The #BernieBros are a social media plague, preying on Hillary Clinton’ s most earnest online fans. Incorporating everything from “tech CEOs” to “NPR fans” to “bearded hipsters,” the mansplaining #BernieBros have emerged as a key demographic for the Democratic socialist: young, upper-middle class liberal men who are really #feelingtheBern and aren’t afraid to go toe-to-toe with Clinton supporters for what the #BernieBros call their “sexist” support of a female candidate.
Bernie’s counting on them to deliver his campaign a last gasp in California. And if Clinton wants to win in November, it seems, she’s going to have to, begrudgingly, earn their vote. According to a new study from FiveThirtyEight, #BernieBros are an expansion on the traditional Democratic field of voters, and crucial to her beating Donald Trump (whom independents love).
Clinton has a 61% unfavorable rating among Sanders voters, and its getting worse. But, it turns out, people who vote for Bernie are anxious to vote, and they don’t like Trump.
They also don’t identify as Democrats—they prefer the label of “indpendent”—because they’re ideologically driven, and 55% of them say that they’d be willing to vote for Clinton if she moves closer to their political frame of mind (and maybe endorses J. Crew gingham button-down shirts).
In places like California, Sanders supporters, notably #BernieBros, are greatly increasing the pool of Democratic primary voters (some estimates have Democratic registration up 218% from the last presidential election), by bringing in more young people and minorities. Maybe Sanders reminds them of their grandparents, or may the promise of a few free extra years of college toga parties is especially attractive, but they’re definitely turning out.
Now running several points behind Trump nationally, Clinton may have to sacrifice herself on the #BernieBros altar to keep her campaign alive.