Bernie Sanders should use his influence positively by holding get-out-the-vote rallies,

[pnwmom]

Last edited Wed Jul 18, 2018, 08:53 PM - Edit history (2)

and by helping Dems all over the country to get young people registered and interested, and fired up to vote in Congressional and state elections.

We can't wait till he runs again in 2020. This fall's election is CRITICAL.

Bernie -- who young people listen to -- should be making them understand: their whole futures are at stake, our whole Democracy is at stake.

Bernie/s got the national organization to do this.

Is he doing anything to get out the vote, beyond supporting particular individual candidates?


https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/7/18/17585898/young-voter-turnout-polls-midterms-2018

Democrats are winning over younger voters by huge numbers, but as a highly contentious, voter turnout-dependent midterm election inches closer, there’s a serious question of whether these young Democrats will come to the polls.

A recently released poll from the Public Religion Research Institute and the Atlantic conducted in June showed only 28 percent of young adults ages 18 to 29 say they are “absolutely certain” they’ll vote in midterms, compared to 74 percent of seniors.

In a year when Democrats are hoping an energized base can deliver them massive gains in Congress — and possibly the majority in one or both chambers — this poll, on its face, should give Democrats some pause.

[redstatebluegirl]

1. If he was really a Democrat he would!

[Sophia4]

4. See my Post #3.

[Hortensis]

2. Should, would, could. He's what he is.

Wired to dissent.

Fwiw, he is speaking out against Republicans. It's not all campaigning to primary Democrats.

[Sophia4]

3. For example, Bernie Sanders was campaigning in Wichita on July 18, this year.

https://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article215094875.htmlA Friday political rally featuring former Democratic presidential contender Bernie Sanders and rising progressive star Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been moved to the Century II Convention and Performing Arts Center after rapidly outgrowing its original venue at the Orpheum.

Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez are coming to Wichita to stump for Democratic congressional candidate James Thompson.

The campaign had planned on rallying at the Orpheum Theatre downtown, which can accommodate a crowd of 1,400.

Read more here: https://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article215094875.html#storylink=cpy

What can I say? It's all readily available on Google. Easy to find information on the campaigning that Bernie is doing for, who would'a known? Democrats.

Isn't it amazing how Bernie campaigns for Democrats?

[pnwmom]

7. It's NOT NEARLY ENOUGH to stump for a few individual candidates. He needs to encourage ALL

of his young supporters, across the country, to get registered and vote for whatever Democrat is on the general election ballot.

He has a lot of influence. He's FAILING to use it effectively.

[Blue_true]

12. I think young people are smarter than you give them credit for being.

They will get registered on their own or via the DNC effort. And unlike some that harken back to a time that never really existed, they will be more disposed to make rational voting decisions, I think that bodes well for true democrats.

[pnwmom]

16. Maybe you missed this: only 28% said they will certainly vote, according to this poll.

https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/7/18/17585898/young-voter-turnout-polls-midterms-2018

[Blue_true]

21. I don't see how Bernie changes that.

Our candidates need to have focus groups with them to figure out their top concerns. Educational expenses will likely be one, but that don't equate to free college.

[pnwmom]

29. He has a national organization. He can use it NOW, NATIONALLY, not wait for 2020.

2020 might be too late.

He needs to get them to understand that this next election wont be about specific issues -- it's about whether we remain a Democracy or not.

[Blue_true]

35. For alerters is an observation, not bashing.

From what I have seen, Bernie is focused on his revolution and the candidates that fit his plans well, he does not seem to be too concerned about getting rank and file democrats elected. That is why I don't see him making a nationwide 2018 effort. Now, in 2020, you may see more nationwide effort from him.

We are just going to have to win 2018 the old fashioned way, registering our own voters and getting out organizations like unions, however weaker they are now after the SC ruling. Perez seems to be keen to what we need and appears to be focusing resources appropriately in some states that will be key in 2018 and 2020.

[pnwmom]

36. That appears to be true. And it is just WRONG. We might not have a 2020 election

if something doesn't happen in 2018. Even if we have one, it will be a complete farce if the GOP remains in charge of all 3 branches of government.

[Blue_true]

38. I agree with your concern.

But, it is what it is. Perez seems to be a sharp guy, he likely is making adjustments in the background, I know that Florida has a big effort on to register more voters and it seems to be a progressive effort.

Instead of being disappointed by what some people should be doing, I prefer to focus on what is being done to make us stronger.

[Sophia4]

24. Where is Hillary?

[jalan48]

25. Isn't she on a book tour?

[Cha]

43. What "book tour"?

[betsuni]

45. Bernie Sanders went on book tours. That's what happens when you publish a book.

Bernie Sanders sold books for money. LOL capitalism.

I think after he leaves the Senate he might give speeches, too.

[emulatorloo]

75. You ever hear of Clinton's Onward Together group? Mentors young candidates, raises money for resista

raises money for resistance groups.


https://www.onwardtogether.org/program/


Our story

Born from conversations between Governor Howard Dean and Secretary Hillary Clinton in the aftermath of the 2016 election, Onward Together was established to lend support to leaders — particularly young leaders — kicking off projects and founding new organizations to fight for our shared progressive values.

In April 2017, Onward Together launched by announcing support for five organizations: Color of Change, Emerge America, Indivisible, Swing Left, and Run for Something. Since then, we’ve welcomed our second cohort of organizations, including Alliance for Youth Action, The Arena, Collective PAC, iVote, Latino Victory, and Voto Latino. Then, in the aftermath of Justice Kennedy announcing his retirement from the Supreme Court, Onward Together endorsed Demand Justice.

Our program

We’re particularly interested in working with groups that present a well-articulated vision; have a demonstrated ability to attract supporters, volunteers, and donors; and have a willingness to collaborate with like-minded groups.

Our support isn’t one-size-fits-all. In each case, we ask ourselves and the partner organization “How can Onward Together best support this organization?”

The answer will vary by organization, and can include the following:

Financial support: Direct grants, fundraising support, online amplification, in-person surrogate assistance, 1:1 introductions and meetings with donors, convenings.
Strategic and leadership guidance: Mentorship, training, 1:1 introductions with expert advisors, convenings
Recognition: Online endorsements, surrogate support, offline and event mentions via Onward Together surrogates, convenings
Membership building: Mobilizing Onward Together supporters to support partner organizations
Organizations can be nominated for Onward Together’s support via word of mouth or by sending us an email at [e-mail].

[SidDithers]

26. Whattabout Hillary...

Sad.

Sid

[pnwmom]

28. She doesn't have a campaign organization anymore, or an Our Revolution.

And Bernie appeals to a group of young people who weren't drawn to her. He has the chance to get them registered and voting that Hillary doesn't have.

[JonLP24]

44. Based on what you just said

Hasn't he already used his influence to energize people for the party leading to more candidates but it is not just on Sanders it is on everyone. There are now 10 Senators with more progressive voting record than Bernie Sanders and 2 of them are potential Presidential candidates and out of all 3 I'd probably vote for Harris. She has been terrific but it is also on her and many other prominent leaders.

[pnwmom]

46. If Bernie wants to be taken seriously for 2020, then he should do this.

Hillary has retired from the political world. He hasn't.

[JonLP24]

48. Some people will and some people won't

It doesn't matter what he does or doesn't. I'm glad someone is in the Senate voting with a record with which he has. I wish I could have that in Arizona.

[pnwmom]

50. He's pretty much in the mainstream of progressive Senate Democrats.

Progressive Punch lists 10 other Democrats as having more progressive voting records.

http://www.progressivepunch.org/scores.htm?house=senate

1 Harris, Kamala D CA


2 Markey, Ed D MA


3 Warren, Elizabeth D MA


4 Hirono, Mazie D HI


5 Booker, Cory D NJ


6 Smith, Tina D MN


7 Brown, Sherrod D OH


8 Merkley, Jeff D OR


9 Van Hollen, Chris D MD


10 Gillibrand, Kirsten D NY


11 Sanders, Bernie I VT

[JonLP24]

55. Why do you think I said I'd vote for Harris?

What is good is that we have more Senators voting this way and we need more in November.

[pnwmom]

56. Then Bernie should use his organization to encourage young people to register and vote

He could have a great, positive influence on this election, or a small one, depending on whether he continues to focus on helping just a few favored candidates or turns his national organization into a national get out the vote organization.

[JonLP24]

60. We need to do a lot

Voted suppression and these roadblocks to the polls make it more confusing and disadvantages a lot of people but can be confusing for young people. There is too long a list to get into it but it starts with rolling back a lot of Republican attacks on voting like curtailing early voting which would help a lot. There is a lot we need to on many fronts.

As far as backing candidates in a primary how is that dfferent than what anyone else does endorsing or giving money to their preferred candidate?

[pnwmom]

62. The difference is that Bernie has a lot more power than the average Dem trying to help.

He's got the trust of millions of young people and he's got a national organization in place.

And if he waits till 2020 to use them, it might be too late.

[Cha]

42. Hillary Tweeted this Before Helsinki..

Link to tweet

[Sophia4]

77. Good tweet!

[mcar]

74. Isn't she supposed to be home knitting?

I can't keep up.

[emulatorloo]

76. Hillary is raising money and mentoring new candidates, supporting resistance groups

Howard Dean is part of her group.


https://www.onwardtogether.org/program/

Program
Onward Together is leveraging our collective energy and resources to kick off the projects and lift up the organizations that will be vital to putting our country back on track.

Our story

Born from conversations between Governor Howard Dean and Secretary Hillary Clinton in the aftermath of the 2016 election, Onward Together was established to lend support to leaders — particularly young leaders — kicking off projects and founding new organizations to fight for our shared progressive values.

In April 2017, Onward Together launched by announcing support for five organizations: Color of Change, Emerge America, Indivisible, Swing Left, and Run for Something. Since then, we’ve welcomed our second cohort of organizations, including Alliance for Youth Action, The Arena, Collective PAC, iVote, Latino Victory, and Voto Latino. Then, in the aftermath of Justice Kennedy announcing his retirement from the Supreme Court, Onward Together endorsed Demand Justice.

Our program

We’re particularly interested in working with groups that present a well-articulated vision; have a demonstrated ability to attract supporters, volunteers, and donors; and have a willingness to collaborate with like-minded groups.

Our support isn’t one-size-fits-all. In each case, we ask ourselves and the partner organization “How can Onward Together best support this organization?”

The answer will vary by organization, and can include the following:

Financial support: Direct grants, fundraising support, online amplification, in-person surrogate assistance, 1:1 introductions and meetings with donors, convenings.
Strategic and leadership guidance: Mentorship, training, 1:1 introductions with expert advisors, convenings
Recognition: Online endorsements, surrogate support, offline and event mentions via Onward Together surrogates, convenings
Membership building: Mobilizing Onward Together supporters to support partner organizations
Organizations can be nominated for Onward Together’s support via word of mouth or by sending us an email at [e-mail].

Our convening

[R B Garr]

13. What is amazing is how much you omit that is also readily available on Google.

Luckily, a great DU'er, lapucelle, is posting links that show information about the type of Democrats that Sanders and Cortez are supporting, and even primarying safe seat Democrats.

Why would you leave this out about the group Cortez is promoting??

What exactly do you mean by a single, unified campaign?

When we say a single, unified campaign, we mean that there will be a single national campaign body and multiple local organizers working in conjunction to elect all 400+ candidates, not just individual candidates. We mean that our advertising and media will focus on and push the concept of a Brand New Congress over individual candidates. We mean that all candidates will fundraise through our website, supporter data will be shared across the candidates, and an individual candidate will not have unilateral say in how their campaign is run.

[pnwmom]

18. Do you have a link for that? And this is talking about something in the future.

Are they already doing this NOW, for the 2018 election?

[R B Garr]

20. Yes, here is a link from the poster, lapucelle. There are many more links

and info about this group (edit, also in Effie's thread). You can look in the FAQ of this link for the section I copied, which I got from lapucelle's response to me in Effie's thread.

Apparently, they don't just support Democrats. Sounds third party-ish to me.

https://web.archive.org/home

FAQ tab
https://web.archive.org/web/20160826054311/https://brandnewcongress.org/home

[pnwmom]

30. Well, Im not interested in any group that isn't JUST supporting Democrats.

Splitting the progressive vote won't help us defeat the GOP this fall.

[TheFarseer]

5. He's out campaigning for democratic candidates

Won't that get people fired up to register and vote? Sounds like you just dont like Bernie Sanders.

[pnwmom]

9. Campaigning for a select few candidates won't get young people across the country

fired up to register and vote.

That's what we need, in both state and federal elections.

We KNOW his word carries a lot of weight with young people, but that young people are the least likely to vote.

He's still got this huge national organization. Why doesn't he use it to help save our Democracy? Waiting till 2020 will be too late.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

67. Nothing Bernie does is good enough... dontcha know?!

[dragonlady]

6. He's been here in Wisconsin

Bernie did a huge, enthusiastic rally with Randy Bryce last fall. This past week he was in Eau Claire to campaign with Tammy Baldwin and then appeared with Randy Bryce again in Janesville. I'm sure there were plenty of young people at all of these events, especially in Eau Claire, which has a large branch of the University of Wisconsin.

[pnwmom]

8. I know he's campaigned for a few individuals. What he SHOULD be doing is using his resources

to encourage young people to vote for Democrats ACROSS THE COUNTRY, in both state and federal elections.

[Wwcd]

17. I don't care for Bryce. His past legal issues of DUI's & Child Support failings are

enough to choose his opponant Cathy Meyers.

I'd choose Meyer's past accomplishments for families & community long before a man with a cool campaign promo & Money & Media while dismissing his past decisions as "nothing to see here, he was just a typical young guy"

Dui's I can get past, but not making it a priority to take care of the children you bring into the world, is quite telling as to where he places value.

My support stays with this remarkable woman of substance, Cathy Meyers.

CATHY MEYERS

The daughter of an army veteran and an Army Reserve nurse that started a small business running a truck stop, worked hard, and later added a diner.
They worked tirelessly to give our family of six a middle-class life. It was a team effort.

They, with the help of their employees, built something pretty great, and they taught us kids the value of hard work, public service, and taking responsibility for community and country.

My brothers, sister, and I have always lived those values in our own lives.
While it hasn’t been easy for me, for far too many, opportunity is slipping away.

The middle class I was raised in is going away. I worry about our kids and the future they have to look forward to.

But I also know this: ordinary Americans are capable of extraordinary things when we come together to demand a new direction.

So if you think now is the time for a Member of Congress to represent the truckers, the teachers, the factory workers, and the small business owners; vote for Cathy Meyers/Congress.

Quite the impressive bio...
Family, Community, Workers, Country

[Cha]

49. Mahalo for Cathy Myers' bio, Wwcd!

I hope she wins

Please check out my post #47.. not to change the subject too much.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=10895744

[Bleacher Creature]

10. Bernie uses his influence for one cause only: Bernie Sanders.

I expect nothing more from him.

[R B Garr]

15. ++++

[Cha]

51. Aloha, RB.. FYI.. JSYK..

Please Check out #47.. https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=10895744

[Cha]

23. Thank You, Bleacher!

[lunamagica]

63. And, this is the correct, very simple answer

[Blue_true]

11. I haven't seen him or people from Our Revolution executing voter REG drives.

It seems that they expect people to register to vote for them, but beyond that, there does not appear to be a strategy.

It looks like democrats have a big voter registration drive going on in Florida as I write, that is how to win.

[msongs]

14. he's campaigning for one democrat over another in our primaries. nt

[JI7]

19. he supports those that supported him

[Sherman A1]

22. He has been out there talking regularly about issues

that are important to people. The same issues he has spoken of for years.

Where have you been?

[pnwmom]

34. He has a national campaign organization and Our Revolution. What is he doing with them

to get young people registered to vote?

Nothing that you can point to, apparently.

[Sherman A1]

40. And why in your OPINION

is it his responsibility to do so?

He is supporting candidates in various locations, holding town halls to discuss issues of importance and continuing to make the points of Single Payer Health Care, Income Inequality, Corporate Greed and alike. Are there other political figures making such broad based efforts?

If potential unregistered voters fail to register after attending a Sanders event or listening to him through various media as to how the issues of the day directly affect them, well I don't think there is much you can do to motivate them.

[GaryCnf]

27. Showing Democrat Ocasio-Cortez

As the face of the NEW Democratic Party generation IS getting out the vote. Having alleged Democrats tear her down is SUPPRESSING the vote. If anyone is depressing enthusiasm among young people, it's them.

[pnwmom]

33. Where's your evidence that her win in NY is increasing the vote for young Democrats

across the country? And increasing their registration?

I haven't seen a scintilla of evidence of that.

[leftstreet]

31. So should Obama n/t

[pnwmom]

32. Obama doesn't have a national campaign organization in place. Bernie still does. n/t

[Tom Rinaldo]

65. They both shoud be doing all they can to encourage GOTV, with young voters especially

Unlike some on this thread who respect and support Bernie I view your OP as a positive one. Bernie does still resonate with many younger potential voters, I hope he does all he can to reach out to them to vote Democrats back into power in Congress.. But the fact that President Obama does not still have "a national organization" is meaningless. He is still President Obama. He is known and respected everywhere. He automatically gets national coverage every time he speaks in public, or even issues a "tweet". This is clearly an effort that he too can throw his full weight behind.

[Devil Child]

37. Smells like a Bernie-bash thread

Is he doing anything to get out the vote, beyond supporting particular individual candidates?

Reads like a loaded question which presupposes that Sen. Sanders is not doing enough to GOTV or supporting candidates in a manner you are supportive of.

I am curious why some of DU's most vocal Sanders critics would even want him to increase his efforts considering the oft-repeated assertions of: A Sanders endorsement is a political kiss of death; Sanders selfishly grandstands; or Sanders/Our Revolution is seeking to divide Democrats.

I would say EVERY politician can do a little if not a lot more when it comes to getting out the vote, not just Sen. Sanders.

[Jim Lane]

39. Yup... after threads criticizing him for interfering in other states' elections

I guess Bernie is supposed to hold a series of huge get-out-the-vote rallies -- every one of which occurs within the state of Vermont.

Still, even if he did that, I think we could count on the bash-Bernie brigade to maintain the usual quota of calumny.

[Sherman A1]

41. It smells that way

because it is likely just as you have described it.

[melman]

52. Exactly

'Bernie should just go away!'



'Bernie isn't doing enough. He needs to do more!'

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

69. NOTHING Bernie does is EVER good enough... Bernie could cure cancer and these same people would say

... yeah, but whatabout solving the world hunger crisis?!

[betsuni]

71. What's wrong with holding feet to the fire and earning votes and not being complacent and so on?

[Cha]

47. Forget BS.. Here's what Michelle Obama is doing!

Link to tweet

Michelle Obama Launches Voter Registration Campaign with Tom Hanks and Lin-Manuel Miranda

snipster//

Miranda has joined forces with former First Lady Michelle Obama and some other famous friends to launch a new voter registration nonprofit called When We All Vote.

In addition to the Hamilton creator and the first lady, the co-chairs of the national nonpartisan organization include actor Tom Hanks, country music stars (and spouses) Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, basketball player Chris Paul and singer-songwriter Janelle Monáe.

snip//

The launch video shows Obama and Miranda personally making voter registration calls, reminding the other co-chairs to vote in every election — “school board, state house, all of them,” Obama instructs.

“Voting is the only way to ensure that our values and priorities are represented in the halls of power,” Obama says in a statement in When We All Vote’s press release. “And it’s not enough to just vote for president every four years. We all have to vote in every single election: for mayor, governor, school board, state legislature and Congress. The leaders we elect to these offices help determine just about every aspect of our lives and our democracy. So the future of our families, our communities and our country belongs to those of us who show up, cast our votes, and make our voices heard.”

More..
https://people.com/politics/michelle-obama-launches-voter-registration-campaign-lin-manuel-miranda/

#WhenWeAllVote

[Wwcd]

57. Oh Wow! Now This is GOTV!

Thanks Cha! 🍃💕

[Cha]

58. Michelle and Hamilton do NOT Mess Around!

Put a big smile on my face GOTV!

Wwcd!🍃💕

[Wwcd]

59. LOL Cha, Indeed they do! What fun they must have together, right!

Can you imagine being in a room with their level of rock-star~ism!

[Cha]

61. I can ONLY imagine!

I know I respect and admire these people so very much! Using their talent and high profile positions to help their/our country out in its very crucial do or die time(do not think I am exaggerating.)

I predict more jumping on board because it looks like so much Worthwhile FUN!

We can imagine also what all President Obama is doing behind the scenes.. getting ready to be on the Scene.

Wwcd

[lunamagica]

64. Awesome!

[Cha]

66. I'm so GLAD you saw

this, Luna!

[lunamagica]

72. Thanks for posting it, Cha!

[betsuni]

68. +1

[Cha]

70. ..

[betsuni]

53. I agree. He's the establishment and should use his influence to get out the vote.

[brooklynite]

54. I don't think Bernie Sanders draws in the districts we care about...

[mcar]

73. This!

[Blue_Tires]

78. Bernie can start by re-joining the party

When he gets on TV to speak for us, there needs to be a fucking 'D' after his name

I know Bernie loves the sweetassed hustle having his cake and eating it too, but it's time to piss or get off the pot

[NCTraveler]

79. His goals are more personal in nature. nt