The strange problem facing the left in 2028

Bernie Sanders has never been more popular or powerful. And he still doesn’t have a “successor.” Ten years after losing the 2016 Democratic primary, Sanders is now one of the party’s undisputed leaders. Socialism is gaining a real foothold in American politics, and progressives are winning the argument within the Democratic Party. All told, the 2028 Democratic nomination would appear to belong to his political successor: a populist progressive who can build on his two losing bids and finally win the party’s mantle. But under the surface, there are real problems for that theory. Sanders’ political profile — and his 2016 and 2020 successes — have always been more complex than many understood. Potential successors, from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to Ro Khanna, lack key elements of his biography and record and bring vulnerabilities Sanders was careful to avoid. Together, they point to a cloudier picture for the left in 2028 — which could have ramifications for the entire field. 0:00 Bernie ascendant 1:01 Bernie’s outsider brand 5:09 20th vs. 21st century left 7:29 Bernie’s coalition theory 9:00 Bernie’s “successor” problem 11:18 The 2028 counterargument Subscribe to Steve's newsletter, The Long Run https://thelongrun.news/ Subscribe to The Recount    / @therecount   Interested in advertising with Margin of Error or The Recount? Reach out to us at advertise@therecount.com