Feel the Bern: Sanders and the Power of Grassroots Fundraising

[portlander23]

Common Dreams: Feel the Bern: Sanders and the Power of Grassroots Fundraising

Clinton argues that while she is for putting restrictions on the flow of unregulated big money into politics, she can’t “unilaterally disarm.” Now Sanders may be on verge of demonstrating that a populist candidate can compete – and compete well – while refusing to rely on what he calls the “billionaire class.”

Relying on the wealthy exacts a price. Democratic billionaires tend to be socially liberal. Many agree that the tax breaks for the rich have reached obscene levels. Clinton has called for ending the absurd carried interest deduction that Robbins and other hedge fund operators pocket. She’s put forth a complicated plan to reduce the tax break given to investor’s income over workers’ incomes. But there are limits.

Sanders can call for breaking up the big banks. Clinton does not. Sanders supports Elizabeth Warren’s call for a new Glass-Steagall Act to curb banker gambling with government guaranteed deposits. Clinton does not. Sanders calls for ending the tax break for corporate profits harbored abroad. Clinton does not. Sanders opposes our current ruinous trade policies. Clinton has withheld judgment. Sanders is for a financial transaction tax to limit the Wall Street casino. Clinton is not. Sanders is for major increases in top-end taxes. Clinton’s position is yet to be unveiled.

Money talks. Now Sanders may be able to demonstrate not only that his populist message enjoys broad popular support and can spark a movement for change, but that his small donor grassroots fundraising can support a competitive challenge to big-money politics.

Just as a reminder, this is Mr. Sanders on Clinton's use of Super PACs from May:

“I understand where she is coming from. I will not have a super PAC,” Sanders, who last month launched a bid for the Democratic presidential nomination, said on “Face the Nation” on Sunday. “...I don't think we're going to outspend Hillary Clinton or Jeb Bush or anybody else, but I think we are going to raise the kinds of money that we need to run a strong and winning campaign.”

In many ways the Sanders campaign is an experiment to test if it is possible to be elected President without the corrupting influence of large money donations and dark money Super PACs.

So far, so good.

[merrily]

1. Testing whether a government of the people, by the people and for the people is even possible.

If not, it's not going to pretty.

[Uncle Joe]

2. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, portlander.

[sabrina 1]

3. Biggest issue of this campaign for voters, according to recent polls. The money in politics! How can

you fix CU while taking advantage of it? THAT'S what the people want to know from all candidates.