Bernie Sanders Packs FULL HOUSE, 500 Attend Forum in Arlington, VA, July 9

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- Video, Sen. Bernie Sanders INTRODUCTION SPEECH, Part 1. (24 mins).

THE EVENT: Public Policy Forum held July 9 in Arlington, VA, entitled "REBOOTING OUR POLICY AGENDA TO RECLAIM THE AMERICAN DREAM". Sen. Sanders addressed a capacity audience of 500 people or more who consisted of eager attendees and supporters. Many stood up and cheered at remarks Sanders made during the two-hour evening event that was a policy forum and not a campaign rally. Sen. Sanders introduction speech lasted about 40 minutes.

The Forum featuring Sen. Sanders and co-host speaker, Democratic Rep. Don Beyer (VA-8th) was sponsored by the Congressional Progressive Caucus and other groups. Both representatives spoke at length and addressed questions afterwards for 45 minutes from the large crowd in the auditorium of the offices of the NRECA, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Assn.
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THE SPEECH, PART 1.
Major issues included: the influence of the wealthy, powerful right, and the REPUBLICAN AGENDA: strengthen SOCIAL SECURITY; raise the minimum wage to $15.00, A LIVING WAGE; assure payment for many in the US who work 50-60 hours a week yet aren't receiving OVERTIME PAY; Americans are working more hours than people in countries in Europe and Japan; guarantee HEALTH CARE as a right in the US and join the rest of the industrialized world.

Fight POVERTY in the US that is the highest among industrial nations; combat extreme levels of YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT in the US, and for those who want to improve their life provide higher education by making American public colleges and universities TUITION FREE, like in Germany and other advanced countries and the US 50 years ago; America needs the best educated workforce to compete in a global world; let people with burdensome student debt REFINANCE at lower interest rates.
Sanders spoke how we need to address that in America now there is more income and wealth INEQUALITY than in 1928, worse than any other major country and that OUR JOB IS TO THINK BIG; imposing a tax on Wall Street speculation will help America rebuild after losses from the 2008 FINANCIAL CRISIS and the bail out assistance given to the banks.
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- Video, WAITING CROWD Chants, "BERNIE, BERNIE, BERNIE" as Sen. Sanders Enters the Room (25 sec.).

Further info., my report on the forum with links to Daily Kos and Washington Post coverage,
http://www.democraticunderground.com/128023007

[cantbeserious]

1. I Will No Longer Settle For The Lesser Of Two Corporate Evils - Go Bernie Go

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[Plucketeer]

3. + 1,000! nt

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6. Bernie's presence, speech and message command a room like nothing I've seen, just amazing.

GO SANDERS 2016!

The Real Deal, Bernie Sanders!

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4. The Real Deal, Bernie Sanders! Time for Moving Forward, Go Bernie!

Bernie Sanders, The Real Deal

[HooptieWagon]

2. Every appearance is SRO...Go Bernie!

Finally a candidate who represents the people's interests, not corporate interests.

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5. Bernie Sanders, Man of the People and The Real Deal!

Feel the Bern!

[Joe Shlabotnik]

7. I'm sooo saving that pic

Thanks!

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9. It's a Great Trio with The Real Deal, Bernie Sanders! For sure!

Go Sanders 2016!

Feel the Berniementum!

[Pharaoh]

8. The Bernienator

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13. That is a wild image, Bernie the Force! for sure-

Do Not Underestimate Bernie Sanders!

Here's to the Summer of Sanders and Berniementum!

Bernie Sanders, Revolutionary Patriot

[Enthusiast]

10. Kicked and recommended to the Max!

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11. Here's to The Summer of Sanders and Berniementum! He's starting a political revolution in America!

You're an angel on my shoulders Enthusiast


~ Bernie Sanders waves to supporters during 4th of July Independence Day Parade, Waukee, Iowa ~

[Enthusiast]

12. You're so nice.