BREAKING : Bernie Sanders

[libdem4life]

155. You make good points. But I see that Hillary's poll numbers are consistent and she does fall under

The Big Tent...especially if she's the only one. Everyone knows Hillary's baggage, for decades ad nauseum, but her stint as Senator and SOS have gone a long way to not only redeeming her past, but significantly increasing her political credentials. Don't think the public much cares anymore, aside from some RWers still smarting from her continual political ascent in spite of their best efforts.

Christie, OTOH, has not been nationally vetted and there are definite hints that should he be the candidate, they will out. A New Jersey lifelong politician...there have to be some big ones. A national election is definitely not the place to have to respond and re-purpose old shenanigans.

I think it's going to be Jeb...and he will likely be drafted. He has some significant baggage, few don't, but the Bush organization can be up and running in no time, once needed. GWB is unlikely to be an issue because it's been a long time and well known Jeb is the "smart one". Still, Ugh to that.

I lived in California for almost 50 years, and one can get a bit jaded. I have family in Very Red States, both Liberals and RWers, and it's almost like different countries. Kind of like living in rural Northeast or central California.

As to the next 8 years...I have a son who is a Millennial. This is a crucial time in history, I believe. We need job programs for civilians other than the going into the military ... job programs for our newest crop of veterans, the ones who actually made it back alive (made possible by an idiotic Repub who needed to get revenge for "his Daddy&quot ...protected women's rights (those cretins are just waiting in the wings with their vaginal wands)...continued funding of education and special programs, already taking hits right and left...adult conversations about and with our allies and foes other than some Macho Quick Draw McGraw action...reversal of the Food Stamp cut insanity and increased funding...continued progress and enforcement of the ACA (shutting up the Nononono Socialism-Bad Group)...protection and strengthening of Medicare and Social Security (another "licking their chops" issue)...No more private prisons that require life sentences for a few pot plants just to keep them full...sane federal court judge and SCOTUS nominations ... et al. These are on their Chopping Block and would begin immediately to dismantle or severely cripple any or all.

Bernie Sanders as a candidate is great news. I absolutely agree that he, unlike any Left Democrats who have been effectively mothballed for a very long time, can begin to speak to Liberalism in a way no other could do. Unfortunately, a large part of his appeal is that he is not a threat to anyone, as he's an Independent and a thoughful elder statesman not really running. So he can get away with hailing from the very Bluest and Northernmost of the Northeast.

For once, someone speaks for me and probably for a lot more than we know, once they have a coherent message to which to listen. Many don't even knew what Liberalism is...or what it isn't...the evil path to another Marx and Lenin and our kids working in the coal mines for the Party Boss. I'm going to call his office and encourage him to continue, also thanking him that he is the ONLY Senator willing to put his name and reputation on the Progressive Caucus. The Republicans have a number of Senators signed on, mostly the Tea Party ones.

But Bernie will not be in our Primary, nor can he "convert". To me, what I think about Hillary personally pales in comparison, as I've thought my way through it. There are pretty much just two options to those of us who likely don't identify politically anywhere near the more Centrist positions. I've chosen to "hold my nose" before and will do it again, if necessary. Frankly, I hope it's not and there is time left for some other options, but not much.

About the 1%...that sticks in my modest, middle class, grass roots craw, as well. But when I consider the option...just give all of the "corporate money" to the Republicans ... and let them have an 8 year go at the above list, can't do it. Or, we could have a miracle and find a Progressive with lots of money because without corporate funding they are going to need it, except that would put them in the 1% and, thus, ineligible.

Wish we had better choices...and solutions. But wishing doesn't make it so.