The U S Media is not quite sure what to do with Bernie Sanders in this election, just like they did not know what to do with Barak Obama in the election eight years ago. Last time the preposterous notion of an African American claiming the white house was hushed, sidelined by the thought of Hillary Clinton claiming her rightful claim on history. This time we have an aging socialist senator of an unhearalded state, who is fighting the good fight against wealth inequality, is for universal medical care and numerous other radical ideas on taxation, and wealth distribution.
Just as not enough people would vote for Barak as per the media barons eight years ago, now we see a similar trend with Trump grabbing the most media time, followed by Hillary and then the others candidates in the field. from both parties. Bernie is lucky if he gets 2-3% of the media time on a good day, and is largely ignored on the other days, hoping he will go away. His punditry is so old school and so extremely left leaning, that the conservatives will not acknowledge his presence or take him seriously. There has never been a greater divide between the leading candidates of the two parties in ideologies and plans for the future as exhibited in the debates of this election.
If we go by the most individual Americans donating to a candidate it was Obama over Hillary last time, and this time it seems it is Bernie taking the lead again on Clinton. The hope for change which Obama brought to this troubled land, after two of the longest wars in American history is well known. He rightly won the Peace prize as has been borne out from his steely resolve to limit US force, going instead for tangible results like the end of Bin Laden. Now we have another maverick trying to establish another revolution in America and bringing a different cry of change. The young are interested in his message and listening and joining him in large numbers.
We live in an idealist land, where no matter what our differences; we allow progressive thoughts, to be dreamed. We allow certain trailblazers in economic, social and scientific thought into our highest office occasionally. It is the democratic spirit for justice, peace and brotherhood where we must put the fate of humans as our highest concern. This is often achieved by some of the most unknown citizens, who rise from our hinterlands. These leaders speak with a deep conviction on issues that matter. Their wisdom lies in their idealistic understanding of the human spirit.
So as I look out at the snowstorm and am reeling from the volatility of our markets bracing for another cold winter, I wonder. Is Bernie really saying something I can accept on universal health care, income equality, education liberalization, parental leave, climate change, LGBT rights and campaign finance reform amongst other things?
The man who marched on Washington in his youth, has now come to the gates of power, demanding a change. Will we allow a Civil Rights and Civil Liberties leader the power to making policy decisions, which may affect our future generations? If a man who has devoted his life to public service is now saying, that he has a better way in government, do we have to believe him? Is it time for a change from the same old compromises, to a concerned citizen who talks about a revolution in ideas; as the old ones, are no longer working. As ‘America’ (thanks Garfunkel) we may have to march forward, in choosing a leader who is a non-conformist, may not be such a bad idea after all. Change is coming either way, and in these troubled times after hearing all the rhetoric from either side, I put my faith in Bernie. Sanders said in his Post interview, regarding the excitement his campaign is creating, “We have the capability to have a very good voter turnout. When we have a very good voter turnout, we retain the White House, we regain the Senate, we do well in the House, and we win statewide elections.”

“The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists, who are dedicated to justice, peace, and brotherhood. The trailblazers in human, academic, scientific, and religious freedom have always been nonconformists. In any cause that concerns the progress of mankind, put your faith in the nonconformist!” -Martin Luther King, Jr., civil-rights leader (15 Jan 1929-1968)