Polls show Bernie Sanders popularity among all voters is plummeting

[ehrnst]

74. Yes, that can be a problem. It can indicate that one doesn't learn readily, and may be rejecting any

new information that doesn't reinforce their mindset. It can also reveal that there is limited mental agility, so one returns to a familiar script of talking points, then gets rattled and frustrated when someone points out that he didn't answer the question. The She the People event was an illustration of that. Other recent interviews have also shown this.

Of course one can always spin being rigid as being "strong." One can spin believing that one has nothing whatsoever to learn as being "constant," especially if one is a white man. Someone with no self-doubt or introspection is certainly appealing to many looking for a dualistic leader. One can spin believing that one is the smartest person in any room he's in that he is "not caring what the status quo is" even when it's seen as condescending and grating. One can spin no tolerance for dissent as "demanding equally high ethical standards of those around him."

He gets testy with interviewers who ask him follow ups to his answers, and seems to expect the press to act simply as stenographers, just transcribing his words, and rails at them defensively for "attacking him" when they fact check or add analysis that doesn't simply shore up what he stated. That's a POTUS relationship with the press that we don't want to continue after this POTUS is gone.

Empathy in women is often viewed as "calculating." I heard a lot of heart from Kamala. Then again, I was open to what she had to say.

With Bernie, I see no real ability to listen - I see him waiting for a silence so he can say what he's been planning to say. He seems far more at home lecturing at people that are at closest, yards away. For years, he has been known as gruff and harsh with his staff, while campaigning to save the rest of America's workers - but Amy Klobuchar is painted as a witch when a few instances of harsh words come out.

No, I don't see 'belief' as much as I see someone who believes that he has nothing to learn. I see a deep need for vindication from a man who is near the end of his career, and feels like he never got the kudos from his progressive peers. If people believe that his anger and ranting is comforting, then that certainly works for him.

It certainly has for other politicians...