Bernie Sanders Has Stuck To The Same Message For 40 Years

[Live and Learn]

Bernie Sanders Has Stuck To The Same Message For 40 Years

There are many ways to describe Bernie Sanders: a Democratic socialist, an independent senator, a Democratic presidential candidate. But the best adjective may just be: consistent. No matter how you label it, Sanders' world view is locked in.

Over 40 years, Sanders has built his political career on a very focused message about what he calls a "rigged economy."

Now he's running for president, which typically means reacting to what's happening in the world, in real time. But even in the wake of terrorist attacks by ISIS, Sanders' primary focus is still where it's been since the 1970s.

snip>

"His concerns have always been about families and their economic problems and when people say that Bernie is consistent, that is what he's consistent about," said Huck Gutman, one of Sanders' oldest friends from Vermont.

http://www.npr.org/2015/12/11/459231940/bernie-sanders-has-stuck-to-the-same-message-for-40-years

[firebrand80]

1. This, IMO, is Bernie's key shortcoming:

Gutman spoke about his friend in a wide-ranging interview earlier this year, as Sanders prepared to kick off his campaign. And Gutman said, the laser focus isn't just there when the cameras are rolling.

"When we talk, that's what he talks about all the time," said Gutman.

Asked if he ever tries to change the subject to something like sports, Gutman said it doesn't work.

He really needs to lighten up and "humanize" himself a bit more. People are more willing to hear your message when they like you as a person.You may hate the "candidate I want to have a beer with" criteria, but it's reality.

Hillary actually has a similar issue with her personality, but it seems like her campaign recognizes it and works to mitigate it.

[Live and Learn]

2. No thanks, I'll take Bernie just the way he is, genuine and correct! nt

[firebrand80]

12. And 35% of Dems agree with you nt

[Live and Learn]

14. Not what I see at all. In fact, what I have seen on the streets is that less than 35%

support Hillary.

[firebrand80]

16. I can't argue with science nt

[Javaman]

48. wrong spot nt

[Javaman]

50. so by your logic...

people prefer fluff over substance.

can't argue with that.

[firebrand80]

66. Like I said, it's a balance nt

[Javaman]

90. fluff over substance isn't a "balance" nt

[firebrand80]

92. I didn't say he should putt fluff over substance

More like substance with a little fluff on the side

[Javaman]

93. I like him just the way he his and so does a large portion of the thinking population.

I think if he injected Hillary style fluff, his supporters would drop him in a minute.

no thank you.

[firebrand80]

94. sounds like the makings of a losing candidate

with a politically immature base of supporters

[Javaman]

95. LOL I won't go there and I won't take the bait.

have a good day.

[eridani]

55. Large chunks of the 63% also agree

Those are the voters eligible to vote who did not vote in 2014. Sanders is mobilizing them, and Clinton has zero appeal for them.

[Ferd Berfel]

97. Agree. From what works for families to the evil that is Wall Street to an illegal war on Iraq`

Bernie has been correct. He has judgment, and the guts to stand by it.

[daleanime]

8. You are wrong....

it's definitely his strength. Sorry about that.

[firebrand80]

13. It can be a strength, but you have to get the balance right nt

[Live and Learn]

15. The balance between the real causes of ISIS that Hillary helped create

and economic issues in the world. They are actually strongly related.

[daleanime]

17. Of which he has plenty.....

but you need focus to move forward.

[firebrand80]

18. This has nothing to do with "me."

I pay attention to this stuff, but most people don't. Every candidate has to appeal to folks that aren't paying close attention.

To do that, the "likeability" factor is huge. Politicians are always posing with food at Iowa county fairs for a reason, and it has nothing to do with their position in the AMT.

[Armstead]

46. I wish he'd lighten up a little too....but I'll take him as he is

Given a choice between a careerist whose sole focus for decades has been how to become president, and a kind of crabby guy whose focus has been on improving the lives of all Americans and raising awareness of the fundamental imbalance of our economy and political system -- I'll take the latter.

[firebrand80]

49. I remember the first debate

The moderator asked each candidate to introduce themselves. Clinton and O'Malley kept it light and friendly, Sander went with, "The top 10% control 90% of the wealth!"

He's like a pitcher that throws 90 mph every single time.

[Armstead]

53. If 90 mph is what is needed.....

No candidate is ideal. But in terms of what the country needs, it does not need slick and shiny at this point in its history. It needs someone who is willing and able to tackle tough issues and address the systemic distortions that have been accelerating for the last 30 years.

And besides, even though he is focused, and occasionally cranky, a lot of people like him. He does have a certain charm. The people of Vermont, where they get to know candidates up close and personal, keep re-electing him by huge margins.

[firebrand80]

70. I agree that he has a certain charm

I happen to like him. His style apparently worked well in Vermont, but the national stage is a whole different ballgame.

[Javaman]

47. right, because that plays better on tv.

and we all know that tv matters more.



no thank you.

[firebrand80]

72. You don't have to like it

but it's the reality of how campaigns are won

[Javaman]

91. so go with the next American idol.

Gotcha.

I choose to actually decide for myself.

[Proserpina]

56. So, has anything improved in the past 40 years? Are we to ignore this inconvenient truth?

Or are we to finally take steps to deal with it, by putting the man in a place where he can make a big difference?

[Jester Messiah]

57. So he should what, be more phony?

It wouldn't work for him, it would be like that time Hillary cried for the cameras. Terribly awkward and off-putting. The candidates should just be who they really are, and let the people decide based on that.

[firebrand80]

67. I wouldn't say "phony"

But voters want to get to candidates as "people," not just where they stand on the issues.

[Jester Messiah]

96. But where he stands is who he is

He's been invested in fighting the battle for economic equality for his entire adult life. Who is Captain Ahab without Moby Dick?

[AgingAmerican]

59. Consistency in basic core values is a short coming?

Really?

[firebrand80]

68. of course not

I'm just saying he needs to be a bit more personable

[AgingAmerican]

73. His positions are rooted in his values

And his values do not ever have to evolve.

[firebrand80]

76. You're missing my point

I'm not saying anything about him changing positions or compromising his values. I'm saying his weakness as a candidate is not showing his "human" side and letting the public "get to know him."

All successful candidates need to learn how to do this.

[99Forever]

65. In other words...

....become just another scheming, lying, issue dodging, sleazy politician.

No thanks, We the People want honesty.

[firebrand80]

69. He doesn't have to be dishonest

Running a campaign is not just science, it's also art. All I'm saying is that he's not very strong at letting voters get to know him, as a person. Like I said, Hillary's not great at it either. Even Obama struggled with it, to an extent.

[99Forever]

74. Ahh bullshit.

He's running his campaign just fine, despite what disingenuous concern gurus on the intertubes would like to have me believe.

But you keep right on selling that, I'm sure someone will buy it.

[firebrand80]

75. I'm not selling anything

Nor am I a "concern guru." I'm just some shmuck with a keyboard and an opinion, just like everyone else around here.

[99Forever]

79. Yet...

....even knowing that, you attempt to tell a candidate that has routinely bested his opponents by double digits for decades, without the aid of a top tier national political party he is campaigning wrong.


Wellllll allllllriiiiiighty then.

[firebrand80]

80. I didn't realize that replying to a DU post

had the power to "tell" Bernie Sanders anything. Here I thought I was just adding an opinion to a discussion.

Now that I have this newfound power, I intend to put it to some use:

Hey Bernie, what's up with your excessive arm movements when you speak? Even when you're sitting down for a one-on-one interview, it looks like you're conducting an orchestra. Just kidding man, good luck.

[99Forever]

81. Careful buddy...

...your agenda's showing.

[firebrand80]

82. I'll wear pants next time nt

[Live and Learn]

84. ROFL That was funny but you are still wrong. nt

[NCTraveler]

3. Big part of the issue. One track mind.

Blocking a pathway to citizenship for over ten million people for economic reasons. Let's be clear. We are talking over ten million people who would be American citizens today instead of living in the shadows. Not sure if many people are aware as to how close one of the cloture votes was. Sanders wasn't just against it, he was against even giving the legislation an up or down vote. Did the republicans he was working with respect the fact that Sanders was against visa's? In the end did that vote of Sanders save the IT Industry? It was a huge boom to the IT industry, right? I hope so because it cost over ten million people citizenship. It's that inability to fight for the good of many he doesn't change on.

[Live and Learn]

6. Sure, flip-flopping on issues is the correct way to campaign.

What part of his concerns about "families and their economic problems" is it that you disagree with?

[NCTraveler]

7. I am not asking him to flip flop. Not sure where you got that from.

"What part of his concerns about "families and their economic problems" is it that you disagree with?"

That is pretty clear. The ten million plus family members living in fear.

[Live and Learn]

9. Nobody living in fear of poverty is more worried about ISIS than every day survival.

It amazes me that some here really don't understand that.

[NCTraveler]

11. I have no clue why you are now talking ISIL. No clue.

What in the world kind of deflection is that? I understand it is hard to justify keeping over ten million people in the dark over less than a two hundred thousand visas program that would sunset in five years. I have got to say, the ISIL argument doesn't scare me. What does it have to do with Sanders blocking a pathway to citizenship for over ten million people? Some people think they can just mention ISIS and nothing else matters. Strange you inserted it here.

[Live and Learn]

19. Bernie came out for a path to citizenship long before Hillary. Or has she even? Hard to keep up

with her. The rest of your post was incoherent to me.

[NCTraveler]

20. Glad you have moved on from ISIS.

It had no part and was a strange bit to bring in out of the blue. Sanders has voted against a path to citizenship multiple times. Clinton has voted for it multiple times. Not sure where you get your news from. Those are facts. You might want to get back to discussing ISIS.

[Live and Learn]

22. Your facts are just that, yours alone. nt

[NCTraveler]

23. They are facts. Interesting you don't recognize them as such.

It's actually a great discussion but one you clearly don't want to have. What is the freedom for over ten million people worth when it comes to economics. A pathway to citizenship wasn't worth under two hundred thousand visas that would sunset in five years when it comes to Sanders. How is the IT industry? How many of those ten million he voted against are now afforded citizen rights? He saved the IT industry right? I mean look at the human cost. Millions and millions are paying taxes, not breaking any laws, and are living in fear of deportation. But to you it is somehow about ISIS.

[Live and Learn]

24. These are facts:

http://www.ontheissues.org/2016/Bernie_Sanders_Immigration.htm

[NCTraveler]

25. Sanders has voted against a pathway to citizenship multiple times.

Clinton has voted for it multiple times.

Sanders didn't even want an up or down vote on a pathway to citizenship.

Clinton wanted a fair up or down vote.

Facts.

"2007: No comprehensive reform: guest workers are semi-slaves "

From your own link. We are talking about under two hundred thousand visas. How many undocumented immigrants would have had access to a pathway to citizenship? He doesn't think they are currently being used as slave labor right here in our own country?

" I voted against that piece of legislation because it had guest-worker provisions in it which the Southern Poverty Law Center talked about being semi-slavery. Guest workers are coming in, they're working under terrible conditions, but if they stand up for their rights, they're thrown out of the country. I was not the only progressive to vote against that legislation for that reason."

Hard to tell, is he talking about the ten plus million people he voted against. Your link is full of good stuff. Your own link backs up the facts I am bringing to the table.

[Live and Learn]

27. Not true. nt

[Live and Learn]

29. Bernie Sanders' Thanksgiving Day Message Sadly Reminds Voters That Immigration Keeps Too Many Famili

Bernie Sanders' Thanksgiving Day Message Sadly Reminds Voters That Immigration Keeps Too Many Families Apart

Democratic presidential candidate and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders tweeted a sad Thanksgiving message Thursday. Sanders reminded voters that not everyone gets to spend Thanksgiving with their families thanks to U.S. immigration policies. Sanders' immigration plan, which he released Tuesday, calls for policies that welcome immigrants, reform deportation and detention programs, and provide a "legislative roadmap to citizenship" for the 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S., among other goals, according to his website.

On Thanksgiving, Sanders tweeted, "As we gather with our loved ones to give thanks, let us reflect on the fact that not all families will be so lucky," with a link to his immigration plan. Moments later, he tweeted a New York Times editorial about his plan, with the message, "We have an obligation to enact policies that unite families, not tear them apart."

And the Times editorial board seems to agree. The Times said Republican candidates have recently had serious discussions "about sealing the border with fantastical 2,000-mile fences and weaponized drones; merging state, local and federal authorities and private prisons into one all-seeing immigration police state; forcibly registering American Muslims; mass-deporting 11 million Mexicans and others in a 21st century Trail of Tears; and turning away thousands of refugees fleeing war and terrorism in the Middle East."

Sanders' immigration plan, the editorial board said, seems radical, though it honestly just continues the U.S.' history as a country entirely built out of immigrants. "We are a nation of immigrants," Sanders' plan says, according to his website. "I am proud to be the son of an immigrant. My father came to this country from Poland without a nickel in his pocket. Their story, my story, our story is a story of America: hard-working families coming to the United States to create a brighter future for their children."

http://www.bustle.com/articles/126252-bernie-sanders-thanksgiving-day-message-sadly-reminds-voters-that-immigration-keeps-too-many-families-apart

[NCTraveler]

30. I am so happy he is evolving. Truly am.

I wish he would have used his influence to better their lives instead of working to keep them under covers without rights. Clinton on the other hand is on record showing her support by way of vote for a pathway to citizenship. It's more than just talk with Clinton. She is on record. As is Sanders, just in the wrong direction.

[Live and Learn]

31. Wrong, quite consistent. That was your original complaint, remember? nt

[NCTraveler]

32. I think he is consistent.

I think he would jeopardize the good of millions and millions all over again.

You go to ISIS, you say that facts aren't facts, now you are saying I'm changing argument. This is just strange.

[Live and Learn]

33. The article was obviously referring to his refusal to give in to terrorsim.

Nothing at all to do with immigration. You are the one that tried (and failed) to change the argument with false accusations regarding immigration.

But please keep kicking it.

[NCTraveler]

34. Back to terrorism agains. What in the world.

Not one word I said is false as you keep saying.

[Live and Learn]

35. Do you keep up with current events? nt

[NCTraveler]

36. Terror Terror Terror!!!!!

Please read the headline of your own article.

Yes, I have read that a certain candidate is having difficulty walking and chewing gum. Just doesn't fit into his 40 years of sound bites.

[Live and Learn]

37. Because, he knows what causes it. nt

[Armstead]

54. A basic problem in our system is....

That legislation always has to be placed in "packages." The resuklt of that is a lot of crap gets through because people have to take "all or nothing" legislative Big Box packages. That's screwed up our system with a lot of bad policies that get snuck through.

Therefore, if one wants to oppose things that are not good, they may have to vote against it, in efforts to negotiate better deals. It would be a hell of a lot better if issues were sorted into specific proposals, that could be voted on on their own terms. It's cumbersome, but don't blame Sanders for the flaws of that system.

The guest workers things is an example of that. It's a Trojan horse for a new form on internal outsourcing, and opens the door to abuse of immigrants too. There have been groups of "guest workers" who came here as cheap replacements for local workers and then were subjected to all kinds of hidden "fees" and abuses.

Overall Sanders has the same goals regarding immigration as Clinton and O'Malley. But he doesn't want the "cure" to create or exacerbate other problems. Those problems include the human rights of guest workers, as well as the elimination of jobs and opportunities for American workers so corporations can have access to cherap compliant labor.

[AgingAmerican]

60. Lipstick on flip flopping fish

Now hold still so he can get the lipstick on there, Mr fishy

[NCTraveler]

61. Exactly what he is doing with his rhetoric. Very precise. Well done. nt.

[Thinkingabout]

4. There have been lots of changes in 40 years, keeping one's feet stuck in cement

Is not new nor will this change going to work 40 years later.

[Live and Learn]

5. It is and always has been about economics. Follow the money...

and you will find politicians like Hillary.

[Thinkingabout]

38. A president has to be knowledgeable in many areas, finaniced is a small

Part of the job. Right now we are in times of terrorism and need a strong foreign policy president. We have a gun violence issue in the USA. We have immigration issues which have not been addressed since 1986. We have an infrastructure problem. We have a jobs problem. There are more.

[Live and Learn]

41. "...finaniced [sic] is a small Part [sic] of the job," really? You fail to grasp

how important economics is to the world and people in general. In fact, economics is exactly what causes wars and terrorism.

[Thinkingabout]

42. I did not fail to grasp, I stated there are more areas a president has to work

With and named a few.

[Live and Learn]

43. i really don't think you get it. nt

[Thinkingabout]

52. I get it, a president is not a one issue. Never was and never will be.

[Live and Learn]

85. You don't. nt

[Thinkingabout]

86. Yes, I get it, I understand a president has to be the leader of the US and it requires lots of

experience in many fields. Do you get there is more to a president besides finances?

[Live and Learn]

87. Nope, you still don't. nt

[Thinkingabout]

88. Well, you stick to a candidate who is only interested in finances, I will go with one who

has much more experience.

[Live and Learn]

89. That would still be Bernie. nt

[Armstead]

51. It's bullshit that he is incapable of multitasking

Yes that has been his focus. But if you look at his record in Burlington, he stimulated the arts, fixed the potholes, cleaned up the city's administrative operations and led otehr initiatives to improve the quality of life for everyone. And the people of Burlington, including Republicans, saw him as successful enough as a rea-world chief executive that they kept re-electing him, and then helped promote him to Congress.

I know a city is not the same as the US government. But how one handles one situation can be translated into how they would handle other situations.

[nc4bo]

45. He is consistent. I love that. He is no warmongerer either.

Perhaps I'm mistaken but Candidate Obama was smeared with two-fold accusations regarding his lack of experience with the economy AND foreign policy.

All Presidents have access to advisors and specialists and surround themselves with experts.

What's the talking point again?

[Skidmore]

10. Yup. nt

[Live and Learn]

21. Nup. nt

[Sunlei]

26. Another positive Americans need in a President is, Senator Sanders is a man of Peace.

He's always been a man of Peace.

[Live and Learn]

28. Yes he is. nt

[Thinkingabout]

39. He has voted for military action several times. He has stated recently he

Would take military action and would use drones.

[Sunlei]

40. yes we need to defend ourselves & use best new Tech. but I don't think Sanders is a warmonger.

[Live and Learn]

44. Like Obama, you mean? nt

[madokie]

58. And that is Exactly why I will be voting for him

as long as I get a chance too.
Most all our problems can be solved by applying Bernies salve. Education, Equality and fairness pretty much is at the root of our problems. the lack of that is.

[cosmicone]

62. You need an OP to say he is a one issue candidate?

[raouldukelives]

63. Unlike some candidates, he has always stood against war only for personal gain.

Against imprisoning the least among us for more wealth. Against allowing corporations to make our planet inhospitable to life itself.

Sure, I fear ISIS. I fear those who fund them and give weapons to them. I fear those who worry more about a few radicals with machine guns than the many warnings from our scientific community that we are doing far more damage just going about our daily lives than they could hope to in a thousand years.

It is our avarice, our ignorance, our labors, that have led to the rise of climate change and ISIS. It is only fitting those who got us here wold think more of the same is our best bet.

[99Forever]

64. That's possible when you are on the ethical, moral side of issues.

Otherwise you have to evolve to pretend to be a decent human being.

[olddots]

71. his message comes from wisdom

the oafs that call him an old grumpy guy don't have the courage to work for equality .

[CharlotteVale]

77. K&R. I can trust Bernie. Can't trust weathervane Hillary.

[fredamae]

78. And because of this fact

he is a rare politician-one that is highly welcomed these days as people from all walks of life, as they learn about him-support him.
Honest. Consistent. Trustworthy. Genuine.

That's not to say Everyone has to Agree with his policies...but one cannot, in good conscience-Criticize his Honesty.
Who would seriously Use that Against Any politician????

[WillyT]

83. HUGE K & R !!! - THANK YOU !!!

[riversedge]

98. The story is traveling-->The Union Leader of NH has the story ....

http://www.unionleader.com/article/20151211/AGGREGATION/151219794/1066/NEWS0605

December 11. 2015 2:25PM
Bernie Sanders has stuck to the same message for 40 years
Source: http://nhpr.org/post/bernie-sanders-has-stuck-same-message-40-years

There are many ways to describe Bernie Sanders: a democratic socialist, an independent senator, a Democratic presidential candidate. But the best adjective may just be: consistent. No matter how you label it, Sanders' worldview is locked in.

- See more at: http://www.unionleader.com/article/20151211/AGGREGATION/151219794/1066/NEWS0605#sthash.zf1bv4fw.dpuf

[Live and Learn]

99. Good to know. Thanks. nt