Is Bernie Sanders a candidate or the leader of a movement?

[appalachiablue]

The question was brought up by a caller to Thom Hartmann's program today.

[Ed Suspicious]

1. I think he is the focal point for a lot of pent up populist energy. Yeah, maybe even the

leader of a movement.

[appalachiablue]

3. He's a central figure to focus on for sure. I thought it was a brilliant observation by the

caller. So as the central focus he is the de facto leader at this time and there's nothing wrong with that to me.

[Eleanors38]

2. Could be both. If his candidacy takes off, it will be as a movement....

Given the disaffection of many rank & file Democrats with the Party as well as with its reputed front runner Hillary Clinton, it is difficult to separate candidacy from movement. This is fortunate, as a movement may continue long after any election. And a movement is needed.

[appalachiablue]

4. Agree that it's both and that a movement is really needed now!

(Reagan had his counter 'Revolution', and Bernie IS calling for a political revolution/movement).

[Eleanors38]

11. Can't see it any other way. Even if Sanders comes close, a movement is born.

[appalachiablue]

12. 'A movement is born'- love it, makes me very happy and hopeful!

[sabrina 1]

5. He may be a reluctant, or accidental leader of a movement. The people have no one to represent them

since their government was purchased by Corporations. While he is a candidate, he could well become the leader of movement.

He has stated that he wants to start a political revolution.

So in that sense since he appears to be succeeding far more than many thought he would, and if he wins, I guess he will have succeeded both as a candidate and as the leader of a movement.

We need a movement to end the takeover of our government, our media and our country.

[appalachiablue]

6. Well said Sabrina!

[marym625]

7. Yes .

[TBF]

8. There are many who would like to marginalize him

but he is running. Sorry.

[Sherman A1]

9. Why cannot both be so?

[appalachiablue]

10. Nothing wrong with both, which is what I think. I almost added it to the OP but it wasn't

posed by the caller so I didn't include it.

[rhett o rick]

13. Definately a candidate. As far as a leader of a movement, he is currently leading

a portion of the movement. Neutralizing Sen Sanders won't stop the movement.

This Populist Movement is happening around the world.

[appalachiablue]

14. That Bernie is a 40 year politician running for the highest political office is not

lost on anyone in this group. As you can see from the posts, most people consider him both a candidate and a movement leader and hold him in the highest regard. And he's in fact calling for a political revolution which we need. The caller I mentioned had no malice towards Bernie in fact he's a supporter. I didn't think it necessary to go into that. Sorry if you view this as some attempt to minimize Bernie's candidacy, that was not at all the intent of the OP.

Barcelona's new Mayor Elect, Ada Colau is the kind of populist political leader supported by the Indignados movement and others, rising up around the world now and of which you speak.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1017270209

[rhett o rick]

15. Absolutely did not view this other than you intended. I just want people to know

that he is playing a major role in bringing the Movement together in the USofA but I also want people to know that IMO the Populist Movement is bigger than Sen Sanders. The Plutocratic-Oligarchs will do everything in their power to neutralize Sen Sanders, but even if they succeed, that will not kill the Movement. Oppressed peoples around the world are starting to fight back against the major corporations whose very existence counts on their being able to make bigger profits at our expense if necessary.

[appalachiablue]

16. Then we're on the same page which is great. Here's to people all over fighting against

corporate rule. And it will be a huge effort as we know since things have got to this extreme level and neoliberalism, oligarchy, inequality and misery are bearing down fast now. We need hundreds, thousands more Bernies, Warrens and regular people to wage this fight. I understand how leaders can be taken out, but movements must survive to continue the work. Cheers!