Can someone help me understand

[ResistantAmerican17]

why Bernie Sanders isn’t already considered a third party candidate? Is it because he is running in democratic primaries? He is not a Democrat or a republican. Is the fact that he’s running in a Democratic primary the sole determinant? And before I get bombarded with the daggers of vitriol, let me be clear. 1. I mean this as an honest question. 2. I will vote blue, period. Full stop.

[redqueen]

1. Because it would be harmful to the country for him to be one

[DanTex]

2. Because he's running as a Democrat. Like you said.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

3. If he ran as a third-party candidate he'd siphon away votes for the Democratic party

is why. So he's got the party over a barrel - they had to let him run or else he'd be a spoiler like Nader.

[RandiFan1290]

4. Welcome Back to DU

[ResistantAmerican17]

10. Thanks!!!

I never left DU—-It’s always my one stop sanity shop. I’ve just been chilling on the sidelines watching the “spirited debate.” And to repeat, to make sure the traitor tot is gone in November, I’ll vote for anybody the democrats put up.

[Ron Green]

5. I believe more and more people are less interested in Party than in policy.

Non-affiliated voters are a huge and I think growing number, and it’s easy to disparage or even demonize the effects and results of partisan activity in legislative bodies with very low approval rates.

[Garrett78]

14. And the vast majority are wedded to a particular party. Sanders is no different.

[NCProgressive]

6. It was a mistake to let Bernie run in Democratic primaries

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

7. If he was kept off the ballot as a Dem he'd have run as a 3rd party candidate.

[thesquanderer]

8. He has never indicated ANY desire to run 3rd party for President. He would not want to help...

...elect a Republican, and DEFINITELY not Trump.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

9. That's because nobody ever tried to stop him from running as a Democrat.

If that had happen I'd bet kroner to Krugerrands he'd have gone 3rd party. Just look at his campaign staff - Stein voters.

[booley]

15. He had that chance in 2016

Plenty of people wanted him to run the third party. Was even offered by Stein to become the Green nominee.

Instead, he did 39 events on Clinton's behalf, 14 of them in 5 days' time.

So I don't think your assessment is based on reality.

Just look at his campaign staff - Stein voters.

I have never understood this complaint.

IF you honestly think Stein voters caused Clinton to lose why not try to appeal to those voters so it doesn't happen again?

[NCProgressive]

12. He wouldn't have had the resources and infrastructure.

We gave him the rope

[musette_sf]

16. + 1

in 2016 and now

[thesquanderer]

11. He met the DNC's qualifications to run as a Democrat.

He is also recognized as a Democrat by the Vermont Democratic party.

[Laelth]

13. If he were, the Democratic Party would be split ALREADY.

We don't want to see the party split. The liberal energy in the party has to go somewhere. Right now, a lot of it is going to Bernie.

That's better than splitting the party.

-Laelth