I’ve been a Bernie fan since listing to “Lunch With Bernie” on the Thom Hartmann show 10 years ago. Every week, Bernie would call in to talk with Thom and answer caller questions. I listened the podcasts while building up my small bread bakery business. I agreed with him then and still today as he is essentially saying the same things he said then.
But I have a serious question about the Revolution. And it keeps bugging me. How is he going to hold onto the Movement he has brought together? I think Obama had the same intention and he made a point in his victory speech after the General in 2008 to say he couldn’t get anything accomplished without us, the massive network he assembled to get elected. And I remember some emails after he took office, asking for help. But Obama seemed to give up on engaging at some point. Was it Obama’s effort or did he just not get a response from his base?
So many of us, myself included, are conditioned to get engaged during elections and expect things to happen on it’s own via those we elect. I feel there is a better way, but writing to my congressman (I do it) seems like a cliche which leaves me deflated thinking I did want I can but there is nothing more I can do; and I can’t help to continue to feel like there is no way to practically engage politically that makes a difference. I’m not an activist. I have a bakery business and 2 young kids and my spouse works full time. More about my story in this diary.
I’m on board with Bernie’s message that we can accomplish anything and thus I don’t need every detail on how it’s going to happen spelled out in a written plan. But I do want to know how he intends to hold to the momentum should he get elected as POTUS. What is he going to do differently than Obama did? What is different here? How is he going to hold on to this amazing connection with us after he gets elected when the energy of the election has died down?
I think Bernie should talk more about this aspect of his vision since people participation is key to this Revolution; and without a massive base of support he likely won’t be able to do much of anything. What do you think?