Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) delivered a powerful speech at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday, framing the upcoming election as a battle against the “oligarchs” and the “billionaire class.” Sanders alternated between celebrating Vice President Kamala Harris’s achievements and advocating for his vision of social democracy.
Sanders opened by reminding the audience of the challenges the Biden-Harris administration faced upon taking office, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic downturn. He highlighted key accomplishments, such as the $1,400 stimulus payments, the temporary expansion of unemployment insurance and Medicaid, and the reduction in child poverty through an expanded child tax credit.
“Now, I say all of this not to relive that difficult moment, but to make one simple point: When the political will is there, the government can effectively deliver for the people of our country,” Sanders stated. He then emphasized the need to renew that political will, as many Americans continue to struggle with basic needs like food, housing, and healthcare, told The Guardian.
Sanders then shifted to his familiar theme of economic inequality. “Brothers and sisters, bottom line: We need an economy that works for all of us, not just the billionaire class,” he asserted. Sanders criticized the top 1% for their unprecedented wealth, while the majority of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. He vowed to take on the rich, tackle price gouging, expand Medicare, and increase Social Security benefits for seniors. “Well, I’ve got some bad news for them,” Sanders concluded with emphasis, “That is precisely what we are going to do!”
He rejected claims that his ideas are “radical,” contrasting them with Donald Trump’s Project 2025 agenda, which Sanders warned would cut taxes for the wealthy, slash social safety nets, and deregulate environmental protections.
Sanders’ remarks stood out, especially since he was followed by speakers like Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who joked about being a “real billionaire,” and former American Express CEO Ken Chenault, who praised Harris’s business-friendly policies.
Taking a jab at political influence, Sanders criticized the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and other super PACs, noting their role in unseating his progressive allies. “Billionaires in both parties should not be able to buy elections, including primary elections,” he said.
Sanders also briefly addressed the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, calling for an end to the war, the return of hostages, and an immediate ceasefire, a stance that resonated with the crowd, earning him one of the loudest rounds of applause during his speech.