Desperate Bernie: As his road narrows, Sanders seeks help of party insiders

Faced with the imminent prospect of losing the Democratic nomination for president, dogged Bernie Sanders is turning to the very people he has disparaged for help.

Sanders, the liberal Vermont senator, is asking the superdelegates who are considered to be part of Hillary Clinton's camp to change their minds and vote for him.

He also is seeking the support of elected officials, lobbyists and other party insiders who are free to back the candidate of their choice to come over to his side.

It is ironic, even his own aides say, that he has had to turn to these groups for help as his chances dwindle.

Sanders, who only became a full-fledged Democrat a year ago after spending years in Congress as a self-identified socialist, is desperately trying to stay relevant in a campaign that Clinton has virtually sewn up.

"It is a steep hill to climb," he admitted Sunday.

And one that he will find impossible to ascend. His liberal policies might appeal to the left-wing voters who have supported him to date, but they are out of sync with the average American.

Published in Editorials on May 2, 2016 11:50 AM