Speaking at last week’s Democratic National Convention, Sarah Silverman was roundly booed by Bernie or Bust supporters when she called for party unity.
The booing only increased when Silverman, a Bernie Sanders supporter, said, “Hillary is our Democratic nominee and I will proudly vote for her.” She concluded her speech by saying,” “As I continue to be inspired and moved to action by the ideals set for by Bernie, who will never stop fighting for us, I am proud to be a part of Bernie’s movement, and a vital part of that movement is making absolutely sure that Hillary Clinton is the next president of the United States.”
As the booing became mixed with chants of “Bernie! Bernie! Bernie!,” comedian Sarah Silverman had had enough.
“Can I just say to the Bernie or Bust people,” scolded Silverman, “you’re being ridiculous!”
Suffice it to say Sarah’s admonition to Bernie supporters did not go over well. She was labeled a traitor to the cause and an out of touch elite.
What Sarah failed to realize is that you do not change hearts and minds by belittling people. You do not get people to come around to your point of view by implying they are stubborn or stupid.
But perhaps Silverman’s attempt to talk sense to Bernie enthusiasts was an exercise in futility in the first place. It appears some Bernie supporters will never change their minds, no matter the reasoning. They will never vote for “Crooked Hillary” who they see as the embodiment of all that is wrong with our politics. Hillary to them is just another corrupt, untrustworthy establishment hack out to line her pockets and those of her Wall Street buddies. Regardless of what Bill may call her, Hillary, to them, is no “change-maker.”
The argument often used to get Bernie supporters to see the light – that their actions or inactions could lead to a President Trump – holds no sway. To them, if electing Trump hastens their political revolution, then bring it on!
Bernie or Bust supporters do not think they are being “ridiculous.” They see themselves as true, principled patriots – left wing Teabaggers, if you will. They believe they are involved in something bigger than any one person, even Bernie Sanders. That many of these revolutionaries are labeling Bernie a sell-out and fraud for endorsing Hillary tells you how passionate these people are about their movement.
The only good news for Democrats is that for every diehard Bernie or Bust voter who vows to sit out the election, vote for the opposing candidate or third party, there is an equal number (perhaps more) of Republicans threatening to do the same.
Photo | thegodlessliberal.blogspot.com
Her name is Sarah Silverman, not Silverstein.
I know, I just caught it. Thanks. Refresh.