Sanders Attracting Voters Who Seek More Than Protest Vote
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Source: ABC News
Yes, Sanders' backers say, they're frustrated with a system they believe is rigged for the wealthy. But many say their support for the Vermont senator in the Democratic presidential race is also driven by real hope in his promise of a political revolution and a belief that his ideas are bold enough to bring economic security to the middle class.... Emmett Lahr... had planned to vote for Hillary Clinton, but says he's now "90 percent switched" to Sanders, largely because of what Sanders wants to do for the economy.... Sanders' growing legion of supporters has him positioned for possible victories in the Iowa caucuses Feb. 1 and New Hampshire's primary Feb. 9. The solid underpinnings of Sanders' support also make it more difficult for Clinton to cast him simply as unelectable and impractical.
"I look at Bernie's opponents and I say, you know, these guys are in it for themselves," said Robert Digrazia, 72, of Hollis, New Hampshire. "My sense is that Bernie is on my side."... "It's just a question of trying to get momentum," said Tad Devine, a Sanders adviser.... "It's his consistent record that I really like," said Hunter Hansen, a 22-year-old recent college graduate from Fort Dodge, Iowa. "And the fact that he's not bought by big lobbyists, big corporate interests. His opinion isn't bought."
Sanders is a fierce opponent of super political action committee, which can collect unlimited donations. He mentions at every campaign event that his average campaign contribution is $27. He also has become increasingly critical of the high-dollar speaking fees Clinton received from the same Wall Street firms that Sanders wants to break up.... But those backing Sanders or leaning his way give the senator credit for thinking big and being willing to upend a system they no longer believe is working for the middle class.
"Bernie's got the gumption and the persistence to win and be a good president," said Dick Champagne, 74, an independent New Hampshire voter who is backing Sanders .... Most of Sanders' supporters who were interviewed backed Obama and remain generally supportive of the president. But there's frustration over the Asia-Pacific trade deal and the president's years of dawdling over the Keystone XL oil pipeline. There also is concern that while Wall Street banks have only gotten bigger after the 2008 financial crisis, the economic recovery doesn't always feel real for the middle class.
Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/sanders-attracting-voters-seeking-protest-vote-36468147
= new reply since forum marked as read
to be voting FOR someone.
and the citizenry are waking up by the millions, day by day, and joining the political
revolution that all the pundits laughed at, derided and mocked from day-one. Bernie's
directness & honesty is clearing the air, so people can breath again.
I'm damn proud of my candidate, Bernie Sanders, for having the courage and tenacity
to take a stand, to take a chance on the American people having the good sense to
vote in their own best interests for a change, when given a real chance to do just that.
GO BERNIE!!! 
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