Two stories today have placed focus on Bernie Sanders adoption of the label "democratic socialist." I think this is not smart by the Sanders campaign - an unnecessary distraction.
First, I think Sanders made a mistake in answering Chuck Todd's queries on the subject:
CHUCK TODD: [...] the other day I noticed you said, "You know what? Don't use the word 'Socialist.' I'm going to say I'm a progressive." Are you pushing back on that idea? Or are you embrace "I'm a European Socialist."
BERNIE SANDERS: No, no not at all, it's not a question of-- look. When one of your Republican colleagues gets on the show, do you say, "Are you a capitalist?" Have you ever referred to them as capitalists?
CHUCK TODD: Yeah. Are you a capitalist?
BERNIE SANDERS: No. I'm a Democratic Socialist. But what I mean is I've been elected as an Independent throughout my political career. I am running now in the Democratic nomination process and will support-- I hope to win, I expect to win, but--
I think Bernie's has to deal with this as an empty label. And, to be frank, I think it is in Bernie's case. What is a "democratic socialist?" My understanding is it is a person who believes in a democracy with government ownership of the means of production. To my knowledge Bernie does not believe in government ownership of the means of production. In other words, Bernie's not a socialist Not as I understand the term. Nor as the American People understand the term.
What matters are the issues There is not a single "socialist" policy that Bernie actually supports or is proposing. So why let the label overwhelm the issues?
The second story involves Sanders' "I was first" line of attack which may be effective is used properly. But his spokesman, Michael Briggs, stuck his foot in it in this story:
“What’s next? Will she call herself a democratic socialist?” said Sanders spokesperson Michael Briggs in an email.
One thing is for sure - Clinton will not being calling herself a socialist anytime soon. And Sanders should stop talking about it. The reality is he's not a socialist and the label is at best a distraction.
Also, the obvious Clinton retort to this would be:
"No I'm not a Socialist. Is Bernie a Democrat?"
Cuz, I don't think he is officially one yet.