Bern, baby, bern. Bernie Sanders, a self-described “democratic socialist,” is lighting up a storm in the Democratic Party. By attracting strong support from the Millennial Generation and more liberal Democrats, Sanders has been able to gain serious momentum, and has started to threaten Hillary Clinton’s ‘front-runner’ status for the party.
Let’s take a look at the polls. As of right now, Sanders is polling about 15 points behind Clinton at a 25.4 average on the national scale. If we take a look at Iowa and New Hampshire, the first two states to hold a caucus or a primary, something interesting happens.
In Iowa, Sanders is only 6 points behind Clinton. In New Hampshire, Sanders is actually leading Clinton by 11 points. Iowa and New Hampshire are incredibly important states during the campaign season and a win in either could mean that Sanders gets the Democratic bid for president.
Sanders was born in Brooklyn, New York and attended the University of Chicago, where he was a member of the Young People’s Socialist League. On campus, he was known for organizing countless protests for civil rights. Sanders is the longest-serving independent in U.S. congressional history. Yes, you read that right, Sanders has been on the independent ticket for most of his political career. He served as the mayor of Burlington, Virginia as an independent before joining the House of Representatives in 1990 and then the Senate in 2006.
Bernie Sanders is Hillary Clinton’s main opponent for the Democratic nomination—assuming Joe Biden doesn’t enter the race (my money is on ‘no’). His unrehearsed, unscripted speeches can energize the crowd more than most. His extremely liberal policies connect with the younger voters and staunch liberals.
Here is a breakdown of some of Bernie’s positions on the major issues:
Abortion: Right to choose. Has consistently voted for policies that increase access to abortions and has voted against any measures to ban, limit or hinder the access.
Education: Commends other countries’ mostly free higher education systems. Wants to offer free community college and two tuition-free years at state colleges to prospective students. Anyone currently paying off student loans could refinance at a lower rate.
Marijuana: Legalize medical marijuana and recognizes the trend of recreational use. Wary of the War of Drugs, but does not believe the issue is pressing enough at the current time.
Immigration: Supports the DREAM Act and is opposed to most deportations. Offer paths to citizenship.
Climate Change: Wants to charge companies for carbon emissions. Sanders is one of the most vocal proponents of legislation to deter climate change. Spend money to expand renewable energy technology.
Federal Reserve: Divide large banks into smaller ones. Wants to use the Federal Reserve to encourage loaning more money to small businesses.
Gun Control: Ban all assault weapons. Sanders does not support a federal handgun waiting period. He wants to supply some protection for gun manufacturers.
Health care: Sanders voted for the Affordable Care Act/’Obamacare,’ but thinks we could go further. Seeks a single-payer, government-provided health care system.
Taxes: Raise taxes on the wealthy and cut taxes on the middle class. Double taxes on capital gains and dividends for the wealthiest 2 percent of Americans.
Iraq: Opposed the Iraq war and wants to withdrawal troops as soon as possible.
ISIS: The U.S. should not lead the fight. Focus more on domestic needs of middle class over international conflicts.
Iran: Supports the Iran Nuclear Deal and does not want to increase sanctions. He is also known for his criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Bernie is definitely making Hillary #FeelTheBern as his poll numbers continue to slowly match or even surpass her own. His position on the extreme left has garnered a lot of followers from those who don’t want another Clinton in the White House. A win in New Hampshire or Iowa could help propel Bernie Sanders to the front of the pack, but only time will tell.
