Bernie Sanders says Americans ‘have a right to be angry’: Full interview

Senator Bernie Sanders Scathes Democratic Party After Vice President’s Loss

In a scathing statement, Senator Bernie Sanders declared that the Democratic Party has "abandoned" the working class, citing the poor performance of Vice President Kamala Harris in the recent election. Speaking on Meet the Press, Sanders criticized the party for failing to address the needs of the working class, who he believes are "extremely angry" and "entitled to be angry."

Sanders, an Independent from Vermont, singled out the party’s economic policies, stating that 60% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, while the top 1% own more wealth than the bottom 90%. He also lamented the lack of universal healthcare, the high rate of childhood poverty, and the widening gap between the haves and have-nots.

Pelosi Responds to Sanders’ Criticism

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, responded to Sanders’ criticism, saying, "I don’t respect him saying the Democratic Party has abandoned working-class families." She defended the party’s record, pointing out that the Senate has not passed legislation to raise the minimum wage, make it easier for workers to join unions, or lift the cap on Social Security.

Economic and Cultural Issues

Sanders emphasized the need for the party to stand up to corporate interests and fight for workers’ rights, citing the gap between the rich and the poor. He also addressed the question of identity politics, stating that the party can support both economic and social progress, and that the issue is not an either-or proposition.

Concerns about the Future of the Party

The conversation turned to the future of the party, with some Democrats concerned that President-elect Trump’s victory over two women candidates could make it more difficult to nominate a woman in the future. Sanders rejected this concern, stating that people’s support for a candidate is not based on gender or race, but on their economic interests and willingness to fight for them.

Addressing the Economy

The discussion centered on the economy, with Sanders criticizing the party’s failure to address the struggles of working-class Americans. He called for a living wage, universal healthcare, and expanded Social Security, and lambasted the party for its lack of action on these issues.

The Supreme Court

Finally, the conversation turned to the possibility of Justice Sotomayor stepping down to allow President Biden to appoint someone younger. Sanders rejected this idea, stating that it is not a "sensible approach."

Conclusion

The conversation highlighted the ongoing divide within the Democratic Party, with some members emphasizing the need to address economic issues and others prioritizing cultural and identity politics. Senator Bernie Sanders’ scathing critique of the party’s failure to address the needs of the working class has sparked a heated debate about the party’s future direction and electoral strategy.