How long will the Bernie Sanders bubble last?

[DonViejo]

STEVEN ROSENFELD, ALTERNET
11 JUL 2015 AT 08:13 ET

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.”

more
http://www.rawstory.com/2015/07/how-long-will-the-bernie-sanders-bubble-last/

[elehhhhna]

1. 9 years

[Le Taz Hot]

2. +1

[-none]

4. I was going to say 8 years after he is elected, but same thing.

If Bernie can pull it off, the bubble can last generations after that.

[99Forever]

5. Yep, thread win.

[cherokeeprogressive]

9. Winnah, winnah... Chicken dinnah! n/t

[artislife]

10. +2

[RKP5637]

6. I think his appeal is he comes across as sincere and right on target with what millions of

Americans see, hear and feel today. Bernie does not rely on endless bullshit and dog whistles. I find that refreshing as I think do millions and millions of Americans fed up with the system of corruption and big money / big corporate interests buying the political system of the US. I think they feel they see something new with Bernie.

We need a new paradigm in this country and I think Bernie offers that glimmer of hope. With respect, I still think about half of the US is wacky as hell, so I really don't know how well he will play out on the national stage as so many seem programmed to respond to tried and true dog whistles by the GOP.

That all said, I will fully support whomever the democratic nominee is. I like both Hillary and Bernie.

[Erich Bloodaxe BSN]

7. For as long as people are angry and hurting and in need.

There are seriously good reasons as to why people are turning to Bernie. And as long as those reasons exist, they're not going to turn away from him.

[jwirr]

8. And those reasons exist everywhere in the United States.

[cherokeeprogressive]

11. Proud 5th rec for a thread I don't think is working out as its poster intended.

Go Bernie!