Sanders dismisses Rahm Emanuel’s warning that ‘Bernie bros’ could ‘spoil’ Democrats in the midterms
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) on Sunday dismissed former U.S. ambassador to Japan Rahn Emanuel’s warning in The Wall Street Journal that the “Bernie brothers” could “spoil” the Democratic Party’s chances in the midterm elections.
“There’s a strong divide within the Democratic Party,” Sanders told CBS News’ Margaret Brennan during an appearance on “Face the Nation.”
“You have an establishment that is dependent on campaign contributions from billionaires like Rahm Emanuel who want to maintain the status quo. You also have a progressive movement, which, by the way, is what frustrates these guys is that we’re winning all over this country,” he continued.
Sanders said voters are “sick and tired of the Rahm Emanuels, the Democratic establishment, and the Republican establishment. They’re asking simple questions, Margaret.”
The Vermont independent noted high health care costs in the U.S. compared to Canada and Europe.
“The American people are tired of a rigged economy, tired of a corrupt campaign finance system, they want real change,” he continued. “They don’t want Rahm Emanuel and the establishment that maintains the status quo.”
Emanuel’s Column in the Journal – “‘Bernie Brothers’ May Disrupt Democrats’ Midterms” political organization warns against the influence of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) as their candidates win primaries against incumbent Democrats.
“If the Bernie brothers were serious about increasing jobs and wages, they would support candidates who propose concrete ways to help families afford mortgages or rent, secure their retirement, and ensure no one is one medical emergency away from bankruptcy,” Emanuel said. he wrote.
The former Chicago mayor and 2028 Democratic presidential hopeful said “socialists’ efforts to distract from what should be our message on corruption have had an effect. Over the months, the overall Democratic Party advantage has widened as the country focused on Mr. Trump and the Republican Congress.”
“Our gap has narrowed recently due to the attention paid to the DSA-led primaries,” he continued. “In November, the focus on defunding, decriminalization, and decolonization will highlight cultural issues that alienate many Democrats, not to mention large swaths of independents (who make up a record 45 percent of the electorate) and disillusioned Republicans.”
Emanuel wrote that the election outcome ultimately depends on politics.
“Socialists led the charge to defund the police, open borders, abolish prisons, release violent criminals onto the streets, and desecrate the flag,” he wrote. “We know these are election losers. In 2020, after protesters chanted to defund the police, Joe Biden was dragged into office without a jacket.”
Democratic socialists saw major victories in multiple House seats in New York, as well as major victories in Colorado and Pennsylvania and the cities of Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles.
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