My Socialist Senator

[garybeck]

CNN
One-man socialist show could open in Senate




BURLINGTON, Vermont (AP) -- For three decades, Rep. Bernie Sanders has been a party of one, an avowed socialist who rails against corporate America, Republicans, Democrats and all those he believes fail the poor and working families.

Now 65, the Brooklyn-born independent and his crusade could end up in the Senate.

Polls put Sanders comfortably ahead of Republican Richard Tarrant, a wealthy businessman who has spent more than $5 million of his own money trying to buy the name recognition Sanders enjoys after eight years as mayor of Vermont's largest city and 16 years in the House. Sanders would succeed Sen. James Jeffords, a Republican turned independent who is retiring.

Sanders has forged a unique coalition during his political career, gaining the backing of Republicans, Democrats and those who believe that they've been ignored by the people in power.

"In my heart and soul, based on where I grew up and what my life was like as a kid, the economic issues to me are the most important," the eight-term lawmaker said.

Sanders remains committed to the ideals of the democratic socialists of northern Europe, believing that government spending -- combined with market forces -- is the best way to achieve social justice and social equity.

"I am prepared to stand up to the big-money interests," he said, his voice rising and his signature New York accent growing more pronounced with every syllable. "I am prepared to talk about the growing gap between rich and poor. I'm prepared to talk about the fact that, in many ways, we are becoming an oligarchic society with a few people on top who have tremendous wealth while the middle class is shrinking, people are working very, very hard to keep their heads above water and poverty is increasing.

He added: "How many people do you know in the Senate who talk about that issue? Well, I will talk about that issue."

http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/10/11/sanders.senate.ap/index.html
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note: it says he rails against Democrats, but note, the Dems agreed not to run a candidate against him. I think that goes to show, he rails more against policies than parties, and it so happens that the republicans promote the policies he rails against the most.

[Syrinx]

1. if he were running in Alabama, he'd have at least one vote

Maybe only one, I don't know, but he'd get my vote. I admire the guy very much.

[Sherman A1]

2. Superb!!!

Can the rest of us in the other 50 states borrow him?

[LeftishBrit]

3. This sounds exciting!

Hope he wins (and it sounds as though he will).

[H2O Man]

4. I had the opportunity

to meet him after listening to him speak in Delhi, NY many years ago. He is one of a very few politicians that I respect. The more people who are exposed to his thinking, the better.