A case of déjà vu’ related to the democratic primaries is experienced, once again. Old habits never die, so they say. As a voter who’s returned back to the democratic party, it feels not much different than returning back to a dysfunctional relationship one has repeatedly tried to end on many occasions. No different than that dysfunctional relationship some of us have endured at some point in our lives at individual levels, the democratic party predictably again has exhibited its old harmful patterns of negative attitudes and behaviors. Those things that turn many so people off from politics altogether.
As a Texas state delegate for President Obama in 2008 and a Sanders county delegate in Washington state in 2016, we endured the viciousness of the democratic party and Clinton. Lies, deceit, cheating, and the list goes on, occurred both times. And, Clinton lost to Obama and won against Sanders. Well, sort of. According to the democratic party, that is. It’s not that Bernie supporters are “sore” losers. But rather, they want to see true democracy and fairness illustrated by the democratic party if they vote for a candidate represented by that party. If the races are fair, then the results are accepted. This time around, Biden is mostly declared the winner when 24 states and millions of voters have yet to even participate in the voting process. Again, the democratic party is trying to corner Sanders into withdrawing his nomination arguing he has no chance or pathway to winning. Advocating for disenfranchising any voters prior to the completion of any race is both unfair and undemocratic.
Let us begin with the inequalities championed by the democratic party during the primaries in 2016. During that race, superdelegates played an initial role where from the onset, Bernie was at an obvious disadvantage. Several months prior the beginning of the primaries, in November 2015 Clinton had 359 delegates to Sander’s 8 (https://www.npr.org/2015/11/13/455812702/clinton-has-45-to-1-superdelegate-advantage-over-sanders). Shortly before the first primary in February 2016, Clinton’s delegate lead rose to 449 and Sander’s to 19 (https://www.npr.org/2016/02/18/467230964/survey-clinton-maintains-massive-superdelegate-lead). Notice this difference is still wider than the current 2020 gap between Vice President Biden and Senator Sanders. Arguably, with less states to vote, that gap would be more difficult to fill and surpass, but not impossible. Nevertheless, the democratic party is pressuring Sander’s to again withdraw his nomination.
Even with the dysfunctions and frustrations with the democratic party, in 2016, Bernie energized the younger populations and brought in many first-time voters. He provided hope for the future and pro-social visions for the health and well-being for all individuals and the planet. Sadly, new voters witnessed firsthand the ugliness of politics and sadly not from the republican side, but rather the democratic side. There was cheating ( https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/donna-brazile-finally-admits-she-shared-debate-questions-with-clinton-campaign ) and scandals ( https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/25/us/politics/debbie-wasserman-schultz-dnc-wikileaks-emails.html ) from the top party officials, delegates were silenced at conventions ( https://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/07/30/while-publicly-seeking-unity-dnc-censoring-convention-and-silencing-dissent ), and the list goes on. On display throughout the primary season, were attitudes and behaviors that lead so many to lose hope and exit this potential avenue for change. There was never acknowledgement or apology for all that it had done wrong. And many of those same officials are still quite active in the party. In the end, these voters were cornered with Hillary Clinton. And why are fewer younger voters showing up at the polls this time around many are asking now?
The democratic party is notorious for recognizing gerrymandering and the trends of republicans making it difficult, if not impossible for many to vote. Yet the very undemocratic suggestions that Bernie withdraws before all states have had the opportunity to vote, also advocates disenfranchisement. We are in times where it is most critical for voters to be engaged and involved. Regardless of how well or poorly our candidates of choice are doing. Each one of us should all have the right and opportunity to vote as equal citizens and tax payers in this nation. Our vote provides us an opportunity to exorcise our voice at the individual levels. This is especially important for first time voters. But this is a necessity during this time of crisis were all voters need a voice, and a real choice.
The pressure placed on Sanders to withdraw also run contrary to the rules. The primary rules hold that the first candidate to reach 1,991 pledged delegates wins the nomination. We as Bernie supporters understand that. But we also understand that the rules do not say, or even suggest that any and all candidates who run behind any number of delegates should or must withdraw from the race. It was predicted Biden would do well in a high number of the states that have already completed their primaries. But likewise, Bernie was projected to do well in several states that have yet to vote. Regardless if Sanders were to win the nomination or not, he should be able to participate in the National Democratic Convention with the number of delegates his campaign earned from the entirety of the primaries. They deserve to have their share of representation present at the NDC.
And of further concern, is whether Biden can beat Trump. Many do not agree. Biden has too much baggage that will used against him. Bernie’s got a clean slate. They can push the communism on him, he is clearly not a communist and the nation is coming to understand the differences between the different ideologies and economic systems. Most understand the U.S. will never be a communist or socialist nation. And such a dramatic structural change could not occur within a 4- or 8-year presidential term. And the socialist aspects we do have in our society, citizens do not want to lose no matter how much they abhor the idea of a “socialist” society (public roads, fire and police departments, public schools, etc.).
But in this time of crisis that is worsening by the day, the majority of Americans may even more so agree with policies as with “Health care for all.” It appears many lives will be lost, and families torn up and destroyed by the effects of the grave failures of our capitalist economy. If anybody understands the flaws, vulnerabilities, weaknesses, and failures of a capitalist economy, it’s Bernie Sanders. He would be most suited to get this nation back on track, economically. Because of his honesty and sincerity, he would be the most appropriate to deal with the incredible loss and suffering many families will face in the upcoming months, and possibly years while getting the nation back on a safer and more stable economic path that works for everybody.
Perhaps the most popular thing known about Bernie, is that he’s been consistent throughout most of his life. And that is powerful. Little is there for Trump to attack, contrary to Biden. Overall, people trust Sanders and agree with his ideas. He is a strong debater and knows his facts. Both primary seasons have shown Sanders would beat Trump. Still, nothing has changed. Yet the democratic party keeps pushing their own candidates of choice through to the front gambling with the lives and well-being of both the American people and the future of this nation. It’s occurring again. It is well known that Sanders is a solid bet against Trump. And chances are high that he will pull in many independents and even disillusioned Trump supporters necessary to win the presidential nomination. Biden cannot win over many of these folks. It is important to remember that many are voting for Bernie, not the party.
While pressuring Sanders to withdraw, they are calling for party unity. If the Democratic Party wishes for “unity” then it must play fair. It must demonstrate that it truly embraces very real “democratic” principles. That is, allow every state to vote and give every registered voter the opportunity to cast a vote for their futures, and the future of this nation. It must demonstrate that goal is to serve and represent the people, not itself as a single entity. In the end, if the party demonstrates those principles and fairness, those of us who support Bernie will be much more likely to cross isles should Biden win and work towards unity. If the process is fair, then we understand there are winners and losers. If the existing trends continue, many will feel silenced and disenfranchised, Inevitably, the voter turnout will not be maximized, which sets up the perfect storm for Trump to get re-elected. Please democratic party, for the sake of all of us and this nation, please put honesty, fairness, and the voters first. Many of us do not want Trump for another 4- years. Please do not deliver us Trump, again.