WATCH: Bernie Sanders Confronts Bill Maher, Explains Why Socialism Is a Good Thing

Adam Johnson
,
 AlterNet
and
 Adam Johnson
October 17, 2015

Senator Sanders was on Bill Maher's Real Time Friday night to defend his plan to create universal healthcare, paid leave and free public college for everyone. Though Maher said he was "a fan" and supported Sanders, he pushed back on a few points, namely how Sanders would pay for his programs and whether or not Americans could actually embrace a "socialist."

"What we have got to do," Sanders told Maher, "Is remind fellow Americans that every other country on earth guarantees healthcare as a right -- and they do it more cost-effectively." After enthusiastic applause, Maher pushed back. 

"I still don't think we're 'un-demonizing' the word socialism," the Real Time host said. "This is my big thing, to get you to 'un-demonize' this word." Maher went on to cite surveys showing only half of the country would vote for a socialist, well below every other group including Muslims, atheists and Jews. Sanders, for his part, kept insisting it was necessary to educate people about what it means to be a socialist. 

"What people have to understand," Sanders said, "is that people can't afford to send their kids to college. People are deeply in debt. Do I think we should join Germany and many other countries and encourage young people to get education they need to make our country stronger? I do. I sure do."

Watch the clip below:

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