Bernie is NOT a socialist, and I am getting exhausted by the Democrats who say that he is.

[PETRUS]

19. After watching some debates and town halls, here's what I think he's trying to do.

First, I think he is a "small d" democrat (which is a kind of socialism in and of itself). I don't think he's been dishonest by calling himself a socialist - his past makes it clear that he's had a sympathetic curiosity and reflexive support for anti-capitalist efforts around the world. If I'm reading things right, both his commitment to democracy as a principle and the realities of living in the US means he's trying to make a case for things that either do have - or could potentially get - broad public support, which means New Deal/social democracy type policies.

When asked about his "socialism," the stock answer seems to be - hey, look we've got socialism for the rich, let's have socialism for everybody else. I think that's a way to try to avoid getting into the weeds on this issue.