Shouldn't we listen to Vermont to tell us about Bernie Sanders?

Bernie Sanders Vermont shop tattoo

Bernie Sanders and his wife Jane came home to some 4,000 screaming supporters congratulating him on his Super Tuesday success. And rightfully so since he carried the four most diverse states. And the Bern won 86% of the Vermont vote yielding all 16 of the state's delegates. Who in this country knows Bernie Sanders better than the people of Vermont? This man wins elections by tripling his opponents' vote.

From Mayor of Burlington to the U.S. Senate, Sarah A., a 10th-generation Burlingtonian said, “He put us on the map for more than just weed and Ben and Jerry’s.” The Revolution started in Burlington, and Rebecca Haslam exclaimed, now “We are at ground zero of the political revolution.” Poetry professor at the University of Vermont who co-wrote Sanders’ autobiography commented,
“He has been dramatically important to the redefinition of the state.”

It is true that Vermont is a "tiny homogeneous state" almost all white but since starting his campaign, the Bern has shown the he can understand the problems of the black and Hispanic populations. His background in civil rights is not to be questioned. Besides, if you have the passionate urge to help people, all people, like Bernie Sanders does, and have 30 years in government experience to back it up, it would be hard to vote for anyone else for President. Right?

Bernie Sanders Sayings

Minimum wage McDonald's

The minimum wage in Denmark is about twice that of the United States, and people who are totally out of the labor market or unable to care for themselves have a basic income guarantee of about $100 per day.

The Bern collected some good Super Tuesday numbers

Not as much as we wanted but certainly an amount that shows Bernie Sanders is still solidly in the race for President. Sanders has 394 delegates or 16.5% of those needed. Clinton has 577 or 24.2%. What you have to consider looking at these figures is that the numbers include six states with reasonably heavy black populations: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.

With a more diversified profile in states like Colorado, Minnesota and Oklahoma Bernie did well; and of course in his home state of Vermont.

In yesterday's blog I covered states in the balance of March including Nebraska, Maine, Michigan, Florida, Illinois, No. Carolina, Arizona and Washington state. The states encompass 960 delegates. Based on past results along with Super Tuesday, some recent polling and general analysis, I think the Bern will collect 323 new delegates. With the 386 he now has that is a new total of 709. That will give Clinton 637 for a total through March of 1,214.

Understand, Bernie could do much better in the above states as his national polling improves and if his popularity within the Hispanic community continues to rise. Said I would get into April today but will start that tomorrow.

Bernie Sanders Sayings

For every $1 billion we invest in public transportation, we create 30,000 jobs, save thousands of dollars a year for each commuter, and dramatically cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Bernie Sanders beyond Super Tuesday

Nebraska caucus votes on March 5, with Bernie Sanders polling 66.52% and Hillary Clinton 33.68% as of March 1. There are 30 delegates. The Maine caucus votes on March 6, with no late polling available. There are 30 delegates. Michigan's primary is March and as of February 17, Hillary was ahead 10 points. There are 148 delegates. Florida's primary is March 15, with Clinton at 59%, Sanders 33%. There are 246 delegates.

The Illinois primary also March 15, finds Sanders trailing Clinton by 11 points. There are 182 delegates. Missouri the same day, no late data available. There are 84 delegates. Also March 15, North Carolina, where Clinton is at 52% to 35% but the race is tightening. There are 121 delegates. Arizona is March 22, with Clinton at 56.2%, Sanders 21.5%. There are 85 delegates. Washington state caucus isn't until March 26, with no meaningful polling numbers to date. There are 118 delegates.

These eight states are not all the primaries and caucuses being held through the month of March but those most likely to yield a significant number of delegates, win, lose or tie. Starting with April tomorrow.

Bernie Sanders Sayings

I think the overwhelming majority of the American people know that we have got to stand together, that we're going to grow together, that we're going to survive together, and that if we start splintering, we're not going to succeed in a highly competitive

Bernie Sanders Super Tuesday

In my post yesterday, I acknowledged that Bernie Sanders had hit his first bump with a loss to Hillary Clinton in the So. Carolina Primary. The loss was quickly qualified somewhat and you can read about it in the above link. What's important is that it is only a bump, and just another reason for you Progressives to come out and work that much harder for the Bern. Today is Super Tuesday and eleven states are in play. Here's the way I see it.

Based on the So. Carolina results, there are four Southern states that would be questionable due to their black population: Alabama 26.2%; Arkansas 30.9%; Georgia 30.5%; and Tennessee 16.7%. Total delegates 289. I am also dubious about Oklahoma, 42 delegates. These five states won't be a total loss and based on percentages (61 percent of voters in So, Carolina's primary identified as black) Sanders delegate count should be higher. So that leaves six states that really count.

In the remaining six states Bernie will compete for the Hispanic vote and the younger vote (age 18 to 44). Bernie carries the younger vote hands down and a recent study found the Latinos were slipping away from Clinton. In the Nevada Caucus the Bern took 53% of the Hispanic vote. In these six states, only two have a sizable Latino population, Colorado 20.7% and Texas 37.6%. The former younger group is 38%, the latter 38.4%, both significant amounts.

The balance of four states' younger populations is Massachusetts 36.8%, Minnesota 35.8%, Vermont 34% and Virginia 37.5%. Vermont with 26 delegates is solidly behind Sanders; Colorado with 79 delegates is about even, may be tilting toward Clinton; Massachusetts with 116 delegates in a recent poll shows Bernie with 42% of the vote, Hillary 50%, obviously needing some work; Minnesota with 93 delegates shows Clinton with a measurable lead but there are still those 35.8% younger voters to deal with.

This younger vote has come through for Bernie in Iowa and Vermont but wasn't enough in Nevada and So. Carolina. It is up to this group to come all out for Bernie Sanders today to give him a comfort level to continue the fight. It is up to you.

Should the Bern lag in some of the above, tying in others, and carrying where his strength is, beyond Super Tuesday looks encouraging. More on that tomorrow.