“The history of American democracy, to say the least, has been checkered. Our nation was founded at a time when people of African descent were held in bondage. After slavery was abolished, they were forced to endure legal discrimination for another 100 years.”

American politician and independent senator from Vermont, first elected in 2006. A progressive voice in U.S. politics, he advocates for economic equality, healthcare reform, and social justice, framing policy through a democratic socialist lens. His candid, uncompromising style has made him a defining figure in modern American political discourse.