The decision broke a tradition of backing Democratic nominees that stretched back almost four decades. At the 1964 Republican convention, Goldwater’s “extremist” admirers loudly booed his moderate critics, and the intraparty bitterness provoked many lifelong Republicans to vote for Johnson that fall. It’s about competence.” That line not only failed to win him enough votes to prevent the Republicans, under George H.W. Mr. Sanders wants to be the next Franklin Roosevelt — but if he can’t, better to be the next William Jennings Bryan or Jesse Jackson than the next William Howard Taft. Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter (@NYTopinion) and Instagram.

Source: New York Times February 12, 2020 09:56 UTC