I just read a diary and seeing the frustration I hope they stick around.
Basically it is about how Sanders shouldn’t sell out to the corporate DNC. The feelings that Bernie caving into the corporate DNC by supporting HRC would make him a sellout are understandable. As a Bernie supporter I have to keep myself from fighting the urge to go #BernieOrBust. I know this feeling doesn’t help the Democratic party or the people it represents (or purports to at least).
So how to square up some of these feelings? What could be done?
I do have an idea that lets Bernie keep his integrity, would keep the Bernie crowd happy to support the DNC, but it requires a very BOLD action.
Warning: If you just skim this, you may get the idea I am promoting a 3rd party, I am NOT. Please read the entire thing first.
Jill Stein has reached out to Bernie Sanders. Bernie should use this AS LEVERAGE within the DNC. After the last primary and before the convention Bernie should be seen publicly a LOT with Jill Stein.
To do so requires making a huge bet and having the courage to follow through should the bluff be called by the DNC.
THE BET: At the convention, Bernie Sanders should announce that unless the DNC nominates himself as the candidate, Bernie would run as Jill Stein’s VP on the Green Party ticket and encourage his supporters to follow. By running as VP it shows that he has no problem with a woman as president, thereby deflecting the whole BernieBro BS. Yes this would be contrary to his not running as a 3rd party candidate, but as a running mate to a 3rd party that would be some wiggle room. Also as VP he wouldn’t fall under the sore loser laws many states have.
Now, the DNC could tell Bernie to take the pot and nominate him, this is the outcome I truly desire.
Before I go further, the results of this would be that HRC supporters would in a very high percentage vote for Bernie in the general as most HRC supporters are all about The Party. They wouldn’t be happy about it, but as they keep reminding Bernie supporters, it is all about the party.
The DNC knows this, and they know many Bernie supporters are Independents,WFP,Green,etc. They aren’t as beholden to the Democratic Party as HRC supporters.
So would the DNC risk calling Bernie’s bet? If the DNC doesn’t call the bet, then Bernie and the Greens could make real gains for a progressive party. Would the DNC risk losing part of its base? Would it mind losing THAT part of its base?
I am not advocating for the Green Party, I am advocating that Bernie Sanders make one huge bet FOR America and WIN that bet and become the nominee for the Democratic Party.
Before the angry people hit that flag button, remember I am not advocating for the green party, I am advocating that Bernie use the green party AS LEVERAGE to get the Democratic nomination!
This would also show that Bernie can play hardball politics, as I have seen some people here have doubts that Bernie could do that. :)