The Anderson Files: Is Bernie a commie, a socialist or

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Back in 2016, it seemed unlikely that Bernie Sanders would win the Democratic nomination, much less the presidency. So there wasn’t as much of a discussion about his self-identification as a democratic socialist. Now that he might actually become the nominee, the “s” word is a major topic. Bernie has won what The Nation calls “the ideas primary.” His agenda of 2016 has shaped the debate in the Democratic Party. However, many progressives whose views are similar to Bernie’s have been fretting that the socialist label will doom his candidacy. Quite a few of those to his right in both parties have become overwrought and demagogic about his growing popularity.

However, Jackson Diehl, a liberal centrist who disagrees with Sanders’ politics, came to his defense in a recent op-ed. Diehl is the Washington Post’s deputy editorial page editor who focuses on international affairs. He analyzed Sanders’ speeches and statements over the years and here is what he has to say about them:

“What emerges is a politician strongly shaped by his opposition to U.S. military interventions abroad, but also by a conviction that the United States should do what it can to support democracy and resist authoritarianism. That distinguishes him sharply not only from Trump but also from some of the Democratic candidates cast as moderates.”

Diehl has an interesting conclusion: “...Above all, if his speeches are to be believed, Sanders would put the United States back on the side of global democracy and human rights at a time when those causes desperately need bolstering. Would other Democrats do as much? Not all of them have made it clear.”

There was a recent little-noticed news item in Newsweek. After Bernie won the New Hampshire primary, Alexei Navalny — Russia’s leading opposition figure — tweeted in Russian, “So nice to wake up and find out that Bernie won! I am rooting for him.”

A fervent anti-corruption and pro-democracy voice, Navalny is a big thorn in Putin’s side. Denied airtime on state Is Bernie a commie, a socialist or just a New Deal liberal? by Dave Anderson

see THE ANDERSON FILES Page 8