Oregon—however pronounced—votes late in the process and has only 72 delegates which makes us used to being ignored. However, this year when the pledged delegate count is so close heading into the delegate rich West, we rather expected to attract more attention this year of all years. And we have attracted attention from Senator Sanders with no less than four massively attended rallies and whose high powered surrogates—Sen Merkley and Rep Gabbard—toured the state.
Sanders supporters have been volunteering since last summer with over-the-top enthusiasm, so we expect to do very well indeed. Even though Oregon leads other states in electing Democrats and in progressive legislation, the Democratic front runner made not one single visit. This prompted one Oregon political cartoonist to pen the above cartoon.
Oregon and Senator Sanders are a love match which even the Clinton campaign acknowledges via their actions in not showing up. Bernie is correct when he tells Oregonlive:
"Oregon is one of the most progressive states in the United States, and the agenda we have is the agenda that the people of Oregon feel comfortable with," he said, rattling off the mainstays of his campaign, including reform of a "corrupt campaign finance" system and a "rigged economy" and his call for free tuition at public colleges.
"If you look at my agenda and my record in Congress, I think it corresponds to where the voters of Oregon are, and if voter turnout is high, we will win," the Vermont senator said.
I am buying champagne today in perfect confidence.
*To find out more about this talented Oregon political cartoonist, who also does design work besides coining unforgettable terms, please see Jesse Springer’s website.
