Can Sanders or O'Malley win? Yes. How? Basic math.

[MADem]

78. Let's focus on CA, again--we aren't talking about threshhold for a recall, we're talking a general

election. It isn't 2003 anymore, but Darrell Issa is still in his seat, isn't he? Why? MONEY. And Bernie won't have any, for the reasons I stated. Individual donors, many of whom got their money from their investments in (gasp) corporations, aren't going to give their cash to a guy who says he is going to stick it to them. They just aren't. And he'll have a tough time making it with fives and tens from "true believers." After a while, they're going to say ENOUGH. I can give no more.

You need to stand back a bit, and see what's possible, here. IT IS ABOUT THE BENJAMINS. Don't shoot me for pointing out the obvious.

As for Romney, you're missing the fact that Obama didn't need to spend as much, because he had the benefit (and the freebies) of INCUMBENCY. He didn't pay to travel, he didn't pay for his entourage, and a shitload of his press came free from the Fourth Estate. You don't have to organize fancy rallies to get the press to cover you when you are President. All you have to do is hold a press conference, make an announcement about some new program, give out an award to a hero, make a speech at a service academy.

The incumbent ALWAYS has the advantage, unless they're a rip roaring fuckup and they say things like "Read my lips--no new taxes" and then go back on their word.