Sanders to address ‘socialist’ stigma in speech
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) will soon speak publicly to try to allay fears that voters may have about his status as a self-proclaimed Democratic socialist, according to a new report.
Campaign aides have convinced the Democratic presidential candidate that the stigma associated with the label may be cutting him off from voters who do not think a socialist is electable, according to CNN.
{mosads}Advisors said Sanders began writing a speech Tuesday that he plans to give before the second Democratic primary debate in early November.
“He needs to reassure voters, especially in Iowa and New Hampshire, that they will be nominating someone who does have a real chance of winning,” Sanders strategist Tad Devine told the network Thursday.
“The idea that this word is going to get in the way of voting for him, we’re going to expose it for what it is,” Devine continued. “That this discussion over the term will not stop him as a candidate.”
The speech will explain how his political philosophy has influenced his record in Congress and how government programs such as Social Security and Medicare make a difference in the lives of Americans.
Sanders has taken small steps on the campaign trail recently to outline his political philosophy.
“When you go to your public library, when you call your fire department or the police department, what do you think you’re calling?” he said Sunday in Iowa. “These are socialist institutions.”
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