US NewsSanders met with Biden to guide him through 2024 campaign

Sanders met with Biden to guide him through 2024 campaign

In a pivotal Oval Office meeting last fall, Sen. Bernie Sanders invoked the spirit of Franklin D. Roosevelt to counsel President Biden and his top aides on addressing public discontent with the economy. Drawing on Roosevelt's historic 1936 speech, Sanders pointed to the portrait of the former president and underscored the united opposition of elite businesses against progressive policies, mirroring the challenges facing Biden's administration.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 12: Democratic presidential candidates Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and former Vice President Joe Biden interact during the Democratic Presidential Debate at Texas Southern University's Health and PE Center on September 12, 2019 in Houston, Texas. Ten Democratic presidential hopefuls were chosen from the larger field of candidates to participate in the debate hosted by ABC News in partnership with Univision. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Images source: © Getty Images | Win McNamee

Klemens Leczkowski

2:29 PM EST, March 7, 2024

Sanders, a former rival in the 2020 Democratic primaries, has become a key ally, advocating for a bold response to economic frustrations. He emphasized the need for Biden to acknowledge the public's economic grievances and identify the political adversaries blocking his agenda, mainly targeting large corporations and the pharmaceutical industry.

As the administration prepares for Biden's State of the Union address, which will set the stage for his 2024 electoral campaign against Donald Trump, Sanders's advice resonates. Despite facing legislative setbacks, including resistance from within his party, Sanders urges Biden to champion a progressive platform that directly addresses the needs of working Americans.

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 01: U.S. President Joe Biden listens to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni deliver prepared remarks during a meeting in the Oval Office at the White House on March 01, 2024 in Washington, DC. Biden welcomed the far-right leader to the White House for the second time in a year, praising Italy's continued support for Ukraine following Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion. Italy assumed its one-year presidency of the G7 in January. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)© GETTY | Chip Somodevilla

The White House has signaled its intent to pursue aggressive policies, such as taxing the wealthy and reducing prescription drug prices, echoing Sanders's longstanding positions. This alignment reflects a deep-seated collaboration rooted in their shared history and mutual respect.

However, the administration's approach has critics, even among progressives. Some argue that Biden must highlight the economy's positive trends and his administration's achievements to counter prevailing negative perceptions. Given the drastically different economic conditions, the comparison between Roosevelt's era and today presents complexities.

Sanders continues to press for a comprehensive agenda that anticipates a Democratic majority, focusing on expanding social security, raising the minimum wage, and taxing the wealthy. Despite economic improvements, significant challenges persist, including unaffordable housing, rising healthcare costs, and growing income inequality. Sanders believes addressing these issues head-on is crucial for the administration's success in the upcoming election.

Sources: NewYorkTimes; WashingtonPost