Bernie Sanders Running for President

[Astronuc]

Bernie Sanders is drawing large crowds to his rallies and speeches.

What’s behind Bernie Sanders’ enormous rallies
https://www.physicsforums.com/forums/current-events.20/create-thread

He is registered as an independent in Vt.

According to the Wikipedia article on him, Sanders is the longest-serving independent in U.S. congressional history, and is a self-described democratic socialist, . . . . He caucuses with the Senate Democrats.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernie_Sanders

https://berniesanders.com/issues/

Interesting alternative to Clinton.

 

[micromass]

I'm not American, but I follow the elections intensively. Sanders is the only candidate I really want to see win. But I realize he'll never be elected.

 

[mheslep]

The Nordic states don't have a high degree of socialism, today they are better described as large welfare states. Venezuela, Cuba, N. Korea are socialist states where the government has a large degree of control "of the means of production". A welfare state cuts a lot of checks, but it does not run everything.

 

[mheslep]

I'm not American, but I follow the elections intensively. Sanders is the only candidate I really want to see win. But I realize he'll never be elected.

May I ask if you have a strongly favored candidate in many foreign elections, or just in the US?

 

[Evo]

Bernie Sanders is the only candidate that listens to scientists when it's "bad economics"...

Please post the sources for all of the claims you've made, this is a requirement here.

 

[Evo]

He's respectable even among those who abhor his political leanings. This is the guy who claims to have never run a negative campaign ad in his years as a senator. He also has stuck by his political views for as long as he's been a politician, and he's always straightforward about what problems need to be fixed and what his plans are to fix them (which is kind of rare among the people running for president).

What policies, what views, what plans? You need to post sources.

The "socialist" label probably destroys his chances of winning what with 40 years of anti-socialist sentiments all throughout the Cold War, so many in the Cold War generations would never vote for him.

Me personally, the jury's still out for whether I woudk agree with his policies or not, since I'm fairly moderate in my political leanings. That said, I do recognize that there are a whole lot of socialists no one talks about when vilifying socialist views (Einstein, Martin Luther King Jr., Helen Keller, etc.) so it's not as if his views are completely fringe. They're just, it seems, somewhat unpopular in the US.

I understand he favors the system that Nordic countries have in place (sort of a capitalism/socialism mix). I'd love to hear people's thoughts on these systems who actually live there.

Please post the sources for the statements you've made, this is a requirement here.

 

[Astronuc]

Clinton is probably leading Bernie in New Hampshire, and it's not even clear, despite Bernie’s well-attended campaign events, that he has gained all that much ground over the last month.

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politi...Clinton-It-s-not-a-dead-heat-in-New-Hampshire

The Bernie Sanders Quiz
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politi...Take-our-quiz./Sanders-first-elected-position

 

[Student100]

I'm not American, but I follow the elections intensively. Sanders is the only candidate I really want to see win. But I realize he'll never be elected.

I think he at least has a shot at winning the primary. People here in the US are sick of dynasties. Mrs. Clinton seems out of touch, dishonest, and carries serious baggage. I wouldn't mind if he were elected at all; as such, I wouldn't vote for Clinton no matter how bad the alternative is.

On the republican side you also have Paul, who is probably the best candidate out of the bunch (not saying a whole lot, the entire field seems weak.) I wouldn't mind if he were elected either. He is more of a traditional capitalist/libertarian, but I dislike his stance on abortion (not because he argues that human life begins at conception, it certainly begins a human developmental track and one could argue based on science that some life begins at conception. Honestly it's more of an ethics question than a scientific one), but because he wants to push for outlawing it (all you need is one more conservative justice really.). People are going to get abortions regardless, why push to make it illegal and drive them to back alley abortionists? I also disagree with his stances on the environment, deregulated corporations can't be trusted to care for the environment more than their bottom line.

Bernie seems honest to me, even if we disagree on some things. I think he would make a fine president, who would at least attempt to change the status quo in Washington- although our government is so entrenched it's probably impossible at this point. Barrack Obama is case in point, I really want to believe he was genuine about change, but just couldn't execute. I doubt he would be like Obama as well in the regard of continuing many of bushes foreign policy decisions like illegal drone strikes..etc.

There really needs to be alternatives like Bernie and Paul to the two major political parties we have.

 

[Student100]

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politi...Clinton-It-s-not-a-dead-heat-in-New-Hampshire

The Bernie Sanders Quiz
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politi...Take-our-quiz./Sanders-first-elected-position

The last news source I read had Bernie leading in New-Hampshire beyond the MOE.

http://www.bostonherald.com/news_op...s_surges_ahead_of_hillary_clinton_in_nh_44_37

 

[Czcibor]

[Googling who Bernie Sander is]

I'm not American, but I follow the elections intensively. Sanders is the only candidate I really want to see win. But I realize he'll never be elected.

After reading that he opposed 1991 war in Iraq, as person who lives in country allied with the US it made me somewhat less welcoming him. Politely speaking.

After reading about him on wiki... Such feeling that he supports so many nice and expensive policies...

[At this moment I'm reading Fukuyama's "Political Order and Political Decay". Fukuyama explains quite a lot concerning governance quality and gives Scandinavian countries top grades, while the USA get's barely passing ones. Which brings a nasty question concerning US ability to implement left wing policies, regardless of any ideological bent.]

 

[JonDE]

I like Bernie, but some of his stances seem a little extreme. I'm for raising the minimum wage, but to $15 an hour? That seems a little much IMO, are there any non-partisan studies on what the effects would be?

Anyways here is a link to his website, specifically the part about minimum wage. If you scroll a few pages to the right he also talks about free trade under the "creating decent paying jobs". I'm not sure if he opposes all free trade, or if its specifically targeting free trade with poorer nations, from the page

Opposed NAFTA, CAFTA, permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) with China, the TPP, and other free-trade agreements. These deals kill American jobs by shifting work overseas to nations which fail to provide worker protections and pay extremely low wages.

edit:

https://berniesanders.com/issues/a-living-wage/

 

[Czcibor]

I like Bernie, but some of his stances seem a little extreme. I'm for raising the minimum wage, but to $15 an hour? That seems a little much IMO, are there any non-partisan studies on what the effects would be?

Anyways here is a link to his website, specifically the part about minimum wage. If you scroll a few pages to the right he also talks about free trade under the "creating decent paying jobs". I'm not sure if he opposes all free trade, or if its specifically targeting free trade with poorer nations, from the pageedit:

https://berniesanders.com/issues/a-living-wage/

There is a kind of paradox because Scandinavian countries support free trade (not mention EU, where on federal level there is a very fierce pressure on opening markets and encouraging competition). I needed a while to understand it, but there is one more issue - those top countries often try to have a very good business climate. Offer nice safety net, but except of that be very careful not to harm business too much.

There is done by Heritage ranking of economic freedom. And socialistic Denmark is a match for the USA...
http://www.heritage.org/index/ranking

 

[mheslep]

I'm for raising the minimum wage, but to $15 an hour? That seems a little much IMO, are there any non-partisan studies on what the effects would be?

CBO: raise to only $10.10/hour will cost 500K jobs.

 

[JonDE]

CBO: raise to only $10.10/hour will cost 500K jobs.

I've read that previously, and it really doesn't sound like the worst plan in the world. As noted in your link, the net amount of people living below the poverty line would actually decrease by 900k. It also states that it would increase total net income by about $2 billion.

That being said, that report is about a much more modest increase of $2.85 an hour compared to Bernie`s proposal of $7.75. I'd have to imagine that $15 an hour would effect a lot more businesses and much more harshly. I'm not sure that it would even decrease the amount of people living below the poverty line.

 

[brainpushups]

Speaking as a Vermonter:

I'm pretty excited to see the press that Bernie is finally starting to get. He carefully gauged whether he had a chance at a presidential run before announcing formally by traveling around the country and speaking with people about the issues that he addresses in his speeches and on his website and it looks like he made the right choice. I predict that his support will grow significantly once he is able to debate the other candidates.

 

[mheslep]

I've read that previously, and it really doesn't sound like the worst plan in the world. As noted in your link, the net amount of people living below the poverty line would actually decrease by 900k. It also states that it would increase total net income by about $2 billion.

If it killed 500 jobs not 500K I'd call it terrible with the lousy job situation in the U.S., especially among youth starting first jobs.

 

[Astronuc]

Bernie Sanders on Meet the Press
http://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-pre...-his-campaign--healthcare--biden-506194499603

 

[rude man]

[Googling who Bernie Sander is]
After reading that he opposed 1991 war in Iraq, as person who lives in country allied with the US it made me somewhat less welcoming him. Politely speaking.

After reading about him on wiki... Such feeling that he supports so many nice and expensive policies...

[At this moment I'm reading Fukuyama's "Political Order and Political Decay". Fukuyama explains quite a lot concerning governance quality and gives Scandinavian countries top grades, while the USA get's barely passing ones. Which brings a nasty question concerning US ability to implement left wing policies, regardless of any ideological bent.]

Many, I think most, of we Americans now believe the Iraq war was based on fraudulent information, IMO.

 

[mheslep]

Many, I think most, of we Americans now believe the Iraq war was based on fraudulent information, IMO.

Sanders opposed the Gulf War, 1991.

 

[brainpushups]

Sanders opposed the Gulf War, 1991.

Would you argue that the Gulf War was a success?

I think that Bernie's opposition to armed conflict and his continued support for veterans at home seems like it should rank him high on the list of presidential candidates supported by military families.

http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2015/07/how-bernie-sanders-fought-for-our-veterans-119708.html#.VdIoylNVhHw
http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/flashback-republicans-block-va-health-care-funds

 

[Astronuc]

Bernie blasts NYT Mag reporter's hair question
https://www.yahoo.com/politics/bernie-blasts-nyt-mag-reporters-hair-question-126934490446.html

In a “condensed and edited” Q&A with New York Times Magazine, published online Monday, writer Ana Marie Cox asked Sanders if it's fair Clinton's hair gets more attention than his:

Cox: Do you think it’s fair that Hillary's hair gets a lot more scrutiny than yours does?

Sanders: Hillary's hair gets more scrutiny than my hair?

Cox: Yeah.

Sanders: Is that what you’re asking?

Cox: Yeah.

Sanders: O.K., Ana, I don’t mean to be rude here. I am running for president of the United States on serious issues, O.K.? Do you have serious questions?

 

[rude man]

Bernie blasts NYT Mag reporter's hair question
https://www.yahoo.com/politics/bernie-blasts-nyt-mag-reporters-hair-question-126934490446.html

This from the NY Times? Not Fox or National Enquirer? Holy Cow!

 

[brainpushups]

Link to the full interview:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/23/magazine/bernie-sanders-has-heard-about-that-hashtag.html?_r=0

Edit: nope; condensed and edited

 

[mheslep]

Bernie blasts NYT Mag reporter's hair question
https://www.yahoo.com/politics/bernie-blasts-nyt-mag-reporters-hair-question-126934490446.html

I like Senator Sanders's response to the reporter a great deal.

I'd like it much more if he were not already so far down the rabbit hole. Why expect a serious issues question from the Magazine, which in this month's issue includes a Tyra Banks exclusive and an the details of How to Brush a Gorilla's Teeth? Why pretend the NYT is serious on politics at all after its front page publication of Sen Rubio's wife's driving tickets and the window size in his home? Why, if he is as he purports, a serious candidate for president, and has a serious message to convey, why allow a couple of screaming bigots to take over his podium like it was a World Wrestling match? Why no mention on the FBI's email server seizure of the leading Democratic candidate?

 

[brainpushups]

I'd like it much more if he were not already so far down the rabbit hole. Why expect a serious issues question from the Magazine, which in this month's issue includes a Tyra Banks exclusive and an the details of How to Brush a Gorilla's Teeth?

I think its possible to have 'entertainment' articles a part of the same publication that can also put out 'serious' articles. The NYT is considered by many to be a serious and reputable source of news so I don't think it is unreasonable for Bernie to expect them to ask about serious issues. He frequently makes his distaste of 'corporate media' known (http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/...orate-media-as-he-is-against-hillary-clinton/); the interviewer should have expected such a response from him. I had to laugh at what he said earlier this year:

“Campaigns are not baseball games,” he said. “What did I read in the paper today? Gov. Bush is getting a new campaign manager. You know who cares about that? About eight people in the world. Nobody cares about that.” (source)

Why, if he is as he purports, a serious candidate for president, and has a serious message to convey, why allow a couple of screaming bigots to take over his podium?

I find it funny that people bring this up. What would have been the winning move here? Get into a physical altercation with two young black women? Yeah, that would have gone over well. I think he handled the situation just fine. Out of any candidate I'm willing to bet he has the strongest and longest history of fighting for civil rights.

 

[mheslep]

I find it funny that people bring this up.

I find it exasperating that people ignore/tolerate the incident.

What would have been the winning move here? Get into a physical altercation with two young black women? Yeah, that would have gone over well. I think he handled the situation just fine.

And more exasperating is the idea that step back-and-shut-up was Sanders only possible move, because of the skin color of those causing the disruption. It's more affirmation that shutting down the voices of others is the way to go, that the riots and highway shutdowns of the last couple years were appropriate forms of "speech". Any number of candidates have handled the forceful heckler situation in the past. Al Sharpton in 2004, countering an angry few during a speed with something like, 'I respect you're right to speak on your time, now you need to respect mine', or Reagan's "I paid for this microphone", or more recently the interruption of one of the President's speeches by gay protesters.

Out of any candidate I'm willing to bet he has the strongest and longest history of fighting for civil rights.

Some record of pro civil rights, some record of pandering.

 

[brainpushups]

For the record: my point was not that Bernie's move was the best or only move, but simply that what he did (or didn't do) provided more limited fodder for pundits and opponents than if the situation somehow escalated.

It's more affirmation that shutting down the voices of others is the way to go, that the riots and highway shutdowns of the last couple years were appropriate forms of "speech".

I think that's a bit of a stretch to say that Bernie was somehow affirming riots as a form a speech by leaving the stage.

 

[Astronuc]

Poll: Support for Sanders climbs as Clinton takes a dip
https://www.yahoo.com/politics/poll-support-for-sanders-climbs-as-clinton-takes-127089053536.html

I think the statistics (polls) are based on too small a population.

 

[Evo]

Poll: Support for Sanders climbs as Clinton takes a dip
https://www.yahoo.com/politics/poll-support-for-sanders-climbs-as-clinton-takes-127089053536.html

I think the statistics (polls) are based on too small a population.

Yeah, I usually go with PEW polls, they seem to be a fair sampling from what I've seen.

 

[Astronuc]

Yeah, I usually go with PEW polls, they seem to be a fair sampling from what I've seen.

Maybe we need to have a thread on 'Reliable Sources or Polls'.

In the NE, I heard about Siena political polls, which were primarily, if not exclusively, NY State, and the Quinnipicac Polls from Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, which seemed to be much broader.

https://www.siena.edu/centers-institutes/siena-research-institute/political-polls/
http://www.quinnipiac.edu/news-and-events/quinnipiac-university-poll/