What do you think about Bernie Sanders? Is he a marxist, and can he win an election?

[USAneedsCommunism]

What do you think about the political ideology of Bernie Sanders. I read that if he becomes US president he would nationalize many important giant corporations and provide free health care? Do you think that Bernie Sanders is socialist, or social-democrat, reformist?

[Revolver]

He is a democratic socialist of the reform type, a supporter of social democracy. Whatever you read, he would not be in any position to nationalize corporations even if he was elected president since the executive doesn't have that power. As far as free health care, I'm sure he supports single payer. But even if he ran, it is clear his campaign would have an educational purpose. He's not in it to become president. His campaign would highlight the social democratic alternative more than anything else. As for whether he supports revolutionary socialism, who knows? A revolution is not in the cards right now so the debate is largely academic. I'm sure he would support an overhaul of the American system that could be described as revolutionary in some quarters.

[USAneedsCommunism]

Revolver, thanks a lot for your clear explanation about Bernie Sanders, and what you said about his campaign being educational more than a realist goal of becoming US president. because we all know that in the current pro-war, imperialist electoral system all anti-war progressive politicians do not have a chance of becoming presidents.

Thanks !!

He is a democratic socialist of the reform type, a supporter of social democracy. Whatever you read, he would not be in any position to nationalize corporations even if he was elected president since the executive doesn't have that power. As far as free health care, I'm sure he supports single payer. But even if he ran, it is clear his campaign would have an educational purpose. He's not in it to become president. His campaign would highlight the social democratic alternative more than anything else. As for whether he supports revolutionary socialism, who knows? A revolution is not in the cards right now so the debate is largely academic. I'm sure he would support an overhaul of the American system that could be described as revolutionary in some quarters.