Democrats, according to Bernie Sanders, have alienated their own base. It's time, he believes, to retaliate.
Senator Bernie Sanders, a prominent figure in the Democratic Party, is currently on a tour called "Fighting Oligarchy." During a recent stop in Wheeling, West Virginia, Sanders addressed a range of topics, including the ongoing redistricting fight in Texas, Israel's plans to expand the war in Gaza, the 2028 presidential election, and his view that the Democratic Party has turned its back on its base.
In Texas, Republicans have a plan to redraw congressional maps, which Sanders describes as an attempt by President Donald Trump to "rig the system." Over 50 Texas House Democrats initially fled the state to break quorum and delay the passage of the new congressional map, which aims to increase Republican seats in the U.S. House by at least five. This absence stalled the Texas House's approval process for more than a week, with Republicans warning they would adjourn or call additional special sessions while Democrats set conditions for their return.
Democrats have signaled intentions to return for a second special session starting August 16, although they will not have the numbers to block the Republican push. Thousands protested the plan at the Texas Capitol, viewing it as a Republican effort, supported by Trump, to rig elections and dilute Latino voters' political power. The redistricting plan explicitly targets Latino-represented districts, drawing new boundaries that pack and crack Latino voters to weaken their electoral influence while courting symbolic Latino support for Republicans. Experts warn the aggressive GOP redistricting may backfire by making some Republican seats vulnerable due to shifting demographics and dilution tactics.
Meanwhile, Democrats, led by voices including Texas Congressman Lloyd Doggett and California Governor Gavin Newsom, are pushing retaliatory redistricting efforts in other states to counterbalance these moves.
Sanders also addressed the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza. He criticised Israel's actions, stating they have turned the country into "almost a pariah state." He also expressed concern about the potential impact of an agreement between Trump and Putin on Ukraine's interests.
Regarding the 2028 presidential election, Sanders indicated there would be a candidate representing the Democratic Party's progressive wing. However, he did not express a preference for who would lead the Republican Party in 2028.
In a separate interview with CNN, Sanders spoke about the redistricting fight in Texas, criticising the Republican plan as an attempt to undermine the democratic process. He also accused both Trump and Netanyahu of trying to rig the system to gain more votes in elections. Sanders was also critical of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing him as a controversial figure.
Sanders also made headlines for his stance on US arms sales to Israel. He forced two Senate resolutions that would block some US arms sales to Israel, which ultimately failed.
As Sanders approaches his 84th birthday next month, he continues to be a vocal advocate for progressive values and reform within the Democratic Party. His tour, "Fighting Oligarchy," is a testament to his commitment to fighting for what he believes in.
[1] CNN [2] The Hill [3] NPR [4] The Washington Post [5] The New York Times
- The ongoing redistricting fight in Texas is a cause of concern for Senator Bernie Sanders, who believes it to be an attempt by President Donald Trump to rig the system, as thousands of protesters view it as a Republican effort to undermine the democratic process and dilute Latino voters' political power.
- Sanders also addressed the conflict between Israel and Gaza, expressing criticism towards Israel's actions and describing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a controversial figure. He further accused both Trump and Netanyahu of attempting to rig the system to gain more votes in elections.
- Senator Bernie Sanders's tour, "Fighting Oligarchy," is not only focused on war-and-conflicts and policy-and-legislation issues like redistricting and Israel's actions, but it also extends to general news topics such as US arms sales and Crime-and-Justice matters, as seen in his attempt to block some US arms sales to Israel. His commitment to progressive values and reform within the Democratic Party has earned him attention from media outlets like CNN, The Hill, NPR, The Washington Post, and The New York Times.
