Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders was candidate number six in CNN’s seven-hour presidential town hall on climate, and Anderson Cooper immediately surrendered to an audience member, a restaurant worker who asked specifically where the money would come for Sen. Sanders’ $16 trillion plan.
Sanders began by asserting that climate change is real, no matter what Donald Trump says. He agreed that his plan is expensive, noting that it’s the most comprehensive plan. He echoed Andrew Yang by pointing out that when questioned if his plan is unrealistic, the current trajectory we are on is not realistic for future generations. He then voiced a multi-prong plan to pay for the plan over 15 years, including reduced military spending as the need to protect oil interest is reduced as our dependence on it is eliminated, as well as federally-controlled renewable energy industries yielding profits on global sales.
When asked by Cooper if he would guarantee no increased taxes for all Americans, Sanders declined, saying that he would absolutely tax the ultra-rich like Jeff Bezos.
A member of the Sunrise Movement asked Sanders how to implement his massive climate plan with the filibuster there to stop it. He called for filibuster reform and said that there are ways to move the legislation through with a simple majority.
Next, a self-described Elizabeth Warren supporter from Cornell University asked how to set aside nuclear power when it’s so necessary. Sanders focused on the waste, and pointed out that solar and wind are far cheaper to start up than new nuclear facilities.
Bill Weir, CNN Chief Climate Correspondent, asked if France, with 70% nuclear power, was in a more dangerous place than the U.S., who works at 20% nuclear power. Sanders stood his ground and advocated for wind and solar.
Cooper brought up Trump’s overturning of energy-saving light bulb regulations, and Sanders hooted. Sanders said that the world needed a U.S. president to reach out to the leaders of the world and unite to work together to work against a common enemy: climate change. Sanders then pointed out that it’s not just energy sources we have to pay attention to—we also need to focus on energy efficiency. He cited Vermont’s flatline on electricity consumption over the last decade as evidence of how important efficiency can be.
A teacher took the mic next, addressing a very hard question: What can be done about curbing population growth as part of a climate plan? Sanders first asserted that he believes in the autonomy of women’s bodies, and that he supports them choosing not to have large families, but did not answer the question.
Another Columbia student was up next, asking how he would support fossil fuel industry workers, such as miners and oil rig workers, transition into respectable jobs within the green economy of the future. Sanders declared himself the most pro-worker member of Congress, and promised that any worker displaced by green endeavors would be provided up to five years’ worth of income.
Cooper then rattled off several planks in Sanders’ platform, and asked which would be his first priority to get through Congress. Sanders listed several issues that greatly concern him—healthcare, education, living wages—before saying that his first priority would be climate change.
Cooper then cited a tweet where Sanders called Trump an idiot for not believing in climate change, and asked if those who agree with him are also idiots. Sanders said no, and conceded that “idiot” was a harsh word, but then used it again to describe Trump’s beliefs.
Next up, a question about FEMA: Should FEMA rules encourage people to leave properties that continue to be devastated? Sanders said that he didn't think it made sense to keep rebuilding in a place that continues to be destroyed, they’re not going to keep getting federal money for that.
Cooper asked how Sanders planned to convince people to switch to electric cars, and Sanders explained that it requires incentives, noting that improvement of non-combustion engine vehicles must continue to improve as well. He also pointed out that it must be driven home to people just how important it is to do something about the climate, so that they want to switch over themselves.
Via video, a retired minister asked about small businesses—how do they conform to new regulations that they might not be able to afford? Again, Sanders pointed out the benefit of incentives, citing loans for solar panel installation, that can be recouped by companies no longer paying for electricity.
Next, Cooper asked the “biggest sacrifice you’re asking Americans to make” question that almost ever candidate so far has faced. Sanders pointed out that sacrifices mean different things to different people, before focusing on the end of factory farming, but clarifying that farmers won’t be left with nothing under his plan.
That’s it for Sen. Sanders! Next up, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren!
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Read more about each candidate’s Climate Change town hall through the links below.
Former HUD Secretary Julián Castro
Businessman Andrew Yang
California Sen. Kamala Harris
Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar
Former Vice President Joe Biden
Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren
South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg
Former Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke
New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker