Bernie's socialism

Given the freight that comes with the word "socialist," I wonder why Bernie Sanders isn't calling himself a social democrat ("Bernie's Rules for Radicals," December 2015). Making a point on principle while trying to win supporters who are still not sure that socialism is in their interests seems like bad strategy. Bernie could do worse than align himself with the successful social democracies of Europe. In fact, by conjuring the ghosts of fellow travelers of the past (Alinsky notwithstanding), he will do worse.

Jay Hayden

Via InTheseTimes.com

The Democratic Party has traditionally believed that no candidate could get elected with sensible policies that favor the 99% because they'd be called a socialist. The Republicans have even called Hillary Clinton, Al Gore and John Kerry socialists. But now, that tactic doesn't work. Socialism is popular because the Right has tried to shoot down every sensible idea by calling it "socialist."

Bernie Sanders is smart. This campaign isn't just about him winning the presidency; he's playing the long game. He knows that as long as you can shoot down sensible policies by playing the red card, we will never have sensible policies for the 99%.

Anonymous

Via InTheseTimes.com

Time to hunt DINOs?

Zachary Werrell's statement that the biggest challenge to the GOP is to "rid itself of the neoconservative war hawks and corrupt cronyists that make up the establishment" could be applied equally to Democrats as to Republicans ("The RINO Hunter," December 2015). …