Would you like to receive notifications on latest updates of the following headlines?

Sanders Sounds Off: ‘Democrats Have Abandoned the Working Class’

POSTED ON November 7, 2024 •   POLITICS      BY Suleiman Jimoh
Sen. Bernie Sanders speaks with reporters en route to the House chamber ahead of President Joe Biden's State of the Union address at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. (Jose Luis Magana/AP)

Washington, D.C. — In the aftermath of Vice President Kamala Harris's loss to former President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has issued a sharp critique of the Democratic Party. Sanders, a longtime progressive and independent who caucuses with Democrats, blamed the party’s defeat on its failure to address the concerns of working-class Americans.

In a statement released Wednesday, Sanders described the Democratic campaign as "disastrous" and said the outcome "should come as no great surprise." He accused the party leadership of prioritizing the status quo over economic justice, leading to disillusionment among key voting blocs.

“First, it was the white working class, and now it is Latino and Black workers as well,” Sanders wrote. “While the Democratic leadership defends the status quo, the American people are angry and want change. And they’re right.”

Harris conceded the election on Wednesday during a speech at her alma mater, Howard University, after Trump was projected to win several key swing states, including Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Harris acknowledged the defeat but vowed to continue fighting for the principles of “freedom, fairness, and dignity.”

Exit polls suggest a significant erosion of Democratic support among working-class voters, including notable shifts in Latino and Black communities. Analysts point to economic concerns as a key factor. Trump’s campaign, which emphasized economic discontent and criticized Democratic spending priorities, appears to have resonated with these groups.

In his statement, Sanders highlighted the continued struggles of many Americans, citing rising income and wealth inequality, unaffordable healthcare, and the lack of paid family leave. He expressed frustration over the party’s inability to address these issues meaningfully.

"Millions of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, struggling with debt, and facing economic insecurity," he said. "And yet, the Democratic leadership remains out of touch with their pain."

Sanders also took aim at U.S. foreign policy, specifically military aid to Israel. He condemned ongoing support for the Netanyahu government amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, calling it a humanitarian disaster.

“Despite strong opposition from a majority of Americans, we continue to spend billions funding the extremist Netanyahu government’s all-out war against the Palestinian people,” Sanders said, referencing reports of mass malnutrition and child starvation in Gaza.

Sanders, who recently secured his fourth six-year Senate term, expressed doubt about the Democratic Party's willingness to learn from its mistakes.

"Will the big money interests and well-paid consultants who control the Democratic Party learn any real lessons from this disastrous campaign? Probably not," he stated.

He urged a broader discussion about the future of progressive politics in America, emphasizing the need for a grassroots movement focused on economic justice and democracy. “Very serious political discussions” are now warranted, Sanders said, hinting at possible future initiatives: “Stay tuned.”

Harris’s loss marks a critical juncture for Democrats, who face mounting challenges in reconnecting with an increasingly fragmented electorate. Trump’s victory underscores his enduring appeal and ability to leverage economic frustrations to broaden his coalition, even in traditionally Democratic strongholds.

Political analysts warn that without significant reforms, the Democratic Party risks further alienation of working-class voters. Whether Sanders’s critique will catalyze change within the party remains to be seen, but his pointed remarks signal a growing rift within its ranks.

As the nation grapples with the election’s outcome, both parties face the task of addressing widespread economic discontent. For now, the Democratic Party is left to reflect on its strategy while Sanders and other progressives push for a reckoning with what they see as the root causes of their political setbacks.

READ ALSO
PDP Shifts National Convention to November, Picks Ibadan Amid Internal Power Struggle
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 24, 2025 0

Abuja, Nigeria  – The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has announced the postpo...

READ ALSO
APC Appoints Yilwatda Nentawe as Chairman, Declares 2027 a ‘Done Deal
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 24, 2025 0

Abuja, Nigeria – The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC)...

READ ALSO
APC's National Assembly Power Grows to 70 with PDP Senator Defections
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 23, 2025 0

The number of All Progressives Congress (APC) senators in the National Assembly increased to 70 on W...

READ ALSO
APC Set to Appoint New National Chairman at Thursday's NEC Meeting
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 23, 2025 0

A new National Chairman for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may be appointed on Thursday...

READ ALSO
Baba-Ahmed Pledges Unity in Labour Party Ahead of 2027 Elections
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 21, 2025 0

The former vice-presidential candidate for the Labour Party (LP), Datti Baba-Ahmed, has committed to...

READ ALSO
Atiku's Departure Sparks Fresh Hope for PDP Aspirants
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 21, 2025 0

As the race for the 2027 presidential ticket of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) intensifie...

READ ALSO
NNPP, APC Hold Primaries for Jigawa Rep By-Election
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 20, 2025 0

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have held their primary...

READ ALSO
Governor Otti Warns Against Economic Strain from Proposed 31 New States
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 19, 2025 0

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, expressed that the proposal for creating an additional 31 states, as...

OUR CHANNELS:

UK Student Sentenced To 7 Years for £100m Fraud
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 27, 2025 0

A UK court has sentenced 21-year-old university student Ollie Holman to seven years in prison for pa...


Portable, VeryDarkMan Publicly Clash over Mohbad and Other Issues
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 27, 2025 0

Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, widely known as Portable, has intensified his feud with social medi...


Twelve die in Thailand-Cambodia clashes
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 27, 2025 0

Fighting between Thai and Cambodian forces along their contested border has led to at least 12 fatal...


Reps Seek to Create Independent Body to Track Federal Projects
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 25, 2025 0

The House of Representatives is set to hold a public hearing to gather feedback from stakeholders re...


NYSC Urges Employers to Implement Attendance Registers for Corps Members
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 25, 2025 0

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), on Thursday, urged employers of corps members to establish...


PDP Shifts National Convention to November, Picks Ibadan Amid Internal Power Struggle
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 25, 2025 0

Abuja, Nigeria  – The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has announced the postpo...


APC Appoints Yilwatda Nentawe as Chairman, Declares 2027 a ‘Done Deal
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 25, 2025 0

Abuja, Nigeria – The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC)...


Osun APC, PDP Clash Over Governor Adeleke's Failed Defection Attempt
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 25, 2025 0

The Osun State branches of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Par...


Court Reinstates Benue CJ, Criticizes Alia
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 25, 2025 0

The National Industrial Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, ruled that the Benue State House of Assembly's...


LASG Announces Five Major Road Projects in Alimosho to Be Completed by 2025
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 25, 2025 0

The Lagos State Government has revealed that five significant road projects in the Alimosho Local Go...


More Articles

Load more...

Menu