Senator Bernie Sanders voiced concerns Sunday about the state of American democracy, asserting that both Democratic and Republican parties are falling short of representing the needs of working families. While he acknowledges a lack of forward-thinking policy within the Democratic party, Sanders firmly denied any intention to launch a third political faction.
Speaking on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Sanders addressed questions about his recent tour with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), which has included rallies across several states. Previously, he had suggested encouraging progressive candidates to consider running as independents if they felt it aligned with their goals.
“We are not attempting to establish a third party,” Sanders stated. “Our focus is on revitalizing American democracy at a time when trust in both major parties is critically low.” He added, “If you choose to run under the Democratic banner, that’s commendable. If you opt for independence, participate actively in the political landscape.”
Sanders Criticizes Wealthy Elites
In a striking comparison, Sanders likened figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk to individuals struggling with addiction, claiming their “drug of choice” is greed. He believes Democrats are currently lacking a clear vision for the future and that the existing two-party system has failed the American working class.
The “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, undertaken by Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez, has drawn significant crowds in locations like Arizona, Utah, California, and other states. However, the lawmakers have also faced scrutiny, particularly after being photographed disembarking from a private jet reportedly costing $15,000 per hour during a stop in Sacramento, California.
Party Leadership Divided
Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) recently urged Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez to reconsider their use of the term “oligarchy,” suggesting it resonates primarily with affluent coastal communities. Sanders responded sharply, stating, “I don’t believe the American people are as naive as Senator Slotkin appears to think.”
He cited large rallies in Los Angeles (36,000 attendees), Colorado (34,000), and Folsom, California (30,000 – a largely rural area) as evidence of widespread understanding. “When powerful financial interests can dictate the direction of both political parties, that constitutes an oligarchy—and these are precisely the issues we must discuss,” he argued.
Democratic Favorability at Record Low
Recent polling data reveals a concerning trend for the Democratic party. A Fox News poll from April indicates that Democrats are experiencing their lowest favorability rating ever, with only 41% of respondents holding a positive view and 56% expressing an unfavorable opinion—resulting in a negative 15% rating. Despite this downturn, Democrats remain ahead of Republicans in anticipation for the upcoming midterm elections.
“You want to run as a Democrat? Great. You want to run as an independent? That’s great, but you’ve got to get involved in the political process,” he concluded.
