The Great Debate: Why this could be Bernie Sanders' moment- and ours.

[cali]

<snip>

But Sanders is likely to do far more than exceed low expectations. His candidacy could have a dramatic effect in building an already growing populist movement inside and outside the Democratic Party.

<snip>

Sanders refuses to take part in politicians’ usual, incessant pursuit of large donations. So he is a political rarity: Someone free to speak forcefully to the often insidious connection between the two.

<snip>

This reality of the 1 percent, and the 1 percent of the 1 percent, sets up Sanders’ populist agenda. He talks about getting big money out of politics and making voting easy rather than hard. About fair taxes on the rich and corporations to invest in rebuilding America and addressing the danger that is climate change. About balancing U.S. trade and rejecting any more trade deals that look like they were designed by and for multinational corporations. About breaking up the big banks and curbing destabilizing speculation.

<snip>

Sanders has argued this case for some time. But this could be his moment. Sixty percent of Americans agree with him that the “economic system unfairly favors the rich,” which may be one reason politicians in both parties are uncomfortably trying to fit into populist garb. Two-thirds of the American public think the rich pay too little in taxes. Two-thirds think CEO pay is too high. Three of four think climate change is a serious or very serious matter. In the 24 hours after he declared, he raised $1.5 million. Roughly 35,000 donors gave, on average, less than $50. A larger group of 145,000 signed up online to volunteer.

<snip>

In a populist moment, an authentic populist tribune may help build a movement that can transform America’s politics.

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http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate/2015/05/06/why-bernie-sanders-may-just-shake-up-the-2016-presidential-race/

[NYC_SKP]

1. There were no fewer than 26 Democratic Primary Presidential Debates in 2008. 26 Debates.

Give us more than six debates and he won't need a PAC.

Shit. Putting the six debates together with HRC's use of a PAC and ties to big funders makes our fight to insist on more debates more important than anything.

How do we pressure the DNC to change their fucked up ways on this one matter?

[cali]

2. we can't. The DNC has transformed from being an arm of the WH to

an arm of the HRC campaign. Saw a great article on this the other day. And that's the way of politics. It is what it is. Some things you can change, others you can't. I think it's fair to say this is the function of the National Committees. Like it or not.

[NYC_SKP]

3. If only we could get the candidates to refuse the rules.

Would HRC join them in this were they all to want more debates.

Leaving her to debate herself would be a hoot.

[cali]

4. The DNC would like that just fine

I've read remarks from various members who say that. They do want a coronation. Of course they make these remarks anonymously.

[djean111]

8. The irritated peevishness born of the thwarted coronation is so obvious.

I also have noticed that pointing out Hillary flaws is ATTACKING!!!!!!! And "this does not help Hillary when she is crowned!"
Posting negative stuff about Bernie, of course, is being helpful.

[Sherman A1]

5. Possibly

if it is to happen, I believe that the stars may come into alignment now. People to whom I speak have had enough, they often do not know with whom they are angry, but they are angry and the world and their worlds seems to be spinning out of control.

[cali]

6. I think you hit on something important: Bernie will have to focus that anger

from its inchoate state.

[Sherman A1]

7. He is a shrewd politician

and is speaking the truth on issues that affect each of us everyday. That in itself is a huge step forward in the process.