Being Bernie

Bless the never-ending news cycle and social media. Two weeks ago we heard the constant refrain about Bernie Sanders needing to release his tax returns. To which he replied he planned to, right after finishing his 2018 returns, but the drumbeat continued. Low and behold he did exactly what he promised, releasing not one, not two but ten years of tax returns. It turns out Sanders has done well the past couple of years, largely due to proceeds from a best selling book. He earned a little over $500,000.00 in 2017 and about $1,000,000.00 in 2018. Many in the media are spinning this as hypocritical, portraying Sanders as being part of the one percent he rails against. First, those amounts of income are temporary, dependent on what will be diminishing royalties. Second the figures hardly place him in the permanent one percent. Most importantly, those criticizing fail to recognize or acknowledge in their reporting that Sanders paid his fair share of taxes on his income and that is the chief point that he has always made on economic inequality. Sanders is not opposed to anyone making fat coin, he is opposed to those who do not pay their fair share in taxes and the biggest corporations in the country paying zero.

Last night Sanders did a town hall on FOXNews and performed very well to the amazement of the hosts. Sanders has now come under heavy fire from some progressive activists for appearing on FOX, which has been banned from hosting any debates by the Democratic National Committee. Everyone has an opinion and here's mine, Sanders is smart for doing a town hall on FOX. Sure there were many Sanders supporters in the auditorium but what matters is the audience watching at home, viewers that may only get their information from FOX got the opportunity to hear directly from Sanders and see him present, defend and advocate his beliefs. Campaigning in places where everyone greets you with warm and fuzzies is easy. The true test is going where you're not particularly welcome and presenting your views. It goes without saying, right? Apparently not in today's tribal climate.

Bernie Sanders has been accused of not being a team player in the Democratic Party. That's right, he's not. The fact that he is not a Democrat should have been a clue. He has criticized both parties institutional elite as being in bed with each other to rig the system against the little guy. He is using the Democratic platform because it is smart to do so, just like he did in 2016. In the current field of contenders he is the number one fundraiser and is polling at number one. Can he be the nominee? Yes he can and those in the Democratic Party that don't like it should stop bitching and start paying attention to why this outsider has such an immense appeal.

It's a long way to the nomination and anything can happen but anyone underestimating Sanders is a fool indeed.