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2016 Postmortem
In reply to the discussion: Bernie Sanders Calls For Major Reforms to Democratic Party [View all]think
(11,641 posts)65. The delegates and convention are about more than just electing the nominee are they not?
Feminism[edit]
The Feminist Movement was a major influence on the Democratic platform of 1972, and on the entire convention in general. With renewed vigor, the Democrats reaffirmed their dedication to the Equal Rights Amendment, as did the Republicans.
There were disagreements within the Democrats of the National Women's Political Caucus (NWPC), and the Women's Movement in general, over how to best approach certain issues. At the convention Betty Friedan clashed with Gloria Steinem over the way NWPC women should approach certain issues, and whether or not they should make sure to throw all possible support behind Shirley Chisholm (both women were supporters of Chisholm's presidential campaign).
~Snip~
McGovern ultimately excised the abortion issue from the party's platform; recent publications show McGovern was deeply conflicted on the issue.[6] Actress and activist Shirley MacLaine, though privately supporting abortion rights, urged the delegates to vote against the plank. Gloria Steinem later wrote this description of the events:
The consensus of the meeting of women delegates held by the caucus had been to fight for the minority plank on reproductive freedom; indeed our vote had supported the plank nine to one. So fight we did, with three women delegates speaking eloquently in its favor as a constitutional right. One male Right-to-Life zealot spoke against, and Shirley MacLaine also was an opposition speaker, on the grounds that this was a fundamental right but didn't belong in the platform. We made a good showing. Clearly we would have won if McGovern's forces had left their delegates uninstructed and thus able to vote their consciences.[7]
Source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1972_Democratic_National_Convention#Platform
That's what Bernie is talking about. Bringing issues and delegates to the convention to push for planks to be included in the platform. I realize the Democratic platform is pretty much a paper tiger but it does put things in motion. It's part of the democratic process....
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He called for electoral reforms the party can't control, and ignored caucuses. Same ol' Grumpy Bern.
CrowCityDem
Jun 2016
#1
why? after all the current system worked out very very well for The Party didn't it?
azurnoir
Jun 2016
#2
And the press fell for it. At least CNN broke away as soon as they realized what he was up to.
eastwestdem
Jun 2016
#10
How about making sure votes can be cast and accurately counted (or does that only matter when
Skwmom
Jun 2016
#4
I'd prefer closed primaries with same-day registration for independent/unaffiliated
Tarc
Jun 2016
#54
Your still here? I remember a time not that long ago where you would have been tomb-stoned by now
Snotcicles
Jun 2016
#72
Sanders is one person without majority support. His demands for change are bitter and petulant.
BobbyDrake
Jun 2016
#76
Bernie is right about everything but open primaries, I believe in same day registration though.
JRLeft
Jun 2016
#13
I like caucuses, if for no other reason than the party can pick their schedule. n/t
lumberjack_jeff
Jun 2016
#75
Good for him. The so-called "Democratic" party needs some changes. Long overdue. n/t
Triana
Jun 2016
#14
I hope part of the reform will be to get rid of the jobless economy that is working for Wall Street.
midnight
Jun 2016
#15
I enjoy the caucuses here in WA but I definitely see the arguments against them.
NWCorona
Jun 2016
#31
It's an unconstitutional proposal. No one can force your vote for a party or insist you reveal
bettyellen
Jun 2016
#88
How many 2008 and 2012 platform items were completed? Seats mean very, very little.
floriduck
Jun 2016
#45
Then why should 5 seats on the committee by of value? I sent the two platforms to you.
floriduck
Jun 2016
#52
Of course he doesn't get to dictate. He's using the Democratic process that exists.
think
Jun 2016
#33
The delegates and convention are about more than just electing the nominee are they not?
think
Jun 2016
#65
funny that he wants to reform the very thing - superdelegates - that he's trying to
MariaThinks
Jun 2016
#58