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Why is Bernie Sanders running for the Democratic nomination since he's not a Democrat? (Original Post) Empowerer Feb 2019 OP
Ego we can do it Feb 2019 #1
You nailed it. Wellstone ruled Feb 2019 #2
Because what's his other choice? zipplewrath Feb 2019 #3
Then why hasn't he joined the party, instead of attacking it? LongtimeAZDem Feb 2019 #4
Plausible deniability zipplewrath Feb 2019 #8
It's actually completely the opposite of a nominee not fully supporting the platform Empowerer Feb 2019 #20
It's actually kinda odd all the way around zipplewrath Feb 2019 #44
I think it also has something to do with maintaining the ability to bash the Democrats at every turn EffieBlack Feb 2019 #45
Well, yeah zipplewrath Feb 2019 #46
Exactly! EffieBlack Feb 2019 #48
The Democratic Leadership Council excelled at "bashing" the Democratic Party Tom Rinaldo Feb 2019 #53
Yup zipplewrath Feb 2019 #59
Ummm.... not run? Adrahil Feb 2019 #49
Kinda hard zipplewrath Feb 2019 #50
He doesn't need to be President... Adrahil Feb 2019 #55
No one "needs" to zipplewrath Feb 2019 #56
Bernie, more than most. NT Adrahil Feb 2019 #57
Oh, I dunno zipplewrath Feb 2019 #58
Nationwide exposure and free use of DNC microphones at debates and other Dem events (nt). JaneQPublic Feb 2019 #5
1) Because the party allows it. WeekiWater Feb 2019 #6
It's the Democrats' fault that the Green Party isn't viable sweetloukillbot Feb 2019 #7
I can't make heads or tails from your second sentence. NT WeekiWater Feb 2019 #11
That sentence is as clear as day to me Empowerer Feb 2019 #21
Then please clarify it for me and I will gladly respond. WeekiWater Feb 2019 #23
"I don't understand what you said, but let me tell you why you're wrong" Empowerer Feb 2019 #25
I don't understand it. WeekiWater Feb 2019 #27
Its pretty straightforward sweetloukillbot Feb 2019 #16
Maybe you can highlight where I bashed the Democratic Party. I don't see it. WeekiWater Feb 2019 #19
The Green Party (which has nothing to do with Sanders AFAIK) seems to want to harm Democrats LisaM Feb 2019 #18
Agree with all you said. NT WeekiWater Feb 2019 #42
The party doesn't allow it any longer. He must declare himself a Democrat, but also must.... George II Feb 2019 #34
He has deceptively done it in the past... WeekiWater Feb 2019 #43
Why not ask why this forum is suddenly full of shit-kickers Hortensis Feb 2019 #9
Haven't heard his video Did he say he's running as a Dem candidate? Or did skip that part? FloridaBlues Feb 2019 #10
You'd be even more mad if he didn't. aidbo Feb 2019 #12
cuz he gets to use dems assets, infrastructure, and funding w/out being a dem? nt msongs Feb 2019 #13
It's much better than running third party. Much better for Dems MaryMagdaline Feb 2019 #14
Wow, nobody has ever pointed that out before on DU jberryhill Feb 2019 #15
Because he was hoping you would make one more G_j Feb 2019 #17
I'd rather have him run as a faux Democrat than an Independent. Vinca Feb 2019 #22
he doesn't want to be a Nader KayF Feb 2019 #24
Because he hopes to win fescuerescue Feb 2019 #26
Excellent question. Makes no sense to run in a party you've been so proud NOT to belong to. Maru Kitteh Feb 2019 #28
It is unbelievable that we will go through this again. liberal N proud Feb 2019 #29
Better he run as a Democrat than an Independent. nt Autumn Feb 2019 #30
Running as an independent would affect sanders' book sales Gothmog Feb 2019 #33
No, Bernie running as an Independent would siphon off votes from Democrats. His book sales Autumn Feb 2019 #36
I disagree-sanders needs the Democratic Party to sell books Gothmog Feb 2019 #39
You keep thinking that. Autumn Feb 2019 #40
I realized long ago that I'm not allowed to officially ask that Blue_Tires Feb 2019 #31
Because it is the only way to make changes. MicaelS Feb 2019 #32
Bernie helps us be better Democrats. aikoaiko Feb 2019 #35
Here is the oath that sanders must sign Gothmog Feb 2019 #37
"faithful to the interests, welfare and success of the Democratic Party of the United States" LongtimeAZDem Feb 2019 #54
Because TheFarseer Feb 2019 #38
Now this is the kind of original, insightful commentary that brings me to DU! QC Feb 2019 #41
I'm always amused by people who take the time to respond to one of the hundreds of OPs on DU to EffieBlack Feb 2019 #47
It would suck to have him run as an independent. zaj Feb 2019 #51
Sanders helps the party far more than he could hurt it BeyondGeography Feb 2019 #52
Here is the rule that sanders has to comply with Gothmog Feb 2019 #60
I think because he doesn't want to be like Ralph Nader and split the vote. jalan48 Feb 2019 #61

zipplewrath

(16,646 posts)
3. Because what's his other choice?
Tue Feb 19, 2019, 04:35 PM
Feb 2019

It's the same reason he caucuses with them. It's the same reason he votes with them the vast majority of the time.

zipplewrath

(16,646 posts)
8. Plausible deniability
Tue Feb 19, 2019, 04:42 PM
Feb 2019

At least a variation thereof. It gives him an opening to be critical without appearing to be hypocritical. I don't think it works well, but I get the concept. It's not all that different than nominees that don't support the whole party platform despite being a nominee.

Empowerer

(3,900 posts)
20. It's actually completely the opposite of a nominee not fully supporting the platform
Tue Feb 19, 2019, 06:12 PM
Feb 2019

They support the party and its goals even if they don't agree with every single aspect of their approach. That's very different from refusing to join or fully support the party because they don't agree wholeheartedly with every position.

zipplewrath

(16,646 posts)
44. It's actually kinda odd all the way around
Wed Feb 20, 2019, 09:10 AM
Feb 2019

He has a better democratic voting record in the senate than many democrats in terms of supporting leadership. He's even IN the leadership, despite not being in the party. It's got something to do with the State of Vermont near as I can tell.

 

EffieBlack

(14,249 posts)
45. I think it also has something to do with maintaining the ability to bash the Democrats at every turn
Wed Feb 20, 2019, 09:22 AM
Feb 2019

something that's hard to do if someone is actually IS a Democrat (as opposed to just running as one in order to take advantage of the party's resources and media platform).

zipplewrath

(16,646 posts)
46. Well, yeah
Wed Feb 20, 2019, 09:25 AM
Feb 2019

That's the whole "plausible deniability" aspect. You get to complain about the driving while riding the bus.

 

EffieBlack

(14,249 posts)
48. Exactly!
Wed Feb 20, 2019, 09:29 AM
Feb 2019

And tell everyone on the bus that you'd be a much better driver and they should let you drive, even though you don't actually work for the company that operates the bus.

Tom Rinaldo

(22,911 posts)
53. The Democratic Leadership Council excelled at "bashing" the Democratic Party
Wed Feb 20, 2019, 09:42 AM
Feb 2019

or to be more exact elements of the Democratic Party that they stood in opposition to: "The era of Big Government is over". They were Democrats and that sure didn't stop them. Before that Ted Kennedy had no problem "bashing" a Democratic President (Jimmy Carter) who he tried to force out of office at the Democratic Convention. Before that the Scoop Jackson wing of the Democratic Party had no problem "bashing" anti-war Democrats. Before that McGovern and RFK had no problem "bashing" "establishment" Democrats of their era in challenging LBJ's handling of Vietnam.

There are real debates within the larger Democratic coalition over policies and priorities and Democrats have never felt constrained to always wear kid gloves.

zipplewrath

(16,646 posts)
59. Yup
Wed Feb 20, 2019, 01:14 PM
Feb 2019

And the democrats forcibly desegregated the southern delegates. That was probably the biggest "fight" the democrats ever had internally.

 

Adrahil

(13,340 posts)
57. Bernie, more than most. NT
Wed Feb 20, 2019, 11:15 AM
Feb 2019

Seriously, he lost me forever with his dismissive comments of the candidates running this time. He can GTFO.

I'll vote for him if he gets the nomination, but I will taste the bile in my mouth. And it REALLY bothers me that his fans don't seem to be concerned at all about it.

zipplewrath

(16,646 posts)
58. Oh, I dunno
Wed Feb 20, 2019, 01:12 PM
Feb 2019

There's a long list of ego's that have run for that job. Fairly long list of folks that felt "entitled" or that it was "their turn".

The real issue I have with candidates like him is that they seriously run as "outsiders" or whatever, but what that really means is they've built no real relationships in government. They're not necessarily going to attract a strong team when they get there. We went through that with Carter who showed up and had trouble getting along with much of Washington. He ultimately built up a team in the executive branch, but he never really got along with congress.

I do think that Bernie is going to be a bit surprised at how much harder it's going to be this time. He's got far more competition and people have far greater choices. He showed that there was enthusiasm for much of his message, but he'd best not confuse that with enthusiasm for HIM.

 

WeekiWater

(3,259 posts)
6. 1) Because the party allows it.
Tue Feb 19, 2019, 04:38 PM
Feb 2019

2) The Democratic Party has done a brilliant job of making a run from a third party from the left almost impossible. The party has driven the GP into a point of damn near insignificance. This is a part of that dance, IMO.

sweetloukillbot

(10,806 posts)
7. It's the Democrats' fault that the Green Party isn't viable
Tue Feb 19, 2019, 04:42 PM
Feb 2019

Why are you on a Democratic website if you are going to bash Dems for not supporting the Green Party?

 

WeekiWater

(3,259 posts)
23. Then please clarify it for me and I will gladly respond.
Tue Feb 19, 2019, 06:23 PM
Feb 2019

“Why are you on a Democratic website if you are going to bash Dems for not supporting the Green Party?”

1) Where did I bash “Dems”?

2) How can it be bashing “Dems” to show that they are “not supporting the Green Party?”

If the remarks are so clear, as a response to my post, it should be easy for you to reword them. I can’t make sense of it.

Empowerer

(3,900 posts)
25. "I don't understand what you said, but let me tell you why you're wrong"
Tue Feb 19, 2019, 06:33 PM
Feb 2019

Sounds like you understood the post perfectly well. You just don't agree with it.

It happens.

 

WeekiWater

(3,259 posts)
27. I don't understand it.
Tue Feb 19, 2019, 06:36 PM
Feb 2019

I can’t agree or disagree with it. I can’t make sense of it. Clarification would help. Asking for clarification isn’t being difficult. It’s a common courtesy. I can’t make sense of the reply and how it pertains to my post.

sweetloukillbot

(10,806 posts)
16. Its pretty straightforward
Tue Feb 19, 2019, 05:26 PM
Feb 2019

You are saying it’s the Democrats fault that the screens aren’t viable. I’m asking why you are bashing the Democratic Party.

 

WeekiWater

(3,259 posts)
19. Maybe you can highlight where I bashed the Democratic Party. I don't see it.
Tue Feb 19, 2019, 05:59 PM
Feb 2019

Still can't make sense of what you are saying.

LisaM

(27,759 posts)
18. The Green Party (which has nothing to do with Sanders AFAIK) seems to want to harm Democrats
Tue Feb 19, 2019, 05:58 PM
Feb 2019

Both Nader and Stein (neither particularly Green nor, as far as I can make out, actual members of the Green Party, though Stein may be) made a business of running against Democrats and hurting the nominee in both 2000 and 2016.

If they were really "green" and cared about the environment, they would never, ever, ever have run against Al Gore.

George II

(67,782 posts)
34. The party doesn't allow it any longer. He must declare himself a Democrat, but also must....
Tue Feb 19, 2019, 08:28 PM
Feb 2019

...state so publicly and unequivocally, and put it in writing.

Here's the official rule:

The term “presidential candidate” herein shall mean any person who, as determined by the National Chairperson of the Democratic National Committee, has accrued delegates in the nominating process and plans to seek the nomination, has established substantial support for their nomination as the Democratic candidate for the Office of the President of the United States, is a bona fide Democrat whose record of public service, accomplishment, public writings and/or public statements affirmatively demonstrates that the candidate is faithful to the interests, welfare and success of the Democratic Party of the United States, and will participate in the Convention in good faith. At the time a presidential candidate announces their candidacy publicly, they must publicly affirm that they are a Democrat. Each candidate pursuing the Democratic nomination shall affirm, in writing, to the National Chairperson of the Democratic National Committee that they:

A. are a member of the Democratic Party;

B. will accept the Democratic nomination; and

C. will run and serve as a member of the Democratic Party.


This requirement of written affirmation shall not supplant any necessary qualifications a candidate must satisfy at the state level, but is in addition to such affirmations required by individual states and territories. The written affirmation shall be done via an approved format by the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee

 

WeekiWater

(3,259 posts)
43. He has deceptively done it in the past...
Tue Feb 19, 2019, 09:47 PM
Feb 2019

I’m a manner that would fall in line with the rules.

I’m not saying I like it. I’m saying it’s the way it is. Some people seem to have issue making that distinction. Not saying you.

Hortensis

(58,785 posts)
9. Why not ask why this forum is suddenly full of shit-kickers
Tue Feb 19, 2019, 04:43 PM
Feb 2019

busily keeping this topic from scrolling down? The answers are blowing in the wind.

MaryMagdaline

(6,849 posts)
14. It's much better than running third party. Much better for Dems
Tue Feb 19, 2019, 04:58 PM
Feb 2019

He kept his word about not running third party last time and I trust him not to do so this time. He’s not my candidate but he will add to the debate and he draws young people to the party. He’s not going to be able to yell corruption when Kamala Harris kills him in California. Not running against “the establishment” will take away his talking points.

Vinca

(50,170 posts)
22. I'd rather have him run as a faux Democrat than an Independent.
Tue Feb 19, 2019, 06:18 PM
Feb 2019

A third party run by someone as popular as Bernie would guarantee Trump a win.

Maru Kitteh

(28,303 posts)
28. Excellent question. Makes no sense to run in a party you've been so proud NOT to belong to.
Tue Feb 19, 2019, 06:48 PM
Feb 2019

It's almost like he merely wants to USE the party.

Autumn

(44,756 posts)
36. No, Bernie running as an Independent would siphon off votes from Democrats. His book sales
Tue Feb 19, 2019, 08:40 PM
Feb 2019

would be just fine. People who buy his books are going to buy his books, his political affiliation has nothing to do with that.

Gothmog

(143,999 posts)
39. I disagree-sanders needs the Democratic Party to sell books
Tue Feb 19, 2019, 08:44 PM
Feb 2019

books sales would be hurt if sanders runs as an indie.

Blue_Tires

(55,445 posts)
31. I realized long ago that I'm not allowed to officially ask that
Tue Feb 19, 2019, 07:56 PM
Feb 2019

so I'm glad someone else has.

The Democratic Party is Bernie's mistress -- He gets his 'needs' met, his ego fluffed, he can leave when he pleases and best of all, she understands that he can never be seen in public with her, EVER...

(In case you were wondering who St. Bern's "wifey" is; he's married to himself)

MicaelS

(8,747 posts)
32. Because it is the only way to make changes.
Tue Feb 19, 2019, 08:01 PM
Feb 2019

He can't do it as a 3rd party candidate. That means he has to run in the Democratic primaries.

And his appeal was so great in 2016 because he was one talking about economjc justice.

Gothmog

(143,999 posts)
37. Here is the oath that sanders must sign
Tue Feb 19, 2019, 08:43 PM
Feb 2019

Here is the oath that sanders must sign if he wants to run https://www.thegreenpapers.com/P20/2019-01-03-2020_Call_for_the_Convention_12.21.18_w-attachments.pdf

Presidential Candidate Written Affirmation

Pursuant to Article IV of the Call for the 2020 Democratic National Convention, I hereby affirm that, upon publicly announcing my candidacy for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States in the 2020 election, I am a member of the Democratic Party. I will run as a Democrat, accept the nomination of my Party, and I will serve as a Democrat if elected. I understand that signing this form does not supplant any legal or Party requirement by any state or territory to qualify for ballot placement in that jurisdiction.

Further, I acknowledge that in submitting this form to the National Chairperson of the Democratic National Committee, I am subject to the provisions of Rule 13.K of the Delegate Selection Rules for the 2020 Democratic National Convention and Article VI of the Call for the 2020 Democratic National Convention that authorize the National Chairperson to determine whether a presidential candidate has established substantial support for their nomination as the Democratic candidate for the Office of the President of the United States, is a bona fide Democrat whose record of public service, accomplishments, public writings and/or public statements affirmatively demonstrate that the candidate is faithful to the interests, welfare and success of the Democratic Party of the United States, and will participate in the Convention in good faith.
___________________

NOTARY AFFIDAVIT
STATE OF ______________
COUNTY OF _______________
I, ____________________________________, a Notary Public, do hereby certify that on this ____day of ___________________, 20____, personally appeared before me ______________________________, known to me to be the person whose name is subscribed to the foregoing instrument, and swore and acknowledged to me that they executed the same for the purpose and in the capacity therein expressed, and that the statements contained therein are true and correct. _______________________________________________ Notary Public, State of __________________ Name, Typed or Printed: __________________________________________ My Commission Expires: ___________________________

LongtimeAZDem

(4,494 posts)
54. "faithful to the interests, welfare and success of the Democratic Party of the United States"
Wed Feb 20, 2019, 10:04 AM
Feb 2019

That should disqualify him.

TheFarseer

(9,308 posts)
38. Because
Tue Feb 19, 2019, 08:44 PM
Feb 2019

We have a two party system and you can really only play spoiler if you . . . . . . Do i seriously have to explain this?

 

EffieBlack

(14,249 posts)
47. I'm always amused by people who take the time to respond to one of the hundreds of OPs on DU to
Wed Feb 20, 2019, 09:26 AM
Feb 2019

tell them what a waste of time their OP is for them, thereby spending their time responding, but also kicking it so that more people can read it.

And when they try to do it with snideness or sarcasm, it's even more amusing.

I don't know about you, but when I think something is pointless, I just ignore it and move on to something that's better worth my time.

 

zaj

(3,433 posts)
51. It would suck to have him run as an independent.
Wed Feb 20, 2019, 09:40 AM
Feb 2019

Stop with the pushing him out.

He's far more reasonable than Howard Schultz.

BeyondGeography

(39,283 posts)
52. Sanders helps the party far more than he could hurt it
Wed Feb 20, 2019, 09:40 AM
Feb 2019

If that needs to be explained, you lack imagination.

Gothmog

(143,999 posts)
60. Here is the rule that sanders has to comply with
Wed Feb 20, 2019, 09:02 PM
Feb 2019

This is the actual rule that governs whether sanders can run as a member of the Democratic party https://www.thegreenpapers.com/P20/2019-01-03-2020_Call_for_the_Convention_12.21.18_w-attachments.pdf

The term “presidential candidate” herein shall mean any person who, as determined by the National Chairperson of the Democratic National Committee, has accrued delegates in the nominating process and plans to seek the nomination, has established substantial support for their nomination as the Democratic candidate for the Office of the President of the United States, is a bona fide Democrat whose record of public service, accomplishment, public writings and/or public statements affirmatively demonstrates that the candidate is faithful to the interests, welfare and success of the Democratic Party of the United States, and will participate in the Convention in good faith. At the time a presidential candidate announces their candidacy publicly, they must publicly affirm that they are a Democrat. Each candidate pursuing the Democratic nomination shall affirm, in writing, to the National Chairperson of the Democratic National Committee that they:

A. are a member of the Democratic Party;

B. will accept the Democratic nomination; and

C. will run and serve as a member of the Democratic Party.

This requirement of written affirmation shall not supplant any necessary qualifications a candidate must satisfy at the state level, but is in addition to such affirmations required by individual states and territories. The written affirmation shall be done via an approved format by the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee appended to this Call
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