"Progressive Agenda Must Represent the Working Class"
U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders advised President Joe Biden that to succeed in his re-election bid, he should focus on economic inequality rather than economic achievements during his term and designate large corporations as the "public enemy."
The Washington Post (WP) reported on the 6th (local time), citing multiple sources, that Senator Sanders made these remarks during a meeting last fall at the White House with President Biden and senior aides.
Senator Sanders told President Biden that instead of persuading the public to be satisfied with the current economic situation, he should acknowledge the public's grievances. He specifically suggested identifying large corporations or pharmaceutical companies opposing Biden's equality policies. To achieve good results in the presidential election, it is necessary to name a "public enemy."
Senator Sanders also pointed to a portrait of former President Franklin Roosevelt hanging in the Oval Office and quoted his speech. In a 1937 speech, Roosevelt said, "I see one-third of the people of this country ill-housed, ill-clad, ill-nourished."
Senator Sanders confirmed to WP that the content of the meeting is accurate. He emphasized that the Democratic Party should not focus on the current unusual "bubble economy" situation in the U.S. Currently, the U.S. stock market is at an all-time high, and the unemployment rate has fallen below 4%, showing positive indicators.
Senator Sanders pointed out, "Many Democrats seem to think that the public will support Biden only if he explains what his administration has achieved," adding, "This ignores the pain experienced by ordinary people." He continued, "President Biden should present a progressive agenda representing the working class. And if he secures a majority in both the House and Senate, he should promise to implement it within the first few months of his term."
He also said, "President Biden has much to be proud of," and "While he should proudly talk about these achievements, he needs to focus more on clearly defining a forward-looking agenda."
According to the White House, President Biden plans to announce aggressive policies in his State of the Union address on the 7th, including imposing taxes on the wealthy and curbing prescription drug price increases for seniors.
Senator Sanders is known to have a close relationship with President Biden, having served together as senators in the past. They also competed against each other in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary.
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