. . . is, I believe, simply that he isn’t well-known nationally. As late as last month, a friend who is a lifelong Democrat asked me, “So who is this Bernie Sanders? Can you explain why you like him?”
Before this election cycle, I knew Bernie existed – the only Socialist in the Senate, how curious! – but that was the extent of my familiarity with him. And as you probably realize, most people are not as interested in the political process as I am, so they knew even less.
I’m convinced that if voters had been aware of Bernie for longer, we’d see very different numbers now. The fellow clearly defeats all of the candidates combined and multiplied by eleven thousand in terms of character and integrity. And that’s an enormous advantage.
Clarissa's Blog 
I think it also matters that he doesn’t have a record as a Democrat; he hasn’t worked for other candidates, supported them in races, and so forth. So he has less appeal to lifelong Democrats than someone who’s worked with other Dems a long time. Newer voters may not care, some Dems may not care, but the people who are lifelong Dems might care.
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Umm, I dunno. Bernie is presenting a bunch of ideas that might be mainstream or nearly so in Europe, but are quite radical in the U.S. I personally believe that Bernie’s platform is sensible, doable, and overdue. But it is the perception of the masses that matters.
“Political revolution,” and “socialism” are scary words to many Americans. Free tuition at public colleges and seriously confronting the power of big money — most Americans are just beginning to think about such concepts. Universal healthcare has been knocking around for decades in the U.S., but still seems foreign to many Americans. My point is, it takes time, usually years, for radical political ideas to gain wide acceptance.
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The ideas might be very scary to many people but Bernie’s passion is proving very convincing to millions. It’s truly fantastic that he entered the race and derailed what was going to be a very boring narrative from the Democrats.
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Hey this is wierd but i kept getting something say your site was a “phishing scam” / malware or such.
I reported gladly that it was NOT! but if your traffic was down or anything wanted to make you aware of it. Perhaps it was the putinoid bots you talk about? I really don’t believe in conspiracy but someone i think was falsely flagging your site as dangerous. Not sure how to resolve from your side but wanted to let you know.
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Thank you! I contacted the WordPress customer support and it seems like some trolls are trolling. We are trying to resolve the issue.
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You are welcome 🙂 Despite our frequent disagreements i enjoy your site and your opinions and some good intellectual jousting back and fourth 🙂
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I think that having character and integrity are an enormous DISadvantage in America these days. At least, that’s what I’m finding in my role as chair. Not the same as presidential politics, of course, but when you’re not someone who is a palm greaser and don’t believe in participating in the corruption, then you aren’t going to be looked upon favorably by those who will do anything to get what they want.
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From what I read, Bernie didn’t think he had a chance of winning back in 2015, and so he didn’t do any of the foundation work needed for a serious campaign. In that view, it’s amazing that he has done as well as he has, and if he had started when Hillary did, he might be winning now.
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Absolutely. This is an enormous achievement and I hope he doesn’t quit before the convention. I’m frustrated with the people who are saying he should quit. Thousands gather for each of his rallies. Why should he quit?
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