Bernie's Experience
He's not the kind of senator who glosses over stuff, misses votes, or fails to take his role seriously.
I feel that he is well-prepared for all domestic issues, and has shown good judgment in some foreign-policy issues. Personally I would like to have a president who wanted to be president, more than anyone who wants to run the Empire. The United States has been doing such a consistent job running an Empire, and such a lousy job taking care of the Democracy: rebuilding infrastructure, protecting individual liberties, strengthening the social safety net, enhancing the integrity of our political system
How prepared is Bernie? In another thread, Cali quoted this list of his committee assignments and background, and even though I thought I already knew a lot about Bernie, this list impressed me with his experience. It covers the gamut of issues that are very serious facing this country, particularly domestically.
Sanders rose to national prominence following his 2010 filibuster against the proposed extension of the Bush tax cuts. Sanders favors policies similar to those of social democratic parties in Europe, particularly those instituted by the Nordic countries. He is a leading progressive voice on issues such as income inequality, universal healthcare, parental leave, climate change, LGBT rights, and campaign finance reform. Sanders has long been critical of U.S. foreign policy and was an early and outspoken opponent of the Iraq War. He is also outspoken on civil rights and civil liberties, and has been particularly critical of racial discrimination in the criminal justice system and mass surveillance policies such as the USA PATRIOT Act and the NSA surveillance programs.
Committee on the Budget (Ranking Member)
Committee on Environment and Public Works
Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety
Subcommittee on Green Jobs and the New Economy
Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
Subcommittee on Energy
Subcommittee on National Parks
Subcommittee on Water and Power
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Subcommittee on Children and Families
Subcommittee on Primary Health and Aging (Ranking Member)
Committee on Veterans' Affairs
