#450 – Bernie Sanders Interview
Lex Fridman Podcast
Deep Dive
Why does Bernie Sanders prefer talking about issues rather than himself?
Politics should focus on the issues facing the people, not personal attributes. Sanders believes discussions should center on how to address societal problems.
What was Bernie Sanders' experience at the 1963 March on Washington?
Sanders attended the march with fellow students, witnessing the massive crowd and Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech. The event emphasized not just racial justice but also jobs and economic justice.
Why did Bernie Sanders vote against the Iraq War resolution and the Patriot Act?
Sanders was influenced by the Vietnam War, where he saw the government mislead the public. He didn't believe the claims about Iraq's nuclear weapons and saw the Patriot Act as an overreach of government power.
How does Bernie Sanders define an oligarchic form of society?
Sanders describes an oligarchic society as one where a few massively large corporations control production and prices across various industries, and where billionaires wield significant influence over politics through money and lobbying.
What does Bernie Sanders propose to fix the political system's corruption?
Sanders advocates for public funding of elections, where candidates show grassroots support through small contributions to receive government funding, thereby reducing dependence on big money.
How does Bernie Sanders plan to implement Medicare for All?
Sanders suggests strengthening Medicare by eliminating co-payments and expanding coverage to include dental, hearing, and vision care. He proposes gradually lowering the eligibility age to include everyone in the system.
Why did Bernie Sanders support Hillary Clinton in 2016 despite the DNC's favoritism?
Sanders supported Clinton to prevent Donald Trump from winning, recognizing Trump as a dangerous threat to American democracy. He believed the greater risk was the election of Trump over the internal issues within the Democratic Party.
What does Bernie Sanders admire most about Barack Obama?
Sanders admires Obama's historic achievement as the first Black president and his ability to handle the presidency with dignity, despite their policy disagreements. He acknowledges Obama's significant accomplishments and the challenges he faced.
How does Bernie Sanders view the balance between capitalism and social welfare?
Sanders believes in a balanced approach that encourages innovation while ensuring social safety nets like healthcare, education, and housing are accessible to all. He criticizes extreme wealth concentration and advocates for a more equitable distribution of wealth.
What is Bernie Sanders' response to attacks about his wealth and property?
Sanders explains that his wealth comes from writing bestselling books and that his properties are modest compared to other politicians. He emphasizes his working-class background and his continued advocacy for working-class issues.
How has Bernie Sanders' increase in wealth impacted his ability to relate to the working class?
Sanders acknowledges that while his financial situation has improved, he still identifies closely with the working class. He notes that he doesn't focus on material wealth and continues to work on labor issues and support working-class causes.
What does Bernie Sanders see as the future of the Democratic Party?
Sanders believes the future lies in whether the party becomes a party of the working class, representing their issues effectively, or remains corporately dominated. He sees a growing progressive wing within the party advocating for working-class interests.
Why didn't Bernie Sanders run for president in 2024?
Sanders chose not to run to avoid splitting the Democratic vote and potentially leading to a Trump victory. He felt it was more strategic to support other candidates who could unite the party and defeat Trump.
What does Bernie Sanders find most impressive about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez?
Sanders admires Ocasio-Cortez's working-class background, her intelligence, and her ability to connect with people. He appreciates her strong advocacy for progressive policies and her successful grassroots campaign against a powerful incumbent.
What does Bernie Sanders consider his most powerful impact on American politics?
Sanders believes his greatest impact is demonstrating the popularity of progressive ideas like raising the minimum wage, healthcare for all, and taxing the wealthy. His campaigns showed that these ideas resonate widely and can be successful in elections.
How does Bernie Sanders feel about his own mortality?
Sanders acknowledges his mortality but is not afraid of death itself. He is more concerned about the physical and mental decline that can come with aging and the impact on his ability to continue his work.
What is Bernie Sanders' hope for the future of the country and the world?
Sanders remains optimistic about the potential for positive change, inspired by the many people he meets who are dedicated to improving society. He sees a growing movement of people wanting to make America and the world a better place.
- Sanders never intended to be a politician.
- Politics should focus on issues affecting people and the world.
Shownotes Transcript