To be honest, I think Sanders needs to get more specific about policies

[Armstead]

I'm like a massive and long-time supporter of Bernie. He's been a political hero of mine since the 90's, when he was one of the few people in Washing speaking the truth about the problems that were being glossed over by the media, and politicians of both parties (except for a few great progressive/liberal Democrats).

And I want to see him become President. From what I know about him and his history, he'd be a great one.

And he is up to the job. As mayor in Burlington, he was seen during the campaigns as just a yelling ideologue.. But once in office he proved to be an exceptional administrator and CEO of the city.He gained the respect of even Republicans and business-people for his effectiveness at getting things done. And he kept getting reelected.

He is bringing an important message with his campaign now. He is saying what so many know in their gut -- but have not heard articulated in such a clear and direct way in the media or by most politicians. (Democrats have specialized in blaming everything on the GOP, and avoided the systemic problems that have been the real culprits.)

So I know he needs to be repetitious to get that across. And he needs to speak in broad terms.

But at this point he needs to get more specific, and solution oriented. I guess that means doing what O'Malley and Clinton have done and put together a nice little package of proposed policies in specific terms. (Such policies usually get forgotten once a candidate is elected, but it's a necessary ritual I guess.)

And he has to stop answering every question with his stump speech and litany of the problems and vague calls for "revolution." He has to start answering in more 3D detail.

I know he is capable of that, because I've heard him in actual conversations, and he is very knowledgeable and engaged in a wide range of issues.

Guess I'm just saying, I hope he gets the "real" Bernie out there. I think more people would like what they see, and realize that there is a lot more to him.

[denverbill]

1. I agree to some extent.

Just calling for a revolution isn't what is needed. Because the policies he is advocating aren't exactly 'revolutionary'. They are mostly common sense. Just because common sense isn't common in Washington doesn't make it revolutionary. Making government work for the vast majority of Americans rather than just the 1% isn't revolutionary.

I wish he would focus though on a few, relatively simple ideas that would impact most Americans. Like stopping the flow of jobs overseas. Stopping the banks from gambling with our economy. Fixing Social Security by eliminating the cap on wages and applying the tax to all income instead of just wages.

Unfortunately, these days 30 second ads have more influence than detailed policy proposals. I don't know how easy it will be for Sanders to get past the media's Clinton/pro-business bias.

Funny this reminds me of 1992. Bush v Clinton v Perot. I was probably about to vote for Perot since he was the only one against NAFTA. Then he dropped out unexpectedly, and got back in.

I think we would have been better off if Perot had won that election. I have to wonder if Detroit would still be the Detroit of old instead of the empty shell it's become since NAFTA. Now, we have potentially Clinton's wife against a bunch of complete right wing nuts, assuming Bernie doesn't come on strong. Doesn't leave me feeling very hopeful.

[Armstead]

2. I think he's been good at the soundbites but he needs a little more wonkiness

He is a wonk. When he was mayor, he showed he is also pragmatic.

And on healthcare, whhle I think he is absolutely correct, I belueve he needs to have a more fully formed sales pitch. (And maybe open the ddoor to a public option.)

I'd also like to seem him emphasize things like anti-trust to countr the trend to corporate power.

Like I said, he's got the substance, he just needs to do slightly better at job at demonstrating it to people.

[denverbill]

7. It's funny Armstead. I remember you from long ago at DU.

I don't even remember if your a guy or a girl.

All I remember is I agreed with you a lot. Probably from the Howard Dean days.

Apparently, not much has changed since then.

[Armstead]

10. It's funny...when I saw your name I remembered that too

funny we havent crosed paths in a whle

male

[ibegurpard]

3. Then he'd be O'Malley

Boring the hell out of everyone. You're advocating for the same policy laundry list style of campaign that always loses us elections anywhere except solid blue areas. When people feel like they can connect with and trust you them they trust you on policy. Why do you think the Republicans continue to be successful despite their awful policy stances?

[Armstead]

4. Naw...Somewhere btween them

Tpp many tomes I've seen him asked questions, and he basically make stump speech points. I know that;s the framework, byr IMP he needs to broaden beyond that. Just my opinion.

[HerbChestnut]

5. I agree.

I think he needs to try and connect with his audience a little more. Get personal.

[jwirr]

6. I worked in the McGovern headquarters in 72. I remember a table

full of pamphlets on every issue you could think of. Seems to me that getting pamphlets out into the public that amplify his speeches would be a great help. We should have people at every event they can go to handing out pamphlets on issues.

Also isn't that site the computer group set up for him just exactly what you are calling for?

[JaneyVee]

8. True true.

He has his stump speech down pat, I'll give him that. But soon people are going to be asking "how", and that's where he may have a problem. I've been saying for a while now he needs to release actual policy papers. This is why he does well at rallies and forums but not so well at debates, being pressed.

[Warren DeMontague]

9. The more the primary is about actual policy, the less it is about "wharrrglhbbll he said shouting"

The less it is about "a sanders supporter was seen wearing a purple shirt and saying mean things on facebook wharrgghghlllllballarg"

So in short, i agree.

[Eric J in MN]

11. Sanders should get more specific about taxes.

CNBC's John Harwood about tax rates: "When you think about something like 90 percent, you don’t think that’s obviously too high?”

Bernie Sanders: “No. What I think is obscene…when you have the top one-tenth of one percent owning almost as much as the bottom 90.”

Until Bernie Sanders says exactly what tax rates he's for, critics can twist that answer into advocating a 90% tax bracket.