35 year old single white man, no kids, Syracuse, college educated Tufts. Raised middle class, but living a working class life voluntarily. Since every voting district I've ever lived in is dominated by Democrats, I usually vote Green. Which means I've voted for Jill Stein over Mitt Romney in two elections. Not many people can say that. However, on certain occasions, in particular races, I've voted for a Republican. I voted for a Republican named Wilson for state comptroller because the Democrat was just a lifer politician and the Republican was a reasonable sounding guy from Wall Street. Wilson came close in that election, but DiNapoli turned out to be a serviceable comptroller (so far, you never know til they're gone). I also have a dilemma when it comes to county legislature. Its dominated by suburban and rural Republicans and I live in the one city swing district. Even though he's a long shot, I kind of want the Republican to win because he would be the only city voice in the overwhelming majority caucus.
Enough about me.
I think Hillary is the obvious nominee, she has the connections in the party, a term in the Senate, and four years as Secretary of State and goodwill from the 90s to make her easily the best positioned to win this race. I think the 90s thing is underplayed. I'm 35, my generation is just starting to come into power. If only for the nostalgia of youth, the 90s and Bill Clinton resonate. And it really helps that the 90s were a time of triumph, success, and optimism. At least that's the way I remember it, we won the Cold War, the economy was humming along, and technology was making our lives better. That plays well.
I think Bernie is the left wing outsider insurgent. He channels my beliefs the most. He gives the pinpoint critique that the conventional candidates don't ever give. He's the kind of candidate I vote for in every election (and I'll be voting for him in this primary). He's also a grumpy old Brooklynite transplant from Vermont who sounds like your disagreeable but in the right uncle. Not sure how that wears over the next year plus.
I don't think Bernie started his run because he thought he was going to win. He will try to win, I'm not doubting that. But I firmly believe he is running to make a point, to push a message. I want that message to find itself in the Democratic platform.
I'll be more ready to jump into the Sanders bandwagon if his campaign shows success. But I'm certainly not down on Hillary. I may vote for the Green Party every chance I get, but I'm not delusional. We need a Democrat in the White House.