The Stream

The Bernie Sanders phenomenon

Young Democrats in the US #FeeltheBern. But is it enough to win the party’s presidential nomination?

On Monday, February 15 at 19:30 GMT:

Bernie Sanders is the oldest candidate in the 2016 race for US president. If he makes it all the way to the White House, he’d be the oldest president in the history of the United States. The 74-year-old is the longest serving Independent in the US Congress. Sanders had never registered as a Democrat, and Hilary Clinton was considered by many as the favourite to win. So when he announced his run for the Democratic nomination, many pundits and pollsters thought he stood no chance.

Yet, the self-described “Democratic socialist” senator from Vermont has been attracting some of the biggest campaign crowds of any candidate. He’s inspired countless hashtags and memes. He’s raising a lot of money for his campaign, mostly through small online donations. On social media people engage with Sanders’ posts more than any other candidate. Some are even getting Bernie tattoos. 

He continues to surge in the polls and is winning the support of young Democrats along the way. He recently won the New Hampshire primary with the support of 83 percent of voters ages 18-29.

Sanders’ campaign is focusing on income and wealth inequality, free college tuition, racial justice, getting big money out of politics, a single-payer health care system, a $15 minimum wage and guaranteed sick time and medical leave for workers.

Bernie Sanders’ bold ideas has generated enough support for him that he is no longer considered a long shot for winning the Democratic nomination. But is the popularity and support of young people enough to put him on the ticket?

Joining this conversation:

Michael Moschella @MikeMoschella
Political Strategist
www.organizing.center

Shaidah Ehehosi @noshaidah
Bernie Sanders Supporter

Daye Pope @daye_pope
Hillary Clinton Supporter

Syreeta McFadden @reetamac
Opinion Writer, The Guardian US

What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.