Why Do So Many People Believe Bernie Sanders?

[NCTraveler]

OK, now for the Democrats. It's really hard to get excited about the state of the race, isn't it?

The Clinton campaign's focus on gun control is absurd. Hillary has an NRA grade of F and Bernie gets a D-. That's what we're arguing about? For chrissake. How dispiriting can you get?

On health care, Bernie wants single-payer. Me too. And I'll bet Hillary does as well. She's just decided that it's not politically useful to say so. And since neither one of them is going to get it anytime soon, does it really matter much?

The same is true on nearly every other domestic issue. Bernie is off to Hillary's left—either genuinely or rhetorically—but in office they'd both be constrained to the same place. Neither one could accomplish even what Hillary wants, let alone what Bernie wants.

http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2016/01/why-do-so-many-people-believe-bernie-sanders

[VulgarPoet]

1. Because I'm not willing to put another Wall Street warhawk in office.

And if she ends up there anyway, then there's really nothing I can do about it-- but I will fight it until the the last vote's counted.

[peacebird]

2. Because he tells the truth and insists on talking the issues. He walks the picket lines.

He is for We, The People. He gets that the game is rigged, and he truly wants to do something about it.

Hillary, well I can understand being dispirited at the thought of her in the WhiteHouse. Fortunately we have Bernie to vote for.

[Qutzupalotl]

3. He's more credible.

He hasn't changed his tune in 50 years, always fighting for equality. Clinton has done multiple 180-degree turns on important issues, such as gay marriage and the Iraq war vote.

I want someone to fight for what we really want and LEAD us there, with our help.

[daleanime]

4. And only one is willing to work....

to change that.

[kristopher]

5. BECAUSE HE IS HONEST (eom)

[Broward]

6. Another pundit misses the mark.

Sure, Bernie would have a difficult time getting any meaningful progressive legislation passed in the near term. However, it's about reframing the debate and pulling the conservation to the left. For me, the hope would be that over time we could redefine what's possible in a more liberal direction. You have to play the long game.

[Motown_Johnny]

7. I don't want any more unnecessary wars and Hillary may as well be John McCain.

I honestly can't think of any military conflict that Hillary had not supported.

Even now she wants a no fly zone in Syria.

No thanks.

[draa]

8. Because he's clean as far as who he takes contributions from.

He can't be bought. So he's seen an honest man because of that. His honesty rating is in the upper 80's and that's unheard of in today's political environment. That's why I trust him and I'm sure I'm not the only one.

With a political system full of liars and con-men Bernie Sanders may just be that last honest man in Washington. That alone will win him supporters. Thanks.

[highprincipleswork]

9. How many replies as 2 his consistency, advocacy, authenticity will it take for you to feel the Bern?

[ejbr]

10. Because he doesn't lie

like Hillary.

[beam me up scottie]

11. The question should be why do people trust Bernie more than Hillary?

And if you've been paying attention anonymous internet blogger at MJ, you'd already know the answer.

[mmonk]

12. Hi. I don't have much more to say here but i

thought I might lend my thoughts. We support his positions so I'm not so sure believe is the right word without context. We think the government has certain responsibilities which include the general welfare of the people over ideology or the financial interests of the powerful. The odds are not as a concern as fulfilling that basic duty of governance. Thank you for the thread that allows us to answer and have a wonderful evening..

[ypsfonos]

13. Because there's a thing called the internet

that allows one to fact-check a candidates record.

Some here (on the internet) seem to not know this.

[azmom]

14. He has exhibited good judgment on critical issues.

He is a wise and honorable man.

[Jarqui]

15. Because you can't hop on Youtube or Google

and get much with "Bernie Sanders liar" but you're overwhelmed by what you get "Hillary Clinton liar" (and her lies are well documented or proven)

Just look at the lying/deception from the Clinton campaign over last few weeks.

When you look at Bernie's past, he's been fighting for the same stuff for 40-50 years. He didn't cash in in campaign contributions or net worth with his net worth basically being his house while Hillary and Bill have cashed in with mega millions to their campaigns and family wealth of about $126 million.

Bernie's proven what he is and how honest he is over a 40-50 year period. Hillary's proven how dishonest/untrustworthy she is over her 30+ political years.

[farleftlib]

16. He says what he's willing to fight for - what we deserve.

Hillary doesn't want single payer - so she doesn't talk about it. It's utterly ridiculous to claim she wants it too but isn't saying it because it's "not politically useful." Hillary Clinton is all about political expediency.

I believe Bernie will fight for us. Hillary is a neoliberal warhawk and she hasn't a populist bone in her body. Her populist stance will disappear immediately if, God forbid, she gets into office. She will govern to the right of her husband and that is a scary proposition.

[Warren DeMontague]

17. Note that, par for the Hillary supporting course, Kevin Drum can't actually string together a cogent

reason exactly as to WHY he's supporting Hillary Clinton. Except maybe gender.

There have been a million noxious compromises along the way, but that's how politics works in the real world. Plus I'd love to see a woman in the White House.

Because from the get-go, Hillary Clinton has offered little rationale to support her beyond "vote for me because I'm Hillary Clinton, duh"

For people to whom this is inescapable, self-evident wisdom, supporting her is a no-brainer, and they seem perpetually peeved that it is not enough to get the rest of us on board.

But for the rest of us, little things like issues, proposals, policy and consistency (speaking to the question in the OP) actually matter. Even more than "Vote for Hillary because she's Hillary"