U.S. News
Sanders to Dems: Address Working-class or Biden Loses
By Matt De Vlieger · January 19, 2024
Act Now or Lose
In a stern caution to President Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, the foremost progressive voice in the United States Senate, has emphasized the imperative of addressing the anxieties of struggling voters to avert a potential return of Donald Trump's anti-democratic influence.Sanders contends that without a more forceful approach to the concerns faced by working-class families, Biden risks losing the White House. But is the Democratic machine finally ready to listen to the heart and soul of its Party? Gage Skidmore
Addressing Workers
"We've got to see the White House move more aggressively on healthcare, on housing, on tax reform, on the high cost of prescription drugs." Alan Santos/PR Brazil
Face Basic Issues
Speaking to The Guardian from his base in Burlington, Vermont, Sanders urged Biden to amplify his efforts and take more robust stances on basic issues impacting Americans, crucial to Biden's electoral success. Natalie Runnerstrom/Unsplash
Wake Up Call
"If we can get the president to move in that direction, he will win; if not, he's going to lose." Cameron Smith/Official White House
Trump Rematch
As the 2024 presidential election kicks off with a Trump win in Iowa's Republican caucus, Sanders' warning assumes heightened significance. Despite Biden facing no substantial challenge in the Democratic primaries, concerns are escalating about a potential rematch with Trump in November. Matt A.J.
Discouraged Voters
"Given the choice between Biden and Trump, a lot of people are saying, 'Thank you, but no thank you." Valiant Made/Unsplash
Trumping Democracy
Recent polls show Trump gaining ground in battleground states and attracting support from pivotal demographics. Sanders characterized the prospect of a second Trump presidency in dire terms, stating it would mark the "end of democracy, functional democracy."Sanders acknowledged significant Biden's achievements, including the Covid rescue plan and efforts to transform U.S. energy, but he urges the president not to rest on his laurels Clay Banks/Upsplash
Last Chance
"The president has got to do something that's very, very hard." Jon Tyson/Upsplash
Biden Disappoints
Sanders, who played a crucial role in rallying support for Biden in 2020, expressed concern that young voters may abstain from voting if the Democratic Party fails to address working-class struggles. Critically, Sanders highlighted the potential impact of Biden's stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict, urging detachment from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Vidar Nordli-Mathisen/Upsplash
Sanders in Senate
Earlier this week, Sanders once again played the role of the moral leader of Washington Democrats, introducing a resolution to condition military aid to Israel on human rights considerations. It was defeated in the Senate by a vote of 72 to 11, lacking support from his own party. Ian Hutchinson/Upsplash
Addressing Human Rights
The measure, tapping into a decades-old law, sought to require the U.S. State Department to produce a report within 30 days on whether Israel's actions in Gaza violated human rights and international accords and aimed to halt military aid if the administration failed to produce the report, to ensure U.S. aid aligns with human rights standards. Ron Przysucha/State Department
Biden Rejects Sanders
Biden's White House opposed the resolution, emphasizing the President's all but blind support for Israel. Still, Sanders and others sparked a debate by forcing senators to vote on conditioning aid to Israel, reflecting growing Democratic voters' unease over U.S. support. Many analysts believe Biden's "bear hug" of Netanyahu will cost him. A majority do not support Israel's disproportionate response in Palestine since October 7. Adam Schultz/Official White House Photo