The doubt of a 'Bernie Bro': A Sanders supporter questions whether his tactics help or hurt

[RandySF]

ATHENS, Ga. — Just after waking up, Zach McDowell powered on his tablet and searched through Reddit. He picked up his cellphone and checked Twitter. Scanning through the rants of strangers praising and maligning his preferred presidential candidate, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), he asked himself a question: To tweet or not to tweet?

The question itself was new for McDowell, whose tweets defending Sanders used to be impulsive and unthinking. But as Sanders picked up momentum in the Democratic primaries, his critics continued to harp on the aggressive, online swarm of predominantly white male supporters that had rallied around the democratic socialist from Vermont. They called them the “Bernie Bros.”

“I prefer the term Bernard Brother,” McDowell said, because it seemed more respectable. As a white, mustachioed 23-year-old just out of college and working a $15-an-hour tutoring job, he fit the description. He acted the part too, occasionally joining in online pile-ons.

Now, McDowell was questioning his rules of online engagement. What if, for once, the pundits were right? The wrong tweet might feed into the stereotype and alienate potential supporters. Meanwhile, moderate Democrats were coalescing around former vice president Joe Biden, who was campaigning on restoring a sense of American civility.




https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/the-doubt-of-a-bernie-bro-a-hard-charging-sanders-supporter-questions-whether-his-tactics-help-or-hurt/2020/03/07/0e89cbea-57e6-11ea-8585-993ff9ec93f9_story.html

[dalton99a]

1. He learned by example

from headquarters

[HarlanPepper]

2. This part of Sanders' campaign wasn't covered much in 2016

This time around it is and has caused great harm to Bernie’s campaign. The behavior of many of his followers has been a detriment and the impact has shown up in the Election Day results.

[TwilightZone]

3. "I prefer the term Bernard Brother"

And people mocked Biden for saying "Bernie Brothers"....

[stopdiggin]

5. oh man! pure comedic gold!

"23 year old, mustachioed, recent college grad .."

I mean .. trying not to be mean, but .. I'm dyin' here ..!

[MineralMan]

4. If more of Bernie's supporters were that thoughful,

He might be doing better.

[comradebillyboy]

6. If Bernie was that thoughtful he might be doing better.

[Turin_C3PO]

8. In my anecdotal experience,

most Bernie supporters are not like the Bernie Bros. I’m friends with seven of them (in my circle I’m the only Biden supporter, we’re all pretty young) and they all intend to vote with enthusiasm for Biden if he gains the nomination. This includes two Stein voters who regret their vote and intend to rectify it this time around.

[NCProgressive]

7. It is a deathbed conversion

He would have remained as vile and disgusting if Sanders were winning.

Now that Bernie has nearly lost, in the shock, they are soul-searching. Too little, too late.

[Squinch]

9. Ignorant little twits who aren't going to vote in the General unless their candidate wins.

After having not voted in the general in 2016.

WHY would I care what they have to say?

[LisaM]

10. I appreciate anytime someione does soul searching

The guy is only 23 and he's already examining his behavior. I give huge props. I know 40-year olds who haven't attained that maturity.