'Way, way out of touch': Bernie Sanders turns on Democratic establishment

WASHINGTON, DC: Senator Bernie Sanders said the Democratic establishment has become "way, way out of touch" with Americans, arguing its dependence on wealthy donors is driving a growing disconnect from working-class voters.

His comments landed as progressive candidates continue to build momentum in Democratic primaries. Sanders used those recent victories to argue the party should rethink who it represents rather than demand ideological conformity from insurgent candidates.

Bernie Sanders targets Democratic donors

Speaking on the ‘MeidasTouch’ podcast on Sunday, August 2, host Jack Cocchiarella noted that several Democratic Socialist candidates had recently won primaries, prompting some critics to argue that politicians who do not align with the Democratic establishment "shouldn't be a Democrat."

Sanders rejected that premise.

"Well, maybe the converse is true. Maybe the Democratic establishment should begin to understand they are way, way out of touch with where the American people are," Sanders said. "That we don't need a party anymore which is dominated by wealthy campaign contributors."

Cocchiarella responded with a "yes!" before Sanders expanded on his criticism.

"So when you talk about the Democratic establishment, it's really relatively a few people. And they're pretty open about it," Sanders said. "You know, 'the donor class said you or you should be the candidate for the Senate', that's what the 'donor class' says."

He argued that the party should move away from donor influence and instead reconnect with voters facing everyday economic struggles.

Bernie Sanders points to progressive primary wins

Sanders said Democrats should become a "party of working people, of young people, of people of color, of people who understand what it's like to struggle, who are prepared to take on the oligarchs, who want to see the economy work for all, not just a few."

His remarks followed a string of June Democratic primary victories by socialist-backed candidates.

Among them were New York Democrats Darializa Avila Chevalier and Claire Valdez, both members of the Democratic Socialists of America.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who is also affiliated with the organization, endorsed both candidates during their campaigns.

According to its website, the Democratic Socialists of America opposes President Donald Trump's immigration policies, describing them as "racist," and also opposes continued US support for Israel, accusing the country of committing a "genocide" in Gaza.

Trump seizes on socialist gains

The primary results also drew a response from Trump.

Shortly after the elections, he sarcastically congratulated Mamdani for helping elect what he called "solid communists." 

Days later, his rhetoric intensified as he warned that communists had begun making "their move" in the United States.

"The game is on," Trump said. "Enjoy watching!"

Trump has repeatedly criticized socialism in recent weeks. During his Fourth of July address, he described communism as a "cancer" that must be dealt with "ASAP."

He delivered a similar message during a speech in Georgia last week, telling supporters, "With communism, everything turns to s**t!"