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Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) speaks to guests during a campaign stop at Berg Middle School on January 11, 2020 in Newton, Iowa. A recent poll has Sanders with a narrow lead in the state ahead of the 2020 Iowa Democratic caucuses being held on February 3. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) was expected to campaign with Sanders at the event but was not able to attend because of weather. (Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images)
"Let's Be Clear About Who Is Rigging What": Bernie Sanders Denounces Trump Effort to Divide Democrats
2020 candidate says only reason for impeachment trial is president's effort to "use the power of the federal government for his own political benefit."
Jan 16, 2020
After President Donald Trump earlier in the day accused Democrats in Congress of "rigging the election again against Bernie Sanders," the 2020 presidential candidate shot back Friday evening to say the president's effort to divide Democrats would be unsuccessful.
"Let's be clear about who is rigging what," Sanders said in a statement. "It is Donald Trump's action to use the power of the federal government for his own political benefit that is the cause of the impeachment trial. His transparent attempts to divide Democrats will not work, and we are going to unite to sweep him out of the White House in November."
In a tweet, Trump said it was "very unfair" to make Sanders stop campaigning in the week's prior to the first primary election, "but that's the way the Democrats play the game." In any event, Trump, "It's a lot of fun to watch."
While it's true that the impeachment trial against Trump in the Senate will keep Sanders--as well as Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.)--off the campaign trail in the crucial weeks ahead of the Iowa caucus on Feb. 3, Sanders told reporters in Washington, D.C. Thursday that while he would rather be talking to potential voters in key early states, "I swore a constitutional oath as a United States senator to do my job, and I'm here to do my job."
Sanders said that even with the importance of the trial before the Senate, "we cannot forget the very serious problems facing the American people."
"While we go forward with this impeachment trial," he added, "I hope the American people understand that we have not forgotten that in this country, outside of Washington, D.C., today, there are millions of people who are struggling economically, millions of people who cannot afford their prescription drugs or their health care."
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This country and this world are at a monumental crossroads. US voters have an opportunity to beat back the forces of fascism and confront the billionaires who are rigging the economy, our media system, and our democracy, making it increasingly impossible for ordinary people to get by. We’re not just talking about the election. We’re talking about what must be done once these fascist elements are vanquished from power. We need a bolder set of solutions than what either major party has so far been willing to offer and a working-class movement ready to fight like hell for it. Trump didn't emerge from nowhere. The conditions that fueled MAGA authoritarianism were created by decades of radical neoliberal economic policies and a corrupt political system dominated by corporate interests. They slashed taxes on the super-rich, promising that the benefits would trickle down. They said giveaways to the corporate titans would make life more affordable for the rest of us. It was all bullshit. And when a bitter, betrayed populace searches for someone to blame, right-wing demagogues have little trouble finding scapegoats. People know when they're being lied to, but you won't hear any of this from the corporate media. Only independent journalism—powered and funded by people who believe in building a better world—can deliver truly trustworthy daily news. If you share our vision, please contribute whatever you can to sustain our work. |
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After President Donald Trump earlier in the day accused Democrats in Congress of "rigging the election again against Bernie Sanders," the 2020 presidential candidate shot back Friday evening to say the president's effort to divide Democrats would be unsuccessful.
"Let's be clear about who is rigging what," Sanders said in a statement. "It is Donald Trump's action to use the power of the federal government for his own political benefit that is the cause of the impeachment trial. His transparent attempts to divide Democrats will not work, and we are going to unite to sweep him out of the White House in November."
In a tweet, Trump said it was "very unfair" to make Sanders stop campaigning in the week's prior to the first primary election, "but that's the way the Democrats play the game." In any event, Trump, "It's a lot of fun to watch."
While it's true that the impeachment trial against Trump in the Senate will keep Sanders--as well as Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.)--off the campaign trail in the crucial weeks ahead of the Iowa caucus on Feb. 3, Sanders told reporters in Washington, D.C. Thursday that while he would rather be talking to potential voters in key early states, "I swore a constitutional oath as a United States senator to do my job, and I'm here to do my job."
Sanders said that even with the importance of the trial before the Senate, "we cannot forget the very serious problems facing the American people."
"While we go forward with this impeachment trial," he added, "I hope the American people understand that we have not forgotten that in this country, outside of Washington, D.C., today, there are millions of people who are struggling economically, millions of people who cannot afford their prescription drugs or their health care."
After President Donald Trump earlier in the day accused Democrats in Congress of "rigging the election again against Bernie Sanders," the 2020 presidential candidate shot back Friday evening to say the president's effort to divide Democrats would be unsuccessful.
"Let's be clear about who is rigging what," Sanders said in a statement. "It is Donald Trump's action to use the power of the federal government for his own political benefit that is the cause of the impeachment trial. His transparent attempts to divide Democrats will not work, and we are going to unite to sweep him out of the White House in November."
In a tweet, Trump said it was "very unfair" to make Sanders stop campaigning in the week's prior to the first primary election, "but that's the way the Democrats play the game." In any event, Trump, "It's a lot of fun to watch."
While it's true that the impeachment trial against Trump in the Senate will keep Sanders--as well as Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.)--off the campaign trail in the crucial weeks ahead of the Iowa caucus on Feb. 3, Sanders told reporters in Washington, D.C. Thursday that while he would rather be talking to potential voters in key early states, "I swore a constitutional oath as a United States senator to do my job, and I'm here to do my job."
Sanders said that even with the importance of the trial before the Senate, "we cannot forget the very serious problems facing the American people."
"While we go forward with this impeachment trial," he added, "I hope the American people understand that we have not forgotten that in this country, outside of Washington, D.C., today, there are millions of people who are struggling economically, millions of people who cannot afford their prescription drugs or their health care."
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