#450 #450 – Bernie Sanders Interview
Bernie Sanders on Politics and Progress
Bernie Sanders on Politics and Progress
Dr. Lex Fridman Host
Curious computer scientist and insightful podcast host exploring diverse ideas.
Bernie Sanders
Summary
In this conversation, Bernie Sanders discusses his political journey and the ideas that have shaped his campaigns. He emphasizes the widespread support for policies like raising the minimum wage, universal healthcare, and taxing billionaires. Sanders reflects on his experiences in the Civil Rights Movement, his stance against the Iraq War, and his vision for a more equitable society. He critiques the influence of money in politics, the power of the military-industrial complex, and the need for grassroots movements to drive change. Sanders also touches on his admiration for figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Eugene Debs, and shares his thoughts on the future of the Democratic Party, the importance of progressive leadership, and his own legacy in American politics.
Highlights
- The world is the way it is. It always will be this way. We got the wealth. We got the power. And dont think of anything else. This is the way it is. You have no power. Give up.
- King was a very impressive guy, more impressive, I think, than people think that he was.
- The estimate is that some 60,000 people in America die every single year unnecessarily because they cant get to a doctor when they need because of financial reasons.
- We are spending twice as much per person on healthcare, right? And yet 85 million Americans are uninsured or underinsured, and our life expectancy is lower than virtually every other major country.
- The real difference between democracy and oligarchy is poverty and wealth. Wherever men rule by reason of their wealth, whether they be few or many, that is an oligarchy. And where the poor rule, that is democracy.
Takeaways
- Universal healthcare is a widely supported idea that could save lives and reduce financial stress.
- Grassroots movements are essential for driving political change and holding leaders accountable.
- The influence of money in politics remains a major obstacle to implementing popular policies.
- Progressive policies like raising the minimum wage and taxing billionaires have broad public support.
- Outsider campaigns can challenge the establishment and bring attention to important issues.
- The military-industrial complex and pharmaceutical lobby have significant control over legislation.
- Working-class people deserve fair wages and protections from economic instability.
- Public funding of elections could reduce the influence of wealthy donors in politics.
- Climate change and affordable housing are critical issues that require innovative solutions.
- The Democratic Party is at a crossroads between corporate interests and progressive values.
Official description
Bernie Sanders is a US Senator from Vermont and a two-time presidential candidate.
Thank you for listening ❤ Check out our sponsors: https://lexfridman.com/sponsors/ep450-sc
See below for timestamps, transcript, and to give feedback, submit questions, contact Lex, etc.
Transcript:
https://lexfridman.com/bernie-sanders-transcript
CONTACT LEX:
Feedback - give feedback to Lex: https://lexfridman.com/survey
AMA - submit questions, videos or call-in: https://lexfridman.com/ama
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EPISODE LINKS:
Bernie's Website: https://berniesanders.com
Bernie's X: https://x.com/BernieSanders
Bernie's Instagram: https://instagram.com/berniesanders
Bernie's YouTube: https://youtube.com/@BernieSanders
Bernie's Facebook: https://facebook.com/berniesanders
Bernie's Books:
It's OK to Be Angry About Capitalism: https://amzn.to/4fiIqS3
Where We Go from Here: https://amzn.to/4eUSJMj
Bernie Sanders Guide to Political Revolution: https://amzn.to/3YkVAa4
Our Revolution: https://amzn.to/40cIbnf
Outsider in the White House: https://amzn.to/3BSfD8u
SPONSORS:
To support this podcast, check out our sponsors & get discounts:
Eight Sleep: Temp-controlled smart mattress.
Go to https://eightsleep.com/lex
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AG1: All-in-one daily nutrition drinks.
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LMNT: Zero-sugar electrolyte drink mix.
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OUTLINE:
(00:00) - Introduction
(08:51) - MLK Jr
(11:43) - Corruption in politics
(23:00) - Healthcare in US
(31:33) - 2016 election
(37:32) - Barack Obama
(43:26) - Capitalism
(51:35) - Response to attacks
(56:32) - AOC and progressive politics
(1:04:24) - Mortality
(1:06:30) - Hope for the future
PODCAST LINKS:
- Podcast Website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast
- Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr
- Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8
- RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/
- Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrAXtmErZgOdP_8GztsuKi9nrraNbKKp4
- Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/lexclips
Thank you for listening ❤ Check out our sponsors: https://lexfridman.com/sponsors/ep450-sc
See below for timestamps, transcript, and to give feedback, submit questions, contact Lex, etc.
Transcript:
https://lexfridman.com/bernie-sanders-transcript
CONTACT LEX:
Feedback - give feedback to Lex: https://lexfridman.com/survey
AMA - submit questions, videos or call-in: https://lexfridman.com/ama
Hiring - join our team: https://lexfridman.com/hiring
Other - other ways to get in touch: https://lexfridman.com/contact
EPISODE LINKS:
Bernie's Website: https://berniesanders.com
Bernie's X: https://x.com/BernieSanders
Bernie's Instagram: https://instagram.com/berniesanders
Bernie's YouTube: https://youtube.com/@BernieSanders
Bernie's Facebook: https://facebook.com/berniesanders
Bernie's Books:
It's OK to Be Angry About Capitalism: https://amzn.to/4fiIqS3
Where We Go from Here: https://amzn.to/4eUSJMj
Bernie Sanders Guide to Political Revolution: https://amzn.to/3YkVAa4
Our Revolution: https://amzn.to/40cIbnf
Outsider in the White House: https://amzn.to/3BSfD8u
SPONSORS:
To support this podcast, check out our sponsors & get discounts:
Eight Sleep: Temp-controlled smart mattress.
Go to https://eightsleep.com/lex
Saily: An eSIM for international travel.
Go to https://saily.com/lex
Ground News: Unbiased news source.
Go to https://groundnews.com/lex
AG1: All-in-one daily nutrition drinks.
Go to https://drinkag1.com/lex
LMNT: Zero-sugar electrolyte drink mix.
Go to https://drinkLMNT.com/lex
OUTLINE:
(00:00) - Introduction
(08:51) - MLK Jr
(11:43) - Corruption in politics
(23:00) - Healthcare in US
(31:33) - 2016 election
(37:32) - Barack Obama
(43:26) - Capitalism
(51:35) - Response to attacks
(56:32) - AOC and progressive politics
(1:04:24) - Mortality
(1:06:30) - Hope for the future
PODCAST LINKS:
- Podcast Website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast
- Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr
- Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8
- RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/
- Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrAXtmErZgOdP_8GztsuKi9nrraNbKKp4
- Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/lexclips