Gov. Dean breaks party lines to support Bernie Sanders...this is good.

[madfloridian]

I read an article earlier from the Vermont Guardian which indicated the Democrats might withhold support. Apparently this just happened, and I am glad. It mentions they have some things to talk since Howard says Bernie is "not a Democrat." This is a good sign. I will see if I can find the other article.

http://www.benningtonbanner.com/Stories/0,1413,104~8676~2861278,00.html

Howard Dean endorses Bernie Sanders' run for U.S. Senate

By EVAN LEHMANN,
MediaNews Group Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON -- "Breaking party lines, former Gov. Howard Dean said Monday he supports Rep. Bernard Sanders' bid for the U.S. Senate, saying the Independent makes a "strong candidate."
"A victory for Bernie Sanders is a win for Democrats," Dean said in a telephone interview Monday.

Sen. James Jeffords, I-Vt., announced last month he would not seek re-election, clearing the way for what's expected to be a crowded race in fall 2006.

But Dean, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, added that his support is not unconditional.

"We've got a few things to work out with Bernie," he said, adding, "Bernie's not a Democrat."

Dean, the outspoken former presidential candidate whose aspirations for the White House abruptly ended during the primary more than a year ago, refused to describe Sanders' shortcomings in the eyes of Democrats.

"I'd rather tell him in person," Dean said."

[Fenris]

1. I would be extremely disappointed (though not surprised)

if the DNC didn't support Sanders.

But this is good news.

[GreenPartyVoter]

14. Ditto

[madfloridian]

2. Here is the earlier article which indicated lack of support from DNC

Was not for sure, but I was glad to see the later article. This sounded discouraging.

http://www.vermontguardian.com/local/0105/DeanEndorse.shtml

"Top Vermont Democrats not ready to back Sanders’ U.S. Senate bid
By Shay Totten | Vermont Guardian

Posted May 9, 2005

The two top Democrats in Vermont — former Gov. Howard Dean, chairman of the Democratic National Committee and U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy — are not ready to endorse U.S. Rep. Bernie Sanders in his bid for the U.S. Senate in 2006.

Sanders, who has launched his 2006 campaign in cyberspace and is talking up his bid outside of Vermont, has remained relatively quiet at home about the pending race."

[Robert Oak]

3. boy if the DNC had pooped on Bernie they have no soul

Sanders is one of the few standing up for the middle class at all..
absolute godsend.

[calimary]

10. Why the F--- would they NOT support Bernie Sanders? He's terrific!

Once again, Dr. Dean gets it absolutely on the nose.

[cosmik debris]

4. "A victory for Bernie Sanders is a win for Democrats," Dean said

A victory for a Democrat would be a win for Democrats. A victory Sanders is not a victory for Democrats, It is a victory for independents. If Mr. Dean can't find a Democrat to support, he shouldn't be Chairman of the DNC. This is just plain old treason. Plain and simple. What kind of support can he expect as leader of the party when he encourages voters to abandon party loyalty and vote for someone outside the party?

[madfloridian]

5. He votes with Democrats. It is practical.

It is a sensible decision. His support is so huge that probably no Democrat could defeat him anyway.

[Torgo Johnson]

6. You are exactly right....

By all means let's run a candidate against a person who is not only popular with democrats, but wlll also caucus with the democratic side, just like the previous senator wound up doing. That way we can split the democratic vote,and Vermont will get a brand new republican senator!!!


:eyes: :sarcasm:

[fujiyama]

7. More or less

it is a victory for Dems. In all practical terms it certainly would be. Sanders would caucus with Dems and vote with them on a large majority of issues (probably on more issues than other supposed Dems). That, and Sanders has already won a state wide race several times. He'd likely be a strong candidate.

Plus, I understand Dean's willingness to endorse Sanders. I'm guessing they have a good working relationship.

[Mojambo]

8. Frankly I could care less if it's a "victory" for Democrats

It would be a victory for progressives and that's all that matters to me.

[w13rd0]

9. A-f'm-men...

...nail on the head there.

[GreenPartyVoter]

15. *high five*

[katinmn]

16. I share those sentiments. I don't care if the candidate is Green,

Dem, Independent or even Republican as long as they are progressive.

I'm starting to think of progressive as just common sense and honesty.

[fujiyama]

18. Yeah

but how often does a green or independant have a chance at getting elected to office?

And any sitting republican is one that is helping keep Frist as Sen. Majority leader.

Sorry, current progressivism is incompatible with the puke party.

[bklyncowgirl]

11. Sure, let party loyalty trump common sense

Sanders is the most popular politican in Vermont. Running a Democrat against him would simply split the progressive vote, probably allowing a weak Republican candidate to win.

The practical thing would be for the DNC to support Sanders.

[newfaceinhell]

13. indeed

Sanders caucuses with the Dems and would probably be the most progressive member of the Senate. Dean has clearly done the right thing here. Go Bernie!

[CWebster]

12. Ridiculous

If only there were more "democrats" like Bernie Sanders and less "Democrats" like Zell Miller. Hailing from VT, Dean has a personal familiarity with Bernie's popularity and perspective, but what is this "We've got a few things to work out with Bernie" supposed to mean-considering Sander's long held seat?

[lojasmo]

22. Would it be better to support a democrat who......

Votes like a republican?

Anti choice?
Anti speech?

Is the only criteria for an acceptable choice the "D"?

Pretty short sighted. This is exactly the kind of attitude that makes the party look like a bunch of simpering fools.

[bitchkitty]

23. Oh, please.

What about Joe Lieberman? What if he ran against Sanders for Gov. of Vermont? Not going to happen, of course, but would you vote for Lieberman over Sanders, just because he has that very much undeserved D after his name?

[Mass]

17. What party line is he breaking here?

Reid and Schumer have already said they dont want a Democrat to run against Sanders.

So it is great of Dean to say he will probably support him, but I certainly hope that the reservation will be lifted. It is time for the Senate to have somebody that understand really what being for people is.

[retread]

19. Maybe they are afraid that a progressive, socialist senator who

votes and speaks with conscience would become wildly popular and thereby set a "bad" example. What would it do to the major parties if working for the people and speaking truth to power was in vogue?

[GOPBasher]

20. Sanders is awesome. He really hits the nail on the head when talking

about the middle-class squeeze. I hope he wins.

[EvolveOrConvolve]

21. That's great news

We need to worry less about lock-step party line shit, and more about advancing a progressive agenda that helps people and fights for the average citizen on issues like universal health care, social security, etc. Bernie Sanders is a positive force in that fight.