Bern It Forward

That's it. With yesterday's results in California and elsewhere, the Democratic nomination phase of Bernie Sanders's campaign--whatever he and his diehard supporters may say--is over. I voted for him, I like him a lot, but I have to say it: after the primary voters have decisively chosen Clinton, there is no justification for claiming 'foul,' for demanding that unelected super-delegates should switch their support to Sanders, or for bringing any of this adversarial rhetoric to the convention. That part is over.

But the Sanders campaign itself isn't over and musn't end. The issues he has brought to the surface--and some others he hasn't--will not be fully addressed by candidate or president Clinton, and the energy and enthusiasm Sanders has generated needs to move forward in pursuit of those issues. The best way to do this is NOT to argue about procedures in Philadelphia, smear Clinton, and undermine her general election campaign.

What then? On June 17th, 10 days from now, a People's Summit will convene for three days at the McCormick Center in Chicago. (I wish I could be there but I can't.) The goal? To bring together all the activist groups on the Left, including Sanders campaigners, to organize an integrated campaign going forward. There are so many fronts in this campaign: the $15 minimum wage, the incarceration epidemic and brutal law enforcement, the need for free college, health, and secure retirement, immigrant rights, women's pay equity, financial regulation and taxes on speculative profits. And overarching them all, the need to build a new, sustainable, job-rich green economy--fast! All these movements are actively in the field, but separately. The Sanders campaign has brought many of their adherents together around a visible, immediate goal. Now they have to stay together to lobby candidate Clinton, and then put pressure on President Clinton. This fight is just beginning. Integration of these many issues around a singular, holistic vision for a new society is key.

[Parenthetically, one can see that vision, more articulately expressed, in the campaign of Green Party candidate Jill Stein. I only wish it would make tactical sense to vote for her, as she is by far the most articulate and impassioned candidate in the field. Perhaps it will.]

Last night in California Bernie Sanders was not the most gracious loser--but who would be at that moment, after all he's done? I give him maximum credit for his combative determination--but I also hope that after a short respite he will see the futility of pursuing the nomination fight. But what I really hope is that he will lend his enormous charisma and prestige, not just to Clinton's general election campaign, but more especially to the ongoing work of the People's Summit, and the many interlocking struggles to which he has given voice this past year.

The battle is over, Bernie & comrades. The war continues without a pause. If you can make it to Chicago, be there!