Sanders rebukes Schumer’s claim that Democrats are ‘totally united’ – Washington Examiner
In a recent CNN interview, Senator Bernie Sanders challenged Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s assertion that the Democratic Party is “totally united.” Highlighting the division between the establishment and progressive wings of the party, Sanders expressed skepticism about the leadership’s agenda, claiming it is influenced by corrupt special interests and lacks the necessary passion too energize voters. He criticized the party for failing to address key issues, questioning whether they are united in pursuing universal healthcare or reforming a corrupt campaign finance system. Sanders opposed arguments from moderate Democrats that progressive policies do not resonate with voters,insisting that the party needs to engage with the working class and advocate for substantial changes to regain electoral success. He suggested that without a compelling agenda, Democrats risk further electoral losses, emphasizing the need to confront established interests and connect with the electorate.
Sanders rebukes Schumer’s claim that Democrats are ‘totally united,’ widens split with party establishment
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) contradicted Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s (D-NY) insistence that his caucus is unified, deepening a divide that is growing between the establishment and progressive wings of the Democratic Party.
During a CNN interview Wednesday, Sanders, a progressive ringleader who caucuses with Democrats, was pressed on Schumer’s remarks that the party is “totally united.” The Vermont senator expressed skepticism at the leader’s claim, suggesting that “the old Democratic establishment” doesn’t have a clear agenda, is controlled by corrupt special interest groups, and lacks the fire needed to win elections that progressives bring to the table.
“United around what? Are we united around guaranteeing healthcare to all people? … Are we united in tackling a corrupt campaign finance system?” he questioned. “How do you deal with politics in America without understanding that billionaires play an enormously destructive role in both political parties?”
“You need an agenda,” Sanders continued. “[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.”
He continued to rebuff arguments from moderate Democrats such as Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), that progressives, while able to energize crowds, don’t have the policies that will win them popular support at the polls and clinch key elections. Last week, Slotkin digged at Sanders and fellow progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s (D-NY) nationwide “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, suggesting that words like “oligarchy” are out of touch and fail to resonate with the average voter.
The divide over how to reclaim ground for Democrats after seeing bruising electoral losses last fall has been mirrored at the Democratic National Committee. DNC Vice Chairman David Hogg favors the Sanders-Ocasio-Cortez approach. Others on the committee are clinging to the status quo.
Sanders suggested Wednesday he doesn’t believe Democrats can win elections unless they shake things up and discard establishment attachments to powerful interest groups and economic policies that alienate working-class voters.
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“In my view, you can’t win elections unless you have something to say to the vast majority of the people in this country,” he said. “I do not think that [President] Donald Trump won the election because he promised tax breaks for billionaires and to cut Medicaid and nutrition and education.”
“That’s not why he won the election. He won the election because a lot of people are saying, ‘Who is going to do anything?’ And Trump comes along, ‘I’m going to smash the system.’ People say, ‘Yeah, well, I’ll take a chance.’ Better than nothing,” Sanders continued.
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