Why Bernie Sanders isn't a Democrat (Because the Party has Moved Right) [View all]

[n2doc]

Updated by Ezra Klein

The usual question that gets asked about Bernie Sanders's political ideology is what does it mean that Sanders is a democratic socialist?

But the reverse question is, in some ways, more revealing: What does it mean that Bernie Sanders isn't a Democrat?

Sanders's ideas and voting record are pretty standard for a liberal Democrat. His big speech defining his ideology mostly quoted FDR — a Democrat — and laid out policies that put him squarely in the liberal mainstream. Indeed, according to Keith Poole and Howard Rosenthal's data, Sanders isn't even the Senate's most liberal Democrat right now — he trails Elizabeth Warren and Tammy Baldwin.

Moreover, the Vermont senator's life would, arguably, be easier if he were just a Democrat. He caucuses with Democrats in the Senate. He is running for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination. Democrats are one of this country's two major political parties, whereas there's no socialist movement in America to speak of.

So there's at least a bit of a mystery here. Sanders could call himself a Democrat — it would fit his ideology, and it would fit his ambitions. But he steadfastly refuses. Understanding why is, I think, crucial to understanding not just Sanders but his support.

Sanders doesn't believe Democrats are the party of the working class — at least not anymore

http://www.vox.com/2015/11/23/9781330/bernie-sanders-democrat