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In reply to the discussion: Surprise For NYT: BERNIE IS ELECTABLE! [View all]RufusTFirefly
(8,812 posts)9. Every post we spend defending his electability is one we lose for conveying his policies
Don't let them keep framing the debate.
What Bernie believes
Income and wealth inequality: In the United States today we have the most unequal wealth and income distribution of any major country on earth -- worse than at any time since the 1920s. This is an economy that must be changed in fundamental ways.
Jobs and income: In my view, we need a massive federal jobs program which puts millions of our people back to work. We must end our disastrous trade policies. We need to raise the minimum wage to a living wage. And we have to fight for pay equity for women.
Campaign finance reform: As a result of the Citizens United Supreme Court decision, American democracy is being undermined by the ability of the Koch brothers and other billionaire families. These wealthy contributors can literally buy politicians and elections by spending hundreds of millions of dollars in support of the candidates of their choice. We need to overturn Citizens United and move toward public funding of elections so that all candidates can run for office without being beholden to the wealthy and powerful.
Climate change: Climate change is real, caused by human activity and already devastating our nation and planet. The United States must lead the world in combating climate change and transforming our energy system away from fossil fuels and toward energy efficiency and sustainability.
College affordability: Every person in this country who has the desire and ability should be able to get all the education they need regardless of the income of their family. This is not a radical idea. In Germany, Scandinavia and many other countries, higher education is either free or very inexpensive. We must do the same.
Health care: Shamefully, the United States remains the only major country on earth that does not guarantee health care to all people. The United States must move toward a Medicare-for-all single-payer system. Health care is a right, not a privilege.
Poverty: The United States has more people living in poverty than at almost any time in the modern history of our country. I believe that in a democratic, civilized society none of our people should be hungry or living in desperation. We need to expand Social Security, not cut it. We need to increase funding for nutrition programs, not cut them.
Tax reform: We need real tax reform which makes the rich and profitable corporations begin to pay their fair share of taxes. We need a tax system which is fair and progressive. Children should not go hungry in this country while profitable corporations and the wealthy avoid their tax responsibilities by stashing their money in the Cayman Islands.
Income and wealth inequality: In the United States today we have the most unequal wealth and income distribution of any major country on earth -- worse than at any time since the 1920s. This is an economy that must be changed in fundamental ways.
Jobs and income: In my view, we need a massive federal jobs program which puts millions of our people back to work. We must end our disastrous trade policies. We need to raise the minimum wage to a living wage. And we have to fight for pay equity for women.
Campaign finance reform: As a result of the Citizens United Supreme Court decision, American democracy is being undermined by the ability of the Koch brothers and other billionaire families. These wealthy contributors can literally buy politicians and elections by spending hundreds of millions of dollars in support of the candidates of their choice. We need to overturn Citizens United and move toward public funding of elections so that all candidates can run for office without being beholden to the wealthy and powerful.
Climate change: Climate change is real, caused by human activity and already devastating our nation and planet. The United States must lead the world in combating climate change and transforming our energy system away from fossil fuels and toward energy efficiency and sustainability.
College affordability: Every person in this country who has the desire and ability should be able to get all the education they need regardless of the income of their family. This is not a radical idea. In Germany, Scandinavia and many other countries, higher education is either free or very inexpensive. We must do the same.
Health care: Shamefully, the United States remains the only major country on earth that does not guarantee health care to all people. The United States must move toward a Medicare-for-all single-payer system. Health care is a right, not a privilege.
Poverty: The United States has more people living in poverty than at almost any time in the modern history of our country. I believe that in a democratic, civilized society none of our people should be hungry or living in desperation. We need to expand Social Security, not cut it. We need to increase funding for nutrition programs, not cut them.
Tax reform: We need real tax reform which makes the rich and profitable corporations begin to pay their fair share of taxes. We need a tax system which is fair and progressive. Children should not go hungry in this country while profitable corporations and the wealthy avoid their tax responsibilities by stashing their money in the Cayman Islands.
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I Will No Longer Settle For The Lesser Of Two Corporate Evils - Go Bernie Go
cantbeserious
Jun 2015
#2
Yes, faster than I had thought..it has been such a short amount of time since his announcement. n/t
Jefferson23
Jun 2015
#90
Every post we spend defending his electability is one we lose for conveying his policies
RufusTFirefly
Jun 2015
#9
Do you agree that it needs to be changed in fundamental ways? Does your candidate?
rhett o rick
Jun 2015
#79
A fundamental change is when a presidential candidate tells the truth to the Ameican people.
Ron Green
Jun 2015
#99
Light is dawning on those who doubted that Bernie could win this election. Little by little, people
sabrina 1
Jun 2015
#11
His numbers are up. Should he gain several more points, the wildfire is on. nt
Eleanors38
Jun 2015
#44
I'm with you. Bernie, the true populist in the race, is catchin fire for good reason. He's exactly what this country needs for President - corporatists need not apply.
InAbLuEsTaTe
Jun 2015
#154
I assume his campaign is doing that. We need to donate what we can, sign up to volunteer
merrily
Jun 2015
#25
My sister's father in law died from ALS. Kudos to you for all you did for her.
merrily
Jun 2015
#114
I think of who is pressing this idea that he needs to spend billions to be elected. I think of who
Ed Suspicious
Jun 2015
#55
Good point. Cui bono? is always a good question to ask in and around US politics.
merrily
Jun 2015
#98
In truth, the main issue in 1992 was that no one thought Bush would go down...
ConservativeDemocrat
Jun 2015
#135
+1. I should hope that Bernie "won't be able to do anything more than Obama has been"
Populist_Prole
Jun 2015
#54
I've noticed that if you have to go around telling people you're something... you may not be.
Erich Bloodaxe BSN
Jun 2015
#151
ConservativeDemocrat insists liberal candidate is unelectable - stop the presses!
Scootaloo
Jun 2015
#88
I always insisted that the liberals Barack Obama and Hillary are electable
ConservativeDemocrat
Jun 2015
#113
Settling for your second pick this time around? Good for you. Must have been a hard decision.
L0oniX
Jun 2015
#156
What is so weird is that a few months ago I was hoping that a young person
LiberalArkie
Jun 2015
#19
And I love that hes older. it says to me he has no interest in climbing the politicsl ladder for ow
Ed Suspicious
Jun 2015
#47
My family in FLA, Chicago, Detroit, CA, NJ, AZ, are all voting for Bernie!!!!
TheNutcracker
Jun 2015
#37
He has many great ideas on a wide range of topics and policies. He is a leader and
Maineman
Jun 2015
#69
I'm guessing Oil/Water or Water/Oil would make for a more compatible ticket. n/t
RufusTFirefly
Jun 2015
#121