Sanders Supporters Aren’t Going Away – And Neither Is The Revolution

So, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders endorsed rival, Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton for President, officially changed his party affiliation from Democrat to Independent, and bought a lakeside home.

End Of Epic?

Bernie Sanders
Image: Courtesy Bernie Sanders Press Library

Of Course Not

Sanders supporters are holding gatherings this Wednesday, August 24 to watch a live-stream address from the dark horse himself.

At the Democratic National Convention, Sanders had promised that grassroots work for progressive candidates would continue. The address is expected to officially kick off organizing for “Our Revolution,” which will champion causes that the Sanders campaign adopted during the primary season.

The organization will seek to elect down-ballot candidates who work for issues that Sanders supporters care about.

A striking characteristic of the Sanders movement was that it united diverse interest groups behind a single candidate. The force of that unity persisted all the way to Philadelphia as the Democrats convened.

Another notable element among Sanders supporters was their tenacity. They continued to vent their frustration at the electoral process until the Convention concluded. A subset of Bernie activists were young people participating in the political process for the first time under the Sanders banner.

Despite the revelation of party leader Debbie Wasserman-Schultz’s backroom sabotage of the Sanders campaign, all that momentum ended abruptly.

Although Hillary Clinton adopted a platform that included many of the Sanders initiatives, grassroots organizations remain skeptical of her actual commitment to their concerns. Clinton has been in favor of fracking and the Trans Pacific Partnership, which are just two issues putting her at odds with Sanders progressives.

Sanders looks serious about maintaining the momentum. Unfortunately, it appears it may be over before it starts, as Politico reported:

A majority of the staff quit as a result of Jeff [Weaver] joining.”

Sanders’ beloved campaign manager, Jeff Weaver was given a prominent place in the new Revolution, and wanted to take large, potentially dark money, contributions. Something Sanders and his followers expressly fought against. Sanders and Our Revolution has yet to make a statement, however,

There’s a searchable map of the livestream parties and other volunteer opportunities across the country. “Our Revolution,” a 501 (c)(4) nonprofit, is accepting donations.

If he is successful in revitalizing his base, we can expect more potlucks, local meetings, and posters.