Bernie's Okay With Criminals Voting, Even If That Person Is The Boston Marathon Bomber

Beth Baumann | April 22, 2019 9:57 PM

Earlier this month, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) said he believes everyone should be allowed to vote, including those who are behind bars. Democrats have pushed the issue of criminals having their rights reinstated after a person serves their time but Sanders' proposal takes things a step further. He was asked about his stance during his hour-long town hall on CNN.

Sanders position is simple: he believes everyone should be allowed to vote, regardless of whether or not he or she has committed a crime.

"Do you believe that people with felony records should be allowed to vote while in prison? Does this mean you would support enfranchising people, like the Boston Marathon Bomber, a convicted terrorist and murderer?" the student asked. "Do you think those convicted of sexual assault should have the opportunity to vote for politicians who could have a direct impact on women's rights?"

It was clear Bernie was uncomfortable with the question.

"Let me just say this, what our campaign is about, and what I believe is creating a vibrant democracy."

CNN's Andrew Cuomo followed up another question.

"My follow up question goes to this being like you're writing your own opposition OpEd against you in saying you think the Boston Marathon Bomber should vote, not after he pays his debt to society, but while he's in jail," Cuomo said. "You sure about that?"

"Well Chris, I have written many 30 second opposition ads throughout my life. This will be just another one," Sanders responds. "But I do believe. Look, this is what I believe. I believe in democracy. Do you believe in democracy? Do you believe that every single American 18 years of age or older, as an American citizen, has the right to vote? Once you start chipping away at that believing, that's what our Republican governors all over this country are doing. That's what all kinds of excuses, why people of color, young people, poor people, can't vote. And I will do everything I can to resist it. This is a democracy. And I believe every single person does have a right to vote."