An anti-billionaire group founded by far-left U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) said this week it endorses Democrat Tom Steyer — a billionaire — to be governor of California, sparking accusations of hypocrisy.
The group Our Revolution defended its endorsement of Steyer,who amassed a $2.4 billion estimated fortune in the private equity world, as critics ridiculed the group for the flip-flop.
“Yes, Tom Steyer is a billionaire. But it matters what he is doing with that power,” the group said on its website.
It’s the first time the Sanders-backed organization, which rails against “oligarchy,” has backed a billionaire,it noted.
“At a moment when too many defend the status quo, Tom has taken a different path — challenging the very system that benefits people like him,” Our Revolution Executive Director Joseph Geevarghese said in a statement.
Steyer has tacked on to the left-wing lane in the governor’s race, branding himself as an enthusiastic backer of proposals such as the state’s proposed billionaire tax, single-payer health care, and making companies pay for pollution.
The candidate also praised Our Revolution. In past video messages, Steyer hassaid he was wrong and Sanders was righton a number of issues, particularly single-payer health care.
“Our Revolution has done the hard, essential work of organizing and empowering progressive voters for a decade,” Steyer said in a statement. “I’m honored to receive this endorsement.”
Critics were quick to note the irony in Our Revolution’s endorsement.“How does the anti-billionaire group get away with endorsing a billionaire for California governor?” wrote investor Spencer Campon X.
“Beyond parody,”quippedRepublican strategist Steve Guest.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
