As the Democratic convention gets closer, it looks like there is no sign of Bernie Sanders giving up his fight for reform. During the DC primaries Sanders called for a “fundamental transformation of the Democratic party.” Some of the changes Sanders would like to see include new leadership at the Democratic National Convention, electoral reform and an agenda that shows that Democrats stand with the working and poor. Despite these reforms and the good intent Sanders has behind them, there are two other key reforms that are being opposed by the Congressional Black Caucus.
In a letter obtained by Politico that was sent to, Senate Minority Leader Harry M. Reid and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, the CBC stated out right that they oppose the abolishing of the super delegate system and the opening of the Democratic primaries to Independents and Republicans. On the topic of abolishing the super delegate system, criticism has come in from other elected officials as to its effectiveness and transparency. Even Senator Elizabeth Warren has said that she doesn’t believe in super delegates. In light of this criticism, the CBC still believes that the system should not be abolished. Their main reason in opposing the key reform is that by abolishing the system it would “create a burdensome necessity of competing against constituents for honor of representing their state during the nomination process.” Members of the CBC do not want to have to run against their constituents and refuse to do so.
As for the opening of Democratic primaries to Independents and Republicans, the CBC believes that this will dilute the minority voting system in many places. When it comes to these matters the CBC has unanimously decided against these key reforms and will continue to strongly oppose them all the way to the convention.
Rep. Emanual Cleaver told Politico: “The black caucus is immovable on this subject because our number one concern is going to be an always be the highest level of minority participation as possible at the convention. You’re going to see the same thing with the Hispanic Congressional Caucus. Mr. Sanders, if he had met with either or what’s called the tri-caucus, he would have found out there is no flexibility.”
Bernie may have upset the wrong group of people on the hill. Needless to say things are going to continue to get interesting as we journey to Philadelphia for the convention to be held July 25th-28th.
