Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) has continued to criticize the Democratic Party establishment following President-elect Donald Trump’s re-election victory, accusing the party of being out of touch with voters.
In a series of comments made over the weekend, the two-time presidential candidate went further, suggesting he may support independent candidates over Democrats in future elections.
In an email to supporters on Saturday, Sanders wrote, “The American people understand that our economic and political systems are rigged. They know that the very rich get much richer while almost everyone else becomes poorer. They know that we are moving rapidly into an oligarchic form of society.”
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The senator, who has long been a critic of economic inequality, continued his argument by chastising the Democratic Party for not addressing these issues effectively.
Sanders has previously blamed the Democratic National Committee (DNC) for undermining his 2016 presidential bid, suggesting that the DNC had “rigged” the primary election in favor of Hillary Clinton.
In his email, Sanders drew a stark contrast between the Republican Party’s promises and the Democratic Party’s establishment approach. “The Democratic Party has run to preserve the status quo, while Trump promised to smash the existing order,” Sanders stated.
The Vermont senator, a prominent voice in the progressive movement, warned that a second Trump term would lead to greater inequality and a rise in “bigoted” rhetoric.
He reiterated his concerns about the direction of the Democratic Party, questioning whether its leadership would learn from their defeat. “Will the Democratic leadership learn the lessons of their defeat and create a party that stands with the working class and is prepared to take on the enormously powerful special interests that dominate our economy, our media and our political life?” he asked.
Sanders ultimately concluded that reform within the Democratic Party was unlikely, leaving the door open for third-party candidates or a new political party altogether.
“These are some of the political questions that, together, we need to address. And it is absolutely critical that you make your voice heard during this process,” Sanders wrote to his supporters.
This morning’s email from @BernieSanders is not just some run-of-the-mill campaign email… pic.twitter.com/HzX5i1WoE5
— Brent Welder (@BrentWelder) November 23, 2024
Just a day after Trump’s re-election was solidified, Sanders posted a similar message on X, blaming the Democratic Party establishment for the party’s loss. “It should come as no great surprise that a Democratic Party which has abandoned working class people would find that the working class has abandoned them,” Sanders said. “While the Democratic leadership defends the status quo, the American people are angry and want change. And they’re right.”
It should come as no great surprise that a Democratic Party which has abandoned working class people would find that the working class has abandoned them.
While the Democratic leadership defends the status quo, the American people are angry and want change.
And they’re right. pic.twitter.com/lM2gSJmQFL
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) November 6, 2024
Despite his criticism of the Democratic Party, Sanders has also expressed his willingness to collaborate with the Trump Administration on certain economic issues.
This stance has raised eyebrows, as Sanders continues to balance his criticism of both the Democratic Party and the Republican establishment while maintaining his focus on issues like income inequality and corporate influence in politics.
The ongoing divide between Sanders and the Democratic establishment highlights the larger tensions within the party, particularly as it grapples with how to appeal to working-class voters in a political landscape that is increasingly influenced by populist movements.
Sanders’ comments suggest that, should the Democratic Party fail to reform, he may continue to explore options outside of traditional party lines, including endorsing independent candidates or supporting the formation of a third party.
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