If Bernie Sanders were a Dem running for Prez, would you support his message?

[Armstead]

Yes, it's a hypothetical question, since he's an independent (democratic socialist) and not running.

However, would you support him if he were in the Democratic field?

I ask because in my opinion, he is a potential template for what the Democratic platform, message and "image" could be. (Kucinich without the personal baggage).

So in a sense he is a Rorsach test of how a truly progressive message might fare.

Would you resonate to his combination of progressive politics, plain speaking of "truth to power" and his proven ability to connect with voters of all political stripes?

Or do you think he is too far "left" and unappealing to the swing voters?

I'm interested in differing opinions, and I'll try to behave.

[rurallib]

1. in a heartbeat.

[Mass]

2. YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[AlinPA]

3. Yes. He has always been one of my favorite members of congress.

[mod mom]

4. Absolutely-I'd even consider supporting him as an Independent (depending on

who was running as a Dem-if it was a DLCer, I'd support Bernie!

[eleny]

5. yes

[Warren Stupidity]

6. "unappealing to the swing voters" is the thinking that has gotten usinto the mess we are in.

It is the meme exploited by the duopoly to corrupt the Democratic Party into the left wing of the Duopoly. Our party stands for basically nothing, and as a consequence half the elctorate doesn't bother to go vote. Why should they? There is no real choice at the polls.

Of course there is risk in actually offering citizens fundamental choices at the ballot box. Somehow, that doesn't bother the right wing of the Duopoly, which stands for theocracy, for authoritarianism, for overt discrimination and intolerance, for insane militarism, etc. They appeal directly to their base, we have been convinced to never ever appeal to ours.

[Armstead]

8. I agree -- But bernie does appeal to the "swing voters"

The thing about Bernie is that a lot of moderate and self-described conservatives in Vvermont also support him.

Why? Because Bernie has a way of focusing on the real issues of wealth and power that cuts through the bullshit of corporate spin, and hits people where they live.

[Spirit of 34]

25. Most definitely

In Vermont he is overwhelmingly popular, even with many relatively conservative residents.

[yurbud]

13. when Dems shoot for the middle by being bland and inoffensive, they hit no one

[BushOut06]

7. He's definitely far more progressive than many Democrats

I'd vote for him in a heartbeat.

[wyldwolf]

9. yes... and I would support him if he didn't run as a Democrat if no Democrat were in the race

A socialist is still better than a nazi.

[cali]

10. In a Vermont minute.

I live in the Northeast Kingdom and there are some real crusty conservatives here. Bernie wins most of those votes every time.

[depakid]

11. Absolutely

and it seems to me that his positions on the issues would be extremely popular, particularly when contrasted against most of the currrent slate of candidates.

[yurbud]

12. If people could hear him without the media filter, yes.

[Armstead]

15. That would be a challenge, but he seems able to do that

Bernie has been on Fox News and otehgr MSM outlets, and he's good at getting to the point and staying on message.

IMO if a candidate has a clear set of principles, they are better able to slam back at the techniques interviewers use to spin an interview.

[yurbud]

21. that is the problem most Democrats have. It's not that they don't know how to communicate but

that they have divided loyalties between progressive voters and corporations. That's like a judge trying to come up with a verdict in a rape case that makes both the victim and rapist happy.

[Armstead]

22. I agree -- But it shouldn't be a problem

Bernie is not divided in his loyalties, so he has no problem saying exactly what he thinks.

And working people recognize that, and respond both to his personal integrity AND to the fact that is is actually talking about the issues that affect them in their daily lives.

[yurbud]

23. exactly. I was pointing out contrast with him and others.

[TechBear_Seattle]

14. I'd vote for him even as an Independent

IMO, he would be a far better choice than any of the "frontrunners" in the race now.

[JohnnyBoots]

16. Yes, can we get Thom Hartman as his VP? n/t

[Tom Rinaldo]

17. Absolutely...

unless he some how convinced me that he was a horrible campaigner outside of Vermont (which I would not expect) based on what I know of him today (and I know a fair bit) Sanders would be my man for sure.

[Armstead]

18. Any "No's?"

I promise I'll behave if someone can tell me why the Democrats can't or shouldn't run on a Bernie-style platform?

[Ishoutandscream2]

19. My opinion can't differ (sorry). I would support his message

No question.

[davekriss]

20. ABSOLUTELY ! (nt)

[killbotfactory]

24. I would love to support him

He's great.

[Spirit of 34]

26. Yep. I'd vote for him on his Progressive Party ticket too

It wouldn't be uncritical or unconditional support-- I think he's wrong on Israel/Palestine and on the Assault Weapons Ban-- but I'd support him all the same.

But I'd prefer Feingold to Sanders-- they're both bad on Israel/Palestine, but nearly identical on economic and civil liberties issues, and Feingold's better on guns.

[LeftishBrit]

27. Well, if you don't want him, can you lend him to us?!

[nealmhughes]

28. Of course, I'm Bernie's greatest cheerleader! Too far left? Good Lord, he is the most

mild Democratic Socialist there is! Now Eleanor Roosevelt and Henry Wallace and Claude Peppers, now they were Left with a capital L! And Claude is my very distant cousin! Nearly single-handedly dragged the US into the Anti-Fascist Alliance when he was in the Senate, then after losing to Smathers, recovered and became champion of the elderly for many, many years in the House.

[Progressive Friend]

29. How, exactly, do you feel that he is different from Kucinich?

Other than that he was elected as an Independent and he is referred to as "socialist" by some in the media... I think ideologically they are quite similar, but Kucinich seems to be much more consistently anti-imperialist than Sanders actually.

[Armstead]

32. Frankly, Bernie is more straightforward and down-to-earth

I like Kucinich a lot, and he obviously connects with votersd i his Congressional district. However, some of his beliefs and statements come off as too flaky, in term,s of a presidential candidate. And he is prone to gaffes that make him a laughingstock in the MSM like saying he's considering Ron Paul, seen UFO's etc.


Bernie has less that people could attack or marginalize on a personal basis. Sure, he's a little bit grumpy, but in a likable way. And he's grumpy about the things we should all be grumpy about. he obviously can connect with people on all sides of the fence, and his Senate race proved he can take on the big guns of the right wing.

He was also a mayor, and a successful, multi-term one.

More important, in an issue sense, he cuts to the chase about issues of wealth and power in ways that resonate with average people as well as progressives. He focuses on the bread-and-butter issues that transcend the phony dichotomies of contemporary politics. He also zeroes in on the specifics of issues, both in terms of serving constituients in Vermont and in the way he handles actual policy and legislation in DC.

[GreenPartyVoter]

30. In or out of the Dem party, yes

[ChiciB1]

31. Sanders & Feingold, Equals To Paul Wellstone... Not Much More To

sat from me! More of these people and things might go better for people who aren't wealthy or even some who have "some" money but not much to spread around!

AAAHHH, I'm such a Socialist, Commie Idiot!!! At least that's what many think about this brand of politics!!

Such stupid people and complete suck-ups to "The NEW World Order!" Oh my bad, World DIS-Order!