Did the DNC have the authority to NOT allow Bernie Sanders to run as a Democrat?

[asuhornets]

Could they have said no? Just asking..

[DURHAM D]

1. They could have kept him

from having access to our data. No call lists, no donor data, etc.

He could not run a national campaign from scratch.

[asuhornets]

2. I see..thanx

[LiberalFighter]

5. That would be the only way the DNC could.

But at the state level it would depend on the state laws.

[DURHAM D]

6. The question was about the DNC.

[Agnosticsherbet]

3. Back in 2015 DWS welcomed Sanders to the Primary said that being a Democrat

was not required.

DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz Statement on Bernie Sanders’ 2016 Announcement

DNC Chair Statement on Bernie Sanders’ 2016 Announcement

Washington, DC – In response to Bernie Sanders’ announcement that he will run for president in 2016, DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement:

“Democrats welcome Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders as the second candidate to officially seek the Democratic Party’s nomination for President in 2016. Senator Sanders is well-recognized for his principled leadership and has consistently stood up for middle class families. Throughout his service in the U.S. House and Senate, Bernie Sanders has clearly demonstrated his commitment to the values we all share as members of the Democratic Party.
‎
“The Democratic Party appreciates the contributions that Senator Sanders, Secretary Clinton, and other candidates will make to a healthy dialogue about the future of our party and our nation. There is a distinct contrast between Democrats who are on the side of middle and working class families and Republicans who are concerned with the very rich and wealthy corporations. Over the next year, the discussions we have during our respective nominating processes will help make that choice clear.”

So, no, he could not be stopped from running.

[asuhornets]

4. ok thanks..

[DURHAM D]

7. I don't see how you draw that black and white conclusion.

He could have been denied access to the party structure.

However, pretty sure the DNC knew he would run third party if denied access to Dem data, etc.

[Agnosticsherbet]

8. The point made by Schultz is that there was no rule that a Democratic candidate

had to be a Democrat. Candidates who won delegates in a Democratic Primary would be on the ballot at the Convention.

In some states, a candidate had to be a member of the Democratic Party to run. That was why Sanders joined the Democratic party; so he could have access to all primaries and caucuses.

Sanders would have been more of a danger in the General Election as a third party candidate. He could never win, but he would have siphoned off sufficient votes to make winning impossible.

[thelordofhell]

9. No.

[liberal N proud]

10. That is in effect what the Super Delegates are design to do

If someone comes in from the Outside, the SD's have the power to potentially block or protect the nomination. Of course if the challenger can gain enough support and win enough elected delegates, then the SD would not be able to stop them.

In this case, the SDs will be insignificant because Hillary will lock up the nomination before the SD are required.

[postatomic]

11. No

The Democratic Party of the United States shall be open to all who desire to support the Party and who wish to be known as Democrats.

The next question; can the DNC kick Sanders out? I'm fairly confident that they could but I don't think the 'powers to be' want to push that button just quite yet.

[asuhornets]

12. i agree

[texstad79]

13. The DNC

could mandate that Superdelegates can only vote for someone who has been a member for at least 10 years at the time of voting. Would effectively kill any future takeover attempts. Also have a similar rule for access to data.

[asuhornets]

14. Ok. And welcome to DU..