A Republican photographer followed Bernie for a day, here's what he thinks

[Catherina]

I find his observations interesting especially since so many people, especially young people, who were raised to vote Republican have been flocking to Bernie. I'm also pleased to see that the Republicans know they'll have a hard time debating him.

US Senator of Vermont Bernie Sanders in New Hampshire on August 24th
By MichaelVadon | Posted August 26, 2015 | New Hampshire

...

First, let me say that I am a Republican, but as a photographer I must be neutral as I am simply there to record history in the making. However, I will provide my honest opinion in this instance.

Senator Bernie Sanders is a phenomenal speaker who knows how to communicate. In ten minutes, he states his positions directly and matter of factly with no spin. He does carry notes with him to the podium, but it seems he rarely uses them. He speaks to the press with confidence and takes all questions. His knowledge on the issues seems to be complete and vast.

...

As a Republican, I might disagree with Bernie on the solutions to issues in society, but I have great respect for this man. He is honest, trustworthy and speaks with such confidence that even if you disagree with the man you can at least respect him.

I came away from this confidently believing that Bernie is about to clean Hillary's clock in the forthcoming primary debates. After watching both Bernie and Hillary in different settings there seems to be absolutely no way Hillary can win against this man. The Republicans are going to have a very difficult time debating this man as well. I call it the "Royal Rumble". If Trump is the Republican nominee, it will be at least entertaining watching two New Yorkers battle it out on-stage. I look forward to it.

All of the three events I attended were packed to the point where it was standing room only and people had to stand outside watching Bernie on large video screens as there was no room inside. The only other campaign events I have seen so jam packed was Donald Trump. Both Hillary Clinton and Jeb Bush's events were lightly attended and Trump was right...there were people falling asleep at both their events.

...

http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1266487

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. Looks like a fair assessment to me.

Even though this photographer is a Republican, he has very carefully watched Senator Sanders campaigning, and it's great.

[840high]

2. Thank you. +10

[AtomicKitten]

3. He's feeling the Bern.

k&r

[MannyGoldstein]

4. This is why I (wrongly) thought that Hillary wouldn't run

I can't imagine how she can deal with Bernie in a debate.

[Catherina]

5. I'm really looking forward to it. And he won't need 6 debates to do it n/t

[TheFarS1de]

7. Yep

That may be the very reason why they are prolonging the kick off of the debates . Sanders will win the crowd every time .

[Fawke Em]

9. Thus far, Bernie has refused to attack Clinton.

However, I wonder how that will change in a debate.

I, of course, don't think he's going to do a Trump and call the rest of those running idiots or whatever, but when asked to compare voting records, opinions and stances on important issues, he'll be inadvertently calling her out. His record on Iraq, the TPP, Wall Street, etc. is vastly different from hers.

[sabrina 1]

14. He will not attack her, he will talk about issues, he will do what he always does and speak clearly

on every issue, without prevaricating. And he will point to his voting record to back up what he is saying now. THAT is where Hillary will have the most problems.

[SusanaMontana41]

17. " … he will talk about issues …"

Oh yeah. Right there with ya.

His voting record speaks quite loudly.

[MADem]

6. It's the same speech, over and over again. He shouldn't need to refer to his notes too often.

It's a very good speech, it's a real rile-em-up/barn burner, but it's the same speech everywhere he goes. He repeats the same themes. He may toss in an odd reference here or there, but the bones of the thing is a formula.

Nothing wrong with doing that, but after a while, one does memorize the essential phrases.

[Fawke Em]

10. He has changed it up, though.

He's adding more policy positions, like criminal justice reform and women's rights, for example, that he didn't talk about when he first started stumping.

[madokie]

28. A good campaigner

in my book anyway should have the confidence to make changes as they become aware of and agree with opposing views. A person who believes in something but yet are open minded to where if they are shown that something they believe as true isn't then have what it takes to admit that and adjust and keep moving forward. Learning as we go.
I know as a 67 YO man I'm learning something new every day. Sometimes I learn that something I've believed for a long time is wrong and I make the change and feel proud that I can do that..

So however Bernie wants to give his speeches is fine with me. I agree with him on pretty much every issue so far.
I see it as a natural progression that an honest person will be engaging in as they seek public office.

[sabrina 1]

15. Which is why it is so good. He's been saying the same things throughout his political career, not

putting his finger in the wind and changing his mind each time he thinks the political winds are blowing a different way. His CONSISTENCY is WHY People are flocking to his campaign.

People are USED to politicians 'tailoring' their speeches to different audiences. And they are disgusted by all of it. NOW they hear someone saying the same things now matter which audience he is speaking to. And it's so rare, that they are stunned at first.


You hit the nail on the head as to WHY he does this when you said 'after a while, one does memorize the essential facts'! Exactly, that is why repetition is good.

We hear nothing but repetition of propaganda every day, 'watch out, ISIS is coming to get you' until people end up believing it. That's what got us into all these senseless wars.

Bernie is repeating the truth. I hope he keeps doing it because we don't hear it very often

[Luminous Animal]

16. Oh Snay-up.

[Puzzledtraveller]

8. Berning down the house!!

[cascadiance]

19. Beds are Berning!!!

Banksters are going to be made to say this too when he gets elected!

...
The time has come
To say fair's fair
To pay the rent
To pay our share

The time has come
A fact's a fact
It belongs to them
Let's give it back

How can we dance when our earth is turning
How do we sleep while our beds are burning
...

[Puzzledtraveller]

20. Perfect!, great song too!

Love Midnight Oil.

[cascadiance]

22. And lead singer Peter Garrett has been a model Australian citizen as a government official there...

... in recent years when they had a liberal government earlier, and taking on the issues of the environment and education in their country there. Something that all of us should aspire to. Maybe we can get his endorsement for Bernie too and have him play at the celebration when Bernie gets elected too!



http://www.slicingupeyeballs.com/2013/06/26/peter-garrett-out-of-politics/

[Puzzledtraveller]

26. Good point

Their music has always been about drawing attention to the issues effecting the people and the Aborigines.

[Lorien]

11. Trump can afford to buy his crowds

Bernie comes by his honestly.

[LastLiberal in PalmSprings]

18. Trump claims he has to hold his rallies in stadiums

He neglects to mention that the stadium (he's only held one in a stadium as far as I know) is half filled. His team will say something like "the rally was held in a 40,000 seat stadium" and leave out the part where half the seats are empty.



For comparison, here's the stadium when it's filled to capacity:



It's kind of a metaphor for Trump himself -- always claiming to be a lot more than he is.

[cascadiance]

21. I was in Portland next to the doors when they closed them...

... and the lines were still way out there where you couldn't see the end to them in front of the Moda Center there. Here's another's photo of the overflow crowd there...



There was 8,000 people there then.... Wish I'd thought to take a video when the personnel came to the doors and explained to those still in line outside that they were shutting the doors then due to capacity being met. It would have been so illustrative of what happens in so many places where Bernie speaks!

[tblue37]

29. Bernie's crowds remind me of Obama;s star turn as a campaigner:

?w=510

[Sunlei]

12. Mrs. Clinton and Senator Sanders would make a great team, no matter who 'wins' primary.

[RobertEarl]

13. I bet that photog votes for Bernie

This thread points out another thing about Bernie, he's been saying the same things just about all his life, and he's a smarty pants. I just don't think the elite public is ready for someone so smart and unchangeable. He'd out debate them all and leave them feeling stupid. I just don't see them throwing big money at Bernie thinking they can buy him to do their bidding. What will become of America with Bernie as President? <grin>

[cascadiance]

23. He's had a lot of practice responding to random questions on his weekly hour with Thom Hartmann...

... over the years! I'm sure that those in the Clinton camp probably know that, and that is another reason they don't want too many debates that will let Bernie score points, not only for the substance of the issues, etc. that he continues to champion consistently over th years, and his image of someone is consistently honest as well, but because of his skills being able to respond on the fly to situations and questions a lot more than other politicians have been able to.

[SleeplessinSoCal]

24. Sanders vs. Trump. A frightening thought

I have an IRA I'm counting on and neither candidate seems to be up to building confidence in the stock market. And when that happens history says war is the answer.

[ChiciB1]

25. That's Amazing... WOW Just WOW, But

I heard Hillary already has 25 super delegates in her column. What can be done about this?? TPTB simply son't want Bernie Sanders in any way. Very few outlets are covering him or if they are, very little noise on MSM!

It Sucks and so extremely UNFAIR!

[ozone_man]

27. She doesn't have them yet.

Remember the convention.

[KoKo]

30. Recommend! "I have great respect for this man"

[George II]

31. Of course, being a republican he'll do anything to tear down Clinton, the easiest way.....

...is to prop up Sanders.

[Gonzalo]

32. Royal Rumble.

"I call it the "Royal Rumble""! so funny. But somebody has to win, and the team will be very strong.