This lively interview was at The Barley House in Concord. Senator Bernie Sanders had an interesting discussion with a panel comprised of the host, Chris Ryan; Dean Spiliotes, Professor of Political Science at Southern New Hampshire University; and Andrew Hosmer, a Democrat New Hampshire Senator from Laconia. Sanders was very candid about how he has exceeded in his own expectations, what are the next steps for his campaign, and how America will be transformed by his presidency.
Senator Sanders admits that he couldn’t have predicted four months ago, when he officially entered the race, that he would be doing so well in the polls or that he would have overflow crowds of 28,000 at an arena in Portland, Oregon. The Vermont senator credits his success to the American people responding to his message. He believes that the American people have realized that there is something wrong if the middle class is disappearing; they question how technology can increase and productivity can go up, but they are working longer hours for less pay; and how can .1% of the country have 90% of the nation’s wealth. The people have responded to Senator Sanders’ plans to end a government that represents the billionaire class rather than the middle class. Sanders also hopes to put Americans back to work with programs to rebuild our infrastructure. Senator Sanders has also supported raising the minimum wage, getting equal pay for women, and dealing effectively with climate change. In addition, Senator Sanders has called for free tuition to state universities and colleges, overturning the Citizens United Ruling to limit contributors like the Koch Brothers, and he will force the rich and wealthy corporations to pay their fair share in taxes.
The biggest problem facing the Sanders campaign is one that many candidates would envy. Large, enthusiastic crowds have been coming to the campaign events. However, at present, the Sanders Team lacks the political infrastructure to ensure these people who come to the events to definitely turn out to vote for Bernie Sanders or to convert others into Sanders supporters. Despite his good poll numbers in Iowa and New Hampshire, there is the threat that it will be cancelled out by the better organized Clinton machine.
When he was asked how he would work with a Congress possibly controlled by the Republicans, President Sanders would not make the same mistake as his friend, Barack Obama. He would not try to deal with Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell or the Speaker of the House, John Boehner. Bernie Sanders would use a transformed American electorate to put pressure on the Republicans to support the Sanders agenda. He foresees millions of Americans who will become so involved in politics that “they will give the Republicans an offer they can’t refuse.”
In Senator Sanders view, the legacy of his presidency would be a more vibrant democracy which would be marked by more people being involved in politics and a much higher voter turnout. Americans would view healthcare as a right, not a privilege. We would have an improved education system, and we would have fewer people in jail. Currently, we have more people incarcerated than even the Peoples’ Republic of China.
In conclusion, the panel was impressed by the authenticity of Bernie Sanders in his beliefs and this 74 year olds boundless energy and enthusiasm. The question which remains to be answered is can this grassroots movement turn into an organization that can get out the votes.
