Bernie Sanders Has an Idea for the Left: Don’t Run as Democrats
www.nytimes.com
The Vermont senator, who has long had a tense relationship with the Democratic Party, suggested in an interview that more progressives should join him in running as independents.

I think the message was clear—even though trump manipulated the working people of this country, they voted for reform. Americans don’t want incremental change anymore. We need to give people a GENUINE democratic-populist candidate. The the libs sabotaged Bernie and ran BIDEN . And then BIDEN AGAIIINNN. The writing was on the wall but we didn’t believe it. The Democratic Party is not going to win elections in this political environment propping up moderate institutionalist candidates. Walz, AOC, or Bernie if his age isn’t a factor.

That’s why I think 50501 should support independent candidates. This is a WORKING CLASS movement. No more ivory towers.

Originally Posted By u/Sweet-Management1930 At 2025-03-20 01:42:45 PM | Source

  • jjagaimo@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    32·
    2 days ago

    Independents stand a chance to win in certain local elections, but a more coordinated effort is needed to sway the average person who doesn’t pay attention to the news. That means a new party or coalition of small existing parties, or taking over the democratic party

    Putting differences aside to form a cohesive front is the plan, however the infighting with democratic leadership like chuck schumer is not avoidable - time hasnt just passed him by, he is actively siding with republicans and beholden to corporate interests.

    • thatonelinuxdude@50501.chatMEnglish
      10·
      2 days ago

      It makes sense to try and establish a small party locally and on state level. It a good place as any to start and we can popularize a small party via grass root movement to go door to door to let people know about the new party. Once we have many different parties, there could be a discussion for pushing for a national political party and be a contender to GOP and Democrat.

      • Enub22@50501.chatEnglish
        5·
        2 days ago

        We do not have RCV though. Doing a new political party will end up in the GOP winning again. The only way forward is to infiltrate and push both parties with better candidates that genuinely want to improve this country and their states, not for their own monetary interests, just like how the rich assholes did it.

        • limer@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
          6·
          2 days ago

          Some of the successful independent parties did just that. Infiltrate both the dems and gop then announce “surprise!”

        • jjagaimo@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
          5·
          2 days ago

          It depends. For local elections, there are many places where people run unopposed, exclusively vote down party lines or reelect the incumbent. These are places where independents and new parties have the chance to dip their toes in. There are areas around me with independents elected. There are several senators and congressmen who have been elected as or switched to independent. While independent is an option, strong ties to the local community, and a cohesive message that justifies peoples anger and fears has potential for local elections within counties and states for small parties

          Realistically its about having an organization to set a positive agenda, bring awareness to politicians that have good policies and legislation that would otherwise get swept under the rug, and organize people to get things done.

          For example, Brad Lander is running for Mayor in NY, and has a great track record. Yet the rapist Cuomo has gained widespread support simply on name recognition.

          AOC is leading polls in being most demonstrative of the party politics for the democrats, above other politicians like biden and kamala, because thats what people want to see. But they only know about her because she is often picked up by the news.

          People want to do something but dont know what to do. Opening a local party or organization to target your local elections may be a good idea, even if you dont run a candidate there. Simply boosting an existing democratic or progressive candidate may be enough to tip the scales.

          • Enub22@50501.chatEnglish
            5·
            2 days ago

            My hope is that the protest movements will eventually produce/endorse a list of representatives to vote for. I’ll vote anyone if it means that we can expel politics of money and self interest.

    • ramble81@lemm.eeEnglish
      9·
      2 days ago

      My view is we need a progressive “tea party”. Primary the hell out of the established democrats with progressive candidates and take the party back. There are still way too many people that vote straight ticket and won’t look at independents.

      • eldavi@lemmy.mlEnglish
        3·
        2 days ago

        That would require Americans to stop punching left and I doubt they’re capable of it