Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., appeared in Madison Wednesday, holding a campaign rally at the downtown Orpheum Theater six days before the state’s primary election.
Sanders was consistent in the talking points that have been evident throughout his campaign. He talked about the increasing levels of inequality between corporate CEOs and everyday American workers, an overhaul of the campaign finance system, addressing the broken criminal justice system, taking on student loan debt and the challenge of climate change.
“It is not only a corrupt campaign finance system and voter suppression which we have to address, it is a rigged economy,” Sanders said.
He discussed economic policies that favor equal pay for men and women, paid family medical leave and breaking up big banks on Wall Street.
The Vermont senator blasted Gov. Scott Walker for imposing “voter suppression” tactics, an indirect reference to passing voter ID legislation for both local and state elections. Sanders ended his speech encouraging collective action by calling on his grassroots constituents to show up to the polls next Tuesday.
Though his rhetoric seemed to echo the rest of his campaign speeches, a shift in the political winds emerged Wednesday with the latest Marquette Law School polling numbers. The poll, released just hours before the rally, showed Sanders leading Democratic challenger Hillary Clinton with 49 percent to her 45 percent. Sanders has struggled to maintain a competitive edge with Clinton’s strong delegate count throughout the race.
His supporters were lined up in stormy weather well before the doors opened, promoting their views and desire for a president with progressive values.
“I believe his message, he tries to speak for middle class and I’m 100 percent middle class and so I feel his support,” said Jessica Kleinert, a Sanders advocate.
If there is one takeaway from Sanders’ supporters it’s optimism. His unconventional campaign continues to rely on grassroots support in the race for the Democratic nomination.
“We have children and a planet we care about and have hope in Bernie. Those are the two most important things I think, so that’s why we’re here,” Kleinert said.
