Had an unexpected conversation in the workplace

[Orrex]

Several coworkers were speaking quite favorably about the Trump, Cruz and Rubio, with a striking level of enthusiasm about Kasich as well. They were speculating on the likely merits of each candidate's Presidency, contrasting them specifically with Sanders' socialist plans.

I've made no secret here of my view of Sanders' electoral prospects, but faced with a gaggle of Republican drones I suddenly found myself aggressively defending the Senator from Vermont, noting in conclusion that he'd be a much better President than any Republican who's run in the past 50 years at least.


From the beginning I've posted here that I like Sanders and his views; I've simply doubted his strength as a potential candidate on the national stage. That opinion may be evolving, but in any case I was surprised to see how readily I was able to champion his campaign in a conversation with non-DUers.

It also gives me hope that, for all of our passion for our respective candidates, we'll likely work with strong unity to elect the Democrat in 2016.


Congratulations to Sanders for his remarkable NH victory, by the way.

[femmedem]

1. Thank you!

I would defend Clinton against any Republican. Hell yes.

On electability: I think the fact that Sanders does better among Independents than he does among Democrats indicates that he is more viable in the GE. Even New Hampshire would have been much closer if Independents weren't allowed to register as Dems yesterday to vote in the primary.

I truly don't understand the level of hatred towards Clinton among so many Independents and Republicans. I just know that it exists, and that even people who aren't Feeling the Bern at least respect Sanders for his integrity.

[Orrex]

2. Honestly I expected a bigger response to this

I'd figured on some indication of solidarity, and indeed we may yet see that when it comes time to pull the lever, but I hoped that others would have similar tales to tell in the meantime.

[femmedem]

4. I'd probably have a similar tale to tell if I knew many Republicans

but I'm in a city in the northeast where Republicans are vastly outnumbered by Democrats, and I work in a business that attracts very liberal colleagues.

All my colleagues are voting for Bernie, as far as I can gather from conversations. One told me that this will be the first time he's voted in a presidential election because it's the first time he's had a candidate he's excited about. He may have been too young to vote when Obama was first elected.

I would say most of my friends will vote for Hillary if she is the nominee, but a few will not vote, at least for President. None of them would vote for any of the Republicans.

[Jefferson23]

3. I am politically active in my state and conservatives are of many stripes here, but

not the Evangelical stripe. The elite conservatives have no issues with Clinton
should she win..they're not socially conservative here anyway.

Overall the middle class Republican here like Sanders because he is honest and they don't believe
he would screw them over. They do think he is kind of nutty but is
a good person. lol

[Skwmom]

5. One thing I would bet money on, if it's Clinton there will be no unity. She is no Obama. n/t