DC insiders think Bernie Sanders lost the debate. Here's why they might be wrong

[cal04]

The consensus of political commentators is clear: Hillary Clinton won the first Democratic debate. Her polished performance utterly outclassed her rivals, including Bernie Sanders, and reaffirmed her status as the obvious nominee.

Yet focus groups, search data, and social media information all tell a different story — one in which many viewers loved what Bernie Sanders had to say, or were, at the very least, quite interested in him.

I agree that Clinton turned in a strong performance. And that matters, as it could help her win back the confidence of party insiders worried about her recently declining numbers, and help deter Vice President Biden from entering the race.

But the debate wasn't just about party insiders or the views of pundits. And there are reasons to believe actual voters watching might come to very different conclusions than the professionals did. Consider the following.

http://www.vox.com/2015/10/14/9530603/bernie-sanders-debate

[Blus4u]

1. Highly recommend reading the article.

There are different dynamics at play during this election.

I believe large swaths of the American electorate are fed ef' up with the way our politicians have handled things. There just may be an OWS style crowd at the ballot box this cycle.


Peace

[Erich Bloodaxe BSN]

2. I'm really looking forward to the next round of post debate polling.

I think that will tell the story, and if Bernie gets a bump at Hillary's expense, there are going to be a lot of pundits scrambling to punditsplain it away.

[global1]

4. I Think It's Inevitable That Bernie Will Get A Bump Coming Out Of The Debates....

He basically introduced himself to the American People last night who didn't know him or his stances on the issues based on the media blackout he's experienced since entering the race to the nomination.

Whether they say he won or Hillary won the debates I believe is kind of irrelevant - his mission last night was to introduce himself to the American People and he achieved that goal. He actually exceeded that based on the responses we've seen on the internet.

Hillary on the other hand has been around for a long time. Those that love her will continue to love her and those that never liked Hillary will continue to not like her. She will not move many people either way in the polls because of that.

The next debate will be telling. Bernie is going to have to broaden out his platform and maybe even get a bit into a watered down attack mode. To this point he's said he wouldn't attack Hillary and he didn't last night. He just pointed out the differences between them. Hillary on the other hand didn't miss an opportunity to zing him.

Next debate - I believe that he'll have to get a little tougher and show the American People he can stand up to Hillary. I know he can - but he wanted to run a different campaign. I think the next debate - now that he's been introduced to the American People - he needs to show he's up for the job and won't be intimidated by Hillary or anyone else.

[Erich Bloodaxe BSN]

5. I certainly don't think he was 'intimidated' or 'dominated' at any point.

Or any of the other words various headline writers used.

He's simply a different kind of candidate, who doesn't shoehorn neatly into the 'royal rumble' narrative the media wants to push. He has nuanced stands on polices that he believes in, and refuses to abandon them simply to woo voters. He'll change, as more data about reality comes in, but not 'electoral reality'.

[smokey nj]

7. I think Bernie's authenticity underscored just how inauthentic the other candidates are.

Except for Bernie, every person up there seemed incredibly fake and untrustworthy.

[CharlotteVale]

3. K&R

[Demeter]

6. " DC insiders think"? STOP THE PRESSES!

But what do they think with? Facts, or prejudices? Reality, or dreams? Dollars, or sense?