Senator Bernie Sanders says the United States is facing a level of danger he has never seen in his lifetime. At 83 years old, the Vermont Independent has been speaking to large crowds around the country, warning about what he calls a growing threat to democracy and the rise of a government that serves the ultra-rich.
"We are heading toward oligarchy," Sanders said.
In a conversation with journalist Robert Costa, Sanders expressed deep concern about the direction of the country. He said the government is becoming more controlled by billionaires, and everyday Americans are being left behind.
Crowds Respond to Sanders' Message
Sanders has been drawing large audiences from coast to coast, from Maine to California. His speeches have become rallying points for people who oppose former President Donald Trump. At these rallies, Sanders said he sees both fear and frustration.
"Sixty percent of people are living paycheck to paycheck," Sanders said. "The media doesn't talk about it. Congress doesn't talk about it."
Unlike many Democrats, Sanders is not a member of the party. He has run for president under the Democratic banner, but remains an Independent. He supports what he calls a "mixed economy" and often points to Scandinavian countries as examples.
Concerns About Trump and Billionaire Influence
Sanders is worried about more than just politics. He believes the country is in a moral and constitutional crisis. He takes seriously Trump's past comments about possibly running for a third term.
"They don't believe in the Constitution," Sanders said, when asked about Republicans who joke about Trump returning to office again. "So yes, I take that seriously."
Sanders also voiced concern about Elon Musk and other billionaires having too much control over politics. He blamed a Supreme Court decision known as "Citizens United" for allowing massive sums of money to flow into campaigns.
"We should call it a pseudo-democracy," he said.
Sanders argued that if someone like Elon Musk can spend hundreds of millions of dollars on politics while ordinary people only have one vote, then it's not a real democracy.
Corporate Law Firms and Government Deals
He also criticized large law firms that have made financial agreements with the Trump administration. Sanders called it "cowardice" and said these firms are motivated purely by profit.
"They are willing to sell out their souls to Donald Trump," he said. "The cost to the country is indescribable."
Personal History Shapes His Politics
Sanders' political views are shaped by his past. He grew up in a working-class family in Brooklyn. His father worked all the time, but the family never had enough money for extras.
He also recalled seeing Holocaust survivors in his neighborhood and said that the hatred they endured stayed with him. "That kind of racism and hatred has always stuck with me," he said.
A Long Road to National Prominence
Sanders started out on the edges of politics. Ten years ago, he launched his first presidential campaign with little fanfare. At the time, few believed he had a real shot.
"I didn't think I'd be doing this a year ago," he admitted. "But you have to do what you have to do."
Clashes with Democratic Leaders
Some Democratic strategists disagree with Sanders' approach. James Carville, for example, has suggested that Democrats should be more cautious.
But Sanders believes in pushing forward. He argues that the Democratic Party has failed to stand up for working people. He said the party needs to make a clear decision: Will it continue to rely on donations from the wealthy, or will it fight for everyday workers?
"Working people are not voting for Trump because he wants to cut Social Security and give tax breaks to billionaires," Sanders said. "They're voting for him because they're hurting and no one is listening."
Still Fighting at 83
Though many his age have retired, Sanders says he is committed to staying in the fight. While some of his supporters have urged him to run for president again, possibly in 2028, Sanders said he is focused on his role as a U.S. Senator.
"I'm happy being in the arena," he said.
He admitted that he enjoys rallies and meeting people across the country. That connection, he said, is what keeps him going.
"Talking with people, hearing their stories, that inspires me," Sanders said. "It keeps me moving."
Keywords: Bernie Sanders, US politics, Trump opposition, billionaire influence, American democracy, 2024 election, working class, income inequality, Senate, Citizens United