Courtesy of MSNBC:Convention ended w/security shutting it down, Bernie folks rushed stage, yelling obscenities, throwing chairs. Unity Now! On to Philly 2/2— Jon Ralston (@RalstonReports) May 15, 2016
On the surface, the results from the state Democratic convention in Nevada may not seem especially noteworthy. Hillary Clinton defeated Bernie Sanders in the state’s caucuses in February, and her supporters prevailed at Saturday’s party gathering where delegates to the national convention were chosen. None of this has much of an effect on the overall race.
At least, that’s the way it may look on paper. When activists gathered in Las Vegas on Saturday, however, Sanders supporters hoped to take advantage of Nevada’s complex process to give him the statewide edge in the delegate count, despite coming in second in February balloting.
The Washington Post explains what led up to the explosion of anger:
Prior to the state convention, some Sanders supporters began an effort to shift the convention rules in a way that they viewed as more favorable to their candidate. One of those changes, the Las Vegas Sun reported, was a process for verifying voice votes; another took issue with the state party chairwoman, Roberta Lange, heading up the convention. Supporters at the event circulated petitions to the same end. The scene was set.
The first report from the credentials committee on Saturday morning indicated that Clinton had a slight edge in delegates. Sanders fans voted against that report, per Jon Ralston, and then demanded a recount – but this was simply a preliminary figure…. That was when the vote to approve the rules as written – Roberta’s Rules versus Robert’s Rules, as some Sanders backers dubbed them – was conducted by voice vote. The motion, seconded by a Sanders supporter, passed – which is when the room, in Ralston’s phrasing, “erupts.”
You can see that eruption for yourself right here.
And things actually got worse from there:
Some Sanders supporters upset with Saturday's proceedings protested against state party chairwoman, Roberta Lange, outside the Nevada State Democratic Party headquarters on Sunday. Her cellphone number was posted on social media and officials said Lange had received hundreds of phone calls and text messages, including death threats.
Some Sanders' supporters are now talking about a third party emerging to challenge the Democrats:
A third party will emerge from the anger, frustration, and animosity felt by millions of Bernie Sanders supporters, who believe Bernie stands for ideals, while Clinton represents the vapid allure of political power.It’s impossible for establishment Democrats to understand the level of emotion involved in helping elect Bernie Sanders in 2016.
Battling a political machine that earns millions in speaking fees from Wall Street and lobbyist ties, Vermont’s Senator has raised enough money to compete and win. Also, the groundwork for a new political party is rooted in the manner establishment Democrats have treated loyal constituents.
So essentially everything we gleefully predicted might happen to the Republican party if they nominated Donald Trump is instead happening within the Democratic party.
I have little doubt that the GOP convention will come off relatively smoothly.
As for the Democratic convention......well has anybody seen the beginning of "Saving Private Ryan?"
This should be our time. The Republicans have one of the most deeply flawed candidates in history, while the Democrats are on the cusp of nominating one of the most qualified individuals ever to run for office.
But instead once again Democrats are on the verge of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
Does everybody finally understand why I have been calling for Bernie Sanders to drop out of this race? Is it finally getting through?
He cannot win, period.
But he can, and IS, creating the kind of chaos and mayhem that destroys political parties and their candidates. Both at the top of the ticket, and down ballot.
Source http://ift.tt/256onjw
