Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) is running for president again, formally announcing his intentions to become the Democratic presidential nominee in 2020.
"I am asking you to join me today as part of an unprecedented and historic grassroots campaign that will begin with at least a million people from across the country," Sanders said in his official announcement message on Tuesday, which was also accompanied by an email to his supporters.
Contrary to his presidential aspirations in 2016, Sanders enters the race as a favorite and arguably one of the most recognizable faces of the visibly crowded slew of contenders. Furthermore, the New York native's proposed list of initiatives hints at alleviating some of the common problems plaguing the majority of Americans today.
Sanders' 2020 agenda, per aides:
– Medicare 4 All
– Green New Deal/climate
– $15 min wage
– Criminal justice reform
– Free college
– Break up biggest banks
– Gender pay equity
– Paid leave
– ⬇ Drug prices
– Expand Social Security
– Save unions
– DREAM Acthttps://t.co/CyM52Cw2pf— Jeff Stein (@JStein_WaPo) February 19, 2019
Speaking with Vermont Public Radio (VPR), Sanders referred to President Donald Trump as a "a pathological liar, a fraud, a racist, a sexist, a xenophobe and someone who is undermining American democracy as he leads us in an authoritarian direction" and promised to lead a campaign fueled by principles which will enable the nation to perform at its highest capacity.
Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news.
"Our campaign is about transforming our country and creating a government based on the principles of economic, social, racial and environmental justice, Sanders declared."
According to NBC News, early polls indicate Sanders has a considerable advantage among the rest of the current competition, only falling second behind former Vice President Joe Biden, who has not even formally announced any presidential aspirations.
However, the news site also writes the public may still harbor ill feelings toward the University of Chicago alum, believing that his tactics contributed to a Clinton defeat and a Trump victory in 2016. In any case, he joins a diverse Democratic field that includes more than a dozen individuals with different levels of experience in public service. Other notable pursuits include Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ), Kamala Harris (D-CA) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).
At 77 years old, Sanders currently holds the title of being the oldest competitor currently seeking the nation's top office. When VPR's Bob Kinzel pressed him about this disadvantage, Sanders encouraged those to move toward a viewpoint that eliminates such preconceived notions.
"We have got to look at candidates, you know, not by the color of their skin, not by their sexual orientation or their gender and not by their age," Sanders said. "I mean, I think we have got to try to move us toward a non-discriminatory society which looks at people based on their abilities, based on what they stand for."
Now, check these out:
Here’s Why I Think A Black Woman President Is Exactly What We Need
While Hosting 'SNL', Don Cheadle Showed Support For Trans Kids And Criticized Trump
