Tonight, in Madison, Wisconsin -- about 10,000 people, comprising the largest campaign event -- Republican or Democratic -- thus far, Felt. The. Bern.
And this one image, I think, says it all.
@BernieSanders@SenSanders in #Madison#FeelTheBernpic.twitter.com/leKN6FA0Xg
— Eric R. Hollaway (@ERHollaway) July 2, 2015And just a bit of analysis to share: Tonight, Bernie did attack Scott Walker -- used a very effective "That's Extremism!" line a few times. But, later, he also -- with great humility -- reached out to working-class Republican voters in Wisconsin, asking them to please stop voting against their own self-interest. That sounds a bit arrogant, but the way Bernie delivered it was very earnest, very heartfelt. This all got me thinking.
Bernie transcends political parties. He is a true independent leader. Bernie can reach out to working-class Republicans -- he can authentically and convincingly cross party lines -- because Bernie is Bernie. And, with his record of honesty and consistency over 40 years in politics, he does not need to hide behind cheap tricks and party-aligned rhetoric. Yes, I'm stealing this from The West Wing, but we can "let Bernie be Bernie" and Bernie will win.
Bernie is that rare thing in politics: a true leader.
So, yes, this means that I believe -- more than ever after tonight's outstanding speech -- Bernie can win the nomination and he can win the presidency.
Sen. Sanders thinks he'll win the White House. https://t.co/...
— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) June 28, 2015I truly felt the Bern tonight, and I think lots of other folks did, too.