Jonathan Tasini, who has represented the Sanders campaign in media and public appearances, is the author of "The Essential Bernie Sanders and His Vision for America." He is on Twitter (@jonathantasini).

Like most Bernie Sanders supporters, I still believe he can -- and should be -- the Democratic Party nominee. Anything short of that will be a colossal missed opportunity for the country.

Usually party platforms start gathering dust after Election Day. This time is different. The convention must be presided over by a new, neutral D.N.C. chair to convey fairness.

We, Sanders supporters, are motivated not by animosity toward Hillary Clinton but by a sophisticated analysis and belief that the system is irreparably broken and compromised. Eye-rolling, impatience and condescension by other Democrats toward #BernieorBust sentiment is a reaction by privileged people who have actually benefited from the status quo. We are not impressed, or persuaded, by either endorsements or the simplistic finger-wagging to get in line to fight Donald Trump.

That said, it is not contradictory to confidently declare that we have won the debate over the future of the party and that a political revolution is urgently needed, while also simply noting that Trump is a uniquely dangerous, racist person who must be stopped. Trump represents everything Sanders has fought against his entire adult life.

As a proud member of a union, I believe it matters who serves as chair of the National Labor Relations Board. Any Democrat’s choice will be an organized labor-supported person who will support the fair right to a union. A Trump appointee, put forth by anti-union forces, will mean four years of relentless assault on the labor movement, and its further weakening. While we work on the next steps of the Sanders political revolution, which could include seizing control of the Democratic Party, we must do all we can to support economic security for workers.

Usually party platforms start gathering dust after Election Day. This time is different. The convention must be open, free-wheeling and presided over by a new, neutral Democratic National Committee chair to convey fairness.

Huge numbers of Sanders supporters felt that the often messy and chaotic primary election process blocked their desire to vote; significant changes are needed to guarantee voters, especially young people, do not feel disenfranchised. Also, we won the issues debate, and, thus, the platform needs to reflect progressive positions, certainly on health care and campaign finance. Opposing “free trade” is a must, which will mean challenging President Obama.

Where progress is made, Sanders supporters will react well. Where progress is blocked, those issues will be rallying cries for the political revolution in this election and beyond



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