Video: @BernieSanders, University of Vermont, 1986, recalls his excitement watching Castro’s revolution “rising up against the ugly rich people.” & his sick feeling watching JFK speak out against communism in Cuba.
Sanders defended Nicaragua’s communist dictator Daniel Ortega in 1985 when he chose to humiliate a reporter because he referred to Ortega as a communist and a Marxist.
“Daniel Ortega was elected president of Nicaragua in an election. Why don’t we use the phrase ‘Daniel Ortega, democratically elected president of Nicaragua?’”
After a trip to the Soviet Union in 1988, Sanders praised Moscow’s “effective” public transportation system, youth programs, and cultural programs, which he claimed “go far beyond what we do in” America.
I think it’s also fair to point out that when we were in Moscow, for example, I think most of the people here also were extremely impressed by the public transportation system. The stations themselves were absolutely beautiful, including many works of art, chandeliers that were beautiful. It was a very effective system. Also, I was impressed by the youth programs that they have. Their palaces of culture for the young people, a whole variety of programs for young people, and cultural programs, which go far beyond what we do in this country.
During a 1985 interview, Sanders praised Castro as he claimed Castro “educated the kids, gave them healthcare, [and] totally transformed the society.” During the interview, Sanders also claimed Ortega was an “impressive guy” and admitted to giving him advice on how to improve communications with “the average American.”
“One of the things that I think I learned on my trip, you know, as a socialist, the word socialism does not frighten me,” Sanders said. “I think it’s probably fair to say that the Nicaraguan government is primarily a socialist government.”
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