WATCH: Sen. Sanders speaks at 2024 Democratic National Convention | 2024 DNC Night 2

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., spoke at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Tuesday, a night devoted to bringing “bold vision” to America’s future and a new generation of Democratic leadership.

Sanders credited President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Congress for easing public fears and struggles during what he deemed as the "worst public health crisis in 100 years and the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression."

"When the political will is there, government can effectively deliver for the people of our country, and now we need to summon that will again," Sanders said. "Because too many of our fellow Americans are struggling every day to just get by, to put food on the table, to pay rent and to get the health care they need."

He also outlined a slew of agenda items he hopes to accomplish with Harris as president, such as removing "big money" from political processes, guaranteeing health care as a human right, strengthening public education, raising the minimum wage and ending the war in Gaza.

"Let us be very clear. This is not a radical agenda. But let me tell you what a radical agenda is," Sanders said. "And that is [Donald] Trump's Project 2025. At a time of mass of income and wealth inequality, giving more tax breaks to billionaires is radical. Putting forth budgets to cut Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid is radical. Letting polluters destroy our planet is radical."

Later in the week, Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will formally accept their nominations as the party’s candidates.

Newsletters

PBS News podcasts

Stream your PBS favorites with the PBS app

Find more from PBS News at

Subscribe to our YouTube channel