Sen. Bernie Sanders responded Sunday to criticism from fellow Democrat Sen. Elissa Slotkin regarding his use of the term “oligarchy” to describe allies of the Trump administration. Slotkin, a first-term senator from Michigan, suggested in a Politico interview that the term doesn’t resonate beyond coastal elites and advised the party to avoid it. While Slotkin did not mention Sanders directly, her remarks coincided with the “Fighting Oligarchy” tour led by Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, which has drawn large crowds across the country.
In an interview with NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” Sanders countered, citing their turnout of tens of thousands in cities like Los Angeles and Colorado, claiming, “I think the American people are not quite as dumb as Ms. Slotkin thinks they are.” He elaborated on his message, asserting that the concentration of wealth among the top 1% over the bottom 90% exemplifies living in an oligarchy. This exchange highlights a broader debate among Democrats about how to effectively move forward following recent electoral losses, including the presidential race.
Sanders emphasized that the party lacks a clear vision for the future, even as many members agree on the need for such direction post-Trump. This conflict between Sanders, a longtime progressive icon, and Slotkin, a rising star who recently gained attention after flipping a competitive House seat, underscores the generational and ideological divides within the Democratic Party as they navigate the challenges ahead. The discussion reflects ongoing tensions about defining the party’s future in a changing political landscape.
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