General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Why can't we elect Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren to the whitehouse in '16? [View all]KharmaTrain
(31,706 posts)...the main thing for a candidate to have is name recognition. While Senators Warren and Sanders may be known around here, they sure aren't for those who will be voting in the Iowa primaries or even in nearby New Hampshire...especially when compared to Hillary Clinton or Joe Biden. To get that recognition they need to raise awareness and lots of money to buy overpriced TV time, setting up an effective campaign organization and spending virtually every waking moment in the early primary states for the 6 months prior to the first ballot being cast.
The people who have the final say in primaries are Democratic voters; more specifically Democratic voters in early primary states. Those states tend to be more conservative and thus also work against any liberal/progressive candidates to "break through". Then if those candidates do make it through the primaries they'll have a real tough time in the general.
Sanders, being an Independent, has never shown any inclination for either higher office or joining the Democratic party...so I see his chances as slim to nil. Senator Warren is still learning the ropes; this being her first elective office. She has no record on foreign policy and would be a weak candidate in '16. She may be a good VP pick but I can't see her as ready for prime time til at least '20...and, personally, I'd rather see her stay and grow in the Senate...