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[MADem]

53. He doesn't seem to me to be the kind of guy who would like that job at all.

It's not about taking a position so much as it is articulating a consensus, speaking for the group as a whole, as well as herding cats, placating hurt feelings, making deals, and using parliamentary tricks to outwit and outlast the other side. Also, that's an elected position, and the entire Dem crew has to vote for their choice--I don't think Sanders has the seniority (he is new to the Senate) or has put in the time as an "officer" (whip, caucus leader, assistant enforcer, or what-have-you) to get the votes from his fellow senators. The job does come with a big office and extra staff--but you need them, because the workload more than doubles.

In any event, I think the new guy has already been all but named to replace Harry.