Bernie Sanders on Wednesday delivered a speech at George Washington University regarding America’s future under President-elect Donald Trump. He did so as the newly appointed chairman of outreach for the Democratic party.
Sanders also called on Trump to rethink his appointment of former Breitbart News executive Stephen Bannon as chief strategist.
“The president of the United States should not have a racist at his side,” Sanders said. “Unacceptable.”
Bannon has been criticized for rhetoric that has been sympathetic toward white nationalist views.
Sanders promised he and his supporters would hold Trump accountable to his words, such as his minimum wage pledges. “Trump said $10 and we hold him accountable,” Sanders said.
Sanders also spoke on the future of social issues for the country. “Change only takes place when millions of people look around them and they say that the status quote is not working and are prepared to fight for social, racial, economic, and environment justice.”
Though he stated he wants to ensure progress toward the middle class, Sanders told his audience: “We will not be involved in the expansion of bigotry, racism, sexism, and xenophobia.”