More than two years ago, Progressive Democrats of America (PDA), began the push to draft Bernie Sanders for President called Run Bernie Run. We refused to let the establishment pick its candidates for us. We worked to encourage Bernie to run, because we knew he’d run on a progressive platform designed to build the movement we need.

As we approach the critically important California primary and other big primaries, as well as the contested Democratic National Convention, it is time for us to draft Bernie’s running mate. Our poll will close June 4th, so please vote now. Will you help us choose the best person for Vice President of the United States? Click here to vote for your pick!

PDA Drafted Bernie and we're at it again!

Help us recognize progressive leaders who would bring additional energy and commitment to the work ahead. To share a vision of how powerful Bernie’s ticket would be, PDA is making 3 recommendations for the VP running mate on the Sanders presidential ticket, but you can write in your own choice as well. A note about Senator Elizabeth Warren: She hasn’t endorsed Bernie, so we decided not to list her.  Our favorites in alphabetical order are:

1.   Rep. Keith Ellison, Minnesota was the second member of Congress to endorse Bernie. He’s a co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, the first Muslim American elected to Congress, and a champion for all of our legislation. When we offered him a “Healthcare Not Warfare” sticker, he asked if we meant Single Payer healthcare before taking it. When told it was indeed Single Payer, he said, “Good! Because anything else is just bull s—t!” We love that combination of plain talk and smart thinking in Bernie and in Keith. Sanders-Ellison, 2016. No nonsense, just results!

2.   Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Hawaii resigned her DNC leadership position in February 2016 so she could endorse Bernie. An active duty major in the Army National Guard who served two tours of duty in the Middle East, Tulsi displays courageous decision-making we need for our political revolution. She sponsored legislation barring U.S. action to commit regime change in Syria, to avoid another Middle East quagmire. Tulsi knows all too well the real costs of war; that “boots on the ground” don’t suffer casualties—American families do. She turned 35 yesterday, making her constitutionally eligible to be Vice President. Sanders-Gabbard, 2016. It's the winning ticket.

3.   Rep. Raul Grijalva, Arizona was the first Congress person to endorse Bernie. He’s a kind, open man who co-chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus with intelligence and courage. He’s helped PDA whenever we’ve asked, and graciously appreciates our support for his important legislation. He agreed to sponsor the resolution PDA and our allies drafted, the most ambitious Climate Emergency legislation ever. He supports all of our agenda items. We appreciate Raul’s friendliness, complete lack of pretense, and other Bernie-like qualities. Sanders-Grijalva, 2016. Sí, se puede! (Yes, we can!)

These three Congress members were the first to endorse Bernie, and all have demonstrated their commitment to our shared progressive values. We discussed this, and determined that they deserve to be featured choices, but we invite you to write in any choice you’d prefer here.

We hope you'll join us in participating in this straw poll, and please share it with your friends! PDA isn't a "virtual" / online only organization. We've had our feet on the ground working for Bernie from Alaska and Hawaii to Florida and New Hampshire--and other states as well! Donate $500, $50 or whatever you can afford right now to help PDA keep the political revolution growing! Money tight? Then join our PDA Phone Team to make important Get Out The Vote calls. Too busy to volunteer? Contribute now to receive exclusive PDA Bernie Gear!