Overheard in my doctor’s waiting room. “60 percent of them have their hand out,” whispered a silver haired man to his companion. “That leaves 40 percent of us to pay for them.” Perspective from a declared Donald Trump supporter.
Trump’s defiant stance is driving some voters’ enthusiasm, but a different kind of sentiment –an appeal to economic morality— seems to be fueling his political polar opposite, Vermont’s Bernie Sanders. Even Bernie Sanders himself is surprised that his presidential ambition— once described as a quixotic quest— has turned into a serious campaign. On NBC’s Meet the Press Sanders said excitement is at the heart of his growing support, “The Republicans did not win last November. He said, “The Democrats lost because a lot of their supporters are demoralized.”
Not anymore. Newly energized Democrats, and other Sanders supporters see in him a truth teller, authentic, and perhaps more importantly, someone not afraid to speak his truth—and raise his issues—regardless of venue. He could have easily avoided a recent visit to Christian Liberty University. But, like a political Daniel, he took his income inequality, pro- choice stump speech into the ideological lion’s den. He framed his remarks with scripture, but admitted to the evangelical audience—“I’m not an expert on the Bible.” He said that when talking about morality, it should apply to “all of God’s children –the poor, the wretched.” The students rewarded his forthrightness and sincerity with respectful applause. Not bad for a self described socialist, and capital L liberal.
And he continues to draw crowds far from his natural political base. Two thousand showed up for a rally in Virginia. One attendee—a silent protestor holding a Black Lives Matter sign. Sanders, who has been criticized for his lack of policy on current racial issues, made a point to address institutional racism, and the need for racial justice. He was also careful to point out he believes, “The majority of police officers in this country are honest.” You may not like his answer, but you got to respect someone who will answer the tough questions.
But, the 2016 presidential campaign is still young. There is plenty of time left for a reversal of fortune for the current frontrunners, and the lowest ranked candidates may yet rise.
All that means is Bernie Sanders favored status could disappear as soon as voters have to make a commitment at the polls. He may not turn out to be the man for the ages, but he is the man of the moment. I hope he makes the most of it —there’s no better political legacy than inspiring a citizenry to be active and engaged.
