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Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has been a fixture in the news recently, as he and fellow progressive, New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have embarked on their “Fighting Oligarchy” tour of rallies in the Western United States. Sanders sat down with Jonathan Karl on ABC’s This Week on Sunday (March 23) for an interview. Karl asked about Sanders’ view of Ocasio-Cortez possibly joining him as a senator. “Would you like to see her join you in the Senate?” he queried.
Sanders stood up, aiming to end the interview. “I said, just a whole lot of people in the Congress. OK, Jonathan, thanks,” he said. “Wait, I got one more – I got one more. This is an important – “Karl pleaded before Sanders swiftly cut him off. “No, you want to do nonsense. Do nonsense. I don’t want to talk about inside-the-beltway stuff.” With that, Sanders ended his talk with Karl. The 83-year-old had made it a point not to vigorously trash current Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer of New York when Karl asked about Sanders’ comments that the passage of the continuing resolution that prevented a government shutdown was an “absolute failure of Democratic leadership.” “Well, [Sen. Chuck] Schumer is the leader of the party, and it should not have happened, period. No question about it,” Sanders said before adding: “But the bottom line, it’s not just Chuck Schumer. It’s not just Chuck Schumer. It is, you’ve got a Democratic Party in general that is dominated by billionaires, just as the Republican Party is, that … operates under the leadership of a bunch of inside-the-Beltway consultants, very well paid, who are way out of touch with the 32,000 people who are here today.”Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez have drawn sizable numbers at their “Fighting Oligarchy” rallies. Ocasio-Cortez has not publicly discussed her plans, but has been consistently mentioned as someone who could take on Schumer as a primary candidate for his Senate seat. There have even been rumors of her being positioned as a presidential candidate for 2028. Despite calls for him to step down as Senate Minority Leader, Schumer has remained defiant and stated he has no plans to do so.
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Source: The Washington Post / Getty / Harry Belafonte
Harry Belafonte significantly impacted the world during his time here, so it should come as no surprise that many fondly remember him following his passing.
On Tuesday, April 25, the world collectively grieved at the news that Harry Belafonte died at 96 from congestive heart failure.
Immediately following the news, his friends, peers, and admirers paid tribute to the “Calypso King,” who has sold millions of albums and used his earnings to fight for civil rights, South Africa’s anti-apartheid campaign, and other social justice matters around the world.
“Another “GREAT TREE” has fallen: Harry Belafonte, a Trailblazer and Hero to us all. Thank you for your music, your artistry, your activism, your fight for civil rights and justice—especially risking your life back in the day to get money to the movement. Your being here on Earth has Blessed us all,” Oprah Winfrey wrote in the caption of an Instagram post remembering Belafonte.
“Thank you for your music, your artistry, your activism, your fight for civil rights and justice — especially risking your life back in the day to get money to the movement,” Winfrey said in a statement to ET.
Barack Obama Remembers Harry Belafonte As A “Barrier-Breaking Legend”
“Harry Belafonte was a barrier-breaking legend who used his platform to lift others up. He lived a good life – transforming the arts while also standing up for civil rights. And he did it all with his signature smile and style. Michelle and I send our love to his wife, kids, and fans,” Our forever president, Barack Obama, said in a tweet.
Bernie Sanders Called Belafonte A “Courageous Leader”
“Harry Belafonte was not only a great entertainer, but he was a courageous leader in the fight against racism and worker oppression,” US Senator Bernie Sanders tweeted. “Jane and I were privileged to consider him a friend and will miss him very much.” Belafonte endorsed Sanders to be president in 2016.
Belafonte’s physical presence is gone, but he will live on forever because his spirit to fight is embued in souls worldwide. You can see more reactions in the gallery below.
“Harry Belafonte is one of the greatest social activists and freedom fighters ever to have lived,” said Cathy Hughes, Chairwoman & Founder of Urban One Inc. “Humanity has just suffered a significant wound to its consciousness.”
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Photo: The Washington Post / Getty
1. Colin Kaepernick
3. Bernice King fondly remembers Belafonte being there for her family.
4. Touching story from Spike Lee
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