2016 Postmortem
In reply to the discussion: If Clinton gets the nomination, what do you think [View all]Armstead
(47,803 posts)1) It is quite possible that Clinton will take the nomination, and the party institutionally will decide that this means that people want to retain the mantle of Centrist Corporate Party and a center right milder version of the GOP.
2) It is also possible that a combination of truly Progressive/Liberal Democrats will actually observe that even if Bernie loses, he garnered a huge percentage of enthusiasm and votes for Progressive Reform. And add to the the Many Democrats who actually agree with Sanders' message and goals, even though they voted for Clinton for other reasons. So they might actually start to open up more to The People and start acting like the Liberal party again and stop pandering and catering to Corporate America and Wall St.
If Number One happens, America will continue its unchallenged slide into Oligarchy, and we may have a somewhat larger movement of progressives who may be larger and more vibrant, but will remain shut out of the political/governing process. And many more people will remain alienated,apathetic cynics.
If Number 2 happens, then Liberals and progressives couold feel a lot more at home in the Democratic Party, without the mixed feelings and estrangement. And the Party could be revitalized and an actual Force for Liberal/Progressive Change.
Dunno which