Bernie: The Podcast | Episode 2 - Oligarchy

This episode is about what, in my view, is the central issue of our time-and that is the enormous concentration of wealth in the hands of a few billionaires, and the fact that every day we are sliding further away from democracy into an oligarchic form of government. We talk about how these billionaires are able to stash much of their wealth in tax havens and how they exert enormous influence over our political system.
If you'd like a copy of my book, you can make a contribution today - of $12 any amount you can afford -at berniesanders.com/book (berniesanders.com/book) and we'll send it to you in the mail.

[@simonbattle0001]

Bernie is always right! He was my mayor when I worked in Burlington and a customer and he is as he seems one of the most honest, thoughtful, caring people you will ever have the pleasure to meet.

[@lizmarie6811]

I love hearing things like this. I imagine Bernie being pretty darn genuine and nice. I dream of meeting him.

[@colonel.h.stinkmeaner]

@@lizmarie6811 I got to volunteer for him as a driver once. Definitely the real deal.

[@sawittwo]

I dare Fox News confront this Intelligent Man?

[@kickazz999]

😊❤😊❤😊elder WISDOM

[@kickazz999]

​@sawittwo ..blackout Foxaganda satellites..problem solved.

[@NormanLor]

WHY ON EARTH ISN'T A BRILLIANT AND CARING MAN LIKE YOU RUNNING THIS YEAR. OR AT THE VERY LEAST A VP!!!

[@gordon1201]

He tried and people didn't vote because people are morons

[@randolphpinkle4482]

That Bernie is an outsider tells you how far gone America has become.

[@kaceykelly7222]

Let's make him Advisor to the POTUS!

[@1SquidBoy]

he believes in harm reduction.

[@todbrown7597]

@@kaceykelly7222 He is , did you watch his presser with Pres. Biden? i'd guess Bernie and Joe talk fairly frequently.

[@sj2024sj]

Dear Bernie Sanders , we love and respect you! You are in a class by YOURSELF ❤

[@Quist1852-wt2vj]

We need a lot more young politicians who stand for the same issues that Bernie stands for. Our future needs them.

[@truthseeker2648]

Justice Democrats

[@prrfrrpurochicas]

​@@truthseeker2648 😂 sure and they won't sell out like Bernie on a lot of issues. And wonder why people would rather sell out until their deaths since that is suitable for them. Incompetents definitely gets ignored with their own in group

[@jacobmartin8896]

Will never be possible to overstate how much I respect Bernie, and how much I wish there were more people like him in power. Recognizing this is a dangerous thing to think about anyone, never-mind someone I have never met in person or know on any personal level, using Bernie as my moral compass has created zero regret up to this point

[@WisconsinWanderer]

thank you Bernie for all the years you have been fighting oligarchy and $ in politics. I voted for you and would do it again in a heartbeat 😊

[@shynye]

I wish you were president 💟 you're an inspiration

[@mathtrixmusiclix4248]

Canadian here. Fully agree.

[@slime8177]

we LOVE YOU BERNIE

[@libertyblueskyes2564]

I have always loved Bernie. He remains my hero.

[@stellabandante2727]

Bernie, keep speaking up for us. We trust you and love you and thank you for never backing down. Your integrity and compassion are beyond that of nearly every other human being in the game. Elizabeth Warren, AOC, and a few others are with you in your consistent standing up for Americans. But you are the consistent voice we hear. Don't stop!!!! Please!!

[@lindablackwell4852]

Thank you, Bernie. I wish the majority of the people would learn about the overwhelming wealth on the top. People need to stand up to them.🔥💚💙❤️👍🏻👍👍🏽👍🏿

[@julieito9523]

It is frustrating and difficult to understand how we did not all support Bernie Sanders for president! A true shame, and we better be getting the drift; US citizens need to get off our laurels and VOTE. Quit being duped by these anger mongers and listen to the facts! Thank you both for this conversation!

[@DDd-gm8uz]

@@julieito9523 Yeah, get duped by the social democrat instead, lmao.

[@mamatrain100]

Fairness Doctrine. We love you Bernie. Because you love America and her people, not just her prosperity.

[@DDd-gm8uz]

Stop sounding like a cult, thanks.

[@mamatrain100]

@@DDd-gm8uz I am not responsible for your hearing. Dont like it? Choose not to listen. Thank you.

[@DDd-gm8uz]

​@@mamatrain100 Fact is, you'd never obey the fairness doctrine the second you had to listen to someone left of Sanders. You'd tell them to be quiet and that your petty bourgeois proselytizing is none of their concern.

[@mamatrain100]

@@DDd-gm8uz wow, you do have some imagination there. Do you even know what the fairness doctrine was? If you answer everyone is forced to be fair, you will be demonstrating your ignorance of history. Ya know, Google is your friend.

[@DDd-gm8uz]

@@mamatrain100 Lib, what I said makes perfect sense. You'd never allow equal time to people left of Sanders. Get a new bag of tricks beyond being willfully obtuse and smug in the smell of your own farts.

[@susanrosegale6646]

I love that you started this channel Bernie - we need you. The comparison of our life expectancy as a 1st world power country vs other country's - way behind - says so much. I am joining a book club that is discussing your book. THIS is so important...we can't let the death of the middle class happen, we have to fight for it, it does not just happen.

[@truthseeker2648]

Yeah 🤝

[@bunyipdragon9499]

I'm 58 and over the last couple of years I've been able to get my 80 yr old parents to see what Bernie has been saying for years. The old guard politicians aren't aware how many of us older and old folk have got our heads out if the sand in the last decade. The next decade is going to be interesting because it's not just the what the old politician see's as young and niave voters wanting change, there's a heck of a lot if us angry duped older people want it too 😡

[@MVHiltunen]

That's great to hear. What is it that most gets the attention of older folks and makes them reconsider their politics?

[@bunyipdragon9499]

@@MVHiltunen I started with the thing of only 8 or maybe it's 4 companies own everything in the food system from planting in the ground (inc animal feed) through to eating off my plate - we only think we have a choice. It came up as appropriate to whatever the conversation was two years ago. Another was the fact that since WW2 the GOP always leaves a huge deficit and the Dems always claw it back and that they work together to get tax breaks for the wealthy under the gop and the Dems give out crumbs to keep us happy so we won't pay attention to the next round of GOP tax cuts for the wealthy. Again it was pertinent to the conversation. It's a case of having some facts and knowing when to drop them in the casual conversation. No preaching and no correcting when they scoff at the idea. Eventually it leads to how corporations own the media and skew the topic to suit their narrative - the best example was about the rail workers strike and how the mainstream news always talks about the selfishness of the worker interrupting "our" lives but when I asked why shouldn't they strike to simply get sick days after trying for years in meetings that achieves nothing. It's a long patient road, they have been blind for decades even if they're a Dem. Patience and timing is the key. I knew I had them when they suddenly approved of something Bernie said, slow steps is the key. I call it the drip drip method. Drop a little and wait for it to fester 💜

[@danielhutchinson6604]

The Oligarchy that Bernie discusses is apparent and has been reported on at great length. Former President Carter admitted the Oligarchy is who appoints the Names on a Ballot. They select the proven Servants who have served them well. I saw the effects of the Oligarchy buying Delegates in 2016. As a Delegate to the State Convention we were allowed to choose Delegates to send to Philly. The Hillary Group of supporters gathered in a small room upstairs at the Convention Hall, while the Sanders Supporters took over the main Hall. In the end the support that was generated by an overwhelming group of supporters who though Bernie, should be the Candidate that we wanted to represent Americans, the Hillary Supporters got 11 Delegates to the National Convention, while Sanders got 14. It was revealed that the Hillary Victory Committee arranged to support the Party functions a full year before the 2016 Convention. All the Party functions and events were paid for by a group of Investors who desired a proven Servant, who had demonstrated devotion to their profits, in August of 2015. So the efforts to promote the chosen candidate had a full year to convince the Party Faithful of the desired Candidate. All gatherings of the Party included some representative of the Oligarchy, who would steer the discussions to Hillary. The effect was apparent as the Oligarchy directed thought at the First Woman President. They never saw Robert Mercer Coming......

[@danielhutchinson6604]

I assumed the Two Party System was corrupt in 1968. Look at us now?

[@truthseeker2648]

Yes exactly 🤝

[@tonikemppainen3701]

Bernie is the best! Love from Finland 🇫🇮

[@barbaraalibozek2222]

We are Grateful for you Senator Sanders 💯

[@playingpianoonaboat9621]

From France: Bernie Sanders… what an intellect! One of the sharpest minds in America… always speaks with class and wisdom! Absolutely enjoy listening to him.

[@davidwischer3684]

Bernie could have been one of the best Presidents ever! From my perspective as an Aussie with a social Democratic stance in life.

[@jeffwithmaintenance6229]

I'm waiting for the book '' It's Okay To Be Angry About the Israel Lobby in the US Congress.''

[@ChristinaGerlach]

They called Ghandi the great soul., We in America also have a man with a great soul, and that is Bernie Sanders.

[@DeeDeex007o]

AMEN!

[@tylerhackner9731]

Thank you Bernie

[@sailawayteam]

Bernie, long may you run! 🧡

[@Derek903871]

Mr. Sanders, I would love if you could come to PA sometime. I think a lot of people here are really confused but after listening to you actually will realize they share your ideas and values. I really wanted to see you win the presidential nomination. I will be voting for Biden but I am really afraid of Trump winning because the polls are not looking great. I also am about to make a donation to your campaign and I cannot wait to read your book. I am hopeful that in the next 10-15 years that someone like you can finally be elected to the presidency because it's what we need but I don't think the country is ready to admit it yet. You are my favorite politician!!!! -Blair County, PA

[@lizmarie6811]

I’m a 49 year old woman with a huge crush on Bernie Sanders ❤️

[@chimera8421]

I’m 79, same!

[@PhsychoSomatic]

Im a 41 yr old straight male. And i would make the sweetest love to Bernie Sanders

[@albwilso9]

Hahahaha

[@1Dropboys]

I'm a 33 year old man and I have a crush :0

[@ember-brandt]

Ahhh, sapiosexuals? ✨🧠✨

[@lyndamacpherson8366]

I live in Saskatchewan, Canada - home of Tommy Douglas and birth place of universal health care, so was pleased to hear you mention Tommy and the struggle he had to go through to enact universal health care. I remember it well. He faced incredible resistance from AMA, CMA, Liberals, Conservatives, business, right-ringers. But, with courage of his convictions, he would not back down. Eventually, people “got it” and it was adopted throughout Canada, and eventually was voted “The Greatest Canadian.” Sadly, the recent right-wing government in Saskatchewan and other provinces are quietly undermining/privatizing health care in small bits and pieces, escaping scrutiny by the media. I’ve been a follower of Bernie since 2016 and believe he has made a huge contribution to American politics - much more than he gets credit for! I would like to buy the book, and contribute to his 26:14 campaign - but as a Canadian citizen/resident that does not seem possible.😢

[@FilippoBelacchi]

this man is a national treasure

[@cherylgibson7038]

Love you, Bernie! You’re always right! And I voted for you! The DNC totally screwed us.

[@omavicmcmurray2893]

Among my two favorite people and democracy defenders❤Love this collaboration❤ For all the talk about ‘getting old’ among the two main presidential contenders Bernie hasn’t changed a bit since our 2016 campaign. You were my president that election cycle and I learned the hard lesson about a protest vote against H. So I followed your lead in 2020 and will again this year. Thanks for all you have done for USA for decades and especially during the 45th presidency, you never let up Bernie. Love you John and Berne❤

[@annar6430]

Seems to me Bernie is so prepared to speak about things that really matter...hope Biden is asking for his support ❤🇯🇲🙏

[@kaceykelly7222]

Wow! Such an incredible podcast. Thank you both!!

[@judehylton9692]

Vote 💙 for Democracy Never for Autocracy in America 🇺🇸 Bernie should run for president again!!!

[@robinjohnson3248]

Bernie, thank you for having such a heart for the things that matter most to "we the people of the United States! I wish you were running for president!

[@dk4598]

Bernie says things that no other politician will say but are true. We need to have more young politicians willing to be this bold, because I’m worried that when we lose Bernie, we will lose our voice.

[@martiwilliams4592]

We love you, Bernie! I would vote for you if I could! Warmest greetings from Denmark!

[@slime8177]

The President we NEED

[@RolfHeubel]

Bernie has endorsed Biden

[@slime8177]

@@RolfHeubel and I support Biden 2024. I prefer Bernie still

[@prolifelatterdaysaint0000]

We don't need a socialist president

[@phylpott1]

Oh, Bernie ~ Thank you so much for having this podcast -- especially not having pantheon only. I feel so much more secure, inspired, and challenged when I can hear your voice whenever i want to day or night. I'm grateful. 😊

[@DeeperDives]

Bernie! You need to have this conversation with RFK Jr who is pointing out the same problems. Your solutions may be different but the first step is diagnosing the real problems and then debating on the best solutions. If you want to free yourself from the constraints of the Democratic Party, have RFK Jr on your podcast and find out how much you two have in common on our most important issues. Ive always respected your integrity and your commitment to living your truth. Even if I disagree with your solutions! Stand strong as an independent and be open to speaking with anyone about the real problems our country faces!!

[@MsSeetree]

Bernie is the hope of this country.

[@MizTree]

Thanks for all you do for all of us.

[@PumpkinCigar]

Thanks Bernie

[@julietfontaine4707]

Bernie Sanders has been my favorite politician for over 20 years. Where are the politicians who are like this now or up and coming?

[@cpm9747]

I lived alone on less than 15k a year for several years between 2015 and 2020. I was on my own, living on temporary disability and food stamps, couldn't hold a job because of my health issues, but also couldn't qualify for permanent and total disability because "my condition had the potential to improve". I ate poorly, but tried to work in cheaper fresh foods a few times a month. I would have been homeless if not for friends who were willing to rent me rooms dirt cheap. The wait list for housing assistance was years long. Even though I was recognized as disability, no housing focused on helping disabled people would accept me because I was "too young."

[@beachic2256]

Love you Bernie, thanks for all you do!!

[@michaeldurham690]

Bernie needs to become a politcal livestreamer.

[@charliekowittmusic]

This podcast has HUGE potential! I hope to see labor and union leaders among other activists and agents for change on!

[@rlogerq]

I LOVE hearing a politician bringing up the healthcare issue

[@NoNameMan-oc5kh]

Bernie mentioning Tommy Douglas, a Canadian social democrat being responsible for bringing universal healthcare to Canada. Fun fact: Tommy douglas was Kiefer Sutherland's grandfather on his mother's side.

[@gladysmcelwee837]

Sounds very reasonable. I live in Saskatchewan! We still need to work on the program but it is there for everyone.

[@mascadadelpantion8018]

Bernie Sanders and Adriana Ocosta Cortez are the only two people that deserve to be president now

[@lorraine7056]

If I may......Alexandria Ocasio Cortez 👍💙💚

[@michaelriley9884]

thank you Bernie

[@eatshawn]

The folding chairs make this even cooler. Love ya, Bernie.

[@2967_]

People this is a real statesman and politician. The breath and depth of his knowledge is rooted in pragmatic understanding of the human need and the American political landscape. He really loves the American people and America. Why isn't he the candidate running for the Democratic Party? All Americans need to read his book. He's brilliant.

[@jeffworob3453]

Ya, we don't talk about issues, let alone acknowledge them. It's by design there are no serious talk shows on the major TV stations today. The oligarchs own them. If we don't start discussing serious issues that are pissing people off, could get real ugly. The masked singer can only distract you for so long.

[@lindablackwell4852]

Really.

[@JoseLopez-tk4tq]

It bears repeating: "The more important the issue, the less it's discussed; the less important the issue the more it's discussed." Don't hold your breath waiting for any coverage of oligarchy, the Citizen's United ruling, campaign, health, tax, etc. reform.

[@lindablackwell4852]

​@JoseLopez-tk4tq all true.

[@truthseeker2648]

@jeffworob3453 We’ll said 💯

[@Aurelia-dp3td]

I love you Bernie Sanders always have you are one of my heroes

[@clareerickson9136]

Read the book and it is quite the eye opener. Socialism for the wealthy while the middle income is shrinking at an alarming rate. It is beyond disgusting that my 94 year old father paid 32% of a meager income in tax I paid 28% while the top 1% pay nothing. Now that the middle income can’t keep up with the nations needs the GOP wants to take away safety nets SSI, healthcare… Rather than have the 1% at the top their fair share. WTH. Those people spend a fortune on accountants,lawyers and political donations but asking them to pay some tax! Corporations too. 1923 GE made a 7 billion dollar profit paid 0 federal tax and received 400+ million dollars. How is this fair. Thank you Bernie ❤

[@mamatrain100]

Bernie, even though we are cross insured, our co pays for elder care is still over 25 grand plus 500 a month on prescriptions. Hubs is on jardience. Medicare part B, g, d and dental is 1300 a month for both of us. That's my whole ss check. Could this system be more cruel, expensive and convoluted?

[@patbwi5871]

As a senior, right to life has become the choices I can afford which aren't many. And because I am a senior woman, I live on the bottom rung.

[@patriciacvener1968]

Me too.

[@shanagirl33]

Thank you Bernie. I wish more people were like you.

[@mtchd0rv9313]

Thank you Bernie 🙏

[@gordon1201]

We need to control greed. Thatll solve the inequality

[@kathleenroberts6931]

As long as President Biden listens to Bernie, we're gonna be alright ❤😊 🇺🇸 🗽 🇺🇦 ✌ 🌎

[@ZentaBon]

I love Bernie!!!!!

[@everittslivemusicsocialenv6733]

Thanks for your time!

[@brodo_baggins2132]

Appreciate the Saskatchewan Tommy Douglas mention! As someone who grew up in that province, we all need to be reminded of a time where socialist policy was a reality in North America, cause it was and will be again! Can't wait to Saskatchewan ditches the Conservative party that's been in power for nearly 20 years. We deserve better, both Canada and America, and the work you are doing now will be the catalyst Bernie. All love from Canada, you give hope to so many in these dark times!

[@PTV69420]

My mom died at 46 too. Always worrying about money. It's definitely affected me and who I am today, mostly traumatized.

[@truthseeker2648]

So sorry.

[@albwilso9]

You are so right, these people get a taste of money, and they go crazy with greed!!!,

[@annparkin4910]

I love these podcasts! Thank you!!! ❤

[@philipwellerjackson6906]

Thanks gentlemen.

[@yvettetexas6020]

❤❤❤❤❤ Thanks Bernie

[@PaulADAigle]

I agree, Bernie. I've been saying all those things too.

[@urrywest]

I tend to think he is describing the counter to the capitalist revolution.... A reversion into feudalism.

[@urrywest]

Of course if we do discuss these issues they are deleated on KZbin.

[@PaulADAigle]

@@urrywest That's just dumb. He's a Democratic Socialist. Basically means he likes Democracy, but wants more Social programs to help the poor.

[@PaulADAigle]

@@urrywest No comments are deleted on KZbin. I still get replies years after the fact about real issues.

[@urrywest]

@@PaulADAigleComments are deleated if they exhibit spisific languge including or especially about economic issues.

[@Whytesnake77]

Absolute hero!

[@noreenneary140]

High Bernie the nicest person i know

[@davidmead6337]

Despite awareness of the problem we seem to be unable to move a financial system to sharing the wealth evenly. What can any of us do without causing a civil war or a fundamental crash of the economic system as it is now? Only through collective action and an agreement of the public need to adjust this out of control madness. We need an equivalent Marten Luther King to mobilise this change, and look at other countries, such as Norway, who understand the need for a shared public economic agreement. It can be done if it is adequately exposed and opened up as the most important issue in our lives. Bernie works within the system! That is necessary. We need a public group to rise, away from the scoundrals in our present political and economic systems. Talking amongst ourselves is passive and useless.

[@truthseeker2648]

NEWS: Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez Reintroduce Green New Deal for Public Housing Act March 21, 2024 “The Green New Deal for Public Housing Act will allow for an increase in public housing units, create an estimated 280,000 jobs, and invest up to $23 billion a year over ten years for highly energy-efficient developments.”

[@Sam-Sena-Sports_and_Nature]

My day after finding out there IS A BERNIE SANDERS PODCAST!!! 📈📈📈📈

[@Judess89]

Hey Mr Senator Bernie Sanders!👍🙋‍♂️💯🦅🤝✌

[@Cocomoc.]

Wonderfull new channel. Amazing. Keep spreading the good word

[@janicebrowningaquino792]

Truth.

[@reidwhitton6248]

The billionaire class has exploded since Reagan and Republican backed tax cuts which were further expanded by Bush and Trump. As far as wrapping your head around a figure like 20 trillion dollars? It's been calculated that it would take 32,000 years to count out one trillion dollars at a dollar per second so that gives you an idea of the enormity of that figure.

[@lisaferraro4878]

Bernie we love you and wish you could be the President!

[@ChrisEkstedt]

My president!! I already have the book so I made a donation ♥

[@PoetlaureateNFDL]

Thanks for the podcast!😊

[@mariamagrama9751]

Respect this man

[@hctobe]

gooooo Bernie!! yes!!🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🤗🩷

[@ZentaBon]

Is there a narrated audiobook version? I'm younger with adhd and these are the easiest way for me to consume such a medium of information

[@cg986]

Awesome episode

[@DarkSkay]

The challenges facing the international community are huge, and Europe wants to see America thriving. Some challenges and threats are existential, some don't care about political colour or borders. Besides regulation, to reduce friction, accelerate ideas, knowledge, growth, collective degrees of freedom, optimism and confidence, a significant part of oligarchs will be convinced that their past and future success depends on collective success, societal progress and confidence, which spring from the success, well-being, opportunities, confidence of children, families, workers.

[@colonel.h.stinkmeaner]

God Bless you Bernie Sanders!

[@truthseeker2648]

And the goddesses too:)

[@Alasdair37448]

honestly if a horse were to run for president in 2024 I would be tempted to vote for the horse that's how little I regard our current running candidates but if Bernie were running I vote for him in a heartbeat.

[@peterhood7813]

You da man, Bernie.

[@kathiebrobeck3426]

times are 'dire' - (how the media loves that word!) Help us, Bernie!!

[@lloydbaras1007]

You should be our president!

[@yetanotherband]

Bernie who is your protege?!!! We need people in politics to take up your value system.

[@Deanius3D]

If only there were more of you fighting this fight.

[@ansakyt]

Tommy Douglas, the guy who started the ball rolling on what is now "The Canada Health Act" (and it's not perfect either...), was voted the Greatest Canadian of All Time in a run off that included Terry Fox (from my now home Coquitlam BC), the cancer marathoner, our current Prime Minister's father Pierre Trudeau, and Sir Frederick Banting who co-discovered insulin.

[@stevenveach6984]

So when the senate going to pay grade to the average american household ? Nothing like makeing 3x the average household income and telling us that the people screwing us arent the people taking checks outta my taxes ?

[@JohnHall]

Don't forget their pension.

[@JanetM05]

Opinion plays an important role in media reporting

[@leyniaLip]

Hi Bernie. I think it was a couple weeks ago now that I sent a contribution on the book request site. Perhaps it takes a couple weeks more to arrive. The website didn't say. Regardless, continued gratitude for your work and leadership.

[@fortune5903]

YES BERNIEEEE

[@kickazz999]

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉Tommy Douglas= father of universal Healthcare for all