President Anybody sounds fine to me, as long as it’s not the one currently defiling the Oval Office.
13
The only president Sanders we will ever see is President Colonel Sanders, head of KFC. Welcome your new candidate, the Jeremy Corbin of the United States. Watch him go down in a total defeat....
18
gee, I hope not!
5
Sounds awful.
6
Never will happen! Trump 2020!
7
A joke?
7
With all due respect for the NYTimes extraordinary pundits, Bernie Sanders and Mike Bloomberg share one trait that will surely prevent them from ever becoming POTUS...that is they're Jewish and while middle America will pat themselves on the back that Obama became POTUS, they will never, ever allow a Jew in that job.
There is just too much inner, below the radar, hatred for Jews that in a national election it is very unlikely one will ever become President.
13
Good luck in the general election if Bernie is the nominee!
https://news.gallup.com/poll/254120/less-half-vote-socialist-president.aspx
8
President? Ha ha ha. A professional protester whose 'accomplishments' include naming two post offices and complaining.
His supporters are like Trump supporters. Don't listen to logic. They can't add. And when he loses he nomination because of the lack of black support they will cry it was rigged.
In addition there are those pesky rape fantasies and protection of gun manufacturers. Go away Bernie before you screw up another election.
19
President Sanders sounds not horrible to me. I don't think Sanders can be elected. I think he's a one trick pony who won't fare very well on America's stage let alone the world stage. He's an angry old man who isn't very "presidential" and why anyone thinks Sanders is the answer to winning the White House back from the corrupt crook who is now there is beyond me. Like someone else so presciently said: "President Bernie? Not a chance." Not remotely a chance!!!
Please-- what are you thinking???
15
President Sanders sounds horrible. I still don't like that he is allowed to caucus and debate as a Democrat.
19
Wow ! Just read a WSJ web article. Bernie's increased government spending over the next 10 years based upon only the plans he has already proposed is $92 Trillion. The government would consume 70% of the total GDP and employ over 50% of all workers. This is almost all the way to true Marxist state. At last !!!
8
In Maine there is a phrase that is the punch line for a one or two Down East jokes—"ya can't get there from here."
If you missed this from a few days ago:
"Who Killed the Knapp Family?"
'Across America, working-class people — including many of our friends — are dying of despair. And we’re still blaming the wrong people.'
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/09/opinion/sunday/deaths-despair-poverty.html
read it and then explain how you think anyone other than Senators Sander and Warren have the mind set to capable of taking this country back from the precipice we are teetering on.
14
I would vote for any person on the ballot that is not Donald J. Trump. Simple as that. I've held my nose before, and I'll do it again if I have to. No room for weasel words, Bret.
34
President Sanders. Yes.
25
President Bernie sounds terrible
5
Not good. This, coming from a life long democrat.
12
How does President Sanders Sound to Me? Sounds like another failed socialist experiment. After WWII, Israel, the U.K. and India all tried socialism. They all failed. I don't know of any socialist state that ever worked, at least not well. Even the Scandinavian people, who are often misnamed socialists by ignorant Americans, hate being called socialists. They are not. But, fear not. There are enough sane Americans to ensure there will never be a President Sanders. Unless, of course, he runs for the P.T.A.
11
He's too old an he just had a heart attack.
14
I don't want to have a grouchy old man as POTUS.
I want someone younger. And inspiring. Klobuchar. Butigieg.
If older is necessary then Warren and Biden. In that order.
11
"Finally" found his moment??
The people have been pushing for his moment for a long time. The Democratic oligarchy, NPR hosts, and many of the most popular news outlets have been maligning and dismissing him the whole time
9
He sounds great. I hope he is president in 2021!
18
Sounds just fine to me.
20
Bernie Sanders was robbed of the democratic nomination. If he isn’t nominated I and countless others will be heartbroken. Warren is willing to cave to corporate American. And really not raise taxes! Sanders in 2020!!!!! He is consistent and will never sell his soul.
14
I'm stunned that anyone besides pollsters thinks Bernie could beat Trump. Trump's ruthless cheaters will run the SOCIALIST thing in, out and every which way but loose, thereby ensuring that moderates of either party or the dems and republicans who are not paying attention, or just don't care, will be scared away from Bernie and vote for the dolt or not vote at all. There is nothing wrong with being a moderate and/or not buying Bernie's "free college" and "free healthcare" myth. On the other hand, it would be fun to watch two old, loud white guys who do everything with a sledgehammer go at it in a debate.
12
Sounds like America's lifeline and last hope. You're a disaster. The old guard failed. Time to start over. When you've hit rock bottom, it can't get any worse. There's only one way to go. up.
6
Question for Stevens: Who would Putin vote for? Socialist Bernie or Capitalist thief Trump?
Biden would be a sad choice as a US president. Hollow. He sold himself for pieces of gold to get a Republican elected. We can do better.
Bernie is serious and passionate. He is a champion of the working man. That resonates.
For those who despise Bernie for Hillary's defeat: you are placing the blame in the wrong place. Hillary, Bill, Comey, Putin, Greed, Democratic Party leadership insensitivity and arrogance are all to blame.
Yes, President Bernie Sanders sounds great.
14
Unelectable. He makes Warren look like a shoo-in and Trump would beat her easily.
8
Sorry Bret, but "moderate Democrats" are corporate Democrats, begging for and spending big billionaire bucks right now (or billionaires running themselves). Our country's government and economy-- except for elites like NYT editorial page columnists like you and Maureen-- function as protection rackets for the very wealthy. Radical Republican Regressivism since Reagan has relentlessly concentrated income and power at the very top. Only true progressive policies like FDR enacted in the 1930s and 40s will re-establish power with the average citizen.
12
Sanders has no chance at all, something even he must realize. If he wants to leverage his position in the polls to impact the platform of his current (Democratic) party, let him have at it.
Alfred E Neuman has a better shot at winning the Whit House.
5
I will vote for Bernie if he is the candidate. Then again I will vote for ANYONE BUT TRUMP!!
13
Sounds fine to me!
8
We really in a bad place if we are going to nominate a socialist to represent our party. Trump should be a bellwether in our decision of who to nominate. Trump totally ignoring Warren and Bernie in his childish tweets should tell us who he wishes to run against. Trump's fear of Biden got him impeached. Presidential Candidate Saunders would be red meat for Trump and his Russian buddies.
9
Thanks to the Electoral College, Bret's non-vote will not matter. NY is a given for whomever the candidate of the Democratic party is. That said, he can potentially influence people to follow his lead in other locales and so throwing water on Bernie is giving comfort to Trump. If Bernie gets the nomination Bret has to rethink his position or go on sabbatical. Not voting for the Democrat is voting FOR Trump.
10
I'm not sure anyone has noticed, but the majority of the Democratic Party supports either Warren or Sanders. The party is now majority-progressive. Everyone seems to understand this except the mainstream press, which is way too close to the party elites and bundlers who run Washington. The fact is, for months - no, YEARS, now - America has been shouting from the rooftops that "President Sanders" sounds great to them. If that is still even a reasonable question for an op-ed to ask at this stage, it can only because of bias and willful refusal to see the obvious.
18
Bernie Sanders is the most genuine person to ever seek the presidency. His heartfelt fight for people who have no economic or social advantages is admirable and his disgust with a political system in the back pocket of mega corporations should be shared by all of us. President Sanders sounds wonderful and Democrat sweeps of the House and Senate sounds equally wonderful. Should that happen, we will re-enter the Iran agreement, provide a comprehensive health care system where everyone receives health care without sacrificing other essentials, implement measures to stanch the ravages of climate change, pass legislation that guarantees a substantial minimum wage, enact stringent legislation banning use of assault weapons and putting teeth into background checks, and rebuild the crumbling infrastructure across the country.
18
Nope. Too old. Too willing to tax me to pay for the health care of people who aren't even in the country legally. Sorry. Doesn't work for me.
13
I'm 67. So I would hate to be called an ageist. I think the older experienced ones are too old, and the younger ones are too inexperienced. I love Buttigieg. But he's been a small city mayor. I think the only logical one is Klobuchar. I caucused for Bernie in 2016. And I will vote for the candidate and pull a straight blue ticket. Sanders has that "socialist" tag on his party (Democratic Socialist_) which scares a bunch of people.
8
Bernie doesn’t scare intelligent Americans in the majority - females, young people, and minorities. We’re not frightened of Bernie. A moderate Democrat is a corporate shill. I don’t just want a Democrat. I don’t want a corporate democrat who throws the majority of Americans into the dumpster. Moderates mean no progress for real America. Bernie is for the ignored majority. Who the heck is gonna cry for the mega wealthy? They don’t have it tough and they are not discriminated against.
11
Living in NJ that had reelected Bob Menendez to Senate despite him spending a substantial part of the previous term in the court and escaping jail by the hair, I am sure my vote this November won't matter... but after voting the D line since early 1990s I will vote straight R (except for the no-vote for the President) if Sanders is the nominee. I'll do everything I can to dig a moat between his ideas and the future of our country.
7
President Sanders sounds lousy to me, but still much better than Trump. I’m for any Democrat, not for Bernie. I can vote happily for any of the others except for Tulsi. But I’ll have to vote for Bernie Nader if he wins the primary (which he won’t).
5
When an obviously-ill FDR was running for his 4th term, his opponent Tom Dewey sipposedly said "a vote for FDR is a vote for Truman". We'll hear a similar line if the Dems nominate an old guy this year.
2
No way. His voice is fingernails on a chalkboard. Plus he is 112 and already had at least one heart problem.
Why isn't there ANYONE in their 60s jumping in to run for office?
7
Sanders for president ? That would be going from bad to bad ; disastrous for the country . Bernie & bros are up to the same ; spreading disinformation and accusations against a woman candidate . He has never really given specifics about how his administration would be like . Medicare for all and free tuition sounds good but he's never explained how he would pay for it ; he is as disingenuous as the current occupant of the White House . They run a parallel ; his health cannot be so excellent after that heart attack and we all know how Trump won't disclose his health record . Two old men whose ambition is longer than their lives. This country would be caught up in a vicious cycle of division repeating . We cannot afford to be pulled into a continuous tug of war between Trump supporters and the Bernie brothers . Both sides only see their radical and rabid views .
12
I'm not crazy about the socialism bit, but it's easy to picture Bernie squishing the Don like a bug in campaign debates.
9
President Sanders? Sounds great. I understand that Bret Stephens is conservative, but I have never understood his inability to distinguish a democratic socialist from a Bolshevik.
14
President Sanders would be my second-worst nightmare. And I’m a Democrat.
13
terrifying, that is how it sounds to me.
10
We have tried all sorts of conservatives and democrats who have failed. Let’s give a democratic socialist a chance. Haven’t had one since FDR who saved America.
16
I had a career as a Cardiologist and it still amazes me to find people who believe persons with stents are not only cured but better than they were before the heart attack. Folks, it would be insane to elect a man approaching eighty who has a heart as bad as Bernie's is.
19
Another angry old man who will guarantee another four years of Trump if he's nominated.
8
It would sound better if it was a joint presidency with Bernie and Liz standing side by side, once and for all spelling out the truth of the corruption that the GOP has meated out upon average Americans in fascists' tradition and fighting with every fiber to turn the United States into the place that those who sent us the Statue of Liberty believed this nation can be.
May champions of the vast majority of ordinary, hard-working, children of and first-generation immigrants alike, KNOW, is the nation that practices that which ESTABLISHES, our nation as the Moral High Ground, upon which all other nations should follow.
This happens only when champions of the People, for "We The People" and by People, like Bernie, Liz, and Corey or Kamela lead us to a nation where facts and truth and every bit as importantly, "Love", "Forgiveness" and "Kindness" set the standards by which we lead the world and future generations through the incredible challenges of climate change, generated by "Greed", "Corruption", "Narcism" and above all "LIES" and the evil hat issues forth; have caused.
Bernie and Liz win the corrupted delegate system and give us a fighting chance at ending the massive influence of oligarchic corruption and the massive corruption of money in politics that the likes of Roberts and his handlers have brought upon this nation. May God forgive Roberts and may the coming impeachment trial give him the opportunity for redemption of his soul and this nation together.
3
"President Sanders" sounds better than "President Trump" - but that's about it.
6
I will vote for whoever the Democratic candidate is even if it's Bernie. I think most of his views are too far to the left and I'll bet that Trump hopes he is the candidate for this reason. He can label him a socialist/extremist. But one of the main reasons why I don't like him is how he behaved in the last primary. He attacked Hillary and then when he didn't win the nomination he acted like a petulant child who didn't get his way. If he had enthusiastically campaigned for her and encouraged his supporters to get out and vote, the election may have ended differently - for this I will never forgive him. He should have put the country's needs ahead of his own selfish ambitions. And shame on his supporters who refused to vote in the last election, even if you don't like the candidate much, sometimes you have to choose between the lesser of the two evils and no candidate was more evil than Donald Trump.
6
President Sanders is what I want.
10
How Does President Sanders Sound to You?
It sounds WONDERFUL. Bernie is the real thing. Time tested, and you can believe in him.
And he's free and unconnected—to Ukraine and the Bidens, or to Hillary and the Party Machine. In fact, he can help restore the Democratic Party to what it was and what it should be.
[I wouldn't be at all surprised if Bernie and wife Jane O'Meara decided to forego an "electoral ball" as too wasteful, and would want to get right to work.]
14
In 2016 I was for a surprising moment pro Bernie - he seemed the only candidate with a positive vision for America, that nice Simon & Garfunkle song ad. It was a mirage. He didn't support Hillary even in the face of Trump, health care & climate change chaos - but fell back on his feelings of being cheated and an unfair process. All those progressives who didn't vote because they couldn't stomach HiIlary - did he lose the Dems the election? I can't help but blame him. At any rate it contributed to the morass of 20+ candidates for Democratic candidate and total loss of direction of the party. We don't need an egoist progressive Pied Piper in 2020. He seems old, stale, out of ideas and out of touch except with his white, young supporters. We've lost 4 years of climate action and increased the deficit by I don't know how much. Free college tuition, are you joking? The Trump propaganda machine will discard Bernie in 5 minutes flat. If Bernie had legs surely in 4 years he could have gained broader support. I've pledged to vote for anyone the Dems nominate, but a vote for Bernie would be seriously pushing the limit for me; yes, in part because I feel Bernie supporters would bail if the candidate is anyone except for Sanders or maybe Warren. I have no trust in them.
6
Bernie cannot and will not win if he is nominated. Remember Bob Dole? Bernie is the liberal version of Bob Dole. He will not win the Mid-Atlantic states that he would need to win, including Ohio.
4
Bernie is a warrior, I think he would fight the good fight. I also highly respect Warren, they are my two candidates and it would be a difficult choice.
7
George McGovern also fought the good fight. He too was a warrior. And Nixon was re-elected.
6
If any woman were as "angry" as Bernie, she wouldn't stand a chance. Double standards much? Frankly, while I don't want to be ageist, I think Sanders isn't healthy enough to be president; it's less age than the fact he had a heart attack last year. But if he's the nominee, I'll vote for him. I just hope all HIS supporters will accord another nominee the same support.
10
I'm not against Bernie, I am turned off by many of his supporters. They cost us an election last time by refusing to vote or voting for an alternate who had no chance to win. This is an even more important election for our country. Regardless of who wins the Dem party choice, it is imperative we gather together, push aside personal feelings and vote to change our county's trajectory,
10
Does "President Sanders" scare me? You bet. But not for who he is, but why we need him. Desperate measures are required in desperate times.
Americans have been dabbling with socialist policies - á la carte - for most of our history. Examples include countless public works projects such as the Hoover dam, the WPA, the federal reserve, the postal service, the transcontinental railroad, the atomic bomb, the US highway system, ARPANET (precursor of the world wide web), medical advancements, and many more. These "socialist" projects have not only been good for America, they have have been fundamentally transformative.
Currently the US tax payers subsidize corporate risk by providing tax subsidies and other goodies.
What many people don't realize about Sander's brand of policies is that it is not merely socialist redistribution of wealth, but - more accurately stated - a redistribution of speculative risk. Our most successful government initiatives have succeeded by absorbing enormous risk and capital expenditure in order to jump start entirely new industries. Such expenditures and coordination are nearly impossible for even the wealthiest private companies. Redistribution of the risk to all US tax payers is essential for a modern thriving economy if it is to maintain competitiveness in the global market. It is also, as it happens, essential for solving our most significant issues of the day that include health care and planetary "therapy" for reducing climate change impact.
7
"Those aren’t small things, most of all to people who live at the margins or outside of the labor market, including people nearing retirement and looking expectantly at their portfolios." I wonder which people at the margins are looking expectantly at their portfolios. Stephens is delusional.
5
We still didn't get the answer of who Bret will vote for if it's Sanders v. Trump. What's he going to do, abstain? Astonishing.
3
Life expectancy in USA is 78,5 years old. It is a problem when most of the candidates is around that age. Is they even gonna survive one term? We need to focus a lot on who each of them are gonna pic as VP.
2
Anyone is better than Trump. Anyone.
When will Bret and other conservatives come to terms with this?
10
I'm a well-off professional who presumably has a lot to lose on a personal level if Bernie raises my taxes to subsidize poorer folks. He is my favorite of all the candidates.
Bernie is uncompromising in his message and his commitment. He has lived true to his values for his entire, lengthy political career. He opposed Vietnam, and the first Iraq war, and the second Iraq war. He was right every time.
Trump's presidency is all about Trump. Bernie's presidency would be all about us, and our world. We need him desperately.
16
Sorry, he is a socialist millionaire who wants those of us who saved money, did not go into debt to pay for massive “name” university diplomas, to pay for the millennials, and in some cases, the bribes paid by horrible rich Millenial mom and dads for college educations the millenials don’t care about because of their You Tube and Instagram businesses, stealing from poor kids who want to be followers.
At least Karl Marx and Frederica Engles were themselves, financially independent, not paid by taxpayer dollars.
3
@ChrisW
Bernie's recent wealth came from his book sales...not taxpayers and not fraudulent business practices and inheriting the family fortune.
15
Sounds good to me. If not, then President Bloomberg and V.P. Klobucher.
3
I live in Iowa. My wife and I are going to caucus for Amy Klobuchar. If that group is not viable, then it's Joe Biden. If Sanders is the eventual nominee, I would not vote in the general election. And yes, being a lifelong democrat, I do indeed understand that this would be a vote for Trump.
4
Why? I'm genuinely curious about what is so bad about Bernie that would make you essentially vote for Trump.
14
It's just a boomer fit. He feels entitled to everything being what he wants it to be so now he's throwing a tantrum that Bernie will be the nominee.
6
The biggest problem with Warren and Sanders is that they do not seem to be willing to learn from mistakes made in other countries. The head of a group called "Democratic Socialists of America" was interviewed after his group's membership increased to 50,000 from 5,000 after Bernie Sanders candidacy. He was asked if there was any place and time in history that was closest to where your view of democratic socialism flourished. His honest answer was: "Sweden in the 1960s." Sweden remained capitalist throughout that period and has since rejected many of the things that were tried in the 1960s. Today the student loan issue is a bigger problem in Sweden than in the USA. Of course, those who think that the USA can retain market-priced healthcare indefinitely are also unwilling to learn from other countries.
For some food for thought regarding this, consider the events leading up to the American Civil War. One of the reasons that the south was willing to fight a very bloody and ultimately futile war in response to the election of Abraham Lincoln, was that an estimated 40% of all the capital in the south was in the form of slaves. In part of America today a similarly high percentage of wealth and capital is in forms related to fossil fuels. These include reserves, royalty interests, infrastructure and extraction facilities. Some climate change advocates advocate complete abandonment of fossil fuels. .."
https://seekingalpha.com/article/4315039
1
The US military is the biggest socialist organization in the world. who do you think pays for all of the incredible benefits they get to have?
7
I will vote for any Democrat, and hope we get a winner. We are in a national emergency, and I think the folks here- like Bret Stephens- who think they have the right to deny the Democrat a vote aren’t thinking ahead to the even greater nightmare that would be a Trump second term. We need to get back to square one- someone sane who respects the US Constitution.. Any of the candidates are and will do that, and what’s more, will be at least somewhat responsive to strong feedback from the electorate. Any of them will begin in some way to repair the damage.
10
We just had a balmy summer day in the middle of January, and all I wanted to do was go out and destroy every SUV I saw zipping around me. My thoughts were filled with screaming...ARE YOU BLIND/DEAF/UNFEELING? Do you not understand what you are doing?!? When are you finally going to take responsibility for your destructive lifestyle?? If Bernie is yelling, it’s because he cares. If you’re not angry, you’re not paying attention. At a time when our home is on fire and there is no place to run to, I want someone who is yelling and actively engaged and paying attention to everyone, not someone whose main worry is protecting their donors and talking it out with people who don’t acknowledge that there is a fire.
869
@Maria
So Bret Stephens worries that Sanders might cut defense spending.
Like many Americans he is blind and delusional if he thinks all that defense spending has done anything to make America safe.
After the US was terrorized by nineteen men, mostly Saudi, armed with boxcutters. the US added nearly 6 trillion to the national debt, killing millions, directly or indirectly, wrecked Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria... all for revenge.
The US is less safe and the world more unstable,
Sanders domestic policy would make the US stronger by creating a more thriving society and better infrastructure.
As President, Sanders will engage the world, not by arming everyone, so the US and other countries can shoot, bomb and kill each other...
President Sanders will work hard to keep those with conflicts needing resolution, at the table... talking, arguing, looking for common ground and solutions...
Sure, people will still kill each other while talking is ongoing, but the scale of death and destruction will likely be considerably less...
And the US will begin to set a different standard for resolving conflict.
The world cannot sustain much longer, the US shoot-em-up or bomb them foreign policy... nor can the US treasury.
90
@Maria
Sorry. I've had enough of all this yelling and anger after three years of Donald Trump, and probably so has the rest of the country -- which is why we're now all so tone deaf to each other.
At this point, I just want someone who can get the job done instead of dividing the country (and the party) any further than it is already.
And I'm not sure that it's Sanders.
65
@Maria; The Times pairs Collins with an ultra right-wing extremist to appear "balanced". Bernie is to the right of Angela Merkel, who is considered conservative in Germany. I am an old white guy who loves Bernie. But I would also be OK with Bloomberg (paridoxical I know) because of his passion on climate change and guns. He could also outspend Trump. I would prefer limited public financing and shorter campaigns, but the sad truth is that ads do influence people. The MSM will continue to tilt to the right; all the more reason for a major get out the vote drive.
58
How Does President Sanders Sound to You?
Like the only sane choice for America!
838
@Carlos
If Bernie is the candidate, I'm voting for him!
40
@Carlos We are a result of the choices we make. Beware.
6
I only hope the Bernie-or-no one- group think about the consequences, way too many went Trump as predicted, much less the Jill vote. I’m fine with President Bernie, Pete, Liz, Mini Mouse… if they are the D nominee, get my vote, even if I’m in a state where a protest is only that. Four years of The President Donald (President The Donald), has devastated two generation of progress for the US.
My apologies to the office of the President of the United States, but whatever respect the office entails, Mr. Trump has burned it all off.
19
Given Bernie's health, shouldn't you include Bernie's running mate in your question? Trump will certainly target her...in the crassest of ways (which will be very effective with American voters).
1
He’s surging now, but eventually he’s going to have to talk about how he is going to pay for his Medicare for All, and actually go into the details.
3
@JER.
If we have less Military for All around the world (including more than 800 US military bases in about 70 countries and territories along with endless expensive wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Libya, and Niger), we'll be able to pay for our healthcare.
8
Open those ears. He speaks about it in every speech he gives, maybe, you’re just not listening?
5
It doesn't matter what you say about Bernie Sanders, because those of us who are committed to him will not budge. I cannot wait for him to be elected president. I feel energized!!
3
@kr - You’re gonna wait a looooooong time then. #anydemocratbutbernie.
4
“Declining incentives for investment; ever-growing incentives for political corruption as a way of gaining favors from the state.”
This is supposed to follow, axiomatically, from a Sanders presidency, according to Bret Stephens.
To associate Sanders with a likely increase in corruption (through rent-seeking in this case) is about as intelligent and convincing as associating another Trump term with a return to high ethics, human dignity and transparency in the White House.
4
He is the loud voice of the progressives, but I do not think he is a good choice for the kind of executive functions a good president needs to have. I am also concerned for his health. I , at this point , prefer Elizabeth Warren though I am uncertain of her in some respects.
I prefer Sanders to continue as a loud progressive voice.
4
Sanders built his movement from the Occupy Wall Street movement and it is based on a democratic socialist political revolution. I think most Sanders supporters are to the left of Sanders and if he were president they would push him left. Since his movement is a populist movement it is based on attacking elites, in this case corporate elites and it would be focused on outing so-called corporate Democrats from the Democratic party in the way moderate Republicans have been outed from the Republican party by the forces backing Trump. The country would have two populist movements facing off against each other, one the left wanting to the make the US the next Sweden and one on the right wanting to make the US the next Russia or at least a white Christian authoritative state. In other words if Sanders wins the US will become even more polarized than it is now.
2
@Bob
I don't agree. I am actually a fair bit to the right of Sanders but very much in line with a Roosevelt. Roosevelt had a healthy distrust of the captains of industry. I and everyone else should too. Zuckerberg, anyone? GM and their anywhere but here factories mentality if that suits them.
But yet I need things, just as most do and I think innovation comes by way of smarts and merit. Capitalism mostly covers that. But Sanders is no dummy. He isn't going to nor wants to change us into an overnight socialist country. He just wants to even the very stilted playing field.
10
“... what I’m looking for now is anybody who can win and get us out of this nightmare.”
Bernie Sanders is a great choice.
Now the Democrats need to increase their majority in the house and gain a majority in the senate. The process of repairing the damage that Mr. Trump and Mr. McConnell have wrought on our democracy and our international relationships will require a long concerted effort.
Let’s make it happen!
6
Bernie for President sounds like a Trump win. Bernie cannot defeat Trump. I am a social liberal and fiscal conservative. Even though I would vote for any Democratic candidate to defeat Trump, if its Bernie, I.think Dems will lose. Nooooooooooooo
10
Polls show he wins. Voters are sick of stance-less moderates - the last three elections have been won on platforms of change
11
There should be a retirement age in politics just like in private service. The best presidents in recent memory were all young and pragmatic : Kennedy, Clinton and Obama. Our younger crop of politicians are also the most outpsoken and dynamic : Tlaib, AOC, Omar, Buttigieg, Beto, Gabbard etc. The older people simply blame each other and set an adversarial tone. They are bitter. Just look at the GOP. Mostly a bunch of angry and bitter old men that are bereft of ideas.
Just imagine if the retirement bar was set at 65. We would not have elected Reagan, GH Bush, or Trump. What a resounding thing that would have been ! No
If you want the younger people in the country to participate in the democratic process, then give them something they can call their own. Give them their generation or at least close to it.
It goes for the Supreme court too.
Pete Buttigieg all the way. AOC for VP.
1
@Plato
Mayor Pete will make a great VP.
To be a competent president requires more experience. Mr. Sanders is qualified, experienced and electable.
5
@Plato AOC is too young to be president, and I highly doubt that she would agree to be Pete Buttigieg's running mate!
@Tom W - To be competent, a person needs to be smart, humble and should know how to surround himself or herself with the right team of advisors. Neither Warren nor Sanders conduct themselves with any level of humility which is also a bit of a warning sign.
2
Having Bernie for president would be better than Trump anyday; however, I don't think he's be good for America. If he's the candidate, I'll vote for him but I see no surge. None of my buddies at the early morning wellness sessions are talking him up.
4
If you pick up a rubber band, hold it with your left hand and then stretch it far to the right...you will create significant tension.
If you then also stretch that rubber band far to the left with your left hand, it will likely stretch so far, create so much tension...it will break.
I think Sanders was correct, a woman cannot win against Trump; I also think that electing a progressive at this time - with the nation volatile and divided - will stretch that rubber band to the breaking point.
Sometimes we have to set aside our ideals and aspirations and dreams...to do what is sensible for the whole of the country.
Just think about that rubber band...
1
@Kelly Grace Smith
The Republicans do not have a history of allowing their opposition to determine who they nominate for president. The Democrats do. Democrats fearfully have allowed “predictions of unelectability” and “potential electoral disasters” to control who they have nominated many times since WWII.
The last two Republican presidents, George W. and Trump were/are both failures as chief executive.
Trump was said to be “absolutely unelectable” during the 2016 campaign.
It’s time for the Democrats to set fear aside and to select and elect a president for entirely positive reasons.
Take control of the senate. End decades of Republican obstructionism. Eliminate the “Party of No” and elect a progressive liberal president. We’ve lived in the shadow of 21st century Republicanism long enough!
3
Although I haven't made my mind up, supporting Bernie is a non-starter.
7
Not a chance! Too old, too fragile (who else has had a minor heart attack during the campaign?), too extreme (read left). For Democrats to take back the White House, they will need a candidate who appeals to MOST AMERICANS. Bernie Sanders, as probably the farthest leftist of the group, WILL NOT receive a sufficient number of votes from discontented Republicans to get into the White House; it will be Hillary Clinton all over again. Go with Biden, Bloomberg, maybe Klobuchar if the U.S. wasn't so sexist. Sanders is a good man, but nominating him would be a mistake.
11
Yeah, let’s be more moderate - it worked so well in 2016
3
Sanders is the real deal. He will be the FDR of the 21st century.
9
Sounds like Trump wins a second term
12
President Sanders? After spending three years accusing Trump of collusion with Russia, we'll switch over to a guy that honeymooned in Russia and seems quaintly attached to his comrades in Venezuela? There's certainly more support for collusion with this guy than any other. Another impeachment ceremony for the next President, though I suspect this time democrats won't like it!
11
So much for all that "vote blue no matter who" nonsense. Bret Stephens , who could "never" vote for Bernie, isn't just interested in getting rid of Trump, he wants his own version of centrist, capitalist governance -- really, what we have right now, but just with a little less yelling, please. He ticks off all the horrible things Bernie would do if elected: dramatic cuts in defense spending; new, huge government spending programs for ordinary citizens; "punitive" tax increases on billionaires; major tax increases on people of wealth who are less than billionaires,.
Sounds great to me.
10
Let see. would he attempt restore our democracy? Check. Would he tell the truth? Check. Would he root out corrution? Check. Is he incorruptible? Check. Would he mitigate the amount of money we spend on our Department of Death? Check. Would he invest in our children? Check. Would he move swiftly to fight climate change? Check. Would he implode our utterly corrupt healthcare industrial complex that literally steals trillions at the expense of our wellness? Check. Would he invest in infrastructure? Check. Would he reign in Wall Street? Check. Would he pathologically lie about everything? No. Does he spew hatred? No. Will the World come to loathe us less? Yes. Will he start an unnecessary war? No. Will he kiss Putin's behind? No. Will he obstruct Congress every chance he gets? No. Will he honor the Constitution? Yes. Will he reign in the outrageous gun violence destroying our country? Yes..,
Sound's good Bret and Gail. BTW, so does Elizabeth Warren, whom I adore, as well as every other candidate on the podium tonight. Vote Blue no matter who?
6
How Does President Sanders Sound to You?
It sounds incredible!
9
Smells like sanity
6
Initially, I was disinclined to vote for Senator Sanders in the general election. As I pondered the situation I decided that I will vote for whomever the Democratic nominee is, as I fear the harm another four years of Donald Trump will do to the very basic framework, and ideals, of our government. Mr. Trump, and his ilk, are a very dire threat to this nation, one that should not be underestimated. The very fundamental nature of the nation is in peril.
I fear Senator Sanders will lose in the general election, so I hope he does not win the nomination. I will vote for him should he win the nomination; a victory by the Grand Obsequious Party is akin to Lady Liberty consuming Kool-Aid laced cyanide.
5
Sounds fine, and substitute any other Democratic candidate name and that sounds fine too.
The most important thing is ridding the country of the plague of Trump.
6
I knew the Times would have another anti Bernie article today, after an almost fair interview yesterday. Consistent if not fair.
5
How Does President Sanders Sound To You?
Like a joke
9
How does President Sanders round to me?
Essential.
The climate emergency is an existential risk and he gets it.
The level of inequality is massive and must be addressed.
(Why do Americans pay 6% more of GDP for health care than other developed countries, AND have a declining life expectancy?)
Sanders would make necessary electoral changes to limit the power of money to purchase political power.
He would do things to make America Smarter not DUHer like the current King of Lies who sits in the Oval Office like its a throne room.
Sanders would Make America Good Again, (respected again, and trusted again.)
And if the billionaire class doesn't like it, they'll have the opportunity to adapt.
10
If bedrock Trump supporters constitute 30% of American voters and if 90% of them turn out, it would add up to some 68 million, which is well more than what President Obama obtained in 2012. "Normal" candidates can never win, so I agree, Mr. Sanders would be the only candidate for Democrats. Fight fire with fire.
6
I can't imagine there aren't a lot of people with the same thought process.
1. Gotta vote for somebody
2. Not gonna vote for Trump
Where does that leave us?
Where I think people go wrong is to start and speculate as to the effect these various Democratic Candidates could have on the country if they win.
If you think Bernie, or Warren or whomever is too extreme, just consider the possibility that nobody is more extreme than Trump.
If the country can live through his one term, we can certainly live through a Sanders or Warren term.
The Republicans will stonewall their efforts all day anyway.
Relax and vote Democrat, let's see where it goes.
17
I like the sound of President Bernie Sanders. - I like his ideas and policies too.
11
Potter and I never discuss politics anymore on our weekly outings, let alone the presidential elections. A staunch Republican, and a former military man, respect is due and he does not need a third heart attack.
"1917" is supposed to be worth seeing, I ventured, and he asked what it was about. Come on, I bantered, think hard, trying to refresh his memory. I wasn't there, he replied with his juvenile wit that is the cause of a good laugh, and then he remembered that the war to end all wars began with an assassination.
There are different ways in delivering the same message. Bloomberg is blunt and honest in stating that the defeat of Trump is essential for our future. Shouting and shaking with passion may not hold much appeal to voters, and looking at this photograph, Bernie's supporters in Atlanta, Ga., appear to be looking elsewhere.
Some, perhaps many Americans, will never know why The Republican Party, slowly, with accelerating speed, went right off the road at the beginning of this century.
Be as it may, one vote assured for Bernie Sanders if he wins the Democratic nomination, with a preference here for Biden or Buttigieg.
3
Brett thanks but no Thanks. You a dyed in the wool Republican help us defeat your party is suspect to me. Sure you have shown a displeasure with Trump but I just can't figure you out on this. You know in the Rust Belt and Purple States the word Socialist make people cringe. You may not like Trump but you do understand your party and it's voters. Bernie will almost guarantee the voters who went for Obama and then Trump will stay with Trump in 2020. AOC and Omar endorsing Bernie is going to win votes in Purple States? Bret thanks but No Thanks for your advice.
6
@Steve McCain - Those endorsements, and Bernie’s having Linda Sarsour as part of his campaign team, won’t get the votes of liberal Jewish Democrats, either. I’m for any DEMOCRAT running now. That label excludes Bernie and Tulsi.
2
This is what happens when you spend all of your time in Manhattan . Biden is in pretty good shape ahead in most polls
https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/election-update-two-new-polls-show-bidens-upside-scenario/
And pretty much the favorite I don't see Sanders beating Biden or Trump for that matter. As for Biden he is pretty much a Democratic party establishment . Don't expect much from him besides a kind of standard Democratic Establishment group think. Yes, he is a better person than Trump that may not mean we will get better results.
1
@prpgk1 - I see Bernie beating Sanders.
2
President Sanders? You might just as well pull the lever for Trump. Is that not painfully obvious at this point?
12
Which poll are you citing?
sad. he is not even a D.
Joe biden and kamala or amy!!!
4
President Sanders sounds just fine to me.
Let's start to call him the "Eisenhower for our Age."
5
Not so good. Too angry and divisive for me.
9
I'm a middle-aged white woman, and "President Sanders" doesn't sound all that good to me. I don't want another old white guy in charge, even a liberal old white guy. The country needs younger, forward-thinking leaders who grew up with technology, globalization and climate change. I like many of Mr. Sanders' ideas, and I would hope he'd work with whomever the Democrats nominate to help define the party's platform. But we need leaders of the future, not the past. (However, if Mr. Sanders is nominated, I'll support him.)
5
@Texas Tabby
I couldn't agree more. Doesn't sound much better than Trump, actually; I am completely exhausted with shouting, narcissistic old white men from any part of the political spectrum, right, left or center. Bernie is a 78 year old man who just had a heart attack, and is not a Democrat. I will not be supporting him.
4
@Elizabeth - The "not a democrat" sounds sort of suspicious to me. You have already labeled Bernie Sanders a narcissist. What proof do you have about that? I suppose you are not a democrat.
5
@Elizabeth
well Liz, at least you don't have a trace of ageism or sexism.
2
A Trump vs Bernie choice is truly terrible. But I love this country, the economy, my job, my retirement savings, border security, personal responsibility, low taxes (sorry liberals its MY money not yours) and my healthcare plan. So Trump it is.
3
Personally, I would vote for a lump of coal over Trump... I don't understand the way you and your ilk think at all... It's so alien to me. Please kindly explain your cognition so we may better understand.
12
@Jason
I love my country also. You think people who oppose Trump can't love their country? Liberals are trying to take your money? I guess liberals are also responsible the dark ages too? Trump is only responsible for the good things? Really!
9
@David Gould my cognition? How about an MD and an MBA? Does that throw a wrench into your theory of who Trump voters are? No moderate is going to ruin his retirement by voting Sanders. Maybe you can explain your cognition?
1
Too old. Too grumpy. Not my first choice. Warren for me.
5
Bernie isn't my first, second, third, fourth, or fifth choice but if he is the nominee I'd still vote for him. Any Democrat over Trump.
20
Sanders is the most authentic of all the far lefties, also the most forthright presenting his positions. But there is very little I agree with him about so I don't want to see him be president.
I do think it is fair to say that he has already demonstrated that he cannot be trusted to administer the government, which is the major task of a president. He proved that when he was chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee from 2013-2015. I explain:
Sanders' loves socialism and his pet cause is socialized medicine. Care should be taken to distinguish between socialized medical insurance versus socialized medical care. Socialized insurance is where the government owns and operates the insurance company (like Medicare). Socialized medical care is where the medical care facilities are owned and operated by the government with doctors and other personnel being employees of the government (like the VA hospital system). Generally, socialized medical care also incorporates socialized medical insurance. Sanders sees socialized insurance as an interim step to socialized medical care.
Do you recall the scandal of the VA putting patients on extremely long waiting lists for services, so long that some were even dying of their condition before they ever got treatment? Sanders was chairman of VA oversight during then and intentionally ignored the many complaints made to him, more interested in protecting government organizations than the public they are to serve.
6
Gosh, Bret is just unbelievable! Bernie’s defense cuts will make us more vulnerable to China and Russian aggression? And soon to be retirees are enjoying the stock market returns, despite the deficit financed returns? 1/3 of boomers have no retirement savings at all, most of the rest are woefully underfunded. Hey Bret - what’s next? You gonna start howling about Benghazi? Pathetic...
9
Another week of Bret “Mr. Eugenics” Stephens opining on who Democrats should vote for and what Democrat seems worthy of
his vote.
Please spare us another week of this. Despite Australia being in
flames he still is agnostic on human induced climate change.
Mr. Stephens has zero credibility with many critical thinking Americans.
Beware of Republicans in sheep’s clothing.
19
Love this comment
3
How does Bernie sound to me? He would be fine. He'll need to curb his lecturing, podium-pounding style if he wants to get anything done. Nobody likes a know-it-all so he'll need to become as good a listener as he is a talker which may be a hard row for him to hoe. We've had enough of the current clench-jawed sourpuss to last a lifetime although at least Bernie knows what he's talking about. If he's chosen, I will vote for him and wish him luck.
5
As a progressive I’m becoming very disillusioned by Bernie. His campaign is using the same smear campaign tactics he used in 2016. His surrogates have gone after all of his democratic opponents.He takes no responsibility for it. What happened to
“ the buck stops here”. A majority of his supporters who comment on the NYT’s are bitter, nasty , and do him no favors. Half the time they don’t even bother to read the articles. Fed up with him and his campaign tactics. I’m a new Ohio resident I will vote blue no matter who in general, but I will never consider him in the primary. Warren 2020!
11
I like the sound of President Not Clinically Insane, so anyone who clears that bar is fine by me.
10
He's too old.
6
Trump is a malignant metastatic cancer.
Four more years of his pathological lying, mendacious, corrupt administration will end the 234 year old American experiment.
By any means necessary he must be defeated.
16
He is an opportunist and a sore looser who handed the election to Trump and will do it again.
10
That would be “loser”.
1
If it’s Bernie, it’s Bernie. Lizzy? It’s Lizzy. Joe? Then it’s Joe. No fooling around this time!
5
The NYT has been editorializing for center-right neoliberal dominance over the Democratic Party for years. They got Clinton as a candidate in 2016 and she lost. Now they are at it again. All of the NYT favorites Biden, Buttigieg, Klobuchar, Harris... have either flamed out or have no chance so they are returning to their fall back pick, Warren.
For the NYT, Trump gets re-elected they have their tax breaks, an arch enemy to help them sell papers with and a reason to chant that progressives cannot win. If their candidate wins its Clinton/Obama world all over again. But If Sanders wins, then they are scared...
13
Hard pass.
4
"Hey you kids! Get of my White House lawn!"
President Bernie Sanders
7
I don't care! He couldn't be worse than the awful man that is pretending to be president. At least he isn't mobbed up, a serial adulterer, a misogynist, an alleged rapist and tax cheat, lying scumbag.
9
So you don’t like Trump Paula?
3
@Paula - Agree, he couldn’t be worse, but we need a Democrat who is much better than Trump or Bernie. And we have five very good candidates who are actually Democrats and who aren’t sliming other Democrats. Bernie and his cultists got us Trump in 2016. Bernie should never have run for 2020. I’m afraid we’ll again end up with Trump. However, I have faith that the majority of Democrats will vote for anyone but Bernie (and then we can again watch his supporters wail about the DNC, and see how Bernie will once again be unsupportive of whoever wins the primary.
1
Policy issues are very important, but the number one priority is to defeat Trump SOUNDLY in November.
I'm tired of the Democrats squawking about the diversity of the field - whether there are blacks, women - when anything but the most concerted, full- force drive to defeat Trump is secondary.
The last two days have been full of hyperventilating about Bernie saying - or not saying - that a woman could not beat Trump in 2020. I'm a woman and I do NOT care if Bernie said this about women, blacks, whatever. He may well be a misogynist, but it's far more likely that he's a pragmatist in a critical election year. Cast a cold eye, Democrats, over every candidate in the field.
The thing is, Bernie, YOU can't defeat Trump either. Regardless of what I personally think about you, your economic policies scare a lot of people. And the FIRST priority is to defeat Trump.
We need a fairly moderate candidate whose governing abilities are known. It's Biden or Bloomberg. And, like Bloomberg, I intend to devote all of my resources to helping that candidate beat Trump.
To paraphrase our president: We need to get Trump -
that sonofvab***h - off of the field.
7
@SCZ
Only Bernie has the brains, courage, and empathy to:
DUMP
EMPEROR
TRUMP
“We can’t be an EMPIRE”
2
How does President Sanders sound to me?
It sounds better than President Trump.
However, it doesn't sound as good as President Warren or President Biden.
He's not even a Democrat; he shouldn't be allowed to run on their ticket.
6
Gail,
I can't stand Biden, hate isn't necessarily my word for it, but when you say "nobody hates him," I beg to differ!
The thought of having to suck it up and vote him after what we've endured since 2016 turns my stomach.
7
To answer the question, it sounds absolutely great to me.
7
Bret, you're either from the same Democratic establishment that engineered the most disastrous and humiliating election defeat in US history three years ago, or you're a Republican. So Sanders admired some Sandinista's. Big deal. I lived in Kashmir for three months and there are a great number of Kashmiris I admire. The fact that Sen. Sanders went out on the talked to people in Nicaragua—something I'm fairly certain you wouldn't dream of doing in that in country, in Indian-administered Kashmir, or anywhere else in the world where there's an insurgency going on—shows that he's ten steps ahead of you intellectually. I really wish you would beat it.
4
Historically the establishment--through people like Bret Stephens--has brain washed the many into voting against their own interests. Why would anyone vote for Bloomberg? That would be an ideal pick for a conservative. He was Republican until yesterday. Yet, Bret would vote "enthusiatically," for him. Bernie will bring this country where it should have been for at least the last 30 years. Thousands of people die because they can't get healthcare. This country's education system is a joke unless you're rich. Millenials have to live with their parents because of student debt.
6
Here's a few questions for you high minded haters: If the working people of America and the young are behind Bernie will you join us? Or, will you vote for Trump? Will you continue to believe that the 30 year old neo-liberal project has benefited working people, millennials or gen Y?
You see we are behind Bernie because we know that Pete and Biden are straw men meant to keep the neo-liberal machine rolling. That politics stagnated our wages, turned us into service workers, indebted us to our ears, and left us sick. Neoliberalism hasn't worked for us and we're not going back.
8
What is the Trump nightmare ? The US is undergoing the greatest economic boom in 50 years . The US is at pease . We are energy self sufficient for the first time ever, If that's a nightmare . Count me in.
6
He can beat Trump.Biden would get creamed because of his son and because he s a conservative and much weaker candidate than Hillary was.Most important,people like me,and we are many,would not turn out for him...
3
Reading Bret, I am sure he would never endorse an FDR.
Based on policy, I wonder how many Americans would.
2
If the Democrats nominate Bernie Sanders, they will have nominated a clown to run against a clown. Both narcissists, one believes in sand castles and himself but mostly himself, the other in nothing but himself. Neither gets along with others, or has any respect for anyone who disagrees with him. Neither has read history, so neither has learned anything from the mistakes or accomplishments of those who have paved before them. Trump, with a majority Senate, has accomplished nothing; Sanders, with a small minority in both houses, would accomplish even less. Democrats have much better choices. When the voting is done in four states representing about 1/2% of the nation's population, it should be time to reassess. But I suppose that's too much to expect.
5
Gail and Bret are offering a nice bit of distraction therapy here. Sanders this, Warren that, and then there's Uncle Joe nibbling on his wife's fingers at a rally. All theater. I find DJT as dangerous and disgusting as many of you do, but between stacking the courts along with his henchman Mitch McConnell, organized and unending voter suppression, Russian and GOP disinformation campaigns, and the kicker, the Electoral College, Trump will be near impossible to beat. Focus on containing the damage by flipping the Senate where the Electoral College does not have the ability to, essentially, nullify your vote.
3
Bret,
You've lost touch with how unbelievably awful and dangerous the Trump regime is. Bernie, or anyone winning the Democratic nomination, will not:
- invite foreign powers to meddle in our elections
- withhold his tax returns
- destroy the checks and balances in our democracy, obstructing all oversight and investigations
- separate children from their families
- start a war to distract attention
- be impeached
- lie without restraint
- have mastered all of the 7 deadly sins
- ignore and even fight all scientific evidence
- call the press the enemy of the people and end press conferences
- have Fox news talking heads as his advisors
- crush the poor and middle class in favor of plutocrats
I mean, what does it take, people???
13
You guys are missing the real potential hero in all this: Mitt Romney! Yes the guy whose dog liked to ride on the roof. Here is my dream scenario. Mitt breaks out at the Senate trial and rallies the last remnants of the real GOP to impeach Trump. He goes on to appeal to independents and moderates of all parties and brings us back to a true two party system and constitutional government! This is his moment if only he would realize it.
1
I'd vote for a slow sea slug if I thought it could be Trump. That said, I am no Sanders supporter.
5
Bernie is the only real candidate for me, if we want a better world that is. However, I would vote for Warren if she was the candidate. Would never vote fore Biden....never
4
If we want to see President Trump by a big margin, sounds great!
6
I think I like President Bloomberg much better.
6
How's it sound? Like a very welcome change!
8
"President Sanders" sounds VERY good to me!
4
Wait, I'll let you know when I stop laughing. That might be a long while...
4
Run Bernie Run ! Hope you get the nomination !
1
Personally, I don't like his ideas.
3
From the people who said Sanders supporters ruined Hillary's chances by not voting for her (in fact they did) the truth comes out. They would prefer four more years of Trump to Sanders. Despite the fact that congress and the senate would play a huge role in whatever legislation he puts forth, they dislike him so much they will actually pull a lever for someone else and usher in four more years of trump.
3
Nothing personally against Mr. Sanders but President? He might pass as an anyone but Trump choice among Democrats? I would much prefer someone else: from the left, Warren; from the center, Klobuchar, Biden and by all means, Bloomberg. Bloomberg-Warren could be a nice team.
4
Stay tuned for another episode of "Why Should People In Iowa Decide Our Next President?" a heartwarming story that asks the question, "Can a man who helped but a demagogue in office replace him in the next election?"
9
According to Mr. Stephens: "The one bright spot of the Trump years is an economy that has defied doomsayers and surpassed expectations with historically low unemployment and excellent stock-market returns."
You left out how the trains run on time and how iron cage manufacturers are doing very well these days.
8
@KS Which trains are these running on time?
2
@MK A parellel to positive assessments of Mussolini.
2
Many Americans have a definition of "socialism" that is foreign to (educated) Western Europeans. Take the Norwegian Sovereign Oil Fund, now having surpassed $ 1 trillion, as an example. It is definitely socialist in that it is owned and governed by the Norwegian state, and that all Norwegian citizens own their share of it. But it is also capitalistic in that it is makes up 1.4% of global stocks and shares, many of them in the biggest US companies. I seems like this is what Americans can´t wrap their head around:
Where does socialism end, and capitalism begin? Does the one necessarily have to exclude the other? In Norway we say "No, how can they?".
15
This has a lovely ring to it!!!! Maybe now America can come home and bring those war dollars home for our health care, child care, education, cultural cabinet post and the great things that others in the developed world now enjoy. We can truly catch up to the rest of the developed world.
6
Geez Louise, 2375 comments. I'm impressed by the people/persons who have to vet these comments! Seriously, it is GREAT to see this much interest in candidates!
9
I love Bernie and I voted for him in the 2016 primary. But I have some doubts about his chances. He will be attacked mercilessly by Trump and the Republicans - with vile references to his religion.
One thing is true about Republicans running for office - they don’t have a limit to how low they will go.
6
When I learn about notably moral/ethical people, for example Senator Bernie Sanders, deciding to run for any government leadership—especially nationally—I question their wisdom. Over my 32 years of observation, I’ve found that the further up the scale of governance a politician ventures (i.e. regional, state/provincial and federal), the more varied and numerous the values and interests an elected official represents thus the greater the degree of dilution and, yes, compromise of one’s admirable moral values. There’s a basically consistent human political history filled with examples of such great disappointments. A part of me even doesn’t want them to win the election so those moral qualities can remain untainted.
Please don’t worry in my case. I will die in obscurity, my moral copybook untainted! (Well, not that YOU will ever hear about!)
While Bernie Sanders would be my last Democratic choice, I will vote for him if he gets the nomination.
Voting Democrat is the only way to rid Trump from power.
Four years ago, millions did not necessarily like nor endorse Trump, but they thought he would be better than Clinton.
Well, that's the boat I feel as if I'm in these days - ANYONE would be better than Trump, especially now that he knows the ropes after being in power for four years.
7
Pelosi held back the articles of impeachment to cause maximum damage to Bernie's campaign. Now he will be stuck in Washington during the early primaries.
1
@KR
She did nothing of the sort.
In fact, many of us were hoping she'd have held them back till after the election when we'd hope to win the Senate.
Bernie's chances are slim. Her decision has ZERO impact on his electability.
5
This is a current Bernie Bro Talking Point. Everyone is conspiring against the Pure One!
3
I’d not count on Senator Bernie Sanders being elected president, although he’d be my first choice to create some serious much-needed and -overdue resistance against the West’s virtual corpocratic rule.
For one thing, look at what happened last time—the state(s) in which a large majority of Democratic Party members voted for Bernie Sanders during the last primary but instead had party hacks fraudulently declare Hillary Clinton the winner.
Either way, I can imagine it’s convenient for big business to have such a large portion of mainstream society too fatigued and preoccupied with feeding and housing their families on a substandard, if not below poverty-line, income to publicly criticize the former for any injustice it’s committing, particularly when immediately unrecognizable.
I think that Gail and Brett may be missing something here. No need to worry about universal healthcare bankrupting us, the current system is doing just fine. To top it off the existing system is cruel and purports to save money by denying care to the most vulnerable as the NYTimes has reported many times. It also leaves our country vulnerable to public health crises such as HIV, addiction and suicide by ignoring the working class. Don't get me started on the student loan crises and affordable housing. Gail and Brett have evidently not read Nicholas Kristof's recent opinion piece. There is a quiet majority in crises. This campaign to me is about repairing the economic ladder. Both Sanders and Warren seem to understand this.
8
@Ruby Tuesday How about worrying about foreign wars bankrupting us instead!!!! Why is there always money for war and why do we always have to have an enemy! Health Care for All works in Canada, France and England and Scandinavia and it can work for us.
1
Conservatives believe that if the Dem candidate is not a PERFECT HUMAN BEING, then Trump is the better alternative. Every time.
9
I don't care about anything other than beating Trump, and whoever has the highest chance of doing that will get my vote. The stakes are just too high.
13
I, for one, prefer "President-whoever-can-beat-the-charlatan-trump".
Democrats need to get their act together. They need a clear message and they need to nominate one who can oust trump and set the country back on course.
Who can beat trump? That's the one who should be on the ticket.
5
Bernie shares some of Trump's traits. Advanced age, tendency to stick to the same old lines, and clueless on women & race issues. Also, both seek to or have hijacked the party that they are not really part of, since they have no other way to proceed. Plus, the yelling part and anger.
12
Better sure. So much better. But if I'm being honest, even as a lifetime Democrat who cast my first ballot for President in 1976, I am as wary of Bernie cultists as I am Trump cultists. If its "Bernie or Bust" you're not dealing with reality.
10
@Woody Loloma I a lifelong Democrat and not a cultist. If the Democratic Party isn’t for universal health care, higher minimum wages and accessible education, is it still a Democratic Party? I support Senator Sanders because I want that for our people. We can bring our war dollars home, Come Home, America!!!!
3
I prefer Biden or Warren. But President Anybody-But-Trump is fine with me.
5
Of all the bad idea's Democrat's have had Sanders stands alone as similar to Trump in that he has an authoritarian streak that says my way or the highway. I'll take the highway. People, far right and far left share this no prisoner's approach. They are inflexible and therefore blow over in the strong wind's of a nation. Don't fall for the goody's he cannot deliver, unless he was of course a dictator. He does have a lot to offer to the party, if he'd just join, unlike Trump who offers destruction only. Bernie is our George McGovern, meaning he will lose at least 40-45 states. Vote centrist. They bend and understand compromise means winning.
8
And as they round the corner coming into the homestretch, Amy seems to be gaining in the race........
I hope so as she would appeal to folks who think Bernie and Elizabeth are too extreme.
But I will vote for whoever has the big 'D' after his or her name.
5
The Democratic Party sold out the working class during the Clinton administration. It is currently and elitist party and cannot win on that ticket. Were you asleep for 2016? There is no “back to normal.” Sounds oddly reminiscent of “make America great again.” Sanders has been touting trade reform since Trump was hanging at Studio 54 with a rolled up dollar bill up his nose. Sanders supports unions and labor. Sanders can deliver PA, OH, MI, WI. Remember the solidly Democratic rust belt? So you don’t like Socialism-go ahead, take away Social Security. The 2007 crash transpired largely because Congress removed depression era reforms separating credit risk (banking) from insurance risk-viola the elitist derivative. Mostly Sanders will win because he’s honest and true, and the rest, not so much.
12
I’ll be writing in Dudley Do-Right! Even MORE honest and true than Bernie!
President Warren sounds better to me.
It's well past time for a female president.
3
@Scott Werden "I am with Bret - I detest Trump but ..."
Meaning, of course, you are going to vote for Trump and continue the worst, most corrupt presidency in history. Thanks for nothing (and not voting or voting a third party is a vote for Trump, as you well know).
5
I am all for Bernie! Go Bernie! Yay Socialism!!! Hooray for extreme spending on medicaire and no military with open borders! Of course, I want Trump to win, so Bernie with his panopoly of absurd proposals, fiscally disasterous plans, and embrace of all that has led to misery elsewhere is the dream to run against. Socialism does not and never has worked, but Bernie who loves all things leftist does not see it that way. Watch as the sensible people of America turn away from his fairytale. No one is better than Bernie, that is, if you want 4 more years of Trump.
5
It works pretty fine in Europe and in Australia where even conservatives love it.
1
Any vote for someone other than the Dem candidate is a vote for Trump. You can vote for a Dem, whoever it is, or you can vote to continue the worst, most corrupt presidency in history. The choice is yours. Sanders will be one million times better than Trump. Just a fact.
5
Not a Democrat. Not great with women. (Is this why there are so many Bros?) 30 years without a whole bunch to show for it. Ahem, not a Democrat, and that finger pointing doesn't work for me. Can we please consider someone a bit younger, healthier, possibly female? It's time.
6
@Robin Oh
Amy.
For the sake of the USA, have some sense, Democrats! It's not politically correct to say so, but regardless of all else, Bernie Sanders is simply too old and is in dubious health. I know what this is like, being almost the same age. The presidency is not a part time hobby for an elderly gentleman (or an elderly clown).
Then there's the matter of his past leftist associates. The Republicans would paint him as somewhat to the left of Lenin.
Don't get me going on Joe Biden, another antique of doubtful ability. Even Elizabeth Warren, who seems to be in good shape for her age, is questionable. I thought the USA is a democracy, not a gerontocracy.
5
Doesn't democracy guarantee no discrimination based on race, age or gender?
1
@yulia A facile comment! It doesn't prohibit sensible restrictions. Try getting a driving licence at age 14. At my advanced age, I have to pass a medical and eyesight test. There is such a thing as commonsense.
1
too many people watch and believe FOX. Rush and Hannity have done a number on their viewers. mad about the browning of America and hearing about the wealth divide. They are on the wrong side of the fence and can't blame themselves so....
Sounds great to me! Yes I am a 63 year old female "fanatical Bernie bros" that voted "for her" in 2016!
7
He honeymooned in Moscow. That says it all. His Russian collusion would continue and he will destroy our nation. Wake up America!
6
@MCH ,
My late uncle attended the inauguration of FDR; a war veteran of some eminence, later he visited St. Petersburg in Russia with his wife and they enjoyed a rewarding tour of the sites. After his death, his name was placed in notes for The Congressional Records by Senator Dodd of CT.
Some Americans are still 'Asleep', and while others do not want to leave their compatriots behind in the trenches, there is no hope of waking them from this stupor, and getting them to see what peril has descended on our people, as united, we proceed to unshackle our country, entangled in a web of lies and deceit.
1
I worry about the state of Bret Stephens's joints if these are the pretzels he's twisting himself into over Bernie Sanders
4
Anyone but Trump.
5
Bernie with Tulsi would be my dream team and Bret's nightmare.
3
If Bernie should win the nomination the Democrats will certainly lose the presidential election and probably the House and will not retake the Senate. I am a life long hard core Democrtat and will never vote for Sanders or Warren. Their grand schemes will do nothing but suck up more money from my already slim retirement income. If anyone believes that taxing the rich is going mto pay for everything under the sun, they are fools. Too bad there are millions and millions of fools out there in out there land
11
Bret is like the never Trumpers. If the Democratic nominee isn't perfect, "Oh well I guess I'll just have to vote for Trump". You may not like Bernie, but tell me this: Who in the Republican party has any inkling, any suggestion, or any recognition to what the huge and widening inequality in wealth is doing to America? I guess America would be a far better off place without any Social Security, worker protections, food stamps, Medicaid , or Medicare. Because, after all, wealth is just holding back all their income and wealth until all these social programs are dismantled. Then the trickle down can begin in earnest. So, Bret, which party is it that is taking us down the wrong path: the one that demands a sharing of the wealth, that demands people not have to live in poverty without health care, and that insists that a path for social mobility be available to all regardless of ability to pay? Or the party that serves only the interest of the privileged. The rest of America be damned? The Guilded Age bought us FDR. The Second Guilded Age bought us McConnell and Trump. The notion being FDR had it all wrong. The real question is do we head further down the path of increasing wealth at the top. Or , because that wealth has not been shared after promise upon promise they would do so, we turn back to the government demanding a level playing field? Who really offers the masses the better deal?
6
Who really offers the masses the better deal?
Answer, Senator Bernie Sanders, he is by far is the best candidate to counter the extreme wealth inequality our country is experiencing.
7
GO BERNIE GO. HOORAY. He will bring Warren in to help him in some important capacity. I love her too. How luck we are to have two great leaders running. Time to kick some Corporate Dem. backside.
10
I was a Clinton voter in 2016 and voted straight D in 2018.
I will vote for Trump if Sanders is the nominee.
6
@A F
Not one single Democratic candidate for President, would be worse for our country than trump. All reasonable people needs to vote to defeat him. trump is a malevolent, inept , destructive , criminal who has debased the office, almost beyond repair. Please stay home in 2020, if you cannot help defeat trump.
9
What are all those black and brown faces doing in the photo? The Times keeps telling us that people of color aren't backing Bernie. Hmmmm.
8
Gosh. Golly. According to Warren we would then have a misogynist president.
2
"How Does President Sanders Sound to You?"
There is only one answer, unless you are a racist, hateful supporter of white supremacy. There is only one answer for everyone who loves democracy and believes in the shared values that made America strong. There is only one answer unless you embrace fascism and love Putin:
President Sanders sounds 1,000,000 times better than President Trump.
13
Terrible!
7
This just shows the level of delusion on the Democrat far left. Please get out of your liberal echo chamber and talk with people in the blue collar class. Yeah, that class that the Democrats were supposed to represent, but decided to dump and call them "deplorables".
5
@Gabe
Hillary called Trump supporters deplorable and she was referring to the racists supporters and immigrant haters.
Bernie has never denigrated voters.
Sanders 2020!
4
How does a left wing Jewish president sound to the people who totally hated a Black president and would they do to Bernie what they did to Obama?
4
I'll never vote for such a vile sexist
4
shoot me now !! Trump best president EVER !!!!!!!!!!
3
@todd Scott
In all seriousness, trump will be regarded by historians and scholars as the worst president in our history, to date. Your assessment is thus nullified .
4
Oy gevalt! Has it yet to dawn on Stephens that "Bolshevik" Bernie in reality is just another aging "new-dealer" who's determined to go out with a big, big bang--not a whimper?
Likewise, what's Stephens's gripe with socialism? He seems to have thrived in that buzzing little warren of "Sinai socialism" named the State of Israel--nicht wahr?
7
@Arslaq al Kabir : Bret only believe in socialism for corporations and the very Rich and himself.'
4
Wow. What a facile and pointless fluff piece showing two superficial personalities discussing the only thing they know: personality. This is the content the corporate MSM wants us to literally subscribe to? I hope it doesn't go to print (I don't like wasting paper — and ink).
4
Sounds like COMRADE STALIN!!
4
First let me congratulate you both and your disagreement. As we have learned over the course of the past three years, a little controversy can certainly liven things up. I will vote for anyone and/or anything that runs against Trump. I had my doubts about Sanders initially, but right now President Sanders sounds absolutely fine to me. I would have preferred Warren, but somehow she managed to hoist herself on the petard of "Medicare For All," though I'm not exactly sure how or why. Bernie shouldn't take my endorsement as a compliment to him personally though. In fact I'm kind of damning with faint praise. I would also vote Biden, Buttigieg, or Klobuchar....heck I'd even vote for Michael Bloomberg!! I would literally go out in a tornado to vote for a dead cat, if I thought the demised feline could beat Donald Trump. Okay, I probably wouldn't vote for Tulsi Gabbard....
3
Trump is The worst president ever! So thank you for expressing what my thoughts are that any of the democrat candidates would be better than trump (agree about tulsi!)
2
Once again it’s Bret Stephens with another steaming cold, laughable take. Not voting for Sanders (should he become the nominee) would be a vote for Trump. His language around the Sanders campaign is nothing more than vestigial red scare propaganda.
6
Choosing not to vote is still a choice. Take away the gobble gook and Stephens is saying he prefers a President Trump to a President Sanders. Let that sink in.
7
It will never happen.
America is not ready to send its first Jew to the White House.
2
How does President Pence sound to you?
1
This is the worst thing I have read in a long time.
A racist fool, and Gail who said, 'women are going to pay serious attention to Sanders for the first time and think, “Calm down, please.”'
If you are not angry about the state of our nation, then you have brain worms, or you are rich and comfortable and do not actually care what happens to 98% of people in this country. Likely a bit of both.
5
Horrible! No thank you! I’ll take Trump over a Socialist!
3
@Imohf Wow, Joe McCarthy died a long time ago. Young people want a more socialistic society and they need a leg up after getting a very raw deal. College is out of reach or means massive debt. No government funded day care, no government funded healthcare, no raise in minimum wages means hard times for young people. They deserve better. I am comfortable, but what about THEM? I will vote for Sanders to help our young people.
4
Much as I loathe Trump, I'm not sure if I could bring myself to vote for Sanders. To me, he is the Left's version of Trump. Another unqualified, fringe lunatic with terrifying policies. Can we please just get someone sane, competent, and moderate in the White House?
4
Gail Collins thinks Sanders is reasonable. Sanders rails against billionaires as if they were the nation's number one menace, he has falsely accused Israel of killing 10,000 Gazans, he wants to divert aid to Israel to Gaza, and he recently equated Trump's taking out the world's most notorious terrorist, Qasem Soleimani, with Putin's slaughter of Russian dissidents. Reasonable? I think not....hank savitch
3
Bret is nauseating, thanks for continuing to throw him in our faces.
4
Gee Brett, guess you don't really care if Trump is re-elected "president." Your objections to Sanders are just stupid. At this point any random 6th grader will be better than Trump, or any republican for that matter.
As far as I can see you really don't care much about the future of the country if you will not vote for the main opposition candidate. Any third party vote is a vote for Trump. And not voting is a disgrace in these circumstances.
4
I kinda rotated through him along with Buttigieg and Hickenlooper and Bullock and Bennet and now Klobuchar. I reserve the right to flip back to Joe if he starts winning.
Sure that's your right. Looks more like a pundit going along with the trends making bad calls again. Like most of the pundits in the press have been doing for 40 years. Misleading Americans to the point nobody really trusts them anymore so you end up in a position where you think your only choice is a Trump or a Sanders because the status quo aint working. But hey you run through that list of oatmeal again promising something they won't deliver. I'm sure everyone will take your well reasoned opinions seriously.
Bernie Sanders is the wisest, most humane and honest of all the candidates He would be the first Jewish president of the USA. Pity that Bret Stephens didn`t inherit some of his uncle Bernie`s genes.
9
I love that this insipid, pointless chatter. It's like a nature documentary, except about the weird world of Media Centrist Pundits. They're so tragically hard to find outside of editorial boards these days.
It's just so detached and almost dreamlike. They flit from one dubious topic to another--Sanders would eviscerate our allies! Sanders reminds women of abusive boyfriends! People at the margins of society care about the stock market!--and then throw out bizarre claims, like Klobuchar being Trump's ultimate rival. Klobuchar? The one polling at two percent?
It's surreal, and makes me question how valid the analyses in the paper even are, if this is the sort of bland, meaningless commentary it produces. I guess it does go to show just how hollow Gail Collins' liberalism is--she almost has to struggle to disagree with Bret Stephens. (Who himself lingers on as the New York Times' political-diversity-hire; a mild-mannered conservative with all of their bad judgement and amoral politics, but polite. Etiquette: the ultimate standard in politics.)
What an empty waste of pixels.
2
“Feel The Bern” is for real this time, and its a charm because Bernie is not a faux democrat like Biden and Warren are! Peter Buttigieg would make a good V.P. as well....Vote!
4
"[T]he one bright spot of the Trump years is an economy ... with historically low unemployment and excellent stock-market returns."
I guess if more and more people are working for less and less, the unemployment rate will be low, productivity high and capitalism works its wonders with the Dow Casino. For a little while at least.
I wish you and your republican cohorts would please explain why socialism has your knickers in such a twist. Socialism is rampant in Europe, with a higher standard of living, longer life expectancy, lower infant mortality and a general feeling of well being, or even happiness. You know what happiness is, don't you Mr. Stephens?
Socialism is not stalinism, nor is it Cuban or Venezuelan. It's social democracy and it works well. It's being relatively free of unfettered capitalism with adequate healthcare, food and shelter for all of the people, privileged or not.
It's not being left on your own and good luck to you if you weren't born privileged. And go away and shut up lest you be called a socialist for wanting a bit more out of your working life.
If you couldn't bring yourself to vote for Sanders, you are just as much a trump supporter as the most ardent frothy-mouthed trumpite in an ugly MAGA hat.
7
This feels like it was written by a computer.
1
in the first 2 years - Bernie will be impeached by Pelosi, and convicted by Schummer.
There is no chance that a Speaker worth $300M and WallSt-BFF will stand up for a Socialist.
2
Didn't Bernard Sanders write a very disturbing essay on rape?
Yes. Yes, he did.
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/bernie-sanders-essay/
This alone should disqualify him as nominee for President. And that's just the start of the landslide of mud the Trumpublicans would dump on him and the Democrats.
No thanks.
6
The Times needs to confront the fact that they routinely platform Bret Stephens, the most misleading and dangerous writer in modern punditry. He is a pro-Trumpist, while pretending not to be, and the Times still refuses to post any pro-Bernie op-eds to counter this effect. Shameful.
4
No, no and no!
NY Times: Why aren’t you calling for *45’s resignation?
3
Bret. You sure are foolish sometimes.
2
Who the heck cares what Bret Stephens thinks about anything?
What is surprising is that the Times thinks he is worth a full-time slot as an opinion-maker.
4
Re: "...How does President Sanders sound to you? Bernie is surging and may have found his moment..."
Given the extinction_threat represented by the current Liar, In Chief...'Alfred E. Newman', (Mad Magazine mascot), would sound good!
{https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_E._Neuman#Cultural_impact}
2
Banish the thought.
4
President of what?
1
Bret does not get it. You either unequivocally plan to vote for whomever the Dem nom is or you are a Trump supporter. Stop pretending there is some middle ground here.
6
So how does a President Sanders sound to me?
Like a huge disaster for our economy, our unemployment rate, our stock market, our low taxes, our modified capitalist system, our military, our budget deficit, our standing with China, Israel and the rest of the world, and whose policy choices are too far to the left for America -- even if he is the darling of the spaced-out, biased media, including his shamelessly fawning NYT cheerleaders, Collins and Stephens.
1
President Sanders makes throw up in my mouth.
4
It's Sunday or Monday, or Tuesday, or Wednesday or....time for an anti-Bernie screed. Wish you had been half so hard on Trump!
3
You guys are just debating wallpaper patterns in a room where the flood water is up to your waists.
3
Terrible. He doesn't have enough class. He's a frumpy old man.
1
Better than Trump. :)
4
This whole column is trivial and trivializing. How about a real debate about Bret's underlying economic assumptions? Gail's not up for that. Ok. Editors: please just have Krugman debate underlying economic principles with little Bretty here. Enough of this nonesense please. We face a real crisis. If you try to be funny about it, you better be, um . . . actually funny.
4
Your take down of Bernie is just another reason I cancelled my NYT subscription today. There is nothing fair or balanced at all about your coverage or your slant.
Yours,
One less subscription
4
Bret, you are a Cold Warrior to the bitter end.
3
Why does Mr. Stephens have a job at the NYT and why does Ms. Collins enable him?
7
Next stop...communist America.
2
How does President Sanders sound to you?
Like a demented fantasy from a desperate party.
3
"You know, for years I believed women would not vote for a candidate who yelled because he reminded them of their worst boyfriends. " -> This is one of the stupidest and most sexist things I've ever heard. I will vote for whoever has the best policies.
3
I agree with nearly everything Bernie stands for but he's a goofball and Trump has already stomped him with his insult nickname, the Nutty Professor.
He's like Trotsky with his histrionics and that pointing finger makes me gag. Plus he's a Jew. Will America vote for a Jew? I don't think so.
The last election was for all the marbles and we lost. This election is for all the marbles that are left.
Trump is a vicious fascist. If he wins, we're looking at grossly accelerated climate change, and a world speeding in reverse. What idiot DENIES climate change?? Trump's a brand of evil that makes Hitler look harmless. Hitler only killed millions. Trump and his fascist dictator buddies are on a whole other plane.
I'll vote for Bernie, of course, but I pray for Warren...or even Bloomfield (though I'm contradicting myself).
ABT!!!!
4
I don't agree with all of Bernie's proposals but I'd take him in an instant over Biden (or Kobluchar or Buttigieg).
Says Gail of Biden, "Nobody hates him." OK, hate is a strong word, but I really can't stand Biden, and of all the candidates (current and former), he has been among my least favorite. This manufactured concept regarding his so called "electability over Trump," ought to have at least some actual substance, beyond a shiny face and invoking Obama's legacy only when convenient. His own record is not that great, and he sometimes changes his public "view" only under pressure.
Biden promoters figure if they repeat enough that he's most electable against Trump, then people will vote for him out of fear that Trump may win otherwise. If prominent people in the media would tout that Mr. Sanders is most electable, or Ms. Warren or even someone else often enough, people who don't have the time or desire to research policy platforms could just as easily believe that as well.
Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren are my top choices. I have no doubt that they care about the future of America, and hope to provide better opportunities for the majority for generations to come.
Reading this exchange between Gail Collins and Bret Stephens was even more agonizing than usual. Mr. Stephens probably largely benefits from Trump's policies, and while maybe he doesn't want to vote for him, prefers Trump to Warren or Sanders--and likely because he benefits financially.
6
Bret says--“Young and healthy” will definitely be a vital consideration in Biden’s choice of a running mate.
Yet he's saying that Bernie is most likely to win. Biden seems much more healthy than Bernie. Whenever Bernie gets wound up and starts pounding the lectern, he looks as if a stroke is coming on.
And yes, Bernie shouts most of the time.
It sounded good to the primary voters four years ago when the party's back room maneuvering put forward an unelectable candidate.
1
"How Does President Sanders Sound to You?"
I read his interview with the endorsement committee here. It was horrible. Vacuous. Couldn't answer questions which he should have known were coming. Denied stuff that he has said, and then said it all again, e.g., the disproven Trumpy notion that immigrants lower wages for citizens, and then said the same stuff again. Refused to answer questions, cause "his world view is different." How would he solve McConnell? He would hold rallies across the country. Last thing I want to do is replace one president who spends all his time at rallies with another one who does the same. He really does not have workable plans for anything. Why in the world did he have to come up with his own climate plan--which most experts believe is unworkable--instead of adopting Inslee's which the vast majority of climate experts have endorsed? He has (his campaign staff have) only just now recycled the "elitist" lie that he used to such great effect in 2016 to brutalize the Clinton campaign, which greatly damaged her candidacy, this time for Warren.
5
I know Bernie well. Have voted for him many times. Do not think he is the best candidate whatsoever in a talented field BUT I would certainly vote for him as all sensible Americans must do for whomever the candidate is in the end. We must stop the dangerous ignorant fool from destroying our sweet democracy. We must stand united against this threat.
6
How does the NYTimes come up with such columnists? A climate denier who thinks our military budget isn't high enough. Many Americans notice that we are living in end times. Christian Evangelicals are thrilled by this and are hoping second-term Trump will lead to the Second Coming of Christ. But those of us who'd like to see our children and grandchildren live long, happy lives can't wait to vote for the guy who has an A+ rating from environmentalists and has voted against every idiotic military intervention Joe Biden has voted for. Bernie believes in such radical ideas as peace, diplomacy, tolerance, and a planet still worth living on. Please, NYTimes, give Gail a better sparring partner. Stephens's medieval ideas are not worthy of the paper of record.
7
i need new recommendation on 18th Ave anyone ?
It sounds a thousand times better than "president trump."
4
Where has socialism ever worked?
1
@Jane : What advanced country governs by small government low tax, low regulation policies? (none)
I will take the Democratic Socialism of any of the Scandinavian countries. Why are they capitalists, but our Social Security and Medicare socialism?
3
Eek. Bang. It's like running into a wall. I couldn't get past the actual printed word that someone might actually not vote at all. I never thought I'd admit this, but I miss David Brooks.
Sigh! Looks like we’re in for 4 more years of mishugas (craziness).
Not even going to read this; I know the answer - BETTER THAN TRUMP
3
"How Does President Sanders Sound to You?"
Laughable. Almost as funny as "President Biden".
3
What we have is unacceptable. It feels like our country is being thrown back into the dark ages. The lack of hope and rise of hate is palpable. There is no doubt it trump is re-elected you can kiss democracy good bye. Bernie would be a welcome change for a beleaguerd nation.
5
What a totally useless dialogue, and a waste of time.
If you want to have somebody to represent Sanders, bring somebody who believes in him, not someone who thinks Sanders is off putting because he "yells" and reminds women of their boy friends. And why is a right wing Republican war loving neocon speaking for the Democrats?
It cannot get any shallower than this.
5
I’m a 65 year old white male. Please, no more old white men as president for a while.
2
Because identity is more important than policy right?
1
One of the reasons I subscribe to the NYT is to get my daily giggles. Reading readers' comments is comedy gold ! President Saunders... please stop , I can't stand laughing any longer. Trump will clear 40 states...now back to work.
"Dramatic cuts in defense spending that would leave us and our allies even more vulnerable to Russian or Chinese aggression."
Geez, Brett, Maybe you don't know that the US spends MORE THAN THE ENTIRE REST OF THE WORLD COMBINED on its military. Any reduced effectiveness due to cuts are simply the result of incompetent management (sadly pretty much a given in our military). Yes, China and Russia are spending more than in the past, but China's spending is still only 1/5th of the US (and has one (1) aircraft carrier) and Russia's is only 1/10 of the US (and can barely send ships out to sea). They are only effective on the borders of their country.
And maybe admit that if the US had not spent $3 trillion (military spending plus medical care for the resulting injured vets) in Iraq and Afghanistan that the US would have plenty of money for everything (remember how Bush refused to put those wars on the budget?). Trump has done not better, spending like crazy but getting no tangible results.
On top of that Trump idiotically has pulled back from international trade and aid that is effective at boosting allies. Predictably China is filling the gap. Trump could not be more stupid in that respect, and that is far more damaging that any military cuts.
Please, use a few of your brain cells to actually apply some critical thinking and stop regurgitating the standard right wing tropes.
3
How does President Sanders sound to me?
Preeeettyyy prerttttyyyy pretty good.
4
nope thanks, President Pete sounds much better
3
"President Sanders" sounds like I could get a good night's sleep again without worrying quite so much about turning into a colony of Russia. It would say that America was getting back on a better track to me! Make America an Honorable Country Again! Flush the conmen and traitors out.
3
Bret, you're a foolish man to complain as much as you do about Trump, but to refuse to vote for someone who could beat him. Personally, I would vote for feed lot pig here in Iowa over Trump. And you should, too.
Save your Conservative ire and principles for the next time around. If you don't, you may regret it when you look back and see that you contributed to a second term for Trump.
5
Maybe a distant perspective from Australia is more realistic than your own in this case.
America will not elect a jew as President. Similarly, it will not elect a person of colour or non-white ethnicity let alone a married homosexual. They *might* elect a woman but I doubt that time is now.
Be as idealistic as you please but look at your people and look at who is in congress.
The only feasible candidate is one who can stop Trump. That could be another old white billionaire.
1
I like Bernie...always have. He has..how do you say..panache. Not a word we would normally associate with a candidate for POTUS nomination. I know. Yes, he rubs people the wrong way. Some people. Medicare for all, tax the bejesus out of the rich, level the playing field etc., But, he will get things done that now, more than ever, need to be done. So..yeah. like Bernie. Put him up against that lying, duplicitous, corrupt, knave currently occupying the WH and you see an honest man, capable of great change...
2
Bret, grow up, more so; plan a trip to civilized countries like Canada and Europe and rethink capitalism, bettre yet, grab a friend and go to an independant movie...
4
When sinking in quicksand, does the color and composition of the rope that is tossed to save the day really matter?
Just vote, people. Forgawdsakes vote this time if you never vote again in your lifetimes.
-C
3
if there will be no Bernie in finals I am voting Trump. No way those Dems shove me another of their own spineless corps puppets. And yes, what you call socialism is just another normal in ant developed country but us. ......
Bret,
Go vote for Trump. No actual democrat gives a half a fig about your opinion.
5
Dont underestimate Biden. We all thought Hillary was locked in. Look what happened.....
Sounds great! Let's do this!!!
#Bernie2020
1
Gail: Please get someone else to chat with! Brett is a dyed in the wool republican who has a closed mind over most issues and politics. This weekly column is growing OLD!
4
I'd rather hear President Biden!
Such a treat to see the NYT forced to admit that Bernie has a very slight chance of winning, because darn it they did not pay attention last time and trump won. There have been a few articles like this. Of course they have to demean him at the same time. You see folks the elite and status quo are terrified if this non corrupted fella gets elected. Life as they know it will be upended. It will be so hard to know who is on top and who is not. Bernie will never give in to Wall Street, and who the heck will he hire? "No one we know and hang out with at cocktail parties " they fret. "Will we even have access when we have trashed him so?" "Dear God, must we embrace the masses too? and fight for them now? Will he really be head of the Democratic party? Can you imagine how boring the news will be from DC with just boring work horses serving the boring people?" "And when they throw our friends the corrupt ones, out of office, are we supposed to never mention it was because of the corruption? Are we supposed to cut them dead? Oh please Biden or Amy or anyone who can take a corporate bribe and lie well enough to get elected. And Ye Gods, we will have to pay the same rate of taxes as the poor and middle class do ?"
I mentioned this before but it never got printed. I think there should be crisis therapists on hand to minister to the elites should Bernie win, and smelling salts for the pearl clutchers who like old fashioned succoring. Poor Lindsey.
1
We take in “hundreds of thousands “ of immigrants each year??
If Sanders were elected, there would be growing incentives for corruption???
Bret, calm down and put your thinking cap back on!
2
@Michael Richter
We actually take in a million immigrants every year.
https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/06/17/key-findings-about-u-s-immigrants/
How does President Trump sound for four more years if Sanders is the candidate?? Jeze
1
Thank you both for injecting your two unique styles of humor into this primary. I do, however, have a title change suggestion: instead of “How does President Sanders sound?” I was thinking something more along the lines of “How does President Literally Anybody Else sound?”
I would vote for Bernie. I would put a Bernie sticker on my car. I would wear a Bernie shirt. I would buy a Bernie coffee cup and drink from it every day. I would make the rabid evangelical Trumpians I’m forced to interact with wonder what the heck is wrong with me (is she demon possessed?!) as I parade around town decked out in glorious Bernie gear.
And to think, five years ago, I was a Republican. How did a woman raised in a conservative home end up at this point? Well, it’s actually very simple: Republicans nominated a sexual predator, and as a victim of a sexual predator who knows many other women who were sexually harassed, abused, and assaulted, I said see ya, wouldn’t wanna be ya. Abracadabra I guess that turned me into a progressive? Not a full-out Bernie progressive but heck, he’s got my vote. Guess what else happened? My lifelong Republican conservative Christian Baby Boomer parents refused to vote for Trump too. All it took was hearing that disgusting Access Hollywood tape and my dad, who actually takes his religion seriously, was done.
So yes, I will vote for the Democrat, regardless of who it is. Literally anybody but Trump. You cannot treat women this way and expect us to stick with you.
5
Not good. Look at his NYT interview--he doesn't know anything. Another Trump.
Failure to vote is a vote for Trump, no ifs, ands, or buts. If you want to see our Liar In Chief gone, you must vote for the Democratic nominee and get everyone you even think you might know to do the same.
4
President Sanders sounds very good! Let’s get with the 21st century NYT and stop the Red scare of socialism as a boogey man when run-away capitalism is what Americans should fear!
3
I had really hoped, at the beginning of this presidential campaign, not to have to vote for a shouty old white guy. It is depressing that it looks more and more like I won't have a choice, that whomever is President next year will be a shouty old white guy. >sigh<
1
It sounds great. It sounds like for once the voters actually got it right. And what better way to reject the mindset that brought about some of the recent spate of hate crimes than electing our first Jewish president?
2
He has absolutely no shot. Great example of how far the democrat party has sunk though.
1
Why does Gail Collins keep talking w/the climate agnostic? A neocon war nut who whole heartedly supported the war in Iraq, and would love a war with Iran. Enough of these "I never served, but I sure like to see others pushed into the grinder!"
2
Frankly, I'm for Bozo the clown, my cat, my nutty neighbor, anyone who isn't Trump. I'll deal with the fine points later.
2
How does ex-President Trump sound to you?
2
This article seems like click bait. I can't imagine the party would nominate this charlatan. He is equally bad as Trump. A lot of people would just not vote.
Why does no one remember that Sanders is the reason why Trump is President? A more qualified, competent and middle of the road woman could have been president if it wasn't for a radical, hypocritical, misogynist dinosaur. How do people even consider this guy? He lives in the white male fantasy world of everything he says will happen by magic and no one suffers for it. He is just as bad as the right wing radicals... only he is a left wing radical.
1
Sounds absolutely terrible.
Same old blathering, too old, not healthy and unrealistic ideas.
1
I no longer read anything with a byline by Bret, even when paired with the talented and insightful Gail Collins.
That said, Bret, a President Sanders” sounds way better than “President Trump”, whom you and your GOP Neo-con brethren have foisted on all of us.
4
He sounds cranky.
President Trump sounds so much better
1
"there’s no chance I’d vote for either Sanders or Elizabeth Warren."
Rich white privilege encapsulated in one line. Rather have Trump again. Why does the NYT have this guy as a regular?
2
He’s too old.
1
The negatives on Sen. Sanders are simply too high.
Trumpublicans will hammer him as a socialist, not as a democratic socialist. They would use his nomination to hammer down-ballot Democrats as well. Kiss the House majority goodbye. A veto-proof Senate super-majority is likely also.
Hillary Clinton took Michelle Obama's advice and didn't go negative on Sanders. Big mistake.
The opposition has a mountain of dirt on Sanders, from his rape essay (Google it) to his embarrassing rap album (definitely Google it) to his appearances as a speaker at Communist events to standing side by side with socialist dictators such as Nicaragua's Daniel Ortega.
Bernie would win Vermont but lose the other 49 states.
2
President Butti sounds better to me.
Please...if you cannot endure 4 more years of Trump...vote for”the Democrat” in November!
1
I would vote for Sanders in the general election, but would hold my nose doing so. When you look past his stump speech—the one he has been giving for five years now—his record is that of an ineffective, sanctimonious legislator who refuses to compromise and therefore gets nothing done. Republicans are already starting to prop up his campaign because they know full well that his nomination would be an electoral blowout we haven’t seen since Bush-Dukakis. Republicans haven’t even touched Sanders with the incredibly damning oppo on him, including praise for Fidel Castro, assertions that breadlines “are a good thing,” and the statement “Aren’t most people who sell drugs African-American?”
"But while I would never cast a ballot for Donald Trump, there’s no chance I’d vote for either Sanders or Elizabeth Warren." So, you would rather not vote and allow the chance that a fascist will be re-elected. Shame on you.
3
“President Amy Klobuchar” sounds the best to me because the senior Senator from Minnesota is whip smart, blizzard tough, knowledgeable about government, and dedicated to public service. But I will campaign and vote for whoever gets the Democratic nomination. The square peg in the Oval Office needs to go.
7
It sounds like the kind of administration that'll nominate my kind of judges.
2
"How Does President Sanders Sound to You?" Like an old man who will probably die in office (or suffer an incapacitating heart attack)
1
Warren has absolutely built a movement. Her volunteer army is all over the place.
2
If Sanders (or whoever gets elected) can drain the swamp and get rid of Barr, DeVos, Pompeo, et al, I would gladly vote and donate to make sure the candidate wins.
This has been a horrible presidency and we need to put a stop to it. We also need to get rid of McConnell. He's just as bad.
6
I posted something similar Sunday, but after reading through these comments, I'm convinced we'll be asking how another 4 yrs of Trump sounds. Not because of who the opposing candidate might be, but because enough people have acclimated to his authoritarian idiocy to the point that they'll allow themselves to get away with not voting if it's not their candidate of choice.
That's not political unity and solidarity against the subversion that has decimated much of the fabric of this country. That's personal entitlement at the expense of collective country.
If this the Dem Party now, count me out. Is anybody out there? Has anybody actually paid any attention to the last miserable 3-yr Swampfest?
2
As long as it's not Sarah Sanders I'm cool with it.
1
It doesn't matter.
I'll take *any* eligible carbon based life form that can send Trump packing.
*ANYONE* but Trump!
5
I am not a Bernie fan and while I believe he would be infinitely preferable to Trump I don't believe he has a chance against him. What worries me the most is that this ridiculous Bernie mania among a certain millennial part of the electorate might cause him and them to sabotage whoever does win the nomination, just like last time.
4
Week-after-week, the same o same o.
I am beginning to believe the weekly missives from Gail & Bret are more for their benefit than being informative...
beginning to sound like the Pop-Up "quizzes" that appear in the middle of an article: "Vote yes, if you think..."
Will Trump ask the Ukrainian president for a investigation every time someone new leads in the polls? Is Trump having Bernie investigated now to see what his kids have been up to?
2
The ol' wives tale that Obama fixed the economy, if it was true Hilary Clinton would have won by a mile and a half with her "four more years of the Obamanomics" strategy.
1
"How Does President Sanders Sound to You?"
Perfect!
Sanders-Warren 2020.
4
He sounds like my candidate and someone who could save the world in these darkest of times.
1
How does it sound? It sounds unlikely..
3
I can't even read this article. Does that mean I shouldn't comment on the topic? I can see the divisiveness without even reading! I think Sanders would be almost as divisive as the current regime. Yes I blame him for Hillary. But there are those who blame him for not being a Democrat. Lots of people are emotionally attached to him, but there are lots more who have strong emotions against him. Did anyone mention he's a hypocrite? He is. He brags about where he gets money... but fails to mention that he took money from the Democratic Party for his senate run. The Democratic Party that was supported by Democrats' efforts. Democrats like Hillary.
1
@Suzanne
I actually don't think Bernie is going to be as divisive as you think. Trump won because people wanted change. Sanders is surging because people want a change that is decidedly different than what Trump stands for.
Bernie is definitely going to turn out the youth vote amongst the entire democratic demographic. He also has an appeal to working class Americans that do not care for the current incarnation of the Republican Party.
Personally, I will vote for him in the primary. In 2016, I voted for Hilary. But I've come to the conclusion we are at the end of the era of centrist democrats. We need a candidate that will stand and fight for poor, working class and middle class Americans.
Bernie would make me vote for Trump. Luckily, I don’t vote.
1
If you think Sanders will be president then you really need a mega dosis of reality medication.
If Bernie is candidate then Trump will win a landslide.
Anyone like to bet?
2
It’s an easy bet to win, regardless wether Biden, Sanders or Warren is chosen.
However, if Biden is targeted as President, Sanders VP and Warren as Secretary of State they would build what Europeans call a coalition, very hard if not impossible for Trump to beat.
But Americans don’t think in terms of coalitions when it comes to politics so Trump will knock them off one at a time with smoke and mirrors, but that’s all he’ll need.
@William Perrigo
Then for sure Trump will win with a landslide.
Mr. Stephens, I really hope you stop influencing Democrats to sit out this one if they aren't 100 percent happy with the nominee. Sitting out IS a vote for Trump. Encouraging in fighting will sink a ship of fools. All hands on deck and vote. I wish you would use your post to help figure out how to mobilize the apathetic voters that sat out last time.
1
Both of you talk of Sanders as the second coming of Stalin. Actually he espouses mainstream European political thought. American exceptionalism runs amuck.
5
If our current president must stoop to having Russian interference to get re-elected, no matter how demented or savage he may be, wouldn't it be prudent for the Democratic Party to stop the in-fighting and finally come together to battle this dangerous man?
I would gladly accept a woman of substance as my president.
I will evaluate any nominee put forth by the Democrats and then I'll vote for him or her. I will do this because I value my life, my country and my principles.
To do any less, is to shepherd a deranged despot and his sycophantic GOP to another term as democracy haters and destroyers.
2
Bernie and Trump are two sides of the same coin. The Democratic Party made a huge mistake in letting him crash it. Trump will destroy him. He would make a terrible president. As a long time democratic voter, I cannot vote for Bernie or Warren. Wake up.
3
Ewwww...no! Hunched over, hair askew, angry looking all the time (does he ever smile?), waggling and thrusting finger in the air, drop of spittle on his lower lip...totally TOTALLY not inspiring. He needs to have a friendlier demeanor, be more open, how you are really listening, less lecturing. And for heaven's sake, stand up straight and proudly. Be aspirational. Inspire us!
2
Sounds "unlikely" to me.
1
Hillary (and supporters) blamed Bernie for Trump's election, because a percentage of Bernie supporters would not vote for Hillary. Yet Bret Stephens and the Democratic elite, would rather protect your investment portfolios than consider a country and an economy that works for all of us. You would rather have Trump re-elected than a Sander's presidency in which climate change is taken seriously and our planet is prioritized over endless wars. What hypocrisy!
1
Bernie Sanders substitutes his ideals for actual policy. Free college? Not in this life. Public health coverage for everyone? Not with this or any Congress. Wholly new social programs? Not with our deficit and the public's rejection of new taxes.
There's plenty of work to do to better our lives and unscrew the country. Repair Obamacare. Undo the environmental rape by industry schills posing as public guardians. (See the NYTimes story on that potboiler.) Repair relations with our allies and hammer out a new nuclear treaty with Iran. Shut down the invasion of our electoral system, starting with Russia.
However, as much as Sanders concerns me, I vehemently object to Bret Stephens breezy assertion he could not vote for him. If you're clear-eyed about Trump, you must vote for a-n-y-o-n-e in this race who is not him. There is no candidate at his point who is anywhere near as scary than King Corrupt-Crybaby.
Let's clear our heads and recognize the dangers unleashed by an unbalanced bully who hates anyone who doesn't look like him and can't see beyond his own ego when securing this country.
2
I understand this argument is hypothetical but why is Bret Stephens even writing for the NYT editorial? The fact that he'd rather abstain than get Trump out of office is enough proof that he does not care about our country, only his version of capitalism is worth voting for.
3
Pick a Democrat, ANY Democrat. It's really that simple.
5
I have heard Bernie make all the correct usual noises about being Jewish and supporting Israel, but I’d be curious to see if he would wear a yarmulke the next time a synagogue or a Jewish school or a kosher food market gets attacked.
For me, this would be more reassuring and more significant than his socialism, which hasn’t had a very good history of supporting Jews.
https://www.jpost.com/Diaspora/Bernie-Sanders-proud-to-be-Jewish-not-actively-involved-in-religion-614072
2
Candidate Sanders sounds like an angry old man to me. I can’t imagine that President Sanders would sound any different. As a woman I find the shouting and finger jabbing offensive. I’m also thoroughly sick of the NY accent. I hate to think what Republicans would do with campaign ads against him. He has left so many big crumbs on his wake.
1
I love him but he does not have a chance. Only a moderate has a reasonable shot at the current denizen of the WH. People are blind. It is 1972 deja vu.
I'm so sick of the way the NYTs gives so much attention to Sanders. Yesterday whenever I went to the website, there was his face. And now this ridiculous headline in the same prominent position. Why don't you emphasize what he neglected to do in 2016? If he had rallied his troops behind Clinton we'd have a brilliant woman at the helm. Essentially, he took his followers and walked away. I hope his ego will defer to the country this time around, and that the NYTs will be smarter about their coverage. Our democracy depends on both.
2
I prefer Colonel Sanders.
2
What this comes down to is who's constituency is most likely to show up and vote in LARGE numbers. That, as much as I really like Buttigieg, to me means it's Biden or Sanders. Each has high enthusiasm and the energy of a crucial voting demo. Sanders has the millennial and young voter enthusiasm that Biden lacks, and Biden has the Black/Latino/Minority voter enthusiasm that Sanders lacks. All of the others, based on that, are probably out. It's going to take at least one of those groups voting in huge numbers to win this election. So who is more likely to vote? I don't know. Historically, except for Obama, Minorities haven't been reliable. That said, young voters have been even more unreliable. So who's gonna show up this time? Good question, but here's what I think I know. Biden is the only one who will get the minorities to come out at all, AND his policy approaches are far more realistic given that nothing happens without the approval of Congress. Sanders could win with the young vote, but he'll lose them quickly when he can't deliver what he's promising. And let's face it, he can't. You can't pass M4A, Green New Deal, free/paid off college etc by Exec Order and getting those big $$ policies through Congress "in 1 bite" just won't happen. Trump couldn't use an Exec Order to fund his wall, and Sanders can't use it for any of his policies either. Winning is critical, but holding it in 2022/2024 is also important. You don't do that by breaking promises.
1
Sounds great.
He is the candidate I support most. I am sick of the embarrassment of being the only country on the planet denying human induced climate change, and viewing universal health care as some 'radical' idea. The entire rest of the developed world has had some form of universal health care for many years. We are the only imbeciles who view it as radical. I welcome Bernie.
1
Do forgive Bret Stephens for being shallow and arrogant.
A vote for anyone but the Dem nominee is a vote for Trump. Everyone has to decided: do you want a corrupt, lying "president" who is working very hard to destroy our country, or do you want a civilized society? That is the choice. What you decide determines the future of our country for the next 50 years (due to the ultra right wing packing of our supreme court by the corrupt repubs).
Make your choice. If you make the wrong one and our country slides into irrelevance and uncivilized ultra right wing fanaticism.
4
President Sanders sounds terrible.
President Trump worse.
No matter HOW HARD HE TRIES TO SHIFT THE BLAME, people like Bret Stephens are the reason Hillary Clinton did not win the Presidency (via the antiquated Electoral College system in the USA). People like Bret Stephens abstained from voting in the 2016 election: THEY (and, let's face it, pure stupidity) are the reason Donald Trump won that election.
People like Bret Stephens will be the reason behind it all if Donald Trump wins another term as President of the USA.
1
I generally like Gail Collins' columns. But reading the conversation between these two is emblematic of how the New York Times, its staff, are living in a bubble. These people are OUT OF TOUCH with the reality that most people deal with across the country. This never ending punditry is what helped Trump win.
President Warren sounds much, much better.
And, I will feel better if Mr. Sanders can answer these questions:
Why did you choose as your 2016 Campaign Manager a man who worked for Paul Manafort, the immoral foreign agent that propped up Putin's corrupt leader in Ukraine?
Why do you accept the tacit support of hundreds of pro-Trump pro-Russia bots on Twitter? What are your ties to Putin's Russia, if any?
Why are you running as a Democrat when you say you are not a Democrat?
Why did you allow so many of your representatives to make shameless and unethical attacks on Hillary Clinton in 2016?
Do you still get an "A" rating from the NRA?
When I see these questions addressed honestly, then I may consider supporting his candidacy. Until we get answers to the above, he is no better than Trump to me.
Agree ....Bernie not a chance....ongoing vanity thing....and he will drive it right into the convention...pure vanity......totally diluting the Democratic strategy/ effort....
1
How does President Sanders sound to you?
Old. Just plain old. What are his chances of dying within the next year? About 4.8% (an estimate to be sure). That doesn't include his chances of running into health problems that would disqualify him from running for President or being President. It's a gamble at a time when we shouldn't be gambling.
1
President Bloomberg sounds much better all the way around.
With the country so incredibly divided and polarized, it seems like we would be destroying ourselves by voting for Sanders or Warren. It’s not smart, plain and simple. This is particularly so when we have serious existential threats like climate change about ready to break our planetary door down!
6
Sanders is not going to win. So I am not worrying about his name. He is an over-ambitious old guy. He should stay home like me. Watching TV news. He will live longer. I didn't vote for Trump but he will be reelected again in 2020. I have been a voter since president Truman. So I think I know a little bit about American politics. I always picked the winners. Impeachment Trump is wasting of time. Nancy Pelosi has nothing better to do.
3
The question is, how does it sound to Trump supporters?
1
@AGoldstein - Bingo! It sounds great to Trump supporters -- they want Bernie Sanders to be the Democratic candidate; and we should all be asking why.
It is likely because they view Sanders as a candidate that Trump has the best chance of besting in the election.
Mr. Stephens,
Bernie is not Castro.
Bernie is a social democrat.
Castro was a communist.
Quit trying to equate the two. BTW Castro is dead.
I was mad at Bernie when Hillary lost (I voted for Hillary).
Now, try to say something else about Bernie.
Bernie has a lot of good ideas that the current power base is very worried about. Some (mostly white, male and aspiring to be powerful and wealthy) will mourn the decline of their status-- as are you Mr. Stephens. To attribute (to trump) the economy and job growth and not mention the debt and discord and loss of hope and great anxiety in the country is dishonest and immoral because we read the times for a semblance of truth. You aint it Bret. To say if Trump kept quiet you would be happy with what he has done is really sad.
I like all the democrat candidates in the current lineup. As trump recently said, "It really doesn't matter." But I think Bernie appeals because he speaks about economic opportunity for the poor. Cue Mr. Stephens' comment, " He likes Castro!" Full circle. Time will be the herb that heals the injury of old ideas and trump.
2
The US spends -and wastes -more on military spending than every other country in the world combined. The bloated US military-industrial complex is one of the major reasons that the US, as a country, is circling the toilet. If there are four more years of Trump, that is equivalent to flushing. Sanders' plan to hack military spending and put it into social spending is both long overdue and the only sane thing to do. As an aside, anyone that Bret Stephens won't vote for is obviously doing something right.
1
Sanders “the socialist” served in Congress since the 90’s and was a mayor before that. In Vermont not Cuba. The economy - shored up by Wall Street. Remember the value of 401Ks after the Depression that Obama rescued us from? Trump was against all his policies - bailing out the auto companies - keeping the banks from collapsing. Biden - he ran for President twice - why should he win now - especially with Hunter as his albatross? Trump will wipe the floor with him.
1
I like what Bernie "says" more than anyone else on more subjects than anyone else. But our country is too backwards for a transformative individual unless perhaps we have another Pearl Harbor. We actually ARE facing such a challenge as the atmosphere, the most volatile element in our lives, is going to become extremely volatile if we just go along with mass stupidity. "Everyone complains about the weather, but no one does anything about it".
Was it Will Rogers who said it long ago? Back then it was humorous, but who's laughing these days? Bernie's right about most things, but governing and philosophizing are two different disciplines. I wish we could wrap our heads around not only health insurance plans, but along with that also work towards achieving the goal of healthy air, water, food, and a livable environment, instead of calling FEMA every few months to come and fix things up like they were before. Before the flood, the storm, the tornadoes, the draught, the fires, or a nasty strain of bacteria or a crippling virus sending people to the ER, all that "stuff" that stops us in our tracks. Then we could say the system we created works. We've got to make some huge changes, but for now we need to sell competence. Are you qualified for the job? And what about foreign policy? People get confused talking about abortion, school bathrooms, "hordes" of unwelcome foreigners trying to get in.
All distractions.
Wake up Democrats and vote for Amy Klobuchar. She has the experience, ans the political skills to be a very great president
5
Answer to headline qu:
"Unlikely."
or ...
"Not a chance."
And I'll vote for ANY Dem nominee running against Trump.
But this will, again, in a nightmare come true and one that will reverberate for decades to come, be Trump's election.
Such dark, dark days.
3
Sounds a lot better than any of the other names I've heard!
Although Bernie is well liked by many, the amoral, criminal autocrat in the White House will go for the jugular as to Bernie's "socialist" past and will be relentlessly cruel, denigrating and criminal in trying to defeat him. Trump will fan as many demagogic flames necessary to torch Mr. Sanders. He will stop at nothing to win. Nothing. Don't we see this each and every day?
1
So, great. Bret is not dumb enough to like Trump, so he'll hold his nose and vote for a Democrat, as long as the Democrat is really a Democrat lite - aka Republican in all but name.
His objections to Bernie is because he really wants to get back to all those great policies of Reagan, Bush and Bush, who managed to pull America toward oligarchy while starting wars with lies and pretending that free markets can cure cancer and lift all the boats.
We are in this mess because we lost the social contract and turned our country into a business with a catchy brand and a penchant toward ignoring the majority of citizens.
No thanks. Bernie 2020.
2
Democrats will lose Congress if Bernie Sanders is elected president. Bernie is the left’s Trump. This country doesn’t need that. It needs someone with a level head who’s not yelling all the time. Whose answer to how are you going to accomplish that isn’t “the people are going to rise up and demand it.”
Sanders was a spoiler in 2016 and he is again today. No, thank you.
All Trump has to do is start talking about Bernie’s heart attack, socialism, and the cuts he will make to the military at a time when the war mongers are out selling fear like it was 2003.
No. No. No.
1
How Does President Sanders Sound to Me? Sounds like some progressives have consumed ergot tainted quinoa.
If he is the democrats choice trump will win in a land slide, Bernie is a vaudeville act. The dems like the republicans need to bond together to fight this evil, and put the strongest candidates out there.
2
Agree with Bret. No Sanders No Warren.
2
If it takes a Sanders nomination for the Democrats to have their Corbyn moment so be it.
1
President Sanders? Warren? Biden? There are so many other younger, experienced, worthy candidates.
1
That Bret should turn to Warren Harding as an example of what we need right now suggests how out of touch with reality he is.
Bernie isn't a radical - he's proposing policies that would be considered standard liberal policies in Europe. It's not like he's proposing some brand new thing that has never been done before. It's a reflection on how skewed the American perspective is that he's viewed as a radical and that people would consider voting for Trump or sitting the election out if he was nominated. I also can't help but raise my eyes at anyone that claims to be a liberal and would sit the election out if Bernie got the nomination. Really... you dislike socialized medicine so much that you won't make an attempt to remove the guy literally locking children in cages and playing at war with Iran?
Do you think he really had a heart attack? I think the last president in office who had a heart attack was Eisenhower, and afterwards he was there in the hospitol for six weeks(!) getting pushed around in a wheelchair. And at the time he was thirteen
years younger than Bernie is now. How does it work that in the next couple of days after his heart attack Bernie is back on the trail doing his bellicose liberal guy thing?
1
Bernie is not really surging. After he did not die, and since the Warren and Pete so-called surges both hit the all, Sander's numbers rebounded to where they were a year ago.
Black voters are not going to abandon Biden for Bernie, certainly not older black voters Down South and in Urban America. And the young blacks for Bernie? When their grandmother calls them downstairs on Primary Election day and marches them down to the polling place, trust me, they will be voting for Joe Biden.
1
How does President Sanders sound??
What you are really saying, in that case,
how does 4 more years of Trump sound?
President Bernie Sanders sounds FANTASTIC to me! Only person in the race whose policies I can support.
1
Mr Stephens: *Which* toe on Mr Buttigieg's left foot? The big one, or one of the smaller ones? Just asking.
Is this a joke? Are these two that naive about issues? Wait, it was a high school exercise in superficial debate? A democratic supporter supports billions in defense spending which is ridiculous higher than Russia or China but if you cut it we are suddenly vulnerable?meanwhile none of that spending goes to soldiers? Embarrassing example.
Sounds like George McGovern.
He's the next Ralph Nader
The Socialist Senator Sanders has gotten as far as he has only because the ruling elite did not forsee that the Internet would make the small donation funding of a Socialist candidate possible. Previously, the bourgeois electoral system was rigged precisely to offer voters a choice only between two pro business candidates. . . . . Although your journalists never refer to this record, historically, anti Capitalist movements in the USA have always been crushed by State violence: the I.W.W. in 1919, the C.P.U.S.A. in 1948, the Panthers in the 1960s or the Occupy Movement in 2012. . . . If they seem to be unfairly denying a reformist Socialist the nomination in 2020, however, the capitalist rulers may provoke a new movement of young Socialists who will not be reformers but revolutionaries.
What a preposterous and cowardly claim to call Bernie a lunatic.
He has kept office for decades in the United States Senate, he had the courage to oppose going to war in the middle east when the war cries resounded, and he was not afraid to recognize the seriousness of climate change when everyone else in the news media called it a radical or fringe concern.
Hello? Bernie, unlike almost every other candidate save Elizabeth Warren actually has a proven record of honorable and correct positions on which he voted. The man has proved his integrity. He does not have to tell us he has it. It is on the record.
1
I'm really disappointed in Bret Stephen's "Not President Find-the-Silver-Lining-in-Fidel-Castro Sanders". OMG! Could he make a bore biased, ill-informed, Right-Wing talking point comparison toward a man who is trying to save America from its present downward trend?
If elected, Bernie's aggressive progressive agenda will surely meet strong resistance by the now elected Congressional swamp, but at least he will appoint underlings into key positions who are not bought and sold by big business.
The road to climate change initiatives is best served by someone who supports the Green New Deal.
I have long wished for a Bernie/Trump debate.
Bernie will not play nice and Trump will be exposed as a Know-Nothing blow hard.
Please, Gods of Politics, Let this debate happen.
1
From a NY Times article this past Saturday:
“I really don’t agree with them,” he [Bloomberg] said, of Mr. Sanders and Ms. Warren, “but I’d still support them, yes, because compared to Donald Trump that’s easy.”
So Bret, if Bloomberg can put country above all else, including his money ... so can you.
2
Nonestly, I feel very good about a President Sanders.
He wrecked Hilary. He is Peter Pan. He is government solving all the social problems, He will give it to Trump.
1
I will vote for, volunteer for, donate to, whoever is running against trump.
3
"President Sanders" sounds great, to me.
1
President Pelosi sounds best! Such a capable woman who understands our government and power! She's a hero!
I'm not at all interested in Sanders, full of empty platitudes, yelling and arm waving..those are his specialties. If Sanders or Warren is the Democratic Party nominee against Trump, I will hold my nose and vote Democratic, with little hope for our future.
4
Although I am not a fan of Sanders, I will definitely vote for him if he gets the Democratic nomination. No one can destroy the fabric of America as much as Trump has.
5
Wow. Many commenters here act as though the president is a king, always getting his way. It takes the approval of other branches of the government in order to make stuff happen. Bernie is smart enough to compromise in order to get things done. So is Warren. So is Buttigieg, and Klobuchar, etc. Thank goodness the 3 branches of government still, however, feebly, are working.
1
The Democrats seem to be unable to field a group of electable candidates. Of the current group, I think only Biden is electable. That said, I will vote for anyone or anything other than trump.
2
How does Bernie sound? Tell me who the VP would be. There’s a significant probability the VP would ascend to the presidency because Nature would remove Bernie from the office.
3
Sounds fantastic! To the people saying he will "never win the middle of the country," I have this for you: his populist, working-class message is tailor-made for them, as is Warren's. Sanders and Warren's message directly addresses the concerns and needs of the working people, unlike the rest of the corporatists (ahem, I mean moderates), who will continue with the same old-same old, which means incremental, if any, progress for us and monumental progress for corporations.
11
If Bernie loses the primary, it will be revealing to see how hard he works and gets behind the chosen candidate. If he does not step up, I hope his diehard fans realize that Bernie puts himself above the cause.
If Bernie wins, the same goes for Biden, Warren and everyone else.
All hands on deck.
10
@Tough Call
I don't think Bernie and Biden are supporters of the same "cause"!
If we don't nominate a candidate who can attract independents and those formerly known as moderate Republicans who are never Trumpers, we will get 4 more years of Trump.
8
I voted for Bernie in the 2016 primary and believe he would have won the election. That's because he and Trump had some of the same populist views on trade agreements, endless war, China, etc. Bernie also didn't have the burden of all the negative personal baggage Hillary carried.
That said, I'm more hesitant this time. Bernie is no longer the 'shiny new thing' and Trump has the power of incumbents. When the Trump campaign opens its massive war che$t, they will pummel Sanders as a "socialist."
Secondly, CNN crunched the numbers of Bernie's proposals and this morning they reported it adds up to $40 Trillion over 10 years. That would require massive tax increases, which will be a very tough sell come November.
5
Bernie Sanders is not a Democrat. He is an Independent. Can we at least get this straight?
As much as I like him on many levels, I do resent him as a party interloper when it suits him.
He has been politics for many years and has never chosen to join the Democratic Party.
If Elizabeth Warren wanted to make cause against him, she could raise this issue, legitimately claiming the Progressive mantle of the Party for herself.
6
Maybe all this handwringing and angst over which Democratic presidential candidate is up or down, or wins in Iowa doesn't mean much in the long run.
In the 2016 Democratic Iowa caucuses, Bernie won 60% of the vote; Hillary 37%. Bernie may well win again in Iowa, but this is no guarantee he will become President Bernie.
But the real kicker is that not only may the 2020 Democratic primaries not mean much; the popular presidential election may not mean much once again. Sadly, for 2 out of 5 presidential elections in the 21st century, the presidential candidate who won the popular election (Al Gore in 2000, Hillary Clinton in 2016) lost the Electoral College vote (to G.W. Bush and to D.J. Trump).
So, it looks like all we need to worry about is which Democratic candidates win in the swing states, which, for the 2020 election Five Thirty-Eight identifies as: Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Not really comforting, is it?
2
Medicare for all as envisioned would never pass Congress .The 1965 Medicare law would not even pass the way it did in today's political climate. Lobbies control the government.
2
To Mr. Stephens and to all Trump-is-preferable-to-any-Progressive voters, please consider the following:
The economy is roaring in large part because of dangerous, even lethal deregulation and lack of foreign policy.
How much Trump has added to the natl debt in tax cuts that benefit the few.
How many treasured and proven US allies Trump has betrayed.
The ways in which so many of his decisions, esp foreign policy decisions, favor Vlada Putin.
That neither Warren nor Sanders has a personal or professional history of criminality. And that they listen to seasoned experts and career policy advisors. And to the public and are willing to adjust their perspectives accordingly. Both are realists. Warren is an academic understands corporate law and economics better than most of the Dem candidates and anyone from Trump's cabinet, late and soon.
Further, both are coalition-builders likely to "hire" from the crop of Dem candidates as well as fron across the aisle;
Now consider Trump's staff/cabinet turnover rate and his avowed preference for his own counsel. ("I'm the team!" which is even weirder than "I'm the decider.")
Consider Trump's reliance on self-referential and hate stand-up. If personality is indeed static, wysisyg.
ps Finally, consider Mr. Stephens' recent "Jewish Genius" column and apply appropriate skepticism.
3
I know Bernie Sanders calls himself a socialist, but he's not really one. Jeremy Corbyn in Britain I'd call a socialist, but not Bernie.
Some of his platform, for example free university tuition, is pretty radical, but the UK had much the same thing in the Sixties until Thatcher came along.
Here in Canada tuition is heavily subsidized--students pay about 20% of the cost of their education.
Really what Bernie wants is what is standard practice in most Western countries.
13
Each of the candidates has a moment. The question is, does it last? I’m guessing Sanders’ won’t.
2
Bernie is an example of what caring about "the people" can do for everyone, including capitalists!
When he was mayor of Burlington he protected the waterfront from developers. That lead to the city being "livable", which brought in others and raised the city up. When a mall outside the city threatened Burlington business, he closed the main street to traffic and made it a shopping street. The downtown flourished.
Sanders is not my candidate, but people should not fear his populist message. Take care of the people and the people will take care of the nation.
11
Bernie is a trailblazer, principled, has the courage of his convictions, believes healthcare is a human right, understands the threat of climate change and of income inequality, and is on the right side of justice, as far as I'm concerned. He's got my vote (and I'm 65)!
9
“Once upon a time, Sanders actually had a good record of getting bipartisan support for his legislation.”
What exactly are those legislative accomplishments? According to Congress.gov he’s sponsored three bills that have been made law, and two of those are naming post office branches.
3
You’re familiar with his work as the chief of Burlington?
I can’t understand why someone who wants tax dollars to finally be used for the public, who wants our oligarchs to pay their fair share, has held to the same principles of equality, fairness since the ‘60s and does not lie is so maligned. So many are worried about “socialism” and yet, we’re all paying to support low-wage employees working for huge corporations. Many of them need food stamps and may live in subsidized housing. We already have a form of socialism but not by choice, because we’re governed by corporations. At least Bernie is not in debt to corporate donors. So many contribute small amounts because he’s decent and honest and he’s always been the same person after he wins an election as he was before.
9
A President Sanders could have the eventual popular embrace and unexpected success of an undervalued President Truman. Just saying America.
9
It's interesting to read a number of comments about Sanders. What I don't get is anything about his INTEGRITY. Like Bernie or not, you've got to recognize that the man is not a "johnny come lately," that he's been consistent for around 40 years of fighting for ordinary people, and he's sane enough to have opposed US wars in Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and now Iran. Does he have faults--certainly. But when you consider his entire career, he has these things which no other politician running for office that can be summed up as INTEGRITY. This US Marine veteran (1969-73) supports Bernie publicly and financially.
15
@Kim Scipes "...he's been consistent for around 40 years of fighting for ordinary people, and he's sane enough to have opposed US wars in Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and now Iran."
If you could change "consistent" to "successful" he might be a winner.
How does a President Sanders sound to me?
Like the ONLY chance we have to turn this sinking Titanic around at this point. If it's anyone else, nothing will change and things will only get worse, just as they ALWAYS have in my short lifetime (I'm 36).
If it's anyone else, I will take my chances with our neighbors in the Great White North---at least they already have universal healthcare, parental leave and a social safety net in Canada. I'm not wasting any more time here when I can instantly improve my quality of life and raise my life expectancy simply by crossing a border 400 miles to the north.
10
Sanders won't get the electoral votes coming from the "heartland" and similar states. We need a more moderate nominee.
8
I love Amy and Pete, but recently put a FEEL THE BERN bumper sticker on my car. Why? Because Bernie is consistent, passionate, does not pander, has a moral conscience and tons of experience. When you hear him speak, you hear a man who is thoughtful, intelligent, and on the side of the people. While I would still support any of the Democratic candidates, I believe Bernie has the best chance of tons of enthusiastic support and beating DT.
11
he's not addicted to fame or the media. he tells the truth. he is consistent. more important - he wants to improve the lives of all Americans, so sounds good to me.
15
I’m an anyone-but-Trumper, but if I had to choose, I’d take a Democratic Senate. He’d still be a national embarrassment, but he’d also be a lot less dangerous.
3
Like music. The fact that Bret Stephens cannot imagine voting for him makes Bernie all the more appealing.
10
I'm going to do what the rich do and vote for my interests and benefit. I'm no "temporarily embarrassed millionaire"
So yes, I'm voting for Sanders!
9
I hope with with all my might Bernie Sanders is not the nominee, because there is no chance the US will elect a self-described socialist of any stripe.
If he’s the Democratic nominee, say hello to four more years of Trump.
7
How many never-Trumpers are there who consider Bernie to be unacceptable? Biden?
All the talk is about the enthusiasm gap. Why doesn't depth of opposition, as revealed by those who do NOT support the incumbent, count as much?
1
"President Sanders" sounds a h_ll of a lot better than "President Trump".
11
Bret's fears of Sanders remain irrational. What? Was it a a Democratic Socialist that stole the "t" from the end of your name?
And, a Sanders win would likely be one term -- what about a Sanders / Klobuchar ticket, then? Happier?
2
Bernie Sanders will be the president of the US on the first of never. Neither will any of the other dem candidates. Gail.... Maybe you should think of moving to another country. Somewhere in Europe perhaps. You certainly don't like it here. Maybe you won't have to hang your head on shame. My vote is for President Trump every day, all day.
3
How Does President Bloomberg Sound to You?
10
Not as good as President Warren, but not bad at all. Then again a leftist like President Nixon sounds good.
How does it "sound to me"?
I, a Democrat, will vote for Trump
6
@Whatever: You’re not a Democrat.
1
President Buttigieg sounds decent. Let's give someone from the younger generation a chance. He is eloquent, smart, has integrity, served his country well. Imagine Trump standing next to him. He will look laughable.
4
I'm a former Republican who became a Democrat two or so years ago, and in retrospect probably should have done so well before then based on my opinions at the time - I just had inertia.
I'm on the right wing of the Democratic party, but feel welcome and enthusiastic about it. I'm a centrist with a mix of liberal and centrist sensibilities - but also a sense of urgency that we need bold action to fix our urgent problems.
I don't like some of what the candidates are proposing, like Medicare for All, but in most cases I'm willing to compromise, vote for them, and trust Congress to develop a more palatable solution.
But like Mr. Stephens, for me Sanders and Warren are a bridge too far. I have to compare the damage Trump does every day to the damage they would do to the economy for the long term. Warren has a plan for everything, and every plan I've seen seems horrible to me. I simply don't trust their instincts, and it's a real problem. Faced with that choice, I might simply not vote.
But bear in mind that people like me and Stephens are willing to compromise - just only so far.
6
Thank you. While I may disagree, the concept of compromise, a truly conservative stance (versus regressive) would be a pleasant change. I happen to be a fan of Senator Warren’s, but largely because she’ll repack for the stars and compromise to the sky. Should she get the nomination, I hope Mayor Pete becomes VP Pete.
@Stephen How does a Democrat that is pro-America sound? Scary? For sure.
When the postmortem is written after this election, it will be crystal clear, a wacky Democrat is not electable. The Democrat that can flip Trump voters is the indicator to follow. However, at this point, they will be a rare breed.
why do people not like Medicare for all?
If you want the worst ticket the Dems could put out it would be the Bernie/Liz show of magicians taking from some pockets and putting it into others. Really does not matter, but Bernie is correct in his assessment that he has to wear the top hat with his partner providing to glam. There would surely be a plethora of empty seats to that show.
4
How does a progressive Democrat sound?
It sounds Wonderful! It's not just to Bernie - each of the top three Dem candiates holds a polling lead over Guilty Donald. That speaks volumes.
3
Nice thought. I always wanted to live in the USSR
6
How Does Another Great Depression Sound to You?
5
@Robert Agree we are heading to that with Trump. That's why we need Bernie to be sure it doesn't happen.
9
Putting Sanders in the Oval Office is like putting ketchup on a salad....it just doesn't work.
7
Sanders has never tried to be anything but himself. He alienates moderate Republicans- like he's a commie who will dismantle capitalism. (This is preposterous; no POTUS is that powerful! We do enjoy separation of powers, of course.)
Maybe Buttigieg & Biden share this naturalism too. But the women seem to feel the need to try to be something, to fight the derision or doubt hurled at any woman who aspires. Warren tries to be especially perky & social...so as to avoid frump & age?
Klobuchar tries to be snappy- to avoid appearing dowdy ?
Poor Booker tried to be inspiring vs a political hack and ended up seeming preachy. Steyer & Bloomberg don't care. Wang is frothy to avoid densely wonkish.
It may be that most undecided voters just want a normal, down-to-earth vibe, with savvy, quick wit, wisdom and calm. No shouting. Trump seduced many with his fervor.
Most are sick of it already.
2
Bernie is everyone’s cute but crotchety socialist uncle...I like Larry David’s version too. But do I want either of them running the show? No!
9
I never thought Trump could be elected, so I guess it's possible Santa Claus could be elected.
6
Much prefer President Bloomberg.
8
It sounds like 4 more years of Trump.
7
The idea of Sanders becoming President sounds terrible to me. And, yes, I'm Jewish.
Bernie Sanders support of Linda Sarsour, whose highly toxic commentary supports virulent anti-semitism, makes it utterly impossible for me to vote for him. Warren is no friend to the Jews, either. See who helps run her campaign.
When Jews feel threatened, you're next.
Quite, frankly, none of the candidates are qualified to be President, as far as I am concerned.
7
@WS
Do you remember when in 2016 Sanders was asked a question at the Apollo with an antisemitic premise and instead of pointing that out he more or less responded with, ‘I’m not that kind of Jew.’
Yeah, I’ll always remember that.
2
@S. Judeman As you pointed out, Sanders reply that "I'm not that kind of Jew", who calls out antisemitism, is exactly why Sanders is not qualified to be the next President.
In a democracy, one does not pick and choose who gets to be the victim of hatred.
In a democracy, the goal is to eliminate hatred, and not to ignore it in the name of The Hard Left.
And, yes, I'm a Democrat.
2
Feel the Bern!
5
The 1st half of the 20th century was be-soddened w/ crisis. Many nations fell into rogue ideological rule: communism, fascism, naziism, militarism, nationalism, falangism. None of it worked.
FDR cobbled together a mixed economic system, pragmatically applying what made the most common sense and ignoring what did not.
In the 28 years after FDR's death the "free" 1st world nations (the nations where American soldiers stood in 1945) including the US saw GNP double & the median (meaning everbody's) wage rise in lock step. This was the era of mixed economic system & demand side bias policies.
Since 1972 GNP in the U.S. has gone up another 150% but the median wage has been flat. Since some workers (Tech/Health) wages have gone up, some in decent unions have floated (7%) we know that the broad majority of workers have experienced 48+ years of declining expectations in an economy that has grown 150%! Almost all those gains went to the <1%. This has gotten us protofascism, opioid crisis & Trump. (Almost certainly the MAGA crowd is pointing towards pre1973 America). Pre 1973 was the demand side era; post 1973 is the supply side (wage suppression) era.
Because of the overwhelmingly succesful history of pragmatism & the overwhelming failure of ideology, I am avowed desciple of pragamism, mixed economic policy.
In the current context is not capital deficiency. It is socially deficient. Therefore I'm w/ Bernie. Next time we have stagflation I'll go with Bloomberg.
5
Bret, Bernie was among many who at first approved of Castro' s overthrowing the dictator Batista, you have to remember. There was glowing press coverage as Cuban rebels triumphantly entered Havana. And as I recall, Fidel even appeared on the "Ed Sullivan Show".
2
We have Trump because of Bernie and his supporters. They are the kiss of death for anyone who allows them in their home. They simply refuse to leave until the police are called.
No way that we are going to allow someone who refuses to become a Dem, calls himself a Socialist and wants a Revolution be our nominee.
Bernie= four more years of Trump.
9
@Simon Sez
Are you saying Bernie Sanders supporters are, uh, home invaders? Is this a metaphor, because I don't understand it at all.
How does President Trump, winning his 2nd term for president sound to you? The debates have gone on for far too long with far too many candidates beating each other up and one by one dropping out of the race. The democrats should have nominated a firm candidate to get behind long ago. Now you are still trying to figure out who will be actually running against Trump less than a year from the election? I am not looking forward to a 2nd term, but mark my words. You guys blew this one.
3
If the democrats really want to win the presidency they need to learn from those who has shackled Trump so far, she is Nancy Pelosi. Trump cannot handle a progressive woman closer to his age who is able to marginalize his buffoonery with straight talk. It is quite obvious that there is only one candidate who fits the bill, she is Elizabeth Warren.
Those who worry that she will lose to Trump because she is too liberal and she needs to bring some GOP voters to win, are the same people who pushed Hillary, Gore, etc. to tack to the right, guaranteeing defeat. When Gore tacked to the right with Lieberman, or Hillary Kane, I knew then, they will lose! These candidates were conned by the same people today who wants to bring right wingers in the fold, the made their bed with Trump, let the GOP have them. To kowtow to corporate democrats, or the washed up GOP voters is to once again guarantee defeat.
We have the best opportunity for America since FDR to restructure our toxic politics mainly because of election buying by evil plutocrats. This election is about Trump and Trumpisim not issues. Why not a candidate with policy fixes for every issue the democrats fought since FDR? With women making 60% of the voters, isn’t time, we elect a woman?
We can show America that a misogynous, bigoted, corrupt, treasonous president is soundly defeated by a strong, progressive, intelligent, compassionate no nonsense woman? Warren is today's FDR, electing her will produce the same results!
1
President Sanders sound absolutely FANTASTIC!
10
It almost makes me giddy that Senator Sanders - the most progressive candidate in American history is now embroiled in controversy about misogynistic statements he might have made about the second most progressive candidate in American history.
At least the progressive woke purity contest devours it’s own.
4
As a Democrat and a liberal it sounds horrifying. I would never vote for Sanders. He would be a weak and ineffective President and would negatively impact liberal politics for years. More importantly, he considers issues important to women as secondary issues and treats the women working on his own campaign as less equal then the male counterparts. My choice is Warren.
11
@Cyd
“Number one, we have to take on Trump’s attacks against the environment, against Latinos and blacks and people in the gay community, we’ve got to fight back every day on those issues. But equally, or more important: We have got to focus on bread-and-butter issues that mean so much to ordinary Americans” -Bernie Sanders
So Bernie Sanders doesn’t consider most of us to be ordinary Americans, and our issues are perhaps less important to those that seem to be exclusively those of straight white men. Thanks Bernie!
I’m with Cyd on not voting for Sanders.
1
Out of the possible candidates for the Democratic nomination, Sanders is a few down on my list. However, if he happens to win the nomination, I'll vote for him. "Vote Blue no matter who!" The tRump must be ousted if we are going to earn respect from other countries again. We can't be upset if our candidate doesn't get the nomination - we must vote blue no matter who in 2020! My kids are depending on us - your kids are depending on us. We need to make this terrible WRONG right again.
6
@dollimama3
Sorry, but no. We didn’t work for 40 years to have our retirement savings confiscated by socialists.
Bret seems to be the type of Republican who, while not liking Trump’s extreme behavior, believes that money is for rich people, and “as long as I’m doing ok, all is good”.
Bernie Sanders threatens that paradigm that as kicked into high gear by Reagan.
Bernie is for the whole country, not just the 1%.
11
This too shall pass. I like Bernie but I don't want him for Prez. Not that I have a favorite at this point, but Pete, Amy, and Elizabeth are in that running.
Ms Collins is always so clear-headed and sure.
Mr. Stephens are you with us or not?
As for the rest of you, this is not a time to sit out with apathy and indifference. Please be sure to vote and insist everyone you know does too. Thank you!
5
Speaking as a Canadian, the US is seriously broken. These incremental changes aren't going to fix it in time. You need a major policy shift or you're going to become a third-world country in a couple of decades.
17
I'd vote for Bloomberg before Sanders. Warren is my first choice, however.
5
Bernie is the farthest thing from what we need. Unrealistic and divisive, he promises to give away the farm, without any sense of monetary or moral responsibility.
He's losing badly in the national polls and would be crushed in the general election (can you say George McGovern?). He won't get my vote or the vote of tens of millions of moderates in the Democratic Party. And he will scare away any moderates Republicans or independents that might have voted Democratic.
This pipe dream of Bernie or the old bankruptcy lawyer Warren is promulgated by the press, for the press and for nothing more than creating a horse race where there is none.
13
@Mark - you may recall that McGovern was right on the Vietnam War while Congress and at least half of the US population was wrong!
I'm continually bewildered that people accept the idea that the president gets to pick which legislation goes through congress. They can certainly help propose it, but the system is set up so that congress writes and votes on the laws. People seem to both fear that a president gets to write new laws, unilaterally, AND ask accusingly how a president will ever get anything through congress. Bernie's talking about the policies that represent the things he values. That's how you can decide whether to vote for him. He's not promising to circumvent the stated purpose of one of our branches of government..
6
If you have children and care about their future you have to vote for the Democrat. Bernie is the most consistent, has the longest record, and has been doing his thing for decades. The first time I saw him was on c-span somewhere in the dark abyss of the W administration. He was talking to maybe 50 seniors in much the way he talks today. The moderates on the Dem side are status quo, much like Obama. That is not going to cut it if we want to have any chance of sustaining the human race. People who think like Stephens are an ideologically endangered species, and I will not miss their retrograde and profoundly selfish worldview.
9
@Jonathan it is beyond comical when liberals reference human extinction as it relates to climate change. As an actual biologist (yes a real one) who is teaching this hysteria?
I voted for Sanders last time and immediately regretted it when the Bernie Bros refused to support Clinton after she won with millions of votes margin. Won't be making that mistake again.
Buttigiege is my favorite for now, although I also would love to see Biden in the top spot. Warren has good ideas, but I'd rather have her in the Senate writing legislation.
6
Nominating Sanders is essentially a vote for Trump. Sanders is too liberal for most. We want to keep our healthcare and we don't care about socking it to the rich, we care about affordable prices (health, home, transit) and good government.
8
I'll vote for any democrat, because the alternative "party" doesn't deserve to be a partner in a democracy. Anyone who conditions her/his support on any grievance helps destroy this country. But will he win? This is the only thing that matters.
3
Bret writes that with Sanders there would be "Dramatic cuts in defense spending that would leave us and our allies even more vulnerable to Russian or Chinese aggression. One or two huge new government spending programs that would weigh on fiscal balance sheets for generations." Bret is not seeing the FACTS. Sanders would not make us weaker militarily at all, and the military analysts say so. Also, it is not spending programs that weigh on fiscal balance sheets, it is massive tax cuts and uncontrolled Republican initiated spending and the burdens of Republican actions to shrink regulations that would have increased economic prosperity and lessen fiscal dysfunction.
Bernie Sanders will win. Where is the excitement in the others, the same-old-same-old. Bernie will stir the pot and hold this nation up to its proclaimed values of justice for all.
10
Trump will always be known as the worst president ever. And Republicans will also always be in bed with the Donald.
6
Sorry but Bernie is wrong on many things and I think he might also be too old.Medicare for All makes a lot of sense if it is done right .The devil is in the details.Full blown Socialism never ever worked but a different modified like what happens in some European countries would be welcome by many.
As opposed to Warren and and Biden he is a person of high integrity.Class act not like HRC.He is also a big enough man that if he turns out to be wrong about something he will admit it and correct course. Refreshing difference between him and Trump.
The New York Times will endorse Biden or fake Warren,so be it.The Editorial Board lost credibility .
2
A President Sanders sounds a million times better than a President Trump.
5
He won’t win so support a Democrat who will.
1
Sanders deserves a lot of credit for doing the heavy lifting to move the national conversation to where it should be. Why are we unflinchingly spending trillions of dollars on a military virtually unmatched in all the world when people at home are dying for lack of adequate basic services. Sanders is not so "left", its just that we have moved so far right we are a breath away from outright authoritarianism.The people support Bernie Sanders. I'm happy he screams, the Earth is on fire, our government is utterly corrupt- there is a lot to be upset about.
6
"Trump also has been able to get only a fraction of his agenda through Congress."
Hilarious. He hasn't had to get much through congress.
What he got through was a giant tax giveaway to the wealthy that hobbles any possible hope of the government providing a better safety net for its citizens. He's drastically accelerated the "shrink government til you can drown it in the bathtub" dream of Gorver Norquist.
He's also used executive orders to roll back regulations on business polluters, allowing them to despoil our clean air and water, appointed two hard-right conservative judges to lifetime Supreme Court appointments which may spell the doom of only, you know, a woman's right to determine what happens to her own body, backed us out of the Paris climate accords thereby sending us on a faster track to Australia-style literal hellfire, and poisoned international relations perhaps permanently — certainly jeopardizing our status as moral leaders of the free world.
But Bernie Sanders would be as bad? Really, Bret? Like, for real?
5
As a recovering Berner here, I can tell you that I like the man's ideas, but I am not particularly crazy about the man himself.
4
How does perfect way to assure Trump re election sound? The fact anyone thinks he can beat Trump on his platform is astounding.
4
I am deeply disappointed by the NY Times who seems to think it's fine to flippantly disregard and dismiss Senator Bernie Sanders. Senator Sanders has a decades-long record of advocating for the disenfranchised. He has integrity and I trust that he will do his best to address climate change, ensure all Americans and residents have health insurance, access to free university and student loan forgiveness. It is painful to read that your opinion writer will not vote for Sanders even when assessed as best option to defeat current administration. I don't consider this responsible voting or journalism. Senator Sanders deserves respect and to be treated with dignity rather than compared to an uncle in disparaging terms. Disappointed by the Times!
5
I am getting a kick out of the attitudes along the lines of "this candidate is too left or too centrist". How cute, how quaint.
It's almost as if there are people who aren't aware that there is a lunatic at the helm, surrounded by enablers who are dismantling checks and balances, re-aligning us with our enemies and against our allies, gerrymandering and stuffing the courts to silence any dissent, and the liberal views of the majority of citizens.
So, have fun waiting out this election, and you may not have to worry about who is running ever again, because it could be the last one.
5
Why is this argument only about Sanders and Warren? I personally can't picture either of them. But if I must, of course I will vote for them. I read the 90 minute interview in yesterdays paper with Sanders and I hard a hard time following him....he seemed all over the place with his thoughts. The man is 80 for crying out loud.......he should quit while he is ahead. We don't need another scatterbrain in the oval office. BTW, I'm almost 70 but I can still see when someone is way past their prime.
4
Precisely!
Gee wouldn't it be nice to actually vote for someone with some ideals & not the lesser of two evils . Or a choice between Republican & Republican lite. So tired of that.
3
It sounds like relief for me, my family, and the millions of Americans struggling just to get by every day. It will mean a president who stands with humanity, across the globe. It means we will have someone deeply committed to reverting the climate crisis at our helm, who will not ship off our sons and daughters to defend oil plants and reputations. I welcome the fight from Trump - and when we defeat him we will get to work on rebuilding a world that works for us.
4
If you really want to know who conservatives would be willing to vote for, all you have to do is listen to what they're saying.
I agree that there are likely enough conservatives willing to vote for Biden to tip the scales in his favor. But even more so than Biden, conservatives have shown an affinity for Tulsi Gabbard. Her platform of non-interventionism appeals to voters for whom the cost of war was a very emotional issue in 2016, and remains so today. She speaks to conservatives in a way that doesn't make them feel like they're being looked down on, which is how they feel when addressed by Democrats such as Clinton and Harris (there's a reason why "deplorables" became a right-wing rallying call). She talks about faith the same way Christians do, even if she follows a different religion. The Washington Examiner has covered her campaign more extensively and favorably than CNN or MSNBC.
But instead of using this to their advantage, Dems have instead taken Gabbard's GOP support as an indicator of conspiracy and malice. An antiwar coalition on the right should be seen as a major sign of progress, but instead it's treated as proof of Putin's maniacal influence. It blows my mind that Dems are throwing away an advantage like this when it's being handed directly to them.
2
Not exactly true that if you don't vote for the D, any D, you're voting for 4 more years. If you live in a rock solid Blue state, doesn't much matter.
Who *are* these weirdos? Are these people pretending to be Democrats so the NYTimes can push what are essentially Republican talking points? This dude lost me early but his woe and doom over our bloated defense budget not being sufficiently obese and wasteful was laughable. Counter China? Dude was probably in favor of offshoring the very jobs that China has gained from and that have resulted in our rust belt. Great economy? Yeah, if you're one of ten Americans who own stocks, or if you own stocks it's just a 401k.
Moderate Democrats have had multiple administrations to win the trust of young people; they have shown that they view youth and workers with disdain, a decided lack of urgency, and are afraid to be tough with their boomer republican friends, whom they wanna try to convert to conservative Democrats. Bernie is the way forward.
7
@Maggie young people voted for Clinton in 2016 because it wasn't driven home to us hard enough that the establishment can but lose repeatedly and will never change their game - you can't teach someone with Boomer Brain new tricks. Now that we've seen they cannot win or be relied upon to help us, the youth favors Bernie. Obama helped initiate this mess by promising hope and change while delivering war and kowtowing to republicans.
Simply put, moderates cannot be relied upon to fight against republicans because Republicans are extremists who rile up their base; establishment Democrats are milquetoast elders who grew up during the easiest economy of the 20th century and are saying "now now, let's not get carried away" because things are great for them.
President ANYONE sounds better than President Trump.
5
I hate the sound of it. Another old, intractable, narcissistic, unable to apologize or compromise POTUS is not what's needed.
8
YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!
despite maggie haberman and joseph berger's best unscrupulous work in 2016; and attempts in 2019 by the NYTimes 'opinion' writer, sidney ember... "Bernie surges"...[just think how much further ahead Sanders would be if the financial, healthcare and fossil fuel sectors weren't offering their advise and funding].
and
BTW Bret, the cost of medicare for all is hard to estimate but this fact check site might show the up and down possibilities vs 1 liner guesses?
https://www.factcheck.org/2018/08/the-cost-of-medicare-for-all/
1
"Kinda digging the image..."?
Who talks like that any more? Who ever really did?
Franklin Roosevelt was considered a socialist
1
I really don't understand how these New York Times columnist have a job. Really?
You're honestly considering between Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar? Candidates who aren't proposing anything new in their platform?
And you're honestly considering a billionaire like Michael Bloomberg over Bernie Sanders? The person who organized stop and frisk which disproportionately targeted and locked up black and brown kids in New York to make way for gentrification? This is a joke.
And the constant accusations of Bernie Sanders "yelling" and being "too aggressive". Really? Is that the only attacks you have? Attack the policy proposals please. Please actually start reporting on candidates' policy differences rather than personalities or whether a candidate is "young and healthy". Please pay attention to actual policies.
Bernie's outrage in debates is a moral outrage at the governments lack of response towards helping working-class people. Something you lack.
8
I agree with Bret 100% about Bernie Sanders, except for the part about being unable to vote for him. I'll have to get back to him on that.
Especially because I support Amy Klobuchar, the obvious best choice to unify America and be the ideal anti-Trump POTUS.
I know, she isn't "exciting" to those youngsters/young-at-heart people enthusiastically posting here for Bernie, and that explains her lagging poll numbers.
She supports most of Sanders' goals; unlike him, she's actually advanced many of them; 100+ bills sponsored and signed into law.
I know, she's signed off on some of Trump's appointments - on a case-by-case basis - you know - rationally, not ideologically.
Which is what America needs - and, wants, IMO - less noise and better governance; not a loud, "exciting" guy with a thin resume, unlikely ever to realize his unrealistic proposals even if he wins the WH.
5
Truly horrible!! And this is from a Democrat.
5
Too bad Mr. Stephens has to red-bait Sanders with the Fidel Castro crack.
Yes, Castro was a dictator, but Cuba is a literate nation with healthcare for all.
I can say nice things about the mass murderer Stalin, too. Without the Soviet Union, we would not have defeated Hitler.
Nixon broke bread with Chairman Mao.
Nothing I said above is a tacit endorsement of those horrible men.
If Mr. Stephens thinks that Sanders would jeopardize the security of our country just because he wants to spend less than three quarters of a trillion dollars a year on the military, then I think the Times needs to find another conservative columnist with a little more common sense.
3
Great! Let’s go BERNIE!
3
"... there’s no chance I’d vote for either Sanders or Elizabeth Warren."
Oh, Bret, stay strong!!! Hold fast, cherish your ideals! Preserve your personal honor! ... NO PRICE is too high to pay for that, even the continuation of this excrescent malignancy in the Oval Office.
Or, in other words, GIVE ME A BREAK!
2
It says something about our nation that the electorate favors old white men who yell at us. That something is not progressive.
3
Bret's opinion are not worth arguing with. But GAYLE, I am amazed you support Biden. You are a historian. He has run twice before and gotten nowhere. In one previous campaign, he was found to have plagiarized a story from a British politician. The Obama campaign team nicknamed Biden "the gaffe machine."
You are a feminist. Biden chaired the Anita Hill disaster and wouldn't allow her corroborating witnesses to speak. His hugging, kissing, hair sniffing treatment of women is condescending and smacks of the droit de seigneur.
In short, he is a terrible candidate. And for those of us who consider climate change, income inequality, and U.S. imperialism to be crises, his middle of the road approach would be disasterous.
And yes, if he is the nominee, I will have to vote for him. But I don't believe that will happen. See the article the NYTimes published yesterday, by Robert Leonard of Iowa. Here's a quote:
"I was surprised this week when a lefty preacher friend told me that he has yet to meet anyone who plans to caucus for Mr. Biden. Me neither."
1
Ah, Bret. Ms Collins was too nice to ask you: Sanders V Trump in November - are you really going to abstain or write in Mickey Mouse? Genuinely pathetic.
2
Why is it that only Biden’s name seems to come up when age and health is the topic?
1
Never Trump. Anything but Trump—anyone but Trump-
4
I am 68 and white and the LAST thing this country needs is another old white man as President
6
Yeah sounds great - Total Loser!
Trump doing a great job!
4
But Bret, how much weaker cans we be against Russia than having our president owned by Putin?
1
Answer: like it’s time to move to Canada.
2
He sounds like a winner
Never gonna happen.
2
Bernie surging?????????
false headline.
Bernie is steady at 19% of the national polls,
no movement at all.
9
Feels like a light hearted smear piece. Sanders
1
What are you, NUTS? Yogi Bear and Boo-Boo, Scooby-Doo, Snaglepuss, Rocky & Bullwinkle, Hong Kong-Phooey, the list is endless as to I'd rather see as President who could do BETTER, than 'the current occupant' sitting in The White House!
3
Bernie can slay the economy!
1
I mean, no one is really going to primary trump, but there's plenty of correlation between his identity and his support.
sure, not every trump supporter is an aggrieved, ignorant, racist old coot like him--but it's safe to say he has the aggrieved, ignorant, racist vote locked down.
1
I have donated to Bernie. I didn’t donate to Hillary. I had donated to Barack Obama. I didn’t vote for Trump.
I support Michael Bloomberg’s campaign to defeat Donald Trump, using Bloomberg’s own money to save our democracy.
I am a capitalist. I was also once a member of the largest socialist organization on the planet, outside the billion or so folks in China’s political structure.
I was a member of the United States Military, the largest socialist organization functioning as part of our own democracy. In our branches of service, the government (the people) own the means of production, including the personnel, who are classified as “Government Issue” ; G.I. Get a sunburn and can’t put on your equipment and you’ll get a counseling statement or Article 13 disciplinary action for “damaging government property.”
Anyone who has served in the military knows the frustrations of a socialist construct, mostly that idiots can send you somewhere to die. A Sergeant with a size 2 and three quarter hat size can order around a Private who understands three languages and spends his free time reading great literature. That’s the downside, on a personal level. The upside is we can deploy battalions of highly trained forces, anywhere in the world, in under 24 hours. A 19 year old in an air conditioned trailer, in the Nevada desert, can take out a terrorist cell on the other side of the world.
So, Socialism ain’t so bad, and it can be a real pain in the rear, all at once.
2
I much prefer Elizabeth Warren. Having another old white guy does nothing for me. Berni's screeching, spittle-flying speaking style does nothing for me. HIs rude, boorish "Berni Bros" do nothing for me. His criticism and attacks on Elizabeth Warren downright infuriate me.
6
"Do you see him winning the nomination? And how does “President Sanders” sound to you?
Gail Collins: Definitely better than “President Trump.” He’s not my favorite Democrat, but what I’m looking for now is anybody who can win and get us out of this nightmare."
"Definitely better than President Trump," way to set the bar below the sub-basement. Nearly anything sounds better than "President Trump." You guys can't help yourselves, can you? Stop negging Bernie.
One "kinda" per column is more than enough.
Please stop calling Bernie a socialist! You may as well call him a pinko commie. It's pejorative and means nothing.
4
Reading through the comments is dispiriting as Bernie essentially represents the ultimate trajectory of most liberal policy formulation. It's even further dispiriting is that we've come to regard the primary as a do-or-die electoral machine in which you have to vote for a candidate in service to the attitudes of the hypothetical 'layman', or 'lay-woman'. I see otherwise intelligent people harping onto the out-of-context sexism smears of sanders' campaign, by the way.
Shouldn't one vote with their heart in the primary, and with their head in the general?
All this sexism/identity talk is being circulated by for-profit media orgs that are genuinely fearful of what a sanders presidency would entail for their wallets, and directly, their entrenched influence over American society.
Doesn't one think that they are merely manipulating you via cheap allusions to social justice, as a means to push you towards centrist candidates who would enforce the economic status quo.
This criticism extends to those pundits decrying the 'unbearable whiteness' of the democratic debates. They are upset they can't crown a centrist token nominee, so they can privately continue to peddle their influence on the stock exchange, and furthermore, your ability to secure a reasonable mortgage/affordable healthcare. Bernie's policies would empower the marginalized, and this social identity/sexism charade is a way to distract you from nominating him as president. AOC gets it, so can you.
2
@Maria
Anything AOC gets is borderline communist flim flam.
Sounds good to me! We need a president more to the left. Why? Because a centrist Dem will invariably end up implementing policies that veer to the right due to necessary compromises with the Republicans. But Sanders, coming more from the left, will end up making compromises that might not be to the left, but could at least be in the center.
1
President Bernie?
Not a chance.
He continues to destroy the Democratic Party in this ongoing vanity project. He'll never get my vote or the vote of many of the 65 million Hillary voters.
492
@Brad An explanation would be nice instead of vague alarmist conspiracies.
Also bold of you to speak for 65 million people, a large portion of which would've happily voted for Bernie had he been the candidate.
256
@Virginia And another centrist who proposes the status quo, a la Clinton, will? I'm not even a Sanders supporter but even I have 4 year basic hindsight.
140
@Brad Fair enough. The illusion that a single candidate can unite every voter who's not a Republican is why Democrats keep losing elections.
They need to chose wisely.
In a bad economy, a moderate (Clinton, Obama) works best because there's a broad demand for change. In a great economy, it's the incumbent's election to lose and many in the center stick with him, whether they admit it or not, so the votes are in the struggling parts of America.
19
Russia's defense budget is approximately 1/7th that of the United States, but if their recent announcements are to be believed, Russia has beaten the U.S to hyper-sonic missile technology, something that has been hyped as a 'game changer'... one that the U.S. supposedly has no defense for. It really can be more about how you spend the money than how much you spend. Is it possible that our defense budget has become bloated, and that bloat has resulted in a certain amount of accompanying lethargy where innovation is concerned? Better educating the next generation might result in better outcomes.
1
To answer your question; "President Sanders" sounds really abysmal to me....I'm a lifelong/staunch Democrat (having voted for nearly a half-century) and I'll certainly vote for whichever Democrat wins the nomination, BUT: I despise Sanders and we will surely lose if he's the nominee (we also won't win if Warren is the nominee, and my sentiments about her aren't much better than for Sanders). Although Trump is absolutely atrocious in every respect, his fervent and deluded devotees will vote for him regardless. It's therefore critical for us to nominate someone who would appeal to conservative Democrats who crossed the aisle three years ago and perhaps also non-right wing Republicans who have "seen the light".
3
I consider myself an old-time liberal, but poor Bernie is a binary 1-or-0 ideologue whose ideas hardened decades ago. Saying "Command-in-Chief Sanders" should give folks nightmares. I remember when I was underage supporting Eugene McCarthy's antiwar candidacy, but being right on one issue doesn't make for a president. I hope young people today will be more realistic.
4
Sanders would make a great social-democrat politician anywhere in Europe. And with his charisma, he would have had a great career over here. He does not strike me as screaming - when interviewed, but he does speak with great conviction about his ideas. So Bret should definitely give him a chance.
10