Bernie announces he is running again, what do you think?

I'm interested in what you Americans have to say about him. Do you want him to win the Democratic Primary and do you think he can? Are other candidates better? Is the age a factor?

I'm British so it's not my party to go to, though I do like what Sanders stands for and would definantely support him were I there. I think it's a shame that the rules prevent a 29-year-old from running as his VP though I hope AOC backs him and features in his campaign.

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Burnley123 · 41-45, M

I've read all the comments and I think Bernie still has big problems with middle aged liberal voters. Maybe an even bigger problem because there are more options this time.

If Bernie is gonna be competitive, he needs millenials to come out for him big time. Whether he can repeat that four years later, I'm not sure

CopperCicada · M

@Burnley123 One of Bernie's problems with middle aged liberal voters is that he doesn't sound the proper political whistles. He brings his message down to economic and political justice, but I know plenty of people who believe he's a racist and misogynist. Partly because of how Hillary race and gender checked him into the ground. Partly because he's intersectional and keeps it simple with economic and political justice. Long time progressives need to hear all the identity politics tones in the whistle or they won't come.

firefall · 61-69, M

@CopperCicada I agree, but I would say more specifically, black voters specifically need to hear their worries addressed, and in the Democratic Party they are utterly crucial.

CopperCicada · M

@firefall Being in the Deep South, it's clear to me that Bernie hasn't articulated his racial justice sufficiently to black voters. What's interesting to me is that he has the record. I remember when Hillary was black checking with civil rights leaders, many of them saying they never heard of Bernie and they would know. Boom. But then pictures of Bernie getting arrested protesting for civil rights came out-- and he never said much, if anything. I respect him for that. But it didn't help his case.

One thing that's very critical in the black community here, is the perception and understanding that a candidate would enter and be part of that community. Even if just for a time. For a meal, for church. Bill Clinton gained tremendous political cred with the southern black community because of his humanity. Many don't perceive Bernie that way.

GunSmoke9 · 56-60, M

@Burnley123 Do you know what Bernie is pushing for? If you do, how will he pay for it all?

CopperCicada · M

@GunSmoke9 Well. What most progressives seem to suggest regarding "paying for it all" is A) money saved from stopping EndlessWar(TM) and B) money gained from actually taxing corporations.

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan could cost us up to 2T$ when we consider interest as we're doing it on borrowed money.

And Amazon paid no taxes on 12B$ in profits. And they're not alone.

GunSmoke9 · 56-60, M

@CopperCicada Still won't work. The rich and corporations will find a way to hide their money or use loopholes. Fine, fix our tax system, but cost will filter down to everyone. You have democrats wanting to give Medicare to illegals. How much will the cost rise when more illegals cross our borders?