Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) says Democrats “need an agenda” that doesn’t simply include slamming President Donald Trump — and is flatly rejecting the thought espoused by Senate Minority Chief Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) that the social gathering is “united” in any significant approach.
Sanders appeared Wednesday on CNN’s “The Source With Kaitlan Collins” and, after being proven a clip of Schumer claiming sooner or later prior that Democrats are “totally united” whereas the GOP is “fighting each other,” the Vermont senator appeared genuinely shocked.
“You need an agenda!” Sanders replied. “‘United’ around what? Are we united around guaranteeing health care to all people? I’m proud, by the way, that the Democrats supported an amendment that I offered to raise the minimum wage to 17 bucks an hour.”
The progressive icon acknowledged “that’s a start,” however removed from ample to win elections.
“Are we united in tackling a corrupt campaign finance system?” Sanders continued, including: “How do you deal with politics in America without understanding that billionaires play an enormously destructive role in both political parties?”
Sanders, who caucuses with Democrats in Congress, campaigned on these exact same points whereas working for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2016, by which he misplaced within the primaries to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton — after admitted bias from the Democratic Nationwide Committee. In 2020, he dropped out of the Democratic presidential contest to endorse Joe Biden.
Sanders has by no means stopped calling for common well being care and financial equality, nevertheless, and has been drawing large crowds across the nation together with his ongoing “Fighting Oligarchy” tour alongside Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.).
Mario Tama by way of Getty Photographs
Whereas their message is obvious and constant — Democrats may really provoke voters with insurance policies that tangibly enhance their lives — longtime strategist James Carville not too long ago argued Democrats can be “better off” with out them defining the social gathering.
Sanders addressed the criticism Wednesday and dismissed Carville as “part of the old Democratic establishment.” Sanders agreed the aim is to win elections in opposition to the GOP, however mentioned it might’t be finished if the message doesn’t resonate with voters.
He advised Collins: “What the Democrats need to do right now is to have the courage to take on the very powerful special interests who, to a large degree, control the political process and the legislative process in the United States.”
