General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: If Bernie seeks the Democratic nomination, it doesn't MATTER what his voter registration is. [View all]MADem
(135,425 posts)He's a candidate with something to say. This isn't about "our party" standing for anything. There remains a question as to Sanders' party affiliation, and he will clear that up well within the next two weeks (because that's the timeline for filing a Form 2).
When he files his FEC paperwork, he's going to have to declare his affiliation with a party.
If he wants to participate in debates with SECSTATE Clinton, he's going to have to put "DEMOCRAT" in the appropriate blank. If he wants to take on Ted Cruz, he'll put "Republican." If he wants to rely on the kindness of strangers, like the League of Women Voters or other organizations that sponsor debates and determine who will be "allowed" on the stage, he'll write something else.
This is a stupid thing to fight over. The forms are pretty straightforward. The Democratic Party rules are quite clear, too. They elect Democrats--as identified by the candidates on their FEC Forms.