Everybody is afraid to say it... but Bernie should drop out

[scheming daemons]

If Joe Biden, at 76, had just had a heart attack... his campaign would be over.

If Liz Warren, at 70, had just had a heart attack.... her campaign would be over.


Bernie Sanders is 78, and just had a heart attack. But because the hardcore Bernie supporters have spent 4 years complaining that things are "rigged" against them, no Democrat dares say what most of us are thinking: He should drop out.


Maybe it is because the other candidates (and the DNC) know he is stuck at about 15-20% and will never get the nomination, so why antagonize his supporters - after all, those people have to go somewhere.


But it is an amazing double standard. No other candidate over 60 years old would be getting that kind of kid-glove treatment if they had a heart attack.


Bernie's a warrior who believes passionately in the things he believes in - but he should exit the race.

[Sherman A1]

1. You are entitled to your opinion

as is everyone else, but this is for the candidate to decide.

[question everything]

34. Many here wanted others, like Gillibrand, to drop

and I do not remember others posting a similar sentiment.

At least Gillibrand is a Democrat.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

48. Yes, but as an ardent Bennie supporter, I think Bernie should put out a full medical report

on his current condition. We need full transparency by ALL candidates, and Bernie is no exception.

Even though the American people desperately need Bernie, and I hope he continues the courageous fight on their behalf, he simply must also put his health first.

Let's hope Bernie receives a clean bill of health, but, if not, there's always Elizabeth!!


Bernie/Elizabeth or Elizabeth/Bernie 2020!!
Either way, they're stronger together!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[keithbvadu2]

53. He should go to Trump's old doctor. That guy can really write a health report.

He should go to Trump's old doctor.

That guy can really write a health report.

Almost as if Donald had written it.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

59. Typical.

Bernie/Elizabeth or Elizabeth/Bernie 2020!!
Either way, they're stronger together!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[Towlie]

137. Bernie's recent episode is as serious as a...

Hmm... What's the word I'm looking for here? Maybe Google has a suggestion.

[mopinko]

2. if he is in it for the policy, he should drop out,

and let warren carry the torch.
if he wants biden to win, he should keep workin it.

[pangaia]

3. but he wants bernie to win

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

49. Nothing wrong with that... so do I!! (But see my post #48 above.)

Bernie/Elizabeth or Elizabeth/Bernie 2020!!
Either way, they're stronger together!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[aikoaiko]

98. If that's true then Warren needs to work on a deal with Bernie.

[C_U_L8R]

4. Agree. Time to retire... and endorse.

It's the all around healthy thing to do.

[hlthe2b]

5. I'm of no mind to tell any candidate to drop out before the first caucus or vote.

Even if I'm not a Bernie supporter, I respect him enough to make his own choice.

[Baked Potato]

6. I agree, Bernie should take care of himself

and spend some quality time with his family. He can go on TV now and then to make a point. People will still listen.

[ritapria]

7. Let the Voters Decide

[scheming daemons]

8. If the heart attack had happened to literally any other candidate.....

.....people would be screaming for them to leave the race.



Double standard.

[murielm99]

10. I agree.

K&R

[CentralMass]

28. Aren't you doing that ?

[scheming daemons]

44. Prominent Democrats and the media would be doing it......

....not just some random guy like me on DU.

[Thekaspervote]

60. Yes.. and why?

[thesquanderer]

52. Some people have been screaming for Sanders to drop out pretty much since Biden entered the race,

even though his polling and fundraising were well above most others. That wasn't a double standard?

So this just looks like the next excuse. The people who wish he'd go away jump on any new negative thing for the opportunity to again state that they wish he'd go away. People who want him out want him out, and that doesn't change.

Ultimately it's up to him, as others have said. If people don't want to vote for 78 year old man who had a heart attack, they won't. So why does it matter whether or not he drops out?

[ritapria]

61. Well Stated

[questionseverything]

91. what a dbl standard

biden has had to have brain surgery, and many of us feel it has slowed him down

2 stents is NOTHING

[dsc]

116. the brain surgery was over 30 years ago

so no it isn't responsible for the change between 2008 and now.

[questionseverything]

139. the brain surgery was for a reacurring cancer

like his son recently died of so his health could go downhill anytime

<The Washington Post noted that Beau Biden, the son of former Vice President Joe Biden, also died of the same type of tumor. The Post reported that the tumor is called a Glioblastoma and “is an aggressive cancer that is the most common of all malignant brain tumors.>

[Sherman A1]

36. Precisely

In the end it is up to them.

[KPN]

9. That's up to the candidate to decide. Our choice is whether or not to

vote for him in the primary based, in part, on the heart attack.

There is no double standard. What other candidates have been pressured to drop out because of a heart attack? Can’t have a double standard without both.

If Bernie drops out, Warren wins big.

[Skya Rhen]

14. I agree, if Bernie drops out, Warren will win big. We shall see what he decides...

[thesquanderer]

38. If Bernie drops out, about as many of his supporters go to Biden as Warren,

according to the Morning Consult polls.

[questionseverything]

92. i just don't brlieve that since bernie and biden's policies are totally opposite

[thesquanderer]

100. Up to you to believe your gut or the polls. But if you want an explanation...

...people could be choosing their "second choice" based on something other than similar positions. Like perceived electability.

[Thekaspervote]

62. Actually I don't think so. The 2nd choice polls do not indicate that

Here’s an interesting article that I believe makes the case.

“Sanders and Warren voters astonishingly have little in common.”

https://www.politico.com/story/2019/07/12/sanders-warren-voters-2020-1408548

[Thekaspervote]

11. With all due respect to your post, please let's support his decision to stay.. or to go

It only alienates Sanders supporters to give an opinion about his needing to drop out. Enough Sanders supporters were alienated in ‘16 to just sit out...can’t afford that again!

[scheming daemons]

13. Literally *NO* other candidate would be getting that kind of treatment in the same situation

Joe Biden would've been shouted out of the race already. As would anyone else.

[KPN]

18. So you are taking it upon yourself to

shout him out because ... well, your assumption and your opinion.

[scheming daemons]

19. Because we can't afford to have a candidate who is nearly 80 and with a bad ticker

That should be pretty obvious.

[brush]

31. Exactomondo! It can't be said any clearer.

[elias7]

146. He had stents placed after a small heart attack. Doesn't have a bad ticker.

[Thekaspervote]

55. I know that... but why alienate sanders voters?? And they will be! That was my point!

[Me.]

16. If THey Sat The Race Out Because Of 'Hurt' Feelings

Then they helped vote in the devastation that is happening to our country and government now and what differentiates them from trump voters?

[Thekaspervote]

57. I get that!! But why rub salt in the wound... trying to shout him out doesn't help

[Me.]

73. Nobody Is Shouting

but frankly, at this point in his life 78 tears old/heart attack, people are reflecting a practical reality. So he wins the nom and then has another episode...do you think the people in this country will vote for that scenario which leaves us stuck with the traitor as pres. again. So there needs to be some serious thinking going on here. I would suggest he release his medical records or have his doctor do an interview because these thoughts are not going away. The times are too perilous to leave this election to chance or take a gamble.

[TidalWave46]

23. Gray, Turner and Sirota do far more to turn Sanders supporters away from the party...

Than any opinion on a message board.

[questionseverything]

93. maybe the op wants a repeat?

[sheshe2]

110. With all due respect to your post, Thekaspervote.

First. It is his choice to run. I respect that. What I do not respect is be comes back swinging at a front runner, Elizabeth Warren. He signed a unity pledge and has broken it from day one. Stop bashing Democrats. It is hardly respectful to attack the party you are running for at this time and the one you leave when the voting is over.

Fact is at the same time he sighed up as a Democrat for a 2020 Presidential run, he also filed to run as an Independent for Senate:

Bernie Sanders Files for 2024 Re-Election to Senate Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) is officially running for two different federal offices under two different party labels. On Monday, Sanders filed for re-election to the Senate in 2024, listing his party as “independent.”
Bernie Sanders Files for 2024 Re-Election to Senate
www.thedailybeast.com/bernie-sanders-files-fo-2024-re-election-to-senate

Confusing to say the least.

[SCVDem]

12. If I wanted an old, angry white guy yelling,

I would vote for Lewis Black!

Biden. Experience counts now!

[LongtimeAZDem]

74. +∞

[Me.]

15. What I Don't Get

Did he or did he not say on camera that he was going to slow things down?

[thesquanderer]

37. Yes, but temporarily. (n/t)

[Me.]

39. Were We Being Gaslighted?

[thesquanderer]

45. No, but more people saw the attention-grabbing headlines than watched the videos.

Things can appear different in headlines than what you get from seeing/hearing the exact quotes and the full context in which they were made, or assumptions are made beyond the literal words spoken. And headlines often emphasize drama over accuracy.

[Me.]

80. So He Never Said He Was Going To Slow Things Up Or Words To That Effect?

[thesquanderer]

101. I believe it was this...

...I think he said he intended to slow down after the heart attack, the press reported it as a permanent state of affairs which he had not specifically said, so he clarified that he meant just for a while, and that he intended to build back up to the fuller schedule. But honestly, I didn't follow this all that closely, this is just my perception from what I read. If this is really important to you, I'm sure you can use google to find the actual quotes and videos.

[Me.]

105. I Find It Important

Because his campaign, imho, has been turning in an unfortunate direction lately...what with the people he has hired. And when I heard that he said it, then said he didn't really say it, sorry but we've had enough of that nonsense. I also notice that Jane has been by his side for each interview since and cutting in from time to time to explain what he's saying. I think he and his have been less than straightforward with what's going on. And rather than getting back on the road immediately, which was the impression given, he won't until the 19th, which is a really smart move when you've had a heart attack. He needs to rest and take it easy and I wonder if he has asked himself what is most important to him, his life or trying for the presidency.

[thesquanderer]

112. As I said, if you find it that important to know exactly what he said, and when, and in what context

...you're much better off googling the videos yourself than asking me. I didn't care enough to research beyond what I read. And since he's not my first choice anyway, it has no effect on my vote either way. Though I do believe that every candidate deserves to have his or her statements fairly represented.

But you know, I have no problem at all with someone after a heart attack considering his options of how to proceed, what to do short term, what his goals are long term... and even changing his mind. The fact is, he can't know for sure today how he will feel a month from now. So he can say he intends to work back up to more rallies, or not... and either way, he can do it or he can not do it... so what? People can't predict the future. He will feel how he will feel, and it will be what it will be.

[Me.]

122. Fair Enough

But let's hope he doesn't fail while onstage because those around him are urging him on

[LongtimeAZDem]

109. I would argue that saying you will "change the nature" of your campaign implies a permanent

a permanent change, not a temporary one.

[thesquanderer]

114. Context.

Last edited Sun Oct 13, 2019, 08:46 AM - Edit history (1)

If the question is: "In light of your heart attack, will there be changes in your campaign" then an appropriate answer may be effectively "yes" without any implication of whether such changes will be permanent OR temporary.

And honestly, how permanent or temporary the changes are is probably something nobody in that health position can possibly predict with accuracy anyway. That answer probably varies with how good and how optimistic someone is feeling at the moment, and will ultimately depend somewhat on how they feel in the future. Ask anyone recovering from a serious medical incident something about their stamina, you're likely to get a different answer on good day than a bad day. That's human nature, and recoveries can have better and worse days. Especially as they try to get the meds right.

And really, once you have to say "I would argue that" something "implies" something, you've already lost the argument as to whether or not the person actually SAID it.

[sheshe2]

106. Actually, I saw the headlines and the camera time.

He said exactly that.

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/08/us/politics/bernie-sanders-heart-attack.html

[Me.]

107. Aah...That REally Bothers Me

cause you know who else does that sort of thing don't you

[sheshe2]

111. Umhm.

I do.

[SidDithers]

17. I'm not afraid to say it. Bernie should drop out...

It's not that he's 78 years old. 78 is not too old to be President.

It's not that he just had a heart attack. Lots of people lead full lives after a heart attack.



It's that he's 78 years old and he just had a heart attack. The combination of the two makes him physically unfit to be President.


Sid

[smirkymonkey]

142. Not only that, but Bernie has a serious humor impairment.

I know people talk about Warren's likeability, but I never hear anyone talk about Bernie's likeability.

Maybe they do because I never visit this forum, I'm not sure. I have certain political issues with Bernie, and one of them is personal (having to do w/ an experience w/ him in Burlington, VT - it has to do w/ hypocrisy) but one of my big issues with him is that he has absolutely no sense of humor or apparent self-awareness as to how he comes across on a personal level.

He is not a "likeable" person. He's prickly, angry, humorless and slow on the uptake. If he was a woman, he would have been dead as a candidate a long time ago.

[question everything]

143. Well said

[TidalWave46]

20. Everyone understands his run at delegates is over.

Last edited Sat Oct 12, 2019, 11:07 PM - Edit history (1)

Cult of personality will keep the money coming in and for a career politician that is number one. As long as he has that he will claim it is support and move forward.

Knowing this he should delve into it he tough act of firing some of his top advisors. Their complete lack of ethics will be tolerated by others even less than they were before. Gabbard doesn’t even have a top staff willing to attack the party and people like Sanders has.

[bitterross]

21. I agree. He should drop out and endorse.

The most sensible thing to do is to drop out and endorse one of the other candidates.

If he made it to the nomination, the GOP would have a heyday with his heart attack and age. Not to mention, it seems to be the sensible thing to do from a personal and family standpoint.

Make an agreement with one of the other candidates for a cabinet position and endorse them. That seems like a good way to stay relevant and make a real difference.

[Thekaspervote]

64. Thing is... if he does drop out -JUST IMHO he will not endorse anymore than he did in '16

[greatauntoftriplets]

22. From your mouth to the gods' ears.

[Baclava]

24. I believe it's up to Bernie, time will tell if he's able to continue his campaign

Give it a month or two, he should know by then

[scheming daemons]

25. Of course it is ultimately up to him.... but....

...if it were anyone else, the chorus screaming for them to drop out would be deafening.

[scheming daemons]

41. I am undecided on who I support... but not undecided on who I do *NOT*

I do *NOT* support a candidate nearing 80 years old with a bad heart.


I also do *NOT* support a trojan horse candidate who is trying to get Trump re-elected (hint: the one you support).



But I'm good with most of the rest.

[Devil Child]

51. I wish you the best on your personal voyage of deciding who to support

My standards are pretty simple, vote blue no matter who.

I'd recommend not taking it personally who another voter supports in the primary. Things you can't control and all that. But if starting threads on who not to vote for helps you cope then by all means post away.

[question everything]

27. Should not have been there in the first place. This is a Democratic race

I still don't understand how voters who, one hopes, consider themselves Democrats (yes, with a capital D) who have always voted for a Democrat supported him in 2016 and now, even though he did, OK, indirectly, help Trump win.

[Wounded Bear]

29. I'm not sure where his supporters will go...so I guess it doesn't matter to me.

Dems desperately need turnout to win next year.

In principle, I agree. Both he and Uncle Joe are in the "too old" category. Liz is on the cusp, too.

I'll vote Dem, to be sure.

[Amimnoch]

30. Not afraid at all. Should have never run again to begin with. -nt

[dem4decades]

32. How about a blind poll where people were asked if they would vote for

A 78 year old man, who just had a heart attack, to be President of the US.

Seems like an easy answer.

Will Bernie be 79 at the time of the next election?

[Celerity]

118. he turns 80 around 7 and a half months into his 1st term, if he won (which he wont) Biden turns 79

10 months into his first term if he wins. So Bernie would be an octogenarian for over 90% (92) of a potential 8 years, Biden would be one for almost 80% (77) of a potential 8 years.

[dem4decades]

121. Yeah That's not good.

[pattyloutwo]

33. Ageism or realism? Bernie and Joe

I don’t understand why it’s realistic to expect or want an 80 year old to be president. It’s the hardest job. Both Sanders and Biden are showing their age, and those physical and mental aging factors will accelerate rapidly, as they do with the natural aging process. I’m stumped about the level of support they’re getting. I agree they’re both great people, and have been great politicians, but not great candidates.

[emmaverybo]

43. EW is also in the elderly, or more politely, senior citizen category. She is just as subject to

age-related disease and disorders as her fellow “super agers.” At least we know Bernie is a heart-attack survivor, and because his condition was diagnosed and treated successfully, may endure even longer. Women post-menopause have no more protection against a host of cardiovascular problems than do men.

I realize supporters view Warren as indomitable, invincible, and immune to both vetting and natural processes. Fact is, she is as vulnerable as any other candidate to attack, from the Trump machine, or her heart.

May our three elder candidates remain in good health and live to fight for us another day.

[BlueMississippi]

35. Bernie should stay in until South Carolina

That divides the extreme left between Warren and Sanders, allowing Biden to win.

He can drop out after IA and NH -- when Southern states come into play, BS won't have any useful purpose.

[Boomer]

63. If you consider Warren supporters to be "extreme left"

If you consider Warren supporters to be "extreme left" then you're part of the problem, not the solution.

[emmaverybo]

96. What DUer ever says that? Please don't admonish me as though I am spreading Republican propaganda.

I don’t subscribe to Warren’s entire policy proposal suite. However, I don’t consider Sanders or Warren to be flaming radicals. But if they did so identify or supporters did and I was for their proposals, I’d support them myself.

I find this labeling divisiveness off-putting. I find “If you say this or think that, then we will shame you as a traitor,” the message I am getting from your post, truly creepy.

Talk about fear-mongering!

[Boomer]

115. Are you addressing this to me?

I can't tell what I said that would warrant your reply. I'm not the one who labeled Sanders and Warren as extreme left. As if the U.S. even has an extreme left that doesn't require a microscope to see.

[emmaverybo]

124. Yeah. Not that you addressed anything to me. I used "me" simply to own my response to what

I saw as unnecessary admonishment to anyone who thinks Sanders and Warren are extremists. I asked, rhetorically, who here would ever think or say that?

I don’t and you don’t.

[Boomer]

134. I was addressing the poster who did

That's what's so confusing about your post. The DUer post above mine said just that:

"Bernie should stay in until South Carolina. That divides the extreme left between Warren and Sanders, allowing Biden to win."

Who here would ever think that? Apparently they do.

[emmaverybo]

135. OK, didn't see that. Personally have little use for the labels. I don't like the term "centrist,"

or “DINO” or “Republican lite.” So I can see how you’d feel.

All these terms are digs. What DUers have in common is that we are all liberals. Some more moderate and some more progressive.

Would be nice to drop the labels with negative connotations.

Sorry, I did not get the context for your post, but just reacted.

[Turin_C3PO]

94. Warren's not "extreme left".

That’s a right wing talking point. Hell, even Bernie isn’t extreme left. Extreme left would be an actual socialist or communist candidate.

[emmaverybo]

99. Agree! None of us are. Bernie and Liz are liberal progressives on domestic policy issues. Bernie,

despite using the term “revolution” to give his campaign character, is not advocating violent overthrow of the system. He’s old timey 60’s-Speak Revolution.

Always amazed me how RW managed to associate Prez Bill Clinton with sex, rock roll, and drugs and former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton with wild-eyed fringe radicalism. I thought both were petty square, actually—in a nice liberal way.

They will lie and smear and spin. We know who the hard-core extremists are.

[Turin_C3PO]

104. Yes, they're gonna smear us

with the “socialist “ tag no matter who wins. Although I doubt it would stick to Biden.

[emmaverybo]

113. I think they will try voter suppression with Biden--racist, sexist, Joe Arpaio's evil twin--and for

potential swing voters and independents, corruption and dementia themes. Worse I think would be
a surprise, like paying someone to “come forward” with something.


The hope is that enough will have come out about Trump and gang by that time.

[Jarqui]

40. Bernie should go when Bernie and his family think it is time to go

I'm sure his health has not helped his chances.
But he has been a great voice for progressive causes making some of therm more mainstream today.
I think the process is enriched by some of the things he has to say.
If it doesn't put him at significant risk, I'd like to continue to hear his thoughts.

[Evolve Dammit]

42. Completely disagree. This is Bernie's call (and his families). My Dad lived another 25 years after

stents were put in place. No slow down at all. Better diet and meds but no stamina issues. Bernie has passion and he's usually right on. We need his voice if he chooses to continue, and I hope he is able and does so.

[irisblue]

47. Your dad was 78 when he got stents? 25+78 equals 103, that is admirable age

Your comparison seems weak

[Evolve Dammit]

89. He lived to be 95 and chose to depart at that point. His heart was fine. How about you?

[James48]

50. As somebody who has had a heart attack;

And two stents, and triple bypass surgery, and then an aerobic aneurism repaired, I can say- Medical technology has made a lot of strides; give the guy a break, and let him rest for a while.

I had a plethora of heart problems six years ago and I’m doing fine heart wise today.

Let Bernie rest, recover, and then let Bernie decide what Bernie is going to do.

[ArcticFox]

54. Nobody would tell any other candidate to drop out either

It's a matter of respect. Let Sanders deal with his health issues.

There's a lot of time still to determine whether he can stick it out. Much time to decide before primaries. And his input is quite valuable. I want his voice in the debates.

[Thekaspervote]

66. Oh the voice of sanity!! It is all about respect

[Anders8]

56. He should drop out and in doing so make sure Warren wins the nomination

The only Bernie supporters that wont vote for Warren voted for Trump in the last election and they'll vote for Trump in 2020, even if Sanders was the nominee. A Sanders supporter that says they wont vote for Warren is lying about their support and their party affiliation. They are lying fucking Republican stooges.

[Thekaspervote]

67. 2nd choice voter polls do not support your opinion

Posted above but worth repeating

“Sanders and Warren voters have astonishingly little in common.”

More at the link

https://www.politico.com/story/2019/07/12/sanders-warren-voters-2020-1408548

[Pachamama]

58. I am not afraid to say it: Bernie- Drop out. Focus on your health and family

Support the Democratic Party. Do your job as Senator of Vermont and serving your constituents.

Say it. It feels good and is easier than you think.

[getagrip_already]

65. There are a LOT of reasons he should drop out......

I'd list them, but it would get the post deleted. But there are a LOT of them.

Health issues are just one more brick on the pile. It's time to call it.

[yaesu]

68. I'm sure he is talking to his family, friends, doctors about this, thinking it through

he may be waiting for the next debate to make his decision whether to fight on or not. Many have Heart Attacks & don't even realize it, he got treated, he should be fine, I wish him the best no matter what his decision is.

[Martin Eden]

69. I think 80 is too old for the presidency

It's an incredibly demanding job (except for sociopaths who spend an inordinate amount of time golfing).

Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden would both turn 80 before the end of their first term.

Elizabeth Warren would finish her 2nd term before turning 80.

I remain undecided at this point. In the primary I will vote for any candidate if I believe he or she is the only one who will beat Trump, age notwithstanding.

As events unfold, Trump's chances of beating ANY Dem nominee may shrink.

[questionseverything]

95. women generally age better too

[we can do it]

108. Warren looks and acts 20 years younger than BS.

Close to that much younger than Biden.

[Auggie]

70. I'm not afraid to say it: "Bernie should drop out."

I agree

[loyalsister]

71. When I think about things I want for workers

I would rather see him present an image of what we would hope to see workers have access to.

It's not my place to say what he should do but we have an aging population and many would have liked to slow down or retire long ago. I would rather not have a candidate who is continuing the game with a serious injury because I think we should not demand or expect it from anyone.

[LongtimeAZDem]

72. I've been saying it for months; he should never have been allowed to run in the first place

[AlexSFCA]

75. I wish he did, but not for health reasons

although this gives him a very clean way out to elegantly transfer his support to Warren. It needs to be two way race Biden/Warren with auxiliary candidates (Pete, Amy, etc.) being the margin of error across different states.

[left-of-center2012]

76. "Everybody is afraid to say it ..."

Some people have wanted Bernie to 'drop out' since the dawn of time.
Have you missed the Bernie hating posts over these months?

[amywalk]

77. Gosh, I did not know Elizabeth Warren was 70 yrs old. She looks amazing.

[Skya Rhen]

86. I would think that a person would bother to find out basic details about their preferred candidate.

[kcr]

129. Ok, Skya. You're a real Biden Booster around here. Quick

What is Biden's birthday? Where was he born? What's his favorite color? No Googlin' now!

[MineralMan]

78. He doesn't need to. The primary voters will save him from

having to run. You'll see it in the polls first.

[Thekaspervote]

81. This!

[Agschmid]

79. Disagree with this.

And also not convinced the others would drop out.

[cwydro]

83. Rec.

The fact that he doesn’t drop out speaks volumes about him.

[sheshe2]

117. It sure does. n/t

[Gothmog]

84. sanders poll numbers were falling before the heart attack

I doubt that these numbers will rebound. sanders will not be the nominee of the party. There are far too many real democrats who have good memories

[Garrett78]

85. Because Sanders has such a substantial following, his followers and media falsely assume...

...that he's actually a contender. He isn't, and that was true before the 78-year-old had a heart attack. In reality, Sanders has a low ceiling, and all his presence in the race does is muddy the water and shrink the electorate. He should drop out and free his supporters to do as they please.

[NurseJackie]

120. I'm sure Jane would be relieved as well.

[helpisontheway]

87. He will never get my vote in the primary..heart attack or no heart attack..Wish him a speedy

recovery though..

[GeorgeGist]

88. Just plain false logic.

Not buying.

[kacekwl]

90. Why not let

Bernie decide that ?

[aikoaiko]

97. Have you had no computer or tv? Lots of people have said it.

I want him to stay in until he doesn't want to. And then I'll support that decision.

I doubt I'll vote for him this time, but I gave him another $27 after his heart attack because his voice in this process is needed.

Kid gloves? Democrats have been calling for Bernie to not run or drop out even before he declared.

And no one is fooling anybody that the "Bernie should drop out crowd" cares about his health.

[Kurt V.]

102. we need warriors.

[SKKY]

103. I'm not. I've said it since the last primary...

...and Bernie has basically confirmed my thoughts with just about every step.

[NurseJackie]

119. I'm not afraid to say it. Bernie should drop out and return to Vermont...

I'm not afraid to say it. Bernie should drop out and return to Vermont... he should finish his term, and then he and his wife, Jane, can retire to one of their many houses.

[herding cats]

123. He probably should.

If it were Biden, I'd be saying the same thing.

I don't want to see him kill himself trying to prove he's fine when he has a health issue. Living to do good exceeds placating his followers by doing what they expect of him.

[JonLP24]

125. This is why I don't come to primaries (unless by accident)

When it comes to Biden I focus on policy and bad decisions he made in his political career. I don't GAF how old Biden is. Those that hate Bernie predictably use this as to why he should drop out not like they were going to vote for him in the first place. Then there are posts trash talking Bernie's supporters. I would hate to see what some would post if he actually died.

[treestar]

126. People recover from heart attacks now

And live years thereafter. He’s out of the hospital already not is not the end of his life

[RockRaven]

127. I'm not going to vote for a candidate who -- based on what is publicly known about them -- has

a life expectancy of less than a decade. I want some confidence of the possibility of two full terms; and while there are no guarantees in life and crap happens to everyone, I think my best bet for that lies elsewhere.

Also there is the issue of who is most likely to beat Trump, which is my absolute priority.


But dropping out of the race now or not, that is a separate matter, IMO. As to which way lies the "greater good" I am not sure. There are compelling arguments for both paths.

[philly_bob]

128. Don't tell us what "everybody" thinks. /nt

[MyMission]

130. Regardless of age, he's in the top 3. Maybe all the others should drop out

And I say that as an extreme statement to make a point, or several points.

Everyone here will vote for whoever gets the Democratic nomination. I think that's the only thing we can say everyone agrees with.

The rest of the candidates are remarkable, but I don't see them over taking the 3 front runners

Several of the pack have said they won't run for Senate or governor of their states, although many feel they should because it would better serve the party and the country. Beto, for example, could win the Senate in Texas.

It's a race and they all deserve to compete. I think Bernie deserves a lot of credit for his vision and determination. I personally feel that he and Biden are too old, and Warren is up there too. But they are the top 3, so many people haven't ruled them out because of their age.

And I haven't ruled them out either, even though I'd prefer a younger candidate. I'll vote for the Democratic candidate, no matter who it is.

And Queen Elizabeth is 93. While not an elected position, she's an elder statesman and has had her share of health challenges, and is still going strong!

[Garrett78]

131. See post #85 regarding his top 3 status.

It's one thing to develop a substantial following. It's another thing to have the potential for increasing that following. There's reason to believe Sanders has reached his ceiling of support, whereas there are candidates who currently have lower polling numbers who have the potential for a higher ceiling. A large field, though, deters many people from attempting to distinguish between the plethora of candidates, so name recognition rules. And Bernie, with a substantial but limited ceiling, shrinks the electorate by locking up a portion of the electorate even though he has no shot at the nomination (unless one thinks he's going to magically do much, much better than he did in 2016 among POC--if he doesn't, he's done before we get to Super Tuesday).

A field of 6-8 candidates and no Sanders would drastically alter the dynamics of this race.

Regarding Beto: While Dem turnout is always higher in presidential elections than midterm elections, it's highly unlikely that O'Rourke would defeat Cornyn, given that he didn't defeat Cruz.

[betsuni]

132. Selected quotes from Bernie's email "If I run":

"Whenever I am asked about running for president in 2020, I answer that if I am the best candidate to beat Donald Trump, then I will probably run. That is the truth. If that happens, the political, financial and media elite of this country will stop at nothing to defeat us. You know that. We have lived through it together once before. ... Our ideas terrify them. Last time we ran we made the financial elite pay a price for their attacks on our progressive agenda. It is just as important we do it again today. Make a $50 dollar donation to our campaign to help us fight back... . In 2016 we faced the kitchen sink. If we run again, you should expect no less."

[Joe941]

133. He absolutely should not drop out. Complete horse manure.

[myohmy2]

136. worried Bernie might win?

Penn Medicine, 1-24-2019

" Think You're Too Young for a Heart Attack? Think Again. "

" If you're in your 20s, 30s or 40s, you might believe you have plenty of time before you need to start thinking about your heart health and your chances of having a heart attack.

But new research shows that heart attacks – often associated with older men – are increasingly occurring in younger people, especially women. Researchers studied more than 28,000 people hospitalized for heart attacks from 1995 to 2014, and they found that the rate of heart attacks in patients ages 35 to 54 has increased from 27 percent to 32 percent. "

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/heart-and-vascular-blog/2019/january/not-too-young-for-heart-attack
…………………………..


...heart disease is not always age dependent...read the article

...we should tell the truth but let Bernie and the voters decide who's fit to be President...

" Everybody is afraid to say it... but Bernie should drop out."

...Everybody is a afraid to say it...but there are those who want to control this race before a single vote has been cast...

...

[Hortensis]

141. No, some really just don't like or trust him, to the point

that it's hard to understand why he's still in the race.

Did you know that Sanders didn't vote as an adult until he finally ran and voted for himself? His own statement in an interview. Not only did he not consider anyone or anything for all those years worth voting for, he didn't even find one Republican candidate or policy he would bother to vote against.

Strange man. Doesn't exactly suggest respect for any views but those of one person, himself, or commitment to democracy, and actually belies commitment to the progressive ideals he claims.

[Generic Brad]

138. I wish him good health

And I also wish him well in whatever he feels he needs to do. It is not for me to judge.

[LanternWaste]

140. It's only a health concern if it's pneumonia suffered by a female candidate

When that happens, it's 120 mph down the I'm-So-Very-Concerned freeway.

Heart attacks are just, "m'eh... no big deal. Shrug it off and we're better than ever! Viva evolution!!!!"









(memories can be damned short around here sometimes... or maybe just inconvenient)

[xmas74]

144. I worry about him

He just had a cardiac event. He should be home, recuperating.

I'm worried it'll happen again and maybe he won't recover. To be honest, I'd worry about anyone going through this. We all know he wants the presidency but at what cost? His health? His life?

If this had been Biden, Warren, heck Buttigieg whose still young? I'd want them to drop and focus on their health. Sanders is too important in the Senate already.

[NCLefty]

145. Forget today: what are they going to look like in 4 years? Are they going to run for re-elect?

, do another entire election filled with travel and stress, battling the GOP's bullcrap, and then serve for 4 more years in a stressful job?

There are limits to our biology.