During a recent interview with Fox News' Maria Bartiromo, Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont defended the government's significant spending during the COVID-19 pandemic. He attributed inflation not to relief spending, but rather to what he described as corporate greed. Sanders pointed to the record-breaking profits seen in industries such as food and oil, suggesting that these companies have been exploiting consumers by raising prices excessively.
Sanders emphasized the positive impact of government interventions, such as the American Rescue Plan, which he believes saved essential services like child care, hospitals, and colleges. He highlighted the direct benefits that working-class families received during the pandemic, including stimulus checks and funding for hospitals.
The senator also voiced concerns about the outsourcing of American jobs and called for fair trade policies to protect domestic workers. He criticized previous trade deals that he believes have harmed the U.S. manufacturing sector.
Sanders also addressed environmental issues, criticizing former President Trump for his stance on climate change. He expressed urgency in addressing climate-related disasters, such as droughts, forest fires, and hurricanes.
When asked about Vice President Harris potentially supporting the continuation of fracking, Sanders suggested that people's views can evolve over time and refrained from using the word "betrayal."
Overall, Sanders' remarks during the interview reflected his ongoing advocacy for progressive policies and his criticism of what he sees as corporate exploitation and environmental negligence. His viewpoints align with his longstanding support for working-class Americans and his commitment to addressing economic and environmental challenges.