Let me be clear, I thought many of Bernie's campaign policies were unrealistic--free college, guaranteed jobs, and so on. And I thought he could be tone deaf on social issues, especially with things like racism. I didn't support him in the primaries either. So I don't come from the POV of a Bernie die hard.
However, outside of Obama, Bernie and his legacy now being continued with the young Ocasio-Cortez, seems to be the type of candidate that has brought the most excitement to the Democrat Party. When I see the current roster of Democratic Presidential hopefuls, I don't see much passion or excitement. My senator, Gillibrand looks to be a good candidate, but I can honestly see her being beaten by Trump handily.
Bernie really did connect to section of voter that the traditional, boring corporate stooge Democrat has had trouble appealing to. I remember reading the interesting cross section of voters who supported Trump and Bernie. And I know the retort is, why do we have to appeal to racist Trump supporters? I think this misses the strategic point. While Bernie struggled with racial politics, and some of more diehard supporters were annoying, I want to win elections. Bernie's campaign was not one that comprised on social justice. He did have blind spots. I do agree there. But if I could keep a GOP President out of the WH, I don't care if some Trump voters join the bandwagon, especially as we've seen with the how the crucial Presidents are to SCOTUS picks, and shaping the laws of this country for decades.
However, it still seems the Democrats are fractured. Too much infighting. And Schumer frankly sucks. As a New Yorker, I'm sorry, guys lol.
So while many in the community have been very critical of Bernie. I do think there is some clues in his candidacy the Dems are missing. And with the recent rise of Ocasio-Bernie, a Bernie protege, I hope we don't miss this lesson.
What do you think the Democrats can learn from Bernie's candidacy?
However, outside of Obama, Bernie and his legacy now being continued with the young Ocasio-Cortez, seems to be the type of candidate that has brought the most excitement to the Democrat Party. When I see the current roster of Democratic Presidential hopefuls, I don't see much passion or excitement. My senator, Gillibrand looks to be a good candidate, but I can honestly see her being beaten by Trump handily.
Bernie really did connect to section of voter that the traditional, boring corporate stooge Democrat has had trouble appealing to. I remember reading the interesting cross section of voters who supported Trump and Bernie. And I know the retort is, why do we have to appeal to racist Trump supporters? I think this misses the strategic point. While Bernie struggled with racial politics, and some of more diehard supporters were annoying, I want to win elections. Bernie's campaign was not one that comprised on social justice. He did have blind spots. I do agree there. But if I could keep a GOP President out of the WH, I don't care if some Trump voters join the bandwagon, especially as we've seen with the how the crucial Presidents are to SCOTUS picks, and shaping the laws of this country for decades.
However, it still seems the Democrats are fractured. Too much infighting. And Schumer frankly sucks. As a New Yorker, I'm sorry, guys lol.
So while many in the community have been very critical of Bernie. I do think there is some clues in his candidacy the Dems are missing. And with the recent rise of Ocasio-Bernie, a Bernie protege, I hope we don't miss this lesson.
What do you think the Democrats can learn from Bernie's candidacy?