Elections

Sanders: ‘No’ I’m Not A Capitalist, ‘I’m a Democratic Socialist’ [VIDEO]

Steve Guest Media Reporter
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Bernie Sanders insisted Sunday that he is a “Democratic Socialist.”

Sanders, appearing on NBC’s “Meet the Press” with Chuck Todd, argued, “But what I mean is I’ve been elected as an Independent throughout my political career.”

Sanders explained that philosophically, “I think that countries like Denmark and Sweden, where healthcare is a right and virtually free to all people, where public college education is free, where childcare is excellent and stronger, where workers in the middle class make higher wages where they’re stronger in terms of reducing income and wealth inequality” can be used for “guidance.”

However, Sanders remained adamant that he wasn’t a “European Socialist” and instead pressed Todd for not asking Republicans if they were “capitalists.”

Todd responded, “Yeah.”

Sanders said that despite the fact he is an admitted “Socialist,” he would support the eventual Democratic nominee.

Chuck Todd: I hear you. And then the other day I noticed you said, “You know what? Don’t use the word ‘Socialist.’ I’m going to say I’m a progressive.” Are you pushing back on that idea?  Or are you embrace “I’m a European Socialist.”

Bernie Sanders: No, no not at all. Look. When one of your Republican colleagues gets on the show, do you say, “Are you a capitalist?” Have you ever referred to them as capitalists?

Chuck Todd: Yeah. Are you a capitalist?

Bernie Sanders: No. I’m a Democratic Socialist. But what I mean is I’ve been elected as an Independent throughout my political career. I am running now in the Democratic nomination process and will support–  I hope to win, I expect to win, but–

Chuck Todd: But you’ll support the Democratic nominee?

Bernie Sanders: I will. But if you’re asking me philosophically do I think that countries like Denmark and Sweden, where healthcare is a right and virtually free to all people, where public college education is free, where childcare is excellent and stronger, where workers in the middle class make higher wages where they’re stronger in terms of reducing income and wealth inequality– can we look to those countries for some guidance? Understanding they’re much smaller, more homogeneous and different than us. Yes, I do think we can.

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