To those Independents who became Democrats to vote for Bernie.
First, and definitely foremost, Welcome to the party. Although I am a Clinton supporter I am glad to see you. We have had our disagreements, and I am sad to say more hostility than would be ideal. But any fool can see the Sanders movement has much to be proud of and would be a huge asset to the Democratic Party if a mutual path forward could be found.
I know some of you might be planning on leaving soon, but I beseech you to stay and look around, or rather, since you most likely have already done so, take another look. Maybe you will see things you like.
I am a big fan of the party, but we could certainly benefit from some renovations. The party will always be influenced by those who are counted as members. With people like you here, those renovations are likely to come much faster and more certainly, even if they don’t come as fast as some of us would like. If you leave consider what changes those left behind will make. Which outcome do you feel is of greater benefit to the world?
The choice is ultimately yours and I am not going to beg (more than I have already done) or try to scare you into staying, but consider this.
There is no doubt a substantial portion of the country #FeeltheBern as it were. But Bernie is saying the same things he has always said. Ask yourself: How did this come about? What Changed?
In the months since becoming a Democrat, Bernie Sanders has accomplished more for progressive values than he did in a half-century in third parties or as an independent.
But Bernie is just one man. A great man? I would say so. But nonetheless, just one man.
Imagine what thousands of you could accomplish.
Bernie seeks to influence the platform of the largest political party in the nation. That is not going to be easy. Especially if a lot of like-minded party members leave the party.