News

Sanders' Vermont Victory Speech Was On Point

by Stephanie Casella

After a decisive — and frankly, expected — Super Tuesday win in the state of Vermont, Bernie Sanders' speech was as clear and as close to his message as is — well, also — expected of the Vermont senator. He seemed a bit more cautious than usual, knowing the results of many tight races are to follow throughout the evening, but his optimism still presented itself in little ways, like in his remarks on preventing climate change or even his snarky jab at Donald Trump. Overall, Sanders touched upon the necessary points during his Vermont victory speech, and that's all his supporters really need on this important day — a reminder of why he is their man.

As usual, Sanders was thankful for the tireless efforts put into his win in Vermont and in his name throughout the country. He showed appreciation for his supporters and volunteers, as well as his staffers. He said he was happy to come home to his state.

Of course, he kept in mind the grassroots starting point of his movement, which Sanders voters love most about his message. Though his voice was hoarse, his body probably exhausted, what matters most always stands out with Sanders, and that is his message. At one point, in a sobering moment, he reminded viewers of the truth behind these primaries.

Stephen Maturen/Getty Images News/Getty Images
This is not a general election. It is not winner take all. If you get 52 percent, you get 48 percent, you roughly end up with the same amount of delegates in a state. By the end of tonight, we are going to win many hundreds of delegates.

He is clearly not resigning to lose, despite Hillary Clinton's wins in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia. He is still confident for the long haul. Just afterward, he noted:

At the end of tonight, 15 states will have voted, 35 states remain. And let me assure you that we are going to take our fight for economic justice, for social justice, for environmental sanity, for a world of peace to everyone of those states.

The point is, no matter the obstacle, Sanders keeps to his unyielding message. He is certain of it and continues to stand by it:

Now, I know that Secretary Clinton and many of the establishment people think that I am looking and thinking too big. I don't think so.

However, even in this crucial speech, he had time for a couple of digs — in typical Bernie style, not underhanded, not vindictive, but simply objective — at some of his competition:

When we bring our people together when we do not allow the Donald trumps of the world to divide us up.

Overall, he was a touch nostalgic, but grateful and ready to move forward. At one point later in his speech, he remarked:

What I have said from day one in this campaign and I suspect many of you went down on the lake with me when we announced on that beautiful day. What I have said is that this campaign is not just about electing a president. It is about making a political revolution.

Depending on individual perspective of what is great about America and what needs fixing, Sanders' message of revolution may resonate strongly or not. No matter political inclinations and views, though, no person can deny the man means well and he has a lot of heart.