Sanders needs to consider this: if he damages the Democratic party by continuing his campaign, I wouldn't be shocked to see someone challenge him in 2018.
And win like 5% of the vote.
Hmm, I wouldn't be so sure. If Sanders does damage to Clinton and somehow hands Trump the presidency, I think a lot of Democrats would be on board behind the scenes to take out Bernie in Vermont.
So what? The man is more beloved than any other politician in the state and it's not even close. There is zero chance of him ever losing an election in Vermont. You did see him deny Clinton viability there, right?
It wouldnt be hard to make Sanders remaining years in the Senate miserable you know. Chairmanships and committees? Nope, all gone. Anybit of power and influence hes built up in this party all these years can be easily taken away.
Democratic control of the Senate in a 50/50 or 51/49 scenario (where Clinton picks a Democratic Senator in a red state to be her VP)? Gone. Without committee assignments - which is arguably the
only reason an elected independent would affiliate with one of the two parties in the Senate in the first place - he has no reason whatsoever to continue entertaining the notion of propping up a Democratic Senate majority.
