Ok, don’t jump all over me. I know the votes haven't all been cast, (and I also know I said a few days ago I wouldn't be writing diaries for awhile because of the viciousness here.) But when you look at Nate Silver poll aggregates and read Kos’s delegate analysis, Bernie supporters have to think about what to do if the math doesn’t work out this month for him to win the nomination.
The worst thing that could be done is throw in the towel. The best is to rejigger the fight, stop attacking Clinton and start pushing for something else that all progressives should love.
Elizabeth Warren for Vice President.
Even though some Bernie supporters are attacking Warren for failing to endorse him, I think she may be playing a very smart game that those of us hoping for a progressive White House should encourage. She is a true progressive who, like Bernie, could bring power into the Northeast. She could invigorate disappointed progressives. She could offset the fear that Hillary would cave to the banks (remember, she created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.) Hillary would need to signal, up front, that Warren would be a VP with power, just like Cheney without the evil.
Plus, there would be enormous excitement to the ticket. Two women, running together for the first time in American history, not because they are women but because they both bring something to the table. I would be thrilled to support that ticket.
But we have to remember, Hillary can be hyper-cautious. She might go with the obvious candidate (as much as I like Julian Castro, he is kind of the Democratic Rubio — young, not ready for prime time in national campaigning and better suited for Congress right now. An unknown to the vast majority of Americans. His time is later.)
What this means is that the Warren for VP campaign would have to start right away if Bernie can no longer overcome the math. Fighting for the unwinnable is a waste of time. Pressuring Clinton to prove she is ready to move progressive — and willing to be gutsy — would be an exercise in the power of the people.
So yes, push for Bernie as the voting continues. But if it ever turns to the point where victory is impossible: WARREN FOR VP. A campaign from progressives as strong as the one fought on behalf of Bernie could persuade Clinton to remember the base. And if she refuses, she would be making a very big mistake in neglecting the base.
So, let me be the first to say it a second time: WARREN FOR VP!