### Pelosi Rebuts Sanders' Criticism over Democratic Party's Relationship with Working Class

In a heated exchange, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has defended the Democratic Party against Senator Bernie Sanders' criticisms that the party has forsaken working-class voters. Sanders, in a fiery statement following the recent election, accused the Democrats of neglecting the working class, contributing to Vice President Kamala Harris' failed presidential bid.

"It should come as no great surprise that a Democratic Party that has abandoned working class people would find that the working class has abandoned them," declared Sanders, 83, asserting that this was not limited to white workers but also included Latino and Black workers. He emphasized the growing discontent among the American people who crave change.

However, Pelosi, 84, swiftly countered these claims in her appearance on the New York Times podcast "The Interview." She emphasized the party's commitment to working families, citing initiatives under President Biden such as the rescue package that provided financial aid, vaccinations, and the reopening of schools and workplaces safely. "I have a great deal of respect for him, for what he stands for, but I don't respect him saying that the Democratic Party has abandoned the working-class families. That's where we are," defended Pelosi.

Sanders' critique also sparked discussions about the reasons behind Harris' electoral defeat. Although pressed, Pelosi avoided blaming Harris and highlighted that Harris had outperformed Sanders in Vermont. Reflecting on the broader cultural issues that influenced voters, Pelosi noted the impactful themes of "Guns, God, and gays" in the election.

Pelosi admitted that it might have been a strategic error to keep President Biden in the race until July before he eventually dropped out, passing the baton to Harris. "Had the president gotten out sooner, there may have been other candidates in the race," she acknowledged. Despite the disappointing election results, Pelosi called for unity and expressed willingness to work with President-elect Trump and the Republicans to address the nation's challenges.

"We always try to work with Republicans. That's a responsibility that we have," Pelosi said, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan cooperation. While she voiced her concerns about Trump's previous term, she remains hopeful for his success in his second term, stressing the need for the president to succeed for the benefit of the country.