Bernie Sanders is gone, but the left goes marching on - Gary Younge

Synopsis

Bernie Sanders exits the 2016 presidential race, surprising many who never expected him to gain such traction. His campaign resonates with a generation in America, as he reclaims the term 'socialist' as a badge of Pride. Sanders wins around 20 states against Hillary Clinton, a well-known candidate, and mobilizes young voters, trade union members, and disillusioned white working-class individuals. His success challenges the notion that he would be an electoral liability, with polls suggesting he could have had a better chance against Donald Trump than Clinton. The rise of Sanders reflects a broader global trend of leftist movements gaining momentum in response to economic crises, as seen in countries like Greece and Spain, where anti-austerity sentiments lead to significant political changes. The financial industry's role in the recession and the subsequent burden placed on the poor fuels this growing frustration and demand for progressive change.