Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., expressed dissatisfaction with both major political parties, claiming they “lack a vision for the future” and are “failing the working class,” but he denied efforts to create a third party. Speaking on Sunday, Sanders responded to questions about his recent comments encouraging progressive candidates to run as independents rather than Democrats.
While on a national rally tour with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., Sanders had discussed the importance of encouraging independent candidates.
Sanders added, “You can run as a Democrat, you can run as an independent, but the key is getting involved in the political process.” He further criticized the current state of politics, saying, “What Democrats lack right now is a vision for the future… The two-party system is failing the working class of this country.”
Alongside Ocasio-Cortez, Sanders has been leading a series of rallies dubbed the “Fighting Oligarchy” tour. The tour, which has included large crowds in Arizona, Utah, and California, has garnered attention and some criticism. Notably, the lawmakers faced backlash after being seen boarding a private jet that costs $15,000 per hour while traveling to West Coast events. Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin recently urged the duo to reconsider using the term “oligarchy,” arguing that it resonates mainly with coastal elites.
Sanders responded sharply to Slotkin’s suggestion, stating, “I think the American people are not quite as dumb as Miss Slotkin thinks they are.” He pointed to the large crowds at their rallies as evidence that people are engaged with the message, emphasizing, “When big money interests control both political parties, they are living in an oligarchy, and these are the issues we need to address.”
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