But while Sanders didn't win outright on Monday, the progressive populist did usher in an historic milestone. By winning even a single delegate in Iowa, Sanders, a secular Jew of Polish ancestry, has now won more delegates than any non-Christian presidential candidate in history.
Sanders emerged from Monday's caucuses with 21 delegates to Clinton's 22, according to projections from the Associated Press.
Sanders isn't the first non-Christian to seek a major party's presidential nomination. Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania briefly sought the Republican nod in the 1996 cycle, and Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut ran on the Democratic side in 2004. Both men were Jewish.
But in a country where more than 70% of the population still identifies as Christian, according to the Pew Research Center, no non-Christian has come as close to the presidency as Sanders has.
Well you would think as a proud Atheist I would have picked up on this immediately, but I guess I was too tired and distracted that day to catch it.
I still have serious doubts about a Sanders presidency, but there is no denying that he is having a very powerful, and ultimately positive impact on politics in this country.
Because "Christians" have done such a bang up job leading us right over a cliff, yeah, let's elect another.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I think Bernie should embrace that as a selling point.
DeleteLook at the hate, bigotry, vitriol and violence that is escalating all in the name of Jeebus.
We need such a distinct separation of church and state that electing a secular president may be exactly what we need. I think it is time to put an atheist in the Oval Office.
Whether we put a secular jew or a woman in the White House, it will make history.
But I'm not happy with Hillary's relationship with "The Family" so I'll take the atheist on the top of the ticket. I'm sure HIllary will make a fine Vice President. That's history enough for now.
I was very young, but I still recall the hand-wringing and nail biting over our first Catholic President, who, it turned out, was about as true to his Catholicism as Cruz is to being a Christian. But JFK had something more: a belief in human beings, and a belief in our goodness. Hillary and Bernie share that; not one of the Republicans even believes in the goodness of their party. The struggle here truly is good versus evil. Either we stand as a nation for our real values-inclusion, helping each other, supporting good in the rowed-or we tried down the path of true evil with Cruz and the rest. Should be a no-brainer, huh?
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts exactly. A few minutes ago I was standing in the kitchen when, in at least the past 25 years, has a Republican candidate for president proposed something that would benefit all people, not just the rich or the most powerful, but all people. I cannot think of a single thing. That shows there is something profoundly wrong about the basic GOP makeup.
DeleteBeaglemom
As your northern neighbour, I agree completely. The Repubs campaign and say the things their base wants to hear. They seem unconcerned with the needs of the entire populace. This latest crop is concentrating on telling folks how bad Obama and his administration have been. Everything is negative with them. I think that's really why young people (and the not-so-young) are flocking to Sanders. Perhaps it can be compared in a way to the appeal of Reagan. He was all sunshine and roses and gave people hope -- they didn't see the hollow man inside the actor's facade. I'm not saying Sanders' appeal is the same as Reagan's, only that both men are/were fulfilling a need that seems/seemed right for the times. The sane and sensible and caring folk would have voted for Carter, not Reagan. The older and wiser and pragmatic folk
Deletewill vote for Hillary. Whether there are enough of them is the question.
Reagan ran on the politics of fear and the "shining city on the hill"/ take back our country bullshit. Things haven't changed all that much for the GOP.
DeleteThere are plenty of older progressives who are voting for Sanders, my parents who are pushing 80 being two of them. In fact, I would say that, while there is a crowd of young (mostly White) people supporting Sanders, the backbone of his support comes from older (mostly White) progressives.
DeleteJacqueline Kennedy was overheard saying "I don't know why everyone's upset about Jack being a Catholic; he isn't a very good one."
DeleteElderly Progressives?
DeleteIn the post office of a very small town in AK the old timers were talking about the Iowa caucus. I am 60 yrs old and young compared to old timers that were complaining about the infamous coin tosses.
All were Sanders supporters, shock!
I remember the Republicans saying if JFK was elected the Pope would be running the country through him. He was elected anyway.
DeleteAnd look what happened when Richard Nixon finally took office.
Yeah, I don't vote Republican. I have a long memory and excellent retention.
And Sanders wife was raised Catholic. I don't care. What matters are his policy proposals and experience.
ReplyDeleteThat's the only thing that should matter.
DeleteIt's about time we took religion out of our politics. The more it insinuates itself, the worse off we are.
"Well you would think as a proud Atheist I would have picked up on this immediately...."
ReplyDeleteThe sooner we stop remarking on the candidate's gender, religion (if any) or sexual orientation, the better.
Except, in this election. the religion nonsense of the gops has everything to do with how they will govern. Viz., Congress over the last 8 years.
Separation of church and state? Say buh-bye to that if that hairless Taliban guy gets in. A progressive, Democratic America is on a knife-edge of survival: There will be refugees from America to Canada by the carload if Democrats lose.
This is Gryphen's blog. As such, he doesn't need you telling him what to focus on. Mentioning historic firsts about candidates' diversity is worth mentioning.
Delete7:40, This blog allows us to express our opinions and even to disagree with Gryphen. No need to attack another's opinion.
DeleteWhere is the attack?
Delete"There will be refugees from America to Canada by the carload if Democrats lose."
DeleteThat would the best thing that has happened to this country in 25 years.
I'd say "he doesn't need you telling him" is a mild attack.
DeleteYawn. I'd be more interested to see the first Republican to win his party's nomination who doesn't wear a flag pin on his lapel 24-7, including on his jammies at night.
ReplyDeleteGeorge Will says some nice things about him today. Am afraid that Palin will roust anti-Semitism. I am afraid that she will. Its what she does best.
ReplyDeleteI don't that will go down very well, given that a lot of Xians are also pro Israel.
DeleteIf she tries that, it may backfire and get Bernie more votes and make her more of a laughingstock and a pariah.
See if you can find Tuesday's PBS Business Report. It's a half hour show about stocks, bonds, investments and Wall Street business. The hosts (a man and a woman) were getting all nervous and anxious about Bernie Sanders possibly becoming President. It was great to hear that they were finally taking him seriously and the way they were talking it seems that "the powers that be" won't let him be elected. Even if he gets the nomination and gets more votes "the powers" will find a way to steal the election for the Republican. The Stock Market will react to politics this year. This is unfortunate because I have a few investments plus retirement fund that will be jeopardized by the election.
ReplyDeleteTaking him seriously means he's going to start getting the negative attention and fear mongering that has, until now, been reserved only for Clinton.
DeleteI've got stocks too, in three different retirement accounts.
DeleteBut I'll vote Democratic despite that as I don't want to live with the results of a Republican win no matter what it does to the stock market. I'd rather take the hit than live in a fascist state.
Amazingly, I've read some comments from a segment of the Left who viciously criticize him for some of his votes dealing with Israel. They call him a zionist and talk about his "dual citizenship."
ReplyDeleteFor those of you who don't know, "dual citizenship" is a dog whistle that people of Jewish descent consider themselves to be citizens of both the US and Israel (heavy on the Israel part) and therefore can't be trusted.
So, antisemitism and doesn't always come from the Right.
That sounds a lot like the criticism of JFK when he was running. Some were saying that because he was Catholic, he'd take orders from the Pope once he was elected.
DeleteThis is very exciting news. It's about time.
ReplyDeleteIt's also very exciting that Clinton is the first woman to win in Iowa.
As usual, Democrats are leading the way.
I, too, think Bernie Sanders has an excellent message about income inequality.
ReplyDeleteI think he should focus on things like what the republicans are up to such as again passing a bill to repeal Obamacare.
His support of gun manufacturers does not reflect well on his credibility about being against lobbyists and such.
I wish he would talk more specifically about reproductive rights and discrimination and violence against women, people of color, and people in the GLBT community.
DeleteThese issues aren't automatically or necessarily subsumed by economic equality.
The lovely thing about Vermont is that it embraces the gay community
DeleteI think that sneering schmuck Shkreli will help Sanders a lot. Shkreli is the poster boy for Wall St. greed and 1%er avarice. He is totally unsympathetic. I think everyone wants he's face wiped of that smug sneer and to see him in prison for as long as possible, just to teach him a lesson in humility.
DeleteIf Sanders were smart, he'd use Shkreli as an example of the capitalistic greed deregulation leads to. Shkreli is up on fraud, but what he did with his price gouging is "perfectly legal". And that is the problem. A problem the Republicans and big Pharma have fostered and protected.
G, put aside your "serious doubts" about Bernie. The "serious doubts" about Cliinton, apart from her views (which are good but less good than Bernie's -- and I submit his "no" vote on starting the war as evidence), is going to kill her during the election. The dirty tricks of the Repubs will re-introduce everything in its worst possible light.
ReplyDeleteRemember when they asked Jackie if JFK's Catholicism should be held against him? And she said "No, he's such a bad Catholic that I don't think so."
Bernie's stance is perfect. I want him and Warren as the ticket. Landslide!
Clinton 2016. America's first woman president. If not now, when?
DeleteI have no qualms about being excited about the prospect of the first woman president. She is more qualified than any candidate has been in a long time, if ever.
Did you know there are or were six women running for President in 2016?
DeleteFiorina and Hillary Clinton, the Democrat, are the two most talked about women in the mainstream media. There is also the highly qualified Jill Stein from the Green party and three other female candidates running without a political party. The independents are Tami Stainfeld, Samm Tittle and Lynn Sandra Kahn. Although the Libertarian Party has had female presidential candidates seek the party's nomination in the past, we have not yet seen any officially announced.
http://www.examiner.com/article/2016-female-presidential-candidates-now-six-with-carly-fiorina-declaration
First, Warren won't agree to be on the ticket.
DeleteSecond, if Warren were on the ticket it would lose. It would drive away any pro-Bernie Independents and Republicans and would alienate the Hillary crowd. You'd have Democrats staying home rather than vote for Sanders/Warren. We can't afford to take that chance.
Besides, Warren is more valuable right where she is.
Bernie says (re religion) in a story on Hill's Goldman Sachs' $600k earnings: Meanwhile, insurgent Sen. Bernie Sanders said religion played a key role in his decision to run for president, something he has not previously admitted. "I would not be running for president of the United States if I did not have very strong religious and spiritual feelings," he said during a Democratic candidate forum televised on CNN.
ReplyDeleteSanders added that religion is a "guiding principle in my life, absolutely it is. Everybody practices religion in a different way." The Vermont senator was raised Jewish, but has said he does not practice the religion. "I am not actively involved with organized religion," he told the Washington Post.
The garden is my church
DeleteI have that quote just off my patio. And I have one that says "Gardeners always smile because they play in beds all day". Can't wait for spring!!!
DeleteYou can be spiritual without being Jewish or Christian or joining some group for some scripted ceremony.
DeleteVery nice to see IN is being more open minded towards Mr Sanders.
ReplyDeleteThank you all!
Thanks Gryphon!
I might be a supporter of Sanders, but I still enjoy IM!
Sanders isn't an atheist.
ReplyDeleteThe Editorial board of the Des Moines Register:
ReplyDeleteThe Iowa Democratic Party must act quickly to assure the accuracy of the caucus results, beyond a shadow of a doubt.
First of all, the results were too close not to do a complete audit of results. Two-tenths of 1 percent separated Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton. A caucus should not be confused with an election, but it’s worth noting that much larger margins trigger automatic recounts in other states.
Second, too many questions have been raised. Too many accounts have arisen of inconsistent counts, untrained and overwhelmed volunteers, confused voters, cramped precinct locations, a lack of voter registration forms and other problems. Too many of us, including members of the Register editorial board who were observing caucuses, saw opportunities for error amid Monday night’s chaos.
Be sure to read it all-
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/opinion/editorials/caucus/2016/02/03/editorial-something-smells-democratic-party/79777580/
I'm sorry, but the caucus process is ridiculous and archaic. This is my first election in a caucus state. I will miss not having a nice, reasonable primary.
DeleteI read about this at the Hill:http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/dem-primaries/268194-des-moines-register-calls-for-audit-of-iowa-dem-caucuses
DeleteInteresting!!!
13 minutes of Hillary lies:
Deletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dY77j6uBHI
I posted these videos of Hillary lying...she is almost as bad as sarah palin....these people are a different breed. sociopathic. say whatever they need to say to further their own interests. So I will post one more...sad you will vote for her:
Deletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKW3DvYD1Tc
Hillary Clinton is not a sociopath by any stretch of the imagination. Maybe you should do more research on sociopathy before you go and accuse someone of being one.
DeleteHillary lies on video:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbnKGopT0Uc
Give it up, Bernie Bro! Redundancy is not persuasive.
DeleteIt's getting old.
DeleteSorry gryphen, but people like you don't realize how much Hillary is like sarah palin with lying. they both are sociopathic and say and do whatever will benefit them in the moment. I am shocked...I dislike palin with a passion...I dislike a liar...Hillary I dislike as well. Loved her husband but now see him as part of the problem, big problem that propelled us toward 2008 crisis besides the bush clan. Last video of Hillary lying. sorry you decide to support and vote for a liar, plutocrat, oligarchist, and if you don't know much about the TPP, I am shocked at Obama, another corporatist. I am for Bernie sanders who has had the same message for years and years, lgbt rights as well....bloggers should have to do more research before they endorse a candidate and put down someone who is truly for the middle class. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKW3DvYD1Tc
ReplyDeleteBernie Sanders was no champion of gay marriage in Vermont.
Delete"But Sanders is not quite the gay rights visionary his defenders would like us to believe. Sanders did oppose DOMA—but purely on states’ rights grounds. And as recently as 2006, Sanders opposed marriage equality for his adopted home state of Vermont. "
http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2015/10/05/bernie_sanders_on_marriage_equality_he_s_no_longtime_champion.html
It must be very helpful to have such a skill, as to be able to look inside the heart of people you don't know, and have never been remotely close to...
Delete...and be able to distinguish how they feel about things such as corporatism, religion, their patriotism, and all likes and dislikes.
Oh...wait a minute...that's not a "skill"--
--that is what is known as BIGOTRY.
Bill lied his way the the largest surplus in history. What a jerk! Amirite? Then came GW and Darth and baddah bing, baddah boom, they truthed us into two wars and endless terrorism with a dash of waterboarding and more truth. I guess we just couldn't handle the truth.
DeleteGive it a rest. How many times do you have to post the same thing?
DeleteI formed an opinion about Bernie Sanders, before he decided to run for President.
ReplyDeleteI really liked everything he was saying. BUT: his delivery was too much like Bobcat Goldthwait, or Louis Black, and others--who I hate watching "live"--
(Because I am seriously afraid I'll witness the person having a heart attack right on camera.)
As an adult I am capable of going beyond delivery to the content. And I like Bernie's content.
DeleteBernie has been a favorite of mine since before Obama was president. I'm thrilled he decided to run.
I am a very objective independent. I am appalled that Democrats have become just like the Republicans. If you dare criticize the next in line candidate you are personally eviscerated (you are stupid, you should die, you should move, etc.)
ReplyDeleteLast cycle I liked Hillary as a person. I thought she was strong and resilient and smart.
Hillary knew she was running for President again and her behavior should have been above board and it wasn't.
The email server issue was a stupid purposeful action a 16 year old would have known better. Yes, other people have done it, but they weren't running for Presdient.
Bill and Hill's Greed is ridiculous. They had about $100 Million in personal wealth after the last cycle. They should have stopped hoovering up money with paid speeches until after this election. I know it would have been hard to live off a paltry $100M. They will always be able to raise millions in a day no need to hurry.
Clinton's attitude is terrible. She talks down to people. She may be the smartest person in the room most of the time, but condescension is unnecessary. I think she is dishonest and desparate
My opinion of her this cycle is entitled, above the unwashed masses, it is her turn she doesn't have to earn it. If anyone gets in her way she will kneecap them.
I won't vote for her under any circumstances. I am independent and have always been independent, I don't owe my vote to the Democrats. I would not vote for any of the current republicans either. If Sanders does not win the nomination I am going to vote for an independent that makes the ballot or write in a candidate.
I will insult myself to save you the trouble. I am throwing away my vote (you get to do that in a Democracy-vote for any candidate whether they can win or not).
I am stupid, a loser, etc. Ok I am in great company in the US. I should die (I will eventually). Move to another country ( I am going to split my retirement time between two counties soon).
Not to late for Hillary to clean up her act. I know very few people who still intend to vote for her. Most were rooting for her after the last election.
I would never say anyone is throwing away their vote (unless, you know, they actually don't vote at all).
DeleteHowever, I just don't get that people find her condescending. She smart, she knows she's smart, and she's not afraid to let people know she's smart. In that sense, she's a great role model for girls and young women (please notice that I wrote "in that sense").
At least you're honest. Not voting is standing for nothing, I never missed one, even if I had to hold my nose, and I will never miss the privilege.
DeleteAs another Sanders supporter (SS), Gryphin I apologize for the above SS making a attack on you. You're a fantastic blogger and while I have a difference in political views, I have respect for what you have done and are doing with IM.
ReplyDeleteKeep on Blogging to make a better world!
Again thanks for being more impartial recently!
Anonymous SS
I was not attacking Gryphen, he is the best. He allows all sides of the argument. He loves Hillary but does not block opposing comments.
DeleteGryphen is not the one to respond with die or move out of the country.
Agreed! Gryphon is awesome! :)
DeleteAgain, no one has won any delegates in Iowa. I know the media keeps saying this, but it simply is not true.
ReplyDeleteDelegates were selected for county conventions. There delegates will be elected to the CD and State conventions where national delegates will be selected. In May (I think) and June. And typically the 'projections' prove wrong as allegiances shift deeper into the process.
Sanders' supporters are going to have a difficult spring. That's all I'll say for now.
ReplyDeleteThe Iowa Democratic party chair who is refusing to release raw vote totals from Monday’s state caucuses is a long-time Hillary Clinton supporter who donated to the politician’s various campaigns and who reportedly drives a Buick with the license plate “HRC 2016.”
ReplyDeleteDr. Andrea “Andy” McGuire has shot down calls to review vote tallies from Monday’s contest despite Clinton’s razor-thin win over Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. The former secretary of state squeaked by the democratic socialist, hauling in 49.9 percent of state delegate equivalents versus Sanders’ 49.6 percent.
Read more: http://dailycaller.com/2016/02/04/iowa-democratic-official-who-refuses-to-review-results-is-hillary-supporter/#ixzz3zFngGlnq