Bernie Sanders (I-VT) is not a Democrat.

A political Independent and self described Democratic-Socialist, Bernie has spent thirty years in political office. One might even say, in the "establishment". Though he has indeed caucused with Democrats, he has also voted with Republicans (e.g., in favor of gun manufacturers over safe gun laws, and against an immigration reform bill that would have granted legal status to millions of undocumented immigrants), and then there's his affinity for socialism. Bernie tends to apply a litmus test of purity to his votes. If it doesn't suit his conscience, regardless of the larger picture or bipartisan effort to find common ground, Bernie votes as Bernie wants. This is the safety of being an Independent. There is no question that Bernie garnered the support and adoration of millions during the Election of 2016. He is credited with attracting young people into the Democratic process by creating an accessible, grassroots movement. Bernie's message of economic populism cut across demographics. 

However, now is not the time to re-hash the election. In fact, that is precisely the point of this petition. The wounds are still fresh. This petition is for the life-long Democrat, the loyal Democrat, the 2nd and 3rd generation Democrat, the Democrat who has showed up election after election to vote for the best Democrat in the race. This is especially for the Democrat who fought hard in support of the most qualified person ever to run for the office of President - who also happened to be a woman, Hillary Clinton. 

There is no denying that the 2016 Democratic Primary was one of the most divisive in modern times. Again, now is not the time to re-hash the specifics or to point fingers. We've done enough of that. What we need now is to honor Democrats and to invite anyone who truly shares the ideals of the Democratic Party to stand with us. No purity tests. Democrats understand all too well the compromises, the sacrifices, and the hard work that can take decades to bear fruit. This is what we do. This is who we are. 

Bernie Sanders is not a Democrat. He has stated that fact time and time again. 

We respectfully request that the DNC Chair, Tom Perez and Deputy Chair, Keith Ellison bid a kind farewell to Bernie and hand the mic to a Democrat, preferably a woman and/or poc. 

Sincerely, 
Democrats