Bernie Sanders addresses Oxford University

Oxford Union on Twitter: @OxfordUnion

Bernie Sanders is the senior United States senator for Vermont and the longest serving Independent in US congressional history. A self-described 'democratic socialist'. Sanders contested the Democratic Party presidential nomination in 2016 and 2020. Senator Sanders' new book, It's OK To Be Angry About Capitalism, came out in February 2023 and we were delighted to welcome Senator Sanders back to the Union to discuss his book and his vision for the future.

ABOUT THE OXFORD UNION SOCIETY: The Oxford Union is the world's most prestigious debating society, with an unparalleled reputation for bringing international guests and speakers to Oxford. Since 1823, the Union has been promoting debate and discussion not just in Oxford University, but across the globe.

[scott]

The single most important American statesman of the moment.

[koru]

Thank you for inviting Senator Bernie Sanders to speak. He is an outstanding gentleman who has never, in all his years, ever wavered from his principles and commitment to the people of the United States. Bravo Bernie!

[kathrynmcaravy]

Brilliant and incredibly frightening. He explains what is going on better than anyone I have ever listened to.

[backnine]

one of the few presentations that demands watching more than once. May you stay healthy and live a long life Mr Sanders. You're an exemplary human being.

[phyllisjackson]

Mr.Rosevelt would be very proud of you, as I am. Thank you for your efforts on behalf of humanity and God bless you every day on behalf of your dedication to humanity. 🤗🤗

[lorascelsi]

If all politicians had Bernie values, America would be a better place. He always stands up for the downtrodden and the poor. Humility matters.

[clivesmith]

A remarkable man with an incredible mind, surely if there were more politicians like him, the world would inevitably be a better place.

[steveyoung]

An astounding, but underappreciated individual. I truly wish that his observations can affect changes in the economic, political and other sectors of the USA, and other countries around the world, but he doesn't have the power about which he speaks. So, it's up to the individuals to take heed of his warnings and act NOW to bring about the changes he references.

[slowzhu]

Bernie spots on so many key issues in America. I work in a healthcare consulting company in corporate finance. The company belongs to one of the largest hospital networks in the States, ironically, I cannot afford to see doctors just for regular checkout because of the high deductibles. Three things happened, 1. my original employer was bought by a corporation and merged with other subsidiaries. 2. After the merge, employee benefit significantly reduced, all subsidiaries' employees reported the same. 3. The corp moved it's tax filing and payroll to a state with no state tax, even though all employees are remote working located to many states.
It's a degrading to live in this reality, that I have a master degree, and working on my doctoral degree, have a moderate income but basic needs are not met. And the fact that I'm an immigrant, have a conservative mindset on spending but still cannot afford basic needs makes it even worse.

[jinkiGG]

the irony of speaking to a crowd of people being bred to uphold the very system we are trying to take down. i hope his speech made it through to at least one person in that room.

[phyllisjackson]

Young people will turn this polital chaps around. Listen up, people. Speak up and speak out. Call out the injustices and power mongers. Stand up for your humanity and your brothers and sisters
Together, we can make each other safe and thrive. Bernie, you always give me hope for the future
God bless

[ajarnwordsmith]

The Senator is a magnificent communicator, an orator unequalled in the pan-politics of the English-speaking world who is able to marshal, identify and convey his thoughts on what's really happening better than anyone I have ever listened to in more than a half-century of being politically aware.

[fraydendsofsanity]

Average CEO makes 400 TIMES the amount as the average worker. That means that in one week, the CEO is making 7.5 years worth of the worker's wages. There is no amount of work that CEO can do to justify such an exorbitant amount of money. This is a crime against humanity

[joemcardle]

I reside in the US and voted for him in 2016 & 2020 for President, then wrote his name on the ballot after he lost in the primaries.

[natmeyy]

What an applause ! From the same group of people that will become the very same people he has fought against all his life .

[abuahmed]

Many thanks for inviting Bernie, people love ❤️ him .

[swisskiwi]

Oh Bernie is just so in touch with the youth and their aspirations, always has been.

[prasad]

I don’t know why, but I feel a strong connection with Bernie Sanders even though I’m from India. None of the Indian politicians inspire me like he does. He seems like a kind grandfather who would protect his grandchildren from any can’t forget the moment when a bird landed on the podium while Bernie was speaking during his presidential campaign. It showed how kind our 'birdie' really is!!🐦

[MartinScreeton]

I hope you folks are going to upload the Q & A on this! It would be a shame not to get it!

[legends]

Thankyou soo much Oxford great initiative ❣️