The independent Bernie Delegates Network is in contact with 1,250 of the 1,900 Bernie Sanders delegates. Through surveys of delegates, as well as phone conference calls and other communications, it is clear that Bernie delegates overwhelmingly disapprove of the choice of Tim Kaine as VP running-mate.
Norman Solomon, coordinator of the national network and a Sanders delegate, commented:
“The numbers about Sen. Kaine from the Bernie Delegates Network survey of Sanders delegates nationwide – less than 3 percent ‘Acceptable’ and 88.5 percent ‘Unacceptable’ – foreshadow that picking Kaine for the VP slot will set in motion a very contentious national convention. Selections have consequences. Secretary Clinton must know that her choice of Kaine can only inflame rather than soothe her relations with the huge constituency of Bernie supporters. They will understand what it means when their efforts to challenge oligarchy have been met by Clinton's selection of a loyal servant of oligarchy. If Clinton has reached out to Bernie supporters, it appears that she has done so to stick triangulating thumbs in their eyes.”
Karen Bernal, a delegate from Sacramento who was elected as co-representative of the Sanders delegation from California, remarked:
“Who knew Secretary Clinton didn't need the millions of Sanders supporters, especially in the all-important swing states? Apparently, running to Wall Street, big banks, and TPP-friendly corporations, not to mention conservative policies in an attempt to appeal to Republican votes and big donors, are in play again. We've seen that formula before and it usually ends in failure. It could be an even bigger failure now, considering the times we are operating in and that on the issue of the TPP, Trump's faux populism will be used to great effect. Her choice of Sen. Kaine is a big 'shut up and sit down' to the progressive wing of the party. Rather than demonstrate she will work to roll back the worst of neoliberal economic policies, she's apparently decided to promote them in her choice of Kaine.”
Donna Smith, executive director of Progressive Democrats of America, said:
“When the pomp and circumstance of the convention is over, millions of Bernie's supporters could well be left wondering why their suggested running mates were not considered. The party platform and the running-mate selection were the two tangible ways for the Clinton camp to show they truly understood and embraced the commitment to the progressive agenda that Senator Sanders advanced during the primary season. It seems all the efforts to portray a desire for unity may have been little more than lip service. Bernie delegates are serious, thoughtful, and in many cases voters who are new to the party. Vice-presidential candidate Kaine does not inspire those many millions of energetic voters to stay so deeply engaged and to work for a Clinton-Kaine ticket."
Announcing:
Bernie Delegates Network -- News Conference
Sunday, July 24 at 10:30 a.m.
Philadelphia Marriott Downtown (1201 Market St.)
Fifth Floor, Salon I [letter i]
The Bernie Delegates Network was initiated by the online activist group RootsAction.org, in partnership with Progressive Democrats of America.