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Joe BidenCongratulations to our presumptive Democratic nominee, Joe Biden!
 

Laelth

(32,017 posts)
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 08:23 AM Mar 2020

It serves the Party for Sanders to stay in the race.

In one way, at least ... it gives the illusion of choice to those who have not yet voted.

I voted in TX on Super Tuesday. My vote mattered. At the very least, it felt like my vote mattered. While the truth is that our nominating process is effectively over, lots of people in lots of states haven’t gotten a chance to participate in the process. Joe Biden will almost certainly be our nominee, but Bernie’s staying in the race gives these excluded Democratic voters something to vote for ... either Joe or Bernie. It’s some choice, at least, and it will allow a lot of Democrats to feel like they participated this year.

Thoughts?



-Laelth

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
86 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
It serves the Party for Sanders to stay in the race. (Original Post) Laelth Mar 2020 OP
I have no problem with Sanders staying in the race if... Sloumeau Mar 2020 #1
I agree with you on that. Laelth Mar 2020 #4
Would Sanders supporters be agreeing with this if the inverse were true? ehrnst Mar 2020 #9
I can't speak for them. n/t Laelth Mar 2020 #13
Yes you can. You said you voted for Sanders. Correct? zackymilly Mar 2020 #14
I did. I voted for Bernie. Laelth Mar 2020 #17
It's down to a chicken. Last time Bernie promised me a pony! n/t zackymilly Mar 2020 #19
But the promise of a total health care system overhaul went from 8 years down to 2.... ehrnst Mar 2020 #26
Now that you mention it ... Laelth Mar 2020 #30
How do you demand concessions when you're getting the brake beat off of you? Gothmog Mar 2020 #85
That's the crucial issue. But unfortunately even if he bows out now, supporters will keep up emmaverybo Mar 2020 #11
Hear! Hear! n/t Laelth Mar 2020 #54
He'll say he is publicly HarlanPepper Mar 2020 #51
If Bernie changes his message, I would agree. Claustrum Mar 2020 #2
My argument, here, is of the "silver lining" variety. Laelth Mar 2020 #31
He won't change his message and Trump has begun the general...Sanders needs to drop out now. Demsrule86 Mar 2020 #55
How many countries have a Michigan? k8conant Mar 2020 #61
You got me...my ADHD is kicking up bigtime...counties...hehe Demsrule86 Mar 2020 #65
Yes. It's over. It was over on Super Tuesday. Laelth Mar 2020 #64
There is no silver lining. Voting in a primary and not being to turn to the general, having our Demsrule86 Mar 2020 #66
Fair enough. We shall see what we see. n/t Laelth Mar 2020 #68
Nope. TwilightZone Mar 2020 #3
Perhaps. Laelth Mar 2020 #46
Doesn't bother me Dem2 Mar 2020 #5
Why would the campaign and the surrogates change? (nt) ehrnst Mar 2020 #7
I agree. Laelth Mar 2020 #8
He's not going to change his strategy. TwilightZone Mar 2020 #16
Sigh. I am disappointed to hear that. Laelth Mar 2020 #21
Withdraw? I don't see Sanders doing that until the very last possible moment ehrnst Mar 2020 #25
I don't think his health is an issue. TwilightZone Mar 2020 #29
I have to wonder. ehrnst Mar 2020 #33
Even if there wasn't, it's not a good look. TwilightZone Mar 2020 #37
Sanders needs to pay a political price if he stays in and helps Trump...primary him in Vermont... I Demsrule86 Mar 2020 #56
Or it promotes false, unrealistic expectations, and disbelief at the inevitable reality. (nt) ehrnst Mar 2020 #6
Viable argument. Laelth Mar 2020 #10
Why do you think that first time voters aren't turning out to vote for anyone else? ehrnst Mar 2020 #18
That's not what I meant. Laelth Mar 2020 #28
No one is guaranteed their primary choice will still be in the race when their primary comes. ehrnst Mar 2020 #35
Under our current rules, they're not. I agree. Laelth Mar 2020 #36
So you think that if Sanders isn't on the ballot, his supporters won't "participate in the process?" ehrnst Mar 2020 #38
On the ballot? Laelth Mar 2020 #40
Well, isn't that what supporters of Warren, Harris, Klobuchar and Buttigieg have been dealing with? ehrnst Mar 2020 #45
This is why I get frustrated living in PA. berksdem Mar 2020 #12
This year is no different, from my perspective. Laelth Mar 2020 #32
100% agree... berksdem Mar 2020 #43
I will be thrilled to vote for Joe in November. Laelth Mar 2020 #67
I know the feeling. Ohio moved it primary date up to March 17 and it is already effectively over. pampango Mar 2020 #47
yep... it absolutely stinks berksdem Mar 2020 #62
No. He is toxic and divisive. Evergreen Emerald Mar 2020 #15
I said I thought he should concede immediately after Super Tuesday. Laelth Mar 2020 #34
I'd be fine IF Bernie shifted fire to Trump. Happy Hoosier Mar 2020 #20
I agree. Laelth Mar 2020 #41
The attacks were non-stop today, Demsrule86 Mar 2020 #82
How do you feel about his top campaign advisors continued efforts to kneecap and hobble Biden... NurseJackie Mar 2020 #22
The crazy people I work with her support BS are saying it was "stolen by the establishment". redstatebluegirl Mar 2020 #27
I was just looking for the silver lining. Laelth Mar 2020 #44
It depends on how he conducts himself. Drunken Irishman Mar 2020 #23
This is exactly what they did in 2016 world wide wally Mar 2020 #24
Yes it is. Scurrilous Mar 2020 #72
No it does NOT. boston bean Mar 2020 #39
Silver Lining Laelth Mar 2020 #58
From the Hoarse Whisperer Gothmog Mar 2020 #42
i don't think it matters whether he stays in the race or not. what matters fishwax Mar 2020 #48
+1 Laelth Mar 2020 #49
It fucking matters and his supporter and campaign people spreading ani-Biden rhetoric on twitter Demsrule86 Mar 2020 #59
i think energies are better spent focusing on trump and the general, but fishwax Mar 2020 #60
No thanks HarlanPepper Mar 2020 #50
I switched my preference to Biden immediately after Super Tuesday. Laelth Mar 2020 #71
No it does not...we need to come together and heal...the primary is over. Sanders needs to bow out Demsrule86 Mar 2020 #52
OK. But it looks like he's not going to do that. Laelth Mar 2020 #74
Then we ignore him, let him make a fool of himself if he chooses. Demsrule86 Mar 2020 #80
No It Doesn't Me. Mar 2020 #53
Nope. Sanders needs to suspend, today, before he starts making comments stopbush Mar 2020 #57
Yes tavernier Mar 2020 #69
What's the rush? k8conant Mar 2020 #63
It only matters if Bernie continues to attack Biden... Drunken Irishman Mar 2020 #70
Bernie is toxic, but voters DO deserve a primary choice. RealityChik Mar 2020 #73
I agree. There are other benefits too democrattotheend Mar 2020 #75
And this just adds to the reason SoCalNative Mar 2020 #76
Agree. Voters deserve to feel they are all part of the process. Sanders supporters will continue emmaverybo Mar 2020 #77
Thank you. n/t Laelth Mar 2020 #78
It doesnt matter what we do with this guy or his supporters. He and his campaign are going Demsrule86 Mar 2020 #81
There is no reason for the process to run this long. guillaumeb Mar 2020 #79
Down. Ballot. Matters. Iggo Mar 2020 #83
Watching sanders lose primary races by large margins will be amusing Gothmog Mar 2020 #84
Bernie should stay in as long as Biden has less than 1991 delegates iwannaknow Mar 2020 #86
 

Sloumeau

(2,657 posts)
1. I have no problem with Sanders staying in the race if...
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 08:29 AM
Mar 2020

he pressures his surrogates to stop the dishonest "Biden has dementia" type attacks. Otherwise, the sooner he is gone, the better.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Laelth

(32,017 posts)
4. I agree with you on that.
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 08:32 AM
Mar 2020

Even if the accusation were true, and I am not saying that it is, it’s seriously counterproductive to be tearing down our presumptive nominee at this time.

-Laelth

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

ehrnst

(32,640 posts)
9. Would Sanders supporters be agreeing with this if the inverse were true?
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 08:36 AM
Mar 2020

Many were calling for Warren to drop out and endorse Sanders from the moment Sanders announced.

Would they be saying "Sanders needs to reach out to Biden, Klobuchar and Buttigieg supporters in an effort to unify the party" or would they be saying "The voters have spoken, and our candidate needs to continue with their messaging, despite who disagrees."

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Laelth

(32,017 posts)
13. I can't speak for them. n/t
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 08:41 AM
Mar 2020


-Laelth
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

zackymilly

(2,375 posts)
14. Yes you can. You said you voted for Sanders. Correct?
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 08:42 AM
Mar 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Laelth

(32,017 posts)
17. I did. I voted for Bernie.
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 08:49 AM
Mar 2020

That makes me one, former Bernie supporter (and it only lasted for about 48 hours—between Pete’s dropping out and the day after Super Tuesday).



I voted for Hillary in the 2016 primary. Trust me. I am not representative of any Bernie supporter other than myself. That said, I still want THE WHOLE CHICKEN that Bernie has promised to fight for.



-Laelth

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

zackymilly

(2,375 posts)
19. It's down to a chicken. Last time Bernie promised me a pony! n/t
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 08:52 AM
Mar 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

ehrnst

(32,640 posts)
26. But the promise of a total health care system overhaul went from 8 years down to 2....
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 09:01 AM
Mar 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Laelth

(32,017 posts)
30. Now that you mention it ...
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 09:07 AM
Mar 2020

WHERE’S MY PONY?

I want that too.



-Laelth

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Gothmog

(153,882 posts)
85. How do you demand concessions when you're getting the brake beat off of you?
Fri Mar 13, 2020, 11:30 PM
Mar 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

emmaverybo

(8,147 posts)
11. That's the crucial issue. But unfortunately even if he bows out now, supporters will keep up
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 08:38 AM
Mar 2020

the lies and distortions about Biden’s mental condition and his record on social security. I am talking about bad faith supporters, not all who endorse Sander’s ideas.

And MSM is only too happy to keep giving them a voice. They would do better to continue to lobby for Bernie’s policies instead of lobbing vicious and unfounded attacks on Biden,

Cutting them out of the process though could be like shaking a stick at a hornet’s nest. I think
Bernie probably needs more time.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Laelth

(32,017 posts)
54. Hear! Hear! n/t
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 10:46 AM
Mar 2020

-Laelth

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

HarlanPepper

(2,042 posts)
51. He'll say he is publicly
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 10:45 AM
Mar 2020

But will continue to direct it behind the scenes. That has been his MO.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Claustrum

(5,028 posts)
2. If Bernie changes his message, I would agree.
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 08:30 AM
Mar 2020

If Bernie changes his message, I would agree. However, I can't see that happening. His whole message is based upon the establishment or the old way of doing thing left them behind. And the way of achieving his goal is to give out free m4a, free college for all, etc. That contradicts what Biden believes when he (and most realistic people know) that we can't get them all for free, thus, we can't have them all. If Bernie were to stay in, he needs to change his message about how the democratic party is helping everyone, but that runs counter to what he has been saying for years.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Laelth

(32,017 posts)
31. My argument, here, is of the "silver lining" variety.
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 09:14 AM
Mar 2020

I thought Bernie should have dropped out after Super Tuesday, but it looks like he’s in the race for much longer.

In the OP, I am trying to say that there’s at least one benefit to Bernie’s remaining in the race ...

perhaps only one.



-Laelth

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Demsrule86

(70,914 posts)
55. He won't change his message and Trump has begun the general...Sanders needs to drop out now.
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 10:47 AM
Mar 2020

He lost Michigan in every country ...it is over.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

k8conant

(3,034 posts)
61. How many countries have a Michigan?
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 11:10 AM
Mar 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

Demsrule86

(70,914 posts)
65. You got me...my ADHD is kicking up bigtime...counties...hehe
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 11:35 AM
Mar 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Laelth

(32,017 posts)
64. Yes. It's over. It was over on Super Tuesday.
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 11:16 AM
Mar 2020

But Bernie’s not dropping out. Now what?

The only silver lining that I can see is that a prolonged primary season gives a lot of Democrats a good excuse to go to the polls and vote.

-Laelth

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Demsrule86

(70,914 posts)
66. There is no silver lining. Voting in a primary and not being to turn to the general, having our
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 11:49 AM
Mar 2020

candidate beat up by the right and the Sanders campaign who echo the GOP attacks is a recipe for disaster. I hope Sen.Sanders will do the right thing today and drop out...I guess we will see how badly he wants to beat Trump at 1:00 pm today.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Laelth

(32,017 posts)
68. Fair enough. We shall see what we see. n/t
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 11:53 AM
Mar 2020

-Laelth

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

TwilightZone

(28,356 posts)
3. Nope.
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 08:31 AM
Mar 2020

We are better served by it ending now so we can (all) start targeting Trump, providing voters with a unified message, registering voters, and developing infrastructure to get out the vote in November.

An illusion of choice isn't a choice, and everyone knows that this race is over.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Laelth

(32,017 posts)
46. Perhaps.
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 09:59 AM
Mar 2020

But since neither of us can control Bernie Sanders, I was simply pointing out the one advantage that I could see from his continued fight for the nomination, despite how Quixotic his fight may be.

-Laelth

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Dem2

(8,178 posts)
5. Doesn't bother me
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 08:32 AM
Mar 2020

So long as he backs off on the Biden attacks - both Bernie and his surrogates.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

ehrnst

(32,640 posts)
7. Why would the campaign and the surrogates change? (nt)
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 08:34 AM
Mar 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Laelth

(32,017 posts)
8. I agree.
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 08:35 AM
Mar 2020

It serves no useful purpose to be tearing down our presumptive nominee at this time.

-Laelth

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

TwilightZone

(28,356 posts)
16. He's not going to change his strategy.
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 08:46 AM
Mar 2020

Sirota is already doubling-down on the bullshit this morning. They're under the woefully-misguided belief that going hard negative was going to change the race in Sanders' favor and aren't about to change that now. It did change the race, but straight toward Biden.

At this point, they're not even trying to win, which probably means that Sanders is in for the duration just to plug his "message" (that we've all heard for five years), though I really thought he might withdraw this week.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Laelth

(32,017 posts)
21. Sigh. I am disappointed to hear that.
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 08:53 AM
Mar 2020

I would prefer for Bernie to keep hammering his liberal policy agenda. I don’t want to see him hammering Joe Biden.

-Laelth

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

ehrnst

(32,640 posts)
25. Withdraw? I don't see Sanders doing that until the very last possible moment
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 08:59 AM
Mar 2020

Unless.... it would be a way to bow out due to worsening health issues.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

TwilightZone

(28,356 posts)
29. I don't think his health is an issue.
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 09:07 AM
Mar 2020

At least not an imminent one. I think this is no longer about winning and all about message, which serves no purpose because everyone knows the message by now. Everyone knew the message four years ago.

I also think his campaign might have bought their own crap with the "dementia" nonsense and are holding out hope that just one more debate will wildly swing the race. I wouldn't have thought they were that dumb, but his staff proves the opposite just about every time they tweet.

Pushing the knowingly-false dementia nonsense was bad enough. If they actually *believe* it, they're idiots who shouldn't be running a campaign for anything.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

ehrnst

(32,640 posts)
33. I have to wonder.
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 09:20 AM
Mar 2020

I expected him to release his full medical records just to say that he released more than the other candidates, especially after he stated he would.

There was clearly something in those records that wasn't good for his campaign.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

TwilightZone

(28,356 posts)
37. Even if there wasn't, it's not a good look.
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 09:31 AM
Mar 2020

Refusing to release them makes everyone assume he's hiding something, even if he isn't. It was also dumb to promise to release them if there was even a small chance he wouldn't, for exactly this reason.

It could be like the tax returns - I think he didn't want to release those because he's now a multi-millionaire and that makes his "millionaires and billionaires" talking point look kind of silly and a little embarrassing. So, of course, he dropped the millionaires. It could be something similar - not the end of the world, but something he thinks would be an issue. As if the heart attack wasn't already serious.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Demsrule86

(70,914 posts)
56. Sanders needs to pay a political price if he stays in and helps Trump...primary him in Vermont... I
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 10:49 AM
Mar 2020

am serious. Trump is going to be hard to beat. We need to build on our momentum not have someone who is bitter about losing hurting our nominee for no purpose...he can't win now...all the other candidates dropped out for the good of the country. Sanders should do the same thing.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

ehrnst

(32,640 posts)
6. Or it promotes false, unrealistic expectations, and disbelief at the inevitable reality. (nt)
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 08:33 AM
Mar 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Laelth

(32,017 posts)
10. Viable argument.
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 08:38 AM
Mar 2020

On the other hand, it may get a lot of first-time voters to the polls to practice voting, learn where their polling station is, make sure that they are properly registered, and dramatically increase the chances that they will show up at that poll in November.



-Laelth

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

ehrnst

(32,640 posts)
18. Why do you think that first time voters aren't turning out to vote for anyone else?
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 08:50 AM
Mar 2020

Even Sanders admitted young voters aren't turning out for him.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Laelth

(32,017 posts)
28. That's not what I meant.
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 09:02 AM
Mar 2020

ANY first time voters, whether they vote for Joe, Bernie, or even Tulsi, are good for the party, and keeping the primary going gives these people a reason to get out and vote. No primary choice = no reason to vote and a lower likelihood that these voters will show up in November.

-Laelth

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

ehrnst

(32,640 posts)
35. No one is guaranteed their primary choice will still be in the race when their primary comes.
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 09:27 AM
Mar 2020

Why do you think some are entitled to it?

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Laelth

(32,017 posts)
36. Under our current rules, they're not. I agree.
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 09:31 AM
Mar 2020

Our process is whacked. It discourages participation. The one silver lining to Bernie’s staying in the race is that his doing so gives lots of voters a reason to participate in the process.

-Laelth

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

ehrnst

(32,640 posts)
38. So you think that if Sanders isn't on the ballot, his supporters won't "participate in the process?"
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 09:33 AM
Mar 2020

If that's the case, they're not concerned with a "process," which isn't something that's going to bode well for them going forward.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Laelth

(32,017 posts)
40. On the ballot?
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 09:39 AM
Mar 2020

He’ll be on all the ballots. So will Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar, for that matter. No. That’s not my point.

If everyone drops out now and endorses Joe, there’s no reason for anyone else to show up at the polls and vote. The only silver lining that I can find for Bernie’s remaining in this race is that it might make a lot of Democrats actually feel involved in the process. It will also help them practice voting and will increase the chances that they show up and vote in November. That’s all I am saying.

-Laelth

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

ehrnst

(32,640 posts)
45. Well, isn't that what supporters of Warren, Harris, Klobuchar and Buttigieg have been dealing with?
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 09:51 AM
Mar 2020

Yet they showed up and voted, and therefore "got the practice" to vote...

As if voting is so difficult or distasteful if one's favorite candidate didn't last to the end of the primary that it requires "practice..."

That's all I'm saying.


If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

berksdem

(657 posts)
12. This is why I get frustrated living in PA.
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 08:38 AM
Mar 2020

I feel like everything is decided by the time we actually get to vote. As for Bernie, I do not expect him to drop out just yet. Next Tuesday will most likely be the nail in the coffin. He needs to stop the smear campaign against the "establishment" and stop the attacks on Biden. We need unity in the party and Bernie needs to get on board.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Laelth

(32,017 posts)
32. This year is no different, from my perspective.
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 09:17 AM
Mar 2020

I want Pennsylvanians to have a reason to get out and vote in the primaries. Our nomination process is whacked, obviously.

-Laelth

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

berksdem

(657 posts)
43. 100% agree...
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 09:46 AM
Mar 2020

I am working on trying to GOTV locally. Right now I am happy to vote for Joe!

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Laelth

(32,017 posts)
67. I will be thrilled to vote for Joe in November.
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 11:51 AM
Mar 2020

He wasn’t my first choice of a nominee, but he’s still a very good choice. With the right Senate, I am convinced that Joe can be a transformative, liberal President. And anything would be better than the orangutan currently occupying the White House.



-Laelth

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

pampango

(24,692 posts)
47. I know the feeling. Ohio moved it primary date up to March 17 and it is already effectively over.
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 10:26 AM
Mar 2020

Some states just never really have much impact on the primary process.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

berksdem

(657 posts)
62. yep... it absolutely stinks
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 11:12 AM
Mar 2020

but no matter who wins I am voting for blue.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Evergreen Emerald

(13,093 posts)
15. No. He is toxic and divisive.
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 08:46 AM
Mar 2020

His goal is not to win, but to cause division. It is not time to continue to give Bernie the platform to tear down the party. It is time to unit.

He needs to end it now.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Laelth

(32,017 posts)
34. I said I thought he should concede immediately after Super Tuesday.
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 09:22 AM
Mar 2020

It appears that isn’t going to happen. The one silver lining, here, is that a contested primary gives people the opportunity to be heard. It gives the illusion of some choice and gives people a reason to go out to the polls.

-Laelth

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Happy Hoosier

(8,302 posts)
20. I'd be fine IF Bernie shifted fire to Trump.
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 08:53 AM
Mar 2020

Attacks on Biden must stop.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Laelth

(32,017 posts)
41. I agree.
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 09:41 AM
Mar 2020

It is counterproductive to attack the presumptive nominee at this point.

-Laelth

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Demsrule86

(70,914 posts)
82. The attacks were non-stop today,
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 08:29 PM
Mar 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

NurseJackie

(42,862 posts)
22. How do you feel about his top campaign advisors continued efforts to kneecap and hobble Biden...
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 08:54 AM
Mar 2020

How do you feel about his top campaign advisors continued efforts to kneecap and hobble Biden by spreading and retweeting the lies that he has dementia (or Alzheimer's disease)? Do you believe that "serves the party"??

What good purpose does it serve for his top campaign staff to spread and repeat rightwing talking points... and doing Trump's work FOR the Republicans and Russia? Why would they want to do anything to convince the American people to NOT vote for Biden?

Is that worth the trade-off? Is giving voters in late primary states the "illusion of choice" so that they "feel like they participated this year" worth the risk of giving people like Cenk, Moore, West, Sirota, Gray, Turner (et al) even MORE time to continue to spread fear and doubt about Biden?

Please respond.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

redstatebluegirl

(12,471 posts)
27. The crazy people I work with her support BS are saying it was "stolen by the establishment".
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 09:01 AM
Mar 2020

They are not going to stop, and he needs the attention so he won't either.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Laelth

(32,017 posts)
44. I was just looking for the silver lining.
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 09:47 AM
Mar 2020

I argued, here, that I thought Bernie should have dropped out the day after Super Tuesday. He didn’t. The OP describes the one good thing that I can see coming out of Bernie’s intransigence. That’s it.

I am certainly not going to defend either Bernie’s strategy or his surrogates. I will say that I think it is seriously counterproductive to be attacking our presumptive nominee at this time.

-Laelth

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Drunken Irishman

(34,857 posts)
23. It depends on how he conducts himself.
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 08:57 AM
Mar 2020

If he spends the next week attacking Biden, and his surrogates do as well, then no it does not serve the party well.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

world wide wally

(21,813 posts)
24. This is exactly what they did in 2016
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 08:57 AM
Mar 2020

Bernie stayed in the race and bad mouthed Hillary right up to the convention, long after it she had secured the nomination. Back then they harped about superdelegates to diminish Hillary. Now they are after Joe and they won't quit unless Bernie tells them to and he himself begins to campaign for ByeDon.
It's up to you, Bernie. Your groupies are incapable of rational thought, just like Trump's MAGAts.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Scurrilous

(38,687 posts)
72. Yes it is.
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 12:07 PM
Mar 2020

One reason he gave then is the same as the OP's. Plus voting would engage blah blah much excitement blah blah create big turnout in GE and beat Trump because he stayed in. I think he needed more chapters for his book.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

boston bean

(36,428 posts)
39. No it does NOT.
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 09:34 AM
Mar 2020

History tells us so! Not buying it.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Laelth

(32,017 posts)
58. Silver Lining
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 10:51 AM
Mar 2020

None of us can control Bernie Sanders. All the OP does is to highlight the one way in which his remaining in the race is useful to us.

-Laelth

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Gothmog

(153,882 posts)
42. From the Hoarse Whisperer
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 09:42 AM
Mar 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

fishwax

(29,315 posts)
48. i don't think it matters whether he stays in the race or not. what matters
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 10:34 AM
Mar 2020

is how his supporters handle themselves and how the supporters of his opponents handle themselves.

If he stays in, I hope his supporters focus on an affirmative case for his priorities, and stay clear of any attacks on biden. Biden is no longer an opponent, because for all intents and purposes that battle is lost. So continue to fight for priorities, but don't fight against the presumptive nominee. That only sows division and dampens our chances.

At the same time, I hope supporters of all our great candidates will focus on Biden's clear and vast advantages over trump. And I hope we will avoid attacks on sanders or his supporters; they are no longer opponents, because for Biden that battle is won. Attacking Sanders and his supporters does no good, and only sows division.

I have no doubt that russians are working to interfere again in our election, and it seems only natural that attacks on biden will be part of the programme, as will attacks on sanders and his supporters.

During the hotly contested 2008 primary, Obama supporters on DU adopted a simple mantra: let it sink. Rather thab taking the bait on such attacks, they just didn't respond, and let the threads sink. It was effective in two ways: it lessened the impact of negative threads, and it allowed Clinton supporters to process their grief and frustration in a long and hard-fought primary so that (as the vast majority did in 2008 and 2016 and will in 2020) they could get back on board behind the nominee after their cadidate lost.

The segment of Sanders supporters who may talk about not supporting the nominee or attacking Biden as more of the same or whatever simply aren't relevant right now. And that's fine. Let 'em be irrelevant. The reality of defeat inspires all sorts of emotions, etc. But most are rational, and will come around. The ones that don't still aren't relevant, and we have mich more to gain by fighting the real opponents--the one over there, playing golf--and the ones cheering while nero plays golf and the country burns.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Laelth

(32,017 posts)
49. +1
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 10:39 AM
Mar 2020

Great post.



-Laelth

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Demsrule86

(70,914 posts)
59. It fucking matters and his supporter and campaign people spreading ani-Biden rhetoric on twitter
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 10:52 AM
Mar 2020

and elsewhere only help Trump...so is that what he wants to do...I hope not.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

fishwax

(29,315 posts)
60. i think energies are better spent focusing on trump and the general, but
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 11:00 AM
Mar 2020

if people (on either side) want to keep fighting this battle then I'm probably not going to be able to stop them.

When someone supposedly on our side seriously questions whether biden is better than trump, i find it hard to take anything they say seriously. When someone seriously questions whether sanders may intentionally help trump, i also find it reduces their credibility. I understand some of it may come from an emotional place of a long and hard fought battle, but as i said befire i think energoes are better spent elsewhere now.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

HarlanPepper

(2,042 posts)
50. No thanks
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 10:44 AM
Mar 2020

It’s time for Sanders supporters to start accepting reality. Give it a whirl.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Laelth

(32,017 posts)
71. I switched my preference to Biden immediately after Super Tuesday.
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 12:05 PM
Mar 2020

I could see which way the wind was blowing, and I am a team player. I am not sure that your average Democratic primary voter is convinced that the race is over, despite the fact that you and I know that it is.

If there’s any silver lining to Bernie’s remaining in the race, it is that he might generate increased voter participation (both for him and against him).

-Laelth

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Demsrule86

(70,914 posts)
52. No it does not...we need to come together and heal...the primary is over. Sanders needs to bow out
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 10:46 AM
Mar 2020

months before the convention and before the voting begins.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Laelth

(32,017 posts)
74. OK. But it looks like he's not going to do that.
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 06:39 PM
Mar 2020

The only silver lining that I can see is that a protracted primary generates higher voter participation.



-Laelth

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Demsrule86

(70,914 posts)
80. Then we ignore him, let him make a fool of himself if he chooses.
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 08:25 PM
Mar 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Me.

(35,454 posts)
53. No It Doesn't
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 10:46 AM
Mar 2020

We'll be stuck with the negativity his people produce and a massive amiunt of sore-loserism

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

stopbush

(24,615 posts)
57. Nope. Sanders needs to suspend, today, before he starts making comments
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 10:50 AM
Mar 2020

that will end up in tRump’s commercials.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

k8conant

(3,034 posts)
63. What's the rush?
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 11:14 AM
Mar 2020

West Virginia Primary is on May 12th.


It seems to me the time has come to have a nationwide primary election all on one day probably in May or June.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

Drunken Irishman

(34,857 posts)
70. It only matters if Bernie continues to attack Biden...
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 11:56 AM
Mar 2020

If there's no viable pathway to the nomination, continued attacks on Biden serve no purpose beyond just creating division. I have no problem with Bernie staying in this race to push his message but when he starts attacking Biden, and his surrogates start pushing conspiracy theories that Biden suffers from dementia, yes, then it's time for Bernie to go.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

RealityChik

(382 posts)
73. Bernie is toxic, but voters DO deserve a primary choice.
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 12:44 PM
Mar 2020

At least until at least half the primaries are done, even if the results are obvious. If Bernie could just refrain from alienating other democrats who didn't vote for him.

I'm not confident that he could unite the Democratic Party. If he can't even control his own vicious supporters, how can he keep from discouraging Democrats from not voting at all rather than vote for him. And, if he continues to drive African Americans away, we're dead. Simple as that.

I'm very much the progressive, but to beat trump we need a united front.. I don't believe Bernie is capable of delivering that. Regretfully, my first choice dropped out, so if not Bernie, then Biden.

Let's win the election first, THEN worry about fighting for the progressive agenda. We, the people, have to remain engaged in the "body-politic" in order to get the government we need. So, let's unite and get this done.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

democrattotheend

(12,008 posts)
75. I agree. There are other benefits too
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 06:44 PM
Mar 2020

If Bernie drops out now, it could just add to the feeling by some of his supporters that the process was stacked against him. A few days ago, I thought that if he dropped out of his own accord, it might avoid that, but that was before you had Carville and Clyburn go on TV and call for an end to the primaries when only half the country has had the chance to vote.

Additionally, it will help the Democrats build ground game and infrastructure that will help in November.

Also, several of the later states have special elections scheduled to coincide with the presidential primary. In New York, for example, Governor Cuomo scheduled five special elections, including to replace Republican Rep. Collins, who was convicted of insider trading, for the same day as the presidential primary. Republicans cried fowl, accusing him of doing that to increase Democratic turnout. https://www.wrvo.org/post/cuomo-sets-april-28-special-election-vacant-cny-senate-other-seats. In Wisconsin, there's an important judicial election scheduled the same day as the presidential primaries. If the presidential primaries are completely over Democratic turnout will be lower in those elections, which will only benefit Republicans.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

SoCalNative

(4,613 posts)
76. And this just adds to the reason
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 07:00 PM
Mar 2020

to have one, and only one, primary vote nationwide. No long, drawn out primary season.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

emmaverybo

(8,147 posts)
77. Agree. Voters deserve to feel they are all part of the process. Sanders supporters will continue
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 07:02 PM
Mar 2020

to attack Biden out of sheer vindictiveness and be even more agitated if they feel Sanders has been forced out. I mean the extremist minority within the base of course.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Laelth

(32,017 posts)
78. Thank you. n/t
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 07:03 PM
Mar 2020


-Laelth
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Demsrule86

(70,914 posts)
81. It doesnt matter what we do with this guy or his supporters. He and his campaign are going
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 08:28 PM
Mar 2020

scorched earth.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

guillaumeb

(42,649 posts)
79. There is no reason for the process to run this long.
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 07:06 PM
Mar 2020

Most voters never have the chance to have their vote count.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Iggo

(48,205 posts)
83. Down. Ballot. Matters.
Wed Mar 11, 2020, 08:34 PM
Mar 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

Gothmog

(153,882 posts)
84. Watching sanders lose primary races by large margins will be amusing
Thu Mar 12, 2020, 04:55 PM
Mar 2020

sanders not dropping out may help Biden. sanders keeps on losing primaries by large margins nnly strenghten's Joe's position https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/03/11/no-surprise-bernie-sanders-is-still-all-about-himself-never-party/

Sanders’s remaining in the race should serve several salutary purposes for the party and the country. First, seeing him lose overwhelmingly week after week will dispel the notion that the Democratic Party has moved left, or that he is in a dominant position to negotiate with the overwhelming winner. It’s not clear why the Biden camp should “give” Sanders anything.

Second, it is good to keep Biden in fighting form, continuing to boost turnout and showing, as he did in Philadelphia, how presidential he is. Biden can pivot to the general election, essentially ignoring Sanders. (His planned speech on the coronavirus is the perfect opportunity to leave Sanders out of the discussion entirely.)....

Whoever is to replace Sanders as the standard-bearer for the left — hopefully someone as smart and wonky as Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) — will need to learn how to win elections. (Hint: It is not by scaring voters or attaching oneself to the socialist label.) When in office, a new generation of leaders on the left will need to learn the art of deal-making rather than waste years, as Sanders has, rabble-rousing but accomplishing nothing. Unlike Sanders, Warren (or whoever else takes the reins) will not be burdened by a record of reflexively praising dictators nor be driven to attack fellow Democrats.

Sanders will end the race at some point, a diminished figure. In retrospect, his wins in 2016 will be seen more as an anti-Hillary Clinton vote than a pro-Sanders vote. How he behaves at Sunday’s debate will determine whether he leaves a bad taste in the mouths of Democrats.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

iwannaknow

(213 posts)
86. Bernie should stay in as long as Biden has less than 1991 delegates
Sun Mar 15, 2020, 01:14 PM
Mar 2020

Let as many people as possible vote! Yes, that is good for the party.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
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