I'm rescinding my pledge to vote for whom ever the Democratic nominee for POTUS is.

[Snotcicles]

When making that pledge I didn't realize I was giving license for my vote to be taken for granted.
I think one of our candidates is doing just that. So I now declare I support Bernie Sander for POTUS.
And will as long as he remains a candidate. If that changes, only then will I consider other options.

[SamKnause]

1. Welcome.

You are going to like it here.

You will be welcomed with open arms.

[senz]

15. Snoticles has been here since 2004 and has over 7K comments. Not exactly a newbie.

[SamKnause]

23. I posted in the wrong spot.

Sorry.

I don't know how that happened.

[senz]

28. lol -- yeah, that's happened to me too.

[Kalidurga]

114. How many windows do you have open?

Sometimes I have five or six DU tabs going because I will be following some treads, not commenting but to read new posts anyway sometime I accidentally comment on the wrong thread.

[SCantiGOP]

207. Snoticles:

Welcome (effectively) to the Republican Party! I am sure you will enjoy Sec of Defense Cruz and Supreme Court Justice Santorum.

[merrily]

226. .

[Katashi_itto]

247. Guess you should have run a better canidate.

[liberal_at_heart]

2. I certainly don't see how the party can come together after all the negative campaigning.

At some point the whole we're better than the Republicans won't work anymore.

[Snotcicles]

4. I think they are better candidates when we hold our cards closer to the vest. nt

[Hortensis]

181. That's a good point, agree, but I'll lay my cards

out and say I find your initial statement not entirely credible. Your posts in this and the Bernie forum make it clear you have, at very least, leaned Bernie's way for a long time.

That's fine, of course, but I'd respect your "declaration of final decision" more if you didn't use it as an excuse to sling a vague and gratuitous insult at Hillary. Grabbing every chance to insult your candidate's opponent is a defining characteristic of the group you've now officially joined, so it does seem that you have come home.

[Jackie Wilson Said]

40. This is terribly unfortunate. The difference between any GOP candidate and Hillary Clinton is

so dramatic, so vast, so incredibly HUGE that if the GOP manages to take the WH, we may well never be the same again, none of us.

It is remarkable to see people act this way.




p.s.

If you are a

woman
gay
minority of any kind
not a Christian

You not only better as hell show up and vote for whomever the Democratic candidate is, but you also better bring at least one other voter with you.

If you dont fit into any of these categories and wish to pretend it doesnt matter either way....oh well

[Kelvin Mace]

62. I agree, but both HRC and the GOP are going to take the country farther to the right

And that is what makes the issue unacceptable. This constant voting for the lesser of two evils has had dramatic consequences in my lifetime. Sadly, the DNC will NEVER change until it faces a mass exodus.

This whole thing reminds me of conversations I had decades ago about the Catholic Church and people who kept going, despite disagreeing with the core teachings. They were going to "incrementally" change the Church from the inside. Never happened, instead the Church continued its slide back to the 19th Century.

[erlewyne]

78. Jackie and Kelvin, great posts.

Hillary is my #2, but this in-fighting (We are Democrats) was wearing
me down. Thanks, I will vote for one or the other (ugh).
We need a mass exodus, and yes, I was one of the above.

[Jackie Wilson Said]

82. Nonsense. comparing Hillary to the GOP shows either a lack of understanding

of the differences, or an intentional lack.

[Kelvin Mace]

97. Both have taken the country to the right, it is just a question of degree

Full-throated support for the three strikes, more cops, harsher sentences, more war, taking advice from war criminals and praising them, is NOT moving the country left. HRC has also PROUDLY proclaimed herself a centrist, which in today's reality means to the right.

Intent exists, on the part of HRC to move right.

[merrily]

227. If someone asked you for a pledge, they had no business so doing and you had no need to respond.

If you volunteered the pledge, you did not need to.

Anyone who wants my pledge can go scratch.

[Jenny_92808]

258. She is Farrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

left to the republicans so we must vote for her (if she wins), because the alternative would be a NIGHTMARE!

[Kelvin Mace]

262. Eisenhower, Teddy Roosevelt, Lincoln, Nixon

and yes, even Reagan are now far to the left of today's GOP. Try to remember that under Nixon, we got the EPA, OSHA, and good relations with China. Reagan raised taxes and cut budget deal with Tip O'Neil.

If it is so important that she win, perhaps she will consider altering her stances on the major issues alienating about 14% of the voters in the Democratic base to a point that they say they won't vote for her.

[Jenny_92808]

265. Well said

Thank you for pointing that out.

[dbackjon]

117. 1000000 times agreed

Those that think otherwise are either delusional, or paid RW trolls

[cui bono]

154. Those who don't see that Third Way Dems are what moderate Republicans were, like Reagan,

are either delusional, or paid RW trolls.

.

[Change has come]

167. Thank you!

[dbackjon]

216. Yes, that is why Sanders and Clinton

Agree on 90+ percent of items

[cui bono]

222. I don't believe they do. And on the big one, money in politics, which controls the game,

they sure as hell don't. And that ideology informs and influences a lot of the other positions they take and votes they make.

Ask Obama, he told us he's a moderate Republican. Hillary is much closer to Obama than Sanders and in fact, I think most think Obama is just to the left of Hillary. But they are both center. Bernie is left. GOP is now extreme right with only a few left who are simply right.

Bernie is in the left area in the graphic below, the area that needs more people back in it. If the Dem Party won't shift back now then they are going to lose at least half their membership to a new party who will fill that void. Probably the Green Party.



.

[saturnsring]

120. or just childishness

[PADemD]

135. GOP Advisor Henry Kissinger

Will Hillary pledge to stop using Henry Kissinger as an advisor?

[Jackie Wilson Said]

136. God I hope so...Is she on record saying he is one of her advisers?

Still has absolutely nothing to do with the huuuuuuuuuuuuuuge difference between the two parties.

Surely you can see that?

[PADemD]

137. Kissinger didn't advise the GOP, too?

[Jackie Wilson Said]

138. You are missing the huge differences, or the big picture, why?

[redstateblues]

201. That's BS. Hillary was one of the ten most liberal Senators

She is more liberal than Obama. Those are just BSS talking points

[Autumn Colors]

94. I will not vote for Hillary, period. (nt)

[world wide wally]

157. Then vote for Cruz

He is much more "American"

[Hortensis]

183. Or Trump -- he's honest and sincere.

Authentic, not like Hillary.

[Jenny_92808]

267. I take your post as Sarcasim

because the alternative is idiotic.

[Jenny_92808]

263. I Like the way you think

[Jenny_92808]

260. You have to...because

the alternative would be a NIGHTMARE. Then vote a straight Democratic ticket!

[JoeyT]

99. Of course if you're a brown kid in another country, there's no real difference between them.

Either one is perfectly willing to vote to slaughter you in droves if they think it will score them political points.

[Ed Suspicious]

198. Shhh.

[liberal_at_heart]

101. Your post is so incredibly offensive you are automatically going on my ignore list and by the

way I am a woman and a Buddhist and have a bisexual atheist daughter who has said after her vote for Bernie she is done with the Democratic party.

[JDPriestly]

104. But let's think about it logically.

If you are a woman, gay, minority of any kind, not a Christian, both Hillary and Obama are good candidates to vote for.

But, if your biggest concern is economic issues, if you want a candidate you can trust on the environment, on Social Security, on expanding Obamacare to cover everyone and be Medicare for all or single payer insurance, if you want more and stronger regulation of Wall Street and other crucial businesses, if you want a tax system that is fairer to the middle class, if you want free tuition at state colleges and schools, if you want the things Bernie is willing to work for, then voting for Hillary is a waste. If you want what Bernie wants plus you are a woman, gay, minority of any kind, not a Christian, then your best bet is to vote for Bernie.

Even a man who is not gay, white and a Christian is better off voting for Bernie.

Rationally, Bernie is the best choice.

In fact, for me, Bernie is the only choice.

[ybbor]

178. Great post!

As a straight, agnostic, white man I 100% agree with you.

Bernie is the only choice, period!

HRC is just GOP lite, or as said above, about the same grade as Reagan. And I believe that Reagan's presidency was the beginning of the downfall of our nation.

[JDPriestly]

236. A vote for Bernie is a vote for progressive policies both in the area of social

and economic reform.

And there is a bonus with Bernie. He grew up poor and is by nature frugal and careful with money. Knowing how that works on the psyche based on my own childhood and adult experience, I would bet you that he is an excellent money manager and will prove to be good at managing the federal budget. He will probably find lots of ways to save money.

Most of the Republican leadership grew up with money to throw around. They talk about small government and saving money, but they have no clue as to how to save money or tighten the belt of government.

I think Bernie has a really, really good chance of being our next president. In fact, I predict that he will be elected. But, he will govern very differently than people think. I say that because he is just not the big spender that Republicans will try to say he is. He will spend on the things we need, but a lot of things we now spend money on will not receive the funding. I predict he will be an extremely wise and good president.

[True Blue American]

177. Thank you!

I will vote for either one, but am so fed up with the constant name calling of Hillary I honestly think my party has degenerated into Republicans.

I am ready to say a pox on both parties. And Have to say DU has turned into Breitbart light with all the headings.

I will not be back here if it is not cleaned up and made more fair.

[Bohunk68]

196. Are you attempting the Madeline Albright thing?

As a gay man I am getting goddamn tired of voting for the lesser of two evils. I have done more than my time in the frying pan for GLBT issues since the early 60's and do not need you to tell me what I should do in the voting booth. If I choose not to vote for evil, I still have the options of further down the ticket.

[Purrfessor]

211. I'm sure you know the saying, "You get what you vote for." There is another one that also applies..

particularly in the case of all the hostility that has invaded DU over the primaries. And that is, "You get what you get when you don't bother to vote."

My views are this:

Anyone who sits out the election because the nominee is not the one of their choosing needs to refrain from complaining on DU about how bad Trump, or Cruz, or whichever Republican is elected president is, if that turns out to be the case. And anyone who thinks the Democratic nominee (whomever that may be) is worse than the Republican nominee probably shouldn't even be a participant on this board.

For those who say they won't vote in the general election for the Democratic nominee they dislike because they live in a red state, well, if your preferred nominee wins the primary I see no need for you to vote for that person either, since you are convinced that the Democratic nominee has zero chance of winning in a red state. So if you are one of these Democratic voters living in a red state stay true to your beliefs and don't vote at all for the presidential ticket.

Everyone should ask themselves this question: who does more to damage the Democratic Party, those who vote for the Democratic nominee regardless of whomever that persons is, or those who sit out the election (red state or otherwise) because their preferred candidate is not the nominee? I know my answer.

[Jackie Wilson Said]

217. I agree completely with this

Anyone who sits out the election because the nominee is not the one of their choosing needs to refrain from complaining on DU about how bad Trump, or Cruz, or whichever Republican is elected president is, if that turns out to be the case. And anyone who thinks the Democratic nominee (whomever that may be) is worse than the Republican nominee probably shouldn't even be a participant on this board.

[True Blue American]

233. Read my post before you post.

As a former poll worker who knows rhe dirty tricks of some voters I would never not vote.unless I were dead,but I might come back then just to annoy Republicans,who are always fipuming about dead people voting.

[Jenny_92808]

269. I agree with you

we must vote for the Democratic winner no matter who wins. This is so important.

[True Blue American]

231. I never mentioned

Not voting. What I said Is I am sick and tired of Democrats ranting about one candidate because they want the other.

Madeline Albright does not speak for me, but neither do the name caller rangers of the Democratic Party. You sound just like Republicans when you constantly call the other candidate names.

I really thought my party was better, but looks as if I were wrong.

[Purrfessor]

239. My comment was not addressed to any specific person.

Just those who say they will sit out the general election if their preferred candidate is not the nominee. With Scalia gone this election becomes even more important now.

[Jenny_92808]

257. Yes! Vote Vote Vote Vote Vote OR

Generations of people will pay the price. I WILL VOTE FOR WHOMEVER WINS AS THE DEM! Then, I will vote a straight Democratic ticket!

[NoMoreRepugs]

88. no offense but if u think this is significanct negative campainging

I'd suggest you should get under the covers for what's to come

[liberal_at_heart]

89. I know what to expect from Republicans. I just never expected Democrats to campaign the same way.

[Volaris]

200. It will for the general when 3 more Alitos on the bench are a real possibility

I won't have any problem voting for Clinton if she's the nominee...because I know what I'm buying..4-8 years of status quo.
Nothing radical, nothing useful, probably not much getting done, and when it does, it will be sensible-woodchuck type stuff that the GOP will still scream their infant heads off about.
More votes for stripping the ACA.
more weapons in the middle east; bigger banks.
More surveillance because reasons.
Etc.

4 more years of Obama, minus the oratory.

Status quo (that's better in a lot of ways then when Jr left).

It's not my preference, but it will work in a pinch.
Meanwhile the REAL politicking of Berning Revolution can continue amongst ourselves, independent of what Washington and Wall Street think is best for us.

[Jenny_92808]

272. Well said...

I couldn't agree more!

[Jenny_92808]

254. I think we can

Bernie even said it, that we (Dem's) have to come together at the end of this process.

When Obama was running against Clinton, I was for Clinton originally, then when Obama won, I wholeheartedly supported Obama.

[liberal_at_heart]

261. I will vote for Bernie but I am not a Democrat and I will not just come together just because

Bernie says we should. This Revolution is bigger than Bernie. I'm obviously not going to say who I will or won't vote for in the GE because I don't plan on getting kicked off this site, but I will say this. I will not just come back together. I may very well vote for more Democrats in the future, but I am no longer a Democrat. I owe no loyalty to this party.

[Jenny_92808]

271. Well, Thank you for

taking a step.

[NCTraveler]

3. I will join you with a similar pledge in solidarity.

I'm rescinding my pledge to vote for whom ever the Democratic nominee for POTUS is.

When making that pledge I didn't realize I was giving license for my vote to be taken for granted.
I think one of our candidates is doing just that. So I now declare I support Hillary Clinton for POTUS.
And will as long as she remains a candidate. If that changes, only then will I consider other options.

[Katashi_itto]

7. I will make no pledge as long as Hillary remains a candidate. If that changes, only then will I

consider other options.

[NCTraveler]

10. Brilliant, isn't it? lol nt.

[Logical]

172. Lol, well you can vote GOP! Wall Street loves them also! Nt

[Jenny_92808]

266. Please vote

regardless of the outcome.

[HubertHeaver]

134. Should it be any other way?

In the primaries one backs one's candidate until that candidate drops out. At that point, one considers one's options.

[cynzke]

188. My Vote Will Be For Any Democratic Candidate.

Otherwise you might as well vote GOP. How do you (collectively) think the clowns we have in Congress got there in the first place? This is not just a Presidential election to consider. There should be NO CONFUSION as to what happens if you don't vote Democratic or don't vote! We are where we are because the GOP, the Tea Party, the religious fanatics, the Koch brothers and super pacs know how to whip up fear in the weak minded voters that drive them to the polls. They will succeed if we break down into political squabbles. I pledge I WILL VOTE AND NOT HELP THE GOP WIN ANY MORE SEATS AND POTUS.

[Jenny_92808]

268. Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah

Well said and supported!

[bravenak]

5. Ok. I recind my pledge as well

[Politicalboi]

6. Maybe their VP choices will be better

As much as I don't want Hillary, I won't let the GOP win. If she were to be impeached and O'Malley were her VP, we still win.

[brush]

8. Who will it be then? Not voting or voting third party or clown car occupant?

Last edited Fri Feb 12, 2016, 03:18 PM - Edit history (1)

They all equal the same thing — giving more chance for a repug winning.

[Snotcicles]

16. That's the point keep them guessing keep them on their toes. nt

[hifiguy]

87. Depends on your state.

A Utah Dem writing in Bernie, if it comes to that, will not affect the electoral vote. Nor will a Minnesota Dem doing likewise.

[Jester Messiah]

133. Well, you can thank Queen Pantsuit for alienating everybody.

It didn't have to be this way.

[True Blue American]

244. That is the kind of post that

I find repulsive in my Democratic Party. Sounds just like a Republican.

[Jester Messiah]

245. Don't read it if you don't like it.

The ignore button's right over there. Doesn't seem like we're destined to be friends, so you might as well put it to good use.

[True Blue American]

246. No, I like to see just how

Far members of my party will go.

[Jenny_92808]

273. I agree let's

stay nice.

[cali]

9. I simply will not comment anymore on what I'll do with my vote

[m-lekktor]

12. I've decided that as well. nt

[senz]

19. ^^ Most intelligent comment ^^

Folks: it's nobody's damn business how you intend to vote. If you answer incorrectly, you can be banned from this site. This seems to go double if you are a Bernie supporter.

So be careful.

[MisterP]

93. I presume Bloomberg will be counted as a Dem for the site ToS when the time comes

[SwampG8r]

123. Charlie crist sure as hell was

[Duval]

85. And I will do the same.

[catnhatnh]

11. I'm down with that

I've never committed to vote for Clinton.

[Katashi_itto]

13. I Pledge to use Pledge Lemon scented furniture polish. As long as Hillary remains cannidate.

If that changes, only then will I consider other options.

[Politicalboi]

54. It's called Lemon Pledge

[Katashi_itto]

60. Thanks! I couldnt remember what it was. Have bottles of it and it just escaped me.

[HubertHeaver]

139. That stuff is slippery.

[KentuckyWoman]

147. OMG....... you got me good.

nose juice all over the damn place.

[Onlooker]

14. I'm gay, so I'll vote for whoever the Democratic nominee is

I can see if you're not part of a minority group, it doesn't really matter, but frankly with many Republicans still promising to rescind gay marriage, as well as to outlaw abortion, deny voting rights to minorities, throw out the immigrant parents of US citizens, etc., I think there is no choice in this matter. I am old enough to remember how the Republicans sat by during the AIDS crisis of the 1980s and allowed tens of thousands of Americans to die, so I know Republicans are capable of murder, and I know whatever one thinks of Hillary she's not a murderer. Hope Bernie is the nominee, but if he's not Hillary will not only get my vote, she will get my enthusiastic vote.

[PeaceNikki]

17. Yup. I will proudly support either as our nominee. It's not a loyalty oath, it's common sense.

SCOTUS is too damn important to fool with to me. Reproductive freedom, health care and marriage equality will be serious jeopardy in the hands of the GOP.

[bettyellen]

30. Yeah, I have committed to work hard for either this fall, instead of getting involved now.

Anyone who wants to take their ball and go home if they can't feel like a winner can go *#%@& themselves.
They are part of the problem if they pack it up now and do not continue on and to try and flip congress.

Flipping congress is a revolutionary act, staying home is bullshit.

[Hortensis]

184. "Flipping congress is a revolutionary act, staying home is bullshit."

Excellent.

[bettyellen]

225. Thank you. I think it is great when you have new energy.....

but to disparage "establishment" people as if they are always more symbols of corruption is crap.
to not educate people about plans or process- also crap.

[True Blue American]

234. Agree!

[Jenny_92808]

270. I am with you PeaceNikki

It is just too important!

[liberal_at_heart]

18. My Millennial daughter is bisexual. She wanted to be a Democrat so she could support

candidates that support LGBTQ rights. Now she tells me because of the dirty tricks the party has pulled she will cast her vote for Bernie and will then be done with the Democratic party.

[Onlooker]

29. Hopefully, she'll reconsider

If you agree, perhaps have her read this. In the 1980s, the Republicans were just horrible beyond belief. While families were sitting with their dying children without recourse to treatment or meds, the religious right and Reagan did nothing. If it was not for the French and WHO, who really tackled the crisis aggressively, even more Americans would have died. It was a terrible time, and I think it's one of the big reasons that so many older gays will never ever back a Republican for president. The Republican Party hasn't changed. If anything, it's gotten worse, and wants to bring back the 1980s.

http://www.sfgate.com/opinion/openforum/article/Reagan-s-AIDS-Legacy-Silence-equals-death-2751030.php

[liberal_at_heart]

42. She is bisexual. Do you think she doesn't know about how the government handled the

AIDS crisis in the 80's? That is no excuse for what the Democratic Party is doing today. My daughter is really pissed that the party has decided for her that Hillary should be the nominee. The party should not dictate who the nominee is. That is what voting is for. That is what democracy is.

[Onlooker]

56. it's politics

Both sides are playing politics. Bernie is a terrific insurgent within the Democratic Party. If he wins, he will form his own establishment, a better one than currently exists. I agree the way the party is trying to give Hillary the nomination is terrible, but the reality is that is exactly why she is in so much trouble, so it's worked to our favor. To quote Bernie's hero, Winston Churchill, "Democracy is the worst form of government, except all others that have been tried."

That said, I have no idea how old your daughter is, so have no idea if she knows what it was like to live through an era when friends were dying right and left and the government was just standing by. If she knows about it and doesn't care or thinks it won't happen again, that's her right. But, I think Bernie would agree that history has a tendency to repeat itself.

[liberal_at_heart]

68. She's in her early twenties. She's a Millennial. The whole that's politics argument

doesn't work for her. Like most Millennials when she sees an injustice she rails against it. She fights vigorously for her and others social rights. But she also fights for other rights as well.

[Onlooker]

70. Well, her efforts on social justice is more important than her vote.

I mean that. (Though it would be nice to have both!)

[liberal_at_heart]

72. Thank you. It sounded from your post like you may have lost some friends to AIDS. If that is so,

I am sorry.

[Onlooker]

74. Thanks. It was all around back then.

Amazingly, my closest friend at the time contracted HIV in 1983, but is still alive. The sad thing is he spent 15 years giving up, expecting (like 3 of his lovers) to die. It was a terribly sad time.

[BobTheSubgenius]

241. I would hope that Churchill is not literally Bernie's hero.

Churchill's closest analog in this cycle is probably Jeb; neither as far right as George Wallace, and miles away from Eugene Debs, say. My ad hoc assessment is mainly due to his quite pragmatic approach to government. Within himself, he was quite socially conservative, definitely an imperialist and more than a tad racist.

[Samantha]

161. The Constitution gives the right to conduct Presidental elections to the states

provided the states have outlined their rules in their state constitution.

A political party is not a state and has no Constitutional right to run an election.

Sam

Postscript: The United States Supreme Court is not a state either....

[bettyellen]

20. yeah, those who's say "Burn it down!" have no concern about the Supreme Court or our future.

I can see why many of them are flipping back and forth to Trump- they want it to be all about them.
Screw women and POC if they don't follow along.

[hobbit709]

33. Do you honestly think Hillary would get ANY nominee for SCOTUS past a Republican Senate?

You really must be delusional to think that.

[bettyellen]

38. Of course she would. And I believe she would choose very wisely. Why do you say that?

[hobbit709]

41. If you gotta ask you will never understand.

The R hate for HRC is second only to the R hate for Obama.

[bettyellen]

44. So Republicans like what Sanders stands for better- where is the evidence for that?

[pinebox]

213. That evidence is here

http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/05/politics/tom-cotton-supports-bernie-sanders/

Next?

[bettyellen]

224. One republican senator who has trashed him in the past? Not sure what this has to do w/ Supreme

Court confirmations. I know the future of the court is more important to me than many Sanders supporters, but if this is supposed to be encouraging, I don't see it.

[pinebox]

229. You want more

http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/11/the-lifelong-conservatives-who-love-bernie-sanders/417441/

[bettyellen]

230. I don't trust "lifelong conservatives". Why do you?

I have to wonder why anyone thinks that is a good sign. Especially when it comes to USSC confirmations.

[pinebox]

232. Republicans crossing over?

Because many are disenfranchised, Ike Republicans are still around but they have had no voice in a very long time.
Do you trust Hillary with USSC confirmations with her Monsanto, Wall Street, Big Bank and military ties? I don't.

[PeaceNikki]

45. He got 2 good ones in and she will, too.

[hobbit709]

51. What was the makeup of the Senate in 2009 and 2010? What is it now?

[PeaceNikki]

59. And what will it be in 2017?

[hobbit709]

61. The way things are going in the red states, I wouldn't try holding my breath.

[PeaceNikki]

66. I wouldn't either, but I *AM* voting Democratic. No matter what. Proudly.

White male privilege affords one the opportunity to stand their ground and sit out or vote 3rd party if their candidate isn't nominated.

I will not squander that, it's too important for our future.

[JudyM]

63. Right! Bernie knows his way around the senate far better and knows how to get things done.

[Orrex]

79. Yeah, that's been the slogan since the beginning

Repeated ad nauseum with little support, but I guess we're just supposed to agree without really thinking about it.

What bold initiatives has Sanders "gotten done" that were contrary to the wishes of the Congress as a whole?

[JudyM]

124. Take a look at the community clinic funding in ACA. That was all him, working behind the scenes

to get enough rethugs to sign on to it in a way that wouldn't put the spotlight on them.

Here's an article that lays out more info on the question:
http://www.alternet.org/election-2016/bernie-gets-it-done-sanders-record-pushing-through-major-reforms-will-surprise-you

(Snip)

When the Affordable Care Act was in danger of not having the votes to pass, Sanders used his leverage to win enough funding for free health treatment for 10 million Americans through Community Health Centers. This gutsy move—holding out until the funds were put into the bill—has even Republican members of Congress requesting the funds, which have helped millions of Americans who otherwise would not have access.

Another moment came when Sanders, who was then chair of the Veterans committee, worked with Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), to overhaul the Veterans Administration. McCain praised Sanders' work on the bill in an interview with National Journal. Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) even went so far as to say the bill would never have passed without Sanders' ability to bring the parties to a deal.

[Orrex]

81. Tell us about the nominees that Sanders will get past the Senate, and tell us how.

[Hiraeth]

92. Tell us about the nominees that Clinton will get past the Senate, and tell us how.

[Orrex]

98. The gauntlet was thrown down by Sanders' cheerleaders

So they can answer first.

Sanders' supporters want to have it both ways: they claim that Clinton is a de facto Republican while simultaneously insisting that Republicans will block everything she tries to do. You can't have it both ways.

And if Clinton won't be able to get anything done with a Republican Congress, despite being so far-right that some of Sanders' supporters can't even "hold their nose" and vote for her, then how will Sanders do it?


Sadly, I expect that you thought you were being clever by reversing the question, but in fact you're simply using a child's playground trick. You should learn from your candidate: he would certainly reject such simplistically petulant tactics.

[Hiraeth]

103. right.

and your reply is just as childish.

you first. you first.

please.

talk about petulant.

oh well. have it your way.

[Orrex]

113. I really hope that you don't represent the best of Sanders' supporters

As is common for that crew, you like to demand answers while refusing to give any.


Oh, well. Still plenty of room on my Ignore list. No great loss.

[Hiraeth]

119. tit meet tat and on ignore you go. silly boy.

[Hortensis]

187. How will Hillary get SCOTUS nominees

through the Senate, Hiraeth? By her strong, well established record, and moderate liberal coattails, which will help carry OTHER Democrats into office, including getting a majority in the Senate and lessening our minority in the House.

Bernie has no coattails. To the contrary, like Trump on the other side, a candidate who appears too extreme for centrist voters could cause the Democratic party to lose everything. An entire nation of Democratic candidates is waiting anxiously for Hillary to win the nomination because their own election could well hang on who wins.

There are as many reasons why Bernie's colleagues do not endorse him, but this is a huge one for many.

[Hiraeth]

202. While I, of course, disagree, I appreciate your honesty and adult attitude to answering my

forthright comment. Thank you, Hortensis.

[zalinda]

204. Have you not been paying attention?

Take a look at what happened in Iowa and New Hampshire, Bernie when he entered the race was considered just some pesky gnat to be brushed aside. Hillary was up by 50-60 points in Iowa, and how did the caucus go? She is now rapidly losing ground in South Carolina. Bernie has become a huge competitor in less than a year. People have known Hillary for 25 years, they don't trust her, but they trust Bernie, as the polls have shown.

This is not a centrist country, not any more, that time has passed. Bernie will have HUGE coattails if the DNC lets more liberal candidates run. And, this is why Bernie's colleagues are not endorsing him, they fear they will have a more liberal candidate running against them. Also, you must know about the Clinton's enemies list. I never realized how ingrained they were in the political establishment, until I saw the pic of the young Clintons attending the barbecue with Bush Sr and George Wallace.

As for SCOTUS nominees, Bernie has many friends in DC that he has worked with over the years. He is well liked and respected even by Republicans, that cannot be said of Hillary.

Z

[pinebox]

214. With Republican support like this

http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/05/politics/tom-cotton-supports-bernie-sanders/

[Hekate]

169. Obama got Kagan and Sotomayor. Of course HRC will get nominees through.

Yes, honestly.

[hobbit709]

191. Who was in the majority in 2009 and 2010?

He certainly wouldn't have been able to do it in say, 2015.

[Snotcicles]

22. When you go to buy a car do you announce you will pay any price as long as you get a blue one? nt

[jeff47]

24. I'm in a state Clinton can not win.

If she's the nominee, my vote does nothing. All our electors will be going to the Republican. Even if he promises to execute everyone who votes for him. They hate Clinton that much here. And that hatred is specifically for Clinton.

And the vast majority of us are in states in a similar situation - they will either always go to the Republican, or always go to the Democrat.

As a result, almost everyone on DU is not presented with the choice you are describing. For the vast majority, the result is predetermined and individual votes only make someone feel better or worse.

[Contrary1]

55. Same here...

And the only positive talk I'm hearing, other than for Trump, is about Sanders.

Hillary will bring out the voters alright, but not for the result she is hoping for.

[Onlooker]

67. I look at your argument this way

When people talk of secession and the like, I always say, well look at even a state like Oklahoma. Obama got 33% of the votes against Romney. We need to never forget that even in the reddest of red states, there are a lot of good people. In that way, your vote does matter.

[jeff47]

69. Still a "feel better" argument. It does not change the overall result.

And the politicians from OK definitely don't act concerned about the 1/3 of their constituents who like Obama.

[senz]

26. I understand where you're coming from. It makes good sense.

However, Hillary's foreign policy, as revealed through her short stint as a Senator and her single term as SOS, has been extremely destructive to innocent human life -- so please don't harbor illusions about Hillary's reverence for life.

[Onlooker]

43. And you post an image of FDR?

He led an investigation to out gays in the 1920s, he turned back boats of Jews fleeing Europe, he bided his time entering WWII even after it was known how many innocent people were being killed. it was the Russians, more than the Americans, who won WWII. Sure, he was outstanding on social policy for his time, but clearly if foreign policy is your measure, he failed for far too long to keep the world safe, and that failure led to the deaths of 100 million people. Hillary looks pretty good in comparison.

[senz]

71. At this time in this country, we desperately need FDR's economic fairness.

If we continue to follow the Clintonian/Republican "Third Way" corporate path, this country will crumble from within.

Clinton has a dominator approach toward other countries and no compunction whatsoever for those she helped to kill.

She may need your vote now, but she is no friend of LGBTs.

[Onlooker]

76. The Clinton's are friends to gays

What happened when Bill was president is he overreached in terms of gay rights and conservative Democrats (and Republicans) fought back, and he was forced to settle for Don't Ask/Don't Tell in the military or gays would have been fully discriminated against. I have no doubt that the Clintons and Obama were never particularly against gay marriage, they were just dealing with more conservative constituencies. Bernie, who I support, had it easy. He chose to serve a largely politically and racially homogeneous state. The only area where he had to take a stand controversial to liberals was gun control, and he did what Hillary did, compromised with his constituents. (I don't blame him for that.)

[druidity33]

148. Suuurreee... because

Iraqis, Syrians, and Libyans are so much safer now than they were before, right?




Really, throwing FDR under the bus? REALLY?


Wow.....

[Orrex]

73. That reply overrules all others IMO

I've concluded after much discussion and review that anyone who opts not to vote for the Democrat on the ballot in Nov 2016 is a shortsighted and stubbornly self-important fool.

My ideal candidate hasn't been on the ballot during my voting lifetime, but like a grownup I recognize that it's not all about me, and I vote in whatever way will help to keep the most Republicans out of office.

"I refuse to vote for the lesser evil," claim the righteous moralists.

Well, I've got some news for you: politics is always about the lesser evil. It has been for millennia, and will continue to be so for much more than the foreseeable future.

[Jenny_92808]

259. I am with you Onlooker

I've seen it as well....what you have said is 100% true.

[sadoldgirl]

21. I think this is rather silly.

Anyone and everyone can pledge on an anonymous
blog to vote for someone. It does not matter, because
we still can fill out our ballots privately.

What does matter though is the state of the voting
machines and the scanners. That worries me a
lot more than anything else.

[hobbit709]

25. Alert result 1-6 LEAVE IT

I was #2

On Fri Feb 12, 2016, 10:30 AM an alert was sent on the following post:

I'm rescinding my pledge to vote for whom ever the Democratic nominee for POTUS is.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/12511213220

REASON FOR ALERT

This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate.

ALERTER'S COMMENTS

Clear violation of TOS. This poster is saying he won't vote for the democratic nominee if Sanders is not the nominee. This should be hidden. Also, should be sent upstairs to admins.

You served on a randomly-selected Jury of DU members which reviewed this post. The review was completed at Fri Feb 12, 2016, 10:35 AM, and the Jury voted 1-6 to LEAVE IT.

Juror #1 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: These kinds of posts are common during the primaries. Meh, the poster will come around after we get our nom. Just relax and try not to be so sensitive.
Juror #2 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: Alerter reading comprehension fail. "consider other options is not stating specifically.
Juror #3 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #4 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: Nope. Poster is saying they're vote is theirs and they will reassess their vote IF Bernie isn't the nominee.
Juror #5 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: "If that changes, only then will I consider other options." That's the key. He didn't say he would not vote for a Democrat.

Leave. Bluejazz
Juror #6 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #7 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given

[Snotcicles]

164. #5. nt

[SHRED]

27. My options are...

...Bernie if he is the one or if not I vote Green Party.

I live in Blue California so I have that option.

[farmboy]

31. I don't much like Bernie, and I REALLY don't like many of his supporters words, actions, or thinking

but I will absolutely vote for him over any Republican or Independent candidate if he is the Democratic nominee in the general election. To even have to make the case that Bernie/Hillary supporters should support the other if that person is the Democratic nominee due to so much being at stake (Supreme Court alone) is the perfect example of the narrow tunnel vision for Bernie Sanders by so many of his vocal supporters. For any Hillary supporters that won't support Bernie, it is the same, though I see an overwhelming number of the former and few of the later. Coming out of the tunnel that is the primary nomination process, that unexpected or unprepared for first curve can send you right over the mountain , smashed to bits at the bottom of the ravene. Wide-view, people. The election of either of our two candidates does not end the fight for our priorities, values, and visions. Both of these two will be more receptive than anyone else running.

[zalinda]

208. Then please carry on

The simple truth is that many, many first time voters will not stay around and vote for Hillary, they see her as the problem and not the solution. Many, many indies will not support Hillary either, because they see her as the problem. More than anything, it's probably the establishment that is 'on trial', which is why for some people it's either Bernie or Trump. With Hillary's people taking Rovian shots at Bernie, she is not endearing herself to Bernie supporters, they know who is calling the shots.

People are hurting and to tell them to vote for the lesser of two evils, is not going to work this time. If their work and vote for Bernie doesn't work out, expect them to stay home because they will figure the system is rigged, so why vote.

Z

[NNadir]

285. Then they will get what they deserve. It happened in 2000; it happened in 1980. A country...

...run by petulant children will eventually fail.

In 1980, this was a prosperous country with a healthy and strong middle class. What now?

I'm not optimistic about the chances of the future generation in this country, but if they stay home rattling their rattles and crying for milk or to have their diapers changed, rather than bite the bullet and vote for the "lesser of two evils" if that's how they see it, then they will live with the consequences of the "worst of two evils" and moreover they will have been involved in exacerbating evil and will thus, have no right to say a damned thing about the consequences of evil.

I really don't understand why reality is so difficult, but apparently it is, notably among Sanders supporters.

Have a nice day.

[zalinda]

286. For decades we have not been given a choice on who to vote for

It has always been the lesser of two evils. It hasn't worked out for us. People aren't stupid, but they do know that to do the same thing over and over again and expecting different results, is crazy.

How often do you keep patching a bridge, hoping it doesn't fall down. That's what the dem party seems to be doing. Some Bernie supporters are thinking maybe it's time to let the bridge fall, so we can start over again and build a better, stronger bridge.

Z

[NNadir]

287. For decades, 1980-1992, 2000-2008 we had the WORST of two evils.

If this concept escapes you, I can't help you.

The year 2000 is particularly galling on this score. How many people died in Iraq; how much suffering is going on, because there were enough "purity seekers" in Florida to throw the election.

This conversation is concluded. You're making me sick and depressed.

[Hoyt]

32. GOPers say thanks. I pledge to support the Democratic nominee without reservation.

[Sheepshank]

34. At this point in time Bernie doesnt deserve my vote

I'm not sure I will need to reconsider anything.

[cantbeserious]

35. We Us Together - Vs - Me MyBank And I -- The 1% Will Not Be Denied

eom

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

36. Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone

Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost. John Quincy Adams

[senz]

46. Good description of Bernie's approach, as well.

The way of high integrity. Always rare.

[firebrand80]

37. .

[senz]

47. Certainly the "Third Way" attitude.

[firebrand80]

53. It' like the PUMA people last time

At lot of attention seeking, but nothing actually affecting the outcome of the election.

[liberal_at_heart]

86. Things will change. It may not be this election cycle, but Millennials are not party loyalists and

this will eventually have an effect on elections.

[kjones]

162. This millennial will be voting for the Democratic nominee, even if it's Bernie.

It's not about loyalty, it's about common sense.

Though I agree, a lot of my cohort lack it.

[liberal_at_heart]

168. Good for you. Every Millennial I have talked to including my daughter and her friends are

not voting Democratic if Bernie is not the nominee.

[kjones]

170. Good for them, I'm bet they're the political pride of their campuses

I'm sure by graduation they'll be eagerly appropriating Madam President's
progressive accomplishments as if they were their own hard fought
victories.

[closeupready]

39. That's exactly what I'm doing. I'll make my decisions when the time comes.

Cross bridges when I come to them. K&R

[handmade34]

48. Bernie has already stressed

the need to come together in a few months... there is too much at stake to pout

[Snotcicles]

52. Not pouting, pledging allegiance, is for the flag. nt

[Snotcicles]

49. I have errands to run BBL. nt

[Kelvin Mace]

50. It's weird that I don't read a lot of HRC supporters saying they won't vote for Bernie

Actually, I haven't read one yet. In 2008 you had people on both sides (thought mostly HRC's) vowing not to vote for each other. It says something that despite all the nasty stuff being said about Bernie, no one is vowing not to vote for him.

[Snotcicles]

57. I rescinded a vow, I didn't replace it. YET! nt

[Kelvin Mace]

64. Just an observation on the situation,

not a comment on your specific choice.

[jeff47]

107. One of the major differences between the "camps" is their approach to authority.

Sanders supporters have to not be very authoritarian. Because there's a giant mountain of authorities (endorsements, superdelegates, media, etc) telling us we should support Clinton.

The thing you call "weird" is a natural result of that. More Clinton supporters will "fall in line" behind Sanders, because that's "what you are supposed to do".

Sanders supporters are already not doing "what you are supposed to do" by backing Sanders.

[seaglass]

125. Nah, people who don't vote for the Dem nominee don't care about anyone but themselves. They

think their principles are more important that other people's lives.

[jeff47]

126. This would be another indication of the vast gulf between the two camps.

One side trying to explain their position, while the other hurls insults.

[seaglass]

129. Yes, that was just what you were doing as you characterized Clinton supporters as sheep.

I don't care if it is a Clinton supporter refusing to support Sanders or a Sanders supporter refusing to support Clinton, my opinion stands.

[jeff47]

130. Hrm...I can't seem to find the word sheep in my post....how odd.

Almost like I wasn't actually calling them sheep or otherwise blind followers. Just more receptive to "this is what you are supposed to do".

Guess I'll keep hitting search. Surely "sheep" will come up one of these times.

[seaglass]

142. I assumed you were familiar with people being described as sheep for

"falling in line" and doing ""what they are supposed to do." In any case I'm SURE that you did not mean that as an insult.

[RiverLover]

58. Bingo!

Thank you!

[MoonRiver]

65. I rescind my pledge too.

Do you feel better now?

[Ferd Berfel]

75. Agree completely

[bkkyosemite]

77. Saying nothing

[plus5mace]

80. If Hillary wins the nomination with pledged delegates, I will inevitably vote for her.

If the results of the primaries are overturned through undemocratic means, I will not support her nor any future Democratic Party candidates for any position.

[scottie55]

83. I Am A Bernie Guy Who Would Not Hesitate To Vote For Hillary

Over crazy town.

Both or our candidates are light years ahead of the Neanderthals on the other side.

[HubertHeaver]

140. Please do not insult Neanderthals. They were very intelligent beings.

[scottie55]

153. Sorry (Neanderthals)

There is no creatures to compare Republicans to without insulting them.

I mean insulting the creatures of course....

[True Blue American]

289. In my neck of the woods

Claiming you will not vote for the other because your guy or gal did not win is called,"Cutting off your nose to spite your face!"

[dbackjon]

84. President Cruz thanks you for your support

[liberal_at_heart]

115. going on ignore list.

[dbackjon]

116. Awesome!!! President Cruz thanks you for that, as well.

[HubertHeaver]

141. It won't be Cruz.

Kasik (phonetic spelling, pronounced with a long "a&quot does worry me though.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

90. Oh geesh. Cutting off your nose soon? nt

[MisterP]

91. it's very dangerous for voters to say "my criticisms are actually meaningless"

[Amimnoch]

95. Might want to change your sig there.

[Snotcicles]

100. Done. nt

[SidDithers]

96. O.K...nt

Sid

[uhnope]

102. self delete

the whole purpose of DU is to elect Dems. If you're agitating against that, you are undermining the whole cause.

[Betty Karlson]

105. Votes have to be earned.

And the lesser of two evils is not going to earn mine. Definitely not as long as there is still a good offer on the table.

[bettyellen]

106. I disagree strongly, as does Bernie. But still respect you, Snots. I think we need to be real about

the fact that Bernie is talking the long game here. A commitment of many years is required.

[Snotcicles]

108. You all can make assumptions of what I will or won't do. I just think it is not

good for Democracy when our candidates do.

[bettyellen]

110. The assumptions here fly fast and furious. I get the Hillary shill because I oppose the RW smears.

Not going to win the long game using RW framing against Dems. And the long game is what it will take.

[Odin2005]

109. Join the club!

I cannot vote for that woman.

[CentralMass]

111. We'll have to see how bad the stench is one the primary is over.

[hamsterjill]

112. Would you be willing to share who it was that you voted for in 2008?

Just wondering. Thank you.

[Snotcicles]

131. No. It is more from letting people make assumptions and accusations. nt

[hamsterjill]

143. Then I am left with only an assumption.

So my assumption would be that you didn't vote.

[Snotcicles]

144. Wrong. nt

[hamsterjill]

150. I'm entitled to my assumptions.

Have yourself a great weekend!

[Snotcicles]

159. Yes, you are entitled your wrong assumptions. And I assume you make many of them. nt

[Bohunk68]

199. Have you forgotten that ASSUME business?

How someone voted is no one else's business. Not mine, not yours. You were being snarky.

[hamsterjill]

209. Oh please! You think that's snarky?

I asked if the poster was willing to say, he/she refused. So without fact, there is only assumption.

[Bohunk68]

235. You have just proved the Assume meme.

[hamsterjill]

240. You really have no clue

As to the very obvious point I was making. Do you? Totally over the head....

[beaglelover]

118. WGAS! Nice username.

[basselope]

121. I will not vote for a candidate who voted for the Iraq war.

Luckily, I live in Cali, so it doesn't really matter what I do.

[Horus T Light]

122. Hard Woman to keep down

Some have the speed and the right combinations, but if you can't take the punches it don't mean a thing! She has been battle tested and is ready to Rock!
I am with her and looking forward to the day you are to.

[link:http://www.politicususa.com/2016/02/08/fighter-hillary-clinton-blasts-every-republican-candidate-for-being-anti-woman.html

[stopbush]

127. Your petulance is showing, Snots.

[Snotcicles]

128. Nope, my independence is. nt

[Snotcicles]

132. I'd add nonconformity as well. nt

[kjones]

163. You sound like a high school goth, ha

[brooklynite]

145. I'll work like hell for the nominee, whether it's the one I voted for or not...

...and I could care less about the chest-thumping by the "my candidate or bust" contingent.

[steve2470]

280. +1 nt

[True Blue American]

288. Same here

I will vote for the Democratic candidate. Period!

[EndElectoral]

146. This kind of smut politics makes it tough to support just any nominee

[jillan]

149. I will vote AGAINST the GOP nominee if our nominee is not Bernie.

[tularetom]

151. #1 You should not make a pledge like that in the first place

#2 If you want to make or break such a pledge you should never announce that you did so.

#3 It's nobodys fucking business who you vote for (except yours of course)

#4 Don't ask, don't tell.

[liberal N proud]

152. President Trump

[MrMickeysMom]

155. I came to a conclusion that we all must be serious about the change we want...

When everybody understands what chance we have with the current choices, they'll say the same thing.

[Logical]

171. The rude post was hidden 6-1! Nt

[Snotcicles]

173. Thank you for bring that to my attention. I'll self delete my response. nt

[kjones]

160. Imagine that...

[demwing]

165. Cross that bridge IF we need to

right now we have a mountain that must be climbed

[Snotcicles]

166. I agree. But a good bloodletting can stimulate the intellect. nt

[Hekate]

174. Golly. Color me shocked.

[fun n serious]

175. The ignorance on t his thread is shocking. nt

[RiverLover]

179. No, this bizarre presidential primary is shocking. To the core.

We are not conservatives who love war for profits & globalization (let the poor people in other countries have the jobs so the wealthy can make higher profits) & lowering our goals so far in every area that we are indistinguishable from republicans.

But our party leaders are. They've also been quite unDemocratic as they try to force a conservative, purchased, phony establishment candidate on us.

That's what's shocking.

[fun n serious]

219. I do not tell people how to vote but..

I pledge to vote blue no matter who! I would do ANYTHING to prevent a Republican win. The Bush years were horrific.

[Bad Dog]

176. Richard Osman was on The Last Leg last night.

Most of the show was taken up discussing the NHS and Jeremy Hunt, but a substantial part was devoted to the American primaries and Donald Trump. They all agreed that when the last series ended Donald Trump was seen as a joke and now he's the front runner. As Osman has studied US politics he was asked to go through it. He rubbished all the other Republican candidates one by one which is why they were out in front.

Osman said Trump would definitely win the Republican nomination because of this. He then said if Clinton wins the Democratic nomination she'll beat Trump, but if Sanders wins, (and he had to explain who Sanders was,) then Bloomburg would also stand thus splitting the left of centre vote.

It's just his opinion, and he hasn't got a dog in this fight, but that's how it was explained to a British, fairly left wing audience.

This is from when Johnny Vegas was on last season.

[RiverLover]

180. I don't get why people think Bloomberg could swoop in & replace Bernie.

I mean he could try.

But I personally wouldn't switch my support.

[Bad Dog]

182. Osman didn't say Bloomburg would replace Sanders.

He said he would split the vote and let Trump get in. That's just his view, but he's a smart guy.

[RiverLover]

186. That's what I mean. "split the vote" ???

Who is switching to Bloomberg? Bernie supporters or Hillary's?

The blue collar worker in GA who doesn't like either?

[Bad Dog]

189. He didn't go into detail,

But the feeling was that Republicans would vote for Trump regardless. He said that if Sanders won the nomination Bloomburg would stand and split the vote, so the inference is that some Clinton and independents would vote for Bloomburg rather than Sanders.

That's how it was explained to a British audience.

[RiverLover]

192. Thanks.

Its just odd to me.

[Bad Dog]

194. This is still something far away as far as we're concerned.

The main worry is Trump, and as far as we're concerned the only recognisable people in the race are him and Clinton. He had to explain who everyone else was. I don't think, (political junkies like myself aside,) anyone will be taking that much notice until the nominations are secure.

On a personal level I'm not that bothered as long as the Republican doesn't get in, and Bloomburg should have run for the Democratic nomination not muddy the waters for the progressive vote by standing as an independent.

[Loki]

185. Well aren't you a really big deal. Don't let the door hit ya.

[RBInMaine]

190. Sorry, but I think that is ridiculous and you might as well go work for the GOP.

[NNadir]

193. I often feel the same way, when I think that Sanders may be the nominee.

I kid my son about it: He's a pretty strong Sanders supporter. I tell him - and this really gets his goat - that I might vote for Bloomberg, since traditionally America has always been run by billionaires or their equivalent.

The fact is however, that even if that tiresome fool Sanders is the nominee, I can't see that I will have any choice but to hold my nose and vote for him.

I'm not some egotistical self absorbed twelve year old crybaby. I've grown to be an old man; I saw Reagan and two Bushes, the last one being definitely among the worst American Presidents ever observed.

I've learned that one seldom has any choice in this country other than "the lesser of two evils."

Historical "lesser of two evils" have sometimes nonetheless surprised their voters and being better than expected. Abraham Lincoln, generally rated as our greatest President, was such a person. In 1860 a large share of his voters, even as they saw him as an uneducated country bumpkin, voted for him anyway. The rest is, as they say, history.

I will be very depressed if Bernie Sanders, a tiresome baby boomer who never grew up, is elected President. Being a baby boomer myself, a member of a generation that will leave an awful mess behind, I know the type very well. But, channeling Mario Cuomo, even though I hold a low opinion of Sanders, and, increasingly the insipid rhetoric of his supporters here, if he is elected President, I hope he will succeed. I hope that anyone elected President, so long as his goals are to make the country secure and prosperous and sustainable, as opposed to a President whose sole purpose is to gratify his own ego, will succeed.

Only a complete asshole, frankly, would decline to vote for Ms. Clinton, should she be nominated, if the Republican nominee is a man like Trump, Cruz or that ilk.

A remark to the contrary is very childish in my view, to the point of stupidity, and reflects the fact that at least one candidate in this election is supported by childish thinkers, and, if my impression is correct, may reflect some childishness on the part of the candidate himself.

Have a nice weekend.

[Fumesucker]

252. Sanders isn't a Boomer, born September 8, 1941

Try again..

[Herman4747]

195. Please, I implore you to reconsider...

...think of the tremendous damage a Republican presidency could inflict!!

[Ed Suspicious]

197. That is precisely where I stand on the issue.

For now, Bernie is my candidate. God forbid, if I need to look at that again later I'll do so when necessary, and not before.

[Snotcicles]

205. I now have a better understanding

of how a captive of the Taliban must feel when asked to recite the Koran.

[Nonhlanhla]

203. OK, whatever.

This proves once again why I do not trust the "Bernie revolution." Bernie is promising a lot of things that I really would like to see. I also know that to achieve even a fraction of those things, we'll need to do sustained and years-long work from the grassroots up. Bernie has not been doing that for years, since he is not a team player and has indeed chosen not to throw his energy into building up the Democratic Party (which, within the American system, is the only plausible vehicle for getting progressive things done). He has NOT been building up progressive candidates for years - i.e., he has NOT been building up a "revolution." And at his age, he won't have the time to do so in the future. A revolution of the kind he has in mind requires years and years of work and dedication, and followers who will actually follow through. What I see instead is an old man, too old to put the 20 or more years of work into building a movement (this is not ageism, it's just reality), and who has not done so in the past. And I see enthusiastic followers who will turn on him the moment reality sets in. Because pledges mean nothing to them.

[Thespian2]

206. Well said...

[ChiciB1]

210. THANKS For Getting In Line With ALL The Rest Of Us...

We've been trying so hard to have our voices heard ABOVE the rumble of NEGATIVITY and SLANDER coming from almost everyone of our Congress Critters!

What are they so afraid of?? Hmmmm, maybe it's We The People who might now be ready to show THEM that THEY work for us!!!

Have we had enough NOW?? I know I have!

Huge test coming in the next few weeks, I can't tell you how much respect I have for this ONE man who has stood so tall and has withstood the trash they've thrown at him from every direction. A lesser man would have crumbled. I don't know how he does it, but even if the GROUPS OF MACHINES do take him down, not only has he lost... WE HAVE LOST!

He needs us more than ever! Does the donation quarter end in March? I've given monthly and added some along the way, but so many of us don't have huge bank accounts. I want to give what I can, but will have to wait till March.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

212. If anyone here means they won't vote at all, or vote down ticket

if the D nominee isn't their first choice---then I gotta ask, did you do the same thing in the midterms?

Just want to know who to thank for the pack of evil clownbaggers in Congress.

We'll thank you for you purity as we watch the GOP consequences. So will your grandchildren.

[pinebox]

215. I switched from Indy to Dem ONLY to caucus for Bernie

and that is that.

[JeaneRaye]

218. I get it, but...

If everyone felt this way, we would be handing the Presidency and the Supreme Court over to the Republicans. I understand how you feel but no matter who wins the candidacy, we have to come together and support the nominee. We cannot allow the Republicans to get back into the White House.

[Snotcicles]

221. Why do you and the others assume when a person refuses to pledge, they refuse to follow through?

A candidate who is uncertain of the outcome is more likely to improve.

[mvd]

223. I will support Hillary if she gets the nomination

It's not just a scare tactic. There could be 2-3 more wing nuts on the Supreme Court if a Repuke gets elected. Bush was bad enough, and some of these Repuke candidates are even worse - President Obama fixed some of the main stuff, but it may not be as doable next time. Country might be lost for generations. That said, my enthusiasm about Hillary is not high. Especially after the way she has campaigned against Sanders instead of trying to bring his supporters into the fold. Not surprising but still disappointing.

[Chichiri]

237. In light of Scalia's death...

...is your pledge still rescinded?

[Snotcicles]

238. Of course. Now will you quit assuming I need to make one? nt

[Corey_Baker08]

242. WTF Get Off This Site Then Ur No Better Than A Republican

[Snotcicles]

243. No, I'll stay right here. nt

[ecstatic]

248. Lol. And these are the people who claim to be progressive?

gatekeepers? Openly threatening to vote GOP even while there's a vacancy on the Supreme Court? GMAFB. You're not fooling anyone.

[Snotcicles]

249. Where do you see a threat to vote GOP? In my post. nt

[Corey_Baker08]

250. A Vote Against The Democratic Nominee Is A Vote For The Republican Nominee...

Let me start off by saying, Snotcicles, I joined DU as a young 14 year old Liberal Democrat while our party, The Democratic Party, was also embroiled in another heated Fight for the Nomination of the 2004 Democratic Nominee for President of the United States.

Snotcicles, I remember your posts, & as a young and impressionable young man I always liked your posts & respected you, hell I'll go as far to say I kinda looked up to you...

But to say that you will not support the Democratic Candidate unless it's the person you like is selfish on your behalf. It's people like you who pledge Bullshit like that, that will be the reason The Democratic Candidate For President has a greater chance of losing this November.

Elections have Consequences. With the Death of Justice Scalia, It is quite probable that indeed the 45th President of the United States may very well be the individual who does indeed make that Appointment...Not to mention the fact that whomever the next President is He or She will without a doubt have the obligation to appoint 3 or more vacancies on The Supreme Court of the United States.

So keeping those facts in mind are you really saying that if Bernie Sanders is not the Nominee of the Democratic Party YOU are willing to risk a Republican Taking The Oath of Office on January 20, 2017 & Allowing Him to Change The Make-up of the United States Supreme Court For Generations?

Remember Al Gore Lost By 537 Votes, I Ask You, I Beg of You To Listen To The Voice Of Reason This Election Is The Implications Of This Election Are Soo Much Bigger Than Making A Point To The Democratic Party That The Liberals Are Alive & Well & Want Their Voice Heard

I ask of you with all due Dilligence & Respect To Reconsider Your Decision in light of recent events because any Democratic Candidate Would Be A Hell of Alot better than any Republican especially knowing with almost certainty that the SCOTUS Hangs in the balance...

[ecstatic]

284. I admire your passion, keep trying. Unfortunately,

I have neither the time nor patience to beg grown adults to vote democratic.

[Corey_Baker08]

290. Thank-You Very Much :)

[Jenny_92808]

251. I am a Bernie supporter too

but I will vote for Hillary if she wins because the alternative would be a NIGHTMARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Snotcicles]

279. And just between you and me, I might do the same. nt

[Orsino]

253. No loyalty pledges are yet required.

If ever.

Vote for your favorite Dem, or against a Republican, but vote!

And in the meantime, lobby and campaign like a motherfucker.

[Snotcicles]

275. +1.nt

[Snotcicles]

276. But as you can tell some around here seem to argue the point. Hence a successful post. nt

[earthside]

255. I'm not falling for the Supreme Court ploy anymore, either.

That has always been the last plaintive plea of the establishment Democratic Party: You have to vote for us because of the Supreme Court.

First of all, as important as Supreme Court vacancies and nominations are, this time my economic well-being comes first. I'm not going to vote for a neoliberal candidate for president. That puts all the Repuglicans and Hillary Clinton in one group and Bernie Sanders as the only major figure in the other group.

I am tired of being manipulated by Democrats who are beholden to economic elitists and those who always figure out a way to support 'free trade' that sends the livelihood of average folks overseas. (No -- I absolutely do not believe Hillary Clinton when she says she is against TPP or Keystone.)

It's a new day I hope in America: if a presidential candidate is not on my side, then I'm not voting to help them out just on one emotional issue.

[themaguffin]

256. So you would vote for more Scalias. Got it.

[Snotcicles]

274. Thats a stupid thing to say. Of coarse not, go back and read what I wrote SLOWLY. (edit spelling)

We don't get to vote for court appointments. Anyway. GOT IT!

[zappaman]

264. awwwww

[basselope]

277. I pledge NOT to vote for anyone who voted for the Iraq War

[valerief]

278. I understand exactly how you feel, but when they serve up Paul Ryan in the GOP brokered

convention, the race will get a lot scarier.

I'm doing what Bernie recommends.

[Snotcicles]

283. I'm like you, I'm no longer affiliated with the DNC. I like my freedom to much. As far as getting

banned from here, even though I have invested lots of time and emotion in this endeavor. Better people than me have been run out of here. Joining that alumni might have it's own rewards.

[olddots]

282. sometimes you have to buy some pants that don't fit you

I have no idea what the hell that means .