Summary:
Senator Bernie Sanders visited Kalamazoo, Michigan, as part of his “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, where he endorsed U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed. Addressing a packed crowd, Sanders focused on issues such as wealth inequality, criticizing the U.S. economy and calling Congress “corporately owned.” He highlighted the federal minimum wage of $7.25, advocating for it to be raised to $17, and expressed concern about the average life expectancy disparity between the working class and the wealthy.
Sanders criticized campaign finance laws benefiting both major parties and remarked on the influence of money in politics, exemplified by Elon Musk’s role in government. He emphasized the importance of government programs, like Medicare, and called for community cohesion in the face of modern challenges, including artificial intelligence.
El-Sayed echoed Sanders’ sentiments and criticized the Big Beautiful Bill, leading the audience in a chant related to campaign finance reform. In response, Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers issued a statement attacking Sanders for his tax policies, claiming they would hurt working families. Sanders’ tour will continue in Chicago.
