In a fierce statement Wednesday, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders did not hold back his criticism of the Democratic Party’s handling of the recent presidential election. Following Kamala Harris’s loss to Donald Trump, Sanders described the campaign as nothing short of “disastrous,” marking a sharp rebuke from within his own party. His words have sent ripples through the political landscape, exposing deeper divides within Democratic ranks over campaign strategy, messaging, and the party’s future direction.

Sanders, known for his unwavering progressive views and often critical stance on establishment politics, did not mince words in his evaluation. He specifically pointed out what he sees as the party’s failure to connect with working-class voters, a demographic crucial to winning national elections. “We didn’t lose this election because of a lack of resources or a lack of candidates; we lost because we’ve failed to speak to the needs of ordinary Americans,” Sanders stated. His remarks highlight a long-standing critique from progressive Democrats, who believe the party has become disconnected from grassroots movements that could energize its base.

Sanders’s statement comes amid widespread criticism and soul-searching within the Democratic Party. Many, like Sanders, argue that the party’s leadership is too focused on corporate interests and insufficiently engaged with the concerns of working families. Some of the biggest missteps, according to Sanders, included a lack of clear messaging on healthcare, jobs, and economic justice – issues that resonate deeply with everyday Americans.

While Harris’s campaign pushed themes of inclusivity and diversity, Sanders and other progressives feel it fell short on addressing the economic anxieties that weigh heavily on voters across the nation. “Our campaign strategies need to do more than just talk about change; they need to embody it,” Sanders said, underscoring his belief that real policy solutions, not just campaign promises, are essential to winning elections.

This loss has sparked a new wave of calls for introspection within the Democratic Party. Sanders, who ran for president twice himself, has long advocated for a progressive shift that he believes would bring the party closer to its base. His statement on Wednesday emphasized that if Democrats want to reclaim power in future elections, they must prioritize policies that serve the public good, like universal healthcare, student debt cancellation, and climate action.

“The party cannot continue down the same road and expect different results,” Sanders warned. He called on the Democratic leadership to reconsider its alliances and make meaningful changes that would restore faith among disillusioned voters. His message reflects a broader frustration among progressives who feel that the party needs to move away from its corporate donors and instead align with grassroots movements advocating for genuine change.

Sanders’s fiery statement serves as a wake-up call, urging the Democratic Party to reconnect with its roots. As discussions within the party intensify, Sanders’s critique is likely to be a focal point for debates on how Democrats should position themselves moving forward. With growing demands for progressive policies and a shift away from corporate influence, Sanders’s words could be the catalyst for the transformative changes that many within the party see as essential for future victories.

Only time will tell if the party will heed Sanders’s advice and embrace the progressive shift he advocates. But one thing is clear: the fight for the soul of the Democratic Party is far from over.