Why I think Bernie should drop out.

[KPN]

78. Bernie's in a tough place.

If he concedes before June 7 he disappoints millions of his supporters, but especially the many who haven't yet had a chance to vote in the primary and be heard. California is a really important State for both the Ds nationally and Bernie's movement -- how does he concede and also let California have a voice in this debate about the future of the Democratic Party?

On the other hand, if he concedes sooner than later, the assumption is Bernie preserves leverage going forward. But, one has to wonder is that a legitimate assumption -- especially in light of how DWS and the DNC have responded to him throughout this campaign.

My advice to Bernie would be to come out strongly against uncivil actions by any of his supporters -- he needs to address them directly on this -- and stay in at least until June 7th.

I feel like worrying about damage to the nascent movement is a waste of energy. The establishment is going to do everything it can to squash it -- as it has already and as we saw with Occupy -- regardless of whether Bernie continues or drops out or how gracious Bernie is in defeat. The two parties have effectively controlled the electoral process for decades and are not about to let any movement break that control down without a major fight; again, regardless of how gracious Bernie is or is not. It's an uphill battle for the movement either way.