Sanders withholds "endorsement" until Clinton "takes steps to win his confidence"

[Miles Archer]

WASHINGTON — With little affection or trust between them, Hillary Clinton and Senator Bernie Sanders met privately for nearly two hours on Tuesday night to size each other up as they started exploring what kind of alliance they might build for the general election battle against Donald J. Trump.

Yet Mr. Sanders chose to withhold his endorsement of Mrs. Clinton, several Sanders advisers said, because he wants her to take steps to win his confidence before the Democratic convention, where his supporters expect him to speak and Clinton advisers hope he will give her his full-throated backing.

Aides to Mrs. Clinton said she had never expected his endorsement Tuesday night. A statement from the Clinton campaign after the meeting described it as “a positive discussion about their primary campaign, about unifying the party and about the dangerous threat that Donald Trump poses to our nation.” They discussed issues like raising wages and reducing college costs, and “agreed to continue working on their shared agenda, including through the platform development process for the upcoming Democratic National Convention.”

The Sanders campaign released a nearly identical statement, though it emphasized that the two candidates also spoke about “how best to bring more people into the political process” — a reflection of the strong support for Mr. Sanders among young people and independents.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/15/us/politics/bernie-sanders-campaign.html?_r=0

[tonyt53]

1. Hillary doesn't have to kiss his ass. Strong people will never do that.

Bernie has about zero leverage at this time.

[Miles Archer]

3. Bernie doesn't have to kiss her ass. Strong people will never do that.

See how that works?

[leftofcool]

6. No, he doesn't. He can go back to the Senate without ever endorsing her

I think that is exactly what he will do.

[Miles Archer]

9. Agree, I think that's exactly what's going to happen

I don't see any way he could endorse her and reconcile that with his supporters, because I'm pretty sure that what we see is what we get, and what we see isn't in alignment with Sanders at all.

[leftofcool]

15. It will ultimately be his loss.

[Miles Archer]

41. Maybe, maybe not

I think he's prepared to deal with that possibility. I'd rather see him take a loss and stand by his principles than to "go for the win," because in this particular situation, it would be a "win" wrapped around a concession, and I don't think he'd find that appealing.

I walked away from a few "wins" myself in life because I didn't want to look in the mirror and see that "winner." What I was asked to give up was one hell of a lot more than I stood to "win."

[Raster]

66. This is a concept you understand...

"I walked away from a few "wins" myself in life because I didn't want to look in the mirror and see that "winner." What I was asked to give up was one hell of a lot more than I stood to "win."

[Hortensis]

96. I think in short order it won't matter. Remember,

half the electorate has trouble remembering, or never knew, which parties hold majorities where. Studies show that most will blame President Obama for all their dissatisfactions, including all the terrible things the GOP and other nations did, during his term because that is the only name they remember.

Many Democrats just assume the primary was over some weeks ago and aren't paying attention since they've voted and later heard who our nominee is. A few Democrats will be interested in whether Sanders ends up endorsing Hillary, but the vast majority of voters just aren't paying that much attention and don't and won't care if he does or not.

Ignorance keeps it all real simple. But also sometimes good sense combined with limited interest in the details does some editing too.

[840high]

159. ...!100++++

[brooklynite]

19. In which case, he won't speak at the Convention...

The last time a nominee allowed a challenger to speak without knowing in advance what they would say...it didn't go well:

[tonyt53]

31. I believe you are right. That was a mess.

[kstewart33]

67. He can say goodbye to his Senate career if he does not endorse.

They may love him in Vermont, but it's sayonara in the Senate if a Democrat does not endorse the nominee, especially when the alternative is Trump.

[Exilednight]

95. Not true, he holds leverage. Dems need him if they want to take back

The Senate Majority. Hillary's coattails are pretty thin, and Sanders is the key to taking back control if they want that magic number of 50 seats. Lock him out and he could abstain from voting for the Senate Majority Leader thus throwing control to Republicans.

[Maru Kitteh]

114. He used to hold leverage, he's destroying that day by day

We won't need him for any kind of tie breaker. The Senate will be ours, quite likely the House as well. Do you believe he would suddenly caucus with the Republicans? I don't think so.

[Exilednight]

116. he won't caucus with the Republicans, but if Dems freeze him out

Of committee assignments then he can, and probably will, become a true independent.

We're not winning the House. That's a pipe dream. Gerrymandering took that away from us. In the Senate we will be lucky to flip six seats at best.

[Maru Kitteh]

121. We'll see won't we? Her numbers are rising steadily and will continue to

benefit from the end of the primaries, improving with distance.

We're taking the Senate, and we have a good shot at the House.

[tex-wyo-dem]

157. Hillary has some of the lowest favorability numbers...

Of anyone who has run for president, with the exception of, of course, Trump. If the GOP were running any "normal" type of candidate, she would be in deep trouble.

Those are some mighty short coat tails.

[Kentonio]

190. A good shot at the house? That's ridiculous.

[rock]

187. "... become a true independent."

Sounds good to me!

[larkrake]

166. he holds more leverage than ever, and it is growing with each downticket progressive who

removes Dinos in congress

[Maru Kitteh]

183. you mean like Lucy Flores?

[Hortensis]

101. Doesn't work that way, KStewart. The Senate

powers have little or nothing in terms of assignments to offer Sanders that he might want. At least that's what observers believe. And he's always been a loner who's never been interested in sitting at the cool senators' table, etc., so they can't punish him by refusing him a seat he never wanted or had.

Independence can be strength. They know they can't control him and the way to deal with him is by reaching agreement on things he wants. His limitation is that he has failed to gain the power he needed and probably can't hurt the Democrats enough to force them to make concessions they don't want to.

Every time word gets around that he is threatening to hurt the party, his barn-burners yell and wave their torches in excitement, but he loses support from large numbers of others who are moving on.

[swhisper1]

185. I hope so. He sees her as part of the problem, so why endorse? Does not need to

[George II]

35. And he'll wind up caucusing by himself in a storage room somewhere at the Capitol.....

...you really think after all this and the histrionics of his post primary comments the Democrats are going to openly welcome him into THEIR caucus?

He'd probably get a better reception from the republicans.

[Miles Archer]

48. I do not think for one moment that the establishment is going to embrace him in any way.

I'll let you label his actions as "histrionics"...that's your right, I don't agree with you but I also have no intention of debating you. You have your opinion, I have mine. I respect yours and I don't need a reciprocal gesture.

AS I've said, it's over. No endorsement and no gesture from the establishment in recognition or appreciation. I can live with that. If I were a Clinton supporter, I'd cut him loose too.

[Haveadream]

125. Establishment Dems have made gestures in recognition and appreciation

You said:

AS I've said, it's over. No endorsement and no gesture from the establishment in recognition or appreciation. I can live with that.

That isn't quite the case. Bernie has been roundly praised by top Dems and his opponent for his hard fought campaign, energizing people to vote, helping the party, and shining a spotlight on economic issues:


Hillary:

I want to congratulate Senator Sanders for the extraordinary campaign he has run. He has spent his long career in public service fighting for progressive causes and principles, and he’s excited millions of voters, especially young people. And let there be no mistake: Senator Sanders, his campaign, and the vigorous debate that we’ve had about how to raise incomes, reduce inequality, increase upward mobility have been very good for the Democratic Party and for America......We all want an economy with more opportunity and less inequality, where Wall Street can never wreck Main Street again. We all want a government that listens to the people, not the power brokers, which means getting unaccountable money out of politics. And we all want a society that is tolerant, inclusive, and fair.

http://time.com/4361099/hillary-clinton-nominee-speech-transcript/

President Obama:

I also want to thank everybody who turned out to vote and who worked so hard for our candidates. This has been a hard-fought race. I know some say these primaries have somehow left the Democratic party more divided. Well, they said that eight years ago as well. But just like eight years ago, there are millions of Americans, not just Democrats, who have cast their ballots for the very first time. And a lot of that is thanks to senator Bernie Sanders, who has run an incredible campaign. I had a great meeting with him this week, and I thanked him for shining a spotlight on issues like economic inequality and the outsized influence of money in our politics, and bringing young people into our process. Embracing that message is going to help us win in November. But more importantly, it will make the Democratic party stronger, and it will make America stronger.

http://www.bustle.com/articles/165939-the-transcript-of-obamas-hillary-clinton-endorsement-contains-a-powerful-message

Senators Reid and Schumer:

"I'm in a good place with Bernie," Reid said. "Bernie's going to be very good for the party...."Schumer of New York, the presumed Senate Democratic leader next year after Reid retires. Schumer told Sanders in that meeting that he was "proud" of what Sanders had accomplished and seemed confident that Sanders would bring millions of voters to the polls to take the majority back from the Republicans.

"He cares a lot about the Senate majority becoming Democratic," Schumer said. "On so many issues the Democratic Caucus and Bernie Sanders are aligned."

Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2016/06/bernie-sanders-senate-democrats-meet-

Nancy Pelosi:

But Pelosi hailed Sanders for energizing young voters, arguing that his appeal will play to the advantage of all Democrats in November.

"Bernie Sanders is a positive force in the Democratic Party," Pelosi said during a press briefing in the Capitol.

"He has awakened in some people an interest in the political process that wasn't there. He has encouraged young people to channel their interest in public service and community leadership into a political place, because this is where decisions are made that'll affect their future and their lives. And I think that's positive."

http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/280609-pelosi-defends-sanders-a-positive-force-for-dems

[Kelvin Mace]

44. Funny, I am told I MUST vote for HRC

because "pragmatism" demands it.

Well, if "pragmatism" demands that HRC do whatever it takes to win, that would include "puckering up".

Weird how we are expected to sacrifice our dignity, morality and ethics, but she and her supporters are exempt.

[Nye Bevan]

60. If anyone tells you that you MUST vote for someone, tell them to go pound sand.

You have the right to vote for Trump, or to help Trump by voting for a no-hoper or not voting at all, if that's what you want.

[Kelvin Mace]

68. I have no intention of voting for Trump,

I can make the argument that anyone voting for HRC is helping Trump win.

[emulatorloo]

85. Well that would be a fascinating argument.

[kstewart33]

69. Nobody's telling you anything.

Your vote is your own.

[mr clean]

155. Nobody's gonna tell me who I must vote for, Sanders or Clinton.

[840high]

160. I know. Right?

[leftofcool]

2. sanders will never endorse Hillary

She will be nominated by Obama at the convention.

[Miles Archer]

5. I don't believe her will endorse her, because...

...I don't believe she will "take steps to win his confidence before the Democratic convention."

I just don't see that happening at all.

[leftofcool]

7. I don't either

He should retire back to the Senate. It is unlikely he will be welcomed though. The Party Leaders are out of patience.

[Ned_Devine]

103. Out of patience with what? Because he doesn't cater to the lobbyists like them?

Sometimes I read stuff here and I forget what site I'm on.

[larkrake]

168. she wont bend. It took her and Bill 30 years to turn the Party, she wont give diddlysquat

and wow is she in for a surprise when it is dems who stop her bad ideas

[840high]

161. I think you're the one

out of patience.

[emulatorloo]

81. I believe he will endorse her as he's telegraphed that thru the entire primary.

He is a man of his word.

The issue for Bernie now is shaping the platform and helping make sure Trump will not become President. It may not be a full throated endorsement, but I believe he will endorse.

[Miles Archer]

83. Depends on how we define "endorsement."

An endorsement of Clinton as the only way to stop Trump?

Probably.

An endorsement of Clinton because he's "rallied behind her" and actually believes in her?

Don't see that happening, but then again, many people won't be able to tell the difference.

[emulatorloo]

84. I guess we'll have to wait and see how it actually plays out.

[Trust Buster]

4. Hillary doesn't need his endorsement. Now that the primaries are over, Sanders will become

less relevant.

[beachbum bob]

8. yep....sanders can only make himself look more and more foolish

[Dawgs]

16. Sure. Standing up for your convictions always makes people look foolish.

You realize there's a reason he ran against her in the first place, right?

[Else You Are Mad]

32. Bingo.

It is about time that a major politician just doesn't kiss the ring of the leaders because they were told to do so. It is a strength -- not a weakness -- to stand up for your convictions.

[brush]

82. That goes both ways. Why should the winner try to win the runner-up's confidence?

That sounds like something out of bizzaro world, you know — where up is down, bad is good, and losers actually win.

[Maru Kitteh]

119. But she's just a woman.

How could she possibly be expected to understand or be trusted with big man-decisions like the platform, her campaign, her choice for VP, committee chairs, etc?

I can't help but notice, how many women of the party, and how few men, SBS seeks to take over the decision-making for.

Wonder why that is?

[840high]

163. Not this shit again.

[Else You Are Mad]

175. That is offensive and absurd. nt

[Maru Kitteh]

178. I couln't agree more. nt

[swhisper1]

186. the vagina is not part of this election, stop offending us

[840high]

162. ...!100++++

[Sheepshank]

79. his convictions at this point appear to be to splinter the Party and aide Trump

Not all that noble if you ask me.

[Dawgs]

88. I hope you're not serious. nt

[Sheepshank]

94. Deadly serious

I realize this is the Party he has criticized harshly for decades. This same party that he joined recently for the purpose of running for POTUS, and has now not given him any quarter. To me, he appears angry, bitter and vengeful. His actions lately seem to bare that out.

[Dawgs]

100. My bad. I made the mistake of thinking you were informed. nt

[panader0]

158. He has voted with the Dems on everything. The most progressive member of Congress.

"bear", not "bare".

[CorkySt.Clair]

92. +1

I saw his little game from the beginning.

[azurnoir]

98. ya just like Jimmy Carter did huh?

[HumanityExperiment]

10. That's the new narrative from HRC supporters...

The dismissive meme begins... it will be comical come the 16th how much of that will be allowed here on DU

[Trust Buster]

11. Check your calendar. It is the 16th and I still don't think she needs his endorsement.

[HumanityExperiment]

12. Check you narrative and comments...

You're entitled to your own perception but not your own facts, and 16th and on, you're posts concerning your perception will be regulated

[Trust Buster]

13. There is absolutely nothing inappropriate w/regards to surmising that Hillary does not need

Sanders' endorsement. Get a hold of yourself.

[HumanityExperiment]

21. but that's not the entirety of your post...

the other commentary bits you add refute your current reply

[LoverOfLiberty]

14. Lots of threats being thrown out

about what will change on the 16th, but I saw nothing in the poster you responded to deserving of censorship.

[HumanityExperiment]

18. perception....

that's the beauty of perception, you're entitled to your own, as am I.... I'll let the rules sort out the 'DU reality' as it pertains to where posts like this would fall

[LoverOfLiberty]

25. I happen to agree

I think Sanders will become less relevant to the presidential race.

And if that is considered unacceptable to state on DU then I will gladly leave.

[HumanityExperiment]

36. the posts relating to that perception will matter in terms of acceptable or not... that's the point

again, you're entitled to your own perception, it's how you react and post here in DU in terms of how you present that perception that matters... will some HRC supporters push the boundaries on that, I'm betting they will

[Trust Buster]

58. Nonsense. TOS is TOS. This thread is entitled "Sanders withholds endorsement". I responded that

she doesn't need his endorsement. No violation of TOS when you respond directly to the OP. You are really reaching.....LOL

[HumanityExperiment]

59. yeah sure...

n/t

[-none]

78. Today is Wednesday, the 15th.

And Bernie was negotiating from strength. Hence, no endorsement. He is not alone in the senate either. Nor will he be next year.

[Lord Magus]

150. What strength is he negotiating from?

Bernie lost the primaries by every metric, and with Trump collapsing in the polls his endorsement is less necessary than it was seen to be a week ago.

[-none]

154. Answer this honestly, then you might, maybe understand.

Where did Hillary's campaign money come from? Goldman Sachs, Wall street, Big banks, PACS. The Rich 1%
Where did Bernie's campaign money come from? His supporters.
The people, the 99%, that is where Bernie's strength comes from. Not the 1%

[leftofcool]

17. She is the nominee! Either support her or don't. That is the new meme!

[HumanityExperiment]

27. Then you're not paying attention to the posts here from HRC supporters...

n/t

[Dawgs]

38. Exactly. Almost every post that is critical of Hillary is responded to with an attack on Bernie..

or his supporters.

[leftofcool]

75. Fortunately, GDpee is gone tomorrow and there will be no more attacks on Hillary

[kstewart33]

71. He is already less relevant.

He's fading away fast.

[CorkySt.Clair]

93. True.

Media coverage has moved onto the GE.

So have those who are not completely delusional.

[treestar]

20. Very strange

that the loser can dictate to the winner. Never happened before.

[Evergreen Emerald]

24. That was my thought as well.

Since when does the one who lost--so handily--dictate the agenda to the winner? Had we wanted his agenda, we would have supported him.

And he has nothing to exchange for a bargain, as he has said a number of times regarding his inability to sway his supporters. I find offensive his attempt to dictate change to the democratic party.

[Native]

46. As much as Sanders has upset me over the course of the primary, I don't find his attempts offensive

at this point in the juncture. He's simply playing it for all he can get. And why not? Everyone agrees that what he accomplished this primary season was simply astounding. He's lost. Hillary won. Why can't we all be civil about it now and recognize all the positives that have come out of this primary instead of focusing on the negatives?

If Hillary or the party were to simply blow him off, as people here seem to think is their right, the alternative would be a nasty convention. Do you really think that the Democratic Party would like the convention to be all about how Bernie didn't endorse Hillary? Can you imagine how that would play out in the media? Yes, he would look like a sore loser to many, but I doubt he'd go down quietly. IOW, there'd be a nice long speech or statement in the media as to the reasons why he refused to endorse her. Obviously he's not going to be able to withhold an endorsement at that point without giving an explanation for doing so. Can you imagine the fun the other party would have with that?

I'm sure they'll be able to reach a compromise that keeps everyone placated. If Bernie doesn't get everything on his wish list, I'm sure they can find a position in Hillary's administration that will allow him to keep pushing his agenda.

[Ned_Devine]

106. Wow! What a rational and considerate response!

Thank you. I'm so used to reading "F**k you! He lost and you're all bunch of sore losers!" I'm paraphrasing of course.

[Native]

109. Tomorrow can't come soon enough!

[Native]

111. Whoops! Spoke too soon. Monday, Monday....

[pdsimdars]

134. Yes, that's when the full on authoritarian censorship starts.

[840high]

165. Thank you.

[HumanityExperiment]

30. New times... new possibilities...

convention will be quite fun... buckle up, it's going to get a bit bumpy

[pdsimdars]

135. And remember, all passengers should keep thier arms and legs withing the vehicle. . . . . .

[HumanityExperiment]

140. nice!

[Dawgs]

50. Then I guess you think you can win without his supporters.

You better hope the GOP doesn't drop Trump before the convention.

[Evergreen Emerald]

52. If people will not support Clinton until Sanders gives the signal

means that they have no ability for independent thought and follow Sanders like lemmings. I do not believe that.

[Miles Archer]

63. I think it's less of people waiting for a signal...

...and more of them deciding that they can vote for Clinton.

I can only speak for myself. I'm not waiting for a signal from anyone, and I fully expect that five months from now, I won't like or trust Clinton any more than I do right now, and I will probably vote for her to block Trump.

That's as enthusiastic as I get for a Clinton Presidency, but I also know the consequences of a Trump Presidency.

[pdsimdars]

136. No, those are the Hillary supporters who follow like lemmings. . . don't care about her positions

don't care about her lowest likeability in history, or her FBI criminal investigation. . . nothing. It's all Hillary worship.

Bernie supporters are the opposite. It's just like Bernie says, it's not about him. It's about the ISSUES. Why anyone would support the oligarchs buying the candidates and the election and think that's a good think, is beyond me.

[840high]

167. Even if he gives

the signal I will not support her.

[Miles Archer]

55. Just as Sanders has no right to "expect" anything from Clinton...

...Clinton has no right to expect the support of Sanders supporters without earning it.

We knew all along that this was going to be a possibility.

I can guarantee that "some" Sanders supporters are going to vote for Clinton in order to block Trump. How many is "some," and how many will cast a vote with no other support (cash / canvassing / phone banks / etc)? I don't know.

[pdsimdars]

137. TYT did a simple online poll, posted in 2 places. 20,000 people responded and 84% said they

would never vote for Clinton. That shocked everyone.

[frazzled]

65. I do think that

I see movement already, both from the larger, rational subset of Sanders supporters, as well as from his more important endorsers in Congress and union groups. They've accepted Clinton as the nominee, and will definitely vote for her.

There will be a far smaller subset of mostly new voters or the type that clings to the "I won't vote for the lesser of two evils" ilk whose votes we've never had anyway. That happens every election. These people may be loud here, but they are a tiny drop in the ocean of the larger voting public. And their effect will be negligible.

And another factor to remember: there are a whole lot of Republicans who do not want to vote for Donald Trump. They may not vote for Clinton, but their staying home will more than offset the remaining Bernie or Bust people.

I'm not in the least concerned.

[leftofcool]

76. Yes, I do believe we can. The GOP is not going to drop Trump.

[Miles Archer]

51. Well, I have already acknowledged that several times.

The winner doesn't get to dictate to the loser, either.

I'm sure that when he referenced Clinton "taking steps," he said that with zero expectation of any steps being taken.

I think last night was a final goodbye between two people who are never going to see eye to eye, regardless of which one is the winner and which one is the loser.

[bettyellen]

22. Has he admitted he lost? Because it's getting embarrassing at this point.

[Dawgs]

70. Not as embarrassing as nominating the most unpopular candidate in all of our lifetimes. nt

[leftofcool]

77. Bernie is obviously not popular with Democrats or he would have won more votes.

[bettyellen]

123. Trump? Yes. But Hillary was more popular where it matters- the voting booth.

[redstateblues]

129. It's even more embarrassing to lose to someone that unpopular

Says a lot about what a weak candidate Bernie is and how badly he fizzled out at the end

[840high]

169. One who is also under

FBI investigation.

[Lil Missy]

23. Bernie can go piss up a rope.n/t

[Miles Archer]

57. And I'm sure he feels exactly the same way about Clinton.

You don't like him. I get it. I also don't think he'll be pissing up a rope any time soon because you've chosen to dismiss him.

[KansDem]

26. She can say she will take steps to win his confidence...

She can always change her mind later.

[pdsimdars]

138. as she always does . . . .

[niyad]

145. she should not have to make concessions to the LOSER.

[rjsquirrel]

28. Aww he's so cute

and will soon be irrelevant.

[Native]

29. This sounds like the most plausible scenario - and I do see Sanders endorsing her at the convention

because the alternative makes no sense. The Democratic party, especially Hillary, is very savvy. They recognize the contribution (albeit contentious) Sander's campaign has brought to the table. I mean, what rational person can't see the enormity and importance of this singular accomplishment of his. I can't see Bernie just fading off into the sunset, and in order to see anything of his platform come to fruition, he is going to have to bargain. And if people don't think that deals are going to be cut and Bernie will be assured an important position in the Clinton Administration, I think they are only fooling themselves.

Bernie has an ego that can be appealed to and a cause that he has built and will take great pains to see continue. I am sure that both sides will do what it takes for everyone to move forward in a positive fashion.

[leftofcool]

34. Why should Hillary appeal to a "male ego?"

[Demsrule86]

47. A couple of weeks ago

Sanders endorsement might have meant something , but not anymore. She should just ignore him.

[Native]

49. I don't think she'd appeal to his ego as much as use it to get what she needs

and I do believe they need his endorsement at the convention. I've outlined my rationale for this in another post here.

[Miles Archer]

99. That would belittle the both of them.

If she did that, she'd be a manipulator. If he sought to have his ego stroked, he'd be a weakling. I know some people here feel that it's exactly what he is...they voice it consistently. I don't agree.

[Native]

108. I respectfully disagree with you.

That's not manipulation. And I would imagine that Hillary, just like Bernie's supporters, doesn't think that Bernie can even BE manipulated. I sure don't. Bottom line, you have to take everything into consideration at the bargaining table. And people in politics have some of the biggest egos there are. Heck, they have to. Do you think it would be manipulative to take Donald Trump's ego into consideration when dealing with him? Of course not. He's all ego, so it would be impossible not to take his ego into consideration as it factors into every decision he's made. Bernie is not a saint. He has an ego. Nothing like Trump's, but I'm sure it's a healthy one. Imagine doing all the incredible work he's done and then not getting what you want at the bargaining table and having to walk away without any concessions. Don't you think something reflecting that negatively on him would bother him? Do you think he doesn't care about his reputation? Doesn't care about what he's accomplished? Doesn't take some personal pride in what he's done? Of course he does. And that's his ego. Nothing wrong with having an ego, and nothing wrong with taking it into consideration at the bargaining table.

[Pastiche423]

164. You actually believe Bernie would want to work in

Her administration????

I hope he never endorses Her. Why should he? All she wants is his delegates and she'll lie like hell to get them.

He would get zero in return for his endorsement.

[Pastiche423]

170. You actually believe Bernie would want to work in

Her administration???

I hope he never endorses Her. Why should he? All she wants is his delegates. She won't change her ways. She'll lie like hell to get what she wants.

[DCBob]

33. It may be time to put Bernie on "ignore".

[workinclasszero]

37. His freshness date expired a month ago

at least.

[Miles Archer]

61. That will probably happen in a large way on DU tomorrow.

Sanders discussions are not prohibited as long as they don't promote him as the nominee.

I have no idea how the hell "Sanders discussions" are going to skirt around that. My guess is that a truckload of content will be hidden or removed tomorrow.

[geek tragedy]

39. Whatever, Bernie. nt

[CrowCityDem]

40. He has no leverage anymore. He's in the dustbin of history.

[Demsrule86]

42. A big who cares

Sanders can't even get his voters to the polls ...how can he deliver votes for Hillary? Too little too late...bye bye Sanders. You have disgraced yourself with your refusal to concede when you lost by all measures. Sore loser.

[Native]

53. Obviously the Hillary campaign doesn't agree with you considering who they hired from his campaign.

Geez, Bernie has pissed me off royally throughout 90% of the primary, and I can't believe I'm actually taking his side here. Well, actually I'm not taking his side, I'm just recognizing the fact that Hillary's campaign is super smart, and I don't see them making any decisions that will encourage rancor and distrust among his supporters.

[JonathanRackham]

43. Bernie is no pushover.

[Demsrule86]

45. And why should she?

he lost ...so needs to get the hell off the stage.

[RandySF]

54. He intentionally set unrealistic expectations.

For example, neither the DNC nor the Clinton campaign can control how many poll workers show up at state-run primaries. He knows this (or he SHOULD know this). Yesterday was a dog-and-pony show for attention while Hillary and the president speak out against hatred toward the Muslim and LGBT communities. Super delegates and Debbie Wasserman-Schultz at a time like this? He should fly home to Vermont and take his conditions with him.

[Arazi]

62. Hillary just hit historic unfavorables of 55%. She got zero bump from the clinch

If she wants those numbers to change she needs to keep Bernie’s supporters at least nominally within the Democratic fold.

She needs Bernie to do that imo.

[jamese777]

120. I Guess You Missed This

From yesterday: National poll: Clinton up 12 percentage points on Trump
By NOLAN D. MCCASKILL 06/14/16 05:17 PM EDT Updated 06/14/16 05:48 PM EDT

http://www.politico.com/story/2016/06/bloomberg-poll-224337#ixzz4Bg5L5hWZ

[redstateblues]

130. someone hasn't been paying attention

Like when Bernie didn't read the whole article and reacted to a bogus headline

[apcalc]

64. Enough of this back and forth

He'll do what he wants, she'll do what she wants.
We can hope all will work together against the defeat of Trump.
End of story.

[Skwmom]

72. I don't think Clinton wanted his endorsement right a way. It needs to look like Clinton convinced

Bernie so that he in turn can try to convince his supporters.

[oasis]

73. Who does Bernie expect to pick up the tab for his campaign debt?

[Maru Kitteh]

115. I want two dollars!

[oasis]

117. Hopefully he's got a prepaid hotel room for the convention

in Philadelphia.

[COLGATE4]

74. Bernie Who? nt

[MyNameGoesHere]

80. Drop this asshat like a rock

He's toxic now and he isn't going to help.

[nolabear]

86. I question his judgement at this point.

Is he really going to go off in an ideological huff rather than work get things moved over as much as possible and prepare for the long haul toward the progressive government he says he wants? Because that's what he CAN do, stop trying to be an icon and become the actual force that he can be. That's what he's got. If he turns his back on it he turns his back on his people.

[Miles Archer]

97. I just don't understand how he...

...can "become the actual force that he can be" by giving a 100%, authentic, no "going by the motions" endorsement of Clinton.

Yes, he can say "We have to stop Trump," and I believe he should continue to say that, and because Clinton is our only means of doing so, bu default, that is an "endorsement."

I don't see how he can align himself any closer with her than that and still be Bernie Sanders.

A good number of supporters feel the same way...a vote is a vote, not a vote of confidence.

She's what we've got to work with. I'm not going to rehash the whole litany of why she is not my candidate of choice, but she's not. So maybe a vote needs to be good enough, and if she spends the next four years keeping her promises...like this one on Social Security:

https://www.hillaryclinton.com/issues/social-security-and-medicare/

Social Security and Medicare
We must preserve, protect, and strengthen these lifelines.

Hillary will:

Fight any effort to privatize or weaken Medicare and Social Security, and expand Social Security for today’s beneficiaries and generations to come by asking the wealthiest to contribute more.

Reform our health care system to incentivize and reward quality care.

Demand lower prices for prescription drugs for seniors receiving Medicare.

Expand Social Security benefits for widows and those who took time out of the paid workforce to care for a child or sick family member.

“I won't cut Social Security. ... I'll defend it, and I'll expand it.”

...then I'll be the first person to step up and say she kept her word. That means no hands in the cookie jar, period. No "redistribution" of funds for anything, and especially not to finance more wars. As long she keeps her word, I'll give her credit. And if she doesn't, there is no way in hell that she'll get a second term vote for me, no matter who is running against her, because if we mess with Social Security, it's a death sentence for every Senior who paid into the system.

I am hoping, believe it or not, that I am seriously off-base when it comes to even entertaining that possibility. I know some people might tell me right now "YES, you ARE," but they're not Hillary Clinton, and unless they are sitting in the same room with her right now writing policy, they're no better informed than I am...it's their opinion of what they believe she will or won't do.

Trust is earned. She hasn't earned mine.

[nolabear]

118. Well hell, you were far more articulate than he was.

[StevieM]

87. Imagine if Hillary had done this to Obama in 2008.

Imagine reading an article entitled: "Clinton withholds endorsement until Obama takes steps to win her confidence."

[SheenaR]

105. It would have been consistent with how she ran her campaign

She saw him as unfit for the entire season. And then changed course suddenly. And then suddenly was SOS.

[floriduck]

107. I think Hillary used Obama as a launching pad for this election. That's why she invoked his name

so often in debates. Her current campaign began in 2008 when she conceded. Bernie has no future presidential plans.

[niyad]

89. she has to win his confidence?? ummm, bernie, YOU LOST. SHE WON.

[Maru Kitteh]

122. True, but she is just a woman after all

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1251&pid=2189279

[niyad]

143. I know, how very silly of me.

[pdsimdars]

139. Have you seen all those reports about the detilals of the election fraud? Fascinating.

She didn't win a thing.

[niyad]

144. uh huh

[Lord Magus]

152. Yes, we've seen the conspiracy theories.

[Miles Archer]

180. Ummm, that's not the issue at all.

and if you haven't gotten it by reading the responses in this thread, I'm not going to attempt to explain it to you.

[niyad]

188. actually, that is exactly what it is. so sorry, but your candidate lost, is in no position to make

demands.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

90. I she wants the support of the left she is going to have to convince us to vote for her.

Just like any other candidate.

[arcane1]

91. She has yet to earn my vote either. I'm still waiting. n/t

[840high]

171. .+1

[KingFlorez]

102. He was never going to endorse anyone other than himself

We already know that he doesn't trust anyone other than himself. He considers everyone to be corrupt and dangerous if they don't agree with him 100%.

[floriduck]

104. Like it or not, he has that right. They are diametrically opposed on significant issues.

[Orsino]

110. No endorsement was promised yet.

Sanders is plecged to support the nominee.

They're talking, folks. Chill for a while, and we may yet get our respective ponies. Recall that it's not technically legal to cut a deal for Sanders' endorsement before Philly.

In the meantime, let's see if our presumptive nominee won't start cutting deals with us for our support?

[libdem4life]

112. Pretty sure that she wouldn't say anything of any import,

and if she did, it would be changed back at the first opportune time. She cannot be trusted.

Bernie, I think, knows this may be the last chance to bring some old Democratic Party issues to the fore. I hope not, but this was kind of a surprise to everyone. So, I'm with a lot of other people asking him to stay...to fend off the insults and hysteria of the Clinton folk...and start creating a new Real Faction that is slightly left of Center. What a concept.

History will be kinder than the bleating sheep.

[Avalux]

113. Bernie fights for what he believes, and for all of us. He's always been that way.

Not being the Democratic nominee doesn't mean he's going to stop and fade into the background. It's good for Hillary that he's doing this, whether or not her fervent supporters can see it.

[Trajan]

181. +1,000,000 ...

This is exactly what he is doing ...

He has half a country of human voting currency, and he is spending it wisely, ON OUR BEHALF!

Once again, Sanders transcends the petty bullshit of a riven forum, and does that right thing, even if it pisses off a percentage of those forum denizens to no end ...

Go Bernie! ... Get those concessions! ...

And then? .. Let's talk about political parties in the United States of America, and how well they represent the wishes and desires of the GREATER number of Americans ...

[Andy823]

124. Of course you know

Post like this are not helping to calm things down, right?

Both sides need to stop bashing the other candidate and start working towards the goal of making sure Trump does not get into the WH. This kind of post is nothing but flam bait, and I think you know that.

[Miles Archer]

179. There's no bashing in the original post

I can't control the conversation that resulted after I posted it.

The post is not flame bait, and for you to accuse me of posting it for that reason is sure one hell of an odd way to show your desire to "work towards the goal."

Save the condescension for someone who appreciates it.

[SirBrockington]

126. So many concessions requested.

[SirBrockington]

127. To the loser goes the spoils

[CBGLuthier]

128. Endorsing her would be compromising his values. I hope he doesn't.

[LuvLoogie]

132. Values? He compromises them all the time. See ACA and the 90s crime bill.

The F35 boondoggle.

He's Ted Nugent daring the Democratic Party to draft him.

[pdsimdars]

141. Hey, stop with the bull shit. Ted Nugent. . . what is it with you hateful people?

If anyone said anything like that about Hillary you'd set out the alert and run to the fainting couch clutching your pearls. So why not just cool it?

[LuvLoogie]

142. It's a metaphor.

[pdsimdars]

151. Yea and if anyone had made a "metaphore" like that about Hillary. . . .

fainting couch, smelling salts and pearl clutching. I've seen it. I've been on the wrong side of it.

[LuvLoogie]

156. Do you think Bernie will run for re-election? As a Democrat or Unaffiliated?

Do you think he even wants to be a Democrat?

He is not getting DWS' head. He is recalcitrance looking for someone/something to pin it on. People are increasingly getting behind Hillary and the Dems.

Bernie is going to start bogging his supporters down and keeping them from any real progress.

[pdsimdars]

192. I think Bernie will get the Democratic nomination this time. Hillary is in for a world of hurt.

[Silver_Witch]

131. Weird how differently people see things.

Funny when I read this I see a step toward unity - yet you see it completely different. And you are on the Winners side????

"Aides to Mrs. Clinton said she had never expected his endorsement Tuesday night. A statement from the Clinton campaign after the meeting described it as “a positive discussion about their primary campaign, about unifying the party and about the dangerous threat that Donald Trump poses to our nation.” They discussed issues like raising wages and reducing college costs, and “agreed to continue working on their shared agenda, including through the platform development process for the upcoming Democratic National Convention.”

[redstateblues]

133. At least we don't have to hear him bellowing and see him wagging his finger

He is disappearing. I'm sure some of his luster is gone after he petered out at the end. He was rather pathetic at the end still begging for donations and making some of his gullible followers believe he still had a chance

[840high]

172. We'll still hear her cackling and barking.

[niyad]

146. can you imagine the screaming and hollering that would be going on from the bernie

supporters if the numbers had gone the other way, and HRC was pulling this kind of bs?

[Snotcicles]

147. NO. nt

[eastwestdem]

148. Don't do it Hillary! Don't give in to Sanders Ego! You will get the vast majority of his

supporters by just doing the clear, consistent campaigning you are already doing.

[Miles Archer]

176. I hear you!

God forbid that he would bring any value to her "clear, consistent campaign"...or her Presidency. That would be downright awful.

[Bill USA]

149. hate to say "I told you so" but I said b4, will Bernie give us another Nader moment..

[AgingAmerican]

153. War, tax cuts for the rich and banksterism isn't very attractive to a small d Democrat

[840high]

173. ...!100++++

[TNProfessor]

174. What an ass. Go away Bernie. nt

[GulfCoast66]

177. Bernie is about to miss his chance

To influence the party in a major way. They are willing to give on many platforms issues that Hillary actually supports. But has realized the country was not with her. Thanks to Bernie demonstrating they are popular and with a self destructing opponent Hillary would actually support those issues.

Unfortunately I think Bernie cannot give up grudges and will insist that Hillary publicly humiliate DWS and other DNC leaders, even though they are pretty much done. She will tell him no deal and he will walk with the war won but insisting on humiliation.

And he is too bitter to see that most of his supporters have moved on. Of course those on this site are the hard core, but it is becoming apparent that she really does not need his endorsement.

I hope I am wrong because I want Bernies issues in the platform.

[felix_numinous]

182. We are still counting votes

sorry if democracy is taking a long time, the frantic rush to declare a winner needs to push pause. Not only the election gets taken over but TIME ITSELF is getting stolen--by not allowing all contested states to be counted.

Like New York (from AzDar's post):

The city Board of Elections has reinstated purged Brooklyn voters after mistakenly removing more than 120,000 voters from the rolls in the run-up to the New York presidential primary in April.

“All of the voters that were the subject of the June 18th and July 5th purges that occurred last year have been reactivated and will appear in the poll list books for the June primary,” said Michael Ryan, executive director of the city Board of Elections, at their weekly meeting on Tuesday.


http://www.wnyc.org/story/board-elections-returns-purged-brooklyn-voters-rolls/

[Dawson Leery]

184. Strange how quick he was to endorse centrist Obama back in 2008.

A real Democrat may have to face him in 2018.

[Number23]

189. Oh my God. I think he actually thinks that she needs his endorsement!!

All of Sanders' unnecessary posturing about Clinton needing to "prove" herself to him is just the shit cherry on top of the world's shittiest sundae which was his craptacularly horribly run campaign. At this point, I don't think that anyone would expect anything less from him.

[AgadorSparticus]

191. That is just not how it works. You may not like Hillary, but she IS the presumptive nominee

And the presumptive nominee does not cowtow to the loser. Kinda goes without say.....

[Autumn]

193. I hope he just congratulates her on her win and that all.