Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Uncle Joe

(58,300 posts)
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 01:57 PM Oct 2015

For Democrats, Bernie Sanders is the one to watch for




Saritha Prabhu (Photo: File / The Tennessean)

But a significant portion of the Democratic base — which I’m a part of — loves him. This base is disenchanted with Hillary Clinton for a long and obvious laundry list of reasons.

Meanwhile, the media, in general, give Sanders relative short shrift — they don’t take him seriously because they think his “socialist” label dooms his candidacy before he gets to first base with voters.


(snip)

If you follow the figures, large percentages of Americans agree with many of these positions.

(snip)

“I think (democratic socialism),” he has said “means the government has got to play a very important role in making sure that as a right of citizenship all of our people have health care; that as a right, all of our kids, regardless of income, have quality child care, are able to go to college without going deeply into debt; that it means we do not allow large corporations and moneyed interests to destroy our environment; that we create a government in which it is not dominated by big money interest. I mean, to me, it means democracy, frankly. That’s all it means.”

The big difference between Sanders and Clinton is that elusive quality: authenticity, which in my definition, is when what you say and what you do and how you’ve lived your life are congruent.


http://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/columnists/2015/10/10/democrats-bernie-sanders-one-watch/73611888/

74 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
For Democrats, Bernie Sanders is the one to watch for (Original Post) Uncle Joe Oct 2015 OP
When We Stand Together - No Citizen Need Settle For The Lesser Of Two Corporate Evils - Go Bernie Go cantbeserious Oct 2015 #1
you post the same thing over and over Evergreen Emerald Oct 2015 #62
No Bot - Pro Bernie - Spreading The Word To Save Our Nation cantbeserious Oct 2015 #63
The rule of propoganda: say it often enough and it becomes truth Evergreen Emerald Oct 2015 #64
Say It Loud - Say It Proud cantbeserious Oct 2015 #65
What's wrong about it? leftupnorth Oct 2015 #66
So what is wrong with it ? How is it not true? SammyWinstonJack Oct 2015 #67
American voters are fed-up with Government-Haters. Exhibit A: House GOP train-wreck 99th_Monkey Oct 2015 #2
Yep, the Republicans are definitely "We the People" haters. Uncle Joe Oct 2015 #3
and to you Uncle Joe. nt 99th_Monkey Oct 2015 #4
What the government haters want is more corporate representation and less citizen representation. Enthusiast Oct 2015 #45
Indeed 99th_Monkey Oct 2015 #54
K&R n/t whatchamacallit Oct 2015 #5
Excellent article Uncle Joe. He is a Breath of Fresh Air blowing in to the stifling, rotten world of sabrina 1 Oct 2015 #6
I agree on all counts, sabrina. Uncle Joe Oct 2015 #7
Like a glass of fresh, clear water Plucketeer Oct 2015 #8
Yes, good way of putting it, especially after what we just witnessed here. sabrina 1 Oct 2015 #10
Isn't it amazing, what happens when an honest man speaks the truth. hifiguy Oct 2015 #28
Actually, the site of Washington was originally a fetid and reeking swamp Armstead Oct 2015 #36
And the PTB have no idea how to deal with such a politician. in_cog_ni_to Oct 2015 #13
I am fearful that they will resort to the final solution Demeter Oct 2015 #24
Don't think that hasn't entered my mind. in_cog_ni_to Oct 2015 #25
i worry about him too restorefreedom Oct 2015 #31
Me too. Enthusiast Oct 2015 #46
I will quibble about one thing because we have to stop believing and spreading their Dustlawyer Oct 2015 #57
Thanks, I noticed that too, he isn't good for their parent corporations' bottom line - eom dreamnightwind Oct 2015 #58
Yes, I agree with that. They are terrified of him. And the reason is he has provided the people with sabrina 1 Oct 2015 #71
Thanks, sabrina 1 Thespian2 Oct 2015 #68
Never underestimate authenticity, or the truth, clearly spoken and acted upon. highprincipleswork Oct 2015 #9
Great way to define "Democratic Socialism." so simple and nothing like what some insist on painting in_cog_ni_to Oct 2015 #11
That's a good idea, in_cog_ni_to. Uncle Joe Oct 2015 #14
Thaks,Uncle Joe. in_cog_ni_to Oct 2015 #16
Great idea and terrific that you're doing this to help inform folks about Bernie. appalachiablue Oct 2015 #18
Authenticity. That is the right word. SheilaT Oct 2015 #12
The most rare of commodities is authenticity in today's politician. Enthusiast Oct 2015 #47
I've never heard of this columnist Sliceo Oct 2015 #15
Saritha has been an opinion columnist for the Tennessean for years, here is Uncle Joe Oct 2015 #17
K & R. Very good piece, thanks for posting. appalachiablue Oct 2015 #19
Thank you for the post, Uncle Joe Demeter Oct 2015 #20
Thank you, Demeter Uncle Joe Oct 2015 #22
I have to laugh Demeter Oct 2015 #23
They're great aren't they! haikugal Oct 2015 #32
This is wonderful. Enthusiast Oct 2015 #48
Agree! nt artislife Oct 2015 #21
Hillary is the one to watch since most Dem's want her to be President lewebley3 Oct 2015 #26
That's correct and polls can never change...except when they do. Uncle Joe Oct 2015 #29
Polls are fairly consistent, the Dem base wants Hillary lewebley3 Oct 2015 #38
They were "fairly" consistent in 2006-2007 when Hillary led Obama by double digits for almost a year Uncle Joe Oct 2015 #39
The polls are consistent, they are raising for Sanders and falling for Clinton. nm rhett o rick Oct 2015 #43
i don't agree about most dems restorefreedom Oct 2015 #33
For the times being: Hillary is the Dem choice! lewebley3 Oct 2015 #37
some dems, yes. nt restorefreedom Oct 2015 #40
Actually the stakes are high for all of them still_one Oct 2015 #27
Even Uncle Sam is getting in on the action hifiguy Oct 2015 #30
Everyone wants a woman in the White House some day. Everyone. DrBulldog Oct 2015 #34
I would love to have supported Elizabeth Warren as President. Uncle Joe Oct 2015 #35
Hillary is hardly the first woman that "came along walking down the street". aidbo Oct 2015 #51
Great article, Uncle Joe... MrMickeysMom Oct 2015 #41
I'm happy you enjoyed it. Uncle Joe Oct 2015 #42
The pic of that white male looks odd. cui bono Oct 2015 #44
It's a photoshop filter, or something. Aerows Oct 2015 #52
Kicked and recommended! Enthusiast Oct 2015 #49
'Meanwhile, the media, in general, give Sanders relative short shrift,' elleng Oct 2015 #50
I agree and I think that O'Malley is likely to see a big bump after the debate. aidbo Oct 2015 #53
omalley has received a lot of press considering questionseverything Oct 2015 #60
That's an utterly foolish criteria, imo. elleng Oct 2015 #70
We've BEEN watching Bernie Iwillnevergiveup Oct 2015 #55
They called Obama a "Socialist" and he won.... Spitfire of ATJ Oct 2015 #56
And they will call Hillary a socialist if she gets the nomination nxylas Oct 2015 #59
Excellent article! Duppers Oct 2015 #61
... AzDar Oct 2015 #69
Tennessee! Rosa Luxemburg Oct 2015 #72
.. Uncle Joe Oct 2015 #73
:) Rosa Luxemburg Oct 2015 #74

Evergreen Emerald

(13,069 posts)
62. you post the same thing over and over
Sun Oct 11, 2015, 12:09 PM
Oct 2015

I sometimes wonder if you are a bot that automatically posts in a thread with "Sanders" name.

 

99th_Monkey

(19,326 posts)
2. American voters are fed-up with Government-Haters. Exhibit A: House GOP train-wreck
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 02:20 PM
Oct 2015

I think America is definitely ready for a solid Democratic Socialist to take POTUS reigns and
do a major course-correction, restoring the rightful place of responsible & responsive good
government.

Enthusiast

(50,983 posts)
45. What the government haters want is more corporate representation and less citizen representation.
Sun Oct 11, 2015, 12:27 AM
Oct 2015

That is what is wrong now. We don't want more of the same.

sabrina 1

(62,325 posts)
6. Excellent article Uncle Joe. He is a Breath of Fresh Air blowing in to the stifling, rotten world of
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 02:34 PM
Oct 2015

inside DC think tanks, pundits with zero core beliefs, strategists, talking heads on the Corp media, also with no core beliefs, all financed by Dark Money, all vying for 'piece of the Corporate Pie' and their only success has been, what they are paid to do I suppose, thoroughly disgust voters across the political spectrum.

Bernie is bringing a fresh new way of looking at politics. It is, as he says himself, radical. No Corp money paying for all these negative assaults on our system of government.

He just tells the truth! What a rare thing, and he like most decent people, actually does have core principles and stands by them.

sabrina 1

(62,325 posts)
10. Yes, good way of putting it, especially after what we just witnessed here.
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 02:47 PM
Oct 2015

I feel a need to open the windows and get some air for some reason!

 

hifiguy

(33,688 posts)
28. Isn't it amazing, what happens when an honest man speaks the truth.
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 04:32 PM
Oct 2015

It feels so good for once not to default to the least objectionable option.

 

Armstead

(47,803 posts)
36. Actually, the site of Washington was originally a fetid and reeking swamp
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 05:10 PM
Oct 2015

It's just reverting to its former status

in_cog_ni_to

(41,600 posts)
13. And the PTB have no idea how to deal with such a politician.
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 02:58 PM
Oct 2015

He's honest, can't be bought, he loves the working class they seem to loathe, his integrity cannot be questioned, he's correct on every issue, he speaks the truth about the D.C. Elites, he walks picket lines, he eats lunch with the cafeteria staff - what on earth do they do with someone like him? LOL!

He-is-an-AMAZING-human-being! A true mensch. A good hearted soul. A rarity in D.C..

 

Demeter

(85,373 posts)
24. I am fearful that they will resort to the final solution
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 03:54 PM
Oct 2015

and the nation will rise up in blood and fire.

in_cog_ni_to

(41,600 posts)
25. Don't think that hasn't entered my mind.
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 04:26 PM
Oct 2015


It wouldn't be the first time. I'm just glad he flies on commercial flights - not that that would stop them. What's a few hundred people when their gravy train is at stake. Yes, I worry about him too.

restorefreedom

(12,655 posts)
31. i worry about him too
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 04:46 PM
Oct 2015

but he always has staff and people around him. and he is a smart guy..he knows he is shaking the trees..i would not be surprised if he has security people around him dressed as hipster millenials. how cool would that be?

Dustlawyer

(10,494 posts)
57. I will quibble about one thing because we have to stop believing and spreading their
Sun Oct 11, 2015, 03:35 AM
Oct 2015

illusions. When she says the media give Bernie "short shrift" due to their belief he cannot win due to his Socialist label, that's not accurate. They proclaim that because they don't want him to win. They are being paid to do what they are told which is to help defeat him. It's just like the phrase that always bothered me when people would complain of "spineless" Democratic politicians. They are not spineless, they are bought off, self interested, corrupt POS!

The corporate media are just that, corporate. Don't say they don't BELIVE HE CAN WIN, they don't want him to!

sabrina 1

(62,325 posts)
71. Yes, I agree with that. They are terrified of him. And the reason is he has provided the people with
Sun Oct 11, 2015, 02:08 PM
Oct 2015

a powerful voice something they thought they had under control. He is brave to do this, he must know how ruthless they are.

But it had to start somewhere and someone needed to stand up who had the credibility he has.

 

highprincipleswork

(3,111 posts)
9. Never underestimate authenticity, or the truth, clearly spoken and acted upon.
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 02:46 PM
Oct 2015

Thank you.

Excellent points.

Anyone who still has their authenticity and truth-seeking self in there somewhere (which is everyone, can't help it, no matter what they do) can resonate to the truth and to authenticity, clearly articulated and acted upon.

That is why he is drawing the crowds. That is why he can win. That is why in any good ending film the hero wins, no matter how hopeless it seemed at the start. "The Karate Kid". Etc. It's not because it's an obvious choice or ordained somehow that they will win. What kind of story would that be?

Bernie is the Democratic David. And I'm with him as long as he's in it.

Emerson said, in his essay on Self-reliance, "Trust thyself. Every human heart vibrates to that iron string". If enough people trust themselves, their hearts, their sense of what is right and wrong, their sense of what has been going wrong with this country, Bernie and the country will be just fine.

in_cog_ni_to

(41,600 posts)
11. Great way to define "Democratic Socialism." so simple and nothing like what some insist on painting
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 02:47 PM
Oct 2015

it.

I might put this on business cards to leave in places I visit.


“I think (democratic socialism),” he has said “means the government has got to play a very important role in making sure that as a right of citizenship all of our people have health care; that as a right, all of our kids, regardless of income, have quality child care, are able to go to college without going deeply into debt; that it means we do not allow large corporations and moneyed interests to destroy our environment; that we create a government in which it is not dominated by big money interest. I mean, to me, it means democracy, frankly. That’s all it means

in_cog_ni_to

(41,600 posts)
16. Thaks,Uncle Joe.
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 03:14 PM
Oct 2015

I have an envelope full of Bernie fliers, 4x6 cards, wallet-sized cards, so I'll just add these to it. I leave something on grocery store shelves, on restaurant tables, in shopping carts, etc...leave wherever you go! They're also handy to have when someone asks about Bernie. This definition will be a great thing to have on hand.

Thanks for posting the article!

 

SheilaT

(23,156 posts)
12. Authenticity. That is the right word.
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 02:56 PM
Oct 2015

I read a lot of fiction, and I really notice to what extent the writer gets things right, especially in historical novels. All too often we get fully modern people dressed in old clothes. There are certain authors whose works I can't read because of that problem.

I also want that kind of authenticity in the people I'm being asked to trust to run my country. Bernie seems very much to be the real deal.

Enthusiast

(50,983 posts)
47. The most rare of commodities is authenticity in today's politician.
Sun Oct 11, 2015, 12:31 AM
Oct 2015

The people recognize it when they see it.

 

Demeter

(85,373 posts)
20. Thank you for the post, Uncle Joe
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 03:44 PM
Oct 2015

It revived my drooping spirit. There can never be too many of these testimonials!

 

Demeter

(85,373 posts)
23. I have to laugh
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 03:52 PM
Oct 2015

Ever since I discovered Queen this year (slow learner) I have been listening to the anthems as battle cries....for us Boomers and our descendants.

Uncle Joe

(58,300 posts)
29. That's correct and polls can never change...except when they do.
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 04:32 PM
Oct 2015


The Democratic Race: Conditions Auspicious for Sen. Clinton to Win

Gallup’s 2007 national presidential polling strongly points to Clinton winning the 2008 Democratic nomination. Barring something unusual or otherwise unexpected, she is well positioned for the 2008 Democratic primaries. Obama has not been an insignificant rival: he came within single digits of tying Clinton for the lead at two points this spring. But he has recently lost ground and is now in the weakest position relative to Clinton that he has been in all year.

(snip)

Clinton has led the Democratic pack in every Gallup Poll conducted between November 2006 and October 2007. For most of this time, Clinton has led Obama by a double-digit margin.

Clinton’s lead over Obama has expanded to nearly 30 points in Gallup’s latest poll, conducted Oct. 12-14: 50% vs. 21%.


http://www.gallup.com/poll/102277/gallup-election-review-october-2007.aspx

Uncle Joe

(58,300 posts)
39. They were "fairly" consistent in 2006-2007 when Hillary led Obama by double digits for almost a year
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 06:00 PM
Oct 2015


Clinton has led the Democratic pack in every Gallup Poll conducted between November 2006 and October 2007. For most of this time, Clinton has led Obama by a double-digit margin.

Clinton’s lead over Obama has expanded to nearly 30 points in Gallup’s latest poll, conducted Oct. 12-14: 50% vs. 21%.




Hillary was up by 30 points in Oct of 2007.

Don't count your chickens before your eggs hatch.

restorefreedom

(12,655 posts)
33. i don't agree about most dems
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 04:48 PM
Oct 2015

but even still, many signing up to vote and many voting in the dem primary are indies or undeclared and even some repubs. and they want bernie.

 

DrBulldog

(841 posts)
34. Everyone wants a woman in the White House some day. Everyone.
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 04:56 PM
Oct 2015

But does that mean we have to select right now the first one that comes along walking down the street even though she's one very sorry pathetic dishonest example of a woman politician?

Uncle Joe

(58,300 posts)
35. I would love to have supported Elizabeth Warren as President.
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 05:07 PM
Oct 2015

I don't trust Hillary, having said that, there are many more men in politics that I don't trust either.

I couldn't list all the names of men politicians that I don't trust without crashing my computer.

I do trust Bernie Sanders as having the potential of being a great President and doing his damn best once in the Oval Office of living up to his words and actions on the campaign trail and long before that, throughout his career.

 

Aerows

(39,961 posts)
52. It's a photoshop filter, or something.
Sun Oct 11, 2015, 12:43 AM
Oct 2015

It just looks like a woman of color endorsing someone other than Hillary - it's just a trick of the camera making the white male look like a Sanders supporter.

I'm sure we'll all wake up tomorrow and find out it was just a right winger that merely pretended to support someone other than Hillary.

~ahem~

elleng

(130,773 posts)
50. 'Meanwhile, the media, in general, give Sanders relative short shrift,'
Sun Oct 11, 2015, 12:41 AM
Oct 2015

compared with the way the media treats Martin O'Malley?

This is a sad joke!

questionseverything

(9,645 posts)
60. omalley has received a lot of press considering
Sun Oct 11, 2015, 11:52 AM
Oct 2015

how low he polls

bernie has built a movement with volunteers using social media getting 10s of thousands to show up for campaign rallies....nothing omalley is doing compares to that

 

Spitfire of ATJ

(32,723 posts)
56. They called Obama a "Socialist" and he won....
Sun Oct 11, 2015, 03:30 AM
Oct 2015

The media is composed of far too many overpaid idiots who feel the job of the President is to be Wall Street's CEO.

nxylas

(6,440 posts)
59. And they will call Hillary a socialist if she gets the nomination
Sun Oct 11, 2015, 08:23 AM
Oct 2015

As they have been for the last 20 years.

 

AzDar

(14,023 posts)
69. ...
Sun Oct 11, 2015, 01:45 PM
Oct 2015
"The big difference between Sanders and Clinton is that elusive quality: authenticity, which in my definition, is when what you say and what you do and how you’ve lived your life are congruent."


*mic drop*
Latest Discussions»Retired Forums»2016 Postmortem»For Democrats, Bernie San...