- Polls
Although only months ago Sanders dragged in the polls (at around 17% in July), he has gained momentum, and only closed this gap further, state by state. In a New Hampshire poll, Sanders won by 15% (a total of 54%), while Hillary trailed behind with only 39%. Meanwhile, in Iowa, Sanders took 43% of the poll, while Clinton only led him by 3%.
Furthermore, a series of Wisconsin polls show the majority choosing Bernie Sanders over Donald Trump (by 18%), Jeb Bush (by 14%), and Ben Carson (by 6%). In similar theme, a general election poll showed Bernie Sanders being favorable over Donald Trump by 9% (for further reading of the CNN/ORC poll).
- Social Media
There is no denying the strong connection of Bernie's campaign to the young vote, and Sanders' campaign has done an commendable job keeping up with this category. His online presence has remained strong, even predeceasing his candidacy as president.
All of Bernie's policies, opinions, and long-running battles can be viewed on his YouTube channel, Bernie 2016.
All of Bernie's policies, opinions, and long-running battles can be viewed on his YouTube channel, Bernie 2016.
Bernie's Twitter account, however, is where a large portion of his online traffic pours in, and he capitalizes on it overwhelmingly well. It is run by Sanders' himself and packed with his standpoints and sarcastic quips.
While other candidates may have more money, we have the people. Let’s show them what happens when we unite. #IDPJJ pic.twitter.com/Aoea2lw3YY
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) October 24, 2015
He has also used it to pull attention from the GOP toward his own campaign, utilizing his quipping humor and firm talking points, during such times as the September GOP Debate.
Have you heard anyone use the word "poverty" yet? 47.7 million Americans living in poverty. No discussion. #DebateWithBernie
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) September 17, 2015
Trump. What a pleasant and humble person. Can't stop saying kind and generous things about his fellow Republicans. #DebateWithBernie
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) September 17, 2015
Yup. Bush was a great president. Yes. No doubt. Great president. All Obama's fault. #DebateWithBernie
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) September 17, 2015
That is, of course, until he got bored and went home.
Thank you all. I've had it. I'm going home. Talk to you soon. #DebateWithBernie
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) September 17, 2015
- Events
Bernie's outstanding speaking ability is the primary force which his campaign has been driven on, and thus his public appearances are vital to his image. It is reasonable to declare that Sanders' campaign relies on his ability to attract a crowd more heavily than any of his opponents. Everywhere he travels he leaps and bounds, and sets new records for gathering crowds.
At the October Democratic Debate, Bernie was met with resistance on key issues from his opponents, including a bit of quibble on gun control between him and Clinton. However, despite this, there's no doubt he came out on top the debate. A particularly noteworthy was Bernie's jab at the GOP's obsession with Clinton's email scandal;
However, while the debate was a primary event which gave Sanders a desired boost in attention, as well as a platform on which to preach his message, it was not his sole occasion. On the 24th, Sanders spoke to a massive crowd at the Iowa Democratic Party's Jefferson-Jackson Dinner. Here, he told the people that the Republicans suffered from "Amnesia", and he attacked them further by saying they forgot what America's problems were, and saying they attempted to obstruct progress. He got immense applause from the crowd by addressing the oncoming "Political Revolution".
Bernie also attended the No Labels Conference, a multiparty conference which aims at stopping political fighting, and working toward solutions. Here he addressed his issues, such as Citizens United, which he called "corrupt" and saying that he does not see anything democratic about the decision.
- Money
Sanders economic policies shine through in the ways that he runs his campaign, which stick to a series of set strategies that Sanders has kept loyal to throughout his race.
Throughout his career in policy, Bernie Sanders has pushed for campaign finance reform and economic reform. His outspoken opposition to the Citizens United decision has never had more application than his own campaign.
His policy of "grassroots campaigning" has pushed his movement forward within spectacular momentum. This policy only strengthens Bernie's image, as it keeps his voice out of reach of Super-PAC's and billionaire donors.
There is a theme to the rise of Bernie Sanders, and that theme is that the people have grown tired of dishonesty, corruption, and nepotism in modern politics. The Republic America was founded as is at a true crossroads between remaining the political powerhouse it was in the past or letting it warp itself into a debased oligarchy. Seth MacFarlane put the message of Sanders' campaign very accurately in this introduction;
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