Why is Sanders under performing?

[Progressive Pessimist]

Because last time around he was the default and protest choice in a binary primary against a woman who was the presumptive nominee for eight years prior.

He isn't necessarily under-performing though, it's just become evident that his appeal has been lessened by the crowded field. He doesn't have the protest crowd with him this time and those he is winning with are his most devoted, who might just end up being enough though versus that larger field of opponents.

[Progressive Pessimist]

I honestly believe Sanders talks about Trump too much.

Or maybe the media just cut out the "Trump insults" from his speeches.

As I said previously, if you just say "Trump is a racist" 400,000 times, you are not going to win the Presidency.

Pete finishes every interview with a discussion of the future, and he does not come across as bitter or twisted. Pete is not creepy, and does not spend a lot of energy talking about anything but the distinction between his policies and Sanders.

I think Pete may be accelerating, and Sanders will be getting worried by his own drop in the numbers.

Sanders needs to talk about Trump more. His base may love hearing his stump speech, but most of those in the general election who would consider voting for him might do so simply because he is the alternative to Trump. He cannot forget about that and needs to incorporate as many anti-Trump focused voters into his coalition as possible. He'll always have his base, he needs to offer something to get those outside of it excited.

[Progressive Pessimist]

I honestly believe Sanders talks about Trump too much.

Or maybe the media just cut out the "Trump insults" from his speeches.

As I said previously, if you just say "Trump is a racist" 400,000 times, you are not going to win the Presidency.

Pete finishes every interview with a discussion of the future, and he does not come across as bitter or twisted. Pete is not creepy, and does not spend a lot of energy talking about anything but the distinction between his policies and Sanders.

I think Pete may be accelerating, and Sanders will be getting worried by his own drop in the numbers.

Sanders needs to talk about Trump more. His base may love hearing his stump speech, but most of those in the general election who would consider voting for him might do so simply because he is the alternative to Trump. He cannot forget about that and needs to incorporate as many anti-Trump focused voters into his coalition as possible. He'll always have his base, he needs to offer something to get those outside of it excited.

The interesting thing about that is whether you will win anyone over from those who voted for Trump in 2016.

I've got a policy in business about never talking about your competitors.

Just behave as though your competition does not exist. Focus on the customer and tell them the features, advantages and benefits of your product or service.

Marketing 101.

Petey B has got it in spades. Positive view of the future for his electors.

I think Sanders can stand on his own on entirely affirmative ways too. This isn't a business though, this is politics-specifically the kind that involves the most polarizing President since Lincoln. Going negative is not going to hurt as long as it can be part of a greater message.