Who Would Bernie Sanders Support for President in 2020, If Not Himsself?

With the 2020 Democratic primary season in full swing, one of the most anticipated questions is who Bernie Sanders would support, should he not run for president himself. His supporters and critics alike are curious to know who would capture his full backing if he considersthe nomination as a lost cause.

The Democratic Nominee

As of now, Bernie Sanders has made it clear that he would fully support the Democratic nominee who will emerge as the candidate, especially if that nominee is not himself. However, he also acknowledges that his decision would be influenced by the fit of the nominee's policies with his own beliefs. In his opinion, if Bernie had the option to choose a different candidate in the primary, he would likely support Senator Elizabeth Warren. Warren's strong stance on addressing wealth inequality and challenging the financial establishment aligns closely with Sanders' platform.

The Hamptons Connection

A common jest among analysts suggests that Bernie Sanders would wait until the nominee is officially determined, and then offer his full support, often accompanied by a promised buy of a new vacation home in the Hamptons. This humorous yet informative point highlights Sanders' approach to politics, which often involves a mix of substantive policy support and personal benefits to those who align with his vision.

Elizabeth Warren’s Appeal

Several Democratic candidates have been mentioned as potential Sanders-backed nominees. However, the consensus leans towards Elizabeth Warren due to her willingness to challenge the financial establishment's practices and her commitment to addressing issues of wealth distribution. Warren's campaign has resonated with many Sanders supporters who value her approach to tackling some of the core issues that have defined Sanders' own campaign over the years.

The Material Aspect

While policy and ideology are key factors, another aspect often considered is the material benefits that come with political support. It is rumored that Sanders has purchased properties for others who have endorsed him. For example, in 2016, Hillary Clinton reportedly received such a package from Sanders after her win. This recurring theme suggests that financial incentives can play a role in motivating potential endorsements.

Given this pattern, it is interesting to note that Tulsi Gabbard's name has also been mentioned as a possible late-endorser, should the situation unfold in a manner that aligns with her interests. However, her endorsement is highly scrutinized and is often perceived as a pragmatic move rather than a reflection of shared ideology.

Uniting the Democratic Base

In the wake of the 2016 election, the importance of unity among the Democratic base has been emphasized. Bernie Sanders himself has called for a unified front against Donald Trump’s administration and its supporters. The suggestion that Sanders should actively endorse all Democratic candidates to avoid internal feuds and ensure a strong opposition to Trump underscores the need for a cohesive approach. A divide within the Democratic party could be strategically beneficial to Trump's re-election campaign.

Finding Support and Alliances

Some have humorously noted that a true test of Bernie Sanders' sincerity would be his willingness to endorse any candidate who commits to the basic tenets of the Democratic party. This light-hearted angle reveals the underlying tension between ideological purity and practical political alliances. Sanders' reputation as a principled politician has been tarnished by some due to perceived strategic compromises in the past, particularly in his support for Hillary Clinton's candidacy in 2016. This has led to a reassessment of his endorsement criteria and the value of his political backing.

Conclusion

As the 2020 Democratic primary race intensifies, the question of who Bernie Sanders would support remains a significant topic of discussion. The key indicators, from policy alignment to financial incentives, provide insights into the dynamics of political endorsements. Regardless of the eventual outcome, the primary season offers a unique opportunity to observe how these factors influence the processes of political support and endorsement within the Democratic party.