Bernie Sanders is officially the Democratic front-runner, according to the Huffington Post. New polls show the Vermont senator either leading or tied with Hillary Clinton in key states New Hampshire and Iowa.

“Sanders is starting to swing his sling and is gaining more momentum every day.”

ReverbPress is urging readers to get used to the idea of President Bernie Sanders, because there is a good chance it will happen.

“[H]e stands a fair chance of becoming the country’s next president. I’d even argue he’s in a better position to do so than Clinton. The last week has been a triumph for Bernie’s campaign, and the good news just keeps on rolling in.”

We are going to create a nation that works for all of us, not just for a handful of millionaires and billionaires. pic.twitter.com/mjhjkBc02N — Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) January 17, 2016

This week also saw Sanders win a number of key new supporters — both individuals and organizations. MoveOn.org and Political People Blog are two influential activist websites who have just endorsed Bernie Sanders. Washington Post has reported on the “incredibly random” list of celebrities who have declared their support for a Bernie Sanders presidency. Even sitting Vice President Joe Biden praised Sanders this week in an interview with CNN.

Bernie backers in the world of entertainment include Susan Sarandon, Danny DeVito, Will Ferrell and Zoe Kravitz.

Among his musical backers are Foo Fighters lead guitarist Chris Shiflett, the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Flea, Anthony Kiedis, Chad Smith and Josh Klinghoffer.

Endorsements probably do matter — it was reported that Oprah’s endorsement of Barack Obama in 2008 significantly increased the chances that her subscribers would vote for him.

“Right now, the pendulum has swung toward that infamous, wild-haired democratic-socialist from Vermont”

We can live in a country where every person who dreams of becoming a citizen has a rational path forward, not just a dark corner to hide in. — Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) January 17, 2016

Bernie Sanders will need the support of the American people to carry out his plans, which include a break-up of massive banks, prosecution of Wall Street executives who caused the 2008 financial crisis, marijuana decriminalization, overhaul of the crippling student debt system, and a new look at the massive U.S. prison-industrial complex, which builds jail after jail and promotes mass incarceration rather than tackling the root causes of crime, such as poverty.

According to the Huffington Post, Sanders is gathering such support. Above-average voter turnouts in the caucuses, primaries, and general election are expected because, in the words of one Sanders supporter: “Bernie’s supporters will not stay home if he becomes the candidate. They will turn out in droves.”

Analysts also predict that we will see people more involved in politics after the elections, should Sanders win.

“The whole premise of Sanders’ campaign is that he cannot bring these changes alone. No single president can make these changes alone. He needs the American people just as much as they need him. He’ll lead the American people just as much as they lead him.”

The senator has been an anti-establishment candidate from the beginning, building his campaign from a small Vermont grassroots base to a massive national support network that has swept the nation. The senator refused to accept establishment favors or big corporate donations, relying on the financial backing and support of the voters he promises to act for.

Sanders declared during one speech: “Change never takes place from the top down. It always happens from the bottom, up.”

“Bernie Sanders isn’t just trying to rock the boat. He’s trying to flip the boat, expose all of the leaks and rotting wood, while professing we need a boat that works for the American middle class (all while floating next to a yacht with people hoping he’ll sink).”

THE USA only Country where the less well off R tricked into voting against their interests. https://t.co/hxITFIGoCy pic.twitter.com/bWerbRHVcH — Patrick M (@andendall) January 17, 2016

Will Bernie Sanders be President?

[Image be AP Photo/Andrew Harnik]