Bernie Sanders isn’t going away: What his surprising poll numbers really mean

[Jefferson23]

July 11, 2015

The Vermont senator is riding a wave of popularity, but key challenges await after Iowa and New Hampshire


Steven Rosenfeld, AlterNet

How long will the Bernie bubble last?

Right now, Bernie Sanders is drawing bigger crowds than any other presidential candidate. His economic populism is bringing in millions in contributions that will carry him into next year’s opening caucuses and primaries. In short, Bernie has been campaigning in a way that has served him well for years—as a blunt retail politician whose calls for economic fairness and a people-centered uprising have endeared him to working people across the political spectrum.

There are many surprising facets to Sanders’ appeal that are not widely known outside of Vermont that account for his campaign’s better-than-expected opening and likely staying power. But while some longtime Vermont Sanders watchers are not surprised by his success—they know his emphatic, intense, almost-explosive demeanor and his reputation as a resilient campaigner, they’re also acutely aware of the challenges he faces as the race transitions from its heady start-up phase to a very competitive contest.

“I think Bernie can do well,” said Eric Davis, Middlebury College political science professor specializing in Vermont politics. “I told someone, half-jokingly, if the presidential election were held in Vermont, Massachusetts, northern California and New York City, Bernie could win. But there are 46 other states that vote too… That’s Bernie’s challenge.”

“Part of Bernie’s appeal is his unvarnished language and his willingness to just come across as a straight shooter taking on the big guys,” said David Moats, the Rutland Herald’s editorial writer, who won a 2001 Pulitzer Prize for backing civil unions for same-sex couples. “If pickup-driving guys in the South heard that language recalibrated a bit, they might respond… It is anti-big guy rhetoric that rural people can respond to.”

http://www.salon.com/2015/07/12/bernie_sanders_isnt_going_away_what_his_surprising_poll_numbers_really_mean_partner/

[brooklynite]

1. I never thought he would...

...I expect him to come in 2nd with a solids 25-30%

[Jefferson23]

2. We'll see, there's a long way to go. I remain encouraged. n/t

[dmosh42]

3. Being the same age as Bernie, I sort of feel I know how he thinks. He's the only candidate that's...

not down on his knees to the bankers and crooks who run the show. Last guy who had the similar outlook was maybe Harry Truman. Another of my common guy heroes who did infantry in action during WW1.
Every so often this country needs a leader with a clear focus on what a democracy should be about. Yeah, a bunch of the third way crowd on here try to think of something to blow up about Bernie, but people like me will always support Bernie because he says what I think. If HRC should win the primary, I'll give her my vote, but only because the Republicans only have a bunch of losers and lowlifes on their team. Like with Obama, I'll hold my nose when I make my vote. But for now, we people on Bernie's side, will make the most of it!

[elleng]

5. I'm a couple of years younger than you guys,

may or may not know how he thinks, and I know he is NOT the only candidate NOT down on his knees to the bankers and crooks who run the show; I know that Martin O'Malley is similar in that respect. Please check him out here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1281

[Jefferson23]

6. Hi elleng.

I like the way you campaign.

[elleng]

7. THANKS, Jefferson23!

I do my best!

[Andy823]

8. Yes, and I can hardly wait

I think we will see some excellent debates, and with O'Malley, Bernie, Hillary, and a few others things won't be dull at all.

[elleng]

9. Not only will they not be dull, Andy823,

they'll be INFORMATIVE! NO circuses!

[JaneyVee]

10. Good for Bernie. He needs to be heard.

[Jefferson23]

11. Thank you, JaneyVee. n/t