Bernie Sanders is in the news again. The reason? Ask the liberal advocacy group Rights & Democracy. Early last week, the organization began publicizing a petition that calls for Vermont’s Democratic superdelegates to support Sanders, senator of Vermont, over Hillary Clinton.
Democrats who have committed to supporting Clinton have been defending their decision after Sanders’ recent victories in Colorado, Hawaii, Washington, Alaska and elsewhere.
“A lot of these superdelegates may rethink their position with Hillary Clinton,” Sanders said in March. “I think their own constituents are going to say to them, ‘Hey, why don’t you support the people of our state, vote for Sanders?’ Well that’s exactly what people are doing.”
The petition, titled “An Open Letter to VT Superdelegates Supporting Clinton,” states:
“On March 1st the citizens of Vermont overwhelmingly voted for U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States,” the letter reads. “Vermonters are disappointed that, despite our popular support for Senator Sanders, in your capacity as superdelegates, you continue to pledge your support for Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.”
As of Monday, the petition has 4,429 signatures; 571 signatures away from the organization’s goal.
At least four of Vermont’s superdelegates have pledged that they will cast their ballot for Sanders. “The people of Vermont have spoken,” Secretary of State Jim Condos said last month.
Jeff Weaver, Sanders’ campaign manager stressed that superdelegates can always change their minds before the national convention.
“They don’t count until they vote, and they don’t vote until we get to the convention.”
Weaver predicts that if the Vermont senator can win a majority of the elected “pledged” delegates, then many of the superdelegates will shift his way.
Whether Weaver’s predications come true or not, Vermont’s superdelegates have some explaining to do. Of course everyone is entitled to their own views and beliefs, but to blatantly work against your governing state’s senator is frustrating for those who believe going against Sanders is “irresponsible and undemocratic” when taking into account the Democratic primary results.
Although a petition has no definitive plan of action, the people of Vermont have spoken and are truly making sure Vermont superdelegates feel the Bern.
Featured image is by Getty/Ethan Miller.
