They might if they had the ability. But they don't. This idea of a shadowy, all-powerful entity is just not grounded in reality. The DNC sets the debate locations, rules, and dates, and the convention location and dates. That's about it. Everything else is up to the campaigns (and later, the convention delegates). barfo
Of course the DNC is putting pressure on candidates and cutting deals to try to organize things strategically. Both parties do this constantly and I wouldn't call that sinister. The DNC cut a deal with Sanders once Clinton was clearly going to win the nomination to get his endorsement. Either party would be stupid not to try to organize things to give them their best chance, in their eyes, to win. I don't necessarily agree with the Democratic party establishment over what gives them their best chance to win, but that's what they should be trying to do. Even apart from their (irrational, IMO) fear of Sanders, they have a very rational fear of a contested convention--especially one where no candidate has a large plurality. The longer more candidates stay in the race, the greater the chance of such a thing happening. They should be doing their best to clear the field of candidates who really have no chance at the nomination.
If he does, it will be because he's failed to play well with others. Again. Bernie claiming the process is rigged against him is no different than Trump claiming the process is rigged against him. barfo
The DNC isn't shadowy or all-powerful, but they have more power than that. They have the ability to influence where a lot of funding goes in races (which also means influence over endorsements from sitting legislators) and influence over the official party platform. They have the ability to pressure candidates or offer them inducements, especially younger ones who want a future in the party. Obviously, as Sanders proves, they're not all-powerful and you can have some success without their approval. But he also shows that it comes at a cost--if he were not just the front-runner but also one the Democratic establishment was putting its weight behind, he'd probably already be the presumptive nominee.
Maybe. Moderate candidates are dropping out and banding together around Biden. Going to get interesting.
I have to disagree. The DNC itself has very little influence, because the DNC is, frankly, a bunch of nobodies with very little money. It's like arguing that senate pages have a lot of influence. Yes, they are on the senate floor all the time. But no one pretends to give a shit what they think except senators looking for sex. There are people who have significant influence over races and candidates (see, e.g. Obama, Jim Clyburn, etc) but they do not wield their influence in the name of the DNC. Democratic establishment isn't at all the same thing as the DNC. barfo
Or cabinet posts. I guess Amy is a possibility for Joe's VP, but she doesn't seem like the best fit. Pete even less. barfo
What I really dont get is why Sanders is running as a Democrat. He obviously isnt really a democrat (or at least they dont seem to want him). A lot of his campaign ads I see is oh Im not like the Democratic establishment. Seems like he doesnt really want to be a dem, and they dont really want him all that badly either. Is it just politics and thats the only way he can run is to hitch his wagon to theirs?
You basically have to run as a Democrat or Republican. Bernie clearly aligns more with Democratic (liberal) values than Republican values. His success has been largely pulling people in that weren't strict Democrats (like me) but he's definitely also garnered the support of many people who have been democrats for years.
So he's essentially the "lefts" Trump. The "right" didn't like Trump either until they couldn't stop that train because of the "extreme" right. Now they're all over him. He had a fervent "base" who was way further right then most people on the right wanted and then they all voted for Trump because he wasn't the other team. This election will come down to how much support they can get from their team and how many of their team are motivated by I don't want the person from the other team.
I don't really know what Republican or Democrat values are anymore. Seems like essentially they both want money and power and will kind of willy-nilly go wherever they think there is more of those. I know what Democrats always like to say republican values are, and what Republicans like to say Democrat values are but it's usually just gross generalities and demeaning of the "other side". Republicans don't "love" war for oil, or racism, Democrats don't love crony capitalism or big slow government. - At least not your normal every-day voters. Think the normal everyday voters agree on a lot more then what we're led to believe they just picked a team R or D and are riding it out.
It is weird how it all seemed to wind down to old white dudes... Edit: No offense to EW I don't think she's got a shot though.
I agree with a lot of that. I'm not a dedicated Democrat. I didn't vote for Obama in 2012 (the first election I could vote in) and only registered as a D in 2016 because of Bernie. But IMO it's mostly the "social issues" like gay marriage, abortion, etc. that have separated the parties, at least in recent times as I'm no historian.
