7 "Bernie Bros" On Why They're Not With Hillary

Bernie Sanders' following of young male voters has become so distinct that the group has its own nickname: Bernie Bros. Although Hillary Clinton is still leading the Democratic polls, Sanders is more poplar among millennials. According to an October NBC News / Survey Monkey poll, 54 percent of Democrats born roughly between 1985 and 1997 supported Sanders, while only 26 percent favored Clinton. Bernie Bros say that the reasons they support Sanders over Clinton have a lot to do with his personality, his campaign funding, and his more liberal policies.

Obviously, Democrats of both genders support Sanders and Clinton, but Bernie Bros seem to be the male equivalent to Clinton's band of young female supporters (who sadly don't have a cool nickname yet). A lot of them fit the typical "bro" description — most notably wearing Bernie 2016 T-shirts to the gym with the sleeves cut off — while the rest are just millennial men who show their support for the left-wing politician by wearing his campaign garb (sleeves intact). They like that his campaign has been largely financed by small donors, and though they don't trust Clinton as much as their boy Sanders, they'll probably vote for her if she gets the Democratic nomination.

Here's why seven Bernie Bros #FeelTheBern and support Sanders over Clinton.

Guillermo, 31

Earlier this year, I was Ready For Hillary, but that was until Bernie Sanders announced his candidacy for president. What I love most about Bernie is his consistency on the issues, and his relentless drive to fight for the disappearing middle class. I love that he doesn't have a SuperPAC like Hillary, or any other presidential candidate, and is funding his campaign in majority by small individual donors. One of his biggest fights is to overturn Citizens United, which has allowed money to completely corrupt our political system. I have a hard time trusting Hillary, or any other candidate, because I know that they're catering to special interests due to campaign financing. Bernie has motivated me to let my voice be heard and to join the fight for equal rights, equal pay, and an equal chance at the American Dream. However, if Bernie doesn't get the nomination, Hillary will have my vote.

Coy, 23

The simple answer is that he’s different from her, or anyone else that I've seen in any of the presidential campaigns. He has a zest to him that makes him stand out in a very unique and genuine way, which is refreshing.

I think his education reform is much stronger and much more pro-actual students, especially in the area of college tuition. I just graduated in May, and it's nice to hear someone say that students shouldn’t have to start their careers with this horrible boulder of student debt on their shoulders. I think he has a much more believable, realistic approach to reform than Hillary does.

Stephan, 31

Although I supported Hillary a few years ago, I found out she has millions of dollars' worth of corporate donors with vested interested in her. She didn't support gay marriage until recently. She was FOR the Iraq war and not scared to enter more foreign conflicts. Bernie, however, was pro- gay and civil rights back in the '60s, and has public funding.

Ali, 28

Surprisingly, Bernie Sanders supports a practical vision for the future of this country that I (and many other young people) find appealing and best for the long-run welfare of the middle-class. Bernie is neither afraid to talk about issues of class, race, and inequality and express his ideals in the face of opposition, nor admit that the office is not enough to affect a successful progressive movement, and ask for our help and activism.

It seems to me that Clinton has a track record of being influenced by the political tide, rather than be an influential element to adjust its direction. Whether it is her vote for the authorization of the Iraq War, the Patriot Act, or her inability to come out against the Keystone pipeline until it becomes politically untenable for her successful nomination of the Democratic Party, to be blunt, Hillary has failed us. It’s not a matter of having all the facts before you decide; it is not an issue of "evolving." IT IS ABOUT WISDOM.

Romain, 31

I choose Bernie over Hillary for two reasons. The first reason is that I want a president who is willing to address the issues that are affecting everyday Americans like me. Hillary speaks on those issues now during her campaign, but in all her time close to politics, she has hesitated and procrastinated.

Secondly, Hillary is another President Obama. I love President Obama, especially since as the first black president, he's opened the door for significant change and progression. I do not need a mimicry of his great accomplishments, but someone to actually capitalize on those opened doors, and Senator Bernie Sanders seems to be the most sincere in his actions, and his record is consistent with my views and those of my community.

Odin, 27

Although I think that she’s an excellent politician, and I don’t think she would be a bad president by any means, I feel Clinton has her hands in the same pockets as everyone else. That’s a pretty big generalization, but it's just a feeling that I have from watching her speak.

I also feel that a politician should be empathetic. That’s one thing that’s lacking when we speak about leaders in the world and our country … I think Sanders shows a great deal of empathy — not only in our country, but for people across the world.

Scott, 31

I will be able to support Hillary, should she win the nomination. She's got the experience and the knack to be good. They are doing a great job of making her easier to relate to; I get it. I just don't like feeling as though she's being coached to be more personable. Just be personable. Bernie has a clear, fair plan that he will give you details of, and a constant record that is proven. Bernie is Bernie — not "what Bernie needs to act like in response to the recent polls."

Are you feeling the Bern now too?