Vulnerable Democrats fret over surging Sanders

The Hill ^ | February 11, 2020 | Scott Wong and Cristina Marcos

[karpov]

House Democrats who know a thing or two about winning in the most competitive parts of the country are sounding the alarm about Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) potentially becoming the party’s presidential nominee.

Vulnerable House Democrats are not only pessimistic about the Vermont senator’s chances against President Trump, they worry he could also cost Democrats the House majority in November.

“I will support Bernie Sanders if he is nominated against Donald Trump; I will do so enthusiastically,” Peters told The Hill on Tuesday, while adding “I don’t think … putting a socialist on the ballot is a good strategy to defeat Donald Trump.”

Freshman Rep. Anthony Brindisi (D-N.Y.), co-chair of the centrist Blue Dogs, said he won’t back Sanders or Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) for president, telling The Post-Standard editorial board in Syracuse that their policies “don’t necessarily align with my beliefs” and it would be “exceedingly difficult” for either candidate to win on Election Day.

Another centrist, freshman Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.), said he has significant doubts that Sanders or Warren could beat Trump in swing states like Wisconsin and Michigan that will play a decisive role in the 2020 election.

And Rep. Scott Peters (D-Calif.) warned that having Sanders at the top of the ticket would be an electoral disaster that could put the “House majority at risk.”

The dire warnings from moderate Democrats have become more urgent and aggressive as Sanders fought to a virtual tie with former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg in Iowa and appeared poised to win the New Hampshire primary on Tuesday.

Democrats are particularly uneasy about a party standard-bearer who labels himself a “democratic socialist,” as Sanders does.

“Sanders is about the worst candidate we can put up. He not only won’t likely win the presidency

[jstolzen]

Operation Chaos must embrace Sabers and propel him further, if necessary. He is not only the best opponent for Trump but he will drag down the rest of the ticket. We can’t let these traitors keep the house. Time to think outside the box.

Yeah - and that's exactly how we got Obambi, who all of us were certain "could not win".

[libertylover]

I do not see a good outcome for the Democratic Party.

To me, the Democrat Party in shambles is a good outcome.

[JerseyDvl]

I don’t see a single parallel. People, including Democrats sure are scared of crazy Bernie.
It’s a sure thing and I’ve re-registered as independent in case my vote is needed anywhere.

[RayChuang88]

Oh gawd, just wait until the “Presidential Road Show” arrives in South Carolina. Everyone will ask will Biden make a stand there?

[wally_bert]

I heard of many instances from a friend of mine who did service and repair for a large natural gas company.

[FamiliarFace]

If Sanders loses the nomination, his supporters won’t just “bern” down the DNC, I predict they will “bern” down Milwaukee.

[mad_as_he$$]

Milwaukee needs some urban renewal.

[aquila48]

Looks like there are a ton of “Never Burners” starting to crop up.

I think it’s going to come down between Mini Mike and Commie Bernie. And the two factions hate each other. Whichever one gets the nomination is good news for Trump.

[going hot]

Sanders is the epitome, the logical conclusion of all things rat.

[SkyPilot]

Seriously? Do you know why he was there?

He was part of a security contingent.

[maxwellsmart_agent]

If Sanders becomes the candidate, it guarantees a Trump re-election. He is a nut!