Bernie Sanders take conservatives to church
Bernie Sanders engaged the conservative moral compass in the belly of the Conservative manufacturing machine, Liberty University. Bernie seems to be betting that his honest message will win over many Conservatives. Based on his reception it seems a distinct possibility. Unlike the Bill Clinton/DLC inspired triangulation and double speak of Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders was respectful, frank, yet firm without compromising his values or attacking the values of the audience.
The moderator told Bernie Sanders that inasmuch as the audience was concerned about income and wealth inequality,they were even more concerned for children in the womb. Children in the womb need even more protection according to the moderator.
Bernie Sanders agreed that in fact he had a difference of opinion than the audience at large on abortion. He then used the conservative argument to make an important point. You cannot say that you want government out of our lives and at the same time want to control a woman’s body. He pointed out that everyone has the right to say no to abortion. But he does not believe that government has the right to tell a woman after she has painstakingly made a decision to be the controlling agent.
Bernie Sanders then flipped the morality coin. He first told the crowd that he was not partisan during his entire presentation but for the topic he was about to hit them with, he had to be. He then went on to point out that while Republicans in Congress continue to play the morality card and the semblance of caring for the needy, they were responsible for millions losing healthcare, they cut 90 billion dollars in Pell Grants, and they cut billions of dollars in nutrition programs At the same time Republicans gave the top 0.2 percent 250 billion dollars in tax breaks. “I don’t think that is a moral budget,” Sanders said.
Sanders highlighted his differences respectfully, played to their perceived morality, and destroyed the facade of the Republican budget. That is how you win reliable voted if you are allowed a platform.