Things have not necessarily gone what you would call "our way" in this, arguably the worst presidential election in American history. Amidst the plethora of viral videos of candidates mudslinging and tearing themselves (and their parties) apart, there have been a few shining lights.
Perhaps the biggest star of this election is someone who actually won't have their name on the ballot for presidency, and his name is Bernie Sanders.
Say what you will about the Democratic-Socialist sympathizing Independent from Vermont, but it goes without saying that he is the first to make such a substantial dent in the two party system. Choosing to run on the Democratic primary card, among calls of "Feel the Bern!," he created a movement that stood defiant against the Democratic and two party establishment.
Now, before I go any further, know that I am very much a Bernie sympathizer, and if that bothers you, please tread further into this article with an open mind (we need a lot more of those nowadays I think). This is not to be something to spark arguments between friends or variant party members. So please, don't use it as such. It is simply one Berner saying thanks to a dynamic figure in modern American politics.
With that being said, thank you Bernie!
What some are sure to argue is that you sold out. I believe what you have done is valiantly and tirelessly challenged a long-standing two party system, and instilled in the minds of many young people and even older that democracy is more than two sides of the same coin. From a new approach, you took your third party into an existing party and stole the hearts of millions of Americans, bringing "Independent" into a wider scope, creating a movement, now "Our Revolution," to fight for the working class, veterans and global environmental awareness. You have arguably gone above and beyond what few have done save for perhaps Ralph Nader and way back in the day, Teddy Roosevelt in 1912 (and perhaps a few I'm sure I'm forgetting).
I sympathize with many of the hardcore Berners out there who are upset with Bernie's endorsement of Hillary Clinton. It is viewed as a default to the establishment that Sanders has fought for so long. I think that in that sense of defeat, many are turning to a similar light as the very person it seems that more than half the country is trying to overcome, tossing similar rhetoric in just a different way as the self proclaimed "Donald." This is a lesson to observe wisely. This is not to say that third party candidates may not squeak out the "W" this November (this has after all been the election of anyone BUT the two party system). Often, to overcome great obstacles, certain sacrifices must be made. I think we are fortunate to have some of Bernie's platform interwoven with the newly christened Democratic candidate.
What Bernie started has not died. The creation of Our Revolution instills the passion and spirit of what Bernie Sanders fought for as a presidential candidate, and outlasts the unfortunate demise of his political campaign. In this light, it is breathed new light and can far outlive the roughly year long crusade fought by Sanders and his left wing warriors. As some decide to forfeit pushing forward following stepping down from the campaign trail, I am happy to find Bernie to be something different all together -- something more than a politician. And for that, most of all, I thank him.
