Bernie’s true believers won’t abandon him.
No doubt the deep-state DC Democrats will attack him - again. And like the spineless hack he is, he will take it lying down. One would think that after having Democrat primary elections rigged against him, twice, he would oppose his DNC-deep state masters a bit more.
I swear they are paying Sanders off to keep the Bernie bots in the Party.
You are probably on to something.
Bernie is the Democratic Party establishment punching bag.
They love it—he loves it.
Abused wife or Stockholm syndrome.
You’re very close. Bernie’s purpose is in part as you stated, to provide a magnet to bring and keep the disaffected wannabee socialists in the party.
Bernie’s other purpose is to marginalize them and keep them frustrated, with the slightest side portion of hope to keep them in line.
They intended for Trump to perform a similar role in the Republican party. His role was to be the fringe, ‘clown’ candidate. How dare he go and win?!