The disaffection of Sanders supporters was one of the key reasons Trump won. There is no doubt this had a major impact in the swing states. There is little doubt that Sanders is (again) a poison pill for the democrats going into 2020.
He could legitimately win the nomination, which spells certain defeat in the general. The democrats are (again) playing games to prevent him from being the nominee and his voters will be upset again.
This receives little note or conversation in the media, but it is a major event for 2020.
The DNC has few good options with Sanders who ironically by his presence as the most socialist candidate will contribute to the election of the most capitalistic freedom loving President in my lifetime (again).
There is little reason to believe that Nominee Sanders would cause a split in the dem party. It would be hilarious but illustrative to see how, if sanders is nominated, democrats declare him the best thing since sliced bread. the worship would be universal, however nauseating. It would just be democrats being themselves.
Why would you assume Bernie spells certain defeat in the general? Bernie is ignorant and insane. His policy agenda is evil and incompetent. He is a perfect fit for today's democrat party, except for being white and heterosexual.
Bernie Sanders stands to potentially equal the establishment Democrats if he runs, setting up a successor to eclipse them. Their best Avenue is to make him their nominee and then damage his movement by arranging a crushing defeat since they are going to lose anyway.
The democrats are (again) playing games to prevent him from being the nominee and his voters will be upset again.
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And the old communist will get another mansion or two.
Bernie voters should sit out the election if he does not win. What a great idea!
The definition of being between a rock and a hard place.