Thursday, May 19, 2016

Hillary’s Secret Weapon: Bernie

Bernie, You’re On In 6, 5, 4, ….

The Hillary Clinton camp needs as many Bernie Sanders supporters as possible in November.

Bernie, meanwhile, has built a movement that, knowing it’ll fall short of its goal, needs a way forward.

Absent the obdurate pride that big egos often demand, this is a perfect opportunity for outreach.  And the Hillary camp is probably considering its options.  Here’s one approach:

1.  Hillary’s offer of outreach, if sincere and reasonable, is just as important as whether Sanders accepts.  

2.  Mix up a combination of inclusivity with take-your-medicine by announcing, that Sen. Sanders is welcome to tackle three issues, legislatively, during the course of a Hillary presidency—either as a rotating cabinet member, or as a senator, whichever he wants.

3. Three possibilities:
*  Living Wage advocate, pushing legislation for higher wages.
*  College Affordability czar, putting together a legislative plan.
*  Drug Policy reformer, setting out sensible, realistic legislation.

In all three cases, let Bernie bring it, getting as much accomplished as possible.

The beauty of Sanders and Clinton combining forces is that: A) Sanders is forced to face the music of realistic expectations, as legislation is watered down in order to pass; and B) Clinton, likewise, must confront the likelihood of fairly radical success, if Sanders supporters push the Democratic party to a big victory in November.

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