Bernie Sanders is the future of the Democratic Party

[n2doc]

By Dean Obeidallah

(CNN)Attention Democratic leaders, and especially DNC chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz: The key to the Democratic Party winning is Bernie Sanders. And I don't mean just preventing the nightmare of Donald J. Trump serving as our nation's commander in chief. Sanders is also the key to Democrats retaking the U.S. Congress as well as governorships and state legislatures.

Why? Simple. Sanders has attracted a legion of voters under 30, a category that now represents 17% of the total electorate, up from 14% in 2012. Sanders won 71% of these younger voters in the Democratic contests through early May, which is even higher than the 59% Barack Obama won in 2008.

And polls show Sanders has consistently won first-time voters. For example in the New Hampshire primary, Sanders was supported by 78% of first-time voters.

Sanders is getting young people to become part of the election process for the first time in their lives. I have heard this firsthand when I have given talks at colleges over the past few months. But what I also learned was that these young people are not Democrats. Rather they are Sanders' supporters drawn to his populist, inclusive message.

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http://www.cnn.com/2016/05/19/opinions/bernie-sanders-future-of-democrats-opinion-obeidallah/index.html

[jillan]

1. And the DNC is trying to destroy this.

[Robbins]

3. according to them

Bernie isn't a dem so he should get out of way of clinton's cornation.

That is real rich considering clintons being cozy with bushes,kissinger and pre2016 Trump

[yourout]

4. At all cost.

They would prefer Trump to Bernie.

[raging moderate]

2. Ah, give 'em time.

They'll settle down.

[yellerpup]

5. Populist and inclusive.

This is what makes us Democrats.

[thereismore]

11. You'd think that. However, the leadership of the Party is telling us: You are not Democrats, go away

and start a third party if you dare. I think we should. The Dem party may be too rotten to salvage.

[yellerpup]

13. I've felt a deep sense of mourning lately

over that very attitude. A third party is an option, but it's too late for this election. Unless one of the contestants get over 50% of the vote, the House of Representatives will decide who is president and I don't want to take that chance. The Revolution is seeded and already taking root. Changes are coming; I hope I live to see them.

[thereismore]

16. I agree. Come what may this election. Lately I have been thinking this:

In 2008, she was 60 or something. At the time, a lot of people were thinking she is that desperate because in 8 years she would be too old to run. FF to today - she is not too old to run.

How about Bernie in 4 years? He'll be 78, but a huge national figure. If his health is anything like his brother's, and it may be better, Bernie will NOT BE TOO OLD to run in 2020.

Now, if Trump is President, he's a shoe in. If Hillary is president, should Bernie challenge her after 1 term? My guess is: YES.
She may be already impeached or have such low approval that Bernie 2020 will be salvation.

[yellerpup]

17. I'll vote for him in 2020 if he runs.

I think he will probably (already has) inspire a whole generation, some of whom will want to dedicate themselves to the universal ideas Bernie is putting out there. We might get a whole new wave of candidates who won't be afraid or beholden to the corporations or establishment. All elections are about the future, and young people are the ones who will have to carry the fight forward. As a senior, I feel it is my obligation to support them.

[thereismore]

18. How old was Nelson Mandela when he became President? 76. He served 5 years and died at 95 yo. nt

[yellerpup]

19. If Bernie is up to the run

he will have my vote! I hope to have the chance!

[ViseGrip]

6. NYT says next week changes everything, when a little Hillary investigation stuff comes out.

[Robbins]

7. i don't know if there is future to democratic party

Bernie is not a candiate of cult.his campagin is fueled by issues.which the democratic party leadership has rejected in favor
of the corporate neocon policys of Clinton.If you didn't support her then your ilrelvent.

[yourout]

8. Have been saying this for a while....not sure the party is worth saving or even if it can be.

[KPN]

10. Yeah, I'm not sure the Democratic Party can bring Berners into and under the tent.

The issues driving the movement are kind of counter to joining the establishment.

Many of us might go ahead and vote for Hillary if need be, but the movement will go on. I really think it's looking like a break from the Democratic Party long term. Maybe the movement moves over to the Green Party? ...

At any rate, it will be interesting to watch. We could actually see the Green Party and the Libertarians peeling off a significant number of votes from the D and R parties respectively this fall. Could we see a situation with no candidate getting the 270 electoral votes needed? I'm guessing not this fall, but who knows in 2020.

[thereismore]

12. Yep. See my post #11 above. nt

[silvershadow]

9. K&R nt

[Hell Hath No Fury]

14. Every time I watch a Bernie rally --

and I see all those young faces, I think to myself that they are the voters of the future, and that they will NOT be satisfied with the same ol' same ol' bullshit the Democratic Party continues to push. They will want authentic, they will want transparent, they will want ethical, they will want inspirational, they will want liberal, they will want integrity.

The candidacy of Bernie is much like the candidacy of Bobbie Kennedy -- defining, generation, and transformative.

Once you go Bernie, you never go back.

[Bernin4U]

15. Well, let's see. Elect the next FDR, or ....

...fight for the system with its record of losing 900+ state legislature seats, 12 governorships, 69 US House, and 13 Senate seats?

Seems clear to me that they've already made their choice.

[MisterP]

20. as long as they can blame the voters they can lose all they want