Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders railed against the political and economic establishment he contends has failed the middle class during a campaign appearance Monday.
Thousands of people packed into the Wolstein Center at Cleveland State University to cheer on the U.S. senator from Vermont as he called for a “political revolution.”
Although Sanders has focused his political message on the economy, he began his hourlong-plus speech talking about the terrorist attacks in Paris last week, saying what is needed to defeat the Islamic State is an international coalition involving not only Western nations, but also Iran and other countries in the Middle East.
He also criticized Republicans for trying to score political points, included a pointed critique at those who have called for a halt to allowing Syrian refugees into the country. He said Americans should not give in to Islamophobia and turn their backs on those in need.
“Now is not the time for demagoguery and fearmongering,” Sanders said shortly before pivoting to the economy.
Sanders said he is running a campaign without the help of the rich, who he accused of trying to buy elections through unlimited donations to super PACs and candidates who will defend the interests of Wall Street.