Sanders: Yes, A Convention About Real Issues Might Be 'Messy'

As he outlined his progressive agenda on Monday, Bernie Sanders said the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia could get “messy,” adding: “Democracy is not always nice and quiet and gentle.”

Sanders spoke with the Associated Press as he announced his picks for the Democratic National Committee’s platform drafting panel—which included a group of renowned progressive activists, scholars, and lawmakers such as Dr. Cornel West, Rep. Keith Ellison, and Native American activist Deborah Parker—and called on the party to allow newcomers a platform at the convention.

The Vermont senator said:

“I think if they make the right choice and open the doors to working-class people and young people and create the kind of dynamism that the Democratic Party needs, it’s going to be messy,” Sanders continued. “Democracy is not always nice and quiet and gentle but that is where the Democratic Party should go.”

“Democracy is messy,” he continued. “Every day my life is messy. But if you want to be quiet and orderly and allow… things to proceed without vigorous debate, that is not what democracy is about.”

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The interview comes just ahead of the California primary on June 7, where 475 pledged delegates are at stake.

“What happens if I win a major victory in California? Will people say, ‘Oh, we’re really enthusiastic about Hillary Clinton despite the fact that Bernie Sanders has now won whatever it may be, 25 states, half the states?'” he said.

In that case, he said, superdelegates “may rethink that.”

“This is why you want the process to play out.”

Watch Sanders’ interview below:

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