Bernie Sanders' Unmatched Grassroots Support and the Media's Omission
Indeed, Bernie Sanders has an unparalleled and unprecedented level of individual supporter engagement that surpasses any other candidate in the history of presidential campaigns. Yet, this monumental milestone has received surprisingly little coverage from mainstream media outlets.
Over 1.4 Million Individual Donors and a Million Volunteers
Bernie Sanders' campaign stands out for the sheer number of individual donors—over 1.4 million to be precise—highlighting his broad base of support. Adding to this, his campaign boasts over 1 million volunteers, showcasing the intensity and enthusiasm of the grassroots movement. Despite these impressive statistics, the mainstream media has significantly downplayed this aspect of his campaign. The fact that he has more supporters than any past or current candidate is a key fact that is either ignored or underreported.
Manipulated Polls and Excluded Voters
The campaigns often report their poll results in a way that excludes certain key demographics. Polls commonly reference “likely Democratic voters” or “registered Democrat voters,” effectively ignoring independent voters and even some conservative supporters who back Sanders. This is problematic because independent voters constitute the largest voting bloc in the United States.
For example, a Quinnipiac University poll conducts surveys among 1483 self-identified registered voters nationwide, with 646 of them being Democratic and independent voters who lean Democratic. This language explicitly excludes a significant portion of potential voters, namely independent and conservative voters who may be more inclined to support Bernie Sanders.
2020 Democratic Primary Polls
The 2020 Democratic primary polls provide a clearer picture of voter preferences. In August, Bernie Sanders had almost double the donors compared to his nearest competitor, Elizabeth Warren. By September, Bernie Sanders had reached 1 million individual donors, a remarkable achievement that warrants recognition.
Beyond just the number of donors, the quality of these contributions reflects a deep and genuine support. Donors do not elect a president; voters do. In the Democratic primary, voters are roughly split between three major camps: Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren, and Bernie Sanders. This division indicates a diverse set of preferences but emphasizes the significant base of support Bernie Sanders has.
Sources of Support in 2016
A detailed breakdown of Bernie Sanders' sources of support in the 2016 election further underscores his grassroots approach. His campaign was fueled by small-dollar contributions, reflecting a broad and inclusive base. Unlike other candidates who rely heavily on large donors or super PACs, Bernie Sanders built a campaign that engaged millions of individual contributors and volunteers, creating a powerful and resilient movement.
This grassroots approach not only ensured a diverse and extensive network of support but also highlighted the underlying strength of Bernie Sanders' message and his ability to connect with a wide range of voters. The media's silence on this critical aspect of his campaign is not only a disservice to the truth but also a missed opportunity to shed light on the true extent of support Bernie Sanders enjoys among the American public.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bernie Sanders' unmatched grassroots support through his vast network of individual donors and volunteers is a significant factor that should be more prominently featured in the media coverage. Recognizing this aspect of his campaign is crucial for a complete understanding of his strength and the potential impact he could have on future elections. The lack of attention from the mainstream media is a concerning oversight that needs to be addressed for a more informed and balanced discourse.
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