2016 Postmortem
In reply to the discussion: Sanders’ supporters could doom his campaign [View all]PatrickforO
(14,578 posts)First, Sanders' message is supposedly fringe, but is actually (according to numerous polls) supported by a majority of Americans.
Okay, now let's look at who has come out fervently in support of Sanders. I have, and I'm an old middle class white guy that's tired of getting nickel and dimed to death by politicians I vote for as the lesser evil. Seems like Bernie isn't like that because of his track record. Lots of folks I know also support Bernie.
That said, let's talk Occupy. Bernie's campaign has definitely attracted socialists - the real socialists that usually don't vote because no candidate is ideologically pure enough for them. I read an article by a socialist group that made the point that Bernie wasn't even a real socialist but they should support his campaign because he's the best candidate for socialists since FDR. The key here is that many on what is called the 'radical' left don't participate because they think our system is so rigged their votes will be useless anyway. But some are supporting Sanders and some will vote...this time.
In terms of a grass roots movement, seems like it is happening for Sanders, but you could be right; if supporters don't organize he may not win.
Why did I say 'may not?' Because you speak of retail politics. The traditional door to door, voter registration drive, phone calling retail politics. What Obama's machine was so very, very good at doing. Frighteningly good, in fact. I volunteered in 08 and 12 and the Obama machine was unlike anything I've ever experienced. Amazing.
But 'retail' these days may not be so tied to brick and mortar. If you look at actual retail sales versus online sales, you see that the online market is growing exponentially while the brick and mortar group of retailers is growing much more slowly. Almost sluggish, in fact. My point is that 'retail' politics may actually mirror real retail in this way. Facebook, reddit, twitter, and all the others are where a whole new generation, 80 million strong, is going to get their news and share their views. I'm thinking of the numerous students for Bernie websites that have grown up to get out the college vote. They aren't knocking on doors, but the online approach might be better with this group.
I guess we will see how it goes, but the phenomenon - the changing face of retail politics in the USA - is fascinating to watch.