Bernie Sanders declares Democratic Party undermines democracy

In a recent episode of the "Flagrant" podcast, Senator Bernie Sanders, representing Vermont, engaged in a discussion with comedians Andrew Schulz and Akaash Singh about the Democratic Party's role in undermining democracy in the United States. They asserted that the party has orchestrated unfair primaries since 2008, which has marginalized the voices of ordinary voters and given more power to wealthy donors and consultants. This assertion is supported by claims that party leaders have rigged the nomination process, leading many, including Sanders, to feel disenfranchised during elections. The discussion highlighted Schulz's views on the 2016 Democratic primary, where he felt Sanders was robbed of the nomination in favor of Hillary Clinton, the establishment's candidate, who subsequently lost the presidential election to Donald Trump. Sanders expressed his agreement with Schulz's sentiment and acknowledged the heartbreak of those who supported his candidacy while feeling forced to choose between two unsatisfactory options in the general election. This sentiment resonated with many voters who have similarly grappled with the limited choices presented to them by the Democratic establishment. Singh further probed Sanders about whether the lack of fair primaries is indicative of the Democratic Party's status as a threat to democracy. Sanders conceded that this point holds validity, signaling his discontent with the party's practices. He emphasized his identity as an Independent, diverging from the Democratic Party to highlight the failures of the establishment. Sanders warned that ignoring these issues could potentiate severe consequences for vital social services, such as education and food access for children. Overall, the dialogue underscored widespread frustrations with the Democratic Party's current trajectory and the perception among many constituents, including Sanders, that the party no longer serves the democratic needs of its voters. This critique not only reflects a call for change within the party but also seeks to draw attention to the detrimental impact these practices can have on vital democratic functions in American society.