What Differentiates Bernie Sanders from Donald Trump

Campaign talk is a never-ending well of delight for those following up close. The latest news comes from Independent Senator Bernie Sanders in a self-comparison with Republican Donald Trump.

Iowa’s State Fair came and went and with it the parade of various presidential contenders for the 2016 elections. A sting here, a sting there and news were filled with portraits of one or the other candidates.

Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump seem to have enjoyed the same ride lately with regards to polls, and gaining momentum. Nonetheless, while their ‘fringe’ candidacies appeal to the same public despite their different political asspirations, Bernie Sanders is making a point of being different from billionaire Donald Trump.

Among the points mentioned in an NBC News interview with Chuck Todd, he stated exactly that:

“I’m not a billionaire. My family doesn’t have a whole lot of money”.

Making reference to the campaign funding, Sanders commented that the contributions for his own campaign come from approximately 350,000 people who, on average vouched 31.20 dollars a piece. In contrast, Donald Trump is financing his own campaign.

It’s all about the money. During their visits at the Iowa State Fair, Donald Trump made his flashy appearance in his personal helicopter, evaluated at only 7 million dollars and then, to the delight of the children around, he let them inspect it thoroughly.

In a joking tone, Bernie Sanders addressed the crowd:

“I left the helicopter at home. It’s in the garage. Forgot to bring it”.

A good fun for sports. Nonetheless, what drives the increasing popularity and momentum of the two contenders’ candidacies, beyond finances and assets?

Bernie Sanders is climbing in the polls. In some, he is even preceding Democratic front runner Hillary Clinton. This is the case of New Hampshire, an early-voting state. The Seattle and Portland events were a resounding success.

Typically, Bernie Sanders is holding the campaign events in liberal strongholds. A move that is bound to prompt a progressive base to lean a listening and interested year in what the Senator has to say.

During the same NBC News interview, Mr. Sanders explained:

“I think we are resonating all over this country and here in Iowa because we’re talking about issues that are life and death issues to the American people”.

Populism? Perhaps, but within this overarching label there seem to be strains that are specific to each of the candidates.

Photo Credits: ecowatch.com