"One of Sanders's Smartest Moves"

"In the end, it's not really useful to get bogged down in arcane arguments about terminology. Sanders uses socialist because it signifies that he wants to see fundamental changes in politics. He talks sincerely about a 'political revolution' that will bring more Americans out to vote for their interests, and in that sense, take power. 'When I use the word socialist, and I know some people are uncomfortable with it, I say it is imperative that we create a political revolution, that we get millions of people involved in the political process, and we create a government that works for the many, not the few,' he said during a question-and-answer session. It's a lot easier to talk about 'revolution' and distinguish yourself in the eyes of voters when you're willing to rhetorically signify a hard break with the rules and mores of mainstream American politicking."

Jordan Weissmann in Slate reacts to Bernie Sanders's speech on "democratic socialism."