“Fair enough. I’m not gonna argue with that” is hardly a wholehearted pressing of the issue that the Democrats are bad. He’s specifically talking about his dissatisfaction with the primary process for President.
He also defends voting for democrats:
“Because it’s easy to say,” said Sanders. “But ‘burning it down’ means children will not have food to eat. The schools will deteriorate. People will not have healthcare. I’m an elected official. I’ve got to represent the people. I can’t turn my back on them.”
No, the decline started decades before COVID... Republicans, as an institution, have been destroying education in the US going back at least to Reagan. This has been a much longer play with a lot of dedication on the GOP side. As was stacking the courts with as many Federalist Society judges as possible. And creating obstacles to allowing people to exercise their Constitutional right and public duty to vote.
I just looked up the Heritage Foundation. They started in 1973. That's when the Christian Right started getting really involved in things, and Project 2025 is their dream project.