The Hashtag
#FeelTheBern captured Bernie Sanders’ insurgent 2016 campaign that nearly toppled Hillary Clinton and redefined Democratic politics around democratic socialism.
Origins
Bernie Sanders announced his long-shot presidential campaign on May 26, 2015. The 73-year-old self-described democratic socialist from Vermont was expected to be a protest candidate, not a real threat to Clinton’s coronation.
But his message resonated:
- Medicare for All
- Free public college
- $15 minimum wage
- Breaking up big banks
- Getting money out of politics
- Refusing corporate PAC donations
Cultural Impact
The campaign shocked the establishment:
- Raised $228 million, mostly in small donations (average $27)
- Drew 27,000 to rallies in Portland, 28,000 in Seattle
- Won 23 state contests
- Nearly won Iowa, crushed Clinton in New Hampshire
- Dominated youth vote (18-29 by 70+ points)
The hashtag represented:
- A political revolution from the grassroots
- Youth disillusionment with establishment politics
- Economic populism on the left matching Trump’s on the right
- Democratic socialism entering mainstream American politics
What happened:
- Clinton’s “firewall” held in South Carolina and the South
- Superdelegates were always with Clinton
- DNC email leaks showed favoritism toward Clinton
- Sanders endorsed Clinton after losing, many supporters refused
Legacy:
- Pushed Democrats left on healthcare, climate, inequality
- Launched Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and “The Squad”
- Made socialist a viable label for American politicians
- 2020 rematch saw initial Sanders lead before Super Tuesday collapse