As I've repeatedly stated, Bernie joining the party would have almost certainly made little difference in the debacle of the 2016 primaries between Clinton's financial bailout of the DNC and its attendant obligations to her, the unpopularity of his policies with the establishment, and Clinton's favourability with the same, including with many key executive/lead positions in the DNC who resigned in disgrace over their unethical skewing of the primaries. Even if he had joined the party permanently, I couldn't see any of that hamfisted skullduggery meaningfully diminish for those very important and domineering reasons.
As to AOC, coward New Dems within the party speaking anonymously (precisely because they rightly fear her immense power and following, and the backlash of speaking openly against her) want to primary her, and the establishment's rankling hatred of the woman is a pretty open secret, with many indeed wanting to ignore, isolate and minimize her by any means possible; the only counterpoint to this thus far has been Pelosi appointing her to the FSC: a bone thrown as consolation for keeping her off the Ways and Means Committee she desired to be a part of.
That all having been said, yes, Bernie should join, but for a litany of reasons I don't think for a second that it would have made any kind of difference in 2016, and I am confident about that. If anything, the treatment of AOC confirms rather than refutes this.
I misstated, so my apologies.
Bernie SHOULD HAVE JOINED, like back in 2008. With his charisma and his considerable and now proven crowdfunding mojo, that is when he should have begun his White House juggernaut as a Dem.
Joining in 2016 making a difference against Hillz? No, you are ABSOLUTELY 100% right, it would not have.
Even joining right NOW, in time for the 2020, it's already too late...too many others have already hopped on board.
I love Bernie but he had his chance to run the race and he chose to run it with the parking brake on.
It's too bad but it is what it is and therefore I concede your excellent points...all of them.
But, underestimate AOC at your own peril, and I say this TO all her Dem detractors.
It appears that she actually LEARNED from the Sanders "parking brake" episode.
She is not even remotely old enough to run. She will qualify in time for the 2028 elections.
If the Dems manage to avoid screwing the pooch, and she manages to avoid doing something extremely stupid, I wager she WILL be our President in 2028.
But I could be wrong, there is always an equal chance that she goes "KABOOM"...but my gut says she isn't likely to.
But a lot of her Dem competition will.
