Weekend at Bernie's

After taking a considerable amount of heat from the black populous, Senator Bernie Sanders will have the grandest stage of all to re-introduce himself and his platform during tonight’s Democratic debate. With all the events and topics of concern that have recently emerged in our nation, some would suggest that there has been a resurgence in certain prejudices and biased decisions as they relate to specific groups of people. Tonight, Bernie Sanders looks to make his mark in the Democratic nomination race by addressing these issues head on.

Two months ago in Seattle, Washington, Senator Sanders was to attend two events in which he would speak at. The first of those which was a rally on Social Security, never saw the light of day. Shortly after Sanders took the stage, a number of protesters from Seattle’s Black Lives Matter chapter welcomed themselves over the barricades and joined the Senator on stage. After seizing the microphone the co-founders of the chapter, Marissa Johnson and Mara Willaford offered us their thoughts on issues of late as they pertain to the black community. What undoubtedly spoke louder than Johnson’s initial words were the unrelenting boos from the crowd. Johnson remained cool like the other side of the pillow, and made her point to the Senator, stating,

"I was going to tell Bernie how racist this city is, filled with its progressives, but you already did it for me, thank you…Now that you've covered yourself in your white supremacist liberalism, I will formally welcome Bernie Sanders to Seattle.”

This isolated incident in Sanders’ campaign trail highlights the pressures that not only he, but all candidates face when it comes to addressing the issues of racial equality and how many feel the racial see-saw has fallen out of balance. Jeff Weaver, Sanders’ campaign manager, gave us a preview of what the Senator looks to discuss during the debate stating,

"I think we're going to talk about issues of importance to the black community…"I think we're going to talk about criminal justice reform. I think we're going to talk about dealing with systemic racism. I think we're going to talk about many of the economic issues that are important to African-American voters.”

Sanders has maintained a strong position for the advancement of the working class, and how paramount it is that efforts continue to be made that promote the growth of the middle class both economically and socially. The Senator continues to walk the walk rather than simply talking the talk, as he recently met with Black Lives Matter activists to discuss the issue of police brutality in minority communities, as well as march with NAACP leaders at the Journey for Justice Rally held in Washington D.C.

Perhaps tonight’s debate will help serve as the extra boost Sanders needs to get over the hump and take a piece of Hillary’s poll numbers pie. Whether or not he booms or busts remains to be seen, however one thing is for sure, if Sanders continues to pick up steam the way he has leading up to this point, we could be looking at a much tighter race for the Democratic nomination than the numbers suggest.



Sources and Polls:

Campaign manager: Sanders using debate to connect with black voters

Black Lives Matter protesters shut down Sanders event in Seattle

Bernie Sanders joins NAACP Journey for Justice March

2016 Democratic Presidential Nomination (polls)