http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/267657-sanders-pushes-back-on-pelosis-comments-on-taxesJanuary 31, 2016, 11:05 am
Sanders defends tax increase pledge after Pelosi's comments
By Rebecca Savransky
Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders on Sunday shot back against House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi's (D-Calif.) comments that Democrats aren't "running on any platform of raising taxes."
Sanders said the U.S. is spending "far more than other countries on healthcare."
"My proposal will save middle-class families thousands of dollars a year on their healthcare costs. Most people tell me, 'Yes, they would be happy to pay $1,000 more in taxes if they're paying $5,000 less in healthcare premiums,' " he said on NBC's "Meet the Press."
Sanders said the U.S. needs to follow every other major country in controlling healthcare costs and guaranteeing healthcare to everyone.
"We have got to take on the drug companies who are ripping us off and the private insurance companies," he said.
He also said he doesn't think House Democrats will mind that his plans include raising taxes.
"Hillary Clinton will be the problem," he said." Because I think our campaign is the campaign that is generating excitement and energy that will result in a high voter turnout. Republicans win when voter turnout is low. Democrats win when voter turnout is high. I think our campaign is raising issue about a rigged economy, a corrupt campaign finance system."
