Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., will defend his vision of democratic socialism in a speech on Wednesday and say it is needed to counter President Donald Trump, CNN is reporting.
The news network was provided excerpts of the speech by the Sanders presidential campaign.
"We must recognize that in the 21st century, in the wealthiest country in the history of the world, economic rights are human rights," Sanders says in one excerpt. "This is what I mean by democratic socialism.
"While President Trump and his fellow oligarchs attack us for our support of democratic socialism, they don't really oppose all forms of socialism. They may hate democratic socialism because it benefits working people, but they absolutely love corporate socialism that enriches Trump and other billionaires."
Sanders said his version of democratic socialism is “the unfinished business of the New Deal.”
Sanders campaign manager, Faiz Shakir told CNN he realizes some Democrats and Republicans will try to use the “socialism” label against the candidate. "
“This is a fight we are excited to have," Shakir said. "We are not going to duck this charge. We plan to take it on front and center. This has always been something that (Sanders') political opponents have used as a way to try and bring him down and despite those attacks, he has only gotten more popular.”
The Hill noted Sanders’ speech is scheduled for George Washington University.
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