Independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who announced this week that he is running for president, plans to sign a pledge stating he will run as a Democrat and govern as one if he were to win, according to campaign adviser Jeff Weaver.
The Democratic National Committee announced Tuesday it will soon distribute a form to 2020 hopefuls requiring them—based on previously agreed upon bylaws—"to affirm in writing” that they’re “a member of the Democratic Party, will accept the Democratic nomination…[and] will run and serve as a member of the Democratic Party.”
"The DNC will present presidential campaigns that have currently announced their candidacy or the creation of an exploratory committee, with the rules and other materials next week at a briefing and this will include the candidate affirmation form," according to a DNC official, CNN reports. "As any additional candidates enter the race, they will be provided with the same information and will be required to return the form [within a week]."
Sen. Bernie Sanders plans to sign a party pledge affirming that he will run for president as a Democrat in 2020 and serve as one if elected, according to a senior campaign adviser https://t.co/j3g6xhJTSz pic.twitter.com/xUeEf00koH
— CNN (@CNN) February 21, 2019
Though Sanders caucuses with Democrats in the Senate, some on the left have taken issue with the fact that the independent senator hasn’t embraced the Democratic Party more fully--a point some conservatives on social media were quick to remind them about.
Just on a really basic level... Shouldn't Democrats be upset that Bernie Sanders only registers himself as Democrat to run for President?
— Tim Young (@TimRunsHisMouth) February 21, 2019
He switched back after he lost last time... The party's only good enough for him when he needs the label.