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eridani

(51,907 posts)
Sun May 17, 2015, 09:21 PM May 2015

Why Bernie Sanders can win

http://www.dailydot.com/opinion/bernie-sanders-hillary-clinton-presidential-race/

Sanders, on the other hand, has been riling people up for years. For one thing, he’s an Independent, and that’s a big reason why he’s a breath of fresh air. He will be running as a Democrat in 2016, but not as a Clinton Democrat. He holds views and supports policies that are sensible and popular, and in an age where many Americans are completely fed up with the political status quo, Bernie Sanders could be a candidate that people are actually excited to support.

<snip>

So, if the Republican candidates don’t stand a chance and few people are truly enthusiastic about Hillary Clinton, why couldn’t Bernie Sanders win?

A common gripe among independents is that the American two-party system represents a narrow sliver of the political spectrum. By running for president, Sanders is significantly widening the represented viewpoints in 2016. His views are popular and don’t just appeal to people on the far left. Moderates and independents are always courted in elections, and are often turned off by partisan antics. Sanders has a good chance of attracting these voters to the polls next November with his straightforward attitude and principles.

If you’re still dismissive of Bernie Sanders as a presidential contender, think back to 2008. Many people thought Hillary Clinton was the inevitable winner then, too. But then, out of left field, a junior senator stole the spotlight.
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dflprincess

(28,057 posts)
1. I was speaking to my niece last night and was pleased to hear that the crowd
Sun May 17, 2015, 09:31 PM
May 2015

she hangs with are all Bernie supporters and they like Scandinavian style socialism.

These are all "kids" in the mid to late 20s most have recently completed their undergrad or graduate degree or, like my niece, at least have a couple years of college. Outside of voting I don't believe that any of them have been especially active in politics in the past.

I told her that they need to get involved in his campaign or, at the very least, be at the precinct caucus next March. I told her I would be happy to give a tutorial in February on how the caucus system works (and warn them that at times it can be boring even for the most committed political junkie but you have to stick it out if you want your candidate to succeed).

The fact that the young ones are paying so much attention that they're hearing and liking Bernie's message gives me a lot of hope.




merrily

(45,251 posts)
2. I told my 80 year old female relative, a lifelong Democrat, he was running and she was so excited.
Sun May 17, 2015, 10:43 PM
May 2015

So, between you and me, princess, we've heard from a few generations.

 

Spitfire of ATJ

(32,723 posts)
5. First time voters in the next election were born in Clinton's second term....
Mon May 18, 2015, 12:19 AM
May 2015

They were raised watching Bush lie us into a war.

They also know Europe has some cool stuff that we don't.

daleanime

(17,796 posts)
3. Hell yes.....
Sun May 17, 2015, 11:56 PM
May 2015

People who don't 'follow' politics are asking about him.

More then happy to fill them in.

 

rhett o rick

(55,981 posts)
4. I think he will awaken a sleeping Populist. Of course his life is in danger because the Plutocratic
Mon May 18, 2015, 12:06 AM
May 2015

Oligarchs will spare no expense to neutralize him in favor of their candidate, Hillary Clinton.

Enthusiast

(50,983 posts)
6. K&R! It all comes down to the primary.
Mon May 18, 2015, 01:33 AM
May 2015

If Bernie would win the Democratic nomination he would beat the Republican candidate worse than Hillary would. The entire problem is winning the primary. Obviously the other side knows that.

 

Demeter

(85,373 posts)
9. We will know in a year if he survives the primary process
Mon May 18, 2015, 08:28 AM
May 2015

and 18 months if we can wrest the government from the Oligarchy.

 

RoccoR5955

(12,471 posts)
10. They know that and they are scared.
Mon May 18, 2015, 08:33 PM
May 2015

Which is why they are doing whatever they can to dis Sanders.
I would bet that they are paying some of the trolls who commonly post here.

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