2016 Postmortem
In reply to the discussion: Even if Bernie Sanders doesn't win the primary, he has given every indication that he will [View all]onenote
(42,700 posts)If Bernie doesn't get the nomination (the assumption underlying this discussion), he will still be a Senator and one who, potentially, would have much greater influence within the Democratic Party and within a Democratic administration if another Democrat is elected. But that influence will be directly linked to his ability to marshal his supporters -- to lead them. And if too many of Bernie's supporters sit on their hands that influence will be dissipated whether or not another Democrat wins or not. (Obviously, if another Democrat wins even if Bernie's endorsement of that candidate does not produce support for that candidate, Bernie's influence is greatly diminished. And if the Democratic candidate loses because Bernie's supporters won't follow his lead -- you have the same result: greatly diminished influence for Sanders.