Bernie Sanders admitted he and the Koch brothers do have one thing in common


Bernie Sanders isn't exactly the biggest fan of the conservative Koch brothers. After all, he routinely slams the wealthy donors and elected officials he believes pander to them.
But on Monday, the Vermont senator and Democratic presidential candidate changed his tune ever so slightly. During an appearance at his alma mater, the University of Chicago, Sanders said he'd be willing to work with the Kochs on reforming the U.S. criminal justice system, an issue that both parties have been known to speak out about.
"I am prepared to work with anybody who is working in good faith on that very, very important issue," Sanders said.
Sanders has called for abolishing mandatory minimum sentences as a means of incarcerating fewer nonviolent offenders. Meanwhile, in what some believe is a PR stunt, Charles and David Koch have poured money into prison reform, even forming partnerships with liberal organizations like the Center for American Progress.
But don't expect Sanders to get too chummy with the billionaires.
"They are a very destructive force in American society," he said.
Julie Kliegman is a freelance writer based in New York. Her work has appeared in BuzzFeed, Vox, Mental Floss, Paste, the Tampa Bay Times and PolitiFact. Her cats can do somersaults.
-
The best sherries to try this autumn
The Week Recommends The warming tipple from sunny Spain is an underrated cold-weather staple
-
London’s best breakfasts and brunches
The Week Recommends However you like your eggs in the morning, these memorable restaurants have you covered
-
The Earth is getting darker
Under the radar The planet’s reflectivity is out of whack
-
DOJ indicts John Bolton over classified files
Speed Read Continuing the trend of going after his political enemies, Trump prosecutes his former national security adviser
-
Trump, Putin set summit as Zelenskyy lands in DC
Speed Read Trump and Putin have agreed to meet in Budapest soon to discuss ending the war in Ukraine
-
Courts deal setbacks to Trump’s Chicago operations
Speed Read President Donald Trump cannot deploy the National Guard in Illinois
-
Pentagon reporters turn in badges after refusing rules
Speed Read They refused to sign a restrictive new press policy imposed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
-
Supreme Court points to gutting Voting Rights Act
speed read States would no longer be required to consider race when drawing congressional maps
-
Trump says he authorized covert CIA ops in Venezuela
Speed Read He is also considering military strikes inside the country
-
‘Vile, racist’ leaked chats roil Young Republicans
Speed Read Leaders of Young Republican groups made racist, antisemitic and violent comments in private chats
-
Trump ties $20B Argentina bailout to Milei votes
speed read Trump will boost Argentina’s economy — if the country’s right-wing president wins upcoming elections