About 60 students met Tuesday at an event organized by Badgers for Bernie to show that they “feel the Bern” for U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.
The organization, comprised of UW-Madison undergraduate and graduate students, held an informational meeting about Sanders’ campaign followed by a viewing party for the New Hampshire primary and photo session with a Bernie Sanders cutout.
Badgers for Bernie member Zach Druckrey said the focus of the event was to talk “about [Sanders’] positions so people can talk more accurately about what he talks about to their family and friends.”
The organization did cover a multitude of Sanders’ policies including: education, pay equity, the defense of women’s reproductive rights, tax and police reform, environmental protection and foreign policy. The group also pointed out key differences between the stances of Sanders and Hillary Clinton.
A YouTube video titled “6 Responses To Bernie Sanders Skeptics,” created by renowned economist Robert Reich, was shown in an attempt to assuage any remaining doubts attendees might have had.
The event not only focused on presidential candidate Sanders, but also advocated for Dane County Board of Supervisors District 5 candidate Angelito Tenorio.
“I’m on the same ballot as Bernie Sanders so that’s very exciting,” Tenorio said.
Tenorio and Sanders both identify as members of the progressive movement, which is why he was included in the Badgers for Bernie event.
“We don’t want to make this just about Bernie, but about other progressive candidates as well,” Druckrey said.
The meeting ended with members of Badgers for Bernie encouraging students to remember to vote, volunteer and always be respectful to other candidates and their supporters.
Soon after the event, Sanders was declared the winner of the New Hampshire primary.
