A barrage of stories last week suggested that angry Democrats could get behind another liberal to challenge President Obama from the left in 2012.
While no serious candidates have expressed interest yet, a small online petition at “SandersForPresident.org” has been launched to encourage independent Sen. Bernie Sanders, the self-described democratic socialist from Vermont, to fill that role.
“We would be honored to be able to vote for you for President of the United States in 2012,” the petition letter reads on the website. “We believe you are the person America needs in the White House and we are ready to give everything we can — our time, our money, our passion — to help make that happen.”
The petition continues: “We ask you to consider our request that you run for president in 2012, in whatever party you wish to associate yourself with or as an independent, according to your conscience.”
A viable challenge from the left for Obama appears unlikely, even though former Sen. Mike Gravel recently told The Daily Caller that it’s “possible” he would run.
Sanders’ office did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.