Sen. Lindsey Graham referred to as on Sen. Bernie Sanders to “abandon” the Democratic agenda throughout a televised debate Monday — saying it’s “not working” for common Individuals and creating an “inflationary dying spiral.”
“I'd ask you to deal with reducing fuel costs, securing the border and bringing legislation and order again to America,” Graham (R-South Carolina) mentioned through the hour-long occasion sponsored by Fox Information.
“And the one method you’re going to try this, Sen. Sanders, is abandon the agenda that you simply’ve charted for America, ’trigger it isn't working.”
Graham additionally blamed President Biden’s $1.9 trillion pandemic aid package deal, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, and different Democratic priorities for driving up inflation, which final week hit a 40-year excessive price of 8.6%.
“Your insurance policies are resulting in a surge in fuel costs with no finish to them,” he advised the democratic socialist Sanders (I-Vermont).
“So, all I can counsel to the American individuals: this inflationary dying spiral we’re in is being pushed by insurance policies that don’t work.”
Sanders, who caucuses with the Senate’s Democrats, mentioned that Graham was “proper” about fuel costs, calling them “outrageously excessive in Vermont” and nothing that he “crammed up the opposite day: $5.05 a gallon.”
“In the meantime, the main oil firms made $35 billion in revenue within the first quarter of this 12 months. And on the finish of the 12 months, it's estimated they’re gonna give $88 billion dollars in inventory buybacks to their rich shareholders,” he mentioned.
“So, I do suppose now we have to do one thing… I believe the president ought to carry the main oil firms in and inform them we’re gonna have a windfall earnings tax on what they’re doing, in an effort to cease them from ripping off the American individuals.”
Sanders additionally mentioned it was unfair to place all of the blame for inflation on Biden.
“Inflation is not only Joe Biden’s concern,” he mentioned.
“You must clarify why it takes place world wide, and that has to do with provide chain, the horrible struggle in Ukraine, and for my part, company greed.”
At one level, Sanders objected to Graham calling him a “socialist” and in contrast it to “red-baiting.”
“Effectively, you’re a socialist, aren’t you?” Graham shot again.
Sanders replied, “I’m a democratic socialist. And the insurance policies that I advocate are happening all around the world.”
Sanders then ticked off a laundry record of progressive positions, together with elevating the minimal wage to $15 an hour, guaranteeing well being look after “all individuals,” increasing Medicare advantages, and lifting the cap on Social Safety taxes for these making greater than $147,000 a 12 months.
“So, you understand, I perceive that sure phrases will have an effect on sure elements of our nation,” he mentioned.
“However check out the problems that we're combating for. One each a type of points, Lindsey, the American individuals help me — not you.”
Fox Information confirmed the controversy at midday Jap time on its Fox Nation streaming service throughout a listening to held by the Home choose committee investigating the Jan. 6 assault on the Capitol by Trump supporters who sought to disrupt congressional certification of Biden’s 2020 electoral victory.
Fox Information will air the controversy in full on Saturday, June 18 at 7 pm.
Sanders mentioned Individuals had been “taking a look at an actual menace to democracy…as a result of now we have a former president whose identify is Donald Trump who goes across the nation saying, ‘Hey, I gained the election.'”
When requested by moderator Bret Baier if the election had been “stolen” from Trump, Graham mentioned that “I voted to certify the election” and that “President Biden is the president.”
“He gained the election?” Sanders interjected.
“Yeah,” Graham mentioned.
Graham additionally mentioned of Sanders, “Right here’s the purpose: Why is he speaking about Trump. As a result of he can’t discuss the rest.”
The rival lawmakers agreed that the commerce tariffs Trump imposed on China shouldn’t be lifted, though Sanders mentioned he favored an exemption for photo voltaic panels.
Earlier, Graham mentioned he and Sanders had been additionally united of their opposition to Russian President Vladimir Putin and his lethal invasion of Ukraine.
“Bernie and I agree: Putin sucks,” Graham mentioned.
When Baier requested Sanders if he concurred, Sanders mentioned, “I’m not in favor of the vulgarity however the intent is appropriate.”
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