In 1937 there was a Broadway hit called “I’d Rather be Right than President. ” While Elizabeth Warren takes that view Bernie Sanders is ready to fight. Yet because of $$$ he is a clear under dog.
Our system is rigged. The billionaire donor class are going to decide who will be the Republican nominee and in the end who shall become the Democratic nominee too.
The GOP call themselves “conservatives” when in fact they are radical reactionaries embroiled in a battle among groups of billionaires and the Koch brothers seem to be offering themselves as a replacement for the RNC. They want to replace the party.
What is needed is a president who has the experience, brains and willingness to fight for those policies and ability to control an administration to implement them.
I support Sanders and admire Clinton. I will support Clinton as well when Clinton starts adopting Sander’s program. Then she too can be right and be president.
My advice to Clinton is if someone else has some really good and popular ideas, adopt them. Make them your own. It is essential that we avoid a Koch presidency. Although Clinton will be smeared as morally tainted and scandal ridden, it is too early for them to smear Sanders as a socialist Jew who denies Jesus and is a stealth candidate of the Jewish media and insiders.
That is the way the GOP extremists campaign with no moral limits. We’ll know he is winning when the slander begins in earnest. Worse Sanders refuses to fight dirty.
Our system is rigged. The billionaire donor class are going to decide who will be the Republican nominee and in the end who shall become the Democratic nominee too.
The GOP call themselves “conservatives” when in fact they are radical reactionaries embroiled in a battle among groups of billionaires and the Koch brothers seem to be offering themselves as a replacement for the RNC. They want to replace the party.
What is needed is a president who has the experience, brains and willingness to fight for those policies and ability to control an administration to implement them.
I support Sanders and admire Clinton. I will support Clinton as well when Clinton starts adopting Sander’s program. Then she too can be right and be president.
My advice to Clinton is if someone else has some really good and popular ideas, adopt them. Make them your own. It is essential that we avoid a Koch presidency. Although Clinton will be smeared as morally tainted and scandal ridden, it is too early for them to smear Sanders as a socialist Jew who denies Jesus and is a stealth candidate of the Jewish media and insiders.
That is the way the GOP extremists campaign with no moral limits. We’ll know he is winning when the slander begins in earnest. Worse Sanders refuses to fight dirty.
8
In the beginning I thought that the best Senator Sanders might do, would be to steer the debate towards things that would make a difference. However, if the Senator can get the Warren wing of the party to support him, and he can swing some progressive republicans, and he can get hands on some major money, I am beginning to think that he might actually have a chance.
11
1) Why can't the Times write a piece about Bernie Sanders as a candidate, instead of those ostensibly about him but really talking about something else, like The Little Musical That Could, or Hillary Clinton?
2) I'll bet that if you researched Barack Obama's stature in the public eye 16 months before the 2008 election, no one had ever heard of him outside Illinois, either. Go Bernie!
2) I'll bet that if you researched Barack Obama's stature in the public eye 16 months before the 2008 election, no one had ever heard of him outside Illinois, either. Go Bernie!
13
If Fun Home were up for the Tony last year, it would have lost to Kinky Boots.
If Fun Home were up for the Tony next year, it would lose to Hamilton.
Fun Home was up against weak opponents, that's why it won.
The 2008 nomination was the equivalent of last year's Tony race - Barack Obama was the Kinky Boots and Hillary Clinton was the Matilda. Two strong, well qualified candidates. Either could have won.
If Matilda were eligible this year for the Tony, it would have won it. Just as Hillary Clinton will win the nomination this year, and hopefully the election.
The only thing that will stop Hillary Clinton from winning the election would be if too many people convince themselves that Hillary Clinton is not liberal enough for them and don't vote. As has been pointed out recently in the Times, the branding of Hillary Clinton as "not liberal enough" is being pursued strongly by Karl Rove and other Republican operatives.
If Fun Home were up for the Tony next year, it would lose to Hamilton.
Fun Home was up against weak opponents, that's why it won.
The 2008 nomination was the equivalent of last year's Tony race - Barack Obama was the Kinky Boots and Hillary Clinton was the Matilda. Two strong, well qualified candidates. Either could have won.
If Matilda were eligible this year for the Tony, it would have won it. Just as Hillary Clinton will win the nomination this year, and hopefully the election.
The only thing that will stop Hillary Clinton from winning the election would be if too many people convince themselves that Hillary Clinton is not liberal enough for them and don't vote. As has been pointed out recently in the Times, the branding of Hillary Clinton as "not liberal enough" is being pursued strongly by Karl Rove and other Republican operatives.
1
Americans other than the ruling oligarchy and the haters are starved for authenticity, honesty and hope for a better and more equitable future. We need to reestablish the American dream not just toss it around like a convenient political football as do most of the Republican field whilst they trash our way of life for the greedy gains of the elite. It is time to put the Wall Street crowd back into a well regulated box where they belong for our protection and their own.
If Bernie Sanders keeps speaking to the truth he will gain a growing army of supporters. We have had enough of the wafflers like Hillary and Jeb.
If Bernie Sanders keeps speaking to the truth he will gain a growing army of supporters. We have had enough of the wafflers like Hillary and Jeb.
13
Let's hope your prediction comes true! Or, he may be more like Eugene V. Debs, who I believe was the last Socialist to run for the presidency... and he ran many times, and was also written in... and never had a victory in his sights.
Of course, in those days they had the Pinkertons. Now, they just foreclose and cut off your credit cards.
Of course, in those days they had the Pinkertons. Now, they just foreclose and cut off your credit cards.
1
One difference between Sanders and all others in the past? I donated actuall money to his campaign. I have never donated a penny to any politician in my life.
15
I have always been an admirer of Bernie Sanders and frustrated that I could never have the pleasure of voting for him. Now I do, and my votes will be for Bernie all the way. As more and more Americans become aware of him and the policies he puts forth to turn this country back into the democratic republic that we worked towards for a couple of centuries, he could be a real winner. Listening to so many in the media saying that he doesn't stand a chance of winning the presidency makes me angry. They are influencing the people who always insist on voting for the person who they are sure will be the winner. To quote Spiro Agnew: "They are nattering nabobs of negativity."
16
The moniker 'underdog' when applied to Bernie is a misinterpretation of his place in minds of present day US citizens by the elite of this country. Bernie's views, honesty and authenticity are what this country has been about and is about now. He is mainstream, not the underdog. The greed, dishonesty and treacherousness of the Royalist Republican Party and certain Democrats beholding to the multinationals are antithetical to the American spirit. Hopefully, Bernie will be the recipient of the Americans most import wealth, their vote. Go, Bernie, Go.
15
Bernie is the only candidate running for the Democratic nomination for president who is a real human being, a mentsh. He tells it like it is. The man has zero pretense; what you see is what you get.
And most of all, he has served in government and was reelected by his constituents because he truly served them.
You can call him up in Vermont and personally speak with him. You can go visit him. He marches alone in the Memorial Day parade in his town, without a float, without any sign, without anything but him.
He has no super PAC money. He has refused to accept the big money that presidential candidates are entitled to. His campaign is made up of money from people like you and me; $25 here, $100 there. He will not be bought.
He says what he thinks. This may turn some people off but even his enemies know the man is not scripted, managed, coiffed.
People love him because he is real and his message hits home in a way that makes many of us just want to help him represent us, the American people.
If we can have a black man become president, why not an elderly Jewish guy from Brooklyn?
Maybe dreams are still possible in America.
And most of all, he has served in government and was reelected by his constituents because he truly served them.
You can call him up in Vermont and personally speak with him. You can go visit him. He marches alone in the Memorial Day parade in his town, without a float, without any sign, without anything but him.
He has no super PAC money. He has refused to accept the big money that presidential candidates are entitled to. His campaign is made up of money from people like you and me; $25 here, $100 there. He will not be bought.
He says what he thinks. This may turn some people off but even his enemies know the man is not scripted, managed, coiffed.
People love him because he is real and his message hits home in a way that makes many of us just want to help him represent us, the American people.
If we can have a black man become president, why not an elderly Jewish guy from Brooklyn?
Maybe dreams are still possible in America.
19
The logic of not voting an underdog is to give your vote to the party you are sure can beat the party you hate and is very close to win. Its a strategy you use because you believe the future of the country is at stake. The analogy with the theater awards is very sad. It has nothing to do with anything.
I don't vote in the US but from what I've seen there is not much difference between democrats and republicans. I'd go for the underdog if I like it.
I don't vote in the US but from what I've seen there is not much difference between democrats and republicans. I'd go for the underdog if I like it.
4
Better "Socialism"
For decades the rich have gotten richer with the top 10% going from a 67% share of wealth to 75%. Their gains leave only 25% divided among 90% of the population. The next 40% (the middle class) is down to 24% and the poorer half of the population (62 million families) now have just a 1% share of U.S. wealth. One percent is not enough to sustain family formation and child rearing for most Americans. Neither Hillary nor the GOP will reverse or even halt the 70% decline in wealth these families suffered over the last 20 years. The decline of the middle class has accelerated because the poor have little left that can be taken.
Bernie Sanders could have middle class and poor voters in his hip pocket if he only had an economic plan that worked, so here it is:
1. Create near full employment by replacing the regressive payroll taxes largely with a VAT - the fairest business tax worldwide.
2. Create actual full employment through transitional jobs with charities funded by limiting the charitable tax deduction to charities that employ those in need. [Charities now have eight times the wealth of half the population].
3. Impose a flat 26% tax on all income but allow a lower 8% rate for taxpayers willing to pay a 2% net wealth tax (excluding $500,000 retirement-health care-education savings).
The rich will need to make due with a slightly smaller share of a larger pie. That is not too much to ask for you country.
For decades the rich have gotten richer with the top 10% going from a 67% share of wealth to 75%. Their gains leave only 25% divided among 90% of the population. The next 40% (the middle class) is down to 24% and the poorer half of the population (62 million families) now have just a 1% share of U.S. wealth. One percent is not enough to sustain family formation and child rearing for most Americans. Neither Hillary nor the GOP will reverse or even halt the 70% decline in wealth these families suffered over the last 20 years. The decline of the middle class has accelerated because the poor have little left that can be taken.
Bernie Sanders could have middle class and poor voters in his hip pocket if he only had an economic plan that worked, so here it is:
1. Create near full employment by replacing the regressive payroll taxes largely with a VAT - the fairest business tax worldwide.
2. Create actual full employment through transitional jobs with charities funded by limiting the charitable tax deduction to charities that employ those in need. [Charities now have eight times the wealth of half the population].
3. Impose a flat 26% tax on all income but allow a lower 8% rate for taxpayers willing to pay a 2% net wealth tax (excluding $500,000 retirement-health care-education savings).
The rich will need to make due with a slightly smaller share of a larger pie. That is not too much to ask for you country.
2
The HRC juggernaut presents an excellent opportunity to do what all successful people do in life: vote (and work for) what you really want! And no, this is not a matter of being a purist either, because the former Iraq War hawk and Wall Street hero know as Hillary Rodham Clinton can NOT BE TRUSTED to act in the interests of all Americans.
Bernie Sanders stands for fighting for the working American, the dwindling middle class and the poor. And those are not just words: Unlike HRC, he proposes a new Glass Steagall for the 21st century. He supports giving more regulatory authority to the Financial Consumer Protection Bureau, and he is pushing for the SEC and other financial watchdogs to sink their teeth into the hides of multi-million cheaters!
Above all, Bernie Sanders is one of the truly honest and sincere politicians who puts the interests of the American people over his own career goals. Can we say the same thing about HRC?
Bernie Sanders stands for fighting for the working American, the dwindling middle class and the poor. And those are not just words: Unlike HRC, he proposes a new Glass Steagall for the 21st century. He supports giving more regulatory authority to the Financial Consumer Protection Bureau, and he is pushing for the SEC and other financial watchdogs to sink their teeth into the hides of multi-million cheaters!
Above all, Bernie Sanders is one of the truly honest and sincere politicians who puts the interests of the American people over his own career goals. Can we say the same thing about HRC?
9
Sometimes age is a good thing--in those who've gained wisdom from experience, and have learned what's really important--such as serving a higher calling rather than their own personal ambition. I heard Senator Sanders speak at a house party in West Branch, IA, and was electrified by his energy, charisma, charm and wit--as were all those assembled to hear him. HIS AGE IS NOT AN ISSUE! I repeat his response to the final questioner, for those cynics who can't imagine anything but business as usual. The questioner stated agreement with all of Senator Sanders' views, but asked how he will implement them in the gridlocked Congress. He responded, something to the effect, "President Obama is a friend of mine. And he ran a campaign that will go down in history for the way it engaged the grassroots. But President Obama made one mistake. Once he was elected he said to all of you, 'Thanks. I'll take it from here.' The difference is that when I get elected, that's when your work will start. I need all of your support and activism every day on every issue, so that when I am trying to convince Mitch McConnell to change position on a given issue, I can point out the window and say, 'See? All these people are with me. You oppose me at your peril.'"
7
Behind Door A: The Koch Brothers. Behind Door B: Sheldon Adelson. Behind Door C: The American people, impoverished, exhausted, and gerrymandered practically to extinction.
I can hear the GOP snickering down at their checkbooks.
I can hear the GOP snickering down at their checkbooks.
2
It's interesting how short voters' memories are. Barack Obama was considered a long, long shot when he first announced his candidacy. Common wisdom was a black candidate, no matter how charismatic, could possibly win a presidential election. Remember? Did it stop Obama? Pundits said Lisa Murkowski could not win reelection to the Senate as a write-in candidate. She won as a write-in. Candidates are only long shots if we believe they are.
It's is a long time to the next presidential election, an eternity in politics. Anything can happen. If one likes Bernie's message, support him -- period. Hillary isn't guaranteed the nomination. She has to earn it. May the best candidate win!
I will cast a primary vote for Bernie. I like his record as both Mayor of Burlington and as U.S. Senator very much and agree with him 100%. He campaigns true to form! I listened to him every Friday on Thom Hartman's show. The main difference between Bernie and other presidential candidates is authenticity. He means what he says and is not afraid to take a principled stand and fight for what he believes.
Why isn't someone -- what about you, Tom Steyer? -- forming a super pac to advertise on his behalf? One is needed to support his candidacy with ads and mailers that fact check all the lies, smears, and misinformation paid for by billionaires and polluters via the Tea Party and the Republican Party. Grassroots support will take over from there. Get the message out, Bernie! We'll do the rest!
It's is a long time to the next presidential election, an eternity in politics. Anything can happen. If one likes Bernie's message, support him -- period. Hillary isn't guaranteed the nomination. She has to earn it. May the best candidate win!
I will cast a primary vote for Bernie. I like his record as both Mayor of Burlington and as U.S. Senator very much and agree with him 100%. He campaigns true to form! I listened to him every Friday on Thom Hartman's show. The main difference between Bernie and other presidential candidates is authenticity. He means what he says and is not afraid to take a principled stand and fight for what he believes.
Why isn't someone -- what about you, Tom Steyer? -- forming a super pac to advertise on his behalf? One is needed to support his candidacy with ads and mailers that fact check all the lies, smears, and misinformation paid for by billionaires and polluters via the Tea Party and the Republican Party. Grassroots support will take over from there. Get the message out, Bernie! We'll do the rest!
8
Watching (and reading) Hillary's "Launch Rally" speech, it seems like it was 95% written by Bernie. I don't think there will be that much difference in any upcoming debates between Hillary and Bernie.
3
Hillary mentioned she was in the situation room when they got Bin Laden. Somehow she forgot to mention she was in the room when there was a vote for a war in Iraq where she actually had a final say in the decision. I think a decision to send the country into an unnecessary war is a big deal.
And she had time to talk about her mother but not about the Pacific Trade deal. Apparently her mother's teaching about courage only went so far.
And she had time to talk about her mother but not about the Pacific Trade deal. Apparently her mother's teaching about courage only went so far.
5
But there would be a great deal of difference in their presidencies.
4
I see the take-home message here as vote for the candidate that you desire; not the one you are being told to vote for. Not the one that has been pre-selected to be the nominee. Don't fear that your vote will be somehow "wasted" as your candidate can't win; all it takes is enough votes. And as the Tony win shows, don't underestimate teeny tiny Vermont.
Which by the way, had a well functioning health care plan that provided coverage to most of the state at affordable levels before the ACA came into being; it's nowhere near as good as it was now. Too bad Obama didn't look to Vermont to see what we had crafted under the leadership of then Governor Dean (who would have made a good president).
I hold the media responsible for derailing Gov. Dean's presidential bid; and I'm watching to see if they attempt to do the same with Sanders. The media is the guilty party and pushes their own agenda as far as I'm concerned. The NY Times has been pro-Hillary; is it willing to sit back and report the news and leave opinions to the op-ed pages where they belong?
Which by the way, had a well functioning health care plan that provided coverage to most of the state at affordable levels before the ACA came into being; it's nowhere near as good as it was now. Too bad Obama didn't look to Vermont to see what we had crafted under the leadership of then Governor Dean (who would have made a good president).
I hold the media responsible for derailing Gov. Dean's presidential bid; and I'm watching to see if they attempt to do the same with Sanders. The media is the guilty party and pushes their own agenda as far as I'm concerned. The NY Times has been pro-Hillary; is it willing to sit back and report the news and leave opinions to the op-ed pages where they belong?
10
McCarthy lost in 1968 but his campaign would never had traction if a few anti-war millionaires did not fund his run against Johnson.
I disagree. McCarthy's campaign in New Hampshire, which is where he gained the most traction, was very much a low cost affair with high school and college students being bussed into work for the campaign. He certainly didn't cover the state with television ads.
And Johnson probably would have still won the nomination if he had chosen to seek it. Remember those were the days before there were many primaries. Humphrey won the nomination despite running in virtually none.
And Johnson probably would have still won the nomination if he had chosen to seek it. Remember those were the days before there were many primaries. Humphrey won the nomination despite running in virtually none.
1
Well, folks, this is without doubt the most shallow election article I have seen yet. Really. Comparing a presidential election to an elitist award for an entertainment? A divertissement? What's next - the election as musical chairs?
Come on. You can do better.
(BTW, Mr. Sanders is not a "socialist." He is a Democratic Socialist. If you don't know the difference, you should not be commenting on this.)
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
Come on. You can do better.
(BTW, Mr. Sanders is not a "socialist." He is a Democratic Socialist. If you don't know the difference, you should not be commenting on this.)
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
7
Unlike a broadway play, politics is real people making real statements and casting real votes for real policies. Bernie Sanders has a track record:
Against the Patriot Act
Against the war in Iraq
Against the bailouts of Wall Street
Against harmful free trade agreements negotiated in darkness
Against tax cuts for the wealthy at the expense of investing in our people
Bernie Sanders has been literally right on every major policy issue considered in the past 15 years that is of concern to the American public today. And the other candidates in both parties are busy aping his policies, as if they suddenly remembered that a large mass of people without checkbooks actually matter in this campaign.
Those candidates have track records on the above issues, too.
If a person with Sanders' track record can't get elected, I'm not sure what that says about the state of our Democracy.
Against the Patriot Act
Against the war in Iraq
Against the bailouts of Wall Street
Against harmful free trade agreements negotiated in darkness
Against tax cuts for the wealthy at the expense of investing in our people
Bernie Sanders has been literally right on every major policy issue considered in the past 15 years that is of concern to the American public today. And the other candidates in both parties are busy aping his policies, as if they suddenly remembered that a large mass of people without checkbooks actually matter in this campaign.
Those candidates have track records on the above issues, too.
If a person with Sanders' track record can't get elected, I'm not sure what that says about the state of our Democracy.
28
This editorial would have been much more interesting if you had picked an "underdog" not of the two "major" parties.
Instead, a commentary about how sometimes, the unusual happens, serving no purpose other than supporting the now standard voting concept of the "lesser of two evils" when, basically, one is STILL voting for something "evil" just not as "evil" as the other guy/girl.
36% was a dismal voter turnout in 2014; it looks like we're on the road for an even worse showing in 2016 as voters nationwide are starting to see both parties as the "problem" and not the "solution". This is, of course, what both parties really want with the GOP/TP/KOCH AFFILIATE leading in the "let's keep the voters out of this one" concept (Really, Scott Walker or Chris Christie or any of the others?).
If the Democrats renounce ANY funding from corporate entities and lobbyists (I know, dream on, fool!) then I could believe whatever message their potential nominees might have. Otherwise, they're just like the other guys just not as good as shaking down the old money tree as the Republicans are.
Instead, a commentary about how sometimes, the unusual happens, serving no purpose other than supporting the now standard voting concept of the "lesser of two evils" when, basically, one is STILL voting for something "evil" just not as "evil" as the other guy/girl.
36% was a dismal voter turnout in 2014; it looks like we're on the road for an even worse showing in 2016 as voters nationwide are starting to see both parties as the "problem" and not the "solution". This is, of course, what both parties really want with the GOP/TP/KOCH AFFILIATE leading in the "let's keep the voters out of this one" concept (Really, Scott Walker or Chris Christie or any of the others?).
If the Democrats renounce ANY funding from corporate entities and lobbyists (I know, dream on, fool!) then I could believe whatever message their potential nominees might have. Otherwise, they're just like the other guys just not as good as shaking down the old money tree as the Republicans are.
1
I'm a lifelong Democrat whose own political views have been to the left of every Democrat I've voted for- and I've voted for all of them- starting with Jimmy Carter. But after watching Obama struggle to pass and implement a few modest, "market-based" (gag) reforms like the Affordable Care Act, it seems to me fanciful to imagine that Senator Sanders would be able to effect any of his policy views, most of which sound great to me.
Let's assume Bernie can raise his now 28% national name recognition ( http://www.gallup.com/poll/181949/clinton-favorability-familiarity-bests... ) then overcome American voters’ knee-jerk bias against the label "socialist." He wrestles the nomination from Hillary; then a new wave of “yes we can” sentiment sweeps the nation, and he wins the electoral college over whoever emerges from GOP primary melee. (Never mind the untold billions panicked capitalists & corporatists would shovel at the GOP and their PAC-empire to beat Bernie.)
What are the chances Bernie could get his agenda passed through a Congress like the one gerrymandering and Citizens United is bound to send to DC with him? Rewrite the tax code to favor work over wealth? Cut the Pentagon to rebuild America? Finally regulate and prosecute bankers and traders like their crimes mattered as much as drug dealers? Replace the SCOTUS-impaled husk of Obamacare with Medicare for All?
Let's assume Bernie can raise his now 28% national name recognition ( http://www.gallup.com/poll/181949/clinton-favorability-familiarity-bests... ) then overcome American voters’ knee-jerk bias against the label "socialist." He wrestles the nomination from Hillary; then a new wave of “yes we can” sentiment sweeps the nation, and he wins the electoral college over whoever emerges from GOP primary melee. (Never mind the untold billions panicked capitalists & corporatists would shovel at the GOP and their PAC-empire to beat Bernie.)
What are the chances Bernie could get his agenda passed through a Congress like the one gerrymandering and Citizens United is bound to send to DC with him? Rewrite the tax code to favor work over wealth? Cut the Pentagon to rebuild America? Finally regulate and prosecute bankers and traders like their crimes mattered as much as drug dealers? Replace the SCOTUS-impaled husk of Obamacare with Medicare for All?
4
What's the alternative -- for everyone to give up? I think not.
5
An entertaining and clever op ed---and continues the condescension toward Sen. Sanders. I’m still waiting for 1 op ed columnist to seriously discuss Sanders’ actual proposals and how they would work for the nation. Just pick 1 or 2 to start. Our pundits just aren’t ready to jump in yet.
It is trivializing to compare the underdog Bwy show about gays winning the Tony, with underdog Sanders, the only candidate facing reality, making a bit of progress. Our national problem solving faces huge blockage. The election results affect millions of living standards. Our system is controlled by billionaire donors, expecting to dictate laws and policies.
Are the Tony awards controlled by big money and will they dictate what future shows are created? If so, break that news here.
Anyway, re Truman against Dewey in 1948--wasn’t the press misled by polling based on telephoning, when many citizens didn’t yet own phones? So only those well off enough to afford phones were polled. No comparison to today. Any candidate now working for the vast majority has little chance, in the face of conservatives dominating media and funding. Mainstream media has to be cautious. Thus Sanders is kept at a distance.
The Democrats can’t afford to be the party for working people they once were. The obvious records of Bill and Barack prove that. I think the creators of Bwy shows have much more freedom.
It is trivializing to compare the underdog Bwy show about gays winning the Tony, with underdog Sanders, the only candidate facing reality, making a bit of progress. Our national problem solving faces huge blockage. The election results affect millions of living standards. Our system is controlled by billionaire donors, expecting to dictate laws and policies.
Are the Tony awards controlled by big money and will they dictate what future shows are created? If so, break that news here.
Anyway, re Truman against Dewey in 1948--wasn’t the press misled by polling based on telephoning, when many citizens didn’t yet own phones? So only those well off enough to afford phones were polled. No comparison to today. Any candidate now working for the vast majority has little chance, in the face of conservatives dominating media and funding. Mainstream media has to be cautious. Thus Sanders is kept at a distance.
The Democrats can’t afford to be the party for working people they once were. The obvious records of Bill and Barack prove that. I think the creators of Bwy shows have much more freedom.
3
I like this article and I also like the implications of commenter RoughAcres' remarks. The ads bought by the Koch brothers will relentlessly attack any Democratic candidate as an extremist. Thus we may as well support Bernie Sanders if that's whom we want. He won his last race in Vermont with 71% of the vote. I doubt that Vermonters care that he is called a socialist. One sign of his sincerity: From what I hear, he lives in such a modest, ordinary house that people are astonished that a senator would be willing to live in it. He speaks up about the threats posed by inequality and by climate change, and his lifestyle appears to be consistent with his ideals.
So far, Hillary Clinton seems to be avoiding various contentious issues that Sanders is willing to address. Given the urgency of the problems we are facing, I am hoping someone with moral courage will win the nomination.
So far, Hillary Clinton seems to be avoiding various contentious issues that Sanders is willing to address. Given the urgency of the problems we are facing, I am hoping someone with moral courage will win the nomination.
6
I am both a big Bernie Sanders supporter, and a huge fan of Fun Home, having grown up in the same town, and at the same time, as the author of the book on which it was based, Alison Bechdel. Alison's father, who figures so prominently in the show, was one of my high school English teachers, and I worked alongside her mother in summer stock theater productions. One of her brothers was in my Boy Scout troop as a kid. So I was overjoyed to see Fun Home win the awards it won.
But this piece amounts to a very patronizing trivialization of Senator Sanders' campaign. Sanders is running a serious campaign, and has been drawing large and enthusiastic crowds. And thee Times tells him he can "take heart" from a "Broadway champ." Really????
But this piece amounts to a very patronizing trivialization of Senator Sanders' campaign. Sanders is running a serious campaign, and has been drawing large and enthusiastic crowds. And thee Times tells him he can "take heart" from a "Broadway champ." Really????
7
From where I sit, the Democrats have come to stand for almost nothing and to fight for less.
President Obama gave in early in his administration on making the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy permanent. Do you give the keys to your car to a guy who wants to spirit off your 16 yr. old daughter for a month long stay in Mexico? Of course, there was the cascade of the recession hitting us, but why allow them to become permanent tax cuts, something the Republicans didn't even dare to insist on when they were first passed? What's the deal?
What is it that Democrats believe in above all other things? I sure don't know, but I wish they'd tell us.
The Dems have alternatively become scared little kittens stuck on an 8 lane freeway and, when they get a whiff of power and confidence, highly skilled at battling with each other and undermining their own goals.
Enter, Mr. Sanders.
Mrs. Clinton came out as bold as she is ever likely to be in her declaration rally and speech Saturday, but...I have the deep seated feeling that she is already too wounded, too battle scarred to do the really scary heavy lifting that a breakthrough presidency would require. We need a Clinton who is positively Nixonian in the ability to slip fastball sliders past the eternal opposition Republicans, someone who can sound the siren call and lure them into the traps they and their mouths have built for themselves.
....Or, we need a candidate who would be a true breakthrough on all fronts... like Bernie Sanders.
President Obama gave in early in his administration on making the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy permanent. Do you give the keys to your car to a guy who wants to spirit off your 16 yr. old daughter for a month long stay in Mexico? Of course, there was the cascade of the recession hitting us, but why allow them to become permanent tax cuts, something the Republicans didn't even dare to insist on when they were first passed? What's the deal?
What is it that Democrats believe in above all other things? I sure don't know, but I wish they'd tell us.
The Dems have alternatively become scared little kittens stuck on an 8 lane freeway and, when they get a whiff of power and confidence, highly skilled at battling with each other and undermining their own goals.
Enter, Mr. Sanders.
Mrs. Clinton came out as bold as she is ever likely to be in her declaration rally and speech Saturday, but...I have the deep seated feeling that she is already too wounded, too battle scarred to do the really scary heavy lifting that a breakthrough presidency would require. We need a Clinton who is positively Nixonian in the ability to slip fastball sliders past the eternal opposition Republicans, someone who can sound the siren call and lure them into the traps they and their mouths have built for themselves.
....Or, we need a candidate who would be a true breakthrough on all fronts... like Bernie Sanders.
5
I like Bernie Sanders and the message he brings to the campaign. I do worry that the label of socialist will be too much to overcome, especially if there is big money repeating the theme over and over. Never mind the fact that the United States, like all advanced democracies, has numerous "socialist" feature, such as tax-supported education, police, fire departments, public parks, highways, defense, much of healthcare, social security, unemployment insurance, worker's compensation, sanitation, libraries, and other programs and services.
Let's not forget that many progressives, 2.88 million, voted for Ralph Nader instead of Al Gore, tilting Florida and New Hampshire, enabling W, with the complicity of the SCOTUS 5, to win the Electoral College (he still did not win the popular vote) and the subsequent disasters of that fateful outcome.
So I hope that Senator Sanders can help frame the issues for the better, but that he does not go third party and contribute to a Republican victory.
Let's not forget that many progressives, 2.88 million, voted for Ralph Nader instead of Al Gore, tilting Florida and New Hampshire, enabling W, with the complicity of the SCOTUS 5, to win the Electoral College (he still did not win the popular vote) and the subsequent disasters of that fateful outcome.
So I hope that Senator Sanders can help frame the issues for the better, but that he does not go third party and contribute to a Republican victory.
1
If I get the chance, I will vote for Bernie, either in the primary or general election. My big worry for him is that his verbal style just won't appeal to a lot of voters, but he is sooo right on the issues and he truly believes in those positions. With Hilary, you wonder how dedicated she is to positions she takes or if, perhaps, she is taking them just to win votes. Still, Hilary is head and shoulders above anyone in the Republican circus, so either way my personal vote is clear.
2
Gosh ,the advisor to Bill Clinton, doesn’t expect much support for Sanders! Imagine.
Things are quite different now vs 1968 leading to the need for Sanders. Vietnam was the issue for McCarthy.
In 68 the middle class was securely headed in an upward direction. Reaganomics was in the future. Congress wasn’t sending millions of our jobs to Asia yet. Candidates didn’t yet depend on billionaires to run. We had a different Supreme Court. Wealth taxes hadn’t been slashed. Unions were accepted.
Salaries were rising. Many college students were the 1st in their families to get a degree & no huge tuition debt. A student loan debt of 1.2 trillion would be called science fiction. Skilled trades earned a middle class income for families. Moderate Repubs would be thrown out of today’s Gop. They wouldn’t even get funding to get into office.
The world looked to the US as an example of prosperity and democracy. Now the US Dream is better realized by other nations, who still have a democracy working for the majority, paying for their elections with public funds.
In 68, our downward slide in so many areas couldn’t have been predicted. The mass incarceration of minorities hadn’t started, and there was progress in racial equality---mainly because millions of jobs were still kept here. That alone gave us a way to fulfill the goals of the civil rights revolution.
Now, all of us need a new civil and economic rights mvmt. As Sanders says, “Enough is Enough”.
Things are quite different now vs 1968 leading to the need for Sanders. Vietnam was the issue for McCarthy.
In 68 the middle class was securely headed in an upward direction. Reaganomics was in the future. Congress wasn’t sending millions of our jobs to Asia yet. Candidates didn’t yet depend on billionaires to run. We had a different Supreme Court. Wealth taxes hadn’t been slashed. Unions were accepted.
Salaries were rising. Many college students were the 1st in their families to get a degree & no huge tuition debt. A student loan debt of 1.2 trillion would be called science fiction. Skilled trades earned a middle class income for families. Moderate Repubs would be thrown out of today’s Gop. They wouldn’t even get funding to get into office.
The world looked to the US as an example of prosperity and democracy. Now the US Dream is better realized by other nations, who still have a democracy working for the majority, paying for their elections with public funds.
In 68, our downward slide in so many areas couldn’t have been predicted. The mass incarceration of minorities hadn’t started, and there was progress in racial equality---mainly because millions of jobs were still kept here. That alone gave us a way to fulfill the goals of the civil rights revolution.
Now, all of us need a new civil and economic rights mvmt. As Sanders says, “Enough is Enough”.
5
Despite what Larry David said, the Tony voters will vote for a Jew and, as they have shown, will also vote for a true lefty. Unfortunately for Bernie Sanders, I doubt that is true for many Americans when they vote for a president.
1
So now an old white straight man is the underdog? Nice piece of sophistry. Hillary is the underdog, was the underdog, and will always be the underdog. If she's elected, other women running during the rest of the century could possibly be favorites, but not till then.
Where has this guy been? What has he done? Why pump him up? Also how dare you twist the significance of the Tony victory - the first team of women writers to win the Tony for best score - in the service of taking down the first credible woman candidate for president. In favor of the worst kind of same old same old.
Also, for you Democrats who are smitten with this fossil - bear this in mind - he would be eaten alive, eaten for breakfast, had his lunch stolen, and a big thumb print squished into his pb&j by the Koch Brothers in the general election - no matter who their candidate is. Search your feelings. Luke, you know this is true. Hillary is the only one who has the slightest shot to defeat the Koch Brothers candidate.
And with Citizens United, this makes her the biggest underdog in two centuries.
Where has this guy been? What has he done? Why pump him up? Also how dare you twist the significance of the Tony victory - the first team of women writers to win the Tony for best score - in the service of taking down the first credible woman candidate for president. In favor of the worst kind of same old same old.
Also, for you Democrats who are smitten with this fossil - bear this in mind - he would be eaten alive, eaten for breakfast, had his lunch stolen, and a big thumb print squished into his pb&j by the Koch Brothers in the general election - no matter who their candidate is. Search your feelings. Luke, you know this is true. Hillary is the only one who has the slightest shot to defeat the Koch Brothers candidate.
And with Citizens United, this makes her the biggest underdog in two centuries.
1
A President Bernie Sanders is going to inherit some difficult situations, and solving them may have to mean betraying the very principles on which he won. If he understands that, and if he understands that every new president has had to deal with crises not of his own making, then he can be seriously considered White House material. I hope he has thought this through.
When Bernie speaks people listen. In 1937 there was a Broadway hit called “I’d Rather be Right than President,” the the crowds and support Mr. Sanders is drawing think that he is right; but while in today’s oligarchy being right is a nice plus. Our system is rigged so that the billionaire donor class are going to decide who will be the Republican nominee will be and in the end who shall become the Democratic nominee.
The Republican party , calling themselves “conservatives” when in fact they are radical reactionaries whose model president is Herbert Hoover, will be a battle among groups of billionaires and the Koch brothers who are becoming an alternate/replacement to the RNC. They will be the party and the president that they elect, if they do, will be their puppet.
Ordinary people need is a Democrat who recognizes that what Sanders is proposing is what the people want and who has the experience, willingness to fight and to control an administration. I support Sanders and I will vote for Clinton and I will support Clinton as well when Clinton starts adopting Sander’s program. Then she can be right and be president.
My advice to Clinton is if someone else has some really good and popular ideas, adopt them and make them your own. It is essential that avoid a Koch presidency and although Clinton will be smeared as morally tainted and scandle ridden, if Sanders is the candidate he will become that socialist Jew who can’t be trusted with fighting terrorism.
The Republican party , calling themselves “conservatives” when in fact they are radical reactionaries whose model president is Herbert Hoover, will be a battle among groups of billionaires and the Koch brothers who are becoming an alternate/replacement to the RNC. They will be the party and the president that they elect, if they do, will be their puppet.
Ordinary people need is a Democrat who recognizes that what Sanders is proposing is what the people want and who has the experience, willingness to fight and to control an administration. I support Sanders and I will vote for Clinton and I will support Clinton as well when Clinton starts adopting Sander’s program. Then she can be right and be president.
My advice to Clinton is if someone else has some really good and popular ideas, adopt them and make them your own. It is essential that avoid a Koch presidency and although Clinton will be smeared as morally tainted and scandle ridden, if Sanders is the candidate he will become that socialist Jew who can’t be trusted with fighting terrorism.
People are afraid the word "socialist" will sink Bernie's campaign, yet no worry about Walker and friends being seen as single donor front-men. Well, the GOP has called every Democrat a "socialist" since the end of WWII. Maybe the shock value of the word has been overplayed. Bernie's style of socialism is where the majority of the American voters are, even if they don't yet realize it. If the choice is between a "socialist" and an oligarch's surrogate, give me the socialist ever time. Go Bernie!
And shame on the NYT for not covering him. He is a far more creditable and informed candidate than any of the others, including the continously buffed and polished Ms. Clinton. She looks like a piece of advertising copy in comparison.
And shame on the NYT for not covering him. He is a far more creditable and informed candidate than any of the others, including the continously buffed and polished Ms. Clinton. She looks like a piece of advertising copy in comparison.
2
When we see Bobby Jindal calling out Bernie Sanders for Bernie's views on the Middle East, then we'll know that Bernie's for real.
2
It is a reflection of the current state of affairs that talking heads routinely dismiss Bernie Sanders with some version of, "Everything he says is true, but he doesn't have a chance." Although the media has marginalized Bernie Sanders from the start, the momentum behind his campaign nevertheless continues to build. This isn't a matter of left vs. right, red state vs. blue state; this is a simple matter of non-elite Americans deciding, finally, that it is time to reclaim the democracy that is their birthright. The fact that Hillary Clinton is now desperately parroting Bernie Sanders, in classic Clinton chameleon fashion, speaks to how powerfully Sanders' message resonates with ordinary citizens who have grown weary, and leery, of both political parties.
29
Bernie Sanders is the ONLY hope for a different, truly "Exceptional" "America".
"Hope in reality is the worst of all evils because it prolongs the torments of man." ~ FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE
Too bad I promised myself never to vote in an American election again, not even absentee. I left and promised myself never to look back.
"I have no further use for America. I wouldn't go back there if Jesus Christ was President." ~ CHARLIE CHAPLIN
Besides, you and I and everyone knows he doesn't stand a chance against the "Powers that Be".
"Democracy is a pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance." ~ H.L. MENCKEN
"Hope in reality is the worst of all evils because it prolongs the torments of man." ~ FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE
Too bad I promised myself never to vote in an American election again, not even absentee. I left and promised myself never to look back.
"I have no further use for America. I wouldn't go back there if Jesus Christ was President." ~ CHARLIE CHAPLIN
Besides, you and I and everyone knows he doesn't stand a chance against the "Powers that Be".
"Democracy is a pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance." ~ H.L. MENCKEN
2
Give me a head with hair.... Bernie's is sexy. They're just jealous.
4
Sanders says what I believe to be true. Clinton says what she thinks people want to here. I have great trouble reconciling her interest in the "middle-class" with her own family's clear desire/need to take greed to another level. I don't care about her mother's story. I care about her own example. If lifelong political enthusiasts like me are truly necessary to phone/knock on doors, then she is in a wee bit of trouble because I will sit this one out if she is the nominee.
6
This Op-ed is under the title "News Analysis"! you gotta be kidding? This is theatrical dribble that has nothing to do with the serious issues facing our nation and subtly belittles a candidate with REAL solutions for REAL issues. Lets have a front page article on Bernie Sanders, a viable candidate, and where he stands on the issues. It will be a nice change from the constant Hillary and Jeb drum beat
Jerry Willard
NYC
Jerry Willard
NYC
10
Good heavens! Can’t the Times just do a straight article about Bernie Sanders?
7
Right, you said it. For the NYT to print it there has to be a joke or some other "odd ball" reference from an op ed columnist in order for it to make the paper. He talks about very serious issues and he deserves serious coverage.
Bernie - uniquely - can appeal to people across party lines. Bernie skeptics, please let those with confidence in the underdog have the spotlight for a few months and refrain from your pessimism. He is in this to win, and he only needs to be heard to do so!
2
I think the most important point the article makes is to point out that 'Fun Home' was packing them in. Bernie packs them in wherever he goes. And he does so because his views are popular amongst the majority of voters. If you look at our nation the majority of us are, in truth, all social democrats. Bernie's views are conventional in the United States. The regressions we've suffered, beginning with the corruption of our tax code in the 1980s and the war mongering we've inflicted in our foreign misadventures, are not representative of the American voter. Bernie has been the same politician for decades. I suspect voters are ready to put the radicals back in the doghouse.
2
My biggest concern about Bernie's candidacy is his age. The Presidency is a job which requires stamina...just look at the photos of prior Presidents and compare the pre-office to incumbent photos. Bernie will certainly get my vote in the primary and Hillary has no chance of getting my vote in the general.
1
Bernie sanders has to do more than entertain.....he has to lead. So, no not buying any of it: the comparison, the article and most certainly not the candidate.
Fun Home? I'm considering it.
Fun Home? I'm considering it.
EIGHT YEARS AGO . . .
...what probability would have been given that Barack Obama would become the first black president.
The odds would have been about 1,000 to 1 against.
Go Bernie, go!
...what probability would have been given that Barack Obama would become the first black president.
The odds would have been about 1,000 to 1 against.
Go Bernie, go!
5
Hillary’s speech today at NY Roosevelt Island said “The top 25 hedge fund managers make more than all of America’s kindergarten teachers combined, often paying a lower tax rate,”.
Without Sanders in the race would she have said that? And picked the location of the Four Freedoms Park that commemorates the president identified with the New Deal that the Gop wants to destroy?
Without Sanders in the race would she have said that? And picked the location of the Four Freedoms Park that commemorates the president identified with the New Deal that the Gop wants to destroy?
5
" Mr. Obama was the first black presidential nominee and didn’t shy away from his race, giving an eloquent speech in the face of controversy over his Chicago pastor. Many Americans came to see both men as the real deal."
Interesting point. Do you think Sanders be as forthright and honest in explaining why he moved from Chicago to Vermont? He's a member of SNCC one day in Chicago and then soon afterwards heads to Vermont (99% white).
The NY Times editorial page writers who have been quick to blame White Flight for the ills of the city have not called Sanders out on his early trailblazing in that respect.
Move to a 99% white suburb and you are labelled a racist, move to a 99% white state and you can be a progressive. And just for the record, there's nothing wrong with either move. I'm sure Sanders agrees.
Interesting point. Do you think Sanders be as forthright and honest in explaining why he moved from Chicago to Vermont? He's a member of SNCC one day in Chicago and then soon afterwards heads to Vermont (99% white).
The NY Times editorial page writers who have been quick to blame White Flight for the ills of the city have not called Sanders out on his early trailblazing in that respect.
Move to a 99% white suburb and you are labelled a racist, move to a 99% white state and you can be a progressive. And just for the record, there's nothing wrong with either move. I'm sure Sanders agrees.
The American people have been financially squeezed and cheated for too long. They are on to "trickle down", "dangerous deficits", "free trade", "free enterprise" and have learned the hard way that these are all code words for less for workers and more for corporate owners.
The worm is turning, not only with the election of a liberal mayor of NY but a liberal provincial leader of Alberta, the most conservative Canadian Province and home to the Alberta Tar Sands.
Bernie's rise is built upon his long record of consistently looking out for the 99% while pointing out the unconscionable greed of the 1%. We are entering a period like the late 1920's when rapid mechanization drove inequality to record heights while undermining wage-based demand for goods and services. The 1% would do well to heed what happened to their great wealth during the ensuing 25 years.
The only viable way forward preserves the dignity, rights and economic vitality of every citizen. Bernie shows us that path and will only continue to gain strength as the 2016 election season unfolds.
The worm is turning, not only with the election of a liberal mayor of NY but a liberal provincial leader of Alberta, the most conservative Canadian Province and home to the Alberta Tar Sands.
Bernie's rise is built upon his long record of consistently looking out for the 99% while pointing out the unconscionable greed of the 1%. We are entering a period like the late 1920's when rapid mechanization drove inequality to record heights while undermining wage-based demand for goods and services. The 1% would do well to heed what happened to their great wealth during the ensuing 25 years.
The only viable way forward preserves the dignity, rights and economic vitality of every citizen. Bernie shows us that path and will only continue to gain strength as the 2016 election season unfolds.
7
I agree with Sanders on most issues. I like what I see as his motivation: he believes in the public good and prefers to promote solutions, although he is a fighter. He promotes his ideas more than he promotes himself. I'm impressed that he gets along well in the Senate even though he's basically a Democratic Socialist, like the ones in Europe.
Bernie Sanders has no Big Money support and elections are all about campaign donations and the support of a Big Propaganda Machine like the Koch Machine so he may have no chance. That's the bad news. It's also the good news. Bernie Sanders hasn't got the obligations that come with big time allies. He hasn't got a relationship with Wall St or Banking, and hasn't been making the rounds of Billionaire Auditions. He's not intimidated. He's his own man.
Any GOP candidate will do if you fancy America as a corporatocracy. Hillary Clinton may slow our progress in that direction but is unlikely to reverse it, even if she wanted to (does she regret NAFTA? Repealing Glass-Steagall?). Compare her to Scott Walker. She's smarter, more qualified in every single way, she's been a Senator, she's been Secretary of State, but which of them has been more effective?
Bernie Sanders is the only choice if you want to point the ship of state back toward democracy.
Bernie Sanders has no Big Money support and elections are all about campaign donations and the support of a Big Propaganda Machine like the Koch Machine so he may have no chance. That's the bad news. It's also the good news. Bernie Sanders hasn't got the obligations that come with big time allies. He hasn't got a relationship with Wall St or Banking, and hasn't been making the rounds of Billionaire Auditions. He's not intimidated. He's his own man.
Any GOP candidate will do if you fancy America as a corporatocracy. Hillary Clinton may slow our progress in that direction but is unlikely to reverse it, even if she wanted to (does she regret NAFTA? Repealing Glass-Steagall?). Compare her to Scott Walker. She's smarter, more qualified in every single way, she's been a Senator, she's been Secretary of State, but which of them has been more effective?
Bernie Sanders is the only choice if you want to point the ship of state back toward democracy.
8
A strained analogy, to be polite.
A cabal of professionals (not the public) vote on the Tonies. If you want to perform a rigorous comparison, the only factor of note is revenue. And the public votes on what makes sense for them, not what a tiny minority with very specific tastes believes.
The Times is an echo chamber for progressive thought, so while it might seem tenable when bandying these ideas around with fellow arts critics, everyday people have a much more simple need:
They want someone who has proven themselves effective and courageous.
Mrs. Clinton fits the bill, and that's precisely why she's been popular.
A cabal of professionals (not the public) vote on the Tonies. If you want to perform a rigorous comparison, the only factor of note is revenue. And the public votes on what makes sense for them, not what a tiny minority with very specific tastes believes.
The Times is an echo chamber for progressive thought, so while it might seem tenable when bandying these ideas around with fellow arts critics, everyday people have a much more simple need:
They want someone who has proven themselves effective and courageous.
Mrs. Clinton fits the bill, and that's precisely why she's been popular.
1
Is it really fair to characterize a sitting President of the United States, such as Harry Truman in 1948, as an "underdog candidate" for the office?
I think Bernie Sanders has a better chance than Hillary Clilnton of beating a Republican in the general election because he isn't hated by large groups of people. And I've heard Tea Party people say they like him.
10
Nice to see some coverage for Sanders, but this is an odd way to go about doing it. Why not just cover what he's talking about and supports and how that lines up with a surprising percentage of voters (provided they can get past his hair).
4
This is nonsense. Pauline Kael, after Nixon's election, famously said, "How could he have won? Nobody i know voted for him!" To compare a national election to Tony voting is hilarious. Do people in Kansas and South Carolina have a say in the latter? Senator Sanders, for better or worse, will force Senator Clinton to tack left in the primaries and could perhaps contribute to the election of a Republican president. Once again, the party is at play between its idealists and centrisrs, which usually results in very little fun, at home or otherwise.
2
Kansas and South Carolina are less likely to vote for a Democrat, any Democrat, for president than Sanders has of winning the nomination. So why should the party even take those states into account when choosing a nominee. I don't see any Republican candidates modifying their stands on abortion rights or gay marriage to appeal to voters in NY or California. They're aware those states are out of play for them in the general election so why care about them.
Bernie sanders says we need FDR and TEDDY back in the white House, in spirit if not form. Even Ike saw that we were sliding down a greased flagpole and there weer a bunch of elleged Americans who were ensuring the process affected only those few they wanted to get the grimy iron cold shaft.
Since then both Dems and GOP have let these swinheherds push and pull the electorate along in the direction they have decided they want it to follow, and the voters have followed their pockets like a pig follows the smell of truffles.
Either we deserve what we get or we should be treated like more than the 2nd Amendment counts. Go ahead and call him a socialist--he's maybe the kind of socialist and politicians we need now-we have been buried in epough mud by the 2 parties to take a year to dig out to our waists. I say give Sanders a chance--he can't be any worse than the last 30 odd years of Demo-republicn place switching.
Since then both Dems and GOP have let these swinheherds push and pull the electorate along in the direction they have decided they want it to follow, and the voters have followed their pockets like a pig follows the smell of truffles.
Either we deserve what we get or we should be treated like more than the 2nd Amendment counts. Go ahead and call him a socialist--he's maybe the kind of socialist and politicians we need now-we have been buried in epough mud by the 2 parties to take a year to dig out to our waists. I say give Sanders a chance--he can't be any worse than the last 30 odd years of Demo-republicn place switching.
3
My opinion of your paper has been changing. I so looked forward to reading each day's news. Both the online editions and the one tossed on my lawn. But I started to get disappointed and then let down, and now angry at the NYTimes coverage of Senator Bernie Sanders.
Your readership fought back when your paper portrayed Bernie Sanders as a sort of kooky looking old man. He is 6 years older than Hillary? Always the "messy mop" hair remarks of various sorts in every article. I like Senator Sanders thinking cap-use-fray. Who cares if it's dangling? The Times must have a "hair askew" hang up.
You certainly took note of how much of your readership loved, admired, longed for , and believed Our nation both needed and deserved not only the candidacy of, but the leadership of Bernie Sanders.
On April 23 the article in your International Edition; "Cash Flowed to Clinton Foundation Amid Russian Uranium Deal" , seems a whole lot of information to persuade the American People the Clintons are not at all what they present themselves to be.
Not that anyone needed anymore prodding or fire in the house ( or face);to face the Clintons are Corporate Plutocrats and to call themselves anything else but
"Mine for me" or "Yours for Me, and Mine" is a laughingstock disgrace.
But I'm not laughing.
Your readership fought back when your paper portrayed Bernie Sanders as a sort of kooky looking old man. He is 6 years older than Hillary? Always the "messy mop" hair remarks of various sorts in every article. I like Senator Sanders thinking cap-use-fray. Who cares if it's dangling? The Times must have a "hair askew" hang up.
You certainly took note of how much of your readership loved, admired, longed for , and believed Our nation both needed and deserved not only the candidacy of, but the leadership of Bernie Sanders.
On April 23 the article in your International Edition; "Cash Flowed to Clinton Foundation Amid Russian Uranium Deal" , seems a whole lot of information to persuade the American People the Clintons are not at all what they present themselves to be.
Not that anyone needed anymore prodding or fire in the house ( or face);to face the Clintons are Corporate Plutocrats and to call themselves anything else but
"Mine for me" or "Yours for Me, and Mine" is a laughingstock disgrace.
But I'm not laughing.
5
I'm voting for Bernie Sanders. I hope he becomes president.
I don't know anyone who is interested in politics who likes Hillary.
I don't know anyone who is interested in politics who likes Hillary.
5
I like Bernie Sanders. I like the way he talks. I like the way he says he doesn't know enough about this or that.
He should, however, stop opposing GMOs and nuclear power both of which are safe. And he should distinguish coal from oil and gas. Burning coal fills the air with tiny particles less than a hundredth of a millimeter in size that get in our lungs and cause 10,000 premature deaths each year. Coal makes twice as much carbon dioxide as oil or gas for a given amount of energy produced. We should tax coal at a higher rate than oil or gas. But we should compensate coal miners thrown out of work.
He should, however, stop opposing GMOs and nuclear power both of which are safe. And he should distinguish coal from oil and gas. Burning coal fills the air with tiny particles less than a hundredth of a millimeter in size that get in our lungs and cause 10,000 premature deaths each year. Coal makes twice as much carbon dioxide as oil or gas for a given amount of energy produced. We should tax coal at a higher rate than oil or gas. But we should compensate coal miners thrown out of work.
1
Good report. Tiny correction: Senator Sanders is a Democratic Socialist, like the majority in some of the Scandinavian countries. Democratic Socialist and Socialist are different.
I have listened to the speeches of Mrs. Clinton and Senator Sanders. They both seem to have a grip on the reality of the dysfunction in US society.
It is too early to tell who will win the primary but I recommend that it is extremely important for the Party to concentrate its efforts on the House districts. A President is handicapped without the majority in the Congress and the House is critical. It is our system. Senator Sanders has been a member of the House and knows the pitfalls. It will be difficult to take on the gerrymandered districts because they are an outcome of the Census, which will come after the election, but the Party must work to contest seats with extremely competent contenders to go after incumbents who have a terrible voting record that has not been in favor of most Americans. This requires a lot of reseach and a very good understanding of the majority of the people in the district and a very strong get out the vote drive for the election. This means to get some practice in for the primarys. If a State has been gerrymandered so as to deprive the voters a one person one vote, this should be topic A, in the media & the press.
The Dems have strong candidates & reform will be easy, if the People take back their democracy by electing a Majority in the Congress.
I have listened to the speeches of Mrs. Clinton and Senator Sanders. They both seem to have a grip on the reality of the dysfunction in US society.
It is too early to tell who will win the primary but I recommend that it is extremely important for the Party to concentrate its efforts on the House districts. A President is handicapped without the majority in the Congress and the House is critical. It is our system. Senator Sanders has been a member of the House and knows the pitfalls. It will be difficult to take on the gerrymandered districts because they are an outcome of the Census, which will come after the election, but the Party must work to contest seats with extremely competent contenders to go after incumbents who have a terrible voting record that has not been in favor of most Americans. This requires a lot of reseach and a very good understanding of the majority of the people in the district and a very strong get out the vote drive for the election. This means to get some practice in for the primarys. If a State has been gerrymandered so as to deprive the voters a one person one vote, this should be topic A, in the media & the press.
The Dems have strong candidates & reform will be easy, if the People take back their democracy by electing a Majority in the Congress.
1
It breaks my heart that so many liberals criticize Hillary.
It shows that liberals are just as anti-women and just as susceptible to republican canards as republicans. I have been a democrat my entire life , but a democratic party that abandons Hillary is not one I want to be member of.
It shows that liberals are just as anti-women and just as susceptible to republican canards as republicans. I have been a democrat my entire life , but a democratic party that abandons Hillary is not one I want to be member of.
It is unfortunate to see people playing the "gender discrimination" card with respect to Mrs. Clinton. There are many -- many! -- good reasons why informed, intelligent voters of good will prefer both the policies and the campaign tactics of Sen. Sanders to those of Mrs. Clinton. To suggest that our opinions are motivated by sexism is, in itself, the very definition of a canard.
The problem is that -- sad to say, and much as I sympathize with its creators' intentions, Fun Home isn't a very good show. What would have been a powerful, moving and indeed challenging story if presented as a straight drama is marred by the very odd decision to make a musical out of it. The stronger parts of the narrative and some wonderful performances are marginalized by song and dance that belong in a different genre and dialogue rendered in labored plainmoan recitative undermines that dramatic interpretations of the actors. I would rather have seen it presented as a full length stage work that would permit giving each character their due, rather than this cobbled together, truncated (all that narrative crammed into 90 minutes!) mash-up of styles and media.
So if there's a lesson for Bernie here, I would say it's know your genre. Let Hillary have the big production values and the big media presence. Stay true to yourself, even if that means staying off Broadway!
So if there's a lesson for Bernie here, I would say it's know your genre. Let Hillary have the big production values and the big media presence. Stay true to yourself, even if that means staying off Broadway!
3
Our nation is in a terrible, terrible mess and has contributed mightily to the terrible, terrible mess our world is in ! If we need "buzz" words to give credit to the creators, the responsible for this deplorable situation they are "Democrats", "Republicans" and "Free Market Capitalism". If you need a more finite "buzz" word focus the list becomes quite long because it includes nearly all of the politicians, on both sides of the aisle, and the corporate "leaders" who have progressively lead our national and international "race to the bottom" over the past 30 years . Where else can you place the blame, - er, - excuse me, - credit ? And these same politicians/leaders are filling the airwaves with social and technical distractions, pure drivel, supplied with the money of the hugely wealthy to keep you from concentrating on the real, core problems . If you just listen and think about the sources of this drivel you will quickly note it is not coming from the - "buzz" word - "Socialist", Senator Bernie Sanders . Listen to him, actually hear and absorb what he says and check his background . Senator Sanders doesn't have to reinvent himself for this election, he has been a Main St. American his entire life, just like you and me . For the pundits of the "main stream media" to label him with the "buzz" words "Socialist" and "Underdog" is politically intentional and disingenuous . Just listen to what Senator Sanders says and see if you don't agree, - totally .
4
I think what Bernie is really offering as a candiadate is love.. Doesn't love conquer all?
2
An exercise in wishful thinking comparing the Fun Home and the White House? Unfortunately I do not think that the 844 Tony voters eligible are a representative cross section of Americans. And the paltry millions spent on Broadway musicals cannot be compared to the $1+ billion that will be spent to make sure the right person wins the presidency.
A play with two gay themes instead of the usual one is not exactly a hard sell on Broadway Mr. Healy. Certainly not an underdog.
The Tonys have spoken. Now, let's hear what the public says!
I wish American commenters knew the difference between socialists and social democrats, which is Bernie Sanders's avowed affiliation. Calling him a "socialist" automatically brands him as a Marxist and bogeyman. Social democrats, who advocate a social market economy, are no Marxist Communist radicals. Right-wingers, of course, like to put that label on Sanders and make him unelectable for dog-catcher in this country.
3
There's a reason Bernie gets little attention from the press. Less than ten companies own 90% of the news media. And of course we know who owns the news media; millionaires and billionaires.
Bernie gives the electorate a chance to vote for someone who expresses their ideals. I'm old enough to remember the picture of a grinning Harry Truman holding a newspaper with a blaring headline, "DEWEY WINS"
Bernie has my vote.
Bernie gives the electorate a chance to vote for someone who expresses their ideals. I'm old enough to remember the picture of a grinning Harry Truman holding a newspaper with a blaring headline, "DEWEY WINS"
Bernie has my vote.
4
I have read all of the comments posted so far and it looks like the Sanders supporters have already made their minds up. They have bought into the Republican nonsense about Hillary Clinton. Their complaints about Hillary sound just like what I hear on Fox.
1
Senator Sanders is not running a campaign to keep Hillary honest, or to just raise the debate on important issues. He is in it to win it. And with good reason. With the current state of our infrastructure, college tuition, austerity, partisan politics, campaign financing and climate change, we need a strong leader. The senator is that leader, he speaks with the voice of the people. I have never heard him speak with the voice of the corporation, or lobbyists. He gets my vote. Even if he does not get the nomination I will write him in.
8
So the NYT has grudgingly acknowledged Bernie Sanders and compared his candidacy to a musical. Though this op-ed is fine, I'm not impressed.
It's very clear that Hillary's already got your editorial board's endorsement. Even so, it's in your interest as a newspaper to appear impartial, which means giving Senator Sanders adequate coverage in the NEWS section.
It's very clear that Hillary's already got your editorial board's endorsement. Even so, it's in your interest as a newspaper to appear impartial, which means giving Senator Sanders adequate coverage in the NEWS section.
6
In the contests mentioned (1968 and 2004), when the true liberal candidate got beaten by the moderate candidate, the moderate went on to lose to the Republican.
I see the same thing happening in 2016 if Mrs. Clinton is nominated.
True, I would have preferred Senator Warren, but Bernie Sanders is also genuine and progressive. For the sake of our country, let us pray that he wins.
I see the same thing happening in 2016 if Mrs. Clinton is nominated.
True, I would have preferred Senator Warren, but Bernie Sanders is also genuine and progressive. For the sake of our country, let us pray that he wins.
7
Hillary has got it all figured out. After she wins the primary she will announce that her running mate will be former San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro the new housing secretary, thus securing for her the Latino vote- ie Southwestern states- because the Afro-American vote is going to be soft for her.
1
On the topic of electability: The article I would like to see about Bernie is an analysis of the demographic which has consistently voted for him with huge margins in election after election in Vermont. It isn't just the urban liberals. It is also a large portion of rural working class voters who otherwise often vote for republican candidates for local offices. Bernie has consistently shown them to be their champion, and they trust him. If he is able to be heard throughout rural ("red") America, Bernie definitely has a chance.
26
It has become very clear that the NYT is not supporting Hillary Clinton, using the play as an example of succeeding in politics is a bit overboard. Many people like Senator Sanders and his message, and I go along with him on many of his positions, but it is difficult to see how he could last the fierce contest of a Presidential campaign, not only in fund raising, but in convincing the voters that he can deliver the promises he is expounding. Incidentally, no matter who becomes the Democratic candidate for President, unless the voters elect a Democratic Congress, little will have been achieved.
The problem with this analysis is that it's probably a good bet that the 844 eligible to vote for a Tony are much more slanted toward progressive political issues than what Bernie Sanders will face in the presidential election.
That said, watching what happened to the Obama of 2008 become the president now explains much of Hillary now too. America has become a war zone every bit as dangerous as Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Palestine, Syria, Yemen . . . But a president with the heavy body armor on just to get and keep the job is not a president who can do the job.
This is a real problem. Could the answer be an even more underdog underdog? One more used to taking the hits, who embraces the S word? I'd like to think so but in my heart of hearts that's why I go into a darkened room with others to entertain the notion that it could be different. I fear it's something that can only happen in the magic of theater. I hope I'm wrong.
That said, watching what happened to the Obama of 2008 become the president now explains much of Hillary now too. America has become a war zone every bit as dangerous as Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Palestine, Syria, Yemen . . . But a president with the heavy body armor on just to get and keep the job is not a president who can do the job.
This is a real problem. Could the answer be an even more underdog underdog? One more used to taking the hits, who embraces the S word? I'd like to think so but in my heart of hearts that's why I go into a darkened room with others to entertain the notion that it could be different. I fear it's something that can only happen in the magic of theater. I hope I'm wrong.
Bernie always says what he thinks; he doesn't try to figure out what will sell to every possible interest group (Hillary's talk yesterday was supposed to be about four points and the first one was the economy and the fourth was reforming government, but in between everything turned to mush--something for everyone like a State of the Union Speech--gays, blacks, children, convicts, mental patients, immigrants, the poor, women, working women, single women, and so on--pure marketing). If she gets the nomination, I will simply write in Bernie's name. I'd rather have the real thing than marketing. And I don't mind Patrick Healy's article today at all; keeping Bernie an underdog as long as possible is probably a good idea. (All Healy is doing is working off a metaphor to say Bernie could win.) People like underdogs. They might vote an underdog into office. It's up to the Bernie fans now to start helping people understand that Medicare and Social Security are socialist in nature or democratic socialism that many European countries have and like. Republicans seem to like it too; they say one thing but keep grabbing those checks each month. If we want Bernie, we all have to go out now and work for him to win.
4
I think this is kind of weird article. It strikes me as condescending to Mr. Sanders ("Maybe you're like the little engine that could!"), and by extension to those who support him.
The reason I find this strange is that I seem to recall that this time eight years ago the conventional wisdom was that Hilary Clinton had the Democratic party nomination sewn up then as well (Feel free to correct me if I have it wrong).
Personally, I like what I hear about Bernie because he talks about the issues that I think are important. I haven't heard Ms. Clinton address anything of substance (although, to be fair, I haven't reviewed what she said in her speech yesterday). I am concerned that she will avoid being forthcoming about important issues as a strategy. I think this was the same one Mitt Romney used.
The reason I find this strange is that I seem to recall that this time eight years ago the conventional wisdom was that Hilary Clinton had the Democratic party nomination sewn up then as well (Feel free to correct me if I have it wrong).
Personally, I like what I hear about Bernie because he talks about the issues that I think are important. I haven't heard Ms. Clinton address anything of substance (although, to be fair, I haven't reviewed what she said in her speech yesterday). I am concerned that she will avoid being forthcoming about important issues as a strategy. I think this was the same one Mitt Romney used.
6
I agree that when people have a chance to hear Senator Sanders in person they will catch fire. He has consistently maintained the same policy positions he now voices all of years in the House and Senate. Hillary is opportunistically moving to the left for self-serving political reasons (as when she recently feigned a Southern twang while speaking in the South). We have too often experienced the false promises said on the campaign trail being diluted or forgotten when our candidate was elected. I think Senator Sanders is the genuine article, and I believe, as he says, he has come into this race to lead a much-needed revolution. Go Bernie!
6
No question that Bernie has grassroots support among folks possessed of two qualities, namely, a willingness to think critically beyond simplistic labels and a disaffection for how far US capitalism has slid over toward "laissez-faire." As pointed out by other readers, a little socialist infusion is necessary to regulate an economic system which, left untethered, frequently becomes the engine of greed, to the detriment of the planet and the majority of humans. Even beyond the threat of climate change, as a biologist, it's clear to me that this assuredly cannot continue indefinitely.
Sanders is the Roosevelt of our time --- an amalgam of TR and FDR --- and it's sad that a century after TR, we still regard the earth as our playground rather than seeing the actuality that humanity is one component of a macro-system still too complex for our most powerful computers to thoroughly understand.
I support Mr. Sanders as long as he's a candidate, and regardless of the corporate media's ongoing skewed and dismissive coverage.
Sanders is the Roosevelt of our time --- an amalgam of TR and FDR --- and it's sad that a century after TR, we still regard the earth as our playground rather than seeing the actuality that humanity is one component of a macro-system still too complex for our most powerful computers to thoroughly understand.
I support Mr. Sanders as long as he's a candidate, and regardless of the corporate media's ongoing skewed and dismissive coverage.
32
I will campaign enthusiastically and go dorr-to-door for Bernie Sanders. If Hillary Clnton is the Democratic nominee, I will vote for her, but it will not be an enthusiastic vote.
6
There is no reason for anyone not being able to vote for Bernie Sanders. It's the real difference between peace and endless war.
4
The only reason why Bernie Sanders is the underdog is because he lacks the name recognition of a Clinton (or Bush). But Americans can appreciate a man who has been consistent throughout his political career and says what he means and means what he says. That genuine feeling comes across with Sen. Sanders.
Hillary Clinton's biggest obstacle is a burned electorate who voted for hope in Obama and ended up with someone who did the bidding of corporations in the Affordable Care Act and the Trans Pacific Partnership. No one seriously thinks that Hillary won't similarly disappoint.
Bernie supports single payer health care care and opposes the TPP. He voted against the Iraq War. It takes political courage to take on the billionaire class which is why, just like Fun House, this underdog is a winner.
Hillary Clinton's biggest obstacle is a burned electorate who voted for hope in Obama and ended up with someone who did the bidding of corporations in the Affordable Care Act and the Trans Pacific Partnership. No one seriously thinks that Hillary won't similarly disappoint.
Bernie supports single payer health care care and opposes the TPP. He voted against the Iraq War. It takes political courage to take on the billionaire class which is why, just like Fun House, this underdog is a winner.
34
I've already made up my mind, "I will not vote for Hillary"! She talking like Obama during his 2008/2012 campaign. But this time I'm not buying anything she says.
3
It's all in the math. Underdogs can win if they are not too far behind the leader. Truman, Obama and Fun Home were behind but never very far, not like Sanders is now behind Clinton. I plan to protest vote for Sanders, but only because I am sure Clinton will win.
That would be so awesome! Electing Bernie Sanders President would revive my now dead and buried faith in this country.
6
I can understand why the talking heads and the other pols have all lined up behind Hilary. Everyone likes to publicly look like they're picking the winner. But I don't understand why anyone in the privacy of the voting booth would care whether their candidate won or lost, as long as they are going with their gut. Hopefully this divergence between public and private actions will make for some upsets over the next year.
1
I could see a possible Bernie Saunders tidal wave.
11
I'm a democrat and he's got my vote.He is indeed the real deal.
7
An awfully lot of people laughed at Bill Clinton when he ran for President. But, those of us who believed in him worked hard and held our breath on election night and he won. Hillary would certainly be better than any of the Republicans running, but let's have someone who believes what he says...and will actually work to make this a better country. So far, the Republicans have presented a long line of strange beings who want to be our leader. Most at least pretend to be very religious, most deny climate change, and many believe our country would be better off without government. What a strange group. So strange, that when I asked my right wing son and his wife which clown they were going to vote for, they looked at me with blank faces and said nothing until my daughter-in-law suggested Huckabee, then looked a bit ill. Bernie has always been a favorite with me. I want to see him in the White House.
5
Bernie is the first pol in decades who I can vote for without feeling like I need to take a shower afterwards.
End of story.
End of story.
6
For anyone who doubts how effective Sanders is as an elected leader, his electability or whether or not he can work with Republicans, this is for you.
http://m.thenation.com/article/208849-bernies-burlington-city-sustainabl...
http://m.thenation.com/article/208849-bernies-burlington-city-sustainabl...
2
Tony voters, much as we urban liberals might wish to analogize, are not a microcosm of the American electorate. The snowballing sociopolitical consensus in favor of marriage equality put LGBT (and women’s issues squarely in the spotlight. “Fun Home” was the right show that came along at precisely the right time in our history. It broke ground on several fronts--not the least of which was the first truly successful all-female composer-lyricist/playwright team on Broadway (which beat out a more memorable score, IMHO, by Sting for the doomed “The Last Ship”).
Sanders, OTOH, faces far greater obstacles. If only large coastal cities (and perhaps Chicago if one considers the shores of the Great Lakes a “coast”) in solidly blue states voted, he’d win in a walk. But he’s a much tougher--perhaps impossible--sell in the states that make up the bulk of the country. Even when he explains the truly benign and noble nature of his politics, most flyover-country voters will still be unable to get past the “S” word (Socialist). And though Lieberman nearly became our first Jewish VP, middle-Americans who apply the Jesus-litmus-test to every candidate will refuse to vote for Sanders. (There were push-poll calls in red and purple states back in 2000 asking “would you trust someone who does not believe in Our Lord and Savior to be a heartbeat away from the Presidency?”). The stone wall of a “Christian nation” is still nearly impossible to scale, alas.
Sanders, OTOH, faces far greater obstacles. If only large coastal cities (and perhaps Chicago if one considers the shores of the Great Lakes a “coast”) in solidly blue states voted, he’d win in a walk. But he’s a much tougher--perhaps impossible--sell in the states that make up the bulk of the country. Even when he explains the truly benign and noble nature of his politics, most flyover-country voters will still be unable to get past the “S” word (Socialist). And though Lieberman nearly became our first Jewish VP, middle-Americans who apply the Jesus-litmus-test to every candidate will refuse to vote for Sanders. (There were push-poll calls in red and purple states back in 2000 asking “would you trust someone who does not believe in Our Lord and Savior to be a heartbeat away from the Presidency?”). The stone wall of a “Christian nation” is still nearly impossible to scale, alas.
1
I certainly will support and vote for Hillary Clinton if she is nominated. There is not a single palatable Republican in the running. And it is not necessary to go beyond upcoming nominations for the Supreme Court to understand why it is crucial to elect a Democrat. But while Ms. Clinton has a substantial base of voters who champion her, she also has an extremely high negativity rating, especially among "undecided" who are likely to vote against her. The "hanky-panky" financial dealings of the Clintons are as unsavory as those of any of the Republican candidates backed by big money. I'm planning on watching Bernie Sanders to see how he is doing with the middle-of-the-road undecided candidates during the campaign. I wish him well, although I don't want to nominate an unelectable candidate. He needs to show he has broad support.
I think this reporter is catching the drift. Everyone I know to be politically keen is for Bernie.
4
Excellent column. It's refreshing to hear from an observer who isn't jaded by too many years spent chasing Hillary around the Beltway chicken coop. I hope Patrick Healy's piece inspires others in the national media to give Bernie Sanders' candidacy the full due it deserves and not stereotype him as a loveable, crusty gadfly. And I hope the good people of Vermont tell the rest of us that the senator's brand of passionate, authentic politics isn't just pie-in-the-sky liberalism, but has actually paid off in countless ways for the Green Mountain state.
Drawing parallels between Tony voters (all theater people) and the American electorate is absurd.
1
I keep picturing Bernie at the Democratic convention after he gets the nomination. The place will go absolutely WILD!! Sherrod Brown for VP!! Bernie is a runaway train. No one can catch him!!!
Everyone likes an underdog, especially when against HRC.
Everyone likes an underdog, especially when against HRC.
2
Hillary started talking the talk today but she'll never walk the walk. Wall Street is willing to be mean-mouthed by Hillary because they know she's on their side. All the things Hillary said today are positions bernie has taken for decades. He didn't have to "evolve" like Hillary did. He doesn't have his finger in the wind. And she voted for the Iraq War from which it has been impossible from which to be extricated. She not deserving of a single vote for that reason alone. There's not a sincere bone in her body.
4
Well, the NYT's is slowly moving along to acknowledge Bernie Sanders - "If you want to support..", moving along from the Gail Collins mud fest of a few weeks ago.
In another Time's story today about Ms. Clinton's first rally in New York:
"The Brooklyn Express Drumline revved up the crowd assembled on a narrow stretch at the southern tip of the island. And Marlon Marshall, the campaign’s director of political engagement, rattled off statistics about the number of volunteers who have signed up and house parties held in the early nominating states. ..........A section with giant screens set up for an overflow crowd stood nearly empty."
Some readers have castigated, me, a Canadian, about commenting about your country. But the policies your country makes, and the actions it takes severely affect the rest of the world, not just you and me.
I wish we had a candidate with half the credentials, common sense, and courage of Mr. Sanders. He/she would be 100% better than what will be on offer to us in our fall federal election.
I am envious. You folks have a good candidate, just do it! How much worse could things get?
Is it time for the real fifth estate, not Fox News to try to do the right thing? How about it NYT's?
In another Time's story today about Ms. Clinton's first rally in New York:
"The Brooklyn Express Drumline revved up the crowd assembled on a narrow stretch at the southern tip of the island. And Marlon Marshall, the campaign’s director of political engagement, rattled off statistics about the number of volunteers who have signed up and house parties held in the early nominating states. ..........A section with giant screens set up for an overflow crowd stood nearly empty."
Some readers have castigated, me, a Canadian, about commenting about your country. But the policies your country makes, and the actions it takes severely affect the rest of the world, not just you and me.
I wish we had a candidate with half the credentials, common sense, and courage of Mr. Sanders. He/she would be 100% better than what will be on offer to us in our fall federal election.
I am envious. You folks have a good candidate, just do it! How much worse could things get?
Is it time for the real fifth estate, not Fox News to try to do the right thing? How about it NYT's?
4
Goofy article. Tony voters like to go with avant garde when it suits them. The old theme that Hilary is little different from Republicans is tired, wrong and misleading. The Supreme Court matters as does the ability to take regulatory action and on occasion be able to put together legislative coalitions to pass key legislation as well as put out fiscal house in order. Democratic Presidents have these accomplishments following sub par and disastrous Republican Presidencies. Senator Sanders is genuine but doctrinaire. He is unable to pull in the independent swing voters to win a Presidential election. Given the gerrymandered House and swing Congress if Democrats squander their only natural electoral advantage to elect a Democratic President by nominating Sanders then a lot of individual rights we take for granted will be on the chopping block.
2
I always liked Sen. Sanders. And then I listened to him on the Diane Rehm show recently. Never once in my 63 years have I ever heard a candidate for anything - much less president of the US - answer every question put to him with no hesitation, with complete authenticity and I agreed on every single answer he gave. I am going to vote for him. How could I not? He believes in everything I believe in. How could I turn my back on a true progressive? We desperately need him. Hillary is Republican-lite, too, just like Obama. Bernie is the real deal. Go, Bernie!
7
Last month Hillary condemned mass incarceration, and today tried to step in front of Bernie on inequality, climate change, health care, and same-sex marriage, issues that Bernie has spoken most forcefully about. As such, primary choices will be less like Gene McCarthy vs. LBJ and more like McCarthy vs. RFK, with more voters probably picking Hillary as the one with the best chance of effectuating change.
1
The only people who appear not to have faith in Bernie Sanders are MSM journalists and pundits.
Virtually every Comment I read in these pages has Mr. Sanders hitting on all cylinders.
Please stop telling us he has no chance.
He does.
Virtually every Comment I read in these pages has Mr. Sanders hitting on all cylinders.
Please stop telling us he has no chance.
He does.
7
I think that Hilary Clinton is a well versed and polished politician. I believe that she wants the presidency more than she wants what's best for American Citizens.
Bernie Sanders has been giving voice to "unpopular" ideas for a long time now.
In addition, I don't believe that the citizens of this country can withstand another Bush or Clinton.
My vote will go to Bernie Sanders.
Bernie Sanders 2016!
Bernie Sanders has been giving voice to "unpopular" ideas for a long time now.
In addition, I don't believe that the citizens of this country can withstand another Bush or Clinton.
My vote will go to Bernie Sanders.
Bernie Sanders 2016!
5
I look forward to voting for Bernie Sanders. It will be the first time in many years that I can vote for a candidate who has earned my respect rather than a candidate who's claim to my vote is that s/he's the least offensive option.
31
The fact is that the positions Bernie has taken on key issues are supported by a majority of Americans. And he stands by them forthrightly because they are right, not just because they poll well. Why would this not translate into an electoral win, even if he's portrayed as the underdog? If people will just vote for their true beliefs, Bernie can win. Hillary is not inevitable.
32
No doubt that, if people get a chance and will listen to Senator Sanders, he will gain much support strictly from the force of truth in his positions. My primary concern is the US electorate, more specifically our intelligence and attentiveness. If he somehow captures the Democratic Party nomination he will undoubtedly be tattooed as a "socialist", which of course is how he describes himself. My fear is that the label itself will be sufficient to sway a majority of an electorate so susceptible to sound bites and labels, and so little attentive to fact. In my view, our potentially much more widely beneficial capitalist system could use a healthy dose of socialist seasoning about now.
28
I like Sanders and his message. I'm tired of Clinton. But, yes, the word socialist is guaranteed to alienate voters. The real race will be run in Republican primaries. Jeb Bush, like Hilary Clinton, carries a whole lot of baggage with the advantage of name recognition. Personally, I feel a Bush/Clinton race in November would prove America is no longer a democracy. I'd rather see a Republican slaughter Sanders than that eventually. But I remain an optimist. Go Bernie!
Michael, What you say is true, but he is not electable in these United States.
What a cynical lot we are. Bernie Sanders got 41% against Hillary's 49% in a Wisconsin straw poll, and the news appeared pretty much everywhere but the NYT.
Look at the "Politics" section. Try to find a story on Bernie. You'll find multiple ones on Hillary, Jeb, and a lot of others. But for days at a time, nothing on Bernie.
And then he appears--in an op ed piece comparing him to a quirky musical. That makes truth telling and not taking Big Money into endearing if antiquated qualities. To some of us, those qualities are not "yesterday." They are part of any hope of saving this country.
Go Bernie! Even if the Times ignores you Go Bernie!!
Look at the "Politics" section. Try to find a story on Bernie. You'll find multiple ones on Hillary, Jeb, and a lot of others. But for days at a time, nothing on Bernie.
And then he appears--in an op ed piece comparing him to a quirky musical. That makes truth telling and not taking Big Money into endearing if antiquated qualities. To some of us, those qualities are not "yesterday." They are part of any hope of saving this country.
Go Bernie! Even if the Times ignores you Go Bernie!!
115
Eight points is a considerable difference.
The phrase "damning by faint praise" comes to mind, don't it? Don't worry, Bernie, the article gushes, you can win an award, just like a Broadway musical! Puh-leeze. Political articles don't have to be all grim and sober, but comparing Sanders ' run for the White House to a musical's run for a a Tony is like -- well, it's like saying that Hillary Clinton's campaign is like watching a cement-drying competition: it'll take a long time, and when it's done we'll have another gray edifice.
39
Bernie Sanders will capture the "none of the above" vote. It remains to be seen if he can win America's heart as well. His message to Congress "The Speech" is a call to action that many will follow.
15
This is absolute nonsense. I have read Fun Home and plan to see the musical in the coming week. Ms Bechdel is a humorous writer but even as a gay man I won't be following her on Bernie Sanders. Oh and by the way Obama turned out to be way more conservative than Hillary and certainly wasn't a big success and may even yet get us back into that war he didn't support. It's Clinton all the way for this Democrat. Real life is not Broadway. The underdog is just a romantic notion not always the elixir for which one hopes. Sometimes you just have to grow up.
7
Real life is certainly not Broadway.
At this point our "real life" political system seems more like Mad Magazine meets the Firesign Theater.
At this point our "real life" political system seems more like Mad Magazine meets the Firesign Theater.
1
With all due respect, David. You may be over thinking it.
Growing up is voting for Hilary Clinton! I really hoped for much more out of life.
2
Dare to dream losing the 2016 election! Hillary Clinton offers the best hope for retaining the platform of the Democratic Party in place for the next four years. Focus... It's about keeping Republicans from appointing Supreme Court Justices and much more!
9
Yes, it's amazing that Broadway backed a gay play. When was the last time that ever happened?
2
As long as the word "socialist" is attached to Bernie Sanders, he doesn't have a chance in hell. Americans are neither smart enough to parse the true meaning of the word, nor brave enough to take a chance on a man who speaks common sense without all the frills of big money behind him.
29
Bernie Sanders would be the first socialist president??? What about FDR?
28
Glad that the Times is giving some additional coverage to Senator Sanders, but one correction: Senator Sanders is a democratic socialist (as in the Scandanavian countries), not a socialist as that term was used in the Soviet Union.
Let me also add that Senator Sanders deserves straight coverage in the Times-- no need to compare him to a Broadway play. The substantial crowds turning out for Bernie in Iowa-- witness his most recent event at Drake University in Des Moines, which attracted an enthusiastic crowd of over 700-- is enough of a story, which the Times should cover.
Let me also add that Senator Sanders deserves straight coverage in the Times-- no need to compare him to a Broadway play. The substantial crowds turning out for Bernie in Iowa-- witness his most recent event at Drake University in Des Moines, which attracted an enthusiastic crowd of over 700-- is enough of a story, which the Times should cover.
156
Thank you! The article is just another way to diminish the power of Senator Sander's message and his candidacy. Americans must ignore establishment media, because their job is make sure his candidacy is marginalized.
2
There are Republicans who would love to see Sanders win the Primary in that crowd. However, they will vote for whatever Republican clown wins their Primary. Sanders is not electable in this country. Hillary Clinton is.
Please remember that the next President will control the Supreme Court.
Please remember that the next President will control the Supreme Court.
1
Yes, I love Bernie, too. But I don't need to rely on Broadway, the home of plays sponsored by Bernie's infamous "billionaire backers," to believe in what he stands for. Bernie is definitely an off-Broadway, outer-borough type of guy by way of Vermont. Nevertheless, a 73-year old, Brooklyn-born socialist who's Jewish may be exciting, but, at best, he's just a stand-in for Elizabeth Warren--every progressive Democrat's real choice to be the first woman President. Hillary Clinton has clearly seen the mood of her party and hopefully the electorate and is rapidly embracing many progressive ideas. It's wonderful to have Bernie there pushing Hillary on important issues like the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement, the Keystone XL pipeline, tax policy, and education reform, but I'm old enough (yes, Bernie's age) to realize that it will take much, much more than magical thinking, from Broadway or elsewhere, to see him get the nomination and then win enough electoral college votes to be elected President.
26
Bernie Sanders is no "stand in" for Elizabeth Warren, an inexperienced newcomer to politics. Sanders has been publicly fighting for his principles for over thirty years.
3
This analogy feels contorted. Categorizing Fun Home as the scrappy underdog rather than the most rapturously reviewed new musical in years feels like a distortion to fit a contrived analogy. I was delighted to see Fun Home win but I wasn't the least bit surprised. I'll be nothing short of ecstatic if a woman as competent as Hillary Clinton becomes president.
8
Basically, nobody knows anything, so you can take solace in the fact you know at least as much as a highly paid political consultant, though you can't bill by the hour for being a poll-peddling witch doctor. With that in mind, vote Sanders, vote your conscience.
37
That will help elect a Republican who will control the Supreme Court nominations.
1
Bernie Sanders and Wendy Davis! Not corporate owned. Not Mad Men marketed to match the focus groups. They literally stand for something, not their own ambition and enrichment.
23
Don't forget that Wendy Davis lost her bid to become Governor of Texas.
1
Bernie is helping to "push the world forward", as he:
moves the conversation forward,
and pushes Ms. Clinton leftward.
This is all good, but I, for one, would rather have Hillary Clinton than Bernie Sanders when it comes to confronting Vlad the Impaler.
The one thing we know for sure about Hillary Clinton:
She is one tough cookie.
moves the conversation forward,
and pushes Ms. Clinton leftward.
This is all good, but I, for one, would rather have Hillary Clinton than Bernie Sanders when it comes to confronting Vlad the Impaler.
The one thing we know for sure about Hillary Clinton:
She is one tough cookie.
13
So she's a "tough cookie". In these times, macho bluster accomplishes nothing. World events may actually be out of our control to influence in the "old style" a la military intervention and endless war. International problem-solving may require some creative, out-of-the-box thinking, and none of the main characters have shown any inclination to use it.
2
Labeling a lesbian musical on Broadway as an underdog is like calling American Pharaoh a wannabe.
Are you serious?
Are you serious?
6
NI dare you to name any other show on Broadway that has ever had one lesbian in any significant role before Fun House.
I'm still waiting.
I'm still waiting.
3
These Three by Lillian Hellman. Okay, it's been a while.
Sounds like "Democratic" strategist Douglas E. Schoen is doing his best to marginalize the existential threat that Bernie Sanders poses to the oligarchy. Good sign!
54
Please keep Bernie Sanders in the news. The more people know about him and what he stands for, the more likely they will vote for him.......To be one of the best presidents the U.S. could ever have.
89
You are dreaming. A Jewish Socialist from Brooklyn elected? In this country?
1
Careful what you wish for, Bernie-ites, because such magical thinking, however exciting at the moment, could quite conceivably put another Bush in the White House.
8
He is running in the Democratic primary, not as a third party candidate. You and a lot of others need to check their civis and understand the difference!
2
@Leigh
If the people vote in another Bush, they deserve what they get.
If the people vote in another Bush, they deserve what they get.
I would agree with this more were the election taking place in any decade but this. Unfortunately, now that 2010 solidified the role of dark money in campaigns, I just don't feel that a true underdog like Sanders can get the nomination, let alone win.
People say they want "authentic" until they start paying more attention and end up voting for their pocketbooks or their ideology--in a very self-interested manner. While the folks will cheer Sanders on and applaud what he says, I'm not sure that in our 50-50 polarized age, that's going to matter. Republicans will vote Republican, and Democrats will vote ... for the candidate with the greatest chance to prevent 3 branches of government controlled by Republicans.
Clearly if Sanders is the candidate, I'll vote for him. But I consider it such a long shot, that I'm not holding my breath. In the meantime, I just don't think you can compare a presidential candidate to a long-short underdog Tony nominee or an Oscar upset. The voters for these arts awards are a closed club--unlike the broad swath of US voters.
People say they want "authentic" until they start paying more attention and end up voting for their pocketbooks or their ideology--in a very self-interested manner. While the folks will cheer Sanders on and applaud what he says, I'm not sure that in our 50-50 polarized age, that's going to matter. Republicans will vote Republican, and Democrats will vote ... for the candidate with the greatest chance to prevent 3 branches of government controlled by Republicans.
Clearly if Sanders is the candidate, I'll vote for him. But I consider it such a long shot, that I'm not holding my breath. In the meantime, I just don't think you can compare a presidential candidate to a long-short underdog Tony nominee or an Oscar upset. The voters for these arts awards are a closed club--unlike the broad swath of US voters.
16
Bernie has one major weakness, which is also maybe his most-endearing quality -- he's not beholden to Big Money. We'll see where this goes. I suspect he will go a lot farther than most (including Mr. Healy) give him credit for.
61
You quote Douglas E. Schoen to judge Sen. Sanders' ultimate level of support. Don't forget Barack Obama was an unlikely winner and certainly would not win in today's political climate despite doing a good job as President. There are many millions of voters waiting to cast a protest vote against Mrs. Clinton and against Mr. Obama. Some of us McCarthy supporters have made do with Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama and the others. Bernie Sanders can shake things up especially with with a news media that treats the majority of the Republican candidates as if they make enlightened and factual observations and comments. You surely cannot let go the wide range of politicians on the right that have endorsed conspiracy theories and given a voice to so many outrageous assertions. Mr. Sanders is one of the few voices of reason available to us.
60
Have you even bothered to listen to Hillary Clinton. From your comment, I guess not. Who will win in Alabama? Why not work on electing Democrats in Alabama?
1
Before one compares similarities between two long-shots, one that won and one that almost certainly won’t, one should consider that some are suggesting that Sepp Blatter may have had something to do with this year’s Tony Award wins.
Bernie Sanders is an ideological outlier (by a Texas ton), who will no doubt find it satisfying to have the media platform necessary to evangelize his fulminations against distinction of any kind in America; but he’ll be talking largely to himself and a narrow sliver of the liberati. That means that despite the support from the Truly Blue, he won’t be able to cobble together a sufficient coalition to de-crown Hillary, much less be credible in a general election even if he did.
But I support ol’ Bernie, and I’m a Republican. His efforts, along with those of Senator Liz, force Hillary to policy positions that are substantially to the left of a center-right American electorate that she will need to win in order to best Jeb Bush in November, 2016. Left enough that she’s going to have difficulty repudiating them when it comes time to do so in order to woo moderate Democrats and Independents, who largely decide elections these days – and this while Bush is issuing policy proffers that are becoming more moderate by the day.
Underdogs are loved by Americans when they WIN. But Bernie is not one of those. What awaits him on the left is what already has arrived for Ron Paul on the right: tolerated, senior-statesman curmudgeonness.
Bernie Sanders is an ideological outlier (by a Texas ton), who will no doubt find it satisfying to have the media platform necessary to evangelize his fulminations against distinction of any kind in America; but he’ll be talking largely to himself and a narrow sliver of the liberati. That means that despite the support from the Truly Blue, he won’t be able to cobble together a sufficient coalition to de-crown Hillary, much less be credible in a general election even if he did.
But I support ol’ Bernie, and I’m a Republican. His efforts, along with those of Senator Liz, force Hillary to policy positions that are substantially to the left of a center-right American electorate that she will need to win in order to best Jeb Bush in November, 2016. Left enough that she’s going to have difficulty repudiating them when it comes time to do so in order to woo moderate Democrats and Independents, who largely decide elections these days – and this while Bush is issuing policy proffers that are becoming more moderate by the day.
Underdogs are loved by Americans when they WIN. But Bernie is not one of those. What awaits him on the left is what already has arrived for Ron Paul on the right: tolerated, senior-statesman curmudgeonness.
2
I don't know that Bernie can go the distance, but here's what's interesting about him: when voters actually hear him, they come away impressed. I agree that big money and the party machinery are in Hillary's and Jeb's camps, but that doesn't mean that voters are locked into those paradigms.
I'm betting that Bernie will do far better in Iowa and New Hampshire than the pundits predict. He clearly stands up for the little guy, and that resonates with a lot of us. Give 'em hell, Bernie!
I'm betting that Bernie will do far better in Iowa and New Hampshire than the pundits predict. He clearly stands up for the little guy, and that resonates with a lot of us. Give 'em hell, Bernie!
86
I think we're getting pretty close to ageism when we use the word "curmudgeon," which, to my way of thinking, doesn't describe Bernie Sanders' philosophy or behavior at all. I wonder if that word would have cropped up had Sanders been 40. Bernie's beliefs are Bernie's beliefs, and age has nothing to do with it.
I'd say that "senior-statesman" Sanders is doing quite all right just as he is.
I'd say that "senior-statesman" Sanders is doing quite all right just as he is.
7
If they weren't free, I'd consider paying to read your comments.
Sanders has mounted, momentarily, an inselberg, from where he will indeed "fulminate against distinction" until he's lassoed and dragged back down. And the fact that "Bush is issuing policy proffers that are becoming more moderate by the day" is used as a compliment says much about the state of the Grand Old Party. Apparently we're now seeing Democrats obligated to protect their left flank in much the way Republicans have been obligated to protect their right (see irrational antipathy to the trade agreement). This is a troubling development. The American people have gone off the deep end, by and large, and their madness is having rather detrimental effects on our political system.
I blame the Republicans, because I like blaming them for bad things. Should this distaste for centrism and desire to ignore that the other half exists continue for much longer, perhaps I'll have to stage a coup d'état.
Sanders has mounted, momentarily, an inselberg, from where he will indeed "fulminate against distinction" until he's lassoed and dragged back down. And the fact that "Bush is issuing policy proffers that are becoming more moderate by the day" is used as a compliment says much about the state of the Grand Old Party. Apparently we're now seeing Democrats obligated to protect their left flank in much the way Republicans have been obligated to protect their right (see irrational antipathy to the trade agreement). This is a troubling development. The American people have gone off the deep end, by and large, and their madness is having rather detrimental effects on our political system.
I blame the Republicans, because I like blaming them for bad things. Should this distaste for centrism and desire to ignore that the other half exists continue for much longer, perhaps I'll have to stage a coup d'état.
1
Mr. Schoen, the Democratic strategist quoted in this piece, and others in the chattering class are pushing a narrative to try to convince the public that underdogs can't win. Nothing could be further from the truth.
A Quinnipiac poll shows Sanders at 15 percent nationwide, 16 percent in Iowa, and 18 percent in New Hampshire. Compare Sanders' numbers to Jimmy Carter who "wasn’t even on anyone’s radar at this point in the campaign."
The Corporate Media Would Like You to Think Bernie Sanders Can’t Win
http://m.dailykos.com/story/2015/05/22/1386790/-The-Corporate-Media-Woul...
“Over the last 40 years, out of seven races in which the Democratic nomination was up for grabs—races, that is, when a sitting Democrat president wasn’t seeking reelection—underdogs have won the nomination either three or four times (depending on your definition of an underdog) and have gone on to win the presidency more often than favored candidates.
"[Carter] polled at 1 percent among Democratic voters [in the early stage of his campaign]. But he won because voters had had it up to here with insiders.
“If you don’t see a parallel to the present moment—a discontented time of Occupy, Black Lives Matter, Moral Monday, Fight for $15, the People’s Climate March, Move to Amend, and other anti-establishmentarian agitation—you’re either asleep or a publisher.
“As Sanders says, ‘Don’t underestimate me.’ He’s in it to win.”
A Quinnipiac poll shows Sanders at 15 percent nationwide, 16 percent in Iowa, and 18 percent in New Hampshire. Compare Sanders' numbers to Jimmy Carter who "wasn’t even on anyone’s radar at this point in the campaign."
The Corporate Media Would Like You to Think Bernie Sanders Can’t Win
http://m.dailykos.com/story/2015/05/22/1386790/-The-Corporate-Media-Woul...
“Over the last 40 years, out of seven races in which the Democratic nomination was up for grabs—races, that is, when a sitting Democrat president wasn’t seeking reelection—underdogs have won the nomination either three or four times (depending on your definition of an underdog) and have gone on to win the presidency more often than favored candidates.
"[Carter] polled at 1 percent among Democratic voters [in the early stage of his campaign]. But he won because voters had had it up to here with insiders.
“If you don’t see a parallel to the present moment—a discontented time of Occupy, Black Lives Matter, Moral Monday, Fight for $15, the People’s Climate March, Move to Amend, and other anti-establishmentarian agitation—you’re either asleep or a publisher.
“As Sanders says, ‘Don’t underestimate me.’ He’s in it to win.”
131
Amen! Sanders '16!
3
The thing is... Senator Sanders is pretty much right on every issue he's raising - and the growing crowds in the midwest are a testament to their receptivity to his message, no matter how the media choose to belittle it, or him, or his hair, his age, his clothing, his background, or his politics.
Everyone is forgetting the 500-pound gorilla in the room:
The Koch Boys' billion dollars. Which will buy a LOT of 'advocate' ads (the same kind of ads Governor Corporate is using to push school privatization down voters' throats in New York and fossil-fuel companies are using to assure us they are our 'friends,' and cigarette companies used to convince us smoking was 'cool') for whichever (R) clone they wish to carry their anti-worker, anti-oversight, anti-conservation, anti-female agenda.
Bernie's politics, Hillary's femaleness, Joe Biden's age... they will be subject to the same withering bias as that of President Obama's race.
I'm rooting for whoever can effect the changes we need to make in our country to once again be a role model for the world, "with liberty and justice for all."
Everyone is forgetting the 500-pound gorilla in the room:
The Koch Boys' billion dollars. Which will buy a LOT of 'advocate' ads (the same kind of ads Governor Corporate is using to push school privatization down voters' throats in New York and fossil-fuel companies are using to assure us they are our 'friends,' and cigarette companies used to convince us smoking was 'cool') for whichever (R) clone they wish to carry their anti-worker, anti-oversight, anti-conservation, anti-female agenda.
Bernie's politics, Hillary's femaleness, Joe Biden's age... they will be subject to the same withering bias as that of President Obama's race.
I'm rooting for whoever can effect the changes we need to make in our country to once again be a role model for the world, "with liberty and justice for all."
154
"I'm rooting for whoever can effect the changes we need to make in our country to once again be a role model for the world, 'with liberty and justice for all.'"
It won't be the 1 percent candidates. Hillary Clinton is expected to raise $2.5 billion for her campaign and from super PACs. The Republican candidates have billionaires funding their campaigns. Bernie Sanders has never taken corporate money, nor will he take super PAC money. The average donation to his campaign is $40.
In 180 Seconds You Will Be Voting for Bernie Sanders
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rtBVuye4fZQ
"I am running for president because I have four beautiful kids and I have seven beautiful grandchildren. I want to make sure that the world we leave them is a beautiful world where people can live full, dignified lives. I do not want to see a world where people are struggling and stepping all over each other.
"We can do it. We can provide health care to all of our people. We can create decent-paying jobs. We can reverse climate change and transform our energy system. We can raise wages. We can make sure that every person in this country gets the education they need and desire.
"This is not some type of utopian dream. It can happen, but it will not happen unless we stand up and fight back for not only ourselves, but for our kids and future generations. Let's do it."
Join the political revolution.
It won't be the 1 percent candidates. Hillary Clinton is expected to raise $2.5 billion for her campaign and from super PACs. The Republican candidates have billionaires funding their campaigns. Bernie Sanders has never taken corporate money, nor will he take super PAC money. The average donation to his campaign is $40.
In 180 Seconds You Will Be Voting for Bernie Sanders
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rtBVuye4fZQ
"I am running for president because I have four beautiful kids and I have seven beautiful grandchildren. I want to make sure that the world we leave them is a beautiful world where people can live full, dignified lives. I do not want to see a world where people are struggling and stepping all over each other.
"We can do it. We can provide health care to all of our people. We can create decent-paying jobs. We can reverse climate change and transform our energy system. We can raise wages. We can make sure that every person in this country gets the education they need and desire.
"This is not some type of utopian dream. It can happen, but it will not happen unless we stand up and fight back for not only ourselves, but for our kids and future generations. Let's do it."
Join the political revolution.
80
"Everyone is forgetting the 500-pound gorilla in the room:"
Oh that's not the only one as far as Sanders is concerned. Stay tuned.
Oh that's not the only one as far as Sanders is concerned. Stay tuned.
Ads do not a winning election make--this is now becoming clear--Koch brothers know this and so do the Dems. This is why Hills is bringing her dead mom out of the closet-a women betrayed by her parents and saved by FDR and Truman- I would trust Sanders before I would trust 8 figure Hillary and her family of now fabulously wealthy Northern plutocrats, who are in this for all the can stash away. So are the GOP candydates--which means blue or Red-they are 2 sides of the same wooden nickel.
Hillary Clinton can never beat a Republican. She has way too much baggage/skeletons and will be forced to spend the entire campaign defending herself. Don't believe me--remember a clown named "W" beat Gore. And "W" was re-elected.
Sanders can beat any Republican candidate because his message will resonate with the conservative middle class voter. The voter who has been neglected by BOTH parties the past thirty years.
Sanders actually believes in the policies he is advocating while Clinton is just trying to placate her base.
Sanders can beat any Republican candidate because his message will resonate with the conservative middle class voter. The voter who has been neglected by BOTH parties the past thirty years.
Sanders actually believes in the policies he is advocating while Clinton is just trying to placate her base.
149
Sounds like the same old stuff we've been hearing about for years about Hillary from Faux News is sinking in. They've said it so many times and so many ways, it's become accepted in both Repub and Dem minds: "She's phony".
But those wacko Republican candidates are experts at just placating their base and we rarely hear anyone call them out on it. So only Hillary always says stuff she doesn't mean?
Ridiculous. Think about it.
But those wacko Republican candidates are experts at just placating their base and we rarely hear anyone call them out on it. So only Hillary always says stuff she doesn't mean?
Ridiculous. Think about it.
34
Brains, experience, guts. That's why Hillary will win. There's not one Republican candidate who isn't tainted by their legacy of Hate.
7
Scott - I would love to agree with you in part because I would love Bernie to win. But I have lived in a Socialist country, and travelled widely. In America you just say the word Socialism and Americans spend the next two hours deriding your opinion. A Bernie Sanders win will never happen.
5
The same sex marriage example mentioned here supports this thesis in another way.
Many people including me came around to see this in a new way because of people we know who are gay or lesbian. We came to believe.
It wasn't the politicians who did it. They reacted to it. They followed. They only followed when they saw they had to do it to survive as leaders of a parade that had decided where it wanted to go.
The American people are upset and disgusted. They have widely come to the conclusions that only Bernie Sanders is willing to say in politics.
Bernie's big advantage is that he is already saying what so many of us believe, and nobody else is willing to say that yet.
If he shows the way, others will scramble to get in front and take it from him. But they, we'd get what we want, what he wants.
Many people including me came around to see this in a new way because of people we know who are gay or lesbian. We came to believe.
It wasn't the politicians who did it. They reacted to it. They followed. They only followed when they saw they had to do it to survive as leaders of a parade that had decided where it wanted to go.
The American people are upset and disgusted. They have widely come to the conclusions that only Bernie Sanders is willing to say in politics.
Bernie's big advantage is that he is already saying what so many of us believe, and nobody else is willing to say that yet.
If he shows the way, others will scramble to get in front and take it from him. But they, we'd get what we want, what he wants.
180
Uh -- no. Only 3 states voted to allow gay marriage, and that was because billionaires like Jeff Bezos and Michael Bloomberg spent tens of millions of dollars on deceptive advertising blitzes. The other 33 states had gay marriage FORCED ON THEM by social engineering courts & legislatures.
The truth is that gay marriage proponents claim the high ground, but then recoil in terror at letting the people decide -- unless the people are misled and deceived by huge ad budgets. Er, and those huge budgets are a wretched misuse of democracy when done by the Koch brothers, but entirely A-OK if done by gay marriage proponents.
If the American people want to vote for Bernie Sanders -- you say (quite without any reality backing it) that "Americans widely come to the conclusions that only Bernie Sanders is willing to say" -- then he'll be nominated as the Democratic candidate. But that's about the most extreme long shot I've heard in a while. Are you even remotely aware of Hillary's BILLIONS? her foundation? her wonky bookkeeping at said foundation?
The hardest thing (apparently) for lefty liberals to believe is what a minority they are -- they have NEVER had the backing of most of the nation, and the Obama years have trampled what little goodwill they did have after the financial crisis.
The truth is that gay marriage proponents claim the high ground, but then recoil in terror at letting the people decide -- unless the people are misled and deceived by huge ad budgets. Er, and those huge budgets are a wretched misuse of democracy when done by the Koch brothers, but entirely A-OK if done by gay marriage proponents.
If the American people want to vote for Bernie Sanders -- you say (quite without any reality backing it) that "Americans widely come to the conclusions that only Bernie Sanders is willing to say" -- then he'll be nominated as the Democratic candidate. But that's about the most extreme long shot I've heard in a while. Are you even remotely aware of Hillary's BILLIONS? her foundation? her wonky bookkeeping at said foundation?
The hardest thing (apparently) for lefty liberals to believe is what a minority they are -- they have NEVER had the backing of most of the nation, and the Obama years have trampled what little goodwill they did have after the financial crisis.
What we absolutely cannot afford to risk is splitting the Dem vote in 2016 and ending up with ANY GOP type. They currently have 15 hopefuls, and collectively they don't add up to anything close to what a Clinton presidency would bring to the country. I like what Bernie says too, but how could he possibly get his agenda through our dysfunctional, establishment-owned Congress? Better to have Bernie perhaps as V.P. or in a Clinton cabinet to be more effective at shoveling out the Augean DC stables...
Sanders’ message will resonate--but unfortunately, too much of America is unwilling to accept him as the messenger. I travel extensively throughout the Midwest (including the vast red non-urban territory that makes up the majority of even nominally “blue” states), and I still see and hear so much scandalously inaccurate and paranoid vitriol against Obama--based primarily on his ethnicity. I fear that even if overt anti-Semitism won’t come into play, the Christian-believer-litmus test will be a nearly insurmountable obstacle. Remember the stupid meme (which still persists) that Obama was a Muslim? (Not that there’s anything wrong with practicing Islam). It was only evidence of his church attendance that redeemed him (barely) in the eyes of the religiously bigoted.
We get the leaders we deserve. Unfortunately, America still has too many bigots and corporate shills for us to deserve someone as good and sensible as Sanders. Maybe someday we’ll evolve.
We get the leaders we deserve. Unfortunately, America still has too many bigots and corporate shills for us to deserve someone as good and sensible as Sanders. Maybe someday we’ll evolve.
1
I recommend a series of articles on the policies and results of Democratic Socialism, examining keystone issues like education, income inequality, transportation and infrastructure, health care, and overall quality of life for the average citizen, etc. This series could then compare and contrast results with those here in "Free Market" Capitalist America.
You might include the fact that the top ranked nation in the U.N. survey of "Quality of Life for the Average Citizen" has been Norway - a Democratic Socialist nation with a comprehensive social safety net . You would also discover that Norway has held the top spot in this all important metric for the past seven consecutive years- followed by other Democratic Socialist nations of Western Europe.
Alas, 'twas once a time when journalists sought to educate and inform rather than practice stenography for the wealthy classes.