Sen. Bernie Sanders told CBS’ Bob Schieffer Sunday that Republicans are more interested in gaining power than they are in helping the country.

“I think in his heart the president is a very, very decent guy,” said Sanders. “He wants to do what most Americans want him to do: to reach out, bring people together.

“But what has happened is the Republicans have said no, no, no. They have waged more filibusters than any time in the history of this country. They have been the party of no and obstructionism,” Sanders continued. “At some point, what the president has got to understand is they do not want America to succeed. They’re into politics.”

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Pressed by Schieffer if that was fair to say the GOP didn’t want the US to succeed, at least with a Democratic president in the White House, Sanders said yes.

“That’s a strong statement to make,” Schieffer said. “Is it really fair to say they don’t want America to succeed?”

“Yup,” Sanders replied. “I think gaining power is their major initiative. On the floor of the Senate, Bob, I’ve got to tell you, every single day it’s 60 votes to pass legislation. That is unprecedented in American history.”

This video is from CBS’ Face the Nation, broadcast Oct. 3, 2010.



