Bernie Sanders’s speech at Liberty University wasn't a stunt. It's core to his campaign.

[cal04]

http://www.vox.com/2015/9/14/9323041/bernie-sanders-liberty-university
Throughout much of his presidential campaign, Bernie Sanders has been speaking to friendly, liberal crowds. There's nothing unusual about that — it's the best way to win the Democratic primary, and it's certainly helped him get to the front of the polls in Iowa and New Hampshire.

But Sanders's theory of change demands more than that. He wants to bring about a "political revolution" in which he mobilizes the American public to back an explicit, full-on challenge to the power of billionaires and corporate interests. He believes his focus on economic and political inequality will appeal to both apathetic non-voters and traditionally Republican constituencies. Only with such broad support, he argues, does he have a shot at passing his agenda.

So on Monday, Sanders put that theory to the test, when he spoke at the convocation of Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Founded by the late Rev. Jerry Falwell, Liberty is the largest evangelical Christian university in the world, and known as a hotbed of conservative activism.

(snip)
Indeed, he kept pressing the evangelical audience to put the Bible's teachings on poverty into action — and to reexamine their own political preconceptions. "I want you to go into your hearts," Sanders said. "Millions of people in this country are working long hours for abysmally low wages." He added, "You have got to think about the morality of that, the justice of that."

[SusanaMontana41]

1. Bernie's doing what all the candidates SHOULD do

but are too cowardly to do it.

[Triana]

2. This....

...

...is what Sanders is trying to get through to them. Many so-called "liberal" principles are "Christian" ones, per the alleged "Jesus'" teachings.

The evangelicals have a whole lot of reconciling to do where that's concerned and Bernie is trying to get them to DO it.

[RufusTFirefly]

3. Yes! Compare and contrast "reaching across the aisle" with "finding common ground"

The former has become a euphemism for capitulating to the pushy and powerful, even when it runs contrary to the will of the majority.

The latter is what Bernie did. Masterfully so. Make no mistake: He's not going to change his opinion on abortion or same-sex marriage or even water down his message. His point is that although he and the students at Liberty may be at odds on a few key issues, there are many others where they share the same core ideals.

Bernie provides a wonderful antidote to the poisonous wedge issue politics that has led many in the past to tragically vote against their own individual wellbeing, not mention the long-term wellbeing of the country and the world.

With leaders like Sanders we may once again find a way to cast fear, distrust, and selfishness aside and come together as a country.