General Discussion

Ken Burch

(50,254 posts) Tue Apr 28, 2015, 11:30 PM Apr 2015

If Bernie seeks the Democratic nomination, it doesn't MATTER what his voter registration is. [View all]

If you oppose Bernie being nominated by our party, fine. You have the right to do that.

But it isn't acceptable or justiable to question the legitimacy of a Sanders campaign for that nomination.

No harm can come to anyone or anything we believe in as Democrats from Bernie's presence in the primaries.

And no good comes of using McCarthyite tactics against him.

Bernie Sanders is not an enemy of the Democratic party. He never has been. All any Democrat has the right to expect of him is that he not go third-party in the fall(which we all know he won't, since the man isn't a blithering idiot).

A Bernie Sanders campaign in the Democratic primaries and caucuses can have only good results for the progressive cause-the cause the Democratic Party is supposed to exist to fight for.

Besides which, if neither Bernie nor Elizabeth Warren were to stand in the primaries, nothing could happen in those months that could energize or excite anyone who wants a progressive future in this country. There could be no real debate(and a nomination campaign without debate couldn't be worth having) and there could be no idealism or passion.

173 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

If Bernie seeks the Democratic nomination, it doesn't MATTER what his voter registration is. [View all] Ken Burch Apr 2015 OP

He always said he would run as a Democrat if he ran marym625 Apr 2015 #1

Bernie - All the good, none of the bad! smokey nj Apr 2015 #4

exactly! marym625 Apr 2015 #5

And as soon as they put "socialist" next to his name, none of the votes, either NoJusticeNoPeace Apr 2015 #78

Socialist isn't the scary word that it used to be, especially to young people. smokey nj Apr 2015 #79

We are going in that direction, not there yet by a long shot but you are right NoJusticeNoPeace Apr 2015 #80

Well, we'll see. I'm behind Bernie 100%, have been for a long time now, and I'm not willing smokey nj Apr 2015 #84

The OTHERS will use McCarthyite tactics against him elleng Apr 2015 #2

Except they will have more of a problem using it against Bernie, since Bernie doesn't play political still_one Apr 2015 #12

Yes and if his responses mattered to those the OTHERS appeal to elleng Apr 2015 #19

well then accepted a non-citizen, who happens to be a Muslim as their president still_one Apr 2015 #21

er...you did mean to use the "sarcasm" smilie there, didn't you? n/t. Ken Burch Apr 2015 #23

Those wouldn't be voting for Bernie anyway... And probably won't be 1monster Apr 2015 #65

Surely won't vote for Bernie. elleng Apr 2015 #74

We need to be saved from ourselves if we don't want a Republican to replace our president. NYC_SKP Apr 2015 #3

Will he be a registered Democrat? blue neen Apr 2015 #6

If one seeks the Democratic nomination, they're running as a Democrat. cyberswede Apr 2015 #8

If he is currently registered as an Independent, blue neen Apr 2015 #11

Except VT has no party registration. nt cyberswede Apr 2015 #13

As you can see by the post below, blue neen Apr 2015 #18

For VOTERS...but federal CANDIDATES have to identify their party affiliation with the FEC. MADem Apr 2015 #160

And presumably that's what he'll do, when he runs for the Democratic nomination. cyberswede Apr 2015 #171

And he'll also most likely identify as a Democrat to the Vermont Secretary of State MADem Apr 2015 #172

and that is exactly what he is going to do, register as a Democrat. It isn't difficult at all. You still_one Apr 2015 #14

Thanks. blue neen Apr 2015 #17

Vermont does not register people as belonging to one party or another. JDPriestly Apr 2015 #38

You are correct. Registration in Vermont does not ask you which party you belong to. Thanks still_one Apr 2015 #64

When I look at the list of senators from Vermont, the history of JDPriestly Apr 2015 #82

I agree still_one Apr 2015 #88

When people run for federal office (rep/senate/POTUS) they have to identify their party affiliation MADem Apr 2015 #161

Thanks, I have no doubt he will do that then still_one Apr 2015 #165

If Bernie seeks the Democratic nomination, it is because he is registering as a Democrat. Therefore still_one Apr 2015 #7

The dude from Florida, whose name escapes me at smokey nj Apr 2015 #9

It happens still_one Apr 2015 #15

Charlie Crist? nt tblue37 Apr 2015 #151

That's the one! Thanks! smokey nj Apr 2015 #153

He's not registering as anything. Party registration is a state precept. His state doesn't have Ed Suspicious Apr 2015 #26

He IS registering as something, on his Federal Election Commission candidacy form. MADem Apr 2015 #162

I stand corrected. Ed Suspicious Apr 2015 #167

Oh yes it does MATTER. Lil Missy Apr 2015 #10

Not only that, it will focus Hillary on exactly where she stands on the issues still_one Apr 2015 #16

Right!!!! Lil Missy Apr 2015 #20

You said it. Ikonoklast Apr 2015 #150

It matters to the party MaggieD Apr 2015 #22

It has no possible negative consequences for the party or you. Ken Burch Apr 2015 #24

He's not going to get party money or party machine support.... MaggieD Apr 2015 #25

If he's running in the Democratic primaries, he effectively IS a Democrat. Ken Burch Apr 2015 #27

Nope - that's not how it works MaggieD Apr 2015 #28

Not the same-it's different being a registered member of the other major party. Ken Burch Apr 2015 #39

Oh brother MaggieD Apr 2015 #43

If he runs in our primaries, he puts the registration issue to rest. Ken Burch Apr 2015 #49

You have zero understanding of Democratic Party rules, clearly MaggieD Apr 2015 #50

He's running in our primaries. That ends the issue you're pointlessly dwelling on Ken Burch Apr 2015 #52

No, it's not MaggieD Apr 2015 #53

Ted Cruz can enter the Democratic primary. jeff47 Apr 2015 #75

No they aren't MaggieD Apr 2015 #85

Yes, they really are. jeff47 Apr 2015 #87

That's right - he has to declare as a Democrat MaggieD Apr 2015 #90

I believe the issue of his party affiliation varies from state to state Jack Rabbit Apr 2015 #29

Most likely he would. Ken Burch Apr 2015 #30

Vermont voters do not register with a party. JDPriestly Apr 2015 #35

Thank you Jack Rabbit Apr 2015 #37

It's not just Vermont. Ms. Toad Apr 2015 #91

Voters don't, but candidates who want help from the national committees do. nt MADem Apr 2015 #106

Plus, VT does not fucking have party registration!!!! longship Apr 2015 #31

That is far beyond a simple fact. I doubt many people know each states election laws lol. Rex Apr 2015 #45

I am a resident of Michigan, not Vermont. longship Apr 2015 #58

Never thought about it before, but you are so right...they do spew theocratic bullshit. Rex Apr 2015 #66

It has nothing to do with state registration MaggieD Apr 2015 #47

Oh dear. nt longship Apr 2015 #56

He's done all he needs to do. Ken Burch Apr 2015 #59

NOT QUITE.....He hasn't filed his FEC paperwork yet. MADem Apr 2015 #107

You're still acting as if Bernie's presence in our primaries is suspect. Ken Burch Apr 2015 #133

Excuse me? You don't read people very well. You're dead wrong. MADem Apr 2015 #137

Nader is not "my friend" and I don't have to prove my party loyalty to you. Ken Burch Apr 2015 #142

Ralph's not my friend either. Look--you were unaware of FEC requirements. Because you were MADem Apr 2015 #148

Since there apparently no party registrations in Vermont, then 1monster Apr 2015 #67

DNC rules require him to declare as a Democrat MaggieD Apr 2015 #68

Which is accomplished by saying "I want to run in the Democratic primary" jeff47 Apr 2015 #76

It's accomplished by filing a form 2 with the FEC and putting "Democratic Party" MADem Apr 2015 #149

Keep banging that drum... 1monster Apr 2015 #77

"Wants to be known as a Democrat" MaggieD Apr 2015 #86

Your interpretation is the correct one. nt MADem Apr 2015 #109

No, exact opposite--unless "Democratic candidate" means something different to you. MADem Apr 2015 #108

You need to study up on what a CANDIDATE needs to do in VT... not a voter. MADem Apr 2015 #159

Could you explain to me what makes Senator Leahy a Democrat? Is it that KingCharlemagne Apr 2015 #123

His FEC paperwork says "Democratic Party" on it. MADem Apr 2015 #138

I may have phrased my original question poorly in a rush for time, and I appreciate KingCharlemagne Apr 2015 #168

I'm not from VT, so I can't speak to state or local elections. MADem Apr 2015 #169

As I suspected, I rushed in where angels fear to tread and am eternally in your debt for that KingCharlemagne Apr 2015 #170

Happy to help. Here's a bit more information on the process in VT.... MADem Apr 2015 #173

First, several states do not have party choice on voter registration. longship Apr 2015 #146

He's not RUNNING for "fucking" office in Vermont!!!!!!!!! MADem Apr 2015 #140

Bernie is more of a Democrat than most Democrats. No one on this side should rail against him Suji to Seoul Apr 2015 #32

Those who mock the idea of Bernie seeking the nomination Ken Burch Apr 2015 #40

Who's "mocking?" The "aggrieved victim" stance doesn't play well. MADem Apr 2015 #110

Vermont voters do not register with a party. JDPriestly Apr 2015 #33

But candidates running for federal office register with the FEC and state a party affiliation. MADem Apr 2015 #139

Everyone on this board should hope he does. byronius Apr 2015 #34

Obama was a Reagan Republican. blkmusclmachine Apr 2015 #36

You wean Warren, don't you?...nt SidDithers Apr 2015 #70

All the way with Bernie, WE have to make it happen G_j Apr 2015 #41

Maybe not in VT, but how about Iowa, NY and Texas? ucrdem Apr 2015 #42

The party machine won't support him anywhere except Vermont MaggieD Apr 2015 #44

Agree .. Vermont's primary is in March, and Iowa's caucus is in January. ucrdem Apr 2015 #46

Good point MaggieD Apr 2015 #48

Yep. He'll need the say-so of the state chairs at least. ucrdem Apr 2015 #51

Not to mention the DNC bylaws MaggieD Apr 2015 #54

Aricle 8, Section 1: ucrdem Apr 2015 #55

Those are the rules MaggieD Apr 2015 #69

An announcement of candidacy in the Democratic primaries equates to such a declaration. Ken Burch Apr 2015 #57

Where do you get that from? MaggieD Apr 2015 #73

You are wrong. He only has to declare he is running a Democrat. morningfog Apr 2015 #99

That's exactly what I said MaggieD Apr 2015 #101

You are wrong in that you said a declaration by him announcing his candidacy morningfog Apr 2015 #103

Link? MaggieD Apr 2015 #111

Here: morningfog Apr 2015 #115

That's because the statement I was replying to is false MaggieD Apr 2015 #121

LOL. Round and round you go. This will all be moot tomorrow. morningfog Apr 2015 #124

Yes, hopefully MaggieD Apr 2015 #128

So you admit you had no reason to jack the thread and that there was no issue here. Ken Burch Apr 2015 #156

You mean correct your OP? MaggieD Apr 2015 #157

Those flogging this long dead horse AgingAmerican Apr 2015 #163

And that is what seeking the Democratic presidential nomination means. Ken Burch Apr 2015 #136

And if he runs as a Dem, his Independent voters in closed primary states can't vote for him. displacedtexan Apr 2015 #166

I guess we'll have to wait for time to prove you wrong, then, Ms. Toad Apr 2015 #93

I think he will play be the rules and declare as a democrat MaggieD Apr 2015 #94

Then why are you raising such a ruckus here? n/t Ms. Toad Apr 2015 #96

I don't think stating the DNC rules is raising a ruckus MaggieD Apr 2015 #100

Stating the rules isn't. Ms. Toad Apr 2015 #147

Uh no MaggieD Apr 2015 #154

They dislike/fear Sen. Sanders. morningfog Apr 2015 #104

Link? MaggieD Apr 2015 #112

No I can't. How do you feel about Sen. Sanders and his run for president? morningfog Apr 2015 #116

As long as he declares as a Democrat I will embrace him MaggieD Apr 2015 #119

We will know as soon as he files his candidacy declaration with the FEC. In less than 2 weeks, max. MADem Apr 2015 #141

Bernie won`t need a focus group to democrank Apr 2015 #60

Very true, and he won't suddenly evolve on issues to catch up with the polls. polichick Apr 2015 #62

The only thing my voter registration card says is that I voted in the Democratic primary. hobbit709 Apr 2015 #61

Note that Sanders is a member of the Senate Democratic Caucus... PoliticAverse Apr 2015 #63

Sure, until some reporter asks him "Are you a Democrat?"... SidDithers Apr 2015 #71

Bingo MaggieD Apr 2015 #72

" I have been a member of the Democratic Caucus for 25 years" cali Apr 2015 #83

IMO, that answer is a dodge...nt SidDithers Apr 2015 #89

He doesn't have to dodge. His party affiliation will be found, in his own hand, on his FEC form 2, MADem Apr 2015 #145

I think he will answer yes. morningfog Apr 2015 #102

I hope that's how he answers...nt SidDithers Apr 2015 #105

To answer your question ... Exilednight Apr 2015 #158

Anyone can run on any platform with any party treestar Apr 2015 #81

That's not what the DNC rules say MaggieD Apr 2015 #97

This has incited the party "purists". Tierra_y_Libertad Apr 2015 #92

The DNC rules make sense MaggieD Apr 2015 #95

Bernie isn't anything like Ted Cruz. Tierra_y_Libertad Apr 2015 #114

Seriously? MaggieD Apr 2015 #117

I think that anyone who wants to run on the Democratic ticket should be allowed to run. Tierra_y_Libertad Apr 2015 #120

Well get on the DNC and see if you can convince MaggieD Apr 2015 #122

I gave up on the DNC long ago. But, the DNC has no rule about party affiliation. Tierra_y_Libertad Apr 2015 #129

You should read the whole article MaggieD Apr 2015 #130

Well, I'd say running as a Democrat fulfills that rule for Bernie. Tierra_y_Libertad Apr 2015 #131

We already know Bernie isn't breaking any rules. Ken Burch Apr 2015 #143

People think grouping people into parties and having rules put on those parties and on liberal_at_heart Apr 2015 #98

Yeah, it's a wild and crazy idea that Democrats want Democrats in their primaries MaggieD Apr 2015 #113

What's in a name? morningfog Apr 2015 #118

I'm not questioning his progressive credentials MaggieD Apr 2015 #125

And he will, this was never in question. morningfog Apr 2015 #126

Actually there was a post here from a CNN story MaggieD Apr 2015 #127

Bullshit. There is no such quote. morningfog Apr 2015 #132

LOL - you quoted the quote you say doesn't exist MaggieD Apr 2015 #155

Just admit he's put that to rest. Ken Burch Apr 2015 #135

Nobody's asking them to break their rules. Ken Burch Apr 2015 #134

And Bernie will run as a Dem. Issue put to rest. Ken Burch Apr 2015 #144

OH yes it is.... VanillaRhapsody Apr 2015 #152

You need to rinse those dead horse splatters off your whip AgingAmerican Apr 2015 #164