Taking heat from critics, Bernie Sanders defends democratic socialist views

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Taking heat from critics, Bernie Sanders defends democratic socialist views

By John Whitesides

 

Democratic 2020 U.S. presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders attends a campaign event at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., U.S. June 12, 2019. REUTERS/Carlos Barria

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, under fire for his democratic socialist views, defended his philosophy on Wednesday as a natural extension of former President Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal and accused his Republican critics of "corporate socialism."

 

Sanders said his vision of democratic socialism would guarantee a fair deal and basic economic rights for all Americans and would be instrumental in beating Republican President Donald Trump in the 2020 election.

 

Roosevelt's Depression-era New Deal policies, which included public works jobs, strong banking and financial regulations and the Social Security retirement program, made huge progress in protecting the needs of working families, Sanders said.

 

"Today in the second decade of the 21st century we must take up the unfinished business of the New Deal and carry it to completion," he said in a speech at George Washington University designed to fight back against critics including Trump who have attacked him as an extremist for embracing the socialist tag.

 

Sanders, who is running second in opinion polls among the more than 20 candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for the right to challenge Trump in 2020, said Republicans were more than happy to exercise their own version of socialism by bailing out Wall Street and corporate interests that helped line their own pockets.

 

"They may hate democratic socialism because it benefits working people, but they absolutely love corporate socialism that enriches Trump and other billionaires," he said.

 

Sanders also has taken heat over the socialist tag from some of his Democratic rivals. Before the speech on Wednesday, Democratic candidate John Delaney issued a statement criticizing his views.

 

"Socialism -- or any new name Senator Sanders has for it -- is the wrong answer; the right answer is to make capitalism more just and inclusive," said Delaney, a former member of Congress.

 

'MASSIVE ATTACKS'

Other Democratic contenders have adopted many of Sanders' most notable proposals from his losing 2016 campaign, including his calls for a Medicare-for-All healthcare plan, but have been slower to associate themselves with the socialist label.

 

Democratic presidential contender Elizabeth Warren, normally aligned with Sanders leading the party's progressive wing, has said she favours "capitalism with serious rules."

 

Former Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper planned a speech in Washington on Thursday that in part will rebut Sanders. In excerpts released by his campaign, he criticized his fellow Democrats for being hesitant to oppose Sanders' philosophy and said it could help get Trump re-elected.

 

"Democrats must say loudly and clearly that we are not socialists. If we do not, we will end up reelecting the worst president in our country's history," he said in the excerpts.

 

Sanders has acknowledged the term socialism makes some voters nervous with its Cold War-era images of government-controlled economies, but said the values of economic justice were a political winner.

 

"I do understand that I and other progressives will face massive attacks from those who attempt to use the word "socialism" as a slur," he said. "But I should also tell you that I have faced and overcome these attacks for decades -- and I am not the only one."

 

Sanders, a senator from Vermont, endorsed Roosevelt's 1944 call for a second Bill of Rights that would guarantee economic security.

 

"We must take the next step forward and guarantee every man, woman and child in our country basic economic rights," he said, including quality healthcare, education, a decent job, affordable housing, a secure retirement and a clean environment.

 

"This is what I mean by democratic socialism," he said.

 

It was the second time Sanders had given a speech to help explain his democratic socialist views. He offered a similar defence in November 2015 during his ultimately unsuccessful run against Hillary Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination.

 

(Reporting by John Whitesides; Editing by Peter Cooney)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2019-06-13

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[darksidedog]

I find it quite funny that Americans seem unable to comprehend that socialism is not an evil word. Many European countries who have a far better standard of living across their populations than America have socialist Governments. Even at home, the police, fire brigade, social services are all socialist elements. Extending such to eradicate poverty, provide good education and health care are simply natural extensions. Only those making huge bucks, like insurance companies stand to lose a little bit of their pie. A smarter population, in better health is good for the economy. Crime drops too.

That aside though, Bernie to me is one of the only politicians worldwide, who does not appear to be beholden to big business or other special interests, having the welfare of the people as a whole at heart. I truly believe America and the world would be in a better place right now if he were the current president, rather than what we ended up with.

Honesty, integrity and thinking about the average person should be the priorities for a politician. No one else in the race embodies such qualities remotely close. I wish him good luck.

[ezzra]

All a pipe dreams and well intentioned wishes, see Obama who was elected largely by the black's votes in the hopes of making a difference to the black population, did he? if he did, it was insignificant or very little, no person will be elected to be a president without the back of the pmany powerful lobbies and all of them represent big business and big money,

i just don't see how a socialist with dreams of sharing the wealth could ever succeed to be elected...

[VillageIdiot]

The old Marxist knucklehead never outgrew his boyhood in Brooklyn.

[ThreeEyedRaven]

17 minutes ago, ezzra said:

i just don't see how a socialist with dreams of sharing the wealth could ever succeed to be elected...

Martin Luther King, said "I have a dream" and look how that worked out. People wanting an education or a half sensible job no longer had to be white.

Socialism abounds in America from every public library and youth sports coaching programme, to the Statue of Liberty itself, built with the peoples money as an embodiment of what the country was supposed to represent.

You are quite right that big business and powerful lobbies stand in the path of people down the pecking order being given a little help. And it is these same profit making bodies who espouse the lie that socialism is evil, to the very people they are oppressing, and whom would be the major benefactors of change.

Bernie represents that desire for truth and change, and many people seem very enthused to follow his call. God only knows, he couldn't be worse than the current bloke in charge.

[attrayant]

46 minutes ago, ezzra said:

i just don't see how a socialist with dreams of sharing the wealth could ever succeed to be elected...

 

 

If people learn how their government works and realize that the president isn't all powerful and can't speak a new market system into existence, a socialist president shouldn't be a big problem any more than a republican president is a bIg problem or a democratic president is a big problem. 

 

Economic systems can only change in a big way if congress sets up the requisite framework. Presently the USA operates in a midland between true capitalism and true communism.

 

 

 

 

[utalkin2me]

58 minutes ago, ezzra said:

All a pipe dreams and well intentioned wishes, see Obama who was elected largely by the black's votes in the hopes of making a difference to the black population, did he? if he did, it was insignificant or very little, no person will be elected to be a president without the back of the pmany powerful lobbies and all of them represent big business and big money,

i just don't see how a socialist with dreams of sharing the wealth could ever succeed to be elected...

You are probably right of course. Americans are their own worst enemies. It seems they would not know a candidate who is actually for the people if it slapped them in the face. 

[Thaidream]

As one of the posters said-European countries for years have had had National Healthcare and some countries free tuition for college.  They have invested in their citizens while American companies have gotten wealthy BY  by creating massive inequities in pay and benefits.

 

There is something radically wrong when  a Company CEO makes 10 Million dollars per year and the lowest person in the company gets minimum wage.

 

There is something radically wrong in America when Healthcare is treated as a privilege to be meted out to those who have high cost insurance while those who don't either die or have to sell their assets to stay alive.

 

The incestous union  between for profit hospitals/providers; Big Pharma and insurance has caused American to be  a Nation where the cost of medical care is the highest in the World but not always the best.  All of these institutions make huge profits off the misery of those who are ill and suffering from catastrophic disease.

 

Bernie Sanders' Medicare For All proposal will end this unholy alliance by providing medical care, dental care and eye care for all Americans.  Insurance companies will cease to exist; For profit hospitals will not be needed and the lawyers and accountants who benefit from these institutions will stop chasing ambulances.  In addition- the Pharmaceutical industry will have to stop charging absurd prices for life saving medicines- simply because   Medicare will not pay these prices and/or the drugs will be purchased from abroad.

 

Another Sanders proposal will provide free college tuition  which will eliminate the need to sign up for US Government tuition aid which is not really  provided by the Government but private banking arms which charge high interest and keep graduates as indentured servants for 20 years.

 

If you want to call this Democratic Socialism so be it.

 

Donald Trump was elected to change the status quo- but he has not and will not.  He is of the wealthy; for the wealth and for himself. Every program he puts forward places more money in the hands of the wealthy and less in the hands of the rest of Americans.

 

If America truly wants real change; a country that works for everyone- not just the rich; and where people are treated with dignity and respect- the current WH occupant needs to be evicted.

 

 

 

[pookiki]

After the 1929 collapse of the capitalist system in the US, FDR initiated many government programs that benefited working Americans. FDR, in fact, saved capitalism in the US and the benefits of the programs initiated during the Great Depression - of which current US citizens have little knowledge - have been on the chopping block for years.  In the US, 'democratic socialism' is a 'stop-think' word for most of the populace. If it is socialist, it has to be bad.

 

The political system in the US has been tethered to the military-industrial complex for years - a relationship that even President Eisenhower, a Republican, readily recognized and warned against its influence on government.

 

The decision by the US Supreme Court in Citizens United v. FEC was the true death-knell of democracy in the US.  I support Bernie but he will be buried in a barrage of well-financed slurs reminiscent of the McCarthy era.  

 

Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large numbers!

 

[utalkin2me]

1 hour ago, Thaidream said:

As one of the posters said-European countries for years have had had National Healthcare and some countries free tuition for college.  They have invested in their citizens while American companies have gotten wealthy BY  by creating massive inequities in pay and benefits.

 

There is something radically wrong when  a Company CEO makes 10 Million dollars per year and the lowest person in the company gets minimum wage.

 

There is something radically wrong in America when Healthcare is treated as a privilege to be meted out to those who have high cost insurance while those who don't either die or have to sell their assets to stay alive.

 

The incestous union  between for profit hospitals/providers; Big Pharma and insurance has caused American to be  a Nation where the cost of medical care is the highest in the World but not always the best.  All of these institutions make huge profits off the misery of those who are ill and suffering from catastrophic disease.

 

Bernie Sanders' Medicare For All proposal will end this unholy alliance by providing medical care, dental care and eye care for all Americans.  Insurance companies will cease to exist; For profit hospitals will not be needed and the lawyers and accountants who benefit from these institutions will stop chasing ambulances.  In addition- the Pharmaceutical industry will have to stop charging absurd prices for life saving medicines- simply because   Medicare will not pay these prices and/or the drugs will be purchased from abroad.

 

Another Sanders proposal will provide free college tuition  which will eliminate the need to sign up for US Government tuition aid which is not really  provided by the Government but private banking arms which charge high interest and keep graduates as indentured servants for 20 years.

 

If you want to call this Democratic Socialism so be it.

 

Donald Trump was elected to change the status quo- but he has not and will not.  He is of the wealthy; for the wealth and for himself. Every program he puts forward places more money in the hands of the wealthy and less in the hands of the rest of Americans.

 

If America truly wants real change; a country that works for everyone- not just the rich; and where people are treated with dignity and respect- the current WH occupant needs to be evicted.

 

 

 

Bernie Sanders recently went to a Walmart meeting of sorts to demand decent living wage for workers. Serious grass roots stuff. The guy is a hero in my eyes. 

 

The sad part to me is if these <deleted> people raised the wages they are still going to make a shit ton of money. It is just so disgusting. 

[Guitarzan]

3 hours ago, darksidedog said:

I find it quite funny that Americans seem unable to comprehend that socialism is not an evil word. Many European countries who have a far better standard of living across their populations than America have socialist Governments. Even at home, the police, fire brigade, social services are all socialist elements. Extending such to eradicate poverty, provide good education and health care are simply natural extensions. Only those making huge bucks, like insurance companies stand to lose a little bit of their pie. A smarter population, in better health is good for the economy. Crime drops too.

That aside though, Bernie to me is one of the only politicians worldwide, who does not appear to be beholden to big business or other special interests, having the welfare of the people as a whole at heart. I truly believe America and the world would be in a better place right now if he were the current president, rather than what we ended up with.

Honesty, integrity and thinking about the average person should be the priorities for a politician. No one else in the race embodies such qualities remotely close. I wish him good luck.

 

Bernie isn’t just a socialist,  (which is a nice sanitized word for communist) he’s a communist. I don’t have time to list all the videos of him praising Castro, and Communist Russia. All political systems eventually become corrupt... ask yourself if you want to live under a communist dictator, or a corrupt elected Capitalist 

 

its like how the Democrats said for years they don’t want to take away guns. Now they don’t even hide their agenda to take away all guns. 

 

Watch out out for these sneeky, self serving limousine liberals like ole Bernie selling his unsustainable socialist garbage. 

[losworld]

Bernie is a hypocrite who supports socialism for the masses but he will be the elite ruler.  Guy is a <deleted> joke.

[Baerboxer]

1 hour ago, losworld said:

Bernie is a hypocrite who supports socialism for the masses but he will be the elite ruler.  Guy is a <deleted> joke.

 

You hit the nail on the head! Too many "socialist" regimes produce a corrupt, elitist leadership who exemplify the Pigs in Orwell's animal farm. If money is the "facilitator" of capitalism then cronyism, nepotism, and hypocrisy are the facilitators in bad socialism.

[bristolboy]

2 hours ago, Guitarzan said:

 

Bernie isn’t just a socialist,  (which is a nice sanitized word for communist) he’s a communist. I don’t have time to list all the videos of him praising Castro, and Communist Russia. All political systems eventually become corrupt... ask yourself if you want to live under a communist dictator, or a corrupt elected Capitalist 

 

its like how the Democrats said for years they don’t want to take away guns. Now they don’t even hide their agenda to take away all guns. 

 

Watch out out for these sneeky, self serving limousine liberals like ole Bernie selling his unsustainable socialist garbage. 

You will of course be providing evidence that the democrats want to take away all guns.

[Boon Mee]

It's utterly ridiculous to believe that anyone can get onboard this idiot's Commie pipe dreams. 

Adios Bernie, have a good time spinning Venezuela etc. 

[Bluespunk]

5 hours ago, VillageIdiot said:

The old Marxist knucklehead never outgrew his boyhood in Brooklyn.

Good.

[ThreeEyedRaven]

1 hour ago, Boon Mee said:

It's utterly ridiculous to believe that anyone can get onboard this idiot's Commie pipe dreams. 

 

4 hours ago, Guitarzan said:

Bernie isn’t just a socialist,  (which is a nice sanitized word for communist) he’s a communist.

 Trying to equate Democratic Socialism with communism, shows the complete and utter ignorance so many Americans seem to have regarding each of them and explains why the word socialism In America is viewed negatively. Big business has created an ideology in the US that scares people into thinking wrongly that they are one and the same, which is absolute nonsense. Helps keep the average citizen from wanting better treatment though.

Of course, you can continue to blithely continue your rhetoric, proving your beliefs come from the lies you have been told, or just for once, maybe you should go to a site like wikipedia who can help bring you from your state of ignorance, to one of enlightenment.

I doubt that either of you will bother, entrenched as it seems you are in supporting the status quo which leaves so many in the US in terror of getting sick and working for a pittance for firms which make billions. Just in case though, you can find the differences below. Hope you can understand it. Trust me, ignorance really isn't bliss. After all, the people in those countries that have adopted democratic socialism have a far higher standard of living and way better health and life expectancy than Americans.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democratic_socialism

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communism

[jingjai9]

In American politics and in many other areas of discourse there are "demon" words and socialism is one of them. Many on this thread know that Americans don't have a good working definition of socialism. Bernie is an update of the new deal and he says this in his own words. I have never heard Sanders propose to tear down the military-industrial complex like Ron Paul advocated. Sanders wants more social equality. He feels too few control too much of the national wealth and the system has been skewed to work best for the richest people.  He does not call for the nationalization of the means of production and distribution. The difference among these democratic candidates seems to be to what extent they want certain industries regulated. 

 

It is a question of balance - how much do you regulate the economy and to what extent do you let the invisible hand of competition run free in the market place. As Grover Cleveland said, "The thing I hate about capitalism is the capitalists; They're just too greedy."

 

[chilli42]

This in a country where they single payer medical insurance is socialist.  Where student loans are in default and crushing graduates but nobody wants to put a lid on university tuition levels - it’s socialist. Where income equality is so skewed that 40% of the households are so under paid and under employed they are barely getting by.  Capitalism in the end breeds Fascism with a small rich group of oligarchs any the mass nothing left to lose.  Fascism, it’s already starting to happen.  Capitalism is a common knowledge narrative, like patriotism, and other ‘isms that gets used as the rich see fit. Trump will seem like a choirboy, as compared to those who will follow him as president, if people are not lifted up by a “New Deal” be that from Sanders or whom ever.

[unblocktheplanet]

This, this, is the best America has to offer for fundamental human rights such as universal healthcare and education, and civil liberties!

 

Not to mention not a peep about America's endless wars!

 

Bernie Sanders, a socialist?!?!

 

[Sakeopete]

Problem with the whole socialist, love each other dream is that the USA is not alone. Already it is a struggle for businesses to compete with countries who don't abide by the same human rights and labor laws the USA follows. Businesses now have to compete globally. A socially just USA needs  tax dollars. Where will they get the money when there are no more competitive businesses in America. 

Some poster point to European countries but don't mention the small populations and the fact that much of their social programs have benefited from not investing in their defense thanks to the umbrella America has provided. 

 

 

[Orton Rd]

The trouble with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money- M Thatcher. It just does not work, never has and never will.

[Orton Rd]

Many of those are not socialist countries, the UK and Italy? I would say Sweden and Germany are hell like due to socialist stupidity of importing millions of immigrants from the 3rd world

[from the home of CC]

5 hours ago, Baerboxer said:

 

You hit the nail on the head! Too many "socialist" regimes produce a corrupt, elitist leadership who exemplify the Pigs in Orwell's animal farm. If money is the "facilitator" of capitalism then cronyism, nepotism, and hypocrisy are the facilitators in bad socialism.

 

Very true. In Canada although the corruption is not blatant it is indeed prevalent and the currency used is often favors and promises that run through the nepotism/cronyism avenues. And when the 'facilitation' ends up profitable in the long run, there's no difference at all to overt corruption except the optics.

[Bluespunk]

The allenberg out to play again, I see. 

 

Just to help you out: it is good Bernie Sanders remains true to his political roots...

[attrayant]

9 hours ago, Guitarzan said:

Bernie isn’t just a socialist,  (which is a nice sanitized word for communist) he’s a communist.

 

Socialism is a balance between collectivism and individualism, with the balance being managed by a democratically-elected government.  In both true capitalism and true communism, the government is supposed to be hands-off.  Neither of these systems are workable since too many people won't be willing to follow the rules or might show bias/favoritism.  Clearly, some level of government involvement is required. 

 

Since some of us seem to have very basic, fundamental misunderstandings about the various systems of government and markets, I recommend this explainer video.

 

The Dirty Words of Economics

[KhunFred]

Sanders is so far above his critics, intellectually, that they seem crude and uneducated every time they open their mouths. Sanders and AOC are the wave of the future.

[KhunFred]

2 hours ago, Orton Rd said:

Many of those are not socialist countries, the UK and Italy? I would say Sweden and Germany are hell like due to socialist stupidity of importing millions of immigrants from the 3rd world

They may not actually be socialist,  bur American conservatives always portray them as such.

[riclag]

• Bernie your about to get duped again by your own party!

[bristolboy]

On 6/13/2019 at 9:34 AM, ezzra said:

All a pipe dreams and well intentioned wishes, see Obama who was elected largely by the black's votes in the hopes of making a difference to the black population, did he? if he did, it was insignificant or very little, no person will be elected to be a president without the back of the pmany powerful lobbies and all of them represent big business and big money,

i just don't see how a socialist with dreams of sharing the wealth could ever succeed to be elected...

Some people just can't get over their obsession with race to the point where it seriously deranges their thinking. African Americans constitute about 12% of the US population.