Bernie Sanders: Andrew Gillum can politically transform Florida

[TexasTowelie]

Friday's Tampa rally, which drew at least 1,000 people, exposed a conundrum for Democrats: Stay blue and true with a progressive, or play it safe and go with a centrist


TAMPA — The Bernie Sanders revolution came to Tampa Bay to help elect Andrew Gillum as the first unabashedly liberal governor in Florida history.

"Right here in Florida, you have the opportunity to not only transform this state politically by electing a strong progressive but you have an opportunity to send a message that will be heard all over the country," the Vermont Senator and unexpectedly formidable 2016 presidential contender declared to an overflow crowd of at least 1,000 people at Tampa's Armature Works.

The rally, two weeks before voters pick their nominees for governor, underscored a never-ending debate within the Democratic Party:

Should loyal Democrats back a true, blue progressive who can excite voters and motivate people who rarely vote?

Read more: http://www.tampabay.com/florida-politics/buzz/2018/08/17/bernie-sanders-andrew-gillum-can-transform-florida-politically/

[radical noodle]

1. I think Gwen Graham

has the best chance to win in November. JMHO

[janterry]

4. I do, too

I don't quite remember all of Gillum's accomplishments (we left Tally just over a year ago). We lived close to the 'South Side' - the schools were terrible (as in, we don't have enough books terrible) and there were a lot of crimes (per capita). I don't know where it is in the rankings - but for a small-ish city - it's way up there in terms of violence.

Gillum is progressive and I'd sure vote for him. He has leadership qualities (he can be pretty inspirational).

But I like Gwen - generally - and (of course) her family name means a lot in FL. (it gives her a leg up throughout the state).

[Funtatlaguy]

2. Latest polling from 7/27 - Gillum way back in 4th place.

Last edited Sat Aug 18, 2018, 03:06 AM - Edit history (1)

https://www.tampabay.com/florida-politics/buzz/2018/07/27/poll-gwen-graham-ron-desantis-leading-their-primaries-in-florida-governor-race/

[DemocracyMouse]

3. Well then, IMHO, build up some name recognition, keep beating the drum for rationality...

(i.e. progressive policies) and maybe Florida will wake up from its irrational slumber...

[radical noodle]

5. I will happily vote for the winner of the

Democratic primary, no matter who it is.

Gillum is no more progressive than most of the others, in my view.

[DemocracyMouse]

6. Noted. Progress, by definition, always wins.

[oberliner]

7. So this endorsement must have made quite a difference

Since he ended up winning.