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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsSanders eyes 'bigger' 2020 bid despite some warning signs
By STEVE PEOPLES
today
BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) An insurgent underdog no more, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is laying the groundwork to launch a bigger presidential campaign than his first, as advisers predict he would open the 2020 Democratic presidential primary season as a political powerhouse.
A final decision has not been made, but those closest to the 77-year-old self-described democratic socialist suggest that neither age nor interest from a glut of progressive presidential prospects would dissuade him from undertaking a second shot at the presidency. And as Sanders brain trust gathered for a retreat in Vermont over the weekend, some spoke openly about a 2020 White House bid as if it was almost a foregone conclusion.
This time, he starts off as a front-runner, or one of the front-runners, Sanders 2016 campaign manager Jeff Weaver told The Associated Press, highlighting the senators proven ability to generate massive fundraising through small-dollar donations and his ready-made network of staff and volunteers.
Weaver added: Itll be a much bigger campaign if he runs again, in terms of the size of the operation.
Amid the enthusiasm and there was plenty in Burlington as the Sanders Institute convened his celebrity supporters, former campaign staff and progressive policy leaders there were also signs of cracks in Sanders political base. His loyalists are sizing up a prospective 2020 Democratic field likely to feature a collection of ambitious liberal leaders and not the establishment-minded Hillary Clinton.
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https://apnews.com/dd5a05f91f174f2f8ac4ec9e8da36b9f
SidDithers
(44,228 posts)Sid
leftynyc
(26,060 posts)the Democratic party again, he's very, very, very mistaken. If he wants to run, let him run as an independent.
Kentonio
(4,377 posts)What exactly do you think would happen if a hugely popular progressive ran as an independent? You do understand that it would basically hand the election straight to the Republicans right?
Ffs..
treestar
(82,383 posts)He wouldn't want that result, right?
Kentonio
(4,377 posts)But that's also why he has to be allowed onto the Democratic platform. Unless we think progressives just shouldn't be allowed to have any voice at all?
octoberlib
(14,971 posts)N/t.
WhiskeyGrinder
(22,403 posts)Mike Nelson
(9,966 posts)
the group thinking Bernie should not run. However, if he feels he is the one to defeat Trump/Pence, it's his duty to run. Same with Hillary - in 2016 and now. I'll happily vote for the nominee, but think there are so many fine contenders! I'm wondering what Bernie's process is... can he just run as a Democrat, again, or does the Party have to okay his inclusion?
Adrahil
(13,340 posts)He's like the guy in your office who endorses your idea and then claims to be the leader for that idea.
Cha
(297,532 posts)of course "The Gathering" was enthused.. cornel west, SS, cenk, gabbard etc etc etc.
I've seen so many online activists who just say NO.. he's too divisive.
Gothmog
(145,489 posts)Cha
(297,532 posts)ismnotwasm
(41,999 posts)DemocratSinceBirth
(99,711 posts)Demsrule86
(68,643 posts)family feels this way...including three millennial. I want nothing to do with a candidate who ran in 16. I like Hillary better but would not want her to run either. I will vote for whoever wins the Democratic primary period-this would include Sanders. But I sincerely do not believe he can win a general. I am hoping Sherrod Brown runs...although I fear the loss of a Senator.
BannonsLiver
(16,439 posts)Trumpocalypse
(6,143 posts)Will never vote for him again. At this point, all he does is divide the left.