" SOCIALIST" is being tossed around

[kacekwl]

by many in talk radio in the last few days obviously as a derogatory term. While I and many here are not bothered by the term,many others could be and that's what they are counting on. Bernie may want to define democratic socialist to counter this .

[kentuck]

1. What does it mean?

to these people?

[truebluegreen]

2. Probably the same as Marxist Kenyan Mooslim...

"Other"

[kentuck]

4. What does Sanders support as a "democratic socialist" that they find so offensive?

Is it possible to pin them down when they make these "derogatory" comments?

[truebluegreen]

14. I don't think many have any objections

other than knee-jerk tribal not-our-kind asshat-ery. Conservatives are Good, Liberals/Progressives are Bad, Socialists are The Devil blah blah blah. They've been taught by the Money People that "Freedom" is letting the rich and big business do whatever they want, and hang the consequences. It is sad.

[KittyWampus]

7. Poopie-head

[eloydude]

3. Easy counter.

Obama.

Remember this? "OBAMA IS A MOOSLLLIIIMM KENYAN SOCLALIST!!!!111"

Ask them what's the difference between Obama and Bernie.

Many will say "Oh." and start thinking about Bernie more.... and they will like him too!

[kacekwl]

5. Only if they

start thinking. A lot to ask for many people. Socilist , communist , fascists al the same for some.

[NYC_SKP]

6. The best response is to list American "socialistic" programs like fire departments...

Social Security
Medicare
Highways

More here:

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/29/1078852/-75-Ways-Socialism-Has-Improved-America

[librechik]

8. give it a few more hours. The shills still have fond memories of the power of "commie"

to make their base hysterical.

[seabeyond]

9. first time i heard socialist, i said listen. no more than an 80's dem.

took care of the problem. it needs to be addressed.

just as with clinton. i say...

she is not what media made her out to be, nor her haters. listen.

it is never stepping over the line to suggest listening.

[KingCharlemagne]

10. I don't follow talk radio at all, but can't imagine such crass red-baiting

would influence many Dem primary voters. Sanders could easily defuse the issue by re-defining himself as a 'Social Democrat' (since that is what he really is anyway), i.e., one who favors retaining capitalism with a much strengthened and expanded social safety net and much higher taxes on the rich.

[JaneyVee]

11. People who toss that word around usually have no idea what it means.

[Downwinder]

12. Is selling stock in a company socializing ownership?

[Cheese Sandwich]

13. "While I am not bothered by it I am concerned others are bothered by it."

Love that.