Sanders 2020 looks like Sanders 2016, challenges and all

[TexasTowelie]

WASHINGTON (AP) — It was supposed to be different this time.

But three months into his second presidential campaign, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is struggling with some of the same challenges that sunk his last bid: doubts about his electability, worries about support from minority voters and an opponent with deep ties to the party establishment.

The 77-year-old entered the Democratic race with an organized donor base, name recognition and experience earned from 2016, giving him an instant edge over his rivals. His front-runner status, however, proved short-lived.

Former Vice President Joe Biden's surge to the top of the pack has exposed Sanders' struggle to expand his appeal. Polls have shown the senator with a grip on a significant slice of Democrats, but there are few signs yet that he is building support.

Sanders is not alone in the stasis. Many in the 23-candidate field are looking for ways to break out of the pack, and Sanders, at least, appears to have an edge over all but Biden. But perhaps more than most others, Sanders and his team have signaled they will not relaunch his campaign or tweak his strategy.

Read more: https://magicvalley.com/news/national/govt-and-politics/sanders-looks-like-sanders-challenges-and-all/article_ad5657c8-d91a-5715-ae8e-a3a95cba6555.html

[sprinkleeninow]

1. I need sleep. Thot it read "doubts about his electricity..." 😱 😁

TT

The Mango Madman continues wreaking havoc across the globe.

[Tiggeroshii]

2. That's funny because this time last cycle he was 30 points behind in iowa polls

Now he is virtually tied... last time he was strapped for cash, this time he has so far outraised every other democratic candidate before the first debate. Those are just two of the major differences. Regardless of the outcome, it is very different this time.

[TexasTowelie]

3. And this time there are plenty of other viable candidates

instead of an either ... or ... selection along with a primary schedule that is accelerated in a few states.

[George II]

5. At this time last cycle, he was a candidate for only about four weeks. Now he's been running....

....for four years. Big difference.

[Tiggeroshii]

7. With a warchest like he has now, I would say things are definitley different

[Hortensis]

4. That "slice of Democrats" has declined to a "significant slice"

as some of the people who remembered his name remember/finally learn the history associated with it.

A Gallup poll reports only 63% said they'd would vote for a septuagenarian, low but a solid majority, but 47% for a socialist.

Extremely interesting, willingness to vote for people of different specific groups has grown since 2015 (except for the socialist category which held at 47%). Not sure how big an indicator that is, but it has to be good for the very diverse Democratic Party and not for the white male fascist party.

Americans' Willingness to Vote for Presidential Candidates From Certain Groups

Between now and the 2016/2020 political conventions, there will be discussion about the qualifications of presidential candidates -- their education, age, religion, race and so on. If your party nominated a generally well-qualified person for president who happened to be _____, would you vote for that person?

2015 to 2019 Change %

Black 92 96 +4
Catholic 93 95 +2
Hispanic 91 95 +4
A woman 92 94 +2
Jewish 91 93 +2
Evangelical Christian 73 80 +7
Gay or lesbian 74 76 +2
Under the age of 40 -- 71 --
Muslim 60 66 +6
Over the age of 70 -- 63 --
Atheist 58 60 +2
Socialist 47 47 0

[Vidal]

6. A Socialist over the age of 70 is least electable candidate

Looks like a socialist over the age of 70 is the least electable type of person. Even worse would be if he/she is an atheist.

How many 2020 Dem candidates might fit this description.

[Skya Rhen]

8. Yes, the atheist label would definitely keep most rust belt voters from supporting one...

[MineralMan]

9. If he can't get any minorities to show up at his rallies,

he still has that specific problem.

All white faces in Birmingham, AL last week. In a city with at least 70% of its population being African-American, that's simply a disaster.

If he still can't attract people of color to his campaign, he's out of the running. No question about it.

[Cha]

10. Kick