Introduction
As the longest serving independent member of Congress in U.S. history, Bernie Sanders is a familiar name to many. He's a political scientist, an activist for LGBTQ rights, and supports healthcare-for-all. But what are his record-breaking achievements, and why is he still the favorite of many voters? These questions, and more, will be answered in this article. Read on to learn more about Sanders and his achievements.
Sanders is the longest serving independent member of Congress in U.S. history
In 2006, Bernie Sanders ran for U.S. Senate, and after winning, he continued to campaign for tax reform. In 2010, he held the floor for almost nine hours in protest of the Bush tax cuts. This populist speech, titled "The Speech," was later published as The Speech: A Historic Filibuster on Corporate Greed and the Decline of the Middle Class. Sanders has been a vocal opponent of the government shutdown in 2013, which he blamed on the influence of big-money interests. He has also been active in the climate change and renewable energy movements, and has introduced numerous bills and amendments on the issues.
He was a political scientist
When you think of a politician, you might not think of politics. But Bernie Sanders was not your typical politician. He studied political science at the University of Vermont and went on to become one of the most well-known politicians in the United States. In 1964, he graduated with a bachelor's degree in political science and became the first socialist presidential candidate in the United States. As a political scientist, he championed campaign reform and authored an amendment to overturn Citizens United.
He was an activist for LGBTQ rights
As an activist for LGBTQ rights, Senator Sanders has long been a member of the political establishment. He endorsed gay rights in an open letter in the early 1970s and opposed DOMA. While these positions were not particularly indicative of his concern for LGBT individuals, they were based on his stance against overreaching government. As such, the public has often misinterpreted his stances on LGBTQ issues. In fact, many of his pro-LGBT policies have been unpopular with the LGBT community.
He supports healthcare-for-all
A proposal by Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders would provide health insurance for all citizens, regardless of income. The health insurance would eliminate out-of-pocket costs, and would separate health coverage from employment. This would make it easier for people to switch jobs or even start their own business. Sanders does not want the government to take over the healthcare system, as the United Kingdom does with its National Health Service. Instead, he would implement a private system similar to that of developed nations, which has no cost sharing.
He opposes a nuclear Iran deal
The issue of whether Bernie Sanders opposes a nuclear Iran agreement is a tough one. While most Americans support the nuclear deal, many Israeli and American security experts oppose a unilateral US withdrawal from the agreement. In fact, two-thirds of US citizens oppose the move, and 94% of US foreign policy experts disapprove of the move. Furthermore, international opinion is overwhelmingly against a military strike against Iran. As a candidate, however, Sanders agrees with most Americans and security experts who believe that war is our last option.
He supports background checks for gun owners
When a candidate supports background checks for gun owners, his stance on these issues is largely controversial. Sanders voted against the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act in 1991. He claimed that Vermont voters would not support a waiting period and that handgun violence was not a priority for his constituents. Critics say he caving in to the demands of the NRA, which supported him during his 1990 election.
