It has only been a few days since Bernie Sanders tossed his hat in the ring for the Democratic Party's nomination for president in 2016, and now the two candidates have agreed to six debates during the primary season.I think some on the left thought Hillary Clinton would refuse to debate since she is so far ahead, or that she might be afraid to debate a progressive like Bernie Sanders. Her quick agreement to the six debates shows that neither of those things is true. DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz says this about those debates:
“Our debate schedule will not only give Democratic voters multiple opportunities to size up the candidates for the nomination side-by-side, but will give all Americans a chance to see a unified Democratic vision of economic opportunity and progress — no matter whom our nominee may be.”
I think she is right. The Democrats have two good candidates now -- and I think many on the left will be surprised at just how progressive Hillary Clinton really is. I'm sure there will be some differences, and it will be interesting to see the debates between the two. But I expect those differences to be minor, because I believe the paramount objective of both is to help all Americans share in the vast wealth of this country. And they will both present a stark contrast to the Republicans (who can only think of how to funnel more money to the rich and the corporations -- not matter how badly that hurts most people).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meanwhile, a new survey has been released by CBS News / New York Times Poll -- done between April 30th and May 3rd. They asked Democrats who they could bring themselves to vote for, and who they could not vote for. The results (in the chart below) show just how far behind Bernie Sanders is starting out. He's got a long way to go just to be a credible opponent to Hillary Clinton.
Humor me for a minute... What if these debates, and Bernie's presence in the race in general, generates so much buzz that they ed up on a ticket together? Wouldn't that be something to see, and vote for?
ReplyDeleteOne thing for certain, if they won, no right-winger anywhere would dare try to assassinate her with Bernie in the wings. ;)
I would love to see it, but there's no way it could happen. Bernie has openly claimed to be a socialist for many years, and that word still scares the hell out of too many misinformed Americans. Clinton won't choose him because she doesn't need that kind of "baggage" accompanying her VP choice.
Delete