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>If sociologists or political scientists are looking to fully understand the magic that was Bernie Sanders’ campaign in the Democratic primary, one needs to look not at an event from a year ago, but from a town hall event Bernie held in West Virginia just this week.
>At the event, Sanders and West Virginia citizens discussed the state’s ails, highlighting what they stand to lose from the Republican healthcare plan. But somewhere along the way, as one of the state’s coal miners shared his view, Sanders was able to reignite his classic campaign rhetoric, resulting in widespread support for universal healthcare.
>“Phil, let me jump in and ask you a question, said Sanders. “Because I certainly agree with you that ever worker, whether you’re a coal miner or somebody else should be entitled – Let me pose this question to Phil and to other people: we are the only major country on earth, the only one that doesn’t guarantee healthcare to all people as a right. What do you think? Do you think we should join other countries in guaranteeing healthcare?”
>“Yeah,” replied Phil, “I think every American citizen should have healthcare.”
>Phil’s statement was met with roaring applause from his neighbors. They, too, believed they had a right to healthcare.
>Later, Phil even used the phrase that often gets Republicans in a lather: “free healthcare.”
>That bears repeating: many of the same people who voted for their president on the basis of repealing Obamacare and are now facing the loss of their insurance, are now completely onboard with progressive politics concerning universal healthcare. Not only are they on board, but they gave roaring applause to the idea.
