Tezlyn Figaro, a former staffer for Bernie Sanders' campaign, has voiced concerns regarding the effectiveness of the Vermont senator's "Fighting Oligarchy" tour.
During an interview on "The Breakfast Club," Figaro, who served as Sanders' national racial justice director in 2016, expressed skepticism about the tour's ability to engage crucial demographics. Sanders has been traveling across the nation, addressing large audiences about the influence of "the Oligarchs and corporate interests" in America. However, Figaro contends that his message primarily resonates with left-leaning white Americans.
"Theres still a demographic, people that are not involved at all people that dont give a damn about none of this," Figaro remarked to host Charlamagne Tha God. "Bernie Sanders demographic and Im just going to be honest the progressive demographic, the Rainbow Coalition, is white liberals. Pretty much. White progressives. Theres still a lack of talking to those that have completely given up. Completely disenfranchised."
According to the Daily Caller, Figaro's critique extends beyond Sanders' current tour. Reflecting on her experience with the campaign, she stated, "Working on that campaign, Im just going to be straight up with you. Im very clear about my position with Bernie Sanders: He is talking to a very progressive, white-ran movement to me. And even if youre Hispanic, its still white-adjacent."
Figaro emphasized that Sanders' approach often overlooks racial issues, adding, "He struggles with dealing with race. Im saying it as his former racial justice director. Also, everybody aint mad at rich people, Charlamagne. Like, some people really trying to get the bag."
Charlamagne Tha God suggested that Sanders' message against oligarchy is impactful, but Figaro disagreed, noting a disconnect with certain communities. "Well, the hood dont know who the oligarchy is. What how do you say it?" she questioned, with Charlamagne assisting with the pronunciation. Figaro elaborated, "They dont even know what the hell youre talking about. I mean, they dont So theres different messages that people need to have to engage."
Figaro also criticized the Democratic Party's broad tent approach, arguing, "And I think the Democrat Party tent is too big. Its too big It needs to be broken down. Everybodys not going to relate to Bernie Sanders." Her comments come in the wake of a CNN/SSRS poll, which revealed that only 8% of respondents identified Sanders as the Democratic figurehead who best embodies the party's core values.
In 2019, Figaro filed a lawsuit against Our Revolution, an organization founded by Sanders, alleging racial discrimination and retaliation. The Associated Press reported that the lawsuit was settled out of court and included accusations of racism within Sanders' campaign, which was criticized for its all-white leadership and failure to connect with black voters.
As Sanders continues his tour, the challenge remains for him to broaden his appeal beyond his current base. The question of how to effectively engage a more diverse audience persists, highlighting the complexities within the Democratic Party and the broader political landscape.
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