At age 73, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) is, interestingly enough, still a junior senator from Vermont and now toying with the idea of running for president. First elected in 1988, the self-proclaimed democratic socialist has never come close to losing re-election — the closest time was in 1994 during the Republican Revolution.

Him and his colleague, Sen. Patrick Joseph Leahy (D-Vt.), have been leading advocates of the progressive liberal movement for years in Washington. Although he runs as an independent, Sanders has caucused with the Democrats since his first term in office. If he were to run, it would be an uphill battle, and it would have to be on the Democratic ticket.

But, a Bernie Sanders bid for the presidency may, ironically, be what’s best for the country.

Progressive liberals have been clamoring for Elizabeth Warren to run. Even after Warren explicitly stated she wasn’t running at the end of March, a campaign to convince her otherwise has been canvassing, collecting donations and spreading the word throughout the country. This, unfortunately, doesn’t bode well for Sanders’ name recognition.

It’s clear that Sanders’ main obstacle is his socialist thinking, but frankly, I think in due time it could become his greatest triumph. Americans are frightened by change, along with any conceptual or ideological difference.

Although Sanders is no Eugene V. Debs, founder of the Socialist Party of America, and will no time soon be starting a new Socialist Party of America, he is a different brand for America — a lighting rod if you will. Sanders has continually praised the Scandinavian-style of socialism and his policy beliefs and ideas are inherently socialist in nature.

But here is the thing, this ideological fear many Americans have of Socialism has become entirely irrational. No longer are we facing a world where debates about the merits of Marxism, Communism and Socialism are a “threat” to America.

The thing that separates Sanders from the rest of the pack is his true feeling of independence. Sure, he caucuses with the Democrats and will most likely run for the Democratic ticket, however, his willingness to cross all party lines to express his beliefs is refreshing.

Honestly, it’s exactly what America has been clamoring for — someone who acts on the basis of what is good; not party lines.

Sanders has recently called Hillary Clinton out on America’s upcoming free trade decision, and, of course, maintains his criticism of big campaign finance money used by many Republican candidates.

Sanders believes we need a true, political revolution; one that involves universal health care, public funding of elections, climate change progress, criminal justice reform, civil rights improvements and breaking down “the billionaire class.”

As Sanders holds small gatherings across the Northeast, liberals are facing reality. According to CNN Sanders supporters are skeptical of his chances, “He is not going to get the nomination,” says a Sanders supporter, “We all know that.”  Unfortunately, it is true that Sanders is a long shot. His Independent status does him no help.

However, if Sanders can better his name-recognition and truly ignite this political revolution, Americans may soon begin to realize the Vermont senator could be a refreshing leader — all at the age of 73.

Eric Dunay is a freshman in the School of Architecture. His column appears weekly. He can be contacted at [email protected] or on
Twitter @ERock_28.

Published on April 20, 2015 at 11:01 pm