Popularity
One of the key themes in the writing is Sanders' preoccupation with the size of the crowds attending his rallies, and the number of people listening to him speak. This is a constant theme throughout, as each rally is judged not on the reception from the crowd but by the number of people in it, almost in competition with other politicians. It is a way in which Sanders gathers that he has the popular vote, and also a surprisingly revealing look into his ego and how much he wants to be admired, which makes him far more similar to other politicians than he has historically cared to admit.
Media Bias.
It has been said that for someone who wants to get the best kind of coverage from the media, speaking negatively about them is perhaps not the wisest course of action, yet one of the recurring themes in the book is media bias. Sanders does not believe in fake news, on in a journalistic vendetta against one public figure or another, but he does believe that it is a long time since the media has reported on anything political without bias. He implies that journalists write to a formula dictated by the media conglomerate that owns them, and therefore everything that is reported to the public has a bias that is only in the interests of the big businesses and owners. It is not that the outlets are reporting mistruths or outright lies, but he contends it is the case that there are many things they do not report at all, because their owners are just not interested in them.
Democratic Socialism
For years, Sanders was called a Progressive Independent, but he prefers the term "democratic socialism". The manifesto for this is one of the main themes in the book. Sanders keeps to the theme initially by explaining his own platforms, and subsequently by his support of his proteges, young would-be senators who adhere to the manifesto he has created. He is very protective of these proteges and is not afraid to show this in the book.
The theme includes Sanders' key interests of medicare for all, an expanded free public university system, and removing the influence of businesses on politicians.
