Although I am a big fan of Bernie Sanders, I am upset about his attempts to derail the Democratic process. He is acting like Ted Cruz and John Kasich on the Republican side, and seeking a contested convention to secure the Democratic nomination for the presidency in 2016. Clinton will either secure the required number of delegates to win outright, or she will enter the convention in July with far more than Senator Sanders.

This is beneath a great man who actually believes in the future of America. The difference between him and those on the Republican side is that his candidacy is about the future of the American people and the working class, while Republicans are seeking personal success within the political system.

“That is admittedly, and I do not deny it for a second, a tough road to climb, but it is not an impossible road to climb and we intend to fight for every vote in front of us and every delegate remaining,” Sanders told reporters.

“It is virtually impossible for Hillary Clinton to reach a majority of convention delegates by June 14, which is the last day a primary will be held, with pledged delegates alone,” he added. “She will need super delegates to take her over the top at the convention in Philadelphia.

“In other words the convention will be a contested contest.”

This is a sad effort by an honorable man who has apparently placed his future ahead of the Democratic Party and the American people. He has lost the ideal that the goal is to defeat the extremists and un-Americans on the right wing. Neither Trump or Cruz can be allowed to reside in the White House; a win by either would force the end of the America our founding fathers labored to create.

A contested convention for either party means that the voters were discounted in the process. During this campaign season many Americans who wished to show their support for a candidate endured freezing temperatures and long lines at the polls. Allowing the party establishment to select the nominees is un-American.

If either party makes the decision to deny the people’s choice, that party will experience a low voter turnout in November. Many will simply say “why should I bother? My vote doesn’t count.”

The last time voters were denied their choice was in 2000. Al Gore won the popular vote, but the Supreme Court of the United States gifted George W. Bush with the presidency; this cannot happen again.

There is no advantage to being a member of a political party. Democrats and Republicans have caused great harm to our nation and its people.

I am disappointed in Senator Sanders. He should be proud that because of the enormous support he has received, his ideas have been incorporated into Hillary Clinton’s campaign. She needs his support. Sanders must encourage his followers to support Ms. Clinton when she wins the nomination and crush whoever the Republicans choose to challenge her.

Although Sanders has no Super PAC, and refuses to accept corporate donations, he has spent more money than any other candidate in 2016. He must be gracious, and accept the will of the people.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

Source

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