General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Are we prepared for Elizabeth Warren to be revealed as the worst human on the face of the earth? [View all]karynnj
(59,533 posts)on the Democratic side as unusual in quality or quantity. I think there was actually MORE attacks in 2008 between the candidates than in 2016 -- and they were harsher. That is MY opinion.
I don't think Sanders will get the momentum he would need to get the nomination. If anything, his being in might disadvantage others on the progressive side of the party as Sanders will hold a large share of their votes in the early stage when every serious candidate will need to show significant support. It is entirely possible to be a serious politician with a great resume but to not see (or get) a viable path to getting enough support. An example is Joe Biden who in 2004 tested the water but saw John Kerry, who shared his foreign policy expertise, getting more traction - and then in 2008, Hillary Clinton was the experience candidate. In both cases, had they dropped out, Biden would likely have gained some of their support.
I would guess the beneficiary of Sanders opting out would be Sherrod Brown and Elizabeth Warren -- and for the more extreme Sanders supporters, Tulsi Gabbard.