Bernie Sanders is flailing and Elizabeth Warren is rising for many reasons...

[wyldwolf]

Warren is better at communicating her policies even though they're similar to Sanders' being the most obvious.

But another issue may be a self-inflicted wound by Sanders: His self-identification as a socialist. Yes, I know the correct term is "Democratic-socialist,' but the public likely sees no difference and even that may very well be a drag on the entire party, possibly associating "Democratic" with socialism.

From the ABC Poll: Another question tests Trump against “a Democratic candidate who you regard as a socialist” – relevant given the Republicans’ stated aim of applying that label to their eventual opponent. Among the general public the race is tied among Trump vs. a perceived socialist; among registered voters it goes +6 to Trump, 49 to 43 percent, not a significant difference but noticeable.

https://www.langerresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/1206a2Trumpandthe2020Election.pdf

[Turin_C3PO]

1. It's a mistake

for Sanders to label himself a socialist. Because in reality he’s not one. It’s only hurt his campaign to call himself such.

[stonecutter357]

2. K&R

[brooklynite]

3. Just to clarify: is this bashing, slamming or smearing?

It’s hard to distinguish these days...

[wyldwolf]

4. Neither. It's "comparing." When I 'bash' you'll know it.

[Cha]

11. +1

[zentrum]

6. Agree. Bernie

.....bashing is a big thing around here.

[emmaverybo]

7. It is criticism of Sander's campaign strategy, not his fitness as a candidate. It does not make

an allegation that the opposition makes. The OP is not calling Bernie a socialist.

[comradebillyboy]

5. Warren has vastly more subtance to her proposals than Sanders does.

[R B Garr]

8. K&R. This makes sense. nt

[MineralMan]

9. I think that both Sanders and Warren appeal to folks who

think about policy issues. Warren is more concrete in her policy points than Sanders is, really. She has a "plan" for everything. Bernie hasn't come up with much that's new for the 2020 election.

I think that's why Warren is rising in the polls and Sanders is staying flat or sinking. The policy voters want to hear about policy, and Warren is delivering that in more detail, which appeals to policy wonks.

Warren is also more likable in her public appearances. She smiles sometimes, and even laughs occasionally. Sanders is still waggling his index finger at the audience and scowling a lot of the time. All policy things being equal, the friendly face will attract more supporters.

[Vegas Roller]

10. K&R n/t