Last Updated Feb 25th, 2020 at 9:11 am

2020 Democratic frontrunner Bernie Sanders doubled down on his controversial comments praising late communist dictator Fidel Castro during a Monday CNN town hall, and proceeded to praise communist China for lifting "more people out of extreme poverty than any country in history":

"When Fidel Castro first came to power ... you know what he did? He initiated a major literacy program ... he went out, and he helped people learn to read and write. You know what? I think teaching people to read and write is a good thing ...



China is another example. China is an authoritarian country ... but can anyone deny — I mean, the facts are clear, that they have taken more people out of extreme poverty than any country in history. Do I get criticized because I say that? That's the truth."