Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, a democratic Socialist, not Communist in any fashion, is now receiving Secret Service protection, due to his rise in the polls; his basic tie with Hillary Clinton in the Iowa Caucuses; and his large crowds, second only to Donald Trump.
This has been long needed to do, as Sanders has already been labeled a Communist, a Marxist, a believer in social revolution; and is a major critic of Wall Street, who says what he thinks.
Donald Trump and Ted Cruz and others are starting the character assassination and smearing of a good man, who is no threat to America, but only to those who have no problem with the top one percent having total control of the American economy, as the middle class shrinks, and the “American Dream” is lost for future generations.
It is right wing hysteria, mixed in with Christian extremism, and anti Semitism and racism, that threatens Sanders, who would be the first Jewish Presidential nominee. were he to defeat Hillary Clinton for the Democratic Party nomination.
Let us hope that whatever happens to the Sanders candidacy, that Bernie comes out of it hale and hearty, with a continued good public image, whether one supports him or not for the White House!
Professor,
It has been both surreal and totally annoying these last few days living in NH during the primary season. The annoying part is constantly getting calls for polls or solicitations from the candidates supporters.
The surreal part is that in the space of five days, within a 5-6 miles radius, just by driving to and fro, I have experienced the following.
While I am a political junkie, I have no desire to go to so-called town halls, which are little more than canned speeches by the candidates.
Yet, since Saturday by running chores and driving to and from work:
Saturday, on the way to the town dump, had to yield to John Kasich’ bus pulling out of the local American Legion hall.
Nothing on Monday or Tuesday, but yesterday, driving to work, Hilary Clinton’s motorcade was pulling into the local community college for a rally (less than 12 hours after the Iowa caucus was over). That night on the way home, was caught in traffic for the appearance of The Donald in my hometown of Milford.
Tonight on the way home, had to stop for a red traffic light. Coming from the right at the light was Ted Cruz’ campaign bus, followed by a caravan of vehicles. Apparently, Ted made a stop at the local diner.
It just goes to prove that old adage can be true, even if you aren’t trying. The apocryphal story of a national reporter, sticking a microphone into the face of the local man on the street and asking him who he was going to vote for. “I don’t know, yet. I haven’t met all the candidates”. LOL!
Paul, it is SO GOOD to hear from you after a long absence, and I hope you will visit more and comment in the future, subject to your time constraints, of course.
But delighted to have your input!
Hillary and Bernie are sparring over the progressive label.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/clinton-sanders-spar-over-progressive-label/2016/02/03/1e7fde62-ca8d-11e5-ae11-57b6aeab993f_story.html
I’m totally against pitting progressives against moderates. Considering how important this election is, Democrats need to be united, not divided.
Pragmatic Progressive, totally in agreement!
@Pragmatic – In contrast to the other side, well, at least it’s a debate on philosophy, the issues that matter, etc.
Currently watching the debate. Her strength is foreign policy. His is economics. Too bad they can’t run together as co-presidents.
Southern Liberal, I had exactly the same thoughts! LOL
In my opinion, they are both progressive, although with different skillsets, emphases and degrees of how progressive they are.