During a town hall appearance on CNN Wednesday night, Senator Bernie Sanders delivered a direct and fiery critique of the network, accusing them of failing to address the crucial issues that matter most to everyday Americans.
The Independent senator from Vermont was discussing the pressing topics of health care and drug access when CNN host Anderson Cooper attempted to move the conversation along to take more audience questions.
But Sanders wasn’t having it—he pushed back, insisting on continuing the conversation about topics he believes are too often ignored by the media.
Corporate Media’s Oversight of America’s Critical Issues
At that moment, Sanders took aim at what he described as “corporate media,” accusing outlets like CNN of neglecting discussions about health care and wealth inequality.
“It’s time that we did talk about them,” Sanders said, urging the country to take these issues seriously.
The senator went on to address a critical question raised earlier in the event: “Why are people losing faith in the American system?” He blamed the lack of coverage of these issues, stating, “We don’t talk about it on CNN. We don’t talk about it in Congress.”
Sanders made it clear that he believes the root cause of this disillusionment stems from the outsized influence of billionaires in politics—a problem he insists must be addressed.
Fighting for the Working Class and Addressing Economic Injustice
Sanders continued, emphasizing that he and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, with whom he’s been campaigning, are actively working to get the country’s working class to rise up and demand their rights.
“What we are trying to do is demand that working class people begin to stand up and fight for their rights,” Sanders said.
He also highlighted specific issues that he believes should be priorities for the country, including universal health care, paid family and medical leave, and the high rate of childhood poverty.
He called attention to the shocking reality that 20% of seniors in America live on just $15,000 a year, asking, “Anybody here think that makes sense?”
A Stirring Appeal to the Audience and a Quick Exchange with Anderson Cooper
As Sanders pressed the issues, the audience broke into applause, showing their support for his message.
At this point, Cooper interjected, noting that they were, in fact, talking about these issues on CNN.
Sanders quickly responded, “Yeah, but I’m forcing you to talk about it, Anderson.”
The remark added a humorous and pointed moment to the discussion, highlighting Sanders’ determination to bring these issues to the forefront of national conversation.
Sanders’ ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ Tour Gains Traction
This appearance comes as part of Sanders’ ongoing efforts to bring his message to communities across the country.
In recent months, Sanders has been traveling the nation with Ocasio-Cortez on their “fighting oligarchy” tour, visiting red districts and battleground states.
Their rallies have been drawing large crowds as they speak out against the influence of billionaires like Elon Musk and challenge policies supported by President Donald Trump.
As Sanders’ platform continues to gain momentum, his calls for more economic justice and fairer systems resonate with growing numbers of Americans, especially as inequality becomes an ever more pressing issue in the political landscape.