It's not only dangerous to split the democratic vote, it's unlikely he'd be invited to take part in the debates. I love Bernie, but I don't want him to run as a spoiler. In the Dem primaries he'd be included in the Dem primary debates and show his support to the party PTB, which could actually make a difference.

if he ran as independent. It would also make him despicable in my eyes.

If he runs as an Independent, it is very likely he would take away votes from an eventual Democratic nominee. And in a close race--which these days, with the country so divided, these races always are--that would mean throwing a win to a Republican, even if he were to take just a half a percentage point in the general election.

So though I love Bernie, I do care. We'll all admit he would have no chance to win an election. He would be a wonderful addition to election year debates, and help move issues. But run as an Independent? I'd be opposed to that. Too dangerous.

what are his achievements that cause you to want to vote for him?

achieve if he became president. We really need him. But if he runs I hope it's as a Democrat.

He has made few achievements so far.

He may have a heartfelt desire to effect change; without a Party behind him, how's he going to do it as President?

He can then jump in the debates and get a voice that way. Even if he doesn't win, he helps to keep the other Democratic candidates honest.

If he is the most progressive person in the primary I'll vote for him. I'm keeping my mind open to see which candidates run. It makes me long for another candidate like Obama.

I don't think we're strong enough on the ground in this country (grass roots) to take it independent. I wish we were. Serious leftism in this country was decimated by Palmer and then McCarthy. It's only been a few generations. The communist party does not run it's own candidates, I'm convinced, for this very reason.

He runs as a dem and either overtakes Hillary or at the very least keeps her honest. I'm sure the 3rd way will not be pleased, but then they've never really been looking out for the working class anyway.

Nothing would stun me more about 2016 than Bernie running as an independent (ok, maybe him winning). I have no doubt he will run in the Democratic primary and he has said many times he won't be a spoiler. I'm guessing most people just don't follow him as closely as I do or perhaps some people purposely don't want to listen when he says he won't be a spoiler.

I merely linked to an article that mentions that Bernie has not made up his mind yet whether to run as an independent or a Democrat. Maybe Bernie believes he could win running as third party candidate. I don't think it's impossible. Remember the summer of 1992 when Ross Perot lead both Clinton and Bush in the polls? Of course he went on to implode but this shows that the voters might be open to supporting a third party.