General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Sanders reopens Dem primary wounds [View all]MADem
(135,425 posts)A not-insignificant portion of his support comes from Vermonters who LIKE voting for an "independent."
He may be "primaried" by a Democrat in 2018, which could be problematic for him. And if one jumps in, there may be more that show interest--VT only has three seats, one rep and two senators, in DC. If there's a real contest with good debate in the Dem primary, that could become an interesting race.
The Dems usually endorsed him as "their" candidate and essentially waved off anyone interested in jumping in, but this time they may not be so pushy. If a Democrat runs against him, the party can't and won't endorse him. It could force him into the fold, or force him to bet he can win a war on two fronts.
I've heard rumors he might try to Ralph Nader it in 2020 (big mistake) and I've also heard retirement rumors in 2018. I can't speak to the veracity of these speculations, though. So who knows, really?