2016 Postmortem
In reply to the discussion: I have a theory on why Sanders is not conceding or endorsing at this poinjt [View all]mikehiggins
(5,614 posts)Since everyone on DU seems to have an opinion, here's mine:
The Clinton camp has to crush Sanders so their inevitable move back to the "center" can be more easily deflected as just the complaints of a defeated foe. So long as the campaign continues the issues raised will be open for discussion, something that will not happen if Sanders capitulates. I am sure that HRC will happily abandon all of her "leftist principles", most of which have only become visible during the course of the last year, as soon as his signature is on the dotted line.
As to the idea that, if actually indicted, HRC would withdraw from the race, that is simply nonsense. She hasn't come this far to walk away no matter what the reason. Fortunately, the GOPuke candidate has so many legal problems already that it would be "sexist" to claim she should leave the race while Trump goes on. Also, Sanders cannot believe that he would end up the nominee in such a case. There is no reason to suspect that would happen.
So, as the OP states, a roll-call vote will demonstrate that the Sanders campaign has brought to the fore ideals and principles that resonate with a large number of actual Democratic Party members. A coronation will simply brush them aside in favor of the Clintonian Third Way programs that have so thoroughly crippled our party.
I was very happy to support Sanders from day one. If he gives up before the first ballot I will be very, very disappointed in him. Not as much as if he actually endorsed HRC but still, very, very disappointed.
As to the Clintonians on DU, she won. Why is it so important to you to have Sanders surrender, smile and make nice? Certainly his continuing onto the convention floor is not preventing Secretary Clinton from taking on Trump, as the recent 27 million dollar ad buy demonstrates so obviously.
Everyone recognises that HRC has won. Why does Sanders matter so much? Why not just shut up and let things unfold as they will? That is what I would do.
And, I guess, will do so from now on.
See ya in Philly.