Senator Bernie Sanders has argued that pro-Palestinian critics should support Democratic Party candidate Kamala Harris in the presidential election. In a video posted on social media on Monday night, the independent senator presented reasons to support Kamala.
Bernie Sanders stated that if Donald Trump is re-elected in the November 5 election, hopes for changes in U.S. policy regarding Israel and Gaza, the fight against climate change, and the battle for abortion rights will either face severe setbacks or fail altogether.
The independent senator from Vermont said, “I understand that millions of Americans, including myself, disagree with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on the horrific war in Gaza.” However, he added that Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas’s brutal attack on October 7.
Referring to the significant loss of life in the Gaza war, Bernie Sanders said, “Some of you may be asking, if Kamala supports this horrific war, how can I vote for her? And that is indeed a very fair question.”
In support of Kamala Harris, Bernie Sanders succinctly conveyed his belief that she is someone who can be reasoned with. He urged his audience, saying, “I promise you, once Kamala is elected, we’ll do everything together to shift U.S. policy on Netanyahu (Prime Minister of Israel). This includes pushing for an immediate ceasefire, releasing hostages, significantly increasing humanitarian aid, stopping attacks from Israeli settlers in the West Bank, and rebuilding Gaza for the Palestinian people.”
Before addressing Kamala directly, Sanders encouraged voters to consider the alternative, keeping Republican candidate Trump in mind. He said, “Donald Trump and his far-right allies are comparatively worse. Trump praised Netanyahu’s actions and suggested that Biden is trying to hold him back. It’s no surprise Netanyahu would want Trump as president.”
Source: Prothom Alo
