The “donation-splitting fundraising email” is a new twist to the “first internet election.” I’ve never heard of a national candidate splitting his donations, and it strikes me as absurd, unless the national candidate still comes out ahead after the split, due to the additional interest in the plight of the little candidate. In other words, if the narrative of the little candidate compels increased participation in fundraising that exceeds the cost of the split. Hmmm. I’m starting to see how it could work. Also, I see it could be a powerful tool for coalition-building. Because once you take Bernie money, you have kind of agreed in principle that you are a candidate for the people, not the rich, and if you want some Bernie money next time, you better be on his good-guy list.
It is a top-down way to use national-sized money to influence highly localized races; where outcomes hinge on hundreds, not millions, of dollars.
Bernie’s email list may just be the next political party.
HERE IS THE EMAIL THAT BERNIE SANDERS SENT TO HIS EMAIL LIST TODAY, 4-13-16:
I need to share a story with you, Bryan. It will probably anger you, but hopefully it will also inspire you to take action in support of one of the most courageous people I’ve met during this campaign.
Lucy Flores was the first Latina assemblywoman in Nevada and made national news when she became one of the first elected officials to testify about an abortion she had at the age of 16.
During her 2014 campaign one D.C. pro-choice group, EMILY’s List, endorsed her and added that she was an “inspiring community leader.” They even kicked off a program to elect more Latinas to Congress in 2016.
But then Lucy Flores endorsed our political revolution before the Nevada caucus, and everything changed. EMILY’s List decided to endorse a different person in Lucy’s House race this time around. So I want to support Lucy like she’s supported us, because we stand together. And I am asking you to join me:
Split a contribution between our campaign and Lucy Flores today and send a powerful message that we are going to win this primary AND elect a Congress willing to stand up to the political establishment and billionaire class of this country.