Bernie Sanders Blames Kamala Harris’ Loss on Democrats Abandoning the Working Class, Says ‘Common Man is Angry’

Senator Bernie Sanders has once again stirred controversy within the Democratic Party by reaffirming his belief that Vice President Kamala Harris’s struggles in the political spotlight stem from the party’s failure to adequately represent the working class. In an interview with CNN, Sanders, a long-time advocate for progressive policies and the working class, suggested that Harris’s political challenges reflect broader frustrations with the Democratic Party’s abandonment of everyday Americans.

“The common man is angry,” Sanders said, pointing to growing disillusionment among voters who feel left behind by policies that, in his view, favor the wealthy and corporate elites over the working and middle classes. Sanders’s comments have reignited a heated debate within the party, further deepening the rift between its progressive wing and more establishment figures.

Sanders’s remarks have drawn sharp criticism from key figures within the Democratic Party. Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair Jaime Harrison dismissed Sanders’s comments as “bullshit,” accusing the senator of failing to understand the complexities of Harris’s political trajectory and the broader political dynamics at play.

Harrison’s strong rebuke underscores the tension between Sanders’s progressive vision and the more centrist factions of the party that have long championed Harris’s path to leadership. The DNC Chair’s comments reflect frustration with Sanders’s persistent critique of the party’s leadership and strategy, especially given his own challenges in influencing the direction of the party.

In addition to Harrison’s response, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi also weighed in on Sanders’s remarks, labeling them as misguided and divisive. Pelosi, a longtime leader within the Democratic establishment, emphasized the need for party unity, especially as the 2024 election cycle begins to heat up.

Her criticism of Sanders suggests a growing divide between the party’s more moderate and progressive factions, with Pelosi and others defending Harris’s record and dismissing suggestions that her political challenges are a result of the party’s failure to connect with working-class voters. For Pelosi, the focus should be on supporting the current administration and ensuring that the party remains united in its mission to secure victories in the upcoming elections.

Sanders, however, remains steadfast in his criticism, asserting that the Democratic Party’s focus on elite interests and corporate donors has led to alienation among working-class voters. He believes that this disconnect contributed to the party’s struggles in recent elections, including Harris’s perceived political difficulties.

Sanders’s critique also highlights the tension between his vision for the Democratic Party, which is centered around populist economic policies and social justice, and the more centrist approach favored by many within the party establishment. As the 2024 election approaches, Sanders’s comments are likely to continue fueling debates about the future direction of the Democratic Party and the role of working-class voters in shaping its policies and leadership.