In 2016, toward the end of the lead up to the primaries, Bernie polled higher than HRC when they were each given as an option to oppose Trump. I was in rural New York at the time and it was surprising to see so many Bernie signs. Somehow, he was able to reach blue collar America where other, recent Democrats have lost ground.
As a populist, Bernie was a stronger candidate against the other “populist” (Trump) than the institution candidate (HRC). Naturally, the DNC would rather lose against a wannabe-dictator than back someone who doesn’t swallow their entire load.
Dreizehn