Anti-Corruption Expert Zephyr Teachout’s Endorsement of Sen. Bernie Sanders is Based on His Character and Competencies

Zephyr Teachout’s Bernie Sanders for President: 10 Reasons weaves the elements of Sanders’ character, namely integrity and intent, side by side with those of his competency which are reflected in his capabilities and his track record.

Teachout’s pride in endorsing Sanders is rooted in his opposition to NAFTA in November 1993 because it would undermine workers rights’ and American democracy, making him years ahead of his time.

She describes Sanders as a fearless, experienced leader capable of seeing the truth and standing up to big private power, even when its almost impossibly hard. President Sanders would always keep the humble, struggling, proud citizen at the center of what he does.

America is in pain, and democracy is in crisis. Twenty Americans have more money than the bottom half of Americans. According to the New York Times, 158 families made half of all the donations so far in the presidential race. We have a private campaign finance system that gives private companies and billionaires control over government. That's not American democracy.

Teachout endorses Sanders because of her deep patriotism, her belief that democracy is possible and a thriving economy is possible, and we don't need to beg at the feet of the wealthiest donors to have a collective life worth living. Sanders has always paid attention to the root threats: inequity and excess elite power. He always explained in patient detail the way that privately financed elections and outside spending totally destroy our democracy. There is too much fear in our political life: he brings big dreams instead. 

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