He’s been compared to Jesus, a Disney princess and frazzled grandpas everywhere. He’s made appearances on Fox News and Saturday Night Live, and released a folk album in 1987, “We Shall Overcome.”
He is United States Senator and Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders.
On March 25, a small finch landed on Bernie Sanders’ podium during a campaign rally in Portland, Ore. The bird perched on the politician’s sign, which read “A Future to Believe In,” and the audience erupted in joyous applause.
It was endearing, but also kind of refreshing from the usual political antics seen along presidential campaign trails – especially during this election season.
The Internet responded quickly. “BirdieSanders” and “FeelTheBird” hashtags were trending within the hour, and Disney-related memes started to surface. The interaction even compelled the Sanders campaign webstore to add limited edition stickers that featured a blue bird with glasses and disheveled white hair.
Honestly, I don’t think the Vermont senator had some profound, existential relationship with the bird. I don’t really believe in miracles, either. And as much as I’d appreciate a man who has enough charisma to incite a political revolution and summon adorable animals, it’s just not practical.
But I am an optimist and I do think think Senator Sanders made a good point with his impromptu comment, “I think there may be some symbolism here.” Think about it.
Bernie Sanders runs a strong, but good-natured campaign. He speaks of unification and world peace at rallies so calm, birds feel welcome to join.
His campaign has brought a new hope and sense of direction for the American people.
I feel hopeful after listening to Sanders speak. And who does he criticize? The powerful people involved in the relentless preservation of a corrupt system. He talks about the campaign finance system, Wall Street executives, corporate welfare and the greedy industries that pollute our environment and economy.
He doesn’t single out cultural and religious groups or pander to the prejudice. Sanders doesn’t insult the people he hopes to one day represent. He’s the people’s politician.
So… why are all the people not on board?
I think it’s worth clarifying that being a “single-issue” candidate isn’t a bad thing. Sanders has been fighting the good fights for decades – from poverty alleviation, to prison reform, to environmental conservation. “Single-issue candidate” should be a compliment.
Besides, it’s so much more than “free college tuition” and “universal healthcare.” Those are big, arguably intimidating phrases that people, sometimes including Sanders himself, throw around with little explanation.
Most of his supporters recognize that these are oversimplified, watered down objectives of a much larger goal. Most of us understand that big initiatives require extensive legislation. We’re not dumb, we know these things take time.
But they’re not unfeasible ideas.
This is not a pipe dream. We know that it is achievable – just look at northern Europe.
However, people view Sanders’ platform as impossible, or at least unrealistic. Voters across the political spectrum find him to be too hopeful and idealistic and think that maybe, if he became president, nothing would actually get done.
How corrupt does the system have to be for the people to be suspicious and doubtful of a person who is too optimistic? Frankly, I hear this and wonder how lucky we are to have someone – a politician, at that – with empathy and high standards for the country he represents.
Why does America, the only country in the developed world, have a crippling social justice system? Why does America, the richest nation on the planet, struggle to feed millions of children every day?
These are questions everyone asks: old and young, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican.
The Sanders campaign is about improvement, accountability and most of all, compassion. In one way or another, these are universal goals.
If more people could grasp the practicality of Sanders’ vision and just have some hope, then I think he could be our new president.
“I’d vote for him, but he doesn’t stand a chance.”
Well, then give him a chance. Don’t settle. Start a local movement. Volunteer. Donate. Phone bank. Buy a sticker.
If everyone with doubts actually goes out and gives him a chance, then maybe we’ll see Bernie, Birdie, Sanderella – whatever you want to call him – in the White House next January.
