2016 Postmortem
In reply to the discussion: Question Two: Does Bernie's platform and history support black people? [View all]BainsBane
(53,122 posts)and certainly most AAs see the problems they encounter as a result of racism rather than class prejudice. Look at difference in arrest rates of poor whites vs. poor black folks. Also, even African Americans who earn a lot of money are subject to racism. No amount of money whitens.
Sanders seems to believe it is all the result of poverty. It is not. Additionally, there are personality issues that were evident at Netroots. For him to respond to protesters by talking about his record is tone deaf. The problem isn't his record; it's American society. He doesn't seem to understand how important it is to listen to voters. They don't care about "his record." They care about what he plans to do to address problems of racism, and what he says doesn't satisfy them.
I know the things about civil rights that people here love to champion: his marching 50 yrs ago and his support for Jesse Jackson. Guess what? I supported Jackson too. So what? That sure as hell doesn't make me a champion for Civil Rights. I guess I don't know what else he's done. I know he represents a state that is overwhelmingly white. He hasn't had the need until now to address diverse constituencies.
Also, he has a responsibility to say something to his supporters. Many of their responses to the BLM protest was simply unacceptable and counter-productive. He badly needs a come to Jesus moment.