The MeidasTouch Podcast: Senator Bernie Sanders on How to Fight Oligarchy

Episode Release Date: March 19, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosted by the Meiselas brothers—Ben, Brett, and Jordy—the show welcomes Senator Bernie Sanders to discuss his ongoing efforts to combat oligarchy in America. The conversation delves deep into the systemic issues plaguing the working class, Sanders' "Fight the Oligarchy" tour, and actionable steps for everyday Americans to engage in the political process. Throughout the episode, the hosts and Senator Sanders engage in insightful dialogue, peppered with poignant quotes and real-life experiences that underscore the urgent need for economic and political reform.

Fight the Oligarchy Tour

Senator Sanders begins by outlining the objectives of his "Fight the Oligarchy" tour, aimed primarily at regions with Republican representatives who secured their seats by narrow margins.

Bernie Sanders [00:14]: "The goal of the tour is to go to areas where there are Republican congressmen and women who won by slim margins and educate the people in those districts to demand that their member of Congress not vote for huge tax breaks for billionaires, while at the same time support cuts to Medicaid, education and health care."

The tour's mission is twofold: educate constituents about the detrimental policies favoring the wealthy and mobilize them to resist the passage of unfavorable legislation, such as the proposed reconciliation bill. Sanders emphasizes the importance of uniting citizens to challenge the oligarchs steering the nation towards authoritarianism.

Economic Inequality and the Working Class Struggle

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the dire state of economic inequality in the United States. Sanders shares sobering statistics and personal anecdotes to illustrate the pervasive challenges faced by the working class.

Bernie Sanders [01:41]: "The reality is that in America today, our life expectancy is about four years less than other wealthy countries. But even worse is the fact that if you're working class in America, on average you live seven to eight years shorter life than people who are wealthy."

Sanders attributes this disparity not only to inadequate access to healthcare but also to the chronic stress experienced by those living paycheck to paycheck. He recounts his visit to Altoona, Wisconsin, where firsthand accounts revealed the harsh choices workers must make daily—between buying necessities for themselves or their children, and struggling to afford medical care.

Bernie Sanders [02:00]: "Do I buy shoes for myself or my kids, whether I can afford eyeglasses, whether I can afford to go to the doctor, whether I'm going to have the money to prepare a decent meal for my kids."

Health Care Crisis

The conversation highlights the flaws in the American healthcare system, particularly how it disproportionately affects low-income individuals. Sanders points out that despite America's high per capita healthcare spending, millions remain uninsured or underinsured.

Bernie Sanders [06:13]: "We have a health care system where despite spending twice as much per capita on health care as any other country, 85 million are uninsured or underinsured. The cost of health care is soaring."

He underscores the necessity of a healthcare system that guarantees coverage for all, contrasting it with the current state where access is heavily influenced by economic status.

Education and Housing Issues

Sanders addresses the crisis in education and housing, noting that exorbitant costs are leading to a deeply indebted younger generation and widespread homelessness.

Bernie Sanders [06:13]: "Nobody can afford child care. Hugely expensive kids are going deeply into debt to get a higher education."

He emphasizes the paradox of high housing costs alongside significant homelessness, pointing out that millions spend half of their income on housing without adequate support.

Bernie Sanders [06:13]: "We have 800,000 people who are homeless, but that's only half the problem. There are 20 million people who are spending 50% of their limited incomes on housing."

Political Engagement and Call to Action

The host prompts Sanders to elaborate on how Americans can actively participate in the fight against oligarchy, especially in a political climate dominated by MAGA supporters.

Bernie Sanders [11:50]: "It means that this is a critical and unprecedented moment in American history. It means that despair is not an option. And it means that you got to stand up and fight back, not only for yourselves, but for your kids and in terms of climate change, for the future of the planet."

Sanders advocates for grassroots involvement, urging listeners to run for local offices, support candidates who prioritize the working class, and actively engage in the political process to ensure that elected officials represent the interests of the majority rather than the elite.

Critique of the Democratic Party and Republican Policies

Sanders offers a critical analysis of both major political parties, explaining why many working-class voters turned to Trump despite his and Elon Musk's controversial actions against workers.

Bernie Sanders [06:07]: "Why did people vote for Trump? [...] the reason is his solutions are going to make a bad situation even worse."

He attributes the Democratic Party's failure to adequately support the working class and combat economic disparities as a primary reason for the shift in voter allegiance. Sanders highlights the immense wealth inequality, stagnant wages despite increased productivity, and the transfer of wealth from the bottom 90% to the top 1%.

Bernie Sanders [09:00]: "Five decades of real inflation accounted for wages, despite huge increases in worker productivity, have not gone up."

Upcoming Rallies and Mobilization Efforts

Towards the end of the episode, Sanders outlines the schedule for his tour, highlighting upcoming rallies in key cities with substantial attendee numbers.

Bernie Sanders [14:00]: "We're going to be in Las Vegas on Thursday, and then we are going to Denver, Colorado, and then we're going to be in Greeley, Colorado, and then we're going to be in Arizona, both in Phoenix and in Tucson."

He also mentions his collaboration with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, lauding her as an inspiration for young Americans and a formidable advocate in the House.

Bernie Sanders [14:00]: "I'm going to be going with my good friend Alexandria Casio Cortez, who [...] has been an inspiration for young people all over this country."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Sanders expressing gratitude for the platform and urging listeners to continue their efforts in supporting democratic values and economic justice.

Bernie Sanders [14:57]: "Thank you very much. Keep up the good work, everybody."

Final Thoughts

This episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast offers a thorough and passionate exploration of the systemic challenges facing the American working class. Senator Bernie Sanders effectively communicates the urgent need for collective action against oligarchical structures, emphasizing economic justice, healthcare reform, and political engagement. The Meiselas brothers facilitate a meaningful dialogue that not only highlights critical issues but also empowers listeners to participate actively in shaping a more equitable society.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [00:14] Bernie Sanders: "The goal of the tour is to go to areas where there are Republican congressmen and women who won by slim margins and educate the people in those districts to demand that their member of Congress not vote for huge tax breaks for billionaires, while at the same time support cuts to Medicaid, education and health care."

• [01:41] Bernie Sanders: "The reality is that in America today, our life expectancy is about four years less than other wealthy countries. But even worse is the fact that if you're working class in America, on average you live seven to eight years shorter life than people who are wealthy."

• [06:07] Bernie Sanders: "Why did people vote for Trump? [...] the reason is his solutions are going to make a bad situation even worse."

• [11:50] Bernie Sanders: "It means that this is a critical and unprecedented moment in American history. It means that despair is not an option. And it means that you got to stand up and fight back, not only for yourselves, but for your kids and in terms of climate change, for the future of the planet."

• [14:00] Bernie Sanders: "We're going to be in Las Vegas on Thursday, and then we are going to Denver, Colorado, and then we're going to be in Greeley, Colorado, and then we're going to be in Arizona, both in Phoenix and in Tucson."

This episode serves as a clarion call for systemic change, urging listeners to recognize the pervasive influence of oligarchic structures and to take concrete steps towards fostering a more just and inclusive economy and political landscape.