Sanders: GOP debate was ‘really painful’

“It is really remarkable how they avoided the major issues facing the American people,” the 2016 Democratic presidential candidate added. “It is amazing how they think all the problems facing humanity are attributable to [President] Barack Obama.”

Sanders argued on Thursday that the GOP’s 2016 presidential field ignored many of the issues most gravely concerning Americans during Wednesday night’s broadcast from Simi Valley, Calif.

“If you listened to the debate, you would not know that most of the people in our country believe we need comprehensive immigration reform and a path towards citizenship,” he said.

“Income and wealth inequality were not discussed at all,” Sanders said. “Nor did I hear a word about racial injustice in this country.

“In terms of climate change, I did not hear anyone say this is a planetary crisis,” the Vermont lawmaker added. “If we don’t act now, a bad situation will be worse in later years.”

Sanders also rebuked Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal for trying to discredit his socialism during Wednesday’s undercard GOP debate on CNN.

“It is easy to try to frighten people,” he said of Jindal. “Socialism, oh my word, we should be shaking in our boots.”

“Why are we the only major nation on Earth that doesn’t guarantee universal healthcare?” Sanders asked. “Forget Scandinavia, I live across the border from Canada.”

Sanders remarks come as he races to catch up with former secretary of State Hillary Clinton in the race for next year’s Democratic presidential coronation.

Clinton currently ranks first with 44.7 percent to Sanders’s 23.3 percent, according to the latest RealClearPolitics average of national polls.