NYC Radio: Bernie Sanders Tells WWPR 'No' On Cash Reparations

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) was asked if the country needs another white president during a radio interview on Monday.

“So, Bernie, 44 out of 45 presidents in this country have been white men. Do you think we need another one?” host Charlamagne Tha God asked as his first question to Sanders on "The Breakfast Club," a morning-drive program on WWPR Power 105.1 in New York City.

“Well, I think you need this one," Sanders responded.


Sanders was also asked about his position on reparations, which several other Democratic presidential candidates, including Sen. Kamala Harris (Calif.), have voiced support for though they have not issued a specific proposal.

“What do we mean by reparations?” Sanders asked. “To my mind, it means we have to deal with the fact that there is enormous disparity between the black community and the white community. And that issue has got to be addressed.”

“I think they mean some type of economic empowerment to the African-American community,” Charlamagne said.

“What does that mean, economic empowerment?” Sanders asked. “I would do my best to change the banking system so that we pay attention to distressed communities that people get the loans that they need, to make the investments they need.”

“Cash payouts?” Charlamagne asked.

“No,” Sanders replied. “You mean just a check to every African-American? Well then there’s a check to every Native American … I think the way we go forward is we build America. There are distressed communities — white communities — distressed Latino communities.”