Bernie Sanders 'Un-Demonizes' the Word 'Socialist' on 'Real Time'

Bernie Sanders. (photo: Marius Bugge/The Nation)

By Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone

17 October 15
readersupportednews.org

 

"We want to deal with the grotesque level of income and wealth inequality in America," Democratic hopeful says

ust days after the first Democratic presidential debate, Bernie Sanders visited Real Time With Bill Maher Friday, where the host, a Sanders supporter, hoped to "un-demonize" the word "socialist," a term that scares off 53-percent of voters.

"When they hear 'socialist,' they think 'herpes,' Bernie," Maher warned the Vermont senator. Sanders then explained what he means by socialism, and how that frightening word actually aligns with many of the things the American people – both Republican and Democratic voters – want.

"We want to deal with the grotesque level of income and wealth inequality in America, very few people think that it is expectable or moral that the top one-tenth of one percent owns almost as much wealth as the bottom 90 percent," Sanders said. "What we have got to do is remind fellow Americans that every other major country on Earth guarantees health care to all people as a right, and they do it more cost-effectively than we do. We have got to inform the American people that we are the only major country on Earth that doesn't guarantee paid family and medical leave."

Sanders and Maher then listed the government programs that are rooted in socialism: Social security, Medicare, Veterans Affairs and more. "We have to make the movement to correlate what we're talking about, because on every one of the major issues I am talking about, the American people agree," Sanders said.

"Do the American people agree that public colleges and universities should be tuition-free as they are in many other countries? Do the American people believe that the largest corporations and the wealthiest people – who today are doing phenomenally well while the middle class shrinks – do people believe they should asked to pay more in taxes? The American people say yes."

Sanders' message continues to resonate with potential voters, as the candidate was the most-Googled politician following the Democratic debate. "The last man your age to cause this kind of excitement, I gotta think, is Mick Jagger," Maher told Sanders.

Comments

+15 # CL38 2015-10-17 15:30

It would help for Bernie to keep educating viewers on what he means by 'socialism', other kinds of programs he would establish, as well as include written information on the costs of free education compared to how much he would raise with a tax on Wall Street.

Same with universal health care costs vs ALL costs we pay now for insurance industry healthcare.

Same with any other programs. Take the republican-gene rated fear out of Democratic socialism.

 

+3 # Karlus58 2015-10-18 09:48

Why folks don't understand that health insurance cartels are merely middle men taking from the system. They provide no input into the healthcare system other than profiteering.

+9 # Street Level 2015-10-17 22:50

I'm so glad that Bill is bringing this to light. We really need to take control of the word "Socialism" and clearly define it before the opposition makes it inseparable with something negative and feared.

+1 # Robbee 2015-10-18 10:29

democratic socialism equals popular government programs, well-explained! go bernie!

0 # Saberoff 2015-10-18 11:07

Except I do not think Bernie did un-demonize the word socialism.

Here we have Maher telling Bernie he "Wants to see him get the nomination" followed by "You always say that."

I'm feeling a bit like that, too. I suggest: The campaign assures us that it is about us, and not just about Bernie. If that's the case, why not consult us? Seek our concerns, ideas/thoughts. The people have proven to the campaign, too: we get it! We're on the same page, we're energetic, committed, see things from the field (forever now).

The campaign needs to spell out, write down and present to America (Every time Bernie speaks, henceforth) how his plans will be implemented and paid for. The campaign needs to do this right now. The People have heard and believe in the vision. Now, how do we get there?

And Debbie Washerwoman Schultz has guaranteed us: There is very little time to explain.

Bernie Sanders for President!

+1 # ericlipps 2015-10-18 11:23

Quote:

The campaign needs to spell out, write down and present to America (Every time Bernie speaks, henceforth) how his plans will be implemented and paid for. The campaign needs to do this right now. The People have heard and believe in the vision. Now, how do we get there?

Never mind implemented; how does it even get passed by Congress? A President Sanders couldn't do it all by decree, and the usual suspects in the House and the Senate would stand shoulder to shoulder against it.

0 # Saberoff 2015-10-18 11:54

What's the alternative? Just get him there.

If the People of the United States elect Bernie Sanders their president, truth be told! The people endorse his proposals. The mind is lighted.

And maybe, the "usual suspects" will not be seated (sooner, or later).

No one is saying this Kong-Sized-Amer ican-Sea-Change will be fast and/or easy.

Bernie for Beginning!