we crudely consume our caviar"

[merrily]

10. Imagine a Presidential debate between Jeb! and Hillary.

Iraq War. You, too.

Patriot Act. You too.

Dynasty. You too.

Citizens United. Snort.

[n2doc]

15. Je Bush is looking pretty weak right now

Might not be between those two. And The Dynasty conversation becomes one-sided then….Something to ponder.

[merrily]

16. Even worse for Hillary/Democrats as "dynasty" may not be the only issue that

becomes one-sided then.

[eridani]

18. We will definitely not win without the 63%

And Sanders is the only candidate inspiring the previously univolved.

[malokvale77]

19. Senator Sanders could very well be right.

According to what I'm hearing from my kids and grandkids, he is.