When Jeb Bush headed out to Mackinac Island, Michigan this week, he might have expected to come across some interesting views, and maybe some wildlife. Instead, he came face-to-face with the phenomenon of “Republicans for Bernie Sanders” and found himself in one of the finest photobombs you’ll see this week.
So how did this happen? According to Twitchy:
He had apparently migrated there for the Republican Leadership Conference Saturday, as had a number of GOP presidential hopefuls. Among them was Jeb Bush, who spotted a flock of Sanders supporters and posed for a group photo.
Obviously, your first two questions are:
- Come on, that HAS to be photoshopped, right?
- Hang on…Republicans for Bernie Sanders? What?
So, first things first. No, it is not photoshopped. The image is genuine.
Secondly, you might be surprised to hear there is indeed a growing ‘Republicans for Bernie Sanders’ movement. In fact, they have over 8,000 followers on Facebook, and their FAQ section reads:
‘As a Republican, how can you possibly agree with Bernie on every issue?’
Speaking only for myself (the page administrator), the truth is that I don’t. Can any of us actually claim that? There are some issues on which I am to his “right,” and at least one issue on which I am to his ‘left’. But then hey, Bernie Sanders may be deemed to be to the right of Hillary Clinton on a couple matters as well. It sort of seems like only a narcissist would demand a politician who agrees with him/her on every point. Good politics are about honesty and compromise, and there may be no politician alive who understands this better than Bernie.
‘Are you REALLY a Republican?’
I believe we have a wide assortment of Republicans, former Republicans, and “recovering Republicans,” as well as supportive Independents, Greens, Libertarians, and Democrats represented here. Speaking for myself, yes indeed, I am a card carrying Republican and have been for a long time.
A scroll through their content reveals a pretty ace bunch of guys and girls who think in a fairly non-partisan way, confronting politics issue by issue, and sharing general principles and values. This post is an example, harking back to a time before Republicanism was hijacked by religious conservatives and bigots.
Looks like it’s not just Liberals, Democrats and Progressives who are feeling the Bern. There are even a sprinkling of Republicans who are hungry for an honest guy to balance the books, but also the scales of economic and social justice.
Featured Image via Facebook