Should Bernie run as an Independent?

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders is a self-described “democratic socialist,” but should he run as an Independent? Donald Trump’s audience responded with booming laugher when the billionaire made the suggestion. 

“I think Bernie Sanders should run as an Independent. I think he’d do great,” said Trump in New York on Tuesday night as the results came in from the day’s five primaries. Trump proclaimed himself the apparent GOP nominee after claiming victory in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. He says Kasich and Cruz should give up. At this point, there’s simply no way the nomination can be taken from him. “As far as I’m concerned, it’s over.” 

Trump reiterated his message to Sanders on Twitter: “Bernie Sanders has been treated terribly by the Democrats – both with delegates and otherwise. He should show them, and run as an Independent!”

Bernie’s wife Jane didn’t appreciate the joke. “We’ve been very clear right from the beginning that we will not play the role of spoiler,” she said. “The reason that he was active and he decided to run in the Democratic Party was just that: we cannot afford a Republican in the White House. We cannot afford a Republican appointing Supreme Court justices. So Bernie will not be running as an independent.” 

No Independent candidate has ever done well. Senator Sanders knows as well as you and I that such a switch would only serve to steal votes from Hillary. But it’s still funny!