Bernie Sanders controversial bid for the presidency has been fueled by young generational voters, nontraditional campaign methods, and socialist overtones that create a division not only in the general election but also the Democratic nomination.
An unusual aspect of Bernie Sanders’ campaign is that the voter population aged 18-24 he relies on, are “the most unreliable voters in the electorate.” The low participation rate affects his campaigns support, especially when it is so dependent on voter turnout. Bernie utilized the young demographic to spread awareness of his campaign, rather than being funded by political machines the Clinton campaign uses without flaw. His politics aim at economic inequality; an issue many young and middle-aged people alike feel should be a top priority of the 2016 election. Sanders address these youthful supporters through his repetition of plausible policies including: a national minimum wage of $15, lowering financing rates on education, and a whole other slew of points tailor-fit for young voters.
The grassroots-approach the Bernie campaign implements lead to a diverse audience of youthful voters who don’t feel shut out by the political crowd he attracts. Sanders’ appeal landed him both successes through imitation by political rivals, but also criticism for being a “one-note candidate short of workable solutions.” In this way, Bernie’s unusual campaign strategy of attracting the youth vote has brought him media speculation for his popularity among them, which adds to the publicity of his campaign.
Bernie’s rallies also carry the nontraditional theme his campaign promotes through lively interaction with the crowd. The populous of the rallies are also inclusive of a very diverse crowd, an audience riled up for revolution. There have been images of his supporters with rainbow wigs, funky outfits, and homemade pizza box signs. When compared to the rallies of his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, her rallies are the tame juxtaposition equipped with bodyguards, agents, and an elevated stage. The difference between Bernie and Hillary’s campaign involved the tactical use (or lack thereof) of standard political tools.
In effect, the Sanders campaign has picked up relevant popularity, and has even been advocated for on campus at San Francisco State University. Through my research and involvement in my political science course, I have attended an SF State phone-banking event to support Bernie’s campaign. This is to gain statistical evidence of Bernie’s supporters, and to combat the well-funded reach of other campaigns. The environment of San Francisco being a liberal city also influences the political groups the students have access to and are surrounded by. All these factors help shape his rallies and the types of people his campaign draws to both show up to polling dates, and to promote Sanders’ platforms and political stance.
To better analyze Bernie Sanders’ tactical use of unique political actions, I would like to better comprehend the funding through individual donations, and, in addition, his reprimand of Super PACs. Where has his funding really came from and will it continue to surprise democratic rival, Hillary Clinton?
Bernie Sanders' Nontraditional Campaign Methods 