If Clinton wins in November, she'll have Sanders to thank

[Octafish]

If Clinton wins in November, she'll have Sanders to thank

John Hudak
Brookings Institution | February 21, 2016 11:30am

For Bernie Sanders, the Nevada caucuses were tough. Sure, his supporters have much to cheer about. Just a year ago he was an unknown candidate, and this week he came within five points of beating what he rightly calls "the most powerful political operation in America" in a state considered part of the Clinton firewall. He should take pride in what he has organized, accomplished and the people who he has connected to. And frankly, any Clinton supporter who diminishes what Sanders' campaign has done is doing a disservice to their party and to their candidate. Sanders has managed something Clinton has been ill-equipped to do: connect with a variety of demographic groups who love Barack Obama but feel left behind by Obama's recovery. Clinton has cloaked herself in the Obama record, and, in the process, she has alienated those who have not reaped the fruits of his progressive labor.

SNIP...

Although Bernie Sanders is less likely to be the Democratic presidential nominee now than he was even a week ago, that should not diminish his importance in this race and the impact he has had on Secretary Clinton. So, let's break down why Sanders is still an important player in the presidential race.

Clinton supporters are often egotistically dismissive of Sanders’ candidacy and his supporters. They claim he is too populist, too lofty, too idealistic. All of those things may be true, but they miss the point. The self-declared democratic socialist, a widely anonymous Senator from Vermont, and an awkward guy who consistently looks uncomfortable playing the part of a politician, gave Hillary Clinton a run for her money. Any effort to minimize what Sanders has done wrongly discounts a surprisingly powerful political force.

He ran and continues to run a campaign of big ideas that connects with many voters. He speaks not just to the hippie-liberal Vermont demographic, but to all walks of American life—young voters, voters of color, moderates, conservatives, and anyone who feels betrayed by the current state of American politics. That is a big group that most candidates—Clinton and every Republican candidate but Trump—has underestimated.

But Sanders has done much more. He has injected passion into the Democratic race—a passion Clinton would not inspire if she marched to the convention in Philadelphia devoid of competition, readying herself for a coronation. The Sanders supporters who are not convinced of Clinton's value or who outwardly dislike her have done much to open Clinton’s eyes. She may have entered the presidential race with the ego of an incumbent president but she quickly got knocked down to size. Sanders supporters have pushed Clinton in directions she never expected to go. They have made her change her language, her message, and her campaign style. It is not the path she wanted, but it is probably the path that best serves her. Bernie Sanders has pushed her to the left on many issues, but he has also made Clinton a better candidate. And my guess is she knows it.

CONTINUED...

http://www.brookings.edu/blogs/fixgov/posts/2016/02/21-after-nevada-sanders-still-important-hudak

[Politicalboi]

1. People need to see that her lies won't hold in the GE

She will lose big time in November and she'll have herself to blame. Bad mouthing Bernie supporters will also lose her votes. We need to help her see the door.

[gwheezie]

2. Each will need the others supporters

And he has pushed her left in being more specific in her policy statements. I always thought it was a good idea that he run.

[Eric J in MN]

3. If Hillary Clinton becomes president, I don't think she'll be influenced much by Bernie Sanders.

Similary, if Bernie Sanders become president, I don't think he'll be influenced much by HRC.

Winning is validating. A President Hilary Clinton or a President Bernie Sanders won't look back at the losing primary candidate as a guide.

[jwirr]

8. And all too many people do not trust her so it really does not

matter what she says. Once you get that reputation there is little you can do to change it especially if there is evidence that shows you have not changed: big money donors.

[Beowulf]

5. A generous read of the situation.

My question: why should I expect Hillary would stay left after the election? There's nothing in her history, her preferred way of conducting business, or anything else that suggests to me any move to the left would be anything other than a ruse.

[Karma13612]

6. We have had 3 contests, and they are already saying this crap:

Although Bernie Sanders is less likely to be the Democratic presidential nominee now than he was even a week ago, that should not diminish his importance in this race and the impact he has had on Secretary Clinton. So, let's break down why Sanders is still an important player in the presidential race.

FFS

[kath]

7. i noticed that too. SO sick of all that fucking bullshit.

fuck the MSM assholes.