I read the statements by Green Party activists opposing Bernie Sanders running as a Democrat. These are being posted in many places. That is fine. Their position is that he should run as an independent leftist. This is an important discussion
In addition to the well intentioned appeals, lets look at some data.
Here are election results from the last Governors election in California. The Greens and Peace and Freedom were on the ballot.
Elections—California 2010
Governor.
Jerry Brown 53.8 % Democrat
Meg Whitman 44.6 % Republican
Laura Wells 1.2 % Green
Carlos Alvarez 0.9 % Peace and Freedom.
Open Primary. 2014
Governor Jerry Brown 55.1 %
Neil Kashkari 18.3 % ( R)
Tim Donnelly 14.7 % ( R)
…..
Luis J. Rodriguez 1.4 % Green
Cindy Sheehan 1.2 % Peace and Freedom.
In 2012 , the voters of California working with labor passed Prop, 30 to raise taxes on the rich to fund our schools and some vital social services. This was a direct reversal of austerity. It has produced significant progress- but not enough.
The vote was Yes 55.4 %
No 44.6 %
The Greens run as a socialist party as does Peace and Freedom.
Beyond the fervor and the righteousness of the writers, where is the evidence that a Green candidate for President would move beyond the extreme marginalization of past candidates?
If the Green candidates are hopelessly marginal, then what is a strategy for Democratic Socialists of America and others on the left ?
Duane Campbell
Sacramento