Bernie Sanders on a Gaza Ceasefire, Freedom and Oligarchs

Bernie Sanders needs no introduction. Ash caught up with the senator to talk about his new book 'It's OK To Be Angry About Capitalism', the speed of political change and whether what is happening in Gaza constitutes a genocide.
'It's OK to Be Angry About Capitalism' is out now with Penguin Books.
00:00 - How Angry Should We Be About Capitalism?
01:45 - Should The Oligarchs Be In Jail?
03:23 - What Is Freedom?
05:11 - What's So Important About Trade Unions?
07:20 - Is Being In a Trade Union Good For the Soul?
08:30 - The Dangers of AI
10:10 - The Speed of Political Change
12:03 - Is Israel Committing a Genocide in Gaza?
14:40 - Would You Back A Boycott of Israel?
15:30 - Should British / US Citizens Be Able to Fight in the IDF?
16:00 - Should Julian Assange Be Protected?
16:30 - Trump / Biden
Novara Live broadcasts every weekday from 6PM on KZbin and Twitch.
Episodes of Downstream are released Sundays at 6PM on KZbin.
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[@samnabawy2731]

Too cowardly to call it what it is

[@briancrowther3272]

you maybe interested in my reply @briancrowther3272 0 seconds ago Thankyou. I am so impressed you got Bernie on. I watched his youtube channel and on that he could not say the word genocide and Israel in the same sentence. He could not do that here. Ash even showed him why it is imortant that if Israel is committing genocide that it be called out as it places real obligations on other countries to force Israel to stop. Bernie, even after she did this could not come out and say Israel is comitting genocide, which it is. Then to add insult, he refuses to back a boycott of Israel and wehn asked by Ash did you do that against the Aparthied SA, he said yes. But despite Israek being officially classified as a state doing aparthied he could not bring himself to do the same re Israel. This is terrible of Bernie and I think so much less of him because of this. If this is all the USA has to offer in the way of an establishment figure to put things right, it is a sad refelection on the condition of the USA where he can not do this, IF he wants to. Ill read some comments now and may watch more. I am not that impressed with him that I feel that my time might be better spent elsewhere, like my own green senators investigating whether Australia is supplying arms to Israel. Our government is very secretive on this. Sydney oz.

[@TiagoMorbusSa]

I'm not going to defend him for the sake of it, but I think he's a position where if he says the word, he jeopardizes his position within the government he even says it as a deflection "right now what I'm doing is trying to stop 10 billion dollars to be given to Israel" my point is if he says the word, he may be throwing away any chance he has, as a US senator, of stopping that money from going there and it doesn't mean WE can't say it's genocide, he even says "we can talk about that!"

[@estenray5385]

@@TiagoMorbusSa I hope you’re right. For his and our sakes!

[@samara6041]

💯💯💯

[@MarioLanzas.]

I guess this is as much as one could get of a US politician. at least for now. being more blunt probably would just cost him the position

[@JRain234]

Bernie’s NERVOUS about anything Israel.

[@charismahornum-fries691]

If he doesn't maintain that position he'll be thrown to the wolves by the senate. Not a fruitful position.

[@abdulrahmanaltabbaa3502]

He was clearly shook after the comparison to apartheid South Africa. I don't blame him, he can't say too much without losing political standing. It's enough that he's leading the charge against military aid, that probably matters more than saying the G word.

[@tayibahussain]

He knows they have too much power everywhere no government should have that over another country its insane

[@flingonber]

From a recent address on the senate floor: "I'd like to take a few minutes to discuss a matter of enormous consequence that is not being adequately covered in the mainstream media nor here in the Senate. And that is that, right now, today in Gaza, we are witnessing one of the worst humanitarian disasters in modern history, it is unfolding before our very eyes, and we must not run away from that reality. And I'm very sorry to say, but we in the United States are deeply complicit in what is happening in Gaza...Israel has the right to defend itself, but it does NOT have the right to go to war against the entire Palestinian people, and that, tragically, is what we are seeing...Mr. President, I struggle to find words for this cruelty, and let me state once again that what is happening in Gaza now is funded with US taxpayer dollars. These are our bombs and our military equipment is being used. We are complicit." You really going to turn down support like that because he didn't use the word you wanted him to use?

[@maazkalim]

May you please cite that direct-quote, ​"@@flingonber"?

[@Attack_is_the_Best_Defense]

Sanders: "We can talk about that (genocide)." And subsequently doesn't talk about it. Sanders: "I am nervous about economic boycotts of any country." 30 seconds later: "It was important to put pressure on apartheid South Africa (through economic boycotts)." Sanders a moral authority on nearly all social issues, except on Israel.

[@twinsgardening896]

which means he's not actually the moral authority on anything. If he won't take a stand against genocide, he's completely useless and an ally to no one.

[@BillyBowlster]

He's a hypocrite how people haven't woken up to what he is - paid to lose opposition.

[@cdean2789]

He doesn't know that Israel is an Apartheid State 😂.

[@azeez8399]

Bernie lived on a kibbutz in his earlier life. You do the math.

[@James-hm9on]

@@azeez8399So did Gabor Mate but Gabor has no problem condemning Israeli genocide and apartheid

[@AquaMoye]

Fantastic interview Ash! I was impressed by his first few answers. However his reluctance to criticize Israel is baffling, and really makes me question his moral integrity.

[@DrejaAndi]

He criticizes them every day, has done so for decades, and is trying to block aid to them. On a regular basis for months, he has been giving entire speeches on the Senate floor criticizing Israel, interviews on news stations doing so, presenting resolutions to block funding to Israel. He is one of the few in government this clearly and persistently critical of what Israel is doing and has been doing for decades. But the failure to use one specific word means he's not criticizing them? Do you not support what he's trying to do for the Palestinian people based on him not saying one word? It's disturbing to see the best people in politics smeared, not by their actions, but by an occasional word choice that some people don't like. Meanwhile, the majority of Congress is getting a pass while aiding and abetting Israel. Is that Bernie's fault?

[@zenastronomy]

​​​@@DrejaAndilipservice. even if he can't openly call it genocide for whatever reasons. the hypocrisy he shows in calling for economic sanctions for apartheid South Africa, putins russia whilst arguing against BDS is hypocrisy of the highest order. Shows his morality is skin deep.

[@user-uo5br2ro4m]

War is not the same as genocide. What is happening in Gaza due to the fault of Hamas, which is still supported by the people of Palestine, is not genocide. This cannot be compared with the real Armenian genocide, the Holocaust or Rwanda. Or do you think if you say a word, reality will change? If you really think so, then you have magical thinking and hope to bewitch reality with the help of magic words. Moreover, the transformation of such a serious concept as genocide into a political narrative and postmodern language game is unacceptable

[@adampullen3786]

Did you watch the interview? or just read the headline and go straight to the comment section

[@AquaMoye]

@@adampullen3786 did you read my comment, or go straight to the replies?

[@chimichanga3405]

FREE FREE PALESTINE 🍉🍉

[@robinsari8239]

Why the melon?

[@nicomoreno5028]

​​@@robinsari8239Mentioning "Free Palestine" can get you banned or shadow banned on some platforms, so people are just using the watermelon as a symbol. *Idk which platforms, I didn't look into it that far and I don't use a lot of social media.

[@Sez.the.shortone.]

​@robinsari8239 Palestinians were banned from displaying a palestinian flag by israel so they used watermelons as a representative because the colours match 🇵🇸 🍉

[@SuchaDoofus]

Yes. Free Palestine from Hamas

[@-Ditto300-]

Oh shut up

[@jorbdan6305]

man, he's so much more lucid than trump and biden it's insane

[@Bluebelle51]

Yes, he's lucid, which makes him having the same policies as Trump and Biden even harder to bear

[@jorbdan6305]

@@Bluebelle51 what policies in particular?

[@user-fc9fy6em5v]

he can not say the word genocide, he 's a fraud

[@holdmusic_]

@@Bluebelle51 I also want to hear which policies are the same as Trump and Biden.

[@thisbename]

@@Bluebelle51 He doesn't have "policies", he's not a candidate, wtf are you talking about?

[@Dartanius100]

I attended his speech in the Liverpool Philharmonic last night. Every single question he was asked about Palestine, he side-stepped. Was quite alarming to see a man of such moral conviction refuse to call what is happening in Gaza a genocide, or even call for a ceasefire. He was rightly heckled by the crowd at numerous points.

[@cdean2789]

Good.

[@cliffgaither]

​@cdean2789 :: he has lost all respect in the u.s. and not just about the cease-fire/israeli/palestine issue.

[@blackeddeath]

​@@cliffgaither about what then?

[@Chad-qw8ok]

Bernie has being calling for ceasefire for months. It's not helpful when people spread misinformation.

[@hus390]

@@cliffgaither In that interview, a month into the fighting. He was asked a ceasefire (and he merely said he doesn’t understand Hamas to be interested in a permanent ceasefire (I speak Arabic and I understand what they say) Bernie is correct on that. He said he wants to seen an end to the fighting m, then called for ceasefire and unrestricted aid delivery. What does uttering a word genocide) will ever change ?? Let’s focus on results. Also, I’m worry about BDS because I don’t understand what’s the political outcome they it backs? Two states? One states for both people? One state for Palestinians only? IDK.

[@fatinhermiz8729]

The world is saying that USA is complicit in all Israeli crimes

[@324cmac]

The U.S. is complicit in the war crimes and human rights violations against the people by the governments of many countries. That's what the CIA does and the U.S. will sell deadly weapons to anyone.

[@organicod2438]

All the talk of solidarity and he still won't join humanity in standing against Genocide in Gaza! Stand against Genocide, Bernie! Call it what it is! Lead your American comrades in a stand against oppression! You're not doing "Everything" you can, because you're not calling it a Genocide!

[@RexytheRexy]

Perfectly said.

[@duncan7683]

Because when push comes to shove his religious roots outweigh his principles.

[@at9048]

He's up against a very powerful lobby!! His wording leans towards genocide!!

[@Gen0cidePTB]

He's still a sitting senator in a country that's supporting them. Losing your life is not worth the gesture

[@threedoodles]

Too little and too late Mr Sanders. Save Palestine 🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸

[@swadbodhy9242]

Nobody thinks its Genocide anymore...everyone is more than convinced its Genocide....

[@briancrowther3272]

my comment @briancrowther3272 0 seconds ago Thankyou. I am so impressed you got Bernie on. I watched his youtube channel and on that he could not say the word genocide and Israel in the same sentence. He could not do that here. Ash even showed him why it is imortant that if Israel is committing genocide that it be called out as it places real obligations on other countries to force Israel to stop. Bernie, even after she did this could not come out and say Israel is comitting genocide, which it is. Then to add insult, he refuses to back a boycott of Israel and wehn asked by Ash did you do that against the Aparthied SA, he said yes. But despite Israek being officially classified as a state doing aparthied he could not bring himself to do the same re Israel. This is terrible of Bernie and I think so much less of him because of this. If this is all the USA has to offer in the way of an establishment figure to put things right, it is a sad refelection on the condition of the USA where he can not do this, IF he wants to. Ill read some comments now and may watch more. I am not that impressed with him that I feel that my time might be better spent elsewhere, like my own green senators investigating whether Australia is supplying arms to Israel. Our government is very secretive on this. Sydney oz.

[@sprobablycancr4457]

He has to face Pelosi at work though.

[@SuchaDoofus]

It's not genocide

[@forestsunset9617]

@@SuchaDoofus what is it then? just a unfair killing of thousands of innocent people that aren't the same race?

[@SuchaDooofus]

And for your information the Palestinian Arabs and most Israeli Jews have common Semitic ancestors more or less. Which would make them the same race... @@forestsunset9617

[@RiseAndShine144]

He lost me when he refused to call for a ceasefire a month in and nearly 10k dead. He’s not strong enough to withstand.

[@sullykhan3391]

I find it quite sinister tbh, he doesn't add up morally.

[@Bluebelle51]

He lost me when he refused to fight Hillary in 2016

[@anonymousdesu5335]

30K

[@Bluebelle51]

@@lancejohnson127 I sort of had that figured out in 2016 at the convention but his stance on Palestine just locked that in

[@carolea7158]

He lost me when he supported Hillary

[@geraldine9116]

How does Bernie not know about Julian Assange ?

[@Cyclone718]

He clearly does, he just doesn't want to answer any questions about Julian Assange.

[@adampullen3786]

Surprisingly, they are real human people with only so much time and memory to devote to certain issues. I know it's easy to just say "hey! you're in a position of authority therefore you should be all knowing!" but thats not realistic. It's very possible he just hasn't researched it at the moment, which might make sense if it doesn't really affect any decisions he has to make as a senator. In fact, lots of representatives (not that this is a good thing but it's true) often don't even have time to read a bill before they put it through. This has actually led to a lot of problems with people sneaking things into long drafts of bills without anyone noticing, but my point is just that I actually prefer him just focus on what is important for him and within his power to change, and to be absolutely educated on those specific fronts.

[@Liberaven]

He does. He just said he doesn't know the specific details of the case. But he did signal that he disagrees with the espionage act and in in favour of transparency. Can no one in these comments read between the lines????

[@aaronlopez717]

as history recorded / Politician know how to avoid, . not answer a simple question '' The aim ' we care for democracy etc. history show most people fallow that narrative / as he say a few people own his nations, the rest is on aid- cheaper food Expense housing -renting , car Insurance etc the rest of humanity 40 hours or more just to get even . ( how much Bernie Sander make a year salary ? )

[@pascalandlanzaroneextrarev3043]

How can he not comment on Julians case. How can he not know specific details about Julians case what so many people call most important case in our era....

[@peteryates2573]

Ash gets better and better. I used to love her no nonsense, take no prisoner attitude, but this calm, sophisticated approach suits her maturity. Still asking the tough questions with persistence.

[@LilySaintSin]

She's maturing ad going up i the world. She's amazing.

[@grasshopperye3593]

I honestly love her interviewing style and general attitude. She has such a joyful, pleasant vibe that she can get away with direct questions, bc they come off more like curiosity, rather than angled traps. I think that allows interviewees to answer better as well, since they don't need to be as defensive.

[@UXDlozi]

i agree

[@shabbydabbydo314]

He's an excellent American senator, but he's still an American senator working within the confines of the empire. Glad he's been pushed.

[@grady7420]

He is a terrible senator. He endorsed Genocide Joe for president and continues to support Israel's existence. He just wants Israel to go back to doing its slow genocide before October 7th. What does he have to lose by calling it genocide? He's already old af, has massive support in his state and the majority of Americans are against Israel.

[@forestsunset9617]

don't we all work within the confines of the empire, otherwise there would be a call for a ceasefire by our MPs. We don't get what we want, the MPs don't dare ask because of the power of the empire.

[@anniea7489]

He's a warmonger, just like the rest of those corrupt senators!!!! 😡😡😡

[@mt6611]

Being a Jew himself he never sided with the atrocities or tortured caused by Israeli government, but thanks 🙏 to him at least standing on Senate floor and said something challenging on what ever scale, not like Schumer.😮

[@growthandunderstanding]

Yes! Thank you for saying that! Excellent point!

[@SuperBumps]

Good work Ash. Nice to see someone following up when a politician evades an answer. Even Bernie does it.

[@MuslimJusticeNetworkAlliance]

He doesn't intend to run for anything so why the lack of a backbone? He seemingly has heart. Strange and sad. Bless you Ash and Novara.

[@InnuendoXP]

Vermont's state primary elections are in August this year. He seriously risks losing his party's backing as candidate if he is vocal on this point. He will also lose credibility in the senate & the ability to influence any actual policy that will materially affect what the US government does relating to Israel & Gaza, calling it a genocide won't have any impact on US policy, probably the opposite. Yes it's correct to say it's a genocide at this point - it also isn't a politically useful thing for him to do in his position, for Palestinians or anyone else. Israel doesn't care what anyone else thinks, they just care about whether they continue getting arms & money - if Bernie can make a dent in that, it will have a far bigger impact than whatever rhetoric he uses about Israel's immense & illegal campaign of indiscriminate violence & destruction.

[@GuyWestcott]

It's deeply disappointing that he won't actually call it a genocide or support BDS, but thank you for following up on those things and not letting him dodge the questions, even though he's an ideological ally

[@jenskarlsson4744]

what a coward and not a young man ! Sad !

[@GetFochD]

He is a soc dem, not an ally at all

[@stephenwillis9571]

@@jenskarlsson4744 Look at the man's life - he is not a coward. He has been the single most prominent outspoken US politician on this issue. He has demanded a ceasefire, labelled Israeli government as extremely right wing, called for all funding to Israel to stop, condemned the cutting off on UNRWA aid. Yet in your eyes he is a coward? Imagine a world where Corbyn and this guy were leaders of their country - it could have happened, we would live in a far safer world. Mearsheimer equivocates over language. It is important to realise Sanders is not a commentator, he is an actor and he is certainly trying to do good within this conflict, unlike other politicians. If he beleived labeling the comflict genocidal would encourage the direction he favours, he would use it I am sure, he doesn't becuase he believes the opposite. We can disagree with him - but I don't doubt his intentions are honourable, this man is anything but a coward, he has fought for the working class all his life: he is a good man.

[@DOTCHA2]

Yes, he’s an “artful dodger”. In his campaigns for POTUS he was careful to avoid making the MICIMATT the enemy. He was a sheepdog whose job it was to herd “independent” voters into the Corporate Democrat Party.

[@BrianDgreat123]

​@GetFochD This is the reason we can't have nice things. The only thing the left is good at is self destruction over minor differences of opinion.

[@markchang5285]

Very good and hard hitting questions, it's a pity Bernie Sanders can't answer the questions on Israel without fear of losing support

[@samara6041]

🎯🎯🎯

[@rogbrogb7537]

He should be educating his constituency. We need to END Corporate Rule,not corral the strays back into the UNdemocratic corporate party!

[@benangel3268]

The Israel lobby and lobbying by the private defence industry etc seem to be having a strong influence. Bearing that it mind it becomes obvious why he is treading an obstacle course. .. The fact that Biden is president and not Bernie also says a lot

[@TehBlue1]

He's definitely gonna lose support. Mine included.

[@jayobannon5359]

Shows you that the amerikan politicians are only in it for themselves.

[@MendeMaria-ej8bf]

Wow. This is Senator Bernie Sanders at his best. Unfortunately, his bias stays if it comes to Israel.

[@M_ri_m]

Ash you did so well ❤ That guy is crafty when it comes to the massacre of Palestinians. He's so evasive.

[@miniaturecolossus5242]

Should've pressed him more on the boycott of apartheid South Africa tbh. Seems like he had not thought that through.

[@aviava7097]

Yes, his hypocrisy was revealed there (he also 'strongly' supported Russia & Iran sanctions in the past)

[@RusTsea196T]

Israel has long been an Apartheid State. Why should they not also be boycotted as South Africa was?

[@cliffgaither]

​@@RusTsea196T:: Yes ! You're very right about israel. It is only now / lately that that word has become universal as if it is some new fad.

[@Mask-pb3ly]

Israel is an apartheid state . He is doing everything what in his power.

[@robertwinslade3104]

Novara is really going up in the world to be able to get guests like Sanders. Love to see it!

[@brentwood1334]

They need to interview Hamas

[@ince55ant]

mate they had david graeber on in like 2019

[@robertwinslade3104]

@@ince55ant huge respect to David Graeber (RIP), but Sanders is way more high profile

[@toyotaprius79]

​@@brentwood1334You missed their reviews with Irish republicans too?

[@sprobablycancr4457]

@@brentwood1334 They had Khamas on. Really great interview. You have to subscribe though.

[@md.muzahidulislamsamrat8037]

No apartheid has a right to exist, period

[@mikiafu]

Even the one in Sudan?

[@roamingtraveller7544]

People in suit and tie lie to protect their power but sell their soul. Bad trade!

[@jasonfox668]

He is too coward to say Israel is committing Genocide

[@calinnetin]

we cannot afford losing Bernie by being called an antisemite for telling the truth. Good on him

[@duncanlgeoghegan6333]

Yeah it could be tactical on his part, America is at a different part of the conversation.

[@twinsgardening896]

here's a thought: calling out genocide is more important than your personal reputation among bigots. @@calinnetin

[@user-uo5br2ro4m]

War is not the same as genocide. What is happening in Gaza due to the fault of Hamas, which is still supported by the people of Palestine, is not genocide. This cannot be compared with the real Armenian genocide, the Holocaust or Rwanda. Or do you think if you say a word, reality will change? If you really think so, then you have magical thinking and hope to bewitch reality with the help of magic words. Moreover, the transformation of such a serious concept as genocide into a political narrative and postmodern language game is unacceptable

[@duncanlgeoghegan6333]

@@twinsgardening896 that's a valid point I believe, but the counter argument would be one of "it's better to have a real and pragmatic impact in stopping the genocide rather than publicly aligning with the truth and avoiding future public backlash". I don't know which is true here, but a silent hands can do more than clapping hands.

[@nodgelyobo1]

She caught him at the Israel question, he wouldn't admit it was genocide....he wouldn't dare!

[@samtagg8754]

He's still one of the only American politicians to call for the US to stop sending money and weapons to israel

[@briancrowther3272]

my comment @briancrowther3272 0 seconds ago Thankyou. I am so impressed you got Bernie on. I watched his youtube channel and on that he could not say the word genocide and Israel in the same sentence. He could not do that here. Ash even showed him why it is imortant that if Israel is committing genocide that it be called out as it places real obligations on other countries to force Israel to stop. Bernie, even after she did this could not come out and say Israel is comitting genocide, which it is. Then to add insult, he refuses to back a boycott of Israel and wehn asked by Ash did you do that against the Aparthied SA, he said yes. But despite Israek being officially classified as a state doing aparthied he could not bring himself to do the same re Israel. This is terrible of Bernie and I think so much less of him because of this. If this is all the USA has to offer in the way of an establishment figure to put things right, it is a sad refelection on the condition of the USA where he can not do this, IF he wants to. Ill read some comments now and may watch more. I am not that impressed with him that I feel that my time might be better spent elsewhere, like my own green senators investigating whether Australia is supplying arms to Israel. Our government is very secretive on this. Sydney oz.

[@popinjay3000]

why would you want him to say it and have no chance of office? can you not read between the lines?

[@StephenSeabird]

It may be ... may be, he has to wait until he's in office first, because the system itself will block him from getting there unless he plays his cards close to his chest. RFK jr the same. I'd put my trust in either of them rather than any other candidates. In Britain it's the same: how far could Corbyn go before the entire media network starts gunning for him? Not far at all.

[@nodgelyobo1]

@@popinjay3000 If he had said it he would have a better chance with the normal, compassionate, human beings...but by clearly evading the question, he threw his chances further down the toilet!..He switches sides faster than a tennis ball at wimbledon!

[@ChrisAlbertH47]

Bernie doesn't generally pull his punches when it comes to communicating honest criticism. With Izrael, he does. He's either getting soft, or he suffers from the same lack of conviction that all western politicians display when dealing with Izrael. He needs to understand that this isn't just the Nuttyahoo regime. This is Izrael's institution and it has been that way for decades. Until he and other politicians like him admit that Izrael's political stance are the core of the problem, he's not solving anything. The latest case brought before the ICJ on the legality of its occupation makes this very clear.

[@citizenvictor5123]

He is simply being careful because he knows that the mob is watching and listening.

[@harunnoristani7152]

Great interview. I am disappointed that he is still not calling it a genocide. You cannot sugarcoat it by saying it's horrible.

[@adampullen3786]

it's horrible and needs to be stopped is sugar coating it... how? If he says it's a genocide do you think Netanyahu will listen and make it go away???

[@kalazcze]

It is not his job to call it a genocide. The court is deciding that.

[@jorbdan6305]

i genuinely don't understand what backlash bernie sanders would face for calling it a genocide. he won his last senatorial race with 67% of the vote, he's clearly well liked by his constituency. what political concerns are preventing him from calling it like it is?

[@staticcouch135]

He’s being threatened by Aipac to put someone else in his place. So he needs to sell his book before retiring and doing the right thing.

[@jorbdan6305]

@@staticcouch135 you mean you think aipac is threatening to put up a candidate against him? there's no way they would win, he's a shoo-in

[@Bluebelle51]

Maybe he doesn't want another "heart attack"?

[@staticcouch135]

@@jorbdan6305 Other progressives have come out to say that Aipac is outwardly threatening them if they keep attacking Israel’s acts. It’s not a secret.

[@jorbdan6305]

@@Bluebelle51 some very conspiratorial thinking there, you'd need some incredibly solid evidence to suggest that was foul-play

[@dustmighte]

He's lost me with the "Israel has a right to genocide" bullshit

[@briancrowther3272]

you maybe interested in my comment @briancrowther3272 0 seconds ago Thankyou. I am so impressed you got Bernie on. I watched his youtube channel and on that he could not say the word genocide and Israel in the same sentence. He could not do that here. Ash even showed him why it is imortant that if Israel is committing genocide that it be called out as it places real obligations on other countries to force Israel to stop. Bernie, even after she did this could not come out and say Israel is comitting genocide, which it is. Then to add insult, he refuses to back a boycott of Israel and wehn asked by Ash did you do that against the Aparthied SA, he said yes. But despite Israek being officially classified as a state doing aparthied he could not bring himself to do the same re Israel. This is terrible of Bernie and I think so much less of him because of this. If this is all the USA has to offer in the way of an establishment figure to put things right, it is a sad refelection on the condition of the USA where he can not do this, IF he wants to. Ill read some comments now and may watch more. I am not that impressed with him that I feel that my time might be better spent elsewhere, like my own green senators investigating whether Australia is supplying arms to Israel. Our government is very secretive on this. Sydney oz.

[@spectersmusic]

Could you timestamp that quote? Or was that in a different interview?

[@RexytheRexy]

Yep. If you justify genocide, you do not belong in power, nor can you speak truth to it.

[@RobHel]

​@@spectersmusicplease... don't be obtuse

[@TiagoMorbusSa]

it sounds like you were pretty lost, since he said the opposite of that

[@johnmilligan4260]

Fantastic interviewing Ash, calm but relentless, especially over Israel. Thanks.

[@BramAPoe]

He can’t bring himself to say it’s a genocide well done Ash for pushing him on it

[@robertwinslade3104]

Free Palestine!

[@ilikebrowncars9692]

He squirmed with all those Israel questions

[@Liberaven]

No he didn't. He gave great aswers about what he is doing to both condemn and actively stop wht Israel are doing.

[@bothi00]

@@Liberaven literally, why can't he just admit it's s genocide?

[@dhrubamaharjan8732]

Thanks for interviewing Bernie.

[@johnsomebody1753]

So nice, and gentle, and MEALY MOUTHED of him, on so many things, until he's asked if, "what Israel is doing, is Genocide", (12:05). Then, NOT EVEN WILLING, to criticise U.S. and U.K civilians FIGHTING FOR THE I.O.F.

[@Rainbows783]

Sugar talk from US but let the Peoples down in Palestinians from 1948

[@user-uo5br2ro4m]

Arabs and Palestinians abandoned the 1947 UN plan to create 2 states for 2 peoples and in 1948, 7 Arab countries declared war on Israel, recognized by the international community. Then 4 Arabs started the war in 1967 and 1973. And again, Hamas began the massacre on October 7, 2023. And after all this, do you still have the right to consider yourself an absolute victim? 🤡

[@Nonbd]

Nah he’s not the same. When you see the hypocrisy yourself you humble and get worked up like he is. He’s the same as the rest of the pack. Scared to speak the truth. Thank you for showing us your true colors Sanders

[@abdulrahmanaltabbaa3502]

It seems many disagree, but honestly you take what you can get. He's calling out war crimes without actually saying it, unfortunately saying any more and he'd lose the political clout that makes his voice valuable in the first place. At least he's taking concrete steps against Israel military aid, without which they cannot continue killing palestinians at the same rate. And all it takes is a crack in the system for it to start breaking apart.

[@Sez.the.shortone.]

Why wont he call for ceasefire 😢 so disappointed

[@Stuboy]

Its a perfect example of not criticising your masters , dont bite the hand that feeds to remain relevant.

[@Loadedopinions]

Lol he can't call it a genocide while it is what it is

[@siviweslara1023]

I doubt it would be a smart thing to do. Unless he plans on being fired.

[@twinsgardening896]

if you have to get fired to call genocide what it is, then you get fired. He's going to go down in history as one of the people helping to let this genocide continue by refusing to fight it on all fronts.

[@ilariabarnett8700]

He won't say that israel is committing genocide.

[@calinnetin]

His body language very clearly show that he knows is genocide, and we appreciate that at least.

[@HM-ve3kz]

'We appreciate that...' 😂😂😂

[@ilariabarnett8700]

@@calinnetin yes but "body language" doesn't bear the same weight.

[@grady7420]

Because he supports it.

[@water78149]

​@@calinnetin That's what you want to believe, and you're giving him credit for something he didn't say, and is a wishful assumption.

[@spiritformula]

Bernie is a Paper tiger. He threw away his opportunities years ago.

[@LeolovelifeLL]

He doesn't know enough about Julian Assange to say don't imprison publishers of war crimes....

[@YekunoAmlak333]

He is propagandizing. He won’t say it is genocide.

[@user-uo5br2ro4m]

War is not the same as genocide. What is happening in Gaza due to the fault of Hamas, which is still supported by the people of Palestine, is not genocide. This cannot be compared with the real Armenian genocide, the Holocaust or Rwanda. Or do you think if you say a word, reality will change? If you really think so, then you have magical thinking and hope to bewitch reality with the help of magic words. Moreover, the transformation of such a serious concept as genocide into a political narrative and postmodern language game is unacceptable

[@citizenvictor5123]

He is going against a powerful mob, he must be careful.

[@YekunoAmlak333]

He is the mob and a coward opportunist!

[@TheAtt22]

she is a brilliant interviewer.... great work....

[@finisadoucheyeah]

Very disappointing responses on Gaza. And not being opposed to British or American citizens fighting with the IDF. WTF?! Very revealing. He's certainly no one to get excited about.

[@sayven]

He literally said that he hasn't thought about the issue. I don't know why she kept pushing. It's perfectly reasonable to not have an opinion on a topic that at least to me doesn't seem all that relevant for him. And coming up with an opinion on a topic on the spot is dangerous and I respect him for knowing that.

[@DronesConnection]

Yeah, “democracy”, what a FANTASY that turned out to be!🙄🤦🏻‍♂️😂

[@marciorc100]

Why can't an old politician name it?

[@davidbrooks9576]

Free Palestine 🇵🇸

[@user-zl9sh9mz6h]

Workers MUST own and control the means of production.

[@Katherine-vz6ov]

They do. It's called their labour. Totally the control of the individual. If you mean the means of production as in the capital. It's not yours and never was. I do not and will never support outright theft. You don't get to.steal someone else's property. All that is required is a nation wide sit down and wear the effect. You will be hungry and poor for a little while but greed and individual prevent this. Want to change your government and their foreign policy just sit down and do nothing. Pay no tax, buy nothing and shut down your economy. 1 week and they will remember that they work for us not the other way around but it must be everyone not the few.

[@philosophygeek551]

Very disappointed by Bernie in his interview with Ash. He should have the moral courage to call out Israel's war in Gaza for the genocidal massacre that it is.

[@lsmlsm2115]

Easy for you to say from behind your laptop. Sanders is actually elected and therefore cannot simply speak his mind on every single issue.

[@staticcouch135]

He is doing a book tour because he’s on his way out of politics and knows that he will not fight against Aipac and Israel anymore.

[@Bluebelle51]

You're thinking of Marianne Williamson Bernie already sold his book, and he never fought against AIPAC or Israel

[@BillyBowlster]

AIPAC endorsed him, tells you all you need to know.

[@Bluebelle51]

@@BillyBowlster daaaammmmnnnn

[@staticcouch135]

@@BillyBowlster Yea and they are pissed at him for calling against Israhell’s aid package. So he doesn’t step right and won’t step left and so this is his exit route.

[@sjbesq1]

The dying corporate media could learn a lot from how you ask the right questions and politely keep pressing. That's how journalism should be done.

[@nah8845]

Au contraire, they ALREADY KNOW THAT, which is precisely why they do NOT do it.

[@abdulmajidabdullahi8744]

Great job.. Im glad you pushed him on Israel. People like him wont have any excuses once the label of genocide is officially adopted. All these slippery sentences and talks of "humanitarian pauses" is how history will remeber your stance.

[@HM-ve3kz]

His hypocrisy is astonishing 🤮

[@boratkozak]

It looks, to me, that Bernie was surprised and did not expect hard questions. Thanks Ash 👏

[@aviava7097]

She realy revealed him with the sanctions questions 14:40

[@hamidious]

The thing about Bernie is he will say many of the right things only to ruthlessly disappoint you when it matters. TLDR of the video is that Bernie is "nervous" about Gaza and Assange, For goodness sake Bernie can you be more of a politician? Have some balls man, how many years have you left to live?

[@vibecat4899]

Considering Bernie's prolific direct organizing and activism during the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S. his stance as stated here on Gaza is way beyond disappointing --- it's completely disheartening. It's giving me Buyers Remorse over having volunteered for his campaign and having voted for him.

[@sayven]

This is crazy talk. He's very effectively fighting against Israel. You probably agree with him on 99% of the most important issues. Not voting for him would only have helped much worse candidates. Get a grip on reality.

[@JOSEROBERTO-gc7bv]

Why didn't hd answered the question about the genocid in Gaza? Was he afraid?

[@66hats]

What is it about US politicians and Israel? Disappointing

[@DblockDarwish-vb8df]

He avoided all the questions.

[@sharasia7690]

Hes basically saying, I'm doing all I can to stop Netanyahu, but please dont make me say Genocide

[@citizenvictor5123]

There is a reason for this. Use your brain

[@cfaxman]

Goddamnitt Bernie! How can you not know all the details of Assange? Have you been living under a rock for the last eight years!!

[@sprinkz6187]

Everything I needed to know about Israel ~ I learnt before and after oct 7 ~

[@ince55ant]

well that narrows it down...

[@sprobablycancr4457]

@@ince55ant Everything I needed to know about bone surgery ~ I learned by doing bone surgery.

[@fatimavorajee5975]

Why Senator Saunders why so evasive and non-committal? Why so evasive regarding Boycotting of Israel??? Is the USA a democracy? or duo-cracy, i.e always the winner is either Democratic or Republican??

[@Red_Lion2000]

Because he is one of the Enemy.

[@MendeMaria-ej8bf]

Ash, you are a great journalist. Thank you.

[@malcolmdjalo7050]

I’m impressed with the growth of this channel, keep up the great work !

[@mulkihassan3343]

Feee Palestinians!

[@geniealert5093]

Ash Sarkar is a brilliant and clever journalist. Completely reads his vibe and plays on his words eloquently. Go Ash!

[@Gph0367]

Well done Ash👍

[@stephanieking4444]

This interview was very well led by Ash, I especially appreciated the question concerning Sanders attitude to sanctioning Apartheid SA 👏👏👏

[@aviava7097]

💯 I was hoping she will ask him about sanctioning apartheid S.A/Russia when I heard his 'nervous' response

[@ChiRedWhiteBlue]

Bernie's a slick and articulate politician, but Ash caught him off guard with that SA rejoinder 😅

[@hus390]

@@ChiRedWhiteBlue In that interview, a month into the fighting. He was asked a ceasefire (and he merely said he doesn’t understand Hamas to be interested in a permanent ceasefire (I speak Arabic and I understand what they say) Bernie is correct on that. He said he wants to seen an end to the fighting m, then called for ceasefire and unrestricted aid delivery. What does uttering a word genocide) will ever change ?? Let’s focus on results. Also, I’m worry about BDS because I don’t understand what’s the political outcome they it backs? Two states? One states for both people? One state for Palestinians only? IDK.

[@hus390]

@@aviava7097 In that interview, a month into the fighting. He was asked a ceasefire (and he merely said he doesn’t understand Hamas to be interested in a permanent ceasefire (I speak Arabic and I understand what they say) Bernie is correct on that. He said he wants to seen an end to the fighting m, then called for ceasefire and unrestricted aid delivery. What does uttering a word genocide) will ever change ?? Let’s focus on results. Also, I’m worry about BDS because I don’t understand what’s the political outcome they it backs? Two states? One states for both people? One state for Palestinians only? IDK.

[@valeriobertoncello1809]

15:19 "Uuuh, well I thought that, as an apartheid state at that point, it was important to put pressure - but people can do as they want, and... what, you know, that's all." He couldn't even form a coherent sentence, when forced to face his double standards with respect to Israel and South Africa. That was simply brilliant questioning by Ash, and quite an embarassment for Sanders. I got the feeling, throughout that section of the interview, that he was trying to tell her that he agrees with her but he just cannot say what he thinks on the matter publicly, as a US senator. I mean it's no secret the US senate is run by AIPAC. Maybe he feels like he's an old politician afterall and he can't risk being expelled by the party if he says it how it is. Maybe he thinks he would jeopardize the rest of his social and political battles by losing powerful allies and making new nemies if he crosses some red lines. He does mention one of his main goals is not allowing Trump to win again - maybe he thinks he can't do that if he pushes on this issue more. Maybe this is all just wishful thinking...

[@gafirathe4662]

This young woman is so brilliant

[@timbarry5080]

Great job, Ash

[@munyathedreamer]

I love Ash. She was great here

[@kipwonder2233]

Ohh...Ash is an incredible interviewer. That question regarding Bernie's past stance on sanctioning South Africa for apartheid...🔥

[@andrewreeve5537]

WONDERFUL CONVERSATION ! What a fabulous example Senator Bernie Sanders is to the world, a true 🇺🇸 statesman, for the people, fairness, decency and truth. 😊

[@thenewvoice8]

No War but Class War, a bit of vandalism that spoke the truth for years in Glasgow some 40 years ago. We've been losing the war since then, badly.

[@shadimughal3390]

Amazing interview ❤

[@irishpatriciadesiree]

Ash is great! ❤

[@hosseinmohammadi4574]

He is polished version of the same imperialism

[@SharmanSomerset]

Great interview Ash, shame Bernie didn’t call it out for what it is

[@berniethekiwidragon4382]

He stopped short of labelling it a genocide, but stilled called it horrible, which it is. I don't know why he is playing some of his cards so close to his chest, but then I don't know what goes on inside the senate chamber when the cameras and microphones are off.

[@SharmanSomerset]

@@berniethekiwidragon4382 fungal toenail or athletes foot are also horrible but they’re not as bad as a genocide. If Bernie started calling it out for what it is then others would have to sit up and listen. It’s what a brave and moral person would do, irrespective of whether cameras and microphones are on or off.

[@InnuendoXP]

​@@berniethekiwidragon4382 if he is public about this view without the party backing, he risks losing his ability to influence 'anything'. "Others will have to sit up & listen" they won't have to do a damned thing. Israel doesn't care what the world thinks, because so far that hasn't impacted their money or their arms. A US politician stating their personal views isn't going to change anything. Bernie is looking to stop/reduce the US's support in terms of finance & arms - Israel will care a lot more about that.

[@antihypocrisy8978]

US: Genocide in Xinjiang (no mass deaths). Also US: No genocide in Gaza (mass deaths).

[@kumaflamewar6524]

They will move every goalpost for western powers to avoid criticism, but read any amount of malice into Chinese actions no matter how tough the choices are

[@anshuraj4277]

CCP bot

[@antihypocrisy8978]

@@anshuraj4277 Calling me a bot means you have nothing better to say. Thanks for helping me to prove a point.

[@aviava7097]

I'm against the Chinese actions in Xinjiang, but the U.S hypocrisy is unbelievable

[@pioneershark2230]

The gaza one is way worse, but genocides don't require death, it's a cultural one in the case of China (and i heard that they'd basically given up on going through with it, but take that with a grain of salt since i haven't actually looked into that one)

[@user-cb9mk9sm3b]

Stopping the aid to Israel is not good enough. Good question about boycotting apartheid South Africa, really made him squirm and rightly so, maybe should have pushed harder.

[@jaynfontain6635]

He is one of them. He talks our talk but he walks their walk

[@gracerichards592]

Perfectly said

[@brandonavery133]

Bingo!

[@citizenvictor5123]

He is doing way more than you will ever be able to but he must be careful as the mob is watching.

[@krystalhafesji]

Ash you are incredible 🔥.

[@shanegahan4341]

He's part of the 1%...

[@Priestbokmei1]

She’s a very good interviewer; knows how to push and when to stop pushing.

[@altafahmed3322]

I'm torn about feeling sorry for him. I once held deep respact for this individual, believing in his sincerity. Yet, despite being aware of the truth, he hesitates to speak it. It seems fear of something holds him back. True integrity is unwavering; Jeremy Corbyn exemplifies this principle.

[@briancrowther3272]

Thankyou. I am so impressed you got Bernie on. I watched his youtube channel and on that he could not say the word genocide and Israel in the same sentence. He could not do that here. Ash even showed him why it is imortant that if Israel is committing genocide that it be called out as it places real obligations on other countries to force Israel to stop. Bernie, even after she did this could not come out and say Israel is comitting genocide, which it is. Then to add insult, he refuses to back a boycott of Israel and wehn asked by Ash did you do that against the Aparthied SA, he said yes. But despite Israek being officially classified as a state doing aparthied he could not bring himself to do the same re Israel. This is terrible of Bernie and I think so much less of him because of this. If this is all the USA has to offer in the way of an establishment figure to put things right, it is a sad refelection on the condition of the USA where he can not do this, IF he wants to. Ill read some comments now and may watch more. I am not that impressed with him that I feel that my time might be better spent elsewhere, like my own green senators investigating whether Australia is supplying arms to Israel. Our government is very secretive on this. Sydney oz.

[@melarrow6202]

I think Israel should be condemned for their activities in Gaza. But genocide has a specific meaning. It means the attempt to eliminate an entire people. If Israel wanted to do that they could level Gaza in a day. That’s why Bernie cannot call it genocide. I don’t hear him defending the atrocities Israel is committing. The US did pretty a lot of horrific things in Iraq that nobody condemns.

[@citizenvictor5123]

He must be careful. The mob is watching.

[@armandoramirez9159]

This man talks what people want to hear then he votes for every thing his against ,and no his selling a book .

[@thowl7065]

His book came out quite a while ago. He is the most honest and best senator in my life time for sure.

[@alikanji5900]

13:30 he is complicit of Genocide his part is to argue about its definition while it goes on. He called it aggressive action.

[@michingmallecho5143]

I enjoy the way Ash interviews. She asks a question which effectively skewers you - like the South Africa apartheid question - which was apparently improvised - an excellent riposte - and then when her interviewee can't answer she leaves the audience to note that failure. She trusts you to be smart enough to do that. I think she's right: I think people are intelligent enough to see when someone is beaten all ends up.

[@funkfireman]

I doubt he often gets interviewed by anyone as informed and articulate as Ash.

[@cadenza3210]

She is better at this than even the big name network people.

[@adampullen3786]

he does... lol what? he's Bernie sanders he's probably taken interviews with almost everybody credible... what even is this comment?

[@steveennever9905]

Buy his bloody book. That's what he wants.

[@fionaowen5164]

No thanks already see him clearly

[@hassanamhaz4972]

He doesn’t think it’s a genocide. What is it then ?? What do you call it ??

[@abz5627]

Ash rattled good old Bernie, he almost had a heart attack when the question of Gaza came up.

[@FThisW]

Used to be a bernie admirer and supporter but shocking how weak he has become to call things out or maybe he was always this weak and that's why he lost. Really sad.

[@adampullen3786]

yes great logic! because clearly we can see winning US elections is a sign of a great candidate! lmao

[@scrotiemcboogerballs4159]

100%

[@mulkihassan3343]

Well done, Ash!