We tend to be cynical, but the kids don't, or not as much.

They apparently really hear him.

I really wanted to hear, in her words, why they hear him. It's really amazing. If he's got the kids behind him, anything is possible.

Cynical I was in my tweens, and how I could easily tell if someone was bullshitting me right away. I always believed that as I got older that I was more willing to give people the benefit of the doubt and more likely to take them at their word.

We were a bunch of punks rebelling against the establishment, but we weren't worried so much about finding jobs and going to school; it was easier for us and there was no war. My parents didn't have to worry about how they might survive either, it was post WWII.

Young people today don't really know what's going to happen to them and they know that the same old same old isn't working.

Bernie, as am I. No one has ever been as direct and honest as he is. For many of us who have been looking for a sincere person, Bernie's it.

sincerity and concern. And he's so approachable. You are so right how uncertain this generation has it, brave young souls. It worries me sick, esp. what we had and took for granted- free education, ample jobs, peace, economic security that is all vanishing.

The French have a name for the era which is so poignant, Les Trente Glorieuses, The Glorious Thirty (1945-1975) when France rebuilt and advanced post WWII due to the Marshall plan and other factors which French economist Thomas Piketty includes in his incredible new treatise, "Capitalism in the 21st Century".

The same era we had here only a bit longer with strong manufacturing, labor rights and job benefits, organized collective bargaining and labor unions. Bernie is the most genuine, intelligent and involved politician I've seen in decades, and we really need him now. So glad to hear that the young ones can see the strength and goodness in him. Take care!


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trente_Glorieuses

BRILLIANT Piketty book. And everything else, too.

this soon by the neoliberal monsters. Eg Larry Summers today, of all people fear mongering doom if the TPP isn't passed. Same old status quo. What it will take is a massive movement as Bernie says and then a tremendous effort to move this country and the world in a better direction. We've lost valuable resources and time, our nation is in a big ditch, a canyon and the last train is pulling out of the station. All aboard for the political revolution!

I emailed her after Sanders declared unofficially. So, that's quite a span.

My parents are excited about him too. They always vote Dem, but I've never heard them be so vocal about anyone before.

both this woman's parents were born in the Middle East. She was born in the US, but had been raised among Arab Americans to the extent that she could not speak English when she entered school. (At that time, the "solution" for a non-English-speaking student was to place her in the academically slower group. She was, however, valedictorian of her high school class.)

Sounds like you have a very insightful young lady on your hands

And thanks for the kind words about my daughter, I'm very proud of her. She and her peers deserve to be taken seriously.

My primary concern with the new/next generation of voters is how seriously THEY take their right to vote, because mine apparently didn't. If we had, Gore would have won in a landslide and both houses would be strongly Democratic.

I don't want to sound like the 56 year old that I am, but when I turned 18, I was thrilled to vote for the first time.

I am just hoping that the 30 and under crowd will completely understand how powerful they can be as a block, and act accordingly. I hope your daughter is the harbinger of good things to come. I have great faith in the American people, it's just that entirely too many of them are apathetic when it comes to voting.

Reminds me of this pic;

I think they are taking it seriously because they are so uncertain about their futures, probably more than any other generation in recent memory.

And when I graduated HS, it was not impossible to move to the Northeast, get a union card and make a decent wage that would provide for a comfortable living in a nice house with vacations and health care without having to attend one single semester of college.

It was also possible in those days to take up residence in California or a state with a similar system and go to a university, such as the University of California system for basically peanuts, compared to today. I had seriously considered it. I regret not doing so now.

The low-skilled, high paying industrial jobs are gone. They won't come back.

This guy....


Can not compete with this guy, and never will.



As long as the people in charge of things now, continue to be so.

It's not just wages on a downward slide.

great poster!!

from that age group too. And I'm all the way over here in northeast Oklahoma where many think that no one has heard of Bernie yet

He is not a come lately to any of the issues and as H'n'H said a while ago he is as solid of a compass as one will find. Why would you watch a weather vane?

Yes he's solid, and fearless. I love that about him too.

if one really cares about this country and not for some other reason unstated then why are they not for this man. He's solid as a rock

I'm a yellow dog democrat and I'll vote for our candidate. At this point in time I think I have who that candidate pegged. #feel the Bern

Most notably the prevailing attitude among most leftists I know, which is that they would have loved to support Sanders had he run as a third party candidate rather than as a Democratic candidate. Most believe (and with A LOT of evidence and history supporting them) that even should he beat the odds and win the presidency, he not only will have limited the debate to within the confines of the Democratic Party (aka no discussion of a change from capitalism), but he will have succeeded in pulling many people back into the Democratic Party, preventing them from radicalizing and forming an independent movement that would have a real chance of a genuine revolution against capitalism.

Whew. Long sentence.

Basically, they're saying that best case is that he's another FDR: a capitalist hero (he wasn't what people on this site think he is) who prevented a true social/political revolution, rather than the Sanders pseudo-political revolution that really isn't much other than a shift leftwards within the very narrow scope of US politics.

Anyways, putting that out there. This is something I intend to politely ask the Sanders group about.

I agree there might be legitimate reasons to not like Bernie but not necessarily for those reasons. I'm sure they're alway a few to be found with that attitude but Bernie is a solid democratic contender. It is him who makes that distinction
We don't have to change our democracy to something else to make it work for all of us, thats what Bernie wants to do, we just have to enact laws that makes it so. FDR came pretty close with his new deal. It can and will remain a democracy. We're capitalist now I agree but we don't have to stay that way, its through laws and erosion of freedoms that we are. Today we are a government owned by the rich corporations. Who BTW have us bent over and are doing a number on us. We can change that by a grassroots movement to do so. We have the numbers on our side don't forget. Way more of us than there are rich fucks, way more.

Thats my take

If I'm going to stay up and keep reading du I'm going to have to go get my stronger reading glasses and if I get that close to my bed all bets are off. Its bedtime for me.

I"m really not feeling well. My old body is telling me to do something and I'm not sure what its saying.

Socialist,' i.e., a 'Social Democrat'. According to their analyses, Social Democrats have sold out workers time after time, dating back to the parliamentary votes to authorize the escalation of World War I. We have agreed for now to disagree on this, as I think a Sanders presidency would herald a massive weakening of the power of capital, making its ultimate demise (our shared goal) all the easier.

Good post! Fascinating watching the various eddies and cross currents.

that the youth in Oklahoma know - these kids are into what is happening a lot more than we realize.

That they are supporting Bernie says a lot about our future. We can trust them to carry on.

I'm impressed with what I see mostly.

that's a very good sign.

likes him or says he does. He's a tough old bird though so he might be rolling me. In time I'll know by what he'll say about the clowncar occupants. he always lets it slip
I am totally surprised when I mention Bernie that the amount of people who will turn and look with some saying things like the old man or something about his hair but if they say anything they always seem to add they like what he's saying all while they're smiling so I think he's getting through the din some.

I ordered some Bernie bumper stickers the other day. can't wait to put them on my DemocraticUnderground '98 black ford f150 flareside. I had a DU'r pass me on 69 hiway several years ago as I was turning off and honk and wave as he passed me. I noticed he had a texas tag and was heading north and had a DU sticker on his back bumper. Remember the DU bumper stickers we used to get when we paid our dues? one of those.

I hope to see some Bernie bumper stickers in NW Arkansas the next time I'm in town

will they vote.

It's a ways away of course, and a lot can happen...but I've been through this election thing with older daughters and I've never seen such enthusiasm.

Come what may, Bernie will have greater influence and a bigger megaphone from now on. And that's a damn good thing for us.

believe in. Thank goodness for Thom Hartmann all these years I've been listening. I've been hearing Bernie's voice every Friday. It's great to see the nation finally hearing what I've known all this time.

I don't listen to Thom Hartmann, but I've paid attention to Bernie for awhile now. I love that - "his honesty and forthrightness is like water to a nation in the desert."

Bernie gets it. He faces things head on, gets to the point with a solution for the PEOPLE, and gets everyone on the same page. That resonates with the younger crowd.

Great report !!!

Honestly, I got goosebumps as I was listening to her. So awesome!

Would love to hear from her friends too.

Great daughter!

That is the key. I think quite a few of the Republicans and Independents are going to cross over to vote for him too.

We were talking the other night and isidewith.com really helped her to understand the candidates stances on different issues. My parents, my daughter, and I, 3 generations, will vote for Bernie in the primaries.

He's a big fan as are his friends of the same age.

It's very encouraging to my old cynical heart.

and on Facebook.

I hear the same thing from my granddaughter, she's 25. What makes me glad is I thought that would be a tough group for someone his age to appeal to.

I like Bernie Sanders, and I like what he says. But I thought he would have one major problem, and it would especially be a problem with young people. The thing is, when he sits down at a one-on-one interview he is calm, organized and explains his message very well. But I always worried that when he speaks from a podium to a large crowd, his enthusiasm sometimes gets the best of him and he comes off a bit like a cranky old man yelling at someone who kicked his dog. Don't get me wrong, that doesn't bother me personally because he's just a few years older than me.

I just worried that it would turn younger people off, and it's good to hear stories that prove me wrong.

I bet other candidates, especially Republicans, are terrified of debating him.

Run this by your daughter, if you can, and let me know what she says. When I told my granddaughter about the "cranky old man" thing, she said she knows what I mean, but his message outweighs that and he comes through very clear. I love this current young generation. They remind me of mine in the 60s a bit.

I think the kids like it. They've grown up in the era of anger, they relate to it.

Clarifying...

Bernie understands it, in that he does not do it.

to the primaries. It will also be key in the General, but we have to get through the primaries first.

His message is clear, no pandering. Not a weathervane.

You forgot about the donald!

investing in money-losing casinos.

He says he is real.You can tell he actually cares.
And he reminds him of his late grandpa.Direct and so smart.

Bernie reminds us of a favorite uncle who always had something wise and truthful to say about the world.

Everyone has a Bernie in their family.That is why those who claim his gruffness is a negative,are 100% wrong.

… I think when young people become aware and committed to improve the world "we are given", once our eyes are opened, we are ready to change the world. As adults, we are placed in positions to forget this. I feel as a boomer looking at the next generations, she reminds me that we can STILL operate from that belief.

Most politicians, especially the other candidates, stopped striving, once they were willing to compromise. That is what you have out there.

I'm so inspired by what you shared.

Thanks!

THEY will be the difference in this election. If we can get them to wage a registration campaign among their peers, the Repukes won't be able to gauge their power.

Thanks for sharing this!

ago and I have been following him on Thom Hartmann's radio program ever since. Bernie is not new to me so I know he's not a bullshitter. He's been delivering the same clear message that long. I'm pleased the youngest generation sees it so clearly as well.

And that's exactly what I've noticed.

It's so incredibly simple.

I also say, he's not image conscious.

Bernie is a straight talker.

THAT is how we will win it!!

registered but they would to vote for Sen Sanders because he has integrity.

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He gets 99% of his news online and relays that Bernie is very popular on Reddit and other sites. What is interesting is that, although he at times spouts what I would call Libertarian nonsense, (perhaps just to push my buttons), he brings up Bernie's positions or latest news and fully supports Bernie's positions. We discuss what it means to be a 'Democratic Socialist' and the tendency of the media to frame that as a negative label. If we can SOMEHOW get the Under-30 age group to vote in large numbers, Bernie could win this thing. Many feel like they can't make a difference, that their one vote won't matter. If Bernie, and us, can overcome that, we're golden.

And would that those 'young'uns' get out and vote, from an old fart activists!

who was just unabashedly "for" the American people. We all know that Republicans haven't proposed or passed any laws that weren't simply designed for their cronies, but what we overlook is that Democrats have not been much better. The signature achievement of this administration is a cash cow for medical insurance companies, hospitals and big pHarma, and yes, it has helped many citizens too. But it seems to me the primary focus was not rocking the boat, not being truly transformational...and that was by design.

Many of us want to get religion out of politics; I want to get economics out of politics because, really, that is where the takeover has occurred.

Got my t-shirts, and I'm really not so sure he doesn't have a chance any more. The more I hear him and see the reaction to his message and his character, the more I think this guy might be the next President of this needful country.

currently at the US Naval Academy; is on board with Bernie I believe. Kids aren't stupid. He knows that if he's called to conflict that it's for the reason that he's in the Navy and not to make some billionaire richer. He's also there because of our for profit educational system. It's not realistic to count on a full ride scholarship any more. He weighed his options, went to a state school for a year and then to USNA when he got an appointment. He's getting a stellar education, but owes the Navy five years after he commissions. I want some one with integrity deciding if he goes and possibly comes home in a body bag. HE wants to know he's in a conflict actually protecting our country.

Thanks for sharing this. Obviously, this child has been brought up by some incredibly smart people

But I am hearing it from Republican conservatives.
Many say that even though they do not agree with Bernie on a lot of issues, they would vote for him because he's a "no bullshit" candidate. He's direct and has a reputation that stands up for what he speaks about. In other words, he not only talks the talk, but he walks the walk.
Once Democrats find out Bernie's story, he shall become the Democratic candidate. Once the candidate, and once the entire country find out about Bernie, you shall see a landslide win for him, like never before seen in the US!

And deservedly so!

buts lets not loose sight of the fact, that the Walker's, Scotts, Perry's, Bush's, Jindal's, Kasich , Christie, Fiorina's, --------( I just lost count they have so many in the clown car-------now bus--------------just like the Partridge Family).
They have and are trying to disenfranchise the younger voters.
And I hope that her generation----------------fights back and goes to the primaries and the general election-------------because it is about there future.

Go Bernie

stated reasons for liking Bernie are spot on. nt

That's what my daughters are saying too. And what their friends are saying, and what they're reporting from their Twitter and Reddit and Tumblr feeds.

n/t

was saying the same things too. I'm so glad she takes an interest in politics.

Dug up my seldom-used DU username and password to add:

My 16-year-old daughter asked me this morning if she has to be 18 to volunteer for a political campaign. She is fired up about Sanders, but disappointed that she won't be old enough to vote for him. She figures the next best thing might be to help get her slightly older friends as fired up as she is.

Sanders seems to be doing and saying all the right things to attract the attention of the Millennials. It's a very smart strategy. I've been saying it since I worked at a bookshop in the late 1990s and early 2000s: The Harry Potter Generation is going to change the world. They are smart and engaged, and while uncertain about their futures, they are determined to make a better life for themselves and the people around them — all the people around them, not just the people like them. It's a much more enlightened mindset than I can claim for my own Generation X.

Whether Sanders climbs his way into the nomination or not, I'm very happy and grateful that he is engaging this generation. I'm excited to see what they will do someday. I think it's going to be extraordinary.

He doesn't need handlers and focus groups telling him what to say.

She gets her news on-line, which is something a lot of people do and a lot of the people in charge do not realize - yet.

I would make the case for an instant WIKI effect- people get called on BS almost at once. It makes it hard to slander a candidate.

Bernie's biggest problem at this point is to build the organization to wade through caucus rules and primary laws in 50 states. It's really tough to get on the ballot in NYS, for example.

This is coming from a teen who HATES when I speak one tiny word about politics! She found out about Bernie through social media and loves his message. She is pleased that is who I support. She will be able to vote for him next year, even in the primaries. She is stoked about Bernie!

Teens love Bernie. They see hope in the future through Bernie. They like his messages of free/low cost college. Economic Fairness. Slowing the over-heating earth.

... POTUS.

The vast majority of the unwashed 'electorate' may wag its tail, but won't get off its dead butt and VOTE to make it reality.

If he can figure a way to harness the enthusiasm he generates he's got an outside chance.

Otherwise he's just so much entertainment.

I wish I could reply to everyone and will try to do so later, but just wanted to say that my daughter is freaking out, reading through the posts, she keeps giggling and saying stuff like "look mom what this person wrote!".

Maybe she'll sign up and join us here, then she can tell her own story instead of through me.

"he is for everone not just a select group of people". It sums him up so well. He's for US! He's not just for himself and the 1% like most politicians of both parties, he cares about our country. He wants the country to work well for everybody and stop this losers and winners game that the 1% foists on us.

Just thought I'd share.