Uh oh! Now Republicans are starting to Feel The Bern.

[99th_Monkey]

What a great 'problem' for Bernie to have. Bodes very well for Sanders in the GE.

https://www.facebook.com/NowThisPolitics/videos/1059180537446769/?fref=nf

[notadmblnd]

1. I said that here months ago

Republicans will vote for him in hordes. I was ridiculed for it, but I still believe it.

[Rod Beauvex]

3. Ironic, isn't it?

Bernie does by going to the left what other candidates fail to do by going to the right.

[notadmblnd]

4. But people swear that if he's elected nothing will get done because

nobody (neither Dems or Repubs in congress) likes him.

[Rod Beauvex]

8. Well, now, that complaint, I feel, carries more weight.

The 1% gravy train has been going on for five decades, and has now become unsustainable, but no one on either side wants to be the one to end it. Democrat or Republican; They ultimately answer to the same people, and those people sure as hell aren't like you and me. And they're not going to bow down to Bernie. Getting him into the White House is only half the battle.

As far as effectiveness, I don't think Bernie will be any less effect that say, President Obama. Though I still get the feeling we'll be needing a new image of the "Dems knife" stabbing Bernie in the back.

[notadmblnd]

10. I don't feel that HRC will fare any better

She isn't hated by the 1%, But republicans are not her fans either. She'll either bend further to the right and "compromise" as Obama did, or she'll get nothing done either.

[Rod Beauvex]

11. True.

I'm really hoping Bernie will use the bully pulpit.

[cascadiance]

47. More like they like him being honest and not bought like so many in both parties are now!

Many voters out there are starting to realize that honesty and integrity are as important as ideology is. I've read other hardcore Republicans in effect saying that on other message boards.

[randr]

5. I am with you on that

I have sensed this for some time myself. The over 60% of Republicans who do not want any of their proposed candidates are going to take a look at Bernie and make history.

[Cali_Democrat]

6. 60% of Republicans are gonna vote for Bernie? nt

[hootinholler]

7. Who said that?

I didn't see that.

[Nite Owl]

13. Bernie's message isn't

partisan it's universal. He's opening minds and people hear that what he is saying is what they want.

[notadmblnd]

17. exactly

[Live and Learn]

2. Yep, while out tableing for Bernie, I have had quite a few Republicans express interest in him. nt

[bravenak]

9. Why would that make me want to vote for him?

Because republicans LIKE him? Hmmm.

[NorthCarolina]

16. Remember how many of us here on DU would lament

about how there were so many low income and middle class GOP voters who continually voted against their best interests because they were caught up in the hate cycle generated by Fox and the bulk of cable media?

Bernie is defusing the power of the corporate propagated and funded hate vote mentality, and bringing folks of all stripes together. "When we stand together, there is nothing we cannot accomplish".

Powerful stuff.

So now we have a candidate that can actually accomplish that which we thought so desperately needed, and yet unattainable, and a segment of Democrats are now going to poo poo those monumental gains with a flippant responses like yours.

I personally applaud Senator Sanders for his ability to cut through the fog, and shine a light on the proper course for a better future, and a vibrant America. I would never for an instant think it better to malign him for the reason that he IS able to pull folks from the other side who should never have positioned themselves there in the first place.

[Karma13612]

21. such a great response. You have a wonderful way with words and

getting to the point.

Cheers, have a good weekend! And keep feeling the Bern!

[NorthCarolina]

23. It's common sense vs sour grapes I fear.

I hope common sense wins the day. Thanks much for your kind response, and hope your weekend is a good one too!

[SMC22307]

29. Lovely post. Inclusive, not divisive. (n/t)

[NorthCarolina]

32. Thank you

for the kind comment.

[SMC22307]

37. You're welcome.

Kinda reminds me of Dean, who wanted to bring those who left the Democratic Party back into the party. 99%ers of all political stripes are getting hosed, and I think the masses are finally waking up. I just hope they vote accordingly.

[Agony]

44. Exactly Awesome! (on the applause part)

"so many low income and middle class GOP voters who continually voted against their best interests because they were caught up in the hate cycle generated by Fox and the bulk of cable media? "

limited exposure to a diverse life experience, education and world view leaves these people with a crippled sense what is in their own long term self interest. Gain their respect and they can listen just fine.

Cheers
Agony

[lumberjack_jeff]

24. There are clearly people who think "electability" is the important attribute in a candidate.

Those people should vote for Sanders.

[SMC22307]

36. No cares how you vote.

You've made it clear that you support Hillary only because of perceived slights by Sanders' supporters. I doubt anyone takes who you are or are not voting for seriously.

[bravenak]

43. LOL

[SMC22307]

45. Now you're getting it...

the reaction of many to your Live Journal-esque posts!

[bravenak]

46. Ummm hmmm

[Uncle Joe]

12. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, 99th_Monkey.

[stillwaiting]

14. We always complain about white working class voters voting Republican.

Many of them USED to vote reliably Democratic.

Bernie can/will bring back many of them to the Democratic Party if he leads the Party in the direction of HIS values. He speaks to working class needs like very few elected Democrats do these days, and they are hearing him.

Hillary will NOT do that. For Hillary, strike that and reverse it. She'll turn OUT the vote against her for the Republicans, and she will have a horrible impact on down-ticket races.

We have a truly great opportunity here, and I really hope we don't blow it.

[notadmblnd]

19. I also think she has a better chance of losing the GE than Sanders

If she wins the Democratic nomination she has a better chance of losing the general election because she doesn't have the power of pulling republicans over to the Dem side. Her supporters don't seem to take this into consideration because they think that POC have some kind of super power when it comes to voting Dem. However, I don't think POC can carry an election of a Democrat by themselves yet and republicans will vote in mass against HRC. If this happens, I think we will be past the point of no return for this country and all of our children's futures will be bleak.

[stillwaiting]

20. I agree with you. Sanders is stronger in a GE, and he's better for the future of the Dem Party. nt

[Karma13612]

22. I fear this as well. I am an old fart (a few months from 62)

and I worry about everything.

I shouldn't have to worry about my own retirement, but since conversations about SS are so troubling, I am.

I worry about the future that I won't witness.

We are truly at a cross-roads where actions are so consequential. Not just politically but also the life of the planet and it's inhabitants. Sometimes I wonder if the ongoing interest in space exploration, along with more interest and financial support of projects from the private sector, is because of plans of the Kocks and Waltons which include leaving earth to live on other planets or moons and leave the unwashed masses to rot and become extinct on our toxic "3rd rock from the sun".

[lumberjack_jeff]

25. +1 n/t

[Snotcicles]

15. People know Bernie speaks with coviction and people trust him.

They don't get that "I've been Bullshitted" aftertaste in their ears.

[JaneyVee]

18. Perhaps because of his low percentage of African American support?

[99th_Monkey]

30. Highly illogical. If that were the reason, they'd stay in the GOP to vote for Trump.

You know ... that racist scumbag who Bill Clinton 'encouraged' to run for President.

[MADem]

26. Yes, and all these Republicans will switch parties to vote for him in the primary!!!!

Or.... will they?

[99th_Monkey]

27. That's a good question. Some no doubt will, but how many remains unclear.

I do think Team Bernie is focusing on voter registration, including changing
registrations in states w/out open primaries. How effective it will be .. who knows.

I guess we'll find out when the fat lady sings.

[libdem4life]

31. I don't think non-voters sh ould be characterized from either party

For whatever reason they feel The System has failed them. If it was just their party, seems to me they would switch.

I think they would overwhelmingly turn to Bernie and give them a reason to register to vote for him under the Big Tent. I also doubt these current polls reflect this bloc

[MADem]

35. Closed primaries might limit participation in many states.

https://ballotpedia.org/Closed_primary

It's not a question of "characterization," it's a question of party affiliation.

[libdem4life]

41. Not until they register. They have opinions and needs that aren't

Political. That's the risk and the genius of Bernie's entire message. Politics has changed while many weren't noticing or just dropped out. So it's time to notice, make choices and take action.

The two-party stranglehold.other than the party machine , is losing relevancy. Debbie WS and her antics is the picture of that. Trump and Carson on the other side.

*

[CentralMass]

28. Here is a good related article.

http://trofire.com/2015/11/26/conservatives-and-republicans-are-feeling-the-bern/

[99th_Monkey]

34. Thanks. "Everyday issues..effecting health & well-being" <-- Even Republicans have these

The bottom line, however, is that when it comes to the everyday issues that affect people’s pocketbooks, their families, their health and well-being, and their futures, everyone has the same concerns. In his own discussions with conservatives, this author notes that both sides agree on the problems we’re all facing. Where we part ways is on the solutions. Once we all understand this, the way is cleared for civil debate and reasoned discussion.

[CentralMass]

49. +1

[madokie]

33. I've heard with my own ear

republiCONs say they most likely will vote for Bernie Sanders because they like what they're hearing him talk about.

[pinebox]

38. Yes they are!

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/11/28/1454820/-Ted-Cruz-in-July-I-like-and-respect-Bernie-Sanders

Earlier this year, on July 23rd, Ted Cruz appeared on Hardball with Chris Matthews, speaking glowingly about Bernie Sanders,

“We need to end this corporate welfare... [It’s] an issue where Bernie and I are in complete agreement...

He’s one of the few Democrats with the courage to stand against it...

I respect honesty in politics… I like and respect Bernie Sanders...

The Democrats, virtually all of them, are supporting this cronyism and corporate welfare. The one person who’s standing up strong is Bernie Sanders.”

[99th_Monkey]

39. Ted Cruz?

But, but ... "Bernie is a Socialist!!!" .. he "won't be able to work with the GOP in Congress"

[pinebox]

40. Yup!

This should turn a few heads when I post that article lol

[99th_Monkey]

42. I'll look for it.

Bernie keeps breaking the molds of conventional wisdom re: electoral politics.

It's brilliant, because his opponents never quite know what to expect, but that's
not because Bernie keeps changing positions, it's because he's listening to a different
drummer than the Oligarchs and their M$M 'experts' & pundits.

[Hortensis]

48. Cruz is the best-funded GOP candidate next to Bush.

One guess where most of the money's coming from? Like Farris and Dan Wilks, billionaire brothers who gave Cruz's super pac $15 million -- the donation that we know of from a pair known for preferring to invest without disclosure.

Last month Cruz reported that he picked up Rick Perry's big donors, 6 of them, the biggest fish Texas billionaire Darwin Deason, whose son is closely associated with the Kochs. Then, of course, there ARE the Kochs and the Koch network. Most of their money to an individual candidate is still on hold while they see where it will be best invested. They are VERY interested in Cruz, however.

And, of course, there are all the others who are investing in a Cruz presidency. Like hedge fund magnate Robert Mercer. And so on.