The Democratic Party for Democrats [View all]

[louis c]

Let me start out by giving a little background about myself. I'm a union rep who sits on a number of Political Action Committees. I am also the chairman of my city's ward committee for the State Democratic Party. I have attended each state convention as a delegate for the past 16 years. I contribute financially to the party and individual candidates every year. I think that background information is necessary to put my opinion in perspective.

Independents are not Democrats. I love Bernie and his ideas. I, too, am a Socialist at heart. But Bernie was never a Democrat until this past primary season, and he has returned to being an Independent since the election. As I said, I'm a Democrat. That means that I advance the party's agenda in every election, all the time. Sometimes, my candidate loses in the primary, as Hillary did in 2008. I was an ardent Obama supporter the day after Hillary conceded. You see, I know any Democratic President is better than any Republican President, every time. Supreme Court appointments, lesser federal judges, Labor Board appointments, cabinet members, the entire executive branch. I might not get 100% of what I want, but I know I will be happier about my government on more days than not with a Democrat in the White House.

The Democratic Party stands for something. Workers' Rights (my most important issue), but also other social issues I agree with: Women's Rights, Civil Rights, Voting Rights. They will spend our tax dollars on the most vulnerable of our citizens and work for a fairer tax system that is not tilted to the wealthy.

Hillary has been a Democrat for 50 years (just like me). Toiling in the vineyards of partisan politics. Bernie, on the other hand, was an Independent (albeit, as a Senator, he caucuses with the Democrats). But Bill and Hillary went out on the campaign trail for other Democrats who ran for Congress, Senator, Governor and lesser offices. Bill and Hillary raised money, helped get out the vote and infused energy into Democratic campaigns for decades. Many Democratic office holders owe their seats to the Clinton's. Is it that far fetched to think that that loyalty was transferable? "Super Delegates" have that designation because they have held office as Democrats, by campaigning as Democrats, or providing years of service to the Democratic Party.

Bernie, on the other hand, has great ideas, but has not dedicated his political life to the Democratic Party. As a result, the institutional strength of the Hillary campaign, within the party, should be understood by him and his supporters. When the party was struggling, financially, Hillary knew that would have a very negative effect on Democrats winning not only the White House, but elections at every level. Hillary entered the breach. Bernie did not. Did the people whose jobs she saved at the DNC appreciate her efforts. Well, ya, wouldn't you?

Bernie's a great Senator. But, in the end, he's not a Democrat, by his own admission.