Bernie Sanders' Long Trail to 2020

[TexasTowelie]

Note: Opinion piece by the Vermont newspaper, Seven Days.


Illustration by Tim Newcomb


Last week, the Doom Patrol came calling for Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). Suddenly, the Beltway press was bursting with predictions of trouble for Sanders' presidential campaign after a perceived lackluster showing at the June 27 Democratic debate.

CNN, July 2: "Bernie 2020 Is in Big Trouble"

The Hill, July 3: "Sanders Slips in Polls, Raising Doubts About Campaign"

Politico, July 4: "Bad News for Bernie Has His Backers Getting Antsy"

The reports were vastly overblown, the apparent product of the political press' herd instinct at work. Sanders didn't create a viral moment in the debate, but he more than held his own. He remains in the top tier of candidates. He scores very high in name recognition (which is a bit of a mixed blessing, as we shall see). His organization, volunteer base and fundraising prowess will keep him competitive for the long haul. It's absurd to think that his campaign is on the brink of disaster.

But still, there are warning signs for Team Bernie. His road to the Democratic nomination in 2016 was difficult but clear: Provide a progressive alternative to Hillary Clinton. The 2020 field is much bigger, and its dynamics are less predictable.

Presidential polls are notoriously unreliable predictors this early in the game. But they can reveal the direction and shape of the race. The more in-depth surveys provide information on how and why voters are making up their minds and the strengths and weaknesses of the candidates.

Read more: https://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/bernie-sanders-long-trail-to-2020/Content?oid=27940339