Bernie Sanders 2020: Pros, Prospects, Problems

In this video, I look at the possibility of Bernie Sanders seeking the Democratic nomination again in 2020. I forgot to discuss two major factors, one of which is one of Bernie's great strengths and the other of which is one of his major failings. The thing that impedes Bernie is that like Elizabeth Warren, his political instincts are imperfect and he tends to be too unwilling to fire back against smears and misinformation from his political opponents. At this point, Bernie will be running against people who are so unethical that they are promoting a renewed red scare, so his unwillingness to slug his enemies could be a fatal flaw. Bernie's major strength (and one of the biggest weaknesses of the current Democratic Party) is his ability to message in a way which makes people care about what he's saying. While most of the Neoliberal leaders in the party will never be willing to make peace with Bernie, a few of them might be willing to back him since he is the only contender who has a proven ability to message in a way which has a broad appeal.

[jaydentownsend]

I felt the burn all the way from Australia.

[janinetrue]

Excellent analysis. Very thorough. But I think you are missing an X factor for Bernie. He is not just a progressive with name recognition, he is Beloved.

[uyenhuynh]

Why would you vote for Gillibrand if she is such an opportunist?

[janinetrue]

Also, you didn't mention the negative feeling that would undoubtedly affect some progressives if any other progressive were to challenge Bernie. Isn't it possible they will consolidate behind the scenes and let Bernie carry the progressive mantle through the Primaries unchallenged?

[janinetrue]

And one more weakness for Bernie: he is not particularly good at debating.