Tonight, in Madison, Wisconsin -- about 10,000 people, comprising the largest campaign event -- Republican or Democratic -- thus far, Felt. The. Bern.
And this one image, I think, says it all.
And just a bit of analysis to share: Tonight, Bernie did attack Scott Walker -- used a very effective "That's Extremism!" line a few times. But, later, he also -- with great humility -- reached out to working-class Republican voters in Wisconsin, asking them to please stop voting against their own self-interest. That sounds a bit arrogant, but the way Bernie delivered it was very earnest, very heartfelt. This all got me thinking.
Bernie transcends political parties. He is a true independent leader. Bernie can reach out to working-class Republicans -- he can authentically and convincingly cross party lines -- because Bernie is Bernie. And, with his record of honesty and consistency over 40 years in politics, he does not need to hide behind cheap tricks and party-aligned rhetoric. Yes, I'm stealing this from The West Wing, but we can "let Bernie be Bernie" and Bernie will win.
Bernie is that rare thing in politics: a true leader.
So, yes, this means that I believe -- more than ever after tonight's outstanding speech -- Bernie can win the nomination and he can win the presidency.
I truly felt the Bern tonight, and I think lots of other folks did, too.
Wed Jul 01, 2015 at 7:30 PM PT: Delta Overdue commented that tonight his wife said Bernie "sounds like JFK" -- I, too, have thought this for a very long time.
Tonight, Bernie delivered a great progressive speech in Madison, Wisconsin -- on May 20, 1962, JFK gave an excellent progressive speech at Madison Square Garden.
You can watch the JFK speech in full here.
Wed Jul 01, 2015 at 9:05 PM PT: Thanks to "One bite at a time" for sharing this news of Republicans Feeling The Bern:
I know a lot of people who voted for Walker, at least once. Two are already on board with Sanders (they would never vote for HRC) and the 3rd is waiting to see who emerges as the Republican front runner. These are all working class manufacturers who are wandering the desert after Walker ended up costing them more. So, I know what you are saying about Bernie being able to appeal to a broader base. He speaks the truth and at the very least, these guys see that and find it refreshing.