My apologies to Bernie Sanders and his supporters

[Liberty Belle]

49. Sanders got over half the Hispanic vote in Nevada, which is impressive.

He did well among African-American voters there and of course, very well among young voters and those concerned about healthcare.

He may well be the one who despite being tarred with the democratic "socialist" label has the army of enthusiastic supporters needed to be sure people get out and vote.

I myself have a preference for Warren on some issues, but we can't deny Sanders has the monentum.

Let's examine the fears some have about Sanders and how those arguments might be over come in a general election:

1. Sanders went to Russia in his youth and has praised Cuba.
Trump openly invited Russia to do his bidding, has done Putin's bidding, and withheld weapons for Ukraine to fight Russian forces , all for personal gain. If you are worried about Russia, Trump is the one closely allied with them currently and undermining US security to help Russia. Cuba is no longer any serious threat to the U.S. and while there are aspects of the Cuban government that deserve criticism, their healthcare system by objective standards has some merit.

2. Sanders is a socialist.
Sanders has NOT called for a government takeover of the means of production - factories and corporations (with the possible exception of predatory energy companies like PG&E that caused wildfires that killed many people due to their dangerous equipment that they failed to maintain). He is not a communist nor a socialist. Democratic socialism is more like old-school Democratic party values espoused by FDR -- social PROGRAMS for the betterment of all.

3. Medicare for all will take away private health insurance.
Sanders can't pass Medicare for all without a majority in both houses of Congress. One is controlled by Republicans and even many Democrats oppose ending private healthcare. It will not happen in the next four years. But with a president who will speak out on the evils of greedy pharmaceutical and soaring insurance premiums, we will likely see at least some significant reforms, whether creating a compromise such as a public OPTION for those (like me) with unaffordable healthcare, or expanding subsidies under Obamcare, whatever he can get through Congress. If the GOP stonewalls completely, expect to see Sanders campaigning to defeat some of them in 2 years.

4. Sanders is too old.
Yes he's old, but so are Bloomberg and Biden, and even Warren. Trump is old, too. Assuming Sanders picks a younger VP candidate who may even draw a broader base and who is competent to takeover if needed, this is not a deal-breaker issue.

5. Sanders isn't a Democrat.
He's caucused with them and votes more like a Dem than many so-called Dems. His criticism of the establishment Dems (not the entire party) resonates with one-third of the electorate - and Sanders CAN reach working people. His latest ad says Trump betrayed working people, a message that can win even some Trump or moderate votes.