It is no surprise to anyone that Hillary Clinton has a tough time reaching out to millennials. It’s pretty hard to shore up the millennial vote when you’re a candidate that is supposed to represent everything they hate. Clinton is an established politician, moderate democrat, and her hawkish demeanor is all too reminiscent of a nagging parent. Millennial outreach is an especially difficult task for the Clinton campaign because of the success of Bernie Sanders and the lasting grievances Bernie bros are carrying.
Much like Trump, Sanders ran a populist campaign, however, Bernie’s was predicated on the future—instead of Trump’s take-me-back-to-1952 campaign. Sanders primary race was perhaps the strongest candidacy in regards to mobilizing the young. It for this very reason that Hillary Clinton understands the importance of Bernie’s influence on the general election. The question now is whether or not Bernie understands his role in the Clinton campaign.
As of right now Bernie and Hillary can wholeheartedly agree on one thing: Donald Trump is unqualified to be the POTUS. The Clinton campaign has delegated Bernie to spots where he feels communicatively comfortable: his New England area and college campuses. What is noteworthy is that whenever Bernie stumps on behalf of Hillary he tends to focus on everything but actually mentioning Hillary. Bernie is an interesting surrogate because his rallies feel like a shadow campaign. He’s continued with his primary stump speeches—making the %1 pay their fair share, college affordability, and fair trade.
Because of this the Clinton campaign is in a sticky situation. Bernie is accomplishing his surrogate role by staying with his primary rhetoric that did such a good job at galvanizing the young vote, and Hillary Clinton doesn’t have to make mention of those issues that might alienate some moderate democrats. However, the Clinton camp must make a concerted effort to restrain Bernie and not let him overshadow or undermine the actual candidate.
I don’t think he is supporting Hillary specifically as much he just wants a Democrat to become president. He’s being forced to choose between the better or the two bad options. He may be having a hard time specifically mentioning Hillary because he doesn’t support her as a person, but rather he supports what she is campaigning for. I think he does need to become more directly linked to Clinton to show voters he is genuine about his support.