Bernie Sanders
Related: About this forumBernie Sanders Speaks
In his most revealing interview, the socialist presidential candidate sets out his vision for America.
By John Nichols
When Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders told The Nation last year that he was prepared to run for president, he said he would do so only if it was clear that progressives were enthusiastic about a movement campaign seeking nothing less than a political revolution. It was an audacious proposalbut after traveling the country for a year, Sanders decided that the enthusiasm was there and announced in late April as a candidate for the Democratic nomination. There were plenty of doubters then. Two months into the campaign, however, everything about this candidacythe crowds, the poll numbers, the buzzis bigger than expected. That says something about Sanders. But it also says something about the prospects for progressive politics. In late June, The Nation sat down with Sanders for several conversations that asked the longtime Nation reader (started when I was a University of Chicago student in the early 1960s) to put not just his campaign but the moment in historical perspective for our 150th-anniversary issue:
The Nation: Your campaign for the presidency has surprised people. The crowds are big; the poll numbers are stronger than the pundits predicted. Youre a student of political history. Put whats happening now in perspective. Are we at one of those pivot pointsas we saw in the 1930swhere our politics could open up and take the country in a much more progressive direction?
Sanders: Obviously, were not in the midst of a massive depression, as we were in the 1930s. But I think the discontent of the American people is far, far greater than the pundits understand. Do you know what real African-American youth unemployment is? Its over 50 percent. Families with a member 55 or older have literally nothing saved for retirement. Workers are worried about their jobs ending up in China. Theyre worried about being fired when theyre age 50 and being replaced at half-wages by somebody who is 25. Theyre disgusted with the degree that billionaires are able to buy elections. They are frightened by the fact that we have a Republican Party that refuses to even recognize the reality of climate change, let alone address this huge issue.
In 1936, when Roosevelt ran for reelection, he welcomed the hatred of what he called the economic royaliststoday, theyre the billionaire classand Im prepared to do that as well. Thats the kind of language the American people are ready to hear.
more
http://www.thenation.com/article/bernie-sanders-speaks/
fredamae
(4,458 posts)in another thread...
I think it fits here as well...
libdem4life
(13,877 posts)WDIM
(1,662 posts)The billionaires have taken enough! The people need to start taking back!
WillyT
(72,631 posts)Indepatriot
(1,253 posts)He's going all the way!
Enthusiast
(50,983 posts)chknltl
(10,558 posts)I watched on live on TV when then Illinois Senator Obama gave the Keynote Speech at the 2004 Democratic Convention. I was for Kerry of course but before that speech was done I wished with all my heart that it was Obama running instead of Kerry!
It has been over a decade now, President Obama has many accomplishments that I am happy with but there are a couple of items I am bitter about too. Let's just leave it at that.
When President Obama ran for his second term, I was a Kucinich man first and like everyone else at DU I supported President Obama when he got the nomination but by then...well I was and still am just OK with him as our leader. He most certainly has always been lightyears better than anything the Republicans have to offer.
I have been listening to "Brunch With Bernie" on The Thom Hartmann program fairly faithfully since Thom and Bernie started out that hour long segment on Thom's show. Over the years I've come to love and respect Bernie Sanders as much if not more than I've ever loved and respected Dennis Kucinich.
I know exactly how Sanders feels about us Veterans-on how the Republicans treated our military; I know Bernie's thoughts on Unions-on how the Republicans are out to destroy Unions; on what best to do with Social Security-on how the Republicans are out to privatize our Social Security; why we need as a nation to raise the minimum wage and sooo much more.
I enthusiastically agree with what I have been hearing from this man Bernie Sanders but...well we knew in our hearts that such lofty ideals he talked about, many of which he had the courage to actually fight for in Congress could ever be accomplished.
All these years I never dared to dream that Bernie Sanders would throw his hat in the ring but now, just like when then Senator Barack Obama first offered us Hope and Change, I have HOPE once again.
appalachiablue
(41,131 posts)is an education that can't be found anywhere else in this country. Have followed them for several years, avidly!
K & R for a great OP.
John Nichols of the 'Nation' & Wisconsin native son who introduced Bernie at the recent Madison Barn BERNER event is the best!
Feel the Bern and Go Sanders 2016!