A Bernie Sanders Supporter's Debate Kit

It's hard to change people's beliefs. People don't want to let go, even when presented with hard, cold evidence. With that thought, I believe our efforts in promoting Bernie Sanders are best spent getting the word out to people who haven't heard of him rather than trying to convince someone who is against him to come to our side. But, sometimes you can't help finding yourself in a debate. On social media especially it can become inevitable, and nothing is more frustrating than not having sources to back up your claims. Here's some common arguments I've come across and resources to refute them.

This is a pretty long article. My suggestion for using it would be use a (Ctrl+F) function or a (Command+F) and type in a key word. That will help you find the section most useful to you without having to scroll through the whole article. If you don't find anything the first time, try a few other key words. And if you read through this article and still can't find what you are looking for, leave a comment.

When someone criticizes Bernie for running as a Democrat:

Use this article.

When someone says Bernie wants to tax at 90%:

They are usually citing this video. If they are, remind them that video is out of context. Then give them the full interview. Then follow up with this interview where Bernie shuts down the 90% rumor.

If they aren't citing the original video, just give them that last one.

When someone mentions Bernie "rape essay:"

Tell them it was a bad dark satire essay on the danger of gender norms. And then give them this.

When someone says we don't want another old, white man as president:

Ask them what's more important, someone's looks or their polices? And give them this.

When someone argues raising the minimum wage would destroy the economy/increase unemployment raise prices/cost small businesses/cost jobs/aren't deserved by unskilled workers:

Check out this myth buster master list.

Show them this video of a billionaire arguing that raising the minimum wage is a good thing. Also, here's the same guy confessing that billionaires are not job creators, the middle class is.

Here's another video you can share.

And a study by EPI

Just look at this.

Also remember that when minimum wage was first enacted by FDR, it was meant to start a living wage standard for American works, not be "starter wage" for teens or unskilled workers.

This blog post is also from the perceptive of a small business owner, who says that raising the minimum wage can be done without hurting small businesses if it's done right.

When someone says Bernie doesn't pay his interns $15 dollars an hour.

Traditionally, interns are paid nothing. From what I am aware, Bernie is the only presidential candidate paying his interns. Further more, Bernie's minimum wage bill phases the $15 an hour wage over 5 years, $9 in 2016, $10.50 in 2017, $12 in 2018, $13.50 in 2019, and $15 in 2020. If the raised minimum wage were in effect today, Bernie would be paying his interns MORE than the minimum.

Also, ask them why they are harping on Bernie for paying his interns $12 an hour and not any other candidates for paying their interns nothing.

When someone says Bernie's economics don't work:

Just give them this whole playlist.

When someone claims social security is bankrupt and dragging down our economy:

Tell them these are lies that have been passed around to get people to favor privatizing social security. Then show them this video.

When someone claims Bernie is a gun nut or wants to take away guns:

Tell them Bernie is for background checks and banning assault rifles. Then give them this video on Bernie's "Common Sense" gun control.

When someone claims Democrats did nothing during Obama's terms and that it's an obvious reason not to trust them again.

Tell them Democrats couldn't get the laws they wanted passed because the Republicans blocked them. Then give them this article.

When someone claims the rich already pay somewhere between 50% to 90% of taxes:

Give them this article on 2015 tax brackets that also includes a link to view other tax brackets.

And also this list of tax brackets from 1913 to 2013.

And then ask them where they got that tax percentage for the rich.

When someone says something incorrect on Bernie's stance on guns:

Give them this article and direct them to the handy chart.

When someone says Bernie is pro-Israel:

Tell them Bernie has stated a number of time that he believes in a two-state solution, that both sides have a right to exist in their own state. You can give them this article with video links on the subject.

When someone says socialism destroyed Greece:

Remind them that Greece failed because it had a huge debt they refused to acknowledge and kept adding to (give them this article). And then ask them if that reminds them of any other country they know of.

When someone mentions Venezuela:

Give them this article.

When someone claims no one wants a Socialist for president and that Bernie will never win:

Tell them most Americans agree with his views and give them this article.

When someone claims socialists "steal from the rich and give to the poor" or support "big government:"

Remind them that we're just asking everyone to pay their fair share and put money into social programs that are beneficial for everyone. No one is asking for the government to own or control anything. Give them this article.

When someone asks you to provide examples of successful socialism:

Remind them of our fire stations, our police force, our libraries, and national parks. Or just give them this list of 75 examples.

When someone says Socialism will destroy this country:

Just give them this list of 75 examples of socialist programs we all ready have.

When someone starts talking about Communism:

Remind them that socialism and communism are not the same thing. Give them this link.

When someone asks how Bernie plans to pay for everything he wants to implement or says electing Bernie means higher taxes:

Give them this.

When someone is disputing Bernie's stance on immigration/women/civil rights/LGBT/Veterans/elderly/poverty/children/mental health/incarceration/indigenous people/Foreign Aid:

Everything you need is in here.

When you just need a snappy photo at the right moment:

Go with this or this.

When someone cites the Wall Street article that says Bernie's proposals cost $18 Trillion: 

There's been a number of articles posted, so I will link them for you and you can pick from them.

No, Bernie Sanders is not going to bankrupt America to the tune of $18 trillion
An Open Letter to the Wall Street Journal on Its Bernie Sanders Hit Piece
Wall Street Journal’s Scary Bernie Sanders Price Tag Ignores Health Savings
 What ‘The Wall Street Journal’ Gets Totally Wrong About Bernie Sanders’s Agenda

UPDATE: Added source for Bernie's stance on guns.
UPDATE 7/22/15: Added source Bernie's stance on Israel-Palestine
UPDATE 7/24/15: Added another minimum wage link, economics, "rape essay," Venezuela, and white man as president
UPDATE 9/15/15: Added wall street article
UPDATE 10/14/15: Added minimum wage links

What is a Democratic Socialist Anyway?

From awareandfair.com

Bernie Sanders is running his presidential campaign as a democratic socialist, but there is some confusion among Americans over what that means.

What is democratic socialism?

In their Q&A, the Democratic Socialists of  America explain democratic socialism as the belief that "both the economy and society should be run democratically - to meet public needs, not to make profits for a few."

Aren't socialism and communism the same?

No. Socialism and communism are different. While communism is mostly a political system, socialism is mostly an economic system. Both are based on the idea of public ownership but go about it in different ways, communism gives ownership to the state and socialism give ownership to the public, most notably workers.

What about capitalism and democracy? Why would we want or need socialism?

Socialism is very different from capitalism, but a number of Americans believe we are no longer living in a capitalist or democratic society but are instead living in or are drawing closer to a plutocracy (government controlled by the wealthy) or an oligarchy (government controlled by a small group) or a combination of both, which is called a plutarchy. Bernie Sanders shares this view and wants to save America from what he sees as certain disaster using the guiding principles of democratic socialism.

Is democratic socialism different from socialism?

It is, though how so varies. Socialism is an ideal, and there are no specific instructions on how it should be carried out. So different people may give different definitions to how they view socialism, and to that extent democratic socialism. In general, democratic socialism is socialism mixed with principles of democracy (thought what exactly those principles are varies with who you ask). In that sense, it's best to look at what Bernie Sanders has to say about democratic socialism:

What is Bernie Sanders' plan for America?

You can view Bernie's 12 Point Plan for America here. Some of the more socialist aspects of it include:

+ Government funded jobs program. (think "The New Deal")
+ Creating Worker Co-op. (look up "Publix," which is a worker-owned grocery store)
+ Affordable College (think of Finland or Norway)
+ Universal Healthcare (think of Canada or Briton)
+ Strengthen Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare

Bernie, of course, proposes a way of paying for these things in the form of, but not limited to:

+ Tax reform based on ability to pay
+ Ending tax breaks for corporations and billionaires
+ Tax fossil fuel companies for carbon omissions
+ Reduce military spending
+ Tax Wallstreet transactions 

Do we have examples of successful socialism?

The United States actually has a large number of socially run programs, from Medicaid to public libraries to fire departments to the roads and bridges we travel every day.

Evaluating whether or not socialism has been successful in other countries is a complicated endeavor. There are a number of countries that have declared themselves socialist, but just because they claim they are socialist does not mean they are follow socialist principles. Furthermore, no country has ever been purely socialist. but many countries practice socialism in one aspect or another, from US social security to Canadian healthcare. Finally, socialism can look different from country to country, such as the case with "socialist" heath care and education.

One thing we do know is Burlington, Vermont flourished with Bernie Sanders as Mayor. And the Burlington Community Land Trust that was built on the idea to secure housing as a right, not a commodity, was successful and exists today as the Champlain Housing Trust. Admittedly, what works small scale, doesn't always work large scale. President is a far cry from Mayor. But Bernie has worked in the House and Senate for decades. He has the experience to put to practice and be successful, at least in part.

Supporters of Bernie Sanders don't expect him to be a miracle cure to all of our country's problems. But they do believe he holds the experience and ideals necessary to move this country in the right direction and at the very least set the ground for change.

Where can I find out more about socialism and Bernie Sanders?

Check out the Democratic Socialists of  America. Do some research on socialism and Bernie Sanders. Visit the links in the sidebar of this blog. And engage the community. Go on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and ask people why they support Bernie Sanders and why they think democratic socialism could work for America.

UPDATE: added wall street tax
UPDATE 1/11/16: Fixed broken video link

Can Bernie Sanders actually win the presidential election?

I've been asked this question a number of times. And I get it. You don't want to "throw away" your vote by backing someone who doesn't have a chance. First off, you need to realize that nobody has a chance at winning if people aren't willing to vote for them. So if you're someone who is thinking "I can't vote for Bernie Sanders because he'll never win." You, yourself, and everyone else thinking that same thought are making that happen. So if you'd like Bernie Sanders to win, then you need to throw your vote behind him and convince others too as well. That's the only way he'll win.

Image from Observer.com

But here is the good news! Bernie Sanders does actually have a pretty good chance at winning.

Bernie is drawing massive crowds at his speeches, showing through numbers that he can and is able to compete with his opponents. His rally last night in Wisconsin drew more people than any other presidential candidate to date. His surging in state polls shows that with enough momentum he could catch up with Hillary Clinton. And Hillary's refusal to speak on certain issues, such as the TTP, has struck a nerve with some, endearing them more with Sanders' openness.

While it's true Bernie will never be able to raise as much money as Hillary, his fundraising is still going very well and he's expected to raise more money than any GOP candidate. His goal has never been to raise enough money to surpass Hillary, but only to raise enough to win. And he can do that. Bernie's campaign is looking strangely similar to the race Obama won, and polls indicate that many Americans agree with his views, even republicans. 

And let's not forget that we aren't even in 2016 yet. For Bernie to have this much momentum this soon and to see it continuing to grow is a very good sign. With enough people backing Sanders and spreading the word, he can win the Presidential race. Bernie Sanders has the crowds flocking to him, he has the fundraising he needs, and he has the American people on his side. He can win. And he will.

Need more reasons? Check out these articles:
Why Bernie Sanders Will Become the Democratic Nominee and Defeat Any Republican in 2016
The Real Reason Bernie Sanders is Surging in the Polls, According to his Many Fans
Sanders surge is becoming a bigger problem for Clinton

Why Bernie Sanders is Running on the Democratic Ticket

Image from Huffington Post

I've seen criticism of Bernie Sanders on social media and right-wing news sites for his decision to run on the Democratic ticket instead of Independent. I'm here to tell you that decision is neither hypocritical nor problematic. In fact, it's plain good strategy.

For starters, Bernie Sanders has long spoken out against our two-party system, both because of the corruption found there and because of how our third-party intolerance restricts our choices for president. Some people have found it hypocritical of Sanders to run on the Democratic ticket after declaring himself Independent for so long.

It's important to note that Sanders has not switched parties. He is still Independent. He is simply running on the Democratic ticket. It may be surprising to know the Democratic nominee for president doesn't have to be a Democrat so long as their "record of public service, accomplishment, public writings and/or public statements affirmatively demonstrates that he or she is faithful to the interests, welfare and success of the Democratic Party of the United States" (see previous link).

Also important to note is that there are laws in some states that can prevent an Independent from being listed on the primary ballot, specifically New York and New Hampshire. Since Sanders hasn't changed his party status there is no guarantee he'll be able to get around these laws, but running on the Democratic ticket improves his chances. (And it sounds like New York won't be a problem.)

Sanders has also said that he's not interested in splitting the Democratic vote. If he ran as Independent, he'd mostly draw votes from Democrats, splitting the Democratic vote between him and Hillary, giving a chance for the Republican party to take the White House. Why would he risk that?

Image from Daily KOS

Critics of Sanders call him hypocritical for aligning with a party he claims to disagree with. They say if he really wanted to lead a political revolution, he'd run as Independent and spur American citizens against both Democratic and Republican parties. Others, who see his campaign as hopeless, criticize Sanders for not setting his political revolution on more "realistic" sights where his calls for change could still flourish, such as running for governor.

Suffice to say, Sanders is drawing massive crowds with his speeches against inequality and big money corruption in America. And polls indicate much of America agrees with his views. It's looking more and more likely he's posing a problem for Hillary. If (when!) Sanders wins the Democratic nomination, he'll have one (and possibly his most serious) opponent down before the General Election (as opposed to having to face two opponents if he'd ran solely as Independent).

I don't expect right-wing media to stop bashing Sanders (it's kind of their job), and I imagine some citizens who ally themselves as Republican won't open their eyes either (although, have you seen the Republicans for Bernie Facebook group?). But I do believe there are people who simply don't understand the facts and well-formed strategy involved in Sanders running on the Democratic ticket.

As Sanders has said, he's in this to win and he should not be underestimated.