If Bernie Sanders (or my preferred candidate, Pete Buttigieg) doesn’t win more than 50% of the Democratic Party’s delegates, it opens the door to an open convention, where delegates would be free to select a candidate other than the one to whom they were committed before.
I read an opinion piece this morning claiming that an “open” convention would as a practical matter have to nominate one of the candidates who actually ran for President. The point made by the piece was that to do otherwise would taint the nominee with an illegitimacy that he or she couldn’t overcome. (At least that’s what I remember, of course I can’t find the piece now.)
But there’s an equally compelling argument for Democrats nominating someone from their “bench” — someone who did not run in the primaries. Delegates for candidates that ran in the primaries may find it easier to throw their support to a neutral newcomer, as it avoids them having to support a past rival. Nor is it clear that the illegitimacy tag would stick more strongly to a newcomer than to an existing candidate who, not having gotten the requisite number of delegates, was given the nomination anyway.
I’m biased here because sitting on the Dem’s bench is someone who would make an outstanding candidate — someone who is respected by, and thus could help bridge the divide between, the more left-leaning progressives and the more moderate Democrats, who has had great political success in a red Midwestern state, who has credibility with unions, blacks, and other minority groups, and whose personality and demeanor combine a no-nonsense calmness and centeredness with intelligence and a willingness to fight when necessary.
I’m referencing Sherrod Brown, the Senator from Ohio, who I’d hoped would run for President (and whose decision not to run only served to confirm my belief in his common sense, mental health, and suitability for the job). He’d provide a chance to win over moderates who voted for Trump but are now regretting it, while not turning off progressives. He’d stand up well against Trump in debates, and wouldn’t take the bait when Trump slings his inevitable juvenile, lowbrow insults. And he’d do a bang-up job as President.
There are others on the bench who may merit discussion, but Senator Brown should be the first sub considered if the open convention comes to pass.
Categories: Politics
Tags: Democratic Primary, Sherrod Brown