× Thanks for reading! Log in to continue. Enjoy more articles by logging in or creating a free account. No credit card required. Log in Sign up {{featured_button_text}}

Last week Bernie Sanders, the fire-breathing, self-described “democratic socialist,” threw his support behind Hillary Clinton, the Democrats’ presumptive presidential candidate. But for those who were “feelin’ the Bern,” there is no joy in Mudville and the entire affair leaves a very bad taste for those who find Hillary Clinton an extremely poor substitute for Bernie Sanders when it comes to progressive issues.

In what the Washington Post described as a “stiff” appearance on stage together, Sanders focused less on Clinton’s positions and abilities and more on the necessity to defeat presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump. That, however, is far from the positive and upbeat message that was the trademark of Sanders’ astounding campaign, which energized millions of young people and shattered the myth that you had to pander to super PACs and billionaires to raise competitive campaign funds. Instead, Sanders’ supporters raised tens of millions of dollars, with the average donation being a very humble $27.

Of course the intent here is to somehow stitch together Demo “unity,” which is reflected in Clinton’s “stronger together” slogan. The problem is that Sanders and Clinton are nearly polar opposites on far too many issues and, despite the endorsement, those who supported Sanders are highly unlikely to find a champion for their cause in Clinton.