Ep 169. Sen. Bernie Sanders

Senator Bernie Sanders was the guest in the 169th episode of season 9 of Tavis Smiley. The show started with Tavis Smiley introducing Senator Sanders and listing his achievements - he is the longest-serving independent in congressional history, three-time mayor of Burlington, Vermont, 16 years as a member of Congress, and he had recently run for president.

Smiley then asked Senator Sanders about his recent campaign and the issues he stood for. Senator Sanders talked about income inequality, healthcare, education, and climate change. He emphasized that his campaign was not just about himself but about the working people of America. He spoke passionately about the need for a political revolution to challenge the establishment and the corporate elite.

Smiley also asked Senator Sanders about his political philosophy of democratic socialism. Senator Sanders explained that democratic socialism meant creating an economy that worked for all people, not just the wealthy. He cited examples from Scandinavian countries where there was a high standard of living and universal access to healthcare, education, and transportation. Senator Sanders argued that America could learn from these models and create a more egalitarian society.

The conversation then turned to the 2016 presidential election and Senator Sanders' endorsement of Hillary Clinton. Smiley asked if Senator Sanders regretted endorsing Clinton and if he felt that the Democratic Party had treated him unfairly during the primary. Senator Sanders acknowledged that there were problems with the DNC's primary process, but he believed that it was important to defeat Donald Trump. He emphasized that he and Clinton had worked together to produce the most progressive Democratic Party platform in history, and that his endorsement was based on the belief that Clinton was the best choice to defeat Trump.

Smiley then asked Senator Sanders about his plans for the future. He asked if Senator Sanders would run for president again in 2020. Senator Sanders did not give a definitive answer but instead focused on his continued work in the Senate. He emphasized the importance of the progressive movement and said that he would work to elect more progressive candidates in the upcoming midterm elections.

Overall, the episode provided an in-depth look into the political philosophy and ideas of Senator Bernie Sanders. Smiley and Sanders had a thoughtful and engaging conversation that covered a range of topics, from income inequality to healthcare to political revolution. The episode highlighted Senator Sanders' commitment to progressive values and his belief in the power of the people to create real change.