Playing Politics at the Democratic Convention

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Tuesday March 22, 2016 · 10:22 PM PDT

2016/03/22 · 22:22

Greetings, Kossacks. I’m a long time reader of Daily Kos and this is my first attempt at a diary. I have a question to pose to the politically astute population found here. Let me first state my own leanings. I’m a Bernie supporter and will be caucusing for him this weekend in WA state. I prefer him as the candidate but will certainly vote for the Democratic candidate even if he is not that person. I’m glad he plans to continue his run all the way to the convention. I think if he enters the convention with a significant number of delegates he should be able to have some strong input into the campaign and party platforms. My question then…

Let’s posit that Bernie is not the nominee (this is just a thought experiment, fellow Berners) but does have wins, delegates, and the power to bring his supporters in line with candidate Hillary. What should he get in return? We know he’s a smart politician and I believe he knows (as he states repeatedly) that, even if he were President, we need a lot more progressive candidates, a more progressive Congress, and a new energized electorate to get anything done. I don’t think he’d want the VP spot even if offered. I would think he’d have some say over platform issues but, of course, none of that is binding on the candidate. I think his best course would be to either be named head of the DNC or have the clout to choose the head of the DNC if he didn’t want to do it himself. Bringing his positions to the office that supports candidates and elections thruout the states (all 50, I hope) might be the best way to channel the power and excitement he’s brought to the race. Waddaya think?

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