Why Bernie wins his senate races...

[cynatnite]

A longtime independent, Sanders has sought the Democratic nomination since he first ran for the Senate in 2006, in order to prevent another candidate from taking the ballot line. Each time he has declined the nomination upon winning it. His staff made clear from the start of this year's campaign that this time would be no different.

https://www.sevendaysvt.com/OffMessage/archives/2018/08/21/bernie-sanders-declines-democratic-senatorial-nomination

Bernie also ran as an Independent for the senate and he's running as a Dem for the presidency.

I've known about these tactics for a while and it's always bothered me. He doesn't want an opponent, especially a real Dem. He essentially locks the competition out. It strikes me as opportunistic and feels a bit dirty. Plus it feels like he changes his stripes as a matter of convenience.

I just know I don't like it and I will not be supporting Bernie at all because of this.

I'm leaning towards Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. I like them both a lot and they'd be a strong ticket together, IMO.

But definitely no Bernie Sanders.

[George II]

1. He did same for many, if not all, of his House campaigns.

[cynatnite]

2. I knew about the senate, not the house. Thanks. n/t

[thesquanderer]

8. Not true. Dems ran someone against him in 6 of his 8 House elections.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electoral_history_of_Bernie_Sanders

[Blue_true]

3. There are no strong popular democrats in Vermont except for Howard Dean.

The state seems rather set on Congress. Once a person wins a seat, that person pretty much has to retire for the seat to change hands. Bernie's tactic in Vermont is a little aggressive, but the Vermont Democratic Party has been ok with it. I really think that Bernie would have a rough time trying that if he won our presidential nomination.

[cynatnite]

4. If he's going to be a Dem, then be a Dem...

Switching back and forth between Dem and Ind is a calculating move on his part.

Anyone can be okay with that to their heart's content.

I'm not okay with that.

[Blue_true]

10. I see your point. I am not disagreeing with you. nt

[NurseJackie]

24. It is cynical and manipulative. In my opinion "working the system" is less impressive than

I'm not okay with that.

I'm not okay with that either. It is cynical and manipulative. In my opinion "working the system" is less impressive than winning outright on one's own merits instead of playing these peek-a-boo and hide-and-seek and is-he-isn't-he games.

[kstewart33]

63. A whole lotta people aren't okay with that.

Back and forth time and again, motivated solely for his political gain.

Bernie seems unable to take a stand and stick to it.

[Lordquinton]

94. Except he's had the same liberal, progressive stances his entire career

I see comments that he's a good politician, and that they don't like him because of that. Doesn't add up, tbh.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

101. I'm okay with that. Bernie's caucused with Senate Democrats all these years & deserves our gratitude

... not condemnation.


Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[blue cat]

104. But it shows that he won't be able to unite a party

That he is not a member of, IMO.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

105. Just the opposite is true. Bernie can unite our party, as he's shown...

by getting his fellow Democratic candidates to adopt many of his progressive agenda items AND he can attract Independents to his cause. That is a winning formula that makes Bernie the Democratic candidate with the best chance of defeating Dolt45.


Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[WeekiWater]

5. Leahy? NT

[Blue_true]

11. He is already seated. I was referring to a new face. nt

[KitSileya]

19. Yes. That is partly the reason why Vermont is the only state that's never sent a woman to Congress

Partly it's because they change their representatives and senators so seldom, because incumbency is huge there, and partly it's because it's a more conservative state than many'd like to think (small c conservative, but they do tend to elect big C Conservatives too.) Vermont had the chance to elect the first transgender woman as Governor, but went for a Republican man instead.

[Hortensis]

27. The massive hypocrisy and

anti-principled aspects of this give me a very poor opinion of VT’s voters overall.

It’s clear that those small-C conservatives are a big part of the machine dynamic reelecting Sanders. They both help close out liberal democratic competition and help elect Sanders as an independent. It would be very strange if they were not strongly in bedded in Vermont state Democratic Party leader ship also.

So both some liberals and some conservatives have been electing a senator who reliably badmouths Democrats and protects gun manufacturers but otherwise votes reliably as a +1 to the Democratic caucus Something for both, but a shabby business.

[Blue_true]

95. Vermont is one of the whitest most rural states in the country.

But parts of it is influenced by academia from western Massachusetts and inside Vermont pretty heavily, which I think gives it an overall liberal bent, though one that is highly dependent upon privilege. Vermont has one of the highest incarceration rates of it's few Blacks of any state in the country.

[Hortensis]

97. Sure. Where Democrats get a long-time lock on government,

though, conservatives will start putting people into government by running them as Democrats. A strong liberal bent such as you describe can be overwhelmed when factions from both farther left and right ally to cut the liberal Democrats they both despise out of races.

I was young in California during the 1960s-70s' idealistic white back-to-the-land flight to Vermont and other states to the north. Read every account I could find. Maine was particularly big also. Most were supposedly going to farm and be self sustaining; but instead of going south, or a bit west, to states with good growing seasons, gentler winters that allow far more plants to be grown, broad river valleys with good alluvial soil -- and mixed race and ethnicity populations, they went north to states like cold, whitey-white VT and its rocky hills and mountains. They were typically very poor fits, of course, for communities of relatively impoverished and very conservative rural natives.

All very romantic I thought, though, and as a kid I envied and admired them uncritically. In fact, for a lot of years I fantasized about turning an ancient, rotting old barn with a dirt floor into a wonderfully artsy home like the ones in glossy magazines.

[karynnj]

106. What you do not day. The Republican is a moderate who was a popular incumben

Christine ran a good campaign, with very little support from national Democratic organizations. Also not mentioned, like Massachusetts, the Democrats now have veto proof majorities in both Houses of the legislature.

[Me.]

56. Why Would There Be

As the Dem party up in Vermont doesn't seem to be interested in finding and supporting one.

[dogman]

6. He wins because the people vote for him.

It's really that simple. They like him because he likes them.

[cynatnite]

7. Yes, because he doesn't allow a Dem opponent...

No debate. No choices.

Read the article again.

[dogman]

9. Here is what I read.

"On Tuesday, the Sanders campaign sent a second letter to the Secretary of State’s Office turning down the Vermont Progressive Party’s nomination. While Sanders did not appear on the Progressive primary ballot, he received enough write-in votes — 434 — to win that party’s nomination, too.

"Senator Sanders is very proud that almost 91% of Vermont Democrats cast their ballots for him last Tuesday," campaign manager Shannon Jackson said in a statement Tuesday. "They know he is fighting every day for them and their families."

Like I said, the people like him and vote for him.

[George II]

14. Democrats have learned that it's not worth running "against" him....

....he didn't even bother to show up for the debate with his Democratic opponent in the primary.

He enters the Democratic primary as a "democrat", then turns his back on Democrats the next day.

[tonedevil]

40. What's more..

he does it with the blessings and cooperation of the Democratic party of Vermont. If they weren't on board that strategy would not work for him. It seems obvious you do not, but there are Democrats that like and admire the Junior Senator from Vermont.

[ehrnst]

70. A three way race in VT, where there are many GOP, would likely split the Dem vote enough to give

a GOP candidate a win.

[tonedevil]

72. And, so it goes. /nt

[ehrnst]

91. Very lucky beneficiary of that situation, from his very first run for Senate.(nt)

[George II]

16. He didn't even bother to show up for the scheduled debate with his Democratic opponent last year....

....who coincidentally happened to be an immigrant black woman - the trifecta!

What's up with that?

[Hassin Bin Sober]

17. How does he not "allow" a Democratic opponent?

He runs and wins in the Democratic primary.

If he ran as an independent, it would probably cost us a seat by splitting the vote.

I tell you, for people who constantly scream a about third party spoilers, we sure get enough people encouraging just that.

[KPN]

61. Bingo. Bernie identifies as an independent because of his convictions regarding our two party

system. He is guilty of both-siderism to an extent, in that he sees both parties failing in regard to campaign finance, lobbyists, and therefore supporting the middle class. He has been consistent in this view throughout his political career. And has consistently worked to change both. He is running as a Democrat for exactly the reason you expressed and is following his convictions in doing so.

Some people admire adherence to convictions and don't let what they perceive as relative details get in the way of the bigger picture. Apparently, most voters in Vermont fall into this category.

Bernie's efforts have only made the Democratic Party better and stronger in my view.

[ehrnst]

68. He runs as a Democrat because of the money and the media exposure. He said so.

During a town hall-style event in Columbus, Ohio, the independent Vermont senator said, “In terms of media coverage, you have to run within the Democratic Party.” He then took a dig at MNSBC, telling Todd, the network “would not have me on his program” if he ran as an independent.

Money also played a role in his decision to run as a Democrat, Sanders added.

“To run as an independent, you need — you could be a billionaire," he said. "If you're a billionaire, you can do that. I'm not a billionaire. So the structure of American politics today is such that I thought the right ethic was to run within the Democratic Party.”

https://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2016-03-15/sanders-yes-im-a-democrat-of-convenience

[KPN]

86. Well duh. You are right though. I neglected

to mention that reality. He’s been pretty clear about that as well.

[ehrnst]

66. The Democratic Party in Vermont clears the primary field for him.

When Sanders announced his run for Senate in 2006, the party worked to clear the field for him. And both in 2006 and in his 2012 re-election campaign, Sanders won the Democratic primary before rejecting the nomination and running as an independent.

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/bernie-sanders-faces-feisty-democratic-challenger-n780861

[George II]

12. He wins because he precludes the possibility of a Democratic opponent.

[Indygram]

21. I spent many years living in Vermont and that's not quite correct

He wins because everyone knows who he is and he hasn't pissed them off badly enough to replace him yet. Vermont politics is less about party and more about the candidate.

[dogman]

23. Sounds popular to me.

[Indygram]

25. He's known and not widely disliked

But if Howard Dean ever ran against him, Bernie would lose in a landslide.

Bernie started in local politics in Burlington, which although the largest town in Vermont, it's still really small. He used radio and tv to gain name recognition. That's how he ended up where he is. Vermont will continue to re-elect incumbents unless or until they do or say something that either pisses off or embarrasses Vermonters. The people there don't care about party. If you don't betray Vermont they will reward you...mess up and you will be unceremoniously tossed in the trash heap.

[JI7]

31. is that why Sanders didn't do anything to support the Democratic Governor that tried to get Single

Payer ?

because it pissed off the people in vermont who then decided to support a republican for governor.

they seem to have an attitude where as long as Sanders leaves them alone all is ok. that's why he focuses so much on places outside of VErmont .

[Indygram]

42. I am not familiar with Vermont politics in recent years

but I wouldn't be surprised if that is why. He probably remembers what happened when Howard Dean signed Civil Unions into law. Democrats got slaughtered the next election. Vermonters are NOT liberal or conservative. They are more of a "mind your own damn business and I'll mind mine" type of mentality. It's definitely why he's not as vocal on guns as many would like. He'd get voted out so fast his head would spin.

[ehrnst]

44. I've noticed that Sanders refuses to talk at all about GreenMountain Care, even

to show that he has learned lessons from its failure to get off the ground there.

Unfortunately, there are certain groups in VT who feel that Sanders leaves them alone far too much.

'We Find Ourselves Excluded': Racial Justice Leaders Ask Bernie Sanders 'To Get With The Program'

[ehrnst]

39. As per the OP, the Democratic Party clears the field for him in the VT Senate primaries.

Last edited Fri May 10, 2019, 11:50 AM - Edit history (3)

When Sanders announced his run for Senate in 2006, the party worked to clear the field for him. And both in 2006 and in his 2012 re-election campaign, Sanders won the Democratic primary before rejecting the nomination and running as an independent.

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/bernie-sanders-faces-feisty-democratic-challenger-n780861

[tonedevil]

13. I don't see how...

your complaint isn't with the Democratic party of Vermont. They have made this deal with him over and over. If they didn't allow it he couldn't do it.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

37. It is... but, why let that stop a good opportunity to bash Bernie.

This constant criticism of Bernie by some, however, merely confirms that they fear him the most to take the nomination away from Biden... otherwise, they would ignore Bernie, like they do other Democratic candidates who have no chance.


Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[ehrnst]

46. Talking about how the Democratic party helps Bernie's win every Senate campaign is "bashing" him?

[tonedevil]

49. Implying there is something shady...

about what he is doing is when it gets to be bashing. If he is doing something wrong in this practice the Democratic party of Vermont is doing it with him.

[ehrnst]

52. Saying that one has their own view on that partnership isn't "bashing"

unless, it seems, there is anything but praise for the Senator.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

67. Youre SO right, just hafta READ the OP to know it's not all about the Democratic Party helpin Bernie

But, to quote the OP in case anyone missed it:

"Bernie also ran as an Independent for the senate and he's running as a Dem for the presidency. I've known about these tactics for a while and it's always bothered me. He doesn't want an opponent, especially a real Dem. He essentially locks the competition out. It strikes me as opportunistic and feels a bit dirty. Plus it feels like he changes his stripes as a matter of convenience."

Yeah, all about helpin Bernie... riiiiiight!!

I really don't understand why some keep posting the same OP's like this one over and over and over again. We need to unite to fight the REAL enemy occupying the White House!!


Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[ehrnst]

83. It's like when I don't understand why some keep posting the same post, word for word,

when there are different questions are asked of them, and the pasted post makes it seem like they don't want to address the question, but rather just to keep on posting, hoping to exhaust the people asking them questions.

I'm with ya on that, bLuE.

[George II]

41. The fact is that the Vermont Democratic Party would prefer to see him elected over a republican...

If they didn't have this "deal" there would be a Democratic candidate, a republican candidate, and him as an independent. The Democratic vote would be split and the republican would win.

Vermont isn't all that Democratic, they could be considered a purple state. If the vote were split three ways, the republican would have a very good chance of winning.

[tonedevil]

47. I guess...

nothing can be done to stop evil Bernie from being a Senator.

[George II]

51. Considering the three-way race up there, I guess it's better to have a quasi-Democrat than....

....a republican.

Look at the history of state-wide elected officials in Vermont, they have been predominantly republican over the last 100 years.

[tonedevil]

62. That's pretty much how I see it too. /nt

[Me.]

59. Bingo

[catbyte]

15. I thought it was sleazy when I first read about it. He's like a squatter in the Democratic Party.

The party isn't good enough for him yet he reaps all the benefits from the name then dumps it when it no longer suits his purpose.

[LibFarmer]

18. It is a weasly strategy

Something that Trump would do.

[dogman]

22. Win three primaries for one seat?

Sounds like he's popular among Progressives, Independents, and Democrats. Hardly like t-Rump, or weaselly at all.

[ehrnst]

45. Again... the Democratic party clears the primary field for him in VT.

And you separate "progressives" from Democrats. Why?

[Cha]

20. Good.. thank you for this

reminder, cynatnite.

[stonecutter357]

26. K&R

[watoos]

28. What a joke of a thread

Bernie Sanders was also mayor of Burlington and he was elected to the House and Senate in Vermont because the fucking people of Vermont like Bernie Sanders.

Why doesn't some patriotic Democrat start a thread about how 68 chapters of College Democrats are urging voters not to donate to the DCCC because it is going to pump money into incumbent Democrats in safe Democratic districts to avoid any primary challenges from newcomers. What a waste of money that could be spent in swing districts.

These young people are some of the party's key organizers and activists, these people helped flip 40 House seats.

Why don't we talk about something constructive? Bernie bashing is getting old. None of our candidates is perfect and soon it will be your favorite candidate's turn in the barrel.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

33. I've seen a variation of this OP dozens of times... for what purpose?!

As someone pointed out with Joe the other day, every time we tear him down, we build tRumpy up... and that was an OP simply pointing one of Joe's stated policy positions!! So, then we have dozens of essentially the same OP, continually bashing Bernie for weeks and months, over something Vermonters are in favor of... what do you call that?!


Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[ehrnst]

50. Talking about how the Democratic Party helps his senate campaign is "tearing him down?"

That accusation sounds more like "tearing down" the Democratic party.

[W_HAMILTON]

69. If he's so popular, then he should easily beat Democratic and Republican Senate challengers.

Let him run as the Independent he serves as.

[Amimnoch]

29. I have an extreme dislike of BS, and want to see him defeated asap

In this primary season. Many posts of mine to back that feeling up.

That said, this is a practice of his I don’t have a problem with. yeah, it would be great if he would just get onboard with the party, especially since he desires to be the head of our ticket, but for his Senate seat, and if he is determined to remain “independent”, it’s the most honorable way to go about it imo.

In Vermont, if he’s going to go up against a full Democratic Party candidate, getting it done in the primaries is the way to go. I’d much rather see that than him just running independent in a general against both a Democratic Party candidate and a Repbulican candidate and ending up with a Republican Senator from Vermont because he and the Democratic Party candidate split up “our” vote.

[democrank]

30. For the most part, Vermonters vote on issues, not party.

Remember Jim Jeffords?

Since DU has a daily conveyor belt of anti-Bernie (and sometimes) anti-Bernie supporters posts, I assume the posters believe they won’t need the support of these folks when voting time rolls around. Or....maybe they’ll have even more reasons for new posts, like how awful it is that Bernie supporters didn’t vote with the Democratic Party.

I know a lot of good, decent, Independent voters who vote on iissues, not party. In fact, they are a higher percentage of voters than either Democrats or Republicans. Demanding loyalty would get you nowhere with them. I find that refreshing, not suspicious.

[rgbecker]

32. Well said Democrank.

Many on the DU seem to be unaware of the statistics showing the the strength of the "Independent" vote. They are more interested in preaching to the Choir about how the party needs to put up the most wishi-washy candidate they can find to beat a guy that is virtually controlling the news cycle 24/7 with non stop crazy shit.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

35. Yes, and Bernie's broad appeal to Democrats AND Independents based on

his consistent progressive agenda over years and decades is what makes Bernie the strongest candidate with the best chance of defeating the Traitor-in-Chief in 2020.


Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!p]ppp

[ehrnst]

54. Winning a Democratic primary is the best indicator of the strongest POTUS candidate.(nt)

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

71. I agree, and Biden lost BADLY in TWO prior primary contests. That's not to say he couldn't win

this Democratic primary. So could Bernie... but, yeah, let the voters decide and may the best candidate win, no matter who he or she is.


Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[ehrnst]

73. The voters always decide who the nominee is.

Nominees who accept it when it becomes clear that someone else is the choice of voters have the opportunity to show good judgement, far better judgement than candidates who might not.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

79. Yes voters do get to decide who any election winner is, under normal circumstances.

Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[ehrnst]

82. All of the modern Democratic primaries have been "normal circumstances." I'm sure if you knew of any

actual exceptions, you'd share them, so since you haven't, we're clearly in agreement.

And wouldn't you agree that a candidate who accepts it when it's clear they're not going to be elected the nominee by voters is much more of a leader than one who doesn't?

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

84. Didn't say they weren't "normal circumstances," but, then why would any candidate NOT want that?

Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[ehrnst]

85. What primary wasn't "normal circumstances?"

Can you clarify when voters didn't get to choose the candidate in a Democratic primary?

Certainly if that was the case, you could provide some evidence, because I've never heard of any Democratic primary (at least in the last 60 years) wasn't run "under normal circumstances" such that the Democratic nominee wasn't chosen by voters.

Without evidence, an accusation like that is just an opinion, or bias, and is not reality-based.

Why would "any candidate NOT want" what? To ignore when it's clear that they did not get as many votes as their opponent? "abmormal circumstances?" Not sure what you were talking about there - too many pronouns.

Can you clarify?

[rgbecker]

87. Love it. Sort of gas light him with strange questions about "normal circumstances."

I'd be very surprised if he comes back for more.

Another great job.

[ehrnst]

88. ....

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

92. "Sort of gas light him with strange questions"...say what? Glad you enjoy that poster's gaslighting.

I really don't care... doesn't bother me one bit.


Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

89. LMFAO!! I specifically noted that i DIDN'T say that... yet you keep claiming I did. Too funny!!

Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[ehrnst]

90. Now we're back to "I never said that!" when you get cornered by a logical rebuttal.

And when you know that actually saying what you so obviously implied might get you into some hot water.

I hit the nail on the head, judging by your reaction.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

93. You certainly have a vivid imagination, I'll give you that! You keep repeating somethin I NEVER SAID

and I notice you refuse to supply a quote of mine where I supposedly said what you claim and could supposedly put me "in some hot water," according to your false accusation ... I wouldn't quote me either if I were you.

So, go ahead, keep making up "straw man" arguments, it doesn't bother me one little bit... you're actually making me look good!! Thanks!!


Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[ehrnst]

107. Project much?

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

34. Yes, I've even seen some say they'd rather see Bernie run as an Independent in the general election

than as a Democrat in the primary... talk about a recipe for disaster!! Were that to happen - thankfully, it never will because of Bernie's loyalty to the Democratic Party - Dolt45 would be guaran-damn-teed a second term!!


Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[ehrnst]

48. Who is "demanding loyalty?" (nt)

[dalton99a]

36. A part-timer with full-time benefits

https://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2016-03-15/sanders-yes-im-a-democrat-of-convenience
Sanders: Yes, I'm a Democrat of Convenience
By Gabrielle Levy, Political Reporter  March 15, 2016, at 2:24 p.m.

[MH1]

38. Seems like an argument for term limits. Who's with me?

Is it just me, or is it time for term limits in Congress? (both House and Senate).

I propose max 3 House terms, 2 Senate terms. Full pension only on completion of the max in either House; short of that, pension should be prorated, just like it would be with any other job. I.e. one term Senator just served 6 years, if I understand correctly they get a full pension today - I would change that to 50% pension. I would keep whatever the current threshold is for pension before they get ANY pension. No one should be a congress critter for life. I think that removes them too much from how the rest of us live. Also creates a climate supporting complex, arcane rules that average citizens don't have time to understand, making it harder for citizens to be involved effectively in the legislative process.

Who's with me?

Next question, does anyone know if term limits for a state's congressional reps can be legislated by the states - or would that have to itself be an act of Congress? (impossible in that case, IMO)

(I might make this a separate post in GD later. Gotta go do some stuff first though.)

[GemDigger]

60. "I might make this a separate post in GD later." Good idea. nt

[ehrnst]

65. If you do that, then all the newbies would have to rely on lobbyists to get them up to speed.

You wouldn't start out a basketball team every year with a starting lineup of freshmen.

Governors and POTUSs are different - they have a lot more power as an individual, and term limits make sense.

But with reps, who don't have as much direct power, and have to craft complicated legislation, experience is a good thing. I, for one, prefer a Democrat who is experienced behind the wheel.

See also: Nancy Pelosi.

[MH1]

75. That's a good counter-argument. But I still don't like the system as it is. Also, Senate seats

might be more like Pres and governor, than like House seats. In that they have more power (confirmation of presidential appointees; "represent" an entire state) but less requirement to originate complex legislation (appropriations bills must originate in the House). Also a 2 term limit for Senate is still a long time. If the job is really so complex that they can't learn it in the first few years, there's another problem that needs to be addressed.

So I could split the difference with you.

[ehrnst]

80. The job is complicated by the nature of the work. Like it or not, it won't get simpler.

Paul Wellstone stated that he would not run for a second term as Senator, and would only hire activists and not 'beltway insiders' as staff.

He soon figured out that inexperienced staff were a hinderance to getting work done quickly and effectively, and he also realized that he could be a much more effective Senator, and get much more progressive policies in place in a second term.

Senate seats are not executive positions, like governor or POTUS. The job they do is fundamentally different - they are a small part of a larger body, and primarily work in teams. They, by the nature of their work, have far less of an individual impact on the outcome than an executive office.

Constant turnover means constant getting up to speed - and lobbyists are standing by to help newbies.

Not that this is all bad - Lobbyists such as the Planned Parenthood Action Fund provide statistics and data to lawmakers crafting reproductive rights legislation, or are fighting restrictions to reproductive rights. Not every rep can be a subject matter expert on everything they legislate, so who they choose to advise them is important to know.

[lunamagica]

43. K&R for visibility

[Tribalceltic]

53. I can't tell...

If this is fraud, or cheating, but I don't like it

that is not an honorable way to win

[Laelth]

55. Bernie is playing by the rules as they are written.

I can't fault him for that, but I do wish that he were more of a team player. He's certainly not a Democrat, by his own admission.

-Laelth

[ehrnst]

57. He's known the rules his whole long career. He was a Superdelegate, after all.

To cry foul when one knows the rules, and the rules then don't work to one's advantage, isn't a positive in my book.

[Laelth]

77. I agree. Not positive. n/t

-Laelth

[Me.]

58. How Are The Rules Written To Allow This Election After Election

You mean the Dems have actually written down that they will support the candidate of another party than one of their own

[Laelth]

76. It varies by state, but yes.

Don't ask me. I don't write the rules for the Democratic Party in Vermont or any other state.

-Laelth

[Me.]

81. Pen To Paper

Yes, we will not support any Dems, so we can support a candidate from a different party? No wonder there aren't any good candidates, why would they waste thier time when the system is rigged?

[kstewart33]

64. Yep, and that's certainly splitting hairs.

Not you, Laelth. Bernie.

[Laelth]

78. I knew what you meant, but thanks for the qualifier. n/t

-Laelth

[we can do it]

74. Tired of the same old BS.

[aikoaiko]

96. I like this about Bernie and does the VT Dem Party...

...and most importantly most voters.

[Voltaire2]

98. He runs in and wins the Democratic primary.

Every time. This op is tired idiocy that has been regurgitated here repeatedly.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

100. Yes, I've seen variations of this OP dozens of times...it serves no purpose to keep regurgitating it

Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[Tarc]

99. I'm no Bernie fan, but, what this does is prevent a Repub winning with like 35-40%

Maine suffered for 8 years under a proto-Trump governor who never won 50% of the vote, because the D's and the independents couldn't get their shit together.

[Freethinker65]

102. Bernie wins because he is a Senator from Vermont and he represents his constituents there well.

[Mike Nelson]

103. In a way...

… Democrats could scream, "It's rigged, RIGGED!" … and they are kinda correct... however, Bernie is breaking no laws and he's better in VT than a Republican! What irks me is how he says the Democratic Primary Process "is rigged." He benefited from the process, especially the caucus system... and, of course, he stood up there with Hillary Clinton during the debates.. it made him a political force. So, the process really elevated him... I hope he gets a great job in the Senate after the next election (if he loses the Primaries, of course) and gets some progressive ideas thru!