In an interview for The Guardian, Senator Bernie Sanders called on Democrats to make a "major course correction" centered on helping the working class and facing powerful corporate interests. 

According to Sanders, "It is no great secret that the Republican party is winning more and more support from working people... It’s because in too many ways the Democratic party has turned its back on the working class.”

Sanders, who ran in 2016 and 2020, is a popular figure on the left. His comments seem to mirror growing disapproval with Biden's policies and direction. 

“I think it’s absolutely important that we do a major course correction,” Sanders continued. “It’s important that we have the guts to take on the very powerful corporate interests that have an unbelievably powerful hold on the economy of this country.”

Sanders expressed that millions of Americans have become unbothered by the political system because in their eyes, "nothing changes, or, if it does, it's usually for the worse."

Living paycheck to paycheck

Throughout the conversation, Sanders stressed that people are working, and "half of them are living paycheck to paycheck," adding that “people are struggling with healthcare, with prescription drugs. Young families can’t afford childcare. Older workers are worried to death about retirement.”

Sanders has long been concerned about America's growing wealth and income inequality and said Americans want the rich to start paying their fair share of taxes. 

He commended Biden for advocating for better childcare and extending the child tax credit, but stated, however, that it would be beneficial to demonstrate that he is willing to take on "the greed of the ruling class."

He repeatedly cited the high prices of prescription drugs as corporate greed, highlighting that 1,500 lobbyists in Washington "tried everything" to ensure that costs of pharmaceuticals wouldn't be lowered.

The Senator said Democrats would have to clearly challenge drug companies to prove they are for the working class, stressing that the long-simmering debate needs to be addressed regarding which side the Democrats are on.

Sanders expressed dissatisfaction with Biden's slow pace on the Build Back Better legislation, saying "backdoor negotiations with a handful of senators... has demoralized millions of Americans."