A divided convention can give Bernie an excuse to moderate his policies

[Alhena]

I really don't see any candidate opposing Bernie catching fire enough to deny him a big lead in pledged delegates once the voting is done. Even if that's the case, Bernie may go into the convention with an overwhelming lead over the next candidate, but still less than the number of delegates he needs to win on the first ballot.

If that very possible scenario happens, then the hundreds of superdelegates will get to vote on the second ballot. I don't see them denying Bernie the nomination IF he agrees to play ball a bit on some of his least election-friendly proposals, such as getting rid of fracking in Pennsylvania. We might as well write Pennsylvania off if he sticks with that policy.

I'm assuming that Bernie wants to actually be President, not just throw bombs. With that assumption, I think he's smart enough to realize that he needs to moderate his policies for the general election, and the threat of a contested convention can give him the cover he needs to go to his supporters and say "I had to move to the center, or else the superdelegates were going to deny me the nomination."

[sweetloukillbot]

1. I just can't see it - that's totally against his brand nt

[Alhena]

3. But he's never had the top prize in his grasp before. He pretty much does now.

But unless he can win on the first ballot, he needs the support of the Democratic establishment to close the deal.

[Perseus]

2. I think a convention will benefit Biden most because the decision will be made by the status quo

I find these delegates are more in tune with Biden than any of the other candidates. I hope we don't go there, the people must decide.

[Alhena]

4. If Bernie had a small lead, maybe. But I see no candidate who will be close to Bernie in delegates.

I wish it weren't true, but by all appearances it is. None of the moderates will drop out before Super Tuesday.

[Apollo Zeus]

5. You're saying the voters of PA love fracking?

and want their ground water destroyed for generations?

Polls say differently:
https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/pa-poll-shows-support-for-a-fracking-ban-but-also-some-support-for-natural-gas-drilling-in-state/Content?oid=16660198

[Alhena]

7. That's interesting. I expect the key blue collar workers will oppose it though. I also don't think a

nationwide ban on something that has turned this nation from OPEC's bitch into the world's largest energy exporter is good policy. The economic hit is just too big, and you know China is doing nothing to curb itself.

I support global warming measures that are less devastating to our economy than that multi-trillion dollar hit that a nationwide ban on fracking would be. But then, I'm a dreaded "moderate."

[Apollo Zeus]

10. The economic impact of having fouled groundwater needs to be factored

in to any accounting of the cost / benefits of fracking. Real estate values are completely destroyed in a town near me -- Hoosick Falls, NY. Those without the finances to move are the hardest hit but banks and financial markets are at risk whenever real estate values plummet. Empty houses that the town and banks will not foreclose on because they are below worthless -- from asset to liability. Here is a worthless toxic house that the town needs to extract $5,000 a year in taxes on but can't. Been on the market for 2 years asking only $19,900 (!)
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/19-Carey-Ave-Hoosick-Falls-NY-12090/55729827_zpid/

China has 21% of the world's population but produces only 14% of CO2. Their government has subsidized the production of billions of solar panels which are now producing the cheapest energy available.

We can will have an energy abundant future without coal, gas or oil. The transition is under way and includes this Quebec to NYC million-watt power line the makes hydro power available to NYC:
https://www.yourfamilyenergy.com/new-york-psc-approves-1000-mw-quebec-ny-city-power-line

[jcmaine72]

6. Yeah, because his intention to promote social & economic justice is so extreme.

[ehrnst]

13. He's not the only Democratic candidate that is promoting social and economic justice.

[Squinch]

8. Not going to happen. And we're going to pay for it.

[dbolski]

9. His policies are popular.

And people know he won't pivot in the general which is why he has so much support. It's called not lying.

[ehrnst]

11. "It's called not lying"

https://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2020/jan/09/bernie-sanders/did-biden-laud-paul-ryan-proposal-cut-social-secur/

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — As a congressman in the 1990s, Bernie Sanders expressed an openness to making “adjustments” to the tax and benefit structure of Social Security. He also praised an overhaul of the social safety net program signed into law by President Ronald Reagan that reduced benefits and increased taxes on working families.

Sanders’ presidential campaign and allies have highlighted similar remarks by Joe Biden to attack the former vice president and make the explosive charge that Biden was an outspoken proponent of slashing the program.

https://apnews.com/31c432f20acba807a569c7004abaf473

Sanders camp admits anti-Warren script was deployed in multiple early states

Sanders initially attributed the talking points to rogue staffers, and supporters launched an online campaign to convince people the document was fake.

[ehrnst]

12. "he won't pivot..."

Speaking during CNN's town hall in Las Vegas, Sanders was asked to clarify whether his presidential campaign would be releasing full medical records, which he previously stated he would do. Sanders will take part in the Democractic candidate debate Wedneday night.

At the time, he said, "The people do have a right to know about the health of a senator, somebody who's running for president of the United States -- full disclosure."

However, Tuesday he said: “We have released quite as much documentation as any other candidate has" and reiterated that letters from cardiologists and doctors have said he is in good health.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2020/02/18/bernie-sanders-wont-release-full-medical-records/4801735002/

Sanders camp admits anti-Warren script was deployed in multiple early states

Sanders initially attributed the talking points to rogue staffers, and supporters launched an online campaign to convince people the document was fake.

[Demsrule86]

14. I disagree and wonder why you have Biden pic on your post...Sanders is not leading in the delegates

at the moment...and his support is soft...and if we get to to the convention and he is at 27% or 30%, there will have to be a brokered convention which he agree to basically and a different candidate will have to be chosen. I do not believe Sanders will win the nomination...heading into diverse state, let's see what he does...and I think there will be a winnowing process too which will help a moderate (they are way ahead of Sanders combined) to gain the needed delegates...A strong plurality is needed which it appears Sanders won't gain. If anything this primary shows the left is a minority even in the Democratic Party.