Bernie has zero support from any California US House or Senate members.

[DCBob]

Four California House Democrats are keeping a tight lid on who they think should be their party’s presidential nominee.

The California primary is June 7, and the other 35 members of the Golden State’s Democratic House delegation, and both its U.S. senators, have backed Hillary Clinton for months.

But House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Reps. Barbara Lee, Alan Lowenthal and Norma Torres said they aren’t ready to publicly support either Clinton or Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who is popular but lagging in delegates.

Lowenthal, from Long Beach, said he’s still watching the candidates and doesn’t expect to announce a choice before California votes next month. As a state senator, Lowenthal endorsed Barack Obama in January 2008.

He said he and the other undecided House members talk privately about what to do and when to endorse. He said announcing support strategically could help bring the Democratic Party together.

Like all House Democrats, the four undecided California members are superdelegates to the Democratic National Convention this July in Philadelphia. That means they can choose whom they want, and their selection at the convention doesn’t need to be tied to how Californians vote.

Clinton secured the support of hundreds of superdelegates early in the race, scaring off potential rivals and giving her a leg up as the primary process went on. Sanders and many of his supporters have urged superdelegates to switch to his side or reevaluate their choice based on which candidate voters favored in their state’s primary.

http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-ca-hillary-clinton-california-endorsements-20160512-snap-htmlstory.html

==============

I suppose its possible he could get a couple of those undeclared but if Bernie is so wonderful it really makes you wonder why not even one supports him now. I think California is going to be a big disappointment for Bernie and his gang much like New York was. Hillary is very popular there with minorities and women. As we know Bernie's appeal is limited mostly to young white voters. That not going to make it in a state like California.

[riderinthestorm]

1. That's nothing new. Same as usual.

The Clintons are viciously vindictive. I wouldn't want to get on their enemies list either.

Endorsements are overrated this election anyway. Bernie’s fighting for us, the little guys against the establishment 1%. Of course the establishment will back Hillary. No surprise.

[metroins]

7. Fantasy

Bernies been in office 25 years, family earnings over 200-500k a year and he's soliciting donations to keep campaigning on a lost bid.

The fantasy of him fighting against the 1%, he is the one percent.

He also talks in the 3rd person which is weird.

[riderinthestorm]

16. FDR was a 1%er who fought for the rest of us. Bernie’s an FDR Dem.

I don't begrudge him his earnings one bit. His $ clearly hasn't changed his focus one bit.

I'm glad Bernie’s staying in as long as possible. He needs to keep getting his message out there loud and clear.

[Baobab]

48. HRC and especially WJC make more in one speech than Bernie makes in an entire year.

HRC spent $3M on Chelsea's wedding.

(From what I hear, Chelsea is not at all like Hillary. Much nicer.)

[riderinthestorm]

53. Agreed. The myth that Bernie is a 1%er is one of DU Team Clinton's faves though

I've learned that there's no rational discussion about Bernie's annual earnings or his net worth with them.

Far easier to simply let them continue the delusion and cheerfully bring up FDR.

Honestly any chance to make some comparisons between Bernie and FDR works for me...

[Baobab]

60. $300k-500k is 1% if you mean the whole world.

1% = 1/100th of the entire world's population.

Don't forget, 62 people own as much as the bottom 50% of the entire world now. down from well over 100 people just a few years ago.

What really matters is the distribution which is becoming much more crowded at its edges- with the middle class shrinking very quickly as automation rapidly strips out the "white collar" middle managers and the highly skilled workers. (The unskilled and medium skilled workers likely have already lost their jobs are are about to.)

If current trends continue, within a few years just a very few people (far less than the current 62) will own half and then almost all of everything.

Hillary and by extension, the United States and its military, is there to make sure that the current investors value is preserved or enhanced and that the value in the supply chains is maximized under the changing economic conditions (rising supply of labor, falling demand) and not interrupted.

Obama will be a hard act to follow in that regard.

[Baobab]

50. No more change. Hillary has won!

The change it had to stop. We knew it all along.

[DCBob]

12. Utter nonsense.

The Clintons have a developed strong ties and loyalty through decades of supporting Democratic candidates and Democratic issues in California and all over this country. Bernie has done nothing like that. They hardly know him.. why should they support him?

[riderinthestorm]

19. He's not a corrupt politician, of course they'd love Hillary and not him

I think the lack of establishment endorsements illustrates the problem with the Democratic party perfectly and really makes Bernie’s case that the elites don't give a shit @ us. They're all in it for themselves.

[DCBob]

21. Bernie hasn't put in the time and effort to establish strong loyalties with Democrats..

around the country. Hillary has... its as simple as that.

[riderinthestorm]

26. I see that's the narrative you want to spin

Democrats are only 29% of the electorate and shrinking every year. Independents are 42% of the electorate and growing steadily.

Bernie understands the realities and so do we, his supporters.

[DCBob]

30. The "narrative" is Bernie is going to lose the Democratic primary in California...

because he doesn't appeal to Democrats. That's more than a narrative.. that's a fact.

[riderinthestorm]

33. Ooh, do you have tomorrow's winning lottery numbers? TIA!!

[DCBob]

38. I certainly wouldn't give it to you.

Why split the pot?

[Armstead]

31. He's spent his time doing what Senators do

Represent his state and push for issues through legislation and advocacy. He has not spent his time calculating for a run to the WH, and padding his resume.

I prefer someone who has focused on his job, rather than plotting the next step up the ladder.

He has overwhelming support from the voters who know him and who he represents in Vermont. They seem to appreciate that., as they keep sending him back to DC with very large margins.....and he got something like 80 percent in the primary in the state he represents.

[DCBob]

34. Correct and that's precisely why he wasn't ready to run for or to be President.

It's quite remarkable someone with such limited outreach and connections would even consider running for President.

[Armstead]

40. Because his connections are to people, voters....His achievement in the primary has been....

well I hate to use superlatives, but almost superhuman.

And I think of the Democratic Establishment would take a look at that, there's a lot they can -- and should -- learn about what the priorities and message and behavior of the party and its politicians should be, instead of going back to the well of a brand that is past its sell-by date.

[DCBob]

44. He has certain done remarkably well.. much much better than anyone expected.

But it clearly was not enough to win.

[Armstead]

49. perhaps not....But that does not negate it and....

Imagine what he could have done if the media did not marginalize him at the beginning....Totally ignore him in late fall (they were already assuming Clinton as nominee and almost totally ignored Bernie in Nov. and Dec.) , and now jump on the "she's inevitable' bandwagon and discourage potential Bernie voters.

Clinton is very lucky in the fact that it looks like the nominee is going to be Trump. Had they nominated someone halfway sane and presentable, I think she'd have been toast in the general.

Bernie has proven both his personal political mettle and I think he would have been a much better GE candidate and President.

But much more important -- the power of his progressive populist message and values of integrity. If the Democratic Party wants to remain relevant it had better look at that very carefully.

[silvershadow]

81. I was under the understanding that anyone who wanted to run

was eligible (within the Constitutional requirements). I was also taught in school that it was good for democracy to do so. I don't hear anyone whining about the literal thousands of other Americans who are running for President this cycle. Just Bernie. What gives?

[brush]

37. Not much to show for 25 years. What is it, two bills passed to name post offices in Vermont?

[Armstead]

42. He got a lot done...and he also tried to do that Dems should have supported

[jack_krass]

45. Hillary has strong ties not only with Democrats...

But with anyone who has power and/or money (both of which the Clintons are drawn to like a moth to a flame), including but not limited to:
The Bushes
The Trumps
Wall street firms
Mass murderers and war pushers like Kissinger and James Baker

These close ties, and Bernies lack of them, are precisely why I am for Bernie

http://m.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3493110/That-love-didn-t-long-Hillary-Clinton-slams-George-W-Bush-mess-left-White-House-just-days-warm-embrace-Nancy-Reagan-s-funeral.html

[Baobab]

51. "They'd love Hillary and not him"?

Do you mean the "vested" interests? (as opposed to the mere human beings)

[Baobab]

46. I wouldn't endorse either candidate either in that situation.

Clinton may even have California locked down.

Resistance may be futile.

[livetohike]

52. The standard Sanders supporters comment. Oh those powerful Clintons!! Everyone is

scared of them! Can't admit that hardly anyone in politics anywhere in the US thinks Sanders would make a good President, let alone someone they like working with.

[Baobab]

62. Hillary is a candidate that even dictators "can do business" with.

Especially rich dictators.

[NJCher]

79. the endorsement thing is easy to figure out

when you realize that half of all legislators join the revolving door--i.e., become lobbyists. His colleagues know full well Bernie will quash 7-figure take once they leave office.

Of course, they're not going to endorse him.


Cher

[bkkyosemite]

2. Your OP comment is bull shit. "Bernie is so wonderful" is pathetic. "Bernie and his gang"

pathetic but usual talk from HRC supporters.

[timmymoff]

4. You wouldn't expect them

to talk about her wonderful record would you? They can't really talk about her service as Sec of state because that brings up regime change, free trade deals only recently opposed etc. Her Corporate Majesty gives a bad name to progressive.

[DCBob]

10. It is not.. its a valid question for someone who doesn't "feel the bern".

Also, what's wrong with "Bernie and his gang"?? That's seems like a rather nice way to phrase it.. I could have written something much worse.

So instead of attacking my terminology.. why not comment on the actual issue or the content of the article?

Why are there no US congressional Democrats supporting Bernie in California??

[bkkyosemite]

20. Because they are bought and paid for. Do your research. And I know what you meant

by your comments they were not endearing. And I know you could have used worse it's already there........

[DCBob]

23. That's bullshit.

I will repeat what I said in a previous post..

The Clintons have a developed strong ties and loyalty through decades of supporting Democratic candidates and Democratic issues in California and all over this country. Bernie has done nothing like that.

They hardly know him.. why should they support him?

[riderinthestorm]

29. Dem party membership is dropping. Its now at 29% of the electorate. Independents are 42%

The reality is establishment Dem endorsements aren't persuasive in this election cycle. His supporters aren't voting for him because this Dem or that Dem endorse him.

If you believe that endorsements matter to Bernie supporters then you aren't paying attention.

[DCBob]

36. That issue doesn't matter that much in a Democratic primary.

Democrats should be choosing the Democratic nominee.

Agreed we do need to grow the party. I think Hillary can do that this year especially with Trump on the other side.

[Fawke Em]

47. Hillary and her supporters are doing the opposite.

They are PUSHING people away.

I suspect that the Democratic Party will lose another 5 to 10 percent after the convention. The Millennials (AKA the Future) only joined the Party recently so they could vote for Bernie. They have no allegiance to the Party. Then you have those of us who are decidedly older who, if Hillary is nominated, will have grown so frustrated with the pro-corporate focus of a Party once dedicated to representing the working and middle class that we will decide the Party no longer has any allegiance to us and we'll leave. And all this has absolutely NOTHING to do with Trump, who won't get our votes, either.

So much for growing the party.

[DCBob]

54. I hope that doesn't happen.

I'm sure no one in the Democratic party wants that and will do everything possible to incorporate the new "Bernie" people.

[Baobab]

65. It all depends on whether you want things to change or go backwards/remain the same

The trade deals represent a global coup of sorts, an attempt to push back the gains of the last few decades and then nail down policy in a way that ensures it only becomes more favorable to corporations, never less. Thats called a "ratchet" clause. They also contain clauses which create a standstill on all policies that are non conforming, and prohibit any farther changes that are not privatization. ("liberalisation" = elimination of regulations, elimination of public services in favor of privatization, basically- one way irreversible privatization.)

Corporations just can't want anything besides what's good for them. As they are not human.

Trade deals prohibit affordable health care unless its low value and clearly "less" than more expensive health care. Trade deals give corporations a right to compensation in advance if governments do it any differently.

[Mnpaul]

3. Congressional approval now averaging at 12%

It may be a good thing that Bernie does not have their support

[Ferd Berfel]

6. Good point

[oasis]

9. The "do nothing" GOP is responsible for those low approval numbers.

But then, you knew that.

[Mnpaul]

17. Based on what?

Because you said so? The ACA is underwater in approval as well and I only expect it to get worse when they jack up the deductables.

[Armstead]

35. Both do nothing parties

[oasis]

43. Hard to get anything done when obstructionist make up their minds

to block proposals from the get go. Why do you think Obama is forced to push through all those much maligned, executive orders?

[redstateblues]

55. Which candidate is currently in Congress?

I believe it's do nothing back bencher Sanders

[Mnpaul]

56. The guy who shut out the Republicans with 71% of the vote?

The guy who is running against the status quo. You want to blame him? He is against business as usual.

[CorkySt.Clair]

58. Breaking news: Bernie is in Congress

You Bernouts crack me up!

[Ferd Berfel]

5. SO they've been bought off too?

Status Quo.

LEt's see what the PEOPLE of California have to say. IF they can get past the election fraud that we've already seen in other states.

[TrueDemVA]

8. Oh no, establishment politicians don't support Bernie

Way to go out of your way to state the obvious. I would be more worried if establishment politicians did come out for him in droves like they did for Corporate lobbyist and friend of the elite, Hillary.

Their meal ticket would be gone if they supported Bernie. You know, b/c they're cowards.

[DCBob]

15. Every single one is "establishment?? Not one has the guts to support Bernie??

[brush]

39. I would call someone in Congress for 25 years part of the establisment too

Especially one who has had but a couple of bills passed, naming post offices in Vermont.

[DCBob]

41. No kidding... in fact more so than many of those CA congressmen/congresswomen.

[Starry Messenger]

11. CA has one of the most left-wing delegations in the country, but under the bus!

[DCBob]

13. Amazing isnt it.

[Starry Messenger]

18. Evidently Mike Honda is on the shit-list.

His district is close to mine--his rival is an actual corporate Dem, the kind Berners say they hate, Ro Khanna, who has been trying to unseat him for years. Sure, let that guy win and Revolution!!11

[NurseJackie]

14. Well ... conspiracy something something, obviously.

[DCBob]

25. No doubt.

[PufPuf23]

22. Good for Nancy Pelosi and Reps. Barbara Lee, Alan Lowenthal and Norma Torres

in holding off on who to support.

A super-delegate who withdrew public support for Hillary Clinton, especially if as likely she goes on to be POTUS, would be committing career suicide.

Sanders appeal is not limited to young white voters. Look at DU and the crowds Sanders attracts.

I plan on voting for Sanders in the California primary.

[DCBob]

24. They will end up supporting Hillary.

Guaranteed.

[PufPuf23]

28. Probably so but they better served their constituents by delaying

their public support until after the State primary or perhaps later.

Not hard to see that prematurely committing to Sanders would be career suicide for a Democratic incumbent.

[JonLeibowitz]

68. Oh really?

They were sitting around two years ago on couches and armchairs in liberal radio host Bill Press’s rowhouse near Eastern Market in Washington, picking at dinner. Sanders, his wife Jane, and all of his top people were there, except for campaign manager Jeff Weaver, who wouldn’t be hired for a year.

Sanders had asked Press to pull in a few others, too, including then-American Bridge president Brad Woodhouse, former Harry Reid chief of staff Susan McCue, Reps. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) and Barbara Lee (D-Calif.). They spitballed and listened as the Vermont senator laid out what he wanted to do, talked about what a race would really entail, how tough running against Hillary Clinton would be.

http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2016/03/bernie-sanders-2016-inside-213692

Sounds like Barbara Lee was at the exploratory meeting. I wouldn't be so sure she backs Clinton in the primary.

[DCBob]

69. Ok.. I might give you one.

[arcane1]

77. Me too. DCBob's ignorance of California isn't chaning anyone's minds n/t

[SheenaR]

27. That's great for Sec. Clinton

Is there a way we can find out how many voiced their preference last year, when there was potentially no Primary ahead to speak of.

And I would imagine many of those stayed put and would have hedged their bets if there was a shot of things going differently.

Not difficult to understand.

Not everyone has the fortitude of a Tulsi Gabbard to realize they have made a mistake and publicly switch.

But good for the Secretary.

[lumberjack_jeff]

32. The same is true in Washington.

So incumbents are now facing primaries.

[pmorlan1]

57. Silly

I suppose its possible he could get a couple of those undeclared but if Bernie is so wonderful it really makes you wonder why not even one supports him now.

It doesn't make me wonder at all. After all this time and you still don't get it, do you? The establishment is not behind Bernie. He has been running against the entire Democratic establishment since the day he announced. Why would anyone wonder why these people are not supporting him? When one Congressional Rep. or Senator does endorse him it is an act of courage. Sadly courage is in short supply these days because they all know that the establishment will ruin them if they get out of line. How can you not see this?

[DCBob]

63. Nonsense.

Every single one is "establishment"??

[ChiciB1]

59. So??? And This Surprises You WHY??? n/r

[DCBob]

64. California has lots of very liberal/progressive areas.

Its surprising even those folks don't support him.

[beaglelover]

61. Good! Bernie is going DOWN in CA!!!!

[bjo59]

66. Of course they don't. They know where their meal ticket is.

[DCBob]

75. Their "meal ticket" is getting votes from their constituents.

Its surprising even those representing liberal/progressive areas dont support Bernie.

[SidDithers]

67. They just haven't got to know him yet!...nt

Sid

[AzDar]

70. Bernie intends to derail their Corporate Gravy Train...

[anotherproletariat]

71. It's time for people to realize that a revolution requires advance planning.

The reason no establish Dem supports Sanders is that he just joined the party to run, which is indicative of a person who is making spontaneous decisions without forethought. If he had given any consideration to his desired revolution, he would have known that to be accepted by his adopted party, he needed to put in the time advocating for the party itself, not just vague progressive ideas.

He was smart to realize that an independent run would not be successful, but why he didn't put in more effort to get his name out into the public, and integrate himself into the Democratic Party years before his run, is astounding.

[Warren DeMontague]

72. What? Dianne Feinstein doesnt support him? SHOCKING!

Wow, the other day when she was holding emergency hearings with Chuck Grassley on the "marijuana legalization crisis", I asked myself "gee, whiz, I wonder who she is supporting in the Democratic primary process?"

[KingFlorez]

73. It's not as if he has many allies in Congress

Even among the progressives.

[DCBob]

74. Yeah, that's very telling.

Even progressives dont "feel the bern".

[arcane1]

76. That's a plus in my book n/t

[Faux pas]

78. Luckily

Bernie supporters outnumber them.

[longship]

80. This is what one could call spin.

Here is another example of the same:

on edit: a better clip.

[highprincipleswork]

82. FEAR still runs the Democratic Party. They don't realize yet that Great God Reagan is dead, & along

with him the Reagan Revolution.

Long live the new Bernie Revolution, and in case you haven't noticed Bernie insists that this revolution be run by us. It can also be run by anybody who chooses to be truly Progressive.

It's a great day in America to be Progressive, but if you don't use it, you lose it. Trump will steal your thunder, if you're not careful.