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Interesting article by Matt Taibbi on Bernie. (Original Post) Nanjeanne Jun 2019 OP
I was wavering on my support of Bernie srobertss Jun 2019 #1
Please remember DU and Twiitter aren't the real world re Bernie hate. Nanjeanne Jun 2019 #2
Thank you srobertss Jun 2019 #3

srobertss

(261 posts)
1. I was wavering on my support of Bernie
Fri Jun 14, 2019, 04:48 PM
Jun 2019

You beat me to it in posting this article. I just sent a message to Bernie saying basically that I had been wavering on my commitment to his campaign, but when he addressed the global movement towards fascism and compared that to the situation pre WW2 and what an antidote FDR provided, that won my heart again.

I had to stop listening to NYT The Daily's multi part podcast on the rise of facism in Europe because it was making my stomach clench. The story seems to be the same as here: a loss of livable jobs as businesses moved to cheaper labor pools (the entry of Eastern European countries to the EU accelerated that) and right wing leaders pointing to the "other" as the source of their misery. So Bernie's message really resonated with me.

I realized that what was causing me to waver is the hostility he arouses among Democrats. I hate confrontation. I wanted a candidate who other people like. Bernie is not affable. He's grouchy and impatient. Finally I realized that's a feature not a bug. I had a boss once who was the same way and our program really prospered under his leadership. I think Republicans saw Obama's desire to compromise as something to exploit. But if they are faced with someone who is such a scrapper as Bernie they might actually change tactics. Or if they hang on to the Senate and McConnell continues down the path they're currently on, Bernie would win the PR campaign against them to the point where they would lose.

Finally, I think Bernie has a weird crossover appeal in the swing states. Maybe because he's seen as an outsider. There isn't a lot of trust in either of the major parties right now. Same trend in Europe. So Bernie would be riding that wave.

Nanjeanne

(4,878 posts)
2. Please remember DU and Twiitter aren't the real world re Bernie hate.
Fri Jun 14, 2019, 10:41 PM
Jun 2019

Until the so-called media began their anti Bernie campaign, he was always the one with the highest favorable ratings. He inspires me. He may not be affable but his realness and compassion shine through.

For me, I think Bernie is the the one with the best chance of crossover appeal in many states. And I agree, his being an Independent makes him more palatable in the general. Trump won a lot of people with his steal of Bernie’s populist language and his ability to fool them about jobs, trade and healthcare. Now I think a good number realize that. I remember how Bernie’s healthcare town hall was in a West Virginia and how people heard him and were moved.

So keep the faith. If we don’t have a candidate that generates excitement with bold vision the Dems will lose again and we will be doomed.

srobertss

(261 posts)
3. Thank you
Sat Jun 15, 2019, 12:14 AM
Jun 2019

And the other thing is that the reason we’re talking Medicare for all is because of Bernie. Who would have thought we would be at this point back when Obamacare was passed by the skin of its teeth? I suspect but for his 2016 campaign we would be talking just strengthening the ACA.

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