I would like to make an argument for voting for Bernie Sanders to anyone who describes themselves as a moderate.
I was recently listening to a podcast called “the argument” and one of the hosts made the point that the mistake that Democrats almost always make is to pre-compromise. To paraphrase, what was said in that podcast is that if you want moderate change do not vote for a moderate.
Often Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents have something that they really want but then they think to themselves that it won’t get passed because of the make-up of Congress or what they imagine is in the head of “most people.” Then they take a position they think is something that can get done, usually something less progressive than what they actually want. The truth is that any political position is a starting point when drafting legislation. So, whatever your favorite candidate puts out there is likely to be watered down once it gets to Congress.
It is also worth pointing out that Republicans do not pre-compromise. This is something I very much admire about them. If they believe something, they just say it. They have had great success.
If you believe in a healthy planet, a living wage and health care as a human right, then vote for Bernie. Do not pre-compromise. You don’t have to do the work of the opposition; they have that part covered.
MICHAEL F. DOWE
Gilford