Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders: 'I am running for president'

[webfact]

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders: 'I am running for president'
By DAVE GRAM

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Promising to fight what he deems "obscene levels" of income disparity and a campaign finance system that is a "real disgrace," independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders said Wednesday he will run for president as a Democrat.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Sanders confirmed his plans to formally join the race Thursday.

The self-described "democratic socialist" enters the race as a robust liberal alternative to Hillary Rodham Clinton, and he pledged to do more than simply raise progressive issues or nudge the former secretary of state to the left in a campaign in which she is heavily favored.

"People should not underestimate me," Sanders said. "I've run outside of the two-party system, defeating Democrats and Republicans, taking on big-money candidates and, you know, I think the message that has resonated in Vermont is a message that can resonate all over this country."

As he has for months in prospective campaign stops in the early voting states, and throughout his political career, the former mayor of Burlington, Vermont, on Wednesday assailed an economic system that he said has devolved over the past 40 years and eradicated the nation's middle class.

"What we have seen is that while the average person is working longer hours for lower wages, we have seen a huge increase in income and wealth inequality, which is now reaching obscene levels," Sanders told the AP.

"This is a rigged economy, which works for the rich and the powerful, and is not working for ordinary Americans. ... You know, this country just does not belong to a handful of billionaires."

The son of an immigrant from Poland who sold paint for a living in Brooklyn, Sanders has for decades championed working-class Americans. He lost several statewide races in the 1970s before he was elected mayor of Burlington in 1981, and went on to represent Vermont in the U.S. House for 16 years before his election to the Senate in 2006.

An independent in the Senate, he caucuses with Democrats in Washington and he is likely to attract some interest from voters who have unsuccessfully sought to draft Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren to join the race.

But Sanders rejected the idea his appeal is limited to voters on the left, boldly predicting Wednesday that his message would appeal to both fellow independents and Republicans.

Sanders said he would release "very specific proposals" to raise taxes on wealthy Americans and corporations, as well as offer tuition-free education at all public colleges and universities. He touched on his past opposition to free-trade agreements, his support for heavier regulations of Wall Street and the nation's banking industry, and his vote against the Keystone XL oil pipeline as a preview of his campaign.

"So to me, the question is whose views come closer to representing the vast majority of working people in this country," Sanders said. "And you know what? I think my views do."

The 73-year-old Sanders starts his campaign as an undisputed underdog against Clinton. Sanders said he has known the former first lady, senator from New York and secretary of state for more than two decades. "I respect her and like her," he said.

He noted he has "never run a negative ad in my life," but still drew a distinction with Clinton in the interview, promising to talk "very strongly about the need not to get involved in perpetual warfare in the Middle East."

"I voted against the war in Iraq," he said. "Secretary Clinton voted for it when she was in the Senate."

Clinton is hosting a series of fundraisers this week, starting what could be an effort that raises more than $1 billion. Sanders said he will make money and politics a central theme of his campaign, including a call for a constitutional amendment to overturn the U.S. Supreme Court's 2010 Citizens United decision, which he blames for unleashing a torrent of money from wealthy donors into politics.

"What you're looking at here is a real disgrace," he said. "It is an undermining of American democracy.

"But can we raise the hundreds of millions of dollars that we need, primarily through small campaign contributions to run a strong campaign? And I have concluded that I think there is a real chance that we can do that."

Sanders is the first major challenger to enter the race against Clinton, who earlier this month became the first Democrat to formally declare her intention to run for president. He is likely to be joined in the coming months by former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, former Virginia Sen. Jim Webb and ex-Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee.


-- (c) Associated Press 2015-04-30

[Ulysses G.]

Bernie Sanders has no chance of winning at all. I wish him luck at getting the democratic nomination though.

[up-country_sinclair]

This is great news for those who want a Republican back in the White House. Of course Senator Sanders has little chance of winning the nomination, but he will inevitably push Secretary Clinton to the left on some issues. I was worried that she was going to run unopposed and she would be able to take a moderate path and essentially lock up independent voters. She's still going to be difficult to beat, but this will make it slightly easier.

[Chicog]

He is a man of principle, but I doubt he'll get the funding to last too long.

Will probably be a social media and interwebnet campaign, they're cheap.

[thousandpercent]

Bernie Sanders has no chance of winning at all. I wish him luck at getting the democratic nomination though.

Didn't you and bazillions of other people say that about Clinton? And Carter? And Kennedy? And FDR? And TR? And...

[Traveling Sailor]

Bernie Sanders has no chance of winning at all. I wish him luck at getting the democratic nomination though.

Didn't you and bazillions of other people say that about Clinton? And Carter? And Kennedy? And FDR? And TR? And...

Well said 1000%. I for one hope and pray that he wins the Democratic nomination and goes on to win the white house. Just like Obama did. I'm sure he would make a much better president than Obama has turned out to be. Clinton scares me, as do some of the Republicans.

[NickJ]

Just take the money you would lose on running and donate it to wounded vets.....that way you would be rememered as having compassion and not a fool

[JLCrab]

From NY Times 29APR2015

If anything, Mr. Sanders, who embraces his reputation for being gruff, abrupt and honest, promises to be bold. Recalling that he has defeated Democrats and Republicans with far greater financial resources in his long career, Mr. Sanders suggested that his campaign should not be taken lightly.

“I think people should be a little bit careful underestimating me,” he said.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/30/us/politics/bernie-sanders-campaign-for-president.html

[Ulysses G.]

Bernie Sanders has no chance of winning at all. I wish him luck at getting the democratic nomination though.

Didn't you and bazillions of other people say that about Clinton? And Carter? And Kennedy? And FDR? And TR? And...

Nope. I did not say that about ANY of them besides Bernie Sanders.

[NickJ]

Right......

[wabothai]

Possible contribution to Clinton's fund $1billion.

Totally obsene and therefore she should never be president. As usual it will be a money game. Utterly disgusting for the Less fortunate who cannot even afford insurance or pay for a medical bill.

[connda]

Ha ha ha.

[Jingthing]

I'm happy he's running.

I don't know all his positions but of what I know I'm sure I agree with him on many issues.

From my POV, I see his running as a potential positive to revive the issue of REAL universal health care in the USA.

Yes the pre-Obama status quo was a mess and unacceptable.

Obama tried to fix it but failed because his "reforms" are too much of a welfare program for health insurance companies and big medical businesses, etc.
So COSTS weren't addressed ... that is only possible in a real universal program as in CANADA.

Also Obama didn't predict the pushback from right wing states not cooperating with expanded Medicaid.

The truth is more Americans are for REAL universal health care than most think. I'd say it's easily at least a slim majority. While rationally I see that the hope of this actually happening is very remote (universal health care program), I can see a Sanders run as at least keeping the idea alive.

Of course he won't be nominated and that's a good thing, a man who labels himself a socialist, not to mention that he is a Jew, has no chance of actually being elected!

Edited April 30, 2015 by Jingthing

[MisterTee]

I'm happy he's running.

I don't know all his positions but of what I know I'm sure I agree with him on many issues.

From my POV, I see his running as a potential positive to revive the issue of REAL universal health care in the USA.

Yes the pre-Obama status quo was a mess and unacceptable.

Obama tried to fix it but failed because his "reforms" are too much of a welfare program for health insurance companies and big medical businesses, etc.

So COSTS weren't addressed ... that is only possible in a real universal program as in CANADA.

Also Obama didn't predict the pushback from right wing states not cooperating with expanded Medicaid.

The truth is more Americans are for REAL universal health care than most think. I'd say it's easily at least a slim majority. While rationally I see that the hope of this actually happening is very remote (universal health care program), I can see a Sanders run as at least keeping the idea alive.

Of course he won't be nominated and that's a good thing, a man who labels himself a socialist, not to mention that he is a Jew, has no chance of actually being elected!

I think you're right.

He has entered the race with too much baggage and he's too old to carry it.

[GinBoy2]

There is a great interview with him on KQED's forum program, which is worth listening to.

In a perverse way I'd love to see Sanders and Rand Paul run off for the Presidency. For once you would actually see true original thought and idea's rather than the staid old Dep/Rep tinkering around the margins

http://www.kqed.org/a/forum/R201503300900

Edited May 1, 2015 by GinBoy2

[Jingthing]

He's "far left" by USA standards (mildly left by European standards) but he talks a lot of sense.

USA "far right" by USA standards (almost all of the republican candidates) are basically science denying bat sheit crazy!

I know the republicans think Sanders is going to damage Hillary in the general election by forcing her to the left.

I think that is wishful thinking.

When you get down to real issues, Americans are more "socialist" than they think. They are just afraid of the LABEL.

Sanders isn't crazy. He knows he's not going to get nominated. He's not out to play personality games with Hillary. He's there to elevate some important issues and Americans are going to be interested in those issues.

Edited May 1, 2015 by Jingthing

[GinBoy2]

He's "far left" by USA standards (mildly left by European standards) but he talks a lot of sense.

USA "far right" by USA standards (almost all of the republican candidates) are basically science denying bat sheit crazy!

I know the republicans think Sanders is going to damage Hillary in the general election by forcing her to the left.

I think that is wishful thinking.

When you get down to real issues, Americans are more "socialist" than they think. They are just afraid of the LABEL.

Sanders isn't crazy. He knows he's not going to get nominated. He's not out to play personality games with Hillary. He's there to elevate some important issues and Americans are going to be interested in those issues.

I always wonder how really bat sh*t crazy some of the right actually are, or do they act crazy just to enable them to get through the primaries, where I truly do believe that the majority who vote really ARE bat sh*t crazy.

David Brooks of the NYT had an interesting comment during the whole vaccination debacle when he commented that; "the truly depressing thing is that most of them don't even believe any of the things they are saying, it's just playing to the right wing base"

[chuckd]

Maybe Bernie is eyeing that Vice Presidential slot alongside Hillary in the top dog position.

That would make the average age of the Democratic party slate...70 years young.

[Jingthing]

Nice republican fantasy, but no, Hillary would never pick old Bernie as VP.

Who she is going to pick (yes I'm assuming she will be nominated) is going to be very interesting and revealing though.

It can't be Elizabeth Warren either. Two women ... too much, just keeping it real.

[bendejo]

He's "far left" by USA standards (mildly left by European standards) but he talks a lot of sense.

USA "far right" by USA standards (almost all of the republican candidates) are basically science denying bat sheit crazy!

I know the republicans think Sanders is going to damage Hillary in the general election by forcing her to the left.

I think that is wishful thinking.

When you get down to real issues, Americans are more "socialist" than they think. They are just afraid of the LABEL.

Sanders isn't crazy. He knows he's not going to get nominated. He's not out to play personality games with Hillary. He's there to elevate some important issues and Americans are going to be interested in those issues.

Yes, also someone to dialogue with Hillary to keep her in the press regarding things other than potential scandals and right-wing lunacy ("HIllary to add Karl Marx to the Pledge of Allegiance!" and ouija board sessions to contact Saul Alinsky). He knows he doesn't stand a chance, so there is no reason for him to go negative, he'll be all about governmental issues. It all works in her favor in the long run.

[harryfrompattaya]

I'm happy he's running.

I don't know all his positions but of what I know I'm sure I agree with him on many issues.

From my POV, I see his running as a potential positive to revive the issue of REAL universal health care in the USA.

Yes the pre-Obama status quo was a mess and unacceptable.

Obama tried to fix it but failed because his "reforms" are too much of a welfare program for health insurance companies and big medical businesses, etc.

So COSTS weren't addressed ... that is only possible in a real universal program as in CANADA.

Also Obama didn't predict the pushback from right wing states not cooperating with expanded Medicaid.

The truth is more Americans are for REAL universal health care than most think. I'd say it's easily at least a slim majority. While rationally I see that the hope of this actually happening is very remote (universal health care program), I can see a Sanders run as at least keeping the idea alive.

Of course he won't be nominated and that's a good thing, a man who labels himself a socialist, not to mention that he is a Jew, has no chance of actually being elected!

I think you're right.

He has entered the race with too much baggage and he's too old to carry it.

We are you mentioning that Bernie is Jewish he tries to keep it quite and never talks about it

I think you are hurting him as he gave up being Jewish. Please let the old fool Bernie died a non Jew

I heard if he wins BernieCare will give America Expats over 65 free Medical in Thailand

Edited May 3, 2015 by harryfrompattaya

[jdinasia]

I'd vote for a Sanders/Warren or Warren/Sanders ticket

[Jingthing]

I'm happy he's running.

I don't know all his positions but of what I know I'm sure I agree with him on many issues.

From my POV, I see his running as a potential positive to revive the issue of REAL universal health care in the USA.

Yes the pre-Obama status quo was a mess and unacceptable.

Obama tried to fix it but failed because his "reforms" are too much of a welfare program for health insurance companies and big medical businesses, etc.

So COSTS weren't addressed ... that is only possible in a real universal program as in CANADA.

Also Obama didn't predict the pushback from right wing states not cooperating with expanded Medicaid.

The truth is more Americans are for REAL universal health care than most think. I'd say it's easily at least a slim majority. While rationally I see that the hope of this actually happening is very remote (universal health care program), I can see a Sanders run as at least keeping the idea alive.

Of course he won't be nominated and that's a good thing, a man who labels himself a socialist, not to mention that he is a Jew, has no chance of actually being elected!

I think you're right.

He has entered the race with too much baggage and he's too old to carry it.

We are you mentioning that Bernie is Jewish he tries to keep it quite and never talks about it

I think you are hurting him as he gave up being Jewish. Please let the old fool Bernie died a non Jew

I heard if he wins BernieCare will give America Expats over 65 free Medical in Thailand

Doesn't matter. Jewish is Jewish. A more conservative Jew such as Dianne Feinstein could be elected but the combination of a socialist and Jew ... chances less than bupkis.

Sent from my Lenovo S820_ROW using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[GinBoy2]

I'd vote for a Sanders/Warren or Warren/Sanders ticket

Trouble with all that is age. I like both, and both would have made great Presidents...if they were 20 years younger.

Sanders is 73, and even the rather youthful Warren is 65. So the combo makes for a really old executive branch; and before anyone says it I know Reagan was old, but even he was only 69 at his first inauguration

Edited May 3, 2015 by GinBoy2

[Scott]

Off-topic post removed.

[Jingthing]

Warren doesn't look old. Anyway she ain't running so deal with it.

Anyway Bernie old boy won't be nominated but I wonder what numbers he will get. More candidates are coming to sort of challenge Hillary as well.

Sent from my Lenovo S820_ROW using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Edited May 3, 2015 by Jingthing

[GinBoy2]

Warren doesn't look old. Anyway she ain't running so deal with it.

Anyway Bernie old boy won't be nominated but I wonder what numbers he will get. More candidates are coming to sort of challenge Hillary as well.

Sent from my Lenovo S820_ROW using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Well you're right Warren is a pretty hot 65 yo, dammit that's showing my age, now I think the 65 year olds are hot chicks LOL.

But seriously, who else in the Dem's is even in the running? In yet another perverse moment in my life I'm sorta envious of the Rep's who have quite the smorgasbord to choose from.

I've come to the conclusion that the current primary system, with the exception of my home state of California with open primaries , has doomed us to an unending choice of radical right or left wing crazies, or as outright liars willing to sell their true beliefs to actually win a nomination.

I find myself in the awkward position, that years ago I voted for Reagan as a liberal. In today's world, Reagan would stand a Cats in Hell's chance of even getting through the primaries, Fox News would portray him as practically Lenin!

Sanders is, I think honest, which doom's him. Truth, no big money backers, he's the Ron Paul of the left.

I've said this before, but worth saying again. In my ideal utopian world, Bernie Sanders and Rand Paul would face off. Two guys who actually believe in something, radical ideals, not a focus group driven agenda. Politics today is an ugly business; no principle, no real beliefs, just dogma, money and self preservation

[Jingthing]

The man from Maryland. The man from Virginia. People don't know their names anyway. No there won't be any strong challenges to Hillary for the nomination but if she scandals out they might get lucky.

Sent from my Lenovo S820_ROW using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[GinBoy2]

The man from Maryland. The man from Virginia. People don't know their names anyway. No there won't be any strong challenges to Hillary for the nomination but if she scandals out they might get lucky.

Sent from my Lenovo S820_ROW using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

And there you have kind of hit the nail on the head, but if she scandals out".

Politics has descended to a level of sound bites and trivia. Nobody in the popular media really cares what the candidates believe, everyone is more focussed on exposing some personal scandal to bring down whoever it is you oppose.

Politicians, Hillary included, run their campaigns by spinning, avoided their own scandals and digging like Hell to expose the opponents crimes and misdemeanors, preferably some sordid sexual indiscretion, since it does appear that we the public can't get enough of watching someone fall from grace after have a 'dick selfie' or the like plastered over the news.

Hillary to her advantage has on her side a long history, during which most of her dirty laundry has been aired more than once. If the email server 'emailgate' is the best the opposition can dig up, maybe she's on a roll

[JakeSully]

It's time to take our country back from the elite war hawkish religious zealoty neocons who's solution is obstruction, racism and scourge of the poor and middle class.

Way to go Bernie.. I'll vote for you.