Illinois Gov JB Pritzker awkwardly brags about his wealth after Bernie Sanders condemns the rich at DNC

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: The Democratic National Convention (DNC) became a subject of mockery when Senator Bernie Sanders' fervent criticism of the ultra-wealthy was quickly followed by a speech from billionaire Illinois Governor JB Pritzker - who humble-bragged about his wealth on stage.

The juxtaposition of the two speeches left many confused about the narrative being conveyed by the Democratic Party. 

Bernie Sanders calls for action against billionaires 

On Tuesday, August 20, the second night of the DNC, Bernie Sanders delivered a passionate speech emphasizing the urgent need for reforms that would benefit the broader population rather than just the wealthiest Americans.

"Too many of our fellow Americans are struggling every day to just get by," Sanders began. "To put food on the table, to pay the rent, and to get the health care they need. My fellow Americans, when 60% of us live paycheck to paycheck the top 1% have never ever had it so good."

"And these oligarchs tell us we shouldn't tax the rich. These oligarchs tell us we shouldn't take on price-gouging, we shouldn't expand Medicare to cover dental, hearing, and vision, and we shouldn't increase Social Security benefits for struggling seniors," he continued.

“Well, I’ve got bad news for them. That is precisely what we are going to do!” Sanders declared. “And we are going to win this struggle because that is precisely what the American people want from their government."

Sanders also stressed how important it was to curb the influence of money in politics, arguing that no one, regardless of wealth, should be able to "buy elections."

"But much more remains to be done," he said. "We must summon the courage to stand up to wealth and power and deliver justice for people at home and abroad!"

JB Pritzker's speech and its contradictions 

Shortly after Bernie Sanders left the stage, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker took the podium. Pritzker's speech — intended to prop up the Democratic nominee Kamala Harris — inadvertently shed light on the contradictions within the party's messaging.

As Sanders denounced the billionaire class, Pritzker (who has a net worth of $3.5 billion according to Forbes) began his speech by mocking the Republican nominee Donald Trump and his wealth.

"Donald Trump thinks that we should trust him on the economy because he claims to be very rich but take it from an actual billionaire, Trump is rich in only one thing: Stupidity," Pritzker said. "Now I meet with business leaders all the time and there is one thing they need ... people!"

Notably, the governor's family owns the Hyatt Hotel chain and he formerly ran a private equity firm, Pritzker Group, with his brother Anthony. Regardless, the billionaire attempted to align himself with the Democratic platform by advocating for policies that are "kind not cruel," the New York Post reported.

Pritzker also spoke about the vision of Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz for the nation's economy. "A serenity that comes with a balanced checkbook, an affordable grocery bill, and a housing market that has room for everyone," he said.

Democrats slammed online after JB Pritzker's speech

Social media users slammed the Democratic Party, with many pointing out the apparent hypocrisy of having Sanders' anti-billionaire rhetoric followed by Pritzker boasting about his billionaire status.

"Baby not DNC having Sanders followed by Governor Pritzker who went right THERE and said 'take it from an actual billionaire' And the crowd goes wild," one social media user on X.

"So funny that Pritzker humble bragged about being a billionaire less than 5 minutes after Bernie Sanders left the stage," another wrote.

"Bernie: eat the rich Pritzker: i'm the main course," one person quipped.

"Whoever put Sanders and Pritzker back to back has a sense of humor," someone else chimed in.

"These people eat their own so much it’s comical," read one comment.

"They have zero self awareness and are so condescending. They think we are stoopid," another offered.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.