One problem may be that Sanders has no heir apparent.

[ehrnst]

17. Yep. I don't think that he really has thought what happens after he's gone. It's about him.

People who knew him in Vermont back when he was a congressman stated that he had no interest in endorsing any other progressives candidates unless it would benefit his interests.

After discussing his favorite issues — corporations, government reform, health care and the like, I asked about his unwillingness to endorse his fellow progressives. He said it wasn't his role. I suggested voters might expect him to weigh in. He disagreed, clearly annoyed at the persistent questioning. Finally I suggested that he had a larger moral responsibility to the progressive movement.

At which point he jumped out of his seat, told me to go f*** myself and stormed out of the edit board meeting. OK, maybe my persistence bordered on hectoring. But I felt he ought to provide an honest answer. My suspicion was that he resented others for assuming his mantle of progressive leadership and wouldn't acknowledge them.

Bernie has not ever shown any interest in supporting a progressive movement that doesn't center on him leading it, and everyone walking in absolute lockstep with his words and ideas.