Noam Chomsky: Young Bernie Sanders Supporters are a "Mobilized Force That Could Change the Country"

[marmar]

Published on Apr 28, 2016

http://democracynow.org - During an event Tuesday at the Brooklyn Public Library, Noam Chomsky, the world-renowned political dissident, linguist, author and professor, was asked about Bernie Sanders’ run for the White House. "He’s considered radical and extremist, which is a pretty interesting characterization, because he’s basically a mainstream New Deal Democrat," Chomsky said. "His positions would not have surprised President Eisenhower, who said, in fact, that anyone who does not accept New Deal programs doesn’t belong in the American political system. That’s now considered very radical." Chomsky concluded by noting that Sanders "has mobilized a large number of young people, these young people who are saying, 'Look, we’re not going to consent anymore.' And if that turns into a continuing, organized, mobilized force, that could change the country—maybe not for this election, but in the longer term."

[bkkyosemite]

1. Saw him talk before about Bernie not being radical and he is a New Democrat and like FDR.

And that he is the best qualified. (paraphrase)

[WhiteTara]

2. If only they would vote instead of just rally. nt

[bkkyosemite]

3. If only the vote tallies were made legit.

[WhiteTara]

4. I know, the only legit ones are when Bernie wins

and all others are rigged. But seriously, I guess we will see in November.

[marmar]

6. Voting is not what changes the country.

Movements do. Then the politicians have to follow.

[loyalsister]

12. They are not only voting in my red state (which Hillary won by only 1500 votes)

They are running for office. In MO she had our Gov. and presumptive Gov. candidate (republican until 2007), our Dem senator, and a number of Democratic members of the general assembly.

Then again, PP employees and volunteers were furious at their endorsement. Young people are volunteering on the ground for a number of state reps but not for Hillary. No Democrat will win here, but there are some notable factors that may sweep in some changes and it is a positive response to Bernie's campaign and a rebellion against the status quo and 3rd way.

[ViseGrip]

5. Not if they're led like lambs to Hillary, the status quo.

[randome]

7. What is this bizarre fixation on 'youth'? I don't get it.

Sure, the young are the future but, so what? So is everyone else if they choose to be. I suppose it's a flashback to the Vietnam Era protest days. Believe me, my daughters are educated and well-prepared to deal with their futures. So am I.
[hr][font color="blue"][center]Aspire to inspire.[/center][/font][hr]

[marmar]

8. Maybe because Millennials are now the largest generation?

[randome]

9. Well, some of the largest generation is voting for Clinton, some for Sanders, and others not at all.

So I'm not sure why age or generational moniker is a valid way to look at things.
[hr][font color="blue"][center]Aspire to inspire.[/center][/font][hr]

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

10. Young wolves, show us your teeth. John Steinbeck

[BootinUp]

11. One of things I disagree with Noam on is the timing of the shift to right

which is important when trying to understand what has been termed neo-liberalism. He points to the 90's instead of the 80's. It should be relatively clear that the country left the democratic party before the 90's, and that what happened in the 90's with the Democratic Party was a reaction to stay relevant and have some representation in office to prevent an even worse rightward shift.