I attended the Bernie Sanders Boston Convention rally on October 3rd. I have not attended any presidential rallies this cycle but this one was close by and I was curious as to what all the unexpected energy and enthusiasm about Bernie Sanders was all about. If you hear that it was a huge rally with over 20,000 people you can believe them…the convention center was stuffed and apparently a few thousand stood outside. Below are my observations and thoughts on the event:
1. First, and I believe most importantly, Sanders speaks very bluntly and makes specific proposals. Whether you agree with him or not you know exactly where he stands and can clearly envision what his presidency would be like. I can’t recall a presidential candidate ever speaking so specifically about their policies and why they matter. And he clearly believes in his policies. This, I think, is the key to his and Donald Trump’s success. Both of these very different candidates are leading their rivals because when they speak you know what they are saying. I have not been to a Trump rally but if I get chance I want to go. I suspect he is resonating because he also is a breathe of straight talking fresh air. No obfuscations, triangulations, petty rationalizations, half-truths, quarter truths and lots of maybes, what ifs and buts.
2. The audience was huge but visually struck me as mostly very young and white. The Obama rallies I attended seemed to have a wider range of ages and were more racially diverse. If Sanders started drawing a more diverse following his candidacy would grow even stronger. Strangely, many of his policies would substantially benefit minorities and certainly middle and lower income people - but I think these groups need some convincing and, for now, may be staying with more traditional candidates.
3. Sanders spoke substantively for well over an hour and the young audience paid close attention and seemed to listen carefully. Again a tribute to speaking specifically, clearly and passionately. Also a tribute to a new generation of serious, respectful, confident and capable young folks who think about the issues and get involved. A very good sign for our future.
One of the great benefits we all are getting from the Sander’s candidacy is that it’s attracting and involving many new young voters and citizens. This is where he is getting his lead from. It’s great for our democracy that so many young people are getting involved and interested in political discussion and activities as a result of Sander’s candidacy.
4. And, for those who don’t agree with or like Sander’s policies, don’t despair – the interest in and excitement about politics generated by the Sander’s candidacy will reap many benefits all along the spectrum of our politics as time goes on. A number of the young folks attending his rallies will later form different views as they grow and change…and some of them will become leaders in the republican and other parties. But they will have gotten their start by attending such rallies as this one and seeing firsthand how politics and can be both fun and interesting - if not downright exciting.