Republicans win elections when voter turnout is low and their big-money friends spend a fortune on ugly TV ads. Democrats win elections when ordinary people are excited, involved in the political process, and come out to vote.
-- Bernie Sanders (Section 1, Chapter 3 paragraph 1)

Importance: This bold statement from Sanders offers the reader an example of one of the many criticisms Sanders has of the Republican party. This statement is particularly important because Sanders has identified as an Independent his entire political career, yet obviously aligns significantly more with Democrats.

I wanted to put energy, spontaneity, and messiness back into the political process, not just a well-choreographed set of productions or 'listening tours' carefully made for TV.
-- Bernie Sanders (Section 1, Chapter 4 paragraph 2)

Importance: This quote encapsulates Sanders' main problem with establishment politics. Carefully rehearsed political performances are detrimental to the essence of democracy, because of a lack of transparency. Sanders believes politicians should address the real issues with real citizens.

And to those who...
-- Bernie Sanders (Section 1, Chapter 5 paragraph 1)