Now that Bernie has lost, how many of his supporters plan to engage in a longterm movement?

[RBInMaine]

I am wondering how many of Bernie's supporters plan to actively engage in an organized, effective, longterm (meaning for many years) effort to build a new political movement to rival the likes of the Tea Party? That means bringing diverse progressive organizations all over America together, recruiting and supporting candidates to run at all levels of government for all offices (from town councils and schoolboards to state and national offices), raising many millions of dollars, investing heavily in creating a new alternative media with a large presence on radio, internet, and print, and becoming a truly effective lobbying force at all levels of government, especially state and national government. And most of all, working to make sure that progressives VOTE in EVERY election, not just presidential years. This is long, hard, tough, painstaking work. (Look at any real movement in history, from women's suffrage, to workers' rights, to civil rights, to LGTB rights, etc.). It would be great to see this happen. This would be a real "revolution" to work toward Bernie's visions. But it will take millions of truly engaged people ready to work long and hard for many years, not merely those who enjoy going to a big fun rally and that's all.

[Agschmid]

1. STOP.

[chwaliszewski]

2. PROCEED.

[ellenrr]

3. really good question...

good points:
it takes years to build a movement, something the right will plan for and commit to.
and NON-presidential elections, which most progressives ignore, are very important. Look at how the right to abortion has disappeared in this country, due to state legislation actions, look at ALEC, which brought the full-fledged right-wing agenda into play solely thru state legislative action.
look at No. Carolina's bathroom law.
Look at Congress and the right-wing revolution of 2010.

[AntiBank]

4. divisive snark post given your bernie-baiting past

http://www.democraticunderground.com/12512152556

RBInMaine (12,310 posts)

It will be so nice on June 16th when these totally insane conspiracy posts can finally end.


Bernie has lost. He has lost fair and square. Enough of the off-the-planet lunacy.

If wallowing in stinky sour grapes and droning on and on about the insane conspiracy theories is more important than beating the vile racist FrankenTrump, then I'm sure FrankenTrump will be happy to put you on his payroll.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1251&pid=1243160

RBInMaine (12,310 posts)

Anyone who thinks a self-declared socialist for massive government can win the GE is self-deluding. [View all].

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1107150189

RBInMaine (12,310 posts)

Sanders lost senate and gov. races in '72, '74, '76, and '86. Must have been RIGGED!!! ARGGG!!!!

[CountAllVotes]

5. Deperation post

Those not in the inner Bernie circle really want to know what is going on.

My advice to them is to #FeelTheBern and join the movement that will save America!

Bernie Sanders for President 2016 & it is off to the convention we shall go!!!!

[AntiBank]

6. I don't think there is any movement that can "save" America atm

I do think left progressive agendas can make the grinding long spiral down a hell of a lot better.

As for the big save, I will check back with you when they invent a vaccine for religion and one for psychopathy. Then we can all get some shit done done.

[Android3.14]

7. I don't discuss my plans with conservative Democrats or moderate Republicans

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10027900323

[SmittynMo]

8. Bingo. You nailed it

And RB is nothing more than a master baiter.

[Live and Learn]

17. + a gazillion. nt

[Cosmocat]

9. It will fade away

People are genuine in their feelings about these issues.

But, it has always been the Bernie Sanders campaign for the presidency.

[democrank]

10. So good of you to show such a genuine interest in Bernie supporters` longterm plans.

Progressives will continue doing the same things we`ve been doing for decades....upholding long-held principles, volunteering, contributing, reading, marching, protesting,organizing, teaching, communicating, meeting.

As for your "....not merely those who enjoy going to a big fun rally" comment, it shows exactly how little you know about the average Progressive. March with a few Progressive union members or Veterans for Peace....listen to them....and you`ll learn how much "fun" they`re having.

[brooklynite]

11. That depends...does it involve something more than anonymous blogging?

[think]

13. Are you going to help work for universal healthcare for America? We're the only wealthy nation

Of the top 25 wealthiest nations that doesn't provide universal healthcare.

Thousands of Americans will die this year due to lack of access to healthcare.

Hopefully you'll be part of the effort to make sure America no longer tolerates our sad position globally in this regards....

[Alex4Martinez]

12. He has not lost. It may have escaped your notice that this longterm movement is generations old.

And the fight is against the entitled few who tell us that they're helping us while stealing us blind.

To your question, I think all of his supporters are committed to the longterm movement.

Once we get beyond these next few months, maybe you'll care to join us.

[LWolf]

14. I do.

My efforts will be focused on supporting candidates who are not neo-liberals, and working with whatever lobbying force we can pull together to oppose neo-liberal policy.

[HassleCat]

15. Since that's what I have been doing all along...

I guess I will keep it up. I would prefer to see the Democratic Party become progressive, but I will support third party movement if necessary.

[democrattotheend]

16. Many of Bernie's supporters have been active at the grassroots level for decades

I know that in my town, they are starting a group built out of the volunteer network for Bernie to advance progressive issues. But most of those involved have been active with grassroots progressive causes for decades (for the older ones), and since we could vote for the younger ones.

[Live and Learn]

18. So now you care about Bernie's vision?