“I’ve never bought a campaign button or anything like that until now.”
– Brooke Fearnley
©By Scott Sines
A crowd of Berners took over Cafe Ole last night to watch the Sanders/Clinton debate. It wasn’t a line out the door type of crowd but there were no empty seats inside. They were predominantly young but there was a mix of gray hair in with the purple and green. They were all excited to talk about their candidate and their hopes. Here is a sample:
Why are you here?
Nick Gordon: Finishing up studies at University of Memphis in computer science.
Issue: Money in politics
“I always felt politics were corrupt. I doesn’t matter who you vote for.” Gordon likes Sanders because he has no Super Pacs and he’s against ‘Citizens United.’
Issue: Pay equality, Climate change
“The ‘wage gap’ is relevant to me and my friends (in our job search). Also climate change is very much in my life. He has opened new conversations around the country.”
Julyanna Rogers: Born in Brazil and unable to vote but campaigning for Sanders
Issue: Human Rights
“He has a consistent record on Human Rights. As an immigrant I feel he honestly wants me here.”
Amber Huett-Garcia: National Board Member, Obesity Action Coalition
Issue: Access to health care and quality education
“We’re not investing enough in our kids. I trust Sanders more when you follow the money and see that millions of Americans are contributing small amounts.”
Jeseca DeMorises: Accountant
Issues: Funding for higher education and climate change.
“This is my first time to vote a new president into office. I can’t afford to go to college so I find it inspiring that he wants to make it affordable. I’d like to go… just to have the chance.”
– The Sanders campaign is hosting a grand opening tomorrow (Feb. 13) at their offices at 2869 Poplar Ave.
