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Bernie would be a much larger threat if he ran as independent. (Original Post) mmonk Oct 2015 OP
haha, here come the calls for him to run indy... boston bean Oct 2015 #1
I don't see those words. Point them out. mmonk Oct 2015 #7
Then what is the point of your OP? emulatorloo Oct 2015 #17
That he "would be" as an indy, but obviously isn't 99th_Monkey Oct 2015 #26
Thanks. Glad someone got it. mmonk Oct 2015 #37
You're welcome. No worries about their obtuse vitriol. It's all they got apparently. nt 99th_Monkey Oct 2015 #46
I knew this was going to happen workinclasszero Oct 2015 #71
I think he would have won a sizeable chunk of the electorate... HerbChestnut Oct 2015 #2
And vastly less likely to win Scootaloo Oct 2015 #3
Burn down the house right? upaloopa Oct 2015 #4
He's not going to do that. He was never going to do that. MineralMan Oct 2015 #5
Observation, not wish. mmonk Oct 2015 #9
Why should I be thankful? He's a principled man, and MineralMan Oct 2015 #22
So should you. JaneyVee Oct 2015 #23
If you think that Senators Sanders would Nader this country, then you don't know him at all. onehandle Oct 2015 #6
Yep.nt sufrommich Oct 2015 #12
Glad you understand Sanders that far. senz Oct 2015 #16
I do not. Making an observation. mmonk Oct 2015 #18
Uhm kenfrequed Oct 2015 #29
This message was self-deleted by its author emulatorloo Oct 2015 #8
Luckily for us Sen.Sanders doesn't want a republican sufrommich Oct 2015 #10
He has ruled out running as an indie and said he wants no part in helping a republican WI_DEM Oct 2015 #11
Sorry, Bernie has too much integrity. He's said it time and again emulatorloo Oct 2015 #13
Only to the Democrats. Agnosticsherbet Oct 2015 #14
I think Bernie has reached his Peter Principle point. bravenak Oct 2015 #15
I would say welcome back but it's very difficult. mmonk Oct 2015 #21
Suggesting he run as an independent on a democratic board seems bravenak Oct 2015 #28
I wasn't suggesting that he should. Just observing things as they are. mmonk Oct 2015 #38
And I don't get how you think we have no intellectual argument in supporting him. mmonk Oct 2015 #42
Welcome back Renew Deal Oct 2015 #34
. bravenak Oct 2015 #51
Glad to see you back! nt Dr Hobbitstein Oct 2015 #47
Yo! I'm not really here. bravenak Oct 2015 #52
Neither is this. Dr Hobbitstein Oct 2015 #53
Lol. Reminds me of this bravenak Oct 2015 #57
Don't agree. But am very glad to see you back. jwirr Oct 2015 #61
Hi! bravenak Oct 2015 #63
Hope you are alright. Was worried about you. jwirr Oct 2015 #65
No need to worry. A person would be stupid to step to. bravenak Oct 2015 #73
Stop it. kenfrequed Oct 2015 #19
I am. There is no either or. mmonk Oct 2015 #24
I think you might be right, but it is a moot point at this juncture. Tipperary Oct 2015 #20
Agreed. mmonk Oct 2015 #25
He's a Democrat so why would he do that? zappaman Oct 2015 #27
He doesn't want to be a threat. He wants to be elected. The Velveteen Ocelot Oct 2015 #30
If he ran as an Independent, he would be threat to the future of the nation. DanTex Oct 2015 #31
Threat to the stability and state of the union as republicans walk unchallenged into the WH. NCTraveler Oct 2015 #32
actually it's Hillary's "centrism" that would be the threat to the union in that case Doctor_J Oct 2015 #62
My point really isn't argueable. It is simply common sense. NCTraveler Oct 2015 #66
And mine isn't arguable either. Bernie's motivated millions of voters with his platform Doctor_J Oct 2015 #68
Then start an op. Wow are you aggressive and extremely off point with respect to the conversation. n NCTraveler Oct 2015 #69
Yes, he'd be a threat to the Democrats Renew Deal Oct 2015 #33
Unfortunately he would never do it. He'll probably endorse Hillary too Doctor_J Oct 2015 #35
There certainly are a lot of people who hate him running as a Democrat Fumesucker Oct 2015 #36
True that. mmonk Oct 2015 #39
indeed. he's shone a light on why the party is almost dead. Doctor_J Oct 2015 #64
It's interesting pinebox Oct 2015 #40
I'm a 100% sure he wouldn't, certainly not at this junction. mmonk Oct 2015 #50
Fragmented thought. 'More of a threat to....'? What? Whom? Bluenorthwest Oct 2015 #41
More of threat in general terms like a Perot. mmonk Oct 2015 #44
I don't get why you and those in your cohort speak in terms of vague threats all the time. What's Bluenorthwest Oct 2015 #48
I was speaking of a three way race in the general election. mmonk Oct 2015 #55
Senator Sanders is not a threat. 99Forever Oct 2015 #43
He is definitely the solution. Threat as in status quo. mmonk Oct 2015 #45
Understood. 99Forever Oct 2015 #67
Its almost impossible to get on the ballot in most states WDIM Oct 2015 #49
Exactly. It's a pretty rigged system. mmonk Oct 2015 #56
Unrec! I support Bernie because he IS running as a democrat! (nt) LostOne4Ever Oct 2015 #54
He'd be a yuge threat if he were a fire-breathing dragon! winter is coming Oct 2015 #58
To be honest, part of me wishes he did -- to keep the Democrats in line Armstead Oct 2015 #59
Um no mythology Oct 2015 #60
Disagree. He can do better with the party. n/t FSogol Oct 2015 #70
No, if he ran as an Independent... Xyzse Oct 2015 #72
 

workinclasszero

(28,270 posts)
71. I knew this was going to happen
Wed Oct 21, 2015, 04:06 PM
Oct 2015

All of his supporters are going to demand that Bernie runs a third party bid if he doesn't get the democratic party nomination.

And its becoming apparent that he isn't going to get it, so the calls for him to go third party start up. So damn predictable.

 

HerbChestnut

(3,649 posts)
2. I think he would have won a sizeable chunk of the electorate...
Wed Oct 21, 2015, 01:44 PM
Oct 2015

...and thereby gifted the election to the Republicans. America is a country that just refuses to elect 3rd party candidates to major offices. It's a sad reality, and Bernie was correct in seeing this.

 

Scootaloo

(25,699 posts)
3. And vastly less likely to win
Wed Oct 21, 2015, 01:45 PM
Oct 2015

And much more likely to split the liberal vote. Resulting in a conservative win. THus why he's said he's not going to do so, period.

MineralMan

(146,192 posts)
5. He's not going to do that. He was never going to do that.
Wed Oct 21, 2015, 01:49 PM
Oct 2015

Wishful thinking is wishful. Bernie Sanders has no desire at all to be a spoiler in a Presidential election, thank goodness. He has been absolutely clear on that from the very beginning.

What your post does show, though, is that you recognize the unlikelihood of him winning the nomination. That's a good start.

MineralMan

(146,192 posts)
22. Why should I be thankful? He's a principled man, and
Wed Oct 21, 2015, 02:01 PM
Oct 2015

would never have run as a spoiler candidate. He has behaved honorably by running as a Democrat, and will endorse the Democratic nominee if he is not successful in becoming that nominee.

I like Bernie Sanders very much, and believe he will continue to be of great service as a senior Senator for many years to come. I do not think he will be the Democratic nominee, although I certainly would vote for him if he were.

I hope you will do the same and vote for the Democratic nominee, whoever that may be. In fact, I'll count on it.

onehandle

(51,122 posts)
6. If you think that Senators Sanders would Nader this country, then you don't know him at all.
Wed Oct 21, 2015, 01:49 PM
Oct 2015

This OP is a prime example of why I use the phrase, 'Not Hillary' Party.

 

senz

(11,945 posts)
16. Glad you understand Sanders that far.
Wed Oct 21, 2015, 01:56 PM
Oct 2015

Too bad you don't understand what he's saying and trying to do.

It has nothing to do with Hillary, per se.

mmonk

(52,589 posts)
18. I do not. Making an observation.
Wed Oct 21, 2015, 01:58 PM
Oct 2015

The movement he is working on is for the long haul. Life won't wait for my family but may help others in the future.

Response to mmonk (Original post)

WI_DEM

(33,497 posts)
11. He has ruled out running as an indie and said he wants no part in helping a republican
Wed Oct 21, 2015, 01:52 PM
Oct 2015

become president.

emulatorloo

(43,982 posts)
13. Sorry, Bernie has too much integrity. He's said it time and again
Wed Oct 21, 2015, 01:55 PM
Oct 2015

He's running as a Democrat, and won't run as an independent if he doesn't get the Democratic nomination.

Agnosticsherbet

(11,619 posts)
14. Only to the Democrats.
Wed Oct 21, 2015, 01:55 PM
Oct 2015

He would split the party and guarantee a Republican in the Whitehouse.

Sanders is running for the Democratic nomination because he knows that is his only shot and he doesn't want to guarantee a Republican in the White House.

The most successful third party run in history was Teddy Roosevelt. He won 27% of the vote, 88 electoral votes, and guaranteed Taft (Republican) lost the 1912 election. If he duplicated what Roosevelt did, all he would do was elect the Republicans.

mmonk

(52,589 posts)
21. I would say welcome back but it's very difficult.
Wed Oct 21, 2015, 02:01 PM
Oct 2015

You have a right to your opinions and snark. It makes the world go round I suppose. Welcome back anyway.

 

bravenak

(34,648 posts)
28. Suggesting he run as an independent on a democratic board seems
Wed Oct 21, 2015, 02:07 PM
Oct 2015

a bit rude.
No need to welcome me. Suggestions resembling the one in the op will cease to be standard protocol once the inevitable Sander's loss occurs.
It was not snark but my honest assesment of his managerial, interpersonal, and leadership abilities. Once I witnessed the many unappealing conspiracy theories being pushed by his grassroots, it was very apparent that he lacked the skills necessary to build a coalition large and diverse enough to win the nomination. This is merely a critical assesment of the trajectory of his campaign and the demographics of his coalition.

mmonk

(52,589 posts)
42. And I don't get how you think we have no intellectual argument in supporting him.
Wed Oct 21, 2015, 02:35 PM
Oct 2015

And I still welcome you back because you didn't deserve to be ousted.

kenfrequed

(7,865 posts)
19. Stop it.
Wed Oct 21, 2015, 01:58 PM
Oct 2015

Just stop it and focus all your energy on getting out the vote In Real Life.

Bernie is doing well and doing better all the time. We are in it to win it. Not to just be some goddamned spoiler.

 

Tipperary

(6,930 posts)
20. I think you might be right, but it is a moot point at this juncture.
Wed Oct 21, 2015, 02:00 PM
Oct 2015

I like Biden, but I think he made the right decision.

The Velveteen Ocelot

(115,280 posts)
30. He doesn't want to be a threat. He wants to be elected.
Wed Oct 21, 2015, 02:11 PM
Oct 2015

If he ran as an independent he'd be just another Ralph Nader, and all throughout the horrific Trump Administration, DUers would be snarling "Fuck Bernie Sanders!" at the mere mention of his name.

DanTex

(20,709 posts)
31. If he ran as an Independent, he would be threat to the future of the nation.
Wed Oct 21, 2015, 02:12 PM
Oct 2015

But he's not doing that. And I expect that he will strongly endorse Hillary and campaign vigorously for her in the general. Unlike some of his supporters, Bernie understands full well the difference between the Dems and the GOP.

 

NCTraveler

(30,481 posts)
32. Threat to the stability and state of the union as republicans walk unchallenged into the WH.
Wed Oct 21, 2015, 02:13 PM
Oct 2015

I have said from the start that I'm happy he is doing it the way he is. He is an amazing addition to the party and the public will recognize him as being strongly connected to the party from this day forward. I love that.

 

Doctor_J

(36,392 posts)
62. actually it's Hillary's "centrism" that would be the threat to the union in that case
Wed Oct 21, 2015, 03:39 PM
Oct 2015

She has decided to ignore all of bernies ideas that attracted and motivated voters - healthcare for all, expansion of social security, $15 minimum wage, Pentagon cuts, glass Steagall, college tuition, wall street regulation, and so on. She is running as a republican from the 80's. if Bernie decides to run as an independent, and garners enough votes so that Clinton loses, the blame will rest with her for snubbing Sanders voters and trying to instead curry favor with republicans.

 

NCTraveler

(30,481 posts)
66. My point really isn't argueable. It is simply common sense.
Wed Oct 21, 2015, 03:47 PM
Oct 2015

Your straw man is just that. Yours. You seem to have completely missed the topic and gone full rant. I understand why.

 

Doctor_J

(36,392 posts)
68. And mine isn't arguable either. Bernie's motivated millions of voters with his platform
Wed Oct 21, 2015, 03:55 PM
Oct 2015

Hillary has rejected that platform. It is the height of entitled arrogance to believe they will all show up to vote for someone who is so far from Sanders ideologically.

 

NCTraveler

(30,481 posts)
69. Then start an op. Wow are you aggressive and extremely off point with respect to the conversation. n
Wed Oct 21, 2015, 03:59 PM
Oct 2015
 

Doctor_J

(36,392 posts)
35. Unfortunately he would never do it. He'll probably endorse Hillary too
Wed Oct 21, 2015, 02:16 PM
Oct 2015

and we'll as a nation continue on the death spiral.

Fumesucker

(45,851 posts)
36. There certainly are a lot of people who hate him running as a Democrat
Wed Oct 21, 2015, 02:18 PM
Oct 2015

It's a good thing he's not the sort of person to have an enemies list.

 

Doctor_J

(36,392 posts)
64. indeed. he's shone a light on why the party is almost dead.
Wed Oct 21, 2015, 03:43 PM
Oct 2015

It, like Mrs Clinton, has no principles any more. They had a chance to embrace his platform and scoop up all of those motivated voters, but chose wall street instead.

 

pinebox

(5,761 posts)
40. It's interesting
Wed Oct 21, 2015, 02:29 PM
Oct 2015

I don't think he'd do that, well i'm 99% sure he wouldn't, I don't think he's signed a loyalty pledge to the Dem party yet though has he? I'm not finding anything about it on Google, so correct me if I'm wrong.

 

Bluenorthwest

(45,319 posts)
41. Fragmented thought. 'More of a threat to....'? What? Whom?
Wed Oct 21, 2015, 02:32 PM
Oct 2015

The debate schedule, it could be better but really, it's not that big a deal. The media we have today is the media we had last month. Did you just notice them?

More of a threat to...?

 

Bluenorthwest

(45,319 posts)
48. I don't get why you and those in your cohort speak in terms of vague threats all the time. What's
Wed Oct 21, 2015, 02:43 PM
Oct 2015

that about? Threats? Francis did the same thing 'threats to the family'. I'm sick of the drama, hyperbole and lack of exactitude.

Threats are not good things.

mmonk

(52,589 posts)
55. I was speaking of a three way race in the general election.
Wed Oct 21, 2015, 02:57 PM
Oct 2015

I'm not ok with the status quo. Yes, there are more like me seeing the failure of the financialization of the US vs what flavor to choose.

99Forever

(14,524 posts)
43. Senator Sanders is not a threat.
Wed Oct 21, 2015, 02:36 PM
Oct 2015

He is our voice for the solution.

Neoliberals and Republicans are the threat.

WDIM

(1,662 posts)
49. Its almost impossible to get on the ballot in most states
Wed Oct 21, 2015, 02:44 PM
Oct 2015

unless you are a democrat or repuglinant.

mmonk

(52,589 posts)
56. Exactly. It's a pretty rigged system.
Wed Oct 21, 2015, 03:02 PM
Oct 2015

My op stands however as more people across the country are frustrated.

winter is coming

(11,785 posts)
58. He'd be a yuge threat if he were a fire-breathing dragon!
Wed Oct 21, 2015, 03:13 PM
Oct 2015

Which seems about as likely as him running as an independent.

 

Armstead

(47,803 posts)
59. To be honest, part of me wishes he did -- to keep the Democrats in line
Wed Oct 21, 2015, 03:17 PM
Oct 2015

He'd never win as a third party candidate, and I'm glad he chose not to be a spoiler.

However, tere is a par of me that wold prefer that Clinton and the Democrats be running scared all the way through the election, rathr than just saying "Okay now for the General. To hell with those captive progressives. Now we're going for those center-right swing voters."

 

mythology

(9,527 posts)
60. Um no
Wed Oct 21, 2015, 03:32 PM
Oct 2015

All that would accomplish is splitting the vote of people on the left. Look at what happened in Maine when that happened. They got stuck with Paul LePage.

There is no runoff in the presidential race. At this point Sanders is getting 25 to 30 percent of the left most part of the Democratic base. And yet you think if he decided to run with his same positions he will suddenly win a plurality of a much more conservative universe of voters? How? No fairy tale pie in the sky people will love him. Draw a map based on some sort of evidence as to how he gets there.

Xyzse

(8,217 posts)
72. No, if he ran as an Independent...
Wed Oct 21, 2015, 04:57 PM
Oct 2015

Me and people like me will never consider voting for him.

Unless a 3rd party is able to have at least 2 Senators and 4 Congresspersons as a party, I will not consider voting for any one an Independent party floats for the Presidency.

Even if I like them a lot.

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