I do wish the major news media would concern itself more with informing people about the issues and less with articles devoted solely to trying to predict winners.
3
'Activists' is a misnomer for Sanders' base. They do not support direct action unless it's convenient for them. NetRoots and Seattle proved that.
I wonder about the data that was scrapped for this analysis, did the data include events anyone could see on the database- those that were hosted and made "public and searchable?" I myself hosted an event in North Carolina but did not make it a public event so it was not visible to those looking to attend. There is also of course a margin of error in both directions between those who RSVP'd and did not attend and those who did not RSVP and did attend. What analysis was been doing of the website traffic itself, that would include people who watched but did not create an event.
1
It's early. Sanders is not known in much of the country. He has not traversed the nation yet. And possibly even more importantly, there have been no votes. There is a deep pool of dissatisfied voters and they are not all liberal. It's quite possible that Sanders' appeal goes far beyond so-called 'liberals.' Working men and women in the private market are upset that public employees appear to be doing better. Sanders talks always about raising their incomes, not about tearing down public employee incomes instead. His message is vastly superior to working men and women. A group that will be the last to see and hear Sanders, in my opinion. If that happens, you will have a Sanders presidency.
4
Vermont reveals the fallacy in conservative politics. The liberals are completely in charge and it's a beautiful thing, despite what you may hear on Fox News. Just compare the statistics with any "red" state. Burlington, VT is consistently rated as one of the best cities its size anywhere, in large part due to Bernie's efforts as mayor. Vermonters remembers how much he did to improve so many things. He did it in the same manner you see on the campaign trail, by being direct and consistent. We're not delusional, it will be very hard for him to win the Presidency. But we're really looking forward to see Bernie take on the Republicans with their ideological blinders, delusions and distaste for facts.
6
Because of this article and the ongoing biased reporting the Times is doing regarding Bernie's campaign, I am canceling my subscription and am writing a $100 check to Bernie.
18
Here's a challenge to the NYT --- write a well-balanced, front page article on Sanders. 1) What has he accomplished in his career in the Senate, or as a politician (keep it recent--not 25 ya)? 2) Who supports him, or who is listening to him? 3) What are the polls saying? 4) What is his message and why? (GCC, TPR, WS, BLM, IMM, etc.) 5) Who is afraid of him, and why? 6) Why is Warren reaching out so much to the Sanders campaign? 7) Why did HRC go visit Warren right before HRC officially declared she was running--what happened at that meeting? 8) Why is the pro-establishment democratic party hoping Biden enters the race, or don't they? 9) What is Sanders looking to do in the next few months? 10) Why hasn't Sanders, or other contenders, received their fair share of coverage in the "free press"?
Thank you.
--- A whole lot of people.
PS... to the editor. People are not dumb--they know why the NYT won't publish a serious article on Sanders. Has the NYT considered that despite that, Sanders numbers are taking off? Any businessperson worth their salt would instantly think---geez--these must not be NYT people supporting him.
So, where do you think these people are getting their information? IOW--these are all potential clients (buyers of your product) that aren't buying your product. Could it be your small niches will be lost as the next generation approaches? Because.. just maybe... W.DC isn't the only one out of touch?
Thank you.
--- A whole lot of people.
PS... to the editor. People are not dumb--they know why the NYT won't publish a serious article on Sanders. Has the NYT considered that despite that, Sanders numbers are taking off? Any businessperson worth their salt would instantly think---geez--these must not be NYT people supporting him.
So, where do you think these people are getting their information? IOW--these are all potential clients (buyers of your product) that aren't buying your product. Could it be your small niches will be lost as the next generation approaches? Because.. just maybe... W.DC isn't the only one out of touch?
17
The media seems to have a keen interest in convincing consumers that Bernie Sanders cannot overcome the odds and take the Democratic nomination, perhaps underestimating the public's growing distrust of institutions that continue to fail to deliver year after year, decade after decade, including the media itself and in particular, the 'newspaper of record'.
7
How about a real NYT piece on Sanders? He has not had a fraction of the coverage given to the Republican Klown Kar in these pages. Not entertaining enough perhaps? Where has responsible Journalism gone onn this important issue. I hope for better as the election approaches.
11
The NYT coverage of Bernie Sanders has basically caused me to conclude that the NYT is pandering to the big banks and their fear of his candidacy. It has become apparent by the number and types of articles that either Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump would be preferable to whatever forces are influencing the NYT and those forces apparently are the big banks and the PACS that are trying to buy the election. My vote is not for sale.
15
The reason that Mr. Sanders support is narrow is because so are his ideals. Everything for Bernie boils down to economics and income inequality. When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail. I saw Mr. Sanders recently on a Sunday morning news show and he came across as very combative and no matter the question he tied his answer to economics. I get that he was trying to stay on his message, but in so doing, he came across as lacking the gravitas to be president.
2
Okay--but everything in this consumer country is about "GDP economics" (social econ, envir. econ, micro, and macro, all aside) --everything is about the market. Here, money is power and if you don't have it, you don't have the power to impact change. Even the playing field, and redistribute the power.
Besides, I would argue that, unlike other candidates, instead of playing with symptoms and Band Aids, and beat around the bush on issues, Sanders goes to the heart of it. For instance, can you name one bully pulpit issue that doesn't stem from or is not directly affected by our income inequality?
Education? I/I issue
College costs? Same
Immigration? I/I issue
Women's Rights? I/I issue
Racism? I/I issue
Trade/Foreign Relations? Hardly--quite a direct impact considering Glob Economy. It's just spread I/I issues to other countries.
WS Reform? Nope--it's an I/I issue
Min Wage? Nope, again.
Healthcare? Definitely a I/I issue.
GCC? Definitely an I/I issue.
The list goes on and on... Sanders does break it down if you read up on him--he's very vocal. He just goes to the heart of the issue first. He makes us understand why the issue is a problem. It's the economy ____. Sorry, had to end with that.
Besides, I would argue that, unlike other candidates, instead of playing with symptoms and Band Aids, and beat around the bush on issues, Sanders goes to the heart of it. For instance, can you name one bully pulpit issue that doesn't stem from or is not directly affected by our income inequality?
Education? I/I issue
College costs? Same
Immigration? I/I issue
Women's Rights? I/I issue
Racism? I/I issue
Trade/Foreign Relations? Hardly--quite a direct impact considering Glob Economy. It's just spread I/I issues to other countries.
WS Reform? Nope--it's an I/I issue
Min Wage? Nope, again.
Healthcare? Definitely a I/I issue.
GCC? Definitely an I/I issue.
The list goes on and on... Sanders does break it down if you read up on him--he's very vocal. He just goes to the heart of the issue first. He makes us understand why the issue is a problem. It's the economy ____. Sorry, had to end with that.
8
Finally an article on Sanders - telling us why he can't win. Come on, NYT, just be out with it and tell me who I should vote for.
3
Bernie can't win unless voters--- especially young voters--- hear and absorb his message. It is a daunting task given the failure of the media to contrast Bernie's specific proposal his opponents generalizations. Three cases in point: where does his Democrat opponent stand on TPP? On Keystone XL? What does she mean by "taking on the gun lobby?" When candidates say they'll "stand up for the middle class", or "fight climate change" or "take on the gun lobby" but offer no specifics, Bernie trusts that they will eventually be seen for what they are and disenchanted voters will come to the polls and vote for him. It's a long shot, but it COULD happen because most voters stayed home in the last election because they had no choice. With Bernie, they HAVE a choice!
5
His support is narrow?! Oh, I beg to differ. I was at a house part this past Wednesday and sitting next to me were two self-proclaimed conservatives, two independents, and two Obama Democrats.
This is a demographic theme among his supporters at such events.
This article is nothing more than an attempt to put Senator Sanders in a box, close the lid, and claim him unimportant.
Bern Baby Bern!
This is a demographic theme among his supporters at such events.
This article is nothing more than an attempt to put Senator Sanders in a box, close the lid, and claim him unimportant.
Bern Baby Bern!
10
Love it!
Berning Down the House!
Berning Down the House!
It is a bit disheartening to see so many Democratic voters chasing the illusion of purity in an election which could otherwise be won.
1
That is exactly what I was told eight years ago when I threw my support out early for then Senator Barack Obama.
7
Bernie Sanders is a novelty that will wear off once voters realize that he does nothing but shout the same rhetoric over and over and over ad nauseam. My impression lately has been that more of the "fringe" is beginning to see how shallow his fantasies really are.
1
Black and Hispanic voters don't know Bernie yet, for whatever reason. When they learn more, they will respond to his authenticity and his policies.
You need to stop pooh poohing the man, Nate. It's early. When all voters see Bernie next to Hillary etc in the debates, they will flock to him.
You need to stop pooh poohing the man, Nate. It's early. When all voters see Bernie next to Hillary etc in the debates, they will flock to him.
4
Another negative column about Bernie in HRC's rag, the NYT. True that Bernie had few July 29 meetings in more conservative states. However he did have support meetings in every state. And. hey, what about the huge turnouts at his events in conservative venues like Phoenix, Houston, Dallas and New Orleans. It is early yet and Bernie is doing just fine. It's just corporate media like the NYT doing their biased thing and, by the way, not doing fine in the realm of fair reporting. I just may have to cancel my subscription.
5
It's a shame African Americans don't hear a voice speaking up for all the disadvantaged, be they black or white or brown.
And, paradoxically, being black might well have limted Obama's fighting voice. And it was the Communist hating Nixon who made that first trip to Beijing and it was that white, soutern male, Lundon Johnson. who pushed/wrangled legislation against discrimination in the Sourth.
I long for the day we can see it is all 99% of us that matter.
And, paradoxically, being black might well have limted Obama's fighting voice. And it was the Communist hating Nixon who made that first trip to Beijing and it was that white, soutern male, Lundon Johnson. who pushed/wrangled legislation against discrimination in the Sourth.
I long for the day we can see it is all 99% of us that matter.
1
Guess what. Bernie Sanders is not Barack Obama. He will not appeal to exactly the same voters as did Barack Obama. Nor does he necessarily appeal to the same voters as does Hilary Clinton. This is a man who was elected Mayor of Burlington VT, and to the US Congress as a third party candidate. Let's talk about the records of the candidates and their positions on the issues. Let's evaluate those records to assess how likely it is they will walk the walk rather than just talk the talk. Let's talk about the reasonableness of their positions, the potential impact on the country and on various groups of the candidate's presidency. Because I don't look at the New York Times to be told that Bernie Sanders does not appeal to the exact same electorate as did Barack Obama.
6
Obama needs to endorse Sanders. That is if Obama is serious about improving conditions for poor people and black people--and if Sanders can really deliver that.
2
I would like to see more coverage of "Bernie" by the Times and other news media.
He is a candidate, unlike a few others who really don't qualify for the Office of President, they are day dreaming.
Bernie has a real message and a plan., plus he cares. The rest, well...
Give his message a chance.
Only good can come of it.
He is a candidate, unlike a few others who really don't qualify for the Office of President, they are day dreaming.
Bernie has a real message and a plan., plus he cares. The rest, well...
Give his message a chance.
Only good can come of it.
4
Bernie Sanders for VP!
Do not miss Bernie Sanders’ mega rally in Washington State on Saturday, August 8th at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion (University of Washington campus)!
RSVP Here:
https://go.berniesanders.com/p
RSVP Here:
https://go.berniesanders.com/p
4
Keep trying to discourage voter turn out for Bernie. Those of us who support him will continue to ignore you and engage other voters. The election is more than a year away and in that time, more people will hear him. He has a long history of support for civil rights: actions speak louder than words. BTW, don't underestimate the people who voted for Romney and are now looking at Bernie.
4
Much as I agree with Sanders' ideas, I really do not think he could win the general election, and we cannot risk a Republican victory. The Democratic left often goes for a candidate who expresses their ideals initially (see Bradley, Dean) but it's dangerous (see Nader, 2000) to do so for too long. Obama got their love but also had the huge black vote in his favor, so he was an exception. C'mon, Dems, I hate to say it, but get real soon.
2
It appears from all the comments below that Mr. Sanders' supporters are uncommonly dedicated to the ideals he espouses. When you lose interest in the game of politics, you'll end up with Bernie, unless you, too, are among the "billionaire class"!
2
I believe that both the depth and width of Bernie Sanders support is quite impressive as he only recently began campaigning when compared to Hillary Clinton who has been campaigning more or less constantly in one manner or the other since the reelection of George W. Bush in 2004 and was already internationally known. I changed my voter registration to Democrat from Independent to be able to vote for him in the primary.
It is also worthy to note that Ms Clinton has yet to consolidate a significant base among Black voters who seem almost indifferent to her. As Bernie's base becomes more organized his message will also be more widely broadcast across the board. It is significant that on a very important issue to lower income voters of all races that Bernie favors a $15 an hour minimum wage whereas Hillary has only conceded to supporting a raise to $12 an hour or 20% less. This will not go unnoticed as more people read or hear about it.
It is also worthy to note that Ms Clinton has yet to consolidate a significant base among Black voters who seem almost indifferent to her. As Bernie's base becomes more organized his message will also be more widely broadcast across the board. It is significant that on a very important issue to lower income voters of all races that Bernie favors a $15 an hour minimum wage whereas Hillary has only conceded to supporting a raise to $12 an hour or 20% less. This will not go unnoticed as more people read or hear about it.
14
I'm sure Hillary will agree to a $15 per hour minimum wage in order to beat Sanders, she'll say anything to win. What I don't understand is why anyone believes her, since she's changed up on other issues too since the last time she ran.
2
How about lobbying Congress or at least your State Legislature for the $15 minimum wage now. Maybe it is just not realistic in many States to hope for.
It is one thing to hope for changes, but we need to work to change our Congress in order to do it.
It is one thing to hope for changes, but we need to work to change our Congress in order to do it.
2
She said last week she'd think about $12/hr. Meanwhile, she has now released her tax returns back--I forget--7 or 8 years? What does it matter.... she paid out $44 million in taxes. Can you imagine? Do you think someone that wealthy understands the issues of the working class or the loss of the middle class?
1
Maybe narrow. But the intensity is really great. Now I hope Sen. Sanders will be able to decisively sway the actions of the "Republic" in a most desirable way.
In 1992 Ross Perot swayed in a not very desirable way to reduce the deficit & debt and to increase tax on the better off, which was indeed a watermark in a positive sense but there was a little too much cut in safety net programs. If a more aggressive tax increase to somewhere between pre-Reagan era rates & the current rates, such taxation on the affluent will probably be sustainable, and a model for the rest of the world, not exactly emulate, but to take seriously into consideration, even if it takes more than a few years. The marginal rates in the Eisenhower era were confiscatory but in the Reagan they were of plutocracy.
I would say about 15-20% of the top incomes should pay at the Clinton era level, top 0.1% of incomes at 50% rate & the top 0.01% in incomes at 70% rate, on over that portion of the incomes, naturally; below that at the respective levels. This is a modest, sustainable hike in taxes.
There are other areas to levy or hike taxes. Without such taxation this country will devolve into a plutocracy, which MAY create unpredictable civil unrest.
In 1992 Ross Perot swayed in a not very desirable way to reduce the deficit & debt and to increase tax on the better off, which was indeed a watermark in a positive sense but there was a little too much cut in safety net programs. If a more aggressive tax increase to somewhere between pre-Reagan era rates & the current rates, such taxation on the affluent will probably be sustainable, and a model for the rest of the world, not exactly emulate, but to take seriously into consideration, even if it takes more than a few years. The marginal rates in the Eisenhower era were confiscatory but in the Reagan they were of plutocracy.
I would say about 15-20% of the top incomes should pay at the Clinton era level, top 0.1% of incomes at 50% rate & the top 0.01% in incomes at 70% rate, on over that portion of the incomes, naturally; below that at the respective levels. This is a modest, sustainable hike in taxes.
There are other areas to levy or hike taxes. Without such taxation this country will devolve into a plutocracy, which MAY create unpredictable civil unrest.
9
We also must raise the cap for payroll taxes, currently at around $118,500 of Adjusted Gross Income.
This means someone like H. Clinton (for example), who earns, along with her husband, around $20 million a year, pays just $17,000 in payroll taxes each year (7% employer/ 7% employee sides of $118,500), which amounts to less than 1/10th of 1% payroll taxes.
The wealthiest people pay just 0.01% payroll taxes. I pay 15% an a business owner, plus income taxes of around 28%.
This means someone like H. Clinton (for example), who earns, along with her husband, around $20 million a year, pays just $17,000 in payroll taxes each year (7% employer/ 7% employee sides of $118,500), which amounts to less than 1/10th of 1% payroll taxes.
The wealthiest people pay just 0.01% payroll taxes. I pay 15% an a business owner, plus income taxes of around 28%.
2
I think the SS tax should be extended for the entire income of the person. As for business, leave it at the $118,500 level. That way billionaires will pay up to the level of their earnings. I'm sure their expensive tax attorney's will figure something out to mitigate their tax level.
2
I was at one of the Bernie Sanders meetings here in Seattle. The lack of people of color was not only brought up, but an older African American male actually took to the stage to confront the issue of Bernie addressing systemic racism.
I felt that, especially in light of the continued tragedies we've faced over the last year, his platform is surprisingly silent on the issue of race relations and systemic racism in this country. I am for Bernie. I would like to know more clearly that he is for me. Income inequality and systemic racism go hand in hand, and speaking of one with such passion and leaving the other off his platform is glaring.
I believe he will take the feedback and do better.
I felt that, especially in light of the continued tragedies we've faced over the last year, his platform is surprisingly silent on the issue of race relations and systemic racism in this country. I am for Bernie. I would like to know more clearly that he is for me. Income inequality and systemic racism go hand in hand, and speaking of one with such passion and leaving the other off his platform is glaring.
I believe he will take the feedback and do better.
14
Bernie has one of the most impressive civil rights records of anyone in office. That record by no means ended in the 60's. He has an exceptional rating with both the NAACP and the ACLU. As an example of his sense of justice; he fought against the mass incarceration of African Americans back in 1991. At that point it wasn't even given proper media attention and it was obviously done simply because it was the right thing to do, and not to pander to voters. One Bernie supporter did point out an unusual problem he has, though. He walks the walk but doesn't talk the talk. I'm sure he will get better as he speaks with more people.
10
Bernie Sanders fights for equality for all, not "black" equality, or "latino" equality, but simply equality.
Mr. Sanders is color blind when it comes to inequality. Once we start dicing it up into perceived racial divides, we are therefore divided, and are doomed to fail in our efforts to level the financial playing field.
Mr. Sanders is color blind when it comes to inequality. Once we start dicing it up into perceived racial divides, we are therefore divided, and are doomed to fail in our efforts to level the financial playing field.
3
We can only hope.
When all is said and done (hurry the day) I'll probably have an a la carte choice of Hilary Clinton, Secretary Clinton, Senator Clinton, or Mrs. Bill Clinton. I find it nearly impossible to be "for" her. I think she's ambitious (okay with me) and a greasy grind (still okay) but curiously "absent" in her over-cooked remarks. Too many cooks in the kitchen? The efforts to make her appear personable and appealing just make things worse. Bernie gives it to you straight. I fear that day has come and gone - for so many troubling reasons.
10
Nate made a mistake, he did come to Louisiana. He was here at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner with a capacity crowd on Sunday.
17
Nate was referring to the events specifically tied to Bernie's July 29, 2015 teleconferenced speech.
Glad to see you knew he was in Louisiana. Are you going to vote for him?
Glad to see you knew he was in Louisiana. Are you going to vote for him?
HA!
And what is the breadth of support for other candidates, probably all of which have cash to buy advertising?
There is an impllication is this article that there are candidates with broader appeal. A well balanced article will state the implied comparisons.
And comparing black support for Bervie vs Obama is moot; there is no other viable black candidate for 2016.
And what is the breadth of support for other candidates, probably all of which have cash to buy advertising?
There is an impllication is this article that there are candidates with broader appeal. A well balanced article will state the implied comparisons.
And comparing black support for Bervie vs Obama is moot; there is no other viable black candidate for 2016.
He made a mistake. Or maybe he was deliberately misleading, to make Bernie's cause look hopeless. The corporate media have little incentive to tell the truth.
It is the responsibility of the NYT to report fully and regularly what Bernie's positions and statements are, not to seek to marginalize his candidacy. Think how few Americans actually bother to vote. Suppose they heard a candidate who isn't a product being marketed to them. Suppose they voted for him.
38
It seems that every article in the Times is an attempt at marginalizing his candidacy or make him seem like a crackpot holdover from the 60's. Guess what, we already know Bernie's got a long road to hoe. Now let's talk about the issues.
Not sure Nate noticed, but there are black/hispanic/asian folks at these rallys for Sanders.
I didn't know having 100s of thousands of folks listen to you online or 10s of thousands at rallies is not good when all of your contenders can barely get a couple hundred to listen to them.
Am I missing something about what narrow means in political campaigns?
I didn't know having 100s of thousands of folks listen to you online or 10s of thousands at rallies is not good when all of your contenders can barely get a couple hundred to listen to them.
Am I missing something about what narrow means in political campaigns?
24
It could be some of these potential voters don't feel safe going out in the evening or aren't online. Doesn't mean they won't vote in November '16.
After years of reading the Times, and using it as a textbook in my Journalism class, I am discontinuing my subscription, because of their totally biased reporting on Bernie Sanders. This article was the tipping point.
37
I'm curious. What will you read/use as a teaching tool instead?
1
Between those of us threatening to cancel because of the coverage of Bernie Sanders and the awful coverage of Hillary Clinton...there will be no more readers. Yes, the coverage of Hillary is awful and often nasty (Maaureen Dowd), but I guess you Sanders supporters don't notice that.
1
Typical of the Times coverage of Sanders, this is unsurprisingly negative - all he hasn't done, all he must do and likely cannot. He is distinctly uncorporate; the Times is obnoxiously corporate. So we expect this.
31
Is your data reliable? Scraping RSVPs may not be the best proxy for event attendance. For instance, several thousand people reportedly turned out at a Sanders rally in Kenner, LA -- a location you imply is "Mr. Sanders’s weakest region."
http://www.theneworleansadvocate.com/news/13017187-123/bernie-sanders-us...
http://www.theneworleansadvocate.com/news/13017187-123/bernie-sanders-us...
20
The Sanders rally in Louisiana was hardly representative of the state. The greater New Orleans area is very liberal. But that's the end of it. I grew up in the "real" Louisiana. The state, as a whole, is made up of ultra conservative folks who are desperate for a "Jesus" man in the White House. New Orleans lost its clout in Louisiana politics after Katrina.
Bernie is a rare bird, which is why the media don't know what to make of him, his candidacy, or the motivations of his supporters, which is why they incessantly conclude he's a mere outlier with no chance of being elected. This "Upshot" piece is not exception.
Bernie's rarity? He's a politician who has never adopted the career politician's habit of saying things solely in order to win votes; instead, he has actual positions of principle and purpose and longtime consistency, and he is not shy about telling voters exactly what those positions are.
It seems our jaded media simply can't wrap their heads around such a transparent and forthright creature--he simply does not fit their search image of what constitutes a successful politician in modern America!
Well, media, at some point it would be wise to reconsider your definition of "viable" in terms of candidacies, and the sooner you manage this, the better it will be, for your readers, for the country, and for your own legitimacy. A start would be to begin addressing his positions on the issues, and what people think about those positions, you know: like it's an actual election. Please.
Bernie's rarity? He's a politician who has never adopted the career politician's habit of saying things solely in order to win votes; instead, he has actual positions of principle and purpose and longtime consistency, and he is not shy about telling voters exactly what those positions are.
It seems our jaded media simply can't wrap their heads around such a transparent and forthright creature--he simply does not fit their search image of what constitutes a successful politician in modern America!
Well, media, at some point it would be wise to reconsider your definition of "viable" in terms of candidacies, and the sooner you manage this, the better it will be, for your readers, for the country, and for your own legitimacy. A start would be to begin addressing his positions on the issues, and what people think about those positions, you know: like it's an actual election. Please.
42
So, Sanders is not a unanimous choice among Americans after a mere two months of campaigning. Thanks for the insight, NYT.
41
I can't help but think that if Hillary had managed to pull together this many people in a grassroots house party, this article would once again be about the inevitability of her election, not how narrow the support is. Bernie pulls people from all walks of life and not just from the Democratic Liberal branch. His ability to draw huge crowds in Red states is proof of this fact.
34
#feelthebern
I know you would just rather everyone jump on the Hillary bandwagon.
I just want to say that i am in GA, and there were a bunch of these house parties going on for Bernie. I signed up to go about a week ahead, and all of them were at full capacity. It was quite hard to find one that wasn't.
Sooo...yeah... Georgia feels the Bern more than you think.
I know you would just rather everyone jump on the Hillary bandwagon.
I just want to say that i am in GA, and there were a bunch of these house parties going on for Bernie. I signed up to go about a week ahead, and all of them were at full capacity. It was quite hard to find one that wasn't.
Sooo...yeah... Georgia feels the Bern more than you think.
34
The main problem for Bernie Sanders is that no one knows who he is or what he stands for. And, Mr. Cohn and the media, in general seem to want it that way. While we are gagged with Trump coverage and most every other wingnut GOP candidate and the Hilary, very little of Sanders positions and proposal are made clear to the public. Mr. Cohn may not be interested in Mr. Sanders positions on issues, but that really does not absolve him and the media from reporting them. Mr. Cohn's continuing dissections of Sanders campaign strategies are of interest but they are not what the general public needs to make informed decisions in November.
26
Event attendance/sign-up is a key predictor?
And I thought all I had to do to skew predictions was to screen my landline phone calls... shamelessly lie if I accidentally answered one of the pollsters.
I need to up my game.
And I thought all I had to do to skew predictions was to screen my landline phone calls... shamelessly lie if I accidentally answered one of the pollsters.
I need to up my game.
3
Ah, Nate! Yet another column, with dubious statistics, basically advocating for Clinton. I don't even bother finishing your pieces anymore because I know what they'll say. Bernie will fail and Hillary will sail. But, guess what, Nate? There are millions of us out there that don't care what you or they say. Because we believe in Sanders. I had given up on politics and had no plans on voting until Bernie entered the race. I have been waiting for someone like him for most of my life. Someone real, someone I know will fight, to battle for the 99%, someone I can believe in. And, I believe Nate, I BELIEVE! So, go ahead and keep it up. But, I'm NOT listening! I will try, even on disability, to give his campaign whatever money I can find to help him. And, if voters can't see that he can change the course of the rapid and ugly decline of our country and frightening future for the next generations, then so be it. We'll continue down the highway to hell and I'll continue praying. But, I will NOT vote for Clinton. I'll be writing Bernie's name in. So, go ahead and keep it up. But, rocker Phil Collins said it best, Nate: "I don't care anymore, I don't care anymore! I don't care what you say, I never believed it much anyway! I don't care anymore! Get out of my way, let me by! I got better things to do with my time. I don't care anymore!" There is nothing you or Clinton can do or say that will make me change my mind. I believe in Bernie! I BELIEVE!
26
To write in Bernie's name on the ballot if he doesn't get the nomination is to vote for the Republican--because your vote will be purely symbolic, but THEY will vote in hordes and make their votes count. Hillary may not be Bernie, but she's far and away better than any of those clowns. I, too, believe and want Bernie to win, but if he doesn't, Plan B is Hillary. We must keep THEM out of the White House at all costs!
At this point in 2007, Obama had surprisingly little support among black Democrats. Why would one expect Sanders to have more now? White liberals initially propelled Obama to the front, and they could do so also for Sanders.
The moderates and minority voters tend to focus on the primary later in the process.
The moderates and minority voters tend to focus on the primary later in the process.
19
And you're surprised after you- New York Times- has given do little attention to him?
16
Mr. Cohn has an irritating habit of looking for the negatives when reporting about Bernie Sanders. He makes statements like, "To win the nomination, Mr. Sanders will need to have a far broader coalition." and offers no attribution. Is this his personal opinion? Is this the opinion of a non-partisan political historian? Does the fact that Barack Obama had large turn-outs and voter support from the African-American community mean all future candidates must have the same level of support and turn-out? What was the turn-out before Barack Obama with white candidates running as Democrats? Of course Bernie Sanders needs to broaden support. His campaign is not even three months old. I venture that most voters do not know who Bernie Sanders is. It is impossible to compare minority support for a women whose name has been in the news for thirty years with a person voters are just getting to know. 100,000 people on a summer night meeting to support a political candidate 6-7 months before a caucus or primary is phenomenal.
24
What you have failed to take into account, just like all mainstream media is the Gen X vote. It turns out that we are willing to pay higher taxes, yes, on ourselves, to salvage the wreck that is our nation at the moment.
I have polled friends from every region of this country and Bernie Sanders is on everyone’s’ mind.
The Republican debacle has no chance and they know it. Hillary, as much as she feels entitled to it, will not be the first woman president.
People who admire everything that post Citizens’ United politics made moot are all backing Bernie,
Imagine a politician that has no dirt because he has honest beliefs and positions that actually serve his constituency! Bernie is the only candidate that can pass the sniff test and the largest group of voters that you seem willing to dismiss in the next election agree.
Let us know how humble pie tastes, will you?
I have polled friends from every region of this country and Bernie Sanders is on everyone’s’ mind.
The Republican debacle has no chance and they know it. Hillary, as much as she feels entitled to it, will not be the first woman president.
People who admire everything that post Citizens’ United politics made moot are all backing Bernie,
Imagine a politician that has no dirt because he has honest beliefs and positions that actually serve his constituency! Bernie is the only candidate that can pass the sniff test and the largest group of voters that you seem willing to dismiss in the next election agree.
Let us know how humble pie tastes, will you?
29
It's not so much favorability, but familiarity. They don't know who the old white guy from Vermont is. Most people didn't either, six months ago. And two months ago, the NYT wouldn't have even mentioned the fact that he's running for President, never mind make a top story about it. By those metrics, things are looking up.
12
Tired of the Republican Beauty Pageant? Seen Trump! the summer blockbuster? Take two Bernies and call me in the morning. Think of his appearances as cooling centers in a killer heat wave.
15
Yeah. This Sanders guy is such a weak candidate. Look at all the grassroots support events for Hillary! He has no chance. :D Thanks for this selective data analysis providing the same view on Sanders which you hold since he desided to run. Looking forward to articles like "Sanders might have surpassed Hillary in the polls, but that's just a short term fling and he definitivly going to lose because...yadayada"
16
Another Times article or think piece that states that Bernie can't win because African-Americans are so solidly behind Hillary.
Times reporters, could you please look into why African-Americans seem to be so supportive of Hillary, even though there is not one single, solitary thing I can think of that she's ever done for civil rights in this country? On the contrary, her husband, through his Nixonian tough-on-crime strategy, was responsible for locking up more African-Americans for lower-level offenses for longer periods of time than any other President in our history. His execution of Ricky Ray Rector, a severely mentally impaired black man, was played up to the press to make Clinton look tough, and was one of the nastiest, most cynical political moves in recent American history.
All the while Hillary stood by her husband and nodded while her husband made his political career on the backs of young black men. And as my Senator, I cannot remember a single civil rights issue that she championed.
So please, tell us: What is it about Hillary that African-Americans seem to like so much?
Times reporters, could you please look into why African-Americans seem to be so supportive of Hillary, even though there is not one single, solitary thing I can think of that she's ever done for civil rights in this country? On the contrary, her husband, through his Nixonian tough-on-crime strategy, was responsible for locking up more African-Americans for lower-level offenses for longer periods of time than any other President in our history. His execution of Ricky Ray Rector, a severely mentally impaired black man, was played up to the press to make Clinton look tough, and was one of the nastiest, most cynical political moves in recent American history.
All the while Hillary stood by her husband and nodded while her husband made his political career on the backs of young black men. And as my Senator, I cannot remember a single civil rights issue that she championed.
So please, tell us: What is it about Hillary that African-Americans seem to like so much?
25
My guess? And that's all it is…a guess. They're more straight-party voters. They're not as likely to pull apart a candidate's record. More likely they'll vote for whoever mobilizes in old-fashioned ways - door to door, phone calls, and meeting with local leaders, not net.roots and rhetoric.
The NYT's pro-establishment slant is almost totally transparent at this point.
18
This is another of the drumbeat of NY Times articles about why Bernie Sanders can't win, shouldn't win, and shouldn't be taken seriously.
Each day we have another feature on Donald Trump and his ilk, with the non-verbalized implication--if not Hillary, this. Most of the factors Sanders has to contend with would be much lessened were he to get an equal press.
I understand that the NYTimes editors may believe that if anyone opposes their preferred, Wall-Street indebted, non-reformist, elite-sponsored candidate, she won't win. But I have two important counter arguments. First, I don't think she actually is the candidate most likely to storm the nation. Support for her among everyone I know is tepid at best, resentful and apologetic at worst. She could very well lose. And if one looks at it straight, Sanders with adequate publicity has a much better chance of winning than either HRC or Jeb Bush. He's articulate, passionate, highly intelligent, addresses all the right issues without evasion (and yes, really does care about the lives of black people), has a lifetime record of standing for what he says, and is honest. Others respond as I do--he could win, and she won't.
The second argument for her is that any Democrat, however war-prone or callous about the read need for economic distribution, is better than any Republican because s/he will nominate better judges for the Supreme Court. But do we have any proof that HRC would nominate a progressive judge?
Each day we have another feature on Donald Trump and his ilk, with the non-verbalized implication--if not Hillary, this. Most of the factors Sanders has to contend with would be much lessened were he to get an equal press.
I understand that the NYTimes editors may believe that if anyone opposes their preferred, Wall-Street indebted, non-reformist, elite-sponsored candidate, she won't win. But I have two important counter arguments. First, I don't think she actually is the candidate most likely to storm the nation. Support for her among everyone I know is tepid at best, resentful and apologetic at worst. She could very well lose. And if one looks at it straight, Sanders with adequate publicity has a much better chance of winning than either HRC or Jeb Bush. He's articulate, passionate, highly intelligent, addresses all the right issues without evasion (and yes, really does care about the lives of black people), has a lifetime record of standing for what he says, and is honest. Others respond as I do--he could win, and she won't.
The second argument for her is that any Democrat, however war-prone or callous about the read need for economic distribution, is better than any Republican because s/he will nominate better judges for the Supreme Court. But do we have any proof that HRC would nominate a progressive judge?
15
Mr. Sanders is not slick. I'll give you that. But do we really want slick (bait and switch) as our President? I do not. I'm pretty fed up with the golden promises that only result in caving in to the greed of the GOP. I do believe in Mr. Sanders. Even more importantly, I do believe in the Policies he has been loyal to, and continues to work towards. That is what makes a great President - someone who knows what policy changes are critical to the improvements in economy, ecology, jobs and health of the nation. No President can do it all. But having the right policies under your mental belt, and never veering off course - that is what matters. That is how we get things done. This is what it takes to change a nation for the better. Great hair and colorful suits just isn't enough. Caving in to the bully mentality of the Republicans is never going to get us on a good track. Nor is it enough to have flown all over the world, giving great speeches, but actually getting almost nothing done. Hillary has been great at that. She voted FOR War. She has not stood against anything that was inconvenient to her. She won't even allow that people need power over their own food chains-NO GMOs. Mr. Sanders grasps the incredibly important state of our affairs, our ecologically challenged Congress, and the fraud we need to deal with in our financial systems. Someone has got to grasp these ideas and deal with them or we won't need to be worried about who is President. Bernie-YES!
14
Mr. Sanders looks to be a white, NE liberal, phenomenon. You get out of that area and support for him drops like a rock. The best he can hope for is to influence the issues. For the Democrats it looks like Hillary or Bust.
For the Republicans who knows? How did this happen, where the Democrats look statesmen like and the Republicans looks like a bunch of clowns? This reminds me of Calvin and Hobbes "Backwards Day."
For the Republicans who knows? How did this happen, where the Democrats look statesmen like and the Republicans looks like a bunch of clowns? This reminds me of Calvin and Hobbes "Backwards Day."
3
It's because most democrats' voter treat Sanders as 'semi-Hillary' and even 'under-Hillary' sometimes. He's got less posh hair and less incredible promises too.
2
The NYT downplaying of the Bernie Sanders crusade for economic justice is getting irritating.
This Nate Cohen piece leads by stating "as many as 100,000 people attended house parties for Bernie Sanders..." After explaining that Sanders is getting traction with African-Americans, the piece acknowledges that "more than 100,000 were registered to attend", not a bad bit of organizing for a grassroots insurgency for justice.
The NYT chose only to give a headline link to the Nick Carasanti First Draft story: "Bernie Sanders Hosts a Nationwide House Party for over 100,000 Would-Be Foot Soldiers." The Carasanti story covered the people who attended the Washington party and all their routes to Bernie. It also mentioned the Bernie policies that would help blacks.
The NYT is accentuating Bernie's challenge with blacks while going easy on Hillary's negatives: People don't really like or trust Hillary.
Perhaps the NYT can't comprehend a politician who is talking class politics rather than race politics but the two are intertwined.
Bernie is generating enthusiasm and crowds, and Martin Luter King recognized that racial oppression is subsumed in broader economic oppression. When Bernie brought out huge numbers in Phoenix and Dallas, the rallies were covered by two British papers, The Guardian and the Daily Mail, but not the NYT which seems married to Hillary.
The Times claims to desire policy debate rather than horse race stories. So cover Bernies's policies already.
This Nate Cohen piece leads by stating "as many as 100,000 people attended house parties for Bernie Sanders..." After explaining that Sanders is getting traction with African-Americans, the piece acknowledges that "more than 100,000 were registered to attend", not a bad bit of organizing for a grassroots insurgency for justice.
The NYT chose only to give a headline link to the Nick Carasanti First Draft story: "Bernie Sanders Hosts a Nationwide House Party for over 100,000 Would-Be Foot Soldiers." The Carasanti story covered the people who attended the Washington party and all their routes to Bernie. It also mentioned the Bernie policies that would help blacks.
The NYT is accentuating Bernie's challenge with blacks while going easy on Hillary's negatives: People don't really like or trust Hillary.
Perhaps the NYT can't comprehend a politician who is talking class politics rather than race politics but the two are intertwined.
Bernie is generating enthusiasm and crowds, and Martin Luter King recognized that racial oppression is subsumed in broader economic oppression. When Bernie brought out huge numbers in Phoenix and Dallas, the rallies were covered by two British papers, The Guardian and the Daily Mail, but not the NYT which seems married to Hillary.
The Times claims to desire policy debate rather than horse race stories. So cover Bernies's policies already.
13
Sanders' campaign is implicitly against Obama. Black people are very fond of Obama. However, the Clintons' record in the White House in building the school to prison pipeline will not go unnoticed.
Black turnout may be very low in the primaries and not as big a factor as the fact that on the policies, Sanders is much more representative of the average primary voter than Clinton.
Black turnout may be very low in the primaries and not as big a factor as the fact that on the policies, Sanders is much more representative of the average primary voter than Clinton.
7
How many events did Hillary Clinton have in "non-white" neighborhoods? How many events did she have in ANY neighborhood?
7
Contrast the astonishing agreement amongst writers of these comments about Bernie, with the typical comments one encounters about Hillary, as for instance, sampled at last night's Hoboken organizing event.
"I don't like Hillary, but I guess I'll just hold my nose and vote for her."
"It's hard to really see Hillary as a champion for the little guy."
"I'd like to see a woman president, but does it have to be Hillary?"
As a long time commenter here, and reader of comments in the Times, I don't think I have ever encountered the unanimity of opinion to be found in the comments to this article. And to think that this was accomplished with a trivial expenditure of money.
To quote Bob Dylan:
Because something is happening here
But you don't know what it is
Do you, Mister Jones ?
For Nate Cohn and the editors of the Times, be alert. You never see the big wave coming, until you're up to your ears in water.
"I don't like Hillary, but I guess I'll just hold my nose and vote for her."
"It's hard to really see Hillary as a champion for the little guy."
"I'd like to see a woman president, but does it have to be Hillary?"
As a long time commenter here, and reader of comments in the Times, I don't think I have ever encountered the unanimity of opinion to be found in the comments to this article. And to think that this was accomplished with a trivial expenditure of money.
To quote Bob Dylan:
Because something is happening here
But you don't know what it is
Do you, Mister Jones ?
For Nate Cohn and the editors of the Times, be alert. You never see the big wave coming, until you're up to your ears in water.
13
"How We Decide" author Jonah Lehrer could have used The New York Times as the perfect example of the fact that we decide something on emotions and then work hard to come up with rationalizations for our decisions.
It's not that the article doesn't provide information that the campaign needs to respond to. It is that the article takes no notice of the fact that the Sanders campaign is quite aware of the problem and is taking active steps to do something about the problem. Where is the report on the what the campaign is trying to do? I think that Bernie Sanders has demonstrated that after the debacle at Netroots Nation, he realized that he needs to listen to what people of color think are the urgent issues for them, and that what Bernie thinks ought to be the urgent issues are not as important as what the voters think are the urgent issues.
In the organizing meeting I attended a mini-netroots scenario played out Some of the white organizers tried to defend the way Bernie Sanders is trying to address the situation. However, the white organize who took the mike from the first one, showed that he understood the need to not be defensive, but to welcome the protesters into the organization and to help get their issues addressed. It's not that the local organization wasn't already doing some of this, but it is sometimes as important to listen as it is to explain.
The mostly white campaign troops have gotten the message.
It's not that the article doesn't provide information that the campaign needs to respond to. It is that the article takes no notice of the fact that the Sanders campaign is quite aware of the problem and is taking active steps to do something about the problem. Where is the report on the what the campaign is trying to do? I think that Bernie Sanders has demonstrated that after the debacle at Netroots Nation, he realized that he needs to listen to what people of color think are the urgent issues for them, and that what Bernie thinks ought to be the urgent issues are not as important as what the voters think are the urgent issues.
In the organizing meeting I attended a mini-netroots scenario played out Some of the white organizers tried to defend the way Bernie Sanders is trying to address the situation. However, the white organize who took the mike from the first one, showed that he understood the need to not be defensive, but to welcome the protesters into the organization and to help get their issues addressed. It's not that the local organization wasn't already doing some of this, but it is sometimes as important to listen as it is to explain.
The mostly white campaign troops have gotten the message.
7
The New York Times is deep but narrow.
9
I am amazed how I have become intrigued with the presidential aspirations of Senator Sanders. I admire his bravery to speak his mind on such topics as wealth distribution. This is, by far, the most pressing issue for all Americans. We blinded everyday by border control, terrorism, Ebola, and any of the other "hot topics trending on Twitter". Mr Sanders is attempting to bring Americans back to the real issues that affect us.
Initially his candidacy seemed silly, but I admire him for speaking up for issues that Democrats have become afraid to speak of. We should speak in support of reproductive rights, gay rights, support a higher minimum wage, increased taxes on the wealthy
Initially his candidacy seemed silly, but I admire him for speaking up for issues that Democrats have become afraid to speak of. We should speak in support of reproductive rights, gay rights, support a higher minimum wage, increased taxes on the wealthy
7
If by some bolt of lightning Mr. Sanders or one of the other people running against Hillary is nominated, I believe the Republicans will lose.
I cannot in good conscience as a patriotic American vote for any member of the Republican party, and I am sure I am one of many millions who feels the same.
I cannot in good conscience as a patriotic American vote for any member of the Republican party, and I am sure I am one of many millions who feels the same.
5
Bernie Sanders was 0.9% in September and he is 18.9% now according to the Huffington Post poll averages. He's not yet well known. He does well among those who are familiar with his message. Have you heard one of his speeches?
8
Thank you for your analysis. The great thing about being at the bottom - is that you can only go up.
100k people reaching out and spreading the word is bound to attract more people to this political revolution that Bernie Sanders champions.
Once you hear his message - research the man and his policies - same policies he's been advocating his entire political career - you believe him and start to have hope that the American People can rise above the "wedge" issues and vote on economic realities.
100k people reaching out and spreading the word is bound to attract more people to this political revolution that Bernie Sanders champions.
Once you hear his message - research the man and his policies - same policies he's been advocating his entire political career - you believe him and start to have hope that the American People can rise above the "wedge" issues and vote on economic realities.
9
My (one man's) take on this analysis is that it is VERY early in the process. Primaries do not even begin for another 6 months. Ther is plenty of time for people to get to know who Bernie Sanders is and what he stands for.
And to comment to those who feel that only Hillary can win and a vote for Bernie is a waste, I suggest that you all understand that Bernie is not going to be a third party candidate as was Ralph Nader. Either he will be the nominee of the Democratic Party or he will be off the ballot in November 2016.
Would you Democrats rather see a Democrat as POtUS or would you be happy with one of the 17 clowns presntly occupying the Republican clown bus?
And to comment to those who feel that only Hillary can win and a vote for Bernie is a waste, I suggest that you all understand that Bernie is not going to be a third party candidate as was Ralph Nader. Either he will be the nominee of the Democratic Party or he will be off the ballot in November 2016.
Would you Democrats rather see a Democrat as POtUS or would you be happy with one of the 17 clowns presntly occupying the Republican clown bus?
7
The point of this article seems to be that Sanders has no chance in a general election since his support, as derived from his event attendees' locations, is confined to too narrow a demographic.
It's a ridiculous piece of work.
There's already superior evidence that directly tackles the question of how well Sanders would do against likely Republican opponents. The results: he will win. Further, Sanders outperforms Clinton in the contested states.
Sanders' challenge is not the general election: it's the Democratic primary.
Second, this analysis is identity-based and therefore flawed. In contrast to other Democrats, Sanders is not running an identity-based campaign: he's running a class-based campaign. If you want to save the middle class, you have to appeal to and motivate the middle class. That's what Sanders is doing. His credentials on identity issues are excellent, but his credentials on class issues are superlative.
This article is transparently characteristic of a consistent agenda by the NY Times to marginalize Sanders. Sanders will be our next President should he receive the Democratic nomination.
It's a ridiculous piece of work.
There's already superior evidence that directly tackles the question of how well Sanders would do against likely Republican opponents. The results: he will win. Further, Sanders outperforms Clinton in the contested states.
Sanders' challenge is not the general election: it's the Democratic primary.
Second, this analysis is identity-based and therefore flawed. In contrast to other Democrats, Sanders is not running an identity-based campaign: he's running a class-based campaign. If you want to save the middle class, you have to appeal to and motivate the middle class. That's what Sanders is doing. His credentials on identity issues are excellent, but his credentials on class issues are superlative.
This article is transparently characteristic of a consistent agenda by the NY Times to marginalize Sanders. Sanders will be our next President should he receive the Democratic nomination.
12
The NYT should read the overwhelming majority of the comments here. Hillary is just another bought and paid for politician. She will do little or nothing to improve the lives of most Americans. Does the NYT believe that because they want Hillary and are willing to give her lots of positive ink, it should be so?
12
Sanders' candidacy will end when Obama inevitably endorses Hillary.
He's too much of a McGovern redux.
He's too much of a McGovern redux.
3
The NYT coverage of Bernie Sanders is tiresome and predictable. Yes, yes, we get it: you are in various ways, subtle and not so subtle, marginalizing Sanders and nudging readers toward Hillary, the anointed corporate candidate of the no-longer-acceptable status quo. This story serves up the latest lame analysis. *Of course* a candidate like Bernie Sanders is going to have the strongest support in "liberal bastions" in the very early months of the 2016 campaign. *Of course* he doesn't yet have name recognition among, generally, less educated voters who don't follow politics as closely as do many liberals in your typical large coastal city. *Of course* Hillary Clinton is a household name and, as such, will continue to lead in the Democratic polls for the coming few months -- she's been on the national stage for over 20 years and the Clintons are darlings of the mainstream media. And *of course* Sanders' campaign has an enormous task ahead of it, first to bring the candidate to the attention of all working- and middle-class blacks, hispanics, and whites, then to make the strong moral and economic argument for a Sanders presidency, and finally to secure and expand his support.
There's no question this will be hard and, unfortunately, the standard narrative peddled by the NYT and other corporate mainstream media that Hillary has a lock on the Democratic nomination will only make it harder. The NYT should report on both Bernie and Hillary in a more balanced and responsible way.
There's no question this will be hard and, unfortunately, the standard narrative peddled by the NYT and other corporate mainstream media that Hillary has a lock on the Democratic nomination will only make it harder. The NYT should report on both Bernie and Hillary in a more balanced and responsible way.
12
I attended a Sanders event last night in Georgia. It was well attended, with supporters of every age. Not too many blacks or Hispanics, though. You are correct that we need more outreach to those groups. I think the very young organizers did a good job for a first effort, but can, and will, be more efficient in the future. They are learning on the job and what they lack in experience they make up for with enthusiasm.
8
I'm a big Bernie supporter, but the findings in this article don't surprise me. The fact of the matter is that most Americans don't yet know who Bernie Sanders is and what he stands for. Tree months ago, it was quite doubtful that he would be able to secure a strong base of support among liberal voters in blue state areas. He's clearly gone a long way to accomplishing this. The more people see of Bernie, the more they like him. We will just have to forge ahead and do the best we can. Go, Bernie, Go.
7
I am reminded of the old song about the same old song, which is where the Times seems to be stuck. Not quite sure why it matters that few events were held in Mississippi or South Carolina, as no democratic nominee will campaign in those states in a serious fashion. Same goes for the Mountain West. The upshot no doubt will soon complain that Hillary is not spending time in South Carolina and Mississippi. I think I had better not try to hold my breathe waiting for that article.
5
Bernie Sanders gets 3500 house parties and 100,000 participants all over the country to gather to watch one speech. No other candidate can do that - but all the NY Times talks about is the people who didn't come. If they want to be more than Hillary Clinton's lap dog they need to start reporting the news responsibly. Bernie's campaign is the first step for WE THE PEOPLE to take our country back from the global robber barons who control our government, our media, and our economy. We did it in 1776 and we can do it again.
10
I find it amusing that those who are in full support of hard liners during election times always seem to need to refer to numbers which can be slanted rather than doing field work for themselves.
The numbers encountered in this article are merely representative of those in Bernie Sanders' system of networking and less than those who support his policies but are not active in campaigning for him... Word of mouth has carried a lot of elections and Word of Web may also have a big effect on this one.
The numbers encountered in this article are merely representative of those in Bernie Sanders' system of networking and less than those who support his policies but are not active in campaigning for him... Word of mouth has carried a lot of elections and Word of Web may also have a big effect on this one.
9
Senator Sanders is making progressive issues a goal of this campaign. He seems to have already pushed Mrs. Clinton to take a stand on the Environment, in spite of her not stoping the Keystone pipeline, or taking any position on it, even during her tenure as Sec of State.
The President as the first African American candidate for that office took that vote and when we have the 2016 election I do not foresee another African American candidate at this time so that vote will find a home somewhere. Possibly with Mr. Obama running more African Americans registered and voted than will be the case in 2016 if no African American runs.
I do think the Times is somewhat editorializing to imply that Sanders could get the same support from the Black community as Obama did.
The President as the first African American candidate for that office took that vote and when we have the 2016 election I do not foresee another African American candidate at this time so that vote will find a home somewhere. Possibly with Mr. Obama running more African Americans registered and voted than will be the case in 2016 if no African American runs.
I do think the Times is somewhat editorializing to imply that Sanders could get the same support from the Black community as Obama did.
4
The more people hear Bernie speak, the more he will appeal. He is the polar opposite of Donald Trump, who will only continue to rub people the wrong way the longer his campaign goes on. I'm skeptical he can win but he's right on the big issues facing our country, and he's actually pretty moderate on the things the red staters care about most. I'm old enough to remember that all of these same articles were written when Obama started his campaign. The same early dismissal too.
6
I've been at candidate support events for Howard Dean and Barack Obama. They also tended to be mighty white and somewhat young, like the Sanders event I attended in Burbank on Wednesday. There are two important factors affecting the kind of support that develops this early: these are politically aware people with a relatively romantic view of politics. What they aren't is typical voters. It's early days, but this was an extraordinary event and I believe the Sanders candidacy will have a real effect on voters next year. But the makeup of groups gathering now to watch him on video is not an indicator of who would vote for him if he were on the ballot in November of 2016.
3
All these data points mean very little. Bernie Sanders decided to run as a Democrat, not an Independent. Had he taken the third party route he might have developed an even greater voting base that Warren Anderson did and had a real impact on national policy. But he's safely ensconced with the Democratic party and has already declared his intention to endorse "his" party's nominee. This makes his campaign simply a warm up act for Hillary Clinton. Like any good opening act his job is to get the crowd on its feet before the main performer comes out.
But he also plays the added role of taking "left" positions within the party so that Clinton won't have to on her campaign. So implicitly she get's all of Bernie's left supporters without having to really endorse their views, or more importantly for the general election, to defend them.
I have to give them credit for this well designed shell game. But we've been there, done that with Obama's "hope and change" rhetoric. There's no way the that Democratic Party will be anything more than the social liberals of corporatocracy while the GOP remains the social conservative wing of corporatocracy. Neither will get my increasingly meaningless vote.
But he also plays the added role of taking "left" positions within the party so that Clinton won't have to on her campaign. So implicitly she get's all of Bernie's left supporters without having to really endorse their views, or more importantly for the general election, to defend them.
I have to give them credit for this well designed shell game. But we've been there, done that with Obama's "hope and change" rhetoric. There's no way the that Democratic Party will be anything more than the social liberals of corporatocracy while the GOP remains the social conservative wing of corporatocracy. Neither will get my increasingly meaningless vote.
2
Your toxic cynical attitude creates the very wrongs you decry.
The reality is that the Sanders revolution can win the nomination and the general.
The largest obstacles are folks like you who divide, discourage as and disgusted the progressive movement from being politically united and effective.
The reality is that the Sanders revolution can win the nomination and the general.
The largest obstacles are folks like you who divide, discourage as and disgusted the progressive movement from being politically united and effective.
2
Well, this is just more evidence of how frightened the media is by the possibility of a Sanders nomination. Along with the parasites of the private sector, and the effete tax-dodging wealthy and corporate, there is a great deal of accumulated and institutionalized resistance to anyone who would come in and clean up the mess of sycophancy in Washington D.C. Bernie Sanders ins the only one on the radar who might do this, so expect another year-and-a-half of ceaseless attacks from the corporate left and the corporate right. Then, let's vote Sanders in anyway and clean house!
34
Let's see. Bernie Sanders announced his candidacy on May 26, 2015, a mere two months ago. While Hillary Clinton has been running for several years. Clinton has instant name recognition having been First Lady, a Senator and a Secretary of State. Of course Clinton will be ahead. Sanders is a Senator from the small state of Vermont in the Northeast section of the United States. Of course a large number of citizens aren't familiar or don't know him. The purpose of a campaign is to inform fellow citizens of their platform, ideas, ethics and whether a candidate has the qualities that would make a good President. Rather than publishing articles that seem to make the case that Sanders doesn't have a chance of winning. Let's see articles that compare Sanders' platform to Hillary's and other candidates in the Democratic and Republican Party. At this early stage of the game it should not be a foregone conclusion that one person or another has the nomination wrapped up.
39
Upon rereading, I see that this column is a welter of spurious or cherry-picked "statistics" of dubious value. Among them:
--There were no Sanders house parties held in 12 Congressional districts. This suggests that house parties were held in 423 Congressional districts. Why was this more meaningful statistic not cited?
--There were no Sanders house parties in two of the most heavily Hispanic Congressional districts in California. Were house parties held for Sanders in other heavily Hispanic districts elsewhere in California and in other states? If so, why was this data not mentioned?
--What is the significance of the metric being measured by the Y axis in the graphic (share of Sanders RSVPs versus Obama strength in 2012), and why should it necessarily be correlated with percentage of minority population on the X axis? How much of the variance in the dependent variable is "explained" by the independent variable (percentage of minority population) and are the results statistically significant?
All told, this column could probably be used in a university statistics class to demonstrate the improper use of data-- or, in other terms, how journalists frequently lie with numbers.
--There were no Sanders house parties held in 12 Congressional districts. This suggests that house parties were held in 423 Congressional districts. Why was this more meaningful statistic not cited?
--There were no Sanders house parties in two of the most heavily Hispanic Congressional districts in California. Were house parties held for Sanders in other heavily Hispanic districts elsewhere in California and in other states? If so, why was this data not mentioned?
--What is the significance of the metric being measured by the Y axis in the graphic (share of Sanders RSVPs versus Obama strength in 2012), and why should it necessarily be correlated with percentage of minority population on the X axis? How much of the variance in the dependent variable is "explained" by the independent variable (percentage of minority population) and are the results statistically significant?
All told, this column could probably be used in a university statistics class to demonstrate the improper use of data-- or, in other terms, how journalists frequently lie with numbers.
66
I agree wholeheartedly. The graph was iffy for me. FEEL THE BERN.
2
Bernie needs to add two more important points to his 12 point plan: remove institutional racism and implement an effective immigration policy.
10
Bernie Sanders is doing phenomenally well so early in the campaign. Most people do not pay attention to the presidential election a year in advance, so as more people get to know Sanders by watching the debates, his poll numbers will increase accordingly. It would help if the media stopped paying so much attention to Donald Trump because other candidates are not getting much air time.
28
I almost attended one of the Bernie2016 viewing events this evening, but I decided not to, mostly because I've frankly hit a wall with regards to my ability to fully support his candidacy. My objections have nothing to do with Sen. Sanders' policy positions, with which I probably share >90% agreement. My objections are political and strategic:
1. I find it troubling and frankly a bit suspicious that Sen. Sanders continues to refuse to fully identify with the political party whose presidential nomination he currently seeks. It frankly strikes me as unseemly that Sen. Sanders would on one hand want to become the standard-bearer for the Democratic party while at the same time refuse to become a member of the Democratic party.
2. What will Sen. Sanders' relationship be with Democratic congressional candidates in 2016? Will Democrats running in "red/purple" states or congressional districts want "independent socialist" Bernie Sanders anywhere near them? Will Bernie Sanders have the electoral "coat-tails" required to help the Democratic party make a run at taking back control of the U.S. Senate, if not the House of Representatives?
3. While it may have been useful, and even a bit charming, for Bernie Sanders to insist upon remaining an "independent socialist" while serving as the junior U.S. senator from Vermont, that identification will be the first, last, and only weapon required for any Republican candidate to attack Sen. Sanders 24/7 during a general election campaign.
1. I find it troubling and frankly a bit suspicious that Sen. Sanders continues to refuse to fully identify with the political party whose presidential nomination he currently seeks. It frankly strikes me as unseemly that Sen. Sanders would on one hand want to become the standard-bearer for the Democratic party while at the same time refuse to become a member of the Democratic party.
2. What will Sen. Sanders' relationship be with Democratic congressional candidates in 2016? Will Democrats running in "red/purple" states or congressional districts want "independent socialist" Bernie Sanders anywhere near them? Will Bernie Sanders have the electoral "coat-tails" required to help the Democratic party make a run at taking back control of the U.S. Senate, if not the House of Representatives?
3. While it may have been useful, and even a bit charming, for Bernie Sanders to insist upon remaining an "independent socialist" while serving as the junior U.S. senator from Vermont, that identification will be the first, last, and only weapon required for any Republican candidate to attack Sen. Sanders 24/7 during a general election campaign.
9
1/ This is because he is a realist. Alas, there's a two-party system.
2/ Good, if his relationship with Congressional colleagues is anything to go by.
3/ Fortunately or unfortunately, the very name of Hillary Clinton is enough to make any Republican (and others) attack her fairly or unfairly should she win the nomination, which I don't think she will (her negatives being too broad AND too deep across all sections of the voting public.
Finally, Sanders' strategy has been to get people to see past labels and at his policy proposals. It's working a treat so far.
2/ Good, if his relationship with Congressional colleagues is anything to go by.
3/ Fortunately or unfortunately, the very name of Hillary Clinton is enough to make any Republican (and others) attack her fairly or unfairly should she win the nomination, which I don't think she will (her negatives being too broad AND too deep across all sections of the voting public.
Finally, Sanders' strategy has been to get people to see past labels and at his policy proposals. It's working a treat so far.
2
Until Wednesday I was under the assumption Sanders was running as an Independent candidate. To learn he is running as a Democrat is quite troubling to me. The Republican and Democratic parties are held in very low esteem by enough people that a true Independent could actually win election as a "guerrilla" or "protest" candidate, especially one who stands for what Sanders does.
But it seems there is a practical reason for running as a Democrat that has to do with getting on ballots in different states. I'm not sure what it is that makes running as a Democrat or Republican more favorable than running as an Independent, but I sure would like to know. My dream election: Independent Trump vs. Independent Sanders. To hell with the R's & D's.
But it seems there is a practical reason for running as a Democrat that has to do with getting on ballots in different states. I'm not sure what it is that makes running as a Democrat or Republican more favorable than running as an Independent, but I sure would like to know. My dream election: Independent Trump vs. Independent Sanders. To hell with the R's & D's.
Analyses like this always underestimate how much can change in 6 months. Remember that Hillary had a lead greater than 20 points until November or later in 2007: http://www.gallup.com/poll/102265/Clintons-Lead-Historical-Perspective.aspx
Bernie has plenty of time to make inroads into certain communities, and I believe that once his long record of activism for civil rights and being a strong opponent of institutional racism comes to light, support will grow in places like South Carolina.
Bernie has plenty of time to make inroads into certain communities, and I believe that once his long record of activism for civil rights and being a strong opponent of institutional racism comes to light, support will grow in places like South Carolina.
24
For several years now, I have had a Facebook group called, "I wish Bernie Sanders was President" because I believe he is the closest a candidate has come to my policy beliefs; and I think he is genuine. I don't really know if he can be the candidate when the dust settles in November 2016.
I like and believe Bernie Sanders more than Hillary on the issues, but when it comes to actually governing, I have more faith in Hillary Clinton. She has the experience and expertise that we need in our President. There is no other candidate who comes close to her in these areas. Her problem is that she is too much of an intellectual and not enough used car salesman.
Bernie Sanders may do well in the first Iowa and New Hampshire, but as soon as we leave the overwhelming European/American vote behind, Hillary will start her climb to the top and I will be pleasantly surprised if he lasts until the end of March. It would make sense that neither of these two candidates attack each other, because in the end it is the defeat of a Republican Presidential candidate and the threat of fifty more years of conservative control over the Supreme Court that matters.
Democrats supporting Senator Sanders should try their best because they are moving the agenda and platform toward the left and away from the just right of center that Hillary might be tempted to lean toward. Good luck to both of them and to our great nation.
I like and believe Bernie Sanders more than Hillary on the issues, but when it comes to actually governing, I have more faith in Hillary Clinton. She has the experience and expertise that we need in our President. There is no other candidate who comes close to her in these areas. Her problem is that she is too much of an intellectual and not enough used car salesman.
Bernie Sanders may do well in the first Iowa and New Hampshire, but as soon as we leave the overwhelming European/American vote behind, Hillary will start her climb to the top and I will be pleasantly surprised if he lasts until the end of March. It would make sense that neither of these two candidates attack each other, because in the end it is the defeat of a Republican Presidential candidate and the threat of fifty more years of conservative control over the Supreme Court that matters.
Democrats supporting Senator Sanders should try their best because they are moving the agenda and platform toward the left and away from the just right of center that Hillary might be tempted to lean toward. Good luck to both of them and to our great nation.
17
Joe B--
At last, someone who understands what is really important: re-taking the White
House and rescuing the Supreme Court.
As you say, Hillary has the "experience and expertise" to do what i needed: break the deadlock in Congress, and pursue the agenda that President Obama has laid out on healthcare, education (including pre-K), gun control, women's rights,
income equality, and immigration.
(Sanders is not in favor of the gun control we need and has had precious little to say about paving a path to citizenship so that illegal immigrants become legal. In fact, as our population ages and our labor force shrinks we will need those immigrants to do the jobs that Americans can't or won't do. But older white men like Bernie Sanders think that immigrants "steal jobs"
from Americans. )
Unlike Sanders, Hillary understands how Congress works. During her first term as
a Senator she surprised many by being very effective. And, like LBJ, she knows where the bodies are buried. She is extremely intelligent; she is tough; she is shrewd, and she will make mincemeat of Mitch McConnell. I look forward to that.
That said, we are lucky that Sanders is running in the primary because he will push the party's agenda to the left--and away from the center where Hillary might be tempted to lean as she fights an ultra-conservative GOP.
At last, someone who understands what is really important: re-taking the White
House and rescuing the Supreme Court.
As you say, Hillary has the "experience and expertise" to do what i needed: break the deadlock in Congress, and pursue the agenda that President Obama has laid out on healthcare, education (including pre-K), gun control, women's rights,
income equality, and immigration.
(Sanders is not in favor of the gun control we need and has had precious little to say about paving a path to citizenship so that illegal immigrants become legal. In fact, as our population ages and our labor force shrinks we will need those immigrants to do the jobs that Americans can't or won't do. But older white men like Bernie Sanders think that immigrants "steal jobs"
from Americans. )
Unlike Sanders, Hillary understands how Congress works. During her first term as
a Senator she surprised many by being very effective. And, like LBJ, she knows where the bodies are buried. She is extremely intelligent; she is tough; she is shrewd, and she will make mincemeat of Mitch McConnell. I look forward to that.
That said, we are lucky that Sanders is running in the primary because he will push the party's agenda to the left--and away from the center where Hillary might be tempted to lean as she fights an ultra-conservative GOP.
I agree with the consensus that this author has an almost comical anti-Bernie bias, but I think this article is well-researched and has some fantastic insights and I think it will do Bernie's movement good.
I turned up at one of the Bernie organizing events in Brooklyn the other night and it was actually in a very heavily African American part of town. The building the apartment was in was majority African American residents. But when I walked in to the apartment for the Bernie organizing event it was 9 white guys, 3 white women, and 1 black guy. I noticed it instantly, because I was expecting the host to be a black man (he was not) and I was expecting it to be a majority black meeting, given the neighborhood and building.
It is absolutely clear to me that Hillary doesn't really know what she believes and doesn't trust her own judgment enough to be the kind of leader that could take on Wall Street and the corporate lobbyist culture. How can she lead a fight through it's unpopular lulls when her convictions follow popularity polls? She simply cannot be the leader we need, given what her approach to politics is. She has the wrong funding and the wrong instincts.
Bernie is trailing Hillary only because of name recognition and general ignorance, not because people are paying attention. Amongst those who are paying attention, Bernie is ahead by a mile. Nevertheless, the lessons from this article should be taken to heart.
I turned up at one of the Bernie organizing events in Brooklyn the other night and it was actually in a very heavily African American part of town. The building the apartment was in was majority African American residents. But when I walked in to the apartment for the Bernie organizing event it was 9 white guys, 3 white women, and 1 black guy. I noticed it instantly, because I was expecting the host to be a black man (he was not) and I was expecting it to be a majority black meeting, given the neighborhood and building.
It is absolutely clear to me that Hillary doesn't really know what she believes and doesn't trust her own judgment enough to be the kind of leader that could take on Wall Street and the corporate lobbyist culture. How can she lead a fight through it's unpopular lulls when her convictions follow popularity polls? She simply cannot be the leader we need, given what her approach to politics is. She has the wrong funding and the wrong instincts.
Bernie is trailing Hillary only because of name recognition and general ignorance, not because people are paying attention. Amongst those who are paying attention, Bernie is ahead by a mile. Nevertheless, the lessons from this article should be taken to heart.
26
Our gathering to hear Bernie speak in Graton,CA included a full range of ages, races and occupations. Everyone stood up and introduced themselves and why they were there. Most often the words "authentic," "honest," "good record," and "no political speak" were repeated but so were a wide range of his issues.
People who had not voted in decades felt called to participate again. Young people brought parents and siblings. The campaign did not organize us - we sought out Bernie.
People who had not voted in decades felt called to participate again. Young people brought parents and siblings. The campaign did not organize us - we sought out Bernie.
37
What Nate Cohn reports might be accurate to date, but it should be noted that Sanders is a newcomer to presidential politics who has built unprecedented support just two months after his formal campaign launch. Sanders' effectiveness is all the more impressive in light of the fact that he is relying on small donations and has been given relatively little attention by the mainstream media.
I strongly suspect that Sanders will begin to attract black and Hispanic support as his message becomes better known. Just wait until the public debates.
By the way, I am a registered independent who will likely register as a Democrat to support Sanders in the primaries.
I strongly suspect that Sanders will begin to attract black and Hispanic support as his message becomes better known. Just wait until the public debates.
By the way, I am a registered independent who will likely register as a Democrat to support Sanders in the primaries.
35
But no matter what, PLEASE vote for the Democratic Party Nominee in 2016, because if Scott Walker-Koch is elected, democracy, as we know it, will not be served.
Like you, I was a registered independent and changed to Democrat to support Bernie. The very red, red state I live in had 5-7 events. The one I attended started out with about 60 people signed up for awhile, but by the 29th there had to be a change of venue and about 170 people attended. I have not heard how many people attended in other locations. It happened I came early and volunteered to help, so signed in people at one of two doors. I know there were more than half the people I signed in, put a "V" by their name to indicate they would volunteer. That was pretty amazing!
1
To add a couple of points to the comments on Nate Cohen's analysis: The purpose of the meetings last night was to recruit volunteers. Those volunteers become the basis for expanding the campaign's base. Further, as others have said, it's very early days. What will happen in the Black and Hispanic communities when Bernie's passion and authenticity (and the commitment of his volunteers) contrasts with Hillary Clinton's political personality and her professionalized campaign?
28
This article ignores the fact that there is still much time to the primary and that lower information voters don't yet know who Sanders is. It would be unrealistic to expect him to have widespread support out of the gate. As more people hear his message, he will no doubt attract some who are only familiar with Hillary Clinton.
38
I can say, quite comfortably that Bernie may be the only person.....politician....that when he speaks, it comes from the heart, it is best for the population in general and best for this country and in turn will benefit the world. Now we return to the reality of politics. I will vote for either Hillary or Bernie, which ever will defeat the Koch brother's cult (republicans). Of course, I will also vote for only democrats, on all elections, on all levels of government, federal, state, county, city. I will do that to rid this country of the cancerous republicans and as much Koch influence as possible. I see my actions as chemotherapy for the country. Yes, I am aware that there is great money on both sides of this political melee, but I also understand that some people with money aren't all bad. People like the Koch's, they are a disease to humanity.
40
The sentiments expressed in these comments are absolutely clear
indications that US liberal politics is collapsing again in a paroxysm of partisan idiocy - the stupidity that gave us eight years of George W. Bush. Everyone knew then that voting for Nader could not possibly benefit Bush, and everyone was dead wrong.
As they have since World War II, the Democrats will fail to put together three consecutive terms in the White House; the infantile self-righteousness of the left will guarantee the election of another right-wing figurehead. The result will push us even further from any chance of salvaging economic justice.
indications that US liberal politics is collapsing again in a paroxysm of partisan idiocy - the stupidity that gave us eight years of George W. Bush. Everyone knew then that voting for Nader could not possibly benefit Bush, and everyone was dead wrong.
As they have since World War II, the Democrats will fail to put together three consecutive terms in the White House; the infantile self-righteousness of the left will guarantee the election of another right-wing figurehead. The result will push us even further from any chance of salvaging economic justice.
8
So the solution is to what Tony? Vote for Hillary who is clearly part of the status quo and who will only answer policy questions once elected?
Or vote for someone we believe will address the current lopsided economic system we have in place.
Or vote for someone we believe will address the current lopsided economic system we have in place.
62
Why would you compare Bernie Sanders to Ralph Nader? Sanders is running as a Democrat and Nader ran as a third party candidate. Sanders has said he will not be a spoiler, i.e., he will not run as an independent in the general election.
72
Tony, you are making making a false equivalent. Nader was running as an independent, truly "spoiling" votes that would otherwise have gone to Gore, while Sanders is merely facing Hillary in a primary, siphoning off votes from no one. The most Sanders can hope for is to show everyone, including Hillary, there is a democratic wing of the Democratic Party, and that progressive views should be respected.
Until we change our corrupt and antiquated winner-take-all voting system that supports the two-party duopoly, those running outside the two parties will be spoilers and rational voters will be forced to choose "the lessor of two evils" from the corporate sponsored offerings of the two conservative parties.
The other major problems are vote buying, inherent in a system that allows private campaign financing, and the unrepresentative Electoral College.
Until we change our corrupt and antiquated winner-take-all voting system that supports the two-party duopoly, those running outside the two parties will be spoilers and rational voters will be forced to choose "the lessor of two evils" from the corporate sponsored offerings of the two conservative parties.
The other major problems are vote buying, inherent in a system that allows private campaign financing, and the unrepresentative Electoral College.
32
The United States of America has been brought to it's knees by it's hugely wealthy ONE %, about 60,000 people, who own "everything"! Including the five, - only five - corporations that own every newspaper, every TV station, every radio station, every cable network, every magazine and every book publisher in the nation . All of whom provide you with all of the news/information you receive . These people are "Wall St." and they contribute the multi-millions of dollars to Hillary Clinton and every Republican presidential candidate except Donald Trump who has his own billions . For thirty-five years these "Wall St." folks have bought up everything including most of "our" politicians, "our' regulatory Executives and even the Supreme Court . At present you have the choice of electing one of these "Wall St." candidates for President and continue our national misery or you could try to eliminate this misery by electing and continually/totally supporting Senator Bernie Sanders who is and has been a Main St. American all of his life . He is a Democratic Socialist, Of the People, By the People and For the People, just like Republican Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt along with his cousin Democratic President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) . - - - Your choice !
101
The 1%, by definition, are the 3.1 million people who earn more than $400,000 a year. There's a lot of them!
4
Perhaps the New York Times and its reporters should spend more time reporting Bernie Sanders' policies rather than devoting so much print space to Donald Trump's non-policy idiocy.
Bernie Sanders discusses the serious problems we face in the United States and provides possible solutions while the stupidity and empty rhetoric of Donald Trump overshadows all and to the detriment of everything.
I sometimes wonder if the Times is embracing another period of Judith Millerism - again to the detriment of the public.
Bernie Sanders discusses the serious problems we face in the United States and provides possible solutions while the stupidity and empty rhetoric of Donald Trump overshadows all and to the detriment of everything.
I sometimes wonder if the Times is embracing another period of Judith Millerism - again to the detriment of the public.
137
Hillary has collected a corporate war chest that rivals the GDP of entire countries... Yet even the NYTs feels the need to give her free daily fluff pieces and attack adds on her competition... What chance does anyone who refuses to sellout to corporate interests have when even the best of the main stream media has sold its soul to them?
The system is stacked, Folks.
The system is stacked, Folks.
78
Bernie Sanders will unstacked the system, Folks.
Sanders is raising the bar as far as campaign discourse, tackling real issues with real answers. He's not backed by mainstream media, if anything they subvert him, AND more importantly his campaign and ideology are not being steered by billionaire backers. What I don't understand is why you NYT, are keeping the bar so low, knocking his campaign when you can and putting stupid headline pieces on Donald Trump on the first page? Your bias is obvious and extremely short sighted.
100
Agree ! We could predict the NYT would find a way to douse Bernie with a huge bucket of water. Hillary is famous around the world - and many in the U.S. do not like what they have seen of her in the last 25 years. Bernie is not yet known by many Americans - that is still to come - and when it happens, he will be the democratic candidate for President !
2
Totally agree with your post, and it was nice to see someone articulate these facts so clearly for the NYT folks to consider. Not that they will, but better to tell the truth than to ignore it. Thanks. Good job!
2
Isn't it amazing that affluent liberal NY Times readers get upset when the liberal bastion reports the reasons why Sanders probably will not win the nomination?
Hey, affluent (mainly white) liberals - you are the only ones who support Mr. Sanders, and you, alone, are not enough.
Hey, affluent (mainly white) liberals - you are the only ones who support Mr. Sanders, and you, alone, are not enough.
8
Those who are politically aware, not affluent, know of Bernie Sanders. The fact that the majority of American is not has nothing to do with the resonance of his message, or the color of their skin. If we can get enough Americans to know who Bernie Sanders is, while Hillary Clinton supporters ride the corporate gravy train to victory, it will be clear that the tortoise has much more support than the hare.
31
I'm very curious as to why that is, though. The only reason I can think of for his lack of support from minorities is just that his name isn't as recognizable as Hillary's. He has long fought for civil rights, and creating a path to citizenship is one of the pillars of his entire campaign.
I hope those who don't currently support him at least take the time to hear him out... They will probably like what he has to say.
I hope those who don't currently support him at least take the time to hear him out... They will probably like what he has to say.
2
What evidence do you have to back up your claim that Sanders' supporters are affluent?
2
One gets the impression that the New York Times has already prepared a headline that reads, "Sanders Elected to Second Presidential Term, But Will Struggle to Maintain Gains of First Term."
30
I am firmly in Bernie's camp. I am 58 years old, have voted in every election I've been eligible to vote in, and Bernie Sanders can count on my vote because he speaks what I believe and has for a long time. THAT is firm, solid, dependable support. Hillary's got her finger in the wind, creating positions to appease the masses, and I don't believe a word she says. The GOP? Idiots, jerks and looters (yes, as in thieves). Vote with your heart, else nothing will ever change.
85
Rather than thinking "Oh, look at these numbers, he doesn't have a chance!", I say "Look at this useful information! It points up the work that needs to be done and where Bernie's burgeoning team of volunteers needs to concentrate its efforts." That job may be easier than changing the direction of the media's coverage of his campaign, when that coverage exists at all. Maybe you all need a new script, folks. Instead of repeating your negative mantra, how about doing your job, reporting what the man says and stands for, and giving potential voters what they need about ALL the candidates on which they can base informed decisions.
73
In other words you're looking for unbiased journalism. Wrong paper. They've already anointed Hillary and buried Bernie.
1
Alas, it's not confine to this paper and this medium. But at least we can remind them that we aren't fooled while we continue to trumpet the truth.
And the Times coverage of what Sanders is saying is Narrow and Shallow.
130
The TIMes keeps denigrating Bernie - this analysis is so uninformed - these were very informal sessions held all over the country. I dare say no other candidate of any stripe has had such a great one-night stand as Bernie did last night - I'm discouraged at the lack of professionalism lately of too many of the Times reporters - losing faith in a paper I've read since I was 12 years old - bring back the professionals and enough of this speculative and unqualified writing.
102
I too have read the times since I was a kid. I thought it was the best paper in the world. Ever since I saw how the NYT skewed coverage of the Obama/McCain campaign my thoughts have changed. I now get only the Sunday edition for the magazine (which they've recently ruined-nice job!) and the Sunday Styles section, which my wife likes for the wedding announcements. I'm realizing that I am not alone in my disgust of what was a great paper and how little the NYT feels about the other 98% that inhabit this country.
2
It's still early, and the handicappers are way too eager to call the game.
Many voters still don't know enough about him to form an opinion. Others don't know if he's "real" or not, or just another media construct. They don't yet know other people who are for Bernie, don't see signs or bumper stickers.
All this can change. That's what last night was about. See you in six months.
Many voters still don't know enough about him to form an opinion. Others don't know if he's "real" or not, or just another media construct. They don't yet know other people who are for Bernie, don't see signs or bumper stickers.
All this can change. That's what last night was about. See you in six months.
56
Boy, you folks at the New York Times just don't get it, do you???!!! But then you didn't get it way back when America invaded Iraq! Your editorials were all in favor of that little adventure. I stopped reading the NYT then.
Perhaps your point of view has something to do with all those Wall Street
fat cats nearby.....
Perhaps your point of view has something to do with all those Wall Street
fat cats nearby.....
71
Wanna help Bernie? Sign on with Hillary.
As a daily reader of the NYT, I must admit to becoming increasingly annoyed at the coverage Sen. Sanders receives in this newspaper. Sen. Sanders seems to be exposed to an never ending "litmus test" at the hands of the NYT. This would be a non-issue if other candidates were subject to this treatment as well, but they clearly are not.
One can only assume that Sen. Sanders increasingly successful candidacy is in conflict with the NYT's predetermined narrative for this election.
One can only assume that Sen. Sanders increasingly successful candidacy is in conflict with the NYT's predetermined narrative for this election.
80
I agree, but they are not entirely behind Clinton either. I don't know what waters they think they are steering this boat to ... to me it feels like towards the other party.
5
And we all know what a disaster that would be--anyone from the Clown Bus is unfit to be in government, let alone be POTUS.
@fromjersey
I was thinking the same thing. That recent stunt the Times played on Hillary Clinton was worse than anything they've said or not said about Bernie Sanders.
I was thinking the same thing. That recent stunt the Times played on Hillary Clinton was worse than anything they've said or not said about Bernie Sanders.
2
Sounds like another column on Sanders where the writer has made up their mind before doing any actual research.
46
Stop the Presses! Democratic socialist from virtually all-white state of Vermont has a stronger base of support in white liberal enclaves than in Mississippi.
You would think that 100,000 people participating in house parties in virtually every congressional district in the country for an openly socialist candidate for president many months before the first primary or caucus would be taken as evidence of the breadth of his support.
Sanders has a job to do in articulating more clearly to Black and Latino voters the opposition to systemic racism that runs through his record and that is far more impressive than the Clintons' record on such matters. He may or may not succeed in doing so. But it would seem that the huge turnout for his house parties puts him in a strong position to start broadening his base.
It should be remembered that even Barack Obama polled poorly among Black voters against Clinton before his victory in Iowa convinced them that he was a serious candidate. Obviously Sanders has a different set of challenges, but the fact that his policies are far closer to Black and Latino opinion than not just Clinton's, but also Obama's, will not be without consequence. Black and Latino voters are even more fed up with Wall Street's domination of the political process than white liberals. If he makes a push to win their support he will likely do better than naysayers predict.
You would think that 100,000 people participating in house parties in virtually every congressional district in the country for an openly socialist candidate for president many months before the first primary or caucus would be taken as evidence of the breadth of his support.
Sanders has a job to do in articulating more clearly to Black and Latino voters the opposition to systemic racism that runs through his record and that is far more impressive than the Clintons' record on such matters. He may or may not succeed in doing so. But it would seem that the huge turnout for his house parties puts him in a strong position to start broadening his base.
It should be remembered that even Barack Obama polled poorly among Black voters against Clinton before his victory in Iowa convinced them that he was a serious candidate. Obviously Sanders has a different set of challenges, but the fact that his policies are far closer to Black and Latino opinion than not just Clinton's, but also Obama's, will not be without consequence. Black and Latino voters are even more fed up with Wall Street's domination of the political process than white liberals. If he makes a push to win their support he will likely do better than naysayers predict.
67
Yeah I totally agree with you...It's very early in the primary..He's getting the largest crowds all around but they make it seem like it's static and locked in stone that the demographics can't change for him...
I think it's kind of ironic that he's not getting a lot of black support but he's done way more for civil rights than Obama has.
I honestly think it's because lots of people still don't know about him yet.
I think it's kind of ironic that he's not getting a lot of black support but he's done way more for civil rights than Obama has.
I honestly think it's because lots of people still don't know about him yet.
43
The comments on all of these Bernie Sanders stories remind me of the conservative commentariat being utterly shocked when Romney lost the last election. When you live only in your own echo chamber...
15
There was African American attendance at the Bernie meeting I attended last night - in fact, a young woman attended who had worked for President Obama's campaign in Florida. Look who is President now !!
2
Or perhaps more reminiscent of Obama's core group of loyal supporters who refused to accept the contrived media narrative that had Hillary as the pre-anointed one back in Dec. 2008 when Gallup reported Clinton leading Obama by a 24% margin.
"Deep but Narrow" Well that is the typical pattern of the formation of a great river, i.e. the Nile.
Movements are started by a vanguard and then, when they gain momentum, a large mass of the population joins in.
Movements are started by a vanguard and then, when they gain momentum, a large mass of the population joins in.
33
The NYT slamming of Sanders is relentless and aggravating.
74
Sanders and the other Democratic aspirants have plenty of time to widen their influence. The quality of the Democrats is so outstandingly superior to their myriad opponents on the right that they could gain so much by banding together and pooling their positions. They need to find a way to do this.
11
Worth bearing in mind: at this point in 2007, Clinton led Obama among minority voters.
Does Sanders have a ton of work to do in broadening his coalition? Absolutely.
Does this mean that minority voters are irrevocably committed to Clinton? Not at all.
Does Sanders have a ton of work to do in broadening his coalition? Absolutely.
Does this mean that minority voters are irrevocably committed to Clinton? Not at all.
56
It's interesting to note the difference between the two facebook pages 'Black Americans for Hillary' holding firmly at 125 members, and 'African Americans for Bernie' which has over 2600 members and is growing every day.
2
I live in Atlanta, Georgia. Bernie Sanders has my support. I was not able to attend a house party or host one this time, but that doesn't mean I won't in the future.
This early in the campaign season I am still working out when and how I can support Mr. Sanders candidacy.
But, I agree with doug.eklund below - the media, and particularly liberal media outlets like vox.com, seem determined to push back on the enthusiasm voters feel for Bernie Sanders and shore up support for Hillary Clinton.
Every article - and I include the NY Times in this -about Mr. Sanders highlights flaws and seeks to make the case that he simply cannot win. Too often Hillary Clinton's coverage, except for stories about the email fiasco, laud her positions, her support for the Obama coalition, her strong support among Democrats, i.e., why she can win.
This early in the campaign season I am still working out when and how I can support Mr. Sanders candidacy.
But, I agree with doug.eklund below - the media, and particularly liberal media outlets like vox.com, seem determined to push back on the enthusiasm voters feel for Bernie Sanders and shore up support for Hillary Clinton.
Every article - and I include the NY Times in this -about Mr. Sanders highlights flaws and seeks to make the case that he simply cannot win. Too often Hillary Clinton's coverage, except for stories about the email fiasco, laud her positions, her support for the Obama coalition, her strong support among Democrats, i.e., why she can win.
47
Bernie just hosted possibly the largest grassroots event of all time half a year before the primary, he is firmly supported by 1 in 4 democrats while almost half of democrats don't even know who he is, and he beats every republican in national polls. When is the media going to get it?
70
Oh the Republican-owned media gets it alright. They just don't want it. They love the status quo. Bernie scares them as does Trump. Two wild cards that may up-end the game. Wouldn't it be lovely if someone called out, by name, the corporate shills, that parade as congressional legislators? Go Bernie!
2
This article is just more NYT bias for Hillary Corporate Clinton. This is the first candidate in my lifetime that I will gladly vote for (I'm 35). I'm tired of voting for the lesser of two evils.
Most of the arguments here are borderline ridiculous. Does it surprise anyone that Bernie has more grassroots support in WA than TX? What would be surprising is if the situation was reversed. Do you imagine Ted Cruz has more supporters in Tennessee or Massachusetts?
There are 1.3 million people in New Hampshire and 2.3 million people in the Portland metro area. Should it be at all surprising that Bernie has more supporters in Portland?
Most of the arguments here are borderline ridiculous. Does it surprise anyone that Bernie has more grassroots support in WA than TX? What would be surprising is if the situation was reversed. Do you imagine Ted Cruz has more supporters in Tennessee or Massachusetts?
There are 1.3 million people in New Hampshire and 2.3 million people in the Portland metro area. Should it be at all surprising that Bernie has more supporters in Portland?
42
Wow, who could have guessed that a candidate from the small state of Vermont, who just formally announced that he was running for president TWO months ago, would not yet have broad support across the entire nation? With all due respect, NYT, is it possible that the bigger story here is that, TWO MONTHS after formally announcing his campaign, a candidate who the mainstream media has insisted, from the start, has no chance, drew over 100,000 people to meetings to volunteer for his campaign, continues to draw record crowds, and in a CNN poll released yesterday beat all GOP candidates? I mean, correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't quite recall the NYT predicting this level of success for Senator Sanders. Really, NYT, your role as the unofficial organ for the Clinton campaign is tiresome for many of your readers.
58
The NYT does not want Bernie or Trump to run. The 1%'ers that own the NYT are just thrilled with the status quo. Their fortunes have multiplied over the past 20 years. Look for more stories about the Donald being an idiot and Bernie with no chance of winning. There's a ratio that TV applies to people who write complaint letters; that 1 letter equals a certain number of viewers. I'll bet that ration is much larger for people that show up at a strangers house for a rally about an election almost a year and a half away. I think those 100,000 voters represent at least 10 million. Go Bernie!
2
I went to one of the San Francisco meetings for Bernie Sanders. As far as I could tell, the 200 or so people there were almost all white with a scattering of Latins. I agree that Clinton, with support from Obama, will get most of the black voters in the primaries.
But I wonder about the potential of Sanders's appeal to members of the white working class. He doesn't play it safe like most politicians. Also, I don't really expect him to win the nomination but do see him as having, if he gets 20 or 30 percent of the votes in Democratic primaries, to have a major influence.
But I wonder about the potential of Sanders's appeal to members of the white working class. He doesn't play it safe like most politicians. Also, I don't really expect him to win the nomination but do see him as having, if he gets 20 or 30 percent of the votes in Democratic primaries, to have a major influence.
5
What has Clinton done for blacks? Bill played the Saxophone, but so what. The Clinton's attacks on "Welfare as We Know It", war mongering, attacking unions, deregulation, triangulation, no single payer, kick out of glass steagall, amp up of incarceration, all hurt 95% of the population, but blacks disproportionately.
2
The only possible reason why average, working class voters would not be comfortable voting for Sanders in the 2016 election will be the collusion of the major media (with support from both major parties) to continue painting Sanders as a raging socialist ----far left of center----when his actual policy proposals are solidly supported by a vast majority of middle class, conservative working Americans of all colors, creeds, and faiths.
56
Another reason working class voters "would not be comfortable voting for Sanders" is the decades long (since the 1950's and Joe McCarthy) anti Socialism (often conflated with Communism) brainwashing the population has gotten.
1
Ditto!
1
I know a working class guy, a high school dropout in his 70s, who is poor as a church mouse. Somehow he manages on $700 in Social Security. He told me he is thinking about sending $10 to Bernie Sanders. I felt my eyes well up. Go Bernie.
29
Isn't it possible--just possible--that African Americans can learn about Bernie Sanders before the primaries?
87
No, you don't understand. All the pundits, etc, have decided that Black people only care about "Black" issues. Jobs, wages, college, medical care, and a comfortable retirement are "middle class" i.e., white, issues.
1
I remember my early years when Vermont was called Mississippi North. Vermont is still the most conservative state in the Union but it is the progressive conservatism of the founders.It is the conservatism of roll up your sleeves and get to work. It is the conservatism of work with the land and not exploit it. it is the conservatism of the peanut farmer from Georgia who leads by example and is not a cheerleader.
Sanders will not win because America has lost its way and someone has given it a phony map.
Sanders will not win because he believes in giving people a hand up not a kick down. Sanders will not win because he believes in policies not personalities. Sanders will not win because he believes in substance over image. Sanders will not win because he speaks truth to power. Sanders will not win because he believes America is its people not its leaders.
Sanders will not win because he believes in America and its constitution and he believes in the country America was supposed to be. Sanders will not be President because he says America needs us more than it needs him.
Sanders will not win because he reminds us of our own inner voices telling us what we should do.
Sanders will not win because he tells us what America was supposed to be and what we have indeed become.Sanders will not win because his is the dream we all have but dare not acknowledge. Sanders will not win because his is the America we want but whose reality never lived up to the hopes and aspirations.
Sanders will not win because America has lost its way and someone has given it a phony map.
Sanders will not win because he believes in giving people a hand up not a kick down. Sanders will not win because he believes in policies not personalities. Sanders will not win because he believes in substance over image. Sanders will not win because he speaks truth to power. Sanders will not win because he believes America is its people not its leaders.
Sanders will not win because he believes in America and its constitution and he believes in the country America was supposed to be. Sanders will not be President because he says America needs us more than it needs him.
Sanders will not win because he reminds us of our own inner voices telling us what we should do.
Sanders will not win because he tells us what America was supposed to be and what we have indeed become.Sanders will not win because his is the dream we all have but dare not acknowledge. Sanders will not win because his is the America we want but whose reality never lived up to the hopes and aspirations.
17
Mr. Moe:
Phew! Sanders will definitely not win if he hires you as his speech writer.
Phew! Sanders will definitely not win if he hires you as his speech writer.
4
Beautifully stated.
2
Kevin,
You are most definitely correct.
You are most definitely correct.
1
Sanders must be terribly disappointed. His avowed target group is lower-middle class people who are struggling economically. But instead, he has attracted affluent liberal intellectuals living in urban areas and major universities.
It would be interesting to see who Donald Trump's supporters are. I suspect they are the missing lower-middle-class voters that Sanders is counting on. Trump is also polling relatively well among black voters, who are probably not big fans of unlimited immigration.
If Sander can't even get the support of working-class Democrats, he would have virtually no chance in a general election. McGovern won Massachusetts, but Sanders would struggle even there.
It would be interesting to see who Donald Trump's supporters are. I suspect they are the missing lower-middle-class voters that Sanders is counting on. Trump is also polling relatively well among black voters, who are probably not big fans of unlimited immigration.
If Sander can't even get the support of working-class Democrats, he would have virtually no chance in a general election. McGovern won Massachusetts, but Sanders would struggle even there.
3
From what I read DT's supporters are middle class blue collar HS graduates snd he made the nasty McCain comments in front of a white, upper middle class retirement community.
3
It is very simple, any candidate, no matter from which party, country or planet, who comes out with a promise to stop the illegal alien invasion, and deport those who are here, will win this election hands down.
Bernie usually gets re-elected with about 70% of the vote in Vermont, and Vermont is definitely not Westchester County. If the only part of Vermont you have visited is Stowe, maybe you should visit Rutland.
5
When the African American population hear the Rap artist Killer Mike endorses Sanders that will be a game changer.
Laugh not, Michael Render, aka Killer Mike on stage, is an award winning musician and an activist the has been interviewed by the Harvard Political Review as well as given talks on race relation at NYU and MIT.
Killer Mike is revered in the African-American community.
Laugh not, Michael Render, aka Killer Mike on stage, is an award winning musician and an activist the has been interviewed by the Harvard Political Review as well as given talks on race relation at NYU and MIT.
Killer Mike is revered in the African-American community.
32
It is patronizing and tone deaf comments like this by Sanders white supporters that make many people who sympathize with him wince. With all due respect, Killer Mike does not have the stature in the Black community that you attribute to him and even if he did, that is not how politics works. Sanders will not win Black voters in large numbers by lining up rap artists as endorsements, but rather by speaking forcefully on the issues that matter to them.
When will we see a Cohn headline such as: "Hillary's high name recognition arouses more loathing than love across the political spectrum"? Or perhaps it can't be a headline as folks know it already?
47
Bernie Sander's role should be to give voice to liberal activists and to generally move Ms. Clinton left.
If he ever won the nomination, he would scare the bejesus out of the half of the country that has been carefully brainwashed to fear socialists. A Jewish socialist, no less. As such, he would motivate those voters to turn out and vote against him.
He would be a spoiler who would allow Jeb of No Last Name to destroy the country.
But all you Bernie fans, despair not.
Bernie's not the messiah.
No president is. (There's always that nasty little right wing Congress to deal with.)
If he ever won the nomination, he would scare the bejesus out of the half of the country that has been carefully brainwashed to fear socialists. A Jewish socialist, no less. As such, he would motivate those voters to turn out and vote against him.
He would be a spoiler who would allow Jeb of No Last Name to destroy the country.
But all you Bernie fans, despair not.
Bernie's not the messiah.
No president is. (There's always that nasty little right wing Congress to deal with.)
2
Interesting comments on this socialist. Who is going to pay for all of this??? I plan on holding onto my money but the rest of you are welcome to pay and for me.
1
Janis, the wealthy and corporations have to accept their responsibilities if they want to continue to enjoy the benefits of America.
Millionaires and billionaires pay a lower effective tax rate than nurses and firemen and many large corporations that earn billions in profit and pay little or no taxes.
More than $100 billion is lost each year because corporations and wealthy individuals offshore their money in the Cayman Islands and other tax havens.
About $60 billion is lost annually because corporations that send jobs overseas receive tax breaks.
More than $11 billion is lost each year because profitable oil, gas and coal companies receive tax breaks and subsidies.
The military-industrial complex, Big Pharma, Big Ag, and other industries receive billions in subsidies and corporate welfare.
Private equity managers benefit from the carried interest loophole.
Taxpayers subsidize Walmart and other corporations by providing their employees with Medicaid, food stamps, and other government assistance because workers are paid starvation wages.
There is no reason why we cannot enact a modest financial transaction tax, when we tax goods and services at 6, 7, 8 percent.
Millionaires and billionaires pay a lower effective tax rate than nurses and firemen and many large corporations that earn billions in profit and pay little or no taxes.
More than $100 billion is lost each year because corporations and wealthy individuals offshore their money in the Cayman Islands and other tax havens.
About $60 billion is lost annually because corporations that send jobs overseas receive tax breaks.
More than $11 billion is lost each year because profitable oil, gas and coal companies receive tax breaks and subsidies.
The military-industrial complex, Big Pharma, Big Ag, and other industries receive billions in subsidies and corporate welfare.
Private equity managers benefit from the carried interest loophole.
Taxpayers subsidize Walmart and other corporations by providing their employees with Medicaid, food stamps, and other government assistance because workers are paid starvation wages.
There is no reason why we cannot enact a modest financial transaction tax, when we tax goods and services at 6, 7, 8 percent.
35
Eisenhower, paying for a war, cut taxes of the wealthiest. From 92% to 91%. When FDR dragged us out of the recession, top tier taxes were 25% he raised them to 63% thereby saving this country and started entitlement programs, which, instead of turning everyone into lazy freeloaders, began the rise of the great striving middle class. Which only increased as the tax rate increased. Eisenhower's top taxes were 91% on annual marginal incomes (in todays $) of 3.5 million. Not assets, income. The fact that today, literally 99 percent of new income goes to the top 1% might make you see that in a new light. We have not paid for the last 3! wars because, hey we refused to raise taxes, instead, giving tax cuts to everyone, especially the wealthiest. The result, if the tax cuts hold, which they will if Hillary gets in, is $11 trillion in debt over the next decade. 5 TRILLION dollars 14% of all government revenue is going to interest payments to, guess what, those big banks that have given Hillary millions. How very fiscally responsible this approach was. High tax rates led to the greatest period of growth and prosperity that this nation has ever seen.Oh, his tax rate on corporations was 50% So we are not asking you to pay for it, only the 1/10 of 1% who are sequestering the income of what had, formally been the middle class. Guess what, it will never trickle down. Never has in history and won't today.
1
How much good will that money do you if you can't drive on a decent road or bridge, if the city you live in isn't safe and the air and water you need to survive aren't clean?
What do I get from this article? That a lot of work needs to be done. Sanders doesn't have the billions of dollars to campaign in what has unfortunately become the "normal" way, so we, his supporters, have to work even harder to increase his visibility as a viable - and refreshing - candidate for the presidency. I, for one, am ready to roll up my sleeves and get started!
64
boy, how this article has no idea of what is going on. lets wait for the primary.
53
That's the thing, the Times, Mrs. Clinton and the rest of the media and the entire wealthy political class are completely out of touch with the conditions on the ground in America today.
They're not going to know what hit them.
They're not going to know what hit them.
I think that you should try and consider not driving a wedge between Mr. Sanders and potential voters. Unless of course, it is in your interest to influence people not to vote for Mr. Sanders.
Making an issue of him being on the left or being fringe or extreme or…...whatever is only adding to his likability. People are looking for an alternative. They really are. Hillary is corporate
But in reality put all this lefty stuff aside, Mr. Sanders is simply seeking to build a more humane society, left, right or center. It doesn't seem to matter to him, so long as it is just.
Making an issue of him being on the left or being fringe or extreme or…...whatever is only adding to his likability. People are looking for an alternative. They really are. Hillary is corporate
But in reality put all this lefty stuff aside, Mr. Sanders is simply seeking to build a more humane society, left, right or center. It doesn't seem to matter to him, so long as it is just.
57
NYT, you are embarrassing yourself at this point. Not a single article about Bernie goes published without a negative slant. Without charts and stats and cherry-picked reasons why he can't win. Even when calling support "unprecedented," you find a way to show how it's ultimately just more proof that it's bad for him. Where is this kind of biased reporting around any other candidate? Not to mention, the point of these meetings were to find ways to increase visibility. Most of the country doesn't know who he is yet. Of course there won't be meetings in every geographical area yet. Perhaps if the national media would actually cover him as much as they've covered every other candidate, that would start to change.
155
"Not a single article about Bernie goes published without a negative slant."
Have you read the countless baseless attacks the Times has dug up (or blithely reproduced from Republican operatives) about Hillary? The character assaults? The conspiracy theories? The innuendo and suggestiveness?
Have you read the countless baseless attacks the Times has dug up (or blithely reproduced from Republican operatives) about Hillary? The character assaults? The conspiracy theories? The innuendo and suggestiveness?
1
The NYT is Wall Street's and finance capital's neighbourhood shopping news, its pretensions to "The Newspaper of Record", notwithstanding. It is merely trying to get a jump on the Sanders marginalization process so the manufactured Dean Scream moment that is surely coming, will seem more credible.
Evidently "c" below missed all the Hillary Clinton puff pieces routinely churned out my the sycophants at the New York Times.
I’m no liberal activist, I’m a registered independent who hasn't voted in 12 years, but I'll vote for Bernie if he gets the nomination. I'm even toying with the idea of registering as a Democrat so I can vote for him in my state's primary.
I agree with basically everything Bernie proposes to do, from helping the middle class to reforming our political system. When he expresses a position on an issue I’m not sure about, I’m willing to consider his point of view because I believe he’s smart and honest and not a pawn of the special interests. And while I'm not sure how much he’d actually be able to accomplish as President, I'm sure he'd try. I don't feel the same way about any of the other candidates, no matter how many of Bernie's talking points they borrow.
Undoubtedly there are a lot of Americans like me who haven’t voted for a long time because they’re disgusted with politics. If Bernie can win their support the way he’s won mine, I believe he’ll easily win not just the nomination but the Presidency.
I agree with basically everything Bernie proposes to do, from helping the middle class to reforming our political system. When he expresses a position on an issue I’m not sure about, I’m willing to consider his point of view because I believe he’s smart and honest and not a pawn of the special interests. And while I'm not sure how much he’d actually be able to accomplish as President, I'm sure he'd try. I don't feel the same way about any of the other candidates, no matter how many of Bernie's talking points they borrow.
Undoubtedly there are a lot of Americans like me who haven’t voted for a long time because they’re disgusted with politics. If Bernie can win their support the way he’s won mine, I believe he’ll easily win not just the nomination but the Presidency.
126
Eric,
Please register as a Democrat, and tell those around you to do as well, so you can vote for Senator Sanders in the Democratic Primary Elections.
Rules about voting in primaries vary from state to state. Here in Arizona, you must be a registered Democrat to vote in the Democratic Primary.
Know the rules in regards to primary voting in your state, and then educate those around you of those rules.
I would say less than half the people I have spoken to were aware of these rules. This is an awfully powerful tool to keep an independent candidate like Sen. Sanders from gaining the Democratic ticket, and therefore making the traditional candidate (ie. Clinton) an inevitable win.
Talk about putting up obstacles to voting!
Please register as a Democrat, and tell those around you to do as well, so you can vote for Senator Sanders in the Democratic Primary Elections.
Rules about voting in primaries vary from state to state. Here in Arizona, you must be a registered Democrat to vote in the Democratic Primary.
Know the rules in regards to primary voting in your state, and then educate those around you of those rules.
I would say less than half the people I have spoken to were aware of these rules. This is an awfully powerful tool to keep an independent candidate like Sen. Sanders from gaining the Democratic ticket, and therefore making the traditional candidate (ie. Clinton) an inevitable win.
Talk about putting up obstacles to voting!
To those who haven't voted in years, or who think their vote has to go to the ideal candidate or to no one, puh-LEEEase have in mind that the folks on the other team vote in droves; the "landslide" for Republicans in the mid-terms was no landslide at all when nobody but the wingnuts voted. When you fail to vote at all, or throw away your vote on principle as happened with Nader, you in essence vote for the Republicans.
Don't get me wrong: I'm for Bernie and will gladly contribute to and work for his campaign. It's like, Help us, Bernie-wan Kenobi--you're our only hope!
But. If Hillary gets the nomination, I'll be disappointed, but I will vote for her; no matter who the Republican turns out to be, Hillary will be the more experienced and competent candidate. God forbid one of THEM gets the White House along with Congress and the Supreme Court. The Empire will have quashed the Rebellion.
Don't get me wrong: I'm for Bernie and will gladly contribute to and work for his campaign. It's like, Help us, Bernie-wan Kenobi--you're our only hope!
But. If Hillary gets the nomination, I'll be disappointed, but I will vote for her; no matter who the Republican turns out to be, Hillary will be the more experienced and competent candidate. God forbid one of THEM gets the White House along with Congress and the Supreme Court. The Empire will have quashed the Rebellion.
Well, of course Bernie is not going to be getting as much attention as Obama did at this stage of the game from the black sector, he is white and unknown. As he gains recognition and his excellent record on civil rights becomes apparent is there any doubt that the black community will support him over any of his potential Republican adversaries?
37
Actually if you go back to this point in the 2008 campaign, Obama's support among African Americans was quite shallow and they were largely lined up behind Hillary according to the polls.
There is an assumption in much of this reporting that Black folk are not very sophisticated politically. The truth is the opposite. Survival in racist America has required Black folk to develop a nuanced appreciation of who are their real friends and enemies. Black folk have been voting for white candidates for president far worse on the issues that matter to them than Bernie Sanders for as long as they have had the vote. Hillary Clinton no more has the Black vote locked up now than she did in July 2007.
There is an assumption in much of this reporting that Black folk are not very sophisticated politically. The truth is the opposite. Survival in racist America has required Black folk to develop a nuanced appreciation of who are their real friends and enemies. Black folk have been voting for white candidates for president far worse on the issues that matter to them than Bernie Sanders for as long as they have had the vote. Hillary Clinton no more has the Black vote locked up now than she did in July 2007.
1
Echo chambers are all alike. The analyst presents figures showing "Bernie" has no support in the larger electorate, but that disturbs the fairy tale. Wait, millions of new voters will show up -- The Silent Majority, no doubt. College kids and "people who never participated in a political campaign before" have been sighted. Sorry folks, underneath all those palm trees you are seeing is just Sanders, not water. I remember George McGovern too well. It was ugly.
2
I remember McGovern, too. But that was nearly forty-five years ago, and just about everything about our economy and our social attitudes was different from today.
It didn't help that the mass media never showed the straight-arrow World War II veteran McGovern without obligatory shots of adoring counter-cultural youth, this at a time when Middle America was strictly conformist.
It didn't help that the mass media never showed the straight-arrow World War II veteran McGovern without obligatory shots of adoring counter-cultural youth, this at a time when Middle America was strictly conformist.
2
The world was a different place then as was the US. Now the US is in the toilet. You should pray that you're wrong. Go Bernie!
2
Another Times article trying to create a self - fulfilling prophecy that Hillary will be the democratic nominee. That is far from assured.
How many Trump articles did I count on the mobile frontpage? 3. And the man who created the largest organizing event in the history of this country gets a measly article calling his support narrow. I'm very much rethinking my subscription to the Times.
How many Trump articles did I count on the mobile frontpage? 3. And the man who created the largest organizing event in the history of this country gets a measly article calling his support narrow. I'm very much rethinking my subscription to the Times.
129
Sulzberger should sell the NYT if he can't put out an honest, unbiased paper. Smart voters, who get their information from multiple sources, can spot spin and bias. The NYT's coverage of Sanders is insulting and nauseating.
2
I'm not usually cynical enough to think that the NYT is already in bed with a candidate, but this article made me wonder. The Times' coverage of Bernie Sanders has a very weird feel, as if the reporters' (or editors') opinions of Sanders is the focus, and the facts are added to make it look like reporting. Maybe the Times' should dig up a reporter and/or editor who doesn't already have an opinion about whether Sanders should run or not.
110
The NYT seems to have given direction to all of their staff to downplay and minimize anything Sanders does. Even their Opinion writers like Gail Collins are in lockstep.
2
Why don't you write about something insightful in regards to Mr Sanders, instead of this hypothetical stuff. Or do just feel bad, because your name isn't Nate Silver.
It sounds like you are intentionally trying to drive wedge that isn't there, a wedge between Mr Sanders and minorities.
Also, please look deep into why Hillary didn't go to the Netroots conference, the money she gets from Beyonce and her husband, and the money they give to the black lives matter movement. Hillary knew what was going down at Netroots and was told by her advisers not to go. Do some number crunching on that one!
And to make the analysis fair, you have to compare the exact same event that Ms. Clinton might have. But she hasn't had one. So you are just assuming that people would actually attend, in greater numbers in those areas that you are cherry picking. In general, you are making a whole lot of assumptions.
Basically, you can't conclude much of anything from last night's events ecxcept that a whole lot of people like Bernie Sanders.
It sounds like you are intentionally trying to drive wedge that isn't there, a wedge between Mr Sanders and minorities.
Also, please look deep into why Hillary didn't go to the Netroots conference, the money she gets from Beyonce and her husband, and the money they give to the black lives matter movement. Hillary knew what was going down at Netroots and was told by her advisers not to go. Do some number crunching on that one!
And to make the analysis fair, you have to compare the exact same event that Ms. Clinton might have. But she hasn't had one. So you are just assuming that people would actually attend, in greater numbers in those areas that you are cherry picking. In general, you are making a whole lot of assumptions.
Basically, you can't conclude much of anything from last night's events ecxcept that a whole lot of people like Bernie Sanders.
46
Hillary tried the Netroots Nation (formerly Yearly Kos) thing. She was booed more than once for her defence of lobbyists.
It's no secret why she chose not attend.
http://www.opednews.com/populum/pagem.php?f=opedne_paul_hog_070806_yearl...
It's no secret why she chose not attend.
http://www.opednews.com/populum/pagem.php?f=opedne_paul_hog_070806_yearl...
Maybe if Bernie received coverage that actually included more about his middle-class focused policies, and less about the inevitable demise of his doomed campaign, he'd have a chance to broaden his support. But that would be expecting the Main Stream Media to fufill its main purpose - which is to inform the American People.
106
Tom--
You are right--Bernie represents the middle-class, but not the poor.
Poor folks are the ones most likely to be shot by middle-class white men carrying guns.
And unlike Hillary, Bernie is not in favor of true gun control.
You are right--Bernie represents the middle-class, but not the poor.
Poor folks are the ones most likely to be shot by middle-class white men carrying guns.
And unlike Hillary, Bernie is not in favor of true gun control.
Another negative article from the NYT about one of Hillary's opponent's. Seems that it doesn't matter what party they are from anymore, no one gets any positive press here except her. How about some more info on her email scandal?
Slanted journalism at it's best!
Slanted journalism at it's best!
30
"Seems that it doesn't matter what party they are from anymore, no one gets any positive press here except her."
Did you miss the article where the Times published false and incredibly damaging information about Hillary? They were engaged in a hatchet job spurred directly by Republican operatives. The Times has a bias, and it sure ain't against Bernie.
http://publiceditor.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/07/27/a-clinton-story-fraught...
Did you miss the article where the Times published false and incredibly damaging information about Hillary? They were engaged in a hatchet job spurred directly by Republican operatives. The Times has a bias, and it sure ain't against Bernie.
http://publiceditor.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/07/27/a-clinton-story-fraught...
3
Actually yes, I saw that. I'll say that's the most public retraction of a story I have ever seen the Times print. It certainly can't be the first time they have screwed up so badly but it is the first Time they have made such a big deal of their mea culpa.
1
Never heard of one of these house parties. Nobody invited me and I even gave the campaign a Franklin a few weeks back. I don't want to hyperventalate about this, but I think a lot of Bernie's supporters are just out there waiting for the primaries. Of course it's still really early, but how silly to focus on house parties when probably a large number of even his modest financial supporters aren't even aware of them?!?!? Duh!
14
Well this was the first one, hopefully word is spreading now. Do you get emails from Bernie? If not, sign up at his website. And visit the site to search upcoming events.
3
If you didn't hear about them, you mustn't have been paying attention or don't have Internet access. Information about them wasn't hard to find.
2
This is the Sanders field organizing phase. Let's see how this unfolds over time.
Commitment is a vital asset at this stage. The polls don't mean too much, yet.
Commitment is a vital asset at this stage. The polls don't mean too much, yet.
21
I was unaware that you could determine a person's race based upon their zip code. Impressive.
27
sure, it is called the Census
I take issue with Nate Cohn’s reliance upon ‘house-party RSVP’s’ as an empirical indicator of the depth of Sanders’ support at this point in the nomination cycle. At a comparable point in the 2008 cycle, Obama had little name recognition outside of Illinois, was just beginning to build state campaign infrastructure throughout much of the country, and had not yet established his appeal outside of students and African-Americans. If anything, RSVP’s highlight the most intensely activist supporters at this point in time, not speaking to any traction that Sanders’ message may be developing outside his core supporters.
Nate also implies that African-American, Latino and white working class voters would naturally default to HRC, based on their broad support for her husband twenty years ago. I suggest that she will need to earn the support of each demographic in order to assemble a winning coalition. Do we remember how ‘inevitable’ her nomination was in 2007-2008? Do we recall how her campaign management team was so tumultuous, almost like McCain’s team in the general election?
If Sanders really is in peril among non-core-supporter groups, he might take a lesson from Reagan in 1976, identifying a solid VP running mate to hitch his wagon (and message) to. That could inspire greater support among those core demographic groups.
Nate also implies that African-American, Latino and white working class voters would naturally default to HRC, based on their broad support for her husband twenty years ago. I suggest that she will need to earn the support of each demographic in order to assemble a winning coalition. Do we remember how ‘inevitable’ her nomination was in 2007-2008? Do we recall how her campaign management team was so tumultuous, almost like McCain’s team in the general election?
If Sanders really is in peril among non-core-supporter groups, he might take a lesson from Reagan in 1976, identifying a solid VP running mate to hitch his wagon (and message) to. That could inspire greater support among those core demographic groups.
14
Congratulations, NY Times, on such consistency in reporting the Senator Sanders phenomenon through so many different angles arguing the same conclusion:
Senator Sanders is doing better than anyone expected, but it's almost certain he can't win the nomination because...
Is anyone keeping score of how many articles the Times has run so far to convince us Sanders has almost no chance of winning the nomination?
The Times' discouraging predictions may turn out to be correct, but I'm still holding out hope--and dread--that next year's election will offer a choice between:
Sanders-Warren vs Trump-Palin
That will be a real choice! No Democrat/Republican Lights or DINOs or RINOs (Democrats in Name Only/Repubs in Name Only) in that race!
Marc
Senator Sanders is doing better than anyone expected, but it's almost certain he can't win the nomination because...
Is anyone keeping score of how many articles the Times has run so far to convince us Sanders has almost no chance of winning the nomination?
The Times' discouraging predictions may turn out to be correct, but I'm still holding out hope--and dread--that next year's election will offer a choice between:
Sanders-Warren vs Trump-Palin
That will be a real choice! No Democrat/Republican Lights or DINOs or RINOs (Democrats in Name Only/Repubs in Name Only) in that race!
Marc
27
I attended one of these meetings last night in a small city. Naively, I still believed what Mainstream Media was feeding the masses--that 'Sanders is a good guy, but good luck.' So, I waited until the day before to RSVP to a local event. Whoa!! It was closed-out due to being filled to capacity (a library)--and, so was the second venue (a cultural center). A third venue opened up and began taking RSVPs---it was a bar!
Bernie's message was right on target--"Enough is enough!" And, he listed off the damages we need to face as a nation. No one in that room agreed with every single issue. What we all seemed to adhere on is that something needs to give in Washington and the middle class needs to be reestablished. What we all seemed to agree on is that Bernie meant everything he said. He is in No One's pocket. He doesn't want to be "our champion" (Hillary), because he already is! Bernie is calling on ground roots America to pave a path to our success, not his! That's the difference, people. And, we know it.
Bernie's message was right on target--"Enough is enough!" And, he listed off the damages we need to face as a nation. No one in that room agreed with every single issue. What we all seemed to adhere on is that something needs to give in Washington and the middle class needs to be reestablished. What we all seemed to agree on is that Bernie meant everything he said. He is in No One's pocket. He doesn't want to be "our champion" (Hillary), because he already is! Bernie is calling on ground roots America to pave a path to our success, not his! That's the difference, people. And, we know it.
61
Thank you for providing a realistic and non-starry-eyed analysis of the situation. Commenters here will likely pile on you for some supposed bias but the numbers are clear: Mr. Sanders has a feverish following among wealthy white progressives in the West and Northeast, with a patchwork everywhere else.
This is not what many want to hear but it is the reality.
Hillary has a far stronger record working with communities of gender, racial, and orientation minorities and that shines through in polling.
This is not what many want to hear but it is the reality.
Hillary has a far stronger record working with communities of gender, racial, and orientation minorities and that shines through in polling.
2
Really? Just what is that record? Have you compared their legislative work? What shines through in the polling is Hillary's name recognition. Hillary owes a lot of favors to the big money interests. Bernie owes none. Bernie's record on civil rights, economic fairness, preserving American jobs and opposing pointless militarism is second to none - and certainly not second to Hillary's. She is already verbally tacking left (moving to advocate a $12 minimum wage) in obvious response to Bernie. Hillary got beaten on the left by Barak Obama in 2008. Unfortunately, Barack Obama's desperation to make deals with the Republicans (and the banks and the insurance companies, etc.) has sabotaged what he claimed as his agenda during the 2008 campaign. Bernie owes nothing to anyone. As the voters are exposed to his positions, passion and, yes, long and consistent record, Hillary's carefully crafted talking points will seem like weak tea indeed. This contest is just beginning.
2
Your remark "Mr. Sanders has a feverish following among wealthy white progressives in the West and Northeast, with a patchwork everywhere else"about Sander's supporters is not quite accurate.
Although I did not attend, work issues, most of the persons attending my son's house party were teachers at the top economic down through the unemployed.
Personally I will only vote for Sanders out of the 17 Republicans and five or so Democrats, although there is slight chance I would consider Webb, rather then Jill Stein. The other "contenders" are just part of the MIC War/Wall Street Machine, including Clinton, who is indistinguishable from Jeb!
Hopefully union members learned from NAFTA and will support Sanders.
us army 1969-1971/california jd thanks to gi bill/public education
Although I did not attend, work issues, most of the persons attending my son's house party were teachers at the top economic down through the unemployed.
Personally I will only vote for Sanders out of the 17 Republicans and five or so Democrats, although there is slight chance I would consider Webb, rather then Jill Stein. The other "contenders" are just part of the MIC War/Wall Street Machine, including Clinton, who is indistinguishable from Jeb!
Hopefully union members learned from NAFTA and will support Sanders.
us army 1969-1971/california jd thanks to gi bill/public education
2
Just note H's failure to state a position on either TPP or XL pipeline [where she let the company lobbyist write the environmental impact report]. The failure to answer the direct question about either unequivocally demonstrates only big donors matter, and neither the health nor thoughts of the majority of citizens. Americans oppose both TPP and XL by large margins, and she wants there votes but she is collecting millions and wants more.
The answer to the questions, she will go with them. Her responses give her zero credibility.
Trump, who opposed Iraq, for all his faults has a better chance of getting my vote then H. If you vote H, you get Jeb! in a pants suit.
us army 1969-1971/california jd thanks to gi bill/public education
The answer to the questions, she will go with them. Her responses give her zero credibility.
Trump, who opposed Iraq, for all his faults has a better chance of getting my vote then H. If you vote H, you get Jeb! in a pants suit.
us army 1969-1971/california jd thanks to gi bill/public education
4
How many times can Nate Cohn write the same article about Bernie Sanders in a different way? As a co-host of an event last night in South Los Angeles in which over 100 people attended, here is what I saw. White, African-American, Asian, and Latino (all four co-hosts), LGBTQ , straight, and across generations passionate to organize on his behalf because we believe that he is the best candidate for all, especially the African-American community. He is the only candidate to speak on the issues of institutional racism, its intersection with lack of economic opportunity, and has a long track record in fighting for equality for all. We are clear about the work that is before us, especially given the blackout that corporate media has imposed on us. Unlike other candidates who get ample ink because of their brand recognition, and/or hysterics, Bernie Sanders chooses to remain focused on the issues and refuses to indulge in the banality that the media so desperately craves. Perhaps The New York Times could spend more time exploring the issues, the track record of candidates, and their intentions for the future of our country, versus simply reporting on their personalities, the horse-race, and/or hammering the same point ad nauseam of an opponent in order to aggrandize their pick . I am old enough to remember when newspapers like The New York Times were vehicles for informing and educating the public about candidates and issues - it is obvious that those days are long gone.
117
Good point. Nate the Great here has got a needle out for Bernie, for reasons I can't fathom.
1
Hillary Clinton is a woman. Bernie Sanders is a man, an old white man in fact. How many male old white presidents have we had? About 43. That's Bernie's problem. Voters (like myself) want to make history.
You mean you vote for identities rather than policies?
Does this mean that you'd vote for a Republican woman before a Democratic man whose policies you liked?
Does this mean that you'd vote for a Republican woman before a Democratic man whose policies you liked?
13
That is incredibly shallow. Unfortunately it seems that is the only thing Clinton has going for her over Bernie at this point, and I hope for the sake of our country that it doesn't hold up over the long run.
13
Let's vote for Hillary solely based on her being a women, an old white woman. She is Democrat light just like her husband, in bed with corporations and represents the status quo. Now, let's all go make some history!
2
Bernie has basically just begun to campaign. You forget to mention that everywhere he has gone the turnout has been tremendous, even in the South. Give the guy time. He will visit all those places you "bait" him to go to be tested. What will you say whenthe turnouts are enthusiastic and his popularity grows even more Will you come back and say your skepticism was unwarranted then? At least Berne is a straight shooter and has convictions consistantly and has for all his Political Career. Can you say any of the other candidates have the same record. We need Bernie at this moment in time.
34
Support for him is "deep"...depends on how you define deep? Deep enough to carry him through to the Convention without withdrawing? That's just for show. Deep enough to fund him as a third-party candidate to make a difference in swing states? That's deep.
1
You're comparing information from two very different points in these campaigns' timelines. The 2008 campaign season did not start as early as this 2016 campaign has. Wait till those timelines align and then let's see where we are.
But, two huge things in Hilary's favor: name recognition and big money from big donors, most of it with string attached!
But, two huge things in Hilary's favor: name recognition and big money from big donors, most of it with string attached!
13
Sanders is an idiot. Progressives talk about "income inequality" despite being the principle beneficiaries of it.
There are two things to be done to raise living standards: free growth by limiting spending and regulation and by building a stable dollar and up-to-date infrastructure; pay reparations to the First Settlers aka native Americans, and to the Black Americans.
Functioning voucher-based education and job training and placement would help too, as would the de-legitimization of using educational certificates as a proxy for employment fitness, which apparently is a joint conspiracy of academics promoting their colleges, regulators and jurists chasing 'disparate impact', and employers avoiding lawsuits over disparate impact and cutting costs by out-souring their HR screening of potential employees.
There are two things to be done to raise living standards: free growth by limiting spending and regulation and by building a stable dollar and up-to-date infrastructure; pay reparations to the First Settlers aka native Americans, and to the Black Americans.
Functioning voucher-based education and job training and placement would help too, as would the de-legitimization of using educational certificates as a proxy for employment fitness, which apparently is a joint conspiracy of academics promoting their colleges, regulators and jurists chasing 'disparate impact', and employers avoiding lawsuits over disparate impact and cutting costs by out-souring their HR screening of potential employees.
As a professional statistician who has taught on the college level, I can say this. If someone presented me with that scatter plot, with that regression (trend) line, I'd flunk them or fire them, as appropriate.
The plot is what it is, assuming the data is correct. But it is obvious, even visually, that the data is the wrong shape for a regression. Because the center of mass is in the lower left corner, the trend line can be swung around by relatively few points outside this area. And what's your R-squared? If it's over 10%, I'll buy you lunch.
Get rid of the line. Problem is, if you do, then you get rid of your thesis.
The plot is what it is, assuming the data is correct. But it is obvious, even visually, that the data is the wrong shape for a regression. Because the center of mass is in the lower left corner, the trend line can be swung around by relatively few points outside this area. And what's your R-squared? If it's over 10%, I'll buy you lunch.
Get rid of the line. Problem is, if you do, then you get rid of your thesis.
56
Thank you!
1
Excellent comment. Thank you for your insights.
Your analysis prompted me to take a harder look at the graphic. I notice that the metric defining the Y axis, labeled Sanders Attendance, is defined as the number of Sanders RSVPs as a share of a Congressional district's Obama vote in 2012. I question whether this metric and its limited range (from close to 0 to about 1%), is meaningful in assessing Sanders' current and potential support among blacks. I'd guess not.
As is true of all poorly designed analyses: garbage in, garbage out.
Your analysis prompted me to take a harder look at the graphic. I notice that the metric defining the Y axis, labeled Sanders Attendance, is defined as the number of Sanders RSVPs as a share of a Congressional district's Obama vote in 2012. I question whether this metric and its limited range (from close to 0 to about 1%), is meaningful in assessing Sanders' current and potential support among blacks. I'd guess not.
As is true of all poorly designed analyses: garbage in, garbage out.
2
Nate Cohen, you are clueless. First, how many blacks are Democrats? 90-95 %. Second, how long has Mr. Sanders been a Democrat? A couple months. Now reason that out with the fact blacks didn't turn out for his caucus. Really, you need to do better. Lame
12
Correlation is not causation. Today's lack of Bernie Sanders events in predominantly African-american communities is not predictive that there won't be them later in the campaign.
The sky is not falling.
The sky is not falling.
15
Notafan is correct. I like most of Bernie's ideas and policy but in the end there are going to be two and that is when they (Republicans) are going to drag out what the vast majority of Americans think is a horrific word. The always demonized and much maligned "S" word your parents taught you not to be...a Socialist! Then we can ALL watch Bernie Sanders go down in flames. Sad, but oh so true.
Yes, a step in the right direction for the time reporting on Sanders. An admission of his widening grassroots support, and no gratuitous name-calling. Now if they'd just publish an article on how Mrs. Clinton's support, based on her name-recongnition and sex only, is wide but shallow, and likely to collapse any day now.
13
The NYT does not support Bernie. Through coverage, placement and editorial decisions, they let us know early on that they want Hillary. That's fine, I still like the paper, but I don't read their articles about Hillary. I like Bernie, have donated money to Bernie, and will support him. Do not expect a Bernie endorsement from the NYT, anymore than you would from Fox. Ain't gonna happen.
36
That's fine on the editorial pages. Not on the (so-called) news pages. Bias undermines credibility as much at the New York Times as at Fox News.
2
I wouldn't mind if they refused to endorse him but I bitterly resent the fact that they refuse to give him much coverage and it seems that I'm not the only one.
2
Tom J. . .
Um. . . did you read the NYT article smearing Hillary about a week ago?
They had to retract most of it.
If this is how they show they want Hillary . . .
Many at the top of the NYT have hated Hillary since the 1990s. They even went so far as to make fun of her daughter's "frizzy" hair.
Um. . . did you read the NYT article smearing Hillary about a week ago?
They had to retract most of it.
If this is how they show they want Hillary . . .
Many at the top of the NYT have hated Hillary since the 1990s. They even went so far as to make fun of her daughter's "frizzy" hair.
As a newspaper, The NYT should hope Sen. Sanders wins, raises wages, and makes it possible for people like me to subscribe rather than stealing 10 articles a month. I haven't had a raise in ages.
33
I love how they keep creating new narratives on why Bernie can't win. What have we had already?
1. Bernie can't win because nobody knows who he is.
Problem is, he began challenging Hillary in the polls right away. Oops. Gotta change the story.
2. Bernie can't win because he doesn't have big PAC money behind him.
Problem is, his opening day contributions (from individuals only) were through the roof. He set records. Oops. Gotta change the story.
3. Bernie can't win because he is too far outside the mainstream.
Problem is, his poll numbers and rally attendance increased too much. So much it became clear his support is far more than the fringe left. Oops. Gotta change the story.
This brings us to ...
4. Bernie can't win because black people won't vote for him. He needs some kind of black seal of approval.
They even got shills to bait Bernie about this at an event. And yeah, Bernie looks as white as they come. But his campaign is about issues. If black people agree with him, they will vote for him. As will brown people, blue people, and green people. It is about issues, not skin or a brightly colored map. And Bernie's views benefit the 99%.
Yes, maybe he needs to get his message across in some geographical areas. Why is this an insurmountable challenge? It's a matter of communication. And once he does, what will be the next narrative why he can't win? Does he need to change his name to Hillary before you believe he's for real?
1. Bernie can't win because nobody knows who he is.
Problem is, he began challenging Hillary in the polls right away. Oops. Gotta change the story.
2. Bernie can't win because he doesn't have big PAC money behind him.
Problem is, his opening day contributions (from individuals only) were through the roof. He set records. Oops. Gotta change the story.
3. Bernie can't win because he is too far outside the mainstream.
Problem is, his poll numbers and rally attendance increased too much. So much it became clear his support is far more than the fringe left. Oops. Gotta change the story.
This brings us to ...
4. Bernie can't win because black people won't vote for him. He needs some kind of black seal of approval.
They even got shills to bait Bernie about this at an event. And yeah, Bernie looks as white as they come. But his campaign is about issues. If black people agree with him, they will vote for him. As will brown people, blue people, and green people. It is about issues, not skin or a brightly colored map. And Bernie's views benefit the 99%.
Yes, maybe he needs to get his message across in some geographical areas. Why is this an insurmountable challenge? It's a matter of communication. And once he does, what will be the next narrative why he can't win? Does he need to change his name to Hillary before you believe he's for real?
69
I am sympathetic to your criticism of how the capitalist media is so determined to convince us that Sanders in unelectable. But to describe the Black Lives Matters activists who challenged not just Sanders, but also O'Malley at the recent Netroots Nation conference as "shills" is not doing Bernie any favors. Economic populism that does not speak more directly to the particular problems of institutionalized racism in this country will not pull together the alliance of progressive forces that a serious challenge requires. Sanders response to the Black Lives Matter action was unimpressive. His history of civil rights activism and his voting record, impressive though they are compared to Clinton, are no substitute for a forceful emphasis on the issues of special concern to communities, in particular the issues of murderous police violence and mass incarceration that simply do not touch the lives of white people on nearly the same scale as they do Black folk.
1
Well said. Being poor is a burden; being poor and a minority or female is even more so. I understand Sanders' laser focus, but his position fails to see that issues run deeper than income inequality.
"The South was Mr. Sanders’s weakest region: Mississippi, Georgia, Louisiana and South Carolina."
I'm a pragmatic CA liberal, but that has the flavor of a cheap shot. What Democrat is taking the South by storm?
I'm a pragmatic CA liberal, but that has the flavor of a cheap shot. What Democrat is taking the South by storm?
54
This is about winning the primary, not the general election. Democrats in the south and rural states vote in the Democratic primary. And the southern states are worth a ton of delegates. Winning them is how Obama won the nomination in 2008.
To answer your question though, Clinton is taking the south by storm. Sanders cannot win the nomination unless he gets votes in the south and rural states, among Black, Asian and Hispanic voters.
To answer your question though, Clinton is taking the south by storm. Sanders cannot win the nomination unless he gets votes in the south and rural states, among Black, Asian and Hispanic voters.
Obama won the nomination by winning Iowa. I support Hillary, but it is very early, too early to dump on Bernie's southern appeal. The West Coast will definitely have a say in the matter. That's where your "ton of delegates" are. We are watching. Bernie has a lot to prove, because winning the election is more important than whether its Bernie or Hillary.
'Deep support' for a candidate is what translates to door after door being knocked upon, to phone call after phone call being made, and otherwise to the word getting out.
Minority voters that aren't too familiar with Bernie shouldn't be blamed for being wary. After all, at first glance, he's just another old white man politician... But even the slightest glimpse beyond the surface reveals his ideas are anything but typical of that stereotype.
With time, blacks and Latinos in the U.S. could very well come to feel that Bernie's policies resonate with them, and have the potential to economically uplift their communities. In contrast to Clinton who, last time she resided in the White House, threw her full weight behind 'tough on crime' legislation and social assistance curtailments, both of which continue to suck the blood from neighborhoods of color today.
Minority voters that aren't too familiar with Bernie shouldn't be blamed for being wary. After all, at first glance, he's just another old white man politician... But even the slightest glimpse beyond the surface reveals his ideas are anything but typical of that stereotype.
With time, blacks and Latinos in the U.S. could very well come to feel that Bernie's policies resonate with them, and have the potential to economically uplift their communities. In contrast to Clinton who, last time she resided in the White House, threw her full weight behind 'tough on crime' legislation and social assistance curtailments, both of which continue to suck the blood from neighborhoods of color today.
39
Black people, particularly Black church ladies, do the door knocking, phone calling, and get out the vote activities necessary to win the general election. Anyone that's done work in this party knows that.
And the idea that Black, Hispanic, and women voters just haven't heard of Bernie like all the White dudes flocking to his campaign is really condescending. We read the news too. Honest.
And the idea that Black, Hispanic, and women voters just haven't heard of Bernie like all the White dudes flocking to his campaign is really condescending. We read the news too. Honest.
1
This article is more naysaying from the Times, spending a majority of the column inches telling us where Bernie doesn't have supporters. Nice try. Why don't you write an analysis of exactly how much $ the Times, and billionaire Carlos Slim who owns a majority stake in it, fear to lose if Bernie is elected president. I am waiting, Paper of Record.
42
So blacks will either not vote, or vote for one of the Republican candidates because they are all so in favor of civil rights?
22
What Mr. Cohn is saying is thus far, most blacks are saying they'll support Clinton--that's according to surveys--it's not made up. That's not a knock on Sanders; it just reveals the ties she already has. Seriously, people need to stop acting as though the truth is the enemy. Sanders needs to build more ties to other communities besides the politically active left; that's a fact his campaign has reckoned with--no need to be defensive. The NYT has hardly been a Clinton booster; she's been slammed repeatedly with negative coverage; that's politics. What everyone should want is the truth, because then you can do something about it.
15
It is interesting that this is the only comment selected as a "NYT Picks," despite the overwhelming majority with a strongly dissenting opinion from the author.
Confirmation bias?
Confirmation bias?
1
I hosted a Sanders event in Bristol, Tennessee (Eastern side of the state) last night, which is an extremely red area. There were over 30 Sanders events within a 100 mile radius of me, which is mostly rural area with a couple of small cities and traditionally VERY Republican. I got a call from a gentleman who described himself as "A veteran and a lifelong Republican who is so sick of the Republican party only filling the needs of big corporations and not the middle class" who is a Sanders supporter. Bernie is getting support from all over, he simply needs to keep upping his name recognition and he will overtake Hillary in the polls.
90
Go Tennessee! Someone made the claim that Bernie Sanders only has support in the "wealthy progressive" urban areas of the California and the northeast. Really?
I live in a small city (less than 30,000) in Michigan's remote Upper Peninsula. I attended the Bernie rally here last night. The venue had to be changed three times because of the unprecedented outpouring of interest. People were flowing out the doors of a local restaurant. The sidewalk out front was packed with people who couldn't get in due to the 150 person limit. These people all care about the future. The attendees were nurses, teachers, miners, waiters, the unemployed, college students, retirees--do I need to keep going? Please, NYTimes, stop the weak, transparently anti-Bernie Sanders "reporting."
I live in a small city (less than 30,000) in Michigan's remote Upper Peninsula. I attended the Bernie rally here last night. The venue had to be changed three times because of the unprecedented outpouring of interest. People were flowing out the doors of a local restaurant. The sidewalk out front was packed with people who couldn't get in due to the 150 person limit. These people all care about the future. The attendees were nurses, teachers, miners, waiters, the unemployed, college students, retirees--do I need to keep going? Please, NYTimes, stop the weak, transparently anti-Bernie Sanders "reporting."
3
Could not disagree more with NY Notafan
H. Clinton had done nothing to deserve being President of this
country. As a life long Democrat I will not vote for her no matter
who she runs against if elected in the primary.
It is time to write in a candidate who you believe and stop this
life long vote for the lesser of two very evil candidates.
Write in Bernie. In meantime send him some money.
H. Clinton had done nothing to deserve being President of this
country. As a life long Democrat I will not vote for her no matter
who she runs against if elected in the primary.
It is time to write in a candidate who you believe and stop this
life long vote for the lesser of two very evil candidates.
Write in Bernie. In meantime send him some money.
22
It's the old story. Many of us have seen it many times in our political lives. Doesn't matter what side you are on. These maverick operations go nowhere, almost always. If they do get legs, they only eventually hurt their own side more than the other.
This will be the same.
This will be the same.
1
This author is unable to grasp with the realities of the Sanders campaign. Sanders is appealing to the voters who are disenfranchised. And frankly you can't measure that level of resentment with graphs and charts.
55
The key to a Sanders general election victory is bringing out more Dem voters than Hillary would.
18
Sanders is a long shot. But so was Obama. I remember when journalists didn't think Obama could win in Iowa because he was black. Now don't they think Sanders can win an election because he's white. What?
34
Why use absolute numbers instead of relative numbers or percentages? New Hampshire's entire population = 1,327 million, as of the 2014 census; Seattle = 662,400 estimate for 2015; Portland = 619,360 estimate for 2014.
6
"Twelve congressional districts — all in Southern or nonwhite areas — had no Sanders events."
So out of 435 congressional districts, only 12 had no Bernie Sanders events. That's 423/435, or 97% of all districts who held a grassroots organizing party. Yet this author says Bernie Sanders support is "narrow."... What?
So out of 435 congressional districts, only 12 had no Bernie Sanders events. That's 423/435, or 97% of all districts who held a grassroots organizing party. Yet this author says Bernie Sanders support is "narrow."... What?
73
Thank you, Mathew H., for doing the math. Also wondering what would 100,000 staffers in 423 districts cost? Does any other candidate have that much coverage at this point? Sanders supporters are also highly committed, well informed, creative, energized, diverse and ready to put it on the line for Bernie Sanders in 2016. What that map shows is the first emergence of the first seeds of a Sanders led revolution. Some parts of the country need more seeding and watering, to be sure. But that map looks pretty good three months into Bernie's campaign, and with patience and diligence those grassroots will fill in.
3
You said the same thing about Occupy Wall St when the NYT finally(!) covered it. Now the 99% strongly and broadly supports what Occupy Wall St was bringing to the fore. NYT don't get left behind on this one too just because you don't show up.
20
I'm curious why it is Sanders who constantly gets judged on his non-white support and not other candidates? This is not to say the conversation shouldn't happen, but I rarely see articles critical of any other candidate for lacking non-white appeal, but many going after Sanders.
33
It seems once again you are trying to diminish Sen. Sanders' candidacy rather than reporting it accurately. You talk about his having support in only liberal areas. What about the over 10,00+ people who showed up at his rallies in Arizona and Texas? Not even a story about it in the Times. The Times continues to act as only Hillary Clinton is running for the nomination. It's time to lift the blackout you have imposed on the Sanders campaign.
36
What other candidate ever gathered this many people this far ahead of the primaries? Mr. Cohn would rather ignore that, as it conflicts with his Sanders bashing meme.
19
Don't know why this article bothers comparing Sanders to Obama. He's not competing against Obama.
How does his legitimate grass-roots campaign stack up against Hillary's Super PAC-driven campaign? That's the only comparison that matters. Something more than "He is competitive with Hillary Rodham Clinton in white, liberal states like Oregon or Vermont" would be helpful.
How does his legitimate grass-roots campaign stack up against Hillary's Super PAC-driven campaign? That's the only comparison that matters. Something more than "He is competitive with Hillary Rodham Clinton in white, liberal states like Oregon or Vermont" would be helpful.
15
When Bernie Sanders and what he is saying gets as much blanket media coverage as Trump get back to us on the breadth of support for Sanders. Until then you're not doing your job, you're just doing bread and circus infotainment.
42
C'mon Nate, it is July 2015, not February 2016. The campaign has barely started. Not a single person has voted, nor will anyone vote for another half year. To dismiss Sanders at this point in time because his support is not yet wide, is ridiculous. Most people have barely heard of him. The fact that he is doing as well as he is in the polls against the widely expected nominee is remarkable. Let's see how well he campaigns over the next six months. If he bombs in New Hampshire and Iowa, then it'll be time to write a dismissive article like this, not now.
38
Agreed. This type of journalism is undue influence on the democratic process.
Bernie has six months to erode Hillary's biggest asset, mere-exposure effect.
Bernie has six months to erode Hillary's biggest asset, mere-exposure effect.
2
Name another candidate that can get this many people together a year before the election. This has to be the most pointless article I've read in months, and it's obvious you only wrote this do try and sway your readers to vote for canidates that will help your company make money. You should feel ashamed of yourself and know that when Bernie wins the election, and America moves to prosperity that you were on the wrong side of history.
30
I will wager that radio silence from the media + access to technology and connectivity were factors that grassroots campaigning will conquer in the coming months.
14
Attended one meeting of two- this was filled- in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, in a bar on the square- Butter's Brick House, 6-8 pm. True regards connectivity- listened and watched the young man hook up to -I'm thinking
We made a diverse group, African-
American, white, age-wise, the
University of Wisconsin is here, retired, and blue-collar. But for YouTube I would not hear and see Senator Sanders, from Madison, the
Pontchatrain Ctr. in New Orleans, both from streaming live on YouTube.
Names, email addresses were taken at
Wednesday night's meeting;
importantly before and after Senator
Sanders's speaking, there were
organization folks, and a number to
dial upon -I did not have the telephone technology to do this- don't own, but this dialing on-connection, linked those who did with the Sanders's for President webpage. Modernity in connectivity is major in hearing and learning Senator Sanders's with the blackout on his campaigning. I heard for the first time while driving a Bloomberg piece on Senator Sanders, in a car, and not on public radio. Thankful for young folks determination to figure the way to connect 3500 groups across the country via a live streaming campaign meeting of 100,000 Americans. Go Bernie Sanders.
A Wisconsin supporter and now a volunteer.
We made a diverse group, African-
American, white, age-wise, the
University of Wisconsin is here, retired, and blue-collar. But for YouTube I would not hear and see Senator Sanders, from Madison, the
Pontchatrain Ctr. in New Orleans, both from streaming live on YouTube.
Names, email addresses were taken at
Wednesday night's meeting;
importantly before and after Senator
Sanders's speaking, there were
organization folks, and a number to
dial upon -I did not have the telephone technology to do this- don't own, but this dialing on-connection, linked those who did with the Sanders's for President webpage. Modernity in connectivity is major in hearing and learning Senator Sanders's with the blackout on his campaigning. I heard for the first time while driving a Bloomberg piece on Senator Sanders, in a car, and not on public radio. Thankful for young folks determination to figure the way to connect 3500 groups across the country via a live streaming campaign meeting of 100,000 Americans. Go Bernie Sanders.
A Wisconsin supporter and now a volunteer.
2
So out of 435 congressional districts only 12 did not have a meeting? That seems like a pretty good percentage overall
46
I also believe low non white support is due to low awareness. The good thing about this is we see weaknesses, and we can strengthen them. I believe when all is said and done, the weaknesses discussed here will turn into strengths for Bernie Sanders.
22
Bernie knows that he is not well known to minorities. He's working on that and his supporters are spreading the word in these communities. I'm doing my part by telling all of my patients (99% happen to be Hispanics and African Americans from South Los Angeles) about Bernie.
What I'd really like to know is how many Republicans, Independents, Greens, etc are planning to vote for Bernie. I'd bet a significant amount.
If you step back and look at the big picture, however, Bernie doesn't care about labels, what he cares about is the livelihood of millions of Americans, many who are struggling. American are fed up with the status quo, it's time for a change, it's time to elect Bernie for president!
What I'd really like to know is how many Republicans, Independents, Greens, etc are planning to vote for Bernie. I'd bet a significant amount.
If you step back and look at the big picture, however, Bernie doesn't care about labels, what he cares about is the livelihood of millions of Americans, many who are struggling. American are fed up with the status quo, it's time for a change, it's time to elect Bernie for president!
29
I wonder why his support is so narrow. Could it be that there has been an almost complete media blackout, including until quite recently the New York Times. He gets record crowds, bigger than any candidate left or right, and yet it's not deemed newsworthy. Luckily the tide seems to be turning.
Once people actually learn that he exists and discover his message and his refreshing style, the support branches out. But it's worth pointing out that he has a healthy and active support base among veterans for his work for them over his career.
Once people actually learn that he exists and discover his message and his refreshing style, the support branches out. But it's worth pointing out that he has a healthy and active support base among veterans for his work for them over his career.
46
"There were actually more Sanders attendees in Portland, Ore., than in New Hampshire or Iowa."
But at this early stage when he still does not have nearly the name recognition he will have later, he is already widely considered to have a great shot at winning both of those states. This campaign is ahead of schedule and only getting stronger. Bernie Sanders 2016!
But at this early stage when he still does not have nearly the name recognition he will have later, he is already widely considered to have a great shot at winning both of those states. This campaign is ahead of schedule and only getting stronger. Bernie Sanders 2016!
23
Support for Bernie Sanders is deep but narrow at the NYTimes.
There are already two ledes to the gay couple and Hillary today.
nytimes.com/politics/first-draft/2015/07/30/a-wedding-for-couple-in-hill...
nytimes.com/2015/08/02/fashion/weddings/jared-milrad-and-nathan-johnson-...
And look at what you offer up on Sanders.
Shameful unbalanced coverage.
There are already two ledes to the gay couple and Hillary today.
nytimes.com/politics/first-draft/2015/07/30/a-wedding-for-couple-in-hill...
nytimes.com/2015/08/02/fashion/weddings/jared-milrad-and-nathan-johnson-...
And look at what you offer up on Sanders.
Shameful unbalanced coverage.
37
Does anyone think that perhaps Sanders' message, if it gets out of the social media, might interest those who aren't paying attention right now? The horse race type of thinking drives me nuts. Why are these columnists never looking at what the candidates are saying? It is way to early to call the race, before the horses have even reached the tryouts.
15
Support for Hillary Clinton is broad but shallow.
19
Perfect retort!
3
I am a 19 year old student, and I have only met ONE person my age who is voting for Hillary over Bernie. Given, I live in a strong liberal state, one addressed in this article. But my generation grew up in a time of war, recession, deep budget cuts (especially in education), and incredible income inequality. We don't want another Clinton, a representative of the status quo, of corporations and banks, of inconsistent political history. Bernie Sanders is the only candidate who is actively standing up for my generation, and we know it. Do not marginalize or underestimate the youth vote, Mr. Cohn. Once mobilized, we will be more powerful than you credit us.
77
AB --Read a little history, and you will realize that the roots of the recession, cuts to eduction, and a wars built on iies can be found in the Bush administration--not in the Clinton administration.
I realize that you were only 4 years old when Bush was elected for the first time, and probably know little or nothing about what happened in the 90s under Clinton.
But the Hillary spear-headed a health reform movement that would lead to the Affordable Care Act. (Bernie support "Medicare for All" because he understands nothing about the weakness of Medicare-- or the economics of health care.)
The Clinton administration avoided war--even at times when perhaps we should have gone in (Rwanda).
As for income inequality, in the final years of the Clinton administration, the lower 90% began, for the first time, to see income gains. .
I realize that you were only 4 years old when Bush was elected for the first time, and probably know little or nothing about what happened in the 90s under Clinton.
But the Hillary spear-headed a health reform movement that would lead to the Affordable Care Act. (Bernie support "Medicare for All" because he understands nothing about the weakness of Medicare-- or the economics of health care.)
The Clinton administration avoided war--even at times when perhaps we should have gone in (Rwanda).
As for income inequality, in the final years of the Clinton administration, the lower 90% began, for the first time, to see income gains. .
What Maggie below left out was Bill Clintons role in gutting 'welfare as we know it', accelerating the war on drugs and sweeping deregulation of the financial industry. Yet somehow the Clintons are completely innocent and it's all Bush's doing.
The fact that this article is written tells the rise of Bernie Sanders in popularity. Before, no one expected to attend his meetings. Now, not as high as before is news. The black vote in southern red states does not matter in general elections, but may be important in winning the party nomination. There is always a possibility that Bernie may run as an independent. We may have four way contest in the general elections that include Clinton, Sanders, Trump and Bush. That should be fun. The 2016 election looks very promising for a great entertainment.
2
Nate's analysis conflates the primary with the general election.
It's way too early to write off a Democrat because he doesn't have early black community support. In order to win delegates, Sanders has to energize progressives. He's been drawing surprisingly large crowd and these house parties are a step in the right direction. Hillary will need to either (a) drain away the energy of progressives by throwing cold water on the Sanders candidacy, and/or (b) energize her constituency (which should be blacks, gays, liberal business people and more moderate Democrats).
In the general election, the fact is that the black community will support whomever it is that has a (D) on the ballot, and anger over disenfranchisement efforts and fright of the Republican candidate should do plenty to motivate blacks to go to the polls.
It's way too early to write off a Democrat because he doesn't have early black community support. In order to win delegates, Sanders has to energize progressives. He's been drawing surprisingly large crowd and these house parties are a step in the right direction. Hillary will need to either (a) drain away the energy of progressives by throwing cold water on the Sanders candidacy, and/or (b) energize her constituency (which should be blacks, gays, liberal business people and more moderate Democrats).
In the general election, the fact is that the black community will support whomever it is that has a (D) on the ballot, and anger over disenfranchisement efforts and fright of the Republican candidate should do plenty to motivate blacks to go to the polls.
15
There are dozens of states where the Black vote determines the primary.
2
This article is a belabored tautology. Democratic activists tend to be more liberal than the average Democratic voter, so to say that Sanders' rallies were concentrated in liberal enclaves means only that his rallies drew activists. And activists are by definition the people most concerned about the campaign at this early stage. A less tendentious headline would have been: "Activist support for Bernie Sanders limited to activists."
It's almost the equivalent of saying that because Hillary's largest rally took place on Roosevelt Island, she really needs to step up her game on the mainland.
It's almost the equivalent of saying that because Hillary's largest rally took place on Roosevelt Island, she really needs to step up her game on the mainland.
24
A month ago most people had never heard of Sanders. And this is probably still the case. Even so, he's thrown a spanner in the works and the coronation of Hillary Clinton as the party's presumptive nominee will have to wait. I seem to recall that she has been the presumptive nominee before. Then Barack Obama came out of nowhere to snatch the prize. Politics is a tricky business. Sanders has made significant strides. Don't write him off yet.
40
This article is unfair and shortsighted. The event was to attract more volunteers and to increase visibility. There were 30 meetings last night for Bernie in Orange County, CA. One event my friends went to started with 12 RSVP's in someones house, then grew to over 300 people that had to be moved to another venue. And thats saying a lot considering OC is conservative
103
How are a bunch of White volunteers from Orange County going to get Bernie Black and Hispanic support?
1
The actiivst left that champions the substantivenss of Sanders's class consciousness on the one hand is the same activist left that has catapulted the reductiveness of identity politics into it's current role as the central animating concern of the mainstream left.
The fact of Sander's "record," "statements," and "personal experiences" regarding those issues that would galvanizne blacks -- civil rights, policing, etc -- are for nought when they are coming from the mouth of an old, sloppy white man.
And doesn't it suit wall street just fine in the end. While Sanders' powerful anti-capitialist message will fall on one deaf ear too many, the coalition that could put him over the top is too busy making people apologize for saying "all lives matter."
The fact of Sander's "record," "statements," and "personal experiences" regarding those issues that would galvanizne blacks -- civil rights, policing, etc -- are for nought when they are coming from the mouth of an old, sloppy white man.
And doesn't it suit wall street just fine in the end. While Sanders' powerful anti-capitialist message will fall on one deaf ear too many, the coalition that could put him over the top is too busy making people apologize for saying "all lives matter."
4
The old while lady is running also...and she would help minorities, Hispanics, and blacks, far less than Bernie Sanders would.
5
Your statement is rambling and incoherent. What exactly are you trying to say?
4
I wonder what people will say when Bernie is asked "Are you a Socialists?" and responds YES. I think his poll numbers will tumble and I say that as a proud Democratic Socialist. I wish we could elect a president who would build a true Social Democracy with progress toward employee ownership and democratic input for management decisions. i just know we don't live in that country. Please my friends and (no irony intended) comrades we can't turn this country over to Bush because of a quixotic desire to be pure.
9
Amen. Would that they understood that. Bernie is a selfish old man not thinking about my grandkids America living under a Republican Supreme Court the next 40 years but about how warm this all makes him feel. Age 73 is way too old to be so stupid as to let an ego trip put the country at risk.
2
Yes-- Bernie Sanders has demonstrated his selfishness over the year
by refusing to work with liberal Democrats to retain a majority in
the House as well as the Senate.
Bernie is all about Bernie.
by refusing to work with liberal Democrats to retain a majority in
the House as well as the Senate.
Bernie is all about Bernie.
1
We're 16 months from the election and a candidate turns out 100K in over 3700 locations and this article takes the candidate to task for not already having broader representation. The whole point of last night's event was to enlist and mobilize new campaign workers to hit the streets to fill those holes. I think the criticism of Sander's visibility in some parts of the country is more than premature - especially for a candidate who has had no immediate family members in the office of president (and who has not received favored media treatment).
180
I agree with you 100 percent, Michael.
right now, every Democratic Party member in Congress (stretching it a bit, I know) wants Hillary. As far as our ideals go, she is probably the worst of the bunch running for the Democratic Party's nomination; Bernie is the best.
right now, every Democratic Party member in Congress (stretching it a bit, I know) wants Hillary. As far as our ideals go, she is probably the worst of the bunch running for the Democratic Party's nomination; Bernie is the best.
7
I went with my son to the event in Cupertino (Quinlan Community Center, 10185 N Stelling Rd,Cupertino, CA 95014 US). We have not been politically active in the past and everything we heard from Bernie resonate with our issues. I'm looking forward to take my place in the campaign and help out as much as needed.
19
"We're 16 months from the election and a candidate turns out 100K in over 3700 locations and this article takes the candidate to task for not already having broader representation."
You overlooked a key point here michael... the author is skeptical of those numbers gleaned from Mr. Sanders website. Right or wrong that is inherent in his commentary.
You overlooked a key point here michael... the author is skeptical of those numbers gleaned from Mr. Sanders website. Right or wrong that is inherent in his commentary.
More scorn for the Sanders campaign from the corporate media who refuse to believe people can think for themselves. I was at one of the Sanders events last night (Maple Valley, Washington) and "liberal activists" were nowhere to be seen. Of the 50+ people who did attend, most had never taken part in a political campaign in the lives.
153
yes, the left-wing media, including MSNBC (chris Matthews and others there, I'm looking at you!!!) only want Over the Hill Hillary and corporate agenda, and centrist agenda (might as well be a republican).
She's getting lots of money from Big Oil (keystone and drilling), Canadian banks (again for keystone pipeline), U.S. banks, and Wall Street. They give money because they EXPECT something in return, but because they want to wave a Hillary 2016 banner or wear a Hillary 2016 sticker.
She's getting lots of money from Big Oil (keystone and drilling), Canadian banks (again for keystone pipeline), U.S. banks, and Wall Street. They give money because they EXPECT something in return, but because they want to wave a Hillary 2016 banner or wear a Hillary 2016 sticker.
4
I guess you don't watch Ed Schultz who blasts Hillary on every show.
1
Bernie Sanders gets it when it comes to the issue of policing. When he was mayor of Burlington in the 1980s, he made changes to the police department and moved in the direction of community policing.
In the two-minute video below, Sanders was asked about the Freddie Gray death in Baltimore and what he would do if he were president. He responded by saying that (1) the president has the bully pulpit, (2) the word has got to get out that when police officers treat, mostly black, suspects terribly and, in some cases murder them, they need to be held accountable, (3) police departments need to move to community policy and (4) long term we need to invest in education and jobs, not jails and incarceration. How many politicians have said that what has occurred in some of these cases was “murder”? Probably none.
Sanders Speaks out on Baltimore Protests
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbxobSrrC68
In the two-minute video below, Sanders was asked about the Freddie Gray death in Baltimore and what he would do if he were president. He responded by saying that (1) the president has the bully pulpit, (2) the word has got to get out that when police officers treat, mostly black, suspects terribly and, in some cases murder them, they need to be held accountable, (3) police departments need to move to community policy and (4) long term we need to invest in education and jobs, not jails and incarceration. How many politicians have said that what has occurred in some of these cases was “murder”? Probably none.
Sanders Speaks out on Baltimore Protests
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbxobSrrC68
98
None of this matters. The powers-that-be have decided that Bernie's pro-worker program has no appeal to poor and working class people if they happen to be Black. Maybe cause the Queen Hillary's campaign said so.
1
Community policing, accountability, and education not incarceration? It frightens me that you don't know this is the standard line from Democrats and the Obama White House. *Everyone* says that. You're missing body cameras, reporting standards, and specific early childhood education. Read one of the policy speeches announcing an actual substantive initiative. I like Bernie's unique stance on a lot of things, but don't claim he's the only one calling the sky blue.
1
Sandra Bland was college educated and black and she still died after an encounter with police. It's true that poor blacks are most affected by poor policing, but money and education doesn't insulate black people. Ask President Obama about that.
Race, gender and inequality are still things that many Americans struggle with or want to dismiss as identity politics, but minorities and women can see that they are still targets, whether they are middle/upper class or not. I am happy to see that Sanders is speaking about poor policing, but the point that the Black Lives Matter activists were making at the Netroots Nation event is that in this country our lives are still treated with less respect than those of other Americans.
Race, gender and inequality are still things that many Americans struggle with or want to dismiss as identity politics, but minorities and women can see that they are still targets, whether they are middle/upper class or not. I am happy to see that Sanders is speaking about poor policing, but the point that the Black Lives Matter activists were making at the Netroots Nation event is that in this country our lives are still treated with less respect than those of other Americans.
1
I'd like to vote for Bernie
But you tell me he can't win,
Yet every Bernie journey
Draws crowds, all thick, not thin.
I'm told he is a socialist
Unpopular today
And yet his words remain unbooed
But cheered in every way.
It's also said he is too old
Notice his hair is gray,
Hopeful Repubs are callow, cold,
Younger to our dismay.
Still, Bernie just appeals to me,
Each word he offers, true,
So I will bypass Hillary,
I'm left of center, too.
But you tell me he can't win,
Yet every Bernie journey
Draws crowds, all thick, not thin.
I'm told he is a socialist
Unpopular today
And yet his words remain unbooed
But cheered in every way.
It's also said he is too old
Notice his hair is gray,
Hopeful Repubs are callow, cold,
Younger to our dismay.
Still, Bernie just appeals to me,
Each word he offers, true,
So I will bypass Hillary,
I'm left of center, too.
227
Beautiful. Simply beautiful and perfectly said.
1
This is one of your best yet. :D
1
Typical progressives punching themselves in the face. The Bernie supporters remind me of the Tea Party only on the left. All they seem to care about is how Bernie makes them FEEL. How disappointing to see it coming from the left. They don't care about everyone else, just themselves. They drive hybrid cars because it makes them FEEL better. They shop at the Farmer's Market because it makes them FEEL like they're helping local sustainability. Like the Tea Party they reveal themselves to be woefully out of touch with the majority of minority working class Americans. They are only in touch with how they themselves FEEL on a daily basis. I have never been embarrassed to be a democrat but this campaign has made me feel part of an entitled class who have the luxury of dismissing the only viable political candidate for President, Hillary Clinton, because she can't make them FEEL good enough. No thanks.
1
Based on his background and solid experience in the civil rights struggle, I would say that Bernie's strength with black voters is probably far stronger than most people think. Yes, he has made the most points with liberal white progressives, but that is partly because of the state he is from: Vermont, perhaps the whitest state in the Union. I think Bernie would be wise to schedule another simulcast address directed solely at people of color and their anti-racist allies. I could help him write such an address: I urge Bernie's campaign to contact me on this. He can reach me through Jane, I think.
64
Most people are not following elections and campaigns right now, and most of the early states have low-black populations, with the exception of South Carolina. Right now, the campaigns are only focusing on Iowa; New Hampshire, South Carolina. Also, don't take ANY notice of national polls; Pay attention to only the state polls for the early states that I mentioned.
Once the debates start on both sides, tons more people will start following somewhat; People tend to start following when they see campaign ads on their televisions; and right now, that's basically no where, except for maybe in Iowa an those places, if at all.
Once the debates start on both sides, tons more people will start following somewhat; People tend to start following when they see campaign ads on their televisions; and right now, that's basically no where, except for maybe in Iowa an those places, if at all.
2
How about consciousness raising groups to discuss the issues Bernie raises?
1
I was at one of the 3,722 parties held for Bernie last night. Most of the 150 people present had never worked on a political campaign before. Most were college students. Bernie is energizing a portion of the population that has never before seen a reason to vote. They see that he is not owned by billionaires. They hear him speak the truth. They know he has spent his life fighting for working people. What if millions of non-voters suddenly found a reason to vote? How would that affect your statistical analysis, Nate?
201
Well said, Susan!
We were at the Kyle, Texas party for Bernie--about 40 people at suppertime on a god-awful hot evening in a heavily Republican town--and there men and women of all ages from teens to geezers, mostly white but also Latinos and blacks.
Mr Sanders' ideas and proposals are not at all those of a "left-wing" outlier. For pete's sake--how is repairing our infrastructure "radical?" Reversing climate change? A living wage for the workers at the bottom and equal pay for women? Expanding government programs that middle-class citizens (including the low-info wingnuts) contribute to and favor for themselves? The same right to health care accorded to citizens of every advanced country but ours? Making the obscenely rich pay their share? These are all common-sense proposals. Even the "liberal" ideas are meant to improve the lot of workers and students, resulting in better jobs and a better-educated citizenry, which benefits us all.
Mr Sanders' ideas and proposals are not at all those of a "left-wing" outlier. For pete's sake--how is repairing our infrastructure "radical?" Reversing climate change? A living wage for the workers at the bottom and equal pay for women? Expanding government programs that middle-class citizens (including the low-info wingnuts) contribute to and favor for themselves? The same right to health care accorded to citizens of every advanced country but ours? Making the obscenely rich pay their share? These are all common-sense proposals. Even the "liberal" ideas are meant to improve the lot of workers and students, resulting in better jobs and a better-educated citizenry, which benefits us all.
Bernie Sanders = George McGovern =
Electoral College Disaster = 2-3 New Scalia Cloned Appointees to the U.S. Supreme = 50+ Years of Progressive Judicial Decisions Down the Toilet, not to mention previously passed Public Laws governing the environment and social programs that could be eviscerated or defunded if a super majority of the Republican party was swept into office.
For some strange reason, there's a segment of the Democratic Party that would rather go down with the ship preserving his or her ideological purity than nominating someone that can actually win.
I've been there; done that; and would rather "win and govern" than to sit around and tell stories about how stupid the majority of the country was NOT to vote for our losing candidate.
Electoral College Disaster = 2-3 New Scalia Cloned Appointees to the U.S. Supreme = 50+ Years of Progressive Judicial Decisions Down the Toilet, not to mention previously passed Public Laws governing the environment and social programs that could be eviscerated or defunded if a super majority of the Republican party was swept into office.
For some strange reason, there's a segment of the Democratic Party that would rather go down with the ship preserving his or her ideological purity than nominating someone that can actually win.
I've been there; done that; and would rather "win and govern" than to sit around and tell stories about how stupid the majority of the country was NOT to vote for our losing candidate.
17
Forgive me if I'm wrong but hasn't it only been a few days since polls were released indicating Sanders ahead of Trump, Walker, and Bush? The Clintonite line that Sanders is unelectable just isn't supported by the facts or the steady trend of polls in recent months moving in Sanders favor. For "some strange reason" there's is a segment of the Democratic Party that has principles and is willing to support a candidate that sincerely articulates them. Keep in mind that Trump might well sabotage the Right this cycle and whoever wins the Democratic nomination might have a rather easy path to the White House. Regardless, Sanders looks like he'd have a very good shot in a one-on-one match up against any of the leading GOP candidates.
133
My support of Bernie comes not from ideological purity, but from not having to apologize for my choice of candidates. The Clintons have always been a compromise because of the scandals associated with both of them. Politically, they were very astute and recognized that to be elected they had to move to middle. What they gave us was an administration that supported Wall Street, but undermined the rest of the economy. After all, they removed Glass-Steagall and installed NAFTA. The Obama administration was filled with former Clinton supporters and economically very similar to George W. Bush's, just read Sheila Bair's "Bull by the Horns." I will support Bernie as long as he is viable, but if it comes to a choice between Hillary and any of the Republicans (although I must admit that I like some of what I've heard and read about Kasich), I will go for Hillary. The biggest question that remains unanswered is who of these candidates will disrupt the inertia in Congress. In that area, Bernie's experience may give him a leg up on the other candidates.
9
I would contend that Bernie is the stronger candidate than Clinton. Do you want to continue to support Clinton and let the republicans win?
6
The reason Hillary Clinton holds a lead at this point is name recognition. Nonetheless, Bernie Sanders’ poll numbers have risen from the single digits to the 20 percent range and 30 percent range in the three months since entering this race. There is no question that Sanders will beat Clinton in the debates and, thereby, gain new supporters. Low-income people in the red states and the African-American and Latino communities will discover that Sanders’ economic plan will help them tremendously.
Sanders’ Agenda for America: 12 Steps Forward
http://www.sanders.senate.gov/agenda/
1. Rebuild our crumbling infrastructure
2. Reverse climate change
3. Create worker co-ops
4. Grow the trade union movement
5. Raise the minimum wage to a $15 living wage
6. Pay equity for women
7. Trade policies that benefit American workers
8. Make public universities tuition-free (paid-for by enacting a financial transaction tax on Wall Street trades), and lower interest rates on current federal student loans
9. Break up the big banks
10. Medicare for all
11. Expand Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and nutrition programs
12. Crack down on offshore tax havens, return to a progressive tax code, and eliminate corporate tax loopholes
Sanders’ Agenda for America: 12 Steps Forward
http://www.sanders.senate.gov/agenda/
1. Rebuild our crumbling infrastructure
2. Reverse climate change
3. Create worker co-ops
4. Grow the trade union movement
5. Raise the minimum wage to a $15 living wage
6. Pay equity for women
7. Trade policies that benefit American workers
8. Make public universities tuition-free (paid-for by enacting a financial transaction tax on Wall Street trades), and lower interest rates on current federal student loans
9. Break up the big banks
10. Medicare for all
11. Expand Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and nutrition programs
12. Crack down on offshore tax havens, return to a progressive tax code, and eliminate corporate tax loopholes
202
If Sander's is trailing Clinton among Black, Hispanic, and women voters due to name recognition, why do you think Black, Hispanic, and women voters are don't recognize his name? Why have only White dudes learned about Sanders?
1
Clinton holds a lead because she has a base of support. Her primary votes in the 2008 race very nearly eclipsed Obama's and she has a solid record on many progressive issues. Many Sanders supporters try to diminish the votes of Clinton supporters as somehow not as legitimate as a vote for Sanders. The fact is that all the Democrats have positions that are more progressive than those of the Republican candidates. But, this country isn't as far left as the most ardent Democrats wish and no president can unilaterally do everything on Sanders' wish list. Just look at the fight over ACA. There is a give and take to everything.
4
The Sanders' Agenda for America accounts for all the steps needed to restore the country and I approve wholeheartedly. There is just one problem and its defined as Congress. If he doesn't get a Democratic support group in Congress he is just spitting into the wind.
His task in just getting there is huge.
His task in just getting there is huge.
2
The lumpen lemming left. They don't get it. He is not helping he is hurting. Hurting who? Well first Hilary Clinton but really them, the Sanders supporters.
The 2016 presidential election is a choice between two not 22. It is a choice between Mrs. Clinton and whichever candidate the Republican Party finally vomits up out of the messy stew of its primary field.
If the next president serves two terms she or he will choose the next five justices of the Supreme Court because five of them are going to die or retire by January 20, 2025.That's what the election will be about, whether Mrs. Clinton makes those nominations or a Republican does.
If the Republicans elect a president and keep their three of the five, Thomas, Kennedy and Scalia, and add the seats now held by Ginsburg and Breyer they will have a 7-to-2 majority not for 4 or 8 pr 10 ten but for 30 years and more. And then it will not matter what a Democratic president or a leftwing candidate proposes.
If that is what you want support Sanders now and enjoy being angry and oh so right about being left.
But if the thought much less the risk of that 30-year rightwing Supreme Court majority makes you shudder then come to your senses now and tell Sanders -- who by the way is not a Democrat and never used his campaign funds to support a Democratic Senate majority -- to get out the way and not jeopardize the election of the one and only Democrat who can decide the next five seats on the high court.
The 2016 presidential election is a choice between two not 22. It is a choice between Mrs. Clinton and whichever candidate the Republican Party finally vomits up out of the messy stew of its primary field.
If the next president serves two terms she or he will choose the next five justices of the Supreme Court because five of them are going to die or retire by January 20, 2025.That's what the election will be about, whether Mrs. Clinton makes those nominations or a Republican does.
If the Republicans elect a president and keep their three of the five, Thomas, Kennedy and Scalia, and add the seats now held by Ginsburg and Breyer they will have a 7-to-2 majority not for 4 or 8 pr 10 ten but for 30 years and more. And then it will not matter what a Democratic president or a leftwing candidate proposes.
If that is what you want support Sanders now and enjoy being angry and oh so right about being left.
But if the thought much less the risk of that 30-year rightwing Supreme Court majority makes you shudder then come to your senses now and tell Sanders -- who by the way is not a Democrat and never used his campaign funds to support a Democratic Senate majority -- to get out the way and not jeopardize the election of the one and only Democrat who can decide the next five seats on the high court.
20
All the more reason to support Bernie. He stands clearly for
appointments to the Supreme Court to do away with corporations
as persons, revising our corrupt election laws, and all the rest.
H. Clinton stands for very little and sways with the political wind.
I will write him in rather than vote for a corrupt Clinton.
appointments to the Supreme Court to do away with corporations
as persons, revising our corrupt election laws, and all the rest.
H. Clinton stands for very little and sways with the political wind.
I will write him in rather than vote for a corrupt Clinton.
110
Notafan, you say that Sanders’ supporters are left-leaning. If that is true then a majority of the country leans left. The truth is that today’s Republicans are far right extremists and the Democratic Party has become a center-right party. Sanders is an FDR Democrat and would bring the party back to its core values.
Despite What Corporate Media Tells You, Bernie Sanders’ Positions Are Mainstream
http://billmoyers.com/2015/06/01/mainstream-bernie-sanders/
“Sanders’s positions are quite mainstream from the point of view of the stances of the American public in general. Of course, the 1 percent, for whom and by whom most mainstream media report, are appalled and would like to depict him as an outlier.
“[On the issue of overturning Citizens United and moving to public funding of elections], Bernie Sanders is the most mainstream of all the candidates. The others are in a part of the political spectrum that by the polling represents a tiny lunatic fringe in opposing significant campaign finance reform.
“When you hear Republican candidates say that there is no global warming or that it isn’t for sure human beings are causing it, and in any case nothing needs to be done about it, they are not mainstream. Climate change deniers are kooks, and if we had an honest media, it would call them kooks.
“Instead, Bernie Sanders, whose positions are shared by strong majorities of Americans, is being depicted as the one who is out of step.”
Despite What Corporate Media Tells You, Bernie Sanders’ Positions Are Mainstream
http://billmoyers.com/2015/06/01/mainstream-bernie-sanders/
“Sanders’s positions are quite mainstream from the point of view of the stances of the American public in general. Of course, the 1 percent, for whom and by whom most mainstream media report, are appalled and would like to depict him as an outlier.
“[On the issue of overturning Citizens United and moving to public funding of elections], Bernie Sanders is the most mainstream of all the candidates. The others are in a part of the political spectrum that by the polling represents a tiny lunatic fringe in opposing significant campaign finance reform.
“When you hear Republican candidates say that there is no global warming or that it isn’t for sure human beings are causing it, and in any case nothing needs to be done about it, they are not mainstream. Climate change deniers are kooks, and if we had an honest media, it would call them kooks.
“Instead, Bernie Sanders, whose positions are shared by strong majorities of Americans, is being depicted as the one who is out of step.”
162
A majority of the country leans left? What country do you live in?
You know that we elect our president through the Electoral College, right? So even if a majority of the population voted for Sanders, he would still lose because a majority of states would not elect him.
Our country is split almost perfectly between right-leaning states and left-leaning states, with a small number of swing states that tend to decide elections and tend to be dominated by independent voters. Many of these are much more likely to vote for a Teaparty Candidate than a socialist.
Bernie Sanders cannot win the Presidential election because he will never get a majority in enough states to win in the Electoral College. You can come up with a million facts and dreams and none of them will change this simple reality.
You know that we elect our president through the Electoral College, right? So even if a majority of the population voted for Sanders, he would still lose because a majority of states would not elect him.
Our country is split almost perfectly between right-leaning states and left-leaning states, with a small number of swing states that tend to decide elections and tend to be dominated by independent voters. Many of these are much more likely to vote for a Teaparty Candidate than a socialist.
Bernie Sanders cannot win the Presidential election because he will never get a majority in enough states to win in the Electoral College. You can come up with a million facts and dreams and none of them will change this simple reality.
1
Bernie Sanders participated in the March on Washington, was an organizer for SNCC, and was jailed more than once for his non-violent civil rights activism. As more people learn this, he very well could earn a vast majority of non-white voters in the primaries and beyond.
In a general election, his demonstrated appeal (as shown by his bipartisan appeal in Vermont) to independents and even many conservatives, could potentially match the overall numbers of Obama's winning coalition.
In a general election, his demonstrated appeal (as shown by his bipartisan appeal in Vermont) to independents and even many conservatives, could potentially match the overall numbers of Obama's winning coalition.
221
No friend. He would lose in a 57-to-43 percent election and bury the chances of Democrats retaking the Senate. This country is right of center and you run to win from the center and Vermont has nothing to do with anything in the places you absolutely have to win to win the presidency --Virginia, North Carolina Missouri, Pennsylvania, Nevada and, above all, Ohio.
Politics is about winning because it is one out of one. There are no playoffs. It is all on the table and you don't play a weak hand and there is no weaker hand for the Democratic Party than Sanders. He would be crushed as McGovern was.
Politics is about winning because it is one out of one. There are no playoffs. It is all on the table and you don't play a weak hand and there is no weaker hand for the Democratic Party than Sanders. He would be crushed as McGovern was.
3
This is basically "I have a Black friend."
Sanders past civil rights activism doesn't mean anything today. If anything, it makes his failure regarding #blacklives matter all the more glaring.
Sanders past civil rights activism doesn't mean anything today. If anything, it makes his failure regarding #blacklives matter all the more glaring.
1
So why have all the recent polls have Sanders AHEAD of all GOP candidates? Check out CNN, or Google...
7