USA TODAY International Edition
Sanders is not a novel candidate anymore
LETTERS LETTERS@USATODAY.COM
In classical rhetorical theory, the word “kairos” refers to the opportune time and/or place — that is, the right or appropriate time to say or do the right or appropriate thing. On Tuesday, timing remained a significant concept for understanding political events. Case in point: the announcement by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders that he is running to be president in 2020.
In 2016, when Sanders mounted a strong challenge for the Democratic nomination, his message was rhetorically unique and persuasive — standing in sharp contrast to that of Hillary Clinton
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Voting straight on party line is the stupidest thing a voter can do. Vote for individuals. Otherwise, you’re just extending the tribal trap, on either side.
I like seeing a large Democratic race. It’s a good thing. Listen to all of them and see how they treat each other. You’ll then know how much influence their centrist or progressive base holds. Lyle Stavast
Sanders is not a Democrat. He should not be at debates and should not receive the party’s support. @kdmport
Sanders might actually have a chance of winning the nomination, if and others. This is no longer the case. Most of his progressive ideas — Medicare for All, free college tuition, higher taxes for the wealthy, etc. — are advocated by several candidates already in the Democratic race.
But one might also argue that “kairos” works rhetorically against Sanders for another reason. President Donald Trump has set the agenda for the 2020 general election, potentially pre-empting Democratic proposals by making “socialism” an evil term. If what I am suggesting is true, Sanders may not be the best choice — and probably won’t be nominated.
Richard Cherwitz
Austin
the Democratic Party doesn’t rig the primaries against him — again.
Mark Smith
Democrats need a nominee who can win parts of the South and the heartland. Sanders has a concentrated following, but that’s no winning scenario. @twit6615
Democrats need a young moderate who is smart and down to earth, and they’ll have a chance of winning.
Jeff Sicuranza
Sanders would be 79 on his inaugural year in 2021. He would be 87 at the end of a second term. I’m 68, and I assure you that age matters. He’s far too old. Time to move on. @dpcastor