American progressive senator Bernie Sanders began a new phase of his rallies tour entitled “Fighting Oligachy” (“Fighting the oligarchy” in literal translation) and gave an interview to the anchor of CNN Bash Dana.
In a comprehensive interview, which included the democrats’ struggle against an electoral redesign project in Texas, Israel’s plans to expand war in Gaza and the 2028 presidential election, Sanders detailed his view that the “Democratic Party turned his back on what was his base.”
Sanders’ tour aims to mobilize people who seek some form of political action and resistance to the Trump government with rallies across the country-sometimes with guests such as Democratic Deputy Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and former presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke.
On Friday (8), Sanders argued in front of a crowd in Western Virginia-a state where Trump won with a large majority-that the Democratic Party turned to the working class. He accused former vice president Kamala Harris of listening to billionaires who supported his presidential candidacy in 2024.
In an interview with CNNSanders called Kamala Harris “my friend,” but said the main consultants of his campaign were “strongly influenced by very rich people.”
A CNN He contacted Harris’s office to comment.
“How to apply for the presidency and not develop a strong agenda that meets the economic crisis that working families face?” He asked. “Today, income and wealth inequality is greater than ever.”
Sanders argued that “the key to Democratic victories is to understand that it is necessary to unequivocally support the working class of this country.”
The Democratic Party’s support rate among Americans reached a record level in a survey of the CNN held in March by SSRS.
Votes in the survey (8%), when interviewees aligned with the Democratic Party were asked which leader they consider “that best reflects the fundamental values.”
When questioned he would run for presidency in 2028, however, Sanders pointed to his age.
“Let’s not worry about it. In fact, I will be 84 next month,” he said. “I think this speaks for yourself.”
But he said CNN that “certainly” there would be a candidate in 2028 who could assume his position representing the progressive wing of the party. “I can think of some amazing young people,” he said, without mentioning names.
Trump, in turn, suggested that Vice President JD Vance could inherit the “Make America Great Again) movement. Sanders said to CNN That “I don’t care” who will lead the Republican Party in 2028, arguing that “today’s Republicans have nothing significant to say to the working class.”
Global questions
Sanders presses the Trump administration not to send weapons to Israel in the midst of a terrible humanitarian crisis in Gaza and a large climbing in war after Israel approved plans to capture the city of Gaza.
“Israel had the right, of course, to defend themselves from the terrible terrorist attack of Hamas, but what they have done since then has declared war against all the Palestinian people,” he argued.
Sanders, who is Jewish, forced the approval of two Senate resolutions that would block some US arms sales to Israel, but they ended up failing without any republican vote in favor.
But he said CNN: “I think republicans, at the base level, are also realizing that it is not a good idea to provide billions to a government that kills hungry children.”
Sanders, who has long criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said the country’s actions have turned him into “almost a outcast state.”
Sanders condemned the Russian leader as “a really horrible guy.”
“You know, when talking about oligarchs, Putin is one of the richest guys in the world, commanding a cleptocratic society, and then invaded Ukraine with incredible destruction,” said Sanders. “The Ukrainian people are suffering terribly because this guy wanted to start the biggest war since World War II in Europe.”
Sanders said “he is not a fan of Putin,” but he would welcome any peace agreement if the “people of Ukraine felt that the deal is positive.” He warned Trump about an agreement that would put Ukraine’s interests in the background.
“If, in fact, it is possible to negotiate an agreement that does not compromise what Ukrainians feel they need, I think it’s a positive step,” said Sanders. “We all want to see the end of bloodshed.”
Electoral redesign in Texas
One of the main topics in the United States political news in recent days is Texas Republicans project to redesign state districts –
In response, governors of states controlled by Democrats, such as California and New York, threaten to respond with the same tactics.
Sanders, an independent senator for the state of Vermont, who has long been opposed to the manipulation of electoral redesign, said he believed that party delimitation impairs the political process, but “Democrats need to react.”
“What we have now is a terrible situation, and Republicans are getting the situation worse. Well, what are you going to do? If Republicans are doing this, you have to answer. It’s pathetic, but I think you have to answer,” he told the CNN.
“[Trump] You are trying, you know, with your authoritarian way, to say, ‘Hey, I don’t want to lose elections. Let’s fraud the system. Give me five more votes in Texas, perhaps in other states, ‘”continued Sanders.
