Bernie 2020 - What Went Wrong - Part 1 | QT Politics

Why Bernie Sanders lost to Joe Biden in the 2020 Democratic Primary Race

Going into the 2020 Democratic Primary Race, Bernie Sanders seemed to be an almost unstoppable candidate. The Vermont Senator had come in a close 2nd in 2016, and since that time, his supporters remained active and dedicated to making sure, four years later, he would not falter.

Amongst a crowded field of competitors, Sanders was a clear standout. His fundraising raised an astounding 180 million dollars, by far more than anyone else, and he had by far more donors than anyone else. He also did it without super pacs, or bundlers, or campaign cash from billionaires.

Bernie continued to demonstrate incredible energy, with frequent rallies before crowd sizes that dwarfed those of his 2020 rivals. He kept a powerful grip on the youth vote, and expanded his appeal in areas where he did not do as well in 2016. This time around, he was a top choice amongst Black voters, and the favourite of Latinos.

Bernie scored incredible early victories, winning the popular vote in Iowa, New Hampshire, and Nevada. His only clear loss in the first four states was South Carolina, a state that was a clear lock for Joe Biden throughout the entire election.

Though Biden was the front-runner since even before he declared his candidacy, his status as front-runner was seen almost universally as incredibly vulnerable. After losing in the first three contests, his poll numbers fell dramatically, as Sanders took the lead.

With the moderate wing of the party fractured—their votes split amongst four possible candidates—the left had just two big choices—and Sanders was the clearly more popular option, at one point leading in the polls in nearly every Super Tuesday state.

Had Sanders swept Super Tuesday, he would most certainly have solidified himself as the inevitable Democratic nominee for the 2020 election. For the first time since the rise of the New Democratic caucus in the early 1990s, a strong progressive would have a serious shot at becoming the President of the United States—one with the potential to be as transformative to the American government as FDR.

Heading into Super Tuesday, while Biden appeared to be gaining in the polls, Sanders still held the lead in most of the critical states. The left was ready to turn the page, and write a new chapter in the history of the Democratic Party. All Bernie needed to do was win. With the most donors, the biggest crowds, the best campaign experience...

How could he lose?

#2020election
#politics
#qtpolitics

Question Time features video essays about politics, history and culture, with a particular focus on the United States of America. Topics are inspired by events and trends in news and current affairs, and attempt to provide context for a robust discussion in the comments section. All opinions presented in videos are my own, but yours matter, too. Your thoughts are highly valued, even when you don't agree. At the heart of every vibrant democracy are ordinary people, engaged in debate over policy and values.

Sources:

[QTP]

(I decided to drop it a little earlier than promised, given the recent news that Bernie has officially dropped out of the race.)

[matanberg]

Video Suggestion: John Delaney- what went right!

[vidyagopal]

I think Bernie camp's worst mistake was ultimately getting too comfortable. Bernie was ahead in the polls in a crowded field for a couple months, and the Bernie camp were completely caught off guard by the moderates consolidating. Bernie should have done more to build on that lead that he had coming out of Iowa and New Hampshire. He also should have done more to court endorsements in South Carolina.

[CNM]

I could've swore that John Delaney was going to be the nominee.

[sambarringer]

I wish he weren't as old so he could run again - evenf rom across the pond hes an inspiration. stay safe w/ covid

[thisisEHAM]

This is the equivalent of when you’re winning in Monopoly but then all the other players get mad and put their money and properties together just so you *don’t* win

[carter]

Bernie has changed the course of the Democratic Party forever. He has changed the country so much. I am thankful for him and I believe he will ultimately be the reason progressives can be successful in the future.

[explosivereactionstv]

This primary has pretty much radicalized my position

[fivestarman]

1) Moderates dropping out before Super Tuesday and endorsing Biden while Warren stayed in. It's a strategy that worked and it hurt Bernies momentum

2) Media coverage was far more friendly towards Biden and other moderates and that's always hard to overcome

3) He struggled with older voters and failed to get younger voters to turn out

4) He was too kind to Joe Biden. Refusing to call him corrupt. Saying he could beat Trump. His strategy post Super Tuesday just wasnt good enough

[christophergreene]

Buckling up for a video that will probably make me marginally more sad than I already was lol

[Cam-ssrb]

More should've been done for the Warren, Yang and Tulsi endorsements. Regardless of what you think of each of them, it's nothing short of a campaign relations disaster that he couldn't get any of them onside.

[Jaxon]

I love the way you end all your videos with bigger-picture questions about the future. It gives me chills every time.

[inkarnator]

The moderate's confidence comes from the establishment behind his back, the progressive's confidence comes from his ego. I'm not talking about Bernie though, as he manages to be confident due to his utter believe in his morals.

[DGAMINGDE]

My reasons why Bernie lost (Before I watch the video):
1. Calling himself Socialist instead of Social Democrat.
2. Not attacking Biden and some other candidates enough (Not beeing dirty enough).
3. Not changing the way he campaigned after it became a 2-way race with Biden.
4. (Although it's not his fault) Working closer with more progressive candidate like Tulsi, Andrew and Elizabeth (I know many people were disappointed by her but we had to do it for the greater cause)


However he's already changed the political discurse. His ideas are popular amongst young (and some older) voters. We will see if he will become the "Barry Goldwater of the Democratic Party".

[brandonbonett]

Let's ignore that Bernie is losing and focus more on how Delaney is winning in landslide margins

[nanigov]

Well, now I'm depressed, I already knew all of this, but having it summarized in such a short time certainly didn't help

[M-Soares]

2020 is already the worst year of my life... And it's still April. I just wanna cry

[davethe_]

8:24 the entire emoji part was gold, but this really broke me XD

[fffthegreat]

This is easily one of the best channels on this site. Excellent video!

[Wugar]

This must of been tough for you to make.