Vermont’s independent Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from New York have recently faced criticism as they travel on private jets during their “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, all while seemingly adopting a lifestyle characteristic of those they claim to oppose.
If they are aware of the contradictory image they are projecting, it isn’t evident. Sanders, in particular, offered no regrets, as he explained to Fox News “Special Report” host Bret Baier during an interview on Wednesday evening:
This exchange is notable @BretBaier questions Bernie Sanders about his $221k expenditure on private jet flights during the “fighting the oligarchy tour.” Bernie asserts his status as a figure whose responsibilities are too significant to fly commercially and endure typical airport waiting times. “No apologies.” pic.twitter.com/2gVIhsz7A4
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) May 7, 2025
What, you want me to wait in line like the little people? Sanders seemed to be doing a comedic routine cosplaying as crabby Larry David from “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” You want me to take the middle seat or have to wait for my bags, what, are you serious? I’m fighting oligarchy heah!
“You run a campaign, and you do three or four or five rallies in a week. [It is] the only way you can get around to talk to 30,000 people. You think I’m gonna be sitting on a waiting line at United…while 30, 000 people are waiting?” Sanders said on “Special Report.” [Yes, he actually said this.]
“That’s the only way to get around. No apologies for that. That’s what campaign travel is about. We’ve done it in the past. We’re gonna do it in future.”
